PROLOGUE

"Idon'tunderst
andwhyyouareworr
iedOzzi
e,i
t'
snotl
i
key
oudi
dn'
tusepr
otect
ion"shest
ood
sti
llandwai t
edformyresponse.

"
Nomal
angay
oudon'
tunder
stand,
I'
mingr
adeel
evenpr
obabl
yfai
l
ingf
ort
he5t
hti
mes.
"

"
Iunder
standmyfr
iend,
okayyoudon'
thavetoworryj
ustt
akeapregnancytestt
henwewi
l
l
t
akeitf
rom t
her
e"shesear
chedherski
rtpocket
s,wewerecomi
ngbackf r
om school

"Her
e,Idon'
thavemuchbutyoucangetpregnancyt
estatUsave"Shesmi
l
edandhandedt
wo
R10notesandfewcoi
ns?"Youcanusethosecoinsfort
ranspor
t"

"
Thanky
ouf
ri
end"shesmi
l
ed.

"
Youdon'
thav
etot
hankmet
handazi
l
e,I
'
myourf
ri
endIoughtt
ohel
pyouwheny
ou'
rei
nneedof
myhel
p"

Wecont i
nuedwal ki
ng,Itwasmi dNov embert hesunwasbl azinghot.Makingust owal kslower
thanweusual l
ywalk.Wewer egoi ngt ostartwithourexamsnextweek, I'
m suret hisy earI'
ll
passI '
vest udiedhardtof ail.Whaty ouneedt oknowi sthatwheny ou'
reinschool y
ou' re
studyingf oryourownf uture, nott opleasey ourf ri
endsory ourface.Yououghtt oknowt hat
thosepeopl ewon' tgiveyoumoneyt obuyt oiletr
ies,foodet c..Asrormei t'
sv erymuchhect i
c
becauseMymom doesn' twor k,she'soneoft hosewomenwhowakesupi nt hemor ningjustto
gossip,that'swhatshedoesf orherl i
fe.Idon'twantt oendupl i
kemymot her,I
'mt ryingmybest
tomakesur ethatIstudyhar dbutt hechangi ngofsubj ectsalsocontri
buteinmyf aili
ng.WhenI
wasi ngr adet enIwasdoi ngphy sical sci
ences, geography ,mat hemati
cs, l
if
esci ences, li
fe
orient
ation, Engli
shandhomel anguagewhi chisI si
xhosa.Ishoul dhaveknownwhi leIwasi n
grade9t hatsci enceisnotmyt hing,Iwentt hroughitbecauseofpeerpr essure.I'
m nowdoi ng
histor
yandMat hemat i
csliteracy .AtleastIcanseepr ogresssinceIhav echangedt hose
subjects.Ev entodayIst i
l
l getahi di
ngf rom mymom f orfai
li
ng.Shealway smakessur ethat
shehitmewhenImessup.

"I
'
llseeyout
omorrowf
ri
end,
don'
tfor
gett
osendSMSwheny
ou'
vedonet
het
est
"shet
urned
andwalkedaway
.
Nomalangaisabri
ll
i
antchil
d,t
hat'
swhatIcansayabouther,
She'
sthreey ear
sy oungert
hanme.
We'r
eont hesamegradebutwe'r
edoi
ngdiffer
entsubj
ect
s,she'
sinSciencetalki
ngabout
geni
uskidsfr
om poorbackgr
ound.

MamawasgoingupanddownwhenIr
eachedhome,
Iopenedt
hegat
eandwal
kedt
owher
e
shewasst
andi
ng.

"
Mama"Igr
eet
edhopi
ngt
ogetagoodr
esponsef
rom her
.

"I
sthi
sat
imet
ocomebackf
rom school
Ozzi
e?"Shewashol
dingawoodenspoononherl
eft
hand.

"Nomama, wehadext
racl
assest
hat'
swhyIcamebacklat
e"l
yinghasbeenoneofmydai
ly
rout
ine.Iwaswit
hmyboyf
ri
endeventhoughIhav
enott
oldhi
m aboutmyassumpti
on.Hi
s
namei sThoko

"
Yout
hinkI
'
m af
ool
Yee?Ai
n'
tyoui
nthesamecl
asswi
thnkazi
?"

"I
..mom wel
lmom she'
snotst
ruggl
i
ngwi
thany
thi
ng.She'
sgoodsot
hat
'swhyshecameback
earl
y"

"Okay,goandpacky ourbooksni
celyandcook.I
'm goi
ngtoplaycards"That'
swhatshedoes
forherli
vi
ng.She'salwaysgambli
ng,havi
ngasibl
ingwho'
sdependi ngony ouIshecti
ctoo.My
motherdoesn'tcarewhetherNal
edigoestoschoolwit
hir
oneduniform orwhethershedidher
ornothomewor ks,I'
mt heonewho'ssupposedt
omakesur eofthat.I
t'
slikeI'
m Naledi
'
smot her
.

"Nana,canyoupl
easegoandgetthechi
ckenfeet
satthenei
ghbour'
shouse"t
hat
'swher
ewe
keepthingst
hatneedar
efr
iger
ator
,wedon'
thaveafr
idgeinourhouse

"
Ohhmamasol di
tyest
erday.Shedi
dnothav
emoneyt
opl
aysoshet
houghti
twasf
ort
hebest
f
orhert
osel
lthem"shesaidunbrot
her
ed

"
WhatdoyoumeanNaledi
?Sowhatarewesupposedtoeat"I
'm notsurpr
isedatall
,butI
'
m
wor
ri
edaboutt
hechi
l
d.Shecan'
tgothrought
henightwi
thoutsomethinginherstomach

"
Don'
twor
ryaboutmesi
s.Imadesur
ethatma'
am Nkomodi
shedupmor
efoodf
orme.Ther
e's
asumpi
nmyschoolbagyoucanwar
mi t
"she'
s15year
sol
d

"Butwhatwi
l
lmom eat
?It
'sf
ineIhav
esomemoneyi
nmypocketl
etmegoandgeteggsf
or
her"
Iwenttochangemyunifor
m sothatIcangot
othet
uckshop,
shehadalr
eadyboi
ledthewater
forpap.Thethr
eelegpotwasal
sowashed,Ii
mmediat
elyl
i
ght
edthefi
reandpl
acedthepot.I'
l
l
addmai zewhenIcomeback.

_
___
___
___
___
___

Icouldn'tbuyt hepr egnancytestsinceIusedthatmoneyt obuyeggs, shewasgoi ngtoshoutif

Ihadnotboughtsomet hingforhert oeat
.NalediandIdecidedt oeatsampwi t
hbeans, i
twas
deli
cious.Vomi ti
ngandf eeli
ngdi zzyissomethingthatI'
vebeenexper i
encinglatel
y,Iwouldrun
outoft heclassj ustt opuke.ButImadesur ethatIrinsedmymout hsot hatIdonotsmel lbad,
forNomal anga' ssakeIdeci dedtouseasal tandmypeet ot estwhetherIam pregnantornot.I
hadlockedmy selfi
nt hebedroom, I
'
m sureNalediwaswr it
ingherhomewor ksorstudyi
ng.Iwas
tol
dt hatwheni tfoamsmeanst hatIam pregnant.Ipeedandwentt okeepmy selfbusy,
I
couldn'tseether esul t
s.Iwassoscar edtoapproachthebucketandcheckwhet herithas
formedornot .Ideci dedtocallNaledi

"Mtanse,
I'
m af
rai
dtocheckthatbucket
,canyoupl
easetel
lmewhetheri
thasfoamedornot.
Pleasebeposi
ti
ve"Isatdown,
myhandswer eshaki
ngthatIhadt
orunthem t
oget
hert
oav oi
d
chestpai
ns.

"
Ohhokay,ar
eyousur
ethatt
her
e'snot
hingher
e?Idon'
twantt
odi
e"shesai
dwal
ki
ngt
owar
ds
t
hebucket

"Ther
e'snothi
ngintheNana.I
t'
sjustanexper
imentt
hatIwastol
dtomakeatschool
.What
doesitsays?"Icl
ear
edmyt hr
oattogetri
dofthenumbthatwasinmyt
hroat

"I
thasf or
med, y
oudi ditgoodI'm sureyou'l
lpass.Letmegoandf i
nishwhatIwasdoi ng"Ifshe
knewt hathersisterIspregnant.Icannotbepr egnantwhatwi l
lpeopl esay?I'
llbeknownast he
hoeoft hev i
ll
age.I'
llbeknownast hegirlwhofellpregnantattheageof19.Tear sstr
eamed
downmycheeks, Iusedthelefthandt hatwasst i
llshakingtowi peit
.Icrawledtothebedand
thi
nkaboutwhatmymom wi l
lsay.Ihavebet r
ayedher ,Ihav
edi sappointedher.Ihav
egi v
enher
thereasont ohatememor e,
thisti
meshe' ll
sentmet oThoko'shouse.Butt herearealso
chancest hatImightnotbepr egnant,I'
llgotothecl i
nictommor ow.I '
ll
askNomal angato
accompanyme.

Mynamei
sThandazi
l
epr
eci
ousOzzi
eMol
oi.
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER1

"
Nal
ediwakeup,I
'
m goi
ngt
oschool
Ihav
eboi
l
edt
hewat
erf
ory
ou"Webot
hsl
eepont
hef
loor
.
Mamausethebed

"
Okay
,hav
eyoubat
hed?
"Shecoul
dn'
tseemesi
ncet
hel
i
ghtwasof
f

"y
es,I
'l
lbeonmywayIdon'
twantt
obel
ate"Igr
abbedmyschool
bagandf
ast
enmyschool
shoes

"
I'
ll
seey
ouwheny
oucomeback,
"shesai
dget
ti
ngoutoft
hebl
anket
s.

Ihuggedherandwentout
,Nomal
angawasst
andi
ngnextt
othegat
ewai
ti
ngf
orme.She'
sso
pati
entt
hatshehadtowaitf
ormetoboi
lwat
erf
orNal
edi.

"
Hif
ri
end"Igr
eet
edherwi
thahug.Wor
ri
edwaswr
it
teni
nherey
eswhenshepul
l
edout

"
Ozzi
e,y
ou'
reey
esar
ered,
what
'swr
ong?Hav
eyoudonet
het
est
"

"
I'
m pr
egnantNomal
anga,
"Isai
ddef
eat
ed,
ther
ewasnot
hingIcoul
ddoot
hert
hancr
ying

"
Youdon'
thav
etocr
ymt
anse,
itwi
l
lbeal
ri
ghtI
'
m her
efory
ouokay
."

"Okay,butsi
nceweknowthathometest
saint100%accur
atewecanalsogoandtestatt
he
cli
nic,
"Isai
dplayi
ngwi
thmyhands,avoi
dingtol
ookatheri
nhereyes.Shehadt
oldme
thousandsofti
mestonotsl
eepwit
hhim

"
It
'sokay
,youdon'
thavet
oavoidey
econtactwi
thmemt
anse.I
'
llaccompanyy
ou"shet
ri
edt
o
makemef eel
bett
er,
buti
t'
snotworki
ng

"Thankyou,Nomalanga.Let'swal
kfastbef
orewegetintroubl
ewithMr.Mhl
ongo"he'sour
schoolpri
nci
pal,
he'ssost r
ictt
hatyouhavetoexact
lyar
ri
v eat6:
30whenitr
eachhalfpastyou
havetobeony oursital
readystudy
ing.Mostofthepar
entsadmirehi
swork

"
Iknowhey
"shegi
ggl
ed.
Whenwearri
vedatschool
wepar
tedway
s,she'
sst
udy
ingi
nbl
ockA.That
'swher
esci
ence
l
ear
ner
sstudy.

_
___
___
___
___
___
___

Today '
slessonswerenott hathard,Ihadalsoraisedahandl i
keotherstudents.MyEngl
ish
teacherwassosur pri
sedt hatI
'veanswer edhertoday ,mostofthetimewhensheasksmea
questionIwouldjustshrugmyshoul dersshowingt hatIdonotknow.Whent hebell
rang
i
ndicatingthati
t'
slunchti
meIwentt ot hequewi t
hot herleaner
swhoeatf eeding.Mostofthe
ti
meIeatschool f
eeding,Idon'tcar
rylunchmoney .I'
m gladthatNaledi
understandsthe
sit
uationathome.

"Letmepackmybooksfastsot
hatwecango,
"Isai
dtoNomal
angawhowasst
andi
ngbymy
chair
.Theschool
wasout

"
Youdon'
thav
etor
ush,
it'
sst
il
lear
ly"

"
Idon'
twantt
ocomebackl
ate.Youknowhowmymom i
s"

"
Ihadforgot
tenaboutthat
,butI
'
llt
alkt
oher
.I'
l
ltr
ytomakeupal
i
esot
haty
oudon'
tgeti
na
t
roubl
e"shesaidsmil
ing

"
Youdon'thav etoNomalanga.Youdon'twanttosinbecauseofmyunrulydoi
ngs,Iknowyou'
re
t
ryingt
obet hereformewhichiswhatIappreciat
ev er
ymuchbutt r
ustmey oudon'twantt
o
wrongmymom.She' ssoheartl
ess"Isai
dtryi
ngtomakeherseet hatshecannotmakemy
mom thi
nkot her
wise

"
Igety
ou,
butI
'
m notbacki
ngdown.I
'
llt
alkt
oherandi
fyou'
rer
eal
l
ypr
egnantI
'
llbet
her
ewi
th
y
ouwhenyout
ell
her"

"
Thanky
ousomuch"

"I
t'
smywor kasaFri
end,
hav
eyoutol
dThokoabouti
t?"Shet
ookmyschool
bagandputi
ton
herl
eftshoul
der
.Her
swasonherr
ightshoul
der

"
No,
he'
sbeeni
gnor
ingmel
atel
y.Hedi
dn'
tev
encomef
orhi
smor
ningki
sst
oday
"

"Don'twor
ry,
may
behewasbusyl
et'
snotf
orgethe'
sinmat
ri
c.Examsar
est
art
ingsoon"she
sighed

"
I'
m notr
eady
,whati
fIf
ail
?"
"
Youwon'
t.I
'
llhel
pyouwi
thwhaty
ou'
rest
ruggl
i
ngwi
th,
don'
twor
ryIgoty
ou"shewi
nked

"
Let
'sgo,
we'
vegotal
ongj
our
neyahead,
"Isai
dgr
abbi
ngherhandsot
hatwecanwal
kfast
er.

"
Iseey
ou'
rewal
ki
ngf
astf
ort
hoser
udenur
ses?Let
'sgo"shel
aughed

"
Ihat
ehowt heyt
hinkthatt
hey
'r
eont opofevery
t hi
ng,
thatt
hey'
rethemostsuccessfulnurses
i
nthewor
ld"Theyaresomuchr ude.You'
dwaitfor2hoursunt
ilt
hey'
redonewit
ht hei
rlunch

"
Let
'sgonoma.Thesoonert
hebet
terwegeti
tdonewi
thi
t"

"
Right
"

Wewalkedpastt
hebri
dgebefor
ewecouldreachthecli
nic.Shewasaski
ngmeaboutThoko,
shehasnev
erdatedi
nherl
if
e.Whichmeansshe'ssti
l
lav ir
gin.I
'
m pr
oudofher

"
Doy
ouenj
oyt
hesexwi
thhi
m?"Sheaskedal
lshy

"
Idon'
tknowsomet
imes,
Ihat
ethatIhav
etogi
vehi
m abl
owj
obbef
orei
ter
act
"

"
What
'st
hatpr
eci
ous?
"

"
You'
venev
erhear
dofbl
owj
ob?I
t'
sli
kesucki
nghi
speni
s.Idon'
tknowi
fyougetme"

"
What
?EwwI
'
dnev
erdot
hat
"

Me:
"Justkeepqui
etNomal
anga.Weal
lknowt
haty
ou'
l
ldoi
toncey
ouenj
oysex"

"
I'
m notcomf
ort
abl
ebei
ngnakedar
oundmal
es"

"Soon.Let'
squittal
ki
ngaboutt
his.Ir
egr
etev
ersl
eepi
ngwi
thhi
m.Iwoul
dn'
tbeonmyway
goingtothecli
nic"

"
Youdon'
thav
eto.Godknowswhyhel
ety
ousl
eepwi
thhi
m"

"Speaki
ngaboutGod.Wewer esupposedt
oat
tendt
heWednesdayser
vicenoma"i
t'
say
out
h
servi
ce,wher
ewelearnaboutthebibbl
e

"Well
,wedon'
thaveachoi
cebuttoletbr
otherTshepoknowwhywedi
dn'
tar
ri
ve"Weai
n'
t
supposedt
omi ssasi
ngl
eserv
ice.That'
soneofourchurchr
ules

"
Okayt
hanky
ou"
Whenwear ri
vedatt hecl i
nicIwenttoopenaf il
eformy self
.Thenursewast heopposit
eof
whatIhadexpect ed.It houghtshewasgoi ngtojudgemebutshedi dn'
t.Sheonl ysai
dthat"I
t
wasy ourchoicetosl eepwi t
hyou'r
eboy fr
iend.I
tisalsoyourchoicewhet heryouwanttokeep
thebabyorabor t
.Iwon' tj
udgeyoumyl ov
ebutify oudecidetokeepitdon'thateyourbaby.
Embr acehi
m/ herwithl ove.Shehadal r
eadyconfir
medt hatI'm pr
egnant.Sheaskedme
whetherI'
ll
dot hecheckupsher eor,butmyanswerwas" I'
ll
comebackonceI '
vedeci
ded"Ihave
tofi
rsttel
lmymot her.

Allthewayhomewasqui
et,
Iwastr
yingtodi
gestthenewsthatIhadj
usthear
d.Iwasal
so
tr
yingtofi
ndagoodwayt
ot el
lmymotherwi
thoutanger
ingher,
Shemayhitme.

"
Shoul
dIi
ngowi
thy
ouory
ou'
l
lbeal
ri
ght
?"

"
No,
it'
sfi
nef
ri
end.Letmedeal
wit
hmyowni
ssues,
fornow,
I'
ll
bri
efy
ouabouti
ttomor
row"

"
Okay
,her
e'sy
ourbooks"shewashol
dingmyschool
bagal
lthewayf
rom t
hecl
i
nic.

"
Thanky
ou.I
'
llseey
out
omor
row"

"
Okay,hav
eagr
eatni
ght
"shesmi
l
edandt
urnbyt
hecor
ner
.She'
sli
vi
ngt
wost
reet
sawayf
rom
mine.

Mamawasont
hechai
rreadi
nganewspaper
.

"Goodeveni
ngmama"Iwasshiveri
ng.Shedi
dtheunexpect
edwhi
chwast
ost
andupand
dishedoutf
orme.Shehadcookedri
ceandti
nfish

"
Sitdownandi
t.You'
l
ltel
lmewher
eyouar
ecomi
ngf
rom wheny
ou'
redone.

"
Mama?
"Iaskedconf
used,
isshedy
ing?Mamahadnev
erdi
dthehousechor
es

"
What
?Ar
eyousur
pri
sedt
hatIhav
ecooked?Iwashungr
yandy
ouwer
enotcomi
ngback"

Inoddedandt
ookaspoonsot
hatIcaneat
,Iat
est
ari
ngather
.ButIwoul
dst
eal
agl
anceand
concent
rat
eonmyplat
e
"
Outwi
thi
t?What
'swr
ong"sheaskedasshecaughtmest
eal
i
ngagl
anceagai
n

"
Doy
ouhat
eme?Ar
eyoumyr
eal
mom?
"Iaskedbecauseofhowshe'
str
eat
ingmeandNal
edi
.

"
OfcourseIam.I
'mtryi
ngtomakey ouawomanherepr
ecious.Iwanty
outot
eachy
ourki
dst
he
t
hingst
hatI'
mteachi
ng"Ichockedonmyri
ceandcough"what'
swrong?"

"
Not
hing,
Iswal
l
owedwi
tht
hewr
ongt
hroat
"

"Okay,Idon'
that
eyou.I
'
m goi
ngt
osl
eepmakesur
eyouwasht
hedi
shesbef
orey
ougot
o
sleep"

"
Wher
e'sNal
edi
?"

"
Shewenttoherfather
'shouse.I
'
m sureshef
orgott
otel
lyou"shedoesv
isi
tmostoft
heti
me.
Herf
atherl
ovesherverymuchev ent
houghhe'
snotworki
ngbuthemakessuret
hathehust
les
f
orher.

"
Okaygoodni
ght
"

Iwait
edf ort
wohour
ssothatIcanbesuret
hatshe'
sfi
nall
yasl
eep.Iwenttogr
ababookthat
thenursehadwr
it
tenther
esul
tson.Ipl
acedi
tonherpil
lowI'
m sur
eshe'l
lseei
twhenshe
wakesup.

Af
tert
hat
,Iwentt
osl
eep.

"Where'
sthi
ssl
ut.
"Icouldhearhershout
ingf
rom t
hedi
ningr
oom.Ideci
dedt
okeepqui
etand
covermyheadwit
habl anket
.

"Wakeupthokozi
le,
whydoy oulovetoembar r
assme?Igav ebi
rt
ht oyouandisthi
showyou
thankme?Irai
sedyourfuckendirtyass.Youragematesaredoi
ngsecondy ear
sinuni
ver
sit
ies
andwenayou'r
ehereinvil
lageschasingdicks.What
'swrongwit
hy ou?TodayI'
ll
showyouwho
I'
m am"shepull
edofft
hebl anketsandpulledmyears

"You'
rehur
ti
ngme,
mama!I
'
m sosor
ryi
twasami
stake!
"Icr
iedasIf
eltt
hef
ir
ebur
ningi
nmy
ears

"
YouknowwhatYou'
renotworthmyener
gy,
Iwantoutofmyhouse.Now!Shescr
eamedand
wentout
.Somuchangerandhatr
edwaswri
tt
eni
nherey es.Shewasbr
eat
hingf
ir
e
Wherewi
l
lIgointhemiddl
eoft
heni
ght
?Icr
iedasIt
ryt
opackmyt
hings.It
houghtshewas
goi
ngtor
easonandfor
giveme!

THANDAZI
LE

(
Shor
t)

CHAPTER2

May beshemayr econsi

derherdecisi
on,whatkindofamot herwhothrowherchi
l
doutofthe
housejustbecauseshefel
lpregnantatanearlyage?Unlessshe'
snotmyr eal
mother
.No
womanwoul dliketoseeherchil
drensuffer
.I'
mj ustgl
adthatNal
ediisnother
etowit
nessal
lof
thi
s.

Iheardthedoor
knobt
urnsdown.Whi chmeansshe'sher
emay bet
otel
lmet
hati
t'
sokay
,I'
ma
personIoughtt
omakemi st
akes.Isatdownandlookedather

"
You'v
edisappoint
edmey oungl
ady
,I'
m heret
ohel
pyoupack"Iswal
l
owedhar
dandl
ookup
t
ryi
ngtoblockthetear
sthatwer
eabouttocomeout

"
Mamapl
ease,
I'
ll
goandabor
tjustdon'
tki
ckmeout
.Wher
ewi
l
lIgo?
"

"
Idon'
tcar
e,whatwer
eyout
hinki
ngwheny
ouopeny
ourl
egst
ool
dmen?
"

"
He'
singr
adet
wel
vemama,
he'
snott
hatol
d"It
ri
edt
odef
endhi
m

"
Whatishisname?Soy outhinkjustbecauseheisingr
adetwel
vehe'
snotol
d?Younglady
wakeuphewasusi ngyou,I
'm surehe'
snowi gnori
ngyousi
ncehehadhi
swaywithyou"she
l
aughedandclappedherhands

"
Hisnamei
sThokomama"

"What?Thatny
aopeboy?Whathav eyouseeninhi
m Ozzi
e?It
houghtyou'
dmay besay
someonewho'sinyourl
evel.Justgetout
,Idon'
twantt
oseeyourfaceeveragai
ninmyhouse"I
stoodupandgrabbedherhand
"
Mamapl
ease,
don'
tki
ckmeout.I
'l
ldoever
ythi
ngf
ory
ouev
eni
fit
'smeansgoi
ngoutandl
ook
f
oraj
obI
'
lldoi
t.Mamapl
ease!
"Icr
iedout

"
Leav
emyhandal
onenx"shecl
i
ckedhert
ongueandwentout
.

IsobbedasIpackmyclothes,
ont
opoft
hewardr
obet
hewasmyschool
books.Ideci
dedt
o
al
sopackmyi mpor
tantdocument
sandr
epor
ts.

"Naledimylovelyl
i
ttl
esist
er,I'
m surewheny oucomebacky ouwon'tfoundmeher e.I'
m sorr
y
thatI'
vemadey ouguysal aughingstock,i
twasnevermyi nt
enti
onstofall
pregnantbutI
promiseI'
ll
comeandchecky ouonceI'veset
tl
eddown.I'l
ltr
ytolookforaplacetostay,don'
t
giveupony oureducati
on.Remembereducat i
oni
st hekeytosuccess,I
'
dbesopr oudt osee
youdr i
vi
ngy ourdr
eam car.Il
ov eyousomuchOzzi e"

It
ookthelatt
erandpl
aceditbet
weenthepagesofhermat
hemat
icsbook.Shel
ovest
opr
act
ise
mathsevery
timesheget
,I'
m sur
eshe'
l
l seei
t.

Sinceitwaslat
eatni
ghtIdeci
dedtowearaj erseyt
hathadahatjustt
ocov ermyface.I
t'
snot
safethisday
sIdon'
twantthugstoseemyf ace.Mamawassi t
ti
ngont hechairwhenIcomes
outofthebedroom,i
t'
satwor oom housewhichconsi
stsofabedroom andadinni
ngroom.

"I
'
llbeonmywaymama.Pl easecanyoupl
easedomeaonefavourandtakecareofNal
edi,
I'
m
sosorr
ythatourr
elat
ionshipendedl
i
kethi
s"Iwi
pedmyt
earsandtight
enthebluebagthatI
wascarry
ingonmyshoul ders

"
Wher
ewi
l
lyougo?
"

"
Idon'
tthi
nki
t'
smat
ter
s,butI
'
llt
ryt
oaskThokot
olendmeapl
acet
oputmyheadt
oni
ght
"

"
Whatev
er ,
justgetout
"foronceIt
houghtshecar
ed.It
houghtshewasgoi
ngsaysl
eepmychi
l
d
y
ou'
l
lgot omor r
ow.

Onmywayt oThoko'shouseIwasrunni
ng.Iwoul
dhi
debythetreeswhenIhearpeopletal
king
orseeafi
gurewal
king,t
hathowscaredIwas.Iwasl
uckyt
hegat ewasnotl
ocked,Iopenedit
andwenttohis1r
oom thatwasatthebackofthemai
nhouse.Haveyoueverfel
tli
kebargingin
wi
thoutknocki
ng?Thatwasme.

Ibecameunconsci ousforami nutewhil

eholdingthedoor knob,thet hingst hatwashappening
i
nfrontofmewasnotpl easi
ngatal l
.Myownboy fr
iend,thepersonIt houghtwehadaf ut
ure
toget
herwasont opofmybest fri
end.ThepersonIt houghtshewasmyf r
iend,Ithought
Nomal angalov
edmet onotsleepwi t
hmyboy f
ri
end.Shepr etendedt hatshe' ssti
ll
av i
rgi
nwhil
e
sheknowst hatshe'ssl
eepwi t
hThoko.It houghtshewasmybest f
ri
end.Fr om thatdayIknew
thatyoudon'tj
ustgiveanyonet heti
tt
leofbestfr
iendwi t
houtseei ngt heirintenti
ons.Ihadno
powerl ef
tinme.

"Dammi tOzziewhatareyoudoi
ngher e?Huh?Didn'
tItel
lyout
onotshowupwi
thoutmy
permission?"Icoul
dn'
tfi
ndaperfectwordstodescr
ibethepai
nthatwasi
nmyheart
,Ihadno
oneinmyl i
fe.MymotherIdon'
tevenknowwhatt osayabouther
.

"
I'
m sor
ryThoko"t
hatwast
hewor
dsIcoul
dsay
.Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
evewhatNomal
angadi
dtome,
wherewi
ll
Igo?

"Sur
e,whatdoyouwanther
e?"Hedidn'
tev
enshowanyr
emor
sef
orwhathedi
d.I
t'
sli
kehe
doesn'
tgi
veafuckaboutwhatIt
hink

"
I'
m..Canwepleasesitdownsot
hatwecant
alk?
"Iwasl
ooki
ngdownal
lthet
ime.Icoul
dn'
t
f
indthecour
agetolookatNomal
anga

"
Tal
kOzzi
e,Idon'
thav
ethewhol
eni
ght
."

"
Okay
,I.
..I
'
m pr
egnant
"hel
aughed

"
Arey
ouser
ious?I
'
m sur
eit
'snotmi
nebecauseweusedpr
otect
ional
lthet
ime"

"Don'tl
i
eThoko,we'
veneverusedaprotect
ion"Il
ookedathi
m wit
hapit
ywr i
tt
eni
nmyey
es.I
'
m
scaredthathemaynegl
ectmypregnancy,I
'm hur
tthatNomal
angabet
rayedme

"
It
'snotmine.Goandfi
ndthepersonwhoimpregnat
edy
oubecausei
t'
snotme.I'
m sor
rybut
y
ouf oundmebusyhereI'
dli
ketoconti
nuewit
hwhatIwasdoi
ng"hecl
osedthedooronmy
f
ace.Wherewill
Igo?

Ihadnochoicebuttogotomyaunty
'splace,Idoubtshe'
ll
allowmetospendthenightbecause
ofthefi
ghtherhusbandhadwi
thmymot her,aft
erthefi
ghttheydi
dn'
twantanyt
hingtodowi th
us.Theystar
tedbydist
anci
ngt
hemselv
esf rom us.Weusedt obeti
ght
,Iwouldgoandspenda
weekwiththeandretur
nhomeontheweekends.
WhenIarr
ivedt
heli
ghtswer
eof f
,it
'sl
ateI'
m sureshe'
sasl
eep.Ihat
etodist
urbhersl
eepbutI
don'
thav
eachoicebuttodoit
.ThingsthatIsawatThoko'
shouseforcedmetoknock.

Sheopenedt
hedooraft
erawhi l
e,shecoul
dn'
tseemyfacesinceitwasdar
k.Sheli
ght
edt
he
bul
b,herf
acewaspl
ain.Icoul
dn'tseewhet
hershewasshocked,angr
yorsupri
sed.

"
Preci
ous?Comei
nsi
s"sheopenedt
hedoorwi
dermaki
ngaspacef
ormet
oent
er

"
Howar
eyoumyl
ove?I
t'
sbeeny
ear
ssi
nceIl
astsawy
ou"shewassohappy

"
Aunt
y"myv
oicewassocr
ocker
yfor
cingmet
ocl
earmyt
hroatwi
thacough

"
It
'sokay,i
t'
sokayt
ocrymybabycomeher
e"sheopenedherar
msf
orme.Ist
oodupandwent
t
owher eshewasseat
ed

"Leti
toutmychi
ld,
cry
.It
'sokayt
ocr
ymyl
ove"Icr
iedunt
ilIf
eltt
heneedt
otel
lherwhat
broughtmeher
e

"
Mymom ki
ckedmeoutoft
hehouseaunt
y"Isai
dfi
ddl
i
ngwi
thmyhands

"
Why
?Whywoul
dshedot
hat
?"

"Umm, promi
setonothat
eme.Itwasami
stakethatI
'
m notpr
oudof
.I'
m pr
egnantaunt
y"she
sighedandgr
abbedmyhandsthatwer
eal
readyshaki
ng

"Youmom hadnor ighttoki

cky ououtmychild.Shewassupposedt oshowy outher i
ghtwayto
dot hi
ngs.Yournom shouldhavesatdownwi thy ouandexpl
ainhowt heworldis,
It'
sami stake
thatyoucannotundomyl ove.I
thappenedfornowconcentrat
eont hefutur
e.Youcansl eepher
forthenightbutknowt haty
ou'l
l havetowakeupearlyandgosinceyouknowhowy ourunclei
s.
I
'llgi
veyouf ewnotestobuysomet hi
ngtoeatbutfornowletmedishupf oryou"

Shecamebackwi
thapl
atef
ull
ofpapandmal
amugodu,
somet
hingt
hatIhav
ebeencr
avi
ng
for
.

"
Sohowdoy
ouf
eel
?Doy
ouwantt
oabor
t?"

"
No,Ihear
dthatt
her
e'sl
otofj
oboppor
tuni
ti
esi
nGaut
eng,
I'
ll
tryt
ogot
heandl
ookf
oraj
ob
t
her
e"

"
Ohh,
buty
oudon'
tknowany
onei
nGaut
engbabygi
rl
"shesai
dconcer
ned
"
It
'sf
ineaunt
y,don'
twor
ryI
'
llmakeapl
an"Ichuckl
ed

"
Okay
,washy
ourdi
shaf
tery
ou'
veeat
en.I
t'
slat
eI'
m goi
ngt
osl
eep"

"
Hav
eagr
eatni
ght
"Ismi
l
ed

"
Yout
oomyl
ove"

Iwassof
ullwhenIwentt
osl
eep,
Iwasstruggl
ingt
oclosemyey
es.Iwoul
dseeThokowhenI
cl
osemyeyesbutatt
heendImanagedt
of al
li
naslumber!

Tobecont
inued

Forabonusi
nser
tlet
'sr
each200comment
sI'
m beggi
ngy
ou.
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER3

Fi
rstthi
ngIdidint hemorningwast owakeup.Thewasawat ch
onthewallwhichIusedt oseet heti
me, thetimewashal fpast5
whichmeansIonl ysleptf
or2hour s.Ther e'
snot i
met olazy
aroundandsleepf oranot
herhour,Idon'twantt oputauntyin
tr
oublewit
hherhusband.If oldedtheblanketsandpl acedthem
ontopofthechai r.It
ookmybagandsneakout .I'
m sureshe'l
l
noti
cethatI
'veleftonceshewakesup.Thegat ewaswi deopen
whenIreachedi t
.

"
Youar
egoi
ngal
ready
?"Shest
art
ledmeasIopenedt
hegat
e

"
Aunty
,yesI'
m goi
ng.Thankyouf
oral
lowingmespendt
heni
ght
i
nyourhouse"Iwasst
andingbyt
hegate

"
Butwher
ewi
l
lyougot
handazi
l
e?"

"Don'
tworr
yaunt
y,I
'
llf
indawayGodal
way
smakest
hings
happen"

"HowcanInotbewor ri
ed?Theplacethatyou'r
evi
sit
ingisvery
demonic.Ther
e'sl
otofthi
ngshappeninginthatpl
ace,ther
e's
thug,
humant r
affi
cki
ngishigh.Justbecarefulmychil
d"she
openedt
hegat
esot
hatshecanst
andnextt
ome.

"I
'
llbecar
eful
.Idon'
tevenknowwher
etost
artaunt
y.Idon'
tev
en
haveamoneyf orabus"

"I
t'
sokay.ImadesurethatIwokeupear l
ysot hatIcangoto
mashonisaandgetR2000f ory
ou.Ir
eallyhopet hi
swill
be
enough"shetookoutati
ssueinherbreasts,
Iassumet her
e'sa
moneyhiddeninit

"
Her e,
hideiti
nyourbreast
s.Areyouwearingsocks?Puti
tinsi
de
yoursocks"shebentdownsot hatshecancaref
ull
yhidet
he
moneyi nmyschoolsocksthatIwaswearing

"Thanky
ousomuchaunt
y.I
'
llbor
rowaphonewhenIar
ri
veand
cally
ou"

"Youdon'
thav
eacell
phone?Wai
tI'
m coming"sher
ani
nsi
det
he
houseandcomebackaft
erfewminut
es.

"
Here,
youcantakeai
rt
imeadv
anceandcal
lme"shehandedov
er
aNoki
aAshacell
phone

"
Idon'
tknowhowt
othanky
ouaunt
y.I
'
llcal
lyou"

"
Doy
ouhav
eapl
acet
ost
ayi
nJobur
g?"

"
No,
butI
'
llt
ryt
ofi
ndacheappl
acet
orent
"

"
Twothousandsi
snotenoughNana,Okaygo.I'
l
lcal
lNokut
hul
a"
Nokut
hul
aisherf
ir
stborn.She'
sasoci
alworkeri
nGauteng

"
Thankyou.I'
m sogr
atefulofwhatyou'
redoi
ngformeaunty.Thi
s
i
stoomucht otakei
n.Ipromisetobehavemysel
f,whenIar
riv
e
I
'
llgoandlookforaj
ob"
"
Iknow,
Itr
usty
oumychi
l
d.Takecar
eofy
our
sel
f,Ibel
i
evei
nyou”

“
Letmegetgoi
ngbef
oreImi
sst
hebus"

"
Trav
elsaf
egi
rlgi
rl
."

"
Iwi
l
l"

Idon'tthinkI '
l
l ev ercomebacki nthi
splace,Thisplaceholds
terr
iblememor iesf orme.Ihat ehowmyf ri
endbetrayedme.It's
somuchf rustratingt hatIbel
ievedher,Inevernoti
cedher
pretendingf ace.Ishoul dhaveseeni tl
ongt i
meago.Thewayshe
cared,mostoft het imeshewoul daskmeaboutThoko, whydidI
notseei t
?WasIt hatdumpt onotev enseet hesnakenexttome?
From nowonI 'l
l nott rustany
onewhocomesi nmyl i
fe,Itr
usted
herwi thmyl i
fe.Shebet r
ayedmeIdon' tthi
nkI'l
leverforgi
veher
i
nmyl ife.

WhenIar ri
veatthet ownIwentt obuyabust icket,whi
chwas
R250.Iwasl eftwit
hR1750.I '
l
lcallherwhenIar r
iveatthegar age,
mymi nddriftedapartasIsawt hebusmov es.Iwasl eavi
ngt he
smalltownforgood, theplacet hatmyUmbi l
icalcordfell
.The
pl
acethatIwasbor nin,hatredgrowi nmyhear tforthi
splace.I
deci
dedt otakeal i
tt
lenap, Ihaveal ongj
ourneyahead.

Iwaswokenupbytheri
ngi
ngoft
hecel
lphonet
hataunt
ygav
eme.
Ipr
essedt
hegreenbut
tont
hati
ndi
cat
esanswer
"
Hel
l
o"

"
Heymychi
l
d,hav
eyouboughtf
ood?
"Itwasaunt
y

"
Noaunt
y,Idon'
twantt
owast
emoneyonunnecessar
ythi
ngs"

"
You'
repregnantOzzi
e.Pl
easegetsomet
hingf
ory
our
sel
fwhen
y
ouarri
veatthegarage"

"
Iwi
l
lthanky
ou"

"
Ihav
ecal
l
edNokut
hul
a,Igav
ehery
ournumber
sshe'
l
lcal
lyou."

"
Youdi
dn'
thav
etoaunt
y.I
'
llsur
viv
e"

"Nosil
l
y,she'
l
lfet
chy
ouatst
ati
on.You'
l
lbel
ooki
ngaf
terher
chi
ldr
en"

"
Ohhok,i
sshemarr
ied?
"Thatwasasi
l
lyquest
ionf
ormet
oask.I
woul
dhavehear
d

"
Noshe'
snot
.Butshehav
etwochi
l
dreny
ouknowt
hef
ir
stbor
n"

"
YesIdo.Li
stenaunt
yitl
ookl
i
ket
hebusi
saboutt
ost
op.I
'
llcal
l
y
ou"

"
Okay
,buypowerhourmi
nut
essot
hatwecant
alk.
"

Idr
oppedt
hecal
laf
terIhav
eanswer
edher
,It
ookmybagandgot
off
"Si
s,wher
ear
eyougoi
ngwi
thy
ourbag?
"Iwasaskedbyt
hebus
dri
ver

"
Wehav
en'
tar
ri
ved?
"

"No,wear ei
nVivagar
age.Youcanleavethebaginyoursitthen
goandbuyf ood"Iwassoembarassed.Thosewhower einfr
ont
ofmel aughed,
I'
m sur
etheyknowthatI'
veneverbeeninGaut eng
befor
e

Ideci
dedt obuyastreetwisepap,whichwasR39andalsoacoke.
Idon'
tevenknowwhet heri
t'
sgoodforthebabyornot
,Buti
t'
snot
ababyyet.WhenIar ri
vedinthebusluckil
ymybagwasther
e.I
wasworriedthatsomeonemayst ealit.

_
___
___
___
___
___
_

Nokut
hulacal
l
edmeandaskedf orthenameoft hebusthatIwas
i
n.Shetol
dmet hatshe'
l
lbestandingont hepavement
,whenthe
busst
oppedatthebusstat
ionquicklyIgotoffandl
ookedaround.

"
Hi,
Ozzi
e"shet
appedmyshoul
der
.It
urnedar
ound

"Nokuthul
a?Youl ooksobeaut i
ful
"Shewasnott hesame
NokuthulathatIknow.Shewaswear ingablueformal t
rouser
,
whiteplai
nt-shi
rtandaj acketwit
hblackbl
ockhill
s.Shehadone
ofthosehorseshair,herfacewaspaintedwit
hmakeup.Shewas
al
sosmel
l
ingsogood

"Letmecarr
ythi
sforyou.Howhav eyoubeen?
"Thet
ownwasso
busy,car
shooti
ng,
peoplegoingupanddown.Someshout
ingf
or
customerst
ocheckthei
rproduct
s.

"
Notcompl
aini
ng"

"OhhIsee.Wel
comet
otheci
tyofgol
d"shegi
ggl
edshowi
ngher
str
aightwhi
tet
eet
h

"Thanky
ou"Iwasstandi
ngtherefeeli
ngsosmall
.Iknowwe'
re
notagematesbutI
'
ddoev ery
thingjustt
olookl
i
keher

"
Let
'sgobef
oret
her
ainpour
,theweat
herwascl
oudy

Ismiledandf ol
lowedhert owherecarswerepacked.Sheopened
thedoorf orme,thecarwassobi g.I
twasbl ackincolour
.The
l
eatherseat softhecarmademeuncomf or
tabl
e,thecarsmell
ed
good.Ilookedatmyj eanbef or
egett
ingin,shetookmybagand
putitinthebootofthecar ,t
henamet hatwaswr i
ttenonthe
numberpl atewasunr eadabl
e.Icoul
dn'tf
indtheper f
ect
pronounsationtopronounceit.

Thedri
vewasnotthatl
ong,shestoppednexttot
hegateand
pl
acedhert
humbtosomet hingt
hatlookedli
keasensor
.The
gat
eopenedaf
tershehadplacedit.

"
Wel
comeNana"shesai
daf
tersheopenedt
hedoor
,shehewas
holdi
ngt hedoorknob.Theint
eriorofthehousescreamed
expensi
v e.Idi
dn'tknowthatsocialworker
scanaffordthiskindof
l
ife.Nottoment i
ont hebi
ggestTVt hatwasplacedont hestander
withaframepi ct
urenexttoit
.Itwasherandherchi l
dren,she
l
ookedf atonit.

"
Comel
etmeshowy
ouy
ourr
oom"

"
Thanky
ousi
sNokut
hul
a"

"
It
'sokaymyl ov
e.Justpr
omi
set
omi
ndy
ourownbusi
nesst
hen
wewillgetal
ong"

"
Ipr
omi
se.Wher
e'sy
ourchi
l
dren?
"

"
Ohht
heyar
eatt
hei
rfat
her
spl
ace."

"
Okay
"

"
Come.Don'
twor
ryI
'
llpayy
ou.
"

"
Youdon'
thavetopaymeatal
l,Imeany
ou'r
eof
fer
ingmeapl
ace
t
ostay
.Ishoul
dbetheonepay
ingyouarent
"

"
Iinsi
st"

"
Ohh"Ihadnothi
ngt
osay.Whoam Itosaynotomoney
?Ifshe
f
eel
sli
kepayingmethenI
'm nott
heonetosayno

"
Yesf
oll
owme"

If
oll
owedhert
owhatl
ooksl
i
keacor
ri
dor
.Thewasaadoubl
e
br
owndownatt
heendoft
hepassage

"That
'smyr oom.I fyoufeell
ikeyouwantsomet hi
ngyou'llgetme
i
nmyr oom okay ?
"Shesai daft
ershowingmemyr oom .Ithada
doubl
ebedwi thtwodoor swardrobe.I
twaswhi t
eincolour, t
he
sheet
swer epur ewhi t
ethatIwasev enscar
edtositont opof
them.Unf ortunatelymyr oom hadnowal ki
nclosetnorbat hroom.
Iwasgoi ngt ouset hekidsbathroom.Sheoffer
edt ot
akemeout
forashoppi ngt omorrow.

AfterthelongdaythatIhad?Ideserv
eav erydeeplongsl
eep.I
tookof fmysmel l
yshoes,j
eanandat -shir
t.Iwasnotweari
nga
bra.Idonothav eone.Iwaswearingabl ackfull
underwear
,iwas
notint hemoodofabat h.SoIfel
linaslumberwi thoutt
aki
nga
bath

TOBECONTI
NUED……

PLEASELI
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THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER4

OZZI
E.

Hav eyouev erwokenupl ateint hemiddl eoft henightsmel li

nglikebad?Thatwasme, Iwas
feelingsosweat y ,myar mpi t
swer ealsosmel li
nglikear athaddi edinsi
det hem.Ideci dedt o
wakeupandt akeabat h.LuckilyIhadmyf acecl othandat eethbrush.I'
llonlyaskf oral ot
ion,
Col gate,androll on.ButI '
m scar edandshy .Ir oll
edoutoft hebedandwentt otakeaf astbat h.
Ev enthoughIhadst ruggledwi thopeningt apsbutatt heend, Imanagedt oopent hem.Ibat hed
wit hcoldwat erSi nceIcoul dn'tchanget het emper at
ureoft hewat er,I
'
llaskNokut hulat oshow
mehowt ooper at estapsi nthemor ning.Af terbathing,Iwentt osleepagai n.Myst omach
growl edindicatinghunger .Icannotjustbar gei nsomeone' skitchenandst artmaki ngf ood.Ev en
thoughmymom wasnott hebestmot herint hewor ldbutshet aughtmer espect.I
'llhav et
o
sleepIdon' thav eachoi ce.

Ear
lyi
nthemorningIwokeupandf
oundNokut
hul
awatchi
ngTV.Shewaswear i
ngunder
wear
wit
habraonly
,I'
dneverbesocomf
ort
abl
e.I
t'
ssoawkwardseei
nghernaked,
shedoesn'
tev
en
car
ewhetherI
'
mi nthehouse

"
Goodmor
ningsi
s"

"
Heycome.Let
'swat
chsomet
vshows"

Whyi
ssheupt
hisear
ly?Andnotdr
essedt
owor
k

"
Ain'
tyougoi
ngt
owor
ktoday
?"

"
No,
Itookadayof
ftoshowy
ourar
oundt
heGaut
eng"
"
Aboutt
hat,y
oudon'
thav
eto.Ihav
ecl
othessor
atheruset
hatmoneyt
obuysomet
hing
i
mport
ant"

"Youdon'
tev
enhavepyj
amas,Nana.Youmeanthoser
agswhenyousayt
haty
ouhav
eenough
clot
hes?Nosil
l
ygoandeatbr
eakfastI
'
llbet
aki
ngashowersol
ong"

"
Okayt
hanky
ou"

"
Don'
thesi
tat
etoaskwhenyouneedsomet
hing.Thent
hechi
l
drenwi
l
lcomebackt
odaywi
th
t
hei
rdad.Don'
tgr
eethi
m okay
?"

"
Why
?"I
sn'
ti
tdi
srespect
ful
tonotgr
eetsomeone?
"

"
JustdowhatI'
mt el
l
ingyou.Ther
e'sanewteet
hbr
ush,
lot
ion,
Colgat
e,r
oll
-on,
andper
fumei
n
t
hecabinetf
eel
freetousethem"shesmil
edandwentt
oherroom.

Shehadshownmet heki
tchenbef
oreshegoesupstai
rs,Iwentt
oopenthepl
atet
hatwason
topoft
hekit
chencount
er.I
twasstumbledeggswit
hbr eadandrussi
an.

Aft
erhavi
ngbr
eakfastIwentt
otookabat
h,andwor
eblackski
nnyjeanandanoranget-shir
t.I
hadonl
yonepairofshoeswhi
chIwasweari
ngwhenIcomehere.Ibrushedmyhairandtieit
.

"
I'
mreadywecango"shewasbusyonherphone.Shequi
ckl
ydr
oppedi
twhenIent
er

"
Whatar
eyouwear
ing?Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
oembar
rassme?
"Shewasf
rowni
ng.

"
Idon'
tthi
nkIgety
ou"Il
aughedt
ryi
ngt
onotsoundr
ude

"
Look,Idon'
tthi
nkwhatyou'r
eweari
ngisappropr
iat
e.Imeanthat
'sthecl
othesyouwearwhen
y
ou'r
einv i
l
lagesnother
esis"Nokut
hul
aistheonewho'ssayi
ngthis?Myclothesar
ewaybett
er
t
hanthedressessheusedtowearbackathome

"
Canwepl
easego?
"

"
No,
let
'sgoandchangewhaty
ou'
rewear
ing"

"NoNokut
hul
a.I'
l
lnotal
lowy out
ochangemycl
oset
.IwearwhatIwant
,I'
m nott
ryi
ngt
opl
ease
anyonewi
thwhatI'
m wear
ing"

"
Okay
,justpr
omi
set
onotgetof
fthecarwhenwegett
othemal
l
"

"
Wer
en'
tyougoi
ngt
oshowmet
hemal
l
?"Iar
aisedmyl
eftey
ebr
ow
"
I'
m nol
ongeri
nthemood.Let
'sgo"

Shewassoangry,whatIdon'
tgeti
swhyissheangry
?Imayhav esoundedsor
udebutI'
l
lnot
changemycl
othesjustt
opleasesomeone,
shetookairf
reshenerandspray
edthecar

"
Hav
eyouappl
i
eddeodor
ant
?"

"
Yes,
why
?"Herhandwasonhernose.Shewasbl
ocki
ngwhat
evert
hesmel
lshewassmel
l
ing

"
Thenwhat
'ssmel
l
ing?
"Letmecheckt
heboot
"

"
Okay
,"shegotoutandcomebackf
ewmi
nut
es.

"
Let
'sgoandst
artourday
!"Shescr
eamed

"
Whatwassmel
l
ing?

"
Ihadl
eftaboxoft
omat
oesi
ntheboot
"

"
Ohhokay
.Itmusthav
ebeent
hem"

"
Yes"

Iwasl
ooki
ngathowbeaut
if
ult
heci
tyi
swhenwest
oppedi
nfr
ontoft
hebi
ggestmal
lI'
veev
er
seeni
nmylif
e.

"
Youpr
omi
sedt
ost
ayher
eint
hecar
,I'
l
lbeback"

"
nopr
obl
em"shegotof
fandl
ockedt
hecar
.Whywoul
dshel
ockmei
n?I
t'
snotl
i
keI
'
lldi
sappear

Shemusthav
espentt
hreehour
sint
hemal
l

"
Ozzi
e?Wakeup"shet
appedmyshoul
der

"
Ohhy
ou'
reback?
"

"
Yes,
I'
m sor
ryt
hatIcamebackl
ate."
"
No,
it'
sfi
ne"

"
Her
e,Imanagedt
ogety
ouaf
ewt
hings"

"
Thanky
ou.Iappr
eci
atet
hem"

"
It
'sokay
.Let
'sgot
othedoct
or"

"
Doct
or?Ar
eyousi
ck"

"
Ofcour
senot
.Fory
ou,
howmanyweeksar
eyou?
"

"
Idon'
tknow"

"
Whatthehel
l
?!"Shehalfshouted."
Don'
twor
ryI
'
llt
alkwit
hmydoctor
"she'
ssoni
ce.Nokut
hul
a
wast
hemoodygi r
lbackthen,shewasalway
sangryatever
yone

Whenwear r
ivedatthehospit
alIgotof
fandfol
lowedher
,itlooksl
ikeshehadal
readymadean
appoi
ntmentbecauseshejustpassedt
herecepti
onwhoclickedhertongue

"
Whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?"

"
Not
hing,
don'
tmi
ndher
"shecont
inuedbabbl
i
ngherbubbl
egum

"
Doct
ormeetmyl
i
ttl
esi
sterOzzi
e,Ozzi
ehewi
l
lbey
ourdoct
orf
rom nowon"

"
Goodaf
ter
noon"

"
Youngl
adysi
tdown,
"hesai
daf
terweshookhands

Webot
hsatdown.

"
HowcanIhel
pyout
odayl
adi
es?
"

"
Soshehasbeensuspect
ingt
hatshe'
spr
egnant
."

"
I'
m pr
egnantNokut
hul
a,I
'
vedonebot
htr
adi
ti
onal
andmoder
ntest
s"

"
Doy
ouknowt
hatt
hoset
hingsar
enot100%accur
ate?
"
"
Iknow,
Ial
sowentt
othecl
i
nict
hey
'veconf
ir
medi
t"

"Okay
.SosinceI'
m notsur
eI'
l
lasky
out
ogoandpeei
nthi
scont
ainer
"heopenedhi
sdr
awer
andhandeditov
er

Heshowedmewher
ear
estr
oom was.

"
Congr
atul
ati
ons.You'
re10weekspr
egnant
"

"
Okay
,thanky
ouIguess"

"Okay.SoI nthefi
rsttr
imester,yourbodywillgothroughmanychanges.Thebodyr el
eases
hormonest hataffectal
mostev erysingleor
ganint hebody .Thef
irstsignyoumaybepr egnant
i
smi ssingaper i
od.Ast hefi
rstfewweekspass, somewomenexper iencethefol
lowingI '
m sur
e
you'v
eal r
eadyexper i
encedthat.You'll
alsoexperience,t
ir
edness,upsetstomach,throwingup,
moodswi ngs,t
enderbreasts,heartburn,
weightgain,headaches,
cravingsforcer
tainfoods,
revul
siontocer t
ainfoods,andconst i
pati
on

Heperformedaf ull
physi
calandpel
vicexam.Healsoperformedanult
rasoundtoconf
irmthe
pr
egnancy ,
heper f
ormedaPapt est
,tookthebl
oodpressure,t
estf
orsexual
lytr
ansmit
ted
i
nfect
ions,HIV,
andhepatit
is

heesti
matedthedat
eofdel
i
ver
yor“
duedat
e,”whi
chi
sar
ound266day
sfr
om t
hef
ir
stdayof
mylastper
iod

"You'
llhav
etot
akev
itami
npi
l
ls.Andal
soav
oideat
ingf
ish,
thi
ngsl
i
kesushi
act
ual
l
ydonoteat
seafood"

"
Thanky
oudoc,
"sai
dnokut
hul
awhohel
pedmewearmycl
othes

"
Youcanal
sost
artt
oexer
cise,
att
endt
hosepr
egnancywomencl
asses"

Aftert
hedoctor
'sappoi
ntment
,wer
eturnedbackhome.Wherewefoundacaronthedr
iveway
,
thepersonwhowasdr i
vi
ngimmedi
atel
ygotoffandopenedt
hedoorattheback
"
Mommy
"shout
edt
hey
ouy
oungerone.

"
Heymyl
ove,
howwasy
ourweekend"sheopenedherar
mst
ohugher

"
Itwasgr
eat
,dadpr
omi
sedt
otakeust
oDi
sneyl
and"

"
Ohh,
that
'sgr
eat
.Wher
e'sy
oursi
ster
?"

"
She'
sbusywi
thherphonei
nsi
det
hecar
"

"
Okay
,Nana.Meetsi
sOzzi
e,she'
l
lbet
aki
ngcar
eofy
ouguy
s"

"
Hi,
aunt
yOzzi
e.You'
resobeaut
if
ul"sheshookmyhand

"
Thanky
ou,
babygi
rl
.Doy
ouwantmet
ofi
xyourhai
r?"

"
I'
dlov
ethat
,comeI
'
vegotmyhai
requi
pmenti
nmyr
oom"shehol
dmyhand

"
Okay
,pr
incess.GoI
'
llf
indy
oui
nyourr
oom"

"
Don'tkeepmewai t
ing"sher
aninsi
det
hehouse.She'
ssol
ovel
y.Il
ovehershehasgr
eat
manners,Il
ovehersenseofhumor

"
She'
ssosweeti
sn'
tshe?
"

"
Huh?Ohhy
es.It
hinkIl
oveher
"

"
Yuhr
ight
."Thedr
ivercamet
ous

"
Hesai
dthanky
ou.Youdi
dgr
eatbyal
l
owi
nghi
mtospendt
imewi
thhi
schi
l
dren"

"Howlongwilly
oukeepbei
nghisdog?Ijustdon'
tgetwhyhecan'
tbr
ingt
hem backonhi
sown
nx"shecl
ickedhert
ongueandwentinsi
dethehouse

"
What
'sy
ourname?
"Askedt
hedr
iver

"
I'
m Ozzi
e"

"Becareful
ofNokuthul
a.Don'tbebli
ndedbyherfancyli
fe"helef
tmest andi
ngthereli
kea
stat
ute.Hestar
tedhiscar,
Iassumei t
'sNokut
hula'
sfir
stbornbecauseshe'
sold.Shegotoutof
thecarandpasswithoutgreet
ing,
Somuchat ti
tude,
Ishookmyheadandal sowentinside

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..

PLEASELI
KE,
SHAREANDCOMMENT
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER5

NOKUTHULA

"
Fri
endIdon'
tunder
standwhyhedoesn'
twantt
ocomeher
e."Iwast
alki
ngaboutt
hef
atherof
mychi
ldr
en

"
Giv
etheguyabr
eak,
he'
smar
ri
ed.Justr
especthi
smar
ri
age"

"
I'
ll
notdosuch,i
sitnotenought
hatI
'
veal
l
owedhi
mtoseehi
ski
ds?Imeanwecanbeahappy
f
ami l
yoff
our"

"
Andwhatabouty
ourwor
k?Wher
ewi
l
lyouf
indt
hegi
rl
swhi
l
epl
ayi
nghappycoupl
es?
"

"
Speaki
ngofgi
rl
s,Ozzi
ecame"

"
Ohh,
shoul
dIcomeandseeher
?"

"
No,pl
usshe'
spr
egnant
.Don'
tyout
hinkweshoul
dal
socounther
?Ther
e'snot
hingt
olose"I
'
m
api
mp.

"
She'
syourf
ami
l
y,r
ememberwedon'
tdot
hatt
ofami
l
ies"shel
aughed

"Idon'
tcar
e,wearenott
hatcl
osewit
hherfamil
y.I
t'
ssosi
mpl
efr
iendIcansendhert
othe
shopsandasktheboystogoandki
dnapher"

"
Cool
,i
tmeanswewi
l
lbel
eftwi
th2gi
rl
stogo.
"

"
Alr
ight
,I'
l
lsendy
ouat
ext
"

"
Cool
,gr
eety
ourchi
l
dren"

"
Iwi
l
l"
Idroppedthecal
l
,Janeisaveryl
ovelygi
rl.Icansayshe'
smybestf r
iend,
thetit
tl
ef i
t.I'
m
i
nvolvedinhumantraf
fi
cki
ngthatshitmakesalotofmoney.I'
vemanagedt obuyahousef or
mychi l
dren,
acarandI'
mlivi
ngtheluxur
ylif
estyl
ebecauseofthat
.Onceyou'r
ein,there'
sno
tur
ningback

"Mommy ,canIgoandwakesisOzzi
esothatshecanplaitmyhai
r?"Ihat
ethatmychil
dis
gett
ingt
ooat t
achedt
oher.Ihat
eitwhenIseehersad.Butagi
rlgott
adowhatagirlgot
tadot
o
securet
hebag.

"
HowaboutIpl
aity
ou?
"Iaskedsmi
l
ing

"
No,
wit
hyourl
ongnai
l
smom.You'
l
lhur
tme"

"
Okayt
hen.Let
'sgot
othesal
on,
Ial
sohav
etodomynewhai
rst
yle"

"
Nomom.Idon'
twantt
ogot
othesal
on"

"
Fine,
shoul
dIcal
lyourdad?
"

"
He'
l
lnotcomeIknowt
hat
"

"
Alr
ightcomeher
e"Ipi
ckedherupandwentt
oOzzi
e'
sroom.Shewasbusymaki
ngt
hebed

"
Arey
oubusy
?"

"
No,
youwant
edmyhel
p?"

"
No,
Owet
huwanty
out
opl
aitherhai
r"

"
Alr
ightnopr
obl
em,
letmegoandbr
ushmyt
eet
h"

"
Ohhhmyf
ri
endsar
ecomi
ngf
orasl
eepov
erwearsomet
hingni
ce"

"
Alr
ight
"shegr
abbedhert
oil
etr
ybagwhi
chIgav
eherl
astni
ght

"
Letmegoandbat
h"

"Sharp,
"Isai
dpl
acing8year
sOwethuont opoft
hebed,
Lwethui
s13year
sold.I
'
m sureshe'
s
sti
llasl
eepormaybebusywit
hherphone.She'
ssomoody,
asformi
sshereshe'
ssolovel
y.

"
Ain'
tyougoi
ngt
oexcuseus?
"Sheaskedwi
thherpout
edmout
h

"
Ohh,
youwantmet
ogo?
"Iaskedwi
thaf
rownonmyf
ace

"
Don'
tfeel
badbutexcuseus,
Mommy
"
"
Okay
,letmegoandf
ixbr
eakf
astf
ort
hef
ourofus.I
syoursi
sterst
il
lasl
eep?
"

"
Ithi
nkso,
she'
sal
way
smoody
"

"
It
'spuber
ty,
you'
l
lal
sogett
her
e,"Isai
dgoi
ngoutwhi
l
elaughi
ng.

ButwhatI
'm abouttodoi
sverymuchhor ri
ble,
Ozziei
sli
kemysibl
ing.MaybeIcangi
veherthe
ter
msandcondi t
ions,
beanundercoveratOwethu'
sdadhouseorIshipherof
fwit
hothergi
rl
s.
I
'vegotaper
fectplantomakethosecouplesdivor
ceeachot
her
.

ButI
'
llhav
etof
ir
stchangeOzzi
e'
swar
drobe,
I'
ll
hav
etot
eachherhowt
obeasl
ayqueen

Ismi
l
edandpl
acedaf
ryi
ngpanwi
th6eggsasi
de.I
'
m goi
ngt
omakeanEngl
i
shbr
eakf
ast
!

Thandazi
l
e

WhenIcameoutoft hebat
hroom IfoundOwet hubusycombi ngherhairinfrontoft hemi r
ror,
she'
ssobeaut if
ul.Andshehassof tlonghair,Isowishtobeherr ightnow.Ialway swant edto
haveafr
owhi legrowingup.Butyouknowhowmom i s,
shewoul dcutmyhai rorrelaxitwhileI
wassleeping.Ifi
nall
yacceptedthatI'
llnevert
rytogrowaf ro,i
trequir
esal otofthingsplusI
al
sodidn'thavemoneyt obuyt heproducts,andital
sor equir
esal otofpati
encewhi chIdot o
have.

"
Letmegoandwearmycl
othest
henI
'
llpl
aity
ouokay
?"

"
Okay
,you'
l
lfi
ndmer
eady
.bef
ast
"

"
Ofcour
se"

Ideci
dedtoweart
henewpyj
amast
hatNokut
hul
aboughtyester
day,t
heyweresmell
inggood.
It
'snotl
i
keI'
m goi
ngany
wher
ebesi
desst
ayi
nginthehouseandlookaft
erherchi
l
dren.

"
Sitbet
weenmyt
highssot
hatIcanbef
ast
"Iwasgoi
ngt
opl
aitherbennyandbet
ty.Lucki
l
ythe
wasaBr
azi
l
ianwool
.I'
l
lusei
t

"
Tel
lmewheni
thur
tsokay
?"Ismi
l
ed

"
Iwi
l
ltel
lyou.Don'
twor
ry"

Itt
ookme30mi
nut
est
ofi
nishherhead,
Iwasnott
hatf
astsi
nceIwashandl
i
ngherheadwi
th
care.

"
Youcangoandchecky
our
sel
fint
hemi
rr
or"

"
Real
l
y?"Shest
oodupandr
ant
othemi
rr
or

"
I'
m sobeaut
if
ult
hanky
ou.I
'
vebeenl
oggi
ngt
odoAf
ri
canst
ylesbutmamawoul
dn'
tl
etme"

"
It
'sokay
.Hopeshewon'
tbemad"

"Don'
tworryI'
l
lhandleher.Ial
mostforgotl
etmevideocal
ldadsot hatIcanshowhi
m mynew
hair
sty
le"shegiggl
ed,shehadNokut hul
a'
sphoneinherhand.Idon'
tknowi t
snamebuti
t
l
ookedexpensivewithabittenappl
eattheback.

"
Letmel
eav
eyout
hen"

"
No,
don'
tyouwhatt
omeetmydad?Hedoesn'
tbi
te"

"
Idon'
tthi
nkso.You'
l
lfi
ndmei
ntheki
tchen"Idon'
twantNokut
hul
atot
hinkt
hatI
'
m af
terher
manno.

"
Wai
t,i
t'
sri
ngi
ng"shegr
absmyhandwi
thherf
reehandwhi
chwasnothol
dingaphone

"
Hi,
dad.
"Shesmi
l
ed

"
Bubu.I
'
m busyshoul
dIcal
lyoul
ater
?"hi
svoi
cewassocr
ackl
yanddeep

"
No,
I'
ll
cry
.Lookatmynewhai
rst
yle.Il
ookgoodr
ight
?"

"
Yes,
I'
ll
cal
lyoububuI
'
mint
hemi
ddl
eofsomet
hing"hedr
oppedt
hecal
l

"
Heal
way
sdoest
his.Ev
enwhenwe'
vev
isi
tedhi
m hedoesn'
thav
eti
mef
orus.
"Shel
ookdown,
I
sawat
earescapedherey
es

"Hey,don'tcry"Ipi
ckedherup."
I'
m sur
edaddyisbusy ,
doeshewor k?"Shenodded" don'tcr
y,
you'r
edadi st r
yingtomakemoneysot hathecantakecareofyouandy oursisterokay
?"She
noddedandl ai
donmychest .If
eelsor
ryforher
.Everychil
ddeser
v estobecar edforbyherboth
parents.I'
m sureit'
sgoi
ngtobehardonmybaby ,butI'
llmakesurethatI'
m bothmom anddad
tohim/ her.

"
Breakf
asti
sready
!"Shout
edNokut
hul
a

"
Let
'sgoandeatbr
eakf
ast
,for
getabouty
ourdadj
ustf
ort
oday
."

Shenodded,
Iwi
pedhert
ear
sandwentt
otheki
tchenwi
thheri
nmyar
ms.She'
ssoheav
y!

"
Nanagoandcal
lyoursi
ster
?Wer
eyoucr
ying?
"AskedNokut
hul
a

"
I'
m notgoi
ngt odothatmama.Ol
wet
huisagrownwoman,
I'
m sur
eshehear
dyoubutdeci
ded
t
okeepquiet"sheshovedavi
anai
nhermout
h

"
What
'swr
ongwi
thher
?"

"She'
sangryt
hatherdaddr
oppedacal
lonher.Shesai
dthathedoesn'
tcar
eabouther
,heal
so
doesn'
tspendti
mewi t
hher
"Itookaj
ugofj
uiceandpouriti
nmygl ass

"
ShouldIcal
lhi
m?Don'tcrymybaby
"sai
dNokut
hul
awi
thaconcer
ninherey
es.Il
ovet
hebond
t
hatshehaswithherchi
l
dren

"
Her
e'sy
ourphonemom,
cal
lhi
m"

Shedi
aledt
henumber
sandpl
acedt
hephoneonherear

"HiDon,y
ourdaughteriscr
yingher
e"shehadanat
ti
tudewri
tteni
nhervoi
ce.Aft
erafew
secondsofli
steni
ngtowhateverhewassayi
ngsheplacedt
hephoneonthekit
chencount
er.
"You'
reonloudspeaker
"

"
Okay
,babygi
rldon'
tcr
yokay
?"Shenodded
"
Hecan'
tseey
ouWet
hu,
"sai
dNokut
hul
a

"
Yes"sheanswer
edwi
thhersmal
lti
nyv
oice

"
I'
m comi
ngt
ogety
ouokay
."

"
Ain'
tyousendi
ngy
ourdr
ivert
ogetust
hist
ime?
"

Hechuckl
ed"
No,
I'
m comi
ng.Getr
eady
"

"Yeyy"shegotofft
heki
tchencount
erandj
umpedupanddown.Nokuthul
atookthephone"
At
l
easty oucandoonethi
ngwhichistomakeyourchi
l
dhappy
"sheCli
ckedhertongueand
droppedthecall
.

"
You'
regoi
ngwi
tht
hem.Idon'
ttr
usthi
swi
fewi
thmyki
ds"shef
il
ledanot
hergl
assofwi
ne

"
Me?Ai
n'
tyoudat
ing?Ican'
tsi
sNokut
hul
a"

"
No.AndIwasnotaski
ngy
ou.Youcameher
einneedofaj
obI
'
m gi
vi
ngy
ouone"

"
But
..
"

"
Nobut
.Let
'sgoandpack"shesmi
l
ed

"
Nokut
hul
aIdon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'sagoodi
dea.
"

"I
tismylove.Letmetel
lyouwhaty
ou'regoi
ngtodo,sosi
ncey
ou'
repr
egnanty
ou'
l
ltr
ap
owethu'
sdadwi t
hit
.Thenthei
rmarr
iagewil
lbeover
"

"
I'
m notahomewr
ecker
"

"
Don'
tyouwantR10000?Icanwr i
teachequef
oryouri
ghtnow"I
tlooksl
i
keasi
mpl
ejob,
buthe
won'
ttr
ustmesi
ncehehasn'tsl
eptwit
hme.Idon'
tevenknowhisname

"
Hewon'
ttr
ustme"

"I
t'
seasymylove.Justsayyou'
reasexwor
ker,
hesleptwi
thyoulastmont
handy
ouf
ell
pregnant
.Phi
l
anihassleptwit
hmanybouncer
s.I'
m sur
ehe'
ll
agree"

"
Whati
f.Whati
fhef
oundout
?NoIcan'
tdot
hat
"

"
Ohhwell
.Getoutofmyhousethen"shest
oodup,wherewillIgo?Ishoul
dhav
eknownt
hatshe
won'
twel
comemei nahouseinexchangeofnot
hing.Ther
e'snosuch

"
Fine.I
'
lldoi
t"

"
Real
l
y,okayl
et'
sgoandchangey
ourl
ook.Heneedst
otr
usty
ou"
"
Okay
"

Shetookmyhandandledmet
oherr
oom,
itwassobi
gandcl
ean.Sheopenedadr
awerand
tookoutamakeupki
t

"
Sitdown"

"
Myf
acei
ssosensi
ti
veNokut
hul
a"

"I
t'
sbecausey
ou'reusi
ngcheapt hi
ngs.Youthinkgent
lemagi
cwi
l
lremov
ethosepi
mpl
es?You
havet
ogot othespacli
nic.Youneedafullbodymassage"

"
Isnecessar
y?Imeanhewi
l
lbel
i
evemeev
enwhenI
'
m notwear
ingamakeup"

"
Trustmehewon'
t.Hel
ovest
hem wi
thmakeupandcur
ves"

"
ButIdon'
thav
ecur
ves"

"
Itdoesn'
tmat
ter
,whatmat
ter
sist
hathe'
l
lbel
i
evey
ou"

Af
terappl
yi
ngmakeupshest
oodandwentt
ohercl
oset

"
Weart
his"i
twasashi
nni
nggol
dshor
tdr
ess.I
tlookedsoshor
t

"
Not
hanky
ou.I
'
llgoandwearmycl
othes

"
Preci
ous!
"

"Noki
ckmeouti
fyouwant
,I'
l
lnotweart
hatshor
tthi
ng.I
'
m notahookerandbesi
dest
hati
ts
col
d"

"Okay,
fine.Sinceit
'swi
ndyyou'
ll
hav ethi
s"shewashol
dingapumawhi
tet
rackpantwi
tha
plai
nblackt-shir
tandhal
f-
bootsall
-star

"
Cool
,"It
ookt
hem andwentt
omyr
oom.Ihadmakeuponmyf
acewhi
chmakesmef
eel
li
keI
'
m
adol
l
.

Af
terIpackedmycl
othesi
nasmal
lbagandpl
acedi
tont
opoft
hebed.
If
ixedmysel
fwhenIhear
dhercal
lmyname,
Isai
dal
i
ttl
epr
ayerbef
oregoi
ngout
.I'
mri
ski
ng
mylif
ehere,
whati
fhe'
saseri
alki
l
ler
?

"Donhere'
sthegirlItol
dyouabout."Hehadthescari
estl
ookonhi sf
ace.Atattooaroundhis
neck.Hewassot allandbig,
IlookeddownasIfeltt
earsthreat
eni
ngtofall
,haveyouev erpeed
onyoursel
fjustbecauseyou'
rescaredofsomeone?Wel l
,thatwasme.Ireal
izedthatIhadpeed
onmy sel
fwhenIf eltawarmliqui
dbetweenmyl egs

"Umm excuse.
"Iqui
ckl
yrant
omyr oom inshame.Whathav eIdone?IgaveNokuthulamore
reasonstoki
ckmeoutofherhouse,
wasIt hatscar
edthatIpeedonmy sel
f?Idecidedt
o
changethetr
ackpanti
ntoabl
ackskinnyjean.Iwascr
yingwhil
ecleani
ngmy sel
f,sobsfi
l
ledthe
wholeroom.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..

PLEASE,
LIKESHAREANDCOMMENT
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER6

OZZI
E.

Aftercl
eaningmy selfIwi
pedthetearsthatwereonmyfaceandkneel
.Godwil
lhel
pmewith
thejour
neyt hatI'
m abouttot
ake,
I'veli
edwhichmeansIhavesinnedi
ntheey
esofGod.I
t'
snot
amustt haty oushouldkneel
ever
yt i
mey ouprayno.

TheBibl
egiv
esusv ar
iousexamplesofhowpeopleprayed,notonl
ykneel
ingbutal
sostandi
ng
orwit
hhandsrai
sedorinotherpostur
es.WhenJesuspr ayedi
ntheGardenofGethsemanej
ust
bef
oreHisarr
estanddeath,wearetol
dHe“fel
lwithhisfacetothegr
ound”(Matt
hew26:39).

Theimpor t
antthi
ngisnotourphysi
calposturewhenwepr ay,buttheatt
itudeofourheart
s.I
n
real
it
y,thetwooftengotoget
her;whenwer eali
zewear ecomingintoGod’ spr
esencewhenwe
pray,wewon’tbecasuall
ywalki
ngaroundlookingatotherthi
ngsordoingsomet hingt
hat
dist
ract
sus( l
ikewatchi
ngTVoreat i
ng).Tr
uepr ay
errequir
esconcentrat
ion,andital
sorequi
res
humili
tyandjustcommunicat
ingtoGod.

Icl
osedmyeyesandputmyhandsontopoft
hebed,Iwant
edt
ost
artbysi
ngi
ngbutIdon'
t
wanttot
akemoreti
me.Theyar
eprobabl
ywai
tingf
orme.

Me: Father,Iknowt hatIhav

ebr okenyourlawsandmysi nshaveseparat edmef rom you.Iam
trul
ysor r
y,andnowIwantt oturnawayf rom mypastsi
nfulli
fet
owar dy ou.Pleaseforgi
veme,
andhelpmeav oidsinni
ngagain.Ibeli
evethaty
ourson,JesusChristdiedformysi ns,was
resurr
ectedf rom thedead,i
salive,andhearsmyprayer
.Iinvi
teJesustobecomet heLordofmy
l
ife,t
or ul
eandr ei
gni nmyheartfrom thi
sdayforwar
d.Pleasesendy ourHol ySpiri
ttohelpme
obeyYou,
andt
odoYourwi
l
lfort
her
estofmyl
i
fe.I
nJesus'
name,
Ipr
ay.
..

Bef
oreIcouldf
ini
shwit
hmypr ay
erIhear
dadooropeni
ng,
Iopenedmyey
esandf
ound
Nokut
hulafumi
ngwithanger

Her
:"Idon'
tunder
standwhaty
ouar et
ryi
ngt
oar
chi
ve,
whydi
dyouembar
rassmel
i
ket
hat
?You
hav
enoi deaofwhatyouj
ustr
uined"

Me:
"CanIpl
easef
ini
shmypr
ayert
henI
'
llcomeout
.Pl
ease"

Me:"Don'
ttel
lmebul
lshi
t.Getup,
youhav
eanexpl
anat
iont
odo,
whydi
dyouev
enpeeon
your
self
?"

Ii
mmedi
atel
ygotupandl
ookeddown.

Me:
"Iwasscar
ed,
he'
ssoscar
y"

Her
:"What
everl
et'
sgo.He'
swai
ti
ngf
ory
ou"

Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkIcandot
hisNokut
hul
a.Pl
easedon'
tmakemedoi
t"

Her
:"I
'
veal
readyt
oldhi
mthaty
ou'
repr
egnantandi
t'
shi
s.Ther
e'snobacki
ngouthoney
"

Me:
"okay
"

Isi
ghedandf
oll
owedherout
,theki
dshadt
hei
rbagsi
nthei
rhands

Don:
"Whydi
dyour
unout
?Ar
eyouscar
edofme?
"

Me:
"NoI
'
m not
,Iwasnotf
eel
i
ngokay
.Mor
ningsi
ckness"Ihadmyheadboweddownal
lthe
t
ime

Don:
"LookatmewhenIt
alk.What
'sy
ourname?
"

Nokut
hul
a:"
Ithi
nky
oushoul
dguy
sgo,
I'
mlat
eandIwantt
olockt
hehouse"

Don:
"Doesn'
tl
wet
huknowhowt
olock?
"
Icoul
dfeelhi
sst
arespier
cingthr
oughmyskin.Idi
dn'tmovemyeyesf
rom t
hef
loor
,Idon'
t
wanttopoponmy sel
fthi
stime,I
'v
ealr
eadyembarrassedmysel
f.

Nokut
hul
a:"
Nopl
easer
espectmyhouse"

Shetookt
hehousekey
sint
hebl
ompott
hatwasbesi
det
hedoor
,mi
ndy
oushehadnoshoes
on.

Owet
hu:
"Mama?Ar
eyougoi
ngwi
thouty
ourshoes?Peopl
ewi
l
lcal
lyouamadwoman"

Nokut
hul
a:"
I'
dnev
erdot
hatmyl
ove,
I'
veal
readypackedt
hem i
nthei
rcar
.Enj
oyt
heweekend"

Owet
hu:
"Ahug?Si
slwet
hucome"

Il
ookedatthem,l
wethur
oll
edhereyesandputt
hebagsdown,
shej
oinedt
hem.I
twasaf
ami
l
y
hug,
Iwasleftout
.Donqui
cklypul
l
edout

Hi
m:"
Let
'sgo,
I'
ll
deal
wit
hyouwhenwear
ri
veathome.
"

Hewasr eferr
ingt
ome.Ikeptqui
etandhel
pedOwet
huwithherbags,bef
oreIcoul
dmakei tout
ofthehouseNokuthul
ashovedakeypadphonei
nmyhands.Idon'
tknowwhatit'
sforbecauseI
al
readyhav eaphonet
hataunt
ygaveme.

Igav
ehi
mthebagssot
hathecoul
dputt
hem i
ntheboot
.

Lwet
hu:
"I'
mtaki
ngt
hef
rontseat
,youguy
swi
l
lsui
tyour
sel
fatt
heback"

Owethu:
"Don'
tweknowwher
ewear
esupposedt
osi
t?Youseem t
ofor
gett
hatt
hisi
snoty
our
car
"
Wewerealr
eadyi
nthecar
.Thei
rfatherwasbusytr
yingt
opackt
hebags,
theyhav
epackedso
manybagsevent
houghwearegoingforfi
vedays.

Lwet
hu:
"I'
l
lhi
tyouOwet
hu,
andt
hist
imenoonewi
l
lst
andupf
ory
ou.
"

Sheclickedhert
ongue,Idon'tknowwhyshe'
sal
waysangr
y,sad,
andmoody.Al
sonottofor
get
thatshehaveanatti
tude,shehasneverut
ter
edanywor
dtomesi nceI
'
vear
ri
vedinGaut
eng.

Owethu:"
I'
m notscar
edofy
ou.Justbecausey
ouar
edat
ingt
heseday
syout
hinky
oucangi
ve
usyourat
tit
ude"

Me:
"Owet
huno,
she'
syoursi
sterpl
easer
especther
.Youdon'
tbackchatt
oyourel
der
sokay
?"

Owet
hu:
"Butshe'
stheonewhost
art
edi
t"

Me:
"IknowNana,
butr
especther
.You'
renotheragemat
e,saysor
ry"

Owet
hu:
Sor
rySi
slwet
hu"

Sher
oll
edherey
es.Lwet
hudi
dn'
tseehersi
nceshewasconcent
rat
ingonherphone

Me:
"she'
saski
ngf
orf
orgi
venessl
wet
hu

Her
:Ar
eyouherspokesper
son?
"

Me:
Nobut
..
.

Her
:"Thoughtasmuch"

Shepl
uggedherear
phones.She'
ssor
ude.

Owet
hu:
"SeeIt
oldy
ou.Shedoesn'
thav
emanner
s"

Me:
"it
'sf
inebabygi
rl
."
Tobehonest,
herwordshurtme,
howcanshesaythattoherelder
?EvenNaledir
espect
smeso
much.Shehasnevercall
edmewit
hmyname,speakingofNalediImi
ssher.Iwonderhowshe
i
s,howmamai str
eatingher
.

_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
__

Thef r
ontofhishousehasawat erfeat
urewithcascadi
ngoverthetopofthewalli
ntoapool
in
theinnercourt
yar
d.Thesoundoft hewateractasawonderfulsoundbufferoft
hehouse
i
ncludingnatur
alstone,
stucco,
copper,andthecherrywoodthatsurr
oundsallt
heglass.

Wemetawomanpr obablybetweenhert
hirt
ies.Shewassobeaut
if
ulwear
ingt
hoselonghai
r,
hercl
othesscr
eamedrichness.Shewasalsowear i
nganapr
onontopofherbl
acki
shdress
wit
hsleeper
s

Iwasthelastonet
ogetoff
.Owethuqui
ckl
yrantowar
dsherandt
hrowher
sel
finherar
ms.My
phonerangasIwasabouttot
akemysportbag

Me:
"Hel
l
o"i
twast
hekey
padphonet
hatNokut
hul
agav
eme

Her
:"Hey
,hav
eyouguy
sar
ri
ved?
"

Me:
"Yes,
wedi
d."

Her
:"Al
ri
ght,haveyoumetthewi
fe?Yououghtt
omakeherl
i
femi
ser
abl
e.Al
way
sremi
ndher
t
hatyou'
recarry
ingtheDon'
s"

Me:
"Ihav
enev
ert
rappedany
onewi
thapr
egnancybef
ore,
butI
'
llt
ry"Idr
oppedt
hecal
l

Iswal
l
owedt
hesal
i
vaandf
oll
owedt
hem i
nsi
det
hehouse.I
twasbi
ggert
hanNokut
hul
a'
s

Don:
"Babemeetowet
huandl
wet
hu'
shel
per
"

Her
:"Ohhshe'
sthei
rmai
d?Howar
eyou?
"

Don:
"Don'
tcal
lheramai
d.She'
sjustahel
per
"
Me:
No,
"it
'sf
ine,
youcancal
lmewhat
every
ou'
recomf
ort
abl
ewi
th"

Her
:"Seeshedoesn'
tmi
ndatal
l
.Letmegoandf
ini
shwi
tht
hepot
s,i
twasni
cemeet
ingy
ou,
mai
d."

Shesmi
l
edanddi
sappear
edt
owher
eIassumei
t'
saki
tchen.

Don:
"si
tdown,
I'
ll
showy
ouy
ourr
oom af
terwear
edoneher
e"

Me:
"Ohhokay
"

Itookasi
t,I
'
m ner
vous.Whati
fIst
utt
er?I
'
venev
erbeent
oacl
ubbef
ore,
Idon'
tknowt
he
namesofthecl
ubsthatar
einher
e.

Don:
"Soy
ousayy
ou'
repr
egnantwi
thmychi
l
d?"

Me:
Inodded

Don:
"Usewor
ds.
"

Me:
"Yes,
Iam"

Don:
"Okay
,howf
arar
eyouwi
thgi
vi
ngbi
rt
h?"

Me:
"I'
l
lbegi
vi
ngbi
rt
hint
henext226day
s"

Don:
"What
'sy
ourname?
"

Il
ookedathi
m,hewassi
tt
ingont
opoft
het
abl
elooki
ngst
rai
ghti
nmyey
est
hewhol
eti
me.

Me:
"Mynamei
sOzzi
e,I
'
mfr
om.
.Iam..
."

Ist
utt
eredt
ear
swer
eont
hev
ergeofcomi
ngout
.I'
m scar
ed
Don:
"Okay
,wewi
l
ldoapat
erni
tyt
estwheny
ou'
re5mont
hs"

Me:
"Okay
,thanky
ouf
orbel
i
evi
ng"
.

Don:"Idon'
tbel
ieveyou,don'
tgett
oocomf or
tabl
e.I
fIf
oundoutt
haty
ou'
rel
yi
ngt
omeI
'
llki
l
l
you,
andbur nyourli
tt
lesist
er,
what'
shernameagain?Nal
edi
"

Iswearmyhear
tst
oppedbeat
ingt
hemomentIheardhim ment
ionedmylit
tl
esist
er'sname,I
howdidheknowaboutNal
edi
itmeanst
hatheknowsthatI'
mlyi
ng,Ican'
tri
skNaledi'
sli
fe.
She'
smylif
e

Me:
"Pl
easedon'
tdoany
thi
ngt
oher
.She'
sst
il
lyoungngi
yak'
cel
a"

Don:
"You'
resweat
ing.Goandaskmywi
fet
oshowy
ouy
ourr
oom,
excuseme"

Het
ookhi
sphoneandwentout
,hedi
dn'
tev
engi
vehi
swi
feagoodby
eki
ss.He'
shear
tl
ess

Me:
"Hi
.Doy
ouneedmyhel
p?"

Her
:"No,
Ithi
nky
oushoul
dgoanddoy
ourj
ob.
"

Me:
"Ohh,
I'
m sor
ry.Cany
oupl
easeshowmemyr
oom"

Her
:"Whi
chr
oom?Doy
ouhav
ear
oom her
e?"

Me:
"I'
m sor
ry,
Ihav
epr
obabl
yputi
tint
hewr
ongway
.Imeanwher
eI'
l
lbesl
eepi
ng"

Her
:"No,
youai
n'
tsl
eepi
ngher
esi
s.Buty
ou'
regoi
ngbackt
owher
eyouar
ecomi
ngf
rom"

Me:
"Ohhokay
"

Iwentbackt
othesit
ti
ngr oom.Shehatesme,forwhat?Idon'
tknow.May
beshecanseei
t
thr
oughmyeyesthatI
'm aboutt
owr eckhermarri
age.

Icoul
dn'
thol
dandpeeinmybl adder
,Ist
oodupandcheckever
yroom whereIcanfounda
bathr
oom.Ihadal
uckybecauseimmediatel
ywhenIopenedt
hedoorIfoundabathroom.
Thebathroom wascl ean.Thet ubandthet owel
swer edry.Themedi cinecabinetabovethesi
nk
hadami rroreddoorandbehi nditwasov er-t
he-
counteranalgesi
cs,andt oot
hpaste,and
tampons,anddent alfl
oss,andspar esoapandshampoo.Ev eryt
hinglookednew.Ipeedand
wipemy selfwit
hat i
ssueandf l
ushed.Ifitwasnotforthemal l
swher eIlear
neraboutthose
toi
let
sI'
llprobabl
ybeaLaughi ngstockt othetr
ophywi f
e.

Ir
etur
nedt
owher
eIwassi
tt
ingandpl
ayedasudokugame.

THEDONPHI
LANIDLAMI
NI

Me:
Iknowshe'
sly
ing,
butwhywoul
dNokut
hul
afor
cehert
otr
apmewi
thherpr
egnancy
?

Vusi
:(I'
mthesecondbornoft
heDlami
nifamil
y.We'
rear
eaf amil
yof3boysand1gi
rl
,Vusii
s
thef
irst
bor
n.)Man,youhavet
ofi
ndout.I
'
llhel
pyouwhereIcan"he'
sapri
vat
einv
est
igat
or.

Me:
"Tel
lmewhaty
ouhav
efoundsof
ar"

Him:"Hernamei
sOzzieThandazil
ePr
eci
ousMoloi
.She'
s19year
sol
dofageshei
scl
ean
nothi
ngseemssuspi
cious.Shecameher
einGaut
engonMonday"

Hi
m:"
Don'
tpushherawaywi
thy
ou'
rescar
ylook"

Me:
"Shepeedonher
sel
fshesawme.
"

Hi
m:"
See?You'
rear
egoi
ngt
opushherawayman,
andt
hat
'snotgoodatal
l
"

Me:
"Letmego"

Hi
m:"
Ain'
tyougoi
ngt
ost
ayf
ordi
nner
?Mygi
rl
fr
iendwi
l
lcook"

Me:
"Whatgi
rl
fr
iend?Thel
astt
imeIcheckedy
ouwer
eabachel
or"

Hi
m:"
Wel
lI'
m not
.AndFYIshe'
scut
e"

Me:
"Mm,
whatIknowhi
sthati
twi
l
lendi
ntear
s.I
'
llbet
her
etol
endy
ouashoul
dert
olayon"

Hi
m:"
FusekPhi
l
ani
.Getoutofmyhouse"

Me:
"Al
readyget
ti
ngemot
ional
?I'
m sor
ry"

Hi
m:"
Het
hrowsapi
l
low"

Me:
"I'
m noty
ourgi
rl
fr
iend,
don'
tthi
nkabouthav
ingapi
l
lowf
ightwi
thme.Any
way
,I'
m gone"I
l
aughedandt
ookmycarkey
s.

I
'
m TheDonPhi
l
ani
Dlami
ni.

THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER7

Thegamehadkeptmesomuchbusyt hatIdi
dn'tev
enseet
het
imegoing.Idecidedtotr
yto
tur
nontheTV,
Iwasfai
li
ng.Thebut
tonsintheremotewast
oomuchforme.Ir eti
redandsat
down.

Ihear
dthedooropenandt
hrowmyst
areatt
hedoor
.

Hi
m:I
twasDon."
Nana,
kut
heni
uhl
eli
wedwaapha?i
phi
int
okazi
yal
omzi
?"

•
•Nana,
whyar
eyousi
tt
ingher
eal
one?Wher
e'st
hel
adyoft
hehouse.

Me: Isighed,
maybeher eali
zedthathewouldnev
ersl
eepwithateenager"
AndimaziDon.
Ndicingaukubausegumbi nil
akhelokul
alamhl
awumbiusekhi
tshi
nikubaukugqi
bel
akwam
ukujongaukubaway epheka"

•
•Idon'
tknowDon.It
hinkshe'
sinherbedr
oom ori
ntheki
tchen.Thel
astt
imeIcheckedshe
wascooking"

Hi
m:"
Ohhokay
.Hast
heki
dseat
eny
et?
"

"
No,
Iwoul
dhav
ehear
danoi
se.Youknowhowowet
hui
s"Iwasuncomf
ort
abl
e

Hi
m:"
Come,
letmeshowy
ouy
ourr
oom"

Me:
"Ther
e'snoneedbr
otherdon.I
'
m goi
ng"Ist
oodupwi
thmybag

Him:"
WoawOzzie,br
otherDon?Doy
ouev
enknowwhatDonmeans?
"Hesmi
rked,
Ihav
enev
er
seenhi
mlaughnorchuckl
es

Me:
"I'
m sor
ry,
Iwast
ryi
ngt
oshowy
our
espect
.I'
m goi
nghome"

Hi
m:"
Why
?Younol
ongerwantt
hef
atheroft
hechi
l
dtosuppor
thi
sbaby
?"
Me:
"Thebabyi
snot
..
"Iqui
ckl
yshutupaf
terI
'
ver
eal
i
zedt
hatIwasgoi
ngt
ospi
l
lthebeans

Hi
m:"
Sayi
t.Thebabyi
snotmi
ne?
"

Me:
"No,
Iwast
ryi
ngt
osayt
hati
tisnotababyy
et"

Him:"
Ify
ousayso.Buty
ouai
n'
tgoi
ngany
wher
ewi
thmyso-
cal
l
edchi
l
d"her
aisedhi
ttwo
f
inger
s."
Fol
l
owme"

Me:
"Idon'
ttomakey
ouf
ightguy
s.Yourwi
fedoesn'
twantmeher
e"

Hi
m: "
Fuckher
,come"hecli
mbedthest
air
s.Ishookmyheadandf
oll
owedhi
m.Openedt
he
whi
tedoorandwentinsi
dether
oom

Him:"
Uzogi
dlal
aa"hewentout
,hedi
dn'
tev
enshowmear
ound.Wher
eIcanf
oundbat
hing
soup,
Col
gat
e,et
c..

•
•You'
l
lbesl
eepi
ngher
e..
.

I
nsi
deDonandLi
l
itha'
sbedr
oom

Don:"I
'
m back"Het
ookoffthej
acketthathewasweari
ngandwenttohangitonthecl
osest
.
Li
li
thawasbusyonherl
aptop,I
'
m sureshe'sbuy
ingov
erseascl
othesonl
i
ne.Hethoughtt
o
hi
mself

Her
:"Ohh,
hast
hemai
dlef
tal
ready
?"

Don:
"Whatmai
d?"Heaskedhi
slef
tey
ebr
ow

Her
:"Imeant
hegi
rly
oucamewi
th"

Don:
"Whyar
eyoucal
l
ingheramai
d?"Hepl
acedt
hewat
cht
hathet
ookof
finsi
det
hewat
ch
dr
awer

Her:
"I'
m sor
ryi
fI'
veof
fendedheroryou,whydoy
ouseem l
i
key
oucar
esomuchabouther
?"
Sheclosedt
helapt
opandplacedi
taside

Him:
"NoI'
m not
,butIdon'
tl
ikeitwheny
oulookdownonpeopl e.Whydidyouevenkickherout?
Andl
eaveheral
lal
oneatthesit
tingr
oom wi
thoutof
fer
ingheraglassofjui
ceorwaterli
l
itha?
"

Her:"
Idon'tknowwhat
'seat
ingy
oumydear
esthusband,
butI
'
m noti
nthemoodoff
ight
ing
wit
hy ou"

Hi
m:"
Wear
enotf
ight
ingbutt
alki
ngher
eli
l
itha.Whyar
eyousohear
tl
esshuh?
"
Her
:"Ohh,
I'
m nothear
tl
ess.Am Ihear
tl
essf
ort
ryi
ngt
osav
emymar
ri
age?Huh?Tel
lme,
Don"

Hi
m: "
Bybei
ngnotni
cetootherhumanbei
ngs?Andwhatdoy
oumeanwheny
ousayt
haty
ou'
re
t
ryi
ngtosav
eyourmarr
iage"

Her
:"Let
'snotf
orgetthatnoski
rtpassesy
ou.Howmanysl
utshav
eyousl
eptwi
th?I
'
vegot
t
att
oosbecauseofy ou"

Hi
m:"
Ithoughty
oul
ovebodyar
t"

Her
:"Iwant
edtodot het
attooonmyass.Notonmyshoul
der
,Idi
ditbecauseofhi
dingt
hescar
t
hatoneofyoursl
utscaused"shewasst
abbed

Hi
m:"
Idon'
tknowwhaty
ouwantLi
l
itha"

Her
:"Iwanty
outokickherout
.OrI'
ll
kil
lherj
ustt
hesamewayy
ouki
l
ledmysi
ster
"Ahotsl
ap
l
andedonhercheek,shest
umbledandfel
lontopoft
hebed

Hi
m:"
I'
m notgoi
ngt
obedi
srespect
edbyy
oui
nmyhousewoman.YouknowwhyIki
l
ledher
"

Her:"
Soy outhinkhitt
ingmewill
makemepainty
oulikeamanofGod?NoDon,you'
reoneofa
heart
lessbastard.Youseeyourhear
tmademefal
linlov
ewit
hyou.Il
ovei
twhenyoushow
yourtruecol
ours"shesmiledandwipedt
hebl
oodthatwasi
nhernose.

Hi
m:"Goandcl
eany
our
sel
f.Youknowy
ourpuni
shment
"hedi
sappear
edt
othecl
osetandl
ock
hi
msel
fin.

Her ememberedhowhesawhisfir
stbor
nbeingmol
estedbyLil
i
tha'
ssist
er.Shehadinsert
eda
bottl
eofpl
aygir
lper
fumeinhervagi
na.Herememberedl
wethu'
sscreams,thepooloftheblood
thatshewaslayi
ngon.Heshookhisheadandgr
oaned.

Hetr
iedgoi
ngtosever
alt
herapi
stsbuttheyal
lfai
l
edtohelphi
m.Hequickl
yst
oodupand
wi
pedhiseyest
hatwereal
readytear
y.Hesnif
fedandopenedthedoor
.

Hesmi l
edwhenhesawhowwasLi l
it
hal ay
ingonthebed.Hequi
cklyt
ookthecuff
sand
handcuf
fedherhandsandl
ightonthecandlewax.Thewhipandthebott
leofbl
acklabel
beer
wasalsoplacedontopoft
hebed.Hei nsert
edthebot
tl
einsi
deherasswholeandthrowhis
Calv
inKlei
nunderwearont
hefloor
.

Ozzi
e
Iquickl
ylef
taf
terIhavereal
i
zedwhatwasgoi
ngt
ohappen.Whoi
sDon?Whydi
dheki
l
lLi
l
itha'
s
si
ster?Iwaseavesdroppi
ng

Iqui
ckl
ywentt
omyr
oom andt
ookmyphoneandcal
lNokut
hul
a.

Her
:"Hi
babes"shegi
ggl
ed

Me:
"It
hinkIhav
esomenewsf
ory
ou"

Her
:"br
ingt
hem,
myl
ady
.It
rusty
ou"

Me:
"Umm,
Ihear
dthatDonki
l
ledLi
l
itha'
ssi
ster
"

Her
:"Thel
esbi
anone?Thequest
ioni
swhywoul
dheki
l
lher
?"

Me:
"I'
l
ltr
ytof
indout
."

Her
:"doever
ythi
nginy
ourpowertofi
ndthewholesecret
s.Ev
eni
fitmeansseducinghi
mthen
doi
tbutdon'
tsleepwi
thhi
m becausewewil
lfi
ght,
trustmeonmymanwewi l
lfi
ght"

Me:
"I'
l
ltr
yanot
herwayt
hatdoesn'
ti
nvol
vesexual
act
ivi
ty"

Her
:"Cool
,I
'l
lbeexpect
ingy
ourcal
lmyl
ove"shegi
ggl
ed

Me:
"Al
ri
ght
,letmego"Idr
oppedt
hecal
landbr
eat
hed.

I
'm act
ual
lyinthesamehousewi tht
hecoupl
ehavi
ngsexnextdoor?Isi
ghedandtookoutthe
headsett
hatIstoleinNokut
hula'
sbedr
oom.Don'
tbl
ameme, theycomeinhandymostofthe
ti
mel i
kethi
s.I
'
lljusttr
ytoli
stent
oFM

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER8

Iwokeupthenextdayreali
singthatIhadsl
eptearly
.Ididn'
teveneatbreakf
ast
.Iguesst
heki
ds
al
sodidn'
teatbutI
'm notsure.Maybetheywerecall
edtocomet oeatandshedeci
dedtonot
cal
lme.Idon'
tblameher,I'
mi nherhousewithoutherpermissi
on.

Mybagwasont opoft hecouchthatwasbesidethebed,Ist

oodupandwentt ocheckfora
teethbrushandf aceclot
h.Lucki
lymyroom hadabat hr
oom insi
de,Iwashappyt
hatIwon'tbe
bumpingwi thherwhileholdi
ngteethbr
ushandt owelonl
ywi t
houtshoweri
nggel
.Shelooksli
ke
oneoft hoseslayqueens,I'
mt al
ki
ngaboutslayqueensthatbathwit
hmilkandcl
eantheirf
eet
withbiscui
ts.

Isnappedoutofmythoughtsandwentt owashmyf aceusingthefacewashthatIhavefound

i
nsidethetopcabi
net.I
twasaGar ni
er3in2, I
twasnewwhenopenedi t
.Ihopemyf acedoesn'
t
react
.Acnegotmebybal l
s.Ist
ri
ctl
yhavet oappl
ymagnoliati
ssueoil.That
'showIcanreduce
thedrynessonmyface,i
tisnowwor sesinceIal
l
owedNokut hulat
oapplymakeuponmyf ace.
Ishouldhavesai
dnobecauseI'
m nowt heonesuffer
ingfr
om inchi
ng.

"
Goodmor
ning"Igr
eet
edandgr
abachai
rsot
hatIcant
akeasi
t.

Li
l
i:"
Hi"herv
oicewasf
ull
ofhat
red,
anger
,andf
rust
rat
ion

Owet
hu:
"Si
sThandazi
l
e.Howdi
dyousl
eep"Ismi
l
ed

Me:
"Goodbabyandy
ou?
"

Owet
hu:
"Li
keababy
"

Me:
"Whatdoy
oumeanl
i
keababy
?"Il
aughed"
Imeany
ou'
rest
il
lababy
"
Owet
hu:
"Iknow,
ain'
twegoi
ngt
opr
ay?
"

Li
l
i:"
Sincewhendowepr
ayi
nthi
sfami
l
ybef
oreweeat
?"

Don:
"Babe"hewar
nedandr
ubbedhi
shandagai
nsther
s

Li
l
i:"
I'
m sor
rypr
incess,
youcanpr
ayf
orus"

Owet
hu:
"Let
'scl
oseourey
es.Godbl
essourf
oodbef
oreweeat
,InJesusnameAmen!
"

Me: "Amen"lwethuwasquietwi
thheadset
sonherneck.Sheseemedt obelosti
nhert hought
s,
Ifeelsor
ryforher.She'
ssoyoungtobegoingt
hroughal
lofthis.Nochil
ddeservest
ogo
throughthi
salone.IknowIshoul
dbescaredofDonbutthi
smat t
erneedshi
sattent
ion.AndI'
m
goingtodoev er
y t
hingi
nmypowert omakehim awar
ethathisfir
stbor
nisnotokay.

Thebr
eakf
astwasgr
eat,
atleastshe'
sgoodatsomethi
ng.Iwasrequestedt
owasht
heplat
es.I
usedmyownhandssi
nceIcouldn'
toper
atet
hedishwasher
.Li
li
tharefusedt
oshowme.

"
WhatdoyoumeanwhereIsl
eptl
astni
ghtLi
l
i?Ofcour
se,
Isl
eptnextt
oyou"heshout
s.Looks
l
i
ketheyar
efi
ght
ingagai
n.

"
Phi
l
ani
Dlami
niwee,
soy
ouj
ustdi
sappear
edi
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heni
ght
?You'
rei
nvi
sibl
ewena?
"

"Idon'
tknowwhatyouar
etal
ki
ngaboutmywif
e.Butyouneedhel
p,y
ou'
recr
azy
"hegoti
nthe
kit
chenandopenedthef
ri
dgetot
akeoutt
hebott
leofwater
.

Me:"Don'
tyouthinkthaty
oushouldguysstopfight
ing?Sincet
her
ear
eki
dsi
nthehouse"i
twas
notmyplacetotellt
hem thi
s.Buti
twasstart
ingtoirr
it
ateme

Don:
"Mi
ndy
ourbusi
nessl
i
ttl
egi
rl
"her
etur
nedt
hebot
tl
eandwentout
.

Iwasl ef
tallalonewi
thaneggthr
owninmyface.Theembar
rassmentwaswr
it
tenal
lov
ermy
face.Ichuckledandcont
inuedwi
tht
hepl
ates.

SeemslikeI
'
llgobackhome,I'
m notwelcomei
nthi
shouse.Buthomewhere?BecauseIdon'
t
evenknowany oneher
einGautengbesi
desNokut
hul
a,andshe'
llki
ckmeoutonceIabortt
he
pl
an.
Owet
hu:
"Let
'sgoandpl
ayout
side"Il
aughedandl
ookedather

Me:
"Whatdoy
ouwantt
opl
aymyl
ove"

Owet
hu:
"Any
thi
ng,
wecanpl
aywool
,ski
ppi
ng,
andal
somonopol
y"

Me:
"What
'
samonopol
y?"

Owethu:"
Youdon'
tknowamonopol
ygame?Letmegoandt
akei
tsot
hatIcanshowy
ou"she
qui
cklyr
unstohersi
sterr
oom

Owet
huandLwet
hu.I
nsi
deWet
hu'
sroom

Owet
hu:
"Si
s,wher
e'smymonopol
ygame?
"

Lwet
hu:
"DoIl
ookl
i
key
ourgameskeeper
?Goandchecksomewher
e"

Owethu:"
Whyar
eyoual
way
srude?I
'
myourl
i
ttl
esi
sterl
wet
hupl
easel
oveme"shebeggedwi
th
t
earyeyes

Lwethu:
"Youdon'
tknowanyt
hingaboutmebei
ngr
ude.Whywoul
dIl
oveaper
sonwhoi
s
havi
ngagreatupbr
ingi
ng?
"

Owet
hu:
"Whatdoy
oumean?Mom anddadl
ovey
ou.Andy
oual
sohadagr
eatchi
l
dhood"

Lwethu:
"Youdon'
tknowanyt
hingowet
hu.Areyouintheirhear
ts?Di
dtheyt
ell
yout
hatwel
ove
l
wethu?Closet
hedooronyourwayout
"pluggedherearphones.

Owet
hur
ant
oherf
ather
'sr
oom cr
ying,
butsheonl
yfoundLi
l
ithaappl
yi
ngl
oti
ononherbody
.

Owet
hu:
"Aunt
ywher
e'sdad?
"Shewi
pedhert
ear
swi
tht
hebackofherhand

Li
l
itha:
"Hav
eyoucheckedhi
sst
udyr
oom?Buty
ouknowt
hathedoesn'
twantt
obedi
stur
bed"

Owet
hu:
"Thanky
ou"

Shecl
osedt
hedoorandwentout
.Li
l
ithashookherheadandmumbl
ed"
dramaqueen"t
hen
cl
i
ckedhert
ongue

Ozzi
e

Iwipedmyhandsandpl acedthetabl
eclot
hontopoftheki
tchencountersothatIcanwipei
t.
It
'sapit
ythatIdon'
tknowwher ethemopandthebucketi
s,Iwantedtocleanthehouse,
butl
et
measkowet humay beshe'l
lhel
p,OraskDon.

Owet
huwassi
tt
ingont
het
il
esi
nfr
ontoft
hedoor
.

Me:
"Nanawhat
'swr
ong?
"

Owet
hu:
"Iwantdad"

Me:
"Hav
eyouknocked?St
andUpy
oudon'
twantt
ocat
chf
luet
het
il
eiscol
d"

Owet
hu:
"I'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
ewi
thoutspeaki
ngt
omydad"

Me:
"Okay
,you'
renotgoi
ngany
wher
e.I
'
m goi
ngt
oknockf
ory
ou"

Owet
hu:
"Hewi
l
lshout
,aunt
ysai
dthathedoesn'
twantt
obedi
stur
bed"

Me:
"Hewon'
ttr
ustme.
"Shehol
dsmyhandandst
oodup.

Iknockedt
hreet
imesbef
oreIhear
dav
oice

Don:
"Isai
dIdonotwantt
obedi
stur
bedwhoi
sit
!?"

Me:
"Tal
kowet
hu"

Owet
hu:
"No,
yout
alk"Isi
ghed.Thi
sgi
rl

Me:
"It
'sOz
zie"

Don:
"Wai
tamoment
"If
eltl
i
kewest
ood2mi
nut
esunt
ilheshout
edcomei
n.
Me:
"U.
..
mm owet
huwasaski
ngf
ory
ou"

Don:
"Whyar
eyourey
esr
edbabygi
rl
?"

Owet
hu:
"Not
hing,
cany
oupl
easehol
dme?
"

Don:
"Yes,
comebokki
e"hesi
ghedandopenedhi
sar
mst
owel
comeher"
Andt
heny
ou?
"

Me:
"Wher
ecanIgetmopandbucket
?Iwantt
ocl
ean"

Don:
"Ther
e'snoneed.
"

Me:"
Ohhokay,IknowyousaidImustmindmyownbusinessbutpl
easeaskowet
huwhat
's
wr
ong.It
hinkshesati
nfrontofy
ourdoorforl
i
ke20minutes"

Don:
"Nopr
obl
em,
closet
hedoorwheny
ougoout
."

Inoddedanddi
dwhatIwasi
nst
ruct
edt
odo.

