I

ntr
oduct
ion
Themostannoy i
ngsoundwokeme
up!My8pm al arm!Mostpeople's
al
armsgoonat5or6am y etmyday
start
sat8pm.Iwokeupandgot
dressedputti
ngonmyuni form anda
bl
ackl ongcoatontop.Packedmy
makeupbagandal lmynecessar y
propsf ort
henight.
Me:
Venes!
Venes:
Mmmmh
Me:
I'
m of
f,seey
oui
nthemor
ning.
Iwait
edf ortheuberanditt
ookmeto
work.Wor k,
it'
sonejobI'
m notpr
oud
ofbutitputsfoodonmyt abl
eandI
am abl
etosendsomemoneyhome.I
gottomychangi
ngroom andt
ook
offmycoatt
henfi
xedmymakeup.
Gena:
Looki
nggoodCl
eo.
Cleo,Cleopat rainfull
.That '
swhat
theycal lmeher ebutmynamei s
Nasiphi Amahl eDl aminiandI '
ma
exoticdancery etmostref ertoitasa
stri
pper .I'
vedancedf oralmost
8yearsnow.Li fehasbeenhar d,so
hardt hatIendedupasast ri
pper.
ThemoneyImakehasbeenabl eto
payf ormyhi ghschoolsf eesand
universityfees.Istart
eddanci ng
whenIwas17y earsolddoi nggrade
11,mymot herthoughtIwaswor ki
ng
atar est aurantwher eIget5%
everydayoneachoft heor dersIt ake
soget tingpai dafteramont hitwas
alotofmoneyandIwasabl etosav e
upandpayf ormyf ees.Mymot her,
she'smywor l
d.Al
t houghshe' snot
mybi ologi calmother ,Idon'tknowmy
biological parent
s.Myadopt iv
e
parent sadopt edmewhenIwasj ust
ay earol dandt heyr ai
sedme
togetherunt i
lIwas14wher emy
mot herhadt ostopwor ki
ngbecause
shewassi ck.Myf athernotbei nga
kindandl ovingmant hatIt houghthe
was, leftwhenmymot herhadst r
oke
whenIwas15andhel eftuswi th
nothingbutdi vorcepaper sandmy
momssui tcasewi thcl othesenough
forjustaweek.Mymot herwasabl e
togetusasmal lplacet ost ay,i
twas
enoughj ustf orthebot hofus.Most
ofthemoneyshehadgotusedup
payinghospi tal f
eesf orhert r
eatment .
Istartedwor kingandbei ngabl eto
assistherinf inancially,Itwashar d
j
uggl ingwor kandschool butIhadt o.
Mostpeopl edi dn'tthinkI '
dpass
mat ri
cbutIpr ovedt hem wr ong,Igot
A'sinal l
mysubj ect sincluding
mat hemat i
csandphy sicalsciences.I
appliedforbur sar i
es, scholarships
etcy etIwasunl ucky .Iappliedatt he
UniversityofKwaZul uNat al andwas
accept ed,I'
vehadt ohust l
esi nce
thent opayf ormyf ees, studying
medi cine.Igraduatedpassi ngwi th
90%andabov ei nall modul esy etsti
ll
,
l
uckwasn' tonmysi de.Get ti
nga
properj obwi t
hmydegr eeandal lmy
qualifi
cationsofbei ngacar diologist
hasbeenhar df orthepastf ew
mont hst hatswhyI '
m st i
llastripper.
I'
m 25y earsofagesoont obe26i n
Nov embert he11t h.I '
vealway sf ound
i
tsost rangehowIdon' tgetaj ob,
thereisacr ucialneedf or
CardiologistsinSout hAf r
icay etI
havenotbeenabl et ogetaj ob,not
manypeopl etakethi scar eerst r
eam
andmyr esul tsarev erygood, Iguess
badl ucki sjustmymi ddlename.Iput
onmymask, t
hat'
swhatIl oveabout
thi
sjob, thecust omer sdon' tgett o
seeourf acessonobodyr unsi ntome
i
nt hest reetandsay st here'st hat
str
ipperf rom club411.Il ookedat
my selfint hemi r
ri
oroncemor e,each
ti
meIdot hisIgetr emi ndedofhow
muchIhat ewhatIdobuti tsamust .
Peopl ewi l
l j
udgey es, butt heydon' t
knowt hest ruggl
eofnotf i
ndi ngany
j
obatal l
.If i
xedmyst ockings, I'
m
wear i
ngbl ackl i
nger i
eandbl ack
sti
lettoheel s.Godknewwhathewas
doingwhenhecr eatedme, het ook
histime.I '
m gi f
tedi nallther ight
places, growingupIwasj ustal ways
thef atkidy etwhenIwasi ngr ade10,
mybodyst artedtoj ustshapei t
self
i
nt oaf itcurviousbody .If ixedmy sel
f
oncemor eandwal kedt omyt able.
It
'saFr iday ,mybestcl ient sar ehere.
Thesepeopl ereall
yhav emoneysoi t
willhelp, I
'l
lbesendi ngmoneyhome
tomor row.Igotont omypodi um and
danced.Doi ngGy mnast i
csi n
secondar yschool reall
yhel ped, my
bodyi sr eall
yf l
exiblesot hepol eand
Iarebestf ri
ends.Ther e'st hisol d
manwi thahugepot bellywhoal ways
wantst otakemehome, he'sso
stupi
d, yeshedoeshav emoneybut
I'
djustnev ergohomewi t
hhi m.I
nevergohomewi t
hanyone, Idance,
makemoneyandgot omyownhome.
Thisclubdoesn' tall
owpr ostit
uti
on
yetsomegi rl
sdot hatoutoft heclub
j
usttomakeext racash.ThemoneyI
makesat i
sfiesmeandIdon' tneedto
doallthatt omakeenoughmoneyt o
payformybi l
l
s.Ther e'
ssomenew
guysI'm spot ti
ngher e,t
heot hertwo
arealsobecomi ngregularsonmy
tabl
e.Wel lthey '
v eshowedupf orthe
pasttwoFr i
day s.Ididn'
treally
beli
evet hatwomandogot ostri
p
clubsunt ilIstart
edwor kinghere,
theyactual lydoal sospendmoney
here.Aftert wohour sIchangedt o
anothert able,str
angel ytheset wo
guysf ol
lowedmet omynextt able
andt heydi dn'tstopspl ashingtheir
moneyonme.Wei rd,butI '
m not
compl aining,aslongast hemoney
keepsr olli
ngi n.Around1am, Iwent
backt omychangi ngr oom andwor e
mycoat .Mybosscamet omyr oom
andhewasv eryimpr essed.Imade
alotofmoney ,everynightIget50%
ofthemoneyImake, Iwor kthree
nightsinaweek.Hegav emean
envelopef ullofmoneyandIwal ked
outt heclub.Whi l
ewal ki
ngi ndown
thest r
eetsIhear dfootstepsbehi nd
me.Thest reetsofDur banar en'tsaf
e
atall,especial
lyatthistime.Iwal ked
fasteryetthef ootst
epsgotcl oser
andcl oser.Breathein,Breatheout
Nasi .OkayI'm goingtoscr eam!If el
t
someonegr abmef rom theback
forcefull
yandpi nnedmet ot hewal l
.
Me:Idon'
twannadi
e,j
usttake
whatev
eryouwantj
ustdon'tki
l
lme.
Guy:Iwon'
tkil
lyouifyoudoasIsay .
You'
renotgoingtoscream butyou'
re
goi
ngtofoll
owmet othecarand
we'l
ll
eavepeaceful
l
y ,
understood??
Inoddedandstart
edwalkingslowly
nexttohim.Heseemedv eryscaryso
Iwasn'tgoi
ngtodoany t
hingstupid
thatwil
lri
skmylif
e.Justaswewer e
abouttoreachhi
scaranot herman
camewal ki
ngtowardsus.
Guy
2:Leav
eheral
one.
Guy
1:Orwhat
?
Guy2:
(Gi
ggl
es)You'
request
ioni
ngme?
You'
resi
gni
ngyourDeathwish.
Helaughedabi tandhisfacejust
tur
nedinstant
lyandhewasj ust
dif
fer
ent.Helookedatmeandt ol
d
met owalkaway ,Ichosetotr
ustthi
s
str
angerandwal kedawaywi t
hmy
heartbeatingfast.Whatift
hisot
her
mandoessomet hingtomeasIwal k
away ?AfterafewsecondsIhear da
cardriveoff,whatiftheguywhojust
savedmei stheonet hatj
ustdr
ove
offl
ivingmewi t
haguyt hat'
sabout
tokil
lme.
Voice:Beggingsomeonenottokil
l
youisj ustal
owmov e,y
oushowed
himt hatyoufeardeathsoheusedi
t
tothreatenyou.Besmar t
Iturned,I
tstheguyt hatsavedme.
FunnyhowIdi dn'tnoticethathe'
s
drunk,orthealcoholwentawayf ora
fewmi nutesanditjustcameback?
Me:Iwon'
tdoi
tnextt
imeandt
hank
you.
Guy:Youhav
ebeaut
iful
eyes,
Iwould
becomplement
ingy
ourbeautybutal
l
Iseeisamask.
Mask?Oooh!Iwasst i
llweari
ngmy
mask.Iforgottotakeitoff
,anyway
s,
I'
l
l t
akeitoffonceIgethome.This
guywasst andingnexttomeand
stari
ngintomyey eswhichwasabi t
creepy.
Guy:Yourey
es,
theyspar
klei
nthe
dar
k
Me:Real
l
y?You'
reusi
ngaSheki
nah
l
ineonme?Douche
Helaughedabitandlookedatmefor
afewseconds.He'sj
ustgett
ing
cr
eepyandhe...
.no!No!Noway !
Me:Aaah!
!Real
l
y!Onme!
!Dude!
!
Nooo!
!!
ThewayIscr eamedIswearev ery
one
whost aysont hisblockjustwokeup.
Hev omitedonme!I t'
sgoingdownal l
overmycl othes!Hebur pedand
walkedaway .Ar gh!Disgusti
ngsonof
a!!
!Argh!Igothomeaf t
eraf ew
minutes,
Iwassodamni rr
it
atedand
angry.Li
kewhodoest hat!Hedidn'
t
evensaysor ry,hejustwalkedaway !
Nxx!Itookal ongwar m showerand
changedi nt
omypy j
amas.Isoaked
myclothesandlef
tthem.Thisni
ght
hasjustbeenabadnight
,theonl
y
goodthingoutofi
twasthemoneyI
made.Ar ghl
etmejustsl
eepbeforei
t
getsanyworse.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t1
It
'sbeenaweeksi ncethei nci dent
happened, sincet hatdouchebag
decidedtov omi tonme.Hedi dcome
tothecluboneoft heday sbuthe
stayedforjustanhourandl ef t,he
wassober .Idon' tknowwhyIkepton
payingattentiont ohi m butIj ustdi d,
may beifhewoul dj ustapol ogi zef or
hisdoingst hanI'dmov eonandst op
beingangr yatast rangerthatsav ed
mef rom amanwhom Idon' tknow
whathewoul dhav edonet omeandI
havenev erseenhi m eversi ncet hat
night.Hewasar egulary etheseems
tohav ej
ustv ani
shed.I '
m doi ngmy
l
astround,Idon'tusuall
ydance
duri
ngthedaybutIt ookGena' sshift
andshe'll
takemyshi ftfortoni
ght.
Mymom wasv eryhappyaboutt he
moneyIsenthomeandImadea
mentalnotetogoseeherassoonas
Ican.Mostpr obabl
ytheupcomi ng
schoolholi
day sandI'
llgohome.I
waswal ki
ngar oundtheclubwhenI
wasdone, Ineedsomet hingtodr i
nk.
Me:
Mar
ti
nipl
ease?
Bar
tender
:Comi
ngr
ightup
Voi
ce:Addadoubl
eshotofwhi
skey
andI
'l
lpayf
orherdr
inkaswel
l.
Bar
tender
:YesBr
a'D
I
t'
sthei
diott
hatv
omi
tt
edonme.
Hi
m:Doy
ouev
ert
aket
hatof
f?
Me:
YesIdo
Hi
m:Yourey
esspar
kle.
Me:Iguessitr
eal
l
ywasn'
ta
Sheki
nahli
ne.
Hi
m:Whatl
i
ne?
Me:
You'
vet
oldmet
hatbef
ore.
Hi
m:Tol
dyouwhat
?
He'
sbegi
nni
ngtoi
rr
it
ateme!Doesn'
t
her
emember?
Me:"
Youreyessparkleinthedark"
yout
oldmet hat
,thenightyousaved
mefrom t
hatotherguyandy ou
v
omi
tt
edal
lov
erme.
He'sey eswidenedandhischeeks
turnedr edl
i
keat omato.Hereal
ly
didntremember .
Me:
Youwer
edr
unk
Hi
m: Reall
yDrunk!I
'
m sosorryabout
t
hat,Idon'
trememberanyt
hingatall
.
I
'mreall
ysorry
Me:Iwasangr yaty
outheent
ire
week,i
tfel
tstupidy
ouknow.Being
angr
yatast r
anger,
IguessIj
ust
wantedanapology.
Iwinkedathim andwenttomy
changingroom andchanged,
tookmy
maskof fandleft
.Igothomeand
mademy
sel
fasmal
lsandwi
ch.
Venes:
Hur
rysowecangot
oPav
il
ion.
Me:Whatfor
?Iwant
edt
ojustr
ead
andsl
eep.
Venes:
Incaseyouhaven'
tnot
icedwe
havenogrocer
iesandyouneedto
j
ustgetoutofthi
shouse.
Me:
Letmechange.
Sheroll
edhereyesatme, wel
lIl
ov e
cl
othesandIdochangeal mostl
ike
4ti
mesadayj ustf
orfun.Idon'
treal
ly
gooutandIdon'tgettowearall
the
cl
othesIhaveasmuchasIwantt o
sothatswhyIchangealot.
Personal
it
ywise,I
'
mt hemostbor i
ng
andmostant i
-soci
alpersonever.I
waswear ingblackRocheNi ke
sneakers,ti
ghthighwaistjeansand
blacklongsleevet'
shir
t.Wewai t
ed
fortheuberandi tdrov
eust o
Pav i
li
on.
Venes:We'l
lshopabit,
havel
unch
thengogroceryshoppi
ng.
Me:
Soundsf
un
Venes:
Youdon'
tevenseem exci
ted?
Letl
oose,
peopl
edon'tbi
teNasi.
Me: Iknow,Ij
ustdon'
tl
ikebei
ngin
crowdedareas.Maybeitwi
llr
eal
l
ybe
fun
Venesi
stheonl
yper
sonIcal
la
fri
end, wellwhenwemetshel i
teral
ly
forcedher sel
fontomesay i
ngIneed
afriend,mor ethanIr eal
izedandshe
wasr ight.Sheisindeedav er
ygood
fri
end.Wedi dsomeshoppi ng,well
sheboughtmor ethanIdi dandwe
wentt ohav elunch.Whi l
ewewer e
eatingshewasgoi ngonabouther
boy fr
iendwhoappar entl
yhasbeen
cheat i
ngonher .
Venes:Youknowwhathe'
sst
upi
d
excusewas?
Me:
Whatwasi
t?
Venes:
Hesaid,Iquot
e"You'
rea
st
ri
pper,howdoIknowyou'r
enot
al
socheat
ingonme?"That
'swhenI
sl
appedhi
m andl
efthi
scheat
ingass.
Me: Youdidgoodbabe!Li kereal
ly
?
Thatwassost upid.Justbecause
we'r
est r
ipper
sdoesn'tmeanwe
cheatandsellourbodies.Peoplejust
neverunderst
and, t
hewor ldi
sjust
toocruelandjudgemental.
Venes:Hewassoogoodinbed
though!I
'
m goi
ngt
omi sshi
sdi
ck
mor e.
Me:
Venes!We'
reeat
ing.
Venes:What?Girlyougotafi
neass
body,y
ou'
rebeaut i
fulwit
hnostr
etch
markorcel
luli
te.You'r
eaperf
ecti
on
andmanymanwanty oubuty
ou!
You'
rej
ustsuchanun!
Me:Beingavir
ginai
n'
tnocrime.Pl
us
Ij
usthaven'
tmettheri
ghtguy.
Venes:Youonlyhav
etwoex
boyf
riendsandyounev
ergi
veany
guyachanceNasi.
Me:Ihaveal
otonmyplateand
havi
ngaboyfr
iendwhowon't
under
standwhyIdowhatIdoisn'
t
somethi
ngIcanhandl
eri
ghtnow.
Weweredone,sett
ledt
hebi
l
land
wentt
ocheckers.
Me:
Didy
ouwr
it
eal
i
st?
Venes:
It'
sinmybag,
andwe'
l
lget
otherthi
ngsweseehere.Youknow
howy ouarewi
thjunkf
ood.
Wewer estr
oll
ingattheai
slewi
th
househol
dcleaningmater
ial
s
Venes:
I'
m shor
t,Icannotr
eacht
hat
OmoBleach.
Irol
l
edmyey
esatherandr
eached
fori
t.
Me:
Two?
Venes:
Yes,
andt
heSunl
i
ghtl
i
qui
d.
It
ookallweneededandIhear
d
Venesscream.
Venes:
Didn'
tyourmommat
ell
you
i
t'
srudetostar
e!!
!!
!
Thecolour
edinherhaswokenup.I
wonderwhoissheshouti
ngatand
why?
Me:
Babe,
Ithi
nkIgotal
lwe.
..
..
Iwasn'tabletof ini
shmysent ence
becauseIsawj ustwhoVeneswas
tal
kingtoo.Hewaswi thsomeot her
darktall
guy .I
'venev erreall
ytook
ti
meandadmi r
edhi swel lbuil
tbody
struct
ureandphy si
cori sitbecause
he'swearingat ightvestshowi ngoff
hissexybody .I
'm sur ehe'sabeastat
thegym.He' slookingdeepi nt
omy
eyesasI '
ml ookingdeepi ntohisey es
too.
Hi
m:I
'
m sor
ryf
orst
ari
ngsomuch.
Ot
herGuy
:Youj
ustl
ookl
i
kesomeone
weknow.
Him:Yes,uhm Iknowt hi
sisweir
d
andyoumi ghtnotgiv
eouty our
numbertostrangersbutmayIplease
haveyournumber ?
Theot herguypusheshi m onthe
shoulder.Veneswasj ustquiet
thr
oughoutt hewhol eencounter
.I
bli
nkedt wiceandnodded.Igav ehi
m
mynumberandhewal kedaway.I
remember edt hathehasneverseen
mewi thoutmymaskon, heonly
knowsmyey esthat
'swhyhedoesn't
rememberme.Pl usmostti
mes,he
wasn'texactl
ysoberwhenwetal
ked.
Istoodthereandtooki
tall
in,
hehas
areall
ygoodbody .
Venes:
Backt
oEar
thNasi
phi
Dlami
ni!
Me:
Sor
ry.
Venes:
Andt
hen?
Me:
I'
ll
expl
ainwhenwegethome.
Wecont i
nuedshoppi
ngandcal l
edan
uberwhenwewer edone.Wegot
homeandunpackedal l
thegroceri
es.
Icookedwhil
eshejustdrankwine
waiti
ngformetotell
hermor eabout
today
Me:
He'
stheguyt
hatv
omi
tedonme,
aftersavingmef rom someguywho
want edtoforceful
lyleav
ewi thme.
Afterthathedidn'tremembermeat
allsi
ncehewasdamndr unk.Ear
li
er
today ,
wet al
kedandhepai dformy
mar ti
ni.Heapologized.
Venes:
Whydi
dheactl
i
kei
tst
hef
ir
st
ti
mehesawyou?
Me: Hehasonl
yseenmyeyes.I
'
ve
alwaysbeenwear
ingamaskwhen
I'
m wit
hhim.
Venes:
Thatexplai
nsi
t.Soundsl
i
kea
Di
sneyfai
ryt
ale
Me:You'
recr
azy
.I'
m done,
we'
l
ldi
sh
upl
ater.
Venes:
Yourphonei
sri
ngi
ng!
Mightbemymom, Inev
errecei
veany
ot
hercall
sbesidesmymom and
Venes,I
'm wi
thVenesri
ghtnowso
i
t'
sobv i
ousthati
t'
smymom.Oh, i
t'
s
anunknownnumber .
Me:
Hel
l
o
Voi
ce:
Thoughty
ouwoul
dn'
tpi
ckup.
Oh.
..
.it
'shi
m.
Me:
Hi
Hi
m:Ineedt
oseey
ou.
Me:
Now?
Hi
m:Yes,i
fyoudon'
tmind.Iknow
t
hismi
ghtbestr
ange,Iwon'
tharm
y
ouatal
l
.Ij
ustneedt
oseey
ou.
Her
eal
l
ydoesn'
tknowt
hatheknows
me.
Me:
uhm okay
.
Him:Sendmeyouraddr
essI
'
llpi
ck
youupin15mi
ns.
Me: That
'snotagoodi dea,Ican'
tbe
sendingastrangermyaddr ess.Meet
meatDav enPor tSquarein15mins.
Hi
m:Okay
.
Heendedthecal
l
,whatdi
dIjust
agr
eeto?!Whati
fheki
dnapsme?
Me:
Hewant
stoseeme,
in15mi
ns
Venes:
Cal
lanuber
!Youdon'
twant
tobelat
e,andIdon'
tgetwhyyou
didn'
tj
ustsendhi
my ouraddr
ess.
Me:Sohecancomeonedayand
ki
dnapusi
noursleep,
not
hankyou.
Icall
edanUber,whatwoul
dIbe
withoutuber
sthough?
Me:
Venes,
howdoIl
ook?
Venes:
Gor
geousbabe.
Me:
Doy
out
hinkhe'
l
lrememberme?
Venes:Putt
hemaskinyourbag,i
fhe
doesn'
trememberyou,
wearitandit
wil
lhel
phimr emember
.
Me:
Don'
tyout
hinkt
hat
'sj
ustst
upi
d?
Venes:
Noi
t'
snot
.
Me:Idon'tneedtochangemyshoes?
Li
keisitappropr
iat
ethatI'
m wear
ing
sl
i
ppers?
Venes:Theyarenotr
eal
l
ysl
i
pper
s.
Youlookcute.
Iwaswear ingmyy el
lowinl
oveemoj i
sl
ipper s.Theuberar ri
vedandtook
met oDav enport.Istoodforafew
mi nutesunt i
lhecameoutofabl ack
JeepGr andCherokeet hathasbeen
par kedacr ossther oad.Helooked
good, hewaswear ingblackti
ghtlong
sl
eev et shi
rtandgr eyshort
swith
fl
ipf l
ops.
Hi
m:Hey
Inoddedandwegoti ntothecar,
mindyou,I
'm gett
ingint oacarwit
h
someonewhom Idon' tevenknowhis
name.Idon'tknowwher edidIget
thi
sbraver
yf r
om.We' v ebeendri
vi
ng
forsometi
me, Idon'tev enknow
whereheistakingme.
Me:
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Hi
m:Myhouse.
Me:Youcannott
akemet
oyour
house.
Hi
m:Why
?
Me:
It'
sjusti
nappr
opr
iat
e.
Hi
m:Okay
,we'
l
lgot
omyapar
tment
.
Me:
That'
sjustt
hesameast
aki
ng
metoy
ourhouse.
Helookedatme,heseemedtobe
annoyedandcont
inueddr
ivi
ng.
Me:
Fine.
Hi
m:Tomyhouseorapar
tment
?
Me:
Apar
tment
.
HemadeaU- turnanddr oveofftohis
apartment.Wegott her
ear ound
18:15pm.Itwasbeaut i
ful,
wel l
decorat
edandi tseemedasi fhedi
d
comeher eoft
en.Itwasdi rt
y,andthe
ki
tchenwasf i
lledwithmanyempt y
beerbottl
es.
Hi
m:Ar
gh,
Ishoul
d'
ver
emember
edi
t
wasamessinhere.Wecango
somewher
eelse.
Me:
Noi
t'
sfi
ne.We'
l
ljustcl
eanup.
Helockedthedoor,
myheartbeat
pacedup.Justbr
eatheandcal
m
down,hewon'tdoanythi
ngtome.
Me:
Youdr
inkal
ot.
Hegiggl
edandconti
nuedput
ti
ngt
he
bot
tl
esinablackpl
asti
cbag.
Hi
m:Idon'
tknowy
ourname
Me:Nasi
phi
..
.Nasi
phi
Amahl
e
Dl
amini
.
Hi
m:I
'
m Danny
..
.DannyMcKenzi
e.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t2
Wecleanedinsil
enceafterwet ol
d
eachotherournames.Idon'tknow, i
t
j
ustfel
tweird.If
eltasi
fhe'snamei s
heavy,
full
ofpowerandaut horit
y.I
don'
tknowwhyIf eltt
hatway ,Iguess
henoticedbecausehejustkeptqui
et
andletmebe.He' snott
heguyt hat
vomitt
edonmeany more,he'
sno
str
anger, he'
snameisDanny
McKenzi e.
Me:
Wher
edoIputt
hese?
Danny
:Thecupboar
dony
ourl
eft
.
Idi
dashesai dandweweredone.I
satonthecouchandpl
ayedwit
hmy
fi
nger
s.Heputmybagont heki
tchen
count
erandsatther
e.
Danny
:Shoul
dIor
dersomet
hingt
o
eat
?
Me:
Yeahsur
e.
Danny
:Wi
l
lpi
zzabeokay
?
Me:
Yes.Noav
ocado
Danny
:Spi
cyChi
cken?
Inoddedandheor deredonhi sphone.
Every
thi
ngl ookedbeauti
fuland
expensi
ve.Icouldeasil
ytakeint he
beautyofthisapar
tmentnowt hati
ts
cl
eanandf resh.
Danny:If
eell
i
keIknowyoubutIj
ust
cannotpi
npoi
nti
t.I
t'
syourey
es
Me: Theysparkl
einthedarkandthey
sparkl
eduringthedaytoo,yousaid
thattome.Ont wodiff
erentdays
though.YoudoknowmeDanny .
Danny
:You'
ret
he?
?
Ist
oodupandwentt
omybag,
stood
nextt
ohim andputmymaskon.He'
s
eyeswidenedandl
ookedatme.
Me:YesI
'
mthest
ri
ppery
ouv
omi
tt
ed
on.
Danny:
Damn!Shit,
I'
m so
embarr
assedri
ghtnow.Wet
alked
ear
li
erontoday
?
Me:
Yesandy
ouwer
esober
.
Danny
:Iam soberr
ightnow.
Me:
Yes,
yesy
ouar
e.
Thepi
zzawasdel
iveredandwesat
andat
ewhil
ewatchingamov i
e.
Me:
Whydi
dyouwantt
oseeme?
Danny
:Ihonest
lydon'
tknowNasi
phi
.
Ireal
l
ydon'
tknowbutIneededt
osee
you.
Me:
Oh
Danny
:Iknowi
t'
sst
range.
Me:
Yourphonei
sri
ngi
ng.
Ipassedi tovertohim,thecall
erwas
"Naye"may beit
shisgir
lfr
iend.Oh
gosh!Whydi dn'
tInoti
cethisbefore?
!
Hehasar ingon, hi
sdamnassi s
married.Thatmi ghtbethewi f
e
call
i
ng.
Danny:
"I'
mfineNayehonestl
y,ki
ss
mykidsgoodnightf
orme..
.okay
bye.
"
Ohi
t'
sthebaby
mama.Hehaski
ds,
thi
sguyshoul
dbeathomet
ucki
ng
hiski
dsi
nbed.
Danny:
Kids.
..
(gi
ggl
es)sor
ryabout
that
.
Me:
Nopr
obl
em,
youhav
eki
ds?
Danny:Yes,
two.Aboyandagi
rl
,
OnikaandDanver
.
Inoddedandf ocusedonwhatev
erit
i
st hatwe'
rewat chi
ng.I
t'
sabori
ng
comedymov ie.Whenwewer edone
eatingIcl
ear
edupandsatont he
ki
tchenstool
.
Danny:Whyaren'
tyoucomi
ngback
tothecouch?
Me:
Themov
iei
sbor
ing.
Danny
:Ohsor
ry,we'
ll
wat
chwhat
ever
youwantt
owatch.
Ismiledandchangedthechannel
.
Wewat chedKeepingupwiththe
Kardashi
ans.Isawhimrollhi
seyes
andsmi l
e.
Danny
:Idon'
tgetwhat
'si
nter
est
ing
wit
hwatchi
ngpeopl
ejustl
ivi
ngt
heir
dai
lyl
i
fe.
Me:I
t'
sint
erest
ingpl
usthei
rli
vesar
e
f
asci
nati
ngandgoodliv
es.
Danny:Noit
'snoti
nter
esti
ngand
theyj
ustl
iv
inganormal l
i
fe
Me:Ut
shonjehngobai
mpil
oy akho
i
nobai
fananeyabo.Ml
unguodla
i
Cheppi
esngeFor
k.
Isai
dinalowvoice,
Itsnotl
i
kehe'
l
l
hearmeanyways.
Danny:Ndyaphoxekayaz,
and
andi
yidl
ii
CheppiesngeForkkway
e
i
mpiloyam il
ekudekuneyabo.
Ohlord!Wherewi l
lIhi
demy
embarrassedass!Iburiedmyfacein
api
llowandl aughed.Icoul
dn'
tstop
l
aughingatmy self
.
Me:
Danny
!Ohmygod!
Danny:
I'
m notjustat
ypi
calwhit
eguy,
andwhydoy ouspeakXhosathought
you'
dbeZulu?
Me:
Ispeakbot
hXhosaandZul
u.My
mom'sXhosa.AndI
'
m sor
ryf
orwhat
Isai
d.
Danny
:It
'sokaynohar
m done.How
ol
dareyou?
Me:25well
I'
ll
be26soonand
your
sel
f?
Danny
:34,
howsooni
sthat
?
Me:
11Nov
ember
.
Danny
: That
'
ssonotsoon,
that
sin
7months.
Me:
Butst
il
l.
Igotacal
lfr
om Venes
Me:
Vee
Venes:
You'
rest
il
lal
i
ve,
wher
ear
e
y
ou?
Me:I'
m notdeadVenesandI
'
m wi
th
Danny.
Venes:
Danny
?Theguywhov
omi
ted
onyou
Me:Yestheguywhovomitedonme
andyeshisnameisDanny.I
'
llbe
homesoondon'ty
ouwor r
y.
Venes:
Okaysweet
yby
e.
Me:
Sor
ryaboutt
hat
.
Danny
:It
'sokay,
soI'mt hefamous
guywhov omi
tedony ou.CanIask
youaquesti
on?It
'spersonal
Me:
Whyam Iast
ri
pper
?
HenoddedandIl
aughedabi
t.
Me:Ihav
etomakemoneyand
pr
ovidef
ormyf
amil
y.
Danny
:Doy
ouhav
eki
ds?
Me:No,byfamil
yImeanmymot
her
.
Idoneedtogetgoi
ngDanny
.
Danny:Pleasestayforanot
herhour
ortwo,IpromiseI'
ll
takeyouhome
aft
erwards.
Me:Okay
.Shoul
dn'
tyoubegoi
ng
hometoyourwi
feandki
ds?
Danny:Mykidsaresl
eepi
ngov erat
myf r
iendshouseandmywi f
e,well
that
'sacomplicat
edst
oryforanother
day.
Inodded,
atl
easthedidn'
tdenyt
hat
heismarri
ed.Itookofmyshoesand
gotcomfort
able.
Danny
:Icecr
eam?
Me:
Yespl
ease.
Hecamebackwi t
habowl ofI
ce
cr
eam andchocol
atesyr
up,j
usthow
Il
i
keit
.Howdi dheknow?Ohwel l
let
medigin.Hewatchedmeeatashe
dr
ankhisbeer
.
Me:
Youst
areal
ot
Danny:Youjustr
emindmeof
someoneIknow, wel
lsomeoneI
usedtoknow.Youlookali
ke,
areyou
rel
atedtoanyBhengu'
s?
Me:No,wel
lIdon'tthi
nkso.Idon'
t
r
eall
yknowmybi ologi
calpar
entssoI
woul
dn'
tbetoosur e.
Danny
:You'
readopt
ed?
Me:
Yes.
Danny
:Mmmh.
Wet al
kedandt alkedf orawhi l
e.I
alsoendeduphav i
ngbeer swi thhi
m
andhewentonandonabouthowhe
l
ov eshi skidsbuthekeepsf ail
ing
them.Ir eallydidn'tgetwhyhesai d
that.Manyoft het hingshesai ddidn'
t
makeanysensebutIj ustl
istenedto
him.It ext
edVenessay i
ngI'l
lbeback
l
at e.Idon'tthinkI'l
lbebackatal l
,
he'sdr unkandI '
mt i
psytoo.We
play edagameonhi sphonewhi ch
wasj ustsomuchf unandwel aughed
atst upidthings.Aftersomet imeI
realisedthatIwasnowj usttalki
ng
alone.Hef ell
asleepinthemi ddleof
myt highs.ArghnowIhav et
ot ake
himt obed.Ist oodupandwokehi m
up, hewashal fasleepandmumbl ing
thingsashehel dontomeandwe
wal kedt ohisroom.Il ai
dhi m ont he
bedandhepul ledmewi th.
Me:
LetgoofmeDanny
.
Hemumbledandsleptonmychest.
Ohgod!Ij
ustswit
chedofft
hesi
de
l
ampandwat chedhi
m ashesl
ept.
Aft
erafewminutesIfeel
asl
eeptoo
andwentof
ftothedream wor
ld.
#Next
Mor
ning
Iwantedtomov ebutIcoul
dn'
t.There
wasjustsomethingheavymakingme
notbeabletomov e.Nothi
scan'tbe.
..
am Ihavi
ngastroke?Argh!No!
Danny!He'
sheav ybodyisonme.
Me:
Danny
,wakeup.
Hemumbledanddidn'
twakeupatall
.
Thi
sguy!I
'
m st
il
lful
lydr
essed,
that
s
arel
i
ef.
Danny
:Zee.Zeee
Hekeptoncal
l
ingZee.Iwonderwho
i
sZeeorishehavi
ngawetdr eam
aboutsomegirl
?Isn'thetoool
dfor
that?Il
aughedt
omy sel
fabouti
tand
tri
edtopushhim over.
Danny
:Zeest
op.
Me:Youbett
erst
opcal
l
ingmeZee
bef
oreIsl
apyou.
Heopenedoneey eandsmi led,
openedtheotherandhiseyes
widened.Iguesshereal
izedthatI
'
m
nottheZeehekeepsoncal li
ng.
Danny
:Nasi
Me:
Danny
Danny
:I'
m sosorr
yaboutt
hat
.How
di
dweev engether
e?
Me:Youshouldreall
yst opdr i
nking
si
nceitjustwi
pesof fal
l your
memor y.Youfel
lasl
eepl astnight
andmyat temptonget t
ingy outobed
endedupl i
kethi
s.Nowmov e,you'
re
heavyandIneedt ouset hebathroom.
Danny:Sorr
y,i
t'
sthedooronthel
eft
.
I
'l
lorgani
zesomebr eakf
ast
.
Iwentt othebat hr
oom, I
tsveryfancy
andbeaut i
fulforjustabathroom.I
didmybusi nessandcl eanedmy self
up.Atleasttherewasaseal ed
toothbrushwhi chIused.Ineedtoget
going,soIcanshowerpr operl
y.I
wentt othekitchenandhehad
alr
eadysetupourbr eakfast
.
Me:
Thatwasqui
ck
Danny
:Ihav
emyway
s,enj
oy.
Weateinsil
enceandIcleanedup
aft
erweweredone.Helaidonthe
couchandIjustl
ookedathim.
Danny
:What
?
Me:
Ineedt
ogetgoi
ng.
Danny
:Al
ready
?
Me:
Yes.
Danny
:St
ayf
orj
ustanhour
Me:NoDanny,
anhourtur
nedintome
sl
eepi
ngoverl
astni
ght
.Ineedtogo.
Danny:Okay
,letmeshowerandt
hen
we'
llgo.
Me:
Okay
.
Isatandwatchedt
.v.asheshower
ed.
Anhourpassedandhest i
l
lwasn'
t
done.
Me:
Danny
!
Hedidn'tr
espond.Whatifhepassed
outintheshower?WhydoIj ust
alwaysthi
nkofwor st
.Iwenttothe
room andhewaswal kingaround
withatowelaroundhiswaist.
Me:Ineedtogosoy oubet
terhur
ry
uporI'
l
ljustcal
lanuber
.
Danny
:I'
m al
mostdone.
Ist
oodthereandl
ookedathi
m,he
smir
ked.
..Didhej
ustsmi
rkatme?
Danny
:Iknowy
oul
ovewhaty
ousee.
Me:Don'
tfl
atteryour
sel
f,y
ou'
renot
ev
enthatat
tracti
veDannyMcKenzi
e.
HelaughedatmeasIwal kedbackt
o
thelounge.Aft
ersomet imehecame
andhel ookedverysexy.Heisdamn
att
racti
vebutIwontt el
lhim.Isense
abitofarrogancyinhim soIwil
lnot
boosthisego.
Danny
:Let
sgo.
Wegoti
ntohi
scaranddr
oveof
f.
Danny
:Wher
edoy
oust
ay?
Me:
Musgr
ave.
Danny
:Whydi
dyouwantt
omeetup
i
nDav
enpor
t?
Me:Soy
ouwoul
dn'
tknowwher
eI
st
ay.
Danny:
SoI
'
lldr
opy
ouof
fatDav
en
Port
?
Me:Noneed.You'
l
ldr
opmeof
fatmy
pl
aceDanny.
Henodded, i
tseemedasifhewas
thinki
ngdeepl
y.Ikeptonpl
ayingwit
h
mynai l
sanddirect
edhimtowhereI
stay.Wegotthereandheparkedout
thegate.
Me:
Guesst
hisi
sgoodby
e.
Danny:
Itdoesn'thav
etobe,
Iwi
l
llov
e
toseeyouagain.
Me:Uhm I
'
m notsur
eaboutt
hat
,
Danny
.
Danny
:Why
?
Me:
Idon'
tknow
Danny
:Canwebef
ri
ends?
Me: I
'm notmuchofafr
iendl
yperson,
I
'mv eryanti
soci
alandbori
ngplus
I
'm sureyouhavemorethanenough
f
ri
ends.
Danny:Idohavemanyf ri
ends,butI
needyout obemyf r
iendtoo.Idon'
t
haveabor i
nganti
socialf
riendsoit
wil
lbeagoodst ar
ttoexplore
somethingnew.
Ij
ustl
ookedathi
m andnodded.I
l
ookedathi
sri
ngonemor
eti
meand
t
ookoffmyseatbel
t.
Me:
We'
rej
ustf
ri
ends.By
eDanny
.
Danny
:By
eNasi
.
Iwenti
nsideandsawhi
m dr
iveof
f
thr
oughthewindow.
Venes:
Didy
ouf
inal
l
ygetsome?
Me:
Getsomewhat
!?
Venes:
Somedi
ckman
Me:
Argh!No
Venes:Soyoujustsl
eptov
erand
nothi
nghappened?
Me:
Yes.I
'l
lgoshowerandt
ell
you
t
hedet
ail
swhenI'
m doneokay?
Venes:I
'
llbewai
ti
ng.Youhav
ea
doubl
eshiftt
oni
ghtr
ight
?
Me:
Yes.
It
ookashowerandwor emyrobe.I
j
oinedVenesinthel
oungemunchi
ng
onsomeOer os.
Me: Ithi
nkhe'
smar r
ied.Wellheis
mar r
iedVenes,hehastwoki dsand
hereallydi
dn'
tspeci
fyont hewife
departmentbuthealsodidn'
tdeny
thatheismarri
ed.
Venes:
Sohewant
syout
obehi
ssi
de
chi
ck?
Me:Noman!Noonesaidany t
hing
aboutanyr
omant
icr
elat
ionshi
p.
We'
rej
ustf
ri
ends
Venes:Soyou'
retel
li
ngmey ouguy
s
j
uststaredi
ntoeachother
seyesal
l
ni
ght?
Me: Wet al
ked,weat eanddr ank
somebeer swhi chledtohi mt alki
ng
alotandmel ist
ening.Hef el
l asleep
betweenmyt hi
ghsandIwokehi m up,
Itri
edtuckinghimi nbutthatat tempt
endedupwi t
hmebei nghispi l
low
andIalsof el
lasleep.Wewokeup
thismorningandhadbr eakfastand
hedr ov
emeher e.
Venes:
That'
sweir
d.Maybeher
eal
l
y
wantsafr
iendt
otalkt
o.
Me:
Iguessso.
Ididn'
ttellheraboutDannycal li
ng
meZee, Veneswoul d'vereadt oo
muchi ntoitandImy selfstil
ldon't
understandwhyhecal l
edmeZee
andwhoi sZee?Iwontputmuch
thoughttoi tandwi llj
ustmov e
forwardfrom it.Ideci dedtot akea
napandwokeuphour slater
prepari
ngf orwor kt onight.It'
sa
SaturdaynightandI '
m onadoubl e
shift
,fr
om 7pm t il
lmi dnight .Gena
pickedusupandwegott ot heclub.I
wentt omychangi ngr oom andwor e
myout fi
tfort henightandputmy
maskon.Ihadgl i
tterallov ermy
bodyandgol dlingerieonwi t
hgol d
stockings.IwasGol dilocks, therejust
weren'tanyt hr eebear s.I '
mt hebest
danceroft heni ght,t
hankGodPi nkie
i
sn'twor kingt onightt hatmeansi t'
s
mor emoneyf ormeandmor emoney
formymot her.Iwentt omypodi um
andst arteddanci ngt ot hegood
musi ctheypl ay edtoni ght.Thear tof
stri
ppingi sblendi ngwi t hthemusi c
andseduci ngy ouraudi ence, lur
ing
theaudi encef rom ot herpodi umsand
givi
ngaper f
ormancewor tht hem
taki
ngoutt heirmoneyony ou.Ittook
alotoftrainingf ormet oact uall
y
havemyownpodi um andnowi tisall
payi
ngof fbecauseonlybigshotsget
thechancet oent erourpodiums.I
t
wast i
mef ormybr eakat10pm andI
hadt ochanget o.Ihadasmal l
sandwi chandchangedi ntoblack
l
ingerie.Oneofmyf avori
tesongs
play
ed" Si
a_Heli
um"Wal kingtothe
podium myboss, Jamescal l
edme.
James:Someonej
ustbookedy
ouf
or
apri
vat
eperfor
mance.
Me:
Me!
?
James:Yesy
ou,
nowgot
othe
pri
vat
eroom.
Thishasneverhappenedbefor
e,I
'
ve
heardthePr
ivateroom cost
sfr
om
R50000upwar ds.Ishoul dgivea
kil
lerperformancef ort hisper son
whohasj ustpai dsomuchmoney
j
ustt owat chmest rip.Iwal kedi n
andl ockedt hedoor ,inst rument s
startedplaying.Istoodbyt hedoor
andst art
edwal kingsl owl ytot hepole.
Ther ehewassi t
ti
ngwi thhi sar ms
foldedandabot tl
eofwhi skeyont he
tablenextt ohim.Ist arteddanci ng
anddoi ngmymagi cont hepol eas
hewat chedandseemedt obedeep
i
nt hought .Aftermyf ir
st
performancehet ol
dmet otakeof f
mymaskandIdi dashesai d.I
dancedt hroughoutt heSi asong,
Heav en.Idon'
tknowwhyheonly
playedmyf avori
tesongsandwho
toldhim,may beGenaorVenes.
Danny
:Comeher
e
Istoppeddancingandwentt
ohi
m,I
satnexttohim andhegavemea
glassofwhiskey
Me:
I'
m st
il
latwor
kyouknow.
Danny:You'
retal
ent
edandv er
y
fl
exi
bleforathi
ckperson.
Il
ookedathi
m andhel
ookedback.
Danny:
Don'tbeoff
ended,
I
someti
mesjustcommentonst
uff
wit
houtev
ent hi
nki
ng.Sor
ry
Me:
It'
scool
.
Danny
:Wannagetoutofher
e?
Me:
Whatt
imei
sit
?
Danny
:00:
30am,
yourshi
fti
sov
er.
Me:I
'l
lgot
omychangingroom and
we'
l
lmeetatt
hebackexit
.
Il
efthimther
eandputonmymask, I
don'
twantanyoneseei
ngmyface.I
changedandwenttoJames.
James:Itr
ansferr
edyourpaymentin
yourbankout.Theguypaidreal
ly
goodmoneyf oryou,t
aketherestof
theweekoffandenjoyyourmoney .
Me:
Thanky
ouJames,
that
'sv
ery
ki
ndofy
ou.
Isearchedf
ormyphonei nmybagso
Icoul
dseehowmuchIgotf r
om
Danny .Ohl
ord!No!I
'v
eneverhadso
muchmoneyi nmyaccountl
ikenev
er!
ItwasR150000.Irantothebackexi
t
andlookedaroundforhi
scar.
Danny
:I'
m her
e
Ohther
ehei s,wewal kedtoaBMW
i
8.I'
veneverseenonei nperson
bef
oreandnowI '
m getti
ng
comfor
tablebeinginone.
Danny
:Youl
i
kei
t?
Me:
YesIdo.I
t'
sabeast
!
Hel
aughedatmyr
eact
ionanddr
ove
off.Ididn'taskwher ewewer egoing,
Ijustfeelsaf earoundhi m nowand
that'
sscar y, Inev
ertrustany one
easily
.Itext edVenest ell
ingherI'
m
withDanny .Wegott oanot her
apartment ,thankGodi twasf r
esh
andcl ean.It ookoffmyshoesand
mademy selfcomf or
tableona
heartshapedcouch.Hest aredatme
forawhi leandsatacr ossme.
Danny
:Hungr
y
Inoddedandconti
nuedtext
ingonmy
phone,Veneswasbusyaski
ngmeifI
shavedornot.
Me:
Danny
,whydi
dyoupaymeso
muchmoney
?
Danny
:Youdeser
vedi
t.I
twasar
eal
l
y
goodper
for
mance.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Danny
:Doy
ouenj
oywor
kingt
her
e?
Me: YesIdobuti t
'snotsomet hingI
wantt odoal lmylife.Imean, I
'm
goingt obe26soon.Ishoul dbe
settl
ingdown, working, gett
ing
mar r
iedandst arti
ngmyownf amily
butI'
m st uckinast ri
pcl ub,don't
haveahouseoracar ,Ipayrent,take
ubersandshowcasemybodyand
str
ipj usttoputfoodont het abl
eand
payformymot herstreatment .I
t's
real
l
ynotali
feIi
magi
nedf
ormy
sel
f
buttheni
tsl
i
fe.
Danny:
Youdoknowyoucanchange
that
.Di
dyouf
ini
shhi
ghschool
?
Me:Yes,andgraduatedi
nUKZN.I
act
ual
lyhav eal
l t
hequal
i
ficat
ionsof
adoctor
,notjustanymedicaldoct
or
butaCardiol
ogist.
Danny:
Whyar
en'
tyouwor
kingasa
doct
or?
Me: Nojob,Iam notgetti
nganyjob
Danny.Iknewt aki
ngthisfi
eldI
'd
i
mmedi atel
ygetaj obbecausether
e
ar
en'tmanyCar diol
ogist
sinSouth
Afr
icabutIjustdidn'
tgetaccept
edin
anyhospi tal
andsomedi dn'
teven
reply.Iendedupthi nkingthatmaybe
Ijustdon'texi
sther eormy
applicati
onformsj ustdisappeari
n
thinair.Imean,howcanInotgeta
j
obwhenIdi dreallywel li
nmy
studies.It
'sj
ustfrustrati
ngandIev en
gav eup.
Danny:Idohaveafr
iendwhoownsa
fewhospit
als,
Icant
alktohi
m.
Me:NoDanny ,asmuchasIneeda
j
ob.I'
vealr
eadygotsomuchf r
om
youalr
eady,Icannotacceptt
hat
off
er.I
'
m sorry
Danny
:It
'sokay
,Iunder
stand.I
'
m
sorr
yifal
lofthi
sisover
whel
ming
andI'
m begi
nningtobombar
dyour
l
ifej
ustli
kethat.
Me: You'renotbombardingmyl i
fe
andknowi ngyouhasactuall
ybeen
great.Ijustdon'
twantittoseem asif
I'
m bei ngyourfr
iendbecauseyoucan
dot hi
ngsf ormeandIdol ikeworki
ng
hardf orthemoneyIearn.
Danny
:Your
emi
ndmeofsomeone.
Me:
You'
vesai
dthatbef
ore.
Danny:
Iseem t
ohav
esai
dal
ott
o
you.
Me:Andy
oudi
dcal
lmeZee,
whoi
s
she?
Danny
:Wannawat
chamov
ie?
Istar
edathi
m, he'sjustgoingto
i
gnorethi
sandpr etendasi fhedi
dn'
t
hearmyquesti
on.Ij ustnoddedand
fol
lowedhi
mt othel ounge.
Me:
Actuall
yIdon'
twantt
owatcha
movi
e,canwesitatt
hebal
cony?
Danny
:Sur
e.
Me:Thi
sisabeaut
if
ulapar
tment
,I
l
oveit
.
Danny
:Thanky
ou.
Wesatther
eforawhi
leinsi
l
ence
andIwaseati
ngmynail
s.
Danny
:Youdot
hatal
ot.
Me:
What
?
Danny:Youeaty
ournai
lsandl
ove
pl
ayingwit
hyourfi
nger
s.
Me: I
t'
sahabi
tIgotusedt
oatav er
y
youngage.Mydadusedtoshoutat
mewhenIdoi t
Danny
:Yourdad?
Me: Yeah, hel eftuswit
hnot hi
ng
afterhediv orcedmymot herwhen
shegotast rokeandst oppedwor king.
Hewasr eallyagoodguybutIguess
thatchanged.Hel ef
twit
hev eryt
hing
Danny ,
ev ent hingsmymot herowned
andwor kedhar df or
.Hetookal l
that
away .
Danny
:I'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
.
Me:
It'
sokay
.
Danny
:Shepassedaway
.
Me:
Who?
Danny:Mywi
fe,
shepassedaway
,
4year
sago.
Me:
I'
m sosor
ryaboutt
hat
.
Ididn'
twanttoaskwhathappened,
I
didn'
twanthimtoreli
vet
hatmoment ,
Icouldseedeepinhisey
esthathe
washur tbyj
usttel
l
ingmeshe
passedaway.
Danny
:Ienj
oyy
ourpr
esence
Il
aughedathi
m andhesmi
l
ed.He
hasat hingofj ustmov ingonf r
om
onei ntenseconv ersationtosay i
ng
somet hingrandom.Wespental l
mor ningj usttalkingandhewas
tel
li
ngmeabouthi skidsandhowhe
wisheshewasabet terf at
her.He
wentonandonaboutt het hi
ngsthey
dowhi lehewat chesandhowshy
andqui ettheyar earoundhi myetso
bubbl yandhappywhent heyarewith
hisfriends.Thewayhei swit
hthem
hasl edt othatandi t
'swhatt hey'v
e
adapt edt oo.
Me:Youcansti
l
l changet
hat
,they
ar
ebothsti
l
lveryyoung.
Danny
:Idon'
tknow,
Danv
erhasj
ust
grownsomuchandheisjusta
di
ffi
cul
tchi
ldwhohasbui
ltashiel
d
andhecovershi
msel
fandhissi
ster,
evenawayfr
om me.
Me: He'sjust5yearsold,Oni
kaisj
ust
4yearsold.Theyar enotthatgr
own,
I
'm sureyouagr eatdadbutyou'
re
j
ustov ert
hinki
ngt hings.
Danny
:Idon'
tknow.
Her
ecei
vedacal
landhei
gnor
edi
t.
Me:
Itmi
ghtbei
mpor
tant
I
trangagainandheansweredaf
ter
l
eavingi
ttori
ngafewtimes.
Danny
:Jabul
ani
..
.YesI
'
mf ine,y
ou
guyst
reatmeli
keachi
l
d..
..I'
m not
damnlostPhil
aandIcanhearyou
Nkosi
..
..Don'
tworr
yaboutme..
..
Okaybye.
I
tseemedasi fhewastal
kingto
manypeopleatonce.Hesmiledto
hi
mselfandshookhishead.
Danny:Thosewer
emyf r
iends,t
hey
al
wayscheckuponmel i
keI '
m aki
d.
Theybecameprot
ect
iveofmewhen
mywifedied.
Me:
Youseem t
ohav
egoodf
ri
ends.
Danny:
Theyarenotj
ustmyf
ri
ends.
Theyaremyfamil
y.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t3
It
'sbeenamont h,amont hoffunand
totalbl
i
ssinmyl i
fe.Dannyhasbeen
thereandwespendt imetogether,
toomucht i
metoget her
.Weget
alongverywel
landwegett oknow
eachothermoreandmor eeveryday.
Hecomest ot heclubr egularly
,well
hesay sitisj usttocheckuponme
andkeepmesaf efrom hungr y
sav ageman.Hehasbeenv ery
protect i
veof fmeandhasment ioned
thathehat est hejobIhav ebuthe
alsodoesr espectmeandbel i
eves
thatt hechoi cesI'vemadei nmyl i
fe
hav ewor kedi nmyf av ourev en
thoughi ti tsomet hingmostpeopl e
woul dn'tagr eeonorappr ov eoff.
Ev enmymot herwoul djusthav ea
hear tattacki fshewoul dfi
ndout
whati si
tt hatIr eallydo.Whi ch
remi ndsme, Ihav et ogot oPMB
soonsoIcanseeher .May bethis
comingweekend, it'
sjustafewday s
ti
ll
theweekendandIhav et
onot i
fy
mybosst hatIwi l
lnotbeatwor kon
Fri
dayandSat urday.I'
vebeenmaki ng
moremoney ,
mor ethanIneedandI
keeponput t
ingitintomysav ings
account
.I'
llbeablet osaveupand
buil
dmymot herabeaut i
fulhouse.
Me:
Venes
Venes:
Mmmmh
Me:Wakeup,
dressupandl
et'
sgo
shoppi
ng.
Venes:
Ihav
eadat
etoday
.
Me:Okayenj
oy,
guessI
'
llbeshoppi
ng
al
one.
Venes:
Cal
lDanny
Me: No,
het
ookthedayof
fsohecan
spendti
mewit
hhiski
ds.I
'
llj
ustshop
al
one
Iwenttotakeabath,yesat11am.
I'
vebeenwat chi
ngt.
v.andlazyt
ogo
takeabath.Iworealongsummer
dressandsandals,
tookmybagand
waitedforanuberwhichwas5mins
away .
Me:
Byebabes!
Shemumbl edsomet
hingasIl
ocked
thedoorandwentt
otheuber.
Me:
Mor
ning
Hi
m:Mor
ningbeaut
if
ull
ady
,whatdo
y
ouuseony
ourski
n?
Me: Nothi
ng,wellIj
ustusewhat
everI
have.Ihaven'
treall
ystuckt
oone
facecream.
Hi
m:You'
rev
erybeaut
if
ul.
Ithankedhi m andjustlaughedt o
my self.I
'm notli
ghtinski ncolournor
am Idar k.I'
vegotabi gaf rowhichI
alway shavei tpl
ait
edi n"Amagoda"
andIputaweav eonbutt odayIjust
l
etitloose.I '
m short,t
hickandf ir
m.
That'sjustaboutwhatIcansum up
aboutmyphy si
calfeatures.Ihave
thi
sr eall
ywei rdbeautyspotnearmy
nosei tir
rit
atesmebuti tlooksgood
onme.Igott opav i
li
onandj ust
wal kedaroundl ookedatcl othesin
diff
er entshops.Am It heonl yone
whof ir
stslooksi ntoshopst hensee
whatI '
m goingt obuyt hencomes
backandget sit?Wel lyes, That's
whatIdo.Byt heway ,Isti
lldoget
homeandf itinallthecl othesI
bought .Ididmyshoppi ngandi tfel
t
reallyreal
lygood, Inevergott oreal
ly
shopwhenIwasy oungbutmy
mot hermadesur esheboughtme
l
ot sofnewcl othesi nJuneand
December .Ev enwhent hingswer e
reallybad,shemanagedt odoso
eveni fitwasj ustt woout fits.My
mot heristhebestt hingthathasev er
happenedt ome.Ial soboughther
clothesandIknowshe' l
lbev ery
happywhenIgi vet hem tohert hi
s
weekend.Iwentt ohav elunchatspur ,
eatingaloneatar est aur
antr eal ly
sucksespeci al
lyify ou'
reseat ednext
topeopl ewhoar en'taloneand
enjoyingeachot herscompany .I
enjoyedmymeal whi l
etextingwi th
Venesasshewassendi ngme
picturesofherselfatherdat e.Af terI
wasdonewi thmymeal Ipai dt hebi l
l
andl eft
.WhileIwaswal king, justa
fewst oresawayf rom Spur .Isaw
Dannyappr oachingwi t
hmanyguy s
andkids.Ourey
esmetandhesmi l
ed
atme, t
heguyswerestari
ngatme
weir
dly,samewayhedi dwit
hthat
dar
kt al
lguywhentheyfir
stsawme.
Thedarkguyisher
et oo.Hegreet
s
mefirst
Guy
:GoodDayNasi
phi
Ismil
eandnodded,
IguessDanny
tol
dhim myname.
Danny:Idi
dn'tt
hinkI
'
dbumpintoy
ou
today
,thoughtyouwit
hVenes
Me: Shewentonadat
esoIj
ust
spentmydayshoppi
ng.
Danny:
Thesearemyf r
iends,
wel
l
you'
vemetNkosinat
hi.
Ismi
l
edandj
ustwav
edatt
hem.
Guy:I'
m Bongani,t
hisisJabulani
,
Phil
asande,Lubabalo,
L’yanda,Mpho,
AthenkosiandThabo.
Me:Pl
easur
etomeety
ouall
,I
'm
Nasi
phi
,Nasi
phi
Dlami
ni.
Thekidswer eplayingandnotpay ing
att
entiontothisencount er.There
wasoneboywhowasj uststari
ngat
meandi twascr eepy .Hel ooked
famil
iar,ohit
sDanv er.Danny'sson,
hestoodast heot her swalkedoffto
Spuronlyhim, Phi
la, Jabu,Athiand
Dannyst oodtherewi thhim.
Danv
er:
Mom
IwasconfusedandIl
ookedathi
m.
Helookedatmecareful
l
yandatear
fel
lfr
om hi
scheeks.
Danv
er:
Sor
ry.
Hewal kedoffandDannyfol
l
owed
hi
m.Okay ..
..
.nowwhatwast hat
about?Thatwasr eal
l
ystr
angeand
weir
d,sooost r
ange.
Phi
la:
I'm sor
ryaboutt
hat
.We'
ll
see
youaround,i
twasgoodtomeetyou.
Inoddedandwal kedawayasqui kl
y
asIcould.Itookataxibackhome
andgotthere,Veneswasn'thomey et
.
Mymi ndwasj ustpuzzl
edbywhat
happenedtoday.May beDanvergot
di
stur
bedbyhi smot hersdeat hand
hedoest hattowomenhemeet s,I
meanhi s5yearsoldI '
m sur ehe
hasn'
treall
ydealtwithitpr operl
y
si
nceithappenedwhenhewasn' t
evenful
lyay earold.Iputt heplast
ic
bagsinmywar drobe,I'
l
l unpackafter
mynap.Af terafewhour sa
WhatsAppnot if
icati
onwokemeup.I t
wasDanny .
Danny:"I
'
m sorr
yaboutwhat
happenedearl
i
eron,canwetal
k?"
Ij
ustreadi
tandignoredit.Ar
ghI'm
upnowandIwon' tbeabletofall
asl
eepagain.I
twasar ound5pm, on
anormaldayI'
dbepr epari
ngformy
shiftbutI '
m notgoi ngt owor kt i
l
l next
week.Il ookedatmycl othesand
fi
ttedi nsomet i
llIwasbor edand
ti
red.Ineat l
ypackedt hem i nmy
war drobeandIknowt hatwon' tlast,I
cannotkeepmywar drobeneat ly
packed.Ij ustnev erfindt hecl othes
I'
ml ooki ngforifiti
spacked.Ist art
ed
cookingsupper ,pap, roastedchi cken
breast s,creamyspi nachand
chakal aka.Icookedl otsoff ood
becauset hisisVenes' sf avourite
meal andIal sodoenj oyitsowe' ll
dishupmor ethanonepl ate.JustasI
wascooki ngIgotat extf rom her ,
she'snotcomi ngbackt onight.Ar gh,
thiswi llbeal ongnightofbor edom.
Lonel inessr ubsy ououtofy our
sani ty.Anti-socialsyndromesi de
ef f
ects!I t
'sacur eandacur se!I
finishedupcooki ngandt ookat ubof
Icecr eam, Car amelisjustmyf avor
it
e!
Iswi tchedont heTvandIwasl ucky,
Keepi ngupwi ththeKar dashianwas
play i
ngandonomni bus.It ooka
smal lbl
anketandsatont hecouch
whi lewat chi ngandhav ingmyi ce
cream.Ther ewasaknockont he
door .Whocoul di
tbe?
Me:
Whoi
sit
!?
Voi
ce:
Openup.
Mxm i
t'
sDanny
.
Me:
I'
m comi
ng.
Ichoset ojustsitdownandcont i
nue
wat chi
ngtv.Idon'tknowwhat '
s
goingonwi thmebutIknowI '
m not
angr yathi
mf orsomer easonI'
mj ust
freakedout.Myphoner angandit
washi m.Ididn'tanswer.Hebanged
thedoor ,t
hisdudewi l
lbreakmydoor.
Me:
I'
m comi
ng!
!!
!
Ist
oodupandopenedt
hedoor
.
Danny
:Whydi
dn'
tyouopen?
Me:
Iwasbusy
Danny
:Wi
thwhat
?
Me:
Iwasatt
hebat
hroom.
Danny
:Iknowy
ou'
rel
yi
ng.
Me:
NoI
'
m not
.
Helaughedandwenttosi
tdown.
He'
salwaysjustsoocomf
ort
abl
e
ar
oundme.
Danny:
Wi l
lyoucomesi
tdownand
watchthi
sshowofyour
s?
Me:
Yes.