I
nsi
det
heof
fi
ce

Don:
"Babygi
rl
,tal
ktome.What
'sbot
her
ingy
ou,
myl
ove?
"

Owet
hu:
"It
'sl
wet
hudad.She'
sal
way
srudeev
enwhenI
'
m aski
ngheronesi
mpl
ethi
ng"

Don:
"Yoursi
steri
sgoi
ngt
hroughal
ot.Bepat
ientwi
thher
"

Owet hu:"
I'
ll
notbepatientwi
thsomeonewhodoesn'
tthi
nkaboutmyf eel
i
ngs.I
'
m herl
itt
le
sist
er,don'
tyouthinkIdeser
veali
tt
lebi
tofl
ovefr
om her?Ev
erychanceshegetssheshouts,
forwhatIdon'tknow."

Don:
"It
'sokay
,I'
l
ltal
ktoher
.Whatdi
dshesay
?"

Owethu:
"Shesai
dthatIhadagoodupbr
ingi
ng.Whydon'
tsheunder
standst
hatI
'
myoungandI
deser
veyourf
ull
att
enti
on?"

Don:
"Don'
tcr
y"hewi
pedhert
ear
s"Daddywi
l
lfi
xev
ery
thi
ng"

Owet
hu:
"Cool
,IwantMcDonal
d"

Don:
"Ai
n'
tyouatl
eastgoi
ngt
osaypl
ease?
"

Owet
hu:
"Ai
iDon.Canwepl
easegot
othemal
l
"
Don:
"Buty
ouknowt
haty
ourmot
herwi
l
lfol
l
owus"

Owet
hu:
"Nokut
hul
a?"

Don:
"NoLi
l
itha"

Owet
hu:
"No,
li
lt
hati
snotmymot
her
.Ionl
yhav
eonemot
herwhoi
sNokut
hul
a"

Don:
"Ify
ousayso.Shoul
dwebr
ingsomef
orl
wet
hu?
"

Owet
hu:
"sheLov
esgal
i
toschi
cken,
soy
es"

Shegi
ggl
edandhi
deherf
aceonherf
ather
'schest
.

Donbeamedwi t
hhappiness,
he'
ssohappyt
hathi
schi
l
di sfi
nal
l
yopeninguptohi
m.Heisalso
gl
adthatOzzi
eopenedhiseyes,
hereal
i
zedhowhenevercar
edthatmuch,t
ohimitwasal
ways
money,f
ame,andbusiness.

FORBONUSI
NSERTLETSGETTHELI
KESTO(
230)

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..

PLEASE,
LIKESHAREANDCOMMENT
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER9

DON.

Me:
"I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou,
bro,
thi
sshi
tisf
uckedup"

Hi
m:"
Soy
our
atherf
ightwi
thy
ourwi
fe?Imeant
her
ear
eki
dsi
nthehouseDon"

Me:
"Ican'
tgetenoughofher
,cany
oubel
i
eveIcancel
edt
heor
der
?"

Vusi
:"Wai
tDon,
Phi
l
ani
wai
t.Youcancel
thecocai
nej
ustbecauseofagi
rl
?"

Me:
"Thatwasnotmyj
obVusi
"

Vusi
:"Butst
il
lPhi
l
ani
.Dadaskedy
out
ohandl
eit
"

Me:
"He'
l
lhav
etof
orgi
veme"

Vusi
:DammitPhi
l
a."
Doy
ouknowhowmuchmessy
ouhav
ecr
eat
ed?Wear
egoi
ngt
olose
cust
omers"

Me:
"I'
m sor
ryokay
."

Vusi:"Okay
, sowhatareyougoingt
otel
lColombo?
"That'
sourdad.Ev
erybasi
cinf
ormati
on
you'l
lfi
nditas.thest
orygoeson.WhyI'
m usi
ngadif
fer
entsur
nameasme, whyIhaveXhosa
surnameet c..

Me:
"Ohhwel
li
t'
seasy
,DadIcancel
edt
heor
der
.Itwi
l
lar
ri
veonFr
iday
"

Vusi:"
No,
sayi
tli
kethis.DadIcoul
dn'
tgotoDurbantorecei
vemerchandi
se.Becauseof
watchi
ngamaregir
l.Howcany ouwatchaper
sont hewholeni
ght
"

Me:
"Idon'
tknowman,
Icoul
dn'
tgetenoughofherbeaut
y."

Vusi
:"Wantadv
ice?
"
Me:
"Yes"

Vusi
:"Thi
swi
l
lendi
ntear
s.YouwantLi
l
ithat
ost
aby
ourass?
"

Me:
"FuckIneedsmoke"

Vusi
:"You'
real
readysmoki
ng"It
hrowt
heci
gar
ett
eint
hebi
n.

Me:
"Ineedsomet
hingst
rong.Nott
hisshi
t"

Vusi
:"No,
noDon.Pl
easedon'
t"hest
oodupandst
andi
nfr
ontoft
hedr
awert
ryi
ngt
ohi
dei
t.

Me:
"Why
?"

Vusi
:"Iknowy
ou,
oncey
ouhav
esmokedCohi
babehi
keci
gar
.Youext
remel
ylosey
ourmi
nd"

Me:
"Iwon'
t"

Vusi
:"Tr
ustme,
youdon'
twantt
owast
eaR11000wor
thci
garj
ustbecausey
ou'
rest
ressed"

Me:"Fucky
ou.Move"Ipushedhi
m asi
deandopenedt
hedr
awer
.Hequi
ckl
ygr
abbedaci
gar
ett
e
l
ight
erandrunout

Me:
"Vusi
man!Vusi
!Comebackher
e"

Vusi:"
No,
I'
m noti
nthemoodDon.Youknowhowy
oubehav
e"hest
oodont
opoft
hecof
fee
tabl
e

Me:
"Youscar
edt
hatmuch?
"

Vusi
:"AsmuchasIknowt haty
ou'
remybr
otherbutI
'
m scar
edofy
ou.Thewayy
oubehav
eonce
youhavesmokedt
his,
it'
slikey
ou'
reawal
ki
ngsnake"

Me:
"Thef
uckman?
"Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s

Vusi:
"I'
m bei
nghonesther
e,onceyou'
rev
einspopout
.Ir
unf
ormyl
i
febecauseIknowshi
twi
l
l
happen,Idon'
twantt
osleepwithbl
ackeye"

Me:
"Doy
ouknowt
hatt
her
e'sast
ovei
nthehouse?Icanusei
t"

Vusi
:"I
'
llcal
lmom,
pleaseDon,
don'
t"

Me: "
Fine!Butman,Ican'tgetmymi ndof fherShehasascul ptedfigur
ewhichistwine-t
hin.Her
waisti
st aper
edandshehav eaburni shedcompl exi
on.Apai rofarchedeyebrowslookeddown
onsweepi ngeyel
ashes.Herdelicat
eear sframedabut tonnose.Asetofdazzl i
ng,angel
-whit
e
teet
hgl eamedasshebl ewgent l
yonhercar mine-whit
e.It'
salwaysapleasuretoseeherf l
owing,
moonshadow- blackhai
r .Herenti
cing,const el
l
ati
on-blackeyesgazedatmeov erherpuff
y,
heart-
shapedl i
ps.Herl
i
pstast
edstr
awberr
ysweetwhenIki
ssedher.Shehadabouncy
personal
ityandasugaryvoi
ce,whi
chIador
ed.Notcont
entt
obejustanotherdr
one,
shewor
e
vi
brantclothes.

Vusi
:"Nowai
tDon.Wai
tamomenty
ouki
ssedher
?"

Me:
"Shewasasl
eep,
itwasagoodni
ghtki
ss"

Vusi
:"Ihav
etomeett
hisl
ady
.YouknowI
'
veseent
hiscarandIl
i
kei
t.ButI
'
m shor
toncash"

Me:
"Wher
edoIf
iti
n?I
'
m goi
ngbackt
oOzzi
e"

Vusi
:"I
'
llt
ell
Lil
i
that
haty
ouki
ssedOzzi
e"

Me:
"Goahead.
"

Vusi
:"Butbut
.Phi
l
ani
"

Me:
"Don'
t.Goandaskdad"

Vusi
:"Youknowhowt
hatI
tal
i
anmanhei
sDon.Pl
ease"

Me:
"NoVusi
,you'
regr
own,
man.Justgr
owup"

Vusi
:"Getoutofmycr
ib,
andI
'
m goi
ngt
otel
lLi
l
ithat
hatwenay
ou'
ref
all
i
ngf
orat
eenager
"

Me:
"Hehake,
goaheadIdon'
tcar
e.I
t'
syourwor
dagai
nstmi
ne"

Vusi
:"GetoutPhi
l
ani
"

Il
aughedandwentout
.Hegottobekiddi
ngme,justlastyearhebr
oughtacar.Idon'
t
under
standwhyhehastobuyacareachandev
eryy ear.Vusi
musii
s28y ear
sforfucksake.He
needstogrowup.

OZZI
E.

Snoopi ngaroundissomet hingthatIam goodat.SinceIwasachi ld.I'

dsnooparoundmom' s
room, checkingherdrawersandwar dr
obejusttof i
ndapicturethatwi l
lli
nkmet omyf ather
.But
Ididn'
tf i
ndany t
hing,I
'
dbesodi sappoi
ntedthatsomet i
mesI 'dcry.Lil
it
haandt heki
dst ook
themsel vesout,Iwasleftallal
oneinthishouse.Iwenttof i
rstcheckt hei
rroom,Idon'
tknow
whatI'ml ookingforbutLil
it
haseemst obeenjoyingherli
festyl
e,I'
mt alki
ngaboutthehandbags
thatshechangesev er
yday .Ihaveneverseenherr epeat
shergown, i
tisthesamebrandbutnot
thesamecolor.Idon'
tevenknowhowt opronouncei
t,buti
thasLV wor
dspict
uredal
lar
ound.I
admireher
,she'smyrolemodel.Hahaha,
I'
mj oki
ng,I
'
m adream dr
ivenl
ady
.

Tomysur pri
se,thedoorwasnotl ocked.Whatwasi nfrontofmei ssomethingt
hatIwi shedI
hadthesamer oom asher s.Thewal lhadav eryl
argepi cture,Ithinkitwasherweddi ngday
becauseshewaswear ingapurewhi temer maiddress.Themakeupwasonanot herlevel.She
wasalonel ookingallsobeautif
ul.Imov edmyey est othebedt hatwasont hecorner.The
headboardwasv erybig!Thefir
ststepIt ookinsi
detheirbedr oom l edmet ohercloset,i
twas
writ
tenheriniti
alsL.DIdon'tknowwhyDst andfor.ButI '
m certainlysurethatLstandsf or
Li
lit
ha.WhenIopenedt hedoorIwasmetwi t
hclothesont hefloor .Bef
oreIcoul
dpi ckupt he
dressthatwasont hefloormyphonebeeped." Ozziepleasecl eanIandmyhusband' sroom.
Makesur eitisspotlessbeforehecomesbackhome"

Iwonderwher
eshehasgot
tenmynumber
s,may
bef
rom owet
hu'
stabl
et.

Ist
artedt ofoldtheclothes,dr
esstodr
esses,
etc.
..Lot
iontolot
ions,
Ievenfoundausedpad
whil
ecl eaning.Ithoughtpeoplewer
eexagger
ati
ngwhent heysaythatr
ichpeopl
ecan'
teven
cl
eant heirass.

Iwassokaakt
ir
edwhenIf i
nishcleaninghercloset.I
'
m musthonestlythi
nkofmybaby,Ican'
t
bebendi
ngdownever
ymi nut
e.Don' sclosetwassocl ean.Ev
eryt
hingwaspackedaccordi
ngly,
Nothi
ngwasoutofpl
ace.Idi
dev encleani t
,eventhebedroom andbathroom t
heywer
ebot h
cl
ean.

Inowknowev eryeachroom.Inthi
shouse, what'sleftformeistogot oDon'soff
ice.That'
s
wheream headingri
ghtnow.Thepinwasr equest edont hedoor.It
ri
edallmeanst oopenit.But
ever
ythi
ngfail
ed,Ir
ecall
edeverybi
rthdaysthatOwet hut ol
dme.Ihav eent
eredherdat eofbirt
h
andDon'syear,
buttheyweretwonumber st hatIhadt oputsothatthedoorcanopen.Ideci ded
tousetheendofOwet hu'
syearbir
th,Thedooropened.Atf i
rst
,Iwassosur pri
sedthatthedoor
opened.ImeanIdidn'
tthi
nkthathe'dusetheeasi estpin!

Theblackleat
herchai
rinfr
ontofthetabl
eiswhatIsawf
ir
st.Iwassupposedtocal
lNokut
hula
andtel
lherthatI
'minhisoff
icebutIdi
dn'
thaveai
rti
me.I
'
llt
ellherwhatI
'
vefoundonceIfi
nd
something.
Thewasadocumentont
hetabl
ewhichwaswr i
tt
enIt
ali
anMafi
ahi
storyi
nbol
dwor
ds.The
qual
i
tyofmyphonewasnott
hatgood.I
'
llhav
etocram usi
ngmybr
ains.

TheMafi
aati
tscor
eisaboutonet hing-
-money.St
il
l,
therearesecretr
it
ual
s,compl
i
cat
edr
ules,
andt
angl
edwebsoffamil
yloyal
ty.thatwaswri
tt
enont hefi
rstpage.

TheMafiadoesn’
tdeal
drugs

Omert
a,t
hecodeofsi
l
ence,i
sasacredrul
e.TheMafia’
sini
ti
ati
onr
it
eisasecr
et
cer
emonyAny
onewhotest
ifiesagai
nstt
heMafiawillbeki
ll
ed

TheMafianev
eri
nter
act
swi
thot
heror
gani
zed-
cri
megr
oups.

Thosewher
ethemyt
hs,Ithi
nkmy t
hsmeansrulesIdon'tknow.Bef
oreIcoul
dhidet
he
documenti
nmyshi
rtIheardahuskydeepv
oicechuckle.Iqui
cklyt
urnedandl
ookattheangr
y
man.

Me:
"I.
..IIwasn'
tsnoopi
ngar
ound"

Him:"
Whoaskedy ou?"Hisey
eswereburni
ngthroughmyskin.muscl
estensei
naggr
essi
on.
Thebodynat
ural
l
yt akesupmorespace,
creat
ingabiggert
arget
,andsendi
ngamessagethat
oneshoul
dnotbemessedwi th.

Me:"
Areyou"Iswal
l
owedt
hesal
i
vaandkeepmy
sel
ftoget
herbef
oreIembar
rassmy
sel
f"Do
your
apepeople?
"

Hi
m:"
Huh?
!Whatdoy
oumean?
"Hei
mmedi
atel
ycal
meddown,
hel
ookedsoconf
used

Me:"
Imean,Ihear
dthatpeopl
ewhoar
egangst
err
apey
oungki
ds.Wi
l
lyout
akeme?Si
nceI
'
ma
t
eenager
?"

Hechuckl
edandcomef
orwar
d,Iqui
ckl
yranandst
andi
nfr
ontoft
hecouch

Me: "
Pleasedon'
tPhi
lani
please.I'
m sosorrythatIwasinv
adingy
ourpr
ivacy
.Don'tt
akeme"I
'm
suremyf acewaswetwithtears.Isobbedandusedat -
shir
ttohi
demyface.Bef
orehecoul
d
reachwhereIwasstandi
ngt hesmel lofhi
sperfumefi
ll
edmynostri
l
s
Hi
m:"
List
en,honey
,Iwon'
trapeyoubutI
'l
lfuckyousogoodt
haty
ou'
l
lev
enf
orgety
ourname.I
ll
f
ucky
ourbrai
nsoutsweet
heart"her
ubbedmyt highs.

Idon'
tknowwher ethestrengthofpushi
nghim camef r
om, butIfoundmy sel
fpushinghi
m and
ranout.Ij
oggedtomyr oom andlockedmy sel
fin,
Iquickl
ytookmybagandputev ery
thi
ngthat
wasmi nein.Nokut
hulawillhavet
of or
giv
emebutI 'l
lnotl
ivewithar api
stint
hesamehouse!
Never!

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..

PLEASE,
LIKESHAREANDCOMMENT
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER10

MAMAOZZI
E

WithPreci
ousgonet
hingshasbeenhar dinthi
shouse,Ihadtogoandl ookf
orajob.Ozzi
ewas
theonewhomadesuret hatthere'
smai zemeal,sugar
,andteabags.Ihavef
oundajobatthe
communi t
yhal
l.I
'
m acleanerthere,i
tisnotenoughbutIcanmanaget oget12.
5kgofmai ze.
Someti
mesIdowi nwhenIgambl ecards.

Me:
"Nal
edi
,Nal
edi
"she'
sbeensomoodysi
nceOzzi
elef
t

Her
:"Ma?Whatdoy
ouwant
?

Me:
"I'
m cal
l
ingy
ou,
comeher
e"

Her
:"I
'
m busy
.What
every
ouwantmet
odof
ory
oudoi
tfory
our
sel
f"

Me:
"What
?Nal
edi
I'
ll
hity
ou"

Her:"
You'l
lal
soloseme,Mama,Idon'
tthi
nkIcanev
erf
orgi
veyouforki
ckingOzzi
eoutoft
his
house.Sheusedtotakecar
eofmemamaandnowIhav etodoeveryt
hingonmyown"

Me:
"Ist
hishowy
out
alkwi
thy
ourel
der
s?Justbecausey
ou'
redat
ingy
out
hinky
oucant
alkt
o
meli
kethat
?"

Her
:"May
bei
fyoucar
edsomuchaboutmey
ouwoul
dknowwhat
'swr
ong.
"

Me:
"Pi
ssof
fNal
edi
"

Her
:"What
evermama.I
'
mti
redofbot
tl
ingmyf
eel
i
ngsi
n"

Me:
"Soy
out
hinkdi
srespect
ingmewi
l
lmakeev
ery
thi
ngokay
?No,
mychi
l
d,i
tdoesn'
twor
kli
ke
t
hat
"
Her
:"I
'
m st
ati
ngt
het
rut
hher
emama,
eversi
ncedadl
efty
ou,
youdon'
tcar
eaboutme"

Me:"
Naledi
,Imaynotcar
eaboutyoubutIgav
ebir
thtoyou.Iopenedmylegsatt
hehospi
tal
j
ustt
ogetyououtofmywomb, doyouknowthepainIf
eltbecauseofy
ou?Idon'
tknowwhat
youmean"

Her
:"I
'
m goi
ngt
omyf
ather
'spl
ace,
you'
renotamot
her
,youdeser
vet
odi
e"

Me:
"GoNal
edi
anddon'
tev
ercomebackher
e"

Her:"
youknowforaminuteIthoughtmay
beyou'
renotOzzi
e'
sreal
mot
her
.Youdon'
tl
ookal
i
ke
butnow,Iknowt
hatyou'
rejustabadmother
."

OZZI
E.

Whatwaslef
tformewastozi
pthebagthenam f
ine.Ther
e'snot
hingt
odoothert
hantogo
backhomeother
wiseDonwi
ll
rapeme.Befor
eIcouldwearmyshoesIhear
dthedooropene.

Me:
"I'
m sor
ry,
I'
ll
leav
eyourhousedon'
trapeme"

Don:
"Wai
tOzzi
eletmeexpl
ain"

Me:"
IswearIdi
dn'
tmeant
odisr
especty
ourhouse,
Idon'
tknowwhatcameov
ermebut
..I
'
m..
."
Iwi
pedmytearswi
tht
hebackofmyhand

Don:
"It
'sokay
,don'
tcr
yal
ri
ght
."Het
ookasi
tont
opoft
hebed

Don:
"Come,
letmeexpl
ainI
'
m notar
api
st.Ihav
enev
err
apedany
onebef
ore"

Me:
"You'
rel
yi
ng,
from whatIhav
ehear
daboutMaf
ia'
sIcannott
rusty
ou"

Don:
"HowcanIr
apeawomanknowi
ngt
hatIhav
etwogi
rl
s?That
'si
nsane"

Me:
"St
ayawayf
rom me.Youar
edanger
ous"

Don:
"Pl
ease,
comeher
e.Ipr
omi
seIwon'
tdoany
timet
oyou"

Me:
"Andi
fyour
apeme?
"

Don:
"Okay"hepul
l
edhi
st-
shi
rtupandt
ookoutagun.IswearIwant
edt
opeeonmypant
s.I
wasshaki
ng!

Don:
"Don'
tbescar
ed.Her
e'saguny
ouki
l
lmei
fIdosomet
hingt
haty
ouar
enotcomf
ort
abl
e
wi
th.

Me:
"Idonotknowhowt
ooper
atet
hat
."

Don:
"I'
l
lshowy
ou,
jutcomePr
eci
ous"

Me:
"How.
.howdoy
ouknowmysecondname"

Don:
"Doesi
tmat
ter
?"

Me:
"Yesi
tdoes"

Don:
"Fucki
tthandazi
l
ecomeher
e."Hesnapped

Me:
"No,
ify
ouwantt
ohar
m mey
ou'
l
lhar
m mewhi
l
eI'
m st
andi
ngher
e."

Don:
"Iwantt
oexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ngt
oyou.Pl
ease"

Me:
"No"

Don:
"Okay
"hest
oodupandpushedmet
othebedandgotont
opofme.

Me:
"Getof
f,y
ou'
reheav
y"

Don:
"Idon'
tcar
e"

Me:
"You'
l
lhur
tthebaby
"

Don:"
Okay"hefl
ippedandputmeont
opofhi
m.Hi
shandswer
eti
ght
lyl
ockedar
oundmywai
st,
Icoul
dfeelhi
sbulge

Don:
"WheredoIstart
?OkayOzzieIdon'
trapepeopl
eforal
i
ving.I
'
m notdeny
ingt
hatI
'
m par
tof
amafiagangno.YesI'
mtheboss"

Me:
"Iseet
hat
'swhyt
heycal
lyouDon?
"

Don:
"Yes"

Me:
"Buty
ou'
rebl
ackhowcome?
"

Don:
"Mymot
hermar
ri
edaMaf
iaboss.
"

Me:
"Andwena?
"

Don:"
Hef
oundmymot
herpr
egnant
,Icoul
dn'
tuseaCol
ombosur
namesi
ncemyf
atherwas
al
iv
e"

Me:
"Ohh,
soy
ourf
atheri
stheonewhor
unsGaut
eng?
"

Don:
"No,
her
unsCapet
ownandDur
ban.I
'
mtheonewhor
unsGaut
eng"
Me:
"CanIgotof
f?Idon'
twantt
ofi
ghtwi
thy
ourwi
fe"

Don:
"Letmef
ini
sh.Doy
ouknowt
heMaf
iaf
ami
l
ytr
ee?
"

Me:
"No,
whyar
eyout
ell
i
ngmeal
loft
his?
"

Don:
"Becausey
ou'
ret
hemot
herofmychi
l
d."

Me:
"Okay
,cont
inue"Ihadt
odi
smi
sst
hatt
opi
c

Doc: "
Ther e'
st heBoss, theDon, theKing, t
heDi ctator,istheheadoft heor gani zati
on, theboss
i
sadi ctatororki ngandhast hepowert oor derany thingandev erythingf r
om any onei nthe
enti
reor ganizati
on.TheBossr ulestheor ganizat ionwi thani ronf i
st,hemakesal ltheimpor t
ant
decisi
ons, muchl i
keaCEOorChai rmanofacompanywoul d.Althougheachmaf iabossmay
runhiscr i
mef amilydiffer
ently,theyhav eonet hingi ncommon: theyar ebilli
onaires, multi
-
bil
li
onaires,ormega- bi l
li
onaires,andt heyar eincr ediblypower ful,ruthless, extremel ydangerous,
i
ntelli
gent,clever,astute,r
esour ceful,greatl
yr espect ed, andwi delyfear edbyt heirsubor di
nates
andot hers.HisUnder boss,Consi gli
ere,andal lofhi scapt ains,soldiers, andassoci atesinhis
organizati
onpayhi m at ri
bute,obeyanyofhi sor ders, andkillforhim"

Me:
"Whyar
eyousay
ingi
tasi
fyou'
renott
heboss?Imeandude"

Don:"Wi
lly
ouletmef i
nish.There'
stheAssoci
ates.Thef
inal
par
tofaf
ami
l
ycomesi
nthe
shapeofanassoci
ate,Soldi
ers

Att
hebot
tom oft
het
reear
esol
dier
sorsal
dat
o,whowi
l
lrepor
ttot
hei
rCapt
ain.Capor
egi
me

ACaporegi
mei
ssomet
imesr
efer
redt
oast
heCapt
ainort
heCapoofacr
imef
ami
l
y.
Consi
gli
ere

I
n-bet
weent
hebossandunder
bossi
sar
oleofanadv
isort
otheboss.

Under
boss

Justbel
owthebossi
stheunder
boss.Theunder
bossi
sthesecondi
ncommand,
alt
hought
he
amountofpowerhehol
dscanvary
.

Me:
"Ohh,
Iseedoy
oumay
behav
esi
bli
ngs?
"

Don:
"YesIdo.ButI
'
mtheonewho'
sful
lXhosa,
Ther
e'sVusi
muzi
he'
sthesecondbor
n.Andt
he
l
astbor
nisNt
ando,
theyal
luset
heXhosanames.Butt
heydohav
eIt
ali
annames.
"

Me:
"Ar
etheyal
soi
nvol
vedi
nThef
ami
l
ytr
ee?
"

Don:
"No,
hel
ovest
hem somuch.ButVusi
knowsf
ewt
hingsaboutt
hef
ami
l
ytr
ee"

Me:
"Whydi
dhemakey
ouTheDon?Imeany
ouai
n'
thi
sbi
ologi
cal
son"

Don:"Becausehehatesme,nofat
herwho'
dli
ket
oputhi
schi
l
dinmyshoes.I
'
vebeent
hrougha
l
ot"he'sbodystar
tedtot
enseup.

Me:
"It
'sokaycal
m down"

Don:"I
sitmybaby ?BehonestOzzi
e"Iswallowedthesal
i
vaandlookedstrai
ghtinhi
seyes.
Heartl
essandpainwerewrit
tenonhisface.From t
hemil
li
onshementionedthiscanbemy
ti
ckettooutofpovert
y

Me:
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat"
Yes"

Don:
"Okay
,pl
easedonott
ell
any
onewhatIhav
etol
dyou.Youmaydi
e"

Me:
"Iwon'
tIpr
omi
se.It
hinkLi
l
ithamaybeonherwayback,
Idon'
twanthert
ofi
ndusl
i
ket
his"

Don:
"it
'sokay
."Hepushedmet
othesi
deoft
hebedandgotof
f"Ar
eyoust
il
lgoi
ng?
"

Me:
"Atl
eastsmi
l
epl
ease"

Don:
"Huh?
"

Me:
"No,
rememberI
'
m her
etol
ookaf
tert
heki
ds.
"

Don:
"Cool
"

Heopenedthedoorandwentout
.Ibr
eat
hedandsatdown.Whatj
usthappened?Whydi
dhet
ell
mealloft
hosethi
ngs?

TOBECONTI
NUED
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER11

NOMALANGA.

Dati
ngThokohasbeensogr eat.He'
snotsti
ngyl
ikemypastboy fr
iends.He
promisedtotakemeoutt oday.Somethi
ngli
keonadate,Ievenbor r
oweda
phone.Iwanttocaptureevery
thingandposti
tonFacebook,I'
m sure
peoplewil
lbr
eathethroughthewound.It'
sbeenawhil
esinceIlastposted
somethingonmyaccount ,I
'm evengoi
ngtotagThandazi
lej
usttospi t
e
her.

Me:"Fr
iend,letmegoandironmyout
fi
t"Wewer
esi
tt
ingont
opoft
her
ock,
att
hecor nerofthet
uckshop

Busi
:"Wai
tmt
ase,
Isuggesty
ouf
ir
stwai
tforhi
scal
l
.Imeanhemaycancel
anyt
ime"

Me:
"Nobusi
,I
'l
lnotwai
tforhi
m.Hei
sbusyIdon'
twantt
odi
stur
bhi
m"

Busi
:"Noof
fensefr
iendbutyoudon'
twantt
ogetr
eadyandt
henhet
hrows
abomb.Whatifhecancel
sittotomor
row"

Me:
"Ar
eyouj
eal
ousofmyr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thThoko?NoBusi
sayi
t"
Busi
:"Thehel
l
!Ofcour
senotwhywoul
dbej
eal
ousofy
ourman?
"

Me:
"Becausey
ou'
resi
ngl
eandsal
tiski
l
li
ngy
ou"

Busi:"
Justbecauseyouspr
eady ourlegsforeachJim andjackdoesn't
meant hatal
soli
keyou.I
'm notli
key ouNomalangaIv al
uemy sel
f,babygi
rl
ther
e'sthi
swordcall
edself
-respectIhaveit
.I'
m notlose"

Me:
"Fucky
ou"

Busi
:"Trut
hhurtmyl ove,
I'
my ourfri
endIoughttotel
lyouwhenyou'
renot
i
nther i
ghtway.I'
m notabackstabberNomalanga.Whatyoudi
dtoOz zi
e
wasnotr i
ghtatal
l.Youpret
endedt obeherfr
iendanditwasnotcool
"

Me:
"Shoul
dIt
exthi
m?"

Busi
:"Yescal
ltexthi
m,Youdon'
twantt
obat
hfornot
hing"

Me:
"Okay
"

IwasusingaNoki
akeypad.WhichwasR279atpepcel
l
."Babe,
shoul
dIget
ready
?"Thatwast
hetextt
hatIhadsenthi
m.

Busi
:"Don'
tfor
gett
otakepi
ctur
es,
myl
ove.
"

Me:
"Yes,
I'
ll
askmot
hert
obor
rowmeherphone.
"

Busi
:"Chestpai
nswi
l
lki
l
lal
otofpeopl
e"

Me:
"AndnI
'
m goi
ngt
orockmyBobt
ubet
-shi
rt
"

Busi
:"You'
regoi
ngt
osl
ayf
orsur
emyhunss.
."shegi
ggl
ed

Me:
"Mmm"bef
oreIcoul
drepl
ytohermyphonebeeped
Thoko:"Nomal angaI'
vebeentortur
edbyy oursmel li
t'
senough,your
armpit
sdon' tdoanyjusti
ceforuswi t
hsinuses.Idon'tthi
nkwecan
conti
nuewi t
hwhatwehad, wit
hOzzi eshewaspoorbutshecoul dafford
rol
lon.Learntoshav eyourpussyNomal anga.Itdoesn'
tsmellgood,and
l
astl
ybat h.Noonewoul dlovetodatesomeonewi thabadsmel lmor e
especi
all
ywhent heyareusi
ngy ou.Bye-
bye,itwasnicewhi l
eitl
asted.

Me:
"Umm chomi
,l
etmegoandgetr
eady
"

Busi
:"You'
recr
yingNomal
angawhat
'swr
ong?
"

Me:
"Not
hingbutt
ear
sofj
oy.I
'
m happy
"

Busi:"
Ohhdon'
ttr
y,Thokol
ovesy
ou"mor
etear
scameoutasBusi
sai
d
thosewords

Me:
"umm.Letmegoandgetr
eady
"Isni
ff
ed

Busi
:"I
'
llbewai
ti
ngf ort
hepi
ctur
es.Don'
tfor
gett
otagmeandaddt
he
shar
ebuttonsothatwecanshar
e"

Me:
"Iwi
l
l.
"

OZZI
E.

Iwasbusyspr ayingai rfr

eshenerinmyr oom.Idon'twantLilit
hatobargei
n
hereandsmel lherhusband' sperf
ume.She' sdramaticIdon'twanttodeal
wit
hherat ti
tudesel f
.Unpackingmycl ot
heswashar d,Ishouldn'
thave
packeditinthefirstplace.I
'm gl
adt hatPhil
abeli
evedme.Fr om the
mill
ions,
hement ionedt hat'
smyt ickettotheri
chwor l
d!

"
Aunty
,sisOzzie"i
twasowet
huknocki
ngonmydoor
.Youcannotmi
ssher
v
oicei
tissotiny
Me:"
Comeinbabygirl
"Thedoorwasunl
ocked.She'
snott
ooshor
t,she
canr
eacht
hedoorknob

Owethu:"
LookwhatIboughty
ou,
promi
set
onott
ell
asi
ngl
esoul
thatI
boughty
ouapresent"

Me:
"Ipr
omi
se,
thanky
oul
ala,
I'
ll
openi
tlat
er"

Owethu:"Idonotmind,
asl
ongasy
ouopeni
t.Ohhbef
oreIf
orgetaunt
y
Li
l
ithaiscall
ingyou"

Me:
"OhhI
'
m comi
ng"

Owet
hu:
"Wasdadher
e?You'
reev
ensmel
l
inghi
scol
ogne"

Me:
"What'
scolognemylov
e?"Thoset
hreel
i
nesont
hef
oreheadwer
eout
,
r
epr
esent
ingconfusi
on

Owet
hu:
"OhhIt
hinki
t'
sal
i
qui
dwi
thapl
easantsmel
l
"

Me:
"OhhnowIknow,
thanky
ouf
ort
eachi
ngme"

Owet
hu:
"It
'smypl
easur
e,wasdadher
e?"Sher
aisedherl
eftey
ebr
ow

Me:
"Ohhy
es,
hewasl
ooki
ngf
orhi
ssweat
er.Ihadwashedi
t"

Owet
hu:
"Okay
,comey
oudon'
twantLi
l
ithat
oshoutaty
ou"

Me:
"Letmechangemyt
-shi
rt
,babygi
rl
."

Owet
hu:
"Why
?Any
way
syou'
l
lfi
ndmedownst
air
s"

Sheshook.Herheadandwentout
,I'
m sur
eowet
husmel
l
edi
tfr
om myt
-
shi
rtt
hebestIchangeit
.

_
___
___
___
___
__
Li
l
itha:
"5mi
nut
espassedOz
zie,
whatwer
eyoudoi
ng?
"

Me:
"OhhIwasi
nthet
oil
etwhenshecal
l
edme.I
'
m sor
ry"

Li
l
itha:
"It
'sf
ine,
cany
oupl
easemakef
oodf
ort
heki
ds?
"

Me:
"Nopr
obl
em?Wher
e'sl
wet
hu?
"

Li
li
tha:
"Doyouseeherher
e?I
nherroom"Inoddedandmov
edov
ert
othe
si
nk.Shechuckl
edandpatmyshoul
der

Lil
i
tha:"
Evenift
heywakeupmef rom deadandspr
aythecolognet
hat
you'
resmell
ingal
loverIcoul
dtel
lthem t
hati
tismyhusband'
s"Thehel
l
?I
changedthet-
shi
rt
.

Me:
"Excuseme?
"

Li
l
itha:
"Whyar
eyouwear
ingmyhusband'
scol
ogne?
"

Me:
"Ohh,
Iwas.
."Ist
utt
eredandbi
temyt
ongue

Li
l
itha:
"Catgoty
ourt
ongue?Ar
eyousl
eepi
ngwi
thhi
m?"

Me:"Nonono,
cal
m down.
"Iwasshi
ver
ing,
shehadaf
ryi
ngpani
nher
hands

Li
l
itha:
"Tal
kbef
oreIki
l
lyouwi
tht
hispan"

Me: "
Remembery
ouaskedmet
ocl
eany
ourr
oom?Iacci
dent
all
ybr
okei
t.
I
'm sorr
y"

Li
lit
ha:"
Areokayinyourhead?Huh?Ormay bepover
tygoti
nsi
deyour
brai
ns?Dammi tThandazil
enx"shethr
owthepanInsi
dethesi
nkand
st
or medout.Thatwasclose,I
'm gl
adt
hatImanagedtocomeupwithal
i
e
orelseLi
li
thawouldhavekill
edme.
"
Wow,
you'
reagr
eatl
i
arbr
okki
e"hecl
appedhi
shands.Hescar
edme

Me:
"I'
m notpr
oudofwhatIj
ustdi
d"

Don:"
Whatar
eyoucooking?Let
'scookt
oget
her
"hecamet
owar
dsand
hol
dmywaist
,Ipushedhim.

Me:
"Noar
eyoucr
azy
?Goandconsol
eyourwi
fe"

Don:
"Isshecr
ying?
"

Me:
"Nobutshe'
sangr
y"

Don:
"She'
l
lbef
ine.Letmet
eachy
ou"

Me:
"Iknowhowt
ocookDon,
andl
eav
emeal
one"

Don:
"Ify
ousayso.Letmesi
tdownandwat
chy
ou"

Me:Ir
aisedmymiddl
efingerathi
m.Looksl
ikeI
'
m get
ti
ngt
oocomf
ort
abl
e
ar
oundhim,andi
tisdon'
tgoingtoendwel
l.

Don:
"Sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
ocook?
"

Me:
"Yourass"Iqui
ckl
ycl
osedmymout
h.Il
ookedathi
m andf
oundhi
m
smi
rki
ng

Don:"
Am Imaki
ngy
oushy
?"Ideci
dedt
opul
lmy
sel
ftoget
herbef
oreLi
l
itha
seesus

Me:"No,andexcusemeI'
dli
ketocooki
npeace.Idon'
tthi
nkLi
l
ithawoul
d
appr
eciat
eseeingyouey
einganot
hergi
rl
"

Don:
"I'
m not
,you'
ret
hemot
herofmychi
l
d"

"
What
?".
..
TOBECONTI
NUED

PLEASE,
LIKE,
SHAREANDCOMMENT

THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER12

OZZI
E.

Li
l
itha:
"What
?Phi
l
ani
?"Shet
urnedandl
ookedatDonwhowassmi
rki
ng

Phi
l
ani
:"Whathav
eyouhear
d?"

Li
li
tha:"Soshe'
snotjustamai dbutyourbabymama?Howcouldy oudo
mel i
kethis,
Ozzie?Iwelcomedy oui
nmyhouseandi st
hishowy ourepay
me? "Iqui
cklyt
urnedandf ocusonfi
l
lingthepanwi
thwatersot
hatIcan
cookpap

Lil
i
tha:"
Fucky oudon,howcanyoul
ookatherbodyandli
ckyourl
ips?What
tur
nsyouon, onherbody?Youdon'
tknowme.NoClearyyouhavenever
heardofLi
li
tha"sherunsout
.

Me:
"I'
m scar
ed,
whyar
eyour
elaxed"Ihi
thi
shands

Don:"Comeshewon'
tdoany
thi
ngt
oyou.I
twasboundt
ocomeout
event
uall
y"
Me:
"Butnotl
i
ket
hisDon.Youcoul
dhav
esatdownwi
thherandexpl
ain"

Don:
"Iguessi
t'
stool
ate.Doy
ouwanthert
ofi
ndy
oust
andi
ngt
her
e?"

Me:"
Irat
hergoandsleepint
hestr
eetothert
hanbeingbeat
enforsl
eepi
ng
wi
thamar r
iedman"Ithr
owthepanandwentt ost
andbythedoor,j
ustf
or
i
ncaseshet r
iest
obeatmeorworsekil
lme.

Don:
"Br
okki
e,y
ouar
eacowar
d."Hel
aughed.

Me:"I
'
m shaki
ngDon,
pleasegoandcheckwhatshe'
sdoi
ng"Isni
ff
ed,
I
don'
thav
ehandswhenitcomestofi
ghti
ng.I
'
m acoward

Don:
"Shewon'
tdoany
thi
ngt
oyou.Ipr
omi
se"

Befor
eIcoul
danswer
.Mybagswer
ethr
ownonmyf
acef
oll
owedbyt
he
shoes.

Lil
it
ha:"Fokkofoutofmyhouse.Makesurethatwedon'tmeet
.Makesur
e
thatourpathsdoesn'
tmeetbecauseIswearI'
ll
kil
lyou"

Don:"
NoLi
li
tha.Iunder
standhowhur
tyouarebutdon'
tfor
getshe'
s
car
ryi
ngmychil
d"hewassocal m,
busyrubbi
nghisbear
d

Lil
i
tha:
"Si
ncewhendoy
oucar
eabouty
ourchi
l
dren?Toy
ou,
it'
sabout
fameandpower"

Don:
"I'
l
lnotr
epeatmy
sel
f,woman.Br
okki
ecomeher
e"

Li
li
tha:
"Yougott
obeki
ddi
ngme.You'
reev
encal
l
inghersweet
hear
t?I
n
fr
ontofme?"

Don:
"It
'ssl
i
ppedoutofmymout
h.I
'
m sor
ry"
Lil
i
tha:"Youain'tgr
ateful
Don, howcany ougoandsl eepwit
hanother
womanwhi l
engi khona?Wher edoIlack?Yes,Iunderst
andthatwomen
can'tl
i
vewi t
houtdicksbutdon' tyouthi
nkthati
tisthesamewi t
hyou?I
agreeIlovedicks.worseyours,I'
m sorr
yOzziebutI'
m notgoi
nganywher
e
thi
sman' sgamei sonanot herlevel
!"

Don:
"Weheary
ou,
Justdon'
tki
ckherout
"

Li
li
tha:"
DonIlov
ey ou,whydon'
ty ouseeithuh?Icangiv
eyoumor eki
ds.
Justdon'
tal
l
owheri nourhome, she'
sly
ing.Iti
snotyourpr
egnancy"f
ora
momentmyhear tstoppedbeat
ing.Il
ookedatherwithshockwri
tteni
nmy
eyes.

Don:
"Doy
ouhav
epr
oof
?"

Lil
it
ha:"Youknowwhat.Justdowhateveryouthi
nkit
'sgoodf oryourl
i
fe.
wenawi thyourst
ocksweetshape,I
'
llgety
ou.That'
sapr omise"she
cli
ckedhertongueandwentinsi
dethehouse.Iwasstandingatthegate,I
wasscar edofbei
nghurt
.Justaft
ershewentinsi
dethehouseIqui ckl
yran
toDon'sarms.

Don:
"I'
m sor
rydon'
tcr
y.IswearI
'
llf
ixi
t,myl
ove"

Me:
"Iwassoscar
ed,
Don.Ipr
omi
sei
tisy
ourchi
l
d"

Don:
"Iknow,
don'
tcr
y.Li
l
ithai
sjustadogt
hatbar
kwi
thoutact
ion"

Me:"I
'
m nother
etobreaky
ourmar r
iage.Idon'
tknowwherey
ouguy smet
,I
wasn'
tther
ewhenyougetmarr
ied.Idon'twanttobeahomewrecker
"

Don:
"I'
m her
ebabe.Don'
tcr
y"hecont
inuedr
ubbi
ngmyback.

I
NSI
DEDONANDLI
LITHA'
SBEDROOM.
Lil
it
ha:
"EversinceIhavemetphi
l
aniatthehot
elIhav
eneverseenhi
mli
ke
that
.Fr
iend,heonlytouchedmethedayhepuni
shedme"

Nonhle:
"Feel
ingsor
ryf
ory
our
sel
fwon'
thel
pyou,
Lil
i
,doany
thi
ngt
osav
e
yourmarri
age"

Li
l
itha:
"Thi
sti
mei
t'
sov
ermyf
ri
end.Ij
usthat
ethatIcan'
tfal
lpr
egnant
."

Nonhl
e:"
Sendthepict
ureofy ourpr
egnancytestI'
l
ltr
ysomethingfory
ou.
No,wai
tyouknowwhatt hatbit
chshouldn'
tstandinyourwayofhappi
ness.
I
t'
ssoeasymyl ov
e,ki
llt
hechi l
d"Li
li
thashookherhead.

Li
li
tha:
"Donwil
lki
ll
meifhefoundout.Ij
ustwantt
omakeherdi
sappear
i
ntothi
nair
.She'
sathr
eatt
omymar r
iage"

Nonhl
e:"
Youknowwhat
?Youneedaf
ull
bodymassagej
ustt
otensey
ou
up.
"

Li
l
itha:
"May
beIneedt
oupmysexgame.Imeani
t'
sbeenawhi
l
esi
ncewe
pl
ayed"

Nonhl
e:"
Yes,
thi
sti
mey
ou'
repl
ayi
ngdet
ect
ive"

Li
l
itha:
"Thanky
ounonhl
eIneededt
his.
"

Nonhl
e:"
Youneedt
oupdat
enewpi
ctur
esonI
nst
agr
am babes.I
t'
sbeena
whi
le"

Li
l
itha:
"Ihav
etakenaf
ewpi
ctur
esatt
hemal
ltoday
."

Nonhl
e:"
Whatwer
eyouwear
ing?Youhav
etomaket
hem cr
azy
"

Li
l
itha:
"Loui
sVui
tt
ondr
essandDi
orhandbag.
"

Nonhl
e:"
Fir
stsendthephot
osf
orr
efer
encet
henI
'
lll
ety
ouknowi
fthey
'r
e
goodt
obepost ed.
"

Me:
"Gr
eat
,letmesnapt
hepr
egnancyt
est
"
Shewonder
edwhyshecoul dn'
tfal
lpr
egnant.Mostofherfri
endshave
chi
ldr
en,
shewipedhertear
sandcaptureapi ct
urethatshepr
omised
nonhl
ewhattodo.Bef
oreshecouldhidethepregnancyDoncamei n.

Don:
"Li
l
itha?Ar
eyouati
tagai
n?"

Li
l
itha:
"HeyDon?I
sitbecauseI
'
m Bur
ren?
"

Don:
"Noy
ou'
renotBur
ren,
Iwasdr
unk"

Li
li
tha:"
Again.Don,
I'
mti
redofy
ourexcuses.Ideal
twi
thNokut
hul
aand
nowt hi
s?"

Don:
"I'
m sor
ry"

Li
lit
ha:"WhatdidIdotoy
ou?Iobeyy
ou,Isat
isfyy
ouwhenitcomestobed.
Itakeallt
heabuseandallt
her
oughsex.WheredoIl
ack?Howcert
ainl
y
surethati
tisyourchi
l
d"

Don:"
Icanf
il
liti
nmyv eins.She/
he'smychi
ldLi
l
itha.Youneedt
otr
eat
Ozzi
ewithr
espect.I
fyoulovemey ou'
l
ldoit
"

Li
li
tha:
"Sembi
.Hect
ic!
"Shecr
awl
edt
othebedandcov
erher
sel
fwi
tha
shawl

Don:
"Ipr
omi
seLi
l
ithai
twasaoneni
ghtst
and.Not
hingbi
g"

Li
l
itha:
"Iti
sbi
gDon.Youl
oveher
"

Don:
"No,
you'
remywi
fe"

Li
l
itha:
"Youl
oveher
.Whyar
eyoudeny
ingt
het
rut
h?"

Don:
"BecauseIdon'
tl
oveher
"

Lil
it
ha: "
Ohhdoy oudr
eam aboutpeopley
oudon' tlov
e?Donyoufucken
saidIloveyou,
Ozzie,
iny
oursleeplastni
ght.Doy ouknowthepai
nthatI'
m
feel
inginmyhear t
?Canyouimaginetheheartbr
eak"
Don:
"What
?Ihav
enev
ersl
eept
alkbef
ore"

Li
l
itha:
"Excuseme.
"Shecov
ersherheadandcr
iedsi
l
ent
ly!

OZZI
E.

Iwaspaci
ngupandintheki
tchen.IhadaskedDontogoandmendt hi
ngs
wit
hhiswi
fe.IknowI
'
m heretobreakthei
rmarri
agebutLi
l
ithaseemsto
l
oveDonverymuch.

Me:"I
ssheokay
?"Ii
mmedi
atel
yaskedasIsawhi
m appear
ingf
rom t
he
cor
ri
dor

Don:
"Yes.She'
l
lbef
ine.Doy
ouwantsomet
hingt
oeat
?"

Me:
"No,
I'
m okay
."

Don:"I
..
.Il
oveyoupreci
ous"haveyoueverfel
tli
ketheworl
dstopped
revol
vi
ng?Well
,thatwasme,Ifel
tli
kef
aint
ing.Ever
ythi
ngst
oppedmov i
ng
foramomentitwaslikeapausedmovi
e.

Me:"Fixyourt
hingwi
thyourwi
fe.I
'
m nother
eforr
elat
ionshi
ps"Iexcused
myselfandwenttocook.

DON.

Me:"Br
o,shet
hrewabombonmyf
ace.Shedecl
i
nedmyl
ovel
i
keaCapi
tec
car
d."

Vusi
:"Chi
l
lDon.Don'
tgi
veup"
Me:
"Iwon'
t,
I'
mjustwor
ri
edaboutLi
l
itha.
"

Vusi
:"Makot
i?Whati
fshedoessomet
hingt
ohur
tOzzi
e?Imeany
ounev
er
knowwithLi
li
tha"

Me:
"IguessI
'
llhav
etopr
otecther
"

Vusi
:"I
'm goi
ngt
opopabot tl
eofchampi
ons.Fi
nal
mybr
otheri
sinl
ove!
Dad.Youneedtoheart
his"heshout
ed

Me:
"Don'
ttel
ldad.Pl
ease"

Dad:"RememberwhenIaskedyout ohelpmewiththecarandyousai
d
nyoo(no)well
todayi
tismytur
n."helaughedanddroppedthecal
l
.I
chuckledandcall
edt
woguardstogot opreci
oushomet ownandguar
dher
famil
y.

NOMALANGA.

Thenextday
.

Ihav
eneverr
ecover
edfrom whatThokodi
dtomey
est
erday
,Iswearwhat
hedidt
omecan'tbeundidn'
t.

Mom:
"Nomal
anga,
comeher
emychi
l
d"

Me:
"MamaI
'
m busyher
e"

Mom:
"Iwanty
out
ogot
omam Sar
ahandt
ell
hert
hatIsai
dokay
."

Me:
"Mom,hav
eyouseent
heweat
herout
side?Andbesi
dest
hat
,I'
m noti
n
t
hemood"
Mom:
"You'
reachi
l
dher
eint
hishouse.Youneedt
oobeymyr
ules"

Nomalanga:"
Sowhat?Shoul
dIgoandhangmy
sel
fjustbecausey
ou'
ret
he
ownerofthi
shousehol
d?"

Mom:
"Nomal
anga?Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?"

Me:"
youhear
dme"Ist
oodupandwentt
onumbmybr
okenhur
tundert
he
t
ree.

I
tmeansthatmyf ri
endshavebeenpret
endi
ngallal
ong, Imeanwhydi dn'
t
t
heytel
lmethatIsmel l
bad?EventhewomanI '
m st
ay i
ngwi t
h.Sheclaims
t
obemymot herbutshedoesn'
ttel
lmemywr ongdoings.Idelet
edthe
messaget
hatThokosentbef or
eBusiseesi
t.Idon'
twanthert olaugh!

TOBECONTI
NUED

PLEASELI
KE,
SHAREANDCOMMENT
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER12

OZZI
E.

Li
l
itha:
"What
?Phi
l
ani
?"Shet
urnedandl
ookedatDonwhowassmi
rki
ng

Phi
l
ani
:"Whathav
eyouhear
d?"

Li
li
tha:"Soshe'
snotjustamai dbutyourbabymama?Howcouldy oudo
mel i
kethis,
Ozzie?Iwelcomedy oui
nmyhouseandi st
hishowy ourepay
me? "Iqui
cklyt
urnedandf ocusonfi
l
lingthepanwi
thwatersot
hatIcan
cookpap

Lil
i
tha:"
Fucky oudon,howcanyoul
ookatherbodyandli
ckyourl
ips?What
tur
nsyouon, onherbody?Youdon'
tknowme.NoClearyyouhavenever
heardofLi
li
tha"sherunsout
.

Me:
"I'
m scar
ed,
whyar
eyour
elaxed"Ihi
thi
shands

Don:"Comeshewon'
tdoany
thi
ngt
oyou.I
twasboundt
ocomeout
event
uall
y"

Me:
"Butnotl
i
ket
hisDon.Youcoul
dhav
esatdownwi
thherandexpl
ain"
Don:
"Iguessi
t'
stool
ate.Doy
ouwanthert
ofi
ndy
oust
andi
ngt
her
e?"

Me:"
Irat
hergoandsleepint
hestr
eetothert
hanbeingbeat
enforsl
eepi
ng
wi
thamar r
iedman"Ithr
owthepanandwentt ost
andbythedoor,j
ustf
or
i
ncaseshet r
iest
obeatmeorworsekil
lme.

Don:
"Br
okki
e,y
ouar
eacowar
d."Hel
aughed.

Me:"I
'
m shaki
ngDon,
pleasegoandcheckwhatshe'
sdoi
ng"Isni
ff
ed,
I
don'
thav
ehandswhenitcomestofi
ghti
ng.I
'
m acoward

Don:
"Shewon'
tdoany
thi
ngt
oyou.Ipr
omi
se"

Befor
eIcoul
danswer
.Mybagswer
ethr
ownonmyf
acef
oll
owedbyt
he
shoes.

Lil
it
ha:"Fokkofoutofmyhouse.Makesurethatwedon'tmeet
.Makesur
e
thatourpathsdoesn'
tmeetbecauseIswearI'
ll
kil
lyou"

Don:"
NoLi
li
tha.Iunder
standhowhur
tyouarebutdon'
tfor
getshe'
s
car
ryi
ngmychil
d"hewassocal m,
busyrubbi
nghisbear
d

Lil
i
tha:
"Si
ncewhendoy
oucar
eabouty
ourchi
l
dren?Toy
ou,
it'
sabout
fameandpower"

Don:
"I'
l
lnotr
epeatmy
sel
f,woman.Br
okki
ecomeher
e"

Li
li
tha:
"Yougott
obeki
ddi
ngme.You'
reev
encal
l
inghersweet
hear
t?I
n
fr
ontofme?"

Don:
"It
'ssl
i
ppedoutofmymout
h.I
'
m sor
ry"

Li
l
itha:
"Youain'
tgr
ateful
Don,
howcanyougoandsleepwit
hanother
womanwhi l
engikhona?Wher
edoIl
ack?Yes,
Iunderst
andthatwomen
can'tl
i
vewi t
houtdicksbutdon'
tyouthi
nkt
hatiti
sthesamewithyou?I
agreeIlovedicks.wor
seyours,
I'
m sorr
yOzzi
ebutI'
m notgoi
nganywher
e
thi
sman' sgamei sonanotherl
evel
!"

Don:
"Weheary
ou,
Justdon'
tki
ckherout
"

Li
li
tha:"
DonIlov
ey ou,whydon'
ty ouseeithuh?Icangiv
eyoumor eki
ds.
Justdon'
tal
l
owheri nourhome, she'
sly
ing.Iti
snotyourpr
egnancy"f
ora
momentmyhear tstoppedbeat
ing.Il
ookedatherwithshockwri
tteni
nmy
eyes.

Don:
"Doy
ouhav
epr
oof
?"

Lil
it
ha:"Youknowwhat.Justdowhateveryouthi
nkit
'sgoodf oryourl
i
fe.
wenawi thyourst
ocksweetshape,I
'
llgety
ou.That'
sapr omise"she
cli
ckedhertongueandwentinsi
dethehouse.Iwasstandingatthegate,I
wasscar edofbei
nghurt
.Justaft
ershewentinsi
dethehouseIqui ckl
yran
toDon'sarms.

Don:
"I'
m sor
rydon'
tcr
y.IswearI
'
llf
ixi
t,myl
ove"

Me:
"Iwassoscar
ed,
Don.Ipr
omi
sei
tisy
ourchi
l
d"

Don:
"Iknow,
don'
tcr
y.Li
l
ithai
sjustadogt
hatbar
kwi
thoutact
ion"

Me:"I
'
m nother
etobreaky
ourmar r
iage.Idon'
tknowwherey
ouguy smet
,I
wasn'
tther
ewhenyougetmarr
ied.Idon'twanttobeahomewrecker
"

Don:
"I'
m her
ebabe.Don'
tcr
y"hecont
inuedr
ubbi
ngmyback.

I
NSI
DEDONANDLI
LITHA'
SBEDROOM.

Li
l
itha:
"Ev
ersi
nceIhav
emetphi
l
ani
att
hehot
elIhav
enev
erseenhi
mli
ke
t
hat
.Fr
iend,
heonl
ytouchedmet
hedayhepuni
shedme"

Nonhle:
"Feel
ingsor
ryf
ory
our
sel
fwon'
thel
pyou,
Lil
i
,doany
thi
ngt
osav
e
yourmarri
age"

Li
l
itha:
"Thi
sti
mei
t'
sov
ermyf
ri
end.Ij
usthat
ethatIcan'
tfal
lpr
egnant
."

Nonhl
e:"
Sendthepict
ureofy ourpr
egnancytestI'
l
ltr
ysomethingfory
ou.
No,wai
tyouknowwhatt hatbit
chshouldn'
tstandinyourwayofhappi
ness.
I
t'
ssoeasymyl ov
e,ki
llt
hechi l
d"Li
li
thashookherhead.

Li
li
tha:
"Donwil
lki
ll
meifhefoundout.Ij
ustwantt
omakeherdi
sappear
i
ntothi
nair
.She'
sathr
eatt
omymar r
iage"

Nonhl
e:"
Youknowwhat
?Youneedaf
ull
bodymassagej
ustt
otensey
ou
up.
"

Li
l
itha:
"May
beIneedt
oupmysexgame.Imeani
t'
sbeenawhi
l
esi
ncewe
pl
ayed"

Nonhl
e:"
Yes,
thi
sti
mey
ou'
repl
ayi
ngdet
ect
ive"

Li
l
itha:
"Thanky
ounonhl
eIneededt
his.
"

Nonhl
e:"
Youneedt
oupdat
enewpi
ctur
esonI
nst
agr
am babes.I
t'
sbeena
whi
le"

Li
l
itha:
"Ihav
etakenaf
ewpi
ctur
esatt
hemal
ltoday
."

Nonhl
e:"
Whatwer
eyouwear
ing?Youhav
etomaket
hem cr
azy
"

Li
l
itha:
"Loui
sVui
tt
ondr
essandDi
orhandbag.
"

Nonhl
e:"
Fir
stsendthephot
osf
orr
efer
encet
henI
'
lll
ety
ouknowi
fthey
'r
e
goodt
obepost ed.
"

Me:
"Gr
eat
,letmesnapt
hepr
egnancyt
est
"
Shewonder
edwhyshecoul dn'
tfal
lpr
egnant.Mostofherfri
endshave
chi
ldr
en,
shewipedhertear
sandcaptureapi ct
urethatshepr
omised
nonhl
ewhattodo.Bef
oreshecouldhidethepregnancyDoncamei n.

Don:
"Li
l
itha?Ar
eyouati
tagai
n?"

Li
l
itha:
"HeyDon?I
sitbecauseI
'
m Bur
ren?
"

Don:
"Noy
ou'
renotBur
ren,
Iwasdr
unk"

Li
li
tha:"
Again.Don,
I'
mti
redofy
ourexcuses.Ideal
twi
thNokut
hul
aand
nowt hi
s?"

Don:
"I'
m sor
ry"

Li
lit
ha:"WhatdidIdotoy
ou?Iobeyy
ou,Isat
isfyy
ouwhenitcomestobed.
Itakeallt
heabuseandallt
her
oughsex.WheredoIl
ack?Howcert
ainl
y
surethati
tisyourchi
l
d"

Don:"
Icanf
il
liti
nmyv eins.She/
he'smychi
ldLi
l
itha.Youneedt
otr
eat
Ozzi
ewithr
espect.I
fyoulovemey ou'
l
ldoit
"

Li
li
tha:
"Sembi
.Hect
ic!
"Shecr
awl
edt
othebedandcov
erher
sel
fwi
tha
shawl

Don:
"Ipr
omi
seLi
l
ithai
twasaoneni
ghtst
and.Not
hingbi
g"

Li
l
itha:
"Iti
sbi
gDon.Youl
oveher
"

Don:
"No,
you'
remywi
fe"

Li
l
itha:
"Youl
oveher
.Whyar
eyoudeny
ingt
het
rut
h?"

Don:
"BecauseIdon'
tl
oveher
"

Lil
it
ha: "
Ohhdoy oudr
eam aboutpeopley
oudon' tlov
e?Donyoufucken
saidIloveyou,
Ozzie,
iny
oursleeplastni
ght.Doy ouknowthepai
nthatI'
m
feel
inginmyhear t
?Canyouimaginetheheartbr
eak"
Don:
"What
?Ihav
enev
ersl
eept
alkbef
ore"

Li
l
itha:
"Excuseme.
"Shecov
ersherheadandcr
iedsi
l
ent
ly!

OZZI
E.

Iwaspaci
ngupandintheki
tchen.IhadaskedDontogoandmendt hi
ngs
wit
hhiswi
fe.IknowI
'
m heretobreakthei
rmarri
agebutLi
l
ithaseemsto
l
oveDonverymuch.

Me:"I
ssheokay
?"Ii
mmedi
atel
yaskedasIsawhi
m appear
ingf
rom t
he
cor
ri
dor

Don:
"Yes.She'
l
lbef
ine.Doy
ouwantsomet
hingt
oeat
?"

Me:
"No,
I'
m okay
."

Don:"I
..
.Il
oveyoupreci
ous"haveyoueverfel
tli
ketheworl
dstopped
revol
vi
ng?Well
,thatwasme,Ifel
tli
kef
aint
ing.Ever
ythi
ngst
oppedmov i
ng
foramomentitwaslikeapausedmovi
e.

Me:"Fixyourt
hingwi
thyourwi
fe.I
'
m nother
eforr
elat
ionshi
ps"Iexcused
myselfandwenttocook.

DON.

Me:"Br
o,shet
hrewabombonmyf
ace.Shedecl
i
nedmyl
ovel
i
keaCapi
tec
car
d."

Vusi
:"Chi
l
lDon.Don'
tgi
veup"
Me:
"Iwon'
t,
I'
mjustwor
ri
edaboutLi
l
itha.
"

Vusi
:"Makot
i?Whati
fshedoessomet
hingt
ohur
tOzzi
e?Imeany
ounev
er
knowwithLi
li
tha"

Me:
"IguessI
'
llhav
etopr
otecther
"

Vusi
:"I
'm goi
ngt
opopabot tl
eofchampi
ons.Fi
nal
mybr
otheri
sinl
ove!
Dad.Youneedtoheart
his"heshout
ed

Me:
"Don'
ttel
ldad.Pl
ease"

Dad:"RememberwhenIaskedyout ohelpmewiththecarandyousai
d
nyoo(no)well
todayi
tismytur
n."helaughedanddroppedthecal
l
.I
chuckledandcall
edt
woguardstogot opreci
oushomet ownandguar
dher
famil
y.

NOMALANGA.

Thenextday
.

Ihav
eneverr
ecover
edfrom whatThokodi
dtomey
est
erday
,Iswearwhat
hedidt
omecan'tbeundidn'
t.

Mom:
"Nomal
anga,
comeher
emychi
l
d"

Me:
"MamaI
'
m busyher
e"

Mom:
"Iwanty
out
ogot
omam Sar
ahandt
ell
hert
hatIsai
dokay
."

Me:
"Mom,hav
eyouseent
heweat
herout
side?Andbesi
dest
hat
,I'
m noti
n
t
hemood"
Mom:
"You'
reachi
l
dher
eint
hishouse.Youneedt
oobeymyr
ules"

Nomalanga:"
Sowhat?Shoul
dIgoandhangmy
sel
fjustbecausey
ou'
ret
he
ownerofthi
shousehol
d?"

Mom:
"Nomal
anga?Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?"

Me:"
youhear
dme"Ist
oodupandwentt
onumbmybr
okenhur
tundert
he
t
ree.

I
tmeansthatmyf ri
endshavebeenpret
endi
ngallal
ong, Imeanwhydi dn'
t
t
heytel
lmethatIsmel l
bad?EventhewomanI '
m st
ay i
ngwi t
h.Sheclaims
t
obemymot herbutshedoesn'
ttel
lmemywr ongdoings.Idelet
edthe
messaget
hatThokosentbef or
eBusiseesi
t.Idon'
twanthert olaugh!

TOBECONTI
NUED

PLEASELI
KE,
SHAREANDCOMMENT
THANDAZI
LE.

CHAPTER13

OZZI
E.

TWOWEEKSLATER.

RememberIwasgoi ngtost ayforaweekatDon' shouse?Wer et urned

homeonSunday ,Lili
thawassohappyshecoul dn'
tev enhideher
excitement .Idon'tbl ameherIwasat hreattohermar ri
age.Ihav en'tt
old
Nokut hulaaboutwhathappenedt heot herday ,Idon' twanthert ohat eme
forlastingov erherman, Ihatetosayt hisbutDoni shot .He'sso
handsomebutasi kholapho, I
'm notheref orrelati
onshi psbutt ohust l
efor
my selfandt hebaby .Ihaven'tseenhim si nceSunday .I'
m notset tl
edwi th
hisdisappear ance, Iam tempt edtocal lhim butIdon' twanttoseem l ikea
naggi ngbabymama.Ihav etogetupbef oreNokut hul abargei nher eand
remindmeaboutheri mpor t
antguest.Janeherf ri
endi scomi ngf ora
sleepov er.Isighedandr ol
ledoutoft hebed.Theur get ocheckmyphone
camei ntomymi nd.Thewasnomessageormi ssedcal lfr
om Don, I
scoffedandr eturnedi tt
ot hecharger,Iwasdi sappoi nted.Idon'tknowbutI
want edhi mt omay becal l
me, Idon'tknowwhyI '
mf eelingli
ket his.
DON.

Me:
"Babewhyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
oyour
sel
f?"

Li
li
tha:
"Whycan'tIfal
lpregnantPhil
ani?It
'sbeen3year
str
yingforababy
butnot
hingseemst owor k.Evensur
rogacyfail
ed.I
sGodpunishi
ngme? "
Shepushedthepregnancyt estt
othefloorandcri
ed.

Me: "
No, mylove.Godisnotpunishingyouoranyone.Whentheti
mei s
ri
ghtyou'l
lfal
lpregnant
,don'
tpatronizeyour
sel
faboutit
.Ozzi
efal
ling
pregnantwasami st
ake,I
'
mt r
yingtof i
xthemessthatIhavecr
eated"

Li
l
itha:
"HowPhi
l
ani
?Tel
lmehow?Becausey
oul
oveher
"

Me:"Idon'
tl
oveOzzi
e,I
'
m say
ingt
hisf
ort
hesecondt
ime.Whathappened
bet
weenmeandOzzi ewasamist
ake"

Li
l
itha:
"Wai
t,nowai
tamoment
"shest
oodupandt
ookherphone.

Li
li
tha:
"Thabo?Cany oupl
easehackt
hesecur
it
yfoot
ageoft
hemoonl
i
ght
cl
ub?"Sheli
stenedandsai
dokay.

"
Whenwast
hedayshecl
aimst
haty
ousl
eptt
oget
her
?"

Me:
"Isi
hogo?Hay
iLi
l
itha"

•
Thehel
l
?NoLi
l
itha

Li
l
itha:
"Fi
ne,
I'
ll
findi
tonmyown"

Me:
"Sui
tey
our
sel
f.
"

No,
it'
sti
meIt
akef
ull
cont
rol
oft
hismat
ter
.Ihav
ebeenr
elaxedsi
nce
Ozzi
ecamei
ntot hepi
ctur
e.It
'st
imeIputst
optoall
ofthis,
Icannotaf
for
d
tol
osemywif
ef orsomemar egir
lwhodoesn'
tgi
veashitaboutme.I'
m
DonIhav
eneverbeggedbefore!

Me:"Danki
e,Necesi
toquesi
gasmi
smov
imi
ent
osdel
28dej
uli
oal
1de
agost
o."

•Danki
e,Ineedy
out
otr
ackmymov
esf
rom t
he28Jul
yandt
he1stof
August.

Idroppedthecall
.Danki
eistheunder
boss,
I'
mtheonewhogi
veshi
m go
ahead.I'
mt heonewho'srul
i
nghim.

Ifi
rst
lyhavetogot ot hewarehouse.I'
m surebyt hetimeI 'l
lgetbackhere
Dankiewill
havetheanswer sthatIneed.Iwentt omycl osetandchange
i
ntoasweat erandpl ainwhit
et-shi
rtandsneaker s.Ther earetwostyl
es
thatamemberofMaf iahav
et owear:shir
tandt i
e, orbut t
on-downknit
shir
tsandsweatersf orwheny ouwer eintheclubint heday ti
me.You
alwayshadt owearshoes–notsneaker s,we’dnev erhear dofthem.Sure,
youcouldbecrazy,buty ouhadt odressproperly
.Asf orme, IwearwhatI
want,I'
m notobl
igatedt oweartheruledother
s.

Thedri
vetothewar
ehousewasnott
hatl
ong,
Iimmedi
atel
ywentt
omy
off
iceandt
ookful
lcont
rol
.

OZZI
E.

Nokut
hul
a:"
Ozzi
eyouhav
en'
ttol
dmet
hef
ull
det
ail
s,comeonespi
l
lthe
t
ea"sheopenedt
heputandst
ir
redt
hechi
ckenst
ew

Me:
"Not
hingi
nter
est
inghappened,
butshef
oundedoutt
hatI
'
m pr
egnant
"

Nokut
hul
a:"
Howdi
dsher
eact
?"

Me:
"Shewassoangr
y,sheev
ent
hrewmyl
uggagebutDonbeggedmeher
t
onotki
ckmeout"

Nokuthul
a:"Whywoul
dDonbegher
?Imeant
heDont
hatIknowdoesn'
t
beg,hedoesn'
tgi
veafuck"

Me:
"I.
.udon'
tknowmay
bebecausei
twasl
ate"

Nokut
hul
a:"
Okay
,cany
oupl
easegr
atet
hecar
rot
sforme.I
'
dlov
ethat
"

Me:
"Nopr
obl
em"

Nokut
hul
a:"
SoI'
m goi
ngt
ocomeupwithanexcuse,
may
besay
sthat
t
here'
sanemer
gencymom i
ssi
ckbackathome"

Me:
"Ohh?
"Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
ow.

Nokut
hul
a: "
You'r
easl owlear
ner
.Donwi
l
lhav
etot
aket
heki
dsandst
ay
wi
ththem unti
lIgetback"

Me:
"Okay
,iti
sagr
eatpl
an"

Nokuthul
a:"
Ineedyout
okisshim,
I'
ll
tryt
ogetyouasmart
phonesothat
youcangooglehowtoseduceaman.Youneedtowat
chpornandl
earn
f
rom ther
e"

Me:
"Am Igoi
ngt
osl
eepwi
thhi
m?"

Nokut
hul
a:"Hel
lno,whatofcour
senot.Buty
oucandr
ughi
mtakesex
y
pi
ctur
eswit
hhim andsendthem t
oLil
i
tha"

Me:
"Ohhokay
."
Grat
ingcarr
otswasnotmuchofawor ksi
nceNokuthulawastheone
deal
ingwit
hpots.Shewasmost l
yfoll
owingallt
heinstr
uct
ionsonYouTube.
Shewasmaki ngchi
ckenstew,
meat bal
ls,andmacaroni
.Ican'
twai
ttosee
themight
yfri
end.Iwantt
oseehowshebehav es.

Befor
eIcouldwashthecarrot
sIheardmyphoneringi
ng,
Iqui
ckl
ydriedmy
handsandruntowhereitwaschargi
ng.Idi
dn'
tcheckwhowascall
i
ngme
si
nceIdidn'
twantt
omi ssthecal
l.

Me:"
Hell
o"Ibreat
hedout
,runni
ngar
oundpr
egnanti
ssomet
hingt
hatI
mustnotgetusedto.

Don:"Hi"hecl
ear
edhi st
hroat
.Hi
sv oi
cewasf
rui
tyandy
etdeadshowi
ng
nofeeli
ngoremotion.Wit
habitofhusky
.

Me:
"Umm HowcanIhel
pyou?
"

Don:
"Weneedt
otal
k.Getout
"

Me:
"But
,Nokut
hul
awi
l
lnotal
l
owme"Iwasconf
used.

Don:
"Thandazi
l
ejustcomeoutbef
oreIcomeanddr
agy
oui
nthe"

Me:
"You'
ret
heonewhowant
smenott
heot
herwayar
ound,
sogeti
n"

Don:
"I'
m gi
vi
ngy
ou30seconds"

Me:"Mmm"hedr oppedt
hecal
l.Ir
eturnedt
hephonet
oit
sposi
ti
onad
wenttocont
inuewit
hwhatIwasdoing.

Nokut
hul
a:"
Whocal
l
edy
ou?
"

Me:
"Myl
i
ttl
esi
ster
,I'
m st
il
lsur
pri
sedwher
eshegotmynumber
s."
Nokut
hul
a:"
Ohh,
issheokay
?Imi
sshome"

Me:
"She'
sfi
ne,
youshoul
dgoandv
isi
tatl
eastf
oraweek"

Nokut
hula:"
I'
m goi
ngt
omor
row,
I'
ll
cal
lDonandl
ethi
m knowt
hatt
her
e's
anemergency"

Me:
"Tomor
row?
..
.I"Iwasdi
stur
bedbyt
hedoor
bel
l
.

Nokut
hul
a:"
Ithi
nkJanehasar
ri
ved"

Me:
"Okay
"

Ibreathedinandoutandmadesur
ethatnot
hingi
sembarr
assi
nginmy
face.Butthevoi
ceofDonmademer unandhidebehi
ndt
hesofa.

Nokut
hula:
"Ozzi
e,Ozzi
eyouhaveaguest"Ikeptquiet
."Ihadl
eftherher
e
i
nthekit
chenIdon'
tknowwhereshedisappearedto"

Don:
"Ar
eyousur
e?"

Nokut
hul
a:"
Iam,
may
beshewentt
othet
oil
et.Youcanwai
tforher
"

Don:
"I'
m goi
ngt
osear
chf
orher
"

Nokut
hula:
"No.Wai
tforgetaboutOzzi
e,don'
tyouwantt
ohav
eaqui
ck?
"
Shesai
dwithaseduct
ivevoice

Don:
"Fucky
ou"Ihear
dagl
assf
all
i
ngandbr
oke.

Nokut
hul
a:"
Ouch,
didy
ouhav
etopushme"

Iwasprayingt
hatheleaves,
Idon'twanttoseehim.Hesoundedangr
yon
thephone.Whatev
erhe'sangryaboutIhaveafeel
ingt
hatIam i
nvol
ved.
"
Aunt
y,whyar
eyouhi
dingher
e?"Sheaskedl
oudl
y.

Me:"
Ihavedr
oppedmyear
ri
ngbabygi
rl
"Ist
oodupaf
terIhav
ereal
i
zed
t
hathesawus.

Owet
hu:
"Mamawhyar
eyouont
hef
loor
?"

Nokut
hul
a:"
Umm.
..I
..God"

Don:
"Shewashel
pingaunt
y.Canwet
alk?
"Iswal
l
owedandnodded.

Hel
edt
hewayt
ohi
scar
,Iwasshi
ver
ingandscar
edatt
hesamet
ime.

Don:
"Why
?"Heaskedwi
thpai
ninhi
svoi
ce.

Me:
"Umm,
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"

Don:
"Whydi
dyoul
i
eabouty
ourpr
egnancy
?Wer
eyout
ryi
ngt
otr
apme?
"

Me:"What?Ofcoursenot.Whatwouldyouthinkofthat
?YouknowwhatI
don'
thaveti
met oexplai
nmyselfbeli
evewhatyouwantt obel
i
eve"Ihadt
o
actl
i
keI'
m angry,IhadputmyI'm sor
ryfaceaside.

Don:":Andi
sosi
denge,uci
ngaukubaukundi
fakel
aizi
yobi
sikuzondenza
ndi
thandanenoNokuthul
a?"

•
Im notaf
ool
,soy
out
hinki
ngdr
uggi
ngmewi
l
lmakemel
oveNokut
hul
a?"

Me:
"Wher
edi
dyougett
hat
?Andy
oudonotgett
oswearatme"

Don:
"phuma"

•
Getout
.

Me:
"No.I
'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
eunt
ilwecomet
oaconcl
usi
onwi
thal
lof
t
his"

Don:
"I'
m noti
nthemoodwoman,
youl
i
edt
ome.Why
?"

Me:"
BecauseIwasscar
ed.Thereyouhav
eit
,yesNokut
hul
athr
eat
ent
o
ki
ckmeoutofherhouseifIdon'
tdoit
"

Don:"
Andyoudi
dn'
tseether
easont
otel
lme?Justaf
terI
'
vef
all
enso
deepl
yinl
ovewi
thyou?
"

Me:
"I'
m sor
ry,
I'
m sor
ry"

Don:
"Nopr
obl
em.Vay
a"

•
Go

Me:"
Canyoupl
easef
orgi
veme,
I'
ll
disappeart
othi
nai
r.You'
l
lnev
erhear
f
rom me,
don'
tki
ll
me"

Don:
"Howdoy
ouki
l
lsomeoney
oul
ove?
"

Me:"Idon'
tknow,
shoul
dIgoogl
eitf
ory
ou?May
bey
oucangetaf
ew
hi
nts"

Don:"Ozzi
e?AsmuchasIl
ovey
ouIt
hinkweshoul
dtakedi
ff
erent
rout
ines"

Me:"
Why
?BecauseIl
i
ed?Iwaspressur
edy
oudonotknowt
hepai
nthat
wasi
nmyhear
twhenIcameher
e."

Don:
"What
everj
ustgetout
.Mywi
feneedsme"

Me:
"No,
"Isai
dwi
thoutl
aughi
ng

Don:
"You'
reshi
tt
ingonme.Getout
"

Me:"Isaidno,
ther
e'snoot
herwayI
'
mlet
ti
ngy
ougo.Youcameandy
ou'
re
notgoing"

Don:
"Thef
uck?
"
Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Don:herai
sedhisey
ebrowandbr
ief
lysmi
l
ed"
Noy
oudon'
t.Youdonot
knowthemeaningoflov
e"

Me:
"Tr
ustmeIdo.Il
ovey
ou"

Don:
"Cool
,hug?
"

Me:
"Il
ovey
oubutwecannotbet
oget
her
."

Don:"Akukhondl
elandizakukuv
umel
autyibi
l
ike,
ndi
yazi
ukubandi
dibene
nawekuphelaii
vekiezi
ntat
hukodwandi
thembeukubandiwi
l
engokunzul
u.
Ndiy
akuthandababygirl
."

•
There'
snowayI'
m goingt
oletyousl
i
paway,IknowIonl
ymetyouf
or
t
hreeweeksbutt
rustmeI'
vefal
l
endeepl
y.Il
oveyou,
babygi
rl
."

Me:
"Iheary
ou,
Letmego"

Don:
"Souy
ajol
a?"

•y
ou'
redat
ing

Me:
"You'
real
sodat
ing,
noi
nfacty
ou'
recheat
ingony
ourwi
fe"

Don:
"Doy
oubl
ameme?
uyat
shi
sa"

•You'
rehot

Me:
"Awwt
hanky
ouFakade"Il
ookedathi
m andsmi
rked.

Don:
Hebl
ushedandqui
ckl
yhi
dehi
sfacewi
thhi
shands.

Don:"
WhateverwhatNokuthul
aasksy
oudonotgi
vehert
her
ightanswer
s.
Idon'
tknowbutfi
ndalie"

Me:
"Okay
,I'
m sor
ryf
orl
yi
ng"

Don:
"Wewi
l
ltal
k,Ihav
etogo"
Me:
"Wher
e?"

Heunl
ockst
hedoor
,justasIwasaboutt
oopent
hedoorhehol
dsmyhand.

Don:
"Ther
e'snowayI
'
mlet
ti
ngy
ougowi
thoutki
ssi
ngy
ou"

THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER14

OZZI
E.

Hi
m:"Donotdoubtmylov
eforyouokay
?Iknowi
tisgoi
ngt
obeal
ongt
he
j
our
neybutpr
omi set
obealway
sbymysi de"

Me:
"Ipr
omi
se.Whataboutt
hebaby
?"Iaskedwhi
l
epl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhands

Hi
m:"
Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hat
"hesai
dhol
dingmyhands.

Me:
"letmegobef
oreNokut
hul
ast
artsuspect
ingsomet
hing"

Him:"
Wil
lyoubef
ine?FuckIhav
enev
erdonet
hisbef
ore.Shoul
dIgety
ou
f
lower
s?"

Me:
Ilaughedandsl
i
ght
lypushedhi
m"No,
andbesi
desIdon'
tl
ovef
lower
s"

Hi
m:"
Why
?Imeanwomenl
ovef
lower
s"

Me:
"Wel
lnotal
lofus.I
'
m al
l
ergi
ctof
lower
s"
Him:
"Nomat terhowmuchIspoi
lyoupleasepromi
semet
haty
ou'
l
lnev
er
beaslayqueen?"Heaskedwi
thbeggi
ngey es

Me:
"Wher
eist
hiscomi
ngf
rom?
"

Hi
m: "
Don'tgetmewrongbutLi
li
thaownsanInst
agram account
.SoI
'm
f
orcedtoalwayst
akeherpi
ctur
esimagi
ne."Hepoppedhiseyesout

Me:
"Idon'
tseeapr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
?"Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s

Hi
m:"
Youdon'
tunder
stand,
Ihat
etaki
ngpi
ctur
es"

Me:"Ohhwel
l,youhav
etot
akepi
ctures.Imeanwher
ewi
l
lwegett
he
pi
ctur
estopostyouwheny
ou'
redead?"

Him:"Arey
ouplanni
ngt
oki
l
lme?Youmi ghtaswel
lpl
anyourfuner
al
becauseIwon'
tgodownWi
thoutaf
ight
,I'
l
lwakeupfr
om deadandalsoki
l
l
you"

Me:
"Uh-
uhI
'
m awomanofGod"

Hi
m:"
Go.
."hecl
osedhi
smout
handsi
ghed.

Me:
"Sowi
l
lyoul
eav
eyourwi
feconsi
der
ingt
haty
ou'
redat
ingme?
"

Hi
m:"
Iti
snoteasy
.Iam notcer
tai
nlysur
ethatt
hisi
swor
thl
osi
ngmywi
fe"

Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"

Hi
m: "
Look,babedon'
tgetmewrong.I
'
m amemberofMaf
ia,
I'
m st
il
li
nthe
pr
ocessofgetti
ngwholei
nfor
mati
onabouty
ou"

Me:
"yourpoi
ntbei
ngwhatexact
ly?
"

Him:"Let
sfi
rstseewhereal
lofthi
sleadus,
wecannotr
ushi
ntomaki
ng
deci
sionswi
thoutthi
nki
ngaboutthem"

Me:
"Okay
,shar
p"

Hi
m:"
Arey
ouangr
y?"
Me:
"NoI
'
m not
.Goodby
e"

Hi
m:"
Ilov
eyou"

Me:
"K"

Icl
osedthedoorandr
etur
nedinsidethehouse.Janehasar
riv
ed,herback
wasfaci
ngme.Youcouldtel
lthatshecanaffordbythePer
uvianwigthat
she'
sweari
ng.Iwentt
ositbythesingl
ecouch.

Me:
"Hi
,I
'm Ozzi
e"

Her
:"Oz
zie.Ihear
dal
otabouty
ou"shesi
ppedherwi
ne.

Me:
"Gr
eatt
hingIhope"

Her
:"Ofcour
se,
I'
m Jane"

Me:
"Gr
eatt
omeety
ou"Iat
tempt
edt
ost
andupbutNokut
hul
ast
oppedme.

Nokut
hul
a:"
Whatt
ooky
ousol
ong?Youhav
ebeengonef
or40mi
nut
es

Me:
"Heknows"

Nokut
hul
a:"
Whatdoy
oumean?
"

Me:
"ImeanDonknowst
hatIl
i
ed"

Nokut
hula:
"What?"Shestoodupandmistakenlyspi
ll
edthewineal
lov
er
t
hewhitecouch."
Wear escrewed.Doni
scomi ngforourli
fe.

Me:
"Hewon'
ttr
ustme"

Nokut
hul
a:"
He'
sthef
atherofmychi
l
dren,
Iknowhi
m.He'
sgoi
ngt
oki
l
lme
OhhmyGodwhathav
eIdone"

Me:
"Nokut
hul
acal
m down.Letmegoandgett
hemopt
ocl
eant
hemess.
"
Nokuthul
a:"U.
.Janet
hanky
ouf
orst
oppi
ngbybutIgot
tago,
myl
i
fei
sin
dangerri
ghtnow."

Me:
"Jane,
stopherI
'
m comi
ng"

Lucki
l
yowet
huandlwet
huwereoutsi
debythepool
,Idon'
tthi
nkt
hey
deser
vet
oseet
heirmot
herl
i
kethis.Iwentt
ograbamopandabr acketof
water
.

Nokut
hul
a:"
Nol
eav
eit
,Ihav
ecal
l
edmymom I
'
m goi
nghome"

Me:
"Ar
eyousur
e."

Nokut
hula:"
Yes,I
'm sur
e.Ri
ghtnowhe'splanni
ngonhowt
oat
tack.Take
andpleaselookaf
termychil
drenunt
ilt
hisblow-of
f"

Me:
"Okay
"

Iwenttotakemyphoneandshakeever
ydayhopingtowi
natl
east10
minut
es.Ithi
nkI'
m prai
singt
hel
i
vingGodbecauseIwon30mi
nutes.I
deci
dedtocallPhi
lani
.

Me:
"Hi
,hav
eyouar
ri
vedsaf
ely
?"

Don:
"No,
letmepar
k"

Me:"
No,youdon'
thav
etopar
kint
hemi
ddl
eofnowher
e.Whati
fthey
hi
j
ackyou?"

Don:
Hel
aughed"
Don'
twor
ry"

Me:
"Okay
,hav
eyoupar
ked?
"
Don:
"Umm wai
t.
.yes"

Me:
"OkaysoNokut
hul
aisNokut
hul
aisr
unni
ngaway
"

Don:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"

Me:
"Somet
imesudom.It
oldhert
haty
ouknowaboutourpl
ans"

Don:
"Il
ongedknew"

Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"

Don:
"Iknewt
hati
twasat
rap.ButIdi
dn'
twantt
oactwi
thoutpr
oof
"

Me:
"OkayIgety
ou.Sowi
l
lyouki
l
lher
?

Hekeptqui
et.

Me:
"Phi
l
ani
?"

Don:
"YazIl
ovei
twheny
oucal
lmewi
thmyf
ull
name"

Me:
"Beser
ious,
wil
lyouki
l
lher
?"

Don:
"Idon'
tknowst
andwaSam"

Me:
"Soy
ouwanty
ourki
dst
ogr
owupwi
thoutamot
her
.Don'
thar
m her
"

Don:
"Ther
e'snowayI
'
mlet
ti
nghergowi
thoutpuni
shment
"

Me:"
Please,
don'
tdoanythi
ngtoher
.Sowenay
ou'
regoi
ngt
oki
l
lev
ery
one
whowrongsyou?That
'snotl
if
e"

Don:
"Butbabe?
"

Me:
"No,
leav
eNokut
hul
aal
one.I
'
llt
ell
hert
oaskf
orf
orgi
veness"

Don:
"Letmegobabe,
youdon'
twantmet
obehi
j
ackedr
ight
?"
Me:
"Al
ri
ght
"

Don:
"Il
ovey
ou,
I'
ll
cal
lyoubef
oreIsl
eep"

Me:
"Cool
"

Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
,bef
ore1-
minut
epasshecal
l
edagai
n.

Don:
"It
hinky
ouf
orgott
osaysomet
hing"

Me:
"Idon'
tgety
ou"

Don:
"FuckbabeIl
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Ohh.Il
ovey
out
oo"

Don:"
Lethergosot
hatwecanspendt
imet
oget
her
,don'
tyout
hinki
t'
sa
gr
eatidea?
"

Me:"
Idon'
tthi
nkso,
asmuchasIhat
etosayt
hisbutIt
hinky
oushoul
dbe
wi
thyourwi
fe.

Don:
"Ar
eyousur
e?"

Me:
"Yes,
wewi
l
ltal
k"

Itookmyphonewi
thdownst
air
s,Janewasal
onedr
inki
ngwi
nef
rom t
he
bottl
e.

Me:
"Wher
eisNokut
hul
a?"

Jane:
"Iseet
hegamet
haty
ou'
ret
ryi
ngt
opl
ay,
trustmei
twon'
tendwel
l
"

Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"Iaskedwi
thconf
usi
onwr
it
teni
nmyey
es.Isat
downandl
ookedather

Jane:"
Youmayf
ool
them al
lbutnotmebabygi
rl
.Tel
lNokut
hul
athatI
'
ll
cal
lher"

Shetookhercarkey
s,phone,
andt
hebot
tl
ethatshewashol
dingandwent
out
.

Iwasl
eftconf
usedallal
one,whati
fsheeavesdroppedonmyconv
ersat
ion
wit
hDon?Ifmythoughtsareri
ghtt
henI'
m screwedbigti
me.

Nokuthul
a:"
OhhI
'
m goi
ng.Ihav
egi
venl
wet
hut
hei
nst
ruct
ionsshe'
l
ltel
l
you.
"

Me:
"Okay
,butar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?
"

Nokut
hul
a:"
Idon'
thav
eachoi
ce,
andbesi
desi
tbeenawhi
l
esi
nceIl
ast
sawmom"

Me:
"Ar
eyougoi
ngwi
thy
ourcar
?"

Nokut
hul
a:"
Nomamadoesn'
tknowt
hatIhav
eacar
."

Me:
"Shoul
dIaccompanyy
out
othebusst
ati
on?
"

Nokut
hul
a:"Don'
twor
ry,
Ihav
ecal
l
edanuber
.Ihav
eal
sogi
venheracar
d
f
oremergenci
es"

Me:
"Okay
,hav
eal
ovel
ytr
ip"

Nokut
hul
a:"
Pleasel
ookaf
termychi
l
drenunt
ilIcomeback"

Me:
"Al
ri
ght
"
Iwentt
oopent
hedoorf
orhersi
nceshewas2Ni
kespor
tbags.

Thi
siswei
rdImeanwhywoul
dshehi
dehercarf
rom hermom?

TOBECONTI
NUED.

THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER15

NOKUTHULA.

WhenIarr
ivedatKZNitwasaroundsev
enint
hemor ni
ng.ThankGodI
managedtogetthet
axithatwasgoi
ngtot
hevil
l
ages.

WhenIgotof fthedri
verhel
pedmewi
tht
hebags, tomorrowI'l
lgoandbuy
grocer
iesatstores.I
t'
sbeenawhi
l
esi
nceIlastsawmom.Mamawasbusy
sweepingtheyardwhenIopenedt
hegat
e,Ireal
izedthatitwaslocked.

Me:"Mama?"Iwasabi
tscaredofherr
eaction,
it'
sbeent
woyearswit
hout
seei
ngorher
.Weonlycont
actedeachotherwhenOzziewascomingto
Gauteng.

Her
:"Nokut
hul
a?WhatOhhmyGod"shedroppedt
hebroom andkneel
ed.
"
Godthankyousomuch,mydaught
eri
sfi
nall
yhome.Thankyoufor
answeringmypray
ers"shewi
pedhert
earsandwentinsi
dethehouse.To
takethegat
ekeysIassume,I
'
m emoti
onal,
am It
hatbad?Gauteng
changedme.I'
vedonebadthi
ngsandI'
m sti
ll
doi
ngbadthings.

Shecameout
sider
unni
ngwi
thkey
sinherhand.

Her
:"I
'm sohappymychi
l
d.Come"shet
ookmybagsandl
edt
hewayt
o
t
hedini
ngr oom

Me:
"Howar
eyou,
mama?
"Iaskedr
ubbi
ngherf
ace

Her
:"WhyNokut
hul
ahuh?
"

Me:
"I'
m sor
rymama,
andbesi
dej
obhasbeenkeepi
ngmebusy
"

Her
:"Wewi
l
ltal
kaboutt
hatl
ater
,ar
eyouhungr
y?"

Me:
"Nomama,
let
'sbond"

Her:"
Okay
,howar
eyourst
udi
es?
"Iswal
l
owed.Ar
emyl
i
escat
chi
ngup
wit
hme?

Me:
"St
udi
esmama?Ohhi
t'
smyf
inal
year
.I'
l
lbegr
aduat
ingi
nDecember
"

Her
:"Wow,
I'
m sopr
oudofy
ou.Soshoul
dIst
artl
ooki
ngf
oradr
ess?
"

Me:
"Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hedr
ess,
I'
ll
makeapl
an"

Her
:"Real
l
y?Yourf
atherwi
l
lbesohappywhenheseesy
ou"

Me:
"Wher
eishe?
"

Her
:"Yourf
atheri
swor
kingmychi
l
d."

Me:
"Ohht
hat
'sgr
eat
,Iseey
ouhav
erenov
atedt
hehouse"

Her
:"Yes,
wher
e'smygr
andchi
l
drenNokut
hul
a?"
Me:"Il
eftt
hem behi
ndmama.Icoul
dn'
tcomewi
tht
hem si
ncet
hey
'r
e
goi
ngtoschool
"

Her
:"Dot
heyst
il
lknowme?I
t'
sbeenawhi
l
esi
nceIl
astsawt
hem"

Me:
"I'
m sor
rymama,
I'
ll
askt
hei
rfat
hert
obr
ingt
hem onweekend"

Her
:"Thatcr
imi
nal
?YouknowIst
il
ldon'
tgetwhaty
ouhav
eseeni
nhi
m"

Me:
"Mama"

Her
:"NoNokuthul
a,t
her
e'sal
otofchur
chboy
sar
oundher
e.Andy
ouhav
e
t
ochoosethatboy"

Me:
"Wear
enol
ongert
oget
her
."

Her
:"Iknow,
he'
sweddi
ng,
wasl
i
veonSABC2.
"

Me:
"He'
sri
ch.Moneysay
spapawheni
tseeshi
m"

Her
:"Themoneyt
hather
obspeopl
e?"

Me:
"Mamal
et'
sdr
opi
t"

Her
:"No,
Ihat
ehi
m.Thatmanki
l
ledsomanypeopl
eher
einDur
ban"

Me:
"Mamay
ouknowt
her
easonbehi
ndt
hat
"

Her:"
Wast heneedtokil
lev
ery
onewhodistur
bedhi
splans?Justbecause
hersist
erwasmissinghesawther
easontokil
lmyboss.I
'm nowjobl
ess
becauseofhim,I
'l
lhatet
hatmanunti
lIdi
e"

Me:
"Yhoo,
okay
.Letmegoandunpackmycl
othes"

Her
:"Youknowwher
eyourr
oom i
s.I
'
llmakebr
eakf
ast
"

Me:
"Thanky
ouMa"

NOMALANGA.
WashingdishesisahousechorethatIhat
ewi t
hmywhol elif
e.Idon'
tsee
my sel
fwashingdishesi
nmyownhouse, I
'
llbuyadishwasher.Pl
usther
e's
pots.Str
uuthisi
sapunishmentthatnoonehast ogothroughasa
teenager.

Mom:
"Nomal
angamychi
l
d.Comeher
eforami
nut
e"

Me:
"MamaI
'
m busy
."

Mom:
"I'
m notbl
i
nd,
Icanseei
t"

Me:"
Okay "Idri
edmyhandswi t
hatabl
ecl
othandwentt
osaywher
eshe
wasstanding.Shewashol
dingShopr
it
epl
asti
c

Mom:
"Mychi
l
dIhav
eboughty
out
oil
etr
ies"

Me:
"Uhhh,
okay
"

Mom:"Donotgetme,wrongbabygi
rl
,asIam y
ourmom Ihav
etomake
sur
eyoubathandsmell
good"

Me:
"Ohh.Soi
t'
str
ue,
Ismel
lbad?
"

Mom: "
I'
m no,i
t'
sjustt
hatt
hedeodorantsprayyou'
reusi
ngisnott
hat
st
rongthat
'swhyIboughtyout
his"shetookoutNiveabr
andeddeodor
ant

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Mom:
"Shoul
dIshowy
ouhowt
ousei
t?"

Me:
"Noi
t'
sfi
ne"

Mom: "Okay,
Ial
sogotyouSensody
netoothpast
etohel
py ougetri
doft
he
badsmel l
.Donotbeembar
rassedmychil
dI'myourmotherokay?
"She
rubbedmyshoulder
Me:
"It
'sokayMom"

Mom: "Pleasebrushyourt
eethtwiceaday ,y
oucanusethebakingsodato
whit
ent hem okay?AndIhav eboughtyouperfume,Ni
veal
oti
on,5Dettol
soups,Sanitar
ytowel
sandl astl
ypantyli
nes"shehandsov
ertheplast
ic.

Me:
"Thanky
ou,
mom.I
'
llst
artusi
ngt
hem"

Mom:
"Don'
tuseat
issuewheny
ouhav
erunoutofpads,
tel
lme"

Me:
"Iwi
l
l.
"

Mom:
"Al
ri
ght
,remi
ndmet
ogi
vey
oumoneyf
ory
ourhai
r"

Me:
"Hav
eyouwonal
ott
o?"

Mom:
"Lol
sno,
int
aki
ngcar
eofmychi
l
d"

Me:
"Ohhokay
,thanky
ou"

Mom: "Ihear
drumorsaboutyou.SoThokohasbeenspreadi
ngl
iesabout
you,I
'
lltr
ytogetyouanohairwiththegr
antmoney.Justhol
donforafew
days"

Me:
"Youdon'
thav
etomom.
"

Mom:
"Iwantt
o,y
ou'
remychi
l
dit
'smyj
obt
otakecar
eofy
ou.
"

Me:
"I'
vegotaquest
ion"

Mom:
"Askmyl
ove"

Me:
"Am Ismel
l
ingbad?Pl
easebehonest
"

Mom:"Idon'
tknowaboutyourvagi
nabutyourmout handar
mpi t
sdosmel l
mybabygirl
.It
houghtmaybeiti
sgoingtopassthat'
swhyIdidn'
tactsoon,
butmyfri
endtol
dmet ogetyouthosepr
oducts.They'
ll
hel
pyou"

Me:
"Thanky
ouMa"

Mom:
"Letmegoandst
artt
hepot
s."
Me:
"Letmegoandf
ini
sht
hedi
shest
henbat
h"

Mon:
"Okay
"

I
'
m goi
ngtobath,
Thokowill
knowmet
oday
.I'
m goi
ngt
ochi
l
lwi
thhi
s
f
ri
endsandobv
iousl
y,he'
l
lcome.

JANE.

"
Don'
twor
ryJabu,
she'
sal
one.Nokut
hul
awentt
oDur
ban"

Jabu:
"Ar
eyousur
ethatnonoft
hiswi
l
lnotbackf
ir
e?"

Me:"No,
Nokut
hul
ahasbeenslacki
ngi
t'
sti
meIt
akef
ull
cont
rol
.Weshoul
d
hav
eshippedt
hegi
rll
astweek"

Jabu:
"I'
l
lor
gani
zet
heboy
s.Nokut
hul
adoesn'
thav
etoknowaboutt
his"

Me:
"Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hatone.
"

Jabu:
"Cal
l
,sendmeherpi
ctur
eandhername"

Me:
"Al
ri
ght
"

Idroppedt hecal
landsmir
ked.Moneymoney .I
'
ddoany t
hingf ormoney,
Nokut hul
adoesn'thav
etoknowaboutt hi
sandbesi des,I
'mt i
redofalways
sharingthemoneywi t
hher,t
histi
meI'm gett
ingR50000wi t
houtsharing.
Everygirli
swor t
hR50000butsomet i
mesi tdependsonwhet herthegir
lis
avirginornot,i
tishar
dtofi
ndv i
rgi
nstheseday s.You'
ll
hav etogot othe
vi
ll
agest ogetabunchofvir
gins.
OZZI
E.

Iwasdonewit
ht hedi
shesandIhav
ecl eanedt
hehouse.Isi
ghedandt
urn
ontheTV.Owethucameandsatbesideme

Me:
"Hi
?"

Owet
hu:
"I'
m hungr
ysi
s"

Me:"
Whatdoyouwantt
oeat?Youknowwhatgoandcal
lLwet
humay
be
wecant
rytobakemuf
fi
ns"

Owet
hu:
"Okaycool
"

Me:"Tel
lyouwhat
,theweat
heri
ssunnyt
oday
.Wecanswi
m butIdon'
t
knowhowt oswi
m"

Owet
hu:
"Wewi
l
lteachy
ou.I
'
m sur
elwet
huwoul
dn'
tmi
nd"

Me:
"Wecanhav
eaLi
lbr
aai
justt
het
hreeofus.
"

Owethu:
"Real
ly
?Lwethul
ovesbaki
ng.Letmegoandcal
lher
."Shet
hrew
t
heteddybearandr
antoowethu'
sroom.

I
nsi
deLwet
hu'
sbedr
oom.

Owet
hu:
"Si
s,ar
eyoubusy
?"

Lwet
hu:
"No,
youwant
edsomet
hing?
"

Owet
hu:
"Doy
oumi
ndshowi
ngushowt
obake?
"

Lwet
hu:
"Ofcour
senot
.Owet
huI
'
m sor
ryf
orbei
ngbi
tchyt
owar
dsy
ou"
Owet
hu:
"It
'sokay
.Goandwashy
ourf
acey
ou'
l
lfi
ndmei
ntheki
tchen"

Lwet
hu:
"Cool
"shel
aughedandwentt
oherbat
hroom.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..

THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER16

JANE.

Ihavebeenpacingupanddownwai tingforJabu'
scal
l.Justtoatleasttel
l
mei ft
hey'
vefoundthehouse,I
'm st
ressedwhatifheruinsalloft
heplan
thenwegetcaught,Idon'
twanttogot ojai
l.I
'
vegotafami l
ythatIneedt o
takeoff
.Iwenttogrababeerinthefridgeandpouri
tinsidetheglass.

30minut
espassedwi
thouthi
mr et
urni
ngmycal
ls.Ideci
dedt
ocal
lhi
m one
l
astt
ime.ThankGodheansweredonthet
hir
dri
ng.

Me:
"Ohh,
JabuI
'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lyou"

Jabu:
"Youneedt
ocal
m down.We'
reonourway
"

Me:
"Doy
ouhav
eev
ery
thi
ng?Guns?Sy
ringes?
"
Jabu:
"Yes,
butt
her
e'sal
otofguar
dsar
oundt
hey
ard"

Me:"Lotsofguard?There'
swasnoguar dwhenIl
eavethehouse
yest
erday"Iaskedconfused.Wherewil
lNokut
hul
agetthemoneytohi
re
guar
ds?Shewoul dneverdot hatandwhati
sshetry
ingtopr
otect
?

Jabu:
"Thej
obi
sgoi
ngt
obehar
dJane"

Me:
"Idon'
tcar
eJabu,
justdoy
ourpar
tI'
veal
readydonemi
ne.
"

Jabu:
"Okay
.I'
l
lbei
ncont
actsoon.Dowet
aket
hegi
rlonl
y?"

Me:"Uh-
uh.You'
llhav
etosneakinsothattheguar
dsdon'tseeyou.Idon'
t
knowhowbutf i
ndaway,don'
thurtt
hekidsmakeitlooksl
ikeshepacked
andrunaway"

Jabu:
"Howwi
l
lIgetheroutoft
hehouse?
"

Me:"Idon'
tknowJabu.Thr
eat
enherorsomet
hing,
you'
reagr
ownmanI
'
m
sur
ey ou'
ll
findaway"

Jabu:
"Cool
.Lett
hegamebegi
n"

Me:
"Ri
ght
"

Il
aughedandsi
ppedonmybeer
.Bef
oret
hesunsetwewi
l
lbesi
ngi
ng
di
ff
erentt
unes,
iti
soverf
ory
ouOzzi
e.

Don.

Li
l
ithaaskedmet
omassagehert
oessi
nceshe'
sti
red.

Me:
"Babe?
"
Li
l
itha:
"Shoul
dIgi
vey
out
hel
eftl
eg?
"

Me:
"No,
I'
vegotaquest
ion"

Li
l
itha:
"Okay
."Shet
ookherl
egof
fmyt
highs

Me:
"Howwoul
dyouf
eel
ifIt
akeasecondwi
fe?
"

Li
l
itha:
"What
?"Shequi
ckl
yst
oodup

Me:
"Don'
tpani
c,i
t'
sjustaquest
ion"

Li
l
itha:
"Ar
eyoucheat
ingPhi
l
ani
?Uj
olanoOzzi
eWenaDon?
"

Me:
"NoI
'
m notcheat
ingLi
l
itha.I
twasj
ustaquest
ion"

Li
l
itha:"
I'
m notafool
Phil
ani
.Howcanyoudot
hist
omehuh?Af
ter
ev
er y
thi
ng,I
'vedonefory
ou?Whyar
eyousocr
uel"

Me:
"Babe?
"

Li
li
tha:"Don'
tbabemePhilani
.WhathaveIdonetoyou?Whydoy ouhate
met hi
smuch?I '
vebeennothi
ngtoyoubutabetterwif
e,I
'vebaredal
lthe
beati
ngsDonandal lt
heroughsexi
sthiswhatIgetinret
urn?Why ?Isit
becauseIloveyouverymuch?Myfeel
ingsarenotmadeofst onesIal
so
gethurtPhil
a"

Me:
"Whyar
eweev
eni
ngbi
cker
ingaboutt
his?"

Lil
it
ha:"
Youknowwhat?I
'
m goi
ngt
ogetmy
sel
fdr
unkandf
orgetaboutmy
fuckedupmarr
iage"

Me:
"Okaysui
tyour
sel
f.
"

Ipackedtheoi
lst
hatIwasusi
ngtomassageheri
nthecabi
net.Bef
oreI
coul
dmaket hebedmywatchri
ngedal
ert
ingmethatt
here'
sdanger.Al
lthe
Mafiosohavet
hesamewatchasmine.
Iqui
ckl
ytookmygunanddi
aledDanki
e'
snumber
s.

Me:
"Man,
I'
vegotawar
ningwhat
'swr
ong?
"

Danki
e:"
I'
m dr
ivi
ngt
oyourbabymama'
shouse.Theyar
ebei
ngat
tacked"

Me:
"Wai
t,How?Imeanwhoat
tackedt
hem?Ar
etheyal
ri
ght
?"

Danki
e:"
Thecul
pri
tisst
il
li
nsi
det
hehouse.Youneedt
ohur
ry"

Me:
"Fuck.I
'
llbet
her
e"

Danki
e:"
Umm waitamoment .UsethemallofAf
ri
caroad,I
'v
eest
imat
ed
thet
imethaty
ou'
l
l ar
ri
ve.14:
56,usethebackdoorcode:
1897"

Me:
"Sal
ute"

_
___
___
___
___
_

Me:"
Vusi
,youknowt hecodeofcal
l
ingt
hesol
dier
sIneedt
hem i
nless
t
han20minutes.TheymustbeatNokut
hul
a'
shousewhenIar
ri
ve"

Vusi
:"You'
respeaki
ngi
nri
ddl
eswhat
'sup?
"

Me:
"Idon'
thav
eful
li
nfor
mat
ion.Justdot
hedamnj
obman"

Vusi
:
"Cool
"

Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Iqui
cklyr
untothecaranddrov
etoNokuthul
a'
shouse.Iwaspat
ti
ngand
Sweati
ngthewholej
ourneyt
oNokuthul
a'
shouse.Ihopemykidsar
eokay,
I
cannotaf
for
dtolosethem,t
heyar
emyweakness.Dankiewasonhis
phonewhenIarri
ve.

Me:"
Manwhyar eyoustandi
nghere?Youwer
esupposedt
obei
nsi
det
he
damnhouse"Iwal
kedtowardshi
m.

Danki
e:"
Theot
hermaf
iososol
dier
sar
eint
hehouse,
youhav
etocal
m
downDon"

Me:"
Don'tt
ellmeaboutcal
mingdowndanki
e.Myki
dsandmygi
rl
fr
iend
ar
eindanger"

Danki
e:"
Wai
tisboss-
ladyi
nsi
de?
"

Me:
"Bossl
ady
?Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"

Danki
e:"
Youment
ionedt
haty
ourgi
rl
fr
iendi
sinsi
det
hehouse"

Me:
"Fucky
ou,
I'
m goi
ngt
osav
emyf
ami
l
y"

Itooktwogunsunderthecarseatandr uninsi
dethehouse.Thet
ablesand
chair
swereupsidedown.Bloodeverywhere.Imademywayupst air
sin
panicandopenedNokuthul
a'sdoor.Ozziewasholdi
ngthekidsti
ghtl
yand
cryi
ng.Thegunshot
swer ebeingexchanged.

Me:
"Ozz
ie?
"

Ozzi
e:"
OhhmyGod.Youcame?"Inodded.Shequi
ckl
yrant
owardsmeand
t
hrowhersel
finmyar
ms.Lwet
huandowet huremai
nedint
hebed

Me:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"Ir
ubbedherbackandki
ssedhershoul
der
Ozzi
e:"
Ithoughtt
heywer
egoi
ngt
oki
l
lus.Phi
l
ani
theysl
appedt
hebaby
"

Me:
"What
?"Ipushedherandwal
kedt
owher
eowet
huwasseat
ed

Ozzi
e:"
Ouch"shest
umbl
edandhol
dthebedf
orbal
ance

Me:""
I'
m sosor
rymybabi
es"Ir
ubbedt
hei
rcheeksandhuggedt
hem.Thei
r
cr
iesechoedt
hroughmyear
s.

Owethu:
"Iwantmymom.Dadshel
eftme"shecr
iedwet
ti
ngmyt
-shi
rtwi
th
hert
ears

Me:
"It
'sokaygi
rl
s.Daddyi
sher
eIpr
omi
seev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lbeal
ri
ght
"

Owet
hu:
"He.
.he.
.mycheekhur
ts"

Me:
"Letmesee"Ipushedherfacesl
ight
ly.Ozzi
e,cany
oupl
easelookaf
ter
t
hekids?Ineedt
osortoutsomethi
ng"Shenoddedandcomef or
ward.

Mybodystart
edtotenseup,Icoul
dfeelmyeyesbecomingwat
ery
.I
chuckl
edandwentoutofthebedroom andwentwheret
heoldwomenand
thr
eeboysweret
iedont hechai
rs.

Me:"What
'sgoi
ngonher
e?"Iaskedwit
hacalmvoi
ce.Thewer
edead
bodi
esonthefl
oor
,someoftheMafiasol
dier
swer
edead.

Danki
e:"
Theywer
esentt
oki
dnapt
heki
d'
smai
d"

Me:
"She'
sthei
rhel
per
.Why
?"

Danki
e:"
Theyar
einv
olv
edi
nhumant
raf
fi
cki
ng"

Me:
"Whosentt
hem?
"

Danki
e:"
Jane"

Me:
"Deal
wit
hthem.Ki
l
lJane'
sfami
l
y,Iwanthert
osuf
ferandhav
enoone
t
oleanon.Bur
nthem al
i
ve"

Danki
e:"
Consi
deri
tdone"

Me:
"Ol
a,cl
eant
hismess.Myki
dsmustnotseet
his"

Danki
e:"
Doy out
hinki
tisgr
eatf
ort
hem t
ospendt
heni
ghther
e?Theki
ds
ar
etraumat
ized"

Me:
"Ohh,
I'
ll
bookahot
elf
ort
hem"

Danki
e:"
I'
m sorr
ybutdude.They
'r
eyourki
ds,
youneedt
ospendwi
tht
hem.
Moreespeci
all
yatati
mel i
kethi
s"

Me:
"Fi
ne,
butLi
l
ithaandIf
ought
"

Danki
e:"
Doessheknow?
"

Me:"Noofcourseno,Idon'
tthinktel
l
ingherisawisedeci
sion.Andi
tisnot
easyIcannotj
ustannouncethatIhaveanotherwi
febesi
deher "

Danki
e:"
Thi
sisf
uckedup,
aboutt
heol
dwomenwhatdowedot
oher
?"

Me:"Dumpt
hem atKr
ugernat
ional
par
k,Iwantt
hem t
ofeel
pai
nwhent
hey
di
e."

Danki
e:"
Damn"

It
appedhi sshoul
derandwenttopacktheki
d'sclot
hes,Idonotdealwit
h
marejobsliketor
tur
ingenemi
esandeveryt
hing.No,Ical
ltheshot
s,Ideal
wi
thbigfishes!Notwannabegangst
ers

AtJane'
shouse.

Janewaspaci
ngupanddownwhensher
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om anunknown
number,
shefi
rstignor
edt
hecal
l
.Butwhent
hephoner
angedagai
nshe
answer
edir
ri
tated.

Jane:
"What
?Can'
taper
sonhav
eagr
eatdaywi
thoutbei
ngdi
stur
bed?
"

Nokut
hul
a:"
Fri
endi
t'
sme.Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
"

Jane:
"Whyar
eyoucal
l
ingmewi
thadi
ff
erentnumber
?"

Nokut
hul
a:"
Vodacom doesn'
thav
eanet
wor
k,henceI
'
vecal
l
edy
ouusi
ng
Tel
kom"

Jane:
"Okay
"

Nokut
hul
a:"Youhav
en'
thear
d?Tur
nont
heNews"

Jane:
"What
'shappeni
ng?
"Sheaskedr
eachi
ngoutf
ort
heTVr
emot
e

Nokut
hula:
"Yourmot
her'
shousebur
nti
ntoashes,
I'
m sor
ryf
ri
endbut
t
hey'
vefound9deadbodi
es"

Shedr oppedherphoneandsl idedown.Shecoul dn'tbelievewhatshej ust

heard,Shel aughedather sel
fandwentt opourwi neforher sel
f.Ther e'
sno
wayt hathermot herwoul ddieandl eav
eheral laloneint hiscruel worl
d,
tearsstart
edt oBur nupi nherey es.Herfather,
3si bli
ngs, hermot her,her
grandmot her,heraunt y,herbi
gbr other
,andhiswi f
edi ed.Sheshookher
headasshepour sthesecondgl ass.Ev er
ymemor ysheshar edwi t
hher
parentsstartedf l
oodingi nherhead.Sher eachedf orherphone, countl
ess
messagesst art
edt obeeponherphone.R. I
.Ptot heZwanef ami lywas
sharedal l
ov ertheSoci almedia.HerFacebookwasf looding,sheangr il
y
throwst hephoneagai nstthewallandcr i
ed.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER17

OZZI
E.

Whenwegott oDon'spl acewei mmediatel

ywentt obed,Iwasscar edfor
mylif
e.Mor eespeciall
yt heki ds,whatifsomet hinghappenedt ot hem?
WhatwasIgoi ngt otellNokut hula?Ifai
ledtopr otectthem, If
ail
edt hem.
Owethuwon' tfor
getthis, shewasshockedandcr yi
ngwhenshehear dthe
gunshots.Imadesur ethatIcl osedthei
rear swithmyhandsandhugged
them.Idon'tevenknowhowDongoti nsidether oom becauset hedoor
waslocked,speakingofhi m heshoul dexplainwhathappened.Igotof fthe
bedandwentt ohi
sst udy ,Iopenedt hedoorwi thoutknockingLi l
i
t hawas
busygivi
nghi m ashouldermassage.shewaswear ingalingeri
e.I'venever
seenany onewearingit,Ionlyseet hem onTV.Donqui ckl
ypushedher .

Me:
"I
'm sor
ryIdi
dn'
tknowt
haty
ou.
."

Li
l
itha:
"Youdi
dn'
tknowwhat
?Youdon'
thav
emanner
syouki
d,di
dn'
tyour
mot
hert
eachy
ouhowt
oknock?
"

Me:
"I
'm sor
ry"

Don:
"I
t'
sokay
,youwant
edt
otal
k?"

Me:
"No,
iti
snoti
mpor
tant
."

Don:
"Li
l
ithaI
'
m comi
ng"

Li
l
itha:
"I
'my
ourwi
fe,
whatev
ershewant
stosayshemustsayi
tinf
rontof
me"

Don:
"What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
"

Li
li
tha:
"Gi
rlgi
rl
,youwant
edt
otal
kwi
thmyhusband.Tal
k"shepushedt
he
fi
l
esandsatdown.

Me:
"Umm t
heywant
edt
oki
l
lme?
"Iaskedwhi
l
epl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhands

Don:
"Who?
"Il
ookedathi
m,hehadhi
sser
iousf
ace

Me:
"Thosepeopl
e,whatdi
dIdot
othem?
"

Don:
"No,
Lil
i
thaexcuseus"

Li
l
itha:
"No,
I'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
eDon"

Don:"
YouknowIhat
erepeat
ingmy
sel
f.Justgetout
"shel
ookedathi
m,she
pushedmeonherwayout

Don:
"Come,
I'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
"

Me:
"Whati
fshebar
gei
n?NoIdon'
twantt
ori
skherseei
ngus"

Don:
"Justcomebabygi
rl
,Li
l
ithaknowsbet
tert
onotgoagai
nstmyr
ules"

Me:"
Okay
"Icatwalkedtowher
ehewasseat
ed.Het
ookmyhandand
pl
acedmeonhisthighs

Don:
"Soy
ouwer
esay
ing?
"
Iclear
edmythroatandlay
edmyheadonhi
schest
,indoday
am r
ight
?"Don
thekidsar
etr
aumat i
zed"

Don:
"Ohh"

Me:
"You'
rej
ustgoi
ngt
osayohh?
"

Don:
"Whatdoy
ouwantmet
osayThandazi
l
e?"

Me:"
Theyareyourki
dsPhil
ani.Theywantt
hei
rfat
her'
slov
e,y
ourkidsj
ust
wi
tnessedsomethi
ngdist
urbi
ngandwenay ou'
reher
emassagingwit
hyour
wi
fe.Whatkindofafat
herareyou?"

Don:
"Ar
eyouj
eal
ous?
"

Me:"
I'
m notj
ealous,Iaccept
edtobey
oursi
dedi
shknowi
ngver
ywel
lthat
you'
remarri
ed.Idon'tt
hinki
twasagoodi
deacomi
ngher
e"

Don:
"Yourl
i
fei
sindangermyl
ove.Youhav
etost
ayher
eunt
ilev
ery
thi
ngi
s
sor
ted"

Me:
"Whatdoy
oumeanmyl
i
fei
sindanger
?"

Don:
"Thosepeopl
ewer
etar
get
ingy
ou.Janesentt
hem"

Me:"
What?"Iqui
ckl
ystoodup"Whatdi
dIdo?Ishoul
dhav
eknown,
theway
shesmi
rkedwhenIlookedher
"

Don:
"Don'
tst
resst
hinkaboutt
hebaby
.Pl
usI
'
vesor
tedi
tout
"

Me:
"Youki
l
ledher
?"

Don:
"No,
Iki
l
ledherf
ami
l
y."

Me:"
Whyherf
amil
y?Somet
imesyou'rehear
tl
ess"Icl
i
ckedatwentout
.I
hear
dhi
m cal
lmynamebutIcont
inuedwalki
ng!

Hedoeshav
ear
ightt
oki
l
lJane'
sfami
l
y,asf
arasIknowwhatshedi
dwas
self
ishofher.Buttokill
herfami l
y?Itistomuch,fir
stl
yherfami
lydoesn't
whatt heywerebeingkil
ledfor.Secondlytheydon'
tevenknowthatthere'
s
agirlnamedOzziei ntheworld.Sohe'sgoi ngt
okillev
eryonewhotargets
me?Not hat
'snotli
fe.Iunderstandthathiscodeistokil
lwhoeverdi
sturb
hisplansordoubleCrosshim.

Ideci
dedt
ocheckt
hekidsbeforeIr
eti
retothebed,Owethuwascuddl
ed
wit
hherGi
antt
eddybear.Lwet
huwasr ol
l
ing,shescreamed

Lwethu:
"Pl
easedon'
t,nonodon'
tpleasedon'
trapemeagai
n!"She
scr
eamedandcr i
ed.Iqui
ckl
yrantoherbedandwakeher

Me:
"Nana?Lwethupleasewakeup"shequi
ckl
ysatupandt
hrowher
sel
fin
myarms.Ihushedherwhil
erubbi
ngherback

Lwethu:
"It
houghtshewasgoingt
odoi
tagai
n.Pl
easedon'
tl
eav
eli
kemy
motheranddad.Pleasehugme"

Me:
"I
t'
sokay
,Iwon'
tl
eav
eyouokay
?"Iwi
pedhert
ear
s

Lwet
hu:
"Iam sor
ry.Ishoul
dn'
thav
e"shesai
dtur
ningandl
ookt
heot
her
si
de

Me:
"Noi
t'
sokaybabygi
rl
.Doy
ouwantmet
osl
eepwi
thy
ou?
"

Lwet
hu:
"Real
l
y?Woul
dyoudoi
tforme?
"Sheaskedwhi
l
esni
ff
ing

Me:
"Yes,
shi
ftsot
hatIcangeti
n"

Lwet
hu:
"Shoul
dIt
akeanot
herbl
anket
?"

Me:
"Noi
t'
sfi
nebabegi
rl
"

Shecr
awl
edt
omychestandsl
ept
.Ihav
etot
alkwi
thhert
omor
row.
Somet
hingmustbebot
her
ingher
,Ihav
etogett
othebot
tom ofi
t.

I
nthemor
ning.

Int
hemor ni
ngwhenIwokeupl wethuwasnotint
hebed.Iquickl
ygotup
andfixedt
hebed.IthoughtIwasgoingt
obet hef
ir
stonetowakeup, I
wantedtospoilt
hem wit
hbreakfasti
nbed.Isawmostofactorsdoi
ngiton
TVandIwant edtot
ryit.

Me:
"Goodmor
ning?
"Ipul
l
edachai
randsatdown

Li
l
itha:
"Mor
ning,
youneedt
owakeupear
ly.Thi
sisnoty
ourhouse"

Me:
"I
'm sor
ry"

Don:
"Fuckyoubot
h."Hestoodupandt
hrewaf
olk.I
t'
scl
earhewokeupon
t
hewr ongsi
deofthebed

Li
li
tha:
"Babe,
ain'
tyougoi
ngt
ofi
nishy
ourf
ood?
"Hewasl
onggonewhen
sheshoutedforhi
m

Me:
"Ki
dseatsot
hatwecangoout
sideandpl
ay"

Owet
hu:
"Real
l
y?"

Li
l
itha:
"Remembery
ouguy
ssai
dyou'
l
lhel
pmewi
thchoosi
nganout
fi
t"

Lwet
hu:
"I
'm noti
nter
est
ed,
owet
huy
ou'
l
lcal
lme.I
'
llbei
nmyr
oom"

Me:
"Eatbr
eakf
astbabygi
rl
"

Lwet
hu:
"CanIpl
easeeati
nmybedr
oom"

Li
l
itha:
"No,
ther
e'snosuch.You'
regoi
ngt
oeatbr
eakf
astwi
thus"
Lwet
hu:
"I
t'
sfi
ney
oucango.I
'
llcomeandcl
eant
hebr
eadcr
umbs"

Lwet
hu:
"Thanky
ou"

Shest
oodupanddi
shedmor
ebaconbi
tsandwentt
oherr
oom.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..

THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER18

OZZI
E.

Aftereati
ngbreakfastIclearedt
hetableandwenttocl
eanLwet
hu'sbr
ead
crumbs.Lili
thawasgi vi
ngmeanat t
it
udesincei
nthemorni
ng.I
t'
snotl
ike
she'sstar
ti
ngt oday,I
'
m get t
ingusedtoit
.

Iwentt
owheretheywer
eseat
ed.Lil
i
thawasbusyonhermagazi
ne,
lwet
hu
andowethuwer
ewatchi
ngcar
toons.

Me:
"I
'm done"Isi
ghedandsatdown

Lwet
hu:
"Iwast
hinki
ng,
howaboutwehav
eapi
cni
c?"

Li
li
tha:
"That
'sgr
eat
,wecangot
otheZooandhav
epi
cni
cther
e"she
j
umpedi n
Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkgoi
ngt
oZooit'
sagreatideaLil
i
tha.I'
m sor
rybutwewi
l
l
bewasti
ngmoneyonsomet
hingthat
'snotnecessary
"

Li
l
itha:
"Lol
,babygir
l.Moneybegusnott
heot
herwayar
ound,
weown
moneyinthishouse"

Lwet
hu:
"Guy
slet
'sconcent
rat
e.Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sfi
neIdon'
tmi
nd"

Owethu:
"Ithi
nkOzziei
sri
ght
,Imeanwhywastemoneywhendadmade
sur
ethatthere'
senoughy
ardout
side,
plust
her
e'spool
"

Me:
"What
every
ouguy
sthi
nki
t'
sgr
eatwecangowi
thi
t.Idonotmi
nd"

Lwet
hu:
"Wecangot
otheZoo,
it'
sbeenawhi
l
esi
nceIwentout
"

Li
l
itha:
"I
t'
ssett
ledt
hen.Ozzi
ecanyoupleasepeel
thef
rui
sandmakef
rui
ts
pl
atter
.I'
m goi
ngtogetr
eady"shesmi
rked

Me:
"Um sor
ry,
what
'sf
rui
tpl
att
er?
"

Li
li
tha:
"Ncoooh,
Ifor
gott
haty
oucomesf
rom v
il
lages.Owet
hupl
easeshow
her
"

Owet
hu:
"Aunt
yLi
l
ithaIdon'
tl
iket
hewayy
ouspeakwi
thOzzi
e."

Li
l
itha:
"I
'm sor
ryNana.Letmegoandgetr
eady
"

Me:
"Al
ri
ght
,Owet
hul
et'
sgo"

Owethu:
"Lwethu,
youcanpackt
hebasketwi
thsweet
sandsnacks.I
'
m
goi
ngtohelpSisOzzi
e"

Shet
ookmyhandandl
edmet
otheki
tchen.

Owet
hu:
"Pl
easedon'
tmi
ndAunt
yLi
l
itha"

Me:
"I
t'
sfi
nemyl
ove.
"
Owet
hu:"
Okay,sowearegoi
ngtocutmangoes,
appl
es,
wat
ermel
ons,
pear
s,
pawpaws,st
rawber
ri
esandkiwi
"

Me:"
Somanyf
rui
ts?I
'
veonl
yeat
enappl
es,
pear
s,mangoesandpawpaws
onl
y"

Owethu:
"Don'
twor
ryy
ou'
l
leatt
hem t
oday
.Idon'
tl
ikei
twhenLi
l
itha
degr
adey ou"

Me:
"I
t'
sokaymyl
ove,
I'
m get
ti
ngusedt
oher
"

Owethu:"
She'
sembarr
assi
ngyou.Whati
fdadli
kesyou?He'l
lnotl
ikey
ou
any
mor e,dadl
oveswomenwhoknowsthings.
"Imental
l
ylaughed

Me:
"I
'm noty
ou'
ref
ather
'st
ypemyl
ove"

Owethu:
"Iwi
shy
ouwer
eOzzi
e.I
t'
sjustt
hatdadl
oveswomenwi
thbi
gass
andcarv
es"

Me:
"AwwOwet
hu,
wher
ehav
eyouhear
dsuch?
"

Owet
hu:
"Hi
sphone.Hel
endsmehi
sphonemostoft
het
imes"

Me:
"You'
resonaught
y"

Owethu:
"NoI
'
m not,
Iwasbusypl
ayi
ngagamewhenamessagecame
t
hrough,
andIreadi
t"

Me:
"I
'l
ltel
lhi
m"shegav
emeabowl
ful
loff
rui
ts"

Owet
hu:"
Pleasedon'
t,t
obehonestit'
sseemsli
kehedel
etedthose
women'
snumber s,
Itri
edtosearchthei
rnamesonWhat
sAppbutt hey
di
dn'
tpop.Ithi
nkLi
li
thafoundedoutandfor
cedhi
mtodelete"

Me:
"Ohh,
whendi
dyounot
icet
hathedel
etedt
hem?
"

Owet
hu:
"Thedaywecameher
ewi
thy
ou"

Me:
"Ohh"
Imadeamentall
ynotetot
ell
him notexposewhathedoestoOwet hu.
Owethuisabr
il
li
antchi
l
dsheknowsal otofthi
ngs.Idon'
twanthermindt
o
berui
ned.

Me:
"Wehadpeel
edthef
ruit
sandcutt
edthem accor
dingl
y.Doncamei
n
whi
l
eweweretry
ingtowrapthet
raywit
hfoi
l.

Owet
hu:
"Dad,
thankGody
ou'
reher
e.Cany
ouhel
pus"

Don:
"Wi
thWhat
?"Heputhi
scarkey
sont
opoft
heki
tchencount
er

Owet
hu:
"Iwashel
pingsi
sOzzi
ewi
thcut
ti
ngt
hef
rui
ts.Cany
oupl
easehel
p
uswr
apthetr
ay"

Don:
"Okay
,mov
easi
desot
hatIcanhel
psi
sOzzi
e"

Owet
hu:
"It
hinkSi
sOzzi
eist
ir
ed.You'
l
lhav
etodoi
twi
thme"

Don:
"Babygi
rly
ou'
rehandsar
est
il
lfr
agi
l
e.It
hinkt
het
rayi
sheav
y"

Owet
hu:
"Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
odo?
"

Don:
"Huh?
"

Owethu:
"Okay
,hel
pher
"sher
aisedherhandsandt
ookwat
eri
nsi
det
he
fr
idge

Don:
"Ai
n'
tyougoi
ngt
ogetr
eady
?Ihear
dthaty
ou'
regoi
ngt
otheZoo"

Owet
hu:
"I
'mr
eady
,dadar
eyout
ryi
ngt
ogetr
idofme?
"Shel
aughed

Don:
"Noofcour
senot
,whywoul
dIdot
hat
.No"hequi
ckl
ydi
smi
ssedher

Owet
hu:
"I
fyousayso,
cany
oubor
rowmey
ourphone?Iwantt
ocal
lmama"
Don:
"Nopr
obl
em"

Hetookhi
sphoneoutofhi
spocketandhandedi
ttoher
.Shet
hankedhi
m
andwentout
.

Me:
"Don,
youneedt
ost
opgi
vi
ngowet
huy
ou'
rephone.
"

Don:
"Ai
n'
tyougoi
ngt
oki
ssme?
"

Me:
"Di
dyouhearme?
"

Don:
"Ihear
dyou,
nowcany
oupl
easeki
ssme"

Me:
"Whatwi
l
lIgeti
nret
urn?
"Iaskedpul
l
inghi
sneck

Don:
"What
every
ouwant
"

Me:
"r
eal
l
y?"

Don:"
Ofcourse,comeher
e"hepul
l
edmywai
standpl
ant
edtwobaby
ki
ssesbefor
ehesmashedhi sl
i
psint
omi
ne,
hedeepl
yki
ssedme,Ipul
l
ed
outaft
erawhile.

Don:
"Look"Hepoi
ntedt
ohi
str
ouser
.Hehadboner

Me:Il
ookedhi
m"I
..umm"Iswal
l
owedandchocked.Icoughedt
ryi
ngt
o
br
eath

Don:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"Heaskedwi
thsmi
rkonhi
sface

Me:
"I
..It
hinkumm Ineedwat
er"Ipushedhi
m andwentt
othesi
nk

Don:
"Can'
tbel
i
evey
ouchockedbecauseofmydi
ck"

Me:
"Sot
hat
'swhatmaki
ngy
ousmi
rk?Mxm"Ipushedhi
m andwentt
o
st
andbyt
hecount
er

Don:
"Babe,
arey
ouangr
y.OkayI
'
m sor
ry"

Me:
"Your
eal
l
ywant
edt
oki
l
lmeDon.Youdi
dn'
tev
enof
fermewat
er"

Don:
hel
aughed"
I'
m sor
ryokay
.Don'
tcr
y"hel
aughed

Me:
"I
'm notcr
ying.I
'
mir
ri
tat
ed"

Don:
"Okay
,I'
m sor
ry.Howmuchdoy
ouwant
?"

Me:"Idon'
tneedy
ou'
remoney
,justgetoutofmyway
.Youmakemewanna
puke"

Don:
"Real
l
yokay
,letmego"

Me:
"I
'mj
oki
ng,
pleasedon'
tgo"Isai
dashewasaboutt
ogoout
."Pl
ease"

Don:
"It
houghty
ouwer
eangr
y"

Me:"
AndIt
houghty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
obegme,
You'
resonotr
omant
icy
ou
know"

Don:
"I
'mr
omant
ic.I
t'
sjustt
haty
ou'
venev
erseenmyr
omant
icsi
de"

Me:"I
'
dliket
oseet
heot
hersi
deofy
ou,
Fuckpl
easehel
pme"t
het
raywas
abouttofal
l
.

Hel
aughedandwr
appedt
het
rayf
orme.

Don:
"Soy
ou'
rel
eav
ingmebehi
nd?
"

Me:
"Yes,
wear
e"

Don:
"NoI
'
m comi
ngt
oo"
Me:"ThenI
'
m notgoi
ng.I
'
m notr
eadyt
oseey
oubei
ngl
ovel
ydov
eywi
th
Li
l
itha"

Don:
"I
'l
lst
ayawayf
rom herIpr
omi
se"

Me:
"You'
renotaf
ami
l
yman,
youdon'
thav
etogobecauseI
'
m goi
ngt
oo"

Don:
"Iwantt
otr
ytobet
her
eformychi
l
dren"

Me:"
you'
l
ldoitalone,justt
hethr
eeofy
ouwi t
houtany
onedi
stur
bingy
ou
guy
s.Doy ouknowt hatowethur
eadsyourWhat
sAppmessages"

Don:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"Her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
ows

Me:
"Sheknowswoment hatyou'
rei
nter
estedin.Shesai
dthaty
oul
ove
t
hem wit
hbigasses"Il
aughedandfedhim st
rawberr
y

Don:
"What
?Owet
hu,
wet
hu"heshout
ed.

Me:
"You'
remaki
ngnoi
se"

Don:
"CanIpl
easegoandt
akemyphone?
"

Me:
"Whatar
eyouhi
ding?
"

Don:
"Not
hing,
IswearIdel
etedt
hei
rnumber
s.Ist
oppedt
alki
ngt
othem t
he
dayImetyou"

Me:
"I
t'
sokay
.Youdon'
thav
etosweat
"

Don:
"It
houghty
ouwer
enotgoi
ngt
obel
i
eveme"

Me:
"Ido"

Hesmil
edandpickedmeup.Heput
tedmeont
opoft
hecount
er,
thenhe
st
oodbetweenmylegs.
Me:
"Whati
fLi
l
ithaget
sinher
e?"

Don:
"Ohhwel
l
,shewoul
dhav
esav
edmef
rom t
heexpl
anat
ion"

Me:
"Whyar
eyouhear
tl
ess?
"

Don:
"I'
m not
,rememberwheny
oumetmef
ort
hef
ir
stt
ime?
"

Me:"
Bro,
don'
tremi
ndme.Thatwast
hemostembar
assi
ngmomentofmy
l
if
e"

Don:
"Babey
ouact
ual
l
ypeedony
our
sel
f"

Me:"
Iwasscar
eddoyoubl
ameme?Yourv
einswer
epoppi
ngout
.You
scar
edmethatday
"

Don:
"Soy
ou'
renol
ongerscar
edofme?
"

Me:"Tr
ustmeIam.I'
m dat
ingawhol
eMaf
iawhywoul
dn'
tIbescar
ed?
"I
r
aisedmyeyebrow

Don:"
I'
ll
prot
ecty
ouandmychildrenwit
hev
eryfi
breinme.Ipr
omi
se"he
bentdownandkissedmybel
l
y" how'
smyli
tt
leboy?"

Me:
"Whot
oldy
oui
t'
saboy
"

Don:
"If
eel
iti
nmybl
ood.
"

Me:
"You'
recr
azy
,letmegoandgetr
eady
"

Don:
"Vhel
eyou'
rel
eav
ingmebehi
nd?
"

Me:
"You'
l
lcomewi
thusoneday
"

Don:
"Okay,
putmynumbersonspeeddi
al.Justf
ori
ncaseLi
l
ithahi
tyou.
Weallknowyou'
reacowar
d"

Me:
"I
'm not
"

Don:
"I
fyousayso.Letmegoandki
l
lsomeofmyenemi
es"
Me:
"Youcannotj
okel
i
ket
haty
ouknow.
"

Don:
"I
'm sor
ry"

Me:
"What
ever
"

Don:
"BabeI
'
llt
akey
ouguy
sforshoppi
ngonSat
urdayokay
?"

Me:
"Thanky
ou.Letmegoandbat
h"

Don:
"Pl
easewearsomet
hingt
hathi
dey
ourar
msandy
ourl
egs.
"

Me:
"Cool
"

Iexi
tedthekit
chenandwentt omyroom.I'm gladhe'
sstar
ti
ngto
acknowledgemypr egnancy.Event
houghI'vedonehim wrongbyl
yi
nghe
sti
ll
finditi
nhishearttolov
emychi l
d,I
'm blessed.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER19

OZZI
E.

Wehadgonet otheZoo,Lil
it
hadidn'
tgivemeat t
it
udehowevershemade
sur
et hatsheignoresmewher eshecan.Idon'
tblameher,maybeshe
not
icedaspar kbetweenDonandme.Asf arasIdon'
tlovedoi
ngthi
stoher
Ial
sodon' thavecontr
olovermyfeel
ings,youcan'
tchoosewhotofal
lin
l
ovewi thi
tjusthappens.

Whenwearr
ivehomeDonwaswat chingsocceralone.Withaglassof
whi
skey
,watchi
ngTVathomehelpedmeal ot.I
'
venev erseenwhiskey
wi
thmynakedeyesbutt
odayIsawit.Pregnancystoodinmywayof
t
esti
ngi
t.

Li
l
itha:
"Hi
babe"shewentt
ohi
m andki
ssedhi
scheek
Don:
"Hi
,howwasy
ourday
?"Hepushedherasi
desi
nceshewasbl
ocki
ng
t
heTV

Li
l
itha:
"Itwasf
un,
Ozzi
esawal
otofani
mal
s.Ri
ght
,Ozzi
e?"

Me:
"Yes,
I'
veseenal
otofani
mal
s.Thanky
ou"

Li
litha:
"You'l
ltel
lyourfr
iendsbackathomeaboutitri
ght
?"Iswall
owed
afterI'
vereal
isedthatIdonothavefr
iends.Theper
sonIthoughtwasmy
fr
iendbetrayedme.

Me:
"Iwi
l
l.Excuseme"

Don:
"Ai
n'
tyougoi
ngt
owat
chsoccerwi
thus?
"

Me:
"Whi
cht
eam i
spl
ayi
ng?
"

Don:"Pi
ratesandChief
s"IswearIal
mostchokedonmysal
iva.I
t'
sapit
y
thatI
'm notcomfor
tabl
ewithLi
li
thabei
ngnexttoDon.Myf
avouri
tet
eam i
s
playi
ng,whichi
sChiefs

Me:"Socceri
snotmyfav
ori
tespor
t.
"Ihadt
oli
e,ev
ent
houghdeepi
nmy
hear
tIwantedtowat
chthematch.

Li
l
itha:
"Seebabe,
mostwomenhat
eSoccer
.Thi
sshi
tisbor
ing"

Don:"Ther
e'saTVi
nourbedr
oom,
youcangoandwat
chupt
her
eandst
op
whini
ng"

Li
l
itha:
"Fi
ne,
Ijustwanty
ourcuddl
es.
"

Don:
"Youshoul
dhav
esai
dthati
nthef
ir
stpl
ace"

Li
l
itha:
"Doesi
tmat
ter
?"Shesnuggl
edt
ohi
sar
ms

Me:
"Excuseme"

Iwal
kedt
omyr
oom.Idon'
tthi
nkst
ayi
ngher
eisagoodi
dea,
asmuchasI
l
ovebeingaroundhim hemustgetmeanapar tment.He'
smyboyf
ri
endi
t'
s
hi
sdutytotakecareofme.I '
mjokingbututhi
nkit'
sti
meweret
urnto
Nokut
hula'
splace,
event houghI
'vebetr
ayedher.

If
ir
stwentt
ocheckont
heki
ds,
Lwet
huwasst
il
lbusyonherphone.

Me:
"Nanacanwet
alk?
"

Lwethu:
"Doy
ouknowt
hatnex
tyearI
'
llbet
aki
nganI
D?Youbet
terst
op
cal
l
ingmenana"

Me:
"Idon'
tcar
e,y
ou'
l
lal
way
sbemybaby
.Nomat
terwhat
"

Lwet
hu:
"I'
l
lignor
eyou"

Me:
"Youwoul
dn'
tdar
e"

Lwet
hu:
"Tr
yme"shegi
ggl
ed

Me:
"Okaybabe,
canwet
alk?
"

Lwet
hu:
"Aboutt
hedr
eam?Okay
"shepl
acedherphonebesi
deher
.

Me:
"What
'swr
ongmyl
ove?Icanseet
haty
ou'
renotokay
"

Lwet
hu:
"Umm wher
eshoul
dIst
art
,thedr
eamsst
art
edl
asty
ear
."

Me:"Andy
ounev
ert
alkedabouti
t.Oratl
eastt
ell
yourmot
herory
our
f
ather"

Lwet
hu:"They
'l
lj
ustcal
lather
apistf
orme.Theyt
hinkev
ery
thi
ngi
sabout
money.Moneycan'
tali
veanythi
ng"

Me:
"I'
m sor
rymyl
ove.What
'
sthecauseoft
hedr
eams?
"

Lwethu:"
Pleasedon'ttel
lmymom.I'
m avict
im ofrape"Igaspedandt
ook
herhandsintomine."Iwasr
apedbyLil
i
tha'
ssisterwhowasagay "
Me:
"Youmeanl
esbi
anr
ight
?"

Lwethu:"
Yeslesbi
an,
Itdoesn'
tmat
teral
ongasy
ouunder
stoodwhatIwas
tr
yingtosay
"

Me:
"It
sfi
necont
inue.
"

Lwethu:"
Hehe.
.heshe.
.sher
apedmewi
thapl
aygi
rlper
fume"shecl
osed
hereyesast
ear
sdropped

Me:
"Wher
eisshe?
"

Lwethu:"Dadkil
ledher.Si
sOzzie,hedi
dn'taskmewhet herI'
m okayornot.
Hewasconcent rati
ngongetti
ngr i
dofher,heonlycal
ledadoct orforme.
Hedi dn'
tcomfortme,hedidn'
ttellmeeveryt
hingwil
lbealr
ight.I'
m
tol
erati
nghim becausehe'
smyf at
her
,Iwanttohatehim sobad. "

Me: "
Nomyl ove,onethi
ngy oumustt
ell
yoursel
fist
hatyou'renotav
ict
im
ofrapebutasurvivor
.Youbeingr
apeddoesn'tmakeyoulessawoman, no
babygir
l.You'
rebeauti
fuli
nandoutandIadmi r
eyourcourage"

Lwet
hu:
"Doesmom hat
eme?
"

Me:
"Whydoy
ousayt
hatbabygi
rl
?"

Lwet
hu:
"She'
smymom, aparentknowswhent
hei
rchi
l
disnotal
ri
ght
.Why
mamadoesn'
tnot
iceany
thi
ng?"

Me:"Yourmotheri
sbusyhustl
ingf
ory ouguy s,
I'm sor
ryt
hatshechoose
nottonoti
ceyourmoodandconcentrateonmaki ngmoney .ButI
'
m hereI
'l
l
hel
py outhr
oughall
ofthi
s,I
'l
lbenextbyy oursideineachandeveryst
ep
ofheali
ngyoutakemylove"

Lwet
hu:
"Thanky
ou.Il
ovey
ou"

Me:
"Ncoooh,
Ilov
eyout
oo"Ihuggedher

Lwet
hu:"
I'
m sor
ryf
orgi
vi
ngy
ouat
ti
tudet
hedayy
ouar
ri
vedher
ein
Gaut
eng"
Me:
"It
'swat
erundert
hebr
idge.
"

Lwet
hu:"
Ithoughty
ouwereal
sogoi
ngt
omol
estme.I
twasal
soherf
ir
st
ti
meinGautengwhensher
apedme"

Me:
"Youneedt
ofocusont
hef
utur
eandl
ett
hepastbehi
nd.
"

Lwet
hu:"Okay
,Ihear
dyouar
epr
egnant
.CanIpl
easebey
ourbabyshower
pl
anner
?"

Me:"
Babygir
l,Idon'
thav
efr
iendsar
oundher
e.Whowi
l
lcomewi
th
pr
esent
s?"

Lwethu:"
I'
ll
inv
iteLi
l
itha'
sfr
iends,
dad'
sfr
iends,
grandpar
ent
s,andmy
fr
iendsofcour
se"

Me:
"Wedon'
thav
emoney
"Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s

Lwet
hu:
"Dadwi
l
lhav
etof
undt
hat
.I'
l
ltal
ktohi
m"

Me:
"Okay
"

Lwet
hu:
"Ser
ious.Asi
nyouar
egi
vi
ngmeago-
ahead?
"

Me:
"Yes"

Lwet
hu:
"Ahhhhhhhhhhh"shescr
eamedandj
umpedof
fthebed.

Me:
"You'
l
lwaket
hebaby
"

Lwet
hu:
"I'
mjusthappydoy
oubl
ameme?
"

Me:
"Letmegot
osl
eep,
I'
mti
red"

Lwet
hu:
"Goodni
ghtmyl
ove"

Me:
"Goodni
ghtsweet
hear
t"

Igi
ggl
edandexi
tedt
her
oom.
Ii
mmediatelywentt
ot akeashowert
henti
eat owelar
oundmybody,Ihad
l
eftthel
oti
oninmybedr oom whi
chmeansI'
ll
hav et
ogoandgetit
.WhenI
openedthedoorLi
li
thawasbusysucki
ngaloll
ipopontopofmybed.

Me:
"Hi
"Isatnextt
oher

Li
l
itha:
"Canwet
alk?
"Shesmi
l
ed

Me:
"Cool
"

Li
l
itha:
"I.
..Umm cany
oupl
easegi
vemey
ourbaby
,I'
l
lpayy
ou"

Me:
"What
?"Iqui
ckl
yst
oodup

Li
l
itha:
"Look"shegav
emeacheque"
Don'
tmakeanoi
se"

Me:
"Nomychi
l
disnotonsal
e"

Li
l
itha:
"Pl
ease,
Icani
ncr
easet
heamount
,R5mi
l
li
oni
snot
hing"

Me:
"Whyme.Ther
e'sal
otofwomenoutt
her
e"

Li
l
itha:
"Doesi
tmat
terOzzi
e,pl
easeI
'
m beggi
ngy
ou"

Me:
"No,
I'
ll
notdot
hat
.Takey
ourmoneyLi
l
itha"

Li
li
tha:
"Please,
tenmill
ion"Ilookedather
,tenmil
l
ionisal
otofmoneyto
st
artali
feawayf r
om here,Icanbuil
dsomet hi
ngtokeepmegoing.I
l
ookedatherandst ut
teredbeforewordscomeoutofmymout h.

Me:
"Okay
.Howar
ewegoi
ngt
odoi
t?"

Li
l
itha:
"Ar
eyout
alki
ngmyof
fer
?"

100shar
esand300comment
sforbonusi
nser
t
TOBECONTI
NUED.
..

THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER20

OZZI
E.

Lil
i
tha:
"Lookthankyouforagr
eei
ng,
I'
ll
fakeapr
egnancyt
heny
ou'
l
lli
ethat
youhadami scar
ri
age"

Me:
"HowImeanDoni
snotst
upi
dLi
l
itha."

Li
li
tha:
"I'
l
lcr
osst
hatbr
idge,
hewon'
tfi
ndoutI
'
llnothav
esexwi
thhi
mfor
226days"

Me:
"No"

Li
l
itha:
"Whatdoy
oumeanno?It
houghty
ouagr
eed"

Me:
"Yesno,
Lil
i
thaI
'
m notgoi
ngt
osel
lmychi
l
d.Makey
our
s"

Lil
i
tha:"It
hinkI
'
m bar
ren,
I'
vebeent
ryi
ngf
oracoupl
eofy
ear
sev
ery
thi
ng
fai
led"

Me:
"If
eel
you,
Isy
mpat
hizewi
thy
ourpai
nbutIcannotgi
vey
oumychi
l
d.
Noamountofmoneycanbuyani
nnocentsoul
"

Lil
i
tha:"
PleaseThandazi
l
eI'
m beggi
ngyou.Icandoanythi
ngyouwantme
todo"shegoof ft
hebedandshetookapil
low,andkneeli
nfr
ontofme.
Shewaskneel i
ngontopoft
hepill
ow

Me: "
Iknowyou'
ret
ryi
ngtokeepy ourmarriagebuttrustmehav ingachil
d
withDondoesn'
tmeanhe'l
lfal
lfory ou.Acceptandmov eon,youonce
mentionedt
hathehi
tyouandf orcey outohav eroughsexwi t
hhi m why
Lil
i
thahuh?You'
reagorgeouswomanwhydoy oupunishyourselfl
i
ke
thi
s?"

Lil
i
tha:
"Youdon'
tknowwhaty ou'
retal
kingaboutl
i
ttl
eki
d,mymar
ri
agei
s
verymuchst
rong,not
hingcanbreakit
"

Me:"Thenwhyarepressuri
ngyoursel
fabouthav
ingababy?I
'
m sureDon
canunderst
andthatyou'
refai
l
ing.Youti
redbutyoumustl
eaveev
eryt
hing
onGod'shands"

Li
li
tha:
"I'
m notpressur
ingmysel
f,Idon'
tev
enknowwhyIaskedf
ory
our
hel
pbecausey ou'
renotwil
li
ngtohelpme"

Me:"
I'
m sorr
ybutlooksomewher
e,Iwantt
oenj
oymypregnancy
.Iwantt
o
bet
hereineachandeveryst
epst
hatmybabywil
lbet
aki
ng"

Li
l
itha:
"Iwi
shsomet
hingt
err
ibl
ecanhappenandy
oul
osei
t.Fucky
ou"

Me:"Ibel
i
eveinGod,whatevery
oumaypl
ant
ogetr
idofmybabyGodwi
l
l
pr
otectme.CanIpleasesl
eep?"

Lil
it
ha:"
Alway ssleepwi
thoneeyeopenbabygir
l,i
fIcannothaveababy
thenyou'r
ealsonotgoingtogi
vebir
thwhil
estayi
nginthishouse.I
'
mt he
wifeofthecult'
sbossI'
ll
makeyourli
fel
iv
ingahell"

Me:"I
sitbecauseIr
eject
edy
ourof
fer
?Whywantt
oseeanot
herwoman
suf
fer
?"

Li
l
itha:
"Goodni
ghtki
ddo"
Shegiggledandwentout , IswearLi l
ithai scr azy,
Idon'twanttoli
eIwas
temptedt otakethemoneybutanot hert houghtcamet omymi nd.Idon'
t
thi
nkI'
llbeabl et
owat chanot herwomanr aisedmychi l
d,Idon'
twantto
missmybaby 'sf
irstyearatschool ,firstst ep.Iwanttof eel
itwhenhecalls
memamaf orthef i
rstti
me.Iwoul dn'ttradet hi
ssoulfornothi
ngIv owto
prot
ectandl oveitwi t
hev eryfiberinme.Ri ghtnowI'm scaredformy
baby'
sli
f e.

Thenextday
.

LI
LITHAWASATSPURWI
THTHEGLAM QUEENS.

Li
l
itha:
"Ladi
es"Shet
ookaseatandr
aisedherhandcal
l
ingawai
ter
.

Nonhl
e:"
Fri
endr
emembert
hepr
egnancyt
estI
'
veaskedy
out
osendme?
"

Zoe:"I'
mleftout,
whatpregnancytest?
"Zoe,
Nonhle,andLili
thaaret
he
glam queens.Nonhl
eisDankie'
swi f
eandZoe'sVuyo's.Vuy
oi sal
so
i
nv ol
vedintheMaf i
acul
t.He'soneoftheguysthatdealwit
hpr ot
ect
ingt
he
famil
y.

Li
l
itha:
"You'
real
way
snotonl
i
neonWhat
sapp,
you'
remi
ssi
ngout
"

Zoe:
"I'
m sor
ryguy
s.Beenbusy
"

Li
l
itha:
"What ever
,canIpl
easehavewhi
tedrywi
ne?"Shesaidt
othewait
er
whowasst andingbesi
deher.Theot
hergl
amourousqueenshadal
ready
or
deredtheirredwines

Nonhl
e:"Busywithwhatexact
ly?Becauseweal
lknowt
haty
ou'
renot
worki
ngsyou'r
ejustatr
ophywife"
Li
l
itha:
"Ladi
esIt
hinkt
her
e'ssomeonewho'
sat
hreati
nmymar
ri
age"

Zoe:
"You'
real
way
scompl
aini
ng.Wet
oldy
out
orespecty
ourhusband"

Lil
i
tha:"
ButIr
especthi
m guy
s.Thi
sti
meIcanf
eel
iti
nmybl
oodI
'
m about
tolosehi
m"

Nonhl
e:"
Youneedt
ofi
ghtbabygi
rl
.Fi
ghtwi
thwhaty
ouhav
e"

Li
li
tha:"
Soletmeexpl
ainever
ythi
ng,
(sheexpl
ainedev
ery
thi
ngonhow
Ozziecameint
othei
rli
ves)

Zoe:
"Ar
eyousur
ethathel
ovesher
?"

Li
li
tha:
"I'
m sur
eguy
s.Thewayhelooksatherexpl
ainsev
ery
thi
ng,
hehas
neverl
ookedmethewayhe'
slooki
ng,Ozzi
e"

Zoe:
"Justbegl
adt
haty
ou'
rest
il
lhi
swi
fe.
"

Li
l
itha:
"Ar
eyousur
ethathe'
l
ldi
vor
ceme?
"

Zoe:
"Thewayy
ou'
reexpl
aini
ngi
tsay
sital
ldol
l
."

Li
l
itha:
"Br
ibedi
dn'
twor
kthi
sti
me,
sher
eject
ed10mi
l
"

Nonhl
e:"
What
?Doy
ouhav
e10mi
l
,Li
l
i?"

Me:
"No,
ofcour
senot
.I'
vel
i
edt
oDon"

Nonhl
e:"
Hest
il
ll
ovesy
ou,
justamar
eli
ehegav
eyouacheque?
"

Li
li
tha:
"BecauseIt
oldhi
mthatIwanttobui
l
dapr
ivat
eschool
,yout
hink
he'
dgiveme10mi l
li
onfr
om nowhere?
"

Zoe:
"Youneedt
oret
urni
t"

Li
l
itha:
"No,
let
'sf
orgetaboutmymar
ri
age.Let
'sgot
oKeny
ait
'smyt
reat
"

Nonhl
e:Ahhh"
Shescr
eamedandhol
dhermout
h"r
eal
l
y?"

Li
l
itha:
"Ofcour
se,
myhusbandgav
emeachequewhynotspoi
lour
sel
ves?
"
Shegiggl
ed,thewait
resscamewi
thagl
assofwi
ne.Shemov
edherLVbag
asi
de."Thankyou"

Zoe:
" Whydon'twegowi
thourpar
tner
s?I
twoul
dbegr
eatt
oyouLi
l
itha,
j
ustthesixofus"

Li
l
itha:
"Il
ovet
hei
dea.Wi
thoutmymanst
ressi
ngaboutwor
k*

Zoe:
"Yesdar
li
ng,
Ahhh"shet
ookherphoneandupdat
east
ory"
Keny
aher
e
wecomeinafewdays"

Li
li
tha:"
Awwyou'
veal
readyupl
oaded?
"Shesai
daf
tersher
ecei
veda
not
ifi
cat
ion

Zoe:
"Icoul
dn'
thol
dmy
sel
f.Weneedt
ogoshoppi
ng"

Nonhl
e:"
Sandt
on?
"

Li
l
itha:
"It
hinkMal
lofAf
ri
ca"

Zoe:
"Let
'sf
ir
stt
ryatSandt
ont
henmal
li
fAf
ri
ca"

Li
li
tha:
"Ineedt
oseemybodydoct
orbef
orewego.Ineedhi
mtoupl
i
ftmy
bums"

Zoe:
"Buty
ou'
redoct
ori
sinLAbesi
desy
ourbumsar
enott
hatbad"

Li
li
tha:
"Real
l
y,guy
syoushoul
dseet
hegi
rlt
hatmyhusbandI
sint
erest
ed
i
n."

Zoe:
"He'
l
lgetov
erher
,Don'
tst
ress"

OZZI
E.

Mymi ndkeptonrepl
ayi
ngev
ery
thi
ngt hi
ngt
hathappenedthatni
ght
,I'
m
st
il
ltr
yingtofi
gur
eoutwhywouldLi
li
thawantmybaby ?It
hinkImadea
gooddecisi
ont orej
ectedhermoneyDonwoul dhav eki
ll
edmeorwor se
burnmeal i
ve,you'
reneversaf
ewhendat i
ngaMaf ia.Iwasbusyst
ir
ri
ng
cornf
lakesthatI'
vebeencravi
ngsincel
astni
ght.Itookaspoonbut
i
mmedi atel
ydroppeditwhenIf el
tsomeonet
ickledmyback.

Me:"
Aww"Itur
ned,t
hehewasleani
ngont
hef
ri
dgel
ooki
ngsohandsome
"
seethemessyou'
vecr
eat
ed?
"

Don:
"Shoul
dIl
i
cki
t?"Hel
ookedatt
het
il
ewher
ethespoonwas.

Me:
"No,
Howar
eyou?
"

Don:
"I'
m goodIt
hinki
t'
sti
mewet
ell
Lil
i
thaaboutourr
elat
ionshi
p"

Me:
"What
?"

Don:"
Yes,babeI'
mtir
edifsnoopi
ngaround.Ev
eryt
imeIwantt
oki
ssy
ouI
havet
ofir
stlookatmysurroundi
ngno"

Me:
"Buti
t'
stoosoonPhi
l
ani
,don'
tyout
hinkt
hiswi
l
lbr
eakher
?"

Don:
"It
'snotl
i
keI
'
m di
vor
cingher
"

Me:
"Youai
n'
tdi
vor
cingher
?"

Don:
"Yes"

Me:
"Whataboutme?Ar
eyouusi
ngme?
"

Don:"
No,
Ilov
eyousomuchbutdivor
cingherwi
l
lrui
nmyreput
ati
onbabe.
Ihav
etomakeastat
ementandev
erythi
ngdonei
fmycli
entmaypull
out"

Me:"Soyou'
dchooseyourbusi
nessoverme?It
hinky
ouneedt
othi
nk
aboutal
loft
hisandknowwhaty ouwant"

Don:
"Butbabe?
"

Me:
"NoDon,
I'
mti
redofment
aki
ngmef
oradv
ant
age.Iknowamont
h
haven'
tpassedsi
ncewe'
vest
art
eddat
ingbutI
'
m notgoi
ngt
obey
our
mistr
ess"

Don:
"Fi
net
hen,
I'
ll
div
orceheri
fthat
'swhaty
ouwant
"

Me:
"You'
renotf
orced.
"

Don:
"Whaty
ouwantv
hel
e?Tel
lme"

Me: "Youneedt osendy ourwordoutther

e.Idon'twanttodealwi
thy our
sidekicks,youal soneedtodealwithNokuthulabeforewetel
lLi
li
thaabout
ourrelationship.Andcleanthi
smessIcan' tbent"Itookmybowel and
cleanspooni ntheshelves."
Decidewhatyouwant .Butalway
sknowt hat
you'r
el oved"

Don:
"Yuhsur
endi
yakuv
a,Il
ovey
ouandmyunbor
nson"

Me:
"Ar
eyouangr
y?"

Don:"
No,I'
m notwhatIdon'
tgeti
swhyam It
heonewho'
ssupposedt
o
cl
eanthi
s?"

Me:"Becauseyou'
remyboy
fri
endandy
oul
oveme.Iwoul
ddoi
ttr
ustme
butI
'
mt ired"

Don:
"Whatwer
eyoudoi
ng?
"

Me:
"Idon'
tknow,
may
bewi
tcheswer
eusi
ngmybodyl
astni
ght
"

Don:
"You'
recr
azy
"hel
aughed

Me:
"I'
vel
ear
nedf
rom y
ou"Il
aughedandwentoutl
eav
inghi
ssul
ki
ngass.

Iwastempt edtotel
lDonaboutwhatLil
i
thasaidtome, buyIdon'
twantto
seem thatI
'm doi
ngever
ythi
nginmypowert odivorceher,
IloveDonver
y
muchandIdowanthi mtodivor
ceLil
i
thabutitistoosoontoannounceour
rel
ati
onshipri
ghtnow.
100shar
esand300comment
sforbonusi
nser
t

TOBECONTI
NUED.
.

THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER21.

LI
LITHA.

Iwasbusycleani
ngthebedroom,Ineedtoactasagoodwif
eit
'st
imeI
obeyevery
thi
ngthatDonsaysinthi
shouse.He'st
hemanofthehouse,
aft
eral
l
, myphonerangjustaft
erIwasabouttodustt
hecar
pet
.

Me:
"Gi
rl
"Igi
ggl
edandusemyr
ightshoul
dtosuppor
tthephone

Nonhle:"
Jeezyou'
rebr
eathi
ngoutl
oudwhat
'swrong?Ormay beIcall
ed
youatthewrongti
me?"Iknowshethi
nkt
hatIwashavingsex,she'
sdirt
y
minded

Me:
"Ewwno,
Ithi
nkIhav
etwoweekssi
nceDont
ouchedme.Icl
eani
ng"

Nonhl
e:"
Wai
t,y
ou?Li
l
ithacl
eani
ng?
"
Me:
"Fr
iendi
ncl
eani
ngandhourhav
en'
tev
enpassedbutI
'
mti
red"

Nonhl
e:"
Howar
eyouhandl
i
ngt
hemopwi
thy
ourcar
diB'
snai
l
s?"

Me:
"OhhI
'
m usi
ngaFl
oormoppi
ngr
obot
"

Nonhl
e:"
Ienvyy
ourl
if
est
ylebabes,
I'
vebeent
ell
i
ngmyhusbandtogett
he
mopbuthe'
stel
li
ngmeaboutwasti
ngmoneyonusel
esst
hings"

Me:
"It
'snotmypr
obl
em t
haty
oumar
ri
edast
ingyman"

Nonhl
e:"
Any
wayhav
eyouf
oundagr
eatpl
ant
okeepy
ourmar
ri
age"

Me:"
No"Imovedtheboxes.Ideci
dedt
oputt
hephoneonl
oudspeakerso
t
hatIdonotbr
eakit
.

Nonhl
e:"
Yousai
dshe'
spr
egnantr
ight
?It
hinkki
l
li
ngherbabyi
t'
sagr
eat
pl
an"

Me:
"I'
vet
houghtabouti
t.Buthowwi
l
lthatgetr
idofher
?"

Nonhl
e:"
Someti
mesudom Li
l
itha,
Donwillseeherasawomanwhof
ail
ed
t
ogivehi
m ababy.I
'
m sur
ehe'
llki
ckherout"

Me:"
Idoubtf
ri
end,okayI
'
vehear
dthatpeanutbut
teri
snotgoodf
or
pr
egnantwomen.
"

Nonhl
e:"Yesyoucancookporr
idgef
orev
ery
onebuty
oumustmakesur
e
t
hathershavepeanutbut
ter
"

Me:
"Ri
ght
,I'
l
lhav
etogoandgetpeanutbut
teratShopr
it
e."

Nonhl
e:"
Goodl
uckonbumpi
ngwi
thsmel
l
yar
mpi
tsatShopr
it
elov
e."

Me:
"I'
l
lhav
etoendur
ethesmel
lIdon'
thav
eachoi
ce"

Nonhl
e:"
Alr
ightboo,
wewi
l
ltal
k"

Me:
"Chaos,
greethubbyf
orme"

Nonhl
e:"
huh-
uhy
ouwantt
ohi
tmewi
thabr
ick?
"
Me:
"Fr
iendy
ouwantDont
oki
l
lme"

Nonhl
e:"
Hewon'
tyou'
rehi
sri
deordi
e."

Igi
ggledanddroppedt
hecall
,I
'ddoanyt
hingtokeepmymar r
iageI'v
e
ki
ll
edbefore.Ki
ll
i
ngababythat'
snotbor
ny eti
snotthathar
d,Icandoi t.I
smil
edandhummedmyf av
orit
esongwhilecleani
ng.I
'l
lhav
et otreather
wit
hawar m heartt
ogai
nhertrust
.

OZZI
E.

Ithi
nkgoingbackt oschoolit
'ssomethi
ngt hatIshoul
dr econsi
der,Iknow
I'
mv erybadwheni tcomest obooksbuttr
y i
ngdoesn'thurtanyone.The
thi
ngthatI'm goodatisEngli
shI'
veneverf
ai l
edanEnglishsubjectsince
I'
vestart
edschool.Ievengotat r
ophyingrade9becauseofEngl i
sh.Iwas
busylookingforcl
othestowearwhenDonqbar geinwithoutknocking,I
knowbyt hesmel lofhi
scolognethati
t'
shim.

Me:
"Thehel
l
"Iqui
ckl
ygr
abat
owel
andt
iei
tar
oundmybody

Don:
"Whatar
eyouhi
ding?
"Hesmi
rkedcomi
ngt
owar
ds

Me:
"Phi
l
ani
don'
t,
pleasedon'
tcomenearme"

Don:
"Why
?Comeonbabewe'
redat
ing"

Me:
"So?I
'
m notr
eadyt
ohav
esexwi
thy
ou,
it'
stoosoon"

Don:
"Soy
ouexpectmet
owai
tforThr
eemont
hs?
"

Me:
"No,
ayear
"
Don:
"Yhoo,
butbabe"

Me:
"No,
pleaser
espectmydeci
sion"

Don:"
WellIhear
dthatpr
egnantwoment
endt
obehor
ny.Sowhowi
l
l
sat
isf
yyou?"

Me:
"Wel
l
"Il
ookeddown

Don:"
I'
m notgoi
ngtof
orcey
out
ohav
esexwi
thme,
okay
,I'
l
lwai
tfory
ou
unt
ily
ouareready"

Me:"Ar
eyousure?Don'
tsayy
ou'
l
lwai
tbecauseIknowt
haty
ou'
l
lbehav
ing
sexwit
hLi
li
tha"

Don:"
BabeIhaven'
ttouchedhersi
ncewest
art
eddat
ing.I
'
vecal
l
edmy
l
awyeryest
erday
"

Me:
"You'
redi
vor
cingher
?"Il
ookedathi
m andsi
ghed

Don:"
WhatdoyouwantOzzi
e?Yousai
dImustdi
vor
ceherandnowi
t'
sli
ke
youdon'
twantmet
odivor
ceher"

Me:
"Thi
swi
l
lbr
eakher
,Li
l
ithl
ovesy
ou"

Don:
"No.Shedoesn'
t,
she'
sjustobsessedwi
thmymoneyandr
oughsex"

Me:
"Mypoorv
agi
na"Iwentt
osi
tont
opoft
hebed.

Don:
hebur
stoutwi
thl
aught
er,
I'
venev
erseenhi
mlaughi
ngl
i
ket
his"
Babe"

Me:
"What
?Cany
oupl
easegetout
?Iwantt
owearmycl
othes"

Don:
"Wearsomet
hingappr
opr
iat
e,we'
regoi
ngout
"

Me:
"Youandwho?
"

Don:
"Lwet
hu,
Owet
hu,
youandme"

Me:
"AndLi
l
itha?
"
Don:
"TobehonestbabeIhat
eshoppi
ng.ButI
'
llt
ryt
odayf
ory
ouandt
he
ki
ds"

Me:
"I'
veaskedy
ouaquest
ion"

Don:
"Idon'
tthi
nkshe'
dwantt
ogowi
thus,
hur
rybabe"

Me:
"Okay
"

Heki ssedmycheekandwentout .Isi

ghedandtookoutclothestowear.
I
'm gladthatNokuthulagavemeafewofhermat er
nit
ydresses,she'sno
l
ongerwear ingthem si
nceshe'
snotpregnant
.It
'st
imeIcutmyhai r
,my
hairneedstreat
mentI '
ll
tryt
ogetmoneyandgot oasalontocuti tanddye
i
t,ormay bebleachit
.

Af
terget
ti
ngr
eadyIwentdownst
air
s,Li
l
ithawasbusywi
pingt
hef
ri
dge

Me:
"I'
mready
"

Don:
"Umm Wow,
youl
ooksobeaut
if
ul"t
hisguy
.Inf
rontofhi
swi
fe

Li
l
itha:
"He'
sri
ght
,youl
ookgoodbuty
ourhai
rneedsf
ewt
ouch-
ups"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Li
l
itha:
"I'
m sosad.Soy
ouguy
sar
eleav
ingmebehi
nd?
"

Owet
hu:
"Buty
ousai
dyou'
renotgoi
ng"

Li
l
itha:
"I'
m not
,I'
vegotawhol
ehouset
ocl
ean"shesai
dlooki
ngar
ound.

Lwet
hu:
"Who'
scomi
ng?Dad,
isgr
andmot
hercomi
ng?
"

Don:
"No,
Idon'
tknowbabygi
rl
.Whyaskt
hat
?"
Lwet
hu:
"Aunt
yLi
l
ithahav
enev
ercl
eanedbef
ore"

Owet
hu:"Let
'sgoguys"shet
ookthecarkey
sandhandedt
hem t
oherdad.
Wesaidourgoodbyesandwentt
othecar.

Lwet
hu:
"Youcant
aket
hef
rontseatsi
sOzzi
e.Wewi
l
lsi
tatt
heback"

Me:
"Ar
eyousur
ebabygi
rl
?"

Lwet
hu:
"Iam"shegi
ggl
edandopenedt
hebackdoorf
orOwet
hu.

Whenwearr
ivedatt
hemallwei
mmedi at
elywentt
oGucci
,andot
herf
ew
shops,
Thet
roll
eywasf
ull
ofLwethuandOzzie'
sst
uff
.

Don:
"Youdon'
twantany
thi
ng?
"

Me:
"Ionl
yneedt
odomyhai
r,Iwast
hinki
ngofcut
ti
ngi
t"

Don:
"Ar
eyousur
e.Ther
e'snot
hingwr
ongwi
thy
ourhai
r"

Me:
"But
"

Don:"Okay,
you'
l
lcuti
tI'
l
ltakey
out
othesal
onbutcanIchooseahai
rcut
fory
ou? "

Me:
"Fi
ne.
"

Don:
"Guy
swe'
recomi
ngokay
.I'
mtaki
ngOzzi
etot
hesal
on"

Lwet
hu:
"You'
l
lfi
ndusatWool
wor
ths.
"

Owet
hu:
"Okay
"

Att
hesi
deoft
hemal
l
.Twoj
our
nal
i
stswer
egossi
pingaboutDonand
Ozzi
e.

Jun1:
"Ist
hatDon?
"

Jun2: "
It
'shi
m,fr
iend.I
sthathi
sgi
rl
fr
iend?Phel
afr
om whatI
'
vehear
dis
thatDononlywearcust
om madecl
othes"

Jun1:
"Andwho'
sthat
?Weneedt
ofol
l
owt
hem"

Jun2:"
Let'
sgo,connecty
ourcamer
ait
'sbeenawhi
l
esi
ncewe'
ver
eal
i
sed
i
nter
est
ingnews"

Jour
n:"
Yes,
let
'sgo"

Theyqui
ckl
ygrabbedt
heircoff
eesandcameras.Ther
ewererunni
ng
makingsur
ethatDonandOz zi
edoesn'
tdi
sappearonthem.

KWA-
ZULUNATAL.

Nalediwasgoi ngbackt ohermot her'splace,shewasgoi ngtogether

unifor
m andbookssi nceshe' l
lbegoi ngtoschool thenextday .She
decidedt ostaywithherf ather'
sf amily,shehadt opassbyt hebr i
dge
beforereachingherhome.I mmedi atelywhenshej umpedt her ivershesaw
two-manbyt hesideoft her i
ver,shet houghtthatmay betheywer et r
yingt
o
catchfishesev enthought heydi dn'thaveaf i
shingt ackleorfishingr od.
Shener vouslypassedt hem, withinami nutetheyfollowedherunt ilshe
arri
vedt hebushes.Whenshewasaboutt oruntheyqui cklygrabbedher
andpushedhert othebush.Theyexchangedwi t
hher ,
shecr i
edand
beggedf ormercybuttheydi dn'tspar eher.Theyrippedherv aginaand
rapedherunt il
shepassedout .
TOBECONTI
NUED.
..

THANDAZI
LE

(
Unedi
ted)

CHAPTER22

OZZI
E.

Thesalonwasver
ybusywhenwegetinsi
de,workersr
unni
ngupanddown.
Somecor nr
owi
nghai
rsandrel
axi
ng,
Idon'tt
hinkI'
l
ldomyhairt
oday,
iti
s
sopacked.

Me:
"Babe"Ihol
dhi
shandt
ight
ly

Don:
"Huh?What
'swr
ong"hest
oppedwal
ki
ngandl
ookedatmewi
thwor
ry
onhi
sface.

Me:
"Not
her
e'snot
hingwr
ongwi
thme.Buti
t'
spacked"

Don:
"Don'
twor
ry"
"OHHMYGOD! "Shoutedthegayt hatwasbusycount
ingmoneyatthe
counter
.Peopletur
nedandl ookedathim"Whoawhyar eyoualll
ooki
ngat
melikethat
?I'mjustsur
prisedthatawholeDoncamei nmysalontoday"I
smil
edandl ook,
Don.Heshowednoemot i
on,hehadseri
ousnesswri
tten
onhisface.

Gay
:"Hey
,I'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
.I'
m chunky
"Igi
ggl
edathi
ssi
l
lyname

Me:"Okaychunkyni
cet
omeety
ou.I
'
m Oz
zieandhe'
sDo.
."bef
oreIcoul
d
f
ini
shshe/hegotinmymout
h

Chunky
:"DonPhil
aniDlaminiIknowhi
m darl
i
ng"Donlookedather
/hi
m
wit
haney ebr
owraised."
I'
m sorryf
ort
alki
ngnon-
stop.Comeletmeshow
youwhereVIPssi
ts"

Me:
"NoI
'
m notaVI
Pchunky
.Any
wayI
'
m her
etocutmyhai
r"

Don:
"CanIpl
easechoose?Pl
ease"

Me:"Al
ri
ght"Imovedasi
deandlethi
m decidedonwhi chhair
cutwi
l
lsui
t
me.Fewgirl
sonthecornerwer
ebusytakinghim pi
ctures,
hewasmad
uncomfor
table

Me:"
Babey
oucangoandst
ayi
nthecar
.I'
l
lcal
lyouoncemydone"I
whi
sper
edi
nhi
sear

Don:"It
hinky
oulef
tyourphonebehi
nd.Buti
t'
sfi
ney
oucant
akemy
phone"hehandedi
tover

Me:
"Andwher
ewi
l
lIcal
lyou?
"

Don:
"Mywat
ch,
D467t
hat
'st
hecode"

Me:
"Dwhat
?"

Don:"Fi
neI'
l
lcomeandchecky
ouaf t
erR60minutes.Wi
ll
youbeableto
st
arthernow?Iwanty
outodoitnotyourwor
kers"hewasref
err
ingto
chunky
"

Chunky
:"Ofcour
seLani
.Youcangoandr
esti
nyourcar
"

Don:
"ComeIdon'
twanthert
oseet
hest
ylet
hatI
'
vechosenf
orher
"

Chunky
:"Takeasi
tlov
e.I
'
m comi
ng"

Isi
ghedandsatdown,hegavemeaphonet
hatneedsapasscode.Ihav
e
noideawhatthecode,
Idon'
tev
enr
ememberthecodenumberofthe
watch.I
'
m suchadump

Chunky
:"Lov
etakeaseat
"

Oneoft
hel
adi
eswhot
ookapi
ctur
est
art
edt
aki
ng

Her
:"Nochunky
,it
'sbeenawhi
lesi
ncewe'vear
ri
vedher
e.Whataboutus?
I
sbecauseshe'
sDon'shoe?
"Peopl
estar
tedtomakenoi
se

Chunky
:"Okayi
fyoufeel
li
keyouwantt
ogoguysf
eel
freet
ogo.Icar
ever
y
muchformycustomersbuty
oudonotgett
oaskmehowIwork"

Her
:"I
t'
snotf
airchunky
, y
ou'
lll
osecust
omersi
fyoukeepondoingthi
s.I
t'
s
j
ustt
hatIl
ovethewayy oushapemynail
sIwoul
dhavelonggone"

Chunky
:"I
'
m sor
rybutDonpai
dal
otofmoney
,whosay
snot
omoney
?"

Me:
"Excusemehowmuchdi
dhepayy
ou?
"

Chunky
:"Hesai
dImustnott
ell
youany
thi
ngsweet
y,andIdon'
tseemy
sel
f
goagai
nsthi
swords"

Me:
"Ohhokay
"
She/hest
art
edt
ocutmyhai
rint
oabr
ushwi
thMandel
a'
sli
neont
hesi
deof
thehead.

Aft
ershebl eachedit,
Ihadtostaywit
hplasti
cwr aponmyheadforR60
minutes.IwonderhowI '
m goi
ngt ol
ooklikeI'
veneverdy
edint
oblonde
befor
e,I'
venev erdyedmyhairbefor
eit'
smyf ir
stti
me.Sheatt
endedsome
ofhercli
entsbef or
eshecameandt ookof ft
heplasti
c

Chucky
:"Youlookwow"she/
heexcl
aimedandpushedt
hechai
rthatIwas
si
tt
ingontothemirr
or

Me:
"Wowy
ou'
resot
alent
ed"

Chucky
:"Tr
ustmedol
l
.I'
mthebest
"

Me:
"Shoul
dIgo?
"

Chucky
:"Nol
etmedosomet
ouch-
upsher
eandt
her
e"

Shewentt
otakeabr
ushandecost
yli
nggel
.Ioncesawi
tinLwet
hu'
s
bedr
oom.

Chucky
:"I
'
m goi
ngt
odoedges"shegi
ggl
ed

Me:
"Wai
t,what
'sedges?
"

Chucky
:"Lov
e?Youdon'
tknowwhat
'sedgesohhImeanbabyhai
r"

Me:"
Youshoul
dhav
esai
dbabyhai
rint
hef
ir
stpl
acei
nst
eadofy
our
bombast
icwor
d"
Chucky
:"I
'
m sor
ry,
Iwasi
nst
ruct
edt
omakeupy
ou"

Me:"
No,Idon'
twantmakeup.Thel
astt
imeIappl
i
edmakeupmyf
acehad
al
otofpi
mples."

Chucky
:"Buthepai
dmet
oal
somakeupy
ou"

Me:"I
'm sur
ehe'
l
lunder
stand.I
'm sor
ryt
odisappoi
nty
ou,
youseemedso
happytomakeupmebutI '
m notupfori
t"

Chucky
:"I
t'
sfi
ne.Letmef
ini
shy
ourhai
rsot
haty
oucango"

Isaidmygoodby esandwentoutoft hesalon,It

houghthesai
dhe'
l
lcome
backafter60minutesbuthedidn'
t.Helefthisphonebehi
ndhowcanIget
holdofhim?Iwalkedtotheelevat
orevent houghIdonotknowhowit
works,befor
eIarri
vedIfel
tsomeonehuggedmebehi nd.

Me:
"Ouch"Ist
art
ledandqui
ckl
ytur
ned

Don:
"Babe,
youl
ookgood"

Me:
"Youhur
tme,
"Isai
drubbi
ngwher
ehepokedme

Don:
"You'
l
lbef
ine,
Iseey
oudeni
edmakeup"

Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"

Don:
"It
'sf
ine.Ar
eyoudone?
"

Me:
"Yes"

Don:
"Sur
esur
e?Imeany
ouhav
en'
tboughtany
thi
ngf
ory
our
sel
f"

Me:
"I'
m br
oke,
Idon'
thav
emoney
"

Don:
"Whatdoy
oumean?I'
mtheonewhot ooky
ououtwhi
chmeansI
'
m
t
heonewhowil
lbepay
ingf
orev
eryt
hing"
Me:
"ohwecango"

Don:
"What
'swr
ong?Youdon'
tl
ookhappy
"

Me:
"Ohhno,
I'
m happywecangot
oMrpr
ice"

Don:
"CanIchooseaf
ewofy
ourcl
othes?
"

Me:
"Umm I
'
m notsur
e"het
ookmyhandi
ntohi
saswewal
kedt
oMepr
ice

Don:
"Whynot
?"Hel
aughed

Me:
"Hav
eyouev
erbeenatMrpr
icebef
ore?
"

Don:
"No,
nope.ButI
'
m gl
adt
hatI
'
m her
efort
hef
ir
stt
imewi
thy
ou"

Me:
"Ohh"Ibl
ushed

Don:"
Mybabyi
sbl
ushi
ng.Baby
,wemustbef
astsi
ncewel
eftt
heki
ds
al
one.
"

Me:
"Yout
hinksomet
hingmayhappent
othem?
"

Don:
"Nah,
4sol
dier
sar
eguar
dingt
hem"

Me:
"Butwedi
dn'
tcomewi
thguar
dsher
e"

Don:"Babyyouknowt heki
ndofbusi
nesst
hatIdor
ight
?You'
l
lbeguar
d
unt
ilIleav
etheculti
nacasket"

Me:
"You'
rescar
ingme"

Don:
"I'
m sor
ry.Butwi
thLi
l
ithai
twaseasybecausesheonl
yknewt
hatI
'
m
aMafiabossnothi
ngmuch"

Me:
"Thenwi
thme?
"

Don:"
Youknowal
otoft
hings,
myl
ove.How'
sthi
sdr
ess?
"Het
ooki
tfr
om
i
tshanger

Me:
"Don'
tyout
hinkt
hecol
ouri
sugl
y?"
Don:"
Umm wai
t"het
ookanot
herone,
itwasanof
f-
shoul
derl
ongdr
ess
wit
hwhit
ecol
or

Me:
"Gr
eat
,Il
ovet
hisone"

Don:
"Youcangoandpay
.Ther
ear
ejour
nal
i
stsher
e"

Me:
"so?
"

Don:"
BabyI
'
m sur
ethey'
veal
readyreal
isedt
henewswithheadl
inesif"
The
might
yDONwasseeninMrprice"Il
aughedathi
sfaci
alexpr
ession

Me:"
Babyyouhav
etogetusedtoi
t,Imeany
ou'
ref
amousev
ery
one
r
espect
syousowhynotgetusedt
oit?"

Don:"
Howam If
amous?It
hinkpeopl
elov
eexagger
ati
ng.I
'
m ahuman
bei
ngli
key
ou"

Me: "
We'r
egoi
ngtoget
her
,inf
act
,you'
ret
heonewho'
sgoi
ngt
opaywhi
l
eI
seatdownint
ir
ed"

Don:"I
smysonmakingyouti
red?
"Herubbedherbel
ly,
themomenthe
pl
acedhishandonOzzi
e'
sbel
lysomeonetookapict
ureandsendi
ttoher
j
ournal
istf
ri
end.

KWA-
ZULUNATAL.

Aft
ert
heysati
sfi
edthemsel
vestheyt
ookheranddumpedherbyt
hesi
de
oft
hegrav
elsothatwhenacarpassbycannoti
ceher
.

Ozzi
e'smot
herrecei
vedacall
whi
l
eshewaspacki
ngheral
readywashed
cl
othesi
nanoldwardrobe.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"

Cal
l
edI
D:"
Hi,
am It
alki
ngt
oMr
s.Mol
oi?
"

Me:"Yes,who'
sspeaki
ng?"She'
snotgoodwheni
t'
scomet
oEngl
i
sh
howevershewenttoschool
.

Cal
lerI
D: "
I'
myou'
respeaki
ngwi
tht
her
ecept
ioni
stofChur
chScot
land
Hospit
al"

Me:
"Okay
,howcanIsi
zay
ou?
"

Cal
lerI
D: sheheardwhatmamaOzzi
ewant
edt
osaysi
nceshewasal
so
Xhosa"Ibeli
evethaty
ou'r
eNal
edi
'
smother
"

Her
:"Yebo"

Cal
l
erID:"
Yor
edaught
erwasadmi
tt
edaf
ewhour
sback,
shewas
molest
ed"

Her
:"What
?"

Cal
l
erI
D:"ungumnt
wanawadl
wengul
wa,
ndi
yaxol
i
sa"

•
You'
rechi
l
dwasr
aped,
I'
m sor
ry"

Her
:"Ohhngi
ya'
bongasi
s"

Shesighedassher emember edthatshedoesn' tevenhav eR1t obuyt he

matches.Wher ewillshegetthemoneyt ocheckonherchi ldatthehospi t
al?
Tearsdroppedasshei maginedthepainthatherchi l
dmayhav ereassured.
Thecriesandt hepainshef el
t.Shetookapi l
lowandcl osedherey es,she
coul
dn'tcontrolhertearsastheywet t
edthepi ll
ow.Wor seNal ediwasa
vi
rgi
n,whathur thermor ewast hatshedoesn' tevenhav emoneyt otr
av el
.
Butthethoughtofwal kingtothehospitalcamei ntohermi nd.Shequi ckly
wir
ehercl oseandhi ttheroadwithherempt yst omach.Shewoul drunand
walkslowlywhi l
ebreathingheavi
ly!Shemayhav enotgiv enherchildthe
besthomebutonethi
ngshevowedwast
onothav
eherchi
l
dren
emotional
l
ysuf
ferwhi
leshe'
sal
iv
e.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..

THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER23.

Ozzi
e.

Laterthatni ghtLil
i
thawassurpri
sedt hatIhadanewhai rstyle.Sheev en
comment edthatIlookGoodeventhoughIknewt hatshewasj ust
pretending.Al l
Ididwastosmi l
eatherassher eturnedthefakesmi l
e.I
slepthappy ,everyt
hingseemstobegoi ngwellinmyl i
fe.I'
venev erfel
tthi
s
waybef ore,tome, i
twasalwaysaboutmaki ngsurethere'
sf oodt oeati
n
thehouse.Thewassomuchhul l
abaloodownst ai
rsIcouldn'tev ensleep.I
want edt oatleastwakeuparound9sot hatIcanaskDont oaccompany
met ot hehospi tal
.Havenotbeenexper i
enci
nganysy mptoms, It hi
nk
somet hingi swrong.

Isi
ghedandgotoutoft
hebedsot
hatIcant
akeshower
.

Iwr
appedatowelar
oundmybodyjustaf
terIf
ini
shtaki
ngoffmyclot
hes.
Bef
oreIcoul
dopenthet
apIhear
dthebedroom doorbei
ngopened.
"Where'
sthatbit
chheh"Iquickl
ywentoutwhi
l
etight
eningt
hetowel
.Don
cl
osedt hedoorandsupporthimsel
fwi
thit
,wi
thhishandsi
nsi
dehis
pockets

Li
l
itha:"Youevenwentt
odoanewhair
styl
esothaty
oucanseducemy
man? "Shehadabrownenv
elopei
nherhands

Me:"
Whatar eyoutal
ki
ngabout"Il
ookatherhands.Idon'
twantany
mi
stakes.Justi
ncaseshet
hrowssomethingonmyf ace.

Lil
i
tha:
"I'
mtalki
ngaboutt
hedivor
cehe'sfor
cingmetosi
gndammi
t.Wel
l
far
m Juli
etj
ustsoyouknowthatI
'm goi
ngnowhere"

Me: "
Youaredi
v or
cingher
?IthoughtIt
oldyoui
t'
stoosoon"Il
ookedathi
m.
I
'm suresheal
readyknowsthatwe'r
edati
ng

Don:
"Ithadt
obedone.Li
l
ithaIthoughtIl
ovedyouwhenwemet,
butitwas
al
lali
e.Ionl
ycar
eaboutyou,buti
ntheend,Ihavet
olety
ougoLi
li
tha"

Lil
i
tha:
"No, I
'
m notgoi
ngtoloseyout
othi
sbitch"shetoret
hepaper
sand
thr
owthem onmyf ace,l
ucki
lyt
heydi
dn'
treachmesi nceIwas1meter
awayfrom her.

Don:"
I'
ll
cal
lmylawyert
odr
awtheotherpapersagain.Andthi
sti
meyou'
re
nott
eari
ngthem.Tr
ustmei
twon'
tendwel l
-bel
oved"helookedatmeand
smir
ked.

Lil
it
ha:
"You'
reblushi
ng?I
nfrontofme?Noway
!"Shecl
i
ckedhernai
l
s.Ar
e
thosel
ongnail
sgoingtogetinmyfl
esh?

shechar
gedt
owar
dsme.Iscr
eamedandr
ant
othebat
hroom andl
ocked
thedoor
.

Ibr
eat
hedoutl
oud,
wasshegoi
ngt
obeatme?
Li
li
tha:"
Heewenasfebe.GetoutIwantt
oshowyouwhoIam, cl
earl
yyou
donotknowwhoIam"Iswal l
owedandpr ay
edt
hatshedoesn'
tbr
eakthe
doororelseI
'
m scr
ewed.

Don:"StopitLi
li
tha,
whyareyouact
ingl
ikeyou'
veneverbeendumped
before?Stopbeingchi
l
dishdammit
"Iheardabangandadoorbeing
opened.

Imightaswell
takeashoweraf
tert
hatI
'
llpeeki
nandseei
fshehasl
eftt
he
room ornot
.

DON.

Ilef
tLi l
i
thabei ngcrazyinOzzie'sroom.Mysweethear
tisacoward,Ineed
totrainher.IlaughedasIr ememberhowsher anwhenLi l
i
t hawal
kedto
wher eshewasst anding,Idon'tknowwhysheranawaybecauseIwasn't
goingletLili
thahither.BeforeIcouldmakeiti
nmyOf fi
cemyphone
ranged.Itwasoneoft heguardsIhiredt
oprot
ectOzzi
e'sfamil
y.

Me:
"Tal
k"Isi
ghedandputt
hecodebef
oret
hedooropened.

Hi
m:"
Boss,
ther
e'sapr
obl
em Ozzi
e'
ssi
sterwasr
aped"

Me:"Dammi t
.Thi
swi
l
lbr
eakher
,wher
ewer
eyouwhent
hewhol
ethi
ng
happened?
"

Hi
m:"
Hernamei
sNal
edi
boss,
shel
eftl
astweekgoi
ngt
oherf
ather
's
pl
ace.Wecoul
dn'
tfol
l
owhersi
ncey
oudi
dn'
ti
nst
ructust
odoso"

Me:
"Di
dn'
tIt
ell
yout
oleav
ethatpl
ace?Howdi
dyouf
indout
?"

Him:"Youdi
dboss,
butwecoul
dn'
tl
eav
esi
ncewewer
ewai
ti
ngf
ort
he
van.
"

Me:
"Fi
ndt
hosecul
pri
tsandki
l
lthem"

Hi
m:"
Howboss?
"

Me:
"Dammi
tJomo,
youwantmet
oteachhowt
oki
l
l?Justdot
hedam j
ob"

Hi
m:"
Sal
ute,
shoul
dIdr
opt
hecal
l
?"

Me:
"Cool
"

Thi
sisgoingt
ohurtOzzie,howdoItellhert
hatherl
it
tl
esist
erwas
molest
ed?Ozzi
emaywantt ogoback,andifshegoesbackhomeI'
ll
escor
t
her
.There'
snowayI'
ml etti
ngmygirlgoalonewit
houtmebesideher
.I
wanttobeemoti
onal
lyattachedt
oher

AtKZN,
atThoko'
shouse.

Thoko:"Noway"heexclai
medtohimselfjustaf
terhesawOzzieandDon'
s
pi
ctureonFacebook.Hequickl
ytookhi
sl astai
rt
imethathewasaboutt
o
buyWhat sAppt
icket
s.Andcall
edhisfr
iendThapelo.

Hi
m:"
Bruh,
hav
eyousawwhat
'st
rendi
ngt
oday
?"

Thapel
o:"
YesI'
m scaredf
oryourli
fepoi.Fr
om thenews,Ihear
daboutt
he
guyshe'
sdat
ing,hecanki
llwi
thoutthi
nkingtwi
ceorthr
ice"
Hi
m:"
What
?Ihear
dthathe'
sdanger
ous.Butt
oki
l
l?"

Thapel
o:"
Justdi
stancey
our
sel
ffr
om meman.I
'
m st
il
lyoungt
odi
eand
l
eavemymom"

Hi
m:"
Iunder
standt
hapel
o,Imadet
hebedIshoul
dlayoni
t"

Thapel
o:"
Bef
ineThoko.Justdon'
trunawaybecausehe'
l
lfi
ndy
ou"

Hedr oppedt hecal l

andt houghtaboutwhatThapelosai dtohim.He
quicklytookhi sfakeNikebagt hatheboughtatthestreetinJoburgthe
ti
mehev i
sit
edhi suncle.Hepackedhisclothesquickly,andshovesomeof
hi
st ornunder weay r
.Itapitythathedoesn'
thavebr i
efs.Heonlyhasthose
Pepj ockeyswi thragont hewai st
.Nonthelesshetookhi slot
ionwhich
wasal readyfinishedbutbecauseofhav i
ngasenseofhumor ,hemixedit
wit
hwat erli
kehemi xedthebot tl
eoft
omatosaucewi thwhenwat erwhen
i
t'
saboutt ofinish.

Hi
m:"Mamamama"her
ant
othemai
nhouse.Hi
smot
herwasst
ir
ri
ngt
he
st
ew

Hi
smother:
"Whyareyoushout
ingmyboy?
"Sheclosedthepotandturned
t
ofacehi
m.Shewasconfusedwhenshenoti
cedabagov erhi
sshoulders
"
What'
swrongwit
hthebagsmyboy ?
"Shespoil
edhi
mt hathecannoteven
washhi
sunder
wear

Hi
m:"
Myl
i
fei
sindangermom.Ineedt
ogoasi
nnow"

Hi
smot
her
:"Wher
ewi
l
lyougomyl
ove?
"

Hi
m:"Idon'
tknowmama,
I'
ll
thi
nkaboutsomet
hingont
heway
.Icangot
o
Li
mpopo"

Hi
smot
her
:"Ohh,
youknowhowy
ourgr
andmot
heri
s.Wi
l
lyoubeokay
wi
thoutme?
"

Hi
m:"
Iwi
l
l,t
her
e'snot
imef
ort
hat
.I'
l
lcal
lyouandexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ng"

Hi
smot
her
:"Ihav
eR500I
senough?
"

Hi
m:"
Mamai
t'
sfi
ne"

Shelookedathim andshookherheadasshewentt
opullt
hematt
ressup
sothatshecantakeoutherlastmoney.Het
appedhi
sshoetot
heflooras
hewaitsimpat
ientl
y.

Hi
smot
her
:"I
'
llmi
ssy
ouson"

Hi
m:"
Don'
twor
ryMa,
I'
ll
comebackoncet
hisbl
owsov
er.
"

Hehuggedherandqui
ckl
yrantot
hebusstop.Her
egretev
erpl
ayi
ngwit
h
Ozzi
e'
sheart
.Heshoul
dn'
thavetr
eat
edthewayhetreat
edher
.Hesmil
ed
whenhesawthebuscominghi
sway.

AtScot
landHospi
tal
.

Naledi
'
smot herwasfinal
lyal
l
owedinNal
edi'
sward,herhear
tbroke
countl
essti
meswhenshesawherbabywi thmachinesallov
erher.Her
tear
swettedhercheeks,shesi
ghedandt
ookaseatbesideher.

Her:"
Mychi
ld,
I'
m sosor
ry.I
t'
smyf aul
tthaty
ouar
einher.Ishouldhav
e
beenagr
eatmothert
oyou,Ishoul
dhaveshownyoulov
et hefi
rstti
mey ou
cameintothewor
ld.Event houghit
'slat
etowomanupandlookaf
tery
ou
butIpromi
setobeabet termot her
,IhopeGodcanpuni
sht
hosewho
wrongedyou,mydaughter.I'
m sosobabygirl
.

AtSpurNonhleandZoewerehav
ingbr
eakf
astwhi
l
echat
ti
ngaboutt
he
tr
endthathasbeentr
endi
ng.

Zoe:
"I'
m gl
adt
hatDonf
oundasui
tabl
ewomanf
orhi
msel
f"

Nonhl
e:"
Whatdoy
oumean?Whathappenedt
owear
egoi
ngt
osuppor
t
ourf
ri
end?"

Zoe:"Nonhleyouneedtounder
standt
hatI
'
m notLil
it
ha'
sbestf
ri
end,
I
tol
erateherbecauseshe'
smarr
iedtomyhusband'
sboss.
"

Nonhl
e:"
wel
lIgi
vey
out
humbupsy
oungl
ady
.You'
regoodatpr
etendi
ng"

Zoe:"Ishouldbehav
ebeenhonestwit
hLil
ithai
nthefi
rstplace.Li
l
itha
doesn'tloveDonbutshel
oveshi
smoney ,Imeanthegir
l i
splanni
ngtotake
usonv acationwhodoest
hat?She'
sgoingtowastemill
ionsona
tempor aryt
hing?
"

Nonhl
e:"Iheary
ou,
ma'
am"

Zoe:
"Iper
sonal
l
ylov
ethegi
rl
.Shemaybey
oungbutshe'
scut
e"

Nonhle:"
YesIagree,It
hinkt
hepregnancyi
smaki
nghermor
ecut
er.Ev
en
herhair
styl
elooksgoodonher"

Zoe:
"Yes,Lil
i
thashoul
dn'
teventr
ytofi
ghtthegi
rlbecauseweal
lknowt
hat
Donwillprot
ectherwi
thever
ythi
nghehave"

Nonhl
e:"
You'
ret
hebi
ggestt
rai
tor
.Igi
vey
ou10/
10

Zoe:
"I
'mj
ustst
ati
ngt
hef
act
s"
Theyl
aughedandcl
i
ckedt
hei
rwi
negl
asses.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..

THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER24

OZZI
E.

Ihadlockedmy sel
finsi
dethebedr oom.I
'm scar
edofLil
i
tha,sheseemsso
dangerous.IhopePhil
aniprotect
sme.Iwasdeepi nmyt hought
swhenI
heardaknock, myheartst
artedbeatingf
ast.Isi
ghedandstoodupwhil
e
holdi
ngmychest .

Me:
"Whoi
sit
?"Myv
oicewasbr
eaki
ng

Don:
"Ozzi
eopeni
t'
sme.
"Icoul
dhearhi
mlaughi
ng.

Me:
"Whoar
eyouwi
th?
"

Don:
"IswearI
'
m al
one.Weneedt
otal
k"

Me:
"Whyar
eyouwhi
sper
ing?Donar
eyousur
ethaty
ou'
real
one?
"

Don:"I
'
m whisper
ingbecauseIdonotwantLi
l
ithat
ohearus.You'
rescar
ed
ofherri
ght
?"
Me:"
Noofcoursenot,
it'
sjustbecauseI
'
m pr
egnant
."Iopenedt
hedoor
andl
ockedaf
terhehasgottenin

Don:
"Li
l
itha'
swon'
tdoany
thi
ngt
oyouwi
thmei
nthehouse"

Me:
"Youneverknowwithher.Youwantedt
ot al
k?"Isi
ghedasatontopof
t
hebed"Whatareyouholdi
ng?"Hetr
iedtopeekedinthewhi
tepaperbag.

Don:"OhhIboughtyouaphone,
youcangoogl
eschool
sandev
ery
thi
ng"he
handedoverthepl
asti
c.

Me:"Thankyou,whoam It
osaynotothi
s,
"Isai
dopeni
ngt
hepl
ast
ic.
"
iPhone?Irai
sedmyeyebrowandl
ookedathim"

Don:
"Ther
e'sMacBooki
nthecar
,you'
l
lgoandf
etchi
t.
"

Me:
"WhyDon?
"

Don:
"You'
regoi
ngbackt
oschool
sweet
hear
t"hesmi
l
ed

Me:"
Thankyou,butIdonotknowhowt
ooper
atet
hei
Phone"heopened
hi
seyestowelcomemef orahug.

Don:"That
'swhyI'm here.I
'
llt
eachy
ouandI
'
llal
sohel
pyouwi
thsear
chi
ng
fort
heperfectschool"

Me:"Thankyousomuch"het
ookmyphoneandchangedt
heSI
M car
dand
handeditov
er

Don:"
There'
ssomethi
ngIneedt ot
ell
you,pleasepr
omisetonotdo
somethi
ngdanger
ousplease.Don'
tki
lly
ourself,
Iwon'
tbeabl
etoli
vewi
th
i
t.

Me:
"Whati
sit
?"Il
ookedathi
m,hehadser
iousnesswr
it
teni
nhi
sface

Don:
"Ihav
esentt
heguar
dst
opr
otecty
ourf
ami
l
y"

Me:
"Youdi
dn'
tseet
her
ightt
oletmeknow?
"If
rowned

Don:
"Letmef
ini
sh"het
ookmyhandsi
ntohi
s."
somet
hingt
err
ibl
e
happenedt
oyoursi
ster
"

Me:
"Nal
edi
?Issheokay
?"Iqui
ckl
yst
oodupandpacedupanddown

Don:
"Rel
ax,
Nal
edi
isOkay
.She'
sinhospi
tal
though"

Me:
"Whywhathappened?Pl
easet
ell
me"

Don:
"I'
m sorr
ybabe,
shewasr aped"Ist
oppedinmyt
racksandl
ookedat
hi
m.Ithoughthewasjoki
ngbuthedidn'
tlaugh

Me:
"Whendi
dithappen?
"Iwast
ryi
ngt
okeepmyt
ear
sawayf
rom f
all
i
ng

Don:
"Thedaywewentt
othemal
l
.Ar
eyouokay
?"

Me: "
Yes,
yesIthi
nkI'
m okay
.SoIwasbusyenj
oyi
ngl
i
fewhi
l
emyl
i
ttl
e
si
sterwasexperi
enci
ngthewor
st?
"

Don:"I
t'
snoty
ourf
aul
tmyl
ove,
you'
renotGody
oucannotcont
rol
ever
ythi
ng"

Me:"
Butsti
l
lDon,Ishoul
dhavepr
otect
edher
.Ishoul
dn'
thav
elef
theral
l
al
oneint
hefir
stpl
ace,it
'smyf
aul
t"

Don:"
No,
iti
snoty
ourf
aul
t.I
twasGod'
swi
l
lwehav
etoaccepti
tatt
he
end"

Me:
"CanIpl
easeseeher
,Iwantt
oseemyl
i
ttl
esi
ster
"

Don:
"I'
l
ldr
ivey
ou.Wi
l
lyoubeabl
etopacky
ourcl
othes?
"

Me:
"Yes,
Thanky
ou"Isobbed.

Hekissedmycheekandl ef
ttheroom,whyi stheworldsocruel?Nal
edi
knowsnothing, she'
sjustachil
dwhowasbor ninav er
ydangerousworld.I
blamemy sel
ff orwhathappenedt oher,am Iwrongfornotcry
ing?Ishould
havelett
het earsout,orisi
tguil
tyconscienceeati
ngmeup?
NOKUTHULA.

"Fuckenbit
ch!
"Iscreamedwhileholdi
nganewspaper ,
shedeservesthe
wor st
.It
hrewawayt henewspaperinfr
ust
rat
ion.IhavetocallLi
li
tha
there'
snowayI'mletti
ngthi
sslutgetawaywithalloft
his.ToeventhinkI
welcomedherinmyhouseandi sthi
showsher epaysme?Shemustbe
crazy.

Me:
"Hi
Lil
i
thai
t'
sNokut
hul
a,
"Isai
daf
tert
hecal
lwasanswer
ed

Her
:"Icanheary
ourv
oice?HowcanIhel
pyou?
"

Me:
"Isawt
henews,
howar
eyou?
"

Her
:"I
t'
shect
ic.Noneofmyf
ri
endscal
l
ed"shesi
ghed

Me:
"Itwi
l
lbewel
lwi
tht
ime,
whatar
eyoupl
anni
ngt
odo?
"

Her
:"Not
hing,
not
hingev
eni
fIt
ryt
oki
l
lherDonwi
l
lpr
otecther
"

Me:"Thehel
l
?Soy ouarejustgoi
ngt
othr
owt
eny
ear
sdownt
hedr
ain?
Justl
iket
hat?
"Iaskedshocked

Her
:"Whatdoyouwantmetodo?Ki
ll
her?Youknowt
hatIwon'
tev
ensee
t
henextdaybef
oreIf
oll
owher
"shesnif
fed

Me:
"Ohhwel
l
,I'
m notgoi
ngt
osi
tandwat
chher
"

Her:
"DowhatmakesyouhappyNokut
hul
a.Ozzi
ewillr
eali
zethaty
oucan
notf
oundhappi
nessi
nanotherwoman'
stear
sthat
'sbull
shit
"

Me:
"Ri
ght
,I'
l
lcal
landchecky
oul
ater
"

Her
:"Don'
tcal
l
,Iknowy
ou'
vebeenchasi
ngDownhi
ghandl
owbuthe'
snot
y
our
s.Hewasnev
ery
our
stost
artwi
th"

Me:
"Shef
uckenbet
ray
edmeLi
l
itha.HowcanInotav
enget
hat
?"

Her
:"Iheary
ou"shedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.

Icannotbel
iev
et hatLil
i
thaisthrowingtheball
justl
ikethat
,wit
houtafi
ght?
Ithoughtwewer egoingtopartnerupandbringthatsl
utdown,IguessI'
l
l
havetodoitonmyown.Bef oreIcouldstandupanSMScamet hr
ough.I
t
wasamessagef rom Li
li
tha"Iknowy ou'
reatKZN,Ozzie'
ssist
erwasraped,
I'
m comingtoplanawayf or
war d"

Ij
oyful
l
ydancedJohnvul
igat
ewhil
emamawascheer
ing.Idi
dn'
tev
en
not
iceshewaswatchi
ngunti
lshemadeasound.

Mama:
"Youcandancemychi
l
d,whyar
eyouhappy
?"

Me:
"Li
fei
sgoodmama.
"

Mama:"Uh-
uhhowcanyoubesohappywi
thoutt
alki
ngt
oyourchi
l
drenf
or
aweek?ComeonNokut
hula"

Me:
"I'
l
lcal
lthem t
oni
ght
.Ipr
omi
se"

Mama:"Don'
tdist
anceyoursel
ffr
om yourchi
l
drenmybabygirl
.Your
chi
l
drenareyourr
ealfamil
y,youdonotwantthem asy
ourenemy"

Me:
"ButmamaI
'
mtr
ying"

Mama:
"Tr
yhar
dmychi
l
d,IsawOzzi
eatt
henews"

Me:
"Isawhert
oomama,
shewast
rendi
ngt
hewhol
eday
"

Mama:
"Sheal
readyf
oundaman?It
houghtshewasgoi
ngt
obui
l
dherl
i
fe
andf
ini
shschool
ther
e"

Me:
"She'
sdat
ingt
hef
atherofmyki
dsMa.
"

Mama:
"Isawi
t,Ihopeheshowshert
ruecol
ors.I
'
m sodi
sappoi
ntedi
nher
"

Me:
"Okay
,how'
sNal
edi
?"Iwast
ryi
ngt
odi
smi
sst
het
opi
cofDon

Mama: "I
t'
ssopai
nfulmychi
l
d,hermotherhasbeencryi
ngsi
ncet
hedayi
t
happened.I
'mj
ustgladt
hatt
heyall
owedust oseeher
"

Me:
"May
beshe'
sti
redoff
ight
ing"

Mama:"It
hinkso,
letmegoandi
rony
ourf
ather
'suni
for
m"shesi
ghedand
st
oodup.

I
'm gl
adthatLi
li
thaf
inal
l
ycamet
ohersenses,
I'
m goi
ngt
ousehert
o
destr
oyOzzie.

LI
LITHA.

Iwaspacki
ngmycl ot
hesinsi
dethesuit
case,OzzieandDonhasj ustl
eft
event
houghDonliedandsaidhe'
sgoingonabusi nesstri
p.Iknowhe'snot
,
Ihadgi
venupbutwhenNokut hul
acall
edmeIt houghtaboutit,t
here'
sno
wayI'
mlett
ingOzziewinwit
houtafi
ght.Idon'
tknowwhowi l
lstaywitht
he
ki
dsbutI'
l
lcall
ourhelpert
ocomeandst aywiththem fort
heweekend.

Me:
"Guy
s"t
heywer
ebusywat
chi
ngTV

Lwet
hu:
"Goi
ngsomewher
e?"sheaskedpoi
nti
ngatmysui
tcase

Me:
"Yes,
I'
vecal
l
edy
ourhel
pershe'
sonherway
"
Owet
hu:
"Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"

Lwet
hu:
"Don'
tanswerher
,wewi
l
lbef
ine"shel
ookeduni
nter
est
ed

Me:
"Okay
,canIasky
ousomet
hing?
"

Owet
hu:
"Sur
e"

Me:
"Let
'ssayOzzi
eisdat
ingy
ourf
atherhowwoul
dyouf
eel
?"

Lwethu:
"Weknow,she'
sdat
ingourf
ather
.Ihav
eInst
agr
am,
Facebook,
and
Twit
teri
twastr
endi
ng"

Me:
"Buthowdoy
ouf
eel
?"

Lwethu:"HappyIguess.Imeanshecar
esaboutus"sheshr
uggedher
shoulder
s

Owethu:
"Yes,
I'
m sohappy
.Ozzi
eshowedusl
ovet
hemomentshecame
her
e."

Me:
"Ohh"Ismi
l
edandwav
edby
e.Theygl
adl
yret
urnedi
t.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER25.

OZZI
E.

Wehadopt edtogobythecar.Tobeli
evethatI
'
vegonet oGautengbybus
andcomebacki nabi
gcar,Iwonderhowmymom i s,
I'
m sureshe'sbroken
shemayhideherfeel
i
ngsbutIknowt hatshedeepl
ylovesherchil
dren.I
wasbroughtbacktol
if
ebybyt hesoundofthecamera.Ishyl
ylookedat
hi
m asheputhisphonebetweenhisthighs.

Don:
"What
?"Heshr
uggedhi
sshoul
der
s.

Me:
"Why
?"

Don:
"Whywhat
?"Hel
aughed

Me: "
Whyareyoutaki
ngmepi
ctur
eswi
thoutmyper
missi
on?Andwor
st
unexpect
edpi
ctur
es"

Don:"
Well,unexpect
edpictur
esar
ethemostpr
ett
iestpi
ctur
es.Wor
se
whenItakethem my sel
f"
Me:
"OhhIsee.Mrcamer
aman"

Don:
"I
'm notMrcamer
amanbuty
ourhusband"

Me:
"Si
ncewhen?Becausel
astt
imeIcheckedi
nthesi
deki
ck"

Don:
"You'
renot
,hav
eIt
oldy
ouhowwonder
ful
youar
e?"

Me:
"No,
youhav
en'
t"Ishookmyhead.

Don:
"Wel
lmyl
ovet
ooper
fecti
nev
ery
thi
ng,
Ilov
eyy
ou"

Me:
"Ncoooh,
mybabyi
sbei
ngr
omant
ic"Il
aughed

Don:
"You'
rebeaut
if
uli
nandout
.Youst
andy
ourgr
oundIl
i
kei
t"hesmi
rked

Me:"
Shoul
dIal
socomplementy
ou?Okaybabe,
Ithi
nkyou'
rehandsome
andscar
yaswell
.I'
minlov
ewit
hyouandyourvoi
ce,y
ourscentcompl
ete
me"

Don:
"Soy
oudontl
oveme?
"

Me:
"Ofcour
seIl
ovey
ouandy
ouknowi
t.
"

Don:
"Howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?I
'
m okayIguess"

Don:
"Your
ecei
vedbadnewsf
ewhour
sago.Sohowdoy
ouf
eel
?"

Me:
"Idon'
tknow,
Iwantt
ocr
ysobadbutnot
ear
sseemst
ocomeout
"

Don:"Iunderstandyou,doyouwanttoknowwhomol est
edher?
"Her ubbed
myhand.It hinkI'
m st
arti
ngtobeobsessedwit
hhowhehandlesthecar
steer
ingwheel ,ev
enwhenhet urnsorst
opsbyther
obotit'
ssosexy
.Mor e
especial
l
ywhenhest eppedontheaccel
erat
or.
Me:"No,
babewhat '
sthatisdone.Icannotchangethefactt
hatIwasnot
t
herewhenithappened.IknowthatIwouldhav eaccompaniedhert
oher
f
atherpl
ace"

Don:"
Youdon'
thavet
obl
amey
our
sel
fyouknow.Whatmat
ter
snowi
syou
bei
ngther
eforher
"

Me:"Ohh,
"Isai
ddisappoint
ed.AsmuchasIwoul
dlov
etostayali
ttl
ebi
t
l
ongerathomeam alsoscaredthatt
heymayt
akeDonawayfrom me.I
wanttobenexttohim al
ways

Don:
"No,
howaboutwet
akeherwi
thus?
"

Me:"
Idon'
tthi
nkmamawi l
lagree,
shemaynotshowherl
ovebutIknow
t
hatshewantsherchi
l
dnexttoher"

Don:
"Okay
,let
'sbui
ldani
cehousefort
hem?I
'm notl
ookingdownony
our
homebabebutIthi
nkNal
ediwoul
ddowi t
hani
ceenvironment"

Me:
"Won'
tpeopl
est
artt
alki
ng?
"Iscof
fed

Don:
"Tohel
lwit
hpeopl
e.Idon'
tgi
veashi
taboutwhatpeopl
ethi
nk,
you
ai
n'
tli
vi
ngyourl
i
fet
opleasethem"

Me:
"What
'swi
tht
heswear
ing?
"Il
aughed

Don:"AsIwassayi
ng,whatdoyouthi
nk?Idon'tmindf
undi
ngthehouse,
wecanev engetani
ceschoolf
orher"Soheignoredmyquest
ionj
ustli
ke
that
.

Me:"Idon'
tknow,whati
fwebreakup?Won'
tyouwantyourhouseback?
Ever
ythi
ngthatyouwoul
dhavebought?
"Helookedandmeandl i
ght
ly
l
aughed.

Don:
"Soy
ouoncedat
edsomeonewhoaskedf
orhi
sthi
ngs?Tel
lme"

Me:
"Br
uh,
hewant
edev
ery
thi
ngf
rom 50.
csweet
s"

Don:
"Tel
lmeabouti
t.Pl
ease"
Me:"SoIdatedthepersonwhoimpregnatedmewhi leIwasongr ade9.We
brokeupinhouranniversar
ymonththeguywant edeveryt
hingthathe
boughtme, butIgav
ehi m.Weeventual
lygotbacktogetherthi
syeari
twas
gooduntil
Icaughthim ontopofmyf ri
end"

Don:
"Wow,
I'
m sor
rysweet
hear
t"

Me:
"I
t'
sokay
.Justpr
omi
set
onotcheatonme"

Don:
"Ipr
omi
semyl
ove"

Me:
"Wear
eget
ti
ngoutoft
het
opi
cri
ghtnow.Answermyquest
ion"

Don:
"I'
m notgoi
ngt
odobr
eakupsshi
twi
thy
ou"hekepthi
sser
iousf
ace.

Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?Youmeant
hatt
her
e'snowayout
?"

Don:"
Yes,ther
e'snowayI
'
mlet
ti
ngy
ougoBr
okki
e"Il
aughed,
he'
ssof
unny
andcute.

Me:
"Why
?Imeanwhati
fyour
unoutoff
eel
i
ngsf
orme?
"

Don:
"I'
l
lbuyachar
gerandr
efi
l
lthem.See?I
t'
ssoeasy
"Hest
uckhi
s
t
ongueout

Me:
"Fucky
ou"

Helaughedandincreasethevolumeofthemusi c,I
'm notusedtowhatever
he'
sli
steni
ngto.Ithi
nkIlovethosecul
turalsongs,IknowI'm notTswana
butIl
ovethosekulenyanisongs.I
'
m ol
d-fashionedIknow!

Ii
mmediat
elyfel
lasl
eepandr
est
edmyheadbyt
hewi
ndow,
shi
tis
uncomf
ort
able.

"FuckyouLi
l
itha,
howcanyouleav
emyki dsal
one?"Iwaswokenupbythe
shouti
ngDon.Hehadconnect
edhisphonetoBluet
oothwhi
chmeansIcan
hearher
.

Li
l
itha:
"I'
vecal
l
edourhel
per
,I'
m sur
esheal
readyar
ri
ved"

Don:"
Idon'
tcar
ewhethershear
ri
vedornot
.Wearet
alki
ngaboutmyki
ds
her
eLil
it
haandyouknowwhatIdoforali
vi
ng.Howcanyoutr
ustamare
hel
perwit
hmykids?
"

Li
li
tha:
"WellIdon'
tknow, Ial
sohav
eimpor
tantt
hingstodoi
nlif
e.
Remembery ou'
redi
vorcingmeforamarevi
ll
agegirl
whoprobabl
yfedy
ou
l
ovepotionnx"shedroppedthecal
l.

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tfeedy
oul
ovepot
ionIswear
"

Him:"
Iknowbabygi
rl
."Heunl
ockedhi
sphoneandhandedi
tov
er"
Please
cal
lDanki
e"

Me:"OhhOkay
"Isear
chedhi
snameont
hecont
act
sunt
ilIf
oundi
t."
Shoul
d
Ical
lhi
m?"

Hi
m:"
Yes,
Isai
dcal
lhi
m"

Thephoner
angf
oraf
ewsecondsunt
ilanswer
ed.

Danki
e:"
Phi
l
ani
?"

Don:
"Fucky
ou,
danki
ecany
oupl
easegoandf
etchmyki
ds?Li
l
ithal
eft
t
hem al
one"
Danki
e:"
You'
venev
erbeggedbef
ore.What
'sup?
"

Don:
"JustdowhatI
'
mtel
l
ingy
ou"

Danki
e:"
Anddr
opt
hem wher
e?"

Don:
"Mom'
spl
ace,
shar
p"hesi
gnal
edmet
odr
opt
hecal
l
.

AtKZN.

Li
lit
hawast hefir
stt oarr
iveatKZNev enthoughPhil
aniandOzzi
ewer et
he
fi
rstoneswhost artedtheirj
ourney.Whenshearri
vedatKZNshequickly
call
edNokuthulat ocomet oacer t
ainpl
ace.Itwasbetweent
hebushes,
shewai t
edforaf ewmi nutesuntil
Nokuthul
aarri
veswithabl
ackscarfand
sunglasseshi
dingherf ace.Shequickl
ygotoutandleanedovert
hecar

Li
l
itha:
"Hi
"shegr
eet
edcol
dly

Nokut
hul
a:"
Sur
e,howcomey
ou'
ret
hef
ir
stonet
oar
ri
ve?
"

Li
l
itha:
"Idi
dn'
tst
opany
wher
eandIwasdr
ivi
ngf
ast
"

Nokut
hul
a:"
Okay
,Idon'
thav
eal
ongdayl
et'
spl
anwayf
orwar
d"

Li
l
itha:
"I'
vebeent
hinki
ngal
lthewayher
e.Whydon'
tweor
gani
zeacart
o
hi
ther?"