Iwenttositdownandhesatnextt
o
meandweshar edt
hebl
anket.He
keptonlooki
ngatmeanditwas
fr
eaky.
Me:
Didy
out
akehi
mforcounsel
i
ng
af
terhi
smom di
ed?
Danny
:Noandhei
sokay
.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Danny:He'
snev
erdonethatbef
ore.I
don'
tknowwhathappened
Me:
Idi
dn'
tseeOni
ka
Danny
:Shedi dn'
tcomewithus,she
wasn'
tfeel
ingwellsoIl
eftherat
homewi t
hNceba.
Me:
Nceba?
Danny:She'sli
kemyl i
ttl
esi
ster
,She'
s
myPhila'ssist
erinlawmarr
iedto
L'
yanda'sli
tt
lebrother
.You'
reayear
ol
derthanher .
Me:
Mmmmh,
wher
ear
etheki
dsnow?
Danny:Stil
lathomewit
hher.But
she'
ll
bel eavi
ngsoonsoI'
l
lhaveto
getgoingsoon.
Me:
Okay
Westayedi
nawkwar
dsil
enceandI
st
aredathi
mforawhi
le.
Danny
:What
?
Me:
Not
hing.Wantsomef
ood?
Danny
:Yespl
ease.
Idishedupforhi
m andputhi
sfood
i
nat r
ayandhewashedhishands
fi
rst.
Danny
:Thanky
ou.
Heduginandatesoquickl
yli
kehe
hasn'
thadfoodi
nsolong.Hewas
donebefor
eIevenf
ini
shedhalfofmy
pl
ate.
Me:
WoahMrMcKenzi
e
Danny
:Ittast
esr
eal
l
ygood,
mayI
havemore?
Me:
Sur
e.
Idi
shedupforhi
m agai
nandheat
e
l
ikether
esnotomorr
ow.
Danny
:Youcooked?
Me:
Yes
Danny:
You'reagr
eatcook,
itsbeena
whil
esinceIhadahomecooked
meal
.
Me:
Howl
ongagowasi
t?
Danny:Aboutamont
hago,
Kamo
cookedforme.
Me:
Kamo?
Danny
:Thabo'
swi
fe.
Me:
Yourf
ri
endsar
eal
lmar
ri
ed?
Danny
:Yes.
Me:
You'
ref
ri
endswi
thal
lthei
rwi
ves?
Danny
:Yes,
we'
reabi
gfami
l
y.
Me:
That
sni
ce.
Iwashedthedishesashewatched
me,heisn'
tevenhelpi
ng.It
akeithi
s
thel
azytype,
okayletmenotjudge.
Danny
:Doy
ouhav
eanybeerher
e?
Me:
No.
Danny
:I'
l
lbebackj
ustnow.
Hetookhiscarkeysandl ef
t.Aft
er
15minshecamebackwi thasixpack
ofbeer
s.Iwatchedhim ashepacked
someinthefri
dge.He'
sj ustso
comfort
ableyou'
dswearhe' sinhi
s
house.
Danny
:Wantsomebeer
?
Me:
Not
hanky
ou.
Hedrankaswewat chedtvandjust
hadarandom conv
ersati
on.Inever
evenknowwhattotalkaboutwith
Dannyatti
mesandhedoesn' tseem
tomi nd.May beheget sboredbut
j
ustdoesn' twantt osayso.Idon' tget
whyhest i
cksaround, maybehe
enjoysmysi l
ence.Ididt el
lhim at
fi
rstthatI'
mt hemostbor i
ngper son
he'l
levermeet .Hewasget t
ingtipsy
andhe' sphoner ang.ItwasNceba.
Theyt al
kedforawhi l
eandt he
conversati
onended.
Danny
:(bur
ps)excuseme,
Ineedt
o
go.
Hewalkedbutal
mostfel
l.He'
sdr
unk,
onebeert
urnedi
nto5beers.
Me:
Youcannotdr
iveatt
hisst
ate.
Danny
:I'
vedr
ivenmy
sel
fhome,
wor
set
hant
his.
Me:Iwon'tall
owyout odri
vewhen
you'
redrunk.You'
reputt
ingyourl
i
fe
atri
sk.
Iwenttogetdressed,Iworeanav y
Adidast
racksui
tandsl i
ppers.Itook
hi
scarkeysandwal let,
lockedthe
doorandwewal kedt ohiscar.He
l
ookedatmewi t
hhisey eswideopen.
Me:
What
?
Danny
:Cany
ouev
endr
ive?
Me: YesDanny
,Idohav
eadr
iver
s
l
icense.
Danny
:Whenl
astdi
dyoudr
ive?
Me:
Somanyy
ear
sago.
Danny:
OkayI
'
m notput
ti
ngmyl
i
feat
ri
sk.
Me:
Justshutupandgeti
nthecar
.
Danny
:Yesmam.
Igoti
nanddr
oveof
f.
Me:
You'
l
ldi
rectme?
Danny
:It
'sont
heGPS.
Idrov
eallthewaytoHill
crest.The
housethi
sGPSdi r
ectedmet o
seemedli
ket hi
shugemansi on.Well
i
tisamansi on.
Me:
Ist
hist
her
ightaddr
ess?
Danny
:Yes,
It'
smyhouse.
Heopenedt hegatewitharemote
andIdroveint
ot heparki
ngarea.I
'
ve
neverseensuchahugehouse.And
I'
m abouttostepmyf eeti
ntoit
,wow!
Thisissuchahugemansi on.
Me:
Wher
e'st
hedoor
?
Danny
:Fol
l
owme.
Wewal kedt
othemaindoorandhe
opened.Abeaut
if
ulyoungwoman
camet ousandshewasalr
eady
rushi
ng.
Danny
:Nceba
Nceba:
Danny ,
I'
m gl
adyou'r
ehere
nowI'
ml eav
ingThapel
owant smeto
pi
ckhim upattheai
rpor
t.Theki
ds
ar
easl
eep,bye!Ohhowr
udeofme,
Hi
!Andbye!
Shewasn' treall
ypay i
ngmuch
attent
iontome, wehear dhercar
driveoffandDannycl osedt hegate.I
foll
owedhi ml i
keal ostpuppytil
lwe
reachedthel ounge.He'shouseis
hugeandv erybeautif
ul.Thereareso
manybeaut i
fulandexpensiv et
hings
i
nher e,muchmor eexpensiv et
han
themoneyImakei nay earoreven
years.
Danny:Makey
our
sel
fcomf
ort
abl
e,I
'
ll
beback.
Inoddedandsatont
hecouchcar
eful
nott
odamageanythi
ngorevenputa
scr
actchont
hesebeaut
if
ulcouches.
Danny:Iseeyou'
renotcomfor
tabl
e,I
knowyoul i
keput
tingyourf
eetonthe
couchnowdoso.
Me:Uhm no..
.I'
m comf
ort
abl
ewi
th
si
tt
ingl
i
ket hi
s.
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Iputmyf eetonthecouchandgot
comfor
table.Hecamewi thtwo
bowlsf
il
ledwi t
hchipsandtheother
wit
hmar shmallows.
Danny
:Wantany
thi
ngel
se?
Me:Nothi
sisf
ine,
thanky
ou.Yougot
apr
ett
ybighome
Danny
:Thankyou.Iti
sn'
treal
l
ya
homebutjustahouse.
Ichosenott
orepl
ytot
hat.Ij
ustat
e
somesnacksaswewatchedsome
mov i
e.
Me:
Ineedt
ouset
hebat
hroom
Danny:Wal
kstr
aightandt
urnl
eft
,it
s
the3r
ddoor.
Iwentt othebat
hroom anddi dmy
business.Aft
erIwasdone, Igotl
ost
tr
yingtogobackt othelounge.Ther
e
wasapassagef i
ll
edwithmany
pi
ct ur
esofhiskidsbutnoneofhis
wife.May behetookthem down
whenshepassedaway ,Iwonder
whathappenedtoher.It
ookmy
phoneandcall
edhim
Danny
:Nasi
Me:
I'
mlost
Danny
:Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:
Passagewi
thpi
ctur
es
Danny:Ther
earemanypassages
wit
hpictur
esinthi
shouse.Be
speci
fi
c
Me:
Pict
uresofy
ourki
ds
HeendedthecallandIhear
dhi
s
f
ootst
epsapproaching.
Danny
:Fol
l
owme
If
oll
wedhi
m backt
othel
ounge.He
l
aughedatmewhenIr
eal
i
zedIt
ook
t
hewr ongt
urn.
Me:It'
snotmyf
aul
t,y
ouhav
eahuge
house.
Danny
:Yeahwhat
ever
Me:
Whatdoy
oudoany
way
s?
Danny :IstudiedMechanical
engineering,I'
m aMechanical
engineerandbusi nessman,Ihav
e
manybusi nessesthatar
eupand
running.
Me:
You'
rer
ich
Danny
:I'
m bl
essed.
Wehear
dli
tt
lef
oot
stepsandal
i
ttl
e
beaut
iful
angel
camer
ubbi
ngher
eyes.
Danny
:Oni
ka
Oni
ka:
Myst
omachhur
tsdada.
Dannyl
ookedpaleforsomer eason
andhewashesitat
ing.Il
ookedat
hi
m andhelookedatme
Me:Your
eal
l
ydon'
tknowwhatt
odo,
doy
ou?
Heshookhi
sheadandIj
ust
wonder
edwhathedoeswhenhe'
s
al
onewitht
heseki
ds
Me:Gowar
m somewat
er.Come
her
eOni
ka
Shelookedatmef orawhi leand
camet ome.Icarr
iedherandr ubbed
herstomach.Ial
sodon' tknow
anyt
hingaboutchil
drenbutsomeone
hastotrysi
nceDannyj ustchoseto
fr
eeze.
Oni
ka:
Iwantt
ovomi
t
Iqui
ckywenttothebathroom wi
th
herandshevomi t
edalit
tl
e.Il
ether
ri
nsehermouthandDannycame
wit
hthewar m water
.Imadeherdrink
i
twithateasponandsher eal
l
ydidn't
enj
oyit.
Me:
Hungr
y?
Shenoddedandwewentt
othe
ki
tchen.
Me:
Danny
!
Hecamer unni
ngtotheki
tchen.I
real
l
ydon'
tunderst
andwhyi she
acti
ngt
hisway.
Me:
She'
shungr
y
Danny
:Ther
e'sgoodi
nthef
ri
dge.
Itooki
tandwar
medi
tup.If
edher
andsheate.
Me:
Doesshehav
eanymeds?
Danny
:Yesshedoes.
Hetookthem andgaveme.Shetook
hermedsandIcarri
edhert
ryi
ngto
gethert
osleep.Wesatonthecouch
asshelai
donmeandIkepton
rubbi
ngherback
Me:Hert
emper
atur
eisokay
,she'
l
lbe
f
ine.
Danny
:Thanky
ou.
Afteraboutanhourshefell
asleep
andDannyshowedmet oherroom.I
tuckedherinandclosedthedoor.
Me:
Wher
e'sDanv
er?
Danny
:Thenextdoor
Iopenedandhewasf astasleeptoo.
Ireal
l
ywasshockedbyDanny '
s
behavi
or.Wewentbackt othelounge
andhepouredaglassofwhi skeyfor
hi
msel f
.
Danny:Thankyou, Idon'tknowwhatI
would'
vedonei fyouwer en'there.I
would'
veprobablycalledBabal wa
si
nceshe'sclosertomyhouse.
Me:IguessBabal
wai
soneofy
our
f
ri
endswi f
e?
Danny
:Yes,
she'
sBongani
'
swi
fe.
Me:
Whol
ooksaf
tert
heseki
dsDanny
?
Hel ookeddownandheseemedt obe
cryi
ng.Ididn'
tmove,Iwasactual
l
y
veryshockedbythi
s.NeverhaveI
thoughtI'
dseehim cry
.
Danny :
I'
m abadfat
her,
Icannotbea
fathert
omykids.Theytakecareof
them mostti
mes,mykidsactuall
y
j
ustmov edinwithme.Theystayed
wi
tht hei
rauntSnehbutItookthem,I
wantedachance.Justtotryandbea
f
athertothem butI
'm acomplete
mess.Idon'tknowwhattodo.
Me:
Whydon'
tyougetananny
?
Danny:Idon'
twantast
rangerr
aisi
ng
mykids.
Ist
eppedcl
osert
ohi
m andhel
dhi
m
ashecri
ed.
Me:
Ever
ythi
ngwi
l
lbeokay
.
Danny
:Nasi
phi
.
Me:
Mmmh
Danny
:Pl
easebemynanny
?Wel
lmy
ki
d'
snanny
.
Me:
Danny
Danny:Youdon'
thavetoanswerme
now,j
ustthi
nkaboutit
.Iknowy ou
hatey
ourjobandyoudon'thaveto
str
ipf
ormoneyany more.I
'l
lpayyou
goodmoney
Me:I'
l
lthi
nkabouti
t.Fornowy
ou
needtogosl
eep
Danny
:Let
'
sgo
Me:
Wher
ewi
l
lIsl
eep?
Danny:Ther
earemanybedr
oomsin
thi
shouse.Comewit
hmeandy ou'
l
l
chooseone.
Ichoseonenextt othekid's
bedroomsj ustincaseOnikawakes
upagain.Igotint obedandt hought
aboutDanny '
spr oposal
.Idecidedto
j
ustt hi
nkabouti ttomorr
owand
sleep.I
'l
lbegoingt oseemymom
thisweekendandI '
ll
giv
ehi m an
answerwhenI '
m back.Iswi t
chedoff
thesidelampandwentof fto
wonder l
and.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t4
Iwokeupandl ookedatmy
surroundings.IrealizedIwasn'tinmy
room andi tcamet omi ndthatIslept
overatDanny '
shouse.Whathe
askedmey est
erdaycamet omi nd
again,Idon'thaveananswery et.I
walkedt otheen- suitebathroom and
washedmyf aceaf t
erIpeed, I
brushedmyt eethwi thanunused
toothbrushandbr ushedmyhai r
.I
havetodosomet hingwiththisafro!I
wentoutt heroom hopingIwon' tget
l
ostagain.Iheardlitt
levoicesandI
wenttowher etheycamef rom.Itwas
i
nt heki
tchenbuti twasn'tthekitchen
Iwasiny ester
day,Iguesst here'
sa
ki
tchenoneachf loor.
Me:
Mor
ning
Them:
Mor
ning.
Me:
Danv
er,
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Hewasf iddl
ingwi
ththestoveand
car
ryingeggs.Hedi
dt hatt
hingof
l
ookingatmef orawhileandshook
hi
shead.
Danv
er:
I'
mtr
yingt
omakeeggsf
or
Oni
ka.She'
shungr
y
Me:You'
rest
il
lver
yyoungtobeabl
e
t
omakeeggs.Sitonthest
oolandI
'
ll
makethem.
Danv
er:
Thanky
ou.
Iwor
kedmywayaroundthekit
chen
andmadebr
eakf
astforal
lofus.
Me:
Whomakesbr
eakf
astf
ory
oui
n
t
hemor
ning?
Danv er
:Wesomet i
mesneedt owai
t
ti
l
l Dannywakesupandhet akesus
outorAunt Beecomesandmakes
breakfastforus.Mostti
meswedo
sl
eepov erssoweeatt her
e
Me:
Youcal
lyourf
atherDanny
?
Danv
er:
Buthedoesn'
tknow.
Me:
Howol
dar
eyou?
Danver
:I'
m 5,well
I'
ll
be6in
November.Onikawil
lbe5next
month.
Me:
You'r
ever
yyoung.I
'
m al
sobor
n
i
nNovembert
he11th
Danv
er:
Met
oo
Me:
IguessI
'
vef
oundmyt
win
Danv
er:
Buty
ou'
rev
eryol
d.
Me:
Nott
hatol
d.Oni
ka,
arey
ouokay
?
Shenoddedandcont
inuedf
iddl
i
ng
wit
hherfi
ngers
Danv
er:
Shedoesn'
treal
l
ytal
kthat
mucharoundpeopl
eshedoesn'
t
know.
Inoddedanddi
shedupt
hem.
Danver
:Iusual
l
yfeedher,
shemakes
amesswhenshet ri
estoeatby
her
self
.
Me:
Don'
twor
ry,
I'
ll
feedher
.
Seemsasi fDanv erhasbeent aking
careofhi sli
ttl
esister.Iwonderwhat
i
si twithDanny ,hecannott akecare
ofhisownki ds?Ijustfeelasif
there'
smor etothisandi ti
saf f
ecti
ng
hiskids.Hashet urnedabl i
ndey eto
thi
sorhej ustcannotdeal withit
?I
fedOni kaandsheat ealot.Aft
erthey
weredone,Iat
eandwashedthe
di
sheswithDanverhel
pingme.
Danv
er:
Whydoy
oul
ookl
i
kemom?
Danny
:Danv
er!
!!
Whendidheshowup?Danv er
seemedsoscar
edandhehi dbehi
nd
me.Whatisgoi
ngonher e!Whyisthe
chi
ldsoscar
edofhim?Oni kamoved
cl
osetomeaswell.Dannynot i
ced
andheputhi
shandthroughhishair
andlef
t.
Me:Wantt
oshowmet oy
ourr
oom
sowecancleanup?
Theynoddedandpul
l
edmet
othei
r
rooms.
Me:
We'
l
lst
artwi
thOni
ka'
sroom.
Wedi
dherbedandt
idi
edhert
oys.
Me:Let
slookforwhatyou'l
lwear
t
oday.Whereareyourcl
othes?
Oni
ka:
Thecl
oset
,att
hatdoor
.
Shepoi ntedatapi nkdoorandi
opened!Thechi l
di sjust4yearsof
agebutshehassuchahugecl oset
withsooomanycl othes!Atleast
Dannymakessur ehi skidsarewell
dressed.Shepi ckedoutanout fi
tand
shehasmanyexpensi vesneakers.
Wet henwentt oDanv er
sroom and
wentt hroughthesamepr ocess.
AfterthatIbathedt hem anddr essed
thenupwar ml
y.I
twasabitchi
ll
y
outsi
de.Il
ookedaroundt
hehouse
anditseemedasifDannywasn'
t
anywhereinher
e.
Me:
Danny
!Danny
!
Danver
:Maybehel
eft
.Idon'
tthi
nk
he'
shere.
Me:Let
'sgowat
chamov
ie
downst
air
s
Oni
ka:
Whydownst
air
s?
Me:Sowecanbecl
osert
othemai
n
door
.
Wewentdownstai
rsandIl
ooked
t
hrought
hecupboardsf
orsnacks
Me:
Doy
ouguy
sli
kepi
zza?
Them:
Yes
Ior
deredpizzaandwet ookabl anket
andwatchedcartoons.Thepi zzawas
del
iv
eredandwet uckedin.Igota
cal
lfr
om mymot her .
Me:
MaThandi
Mom:Nasi
phi
,ul
aphi
?(Nasi
phi
wher
e
ar
eyou?
)
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Mom: Yhulomntwanangabeul
ana
ngok(Youchil
d,youwer
esupposed
tobeherealr
eady)
Me:
Ohshi
t!Uhm mamam somet
hing
cameup.I'
ll
comeseey
ounext
weekendIpromi
se
Mom:
Imi
ssy
ou
Me:Imi
ssy outoo,I
'l
lreal
l
ycome
nex
tweekend.Ilov
ey ou
Mom:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Wewat chedunt i
l t
heyfellasl
eep.Itis
aroundwhatot herchil
drensayi snap
ti
me.Iwentt oputt hem inDanv er
s
bedandt heysleptpeacefully
.How
canDannyj ustdisappearandl eave
mewi thhiskids!Itookashowerand
changedbacki ntotheclothesIwas
wearingwithnounder wearon.My
phonerangagai nandi twasVenes
Me:
Venes
Venes:
Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:
AtDanny
's.
Venes:
Ohsayhi
!Br
ingsomet
hing
ni
ceforme.
Me:
He'
snotev
enher
e
Venes:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Me:
I'
ll
tel
lyouwhenIgethome.
Iendedthecallandcontinued
watchi
ngt .
v.Ikeptontryi
ngtocall
Dannybutitkeptongoingst r
aightt
o
voi
cemail.Aft
erabouttwohour s
somonecamei nfrom t
hemai ndoor
andIrushedtoseewhoi twas.Itwas
oneofhi
sfr
iendsbutIj
ustwasn'
t
sur
ewhathi
snamei s
Hi
m:Nasi
phi
Me:Hi,Idon'tr
emembery
ourname
butIknowy ou
Hi
m:Mpho,
MphoLebone.
Me:
Ohhi
Mpho.
Mpho:
WhereisDanny
?I'
vebeen
t
ryi
ngtocal
lhi
m.
Me:Helefti
nthemor ning,
I'
vealso
beentr
yingtocal
lhim butheisn'
t
answer
ing.Idon'
tknowwher eheis
Mpho:
Wher
ear
etheki
ds?
Me:
Theyar
esl
eepi
ng.Hel
eftme
wi
thhi
ski
dsher
e.
Mpho:
Washeokay
?
Me:Idon'tt
hinkso.Somethi
ng
happenedinthemorningwit
hthe
ki
dsandhej ustl
eft.
Helookedatmewiththe"
Expl
ain
fur
ther
"lookandIt
oldhi
m what
happened.
Mpho:
I'
llgol
ookf
orhi
m.Takecar
e
oft
hekids
Inoddedandhelef
t.Iwentt
ocheck
onthekidsandt
heywereupalr
eady.
Me:
WakeyWakey
Oni
ka:
Iwantt
opee
Sherant
othebat
hroom andDanv
er
l
aughedather
.
Danver
:Shehasaweakbladder
.She
peesonhersel
fsomet
imesand
Dannyget
sangry
Me:
He'
sDadnotDanny
.
Danv
er:
Dad,
okayhe'
sdad.
Me:
Hungr
y?
Theynoddedandwewentt othe
kit
chen.I'
veseenthattheyl
ove
fol
lowingmear ound.
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
oeat
?
Danv
er:
Hot
dogsr
ightOni
ka?
Oni
ka:
Yes!Yes!
Danver
:Shel
oveshot
dogssowe'
l
l
eatt
hem
Me:
Whatdoy
oul
ove?
Danver:
Waf
fl
es,
canIact
ual
l
yhav
e
waff
les?
Me:
uhm okay
.
Ilookedar oundandIdi dfindawaf f
le
maker .Imadewaf f
lesforusandt wo
hot dogsf orOnika.Ifedherandwe
enj oyedeat i
ngspendi ngtime
toget her.I
'venoti
cedt hatthesetwo
eatal otsoI'l
lhavetoal soprepar
e
supperbecausei tseemsasi fDanny
wontbecomi ngbackany ti
mesoon.
Ev enMphohaswentAWOL, Iwi
shhe
hadal sol efthisnumbersoIcoul d
cont acthi m.Wecont inuedwat ching
t.
v.f rom wher ewel eftof fandt hey
tol
dmemor eaboutt hemsel ves.
Oni kai sst i
llinpr eschool andDanv er
i
sdoi ngGr adeR.Onweekday s, they
areatt heiraunt i
eshousesoshecan
prepar et hem f orschool andDanny
fetchest hem af t
erschool andsends
them backi nt heev eni ng.Thisi sj ust
toomuchupanddownt rav el
lingf or
l
itt
leki ds.Ineedt ot alkt oDannyand
whathedi dtodayi sj ust
unaccept abl e.Whol eav eshi ski ds
withast ranger .OkayI 'm nota
strangerbuthedoesn' tknowmet hat
muchtot
rustmewi
thhi
ski
dsl
i
ke
t
his.
Oni
ka:
Wher
eisdad?
Me:Idon'
tknowsweet
iebuthewi
l
l
bebacksoon.
Wewat chedt
womov ieandaround
5pm Ideci
dedtost
artmakingsupper
.
Me:I'
m goi
ngt
otheki
tchent
omake
supper
.
Danv
er:
Canwecomewi
th?
Me:
Okay
.
Il
ookedaroundandIf
oundspaghett
i
andther
ewasmi ncei
nthefr
idgesoI
madespaghett
iandmeatbal
l
s.They
helpedmear oundandi twasactuall
y
somuchf un.Thisismyfirst
encounterwithchil
drenandI '
m
enjoyi
ngitsomuch.I t'
sthefir
stti
me
I'
m everbaby si
tt
ingchi
ldrenandI'
m
notthatbadati t
.Wewer edonewi t
h
cookingsupper
Me:Supperwi
ll
beserv
edat7pm.Do
youguysbat
hbefor
eyousl
eep?
Oni
ka:
Somet
imes
Me:
Okayl
etsgobat
h.
Wewenttothebathroom andthey
t
ookabath.Idri
edthem up,l
otioned
t
hem andchangedintot
heirpyj
amas
Me:
You'
l
lbr
ushy
ourt
eet
hjust
bef
orebedt
ime.
Danv
er:
Whatt
imei
sbedt
ime?
Me:
20:
30pm
Oni
ka:
Okay
.
Theysatatthecouchwhil
eIdished
upforus.WheneverDannydecides
toshowupI '
ll
dishupforhi
m.Wesat
atthedi
nningtabl
eandate.Both
DanverandOnikaweremakinga
mess.
Me:
Okaybr
ingbot
hyourbowl
sher
e.
Imixedthef
oodtoget
herandf
ed
them bot
hatthesameti
me.
Oni
ka:
I'
mful
l
.
Danverf
inishedupandIwashedt he
di
shesast heywatchedcartoons.I
woul
dgivet hem asnackfordessert
butt
hey'
v ehadalottoeattoday.
Me:
Let
'sgobr
ushourt
eet
h.
Wewentt ot
hebathr
oom andthey
brushedt
hei
rteet
handIassi
sted
them.
Me:
Letmet
ucky
oui
nmyangel
s.
Wefir
stwentt
oOni
ka'
sroom and
t
uckedheri
n
Me:
Let
'ssayal
i
ttl
epr
ayer
.
Wepr ayedandthenDannyandI
ki
ssedOni ka'
sfor
eheadasshesl
ept
peaceful
ly.WewenttoDanver
sroom
andIt
uckedhi
min.
Danver:Wil
lyoubeher
eint
he
morning?
Me:
Idon'
tknow,
I'
m notsur
e.
Danv
er:
Pleasedon'
tl
eav
eus
Ibreathedi
nandout.Lor
d,whathav
e
Igottenmysel
fint
o?
Me:Iwon'tl
eaveyou.Tel
lyouwhat,
I
'l
lbeherewhenyouwakeupandI
won'
tleavewit
houtsayi
nggoodbye.
Hehuggedmeandhesl ept.Iwent
backtotheloungeandsatont he
couchwatchingLifeofKyli
e.Idon't
knowwhenIf ellasl
eepbutIwokeup
becauseIheardsomev oices.I
walkedt othekitchenandi twas
Danny ,MphoandAt hi.Ilookedat
Danny ,honestl
yIwasj ustsoangr y
!I
walkedbackt ot hel oungeandt ook
theblanket.Theycamet othel ounge,
busyscr at
chingt heirheadsandt hey
l
ookedner v
ous.Ir eallydon' tknow
whatf orbutDannyMcKenzi ei
san
i
diot!He'swor set hanani diot!
Me:Icooked,
you'
ll
dishupf
or
your
self
.Thefoodi
senoughforal
l
t
hreeofyou.
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Hetr
iedt
ohol
dmebutIl
ookedat
hi
m.
Me:
Don'
tyoudar
e!
At
hi:
Fuck!Wehav
eanot
herNay
e.
Idi
dn'
tpayatt
ent
iont
owhatAthisai
d.
Nayei
soneofDanny'
sfri
endswif
e.I
wal
kedoffandst
oppedasthey
l
ookedatme.
Me:
You'
ret
aki
ngmehomeat9am!
Igottotheroom Iwasusingl
ast
nightandIwentstr
aightt
obed.I
keptontwisti
ngandturni
ngandIjust
couldn'
tsl
eep.Therewasasoft
knockonthedoorandDannycamei n.
Danny
:Canwet
alk?
Me:Whatabout
,Danny
..
.I'
mtr
yingt
o
sl
eep.
Danny:
Iknowy ou'
renotasl
eep
Nasi
phi,Ij
ustwantustotal
k!
Me: Talk?!Youwanttot al
knowaf ter
l
eav i
ngmet heenti
redaywi thy our
chil
dren?!Howdoy ouleavey ourown
fl
eshandbl oodwithastranger!?
Whati fsomet hi
nghadhappened?
DannyMcKenzi eyoudonotj ustup
andgo!Youcannotdowhaty oudid
today!Iam upset,I
'mreallyupset !
Youdon' twalkawaywhent here'sa
problem!Dannyy ou!.
..
Heshutmeupusi nghi
shandand
cl
osedthedoor.Mindy
ou,i
tisnow
dar
kintheroom.
Me:
Swi
tchont
hel
i
ght
Heswitchedonthesidelampand
l
ookedatme.Icouldn'tr
eadt he
expr
essionhehadonhi sface.
Danny:Fi
rstofall,
you'
renota
str
angerandIknewmyki dswer ein
goodhandswi thyou.Ifsomething
hadhappenedIwoul d'
v eknown.I'
m
sorr
yforleavi
ngy ouwiththekids,I
wasjusti
nabadspaceandIneeded
toimmediatelygetoutofthehouse.
I'
mv er
ysor r
yNasi.
Me:
Danny
,doy
oubeatupy
ourki
ds?
Helookeddownandstartedhav
ing
vei
nsonhisface.Hekepton
scrat
chi
nghi
sheadmakinghisneat
ly
combedheramess.Idon'
tknow
whenandhowbuttear
sstart
ed
fl
owingdownmyface.
Danny:I
t'
snotsomethingI
'
m proud
of
,ithappenedonceortwi
ce.
Me:Howmanyt
imesdi
dithappen
Danny
!
Danny
:4t
imes.
Helookedupandsawt hatIwas
cry
ing.Hecamecloserandheldmy
cheeks.Iwon'
tl
ie,hi
stoucht
rigger
ed
somet hi
ng,
Ifel
tbutt
erf
li
esall
ov er
myst omach.
Danny
:I'
m sor
ry,
pleasedon'
tcr
y
Nasi
phi
.
Me:Don'
ttouchme!!
!!LeaveDanny,
gobacktowherev
ery oucomefrom!
Getout
!
Thener
ve,I
'm ki
cki
nghi
m outofhi
s
ownhouse.Level
sNasi
phi
!Level
s!
Me:
Getout
!!
!
Danny
:Nasi
Me:
Getout
!!
!!
!
Ther
eweresoftknocksont
hedoor
andIqui
ckl
ywipedoffmytears.I
t
wasOnikaf
oll
owedbyDanv er
.
Me:Babi
es,
what'
swrong?Isy
our
st
omachsoreagai
nOnika?
Oni
ka:
No,
canwesl
eepwi
thy
ou?
Il
ookedatt hem t
henlookedat
Danny.He'seyeswerewi deopened,
hehasat endencyofdoingthat.I
don'
tknowwhyhedoest hatbecause
hi
seyesar enatur
all
ybig.
Danv
er:
Please.
Me:Sur
e,comel
etssl
eep.Daddywas
j
ustl
eavi
ng.
Ituckedthem i
nbedandOni kaslept
betweenmeandDanv er.Dannycame
andkissedthei
rforeheadand
brushedmyhand.Heswi t
chedoff
thesidelampandwhenhewasabout
toclosethedoor.Itur
nedandlooked
athi
m.
Me:Makesureyoueatbef
orey
ou
sl
eep.Goodni
ght
.
Danny:
Iwil
l,
Thanky
ouNasi
phi
.
Thankyou
He's"Thankyou"seemedt obedeep.
Idon'tknowwhet herhewast hanking
mef orstayi
ngwi t
hhiskidsort he
food.Arghletmenotst r
essmy sel
f
aboutthiscomplicat
edman.I
checkedifthekidsweresleepingwell
andIalsofellasl
eep.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
off
ri
ends
#LBAR

I
nser
t5
Ifel
tsomeonetouchi
ngme,no
actual
l
ytheywerepatt
ingme.I
openedmyeyesanditwasDanver
andOnika.
Danv
er:
Oni
kawant
stopee
Iqui
ckl
ywokeupandcar r
iedhert
o
thebat
hroom.Shepee'
dandopened
herarmsformet ocarryheragai n.
Thesunwasupandi t
'sal ovely
Sunday.Thecurt
ainswer ealready
opened,Iwonderwhodi dthat?
Me:
Mor
ning
Danv
er:
Mor
ning
Oni
ka:
Ist
il
lwantt
osl
eep.
Me:Okaysleep,Danv
erl
et'
sgety
ou
somebreakfast
.
Danver
:I'
m nothungr
y.I
'l
lj
ustgo
showerandhaveacerealwhenI
'm
done.
Me:
Ohokay
.
Iwentdownst
air
sandt
her
ewast
his
reall
yreall
ygoodsmellofpancakes.I
walkedtot hekit
chenandDannywas
cooking.Hemadesuchahugemess
i
nt hekitchen.
Me:
GoodMor
ning.
Danny
:Mor ni
ngNasi
.Si
t,br
eakf
asti
s
al
mostready.
Me:
I'
ll
cleanupher
efi
rst
.
Danny:
No,
gositandr
elax.The
cl
eaner
swi
llbeher
esoon.
Me:
Ify
ousayso.
Isatonthecouchandt houghtabout
yester
day.Ijustdon'tevenknowhow
tofeelaboutit.Idon'
tunderstand
whyDannywoul dhithisadorable
chil
dren.I tisobv i
ousthathehas
i
ssues, hugeissueshehasn' tdealt
withandi stakinghisfrustrati
onsout
ofthesechi l
drenanddr inkinghi sli
fe
away .Godknowswhathappens
whenhei sdrunkandhe' sal onewi th
hiskids.Iwoul dl i
ketobel i
ev eand
tel
lmy selfnothinghappens.He' s
edgy, seemsl ikehe'sshor ttemper ed
andal way sinhi sownwor l
d, yetheis
sweetandl oving,he'salsoat alker
andal i
stener.That'swhatI 've
summedupabouthi spersonal i
tyso
far.
Danny
:Ear
tht
oNasi
phi
!
Me:
Arghohsor
ry,
Iwasj
ustt
hinki
ng.
Danny:Aboutl
astni
ght
's
conver
sati
on?
Me:
Sor
tof
Danny:we'
ll
tal
kabouti
twhenyou'
re
doneeati
ng,wher
earet
hekids?
Me:Oni
kaisst
il
lsl
eepi
ngandDanv
er
i
sbathi
ng
Danny:Okay
,I'
l
lgocheckonhi
m,he
shoul
dbedonebynow.
Me:
Okay
.Ihav
etogohome
Danver
:Iwashopi
ngy
ou'
dst
ayabi
t
l
onger
Me:Ihavetobathandchange
cl
othes.Ist
il
lneedt
othi
nkabouti
t
Hewentupst airsasIate,r
eall
ygood
breakfastmay beheknowshiswayin
thekit
chen.Whi leIwaseati
ngI
heardhim scream myname.Iquickl
y
putmypl atesinthekit
chenandran
upstai
rs.Hewashol di
ngDanver,
dri
ppingwetandheseemedt obe
unconscious.
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Danny
:Cal
lanambul
ance!
!!
Me:Mov e!Don'tholdhi
ml i
kethat
you'
resuf focati
nghim moreandthis
wil
laffecthisheart.Layhim ont
he
f
loor.Staywi thusDanv er
Icheckedhi
spul
seandhewasst
il
l
br
eat
hing.Looksl
i
kehedrowned,
I
di
daquickCPRonhim andmouthto
mout
h.
Me:
Danv
er,
respond!
.Gogetat
owel
Danv
er:
Weshoul
dcal
lanambul
ance
Me:Theresnot
imet
owai
tforan
ambulance.
Danver
:Doy
ouknowwhaty
ou'
re
doi
ng?
Me: Idi
dn'
tstudymedicineforall
thoseyearsandgetadegr eein
Cardiol
ogyfornot
hing!Getthedamn
towel.
Hewasslowl
ywakingupandtr
ying
t
obreat
heproper
ly,
he'
sfacewas
pal
eandhecoughedoutwat
er.
Me:
Danv
er,
cany
ouhearme?
Danv
er:
Mom,
mom i
sthaty
ou?
OhGoodness, thepoorkidisstil
l
suff
eringfr
om hismom' spassing.I
thi
nkhemi ssesherandDanny
doesn'tev
encomf orthim.Ipicked
him upandwr appedhim wit
hat owel
.
Ipassedhim ontoDannyandDanny
deci
dedt opophisey esandlook
confused
Me:
Hol
dhi
m!
Danny:Idon'
tknowwhatt
odo,
Idon'
t
thi
nkIevenknowhowto.
Me:
Thi
sisy
ourdamnchi
l
d!Hol
dhi
m!
Icouldseethathewasl iteral
ly
shaking,Ij
usttookDanv erand
walkedoutthebat hroom.Isawt hat
Onikawasst andingataf arcorner
watchingeverythi
ngt hatjust
happened.Hecamewi thaf ir
staidki
t,
atl
easthewassmar tenought odo
that.Ipl
acedDanv erinhi sbedand
checkedhistemper ature.
Me:You'
regoi
ngtobefinemybaby
,
you'
l
lbefi
ne.Whathappened?
Danv
er:
Ifel
li
nandhi
tmyhead.
Me:
Tur
nar
oundsoIcoul
dchecky
ou.
Hetur
nedandhewasswoll
enabit.I
gav
ehim somet
hingt
oeasethepain.
Ist
ayedwi
thhi
m unt
ilhef
ell
asl
eep.
Me:
Oni
ka,
comeher
e.
Shewalkedsl
owl
ytomecar
ryi
ngher
tor
nteddy
Me:
Whathappenedher
e?
Oni
ka:
Itt
ore.
Danny
:I'
l
lbuyy
ouanewone
Oni
ka:
Idon'
twantanewone.
Me:Don'
tworr
y,I
'
llf
ixi
t,i
twi
l
llook
goodasnew.Wanttoeat
?
Danv
er:
I'
ll
godi
shupf
orher
Me:
Thanky
ou
Ibat
hedherquickl
yanddressedher
.
Wenttot
hekitchenandfedher.
Whenshewasdoneshewentto
wat
chtvasIsowedhert
eddy.
Me: Ineedmythi
ngs,butIcannot
l
eavey ouherewi
ththem andyou
cannotleav
etoo.
Danny
:Whatdoy
oumean?
Me:
I'
ll
baby
sitt
hem.
Danny :Thanky ou,thanky ouNasiphi
.
Theyar ereall
yf ondofy ouandit
woul dbeast ruggleifIlookedfora
nannyandi nt
roducedt hem to
someonet heydon'tknowormi ght
notev enli
ke.AsmuchasIam abad
fatherbutIdol ovethem andcar efor
them.
Me:
You'
renotabadf
ather
Danny:
You'
v ebeenher
ef orashort
ti
mebutIknowy ou'
veseenhowIam
wit
hthem,youknowI'm abadfather
Me:Ineedtocal
lVenestopackup
myclothesf
ormeandt hi
ngsI'
l
lneed.
Danver
:Usemyphone,
andtel
lherI
'
ll
sendadri
vert
opi
ckherup.
Me:
Thanks
Itookhisphoneandwentt othe
balcony,I'
venev err
eall
ybeenatt he
backyard.It
'sreall
ybeauti
fuland
theresawat erf
ountain.I
t'
sreall
ya
beautif
ilbi
gy ard.Aft
erafewr i
ngs
shef i
nall
yanswer edherphone
Venes:
Venesspeaki
nghel
l
o
Me:
HeyVeez
Venes:
Ohheyst
ranger
,wher
ear
e
you?
Me:Iknowi t'
salottoasksi nceIhave
somanycl othes.Pleasepackal l
my
cl
othes,t
oiletr
iesandt akemy
sui
tcasethatsundert hebedandt he
smallbag.Justpackev er
ythi
ngof
mineandacarwi l
lcomepi ckyouup
wit
hev er
ything.
Venes:
What
!Why
?What
sgoi
ngon?
Me:
JustdoasIsaypl
ease
Venes:
Arey
oui
ntr
oubl
e?
Me:No,I'
l
ltel
lyouev
ery
thi
ngwhen
you'
reher
e
Venes:Okay,
you'
l
lhavetopayme.
Youhavetoomanyclothes.I
'
llsee
youlat
er,l
emmepack.
Me:
Thanky
oubabe.
Dannycl
ear
edhi
sthr
oatandIl
ooked
athi
m.
Danny
:Ar
eyoudone?
Me:
Yes
Danny:Igoty
ousomet hingtowear
whil
eyouwaitforyourcl ot
hes.I
askedChenantoor ganisethi
ngsfor
you,t
heyinyourroom.
Me:
Chenan?
Danny:SomeoneIknowf
rom a
bout
ique.
Me:Yougotmesomet hingtodr
ess,
f
rom abouti
que?Real
l
y ?Icansee
whenyou'
relyi
ngtome
Danny
:Okay
,she'
sadesi
gner
.
Me:You'
rejustwentsoooov
erboar
d.
Thanksany
way s
Ilef
thimt her
escrat
chinghishead,
hemessesuphe' shairwhenhedoes
thatandhonestl
yit'
sverysexy.Itook
ashowerandl oti
onedmybody .The
dresswasont hebed,wowr eally
,it
s
short.Iworei
t,i
twasashor tdress,
gol
dandv
eryr
ight
.
Me:
Danny
!Danny
!!
!
Hequickl
ycameinandst
oodbythe
doorwit
hhismouthwi
deopened.
Me:Icannotwearthi
s!Li
keIjust
can'
t.Justat
racksui
twould'
vebeen
fi
ne.
Hedidn'
trespond,
he'
smout
hwas
st
il
lhangi
ngopened.
Me:
Danny
!
Hedi dn'
trespond.He'
sjustst
anding
there.Ij
ustwalkedbacktothe
bathroom andtri
edtaki
ngitoffbutI
couldn't
.Damni t
!Reall
y!
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Iwentt
ohi
m andIwasi
rr
it
ated
Me:
Ohsoy
oucant
alknow?
Hekeptquietagai
nandlookedatme.
He'spl
ayedwithhi
shairandhisbl
ue
eyestwi
nkl
ed.
Danny
:Sor
ry,
I'
ll
gety
oumyt
racksui
t.
Me:Idon'
tthi
nki
twi
l
lfi
tme,
I'
m abi
g
gi
rlDanny
Danny: I'
m abigguy,Idi
dn'
tspendall
thesey earsi
nthegymf ornothi
ng.
Hef l
exedandhonest lyIwas
charmedbyt hisbeastinfr
ontofme.
He'sdamnsexy ,
hecamebackwi t
ha
Niketracksui
tandstoodatt hedoor.
Me:
Arey
ouj
ustgoi
ngt
ost
andt
her
e?
Danny
:Ohsor
ry,
I'
ll
gocheckont
he
ki
ds.
Itri
ed,Ireall
ytri
edt akingof ft
his
dressbutIcoul dn't.Ijustcouldn't
takeitoffti
llIheardi ttare.Shit!I
t
shouldn'
thav etared!Ohl ordI
wonderhowmuchi tcost s.Iwor ethe
tracksui
tandi tfit
tedmebuti twas
j
ustr eal
l
yr eall
yt i
ght .Iwentt othe
l
oungehol dingt het orndress.He
waswat chingT. V.wi thOni ka.
Me:
Danny
Hel
ookedatmeandwi
nked.
Danny
:What
'sup?
Me:
Uhm Iwast
ryi
ngt
otakei
tof
f.
..
.
Danny
:Takewhatof
f?
Me:
Thedr
ess
Danny
:I'
m notf
oll
owi
ng
Me:I
ttor
e,asIwast
ryi
ngt
otakei
t
of
f.
Hejustlaughed,r
eall
y?I
'm soscared
ri
ghtnowandal lhedoesislaugh?I
coul
dn'thelpbutj
ustcry
,yesI'm acr
y
babywhenIwantt o.Hequickly
j
umpedf r
om wherehewasseat ed
andstoodi nfr
ontofmeme.
Danny
:Ar
eyoucr
ying?
Ij
ustcont
inuedcr
yinghar
d,hecan
seethatI'
m cr
yingbuthe'
saski
ngme
nonsense.
Danny:I
tdoesn'
tmatt
er,
itsokaythat
thedr
esstore.We'
l
lgetyouanother
one.
Me: Idon'twantanotheroneDanny
.
I'
m sadthatittor
e, i
tlookedsoo
expensive.I'
l
lpayitback,howmuch
wasi t
?
Danny:Theresnoneedt
o.Nowst
op
cr
yingplease.
Inoddedandhet ookt
hedr essand
thr
ewi taway .Per
ksofbeingrich,
I
wasst i
llgoingtosowit.Iwenttosit
nexttoOni kaandshelaidherhead
onmyt
highsasIbr
ushedherhai
r.
Danny:Theyar
egoingtoschool
tomorr
owandI '
m goi
ngtowor k,
you'
l
lbealoneduri
ngtheday .Oni
ka
comesbackat12:30,I
'
lldropheroff
.
Danvercomesbackat14:30.
Me:Okay,I
'
llhav
etowakeupabi t
ear
lyandprepar
ethem f
orschool
Danny :Yesplease,whenItrytodoi t
theyendupbei nglate.Danvers
unifor misinhisclosetonthel ef
t,
he'llshowy ouwher ehekeepshi s
booksandspor t
sbag.There'salsoa
ti
met ableheputont hewallforhis
afterschool acti
vit
iesandOni ka
wearsany
thingshewant stowear
besi
desFri
day s,i
tsj
eansandherpre-
school
st'
shi
r tandtakki
es.
Me:
Andl
unch?
Danny :
You'll
preparewhateveryou
feell
ikedoingforthem.There'
salot
i
nt hefri
dge,may beyoucanadd
somef rui
tsandasnacki t
'sallupto
you.
Me:
Andy
ou?
Danny
:Whataboutme?
Me:
Whatshoul
dIpr
epar
efory
ou?
Danny:Oh,
nodon'tworr
yaboutme.
I'
l
lgrabsomet
hingatthecaf
eter
iaor
comebackhomef orl
unch.
Me:
Okay
.
Danny:Youdon'
thavetoworryabout
cl
eani
ng, l
aundr
yandallt
hatstuf
f,I
havehelper
sforthat
.
Me:
OhokaybutI
'
llcook.
Danny:I
fyoufeel
li
keit
,Idohavea
chefbuti
fyouwannacookit
'sokay
.
Ohandonemor eprobl
em
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Danny:Myf at
her
,hel
i
kesshowi
ngup
unannounced.
Me:
Idon'
tseet
hatasapr
obl
em.
Danny:Ohyesi
tis.He'
s,he'
sscar
y.
That
'sall
I'
ll
say
.
Hel aughedatmyconf usedfaceand
wentupst ai
rs.Ideci
dedtokeep
my selfbusyintheki
tchenwith
cooking.Aftersometimetherewasa
cal
l fr
om thephoneconnectedt ot
he
securitygat
e.
Me:
McKenzi
eresi
dencehel
l
o?
Hi
m:It
'soneofthedr
iver
s,I
'
m wit
h
MsVenes.Pl
easeopenthegat
e
Me:
Okaysi
r.
Iopenedandaf
tersomemi
nut
es,
Venescamerunni
ngin.
Venes:
Am Idr
eami
ngorwhat
!?
Me:Don'
tev
enscream!Iknowy
ou,
you'
l
lwaket
hebabies.
Venes:
Wer eal
l
y,r
eal
lyneedt
ocat
ch
up!Whati
sgoingon?
Dannywalkedi
ntheki
tchenand
gr
eetedVenes.
Danny:Yourthingswi l
lbepackedi n
yourroom,I'
lll
eav eyoutwot ocatch
up.I'
l
lbebackl ater,
Venesdon'tleave
unti
lI'
m back.Iknowshemi ghtbe
boredifyouleaveheralone
Venes:Don'
tyouworr
y,wehav
eal
ot
total
kaboutsoI'
l
lbehere.
Dannywinkedandhelef
t.Danv
er
walkeddownthest
air
swi t
hablanket
.
Me:You'
reupalr
eady
?Doy
ouwant
somethi
ngtoeat
?
Danv
er:
Not
hanky
ou.Wher
e'sOni
ka?
Me:
She'
sher
e,wat
chi
ngcar
toons.
DanverlookedatVenesforawhi l
e
andgreeted.Iguesshedoesliketo
observ
epeopl efir
st.Hewenttothe
fri
dgeandcamebackwi t
hy oghurt
forhi
m andOni ka.
Danver:Oni
ka,
mayIpl
easechange
thechannel
?
Oni
ka:Okay
,butdon'
twat
chany
thi
ng
bor
ing.
Wel aughedatwhatshesaidand
VenesandIsatoutside,
wecoul dsee
them fr
om wherewewer esit
ti
ng.
Venes:
Expl
ain
Me:Longst
orycutshor
t,I
'
m ananny
now.
Venes:
Iwantt
hel
ongst
ory
.
Me: Okay ,
rememberIwentt osee
Dannyt heot herday, sowespent
ti
met ogether .Imethi ski ds,
some
sagahappenedandhel eftmewi th
them t heent i
reday ,hej ust
disappear ed, wentcompl etel
y.After
thathisf ri
end, Mphowentl ookingfor
him.Whent heycamebackhewas
drunk, Iwasangr y,wear guedanda
whol elothappenedi nj ustaf ewday s.
Toj ustconcl udet heent irest
or y,
I
agreedt obeanannyt ohi skids.I'
m
nowwor ki
ngf orhi
m
Venes:You'r
esobadatexpl
aini
ng,
now,yourjobasast
ri
pper?
Me: Idon'twanttodothatany more
yesit'
sapar tofmeandI '
ll
alway s
appreciatewhatthatj
obhasdonef or
mebuti t
'sti
meIdosomet hingelse
youknow, i
t'
snotreal
lycomfortable
tobeshowi ngoffyourbodyt oall
thosemenespeci all
ywheny ou're
size34.
Venes:Av er
ysexysize34,wel
lI'
m
happyifyou'
rehappywithyour
deci
sion.I
'mloosi
ngmyr oommat e
Me:I'
l
lcont
inuepay
ingr
entj
ustunt
il
yougetsomeoneel
se
Venes:
Thanksgir
l,howmuchi
she
payi
ngyou?Bet
terbegoodmoney
Me:Itmi
ghtbe,
itdoesseem asi
f
he'
sgotagoodpocket
Venes:Helly
eahhedoes,haveyou
seenthi
shouse!Soyou'r
ejustgoi
ng
tobeaf ul
lti
meparent
?
Me:I'
m notapar
entVenes,
I'
mjusta
nanny
.
Venes:
That
'
sjustt
hesamet
hing.
Wesatandt al
kedtil
lshehadtogo,
sheneededt otakeashiftf
oroneof
thegirl
sattheclub.Iwenttositat
theplayroom wi
ththekidsti
ll
we
heardDannycal l
onus
Oni
ka:
We'
reher
edaddy
!!
Hejoi
nedusandheplayedwithhis
ki
ds.Heseemedtobescaredy ethe
wastry
inghi
sbest.He'
sfacewasr ed
andhedidn'
tmakemuchey econtact
wit
hthem.
Me:
I'
ll
gomakesupper
Danny
:I'
l
ljoi
nyou
Me:No,whydon'
tyoujustst
ayhere
wi
ththeki
ds.They
'vemissedyou
Danny:Uhm..
.I.
.Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
s..
.
that
'sagoodidea.
Me:
It'
sagr
eati
dea,
bye.
Hesatdownandsi
ghedasOni
ka
passedhi m atoyt eapot.Ilaugheda
l
itt
leandwentt ocook.Icookedaf ul
l
sevencol oursmeal .Alothas
happenedt oday ,myf eetarestart
ing
togetitchy,theyhav eat endencyof
gett
ingswol lenandi tchy.AfterIwas
done,It ookashowerandl oti
oned
myf eetwi t
hagel whichst opsthe
i
tch.Iwentt ot heplayroom and
call
edt hekids.Theyhadt heirni
ght
showerwhi l
eDannypr eparedthe
tabl
ef orsupper .
Oni
ka:I
twasgoodplay
ingwi
thDad
t
oday,
heneverr
eal
lyplay
swit
hus
Danver
:Heusedt
oplaywit
hme
whenmom wasaroundbutIwas
al
sost
il
lj
ustaki
d
Me: Andyouarest i
l
ljustakid.You're
toomat ur
edforyourageDanv er,
remembery ou'
reaki dnotanadul t
.
Don'tbehardony ourself
,I'
m hereto
takecareofyouandy oursi
ster,i
t'
s
noty ourr
esponsi
bili
tyanymor e.And
i
'llt
rygett
ingDaddyt oplaymor ewith
youguy s.
Oni
ka:
Thanky
ouSi
sNasi
Wewentdownst
air
sandIdi
shedup
f
orev
eryone.
Danny
:Thanky
ou
Oni
ka:
Daddycany
ouf
eedme?
Danny
:No!
Heshout
ed,ther
ewasn'tanyneedf
or
hi
mtoshout.Onikal
ookeddownand
wi
pedhertears.
Danv
er:
I'
ll
feedy
ou
Me:NoDanver
,eaty
ourf
ood.Come
Oni
ka,
I'
ll
feedyou
Danny
:Excuseme.
Hegotupandwal kedoutt hedoor .I
sighed,thisisbiggerthanIt hought .
What everitisthatsaffectingDanny ,
i
tst otal
lyaffecti
ngt hekidsaswel l.
I'
m afraidtheresalreadyt oomuch
damaget hatshappenedi nthissmal l
fami l
y.Afterwewer edonewi th
supper ,
Ihelpedt hem brusht heir
t
eet
handt
uckedt
hem i
n.
Danv
er:
Promi
sey
ou'
l
lnev
erl
eav
eus
Si
sNasi?
OhGod, whatam Igetti
ngmy sel
finto?
Thesekidsareslowlywinningahuge
partofmyhear tover
.Isighedand
nodded.Thatreall
ywasn'tconv i
ncing
tothem.
Oni
ka:
Promi
se
Me:
Ipr
omi
se.
Iki
ssedthei
rfor
eheadsandt hey
sl
ept.Iwenttot
heki t
chenandfound
Dannywashingdishes.
Me:Iwasgoi
ngtowasht
hem af
ter
t
ucki
ngthem i
n.
Danny
:I'
m sor
ryIshout
edather
.
Me:I
'm nott
heoney
oushoul
dbe
apol
ogi
zingto.
Danny :
I'
ll apol
ogizet
ogetalso.Isaw
thewayy oulookedatme,youwer e
disappointedatme.
Me:Yes, yesIam.Youcandobet t
er,
youcanbeabet t
erfat
her.Youj
ust
needtof aceyourdemonsandl etgo
ofwhat'sholdingy ouback.
GoodnightTristonMcKenzie.
He'seyespoppedandhewas
shocked.I
'
m surehe'swonder
ing
howIknowhe' ssecondname,Itook
asneakpeakathisIDbookwhi l
ehe
wasbusywashingdishes,i
twasnext
tohisphoneandcarkeys.Ichanged
i
ntomyPJs, myclotheswereneatly
packedinmyclosetandIgotinbed
andwentofftolal
aland.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t6
Iwokeupat06: 00am andbr ushed
myt eethandwentt ot hefir
stfl
oor
wit
hmyPJson.Iqui cklyprepareda
ful
lEnglishBr eakfastandmade
l
unchboxesf ortheki dsandDanny .I
knowhedi dsayt here'snoneedbut
heneedspr operfood, whoknows
whatt heyhav eathi soffi
cecafeteri
a?
Iwentt owaket hekidsupand
getti
ngOni kat owakeupwasabi tof
achallenge.Shest i
llwantedtosleep,
shewasbar elyawakeasIbat hedher .
Idressedherupandcombedher
l
ongcur l
yhair.Ithenbat hedDanv er
andIgothiminhisschool unif
orm.
Combedhishair,
he' shai
rissimil
ar
toDanny'
sandwet ooktheirbags
andDanverssportbagdownst air
s.
Me:
Comehav
ebr
eakf
ast
.
Theyat ewhi l
eIputtheirlunchbags
i
nt heirbagsandcl eanedar oundt he
ki
tchen.Dannycamer ushing
downst air
sl ookingfrustratedy ethe
wassosexyi nhisblackswai dsuitI
couldn'thelpbutst are.Hehadn' t
buttonedt het wotopbut t
onsonhi s
shirt
,thebl azorwasn' tonasy et.I
t
showedhi sbodyofper fectionand
hishairwasst il
labitwet .Am I
seri
ousl yey ei
ngmybossr ightnow?
Danny
:Mor
ningki
ds
Them:
Mor
ning
Danny
:Mor
ningNasi
.
Me:
Mor
ning,
youl
ookf
rust
rat
ed.
Danny:Idon'
tusuall
ywearat i
e,but
todayIreal
l
yhav etoweari
t.Ihave
i
mpor t
antbackt obackmeeti
ngs,I
needtobepr esent
able.
Me:
Cont
inue
Danny
:Idon'
tknowhowt
oti
eit
.
Me:
Wher
eisi
t?
Danny
:Myr
oom.
Ir
oll
edmyeyesathi
m andhe
l
aughedaswewenttohi
sroom.
Honestl
ythesest airsareti
ring!I
'm
defi
nit
elygoi
ngt olooseweightin
thi
shouse.Ifixedhi sti
eand
butt
onedhisshi rt,
Iputitaroundhi s
neckandadjust editproperl
y .Al
lthi
s
ti
mehewasl ookingdeepi ntomy
eyesandIavoi dedey econtactwith
him.
Me:
Done
Danny
: Thankyou.I
'l
lbedownf
or
br
eakfastinasecond
Iwentdownst air
sanddishedupfor
him,thekidsbrushedthei
rteet
handI
wasfullyconvincedt
heyarereadyf
or
school.
Me:
Sitdownandwai
tfordaddy
.
Hehadhi sbreakf
astandwentback
upstai
rsforafewmi nut
es.I
twas
7:30am whenhecamedownandput
thebagsinhiscar.
Danny
:Let'
sgoki
ds,
wil
lyoubeokay
al
onetoday
?
Me:
Yes
Danny :Makey our
selfcomfor
tabl
e,
explorethehouse.Thedriv
erwill
dropt hem of
f,Imightbecomehome
verylatetoni
ght.
Me:
Okay
,hav
eagoodpr
oduct
iveday
.
Danny
:ThanksNasi
.
IsmiledasIwalkedhi
m outandt
hey
droveoffasIwaswavinggoodby
eto
thekids.
Me:
(si
ghs)WhatdoIdonow?
Iwenttot akeashowerandchanged
i
ntoasummerdr essandfl
ipf
lops.I
rusheddownstair
swhenIhear d
somenoi seandshuffl
i
ng.Therewere
somewomancomi ngi
ndressedin
thei
runif
or ms.
Me:
Mor
ning
Oneofthem:MorningMam, I
'
m Dora.
We'recl
eaner
shere,Ihopewe'
renot
di
sturbi
ngyouinanyway.
Me:
OhAunt
'Dor
adon'
tcal
lmeMam,
I
'm al
soahelpher
e,I
'
mthenew
babysi
tt
er.Mynamei
sNasi
phi
Dora:Ngy
ajabul
aukukwaz
mntanam(Goodt omeety
oumychi
l
d)
I
'l
lgodomydut i
esnow
Me:
Any
thi
ngIcanhel
pwi
th?
Dor
a:Norelaxyour
sel
fyoungl
ady
.
We'
vegotitcov
ered.
Iwentt othekitchenandhad
breakfastthenwashedt hedi shes
andpot sIused.Icleanedatt he
kit
chenandt ookatubofI cecr eam
andwat chedt v.WhenIgotbor ed,I
tookmybooksandwentt olaybyt he
garden.It'
sav erypeacefulplaceto
beandIcanr eadproperl
y.Idon'
t
knowhowi thappenedbutIwokeup
tothesoundofmyr ingt
one.Oh!My
phonewasr i
nging,
Imusthav efal
len
asl
eep,i
twasv erypeaceful
.
Me:
Hel
l
o
Danny :Nasi,I
'
mv erybusyIwon' tbe
abletopickupt hekids.I
'm goi
ngt o
sendadr iverover
,soy oucanfetch
thekids.Ialr
eadynot i
fi
edtheir
teachersthatyou'
llbepicki
ngthem
up.
Me:
Okay
.
Danny
:Thanky
ou
Me:
For
?
Danny
:Taki
ngcar
eofmyki
ds.
Me:I
t'
sapleasur
epl
usi
tsmyj
ob.
Nowwork
Hel aughedatmeanddr oppedt he
call
.Iqui cklyr ushedt othehouseand
changedmycl ot hes,don'tjudge,Idi
d
sayIchangeal ot.PlusI'm going
someweher esoIneedt olookabi t
present abl
e, Iwor eblackv estanda
l
ongcl oselyy ellowski rtwithblack
sneaker s.Tookmybagandwai t
ed
forthedr iverdownst air
s.Af t
erafew
minut eshear rivedandGod!You
creater eal
lygoodl ookingmen!
Shhhisaa!Ay !If eltmyl egsget
wobbl y.
Him:
(cl
earst
hroat
)Mam!Mam ar
e
youokay?
Me:
NoIt
hinkIneedadoct
or
Imadesur
eIwhi
sper
edt
hatandhe
smi
rked
Him:Youmi ghthavet
owhisper,
and
tal
kabitsofteri
fyouwannamumble
somethi
ng.Myear sar
esharpsoI
heardt
hatloudaclear
.WellI
'm
Gumbi
Me:
Gumbi
?
Him:
Yest hat
smysurname, my
nameisFezil
ebutt
heyallcal
lmr
Gumbi.Nowmaywepl easeleav
e?
Me:
Arey
ougoi
ngt
oaskmemy
name?
Fezi
l
e:Ialr
eadyknowyourname
Nasi
phi,
nowl et
sgo.
Me:
Fine.
Heopenedt hedoorformeandI
thankedhi m.Wedr oveof
ftofet
ch
Oni ka.Shewasv er
yhappytoseeme
fetchher ,
she'
sslowlyopeni
ngupto
meandbecomi ngv er
ybubblyand
that smakesmehappybecauseshe's
gett i
ngabletoshowhertruesel
f.
Me:
howwasschool
?
Oni
ka:
Bor
ing,
it'
sjustsobor
ing.