Nokut
hul
a:"
How?Imeanwon'
tshebewi
thDont
hewhol
eti
me?
"

Li
l
itha:"
Idon'
tthi
nkshe'
l
lgowi
thhi
mtohermot
her
'spl
ace.That
'swher
e
wetargether
"

Nokut
hul
a:"I
tcanwor k,
buty
ouneedt
oret
urnbackt
oGaut
eng,
youdonot
wantDontosuspectus"
Li
l
itha:
"Iwant
edt
oseehergoi
ngdown.
"

Nokut
hul
a:"
You'
l
lseeherr
emai
ningsatt
hef
uner
al"shegi
ggl
ed

Lil
i
tha:"
Girl
!Ican'
twai
ttohearherscr
eamsonceshecomei
ncont
actwi
th
thecart
ires"

Nokut
hul
a:"
Iknowr
ight
,letmego"

Li
l
itha:
"Cool
"

Nokuthul
anoddedandwentaway,Li
li
thar
emainedsmil
i
ng.Shecouldn't
wai
ttoseeDoncr yi
ngandbeggi
ngthebit
chtowakeup,eventhoughshe
wasscaredforherl
if
ebuti
thadtobedone.Ozzi
etookherhusbandaway
f
rom her,t
here'
snowayshe'
sgoingtowatcht
hem pl
ayhappyfamily.

OZZI
E.

Whenwear ri
vedatKZNwewentt ocheckinthehotel,I
'
veneversleptina
hot
elbefore.Iti
smyf i
rstt
ime,I
'm happyt
hatI'
l
lbespendingmyf i
r stt
ime
i
nahot elwithmyman, hewantedtobookseparat
er ooms,butIassured
hi
mt hatit
'sfi
neIdonotmi ndsl
eepingonthesamebedwi t
hhim.Imean
I
'dbesleepingonhischest.

Don:
"Let
'sgo,
shewasdi
schar
gedt
oday
"

Me:"
Whotol
dyou?Ineedt
ochangemycl
othesf
ir
sti
ntosomet
hingmor
e
comf
ort
abl
e"

Don:"
Youcanwearmyt-
shi
rt
,Iti
snott
ightl
iket
hedr
essyouwereweari
ng.
Atl
eastl
ett
hebabybr
eathf
orafewhours"hecameandhuggedmefrom
behi
nd.Hi
shandt
rav
eledt
omybel
l
y

Me:"Wow,soIwassuf
focat
ingt
hebabywi
thmydr
ess?It
houghtIl
ooked
goodini
t

Don:"
Mychil
d,r
ememberit'
snoty
ourchi
l
dal
one.Andy
esy
oul
ookedgood
butt
hebabywassuf
focat
ing"

Me:
"Isi
t?"

Don:
"Yes"hel
aughed

Me:
"Real
l
y?"It
ookof
fthet
owel
thatIhadwr
appedar
oundmybody
.

Don:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"Hesmi
rked.

Me:
"Nost
opr
ightt
her
eMr
.Don'
ttouchme"

Don:
"But
?Howbabe?Whatam Isupposedt
odowi
tht
his?
"Hepoi
ntst
o
hi
str
ouser
.Il
i
ckedmymouthandlookedathim

Me:
"I'
m sor
rybabe,
buty
oucant
akeacol
dshowerormay
bemast
urbat
e"

Don:
"Babe,
Ihav
eagi
rl
fr
iendokay
.Andshe'
sdepr
ivi
ngmemyneeds"

Me:"
Welly
ou'
llbest
rong,Idon'
tthi
nkyou'
l
ldief
rom hav
ingaboner
"I
gi
ggl
edandputonhist-
shir
tandmedium tr
ackpant
s.

Don:
"Okayt
hen,
mar
ryme"Iqui
ckl
ytur
nedandl
ookedhi
m

Me:
"What
?"

Don:
"Yesmar
rymepl
ease"

Me:
"Ar
eyousi
ck?Yourdi
vor
cei
snotev
enf
inal
i
zedy
et"Il
aughed

Don:
"Okayshootmef
ort
ryi
ng"

Het
urnedandwentt
othebat
hroom,
Ilaughedandunpackedourcl
othes
i
nsi
dethedrawer
.Idonotknowhowmanydayswewi l
lbeherebutaslong
asNal
edii
sf i
net
henwecanr et
urnt
oGaut
eng.Ionl
ywantthebestforher
.

Ihadt
owaitforhi
mt otakeashowerunt
ilwedrovetomymot
her
'spl
ace.I
wasevenshockedthathedi
dn'
tevenaskfordi
rect
ions.

Me:
"Ar
eyougoi
ngt
ogeti
n?"Iaskedwhi
l
etaki
ngt
hecarbel
tof
f

Don:
"No,
you'
l
lfi
ndmeher
e"

Me:
"Why
?Youdon'
twantt
oseemymot
her
?"

Don:
"Justgo,
I'
m sur
eshe'
swai
ti
ngf
ory
ou"

Me:
"Butshe'
sgoi
ngt
oaskwhyI
'
m smel
l
ingmenper
fume"

Don:
"Ha.
ababej
ustgo"hel
aughedandl
eanedov
ert
oopent
hedoorf
or
me.

Me:
"Thanky
ou"Ibabyki
ssedhi
m.

Don:"I
'm notababy,andy ouknowit"hepull
edmyneckint
ohisl
ips.He
rubbedmyt hi
ghsandi nserthi
stongueinsi
demymouth.ImoanedasIfel
t
moistinmypanties

Me:
"uh-
uhbabeIneedt
ogo"

Don:"
Sure,
pleasebequi
ck"Hiseyeswer
esor
edwhenIpul
l
edout
.I
bl
ushedandwentinsi
detheyard

"
Thandazil
eist
hisyou?Younowdriv
e?"It
urnedasIhear
dmazwane'
s
v
oice.Isweart
hiswomanlovesnewssomuch

Me:
"No,
I'
m not
.Howar
eyout
hough?
"
Her
:"I
'
m okay
,sot
ell
mewher
ehav
eyoubeen?
"Shel
eanedov
ert
hef
ence

Me:
"Ar
ound"

Il
eftherst
andi
ngal
lal
one.Mamai
mmedi
atel
yopenedt
hedoorwhenI
knocked.

Her
:"Mychi
l
d"shegr
abbedmef
orahug,
Idi
dn'
texpectt
his

Me:
"Howar
eyoumot
her
?"

Her
:"I
'
m sosor
rymychi
l
d.Ishoul
dn'
thav
eki
ckedy
ououtofmyhouse"

Me:
"It
'sokaymama,
it'
sal
li
nthepast
.Wher
e'sNal
edi
?"

Her
:sheheav
edasi
ghed"
She'
sasl
eep.Hav
eyouhear
d?"

Me:
"Yesmama,
myboy
fri
endt
oldme"

Her
:"Wowboy
fri
end?Tel
lmeabouthi
m"shel
edmet
osi
tdown.

Me:"
Ther
e'snothi
ngt ot
ell
youmama"Iwasafrai
dthatshe'
sgoi
ngt
o
j
udgeme.I
'm notreadyt
ohearherj
udgement
alwords

Her
:"That
'swhyy
ou'
regl
owi
ng"

Me:
"I'
m not
"Igi
ggl
ed

Her
:"Youhav
en'
tabor
ted?
"

Me:
"Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
omama.
"

Her:"
It
'sokay
,I'
m sosor
rydear
"shetookmyhandsintoher
s"Iwasn'
tthe
bestmothert
oy ouandNal
ediI
'm sosor
ry,
pleasef
orgi
veme"

Me:
"It
'sf
ine.Ther
e'sst
il
lti
memom,
justbet
her
eforher
"

Her
:"Yes.I
'
llt
ryt
olookf
orapay
ingj
ob"
Me: "
Youcanst
artt
her
e.Howwoul
dyouf
eel
ifIenr
oll
Nakedi
inboar
ding
school"

Her
:"Wher
ewi
l
lyougetmoneyt
opayt
hosepr
ivat
eschool
s?"

Me:
"It
'snotmyi
dea.I
t'
smyboy
fri
end'
s"

Her:
"Idon'
tthinkit
'sagoodi dea,mychil
d.Youdon'
twantt
odependona
manbabygirl.You'r
estil
lateenager,goi
ngbackt
oschooli
sther
ight
deci
siont
hatIt hi
nky oushouldtake"

Me:
"I'
m notmama"

Her:"
I'
m goingtosaythi
sagai
n,you'
renotgoingtodependonaman
sweethear
t.It
'sf
ineyoucanenr
ollhershe'
l
ljustv
isi
tonholi
day
s"

Me:
"Ar
eyousur
emama?
"

Her:
"Iam sur
emychi
l
d.I
twi
l
ldohergood.Any
wayIhav
esomet
hingt
otel
l
you"

Me:
"Ohh"

Her:"
I.
.Idon'
tknowwheretost
art
.Butbabygi
rlI
'
m noty
ou'
remot
her
,"she
sai
dfastandlookedar
ound

Me:"
What?"Iqui
ckl
ystoodupandlookedather.Sothetreat
mentthatshe
wasgi
vingmeallal
ongwasnotaboutteachingmeindependencebut
t
ort
uri
ngme.Ishouldhavenot
icedhert
reatmenttowardsme

Me:
"Who'
smymot
her
?"Iaskedwi
tht
ear
sal
readycomi
ngout

Her
:"I
'
m sor
rymychi
l
d"

Me:
"Who'
smymot
her
?Justt
ell
me"Ihal
f-
shout
ed

Her
:"Umm Nokut
hul
a'
smot
her
"

Me:
"Wow"
Itur
nedandopenedt hedoor .Tearsbl
indedmyey esIcouldn'
tseewhereI
wasgoing.Ireal
i
zedt hatIwasinthemi ddleoftheroadwhenIhear dacar
hoot.I
twast ool
atetot ur
nandr anoff.Iscreamedandcl osedmyey esasI
fel
tastingi
ngpaininmyhead.Ihear dDonshout i
ngmynamebutIcoul dn'
t
keepmyey esopen,thet i
resofthecarscratchedanddriveoff.

DON.

I'
veneverbeenscar
edinmyli
feli
ketoday ,
seeingmybabylayi
ngonthe
si
deoft heroadmademybloodboil
,Iquickl
ytookmyphoneandcal l
ed
Danki
et otr
ackthecar
.Imanagedtoquicklygetthenumberpl
ate.

Me:"Danki
etr
aceit
,it
'sND458.Roadleadi
ngtot
hedam"Idr
oppedthecal
l
andquickl
ywentt
owher eshewaslay
ing.Bl
oodwascomi
ngoutofher
headandmouth.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER26.

DON.

Theambul ancewasn' tshowi

nganysi gnofcomi ngtopickupmywoman
thatIhadtocar ryheranddri
vehertot hehospit
al,Iwaspanicki
ngand
scaredatthesamet i
me.Whoev erdidthist
omywomanwi l
lhavetopayso
bad,I'
m notgoingt oall
owanyf ucki
nghumanbei nghurtmygirlandget
awaywi thit
.Whoev erdidthi
shassomesor tofbeefwithme, t
heaccident
i
snotami stake.Hewassent ,whoeversentthedr i
verwil
lhavetomeethis
maker .

It
'sbeen4hour ssi
nceshewasi nsidethetheatre,t
hedoctor
simmedi atel
y
rushedhertothetheat
retocheckherheadbef oremoredamageoccur s.
I'
vebeenpacingupanddownwi thbloodonmyhands.I '
m st
ressedand
emot i
onalatt
hesamet ime,Dankiehasn'tcal
ledmesinceIlastcall
edhi m
aboutthenumberplateofthecar.
"I
t'
syourf
ault"It
urnedandl ookedatOzzi
e'
smot herwhosniff
edand
l
ookedstr
aightinmyey es.Ichuckl
edandlookedather,Ozzi
eistheonly
womanwho' sbraveenought olooki
nmyey eswithoutbl
inki
ngorlooki
ng
down

Her
:"Yes,
every
thi
ngwasfinebefor
eyoucameintoherl
i
fe"thi
swoman
mustbehighoncocai
ne.I
fIrecal
lwel
lshe'
stheonewhokickedOzzi
eout
oft
hehouse

Mr :"
Wi t
hallduerespectMayouneedt orespectme.I
'
m nottheonewho'
s
atfaulther
e,Irespectyouasthemotherofmywomanbuty oual
soneedto
respectmeasy oursoontobeson-
in-
law"

Her
:"What
?Ther
e'snowayI
'
m goi
ngt
oletmychi
l
dmar
ryat
hug"

Me:"Thesamethugwhotookheri
n?Ozzieismygirlf
ri
end,doyoupray?
Youneedtopraymamawemt andazo.I
'm goi
ngtolookforwhoeverhur
t
mywi f
e.Al
ertmewhenthedoct
orsaredonewi t
hher"It
appedher
shoul
der"y
ouneedtobestr
ongforyourchil
d"

Il
ookedatheroncemoreandgotout
,Ii
mmedi
atel
ybangedt
hest
eer
ing
wheelwhenIarr
ivedi
nmycar.

"Dammi t!Fuck"Isighedandl ookedatherpi ctur

eonmyphone' s
wal l
papers.I
'vef al
lensodeepl yinfewweeks.I '
veneverlovedawoman
l
ikeherbef ore.Shecompl etesme, withLil
i
thaIwouldsleepar oundandnot
mi ndaboutherf eel
ingsbutt odayI'
m evenaf rai
dtosmileforar andom
womanwhopassesby ,I
'm af r
aidthatshemaybej eal
ousandl eaveme.I
l
ov eherwi t
hev eryfiberi
nmybody ,Ivowtol oveandprotecther.I'm al
so
gladthatshel ovesmyki ds, shehasev eryt
hingIneedinawoman, I
'
m
obsessedwi thhert inysoftfingers,t
hewayshechow, howshet alksand
smiles.She'satruedefi
nit
ionofl
ov e.Isi
ghedandwipedtear
sthatwetted
myey esandst arttheengi
ne.I
'm suremyey esarer
ed,vei
nspoppingout,
I'
m soangr ybuttryi
ngtoactcool
.Myphoner angbef
oreIcoul
dgul pa
bott
leofwhi skeythatwasunderthecarseat .

Me:
"Tal
k"Idi
dn'
tcheckt
hecal
l
erI
D.

Danki
e:"
Boss,
Ifoundhi
m.I
'
llsendy
out
hecoor
dinat
esi
fhi
spl
ace"

Me:
"Wher
eisher
ightnow?
"

Dankie:"
Hismot
her
'spl
ace,
she'
sapr
ayi
ngwomanIdon'
tthi
nky
ou'
dwant
toscareher"

Me:
"Idon'
tcar
e,t
heguymadet
hebedheshoul
dlayoni
t"

Danki
e:"
Alr
ight,I
'
m sor
rythatI'
m notwi t
hyoubutIbel
ievethatyou'
ll
handl
eit
"AsfarasI'
m aMaf i
abossI '
m alsoaKasigangster.Bei
ngaMafia
bossmeansthatIdonotdot heki
ll
ing,danki
eandhissoldiersar
etheone
whodothekill
i
ngsandfol
lowsmyr ules.

Mr
:"Justsendt
hecodes"

Idr
oppedt hecal
l,
withi
nami nut
ehisaddr
essgoti
nmyphone.It
uneon
mywatchal er
ti
ngeveryonet
hatiti
saboutt
ogetdown,
I'
ll
hitt
hered
but
tonifIneedabackup.

Iqui
ckl
ydrovetowheret headdresswasleadi ngme.WhenIarri
vedItook
out1pist
olandsi
lencerandwenti nsidet
hey ard,t
hedoorwasnotlockedI
guessbecausewhenIkickeditoffiti
mmedi atelyf
ell
.Hewasfucki
ng
somelowbi t
chonthecouchIchuckl edandt ookaseatnextt
othem, t
he
l
adyquickl
ytookherdressandhi deherpri
vateparts.
Hi
m:"Thefuck,whoareyoutobar
geinher
e?"Hepoi
ntshi
sfi
ngeratmy
f
ace,
Ichuckledandtookoutmygun

Me:
"Yourwor
stni
ght
mar
e.Cont
inue"Ismi
rkedandl
ookedt
hem

Thelady
:"Nono,
SiphoI
'
m goi
ng.Thi
sguyi
sdanger
ous"shewascr
yingso
bad

Me: "
Fuckyoubitch,
y ou'
remaki
ngnoi
se"Ihadnotimeforchi
tchat
."Who
sentyou?"Ipoi
ntedtheguntohissmal
lpeni
s.I
'm sur
epencil
isver
ymuch
bigcomparedtohisthing.

Him:"Whatar
ey outal
ki
ngabout?
"Heshout
s,i
tdidn'
ttakemefewmi nut
es
toshoott
heforeheadoft
hebit
chthatwasmaki
ngnoise.Hequickl
yranto
her

Hi
m:"
Nono,
babypl
easewakeup.Lookwhaty
ou'
vedone"hecr
ied

Me:
"I'
mtal
ki
ngaboutt
his.Whosenty
ou?
"Ishowedhi
m Ozzi
e'
spi
ctur
e

Hi
m:"
IswearIdon'
tknowwhatyou'
ret
alki
ngabout
.Yougott
hewr
ongguy
myman"If
ir
edanothershott
othewoman'
sstomach

Me:
"St
il
l,
youdon'
tknow?
"

Him:"
Iswearpl
easedon'
tki
l
lme,
IswearIdonotknowwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ng
about
"

Me:"Youdon'
twantmetokil
lyourpr
ayi
ngmotherdoyou?"Il
aughedand
l
ookedathim.Mywhit
elongt-
shir
thadOzzi
e'
sbloodall
over.

Hi
m:"
She'
sloosi
ngsomuchbl
ood.Pl
easehel
pher
"hebegged

Me:"
Fucky
ouman,areyougoingtotalkorwhat
?"Isaidf
ir
inganot
hershot
t
othewoman'
spussywhole.Ibentdownandwhisperedt
ohisear

Me:
"Nowl
i
sten,
it'
sei
thery
out
alkorf
uckhercor
pse.Whi
chonei
sit
?"I
smi
rkedandl
ookedathi
m

Hi
m:"Okayokay,it
'sLi
tha.She'
sanInst
agram sl
ayqueen"Il
ookedathi
m
wi
thser
iousface.Whywoul dLi
li
thadothi
stome?

Me:
"Ar
eyousur
e?"

Hi
m:"
I'
m sur
e"

Me:
"Resti
npeace"

Ifi
red7Gunshot sonhisalr
eadydeadbody ,Itookokapi i
nmypocketand
mar kedhisforehead."M7"thatwast hecodet hatrepr
esentourMaf i
a
group.BloodgushedoutasIopenedhi sstomacht odestroyhisbodyparts.
I'
m surehismot herisitgoi
ngtor ecognizehim byhisclosebecausehis
eyeswer ealsodestroyed.I
ttookme10mi nutestomakehi m acompl et
ely
dif
ferentperson.I'
ml ef
twit
hLi l
i
tha,there'
snowayI '
m goingtoletherget
awaywi ththisno.Itookmyphoneandconnect edittoBluetoot
handcal l
ed
Dankie.

Me:"
TrackLi
l
itha'
scarandt
ell
mewher
eshei
s,
"Isai
dfocusi
ngont
he
r
oad.

Danki
e:"
Nono,
Dony
ousoundsoangr
ywhatdi
dyousmoke?
"

Mr:"
Ungany
eli
danki
eIsai
dtr
ackLi
l
itha'
swher
ebyandf
uckensendmet
he
addr
ess"

Danki
e:"
Man, what
everLil
i
thadi
dtoyouI
'
m sur
ethemustbean
expl
anat
ion.Whatdi
dy ousmoke?"

Me:
"Whatt
hef
uckar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?I'
m nothi
gh"

Danki
e:"
Foundt
heguy
?"
Me:"Sixf
eetunder
,I'
m sur
ehi
sancest
orsmusthav
edecl
i
nedhi
m.He
wasn'taprobl
em"

Danki
e:"
Cool
,I
'm onmyway
"

Me:
"What
?"

Danki
e:"
Yes.I
'
m comi
ng"

Me:
"Thehel
l
?"

Danki
e:"
Don,t
hecamer afootageatKFCshowsLi li
tha,
Nokuthul
a,andthe
guyhavi
ngaveryser
iousconv er
sati
on.It
rackedtheguy'scal
l
srecord.
Theybot
hcontact
edhim beforetheacci
denthappens"

Me:
"Sot
heybot
hpl
ott
edt
ohav
emywomanki
l
led?Fuckt
hem"

Danki
e:"Youneedt
ocalm down.Useyourbr
ainst
othi
nkbro,
youdon'
t
wantyourki
dstohatey
oui nt
hefutur
eforki
ll
ingt
hei
rmother
"

Me:
"Ther
enoot
herpuni
shmentt
handeat
h"

Danki
e:"
Wegonnaplani
twhenIar
ri
ve.Justgot
othehospi
tal
andbet
her
e
fory
ourgi
rl
fr
iend"

Me:
"Nodanki
e,Ineedtosendamessageoutt
her
e.Nobodymesseswi
th
mywomanandleavetotel
latai
l
"

Danki
e:"
OkaybutI
'
m notgoi
ngt
otel
lyout
hei
raddr
essunt
ilIgett
her
e"

Idr
oppedthecallanddr
ovetoNokuthula'
spl
ace.Iknowwher eshest ays,
shewashangingthewashi
ngwhenIpar kednexttothegate.I
mmedi ately
whenshesawt henumberpl
ateofmycarshet hrewthecloththatshewas
car
ryi
ngandraninsidet
hehouse.Ichuckl
edandgotof f
.

Me:
"Youdon'
twantpeopl
e'
sey
es,
woman.Openup"Isai
dknocki
ng
Her
:"Whatdoy
ouwant
.I'
m goi
ngt
ocal
lthepol
i
ce"

Me:"Iowet
hepoli
cesweet
hear
t.
"Isai
dopeni
ngt
hedoorusi
ngmyl
eg,
she
hadpeedonher
self

Her
:"Pl
easeI
'
m sosor
ryDon.Li
l
ithaf
orcedme"

Me:
"Idon'
tcareNokuthul
a,t
hetr
uthremainsthaty
ouwereinhandwi
th
t
heplanni
ng.Why?"Iputt
hegunonthetableandfoldmyar
ms.

Her
:"I
'
m sor
ry"shecr
ied

Me:
"Why
?Can'
tyout
alk?
"

Her:"Because,
becauseyoufuckenlovehermoret
hanme.Igav eyoutwo
kidsDonandwhatdi dyouofferi
nretur
n?Nothi
ng,Iagr
eedtomar r
yyou
j
usttokeepy ourr
eputat
ion.Youlov
edLili
thaev
enwhenI '
vesacri
fi
cedalot
foryouDon"

Me:"Idon'tcareNokuthul
a,wel
lyoubett
erl
ookoutfory
oursel
fbecause
t
rustme, babygirl
.I'
m comingf
oryouandohhyou'r
enolongermywife,
r
emembert heschool f
ormsIaskedyoutosi
gn?Thatwasthediv
orce
f
orms, myl ove"

Nokut
hul
a:"
What?Howcoul dyoudothat
?I'
m sorr
yokay
,I'
m sor
ryt
hatI
t
ri
edtoki
lly
ourgi
rl
fr
iend"shekneel
downandcr i
ed

Me:
"Sl
eepwi
thoneey
e"

Nokuthul
a:"
PleaseDon,areyougoi
ngtoki
llt
hemotherofy
ourki
ds.I
promiseIwon'
tdoitagain"shewi
pedhert
earsandbl
owhernosewit
hher
t-
shir
t.

Me:
"Fucky
ou"Ishotbot
hofherl
egsandl
efthercr
yingandwi
nci
ngi
npai
n.

Me:"Fr
eezeall
Lil
it
ha'saccount
.Shemustnothav
eaccesst
oev
ery
thi
ng"I
sai
dafterHeansweredthecall
Danki
e:"
par
don?
"

Me:"
DowhatI'mtel
li
ngyou.I
'
llcal
lthegentstogoandgett
hecarat
what
everhot
elshe'
sat,
Iwanthungertokil
lher"

Danki
e:"
That
'spai
nful
deat
hDon"

Me:"
I'
ll
call
oneofmyjournal
i
stf
ri
endstofaket
henewsofLi
li
thaki
l
li
nga3
newbornbabi
es.I
'
m sur
enobodywil
lhel
pheraft
erseei
ngt
henews"

Danki
e:"
I'
ll
doi
t,y
oudon'
thav
etocal
lhi
mI'
l
ldoi
t.Asf
orNokut
hul
a?"

Me:
"Ki
l
lher
"

Danki
e:"
What
?Ar
eyousur
e?"

Me: "
Yes,dropheratsnakepark"Ismir
kedanddroppedthecall
.Snakes
wil
lfeastonhertomorrow,Idon'
tcarewhet
hershe'sthemotherofmykids,
Iknowf orsur
ethatOzziewil
lshowermychil
drenwithlov
eandsuppor t
.

WhenIarr
iveatt
hehospi
tal
doct
orwasappr
oachi
ngOzzi
e'
smot
her
.I
wal
kedfast
ertocat
chhim

Me:"Doct
or?How'
smygi
rl
fr
iend"heswal
l
owedandl
ookedatme.He
l
ookedsoexhaust
ed

Don:
"I'
m sor
ry,
wedi
dev
ery
thi
ngwecoul
dbutwecoul
dn'
tsav
e..
..
."

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER27

Fewday
slat
er.
..

DON.

Inthemor ningwhenIwokeupIqui cklytookashoweranddr ovetoOzzie'

s
home.Tr ustmemaki ngthedecisi
onofDanki eki
ll
ingthemotherofmy
kidswasnotgood.Isl eptonitl
astnightandthoughtaboutit
,Iact
edon
anger.Iregretaski
nghimt oki
ll
her,whatiftheyhateme?Asf arasIdon't
carewhet herpeopl
ehatemeornot ,butIcareaboutmyki dsIwouldn'
tl
ov e
toseet hem hateme.

It
ookmyphonenextt
othegearanddi
aledhi
snumber
.

Me:
"Sur
e"
Danki
e:"
Bozza,
Ihav
ear
ri
ved.Wher
ecanImeety
ou?
"

Me:"Lat
erman.Di
dyoudothemi
ssi
on?LookIwant
edt
otel
lyout
oabor
tit
,
she'
snotwort
hmyenergy
"

Danki
e:"
Wow?You?t
heDonl
ett
ingt
hem goj
ustl
i
ket
hat
?"Hel
aughed

Me:"
Ithi
nki
t'
sfort
hebest
.Ozziewi
l
ldeci
deonherown,
Idon'
twanther
l
oveformet
oturni
ntohat
red"

Danki
e:"
Youl
oveher
?"Heasked

Me:"She'
smyli
fe,Inevert
houghtI
'df
all
inl
ovewi
thhersof
ast
.Mani
t'
sa
shor
tperi
odbutI'
m headoverhi
ll
s"

Dankie:"
Youneedtobecar eful
Don,thespeedthatyou'r
eusingi
snotgood
atal
l.I'
m af
rai
dyou'
llgettothestagewhereyoucannotbr eat
hewit
hout
hernexttoyou,t
hel
ov eyouguy swil
lhaveforeachotherwill
bedanger
ous
somymanbecar ef
ul"

Me:"Ha.
aDankiedon'
tbet oosure.ButIthi
nkIdolov
eher,
I'
m str
essed
t
hatshe'
sinhospit
alandI'mfrust
ratedthatIhav
etogoandpickupher
motherf
ir
st,
bruh"Igroaned

Danki
e:"
Hav
eyoucheckedt
het
ime?I
t'
s5AM f
orheav
ensake"

Mr:"Iknowokay
,I'
m notaf
ool
"Idr
oppedt
hecal
lonhi
m andspedt
oher
house.

Ipackedthecarnextt
othegat
eandgeti
nsi
det
heyar
d,Ibr
eat
hedoutl
oud
andknocked,I
ttookherafewminut
est
oopent
hedoor.

Me:
"Goodmor
ning"Ismi
l
ed.

Her
:"Mor
ningson,
comei
n"shesmi
l
edandmadeaspacef
ormet
ogeti
n.
Her:
"Ohhy
oucant
akeasi
tov
ert
her
e,"shesai
dpoi
nti
ngatabl
ackpl
ast
ic
chai
r

Me:
"Thanky
ou,
umm Icamet
ofet
chy
ou"

Me: "
Yoh,Ihav
en'tbathedyet
.Mindwait
ingf
orme?
"Shemustbejoki
ngI
thi
nkbecausefrom whereIam st
andi
ngIneedt
oseemygi
rlf
ri
endasin
now,Icannotwaitanylonger

Me:
"Umm doy
oumi
ndcat
chi
ngacab?I
'
m af
rai
dIcannotwai
tfory
ou"

Her:
"No,Iwon'
ttaket
oomucht i
me.Justwi
pingmyarmpi
tsandpr
ivat
e
ar
eathenI'
m goodtogo"Il
ookedatherwi
thshockonmyface.

Her
:"What
?Don'
tactasi
fyouhav
en'
tdonei
tbef
ore"

Me:
"Ha.
aofcour
senot
.I'
l
lwai
tfory
oui
nthecar
"Isai
dst
andi
ngup

Her
:"Thanky
ou,
Nal
edi
Nal
edi
"sheshout
ed.

Voice:
"Ma!"Sheappearedfrom t
heot
herr
oom weari
ngalongdresswi
tha
doekoverherhead,she'
slookssomuchli
keOzzi
e.Shel
ookedthinand
pal
e

Her
:"MeetPhi
l
ani
,he'
syoursi
ster
'sf
ri
end"

Nal
edi:
"Whodoesn'tknowPhi
l
ani
inSout
hAf
ri
ca?
"Shesai
dwi
thabor
ed
t
one,It
hinkshedoesn'
tli
keme

Me:
"O.
..
Kay
,pl
easeexcuseme"If
akedasmi
l
eandwentout
.

Ofcoursefr
om therumorstheyalway ssayaboutmeIdonotexpectherto
l
ikeme, i
nfact
,themediaiswait
ingf ormet ojustmakeonewr ongmove
thenI
'
llbethetalkoft
heday.EverythingthatIdotrends,I
'mt
ryi
ngall
my
bestt
ol i
veaprivat
eli
febutI'
mfaili
ng.Dismi ssal
I'
mf ail
i
ngnj
ee!
Withi
n15minut
esofwaiti
ngf orOzzi
e'
smother,shecameoutofthehouse
wit
hahandbagoverhershoulder
.Herfacewasshiny,
Iwonderwhatshe
appli
ed,
ormaybei
t'
sVaselinebutshehasoverdoneit
.

Her
:"Wecango.
"Shesai
dpul
l
ingaseatbel
tov
erherst
omach.

Me:
"Ar
eyousur
e?"Il
ookedather

Her
:"Yes,
whyar
eyouaski
ngt
hat
?"

Me:
"I'
m sor
ry,
let
'sgo"

IplayedafewsongsasIdr
ovest
rai
ghttot
hehospital
.Whenwear
riv
edthe
recepti
oni
stqui
ckl
yledust
oherward.Wethankedherandt
ookaseat
besideherbed.

Me:
"Shoul
dIexcusey
ou?
"

Her
:"Ohhy
es,
please.Youcangetmeacof
feewhi
l
eyou'
reont
hat
"

Ichuckl
edandwentout
,IswearI
'
venev
erbeensentt
odosomet
hingf
or
someoneIjustmet
.

I
nsi
det
hewar
d.

Ozzi
e'
smot
hersi
ghedandt
ookherdaught
er'
shandandpl
acedi
tont
opof
her
s.
Her:"
Mychi l
d,Babygi r
lpleasewakeup.I t'sbeenaweekwi thyouhere,
okaydoitforyourli
ttl
esister,yourboy fri
endev ent houghIdonotl i
kehim.
YesIdon't
,IknowIl ovemoneyv erymuchbuti tisnotaboutmoneyOz zie,
he'
sjustnotri
ghtfory ou.Iheardal otofstori
esaboutmenl i
kehim,please
l
eavehim beforeit
'stoolate,Icar eabouty ou.Icareabouty ourwell-
being
andI'
m sorryforholdi
ngt hesecr etabouty ourbiological
mot herfortoo
l
ong."Shecoughedabi tandstoodup." Ithinkthat'
sdanger ousboyfri
end
ofyoursmightwantt osayf ewt hingst oyou,sol etmegi vehim achance"
shetookherbagandgotout .

Her:
"Youcangeti
nI'
m done,
"shesai
dtoDon,
het
ookt
hecof
feeandgav
e
her

Don:
"Ar
eyoudone?
"

Her
:"YesIam,
unf
ort
unat
elyIwon'
tbegoi
ngbackhomewi
thy
ou.Ineedt
o
got
ot het
own"

Don:
"Ohhhokay
"

Shenoddedandwal
kedaway
,Donsi
ghedandwenti
nsi
det
hewar
d.

Don

Theyhaveremov edthoseheavymachi nesonherbody,thedoct

orstated
thatwehavetowai tforher
.Eventhoughthere'snochangesi
nceyesterday
,
I
'vebeencomingher eeveryday,dayandnight.Someti
mesIwouldreadher
novel
sjusttokeept i
megoi ng.
Me: "Babe"Iki ssedherf orehead" pleasewakeup, Ican'ttakeitany more
I'
ml osingwei ght
.It'
shar dtrustme, i
t'
shar dnothear i
ngy ourvoice.I'
m hurt
thatIcan' tevenf eelyourbodyi nmyar ms.Imi ssy ourv oi
ce,whyar ey ou
doingthi stome?Fuck! !"Igroanedandhi demyf acewi thmyhand." We
onlydat edf orafewweeks, amont hhasn'tpassedsi ncewest arteddat i
ng
andy ouar ehere.West illhaveal ongjour neytogo, Ibeli
evethaty ouwi l
l
wakeupany t
imesoon.AndIbel i
ev ethaty ouwillmakesur ethatt hi
s
doesn'taf fectourbaby '
sheal th,Ilovey ousomuchst andwaSam.I '
m not
theonet oshowmyemot ionsbutt r
ustmeI '
m hurt,I
'm hurtt
hatmy
gir
lfr
iendi sf i
ghti
ngf orherl i
feandI 'm hurtthatIcannotdoany t
hingt ohelp
youconquert hebattl
e.Youar estrong,ItrustyouandIknowy ouwi llwin.
Don'tgiv eupl ove"Ikissedherf oreheadandhi demyf acewithmyhands.

•
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•••
•

Ifel
tamov ementont
opoft
hebed,
Iqui
ckl
ylookedatherasshemov
es
herhand.

Me:"Babe,y
ouar eawake?"Shetr
iedtoopenherey esbutitwashard,I
r
eal
izedthatit'
sthecur
tai
nsmakingithardforher.Ist
oodupandcl osed
t
hem "Wellwelcomebacktolif
emyl ove"Iki
ssedherdriedli
pscountl
ess
t
imes.Icouldn'
tkeepmycool,myexcitement,andhappiness.

Her
:"Youl
ookhandsome"shemumbl
ed.Thi
sgi
rli
scr
azy

Me:"
Forheav
en'
ssakeOzzi
eyouj
ustcomeoutofacomaandy
ouar
e..
.
Wow"
Il
aughed,
I'
m happymymoodi
sont
op.Mygi
rl
fr
iendi
sbackt
oli
fe,
what
morecoul
dIwishfor
?

Me:
"Letmegoandcal
lyourdoct
or"

Her
:"No.
.no,
"shesai
dremov
ingt
heoxy
genmask.Andcoughed

Me:
"Why
?"Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
ow

Her
:"How'
smybaby
?Di
dyouf
indt
heper
sonwhot
ri
edt
oki
l
lme?
"

Me:"Thebabyisf
ine.I
'
llt
ell
yout
her
estwheny
ougetoutokay
"Ibr
ushed
hershor
thair

Her:
"I'
m hungr
y,pl
easegetmef
oodsot
hatIcanr
est
"shest
ret
chedher
ar
msandmoanedi npai
n.

Me:"Letmegoandgetyoufoodthen"Iwentt
olockmymout
hwithher'
s
forf
ewsecondsandwentout.Thedoctorwi
ll
havetomov
ehert
ot he
Gautenghospi
tal
.

Ozzi
e.

Myheadwaspumpi ng,Icouldn'ttel
l DonthatIhav eaheadachesi nceI
didn'twantt ostr
esshi m.Theper sonwhohi tmewi t
ht hecarwassent ,I
can'tputt wotogetherbecauseIdon' thaveenemiesbesi deLil
it
ha.ButI
don'tthinkshe'dtrytokil
l me,Idoubti t'
snother.Any way ,
ther
e'snothingI
candowhathappenedhappened, Ishouldmov eonf r
om thepastand
concent rateonthef ut
ure,andmybabyofcour se.Ili
ftupmyhandandput
i
tont opofmybel l
y,mybodywasal soinpainasi fIwasbeat enbya
psycho.If eltapresencehov eri
ngar oundt hedoor,Ili
ftmyheadand
noticedLi l
it
habyt hedoorwi thlegscr ossed,Ii
nstantl
ybecamescar ed.
Shegi ggledandwal kedt omybed
Her
:"Your
uinedmyl
i
fey
ousl
ut"Shegr
inned

Me:"No-no-
no.Pl
easel
eav
emeal
one,
howdi
dyougeti
n?"Iaskwi
tht
ear
s
al
readycomingout

Her:
"Youtookeveryt
hingawayf
rom me.Lookl
ookatt
his"shet
hrowa
newspaperatme."

Me:"Whyaretheheadl
i
nestal
ki
ngaboutyou?Didy
oudoit?
"Ihadt
obe
st
rongeventhoughIwoul
dfeelsomet
hingbur
ninmythr
oatwhenI
at
temptedtotal
k.

Her
:"Noofcour
senot
,yourso-cal
l
edboyf
ri
endf
akedi
t.Isweart
odayI
'
m
goi
ngtoki
lly
ou,
"shesai
dtakingapil
l
ow

Me:"Noplease,hel
p..
.Nurse"Ishout
edbefor
emyfacecomeincont
act
wit
htheclothofthepil
low,suddenl
yIcoul
dn'
tbr
eat
heorutt
erany
quest
ions.

Voi
ce:
"Li
l
ithawhatar
eyouf
ound!
?"

NB:
I'
m notback.

Pl
easecomment
,li
ke,
andshar
e.
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER28.

Thepill
owf ell
ont hefloorasLil
it
habackedawayfrom thedoorscared.I
coughedcount lessti
measIkeptonr unningoutofbr
eat h,mythr
oatwas
drythatIhadtof ocusonget t
ingmyselfaglassofwater,onl
ytomakei t
fal
landbr okeintopieces.

Zoe:"
WhatareyoudoingLi
l
itha?Whati
fDonwast
heonewhocaught
you?
"Sheaskedrushi
ngtomysi de

Nonhl
e:"
Howareyousi
s?Di
dshehur
tyou"ofcour
seshedi
d,I
'
mjustgl
ad
t
heycameint
ime

Me:
"Umm.
..I
'
llbef
ine"myv
oicewasbr
eaki
ngasIt
ri
edt
otal
k

Nonhle:"
Ithi
nkweshoul
dcal
lDon.Heknowsbet
ter
,"shesai
dreachi
ngf
or
herphone

Lil
it
ha:
"Nonono,
guy
spl
ease.He'
l
lki
l
lme"shesai
dbeggi
ngt
hem wi
th
tear
yeyes
Zoe:"
Youwantust
onott
ell
him?Youmustbej
oki
ngLi
l
itha,
you'
re
di
sgusti
ng"

Li
li
tha:"Okay,Goaheadcal lhim.I'm sureyou'l
lbeabl
etosleepwel lat
ni
ghtknowi ngv erywellthaty ouhadsomeonewhowasoncecl osetoyou
ki
ll
ed.I'
m notsur pri
sedatal l
, I'
m not.Youguy sdonotknowt hepainof
bei
ngcheat ed,thepainofbei ngdumpedf orsomeonewhodoesn' tknow
whethershe'sgoingf orwardorbackwar d,shecameintomymar ri
ageand
destr
oyeditandy ouguy sexpectmet ocel ebr
atet
hat?I
'm notcrazy,l
ook
Ozzieyoucannotbui ldhappi nessinanot her'
swoman'stears.Thewayy ou
camei nmymar ri
agei t
'sthewayy ou'l
ll
eav e,I
'
m notgoi
ngt obackdown
wit
houtaf i
ght."Shewi pedhery earsandwentout .

Zoe:
"Di
dwej
ustl
ethergoj
ustl
i
ket
hat
?"

Nonhl
e:"
Keat
scal
lDon.I
'
m sur
eshel
ltr
ytoki
l
lyouagai
n"

Me:
"No,don'
t.Ihur
therI
'
mtheonewhodeser
vest
osuf
fernott
heot
her
wayround"

Zoe:
"No,
whati
f.
."

Me:
"Pl
easecal
ladoctorforme"t
hat'
swhatImanagedt
out
ter
.It
hinki
t'
s
f
ort
hebestIdonott
ellDonabouti
t.

Zoe:Welli
fyousayso.Weboughtyouabasketoff
ruit
s.Howarey
ou
feel
i
ng?"Shesai
dtakingi
tfr
om Nonhleandpl
aceditontopoft
hecabi
net

Me: "
I'
m hol
dingup,besidesf
rom myt
hir
styt
hroatI
'
m good"Idon'
tthi
nk
Li
l
ithamayhav etr
iggeredsomethi
ngi
nmybody .

Zoe:
"Ohhl
etmegoandgety
ouwat
er"shegi
ggl
edandwentout
.

Nonhle:
"Youknowus?
"Sheaskedt
aki
ngasi
t,Ismi
l
edandpul
l
edabl
anket
overmyshoulder
s

Me:"
Ido,Dononcet
oldmeabouty ouguy
s.Pl
ussoci
almedi
aist
her
efora
r
eason,
heshowedmey ourpi
ctur
es"
Nonhl
e:"
Mm al
ri
ght
,Byt
heway
,I'
m Nonhl
e"

Me:
"Ni
cet
omeety
ou,
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"

Nonhl
e:"
Andy
oul
ookbeaut
if
ult
oo.Il
ovet
hebl
ondecol
orony
ourhai
r"

Me:
"I'
m sur
eIl
ookugl
y,withabandagearoundmyhead"Isi
ghed.The
mor
eItalki
tst
hemoreIfeelpai
n,butIdon'
twantt
oshowit

Nonhl
e:"
Howol
dar
eyou?
"

Me:
"19"

Nonhl
e:"
Whatonl
y19?Thehel
l
"shel
ookedshocked

Me:
"What
'swr
ong?
"

Nonhl
e:"
Nonot hi
ng,
it'
sjustt
hati
t'
shardtobel
i
evet
hatDonf
ell
fora
t
eenager
.I'
m sorr
ydon'
ttakemewr ong"

Me:
"Noi
t'
sokay
,howol
dishe?
"

Nonhl
e:"Idon'
tknow,
Idon'
tconv
ersewi
thhi
mtot
hepoi
ntwher
eIaskhi
m
hi
sage,"shesai
d

Me:
"I'
l
lfi
ndoutsoon"

Nonhl
e:"
So,
hav
eyougi
venhi
mthepussy
?"She'
snotev
enshy

Me:
"What
!Ofcounsel
not
"Il
aughed.Zoegoti
nwi
thagl
assofwat
er

Me:
"Thanky
ou"It
ookt
hest
rawandcar
eful
l
ydr
ankt
hewat
er

Zoe:
"Whatar
eyouguy
stal
ki
ngabout
?"

Nonhl
e:"
Ohh,
Iwasaski
ngOzzi
ewhet
hershehasgi
venDont
hepussyor
not
"

Zoe:"
Okay,tal
kOzzie"Howam Igoi
ngt
oanswert
hem?Imeantheyar
e
tal
kat
ive,
theyarenotshyandt
heynowwantt
oknowmystuff
Me:
"No"

Zoe:
"Whatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or?
"

Me:
"Fort
her
ightt
ime.It
hinki
t'
stoosoon"

Nonhl
e:"
Girl
,it
'sst
il
lthesame.Justgi
vehi
mthatt
hingt
rustmey
oudon'
t
wanthi
mt olooksomewhere"

Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"

Zoe:"
WemeanDoni
saManwhor
e.Amont
hdoesn'
tpasswi
thouthi
m
havi
ngsex"

Nonhl
e:"
Noaweek.
"

Me:
"Ha.
ayouguy
sar
eexagger
ati
ng"

Nonhle:
"Wearenot,t
hesoonert
hebetteryougivei
ttohi
m.Ory
oust
il
la
vi
rgi
n?"Aret
heytr
yingtof
indouti
fI'
m pregnantornot
?

Voice:"
Okayokay,nowstopbombar
dingmygirl
fri
endwit
hy ourquesti
ons,
"
hesaid,hewasholdingabr
ownpaperbagfrom McDonal
d's.Helookedso
handsomewithhisroundpout
edmouth,hi
sscentfil
l
edmynost ri
lswhen
hepeckedmyl i
ps"

Nonhl
e:"
Umm,
excuseus.Ozzi
ewewi
l
ltal
k,
"theysai
dgoi
ngout

Me:
"Di
dtheycomeal
lthewayf
rom Gaut
engt
oseeme?Wow"

Don:
"Theyl
i
key
oumay
beIdon'
tknow.Bur
ger
?"

Me:"
NoI'
llhav
echipst
hankyou"Ir
ememberedhowmythroathurtt
he
momentIswall
owedwater
.Wit
hsoli
dfood,
Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
dbeabl eto
st
omachthem.

Don:
"Why
?"
Me:
"Ehhh,
Ummm I
'
m nott
hathungr
y.Yes"

Don:"
Whatar
eyouhi
ding?Youdon'
tl
ikeMcDonal
dbur
ger
s?"Heasked
conf
used

Me:
"No,
ofcour
senotbabe.I
'
m nothungr
y"

Don:"Sui
tyour
sel
f,
"hesai
dhandi
ngmeov
erapacketofchi
psandt
omat
o
sauce.

Me:"
Canwetal
k?Pleasesi
tdown"Isai
dcareful
lyshal
l
owi
ngt
hechi
p,
maki
ngsur
ethatIdonothur
tmyselfi
ntheprocess

Don:
"Whatup?
"Het
ookaseatandki
ssedmyhand

Me:
"Wi
l
lyoul
eav
emei
nthef
utur
e?"

Don:
"wher
e'st
hatquest
ioncomi
ngf
rom?
"

Me:"Idon'
twantt
odependony ouf
orther
estofmyl
i
fe,Idon'
tknowwhat
thef
uturehol
dsbabebutIdon'
twanty
outowakeupandreali
sethaty
ou
donotlovemeanymore.
"

Don:
"What
?Idoubtt
hatwoul
dhappenIl
ovey
ou"

Me:"
Iknow,butwi
l
litl
ast
?Ihav
en'
tsl
eptwi
thy
ouwhati
fyoul
ook
somewher
e?"

Don:"
BabyIdonotcondonecheati
nginar el
ati
onshi
p,Ihat
ethatt
hingver
y
much.There'
snot
hingIhat
eotherthanukufebainarel
ati
onshi
psoplease
don'
tcheatonme.Thatwil
lbr
eakmyhear t"

Me:
"Iwon'
ti
fyoupr
omi
set
onotcheatt
oo"

Don:
"Ohhsoi
fIcheaty
ou'
l
lal
socheatonme?
"Hesmi
rked

Me:
"No,
I'
ll
leav
eyouandnev
erl
ookback"

Don:"Wel
lbecausey
ourboyfr
iendlov
esy ounoinfacty
ourhusbandl
oves
you,
youwon'tevent
hinkofcheat
ingbecauseI'
l
ltr
eatyouli
keaqueenyou
ar
e"

Me:
"Real
l
y?Thengetmeoutofher
e"

Don:
"No,
"hesai
dwi
thoutt
hinki
ngt
wice

Me:
"Butbabe,
I'
veheal
edt
her
e'snot
hingwr
ongwi
thme"

Don:
"Theansweri
sst
il
lno.You'
l
lgohomeunt
ilt
hedoct
ordi
schar
gey
ou"

Me:
"atl
easthav
ehi
mtot
ransf
ermet
oGaut
eng?
"

Don:
"Andy
ourmom?
"

Irememberedwhatmamat ol
dme,t
hatshe'
snotmymother
.Ithi
nki
t'
sfor
thebestIt
ell
him,Idon'
twantt
obui
l
dar el
ati
onshi
pwi
thDonthat
'sf
ull
of
secret
s

Me:"
She'
snotmybi
ologi
cal
mot
her
.Idon'
tknowwhet
hershest
olemeor
what
"

Don:
"I'
m sor
rybabe,
"hesai
dst
andi
ngupandhuggedme

Me:
"I'
m conf
used,
andIwantanswer
s"

Don:"Shi
ft
.Move"Ilookedathi
m andmadeaspaceforhi
m, hetookof
fhi
s
shoesandcar
efull
yplacedmeont opofhi
schest
.HowImi ssedit

Me:"Myli
feisj
ustcompl
icat
ed.It
hinkGodcr
eat
edmet
osuf
feri
nthi
s
wor
ld"Isai
dwithtear
sburni
ngmyey es

Don:"
Don'tcr
y,I'
m her
efory
ou.Best
rongf
orourchi
l
dandy
ourbi
gbabyof
cour
se"helaughed

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Don:
"Il
ovey
out
oo,
how'
smybabyboy
?"Her
ubbedmybel
l
y
Me:
"Get
ti
ngbi
gofcour
se.Ican'
twai
ttoseehi
m"

Don:
"Thanky
ou,
Ozzi
e,I
'
llpr
otecty
ouIpr
omi
se"

Me:
"Ncooh.Wel
l
,Mrhowol
dar
eyou?
"Ial
mostf
orgott
oaskhi
m

Don:
"Youdi
dn'
tfi
ndmyaget
hedayy
ousnoopedar
oundmyof
fi
ce?
"

Me:
"Ahh"Ipi
nchedhi
m andl
aughed

Me:
"Wel
lIdi
dn'
t"

Don:"I
tmeansyou'
ll
findoutony
ourownbabygi
rl
.Amandoesn'
tki
ssand
tel
l
."hefl
i
ppedhiseyelashes

Me:
"You'
reagay
,"Isai
dhi
tt
inghi
schest
.Iy
awned

Don:
"Sl
eep"hekeptonr
ubbi
ngmybel
l
yunt
ilIf
ell
asl
eep.

Nokut
hul
a.

Iwasworriedaboutnotseeingmychi l
drenany t
imesoon.IknowIhav en't
madeatimeandbondwi t
hthem buti ntheend, I
'mtheirmot her
,there'
sno
wayIcoul
dl iveforayearwithoutseeingthem orhear i
ngtheirvoi
ces.Iwas
sohappywhenDanki etoldmet hatDonisnol ongerinter
estedinkill
i
ngme.
Heimmedi atel
ytookmet othehospi t
alsot hattheycantreatmyl egs,from
whereI
'm standingIdonotthinkI'l
lbeabletowal kagaininmyl if
e.Isighed
andl
ookedatwhowasst andingatthedoor ,i
twasmymom

Her
:"Whathappenedmychi
l
d?"Shecameandsatbesi
det
hebed

Me:
"Thewasabr
eaki
nmama.
"Il
ookedather

Her
:"I
'
m sosor
rybabygi
rl
,hav
eyoul
ett
heki
dsknow?
"
Me:
"Noty
et,
Idon'
twantt
ost
resst
hem"

Her
:"I
t'
sokay
,howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?Hav
eyouhear
dfr
om t
hedoct
or?
"

Me:
"Wher
e'sdad?
"

Her
:"He'
satwor
k.Whenar
eyougoi
ngbackt
oGaut
eng?
"

Me:
"I'
m notr
etur
ning,
Iwantt
ost
artmyl
i
feaf
resh"

Her
:"Andy
ourwor
k?"

Me:
"Mamapl
ease"Idi
smi
ssedher
.

Ozzi
e'
smot
her

Ithi
nkit
'st
imeIgoandcheckonmydaught eratt
hehospi
tal
,thatthug
call
edmeandtoldmethatshe'
sawake,wehav et
osolvef
ewt hings.Ineed
totel
lhert
hewholet
rut
h,hopeshefor
givesme.

Nal
edi:"
Mama,
canIgowi
thy
out
othehospi
tal
?Iwantt
ospeakwi
thmy
si
ster
"

Me:"Youaresti
ll
heal
ingmychi
l
d,I
'
m sur
eOzzi
ewi
l
lcomeher
eaf
tert
he
doct
ordischar
geher"

Naledi
:"I
'
m notsickandI'
m nott
hef
ir
stonet
ober
apedandt
rustmeI
'
m
notgoi
ngt obethelastone"

Me:
"Butmychi
l
dyoukeeponhav
ingni
ght
mar
es"

Nal
edi
:"They
'l
ldi
sappearast
imegoes"

Me:
"Ory
oucant
akey
oursi
ster
sfr
iendof
ferandseeat
her
api
st"
Nal
edi
:"Nomama,
Idon'
twantbl
ood'
smoney
.Hecankeepi
tI'
l
lheal
onmy
own"

Me:
"He'
str
yingt
ohel
pmychi
l
d"

Nal
edi
:"MamaIdonotwanthi
shel
pokay
,I'
mfi
ne!
"Shesnappedandgot
i
nsi
dethehouse.

Icl
appedmyhandsandcont
inuewashi
ngmycl
othes.

THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER29.

OZZI
E.

Me:"I
'm gladI
'
mf inal
lygoi
nghome"thedoctordischargedme1hourback,
buthetoldmet oalwaysgoandseemygy necologist
,it
'sapi
tyt
hatI
'
llnot
beusingthesamedoct ort
hatNokut
hular
eferredmet o.

Don:
"Ar
eyoucer
tai
nlysur
ethatshe'
sokay
.Idon'
twantanymi
stakes"

Doc:"Yesshe'
sokay,butIsuggestthatsheseesagy necologi
stfr
equent
ly,
I'
m notadoctort
hatdealswithpregnancybutint
ernalorgans.Youcan
contacthi
m he'
sthebest.
"Hesai dgivi
ngmeabusi nesscat d

Don:
"Noway
,it
'sahe?
"Her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
ows

Me:
"Babe,
pleasedon'
texagger
atet
hingspl
ease"

Don:"
No,ther
e'snowayI
'm goi
ngt oal
lowaniggabei
ngtouchytouchy
wit
hyourbell
yendofdi
scussi
on,"hesaidpi
cki
ngupthesportbagontop
oft
hebed.Thedoct
orhadr
emovedabandagear
oundmyheadandputa
pl
astersi
ncet
hewoundwasheal
i
ng.

Doc:
"It
'sf
ort
hebestDon.Heknowshi
sjobandhe'
smar
ri
ed"

Don:
"Ohhmar
ri
edmencan'
tcheat
?I'
l
lfi
ndy
ouawomangy
necol
ogi
st"

Me:
"Yousuchabor
eyouknow"Ir
oll
edmyey
es.

Doct
or:"
OkayMi ssMoloi
,Icheckedyouandtheresult
sstat
edthatyouar
e
goodtogothat'
swhyIdischargedyou.Youwil
lfeel
li
ghtheadachesdonot
worr
yitwil
lst
opast i
megoes. "

Me:"
Thankyou,andthankyouf
ortr
eati
ngmewi t
hlov
eandcar
e.If
eltsaf
e
wi
thmylif
earoundyou,you'
ret
hebestdoct
or"

Don:"AyymanOzzi
euy
angi
del
ela.Fucky
ou"hecl
i
ckedhi
stongueand
walkedaway

Doctor
:"Howdoy
ouhandl
ehi
m?Hel
ooksl
i
keoneoft
hoseabusi
ng
par
tner"

Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkso.Myboy
fri
endi
snotawomanbeat
er,
seey
ouar
ound"

Irubbedmybell
yandwalkedtotheparki
ngl ot.Icheckev er
ynumberpl
ate
unti
lIfoundanumberpl
atethatwaswr i
tt
en, Don.Ismi l
edandwalkedt
o
wherehewasparki
ng,Iknockedonthewi ndowsot hathecanopenthe
doorforme.

Me:
"Cany
oupl
easeopen"

Him:"
OhhIseeyouaredoneplay
inglov
ey-
doveywitht
hatfool,
tel
lme
babywam whatwer
eyoutryi
ngtoarchi
ve?
"Ibli
nkedandlookedathi
m

Me:
"Babe"
Hi
m:"
What
,answerme"

Me:
"NoIwasn'
t.I
sbadt
ogi
vehi
m agoodr
evi
ew?
"

Hi
m: "
Wi t
hmear ound?Youdisr
espect
edme,doyouthi
nkhe'
llr
espectme
af
terwhatyou'
vedone?Youtoldhimthaty
oufel
tlov
earoundhi
m what
wasthatOzzi
e?Justgetint
hecar"

Me:"Ohhsoyouwant
edmet osay"doct
ory
ouarenott
hebest,
Iwas
act
uall
yscar
edformyli
fe?NobabyItol
dhi
mthehonestt
rut
h"

Hi
m:"
Ozzi
ewee.Justgeti
nthedamncar
"

Ismi
l
edandgeti
nsi
det
hecar
.

Hi
m:"
Cany
oupl
easepassmet
hat
"hepoi
ntedathi
siPad"

Me:
"Sur
e"

Hi
m:"
Choosewhaty
oul
ove"hesai
dthr
owi
ngi
tonmyt
highs.

Il
ookedathi
m shockedaf
tergl
anci
ngatt
hei
Pad.

Me:
"Youbuy
inganewhouse?
"

Hi
m:"
Whi
chonedoy
oul
i
ke?
"Hest
art
edt
heengi
neoft
hecar

Me:
"Uhhh..
.Babe"Isai
dscr
oll
i
ngt
hrought
hepi
ctur
es"
CanIdeci
dedaf
ter
t
woorthreedays"

Hi
m:"
Mm"hekeptqui
etaf
tert
hat
.

Me:
"Whyar
eyoubuy
inganewhouset
hough?Imeany
ouhav
eabi
ghouse
andt
her
e'snot
hingwr
ongwi
thi
t"

Him:"
I'
m st
il
langr
ywi
thy
ouThandazi
l
e,j
ustkeepy
ourbl
abber
ingmout
h
qui
te"

Me:
"Okayf
ineI
'
m sor
ry,
itwaswr
ongofmet
ocompl
i
menthi
swor
k"

Hi
m:"
For
giv
en,
youneedt
olear
nhowt
ofi
ghtf
ory
our
sel
f"

Me:
"Fi
ght
?"

Hi
m: "Yes,
Ihav
ealotofenemi
es.I
'm sur
esomeknowst
hatIhav
eanew
gi
rl
fr
iendandyouknowwhatwil
lhappenofcour
se"

Me:"Butbabe,
youknowI
'
m acowar
d.Iknownot
hingwheni
tcomest
o
f
ight
ing"

Hi
m:"
Whi
chi
swhyI
'
m her
e,I
'
llt
rai
nyouandt
eachy
ouhowt
oshoot
"

Me:
"Ohh,
okay
"

Hi
m: "
Yes.Umuhl
eyezwa"Ismil
edandl ookedathim, not
hingmakesme
bl
ushothert
hanbei
ngtol
dthatI
'm beauti
fulunnecessary

Me:
"Thanky
ou,
baby
,buty
ouar
emor
ehandsomeandshi
tyousmel
lgood"

Hi
m:hel
ookedatmeandchuckl
ed"
OhhdoI
?"

Me:"Whatkindofaquest
ioni
sthat
?Ofcour
se,
yousmel
lsol
ovel
y.Iam
obsessed"

Hi
m:"
Okay
,I'
mtaki
ngy
out
oyourmot
her
'shouse,
ist
hatokaywi
thy
ou?
"

Me:
"Ar
ewegoi
ngt
ospendt
heni
ghtt
her
e?"

Hi
m: "
Nobabe,
wewi l
lgobackt
oGaut
engt
omor
row.Ordoy
ouwantt
o
sl
eepfort
heni
ghtt
here?"

Me:
"Nono,i
t'
sbeenawhil
esi
nceIlastf
elty
ourbi
gbul
geonmybut
.So
t
hehot
eli
sfi
ne"Isai
dli
cki
ngmylowerli
p
Hi
m:"
Ozzi
epl
ease,
youwon'
twai
tfort
heconsequences"

Me:
"Whatdi
dIdo?
"Iaskedshr
uggi
ngmyshoul
der
s

Hi
m: "
Let'
sjustleav
eit,
"hesaidr
ubbi
ngmyt hi
ghs,IswearIf
eltsomet
hing
movesinmyst omach.Butsisi
snotyetr
eadytoint
imatewit
hhim or
maybeiti
snott oosoon,i
t'
snotli
keI
'
m av i
rgi
n

Whenwear r
ivedathomeIgotofft
hecarandwenttoknockedont hedoor,
Donsaidhewi llst
ayint
hecarunti
lIf
ini
shtal
ki
ngwithmom.Sheshout ed
coming,Iopenedthedoorandgotint
othet
wo- r
oom housethatmom buil
t
wit
hherownhandsandsweat ,
shewasbusywi thNal
ediplayi
ngfi
vecards
whil
ewat chi
ngTV.

Her
:"Mychi
l
d,Sohef
inal
l
ylety
ougo?
"Shest
oodupandhuggedme

Me:
"Yes,
howar
eyouLedi
?"It
ookasi
tbyt
hechai
randl
ookedather

Nal
edi
:"I
'
mfi
neasy
oucansee,
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"

Me:"OhhIcametocheckony
oupl
usmamament
ionedt
hatshewant
sto
hav
eawor dwit
hme"

Nal
edi
:"Wel
lI'
m good,
any
wayl
etmegoandf
oldmycl
othes"

Me:
"Shoul
dIhel
pyou?How'
sschool
?"

Nal
edi
:"I
'
m nol
ongergoi
ng,
Ist
opped"

Me:
"Whatwhy
?"

Naledi:"
Every
oneblamesmef orwhathappenedtome, i
nthi
svi
ll
ageno
mot heral
lowsthei
rchi
ldr
entoplaywit
hmesi nceI'
m notavi
rgi
nanymore
butitdoesn'
tmat t
erI
'mlear
ningtol
iv
ewi t
hit"

Me:
"I'
m sor
rymybabysi
s,don'
tyouwantt
ost
udyi
nboar
dingschool
?I
cant
ell
myboy
fri
endt
olookoneoft
hebestschool
sfory
ou"

Her
:"Real
l
yt hankyousomuch,I'
m agreei
ngbecauseIl
oveschool
ver
y
much.Where'syourl
owli
fegangster
?"

Me:
"Gir
lyoucal
li
ngsomeonewhoownsthousandsofcar
sandhousesa
l
ow-
li
fegangst
er?Thatguyi
sfear
edbyal
mostevery
oneinGaut
eng"

Her:
"Well
I'
m not
,justt
ell
him Isai
dthanky
ou"shet
appedmyshoul
der
andwenttot
heotherroom

Mot
her
:"Canwet
alk?
"Shesai
dhol
dingmyhands

Me:
"Yesmama,
pleaseexpl
ainhowcomeIam noty
ourchi
l
d?"

Her: "I
tallstart
edwhenIwasi ngr ade11whenIf oundoutt hatI'
m
pregnant .Mymot herwasnothappyabouti tbutshefinall
yunder stoodand
notf orcemet oabor tattheend, thepersonwhoi mpregnatedmewasf rom
arichf ami l
y.Mont hswentby ,
thet imeformet ofeelpainsandsoal l
arri
v edbutIf el
tnot hing,Iwouldseebl oodinmypant iesbutInev ertookit
seriousunt ilmothersuggest edt hatIgototheclini
c,l
uckilyitwas
Thur sdayt hedoctorcomesonThur sdaysonly
.Hecheckedmeand
declaredt hatmychi l
di sdead,IcriedasIthoughtofhowI 'm goingt o
remai npoor .Thet i
meIwascr y i
ngi twasthetimewher eNokut hula's
mot herwascr yi
ngwi thtear
sofj oy,angershadowedmet ot hepointwhere
Istoley ouandr aisedy ouasmi ne.I'
m sosorry"

Me:"
Waitwai
t,t
heguywhoi
mpr
egnat
edy
ouwher
ewashet
hewhol
e
t
ime?"

Her
:"Youdidn'
thav
ethesamebi
rt
hmar
kashi
m,sohel
eftandnev
er
l
ookedback"

Me:
"MamaNokut
hul
adoesn'
tknowwhathappenedt
oherchi
l
dev
ennow?
"

Her
:"Shedoesn'
t,
Ihadt
ohi
dey
ouf
or5y
ear
s"
Me:"
Butbutshewast
ooni
cet
ome,
shebor
rowedmoneyf
rom machoni
sa
j
ustt
ogiveme?"

Her
:"Youknowhowherhear
tismychi
l
d"

Me:
"I'
m sodi
sappoi
ntedi
nyou.
"Ist
oodupandwentbacki
nsi
det
hecar

Hi
m:hewokeupasIbangedt
hedoor"
Babe?
"

Me:
"OhhI
'
m sor
ry,
Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
easl
eep"

Hi
m:"
it
'sokay
.Whyar
eyouangr
y,"heaskedr
ubbi
nghi
sface

Me:
"Shest
oleme,shet
ooksomeone'
shappi
nessj
ustl
i
kethatwhodoes
t
hat
.Ohno,babewhati
fsomeonest
eal
sourbabyt
oo?Ican'
t.
.nonono"

Him:"
Oz zie,Ozzi
ecalm down.Not
hingisgoingt
ohappentoourboyI
'
m
hereI
'
llprotectyouguyswithmyli
fe"herubbedmycheeck

Me:
"Pr
omi
se?
"Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat

Hi
m:"Ipr
omi
se"heki
ssedmyf
oreheadandbr
ushmynosewi
thhi
s"shal
l
wego?"

Me:
"Umm y
es"

Wedr
ovet
othenear
esthot
elandcheckedi
n.

Hi
m:"
Ineedaf
ull
bodymassage"

Me:
"Fr
om who?
"Iaskedpl
ayi
ngwi
thar
emot
e

Hi
m:"Fr
om myoneandonl
ygi
rl
fr
iend.Mot
herofmychi
l
dren,
"hesai
d
t
aki
ngoffhi
sjacket
Me:
"Keepondr
eami
ngboo,
I'
m al
sot
ir
edIneedmybeaut
ysl
eep"

Him:"
Please,I
'
llmakeitupt
oyou"het
ookof
fhi
st-
shi
rtandal
sot
ookouta
gunoutofhistr
ouser
.

Me:
"Doy
oual
way
shav
etogoar
oundcar
ingt
hat
?"

Hi
m:"
Youwon'
tunder
stand,
massage?
"

Me:
"No.ComeIwantt
otel
lyousomenews"

Hi
m:"
No,
I'
m noty
ourgossi
pingpar
tnerl
ove"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tsayy
ouar
e.Come,
Iwantt
otel
lyouwhatmamat
oldme"

Hi
m:"
Okay
"hegr
oaned

Igotont
opofhi
m andki
ssedhi
schestandi
nhal
edhi
sscent
.

Hi
m:"
Youwer
esay
ing?
"

Me:
"Ohh,
"It
oldhi
m ev
ery
thi
ngt
hatmom t
oldme

Hi
m:"Andhowdoy ouf
eel
abouti
t?Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
othewi
tht
he
whol
einf
ormat
ion?
"

Me:
"Idon'
tknow,
I'
m ev
enscar
edofr
eject
ion"

Hi
m:"
Don'tstr
esstoomuchsweet
hear
t.I
fshetr
ulywantabondwi
thher
l
ongl
ostdaughtershe'
l
lwel
comeyouwit
hopenarms"

Me:
"Ify
ousayso,
howaboutani
ghtgl
ory
?"Iwi
nkedathi
m

Hi
m:"
Umm.
.whaty
hooIt
houghty
ousai
dyouar
enotr
eady
?"

Me:
"Icanchangemymi
nd.
"hel
ookedatmeagai
n

Me:
"What
?Don'
tactasi
fyouar
enotnaught
y"
Hi
m:"
Notmor
ethany
ou"

Hel aughedandtickl
edme,laughtertur
nedi
ntoaheat
edkiss.Ir
ubbedhis
absasIst uckmyt onguei
ntohis.Hechuckl
edandchangedposit
ions,
he
cameont opandsuckedonmybr east,
amoanescapedmymout h.The
restishist
ory.
..

THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER30

OZZI
E.

Iwaswokenupbyt hesunraysburni
ngthroughmyski n,
Iwipedmyey es
andy awn.Iturnedandf acedDonwhol ookedmi lesawaywi thhisthought
,I
donotwantt oment ionwhathappenedlastnight
, t
heguyt ookmet o
dif
ferentcountries,
hemademespeakf oreignlanguages.WhywasI
delayi
ngt hatdickinthefi
rstpl
ace?Well,I
'v
etastedi tandthere'
snoway
I'
ml ett
ingitgo.Iblushedandlookedatthemanwhowasst i
lldeepinhis
thoughts.

Me:
"Babe?
"It
appedhi
sshoul
der

Hi
m:"
Ohhy
ou'
reawake?
"Hecheckedhi
sphone

Me:
"Yes,
What
'swr
ong?Youl
ookedst
ressed"

Hi
m:"
I'
ll
beal
ri
ght
"
Bef
oreIcoul
dopenmymout handr
espondt
ohi
m hi
sphoner
ang,
he
i
ndi
catedmetokeepqui
et.

Irol
ledoutofthebedandwrappedmybodywit
hthesheet,Iheadhim
chuckledbutIdi
dn'
tmindhi
m Ijustsmi
l
edandwenttobrushmyt eeth.

Ihadopenedupthetapi
nt hebat
ht ubesot
hatIcanbatheaf
terbr
ushi
ng
myteet
h.Iri
nsedmymout handtookoffmyclot
hes,bef
oreIcoul
dwash
myfacehecameinlooki
ngdefeated.

Him:"Weneedt
ogobackt
oGaut
engasi
nnow,
"hesai
dtaki
ngasi
tont
op
ofthetoi
l
et

Me:
"Why
?What
'st
her
ush?
"

Hi
m:"
Mamai
sinhospi
tal
,shecol
l
apsed,
"hesai
drubbi
nghi
shead.

Me:"
OhhI '
m sor
rybabe,
I'
m sur
eshe'
llbeal
ri
ght
"He'
ssul
ki
ngf
orsomeone
whofai
nted?AyyDonisact
ingl
ikeababy

Don:
"Pl
easehur
ry,
I'
ll
bepacki
ngourbagssol
ong"

Me:
"Wecanbat
htoget
her
,I'
l
lpackt
hebagsdon'
tsweat
"

Don:
"Youar
epr
egnant
,youcan'
tgoar
oundl
i
fti
ngheav
ythi
ngs"

Me:"
Imustt
akecar
eofy
ou.Al
l
owme"Isai
dappl
yi
ngf
acewashonmy
f
ace"

Don:
"Nohur
rybabe"hewentout
.

Ichuckl
edandcont
inuedwi
thwhatIwasdoi
n.If
oll
owedhi
sinst
ruct
ions
andtookashor
tbat
h,Ir
etur
nedt
other
oom whi
l
ewi
pingmybodywi
tha
towel
.

Me:
"Hav
eyoupackedmyl
oti
on?
"

Don:
"Yes,
justweary
ourcl
othes.You'
l
lappl
yyourcr
eamsont
her
oad"

Me:
"Butbabe"

Don:
"Hur
ryOzzi
e.Ineedt
obei
nGaut
engi
n3hour
s"

Me:"Okay
"Itookabeanieandt
rackpant
sandworethem.hegavemehis
j
erseytowear,t
hisguy
!Thewayhewasi nhur
ryIwasnotevenwear
inga
br
a

Don:"
Whyareyoudoingev
ery
thi
ngsosl
owly
?Ozziemymom'
sli
fei
sat
ri
skheret
hel
eastIcoul
ddoistobet
her
eforher
"

Me:
"Okay
,Igety
ou"

Don:"No,noyoudon't
.Weshoul
dhavelonglef
tthi
shot
elhouragobut
becauseofyoudraggi
ngasswearest
il
l her
e"

Me:
"OkayI
'
m sor
ryt
hen,
don'
tkeepouty
ourangeronme"

Don:
"You'
l
lfi
ndmeout
side"

Me:
"Youbet
ternotsmokeoutt
her
e"hecl
i
ckedhi
stongueandwentout
.

Imadesurethatwedidn'
tleav
eanythi
ngbehindbeforewecheckedout
,we
onl
ystoppedinonegarageunti
lwearr
ivedatGauteng.Hecal
ledhi
sguard
tobr
ingourbagsinsi
dethehouse.
Don:
"I'
m goi
ng,
"hesai
daf
terhemadesur
ethatI
'
veset
tl
ed

Me:
"Babe,
wej
ustar
ri
vedt
enmi
nut
esago"

Don:
"IknowbutIhav
etogo.I
'
llseey
oul
ater"

Me:
"OhhOkay
,Iwi
shherwel
l
"

Don:"
Wewi
l
ltal
kwhenIcomeback.Rest
"heki
ssedmycheekandwent
out

Me:
"Babewai
t,canIpl
easecomewi
thy
ou?
"

Don:
"UhhIdon'
tknow"hescr
atcheshi
shead

Me:
"Pl
ease,
I'
ll
bebor
edher
eal
one"

Don:
"Fi
ne,
goandweary
ourshoes"

Me:"Thanky
ou"Ipeckedhi
sli
psandwenttowearmysleepers,
Ineedt
o
doseri
ousshoppi
ngsomeofmycl ot
hesdonotf
itany
mor e.

Hedrov
etohisf
amilyhouse,shewasdi
schar
gedfr
om hospi
tal
,thatwhat
Vusi
tol
dDon.Youcoul
dtellt
hathescar
edandimpat
ientatt
hesamet i
me,
hewasbusybi
tt
inghi
snail
s.

Iwasamazedbythehugehouset
hatwasi
nfr
ontofus.Il
ookedatDonas
hetr
iest
oparkt
hecar"

Me:
"Thi
shousei
shuge"Igr
inned

Don:"Mydadi
sbi
tint
imi
dat
ingpl
easedonotmi
ndhi
m okay
,"hesai
d
rubbi
ngmythi
ghs

Me:"Youcanleav
emei
nthecari
t'
sfi
neI
'
llkeepmy
sel
fbusywi
thy
our
phone"Ismi
led
Don:
"No,
youar
egoi
ngi
nwi
thme.
"

Me:
"BabeIt
hinki
t'
stoosoonf
ormet
omeety
ourpar
ent
s"

Don:
"Iti
snot
,soonerorl
aterI
'
llt
ell
them t
hatI
'
vedi
vor
cedLi
l
itha"Igasped
andl
ookedathi
m

Me:
"Youhav
en'
ttol
dthem?WhyPhi
l
ani
?"

Don:
"BecauseIdonothav
etot
ell
them ev
ery
thi
ngt
hat
'shappeni
ngi
nmy
l
if
e"

Me:
"Theyar
eyourpar
ent
s,t
heydeser
vet
oknow"

Don:"
AyymanOzzielet
'sj
ustgeti
n,
"hesai
dopeni
nghi
sdoor
,supr
isel
yhe
t
urnedandopenedt
hedoorforme.

Hetookmyhandi nt
ohisasheputhi shandont hesensornexttothedoor,
thedooropenedaf t
eri
thadsensedhi sfi
ngerpr
int
s.Thisfamil
yisrichbut
Ozzieyouhavetoactasifyouaref amil
i
arwiththosethi
ngs,Idonotwant
toembarassmy self
.Mystomachwasnotshowi ngthatmuchbuty ou
coul
dtellt
hatI'
m 2mont hspregnantbythelookofit
.Vusi wasseatedon
thecouchbusyonhi sphone,
Iknowhi mf r
om socialmedia.

Vusi
:"Br
oyoucame"

Don:
"Yes,
IcameassoonasIgott
hecal
l
.Wher
e'smom?
"

Vusi
:"She'
sasl
eep"

Don:
"Ohh,
whathappenedt
oher
?"

Vusi
:"Ihav
enoi
dea,
dadi
skeepi
ngusi
nthedar
kbutf
rom myper
spect
ive
she'
sokay"

Don:
"Why
?Wher
eishe?
"
Vusi
:"Idon'
tknowI
'
mjustst
ressedaboutmama'
sheal
th"

Don:
:"Letmegoandseeher
.Wher
eisNt
ando?
"

Vusi
:"Youknowy
ourl
i
ttl
esi
sterI
'
m sur
eshe'
spr
obabl
ycr
ying"

Don:
"Cr
yingf
orwhat
?"

Vusi
:"Idon'
tknow,
youknowhowsensi
ti
veshei
s.Goandcheckonher
"

Don:"
Cooll
etmef
ir
stgoandcheckonmama,
youst
ayi
ngor
?"Hewas
ref
err
ingme

Me:
"Noy
oucango"

Iwasst
art
ingt
oregr
etf
oll
owi
nghi
m,Ishoul
dhav
est
ayedathome.

Vusi
:"Sohowar
eyou,
Ozzi
e?"

Me:
"I'
m goodt
hankandhowar
eyou?
"

Vusi
:"Nocompl
aini
ng,
Ihear
dyouwer
einv
olv
edi
nacaracci
dent
?"

Me:
"I'
mfi
ne"Iwaswear
ingabeani
etohi
det
hepl
ast
erov
ermyhead.

Vusi
:"Icanseey
ou'
vegot9l
i
ves"

Me:
"No,
justt
hatt
heper
sonwhowassentt
obumpmewasaweakl
i
ng"I
smi
l
ed

Vusi
:"I
sit
?Il
i
key
ourspi
ri
t"hel
aughed

Me:
"Thanky
ouIguess,
I'
m hungr
y"

Vusi
:"Thekit
chenisovert
her
e.Youcangoandmakef
oodf
ory
our
sel
f,
"he
sai
dpointi
ngatthekit
chen

Me:
"Hel
lno,
I'
ll
best
rong"
Vusi:"
Letmetel
lyourboy
fri
endthen.I
'
dmakef oodf
ory
oubutI
'
m abad
cooker,
"hesai
dpressi
nghisphoneagainsthi
sear.

Him:"
Yourgir
lf
riendishungr
ydownherebr
o"hel
i
stenedanddr
oppedt
he
cal
laf
terl
i
stening."He'
scoming,
"hesai
d

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Hecamedownst
air
saf
terf
ewmi
nut
es,
Ithi
nkaf
ter15.

Don:
"Babey
ouar
ehungr
y?"

Me:
"Yes,
Ify
ouar
edonewecangobackhome"

Don:
"buty
ousai
dyouar
ehungr
y"

Me:
"I
'l
leatathome"

Don:
"Ohhokay
.letmegoandt
ell
mot
hert
hatI
'
m goi
ng"

Me:
"Al
ri
ght
"

Voi
ce:
"Thei
snowayI
'
m goi
ngt
olety
ougowi
thoutseei
ngt
hismy
ster
y
gi
rl
"

Don:"Mom, y
ouar enotsupposedtobeoutoft hebed.Iturnedmyhead
andlookedatthi
sbeautif
ul woman,shelookedsobeaut i
fulevent
hough
youcouldseethatshe'
sget t
ingol
d,butshelookedstr
ongandbeaut i
ful
wit
hmakeuponherf ace,herski
nhadnopi mplesorblackheads.

Her:
"Hi?
"Sheopenedherar
msforahug.Ihugherback"
Ibl
amehi
mfor
noti
ntr
oduci
ngyou,I
'
m hismot
her"
Me:
"Wel
lmynamei
sOzzi
e,Don'
sFr
iend"

Her
:"Don'
tbesi
ll
yIknowyouar
ehisgi
rl
fr
iend.Youar
egl
owi
ng"shepul
l
ed
meforahugagai
n,shewassmell
i
ngsogood

Don:
"Mom wehav
etogo"

Her
:"Okayokay
.Whenwi
l
lyoupr
oper
lycomeandseeme?
"

Don:
"Idon'
tknow,
onweekend"

Her
:"Soy
ouar
egoi
ngwi
thoutseei
ngy
ourf
ather
?"

Don:
"Mom pl
ease.
"

Her:
"Idonotunder
standwhyy
ouhat
ehi
m somuch,
aft
erwhathehas
donesomuchf ory
ouson?"

Don:
"Mom Idon'
thav
etoexpl
ainmy
sel
ftoy
ou.I
'
llcal
lyou"

Heki
ssedhercheek.

Her
:"I
twasgr
eatmeet
ingy
ouHun"shesmi
l
ed,
hersmi
l
ewasso
wel
coming

Don:
Shar
pma"

Hepul
l
edmet
othecar
.

Me:
"Shel
ookedst
rongt
ome

Don:
"Becauseshe'
snotsi
ck,
itwasast
untt
oseeme"

Me:
"Babe.Youar
ely
ing"
Don:"I
'
m not
,butIcanseethatshe'
sly
ing.Shemi
ghthav
edi
abet
esor
cancer
"heli
kedsostressed

Me:
"What
,shedt
ell
your
ight
?"

Don:
"Thenwhati
sshehidi
ngfr
om me?BecauseIcantel
lwhenmymot
her
i
sstr
essed,shel
ookedsopal
eandshe'
snoglowingbabe"

Me:
"Babeha.
ayouar
eexagger
ati
ng"

Don:
"Idon'
tknowany
mor
e,wi
l
lyoucookor
?"

Me:
"No,
Idon'
tthi
nkso.I
'
mti
red"

Don:
"I
t'
sfi
neI
'
llcook"

Me:
"You'
resuchasweet
hear
t"Igi
ggl
ed

Don:
"Yuhr
ight
."

Me:
"Babedoy
out
hinkIshoul
dcal
lNokut
hul
a'
smot
her
?"

Don:
"Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom her
?"

Me:
"Appar
ent
lyshe'
smybi
ologi
cal
mot
her
"

Don:
"What
?SoNokut
hul
aisy
oursi
ster
?"

Me:
"It
hinkso"

Don:
"Wow,
soIsl
eptwi
thsi
ster
s"

Me:
"Mxm"

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER31.

OZZI
E.

Haveyouev erwakeupcr avi

ngforsomethingsogood?Wel l,t
hatwasme,I
wascravingformaizeporri
dge.Iqui
cklygotoutoftheblanketsandmade
thebed.Donwasnotnextt omewhenIwakeup, Iguesshewentf oraj
og
orhewentt oanimportantmeetingIdon'
tknow,aftermakingthebedI
wenttotakeablissf
ulshowerandwentt ocookthepor r
idge.

Gladmamataughtmehowt omakeit
,Iaddedhoneytoaddalit
tl
ebi
tof
moretast
etoit
.Idecidedt
oleavesomeforPhil
ani
,justi
ncasehewant
s
somethi
ngtoeat.I
'
llmakelunchar
ound1PM.

It
ookthebowl wit
handwentt oswit
chontheTV, thewasnot hi
ngmuch
i
nter
estedt
owat chthatIdeci
dedtowatchtherepeatofst
ories,i
t'
sbeena
whil
esi
nceIlastwatchedTV.Iwasabouttotakea30mi nutesnapwhen
myoneandonl yboyfr
iendgeti
nwiththeki
dsonhi shand,
Owet huquickl
y
l
etgoofhi
sfat
her
'shandandcol
l
idewi
thmeont
hecouch.

Me:
"Howar
eyoubaby
?"Sheki
ssedmycheekandl
ookedatme

Owet
hu:
"I'
m okaysi
sOzzi
e,i
t'
sbeenawhi
l
esi
nceIl
astsawy
ou"

Me:
"Kodwababei
twasj
ustaweekandf
ewday
s"

Lwethu:"
HisisOzzi
e"shesmil
edandsidehuggedme."I
'
m goi
ngt
ofi
xmy
schoolst
uff
,I'
ll
seeyoulat
er.
"shesai
dgoingupstai
rs

Me:
"Hi
babe,
arey
ouhungr
y?"

Don:
"Don'
tsweat
,I'
l
lmakef
oodf
ormy
sel
fjustbondwi
thy
ourgi
rl
"

Me:
"OkaybutI
'
vecookedpor
ri
dge"

Don:"
Sourpor
ridge?OMGbabethankyou."Ihadtoaddvi
negart
omakei
t
moresourhesaidrunni
ngt
otheki
tchen.Ididn'
tknowhel
ikesi
t

Me:
"Yourdad"

Owethu:"
Auntyi
sitt
ruewhatthepapersaresayi
ngaboutLil
i
tha?It
hink
shedeserv
estoroti
njai
lforwhatshedidt
ot hepoorchi
l
d"Iknowforthe
factt
hatDonhashandinthi
s,i
texplai
nshowshecamei nthehospi
taland
tri
edtoki
llme.

Me:"
It'
stoosoontojudgebabygi
rl
,It
hinkwemustl
eav
eev
ery
thi
ngi
n
God'
shandsright
?"

Owet
hu:
"Ohhokay
,youbeaut
if
ul"

Me:
"Il
ookl
i
key
our
ight
?"

Owethu:"
Well
I'
m gl
adyouknowthetr
uth.I
'
m goi
ngt
ocheckonsi
s"she
gotoutofmyhol
dandalsowentupst
air
s.
Itookmybowl andwenttoputiti
nsi
dethesink,
thi
smanofminewasbusy
moaningwhil
ehedi paspoonfull
ofpor
ridgeinhi
smout
h,Ishookmyhead
andlaughedathiscr
azi
ness.

Don:
"What
?Thi
sismyf
avor
it
edi
sh"

Me:
"Younev
ert
oldmet
hat
.Any
wayIseey
ouwentt
ofet
cht
heki
ds"

Don: "
Yes,wearebacksoIt hi
nkit
'sf
orthebestt
heyalsocomebacktothe
house.Iseeyourassisgrowingdaybyday,
"hesaidspanki
ngi
t,I
'
m not
youridealgi
rlwi
thabigassandcav i
arbody
,I'
mjustanordi
nar
ygirl
with
averageshapethat
'swhatIcansayaboutmyappearance.

Me:
"St
opl
yi
ng"

Don:"I
'
m not
.Letmefini
shher
esothatwecant
henchoosethehouse
okay
,"hesai
dstandi
ngupandalsoputt
hebowl
insi
dethesi
nk.

Het
ookmyhandandl
edmet
oourr
oom.

Don:
"I'
veal
sosavedt
hepi
cturesi
nmylaptop.Come"hepul
l
edmet
olay
onhi
schest.Het
ookthel
aptopandpl
aceditonhisl
ap.

Me:"Whybuyanewhousev
elebabe?Inev
ergott
hechancet
oasky
ou
t
his"

Don:"Mypersont
hishousehol dsalotofbadmemor i
esthatIdonotwant
torememberinmylif
e, mygirl
wasr apedinthi
shouse.Ishoul
dhaveact
ed
soonerandbethebett
erf at
hertoher,Ishoul
dhavel
ongboughtanew
housebutIwasindenial"
Me:"Lwet
huwasraped?Sheoncementi
oneditt
ome"Isai
dbr
ushi
nghi
s
headtoassur
ehi
mt hati
t'
sokay,
Icoul
dsensehimt
ensi
ngup

Don:"Wowshetol
dy ou?It
hinky
oumighthaveaspecial
placei
nherhear
t,
fory
outotel
lyout
his?Youmeanalottoher.Thanky
ou"

Me:
"I'
mjustbei
ngt
hebestst
epmot
hert
othem"Ij
oked

Don:
"Okaybackt
obusi
nesswhi
chonedoy
oul
i
ke?
"

Me:"BabytobehonestIl
iket
hem al
l
,it
'shar
dtochooset
heyar
eal
l
beaut
iful
andcapti
vat
ing"

Don:
"Lookatt
hisone.
"Hepoi
ntsatt
hesi
ngl
ewhi
test
oreybui
l
ding.
"

Me:
"Babel
et'
sjustl
eav
eit
,Idon'
tthi
nki
t'
sagoodi
deat
obuyanewhouse"

Don:
"Why
?"Hecl
osedhi
slapt
opandl
ookedatme

Me: "
Whatifyoubuyahauntedhouse?I'
m pregnantandI
'
llbeheavi
ly
pregnantsodoyouthi
nkI'
l
lbeabletorun?"Hesmi l
edandlookedatme
again

Hi
m:"
Youar esi
l
ly,butI
'
m notcomfor
tabl
ewi
thyoui
nthishouse.Thi
swas
mymari
tal
home, Igott
hishousef
ormeandLil
i
thaaf
terwegotmar r
ied"

Me:
"Iunder
standandIgety
ou.Wecangetanapar
tmenti
fyoudon'
tmi
nd"

Don:"
No,I'
m nowaf amil
yman.Ihaveyouandmychi
ldrenIdon'
tthi
nkan
apar
tmenthasbigspace,andbesi
des,
Ican'
thav
eguardsparadi
ngthe
whol
eapartment
s."

Me:
"Wel
lIdonotmi
ndst
ayi
ngher
e."

Don:
"ButwhataboutLwethu?Ican'
thavemychildal
way
sav
oidi
ngt
oget
i
nacertai
nroom becausetheworsthappenedt
oher"

Me:
"DonIdon'
tknow"

Don:
"Okayf
ine.Iguesswehav
etomov
einoneofmypr
ivat
ehousei
n
Sandt
oni
fthat
'sgoodwi
thy
ou"

Me:"Won'
tyoubeawayfr
om yourf
ami
l
yandy
ourf
ri
ends?IhopeI
'
m not
put
ti
ngpressur
eonyoubabe"

Don:"Noyouarenot
,backt
oyoubabygi
rl
.CanIpl
easehav
eyourl
ast
repor
tandID"

Me:
"Why
?"Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
ow

Don:
"I'
vegotagoodschool
fory
ou"

Me:
"Babeno.I
'
m notgoi
ngt
osi
tonabenchagai
n"

Don:
"Why
?Yesy
ouar
e"

Me: "
NopeI'm not
.Don'taskmewhyI 'm donewi t
hschool,schooli
sa
scam I'
vebeenrepeat
ingeachandev erygradesonot hanky ouI'
m good"
helookedatmeandbur stwi
thl
aughter."Pleasedon'
tlaughschoolwas
personal
lymadetotorturemenjheesopl ease"

Don:"
There'
snowayI
'
m goi
ngt
ohav
eat
rophywi
fe,
Ihadoneandi
tdi
dn'
t
workout
"

Me:"Doyouknowt hepai
nofbei
nglaughedatf
ornotunder
standwhatt
he
t
eacheri
ssaying?I'
m donewi
thschooll
if
ebabyI'
l
ltr
ysomethingt
omake
moneyformyself
"

Don:"Okaysomethi
ngli
kewhat?Ozzie,
youaresti
ll
young,
ther
e'sst
il
l
enoughtimefory
out ogobacktoschoolpl
easebabywam"

Me:
"No,
mywor
disf
inal
"

Don:
"Pl
easeBr
ooki
e.I
'
m beggi
ngy
ou"

Me:
"Ha.
aDon,
okayf
inebutcanIatl
eastgi
vebi
rt
hfi
rst
?"

Don:
"Thankyou,noproblem.Assoonasyougivebir
thaf
ter2mont
hsy
ou
ar
egoingtoschoolanditisnotupf
orsuggest
ions"
Me:
"YuhIheary
ou"

Don:
"Cool
,canInowpayl
obol
afory
ou?
"

Iqui
ckl
yrai
sedmyheadandl
ookedathi
m wi
thmymout
hhangi
ngopen.

Me:
"What
?"

Don:
"CanIpayl
obol
afory
ou?
"

Me:
"asi
nadowr
y?"

Don:"Yes,lookThandazil
eIlov ey
ousomuch.Youcamei nmyunexpect
ed,
IneverthoughtI'
dfindlove,y
ougetme?Tome, i
twasalway
smaki ng
moneyandr oughsexwi t
houtcare.Inevercar
edaboutmykidseven
thoughIhadadeepl ov
ef orthem andnowy ouareshowi
ngmet heri
ght
pathtotake.Pleasebabe"

Me:
"Isn'
ti
ttoosoon?
"Iaskedpl
ayi
ngwi
thmynai
l
s

Don:
"Idon'
tcar
e,Iwantt
omakey
oumywi
feasi
nnow.Pl
ease"

Me:
"Ohhokay
.Youcangoahead"Ismi
l
ed

Don:"Real
ly
?Thanky oubabe"hejumpedonmyf aceandgav emeal ong
wetkiss.5monthshaven'
tpassedbuthewant st
omar ryme?Di dheget
enoughtimetoknowwhatki ndofapersonishemar r
ying?AsformedidI?
Butwhywai tt
hough?HelovesmeandIl ovehim,Iguessther
e'snoti
meto
wait
.

Me:"
ButIhav
etof
ir
stf
ixmyshi
ttoget
hert
henwewi
l
lst
artwi
tht
he
pr
epar
ati
on"

Don:
"Letmecal
lmyuncl
es"

Me:
"Ai
n'
tyougoi
ngt
ocal
lyourf
atherf
ir
st?
"
Don:"
Noandhe'snotfather,
mydadi ssi
xfitunder
.Justanasst hatneeds
abul
letdownhi
sthroat"Iswall
owedasIhearhim menti
ont hosewords,
hi
saurademandsrespectevenwhenhedidn'tutt
eranyt
hing,thehatethat
hehasforhi
sst
epfatherisstar
ti
ngtoworryme.

Ist
oodupandfol
lowedhi
m wher
ehewasst
andi
ng,
byt
hewi
ndow.Ir
est
ed
myheadonhisboldar
m.

Me:"Tal
ktomebabewhat
'swr
ong?
"Ibr
ushedhi
sar
m asIf
eel
himt
ense
up.

Don:"CanIpleaset
ell
youwhenI
'mr eady
?Ipromi
sestandwaSam I
'
llt
ell
you"herubbedmycheekwit
hhisthumb.Ideci
dedtonotpushhi
m.

Me:
"Okay
"

Don:
"Ar
eyouangr
y?I
'
m notr
eadyOzzi
e"

Me:
"NoI
'
m not
,"Isai
dtr
yingt
ogetoutofhi
shol
d.

Don:
"Yesy
ouar
ebabe.
"

Me:"
I'
m di
sappoi
ntedt
haty oudonotwanttol
etmeinyoursoul
even
t
houghyouwanttopaylobolaformeasinnow.What
'st
hat?"

Don:"Don'
tpushme,
Ozzi
e,any
wayIgoty
out
his"hesai
dtaki
ngoutar
ing
outofhispocket
s

Me:
"Ist
haty
ourwayofpr
oposi
ng?
"

Don:
"Shootmei
fIdi
dn'
tdoi
tri
ght
,"hesai
dsl
i
dingabi
grockonmyf
inger
.

Me:
"Youar
esounr
omant
ic"

Don:
"Ist
her
eev
ent
hatwor
d?"
Me:"Younotsor
omantic.Her
eIthoughtIwasgoi
ngt
obeengagedi
n
Par
iswithr
osepetal
sandcandlesonthefl
oor"

Don:
"Sai
dsomeonewhohat
esf
lower
s."Hel
aughed

Me:
"Fucky
ou.
"

Don:
"Il
ovey
ou,
canInowhav
emyl
unch?
"

Me:
"Whatl
unch?
"

Don:"Lunch,
"hesai
dpull
ingmebymyass.If
oundmy
sel
fgi
ggl
i
ngasI
at
tackedhim wit
hakiss.

Isthedecisi
onImadet heri
ghtone?Alotisgoingoninmylif
ethatneeds
tobesolved,If
eelli
kether
earepuzzlesthatneedtobesol
vedinmyl i
fe.I
haven'
ttoldthi
scrazyfi
anceofminethatLil
it
hatri
edtoki
ll
me.ButI '
m
scaredforherl
ife,
thi
smani sarr
ogantandkill
sforfun

Ozzi
e'
smot
her
.

Thewhol emor ningsinceIwokeupI '

vebeent hinki
ngaboutawayt o
explai
nev erythi
ngt oNokut hul
a'smot her.HowIst ol
eheronlysecondbor n,
Idecidedt ogoandgeti tdone.Thisv i
ll
ageisstarti
ngtoirr
it
ateme.I
cl
ickedmyt ongueaf terI'
venoti
cedt hatthere'
snowat eri
nt het
ap, Iquickly
wentt otheki tchenandcheckt hebucket sbutthewasnowat er
.Ican'tgo
outoft hisyar dwi t
houthav i
ngabat h,sinceIlastbathonSundayandt oday
i
t'
sTuesday ,Imy sel
fcan'tevenbeart hesmel lofmyar mpit
s.Iwentt othe
fr
idgeandl uckilyNaledihadputabot tl
eofCoca- Colat
hathadwat erinit,I
quickl
yt ookt hebot tl
eandwett hefacecl ot
he.
Iwi
pedmypr ivatear
eaandappl
ylotion,r
ollonandI'
m goodtogo.Whoa,
wai
tsomet hi
ngismissi
ngohhredlipsti
ck.Iwenttoappl
yitt
hebrushmy
hai
rback.Ipoutedmyli
psandsmiled.I'
m gorgeous.

WhenIarr
ivedshewasbusysweepi
ngt
hey
ard,
Iopenedt
hegat
eandget
i
nsi
detheyard.

Me:
"Sawubona"Ipol
i
tel
ygr
eet
ed

Her:"
SawubonaMaOzzi e.I
t'
sagreatpressur
etoseeyouint
his
household,
"shesaidt
aki
ngablackplast
icchai
ronthest
oepandpl
acei
t
underthetr
ee,thesunwashot.

Me:
"Howar
eyou?
"

Her
:"I
'
m good,
justsur
pri
sedt
haty
ousety
ourf
oother
e"

Me:"Yes,Ibel
i
eveGodworksi
nmi
racl
es.RememberhowIment
ionedt
hat
I
'l
lneversetmyfoother
e?"

Her
:"Iqui
ter
emembert
hat
,howcanIhel
pyou?
"

Me:"Ther
e'ssomethi
ngIneedt
otel
lyou.Fi
rst
lyI
'
dli
ket
osayI
'
m sor
ryi
t
wasn'tmyint
enti
ontodoit
"

Her
:"Okay
"shenodded

Me:
"Ozz
iei
syourmi
ssi
ngchi
l
d.I
'
m sosor
ry"

Her
:"What
?"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tmeant
o,i
twassoev
ilofmet
odoi
tinsor
ry"

Her
:"Youwat
chedmecr
y,y
ouwat
chedmegot
odi
ff
erentsangoma'
s,
pr
ophet
'sandf
akepast
or'
sbutyounev
ert
alkedwhy
?Why
"sheshookmy
ar
ms.Shehadtear
sinherey
es

Me:"I
'
m sorr
y,pl
easef
orgi
veme.I
'
lldoany
thi
ng"Iwasal
socr
ying,
creat
ing
apooloft
ears

Her:"
Youaresoevil
Nomasi
zwa.Youdeser
vet
oroti
njai
l
,"shesai
dtaki
ng
outhercel
lphone

Me:"Pl
easeskony,
pleasef
orgi
ve"Ikneel
edandt
ouchedhert
oes.Icr
ied
butshewasn'
theari
ngnonofit

He:"Icannotforgi
vey
ouforwhaty
ou'
vedone,
wor
set
oyourbr
other
.I.
..I
missed19y earsofmygi
rl
'sl
if
e"

Me:"
It
'smyfaul
tIknow,pl
easefor
give.
..
"BeforeIcoul
dfi
nishmysent
ence
whenmycheekmeetsthebackofherhand,Ireal
izedt
hatIwassl
apped
whenIhear
dthesoundandfel
tthepainonmycheek

Her
:"I
'
m goi
ngtoki
lly
out
oday
.Thesamewayy
ouki
l
ledmysoul
,
"shesai
d
goi
ngint
hehouse.

Whatarey ouwaiti
ngforNoma?Iaskedmy sel
f,Iquickl
ytookmyhandbag
andranoutofthey ar
dwhi l
ewi pi
ngmytears.I
'm oldrunni
ngit'
snoteasy
butIhavetodoev ery
thi
ngi nmypowertojustnotgethur t
,IknowI'l
lbe
arr
estedI'
m expecti
ngit
.Iwr ongedmybrot
herbyst eali
nghischil
dfrom
hi
m, Ideserv
etobepuni shed.

Ifoundmy selfgoingt
otheri
ver.That'
swhereIfoundmy selfandmyv oi
ce,
Itookasittot hesamerockthatIsi
tonwhenev erIwanttoclearmyhead.
Justtoforgetaboutever
ythi
ngandf eelt
hebreezeofnature,that
'swhat
mat t
ersnow.
OzzielovesNal ediverymuchandIbel ievethatshewi l
ltakegoodcar eof
her.EvenwhenI '
m gone, Idonotdeser vetoliveaf t
erwhatI '
vedone.I t
'sa
pi
tythatIhav etogonow.Myf or
efatherandmyancest orsarecalli
ngme.I
stoodupandt ookof fmycl othesandf ol
lowedt hev oicethatwascal l
ing
me.If oundmy selfgoingi nthedeepestr i
ver,I'
llbef i
nallyatrestwithout
worryi
ngaboutwhatI '
l
l eat
.Nomor etears,pain, andsor rowsI'l
lbeatmy
happiestplace.Thest ruggleofbreathingmademer ealizedthatI'
m
drowning.Mybodyst artedtof l
oatont hewat erasIf eelmysoul leavemy
fl
esh,thatwasnothar datal l
.I'
mf i
nall
ygoi ngt or estinpeace.

Tobecont
inued.
..
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER32.

BONUSI
NSERT

OZZI
E.

Myt hroatwassosor e,i

twassopai nfulwhenitcomest oswall
owing
sali
va.Igotoutofbedandwentdownst air
s,Ithi
nkagl assofwaterwilldo
formeIcan' tevenbreathewithoutfeeli
ngpain.Ifacedmybackagai nstthe
sinkanddr ankwater,whycan'tIsleep?Isighedandplacedtheglassinside
thesinkandr et
urnedtot hebedroom.Ilayedont hebedandt houghtabout
myf uture.

I
'm sti
ll
ateenager ,pr
egnant
,andsomeone' sf iance.I'
vesti
llgotalottodo
i
nlife,
Ihaven'treachedanygoal thatI
'
vesetf ormy selfbutIfi
rstneedto
gotoschool .He'sri
ght,
Donisr i
ghtIneedt ogobackt oschool onceIgive
bi
rt
hI '
m goingbackt oschool.IknowI'm aslowl earnerbutsurelyI'
l
lcatch
upandbeont hesamel evelwithotherschoolslearners,wit
hDonl ooking
school f
ormeI'm sur
ethathesearchedf
orapri
vateschool
.Icansett
lefor
that,l
earni
ngenvi
ronmentmaybegoodf orme.Ithi
nkbeingnotabl
eto
catchwhatateacherwast eachi
ngwasbecauseofhowmanywewer eina
class.Theonl
yplacethatateacherwasabl
etomov ei
twasonlyinthe
front.

"
Babe,
str
uggl
i
ngt
osl
eep?
"Hesai
dtur
ningont
hel
amponhi
ssi
de.

Me:
"Sor
tof
f,pl
easegobackt
osl
eep"

Don:
"Tal
ktome,
smoko(
What
'sgoi
ngon?
)

Me:"It
hinkI'
veruinedmyli
fe,justaf
ewmont
hsbackIwasalostteenager
havi
ngtolookaftermysibl
i
ngandnow.I'
m pr
egnantandsomeone'sfi
ance
wit
houtasinglethingi
nmyl i
fe"

Don:
"Comebabe"heopenedhi
sar
msf
orme.Ismi
l
edandsnuggl
edi
nto
hi
sboldar
ms

Me:
"Doy
out
hinkI
'
vemadet
her
ightchoi
cesi
nli
fe?
"

Don:
"Doy
our
egr
etmeet
ingme?
"

Me:"
No,meet
ingy
ouwast
hebestt
hingt
hatev
erhappenedi
nmyl
i
fe.I
l
oveyou"

Don:"Igetyou,andyouknowitIl
oveyoumor
e.Butcany
oust
opwor
ryi
ng?
Ever
ythingwill
walkoutsweet
heart"

Me:
"Iknow,
butr
ightnowI
'
minpai
n"

Don:
"Pai
n?"Hepul
l
edmyl
egsandpar
tedt
hem apar
t

Me:
"Okaywhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"Igi
ggl
ed.

Don:
"I'
m checki
ngwhet
herbl
oodi
scomi
ngoutornot
."

Me:
"Nonoti
nmybel
l
ybutmyt
hroat
,myt
hroati
ssor
e"
Don:
"Youar
ewor
ryi
ngme.Shoul
dIgoandmakey
ousal
twat
er?
"

Me:
"NoI
'
vedr
ankwat
er,
I'
ll
bef
inewhenIwakeup"

Don:
"Okayl
et'
ssl
eept
hen"

Me:
"Aboutt
hehouse.
"

Don:"Whataboutitsweetheart?Wecan'
tli
veher eforther estofourli
ves,
Li
li
thmayshowupher eany t
ime.Weboughtt hishouset ogether,
she
knowsitinandoutbabe.That '
swhyIsaidweshoul dmov eoutbuty ou
don'
twantt omoveoutwhi chiswhatIunderstand,I
'v
ecal ledDankieand
senthim ahouseplanitshouldbebui
lti
nthenextcomi ng5mont hsokay.
Unti
lthenwewi l
lbestayinginSandt
on"hepeckedmycheek

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Don:
"St
opst
ressi
ng,
Igoty
ou,
"hesai
drubbi
ngmybel
l
y.

I
nthemor
ning.

Whent heal ar
mr angIgroanedandwokeup, t
imet ogetthekidsreadyfor
school.Isighedandwentt obrushmyteethandwi pedmyf ace,i
t'
sa
morningr outi
net hatI'
m usedto.Washi
ngmyf acewi t
hcoldwat er
,face
wash,andpeel ingmaskoncei naweek.Imustsaymyf acehasbeen
cooperati
ng.Ist artedwit
hbathingOwethuandironedherclothes.

Owet
hu:"ButauntydoIhav
etowakeupear
ly?
"Ismi
l
edandgav
ehera
t
oweltowipehersel
f

Me:
"Babygi
rlr
emembert
hatear
lybi
rdscat
chest
hef
reshestwor
msr
ight
"

Owet
hu:
"Yes,
yesIgett
hataunt
ybutcanIski
pschool
justf
ort
oday
?"
Me:"Nope"Il
aughedandconti
nuedir
oningheruni
form.Lwet
huisquit
eol
d
Idon'
tthi
nkshe'
dwantmet obatheher,
Icannotbathsomeonewho's
al
readyonherperi
ods.She'
sgrown.

Me:"Comesitonthemirr
orsothatIcanfi
xyourhai
r"Ihadmadesur
ethat
hershoeswerepol
ishedandshelookedcl
ean.

Aunt
y:"
Don'
tfor
gett
omakemyf
ronthai
rKaydown.Pl
ease"

Me:"Al
ri
ghtbabygirl
"forhershe'
squit
etalkat
ive.Shedidn'
ttakeaf
terher
ol
dsist
erwho'sjustquitf
ormyl i
nki
ng,shedoesn'tlov
et ot
alktoomuch,I
gether
.

Me:"Al
ldone,
youcannowpackyourbooksi
nsi
dey
ourschool
bag.I
'
m
goi
ngtofixbr
eakf
astf
oryouokay
"

Aunt
y:"
Okay
"Ismi
l
edandl
eav
ehert
ofi
xherbooks.

Iwenttocookporridgeandplacedthebowl sontopofthetabl
e,and
wait
edforevery
onet ogetdown.I '
m nottheonewhoknowsal otoft hi
ngs
aboutEngl
ishbreakfastandsoall,
I'
llj
ustcookwhatI'
m usedto.I'
l
llearn
ever
ythi
ngastimegoeson, Lwethuwast hefi
rstonet
ogetdownandt ook
asit
.

Her
:"Mor
ningsi
sOzzi
e.OhhIseey
ou'
vecookedev
ery
one'
sfav
ori
te"

Me:
"Ohhi
t'
syourf
avor
it
e?"

Her:
"Ofcourse,
whodoesn'
tlov
emabelepor
ri
dgei
nthi
shouse.
"Shesai
d
pour
ingalumpofsugarandaddhoney

Me:
"I'
m gl
ady
oul
ovei
tbabes,
whyaddbot
hsweett
hings?
"
Her:"
Pleasedonotjudgeme"shegi
ggled"wi
thLi
l
ithai
twasal
way
sabout
veganandfull
Engl
ishbreakf
ast
.Thankyou"

Me:"Wel
lI'
m gl
ady
oul
ovemabel
epor
ri
dge,
shoul
dIf
ixal
unchboxf
or
you?
"

Lwethu:
"Ohhnodon'
tsweatsweet
hear
t.Letmequi
ckl
yeatbef
oreVuy
o
l
eavesmebehind"

Me:
"Who'
sVuy
o?"Iaskedconf
used

Lwet
hu:"
Oneofdad'
sfr
iends.
"Shef
ini
shedherbowl
whi
l
est
andi
ngup.
andputt
hesi
nkinsi
det
hesink.

"
Bye,
"sheshout
edwhi
l
eleav
ing.

"Goodmor ningbabe"hebr ushedhi

sbeardwithhislefthand.Ther ight
handwashol di
ngowet huandcarkeyswithherschool bagt oo,If
ound
my sel
fblushingasIlookedathowhott hi
smani s.I'
m sobl essed,toeven
thi
nkthatIoncedat edsomeonewhodoesnotst andhi sstandard.
Someonewhocan' tevenaf f
ordhi
sunderwear,butattheend, I
'
m carry
ing
hischi
ld.Hel etgoofherbaby '
shandandkissedmyupperl ip.

Hi
m:"
Youwokeupear
ly?
"Her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
ow

Me:
"Yes,
youl
ookf
reshwher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"

Hi
m:"I
'
mt aki
ngthi
sgir
l ofminet
oschool
thenI
'
llheadt
omyof
fi
cet
her
e's
f
ewthi
ngsIneedtosortout"

Me:
"Of
fi
ce?
"

Him: "
Yes,bef
oreIfor
getDankieandVuyo'
swifewil
lcomeandgetyou.I
don'tknowwheretheyar
etakingyoubuttheysai
dIshoul
dtel
lyout
oget
ready,
"hesaidrubbi
ngmychin
Me:
"Ohhokay
"

Hi
m:"Umm It
hinky
oumi ghtneedt
his.Donott
urnYour
sel
fint
osl
ayqueen
wi
thmymoney"hejoked

Me:
"Ohhwel
lI'
m ai
mingt
oo,
"Isai
dtaki
ngt
hebl
ackcar
doutofhi
shand.

Hi
m:"
Letmego,
Ilov
eyou"

Me:
"Cool
.Letmegoandt
akeabat
hsol
ong,
enj
oyy
ourday
"

Igotoutofhisgri
pandwenttoourroom, af
tert
akingashowerIoptedout
forajeandressandbrushmyshorthair
.RememberIhaddy edmyhairint
o
blonde,wel
lIneedtogoandret
reatit
.Iwenttotheloungeandkeptmysel
f
busywithTV.

Iheadt
hebuzzergotof
f,Ist
oodupandwentt
olett
hem i
n.

Me:"
Hi"t
heyl
ookedsobeaut
if
ulwi
tht
hei
rlongweav
es.Nonhl
ehadcur
ly
weav
e

Nonhl
e:"
Heybabes,
whatar
eyouwear
ing?
"

Me:
"Umm cl
othes"Il
eanedont
hedoorandl
ookedather

Nonhl
e:"
OkayIsee.Canwegeti
n?"

Me:"OhhI'
m sosor
ry,
canIgety
ousomet
hingt
odr
ink?
"Isai
dmov
ing
awayfrom t
hedoor
.

Zoe:
"Wi
negi
rl
,youknowus"

Me:
"Umm Idon'
tthi
nkwehav
ewi
nei
nher
e.Butl
etmegoandcheck-
in
Don'
sst
udyr
oom"

Zoe:
"Wai
t,i
mant
ombi
,youhav
eaccessi
nDon'
sst
udyr
oom?
"

Me:
"Yes,
what
'sshocki
ngaboutt
hat
?"

Zoe:
"Gi
rlaar
ewet
alki
ngaboutt
hesamest
udyr
oom her
e?"

Me:
"It
hinksoZoe"

Nonhle:"
Noi t
'snot
,youonlyhaveaccesstoamarest
udyt hatheusest
o
sortouthi
sbusinessstuf
f.Notexact
lythest
udyr
oom thatheusesforhi
s
doggystuff
"

Me:"Welldoesitmatter?I'm coming.Her ether emotefeelf

reetowat ch
whateveryouarecomf ortabl
ewi thl
adies"Igav ethem theremoteandwent
tosearchforawinebot t
le.Icameacr ossDon' shi ghschoolcert
if
icate.I
qui
cklywenttohisdateofbi rthandCal culatedhisyears.WellwellDon,he
wasbor nonthe1stofDecember1986, whi chmeanshi s34y earsold.
Okay,soheis16y earsoldert hanme?Butt hat'
snotabi gdeal,l
oveisnot
aboutageatallbutfeeli
ngst hat'
swhatmat tersmost.

It
ookt
hebot
tl
eandt
wogl
assesf
ort
hem.

Me:
"Youcanhel
pyour
sel
f"

Zoe:"Thankyou,dar
li
ng,any
waywearenother
etost
aybutt
otakey
ou
out,
"shesaidtaki
ngaf ewsnapsofabot
tl
e.

Nonhl
e:"
Gir
l,Congr
atul
ati
ons.Hef
inal
l
ydi
dit
"

Me:
"Ohhy
oumeant
his?Thanky
ousomuch"

Zoe:"
Yes,weareher
etotakey
ouout
.Andy
ourf
iancegav
eusf
ull
per
missi
ontotakeyou"
Me:
"That
'swhyhel
efthi
scar
dbehi
nd?Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
"

Zoe:"
Fir
stl
yyouarepregnantOzzieyouneedtolookl
ikeone.Babygir
lyou
needtoshowthatyouarepregnant,
wewi l
lhavetofi
rstgety
ournail
s
done.
"

Me:
"Okaycool
.Letmegoandgr
abmybag"

Nonhl
e:"
Don'
tyout
hinky
ouneedt
ochangey
ourdr
ess?I
tdoesn'
tdoi
tfor
me"

Me:
"No,
IwearwhatI
'
m comf
ort
abl
ewi
th.Any
way
sI'
m comi
ng"

Iwenttochangemysleepersi
ntosandal
sandtookmybag,Ishov
edwi
pes,
Vasel
ine,
andhandcream insi
demybag.Ihavenoideawher
emyphoneis
I'
mjustahumanbeingwithoutaphone.That
'swhoIam.

Zoewast heonewhowasdr i
vi
ng,wewenttodoournai l
s,gotourface
pampered.Iwasf eeli
ngli
ghtwhenwegotoutoft hespa,Ineedtodoi t
fr
equentl
yIthinkit'
sgoodf ormysensiti
veski
n,wewentt othemat erni
ty
shopandboughtal otofdressesformysel
f.I
'm sur
eDoni sworri
edabout
hi
scardwher eeverhei s,Ifeelsor
ryf
orhim.Lastl
y,Iboughtmysel
fa
phone,i
twasnot hingbigjustSamsungA20.

Lat
eratni
ght
.

Me:"I
'
m soti
red.mi
ndgi
vi
ngmeamassage?
"Il
ookedathi
m wi
tht
hose
pl
easeeyes.

Hi
m:"
Ha.
ababe"
Me:
"Pl
easeIpr
omi
seI
'
llmakei
tupt
oyou,
Ihadal
ongday
"

Hi
m: "
Okayfi
ne.Come"Igi
ggledandwentt
opl
acemyl
egont
opofhi
slap.
"
Ain'
tyougoi
ngtogettheoi
l?
"

Me:"Yhuuha.
a"Ist
oodupandwentt
ofet
cht
hem i
nsi
det
hecabi
netand
gav
ehi m

Me:
"NowMrcany
oupl
easedoy
ourj
ob"Ismi
rked

Hi
m:"
Ohhokay
"

Myphonerangbef
oreIcoul
denj
oythemassagethatIwasbei
nggi
ven.I
hav
einser
tedmyoldsi
m cardt
hatMamaNokuthulagaveme.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"Iner
vousl
yanswer
ed.I
twasanunknownnumber

Voi
ce:"Youki
l
ledmymotherOzzi
e.Why?
"Irecogni
zedthevoi
ceaft
era
whi
le,
itwasNaledi
andwhatdoesshemeanthatIki
ll
edhermother

Me:
"What
?"

Naledi
:"She'
sdead.Ihopey
ouar
ehappyt
haty
ouf
inal
l
yki
l
ledher
,Ihat
e
you"

Me:"WaowwaitNal
edi
whatar
ey out
alki
ngabout
?I'
m conf
used?
"Ist
ood
upandwentt
ostandbythewi
ndow.

Naledi
:"If
uckensai
dmymot heri
sdeadOzzie.Ihopethatbast
ardchi
l
d
youarecarry
ingdi
estoo.Youdonotdeser
vehappiness"

Thephonefell
from myear.Thi
swast hebestshocki
ngl
ynewsI '
veever
recei
ved,mamadidn'
tstr
ikemeast hepersonwhowasgoi ngtodiet
oo
soon.She'
snotapersonwho'salwaysgoinginandoutofhospi
tal
.Nothat
wasnotherl
i
fe.

"
What
'swr
ong?
"

THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER33.

OZZI
E.

Iwasbroughtbacktoeart
hbyawav eofmyf ace,supr
isel
yIdidn'tdropa
tear
.ButI'
m st
ressed,
ther
e'snowaymamawoul ddiejustl
ikethat.She
maybeki l
l
edorshekill
edhersel
f,mamaissomeonewhoal wayspr eached
aboutnotdyi
ngsoon.She'
snotthedyingt
ype.

Hi
m:"Babewhat
'swr
ongy
ouar
escar
ingme"hel
ookedatmewi
thwor
ri
ed
ey
es.

Me:
"Umm.I
..
.I.
.Ohhgod"

Hi
m:"
It
'sokay
"hepul
l
edmyheadt
olayonhi
schestasher
ubsmyback.

Me:"Mymotherisdead. "Iknowshe'snotmyr eal

motherbutsheraised
me,thr
oughoutthest
r uggleI'
mt hewomanIam becauseofhertoday .I
knowshewasn'tthebestmot herbutshedi
dn'
tdeser
vetodie.Iwipedmy
eyeswit
hthebackofmyhands, I'
m notaper
sonwhocriesalot,
noI '
vegot
mywayt ogri
evebesidecr yi
ng.
Hi
m:"
I'
m sosor
rybabe,
pleasedon'
tcr
y"

Me:"I
'm not
,I'
m notcr
ying.I
'
mjustworr
iedaboutNal
edi
andofcour
se,
my
hear
tisinpainbutai
n'
tgotnotearst
ocry"

Him:"Comelestsi
tdown"hepull
edmet othebed,
sourt
hroat
?Wasit
sensi
ngthedeathofmymot her
?"Whathappened?
"Herubbedmyt
highs
andpull
edmyhandsandpl aywit
hthem

Me:
"I.
..
INal
edi
blamesmef
ormama'
sdeat
h"

Hi
m:henodded"
What
'st
hecause?Whathappened"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tgett
hechancet
oaskherasy
oucanseet
hatmyphonei
son
t
hefl
oor
"

Him:"
It
'sgoi
ngtobealr
ightokay
?Don'tst
resst
oomuchOkay "hest
oodup
andpi
ckedupmyphone.Onet hi
ngInoti
cedaboutDoni
sthatheisnot
goodatcomfor
ti
ngpeople.

Me:"
Letmecal
lherbacksot
hatIcanaskwhathappened"Isni
ff
edand
t
ookmyphonefr
om him.

Hi
m:"
Ithasami
norcr
ack,
I'
ll
gety
ouanewone"

Me:"No.It
'sfi
ne"myhandswer eshaki
ngasIcallheragain,
thankf
ull
yshe
answeredthecallandsai
dMmmm.Thi schi
lddoesn'thav
emanner s.To
makethemat ter
swor seshewasonloudspeaker

Me:
"Nal
edi
hi"

Naledi
:"Ozzi
ewee,t
alkIhaveaf
uner
alt
oplan.Remembery
ouar
ethe
causeofherdeat
h"Iswall
owedandl
ookedatDonnextt
ome.

Me:
"Whathappened?
"

Naledi:"
Don'
tactasifyoucare,
mamadi edbecauseofyou,youareaslut
Ozzie.Yourwhor
ingselfl
edhertodeat
h, j
ustknowthatI
'
llneverever
for
giveyouinmyl i
fe"shesnapped,
okay
Me:
"Nal
edi
I'
m st
il
lyoursi
ster
"

Naledi
:"Thenfuckenactli
keone.Whatki
ndofexampl
eareyousett
ingf
or
me?Thati t
'sgoodtobreakmarri
agesanddat
egangst
ers?
"Igaspedand
openedmymout hshocked.

Don:
"Nal
ediri
ght
?Howoldareyouagai
n?"Idi
dn'tev
enseehi
m whenhe
t
ookthephoneawayf
rom myhand,hel
ookedpissed

Nal
edi
:
"Umm.
..I
..
.Okaywhatdoesmyagehav
etodowi
thal
loft
his?
"

Don:"Idon'
thavet
imefort
his,l
ist
ennexttimgoesewheny
ouspeakwit
h
yoursist
ershowhersomerespect.She'
sthereasony
ouarest
il
lal
i
veand
breat
hing"

Nal
edi
:"Umm I
t'
sThemi
ght
yDONr
ight
?Whathasshef
edy
ou?
"

Don:"
Wri
teal
i
stofev
ery
thi
ngt
hati
sneededt
obedone.Wear
eonour
way"

Nal
edi
:"Waitasinyouarecomi
ngtoKZN?I
..
.I.
.I.
."heshookhi
sheadand
dr
oppedthecall
,hetur
nedandl
ookedatme.

Me:
"I'
m sor
ry"

Hi
m:"
For
?

Me:"
Thewayshetal
kedwi
thyou,I
'm sor
ryi
t'
sjustt
hatIdon'
tknowwhat
's
wr
ongwit
h..
."Hecut
smebeforeIcouldf
ini
shwhatIwantedtosay

Hi
m:"Babeit
'sokay
,yoursi
steri
sgr
iev
ingIguesst
hat
'st
hewayshechose
t
ogri
eve."

Hewenttot
hepl
ugandt
ookhi
sphonef
rom t
hechar
gerandmadeacal
lI
assume.
Hi
m: "Li
stenVuyo,Ineedy
out
ofi
ndoutwhatcausedt
hedeat
hofmy
gi
rl
fr
iend'
smot her
"

Vuyo:"
Shedrownedher
sel
f,shei
mmediat
elyr
ant
other
iverj
ustaf
tershe
tal
kedwit
hyourbabymama'smother
"

Hi
m:"
Arey
ouSur
e"

Vuyo:"
MymanI 'mt heonewhomakessur
ethatt
heculti
sprotect
ed,t
o
pr
otectyouIneedtoknoweachst
epofevery
onearoundyou.Soveleboss
l
adypull
edthatstunt?"

Me:
"Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"

Vuyo:"Donyouareagingmyman.I
'
mtal
ki
ngaboutLi
l
itha,
didn'
tshet
ryt
o
ki
ll
y ourgi
rl
fr
iendwit
hapill
ow"

Don:
"What
?Wowwai
tVuy
opl
easer
e-expl
ainwhaty
ouhav
ejustsai
d"

Vuy
o:"
Youdi
dn'
tknow?Whathav
eIdone?
"

Don:
"Whatdi
dyousayKandl
a?"

Vuyo:"You'
l
lfi
ndoutany
way.Li
l
ithat
ri
edt
oki
l
lyourchi
ck,
butshewas
caughtbymywi f
eandDanki
e'
s"

Don:
"Thanks"

Hedr
oppedt
hecal
landl
ookedatme.

Me:
"Di
dhet
ell
youwhathappened?
"

Hi
m:"
Whenwast
hel
astt
imey
out
alkedwi
thLi
l
itha?
"

Me:
"Idon'
tqui
ter
ememberbabe,
andy
ousai
dwemustnott
alkabout
Li
l
itha"Ipr
ayt
hatt
heVuy
oguymustnothav
etol
dhi
m aboutwhatLi
l
itha
di
d.

Hi
m:"
Wel
lnowI
'
m aski
ngandIneedy
out
obehonestwi
thme"

Me:
"Whyar
eyoual
lwor
kedup?What
'sup?
"

Hi
m:"
Don'tfuckenaskmebull
shi
twhat
ever
'schi
l
dyouar
e.Justt
ell
me
t
hewhol
etruth"hesnapped

Me: "
Idon'
tknowwhatyouar
etal
kingabout
.Iseeyouareangryletme
excuseyou"Ist
oodupandwentt
ot hedoor
,hequi
cklywenttolockthe
doorandblockmyway.

Him:"Therei
snowayI '
m goingtoletyouwalkoutofthi
sdoorwit
hout
expl
aini
ngwhathappened"Ilookedathim shocked,
peopledogetangr
y
ri
ghtbuttheper
sonthat'
sstandingnexttomei sbeyondangr
y.

Me:
"Cal
m down"

Hi
m:"
Thandazi
l
e?"Hewar
ned

Me:
"Okayokayf
ine,
ther
eyouhav
eitshedi
dtr
ytoki
l
lme"

Hi
m: "
Andyouthoughti
twast
hebestf
ory
out
ohi
dei
tfr
om me?
"He
r
ubbedhi
sface

Me:
"NoI
'
m sor
rybabe,
Idi
dn'
twanty
out
ohur
ther
"

Hi
m:"
Fucky
ou"

Hemat chedtothewall
andtookof
fhi
smother'
spict
ure,
Inoti
ced
somethingthatl
ookedl
ikeasaf
ety
.Heent
eredthepalot
inandtookouta
gunandbullets.

Me"
Arey
ougoi
ngt
oki
l
lher
?Hei
gnor
edmeandsatont
opoft
hecouch.
"Arey ouignor
ingme? "Hestil
lkeptquiet"f
ine"Isai
dandwentt osatdown
andl ookedathim.Hel oadedbull
etsinhisgunandt ookanotheronefr
om
hisjean,onethingaboutmeI '
m stil
lgett
ingusedt ohim havi
ngagun
everywher ehegoes.Hecount edthenumberofbul letsandsmi l
ed

Hi
m:"Tenbull
etswil
ldo.
"Her
ankeduphi
sgunsl
i
deandhi
det
hegunsi
n
hi
str
ouser"Don'twai
tup"

Me:
"Ify
ougoi
ngt
oki
l
lherj
ustknowt
hatshe'
sinKZN"

Hi
m:"
Don'
twor
rysweet
hear
tshe'
sback.
"

Me:
"Babepl
ease,
honeyIl
ovey
oupl
ease"Il
ookedathi
m wi
tht
ear
yey
es

Hi
m:"
I'
ll
lockt
hedoor
sfory
ou.
"

Hesaidandgotout.Iqui
ckl
ywenttomyphoneandsear chedf orher
numbers,It
hrowthephoneontopofthebedafterI'
venoticedt hatIdonot
havethem.Ihopehedoesn'
tfi
ndher,butev
erythi
ngispossi bl
ewi thDon.
Hewillmakesurethatheki
l
lsher
,forwhatexactl
y?BecauseIknowt hatI
wrongedher.

NOKUTHULA'
SMOTHER.

Myf i
rstbornwasbackf r
om hospitalbutinawheel chair
,it
'sapi t
yt hatit
will
takeawhi leforhertowal kagain.I'
veneverthoughtthatI '
dgivebi rt
hto
awel l
-chil
dandl at
ersomeonemakesmychi l
ddi sabl
ed.Peopl earecr uel
outthere,andwhatt hatwomandi d?Ki l
li
ngher self
?Itwasal owbl owwho
doesthat ?Yes,Iunderst
andshewr ongedmebutwhywoul dshet akeher
l
ifeandl eaveherchildal
lalone?Iwi shancestorswouldnegl ectherspi ri
t
unti
lshemakest hingsri
ght.Iwasbusyst ir
ri
ngsoupf ormydaught er,it
washotandsweetIt ookittoNokuthulaWhowaswat chingTV.
Me:
"Imadet
hisf
ory
ousweet
hear
t"

Her
"Thanky
ouMa.Soshel
eftus?
"

Me:
"I'
m angr
yather
,whywoul
dsheki
l
lher
sel
f?Forwhatexact
ly?
"

Her:
"Mom wecannotj
udgeherdeci
sions,
itwast
imeforhertogo,
iti
sa
pi
tythatshedi
edl
i
kethatbuti
thappenedweneedtoacceptandmoved
on"

Me:"Youareright
,I'
mjusthappyt
hatmychi
l
disback,
19y
ear
sofcr
ying
kant
ishe'
srightundermynose"

Her
:"Whatdoy
oumean?
"

Me:"Wel
lpr
epareyoursel
ffort
hejoy
ful
newsmychil
d"shesmil
edand
gav
emeabowl ofsoupSheholdsmyhandsi
ntoher
s"babygi
rlOzzi
eis
mylongl
ostdaughter
"

Her
:"Huh?Ozzi
easThandazi
l
e?Theugl
yone?
"

Me:
"YesOzzi
e,andnoshe'
snotugl
yyouar
ejustj
eal
ousofher
"

Her"
I'
m sor
rymamabutI'l
lneveracceptherasmyl
i
ttl
esi
stt
heer
"shet
ook
hersoupandCont
inueeat
ing

Me:"
Why?Becauseoft
hatthug?Don'
tworr
ymybaby,soonshe'
l
lleav
ehi
m
I
'l
lmakesur
eofit
,nochi
ldofminewil
ldat
eagangst
er."

Her
:"Wher
e'sdad?
"Shedodgedt
hequest
ion

Me:
"Wor
k,doy
ouhav
ehernumber
s?"

Her
:"Nomama,
you'
l
lseeheratt
hef
uner
al"

Me:
"MygoodnessIcan'
twai
t"Igi
ggl
ed

Her
:"Yahr
ight
"sher
oll
edherey
es.
Ozzi
e.

Myphonebeepedi
ndi
cat
ingt
hatamessagehasgot
teni
n,Isi
ghedand
t
ookit
.

"Packyourbags"i
twasamessagef r
om Don.Packmybags?Ishe
breaki
ngupwi t
hme?f orwhatbecauseIam nottheonewhowrongedhi
m,
ormay bei
t'
sbecauseIdidn'
ttel
lhi
m aboutit
?Secretsi
nrel
ati
onshi
ps
shouldnotbekeptatall
,Isi
ghedandtookmyl ar
gebag.That
'sit

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER34

OZZI
E

Myclotheshadoccupiedtwol argeofmybags.Isatdownandkeptmy sel

f
busywithmyphone, I'
l
lhearthenewst omorr
owwhet hershe'saliveornot
.
ButwhatDoni sdoingtoheritisnotfai
ratal
l,
Imeanshe' sbr okehe
cl
earedallofhermoneyandhemadebadpubl i
cit
yforher,Idoubt
someonewoul dhelpherafterwhatthemediasaidabouther .BeforeI
coul
dcont i
nuewithmyt houghtshecamei nhummi ngwhat everthatwasi
n
hi
smi nd.Hestoppedinhistracksandlookedatmybags.

Hi
m:"andthenbabe?Bags?
"Ikeptqui
etandl
ookedathi
m"What
'swr
ong?
Ar
eyouleavi
ngme? ”

Me:
"Di
dn'
tyousayt
hatImustpackmybags?
"

Hi
m:"OhhImeanf
ewofy
ourcl
othest
haty
ouar
egoi
ngt
oneedatt
he
f
uner
al"

Me:"
I'
m notgoi
ng"It
ookmyphoneandcont
inuedexpl
ori
ngi
t.I
'
m st
il
l
l
ear
ninghowtouseanandr
oidphone.

Hi
m:"
Why
?She'
syourmot
her
"
Me:
"She'
smymot
herIheary
ouwhat
'sy
ourpoi
nt?
"

Hi
m:"Mypoi
nti
sthaty
oucannotaf
for
dtonotat
tendi
ngherf
uner
al"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tsayIwon'
tat
tend,
I'
ll
gohomeonFr
iday
"

Him:"
No,Nal
ediJustl
ostamot
her
;youneedt
obet
her
eforher
.Whyar
e
youbei
ngsel
fi
sh?"

Me:"
Thi
snotaboutIbei
ngself
ishbabe,mamajustdi
sappoint
edme.Why
woul
dsheki
l
lhersel
fandleav
ea14y ear
schi
l
dalone,i
nthisworl
d?"

Him:"Youhav
eawholef
uner
alt
opl
an.Yourmot
her
'sbodyi
sst
il
lat
gover
nmentmort
uar
y"

Me:
"So?
"

Hi
m:"
Justpacky
ourbags,
Ozzi
e.I
'
llbear
oundt
hehouse"

Me:
"Okayf
ine"

Henoddedandlef
tther
oom,Ideci
dedtotakehisspor
tbagandpackhi
s
cl
othesi
nsi
deit
.Myclot
heswerenicel
yfol
dedinsi
dethel
argebag;
I
deci
dedtot
akewhatIwasgoingtoneed.

Idecidedtogoandtakeabath,mymoodsar eonandof ftheseday s, i

t'
s
l
ikeIam someoneelse.SomeoneIdon’tev
enr ecognize,pregnancycan
makey ouloseyourmarbl
es.l
,thi
ngsli
kegaini
ngwei ght,stretchmar ksand
uglynoseissomethi
ngthatI'
m goi
ngtoexperi
enceandI '
mr eadyforit.I
t'
s
partofli
fe,ar
eminderofwhathappenedwit
hmypr egnancyandI '
m happy
todoev ery
thi
nginmypowert omakemybundl ehappy .

Don’
swor
dishi
slaw.Idi
dn’
thav
eal
egt
ost
andonwhenhet
oldmet
oget
ready
, Ihadto.Itdidn’
ttakelongtot akeabat h.Ididn’toptf
oranything
heavy.Iworeasi mpleshortdressandf l
atshoes.Iwal kedoutofther oom
andmademywayt othedini
ngr oom butIdi dn’
tfindhim.Ifigur
edhewas
outsi
de.Ourthingswer enolongeri nsight.Iwalkedoutandt hereIfound
him.Hewasl eaningagainstthecarpr essinghisphoneandsmoki nghi s
favor
iteci
gar.Hel ookedsohandsomeandy etsexy,Ilovehowhisey es
becomesmal lerwhenhe' shi
gh, eventhoughIhat ei twhenhesmokewi t
h
mear ound.

Whenhef
eltmypr
esencehel
i
ftedhi
shead.

Don:
“Don’
tyoul
ookbeaut
if
ul?
”Ir
oll
edmyey
esandl
ookedathi
m.

Me:
“Thanky
ou”

Don:
“ Andt
hatcol
dtone?Youaresti
l
langr
yatme?Ihadt
otal
kwi
thy
oui
n
t
hattonehoney,y
ouwerenotli
steni
ngbabe”

Me:
Iam notangr
y.Idon’
tgetwhyIdon’
thav
easayi
nthi
s”

Don:“
Ifwewer
etalki
ngabouty
ourfri
endornei
ghborI
’dunder
standbut
si
nceit
’sy
ourmothertheny
ouleav
emewi thnochoi
ce"

Me:
“Fi
ne.Iunder
stand”heopenedhi
sar
msf
orme.

Me:
“Bul
l
y.Canwegonow?
”

Don:
“Yourbul
l
y.Let
’sgo”

Heopenedt
hedoorforme,
Igoti
nsi
de.Themi
nut
eIgoti
nIl
eanedback
ont
heseatandr
elaxed

Don:
“Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ouamessagewhenwegett
her
e.Icanseey
ouar
eti
red”

Me:
“I’
dki
l
ltogetone”

Heconnect
edhi
sphoneandpl
ayedasong.
ONTHEWAY

We’vebeenontheroadforabouttwohour
snowand,GodIam famished.I
swearbeforet
hisbabypopIwill
beweighi
ngmor
ethan80kilos.Ieatl
ike
ther
e’snotomorrowandmycr avi
ngsar
eweir
dbutIguessi
tisnormal.

Il
ookedatDonandsmi l
edtomysel
f.Mybabyisprobabl
yti
red,
Ihave
neverdr
ivenacarbeforebutI
’
veheardst
ori
es.Dri
vingcanbeexhaust
ing.I
wil
lpamperhimlateron.

Don:“You’vebeeney i
ngmef orsolong.DidImisssomet hing?
”hef i
nall
y
asked,Ishookmyheadno.Iwasonl yadmi r
inghi
m.It’snoteverydayy ou
fi
ndamanasl ov i
ngasDon.Thef oundati
onofourrelati
onshipisn’
tthe
bestone,Ili
edtohi m atf
ir
stbuthedidn’
tholdthatagainstme.Ifthat’
snot
l
ovet henIdon’tknowwhati ti
s.

Me: “
Ilov
eyoualot
”hegl
ancedatmeandsmiled.“
Iknowwef i
ghtandsay
thi
ngswebothdon’
tmeanbuttheyal
lcomef
rom thegoodheart
”I
conti
nued.

Don:“
Wef i
ghtbecausewearei
nlovebutdon’tl
ett
hatgettoyourhead.I
wil
lsmackyourasssobad”Il
aughedandstuckmyt ongueout

Me: "
Youknowhowcowar
dIam babe,
trustmey
oudon'
twantt
oseeme
cr
ying"

Don:
"Speaki
ngoft
hatbabe,
youdi
dn'
tcr
yaf
tery
ougott
hebadnewswhy
?"

Me:
"Idon'
tknow,
butI
'
m notaper
sonwhocr
iest
hateasi
l
y.No"

Hi
m:"
Buti
tisnotgoodt
obot
tl
eupy
ourf
eel
i
ngs"

Me:
"IknowbutIj
ustcan'
tcr
y."

Don:
“Igety
ou,
hun.WhenIsayIl
ovey
ouIam notbl
uff
ingatal
l
.Il
ovey
ou
al
otandonedayIam goi
ngt
omakey
oumywi
fe”Il
aughed

Me:“Whowoul
dhav
ethoughtonedayIwi
l
lbet
hewi
feofaMaf
ia.Wow”I
sai
d

Don:“
Watchi
t.Youmakei
tsoundsobadandi
tisnot
”Iopenedmymout
h
andshookmyhead

Me:
“Notbad,
wel
lMr
.Me,
Ibegt
odi
ff
er”Iputmyhandonmybel
l
y

Don:
“Not
hingwi
l
lev
erhappent
oyouorourbaby
”

Me:“Iknowbutwhatabouty
ou?Iandthebabywill
besaf e,
yes,butwi
l
l
you?Whatifyourenemi
esat
tackyouwhenyouleastexpectit
?Whatam I
gonnadoallal
oneinthi
sworl
d?”

Don:
“Nothi
ngwill
happentome,andIwil
lmakesur
eoft
hat
.Iam her
eto
st
ayunt
ilyougetti
redofme.Doyouhearme?”

Me:“That
’swhatIwantmorethananyt
hingintheworl
d.Togrowol
dwi
th
youandhaveourteam andbabeourf
ami l
yshouldbegoal
s"

Don:“
Team?Kant
ihowmanychi
l
drenam Iexpect
edt
ogi
vey
ou?
”he
l
aughed

Me:“FornowI'
m notsur ebutIam t
hinki
ngmay be4or5”mymot herdi
dn’
t
havemanychildrenandmywi shistomakeaf amilyf
ormysel
f.Idon’
twant
mychildtobeal onewi
thoutsi
bli
ngs.Iwanthi
m/ hert
oexperi
encemylove
andsibl
ingsl
ov e.

Don:“
Ofcourse,butwear edoingallofthiswheny
ou’
veobtai
nedy our
degr
ee.Right
?”Donwi ll
notrestthei
ssueofmegoi ngbacktoschoolunt
il
heseesmei ntheclassroom.That’
spr obabl
yoneoft
hereasonswhyIlove
hi
m.Hei spersi
stentandcari
ng.

Me:
“Yesbabe.Iwon’
tchangemymi
ndi
fthat
’swhaty
ouar
ethi
nki
ng”

Don:
“Ihadt
ochecki
ncasey
ourpr
egnantsel
f-
deci
det
ochangei
tsmi
nd.
Youknow?
”

Me:
“Wow!Thatwasnotni
ce.Ishoul
djustsl
eep”

Don:
“Thereshegoes.(
Sighs)sl
eep,butmakesur
eyousl
eepcomf
ort
abl
y.
Wedon’twantyoutost
rainyournecknowdowe?”

Me:“
Iwon’
t”Ibl
ewakisstohi
m andcl
osedmyey
es.Ij
ustwant
edt
ogett
o
KZNandgetthi
sov
erdonewit
h.

NALEDI

Neighbourswer ealr
eadyatthehouse,
hel
pinghereandt her
e.Iwasfeeli
ng
down, Icr
ied,
scr eamed,andshout
satpeoplebutmom isnotcomi ngback
Ozzieshouldbeher eanyti
mesoonwi t
hherboyfr
iend.Iam notl
ooking
for
war dtoseeingher,i
fitwasuptomeshewoul dn’tbeherebutI'
my oung
Idon'thavesay.

Nei
ghbour
:“Naledi
?”Ir
aisedmyhead,i
twasMaShabangu.Ournei
ghbour
andal
somom’ sfri
end,
notcloseonebutt
hoseki
ndaf
ri
ends.

Me:
“Ma?
”

Neighbour:
“Weareleavi
ngnow.Wewi l
lcomebackt omorrow.Whenis
yoursist
erget
ti
nghere?Wewoul dli
ketotal
kwithher.Yourmotherwas
i
nvolvedinasoci
etythatpay
s..
."Ist
oodup,Idi
dn’tl
etherfi
nish.

Me:
“Whycan’
tyout
alkwi
thme?
”

Nei
ghbour:“
Youaretooy
oungLedi
.Wewi
l
ltal
kwi
thy
oursi
ster
.Youwi
l
l
l
etherknow”Inodded

“
Letmel
eav
eyou”

Me:
“Ok.Gowel
l
”
Shewalkedout .Isi
ghedl
oudl
yandsatdown.Idon’tknowhowIam goi
ng
toli
vewithoutmom.Iwasusedtohavingheraroundandnowsheisgone,
i
t’snotgoingtobeeasy.

Afteranhourorso,Don’scarparkedoutsi
de,Igi
veIttohimt hi
smani s
ri
ch,probabl
ythereasonwhyOzzi eisacti
ngli
keabitch.wasnotsi t
ti
ng
undertheshade.Ozziesteppedoutlooki
ngsobeautiful
,herpregnancywas
reall
ylooki
nggood.Herdr esswasfit
ti
ngherperfect
ly.Shelookedli
ke
model sfr
om themagazine.Theymadet hei
rwayt ome.

Ozzi
e:“
Nal
edi
,howar
eyou?
”

Me:
“Whatdoy
out
hink?
”shel
etoutasi
ghandshr
ugged

Don:“
Naledi,Iunder
standyouaregoingthr
oughalotr
ightnowbutcanyou
pl
easerespectOzzie,shei
syoureldestsi
sterandy
ouareboundtogiv
e
heral
ltherespectshedeserv
es”

Ozzi
e:“
Don,
letherbe.Shei
shur
tandIunder
stand”

Don:“
Well
Idon’
t.Shei
sbei
ngdi
srespect
ful
andIdon’
tdowel
lwi
tht
hat
”I
l
aughed

Me:
“Theny
ouar
efr
eet
oleav
eSi
rDon”Inoddedr
epeat
edl
y

Don:“Iwi
l
lsl
apt
hel
i
feoutofy
our
ightnow.Youhearme?
”Ozzi
ehel
dhi
m
back

Ozzi
e:“
Wedidn’
tcomeher
efort
his.Nal
edi
Iam di
sappoi
ntedi
nyou.Thi
s
i
sunli
keyou”

Me:
“Li
kei
t’
sunl
i
key
out
odat
esugardaddi
es”

Don:"
Areyoutal
kingt
oyoursi
sterl
i
ket
hat
?"Hel
ookedatmewi
tht
he
mostscar
iestl
ook.

Ozzi
e:"
Phi
l
ani
"
Don:
"NoI'
mjustaski
ng"Il
ookedathi
m andshookmyhead."
What
'st
hat
?"
Heasked

Me:"
I'
m sor
ry,
Iwasnotspeaki
ngt
oyoul
i
kedt
hat
"Iment
all
yrol
l
edmy
ey
es.

Don:"OkayIgetyou,wear
egoingtodoitl
iket
his.Youaregoi
ngtosear
ch
forapersonthatyouar
edisr
espect
ingandbri
ngher/hi
mt ome"

Me:
"But
..
.Iapol
ogi
zed"

Don:
"Don'
twor
rysweet
hear
twewi
l
lhel
pyou,
rightbaby
?"

Ozzi
e:"
Ha.
adon'
tmakemei
nter
fer
einy
ourbusi
nessguy
s"

Me:
"Iwon'
tdoi
t"

Don:
"Yesy
ouwi
l
l,i
ngi
vi
ngy
ou20mi
nut
esst
artnow"

Il
ookedathim shestar
tedsearchi
ngforthi
sunknownperson,Il
ooked
ever
ywhere,
insidet
hepots,underthebed,chai
rs,
andinsi
dethemugs.I
wassokaktiredwhenIretur
nedt owherehewasseatedwithhisgi
rl
fr
iend
*r
oll
seyes*

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tfi
ndhi
m.I
'
m sor
ryOzzi
e"

Ozzi
e:"I
t'
sfine,
babeIwasbusyresearchingourwedding,andguesswhatI
t
hinkI'
vefoundthevenue"di
dshejustdismissmelikethat?Wow!

Don:“Ozzi
e,goandtakey
ourmot her
'sbirt
hcer
ti
fi
cat
eandIDWehav eto
goandt r
ansfery
ourmom’scorpseandt i
meisnotonoursi
de,
”hesaid
thatwit
houtacarei
ntheworl
d.Hepuni shedmeandpret
endedasi
fhe
didn’
t

Ozzi
e:“
Okay
.”
Me:
“Wher
edoy
out
hinky
ouar
egoi
ng,
”Iaskedf
oll
owi
ngOzzi
einsi
de.

OZZI
E

Ican’tsayIbl
ameDonf orwhathedi
dt oNaledibecauseshewasbei ng
disr
espectful
butIwishedhehandledtheissuediff
erent
ly.Dondidn’
twant
ustot al
kaboutwhathappenedandIdi dn’
tforcei
t,Il
ethim be.Hewas
angryandwhenhei sangr ynoonemustdar etostepontohisfoot.

Wearr
ivedatthemor t
uary,
theydi
dn’tgiv
eusahardtime.Donwast
heone
whodidal
lthetalki
ng.Iwasonlyt
hereforobser
vat
ion.Hesi
gnedof
fthe
cor
pseandv i
ola,
itwasdone.Iam thankful

Don:
“Andt
hat
’si
t,
”Donsai
dmaki
nghi
swayt
ome

Me:
“Ar
etheyt
ransf
err
ingherbodynow?
”

Don:
“Yes.
”

Me:“Iam happyshehadafuneralcov
er.Idon’
tknowwhatwasgoi
ngt
o
becomeofmei fshedidn’
thaveone”

Don:
“Iwasgoi
ngt
ohel
pyou.Ofcour
se.
”Ihuggedhi
m

Me:
Thanky
ou.Now,
what
’snext
?”

Isai
dmaki
ngt
hewayt
ohi
scar

Don:
“Wepl
ant
hef
uner
albabe”Il
aughed

Me:
“Iknow.Youmakemest
upi
dsomet
imes”

Don:“Youaresometimes.Wewi l
lhav
et ogot othemortuar
yandchoose
thecoff
inandtent,
pastorsandsoall
.Iwillneedali
stofevery
thi
ngneeded,
andwhenIsayev eryt
hingImeaneveryt
hing.Howmanycowsneeded?al l
thenecessar
ystuff
?Idon’twantyoutostress.”
Me:
“Oh…okay
.Canwesl
owdownabi
t?”

Don:
“Sl
owdownf
orwhom?
”

Me:
“Forme.
”

Wegotinsidet
hecar.“Wewillneedt
wocowsandmay beasheep.These
peopl
eloveeat
ingatfuner
alsandthat
’sal
ltheycar
eabout
”Isai
dtohim

Don:“
Andwewi l
lgi
vethem.Ijustdon’
twantyoutobethetal
kofthe
str
eet
s.Iknowhowfami l
i
escanget,youdi
dn’thav
emuchandt heywil
lnot
daret
ohelp”hewasbeingri
ght.Myfamil
yisevenworse.

LATERTHATDAY

DonandIwentandchooset hecoff
informymother.Healsowenttothe
butcherytobuythemeat.Idi
dn’
taskhowmuchi tcostbutIam sur
eitwas
afortune.Iam j
usthappymymot herwil
lgetadi
gni
fiedf
uneral
.She
deservesthatatl
east.

Iwassit
ti
ngont hestoeptal
ki
ngwithDononthephonewhenIsaw
Nokut
hula’
smot hermakingherwaytome.Hesai
dthathehastogoand
sor
toutbusinessathisf
ather'
scompany
.

Me:
“Baby
,wewi
l
ltal
k.Nokut
hul
a’
smom i
sher
e.”

Don:
“Cal
lmesot
hatIcancomeandf
etchy
ou.Il
ovey
ou”

Me:
“Il
ovey
out
oo”Ihungup

Nok’
smom:
“Goodev
eni
ng,
canIsi
tdown?
”

Me:
“Yes”shesatbesi
deme
Nok’
smom:
“Ihear
dyouar
ri
vedandIdeci
dedt
ocomeandseey
ou”

Me:
“Icansee”

Shekeptqui
et

Me:“Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ng”Idi
dn’
tknowwhatt
osayt
oher
.Itwasv
ery
awkward

Nok’
sma:
“Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
”

Me:
“Iam f
ineIguess”

Nok’
sma:
“Iknowshewasy
ourmot
her
,sher
aisedy
ou”

Me:“
Shedid.Ij
ustwi
shshedidn’
ttakeherownl
i
fe,
Ist
il
lwant
edher
.Af
ter
al
l
,shei
stheonlypar
entIhav
eev erknown.
”

Nok’sma: “Iam here.Icanst

epupandbet hemot heryouneed.Icanbe
ther
ef oryouandt hatbabyyouarecar
ryi
ng”partofmewasexci tedbut
anotherwasnot .Asgr ownasIam wheream Igoi
ngt ostartl
ovi
ngheras
mymot her?I
tisgoingt ot
aketi
mebutwewi l
l sur
elygetthere

Nok’sma:“Iam notf
orci
nganythi
ngony
ou.Iwi
l
lgi
vey
out
het
imet
haty
ou
need.Iwi
l
lwaitforyou,t
rustme”

Iknowshewi
l
l

Me:
“That
’sal
lthatIneed”

Icheckedthet i
me,Donmustbewai ti
ngf
orme.Iwi l
lbesl
eepingatthe
hotel
.Idon’twantNaledit
obeonmycaseal lni
ght.Idon’
tknownor
underst
andwhat ’sgoi
ngonwithher.Maybewhathappenedtoheristhe
cause,i
fiti
st henIwil
lhavet
ofindherather
api
st.Wecan’tgoonlikethi
s.
Shewi l
lbethedeathofme.

TOBECONTI
NUED….
Hi
,IknowthatIhaven'
tpost
edsincey
esterday.I'
m sor
rybeenbusybutI
pr
omiseI'
l
lmakei tuptoyouguy
s.GoodnightIloveyou!

THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER35

OZZI
E

ATTHEHOTEL

Donputacushi
ononhisl
apandpat
tedhi
shandoni
t.Il
aidonmyback
andputmyhandonit

Don:“
Areyouokay?
”heasked, f
ineisdef
ini
telynotinmyv ocabul
aryri
ght
now.MymindwasonNal edi
.Shei snotl
i
ket his,
it’
sunl
ikehertolashout
atmeoranyoneatthatmatt
er.I
’dli
ketobeli
ev esheisnotjeal
ousofme,
shej
usthasheri
ssues.

Me:“Idon’
tknowhowt ofeel
aboutallofthis.Iam hurtandsad,
mysist
er
andIusedtobeclose.Li
kepret
tycloseandt hishappened.Ri
ghtnowwe
shoul
dbegr i
evi
ngmom togethernotfi
ghtingagainsteachother
.Weonly
haveeachother
”

Don: “Maybewear ebeingtoohardonher.Remembershewasr aped,

that
alonecanbedeadl y.Sheneedhelpprof
essional
hel
p.Don’
ttakethisl
i
ght”I
thoughtthesamet oo.Weshoul dhav
egotherhelpwhenshewas
dischargedfr
om thehospit
al.Sheneededsomeonetotal
ktoinsteadof
bottl
ingherfeel
i
ngs.
Me:“If
eelreall
ybadr
ightnow.Doy
out
hinkIam sel
fi
sh?Notoncedi
dI
t
hinkaboutit…”

Don:“Youareanythi
ngbutself
ish.Youl
oveyoursist
erandsheknowsi t
too…”hedidn’
tfi
nishhissent
ence,myphonerang.Ididn’
trecogni
zet
he
numberbutIanswer edanyway

Me:
“Ozzi
e,speaki
ng”

Voice:“Ozzi
e,i
t’
sMaShabangu.Yoursi stergavemeyourcontacts”Isatup
str
aightandclear
edmyt hroat.“
Ihadt
ol dNaledit
otel
lyoutocallmewhen
youar r
ivebutwhenIreal
izeitwasget
tinglateIwentt
oy ourhouse.Iwas
tol
dy ouarenotsleepi
nghomebuthot el”

Me:
“That
’scor
rect
”

MaShabangu: “Idon’tmeant oquest i

ony ouory ouracti
onsbutasy ou’r
e
anadultIt hinkitwi l
lbewr ongofmet onotsayany thi
ng.For gi
v emebutI
don’tt
hinki tisrightforyout osleepatahot elwithaman.Amanwhoi s
noteveny ourhusbandmydaught er.Whatar eyouteachingNal edi?Thatit
i
sr i
ghtt odoasy ouplease?Youshoul dleadbyexampl eandwhaty ouare
doingrightnowi ssettingabadexampl e.Peoplewillt
alkandwhent heydo
youwillf eell
iketheyar ejudgingyouwhent heyarenot”Iletoutasi gh.I
didn’
tthinkt oomuchwhenDonsuggest edwesl eepatthehot el.Ij
ust
agreedandl i
steningtoMaShabangumakesmequest i
oni fIhav e
somethi ngtodowi thNal edi
’sbehavior.May besheisdoingal lofthi
s
becauseshesawmedoi ngit.

MaShabangu:“
Justcomebackhomeandbewi thyoursi
ster.Please,my
daught
er,
doitf
orthelov
eandrespecty
ouhadf ory
ourmot her”Ilookedat
Don,hewascur
iousastowhatIwassayingov
erthephone

Me:
“Iunder
standy
ouMaandIwi
l
lmakesur
eIdoexact
lyt
hat
”

MaShabangu:“Pl
ease.Tomor
rowmor ningIwil
lcomebyt
hehouse.We
needt
odiscusssomethingwi
thyou.Regardswit
hthemoneyofsoci
ety
”
Me:
“Seey
out
hen.Goodni
ghtMa”

MaShabangu:
“Ni
ghtmygi
rl
”shehungup.

Me:
“Babe,
canwet
alkaboutsomet
hing?
”

Don:“Goahead.Soundsser
ious”Istar
tedt
ell
i
nghim whatmyconversat
ion
wit
hMaShabanguwasabout .Surpr
isi
ngl
yhedidn’
tobj
ect.Doncanbe
di
ffi
cultsomet
imesbutnottoday.HesaidIgohome

Don:“
Putonyourshoes.Wewil
lpassbyt
her
est
aur
ant
.Iwi
l
lgety
ougi
rl
s
somethi
ngt
oeat”Inoddedandgotup.

LATERTHATNI
GHT

Donleftanhourago.Nal
ediwasinherroom,Iwasn’
tsureaboutgoi
ngto
herbutit
’st
imewehav eheartt
oheart
.Ineedtherootofherpr
oblem.

Iknockedonthedoorbefor
eIwalkedin.Shewassitt
ingonthefloor
rocki
ngbackandfort
h.Whenevershedoest hatmeanonething,
sheis
scaredofsomethi
ng.Isl
owlycl
osedthedoorandwentt osi
tbesideher
.

Me:“
Hey”shelookedatmeandsai
dnot
hing.“
Canwet
alk?Ihat
ethe
t
ensi
onbetweenus”

Nal
edi
:“Fi
neOzzi
e.Let
’st
alk!
”Isi
ghed

Me:“What’
sgoingonwi t
hy ou?Di
dIdosomethi
ngtodeser v
et hisat
ti
tude
fr
om you?Tel
lme, Iwanttoknow.Weusedtobeclose,r
eall
ycl osebut
nowwear eenemies.Youhateever
ythi
ngt
hatIsay
, youarealway sr
eady
toat
tackme.Whyi sthat
?”

Nal
edi
:“YouchangedOzzi
e.That
’swhathappened”

Me:
“Changed?Howdi
dIchange?
”
Naledi :“
Youwentandgetagangst erofaboy f
ri
end.Iam nothappyabouti t,
Iwon’ tli
etoy ou.Af t
ereverythi
ngt hathashappenedwi thy ouandt he
fatherofy ourchild.Idon’tunderstandhowy ouar ealwaysat t
ractedtobad
guy s.Dondoesn’ tabidebyt helaw, hebreakseachandev er ylawandIam
afraidhislif
estylewillbethedeat hofy ou.Ican’taffor
dtol osey ou.Not
onlyt hat,
yout ookhi mfrom hiswi fe.Hewaswi thsomeoneel seandy ou
didn’tcareaboutt hat.Youbr okehisf amil
y.Whatmakesy outhinkhewon’ t
dot hesamet hingtoy ou?Hemi ghtwakeupandf indanothergirl,whati
s
goingt obecomeofy ou?”

Me:
“Youarenotgoi
ngt
oloseme.Lil
i
thaandDon’
smar
ri
agewasal
ready
i
npi
eces.Idi
dn’
tdomuch.Iswear
”

Nal
edi
:“Youwi
lldiei
fyousti
ll
wit
hhim.Andy ouarenaiv
etothi
nkyou
di
dn’
twreckhi
sfamily
.Lil
i
thawil
lneverst
opcryi
ng,andhert
earswi
ll
al
waysfol
lowyou.Donisdoi
ngevery
thingtobr
eakherapart
”

Me:“WhatdoyouwantmetodoNal
edi?
”Iasked.Ireal
l
ydon’tknowwhat
t
odo.IloveDonbutIal
sol
ovemysi
ster
.SheisallIhaveandIdon’
twant
t
oloseher

Naledi:“
Leavehi
m.YesOzzi
e,l
eavehim.Youwi
llfi
ndanot
herguywhowil
l
belessdangerous.Whowi
ll
notputyourl
if
eatr
isk?Someoneyouwon’
t
feelscaredt
obewi t
h”

Me:“That
’simpossi
ble.Weareal
readypl
anni
ngtogetmarri
ed.Iwil
lnot
l
eavehim,Iwon’t
.Doni sget
ti
ngusahouse…”shechuckl
edli
ghtl
yand
shookherhead

Nal
edi
:“Pl
easesi
ster
”

Me:“Il
ovehi
m Ledi
,It
rul
ydo.Andheiswi
ll
i
ngtohelpy oual
so,y
ouwil
lbe
abl
etogobacktoschoolandIwi
ll
too.Wewil
lgetoutofthi
sdumpst
er
andli
veni
ce”

Naledi
:“Il
oveyou,y
ouaremysister.Iwi
l
lagr
eebecauseev
eni fIdi
sagr
ee
youwil
lsti
llmarr
yhim.ButIwantyoutoknowthatIwi
ll
neveraccepthi
m
asmybr ot
heri
nlaw.Iwon’tassuppor
ti
veasy ouwantmetobe.ThatI
won’tdo”i
thur
ttohearhertal
ki
ngaboutthatbutatl
eastweweretal
ki
ng.
IngoodspaceorsoIthi
nk

Me:
“That
’sal
lIneed.Thanky
ou”

Naledi
:“I
fhemakesyouhappythenwhatIcando?Ipr
ayandhopehe
doesn’
thurty
ou”If
eltt
ear
sburningmyeyes

Me:
“CanIhugy
ou?
”

Naledi:Yes”Ipull
edheri
ntomyar msandstr
okedherback.Imissedt
his.I
don’tknowf orhowlongwil
li
tlastbutIwi
l
lenjoyi
twhi
leitl
asts.

FEW DAYSLATER

ItwasaFr i
dayaf
ternoon.Wewer edoi
ngfi
naltouch-
ups.Ourmot heri
s
finall
ygoi
ngtobelaidinherfi
nalr
esti
ngpl
ace.Iti
sfinall
ycli
cki
ngthatshe
i
sgoneandgonef orev
er.Ever
ythi
ngwasundercontrol.Fewrel
ati
veswere
alreadyher
ebutsomewer estil
lmissi
ngi
nacti
on.

Iwalkedpastt
heladi
eswhower epeelingandcooking,Igoti
nsidet he
house.Thi
ngsbetweenNalediandmewer estil
lfunbutrocky.Icareful
ly
watchwhatIsayanddo.Nok’smot herisver
ysupporti
ve,sheisstepping
upasamot herandIappr
eciat
ei t
.Whathappensl at
er?Idon’
tknow.

Nal
edi
:Ozzi
e?”

Me:
“Huh”shemadeherwayt
ome

Nal
edi:“
Past
orZul
ucal
l
ed.Hewant
stoknowatwhatt
imei
stheser
vice
st
art
ing”

Me:“18h00.Mom’scoff
inwi
l
lar
ri
veat19h30.May
bebyt
hensomeof
r
elat
iveswil
lbehere”
Naledi
:“Dower eal
l
yhav
etowai
tfort
hem?Theydon’
tev
enr
espectt
he
dead”Ihithermouth

Me:
Nal
edi
!”

Nal
edi
:“Ahwhat
?Iam bei
nghonest
.Letmegoandcal
lPast
orZul
u”

Me:
"Doy
ouhav
eai
rt
imeony
ourphone.Youcanusemi
ne"

Nal
edi
:"Andhe'
susi
ngMTN.Wher
e'sy
ourphone?
"

Me:
"Inourr
oom.Undert
hepi
l
low"

Nal
edi
:"Thanky
ou"

Donwasgoi
ngt ocometomorrow.Nal
edi managedt ocallpastorZuluand
hecameontime.Event
houghtheweref ewrelat
ivesthatweremi ssi
ngbut
wecoul
dn'
tcaremuch.Peopl
ewenttot hetentandhadsomet hingtoeat
whi
lewewaitfort
heharsest
obringbackmymot her'
sbody .

Theeldestuncl
eofthefami
lywenttot
heplaceofdeath,
hecall
edouthi
s
clannamesast hecof
fi
nwasmov i
ngaroundtheri
ver
.Hewasdoi ngt
his
forhert
or esti
npeaceandnothav
ehersoulwanderi
ngaround.

Laterthatnightwewentbackhome, Naledionlycriedwhenwewentt osee

herf orthelastti
me.Shelookedsobeaut i
fulandatpeacet oo.Ij
ustcannot
believethattomor r
owwear ebur yi
ngher ,
Idecidedt oputnotsomuch
stressinmymi ndandfocusonmychi l
d.Theaccidentmadet ofrequentl
y
visitdoctor
sandmakesur ethatmychi ldI'
dhealthy .Honestl
y,Idonot
knowwhatI 'dbecomeofmei fIlosethi
schild.Isighedandwentt ogive
theol dladi
essconesandt ea,theyledthev i
gilpr
ay ertoni
ght.
TOBECONTI
NUED.
..

THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER36

OZZI
E

Thenextmorni
ngwhenIwokeupt hewhol eyardwasf i
lledwithpeople
goingupanddown, somest i
rr
ingthebigpots.I'
m happyt hatthe
communi t
ycameandhel peduswi thcooking,i
fitwasn'tforthem Idonot
knowwhatwoul dhavehappened.Ev enthoughmymot herwasnota
personwhofol
lowedt hecommuni tyrul
esandat tendsfuneralpeopleput
thedif
fer
enceasideandattendhers.Iwenttothewomanwhowasbusy
withcooki
ngpapandaskedherf orwatertobathe.

Me:
"Goodmor
ningma"Igr
eet
edherandt
ookasi
tont
hecr
ate

Her
:"Hi
,howdi
dyousl
eepmychi
l
d?"

Me:
"Isl
eptgoodma,
event
houghI
'
m st
il
lti
red"

Her
:"That
'sgr
eat
.Youmustbel
ooki
ngf
orwat
er?
"

Me:
"Onl
yify
oudonotwantt
ousei
t"

Her
:"No,
I'
ll
goandbat
hathome.Youcanshar
esomewi
thNal
edi
"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Iwentt
otaket
hebucketandf
il
ledi
twi
thhotwat
er.It
ookt
hezi
ncket
tl
e
andfil
leditwit
hcoldwat ersothatwhensomeoneneedswateritwi
ll
be
avail
able.Iwentt
opourhal fi
nsidethebasi
nandlef
tsomeforNaledi
.I
str
ippednakedandt ookashor tbat
h.Thedresst
hatIwasgoingtowear
di
dn'trequir
emet oironit.Mystomachwasoutandgetti
ngbigdaybyday,
Ifi
xedmyheadandwor eahat.

Whent heservi
cestar
tedNalediwasalsodonebathing.Wewentt otakea
seatinsi
dethetentonthefi
rstr
ow,thepastorst
artedthepr ogr
am wit
ha
shortpray
er.TheMCwasmama' sfri
end,theywer
enott hatcl
oseanymore,
shewasherhi ghschoolf
ri
end.Thewor dofGodwaspr eachedbypastor
Zulu.

PastorZulu:"Becauseoft heLORD’ sgr

eatlovewear enotconsumed, f
or
hiscompassi onsnev erf
ail.23Theyarenewev er
ymor ni
ng;greati
syour
fai
thful
ness.24Isayt omy sel
f,“
TheLORDi smypor tion;t
herefor
eIwil
l
waitforhi
m. ”25TheLORDi sgoodt ot
hosewhosehopei sinhim,tot
he
onewhoseekshi m; 26iti
sgoodt owaitqui
etl
yforthesalvati
onofthe
LORD.27I ti
sgoodf oramant obeartheyokewhilehei syoung."

Amessagegotonmyphone,
itwasf
rom Don"
BabeI
'
vear
ri
ved,
andIdon'
t
wantey
essoI'
llmeety
ouatt
hecemeter
y"

Irepliedwi t
hashar pemoji
.Heaskedwhet herI'
m okayornot,andhonest l
y,
Idonotknow.Tonotcauseanydr amaIsai dI'
m good.Hercoffinwasi n
frontofuswi t
halargepict
ureofher slookingsobeauti
ful,
mymot herwas
oneoft hosewomenwhol ovedt oapplycreamsandbombt omaket hei
r
facesy ellow,buti
nthepictur
et hatwewer eseeingi
nf r
ontofusshe
l
ookedf resh,shehadnopimpl esorpinkcheeksbutofcour se,shehad
appliedr edli
psti
ck.That
'sonet hi
ngabouthersheusedt olovethi
ngsso
much.Wegott
owher
etheyr
eadherobi
tuar
y,Nal
edi
whowasgoi
ngt
o
r
eadit.

MC:“
Pleasesi
ngashortsongwhi
l
stwewai
tforNal
edi
tocomef
orwar
d
andr
eadtoustheobi
tuary
.”

Isqueez
edherhandast
heyst
art
edsi
ngi
ng.

Me:
“Goahead.Youcandot
his.
”

Nal
edi:
“WhatifIf
reeze?Idon’
tthi
nki
twasagr
eati
deaf
ormet
oreadi
t.I
am t
ooemotional
ly”

Me:“Youwant
edt
odot
hisandy
ouwi
l
ldoi
t.Youar
edoi
ngi
tformom,
now
goahead”

Shest
oodupandf
ixedherdr
ess,
andmadeherwayt
othepast
or.

Theobituarywasn'tl
ong.Mamadidn’
tarchi
vealoti
nherli
fe;
sheonly
stat
edherpl aceofbi
rth,
school
,andyear
s.Nal
edist
utt
eredatfi
rstbutshe
gotitundercontr
ol.

NOMALANGA

IglancedatOzzi
eandscof
fed.Shelookedr
eal
lybeaut
if
ulnol
iet
her
e.I
thoughtherboyf
ri
endwoul
dbeher ebuthewasnowhereinsi
ght
.

Naledif
ini
shedr
eadi
ngtheobit
uaryandwentt
ositdown.MCcall
edaf
ew
peoplewhoknewOzzie’
smother.Theywer
egi
vingafewwords.

Me:“Lookather
,shei
snotev
ensmi
l
ing,
”Isai
dtomycousi
nwhowas
si
tt
ingbesi
deme

Her
:“Youcamet
ochecki
fshei
scr
yingornot
?Thi
sper
sonwasoncey
our
f
ri
end”
Me:“
Exact
ly,
wasnotanymor
e.Lookather
,shewentt
obr
eakanot
her
woman’
sfamily
”Icl
appedmyhands

Her
:“Nomal
anga,
behav
eyour
sel
f.Wear
eatt
hef
uner
alf
orGod’
ssake”

Me: “
Iam stati
ngthetruth.Iwonderhowherboy f
riendfeel
saboutrai
sing
anotherman’schil
d.AndIhear dshef i
rstpinnedthepregnancyonhim but
hefoundout .Thenerve!
”mycousi njustlookedatmeandnotsay sathing.
“Sheisveryluckyi
fitwasanymanhewoul dhav ekill
edher.Nomanlikesit
whenhei stakenforar i
de”

Her:“
RightnowIam sur
eyouwerealwaysjeal
ousofOzzi
e.Youfi
rstt
ook
herboyfr
iendandnowyouarebad-
mouthingher.Att
hist
imeagai
n,ha.a
Nomay oushouldbeashamedofyour
sel
f”

Me:
“Iam notj
eal
ousofOzzi
e”

Mycousi
ndidn’
trepl
y,shest
oodupandsangwi
thot
her
s.Thepr
ogr
am
wentonf
oranother30minut
es.

MC: “
Nowwear eheadingtothecemet
ery
,wearef
inal
l
ygoingtol
ayour
si
stertorest
”thechoirst
artedsi
ngi
ngasweall
gotupreadytogot
othe
cemetery
.

NALEDI

Heruncl
eswheel
edhercoff
inast
hepastoraskedoneoft
hechur
chl
adi
es
t
oleadthesongashereadafewchapt
ers.

Iwasi
nt hecart
hatwasl eadi
ngall
thecar
stot hecemetery,
Isni
ff
edand
l
ookedathercoff
in.I
ndeedshe'sgoneandI'
llneverseeheri
nmyenti
reli
fe.
Thedri
vetothecemeterywaslonganddepressing.Ozzi
ewasstr
ongthan
me,shewasn’
tcr
yingbuty
oucoul
dtel
lshewasf
eel
i
ngsad.Herf
aci
al
expr
essi
onsai
ditall
.

DON.

Iwat chedmywi fel ooki

ngallsortofbeaut i
fulunderthest ret
cht ent.Naledi
wasl yingont opofherl ap.Shewasr ubbi
ngherback, Iassumeshe' s
cryi
ngbecauseshekeptonwhi speringthi
ngst oherear .I
twasf ul
l,I'
m not
acrowdedman, Ihat ecrowdedpl acesbutIdonothav eachoi cesinceI
havet obeher ef ormyl ady.Event houghI'm notnexttoherbutsheknows
thatI'm her
eandi fsheneedsmeI '
llbethereforher.Itwast i
mef orthe
coffi
nt ogodownwhenwehear dagunshot .Iquickl
ypr essedt hepanic
buttononmywat chandpul l
edoutt woguns.Idi dagr eatjobbyhav ing
guardsher e,IlookedatJackal ashemadehi sfunnysoundsandl aughing.
Peopl eweret err
ifiedandscreami ng.Ichuckledandl ookedathi m.

Him: "Don,
Don,
Iseey ou'
veatt
endedyourmot heri
nlaw'
sfuner
althat
's
great"hehadabackupthatsur
roundedus.Iknewrightt
henandtherethat
shitwasaboutt
ohitthefan.

Me:"Jackal
whatapleasantsur
pri
se.HowcanIhel
pyou?
"Ismi
rkedand
l
ookedathim,hecl
enchedhisteet
h.

Him:"
Youthi
nkI'
dlety
oukil
lmyfami
lyandgetawaywi
thi
t?Bur
nmy
company
?Didyouseri
ousl
ythi
nkIwoul
dleti
tpass?Wear
esonaïv
enow?
"

Me:"OkayIheary
ouar
etal
ki
ngbuty
ouar
enotexact
lyanswer
ingmy
quest
ion.
"

Him:"
Boysgether"befor
ehecouldgetwher
ehewasgoi ngabull
etlanded
onhi
sstomach.Hegr oanedandfel
l
,bef
oreJackal
not
icedthatIhadshot
oneofhi
sownIr anandalert
edtheguar
dseachandeveryonewhowason
Jackal
'
sside.Ozziewascryi
ngwhenIr
eachedforher
,gunsandscr
eams
werebeingexchanged.Il
i
edownandshot,
Jackali
nhisarm.

Me:
"Babe,
arey
ouokay
?"

Ozzi
e:"
NoI
'
m not
"sheshout
ed.

Naledi
:“YouseewhatIwast al
ki
ngabout?LooknowOzzi e,mom’sfuneral
i
sambushedbyt hesepeople.Whati
sthi
s?(Cr y
ing)Ozzi
e,dosomething!I
don’twantt
odie,
please”Ozziedi
dn’
tsayanything,
shewascrying.

Me: "I
'
m goi
ngtogety
ououtofhereokay
,I'
m sor
ry"whenmybackup
arr
ived,i
twasamess.Iaskedoneofmyguystomakesuret
hatOzzi
eis
outofhereunhar
med.Peopler
anfort
hei
rli
ves

It
urnedandl
ookedatJackal
,hewasbl
eedi
ng.Iwoundedhi
sar
m.

Me:“Youmadeami st
akebycomi
ngher
e.Av
erybi
gmi
stakeandIam
goi
ngtosetanexamplewit
hyou”

Jackal
:“Youareadangertoever
yonecloset oyouandifyouhaven’
t
noti
cedthennowit’
sti
mef ory
out onotice.Lookatyourgi
rl
,sheist
err
if
ied.
Evenifyouki
ll
memyguy swil
lnotrestuntilt
heymakey oupay.Iwi
l
lhunt
youevenindeath”

Me: “
Likehel
l,y
ouwill
”Istompedonhi sarm andrepeat
edl
yshothim.
Lucki
lyOzzieandhersi
sterwerenol ongerint
hecemetery
,Idon’
twanther
toholdthi
smemor yforev
er.Ther
ewasonl ymeandmyguy satthe
cemetery,
thecoff
inhadbullet
sholes.

Oneofmymencamet
omysi
de.

Gee:
“Boss,
wegotapr
obl
em”

Me:
“Andy
out
hinkIdon’
tknowt
hat
,”Isai
dwi
thoutl
ooki
ngathi
m

Gee:
“Past
orZul
uwasal
soshot
.”If
eltmykneesget
ti
ngweak.
Me:
“Tel
lmey
ouar
eki
ddi
ng”

Gee:
“Iwi
shIwas”

Me: “
Damn!Damn!”Iranmyeyesaround.TherewasnowayI'
m goi
ngt
o
all
owmygi r
lf
ri
endseeshermother
'scoffi
nli
kethi
ssoIi
nstr
uctedt
heguy
s
toburyOzzi
e’
smotherandgetri
dofallthedeadbodi
es.

Me:“Idon’
twantthecopsonmyt ail
.Makesur eyouleavenot
hing
unat
tendedto.Youhearme?”isti
mel i
kethiswhereIwishDankiewasher
e
wit
hme.ButIt r
usttheseguy
st odotheirj
ob

Gee:“Youhav enot
hingtoworryabout”mycarwassetal
ight
.Inever
thoughtJackalwoul
ddosomet hingli
kethis,
hecoul
dn’
thavechosenabad
daytocomeandmaket hecommot i
on.Idon’
tknowhowIam goingtol
ook
i
ntoOzzie’seyes.Whathappenedwaschaos.Awholemessandahal f.

Af
terev
ery
thi
ngwasgr
eatIqui
ckl
ydr
ovehome.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER37

OZZI
E

Ilayont opoft hebedandcr i

ed,why?Whyatherf uneral
?I'm suremama' s
soulwi l
lnotr estinpeaceaf terwhathappenedtoday.Iwillnotforgiv
e
my selfforwhathappenedt oday,
I'
mt hecauseofit.I
fIdidn'tbri
ngDoni n
myl i
fenoneoft hiswouldhav ehappened.I
'm sur
eNal edihatesme
wher evershei s, t
hefoodt hatwascookedwi l
lgotowast ebecausenoone
retur
nedaf tert heblazi
ngofguns, Idonotblamet hem Iwoul dhav ealso
ranformyl ife,f oodisnothingcompar edt
olif
e.

Voi
ce:
"Youmustbehappyright
?"Isni
ff
edandwipedmytears,
Idonot
hav
eti
mef orNal
edi
.Idon'
thavetheenergyt
ofi
ghtwi
thher.

Me:
"Whatdoy
ouwantNal
edi
?"

Her
:"Your
uinedherf
uner
al,
Ozzi
e.Whatki
ndofahumanbei
ngar
eyou?
"

Me:
"Youcan'
tbl
amemef
orwhatJackal
did"

Her:"
YesIbl
amey
ou,youboughtt
hatgangst
erinourl
if
e,Ozzi
e.Who
knowsmamawouldhavebeenal
iv
eifyouhaven'
trant
oGautengand
chaseol
dmen"

Me:"EnoughNaledi
.Isaidenough,whoarey out oblameme?Youdonot
haveanyrightt
odisrespectmewenaNaledi,ifitwasn'tformey ou
wouldn'
tbeherestandingandtal
ki
ngbullshit.NalediIrai
sedyou,Itook
car
eofy ouwhilet
hatwomany oucal
lamot herwasr unningar
ound
chasingmoney .Itaughtyoutorespectyourmother,
andtodayyouar e
disrespecti
ngme?Justbecausemamashowedy oua1-weekloveyou
thinkyoucanwal kalloverme?Doy oudaretryme.I'l
lsl
apthatat
tit
udeout
oft hewindow"Shehel dhermouthandr anoutcryi
ng.Isi
ghedand
changedmydr essi ntosomethi
ngmor ecomf or
tabl
e.Iwill
notall
owNal edi
towal kalloverme, Ichangedherdiaperwhil
emamawasbusygambl i
ng

Iwentout
sideandhel
potherswit
hpacki
ngthechai
rs,
picki
ngupcans,and
ri
nsi
ngthedishes,
Iwasgoingt
odisposeoft
hewaterwhenDon,appr
oach
whereIwasstandi
ng.

Don:
"Babe"

Me:
"Justdon'
tDon"Ipushedhi
shandsawayf
rom mi
ne

Don:"
Okaylet'
sputwhatev
eryouar
eangryaboutasi
deandputt
hebi
gger
pi
ctur
ehere,whyareyouover
worki
ngyour
self
?"

Me:
"Ohhdoy
ouexpectmet
ost
ayi
nthebedr
oom andcr
ymyl
ungsout
?"

Don:"Nobutthinkofyourpregnancy
.Yourdoctorjustt
oldy
outobecar
eful
ofevery
thi
ngy oupickup.Lookathowf ul
lthatbasini
s?Andyouar
ehere
tel
l
ingmet onottouchyou?Doy ouwantt
ol osethi
sbabyOzzi
e?"

Me:
"Wher
e'smymot
her
'sr
emai
nings"

Don:
"Babe?
"

Me:"NoDon,Nalediwasr
ightabouty
ou.Youar
eadangert
oourl
i
vesl
ook
atwhathappenedtomymot her
"

Don:"
I'
m sorr
y,t
hatwasbey
ondmycont
rol
.Idi
dn'
tknowt
hatJackal
woul
d
at
tacktoday
"

Me:
"Youknowwhat
?Todayy
ouj
ustpr
ovedt
omet
haty
oucannotl
ook
aft
erus,y
ouf ai
l
edus,Don.Idi
dn'
tgett
hechancet
osaymyl astgoodbye
tomymot herDon.I
t'
sapit
ythatIdonothav
eamot herany
mor eandy ou
sti
l
lhaveone"

Don:
"I’
m sor
ry"

Me:"
Youknowwhathur
tst
hemost
?Ist
haty
ouwentandbur
yherwi
thout
mypermi
ssi
on.Why?
"

Don:
"Shewasnoti
nagoodst
atebabe"

Me: "
Mymot her.Mymot herdiedapainfuldeath,Iref
usetobeli
evewhat
happenstoday"Ifel
ttearsburningmyey es.Il
ookedathim asadr opof
tearfel
lonmycheeks" Why ?Whyher ?Whycoul dn'ty
ouprotecther?
"I
start
edtohithi
schest" Iwantmymot herDon.Pl easebri
ngherbackso
thatwecanbur yheragain.Please"Icri
edoutl oud

Don:"
Babe,comehere"hepul
ledmet ohi
sarms.Icri
edunti
ltearscoul
dn'
t
comeoutanymore,
I'
m surepeoplear
ewatchi
ngrightnow.Afterafew
minut
es,Ical
meddownandsni f
fed.

Don:"
Ineedtogobackt
oGautengandsor
toutJackal'
sissues"Ihel
dont
o
hi
m.Idon'twanthi
mtogo.I
'
llgocr
azywit
hbei
ngint hesamehouseas
Nal
edi.

Don:
"I'
l
lcomebackf
ory
ousweet
hear
t,Ipr
omi
se"

Me:
"When?
"Iaskedwi
thascr
atchedv
oice.

Don:"
OnMonday
.Ift
hat
'scool
wit
hyou…ButIwant
edy
out
oatl
eastst
ay
foramont
h"

Me:
"Wi
l
lyouv
isi
t?"

Don:
"Ipr
omi
seIwi
l
l.I
'
llcal
lyoueachandev
erydayi
fthat
'sokaywi
thy
ou"

Me:
"Fi
ne"

Don:
"Letmegot
hen.I
'
llst
opbyonmywayt
oGaut
eng.Il
ovey
oubabe"he
peckedmyli
ps"
Youbet
tergoandasksomeonet
ohel
pyouwi
tht
hat
"he
point
edatt
hebasi
n.

Me:
"Iwi
l
l"Igi
ggl
edandhi
thi
sshoul
der

Don:"
Letmego"hekissedmeonel astandret
urnedt
ohi
scar .Iswearhe
fedmealovepot
ion,toevent
hinkIwasangrywithhi
mthelastfew
minut
esandnowI'm smil
i
ng,bl
ushing?Lovegotmebybal
ls.

Iwasbr
oughtbackt
othewor
ldbyat
aponmyshoul
der
.It
urnedar
ound.

Me:
“MaShabangu”

MaShabangu:
“Mychi
l
d”If
aint
lysmi
l
ed“
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
”

Me:
“Fi
ne”

MaShabangu:“
Ozzi
e,youarepregnant.Youmust n’
tst
ressy
ourselforelse
youwi
lll
osethi
sbaby.Iunder
standall
y ourfr
ustr
ati
onsandwhaty ouare
goi
ngthr
oughbutIthi
nkyoumustr est
.Apr egnantwomanshouldn’tst
ress.
Goandli
edown”

Me:“Iwasonl
ykeepi
ngmy sel
fbusy.Wit
hever
ythi
ngthati
sgoingonIdon’
t
wanttosi
tandnotdoany
thing,Iwi
l
l l
osemymindifIdothat
”

MaShabangu:“Thatmaybebutit’snotgoodf orthebaby
”Inodded.
“Bef
oreIfor
get,y
ouruncl
eiscall
ingy ouinsi
de.Let’
sgo”Ifol
lowedheras
sheledt
heway .Wemadeourwayi nsidethehousewhereIfoundNaledi
,
uncl
eSfisoandhiswi
feEunice.MaShabanguj oi
nedthemeeting.

Uncl
eS:
“Ozzi
e,t
hanky
ouf
orcomi
ng”

Me:
“It
’sf
ineuncl
e”Nal
edi
didn’
tlookhappybutIt
ri
edt
oignor
eit
.

Uncl
eS:
“Wegat
her
edher
etot
alkabouty
ouandwhathappenedt
oday
”

Euni
ce:
“Notonl
ydi
dyourboy
fri
endi
nter
ruptt
hef
uner
albutal
so
di
srespect
edyourmot
herandf
amily
.Wenev ert
houghtwewoul
dseeaday
whereyougeti
nvol
vedwit
hagangsterOzzi
e”

Uncl
eS: “
Iam ver
yashamed.Everyoneist
alki
ngaboutthescandaly
our
cr
iminal
boyfr
iendcr
eated.Mysist
erdidn’
tgetther
espectshedeserved”

Me:“Withduerespect,
myel der
s,whathappenedtodaywasnotinmy
cont
rol.Iwoul
dhav enevert
houghtsomethingli
kethatwouldhappen.We
aret
alkingaboutmymot herhere…”Nal
edil
aughedsof t
ly,
MaShabangu
l
ookedather .

Me:“Idi
dn’tt
ell
Phi
l
ani
tocr
eat
ethatmessandhedi
dn’
tthi
nki
twoul
d
happentoo”

Uncl
eS:“Af
terwhathappenedt
odayIdon’
tthi
nkwewi
l
lev
eracceptt
hat
boyf
ri
endofyour
s”

Eunice:
“That
’swhywedecidedt
hatit
’sbesty
ouandhi
m br
eakup”I
widenedmyey esandshookmyhead.NowaywasIgoi
ngtoleav
eDon.

Nal
edi
:“Goodl
uckwi
tht
hat
”

Uncl
eS:“Wedon’twantyout
obewi
tht
hisguy
.Youar
est
il
lyoung,
youwi
l
l
fi
ndanot
herguybutnotDon”

Me:“Il
oveDon.Idon’
tneedanot
herman”Uncl
eSt
ookadeepbr
eat
hand
l
eanedbackonthechair

Uncl
eS:
“Youl
eav
euswi
thnochoi
cebutt
odi
sowny
ou”

MaShabangu:“
Ha.
amyel
der
s,Idon’
tthi
nkt
hati
snecessar
y.Youcan’
t
castherout
”

Euni
ce:
“Andwhoaskedf
ory ouropi
nion?Thi
sisaf
ami
l
ymat
terandwe
di
dn’
taskyout
osayanyt
hing”

MaShabangu:
“AndIdon’
tdi
sagr
eewi
ththatbutI
’
veknownt
hisf
ami
l
yfor
awhi
lenowandwhatyouaredoi
ngi
swrong”
Me: “Iam notgoi
ngtofi
ghtall
ofyou.It
’sclearal
lofyouhadthoughtabout
this.Iam onl
yaski
ngtosleepfort
henight.It
’sal
readyl
ateandIhave
nowher etogo.Iwoul
dcallDonbutit
’salr
eadylate,hei
sprobabl
ybusyso
pleasemyel der
s”

Uncl
eS:
“Idon’
tseeany
thi
ngwr
ongwi
tht
hat
.Youcanspendt
heni
ght
”

Nal
edi
:“MaShabangucanal
way
stakey
oui
naf
teral
lshei
syourbi
ggest
f
an”MaShabangunodded

Me:
“NoMa.Iwannasl
eephomef
ort
hel
astt
imebef
oreIl
eav
ethi
spl
ace”

UncleS:“
Ozzi
e,y
oucanst
il
lchangey
ourmi
nd,
thi
ngsdon’
thav
etobel
i
ke
thi
s.Pl
easemychil
d”

Me:“I
fyouarenotwi
ll
i
ngt
oacceptDon,
Idon’
tseet
hathappeni
ng”Igotup.
“
Pleaseexcuseme”

Nal
edi:“
Ther
egoesy
ourQueenEl
i
zabet
h”shecl
appedherhandsand
l
aughed.

Me:
“Forsomeoney
ourage,
yougotabi
gmout
h”Iwal
kedout
.

LATERTHATNI
GHT

Voi
ce:
“Ozzi
e!”t
hev
oiceechoedi
nmyear
s.“
Ozzi
e”

Me:“Whoi
sthis?”Iswall
owedwhenIsawmymot her.Shedi
dn’tl
ookgood,
shehadabul
letholeonherfor
ehead.Shewassoakingwetwithblood.
“Mama”myvoicecracked

Voice:
“WhyOzzi
e?Whymydaught
er?Whywoul
dyoudot
hat
?”Ishookmy
headcryi
ng

Me:
“Idi
dn’
tmeanf
orany
thi
ngl
i
ket
hatt
ohappen.For
giv
eme.Iam sor
ry
Mama”

Voice:“WhyOzzie?Mydaughter
”Itr
iedrunni
ngtoherbutmyl egswere
fai
l
ingme.Mor ebloodwascomi ngoutnow,fr
om herears,
eyes,andnose.
I
nf actever
yholeinherbody
.Itwasn’tapl
easantt
hingtoexperi
ence.

Me:“
MAMA! ”Icr
iedoutal
oud.“Pl
easedon’
tgoaway.Don’tgo,
please
comeback”shestar
tedgl
owing.“
Don’tl
eav
e!Westi
l
l needyou.”

Iwokeuppanti
ngandsweat
ing.Iwasdreaming,i
twasadream.Oh,God!
Myheartwasbeat
ingsof
ast.Isatupst
raightandranmyeyesar
oundthe
room.

Aft
ersomef ewmi nutes,If
eltashar
ppai
ninmyabdomen.I
twasv
ery
pai
nful
,Icouldn’
ttakeit.I
twascutti
ngl
i
keakni
fe

Me”OhGod, pl
easesavemychi l
d”Ist
art
edscreami
ngcrawli
ngoutoft he
bed.Thepainwasunbear abl
e.If
eltabur
nbetweenmythighs.Iputmy
handandf el
tblood.Isl
owlyl
ookedatmybedcov er
sandIsawbl ood.Pool
ofblood…

Mymi ndtoldmet ocallforhel

pbutIthoughtofwhattheysaidtome.But
againt heywil
lnotletmedi emaybeIshouldcall
forhelp.I
fanyonedoesn’
t
comeher eIam defini
tel
ygoingtol
oset hi
sbaby.Iam feel
ingit
,thi
spai
nis
di
fferentfrom anypainI’
v ehadbef
ore.

Me:
“Nal
edi
!(Cr
ying)

BecauseIcoul
dn’
tstandupormov
eaninch.Ikeptoncal
l
ingUncl
eSand
Naledi
’snamesbutnoonewascomingt
omyai d.

Me: “Naledi!Uncl
e,pleasecomehel pme.Iam dyi
ng”Iconti
nuedshouting
forhelpov erandov er.It
ri
edmov i
ngbutitwaspainf
ul.Ikeptontr
yingto
mov e.“Someonehel pme.Iam feel
ingweak.Iam dy
ing.Mama!Mama!I
am dy i
ng”Isl owl
yfellonmysi deandputmyhandonmyst omach.Itwent
onunt i
lIcoul dn’
tscream any
mor e“Mama!”Il
aidmyheadont hef
loor.
CHAPTER38

NALEDI

Thefol
l
owingmorni
ngIwokeupandpreparedmysel
fforsomework.Aunt
Euni
cewashel
pingmeout.Wewerecl
eaningthehouseandwashi
ng
di
shes.

Euni
ce:
“Thatwasal
otofwor
k.Myf
eetar
eki
l
li
ngme”

Me:
“Andwear
enotev
encl
oset
ofi
nish”

Euni
ce:“
Thesebl
anket
sar
etoomany
.It
hinkweshoul
deatf
ir
standt
hen
getdownwit
hit
”

MaShabangu: “I
fwest opt
alkingwewillf
ini
sh.Thi
sheati sgoi
ngt opullus
down”thisladyhasabi gmout hbutthetr
uthisshewashel pi
ngusal ot
.
Sinceshehear daboutwhathappenedshehasbeenhel pingusal ot.Iknow
wedon’tagreeonmanyt hi
ngsbutherhelpisappreci
ated.“Naledi
,cany ou
goandcal l
y oursist
er?Wear eabouttohaveteaandIthinksheshoul d
haveitwit
hus”

Me:“Ithoughtshewasgoi
ngt
odayt
henwhyi
ssheof
fer
edt
ea?Idon’
t
understand”

Euni
ce:
“Ihav
en’
tseenhermay
beshel
eftal
ready
”Iwoul
dn’
tcar
eifshehas

MaShabangu:
“Goandcal
lherNal
edi
”

Me:
“But
?”

MaShabangu:
“Butnot
hing,
goandcal
lhernow.Iam notgoi
ngt
orepeat
mysel
f”

Me:
“Iwi
l
lgo”
Idecidedtodoast
oldandwentt
ocal
lmysi
ster
.Di
srespect
ingherwasn’
t
partofthepl
an.

Icarri
edmyl egst
oherroom.WhenIopenedt
hedoorIwasmetbyblood.
Al otofbl
oodwasont hefl
oorandOzzi
ewasl
yingonherownpool
of
blood.Mylegsfel
tweakandweak.

Me:“
Whathappened?Ozzi
e?”Iqui
ckl
yrant
oher“
Ozzi
e,pl
easesi
ster
.
Wakeup”

Istar
tedcryi
ngbegginghert owakeup.Di dshecallforhelp?Butofcour se,
shedid.I
fshedid,Iwil
lneverforgivemy self
.LastnightbeforeIwentt o
bedItooksleepi
ngtablets;Idi
dn’twantt oovert
hinksoIr esortedtopi l
l
s.I
shouldhavenot.Despit
eourf i
ghts,It
rulyloveOzzie.IknowI ’
v ebeen
acti
ngoutofcharacterbutIlovemysi sterandseeingheri nthisstatecut
deeper.“
Ozzie,y
oucan’tdie.Youcan’tli
v eme.Iam beggi ngy ou”Ifelther
pul
seandi twasweak.If el
tashar ppaininthecenterofmychest .

Ist
oodupandwentout
side.“
Someonehel
p.Ineedhel
p”

MaShabanguandt
heot
her
srant
ome.“
Ozzi
e,Ozzi
eis…”Icoul
dn’
tfi
nish
anysent
ence

MaShabangu:
“Nal
edi
,whathappened?Tal
ktous”

Me:“Ozzi
e”seei
ngIam notmaki
ngsenset
heyr
anbacki
nsi
deandI
f
oll
owedthem.

Euni
ce:
“OhmyGod!Whati
sthi
s?”

MaShabangu:
“Isshest
il
lal
i
ve”

Me:
“Idon’
tknow”

MaShabangu:
“Dot
his,
takeherphoneandcal
lherboy
fri
end.Sheneedst
o
gotothehospitalri
ghtaway.God,wedon’tev
enknowwhendi dthi
s
happen”ItookOzzie’sphonelucki
l
yshedidn’
tthephonedi
dn’
trequi
rea
passcode.IsearchedDon’snumberandranghim.

Don:
“Baby
,I’
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lyou”

Me:
“It
’snotOzzi
e,i
t’
sNal
edi
”

Don:
“Ledi
,whyar
eyouanswer
ingOzzi
e’
sphone?Wher
eisshe?
”

Me:“Somethi
nghappenedbutIdon’
tknowwhatexpectwhatIam seei
ng.
Ozzi
eisunconsci
ous”

Don:
“Unconsci
ous?Howdi
dithappen?
”

Me:
“Idon’
tknow.Cany
ougether
e?Shehast
ogot
othedoct
or”

Don:“
Iam i
nGaut
engbutIwi
l
lcal
lsomeonet
ocomeandt
akehert
othe
hospi
tal
”

DON

Nal
edi
:“Pl
easehur
ryup.Shei
snotmov
ingandIam scar
ed”Icl
enchedmy
j
aw

Me:
“Tal
ktoy
ousoon”

Il
ookedatthecrewasIwasbusywi t
hthem discussi
ngthematt
erof
Jackalandwhattodoknow.Butaft
erNaledi
’
scal l
,Idi
dn’
twantt
obeher
e,
IwantedtobebyOzzie’
ssi
de.Itookmycarkey sandwalkedout
.

CJ:
“Bossman!
”Ii
gnor
ethem andrantomycar
.Dri
vi
ngisgoi
ngt
odel
ay
me,i
t’
sbet
tert
ocal
lmypil
otandtakeonmypri
vat
ejet
.

Me:
“Osman.Gett
hej
etr
eadywear
eheadi
ngt
oKZNnow.
”
Osman:
“Onmywaysi
r”Ihungupanddr
oveof
f.

Ishouldhaveneverl
eft,
noneoft hi
swouldbehappeni ng.Idon’
twantt o
i
magi newhatshefel
t,sheprobablyfel
tal
l al
onebutwher ewasev eryone
whenshewasgr oaningandcalli
ngforhelp?Arethosepeoplethat
heart
less?Whatdidsheeverdot othem t
odeservethis?It’
snotfaironher
orourbaby”

I
NTHEHOSPI
TAL

Fewhour
slat
erwewer
eatKZN.Wear
ri
vedatt
hehospi
tal
.

WhenIgoti nthehospital
Ifoundev eryonepacingupanddown.Hy pocri
tes!
Justtheotherdaytheywer ecastingheroutandtodaytheyarecryi
ngasi f
theyl
oveher .Inot
icedNaledi’
sdress,itwasblood.Onethingcametomi nd,
whateverhappenedwasser ious.IwonderhowOzzi e’
ssituati
onri
ghtnow
i
s.Imademywayt othem andgr eetedever
yone

Me:“Nal
edi
,whatr
eal
l
yhappenedt
oOzzi
e?”Iaskedhopi
ngf
oran
expl
anat
ion

Naledi
:“IwishIcantellyoubutIdon’tknow.Ifoundherthi
smor ni
ngand…”
sheswallowed“IfIsayIknowwhatcausedhert obleedthatmuchthenI
wil
lbelying”wecontinuedtotalkandmaki ngsenseofwhatreal
ly
happened.Thesepeopl eareconfused,r
ightnowtheyarealll
ovi
ngand
cari
ng.Iwonderifoneoft hem didn’
tspikeherdri
nkandcausedalloft
his.

“
Ozzi
e’
sfami
l
y”i
twast
hedoct
or;
west
oodupandmethi
m hal
fway
.

Me:
“Doct
or,
howi
sshe?
”

Doctor
:“Iam sorr
ybutwet r
iedal
lwecould.Welostt
hebabyduetothe
str
essthemot herhad.Shel
ostalotofbl
ood.Therewasnot
hingwecould
havedone,Iam sorry
”
Me:
“Excuseme?
”

Doctor:"
Wecoul
dn'
tsav
ethechi
l
dDon.I
'
m honor
edt
ohav
eyoui
nmy
hospit
al"

Me:
"Canwepl
easeconcent
rat
eonmywoman'
sheal
th?
"

Doct or:"
Whenst ressed,thehumanbodyr eleaseshor monest ohandl ethe
higherstress, suchast heso- call
edcor t
icotropi
n-r
eleasinghor mone( CRH) ,
whi chincreasesst resshor monecor t
isol.Thismechani sm alsoper sists
dur i
ngpr egnancy ,andthepl acenta,
whi chsuppl i
est hefetuswi thnutrients,
canal soemi tst r
esshor moneCRH.Asar esult,
asmal l
amountoft his
hor moneent er stheamni oti
cf l
uidandf etalmetabol i
sm.Ani mal studies
hav eshownt hatthishormonecanboostt hedevelopmentoft heunbor n
child:Unfavorablegr owthcondi ti
onsint hewomanl eadt oani ncreased
releaseoft hehor mone, therebyimprov i
ngt hechancesofsur vivalincase
ofapr emat urebi rt
h.Undercer tai
ncircumst ances,howev er,thisincrease
canal sohav enegat iveconsequences: "
Anexcessi veaccel er
at i
onof
growt hmayoccuratt heexpenseoft hepr opermat urat
ionoft heor gans,"
say sUlri
keEhl ert,psychologist
,andpr ogram coordinator.
"

Me:"
What?No,doct
or,
Idi
dn'
tst
udymedi
cinesopl
easespar
emey
our
bombast
icwor
ds"

Doct
or:
"Hermi
scar
ri
agewascausedbyst
ress.
"

MaShabangu:
"Mysonwhati
sshesay
ing?
"

Me:"Umm theycoul
dn'
tsav
ethechi
l
d.Cany
oupl
easet
ell
mewhat
happened?
"

MaShabangu:
"Wedonotknow,
Nal
edi
ist
heonewhof
oundheront
he
f
loor
."

Doct
or:
"Andwheny
ougetherherethebabywasal
readydead.CanIkeep
herf
ortwoday
ssothatIcancl
eanherwomb?"

Me:
"Okay
"Isi
ghedandsatont
hef
loor
.Mybabywi
l
lbesomuchhur
t,t
his
wil
ltr
ulyhur
ther
.Iswearmybabywi l
lgomadwhensher ecei
vesthenews.
I
'm al
sohurt
,Iwaslooki
ngfor
wardofraisi
ngmychil
d,l
ovehim/her,and
l
ook.Icamebackfrom mysensesandlookedatNal
edi
.

Me:
"Don'
tyouwantt
ogohome?
"

Her
:"No,
I'
ll
wai
tforhey
.I'
l
lwai
tunt
ilshewakesup"

Me:
"Youhav
etogoandbat
h,l
ookathowbl
oodyy
ouar
ebabygi
rl
"

Her
:"No,
pleasedon'
tfor
ceme"shesnapped

MaShabangu:
"It
'sokayson,
I'
ll
comebackwi
thher
"

Me:"
I'
ll
thedri
vert
ocomeandf
etchy
ouguy
s.I
'
m goi
ngt
osor
tout
somet
hing"

Itappedhershoulderandwentout,thei
snowayt hatmychi
l
dwoulddi
e
j
ustlikethat
,somethinghappened.Andther
e'sonl
yonewaytofi
ndout
"Ozzie"she'
l
lhavetoexplai
ntomewhathappened.Icall
edVuyo

Me:"I
'
m sor
ryofr
unoutwi
thoutl
ett
ingy
ouknowwhat
'swr
ong,
wel
ostt
he
baby
"

Vuy
o:"
I'
m sor
rymymanhowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"

Me:
"I'
l
lbegood,
I'
mjustwor
ri
edaboutt
hel
ady
"

Vuy
o:"
Wher
ear
eyou?
"

Me:
"Out
sidet
hehospi
tal
"

Vuyo:
"Gointher
eandbewi
thy
ourwi
fe,
youhav
etobenextt
oherwhen
shewakesupokay"
Me:
"Why
?"

Vuy
o:"
Sheneedsy
ou.Goandsuppor
tyourchi
ckbr
o"

Me:
"Fi
ne"

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER39

DON.

Iqui
cklyrani
nsidethehospi
talandwenttowher
eOzzie'sf
amilywas
seated.MaShabanguwasbusypacingupanddown, forwhatIdon'
tknow
becausethedoctoral
readyt
oldusthatt
hebabyisdead.

Me:
"Pl
easegohome.I
'
m sur
eyouhav
en'
tat
esi
nce"

MaShabangu:
"Okayso.Nal
edi
didEuni
cel
et'
sgo"

Nal
edi
:"I
'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e"

Me:"YouwantOzzietowakeupandfi
ndy
ouher
e?Rememberhowyou
usedtodi
srespecther
?Youwanthert
obl
ameyouf
orthel
ossoft
he
baby?"

Nal
edi
:"NobutI
'
m nott
heonewhoki
l
ledherchi
l
d"

Me:
"Youhear
dherr
ight
?Youar
ethecauseoft
hest
ress.JustgoNal
edi
"

MaShabangu:
“It
hinkweshoul
dgo.Youneedt
orest”Nal
edishr
uggedand
wal
kedoutbef
oreMaShabanguandMaShabangufoll
owedher.

Thedoct
ormadeherwayt
ome.
Dr:“
Youcangoin.Thepati
entisreadyt
oseey ou”Thedoctorshowedme
herward,
Iqui
cklywenttowhereshewasstanding,bythewindow,andhug
herfr
om behi
nd.Shel
aidherheadonmyar m andsniff
ed.Iguessthe
doct
orhasalr
eadytol
dherthebadnews.

Me:“Babe,I
'
m sosorryIwasn'
tther
etohel
pyou.
”Isai
dtoher
,shehel
dmy
handandleftoutaf
eintl
augh

Ozzi
e:“
It
’sfi
ne.I
twasGod’sdeci
sion”sheswal
lowedhar
d.“
Godknows
whyhedidit
.Whatweneedt odoi
sacceptandmov eonwit
hli
fe.Ev
eni
f
wegri
eve,cr
yandki
llour
selv
esourbabywon'tcomeback"

Me:“Areyousur
e?Ididn’
texpectt
hisreact
ionf
rom y
ou.Iexpect
edmor e,
youshout
ingatmeorhi t
ti
ngtheli
feoutofmebutdefini
tel
ynott
his.I
t
houghtyou’dt
hrowtantr
ums”

Ozzi
e:“
It
’smyf aul
tthatt
hechi
lddi
ed.Ishoul
d'
v el
i
stentoyou”Ihel
dher
doti
ght
.“Iam sorr
yforal
solyi
ngtoyouaboutthepater
nit
yofthechi
ld.
Thi
sisprobabl
ymykar maoflyi
ngtoyou”

Me:
“It
’sf
ine,
wear
eov
eri
t”shet
ight
lyhel
dtomeandcr
ied.

Ozzi
e:“
Didt
heyt
ell
youwhathappened?
”

Me:
“NobutIam hopi
ngt
oheari
tfr
om y
ou”

Ozzi
e:“Theykickedmeoutoft
hehousel
astni
ght
”theydi
dwhat
?“Idi
dn’
t
wanttostressyoulat
einni
ght
”

Me:“MaraOzzi
e?Whydi dn’
tyoucal
landtel
lme?Lookwhathappened
now”thi
swasinsane.Iwishshehadcal
ledmeinst
eadofgoi
ngthr
oughal
l
ofi
talone

Ozzi
e:“
Idi
dn’
twantt
owor
ryy
ou,
itwasal
readyl
ate”

Me:“Ist
il
lwishy
ouhadcall
ed.Thenwhathappenedt
oyou?Di
dtheydo
any
thingthatmi
ghthav
eledtowhathappened?”
Ozzie:“No.Idreamtofmymot her
.Inmydr eam,shewascryingand
bl
ami ngmef orwhathappened.Butthatdoesn’
tmatt
erwhatmat ter
sist
he
stat
eshewasi n.Shewasallbl
oodyanddidn’tl
ookgood.WhenIwokeupI
hadbl ood,Itr
iedtocall
forhelpbutnoonecamet omyr escueIended
passingout ”

Me:
“What
?Howcoul
dthey
?”

Ozzie:“
Yes.That’
showmyf amilyt
reatsme.Myuncleandhiswif
ewere
neverinmylif
e,theywer
eneverthereformewhengrowingup.They
rockeduprecentl
ywhentheyheardmymom di edandnowtheyareact
ing
l
ikebetterf
amilymembersbutthetrut
histheyar
enot”

Me:
"I'
l
lbeback"Il
etgoofher
.

Her:"
Whereareyougoing?
"Shehadnost r
engt
h,butyoucoul
dseewi
th
youreyest
hatshe'
str
yingtobest
rong.She'
shidi
ngheremoti
ons.

Me:"
Ithi
nki
t'
sti
meIsi
tdownwi
tht
hatf
ami
l
yofy
our
sandhav
eat
alkwi
th
t
hem"

Her
:"Babepl
ease,
leti
tgo"

Me:"No,Ozziet
heyneedsomeonetotel
lthem wher
et ogetoff
,I'
m so
angr
yrightnowyoutel
li
ngmetoletthem godon'
thelpatall
"

Her
:"Weneedt
hem f
ort
hel
obol
anegot
iat
ion.Youwantt
hem t
ohat
eyou?
"

Me:"Idon'tcar
eaboutwhohatesandlovesme,al
otofpeoplehatemeI'm
notsurpr
isedatal
l.Andf
orthelobol
a,i
t'
snotl
ikeI
'
m goingtokil
lthem j
ust
atal
k"

Her
:"Il
ovey
ou"

Me:"YuhIhearyou.Il
oveyoutoo"Ipeckedherli
psandstor
medout
l
eavi
nghershocked.Iwenttomycaranddr ov
etoOzzi
e’shouse.WhenI
gott
hereIaskedtotal
kwiththem,theyfol
lowedmeinthehouse.
Youcouldseehowscaredtheywerebyl ookinginthei
reyes,Imental
l
y
l
aughedandlookedatthem st
rai
ghtintheireyes,Idi
dn'
tcomeher etopl
ay,
IneedanswersandIneedthem now.I'
m goingt obecivi
lwit
hthem and
askthem i
nagoodmanner .

Me:“Pleaseexpl
aintomewhathappenedlastni
ght?”Iasked,
andt
hey
l
ookedatme.“ Ihaterepeat
ingmy
sel
f,canyoupleasetel
lmewhat
happenedlastni
ght?”

MaShabangu: “
Calm downmyson, Iwil
ltel
lyou.Ozzietal
kedwithher
el
derslastnightthattheyendedupdisagreei
ngwi t
hwhatt heywer e
di
scussing.Itl
edt owheretheytoldherthatt
heyaredi sowni
ngher ,It
hink
i
thasgot teninOzzie'
smi nd.Yourwomanhasbeent hroughalot,her
l
osinghermot her,theshootoutandfami l
ydramat hat'
swhatledhert o
miscar
riage"

Me:“
Doyouhav
eanideat
haty
oukil
ledmychi
ld”theybl
ankl
ylookedatme
“
AndyouNal
edi
,doy
ouknowthaty
ouarethecauseofit
?Doy ouhavean
i
dea?
”

Naledi
:"Me?Howyouareal
sotobebl
amedMr
.Don,
remembery
ou
causeddramaatt
hefuner
al?
"

Me: "
Youar egoi
ngtoshowmer espect
,youmaywalkal loverOzzi
eand
notrecei
veanypunishmentbutonme, I'
ll
fuckyouover.I
'vegotachil
din
yourage,youarenotthef
ir
stteenagertogivemeatt
itude."

Sheknel
tandapol
ogi
zed.

Nal
edi
:“Iam sor
ryandpl
easetel
lOzzi
ethatIam sor
ry.Iwi
l
ldoev
ery
thi
ng
i
nmypowerf orhert
ofor
giveme.Iam tr
ulysor
ry”

Me: "
I'
m nott
heoneyoushoul
dapol
ogi
zet
o.Fi
xyourr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thy
our
si
stershelov
esyou.
"

I
NTHEHOSPI
TAL
Thedooropenedandt
hedoctorent
ered.Shef
oundherpat
ientl
ayi
ngon
thebedl
ookingatt
hecei
l
ing.

Dr:“
Howi smypat
ientdoi
ng?
”If
orcedasmi
l
e.Iam br
okeni
nsi
debutIst
il
l
tr
iedtosmil
e.

Dr
: “
Iknowthi
schurchinGaut
engt
heycanhel
pyouwi
thwhat
every
ouar
e
st
ruggl
ingwit
h.Theycanhel
pyou,
Ial
soatt
endedt
her
e”

Me:
"Chur
ch?
"Iaskedconf
used

Dr:
"Yeschur
chmydear
,someti
mesyouneedt
obel
i
evet
hatGoddoes
exi
standhewor
ksi
nmy st
eri
ousway
s"

Me:
"Iheary
ou,
it'
sbeenawhi
l
esi
nceIl
astat
tendedchur
ch"

Dr
: "
Youneedtomendyourr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thf
atherGod.Thechur
cht
hatI
at
tendatGaut
engcanhealy
ou"

Me:“Whatar
ey oudoi
nghereinKZN?
”shemov
edcl
osert
othebedand
cr
ossedherarmsoverherchest
.

ThepainIam f
eeli
ngisstrong.Whent hedoctortol
dmeIl ostthebabyI
fel
tli
kemyheartwasbeingt akenout.Ifel
tli
kemysoul wasbei ngri
pped
outofmybody.Iwaslookingf or
wardtobeingamot hertothischil
d,Iwas
l
ookingfor
wardtothelaborpains,f
eeli
nghis/,herki
cks.Iwant edtogiv
e
him/hert
heli
fehe/shedeserves.Butthatdream di
dn’
tcomet rue.

WhywasGoddoi ngall
oft
histome?Whatsi ndi
dIcommittodeservethi
s?
Ihaveal
readyl
ostsomanythi
ngsinmyli
febutInevert
houghtmychild
wouldbeoneofthem.Atl
eastnotnow… Idon’
tthi
nkonewouldeverget
usedtothepai
noflosi
ngt
heirbaby.
TheDoctoraskedi fIwouldwanttoseei t
.Iwoul dhavesaidnobutI
wantedclosureWhenIl ookedatitIbrokedown, every
thi
ngstoppedatthat
ti
me.Ireali
zedIwasamot herofanangel .Thi
sangel mademeamot her,
gavemeascar .Ev
ent houghhewasnotal i
vebuthemademeawoman.
Eventhoughhewasnotababyy et,hewasaf etus.I'
m gl
adIplacedmy
emotionsasideandbeabl etoseet hefet
us.

I
twi l
ltaket
imebefor
eIcomplet
elyf
orgetthati
fIwil
lev
erfor
get.Notonl
y
doesthishurtmebutal
soDon,hewaslookingfor
wardtofat
herthi
schil
d.
Hewasget ti
ngusedtothei
deaofbeingthefat
herandIcr
ushedhis
dreams.

Dr:
“Itravel
tohospit
alshel
pingpeoplebutnextweekIam r
etur
ningt
o
Gauteng.Iwil
lbepermanentl
yworkingther
e”

Me:“
Cany ougiv
emetheaddr
ess?”Iwilldoever
ythi
nginmypowertofal
l
pr
egnantagai
n.Shegav
emet headdress,It
ookitandputi
tundert
he
pi
l
low

Dr
:“Youcanal
sohav
emycont
act
s.Wecanat
tendt
oget
her
”

Me:
“Iwoul
dli
ket
hat
”Igav
ehermycont
act
."

Dr
:"I
tisset
tl
edt
hen,
lcal
lyouwhenIgetbackt
oGaut
eng"

Me:
"Okaydoct
or"

Dr
:"Nowl
et'
sgetbackt
oaser
iousmat
ter
,doy
ouhav
eanyheadache?
"

Me:
"No"

Dr
:"Pai
ns?Hast
hebl
eedi
ngst
opped?
"

Me:
"Yes"
Dr
:"That
'sgr
eat
.Youshoul
dber
eadyt
ogobackhomet
omor
row"

Me:
"Real
l
y?"

TOBECONTI
NUED…
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER40

Ozzi
e.

Mybagwasni cel
ypackedont hehospital
bed,Ihadatrackpantand
hoodieon.Thedoct orhasdi schargedme, mysoulhasbeendownl ately
thisthingofusnotbeingav ail
ablemostoft heti
meisstar t
ingtoaffectthe
kids.ButI'
m gladDoncal l
edhi sgrandmotherfr
om hisf
at her'
ssidetolook
afterthem unt
ilwereturnhomewhi chistoday,I
'
m notgoingbackhome
buttomyf i
ance'shouse.I'
m notgoi ngbacktothepl
acet hatmademe
l
osemybaby ,
I'l
lj
ustgot omymot her'
sgraveandaskforf orgi
venessfor
whathappenedonherf uneral day
.That'sfort
hebestandIhopeshedo
forgivesme.

Don:"
Babear
eyoudone?
"Hesai
dcomi
ngi
n,l
ooki
ngsohandsomeas
usual

Me:
"YesIam babe,
canwepl
easepassbyt
hegr
avey
ards?
"

Don:
"Sur
enopr
obl
em,
howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"I'
l
lbef
ine,
butIdof
eel
pai
nst
her
eandt
her
e,ev
ent
ual
l
yI'
l
lbeokay
"I
smi
l
ed

Don:"
Whyarey
ouhi
dingy
ouremot
ions?Al
l
owmet
obet
her
efory
ou
sweet
hear
t"

Me:"
I'
m not,I
'
mjustt
ir
edofcr
ying.Wewi
l
lal
sopassbyMama'
shouseso
t
hatIcantakemyphone"
Don: "Alr
ight
,comehere"hepull
edmei nhisembr ace.Her ubbedmyback
andt oldmet hatev
eryt
hingwil
lbealri
ght
,het ol
dmet hathe'l
lbether
ewith
mei neachoft hestepsofheal
ingI'
l
lbetaking.Myey eswer ebecoming
tearybutIholdthetear
sback,thi
sisnotthetimet ocry.Thisistheti
meto
best rong,oneofusneedstobestrongbecauseIcanseet hatalloft
hisi
s
breakinghim.

Dr:"
Isi
tsafetocomei n?"Igotoutofhisholdandlookedatthedoctor
,
she'
sbeauti
fulandherskini sgl
owing.Moneymustbepr ai
singher,maki
ng
ababyneedstobeonhol d.I'
m nowfocusi
ngonmyf ut
ure,
Iwantt obeli
ke
her,
beabletobuythingsf ormyselfandnotdependonaman, IknowDon
i
samul t
i-
bil
li
onair
ebutthat '
snotmymoneybuthi s.Iwasn'tther
ewhenhe
makeshisfi
rstmill
i
onandIdonotknowhowhedi dit
.