Me:Whatdoy
ouknowabout
bor
edom?Welly
ouhav
etogo
any
way
s
Fezil
e:MrMcKenzi
esai
dIshoul
d
takeyoutot
hemallsoyoucango
shopping
Me:Canyoupl
easedropusathome,
we'
ll
gotothemallwhenDanverhas
al
sojoi
nedus.
Fez
il
e:Okay
.
Wegothomeandhedr oppedusof f
andsai
dhe'l
lbebackbef ore
14:
30pm.Ithankedhi
m andhel ped
Oni
kachangeintoabeaut i
ful
summerdresswithfl
i
pf l
ops.
Me:
Wantsomet
hingt
oeat
?
Oni
ka:
Justonehot
dog,
we'
l
leatat
t
hemal
lwi
thDanv
er.
Me:Seemsli
key
ouhav
eital
l
pl
annedout
?
Oni
ka:
Yessi
s.Whenam Igoi
ngt
o
gr
ade1?
Me:I
n2y
ears,y
ouneedt
ogot
o
gr
adeRf
irst
.
Onika:
Crecheisbor
ing,
theyt
eachus
t
hingsIalr
eadyknow.
Me:
Howso?
Oni
ka:Al
phabets,
numbers,poems,
andri
ddl
es.Theyareal
lj
ustbori
ng,
whocan'
tcount?
Me:
Get
ti
ngsassyar
en'
twe?Wel
lcan
y
oucount
?
Oni
ka:
Yes
Me:
Mmmmh.
Itookapaperandpenandwr
otea
fewsumsf orher
.
Me:
Answert
hese
Oni
ka:
50+50=100,
75+45=120,
89+10
0=189and456+65i
s521.See?
Me:Oni
ka,howdidyoucal
cul
ateal
l
t
hatinj
ustaminute?
Oni
ka:
That
'
ssi
mpl
emat
h.
Me:You'
rei
ncreche,t
hisshoul
dn'
tbe
si
mplemathtoyou,si
mplemathis
2+2fory
ou.
Oni
ka:
That
'
swhyI
'
m bor
edi
ncr
eche.
Il
ookedatherf
orav
eryl
ongt
ime.
Me:
You'
resmar
t
Oni
ka:
Thanky
ou
Me:Canyousol
vethi
s,3y
(x+1)-
10(
x+1)
,notet
hatt
hex'saresquar
ed.
Oni
ka:
Okay
.
ShestaredatitforawhileandIknew
shecouldn'tanswerit
.Shepassed
thepapertomeandshehadgott he
answerright,i
t'
s(x-
1)(3y
-1)
Me:Soyou'r
etel
l
ingmet hata4year
ol
d,cananswert
hisquesti
on,what
doyouknowaboutfact
orisat
ion?
Onika:Idi
dn'tknowit
scal
led
factor
isat
ionbutIknewhowtosol
ve
t
heanswer .
Me:
Ineedt
ospeakt
oyourf
ather
.
Oni
ka:
Mmmh
Shecontinueeat
ingli
kenothi
ngj
ust
happened.Iwasstuckinmyown
thought
sasIwasdi stur
bedbyFezi
l
e
Fez
il
e:Let
'
sgo
Me:
Ohokay
,comeOni
ka.
Icar
riedhert
othecarandFezi
l
e
drov
eust oDanver
sschool
.Whenhe
sawmehecamer unni
ngandhugged
me.
Me:
Hel
l
o!Howwasy
ourday
?
Danv
er:I
twasgood,
Ihadl
otsoff
un.
HeyUncl
eGumbi
Fez
il
e:Danv
er
Danv
er:
HeyOni
ka
Oni
ka:Hey
,comewe'
regoi
ngt
othe
mal
l.
Danver
:Yey
!Wi
l
lwegot
osausage
sal
oon?
Me:
Ify
ouwantt
o
Wegottothemallandwenttothe
gameareaandtheypl
ayedgames.
Weplayedsomegamest oget
herand
Isatwi
thFezi
l
e.
Fez
il
e:You'
regoodwi
tht
hem
Me:
Thanky
ou
Fez
il
e:Doy
ouhav
eanyofy
ourown?
Me:
No,
notatal
landy
ou?
Fez
il
e:He,
hewasst
il
lbor
n.
Me:
OhI
'
m sor
rymust
'v
ebeenhar
d.
Fezi
l
e: I
twasbutIgotoveri
t.Ido
al
way sthi
nkabouthi
m buteachdayI
healandI'
veaccept
edit
.
Me:
Ohokay
,ify
ousayso.
Theyplayedaswewat chedthem and
Fezi
lekeptont al
kingandtell
ingme
abouthisli
fe,
heisr eal
lybubblyand
helaughsalot.Il
i
kehe' sper
sonalit
y.
Aft
erplayi
ngwewentt oeatat
sausagesaloon,gotburger
sfr
om
McDonaldsf orsupperandwentback
home
#Danny
Todayhasbeenav eryhecti
cday,I
hadt ogoonsi t
eandat t
endbackto
backmeet ings.Hav i
ngmany
compani esi sn'tt
hatmuchf un,i
t'
s
hardwor kandsweatbutatt heendof
theday ,i
tbr i
ngsgoodmoneyt hat
youenj oy.I'
m atmyconst r
ucti
on
company ,Idon'treal
lyworkthat
muchher esi nceiti
ssomet hi
ngI
didn'tr
eallyst udyorpaymuch
attenti
ont obutwhent hi
scompany
wasgoi ngdownandwasbei ngsol
d,
Iboughti tandbr oughtitbackt ol
if
e.
ThereisaCEOr unningthiscompany
formebutIdoal sochecki nandsee
howmybusi nessisr unningandhe
shouldn'tbet oocomf or
table.
Nonhle:
Sir
,youhaveacal
lcomi
ng
t
hrough,i
tsMrZulu.
Inoddedandt
ookt
hecal
l
Me:
Zul
u
Lyanda:
Whyarey
oubeingsof
ormal
?
Wherearey
ou?We'r
ecomingt
oyour
house
Me:
No!No!Uhm comet
omyof
fi
ce,
I
'mt
her
e.
Lyanda:
Why
?Wewantt
ogot
oyour
house.
Me:L’
yanda,
justcomet
omyof
fi
ce,
whoareyouwith?
L’
yanda:
TheGents,
wellbesi
des
Nkosi
.Whichof
fi
ce,bespeci
fi
c.
Me:
MCC.
Hedr oppedt hecall
andIsi ghed.My
gentsallknowaboutNasi butthey
don'tknowt hatsheisnowwor king
formeandwor seofal
l,she'sstayi
ng
withme.Iknowt hey'
ll
thinkI'm outof
mymi ndbutIneedhercl oset ome
wher eIcanseeherandIenj oyher
company .It
sf unnyhowI '
m slowly
fal
li
ngf orherbutIdon' twantitt ogo
ther
e, I
'
mv eryunsur eofmyf eelings.
Let'
sdot hi
sagain, shallwe?My
namei sDannyTr i
st onMcKenzi e,the
sonoft heoneandonl yTriston
McKenzi e,wellknownasRazor .I '
m
34y earsofageandIhav et wo
beautif
ul ki
ds,asonandadaught er
whom Il ovewithal lmyhear tbutIf ai
l
toexpresst hattothem.I 'm mar ried,
5yearssgoIgotmar r
iedtoav er y
beautif
ul womanwhom Il ovev er y
muchaf t
erbeingf urtherfortwo
yearssoov erallwewer etogetherf or
3yearsbecause4y ear sagoshe
passedawayaf tergi vi
ngbi r
thtomy
daught erOnika.Inev ergott he
chancet osaygoodby et oher,totel
l
herhowmuchIl oveherandwi ll
al
way sdo.Inev ergott ohol dheras
shebr eathedherl astbr eath.
Any way s,asIwasgoi ngov ersome
document stheguy scamei nandit
wasj ustt oonoisy.Brian, Thapelo
andMay iar
ealsoher eexpl ainsthe
noise,Br i
annevershut sup.
Jabu:
Mymai
nman.
Me:
Yousoundsogayr
ightnow
Phi
la:
Ijustneedsomef
oodupi
n
her
e.
Ical
l
edNonhl
eandshecamei
ntomy
of
fi
ce.
Bri
an:Hel
l
osexymammma!Ni
ce
thi
ghs
Mpho: Thi
siswhySbahl
ewi
l
lnev
er
dat
ey ou,yout
oomuchofa
Casanova
Bri
an:
Shelovesmebutshe'
spl
ayi
ng
har
dtoget
, noonecansaynot
othi
s
yummyhunk.
Me:Keeptell
i
ngyoursel
fthat
,Nonhl
e
pl
easeordersomefoodforus.
Lubah:
Nandosspeci
fi
cal
l
y.Lot
sand
l
otsofmeat
Athi
:YouandNandos,Nonhl
e,order
somegoodbraaimeetfr
om the
shi
sany
amadownt
hest
reet
.
Thabo:
Nowy
ou'
ret
alki
ng
May
i:Ij
ustneedsomebeer
,addbeer
t
her
etoo.
Mpho:
Andsomehotsause.
Phil
a:Hey!She'
snotsomewaiter,
thatwil
lbeit
.Bett
err
unbefor
et hey
endupsendingyoutobuyanent i
re
store.
Shelaughedandl
eftus.Ther
ewas
j
ustamomentofsi l
enceandIdidn'
t
l
ikewherethi
sisgoi
ng,theyare
goi
ngt oaskmeaboutmyl i
feand
howdoIf eel
.
Me:
I'
m okay
,Iknowt
hat
'swhat
y
ou'
regoi
ngt
oask.
Thapel
o:I
'
m gl
ady
ou'
redoi
ngokay
man
Me:
Howol
dar
eyou?
Thapel
o:26,
buty
ouknowwe'
re
al
mostthesameageman
Me:I
'm 8year
sol
derthanyou
monkey,how'
sli
fenowthatyou'
re
marr
ied?
Thapelo:I
t'
sgood,sti
ll
int
he
honeymoonphasebutwi t
hNceba
pregnantshe'
sdri
vingmenut
s!
Bri
an:It
oldy
oudon'tdoi
t!It
oldy
ou,
don'
tgetmarr
ied,
useacondom,if
youdon'
thaveone,empt
yyour
l
iqui
dsont hesidenotinherman!
Nowshe' sexpect
inganddriv
ingyou
i
nsane,unnecessarydramawhich
youcould'v
eprevented.
Jabu:Youj
ustsi
ckintheheaddude,
you'
re28andgett
ingold,
sett
ledown.
Br
ian:
Idon'
tknowwhatt
hosewor
ds
mean.
Bonga:Ij
ustwantt
oknowwhyy ou
di
dn'twantust
ogot oy
ourhouse?
Me:
BecauseI
'
m her
eandI
'
m wor
king.
Ly
anda:He'
shidi
ngthatf
itr
oundass
gi
rli
jhi
shouse!Whoisshe?
Me:What
!?Howdoy
ouknowabout
her
?
L’yanda:
Dude, youdon'thavehigh
fencespluswest ayont hedamn
samest reet,
Igoteyes.PlusIsawher
thi
smor ningaround12t obespecifi
c
butIcouldn'tseeherface,shewas
withGumbi .Damnshegotani ceass!
At
hi:
Iwannaseeher
!!
May
i:You'
remar
ri
ed
Athi
:AndIl
ovemywi
fesomuchbut
I
'm al
sonotbl
i
nd.
Welaughedthatof
fandcont
inued
t
alki
ngaboutass.
Phi
l
a:Butr
eal
l
y,whoi
sshe?
Ir
anmyhandst
hroughmyhai
rand
si
ghed
Jabu:Damnshe'
sgi
vi
ngy
out
roubl
e
al
ready?
Me:No,she'
snot
.It
'sj
ust
compl
icat
ed
Lubah:
Whoi
sshe?
Me:
Nasi
phi
Theyalll
ookedatmewitht
he"
Hav
e
youlostyourmi
ndlook"
Bonga:
TheeNasiphi
Dlami
ni?Nkosi
needst
oheart
his.
Hecal
ledNkosiandheanswer
ed,
it
wasonspeaker
.
Phi
l
a:Ar
eyouwi
thNay
e?
Nkosi
:Yes
Jabu:
St epoutabi
t,shemustnot
heart
his.
Ther
ewassomeshuf
fl
ingandhet
old
ushe'
scl
earnow.
Thabo:SoDannyi shavi
ngNasi
phi
overherhouse!Justl
ist
ent
othat.
Phi
l
a:He'
sdamnt
appi
ngt
hatass!
!!
Nkosi
:Whatt
hehel
l
!Danny
!
Me: Guys!Yousoundlikey ourwi ves
nowcomeon, Ididn'
tknowy ouguy s
tal
ksomuchandno, I
'm nott apping
herfineass.Pl
usshe'smor et han
j
usthav i
ngaf i
neass,she'ssmar t,
beautif
ul,
sexy,hasareallygreat
l
aughandshecooksr eall
ywel l.
Mpho:Whati
sshedoi
ngi
nyour
house?
Me:
She'
s,she'
smybaby
sit
ter
.
At
hi:
Qeee!Angenaamanzi
endli
ni!
Wow,doyouknowwhatyou'r
edoing?
Jabu:Cal
m downguy s,I
'
m sure
ther
esaperfectexpl
anati
onforthi
s
Me: Ther
ereal
l
yisn'
t,
Ijustneedher
nexttomeandshe'sgoodwi t
hthe
ki
ds.
Nkosi:
Youdoknowt
hegi
rl
swon'
t
l
ikethi
satal
l
.
Br
ian:
Whywon'
ttheyl
i
keher
?
Thapel
o:I
'
m al
soconf
usedast
owhy
y
ouguy
sar
esonotsuppor
ti
ngt
his
Oh,
they'
veneverseenherbefore
t
hatswhytheydon'tunder
stand.
Mpho:Becauseshe'
sacomplete
repl
i
caofZee,theyl
ookali
keyou'
d
sweart
heyareident
ical
twi
ns.
Me:That
'st
hepr
obl
em butt
heyar
e
di
ff
erent
.
Nkosi
:Howso?
Me:She'st
hicker
,she'
santi-
soci
al
andreadsal
ot.She'
smor eofanerd
andZeewasanadr enal
injunki
e.
Bonga:
Arey
oui
nlov
ewi
thher
?
Me:
Inl
ovei
stoomuch,
Ijustl
i
keher
.
Nkosi
:Youli
kebecauseofwhoshe
i
sorbecauseshel
ooksli
keZee?
Ijustsighedandl ai
dmyheadont he
table.Iam lyingtomy sel
fwhenIsay
i
nlov eistoomuch, I'
mfall
inginl
ove
withherbyt hedaybutI '
m betr
ayi
ng
Zeeandourmar ri
agemost l
y
becauseNasi l
ookssomuchl i
keZee.
Nkosi isfrustrati
ngmewi thhis
i
nt ensequest ions.
Jabu:Howdoesshel
i
keheri
ce
cream?
Me:Vani
l
lai
cecr
eam wi
thchocol
ate
sy
rup.
Jabu:
Howdoesshesi
tont
hecouch
Me:
Fol
dsonel
egandsl
ouchesoni
t.
Mpho:Howi sshedi
ffer
entf
rom Zee?
That
'sexact
lywhatZeedoes.
Phi
l
a:Howol
disshe?
Me:
25t
urni
ng26,
11t
hNov
ember
.
Phi
l
a:Weneedt
olooki
ntot
hisgi
rl
.
Nkosi:
Wil
lbeinDurban,i
ntwodays
ti
me.Bett
erthi
nkquickDanny
,the
gi
rlswon'
tli
kethi
satall
Danny
:Youj
ustwon'
ttel
lthem.
Lubah:They
'l
lfi
ndoutwhenthey
crashy
ourhouseintwodaystime.
Danny
:Whatt
hehellwi
ll
theybe
doi
nginmyhouse?Youwon'tal
l
ow
t
hem t
ocome
May
i:Danny,
itsOni
ka'
sbi
rt
hdayi
n
t
wodaystime.
Isi
ghedandr
anmyhandst
hrough
myhair
.
Me:Ineedtogohome.I
t'
sget
ting
pret
tyl
ate,
yourwi
vesar
ewait
ingfor
youathome.
Jabu:Youneedt ost opav oidi
ngt his,
i
t'
sherbi r
thday,thechildwi l
lnot
underst
andwhyherbi rthdayisn't
cel
ebratedlikeal
l t
heot hers.The
gir
lsarethrowingherapar t
y ,
it'
s
goingtohappenwhet heryoul i
kei tor
not.
Danny:Justnotatmyhousepl
ease,
I
cannotbehavingapar
tyontheday
mywi f
edied!
At
hi:Itwi
l
lbeatmyhouse.Andy
ou
wi
llcome!Endofst
ory
!
Idrankagl assofwhi skeyandwent
out.Theyf oll
owedmeandBonga
wasst il
lont hephonewi t
hNkosi.
Everyonegoti nt
heircar
sandwel ef
t.
IgothomeandNasi waswatchi
ng
T.V.Ireall
ydi dn'
twanttoseeherbut
myf rustr
ationsjustsoft
enedupandI
smiled.
Nasi:You'
reback,
sorr
ywedidn't
cook.Butwebroughtyouaburger
t
oo.
Me:
Don'
twor
ry,
Iat
ewi
tht
hegent
s.
Nasi:Iwantedtotal
ktoyouabout
Onika,herbi
rthdayi
scomingupand
shetoldmey ouneverthr
owhera
bir
thdayparty
...
.
Icutheroff,
Ireall
ydi
dn'twantt
otal
k
aboutital
l.I
'
m anassholeIknowbut
Icannotcontrol
whatIfeel.
Me:Shewil
lhaveaparty
!Itwi
ll
beat
At
hi'
shouse,happynow?We'l
lall
go
Nasi
:Oh,
okay
.Noneedt
oshout
.
Me:
Ijustdon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t.
Shel
ookedatmef
orav
eryl
ongt
ime
andIwasgetti
nguncomf
ort
able,
sur
elyshe'
sseeingt
hemonst
erthatI
am.
Nasi:Wehadagreatdayt
odayand
Fezi
lewasgoodcompany,he'
s
handsome.
She'
stry
ingt
ochanget
hesubj
ect
andshe'
sgonet
oadamnwor seone!
Me:
Who?
!
Nasi:Gumbi
,thedr
iver
.He'
sver
y
handsome
Me:Yourj
obistot
akecar
eofmy
ki
ds!Nowstar
eatGumbiandsay
he'
shandsome.
Shej
ustl
aughedatmeandwal
ked
ov
ert
ome.
Nasi:AaahMrMcKenzi e,you'
rever
y
funny.SeeIdomyj obverywelland
thankverymuch.Plus,
itsnotmy
faul
tthatmyey esl
ikel
ookingat
handsomef aces.
Shewinkedatmeandwal ked
upstai
rs.Damn!Thi
sgir
lisgoi
ngt
o
dri
vemecr azyIt
ell
you.
Hopey
ouenj
oy!
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t7
Waki ngupIdeci dedI'
m goingt odo
thisalone,whet herDannywant st
o
parti
cipateoni tornot.I'
m goi ngto
focusonOni ka'
sacademi clif
eand
alsomakesur eshe' shappyandwel l
takencar eoff.I'
m happyt hathis
fri
endsar ethrowi ngabirthdayparty
forherbutIam al sonervousabout
meet ingthem.Idon' tfeelreall
y
comf ortabl
ewi thbeingwi thmany
people,
I'
m notusedtoit.Butit
s
al
way sgoodtostartsomethingnew.
Itookashowerandputonmyr obe.
WhenIgott oDanversroom hewas
al
readyup
Me:
Mor
ningLi
tt
leDanny
Danver:
Mor
ning,
I'
m notf
eel
i
ngwel
l
today
.
Me:
Whywhat
'swr
ong?
Danver:Myst
omach,
andIgota
headache
Me:
Youl
ookper
fect
lyf
inet
ome
Danv
er:
Idon'
twantt
ogot
oschool
Me:
Why
?
Danv
er:
I'
mlaz
y.
Me:
Sor
rywel
lyou'
regoi
ng.Come.
Danv
er:
Butsi
sNasi
!
Me:Don'
tmakemer
epeatmy
sel
f
sweet
ie.
Hesi ghedandwenttohisbathr
oom,
Ibathedhim andgothi
mr eadyfor
school.
IwokeOni kaupanditwasa
chall
engebutImanagedt ogether
readyontime.Iwentdownst ai
rsand
Dannyhadal r
eadymadebr eakfast
.
Hewaswear i
ngjeansandaLecost e
golft'
shi
rtwit
hfli
pfl
ops.He'sa
fl
ipfl
opsguyItel
l y
ou.
Me:
Mor
ning
Hedi dn'
tgreetbackbuthej
ust
staredatme.Isighedanddishedup
forthekids.Theyateandwentto
brushthierteet
h.
Danny
:You'
rewear
ingar
obeonl
y
Me:
Yes
Danny
:Andy
ou'
recomf
ort
abl
e?
Me:
Ver
ymuch
Danny:I
tdoesn'
tseem asi
fyou'
re
weari
ngunderwear
Me:I'
m notandkeepy
ourey
est
o
your
selfMcKenzi
e
Danny
:I'
m sor
ryaboutshout
ingl
ast
ni
ght
Me:
Nohar
m done.
Danny:Don'
tyouwanttowear
somethingappr
opr
iat
e,thedr
iveri
s
comingsoon.
Me:Fezil
eknowshowt okeephis
ey
estohi msel
f.ThoughIr
eal
ly
woul
dn'tmindifhesawmel i
kethi
s
Iwinkedathi
m, Idon'
tunderstand
whyhehasapr oblem wi
thit.Andthe
robeisveryf
luf
fyandpuff,i
t'
snot
sil
kandtight
.
Me:
Kids!Come!
Oni
ka:
Comi
ng!
Theyrandownst ai
rsandtookt hi
er
bags.Someguycamei nandI '
mv ery
sorr
yt oj
udge,I'
m notbeauti
fulei
ther
butdamnt hi
sguyi sugl
y.Ilookedat
Dannyandhel aughedabitand
winkedatme.Whati sthi
sguy
pl
ay i
ngat?
Danny:Nasi
,meetyournewdr
iver
.
He'l
ldr
iveyouandt
hekids
ever
ywhereyouwanttogo.
Hi
m:Hi
mam,
I'
m Phuml
ani
.
Me:
Hi.
Itooktheki
dsbagstot
hecarand
saidgoodbyeast
heydrov
eoff.I
wentbackinsi
deandDannyhadthe
bi
ggestsmi
l
eonhi
sface.
Danny
:Handsomenhe?
Me:Mxm you'
rej
ustimpossi
ble,
what
happenedt
oFezi
le?
Danny:
Igavehi
m anot
herj
ob,
he
can'
tbeyourdr
iver
Me:
Why
!?
Danny
:Yousai
dhe'
shandsome
Me:
Yeshei
s,andso?
Danny
:He'
l
lbeabi
gdi
str
act
ion.
Me:
Mmmmh.
Danny
:What
'st
hatsupposedt
o
mean?
Me:
Not
hing.Ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
owor
k?
Danny:I
'
m goingt
oLubah'
sjustf
ora
whil
ethenI
'l
lcomeback.I
'
llbeat
hometoday
Me:
Okay
Ihadbr eakfastandcl eanedt he
kit
chen.Af t
erthatIwentt omyr oom
andt ookoutmycl ot hesandi roned
them.Il aidonmybedandr eada
book.Whi l
eIwasr eadingIwas
texti
ngVenesandj ustcat chingup.I
wantedt oinvit
ehert oOni ka'spar t
y
butIal sodidn'twantt obecauseI
didn'
twantt oseem f orwar d.Igota
textfrom Dannyt elli
ngmehehasl eft
.
Idon'tgetwhydi dn'thejustcomeup
andt ellmeorj ustdisappear .Isti
ll
can'tbel ieveheact ual l
ygotanot her
dri
verwhoi sv eryugl yj
ustbecauseI
saidFezi l
eishandsome!Af teraf ew
hour s,Igotr eadysoIcangot o
Onika'sschool .Iwor eabl ackleather
penci l
ski rt
,whi t
ebl ouseandpenci l
heels.Fi xedmyhai randt ookmybag
thenwentdownst ai
r s.Iputmybag
ont heki tchencount erandgott he
fri
ghtofmyl if
ewhenDannyhel dmy
waistf rom behi nd.
Me:
Danny
!Youscar
edme!
Ismackedhi
sarm andhelaughed.
Hehadthisf
reakysmileonhi
sface
andImanagedtopullawayfr
om hi
s
arms.It
henwenttothefri
dgeand
t
ookoutabot
tl
eofwat
er.
Danny:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulandv
ery
sexy
.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Danny
:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
Oni
ka'
sschool
.
Danny
: Why
?What '
swrong?Di
d
somethi
nghappentoher?
Heseemedv er
ywor ri
edandItmade
mehappy ,hedoesl ov
eandcaref or
herbutIj
ustdon'tknowwhycan' the
expressi
t.It
'sl
ikethere'
ssomething
holdi
nghim back.
Me:
Not
her
e'snot
hingwr
ong.Iwas
goi
ngtotalkt
oyouabouti
tlastni
ght
butyoushutmeout
.
Danny:Ihav
en'tbeeni
nagoodspace.
I
'mjustdeal
ingwithal
ot.
Iwantedtosaysomanyt hi
ngsbutI
keptitt
omy sel
f.Idi
dn'
twantt
o
upsethim,heseemedtobeabit
bett
ertoday.
Me: WellOni
kaist oosmar tf
or
creche,
she'sactuallytoosmar tfor
herage.Yester
day ,Imadeher
answersomemat hquest ionssince
shesaidcrechebor esher .She
answeredthem allexcell
ent l
y.Danny,
sheknowsf act
or i
sation,evenI
str
uggl
edwithitinhi
ghschool .I
'm
goingt
ocheckonherschool work
andspeakt
ohert eacher
sj usttofi
nd
outhowshedoesandt heirinputi
n
thi
s.Havey
ouhel pedherwi t
hher
homeworkbefore?
Danny
:No
Me:
Okay
,wel
lwi
l
lyoucomewi
thme?
Danny:Uhm Idon'
tknow,
Iwant
edto
fi
nishupmyuhm. .
.Iwant
edto.
..
Ij
ustlookedathi
m ashemumbl
ed
nonsense.
Me:Gof
ixy
ourhai
r,y
ou'
recomi
ng
wi
thme.
Danny
:ButNasi
Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'sa
goodideaandwhat
swr
ongwi
thmy
hai
r?
Me:Idon'
tcar
ewhaty
ousay
,justdo
asIsay.
Danny
:Youdon'
tgett
ododemands
Me:
Wel
lIj
ustdi
d.Nowgo
Helaughedatmeandwentt
ohis
room.Hecamebackandhehad
combedhishai
randhewasver
y
handsome.
Me:
You'
resowhi
te
Danny:
I'
m abl
ackmanstuckina
whit
emansbody.Cany
oudr i
ve?
Me:
Ihadadr
iver
sli
censey
ear
sago,
Idon'
tevenknowwherei
tis.Thel
ast
ti
meIdrove,Iwas17.
Danny
:Okay
,Idon'
twantt
odi
e.Let
s
go
Il
aughedathi
m andwewentt
othe
gar
age.
Me:
Howmanycar
sdoy
ouhav
e?
Danny
:Many
.
Ir
oll
edmyey esandwegoti
ntohi
s
Mercedes-
BenzGLESUVCoupe.
Me:
Nicer
ide
Danny
:Thanky
ouv
erymuch.
Wedrovei
nsil
enceandgotto
Oni
ka'
sschool
.Shewasveryexci
ted
toseeus.At
eachercamet
ousand
smil
ed.
Her
:MrMcKenzi
e,hi
I'
m MsNgubo.
Danny
:Hi
,thi
sisMsDl
ami
ni.
Shejustsmiledatmeanddidn'
tpay
muchat tent
iontome.Okaycoming
wit
hDannyher ewasabadideaift
his
damnt eacherwil
lkeeponl
ookingat
Dannylikehe'ssomegod.
Me:
(cl
earsthroat)Arey
ouOni
ka
McKenzi
e'steacher?
Her
:No
Me:Weneedt
ospeakt
oOni
ka'
s
t
eacher
?
Aladycamefr
om anot
hercl
assand
cal
ledusi
n.
Her
:HiI'
m MsJames,
Oni
ka'
s
t
eacher
.
Me:Hi
,I'
m Nasi
phi
Dlami
ni,
Oni
ka'
s
Nanny
.
Danny
:I'
m herf
ather
.
Wesatdownandshewasv
ery
pl
easedt
oseeus.
MsJ:I'
mv eryhappyyoucame, I
'
ve
sentalet
teronOnika'
smessage
booktwot i
mesbef or
etryi
ngtogeta
meeti
ngwi thherguardi
ans.
Me: Wewer
enotaware,
I'
llmakesur
e
Ichecki
tev
ery
dayfr
om today
onwards.Ij
ustwantedtocheckhow
she'sdoi
ngatschool.Ihav
enoti
ced
thatshe'
sverysmart.
MsJ: Toosmar tf
orcr
eche,she'
s
gif
tedandwe' l
lbedel
ayingheri
fwe
keptherincrechewhenshe's
capableofdoingmorethanwhatwe
doatt hi
slev
el.
Me:
Sowhatar
eyousuggest
ing
may
be?
MsJ: Iwassuggestingwemov eher
overtoGradeRR, Iknowshe'l
ldo
real
lywellt
here.Heragedoesnt
all
owust omov eherstrai
ghtto
GradeR.
Danny:Won' tt
hatdisturbheri
n
anyway?Imeansheal readystart
ed
her
e,andt ostartsomet hi
ngnew
wit
hinthey ear
,maki ngnewf r
iendsi
n
anewcl ass.Willshebeabletoadapt
toi
t.
MsJ: Yesshewi l
l,Onikaisav ery
bubblyyoungper sonwhocaneasi l
y
makef ri
ends.She'sverytalkati
veand
i
twoul dn'
tbeapr oblem atall.I
t'
ssti
ll
earl
yinthey earandIdef i
nately
beli
eveshe'l
l beabletowor kand
adaptinthenewcl ass.Takesome
ti
meandt hi
nkabouti t,
don'ttaketoo
l
ongt hough
Danny
:I'
l
lemai
lyouaboutourf
inal
deci
sionbySunday
.
Me:You'
ll
getacall
from usby
Sunday
,ane-
mailseemst oof
ormal
.
Dannyl
aughedandwesai
dour
goodby
es.
Me:
Oni
ka,
let
'
sgosweet
ie.
SherantomeandIgav eDannyher
bag.Icar
ri
edherandshetol
dme
aboutherday
.
Danny
:CanIcar
ryher
?
Me:
Yes.
Ismi
l
edasIpassedheroverandshe
wasabi
thesi
tantabouti
t.
Me:
It'
sokaybabe.I
tsDaddy
.
Dannywasn'
tevenhel
pingbecause
hewasgetti
nghisr
edface.
Me:
Danny
,justbr
eat
he.
Ismil
edathi m andhehel dOnika
ti
ghtl
y .Shesl
eptonherf ather
s
shouldersandIfel
tgood, atl
east
ther
e'ssomepr ogress.Wegott othe
carandDannygoti ntothe
passengersseat.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Danny
:She'
sasl
eep,
you'
l
ldr
ive.
Me:
Uhm okay
.
Danny:Dr
ivet
oDanv
ersschool
,we'
re
pi
ckinghi
m up.
Me:
Butschool
isn'
touty
et.
Danny
:There'
ssomethi
ngcal
l
edan
ear
lyl
eave,
nowdriv
e.
Iwasv er
yner v
ousaboutdriv
ing
agai
nbutassoonast hecarstar
ted
mov i
ng,i
tfeltri
ghtandIwasinmy
zone.Idrov
el i
keit'
ssomethi
ngI'
v e
beendoingdaily
Danny
:Woah!Slowdownwi
l
lyou?
Wenotinarush
Me:
Sor
ry,
am Ispeedi
ng?
Danny
:You'
ref
lyi
ng!
Ilaughedathi
m,hehasbigeyes,
and
thewayhepoppedthem outwas
funny.
Danny
:You'
rel
aughi
ng
Me:
Yougothugeey
es
Danny
:Butt
heyar
esexy
.
Me:
What
ever
.
WegottoDanversschoolandpi
cked
hi
m up.Hewasexcitedtoseeme
andhewasmor eexcit
edwhenhe
sawmedriv
e.
Danver
:Youshoul
dteachmehowt
o
dr
iveSi
sNasi
Me:Daddywi
ll
teachy
ouoncey
ou'
re
ol
denough.
Henoddedandconcent
rat
edon
l
ooki
ngoutthewindow.
Me:We'regoi
ngt
othemal
l
,ar
eyou
exci
ted?
Danv
er:
Yes
Me:We'l
lgetpr
esentsforOnikat
hen
wrapt
hem upwhileshe'sasl
eep,
whatwi
llyoubuyher?
Danver:Sheal
wayswant
sat
easet
soI'
l
l gethert
hat
.
Danny
:I'
m sur
eshe'
l
lappr
eci
atet
hat
.
Danv
er:
Andwhatwi
l
lyougether
,
Dad?
Danny
:Uhm I
'
m notsur
emay
beadol
l
.
Danver:Oni
kahat
esdol
l
s,shel
oves
teddi
es.Youwoul
dknowthati
fyou
spentt
imewi
thus.
Me:
Danv
er
Dannyjustt
urnedredandsighed.
Danverisasmallchi
ldyethehas
angeri
nsideofhim.
Me:We'l
ltal
kwhenwe'
rehome
Danny
.
Wegott othemal landIl ef
tDanny
wit
ht heki
dsatthepl aycent rewhil
eI
shoppedaroundf orpresentsand
somet hi
ngsIneeded.Whenwewer e
al
ldonewehadl unchanddr oveback
home.Danv erwantedt ogot akea
napwi t
hOnika.Ituckedt hem inand
changedintoatracksuit.Ifound
Dannyrest
inghi
sheadonthekitchen
count
er.It
ookabott
leofwaterand
gavei
ttohim
Danny
:IneedVodka,
notwat
er.
Me:I'
m notgi
vi
ngy
ouanyal
cohol
Danny
Danny:Justgetmethedamnbot
tl
e
ofVodkaNasiphi!
Me:Youcannotsol
vey
ourpr
obl
ems
wi
thalcohol
Danny
:Ij
ustneedadamndr
ink!
Hebangedthecounterandanger
fl
eshedinhi
seyes.Igotscar
edbutI
di
dn'twantt
oshowi t
.
Me:Gogety oursel
fyourowndamn
dri
nk.I
'm anannyherenota
bart
ender
Danny :Yougotthatri
ght
,you'r
ejust
anannynot hi
ngmor e,sostop
play
ingmot hertomeandst ickto
yourjob.I'
l
ldri
nkalcoholwheneverI
wantt o.
Me: Iwishyouinvestedallthetime
andlovey ougivetothosest upid
bottl
esofalcohol,i
ny ourkids.You'
re
capableofbeingabet terfatherand
thatwon'thappenwhi l
ey oust i
ll
sti
ck
yourthroati
nthatalcohol.
Danny
:Don'
tyoudar
etel
lmet
hat
,
youdon'
tknowhalfoft
het
hingsIgo
thr
oughever
yday
.Youdon'
tknow
howdamagedIam!Youcannotjudge
me.
Me: YesIdon'tknowwhaty ou'
ve
wentt hr
ough,butIdoknowy ou're
beingselfi
shbyf ocusingont hose
thi
ngsandl ett
ingthem geti ntheway
oflovingthosekids.Theyj ustneed
yourloveandpr esenceasaf ather.
You'redamagedandy ou'
redamagi ng
everyonearoundy ou.Doy ousee
howDanv eri
sturningoutt obe?
That'sall
ony ou,youhav eachance
tomaket hingsright.Nowl eaveand
godr i
nkthatalcohol whereverbut
noti
nthi
shouse,Iwil
lnotl
etthese
ki
dsseeyoudrunkandhelpl
ess.
Theyhav
ewitnessedenough!
Danny
:Bi
tch!
Me: Youcansayt hat,itdoesn'thurt
meatal l
.Youj ustneedt ogrowsome
bal
ls,andgrowup.Facey our
demonsandmaket hingsr i
ght.And
Danny,I'
m notaf r
aidyou, Iwil
ltell
youthetruththatyouneedt ohear .
YesIdor espectyoubutIwon' ttake
anyshitfr
om y ou.
Danny
:I'
mleav
ingthi
shousebef
oreI
dosomethi
ngI
'l
lregr
et.
Me:
Youknowy
ourwayt
othedoor
.
Hewassoangr y,
Idon'tevenknow
whereIgotthi
sbrav
eryfrom.When
hebangedthedoor,If
li
nchedabi t
andcal
meddownwhenIwasf inal
ly
al
one.
Me: Keephi m safeohLord,
show
yourlightandmer cyuponhisl
if
e.
Guidehi m andchangehisli
fef
orthe
better.Lethim beabl
etohealand
for
gi v
ehi mself.I
nthenameofJesus
Ipray, amen.
Isighedandgottheshockofmyl if
e
whenIf el
thimtouchme.Hehugged
mef rom t
hebackandt hehugwas
tootight
.Didn'
thejustleave?I
closedmyey esasIfelthisbreat
he
onmyneck.
Danny
: Whyareyoust
il
lpr
ayi
ngfor
mewhenI '
vebeenatot
alj
erktoyou?
Whydidn'
tyouleav
e?
Me: Ibel
i
eveinGodandIbeli
evein
you.Iwantyoutoheal
andloveyour
chi
ldren.
Danny:Idon'
tknowhowt olov
e
anymore.I'
m afr
aidofev
entouchi
ng
myownki ds,I'
vebecomesomethi
ng
Idon'
tevenknow.
Me:Tr
usti
nGod, hewil
lshowyou
t
heway.Forgi
veyour
selfandputin
t
heextr
aeffor
tandbeagoodf ather
,
t
heyneedyou.
Danny
:Don'ty
oual
soneedme?I
knowIneedyou
Me:(
sighs)Idoneedy oubutthey
needyoumor e.I
'm heref
orthem as
muchasI '
m hereforyou.
It
urnedandhuggedhi
mf orawhi
l
e.
He'
stall
erthanmeandIhadmyhead
onhischest.
Me:
Letgonow,
Iwantt
ocook.
Danny
:I'
l
lhel
pyou
Me:
Thanky
ou
Danny
:No,
Thanky
ouNasi
phi
.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t8
TodayisFridayandi tisOnika's
bir
thday.She'sfinall
ytur
ning5y ears
andshe'sver yhappyshe'sthesame
ageasDanv erthoughhei solderbya
fewmont hs.Iwokeupandt ooka
shower.Wor emyr obeandwentt o
makebr eakfast,thepar tywi llst
artat
11am.Dannyboughtabeaut i
fulpi
nk
pri
ncessdr essf orOnikaandat iar
a.
Theywer ebothst il
lasleepsoIl et
them besinceitsst i
ll
ear ly.Iwentt o
mycl osetandt ookoutal ong
summerdr essthatIwi l
l wear .WhenI
wasgoi ngbackdownst airsIcame
acrossDanny ,hewascar ryinga
bottl
eofwhi skeyandwal kingaround
i
nhi sboxershor ts.Ij
ustshookmy
headandhebl ockedmyway .
Danny
:Ir
eal
l
yneedt
hist
oday
.
Me:
Isee.
Oni
kaandDanv
erwokeupandweal
l
hadbr eakf
asttogether
.Weal l
wished
Onikaagoodbl esseddayasshei s
tur
ning5.Shewasv eryhappyand
excit
edasIpr eparedherfort
heday
andgotherdr essedup.
Danny:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulPr
incess
Onika.
Oni
ka:
Thanky
ou
DannygotDanverdressedandIwas
veryi
mpressed,
atleastit
'ssome
progr
ess.
Danny:Godressupsowecanget
goi
ng.Idon'
tli
kebei
nglat
e
Ir
oll
edmyey esathi
m andgot
dr
essed.Iputonsomesandal
sand
combedmybi gafr
o.Iwon'
tti
eit
today
,plusIwon'
tputaweaveon.I
tookmybagandwentdownstair
s
andtheywerewait
ingf
orme.
Danny
:Yout
ookv
eryl
ong
Me:
Thatwasj
ust5mi
ns
Danny
:45mi
nsi
s5mi
nut
est
oyou?
Me:
Didn'
treal
i
zeIt
ookt
hatl
ong.
Oni
ka:
Canwegopl
ease?
Sherol
l
edherey
esandIl
aughedat
her
.
Me:
Get
ti
ngsassyar
en'
twe5y
earol
d?
Oni
ka:
Coul
dsayso.
Me:
Justf
ort
oday
Shelaughedandnodded.She' sa
beauti
fulsassyli
ttl
ediva.Wegotint
o
thecaranddr oveofftoAthi
'
siti
s
j
ustli
kea3mi nutedri
ve.Myheart
wasbeatingreall
yfastandIwasv er
y
nerv
ous.
Danny
:Let
'
sgo.
Wegotoutoft hecar,thehousewas
biganditseemsasi ftheyall
richand
successful
.IwascarryingOnikaas
sheputherheadonmyshoul derand
suckedherthumb.Whenwegoti n
thekit
chenthereweremanyl adies.
Oneoft hem j
ustgotsoshockedand
droppedaglassont hef l
oor
.The
otherj
usthail
edandcr iedoutloud.
Whatisgoingonhere?Mostofthem
coul
dn'
tstopstar
ti
ngatme.At hit
ook
theonewhowascr yi
ngoutsi
dewhi l
e
Dannyal
sot ookmeoutsi
de.
Me:
Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Danny:
Youl
ookl
i
kesomeonewe
know
Me:So?Whyshouldtheycr
yli
kethat
?
I
stheresomet
hingyou'
renott
ell
i
ng
me?
IputOnikadownandsher
ant
oher
fr
iends.
Danny:
Youlookli
kemyl
atewi
fe,
whoisSneh'
ssist
er.
Me:
Theonewhocr
ied?
Danny
:Yes
Me:
Danny
Isi
ghedandjustdi
dn'
tevenknow
whattodoorhowtotakeit
.
Me:I
sthatwhyDanvercal
l
edme
mommywhenhef ir
stmetme?
Danny
:Yes
Me:
DannyMcKenzi
e,y
oudon'
tdo
t
hat
.
Danny
:Dowhat
?
Me: Youonlybecamemyf r
iend
becauseIlookedlikey
ourwi f
e,you
keepmear oundy oubecauseIlook
l
ikey ourwi
fe.
Danny:Sortofbutyou'
redi
ff
erent
fr
om her,y
ou'rejust
..
.
Me:
Justshutup.
Wewentbacki nsi
deandi twas
vi
siblet
hathewasangr y.ButIhave
everyri
ghttobeangr yathim.Ijust
don'tevenknowwhatt osayort hink
aboutthis.Oneladyapproachedme
Her:Hi
,I
'm Nt
okozoZul
u,Ly
anda'
s
wif
e.
Me:Hi,
I'
m Nasi
phi
Dlami
ni,
Oni
kaand
Danv
ersnanny.
Ntoko:Ni
cet omeety ou.That
sSneh,
Nangamso, Kamogelang,Phel
okazi
,
Lebo,Si
ya,Nceba,Sbahleand
Babalwa.Andst andingtherei
s
Bel
inda,Zandi andNay e.Theother
s
ar
ejustallovert hehousesoy ou'
ll
meetthem later
Phi
l
a:HeyNasi
,ni
cet
oseey
ouagai
n
Zandi
:Soy
ou'
vemetherbef
ore?
Mpho:Yesandthatdoesn'
tmat
ter
now.Letsgot
othegardenandenj
oy
thechi
ld'
spar
ty.
Jabu:
Wit
houtanydr
ama
Danny
:Pl
ease
Naye:Comet hi
ssi
deNasi
phi
,we
wouldn'
twanttobebor
edwit
hthe
guy
sal one.
Brian:It
hinkit
'sbesti
fweal
lsi
t
together
.Allofus
Weal lwentoutt othegardenandsat
together,well
Iwassi t
ti
ngalone
whi l
etheotherssatwiththei
r
spouses, Dannywassi t
ti
ngwi t
h
Brian,Iguesstheyaretheonlysingl
e
ment here.Sbahlecamet ositnextt
o
me
Sbahl
e:Heygirl
,wetheonlyone'
s
whodon'thavedicknextt
ous.I'
m
dry
,li
kereal
lydrydownthere.
Mpho:
Sbahl
e!Icanheary
ou.
Shelookeddownandlaughed.Okay
I
'm confusedher
ebutIwon'
teven
ask,t
heamountofey
esst
ari
ngatme
areenough.
Sbahle:Sorry
,theyallar
everyover
protect
iveofme, especi
all
yMpho,
he'sli
kemyf ather.I
'
m Zandi'
sli
tt
le
si
sterbyt heway .
Me:
Icant
ell
,youl
ookal
i
ke.
Phelo:Soooar
eyouandDannyl
i
kea
couple?
Bel
i
nda:Phel
o!Shedi
dsayshe'
s
Oni
ka'
snanny
Sneh:Andt hat'
swheresheshoul
dbe,
si
tti
ngwi t
ht henannyswatchi
ngt
he
ki
dsinsteadofsi t
ti
nghere.
Kamo:
That
'
sri
ght
Bonga:Ladi
es,pl
ease.That
's
unnecessar
y.
Siy
a:Whydidn'
tyouat
leastt
ellus
becausei
tseemsasifyouallknow
her?Awarni
ngwould'
vebeenni ce.
Phi
la:I
t'
snotli
keyoual
lwoul
d'
ve
wantedherher
e.
Bee:
Whyi
ssheher
e?
Danny:BecauseIi
nvi
tedherher
eand
becausethekidsl
oveher
.
Sneh:Thosear
emysi
ster
ski
ds,
thosearemyki
ds!
Iwantedtosaysomet
hingbutIj
ust
keptqui
et.
Danny:Thosearemyki
dsandIknow
whatsbestfort
hem.
Zandi
:Andshei
s?You'
reconf
usi
ng
theki
ds.
Shewasv erycal my ety
oucoul dsee
shewasont hev ergeofl et
t i
ngitpour.
Yes!Shej ustcried.Mphowas
holdingherandNt okozost art
ed
cryi
ngt oo.Okayt hisisgettingatad
bittoomuchf orme.Isi ghedand
cl
osedmyey essay i
ngasi lentprayer
.
Lubah:
Doy
ouwantsomewat
erNasi
?
Me:
Yespl
ease
Hepassedmeabot
tl
eofwaterand
hi
swifegav
emethe"bi
tcht
hatsmy
man"l
ook.
Nceba:
Whoar
eyou?
Me:Whatdoy
oumean?I
'
m Nasi
phi
Dl
amini
Anothergir
lwal
kedi
nandshe
seemedt obeal
soshocked
Her
:Zee?Guys,
Idon'
tthi
nki
tsApr
il
f
ool
stoday.
Jabu:Wenotpull
i
nganyprankei
ther
.
Nongcebo,
justsi
tdown.
Ifi
gur
edhernameisNongcebo.She
l
ookedver
ybeaut
if
ulandhadani ce
body.
Nongcebo:
Wel
lmom i
scomi
ngand
youguysbet
terhaveanexpl
ainat
ion.
Shewil
lwanttoknowwhatsgoingon.
Nkosi
:Whyi
smom her
e?
Nongcebo: Shewasn'
tgoi
ngtomi ss
thi
spartyatall
.Youknowhowy our
motheris,shemother
sallofusand
especi
all
yhergrandki
ds.
Sneh:I
twill
begoodt
oseeher
,
haven'
tseenheri
nawhi
l
e.
Soshecanspeakdecent l
yotherthan
beingrude.Abeaut if
ulyoungbutold
womancamei n,sheisin6inchheels
Itell
youandsher eall
ylooksli
kethe
granniesthatdon'tage.Shelookedat
meandt hansatdown.
Her:DannyMcKenzi
e,whathav
eyou
done?
HowdidsheknowI
'
m her
ewi
th
Danny
?
Danny:
MaQ,
canwet
alkaboutt
his
l
ater
?
MaQ: Nosonwecan' t
,weneedto
addressthi
sissuebef
orei
tgetst
o
yourfat
hers.
Fathers?Doesshehav etwo
husbands?DamnI 'mthemost
confusedpersononear t
hrightnow.
Theyar eal
lj
ustplayi
ngwi t
hmymi nd
andI'vemetenoughpeopl efortoday
.
Sneh:
Ma,
I'
ll
expl
ainwhat
'sgoi
ngon!
Thisbigassbi tchdidherr esearch
reall
ygood!Sheknewshel ooksli
ke
Zeeandwor medher selfi
ntoDanny '
s
l
ife!Becausehei sst i
llvul
nerableand
hasn'tacceptedthef actthathe'll
neverseeZeeagai n.Knowi ngthat
sheisacompl eterepl i
caofZee!She
i
swi thDannybecauseshei safterhi
s
money !Sheisusi ngt hekids!Toget
toDannyandhi sweal thypocket!
Kamo:Whatdoyouwant
!Huh?Who
senty
ouhere!
Si
ya:Okay
,let
sal
lj
ustcal
m down
pl
ease.
Nay
e:Yes!Cal
m down,
seeshesev
en
cry
ingt
hisi
snowayt
otr
eat
someone.
Ntokozo:Qui
tthebull
shi
tNaye!Thi
s
i
snot imetoplayQueenNokukhanya!
Whoknowsshemi ghtbewi
th
Russians!
Phel
o:Nt
okoz
o.
Bel
i
nda:
ShutupPhel
okazi
!
L’
yanda: Youall
needtoshutup!
You'renowf i
ghti
ngamongst
yoursel
ves.You'v
eneverdonethat
beforeanditdefi
nat
elywon'
tstart
now.
Zandy
:Ithasneverhappenedand
nowthatsheshereit
shappening!
She'
star
ingusapartandherpl
anis
worki
ngperf
ect
ly!You'
redamaging
al
lofus!
Ever
yonewasnowsscr
eamingatthe
topoft
hei
rvoi
cesandar
guing.Ij
ust
coul
dn'
thel
pbutcr
yandstandup.
Nkosi
:Thati
senough!
Hebangedthetabl
eandever
yone
j
ustfr
ozeandlookedathi
m.Damn
t
hisguyi
sscary.
Nkosi
:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
Ithi
nki
t'
sbesti
fIl
eav
e.
Phel
o:Damnr
ighti
tis.
Bee:
Gobackt
owher
every
oucame
f
rom.
Danny:
Noonei
sleav
ing.Si
tdown
Nasi
phi
Me:Danny
!Iwantt
oleav
eandy
ou'
re
notgoi
ngtost
opme..
.
Hegav emesuchabadey eandI
didn'
tevenconti
nuespeaking.As
muchasIwasscar edrightnowbut
I'
m notgoingtosi
thereandl i
stento
them speaktomelikethi
s.Danv er
camer unningt
omeandIcar r
iedhim.
Danv
er:
Arey
oucr
ying?
Me:Nohunny,
I'
m not.Ther
ewasjust
somethi
ngi
nmyey es.Areyouhav
ing
fun?
Danver:Yes,
andOni
kai
shavi
ngf
un
too.Shewantsyout
ocomepl
aywit
h
us.
Me:I'
m abi
tti
red.Ineedt
ogohome,
I
'l
lseeyoul
ater.
Bel
i
nda: Youst
ayt
oget
her
!Itget
s
worse!
Danv
er:
Why
?Pl
easedon'
tl
eav
e.
Onikaal
socametomeandIput
Danverdownandkneel
edi
nfr
ontof
them.
Onika:Wher
eareyougoi
ng?Let
'sgo
playandwhenIcutt
hecake,
Iwant
tocutitwi
thyou.
Sneh:
Ial
way
sdot
hatwi
thy
ouOni
ka,
we'
l
ldoi
ttoget
her
.
Oni
ka:
Iwannadoi
twi
thSi
sNasi
Sneh:
Mpho!Shei
staki
ngawaymy
ki
ds!
Shecri
edandhonestl
yIwasget
ti
ng
real
l
yannoyedandfedupbyher
.
Danny
:Letherl
eav
eifshewant
sto.
Danv er:
NoDanny!Shewil
lnotl
eave.
She'sbeenmoreofaparenttous
thany ouhav
ebeen.
Danny
:Don'
ttal
ktomel
i
ket
hat
!
Me:Don'
tshoutatt
heki
d!Danver
,
youdon'
ttal
ktodaddyl
i
kethat
.
Danv
er:
Ifshel
eav
es,
wel
eav
ewi
th
her
.
HeheldOni ka'
shandandIj ustcri
ed.
Thesekidsar ejust5yearol
dsand
thi
sishappeni ng.Chil
drenthei
rage
shoul
dn'tevenknowandexper i
ence
whattheset wohav eexperi
enced.
Danveristoomat ur
edforhisageand
hehastakent her ol
eofbeinga
l
eadertoOni ka.
Me:Danver,Oni
ka,goplay.I
'
m not
l
eavi
ng.I'
llbewi
thy oushort
ly,now
smil
ebirt
hdaygir
landhav efun.I'
m
coming
Oni
ka:
Promi
sey
ouwon'
tl
eav
e?
Me:
Ipr
omi
se.
Iki
ssedthei
rfor
eheadsandt
heyr
an
togoplay.
Me: SeeI '
vesatt hereandl i
stenedto
allofy out alkbul lshitaboutmeand
I'
m notgoi ngt ot akei tanymore.With
allduer espect ,
I'm notsomei di
ot
thaty ouwi l
l r
unal l
ov ermyheadand
sayshi taboutmewhi chisnotev en
true!Idi dn'tknowt hismanunt i
lhe
sav edmef rom somemanwho
woul d'vedi dunt hinkablethingstome
thatni ght.Yes, hemetmeasa
stri
pperandy oucanl ookatmeand
j
udgemeal l youwantbutsomeofus
didn'tgetev erythingonasi lver
platter.
Nangamso:
Youdon'tknowt
heshi
t
we'
vewentthr
ough.
Me: YesIdon' tandy oualsodon' t
knowmyshi tsol etsnotj udgeeach
otherandkeept hi ngst oour selves.
It
snoneofmybusi nessasmuchas
mybusi nessi snoneofy our s.We' r
e
alladult
sher eandy ou'vebeen
behav i
nglikekids.I fyouhav ea
problem withmey oushoul d' vejust
saidsoandst oppedaccusi ngmeof
thi
ngsIhav enoi nt entionofdoi ng
andt hi
ngsIdon' tev enknowabout ,
mewor ki
ngwi t
hwhatRussi answhen
I'
venev erevenl eftt hecount ry!When
I'
venev erevenseenJHB!Whatt he
f
uckwoul
dIbedoi
ngi
nRussi
a!?
Nkosi
:Mi
ndy
ourl
anguage
Me: Sorry.I'm sor r
yi fIlookl i
keZee, I
didn'tev enknowaboutt hattil
ltoday,
I'
m sor ryifmypr esenceher eopened
upol dwoundswhi chcl earl
yy ouall
hav en'tdeal twi t
handZandy ,you
saidI '
m damagi ngal l
ofy oubut
honest lyy ou'rejustal ldamagedand
you'rel ooki ngforsomeonet opi ni
t
allon.Yousost uckonpr et
endi ngto
behappyy etyou'renotdeal ingwi t
h
yourl ossandf orgivingy ourselves
andmov ingon.Idon' tknowhowshe
diedbuti tsv i
siblet haty oual l
blame
your self,thatyouwi shy oucoul d'
ve
donesomet hi ngt oprot ectherbut
youcoul dn't!Nowf acei tandmov e
on!Yousay ingt hesear ey ourki ds
Sneh!Whyhav en'
ty ouseent hat
thesekidsar et r
aumat izedandneed
help!Especi all
yDanv er!He'sangr y
!
Hesangr yaty oual landhi sfat her!
Hei s5year sol dbutl ookathi m!Di d
youseet hewayhewas?Oni ka
doesn'tknowherf ather sloveandi t
i
sv erycleart hatshedoesn' tev en
knowt hel oveofamot her.You' ve
beenf ocusingony ourselvesbut
haven'treall
yf ocusedont heaf fectit
hasont hem.Ihav en'tbeenar ound
forawhi lebutI '
veseenhowhef ai
ls
tobeaf athertot hem, youbaby si
ta
34y earoldmanandsugar coathi m
yety oufailtodot hatt ohi ski ds.He
i
sagr ownassman!Hedoesntneed
yout ocall him everyhourj ustto
checkuponhi m, hehasn' tdeal twith
thel ossofhi swi f
ebecausey ouare
allsoftonhi m!Youdon' tgi v ehim
spacet obr eatheandacceptt hathis
wifei sgoneandnev ercomi ngback.
I'
m nott el
lingy ouall t
of orgetabout
herbutI '
mt el
li
ngy out of or give
your sel
vesandmov eon.Takecar e
ofthoseki ds!Theyneedl ov eand
suppor t,t
heyneedy ouDannybuty ou
cannotev enhol dthem andl ovethem!
Youdonotev encelebratey our
chil
d'sbi r
thday,youdon' tev enknow
thatshehat esdol l
sandl ovest eddi
es,
youdon' tknowt hatshepr efers
havinghot dogsthanhav ingpast a.
Shei sverybubbl ysmar tand
energeticandy oudon' tev enknow
mostt hingsabouther ,buy ingher
clot
hesandf ancyshoesi sn'twhat
sheneeds.Sheneedsy ouandno
bodyel se.And,I'
m nother eaf ter
Danny '
smoney ,Iwouldn' tev encare
i
fhedi dn'tpaymef orbei ngananny
tohiski dsbecauseIl ovet hem andI
carefort hem.Iwantt hem t obe
happy ,
andIwon' tgiv
ey out he
sati
sfactionandl eave,Iwillstayhere
andbeapar enttot hosekids, I'
l
l be
somet hingthattheydon' thaveand
thattheylongf or
.Nowy oustayher e
andsi pony ouralcohol,seemsasi f
thatsallyouknow.That sthet hing
abouty ourichpeopl e,
y outhink
moneysol v
esev erythi
ng.Facey our
demonsbef oretheybur yyoual ive.
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Me:
Don'
t!Don'
tcomenearme.
Nkosinat
hif
oll
owedmeasIwas
walki
ngout.
Me:Samegoesf
ory
ouNkosi
nat
hi!
Dontev
ensayawor
d.
Hel
ookedatmewi
thpl
eadi
ngey
es.
Me:
I'
m notl
eav
ing
Nkosi
:Thanky
ou
Iwenttothekidsandt heyi nt
roduced
met oallt
heot herki
ds.Wepl ay
edt i
l
l
Iwasv er
ytir
edandev er
y onewas
call
edtothedinningroom.I twas
ti
mef orspeechesandaf terthat
Onikawascal l
edt ocutthecake.She
draggedmeal ongandDannyal so
came.
Danny
:MayI
?
Inodded.Andweheldthekni
fe
toget
herandhel
pedOnikacutthe
cake.Ther
ewasalotofcheer
ing
goi
ngonandNcebaservedever
yone
wit
hthehel
pofsomeotherpeople.
Nayecametosi
tnextt
omef oll
owed
byNangamso
Ngamso:I
'
m sor
ryf
ort
hewaywe
spoket
oyou.
Naye:We' r
ereal
lysor
ryf
orbeing
bit
chy.Ital
lcameasasurpi
set ous
anditreall
ydidopenupwhatwe
thoughtwehav emovedonfrom.
Ngamso:Thewayy
oul
ookl
i
keZeei
s
r
eall
ycr
eepy.
Ilaughedatt
hem andatemycake.In
allhonest
yI'
vealr
eadyfor
givent
hem,
yesIdounderstandwhattheyar
e
goi
ngt
hrough.
Me: I
t'
sokay ,
Iforgiveyoutwo
becausey ouhadt hedecencyto
comeapol ogizetome.Iunderstand
whaty ou'
realldeali
ngwithbutthat
didn'
tgiveyouanyr ightt
otal
ktome
thatway .
Istoodupandl eftthem sitt
ingther
e.
Iwenttot hebat hroom andbumped
i
nt oSneh.Shel ookedatmewi th
glassyeyesandIj ustwalkedaway .
Thedaycont inuedandi twas
peaceful
.Itwasawkwar dbet weenall
ofusbutAt hitriedcrackingaf ew
j
okeswi thThapel obeingt heonlyone
whor eal
lylaughsatt hem.Ther e
weref akel aughsher eandthere.The
creepyst aresdi dn'
tstopandIwasn' t
comf ortableatal l
.DannyandIwent
home, theki dswer ehav i
ngasl eep
over.Ont hewaybacki twasjust
awkwar dsi lenceandIwasn' tgoing
tobet heonewhobr eaksi
tfi
rst.I
wentst raighttomyr oom,I'
mr eall
y
ti
redandI '
m noti nthemoodt obat h.
JustasIwasaboutt ogetinbed,
Dannywal kedi n.
Me:
Youmustl
ear
nhowt
oknock
Danny:You'
real
l dr
essedupso
ther
e'snoharm done.
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Danny
:Weneedt
otal
k.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
.
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t9
#Danny
Thi
sgi
rli
sdr
ivi
ngmecr
azy
!Li
ke
l
iterallydr ivingmecr azyandI 'm
fall
ingdeeperi nlovewi thherbyt he
day .Ilov eherat t
itude, Ilovehowshe
canst andupt omeandst andsf or
herwor dandshedoesn' tbackdown.
She' sast rongwomanandt hat'
sjust
allIneed.Sheknowshowt oputme
i
nt her i
ghtpl aceyetsheal so
respect sme, caresf ormeandshe
pray sf orme.Whatmor ewoul dI
evenwant ?She' sal sosodamnsexy
andbeaut iful.She'sv erynat ural
,no
makeup, simpl eafroandwhenshe
hasaweav eon, shej ustmakesa
ponyt ail.Sosi mpl ey etso
sophi sticat ed.Themor eI '
m around
heri sthemor eIr eali
zet hatshe' s
differentfrom Zi yanda, Zeenev er
chal l
engedme, sheagr eedwi thmost
thingsIsai dandshewasj usteasy ,
wenev erreal lyev enar guedt hat
muchy etsheal sohadt hissi det o
her ,t
headr enalinj unki
esi de, the
danger oussi deandshel ov edmot or
bikessomuchandshehadat hing
forguns.Il ov edher ,Istil
ldol ov eZee
andI 'l
lalway slov eherwi thal l my
hear tbutIam al sofall
ingi nlov ewi th
Nasi phi.Ijustf eel mybl oodboi li
ng
andwhenev erwear gueI '
mj ustso
turnedon.Iknowi t'
swei rdbuti t'
s
true.I'm notj ustonl yphy sical l
y
attract edt oherbutIl oveher .YesI
dol ov eherandi tscaresmepl usIdo
feel verygui l
ty.Woul dZeebeokayi fI
mov eonf rom heraf t
eri tj
ustbeing
4y ear s?Hasi tbeenl ongenough?