Me:
"Yesy
oucancomei
ndoct
or"Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.

Dr:
"Iseey
ouar
ereadyt
ogo.Butbef
orey
ouhi
tther
oadIneedy
out
osi
gn
her
eforme"

Me:
"Di
schar
gedf
orms?
"

Dr:
"Yes, I
'
veprescr
ibedmedici
nefory
ou.Passbytherecept
ionandgi
ve
t
her ecepti
oni
stthi
sI'v
elef
tyourmedi
cinet
here.TakecareMissMol
oi"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lthanky
oudoct
or"shegav
ethef
ormst
oDonsot
hathecansi
gn.

Dr
:"Shoul
dyoufeelanypai
niny
ourabdomenar
eadonothesi
tat
etocal
l
me.Andohhthebil
l
shasbeensett
led"

Me:
"Thanky
ou,
babe"

Dr
:"I
t'
sbeenni
cehav
ingy
ou,
Miss.Ohh

aboutt
hechur
ch,
wewi
l
ldi
scussi
tonWhat
sApp"

Me:
"Okay
,weshoul
dbeonourway
."
Ibidehergoodby
eandwewentt
ofet
cht
hemedi
cine.Hehol
dmyhandasI
l
ippedtothecar.

Don:
"Babear
eyousur
ethaty
oudonotwantmet
ocar
ryy
ou?
"Hesmi
rked

Me:
"No,
youwantpeopl
etol
ookatuspar
ti
cul
arl
y?"

Don:"Idon'
tcareaboutwhatpeopl
esaybabe,
andsi
ncewhendoy
oucar
e
aboutpeople'
sopini
on?"

Me:
"Si
nceI
'
m dat
ingt
hef
amousDon"Ismi
l
ed

Don:
"Soony
ouar
egoi
ngt
obemywi
fe"

Me:
"andIcan'
twai
ttobecal
l
edMr
s.Dl
ami
ni"

Don:
"Ial
socan'
twai
ttokeepy
ouupt
hewhol
eni
ght
"

Me:
"Doi
ngwhat
?"

Don:"Don'
tworr
ywewi l
lnotbebewi
tchi
ngpeopl
eI'
m notawi
tchbutI
'
llbe
fucki
ngyoulef
tri
ghtandcenter
"

Me:
"Youar
esi
l
lyPhi
l
ani
"

Don:
"Iai
mtopl
ease"hel
aughed.

Whenwearr
ivedi
nthecarhehel
pedmesitdown,
hemadesurethatI
'
m
comf
ort
abl
eandwenttohissi
de.Hest
art
edtheengi
neandl
ookedatme.

Me:
"What
?"

Don:
"Wher
ear
ewegoi
ngf
rom her
e?"
Me:
"Home,
grav
eyar
dst
henGaut
eng"

Don:
"Cool
"

Me:
"How'
sNal
edi
?Andt
her
estoft
hef
ami
l
y?"

Don:"Babet
hey'
rear
ewel
l
,br
eat
hingandal
i
ve.Butt
hatl
i
ttl
esi
sterofy
our
s
needsabeati
ng"

Me:
"Iknow,
canIt
akeaf
ewmi
nut
esnap?
"

Don:
"Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
oignor
ethet
opi
c?"

Me:"NoI'
m not
,Umm Drgav
emet
headdr
essoft
hechur
chshe'
s
at
tendi
ng"

Don:
"Nameoft
hechur
ch?
"

Me:
"Idon'
tknowi
tbabe,
buti
t'
sCat
hol
i
cchur
ch"

Don:
"Youai
n'
tgoi
ngt
her
e"

Me:
"Whatwhy
?"

Don:
"Youar
enotgoi
ngt
her
ethat
'si
t,Ozzi
e"

Me:"
Atl
eastgivemeareason.Andyouar
enowst
art
ingt
oactl
i
kea
j
eal
ous,
insecur
eandobsessedboyf
ri
end"

Don:"
I'
mt ry
ingtoprotecty
ouhere.Buti
fyouwantt
ogoi
taxi
kumal
exi
ixi
l
avaku(you'
llgetwhatyouwant
"

Me:
"What
?"Il
aughed

Don:
"Youhear
dme"

Me:
"Okay
"Igi
ggl
edanddeci
dedt
otakeanap

Donshookmewhenwear
ri
vedathome,
hehel
pedmeoutoft
hecarand
l
edmeinsi
demama'stwo-room house,
thewholefamil
ywasseatedonthe
t
abl
eevenMs.Shabangu,
Iappreciat
ehersupport
,she'
sbeenwit
hussince
mama'
sdeath.

Me:
"Hel
l
o"

MaShabangu:
"Mychi
l
d,I
'
m gl
ady
ouar
ehome.Howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"Thanky
ou,
I'
ll
bef
ineast
imegoes"

Don:
"Wi
l
lyoubef
ine?
"

Me:
"Umm y
es,
youcango"

Don:
"Shar
p,y
ou'
l
lcal
lmewheny
ouneedsomet
hingorwheny
ouar
edone"

Me:
"Nopr
obl
em"

Hegav
ethem i
ntensel
ookandwentout
,Isi
ghedandl
ookedatt
hem.

MaShabangu:
"Wear
esor
rymychi
l
d."

Me:
"It
'snoty
ourf
aul
t,Idonotbl
ameany
onef
orwhathappened"

Aunt
yE:
"Ofcour
sey
oudonothav
ether
ightt
obl
ameus"

Me:"Umm I
'
m her
etoaskaboutNal
edi
?Wi
l
litbepossi
blef
ormet
otake
her
?"

MaShabangu:
"Idonothav
eapr
obl
em,
shecanst
aywi
thme"

Uncl
e:"
NoMa, weappreci
atey
ourki
ndnessbutOzzi
eshoul
dbet
heonet
o
l
ookaft
erhersi
bli
ng"

Me:
"Idon'
thav
eal
i
feany
mor
eher
einKZN.I
fyouwantmet
orai
seNal
edi
shewi
l
lhav
etor
elocat
etoGaut
engwi
thme"

Uncle:"Youar
etaki
ngt
heri
ghtdeci
sion,Naledi!Nal
edi
"shecomesi
n
running."
goandpacky
ourbags,
yoursisterisheret
ofetchyou"

Nal
edi
:"Real
l
y?I
'
llbel
i
vingi
namansi
on?
"Shegi
ggl
edandwentt
othe
ot
herr
oom

Uncl
e:"
Youhav
etodot
hecl
eansi
ngr
it
ual
fory
ourchi
l
d"

Aunt
yE:
"Iknowt
hispower
ful
heal
er,
Gogoxi
kumbushe'
spower
ful
"

Me:
"Umm okay
"

Uncl
e:"
Yourchi
ld'ssoulneedstoaccept
ed"Jesus,
itwasnotababyy
et.
Butwhoam It
ot ell
them other
wise

Me:
"Iheary
ou,
I'
ll
tal
kwi
tht
hef
atheroft
hechi
l
dthenI
'
llgetbackgoy
ou"

Uncl
e:"
Okay
.Gowel
l
"

Me:"Wher
e'smyphoneNal
edi
?"Iaskedherasshecomesoutoft
he
bedr
oom wit
habag.

Her
:"Ohhl
etmegoandgeti
t,Ichar
gedi
tfory
ou"Inodded

_
___
___
___
__

"
Babe,
canNal
edi
staywi
thus?
"

Don:
"Nopr
obl
em,
Nal
edi
Idonotcondoneki
dswi
thoutr
espectokay
?"

Nal
edi
:"Yes,
bhut
iPhi
l
ani
I'
m sosor
ryIdi
dn'
tshowy
our
espect
"

Don:
"Bei
ngr
apeddoesn'
tmeant
hatwear
ethecausesofi
t.
Me:
"Babe"

Don: "
No,Naledineedstoknowthatyouar ewayol dert
hanher .Youareher
si
steryoudeserverespectfr
om her,t
histhingofhercall
ingy ouaslut
needst ost
op.AndNal ediy
oursist
erdidn'tbreakanymar r
iageitwasway
brokenbeforeshearri
ves"

Nal
edi
:"Umm I
'
m sor
ryagai
n,pl
easef
orgi
veme"

Me:
"Don'
tsweatbabygi
rl
.Youar
efor
giv
en,
canwenowpl
easego"

Don:
"Fi
ne"

Wepassedbythegr
aveyar
dandt
alkwit
hmama.Mymoodwasl i
ft
edwhen
weret
urnedt
othecarhecamewi
ththejetandwehadt
ousei
ttoret
urnt
o
Gaut
eng.

Nal
edi
:"Si
sIcan'tbel
i
eveI'
m goi
ngtouseaj
et,
OMGmydr
eam i
sfi
nal
l
y
comi
ngtrue"shejumpedupanddownandgi
ggled.

Me:
"I'
m al
sohappy
,andIwantt
ojumpupanddownl
i
key
oubutIcan'
t
.

Naledi:
"Iunder
stand,
andIcan'
twai
ttot
ell
myf
ri
endsbackathome.I
'
m so
excit
ed"

Me:
"Iam t
oo,
butI
'
m scar
ed"

Nal
edi:
"Don'
tbe.I
'
m happyt
hatIwi
l
lbeseei
ngt
hosehousesandr
oads
smal
ler
"

Me:"Real
l
y"Doncameandt ol
dust hatwecangoin.Nal
edit
ight
lyheldmy
handaswegotinthej
et.Youcouldseethatshewasscar
edandy ethappy
,
Iam t
oo,butDonwasbyoursides.
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER41

OZZI
E

Whenwearr
ivedatORTamboai
rpor
tDonhadcal
ledhi
sdr
ivert
ofetchus.
Heimmedi
atel
ycametowar
dsusassoonashesawusgotofft
hejet.

Hi
m: "
Sist
erboss,
howareyou?"Ist
utt
eredandl
ookedathi
m.I
'
venev
er
methi
m befor
ebutyetheknowsme.

Me: "
Hi,
youcancal
lmeOzzi
eandy
ouar
e?"Igav
ehi
m myhandf
ora
shake

Hi
m:"
OhhI
'
m Si
pho"

Me:
"Mm Si
pho?Gr
eatname"Ismi
l
ed

Don:
"Si
phoy
oual
readyknowherandmeetNal
edi
.She'
shersi
bli
ng"

Hi
m:"
Hi,
Nal
edi
.Shal
lwego?
"

Nal
edi
:"Hi
"shegr
eet
edhi
m.

Heledustowher
ehepackedthecar;Igoti
nthebackseatwi
thNal
edi
whi
leDonoccupi
edthef
rontseat.Mybabywassotir
ed,hi
seyeswere
bar
elyopenandt
heywer
ealsor ed.
Si
pho:
"Boss,
hasVuy
ocont
act
edy
ou?
"

Don:
"Regar
dingwhat
?"

Si
pho:
"Aboutmaki
ngJackal
'
ssoul
notr
esti
npeace"

Me:
"What
?"Igasped

Don:"
Canwepleaset
alkabouti
tlat
er.I
'
mti
red"hedi
smi
ssedhi
m and
cl
osedhi
seyes.

Nal
edi
:"Whatar
etheyt
alki
ngabout
?"

Me:
"Idon'
tknowNal
edi
andpl
easest
ayoutofi
t"

Nal
edi
:"Okay
,Iwasj
ustaski
ng"

Me:
"Iheary
ou"

Si
pho:
"Any
wayt
hegent
sandt
hei
rwi
vesar
eaty
ourhouse"

Don:
"Mm"

Me:"Youar
ewast
ingy
ourt
imeSi
pho.I
'
m sur
ehedi
dn'
tev
enhearwhat
you'
vesai
d"

Si
pho:
"Hashegot
tenenoughsl
eep?
"

Me:
"No,
he'
sbeenupsi
nceIdon'
tknow.

Si
pho:
"Okay
"hekeptqui
etandconcent
rat
esont
her
oad.

I'
m gl
adthatNaledichar
gedmyphoneorel
seI'
dbeboredt
odeat
h,Ibent
andsearchedDon'sphonei
nhi
spocket.Hequi
ckl
ygr
abbedmyhanddo
ti
ghtandsqueezesit.
Me:
"Ouch"

Don:
"Thef
uck?Babe?
"Heopenedhi
sey
esandl
etgoofmyhand.

Me:
"Cany
oupl
easehot
spotme"

Don:
"Don'
tev
ersear
chmeokay
?Don'
tbet
hatgi
rl
"

Me: "
Okayfine,I
'
m sorr
y "henoddedandgavemehisphone.I
twas
unl
ocked,I'
veneverusedani Phonebefor
eandIdon'
tev
enknowhowto
tur
nont hehotspot
,Isignedandt r
ansf
err
edR30air
ti
meinmyphone.

Me:
"Thanky
ou"Ipl
acedi
tinhi
slap.

Idecidedt odownl oadWhat sApp,Facebook,

andI nst
agram.It
’saboutt
ime
Imi ngleandbl endwi tht
hewor l
d.Iacti
vat
edev er
ythi
ngf r
om WhatsAppto
Twit t
er.Ididn’thavemanycont act
sonWhat sApponl yDonandNaledi.
Naledi doesn’thav eafancyphonebutaVodaf onekicka.Nal
edii
swayt oo
forwardl i
keme, shelongtol
dusshehasWhat sApp.Pecksofbeinga
teenagerati tsbest .

Whenwear ri
vedatthehousewei ndeedf oundt hegents,
Vuy o,
CJ, Darkie,
andSipho.ZoeandNonhl ewer ealsoaround, soitwasmor eoftwoont wo
expectthatCJandSi phodon’ thavepartners.Weent er
edt hehouseusi ng
thekit
chendoor .Wef oundDon’ sGrandmot her,Iknowherf rom thepicture
thatDonwaswi thherwhent hepictur
ewascapt ured.Oh,Ithinkshe'sher e
tolookaftert
hekids.Donwi pedhisey esandwentt ohugher ,Youcoul d
tel
lbyhowhewasbehav ingthatthetwooft hem arecl
oseasat oothand
nail
.Theyhuggedandsmi l
edateachot her.

Grams:
“Myboy
,lookatyou”Sheplay
edwithhi
scheeks.Donmumbl
ed
si
ncehewassl
eepy.Icoul
dbarel
yhearwhathewassaying.
Don:“Gogo,meetmy…”hedoesn’tgett
ofi
nishhissent
encebecause
Li
li
thasuddenl
ywalkedi
n.Shelookedsobeauti
ful.

Li
l
itha:
“OhGr
amsIf
ound…”

Shestoppedi
nhert
rackswhenshesawust
her
e.Shel
ookedatmeand
smir
ked.

Me:
"Umm Nal
edi
cany
oupl
easegoandwai
tformei
nthel
ounge"

Nal
edi
:"Cany
oupl
easeshowmewher
eiti
s"

Me:"
Gostr
aightokayy
ou'
l
lpasst
hel
ounget
henuset
hest
air
s,t
hey
'l
ll
ead
yout
obedr
ooms"

Nal
edi
:"And?
"

Me:
"Nal
edi
chooseanyr
oom t
hat
'snotoccupi
edf
ornow"

Nal
edi
:"Okay
,nopr
obl
em"shet
ookherbagandwentout
.

Don:
“Whati
sshedoi
ngi
nmyhouse?
”

Grams:
“IwasmissingherandIt
houghtwhynotcal
lhersi
nceIam i
ntown.
Iwasmissi
ngher”

Li
l
itha:
"Hi
Ozzi
eandDon"

Don:"
Wenawenay
ouar
eluckyt
hatIdi
dn'
tki
l
.."Ipokedhi
m.Hel
ookedso
angr
y

Don:“
Baby
,let
’sgo”het
ookmyhand,
wewal
kedupst
air
s.Dondi
dn’
tlook
happy
,hewasangry.

Onmysi deIwasalsonothappy ,
every
thi
ngisfal
li
ngapar
t.Pi
mplesareal
l
overmyf ace,t
hatsmoot handprett
yfaceIhadisl
onggone.Myacneis
getti
ngwor seandLili
thal
ookedast wi
ceasbeauti
ful
asIam.Plast
ic
surgeryandstuffbutshesti
ll
lookedbeaut
if
ul.
Whenwear
ri
vedupst
air
s,It
ri
edt
alki
ngt
oDon.

Me:
“Whydi
dn’
tyoui
ntr
oducemet
oyourGogo?
”

Don:“Iam angryandhungr ybabe.whywouldshebr

inghertomyhouse?
Aft
erev er
ythingthatsheknowsabouther,
Ihaveagirl
fr
iendandIhav
e
di
vorcedLili
tha.Sheknowst hat
”

Me:“Don’
ttakei
ttoohar
dyourgrandmotheri
sol
dandhappenedt
hatshe
l
ovesLil
it
ha.Don’tt
akei
ttoyourhear
t”

Don:“Noman, Ihav
et ol
dhersomanyt i
mesthatnothingisevergoingt
o
happenbetweenmeandLi li
thabutshekeptoninsist
ingandbeggi ngme
nottodiv
orceher.I
t’
sbeenawhi le.I
’
v el
ongwantedt oleaveherbut
becauseofherIcouldn’
tbecauseIdidn’
twanttohurtherheart”

Me:“Okayyouandy ourfami
l
ydr ama”Iwalkeduptohim“Ontheother
news,IhavedownloadedWhatsAppandguesswhat ?Ionl
yhavetwo
cont
acts”helookedatmeandl aughed,
Ijoi
nedhim

Don:
“Atl
eastt
ell
mey
ouhav
e100f
oll
ower
sonI
nst
agr
am”

Me:“
Iwi
sh.Idon’thaveanyf
oll
owers.Ionl
yhaveausernamewi
thouta
pr
ofi
l
epi
cture.Sototheworl
dofInstagr
am, Iam l
i
keaghost
”

Don:
“Aski
esmyl
ove.Ihav
eenoughf
oll
ower
s”

Me:
“Enough?Youhav
emi
l
li
onsoff
oll
ower
s,y
ouar
efamousmyl
ove”

Don:“Yeahwhatever
.Ihav efewst olenpi
cturesofyouIwillaskmy
managertouploadoneandt agy ou.Youwi l
lhav
ethef ol
l
ower syouneed”
Donhasamanagerwhocont rolshissocialmediaaccountsbesi
des
WhatsApp.“
Iwillt
alkwithhim, don’tworr
y ”Doncall
edhismanagerand
askedhimtopostmypi cture.Infewmi nutesnoti
fi
cati
onswer ebeepi
ng,
every
oneknowsDon’ sgirl
fri
endnow.

Me:
“Whydon’
tyouwantt
ogot
ochur
ch?I
twoul
dbeni
cef
ort
het
woofus
t
ogother
e”
Don:“
Idon’
ttr
ustt
hesechur
ches.Theyhav
ebadnewsanddr
ama.AndI
don’
twantyouint
hemiddl
eofit
”

Me:“
Theywil
lhel
pme.Ineedhel
pbabe,
Iam dy
ingi
nsi
de.Ther
e’sal
ot
t
hatIneedt
oexpress”

Don:
“Whycan’
tyout
roubl
eme?Let
’sshar
ewhat
’sbot
her
ingy
ou”

Me:“I
t’
snoteasyshar
ingapai
nknowi
ngy
ouar
enott
hebi
ologi
cal
fat
her
oft
hechil
d”Isawhurtinhi
sey
es

Don:
“Whatdoy
oumeanbyt
hat
?”

Me: “
Iam sor
ryi
fIhaveof
fendedyoubutit’
ssomethi
ngIcan’
tsharewi
th
you.Ican’
tal
sosayitt
oyou,cul
tur
alt
hings.Youwerenott
hefather
”he
f
rozeandlookedatme

Don:
“Wow”hest
ormedout
,hewasangr
y

Me:“See?Youar
estor
mingout
,that’
swhyIdidn’
twantt
otal
kwi
thy
ou.I
knewyouweregoingt
ogethur
t”Isai
dthatt
omy sel
f.

Isi
ghedandwenttomybags.Il ookedforthedoctor
’snumbers.Iadded
hernumbersandsentheratextonWhat sApp.Shedidn’
trepl
yinst
antl
y,I
tol
dherwhoIwasi ncasesheforgot.It
henaskedherwhent heservi
ceis,
shethenr
epli
edtome.

Dr
:“Ohtheserv
iceistomorr
owat2pm.Andwedon’ twearjeans;
weonl
y
wearl
ongski
rt
s,scarv
es,andjer
sey
.Ist
hatki
ndofchurch”

Me:
“Wewi
l
ltal
ktomor
row.Youcandi
rectme?
”

Dr
:“Iwi
l
lnotbear
oundsi
nceIam st
il
latKZN”

Me:
“Okay
,isf
ine.Iwi
l
lgot
her
ebymy
sel
f”wecont
inuedt
alki
ng
It
hrowt hephoneontopoft
hebedandwentt
ol ookformyboy f
ri
end.He
wasaloneintheki
tchen,
hewasst
uffi
nghi
mselfwithfood,
Ithoughthe
wassleepy?

Isatbesi
dehi
m andl
ookedathi
m.

Me:"Babe"Ibr
ushhi
sar
m,hekeptqui
et"
I'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
omake
youangry"

Don:
"Leav
emeal
oneOzzi
e"

Me:
"Pl
easef
orgi
veme,
Iguessi
tcameoutwr
ong"

Don:"
Nowhat everyouaresayi
ngdoesn'tmakesenseatal
lmuntuwam.In
myperspect
ive,
y ouaresayi
ngthaty
oucannotopenupt omebecausethe
babywasnotmi ne.Doesthatmakesensetoyou?Didn'
tIt
ell
youthatI
'
ll
l
oveyourchi
ldli
kemi ne?"

Me:
"Youdi
d"

Don:"
Thenwhyar eyouact
ingl
ikeaf
ool?Whycan'
tyout
ell
mewher
eit
hur
tssothatIcanhealy
ou?"Donisr
ude.

Me:
"ButDon.
."

Don:
"Fi
rst
lyIam nol
ongerDont
oyoubutPhi
l
ani
andl
ast
lyt
her
e'snobut
"

Me:
"Mmm, whyar
eyouget
ti
ngal
lwor
kedup?Wher
edoesy
ournameget
i
nal
loft
his?
"

Don:"DoyouknowwhatDonmeans?Ishookmyhead."
Itmeansboss,
am
Iyourboss?
"

Me:
"No"

Don:
"Whoam It
oyou?
"
Me:
"Fi
ance,
ComeonDo.
..Imeanbhut
iPhi
l
ani
I'
m sor
ry"

Don:
"Di
smi
ssed"

Me:
"Real
l
y?Wher
ear
eyourf
ri
ends?Andy
ourgr
andmot
her
?"

Don:
"She'
sinherr
oom,
Danki
eandhi
sfr
iendsl
eft
"

Me:
"Youki
ckedt
hem outr
ight
?'

Don:
"No,
Ionl
ytol
dthem t
ocont
inuet
hei
rpar
tysomewher
e"

Me:
"Whatwhy
?Iwant
edt
ogr
eetNonhl
eandZoe"

Don:
"BecauseIwasangr
y"

Me:Il
aughed"
Andnowy
ouar
enol
ongerangr
y?Youar
esodr
amat
icy
ou
know"

Don:
"St
il
lyoul
oveme"

Me:
"Li
l
ithai
sbeaut
if
ul"

Don:
"Mmm"

Me:
"Andshel
ooksl
i
keshest
il
lhav
emoney
"

Don:
"Ohhi
t'
sgr
eatt
obeher
"

Me:
"Ar
egi
vi
nghermoney
?"

Don:"
Ofcour
senot
,Idon'
tknowwher
esheget
sthemoneyandIdon'
t
car
e"

Me:
"It
houghty
ou'
vewi
pedoutal
lheraccount
s"

Don:
"Idi
d."Her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
ows,
what
'sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
"

Me:
"Phi
l
ani
doy
oul
oveme?Doy
ouf
indmesexyandcapt
ivat
ing?
"
Hechokedonhi
sdr
inkandl
ookedatme.

TOBECONTI
NUED…
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER42

OZZI
E

Don:
"Howcany
ouaskmesuchquest
ion?
"

Me:
"NoIwantt
oheary
ou,
sayi
t"

Don:hesighedandpul ledmebet weenhi

sthighs"YouknowthatIloveyou
waytoomuchOzzi e.Andthisthi
ngofyoubeinginsecurewi
llj
ustsendme
away,Iam tr
yingbabybuti t
'sl
ikeyoudonotappreciat
ewhatIdof oryou.I
tookyoui
nandaccept edwithyourbabyeventhoughy out
ri
edtotrapme
withi
t.Wasn'tthatenough?IloveyouwaytomuchandI '
m af
raidi
fyou
keepondoingt hisyou'
lll
oseme."

Me:"Whenwast
hel
astt
imey
ou'
vet
oldmet
hatI
'
m beaut
if
ulandspeci
alt
o
youPhi
lani
?"

Don:
"Ofcour
sey
ouar
ebeaut
if
ulwhatdoy
oumean?
"

Me:
"OhhIsee"

Don:
"Ay
ymanOzzi
ewhat
'supwi
thy
ou?What
'swr
ong?
"

Me:
"Nonot
hing,
goodni
ght
"

Ipackedhisli
psandwenttoshowerthenret
ir
edtobed.Aft
erafew
minutesoftr
yingt
osleep,
Iheardhimtakeashowerthenheki
ssedmy
cheek.Ideci
dedtopr
etendasifI'
m asl
eep.
Him:"Yourbeaut ymesmer i
zesme.Yoursenseofhumorputsasmi l
eon
myf ace.Yourkindnessandcompassionfi
llmewithawe.Thankyoufor
beingallthatIcoul
daskf ori
nawomanandsomuchmor e.Ther
e’sno
otherpersonont hi
searththatI
’
dlovetospendmyl i
fewi
th.ILov
ey ou
gi
rl!"

Ncoooh,
may behe'
sri
ght
.Imustloosenupabi t
,tr
usthi
m andhi
slov
eand
al
soappreci
atehi
seff
ort
.It
urnedandlookedathim.

Me:
"I.
..I
'
m sosor
ry"

Don:"
It
'sokaybabeIgety
ou.AndI
'
m sor
ryt
hatIhadt
omakey
ouf
eel
that
way"

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Don: "Andnomor ecomparingyour

selftoLi
li
thabecausewebothknow
thaty ouarehot
tert
hanher .Andweknowt hati
t'
sallfake,
Iknowshewas
oncemywi feandshouldn'
tspeakbadlyofherbutbabenothi
ngis
fascinati
ngaboutLil
i
tha.Shedoesn'
tturnmeont hewayy oudo,seenow?
"
Igiggledandlookedathim.

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ng"

Don:
"Yuhr
ight
,goodni
ghtsweet
hear
t"

Me:
"Aboutt
heschool
,canwel
ooki
ntoitt
omorr
owmor
ning?Let
'saski
f
t
hey
'l
lbeabl
etoacceptmeint
hemi
ddleofthey
ear
”

Don:
"I'
l
ldoi
t,I
'm pr
oudofy
oulov
e.Andwhenev
ery
ouf
eel
uncomf
ort
abl
e
ar
oundGogoletmeknowokay
"

Me:
"Iwi
l
l"
Don:"
IloveyouandIwanttospendt
her
estofmyl
i
fewi
thy
ou,
youar
emy
worl
d.I
'll
diefory
ousweethear
t"

Me:
"Il
ovey
oumor
ehubby
"

Don:
"Wel
lthatgi
vesmemor
ereasont
osendt
hel
ett
ert
oyourf
ami
l
y"

Me:
"MmmhIl
ovet
hei
deaoft
hat
"

Don:
"I'
l
lcal
lmyuncl
e"

Isnuggl
edi
ntohi
sarmsandsl
ept
.I'
m bl
essedt
ohav
eamanl
i
kehi
m,he
l
ovesmewithmyflaws.

Don.

Myphonerangi
nthemiddl
eoft
heni
ght
,Igent
lypl
acedmysoont
obewi
fe
i
nherpi
ll
owandattendt
oit
.

Me:
"Vuy
ocan'
taper
songetapeacef
ulsl
eepwi
thoutbei
ngdi
stur
bed?
"

Vuy
o:"
Fucky
ou,
Don,
wakeupI
'
m sur
eyou'
dlov
etoheart
hegoodnews"

Me:"
Tel
lmeaboutit
"Igotoutoft
hebedandopenedt
hesl
i
dingdoorand
st
oodbythebal
cony
,Idonotwanttowakeherup.

Vuyo:"Wehav
efoundtheki
l
lerofyourdad"t
hat
'sfuckengr
eatnews.Since
I'
vej
oinedt
heMafiaf
amilyi
nmyl i
feI'
vebeentr
yingtofi
ndthefuckert
hat
ki
ll
edmydad.

Me:
"Whoi
sit
?"

Vuy
o:"
Yourst
epdad.I
'
vegotav
ideoofhi
m bur
yinghi
m al
i
ve"

Me:
"Fuck,
I'
m onmyway
.Wakeev
ery
oneupt
heymustmeetmeatt
he
secr
ethouse"

Idroppedt
hecal
landtookmycarkey s,
Iknowit
'sgoi
ngtobeawarand
therenowayI
'
m goingtolethi
m goawaywitht
hisno.Af
terev
ery
thi
ng,
he
hasdonetomyfatherandme.Letthesadbegi
n!

Itt
ookme2hour st oar
riv
e,eventhoughIwasdriv
ingl
i
keamaniac.The
secrethouseisinthemiddleofnowhere,Ipour
edadri
nkf
ormyselfthen
satont hereser
vedchairforme.

Me:
"Ni
xap?
"

Danki
e:"
I'
m sur
eyoudi
dnotwakeusupj
ustt
ogr
eetus"

Me:
"Wel
lIhav
emanner
sIgr
eetbef
oreget
ti
ngdownt
obusi
ness"

Danki
e:"
Mxm.Coul dn'
tithavewaitedf
ortomorr
ow, l
ookathowI'
m
dr
essed"Ichuckl
edandl ookedathim,
itwasnothi
ngbadatall
.Hewas
weari
ngboxersandav est

Me:
"Okay
,Vuy
ofoundt
heki
l
ler
"

Danki
e:"
Real
l
y?We' v
ebeenworki
ngourbut
tof
fsi
nce.Showuswhat
you'
vegot
"Helookedsorel
i
eved.

Me:
"It
'sCol
ombo.Weear
egoi
ngt
oav
erydanger
ouswar
"

Danki
e:"
What
!!y
ourmot
her
'ssi
deki
ck?
"

Me:
"Fucky
ou,
yesherhusband"

Danki
e:"
Damn.He'
sscr
ewed"

Me:
"Weal
lknowhowwel
lknownhei
sri
ght
?Heper
sonal
l
ytr
ainedmeI
t
hinki
twi
l
lbeeasyt
otakehi
m outaccor
dingt
omyknowl
edge"

Danki
e:"
Sal
utemyman"

Vuy otookhislaptopandshowust hevideoofhowheki ll

edhim.Iswear
myhandswer eshakingaft
erseeingthevideo.Vei nswer epoppi ngoutand
tremblinginanger.Iquickl
ytookacigarandl ightitin.Hefir
sthadhi m
eatenbywi lddogsandmadehi m digaholef orhi mself,
hecriedand
groanedi npainwhenhi sfl
eshcamei ncont actwi thsoil
.Hemadesur e
thathedoesnotcov erhisheadbutonlyhisbody .Hemadesur et hathe
driveshiscaront opofhim, Icl
osedmyey esaf terseeinghisbl oodand
braintogethercomingoutofhi shead.Why ?Whywoul dhekillhim so
painful
?Whatdi dhedot ohim?Iscreamedandpunchedt hewal l.

Me:
"Weneedapl
ant
otakehi
m out
"

Danki
e:"
Youar
eri
ght
,ar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lyourmot
herabouti
t?"

Me:
"Noi
twi
l
lbr
eakher
.

Fat
herwast
hel
oveofherl
i
fe.Idonotwantt
ost
ressher
"

Danki
e:"
Iheary
ou,buty
ouknowthathe'
stheonewhomadesurethaty
ou
rul
eGaut
eng.Doyouthi
nkt
hathewon'tt
urnever
yoneagai
nsty
ou?
"

Me:"I
'm notamoder
ngangst
erandy
ouknowi
t,br
o.I
'
m aSat
anhi
msel
f,
I
'm asavage"Igr
owl
ed.

Danki
e:"
Wai
t,don'
tgoal
lDononme.Weneedabackupt
eam.
"

Me:
"Andmor
eguns.Everycl
osememberofourf amil
yneedstoownagun.
Weall
knowt
hathe'
sgoingtouseourweaknessesagainstus"

Danki
e:"
Youneedt
otr
ainy
ourgi
rl
fr
iend.Ther
eisnot
ime"
Vuyo:"
Don'
tyout
hinkthatwecanki
ll
himthef
ourofus?I
ncl
udi
ngal
otof
peopl
ewil
lmakehim bri
beoneoft
hem t
henwhat?
"

Me:"Youar
eright
,sni
pperti
ppedmeabouthist
ruckthatwi
l
lar
ri
vel
ateron
Fr
iday.Weneedtohavehim wher
eithur
tthemost"

Danki
e:"
Thegun-
smuggl
i
ngt
ruck?Wecanhi
j
acki
tbef
orei
tget
stohi
m"

Me:"
Yes,hij
acki
ngt
hatt
ruckwi
l
lmakehi
m hav
eanenemy
.Weal
lknow
howheacts"

Vuyo:"
Yeshe'sgoi
ngt obl
amet hegunssuppli
erandweallknowthathe
solv
esthematterwi
thkil
li
ng.Thenboom whenhe'sbusyconcent
rati
ngon
taki
ngthegunssuppl
ieroutwegethim wherehe'
snotexpecti
ngi
t"

Me:
"Yes.I
'
m goi
ngt
otakeadr
ive.Youcangobackwewi
l
lcont
inue
t
omorr
ow"

Danki
e:"
Don'
tst
resst
oomuchhomi
e"

Me:
"NoI
'
m ov
erhi
sdeat
h.Ionl
ywantt
hatmot
herf
uckert
opay
."

Danki
e:"
Hewi
l
l"

Inoddedatwenttomycar.I
t'
sbeenawhi
lesinceI
'vebeent
omyf
ather
’s
grave,I
'l
lmakeaday
,goandseehim.Whatbother
smesomuchiswhydid
hekill
him?That'
swhatIwantt
oknow.

WhenIar
ri
vehomeIqui
ckl
ywentt
osl
eep.

I
nthemor
ning
Ozzi
e

IwasinDon'
shol
dwhenIwakeup.It
ri
edt
ogetoutofhi
shol
dbuthewas
hol
dingmesoti
ght.

Me:
"Babe"

Don:
"Mmmm"

Me:"Letmegoofme.Remembery
ourgr
andmot
heri
sher
eandIhav
eto
showthatI
'
mlovabl
e"

Don: "
Mmmhshar p"het urnedandl ookedattheot herside.Ilaughedand
wenttowashmyf acealongwi thmyt eet
h.It'
stimeIst artt
reatingmyf ace
again,t
histhi
ngofbei ngadmi ttedt othehospi t
alandmama' sf uner
al
mademenegl ectmy sel
f.Yester dayIdidn'
tev engetthechancet omake
surethatNaledihassettledinwel l.I'
l
lgoandcheckonher ,andohhIwon' t
beabletogot othechur ch.Ther e’
sNal ediandIwantt omakesur eshehas
sett
ledin.Todaywewi l
lbegoi ngt oschool t
ogetherr egisteredandalso
checkifitwil
lbepossiblef ormet obeaccept ed.

Iwenttothekit
chentomakebr eakfast.Therewasnoonei nt
hekit
chen
bi
ngo!Thiswill
showherhowdedi cat
edIam, Ihonest
lylov
eDonIwi l
ldo
everyt
hingt
onotbreakmyr elat
ionshi
pwi thhim.Idecidedtocookporr
idge
andplacedthebowlsontopoft hetabl
e.Gr andmothercameinjustaf
terI
pull
edthepotoutofthestove.

Me:“Goodmorning”shekeptqui
et.Thatwasawkwar
d.“
Gogo,
Igr
eet
ed
you”Ismi
ledandlookedather
Gogo:
“AndIhear
dyou.Idi
dn’
tfeel
li
kegr
eet
ingy
ouback,
ist
hatasi
n?"

Me:
“Gramswi t
hallduer
espect,
I’
vedonenothi
ngtoyou.Youdon’
tknow
meandIrespecty
ouasmyel derbuti
f”shet
urnedtome

Gogo:“I
fwhat?I
fnothing.Didyouthi
nkIwi l
ll
ov eyouafterwhatyoudidto
Lil
i
tha?Youcameandbr okehermar ri
age.Youar esoyoungt obethatvi
le”
Ishookmyheadandi gnoredher.Iwasn’
tthattouched,Ichosetoavoidher
toavoi
darguments.Iwil
lbekindtoherevent houghshedoesn’tli
keme.I
havenothi
ngagai
nsther.IloveDonandDonl ovesher.

Me:“Ar
ey ouhungr
y?CanIdi
shi
tupf
ory
ou?Ihear
dol
dpeopl
elov
e
por
ri
dge?”Iasked.

Gogo:
“Youwantt
opoi
sonmet
hesamewayy
oupoi
sonedmyson?
”

Me: “
Ididn’tpoisonPhilani.I
twasn’tmyintenti
ontof al
linlovewit
hhim”
shewasn’ thavinganyoft hat.Isi
ghedandcont i
nuewi thwhatIwasdoi ng.
Shekeptgoi ngonabouthowsl utandhomewr eckerIam, sheevenwentf ar
assayingt hati
t'sagoodt hingthatmychilddied.Itwouldbeapi t
yforhim
tohaveamot herlikeme, Iswearthathi
thome, itt
ouchedmyhear t
.Just
aft
ereverythingI'm doi
ngt oatleastf
orgetabouthi sdeathandthi
s
happens?Icont inuedtobedownandki nd.“Iam notgoingt ofi
ghtwit
h
you”

Gogo:
“Whyar
eyousoki
ndt
ome?

Me:“Iam ki
ndbecauseIwantust
ogett
ogetal
ong,
justf
ort
hesakeof
Phi
l
ani"

Gogo:
“Idon’
twantust
ogett
oknoweachot
her
.Can’
tyouhearme?
”

Me:
“Ithur
tmet
oheary
out
alkl
i
ket
hat
.Ihav
edonenot
hingwr
ongt
oyou”

Gogo:“Justkeepquiet
”Whenwewer ebusytal
ki
ngorr atherfight
ingDon
walkedinandstoppedthefi
ght
.Iwasn'
thonestl
yfi
ghtingwi thheratall
,I
am notgoingtodisr
espectt
hewomant hatDonlovesandl ooksupt o.I
t'
s
cl
earthatDonlovesherhencehetol
dheraboutthemiscar ri
age.
DON

IfoundOzzi
eandGogo,f
ighti
ng.I
twasn’tpleasanttowat
chthem fi
ght
ingI
cannotkeepourwi
tht
hei
rfight
,I'
m angryandhurtIdonotneedthem t
o
stressmeatthemoment
.I'
vegotal ott
odeal with.

Me:“Andwhyareyoutwofight
ing?Icanhearyoufrom myroom”bef
oreI
cont
inuedmyphonerang.Itwasmyst ep-
fat
her,Colombo,
Idebat
ed
whethert
oanswerornot.

Colombo:“
Ihearyouwantt
otakemeout”Ii
nstantl
ybecametense,
Isear
thi
sguywil
lbethedeat
hofme.Butbef
oreIdieI'
ll
personal
l
ymakesure
thatwebot
hgodown?

Me:“OhhIseeyoualr
eadybri
beoneofmyown"Ihadtopl
ayalong,
andnot
showhimthatI
'
m pissed.Whoev
erdoubl
e-cr
ossedmewil
lhav
emet odeal
wit
h.

Col
ombo:
“Ri
ght
"

Me:"LookCol
omboy oubettermakesurethaty
ouarear
medever
ywhere
yougobecauseitabouttogodownt rustme.AndIwoul
dn'
tmi
ndstar
ti
ng
wit
hthatspoi
ltbr
atifyours"Ismir
ked,onl
yifhecoul
dseeme.

Colombo:
"You'
ll
neverkil
lyourl
i
ttl
esi
ster
"Me:
"Tr
yme.I
'
ddoany
thi
ngt
o
avengemyfat
her'
sdeath"

Col
ombo:
"Tool
ate"

Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"

Col
ombo:
"Let
'ssayYou'
l
lbesi
ngi
ngdi
ff
erentt
unesi
naf
ewmi
nut
es.
"
Fuck!!Iquicklyhungupandl ookedatOzz i
e,shewasbusydishingupfor
thekids.Iquickl
ypushedherandcol l
idewithheronthefloor
,shehalf
screamedbutqui ckl
ystoppedwhenshehear dagunsoundandav ase
breakingonthef l
oor.Thatbull
etwasmeantf orherandnotgrandmother
,
whenIl ookedupt ohershehadt ear
si nhereyes,
shelookedsoscaredand
angry.

Ozzi
emanagedt
ogetoutofherhol
dandlookedatmef umi
ngwi
thanger
,I
mustadmi
tmybabyl
ooksmor ecut
erwhenshe'sangr
y.

Gogo:
"Seewhatj
usthappenedPhi
l
ani?Didn'
tIt
ell
yout
oleav
ethi
sli
fe?
Ayymansoitout
"shestoodupandlef
t.

Ozzi
e:"
Whatjus..
."Bef
oreshecouldgoonwi
thherquest
ionl
wet
huandt
he
ki
dscamerunningdownt hest
air
s.

Lwet
hu:
"Whathappened?Dad,
wehear
dthenoi
sef
rom ourbedr
oom"

Me:
"Umm Ozzi
elostt
hest
epandf
ell
"

Lwet
hu:
"Whatar
eyouokay
?"

Ozzi
e:"
I'
mfi
ne.I
'
llbef
inebabi
es"

Nal
edi
:"Ar
eyousur
e?"

Ozzi
e:"
Yes"shef
akedasmi
l
e

Lwet
hu:
"Ify
ousayso"
Ozzi
e:“
Don’tst
ress.Iam fi
ne,okay”shelookedatmewi
tht
hatey
e,Iwant
yout
oexplainwhatthefuckjusthappened.She'
sgoi
ngt
okil
lmeforsur
e.

Lwet
hu:
“Canwegoandeati
nourr
oom?
”

Ozzie:“I
t’
sf i
ney oucango”LwethuandNal ediaregetti
ngalong.Ithought
theywouldst ruggl
ebuttheconnect
ionjustkickedin.Lwethuwashappy
foroncethatshehassomeoneheragei nthehouse, someonet ot al
kto
andv entto.Someonet oconf
essfeeli
ngsandt al
ktowithoutfeel
ing
ashamedorshy .

TOBECONTI
NUED…
THANDAZI
LE.

CHAPTER43

OZZI
E.

Donexpl ai
nedaboutt hebul l
ett hatmi ssedme, hehadt ot hewasnowayI
wasgoi ngtol ethim goj ustl i
ket hatwi thoutgivingmeanexpl anation,ev en
thoughIdi dn'tunder standany thing, whydi dColomboki lledhisfather?I
feelli
ket heismuchi nfointot hisandIdeser vet oknowev ery
thing.Later
todayaf terwer et
urnedf r
om t heschool mor eguar dscameandsur rounded
thewhol eyard, It
hinkwear egoi ngt or eal warandDonneedst opr otect
thekids.That 'swhatmat tersmor e, thegoodnewsi sthatwear ebot h
accept edbutf r
om differentschool s.Nal ediwil
lbeat tendi ngboarding
school, she'
ssohappyandshecannotwai tt
ost ar
tlearni ng.Iam also
accept edatt hecol l
egewher eI'
ll beat tending.starti
ngf rom Monday ,I'
m
defini
telystartingtowor khar df ormyf uture,Donpr omi sedt ogetmea
tutorthatwi llbehelpingmewi thwhatI 'l
l bestr
uggl i
ngwi thmoreespeci all
y
mat hsl i
t,t
hat '
swhatI '
m st r
uggl ingwi t
h.Ihav en'tthoughtaboutwhatI 'l
ldo
aftermat ri
cbutIwast hi
nkingoft eaching, It
hinkIcanf itfrom t
hatcar eer
besideswat chingpeopl ebleedt odeat ht hat'
snotwhatIwant ,I
'
m so
scaredofbl ood.

"Whatar
eyouthinki
ngabouthun?"If
elthi
m wrappedhisboldar
msar ound
mybody.Isi
ghedandcontinuedl
ookingoutofthewindow,hear
ingt
he
soundofbi
rdschir
pingi
ssocalming.

Me:
"Hey
,youback?
"Ii
nhal
edhi
scol
ogne.

Don:
"Yes,
babeIhav
etot
eachy
ouhowt
ouseagun"
Me:
"Huh?
"

Don:"
Yes,y
ouaremysoontobewi f
e.You'
ll
bei nv
olvedwi
thgunsandi
n
cr
imes,t
oprot
ecty
our
selfagai
nstanyharmy ouneedagun"

Me:
"No.Babe,
Ican'
townagunandIdonotwantagun"

Don:"Icannotalwaysbewi t
hyoualltheti
meThandazil
e.Youcan'tdepend
onmewi t
hev er
ythi
ng,whydoIal wayshavetof
orceyoutodothingsthat
wil
lhelpyouattheend? "Igotoutofhishol
dandlookedathi
m.

Me:
"Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"

Don:"
Youaresel
fi
sh,
youonl
ythi
nkf
ory
our
sel
fnoact
ual
l
yyoudon'
tthi
nk
atal
lmylov
e"

Me:
"Whyar
eyoubei
ngsor
ude?
"

Don:"NoI'
m not,
Itol
dyouInt
hefi
rstpl
acet
hatdat
ingmecomeswi
thal
ot
ofbaggage,andwhatdi
dyousay
?"

Me:"WellIsai
dI'
l
lbepr
epar
edf
orwhat
evert
hatwi
l
ltr
ytodest
royour
r
elat
ionshipormyfami
l
y"

Don:
"Ther
eyouhav
eit
,ber
eadyI
'
m goi
ngt
otakeashower
"

Me:
"Don'
tyouwantmet
ojoi
nyou?
"Ismi
rked

Don:
"Letmesee.
..Umm no"

Me:
"Fucky
ou"

Irai
sedmymi ddlef
ingerathim anddisappear
edtothecl oset,Il
efthim
l
aughing.Idecidedtochangeintosomet hingmorecomf ortabl
ethanwhatI
waswear i
ng.Onl yi
fIwasstil
lpregnant,Iknowhe'dneverforcemet olear
n
howt oshoot.I'
m notgoingtobei nv
olvedinhi
scultbutI'l
ltakeagunt o
prot
ectmeandmyf amil
ythat'
sall.Andaftert
his,
Ineedhi mt ositdown
wi
thmeandexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ngf
rom At
oZ!

Isatontopoft
hebedandwaitedforhimtocomeoutoftheshower,he
cameoutwithatowelar
oundhiswaistandwat
erdr
ippi
ngfrom hi
sface.
Helookedsosexyandyummy,Isnappedoutoft
henegati
vethought
sand
l
ookedathim.

Me:
"Phi
l
ani
,youar
ewet
ti
ngt
hecar
pet
"Il
ookedathi
m.

Don:
"Youar
ely
ingmywoman.Don'
tyouwantaqui
cki
ebef
orewego?
"

Me:
"No,
I'
veal
readydr
essed,
youshoul
dtoo.You'
l
lfi
ndmedownst
air
s"

Don:"
Pleasesweet
hear
t"Igi
ggl
edandl
ookedathi
sbeggi
ngey
es.Those
hugeeyeswerenowredandsmall

Me:"
Nope,sui
teyour
sel
fbr
o.Isuggesty
ougoandt
akeacol
dshower
"I
st
oodupandtookmyphone

Don:
"Shoul
dIkneel
?Baby
,I'
m beggi
ngy
ou"

Me:
"Okayl
ater
"

Don:
"I'
vegotameet
ingwi
tht
hecr
ew.Someonei
stast
ingmygoodhear
t"

Me: "
Wellyouwi nsomey oul
osesome.By ehoney"Igi
ggledandwentt o
makesomet hingtosnackwithwhi
leIwaitforhimtofi
nish,medepr iv
ing
hi
m ofhisneedswasawayofpuni shi
nghim.Donwasr ude,toorudeear l
ier
aboutthegunt hi
ng,I
'
m hisfi
ance,
nothisfri
endheshouldn'ttal
kwi t
hme
asifhe'
sont opofthetreeno!I
fhedoesn'thavemannersthenI'l
lteach
hi
m manner s.

_
___
___
___
_
Don:
"Wecango"heki
ssedmycheekandt
ookasweetf
rom mybowl
.

Me:"
Umm don'tyouthi
nkyou'
veov
erdr
essed?
"Igotof
fthehi
ghchai
rand
l
ookathi
sface,I
'
mt ooshortt
obemorespeci
fic.

Don:
"Whatdoy
oumean.Whydi
dn'
tyouchoseanout
fi
tformet
hen?
"

Me:"
Babe.It
'sl
ikeyou'
vejustcomeoutofthemagazinethewayyouare
l
ooki
ng.Guys!guyscl
aphandsf orme!Iwonalott
o!"Donwasfoll
owing
meallar
oundasIwasshout ingandr
unningout
sideIseartheguardswer
e
l
ooki
ngatmeasi fI'
m cr
azy .

Don:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?I
'
m dat
ingaphy
scol
ana"

Me:"Youar
esohandsomemyl ove.If
ailt
obel i
evethaty
ouaremi ne.I
meanoutofallt
hebeaut
if
ulgi
rl
sinthewor l
dy ouchoseme,arandom girl
f
rom KZNwithoutaf
utur
efrom apoorbackground?I'
mtrul
yblessed,Il
ove
yousomuch,babe"

Don: "
Ncoooh"hepull
edmetohisarmsandhuggedme.Onet hi
ngI'
m
addict
edaboutDonishiscol
ogne."
Bukababe,Il
oveyourcr
azyassokay?I
l
ovey ousomuchI '
m notamanofmanywor dsbutIl
oveyouandIcannot
waittomakey oumywi f
e"

Me:
"Il
ovewayt
oomuchMr
.Dl
ami
ni"

Don:"
Gonethecrazi
estOzzi
e.It
hinkIl
ovet
hesweetOzzi
e"hesai
d
openi
ngthedoorforme.

Me:"WowI
'
m dat
ingagent
leman.That
'ssosweetofy
ouMr
"Ismi
l
edand
goti
n.

I
'
m notaf
anofcar
s,whatIcant
ell
youi
sthatt
odaywewer
eusi
ngAudi
.

Me:
"Babewher
e'st
hegunsot
hatIcandot
hewar
m-ups?Isai
dst
ret
chi
ng
myar
ms

Don:
hel
aughedandt
ooki
toutf
rom hi
scarseat
.

Me:"
Umm wait,
areyousur
ethati
twon'
tshootatal
l
?Ist
hesaf
eon?
"Isai
d
t
aki
ngitf
rom hi
m,shiti
sbi
theavy
.

Don:
"Don'
tsweatt
hear
enobul
l
ets.Doy
oul
ovei
t?"

Me:"No,
it'
snotmyt
ype.It
houghty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
ogi
vemeAK-
47not
t
hissmallt
hing"

Don:"
OhhLor
d"hel
aughedandr
oll
downt
hewi
ndow.Hecont
inued
l
aughi
ng

Me:
"Whyar
eyoul
aughi
ng?
"

Don:"
NoI'
mjustshockedt
haty
ouwantAK-
47.Babey
hoobutbabe"he
l
aughed

Me:
"Cany
oupl
easest
opl
aughi
ng"Ir
ubbedhi
sthi
ghs

Don:
"Youwantmet
ocauseanacci
dentr
ight
?"

Me:"No.Thatwasmywayofstoppi
ngyoufrom t
hel
aught
ert
haty
ou'
ve
j
ustburst
.Anywayyouwer
etr
yingtoexpl
aingoon"

Don:
"No.AK-
47istoobi
gfory
ousweet
hear
t,l
et'
sfi
rstusesni
pper
sandal
l
ki
ndofsmall
guns"

Me:
"Fi
ne,
youwantmet
obey
ourbonni
e?"

Don:
"AndIam y
ourCl
yde"Il
ookedathi
m andl
aughed.

Me:
"Toget
herwear
eBonni
eandCl
yde"Igi
ggl
ed.

Wet al
kedunti
lwearr
ivedatwher
et heyteacht
hei
rnewmembershowto
shoot,
fight
,hi
j
ack,
steal,
andever
ything.Idi
dwell
bywear
ingl
eggi
ngsor
el
seIwoul
dn'
tcopewi
thcl
i
mbi
ngal
lthosest
epsi
njeans.

Hegavemegl ov
estowearonmyhandsandsomethi
ngt
oclosemyear s.
Hesaidgunssoundmaydamagemyears,hegav
emeagunandl eadme
towheret
hewasbottl
es,
cans,
andapict
ureofanani
mal
'sf
ace.Ilooked
athi
m.

Me:
"Ar
eyousur
eyouwantmet
odoi
t?"

Don:"Umm yes"hecametowhereIwasstandi
ngandholdmywaist
."I
'm
gi
vingyouthi
sguntouseitwheneveryouf
eelt
hreat
enedokay
?"Herubbed
myshoulder,
Inoddedandrecei
vedit
.

Me:
"Thanky
ou"

Don:
"Fi
rstt
hingy
oucheckwhet
heri
tisl
oadedornotokay
"

Me:
"Yuh"heshowedmehowt
oloadt
hebul
l
etsi
nthegun.

Don:
"Secondl
yyou

Tr
eatev
erygunasi
fitwer
eloaded.

Makesur
ethatanyguni
sALWAYSpoi
ntedi
nasaf
edi
rect
ion.

Nev
erpoi
ntagunatany
thi
ngy
oudonoti
ntendt
odest
roy
.

Beawar
eofy
ourt
arget
,andwhatl
i
esbey
ondi
t.
Whenshooti
ngtar
gets,
besurethatt
hereisabackst
opbehindthetarget
hi
ghenoughandsoli
denoughtostoptheproj
ect
il
es.Thebackstopshould
befr
eeofhardobj
ectstoav
oidri
cochets.

Al
way
sensur
eyourguni
sopenandunl
oadedbef
orehandi
ngi
ttoany
one.

Whil
ehunti
ng,al
waysopenandunl
oady
ourgunbef
orecl
i
mbi
ngunderor
ov
erafence,l
og,orst
ream.

Whil
ehunt
ing,
alway
sbeabl
etoi
dent
if
yyourgamebef
orey
oupul
lthe
t
ri
gger.

Nevershootatoroveropenwaterwit
hanyt
hingothert
hanashot
gun
l
oadedwi t
hbirdshot
.Bull
etswi
l
l gl
anceof
fwaterandfl
ywil
dly
.

Al
cohol
andf
ir
ear
msdonotmi
x

Heledmetohiscaraft
ert
hewholeshoot
ing.I
'
m pr
oudt
osayt
hatI
'
m
get
ti
ngther
e,soonI'
l
lbeanexper
t!

Don:"
Doy oumindkeepingyour
sel
fbusywit
hyourphone?Ther
e's
somethi
ngIneedtodiscusswit
hthegent
s"

Me:
"NoIdon'
t"
Don:
"Shar
p,cal
lmewheny
ougetbor
ed"

Me:
"Justgo.Idonotmi
ndwai
ti
ng"

Hekissedmyforeheadandwalkedaway
,Il
ockedthecardoorsandtooka
nap.Ineedi
taf
terlear
ninghowtoshoot
?Infact
,Ineedabeverage
somethingt
oburnmyt hroat
.

Don.

Me:
"Weneedt
otakehi
m outasi
nnow"

Danki
e:"
YesIgety
ou,
boss.Butweneedaper
fectpl
an"

Me:
"Someonef
uckent
oldhi
mthatIknow"

Vuy
o:"
Tookcareofi
t.I
twasCJ"Wi t
houtVuyowearenothi
ngint
hist
eam.
He'
sal
waystenst
epsahead.That
'swhatIadmi
reabouthim.

Danki
e:"
Wecameupwi
thani
dea.
"

Me:
"El
abor
ate"It
ookasi
pfr
om t
hewhi
skey
.

Danki
e:"
Thi
swi
llbemucheasi
er,
wedonothavetohi
jackt
hetrucknt
on
nt
on.Weneedsomeonewhocanworkunder
coveri
nhishouse"

Me:
"Wecangetany
onet
odot
hat
"

Danki
e:"
That
'st
het
hing.Weneedsomeonet
hathecanbel
i
eve"

Me:
"Whoi
sit
?"

Danki
e:"
Ozzi
e"Ispl
asht
hedr
inkt
hatwasi
nmymout
hout
.

Me:
"Yougott
obeki
ddi
ngme"
Danki
e:"
Nol
ookDon.I
twi
l
lbeeasyf
orhi
mtot
rusther
"

Me:
"No!Ther
e'snowayI
'
mincl
udi
ngmywi
fei
nal
loft
his"

Vuyo:"
Iagr
eewit
hDankie.Thepl
anofhij
acki
nghi
struckwil
ltakeal
otof
ti
me.Whatwil
lbehappeni
ngatthatt
ime?Morepeopl
ewill
bedy i
ngthi
nk
abouti
t"

Me: "
No,I'l
lfi
ndawayt okil
lhi
m."Ist
oodupandst or
medout.Theyar
e
crazyift
heythinkt
hatI'
ll
sendmygi r
linli
ons'den.Yes,
Iwanttosee
Colombodownonhi skneesandbeggingformercybutOzzi
eisnotgoing
undercover.I
t'
sdanger
ousandshe'sacowar d!

TOBECONTI
NUED!
..
..

230COMMENTSFORBONUSI
NSERT!
!!

.
Thandazi
l
e

Chapt
er44

Aweekl
ater

Thingshasbeengoi ngwel lonmysi de,Ihav est art

edgoi ngt oschool I
'
m
catchingup.Iev enwentt ot hechur cht hatthedoct orref
er redmet o.I
mustsayI 'm starti
ngt oenjoyi tthereev enthoughi tcausedaf ight
betweenIandDon, I'mfai
lingt ounder standwhyhehat est hatchur chso
much.Nal edi sett
ledwel l
atboar dingschool ,Ithinkshel ov esitt here
becauseadaydoesn' tpasswi t
houtherupdat ingherWhat sAppst atus,
seeingt hatshe' sgoingtoanexpensi veschool t
hathav espoi l
tbr atsI
decidedt ogi vehermyphone.Wi tht hemont hlymoneyt hatIr ecei vefrom
Don, Imanagedt ogetmy sel fanewphone.Not hingfancybuty et
expensiv e.Donhasbeenwor ki
nghi sbut tofftryi
ngt okil
l hisdad, i
t'swor se
thatIhav et ogowi ththeguar dsev er ywher eIgo.Theyar e3butt hose2
makesur et hatnoonemustnot i
cet hem t hattheyar ewithme, tryi
ngt o
confuset heenemy .Todayi t
'sSat urdayandI 'm meet ingwi thNonhl eand
Zoe, Idon'thav eanyi deawhati tisaboutbutt heonl ywayt ofindouti st o
acceptt heirinvit
e.Forsaf etyandnott or egretit,Donsenthi sGr andmot her
backhome.Af t
erhav i
ngbr eakf astaloneofcour seIwentt owasht he
dishes,thingswi t
hDonandIhasbeenonandof fforwhatIdon' tknow, we
areal way sfighti
ngsomet i
mesheuset heguestr oom andsl eepal one, i
t'
s
sof r
ustrat i
ngandt hekidsar est arti
ngt onot icet hemood.

Iwenttotakeawarm bat
handwor emyclothes,not
hingmuchj ustat
op
andjean,
Iwor et
heneckl
aceandfini
shtheoutfi
twit
hblacksandals.When
Igotoutofthecl
osetIf
oundhim ontopofthebedlookinguptheceil
ing.I
i
gnoredhi
m andwenttoputmyphoneinsi
det
hesl
i
ngbag,
whenIpassed
hi
m hegrabbedmyhandandstoodup.

Don:
"Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"

Me:
"Wher
eI'
m happy
,canIpl
easego?
"

Don:"
BabehowcanIpr
otecty
ouwhenIdonotknowwher
eyouar
e
goi
ng?"

Me:
"Don'
twor
ryy
out
aughtmehowt
oshootf
orar
eason"

Don:
"BabeI'
m sor
ry,
canwepl
easet
alk?
"Oh,
whenhef
eel
li
ket
alki
ng?I
'
m
t
ir
edofhisbehavi
or

Me: "
Whenyoufeell
i
keit
?ListenPhil
ani
I'
m notasangomanorpr
ophet
,I
cannotpr
ophetwhyarey
ousleepingint
heguestr
oom andsometi
mesdo
notcomeback.WhathaveIdonetoyou?Am Idi
sgusti
ng?
"

Don:
"Noi
t'
snotl
i
ket
hatsweet
hear
t,come"hepul
l
edmet
osi
tont
hebed.

Me:
"Tal
k.Ihav
etogo"

Don:"Umm, I'
m st
ressedbabyColombokeptoutawor dthatIam afterhi
s
assandnowt hewhol eDurbanassociati
onisaftermyli
fe.Ionl
yhave
Gautengonmysi deandi ti
snotenoughandf orhi
mtobackoutf rom the
missionofki
ll
ingmei stosignever
ythingthatIhavet
ohi m andther
e'sno
wayI'm goi
ngtodot hat
"

Me:"
Don'tgi
vehim whaty
ou'
vewor
kedhar
dfor
.Hav
eyouf
indawayt
o
t
akehim down?
"

Don:
"Nobutt
here'
sonewayt
hatIdonott
hinki
twi
l
lpass"hel
i
ckedhi
s
l
owerli
pandl
ookedatme.

Me:
"Why
?"
Don:
"Idon'
twantt
oputy
ourl
i
fei
ndangerbabe"

Me:
"Don'
twor
ryaboutme,
hun.I
'
m saf
eI'
vegott
heguar
dsont
hel
ookout
"

Don:"
Noyouarenotsafebecausey ou'
l
lhavetogotohi
shouseandwor
k
under
cov
er"Il
ookedathim shockedandstoodup.

Me:"Yourideai
slame.Yourdadi
snotaf
ool
hewi
l
lseei
tthr
oughmet
hat
I
'm worki
ngundercov
er"

Don: "Nohewon'tHun.Letmetell
you.You'l
lhav
et ogotohi
shouse
bruisedandpret
endthatIhavebeatenyouup.Mamal i
kesyouandI'
m sure
she'llpi
tyy
ouandtakey oui
nandI '
l
l gi
veyouapoisont
hatwil
ltakehi
m out
withinabli
nkofaneye"

Me:"Br
uised?HayDonthat
'st
oomuchy
ouknowhowscar
edofbei
ng
beat
enIam.Andy ouwanttohi
tme"

Don:
"Youwon'
tfeel
any
thi
ngbutt
heaf
ter
pai
nswi
l
lbet
her
e.Ipr
omi
se"

Me:"I
'
llbeputt
ingmylif
eindanger
,doy
ouwantmet
odi
e?I
'
m sur
ethey
hav
ecamer asinthehouse"

Don:
"Vuy
owi
l
ltakecar
eoft
hat
"

Me:
"Ir
eal
l
ydon'
tknowcanIpl
easet
hinkabouti
t?"

Don:
"It
'sokaymyl
ove.Don'
tfeel
toof
orcedokay
?Youdonothav
etodoi
t
i
fyoudonotwantt
o"

Me:
"Butmyf
ami
l
y'sl
i
vesar
eatst
akeher
e"

Don:
"Youar
eri
ght
,that
'swhyI
'
m st
ressed"

Me:
"I'
m goi
ngout
,ZoeandNonhl
einv
itedmef
orl
unch"

Don:"
Don'
tfor
gett
otakey
ourdr
iver
.Andt
hist
hingofy
ougoi
ngt
othat
chur
chneedstost
op"

Me:
"But
..
."Ideci
dedt
okeepqui
etandsentt
oopent
hedoor
.
Don:
"Babebef
orey
ougo.I
'
m sor
ry"

Me:
"For
"

Don:"
Ignori
ngy
ouandnotsl
eepi
ngi
nthesamer
oom wi
thy
ou.I
twas
uncal
l
edf or
"

Me: "
Nexttimewheny ouar
estr
essedorwhensomet
hingi
sbot
her
ingy
ou
t
alk.Pleasetal
k"Isai
dandwentout

Iinstr
uct
edthedri
verwher
eIwasgoing.Theyhav
eal
readychosent
he
table,
Icatwal
kedtowheretheywer
eseated.

Zoe:
"Ozzi
e,hey
"shegotupf
rom herseatandembr
acemei
nherar
ms.

Me:"HiZoehowar
eyou?
"Il
etgoofherandsi
tdown.Nonhl
ewasbusyon
herphone"

Nonhl
e:"HeyOzzi
e"hersoul
wasdown.She'
snott
hesameNonhl
eIknow,
somet
hingisdefi
nit
elywr
ongwi
thher
.

Me:
"What
'swr
ong?
"

Nonhl
e:"Nothi
ng,I
'mj
ustst
ressedaboutmywei
ght
"Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
ow,
herwei
ghtisjustt
hewayshewantit
.

Zoe:"
SomeoneforgotIknowher
.Comeonchop-
chopwhat
'swr
ong?
"She
cl
appedherhands

Me:
"May
bewewi
l
lbeabl
etohel
pyou.
"

Nonhle:shesighedandplacedherphoneontopofthetable,awai
tercame
andgaveusmenus.Wedeci dedtoorderabott
leofwinewhi l
ewecheck
outmeals.Honestly,
I'
m notint
hemoodofget ti
ngdrunk,Ineedt
o
part
ici
patetonight
."Makeupsex"that
'swhatI
'
m goingtogivemyfiance
Nonhle:"
Icheatedonmyhusband"wekeptquietandl ookedather,Iguess
wewer ebothshocked"IswearIdi
dn'
tmeanto,Idon'tevenknowhowI
endedupinthebedwi thhi
m.Hewasaskingtouset het oi
letandnextthi
ng
I'
m moaninghisname,"shesaidi
tsoqui
ckl
y

Me:
"OkayokayNonhl
ebr
eat
h"

Nonhl
e:"
No,
mymar r
iageisaboutt
oendhere.Icanf
eel
itDanki
ewi
l
lki
l
l
meOhhGod"Zoewasquiet,
try
ingtoadj
ustt
henewsIassume.

Nonhl
e:"
Ain'
tyougoi
ngt
osaysomet
hingZoe?
"

Zoe:"You'
reaslut
,ahoeaft
erwhatDanki
ehasdonefory
ou?Youwer e
nothi
ngNonhlenobodywantedyoubutDanki
etooky
ouinregar
dlessof
howy ouwere.Whyareyoucruel
"

Nonhle:
"I'
m sor
ryZoeIdi
dn'
tmeanto.Itwasami st
ake"shecried,
I
sear
chedmybagandcameacr ossatissue.Iqui
ckl
ytookitoutandgav
e
her

Zoe:"
I'
m nottheoney
oushoul
dapol
ogi
est
o.Tel
ldanki
ethet
rut
hhe
deser
vesit
."

Nonhl
e:"
NoIcan'
t,
Ican'
tatal
lhewi
l
lki
l
lme.Pl
easeZoe"

Zoe:"NoNonhle,Il
oveyou.Youar
emyf r
iendbutwheni
tcomesto
cheati
ngIenternowher
e"sherai
sedherhands.Ahh,
Don'
sgi
rl
fr
iendi
s
watchingbi
skophere.

Nonhl
e:"
Okay
,canwepl
easekeepi
ttoour
sel
ves?
"Shewi
pedhert
ear
s
andbl
owhernose.

Zoe:"
Ithi
nkI'
mreadyt
oorder"sher
aisedherhandandcall
edthewai
ter
.
Wewer eatMoomoorest
aurant.Weallor
deredbur
gersandfr
iesal
ong
wit
hchips.
Wewereinthemiddleoff
ini
shingourfoodwhenNomhl
e'
sphonebeeped,
shest
art
ledandquickl
yat
tendedtoit
.

Nonhl
e:"
No,nono"tearswer
ecomi
ngoutasshest
oodupandr
anout
l
eavi
ngherphonebehind.

Zoe:
"Andt
hen?
"

Me:
"It
hinkshemi
ghthav
eseensomet
hingt
hatmadeherpani
c"

Zoe:"
Ohhletmesee"shet
ookNomhl
e'
sphoneandopenedi
t,wowshe
knowsherpasscode.

Zoe:
"Thehel
l
.Ther
e'sasext
apeofNonhl
eandt
heguar
d,i
str
endi
ng"

Me:
"What
?"It
ookt
hephonef
rom herhands,
shewaschocked

Zoe:"
FuckI'
m sor
rythatourlunchhast
oendl
i
ket
hisbutIneedt
ofi
nd
Nonhl
ebeforeshehurthersel
f"

Me:
"Nopr
obl
em"

Wepaidthebil
landpart
ed,i
t'
sapi
tyt
hatourlunchendedli
kethat
,If
eel
sorr
yforNonhl
e.Iknowitwaswr
ongofhertocheatbutthevi
deowasnot
supposedt
ocomeout .

WhenIarri
vedathomemybabewasrunni
ngaroundwithLwet
hu,
I'
m gl
ad
hestay
edinandspendt
imewit
hhischi
ldr
en.Iknowthathi
sdadmay
at
tackanyti
methat'
swhywearer
eadyandwaiti
ngforhim.

Me:
"Baby
,I'
vegotnews"It
hrewmybagont
hecouchandsatdown
Don:"
Badorgood?
"Hewasbr
eat
hingl
oudl
y.Heki
ssedmymout
handt
ook
aseatnextt
ome

Lwet
hu:"
HiMommy "If
orgott
oment
ionthatl
wet
huaskedmet
obeher
mom,IwashappyImeanshesawmefitt
obehermother
.

Me:
"SoNonhl
echeat
edonherhusband"

Don:
"What
?Howcoul
dshedot
hat
?"

Me:
"Shedi
dn'
texpl
aint
hat
"

Don:
"Iwi
sht
heysor
titout
,wai
tdoesheknow?
"

Me:
"Ther
e'sav
ideoofNonhl
efucki
nfherguar
descal
ati
ng"

Voi
ce:
"What
?"Weal
ltur
nedandl
ookedatwhowasst
andi
ngbesi
deus.

Me:"
Babywear
ebust
ed,
whywer
ewegossi
pingabouti
t?"Iwhi
sper
edand
st
oodup.

Me:
"Wel
l
...
"

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
.
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER45

Ozzi
e.

Il
ickedmylowerli
pandplayedwithmyfinger
s,Idon'
tevenknowwhyItol
d
ofDonaboutitinthef
ir
stplaceandwhywasIl oudbecauseDanki
e
bustedus?Sur
elyhedi
dn'tknowbecausehelooksshockedandyethur
t.

Danki
e:"
Whatdi
dyousay
,Oz
zie?
"

Me:
"Yhoobabehel
pme.
"Inudgedhi
sel
bow

Don:
"Youhav
en'
tseeni
t,myman?
"

Danki
e:"
NoIhav
en'
t,
butcany
oupl
easeshowmet
hev
ideo"hewasso
cal
m.

Me:
"Ar
eyousur
e.Youdon'
thav
etoseei
t,i
twi
l
lhur
tyou"

Danki
e:"
Mywifef
uckencheat
edonmeandwenayougott
heball
sto
gossi
pabouti
twi
thyourman?Atl
eastshowmet
hedamnvideo"

Don: "Nodon'tt
akeoutyourangeronher,i
t'
snotherfaul
tthatyourwife
sleptwiththeguardbuther
s.I'
m sor
rymymanIf eelforyouandI'm sor
ry
thatithappenedtoyoubutonmywi feIdon'
ttakeanyshitanddon'thurt
Nonhl e,
andhandlethematterl
ikeanadul
t"

Danki
e:"
Don'
tfol
l
owme"het
ookouthi
sgunandr
anout
.
Me:
"Whatj
usthappened?
"

Don:
"Wel
lmywi
fewewer
egossi
pingt
henwegotbust
ed"

Me:
"ButwhatNonhl
edi
dtoDanki
eiswr
ong,
tomaket
hemat
ter
swor
se
t
her
e'savi
deo"

Don:
"Br
o.Danki
eissoangr
y,he'
l
lsur
elydest
royher
"

Me:
"Weneedt
ohel
pher
"hel
ookedatmeandsatdown.

Don:"Ient
ernowher
ebabe,Iwasn'
tther
ewhenNonhleopenedherl
egsso
l
et'
sletthem sol
vet
hei
rshi
tonthei
rown.Let
'snoti
nter
fer
e"

Me:
"Butbabe,
let
'ssayi
twasme.Whatwer
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
"

Don:
"Not
hingboo,
not
hingatal
l
."

Me:
"Don'
ttr
ytoi
mpr
essmebecausewebot
hknowt
haty
ou'
l
lki
l
lme"

Don:
"I
'm gl
ady
ouknowwhatwi
l
lhappen,
let
'sgoandcook"

Me:
"Ohhy
ouwantt
ohel
pme?
"

Don:
"Yes"hel
aughedandf
oll
owedmet
otheki
tchen.

AtDanki
e'
shousehol
d.

Nonhlecalledhersibli
ngt ov isi
thersot hatDankiewil
lnotbeabletohurt
her,eventhoughshewasr ecei vi
ngcallsfrom herfamil
ytel
li
ngherhow
disappoint
edt heyare.Social mediawast alki
ngabouther,t
hetagsonher
Facebookt i
mel i
newer ealot .Shet hr
ewherphoneawayandcr i
ed, thewas
noonewhowasonhersi de.Theywer eallfeel
ingsorr
yforDanki
e, howshe
doesn'tdeservehim.Ev ersincet hey'
vegotmar ri
edDankiehasnever
cheatedonherwi f
ebutt odayNonhl egottheurgeandsleptwit
haguar d.
Shegotst art
ledwhenherbedr oom dooropened.Sher ai
sedherblood-r
ed
eyesandl
ookedatherhusbandwhol
ookeddr
ainedandhadbl
oodonhi
st-
shir
t.

Danki
e:"WhyNonhl
e?"Hel
ookedsoangr
ywi
thv
einspoppi
ngoutofhi
s
for
ehead.

Nonhl
e:"I
'
m sosorrydanki
e,Idi
dn'
tmeant
ohur
tyou.I
twasami
stake"she
cr
iedandgotoutofbed

Danki
e:"
Mistake?
!Don'
tfuckent
ell
met
hati
twasamist
akey
ouopened
yourl
egsandmoanedhisnamewoman"heshout
ed

Me:"
Iknow,Iknowt
hat
'swhyI'
m apologi
zi
ng.Pl
easef
orgi
veme"shet
ri
ed
t
otouchhi
shandbuthepushedher.

Danki
e:"Youknowwhathurtsthemost?Whathurtmei sthatyouall
owed
hi
mt otakeav i
deowhy?Iwasgoingtoforgi
veyouforsleepi
ngwi t
hhim
onl
ybutwi t
hthevideo,
Idon'
tknowNonhle"hewipedhistears,hewasso
hur
t.

Nonhle:"
Babyplease,I'
m sosor
ry.Pleasefor
giv
emeDankieitwaswrong
ofmet ocheatony ou,Ipr
omisetonev erdoi
tagai
n.Pl
easegiv
emea
secondchance"shewai l
edandlookedathim.Shesawhowhur thewas,
shecouldfeeli
tthatiti
stheendofhermar ri
age

Dankie:
"Getoutofmyhouse,I
'
m sorr
ybutI'
l
lnotbeablet
ogi
veyoua
secondchance.Yourui
nedme,Idonotseemysel
fwithawomanagai
n"he
wantedtohatehersobadbuthi
sheartwasfai
l
inghi
m.

Nonhl
e:"Nono.Youcan' tdothattome, y
oucan'tl
eavemedanki e.We
comeal ongwaytogetherwecanf ightt
hismylovethinkabouti
t"she
di
dn'
twantt ogobackt opovert
y,shedidn'
twanttosleepunderthebr i
dges
agai
n.shetoldher
selfthatshe'
snotgoingbacktopov ert
y.She'
l
lfightfor
hermarri
agewitheverythi
ngshehav e.

Danki
e:"
Idonotwantt
oseey
ouwhenIcomeback"hechangedhi
st-
shi
rt
andbangedt
hedooronhi
swayout
.

AtCol
ombo'
shouse.

Colombowashav i
ngdinnerwithhisfamil
y,Don'smot her
,lut
hando,
and
Vusi.Col
ombodidn'
tknowt hathi
ssonVusi iswor ki
ngwithDonbehindhi
s
back,hei
nst
ruct
edhimt ohav eatalkaft
erdinner.

Don'
smot
her
:"Imi
ssmysonsi
nceIl
astsawhi
mthedayIwassi
ck"

Lut
hando:"
Ialsomi
sshim buti
t'
sli
kehedi
stancedhi
msel
fwi
tht
hef
ami
l
y.
Vusidoyouknowwhy?
"

Vusi
:"I
t'
sbecauseyouguy
sdonottr
eathi
m asaf
ami
l
y.Andy
ouexpect
hi
mt oplayhappyf
amil
ywithy
ou?
"

Don'
smot
her
:"Idi
dn'
tknowhef
eltl
i
ket
hat
,I'
l
lcal
lhi
m andmeetupwi
th
hi
m"

Lut
hando:
"CanIpl
easegowi
thy
oumom.Imi
sshi
m"

Don'
smother
:"Noprobl
em dar
li
ng,
I'
ll
tel
lhi
mtocomewi
thhi
swi
fey
ou'
l
l
l
oveher
"shegiggl
ed.

Col
ombo:
"Soncanwet
alk?
"Vusi
nodded"
Fol
l
owme"

Vusi
sighedandf
oll
owedhi
mtohi
sst
udy
,hecl
osedt
hedoorandsatdown.

Col
ombo:
"Ineedy
out
oor
gani
zehi
tment
ogoandat
tackDonandhi
s
f
ami
l
y"

Vusi
:"What
?Hav
eyour
eal
i
zedt
hatt
her
e'sLwet
huandwet
hut
her
e?"

Col
ombo:"Idon'tcar
e,theydon'
thav
emybl
oodr
unni
ngi
nthei
rvei
ns"he
l
ookedathim shocked

Vusi
:"Butt
heyhav
eyourwi
fe'
sbl
ooddad"

Colombo:"
Justf
uckendowhatI
'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.Iwantt
hem deadbef
ore
sunsetTomor
row"

Vusi
:"You'
rehear
tl
ess.If
ail
tobel
i
evet
haty
ouar
emydad"

Colombo:"
You'l
lunderstandwhyI
'
m doi
ngt
hisoneday
,cl
oset
hedooron
yourwayout"hesmirked.

Ozzi
e.

Me:"Babecanyoupleasesti
rthepotf
orme,
"Isai
dwhi
l
etaki
ngoutat
ray
ofchi
ckenbreasti
nthefreez
er

Don:
"Okay
,how'
sschool
myl
ove?
"

Me:
"I'
m enj
oyi
ngi
tther
e.Ir
eal
l
yhopeIpasst
hisy
ear
"

Don:
"Youwi
l
l,y
ouhav
eat
utorhe'
l
lhel
pyoupr
epar
efort
heexams"

Me:"
yuhri
ght,
Iwasthi
nki
ngwhenIf
ini
shwi
thmyst
udi
esIcanopena
smal
lbusi
nessont
heside"

Don:
"Doy
ouhav
esomet
hingi
nyourmi
nd?
"

Me:
"NobutIwast
hinki
ngofasal
on"

Don:
"Ther
e'sal
otofsal
onsHun.Youneedt
othi
nkofsomet
hingr
aret
o
fi
ndyougetme.
"
Me:
"Somet
hingl
i
keWhat
?"

Don:
"Idon'
tknow,
butIcani
nvestandhel
pyoubui
l
dagar
age"

Me:
"Pet
rol
gar
age?
"

Don:"
Yesyoucangoogleplacest
hatdonothav
egar
agesatal
lthendo
cor
tat
ion(I
'm notsur
eofthespel
li
ng)

Me:
"Thatcoul
dwor
ktoo"

Don:
"I'
m notsayingthatyoushoul
dbui
ldagaraget
hough,
nothi
nkof
manybusinessesresearchandtel
lmewhatyou'
vef
oundsofar
"

Me:"
OkayIwil
l"Iwentt
ositontopofhi
slapaf
terpour
ingt
hewat
eri
nthe
bowl
wherethewaschickenbr
east.

Don:
"Hasy
ouraunt
ycal
l
edy
ou?Myuncl
essentt
hel
att
ery
est
erday
"

Me:
"NoI
'
llcal
lherbabe,
thanky
ouf
orseei
ngmewor
tht
obey
ourwi
fe"

Don:
"Il
ovey
ousomuchbabe.Il
ovey
ouwi
thmyal
l
"

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"

Don:
"Wel
lst
opgoi
ngt
othatchur
ch"

Me:
"ButIonl
ywentonceDon.
"

Don:
"Yesi
tshoul
dbet
hel
astt
ime"

Me:"Butwegonnaneedt
hepast
oratt
heweddi
ng.HowcanIst
op
at
tendi
ng"

Don:
"I'
l
lhi
reapast
or"

Me:
"What
ever
"

Unknownl
ocat
ion.
Bl
ackYarisZenstoppedatt
heabandonedar
ea,t
hewomanwhowas
dr
ivi
ngthecargotoffandwentt
owher et
heguar
dthatsl
eptwi
thNonhl
e
wasstanding.

Her:
"HeyJomo.Youdi
dagoodj
ob"shesmi
l
edandhandedhi
mthebr
own
env
elope

Him:"Iai
mtopl
ease,
itwaseasyt
oseduceher
,"hesai
dchecki
nghi
msel
f
out.

Her
:"Wel
lIhav
eanot
herj
obf
ory
ou.Thenextt
argeti
sZoe"

Hi
m:"
CanIpl
easedoi
taf
teral
loft
hishasbl
ownov
er?Danki
eisaf
terme"

Her
:"Nopr
obl
em,
asl
ongasy
oudoi
t.Seey
ouar
ound"

Hi
m:"
You'
l
lhearf
rom me"

Her
:"Nopr
obl
em,
itwasni
cewor
kingwi
thy
ou"

Theyhandshakeandpartedways.Thewomansmil
edandgotinsidet
he
car
,sheneverthoughtshe'
dfi
ndhersel
fdr
ivi
ngasmal
lcarbutli
fehasa
wayofhumbl i
ngpeople.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
.
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER46

(
NOTEDI
TED)

ATDON’
SHOUSE

DonandOzzi efi
nishedcookingandalsohaddinner
.Theydeci
dedtoret
ir
e
t
ot hei
rbedroom.Ozziecouldn'
twaitanylonger
,shewasexcit
edabouther
weddingandlobolathatshehadtobor r
owDon'slapt
opsothatshecantry
togooglefewdressesofherchoice.

Ozzi
e:“Iwanttocheckaf
ewdressesandseei
fIcanf
indsomethi
ngthatI
wil
ll
ike.
”Shesaidtaki
ngt
hel
aptopfrom t
hebedsi
det
able.Donsmir
ked
andlookedather

Don:
“Youar
eal
readypl
anni
ngt
heweddi
ng?Someonei
sexci
ted,
Isee”

Ozzie:
“Yes.Imeanwhowoul dn’
tbehappy ?I'
m getti
ngmar ri
edtoThee
Don.Imean…”Ozziesway edherheadsmili
ngatDon.Donwasj ustlooki
ng
atheradmiri
ngherbeauty.Someti
meshedi dn’tunderst
andhowsomeone
l
ikeOzziecanbewithsomeonel i
kehim.Imeanhei sfearedbymostbutI
guessit’
str
uewhent heysaywherether
e’sloveany t
hingispossi
ble.

Don:
“If
eelli
kewearetakingf
orev
ertogetmarr
ied.Iwanty
out
ohav
emy
nameal
ready.
"hesaysdroppi
nghispant
sonthefloor.

Ozzie:
"NoNoPhi l
anipickupyourcl
othes.I
'
mtir
edofcl
eani
ngaf
tery
our
unti
dyass.ToeventhinkyouweresocleanwhenIar
ri
veher
eandnow
thi
s?"Shepoi
ntedont hefl
oor
Don:
"Iam babyi
t'
sjustt
hatI
'
mti
red.Ihadal
ongday
"

Ozzi
e:"
Buty
ouwer
eindoor
s"

Don:
"Yesi
ndoor
sbutr
unni
ngar
oundchasi
ngLwet
hu"

Me:"
Ohhwel
l
.Whatdoy
out
hinkoft
his?
"Shesai
dshowi
nghi
m amer
mai
d
dr
esswi
thal
ongt
ail

Don:
"No,
canIchooseadr
essf
ory
ou?Iwanti
ttobeasur
pri
se"

Me:
"No.I
'
lldoi
tonmyown"

Don:
"Youneedt
otr
ustme,
cany
oul
eav
eitt
ome?
"Hesmi
l
ed

Ozzi
e:"
Ser
ious?
"

Don:
"Yes"

Ozzi
e:"
Wel
ll
et'
sseei
fyou'
l
lbeabl
etopul
li
tof
f"

Don:"Bemyguess"hesai
dlay
ingonhi
sback,Ozziepl
acedthelapt
opon
thebedsi
deandgotontopofhim,
andranherhandsonhischest.

Ozzi
e:“
Icanal
readyf
eel
i
ngt
het
it
lewei
ghi
ngmedown”t
heybot
hlaughed

Ozzi
eleanedfor
wardandkissedhi
m, t
hekisscont
inuedf
orawhi
l
e.Don
movedhishandtoherbut
tandgentlysqueezedi
t.

Don:
“Il
ovey
oual
otgi
rl
”

Ozzi
e:“
Whoar
eyoucal
l
ingagi
rl
?”Shel
aughedandpl
ayf
ull
yhi
thi
schest
.
“Wat
chit”

Don:
“Youar
emygirl
.Whetheryouli
kei
tornot
,mi
ne!
”Donhal
fyel
l
ed
l
eavi
ngOzzi
etobl
ush.Theyconti
nuedt
otal
kandl
aughi
ng.
Ozzi
e:"
Letmegoandt
akeashower
"

Don:
"Wantmet
ojoi
nyou?
"Hesmi
rked

Ozzi
e:"
Okay
,howaboutabubbl
ebat
h?"

Don:
"Andl
otsoff
oam bat
h?"

Ozzi
e:"
Bot
tl
eofwi
ne?
"Shegi
ggl
ed.

Don:
"I
'dl
ovet
hat
"

Ozzi
e:"
Welll
etmegothen"sher
oll
edoutofthebedandst
and,
shewas
aboutt
otakeast
epforwardandtr
ipandfel
l
.

Ozzi
e:"Awww"shewincedinpai
n.Donlookedathert
ryi
ngtonotl
aughbut
hecouldn'
thol
ditanymore,hel
aughedandwenttowhereshewas
st
anding.

Don:
"OhhmyGodbabet
ofel
l
?"Her
ubbedhi
scheekandl
augh

Ozzi
e:"
Itol
dyoutot
onotdr
opyourcl
othesev
ery
wher
e.LooknowIhur
t
mysel
f"shesai
dwit
hashakyv
oice

Don:
"I
'm sor
rysweet
hear
t"

Ozzi
e:"
Andy ouarelaughi
ng?Fucky ouDon"shecr
iedandwenttothe
bat
hroom andlockedhersel
fin.Shewascryi
ngthatDonlaughedather
andnotpi
ckherup.

Don:
"BabeI
'
m sor
ry,
pleaseopent
hedoor
"

Ozzi
e:"
Justt
oaway
.Youdonotdeser
vemyf
orgi
veness"shesni
ff
ed

Don:
"Whatdi
dIdo?
"

Ozzi
e:"
Leav
emeal
onepl
ease"shescr
eamed.
ATCOLOMBO’
SHOUSE

Don’smotherset
tl
edonthechai
ratthebalconyandtookhercellphone.
Shedial
edDon’snumber
,sheknewtheirconversat
ionmightnotendwell
butshewantedtotal
kwi
thherson.Sheletoutasighandgr eet
edhimf i
rst
.

Don'
smot
her
:"Sonhowar
eyou?
"

Don:
"I'
m goodmot
herandy
ou?
"

Don’smom:"I'
l
lbefineonceIseey ou.Imi
ssyou,son,
pleaseletmesee
you”Donkeptqui
etorr atherhesi
tatedtor
espondtohi
smot her.Thei
r
rel
ati
onshi
pwasn’tall
gl oom andbliss.

Don:“Mama, younegl
ectedme.Whydoy ousuddenl
ywantt omeetwit
h
me?Whynow”t ear
sf i
l
ledherey
es.Sheknewhemi ghtsaysomethi
ngli
ke
thatbutshehadahopet hathewon’
tsayit
.Heari
nghim sayi
ngi
tcut
deeperthananyknif
ewound.

Don’
sMa: “Iam pl
eadi
ngwithyoumyson.Allowmet oseeme,please”
Dondidn’
tsayanythi
ng.Shequiet
lycr
iedandletoutasi
gh.“
Iwon’tstop
aski
ngyoubeforeyouagree.Don’
tpushmeasi de”

Don:
"Idon'tknow.Whenwast helastti
mey ouhaddinnerwi t
hy ourson
mom?I 'my oursondiedChr i
stsakeI'
my ourf
irstbor
n,justbecauseI
was..
."hesighed"don'tIdeserv
ey ourl
ove?IknowI '
m oldbutIdeserve
mother'
slov e"

Don'smot
her
:"
Iknowmybaby
,pl
easef
orgi
veme.Youknowhowy
our
fat
heri
s"

Don:
"He'
snotmyf
ather
"

Don'
smot
her
:"
Pleaseson"shecr
ied.
SheputDoninati
ghtcor
ner.Dondi
dn’
thaveanychoi
cebuttoagree.She
washappy,
nothi
ngwascompar edt
othefeel
i
ngshewasf eel
i
ng.Seeing
hersonwaswhatsheneeded,AndGodwasgrant
inghert
hat.

Don:“
Okay
,sharp.Iwi
ll
lety
ouknowwhen.Cany
ouj
ustst
opcr
yingand
beggi
ngme?Please”

Don’sMa:“Iwi
llhearf
rom you”Donhungup.Don’smothertookasi
pfrom
herdri
nkbefor
eshest oodup.Shewenttoherbedroom whereshef
ound
Colombo.

Don’sMa: “
Canwet al
k?”helookedatherandnodded.“CanIpl
easegoand
spendtimewi thmyson?Iwi l
lbestayi
nginhishouseforfewdaysunti
lwe
sortoutourissues”Colomboremember edthehi
theorderedonDon,he
hadtomakeupast or
y,orel
seshewasgoi ngtobekil
led.Thehi
twasset
andreadytobei nmot i
on.

Colombo:“No,r
ememberthatvacat
ionyoual
way swanted?Iwasthinking
ofsurpr
isi
ngyou,wearegoi
ngthiscomingFr
iday”sheshookherheadnot
bel
ievi
ngwhathewassay i
ng.Yesshelongwantedtogoonv acat
ion,ithas
beenalongandt i
ri
ngy
earbutthi
swasherson.Shewant edtoshowhi m
shewasnotabadmot her.

Don’
sMa:“Whydon’
tyouwantmet ospendtheti
mewithmyson?Whydo
youhat
ehimthatmuch?Tel
lme”herosefrom t
hechai
randwal
kedupt
o
her
.Hewrappedhi
sarmsaroundherwaistandki
ssedher

Colombo:“Comeonhoney.YoucanalwaysseePhi
l
ani,heisnotfarfr
om
you”sheshookherheadno.hewasbecomingangr
y.Hedidn’twanthis
wifet
obecaughtupi nt
hecrossf
ir
e,Col
ombowasn’tgoingtocal
l of
fthe
hit
.Donmustdie,comerai
norsun.

Don’sMa:“Mywordi
sfi
nal
.Thi
stimey ouar
enotgoi
ngt
ost
opmef
rom
keepingt
hepromi
setomyson.Ir
efuse”

Col
ombo:
“Whyar
eyoust
ubbor
n?”
Don’sMa: “
Youcalli
tstubborn;Icalli
tmother’
slove.Sor
ryyouhadt
o
wasteyourmoneyont hetickets”ther
ewerenot i
ckets,i
twasawayof
stoppi
ngherbutshewasn’ thavingnoneofit.Col
omboknewhemustdo
somethingthansay
ingwear egoingonvacation.

NONHLE

Ilookedatthepaper
sandblinkednotbel
iev
ingwhatIwasseeing.Itdi
dn’
t
takeDankielongtot
hinkofdivor
cingme.Aft
eral
l
,mendon’tforgiv
e
cheating.

Iwasser v
edwi thdivorcepapersafewminutesago.Ithoughtofteari
ng
them apartbutIt houghtagainsti
t.Hewi
llnotfor
givemebuti thurt
s.My
marri
ageisov erandt here’
snothi
ngIcandot osaveit
.Nothingatall
,she
l
ostitall
.Allforwhat ?

Ir
angmymot
her
.Tal
ki
ngwi
thhermi
ghtormi
ghtnothel
p.

Me:“Mama,mymar r
iageisover
.Ther
e’snot
hingIcandotosav ei
t,i
t’
s
ov
er”Iwascry
ing,
cryingsobadl
y.Iwi
shedIwaswi thherr
ightnow.

Mom:
“Ishedi
vor
cingy
oubecauseoft
hev
ideo?
”

Asshamef
ulasi
twasIhadt
oagr
eet
oit
.

Me: “
Yesmom.Iam soashamed.Imessedupbi
gti
me.WhydidIev
enl
ook
atthatguard?
”shecont
inuedt
ocr
y“Imeanmyhusbandgav
eme
everyt
hingIwant
ed”

Mom: “
Donotwor
rymychil
d.Wecannotgobackt
opov
ert
y,Iknowt
his
Sangomawhocanhel
pyou”
Me:
“Sangoma?
”

Mom:
“Yes.Youwi
l
lhav
eyourmanbacki
nsecond”

Me:
“Okayf
ine”Ihungupandsi
ghedl
oudl
y.

Mom:
"Butwhatwer
eyoudoi
ngNonhl
e?"

Me:"
Mom pl
easedon'
tj
udgeme,
Ifeel
awf
ulasi
tis.Myf
ri
endsdi
stanced
t
hemsel
vesf
rom me"

Mom:"
I'
vegoty
ourbackbabygi
rl
.Getr
eadyt
omor
rowi
nthemor
ningI
'
ll
t
akey
outothesangoma"

Me:
"Okaymama"

Mom:
"Beokaymychi
l
d.Don'
thur
tyour
sel
f"

Me:
"Shar
p"

Isni
ff
edanddr
oppedt
hecal
l
.

Isatonthecouchandt houghtaboutit
.Gi
vi
ngDanki
ealoveport
ionmi
ght
notbeagoodi dea.Itwi
llendbadl
y,formeorhi
m.Ever
ythi
nghas
consequences.No,Iwil
lnotdoit.

Ist
oodupandwenttothekit
chen.Iopenedt
hecabi
netandt
ookoutar
ope.
Il
ookedati
tandqui
etl
ylaughed.

Me:
“OhGod!
”

Iwalkedoutofthekitchenwit
htheropestil
linmyhand.Whydidn'tI
thoughtofthi
s?Thisisthebestwayifgetti
ngoutofmiser
y,povert
y,and
shame.I'
llbegoingtoaplacewithnostresssadnessandtear
s,I'
m sorr
y
butIcan'
ttakeit
.Ithur
tsobad,t
hemanyouthoughty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
o
spendtherestofmyl i
fewi
thusnowdi
vor
cingme.

NOMALANGA

Iwassi t
ti
ngundert
heshadedr i
nkingwaterwit
hmyf r
iendNos.Nosi snot
myf r
iendbutsi
ster
-i
n-l
aw.Iknow, si
ster
-i
n-l
awsoundscrazybutthegir
l
foundhersel
fanewboy fr
iendandNosi shissi
ster
.Alothashappenedin
thepastfewweeks,I'
m nolongerBusi'
sfri
end.

ThatgossipIwassharingandnamebashi ngotheratOzzi e’
smot her
l
andedmei nhotwater.Mymot herfoundoutaboutanddi dthewomannot
beattheshitoutofme?Shewasf uri
ousandsai dal otofthings.I
ncl
udi
ng
myj eal
ousyofOzzie,mycousindidment i
onhowj ealousIam ofOzziebut
Isai
dno.Whenmymot hersai
ditagainIf
elti
t,theywon’ tbothli
etome.I
neverreal
izedIwasjealousofherbeforesomeonesai dit.

Nos:
“Il
ovet
hisdr
ess.Youar
elooki
ngbeaut
if
ul”

Me: “
Thanky ou”Iwaswear i
ngashor tdresswithoutsl
eeves.Thabelo,
my
boyfr
iendhashelpedmeal ot.Dat i
ngsomeonewhoi soldandmat ured
hel
ps.Wi t
hmypr oblem ofhy giene,hesatmedownandt oldmewhatt odo
oruset onotsmell
.SomehowIdi dn’tgetoffendedbythefactthathetold
mest rai
ghtupmeantsomet hing.Itdidn’tcomeouti namocker yway
unli
kewhatThokodi d.Iam nowconf i
denttoev enwearshortsleev
es
thi
ngs.Iam cleanandbeaut i
ful.I'
m wor kingonmydar karmpitsanddar k
knees.

Me:
“Idi
dsayy
oumustbuyi
tbuty
ousai
dno.Looknow”shel
aughed

Nos:
“Youcan’
tcompar
emet
oyou.Ihav
emor
emeat
”
Me:
“What
ever
”

Nos:
"Iseeyou'
vebeensear
chi
ngOzzi
einsoci
almedi
a"It
ookmyphone
awayfrom her
.

Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"

Nos:
"I
'm sor
ry,
sowhatdi
dyouf
ind?
"

Me:
"Not
hing,
sheonl
ypost
edonepi
ctur
eandi
t'
sugl
y"

Nos:
"You'
vest
art
ed,
letmesee"

Me:
"Letmeshowy
ou.
.see?
"IshowedherOzzi
esI
nst
agr
am"

Nos:
"Buti
t'
sunexpect
edpi
ctur
eyoucanseet
hatshewaseat
ing"

Me:
"Yes"

Nos:
"Shel
ookscut
ethough.Lookatherr
oundsmal
lmout
h"

Me:
"Thatcan'
tsuckadi
ck"Ir
oll
edmyey
es

Nos:
"What
'supwi
thy
our
?"

Me:
"Not
hing"

Noa:
"I
fyoucont
inuebei
ngbi
tt
erIsweary
ou'
l
lnotsucceedi
nli
fe"

Me:
"Soshoul
dIwor
shi
pthegr
oundt
hatOzzi
ewal
kon?
"

Nos:
"Nohumbl
eyour
sel
fandapol
ogi
es,
whoknowsmay
bey
oucanbe
f
ri
endsagai
n"

Me:
"Youar
eri
ght
,pl
usi
t'
sli
keshe'
saf
ool
.I'
l
lbeusi
ngherf
orDon'
smoney
"

Shel
ookedatmeandsaynot
hing.
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER47

OZZI
E.

Myl egwasswol
lenwhenIwakeup,It
hinkIhurtmysel
flastni
ght
.Ihat
e
thatDonfoundi
tfunnywhi
l
eIhurtmyself
,Iangri
l
ytookthepil
l
owandhit
him wit
hit
.

Don:
"Thef
uck?
!"Hegr
oanedandl
ookedatmewi
thaf
rown.

Me:
"Youseewhathappenedt
omyl
eg?Youwer
en'
tsupposedt
olaugh"

Don:"
Butdidyouhav
etowakemeupl i
kethat
?Coul
dn'
tyouwakemel
i
kea
humanbeing?
"Hesaidandgotoutoft
hebed.

Me:"
Wherear
eyougoi
ng?
"It
ri
edt
ost
andupbutIhur
tmy
sel
fint
he
pr
ocess.

Me:
"Ouch!
"Iwi
nced,
her
ant
owher
eIwasbendi
nghol
dingt
heheadboar
d.

Don:
"Babear
eyouokay
?"Heaskedr
ubbi
ngmyback.

Me:
"St
oppr
etendi
ngl
i
key
oucar
e"

Don:
"Don'
twal
k,y
ou'
l
lhur
tyour
sel
f"

Me:
"Foroncei
nyourl
i
fe,
Donhel
pme,
I'
minpai
nher
e"

Don:
"Fi
nel
etmet
akey
out
othedoct
or"

Me:
"Noandwast
emoney
.Itwi
l
lheal
int
henextcomi
ngt
woday
s,Ineed
t
onumbt
hepai
nwi
thsal
twat
er"

Don:"
Wear enotgoi
ngtodebat
eaboutt
hisOzzi
e,I
'
mtaki
ngy
out
othe
doct
or.I
tcoul
dbewor sel
ookhowswoll
eniti
s"

Me:
"Justl
astni
ghty
ouwer
elaughi
ngabouti
t"

Don:
"I'
m sor
rybuty
oucaughtmeof
fguar
d.Idi
dn'
texpecty
out
ofal
l
"

Me: "
Noyouweret
ryi
ngtomakemecr yandcongr
atul
ati
onsy
ouhav
e
passedy
ourmissi
onbecauseIcr
ied"

Don:"Butba.
."befor
ehecoul
dfi
nishwi
thwhathewasaboutt
osayt
wo
gunshotsgotoff.

Don:"
Fuck,
come"hepul
l
edmet ohisbackandgav
emeapi
ggy
back.He
rant
othesafeandt
ookt
hreeguns.

Me:
"Ican'
tbabyIcan'
t,
I'
minpai
n"

Don:"
It
'seit
herwedieortheydie.Whi
chonei
sit
?"Wehear
dthe
downstai
rsdoorbei
ngkicked.

Don:
"Fuck!Het
hrowst
hegun,
Icat
chi
t.

Me: "
Thekids"Ilefthi
m andli
ppedtothei
rroom.Thegunshotswer
ebeing
exchangedoutside,Ishoul
dhaveagreedtoDon'
sideabecausenowit
's
bad.Myonlyconcer nnowisthekids,I
'
m goingt
odoev er
ythi
nginmy
powertoprotectthem.

Me:
"Ki
ds"Iscr
eamedandbangedt
hei
rdoor

Owethu:
"Hetooklwet
hupleasef
indher
.Si
sOzzi
epl
ease"shecr
ied,
fuck
no.Notl
wethushe'
stooyoung

Me:
"Okay,pr
omisemeonet hi
ng,
Nana.Pr
omi
semet
haty
ou'
l
lst
ayunder
t
hebackunti
lthi
scl
earout
"
Owet
hu:
"Okayokay
"Inoddedandwi
pedhert
ear
s.

Il
ockedherdooronmywayoutandscr eamedLwethu'
sname,howdidhe
geti
nsidet
hehouse?Isearchedever
ywher
ewherebutIcoul
dn'
tfi
ndher,
evenDonhewasnotont hesight
.Heneedstoknowthatt
heytookthe
baby.

ThepainthatIwasfeel
ingonmyl egwasunbear
able,gr
oanswer
ebeing
exchangedoutsi
de.I
'm scar
edformyli
fe.Dammit,
Irubbedmyhead
roughl
yasIcheckedthegy m.Bef
oreIcoul
dgooutIheardsomethi
ngfal
l.

Outofcur
iosi
ty,
Iret
urnedt
owher
eIhear
dthesound.

Man:"I
fyoudaremov eIswearI
'l
lshoother
"Il
ookedathi
m.Hewasbuf
f
andscary
,lwet
hulookedter
ri
fi
ed.

Me:
"Pl
easel
ett
hechi
l
dgo"

Man:"
Iwassent
,knowt
hatIhav
enot
hingagai
nsty
ouj
ustl
etmedomy
f
uckenjob"

Me:
"byt
ort
uri
ngachi
l
d?"Iaskedwi
thashakyv
oice.

Man:
"Youar
egoi
ngt
ofol
l
owmyl
ead.Leadt
owher
eyourhusbandi
s?"

Me:"Pl
ease"Icr
ied,
Iwashol
dingaguni
nmybackmaki
ngsur
ethathe
doesnotseeit
.

Man:
"Shutup,
justf
uckenshutup!
?"Her
oar
ed.

Me:Ij
umpedinfearandst
art
edwal
ki
ng.Idon'
tknowwher
ehei
sbutI
'
ll
l
ookever
ywhere.
Man:
"Ar
eyougoi
ngt
oshowmewher
ehei
sitshoul
dIki
l
lher
?"

Lwet
hu:
"Mamasav
eme"

Me:
"Iwi
l
lsweet
hear
t.
"Myhear
tbr
okeasIhear
dhersai
dthosewor
ds.

Donwasbusyt r
yingt ofighttwoment hathavelef
t,hepul l
edt heonet hat
hadnogunandpr otectedhi mselfwithhim.Whenat hir
dbulletlandedon
hisbodyhewasal r
eadydead, hecursedandt hrowhisbodyt owardst he
manwhowasshoot ing.Hef ellasthegungotoutofhi shand, Donwentt o
him andstartedkickinghi m andpunchi nghim.Hehadbl oodal l
ov erhis
hands, helookedangr ynoti nfacthewaspi ssed,hefinishedhi m offby
throwinghimt othewal l.Hisbodycol l
idedont hefl
oor.Het ookhi sgun
andf i
redittowardst hedeadbodi es,
hesl i
desdownt ot hefloorand
breathed.

Man:"Wow,Inev
ert
houghtyou'
dkil
ltwomenony ourown"hequi
ckl
y
l
ookedtowherewewerestandi
ngandgrabbedt
hegun.Hestoodupand
smir
ked

Don:
"Lethergo,
I'
m sur
eyoudonotwantt
ofol
l
owy
ourf
ri
ends"

Man:
"Wel
lj
ustpav
eawayf
ormesot
hatIcanpass"

Don: "
Isaidfuckenletgoofmychild"heroar
ed.Vei
nswerepoppi
ngoutof
hisforehead,hedoesgetangrybutI'
veneverseenhi
mli
kethishi
sangeris
toomuchanddanger ous.I
t'
sapitythatl
wethusawherf
athercol
dlyki
l
li
ng
thosemen.

Me:
"Okayl
et'
sal
lcal
m down.Youar
eout
number
edmymanj
ustgo"

Don:"Youf
uckenoutofy
ourmi
ndy
out
hinkI
'
m goi
ngt
olethi
m goj
ustl
i
ke
that
"
Me:
"Wear
etal
ki
ngaboutLwet
hu'
sli
feher
e"Ishout
.

Hesawt hatwewereexchangi
ngwordswhenheshotl
wethuonherhead,
hedidn'
tmakeitt
othedoorbecauseabul
letal
sol
andedonhisback.He
fel
l
.

Me: "
Nonono, Phi
lanimychi ld"Ili
ppedt owher eshef ellandl ayheronmy
l
ap.It ookof fmyt -shi
rt,t
or eit,
andwr appeditar oundherheadt ostopthe
bleeding.Ikeptqui etandl ookedupt hespace, whyher e?She' ssoy oung
andy etshegotshot ,thechancesofhercomi ngt oli
fear esosl im.Don
camet owher eIwasseat edandpl acedhi sheadonmybr east,he'shurt
ing.
Doni snott heonet oshowhi semot i
onsbutt odayhecr i
ed, Ifel
twar m
wat eronmybr east.He'sdef i
nitel
yCr yi
ng,helosthopenobodycheckedher
pulse.Weal lhuggedhert inybodyandcr i
ed,Dont ookmet ohi sarmsand
hushedme, Ikeptonbr ushinghersof thairwhil
ecr ying.Mybabycannot
dieit'
stoosoon, shest i
ll
hasal ottoarchivei
nherl ife.She'sonl yinGrade
3nexty earshewassupposedt ostartherint
ermedi atelevel butthis
happened.

Me: "
Weneedtocall
theambul
ance"Isnappedoutofi
taf
terawhi
l
e
sessi
onofcr
ying.

Don:
Hekeptqui
etandl
ookedathi
schi
l
d"

Me:
"Di
dyouhearme?
"

Don:"Yes"heconti
nuedrockinghimsel
fbackandfort
hast earsrol
l
ed
downhi scheeks.Wecan'tal
lbreakdown,oneofusneedst obestrong
whichisme.Ilaidherbodyandr unt
owher emyphonewas, myhands
wereshakingasImaket hecall
.Shecouldn'
tevenst
aywithusf orafew
secondsshecompl et
elyfel
lwhenshewasshot .
Theambul ancedi dn'
ttakelongtoarri
ve,theycoul
dn'ttelluswhethershe
wasal i
veoralreadydeadsi ncetheyhadt orushhertot hehospital.Don
didn'
tmov eani nchtowher ehewasseat ed,helookedatt hem ast hey
droveaway .Isighedandmadecont actwithVuyotoor ganizeateam to
cleanthemess.Hesai dhe'scomingt osupporthi
sfriend,Itol
dthedr i
ver
todriv
eust ot hehospital
.Hehadl ockedhimselfi
nhisr oom outsideduri
ng
theshoutout

DANKI
E.