Af terwhathappenedt oday,Ireal
ized
thatIsheknowshowt ostandupf or
her sel f.Shei sthemosthonest
per sonandshenev ersugarcoat sthe
truth.Ineedt obehonestwi t
hher
andI 'm ner vousabouthowshe' llt
ake
allt his.Sowhenwegothomeshe
didn' tev entalktome, atl
eastshe
allowedmet ocutthecakewi t
hher
andOni ka.She'sjustsuchagood
per son, nomat t
erhowmuchy ouhur t
hershest i
lldoesconsideryour
feel
ings.I
'vebeennothingbutaj er
k
toher.AndIneedt oapol ogi
ze.I
openedherdoorandshewas
i
rrit
atedthatIdidn'
tknock.She
wasn'tnakedsoi ti
sn'tabigdeal.
Me:
Weneedt
otal
k
Nasi
:Tal
k,Iwannasl
eep.
Me:
Noneedt
obemoody
#Nasi
Ilookedatthi
smanashesai d"No
needt obemoody "hereal
l
ydoesn't
knowme!Ij uststoodupandwentt o
thebathroom andchangedintomy
pyjamas.
Danny
:Youwer
ereal
l
yfi
nei
nyour
dr
ess
Me:You'r
enotheretotel
lmeabout
whatIshoul
dorshouldn'
twear
.Now
t
alk,
Iwanttosleep.
Danny:Let
'sgotothel
oungeplease,
I
feel
asif,i
fwestayher
elongerI
won'tbeablet
ocontai
nmy sel
f.
Il
aughedathi
m andwewentt
othe
l
ounge.
Danny
:I'
m sor
ryaboutt
odayNasi
phi
Me:Idon'
twantanapol
ogybutIdo
wantanexpl
anati
on.
Danny
:Wel
lhonest
lyyoulookli
kemy
wif
easIt
oldyouearl
i
er,y
ou'rel
ike
i
dent
icalt
hat
swhyIwasso
dumbstr
uckwhenIf
ir
stsawy
ou.
Me:Why?Whyam Iher
e?Whydid
youwantt
okeeponseeingme?
Danny
:Idon'
tknow
Me: Don'tt
ellmethosel
ies,
youkept
wantingtoseemebecauseIl ooklike
yourwife.You'
reusingmetofil
lthat
empt yspaceinsi
deofyou.
Danny:That'
snott r
ue.Iknowyou
won'tbeli
evethisbutIl
ikeyou,
you'
re
ver
ydiffer
entfrom mywi f
e.
Me: Thatdoesn'
tcount.Ilookli
keher!
Sotheysay ,
it'
sreall
ycreepy.Andal
l
yourfri
endsjustlookatmel i
kethey
wantt
ost
rangl
eme.
Danny
:Fol
l
owme
Me:We'
ret
alki
ngher
e!Youneedt
o
l
ist
ent
ome
Danny:Babe,wehav
eal
lni
ghtl
ong.
I
'l
ll
ist
ent oyou.
Idon'
tknowwhymyemot i
onsare
betr
ayi
ngme!Ibl
ushedandlooked
down.
Me:
Don'
tcal
lmet
hat
.
Danny
:Justcome.
Heheldmyhandandwewent
downstai
rs.
Danny
:Don'
tfr
eakout
Me:
I'
ll
try
.
Heopenedt
hedoorandsi
ghed
Me: Thi
smustnotbesomef
if
ty
shadesshi
t.
Danny
:Iwi
shi
twas.
Hel
aughedatmeandwewenti
nsi
de.
I
twassti
ll
dark
Danny:Ineedy outoknowt hatIlove
youforwhoy ouar eandIjustdon't
knowwhydi dy ouhav etol
ooklike
her.Il
oveyouandi tscaresme
becauseIdon'twanty outothi
nkI '
m
usi
ngy outoreplaceher.Thiswillbe
abitfr
eakybutdon' tpani
c.
Het
urnedont
hel
i
ghtandt
her
ewer
e
somanypicturesofmeal l
overthe
room.Oh,nothisi
sn'tme!Nowai t
,
no!NowIjustunderstandwhythose
gir
lsact
edthatway.
Me:
Ist
hisy
ourwi
fe?
Danny:Yesthi
sisZee,Zi
yanda
Bhengu.Themotherofmykids.
Ij
ustsatdownandcr i
ed.Idon'tknow,
Iusuall
ydon'tjustcrysoeasilybutI
knowunder st
oodSneh' spain.Idon't
haveasisterandi fIhadoneandshe
passedaway ,andsomeoneso
i
dent i
calt
ohercomessuddenl yinmy
l
ifewithherhusband.I t
'sal
ljust
creepyandscar yandjusttoo
emoti
onal
.ThisiswhyDanv ercal
led
memom.Thi siswhytheylov eme
andwegetalong,Il
ookli
ket hei
r
mom.
Danny :
Shedi edaftergivingbi rt
hto
Onika.Inev ergotthechancet osay
goodby e,Nay ewast here, she'sa
gynae.Shehel dherhandandherl ast
wordswer et hatshet akescar eofher
ki
ds.SheknewIwoul dn'tbeabl eto
dothis,thatIwoul dn'tbeabl et odoit
al
one.If ai
ledher ,weal ldid.I
somet i
mesf i
ndmy selfblami ngmy
daughterformywi vesdeat h,thati
f
shewasn' tconceivedi twoul dbe
better
.Thati fIwasgi venachancet o
deci
dewhot heyshoul dsave,
whethermywi feort hechil
d.She
gavebirt
handshewasokayf orafew
minutesbutafterthatshedi dn'
t
makei t
.Wecoul dn'tdoanythingto
saveher,Icouldn'
tpr ot
ectmywi fe.I
l
osther!
Me: I
twasn'ty ourf
aultorany one
else'sforthatmat t
er.Sheknewi t
washert i
meandsheaccept edit.
Shel ovedy ouandt hekids,Idon't
knowmuchaboutherbutIknowshe
believediny ou,shewant edyouto
takecar eofherchi l
drenandpr oveal
l
thosewhot houghty oucouldn't
wr ong.Nowwhatar ey oudoing?
You'ref ai
li
ngherDanny .Youhav ea
room ful l
ofherpi ctur es,clothesand
artpieces.Youhav en' tmov edon
from her ,y
ou' vehadf oury ear st o
mour nherandacceptt hatshe' sgone
butyouhav en' t.You' r
est andi ngin
onepl acemov ingar oundi nci r
cles,
younotmov ingf orwar dinast rai
ght
l
ine,you' r
enott akingchar geofy our
l
ifeanddoi ngwhat 'sbestf ory ouand
yourkids.Dannyl knowt here's
somet hingi nt here,insidey ourhear t
andbeaut i
ful soul thatl ovesand
caresf oryourchi l
dr en.Youj ustneed
tolearnhowt oexpr essi t
.
Danny
:Icannot
,I'
vet
ri
edsomany
ti
mesbutf ail
ed.I'v
eblamedOni kafor
hermot hersdeath,fr
om thedayshe
wasbor nshedoesn' tknowt hel
ove
ofaf at
her,Whenmywi fewasst i
l
l
aroundDanv erandIwer einsepar
able
butnowhe' sangryatme.Soangr y
thathecallshisownf atherbyname
atjust5yearsold.I'
vemessedupmy
kids
Me:Andyoucanf
ixt
hatmess.I
t'
s
nott
oolat
e.
Danny:Ineedy
ouNasi
phi
,Ineedy
ou
tohel
pme.
Me:I
'l
lbeher
eforyou,
I'
ll
hel
pyou
buty
oualsoneedt
ohelpyour
sel
f.
Danny
:Whatdoy
oumean?
Me:
Youneedtotal
ktosomeone,
a
t
her
api
stmaybe
Danny:I
'm notaboutt
otal
ktosome
st
rangeraboutmypersonall
i
fe.
Me:
Findsomeonewhoy
oucant
alk
t
oandconfi
dein.
Danny
:Icant
alkt
oyou
Me:
No,
notmeDanny
.Someoneel
se
Danny
:Icant
alkt
othef
ormerKi
ng.
Me:
For
merKi
ng?
Danny:
Nkosinat
hii
saKi
ng,
Icant
alk
tohi
sfather
.
Me:
Whatdi
dMaQmeanwhenhe
sai
dyourf
ather
s?
Danny:WecallherMaQ,she'
sthe
QueenMother.Shewastalki
ngabout
Nkosi
'sfat
herandmyf at
her,Razor
.
Me:OhIunder
stand.Canwegetout
ofher
e?
Danny:Youcango,
I'
ll
stayf
oraf
ew
minut
es.
Me:
Okay
.
Ilef
thimt hereandwentt omyr oom.
Idon'tknowhowbutIj ustgott oo
emot i
onalandIcried,mypi l
lowwas
getti
ngwet .Aft
eraf ewmi nutes
Dannywal kedinandi twasv isi
ble
thathehadbeencr y
ing.Hel aidon
thebednextt omeandmademe
sleeponhischest.Hehel
dmeti
ght
ly
andasmuchasIknewt hi
swas
wr ong,
itf
eltsori
ght.
Me:
Danny
,don'
tdot
hispl
ease.
Danny:Pl
ease,
Ineedt
ohol
dyou.
Justf
ortoni
ght
Me: Youneedt ostop,I
'm notgoing
tobey ourrebound.Youjustneedto
holdmesoy oucant hi
nkofy ourwif
e.
Ift
herewer en'
tanykidsinvolvedhere
Iwould'vel
eftbutIcan'tl
eave
becauseIlovethem.Idon' twantto
beherr epl
acement
Danny
:Iknowandunder
standhow
youfeel
.Butt
hisi
sme, bei
nggenui
ne
t
oy ou.I
'mfal
l
inginl
ovewithyou
Nasiphi
andIcannotcont
rolmy
f
eeli
ngs.
Me:That
sal i
e,stoptel
l
ingyoursel
f
t
hatli
ebecausey oul
ovetheideaof
melooki
ngli
key ourwif
e.
Danny: That'
snott rue!Iam f all
ing
i
nlovewi thyouf orwhoy ouar e!It
wasn'tmyi ntentiont ofall
inl
ov ewith
you,Ifelli
nlovewi thy oubeforeI
evengott oseey ourface!Ifellinl
ove
withyout hedayImety ou,youknow
whatI'm say i
ngist rue.Iknowour
sit
uati
oni sv er
ycompl i
cat
edandi t
scaresmet oobecauseIknowIwi ll
hurtyou,I'
m notperfectatal lNasiphi
.
Idon'twanty outofalli
nlov ewithme
becauseI '
m adamagedman!I '
ma
messandIcannotshowl ove
anymor e.IknowthatIwi l
l hurtyou,I
don'twantt obutIknowIwi ll
.Justto
savey oursel
ffrom me,pleasedon' t
fal
linl
ov ewithme.
Me:I
t'st
oolatef
oryoutosaythat
now,Iam f
all
i
ngforyouDanny
McKenzi
e.
Danny:Iknow, Iseethewayy oulook
atmeandi tturnsmeon.I tmakes
mybloodboil andthatsthei nst
ant
connecti
onwehad.Wehav ea
connecti
onthatev enI,cannot
understandbutiti
sdanger
ous.Ilove
youandIdon' twantt
ohurtyou.
ThatswhyIchooset otr
yandav oid
thesefeeli
ngs,pl
easedosotoo.Just
foryourownsaf et
yandyourhearts
safety
.
Me:Thendon'
thol
dme,
leav
eme
al
oneDanny
Danny:Justletmehol dyou,j
ustfor
toni
ght.Iknowy ouwantittoo,I
t'
s
j
ustfortonight.Don'
tfi
ghtme
Me: Thi
sisjusttoomuchf orme.I
've
neverbeeninar elat
ionshi
pbef
ore
norevenfalli
nlovewi t
hsomeone.
Thesefeel
ingsar eforei
gntomeand
that
sscary.I
thurtsmorethatI'
m
fal
li
ngforamanwho' slatewife
l
ookssomuchl i
kemeandi tishighl
y
possibl
ethatyou'
reonl
yfall
ingfor
mebecauseIl ookli
keyourwife!
Danny
:Ssssh,
closey
ourey
es.
Me:
No
Danny
:Cl
osey
ourey
esNasi
phi
Me:
No,
Iwon'
t.
Danny:Youneedt
ost
opf
ight
ingme.
JustdoasIsay
Isi
ghedandclosedmyey es.If
elthi
s
l
ipsonmi neandhehadt hisminty
ref
reshi
ngbreath.Iopenedmyey es
andmov edback.
Me:
Ican'
tdot
his
Danny
:I'
m sor
ry,
Ishoul
dn'
thav
e
donet
hat.
Me: Noit
'snoty ou,
It'
sjustthatI
've
neverbeenkissedbefore.Idon't
knowhowt oki ss
Dannylookedatmewi t
hanamused
faceandhel aughed.Heli
ter
all
y
l
aughedatme!If el
tsoshyand
embarrassed.
Danny:
You'
rer
eal
l
ygoodatj
okes
Nasi
.
Me:
I'
m notj
oki
ng.
Helookedatmeandsuddenl yhi
s
expr
essionchanged.Hebecomeso
ser
ious.
Danny:I'
m sorr
yIlaughed.Ij
ust
thoughtyou'
rejoki
ng
Me:
It'
sokay
Danny :Youamazeme, howcana
beautif
ulsexyandamazinggir
lli
ke
you,hasnev erbeenki
ssedev
er
before?
Me: I
'
vehadt woboy f
ri
endsbefore
butyouknowt hosewher ey
oucan
j
usttelltheywi t
hy oujustsotheycan
getsomepussy .Theybot hdidn'
t
evenlastaweek, Iwas20t hen.
Otherwisegr owingupIwasf ocused
onwor king,school andtaki
ngcareof
mymom.Ihadnot i
metohav
e
f
ri
endsoranyboy
fri
end.
Danny
:Soy
ou'
rest
il
lav
irgi
n?
Me:
Yes
Danny
:Wow
Me:
Embar
rassi
ngIknow
Danny:It
'snotembarrasing,I
t'
sver
y
speci
alandunique.I
'mj ustamazed.
NowcanIdot hehonoursofbeing
thefi
rstguywhokissesy ou?
Ismiledandnodded.Iclosedmy
eyesandhef i
rstbabykissedmy
noseandIlaughed.Heki ssedmyli
ps
sopassionat
elyandi tj
ustsent
shiv
ersdownmyspi ne.Atfir
stI
didn'
tki
sshi
m backbecauseIdi
dn'
t
knowwhattodo.
Danny
:Rel
ax
Hesmi rkedandt henkissedmeagai n.
Wewer ebot hnowki ssingeachandit
feltsor i
ghtandsogood.He
squeezedmyl ef
tboobandst art
ed
kissingmyneck.Inev erknewthatI
couldf eelthi
sway .Strangesounds
escapedf r
om mymout h,
dearLordI
wasmoani ng!Hel ai
dmeont opof
him andweki ssedforawhi l
eashe
wassqueezi ngmybut tandholding
met i
ghtly.
Danny
:You'
rev
erycur
vy,
you'
reaf
ull
package.
Il
aughedathim andIwant
edt
oget
of
fhim butheheldme
Me:
What
?
Danny
:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:I'
m heav
yDanny
,Iwantt
ogetof
f
you.
Danny:You'r
enotheavy,youneedt o
st
opfeeli
ngi nsecur
eabouty ourbody.
You'
rethi
ckandv er
ybeauti
ful.You'
d
beveryuglyifyouwerethi
n.
Me:Iwasact
ual
l
ythi
nki
ngofgoi
ng
ondiet
Danny
:Don'
tdot
hat
.
Il
aughedathi
m andnodded.AsI
waslayi
ngonhim,Ifel
thismanhood
humpingandpumping!Il
it
eral
lyj
ust
l
aughedandhesmi l
ed.Ihel
ditand
movedittot
heside.He'
seyes
poppedandhe'
sadamsappl ekept
onmov i
ngweir
dly
Danny
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:I
twasmakingmeuncomf
ort
abl
e
soImovedi
ttothesi
de.
Danny
:Youmyl
ady
,ar
ever
ybr
ave.
Il
aughedathim andweki ssedagain.
Icl
osedmyey esandthoughtabout
whatjusthappened.Howwear ejust
complicat
ingthi
ngsbetweenus.I
wonderwhat sinstor ef orusbutI
knowt here'l
lneverbear elat
ionship
bet weenus.Ij usthopet hesef eeli
ngs
willgoawayandwe' llbeabl et ojust
mov eonandbenor mal .Allt
hese
thingsofl oveandf eelingsar ej ust
badandcompl icated.Ij ustwi sh
therewasn' tany thi
ngsuchas
feelings.Ilookedathi m andhe
smi led.West artedt alkingabout
crazyst uffuntilhef el
l asleep.I
sighedanddeci dedt oal sosleep.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
off
ri
ends
#LBAR

I
nser
t10
Iwokeupwi thhisheadonmyboobs.
Likereall
yDanny ?WhatIdoknowi s
thatDannycant akeuptheentirebed
whileyou'relef
twi thj
ustoneside.
Yeyulalakakubi lobhut
i!
(he'
sabad
sleeper)Isli
ghtl
ypushedhi m aside
buthehel dontome.
Danny
:Don'
tl
eav
eme
Me:
Ihav
etogoshower
Danny:Nasi
,I
t'
snotev
en7am y
et.
Justsl
eep
Me:
Danny
,mov
e!
Danny
:I'
m notgoi
ngt
omov
eandy
ou
needt
osleep.
HekissedmyneckandIsmi l
ed.He
l
ethim beandj ustclosedmyey es
butIwasn'tasleepatall.Hewasst i
l
l
deepinhissleepsoIt ookt hi
s
chanceandadmi r
edt hebeautif
ul
creat
ionofGod.Hei sreall
y
handsome, hi
sey esbrowsar en'
t
exactl
yblack.He'sgotpi nkli
ps,I'
ve
noti
cedt heyt ur
nr edwhenhedr inks
al
cohol.Iwokeupaf terafewhour s,I
guessImusthav ealsofall
enasl eep
whil
eadmi r
inghi sphy si
calatt
ri
but es.
Il
ookedatt het imeandi twas
10:
50am, whydi dn'thewakemeup!I
wenttot hebat hroom andt ookabat h.
Iworetightjeansandabaggyt -shirt
whichItiedont hesideandsl i
pper s.I
wentdownst air
sandDannywasbusy
onhislaptop.
Me:
Mor
ning
Danny
:Hey
Inot
icedsomet
hingcr
eepyandhe
l
aughed
Me:
Yourey
esar
egr
een?
Danny
:I'
m get
ti
ngaf
lue
Me:Soyoureyest
urngr
eenwhen
yougetf
lue?
Danny
:Sor
tof
Me:
You'
rest
range.
Danny:
Yourbr
eakf
asti
sint
he
micr
owave
Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch
Danny
:Myfri
endsar
ecomi
ngov
eri
n
afewminut
es
Me:
Oh
Danny:
Don'
tworryi
tsj
usttheguys,
thel
adi
eswil
lcomeintheaft
ernoon.
We'regoi
ngtohav
eabraaicause
cookingf
oral
loft
hem wi
ll
beal otof
work.
Me:
Okay
Ihadmybr eakf
astandwashedthe
dishes.AsIwasonmywayt otheTV
room.Therewasjustareal
l
yreal
ly
l
oudnoi secomingover
.Whycouldnt
theychil
latt
helounge.
Them:
HeyNasi
!!
!
OhGod!Myearswillbeblocked,
why
dotheyhav
etoscream andshout.
Can'
ttheyj
ustt
alkdecent
ly?
Me:
Hi
Phi
l
a:Remot
epl
ease,
wecannot
watchsomegir
lyi
sh.Ther
esa
soccergameweneedtorewat
ch.
Bri
an:Mybi
gbrotheri
sjustnota
gentl
emanatal
l
.
Lubah:
It'
snotl
ikey
ouwoul
d'v
e
enj
oyedwatchi
ngLif
eofKy
li
e.
Br
ian:Ireal
l
ydoenj
oywat
chi
ngi
t.I
ts
agreatshow
May
i:St
opi
t
Me:
Stopwhat
?
Danny:
He'sj
ustt
ryi
ngt
oscor
e
poi
ntsaty
ou
Me:
Lowbl
ow
Theyal
ll
aughedathi
m,Bongai
sjust
theloudesty ethei sasscar yas
Nkosi nat hi
.Mphoseemsl ikethe
quietoneandAt hiist hecomedi an,
May i,Ijustdon'tunder standhi m and
Jabu, theyar ewei rd.Thaboi st oo
muchofaf l
ir
tandhest ar esalot.
Thent her esBrianandThapel o,they
aret hey oungoneswel l
Br ianisolder
thanmebyay earIt hinkandThapel o
seemsl ikehesmyage.I '
m notabout
toaskhowol dt heyar e.Lubah,
seemsl ikehe'sinbet weenbei ng
seriousandbei ngaj oker .L’yanda,i
s
j
ustt hemosthandsomeandhe
smi l
esal ot.Phila,hechecksonhi s
wifeev er y30minut esandhet eases
everyone.Thant here'
sDanny ,
he
seemsasi fhe'sthemostconf usi
ng
personher e.Ij
ustcannotfigurehi
m
outatal l
.I'
vejustbeensitt
inghere
analysingthem andIdon'tevenknow
whatt heyaretalkingabout.
Jabu:
Youseem abi
tlost
Me:
No,
Iwasj
ustt
hinki
ng.
Bonga:Yougood?Don'tworryabout
thewives,
wesortedthem out.They
won'tbeanyt
rouble.
Phil
a:Don'
tbetoosur
eaboutZandi
andSneh.Thosetwowerejustr
eal
ly
cl
osewithZeeandNtokozohadthi
s
str
angebondwithZeeyett
heyare
compl
etel
ydi
ff
erentpeopl
e.
Inoddedandt ri
edconcent
rat
ingon
thegamebuti twasreal
lybor
ing.I
wenttothekitchenandgotsome
snacks.JustwhenIopenedmychi ps,
Phil
adugi n.
Me:You'
rer
eal
l
yonami
ssi
ont
o
abuseme.
Phi
l
a:You'
resi
tt
ingnextt
ome
Me:Remindmet
onev
ersi
tnextt
o
youagai
n.
Danny:Phi
l
asandewe'
l
lhav
ea
pr
oblem.
Ismil
edandJabuwinkedatme.And
didsomet
hingwi
thhisfi
nger
s.I
shr
uggedandl
ookedathi
mthenhe
l
aughed
Phi
la:
Hemeans,Dannyi
stur
ningt
o
asoft
yfory
ou.
Thabo:
Weneedf
oodl
i
keI
'
m hungr
y
Mpho:
You'
ret
hechef
,cook.
Thabo:
I'
mlazy
.
Danny:Let
'
sgoshoppi
ng,
grocer
y
shoppi
ng.
Me:Gr
eat,t
her
essomet hi
ngsIneed
t
ogetfort
hekidsaswel l
.Andsome
medsfory
ourflue.Letmegochange
At
hi:
Why
?
Me:
Becausewe'
regoi
ngt
othemal
l
andIcannotgol
ooki
ngl
i
ket
his
L’
yanda:
What '
swr
ongwi
thwhat
you'
rewear
ing?
Me:
You'
l
lnev
erunder
stand.
Lubah:Don'
tworr
yIunder
stand,
Beli
ndacanchange6t
imesaday .
Ilaughedandwentt ochange.After
thatwel eft
,Iwasinthecarwith
L’yanda,DannyandMay i.Wegotto
themal landitf
eltweir
dbeingthe
onlyf emal
ewalkingwithsomany
guy s,whohavegreatwellbui
lt
bodi esandareallv
eryhandsome.
Me:
Peopl
ear
est
ari
ng
Thapel
o:Ladi
esar
est
ari
ng,
they
l
ooki
ngatt
hishotguy
.
Wejustl
aughedathi
m andIdoknow
Ncebawouldki
ll
himifhecheated.
Thosegi
rl
sseem asi
ftheyjustknow
howtoatt
ack.
Phi
l
a:We'
regoi
ngt
ochecker
s
Nkosi:Whydidn'
twej
ustgot
o
Davenporti
fweweregoi
ngtogot
o
Checkers?
Bonga:Hehat
esmall
s,hedoesn'
t
l
ikebei
nginacrowd,
hisfamemade
himli
kethi
s.
Me:
He'
sfamous?
Thabo:Youngl
ady
,wher
ehav
eyou
been?
Phi
la:HaveyounotseenusonTvor
magazines?Nkosi'
sbigweddi
ng?
Him worki
ngint
ernati
onal
l
y?
Me:
Nop
At
hi:
Wow
Ichuckledandwecont inuedwi thour
shopping.Aft
erwegotev eryt
hingwe
need,wewentt oblufftogetsome
meatandboughtl otsofliquor.The
driv
ebackhomewasr eall
yawesome
andImustsay ,theyareal oudlovel
y
buncht ohangoutwi t
h.Dannywas
alsookay,fr
eeandl aughing.He
seemedr eal
lyreal
lyhappy .
Me:
I'
ll
star
tmaki
ngsomesal
adsand
pap
Jabu:Ohokay,t
hegir
lsusual
lydo
thatbutgoal
ong.I
'
m suretheywon'
t
mind.
Inoddedandst artedcooki
ng.They
sataroundthekitchencounter
,Mpho
andThabower ehelpi
ngmeandt he
other
swer eplayi
ngcar ds.
Me:I
'mr
eal
l
ygoodatcr
azy8.CanI
pl
ay?
Lubah:
You'
l
lgety
ourasski
cked
Me:
I'
m sur
eIwon'
t.
Nkosi
:Okayt
hen,
Bonga,
shuf
fl
ethe
car
ds.
May
i:Hei
sbossont
hisgame
Me:
Makespacef
oranewbossl
ady
.
Theyal
ll
aughedandcheer
ed
Thapel
o:Woah!Let
smakeabetshall
we?Allt
hoseinfav
ourofNkosi
st
andnexttohim.All
thosei
nfavour
ofNasi
phist
andnexttoher.
Therewasmov emental
lover
,onl
y
Phil
a,ThaboandMphower eonmy
si
de.Wepl acedR100eachandIjust
hadtowint hi
s.Westart
edplayi
ng
anditwasal ongint
ensegame
At
hi:
I'
mreal
l
yst
art
ingt
othi
nkt
wice
Lubah:
It'
sat
ightgameman
Mpho:
Ther
ecanonl
ybeonewi
nner
Me:Andthat
sme,
checkmat
eMr
Nkosi
nat
hi!
Mpho:
Wewon!
!!
Wewer echeeri
ngandmaki ngaloud
noise!Wewereallhappyandgot
caughtupinthemomentIguess
becausewewer eallj
ustpr
ettyl
oud
andMphowascar ryingmeand
j
umpi ngar
ound.
"GETOFFMYMANYOUBI TCH!
!"a
voiceshoutedandshit!I
twasZandy.
Shealreadyhat esmeandclear
lyshe
hatesmeev enmore.Therewas
completesilenceandAthij
ust
l
aughed.Ever
yonel
ookedathi
m and
hewalkedaway.
Sneh:
Iseey
ou'
real
lhav
ingf
unhuh?
Zandy
:Get
ti
ngal
lov
ermymannow?
Mpho:
It'
snotwhaty
out
hinkmyl
ove
Me:ReallyMpho?Badwords,never
saythattoawomanwheny ou'r
ein
tr
ouble.You'
rej
ustaddi
ngfueltothe
fi
re.
L’
yanda:
You'
resmar
t.
Me:
Freeadv
ice
Iwi
nkedathi
m andwentt
ocheckon
mypots,
thel
adieswer
eall
standi
ng
byt
hedoorandtheki
dscame
runni
ngi
n.OnikaandKhany
a.Emi
hle
andThembel
ihlefol
l
owed
Them:
Hey
Me:
Hey
,you'
rehungr
y?
Khany
a:No,
icecr
eam woul
dbef
ine.
Naye:I
'l
ldi
shupforyouwhi
l
eshe
cont
inuescooki
ng.Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
I'
m goodandy
our
sel
f?
Nay
e:I
'
mjustt
ir
ed.
Ngamso:
Ineedsomet
hingt
oeat
Me:
Wantasandwi
ch?
Ngamso:YesbutI
'
llmakeitmy
sel
f,
youj
ustsi
tdownandchil
l
Nt
oko:
I'
m sohappysomeonef
inal
l
y
beatNkosi
nat
hiatcr
azy
8.
Nkosi
:It
'snotcool
,I
'mt
heboss.
Nay
e:Yesbabyy
ouar
e.
Dannycamet
omeandst
oodbehi
nd
me.
Danny:Wi
l
lyoubeokay
?I'
m goi
ng
out
sidewi
ththeguy
s
Me:
I'
ll
beokay
.
Hesmi ledandcarri
edDanv
erand
theylef
t.Ismil
edandshookmyhead.
Iwasact ual
lyt
hinki
ngtomysel
f
mor eespeci
all
yaboutl
astni
ght.
Phel
o:Someone'
sbl
ushi
ng
Me:
Who?
Kamo: YouandI
'
m sor
ryabout
yest
erday.
Me:
Nohar
m done.
Belinda,ZandiandSnehwer esti
llj
ust
standingtherewit
htheirarmsfolded.
Theyar ejustwasti
ngthiert
imeby
beingmadandcausi ngunnecessary
drama.
Phel
o:Soo,
whyar
eyoubl
ushi
ng?
Me:
Iwasn'
tbl
ushi
ng.
Theylaughedatmeandwe
mar i
natedthemeatandwentt ochill
outsi
dewi ththeguys.The
conversati
onwasj ustsostupi
dy et
somuchf un.Danverwasspending
ti
meDanny,Oni
kacameovertosi
t
withmeandwewereal
lhavi
nga
greatt
ime.
Bee:
Canwej
usteatal
ready
?
Bonga:
Youcanj
usteatme
May
i:Ar
ghcomeony
ouguy
s,geta
r
oom.
Weal ll
aughedandDannywi nkedat
me.He' sjustr eal
lyi
rr
it
ati
ngbecause
Iam tr
y i
ngsomucht ogetov erhim
ormay bej ustignoremyf eel
ings.
DannyandIcannotbet ogetheratall
,
whilewewer esi t
ti
ngthereIreali
zed
thatheislef toutbecauseev er
yone
j
ustsitswi ththeirpar
tnerandhe' s
alone.May behe' str
y i
ngt ogeti
ntoa
relati
onshi pbecausehei slonel
yand
allhisfriendshav ewives,eventhe
youngerbr others.Hehasal ottodeal
withbef oreheget sintoany
relati
onshi p.I'
m gladI'm wiseand
feel l
i
keIhav etheupperhandi nthi
s.
Weal lservedandev eryonewas
eat i
ngwhi lehav ingalov el
y
conv ersation
Zandy
:Sodi
dyougot
oschool
Nasi
?
Sneh:Shedoesn'tl
ookl
i
keshes
educatedthat
swhyshewentfr
om
str
ippertonanny
At
hi:
Stopbei
ngaspoi
l
tbi
tchSneh!
We'r
eallj
ustt
ir
edofy
ourdamn
at
ti
tude.
Snehwasr eal
lyshockedandsad,
shehassomuchat t
it
udepl
usshe'
s
pregnantandallthati
saddi
ngonto
hersti
nkyatti
tude.
Me: I
t'
sokayAthi
.Wel lforyour
i
nformati
on,Iam verywel l
educat
ion.
IhaveadegreeinMedi cineandI
speci
ali
zedinCardiol
ogy .
Bee:
Ohwow,that'
simpressi
ve.Why
ar
eyouanannythough?
Danny
:Enoughoft
hei
nter
rogat
ion
pl
ease
Me:
Iact
ual
l
yfi
ndi
tver
yver
ywei
rd
butI
'
veaccept
edi
t.Icannotgetaj
ob
Athi
:Why ?Wearei
nshor
tageof
Cardi
ologi
stsi
nSA
Me:
Ihonest
lydon'
tev
enknow.
Athi
:Iwil
ll
ookint
oitandseewhatI
fi
nd.Idohavecar
diol
ogi
stsi
nmy
hospi
tal
sbutIthi
nkIcansortaf
ew
thi
ngsoutfory
ou.
Phil
a:Andl
ooki
ntohowy
oucannot
getajob
Mpho:Wecanalsost
artbylooki
ng
f
orareasonwhyyoul
ooklikeZee
Me:
Youalldi
dn'
tgetmyper
missi
on
t
odothat
Nkosi
:Wel
lwe'
reaski
ngnow
Me:
Ohwow
NayeandSi
yal
aughedatmeandI
l
ookedatt
hem
Nceba:Wel
cometoourwor
ldsist
er.
I
'm goi
ngtodomyhairt
omorr
ow
wannacomewit
h?
Me:Nothanky
ou.I
'
m st
il
lokaywi
th
myafr
o.
Bri
an:Per
fect
,you'
resavingmoney .
You'
renotputt
ingonthosef ake
weaves,y
ou'r
ebeauti
fulnatural
ly.
Beli
nda:Ev
ery
thi
ngi
sjustper
fect
abouther
Lubah:
Yesbecauseshe'
snot
dramat
icandshe'
scool
Bonga:
Real
l
ycool
.
Me:
I'
ll
beback
Ij
ustlef
tthem andwentt
othe
ki
tchen,t
ooksomeicecream andsat
onthecounter
.
Danny
:Wantt
hem t
oleav
e?
Me:
No,
no,
yourf
ri
endscanst
ay.
Danny:
Beli
ndacanbeir
ri
tati
ng,
Zandyi
sreal
lyr
eall
ycoolandfunny
andSnehisj
ustSneh
Me:
Wantsomei
cecr
eam?
Danny
:Not
hanky
ou
Me:
Wher
ear
etheki
ds?
Danny
:Iputt
hem t
osl
eep
Me:
Itwasn'
tthatbadr
ight
?
Danny:No,Danv
eractual
l
ycall
edme
Dadandsaidhelovesme.That'
sa
hugeachiev
ement.
Me:That
'sgood,
weshoul
dnowbook
youi
ntother
apy
Danny
:No!
Me:Fi
nebutI
'l
lkeept
ryi
ng,andwhat
ar
ewedecidi
ngaboutOnika?
Danny:Doyout
hinksheshoul
dmov
e
toGradeRR?
Me:
Yes
Danny:Wellcallherteacher
tomorr
owmor ning.Ihopeshe'
llbe
happyaboutit,Iwast hi
nkingI
'
lltake
hertoschoolandseehowshe' l
ldo
Me:Nowthat
'sagoodidea,seethi
s
i
showthisworksDanny.You'
re
i
mprovi
ng
Danny
:I'
m gl
adIam,Ital
kedtoRaz
or
andNkosi
'sdad,
andtheygav
eme
goodadvi
ce.
Me:
I'
m happyaboutt
hat
Hekissedmyfor eheadandwesat
andtal
kedmor e.Hewasr eal
l
y
openi
ngupandi twasgoodt ogett
o
knowmor eabouthim.Nkosicameto
usandDannyexcusedus.
Nkosi
:Weneedt
otal
kAmahl
e
Me:
Oh
Thisguyiscr eepy!Andhe' scall
ing
mebymysecondname.Myl egsare
actual
lyfeeli
ngv erywobbl yand
sayingI'
m scaredisj ustan
understat
ement .Iwonderwhatwe' re
goi
ngt otalkabout .Isighedand
fol
lowedhi mt othegar denandhe
wasn'tsayingany t
hingal ongtheway
whichwasmaki ngmemor eand
mor enervous.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t11
Inoverallt
hedaywast ur
ningintoa
real
lyniceday.Ichosenottomind
those3(Sneh,ZandiandBeli
nda)and
Iwasst il
lver
ynervousaboutthetal
k
wewer eaboutt ohavewit
h
Nkosinathi.
Nkosi
:Youmaysi
tdown.
Me:
Not
hanky
ou,
Ipr
eferst
andi
ng
Nkosi
:Howi
she?
Me:
Who?
Hegav emethe"
areyoudumb"l
ook
anditcametomymindthathewas
tal
ki
ngaboutDanny
Me: OhDanny ,
hei sfinetoday
Bhut'Nkosi.Butdeepi nsi
de, If
eelas
i
fhe'snotokay .Heput supaf ront
whenhe' swi t
hal l
ofus.Whenhe' s
alone,heget sreall
yemot ionaland
l
ostinhi sownwor l
d.Heneedshel p,
I'
vebeent ryi
ngt ogethimt ogotoa
Therapistbuther efuses
Nkosi
:I'
l
ltakecar
eofthat
,he'
ll
seea
t
herapi
stassoonastomorrow.
Me: Thankyou,andyouguysshould
reall
ystopl
ookingathi
m withthose
eyes,stopf
eeli
ngpit
yforhim.He
needstobepushedabi tbecause
he'snowsitt
ingcomfort
ablyin
sorrow.
Nkosi:It
'snoteasyf
orusment oget
ov ert
histr
adegyqui
ckly,I
ttookJabu
ver yl
ongtowhenhel osthi
swifeand
kids,whenwemethi m hewasa
messbuthe' sokayandhappynow.
Me:Didhi
spr
eviouswi
fel
ook
i
dent
icalt
oNangamso?
Nkosi
:Forwhatwe'
veseeni
nher
pi
ctur
es,not
heydidn'
tl
ookal
ikeat
al
l.
Me:Seethedi
ffer
encei
nthisand
howhect
iciti
sonDanny'ssi
de.Last
ni
ghthe.
..
Nkosi
:Het
oldmewhathappened.
Ij
ustlookeddownandpl
ayedwi
th
myfingers
Nkosi
:Nayedoesthatal
ot,youmight
l
ookli
keZeebutyourpersonal
it
yis
l
ikeNaye.Buty
ou'
remorebr ut
al
Me:
ButI
'
m notbr
utal
!I'
mver
ycal
m
Webothl
aughedandhel
ookedatme.
Ther
ewer
emanyunspokenwords.
Nkosi:Giv
ethem ti
me,they
'l
lcome
around.Theyareal
lver
ycooland
crazy,
you'l
lgetal
ongverywell
wit
h
them
Me:
Ihopeso
Nkosi:
Andt hankyoufortakingcar
e
ofthekids,
you'redoi
ngwhatwe
fai
l
edtodoandt heyarev
er yhappy.
ThankyouNasi phi
Me: I
tsokayBhut
'Nkosi
.Dannyi
s
al
sonowi mprovi
ng,he'
sslowl
y
becomingmoreofadadt hanhewas
befor
e.
Nkosi
:That
'sall
thankstoyou,y
ou
madeusreali
zemanyt hi
ngs.Maybe
theywon'tadmi ti
tbuty
ouarej
ust
whatweal lneeded.Sotel
lme,
where
areyourparents?
Me:Idon'tknowmybiologi
cal
par
ents,IwasadoptedandIhavemy
mom, mydadl ef
tuswhenmom got
astr
okeandst oppedworki
ng.Hel
eft
wit
hev er
ythi
ngwehad.
Nkosi
:Mmmh,
theDl
ami
nisur
name?
Me:
Itbel
ongst
ohi
m.
Nkosi
:Sodi
dy oust
ayinafost
er
homeorshel
terbef
oreyouwere
adopt
ed?
Me: I
'
m notreal
lysur
e.Iwasv
ery
youngatthatti
me.
Nkosi:Iunderstand.Nowstopcal
l
ing
meBhut 'Nkosi,you'
remaki
ngme
ol
derthanIal readyam.Sbahl
ewil
lbe
hereshortl
y,l
et '
sgobacktothe
other
s
Me:
Ohokaycool
Nkosi:Don'
tgi
veuponhi m.He
needsy oumor
et hanyouknow.And
Nasi,
keepadistancebetweenyou
andThabo.Hecanbeaj erkandsli
p
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Nkosi
:Youhaveabignicebody,
nice
assandyou'
rebeaut
if
ul,y
ou'r
esingl
e
andnewhere.Wemen, wethi
nkwi t
h
ourdi
cksatti
mes.
Withthatsai dhej ustlef tanddi dn'
t
explainanyf uther .Iwal kedbackt o
theother sandSbahl ewasal ready
herest andi ngwi thNkosi andMpho.
Youcannotdenyt hatt her e'
ssomuch
l
ov eint hisplace.Ev ery onecar esand
l
ov esoneanot her ,whatNkosi said
didscar emebutIwi ll
besmar tabout
thi
sandnotshowt hatIam scar ed.
Siyahast hisbeaut if
ul smi leandher
roundey esar ev er yattract i
ve,she
smi l
edatmeandPhi laki ssedher
cheek.Ther e'snodeny ingt hatPhila
reall
ylov esherandt heyar e
i
nsepar abl e.Seei ngev erycoupl ehere,
togetherandi nlov ewi thoneanot her
makesy outhinkaboutwhatl ov ehas
i
nst or efory ouandhowy ourl i
fewill
turnout .Itmakesy ouwonder ,will
yourl ov et urnintoaper fectfairyt
ale
whi chonedayy ouwi lltellt
oy our
kids.Notknowi nghowi tfeelst obe
deepl yl ovedandbei ngi na
relationshi pat25i sr eallynotcool .
Someofmypeer saremar r
ied
already ,somehav ekidsandt hey
hav eset tl
eddownbutI '
m stil
l j
usta
nannyandt here'snopot enti
al
mar riage, Idon' tev enhav ea
boy friendf orthatmat ter.Siyacame
nex ttomeandt ookmyhand.We
wal kedt ooneoft her ooms
downst
air
sandshecl
osedt
hedoor
.
Me:
Am Iaboutt
ogetal
ect
ure?
Shel aughedatmeandsatont hebed
whileIsatont hecouch.I '
venoti
ced
she'sbeendr i
nkingjuiceonly
.May be
she'spregnant,bytheamountofki ds
here,thesewomanr eallydothei
r
j
obsofbei ngi
ncubat ors.
Si
ya:IhopeNkosiwasn'
thardonyou,
hecanbev er
yprot
ecti
veoffal
lofus.
Me:
Nohewasn'
t
Siy
a:Iknowyou'
renotver
y
comfort
abl
earoundusbutrel
ax,
we'r
eallagoodfami
lyandwe'real
l
wehave.Wehavemanyoft hese
gather
ingssoy ou'
ll
getusedtous, a
weeknev erendswithoutyouseei
ng
ourcutefaces.Wellbesi
desNay e
andNkosi becausetheyaremostlyi
n
Langel
ihle
Me:TheKingdom ofLangel
i
hle?The
Mkhi
zeKingdom?
Si
ya:Yes,t
heyar
etheKi
ngand
Queenther
e
Me:Ohwow,Iknowthatpl
acebuti
t'
s
beenawhi
l
esinceI'
vebeenther
e.
Si
ya:Soyou'
refr
om somewher
e
cl
osert
othere
Me:
Yes,
I'
mfr
om PMB.
Si
ya:
Isawy
oust
ari
ngatDanny
Me:Me?Star
ingathi
m,noy
oumust
bemist
aken
Siy
a:Youfi
rstst
aredatmethenal
lof
us,byt
heti
mey oureyesl
andedon
Danny,y
oukeptthem t
her
e.
Nayecamei
nfol
l
owedbyNcebaand
Phel
o
Nceba:
Gir
lpar
tywi
thoutus?
Si
ya:
Sitdown
Me:AsIwassay ing,
Iwasstari
ngat
youguysbecauseIwaslookingat
howbeauti
fulyourmarr
iagesare,
it'
s
l
ikeafai
ryt
ale
Siya:
Ohnoi
tisn'
t,
it'
snotal
way
s
rosey.
Theot herscameinandweal l
sat
together.Weall
pouredoursel
ves
mor ewineandZandi hadsome
snacks
Naye:
Youal
way
shav
esomet
hingt
o
eat
.
Zandi
:Foodi
smysecondhusband.
Siya:
AsIwassaying,
thingsare
toughher
ebutIknowy ou'l
lbeokay
.
Ngamso:Youlookl
i
keat
oughcooki
e
soyou'
l
lsurv
ive.
Si
ya:Marr
iagei
sn'tal
lfunandgames,
Phi
laandIalmostdiv
orcedoneti
me.
Nceba:Shedest
roy
edthehouse
whenfoundoutPhi
lai
scheati
ngon
her
,li
kel
i
ter
all
ydest
roy
edt
hings.
Kamo:Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
llev
erf
orgett
hat
ni
ght
Siy
alaughedandIwashonestl
y
shocked.Phil
awouldki
l
lforSi
ya,
you
canseet hatbyj
ustt
hewayhelooks
ather.
Si
ya:
Whenhetoldmehewashav i
ng
achi
l
dwit
hanotherwoman,
Ilosti
t.
Me:
Wow,
wher
eist
hatchi
l
dnow?
Nay
e:I
t'
sJuni
or.
Me:Ohwow,
youwoul
dn'
tev
en
not
ice.
Si
ya:
Hel
ookst
oomuchl
i
kePhi
l
a.
Andhe'smychil
d,hi
sreal
mot
her
abandonedhi
m.
Nay e:Emihl
eisn'
tNkosi'
sbi ol
ogi
cal
chil
dei t
her,Kwenzokuhl
eisn'tmy
biol
ogicalchil
dtoobutattheendof
thedayt heyarebothourkidsandwe
l
ov ethem
Bel
inda:
Youguyshav
ehugehearts.
I
fLubahbetr
ayedmeli
kethat
,Ir
eall
y
don'
tknowwhatI'
ddobutoneofus
woulddi
e.
Ntokozo:Whatyou'
redoi
ngisagreat
thi
ng,youhaveahugeheartNasi
phi.
We'veseenhowy ouarewit
htheki
ds
anditsamazi
ng
Sneh:AsmuchasIdon' twantt o
admititbutit'
strue.You'rereal
ly
doingagoodj ob.I '
m sosorryabout
thewayI '
vebeent owar dsyou,you
l
ookinglikemysi st erj
ustbrought
backmanyt hi
ngsandIf el
tasif
you'r
eher etoreplaceherher e
amongstus.Icannotr eall
yexplai
nit
,
youguy sevenhav et hesamef ashi
on
sense.It
'sreal
lycr eepybutI'
m sorr
y
Nasiphi
Me: I
t'
sokay,Ifor
giveyou.Thethi
ngs
yousaidreal
lydidhurtmebutafter
Dannyshowedmey oursi
ster
s
pict
ures,
Iunderstoodwhyy ou
behavedthatwayt owardsme.
Zandi:I'
m notreall
ygoodat
apologizi
ng,butI'
llswal
lowmypr
ide.
I'
m sincerel
ysorryNasiphi
.
Me:
That
'si
t?
Zandi
:Damnyou'
renotgoi
ngto
makeiteasyf
ormearen'
tyou?
Me:
Yes.Youwer
erudet
ome
Zandi
:I'
m sor
ryf
oral
lthemean
thi
ngsIsaidt
oyou
Me:
Ifor
giv
eyouf
ort
hatonl
y
Zandi
:Whatel
sedi
dIdo?
Il
ookedatherwi
tht
he"
Bit
chdon'
t
tr
yme"look.
Zandi
:OhnowIr
emember
.I'
m sor
ry
forthi
nkingyouwantedmyman.You
guyswer eall
overeachotherand
j
ealousygottome, I
'mreall
yvery
crazy,r
udeandgetangryeasil
y.But
you'l
lgetusedtome.Soy eahI'
m
sorry
Me:You'
rer
eal
l
ybadatapologi
zi
ng,
pourmesomewinepl
ease
Phel
o:Youguy
swi
l
lgetal
ongv
ery
well
.
Beli
ndacameandki ssedmy
for
eheadandlit
eral
lysqueezedme
becausethatwasn'
tahug.
Bel
i
nda:
I'
m sor
ry
Somet
hingaboutheri
ssogenui
ne
aboutherandwesatdownand
tal
kedalotaboutmenandt
hesegi
rl
s
arever
ykinky.
Lebo:
You'
real
lj
ustmaki
ngmehor
ny
now
Nay
e:Youdon'
tev
enhav
eaman
Lebo:Say
swho?Mydearcousi
n,I
'
m
standi
ngwit
h4l
egs
Phel
o:What
!Icanneverhavet
hat
many.Mayi
bongweisenough
Lebo:He'sRoy
al,
sohesur
elycan
sati
sfyyou!
Kamo:Soourunr
oyal
mancan'
t
sat
isf
yus?
Bee:
Elabor
atef
urt
her
Lebo:Theycansati
sfyyoubut
studi
essaythatRoyalmenhavet
hat
thi
ng!
Zandi
:You'
recr
azy
Lebo:
OneofmymenisNiger
ianand
damnhecandohi
sthi
ng!
Si
ya:
OhGod
Sbahl
e:Thi
sistoomuchforme,
my
vi
rgi
nearscannott
akei
t.
Me:
Sameher
edear
Phel
o:You'
reseal
ed?
Me:
Yep
Nt
oko:
Wow
Theyal
llaughedandi
twascl
eart
hat
theydi
dn'tbel
i
eveme.
Me:
I'
m ser
ious
Bee:
Youhav
eabeaut
if
ulbody
Me:
Thanky
ou
Ther
ewasaknockandDannycame
i
n
Danny:Nasi
canwet
alkf
oraf
ew
minut
es?
Me:
Sur
e.
Wewentoutandhel
edmeupst
air
s
Danny:Ar
ey ouokayt
here?Theyar
e
notgi
vi
ngy ouahardti
me?
Me:
Not
heyar
enot
,we'
react
ual
l
y
get
ti
ngal
ongj
ustf
ine.Wher
ear
ewe
goi
ng?
Danny
:Myr
oom,
Ijustmi
ssedy
ou.
Ilaughedathi
m andwewenttohis
room andIsatonthecouchwhi
l
ehe
wentt ot
hebathr
oom.Hecameback
andsatnexttome.
Danny
:I'
l
lgoseeat
her
api
st
tomor
row.
Me:That
'sgood,
whatchangedy
our
mi
nd?
Danny
:I'
m bei
ngforcedbyNkosi
and
Bri
anact
uall
ytal
kedsomesenseint
o
me.
Me:
That
'sgood.
Danny:They
'l
lbespendi
ngtheni
ght
her
e, wi
ll
youbeokaywitht
heladi
es
al
lnight
?Me: YesIwi
ll
.
Danny:Oni
kaandDanv
erar
epl
ayi
ng,
I
'l
lcheckonthem.
Me:
Let
sgocheckont
hem.
Wewentt othepl
ay r
oom andMnqobi
andOnikacametome.Icar r
ied
OnikaandMnqobi hel
dmyhand.We
wenttotheroom wheret
heot her
s
are.
Siy
a: Myboy,cometomommy .We
barel
yeverspendti
metoget
her
you'v
eabandonedme
Hewentt
ohi
smot
herandIsatdown
wit
hOnika.Shewassl
owl
yfal
l
ing
asl
eep.
Sbahl
e:It
hinkI
'
mreadyt
obea
mother
Zandy:
Youneedt
ofi
rstf
inda
boyf
ri
end.
Sbahl
e:Ay
keZandi,maybehav
inga
boyf
ri
endisn'
tforme.
Nay
e:Whathappenedt
oOv
hay
o?
Sbahle:Gosh!Hewassobor i
ng!I
cannotstaywithsomeonewhobores
menomat terhowhandsomeorri
ch
heis.Iwantsomeonewhoi sexci
ti
ng!
Bee:
Bongacanboremeatt i
mes,
whenhedeci
destolockhi
mselfupi
n
hi
sof
fi
ceal
lday
.
Theconv ersati
oncont i
nuedandI
washav ingar eal
lygreattime.These
gir
lsaren'tbadafter
all,Theywere
j
ustgoingt hroughaphase.It ook
Onikatoherr oom andt uckedherin.
Danveral sowenttosleepf ol
lowed
bytheot hers.Theoldergirl
shave
thei
rownr oom andJnral sohashis
ownr oom sincehe's"grown"
Dannycameinwhi
l
eIwascl
ear
ing
upDanver
stoys
Danny
:Theyar
easl
eepal
ready
?
Me:
Yep
Danny
:IguessImi
ssedt
hem.I
'
llt
uck
t
hem i
ntomor
row.
Hehel
dmefr
om t
hebackandki
ssed
myneck.
Me:
Dannyst
op
Danny:
I'
m sor
ry,
ignor
ingwhatIf
eel
wil
lbever
yhard.
Me:
Wellyoushouldt
ry.I
'
m notgoi
ng
t
obeyourrebound
Danny:Babe,I'
m sorr
yandI'm not
makingyouar ebound.Iunder
stand
whyy ou'
dthinkofthatbutmy
feel
i
ngsar egenuine.
Me:St
opcall
ingmebabe.I
tstoocute
andI
'm wor
kingonget
ti
ngoveryou
Helaughedandwehugged.Thehug
waslongandcosy
Danny
:AahNasi
phi
,whatar
eyou
doi
ngtome?
Me:
Letmego
Danny
:Justoneki
ss
Iki
ssedhi
m ont
hecheekandhe
smir
ked.
Danny
:I'
l
llety
ougo,
justf
ornow.I'
m
goi
ngtobeabett
ermanNasiphi
.
Me:
That
sgood.Ibel
i
evei
nyou
Danny:
I'
m doi
ngt hi
sformyki
dsand
fory
ou.Justt
rustme
Inoddedandwehuggedagai
nthen
wentoursepar
ateways.Hewent
out
sidetotheguyswhi
leIwentt
osi
p
onmorewi newit
hthegir
ls.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t12
I
t'
sbeent
womont
hsoft
otal
happi nessandbl i
ss.I thasbeenf il
led
withsomet ear sandl otsoflaught er.
Oni kahasal sodev elopedar eal
lybig
talkativechar acterwhi chDannyl oves
somuchbutcannotansweral lthe
quest ionsshehas.Danv erhasbeen
attendi ngther apysessi onsandi thas
beenhel pinghi m al ot,he'sgrownt o
beamuchmor ehappi erandf unny
kid.All inallther elationshipbet ween
Dannyandhi skidsi sgr eatandi t
i
mpr ov eseachandev eryday.I,
my selfhasgai nedmor ewei ght!I
mustsayIl ookcut et hough.That 's
whathappenswheny ou'rewel l
taken
car eofandhappy .DannyandIhav e
j
ustapr ofessionalandgood
fri
endshi pnor omant icr elati
onshi p.I
madei tcleartohimt hatt hebot hof
usar en'trightforeachot herand
we' r
ebot hnotr eadyf orar omant ic
relati
onshi pbecauseIdonotf ull
y
trustthathewoul dbewi t
hmej ust
forthewayIam.Mel ooki ngli
kehi s
wi f
eisj ustsomet hingIcannotget
offmymi ndandt hather eall
yj ust
mi ghtbe" inlov
e"wi thmeandusi ng
measar ebound.Idon' twantt obe
secondbestnorbear eplacement .
Myl if
ehasbeengr eat ,I
'vebeen
happyandIl ovewhatIdo, Il
ov e
takingcar eoft heseki dsandt heydo
l
ov emet oo.Thegi rl
sandIhav e
beenhav i
ngav erygoodr elati
onshi p,
I'
vebecomer eall
yclosewi thNceba
andSbahl e,may beit
sbecausewe' r
e
almostt hesameage.I 'ver eal
ized
thatZandyi sr eall
yreall
ycr azyandI
fal
linl
ov ewi thherchar acterev eryday.
Wemi ghthav enotbeent hebestof
fri
endswhenwemetbutnowt hi ngs
aredifferentandwear eal lhappy .
Wor kisgr eatandsoi st hemoney ,
Dannypay smemor emoneyt han
someot hergov ernmentempl oy ed
people.Mymot herhasbeenv er y
happyandsheget str
eatmentf rom a
pri
vatehospi talandshe' srecov er i
ng
andt hatsallthankstoDanny .I
'll
be
travelli
ngtoPMBt hi
safternoonand
I'
llstaywi t
hmymom f ortheweekend.
WhenIt oldDannyI '
mleaving,he
wasn' treal
lyhappybuthe
under stoodthatIhadtogoseemy
mom.Iwokeupandpr epar edthe
kidsf orschool.Wewentdownst air
s
forbr eak
breakfastandIsawitasan
opportunit
ytotel
lthem t
hatI
'
m
l
eav i
ng.
Me:
Guy
s,I
'
mleav
ingt
omor
row
Onikajustst
art
edcryi
ngandI
guessedIshouldn'
thaveputi
tthat
way
.
Me:
Heydon'
tcr
y
Danv
er:
Wil
lyoucomeback?
Me:Yes,I'
ll
bebackSunday
af
ternoon.I
'm goi
ngtovi
sitmy
motherfortheweekend.
Danv
er:
Ohokay
Oni
ka:
Canwecomewi
thy
ou?
Me:Uhm guy
sIdon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'sa
goodi
dea
Danver
:Why
,yourmot
herwon'
tl
ike
us?
Me:Shewil
l
,I'
m notsur
ethaty
our
daddywi
l
lagree.
Danny
:Agr
eet
owhat
?
Danver
:Perf
ectt
imi
ng,
Daddycanwe
l
eavewithSi
sNasi?
Oni
ka:
PleaseDaddy
,pl
ease?
Danny
:Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
'sagoodi
dea
Danver:
Why?We'
l
lmi
ssherandwe'
l
l
beboredher
e
Danny:I
'
llbeher
eandyouguyscan
goovertoanyofyourf
ri
end'
shouse
Oni
ka:
Wewantt
ogowi
thSi
sNasi
Shestar
tedcryi
ngandshenow
knowsthattear
sareDanny
's
weakness.
Danny
:Okayf
ineasl
ongasNasi
doesn'
tmi
nd
Me:
Idon'
tmi
nd.
Danver
:Yey!Wewon'
tbegoi
ngt
o
school
then
Me:No,
You'
regoi
ngtoschool
.We'l
l
l
eav
ewhenyougetbackfr
om school
Danny:I
'
lldr
ivey
out
her
e.I
'
lll
eav
e
workearl
y
Me:
Noneed,
wecant
akeat
axi
Danny:
Nochi
l
dofmi
newi
l
lusea
taxi
.
Ilaughedandputtheirl
unchboxesi
n
theirbags.Thedr
ivercameandit
wasFezi l
e
Me:
Fezi
l
e!!
!
Fezi
le:
HeyNasi
,youseem soexci
ted
toseeme?
Me:YesIam,
Ihav
en'
tseeny
oui
nso
l
ong
Fezil
e:Beenbusywor
kingonthe
othersi
de.Let
'sgoki
ds,Nasi
,I'
l
lsee
youwhenIseey ou
Me:Hahsoy ou'
rej
ustgoi
ngt
o
di
sappearagai
n?
Fezil
e:Yep!I
'mj
ustcov
eri
ngf
ort
he
otherdri
ver.
Wesaidourgoodby
esandIwent
upst
air
s
Danny
:Youseem happyaboutseei
ng
Gumbi
Me: Whydoy oucal
lhim Gumbi,
you
makinghim soundl
ikeanold
grandpa,Fezi
l
esuit
shim.It'
svery
sexyjustli
kehim
Iwi
nkedathi
m andhewaspi
ssedof
f.
Danny
:You'
reenj
oyi
ngt
hishuh?
Me:
Enj
oyi
ngwhat
?
Danny
:Nev
ermi
nd.I
'
llseey
oul
ater
HekissedmycheekandIdeci ded
nottooverthi
nkit.I
tsjustakisson
thecheek.Ipackedf ort
hekidsand
text
edmymom t ell
ingherI'
m comi ng
withthem.Imadeament al
not et
hat
Ishoulddosomegr oceryshoppi
ng
onourwayt oPMB.Whi leIwas
upstai
rsIhear
dalotofnoisesand
peoplescr
eamingoutmyname.I
wentdownstai
rsandi twasSbahle
andZandi
Me:Ar
en'
tyouguy
ssupposedt
obe
atwor
k?
Sbahl
e:It
ookt
hedayof
f
Zandy:I
'l
lbelat
e,I
'mlazypl
us
Bel
indawon'tevenbether
esoI'
l
lbe
bored.
Me:
Wantsomet
hingt
oeat
?
Sbahl
e:Al
readyor
der
ed,
itsoni
ts
way.
Zandy
:Sowhatarey
ourpl
anst
oday
?
I
tsFri
dayaf
ter
all
Me:
I'
m goi
nghome,
PMB.
Sbahle:
That'
scoolandbor
ing
becausewe'l
lmissyouwhi
lewejust
goshoppingandgot ot
hebeach
Zandy:Shi
t!Ihaveameeti
ngin
15mins.It
otall
yfor
gotabouti
t.HowI
wishIwasahousewi f
eli
keSiyaand
Naye
Me:Youknowy oudon'
thav
etowor
k
andbethathousewi
fe
Sbahl
e:Mphowoul
dbev
eryhappy
aboutt
hat
Zandy
:Nev
er,
I'
dloosemymi
nd.I
l
ovewor ki
ngandi tmakesmef eela
bi
tindependent.Likether
es
somethingIdoot herthanfi
nishi
ng
Mpho'smoney .Istil
ldohave
somethinginmyownnamenot
Lebone
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Zandy :I
'
m addressedasMsZunguat
work.Mphowassoagai nsti
tbuthe
hadt ounderst
andt hatIneeded
somet hi
ngtoholdont oaboutmy sel
f.
Wedon' thaveparentsnoraf amil
yto
tur
nt o,j
uststi
ckingtomyZungu
surnamef el
tgood.
Me:
Whydi
dn'
tyouj
ustusebot
h
surnamesandbeZandi
l
eZungu-
Lebone
Sbahl
e:Mphowashav
ingnonoft
hat
.
Zandy:Ihadtobechai
nedonthebed
ever
ynightforaweekformetokeep
mysurnameatwor k.I
twashect
ic
butIenjoyedi
tany
ways
Me:
You'
ref
reaky
Thefoodwasdeli
veredandZandy
tookhershar
eandleft
.