Icouldn'
tgoandseeDonaf terwhathappenedt oNonhl e,Ist
il
lcan'
tbeli
eve
thatshechoset ohangher self.IfIdi
dn'tarri
veintimeIdonotknowwhat
woul dhavehappened, Nonhlei ssoselfishjustbecauseIdumpedherwhy
didshet r
ytokillhersel
f?I'
m af r
aidthatI'm notgoingtotakeherback,she
hurtme.It r
ustedherwi t
hmyal l.Iwasbusypaci ngupanddownwhenher
mot herapproachme.Toev ent hinkthatshecouldn'tevenaffor
dthe
clot
hesshe'swear ingandt hi
si showsher epaysme?

Her
:"Sonhowar
eyou"shet
ri
edt
ohugmebutIbackedaway
.

Me:
"I.
..Shet
ri
edt
oki
l
lher
sel
fIhav
etogoandseemyf
ri
end"

Her:"
Whatar ey
oumad?Yourwi
fei
sadmi
tt
edandal
lyoucar
eabouti
s
yourf
riend?
"

Me:"Wife?LookMaIdonotwantt odisr
espectyoubutyourwi
femadethe
bedshemustl ayoni
t.I
'
m gladshedidn'
tdiebecauseIwasgoi
ngtoblame
myself
.From nowondon'tcont
actme, I
'
llt
ell
myl awyert
odrawanot
her
di
vorcepapers"
Isai
dandwentout
.

OZZI
E.

Wewer eal
ldrai
nedwhenwear ri
vedathome, Dondi
dn'
twanttoleavehi
s
daught
er'
ssightbutIhadt
oassureherthatitwi
ll
bealr
ight
,hehadtotake
ashowerbecausewewer eal
lful
lofherblood.Wesi
ghedaswef oundhis
motheronthecouchandhissi
bli
ngs.

Don:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"Hehal
fshout
ed.

Me:
"Babepl
easecal
m down"

Don:"NoOzziedon'
ttel
lmetocalm down.I
t'
syourf
aultmamaifyou
haven'
tboughtt
hatmani nourl
i
vesnoneofthiswoul
dhavehappened"

Ma:
"Yout
hinkCol
ombowoul
dtr
ytoki
l
lyou?Whywoul
dyoudot
hat
?"

Don:"Youy oudon'tknowanyt
hingbecauseyouarebl
indedbyhi
smoney.
Youlovemoneywayt oomuchmom youev enfor
gott
hatyouhaveason"I
keptquietandlookedatthi
sbeastfumingnexttome.

Ma:
"Youcannotaccusesomeonewi
thoutapr
ove"

Don:"
Ohhyouneedmet
otel
lyout
hatheki
l
ledmyf
ather
?Someonewho
car
edaboutmeMama"

Ma:
"What
?Nonotmyhusband.Hewoul
dnev
erdot
hat
"

Don:"
Fine,
wenaj ustpasshi
mthismessagethatI
'
llf
uckenkil
lhim cr
uel
l
y
mama.Hewi l
lfeelmywr at
hwhathedidtomydaughterisnothi
ng
comparedtowhatI '
l
ldotohim,
andyou'l
lbot
hgodown.I '
m sorr
ymy
si
bli
ngsthaty
ouhadtobecaughti
nalloft
hisbuti
nmydaught
ers'
li
fe,
I
don'
tpl
ay.Youdon'
tknowme"hesaidandjoggedupst
air
s.

Me:
"Umm I
'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
,he'
sjustangr
yandsad"

Ma:
"Iunder
standmychi
l
d.Butwhywoul
dhebl
amemyhusband?
"

Me:"Sometimesyouneedtobel
iev
ey ourchi
ldrenandsupportthem, you
won'
tonlylosePhil
ani
butt
herestofyourchil
dren.Excuseme"Isaidand
wenttoourbedroom.Lwet
huwasal soatthehospit
alsinceshecollapsed
af
terhear
ingthebadnews.Thi
sistakingatoll
onDon, he'sangryandwant
bl
ood.

Me:
"Babe?
"

Don:"
It
'sgoingtobeal
ri
ghtmyl
ove.I
'
llsor
titoutokay
"hehuggedmeand
ki
ssedmyf orehead

Me:
"Ar
eyousur
e?"

Don:
"Yes,
Danki
ear
ri
ved.Letmebat
hthendi
scusst
henextmov
e"

Me:
"Al
ri
ght
"Il
i
ppedt
othebedandsatdown.

Thedoct orsaidt hatThebul l

ethitherleftbrowand, rat
hert hanpenetrat
ing
herskull
, t
raveledundert hesurfaceoft heski nshatt
eri
ngt hethinnestbone
oftheskull anddest royi
ngherear drum andt hebonesf orhearing.Wewer e
rel
ievedthatitdi dn'
tdamageherbr ain'
scell.Heev enexplainsthe
procedureofr epairingthebrokenskul l
,she'soutofdanger ,ift
heoper at
ion
succeedsshe' l
l becomi ngbackhomenextweek.Hesai dthatThet i
tani
um
crani
oplastypr ocedur ei
scarri
edoutf i
rstandwi l
ltakebetweenoneand
twohour s.Theheadwi l
lbeshavedatt hewoundl ocati
onandt hefl
apof
skincoveringitwi ll
bedr apedback.Thi swillexposethedur a–t hetough
fi
brousmembr anecov eri
ngthebr ai
n.
A0.6mm met alplat
e,thathasbeenmol dedfrom computeri
magesof
Malal
a’sskull
(seev i
deo, bel
ow),
will
thenbeputinplace.Iti
ssecuredto
theskul
lwithscrewspl acedin2mm holes.Thefl
apofskinisthendraped
backovertheplateandst it
chedi
ntoplace.

Acochl earsur
geonthentakesov erfrom t
heneurosurgeon,f
it
ti
ngan
el
ectronicdevi
cetotheinnerwor ki
ngsoft heeartocreat
easenseof
sound.Asmal lwel
lwill
bedr i
l
ledi ntheskullbehi
ndthetit
ani
um pl
atet
o
al
lowt heelect
roni
cstobeimpl anted.

Myey
eswer
edr
owsy
,wi
thbl
oodonmyhandsIdeci
dedt
osl
eep.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER48

DON.

Me:"Fuckthi
s,Idonotneedapl
ant
oav
engewhatCol
ombodi
dtomy
daughter
"

Danki
e:"
Yesy
oudo"hesai
dpl
ayi
ngwi
thapi
stol
.

Me: "
Nah,Ihav
eaperf
ectpl
aninmymi
nd,
myman.I
'
m sur
ehe'
sless
expecti
ngmetoat
tacktoni
ght
"

Danki
e:"
Slowdownt i
ger
,yourdaught
eri
saboutt
obeoper
atedandal
lyou
car
eaboutisr
evenge?"

Me:"Youwon'tunder
standthepai
nI'
mfeel
i
ngDankie,
Colomborui
nedmy
daught
erOwet huwil
lneverbet
hesamebubbl
ygi
rlaft
ert
his,
she'
ll
hateme
andhersel
f"

Danki
e:"
Shewon'
ttr
ustme.Yourgi
rl
slov
eyoumor
eespeci
all
ytheol
done
Ozzi
e"hesmi
led.

Me:
"Umm I
'
m sor
ryf
orwhathappenedt
oNonhl
e"

Dankie:
"Don'
tbe,she'
stheonewhotri
edtokil
lhersel
fnott
heot
herway
roundwemust n'
tblameour
selv
esforwhatshedid"

Me:"Igety
ou.SoIwassay
ingI'
m pret
tysuret
hathedoesn'
thav
eal
otof
guar
dsIcanbribet
hem mi
ll
ioneachandthenatt
ackhi
m"

Danki
e:"
What
?Doy
ouknowhowmanyar
ethey
?Idon'
tthi
nkt
hatwi
l
l
work"
Me:
"dr
ugt
hem?
"

Danki
e:"
Thatcoul
dwor
ktoo"

Me:"I
'
llmakesurethati
thappensbef
oret
hesunset
,Ineedt
obebyOz
zie'
s
si
de.She'
snottaki
ngitwell
"

Danki
e:"
Nopr
obl
em,
don'
tnegl
ecther
"hepat
tedmyshoul
derandwentout
.

Col
ombowi
l
lpay
,I'
l
lper
sonal
l
ymakesur
eofi
t.

OZZI
E.

Aft
ertaki
ngashowerIwor
emyclothesandaskedmydrivert
ostartt
he
engi
ne.Donhadbur
iedhi
sheadseati
ngonthekit
chenchair
,Iguess
danki
elef
t.

Me:
"Babe?
"Ist
oodnextt
ohi
m.

Hi
m: "
Hi,
arey
ougoi
ngt
othehospi
tal
?"Hi
svoi
cewasdeepandhi
sey
es
wer
ered.

Me:
"Yes,
what
'swr
ong?
"

Hi
m:"
Wai
tforme,
don'
twor
ryaboutmeI
'
llbef
ine.
"

Me:
"Hav
eyout
akenashower
?"

Hi
m:"
Umm y
esl
etmegoandt
akemyphone.I
'
llf
indy
ouout
side"

Me:"Noprobl
em"Ismil
ed,hegotofff
rom t
hechai
randwentt
otakehi
s
phone.It
oldt
hedri
vert
hatI'
m goi
ngwithDon.
Thewaytothehospitalwasqui
etmymi ndhasbeenthinki
ngaboutthe
ki
ds,Owet
huistooy oungyetshegotshotandsawherf at
herkil
l
ingtwo
men.Shewon'tbethesamewhenshewakesupandI 'l
lbethereforher
,
she'
smyangel!Isobbedandlookedoutsi
dethewindow.

Don:
"Babe?
"Her
ubbedmyt
highs

Me:
"Huh?
"

Don:
"Ar
eyoucr
ying?
"

Me:
"No,
somet
hinggoti
nmyey
es"Ishookmyhead.

Don:"Haveyoureal
i
zedt hatwe'
rei
nthecarandt
hewi
ndowsar
enot
opened?"Il
ookedaround,webothl
aughed.

Me:
"Okayf
ine.I
'
m wor
ri
edaboutOwet
hu"

Don:"Iam t
oo,Icoul
dn'tsl
eepl
astnightt
hinki
ngofher.Whati
fshewon'
t
bethesameOwet huwear eusedto?IhatethatIam t
oblame,
it'
smyfaul
t"
helookedoutsi
de.Iputmyhandont opofhis.

Me: "Noi
t'
snoty ourfaulthun,Phil
anilookatmewhenIt alkwi thy ou.What
happenedwassupposedt ohappen, youcannotcontrol
thef uturebabe.
Youwoul dhav eseent hatOwet huwillbeshotbutyoudidn'tsincey ou'r
ea
humanbei ng.Don' tstr
essabouti t
,youhav emeony oursidei fyouf eell
ike
talkingspeaksweet heart
.Ifyoufeelli
kescreamingoranythingdoi ttome,
I'
my ourfi
ancei tismyj obt obareallyourf
rust
rati
onbutdon' thitme
please"Ibrushhi scheek"i twil
lbealri
ghtOwet hui
saf i
ghteral lyour
childrenarefighterswewi llconquerthisokay?
"Henodded

Don:
"Mychi
l
drenwi
l
lal
lbedamaged,
fir
sti
twasl
wet
huandnowi
t'
sher
"

Me:
"Not
heyar
enot
,yourf
ir
stbor
nisasur
viv
orshesur
viv
edr
apeandnow
she'
shappyi
sn'
tshe?
"

Don:
"Buti
twasmyf
aul
t,Ibr
oughtLi
l
ithai
ntot
hei
rli
ves"

Me:
"Noy
oubr
oughtLi
l
ithanotLi
l
itha'
ssi
ster
.Cany
oust
opt
his?Pl
ease"

Don:
"OkayIl
ovey
ou"hesi
ghed.

Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oobabe,
nowconcent
rat
eont
her
oad"

Don:
"Ki
ss?
"

Me:
"You'
l
lcauseacci
dent
"

Don:
"Iwon'
t"

Me:Ismil
edandl i
ckedhischeeckgoingdownt
ohisneck,hesmeltdo
good.I
'
m gladthatthewholesagadidn'
tmakehi
m negl
ecthimsel
fandof
cour
seIwasn'tgoingtoall
owit.

Thewhol
edest inat
ionwewerequietbutmybabywasbusyr ubbi
ngmy
thi
ghswi
thhishandsunt i
lwear
rivedatthehospi
tal
,thedoct
ortoldust
o
comestr
aightintohisof
fi
cesothatwecansignthepapersbeforehest
art
wit
htheprocedure.

Don:
"Hi
"hehel
pedmesat
tl
ethent
ookaseat
.

Doc:
"Hi
Mr.Dl
ami
ni,
howar
eyou?
"

Don:
"I'
m good,
canwepl
easest
art
?"

Me:
"Umm y
esdoc"

Doc:"Wel
lI'
m af
rai
dyoucannotsi
gnt
hepaper
swi
thoutamot
her
's
consent
"

Don:
"What
?That
'sbul
lshi
t"
Doc:
"Pl
easer
efr
ainf
rom swear
ing.We'
rei
nmyof
fi
ceIcal
ltheshot
sher
e"

Don:"Fuckyou!"Helookedatthedocstrai
ghti
nhisey
es.Isi
gnedIswear
thewayhesai ditIwantedtolaughbuti
twasnotther
ightmoment .I
twas
l
ikehewast ryi
ngt oprovet
hathe'snotscar
edofhim,
hedoesn'tshakehi
m
atal
l.I'
vegotasav ageboyf
riendhonest
ly!

Me:
"Babepl
ease"

Don: "
NoOzzie.Hecannotfuckentel
lmethatt
hemot herneedstobe
present.Whyneedherbecauseit
'sbeenawhil
esinceshelastcont
act
ed
herchil
dren,
Idoubtsheevenrememberthatherpussyoncekeptouttwo
babies"

Me:
"Honeypl
ease"

Don:
"Why
?"

Doc:
"It
'st
hehospi
tal
rul
es.I
'
m af
rai
dIcannotbr
eakt
hel
aw"

Don:
"Ohhy
esy
ouwi
l
l,y
ou'
l
lfuckeddoi
t"

Me:
"Apol
ogi
esf
orhi
sbehav
ior
.He'
sjustangr
y"

Doc:
"Iunder
stand"

Don:hetookouthisphoneandf i
ddl
edwithi
t.Iguesshe'
smaki
ngacal
l
becauseheplaceditonhisear
."VuyoIneedyoutodoabackgr
ound
checkonDoctorZulu.Getbacktome"hedroppedthecal
l

Me:
"Thef
uckbabe,
whywoul
dyoudot
hat
?"Iangr
il
ylookedathi
m.

Hekeptqui
etandl ookedatthedoct
orwi
thasmirkonhisface,
thi
smanof
minei
sasav age.Afterfewminut
esacal
lgotonhisphone.Heli
stenedf
or
afewminut
esanddr oppedt
hecall.
Don:
"Okaymyf
avor
it
edoct
ori
tsei
therwear
egoi
ngt
odot
hishar
dwayor
what
?"

Doc:
"AsIhav
esai
dbef
oreMr
.Dl
ami
niIhav
etof
oll
owt
her
ules"

Don:"
Okayyourmist
ress,
Theoney oudodr ugstoget
heromphi
ledoesthat
ri
ngabell
?"Il
ookedatDonshocked,i
shet r
y i
ngtoblackmai
ladoct
or?
Doct
orwasstart
ingt
oshiftonhi
schair.Doesthatscaredhi
m?Itmustbe
deeo

Doc:
"Whatabouther
?"

Don:
"I'
m sur
eyouwoul
dn'
twanty
ourwi
fet
oknowabouty
ouraf
fai
r"

Doc:
"No,
please.Don'
ttel
lher
"

Don:"
Iwon'
tbecauseweknowt
hatshe'
l
ltakeev
ery
thi
ngt
haty
ouhav
e"he
smil
ed.

Me:
"Pl
easedon'tt
akei
ttoheart
.He'
sapar
entI
'
m sur
eyou'
ddoev
ery
thi
ng
t
ohaveyourchi
l
dbeingoper
ated"

Doc:
"Okayf
ine.
"Heopenedt
hedr
awerandt
ookoutt
hepaper
s.

Don:"Thanky
ouitwasni
cewor
kingwi
thy
ou.Pl
easedowhaty
oust
udi
ed
for
,healmydaught
er"

Doc:
"Theoper
ati
onwi
l
ltake1t
o2hour
s."Hei
gnor
edDon

Me:
"Okayt
hanky
oudoc"

Doc:
"Letmegoandaskt
henur
sest
opr
epar
ethet
heat
re"hest
oodup.

Me:
"Let
'sgetoutofhi
sof
fi
ceweneedt
otal
k"

Don:
"Aboutwhat
?"

Me:
"Aboutwhatj
usthappened.Howdar
eyouPhi
l
ani
?"

Don:
"Youar
enotapar
enty
ouwon'
tunder
."Il
ookedathi
m wi
thmymout
h
hangi
ngopen.

Me:
"Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?Youknowwhatdon'
tsayi
t,Wow"

Don:"Ba..
"Irai
sedmyhandstoppi
nghim.Itookmybagandwenttowait
wit
hot herpeopl
eint
hewait
ingarea.Hecameandsatnexttome,Iwant
ed
tocreateaspacebet
weenusbutheholdmyhandandl ookedatme.

Don:
"Am sur
eyoudonotwantt
ocauseascene"

Me:
"Leav
emeal
onenx"Ipul
l
edmyhandawayf
rom hi
sgr
ip.

Don:
"BabeI
'
m sor
ry"

Me:
"Noy
ouar
enot
,youmeanti
t"

Don:
"Itcameoutwr
ong.
"

Me:
"Justkeepy
oursor
ryt
oyour
sel
fandl
eav
emeal
one"

Me:
"Nur
se.
"Ist
oodupandwentt
oher
.

Her
:"Heysi
showar
eyou?
"

Me:
"I'
m good,
how'
slwet
hu?
"

Nurse:"
She'
sokay
,she'
sasl
eep.Herdoct
orment
ionedt
hathe'
l
ldi
schar
ge
hertoni
ght
"

Me:
"That
'sgr
eatnews,
CanIpl
easeseeher
?"Ismi
l
ed.

Nur
se:
"Ohhy
es,
pleasef
oll
owme"

SheledmetoLwet
hu'
swar
d,mybabyl
ookedsobeaut
if
ul.It
hankedt
he
nur
seandtookasi
t.
Me:
"Nana,
lwet
hu"shebl
ankl
yopenedherey
esandl
ookedatme.

Me:
"Howar
eyou,
Nana?
"

Lwethu:"
I'
ll
bef
ineoncemyl
i
ttl
esi
sterget
sbet
ter
"shesai
dwi
thhur
ton
hereyes.

Me:
"She'
l
lbef
inesweet
hear
t.Doy
oubel
i
evei
nGod?
"

Lwet
hu:
"Usedt
obutIst
oppedt
het
imeumm.
..Iwas.
..
"

Me:
"Youdon'
thav
etoexpl
aindear
,tel
lmewhydi
dyoust
op?
"

Lwet
hu:"If
eltl
ikeGoddoesn'
tl
oveme.Whydi
dhel
etbadt
hingshappened
tomeifhelovesme?"

Me:"
I'
m sor
ryHun,
Owethuwi
l
lbegoi
ngt
othet
heat
rei
naf
ewmi
nut
es"
shel
ookedatmeandbl
i
nked.

Lwet
hu:
"Ohh,
wil
lshebef
ine?
"

Me:
"Yesofcour
se.Godwor
kinmi
racl
es"

Lwet
hu:
"Let
'spr
ayandseei
fhe'
l
lhel
pmysi
bli
ngt
hist
ime"

Me: "
Okay "It
ookmyhandsi ntohersandi nstructhertoclosehereyes.
"DearLord,Pleasecomet ous.Calmt hest ormsofourhear t
sandmi ndsas
ourpreci
ouschi ldgoesi ntosurger
y .Mayweknowt hatyourspir
itgoes
withthem andt hatyourpowerwi llbewitht hesurgeonsast heyoperate.
Coverourwonder fulchil
dwithloveandpr otecti
on,clot
het hem i
ngrace
andhope.Weputourt r
ustinyouandawai tthehopeofChr i
stt
oar i
sein
ourli
vesast heyr ecoverandrest.Amen.

Don:"
Amen"weopenedourey
esandl
ookedathi
m.Ir
oll
edmyey
esand
l
ookedev
erywher
ebesi
dehim.

Lwet
hu:
"Dad!Howl
ongwer
eyoust
andi
ngt
her
e?Comeandhugme"she
gi
ggl
ed,
shel
ookedsohappy
.

Don:
"How'
smypr
incess"

Lwet
hu:
"I'
m st
rongy
ouknowi
t"

Don:
"Yousur
eyouar
est
rong?
"Hel
aughedandhuggedher
.

Lwet
hu:
"Ofcour
seIam"shegi
ggl
ed.

.
..

Wewereout
sideLwethu'
swardwhenthedaught
erappr
oachus,
it'
sbeen3
hour
ssi
ncetheoper
ationhasst
art
ed.

Me:
"Doct
orhow'
smygi
rl
?"

Doc:
"umm t
heoper
ati
onsucceedbutshesl
i
ppedi
ntocoma"

Me:
"What
?!"

Don:
"Fuck,
GohomeI
'
llmeety
out
her
e"

Hepeckedmycheekandr
anout
.

AtCol
ombo'
shouse.

Donarri
vedatColombo'shouseandgotof
f,hej
umpedthewallandmade
sur
et ousethebackdoorwherethewasnoguard.Hewentst
rai
ghtt
ohis
off
iceandfoundhim puf
fi
ngcocaine.
Don:"
Wow, Ididn'
tknowthatt
hemightyColomboisadrugaddi
ct"he
smir
ked.Colombogotalert
edandt
riedtoreachf
orhisgunbutDonaimed
hi
shandwithasi l
entgun.

Col
ombo:
"Ahhh,
whatdoy
ouwant
?"Hegr
oanedasbl
oodgushesout
.

Don:
"Ki
l
lyou,
todayI
'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lyoui
nfr
ontofy
ourl
i
ttl
efami
l
y"

Colombo:
"Youwon'
tmakei
tout
.Myguar
dswi
l
lhunty
ou"hespatont
he
fl
oor

Don:
"Iguesswewi
l
lmeeti
nhel
l
"hesmi
rked

Col
ombo:
"Fucky
ou"hesai
dhol
dinghi
shandsuppr
essi
ngt
hepai
n.

Don:
"Why
?Whydi
dyouki
l
lhi
m?"

Col
ombo:
"Because.
."

Don:"
Whydidyouki
l
lhi
m!!
?"Her
oar
ed,
hewasget
ti
ngangr
ymi
nut
eby
minut
e.Hi
svei
nswereout
.

Col
ombo:
"Isai
dbecause"

Don:
helookedathi
m andshothi
m anot
herhand.Col
ombocri
edinagony
,
hedi
dn'
twanttoseem asi
fhe'
sacowardbuthewasi nal
otofpai
n.

Don:
"I'
m goi
ngt
oasky
ouf
ort
hel
astt
ime.Whydi
dyouki
l
lmydad?
"

Col
ombo:
"I'
m notgoi
ngt
oanswery
ouboy
"

Don:"
Iguesswewi
ll
hav
etouset
hemet
hody
out
aughtme.Lut
hando!
"He
scr
eamedhername.

Col
ombo:
"Notwi
thmypr
incesspl
ease"hecr
ied.

Don:"
DoIfuckencar
e?Mychil
disi
nhospi
talf
ight
ingforherl
ife,
you'
rea
par
entIwantyoutof
eel
thesamepainI
'mfeel
ingbeforeIki
ll
you"

Col
ombo:
"Fi
ne,
hebet
ray
edme"
Don:
"Howso?
"

Col
ombo:
"I.
..Iaskedhimtorapehismotherbuthedidn'
t,t
hathowhe
bet
ray
edme"Donl ookedathi
m andpushtheheavytableasi
de.

Don:
"Youdi
dwhat
?"Hekeptqui
et,
heshothi
slef
tleg.

Col
ombo:"Wehadadeal,buthedi
dn'
tdowhathewasi
nst
ruct
edt
o,Il
ost
mil
l
ionsbecauseofhi
m.Hehadtodie"hecr
ied

Voice:"
Youdidwhat ?"Abreaki
ngvoi
cemadeDont ot
urnandlookedatt
he
door.ThebloodyColombowasshakingi npain.Henevert
houghthe'
d
crossDonbutt odayhedid,hewasscaredofDonbuthedi dn'
twantto
showi t
.TheDlami ni
bitshowedhi
m histruecolor
stoday.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER49

DON.

Mom:"
Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
"sheaskedget
ti
ngi
n.Shewasshockedand
hur
t

Me:"
Pleasedonotgety
oursel
finv
olv
edi
nmat
ter
sthatdonoti
nvol
vey
ou.
St
ayoutofit
"Isai
dandlookedatCol
ombo

Mom:
"Whathappened?he'
sbl
eedi
ngcan'
tyousee?
"

Me:"I
'
m def
ini
tel
ygoi
ngtodowor set
hanthis,yourhusbandonl
yneedsto
t
ell
mewhathappened,becauseIdonotgetthenonsensethathe'
stel
l
ing
me"

Mom: "Howi st
hatgoi
ngtohel
py ouPhi
l
ani
?Yourdaddi
edofnat
ural
causespleasel
ethimresti
npeace"

Me: "
No,yourhusbandki
ll
edmyf at
her,he..
.YouknowwhatIdonothav e
ti
mef ort
his"Isai
dblowi
nghisleftleg,
hedi dn'
tknowwheretotouchsince
hi
slegsandhandswer einpai
n.Mom st ar
tedtocr
yandbeggedmet o
stopbutIgotdownonmykneesandpr essedthegunonhisbul
letwound
andshotagainincr
easi
ngthepain.Snor tmissedwit
htear
sinhi
sf ace,he
wasdisgusti
ng.Hewasnowcr yingandbeggi ngformercy
.

Mom: "
YesDonIhear
dhim sayt
hatheki
l
ledDl
ami
nibuty
ou'
dagr
eedt
oo,
you'
rehur
ti
nghi
m howcanhedenyit?
"

Me:"Justf
uckenshutupwoman,
whatkindofamotherar
ey ouhuh?You
knowwhatIwasgoingtospar
ehim si
ncehe'
syourbr
eadwinnerbut
becausey ou'
reabadmot herImmaj ustf i
nishhi m"Isaidpointi
ngthegun
athischest,Idon'
twanthi mtodi e.Wi t
houtl egshewon' tbeabletosati
sfy
mother'
sneeds, ofcourse,she'
llgetfrustratedatstartseeingthosewho
cansatisf
yher .Mymot herchanged, she'snott hewomanIknow, t
helov
e
shehadf ormyf at
herisnowgone.Moneyshadowedher ,Guccibags,
cl
othes,andsunglassesit'swhatmat t
ersmor etoher.Idon'tevenknow
whyshehat edLili
thabecauset heyar ebot hthesame.

Mom: "
Nonoson.Youcannotki
l
lyourf
ather
,youar
enotamur
derbaby
"
sheknel
tandbegged.

Me: "
Myf at
herdiedMama.Howcany
ouopeny
ourl
egst
oamant
hatki
l
led
yourhusband?"

Colombo:"
Ahhh.
..P.
L.E.
A.S.
EI'
mlosi
ngal
otofbl
ood.Pl
easet
akemet
o
hospi
tal
"

Me: "
Don'
tworr
yshe'
ll
helpyou"Isaidfi
ri
ngtwogunshotstowardshi
s
l
ifel
essbody
,he'
snotdeadImadesur ethatIai
mtoplacesthatwon'
t
damagehim.Iwanthi
mt odieapainful
death.

Me:"
Whilewe'r
eont
hatdearmot
her
,makesur
ethatmynamedoesn'
t
cr
ossyourmind"

Mom:"I
'm di
sowningyouPhi
lani
.You'
renolongermyson,aft
erwhatyou
di
dIdonotknowy ouanymore"shesai
dtr
embl i
ngwit
htearsonherface.
Shel
ookedscaredandter
ri
fi
ed

Me: "
Idon'
tgi
veadamn,whyareyoucryi
ng?Yourhusbandcoul
ddowi t
ha
str
ongwi f
esi
ncehe'
susel
ess"Ismi
rkedandwentout.Ilov
emymot her
verymuchbutatt
hemomentsheprovedthatshe'
dbetraymeformoney,I
underst
andashewasoncepoor.

WhenIarr
ivedhome,
mybabywasbusystudyi
ngwit
hgl asseson,
she
l
ookedsocutewit
hherbl
ondehai
r.I
t'
sbeenawhi
lesinceshelastwentt
o
t
hesal
on,
Ishoul
dtakeherout
.

Her:
"Baby!Whathappened?
"Shepushedherbooksasi
deandr
ant
owher
e
Iwasstandi
ngadmiri
nggetbeaut
y.

Me:
"I'
mfi
ne,
Ijustneedabat
h"

Her
:"Ar
eyousur
eyou'
renothur
t?Youhav
ebl
oodony
ourhands"

Me:
"Iwasdeal
i
ngwi
thCol
ombo"

Her
:"Babypl
easet
ell
mehe'
sdead"Il
ooki
ngather
.

Me:
"BabeIdonotl
i
ket
heper
sony
ouar
ebecomi
ng"

Her:"
What?Thatguyt
ri
edtoki
ll
mychi l
d,hedeser
vesi
t.Youshoul
dhi
re
yourguar
dtorapehi
sdeadbody,heshoul
dnothavepeaceeveni
ndeat
h"

Me:"
Babecalm down"Igent
lypul
l
edherf
aceandki
ssedhercount
less
t
imes."
Idon'
tthi
nkhedied"

Her:shegotoutofmygr i
pandslappedme,
thehel
l
?Ihol
dmycheek
shocked,Iwasnotexpect
ingi
t.

Me:
"Babe!
!"

Her:"
Don'tf
uckenbabemePhi l
aniyouhadachancet oki
llhi
m buty
ou
di
dn't
.Why ?
"She'stooshor
tandit
'sfunnythatshe'
sfumi
ngwi t
hanger
whil
eshe'sstandi
ngonhertoestr
yingtoreachmyheight
,Iholdmymouth
andlaughed

Her
:"What
'sf
unny
?Am If
unny
?"

Me:
"Nobabe,
youar
esocut
e.Ican'
thel
pit
"Ir
ubbedhercheek

Her
"Okay
,youexpectmet
ojumpov
erheel
sandbl
ush?Psssh"

Me:
"Nobyt
hewayhewon'
tbeabl
etowal
konhi
sown.He'
sjustausel
ess
dog,hewil
lbarkbutwon'
tdi
e.I
'
m suremot
hercal
ledt
hepar
amedi
cswhi
l
e
he'
sinhospit
alI'
l
ltaket
hebusi
nessawayf
rom hi
m.

Her
:"How?
"

Me:"
I'
ll
keeptabsonhi
m,myguywil
ltel
lmewhenhewakesupt
henI
'
llgo
wi
ththepaper
sandfor
cehi
mtosign"

Her
:"How?
"

Me:
"Doesi
tmat
ter
?"

Her
:"Mm"

Me:
"Ar
eyougoi
ngt
oschool
tomor
row?
"

Her
:"YesI
'
vegotat
estt
omor
rowt
hepr
obl
em i
sthatI
'
m wor
ri
edwhati
fI
f
ail
?"

Me:
"Youwon'
tfai
lst
andwaSam,
youhav
emeI
'
llhel
pyou"

Her
:"Howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"

Her
:"Aboutt
henews,
thatdoct
ort
oldusaboutowet
hu?Ar
eyouokay
?"

Me: "
BabeIcan'
tbr
eakdown.Yes,I
'm st
ressedandsadthatmychi l
dis
goingthr
oughthemostbutoneofusneedst obest
rong,Icannothaveyou
cryandalsocr
yno."

Her
:"Butbabe.
."

Me:"Nosweethear
t,Ihav
eaccept
edt
hatmychi
l
disi
nacomabutIhav
ea
hopethatshe'
l
lwakeup."

Her
:"Butatt
heend,
wehav
etot
ell
hermot
her
"

Me:"
Yes,l
etmegoandf reshenup.Br
ingy
ourbooksupst
air
sI'
l
lhel
pyou
wi
thwhatyou'
rest
ruggl
i
ngwi th"
Her
:"Thanky
ou,
hun.
"

Ozzi
e.

Ihappi
lytookmybooksandwentupst ai
rsfol
lowinghim,thehouseisqui et
wit
houtOwet hu,agedbescr eamingandrunningaroundthehouse.* Sighs*
Thisi
stakingat oll
onLwet hu.Icamebackwi thher,
thedoctordischarged
hersi
nceshewasokayandt hewasnoneedi fhi
mt okeepher .It
ri
edt o
for
cehert oatleasteatafewspoonsofr icebutsherefused,Donneedst o
haveatal
kwi thhisdaughterandassureherthatallwil
lbewel l
.Owet hu
wil
lbeokayshewi l
lbebackal lweneedtodoi stobepositi
veandhav e
hope.Iwasbusyt akingnotesfrom myphonewhenhel ai
dnextt omewi t
h
atowelaroundhi swaist
.

Me:"Youneedt
oweary
ourcl
othes.Someofuscannotcont
rol
our
sel
ves
youknow"

Hi
m:"
Babe,
whatdi
dyoudo?
"Hel
aughed

Me:"
Youar
etur
ningmeonPhi
l
ani
.Whenwast
hel
astt
imewesl
ept
t
oget
her
?"

Hi
m:"
Buty
ounev
eri
nit
iat
edsex"

Me:
"Wi
thdr
amaaf
terdr
ama?Idi
dn'
thav
eti
mef
ort
hat
"

Hi
m:"
Wel
lyoucanhav
eme"

Me:
"Youdonothav
eti
mingbabe,
I'
m wr
it
ingani
mpor
tantt
estt
omor
row"

Hi
m:"
Wheny
ou'
redonest
udy
ing.Onl
y10mi
nut
es"

Me:
"Al
ri
ght
,hel
pmet
hen"
Hi
m:"
I'
m comi
ng"

Heworehi
sboxer
sandputmygownont
op.I'
mti
redoffi
ght
inghi
m,
ev
ery
timewhenhewakesuphehast
owearmygownforwhat?

Me:
"Youwantt
ost
artaf
ight
?"

Him"
What?
"Hel
ookedathi
sbody"
It
'snotmyf
aul
tthaty
ourgi
venusf
luf
fy
andwar
m"

Me:
"Whatabouty
our
s?"

Him:"
Noit
'snotmyfavor
it
eatt
hemoment,
let
'sstar
t"hetookt
hest
udy
gui
deandpagesthr
oughit
."Whi
cht
opi
cishar
df oryou?"

Me:"
Well.
."Ishowedhi
m whatIdidn'
tunderst
and,hetookapenandwr
it
e
downthenumber sont
hepaper,
andst ar
tedanal
yzingthem.

Him: "
Let
'strysol
vingt
hisboo"heshowedmehowitisdone,Inev
er
thoughtmymanwasgoodatnumber sbutt
odayheprovedmewr ong,he
explai
neditunti
lIgoti
t.Af
terst
udyi
ngandhi
m hel
pingmeI'm sur
ethatI
'l
l
pass.

Hi
m:"
Iswearmyskul
lal
mostcr
acked,
I'
m sl
eepy
"

Me:
"Ow?
"

Hi
m: "
Hell
no.Ial
mostf
orgot
"hepul
l
edmewi
thmyl
eg,
Igi
ggl
edandhi
de
myfaceonhi
schest
.

Hi
m: "
Thankyouforremindi
ngme,withwhatIj
ustsolv
edI '
ddowithalit
tl
e
di
str
acti
on,
"hesaidtaki
ngoffmypyjamatop.I
'
m gladthatImanagedto
makehimforgetaboutOwethui
fsexmakeshim happythenI'
m del
icat
ed
t
ogi
vehi
m mor
esex.

[
REMOVED]

Itwasi nthemi ddl

ebitthenightwhenZoeunl ockedDanki e'
sdoorand
entered.Shewaswear i
ngabl ackcoatwit
hahi ghhill t
hatmadeasoundas
shest epsont hetil
e,whichalert
edDanki
einhi sbedr oom.Het ookhisgun
andhi debehindhisdoor ,Zoeopenedthedoorslowlyanddr oppedthecost
ont hefloor
.Danki el
osthismi ndwhenhesawherf lawlessskinandbig
boobs, Zoealway shadthebiggestboobsintheirgroupt hatevery
thi
ngshe
wear scleavagealwayspopup.

Zoe:"
Ohhyouwerereadyf
ort
heact
ion"shesai
dtur
ningar
oundandgi
vi
ng
Danki
ethef
ull
view

Danki
e:"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Wher
e'sy
ourhusband"

Zoe:"Homeasleep,
withNonhl
einhospi
tal
Icamet
oof
fermysuppor
t"she
rubbedherboobswhil
eli
cki
nghermouth.

Danki
e:"
Byopeni
ngy
ourl
egs?
"

Zoe:
"Thatt
hebestof
ferI
'
veev
erof
fer
edaper
son"

Danki
e:"
WellI
'm happytosaythatIacceptit
"hesai
dandpushedhertothe
bed.Hepl
annedtohav eroughsexwithher,hewant
edhert
oscream hi
s
namethewholenight.Wi
thZoe,shebetrayedherf
ri
end!

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER50

Zoe.

Thedr
eam thatIhadmademequickl
ywakeupfr
om mybeautysl
eep.It
wasdi
stur
bing.mypil
lowwaswetwit
hsweatandmypyj
mat op.Vuyo
wokeupandlookedatme.

Hi
m:"
Babyar
eyouf
ine?
"

Me: "
Ijusthadadr
eam ofsomet
hingdi
stur
bing.
"Il
ookedar
oundshocked,
I
'm confused.

Hi
m:"
Youl
ookt
err
if
ied.Whatdi
dyoudr
eam of
?"

Me: "
No,no.Youcangobacktosl
eep,I
'm goi
ngt
otakealoo"Isl
owlygot
outofthebedandwenttothebat
hroom,mypentywaswet.Isi
ghedand
tookitof
f,Ihadawetdr
eam?Havingsexwithmybestf
ri
end'shusband?

OZZI
E.

WhenIwakeupi nthemor ni
ngIwenttotakeashowerthenworemyjeans
wit
hal ongt
-shir
tandwhitefl
uff
ycotsi
ncetheweatherwaswindyand
col
d,Iworeblackhi
llboot
sandwenttowakeDonupwher ehewas
sl
eeping.
Me:"Babe"Igent
lyshookhi
m.Het
urnedandl
ookedatt
heot
hersi
de"
Wee
Phi
l
ani,pleasewakeup"

Don:"Youarenotf
airOzziesomeofuscannothav
eourbeaut
ysleep
becauseyouhaveanearlytest
.Pl
easel
eavemealoneI
'l
lseeyouwheny
ou
comeback"

Me:"
Butit'
snotl
ikeyoudonotwakemeupwheny
ouhav
eanear
ly
meet
ing"Il
aughed.Thi
sti
meIgothim

Don:
"Ohhwel
ltodayI
'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e.Sopl
easel
etmebe"

Me:
"Sowhowi
l
ldr
iveme?
"

Don:"Youhav
ey ourdr
iver
,goodl
uck"hepul
l
edt
hesheet
sandcov
erhi
s
head.Ipul
l
edthem down.Hegroaned

Me:
"Idon'
twantt
owakehi
m up,
he'
sol
dandIdonotwantt
oseem r
ude"

Don: "
You' resoannoy ingy ouknow?Your eall
yloveannoy i
ngme, can'ta
per sonsl eepwi t
houtbei ngdist
urbedi nthishouse?No, actuallyy ouar e
sentt omakemyl ifeli
v ingahellwel l
,well-
donesweet heartyou' vepassed
yourmi ssion"her oughlyt hr
ewt hesheet sont heflooranddi sappear edto
thebat hr oom.Ilaughed, hebangedt hedoor .Mymanhasdr ama, they
shoul dhav enamedhi m dr amabecausehe' salway scompl aining.I'
m glad
thatIgothi m backbecauseDonwi ll
wakey ouupwheny ouar eaboutt o
kissy ourf avcelebrit
y,andi t'
snotr omant i
cwhenhewakesy ouup, noit'
s
eitherheputear phonesonmyear sandpl ayasongorwakemeupwi th
coldwat er,helovespl ay i
ngbutwhenheget sangry ,
y am indodai s
uncont rollabl
e,Iswearheev enforgetwhohei s.Byt heway ,
I'm gladt hat
he'st akingOwet hu'sissuessowel l,hemakessur ethathedoesn' tdwel lon
thei ssuesal lt
het ime, hemakeshi mselfbusywi thwor korhi sil
legal
deal i
ngs.
Don:
"Let
'sgo"

Me:
"Nonobabypl
easest
opwear
ingmygown.What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
"

Don:"Nt
ombooI'm noti
nthemoodcanwepl
easego?
"Het
ookhi
scar
keysandwentout,
Ifoll
owedhi
m downt
hest
air
s.

Me:
"Hav
eyounot
icedt
haty
ouhav
eabi
gass?
"Il
aughed.

Don:
"Real
l
y?"Hel
ookedathi
sassandt
appedi
t.

Me:"
Awwmybabyisgett
ingf
at,
Ili
keit
"Ir
ubbedmyhandonhi
sass.He
sl
i
ghtl
ysl
appedmyhandandl
aughed,
see?It
'seasyt
omakehi
m happy
.

Don:
"St
opt
ouchi
ngmyass,
youhav
eyour
swhynotpl
aywi
thi
t?"

Me:"BecauseIl
ovehowsof
tyourboot
yis.
"Ipul
l
edhi
m backandi
nser
tmy
handinsi
dehist
rouser
s.

Don:"Waitsi
s,y
ousaidyoul
ikemyasswhere'
syourhandgoi
ng?
"Hehol
ds
i
t,IswearIdi
dn'tmeant
otouchhi
sthi
ngitwasami st
ake.

Me:
"I.
.I'
m..
.Comeonbr
o"

Don:
"Catgoty
ourtongue?Seeyourwayoutofmytr
ousersboo"het
ook
myhandoutofhi
spy j
amastrouserandgr
abbedanappl
e.

Me:
"You'
resobor
ingy
ouknow,
andy
ou'
renotr
omant
icy
ousuckatbei
ng
r
omanti
c."

Don:"
I'
m ablackman,notwhit
eman,I'
m aXhosamansot hat
'st
hingof
bei
ngromantici
snotmyst y
le.wenay
oushouldbegl
adthatIcanaffor
dto
l
ookaftermybeaut
if
ulwifetobeandmykids"hesmi
led.

Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"

Don:
"Iknowr
ight
"
Hewi
nkedandopenedt
hedoor
.

Me:
"Fucky
ou"

Don:"
It
'ssocold"hesai
dpul
li
ngmet ohi
sarm aswef ast
-wal
kedtohiscar
.
Heopenedtheheateri
mmediatel
ywhenwegetinthecar,I
'mreadyf
orthe
exam.WhatevercomesI'
mready.Hest
art
edtheengineanddri
veout.

Don:
"Hasy
ourf
ami
l
ysett
hel
obol
adat
e?"

Me:"Idon'
tknowbabe,butaunt
ycal
l
edthatdayandt
oldmeaboutt
he
l
att
er.Shesaidshe'
l
lgetbacktomeoncethedat
ehasbeenset
"

Don:
"Canwepl
easewai
tforOwet
hut
owakeup?
"

Me: "
Idonothav eapr obl
em,I'l
lbemeetingtheweddingplanneron
Satur
day "Weplannedt ogetmar r
iedimmediat
elyaf
terthelobol
a.Myman
doesn'twanttowaitanylongerunt i
lhemakesmehi swife."
Butbabeisit
thati
mpor t
anttopayt hebri
depr i
ce?Imeanwhowi llbenefi
tfr
om itsi
nce
mymom di ed?You'
llbewastingyourmoneybecauseaunt yEuniceandher
husbanddoesn'tgiv
eadamnaboutus"

Him:"sweethear t
,Idon'tcarewhet herthey'
llblowitorsavet hemoneyf or
Naledi'
sschool.It'
snotl i
keIcannotaf fordtot akecareofyourguy s,Ican,
andev enifIstopbei ngaMaf i
abosst hemoneyt hatIhavecanl astusfor
thecomi ng50y ears.Sodon' tsweatmyl ove, nomoneycanbuyy ouandby
thewaypay inglobol ameansbr i
ngingthetwof amil
iestogether
,
developi
ngmut ualrespect,
andshowi ngthatawoman’ sfuturehusbandi s
capableoffinancial
lysuppor ti
nghiswi f
e"

Me:
"Wel
lwhodoesn'
tknowt
haty
oucant
akecar
eofme?
"
Don:
"Let
'sdr
opi
t,I
'
m pay
ingl
obol
afory
ouandt
hat
'si
t"

Me:
"It
'sf
ine.Canwepl
easegoandseeOwet
huwhenIcomeback?
"

Don:
"I'
m goi
ngstr
aightt
othehospi
talf
rom here.YoucanUberf
rom her
e
t
othehospi
talt
henwewi l
lgobackhometogether"

Me:
"Andl
wet
hu?
"

Don:"
Lwethushoul
dfocusonherschool
stuff
,shecannotaf
for
dtof
ail
it
wil
lbr
eakher.Youknowhowshehatesbeingafai
lur
e"

Me:
"Okay
,letmego"Ipeckedhi
sli
ps.Hel
eanedov
erandopenedt
hedoor
f
orme

Don:"Goandnailitbabe,Ibeli
eveinyou"hepul
l
edmyfaceandgav emea
deepkissbefor
eIgoouthehuggedmeandwhi sper
edsweetst
uffinmy
ear,
thismanwi l
lnotstopgivingmebut t
erf
li
esi
nmystomach.I
'm head
overhil
lsi
nlovewithhim, I
'
lldiei
fIlosehi
m.

Ibl
ewaki
ssandcl
osedt
hedoor
.

UnderOzzie'sschoolt
reethewere3beautif
ulladiesthatwer
eseatedon
therocks,twowerebusyeatingmaskopasbutt hethi
rdonewasr evi
sing.
Theywat chedOzzieasshetookasital
oneandopenedherbooks, which
neverbotheredOzzieatal
l
.Shealwayslovedher sel
falonewi
thoutanyone
dist
urbi
ngherpeacebutwi thDon?Shedoesn'twantadayt opasswi t
hout
seeinghim.

Onka(fi
rstgi
rl
):"
Ithi
nkthisgir
l usedMutionDon.Howcanhel ovethat
t
hing?Shedoesn'tevenapplymakeup, IswearmganiI
'v
eneverseenher
weari
ngmakeuporl ooki
ngcut e.It'
sal
way sanat
ural
lookt
oherbl eached
hai
r"shesai
dpowder
inghernosewhi
l
ehol
dingami
rr
or.

Bi
l
i(secondgi
rl
):"
Menl
i
keDonwantOzzi
e'
sty
pej
ustt
ouset
hem"

Onka:
"She'
sfr
om v
il
lages?
"

Bi
l
i:"
Youdidn'
tknow?Idi
dmyr
esear
chandt
hegi
rlj
ustbur
iedhermot
her
afewweeksback"

Onka:
"Havey
ouseenhowmanyf ol
l
owersshehasonI
nst
agram?Butshe
onl
ypost
edonepi
ctur
e,nost
orynonot
hingwhodoest
hat?
"

Bi
l
i:"
May
beshedoesn'
thav
emoneyt
obuydat
a"

Onka:
"Nowayboo,
wit
hmanl
i
keDonIev
enwantt
oseeherbankbal
ance"

Bil
i:
"Whatifhe'
snotgi
vi
ngheranymoney?Maybehejustuseherasasex
toyandshoveherasi
deaft
eraround?
"Theyl
aughedandclappedhands.

Onka:
"Your
eckon?
"Thet
hir
dgi
rlangr
il
ycl
osedherbookandl
ookedat
t
hem.

Onka:
"What
?"

Vukona:"
Youaresopat
heti
cyouknowanddisgust
ing,
youthi
nkgossi
ping
aboutpeopl
e'
slov
ematter
swill
growyourbankbal
ance?"

Bi
l
i:"
Andt
henwena?Tsongagi
rlsuddenbur
st?
"

Vukona:
"Unganinyel
iwenabil
i(don'
tshi
tonmebi
li
)can'
tyouseethat
Ozzi
eisagreatgir
l?Whathasshedonetoyout
ohateherl
iket
his?
"

Onka:
"Shet
hinksshe'
sabov
eus"

Vukona:"No,youthi
nkOzzi
eisabov
ey ou.Andt
hegir
lisnotaboutthatat
al
l,yesIgetit
.Sheengagedt
obemar r
iedtoDonbutdon'
tyouthinkyou
shouldacceptandmoveon?"

Onka:
"Nonoway
,ther
enowayI
'
m goi
ngt
olethi
m mar
ryt
hatsl
ut"
Vukona:
"Fi
nesui
tyour
sel
f.I
'
m goi
ngt
ogr
eether
"

Onka:
"Goodl
uckwi
thgr
eet
ingbi
tches"shesnor
t.

Ozzi
e.

Iwasbusymast
eri
ngt
heequat
ionswhenachubbyy
etcut
egi
rlsatbesi
de
me.

Her:"
Ozzi
eri
ght
?"Shewav
edandsmi
l
ed.Il
oveheraf
ro,
she'
sAf
ri
can
beaut
y.

Me:
"Howdoy
ouknowmyname?
"

Her
:"Wel
ldoy
oubl
ameme?Youar
edat
ingaf
amousper
son"

Me:
"Comehe'
snott
hatf
amous"

Her:"Ohhnomay bewearenottalki
ngaboutthesameguybecausegir
l
yourmani shotanddangerous"We'renotgoi
ngtot al
kaboutmymanhere.
Ihatediscussi
ngmyl ov
elif
ewi t
hpeople,r
ememberhowi ttur
nedbadl
y
wit
hNomal anga?Idonotwanthistoryt
orepeati
tself
.

Me:
"Okay
,let
'sdr
opi
t.What
'
syournamebyt
heway
?"

Her
"Sor
ryI
'
m Vukona"Wow,
whatagr
eatname.

Me:
"Ohhhy
ouhav
eagr
eatname"

Her:"
Thanky ou.Iwasalsorevi
singandsawt haty ou'
realsostudy
ingbut
you'
real
one.Wecanhel peachother"sheclosedherey eswhenshe
noti
cedthatIwassmi l
inglooki
ngatherf ace,It
hinkshehav eeyesprobl
em
j
udgingfrom thegl
asses.
Me:
"Ohh,
arey
oushy
?"

Her:
"Iam,i
t'
sjustt
hatI
'
vebeenmeani
ngt
oasky
out
obemyf
ri
endsi
nceI
don'
thaveafr
iend"

Me:"
Youdon'
thavefr
iends?Ithoughtar
gnev
ermi
nd?
"May
bet
hosegi
rl
s
shewaswit
hain'
therfri
ends"

Her:
"Yes.OnkaandBi
l
iai
n'
tmyf
ri
endsbutIknowt
hem si
ncewest
ayi
nthe
samehood"

Me:"
Okay.Let
'sgot
othecl
ass,
theexam i
saboutt
ost
art
"Isai
daf
ter
hear
ingabell
.

Her
:"Andi
t'
scol
d"Igi
ggl
ed.

Wet
alkedaswewentt
othecl
ass.

DON.

Iwasbusywi
thpaper
wor
kinmyst
udywhenl
wet
hushout
edmyname.Her
voi
cewasshaky
.

Lwet
hu:"
Dad,
daddy.Phi
l
ani"God,
somethi
ngmustbewr
ongf
orhert
ocal
l
mewithmyname.Ipani
ckedandrant
oherroom.

Me:
"Lwet
hu?
"

Lwethu:
"DadI
'
m bl
eedi
ng.Somet
hingi
swr
ongwi
thme"shecr
iedf
rom her
bat
hroom.

Me:
"Bl
eedi
ng?
"Iopenedt
hedoorandgoti
n,shecur
ledher
sel
ftot
he
cor
neroft
hebasi
nandwr
appedherar
msar
oundherl
egs.

Lwet
hu:
"Pl
easedon'
tcomenearme,
justcal
ltheambul
ance"

Me:
"Umm babygi
rl
.Ar
eyouf
eel
i
nganypai
ns?
"

Lwet
hu:
"Yesbel
owmybel
l
ybut
ton"shesni
ff
ed.

Me:"
Don'tcryi
t'
sokay
,you'
llbeal
ri
ght
.Wherear
eyoubl
eedi
ng?
"Thewat
er
wasred.Idon'
thav
eanyideaofwhat'
sgoi
ngon.

Lwet
hu:"Godthi
sissoembarrassi
ng,
I'
m bleedingf
rom myv agi
na"I
l
ookedathershocked."
Ithi
nkit'
smenst
ruationbutI
'm scar
ed"

Me:"
Menstruat
ion?Whatdoyouneedt
ost
opt
hebl
eedi
ng?Letmecal
lyour
doct
orbecausethisi
sdi
stur
bing"

Lwethu:
"Nodad,
myt eachertol
dmei t
'snor
mal.Youcancal
launt
yOz
zie
sheknowswhattodo,she'
llt
ell
you."shewipedhert
ear
s.

Me:"
Stayi
nthewat
erdon'tcomeoutokay
?I'
m goi
ngt
oputy
ourbeddi
ng
i
nsi
dethewashi
ngmachine."I
thadbl
ood

Itookmyphoneandcal
ledOzzie,Iputi
tonl
oudspeaker
sandst
art
ed
taki
ngoutt
heli
nenfabr
icoutofthebed.

Her
:"Babe,
Inai
l
edi
tIswear
"shegi
ggl
ed

Me:
"Awwcongr
atul
ati
onssweet
hear
t.I
'
m happyf
ory
ou"

Her
:"Wai
tyourv
oicei
sdownwhat
swr
ong?
"

Me:
"Howol
dwer
eyouwheny
oust
art
edy
ourper
iods?
"

Her
:"Wher
e'st
hatquest
ioncomi
ngf
rom?
"

Me:
"No,
Ithi
nkl
wet
huumm y
ouknow"
Her:"Don'
tpani
csweetheart
,Lwethuis14year
soldit
'snor
mal.Naledi
star
tedwhenshewas12, justgoandgetherpadsfr
om thest
ore(cli
cks)
andperiodspai
nki
l
ler
s,it
'sherfi
rstt
imesoherperi
odpainswil
lbetense"

Me:
"Whi
chbr
andhun?
"

Her:
"Youcangethert
hesameasmine.Iwant
edt
ohav
elunchwi
thmy
newfri
endbutI
'
llcomest
rai
ghthome"

Me:
"What
'shername?
"

Her
:"VukonaChauke,
she'
sinnocent
"

Me:
"IknowbutI
'
llhav
etochecki
fshe'
sreal
l
yinnocent
.You'
l
lnev
erknow"

Her
:"
Seey
out
hen.
"

Me:
"Okay
,Il
ovey
ou"

Her
:"Il
ovey
oumor
e"shedr
oppedt
hephone.

Me:
"NanaI
'
m goi
ngt
ogety
ousani
tar
ytowel
sokay
"

Lwet
hu:
"Pl
easegetmesomet
hingf
ort
hepai
n"

Me:
"Don'
tcr
yI'
l
lbeback"

Lwet
hu:
"I'
m scar
ed"

Me:"
Don'tbe,
whenIcomebackwewill
researchi
tokayandaunt
yOzz
ie
wi
ll
teachyouabouti
t.Sol
ongyoumuststayawayfr
om boys"

Lwet
hu:
"Dad!
"

Me:"
Yesmygi
rl
.Yourdadl
ovesy
ouandhe'
l
lbedi
sappoi
ntedi
fyourf
all
pr
egnant
"

Lwet
hu:
"Iwon'
t,
andI
'
llnotdat
eany
timesoon"
Me:
"That
'smygi
rl
.l
etmego"

Irubbedherf
oreheadandwentout
,onmywaytothest
oreIdeci
dedt
o
connectmyphoneonBl uet
oot
handcal
l
edNokuthul
a.

Her
:"Hi
Phi
l
a"

Me:
"Sur
eNokut
hul
a"

Her
:"
Howar
eyou.Idi
dn'
texpectacal
lfr
om y
ou"

Me:
"Okayl
ook,
Owet
huwasshotandshe'
sinhospi
tal
"

Her
:"
OkayIheary
ou.Whatdoy
ouwantf
rom me?
"

Me:"
Ithi
nkOwethuwoul
dbesohappyt
oseehermot
hernextt
oherwhen
shewakesup"

Her
:"Ican'
tPhi
l
ani
,Ican'
ttr
avel
toGaut
engwi
thoutl
egs"

Me:
"It
'snotl
i
key
ou'
l
lnev
erwal
kagai
n"

Her:
"Justdealwi
thyourchi
l
dandl
eav
emeal
one"shecl
i
ckedhert
ongue
anddroppedthecal
l
.

WhatIhadwi t
hNokut hulawasbusi ness,Ihadt omar ryhersot hatIcanbe
crownast heMaf i
aboss.Youcan' tbeabosswi thoutawi fenexttoyou,t
o
keept henameIhadt obemar r
iedandhav eaf ami l
y.Ithi
nkNokut hula
developedfeeli
ngsandf orgetaboutwhatweagr eedon, withLil
it
haI
thoughtIlovedheruntilImeetOzzi e.Idon'
thav etimet odeal wit
h
Nokut hul
ait'
sfi
neifshenol ongerwant sherchil
drenI '
l
l r
aisethem andbe
thereforthem.I'
ll
makesur ethattheydonotf eel t
hev oidofnothav i
ng
thei
rmot hernexttothem, I
'l
l makesur eofthat
.
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER51.

OZZI
E.

Me:
"VukonaI
'
m sor
rybutIhav
etocancel
ourl
unch"

Vukona:
"Ohhwhat'
swrong?Di
dIdosomethi
ngt haty
oudonotl
i
ke?I
'
m so
sor
ryOzziedon'
tl
eavemeli
keever
ybody
"shelookeddown.

Me:"
No,youdi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ng.Ir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om DonandIhav
eto
r
ushbackhome"

Vukona:
"I'
m sorryaboutt
hat,Idi
dn'
tmeant
opani
c"shet
ookof
fher
gl
assesandwi pedoffhert
eras.

Me:"I
t'
sokaysweet
hear
t,whatdoy
oumeanwheny
ousayev
ery
onel
eav
es
you?
"

Vukona:
"Nonot
hing.I
'
llseey
out
hen"

Me:"Yousaidyouwantt obemyf r
iendri
ght?Iwon'tf
orcey out
otalkwhen
you'
reuncomfort
able,butasaf r
iend,Ipr
omiset obealwaysbyyourside.
WhateveryouaregoingthroughI'
llhel
pyouov ercomeitokay?I
'm not
sayi
ngI'
m perf
ectvukonaev ery
onemakesmi stakeswhichiswhatweal l
havetolear
nfrom i
t"Irubbedhershoulders

Vukona:"
Nobodyl
ovesme,
Ozzi
e.Mymom,
dad,
andmysi
bli
ngst
heyal
l
abandonme"

Me:"
I'
m sorr
yt ohearthat
,youar
enotthewrongonet
heyare.Donot
bl
ameyourselfforwhatev
erisht
heyar
egoingthr
oughokay
, concent
rat
e
ony
ourbookswi
thf
ull
for
cesot
haty
oucannol
ongerdependont
hem"

Vukona:"
It
'sbeenawhilesi
nceI'
vebeeni
ncont
actwi
tht
hem.They
di
stancedmyselff
rom me"shesaid

Me:
"Whywhathappened?
"

Vukona:
"Canwepl
easedr
opi
t?"

Me:"Fi
ne,
I'
ll
cal
lyou"shegavemehernumber
s.Iwasnotaboutt
ofor
ce
herandmakeheruncomfor
tabl
e.

Vukona:
"Youhav
eagr
eathear
t.
"Shehuggedme.

Shewaitedwit
hmeunt il
myUberdr i
verarri
ved,Icoul
dn'
twaitforadriver
tocomeandpi ckmeupsi nceIwasi
nahur ry.I
t'
sdangerousIknow, with
Colombooutthereandnotdead?IswearIalway smakesurethatthere'
s
noonesuspici
ousfoll
owingme.Hedr oppedmeatt hegateanddrov e
away,Iqui
ckl
yplacemyt humbonthesensorandt hegateopened.

Me:"Babe"Iwentt
ohughim.Hecoul
dn'
tgotot
hehospi
talandleav
e
l
wethualone,shewasasl
eeponhi
schestwi
thahotwat
erbottl
eont opof
herstomach.

Don:
"Ohhy
ouback"hecheckedt
het
imeusi
ngt
her
emot
e"I
t'
sear
lybabe"

Me:"
Yuhtheexam wasnott
hathar
d.Af
terr
ecei
vi
ngy
ourcal
lIhadt
o
camebackst
rai
ghthome"

Don:
"Ohh"

Me:
"Howi
sshe?
"Idr
oppedmybooksont
opoft
hecouch

Don:
"She'
sbeenwi
nci
ngi
npai
n."

Me:
"It
'snor
mal
,youl
ookst
ressedwhat
'sup?
"
Don:
"Al
lmychi
l
drenar
esi
ckOzzi
e.Whati
ftheydi
e?"

Me: "
Theywon't,asf
orlwet
huit
'snormal si
nceshe'
sat
eenagerandagi
rl
.
Gir
lsgothroughthemostsweetheart
,letmemakesomethi
ngforher
.Have
yougivenhertheper
iodpai
nkil
lers?
"

Don:
"Idi
dbuti
tlooksl
i
ket
heyar
enotwor
king"

Me:
"May
bey
ouboughtt
hewr
ongt
abl
ets.
"

Don:
"Checkt
hem,
theyar
eont
opoft
heki
tchencount
er"

Me:
"Al
ri
ght
"

Itookoffmycoatandwentt oputitontopoft hebed,Iwor

emysleeper
s
andreturnedtot
hekit
chen,Imadesoupf orher.Whi
lethemacr
owav ewas
counti
ngsecondsIdecidedtocheckthepi l
ls.OMG,thi
smanofmineis
suchaf oolsomet
imes.Heboughtmor ningaf t
erpi
ll
.

Me:
"Babe!
"

Don:
"Huh"thekit
chenandt
hel
oungei
t'
sanopenpl
an.Icanseet
heTV
fr
om wher
eI '
m st
andi
ng

Me:
"Cany
oupl
easecomeher
equi
ckl
y?"

Don:
"Butbabe"

Me:
"It
'si
mpor
tant
,youboughtt
hewr
ongpi
l
ls"

Don:
"What
?I'
m comi
ng.
"

.
.

"
Letmesee"het
ookt
hepacketf
rom myhand.
Me:
"See.Thepacketev
enhadonepi
l
lhowdi
dyoumi
sst
hat
?"

Don:
"Idon'
tknow,
it'
sev
enwr
it
tenel
l
aone"

Me:"Youshoul
dhav
easkedt
heassi
stantt
oshowy
out
hei
pruf
enor
neuf
oren"

Don:"
Idi
d,shesai
dtheyar
ether
ightpi
l
ls.FuckI
'
m goi
ngt
oteachhera
l
esson"

Me:
"No,
babecal
m down.
"

Don: "
Thesideef
fectbabe?Whati
fsomethingbadhappenst
oher
?I
fuckengavehert
hewr ongpi
ll
"hebangedthetabl
e

Me: "
It
'sokay,Phil
anil
ookatme"Ipulledhisheadt ofaceme" Nothingwil
l
happent oLwethu,youdi
dn'tknowthattheywer ethewrongpill
s,youdid
every
thinginahurrybecauseyouwant edtoreleaseyourchil
dfrom the
painshewasf eeli
ngdon'tbl
amey our
selfforthat.Takethi
sandf eedher,
I'
l
lgoandf etchthetabl
etsthathel
psme"

Don:
"Fuck"

Me:"
Stopsweari
ng,
wewi
l
lconsul
tadoct
orwhenwegoandseeOwet
hu.
Hewil
lcheckher
"

Don:
"Ar
eyousur
e?"

Me: "
YesI'm sur eHun.St opwor r
yinglwethuwil
l bef i
ne"henoddedand
tookthebowl wi thhim.Doni sacar ry
ingfather
, Iadmirethel
ovethathe
hasforhischildren.I'
m stil
lshockedandwantt ol aughsobadthathe
boughtthewr ongpi ll
s,Idon'tknowwhathappenedbecauseheknowshow
themor ni
ngaf terpil
llooksli
kebutt odayhef ai
ledt onoti
ceit
.Iwentto
takethepil
landf i
ll
upt heglasswi thwater.

Me:
"Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngsweet
hear
t?"Isatnextt
oher
.
Her
:"Thepai
ncomesandgoes"

Me:
"You'
l
lbeal
ri
ght
,canwet
alkaboutmenst
ruat
ion?
"

Her
:"Nopr
obl
em"

Me:
"Whathasy
ourt
eachert
aughty
ousof
ar?
"

Her
:"Sheonl
ytol
dusaboutt
heagesofwhenwewil
lseeourper
iodsonl
y.
I
t'
sli
keshe'
sshytot
eachusaboutt
hoset
hings"

Me:
"Don'
twor
ry,
I'
m her
eI'
l
lteachy
ou"

Her
:"Can'
tdadexcuseus?
"

Don:"
Fine,
Ozzi
ewil
lgi
veyouthepil
laf
tery
ou'
veeat
eny
oursoup.
"He
br
ushedherhai
randwentupst
air
s"

Me:
"Sowhatdoy
ouwantt
oknow?
"

Her
:"What
'sMenst
ruat
ion?
"

Me: "
God,wher edoIstart
?Okay ,
Menst r
uationi
swhent hebodybecomes
phy si
call
ycapabl eofbecomingpregnant .Eachmont h,oneoftheov ari
es
releasesanegg.Thi siscal
ledovulat
ion.Hor monalchangespr eparethe
l
iningoftheut erustoaccepttheeggf orpregnancy.Whenov ulati
ont akes
placeandt heeggi snotfer
til
i
zed,thelini
ngoft heuterusshedsanddr ai
ns
throughthev agina.Thi
siscall
edamenst r
uati
onoraper i
od.
"

Her
:"Somybl
oodwi
l
lfl
owf
orhowmanyday
s?"

Me:
"Itdependssweet
hear
t,somef
orf
ull
sev
enday
sbutIgof
or5day
s"

Her
:"Wel
l
,howdoIknowt
hedat
eoft
henextci
rcl
e?"

Me: "
Thereanappt hatIusetohelpmecalculat
emyci r
cle,
I'
lldownloadit
foryou.Whil
ewe'reont haty
ouneedami nibagtoputyourpadsinand
alsowhenyougot oschool youcantakeapadjustforemergency,peri
ods
docomewheny ou'r
elessexpecti
ngthem"
Her
:"YoumeanIshoul
dcar
ryapadev
ery
wher
eIgo?
"

Me:"No,butf
orexampl
ewheny ou'
regoi
ngtoschool,
mall
,et
c..
.Andwhen
i
thappensthaty
oudonothav eapaddonotaskaroundf
orone,you
shoul
dstickt
ooneproductanddonotchanget
hebrandokay"

Her
:"I
'
llt
akeaj
erseyandcov
ermy
sel
fwi
thi
tthenaskf
orper
missi
on"

Me:"Yes,
daddy
,orI
'
llcomet
ofet
chy
ou.I
tsnor
mal
sweet
hear
tdon'
tbe
scar
edOkay"

Her
:"Thanky
ouf
ormaki
ngmeunder
stand"

Me:
"It
'smyj
ob,
ohhIal
mostf
orgot
.St
ayawayf
rom boy
s"

Her
:"Dadt
oldmet
hat
"

Me:
"Whatdi
dhet
ell
you?
"

Her
:"
7bs"

Me:
"Ohhheknowst
hem"Il
aughed

Her
:"Yeshesai
dBooksBef
oreBoy
sBecauseBoy
sBr
ingBabi
es"

Me:"YayI'
m gl
adyoumast
eredt
hem.Takef
ive"sher
aisedherhand
"
Alr
ightfi
nishupandt
aket
hepil
l
s"

Her
:"Iwi
l
lthanky
ou"

Me:
"It
'smypl
easur
e.Anddr
essupbecausewe'
regoi
ngt
oseeOwet
hu"

Her
:"Okay
"

Att
heRest
aur
ant
.

Li
l
ithamadeherwayt
owar
dst
het
abl
ethatNonhl
ewasseat
edon.She
smir
kedandl
ookedathowbr
okenshewas,
shel
ookedsot
hini
njustaf
ew
day
sandugly
.

Li
l
itha:
"Eww"shegi
ggl
edandsatdown

Nonhl
e:"
Lil
i
thahi
?"

Li
l
itha:
"Sohel
efty
ou?
"

Nonhl
e:"
Nohedi
dn'
t.HowcanIhel
pyou?
"

Lil
i
tha:
"Ithoughtyouguyswer
emyf r
iendsbutIseeyou'
renot,It
rust
ed
youwit
hmyl i
febutaf
terDondi
vor
cedmey outurnedyourbacksonme.
Youdeniedtohelpme"

Nonhl
e:"
I'
m sor
ryaboutt
hatLi
l
itha"

Li
l
itha:"Nodon'
tbe,becauseI
'
m comingforyouguysandwhenI'm done
wi
thy ou,youwon'
trecogni
zeyour
sel
f.I
'm gl
adthatDanki
elef
tyou"

Nonhl
e:"
Why?Idi
dn'
tdoany
thi
ngt
oyou.Ozzi
eist
heonewhot
ooky
our
manwhypuni
shus?"

Li
l
itha:
"Wel
comet
othesi
ngl
ewor
ld"shegi
ggl
ed.

Voi
ce:"
Babelet
'sgohome"Dankie'
svoi
cedist
urbedt
hebot hofthem,
Nonhl
enerv
ouslylookedathi
m,henoddedandtookherhand.Shesmil
ed

Nonhl
e:"
Itwasni
ceseei
ngy
ouLi
l
itha"

Lil
itha:"
Likewi
se"shewasburni
nginsi
de,shet houghtherpl
anwor ked.She
thoughtDankiewouldl
eftNonhl
eandnev erlookedbackbuti t
'slikehestil
l
l
ov esher,shebangedthet
ablemakingthecust omersjumpinf ear.The
managercameandaskhert oexcusethem sinceshe'sscar
ingt he
cust omers.
TWOMONTHSLATER.

OZZI
E.

Thosepastt womont hst hingshadbeengoi ngwel lonoursi de, Owet huis

outoft hehospi t
al.Itwast hehappi estmomenti nourl ives, Wehadami ni
braaitocel ebratewhatshewentt hr ough.I '
dbel yi
ngi fIsayt hatIdi dn'
t
affecther,itdidbutwewer et heref orher .Wehel pedherov er comeherf ear
ofgoingout .Doncl eanedoutCol ombo, allhe'slef twithi sthemoneyhe
keptinhishouse.Thef ami lyhadst oppedl ivi
ngt hef ancyl if
esi nce
Colombohadnomoneyt of undt heirl i
fest y
le,Colombocannotwal konhi s
own.He' susi ngawheel chairwhi chf r
ust r
at eDon' smot herbecauseshe
hast ohelphi m doev erything, shehat est hatshehast omakef oodf orhi m,
helphim bat h, wearcl othesandev enhel phimt othet oilet.She' sstarti
ngt o
hatehi m sl
owl yast hemoneyr unsout .Asf orDonhepai dlobol aforme, i
t
wast hehappi estmomentofmyl i
fe, mymot herwast her ebutwear enot
thatclose.Idon' tthinkshe' llcloset hev oi
dt hatmamal eft,butI '
ll
tryto
all
owheri nmyl if
e.Asf orNokut hula, shehat esme, shehat est hef actthat
I'
m hersister .Lil
it
haIhav en'thear df r
om hersi ncewedi scov eredthatshe
paidtheguar dt osleepwi t
hNonhl e,theguar dconf i
rmed.Nonhl eand
Dankiear eseei ngat herapistt ohel pt hem f i
xt heirmar r
iage.That 'show
ourliveshasbeent hel astfewmont hs, I
'vegotl ear ners,whi chIwasf orced
totake.Appar entl
y ,he'stir
edofdr i
vingmear ound.

Don:"Babe,I'
l
lbeback.ZoeandNonhl
esai
dthatt
hey
'l
lcomet
ocheckon
you"hekissedmycheek.

Me:
"Wai
t,wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"

Don:
"Ihav
etosor
toutaf
ewt
hings.I
'
llbebacki
naf
ewhour
s"
Me:
"ButIt
houghtwewer
egoi
ngt
ost
ayi
ndoor
sandbondwi
tht
heki
ds"

Don:
"I'
m sor
rybutsomet
hingcameup"

Me:
"Somet
hingmor
eimpor
tantt
hany
ourf
ami
l
y?"

Don:
"Ozzi
edon'
tdot
hat
"

Me:
"JustgoPhi
l
ani
"

Don:
"Buty
ou'
reangr
y?"

Me:"I
'm not"Istoodupandwenttositbythegarden.Hesaidthatwewil
l
movetoournewhousenextmont h,Icannotwait
.Iwanttogetmar r
iedi
n
ourgarden,it
'ssobeaut
iful
andgreeny.We'vebeenplanni
ngourwedding
si
nceourl oboladay,
Icannotwai
ttogetmar ri
edtohim.It
'sso
over
whel ming!

Iwasbusycl
eani
ngthehousewhenZoeandNonhl
easkedt
othem buzzi
n,
Iwai
tedfort
hem byt
hedoor.

Zoe:
"Heydar
li
ng,
howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"Ti
red.Nonhl
e"Isi
ghed

Zoe:
"You'
vebeencl
eani
ng?
"

Me:
"Yes,
Iwasbor
ed.Nol
uthandot
ookt
heki
dsout
.I'
m al
one"

Zoe:
"Wel
lwear
eher
etokeepy
oucompany
"

Nonhl
e:"
Wel
lhel
pmet
hen"

Zoe:"No,wearenotheref
ort
hat
.Goandt
akeashowerwer
etaki
ngy
ou
out"shecheer
ful
lysai
d.

Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?Ican'
tl
eav
ethi
s"Ipoi
ntedt
othemessImade
Zoe:
"You'
l
lfi
nishi
twhenwecomeback,
justgo"

Me:
"Butguy
sI'
m noti
nthemood"Isul
ked

Nonhl
e:"
Don'
trui
nourpl
ansboo.Go"

Me:
"Fi
ne"

Isighedandwentupstair
s,Ididn'
ttakelongshowersinceIbathedi
nthe
mor ni
ng.I
twasbi thot
,Ioptedoutforsummerdr ess.Myhairsty
lei
ssti
l
l
thesame, Ideci
dedtokeeponmybl ondehairsi
nceit'
slooki
nggoodonme.
I'
veneverchangedmyhai r
styl
esinceIcombedmyhai randwent
downstair
s.

Me:
"Done"

Zoe:"Sowear
egoi
ngtopassbymyhouse.Ther
e'samakeupar
ti
stt
hatI
askedtocomesot
hathecantr
yhi
snewmakeupr age"

Me:
"Ai
n'
twegoi
ngoutf
orl
unch?What
'st
hemakeupf
or?
"

Nonhl
e:"
Comeon,
I'
m notgoi
ngt
otakepi
ctur
eswi
thmybar
eface"

Me: "
Butyouguy
shav ecl
earski
n.I
'
m sor
rybutIcan'
tyouknowhow
sensi
tiv
emyskinis"

Nonhl
e:"
Thepersonwhooncemakeupy
ouusedt
hecheapmakeup.Don'
t
worr
ywegotyou"

Me:
"Okay
sthenl
et'
sgo"

WepassedbyZoe'shousewher eweindeedf oundthemakeupar t

ist
,he
st
art
edwithNonhleandfi
nishedwit
hme.Mi newasdi f
fer
entfr
om thei
rs,
it
wasnot
hingheavybutyoucouldtel
lthatIhav emakeupon.Zoetookher
phoneandcapturedourfaces,
shepostedonInst
agr
am,
Twi
tt
er,
and
Facebook.Shecapti
onedaswestartourday.

Me:
"Whyi
smynameupdi
ff
erentf
rom y
our
sguy
s?"

Nonhle:
"Becausey
ouaredi
ff
erentf
rom us.Wecannotf
orcey
out
owear
heav
ymakeupwhi ley
ouhateit
"

Me:
"Thanky
ouf
orunder
standi
ngguy
s"

Nonhl
e:"
It
'sapl
easur
e,weshoul
dgetgoi
ng"

Zoe:
"Rubi
thanky
ouf
ory
ourser
vice.Wel
ookcapt
ivat
ing"

Nonhl
e:"
Youknowy
ourst
uff
"shegi
ggl
ed

Wedr
oveusi
ngnonhl
e'
scar
.

Me:
"Whatar
ewedoi
ngher
e?"Iaskedast
hecarst
opped.

Zoe:"
Iboughtahouseformymother"Il
ookedathershocked,
Idon'
tthi
nk
shecanaff
ordthi
skindofahouse.

Nonhl
e:"
Closey
ourmout
h"shegi
ggl
ed.

Befor
eIgotof fthecarNokuthula'
smothercameoutrunni
ng, orshouldI
say,mymot her?I'
m confused,
whatisshedoingher
e?Andt hey ardis
buzzi
ngwi t
hpeopl egoingupanddown, t
hedecorpeopledoingtheirj
obon
thegarden.

Her
:"You'
ret
alki
ngy
ourt
imesweet
hear
t.Hur
ryi
t'
syourweddi
ngday
"she
smi
l
ed.

Me:
"Whatno!
"Isai
dshocked,
isi
tasur
pri
seweddi
ng?Il
ookedathert
ear
y.

Her
:"Yessweet
hear
t.Comet
hedr
essi
swai
ti
ngf
ory
ou.

Ilookedathershocked,
IthoughtI'
m gett
ingmarri
edinDecember
?That
wast hedatewebothhadsett oget
her.Il
ookedathertr
yingt
okeept
he
tearsfr
om fal
li
ng.Butevent
uallyt
heydid,Ir
uinedmymakeup.Doesi
t
mat t
er?I'
m shocked

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER52

OZZI
E.

Iwassot eary,I
'm suchadumpIdi dn'tevenreal
izethatthisist hehouse
thathehasbui l
tforus.Thedi ningareawaspl ai
nsincether ewasno
furni
ture,thepainti
ngoft hewal lwasjustthewayIt ol
dhi m.Nonhl eand
Zoewer erunningaftermeasIcheckev er
yroom withtearsi nmyey es.I
swearI'llgetDonf ordoingt hi
st ome,I'
m sohappyandwantt ocrysobad.
Whatmor ecouldIwishf or?I'
m gett
ingmar r
iedtotheloveofmyl i
fe,
Owet huisokayandIgett oliv
einmydr eam house.Tearsofj oyruinedmy
makeup, Icl
osedmyey esandsatdown.

Nonhle:"Ncooh"shecameandsatdownwi t
hme.Huggedmeandr ubbed
myback" It
'sal
rightsweetheart
,Donl ovesy outoomuch, hedidallofthi
s
becausehel ov
esy ou.Hewasst ressedl adyfewmont hsbecausehe
wantedt hehouset ojustthewayy ouwant edit
,TrustmeIknowPhi l
ani.
He'snotr omant i
cbuttodayhepul l
edi toffbabe,whenhecomest ome
withtheideaIwassohappyf oryou,Iwassohappyt hatt
hekind,sweetest
,
andlovingDoni sfi
nal
lyout.Youshoul dbepr oudthaty oumanagedt o
makehi m comeoutofhi sshell
,I'
venev erseenDon' semot i
onsbefore.
Evenifhebr eaksdownhemakessur et hathe'sal
oneort akeitasaman
anddoesn' tcry.Helovesyou"

Me:"ThankyouNonhl
e.Il
ovehi
mtoo"Isobbedandwi
pedmyt
ear
s.It
ook
of
fthelashes

Nonhl
e:"
Your
uinedt
hem"
Me:
"I'
m sor
ry,
Icoul
dn'
thol
dbackt
het
ear
s"webot
hlaughed.

Ozzie:"Okayokay,Icanseethatyou'r
ehappyandemotional
butcanwego
andgety oudressed?Looky ourhusbandi
scall
ingme"sheansweredt
he
cal
l."Youneedt obepatienceDon,yourwi
festi
llhast
odohernail
sand
sheruinedhermake"

Sheli
stened"Ohhshewascryi
ng,nonono,don'
tcomewet ookcar
eofit
.
Weshoul dbereadyby6PM".Get
tingmar
riedatni
ghthasbeenmydream.
Ial
waysdr eamtofsayi
ngmyvowsunderthestar
s,hopef
ull
ythemoonwil
l
beouttoday.

Me:
"Wel
ll
et'
sgo"Ij
oyf
ull
yst
oodup.

Zoe: "Alri
ght"shetookmyhandandl edmet ot hemainbedroom.I
thad
twol argebrowndoor s,thewasonl ythebed,headheadboardmirr
or.I
guessbef orewemov einherewe'l
lhavetodoahouseshoppi ngbecause
clearlythis,
househasnot hi
ng,youcouldsti
l
l smell
thepaint
.He
ment ionedt hathe'
ll
hirethecleani
ngcompanyt ocl
eanthemessthatthe
ti
lershadmade.Iguesst heycamebecausei twasspoil
tless.

Theyst
art
edtoal
l
ulat
eandsangweddi
ngsongs.Don'sgr
andmotherwas
seat
edontopoft
hebedwit
habracel
etonherhand,Il
ookedather
.She
smil
edatme.Oh,
we'r
egood?

Nonhl
e:"
Sincey
our
uinedy
ourmakeup,
Zodwawi
l
lbey
ourmakeupar
ti
st
f
ortheday"

Me:
"Hi
,Zodwa"
Her
:"Heygi
rl
,si
tdownIst
il
lhav
eal
otofwor
ktodo"

Zoe:"She'
salsogoingt
odoyournai
l
sandhai
r.Shespeci
ali
sei
nthi
ngs
thathavetodowithbeaut
y"

Me:"Ohhh,
pleasedon'
tdot
hoseheav
ymakeups,
Idonotwantmymant
o
notr
ecogni
zeme"

Zodwa:
"Iwon'
t,
Nonhl
etol
dmewhaty
oul
i
kesoI
'
llgl
am y
ourf
ace"

Me:
"Mm t
hanky
ou"

Nonhl
e:"Don'
tyout
hinky
oushoul
dweary
ourdr
essf
ir
st?Won'
tyour
uini
t
wi
thfoundati
onwhenyoudr
ess?"

Gogo:
"No,mygrandchi
l
dinst
ruct
edmet
onotshowherunt
ilshe'
sdone
wit
hever
ythi
ng"

Me:
"Aww,
nopr
obl
em"

Zodwa:
"Doy
ouwantsmal
ll
ashes,
medi
um,
orl
ong?
"

Me:
"medi
um"shenodded

Zoe:
"We'
regoi
ngt
ocheckont
heki
dsandal
sogetdr
essed"

Me:
"By
ethen"

Bythetimeshef ini
shedeveryt
hing,
itwashal f
-pastfi
ve.Shetookami r
ror
andplaceditonmyt hi
ghs.Shedidi
tjustthewayIwant edi
t.Ful
lcov
erage
foundat
ion,pinkynudeli
psti
ck,popofblush,defi
nedbr ows.That
'swhatI
wanted,andmedi um eyel
ashestogowi t
ht helook,IswearIwastheglam
queen.IlookedatherinAWE.

Zodwa:
"Don'
t,
don'
tyoudar
ecr
yonme,
Ozzi
e"
Me:
"Thanky
ouZodwa.Youknowy
ourwor
k"

Zodwa:
"I'
m gl
adt
obet
heonewhomadey
oul
ookbeaut
if
ulony
ourbi
g
day"

Me:"AndIl
ovemynai
l
stoo,
Ncoooh.You'
ret
hebest
"Ist
oodupand
huggedher

Gogo:"Mysonchosewel
l
,youl
ookbeaut
if
ulmakot
i"Okay
,may
beshe'
s
pr
etending.

Me:
"Thanky
ouMa,
I'
mtheonewhochosewel
l
"

Gogo:
"That
'sgr
eatmychil
d,l
etmegoandcal
lyourmot
hersot
hatwecan
hel
pyouwit
hthedress"

Me:
"No,
Ist
il
lhav
etodomyhai
r"

Gogo:"
Noof
fensemychild,
arey
ougoi
ngt
ogetmar
ri
edwi
thy
ell
owhai
r?
Whit
e?What
evercol
ori
tis"

Me: "
No, i
fPhi
l
anifol
l
owedwhatIwast
ell
i
nghi
m aboutt
heweddi
ngt
hen
I
'm goingtowearaweav
e"

Gogo:"
Youwantedtogiv
emeahear
tat
tack,
letmel
eav
eyout
ofi
nish"she
l
aughedandwentout.

Zodwa:
"Si
tdown,
wehav
etodoy
ourhai
rremember
"

Me:
"Ri
ght
"

Glam LongPony
tai
lhai
rcurl
y.That
'swhatIchoose,
Iwantedsomet
hingto
notdi
sturbmewhendancing,Idonotwanttoalway
spull
myhairIwanted
tobefree.

Goi
ngf
ull
glam?Shepul
l
edt
heweav
ebacki
ntot
hissl
eekpony
tai
l
.Itl
ooks
superchi
candelegantf
rom t
hef
ront
,butIgettoshowof fmylong,
l
uxuri
ouslocksi
ntheback.Pl
usIwon'thavetoworryaboutf
ussingwi
th
myhair.

Zodwa:
"Theol
dwomencancomei
n"

Me:
"Youcancomei
nGogo"

MamaNokut
hul
a:"
Wow,
mychi
l
d,y
oul
ooksobeaut
if
ul.OhhMyGod"she
cr
ied

Me:
"Don'
tcr
y,mama"

MamaNokut
hul
a:"
I'
m notcr
yingmybabygi
rl
,i
t'
stear
sofj
oy"

Me:"OhhmyGod,
you'
regoi
ngt
omakemecr
ytoo"Isai
dfanni
ngmy
sel
f
usi
ngmyhand.

MamaNokut
hul
a:"
Thanky
ou,
Lor
d,t
hisi
sal
lyourwor
k.It
hanky
ou,
Fat
her
God"

Gogo:
"Okayenough,
let
'sgett
hebr
idei
ntoherdr
ess"

Me:
"Ican'
twai
ttoseei
t"

MamaNokut
hul
a:"
Closey
ourey
es"

Me:
"ButMa"

Zodwa: "I
'l
ldothehonor
s"shedi dn'tplacedherhandsonmyf acesinceshe
didn'twanttorui
nthemakeup.Theyopenedt hedressandscr eamedt aada.
Iopenedmyey esandgasped,Iturnandl ookedont heothersideifonlythe
womanwhor ai
sedmewasher e.Iknowt hatmamaNokut hulaisjust
pretendi
ngbecauseshedoesn' tloveDon, wit
hmymot her,shewasgoi ng
tobehappyf orme.Mydr eam wasf orhertowal kmedownt heaisl
e,but
shechoset hebestway,shechoset ogoandr est.ButIknowt hatshe's
l
ooki nguponme, wit
heverythat'
shappeni ngt odayIknowt hatshe'
swi t
h
me,
herspi
ri
tisl
ooki
ngaf
terus.

MamaNokut
hul
a:"
Ozzi
ear
eyouokay
?"

Me:
"I'
mfi
neMa,
Iwasj
ustt
ryi
ngt
okeept
het
ear
sfr
om f
all
i
ng.OhhGosh"

MamaNokut
hul
a:"
Hel
ovesy
ou"

Me:"
Iknow,hepull
edthi
sof
fwit
houtmyeff
ort
,heal
waysaskedmeabout
mydream weddi
ngkanti
he'
sact
ual
lypl
anni
ngsomethi
ng.
"

Zodwa:
"Youar
egoi
ngt
omakeuscr
ytoo"

Me:"I
'
m sosorrybutI
'm happy
,I'
m happyt
hatGodbl
essedmewi t
h
someonel
oving.Inev
erthoughtmylif
ewouldtur
noutl
iket
his,
Thanky
ou,
Lor
d"

Gogo:
"Enoughsweet
hear
t,y
ourboy
fri
endi
swai
ti
ngf
ory
ou"

Weal ll
aughed, t
heladieshelpedmewor et hedress,i
tfi
ttedsoperfectl
y.I
t
wasat rumpetorf i
shtail
design,themer mai ddresshugsmybodyand
beginstofl
air,usual
lyattheknee.Thef larewasmodestorexagger ated.
Thisdesignaccentuatesmyf igureandshowspar ti
cular
lywellontall
,
athl
eti
cwomen.That '
showIl ooked.Lastly
, myshoeswer ehil
lsthathas
bl
ing,theylookedsobeaut i
ful.Aft
ergettingdressedIsatdownandl ooked
atthem.

Zodwa:"
CanIt akeyouaphot o?"Befor
eshecouldstandupt hedoor
bar
gedopened, t
heygoti nweari
nglongdressest
hatfit
tedthewell.I
thad
acutonthethighs,Vukonaalsocamei nwit
hadiffer
entdressbutshe
l
ooksmor ebeautif
ul.Theyal
lstoppedJelookedatme.

Zoe:
"WowOzzi
e,st
andup"sheopenedhermout
h
Nonhl
e:"
Youl
ooksocapt
ivat
ing,
sweet
hear
t"

Me:
"Thanky
ouguy
s"

Zoe:
"Wher
e'st
hecamer
aguy
?Iaskedhi
mtof
oll
owupus"

Me:"
Guy
st hanky
ou,Vukona?Inev
ert
houghty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
oagr
eet
o
bemymaidofhonor
"

Vukona:
"Wel
lIagr
eed,
Ilov
eyou,
Ozzi
e"

Me:"Il
oveyoumor ef
ri
end.Youknowwhatstopmakingmetal
k,l
etmego
andmarrythelov
eofmylife"t
hedresst
heywereweari
ngwasmatchi
ng
wit
hmyl i
psti
ck

Zoe:"BeforeIgoIwasaskedt ogi
vey outhi
s.AndIwastol
dthat"she
l
eanedf orwardandwhi spered,
"HesaidImusttell
youtoputsomething
sexyundert hatdress"Icl
osemyey es,GogoandmamaNokut hulaforced
met owearal i
ngeri
e

Me:
"Idi
d"

Zoe:
"Wel
lhe'
sgoi
ngt
ori
pyouapar
ttoni
ght
"

Gogo:
"Imadeabout
iquef
ory
ou.
"Shesai
dtaki
ngoutoft
hebox

Me:
"Thanky
ou,
grandma,
it'
ssobeaut
if
ulIl
ovei
t"

Gogo:
"Phi
l
ani
descr
ibedi
tthewayy
ouwant
edi
t.I
'
m gl
adt
olov
eit
"

Me:
"Ido,
it'
ssobeaut
if
ul.
"Ismel
l
edi
t.

MamaNokut
hul
a:"
Okaycany
oupl
easegi
vemeandmychi
l
daspace?
"

Zoe:"
Nopr obl
em,
you'
l
lcal
luswheny
ou'
redonesot
hatwecancomeand
getourbr
ide"

MamaNokuthul
a:"Per
fect
"shewaswear i
ngadust
ypinkt
wo-
piecesui
t,i
t
wasnotatr
ouserbutaski
rt.Shef
ini
shedthel
ookwit
hahatt
hathada
l
acefl
owerontop
Her:"Mychi ld,Iknowt hatIwasnev erinyourlif
e.ButIwanty out oknow
thatIlovedy ouandIst il
ldo,you'remychi ld,Isuffered9mont hs,labor
pains,andal sothepai noflosi
ngy ou.Youwer er i
ghtundermynosebutI
couldn'tseei t
,Ilostmymi ndthedayy ouwentmi ssing.Ivowedt onev er
stoplookingf ory ouunt i
lIfi
ndy ou, Ial
way swr i
telatter
'sfory ou,Nokut hula
hatedt hatbutshehadnochoi cebutt oacceptt hatmyhear tisbleedi ngfor
mychi ld.I'
m happyt hatyouaregoi ngtomar rythemant haty oul ove,
honest l
y,Idonotl i
keDonbuti fyoul ovehim heal solovesy ouandnothur t
youwhoam It ost opy ou?Ilovey ouwayt oomucht ostopy ouf r
om
mar r
yingt heloveofy ourli
fe,yourf at
heralsocamebuthe' snotal lowedt o
beinthi sroom.You' l
lseehi m outside"Il
ookedather ,Iwant edt ocr yso
bad.I'
m emot i
onal t
heseday s

Her :"Nodon'tcr ymychi l

dy oudonotwhatt oruiny ourmakeup.
Remembery ouj ustnotdepr ivemysoni nl awhi sneeds, evenifyouar e
angr yyoumustgetangr yf rom y ourwaistandup.Yourl egsmustnotget
angr ymyl ove,donotshar ey ourbedr oom mat t
er swi thy ourfri
ends.Iknow
theyar eyourfriendsbutwhat everthat'
sgoi ngoni nyourmar ri
agey ou
mustnev ersharei twit
hy ourf riendsbuty ourhusband, he' syourhusband
talkwi t
hhim.Wheny oufeel l
ikehedi dsomet hingt haty oudonotl i
kedon't
keepqui etbabegi r
ltal
ksot haty oucanf indawayt ofixit.Obeyy our
husbandheknowswhat 'sf ort hebest,nev eragr eet obeahousewi femy
child.Iknowhe' sr i
chbutdonotbeat r
ophywi fei twillendbadl y,I'
m happy
thaty ouarestudy ingIwanty out obesuccessf ul .Don'tdi sappointme, do
nothat ehischild.Lookaf tert hem asy ourchi l
dr en, Nokut hulaabandonher
kids,shedoesn' tcareaboutt hem al l
inaski ngfr om y oui stoshowt hem
l
ov e.

Me:"Thanky
ousomuch"Iat
tackedherwi
thahear
twar
ninghug,
she
ki
ssedmycheeksandmademest andup
Her
:"
Let
'sgo,
inhappyt
hatI
'
m goi
ngt
owi
tnessy
ourweddi
ng"

Me:
"I
'm al
sohappyt
haty
ouar
eher
ewi
thme"

Shehel
dmyhand.Wewal kedoutofthehousesi
ngi
ngweddi
ngsongs.I
wasgoingtoarr
ivei
naf
ancycar,Ihadtodri
veoutwi
thmydri
verandwai
t
formyentr
ance.

Hismothercouldn'tcomesinceshehadtolookaf
terCol
ombo,butVusi
andNoluthandocamet owitnessthei
rhal
fbrot
her
swedding.Theywereso
happyforhim,despitewhathedidtothei
rfami
lyt
heysti
l
llov
ehim.And
theyhat
et hatt
heirmotherdisownedhim.

Thedecorwasapicni
csor
tof
f,t
hewasol
dpeopl
ehadchai
rsr
eser
vedf
or
them byt
hesi
de.

Thewer eseasonal f
lowersandeverlasti
ngsi l
kf lowers.Thewer ebeautif
ul
fl
oralarr
angement si
nav ari
etyofcont ai
nersfrom pai ntedfl
owerpot sto
ti
nwat eringcans.Theywer efi
ll
edwithr ocksandsandmat chi ngwi tht
he
theme.Thepl acewasdecor atedwitht ul
lefabri
candpaperl anterns.The
candleswer eplacedontopoft hestandi nthesi dewher ethegr oom and
thebridewer egoingtowalkon.Sincei twast heni ghtweddi ngt hewere
ri
bbons, streamer s,l
i
ghti
ng,andtull
et hatdecor atedtheout buildings.I
t
helpedwi thcr eat
ingtheri
ghtenvir
onmentf orthegar denweddi ng.

Don'suncl
eandhi swif
estoodupastheyweret
heMCoft
heday.They
greet
edthecrowd, t
hei
rgardenhadamini
..
.Whi
chi
swher
etheywere
goingtoexchangethei
rvows.
MrsDl
amini
:
(Don'saunt
y)"
Hell
o,wel
cometoOzzi
eandPhi
l
ani
'
sweddi
ng.
Howarey
ou?"Shegiggl
ed.Thecr
owdrepl
i
edher

Her:"Youal lhaveyourprogr ams, everythingwill

beshor tsincet hebr ide
wantedt ogetmar r
iedatnight .I
t'
sasur priseweddi ngwhent het i
mef or
thebridet ograceuswi thherpr esencewear egoingt ot urnof fthel i
ghts.
Thecandl esandt hebigbol dwor dsov ertherearewhatshe' sgoi ngt osee.
Solet'
sst andupandwel comet hegr oomsmanast heyent redanci ng.It
wasjustwar m-upsast heysav ethemsel vesforlate.Wi ththatsai dthe
bri
demai dsalsogotinsl owlyandf orm al i
neont hel eftside.Ev ery t
hing
wentqui et,thebandont hesi destartedsi ngingOzzi e'sfavoritesong, Don
gotinhisbl acktuxedo.Hel ookedsohandsome, hewentt ost andwher e
thewasal argelovewritt
en, "Thebegi nningofourl ov e"

Mr sDl ami ni:

"Ohh,whatal ovelyentrancebyt hegr oom, groomsmen,and
bridemai ds.Nowl et
'sallkeepquietandwel comeourv eryownbeaut i
ful
Makot i"onemi nutepassed,Owet hugoti nlaughingandgi ggli
ng.Shewas
holdingar emot ewhichshest oodint hemiddl eoft heredcar petandli
ght
thel aptop, ali
ghtsourcegoton.Ozzi eandDon' spi ct
urest art
edbeing
display ed.Showi ngt
heirfir
stdate,thescanoft hebabyhowt heywere
happy .Itwassoemot i
onal,peopledr oppedf ewt earsev enDoncr i
ed.Vuyo
tappedhi sshoulderandgav ehi m ahandker chieftowi pehi stear
s.The
l
ight sgotonasOzzi emadeherwayl ooki
ngdobeaut i
ful,herdadwas
wal kingherdownt heaisl
e.Hegav ehert oDon

Don:
"Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"

Ozzi
e:"
Younear
lygav
emeahear
tat
tack"

Don:
"Wel
lsur
pri
sesweet
hear
t"

Ozzi
e:"
Ilov
eyou"shel
ookeddeepi
ntohi
sey
es.Shesawnot
hingbutonl
y
l
ove.
Don:"
I'
m goi
ngtofuckyousogoodt
oni
ght
,youwon'
tbeabl
etowal
k"she
bl
ushedandlookeddown

Ozzi
e:"
Phi
l
ani
stop"

Don:"
You'
llscr
eam mynamel
i
key
ou'
venev
erscr
eamedbef
ore"hesai
d
wit
hhisdeepvoice

Ozzi
e:"
OhhGod"t
hepast
orwasr
ightnextt
othem.

Don:
"Ai
n'
tyouhungr
yforme?
"

Ozzi
e:"
Canyoustoptur
ningmeon?"Shesaidloudl
y,shequi
ckl
ycloseher
mouthwhenshenoti
cedthatf
ewpeopleheardher.Theyal
ll
aughed

Don:
"Seewhaty
oudi
d?"Hel
aughed

Ozzi
e:"
It
'sy
ourf
aul
t"

.
..

Pastor:"Dearl
ybelov ed,
wear egatheredher eint hesi
ghtofGod, andinthe
presenceoff amil
yandf ri
endstojointogetherthismanandt hiswomani n
HolyMat ri
mony ,whichiscommendedofSt .Paul t
obeanhonor ableestate,
i
nstit
utedofGodandt herefor
eisnottobeent eredintounadvi
sedlyor
carel
essly,butreverentl
y,joyf
ull
yandint heloveofGod.I ntot
hishol y
estatethesetwoper sonspr esentcomenowt obej oi
ned.
"nobodydat edto
stoptheweddi ng,theweddi ngwasbr oadcastingl i
veonSABCchannel s.
Li
lit
hawasseat edont opoft hecouchwi thti
ssuesandawi nenextt oher,
shenot i
cedhowhappyt heywereandcr ied.

Ozzi
e:"IThandazi
l
epr
eci
ousMol
oipr
omi
set
olov
eyou,
honory
ou,
and
cher
ishyouasmyhusband.
Ivowtohol
dyourhandinmyhand,
tohol
dyourheadi
nmyhands,andt
o
holdy
ourhear
tinmine.Il
ovey
ouandyouar
emyhusbandf
orallt
ime.

TomyhusbandIv owtofol
lowt helessonsputfort
hinCompanyby
Sondheim,tohol
dyoutooclose,tohurtyoutoodeep,tosi
tinyourchai
r
Andruinyoursl
eepAndmakey ouawar eOfbei
ngaliv
e.I'
ll
alwaysbethere,
Asfri
ghtenedasyou,
Tohelpussur viveBei
ngaliv
e

Ipl
edget
obey
ourev
erf
ait
hful
,honest
,andl
ovi
ngwi
fe.

Wi
ththewor
dswear
eaboutt
ospeak,
letusbej
oinedf
orev
eri
nhol
y
mat
ri
mony.

Ipromi
senevert
oletgoofyourhand,
thatthehandt
hatIt
akenow,
wil
lbe
thesameoneIholdi
ntheautumnofourliv
es.

Youaremybestf
ri
end,
myconf
idant
.Mar
ryi
ngy
oui
str
ulymyev
erydesi
re
ful
fi
ll
ed.

Ipromisetoputyouaheadofall
other
s,t
obebyyoursi
dethrought
hick
andt hi
n,t
hroughgoodti
mesandbad.Whentherai
nsfal
landthecool
breezesblow,youcancountonme.Youcanal
wayscountonme.

Il
oveyouwit
halovethatcannotbeexpr
essedi
nwor
ds-onl
yinki
sses,
in
gl
ances,
andtheyear
sofourlives.

Downthepath,
thr
ought
hewoods, i
nt hesun-
drenchedfi
elds,andthrough
bi
tt
ersnows.Ourl
ovewi
llkeepussafe,warm,andineachot her
'sarms.

It
'sunbeli
evablethatIgett
hechancetopromisemy selft
othepersonI
considermygr eatestf
ri
endandlovi
ngall
yinallt
hings.Il
oveyouandwill
cheri
shy ouforallti
me.I'
m gl
adthatImetyou,eventhoughitwasthemost
embar r
assingmomentofmyl i
fe,Il
oveyouMyDon"shesai dputt
ingonthe
ri
ngonhi sfinger.

Cr
owd:
"Ncoooh"
Don:
"Youwer
epr
epar
ed?
"Heaskedshocked?Thecr
owdl
aughed

Me:
"No,
itcamef
rom myhear
t"

Don:"Wel
lit
'smyt ur
n."Hetookther
ingf
rom Dankie,
Ozziegaspedasshe
sawtherealdiamondherhusbandwascarr
ying.IPhi
lani
Dlamini
"the
crowdcorr
ectedhim andsaidDon

MrDlamini
:"Youhear
dyourwi
feman,
shesai
dshel
ovesy
ouherDon"t
he
l
aughed

Don:
"I'
m sor
rysweet
hear
t,IDonPhi
lani
Dlamini
vowt
omakey
ouhappy
,to
makeyoulaugh,
andtoal
way sbet
herefory
ou.

Youar ethefi
rstper
sonIwanttoseei nthemorni
ngandthelastatnight
.I
l
ookf orwardtolovi
ngthesmallestmoments,
li
keyoureyeswhil
ey outoss
yourhair.Spi
nacoinintoafountainandmakeawishforus.Youaremy
wishcomet r
ue.

Youaremyotherhalf
.Youaret
heonethatmakesmel aughwhenI
'
m sad,
makesmeconsiderwhenIwanttoberash,andf
indsmewhenIam lost
.
Youaremyguide,t
eacher
,andonetr
uelove.

Iv
owt
omakemyl
i
fef
orev
ery
our
sandbui
l
dmydr
eamsar
oundy
ou.

Itaketheetobemywi f
eandpr
omisetolooki
ntoyourey
esj
ustl
ikeIdo
now, wit
hloveandsoul
ful
amazement
.Ican'
twaitt
ospendt
herestofmy
l
if
ewi thyou.

Ipr
omiset
obet
hemant
hatIseenowi
nyourey
es,
today
,tomor
row,
and
al
ways.

Ipromisetobether
etocatchyouify
oushoul
dst
umbl
e,car
ryy
ouov
er
everyt
hreshol
d,andfal
li
nlovewit
hyouever
yday
.

Iwi
llt
akey ourl
ovetogiv
emehope,gi
vemejoy
,andmakemeabet
ter
man.Ilov
ey ouBrooki
e"hei
nser
tedt
heri
ng"
Pastor:t
wowhitedov
eswereboughtt
owher
etheywerest
andi
ng.Asthe
pastorsai
dthat"
Inowpr
onounceyouast
hehusbandandt
hewife,
theyl
et
them go.

Past
or:"
I'
m sur
eyou'
vebeenwai
ti
ngf
ort
hismomentmyman.Youmay
ki
ssyourwif
e"

Dont
ookof
fthev
eil
andr
ubbedhercheek

Don:
"Youaret
hemostprecioussoulI
'
veevermet,
comehere"hesmashed
hi
sli
psint
omine.Wecutthekiss,
itwasshor
tbuti
thassentchi
l
lsdown
myspine.

Wewentt
other
ecept
ion,
whi
chi
swher
ewehadt
odr
ivef
or5mi
ns.

AtCol
ombo'
shouse.

Don'
smot
herangr
il
ytur
nedof
ftheTVandwentt
oherbedr
oom,
shef
ound
Col
ombor
eadingabookonhi
swheel
chai
r.

Her
:"Yahwena"shehi
thi
sthi
gh

Hi
m:"
Whatdoy
ouwantt
hist
ime?
"

Her
:"Iwantyoutotel
lmewhathappenedt omyhusband?If
uckenmi
ssed
myson'sweddingbecausei
fyou"shepacedupanddown

Hi
m:"
I'
m sosor
ry"

Her
:"Yourst
upi
dsor
rywon'
tfi
xany
thi
ngdon'
tyougeti
t?"Sheshout
ed
Hi
m:"
For
giv
eme"

Her:
"Ineedyoutotel
lmewhatledyoutoki
l
lhi
m.Whathappened?Fucken
expl
ain"shesatdownandl
ookedathi
m

Hi
m:"
Idon'
tremember
"

Her
:"
HebabaI
'
m notpl
ayi
nggamesher
e,t
alk"

Him:"Wehadadeal ,wewer ebothwor kingforsomeonedanger ous.He

wasusi nghisdarkmagictomakemoney ,onedayhecalledusand
promisedtogi v
eus5mi ll
ionifwedowhathe' sgoingtotel
lus.Thet hings
thatgivehim moneywantedt henewbaby '
sblood,hetol
dDlami ni
tot ake
hermot herandmakesur ethatsheget spregnant.Dl
aminidi
dn'tagreet oit
,
theguyt hr
eatenstoki
l
lourf amil
ies.Ididn'
twantt ol
osethem,Ihadt oki l
l
him,takethemoneyandmov eon"

Her
:Shebr
eat
hed"
Whathappenedt
otheguy
?"

Hi
m:"
HeusedDl
ami
nit
ongueandbal
l
stomaket
hesacr
if
ice"

Her
:"
What
?Howcoul
dyoudot
hat
?"Sheangr
il
yst
oodup

Him:"Ihadt
omakesur
ethathi
ssoul
sdoesnotr
esti
npeace,
Irapedhi
s
chi
ld"

Her:
"MyPhil
ani
?YoumeanPhi
l
ani
?Youdon'tknowmewena,howdare
youfor
cey
ourweakdi
ckonmyson?Whydidhekeepqui
etabouti
t?"

Him:"I
..Ithr
eatent
oki l
lyouandmakehim wit
nessi t
.Ifor
cedhimt ojoi
n
gangst
erism"shelookedathim andthr
owahotsl ap.Sheangri
lypushed
hi
swheel chai
r,hef
allandhitt
hecorneroft
hetil
e.Bloodstart
edcomi ng
outofhishead,shepanickedandstoodupwhenshesawbl ood

Her:"
Colombo,Colo?No.Nono.Whathav eIdone?"Shecried"
Inever
meanttokil
lyou"shecheckedhi
spulse,itwasfl
at.Shecalmedhersel
f
downandsentat extt
oDon" I
'm sor
ryson,Iki
ll
edaman.Iknow
ever
ythi
ng"shethrewthephoneandcried.Shehatedthatshewasn'tt
her
e
forhi
m.Al
lthosey
ear
ssheabondenherchi
l
d,shedi
dn'
tcar
emuchabout
him.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..

THANDAZI
LE

(
THEPURPOSEOFWRITI
NGTHISSTORYWI
LLBEGI
NINCHAPTER54.
I
NVI
TEYOURFRIENDSANDBEREADY!
)
CHAPTER53

ATCOLOMBO'
SHOUSE.

Don'smothernoti
cedt hathissonhasn'tr
epliedtohermessage, she
quickl
ytooktheduvetandhi dehisbodywithi t
.Hermi ndt ol
dhertogoand
tel
lhimfacetoface,shewassoemot ionalandr egret
ti
ngf ornottrust
ing
herson.Shesighedandl ockedthedooronherwayout ,shetookthekeys
ofthecarthathadlef
tandcal l
edherdaught erluthando.Sheanswer edon
thethi
rdri
ng.

Her:
"ThankGod,
Thandocany
oupl
easegi
vemet
headdr
essofwher
eyou
ar
e"shesaidf
ast

Thando:
"Mamaar
eyoudr
ivi
ng?Ar
eyouwi
thdad?
"

Her
:"No,
noI
'
m notwi
thhi
m.Thandopl
ease"

Thando:
"Wer
eyoucr
ying?Mom,
What
'sgoi
ngon?
"

Her:
"Iwasnotcr
yingThandomar
n.Cany
ougi
vemet
headdr
ess?Ij
ust
wanttoseemyson"

Thando:
"Fi
neI
'
llsendy
out
hel
ocat
iononWhat
sApp,
doy
ouhav
edat
a?"

Her :"
Yes,pleasehur ry "shedroppedt hecall
.Shearrivedatther obotand
stoppedwhent helightt urnedred,shewassoi mpatientwhent helight
turnedtogreenshef eltli
keitwasadecade.Af terfewmi nut
esThando
sentthelocation,shet hankedGodanddr i
vetowher et heweddi ngwas
held.Whenshear ri
v edatt hegatesher oll
edthewi ndow.Theguar dquickl
y
openedt hegat ewhenhesawt hatit
'stheboss'smot her.Shepackedt he
carandqui cklygotof fandraninsidertherecepti
on,shedi devencl osethe
dooroft
hecar
.

Her
:"Son!
"Shescr
eamed,
ever
yonet
urnedandl
ookedather
.

Don:"
Whatareyoudoingher
e?Ij
ustgotmar
ri
edpl
easedon'
trui
nmy
weddi
ng"hestoodup

Her
:"Theweddi
ngwi
l
lcont
inueaf
terwehav
etal
ked,
pleasei
timpor
tant
"

Don:
"No,
gobackt
owher
eyouar
ecomi
ngf
rom"

Her
:"Oz
ziepl
easet
alkt
ohi
m"

Don:"
Nothi
ngwil
lchangemymind,y
oumadethebadlayoni
tdear
mother
"all
att
ent
ionwasonthem.Peopl
est
oppeddanci
ngandlookedat
thedr
amaasitunfol
ds.

Ozzie:"
Ma, pl
easedon'
trui
nmyweddi
ng.Igety
ou,
youwantt
otal
kcan'
ti
t
waitfortomorr
ow?"

Her
:"IknowCol
ombotol
dmemeev er
ythi
ng,I
'
m sosorr
yson.Ishoul
d
hav
epr ot
ect
edyou,
Iwasbl
i
ndedbymoney"shecr
ied,

Don:
"Oknewt
haty
ouwer
egoi
ngt
opi
tyme.Fuckmom"

Hesai
dandwentout
.

Ozzi
e.

Thener
ve,
theaudaci
tyoft
hiswoman.Ist
oodupandl
ookedather
.
Me: "
Howdar ey
oucomeher eandruinourwedding?Ihopeyouarehappy
thatyourpl
anworked"Ir
anusi
ngthebackentrance,Iwasweari
ngthe
seconddresswhichwascomfort
ableformetoranwi t
hit.

Me:
"Baby
,babe!
"Hest
opped

Don:
"Don'
tfol
l
owmepl
ease"

Me:
"Nowai
t,OhhGodI
'
m sot
ir
ed"Ir
eachwher
ehewasst
andi
ng.Nex
tto
t
hetr
ee

Me:
"Whuu"Iholdmykneesandbr
eathedinandout"
Whatjusthappenedi
n
t
her
e?Anddon'tyoudar
etel
lmenothing"Ihel
dmychest

Don:
"Iwantt
obeal
onebabepl
ease"

Me:"
No,wear
emar r
iedr
emember?Whatev
err
oadyouar
etaki
ngy
ouar
e
t
aki
ngitwi
thme.Let
'sst
resst
oget
her
"Ihel
dhi
sarm.

Don:
"You'
l
lhat
emeaf
tert
his.Pl
easel
et'
sleav
ethepastt
othepast
"

Me:"Iwon'tf
orcey
outotell
mewhatev
ershi
thappenedi
nthepast
,I'
m
nowy ourwif
eandI'
m sur
ethaty
oudonotwantustobui
ldourmar
riagei
n
l
ies"

Don:
"Mom rui
nedmypl
ans,
her
e'sy
ourpr
esent
"het
ookoutami
ni-
box
fr
om hi
spocket
.

Me:"I
'l
lopeni
tlat
er,
thankyounowcomehere"Ipul
ledhimtomybreast
andrubbedhi
sback"Ilov
eyousomuchPhil
ani,andthanky
ouforwhat
you'
vedoneforme"

Don:
"Yourl
ovemadei
teasyf
orme.I
'
llspendt
her
estofmyl
i
fel
ovi
ngy
ou"

Me:
"Howdi
dyoupul
lthatki
ndofaweddi
ngal
one?
"Het
ookmyhand

Don:
"Let
'sgetoutofher
e,r
ememberwheny
out
ell
meabouty
ourdr
eam
weddi
ng?I'
vebeenwri
ti
ngi
tdownandgotaweddi
ngpl
annert
ohel
pme"
wereachedhi
scar.

Me:
"I'
m pr
oudofy
ou,
youpul
l
edi
tof
f"

Don:
"Andy
ourv
owsbabe.I
'
m gi
vi
ngy
ou10/
10"hel
aughed

Me:
"Yougott
obeki
ddi
ngme.Ideser
ve100/
100.
"

Don:"Yuhr
ight
,MaSonowi
l
lbr
ingourgadget
s.I
'
vepl
annedahoney
moon
forus"

Me:
"Ohhwher
e?"

Don:
"It
'sasur
pri
se"hebr
oughtt
heengi
net
oli
feandr
eser
ved.

Me:
"Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
"

Don:"
I'
vebookedahotel
forusj
ustt
ospentt
heni
ght
,thent
omor
rowwe
wil
lbegoi
ngtoourhoneymoon"

Me:
"Cl
othes?Whowi
l
lpackourcl
othes?
"

Don:
"Noone,
wewi
l
lbuycl
otheswhenwear
ri
ve"

Me:"
Ncoooh,
toevent
hinkIdoubt
edy
ou?NowIcanseet
hatmymani
s
wayt
ooromanti
c"

Don:
"It
ri
ed"

Me:
"I'
m gr
atef
ul"

Il
eanedovert
hebackseatandt
ookal
apt
op.Iopenedi
tandwat
chwhat
wasgoingonatt
herecepti
on.

Me:"
Thefuckbabe,t
hesepeopl
earestil
loni
t,
"It
houghttheyweregoi
ng
t
othei
rhomesafterwehavelef
tbuti
tlooksl
i
keourpresencenotbei
ng
t
her
edi
dn'
tbot
hert
hem atal
l

Don:
"ThathasVuyo'
snamewrit
tenonit
.I'
m sur
ehe'
stheonewhot
old
t
hem tocont
inuewit
hwhat
evertheywer
edoing"

Me:"Toevent
hinkthatIdidn'
teventast
ethecakemakesmyst
omach
cr
inge.I
'
vebeencravi
ngf orit
,itl
ookedsobeaut
if
ul"

Don:
"I'
l
laskMat
obr
ingi
twi
thourt
hings"

Me:
"Thanky
ou,
I'
m sot
ir
ed"Isai
dtaki
ngof
fthewi
g.

Don:
"Iy
hoo,
gir
lyourhai
r"hel
aughed.

Me:
"Doesi
tmat
ter
?Iwaswear
ingawi
g"

Don:
"Itshoul
dhav
edi
sappoi
ntedy
ouandf
ell
"

Me:
"Wel
lI'
m gl
adi
tdi
dn'
tMrj
eal
ous"

Don:"
Onedayi
twi
l
lfal
lyouknow,
andIwon'
tbedar
etohi
dey
ourhai
r"he
l
aughed

Me:
"Wher
ewasNal
edi
Idi
dn'
tseeher
"

Don:"
Unf
ortunat
elyherschool
all
owshert
ogohomeonhol
i
day
sandwhen
t
here'
safuneral
only"

Me:
"Shemustbesad"

Don:
"Let
'scal
lher
,It
ri
edt
otal
kwi
tht
hepr
inci
pal
buthesai
dno"

WeSkypedher
,itl
ookedl
i
keshewasst
udy
ingbecauseshewashol
dinga
pen.

Her
:"Heynewl
yweds"shegi
ggl
ed
Me:
"Heysi
s,howar
eyou?
"

Her
:"I
'
m sad,
yougotmar
ri
edwi
thoutmewi
tnessi
ngi
t"

Me:
"I'
m sosor
rysweet
hear
t,Ial
sodi
dn'
tknow.I
twasasur
pri
se"

Her
:"See,
Mr.Dl
ami
nii
simpr
ovi
ng.Rememberhowhepr
oposed"It
oldher

Don:
"Real
l
yNal
edi
"

Her
:bhutPhi
l
ani
,Iwantt
hecake"

Me:
"You'
l
lgeti
t.Babe,
I'
m sor
ryt
haty
oucoul
dn'
tcomet
omyweddi
ng"

Her
:"I
t'
sokayIunderst
andsis,
Iwaswatchi
ngi
tonmyl
apt
op.I
twasso
r
omanticsoI
'm happyfory
ou"shesmi
led

Me:
"Thanky
ou,
sweet
hear
t,by
e"

Her
:"Wai
t,y
ou'
l
lhav
etomakei
tupt
hough"

Me:
"Whatdoy
ouwant
?"

Her
:"Ahandbag,
Iknowt
haty
ouar
enotwor
kingbutpl
easemakeapl
an"

Me:"Whatki
ndofahandbagdoy
ouwant
?Andy
ouar
etooy
oungt
obe
usi
nghandbags"

Her:"
FormyInstagr
am dummy ,I
'
m aninfl
uencer
"Il
ookedatDon,
weboth
l
aughedsohard.I'
venevercheckedNaledi'
ssoci
almedi
aaccount
s.WhenI
getwherewearegoingI'
llsur
elycheckitout
.

Her:
"What?Whyar
eyoul
aughi
ng?Let
'sgetbackt
obusi
ness,
IwantanLV
bagorGucci
"

Me:
"Youar
edr
unk.Goodby
e"

Her
:"bhutPhi
l
ani
please"

Me:"
Youarenotgett
ingi
t,babygirl
.Rememberyouarest
il
latschool
,
f
ocusonyourbooks.Wewi l
ltal
k"Idroppedt
hecal
l.
Don:
"Weshoul
dgeti
tforher
"

Me:"
No, Nal
edi
mustnotfor
getwhereshecomesfrom.I
fshewanttobea
sl
ayqueenshemustnotsl
aywit
hotherpeopl
e'
smoneybuthers.R12000
i
t'
salotofmoneyt
hatwecannotaff
ordtowaste.

Don:
"Shedi
dn'
tat
tendourweddi
ng,
whycan'
twemakei
tupt
oher
?"

Me:"Becauseit'
sexpensi vemyhusband, Nalediisdemandi
ngt hi
ngsthat
aretooexpensive,fi
rstitwasiPhonewegothert hephone,
secondlyitwas
l
aptopwegoti tforher ,
thir
dlyi
twasbr acel
etsthatcostafort
uney ouwent
andgetitforherwi t
houtmyper missi
on.Nowi t
'sthebag?NoNal edii
s
ungrat
eful
,youar edoingal otforher,
andyetshekeepsondemandi ng.No,
andmywor disfinal
"

Don:
"Il
i
ket
hewayy
ouaddr
essme.Husband!
"Hel
aughed

Me:"
Stop,
IswearPhi
l
anii
fIanybyheart
haty
ouboughtt
hebagf
orherI
'
ll
di
vor
ceyouwit
himmediat
eeffect
"

Don:
"Iheary
ou,
babe.Iwon'
ttr
ustme"

Me:
"Cool
"

Don:
"Doy
oual
sowantani
Phone?
"

Me:"Ofcour
seIdo.Whowoul
dsaynot
osuchl
i
fet
imeachi
evement
?"He
l
ookedatmeandl aughed

Don:
"Youar
edodr
amat
icy
ouknow"

Me: "
Anywaystopannoy i
ngmePhilani
.Where'
syourphone?Let'
stake
pict
uresandpostthem onoursoci
almedia,
thosebi
tchesneedtoknow
thatyou'
ret
aken.Youaremine"hesmirkedandhandedoverthephone.

Don:
"Youknowt
hatI
'
m dr
ivi
ngr
ight
?"
Me:
"Iseear
obotov
ert
her
e,wheny
oust
opI
'
llqui
ckl
ysnapf
ewpi
ctur
es"

Don:
"Real
l
y?"

Me:
"Yes"webot
hlaughed

Don:
"Letmei
ncr
easet
hespeedt
hen"

Me:
"Okay
"whenwear
ri
vedatt
her
obotwequi
ckl
ytookaf
ewpi
ctur
es.

Me:"Okayl
et'
spret
endthatwearebot
hlosti
neachother
'sey
es.You'
re
goi
ngtolookatmestrai
ghti
ntheeyesandI'
l
ldothesame"

Don:
"Babewam mar
n"hel
aughed

Me:
"Ther
obotwi
l
lchangehur
ry"

Don:"Okaygety ourcamerareadythen"Igi
ggl
edandlookedathim.We
bothgotlostineachother
'seyes,heleanedoverf
orakisswhichIgladl
y
accepted.Herubbedmyt highsasIholdhisneck,
wewer edi
sturbedbythe
carshootingbehindus.

Me:
"Babet
her
obothaschanged"

Don:
"Lett
hem wai
t,comeher
ewer
enotdone"

Me:
heki
ssedmemul
ti
plet
imes."
Okayst
op"Ibr
eat
hedoutl
oud.

Don:
"Can'
tIki
ssmywi
fei
npeace?
"

Me:
"Ohhbabet
her
eamessagef
rom y
ourmot
her
"

Don:
"Openi
tandr
eadoutl
oudf
orme"

Me:
"Thi
sisconf
usi
ngi
treadsas"
Iki
l
ledaman,
Iknowev
ery
thi
ng"

Don:
"Fuckmamaki
l
ledCol
ombo"

Me:
"What
!Why
?It
houghtshel
ovedhi
m?Whathappened?
"

Don:
"Cal
m downbabe,
Idon'
tknow"
Me:
"Pul
lov
erweneedt
otal
k"

Don:
"Huh?
"

Me:
"Justf
uckenpul
lov
erman"

Don:
"Andt
hen?Whyar
eyouangr
y?"

Me:
"Iwantt
oknowwhat
'sgoi
ng,
Ineedy
out
otel
lmeev
ery
thi
ng"

Don:
"Butbabe.
..
"

Me:"
I'
m notgoi
ngtor
epeatmyselfPhil
ani
"hesighedandpullov
er,i
twas
i
nthemiddl
eoftheni
ght
.Aft
ereleven.Igotoutofthecarandwentto
st
andwherehewasseat
ed.Helookeddown.

Me:
"Ar
eyougoi
ngt
otal
k?"

Don:"Iwas16whenCol omboent erwhereIwaswat chingwr est

li
ng.Iloved
i
tsomuchbackt hen,i
twasaf t
ermyf at
her'
sfuner
al whenhesl appedme.I
askedhim whydi
dhehi tme,whatdidIdobuthedi dn'tfurt
herexplai
n,
Ummm. .
.HetookoffmyANCt -shir
tthatIwaswearing, hewasusingf orce
onme.Hewoul dslap,ki
ckandpunchme"Isawhi m wi pehisface,Iquickl
y
kneelandholdhi
sknees

Me:
"OMGbabe"

Don:"Hef or
cedmet orubbedhi sthingwhi l
ehegroaned.Iknewwhathe
wantedt odotomebutIdi dn'tgetthepowert or
unashet oremyt -shi
rt
andtiedmyl egs.Hepenet rat
edmyassunt ilhewassati
sfi
ed,Icouldn'
t
walkfor2day s.Hethreatenedt okil
l Gogoandmymot herifIt
ellanyone.
Thi
ngskeptgoi ngunt i
lIreach17, hei nt
roducedmetocr i
me.Hemademe
ki
ll
ay oungschoolboy"hesniffed.

Me:"
It
'sokayyoucanst
op,
I'
m sosor
ry.Youcancr
yI'
m her
efory
ou"I
r
ubbedhisshoul
der

Don:
"No,
Icr
iedt
oomuchbackt
hen,
Idonothav
eti
met
ocr
y,l
etmef
ini
sh.
Theboy 'sscr eam hunt edmeunt i
li
thasgot tent owher eIstartedlivi
ngbya
gun.Icannotcont rolmyanger , t
hat'
showCol ombogotscar edofme, I
alwaysknewt hathe'sscar edofmebutIcoul dn'tgett hecour aget okil
l
him.Iwant edt ofi
rstfi
ndapr ov ethatIndeedheki l
ledmyf ather,babeIam
aself-madegangst er.Ibecameagangst eronmyown, helatersawt hat
I'
m danger ousandaskedmet ojointheMaf iafami lytree.Hemademet he
Don, whichi ssomet hingt hatIam notgr atefulfor.Icant akeont heMaf ia
organizationandcomeoutal i
v e,moneymakest hem power f
ul, wit
hout
moneyt heyar enothing.YouknowIwant edtoki llColomboi napai nfulway.
Iwant edhi mt obegmet okillhim,Iwant edhimt otryandki llhimself.
Takingawayhi smoneywast hest art
,butmamadi dt hewor k.I'm not
happywi t
ht hewayhedi ed.Ev enondeat hhe'llnotf i
ndpeaceI 'l
lmakesur e
ofthat."

Me:
"Sal
ute"hel
ookedatmewi
thr
edey
esandsi
del
aughed.

Don:
"Wher
edi
dyouheart
hat
?"

Me: "
Itdoesn'
tmat t
er,
babei t
'snotyourfaultt
hatithappenedtoyouokay.
I
'm sorr
ybutI'm gonnament i
onGod.Godknowswhyi thadtohappento
you.You'vegotmeandy ourki
ds,wewi l
lalwaysloveyounomat terwhat
.I
promiseIwon'tleaveyou,myv ows?Imeantwhat everIsaidther
e."

Don:
"Don'
tyouhat
eme?
"

Me:"NoIdon't,
Idon'
tatal
l.Youdi
dn'
tchooset oberaped,
it'
sint
hepast
l
et'
sleaveiti
nthepastandfocusonthef
uture.Il
oveyouwithyourf
laws,
youarethemanwhoy ouarebecauseofthebumpyr oadsyouhave
t
ravel
ed.Ilov
ey ousomuch,mydearhusband"

Don:
"Thanky
ou,
nowwi
pet
hoset
ear
s"

Me:
"Wi
peme"hechuckl
edandwi
pedmyt
ear
s.Heki
ssedmycheeks

Don:
"Thanky
ou"

Me:
"Mypl
easur
e,nowst
andup.Let
'sgoandenj
oyourweddi
ngday
.We'
ve
j
ustgot
tenmar
ri
edweneedt
ocel
ebr
atet
hat
"Ipul
l
edhi
shand.

Don:"
Doi
ngwhat
?"Hi
svei
nswer
est
il
lout
.Buty
oucoul
dseet
hathe'
s
happy

Me:
"Umm t
ryi
ngdi
ff
erentki
ndsofsexposi
ti
ons"Ihi
demy
sel
f

Don:
"Ohhr
eal
l
y?Let
'sgot
hen"hegoodup.

Immediat
elywhenwearr
ivedatt
hel
odgeheattackedwi
thawetki
ss.He
suckedmylowerli
pandpull
edmetothebed.(
REMOVED)

Att
heweddi
ng.

Don'
smot herwasatt hecornerwit
habot tl
eofalcoholcry
ingher
sel
f.She
wassosur ethatshe'
sgoingtojail
.Shedidn'
tknowt hatDonsenthi
smen
tobur
yCol ombo'sbody.Shecriedassher ememberedallthememories
sheshar
edwi thherlover
,Don'sfat
her.Sheregr
etsev erl
ett
ingmoneybli
nd
her
.Hersonnowhat esher.

BackatKZN

Itwasi nthemor ningwhennomaf i

nishedwashingt heplates.Shesti
ll
hasn'tcomei ntohersenseandacceptt hatOzzieisenjoyingherlif
e.She
thoughtaboutmaki ngherli
feli
vi
ngahel l.Apl
anr anginherhead, she
quicklystoodupr anout.Shewasgoi ngtoOzzie'suncle'
shouse.Shewas
goingt opoisonhim againstOzzi
e,shewaswal kingsof astthatshe
attr
actedDog' sattent
ion.Thedogsst ar
tedbarki
ngather .
Her:"What?Whoar eyoushoutingat?Voesek.
..
"Sheshoutsthedogsgot
angry.Thegatewasopened, shestar
tedrunni
ngwhenshenot icedthat
dogsar eaft
erher.Sheranunt i
lshebumpedt herockwit
hhert oesandf el
l.
Nobodyt ri
edtohelpherast heyknewt hatt
hosedogsaredanger ous,the
dogsf east
edonherassunt iltheyweresati
sfi
ed.Herscr
eamsandcr ies?
Fel
lintoadeaf,shewashel pedbyt heownerofthedogs.Butitwasl ate
becauseheralreadyfl
atasswasgone.Shepai nf
ull
ycri
edast heycallthe
cartogethertot hehospi
tal.

Thanky
ouforyourpar
ti
cipat
ionont
hel
asti
nser
t,Ihopei
twi
l
lbet
hesame
wit
hthi
sone.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
..
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER54

OZZI
E.

Havey oueverfeltlov
ed?Thatwasme, If
eltl
i
kenot hi
ngmatter
sint he
worl
d.Theonl ythingthatwasmakingsenset omewasmyman, lastnight?
Idon'twanttotalkaboutit
.We'vetri
edalotofthingsandI'
m gl
adt hathe
wasn'tthathar
dwhenhet aughtme.Whowoul dbe?I'
vebeenpartici
pating
alot.Iwasnakedundert hecoverswhenhecomesoutoft hebathroom, he
l
ookedsohandsomewi thwaterdri
ppingfr
om hishair
.Doniski
ndoft hose
whopr efert
heirbadhairheonlytr
im hismustache.He'
ssosexy.

Don:
"Andt
hen,
whyar
eyoulooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat
?"Her
est
edhi
sbodyon
t
hedoorfr
ameandcr
ossedhi
slegs.

Me:
"Wel
l
,you'
rehot
"Ismi
l
ed

Don:
"Shoul
dIposef
ory
ou?Ihear
dapi
ctur
elastl
ong"

Me:
"NoIpr
eferseei
ngy
oul
i
ve.Noti
nthepi
ctur
e"

Don:
"Ohhh"

Me:
"Yes,
I'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
eMr
.I'
m her
etost
ayunt
ilwebot
hdi
e"

Don:
"I'
m gl
adwear
ebot
hont
hesamepage.Di
dyoueaty
ourbr
eakf
ast
?"

Me:"Youboughtmebr
eakf
ast
?Itshoul
dbecol
dri
ghtnow,
youshoul
d
hav
ewokenmeup"
Don:
"I'
m sor
rybuty
oul
ookedsopeacef
ulandt
ir
ed.Icoul
dn'
twakey
ouup"

Me:"
YesIwast
ir
ed,
noi
nfactI
'
m st
il
lti
redr
emembery
oukeptmeupt
he
whol
eni
ght"

Don:
" Weweremaki ngbabynumber4"Ilookedathim confused"Lwet
hu,
Owethu,andNaledi
"I'
m happyt
hatheseesNal ediashischil
d.Thisgi
ves
memor ereasontoloveandappreci
atehi
m mor e.

Me:
"Wel
li
nthatcaseweshoul
dgoi
nagai
n"Ir
ubbedhi
sshoul
der

Don:"Tempti
ngbuty
ouneedt
ogoandt
akeashower
,wear
eli
vi
ngi
nthe
nexthour"

Me:
"Whatam Igoi
ngt
owear
?"

Don:"
Imanagedt
ogot
othest
oreandgety
ouadr
ess.Hopey
ou'
l
llov
eit
"

Me:
"Under
wear
s?Whatt
imei
sit
?"

Don:
"Hal
fpastt
wel
ve.Ev
ent
houghi
twasawkwar
d,I
'
m sur
epeopl
e
t
houghtI
'
m gay.
"

Me:
"Youar
e"Il
aughed

Don:"
I'
m notgayOzzie,Il
ovemyasswayt oomuchtonothav eitfucked"
hesai
djokingly
.Thi
sguy ?Iwoul
dhavecaughtf
eeli
ngsifhewassay i
ngit
tome,Imeanhegotr apedonhisasshol
ebuthe'snotbotheredatall
.
Maybeithuntedhi
m whilehewasyoungbutnow?Hegotov eri
t,I
'
m glad.

Me:"Af
terwhatyoudi
dtomelast?I
'
m notgoingtohavesexwit
hyouev
er
agai
n.Youdestr
oyedme"It
ookthesheetandtr
iedtostandup.

Don:
"Andt
hen?Whyar
eyouhi
dingy
ourbody
?

Me:
"I'
m naked"Igr
inned

Don:
"So?
"Hel
aughed

Me:
"Pl
easel
eav
emeal
one"Idr
oppedt
hesheetandwal
ked.Hesl
apped
myasswhenIpasshi
m,i
thur
ts.

Me: "
Fucky ouPhil
ani"Irai
sedmymi ddl
ef i
ngeronhim.It ookmyphone
wi
thmeandwentt otakeashor tbath.Irecei
v edatextfr
om thedoct
or
t
ell
ingmeaboutt heall-
nightprayersthatwillbehappeningattheendof
t
hemont h.Irepl
iedandpr omisedhert oattend,it
'sbeenawhi l
esi
nceIl
ast
wenttothechurch.Ineedsomehol yholyinmybody .

IhadnochoicebuttowearthemosthideousdressthatPhil
aniboughtf
or
me.Icombedt hewigwithmyhandsandwor eit.Il
ookedli
kesomeone
whowast r
yingtofl
ee,Idon'
tknowbutIlookedsobig,thi
sdressmademe
l
ookuglyandasi fI
'
minmyf orti
es.

Me:
"YoudiditonpurposePhi
lani
.It
houghty
oul
oveme.Howcany
ouget
methi
sshapelessdr
ess?"Il
aughed

Don:
"NoIdi
dn'
tsweet
hear
t,whatdoy
oumean?Ofcour
se,
Ilov
eyou"

Me:
"Noyoudon'
t,
howcany
oubuyt
hiski
ndofadr
essf
orme?Youwant
metoembar
rassyou?
"

Don:
"Butbabewewi
l
lbei
nthepl
anet
hewhol
eday
"

Me:"I
naplanePhil
ani
,i
napl
ane.Ineedsomet
hingcomf
ort
abl
e.Nott
his
t
hingyouboughtme"

Don:"
FineIhearyou,onourwaytotheair
por
twewi
l
lpassbyt
hemal
l
.
You'
l
lgetwhateveryou'
recomfor
tablei
n"

Me:
"Hav eyout
alkedwit
hyourmother
?Di
dyouseehowshewasgul
ping
t
healcohol
?All
aloneinacor
ner?
"

Don:
"Nowy
ouar
eget
ti
ngoutoft
het
opi
c"

Me:
"I'
m bei
ngser
iousher
e"Iwentt
ohi
m andhughi
m."
Youneedt
ofor
giv
e
her
,shewasi
ndeni
al"

Don:
"I'
m angr
ythatsheki
l
ledhi
m bef
oreImakehi
m suf
fer
"hesmi
rked

Me:
"Yousohear
tl
ess.Butshedi
dyouaf
avort
hough"

Don:
"May
bei
fshegoest
ojai
lfor2y
ear
sshemi
ghtl
ear
nherl
esson"

Me:
"No,
youdonotwantLut
handoandVusi
tohat
eyou"

Don:
"Buty
oucan'
texpectmet
osor
toutmyi
ssueswi
thherj
ustl
i
ket
hat
"

Me: "Atleasthearherout.Youdonotwanttoregretyoursel
f,doitwhi
le
youst i
llhavetimebef or
eit
'sget
slat
e"Igotoutofhisholdandpackedout
thingsinahot elbagthatyougetwhenyoucheck-i
n.Imadet hebedand
pickeduppr icetags,hewasbusyonhislapt
opall t
hetime.Ijustcan'
tst
op
admi ri
ngmyr i
ng,itl
ookedsobeauti
ful
andshiny.

Me:
"Howmuchdi
ditcosty
ou?
"

Don:
"Womanst
ayoutofmyf
inances.Hav
eyouopenedy
ourpr
esent
?"

Me:
"Ohhshoot
,Inear
lyf
orgot
.Wher
eisi
t?"Iaskedl
ooki
ngar
ound

Don:
"Checki
nsi
det
hecabi
net
"

Idisappearedt othebathroom andf ounditinthecabinet,

hemi ghthav e
boughtmeabr acel
etorneckl ace.That'
swhatI '
vebeenhitti
ngt hatIwant
thoset hi
ngs,hekeptonsay ingthathe'
llgetthem formebuthenev erdi
d.I
stoodint hemi r
rorandopenedt hepresent,Iwantedtoquicklyweari tafter
admi ri
ngit.Hassomet hingev erfel
lfr
om y ourhandsevent houghy ouwer e
holdingitsot i
ght?Noway .Ilookedatmy selfi
nthemi r
rorandcr ied.What
didIdot odeser vethi
skindofaman?Ipi ckedupt hecarkeysandr anout
ofthebat hroom.
Me:"Baby
!!
"Iscreamedandthrowmysel
finhi
sarm.Thelapt
opfel
lont
op
oft
hecarpet."
Thankyousomuch.OhhmyGod, y
oufuckenboughtmea
car
?Awhol eAudi?Babe"Icr
ied

Don:
"Don'
tcr
y,I
'
m happyt
haty
oul
ovey
ourpr
esent
"

Me: "I'
m goi
ngt ocheckitout.Whuu"Igi ggledandr anout,hewasf ol l
owing
mel ikealostpuppy.WhenIar ri
vedatt hepacki ngIpressedt hekey s,I
don'tknowwher emymi ndwasbecausewecamei nhi scarher e.May behe
askedsomeonet obringthecarher ebecausei mmedi atel
ywhenIpr essed
thekey sIheardasoundbehi ndme.It urned, Iwasmetbyagr eyAudi Q2.I
j
umpedupanddown, heboughtt hecart hatIalwayswant ed.Ihav ea
dream boardthatIhav edraft
ed, I
'm surehemusthav esawt hepi ct
ur eof
thecaranddeci dedtogeti tforme.Wel l
, whenIcomebackf rom our
honey moonI'm ser
iouslygoingt ogetal icense.

Me: "Iappr
eciateit
,thankyou.
"Iwentt ohughi m andFrenchkissedhim
beforeIopenedt hecar.Iwassohappy ,Isecret
lysaidasilentprayerasI
exploretheinter
ior
.Ithadaleadersit
,that'swhatIloveaboutit.Iwon't
havet oworryaboutt hesi
tbeingdir
ty.Istart
edt hecarandlaughoutloud
whenIheart heengine.Ididawhol eresearchaboutt hi
scar,It
urnedont he
ecoandr affit
.Itmadet hecri
cketsound.Igiggledandgotout .

Don:
"Iseet
eachi
ngy
ouhowt
ost
artt
hecarcamei
nhandy
"

Me:"
Mmhhbabey ougotmet here.YouknowIthoughty
ouhav
ebought
meabracel
etorneckl
ace,
Kantiyouactual
lyboughtmeawhol
ebeast
?I
l
oveyousomuch"Iwipedmyt ears.

Don:"
Iloveyoutoo.Comehere"heboughtmetohischestandspanked
myass."Inevert
houghtI
'df
indsomeonesolovi
nglikeyou,babe.Il
oveyou
wit
hallIhaveinmylif
e,y
oucompleteme."Hehuggedme
Me:
"Iwantt
omeety
ourf
ami
l
y"Isai
douti
fthebl
ue.

Don:
"Youmeanmyf
ather
'ssi
de?
"Inodded

Me:
"Iwantt
oseewher
eyoucomef
rom,
Iwantt
oknowev
ery
thi
ng"

Don:"
Wowthankyou,
babe.Inevert
houghty
ouwer
ethi
sint
erest
ingabout
knowi
ngt
herootsofy
ourhusband"

Me:"
Well
,I
'mj
ustdoi
ngdut
iest
hatanywomenwhol
ovesherhusband
woul
ddo"

Don:"
Whydon'
twecancel
ourhoney
moonandgot
her
e?Ipr
omi
sei
twi
l
lbe
wort
hit"

Me: "
Usingmycar ?AndIgettodri
vearoundwhenwearr
ive"heoncetol
d
met hathegrownupi nvi
ll
agesandlat
ercametoGaut
engi nhi
steenage
age.I'
m sur
et her
e'snotr
affi
ccops,i
twil
lbeeasyf
ormeasal ear
nerto
dri
vearound,andthat'
showIcangetusedt omynewbaby"

Don:
"Yes"

Me:
"Wel
ll
et'
sgoandpackourbags.
"

Don:
"Theki
ds?
"

Me:
"We'
ret
aki
ngt
hem wi
th"

Don:
"Okay
,letmegoandmakeacal
lthenwecangoandpackourcl
othes"

Igotoutofhisholdandwentt omycar .Mm itfeelssor ightt

ocalli
tmi ne,
I
knowcancelli
ngourhoney moonI salowblowbutIcan' tmissthe
opport
unityofknowingwhoIgotmar r
iedto.Andi tmakeshi m sohappy
thatI
'minter
estedinknowingev ery
thi
ngabouthi m, ev
ent houghI'
m not
happyaboutthewayhemakeshi smoney.Iwon'tjudgehi m,butI'
m
defi
nit
elynotgoingtobeagangst erqueen.I'
l
ljustbet hereforhi
m, cl
ean
hiswoundswhenheget shurtandhelphim countt hemoney .More
especi
all
ywhenitcomestomoney,I
'm alwaysavail
ablewhenitcomet o
that
.Evenifhewakesmeupinthemi ddl
eoft heni
ghtIwon'tmi nd
becausehe'l
lbewaki
ngmeupf oragoodr eason,I
'
llneverf
ightwithmoney
.
Moneydidn'tdomebad,I
'
llal
wayspraiseandlovemoneyunt ilIdi
e.

Aft
erawhi l
eofwaiti
ngforhi
m atthepacki
nglot
,hecamewi
ththebag,I
guesshecheckedoutandmadet hecallt
hathewant
edtomake.Igotout
ofthedr
iver'
sseatandwenttothepassenger
.

Hi
m:"
I'
vecal
l
edMasonoIt
oldhert
opackt
heki
dscl
othes.
"

Me:
"Whenwi
l
lwebecomi
ngback?
'

Hi
m:"
Anyday
,you'
l
lenj
oyi
tther
eIpr
omi
se.I
'
llmakei
twor
thi
t"

Me:"
Weneedt
oexpl
oret
hear
ea,
Iwantt
oknowev
ery
thi
ngaboutt
he
Dl
amini
'
s"

Hi
m:"Mygr
andmot
heri
sther
eforar
eason,
she'
l
lteachy
ouaboutour
f
amil
y"

Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"

Hi
m:"
What
?"Heconcent
rat
edont
her
oad.

Me:"Imeanhowwi l
lshebeabl
etoteachmewhil
eshehat
eme?No, I
'
m
conf
usedbecausethedayofourweddi
ngshewassosweet,
sheev
en
madeaboutiqueforme?"

Him:"
WellI
'm sureshenoti
cedthatwebothlov
eeachotherandnothi
ng
candest
royourlove.I
'
m sureta'
ncit
oldhert
osuckitupbecauseyouain'
t
goi
nganywhere"

Me:
"Wel
lInt
hatcaseIcannotwai
ttomeetev
erymemberofy
ourf
ami
l
y"
Att
hehospi
tal
.

Nomawasadmi ttedt
ot hehospit
al,
shehadt oundergoasurger
yt hatcost
thousands.I
tisverymuchi mport
antforhertohav ethesur
geryotherwise
she'l
lhavetoli
vefortherestofherl
if
ewi thoutnothi
ngbehi
ndher .Shewas
busythinki
ngaboutherlif
ewhenhermot herenter
.

Hermot
her
:"Mychi
l
d,ohhnkosi
yam"Sher
aisedherhands

Noma:"Mamapl
ease"shehadt
osl
eeponhert
ummysi
nceshedi
dn'
twant
t
ohurther
sel
f

Hermother
:"Wherewil
lIgetR10000, mychil
d?Worki
ngindi
ffer
ent
housesdoi
nglaundr
yisnoteasy.Icannotaf
fordt
hatamountofmoney
"

Noma: "
WhatdidIdotodeservethi
smom?Ozzi ei
sal
waysmakingiti
nlif
e,
she'
shappy.Ij
ustgotacal
lfrom afr
iendcany
oubeli
evet
hatherhusband
boughtheracar
?Awhol ecardammi t"

Hermot her:"
Youseet hatanger !
"Shepoi ntedherf inger"Thatangeri st he
reasonwhyy oudonothav enothing, y
ouwon' tbehappyi nli
feifyouf ailto
behappyf orothers.Whatdi dshedot oy ou?Thel asttimeIcheckedOz zie
wasy ourfri
end,shel ovedy oumychi l
d.Shealway smadesur etonotmake
youf eelincomplete.Ev enthoughy ouhatedwat er,I'
m notgoi ngtobeat
aroundt hebush, I
'l
lbehonestwi t
hy ou.Thesmel lofyourarmpi t
sandy our
mout hpushedev eryoneawayf rom you,shest oodt herebyy ou.Shet ri
ed
allbymeanst omakesur ethatyoubat h,l
et'
sal lagreehere.Ozziehel ped
you,y ouusedt obathonl ywheny ouhavetogosomewher ebackt hen.She
taughty ouhowt obeal adyandl oveyourself
,trustmeshet riedbutshe
fai
ledt ochangey ou.Youhat eherbecauseshe' srich?Askf orforgiveness
mychi l
dallwil
lbewel lwithyou, whoknowsmay beshemi ghthelpy ou
wi
ththesurger
y.I
'
llt
ryt
ogety
ouhernumber
s,cal
lherandaskf
or
f
orgi
veness"

Noma:
"Wher
edoIst
art
?"Shesobbed.

Hermot her:
"Thesamewayy oustart
edtohateher.Justgrowupmar n
Nomal anga,ay
yf okof
"shestoodup"I'
ll
bringyousomethingtoeatsolong.
Gathertheri
ghtfulwordsandtexther
,IheardshealsohaveFacebook.Text
herandaskf orforgi
veness"

Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongueandwal
kedout
.

TIBECONTI
NUED.
..
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER55

OZZI
E.

Thedr ivetoEast ernCapewasl ongandt ir

ing,butwedi denj oyour sel
v es.It
wassof unny .Nal ediunderstoodwhywehadt ot aketheki dswi thusand
l
eav eherbehi nd.Ireprimandedherf ordemandi ngexpensi vet hings,she
promi sest ocall Phil
aniandapol ogize.I
'm gl
adshewi l
l acknowl edgeher
wrongdoi ngsandapol ogies.Lwethui sacamer aaddict,shewoul dmakeus
stopandt akepi ctures.I
twassof unnybecauseDonwasgr umpyand
sulki
ngt hathe' st i
red,Shem mypoorbabeonl yi fIhadal icenseIwoul d
helphi m withdr i
v i
ng.Weev entual
lydidarri
veatt hev i
l
lage, thegr eenishof
thegr assesmadet hewhol ev il
l
ageawesome.Ev ery
thingwasj ustbeaut i
ful
,
i
tlookedsopeacef ul.I
mmedi at
elywhenhepar kedthecarGogoandagi rl
whol ookedl ikeshe' sinhert wentiescameoutoft hehouse.I tlookslikea
bigfami l
yj udgingf rom thehouses.Thewer ethree1st oreyhousesand
twor ondav els.

Don:
"Wel
lbabewel
comet
owher
eyourhusbandcomesf
rom"

Me:
"Iti
sbeaut
if
ul.Ican'
tbel
i
evey
oucomef
rom suchaqui
etpl
ace"

Don:
"Why
?Stopbei
ngadr
amat
icwoman.Nj
abul
ohi
"Nj
abul
o,Iassumei
s
t
henameoft
helady
.

Nj
abul
o:"
Bhut
,Idi
dn'
tknowy
ouwer
ecomi
ng?
"

Don:
"Wel
lI'
m her
e.It
oldGogomay
beshef
orgott
oment
ioni
t"
Grandma:"Idi
dn't
,it
'sj
ustthatIdi
dn'twanty
out oknow.Aphiwehoware
youmychild"Aphiwei sthenamethatIwasgivenbymyi n-
laws.I
'
m not
usedtoit
,wellI'
m mightaswellgetusedtoi
tbecauseclear
lyever
yone
herewil
lbeusingittocal
l me.

Me:"SawubonaGogo.Unj
ani
?"Ismi
l
ed,
theki
dswer
ekakt
ir
ed.Theywer
e
asl
eepinsi
dethecar
.

Nj
abul
o:"
Youar
esocut
emakot
i.I
'
m sor
ryy
oucancal
lmeNj
abul
o"

Me:"Hi
,howareyou?Well
,youcancal
lmeOzz.
..ImeanAphi
we"Isai
d
af
terIf
eltasl
i
ghtkickf
rom Don.

Don:
"Wher
e'sSi
phoGogo?I
'
dli
kehi
mtohel
pmewi
thourbags"

Gr
andmot
her
:"Hewentout
.Goandcal
ltheguar
dNj
abul
o"

Nj
abul
o:"
Butgr
andma.
..
"

Grandmother
:"JustgoNjabulo"shesulkedandwal
kedaway
.IguessDon
hadhismentol ookaft
erhisfamily
,Iwouldtooi
fIwashi
m.He'sa
dangerousmanwho' sl
ookingbyev er
yone.

Gr
andmot
her
:"Ther
e'snoonei
nthi
shome.I
t'
shol
i
dayt
heyal
lwentout
"

Don:
"Nopr
obl
em.I
'
llj
ustshowmywi
feher
ear
ound"

Gr
andmot
her
:"Don'
tyouwantt
orestf
ir
st?I
'
m sur
eyoumustbet
ir
ed"

Don:"
Arey outi
red?"Iam, butIrefusedt
ogi
vegrandmot
hert
hewrong
i
mpression.Let
'snotforgetthatthiswomanhat
esmeandwe'rei
nheryar
d,
shecal
lstheshots.

Me:"
NoI'm not.Let
'sgoandputt
heseinsi
dethehousesothatIcanstar
t
wi
ththepot
s, y
ouhear dgr
andmothershesai
dther
e'snooneinImightas
wel
lhel
pher"

Don:"
Pleasewakethekidsup.I
'
llcar
rylwet
hu"hegavemeaney
est hat
sai
dwehav etotal
k.Ir
aisedmyshouldersandscof
fed,
Owet
huisheavy,
girlkeepongainingwei ght
.Ican'tdeal
.Iwentt
oputhertosleepinour
bedr oom.Itwasnott hatbadconsideri
ngwhatIusedtosleeponbackthen.
Itwaswaybet t
er,Icannotcompet eitwi
thmybedroom asiti
sjustaguest
room.Buti tsmelledsogood, Iguessgrandmot
heraskedsomeonet o
cleani t
.I'
m st
il
lsurpri
sedabouthersuddenchangeofatti
tudetowardsme.

Me:"I
'
m soti
red"Isai
dthr
owi
ngmy
sel
font
opoft
hebed,
Imadesur
eto
notsl
eeponthekids.

Don:"
Didn'tyousaythatyou'
renott
ir
ed?Youev
enment
ionedt
haty
ou
wantt
ost artwit
hthepots"

Me:"
Doy oublamemet
hough?
"Inar
rowedmyey
esathi
m.Hel
aughedand
t
ookoffhisj
ersey

Don:
"Idon'
tmyl
ove,
Igeti
tyouwer
etr
yingt
oimpr
essy
ouri
n-l
aw"

Me:"
BroIswearIwant
edtohi
tmyt
onguet
hemomenti
tsl
i
ppedoutofmy
mout
hthatIwantedt
ocook"

Don:"
Iwasshockedt
oo,
youdon'
tev
enknowwher
etheki
tcheni
stost
art
wit
h"

Me:
"Toendwi
thIdon'
tev
enknowwhatki
ndofaf
ri
dget
heyuse"

Don:
"Comel
et'
sgoandf
indout
.I'
l
lmakey
ouasandwi
ch"

Me:
"No,
whati
fsheget
sint
heki
tchenandf
indsy
oubusymaki
ngf
oodf
or
me?
"

Don:"
Youneedt
orestasmuchasIneedto.Myfami
l
ywi
l
lexhausty
ou
sweet
hear
t,y
ouneedall
theener
gyyoucanget
"

Me:
"Why
?"

Don:"
Okay,
mygrandmotheri
sthefi
rstwif
eofmygrandf
ather
.Hewas
marr
iedi
npoly
gamywith3wives.2passedononl
ymyGr andmot
hert
hat
i
slef
t.Someofki
dsal
ll
iv
esher
e."

Me:
"Nobodyi
swor
king?
"

Don:"
It
'saf amil
yof4boysand4gir
ls.Nkosi
,Lungani
,Luzuko,andKhay
a
thent
hegi r
lsar
eNjabul
o,Khany
il
e,Nomasonto,andAsenathi
.Njabul
ois
t
hecraziestandshel
ovesmoneyalot"

Me:
"Theel
deri
sonl
yyourgr
andmot
her
?"

Don:"
No,Dad'ssist
eristheonewhomakessurethatever
ythi
ngi
srunni
ng
smoothl
y,buti
tishardtofindherher
e.Shet
rav
elsalot
"

Me:
"Ar
etheymar
ri
ed?
"

Don:"
auntyi
snotmar
ri
ed,buyLunganiandLuzukoar
emar
ri
ed,
theyar
e
ol
derthanme,whi
l
eKhayaistheyoungest
."

Me:
"You'
vegotoneofabi
gfami
l
yher
e."

Voice:
"Aphi
we,
Ozzi
ewee.I'
vegotawi
neher
ecomeoutsot
hatwecanget
toknoweachot
heroveragl
ass"

Me: "
Njabul
o?"Ilookedathim,helaughedandnodded.Isighedand
changedmyt akkiesi
ntosl
ippers."
Iknowthatyou'
regoingtosleep,
nx
tr
ait
or"

Don:
"Whatdi
dIdo"hel
aughed.

Ii
gnor
edhi
m andwentout
.

Njabul
o:"
Doy ouhavecashonyou?Iwantust ogoandbuyabot
tl
eofwi
ne.
I
'v
ebeencr av
ingfori
t"Il
ookedathershocked.
Me:
"ButIt
houghty
ousai
dthaty
ouhav
ethebot
tl
e"

Njabul
o:"
NoIdon't
,goandaskbhutPhi
l
ani
foracoupl
eofbugssot
hatwe
cangoandpurchasei
t"

Me:
"Idoubthe'
l
lgi
veme.Letmegoandt
ryhi
m"

Me:"
Babee"Ihi
thi
sar
ms.Exact
lywhatIsai
d,hewast
ryi
ngt
osl
eepnext
t
otheki
ds.

Don:
"Whatdoy
ouwant
?It
houghtNj
abul
ocal
l
edy
ou"

Me:
"Shel
i
ed,shedoesn'thav
eabot t
leofwi
neonher
.Cany
oupl
easel
end
meR200I
'l
lpayyou.Idon'
thavecashonme"

Don:
"Lendy
ou?
"Hechuckl
ed

Me:
"MmmhbabeIpr
omi
seI
'
llr
etur
nit
"

Don:
"Whatdoy
ouwantt
odowi
thi
t?"

Me:
"Doesi
tmat
ter
?"Henodded"
Okaywewantt
ogoandbuyal
cohol
"

Don:
"It
'sf
ar"

Me:
"Idon'
tmi
nd,
I'
ll
wal
k"

Don:"You?Mmk"heopenedt
hedr
awernextt
ohi
m andgav
emear
oll
.
Probabl
yarol
lofR1000.

Me:
"Isai
dR200"

Don:"Cl
osethedooronyourwayout .Wai
tusethecarbecauseit
'sfarand
I
'l
lbetheonewhowi l
lbeheari
ngy ournon-endi
ngcomplainsthewhole
ni
ght"hedi
dt eachmehowt odriv
e, butI
'v
eneverdri
venalonewithouthim
nextt
ome.Butt oday
,Iwanttolearn.

Me:
"Thanky
ou.Sl
eepwel
l
"Iki
ssedhi
scheekandwentout
.
Nj
abul
o:"
Thatwasl
ong,
gir
lwhatwer
eyoudoi
ng?
"Sher
aisedherey
es.

Me:
"Pl
easel
eav
emeal
onet
uu"webot
hlaughed.

Njabul
o:"Fuck,
Ifor
gott
owearmywig.TheisnowayI'
m goi
ngoutwi
thmy
baldhead"shehadachi
skop,
itl
ookssogoodonher.

Me:
"Why
?"

Njabul
o:"
Becausemyheadlooksli
keanegg.Comefoll
owmeIneedy out
o
combitforme"Ithi
nkIl
ikeher
,shedoesn'
thavet
hatbit
chatt
it
ude.She'
s
funnyt
houghbutIlovet
hatsheconver
seswit
hpeopleshedoesn'
teven
know.

Ihel
pedherworeherwigandcombedit,honest
ly,
I'
mt ir
edbutIcannot
aff
ordt
obringherdown.It
hinkshe'
sbeencravi
ngf oral
cohol
.

Njabul
o:"Wai
tletmeapplyabitofey
eli
ner
"thatey
eli
nertur
nedi
ntoa
wholemake-up,shedi
dhereyebrowsandevery
thi
ng.It
ooka40mi nut
es
napwhileshedoesherface.

Nj
abul
o:"
Aphi
we.
.Aphi
we"sheshookme."
WakeupI
'
m done"

Me:
"Ineedt
ouset
het
oil
et"

Njabul
o:"
Youcanusetheoneinyourbedroom.I
t'
scl
ean"shesai
dwhi
l
e
applyi
ngl
ipgl
ossonhermouth.Shepoutedandsmil
ed

Me:
"Okay
,goandwai
tformei
nthecar
,I'
m comi
ng"Igav
ehert
hecarkey
s.
Iwenttopeeandchangedt hedressthatIwaswear
ingint
oanetyar
ngr ey
umbrell
aski r
twi
thawhitepoll
neck.Icombedmyweav eandti
eit
.Phi
lani
wasflatasleept
hathecoul
dn'thearmememov ear
ound.Iwentt
othecar
af
terwearingmyshoes.

Nj
abulo:"
Igetityou'
reMakotibutyouneedt owearsomethingthathas
t
hatthi
ngmar n"Istar
tedtheengi
neandl ookedather."
Nodon'tgetme
wrong,Il
oveyouroutfi
t.I
t'
sbeauti
fulbutitdoesn'
tmeanthatyoushould
wearaskirtf
ortherestofyourst
ayher e.
"

Me:
"Iheary
ounj
abul
o,pl
easedi
rectme"

Nj
abul
o:"
Cany
ouev
endr
ive?Idoubt
"

Me:
"St
opdoubt
ingme.Ofcour
seIcandr
ive"webot
hlaughed

Nj
abul
o:"
Wel
lwewi
l
lseeaboutt
hat
"shel
aughed

Me:
"Let
'sgett
oknoweachot
her
.I'
m Ozzi
e19y
ear
sofage"

Nj
abulo:"
Njabul
o22,agraduate"Il
ovet
hatshedidn'
tjudgeMrthatIgot
marr
iedattheageof19,
Philani34year
soldevenifhegivesme5y earsI
won'
treachhisage.

Me:
"That
'sni
ce,
whatwer
eyoust
udy
ing?
"

Nj
abul
o:"
Inf
ormat
ional
Technol
ogy
"

Me:
"Okay
.Doy
ouhav
eachi
l
d?"

Nj
abul
o:"
Nope,
twomi
scar
ri
ages.Ideci
dedt
obeonapi
l
l"

Me:"That
'sgr
eat
.Ohhshoot
"Isai
dremember
ingt
hatIhav
ebeenhav
ing
unpr
otect
edsexwit
hDon.

Nj
abul
o:"
What
'swr
ong?Tur
nlef
t"

Me:
"No,
not
hing"If
akedasmi
l
e.Weev
ent
ual
l
ydi
dar
ri
veatt
het
aver
nev
en
thoughIwasdri
vi
ngsosl ow60tobespeci
f i
c.Nj
abulowastheonewho
wenttothest
ore,Iwasn'
tprepar
edt
ofoll
owhersi ncei
twasf ul
l
.
Drunkar
dsandoldmen, Shecamebackholdingt
wobottlesofMoetanda
six-
packofbr
utalfr
uit
.

Nj
abulo:
"I'
m notgoi
ngt
ogi
vey
out
hechangesi
s.Ineedt
obuynew
makeupbrushes"

Me:
"Buti
t'
snotmymoney
"

Njabul
o:"
I'
m sur
eyoucansof
tenhi
m up.Tomor
rowwewi
l
ltaket
heki
ds
out"

Me:
"Mal
lsor
tof
?"

Nj
abul
o:"
Yes,
thenl
aterwewi
l
lhi
tthecl
ub.You'
l
llov
eitt
her
e"shesmi
l
ed

Me:
"I'
m notsur
eaboutcl
ubbi
ngNj
abul
o."

Nj
abul
o:"
Stopbeingsoupti
ght
,Ihear
dthatbhutPhi
l
ani
andl
ungani
are
pl
anni
ngabir
thdaysur
pri
seforGogo"

Me:
"Hedi
dn'
ttel
lmeabout
"

Nj
abulo:"
Iwasal
sonott
old.Isawi
tonLungani
'
sphoneont
hei
rWhat
sapp
messages"

Me:"
Ohht hat
'sgr
eat
.Butt
heyshoul
dhav
etol
dusatl
eastt
ohel
pthem
wi
thplanni
ng"

Njabul
o:"
Youknowwhati
nfactl
et'
sactli
kewedonotknownot
hing.Bhut
Phil
aniwi
llcomet
ousandaskforourhel
pweshoul
dsayno"

Me:
"IdoubtI
'
llbeabl
etosaynot
ohi
m?"

Nj
abul
o:"
Why
?Ishi
ssexgamet
hatgr
eat
"

Me:
"Wel
l
,Okaynooo"Il
aughed

Nj
abul
o:"
Theny
ou'
l
lsayno,
andi
tisnotupf
oradebat
e.Any
waywe'
re
goi
ngt
odr
inkt
hisi
nourr
oom"

Me:
"Why
?"

Nj
abul
o:"
Mypr
otect
ivebr
other
sandgr
andmot
her
"sher
oll
edherey
es.

Me:"Youshouldr
emi
ndPhi
l
ani
thathemar
ri
eda19y
ear
sol
d,heshoul
dn'
t
dar
econtroly
ou"

Njabul
o:"
Yuhright
"Wel aughed.Thedr ivebackhomewassof unny,
j
ammi ngsongsanddancing.Nj abuloisabubblygi
rlt
obear ound.Shehas
that"
Idon'
tgiv
eaf uck"personalit
y.Whenwear ri
vedathomeIpackedt he
carbehi
ndtheBMW, i
twasnott hathardsi
ncethegatefacedthegarage.

Nj
abul
o:"
Fuck,
Lungani
isback.Wewi
l
lhav
etohi
det
hebooze"

Me:
"How?
"Inar
rowedmyey
esather
.

Njabul
o:"
Idon'
tknow,andt
hatdollofhi
swill
wantt
odr
inkwi
thusasi
fshe
doesn'
thaveaman"shecli
ckedhertongue

Me:
"Youdon'
twanthert
odr
inkwi
thus?
"

Nj
abul
o:"
Yes,
Ihat
eher
.She'
ssuchadol
lthoseki
ndasl
ayqueens"

Me:
"I'
m gl
adIdonotknowher
"

Nj
abulo:
"Tr
ustmey
ou'
l
lhat
eher
,shel
ovest
olookdownonpeopl
e"she
gr
oaned

Me:"
I'
vegotanidea.Phi
l
aniknowsthatwewentt
obuyal
cohol
.Icant
ell
hi
mtobringi
tinsi
dethehouseforus"

Nj
abulo:
"Gi
rlwhatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or?Iwantt
ogetdr
unk"sheopenedher
mouth
Il
aughedaswebot
hgotoutoft
hecar
,shewhi
sper
ed.

Nj
abul
o:"
Whenwear r
ivedwheretheyar
eseat edl
ockthecardot
haty
ou
gi
vehert
hatt
hing.Thataur
ay ouknow"Ilaughedandshookmyhead.

Me:
"Yousocr
azyy
ouknow"

Nj
abul
o:"
I'
m not
"

Weapproachedwheretheywereseated,y
oucouldn'tmisst
he
r
esemblancebet
weenPhi l
aniandtheguynexttohim,Iassumeit
'sLungani
,
Nj
abul
owasnotl yi
ngwhenshement i
onedthatt
hegi r
lisaBar
biedoll
,
mo'
gurl
waswear i
nglonghill
,Idowearhil
lsbutthatone?Iwoul
dn'tbeabl
e
t
owalkwear i
ngi
t.Thewerethreechair
sthathadnoone, It
ookaseatnext
t
oher.

Njabul
o:"Li
ndo,howareyou?"Nj
abul
ohadt
hebi
ggestf
akesmi
l
e,y
ou
couldseethati
twasforced.

Li
ndo:
"Hi
Njabul
o,howar
eyou?
"Herv
oice?Awhol
edol
l

Don:
"Youback?I
'
m gl
adt
oseet
haty
oudi
dn'
thav
eanacci
dent
"

Me:
"Excuseme?
"Il
ookedathi
m.

Don:"
Anywaybr
omeetmywi
feOzzi
e,hermar
it
alnamei
sAphi
wey
ou
knowit
"

Lungani
:"She'
sbeaut
if
ul.Howar
eyou?
"

Me:
"I'
m goodandhowar
eyou?
"

Lungani
:"I
fheanybyhur
tyou,
letmeknowI
'
lldeal
wit
hhi
m"Il
aughed
Me:
"Iwi
l
l"

Lungani
:"Li
ndomeetAphi
we,she'
smybr
other
'swi
fe.Aphi
wemeetLi
ndo,
she'
stheonethatst
olemyheart
"

Me:
"Awww,
howar
eyouLi
ndo?
"

Li
ndo:
"I'
m okay
"iy
hooo,
sis?Somuchat
ti
tudei
noneper
son?

Me:
"Babecanwepl
easet
alk?
"

Don:
"Isi
timpor
tant
?"

Me:
"I'
m af
rai
dyes,
Njabul
oI'
m comi
ngdonotl
eav
e"shenoddedand
smi
l
ed.ShesatwhereIwasseat
ed.

Dontookmyhandandl edmet othekitchen,havey oueverfel

tli
key
ou'rei
n
heaven?Thebui
ld-
in?Ever
ythi
ngwaswhi t
e.Thet apsandt hesi
nkwere
shi
ningasift
heywerenew, t
heti
l
el ookedsocl ean.Thisfamil
yisaclean
fr
eak.

Me:"Okaysoweboughtt
wobot t
lesofMoetand6packofbrutalf
rui
t,I
'
m
say
ingthi
sbecauset
healcohol
it'
snotenought
odri
nkwithLindo"

Don:
"Youwantanot
hermoney
?"

Me:"Wellno,Iwaswonderingi
fy oucoul
dmaybegoandtakeitoutoft
he
car
,yourgrandmothershouldt
hinkiti
syour
salongwi
thLungani"

Don:
"Yousost
ingyy
ouknow.
"Hel
aughed

Me:
"No,
it'
snotmebutNj
abul
o.Ionl
ycameupwi
tht
hei
dea"

Don:
"Ohhh,
thecarkey
s?"

Me:
"Il
eftt
hem ont
hechai
r,t
hanky
ou"Ipul
l
edhi
m byhi
swai
stapl
aceda
l
i
nger
ingki
ssonhi
sli
ps."
AgunPhi
l
ani
real
l
y?"Il
ethi
m goaf
terIf
elti
t.

Don:
"Hav
eyouseenmegososomewher
ewi
thoutagun?
"

Me:
"Nobut
..
."

Don:"
Exact
ly"sheki
ssedmyf or
eheadandwalkedout.Isi
ghedandtooka
gl
assnextt
ot hesi
nk,Icoul
ddowithaglassofwater
.Theki dsshoul
d
wakeupsothattheycanbath.

AtCol
ombo'
shouse.

Don'
smotherwassippi
ngaglassofwhi
skeyinherbedr
oom.Shehi
det
he
bot
tl
eunderthebedwhenshehearsaknockonthedoor.

"
Comei
n"sheputt
hegl
assont
hecar
petandf
ixedher
sel
f.

Luthando:
"Mama?Wher
e'sdad?Ihav
en'
tseenhi
m si
ncewel
efthi
m wi
th
you."

Her
:"Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
oimpl
y?"

Lut
hando:
"Youwer
est
art
ingt
ohat
edad,
didy
ouki
l
lhi
m?"

Her
: "
What?Justgetoutofmyr
oom l
uthandoi
fyoudonothav
eany
thi
ng
bet
tertosay
"

Lut
hando:
"Youcan'
tev
endenyi
t,Mama.Youar
enotev
enshocked"

Her
:"Idi
dnotki
l
lhi
m,whatwi
l
lIgai
nfr
om ki
l
li
nghi
m?"

Lut
hando:"
Idon'
tknow,
maybeali
fepol
icy
?Whoknows.Ory
ouwer
etr
ying
tomakethatst
upi
dSonofy
ourshappy"
Her:
"Don'tyoudareLuthando,
don'tyoudar ecal
lPhi
lanist
upi
d.Yes,
I
wasn'
tthereforhi
m, buthedoesn'tdeserv
et obecal
ledstupi
d.AndI
r
epeati
fy oudonothav esomethingbettertosaygetoutofmyroom"

Luthando:"
Youar
egoingtoregreti
tmama."Lut
handol
ovedherdadwi
th
everyfi
beri
nherbody
,shelookedexact
lyl
i
kehim.

Her:"
Fine,
sui
tyoursel
f.Cl
oset
hedoorony
ourwayout
"sheangr
il
ywal
ked
outandbangedthedoor.

Don'
smot
hergotangr
yandt
hrewt
hegl
assagai
nstt
hewal
l
.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
CHAPTER56

OZZI
E.

Ourtinypart ytur
nedi ntoahugepar ty,
Grandmadi dn'
tmindatall.Shewas
j
usthappyt hatallhergrandchil
drenaregetti
ngalongandt heyare
conversingwi t
heachot her
,Njabuloaskedmet odr i
nkwithherinher
bedroom.It hinkthere'ssomeoneshedoesn' tgetalongwithbesidesLi
ndo,
asforLi ndoshe'sbeenwi t
hherman.Sheev enwentt ot
hel i
quorstor
ewith
him,asf ormyhusbandIwasi gnoringhim,nott
hathedidsomet hi
ngbad
no.Idonotwantt obeseenasacl i
ngywi f
e.Forgrandmothertonotknow
thatIalsodr i
nkIhadt ouseacup, notaglass.

Me:"
Njabul
olet'
sgoout
sideman.Imi
ssmyman"I'
vealr
eadybat
hedt
he
ki
dsandgetthem t
osl
eepwithNj
abul
o'
shel
pofcourse.

Njabul
o:"Why
?There'
ssomeoneIhateoutt
her
e,shel
ovesr
ubbi
ngher
successonmyfaceasifIchooset
obeunempl
oyed"

Me:"Buti
t'
snotl
ikey
ou'
resuf
fer
ingf
inancial
ly.Imeanyourbrot
hergiv
es
youamont hl
yal
l
owanceandhemakesur ethatyouarenotshortof
anyt
hing"

Njabul o:"
Stil
lOzzie,y
oudonotunder standt hatNomahasev er
ything.Why
can'tIhav ewhatshehas?Thehouse, marr
iage,car,
andthebaby ?Shewas
pregnantl astyear
.Icoul dn'theartheendofi t
,shealwaysrubbedi tonmy
facet hatshe'snotinferti
le.Iam ferti
leOzzieIjustdonotknowwhat 'sthe
problem wi thme,losi
ngt wobabieswi t
houtseeingthem ortouchingthem
mademehat efal
l
ingpr egnant.Iwantt o,Ireall
ywantababybutIcan' t
bri
ngmy selftofacewhatIwentt hrough.I'
m scared,whatiffal
lpregnant
andl osethebabyagai n?Ithurtsal otthatI
'm aloneinthi
swor l
d,Mama
doesn'tcar
eaboutme, whatmat tersmoret oherit'
sexpensi veclothesand
handbags.Herdi
v agroup, FacebookandI nstagram it
'swhatmat tersmore.
Chasingoldmenf ormoneyshe' sgoodatt hatshem.I '
m gratefulforbhut
Phil
ani,hemakest i
mef orme.Iknowt hathe'sabusyman, phelauwam
ubhutisagangsterIgett hat,
mi ssi
onsaftermi ssi
onsbuthedoesmake
ti
mef orme.Hecal l
smemay be5t imesaweek, buthemakessur ethathe
text
smeonWhat sAppev eryday.That'
swhatIcal llove,I
'
m nothi sr eal
sist
erbutacousin,hisfather,andmymot herarebrotherandsi ster.I'
m
gladthathesawmef ittobehi sli
tt
lesi
ster"shesobbedandt ookasi p.

Me: "
OhhmyGod,Njabul
o"Ihuggedher,Idi
dn'
treal
i
zethatIwasal
so
cry
ing.Iwi
pedmyeyesandhushher,Ikeptonrubbi
ngherbackunt
ilshe
cal
msdown.Itmustbealcohol
,she'
stoodrunk.

Me:
"Canwet
alkaboutt
hist
omor
row?Wheny
ouar
esober
"

Nj
abulo:"
I'
m notsur
eI'
llwantt
ot al
kabouti
t.You'
rethesecondper
sonI
'
ve
ev
eropenedupt obesi
dethepersonwhowasr esponsi
blefort
hose
pr
egnanci
es"

Me:
"Gogodoesn'
tknowt
haty
oumi
scar
ri
edt
wobabi
es?
"

Nj
abul
o:"Sheknowst
hatImiscarr
ied1baby.Iwas7months,
thebel
l
ywas
t
oobigforhert
onotnot
ice.Wit
hthesecondone,Iwas3"

Me:
"Yoh,
li
fe.
"

Njabul
o:"
Lif
ekeoni
on,
li
fei
sabr
eat
hingf
ish"ay
ythi
soneal
cohol
gother
byball
s.

Me:
"Ial
sol
ostababy
,af
ewmont
hsback.
"Isai
ditoutofnowher
e.

Nj
abul
o:"
I'
m sor
ryAphi
we,
howdi
dyout
akei
t?Howdi
dPhi
l
ani
takei
t?"

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tbl
amemy
sel
fatal
l
,Ionl
ycr
iedonceandmov
edon.
"

Nj
abulo:
"Doy
ouknowthati
t'
sgonnacatchupwit
hy ou?Youshouldhave
gr
iev
edandnoti
gnor
eit
.Ify
oureal
lyl
ovedyourchi
ldandcouldn'
twaitt
o
seeher/
himyou'
ll
hateyour
self,
you'
l
l al
waysthi
nkthati
twasyourf
aul
t
thatt
hebabydi
ed.Donotcelebr
ateyetsi
s,t
hestor
mi syett
ocome."

Me:
"Huh?Whatdoy
oumean?
"

Njabulo:"
Imeanexact l
ywhatImean, I'
m surebhutdealtwit
hitandgot
overit
.Iknowt hatPhil
ani
cangr i
eveshem, alcohol
ishisshoul
dertolean
onatt i
meslikethat.Hedi
dwr ong,heshutyououtwhi chwaswr ong,
y ou
shouldhaveguy smournedtogethernotwhaty oudid.Anywayyou
mentionedthatyouwanttoout si
decomel et'
sgo"

Me:
"Ar
eyousur
e?"

Njabul
o:"
Nomadoesn'
tinti
midatemeatal
l,Ionlyl
osemysel
fwhenshe
tel
lsmeaboutt
hemiscarr
iage,
butIgotov
erit,Inol
ongert
akeheri
nsul
ts
seri
ous"

Me:"
I'
m sur
pri
sedt
hatshecant
akey
ouon.Imeany
oul
ookl
i
ket
hosewho
donott
akeshi
t"

Njabul
o:"
Idon'
tatall
,wit
hNomaIwouldhavelongwhi
ppedherassbut
becauseoft
herespectIhav
eforGogoIcoul
dn'
tbri
ngmysel
ftodoit
"

Me:
"Iknewt
haty
ouhav
eaf
eist
ysi
deofy
ouhi
ddensomewher
e"

Nj
abul
o:"
Asambewet
hu"shel
aughed.

Me:
"We'
redonet
alki
ng?
"

Nj
abul
o:"
Yes,
Iwantsomet
hing'
sst
rongout
side"

Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
llbeabl
etodr
inkoutt
her
e,wor
sewi
thGr
andma"

Nj
abul
o:"
She'
sasl
eept
hatone.Let
'sgo"

Shepul
ledmewithmyhand,Ihadt
akenof
fthewigsi
nceitwasabi
thot
andIwassweat
ing.Thewer
enochair
slef
tforusout
side.
Me:
"Suchabam!Iguesswewi
l
lhav
etogobackt
oourmi
nipar
ty"

Nj
abul
o:"
Nope,
I'
ll
sitont
hef
loor
"shesai
dpoi
nti
ng.

Lungani
:"WhyNj
abul
o?Ther
emustbesomet
hingy
ouwant
"

Nj
abul
o:"
Umm Bi
gbr
other
,youknowIl
ovey
our
ight
..
."

Lungani
:"Whatdoy
ouwant
?"

Nj
abul
o:"
Ummm.
..Youknow.
..Somet
hingt
opat
chmydr
ythr
oat
"

Lungani
:"No,
ther
eisnoal
cohol
forki
ds.Got
osl
eep"

Li
ndo:"Butbabe,
whyar
eyout
reat
ingNj
abul
oli
keachi
l
d?"Shet
ookasi
p
ofherwine.

Don:
"Babe,
comesi
tont
opofme"

Me:"Ohhhh,Okay
"Imadesuretosi
tont
opofhi
sdi
ck.Ther
e'snowayI
'
m
goi
ngtosleepwithouthi
mti
ckl
i
ngmedownther
e.

Lungani
:"Becauseshe'
sachi
l
d"

Nj
abulo:
"ButLungani,I
'm notateenageranymore"Shesul
ked,mu'gur
l
al
readyl
osttherespectforherbrot
her.Trustt
hepowerofalcohol

Lungani
:"Tome,
you'
l
lal
way
sbeababy
"

Nomasont
o:"
Pssh,
achi
l
dwhoal
readydi
d2abor
ti
ons"

Don:
"WHAT!!!
"Donpushedmefr
om hi
slapandst
oodup,
Iswearmyass
cameincont
actshi
tthefl
oor
.

Me: "
Aww, Phi
l
ani"Isai
dstandingup.Myhusbanddidn'
tevenaskwhether
I
'm okayornot,
hellnoI
'm notokay,If
ell
.Hewasbreathi
ngfi
renextt
oMr .

Nj
abul
o:"Wabonawena...
"Sheangr
il
ytookanempt
ySav
annahbot
tl
ethat
wasnextt
oher,i
tlandedonNomasonto'
sface.
UnknownLocat
ion.

Boss:"Makesuret
hatyouar
ewearingyourbull
etpr
oofs,t
hetruckthatwe
arehij
acki
ngis10KM awayfr
om us.Sli
deyourguns!"Theyquickl
ywore
thei
rbull
etpr
oof
sandtookabagfullofguns.

Man1:
"Ican'
twai
ttot
esthi
stash.
"

Boss:
"Rememberwear
edoi
ngt
hist
ogetDon'
sat
tent
ion,
wewanthi
mto
workwit
hus"

Man1:
"Sal
ute!
!"

Theywhistl
edandcheerast heymadethei
rwaytothevanthatwasoutsi
de
thei
rwarehouse.Bef
oretheydriv
eout,5gunshot
swerefi
red,awarni
ngto
aler
tpeoplethatt
heredshavearriv
ed,
theKenya'
s.

Whent heyarr
ivedatthev er
yquietplacetheypackedthei
rv anint he
mi ddleofthegravelandwentt ohidebehindthebushes.Abskot her ight
handoft hebosswasusi ngthemi cr
oscopet oseethemov ementoft he
track.Immediatel
ywhent hetr
uckappr oachwheretheyweret heyt hrewa
mi nibombt hatbombedt hetir
esoft hetruck,
thetr
uckdriv
ernot icedt hat
theyar eabouttobehi j
ack.Theytookoutt hei
rgunsandstar tshoot i
ng.

Absko: "
Every
one,cover
"hesai dandtookAK-47,hestar
tedshooti
ngthe
truckdri
verandhismen.Theywer e5whi l
etheRedswer eten.Thecocai
ne
thattheyhadinsi
dethetruckisworth5mill
ion.Abskocrawlwhil
eshooti
ng
andwentt owherehisli
tt
lebrotherwas.
Absko:"Kaka(
brother)I
'
m goi
ngt
ocount1to5thenweshoot
.Let'
sgoo!
"
Theystoodupandst art
edfi
ri
ngt
owar
dsthetr
uckdri
ver
,hi
sli
tt
lebrot
her
gotshotonhisshoulder.

Hi
m: "
Fuck,
I'
m down!"Hefell
,Abskoqui
ckl
ytor
ehi
sshi
rtandusesi
tto
bl
ockthebl
oodfrom gushi
ngout.

Absko:
"St
aywi
thme!
!"Heshout
s.

Thet
ruckdri
ver
swer
eal
ldown.TwoofAbskomenwer
einj
uredi
ncl
udi
ng
hi
sli
tt
lebr
other
.

TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER57

OZZI
E.

Me: "
Babe,OhhmyGod"Isai dwhil
epickingmy sel
fupfrom thefl
oor.
Nomasontoscreamedwhi l
eholdi
ngherf ace,shedeser
vesit.Sheshoul
d
havewhippedherassinsteadofthat,butshedidwellbecauseshe'l
lhav
ea
scaronherfacefort
her estofherli
fe.TrustmeIknow, ascarthati
s
causedbyabottl
eisnoteasyt ogetr i
dofit.

Njabul
o:"Uy
aphaphaNoma,noact
ual
l
yIshoul
dhi
tyouwi
tht
hischai
r"she
saidmarchi
ngtoherwi
thachai
r.

Don:"
Njabul
ost
op.
"Hesai
dwi
thacal
mvoi
ce,
hewassoangr
yand
di
sappoi
nted

Njabul
o:"
Whyshoul
dIst
op?Shedeser
vesi
tdammi
t"shewasdr
unk,
angr
y,
andsad.

Don:
"Justst
op!
!"

Me:"Okay,babycal
m down,Ithi
nkyouguysneedt
osi
tdownandhear
whatNjabulohastosay.Youcan'
tbel
iev
ewhatNomatol
dyouwit
hout
hear
ingthesideofherstor
y"

Lungani
:"2abor
ti
onsNjabul
o,2!Coul
dn'
tyoutel
lusatl
east
?Youknow
whatI'
m donewit
hyou"Hesaidandsitback.

Njabulo:
"No,bhutpl
ease.Idi
dn'
tabor
tatall
.WhywouldIwantt
oki
ll
my
babies?BhutPhil
ani
?Youknowmebet ter
,I'
m notamurder
.Guy
sbel
iev
e
me"Shesni f
fed
Me: "
It
'sokayNjabuloItr
ustyou"Iwenttowhereshestandi
ng"Giv
eme
thi
s"Itookthechairawayfrom herandmadehersitdown"Phi
laniyou'
re
goi
ngt ositdownandhav eapropertalkwi
thheri
nsteadofshouti
ng.You
donotwantt owakeGr andmaup"

Noma: "I
'minpainher
e,cansomebodypleasegetmetothehospi
tal
"she
tookat i
ssuei
nherbagandwi peherf
orehead,shewascr
yingandshaki
ng.
Ilookedather
,itwasjustasl
i
tcutshedoesn'tneedt
ogotothehospit
al

Don:"
AwumeNoma.Goandwashy ourf
aceyou'l
lbeal
ri
ght
,wenaNj
abul
o
youbet
tert
alk"hecl
i
ckedhi
stongueandsatdown.

Nathi
:"I
yhoo,
ther
e'ssomuchdr
amai
nthi
shousehol
d"shecl
appedher
hands.

Njabulo: "
I'
m sor rythatIdi dn'tt ell y
ouaboutmypr egnanci es,Ididn'twant
tostressy ou.Iwoul dnev erki llmychi ldren, youal lknowhowIl ov echildren
whywoul dIwantt oki l
lthev erysamebabyt hatmakesmehappy ?I
miscar r
iedt wobabi es,
Icoul dn'tt ellyousi nceIknowt haty ouwer egoing
tocomebackandnegl ecty ourbusi nessesa, Iknowt hat'sanabsur d
reasonbutIdi dn'twantanyofy out oknowmyweakness, yesy ouseeme
asthatNj abul owhodoesn' tcr y, who'sal way shappyno.I '
m br okeni nside,
myhear tyear nst oheart hei rtinycr i
es, adaydoesn' tpasswi thoutt hinking
aboutt hem, myf irstbornwoul dhav est art
edpr eschool thisyear .Youknow
Iwant edt obet hereathergr aduat i
on, itwasagi r
l.Ist i
lldon'tknowt he
genderoft hesecondbaby ,It oldt hedoct orst onott ellme.Khany i
lewhy
don'tyouasky our selfwhyInol ongerbat hwi thy ou?I t'
sbecauseI '
m
scaredt haty ou'llaskmeaboutt hescaronmyst omach, I
'm sosor r
ymy
dearbr other s, Ididn'tmeant odi sappoi nty oubutIdi dn'tabor tanychi l
d.
Myt wochi l
dr enwer etakenawayf rom me, Iwoul dhav ebeenamot herof
two,apr oudmot hersoLungani y ou'r
emar riedpl easehav emanyki dsas
youcan.I 'l
l baby sit"shesai dandwi pedhert ear s,Donst oodupandwent
tohugher .

Don:
"I'
m sor
rybabysi
s,I
'
m sor
ryIwasn'
tther
efory
ou.Ihat
emy
sel
f,I
shouldhavebeenther
efory
ou,Ishoul
dhavebeeny
ourshoul
dert
ocr
yon.
I'
m sorr
ythatyouwereal
lal
oneduri
ngthosehar
dti
mes"

Njabul
o:"Don'
tbl
amey
our
sel
f,I
'
m okay
.I'
m backt
omybubbl
yper
sonal
i
ty"
shesmiled

Don:
"Hug?
"

Njabul
o:"Ofcour se"hesmiledandl ai
dherheadonhischest
,Njabul
oI'
m
j
ustborrowingy outhatchestfortodayonl
y.Lunganij
oinedt
hem, t
herest
ofthesi
blingsjoinedinandhadaf amil
yhugNcoooh,Nomacl i
ckedher
tongueandwal kedaway ,Li
ndof ol
lowedher.Iqui
ckl
ytookmyphoneout
andsnappedf ewpi ctur
es!

Nj
abulo:"
Okayenough,st
opsuffocat
ingme.Ineedagl
assofwhi
skey
"
ev
eryonelaughedwhi
legoingbacktothei
rseat
s.

Don:heclearedhi
sthr
oat"
SomeandLungani
hasbeenpl
anni
ngasur
pri
se
par
tyforgrandmother
"

Khany
il
e:"
Andy
oudi
dn'
tbot
hert
oletusknow?
"Sher
oll
edherey
es

Lungani
:"Becausey
ouguy
sdonotknowhowt
ocl
osey
ourl
i
ttl
emout
hs"

Nj
abul
o:"
OhhI
'
m of
fended"

Lungani
:"Aski
esl
i
ttl
esi
ster
"

Don:"Sowear
eki
ndast
uckregar
dingt
hecake,
decor
,andherout
fi
t.
Njabul
odoyoumi
ndhel
pingus?"

Njabul
o:shelookedatmeandmouthedno"
I'
m somybrot
hersbutIcan'
t
helpyou.Iwon'
tbeablet
ohelpy
ou"shesai
dgrabbi
ngabott
leofRussi
an
beer

Don:
"You'
l
lgett
okeept
hechange,
we'
rest
randed"

Nj
abul
o:"
Mysi
steri
nlawwi
l
lboostme.Ri
ghtAphi
we"shesmi
l
ed
Don:
"Youguy
spl
annedsomet
hing,
babemi
ndhel
pingus?
"

Me:"
No,whydoy
ouwantmyhel
pnow?Youf
ail
edt
otel
lmeabouti
tint
he
f
ir
stpl
ace"

Don:
"Buthun.
."

Me:
"No,
may
bekhany
il
ewi
l
lhel
pyou"

Khanyi
l
e:"Ha.
awhyshoul
dIbet
heonet
oagr
ee?I
'
m al
sosay
ingno"t
he
gent
slaughed

Me:
"May
beLi
ndocanhel
pyou.Askher
"

Don:
"Hel
lno,
I'
m sor
ryLungani
butno"

Me:
"Why
?"Lungani
chuckl
edandshookhi
shead

Lungani
:"Let
'sj
ustsayi
twon'
twor
k.Guy
s,pl
easehel
pus,
please"

Me:
"Myansweri
sst
il
lno"

Nj
abul
o:"
Onlyi
fyouguy
sagr
eet
osponsort
het
ri
pthatIwantmeandt
he
gi
rl
stogoto

Don:
"Ihopemywi
fei
snoti
ncl
uded"

Me:
"ThenIwon'
thel
pyou"

Don:"Babypl
ease,youcan'
tj
ustupandgo,
whowi
l
lIbel
eftwi
th?My
needs"hewhisper
ed

Me:
"Wel
lyou'
l
lbel
eftwi
tht
heki
ds"

Don:"
youforgott
haty
ou'
l
lbewr
it
ingy
ourf
inal
examsnextweek"bam!I
for
gotreal
l
y

Me:
"Fuck,
andI
'
mlef
tbehi
nd"

Don:
"You'
l
laskt
hatTsongagi
rlt
osendy
out
henot
es"
Me:
"Hernamei
sVukona.Vf
orVukona"

Don:
"Yuhher
,sowi
l
lyouhel
pus?
"

Nj
abul
o:"
No,
R1000ont
het
abl
eandI
'
llgl
adl
yhel
pyou"

Me:
"Ial
sowanti
t"

Khany
il
e:"
Met
hree"

Nat
hi:
"Mef
our
"wel
ookedateachot
herandl
aughed

Lungani:"
Damn,f
ine.
"Het
ookoutbankaccount
sandt
ransf
err
edi
tusi
ng
hi
scellphone.

Me:
"Umm t
hanksIguess"

Lungani
:"Al
ri
ghtgett
oitl
adi
es,
wewantev
ery
thi
ngt
olookawesome.
"

Nj
abul
o:"
I'
m dr
unk,
I'
ll
star
ttomor
row"

Me:
"I'
m goi
ngt
osl
eep.I
'
mti
redhadal
ongday
"

Don:
"Goodni
ghtguy
s"

Me:
"Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
osl
eep,
hawubabewhatdoy
oumena?
"

Don:
"I'
m goi
ngt
osl
eep,
whywoul
dIwanty
out
osl
eepal
one?
"

Me:
"Buty
ouar
est
il
lchi
l
li
ngwi
thot
her
s?"

Don:
"Wel
lyouknowumm.
..
"

Me:
"Fi
nel
et'
sgo"

Wewal kedtoourr
oom, Ii
mmediat
elywentt
otakeashowert
henr
eti
redt
o
bed.I
'
mt i
psyandt
iredatt
hesametime.
BackatKZN

Noma'smotherwasseat edoutsideNomal anga'sward,

shekeptonpacing
upanddownast hedoctorandt henursesr ushedtoherdaught
er'
sward.
Noma'smothermanagedt ogett hetenthousandRandt hatwasneeded
fr
om themashonisa.Shehadt ogivehim herfri
dgeandTVsot hathecan
l
endherthemoney .Aft
eritseemsl i
kefewhour sadoct
orcameout
defeat
edandti
red.

Doc:
"Ma"heshookher
.Shequi
ckl
ygotup

Her
:"Dochow'
smydaught
er?Pl
easet
ell
met
hesur
ger
ysucceed"

Doc:
"I'
m sor
ryma"

Her
:"No,
nopl
ease!
"

Doc:
"Thesur
ger
yfai
l
ed.Shei
mmedi
atel
ydi
edwhenwet
ryt
ocov
erherup"

Her:
"Shutup,justshutupokay.Mydaught
erisal
i
ve"sherantoherward
andfoundthewhi t
esheetcoveri
ngherwhol
ebody,shequickl
ythr
ewiton
thef
loorandlookedattheinnocentNomal
anga.

Her:"Youarenotdeadmychil
d,you'
reasl
eepright?"Shegiggl
edandrub
hercheeks" Wel
lrestmyl
ove,whenyouwakeupy ou'l
lbehappytoknow
thatever
ythi
ngwentwell
.You'
reali
veri
ght?"Shelaughedloud

Doc:
"Ma,
youneedt
oexcuseus"

Her:"
Justdon'
ttakemychi
l
dtot
hemor
tuar
y,she'
snotdead"shegr
abbed
herbagandwalkedout
.

TOBECONTI
NUED
THANDAZI
LE

CHAPTER58

OZZI
E.

Todaywewer egoi ngt ocheckonf ewout f

it
st hatgr andmot herwi llhaveto
wearatherpar ty,it'
sapar t
yt hatshe' s70y earsol d.She'sol dbutwheny ou
seehery ou' dsweart hatshe' s60, shedoesn' tev enbendherbackwhen
shewal ksbutshe' sstrugglingwi t
hherl egs.Mamausedt ocompl ainabout
thattoo, Mymot hercoul dn'
tbeart hepai nshewoul ddri
nk4t ablet stwicea
dayt r
y i
ngt ogetr idoft hepai n.Ifeel forherbuti tcan' tbet reated, hence
they'
vehi redanur set ol ookaf terher .Njabulo'smot herisbar elyhomeand
hergr andchi ldrenar ewor ki
ngsomear einschool tomakemat t
er snott o
behar df orev eryonet heydeci dedt ohi reanur sewhohel psherwi t
h
cooking, gr andmot herdoesn' teatoi l
yf ood, t
hat '
st herulesher
grandchi ldrenst rictl
ysett oher .Theymakesur ethatt here'sonl ygr een
vegetabl es, f
ruits, br
ownandev erythingt hatcont ainswhi legr ai
ns, low
saturatedf at,andnon- fatdairypr oduct s.Imustsayshel ooksst rongand
I'
m sur eshe' snotdy i
ngany ti
mesoon, notli
keIwanthert odi et hough.I
sighedandwr appedat owel aroundmybody , Idisposedt hewat erand
cleanedt hebat htub, andwal kedout .Donwasbusyappl yinglotiononhi s
armswhenIwal kedi n,theki dshadal readybat hedandwentt ot heki t
chen
toeat.

Me:"
Youar
enotdone?"Heusedtheshowersi
ncehewant
edt
ofi
nish
ev
ery
thi
ngi
n5minutes,hi
swordsnotmine.

Don:
"Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
owear
"hesmi
l
ed
Me:
"Ohh,
okay
.Umm,
arey
ougoi
ngwi
thus?
"

Don:
"Ofcour
se,
there'
snowayI
'
m goi
ngt
oletNj
abul
ohav
emycar
d.She'
d
buyt
hewholemall
".

Me:
"Real
l
y?Imeany
oudon'
thav
etogowi
thus"

Don:
"No,
andIam notgoi
ngt
ochangemymi
nd.
"

Me:
"Why
?"

Don:"
BecausemywifeNjabuloisamoneyeater
,Idon'
tevenknowwhet
her
youunder
standmystat
ementornotbutnonethel
essI'
dnevergiv
eNj
abulo
mymoneyandbyt heway,there'
ssomet
hingIneedtobuyatthemal
l
"

Me: "
Trustmeyouwill
,becausewehav et
otakeuGogooutunti
lissor
ted
thencomebackwi t
hheroncet heyar
edonewithdecor
,foodandwhen
every
onehassett
led"

Don:
"Wel
li
nthatcaseI
'
llgi
vey
ouguy
sthecar
dtomor
row"

Me:
"Butbabe,
youar
enotbei
ngf
airr
ightnow"Isul
ked

Don:"
Notfai
risyouguyswanti
ngtospendt
hemoneyt
hatIwor
kedhar
d
for
"hewenttothemir
rorandappl
i
edzambuck

Me:"Themoneythaty
oudidnotwor
kfor
?"Isai
dwi t
hanir
ri
tatedv
oice,
I
don'
twanthismoneyjustt
obuyf
ewoutf
it
sforgrandmot
herthenwewill
choosethebest
.

Don:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"Het
urnedandl
ookedatme

Me:
"ImeanwhatIexact
lysai
d,y
ouar
enotbei
ngf
airatal
l
"

Don:
"Goandmakey
ourownmoneyandst
opusi
ngbl
oodmoney
"

Me:
"Idi
dnotsayt
hat
"

Don:"Butyoumeanit
,I'
l
ltr
ansf
ert
hemoneythaty
ou'
l
lbeusi
ngatt
he
bout
ique.Excuseme"heki
ssedmyfor
ehead.
Me:"
BabeI'
m sorr
y".Ev
enwhenhe'
sangryhemakesur
ethathedoesnot
l
eav
ewithoutgi
vi
ngmeapackonmyf orehead.

Don: "
I'
ll
seey oulater
"hewal kedout.Isi
ghedandsatontopofthebed,
thatwasr eal
l
yuncal l
edf or
.Themoneyt hathedidn'
tworkhardf
ori
s
payingmyschool f
ees,ithasbuil
tahousef orusandal
soIhadthebest
weddingev er
y onecouldeverwishedfor.Ishoul
dbegrat
efuloft
hat
.

Nj
abulo:"Ozzie,
justgetoutal r
eady"whenIsayt hatthi
sonedi dn'tbathI
meanit.Ilef
therwhi l
emaki nggoodf orthekidsandnowshe' sdone?
WorseNjabulocouldnev ergoany wherewithoutmakeup, IunderstandherI
t
hinkI'
m start
ingtobeaddi ctedtomakeupbuybecauseofmysensi ti
ve
f
aceI'
llnotapplyitevery
day .Makeupj ustmakesy ourfacehast hatthing,
i
tincr
easesbeaut yifyougetme.

Me:
"Gi
veme5mi
nsI
'
llbedone"

Njabul
o:"
Let
'smakei
ttenbecausewebot
hknowt
haty
oust
il
lhav
eal
ott
o
do"

Me:"
OkayNjabul
o"Itookadr
essandquickl
yworeit
,ther
e'snot
imef
or
wi
gsntonnt
on.Iquickl
ycombedmyhairandappl
iedli
pbalm.

Iwasbr
eat
hingf
astwhenIr
eachedt
hel
astst
air
sst
ep.

Nj
abul
o:"
Okaybr
eat
h,wewon'
tl
eav
eyoubehi
nd"Ihol
dmychest
.

Me:
"Iknow,
wher
e'sPhi
l
ani
?"

Nj
abul
o:"
Whatdi
dyoudot
ohi
m?"

Me:
"Whynot
hing?
"If
akedal
augh
Nj
abul
o:"
Don'
tcomet
omewi
thy
ourf
akel
augh"shewar
ned

Me:"OkayI
'
m sor
rybutIki
ndasai
dsomet
hingbadt
ohi
m,abouthowhe
makeshismoney
".

Nj
abul
o:"
Whywoul
dyoudot
hat
?"

Me:
"Becausehewasact
ingl
i
keast
ingboy
fri
end"

Njabul
o:"
Phi
lani
sti
ngy?Thosewor
dsdonotmi
xatal
lunl
essy
oumean
LunganiI
'
dunderst
and"

Njabul
o:"Ormaybeiti
sbecauseofme,
hev
owedt
onev
ergi
vesmehi
s
cardeveragai
n"sheli
ckedherl
ips

Me:
"Why
?"

Nj
abulo:
"Ispoi
l
tmyex-boyfr
iendwi
thhi
scard,
I'
mtal
ki
ngaboutVersace,
Gucci
andLVsdi dmybrot
hernotbur
never
ythi
ng?Hewassoangry
"

Me:
"It
houghthel
eav
eshi
ssav
ageassoutt
her
enoti
nthey
ard"

Nj
abul
o:"
Youbet
tergoandapol
ogi
es,
youdi
srespect
edhi
m"

Me:"ButIdi
dn'
tdoanyt
hingwr
ong,
okayIagr
eeIdi
dbutheshoul
dn'
thav
e
sai
dthatI'
m ol
dIshoul
dmakemyownmoney "

Njabul
o:"
Ienternowher
ewhenit
'scometocoupl
esprobl
em becauseI
knowthatwit
hingtheendoft
hedayyou'
l
lbeshaggi
ngeachothersoleav
e
meoutofit"

Me:
"I'
l
lgety
ouNj
abul
o"

Nj
abul
o:"
He'
staki
ngust
othemal
l
."

Me:
"No,
whydon'
twer
equestanUber
?"

Nj
abul
o:"
Uberher
e?"

Me:
"Idon'
tknow,
wher
e'st
heki
ds?
"
Nj
abul
o:"
Theywentt
othef
arm wi
thMakhul
u"

Me:
"Al
ri
ghtl
et'
sgo"

Nj
abul
o:"
Khany
il
ewear
eleav
ingy
ou"

Khanyil
e:"
I'
m comi
ngj
eez"shesai
dcomi
ngi
ntot
heki
tchenwhi
l
eappl
yi
ng
l
ipst
ick.

Wegi
ggl
edandwentout
side.

Me:
"Nj
abul
ocany
oupl
easesi
tinf
ront
"

Nj
abul
o:"
Hai
bosi
s,who'
sthi
ghsmybr
otherwi
l
lrubwheny
ouwantt
osi
tat
t
heback?
"

Me:
"Pl
easeNj
abul
o"

Nj
abul
o:"
Ha.
aIdon'
tcar
e"

Me:
"Fucky
ou"

Shel
aughedandgeti
nsi
det
hecar
,Ihav
enochoi
cebutt
oal
sogeti
n.

Don:
"Sowher
ear
eyouguy
sgoi
ng?
"

Nj
abul
o:"
Tot
hemal
lduh,
wher
ewi
l
lwegot
obesi
dest
hemal
l
?"

Don:
"I'
m notf
ight
ingNj
abul
o,what
'swi
tht
heanger
?"

Nj
abul
o:"
I'
m notangr
y,any
waydearbr
otherI
'
m ki
ndashor
t"

Don:
"ButIgav
eyoumoneyy
est
erday
"
Nj
abul
o:"I
twasf ort
hewi
gs,
rememberwesti
l
lhav
etodoournai
l
s.Your
wi
fehonest
lyneedsanewwigandnewnai
l
s"

Me:
"Ha.
aIdon'
tneedany
thi
ng.I
'
mfi
ne"

Don:
"ButbabeIshoul
dbet
heoneangr
ynoty
ou"

Me:
"Whosai
dI'
m angr
y?"Il
ookedathi
m.

Don:
"Icanseet
haty
ou'
reangr
y,okayI
'
m sor
ry"

Me:
"NoI
'
m sor
ry"Imi
mickedhi
svoi
ce

Nj
abul
o:"
Cany outwost
opal
ready
,br
othery
oucan'
tfol
l
owusar
ound
whi
leweareshoppi
ng"

Don:
"Thel
astt
imeIgav
eyoumycar
dyouspoi
l
tyourf
ool
wit
hmymoney
"

Nj
abul
o:"
Butt
her
e'sAphi
wet
hist
ime.
"

Don:
"mav
umazonke?Youmeant
hisone?
"Heshookhi
shead

Me:"I
'
m notmavumazonkeandIthi
nkNj
abul
oisr
ight
,justgi
veusy
our
car
d,goandenj
oywit
hyourbrot
hers"

Don:
" Nope"heincr
easedthevolume.Isi
ghedandl
ookedatNj
abul
oshe
waslookingathim whi
lehol
dingherchin

Nj
abul
o:"
I'
venev
erseensomeonesost
ingyl
i
key
ou.
"

Don:
"I'
mri
ghtt
hewayIam"

Me:
"Babepl
ease,
I'
m beggi
ngy
ou"

Khany
il
e:"
Theyar
eri
ghtpl
ease"

Don:
"Andt
henwenawhogav
eyout
heper
missi
ont
otal
k?"

Khany
il
e:"
BhutiPhi
l
aniplease,okayI
'
llwashy
ourcar.I
'
lldoev
ery
thi
ngthat
youwantmetodo"haibowhywoul dyouwanttowashmycargir
l?Or
maybeshedoesn'
tknowt hati
t'
smycar .
Don:
"Ev
ery
thi
ng?
"

Khany
il
e:"
Notev
ery
thi
ngbutI
'
llwashy
ourcar
"

Me:
"Wi
thl
ongnai
l
s?Don'
tmakeusl
aughwena"

Webeggedhi
m unt
ilwear
ri
vedatt
hemal
l
.Wegotof
f

Don:
"Pl
easewai
tformewhi
l
eIt
ryt
ofi
ndagr
andpar
king"

Me:
"Real
l
y?"Hel
aughed.

Nj
abul
o:"
I'
vegotani
dea,
let
'st
akehi
mtot
hel
i
nger
ieshop"

Me:
"And?
"

Njabul
o:"Ther
e'sbar
elymenint
hatshop,i
t'
sgoi
ngtobeawkwar
don
Phil
aniandofcoursehe'
ll
giv
eushiscardandwal
kedoutoft
hestor
e"

Me:
"No,
youwantt
oembar
rassmyman?
"

Nj
abulo:
"NoOzzi
e,he'
l
limmedi
atel
yseei
tthatwe'
reaboutt
oent
ert
he
st
ore.Tr
ustme"

Me:
"Okay
"

Nj
abul
o:"
Deal
?"

Khany
il
e/me:
"Wehav
ethedeal
"

Heappr
oachedwher
ewewer
est
andi
ngandputhi
sar
m ar
oundmyneck.

Don:
"Sowher
ear
ewegoi
ngf
rom her
e?"
Njabul
o:"Umm we'
regoi
ngt
ocheckthedr
essf
orgr
andmot
heratt
he
bouti
que"shel
ookedatmeandsmil
ed

Me:"
Umm y
est
henwear
eal
sogoi
ngt
ocheckonwhatwear
egoi
ngt
o
wear
"

Don:
"Wel
ll
et'
sgot
hen"

Khany
il
eandNj
abul
ower
ewal
ki
ngi
nfr
ontofus.Il
aughedandl
ookedat
Don.

Me:"
Doy ouknowthattwopeopl
ehaveplannedsomet
hingf
ory
ou?
"I
whi
sper
edt omakesurethatt
heydonothearme.

Don:
"Whatdi
dtheypl
an?
"

Me:"
Wearenotgoi
ngt
othebout
iquebutt
hel
i
nger
ieshop"hest
opped
wal
ki
ngandl
ookedatme.

Don:
"Tel
lmey
ouar
ejoki
ng?
"

Me:
"I'
m not
,sol
et'
sgo"

Don:
"Hel
lnoI
'
m notgoi
ngt
her
e"

Me:
"Why
?"

Don: "
Awhol eme?Inali
ngeri
eshop?I '
m notgay
"Ireall
ycan'
treadhi
s
facialexpr
essi
on,i
t'
sli
kehe'sshockedandwantt ol
aughsobadandy et
he'sproudthathi
swifebrokethei
rplanandpimpont hem.

Me: "
Webothknowt haty
ou'
renotgay
,justgiveusyourcar
dandgoback
home.LookNjabul
oandKhanyiiswai
ti
ngf orus"Ipoi
ntwheret
heyar
e
standi
ng

Don:
"Sur
e,makesur
ethatNj
abul
odoesn'
tmakey
oudot
hingst
haty
ouar
e
notcomfor
tabl
ewi
thokay
?Il
ovey
ou"hepul
l
edmet
ohi
sar
msandsl
i
pped
thecar
donmyhands.

Me:"
I'
m sorr
yaboutwhathappenedbackathome,
Idi
srespect
edy
ouandi
t
i
snotcool"

Don:
"It
'sokaybutdonotdoi
tagai
n.Letmego"heki
ssedmycheeks

Me:
"Babepeopl
ear
ewat
chi
ng"

Don: "
Makesurey ougett
hatli
nger
ieonlyi
fyou'
rest
il
lgoi
ngt
othatshop,
sharp"hehitmyassandwalkedaway ,
peoplehadst
oppedwhatt
heywere
doingandlookedatus.Donisfamousandtheweddingmademepeople
l
ookonmyway ,
onhappy.

Me:
"Gi
rl
sguesswhat
"Igi
ggl
ed

Njabul
o:"
Hegav
eyout
hecar
dawww"shegi
ggl
edwhi
l
ejumpi
ngupand
down.

Khany
il
e:"
Well
let
'sf
ir
stgoandgetournai
l
sdone,
getnewweav
esand
newmakeupki
ts"

Me:"Ha.
ayouwanttomisusewho'
smoney
?Let
'sf
ir
stgett
heout
fi
tfor
uGogothent
herestwi
l
lfoll
ow"

Njabul
o:"
Iunder
stand,
wecannotputour
sel
vesfi
rstwhi
l
et hel
adyofthe
part
ydoesn'
thaveanoutf
it
.Let
'sgoandseewhatwewillgetf
orher
"

Wegott heperfectski
rtandj acketforGrandma.I twasdustypi
nkincolor,
weal soboughtherdustypinkf l
atformal shoesandahat .Wewenttot he
salonIrenewedmynai lsandr edomyhai rstyl
e,thist
imeIchangedthe
blondeintopur
ple,I
'l
lbest yl
i
ngi ntodif
ferentsty
lesusingthegelt
hatthey
gavemeatt hesalon,Nj abul
oboughtcur l
yweav eanddidhernail
salong
wi
thKhanyil
e.Wealsowenttobuyt heout
fi
tsfort
heday,Phi
lani
saidI
mustnotgethi
m anyt
hinghe'l
lbuytheout
fitonhi
sown.Isuckatchoosi
ng
cl
othesf
orhim andhealwaysteasesmeaboutit.

Thepartyishappeningtomorr
ow, whenwear r
ivedbackathomet heplace
wasfullofpeoplegoingupanddown.Buyt hetreetheweremenoft he
vi
ll
agecuttingthemeat,inf
rontoft hehousesomel adi
esar epeel
ing
veget
ables.Gogowentoutwi thherf ri
end,they'
llsl
eepatthehotel.I
t
seemsliket her
eisquit
ealotofwor kthati
sneededt obedone, andIam
MakotiIhav etogoandchange, putanapr onov ermyclothesandstart
worki
ng.Iwentt oputthepl
asticont opoft hebedandsi ghed.

I
'mti
red,
all
thewalkIdidbackatt
hemall
?It
'st
ir
ingIcoul
ddowi
thanap.
Owet
hugotinjustasIwasaboutt
ochangemyshoes.

Owet
hu:
"Mommy
"shej
umpedandt
hrewher
sel
font
opoft
hebed.

Me:
"You'
l
lfal
lWet
hu"

Owet
hu:
"I'
m happy
,mom dadt
oldmet
hatt
her
ewi
l
lbeapar
tyt
omor
row"

Me:
"He'
sri
ght
,ar
eyouhappy
?"

Owethu:
"Canyoupl
easehel
pmewi
thmaki
ngapr
esentf
orGr
andma?And
yesI
'
m happy"

Me:
"Whatdoy
ouhav
einmi
nd?
"

Owet
hu:"Howaboutchocol
atecooki
es?Ihear
dshel
ovest
hem somuch
ev
enthoughdaddoesn'
twanthertoeatt
hem"

Me:
"Wel
ldoy
oupr
omi
set
onott
ell
daddyaboutt
his?
"
Owet
hu:
"YesIpr
omi
seIwon'
ttel
lhi
m"

Me:
"That
'smygi
rl
"sheat
tempt
edt
ogo

Owethu:"
Onelastf
avor
,wi
l
lyoual
sodomyey
ebr
ows?Thewayy
oudo
your
s?"Il
aughed

Me: "
Babygir
lI'
m notafanofmakeupbutIdoappl
yitwhent
here'
san
occasionmakeupwill
rui
nyourpr
ettysmoothf
aceandwedon'twantt
hat
okay"

Owet
hu:
"Pl
ease"

Me:"Youcanonl
yapplyl
i
pst
ickbutnotmakeupsweet
hear
t,andt
hose
puppyeyeswon'
tworkonme"

Owethu: "
Dadtol
dmet ocally
ou"shesai dandwal kedout,Iwon'thav
ea
spoi
l
tbr atofachil
d.Owethuwon'tgetev
er y
t hingt
hatshewants,Ihavet
o
sett
hel i
mi t
swit
hher.Idonotwanthertogr owupknowi ngthatshegets
whatevershewants,t
hat'
snotthewayofr aisingachil
dbutrui
ningher.

Iwenttothedr
awertookoutanapronandworei
t,Iwor
eadoekont
opof
thewig,
Iworeanwigsothatthef
ieldcansi
twel
l
.

Me:
"Youcal
l
edme?
"

Don:
"Ohhy
es"Asenat
hii
nter
rupt
edhi
m.

Asenat
hi:"
Ican'
tbel
i
evey
ouguy
swentt
othemal
landl
eav
emebehi
nd"
shegri
nned

Me:
"I
'm sor
rynextt
ime"

Asenat
hi:"
Anywayy
ouarewant
edbyt
hemobi
l
efr
idge,
ther
e'sabucketof
meatthatwehav
etopi
ckup"
Don:"
Act
ual
l
yOzziei
shel
pingmewi
thsomet
hingher
e,can'
tyougetLi
ndo
ort
hemonst
ersi
ster
"

Asenat
hi:
"Who?Nomasont
o?Hel
lno"shesai
dandwal
kedaway
.

Don:
"Comel
et'
sgo,
Iwantt
oshowy
ousomet
hing"hepul
l
edmet
othecar
.

Thedr
ivewas10mi ns,
Igotof
fandf
oll
owedhi
mtot
hisl
odge.Il
ookedat
hi
m wi
thquest
ionedeye.

Me:
"Andt
henwhatar
ewedoi
ngher
e?"

Don:
"I'
m sor
rybabebutwear
esl
eepi
ngher
etoni
ght
"

Me:
"Why
?Andt
hechi
l
dren?
"

Don:"
Don'
twor
ryt
heki
dsr
efusedt
ocomewi
th,
IaskedNj
abul
otol
ook
af
tert
hem"

Me:"Butt
her
e'spi
l
eofwor
kbackathome,
Ineedt
oof
fermyhandsand
hel
p"

Don:"That
'sthethingbabe,
youar
eti
redandIcannotal
l
owy
out
o
over
wor kyoursel
f"

Me:"
Soy oul
iedt
oy ouraunt
y?"Iwaswi
thhi
m whenhet
ell
shert
hatt
her
e's
somet
hingheneedstoshowme.

Don:"
They'
l
lunder
standandbesi
dest
hatt
her
e'sal
otofwoment
heywi
l
l
manage"

Me:
"I
fyousayso.Iwantt
osl
eep"

Don:
"See"het
ookt
hespor
tbagi
nthebootandl
edmei
nsi
de.
BACKATKZN

Nomal anga'
smot herfinall
yacceptedthedeathofherchil
d.I
twashar don
her,shewasheronl ychild.Shewasseat edonthemat t
resswit
hher
sibl
i
ngst heyweret hr
ee.Shewast hi
nkingofhowwi l
lsheburyherchil
d,t
o
star
twi t
hshedidnotj oinanyburialsociet
yoryetsoci
eti
esthatpayout
money .Shedoesn'tevenknowwher eshe'l
lgetthemoneyforpurchasi
ng
thecoffi
n.Shenev erthoughtdeathwoul dhappentooneofherfamily.

HerLi
lsi
ster
:"Si
sdoyouperhapsknowwherewecanlendt
hemoney
?We
onl
yneedR16000forMhlangavezatodot
hefuner
alf
orus"

MamaNomal
anga:
"Whatwi
l
lpeopl
eeat
?"Sheaskedwi
thaweakv
oice

HerLil
sist
er:"
Itdoesn'
tmat
ter
,whatmat
ter
smor
eusgi
vi
nghert
hedi
gni
fy
f
uneralshedeserves.
"

MamaNomal
anga:
"I'
l
lgot
othebankst
omor
rowandt
ryt
otakeal
oan"

Herbi
gsist
er:
"Dothat
,rememberherbodyneedst
obemov
edf
rom t
he
gover
nmentmort
uary"

MamaNomal
anga:
"Okay
"shet
ookabl
anketandcov
erherbodywhi
l
e
cr
ying.