Me:
Youcoul
dhel
pmef
ini
shpacki
ng
f
ort
heki
ds
Sbahl
e:Theyar
eleav
ingwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Yes
Sbahle:
Whatf
reakythi
ngdidy
oudo
forDannyt
oagreetothat
?
Me:
Not
hing,
wel
lOni
kadi
duseher
t
ear
sabi
t.
Sbahle:I
t'
sgoodthatt
hey'
llbr
eat
he
dif
fer
entairandhaveachangeof
scenery
.
Me:Myhomei sn'
tasbigandlav
ish
ast
hei
rs.Ihopethey
'l
ll
ikeit
.
Sbahl
e:Theywi
l
l.
Wepackedandy es,
I'
m aheav y
packer.Ipackthi
ngsthatIwil
lknowI
won'tneedbutIpackthem anyways.
Sheleftaft
eranhourofusst uf
fi
ng
oursel
veswi t
hfoodandwat chi
ngtv.
Ievent
ual
l
yfel
lasl
eepont
hecouch
andwaswokenupbyDanny.
Me:
You'
rehomeear
ly
Danny
:It
'snott
hatear
ly,
theki
dswi
l
l
beher
esoonsowakeup
Me:Letmegofreshenupsowecan
l
eav
ewhent heygether
e.
Danny
:Cany
oual
sopackabagf
or
me?
Me:
Sur
e,wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Danny:PMB,I'
l
lbookmy sel
fintoa
hotel
andthatwayI'l
lbeabl
et osee
youguystomorrow
Me:
Whatwhy
?
Danny
:Whatdoy
oumean"
whatwhy
"?
Me:Danny,
thewholepointofus
l
eavi
ngisnottoseeyou.Youcan't
comewithus
Danny
:Whywoul
dn'
tyouwantt
osee
myhandsomef
ace?
Me:Becausewealway
sseethi
s
handsomefaceandwedon'
twanti
t
toboreus.
Danny
:Ij
ustdon'
tunder
standNasi
Me:
Danny,pl
ease.Youdr
ivi
ngus
t
her
eisenough
Danny
:Fi
ne
Me:
Thanky
ouhandsomef
acebut
youdor
eal
l
yneedt
oshav
ethat
bear
d
Danny
:Il
ookv
erysexy
Il
aughedathim andgotr
eady.Af
terI
wasdonethekidshadalr
eadyarr
ived
andchanged
Danny:Let
'
sgo,
we'
l
lhav
elunchat
Li
bert
yMal l
Me:Idi
dwantt
oal
sodosome
gr
oceri
es.
Weputt
hebagsi
nthecaranddr
ove
of
f.
Danv
er:
Wil
lwegetsomegoodi
es?
Me:
Yesy
ouwi
l
l
Danny:Di
dyout
ell
yourmom t
heyar
e
comingover
?
Me:
Yes
Wedr ov eoffaswewer eal ll
isteni
ng
toOnikar ambleandr ambl e.She
tal
ksal otanditsj
ustv erycut eandi t
makesmehappybecauseshehad
alwayshi dthi
scharacterandi tis
nowsl owlyshowing.I'mj ustgladshe
doesn'task21questionsl ikeEmi hle.
Wegott oPMBandwentt othemal l
.
Didallournecessaryshoppi ngand
drovetoSandanezwe
Danny
:It
hinkI
'
vebeenher
ebef
ore
Me:
That
swhatSi
yasai
dwhenIt
old
herI
'
mf rom her
e.Shesai
d
somethi
ngaboutbeingki
dnapped
Danny
:Ohy
eah,
nowIr
emember
.
Me:Shemust
'v
ebeensot r
aumat
ized,
whywassheki
dnapped?
Danny:I
'
m notsur
e,Idon'
tremember
cl
earl
y
Hewasnowabi tedgyandIdidn'task
mor equest
ions.Itwascl
earthathe
didn'
twanttotalkabouti
t.Idi
rected
himt omyhomeandhel ookedatme
l
ikeIwaskidding.Iti
satwobedr oom
RDP.
Danny
:Thi
sisy
ourhome?
Me:
Yes
Danny
:Wow
Me:
Wantt
ogobackwi
thy
ourki
ds?
Danny:NoNasi
itsj
ustt
hat
..
.okay
I
'm sor
ry
Me:It
'sokay
,notal
lofushav
ehada
per
fectl
if
estyl
e.
Danny
:Let
'
sgoi
nsi
de
Hetookourbagsandwewentinsi
de.
Oni
kawasj ustt
ooexci
tedandshe
wasthefi
rsttogohugmymom.
Mom: Hel
l
obeaut
if
ulangel
,what
s
yourname
Oni
ka:
Mynamei
sOni
kaMcKenzi
e.
Mom:
Whatabeaut
if
ulnamef
ora
beauti
fulPr
incess,
andy
oumyy
oung
charmingpri
nce
Danv
er:
Mynamei
sDanv
erMcKenzi
e
Mam
Mom:
Ohpl
ease,
cal
lmegr
andma.
Me:Hell
omama, t
hisi
smyboss,
DannyMcKenzi
eandthesear
ethe
beaut
if
ulki
dsIl
ookaft
er.
Danny
:Pl
easedt
omeety
ou
Mom: You'
reafi
nehandsomeman,
I
'm honour
edtomeetyou
Me:
Mom!
Theybothl
aughedandwesatatthe
si
tti
ngroom.Mom off
eredussome
j
uiceandscones.
Me:
Mom whobaked?
Mom:
Idi
d
Me:Mama, y
ouknowy oushoul
dn'
t
bedoingt
hat,y
oushouldn'
tbe
over
worki
ngyoursel
f
Mom: Iwasj
ustbakingNasNaska
mama, pl
usIt
oldDor ot
hytoleav
e
aboutamonthago,Icantakecareof
myself
.
Me: Mama, whydidyoudot hat?Al
l
thi
stimey ou'
vebeentell
i
ngme
Dorothyissti
l
lhereassi
stingyoubut
youli
v eal
one.Doy ouknowhow
muchdangery ou'
reputti
ngy ourl
if
e
i
n?
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Ij
ustlookedathim,nowwasn'tthe
ti
mefort hi
s.Mom tookareal
lybad
deci
sionandit'
snotgoodforher
heal
ththatshetakescareofher
self
anddoest hechoresher
sel
f.
Mom: Trustme,
I'
vebeenmuch
bett
erandIdon'
tneedsomeonet
o
takecar
eofme.
Me:
We'
l
ltal
kaboutt
hisl
atermom.
Mom: Don'
tbeupsetnow,youknow
howyouarewheny ouangry.Idon'
t
wantustogobackthere.
Ij
ustkeptqui
etbecausei
fI
conti
nuedDannywi ll
askquesti
ons.I
j
usthopehedidn'tpaymuch
att
enti
ontothat.Thekidswerenow
watchi
ngtvandenj oyi
ngthemselv
es.
Iputourbagsinmyr oom.
Danny:Imustl
eavenow,
I'
ll
fet
chy
ou
al
lSundayaft
ernoon.
Me:
Letmewal
kyouout
.
Wewentoutandwal kedtohiscar
si
l
entl
y.Icoul
dt el
lhehadaloti
nhis
mindandhekeptonl ooki
ngaround
hi
ssurroundi
ngs.
Danny:
Youshoul
dn'
tshoutaty
our
mother
Me:
Idi
dn'
tmeant
obutIj
ustgot
upsetbecausesheknowsshe
shouldn'tbetaki
ngcar eofhersel
f.I
ts
forherhealthandshej ustdoesthe
worst.I'
mi nDurbanthinki
ngshe's
welltakencareofher ebutshesbusy
overworkinghersel
f,knowingmy
motherI '
m suresheev endoesher
ownl aundry.
Danny
: I
'
llsor
titout
.Whatdidshe
meanwhenshesai dshedoesn'
t
wantyoutobeupsetanddoesn't
wantyoutogobackt her
e?
Me:Nothi
ng.Whatdoy
oumeany
ou'
l
l
sor
titout
?
Danny
:Nasi
phi
,don'
tl
iet
ome
Me:ArghDanny,
we'
llt
alkabouti
t
Sundayaf
ter
noonokay.
Danny:Okay,t
akecar
e.Cal
lwheny
ou
needanythi
ng
Me:
WhydoIf
eel
li
key
ou'
l
lbear
ound?
Danny:
I'm ev
ery
wher esweet
hear
t.
Nowby e,t
akecare.Ihav
eameeting
wit
hthegents.
Me:
Goodby
e.
#Danny
Myrelati
onshipwithNasiorshoul
dI
sayfr
iendshipwit
hherhasbeen
amazing,Icannothelpmyselfbut
j
ustfall
deeperinlovewit
hher
ever
ydaybutIchooset orespectt
hat
shef eelsasi fI '
dbemaki nghermy
reboundanddoesn' twantust obei n
ar omant i
cr elat i
onshi pasy et.She
feelsasi fI'
m notr eadyandmay be
I'
m notbutwhatIdoknowi sthatI
l
ov eherandev entual l
yIwi l
lbewi t
h
her ,
I'
m notl et t
ingt hi sonego.Ev er
sincemywi fepassedI '
vebeenwi t
ha
fewwoman, nev erl ovedanyoft hem
butI '
m amanandIneededt or el
ease.
I'
vehadmanyoneni ghtstandsand
somel adiesst illcomet ome
compl ainingt hatIdi dn'
tcallthem
backy etIdon' tev enr ememberwho
theyar e.Seei ngt hecondi tionoft he
placet hatNasi phi grewupi nisn't
pleasi ngatal l
,andt hef actthather
mot herst i
l
lstayst her edoesn' tsit
wel lwi thme.Igr ewupi nagood
homeandhadev er ythi ngIwant ed
andt hingsIdidn'tev enneedatal l,
I
wasspoi l
tbutImadesur ethatnev er
makesmeasnobpl usmyf atherwas
ver ytoughonmet oo.Hewant edto
raiseamannotasnob.Igoti nto
i
llegal thingswhenmyf ather
i
nt roducedmet ot hef or cewhenI
was18.Het houghtIwasr eadyand
wasf inall
yaman, Iknowsoonhe' l
l
wantmet otakeov ert hef orcebutI
alway swant edNkosi nat hitotake
ov er,wi t
hhim bei ngKi ngnowand
hasmanyt hingsinhi shands.Ihav e
nochoi cebutt oacceptt he
responsi bi l
itywhent het imecomes.I
knowal ltheguy swi l
l sayno, t
hey
don'twantt oputt heirwi vesint hat
position, beingheadoft hef orce,
you'rehar dlyeverhomeand
everythingi sinyourhands.Andt he
safetyofal l t
heagent sisiny our
hands.I ti sahuger esponsi bi
lit
ythat
Ihav ebeent rai
nedf orbutIst il
lneed
togot hroughsomei nt enset raini
ng
too.Isawhowmuchmyki dswer e
excitedaboutbei ngt hereandNasi 's
mot herl ov edhav ingt hem ar ound.So
Ihav enot hingtowor ryaboutandIdo
havesecur ityonstandbywhi chNasi
doesn'tknowabout .Ikepton
wonder i
ngaboutwhathermom
meantwhenshewast al
kingabout
Nasibei ngupsetagai nandIwi l
lget
tothebot t om ofit
.Onewayort he
other
,Iwi ll gettothebot tom ofitand
knowingNasi shewon' tsuppor tmy
i
deaofbuy inghermot herahouse
andhiringsomeonet otakecar eof
herandcl eant hehousepl usgeta
nursethatwi llmonitorherheal t
h.I
wasget tingcl osetoDur banwhenI
gotacal lf rom Mpho
Me:
Lebone
Mpho:
Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngi
nPMB?
Me:
Whyar ey
out
racki
ngmy
movement
s?
Mpho:BecauseIt
rackal
lyour
wher
eabouts.I
'mi
nHQandy ouneed
t
ogetherenow
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nHQ?
Mpho:Justcome,t
heot
her
swi
l
lbe
her
eshortl
ytoo.
Me:Thi
sbet
terbegood,
Iwas
pl
anni
ngongett
ingsomesl
eep
Mpho:Don'tbeachicken.Speaki
ng
ofchi
ckens,passbyNandosandget
memyf avori
te.Thanks
Me:
What
ever
.
Iwentt oNandosandbought5f ul
l
chickens,Iknowwi ththegentsal
so
there,onewhol echickenwon'tbe
enoughatal l.Idrov
et oHQandwas
thelasttoarrive.EvenNkosiwas
here
Me:Weren'
tyousupposedt
obei
n
Langel
i
hle?
Nkosi:
Thi
sismuchmor
eimpor
tant
r
ightnow.
Mpho: Thechickenpl
ease.Ineedto
dist
ressbecauseshit
sabouttoblow
thefan.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Lubah:
Sitdown,
it'
saboutNasi
phi
.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t13
#Danny
Iwasn'
tthi
nki
ngst
rai
ght
,myf
ir
st
thoughtwasifshewassaf e.Iknow
bynowt hesecurit
yt eam woul d'
ve
call
edmeandl etmeknow.Ij ust
stoodthereandwonder edwhati sit
aboutandIknowi t'simpor t
antsince
Nkosiisalsohere.Whi chdoesal so
remindmet hatIneedt ogett o
Langeli
hlesoon,it
'sbeenawhi le
sinceI'
vewentandIdon' twantthose
elder
ssost ar
tdoubt ingwhyNkosi
chosemeaspar toft hecouncilteam
Athi
:Wakeup!She'
snoti
ndangeror
anyt
hing
Thabo:
Arey
oui
nlov
ewi
thher
?
Me:
Sor
tof
.Nowwhati
sit
?
Jabu: Si
tdown,wedi dsome
researchandsawt hatNasiwasn'
ti
n
anyshelteroranyadopti
onhome.
Whi chmeansshewasn' tl
egal
ly
adopted
Bonga:Therewasnoadopti
on
pr
ocedure,t
hatconcl
udesthatshe
waseit
herleftsomewher
eandf ound
byhermotherorshewasstolen.
Phil
a:Wesnoopedar oundunt
ilwe
foundherfather
sdetai
lsandheisn'
t
farfr
om here.Hi
snamei sHector
Dlamini
,nowmar ri
edwith3ki
ds.
Me:
Bast
ard.Wher
edoeshest
ay
L’
yanda:
Glenwood.
Phi
la:Ther
e'smor
esoitsbett
eri
f
youjustsi
tdownandr
elax.
Thabo:WedidsomeDNAt ests,
betweenNasiphiandSnehjustt
osee
i
ftheyarer
elatedornotsowecan
getanexpl
anationastowhyshe
l
ookssomuchl i
keZee.
Me:
Andwhatdi
dyouf
ind?
Mpho:NasiandSnehar
en'
trel
atedat
al
l
,it
s0.00%
Me:Thatmeansshei
sn'
trel
atedt
o
Zee.
Bonga:Wedidsaythere'
sal
otsosi
t
down.Thi
sistheconfusi
ngpart
,why
i
sZeesoidenti
calwithNasi
phi
?
Me:
May
bei
t'
sacoi
nci
dent
Jabu:St
opbeingindeni
al,
thereisa
connect
ioni
nthisandwehav efound
outwhatiti
s.
Me:Youguy
sjustgett
othepoi
nt
pl
ease.
Athi:Here'
ssomewhi skey.Wedida
testonZeeandNasi phi,wesor
rywe
wentt hr
oughtheoldbloodsamples
wekepti nthefr
eezer.
Me:What!
?Didn'
tIt
ell
youguy
sto
t
hrowthem away
!
Phil
a:Yesyoudi
dbutwedi
dn'
t.And
they
'vehel
pedustoday
.
Me:
You'
real
lj
ustunbel
i
evabl
e.
Jabu:Wef oundthatZeeandNasi
phi
arerel
ated,nodoubt.I
ts99.
99%
Me: Wow!Icannotbeli
evethi
s.I
t
couldbepossi
blethattheyar
e
si
sters
Br
ian:
Twi
nsmay
be
Me: Don'
tbestupi
d,Zeei
s5y ear
s
ol
derthanNasiphi
.2year
solderthan
Sneh.Itr
eal
lydoesn'
tmakesenseat
al
l,SnehandZeearesist
ers
Lubah:
That'
swherethetwi
sti
s,Sneh
andZeearen'
tsi
ster
s.I
ts0.
00%
Me:No,
thi
sisn'
ttr
ue.Thi
sisal
lj
ust
cr
ap
Mpho:
Itseemsasi
fSnehandZee
metataver
yyoungageandwere
madetobel
iev
ethatt
heyar
eblood
si
ster
s.
Athi
:Youdoknowhowt hei
r
i
nformati
onisn'
tabl
etobeaccessed
nomatterwhatyoutr
y?
Me:
Yes
Jabu: Andsoi sNasi phi
'si
nfo.We've
concludedt hatthatswhyshei sn'
t
gett
inganyj ob,I'
m ev enamazedas
towhyshewasabl et oenr
olli
n
Universi
ty.She'sblockedineachand
ever
ysy stem.
Mpho:
Doesshehav
eacr
edi
tcar
d?
Me:
Yesanddon'
taskmehowIgoti
t,
butIhavethati
nfor
mati
onandshe
doesn'
tuseNasiphiAmahl
eDlamini
,
she'
sregist
eredasPear
lNyat
hi.
Athi
:Ny
athi!Whydoest
hatsur
name
ri
ngabell
.
Phil
a:Rememberwhenwewer e
deal
ingwithZiyanda'sthi
ngssowe
getherdeathcerti
fi
cate,thatol
dman
sai
donlyaPal i
saZiy andaNy at
hii
s
showingonthesy stem withthe
samedateofbi rt
h?
Me: Thisi
ssoconfusi
ng,coul
ditbe
thattheyar
eNyathi
'sandSneh
knowsaboutallofthi
s?
Phi
l
a:Idon'
tknowbutIdoknowwe
needtoseethatmanagain,
thengo
seeHectorDl
aminiandifwedon'
t
fi
ndanyconvinci
nginf
ormati
on.We
pull
outthebi
ggun,Kamogelang.
Lubah:
Soundsl
i
keapl
an
Br
ian:
Won'
tshet
ell
theot
her
s?
Jabu:Wecanonl
ytrustthatshe'
ll
be
prof
essi
onal
aboutthi
s.She'salways
prof
essi
onal
aboutothercases.
Thabo:Itsasensti
vecasewhichis
cl
oset oheart
,let
sjusthopesoshe'
ll
understandandbeprofessi
onal
aboutit
.
Me:Tomorr
owmorni
ng,at8we'
l
l
meether
eandbeonourwaytot
he
homeaf
fai
rs.
Lubah:
Rodgert
hat
.
Weal lwentourseparat
eway sandI
gotcome, showeredandgotintobed
try
ingtoclearmyheadbutallthese
thoughtswerejustal
lovermyhead.I
tookmyphoneandcal l
edNasiphi,
I
don'tknowmay beIshouldcall
her
Pearlnow?
Me:
Hel
l
obeaut
if
ul
Nasi
:Danny
,di
dyouseet
het
ime?
You'
rewaki
ngmeup.
Me:I'
m sor
ry,Iwasjustmissi
ngy
ou
guy
s.Aretheyasleepalr
eady?
Nasi
:Yesandt
hey
'vedeser
tedme,
theyar
esleepi
ngwit
hmymot her.
Areyouokay?Youdon'
tsoundtoo
good
Me: I
'
m okay,j
ustaheadache.
Nothingapanadoandsleepi
ngpi
l
ls
can'
tf i
x
Nasi
:It
hrewt
hoseaway
.
Me:
Whydi
dyoudot
hat
?
Nasi:
Becauseyouweregett
ing
addi
ctedt
ot hem andi
tsf
oryourown
good.
Ijustsi
ghedandl
i
stenedtoher
rambleaboutmyheal
th.
Me:
CanIasky
ousomet
hing?
Nasi
:Sur
e
Me:Whyisyouraccountr
egi
ster
ed
asPear
lNyathi
?
Nasi :Ihonestlydon'tknowDanny ,
I'
veal sowonder edwhybecausemy
IDbooki swrittenNasi phiAmahl e
Dlami ni,t
here'sjustalotofconf usi
ng
thingsaboutmyi denti
ty,puzzlesthat
Icannotputt ogether.Mymot her
gav ethosecr editcardsandwhenI
asked, shesai dmyf at
herhadmade
every t
hingformeatay oungagesoI
gott hem whenIwas18, her
explainationtowhymyI Dbookhas
Nasi phiAmahl eDl amini,isthatshe
didn'twantt ocont actmyf at
her
aboutmakinganIDformeunderthe
PearlNyat
hiname.I
talsomakesno
sensetomeatallbutIchoset
oleti
t
go.
Me:
Whati
syourf
ather
sname?
Nasi
:Hect
orDl
ami
ni,
whyar
eyou
aski
ng?
Me:Not
hing,
Iwasjustconfused.I
'
ll
l
ety
ousleepnow.Goodnight
Nasi
:Goodni
ghtt
oyout
ooDanny
.
Iwenttotheroom wher eIst
ored
Zee'
sthings.Therehastobesome
documentsthatIwillf
ind.Il
ookedat
ever
ythi
ngandZeehadt oomany
documentsandt oomany
i
nvesti
gati
ons.Whydi dn'
tshej ust
becomeadet ecti
veoraPI ?Ilooked
andlookedtil
lIeventuall
ygav eup
andpackedev ery
thing.WhileIwas
packi
ngapi eceofpaperf ellandit
hadtwonumber s,Hect orDlami ni
and
MuziwokuthulaNyathi.
Me:
Ziy
anda,
whati
sgoi
ngonher
e?
Isighedandtookthepaper.Honestl
y
thiswasbecomingverystr
essful.I
textedmyPAandt oldherIwon'tbe
comi ngi
ntomorrow.
#NEXTDAY
Iwokeupnotl
ooki
ngfor
wardtot
his
dayatal
l
.It
ookashowerandgot
dressed.I
'l
lgrabacupofcoffeeata
cafenearby.WhenIsteppedout,
LubahandL’ y
andawer eatmygate
Me:
What
sup?
L’
yanda:Welazyt
odri
vesoi
tmade
sensethatwewal
kedher
eandy
ou'
ll
dri
ve.
Lubah:
Andwehav
en'
thadbr
eakf
ast
Me:
You'
rebuy
ingbr
eakf
ast
,notme.
L’
yanda:
You'
resost
ingy
Idroveof
f,wegrabbedsome
breakf
astandt
henwentof ftoHQ.
Theotherswer
ealreadyther
e.
Me:
SoIcal
l
edNasi
lastni
ghtt
ryi
ng
t
odi
gsomei
nfor
mat
ion.
Thabo:
And?
Me: Shewascl uelessast owhyshe
usesPear lNyat hi,shesay st hatshe
wasgi venbyhermot hersay i
ngthat
herfatherhadmadet heseaccount s
forherwhi l
eshewasy oung.She
didn'
tgetapr operexpl anationast o
whyshe' sPearl Ny athi,herIDbook
thoughiswr i
ttenNasi phi Amahl e
Dlamini,hermot hersexcusewast hat
shedidn'twantt obei ncont actwi t
h
herfatherwhoi sHect orDl ami ni
.
Phi
l
a: I
'
m notconv
incedbyher
mothersst
ory
.
Bonga:Met oo,anditshowsthatone
ofthesedocument sisi
ll
egaloral
lof
them.Theyallcannothavethesame
I
Dnumberanddat eofbirt
h.
Athi
:Tr
ue,t
hisget
smor
eandmor
e
compli
cat
ed.
Me: There'
smor e.Isnoopedaround
Zee'sstuffl
astnight,
justwhenIwas
gi
vingupbecauseIwasn' tfi
nding
anythi
ng, t
hisf
ell.I
tsHectorDlamini'
s
numberandMuzi wokuthulaNyathi'
s
number .
Br
ian:Sear
chf
orMuzi
wokut
hul
a
Nyathi
Mpho:
I'
m oni
t.
Phi
larecei
vedacall
from Si
yaandhe
wentouttoansweri
tforawhil
e.He
camebackandlookedfrust
rat
ed
Phil
a:Theyaresuspectwe'
reona
missi
on,theyknowwe'reatHQ
Jabu: Mxm,t
heylovesnoopi
ng
around.Tel
lst
ixnottoopenfort
hem
i
ft heycome
It
ext
edst
ixandbr
ief
edSt
ix.
Mpho: I
'
m notfindi
nganythi
ngonthi
s
guy.Thesenumber sdon'
thel
ptoo,
theywerelastused3year
sago.
Me:ItshowsthatZeewas
i
nvesti
gati
ngherpast.
Bonga:
Ther
ehast
obemor
etot
his,
I
knowwhenZeei
sdi
ggi
ng,
she
doesn'
tst
op.
At
hi:
We'
l
llooki
ntoi
t.
Me:
Let
'sgoseet
hisHect
orDl
ami
ni.
Wegoti ntot
hecarsanddroveoff
.It
wasaqui ckdri
vesincehi
shouse
wasjustinGlenwood.Wegotther
e
anday ounggirl
openedforus
Br
ian:
Damnshe'
spr
ett
y.
Jabu:BehaveBrian.Mor
ningy
oung
l
ady,we'r
elookingforamancall
ed
HectorDlamini
Her:
I'
m June,
myfat
heri
sinhi
s
st
udy.Fol
lowme
Wef ol
l
owedherandwentint
othe
studyr
oom.Hequickl
yst
oodupand
tookofhi
sgl
asses
Hect
or:
June!Whoar
ethesemen?
Phi
la:
Idi
dthi
nkt
hatweshoul
dn'
tal
l
comeher
e.
At
hi:
Whydi
dn'
tyouj
ustsayso?
Jabu:
Cany
ouguy
sjustshutup?
Bonga:I
'm sor
ryMrDlami
ni,
weneed
total
ktoyou,pri
vat
ely
.
Hect
or:
Got
oyourr
oom June.
SheleftandNkosil
ockedtheroom.
TrustNkosit
ofindkeysandlockata
st
rangershouse
Nkosi
:Si
tdownHect
or
Hect
or:
Howdoy
ouknowme?
Nkosi:That'
snotwhatwecamef or
,
we'l
lasky ouafewquesti
onsandwe
needstrai
ghtanswers.
Me:Yourdaught
er,Juneseemstobe
averyver
ybeaut
ifulgi
rl
.Youwouldn'
t
wantsomethi
ngwr ongtoherwould
you?
Hect
or:
Arey
out
hreat
eni
ngme?
Me:
Idon'
tmaket
hreat
s.
Phi
l
a:Whi
skey
?
Thi
sguy
sisoffer
inghim whi
skeyi
n
hi
sownhouse.Anotherl
evel
of
under
mini
nganddi
srespect
.
Bonga:Soisyouradopteddaughter
,
Nasi
phiDlaminiwhom youlef
twith
hermother.You'
reacruelman,
l
eavingherbecauseshehadstroke,
youdonotknowwhatl oveis.
Hector
:Howdoyouknowabouther
?
Getoutofmyhouse!
L’y
anda:Youdon'
tli
stendon'
tyou,
we
askquesti
onsandyouanswer,not
theot
herwayaround.
Lubah:Now,weknowthatyou
regi
ster
edNasiphi
asPearlNyat
hion
theaccount
sthatyoumade.Why?
Hect
or:
Shecoul
dn'
tuseNasi
phi
Dlamini
,that
'swhatwenamedher
andmysur name.Thehospi t
alt
oldus
thatshewasalreadynamedand
regi
ster
edasPear lNyat
hi.SoIdidn'
t
wanttochangei t
Me:Sowhyi
sherI
DasNasi
phi
Dl
amini
?
Hector:Whenshedi dherI DIwasn' t
partofherli
feanymor e.Ihaven't
seenherinmanyy ears, af
terIturned
mybacksont hem Inevermadeany
contactwit
hthem.
Bonga:
Whydidyoufr
eezeal
lher
mother
saccount
s?
Hect
or:
Ihadnochoi
ce!I
fwewentt
o
court,t
heywould'
vegivenher
everyt
hingbecausewhenImetherI
wasnot hi
ng.Mostofourthings
belongedtoherandy esIwasself
ish,
Ihadt ogetoutofthedealwit
h
somet hi
nginhand
At
hi:
Yougotoutwi
thev
ery
thi
ng!
Hect
or:
Ilef
therwi
thNasi
phi
.
Me:Whatdeal
isi
tthaty
ou'
ret
alki
ng
about
?
Hect
or:
Whatdeal
?
Me:Don'tmakemeaf ool
!Yousai
d
youneededtogetoutoft
hedealwi
th
somethi
ng!
Hect
or:
Ourmar
ri
agewasf
ake,
she
coul
dn'tgi
vebir
thandsheaskedme
tomarryhersoshecanbeableto
adoptachil
dandtheprocesscoul
d
bequicker
.
Me:
Andt
hen?
Hector
:Iagreedtoitbecauseitwas
goodmoney ,wegott hechi
ldand
thenweraisedher.Itgott
oomuch
formeandIwasst i
llabl
etogetout
withal
lhermoney .Shegotwhatshe
wantedandIgotwhatIwant ed.
Nkosi
:You'
recr
uel
,youdi
sgustme.
Me:
Whoi
sMuzi
wokut
hul
aNy
athi
?
Hect
or:
I'
m notfamil
i
arwit
hthename,
maybehermotherwoul
dknowsince
shedeal
twit
hthedocuments.Iwas
j
ustther
etoactasherhusband.
Me:Thankyou,
we'l
lbeoutofyour
way
.Hav eagooddayHector
.
Weleftandwenttohomeaffai
rs.We
di
dn'tgetwhatwewantedandwent
backtoHQ.
Mpho:Str
essf
ulday
,wer eal
l
ydi
dn'
t
getany
thi
ngconvi
ncing.
Nkosi:Thisleadstooneoft hetwo
soluti
onswehav eleft.Danny,were
goingtoyourhouse.Wehav etolook
foreveryt
hingZeef ound,i
tcouldn'
t
bet henumber sonl
y .
Me:
Let
'sgo.
#Nasi
Yester daywasagr eataf t
ernoon,the
ki
dsgetal ongv erywel l
wi t
hmy
mot herandshewasv eryhappy
aboutt hem bei ngt here.Shel i
ter
ally
didn'tpayanyat tenti
ont omeatal l.
Theybot hsl eptwi thherandIwasal l
alonei nmyr oom.Af t
erDannycal l
ed,
Icoul dn'tstopbutt hinkaboutwhyhe
wassuddenl yaski ngmeal lthose
quest ions.Ihav ereallyjustgivenup
aboutf i
ndingoutaboutmyr eal
parent s,mymot herhasbeenagood
mot herandf athertome.Idon' tfeel
anyneedt oknowt hem andt here's
nospacef ort hem inmyl if
e.WhenI
wasy oungitaffect
edmeal otbut
ri
ghtnow, i
tdoesn'taf
fectmeatal l
.I
wokeupandmadebr eakf
ast,t
hey
werestil
lasleepandItookabat h.
Aft
erdressingupIwentout si
deand
cal
ledDanny
Danny
:Babe
Me:
Don'
tbabeme!Doy
out
hinkI
'
ma
f
ool
?
Danny:Whatdi
dIdoknow?It
hought
Iwassti
ll
charmingy
ouwit
hmy
handsomeface?Oryoumi
ssmethat
much?
Me: Don'
tbestupi
d,whyi
sther
ea
securi
tyt
eam here?
Danny
:Howdi
dyouknow?
Me:I'
m notst
upidandt
heyar
ereal
l
y
notgoodathi
ding.
Danny:
Ijustwant
edyout
obesaf
e,
fort
hekidstobesaf
e
Me:Mxm uyadi
kayazDanny
(you'
re
annoy
ingDanny)
Danny:I
'
llmakeituptoyou.I
'
m abit
busynowsoby e.Checkonyoul
ater
Me:
Bye.
Iwentbackint
ot hehouseandthey
wereawake.Idishedupforthem and
wesatdownatat e.
Me:
We'
l
lbegoi
ngt
othemal
ltoday
,
wat
chmov
iesandshopf
orcl
othes.
Danv
er:
We'llal
sobuythecupsyou
want
edgrandma,shesawthem on
TV.
Me:
Okaywewi
l
l.
Mom:
We'
l
lcat
chat
axi
Me:
No,
adr
iverwi
l
lpi
ckusup.
ItextedDannytel
li
nghim we'l
lneeda
driv
er .Her
epl
iedimmediatel
y,I
guesshewasn' tr
eall
ythatbusy
Me:Okay,l
etshur
ryup.We'
l
lleav
ein
anhour
,thedri
veri
sonhisway.
Mom:
You'
rel
i
vingal
avi
shl
i
fe
Me:
Iguessso,
mom,
whyi
smy
accountr
egi
ster
edasPear
lNy
athi
?
Mom: We'vet
alkedaboutthi
sbefor
e
Nasiphi
!Wewon' tbet
alki
ngabouti
t
everagai
n!
Oni
ka:
SisNasi
don'
tupsetgr
andma.
Me:I'm sorry
.I'
ll
gotakeoutthe
cl
othesy ou'l
lwear,
comet omyroom
af
teryouf ini
sheati
ng.Ihopeyou
won'tmi ndbathi
nginabasin
Danv
er:
Wedon'
tmi
nd.
Onikajustnodded,Idon'
tthinkshe
evenknowswhatabasi nis.Danny
hasbeautifulki
dswithhumbl eand
beauti
fulsouls.Ij
ustcoul
dn'tgeti
t
outofmymi ndthough,whyisDanny
suddenlyaski ngaboutt hi
sandwhy
i
si tupsett
ingmymot her?Isi
ghed
andt ol
dmy selft
oj ustl
etgo.Idon'
t
wantt obeanger edbyt hisatall
,my
l
ifeisgreatandIhav epositi
vethi
ngs
tolookatinl i
fe.IknowIcannotr un
awayf rom thisforeverbutfornow,i
t
i
sf orthebest .
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends.
Sorr
yifiti
sshort
,Iwant
edt
opost
twoinsert
stoday
.
#LBAR
I
nser
t14
#Danny
Afterleavi
ngHQ, weheadedt omy
house.Igotacal lf
rom Nasi
phi and
shewasf uri
ous, t
hoseidi
ot'
scoul dn'
t
hide.Shewasn' tsupposedtosee
them andshedi dseet hem,itmade
herangr yandIwi llmakesur
et hat
theyar efi
red.RightnowI'mfocused
onmuchmor eimpor t
antt
hingsand
I'
ll
deal wit
hthem Sundayafter
noon.
Wegott omyhouseandwent
strai
ghttotheroom.Itookoutallher
document sandwel ai
dthem allon
thefloor
Bonga:
Damn!Zeewasabusy
woman,somanypaper
s.
At
hi:
Ifeel
tir
edal
ready
Me:Nousecompl
aini
ng,
let
sgett
o
wor
k.
Wesatdownandeachofushadour
ownpi
le.About4hourspassedand
west
il
lhadnothing.
Phi
l
a:I
'
mti
red,
mypi
l
eisf
ini
shedand
t
her
e'snot
hingmor
etol
ookat
Mpho:Comehelpme,I
'mr eall
ynot
goodatpaper
sdocuments,thepl
ane
andcomputer
saremystuffnotthi
s
shi
t.
Br
ian:
Ithi
nkIf
oundsomet
hing
Wewentt ohim andhegav
eusthe
documents.I
twasapaperfil
l
edwi
th
numbers
Me:
Whatt
hehel
l?Whatarewegoi
ng
t
odowi
thnumbersBr
ian
Bri
an:Theheadingi
s"Nyat
hi
i
nvesti
gati
on"shedi
dthist
hesame
yearshepassedaway.
Me:
May
beshepassedbef
oreget
ti
ng
enoughi
nfor
mat
ion
L’
yanda:Don'ty
outhinkthatt
hese
arecodesforsomething.Mpho,
can
yousolvet
his
Mpho:Itdoesseem l
i
keacoded
message.
Me:It
hinkt
hisal
lj
ustl
eadst
ocal
l
ing
Kamo.
Nkosi
:Iagr
eeewi
thy
ou.
Thabocall
edherandt ol
dherto
comeov er,
alonewi t
hherequipment.
Aft
eraf ewmi nutesshewaswi thus.
Shelookedconf usedatfi
rstandsat
down.
Kamo:
Whatmi
ssi
onar
eyouupt
o
now?Youguysshouldst
artpayi
ng
me,youtol
dustoleavet
heforceand
wedid,nowwhatdoyouwant?
Thabo:Weneedyourhel
pbabe,
it'
s
aboutZee,
Nasi
phiandSneh.
Kamo:It
hinkyoushoul
dn'
tgo
di
ggi
ngintothi
sguys,i
twi
llr
uin
manythi
ngs.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Kamo:
Whathav
eyouf
oundsof
ar?
Nkosi
:Whatdoy
ouknow?
Kamo:Let
sjustst
opthi
snonsense
andwegetoveranddonewi
ththis.
Me:
Weknowt
hatZeeandNasi
are
r
elat
ed.
Kamo:Idi
dn'
tknowaboutt
hat
,how
doyouknow?
At
hi:
Wedi
daDNAt
est
.
Kamo:I
'm sur
eyounowknowthat
ZeeandSneharen'
tsi
ster
s.
Me:
Youknewaboutt
hisal
lthi
sti
me!
Kamo: It
oldZeetost opdoingthi
s,I
knewi twouldcomebackt ousone
day .Shewasn'tabletofini
shup,t
he
planwasf orhertocont i
nueaft
er
givingbir
thbecauseIdi dn'
twantto
stressher.Ial
way sfeelli
kesheknew
herday swerecomi ngtoanend, t
he
thingsshesaidandhoweagershe
wast olookforherbi
ologicalf
ami l
y
andIjustmanagedt ostopher,I
helpedherwithsomet hingsbutthey
areallattheHeadQuartershouse.
Bonga:
Seet
his,
it'
swr
it
teni
ncodes
Kamo:Iremembert his,
Iknowhow
we'
ll
beabletotranslateitbuti
twi
l
l
beabitofaproblem
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Kamo: Wewon'tbeabl
et oaccess
theroom Zeeused,
Ionlyknowthe
fi
rsttwocodesandnothi
ngmor e
Me: Howmuchmor esecr
etswas
Ziy
andahidingf
rom me!?Whywould
shedoall
t hiwi
thoutmeknowing?
Kamo: Shewantedt odot hi
shersel
f,
youknowhowZeewas, shedi
dn't
dependonany one,shewant edtodo
thi
ngshersel
fandnot hi
ngstopped
her.Ev
eny oucouldn'tstopher.
Nkosi
:DoyouknowaboutHect
or
Dl
aminiandMuzi
wokut
hulaNyathi
?
Kamo: Yes,Idi
dn'tknowwhoexact l
y
weret hey,wewer esupposedtogo
seet hem butwecoul dn'
t,
itwasthat
hectictimewher eNkosiwenttothe
Pyrami d,weneededt obetheref
or
Nay e.
Lubah:Whyhav
en'
tyout
oldusal
l
thi
sti
me?
Kamo:I
tneededt
orestandbei
nthe
past
.
At
hi:
Doesmywi
feknowaboutt
his?
Kamo: Ar
eyoucrazy?Thatwouldki
l
l
Sneh.Andsheisn'
tgoi
ngtofindout
,
she'
shighl
ypregnant
.
Me:
Let
'sgetgoi
ngpl
ease.
Wet ookallweneededandheadedt o
HQ, i
twasaqui ckdr i
vesincewe
wereallj
ustfill
edwithconf usi
onand
curi
osit
y.Iwasal sofeeli
ngangr y,
howcoul dshehi desuchthingsf r
om
me?Whydi dn'
tshesaysomet hing?
Thisisj
ustallamesst hatsheleft
behindbutitisalsogivi
ngmemor e
deter
mi nat
iont ofi
ndoutthewhol e
tr
uthforher ,
formet ofini
shupf r
om
whereshel eftoffandforevery
onet o
knowt hetruth.Ij
usthopethiswil
l
notdol ot
sofdamage, t
obehonest
I'
m afr
aidtoev enknowwhatt hetruth
i
s.Wegott oHQandKamowas
i
mmedi at
elyonoursy stems
Phi
la:
Youdoneedtobr
iefuson
whatyou'
redoi
ng
Kamo:I'
mtr
yingt
oaccessZi
yanda'
s
passwor
dsandcodes.
Mpho:Whatwasherphones
passwor
d,Danny
?
Me:
Aswei
rdasi
tmaybe,
her
passwordwas"At
mosphere"andshe
di
dn'tkeepany
thi
ngonherphone.
Mpho:
Myf
ri
endwasr
eal
l
ywei
rd
Phi
l
a:Andt
oosmar
t,she'
sjustt
oo
smart
.
Kamo: Zee!Whydidn'
tIthi
nkofthis?
Noneofy ouwould'
vethoughofthis,
sheusedt heal
phabetsoneach
numberont hoseoldphones,you
knowhow2hadl i
keABC, 3-DEF,4-
GHI,
5-JKL,6-
MNO,7-PQRS,8-
TUV,9-
WXYZ.
Bonga:
Whowould'
veevert
houghtof
that
?Thisi
stoomuch.
Kamo:
Ther
e'sasy
stem t
hati
sused
totr
ansl
atet
hisandshehasit
.Gi
ve
met hef
ir
stwordorsent
encei
n
codes
Me:
3-1-
6-36-
1-6-
3-8-
17-
4-3-
2-2-
1-3-
1
Jabu:
I'
mver
yconf
used
Kamo:Thosespel
lout"
DONOT
READ"
Athi
:Dannyyoumarr
iedatycoon!Ay
Zee,youshowi
ngusflames
Herai
sedabott
leofwhi
skeyand
dr
ankfrom t
hebot
tl
e
L’
yanda:
Whatt
hef
uckwi
l
lwedr
ink?
Athi
:Don'
tactasi
fwe'venev
erdr
ank
fr
om thesamebot
tle.
Phila:
Soy oudoseethatt
hisis
al
mostt wopagesoftheconfusing
number s,howandwhenwillwe
fi
nishthis?
Me:
Ireal
l
ydoneedt
oknowt
oo
Kamo:Weneedtoaccesshersecr
et
room.Cal
lst
ix
Ical
ledSti
xandhecame, he'
sthe
onethatstay
sint
hishouseandhead
ofsecuri
ty
St
ix:
Shobossl
ady
Kamo:
Thekey
stot
hesecr
etr
oom?
Sti
x:EishI
'm notsupposedt
ogive
you,youknowIswor etoBossZee
Me:St
ix,t
hisi
snot i
meforgames.
Weappreci
ateyourl
oyal
tybutwe
needt
hosekeys.
St
ix:Shesai
dIshoul
donlygi
vethem
upifi
tsamatterofl
i
feanddeat
h
Me:Thisisamat t
erofli
feanddeath!
Yourveryownlif
ecouldbeindanger!
Andallofyourki
ds!
Nkosi:
Calm downDanny
,thekeys
St
ix.Youdon'twantmet
or epeat
myself
.
St
ix:
Shoboss
Phi
la:
Couldn'
tyouscar
ehi
m ear
li
er?
Youli
ter
all
ywait
edforamoment
Nkosi
:Youknowme,
Ilookf
ort
he
mostper
fectmoment
sandIactoni
t.
Mpho:
That
'
showy
ouscor
edt
wins.
Nkosi
:Phi
lai
sthemast
erofscor
ing,
hehassuper
sper
ms.
Weal ll
aughedandKamowas
grossedout.Shetookthekeysand
l
edust othisdarkroom.Sheopened
thedoorandt her
ewasal apt
oponly.
Athi
:Thatwaseasy,andwhyisther
e
j
ustonelapt
op,Ithoughtwe'
l
lsee
somecrazyITstuff
.
Kamo:
Thisi
sjustt
hefi
rstentr
ance.
Giv
emethecodesatt
hebot t
om.
Br
ian:
3-1-
2-1-
6-2-
8-3-
3-2-
7-3
Kamo:
Okay
,we'
reov
erent
ranceone
Me:
Thatspel
toutDanv
err
ight
?
Kamo:
Yes,
you'
resl
owl
ylear
ningt
his
Thabo:I
'l
lst
icktowhatIknowbest
,I
cannotbecracki
ngcodes
Kamo:Li
keget
ti
ngint
oev er
yhoe's
under
weari
soneofyourspeci
ali
ti
es.
At
hi:
It'
sget
ti
nghoti
nher
e!!
Lubah:ShutupAthi!Per
sonal
matter
sasidefornowplease,Thabo
youshouldalsoshutupanddon't
upsether
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatwasgoi
ngonbutI
doknowthati
thast
odowithThabo
cheati
ngagai n.Honestl
y,Thabo
couldn'tkeephiszipcl
osed.It
s
somet hingwe'vetal
kedtohim about
andhedoesn' tstop,Kamogelang
deservesbetter.
Wewentthr
ought
hesecondand
t
hir
dent
rance.
Kamo:Fuck!Car
eful
,ther
ear
elazor
wir
eshere.
Lubah:
Icandi
sabl
ethem.
Hedisabl
edthem andwewer
eledt
o
ahugesteel
door
Nkosi
:Ther
e'snowayofbr
eaki
ngi
n
her
e.
Me:
Icannotbel
i
evemywi
fedi
dal
l
t
his!Ijustcannoti
t.I
'
m upsetand
i
mpr essedatthesametime.
Jabu:
There'
stwoot
hercodesher
e,
l
etstr
ythem out
Kamo: Readt
hem outplease,
youdo
knowwecanonl ytr
ytwiceandit
cannotopenagai
ntil
lthenextday
Jabu:
7-1-
3-2-
2-1-
7-3-
5-36-
2-2-
1-7-
4-4
-3
-
7-1-
4-2-
4-3,
thi
sspel
l
soutPearl
Nasi
phi,
butther
esamissi
ngpart
.
Kamo:Shit!We'v
elostouronetry
.
Passmet hatpaper
.I'
llj
ustsi
tdown
andsolv
ei tev
enifitt
akesmet he
wholeday.
Shesatdownandaskedt obe
excused.Wewentt othemai nroom
andchill
edthereasfrustr
atedaswe
were.Afterabout4hoursshecame
tous
Kamo:
DamnI
'
m hungr
y
Thapel
o:I
'l
lorderf
ood,
justsi
tdown
andexpl
aintous.
Kamo:Okay,
ital
lreadsasfol
l
ows.
DONOTREAD, IFYOUAREREADI NG
THISITAKEITTHATYOUWERETOO
STUBBORNTOFOLLOW MY
I
NSTRUCTIONS.IKNOW WHENEVER
SOMEONEFINDSTHI SANDREADS
I
T,IWOULDBEDEADBECAUSEI
KNOW YOUWOULDHAVENEVER
FOUNDTHI SI
FIWASSTI LLALIVE.
WHOEVERYOUARE, ILEAVETHIS
CASETOI NYOURHANDS.IWANT
YOUTOTELLMYHUSBANDTHAT
I'
M SORRYFORKEEPI NGTHISFROM
HIM,HEHASTOUNDERSTAND
THATICOULDN' TTELLANYONE
ABOUTI TANDI'
M REALLYSORRY,
PLEASEDOKNOW THATILOVEYOU.
SECONDLY,SNENHLANHLASHOULD
NEVER,EVERFINDOUTABOUTTHI S.
INEEDYOUTOACCESSMYPRI VATE
ROOM, BUTIKNOW YOUWI LLNOT
BEABLETOACCESSI TWITHOUT
FINDI
NGSOMEONEWHOGOESBY
THENAMEORPEARLNASI PHI
NYATHI,UNFORUNATELY,IHAVE
BEENUNABLETOFI NDHERBUTI T
ISI
NYOURBESTI NTERESTTHAT
YOUFINDHERANDONLYSHECAN
BEABLETOOPENTHEROOM, I
KNOW ITSOUNDSABSURDAND
STUPID,LI
KEHOW WI LLSHEKNOW
THEMI SSI
NGCODE, SHEISSMART
ANDSHEHASI TI NHER.IWASABLE
TOFINDOUTTHAT
MUZIWOKUTHULANYATHIMI GHT
BEMYBI OLOGICALFATHERAND
PEARLMI GHTBEMYBLOODSI STER.
IALSODONOTUNDERSTANDAND
DONTHAVEALLTHEANSWERSAS
KAMOGELANGMADEMESTOP
I
NVESTI GATING.IGREW UP
THINKI
NGTHATSNEHI SMYSI STER
BUTSADLY, SHEISNOT.SHEIS
REALLYSNENHLANHLABHENGU
ANDIAM NOTABHENGU.I TJUST
HAPPENEDTHATWEENDEDUP
GROWINGTOGETHERWI THTHE
SAMEFOSTERPARENTSANDI
DON'TKNOW WHATHAPPENED
AFTER.WHETHERWEARENOT
BLOODSI STERS,SHEWILLALWAYS
BEMYSI STERANDTHISTRUTH
SHOULDBEHI DDENFROM HER, BE
WARNEDTHATI FSHEFINDSOUT,
SHEWI LLNOTTAKETHI SWELL
ANDI TWOULDDESTROYHER.
ATHENKOSI,ITRUSTTHATYOU
WILLSUPPORTMYDECI SI
ONAND
DONOTTELLHER.I FYOUALLMY
FRIENDSARESTILLALI VE,YOU
NEEDTOKNOW THATILOVEYOU
ANDILOVEMYKI DS,DANVERAND
THEONEI '
M CARRYINGRI GHTNOW
ASIWRITETHI SLETTER, ANDTHE
MANYMOREKI DSIMI GHTHAVEAT
THISMOMENT.IHAVEALSOFOUND
OUTTHATHECTORDLAMI NII
STHE
ADOPTIVEFATHEROFPEARL,
PLEASEDOLOOKFORHI M ANDGET
TOTHEBOTTOM OFALLTHI S,MY
SI
STERISABOUT4OR5YEARS
YOUNGERTHANME, HERDATEOF
BI
RTHI S11/11/1988or1989.THE
PASSWORDSAREI NCODES, YOU
WILLHAVETOFI GURETHATOUT
ANDONLYNASI PHIKNOWSTHE
MISSI
NGPI ECE.THANKYOU, AGAI
N,
DONOTTELLSNENHLANHLA.TAKE
GOODCAREOFMYKI DS,IFBOTH
DANNYANDIARENOTALI VE
ANYMOREASYOUREADTHI S,I
TIS
YOURDUTYTOMAKESUREMYKI DS
AREWELLTAKENCAREOFF.I F
THAPELOORBRI ANISREADING
THIS,
PASSI TOVERTOYOUR
BROTHERS.IDON' TTRUSTYOU
WITHMYKI DS,IDON'TWANTTHEM
TOEATCANDYANDFASTFOODS
FORTHEI RENTIRELIVES.AND
PLEASEDOGETMARRI ED,YOUWI LL
MAKEGREATHUSBANDS.DANNY, IF
YOU'REALIVEANDREADI NGTHIS,
DONOTHOLDONTOMEFOREVER
ASIWI LLBEWATCHI NGOVERYOU.
MOVEONANDGETMARRI EDTO
SOMEONEWHOM YOUWI LLFALL
INLOVEWI TH.IGIVEYOUMY
BLESSINGS.LOVEHER
UNCONDI TIONALLYLIKEYOU
LOVEDMEANDMORE.YOUWI LL
FOREVERBEI NMYHEART.YOUR
WIFE:ZIYANDANYATHIMCKENZI E.
Whenshef
ini
shedt
hatl
ett
erwewer
e
bothint ears.I
tfel
tasifmywifewas
ther
er eadingthisnotetome.I
couldn'thelpbutjustcr
yandthi
nkof
allt
hemoment swespenttoget
her
Mpho:I
tsallgoingtobeokayman,
l
etsj
ustful
fi
l al
lherlastwi
shes
Bri
an:Yesman,weoweittoher.And
yesIwil
lgetmar
ri
edin100year
s.
Wealll
aughedandLubahcal
med
Kamodownasshewant ednot
hing
todowit
hThabo.
Phil
a:Youknowwhatt
hismeans
ri
ght?
Me:WeneedtogetNasi
her
eandt
ell
herev
ery
thi
ng
Jabu:
Thatwi
l
lbetough,t
hatgi
rl
seemstobev
erystubbor
n.
Me: I
'
m evenscar
edt ocal
lher.If
eel
thi
ngsI'
veneverf
eltbefor
e,she'
sjust
amazingandsostrong.
Nkosi
:Youhav
etocallher
.Shemust
beonherwaybackasap.
Isi
ghedanddeci
dedtocall
her
i
mmedi at
ely
.Sheanswer
edonthe
thi
rdr
ing.
Me:
Nasi
,wher
ear
eyou?
Nasi
:Onourwaybackhomef r
om t
he
mall
,howcute?Youdon'
tknow
whereI'
m at
,that
'st
hefi
rst
.
Me:
(l
aughs)What
ever
,Ineedy
out
o
gethomeasap,packal
lyourbags
i
ncludi
ngyourmother
sandy ou'
ll
be
comingback
Nasi
:Danny
,Icannotdot
hat
.
Me: Ineedyounott oarguewithme
pl
easeNasi phi
,thisisimport
ant.
Yourmot herwi
llstaywi t
husforthe
nextfewweeksunt i
lIgetherahouse
andsomeonet ot akecareofher.
Nasi
:Danny,
Iwil
lnotal
l
owy
out
odo
t
hat,
it'
stoomuch
Me:Babe,
canwejustar
gueabout
t
hiswhenyougethome?
Nasi
:Fi
ne!
Me:
Don'
tbeupsetandj
ustdoasI
say.Whenyougethome, y
ou'l
ldrop
offtheki
dsandthedr
iverwil
ltake
yout owher
eIam.
Nasi
:Yessi
r
Me:Ilov
ei twheny
oul
i
sten.I
tmakes
t
hingsveryeasy
Shelaughedatmeanddroppedthe
cal
l.Theboyswer
egivi
ngmet heeye
andsowasKamo
L’
yanda:
Babe?
Me:Ijustl
i
kecal
l
ingherbabe,
not
hingisgoi
ngon.She'
srej
ect
ing
me.
#Nasi
Thedayt urnedoutt ober eal
lyfun,
spendi ngt imewi thmymom andt he
kidswasj ustsomuchf unandImust
say ,itwasr eall
yamemor yIwil
l
nev erf orget.Dannycal ledmeabout
twohour sagodemandi ngthatwego
backhome, Itri
edar gui ngbutitdidn'
t
wor k.What ev eritisIjusthav ea
feelingi thassomet hingtodowi t
h
myi dent i
tyandHect or.Whathesai d
aboutbuy i
ngmymom ahouseand
gettingsomeonet otakecar eofher
i
sj ustnotgoi ngt ohappen, t
hatman
hasdonet oomuchf ormeandI
cannotacceptt hisatal l
.Igottothis
beaut i
fulsimpl ehouseandwas
dir
ect
edbysomeonecal l
edSt i
x,he
l
ookedabi tdodgybuti t'
sfunnyhowI
wasn'
tscar edatal l
.IfIhadballsI'
d
sayI'
m gr owingapai r.Wegott o
somer oom andt hegent sweret her
e
andKamo, strange, t
hegi r
lsarejust
al
wayst ogether ,
y ounev erfi
ndjust
oneoft hem alone.
Me:
Hel
l
o
Kamo:Heygi
rl
,we'
l
lgi
vey
ouguy
s
somespace
Jabu:
Why
?
Lubah:
Jabu!We'l
lgi
vet
hem space
andyouwil
lfol
l
owus.
Il
aughedast
heypushedeachot
her
outoft
heroom.BrianandThapel
o
al
sowantedtostaysotheycoul
d
herewhatDannywasabouttosay
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Danny:WhatI'm abouttosaywil
l
probabl
yjustchangey ourl
if
efor
ever
butIneedyout otrustme.
Me:
Okay
,you'
rescar
ingme.
Danny:Tr
ustmeI'm scaredtoo,I
needyoutotoknowt hatIhavenever
fel
tthi
swayaboutany oneelse,
not
evenmywi f
e.Nasiphither
earemany
thi
ngsaboutyouthatyou'r
eaboutto
fi
ndoutandthatyouneedt ohelpus
withsowecangett othebottom of
f
allofthi
s.Pleasej usttr
ustmeandl et
mepr otectyou.Iknowy ou'
renot
readyforallthisandy ouwillbe
confusedbutt rustmewhenIsayI
willt
akecar eof ft
hisandmakesur e
wef i
ndoutev eryt
hingthereisto
know.Ther e'
sasi deofmyl i
fethat
youdon'tknowandInev erwishedfor
yout oknowbutundert hese
cir
cumst ancesI '
mf orcedtoreveal
thi
swor ldtoy ou.TrustmeNasi phi
AsmuchasIt rust
edhim,Iwasalso
afrai
dofwhatheisabouttotel
lme.
ItscaredmebutIchosetotr
usthim,
Iknowhewouldnev erl
etanyonehur
t
me.
Me:I'
m scar
edDannybutIchooset
o
t
rustyou.
Hecuppedmyfacewi
thhi
shands
andki
ssedme.
Danny
:Thanky
ouandIl
ovey
ou.
Nasi
phi
:Il
ovey
out
ooDanny
.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t15
WhenDannyt oldmehel ov esme, it
fel
tsowar m andsor ight.Ij ust
couldn'thidethewayIf eltany more.
Event houghI '
m afrai
dofwhatt he
futur
ehol dsforus, Iconf essedmy
l
ov eforhi m.Istil
ldoknowt hatbeing
i
nar el
ationshipwithhimi sn'tmuch
ofagoodi deaandwhatIam about
todiscov erseemsasi fitismor e
obstaclescomi ngourway .Ilooked
i
ntohi sey esasIpr omisedt otrust
him.
Danny
:Pr
omi
set
hatal
loft
hiswon'
t
changeany
thi
ngbet
weenus
Me:Danny,Icannotpromisey outhat
.
Idon'
twantt omakepr omisesIwon't
beabletokeep.Idon'
tknowwhati t
i
sthatyou'r
eabouttot el
lmebutIdo
knowitisli
fechangi
ng.Idon'tknow
wherewill
itputus.I
twoul dbewr ong
ofmet omakeanempt ypromi se
Hesighedandcal
l
edt
heot
her
sto
come.
Danny
:It
hinkKamoshouldbet
he
onewho'
l
lexpl
ainal
lthi
s
Kamo:
Aywe'
ll
all
taket
urns,
itst
oo
muchf
orme.
Me:
Gett
othepoi
ntguy
spl
easeI
'
m
f
reaki
ngoutal
ready
.
Danny:Wel
l,onethingyouneedto
knowfir
sti
st hatIdon'
tonlyown
busi
ness,t
hatsnotwher eall
my
moneycomesf r
om
Me:Letmeguess,
youi
ntoi
l
legal
t
hings?
Danny
:Yes.
Phil
a:Basicall
y,t
hosei
ll
egalt
hings
prot
ectyouandpr ovi
deforal
lofus.
Theprofessionsarej
ustfr
ont
s.
Kamo:Wewereal
soi
nvol
vedi
nthe
for
cebutt
heyt
ookusout
.
Me:
Wow
Jabu:
That
sit
?
Me:Idon'
tknowhowtof
eelabouti
t
andyou'
renott
ell
i
ngmeevery
thi
ng.
Mpho:We' vekil
ledbefor
eandwoul d
kil
lany
timei fwehadt o,weimport
andexpor tweapons,notinvol
vedin
drugsany moreandRazor ,whois
Danny'
sf atheri
sthepersonwewor k
for.
Me:Dannyhav
eyoual
soki
l
led
someone?
Danny
:I'
veki
l
ledpeopl
e
Thatj
ustmademyhear tdr
op,i
t
meansitwasn'
tj
ustonepersonbuti
t
wasmanypeople.Il
ookedatKamo
hopingt heywoul dtellmetheyare
j
okingbutshewasser i
ousandIsaw
thattheywer en'tj
oking.Iwashurt
butIwasn' tgoingtoj udgethem,Ifor
oneknowshowhar ditistohustl
e,I
don'tknowt heirreasonsfordoing
whatt heydobutI 'm suretheyare
vali
denough.
Me: Ohokay,
Iti
sshocki ngnewsbut
I'
m notgoi
ngtojudgey ouguysand
beangryfort
hethingsy oudo.Just
aslongasweareal lsafeandallt
he
ki
dsaresafe
Jabu:
Thanky
ou
Danny
:Sowi
tht
hatbei
ngsai
d,Zee
wassomeonewhol oveddangerand
i
nvesti
gat
ing.HerandSnehgr ewup
notknowi
ngt heirparentsandbefor
e
shediedwe'v
ef oundoutt hatshe
waslooki
ngforherpar ent
sand
i
nvesti
gat
ingev eryoneinvolv
ed.
Nkosi :We'
vedi scoveredt
hatZeeand
Snehar en'
trel
at ed,t
heyarenotblood
sistersatal
l.Wesuspectt hatthey
mi ghthavemetav eryyoungageor
broughtupbyt hesamef oster
par ent
sandgr ewupknowi ngthat
theyar esi
ster
sf rom thesame
par ent
s
Me:
Wow,
doesSnehknowaboutt
his?
Danny
:No
Me:She'
sgoi
ngtofli
p,It
hinkshewi
l
l
j
ustl
osehermind.
Phi
la:That'
swhyshewon'tf
indout
.
Nasiphi
,youar
eZiyanda'
ssi
ster
.
Ijustl
aughedathim,atfi
rstIjust
thoughtIdi
dn'
thearhim properl
ybut
theywereallj
ustser
ious.
Me:
You'
renotj
oki
ng?
Danny
:No
Icri
ed,Ijustl
eti tal
lout.Icr i
edfor
havi
ngt ofindoutt hi
sway , Icri
ed
becauseI '
l
lnev ergettomeetmy
si
ster.Icri
edbecauseal lmyl i
fe,I
havelivedalie.Ihadasi ster,who
knows?May beIhavemor esibl
i
ngs?I
cri
edformyol dersi
sterbutmostof
al
l,Icr
iedbecauseI'
mi nl
ovewithher
exhusband.
Me:
How?
Danny :TheydidDNAt ests,andi t
wasa99. 99%mat ch.Mywi fehi dalot
fr
om meaboutt hisinvestigationshe
wasdoi ng,onlyKamogel angknew
andshekepti tasecr ettoo, ev en
aftershehadpassedaway .Nowwe
needt oaccesst hatroom, wecannot
got hroughwithouty ourhel p, only
youcanopent hatroom Nasi phi.She
diggedunt i
ll
shef oundoutwhoy ou
are,you'r
ePear l
Nasi phiNy athi and
wesuspectthatMuzi
wokut
hul
a
Nyat
hii
sy ourfat
her
.
Me:
Whydoest
hatnamesoundso
f
amil
iar
?
At
hi:
Doy
out
hinky
oumi
ghtknow
hi
m?
Me: I
'
m notsureAthenkosi
,buti
tjust
seemssof amil
iar
.Whataboutmy
fat
her,Hect
or?Whydi dyouaskme
abouthim?
Danny:Weneededtobesurethathe
i
stheonewhoadopt edyou,
butwe
don'
tthi
nkyouwereadopted
Me:Whatdoyoumean?Iwas
adopt
edfr
om anor
phanagehome
Bonga: Therearenol egal document s
foryouradoptionprocedur e.Sowe
didpayHect oralit
tlev i
sit,hisstoryis
thattheytooky oufrom t hehospi t
al,
l
egallyandy ouwer ealready
regi
steredasPear lNy athiont he
otherhandy ourstoryist haty ouwer e
adoptedf r
om anor phanagehome,
whichissomet hingy ourmot hertold
youright?
Me:
Yes
Danny:Di
dshetelly
outhather
marri
agetoHectorwasfake?
Me:That
'snott
rue!Mypar
ent
slov
ed
eachot
her!
At
hi:
Hesai
dithi
msel
f,l
i
sten.
Wealll
ookedatAt hi
,maybet
hey
di
dn'
tknowt hatherecor
dedt
he
conv
ersat
ion.
"Ourmar r
iagewasf ake,shecoul dn'
t
givebirt
handsheaskedmet omar r
y
hersoshecanbeabl etoadopta
chil
dandt hepr ocesscoul dbe
quicker"thev oi
cesai dandIknewi t
wasmyf ather,
orshal lIsayHect or.
Therewasnodeny ingthefactthat
myf atherwasacr uelman, t
hathe
didn'
tlov emenormymot her.That s
whyhel eftsoquci klywhenmymom
gotast roke.Icoul dn'tst
opmyt ears
andKamowashol dingme
Kamo:
Itsal
lgoi
ngt
obeokay
Me:Mywholeli
fewasalie!Idon'
t
ev
entrustmymotheranymore,why
di
dn'
tshetel
lmeallt
his
Br
ian:Maybeshewasprotecti
ngy
ou,
al
lthesest
ori
esdon'
taddup.West i
l
l
doneedtogetyourmotherssi
detoit
Danny :We' l
ltalktohertomor r
ow
mor ning.Zeel eftalet
ter,i
twasin
codesbutKamowasabl eto
translat
ei tsincewecannotaccess
theroom t ogett othemachi nethat
easilytranslatesthesecodes.Doy ou
wantt or eadi t
?
Me:
Yes
Hepassedmesomepaper sandIsat
aloneandr eadit
.Aft
erawhi l
eIwas
fi
ni shedandIwasintears,
Danny
musthav ebeenhur
ti
ngwhenher ead
this.Itsal
lj
ustsosad,she'
sgonebut
shel eftsomuchbehind.
Me:
Cany
ougi
vemet
hecodedone?
Kamo:
Sur
e
Shegaveitt
omeandIst udi
edit
.It
wasreal
lycompl i
catedbutI
managedast healphabet
swerether
e
onthetr
anslatedone.
Me:Sheusednumber
sandalphabet
s
f
rom t
hosephoneswi
thkey
boards?
Kamo:
Yes
Me:Smart
.Whyi
sthel
astonenot
compl
ete?
Athi
:Howdidy
ouknowi
tsnot
complet
e?
Me:It
sobv i
ous,i
neveryt
hingshe'
s
wri
tt
enaboutme, shewrit
esPEARL
NASIPHINYATHI,buthereit
sonly,
Pear
lNasiphi,
Nyathi
ismissing.
Kamo:Nyat
hii
sa6let
terwor
d,t
her
e
ar
e12spacest
her
e.
Me:
Let
sgoopent
her
oom
L’
yanda: Weonlyhaveonetr
yl eft
Nasi,i
fwemesst hisupwehav eto
waitforl
ongtil
lwecanopeni tup
again,t
imeisn'
tonourside.
Me:
Ithi
nkIknowwhat
smi
ssi
ng.
Danny:
Youhavetobecer
tai
n
Nasi
phi,weonl
yhav
eonetry
.
Me:
I'
m cer
tai
n.
Iwaslying,Iwasn'tcer
tai
natall
.It
wasjustsomet hingIwassuspecti
ng,
i
t'st
heonl ythi
ngt hatmadesense.
Wewer eallnervousandIstoodthere
andclosedmyey es.AsIwasabout
tost
artpressing,Isuddenl
yhadwhat
seemedt obef l
ashbacks
Me:
Aaah!Myheadhur
ts!
Ifeltdizzy,
itsl
ikemyheadwas
spinning.Isawt wobeauti
fuly
oung
girl
spl ayi
ngtogetherout
sideandi
t
seemsasi fIwassi tti
ngdown
watchingt hem, itwasmeasaki d,
may be2or3y ear sold.Theywer eso
dir
tyandsomel adycamet othem
andcar r
iedt hem whi lenextt ome
wasaman, oldenought obea
grandfather .Iwasal socarriedand
wewer et akeni nsideahouse.She
batheduswhi leshesangbeaut iful
ly,
shewassi ngi ng" ThulaThul a,nana
thul
asana, thul '
utatauzobuy a
ekuseni"itisasi fshewasnowt rying
togetmet osl eepbutIkeptoncr y
ing.
Icouldn'
tseeherf aceproper l
ybutI
couldseet heot hergi rl
s,onel ooked
somuchl ikemeandt heot her,the
otheronelookedl
i
keSneh.Iopened
myey eswhenIwassuddenly
splashedbywater
.
Me:
Whatt
hehel
l
!
Kamo: Youwer
ecompl
etel
yout
,you
fai
nted.
Me:Ididn'
tfai
nt,
Iwashav
ing
f
lashbacks.
Suddenl
yIsangast heladywas
si
nging,"
Thula,Thul
a,nana,Thul
a
sana,t
hul'
utat
auzobuy aekuseni
"
TheylaughedatmeandIwas
conf
used
At
hi:
Normal
lyt
hesongsays
"
Thul
'umamauzobuy
aekuseni
"
Me: No!No!That'
snothowshesang
i
t.Icouldhearher
,shesangi
tasI
wassay i
ngit.
At
hi:
Ithi
nkshe'
sloosi
nghermi
nd
Bonga:
Whatel
sedi
dyouhear
?
Me:Ionlyhear
dthatsong, t
heywere
pl
ayingandIwaswat chi
ngt hem
si
tt
ingnexttosomeonewhol ooked
ol
denought obemygr andpa, t
hat
l
adycameandcar ri
edus, shethen
bat
heduswhi l
esingi
ngt hatsong.
Kamo:Haveyounev
erhear
dthat
songbef
ore?
Me:
No
Bonga:
Ithi
nkshewasget
ti
ng
f
lashbacksorv
isi
ons.
Me:Ineedt osleep,
Ihav
ea
headache.Canwedoal loft
his
tomorrowplease?
Mpho:Okay
, t
omorrowever
yone
mustbehereat8am,exact
ly.
Weal l
agr eedon8am andIgoti nthe
carwithDanny ,LubahandL’ yanda.I
wasstill
conf usedbywhathappened
andeverythingthatI'
vebeent old
toni
ght.Thisjustputsahugest r
ainin
whatseemedt obear elat
ionship
betweenDannyandI .Icannev erbe
i
nar el
ationshipwithmysi sters
husband,asmuchasI 'minlovewi t
h
him.Icannotbet raymysi st erlike
that ,
asi st
erthatIdi dn'tev enknow.
Theonl yti
meIgett oknowabouther
andhowmuchshel ov edmeand
car edformet ol ookf ormeal lthi s
ti
me.Tot r
ustmesomuchwi thal l
thatshe' sdonesof arandput tingi t
allinmyhands.Howwi llIopent hat
place, whatIsuspect ed, It hinki tis
wr ong.Thet i
mi ngoft hatf lashback
i
sn' tsomet hi
ngt hathappened
coincidentall
y,i
twasboundt o
happen.Ial sodon' tunder standi tbut
i
tal lhasameani ngbehi ndi t
.
Danny:
Wehomenow,
youcanget
outoft
hecar
.
Iwassost uckinmyownt houghts
thatIdi
dn'
tev enreali
zethatwe'
re
home.Ididn'tevenreali
zewhenhe
droppedLubahandL’ yandaoff.
Danny
:Doy
ouwant
ssomet
hingt
o
eat
?
Me:Yespl
ease,
somet
hingsmal
l
t
hough.
Danny
:Asandwi
chi
sokay
?
Me:
Yespl
ease.
Hemademeasandwi chwithGuav
a
Jui
ce.Ilookedathi
mirr
it
ated
becauseheknowshowmuchIhat eit
.
Danny
:Sorr
y,i
tal
wayssl
ipsmymi nd.
I
twasalwaysZeefav
our
itesoIgot
usedt
oitt
oo.
Me:
Whatel
sedi
dmysi
sterl
i
ke?
Isawt hatithurthim abi twhenI
calledZeemysi ster
,italsofeltso
foreignwhenIsai di
tbutIwashappy .
Knowi ngthatsomewher ei nthis
wor ldIhadasi ster,
ev enthoughI
didn'tgettomeetherbutIknowt hat
shel ovedme.What '
sst rangeiswhat
Isawont hatfl
ashback, Ican'tseem
toputi tal
ltogether.
Danny
:Shelikedl
ookinggood, she
l
ovedclot
hesandy ouguysdohav ea
bi
tofasimil
arsenseofst yl
e.She
l
ovedcrosswordpuzzles,
soduku,I
didn'
tevenknowhowt oplaythat
game.Shel ov edmotorbikes,now
thatwaswhatshewasr eall
yinto.
Shewasal way sj
ustonther un,she
wasadv entur ous,l
oveddanger ,she
wenthiking, skydivi
ng.Shel iv
edon
theedge, shewasat ruedef i
nit
ionof
someonewhoi sanadrenalinejunki
e.
Me:
Soundssof
asci
nat
ing
Danny :Shewasf ascinati
ng,you
didn'
tknowwhatshewoul ddonext
butwhatwaswei r
dwast hat,she
wast oor espectf
ulandcalm atthe
samet i
me, sheagreedwith
every
t hi
ngIsai d,wedidn'
targuethat
much.Butt hewayshear guedwi t
h
Mpho, Iwishedshewoul dar guewi th
mel iket hat.Youknowwheny ou
needsomeonewhowi ll
pushy ou,
testy ouandf ightwithyou, t
hat '
s
whatIwant ed.Ev enwhenIdi dher
wrong, shewoul dkeepqui etand
somet i
mesj ustforgiv
eme.Thatsi de
ofherwaswei rdbecausef or
someonewi thherdanger ous
charact er,Ithoughtshewoul dar gue
withmeal ot.Iwouldsomet i
mesj ust
startaf ightandshewoul djustlaugh
atme, ast imewentby ,Iaccept ed
howshewasandIl ovedhermor e.
Me:
Youst
il
ldol
oveher
?
Danny
:YesIdo,
I'
ll
alway
slov
eZee,
she'
l
lal
way
sbei
nmyhear
t.
Ismiledandfinishedupmysandwi ch.
Aft
erput t
ingthedishesi
nt hesi
nkI
pouredmy sel
for angej
uiceandI
washedt hedishesIused.Dannyjust
suddenlycarr
iedme
Me:Danny
!Putmedown!Putme
down!
Hewasn'
tput
ti
ngmedownandIwas
l
aughi
ngal
ot.
Danny
:Youhav
eabeaut
if
ulbutwei
rd
l
augh.
Me:
Justputmedownpl
ease
Heputmeontheki
tchencounterand
Icoul
dn'
tmov
efrom hi
m becausehe
washol
dingmyl
egsar
oundhi
m
Danny :Idost
illl
ov emywi f
e,andI
knowonedayI '
llgetov erherbutthat
doesn'tmeanI '
l
lfor getabouther.
She'sthemotherofmyki dsandhas
playedanimpor t
antr oleinmyl i
febut
allt
hatdoesn'tchanget hewayIfeel
abouty ouNasiphi.Myf eeli
ngsfor
youaregenuine,I'm deeplyinl
ove
withyou
Me:It
sal
most1am Danny
,let
'sgo
sl
eep.
Danny:Stopav
oidi
ngthis,
yout
old
mey oulovemeearl
ieron.
Me:
Andt
hatwasn'
tal
i
e,Idol
ove
y
ou.
Hetr
iedt
oki
ssmebutIpushedhi
m
away
Me: Ilovey ousomuchi thurt
s
becauseoft hesi tuationwei nri
ght
now.Danny ,youar emyl at
esist
ers
husbandandt hatwon' tchange.Ijust
foundoutt onightt hatshe' smyol der
sisterandher eIam, soi nlovewith
herhusband.Thatal onej ustmakes
mef eel sobad, I'
m bet ray i
ngher.She
l
ov edmeandl ookedf orme, she
caredf ormewi thoutev enknowi ng
me, t hatalonej ustshowswhatabi g
war m hear tshehad, howcoul dI
betrayherl i
ket his?Howcoul dwe
bet
rayherli
ket
hat
?This,us,
whatev
erisgoi
ngonhereshoul
djust
cometoanendDanny.
Danny:Iknow, Ididf eelgui
ltywhenI
stoppedthinkingaboutherandal l
thatwasinmymi ndwasy ou,finding
outthatyouar esi stersalsohur tme
deeplybecauseIknowI '
m betraying
herbutthis,us, wecannotbei gnor ed
Nasiphi
!Youknowwe' v
et r
ied!You
knowwhatIf eel fory ouisreal!We
cannotkeepav oidingi t
!
Me:Donty outhi
nkithurtsmetoo!
?
ThatIcannotexpressmyl ov
eforyou
thewayIwantt o!ThatIdon'
tgett
o
bewrappedaroundy ourarms,t
hatI
crav efory out ot ouchmeandki ss
me!Thaty ou'ret heonl yoneonmy
mi ndalldayl ong, DannyMcKenzi eI
alsohav ef eel i
ngsf ory ouandt hey
aredeepbutwecannotpur suet hem.
Itwashar dbei ngwi thy oujust
knowi ngt hatIl ookl i
keZeeandy ou'
d
beusi ngmeasar eboundbuti t'
s
ev enwor senowt hatIknowshe' smy
oldersister !Thatweshar ethesame
blood!NowI '
mi nlov ewi t
hher
husband, amanshel oved!Aman
shesl eptwi t
hev eryni ght,amanshe
trustedandamanshemadel ove
wi thandmadet hosebeaut ifulki
ds!
NowIl ovet hesameman!How
twistedi st hat!EverydaywhenIsee
youwal kingdownt hosest ai
rs
l
ookingdamnhandsome!Maki ngmy
bloodboi landmaki ngmehor ny
withoutev ent ouchingmecoul dbe
thever ysamewayshef eltasshe
stoodr ighther eandwai tedtofix
yourt i
ej ustlikeIdo.Youwer eher
suppor tsy stem, youl ov
edherand
wast her ef orheratal lt
imesandt hat
i
showy ouar ewithme, Danny ,
thi
s
i
sn'tright .Thisisn'tri
ghtatal l
Danny:Ididn'tchoosetofal
linlove
wit
hy ou,Ididn'tl
ookforyouandpl an
tofal
linl
ov ewithyou,Iwasat t
ract
ed
toyoubef oreIevensawy ourface!I
sawt hosebi gbr i
ghtey esandwhenI
mety ouwheny ouhadnomaskon, I
stil
lsawt hoseey esandf eltsome
kindofway .Iknowy oudi dn'tchoose
tofalli
nlovewi t
hmeei therbutl ove
choseusf oroneot her .Lov ebroke
me!Wheni ttookmywi feawayf rom
me, wheni tallowedmet oloveher
uncondi t
ionallyknowi ngt hatitwill
soonaf terripmei ntopi eceswhen
l
ifetookherawayf rom me.Buty ou
cameal ong, youcamei ntomyl ifefor
apur pose,wi thi
nt heshor tamountof
ti
meI 'veknowny ou, you' vemanaged
torestoreme.Lov eBr eaksAnd
Restores!Youar et heonef orme
Nasi
phi
.
Iwasnowcr y
ingandIwasoutof
words.Iwashurt
ingandIwantedt
o
hol
dhim andkisshim butIj
ust
coul
dn't
.
Me:
Ican'
tDanny
Danny
:Why
?
Me:
You'
remysi
ster
shusband.
Wi t
ht hatsai
dheletmedownandI
walkedaway .Iheardhim bangthe
tableandscream.If l
inchedabitand
Icont i
nuedwalki
ngupst air
s.Iwanted
togocheckonhi m butIdidn'
t.
InsteadIwenttocheckont heki
ds
andt heyweresleepingpeaceful
ly
andsowasmom.Iwentt omyr oom
andtookoffmyclothes.Igotintot he
showerandlett
hewat errunal lover
mybodyandIclosedmyey es.Igot
theshockofmylif
ewhenIf elthim
touchmyneckandhewasbr eathing
heavi
ly
Me:
Don'
tdot
his
Danny
:Don'
tsayawor
dNasi
phi
.
Itur
nedar oundandlookedathi m,he
wasnaked!Asi nnaked!Isawhi s
manhoodanddamnwasi tbigand
scary.Il
aughedtomy selfandhe
smirked.Heprobabl
ynot icedthatI
wasst ar
ing.Iwasnervouswhenhe
suddenlyt ookmyshowergel and
washedmybody .Ikeptquietandl et
hi
m be, i
tf eltwei rdwhenhet ouched
mypr iv
atepar t
sandhedi dn'
tdo
anythi
ngi nappr opr i
ate.Hewashed
hi
msel ftoasIj ustwat chedhi m and
heheldmecl osel yandwel etthe
waterrunal l overourbodi es.Itipt
oed,
si
ncehe' st all
erandwashedhi shai r
.I
wasi nhisar mf orawhi leandt hen
heswi t
chedof ft hewat er.
Danny
:Let
'
sgety
oudr
iedup
HepassedmeatowelandIwiped
mysel
fdry,
heal
sodi
dt hesame.
Danny
:Wi
l
lyouweary
ourPJsor
ni
ghtdr
ess?
Me:
Theni
ghtdr
esspl
ease
HepassedittomeandIgotdr essed
whil
eheputhisboxersonand
openedthebedforme.Ididn'teven
askwhyhewasdoi ngall
this.I
act
uall
ydon'tev
enwanttoknow.
Danny
:Comet
obedNasi
phi
.
Islowl
ywalkedtothebedandI
tuckedi
n.Hesleptnextt
omeand
heldmeclosel
y.
Me:
Danny
,weshoul
dn'
tbedoi
ngt
his
Danny:JustsleepNasi
phi.Al
lyou
needtoknowi sthatI
'm notl
ett
ing
yougo,you'r
emi neNasiphi
.
Heki ssedmyforeheadandIjust
closedmyey esandsighed.He
repeatedagai
n
Danny
:You'
remi
ne.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
#LBAR

I
nser
t16
'
Wewer esitti
ngout sidei ntheshade
underabeaut if
ul tr
ee, thesunwas
shi
nningbrightandwehadi cecr eam
i
nat ubwitht het hr
eeofusshar ingit
.
Icoul
dseecl ear l
ynowt hatiti
sme
asakid,ZeeandSnehandt he
womannextt ouswasourmot her.
Shewassi t
tingt herewi t
hherar ms
fol
dedandl ookingatt hegat esinging
hersong,shesi ngsi tall t
het i
me.
"
Mama, whyar
ewesi t
ti
ngher
e?I
wantt
ogoplay"Zeespoke
Shegenui
nelysmiledandsaid;"
You
cannotpl
ayintheboil
ingsun,i
tisnot
goodforyourski
n,especi
all
yPearl
s
ski
n.Sheisapreciouspearl
."
Wesatandwatchedast he
nei
ghbour
ski
dswer eplayi
ngoutside
andwewerestuckunderthi
stree.
Mamasaidshewill
tel
lusast ory
"Whenwewer eyoung, hepl antedthis
treeinhisf athersyard.Heknewhe
woul donedayi nheri
tit.Thathi m and
I,andmyf atherwhor aisedmeev en
whenhewasal oneandpoorwoul d
stayhere.Wewat chedi tasi tgrew
andi twasourf avouri
tet ree,Iwould
sithereandwai tforhimt illhecomes
backhome.Fr om hereIcanseet he
busst op,Iwoul drunt omyhusband
andhewoul dcomebackwi thalotof
thingsforusf r
om theci tyofGol d."
shesai
d.
Wesataswel i
stenedbutIcouldn'
t
hearclearl
yany more.I
twasnow
bl
urryandIcoul donlyseeandnot
hearany t
hing.I
twasnowi nthenight
aswewer einsi
det hehousebutshe
wassitti
ngout si
de.Wef oll
owed
grandpatot hedoor
"Comei nside,
hei snotcomingback.
Hehasn'tcomebackhomef ort
wo
year
s,t
her ewillbenodiff
erence
toni
ght
."Mkhul usaid.
Suddenl
ysomeonewasshaki
ngme,
thefl
ashbackwassl
owl
yfadi
ngaway
"
No!No!No!
"Iscr
eamed
Danny
:Shi
t!Youscar
edme
Hetookabott
leofwhiskeynextt
o
hi
m andgul
ped,hi
sfacewasr ed
Danny:Don'
tev
erscar
emel
i
ket
hat
everagai
n
Me:
Whathappened?Wher
eam I
?
Danny:You'r
einyourroom,
youwere
paleandnotbreat
hingatal
l
.Nasi
,I
thoughtyouweredead.
Me:
Ineedt
opee
AsIwaswalki
ngtothebathr
oom,he
wasfol
l
owingme, st
il
lcar
ryi
nghi
s
bot
tl
eofwhiskey
.
Me:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Danny
:Tothebathr
oom wit
hyou,
whati
fsomethi
nghappenswhil
eyou
i
nther
e?
Me:You'
l
lstandbythedoorandIwi
ll
notl
ockbutyoucannotj
ustcomein
Danny:Whatareyouhidi
ng?I'
veseen
ever
ythi
ngthatther
eistoseeinyour
body.
Me:Justst
andbyt
hedoorandshut
upDanny.
Hel aughedanddi dasIsaid.Idi
dmy
businessandt henwashedmyhands.
Tear sj
ustfel
lfrom myfaceasI
thoughtofwhatIsawont hat
fl
ashback.Ididn'tr
eal
isethatIwas
cryi
ngloudl
y,l
astt
hi ngIwantedwas
forDannytohearmeandcomei n
andI'l
lfi
ndcomfortinhim,buthedi
d
hearmeandIwasi nhisarmswithi
n
secondsandcryi
ng.Hej usthel
dme
andbrushedmyback.
Danny
:Doy
ouwantt
otal
kabouti
t?
Me:
No,
we'
l
ltal
klat
er.
Henoddedandki ssedmyforehead.I
kickedhim outofthebat
hroom andI
tookashower .WhenIcameouthe
wasst i
l
lstandingbythedoor.
Me:Seemsasi
fIgotmy
sel
fa
body
guard
Danny
:Yourper
sonal
body
guar
d,t
hat
i
s.
Ilaughedathim andhemadet hebed
whileIgotdressed.Iwentdownstai
rs
ashewentt ohisr oom.Mymom was
wat chi
ngT.V.andt heki
dswerether
e
too.
Me:Goodmor
ning,
hav
eyouhad
br
eakf
ast?
Them:
Goodmor
ningandy
es
Me:
Ohokay
Mom:
Iti
sint
hef
oodwar
mer
Me:
Thanky
ou
Mymom wentall
outforaf
ull
greasy
Engl
i
shbr
eakfast
.Iat
eandwhen
Dannycamedown,
Iser
vedhi
m hi
s
food.
Danny:
Thanky ou,
we'l
lbeleav
ingin
afewmi nut
es.We'r
ecatchi
ngalif
t
fr
om L’
yanda.
Whileheat eIspentsomet i
mewi t
h
thekids,withev eryt
hingthati
sgoi ng
onIhav et omakesur eIdonot
disr
egar dthem.I '
vejustgottolove
them mor easInowknowt heyar e
mysi sterskids,theyaremykids.
Mom wasl ookingatmeandOni ka
weirdly
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Mom:
Itsj
ustwei
rdhowy
oul
ookl
i
ke
t
heseki
ds.Don'
tyouf
indi
tst
range?
Me:
I'
venev
ernot
iced.
ShenoddedandDannysai
dhi
s
goodby
estotheki
dsandsodi
dI.
Onika:
Wil
lyoubebackt
otuckusi
n
bed?
Me:
Yessweet
hear
t
Danv
er:
Promi
se?
Me:
Pinkypr
omi
se.
Iki
ssedt
hei
rforeheadsandwelef
t.
L’
yandawasal
readywaiti
ngforus
Me:Thisbett
erbequi
ck,weneedt o
havesupperwit
htheki
ds,bat
ht hem
andtuckthem i
nby8.Soat6:30pm,
wemustbehomeDanny
.
Danny
:Fi
ne.
Wegott oHQandwewer ethef i
rstt
o
arr
ivewhichisn'
tnormal because
l
atelywe'vebeenthelasttoarri
vein
anygatheri
ng.Short
lyafterwe
arr
ived,
theothersalsocame.
Mpho:
Whatamor
ning,
Zandycr
ied
al
lmorni
ng.
Me:
Why
?
Mpho: I
'
vebeencominghomel
atef
or
thepastIdon'
tknowhowmanyday
s
andshe'sangr
y.
Me:Youneedt
ogethomeear
ly
t
oday.
Mpho:
Itsamust
Danny
:AndIhav etobehomeat
6:
30pm becausesomeonepr
omised
we'
dtuckthekidsi
nbed
Mpho:
I'
ll
alsol
eav
eat6:
30t
hen
Thapel
o:Iguessthatsdepar
tur
eti
me
foral
lofus.Let
'sgetworki
ngsothat
wecanf i
nishupquickl
y
Itext
edmymom tel
li
nghernott
o
cookandI
'
llbr
ingt
akeaways.
Nkosi
:Wedost
il
lneedt
otal
ktoy
our
mom Nasi
Kamo:Danny,
Nkosi
,BongaandPhi
la,
you'
l
lgoovert
oDanny'
stotal
ktoher
mom.
Jabu:Thatcoul
dwor
k.Sodi
dyou
haveanyvisi
ons?
Danny:Shedidandshewashal
f
dead.Thatshi
tisscar
y
Br
ian:
Howdi
dyouseeher
?
Danny
:Iwassl
eepingnextt
oherand
whenshe.
..
.Ar
gh!Bri
an!
Weall
laughed,Br
ian'
spl
anwast
o
act
ual
lyconfi
rmthatwewer
eonthe
samebed
At
hi:
Get
ti
ngcosyar
en'
twe?
Hesmi
rkedandIsmackedhi
sar
m.
Bonga:
Okay,notimeforjokesnow.
Tel
lusaboutyourfl
ashback
Me: Wewer esit
tingunderat ree,wit
h
thewomanwhoIassumei sour
mother,
Snehwast heretoo.Wewer e
youngandshewassi tt
ingst ari
ng
i
ntospaceandshedi dn'
twantust o
goplayi
nt hesunbecausei tisnot
goodforourskin, shesai despecial
ly
Pearl
sskin,she'
sapr eciouspear l
whom Ifi
guredt hatshei stalking
aboutme
Nkosi
:Sothatconf
ir
mst
haty
ourr
eal
nameisPearl
Me: Iguessso,shewasstil
lsi
nging
thesongandshet oldusastory
aboutthetreewewer esi
tt
ingunder,
thatherhusbandplant
editwhichI
assumei sourf ather,
whenshe' s
seatedt hereshecanseet hebus
stop.Whenhegotbackf rom t hecit
y
ofGol dwhi chi sJoburg, shewoul d
runt ohi m.Idon'tremembercl earl
y
butr i
ghtaf terthatwewer ebehi nd
Mkhul uashesai dsomet hi ngabout
ourf ather,hesaidhehasn' tcame
backf ort hepastt woy ear sandi t
won' tbedi ffer
enttonight, shewas
sit
tingt herestil
lwaiti
ngf orhimi nthe
cold.
Nkosi
:Thatmeansyourfat
herlef
t
whenyouguyswereyoungandshe
wassti
ll
wait
ingforhi
m.Iguessthis
i
sthewayZeeiscommuni cat
ingwith
y
ou,
slowl
yrev
eal
i
ngt
het
rut
h.
Me:
Doy
oubel
i
evei
nsucht
hings?
Bonga: We'
reall
v er
ycult
ural,
especial
lyNkosiandIsoy es.And
yes,Dannyalsobeli
evesinsuch
Danny
:Idi
dtel
lyouI
'
m abl
ackman
st
uckinawhit
emansbody
.
Icompletel
yzonedoutast heywere
tal
ki
ngandMphowasbusyont he
computersystems.Myheadwas
spi
nningandIcoul dn'
tseeproper
ly,
I
wasscreami ngbutitseemedasifI
wasslowlyloosi
ngmyv oi
ce.Iwasin
anempt ydarkplacewithnumbers
fl
owinginfr
ontofme.DearLor d
pl
easesav
eme,
Iam sl
owl
yloosi
ng
mymind.
Me:
"Hel
p!Hel
p!"
Noonecoul dhearme, evenDanny
wasn'theretosav eme.Itshowed
PEARLNASI PHINYATHI223422.My
headwasspi nningagai
nandI
openedmyey es.Iwasont hefl
oor
agai
n, IguessIf aint
ed.
Kamo:Arey
ouokaynow?Youwer
e
scr
eamingf
orhel
p
Thabo:
Andwefel
tsohelpl
ess,
Bongasai
dweshoul
dletyoube.
Me:
I'
m okay
Iwentst
rai
ghtt
oZee'
ssecr
etr
oom
andIwasabl
etoopeni
tusi
ngt
he
whatwasshownt
omei nmyvi
sion.
Lubah:
Guy
s!Sheopened!
Theal lcamequi cklytomeaswe
staredatt hi
sbigroom fil
l
edwithso
manycomput ersystemsandpaper
s
al
l overtheplace.Thewer eboar
ds
andchar t
s,youwoul dsweart
his
pl
acebel ongedtosomehotshot
detecti
v e.
At
hi:
I'm sorr
ybutIthi
nkZeewas
mental
lydist
urbedsomehow
Danny :
Youcandefi
nit
elysaythat
again.Wewentinandeveryonejust
foundaplacet
osit.
Kamo:
Comel
ookatt
his.
Shepassedmeafil
eandithadsome
pi
ctur
esofme,someIwaswi t
hmy
mom andsomeweretakenwhenI
wasatworkatcl
ub411
Me:Butshesai
dshenev
ergott
o
meetme
Phil
a:Mostprobably
,shehad
someonelookingforyouand
fol
l
owingyou
Kamo: Shenevergott
oseet hese
pi
ctures,shewascarr
yingthesefi
l
es
whenIcaughtherandt ol
dherto
stop,
Irememberherput t
ingthem i
n
here.
Me:Shewasr
eal
l
ycl
oset
ofi
ndi
ng
me
Mpho:Checkt hoseout,shehasfi
les
onyourmot her,Hect
or,
Muziwokuthula,youandSneh.These
ar
etwoot herpeoplewhom Iassume
ar
eSneh'spar ents
Athi
:Nqobi
leandNdodaBhengu,i
t
saysher
etheystay
edinMpumalanga.
Me:
Whatdowedonow?
Nkosi
:If
eelasi
fy ourvisi
onscoul
d
l
eadustothetr
uth.Nocomput er
sci
encecanhel
pusr ightnow
L’
yanda:
Whydon'
twecal
l
Vul
amasango,
maybehecanhel
p.
Me:
Whoi
sthat
?
Danny
:Fami
l
yshr
ink
Nkosical
l
edVulamasangoandputi
t
onloudspeaker
Vula:MyKing, Greatoneof
Langeli
hletellt
hatNy at
hitogohome
andshewi l
l knowt hetr
uth.Her
homehasbeenabandonedandonl y
shecanhelpi tri
seagain.Gohome
younggirl
,theyar edependi
ngonyou
tosetthem free
Wi
tht
hatsai
dheendedt
hecal
l
.
Danny:Ther
ehegoesagai
n,al
way
s
speaki
nginri
ddl
es.
Me:
Whati
fhemeansIshoul
dgo
home,
thehomeIseei
nmyv
isi
ons
Jabu:Butwedon'tevenknowwhere
thati
s.Wehav enodirect
ion
whatsoever,wehavenolead,we
havenothing.
Mpho:MaybeZeehadsomet
hingor
hermot
hercanhel
pus.
Wespentthenexthourssearchi
ng
andsear
chingforl
eads,somewer e
busyl
ooki
ngt hr
oughZiyanda'sf
il
es
andsomewer eonthecomput er
s.
Me:Itseemsasi
fshei
nvest
igat
ed
eachandever
yoneofy
ou
Kamo:HerandZandi
didt
hatwhen
youf
ir
stmet.
Lubah:
Iremember
Wecont
inuedsear
chi
ngandi
twasa
mi
ssi
onimpossibl
e.
Thapelo:Ihav
eMuzi wokut
hula'
s
address,hestay
sinJohannesburg,
hewor kedatthemineformanyy ear
s.
Jabu:
Whichshowsthather
eal
l
y
mustbey
ourfather
.
Phi
la:
Whati
stheconnecti
on
bet
weenhi
m andHectorabout
?
Me:Maybehel
eftf
orJobur
gand
nev
erev
ercameback
At
hi:
Itcan'
tbe.
Wespentt
hewhol
edayt
her
eput
ti
ng
toget
herpuzzlepiecesofthi
sent
ir
e
my st
ery.I
twashonest l
yso
exhausti
ngaswehadsomany
missingpiecest
oal lt
his.
Me: It
's6:30pm al
ready,l
et'
sget
going.Weneedt opassbyThabo' s
restaurantandgetsomef ood.Itol
d
mom nott ocook,Ihopesheli
stened.
Wecl osedandwentt otherest
aurant
whileother
swenthome, wewere
nowr i
dingwit
hNkosi si
ncehe'scar
wasenoughf orthe6ofus.Wegot
thetakeawaysandwenthome.The
kidswerehappyt oseemeandI
dishedupforeveryoneandweat e.
Mom: I
'm sohappyIli
vedt
il
lIgott
o
shareameal andsi
tonthesame
tabl
ewiththeKinghi
mself
.
Me:
Youknowhi
m?
Hehadjustint
roducedhi
msel
fas
Nkosi
nathi
Mom: Whodoesn'
tknowtheKingof
Langel
i
hle?If
eelv
eryhonour
ed
Nkosi
:I'
mver
yfl
att
eredmamabut
pl
easedocal
lmeNkosinat
hi
Mom:IcannotMYKing,
thatwoul
d
bev
erydisr
espect
ful
ofme.
Nkosij
ustl
aughedandIexcused
mysel
fandIprepar
edthebathfort
he
ki
ds.Dannycameupwiththem and
webathedthem,Onikawasn'
tthat
i
nter
estedasshewasv er
ysleepy.
Wedressedthem upandtucked
t
hem intobed.
Danny
:Thatwaseasy
Me:Onl
ybecauset
heywer
eal
ready
sl
eepy
.
Danny:Ar
eyouready
?Wecanal ways
stopi
fyoudon'
twantanyoft
histo
happen.
Me: I
thastobedone, I
'
m scaredof
whatwewi ll
discov
eralongtheway
butI'
mf ul
fi
ll
ingmysister
slast
wishes.
Danny
:Thanky
ou.You'
rer
eal
l
yan
amazi
ngperson,
youar
eindeeda
pr
eci
ouspearl
.
Wewentbackdownstai
rsandwesat
att
hel
oungewithevery
oneelse
Me:Mama, I
'
m sureyoumustbe
wonder
ingwhytheyarehere.Mama,
t
heseareourfr
iendsandweneedto
t
alktoyouaboutsomethi
ng
Bonga: Wedonotmeant oinvadein
yourfami lypri
vatemat t
ersbutunder
thesecircumst anceswear ei
n,we
areforcedt o.Wewi ll
asksome
personal questi
onsandwebegy ou
topleasecooper ateandansweral l
thequest ionstruthful
lyaswewi l
lnot
beablet
ohelpyourdaught
eri
fwedo
notgett
rut
hful
answers
Mom:
Arey
oual
awy
ermyson?
Weal ll
aughedandBonganodded,it
i
sal lj
ustinthewayhespeaksand
presentshimsel
f.Youcaneasi
l
ytel
l
thatheisal awy
er.
Me: Mama, Inowknowt haty
our
marriaget
oHect orwasfake,i
twas
basedonliesandy ouj
ustwantedto
adoptababybecausey oucouldn'
t
havekids.
Mom: Andwheredidy ougetthat
nonsense?I
'
m sur
ei twast hat
bastar
dHectorDl
ami ni.Mychil
d,you
wer enotadopt ed.Idon'tknowwher e
onear thHect ort ookyouf r om.What
het oldmewast hathef oundy oui n
thedust binsitt
ingt her
esucki ngy our
thumb, from wher ehewor ked.But
somet hingabouthi sstorywasn' t
conv incingenough.Hect orwasa
l
owl ifewhenwemetbutIl ovedhi m
becausehewasagoodmanbutI
wasbl i
nd, tohim Iwasonl yjusthis
ti
ckett oweal thandagoodl i
fe.YesI
cannothav ekids, andher emi nded
meoft hatev erydayofourmar r
iage
l
ife.Hewant edki dsandIcoul dn't
givehi m anysowhenhecamewi t
h
you, Iaccept edy oumost lybecauseI
knewhowmuchhav i
ngachi l
dt ohim
meant.Wei nstant l
yhadabeaut i
ful
connecti
onwi thy ouandIl ov edy ou
asmyown, het oldmet hathewant s
tonamey ouNasi phi,Iwant edto
namey ouSi phoset hubecausey ou
wereagi ftfrom us.Whenhecame
homewi thdocument ssay ingy ouar e
PearlNasiphi Ny athi,hesaidatt he
homeaf fair
st heywer eablet o
i
ndentif
yt haty ouwer eregisteredas
PearlNyathi soheusedNasi phias
yoursecondnamesi nceheexpl ained
thathefoundy oui nthebi nandwas
nowy ourlegal guar dian.SoIdi dn't
questi
onhi m mor eunt il
onedayhe
camewi thamanwhost rangely
l
ookedal otli
key ou.Iquesti
onedhim
aboutwher eher eal
lyfoundy ouand
howi st hatmanconnect edtoyou,
wheny oucameNasi phi,youwerenot
asmal l i
nfant,youwer earound
4yearsol d.Ifoughthim andwant ed
thetruthbutIonl ygotbeat i
ngsfor
questioninghi m asamanandnot
respectinghim.
Me:WasthatmanMuzi
wokut
hul
a
Nyat
hi?
Mom: No,
heint
roducedhi
msel
fas
NdodaBhengu.
Phi
l
a:Igi
veup!Thi
skeepsongoi
ng
aroundi
nci r
cles.Thi
sNdodaBhengu
personi
st heoneweassumei s
Sneh'sf
ather.Thereissome
connect
ioninallofthem.
Mom: Idon' tt
hinkt hatwashisreal
name, hest ayedfortwoday swithus
andhekeptonf orgett
ingthathi
s
namei sNdoda, whenIcal l
edhim,he
wouldn'trespondaf tersomet i
mehe
wouldr espond,Iguesst hatswhenhe
remember edhewas" NdodaBhengu"
Hectorsexcusewast hatt
hisman
wasment all
ydisturbedandhada
shor
tmemor y.
Danny:That'
sali
e,t
herear
esomany
di
ffer
entstori
est
othis.
Me: Mom,Ihavealat
esist
erandshe
i
st hemot
herofDanny'ski
ds.She
hasbeenl
ookingformebutfate
foundawaytobri
ngmecl osetomy
famil
y.
Mom: Thati
swhyy
oul
ooksomuch
l
iket
hesekids.
Bonga:
Wheny
ouf
ir
stmether
,how
wasshe?
Mom: Lost
,shedidn'tknowanything.
Ithoughtshewasadumbchi ldbut
surpri
singl
yshewasv erysmart.
Someday sHectorwoul dgowithher
tothehospital
say i
ngshe'ssickand
whenshecameback, shewould'v
e
forgottenmanyt hings.Iwasnev er
all
owedt otakehert othehospi t
al but
Iwast ol
dhewassi ckwi thachr onic
diseasesbutt omeshewasper fectl
y
fi
ne.I tstoppedaf teray earshehad
beenwi t
husandshewasanor mal
kid.WhenIgotast roke,Hector
divorcedmeandt ookev ery
thingI
had.That '
swhenIputt woandt wo
togetherandIwasabl etogetust he
homewel ivein.Itwast oughbutI
wasabl etor ai
semyl itt
leangeland
shewor kedhar d.I'mv eryproudof
her
Danny:I
tmakessensehowyoudo
notrememberyourchi
l
dhoodandi
t
i
snowall
comi
ngback.Mam,doyou
hav
eanyi
deawher
ethatmanst
ayed?
Mom: Nomyson, butHectorsai
d
theyworkedtogetherwhenhewas
sti
llwor
kingatthemi ne,
Hectorgot
i
njuredandcouldn'tgoworkagain.
Nkosi
:Thankyoufory
ourt
ime.We
r
eall
yappreci
atei
t
Mom: Anyt
hingtohelpmydaughter
.
Pleasedohelpherf
indouthertr
ue
homeandi dent
it
y,i
tisherr
ight
.
Me:
Arey
ounotmad?
Mom: Icanneverbemadaty ou,I
knewthisdaywouldcomeandIcan
neverdenyyouoffyourbi
rt
hright
.
Danny:Doyouper
hapshaveanyi
dea
whathappenedt
oherback?The
bur
ntscar
Weal l
lookedathim,andwhendidhe
noti
cethat?Oh,hesawmenaked
l
astnight.Ihav
eabur ntscaronmy
backandIdon'tknowwhathappened
Mom: No,Idon'
tknow.Whenshe
cameitwasstil
lafreshscarandI
tookcar
eofit.
Phil
a:Thankyou,wewil
lbeonour
waynow.Idon'twantSiy
atoki
ll
me
forcominghomelate.
Theysai
dthei
rgoodby
esandDanny
walkedt
hem out
.Mom dr
ankherpi
l
ls
andwenttosleep.Dannycameback
andhesetnexttome.Ihadmylegs
onhist
highsandhewasmassagi ng
them.
Me:
Doy
oubel
i
eveher
?
Danny:YesIdo,doyouhav
eany
reasonnott
otrusther
?
Me:NoandIt r
ustherwit
hmyl i
fe.I
t'
s
j
ustthatIdonotnotwhattobel
ieve
anymore.I
'v
eneverbeenthi
s
conf
usedinmyl i
fe.
Danny
:Ev er
ythi
ngwill
workout,
one
wayortheother.Thetr
uthal
ways
rev
eal
sitsel
f.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t17
Iwokeupf eeli
ngt i
redandIprepared
fortheday.Igotthekidsreadyfor
schoolanditwasami ssi
onas
always,wakingthem upisreal
lyhard.
Theylovesleepi
ng.Iwasmaki ng
breakf
astwhenDannycameback
fr
om hismorni
ngrunthathedoes
onceaweek.
Danny:Goodmorning,Iwantt
ohug
youbutI'
m al
lsweaty.
Me:
Goi
ngt
owor
k?
Danny :NoandIneedtol eavei
n
30mi nuntes.I
'
m dri
vi
ngNkosi tot
he
air
por t
,hi
sdut i
esawaithim.Soon
afterthi
sendsI '
l
lbeofftoLangel
ihl
e
too.
Me:
Ohokay
.
Thekidswerer
eadyandDannydr ov
e
them t
oschoolandIwentupstai
rst
o
cleanmyroom.AfterIwasdone,
mom wokeupandImadebr
eakf
ast
f
orher
.
Mom: Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngaf
teral
l
t
his?
Me:Ihonestl
ydon'
tknowmama, it
's
j
ustall
overwhel
ming.Ther
earetoo
manystori
estothi
sandI'mver
y
conf
used
Mom: Hanginthere,t
hetruthwi l
l
eventual
lycomeout .Idi
dn'ttelly
ou
allt
hisbecauseIwant edtopr ot
ect
you.Iknowt heseboyswillhelpyou.
Itmakesmehappyt oseet hatyou'r
e
surr
oundedwi thpeoplewhoar e
ther
et oprot
ecty ouandlovey ou.
Me:I'
m gladIam t
oo,
Iappreciat
e
them andthei
rwi
vestooar
er eal
ly
goodpeople.
Mom: May
beIwi
l
lmeett
hem bef
ore
Igo.
Me:Gowher
e?You'r
est
il
lgoingt
o
st
ayher
eti
ll
Igetyouahouse.
Mom:Therewouldbenoneed,
Iwi
l
l
soonr
estpeacef
ull
y.
Il
ookedatherandIj
ustdidn'
t
underst
andwhyshewastalki
ngt
his
way.Iwashedthedi
shesandwe
wenttothetvr
oom.
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
owat
ch?
Mom:
Any
thi
ng,
sot
ell
me,
whati
s
goi
ngonbet
weeny
ouandDanny
?
Me: Nothingmom, helovesmeandI
l
ov ehim butnot
hingisgoingon
betweenus.Mom Ij ustfeelasi
f
we'rebetrayi
nghiswife,whom Ijust
foundouti smylatesist
er.I
t'sj
ustso
wrong
Mom: Not hi
ngi swr ongwi thit,
yes
may bey oumi ghtf eelguiltybutyou
cannotcont r
ol yourf eel
ings.Ibelieve
youandDannymetf orar easonand
hei srestori
ngy ourl i
feandput ti
ngi t
together,whi l
ey ouar ealsohelping
him puthi sli
fet oget her.And
tradit
ionally
,amani sallowedt o
mar ryherwi fessi sterafterthewi f
e
passes.
Me:
Mom,
Dannyi
swhi
te.
Mom: Itdoesn'tseem likeitt
ome.
Thatmanl ovesy ou,I
'veseent heway
helooksaty ou.Hepr otectsyou,i
f
you'
dtripandf al
l hewoul d
completel
ylosehi smi ndifhewasn't
ther
etohol dyouort hatthebody
guardsall
owedy outof al
l.
Il
aughedatmymot herasIt
hought
ofDannyshouti
ngatever
yone
becauseIf
ell
.
Me:Hesaidhe'
snev
erl
ett
ingmego,
t
hatIam hi
s.
Mom:
Thosear
ethewor
dsofat
rue
manwhoknowswhathewant
s.
Me:Mamaheoncesai
dthathewi
l
l
hur
tme
Mom: Andhewasbei nghonest,
atl
easthedi dn'tpromiseyoubliss
androses, t
elli
ngy ouli
esthathewi l
l
neverhurtyou.Hewashonest
becauseheknowst hathewil
l
eventuall
yhur tyou,i
nar el
ati
onshi p
ther
ei salwaysgoi ngtobehear tache,
i
t'snotalway sperfect,hewi
llhurt
youandy ouwi l
lhurthi
m.
Me:
Whati
fhehi
tsme?
Mom j
ustl
aughedatmel
i
keIwas
cr
azy
.
Mom:Thatmanwil
lnev
erl
ayahand
ony
ou,tr
ustme.
Me:
Youcannev
erbesur
e.
Mom: Iam suremychildeveni fhe
does,Iknowy ouwil
lfi
ghtback.I
di
dn'traiseaweakdaughter.Youare
str
ongandy oust
andyourgr ound
andnev erbackdownwithoutaf i
ght.
Me:Yesmom,you'
vetol
dmet
hose
wor
dsforsomanyyears
Mom:
Andwhatel
sedi
dIt
ell
you
Me:ThatIshoul
dn'
tcr
yover
somethi
ngthati
snotwor
thmyt
ear
s.
Mom: Al
lowy our
sel
ftolov
e,don'
tlet
whathappenedbetweenmeandy our
f
atherst
opy
ouf
rom l
ovi
ngDanny
.
Me:
I'
m scar
edmom
Mom: It'
sokaytobescared,t
akethi
s
chanceandifitdoesn'
tworkout,
it
doesn't
.Ifi
tdoes,i
tdoes.Youdont
wanttowakeuponedayandr egret
nottaki
ngthechance.
Me:
Iunder
stand.
Af t
erafewhour sofwat chi
ngT.V.
andhav ingthetal
kwi thmom, Igota
textfrom Dannytell
ingmet owear
somet hi
ngcomf ortable.He'scoming
topickmeupandi t'surgent.Iwent
tochangei ntoablackAdi das
tracksui
tandsneaker s.Tiedmyhai r
andputonsomel
i
pst
ick
Mom:
Youl
ookgood
Me: Thankyou.I'
l
lbebackbefore
supper,someonewill
comedel i
ver
l
unchandt hekidswil
lbedroppedoff
around2.Don'tcookmom
Mom:
I'
ll
cookNasi
phi
nowgo.
IwentoutsideandDannywasatthe
gatewaiti
ngformesoIwalkedther
e.
Igotint
othecarandhelookedatme
weirdl
y
Me:
What
?
Danny
:Not
hing,
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Thanks.
HedroveoffandIknowwe'r
eof ft
o
HQ.Whilehewasdr i
vi
ngheheldmy
handandIlethi
m be.Heparkedand
wesatinthecarforawhi
le.
Me:
Whyar
en'
twegoi
ngi
n?
Danny:Wewill
,j
ustpr
omi
semey
ou
won'tf
reakout
.
Me:
Icannotpr
omi
sey
out
hat
.
Danny:(
sighs)I
'l
lbeheretosuppor
t
you,Kamowi ll
betheretooify
oufeel
asifyou'
remadatme.
Me:
Whywoul
dIbemadaty
ou?
Danny:
Becausey ourf
atheri
sin
ther
eandIroughedhim upabit
.
Withthatsaidhegotoutoft hecar
andIf oll
owedhim.Wewent
downst ai
rsandheopenedt hedoor.
Myey escouldn'tbeli
evewhatIwas
seei
ng, Jabu,
Kamo, Thabo,Thapelo
andBongawer etheretoojustsit
ti
ng
asifthisisnormal.Iwantedt opuke
andleav ethi
splacebutIalsowant ed
answer s.
Me:
Hect
or
He'seyeswi denedwhenhesawme
andhewascr ying.Dannymadean
understat
ementwhenhesai dhe
roughedhim upabi t,hehadbloodall
overhisclothesandoneofhi stoes
wasmi ssing.Hewasbadl ybeatenup
andchai
nedl
i
keadog.
Me:
CanIgi
vehi
m somewat
er?
Jabu:
Sur
e
Itookabot t
leandast r
awandhel ped
hi
m dr i
nkt hewat er.Hel ookedatme
withpleadingey esandheknewhe
wast aki
ngadv antageofmyki ndness
butIwoul dn'tl
ethi m win.
Me:
Hashespoken?
Thaps:
Wewer
ewai
ti
ngf
ory
ou
It
ookawetcl
othandwi pedoffthe
bl
oodonhi
sface.Tearsfel
lfr
om my
ey
esandIt
ri
edholdingthem back
Me:
Whyam Ihel
pinghi
m?
Hector
:Becauseyouar
emychi
l
dand
youlov
emeNasi phi
.For
giv
emeand
unchai
nme
Ist
eppedawayf
rom hi
m andl
ooked
athi
m
Me: Youdeser
vetobechainedli
ke
thedogy ouar
e!Youl
eftus!All
you
everwantedwasmoney,youselfi
sh
bastard
Hector
:Thati
snowayt
otal
ktoy
our
f
ather
Me:
Youarenotmyfat
her
!!Nowt
ell
me,
wher
edidyoufi
ndme?
Hect
or:
Weadopt
edy
ou
Me:
Stopl
yi
ng!Iknowt
hel
i
esy
ou
t
oldmymot her,t
hatyouf
oundmei
n
t
hebin.Doesthatri
ngabell
?
Hect
or:
She'
sly
ing
Thaps:
Iknowsomet hi
ngt
hatwi
l
lget
hi
mt otal
k,shal
lIdoit
?
Me:
Doi
t
Iwatchedashecutofanot
hert
oe
andHectorwasscreami
ngformy
hel
p.
Me:Speakortheothertoegoes.And
t
rustme,thi
stimeIwill
nothesitat
e
t
odoi tmysel
f!
Okay?Ist
hisreal
l
yme?Theanger
i
nsideofmewasboil
ingupandI
neededanswers.
Hect or: Okay!Iwillspeak.Your
mot heri sNt ombi Nyathi
, shewas
mar ri
edt oMuzi wokuthulaNy athi
.I
mett hem wheny ouwer enotev en
borny et,Muzi wasmybestf ri
end
andwewor kedatt heminet oget her.I
mety ourmot herwhenwewentt o
Muzi '
shome, hewant edtoi ntroduce
met ohi swi f
eandki d.Hiski dsname
wasZi yanda, shewasst il
l j
ustay ear
old.Af ter2f ewy earsofhi m helping
meal otf i
nanciall
yandIwasabl et o
survivebecauseofhi m.Het ol dme
heneededt ot akecareofsome
business, somemanowedhi m andI
wentwi thhi m.Idiscoveredt hathe
wasaweal t
hymanwhowasi nto
humant raff
icking.Wewentt osee
theBhenguFami ly,Nqobi l
eand
NdodaBhenguwhoowedhi ml otsof
money ,al
mostcl oset oami ll
ion.He
rapedNqobi l
ei nf rontofNdoda
whom Ichained, heal somademe
rapeNqobi l
e,Ihadnochoi ce.Your
fatherwasadanger ousman.They
hadasmal l
chi ld, Snenhl anhla,who
sawev eryt
hingt hathappened.He
shotNdodat wicei nthel egandt ol
d
met otaketheki d.Theybeggedhi m
nottodoany thingbuthet oldt hem
hewoul dmaket hechi l
dhi ssexsl ave
andwel eftwi thher .Fortunately,he
didn'tmakeSnehhi ssexslave, he
saiditwasjustt oscarethem andhe
willkeepthechilduntilt
heypayhi m
back.Hei nj
ectedSnehwi t
h
somet hingt
hatwi l
l makeherl oseher
memor yanditwor ked.Het hent ook
hert ohiswif
eandl i
edaboutf inding
herint hest
reets.Yourmot herwas
ki
ndandshet ookSnehasherown
chil
d.
Me:
Cont
inue
Hect
or:
Ineedwat
er
Ihel
pedhim dri
nkwaterandal
lthi
s
ti
meDannywasst ari
ngatmeall t
his
ti
me.Isatnexttohi
m andheheldmy
handsqueezi
ngi
t.
Hect or:Iwasnowi nv ol
v edi n
everythinghedi d,Igoti njuredat
wor kandIcoul dn'twor katt hemi ne
any mor e.That
'swhenImety our
Yenzol o,themot herwhor aisedyou.
Shel ovedmeandt ookmei n, wegot
mar ri
edshor tl
yaf t
er .Ididt hings
quickbecauseshewasr ichandI
l
ov edmoney .Shet rustedmeenough
totakeal lherbelongi ngsandsav i
ngs
andsi gnt hem overt omeaf terI
conv i
ncedher .Shecoul dnthav e
chil
dr enandIknewIwoul dsoon
l
eav eherasIhadgotev er ythingI
want ed.Muzi hadhi sact sofj ust
disappeari
ngbuthecal l
edmeaf ter
yearsofnothear ingfrom hi m.Ihad
themoneyt opayhi m buthedi dn'
t
wanti t
,hewant edmet oaccompany
himt ohiswife.Het oldmehenow
hadt hr
eekids,onet hathel astsaw
whenshewasj ustay earol dandZee
andSneh.Wewentt ohisv il
lagebut
wedi dn'
tstayathi shousebutwedi d
goseehi sfami l
y.Het ol
dmehehad
bigplansforhisf amily,especiall
yhis
kids.Whenwegott herehesai dI
shouldsetthehouseonf ire.We
arguedunt i
lheshotmyar m andIdi d
ashesai d.Ithi
nkhedi dn'tknowt hat
therewerepeopl eint hehouse
becauseheshor t
lywenti nandt ook
outhi schi l
dren.Hegav emehi s
youngestwhi chwasy ouandt oldme
torunawaywi thy ou.Youwer ecr yi
ng
alotandy ougotbur ntony ourback.
AfteradayIwentbackhomewi th
youandIgotacal lfrom himt el
ling
met ot akegoodcar eofy ouandhe
willpayme.Thatwasmor emoneyso
Itookt hej obandsai dIgoty ouf rom
thebi nfrom wher eIwor ked.Mywi fe
couldn'thav ekidssoshegl adly
accept edy oubecausesheknewI
want edki ds.Ev er
y t
hingwasgoi ng
well unti
lMuzi showedupatmy
house, hewant edt oseey ou.He
i
ntroducedhi mselfasNdodaBhengu
andt hestupidmancoul dn'tact
becausehewoul dforgethei susing
NdodaBhenguashi sname.Mywi fe
gotsuspiciousandaskedmany
quest i
onsbecausey oul ookal otli
ke
Muzi ,hewasy ourfatheraf teral
l
.The
onlywayIcoul dshutherupwasby
beatingherup.Muzi toldmet he
entir
ef amil
ywassaf e, hesai dhe
want edtobur ndownt hehouse
becausei tremi ndedhim ofhi sl
ate
fatherwhosexual l
ymol estedhimi n
thatsamehouse.Hesai dheknew
thaty ouhadal lwentt ot ownbuty ou
wer einsi
de, hemanagedt osav ey ou
all
.Het ol
dmehehadr ebui
lthis
homenextt otheonehebur ntdown
andy ourmotherandgrandfather
wereokay .Af
tert
hat,Ihavenev er
heardorseenMuzi everagain.Buthe
sti
lldoessendmel ot
sofmoneyt o
takecareofyou
Me:Butyouusi
ngthatmoneyt
otake
car
eofyoursel
f!
Hect
or:YesandIdeservethatmoney
andyouwon'tgetacentfr
om it
Me:Idon'twantthatfil
thymoney!
Youself
ishbastard,Icannotev
en
l
ookatyou, y
oudi sgustme.
Danny
:Wher
eist
hatv
il
lage?
Hector:All
thewayint heEast
ern
Cape,InBizana.Idonotremember
thevil
l
agesnamepr operl
ybuti
twas
Manqof ozaatthatt
ime.
Bongawrotei
tdownandheal sot
old
uswheretheBhengu'
sli
ved.
Me:Foryourchil
drenssaf
ety
,Ihope
you'
ret
ell
ingthetrut
h.
Il
eftt
her
oom andKamof
oll
owed
me.
Kamo:
Wantsomet
hingt
oeat
?
Me:
Not
hanky
ou.I
'
llj
ustdr
inkwat
er
AllIheardwasl
oudscreamsandI
knewt heywer
ebeat
inghim up.
Dannycameandcal
l
edst
ix
St
ix:
Boss
Danny:Takeaf ewboyswi
thyouand
goleav
ehi m atthegat
eofhi
shouse.
Cl
eanjobplease
St
ix:
Shoboss.
Hedi
dn'tlookatmeandhewentto
t
hebathroom.Theyal
lcl
eaned
t
hemselvesupandchangedcl
othes.
Me:Cany
ouf
indoutwher
emyhome
i
s?
Jabu:I'
l
lbeabletolooki
ntothearea
andfinddir
ect
ionstothehome.Ican
al
solookintowhereMuziisri
ghtnow,
Hectorsphonesti
ll
hadhisrecent
numberandI
'l
lbeabl
etot
racewher
e
themoneyi
ssentfr
om.
Me:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dtel
lSneh
Thaps:
Butshe'sst
il
ltaki
ngcar
eofa
newbornbaby
.
Me:
What
?Whendi
dshegi
vebi
rt
h?
Kamo: Lastnight
,toabeautif
ul baby
gi
rlwhom shenamedZi yanda.She's
st
il
lgoingthroughalotandwedon' t
wanttostressher.Wecant ellher
at
leastamont hf
rom now
Me:Canweat
leastj
ustl
ookf
orher
par
ents?
Danny
:Thatcanbedone.
Me: Iwanttogotomyhome,Ineed
togohome.Mymot herand
grandfat
herneedme,
Ihopeheissti
ll
ali
ve.
Phil
a:Vul
amasangosaidsomething
aboutset
ti
ngthem f
ree,maybethey
aresti
l
lal
iveandwait
ingtoseeyou
agai
n.
Me:
Ineedt
orest
Danny:
Letsgetgoi
ng.Seey
oul
ater
gent
s.Kamo,takecar
e.
Kamo:Wil
ldo.Thegir
lsandIwi
ll
be
hav
ingl
unchtomorrow,wel
lpi
ckyou
upat12
Me:
Okay
,seey
ou.
Wegotint
othecaranddr
oveback
home.It
ookashowerandworemy
pyj
amas.Theki
dswerebackand
l
unchwasdeli
ver
ed.
Danny
:Dontwor
ry,
I'
ll
dishup.
Mom:
Arey
ouokayNasi
?
Me:
Yesmom,
I'
m okay
.Justt
ir
ed
Oni
ka:
Eaty
ourf
oodsoy
oucango
r
est
Me:Thanky
ou,
wil
lyout
akeanap
wi
thme?
Oni
ka:
Yes
Danver
:I'
l
lpl
ayvideogameswi
th
daddyandgogo
Weal l
at eandDannywashedt he
di
shes.Oni kaandIwenttotakea
nap.AfterafewhoursIwokeupand
Onikawasst il
lasl
eep.Iwent
downstairsandmom waswi th
Danver
Me:
Danv
er,
wher
eisy
ourf
ather
?
Danver
:Thestudy.Canwehav
e
l
asagnatoni
ght?
Me:
Yes
Danv
er:
You'
ret
hebest
.Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ool
i
ttl
eDanny
Iwenttothest
udyandDannyl
ooked
fr
ustr
ated.
Me:
MayIcomei
n?
Danny
:Sur
e
Isatont
het
ableandhequi
ckl
y
cover
edmythi
ghs
Danny
:Doyouseewhaty
ourt
highs
ar
edoingt
ome?
Me:Sor
ry,
arey
ouokay
?Youl
ook
f
rust
rat
ed
Danny
:I'
mjustwor
ri
edabouty
ou.
Me:
Wher
ewasZeebur
ied?
Danny:Herei
nDur ban,
thecemet
ery
i
sn'tt
hatfarf
rom here.
Me:
Iwantt
ogov i
sithergrav
e
t
omorr
owbefor
ehav i
nglunchwi
th
t
hegi
rl
s
Danny
:Okaywecangot
omor
row.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Danny:
Whendoy
ouwantt
ogot
o
theEC?
Me:Thisweekendplease.Iwantt
o
gett
hisoveranddonewi t
h.
Danny
:Iunder
stand
Me:Isti
l
lfeelasi
fitwil
lbewrongof
met ogotherewi
thoutSneh,
shealso
grewupthereandshedeservest
he
tr
uth
Danny:Letscall
Athi
,maybewecan
tel
lhertomorrowaft
erl
unch.
Wecal l
edAt hiandIr easonedwi t
h
hi
m andmadehi m seet heneedof
Snehknowi ngthet ruth.Ifshef i
nds
outlat
er,andmay bef rom someone
el
se.Shewi llhateusf orhidingthis
fr
om her.Weal lagreedt hatwe' l
l
meetupatAt hi
'shousef orlunch.We
won'tbegoingoutf orl unchbut
i
nsteadwe' l
lgoov erther e.
Danny
:Iguesswe'
redoi
ngt
his
tomor
row
Me:
Igueseso
Danny
:Andwhenar
eyougoi
ngt
obe
mygir
lfr
iend?
Ij
ustl
aughedandIr
eal
l
ydi
dn'
t
expectt
hatf
rom hi
m
Me:Let
'sj
ustt
alkaboutuswhenal
l
oft
hisi
soverokay?
Danny
:Sother
ear
echancesofus
bei
ngtoget
her
?
Me:YesDannybutIj
ustwantt
ost
art
of
fonacleanstat
e.
Danny
:Iunder
stand,
nowcanIj
ust
ki
ssyou?
Me:
No!
Itr
iedrunningfr
om hi
m buthe
caughtmeandputmeagai nstthe
wall.Hekissedmepassi
onat el
yand
keptonrubbingmycli
t.
Me:
Danny
Danny:
Sssssh,
don'
tsayawor
d
Nasi
phi.
Ideci dedtolethim beashei nser t
ed
hisfingerinsidemyhoney pot.I'
v e
neverdonet hisbeforeanditf eltso
good.Icoul dn'thelpbutmoan, he
i
ncr easedhi spaceasIf eltmyknees
getweakandIwasshaki ng.He
squeezedmyboobt i
ghtlyandIwas
holdingont ohim asIf el
tafluid
comeoutofmyhoney potandhe
l
ickedhi sfingers.Howdi dhemake
mef eelthi
smuchpl easurewi thjust
hisfingers?Mycheekswer eredandI
couldn'tstopbl ushi
ng
Danny
:Yout
ast
egood.
Idi
dn'
tknowhowtorespondbuthe
j
ustheldont
ohi
m andkissedmy
for
ehead.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t18
Todayisabigdayf orme, I
'
m going
toseemysi sterinherplaceofrest
anditi
ssadt hatwedi dn'tgett
he
chancetomeet .Thepar toftel
l
ing
Snehthetruthisjustscarybutithas
tobedone.Iwokeupandt ooka
shower.Iwoket hekidsupand
prepar
edthem f orschool.
Oni
ka:CanIwearmyni
kesneaker
s
t
oday?
Me:
Sur
e,gogr
abt
hepai
ryouwant
.
Shehasmanynikesneaker
ssoI
di
dn'
tknowwhichoneitwas.It
ook
Danver
shockeybagandwewent
downst
air
s.
Danny
:Morni
ng,comeOnika,l
etme
hel
pyouputyourshoeson.
Me:
I'
ll
maket
hem t
hei
rcer
eal
.
Imadethem cereal
andt heyate.
Aft
er30minuteswewer ealldone
andthedri
vertookthem toschool
.
Danny
:Youdon'
tl
ookt
oogood
Me:
I'
m okay
.
Danny
:Youknowy oudon'
thav
etol
i
e
tome,youcant
rustme.
Me:I'
m scaredandjustsadthat
'sal
l
.
Justwonderinghowitwould'
vebeen
tohaveasister.
Danny:Youcanal
waysfindasist
eri
n
Snehanyofthegir
lsf
orthatmatt
er.
YoucanSnehbasical
l
ygr ewup
toget
herit
'sj
ustt
hatyoudonot
remember.
Me:Iguessyou'
rer
ight
.Letmego
getdr
essed
Danny
:Sur
e
Iwentt
omyr oom andwor ealong
bl
ackdress.Tiedmyhai randputa
doekovermyshoul der
s.
Wentbackdownst
air
sandmom was
i
nthekit
chen
Me:
Mor
ningmom
Mom:
Dannyt
oldmey
ouf
oundy
our
homeandy
ou'
regoi
ngt
osee
Ziy
anda
Me: Yeah,appar
entl
ymyhomei sin
theEasternCapesomewherein
Bizana.I
'l
lgotheret
hisweekend
Mom:I
'
llst
aywiththeki
dsher
e.I
wi
shy
ouallthebestmychi
ld.
Me:Sbahl
ewill
alsobeher
etoassi
st
youmom,Idon'
twantyou
over
worki
ngyoursel
f.
Danny
:Weshoul
dgetgoi
ng
Me:
Byemom
Ihuggedandkissedhercheek.We
gotint
othecaranddroveoff
Me:
Canwegetsomef
lower
s?
Danny
:Yeahsur
e,shel
ovedl
i
li
es.
Weboughtthefl
owersanddr
ove
si
l
ent
lytothecemeter
y.
Danny
:Your
eady
?
Me:
Yes
Wewal kedtohergrav
eandsatdown
nexttoit
.Thesunwasbl azi
nghot
andDannyhel danumbrell
aforme.
Myskinandt hesundon'
tgetalong
atall
.
Danny
:Hel
l
oCupcake,
yoursi
steri
s
her
e.
Me:
Youcal
lhercupcake?
Danny:
Yep,i
t'
sevenengr
avedonher
tombst
one.Ri
ghtther
e
I
twasr
eal
l
yther
eandIl
aughedat
hi
m.
Danny
:Shoul
dIgi
vey
ousomespace?
Me:
Yespl
ease
Iheldtheumbrel
l
amy sel
fandhe
walkedaway.Hestoodnotsofar
awayfrom me.
Me: Hi,mynamei sNasi phi,
well
Ijust
discoveredthati
t'
sactuallyPear
l.I'
m
yoursister
,theoneyou'vebeen
l
ooki ngforandhereIam now.Thi ngs
havebeenr eall
ycomplicatedandI
wishIwasabl etomeety ou.Iwi
sh
wecoul d'
vehadsomet imetospend
togetherandf ormet ohav eseent hi
s
beautifulfascinat
ingchar act
erthey
tellmeabout .DanverandOni kaare
okay ,
theyar edoingv er
ywell at
school andt heyarehappyki ds.They
areingoodhands, Ilovethem asmy
own.Dannyhasal sobeenagood
fathertothem andhe' sslowl
y
i
mpr ovingandnotdr i
nkingalcohol
alotany more.May beonedayhe' ll
stopdr i
nking.Idon' tevenknowwhat
tosaysay .
Ist
art
edcr
yingandj
ustpour
edi
tal
l
out
Me:
Iwi
l
lgol
ookf
orourpar
ent
sand
getalltheanswer sIneed.Iknowy ou
saidweshoul dn'ttellSnehbuti ti
s
herrighttoknowt hetruthandI 'm
goingtotellhert oday .Zee, Idon't
knowhowt oexpl ainthisbutI '
m
i
nlovewi t
hDanny .Youmustbe
probablyhat i
ngonmenow, Ifeelli
ke
we'rebetrayingy oubutIf el
l i
nlove
withhiml ongbef oreIknewt hatwe
aresister
s.Ineedy out olethim go,
he'singoodhandswi thmeandI '
m
nother etoreplacey ouinhi sli
feor
yourkidslives.I'
m her et ogi v
et hem
theloveandhappi nesst hatyou
would'vegivent hem.HowIwi sh
thi
ngswer ediff
er entbutt heyar enot,
Ibelievet hatev erythinghappensf or
areasonandt her e'sar easonwhy
thi
ngshappenedt hi sway .May bei t
wasGod' spl an.Youcannev er
predictthef utureandIcannev er
changet hewayIf eel aboutDanny .
Hel ovesmeandIl ovehi m, Iwantt o
l
ov ehi m wit houtf eel guilt
yof
betrayingy ou.I tact uall
yfeel sgood
thatIhav et ol dy ouaboutt hi
s, a
heav ywei ghtonmyshoul dershas
beenl ift
edof f.Ihopey ou'rein
heav enwat chingov erus, Ipromi se
tolov eandt akecar eofy ourf ami l
y .I
needy out oknowt hatIlov ey out oo,I
l
ov ey ouMaNy athi omuhl e.Ist oodup
andgav eDannysomespacet oo.I
watchedhimf r
om thecarandhewas
cryi
ng.Seeinghim cr ybrokemyhear t
butheneededt ol
eti toutandletgo.I
hopeev er
ythingwor ksoutbetween
us.Hecamei ntothecaranddr ove
backhomei nsil
ence.If el
tbet
ter
thanIdidthismor ni
ngandIchanged
mycl ot
hes.
Mom:
Howwasi
t?
Me:
Itwentwell
,i
thel
pedmeal
ot.I
f
eelbet
ternow.
Mom:That
'
sgood,
shoul
dIpr
epar
e
l
unch?
Me:
Youcanpr
epar
esomef
ory
ou
andtheki
ds.DannyandIwi
l
lgoto
Athi
'
sforl
unch.Iwantt
otel
lSneht
he
tr
uth
Mom:
Howdoy
out
hinkshe'
l
ltakei
t?
Me: Idon'tknowmama, Ireal
lydon'
t.
Shedi dn'
ttakeitwellatal
l whenshe
metmenowwi t
heverythi
ngt hat
she'
llfindout,Idon'
tknowhowshe' l
l
takeit.
Mom:Goodl
uckmydaught
er.I
'
m
pr
oudoft
hewomanyou'
vebecome.
Me:Thanky oumom.Whenal lofthi
s
i
sov er
, we'
llsi
tdownandlookfora
beauti
fulhousesuit
abl
eforyou.
Mom:
Okayhoney
.
Danny
:MaNy
athi
,weneedt
ogo.
Wel eftthehouseandheadedt o
Athi'
s.Myhear twaspoundi ngev en
beforeIent eredt hehouse.Ev eryone
washer eal
r eady, i
ncludi
ngMay i
,
Nkosi,Nay eandPhel o.I
tseemedt o
beami nibabyshower .Whydidn't
Dannyt ellmet obr ingsomet hing?
WhenIt ur
nedar oundhewascar ryi
ng
gi
ftswhi chwer efrom meandhi m.I
smiledasIj ustdi dn'tknowany thing
aboutt hegifts.
Me:
HeySneh,
wher
e'st
hel
i
ttl
eone?
Sneh:Withherf
ather
,theyar
e
i
nseparable.
Nkosi
:Athi
isbeingunf
air
,weall
wanttocar
rythechi
ldandhe'
sbeing
st
ingy
.
Wealll
aughedathi
mforsul
ki
ngunt
il
At
higavehimthebaby
.
Nay
e:Shel
ookst
oomuchl
i
keAt
hi
Zandy
:Youcansayt
hatagai
n,when
areweeat
ing?I
'
m st
arv
ing
Bel
i
nda:
Let
sgodi
shup
Me:
I'
ll
hel
p
Ntoko:
You'v
ebeensoscarcegir
l,
wherehav
ey oubeenhi
dingyour
self
?
Me:Justbeenbusyabi
t.Don'
twor
ry,
you'
l
lseemor eofmesoon.
Wesett
het
abl
ewhi
l
ejustcat
chi
ng
up.
Nceba:Lunchi
sser
ved,
pleasecome
t
hisside.
Athi
'shousewasj
ustsobeautif
ul
andithadSnehwr
itt
enal l
overi
t.We
satdownandIsai
dgr ace.
May
i:Let
'
sdi
gin.
Wewer eeatingov erasmallchatand
l
aughter.Iwasj usttoonerv
ousto
par
ti
cipateont heconv er
sati
on
Phel
o:Arey
ouokayNasi
?Youhav
e
bar
elyev
enatey
ourfood
Me:Oh,ohy
esI'm okay
.Excuseme,
I
needt
hebathr
oom.
Si
ya:
I'
ll
gocheckuponher
.
Shewalkedwi
thmetothebat
hroom
andIt
ookadeepbreat
h.
Si
ya:
Wantt
otal
kabouti
t?
Me: You'
l
lhearaboutitsoon.Ij
ust
neededsomeai rIguess.
Si
ya:
I'
ll
giv
eyousomespace
Inoddedandshelef
t.Icr
iedabi
t
thenwashedmyfaceandwentback
tothetabl
eput
ti
ngonaf akesmi
le
Mpho:
Yougood?
Me:
Yeahsur
e
Kamo:
Any
oneupf
ordeser
t?
Ev
ery
onesai
dyesandshebr
oughti
t
tothetableandIat
eitmorethanI
atemyf ood.Thehel
per
sclearedout
thetabl
eandwewentt ochil
lbythe
l
ounget ogether
Nangamso:
Shoul
dIswi
tcht
heTVon?
Jabu:
Nobabe,
weal
lneedt
otal
k.
OhGod,t
heti
mehascomeandI
'
m
notl
ooki
ngf
orwar
dtoi
t.
Phil
a:We' vebeeninvesti
gat
ingaf ew
thi
ngs, j
usttr
yingtofindoutwhyNasi
l
ookssomuchl i
keZeeandour
i
nvestigati
onescalatedtousfinding
outmor etrut
hst hanweactually
anti
cipated.
At
hi:
MaBhengu,
wef
oundoutt
hat
ZeeandNasi
phi
aresi
ster
s
Sneh:
Whi
chmakeshermysi
ster
?
Me:
No
Bee:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Bonga:Wedi dDNAt estandt
he
resul
tswerethatSnehandZeewere
notbloodsist
ersbutinst
ead,
Zeeand
Nasiarebloodsist
ers.
Sneh:That
'
snott
rue!Zeewasmy
si
ster
!
Danny:Yesandshewi l
lal
way sbe,
butyouarenotbloodrel
ated.Nasi
phi
andZeeareNy athi
'
sandy ouarea
Bhengu.Zeehadalwaysbeen
i
nvesti
gati
ngthisunti
lKamof ound
herandtol
dhertostopsinceshe
washeavil
ypregnantanddidn'
twant
tostr
essher
Kamo: Yes,Ididn'
ttellanyoneabout
whatshewasdoi ngbecauseshet ol
d
menott o.Shel ef
tal ett
erandmany
documentsonheri nvesti
gationand
that
swhatwe' v ebeenwor kingon
l
ately
.That'swhyy ourhusbands
werecomi nghomel atebecausewe
werebusyt r
yingtogett othebot t
om
ofthi
s
Sneh:
Didy
ouknowal
lal
ongNasi
phi
?
Me:No,
notunti
ltheycal
l
edmet oHQ
t
ell
i
ngmeallthi
saf ewdaysago.And
Ikeptonhav i
ngf lashbacksshowing
met hepastandhowal lt
hreeofus
grewupt ogetherbutweal lcoul
dn't
remembert hatbecausewewer e
hypnotizedatay oungage.Myf ather
,
wel l
themanwhoIt houghtwasmy
father,
Hect orDlami ni
.
Zandy:Wai
t,who?Theoneandonl
y
HectorDl
amini
?
Bel
inda:
Wehav eacont
ractwi
thhi
m
atSheziLogi
sti
cs.
Me: Well
Ithi
nkwe'r
etalki
ngabout
thesameperson,heknewt hewhole
trut
hbehindmyident
it
yandourr eal
parent
s,mynamei sPearlNyat
hiand
Zeei sZiyandaNy at hi,we've
discoveredt hatourf atheris
Muzi wokuthulaNy at hiandhewas
fr
iendswi thHect or .Weal so
managedt of i
ndt haty ourparents
areNqobi leandNdodaBhengu, who
owedMuz ilot
sofmoneyandHect or
accompani edhim whenhewentt o
yourhome, theyrapedy ourmot her
andshoty ourfatheri nhisleg.
Snehwasnowcryi
ngoutl
oudand
Athi
washoldi
nghi
m.Icoul
dn'
thel
p
butj
ustcr
ytoo.
Kamo:Hetookyouandhypnoti
zed
yousi
nceyousaweveryt
hing,t
hat
s
whenhetookyoutost
aywi t
hZee'
s
mot hersay inghef oundy ouint he
streets.Afteraf ewy earshecame
backwi t
hHect or ,
theybur ntthe
housedownt hinkingtherewasn' t
any oneinside,Muzi want edtobur nit
downbecausehesai ditreminded
him ofhi sl
at efatherwhosexual ly
mol estedhimi nt hatsamehouse.He
managedt or escuey oual l
,gaveNasi
toHect orandt oldhi mtor unaway
withher .He'sbeenpay i
ngHect orto
takecar eofNasi buthehasbeen
keepingt hemoneyf orhi mself.Ital
l
l
eadst othatMuzi wokut hulaisst i
ll
ali
v e
Me:
Wedi
dmanaget
ogett
he
addresswher ewest ay edwhenwe
werey oung,Ineedt ogobackhome.
Whenwecont act edVul amasangohe
saidheIneededt ogohomeandset
mymot herandgr andpaf ree.I'
llbe
goingthisweekendandIwant edy ou
toknowt het r
ut h.Int hatl etterZee
saidweshoul dn' ttellyou, youshoul d
readityoursel
f .Shel ov edy ouand
wantedt oprotecty oubutIbel ieved
youhadt oknowt het rut h.Iwant ed
toasky outocomewi thmeasI '
l
lbe
goingbackt oourhome.
Sneh:Thankyouf ortel
li
ngme,I
neededtoknowt het r
uthandt
o
knowwher eexactlydoIcomefrom.I
wouldli
ketogowithyoubutIcannot
,
Ineedsometimetojustadj
ustto
thi
s.IhaveanewbornandIcannot
l
eavehim ort
ravel
withhim.
Bee:
Icangowi
thy
ou
Ngamso: I
'l
lbether
etoo,y
ouwon't
bealone.Bl
oodornot,we'
real
l
si
stersandwe'r
ealwaysheref
orone
another
.
Mpho:So,
Danny,Bonga,
Jabu,Bee
andNgamsowil
lcomewi thyou.The
ki
dswil
lsl
eepoveratDannys
Sbahl
e:I
'
llbebaby
sit
ti
ngwi
thNasi
'
s
mom.
Me:
Iguessev
ery
thi
ngi
sar
ranged
andsor
ted
Jabu:Ther
e'sonemor ethi
ng, we
foundMuziwokuthula'
saddressand
Sneh'
sparents.Wheny oureadyto
meetthem,you'l
lletmeknow.
Sneh:
Thankyoumay
beamont
hor
twofr
om now.
Phi
l
a:That
'sunder
standabl
e
Me:Ther
e'ssomet
hingel
seIwantt
o
say
Danny
:Ther
eis?Whati
sit
?
Me:Iwantyouallt
oknowt hatI'
m
i
nlov
ewi t
hDanny.I'
m nottel
li
ngyou
t
hisbecauseIwantyourpermissi
on
t
obewi thhi
m butIwanttoletyou
knowandf ory ounotbeshockedi fI
dohappent opur surear elationshi p
wi t
hhim.Iknowy oumi ghtj udgeme
forfall
inginl ov ewi thmyl atesi ster
s
husbandbutIhav efeltgui ltyenough
untilt
hismor ningwhenIwentt oZee
sgr aveandIt oldherhowf elt.I
cannotapol ogi zef orthewayIf eel
andIcannotcont rol i
t.Ilov edDanny
l
ongbef oreIknewt hatZeewasmy
sister
.Idon' twanty out of eel asi f
I'
m heret or epl acemysi sterspl ace
amongsty oual l
,herki dsandDanny 's
l
ife.Iam whoIam andI 'm di f
f erent
from Ziyanda.Iknowshewi llalway s
hav eapl acei ny ourhear ts, myhear t
andDanny 'shear t
.Ibel i
ev eImet
Dannyf orar easonandIwoul dbea
foolnottotakeachanceandsee
wheret hi
sleadsusDannyandi fit
doesn'tworkout ,itdoesn' t
.I'
mt ired
ofholdingbackmyf eeli
ngsf ory ou
andwheny ouaskedmel astnight,
aski
ngwhenwi ll
Ibey ourgirl
fri
end?I
knowwhatIsai dandt hisisme
tel
li
ngy ourightnowt hatIwoul dl ove
tobey ourgirlf
ri
end.
TheboyscheeredasDannywal ked
overtome.Hehel dmyhandsandI
stoodupandlookedathim.He
ki
ssedmeandev ery
onewas
screami
ng,If
eltl
ikeateenageragai
n.
Danny :Ifirstl
ywantt ot hanky ouf or
fi
nal l
yallowingy ourselftoadmi tthat
youf eelthesamewayaboutme.I
l
ov ey ouNasi phi andIknowt hat
you'rescar edandy outhinkI '
mj ust
usingy out or eplaceZeebutt hat'
s
nott r
ue.Igenui nelylovey ouandI
willdoev er y
thingIcant oshowt hat
toy ouandf ory out obehappy .I
knowI '
m amanwi thalotofbaggage
andIknowsomewher eal ongt heway
I'
ll
hur tyoubecauseIdon' tknow
whatt hef uturehol dsf orus.WhatI
doknowi sthatI '
llneverhur tyou
i
ntent i
onal l
yandIwantwhat sbest
forthebot hofus.Idon' tev enknow
whatt osayandIcannott hanky ou
enoughf ormaki ngmet hehappi est
manonear thrightnow.Idon' twant
youtoev erthi
nkorf eelthatyou'rea
reboundory ou'resecondbesti nmy
heart.YesIdost i
lll
oveZee, wenev er
divor
cedorany thi
ngbutshepassed
away .Inevergott hechancet osay
goodby eorgetov erher
.Sl owlybut
surel
yIknowt hatIwi l
lstoplov i
ng
herbecauser i
ghtnowy ouoccupy
75%ofmyhear t.IloveyouNasi phi
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooDanny
Nay
e:Aaah!Thi
sissocut
e!
Shet
ookapi
ctur
eofusandIj
ust
l
aughed.Wel
lIwascr
yingand
l
aughi
ngatthesameti
me.
Sneh:
CanIt
alkt
oyoupr
ivat
elyNasi
?
Me:
Yes
Wewentt oanotherroom andshe
j
ustheldmeandcr i
ed.Idi
dn'
tknow
whattodobutItriedbyallmeansto
comforther
.Ineverthoughtt
hatthi
s
woul
dhappen.
Me:
Don'
tcr
y,ev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lbeokay
Sneh:Shewasmysi
ster
,shewas
ever
ythi
ngtome
Me:She'
ssti
ll
yoursi
sterSnehand
shewoul
d'v
ewantedyout obehappy
andnott
ocry.
Sneh:Wehadmat chi
ngnecklaces,I
wouldli
ketogiv
eittoyou.Shewas
yoursi
steraswell
.Thi
sonebel onged
toher
Me:Icannotacceptt
hisSneh,
you
cankeepit
Sneh:
Shewould'v
ewantedyout
o
havei
t,i
t'
syour
s.Icanhel
pyouputi
t
on
It
urnedar
oundandsheputi
ton.
Me:
Thanky
ou,
itl
ooksbeaut
if
ul
Sneh:Pl
easetakegoodcar
eof
Dannyandthekids.
Me:
Iwi
l
l,Ipr
omi
se.
Wehuggedforawhil
eandIt hi
nk
f
rom nowonwardsourr
elat
ionshi
p
wil
li
mprov
e.
Sneh:
You'r
eof
fi
cial
l
ybabyZi
yanda'
s
godmother
Me:
Thanky
ou,
itsanhonour
Sneh:
I'
m sor
ryfort
hewayIt
reat
ed
youwhenwefir
stmet
Me:
It'
sokay
,it
sal
li
nthepastnow.
Wewenttojoi
ntheother
sandDanny
wasl
ooki
ngatme.Ifeltr
eal
lyshyas
hedi
dn'
ttakehi
seyesoffme.
Si
ya:
Someonesbl
ushi
ng
Me:
NoI
'
m not
Zandy
:Okay
!Gi
rlt
alk,
spi
titout
?
Weal
lwentt
otheki
tchenandcl
osed
t
hedoor
.
Me:Okaysomethi
nghappenedlast
ni
ght,
wekissedandheinser
tedhis
fi
nger
sinmyhoneypot
Sbahl
e:Gi
rly
ougotf
inger
ed!
Me:Yeahy eahandt hisweirdbut
pl
easurabl
ef eel
ingtookov ermeand
mykneesgotweakandi twasjust
amazingast hi
sf l
uidcamegushi ng
outofmyhoney pot.Itwasst r
ange
butgood,haveyouf eltt
hatbefore?
Phel
o:Youhady
ourf
ir
stor
gasm
Nasi
Me:I'
vehear
dpeopl
etalkabouti
tbut
Idi
dn'
tknowitf
eltt
hatgood.
Nay
e:You'
resoi
nnocent
!
Zandy:
Ijustwanttocorr
uptyou
al
ready.I
tfeelswaybet
terwhenthe
di
ckmakesy oucum!
Nt
okozo:
YesMam!
Welaughedasthenaught
ytalk
conti
nuedandweweredist
urbedby
theguys.
Phi
l
a:MakaJnr
,weneedt
ogetgoi
ng.
Danny
:Weneedtogot
oo,
theki
ds
mustbewai
ti
ngonus.
Me:
Byel
adi
es
Sneh:
Don'
tbeast
ranger
.
Me:
Don'
twor
ry,
I'
ll
cal
lyouev
ery
day
.
WehuggedandDannyhel
dmyhand
andwelef
t.
Me:Youcanl
etgoofmyhandnow
soy
oucandri
ve
Danny:
Icandobothatonce.Soy
ou
andSneharegoodnow?
Me:Youcansayso, thi
swentway
bet
terthanIexpect
ed.Ithoughtshe
wouldthrowtant
rumsandki ckusout
ofherhouse
Danny:Iguesssheknewf
ight
ingt
his
wouldn'
thelp.
Me:
Iguessso
Danny
:Thanky
ouNasi
phi
Me:
For
?
Danny:Wal
ki
ngi
ntomyl
i
fewhenI
neededyout
hemost
.
Ismil
edathim andwegotintothe
houseandhewasst i
l
l hol
dingmy
hand.Mom wascookingandIwent
tohelpher
Mom:
So?
Me:I
twentwel
landDannyandIar
e
t
oget
hernow
Mom: I
'm happyf
ory
oumychi
l
d.You
deser
vetobehappy
WecookedandDannysetthetabl
e
andwehadsuppert
ogether.
Danny:
Kids,
Ihav
esomet
hingt
otel
l
you.
Oni
ka:
Whati
sit
?
Danny:
Nasii
snowmygir
lf
ri
endand
I
'l
lki
ssheral
otnowev
eni
nfrontof
you
Danv
er:
Yuk!Iwi
l
lcl
osemyey
es
Danny
:Sui
tyour
sel
f
Howcoul dDannyj ustsaythattothe
kids?Onikaandmom wer elaughing
atthisandIjustgaveinandl aughed
too.
Me:
Let
sgety
our
eadyf
orbed
Danver:Idon'
twanttobat
h.Idon't
underst
andwhywebat hatnightand
i
nthemor ni
ng,wedon'
tgetachance
tobedirty.
Hereall
yisn'
taf anofbathing.I
changedthem intot
heirpyjamasand
Dannyreadthem abedt imest ory
whil
eIwascl eari
ngupi nthekitchen.
Danny
:Theyar
efi
nal
l
yasl
eep
Me:I'
l
lbedonej ustnow,pl
easetake
outt
hetrash.IknowI'l
lfor
geti
nthe
morni
ng.
HedidasIsai
dandhewashedhi
s
handsaf
ter
.
Danny:SoIwasthinki
ng,t
haty
ou
shoul
dstopworkingforme.
Me:
Why
?Il
ovemyj
ob
Danny:
You'r
emygirl
fr
iendnowand
you'
l
lsti
ll
beher
etaki
ngcareofthe
ki
ds
Me: ButDanny,Ineedthemoneyand
Icannotjustsi
taroundthehouseand
donot hi
ngallday.
Danny:You'
llgety
ourmont hl
y
al
lowance,yourmom wi l
lbecloseby
andwi l
lhav
eanur setaki
ngcar eof
her.Andyouwon'tbeinthehouseall
day,Iwantyoutopursuey our
dreams.Youcanbeadoct or
Me:I'
vewentt hr
oughthatDanny
,no
hospit
alhasbeenaccepti
ngme.And
Ithi
nkMuzi hasever
ythi
ngtodowit
h
that
Danny:
YesbutAthidoesneeda
car
diol
ogi
statoneofhishospi
tal
s
andheaskedmet otal
ktoyou.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Danny :
Yes, Idon'
twanty outobe
stuckhereandnotdowhaty ou'
v e
al
way sloved.Plusyou'l
lbeget t
inga
salar
ywhi chy ouwon'tr
eallyneed.
Youcanuseanyofmycar sandy ou'
l
l
bemaki ngyourdreamscomet r
ue.
Wej ustneedt oputyourCVt ogether
andall
thenecessar
ydocumentsand
you'
l
lbeworkingbynextweek
Monday.
Me:
That
ssoon?
Danny:I
fitwasuptoAt
hi,
you'
dbe
worki
ngbyt oday
.
Me:
Thanky
ouDanny
Danny
:Youshoul
dthankAt
hi.Let
's
gotobed
Weswitchedof
fthel
ight
sdownst
air
s
andIwenttomyroom
Danny
:Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:
Myr
oom
Danny
:Babe,
we'
reacoupl
enowand
coupl
esshar
eabed.
Me:Butt
here'
snothi
ngwr
ongwi
thus
sl
eepi
ngseparat
ely
Dannyj
ustcar
ri
edmeandIcoul
dnt
st
oplaughi
ng
Me:
Danny
!
Hecarri
edmet ohisroom andt
hrew
meonhi sbed.If
eltl
i
keaki d
especi
all
ywhenhestartedti
ckl
i
ng
me.
Me:Dannyst
op!St
op!I
'
m goi
ngt
o
pee
Danny
:Saywhatnow?
Me:
Ineedt
opee!
I
fhedoesn'tmoveawayf r
om me
ri
ghtnow,IswearIwil
lj
ustpeeon
thi
sbed.HeletmegoandIr antot
he
bathr
oom andhestoodbythedoor
.
Me:
Ial
mostpee'
donmy
sel
fDanny
!
Danny
:You'
ret
oocut
e
Me:
What
ver
Danny
:Il
ovey
ouNasi
phi
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooDanny
.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t19
#Danny
IndeedIam t hehappiestmanon
earthandi tisal
lbecauseofNasiphi.
Whenshef inal
lyopenedupabouther
feeli
ngsi nf
rontofmeandal lour
fri
ends, shedidsomet hi
ngnowoman
hasev erdoneandt hattakescourage
andi tshowshowst rongsheis.She
i
soneoft hest r
ongestwomanIknow.
Ev eryt
hinghasbeenhar donher
l
at elyandev erythingshehasbeen
discov ering,shest oodst i
lland
showedshei sstrongert hanI
thoughtshei s.Mostwoman
woul d'vebr okedownaf t
er
discov eringsucht ruthsabout
themsel vesandgoi ngthrough
traumat ict hi
ngssuchasherseei ng
Hect ort hewayhewasaf terwe
torturedandbeathi m up.Itisalotto
handl eandt hewayshei st aking
thingsr ightnowamazesme.ButI '
ve
seenhowshe' sbeendur ingt his
week, sher eall
yi sner vousabout
goingtot heEast ernCapet oher
ori
ginalhome.Shesomet i
mesj ust
zonesoutandget slostinherown
thoughts.Itr
yt alkingtoherbutshe
shutsmeout .Itsjustbeenaf ew
day sofusbei ngt ogether,butshe' s
alr
eadyshut t
ingmeout .ButIbel ieve
afterall
ofthisi sov er
,wewi l
lbeabl e
totalkaboutusandt hewayf orward.
Iwantt odothi ngsdi f
ferently
, Iwant
totaket hi
ngssl ow, Iwantt olearn
howt ocommuni catemor ewi thher
andf orhertobeabl etot r
ustme.
GodknowshowmuchIwantt hi
st o
wor kout.
Me:
Nasi
phi
,si
tdown.You'
vebeen
walki
ngal
lov
erthi
shouse.Cal
m
down,we'
l
lbeleav
ingsoon.
Wedecidedt ol
eavet hi
sFri
day
midday,bymycalculati
onswil
lbe
ther
ethiseveni
ngandwe' ll
booki
nto
ahotelorbnbandgoov ert
oher
homeSat ur
daymor ning.
Nasi
:I'
m sweat
ingDanny
Me:Mylov
e,wehaven'
tev
enlef
tyet
.
Gogety
ourbags,
Bongaisher
enow.
Hiscardroveinf
oll
owedbyJabu'
s.
We'r
edr i
vingusi
ngmyRangeRover
Sport
,itwill
beenoughf
oral
lofus.
Bee:
Hel
l
oguy
s
Wegr
eet
edeachot
herwhi
l
eJabuput
ourbagsi
nthecar
.
Me:
Let
'sgosaygoodby
etot
heki
ds
Jabu:Lett
hegir
lsf
ornow,
weneed
total
kanditsur
gent
.
Me:
I'
ll
bet
her
eshor
tl
y
Nasiphiwenttothekidswit
h
Nangamso, SbahleandBee.Sbahl
e
wil
lbeleftwit
hthekidsandNasi's
mother.
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Bonga:
Let'
sgooutsi
de,
thesewal
l
s
haveeyesandear
s.
Welaughedathi
m andst
epped
out
side.
Jabu: Ther e'
sapr oblem, Nasi '
s
grandfatherwasdecl areddeadaf ter
thatfi
re, whatseemedl i
ket wo
bodieswer ef ound,hergr andf athers
wasst il
l r
ecogni zedbutt heot her
wasbur ntbey ondr ecogni ti
on.Whi ch
wesuspectwast heirmot hersbody .
Andt hebast ardMuzi wasl yingwhen
hesai dtheyar ealiveandhebui l
t
them anewhomenextt ot hatone.
Myboy st ellmet hat,thathousewas
l
eftasi saf teritwasbur ntdownand
hasbeenabandoned, there'sjusta
small hutnextt oitandt heydon' t
thi
nksomeonest ayst here.
Me:
Shi
t!HowdoIt
ell
Nasi
thi
s?
Bonga:
Ithinkweshoul
djustl
ether
fi
ndoutforher
sel
f.
Me: Ourrel
ati
onshipj
uststar
tedand
I
'm alr
eadykeepingsecr
ets.
Jabu:I
t'
sforagoodcour
se,al
ready
youcanseehowsheis.Shemight
evenchangehermi
ndaboutgoing.
Bonga:
Andweshoul
dleav
e,i
t'
s
goi
ngtorai
n.
Iwenttosaygoodbyetot
hekidsand
wegotintothecar
.Jabuoff
eredt
o
dri
veandwe'dtaketur
ns.
Nasi
:Pl
easeopent
hewi
ndowabi
t,
i
tshoti
nhere.
Jabu:
I'
ll
opent
heai
rcon.
Nasi
:Thanky
ou
Ididntli
keseeinghert hiswayandI
wonderhowshe' llbet omorrowwhen
weact uall
ydogot oherhome.Ihat e
hav i
ngtohidethisfrom herbutiti
s
forthebest.Ihel
dherhandandshe
restedonmyshoul der.Shefel
l
asleepandi t
sunder standabl
e
becauseshedi dn'
tev ensleepatal
l
l
astni ght
.
#Nasi
IwokeupasIheardal
otofshuf
fl
ing.
Iwasint
hecarlef
twit
hJabuand
Bee
Me:
Wher
ear
ewe?Whatt
imei
sit
?
Bee:Ayyoucansleep,
Idon'
twher
e
wearebutit
'squart
erto6int
he
eveni
ng.
Jabu:We'reinPortEdward,we'
lldri
ve
toBizanaearl
yinthemorning.Get
yourthi
ngs,we'l
lstayi
nthishotel,
it'
s
theonlydecentpl
acewecoul dfind
Me:Decent
?Thi
splaceisbeauti
ful
.
I'
vehear
dmanystor
iesaboutthe
casi
no.
Bee:We'
ll
comebackher esomeday,
wedoneedav acati
on,
it'
sbeena
whil
e.I
'
mf eel
i
nglikeNewYork,what
doyouthi
nk?
Me:
Thi
str
ipi
sli
ket
hef
urt
hestI
'
ve
tr
avel
l
ed,
IonlyknowDur banand
PMB.SoIcannotsuggestanyt
hing
Bee:Youneedtotr
avel
.Don'
twor
ry,
I
'l
ltakecarofi
t.
Wegottoourr
oomsandI
i
mmediatel
ywentt
oshower
Danny:
Hurry
,sowecangohav
e
di
nnerat7.
Me:
I'
m al
mostdone
Danny:Idon'
tgetwhyy oushowerfor
solong,ashowertakes5minutes.
Ichosenottoanswerhi
m and
conti
nuedwithmyshower.Gotout
andgotreadyfordi
nner
Danny
:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulmyl
ady
Me:
Thanky
ou
Hekissedmyneckanditsentshiver
s
downmyspi ne.Whenhetouchesme
Ial
way sj
ustgetwetdownthere.
Danny
:Let
'
sgo
Wewentdownst
air
sfordinnerand
t
heot
herswereal
readyseated.
Nasi
:I'
m st
arv
ing
Jabu:
Youwer esl
eepingtheent
ir
e
wayhere,
it'
sunder
standabl
e
Ngamso:
IwasluckybecauseIgott
o
eaty
ourf
ood.
Wehaddi
nnerov
ersmal
l
conver
sat
ionsandIf el
tabitl
ight
er.
Yett
henervesarestill
ther
eabout
tomorr
ow.Aftert
hatwei ndul
gedon
somenicedessertandIhadtwof ul
l
bowls
Danny:I
'v
enot
icedy
ou'
real
overf
or
desser
t
Me:Yesespeci
all
ypuddingand
cust
urd.I
t'
smyfavouri
te.
Danny
:I'
l
lkeept
hati
nmi
nd
Bonga:
Bei
ngMrRomant
icar
en'
twe?
Danny
:Iai
mtopl
ease
Aft
erhavi
ngsupperweal
lwentfora
walkandwenttoourr
ooms.Ist
il
l
j
usthaven'
tgotusedt
oshar
ingthe
samebedwithDanny.I
tjustf
eelsso
weir
dandIcannotex
plainwhy.Itook
ashowerandhecamet ojoi
nme
Danny :
Let'
sgetyoual lrel
axed.You
seem pret
tytenseandwor r
ied.Just
calm downbabe,ev er
ythingwillbe
okay,tr
ustme.Ikeptqui etandlet
him washandcar essmybody .I
tfelt
sogoodIl i
ter
all
ygotwetandIcoul d
feelhi
smanhoodonmybut t.
Danny
:Hewant
sy ourealbad,
I'
ve
tol
dhi
mtobehavelat
elybutheisn'
t
l
ist
eni
ng.
Ikeptquietandj
ustdi
dn'tknowhow
torespondtowhathejustsaid.
Danny:
Thedayhedef
lower
sy ou,
tr
ustmewhenIsayi
twil
lbethebest
dayofyourl
i
fe.
Me:
Yout
hinkso?
Danny
:Iknowsomyl
ove.
Wedri
edour
selvesupandIwor
emy
py
jamashor
tsandvest
Danny:Nounder
wear
?Iseey
ou'
re
tr
yingt
okil
lme.
Me:
Behav
eyour
sel
fMrMcKenzi
e
Wet uckedi
ntobedandmyner v
es
j
ustdecidedtoescalat
e.Icoul
dn't
evensleeppr
operly
,Icouldn'
tmove
becauseDannywashol di
ngme
ti
ghtl
y.
Me:
Danny
,you'
resqueezi
ngme.
Danny
:Sor
ry
HeletgoandIwasablet
ositup
st
rai
ght.Af
ter2hour
sIwassti
ll
awake.
Danny
:Youneedt
osl
eepNasi
phi
Me:CanIgetmysl
eepi
ngt
abl
ets?I
knowyoutookt
hem
Danny
:Andy
ou'
renotget
ti
ngt
hem.
Isi
ghedandj
ustcr
ied.
Danny:
Pearl
,yourt
earsar
en'
tgoi
ng
togetyout
hosepil
ls
Me:(
snif
fs)Youdon'tunderstand!I
wanttosleepbutIcannot.Ikeepon
thi
nki
ngaboutwhat
'sgoi
ngt o
happent
omorrow.I
'
m nervousokay
!
Danny
:Don'
tshoutNasi
.Laydown
Me:
What
?
Danny:Justlaydownanddon'
t
prot
estNasiphi.I
'
m goi
ngtomake
youfeelr
elaxed
Idi
dashesai
dandhetookhi
st shi
rt
off
.Hepul
l
edmylegsupandcloser
tohim.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Danny
:Don'
tsayawor
dNasi
phi
.
Me:
Youl
ovesay
ingt
hat
Danny
:Andy
oushoul
dli
sten.
Hetookofmyshor
tsandr
ubbedmy
cl
i
t.
Me:
Danny,howissupposedtomake
merel
axwhil
eI'
mjustmor ener
vous?
Hejustdi
dtheunt
hinkabl
eandIwas
hol
dinghi
shead.Oh!Whatwasthi
s
mandoingtome?
Me:
Aaah!Danny
!
Itfel
tsogoodashewasmuf fi
ngme
anddamnwasi tgood!Hekept
sucking,li
cki
ngandni bbli
ngonmy
cli
t.Ifel
tmybodyshaki ngandmy
toescurled.Iheldontightl
ytothe
sheetsandIwasmoani ngoutloud.
Andhej uststopped!!
Me:
Whatt
hehel
l
!Danny
!
Danny
:Fr
ust
rat
ingi
sn'
ti
t?
Hesmi rkedandcont i
nuedtomuf f
meandIcamej ustr
ightaf
ter.If
elt
mybodyr elaxandhewenttot he
bathroom andcamewi t
hat oweland
cl
eanedmeup.Iwassoshy ,I
couldn'
tev enlookathim.
Danny
:Yout
ast
esogood
Me:
Thanky
ou
Danny
:Yousocutewheny
oushy
,
nowcomeclose.
Iputmyheadonhischestandclosed
myeyes.Thensl
eeptookoverandI
wasout.
#NEXTMORNI
NG
Iwassti
l
lsl
eepi
ngpeacef
ull
ywhen
Dannywokemeup.
Me:
5mor
emi
nut
espl
ease.
Dannyt
ookof
fmyclothesand
car
ri
edmetothebat
hroom
Me:
You'
rei
mpossi
ble
Danny
:Morni
ngtoyoutoomylov
e.
Nowhurr
y,br
eakf
asti
sat8am
Me:
What
'st
het
imenow
Danny
:7:
30am
Icannotgetr
eadyi
njust30mi
nut
es
Me:Ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
ogetoutand
l
etmebath?
Danny
:No.
Isi
ghedandbat
hedashedi
dhi
shai
r.
Me:
Youneedtoshav
eyourbear
d
t
oo,i
t'
stool
ongnow.
Danny
:YesMam.
Ilaughedandf i
nishedup.Il oti
oned
my sel
fandwor emyt hong.Iwal ked
aroundl ookingf orIdon' tknowwhat
butIwasj ustenjoy i
ngt heattentionI
wasget tingf r
om Danny .Theway
Dannyl ovesmybodyandmakesme
feelgoodaboutmy selfhasmademe
bemor ecomf ort
ablear oundhim and
becomf ortableaboutmywei ght.I
felthi
m br eatheonmyneckandpl ant
sof
tki
ssesoni
t
Me:
Wehav
etogetr
eadyDanny
Danny
:Youdidn'
tthi
nkofthatwhen
youwerebusyshowi
ngoffyoursexy
bodyt
ome, makingMcKenziewake
up.
Me:
Sor
ry
Igi
ggledandhepickedmeupand
wrappedmyl egsar
oundhi
swaist
.I
ki
ssedhim andhewasmaoning
wit
hintheki
ss.
Danny:You'
regoi
ngt
odr
ivemecr
azy
It
elly
ou.
Heputmeagainstt
hewalland
movedmythongtothesi
de.He
workedhismagi
cwi
thhi
smagi
c
f
ingersandmademecum.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Ikissedhi m oncemoreandIwentt o
thebat hroom.Didmybusi nessand
gotdr essed.Iworeatightlongbl
ack
dressandbl uedoekov ermy
shouldersandIwr appedadoekon
myheadal so.
Danny:Youlookgood,y
ou'dr
eall
y
l
ookgoodasmywi fewit
haringon
yourf
inger
.
Me:Mxm what
everDanny
,qui
tthe
j
okes
Hebecamesoser
iousandIwasj
ust
ner
vous
Danny:I'
m ser
iousPear
l,t
his,us,
whatwehav eispermanent.Ibought
youthese,t
hey'l
lbecomfortabl
e.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Itwasblackall
star
sandIl
ovedthem.
Itookmybagwewentdownst ai
rsfor
breakf
astholdi
nghands
Bonga:You'r
ethenewal wayslat
e
coupl
e.SiyaandPhil
awer ealways
l
atefol
lowedbyDanny .Iseehe'l
lbe
morelatenow.
Me:Iwouldbeearly
,buthedeci
ded
towakemeupl atewit
honly
30minut
estoprepare
Bee:Youshoul
dbear
rest
edDanny
,
that
'snotal
l
owed.
Wehadbr eakf
astandl
eft
.Whent he
carst
art
edmov ingmynervescame
backagai
n.
Ngamso:You'
l
lbeokay
.We'
reher
e
f
oryou.
Bee:
Iti
ssohott
oday
.
Me:
Youguy
slookgood.
Bee:
Thanky
ou
Theywereal
sowearingdresseswi
th
doeksov
erthei
rshoulder
s
Bonga:
I'
dbev er
yhappyi
fBeewoul
d
dr
essli
kethi
severy
day
Bee:Notev
eni
nyourwi
l
destdr
eams
si
r.
Jabu:
Womanoft
oday
Wel ookedathim andhequi ckl
y
rai
sedhi shandsandsur r
endered.We
l
aughedathi m andalongthewaywe
hadagoodconv ersat
ionwhichwasa
gooddi str
act
ionforme.
Danny
:Weher
e.
Heparkedthecaront hesi
deandmy
handsweresweating.Weallgotout
thecarandstood
Bonga:
Itseemsasi
fwebyt
heback
yar
d.
Icoul
dn'
tseecl
ear
lyandmyhead
wasspi
nni
ng
Ngamso:
Arey
ouokayNasi
?
Me:
Ican'
t.
..
.Ican'
tsee
Ifell
onmykneesandl otsof
episodesplayedinmyheadal lat
once.Iwashav ingmanyf l
ashbacks
andi twasall
aboutmychi ldhood.I
thenstart
edfeelingr
eall
yhotand
therewasaf i
re
Me:
It'
sbur
ning!I
t'
sbur
ningdown!
It
hensawHectorandMuzil
aughi
ng
astheysett
hehouseonf
ir
e.
"TakePear
landI
'
llt
akeZee"Muzi
said
"
WhataboutSneh?
"Hect
orr
epl
i
ed
"
Letherdi
ewi
tht
hatwhor
e"Muzi
"She' stheonlywaywecanbeabl et o
gett hemoneyf rom Ndoda,don'
tbe
stupid"Hect ortookSnehandgav e
himt oMuzi .IsawMuzi ashekicked
mymom i nthest omach.Shewas
cryingandhol dingZee'sleg.He
kickedherf aceandshef el
lonthe
fl
oorhi tt
ingherhead.Theycameout
car r
yingus,ZeeandSnehscr eami ng
formeaswewentsepar ateway s.I
criedandHect orhismyback, wher eI
wasbur nt.
Danny
:Ar
eyouokaynow?
Isatonthefloorandcri
edf
ormy
motherandgr andpawhodi
edbei
ng
ki
ll
edbyt hosebastar
ds.
Me:Iam goi
ngtoki
ll
HectorDl
ami
ni
andMuziwokut
hul
aNy at
hi
Danny:Okaybaby,l
et'
sgett
hatoutof
yourhead.You'
renotaki
ll
er.
Bonga:
Standup
Dannyhel
pedmeupandNgamso
gavemeabott
leofwat
er
Me:Let
'sgo,
ther
e'snot
hingmor
eto
see.
Jabu:No,wecannotj
ustgoback.
Letsj
ustwalkar
ound.Askaf ew
quest
ionsfr
om afewneighbors
Bee:
Thesehousesar
escat
ter
ed.
Wewalkedar
oundandwentt
othe
f
ronty
ard.
Danny:Ther
e'sawomanundert
hat
tr
ee.She'
snotlooki
ngatour
di
rect
ionthough
Wewentcl oserandshewassi ngi
ng.
Istart
edtocryasIhear dthatt
he
voi
cewasf amil
iar.I
twasmy
mot hersv
oice.Themot herwhogave
bir
tht ome.Ilookedatherandthe
l
efthandsideofherf acewasburnt.
Her
:Hlal
aphantsimntanam,kudal
a
ndi
kul
i
ndil
e.(Si
tdownmychi l
d,I
hav
ebeenwai t
ingforyouf
oralong
t
ime)
Me:
Mama?Mama!
Isatdownnextt
oherandsheheld
measIcriedinmymothershands.
BeeandNgamsowerealsocrying
nowanditwasanemotionalmoment.
Mama: Subasal
il
esanalwam,
usundi
fumene(Don'
tcr
yanymoremy
chi
ld,y
ouhavefoundme.)
Shewasst
il
l st
ari
ngi
ntospaceand
shewascr
yingsil
ent
ly
Me: Mama,uyakwazukubona
kakuhl
e?(Mamacany ousee
proper
ly?
)
Mama:
Icanonl
yusemyr
ightey
e.
Don'
twor
ry,
Icanseey
oupr
eci
ous
pear
l.
Mama: Paul
a!Paul
a!Paul
a!Br
inga
benchsotheycansit
Me:
Mama,
whoar
eyout
alki
ngt
o.
Mama:I
tisayounggi
rlwhotakes
car
eofme.She'
salmostyourage.
Abeautif
ulgi
rlcamecarry
ingto
benchesandDannyhelpedher.She
cameoutofthatsmallheart
Paul
a:Mol
weni
Mama:Thi
sismydaught
er,
Pear
l.
Shehasf
oundme
Paul
a:I
tisgoodt
ofi
nal
l
ymeety
ou,
shehastol
dmeaboutyou.Iwi
l
lgo
prepar
esomet
eaforyou
Me:Thatwon'tbenecessar
ybut
Thankyou.I
t'
sapleasuretomeet
youtoo,t
hankyoufortaki
ngcar
eof
her.
Shenoddedandwentbackt
othehut
.
Me:Mama, t
hesearemyfr i
ends,
Bonga,
Babalwa,Jabul
aniand
Nangamso.AndDanny,heownsmy
hear
tmama.
Mama: I
tisgoodtomeetyoumykids,
I'
m gl
adIli
vedlongtomeetyoual
l
andyoumkhweny ana.
I
fonl
ysheknewi
tisr
eal
l
yhi
ssoni
n
l
aw,heisZee'shusbandandmy
boy
fri
end.Iwonderhowshewil
ltake
i
twhenItell
her.
Mama:Youst
il
lhav
ebeaut
if
ulsof
t
hai
r?
Me:
Yesmama
Shetookof
fmydoekandst
art
ed
pl
ait
ingmyhai
r
Mama:
Wher
eisSnenhl
anhl
a?
Me:Shei
sinDur
banmama, shej
ust
hadachi
l
d.Shecoul
dn'
tcome.
Mama:
Iwoul
d'
vel
ovedt
oseeher
Ngamso:
Youwi
l
lseehersoon
mama
Me:Whyhav
en'
tyouaskedmeabout
Zi
yanda?
Mama: Iknowshepassedaway ,If
elt
i
twhenshepassedaway .Shecame
fr
om mywomb, Ifelti
twhenIl ostmy
fi
rstborn.Ziyanda'Intombi
zakwaNy athi.Iknowal otmor ethan
youthinkIdo.Yourabi li
tytosee
whatot herscan'tseei sn'
tfor
eign,it
i
sagi ftpassedonf r
om met oy ou.
Mkhweny ana,arey outakingcareof
mychi l
d'schi l
dren?
Dannynodded.Shit
!Sheknowst hatI
am dat
ingmysistershusband.Oh
God!
Mama: Don'
tyouworr
ymypr
ecious
Pearl
,hegenui
nel
ylov
esy
ou.I
tisnot
anembarrasmentt
obewi
thyourlat
e
si
ster
shusband.
Me:
Wher
eisMkhul
u?
Mama: Myf atherpassedawaywhen
yourf atherandhi sfr
iendbur ntdown
thishouse.Yourf at
herhadal ready
mov edonandwant edt omar ry
anotherwoman.Idon' tknowwhy
didn'
thej ustnev ercomebackorj ust
divorceme.Hewant edmedeadbut
myf at hersavedme.Af terhehad
beatenmeup, yourgrandpaqui ckl
y
wokemeupasweakashewas.He
toldmet or unandl eav ehim.Hesaid
Ishoul dlookformychi l
dren.Ididn'
t
wantt ol eavehim behindbutI
thoughtofmychi ldrenandl ef
thimt o
burni ntoashes.Irant othepolice
stati
on, theytookmet othehospi t
al
andi twast olateformet osavemy
father.Hel ai
dhislif
ef ormeandmy
kids.
Asshet
oldthest
oryIwascr
yingand
sowasshe.
Mama: Ihavesathereandwatched
thebusstopandwai t
edformyki ds
tocome.Iti
st hesamewayIsather e
andwaitedforyourf
athert
ocome
backhome.Doessheknowt hatshe
i
snotmybl ooddaugther?
Danny
:Yesmama
Oh,
shewast
alki
ngaboutSneh.
Mama:Ihopeshedoesn'thateme
f
ornott
ell
inghert
het r
uth.Shewas
t
ooyoungformetot el
lhersuch.
Wher
edidthatevi
lbastar
dt akey
ou?
Me:Iwassepar at
edfrom Zeeand
Sneh.Igr
ewupwi t
htheDlamini
'sbut
Hectorl
eftuswhenmymot herhada
st
roke.Heleftwit
heveryt
hingwehad.
Bee: ZeeandSnehgr ewupt ogether
withoutknowi ngwheretheycome
fr
om.Theyst ayedatdif
ferent
orphanagehomesandsoonaf t
er
stayedont hestreet
sandhust l
ed.
Li
fewast
oughont
hem.
Mama: Iam gl
admyki dsarearound
peoplewholovethem andpr ot
ect
them.Youhavedonewel l
mysons.
Youhav edonewell.Godwi l
lbl
ess
youabundantl
y.Babalwa,start
feedi
ngthosetwinsgr owi
nginsideof
you.Theyareablessing
Bonga:
Whatdoy
oumeanmama?
Mama:Thaty
oudon'
tshootbl
anks
myson.
Wealll
aughedandPaulacamet
o
j
oinuswit
hteaandbread.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Paul
a:Youar
easbeaut
if
ulasshe
descr
ibedy
ou.
Me:Thankyou,youarealsoone
beauti
ful
goddess.Yourski
nistoo
perf
ect.
Shewasdar kandver
ybeauti
ful
.She
hadfreaki
shl
yli
ghtbl
ueeyesandshe
bl
inkedalot
.
Ther estofthedaywasspentunder
thetreewithmymot hertell
ingus
stor
iesf r
om longago.Ijustdi dn'
t
beli
ev emostoft hem butitwas
amazi ngtojustspendt i
mewi thmy
motherandherpr esencewas
heartwarmingandIcoul dn'tthank
Godenoughf orblessi
ngmet his
much.Beingi
nmymot her
sarmsis
somethi
ngIwil
lnev
ereverfor
get
.
Jabu:Weshouldgetgoi
ngbackto
thehot
el.Weleav
eearlyt
omorrow
Mama:
Docomevi
sitagai
nsoon,
I
wi
ll
bewai
ti
ng.
Me:
CanIst
aybehi
ndwi
thmymot
her
?
Danny
:GopackyourbagsPaul
aand
abagformama,
we'releav
ingwi
th
them.
Me:
What
?Dannyar
eyousur
e?
Mama:Idon'twantt
obeaburdent
o
youmykids.Goonwithoutme
Danny
:We'
renotl
eav
ingy
oubehi
nd
Mama.
Ij
ustcr
iedandDannyhel
pedme
st
andupandheheldme
Me:Idon'
tknowhowI'l
leverrepay
youDanny.Youar
efartookind.
Thankyou
Isai
dasIcr
iedi
nhi
sar
ms.
Danny:Justtr
ustmewhenIsayIlov
e
youandIwi l
ltakecar
eofyouand
prot
ectyouandy ourf
amil
y.
Me:WhenIgett hatj
obIwill
work
har
dandr epayyouDanny.I'
l
lget
bot
hmymot hershousesandI'
l
l
def
inat
elyrepayyou
Danny
:Li
stent
omePear
l,Idon'
t
wantyoutopayme.We'll
lookf or
twobeauti
ful
houseswheret hey'
l
l
staycl
osetoourhome.Plusmy
houseisbi
genoughforal
l ofus.
Me: No,
Iknowy oulov
eyourown
spaceDanny.Idon'
twantyout
o
changeyourwaysforme
Danny: Thenwe'
l
lbuyt
hem ahouse.
Thi
sdi scussi
oni
soverandst
op
cr
ying.Youmakingmesad.
Jabu:
Enoughcuddl
i
ngnow.Let
'sgo
Bongawascar
ryi
ngt
hei
rbagsand
mymom wascryi
ng.
Mama:
Thanky
ouson,
thanky
ou.
Dannyhuggedherandgoti
ntot
he
car
.Itwasgoodtoseeherstandi
ng
andIgottoseewhereIgetmythi
ck
bodyfr
om.She'sf
reshandbeauti
ful
Me:
Mama,
howol
dar
eyou?
Mama: Heh!Thi
schi
l
d.I
'
myoung
enough.
Me:Noseri
ousl
y,y
outoofreshfor
someonewhohasolddaughter
s
Mama:I
'm 22y
earsol
derthany
ou,
17y
ear
soldert
hanZiy
anda.
Me:
Ohy
ou'
re48.
Mama:
I'
m st
il
lyoungasIt
oldy
ou.
Wegottothehotel
aft
erafewhour
s
andhaddi
nner.Mom andPaul
awent
t
othei
rroom andIwentt
omyr
oom
wi
thDanny
Danny
:It
'sgoodt
oseey
ouhappy
Me:
Iam v
eryhappy
,let
'sgoshower
.
Hesmi rkedandweshower ed
together.Af
terwewer
edonewe
dri
edour sel
vesupandlot
ioned.Igot
dressedandsatonthebedt hi
nking
abouttoday.
Me:CanIgosl
eepwithmymot her
?I
hopeyouwon'
tmindandi
t'
sjust.
..
.
Hecutmeof
fandj
ustki
ssedme.
Danny
:Youdon'
tneedmypermi
ssi
on
mamasbaby.Gosleepwi
thy
our
mom
Me:
Thanky
ou
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Me:
Danny
Danny
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:Il
ovey
out
ooMcKenzi
e.Ir
eal
l
y
do.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t20
Beingbackhomewi thmymot her
makesmesohappy .Wear rivedlast
nightwhenev eryonewasasl eepand
thekidsandmymot her
(whor aised
me)wasasl eepsot heynev ergott o
meetmybi ologicalmother.Iwokeup
andt ookashower ,whenIcameback
Dannywasst ill
asleep
Me:
Danny
,wakeup
Danny
:No,
comebackt
obed
Me:No,
youhavetowakeuporyou'
ll
bel
atef
orwork.I
'
m goi
ngtogetthe
ki
dsr
eady
Hemumbl edsomethi
ngsthatIdi
dn'
t
botherl
ist
eni
ngt
o.Iwentt
ot heki
ds
room andwoket
hem up
Oni
ka:
Youback!
Me:
Yesbaby
gir
l,di
dyoumi
ssme?
Oni
ka:
YesIdi
d
Danv
er:
Imi
ssedy
out
oo,
Icr
iedl
ast
ni
ght
.
Me:
Aaahmycutefell
a,I
'
llmakei
tup
t
oyoubot
h.Nowletsgobath
Ibathedt hem andprepar
edthem for
school.Imadet hei
rlunchwhil
ethey
hadbr eakfast
.Paulacame
downst
air
s
Paul
a:Goodmor
ning
Me:Morningsweety
,ki
ds,
thi
sisAunt
Paul
a.Paula,
thi
sisOni
kaandDanver
.
Theygr eet
edeachot herandPaula
helpedmewi ththei
rschool bags.
Mom al sojoi
nedussodi dMama, I
j
ustf i
guredI'
l
lseparatethem that
waybecauseIdon' tknowhowt ocal
l
them, t
heyarebothmymot hers.And
Iintr
oducedthem tothekidswho
seemedsoconf used.
Oni
ka:
Soy
ouhav
etwomoms?
Me:
Yes
Danv
er:
Wenowhav
etwogr
anni
es
andanaunt.Thi
sisfun,t
hehouse
canbebori
ngwithli
ttl
epeopl
eini
t.
Mama:
Theyar
ereal
l
ybeaut
if
ulki
ds
Onika:Gogo,
whathappenedt
oyour
face?
Mama:
Igotbur
ntmybaby
.
Shenodded, sheseemedt obe
thinki
ngalot
.Isentthem offtobrush
theirt
eethbefor
etheyaskedt oo
manyquest i
ons.Bothmymot hers
wer el
ookingatmeandIj uststood
andst ar
edatthem.Ialsojustdidn'
t
knowwhatt osay.Ihopet heyget
along
Mom:
Aren'
tyougoi
ngt
ofor
mal
l
y
i
ntr
oduceus?
Mama: Thi
schi l
d!I'm Pearl
smot her,
NtombiNyathi.It
'sgoodt omeett he
womanwhor aisedmydaught ert obe
whatsheistoday .Icanneverthank
youenough.
Mom: It'
sgoodtomeett hewoman
whohav ebirt
htot hepreci
ouspearl
.
I
'm YenzoloDlamini.Who'sthedar
k
beauti
fulyounglady?
Paul
a:Mynamei
sPaul
aNy
athi
.
Mom: She'
smydaught
er ,
Iadopt
ed
herandshe'
sbeenhel
pingmealot.
Igai
nedamotherandasist
er,
Godi
s
goodandhehasblessedme
abundantl
y.Iwi
llforeverbegrateful
.
Thedriv
ertooktheki dstoschool and
IwenttogiveDannyhi sbreakfast
whil
eIleftt
hem talkinginthekit
chen.
Me:
Wakeupbabe,
youneedt
oeat
Danny
:Youdor
eal
izei
tist
hef
ir
st
ti
meyoucal
lmebabe?
Me:
Yes
Danny
:Comeher
e
Me:
Thef
oodDanny
Danny:
Thef
oodcanwai
tNasi
.Just
geti
nbed
Igotinbedandwecuddled.I
'
ve
noti
cedheisreal
l
ytouchyandver
y
cl
ingy
.Bei
ngoutofmysightf
orjusta
minut
eist
oomuchf orhi
m.It
seemedasifhewasthi
nki
ngdeeply.
Hetookhi
sphone
Danny
:Don'
tbemadbabe.
Me:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Heshowedmepi ct
uresoftwobi
g
beauti
ful
housesandt heybot
h
costedaround3mil
li
on.
Me:
Andt
hen?
Danny:Thesear et
hehousesI'v
e
beenlookingatandtheyar
ebot h
goodfory ourmother
s.Youjustneed
toshowt hem thepi
ctur
eandsee
whowant swhichone.
Me:Danny,t
hesehousesare
r
idi
cul
ouslyexpensi
ve.Canwel
ook
f
orcheaperhouses?
Danny
:Moneyi
snotapr
obl
em
Me: Theywi
llcostyouabout6mil
li
on,
DannyIcannotletyouspendso
muchmoney .I'
m sorr
ybutIjust
cannot
Danny:Ar
ewegoi ngtoar
gueabout
thi
s?BecauseIdon'
twanttoar
gue
Me:Idon'twanttoar
guewithyou
ei
therbuttheyar
ewaytooexpensiv
e.
You'
vewor kedhardf
oryourmoney
Danny
:Andthati
swhyI'
m spendi
ng
i
tonpeopl
ewhoar ei
mport
anttome
andwhom aremyfamily
.Now,we
won'tar
gueaboutt
hisandmoneyi
s
notanissuemylov
e.
Ijustkeptqui
etandchosenott o
continuewit
ht hisconversati
on
becauseIwi l
lnothav easayi nit
.I
don'twantDannyspendi ngsomuch
money ,whatifthingsdon'tworkout
betweenus?Wher ewil
lIgetsomuch
moneyt opayhi m back?Itisall
just
toomuch.
Danny
:Ar
eyoumadatme?
Me:
No
Danny:Nasi
,youneedtost
op
thi
nki
ngthatI'
l
lleav
eyouandyou'
l
l
havet opaymeback.Youneedt o
stopt hinkingthatI '
m doi ngall thi
s
j
ustbecauseIwantt owi ny ouov er
andf ory ounott ot hinkt hatI'
m usi ng
youasar ebound.I '
m notbuy ingy our
l
ov eandt rust
.Ilov ey ouandy ou
needt ost artbelievingthat .Iknow
you'dlov emeev eni fIhadnomoney ,
mebei ngweal thyi sjustabonus.
AndIwi llspoilyoubecauseIwantt o
andy ouar emine.St opthinking
negativel y
.Iknowy ouusedt obei ng
i
ndependentandIl ov ethatabouty ou,
youdon' tneedamant osur vi
v e.But
nowI 'mi ny ourlifeandIcant ake
careofy ouandal lofus.Soony ou'l
l
bewor kingandy ou'l
l f
eelgoodabout
yourselfbecausey ou' l
lbedoingwhat
youlov e, t
hesal arywi l
lbeabonus
becausey oudon'tneedi t.Ifi
twasup
tome, y ouwoul dn'
twor k.You'dhave
yourpr ettyf aceinthishouseanddo
whatev ery ouwant .Butbecausey ou
areyou, y ouhav edr eamsandwant
towor k, Icannotst andi nthewayof
thatandIcanassi sty ouinmaking
yourdr eamscomet rue.
Iwasalreadycryi
ngashesai dthose
words.Howcanamanj ustl
oveme
somuchanddoal lthesethi
ngsfor
me?Hei sreal
lyheav ensentandI
l
ovehim andwi l
ltakecareofhim and
hi
shear
tandhi
ski
ds.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Weki ssedandheputmeont opof
him whi legr abbingmyass.Hewas
veryhor nyandhewasgr i
ndi nghis
dickagai nstmyv agina.Littl
emoans
escapedmymout handt hatdr ove
him cr azy .Thi
smanhasbeen
satisfyingmeandt aki
ngcar eofme
andgi vi
ngmepl easureint hemost
unthinkabl eway s.I'
vedeci dedt hatI'
l
l
makehi mf eelgoodandr elease
withoutushav ingsex.I '
m notsur e
whent hatwi llhappenorhowbutI
won' tev enask.I twi l
lhappenf or
i
tself.Veneshast ol dmeaboutmany
way sofsati
sfyi
ngamanwi t
hout
gi
v i
nghimt hecooki
e.AllmylifeI
neverthoughtIwoulddothisbutI
willdr
opmypr ideandsati
sfymy
man.Ipulledawayfrom t
heki ssand
heseemedasi fhewasirr
it
ated.I
stoodupandhe' seyespopped.
Danny
:Andwher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
Sssh
Il
ockedthedoorandhel
ookedatme
conf
used.
Me:
Justcl
osey
ourey
espl
ease.
Danny
:No,
Iwantt
oseey
ou.
Me:
Closey
ourey
esDanny
Danny:HowdoIknowthatonceI
cl
osemyey esy
ou'
l
lunl
ockthedoor
andleave?
Me:JustdoasIsayandDon'
tsaya
wor
dTr i
ston
Iknewcal li
nghi m byhissecond
namewoul dgethi mt oseet hatIam
serious.Hecl osedhisey esandI
walkedbackt othebed.It ookofhis
boxershor t
sandkneel ednexttohim.
Iclosedmyey esandl i
ckedt hetipof
hisdi ck.Ibreathedinandoutand
startedsucki ng.Ifel
thi m holdmy
headandsl owl ypushingi tupand
down.It ookhi m al
linandgagged.I
i
ncr easedmypaceandhewassl owl
y
l
oosi ngi
t.Hekeptongr oaningand
call
ingoutmyname.Isuckedand
l
ickedandsuckedhar derandhar der
andt hegroansgotl ouderandl ouder.
God!Ihopemymot hersandPaul ado
notheart hi
smanscr eamingoutmy
name.It astedhisjuicesast hey
sprungrightintomymout h.Didhe
j
ustcum i nmymout h!Itri
ed
swallowingbutIcoul dn't.Iquickl
y
ranintothebat hr
oom andt hrewup.
Hewasst andingnextt omeand
handedmeamout hwash.Ir insedmy
mout handhewaspl ay i
ngwi thhis
hair
.
Danny
:I'
m sor
ryIcamei
nyourmout
h.
Il
ostcont
rol
ofmy
sel
f.
Me:
It'
sokay
.
Iki
ssedhi
m andhesmi
l
ed.Iknewhe
wasaboutt
osaysomet
hingstupi
d
Danny:
Youamazeme,
Idi
dn'
tthi
nk
youhaditi
nyou.
Me:
Real
l
y?Mxm what
everDanny
Danny:I
'mjustbeinghonest.Youtoo
i
nnocentNasiphinowy oudoingthat
amazedmeandIsawt hatbeneat
h
thati
nnocentyou,ther
esaf r
eakyyou
anditwil
lberevealedsoon.
Iwentcl
osetohim,Iwantedt
oput
myarmsaroundhisneckbutthi
sguy
i
stall
.SoIputt
hem aroundhi
swaist
andl
aidmyheadonhi
schest
.
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Danny
:Il
ovey
out
oo
Il
etgoofhi
m andmadet
hebed.
Me:Goshower ,
I'
ll
gowar
m upy
our
br
eakfastandshowmymomsthe
pi
ctur
es.
Danny:Okay.Anddon'
tworr
y,t
hey
di
dn'thearus,myroom i
s
soundproof
.
Iwinkedathim andhel aughed.
WhenI '
m wit
hhi m Ij
ustbecome
someonewhoI 'm notev enfamil
iar
wit
h.I'mverycomf or
tablewi t
hhim
nowt hatI
'
m abletodiscov ermyself
andmor eaboutmypersonalit
y.It
's
l
ikeI'
m comi ngoutoftheshellI'
ve
beeni nmywhol eli
feanditfeel
s
good.ItfeelsgoodtosaythatI'
m
real
lyhappyandi ti
sevenshowi ng
physicall
y.Iwarmedupt hefoodand
j
oinedt heothersi
nthelounge.
Me: Dannyhasf
oundhousesf
oryou
andIneedy out
ochoosewhotakes
whichone.
MaD(MaDlamini
):Mychil
dthese
housesar
eexpensiv
eandwedont
wanthimtospendmuchonus.Ev en
asmallRDPhousewi l
lbefi
neorjust
afl
at.
MaN(
MaNyat
hi)
:Andt
heyar
ever
y
bi
gmychi
l
d
Danny:MoneyisnotanissueandI
wouldbedoingyouwrongifIgoty
ou
i
ntoRDPhouses.Youneedabi g
comfort
abl
ehome
MaN: Howaboutwechooseone
housemkhwenyanaandall
thr
eeof
usstaytoget
her
?
MaD:That'
sagoodi
dea,
I'
ll
bebor
ed
st
ayi
ngalone.
Danny
: Ar
eyousure?Paul
a,y
oudon'
t
wantyourownapart
ment?
Paul
a:Not
hankyouMrMcKenzi
e,I
wil
lst
aywi
ththem.
Danny
:Okayandpl
easecal
lme
Danny
.
Me:
Chooset
heoney
oul
ove.
Theyal
lagr
eedonahouseandIwas
happyandt
heywer
ehappy.
Danny
:Wear
eal
lgoi
ngt
oseeSneh
i
nanhour
.
MaN:Iwi
ll
final
l
yseemydaught
er,
t
hankyouDanny
Me:Youwi
l
lal
lal
sogett
omeetour
f
ri
ends.
Danny
:CanIsteal
herf
oramoment
,
weneedtot
alk.
MaD:
Goahead.
Heheldmyhandandwewent
upst
air
s
Me:
DidIdoorsaysomet
hingwr
ong?
Hel ockedthedoorandhepinnedme
againstthewall.Hetor
emylace
thongandpushedmeupt i
l
lIhadmy
l
egsonhi sshoulder
s
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
ofal
l
Danny
:Igoty
ou.
Witht
hatsai
dhesentmetocloud
ni
neandhemademecum t wi
ce.He
putmedownandwekissed.
Me:
Thatwasamazi
ng,
thanky
ou.
Danny
:Don'
tthankmey
et
Hewi nkedandopenedt hedoor.AsI
wentouthespankedmyass.Iset
withtheothersatt
heloungewhi l
ehe
wasbusywi thabusinesscall
.After
anhourorsohewasdoneandwe
wereof ft
oSneh'shouse.Wegot
thereandwewer ethelastt
oar r
ive,
I'
m notsurpri
sed.
Me:
Heygi
rl
s!!
Theygreet
edbackandtheywereon
ful
lwi
feymode.Theygreet
edmy
momsandNay el
edthem t
othe
l
ounge.Theywental
loutandcooked
andworeskir
ts.
Zandy
:Youwanty
ourmot
her
stosee
ourr
atchet
ness.
Shescreamedsoft
lyandshewas
dri
nkingwi
neinacoffeemug.They
wereonanotherr
espectf
ulmodeI
tel
lyou.
Me:
Wher
eismysi
ster
?
Phel
o:I
nherr
oom,
she'
sscar
ed.
Iwentt
oSneh'
sroom andshewas
wit
hBeli
nda
Beli
nda:ThankGody
ou'
reher
e,she'
s
fr
eakingout.
Wehuggedandshej
ustcr
ied.She'
s
soemoti
onal
Me:
It'
sgoi
ngt
obeokay
.
Sneh:
Yout
hinkso?
Me:Iknowso,
Iwasal
soner
vousas
youare.
Whenwegottot
hel
oungetheguy
s
wer
ealsof
oll
owi
ngusther
e.
Br
ian:
OhGod
Me:
What
?
Hedidn'
trespondbuthewas
dumbstruckandhekepthi
sey eson
oneperson.Ifol
l
owedwherehisey es
wereandhewasst ari
ngatPaula.He
kepthi
sey esonherandshelooked
down
Bee:
Youmaki
ngherf
eel
shy
WeallsatdownandMaNy
athi
cri
ed
whenshesawSneh
MaN:Snenhlanhl
asanal
wam,
Qhawekazi
lamama.
Snehrushedt
oheri
ntear
sandt
hey
hugged.I
twasanemoti
onal
moment
foral
lofus
MaN: Sul
i
lamntanam ndi
khona
ngoku(Don'
tcr
ymychi l
d,I
'm her
e
now)
Sneh:
Mama,
mama.
..
.
Shecouldn'
tevent
alkasshesatnext
toherandlai
dherheadonher.Isaw
Athismil
eandhewasholdingBaby
Ziyanda
MaN:Ohmychi l
d,Qhawekazi
,Ihave
l
ongedtoseey ou.Iam sohappy,my
hear
tisatpeace.Youhavegrownso
much.
Sneh:
Qhawekazi,y
ouusedt ocal
lme
Qhawekazi
.I'
m sor
ryIcannot
remembermostthings
MaN: I
tisokaymychi l
d,Qhawekazi
i
st henameIgav ey ou.I
tisyour
secondname, Ididn'
twanttochange
yourf i
rstnameSnenhl anhl
aasi thad
agr eatmeani ngt ome, wewer elucky
tohav ey oujoinourf amil
y.Whenmy
husbandf oundy ou,youlookedlost.
Sneh:
Mom,
hest
olemef
rom myr
eal
par
entsbecausetheyowedhi
m
money.Aft
erhehadr apedmy
bi
ologi
calmotherandshotmyfat
her
i
nhislegs.
MaN:Hei
sacruel
man.Iam sosor
ry
t
oheart
hatmychi
ld.
Sneh:Mom,Iwanty
outomeetmy
husbandandmychi
ld.
At
hist
oodupcar
ryi
ngZiyandaand
wentt
oshakemymotherhand
Athi:
PleasedtomeetyouMa,
AthenkosiBut
hel
eziandthi
sisour
l
it
tleZiyandaBut
hel
ezi.
MaN:Pl
easedtomeetyout
oo
Mkhweny
ana,shel
ookssomuchl
i
ke
y
ou.Yourgenesar
est
rong.
ShetookthebabyandIi
ntr
oduced
hert
ot heother
sandIi
ntr
oduced
MaDlaminiandPaul
a.
MaD: Therear
esomanyofy ouandI
knowIwi l
lfor
gety
ournames.Butit
i
sapl easuret
omeetyouall
.It
'sgood
toseethatmydaught
eris
surrr
oundedbyagoodgroupof
fr
iends.
Nay e:
Andwear eal
soluckytohave
herinourli
vesma.Feelf
reetocall
usanydayandwear eallyourki
ds
here,whenyouneeduswear eall
here.
MaD:
Thanky
oumyQueen
Nay
e:Ohnoma,
pleasecal
lmeNay
e.
MaD: MaNyat
hi,
sheist
heQueenof
Langel
ihl
e.Cl
osert
owhereIst
ayed.
MaN:Wowandwhoist
heKi
ng
bet
weent
heseboy
s?
Naye:
Unf ortunatel
yhecoul
dn'tbe
her
etoday .Him andhisbr
otherhave
ameetingt oattendto
Bonga:Wewi l
lal
sobegoingdownto
Langeli
hlet
omorrow,
ther
eisalott
o
takecareof
f
MaN: Itakei
tyouboy
sar
ehi
s
council
Danny
:YesMa.
MaD:Nasi
phiIdi
dtel
lyout
hatDanny
i
snotwhit
e.
Weall
laughedandAt
hiseemedt
o
enj
oyt
hisalot
.
Athi
:I'
vesaidthatmanyti
mesbefor
e
MaDlamini.AwuBrian,
whyar
ey ou
soquiett
oday?
Br
ian:Uhm no,
uhm i
t'
sjustwor
k
st
ressi
ngmeout .
Mpho:
Mmmh,
wor
k,Isee.
MaN:Stopter
ror
isi
ngtheboy.You
seem t
olookmoreli
kePhil
asande
Br
ian:
Hei
smybi
gbr
otherMaNy
athi
.
Phil
a:Het
akesaftermyv
ery
handsomelooks.
Jabu:
Listent
othi
sguy
,fool
i
ng
hi
mself.
Therewasagoodl oudconv ersati
on
andthenoi sewi l
lbewor sewhent he
ki
dsgether e.Ther earesomanyki ds
whent heyalltogether,therear e
about15oft hem andar eall j
ustvery
naughtyespeci al
lyDanv er,Ngcebo,
KabeloandMbul elo.Mbul el
oi s
LubahandBel i
nda'ssonandhehas
hi
sfathersv oiceev enthoughhei s
j
ust3y ear
sol d.Weser vedlunchand
wesatatt hedi nningtable,the
hel
persputbot htablestoget herto
accommodat eourlargenumber .I
nowunder standwhyt heyhav ehuge
houses.Wear ealargegr oupof
fr
iendsandi twouldbehar dto
accomodat eallofusi nasmal l
house.Weat eandNceba, Sbahleand
Iclear
edthet abl
e.Themot herswent
tositout
sidewi t
hbaby Zee.
Siya:
Whent hekidsgethere,
the
nannieswil
lser
vethem foodand
they'
l
l gost
rai
ghttotheplayr
oom
Me:Weren'
tyouguy
ssupposedt
obe
atwor
k?
Nceba:
Wet
ookadayof
f.
At
hi:
Speaki
ngofwor
k,y
ouneedt
o
pr
eparebecauseyouhav
ean
i
nter
viewtomorrow.
Me:
What
!!At
henkosi
arey
ouser
ious?
Athi:
Veryserious.Youar emor
et han
capableofgetti
ngt hi
sjobbuti
tis
j
ustforformalit
yandf ormypartner
atthathospi
taltointer
viewyouand
approveoffyou.
Me:
WowThanky
ouv
erymuch.
At
hi:
Dannywi
l
ldr
opy
ouof
fat11am.
Ihuggedthem bot handIwasv ery
happyandexci t
edaboutmyi nt
erv
iew.
I'
vepreparedforinter
viewsmany
ti
mesbef oreandIdi dwellbutnev
er
gotajob.Sothisismaki ngmev ery
ner
vousbutIt
rustt
hati
twi
l
lgowel
l
.
Lubah: Wedoal
sohavesomet
hing
i
mpor tantt
odotoday
,canwe
proceed?
Beli
nda:
Ithi
nki
tsbesti
fwegot
othe
basement.
WewenttothebasementandIwas
conf
usedastowhatisgoi
ngon.We
gott
hereandtheyl
ockedt
hedoor.
Danny:Babe,youneedt ositonthat
chai
r.Noneedt owor r
yit'
sjusta
si
mpl et
hing.We'l
ltakeyourfinger
pri
ntsandyou'l
lbedone.
Me:
Whati
sthi
sal
labout
?
Phi
l
a:Youhav
ebeenexposedt
o
anotherpartofourli
ves.Notmuchi n
depthandwehopei twil
lstaythat
way.We'vebeeni ntheforcefora
l
ongt ime,t
hegi r
lswerepartofitbut
duetosomeci r
cumstancesand
them bei
ngt hemothersofour
chil
dren
Danny: Buttheirsafet
ycount sso
doesy oursandweneedt oknowall
yourwher eaboutsandkeepy ousafe
atallt
imes.That 'swhyy ou'r
ehere
today,youneedt oputont hi
s
bracel
etony ourlegs,pr
eferabl
ynear
yourankle.
Phel
o:Weal
lhav
etheset
oosodon'
t
worr
y
Me:
Coul
dmyl
i
febei
ndanger
?
L’
yanda:Wewil
ltr
ybyall
meansthat
you'
real
waysprot
ect
ed.Butdon'
t
worr
y,yourl
i
fei
snotindanger
.
Me:
Ohokay
Theytookmyfi
ngerprint
sandaf
ew
scans.Ther
eaf
tertheyputt
he
bracel
etonmylef
tleg.
Me:
Itf
eel
swei
rd
Sneh:
You'
l
lgetusedt
oit
.
Zandy:
You'r
eoneofusnow!Now
youhavetodoouri
nit
iat
iontradi
ti
on
orwhatev
eryouguy
scall i
t.
Danny
:Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat
sagoodi
dea
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Bee:Youhav
etodr
inkourdel
i
cious
shot
.
Me:
Okay
,br
ingi
ton
Danny
:Baby
,youdon'
thav
eto.
Theygavemet
woshot
sandi
twas
brown.
Me:
Whati
sthi
s?
Br
ian:
Dri
nkup
Mpho:
Wowsoy
oucanspeaknow?
Danny
:Baby
,don'
tdoi
t.
Hehadahugesmi l
eonhisfaceandI
dr
ankit
.Yuuk!Whatisthi
s!I
ttast
ed
sobadanditwashot,l
i
keithad
chi
ll
i
esandIwasj
umpi
ngupand
down.
Me:Ar
gh!Thi
stast
ereal
l
ybad!What
i
sit
?
Bonga: Onl
yZandyandThaboknow
theingredi
ent
swedon'tknowwhats
i
nt here.
Dannygavemewat
erandIdr
ankup.
Hehuggedmeandkissedmy
for
ehead.
Danny:IhatetosayIt
oldy
ouso,
you
shoul
dn'thavedranki
t.
Me:
Ishoul
d'
vel
i
stened
Danny
:Youshoul
dli
stent
omenext
ti
me.
Me:
Ther
ewi
l
lbeanextt
ime?
Zandy :Sweeti
e,whil
eI'
m st
il
laround
you.There'l
lalwaysbeanextti
me,
you'l
ltastethi
ngsyou'v
enevertasted
before.RightThabo?
Thabo:
Sur
ethi
ngbuddy
!
Bri
an:Let'
sgobacktot
heot
her
s,
Paul
ami ghtbebor
ed.
Jabu:Mmmh,someonei
swhi
pped
befor
eevent
alki
ngt
oher.
Br
ian:
Fuckof
fJabul
ani
.
Wewentoutsideandchill
edforthe
restoft
heaft
ernoon.Itwasreal
l
yfun
andwewenthomel at
eafterweall
hadsupper
.WhenwegothomeI
tuckedtheki
dsinbedandwentto
shower.Iworemynightdr
essand
satonthestoolf
aci
ngthemirr
or.I
wasgoingtoplai
tmyhair(
amagoda).
Danny
:Comeandl
etmedoi
tfory
ou
Me:Nowhatdoy
ouknowabout
pl
ait
ing?
Danny
:Come,
I'
ll
showy
ou.
Isatdownandheplai
tedmyhair
.I
wassupri
sedtoseethathewas
actual
l
ydoingi
tri
ght.
Me:Wow,t
hisi
samazi
ng.Who
t
aughty
ou?
Danny
:Ntokozo,
whenshewas
pr
egnantsheonl
ydi
damagodaand
whenshewentsomewher eshe'djust
putaweaveon.L’
yandacouldn'tdoit
,
Iwasaquickl
earnerandIpl
aitedher
al
mostall
theti
me.
Me:Idi
dnot
icethatshe'
stheonl
y
onewit
hanafr
o,theother
shavesil
ky
hai
r.
Danny:Your
sist
oobi
g,Ishoul
dcal
l
youZahara.
Il
aughedathi
m andsmackedhi
s
hand.
Me:
Thanky
ou
HewasdoneandIputadoekover
myhai
r.Igoti
nbedandcal
ledVenes
Me:
Babe,
howar
eyou?
Venes:I'
m goodandyour
sel
f?I
haven'
tseeny oui
nawhil
e.We
shouldcatchupsoon
Me:Yesweshoul
dbutImi
ghtbe
st
art
ingwor
ksoon.
Venes:Wor
k?Ar
en'
tyouwor
king
al
ready
?
Me:
Asadoct
or
Venes:What
!!
!OMG!Wow!Wer eal
l
y
needtogoonadate!Cat
chi
ngup
sessi
on.
Me: Al
othashappenedsowewil
lgo
onthatdateandcatchupf
orol
dti
me
sakeslov
e.
Venes:
I'
m sohappyf
ory
ouNi
ni,
I'
m
soproud.LookIhav
etogetbackt
o
work,wehaveanewbossandheis
sobossy.
Me:
Okayby
ewi
l
lcal
lyout
omor
row.
Venes:
Ilov
eyoudol
l
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Iendedthecal
landlaughedt
o
my sel
f.MrMcKenzi
eseemed
grumpyandangry.
Me:
What
swr
ong?
Hedidn'
tanswermebutjustl
ooked
atme.He'sfacewast
urni
ngredand
hewasscaringme.
Danny
:Babe?Lov
e?Dat
esandIl
ove
youtoo's!Ri
ghti
nfrontofmeyounot
evenhidingt
hatstupidboyf
ri
endof
your
s!Youhav ethenerveNasiphi
!
Me:
What
?Nowhatar
eyouonabout
?
Danny:Soyou'
rej
ustgoingtodenyit
!
Howl owofyouPear
l!I
'veneverbeen
di
srespect
edsomuchi nmydamn
house!Nasi
phi
!
Hest oodupandhewaswal ki
ng
aroundthehouse.Icouldn'thelpbut
j
ustlaughathi m.Thisisl
ikeourfir
st
misunderstanding.Hi
seyespopped
andhel ookedev enmoreangr yandI
stoppedlaughing.
Me:
Babe,
sitdown.
Hel ookedatmewi t
h"don'tt
alkshit
tome"l ook.Ist
oodupandwentt o
him, It
ipt
oedandputmyar ms
aroundhisneck.Hest il
lwasn't
holdingme.Ikissedhim andhedi dn'
t
kissmeback.Hei sreal
lyangrywith
me.
Me: Babe,Iwast alki
ngtoVenes.We
calleachotherbabeandst uff.She'
s
mybestf ri
endandIwi l
ltel
lherIlov
e
herandgoondat eswit
hher.It
wasn'tmyboy f
riend.Mymani s
standingr
ightinf r
ontofmel ooki
ng
grumpyandv eryjeal
ous.
Danny
:I'
m notj
eal
ous
Me:
Yesy
ouar
e.
Danny:
I'
m sorr
yIoverr
eact
edwithout
evengi
vingyouachancetoexpl
ain
your
sel
f.
Me:It
'sokaybabe.Justdon'
tdoi
t
agai
n.Whent her
e'saprobl
em,we
communicate.Wesitdownandtal
k
aboutourprobl
emsandf i
xthem.
Danny
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:Il
ov ey
out
oo,nowcomesoyou
canhel
pmepreparef
ormyi
nter
view
tomorr
ow.
Danny
:Whatwi
l
lyouwear
?
Me:Idon'
tknow,
Ihav
en'
tthought
abouti
t
Danny
:Mmmh, we'
l
ltakecar
eofi
tin
themorni
ng.
Me:
Okaybabe,
nowcome.
Danny: Ihaveanot
herwayofmaki
ng
thi
spr eparat
ionmoref
unand
i
nteresting
Me:
Ohr
eal
l
y?
Danny:
Yes,y
ouj
ustneedt
oal
l
owme
toshowyou.
Me:I
twon'tgiv
emeaj obtomor
row.
Nowstopbeingnaught
yandaskme
t
hesequesti
ons
Danny
:Thi
swi
l
lbeal
ongni
ght
,I'
m
sohor
ny
Me:I'
l
ltakecar
eoft
hatwhenwe
donethi
s.
Danny
:Nowy
ou'
ret
alki
ng.
Heissonaught yandIlov ehim wit
h
hi
snaught i
ness.Icannotbel i
evehe
j
ustgotjealoussoeasilyandhej ust
j
umpedt oconclusions.Ilookedat
hi
m asheaskedmet hequest i
ons
andreal
i
zedhowl uckyIam t ohave
hi
mi nmyl i
fe.I'
m neverlett
inghim
go.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t21
Waki ngupthismor ni
ngIwasv ery
happyandexci ted.Therearesome
nervesbutnott hatmuch.Iam r eady
formyi nt
ervi
ewandhopef ull
ythey
will
bei mpressed.Ipreparedthekids
forschoolanditwasmucheasi er
becausePaul awashel pi
ngme.
Paul
a:I
sitokayi
fIaskoneoft
he
dri
verstot
akemet
otowntoday
?I
wanttodropof
fmyCVatsome
schools
Me:
School
s?
Paula:YesIstudi
edteachi
ng,
I
majoredinAccounti
ngand
Economi cs.
Me:TheFETphase?Welly
esyoucan
sweet
ie.Ihopeev
ery
thi
nggoeswel
l
Paula:Ihopeyounailt
hatinterv
iew.
I'
vealwaysbeenpassionateabout
teachi
ng,Iloveki
dsandIlov e
i
nteracti
ngwiththem.Justteaching
studentsdail
y,maki
ngadi f
ferencein
one'sli
feandbeingpartofthe
j
ourneyofonessuccessi
s
hear
twarmingforme.
Me:I'veneverl ookedati tthatway.
Youknowhowwest udentsar e,we
j
ustbel i
eveev eryteacherisst uckup
whent heydon' tdothi ngsourway .
Especiall
yinhi ghschool thatshow
mostofmycl assmat eswer e.As
muchasIwasabl acksheepand
di
dn'texist,Ialsodidn'tli
kemostof
myt eachers.
Wecont i
nuedtalki
ngasIlist
enedto
howpassionateshewasandhow
commi t
tedshewast oteachi
ng.She
mademanycl earfact
sabouthow
soci
etyhasturnedtoundermine
teachersyettheypav ethewayand
assistustobeabl etoachieveand
reachourgoal s.Theygi veusthe
educationwegr owt oboastabout
butunder minetheircareerfi
eld.
Dannywal kedi nfoll
owedbyat al
l
thi
ngi r
lwhowast ooprettyf
ormy
l
ikingandwast oot ouchy.Herhands
wer eal
l overmyman, t
hehelpers
foll
owedwi t
hacl othingli
ne.
Me:
Baby
,whati
sgoi
ngon?
Iwenttostandnexttohi
m andhel
d
hi
m closel
ymov i
ngthisgi
rl
.He
smir
kedandweki ssed.
Danny
:Thi
sisy
ourst
yli
stf
ort
oday
,
she'
l
lhel
pyoupi
ckoutwhaty
ou'
l
l
wear.
Me:Doesshehaveto?ImeanIcan
doi
tmy sel
forPaul
acouldhel
p
Danny
:What
every
ouwantt
odobabe
Her:ButMrMcKenzi
eiti
smyjoband
Icameallt
hewayheretoof
fermy
serv
ices
Me:Andy
oucanki
ndl
ygoal
ltheway
backt
owher
eyoucamef
rom
Danny:Youheardher .Plusthesear
e
yourcl
othes,
Ifiguredy ou'
dwant
someformalclothest oo.Therest
wil
lgetherel
ater.
Thest
yli
stl
eftandPaul
asmi
l
edat
me.
Me:
Shewast
oot
ouchy
Danny
:Lookwhoi
sjeal
ousnow?
Me:
I'
m notj
eal
ous
Danny:Whatevery
ousay.Babe,
I'
ll
dropyouoffandI'
llbeof
fto
Langel
ihl
e.
Me:
Whenwi
l
lyoucomeback?
Danny
:Inaweek
Idi
dn'tknowwhattosay,Iactual
l
y
wantedtocrybecauseIwon'tsee
hi
mf oraweek.
Danny:Don'
tbesadNasi
phi
,I
'l
lbe
backbefor
eyouknowit.
Me:I'
l
lbef
ine.Letmegopackf
or
you.
Paul
a:I
'
llputt
hesei
nyourcl
osetSi
s
Nasi
Me:Paul
a,cal
lmeNasi
.I'
mjustaf
ew
monthsol
derthany
ou.
Paul
a:Yessi
sNasi
..
.ImeanNasi
.
Wewentupst ai
rsandItookout
cl
othesforDanny,t
racksui
ts,
jeans
andt-shi
rt
s.
Danny:I
'
llneed2suitst
oo.Thebl
ack
shoesony ourl
eftandthebr
ownpair
nextt
oit.
Me:
Youhav
esomanyf
ormal
sui
ts
Danny :Bei
ngabusi nessman
requir
esmet olookmybestatal l
ti
messot hosesui t
sar en'
tjust
expensivebutt heyrepresentme.I'
m
mor eofacasual cl
othingperson
though,thosear ejustforwor kand
otherformali
ties.
Inoddedandconti
nuedpacki
ng.He
packedhi
stoi
let
ri
esandwewer e
done.
Me:I'
l
lgolookf
orsomethi
ngt
owear
.
Idon'
thav
emucht i
meleft
.
Danny
:Comeher
eNasi
phi
Me:Ineedt
ogoandy
ouneedt
o
shower.
Iwal
kedtothedoorbutsurpr
isi
ngly
hegottothedoorfi
rst
.Heheldme
andwekissed.Ij
ustcri
edwit
hinthe
ki
ss,whyam Iact
ingli
kethi
s?
Danny
:Baby
,don'
tcr
y.
Me:
Sor
ry,
Iwi
l
ljustmi
ssy
ou.
Danny
:I'
l
lmi
ssyout
oobutI
'
llbe
backi
naweek
Me: YesIknowandIknowy ouhav e
responsi
bil
it
iestotakecar
eof f.I
'
m
j
ustbeingacr ybabyandIhav en'
t
beenawayf rom youfort
hatlong.
Danny:
AndIunder st
andwhyyou'
re
feel
i
ngthisway.I
'
mj ustamazed
you'
rel
ikethi
sbeforeI'
veev
en
shaggedyou.Iwonderhowmor
e
cl
ingyyou'
ll
be,it
'sget
ti
ngmeexci
ted
TrustDannytojustsaysomet hi
ng
l
ikethi
satserioussituat
ions.Heis
j
ustsor andom.Ilaughedathim and
wekissed.
Danny
:Comeshowerwi
thme
Me:
Ial
readyshower
ed
Danny
:Youcandoi
tagai
n.
Het ookof fmyclothesandcarri
ed
met ot hebat hr
oom.Weshower ed
togetherandhemademef eelso
muchpl easureusinghistongueand
fi
nger.Ial sowentdownonmyknees
andmadehi m growloutofpleasur
e.
Aft
erourshowerIwasl eftwithonl
y
anhourtoprepare.Iwor emygown
andwenttomycl oset.Isti
ll
haven'
t
movedmycl othesf r
om t heroom I
wasusingpreviously.
Me:
Paul
a!
Paul
a:I
'
m comi
ng!
Shecameandwesatont
hebed
Me:Doyouhavesomethi
ngt
owear
whi
l
ey ougoj
obhunti
ng?
Paul
a:It
hinkwhatI
'
m wear
ingi
sfi
ne.
Me:No,t
aketheseandthese.You'
l
l
choosef
rom t
here.Andtakemycard,
soyoucandosomeshoppi ng.
Paul
a:Idon'
tknowwhatI
'
llbuy
Me:Okay
,we'
l
lgoshoppi
ngt
oget
her
t
hiscomi
ngSatur
day
.
Paul
a:Thanky
ou
Iworeablackti
ghtkneel
engt
hdr
ess
andnavyheels.
Paul
a:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Iputmyweav
eonandshest
yledi
t
forme
Me:Thankyouverymuch.Pl
ease
passmethatnavybag
Paul
a:Ther
eyougo
Me:
Thanks,
I'
mreadynow.
Wewentdownst
air
sandDannywas
wai
ti
ngforme.
Danny
:Wowy
oul
ookamazi
ng.
Me:
Thanky
ou
MaN: Youlookr
eall
ybeaut
if
ulmy
daughter
.Goodluck
Me:
Thanksmama,
wher
eismom?
MaN:MaDlaminiisatthegar
den.I
'
m
goi
ngtojoi
nhersoon, weare
pl
anti
ngsomer oses.
Me:Butyouguy sknowy oushoul
dn'
t
beoverworkingyoursel
ves.I
t'
snot
goodforyourhealt
hespecial
ly
MaDlamini
,sheneedst orest
.
Danny
:Lett
hem beNasi
phi
.
MaN:Pleasetakeherandl
eave
bef
oreshestressesher
sel
ftoomuch.
Goodluckonceagain.
Shejustsmil
edandwal kedaway.
Thesewomendon' tknowhowmuchI
worryaboutt
hem andwantt hem t
o
st
ayf i
tandheal
thyatallti
mes.
Danny :Youworr
yyourselft
oomuch
babe.It'
snotgoodforyourown
heal
t h,
Idon'
twantyout ostr
ess
yoursel
faboutanyt
hingokay?
Me:
YesDaddy
Wegottothehospi
tal
andpar
kedat
t
heparki
ngarea.
Danny
: I
'
llleavethecarher
eandy
ou'
l
l
dr
iveyourselfhome.
Me:
Howwi
l
lyougethome?
Danny:
Br i
anwil
lcomepickmeup
andhe'
llbedri
vi
ngmet otheair
por
t
andhe'
lldri
vePaul
aaroundtown.
Me:Iknowwhatheisupt
o,hebet
ter
t
akecareofmysist
er.
Danny
:Hewi
l
l.
Heopenedthedoorformeand
ki
ssedmyforehead.
Danny
:Iknowy
ou'
lldowel
li
nthere.
Makemeandever
yoneel
seproud.
Me:
Thanky
ouandIwi
l
l.
Hewal kedmet ot herecept
iondesk
andleftmet here.Iwantedtocry
whenhel eftbutIheldmyt earsback.
Isatatthewai t
ingareaandwai ted.
Apparentl
yAt hiandhispartnerwere
sti
ll
busy .
"DrNy at
hipleasegett oEmergency
room 101immedi atel
y"thei
ntercom
saidandIjustsatthere.Wowt here'
s
aDrNy athihere,
itwil
lbeconfusing
soIguessI '
llbeusi
ngDl ami
ni.
"DrPearlNasiphiNyat
hipl
easegetto
Emergencyr oom 101immediat
ely"i
t
saidagain.Wait,
me?Somenur se
camer unningtomeandshegr abbed
myhand
Her:
DrButhel
ezineedsy
oui nthe
Emergencyr
oom immediat
ely.Come,
youneedtochange.
Me:
Wai
tnow?
Her
:Yes
Whatisgoingonhere?Iqui
ckly
changedint
osurger
yunifor
m and
woretakki
esandwashedmyhands.
Athicamefoll
owedbyanotherDr.
Athi
:Iknowy ouwer esupposedtobe
havi
ngani nt
erviewbutyouneedt o
operat
eonapat i
entimmediatel
y.We
mightlooseher.Areyouready?
Me:
Yes,
Iwi
l
lneedat
eam of7.
At
hi:
Theyar
eal
readyi
nther
e.Good
l
uck
NeverhadIi maginedthi
swoul d
happent oday.Iwil
lbedoingmyf i
rst
operati
onaf t
erbeingtr
ainedabout
2yearsago.Igottomypat i
entandit
wasamat terofli
feanddeath
Me:
Bewi
thmeohLor
d.
Aft
er3hoursofbeingi
nthe
Emergencyroom andoperat
ingon
mypatient
.Shewasf i
nal
lystabi
li
sed
andtheoperati
onwasasuccess.
Me:Thehearti
sfuncti
oni
ngwell
.Her
bodydi
dntrej
ectit
.Movehert
othe
I
CUi mmedi
atelypl
ease.
Nur
se:
YesDr
Iwentoutandt ookof fwhatIwas
weari
ngandt hrewthem away .Iwas
l
eftwitht
het r
acksuitIwasgi vent o
wearunderneaththepl asti
cuniform.
Isatdownanddr ankwat er
.Bee
cameinwear i
ngherdoct orscoat.I
knewshewasadoct orbutj ustdidn'
t
knowshewor kedher e.
Bee:
Sohowwasi
t?
Me: I
twassuccessf ul
.Inev er
thoughtt
hatmomentwoul dever
comei nmyl i
fe.I
twasj ustamazing
whenIheardt heheart
beatandher
bodynotrejecti
ngthehear t
.She'
s
underint
ensivecareri
ghtnoebutI
knowshe'll
pullthr
ough.
Bee:I
'm happyf
ory
ou,
fol
lowme.
Athi
andDrNxumalowanttoseey
ou.
Me:
DrNxumal
oishi
spar
tner
?
Bee:
Yes
Wewal kedt
oanotherbeaut
if
ulof
fi
ce
whichhadafemi
ninetouchandit
mightbeBee'
soff
ice.
Athi
:Si
tdownDrNyat
hi,
thi
sismy
part
nerDrNxumal
o
Me:Pl
easur
etomeety
ouDr
Nxumal
o
Dr
N:Li
kewi
seDrNy
athi
I
tfeel
ssogoodt
obecalledDrNyat
hi.
I
tmakesmyheartmel
tintopi
eces.
Athi
:Theoper ati
ony oudi
dwasv er
y
successfulandi tshowsy ouare
moret hancapabl eforthi
sjob.The
hospitalneedsy ouandwewoul dli
ke
toofferyout hisjob
Me:What
!Yes!Thanky
ou,
thankv
ery
much.
DrN:Therewon'tbeaneedf ormet o
sayyoust ar
tworkingimmedi at
ely
becausey ouworkedbef oreyoueven
gotthejob.Congratul
ati
onsDrNy athi,
Il
ookingforwardtowor kingwithyou.
Excuseme
Athi
:Congrat
ulati
onsNasi,
y ouj
ust
needtosignthatcont
ract
,readi
tand
i
ft here'
ssomet hi
ngyouneedclar
it
y
onj ustcont
actme.Thisisyourof
fice
andDrLut huli
(Bee)wi
llshowyou
around.
Healsoleftandwescr eamed.Bee
huggedmeasIwasi nt ears.Icannot
beli
evethatIam fi
nal
lyadoct orandI
am usingmyor i
ginal
sur name.Al lmy
dreamsarecomi ngtrue.
Me:Icannotbel
ievethatt
hisi
sreal
l
y
happeni
ng,i
tfeelsl
ikeadream
Bee:Wel
li
tisnotadr eam,l
etme
showyouaroundsoy oucancome
backandreadyourcontr
act
.
Me:
Okay
Wewentar oundthehospitalandI
metaf ewotherdoctorsIwil
lbe
wor ki
ngcloselywit
hatt i
mes.The
receptioni
stgavemedocument sof
mypat i
entst
hatIwillbetaki
ngover
from theprevi
ousdoct ort
hatwas
here.
Bee:I
'
llgobackt
oworkandl
eav
e
youatit
.Weknockof
fat5
Me:
Thanks
Bee:
Myoffi
ceisnex
ttoy
our
ssoI
'
m
nott
hatf
araway.
Iwenttomyof fi
ceandlooked
aroundi
t.I
thaditsownbat hr
oom too
anditwasjustbigandmyst y
le.On
thedrawertherewasmyf av
ourit
e
chocolateandanot efr
om Danny
"GoodluckDrNy at
hi,Il
oveyou"I
smiledtomy sel
fandcalledhim
Danny
:DrNy
athi
Me:MrMcKenzie,
howdi
dyousneak
i
nthi
schocol
ateinmydr
awer
?
Danny:Let
'
sjustsayIhav
emyway
s,
ar
ey ousett
li
nginwell
?
Me: YesIam andIlov emyoffi
ceand
Ididn'
tevendoanyi nter
view,
Iwent
str
aighti
ntoperfor
mi nganoperat
ion.
Itwassuccessful
Danny
:Iknewyou'
dlov
eit
.
Congr
atul
ati
onsmylov
e,t
ell
Athi
not
toover
worky
ouorhe'
l
lhav
emet
o
deal
with.
Me:I'
l
lhavetoexpl
aintotheki
dsthat
I
'l
lbehomeintheafter
noonfrom
nowonwards,I
'l
lmissspendi
ngmy
dayswit
hthem
Danny:They'
ll
underst
andandadjust
tothenewschedulebabe.Don'
t
worry,
every
thingwi
llworkout
.
Me:
Trav
eledsaf
ely
?
Danny
:Yesandwe'
rei
nthemi
ddl
eof
ameetingnow.
Me:Letmenotdi
stur
byout
hen.
Goodbye
Danny
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Ireadmycont ractandt hepay ment
wasoutoft hi
swor l
d!Iwi l
lbeear ni
ng
thi
smuchmoneymont hly!WowGod
i
sgood.I ndeedhehasbl essedme
abundant l
y.Iwillbewor kingfrom
8am t o5pm, somet imesdoni ght
shift
sandIam oncal l
forany
emer genci
es.Isi gnedthecont ract
andwentt ogi veittother ecepti
onist.
Me:Ineedthi
stogett
oDr
But
helezi
'
soffi
cepl
ease
Her
:YesDrNy
athi
Me:
Andy
ouar
e?
Her
:Xol
aNdwebu.
Me:
Nicet
omeety
ou
Xol
a:Li
kewi
seDrNy
athi
Iwentbacktomyof f
iceandstar
ted
readi
ngintot
hedocuments.Ipacked
somei nt
omydr awer
sandgott o
work.Therewasaknockonthedoor
anditwasXola
Me:
Yes?
Xol
a:Ther
e'sadel
i
ver
yfory
ouDr
Nyat
hi.
Iwenttotherecept
ionandi twasa
deli
veryf
rom Nandos.Thishad
Dannywr i
tt
enallov
erit.Isignedand
tookmyf ood.It
ext
edhi m and
thankedhim.Beewalkedinandshe
wasal
socar
ryi
ngf
ood.
Bee:Latel
unches,Ihat
ethem.I'
m
al
way ssohungrybutIcannotl
eave
sur
gerybecauseI'
m hungry.
Me:We'
llknockof
fsoonsoy
ou'
l
lbe
abl
etogethomeandrest
Bee: Bongawantsmet ostayat
homeal readybutI
'mjust3weeks
pregnant.HeistoofussyplusIl
ove
myj ob,I'
l
lstopworki
ngwhenI '
m
8mont hspregnant
Me:
Howdoesi
tfeel
li
ke?
Bee:
What
?
Me:
Bei
ngpr
egnant
Bee: Oh,
it'
s,it
'
samazinghey.Myfi
rst
pregnancywasamaz i
ngt
omebutI
reall
ygotfat.SoIknowI'
l
llookl
i
kea
hippowiththesetwo.
Wehadourl atel
unchandgotback
towork.Iworkedthr
oughandIdidn'
t
noti
ceitwas30minspassedknock
offt
ime.Ichangedint
omyclothes
andtookmybagandaf ew
documentstoworkonathome.
Dr
N:Enj
oyedy
ourf
ir
stday
?
Me:YesDrNxumaloIdid.I
t'
sal
lj
ust
abi
tover
whelmingtoo
Dr
N:Pl
ease,
cal
lmePhuml
ani
.
Me:
OkayPhuml
ani
.I'
l
lseey
ou
t
omor
row.
Phuml ani
:Seeyout
omorrow,we
shouldhaveluncht
oget
her.Justt
o
gettoknoweachotherascoll
eagues.
Me:
Sur
e.
Igotint
othecaranddr
ovehome.I
gotther
eandPaulawasprepar
ing
supper.
Oni
ka:
SisNasi
!
Me:
Heymybaby
!Howwasy
ourday
?
Oni
ka:
Itwasgoodandy
our
s?
Me:
Itwasgoodt
oo,
wher
eisDanv
er?
Onika:Hewentt
othest
oreswi
th
uncleBri
an.
MaD:
Howwast
hei
nter
view?
Me: Myint
ervi
ewturnedi
ntomyf i
rst
dayatwork.Iper
fomedmyf i
rst
surger
ytodayanditwassuccessful
.
I'
veneverbeensohappyi
nmyl ife
Paul
a:Congr
atul
ati
ons.
Me:
Andhowwasj
obhunt
in?
Paul
a:Ihavethr
eeint
ervi
ewsthi
s
week!Ever
ythi
ngisworki
ngout
per
fectl
y.
Me:
I'
m gl
ad!
MaN:
We'l
lbeofftoseethehouse
t
omorr
ow.Andsignthepaper
s
Me:
Ohwowt
hatwasqui
ck
MaD: Wewanttogi
veyouandDanny
yourownspacemykids.
Me:
Ohokaybuty
oucanst
ayl
onger
Paul
a:No,
we'vest
ayedlongenough.
Pl
uswewon'tbethatf
araway.
Me:
Letmegoshower
Oni
ka:
CanIshowerwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Okay,we'
l
ljustusethebat
htub.
We'
l
lhav
eabubbl ebath.
Shewassoexcit
edaswewentt
othe
bathr
oom andt
ookourwar
m
bubbl
ebat
h
Me:
Doy
ouhav
eanyhomewor
k?
Oni
ka:
Yes
Me:
Okay
,we'
l
ldoi
tjustnow.
Wedr iedour sel
vesupandgot
dressedi nt
oourpy j
amas.Danv
er
andBr ianwer eback
Me:
Danv
er!I
'
vemi
ssedy
ou
Danver
:Buty
ousawmet hi
smor
ning,
buthey
,I'
vemissedy
out
oo.
Me:Ineedtotal
ktoyou,
I'
ll
be
worki
ngnowandI '
l
lbecomingback
i
ntheafter
noons
Danv
er:
You'
l
lbeadoct
ornow?
Me:
Yes
Onika:
Okay,
I'
m happyf
oryou.Wi
l
l
youbeheret
otuckusinbed?
Me:YesIwil
landIwon'
tbeworking
onweekends.Sowe'
l
lhavefamil
y
weekendswit
hnoworkdist
urbi
ngus.
Danv
er:
Thatwi
l
lbeawesome
Me: Andi'
ll
sti
l
lbepr
epari
ngyouf
or
school.Nowcome,l
etsdohomewor
k
Br
ian:
I'
ll
beonmywayout
Me: No,
you'
l
lstayforsupper.Paul
a
cookedandI
'm sur
ey ou'
llenj
oyher
food.
Br
ian:
Icannev
ersaynot
ogoodf
ood.
Ihelpedtheki
dswithhomewor kand
helpedPaulasetupthet
able.We
servedsupperandweallsatatthe
table.
Br
ian:
I'
ll
saygr
ace.
Heh!Br ianbescor ingpoints.He
neversay sgracewhenwef east
together .Paulabeingher ehashi m
doingt hingsdifferentl
y.Wehad
supperandIwashedt hedi shesafter
that.Brianleftafteraf ewmi nut
es
andIt uckedt heki dsinbed.I twas
around8pm andIwentt obedwi th
thedocument ssoIcanr eadt hr
ough
them.Ir eceivedacal l
from Sneh.
Me:
Hel
l
o
Sneh:
Heyli
tt
lesi
s,howar
eyou?You
mustbet
ir
ed.
Me:
Nott
hatmuchheyandhow'
smy
babyZee
Sneh:
She'
sgr
owingandcryingal
lthe
ti
me.Sohowwasyourf
irstday?Athi
tol
dmeyoudi
dverywell
Me:Itwasamazi
ngandIr
eal
l
y
enj
oyedit
.
Sneh:I
'm gl
ady
oudi d.Iwasj
ust
checki
ngupony ou.Goodni
ghtl
ove
Me: Goodni
ghtsi
sandt
hanksf
or
checkinguponme.
Sneh: That'
swhatbigsister
sarefor
,
Ziyandataughtmewel l
.Shewas
greatbigsistersoI
'
m passingital
lto
youandI 'l
lbethebestbigsist
er.
Me:
Thanky
ou,
Ilov
eyou
Sneh:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Sheendedt hecallandItri
edcalli
ng
Dannybutitwentst r
aightto
voicemai
l.Icont
inuedwor kingand
around11pm.Igotacal l
from Danny
Me:
McKenzi
e
Danny
:Whyar
eyoust
il
lup?
Me:I'
mjustwor
kingonsome
document
s
Danny
:Youneedt
orestNasi
phi
.
Me:
YesSi
r.I
sev
ery
thi
ngwel
lther
e?
Danny:
Yesandwe'
remanagi
ngv
ery
well
.Ar
eyoumissi
ngme?
Me:
Alot
,Ihopey
ou'
remi
ssi
ngme
t
oot
her
e
Danny
:Iam,
howdi
dtheki
dst
akei
t?
Me:Verywell
actual
l
y.Weekendsar
e
forf
amil
yti
meDanny ,andt
hat
countsf
oryoutoobabe.
Danny:YesMam.Youshoul
drest
now,goodni
ght
.
Me:
Goodni
ght
,Il
ovey
ou.
Aft
ert
hecal
l,Iputt
hedocument
s
awayandsl
ept.
#NEXTMORNI
NG
Iwokeupandpr epar
edthekidsfor
school
.Paul
amadebr eakf
astwhi l
eI
tookashower.TheywerereadyandI
packedabagwi
thmytracksui
tand
sneaker
sandev
ery
thi
ngI'l
lneedfor
theday.
Me:
Kids!Let
'sgo.
Theysaidtheirgoodby est
ot hei
r
grandma'sandwewer eof
f.Ifi
rst
droppedoffDanv erthenOnika.Igot
toworkjustintimeandwentt othe
recept
ionandsi gnedin.
Me:
Mor
ningBee
Bee:
Mor ni
ng,
wehav
eameet
ingi
n
30mins.
Me:
Ohokay
,I'
l
lbet
her
e.
Ipackedmydocument
sandmy
schedul
efort
hedaywasal
readyon
mydesk.Idi dn' tchangesinceIwon't
begoi ngintosur gerysoon.Wewent
tothemeet i
ngandIsatnextt oBee.
DrBut heleziandDrNxumal otookthe
standandaddr essedus.Themeet ing
wasj ustast affmeet i
ngand
mot i
vatingthest aff
.
Athi
:Wewouldal
sol
iketowel
come
ournewst
affmember,
DrNyat
hi.
Ismi
ledandt
heywel comedme.The
meet
ingwasadjournedandIwentto
myoffi
ce.Ay
ounggi rlcameinand
shel
ookedafewy earsyoungert
han
me.
Her
:Mor
ningDrNy
athi
,I
'm Ms
Ngcobo.YourPA.
Me:WowIhav eaPA?Thisiscool
.I
di
dn'tt
hinkI'
dbeneedingonebutI
guessIwil
l.What'
syourname?
Her:
Jul
i
a,butIpr
efar
ebei
ngcal
l
ed
JJ
Me: WellJJ,we'l
lworkv er
ywell
togetherIhope.Iwon'tbeneedi
ng
anythingfornowsoy oucangoback
toyourdesk.
ShewentoutandIwor kedthr
ough
theday.Ihadthr
eepat i
entsto
moni t
orandevery
thingwasgoi ng
well.WethenhadlunchandIwas
sit
ti
ngatthecafeter
iawhenDr
Nx
umal
ocamet
ojoi
nme.
Dr
N:Nasi
phi
,mayIj
oiny
ou?
Me:
Yesy
oumayPhuml
ani
.
Wesatandtalkedmor egett
ingto
knoweachother.Hewasr eall
yfunny
andther
ewasj ustsomethi
ngwi erd
abouthi
m.
Dr
N:You'
rebeaut
if
ul
Me:
Thanks
DrN:Imeanit,
you'r
ereal
lybeauti
ful
.
Andy ouhaveagreatsmil
e.Don't
evengetmestart
edwi t
hy ourl
augh.
Iti
samazing.
Ij
ustst
arr
edathi
m asheputhi
s
handov
ermyandsqueezedi
t
Me:
Uhm DrNxumal
o..
.Thi
sisi
nap.
..
Iwasgoingtosayi
nappropri
atebutI
wasdist
urbedbyAthi
cleari
nghis
thr
oat
.
At
hi:Whati
sgoi
ngonhere?Dr
Nxumal
o,keepy
ourhandstoy
our
sel
f.
Heseemedt obesoangr yandI
stoodup.Iwhisper
ed"Thanky ou"to
him andwenttomyof fi
ce.Ididn'
t
expectthi
stohappen.Icert
ainly
don'tneedanyoffi
cedrama.Ihope
thi
sdoesn'tgettoDanny.Hopefull
y
DrNxumal owil
lkeephishandst o
himselfandwewi l
lworkwell
t
ogetherwit
houtanyi
nappr
opr
iat
e
t
hingshappeni
ng.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
#LBAR

I
nser
t22
Aweekhaspassedandithasbeen
wonder
ful
.Al
othashappenedand
wor kisgr eat .I
tisget ti
ngmor eand
mor ebusi erbyt hedayandIam
gettingal ongj ustf i
newi t
ht he
wor kload.Il ovet hatIam doi ngwhat
I'
veal way swant edt odoandmy
dreamsar ecomi ngt rue.Wewor k
alongv erywel lwi t
ht heot herdoctors
andmyPA.Ispentt heweekendwi t
h
theki ds,mymomsandPaul a.We
played, wat chedmov ies,went
shoppi ngandcampedoutatt he
garden.I twasi ndeedagr eat
weekendbutunf ort unat el
yDanny
wasn' tther e.Hehasn' tcomeback
yetandt hingshav ebeenhect i
cin
Langel i
hle, evenAt hi wentdownt o
Langelihle.Al ltheguy sarei n
Langelihleandwel adieshav ebeen
l
eftunderi ntensesecur it
y .Iam not
angryatDannyasIunder standt hat
hehast hingst odeal withbutIdi dn'
t
wantt hem t oaf fectfamilyt i
me.I
guesswecanmakei tupt otheki ds
whenhecomesback.DrNxumal o
hasst ayedawayf rom meandwe
haveapr ofessi onal rel
ati
onshi p.He
hasn'
tt riedany thingappr opriat
eand
I'
m gladt hatAt hi di
dnott ellDanny
ashewoul d'vebl owedt hingswayout
ofpropor t
ion.Paul ahasgotaj oband
todayisherf i
rstdayatwor k.Bri
an
wantedt ot akehert herehi mselfbut
unfort
unatelyhecouldn'tbehere.
Theyarestilli
nthef r
iendzoneand
Paulahasn'treal
lynoticedthatBr
ian
hasfeeli
ngsf orher.Danvercamet o
mecr yi
ng
Me:
Baby
,whati
swr
ong?
Danv
er:
Myst
omachhur
ts.
Icarriedhim andgav ehim some
meds.Hei sn'
tpulli
ngoneofhi s"I
don'twantt ogot oschool "st
unts.He
seemedt ober eal
lysick.Iknow
Onikawi ll
notwantt ogot oschoolif
Danv erisalsonotgoing.
Me:Let
'sgety
ousomet
hingt
oeatso
youcangobackt
obed
Danv
er:
I'
m nothungr
y.I
'
llgosl
eep
It
ookhi
m backt
obed.
Me:Mama, pl
easemakesureheeat
s
andmonit
orhistemper
atur
e.I
fit
get
sworse,cal
lme.
MaN: OkayIwil
l
.Hav eagooddaymy
daughter
s,GoodluckPaul
a
Paul
a:ThanksMama.
WewenttothecarandIdr
oppedher
off
.Igott
oworkanditwasjusta
chaos.
JJ:DrNyat
hi,Iwasabouttocal
lyou.
Youneedtochangerightnow.Ther
e
wasashootingandmanypeopl e
havebeenbroughti
n.Letmecarry
t
hesef
ory
ou
Me:
Ismyt
eam r
eady
?
JJ:Yes,ev
eryoneisont
hei
rfeet
.
You'l
lbeworkingwit
hDrNxumalo.
Iwenttochangeandr
ushedt
othe
Emergencyrooms.
DrN:Wehaveamanshotneart
he
hear
t,t
wice.
Me:
Ineedt
oremovet
hebul
l
et.Cl
ose
t
hedoor
spl
ease.
Hiswif
eorgir
lf
riendwascryi
ng
hyst
eri
cal
l
yast heclosedt
hedoor s.I
wasablet
oremov et
hebull
etsi
n
ti
meandlucki
lytherewasnomaj or
damage.Wemov edontotwoother
peopl
eandt
heywer
emov
edt
oICU.
Nurse: Theyar ebri
ngi
nginthelast
onehopef ul
ly.I
twasagi r
lwho
seemedt obei nherearl
yteenage
years.Weoper atedonheranditwas
crucial.4bull
etswereinherheart
exactly.Imanagedt otakethem al
l
outbutherhear twasfai
li
ng.The
heartbeatwassl owanditgotsl
ower
andsl ower .
Me:
We'
rel
oosi
ngher
!
Wealltr
iedbyallmeanstosav
eher
buti
twast oolat
e.Ther
ewasnothi
ng
Iorany
oneel secoul
ddotosaveher
.
Dr
N:We'
vel
osther
.
West i
tchedherandherbodywas
cov er
edandt akenoutofthesur gery
room.It ookoft hepl
asti
cuniform
andwentt ositdown.Tearsfell
from
myey esandIwasemot i
onal.She
diedr i
ghtinmyhands, i
twast hef i
rst
patientI'
velost.Weweretrai
nedf or
thisbutIdidn'tknowitwouldbet hi
s
painfultoloseapat i
ent
.
Dr
N:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
Yes,
I'
mfi
ne
DrN:I
tisokaytoloseapatient
,as
sadasiti
swehav etomoveon.
You'
ll
getusedt oit
,I'
vel
ost5pati
ent
s
i
njustaday.It
'sunderst
andablet
o
f
eel
thi
sway
.You'
l
lbeokay
.
Inoddedandcri
ed.Hehel
dme, I
resi
stedbuthehel
dmeclosel
y.
Me:
Thanks
Il
etgoandwenttomyof f
ice.Idi
dn't
bot
herchangi
ngbackint
omyf or
mal
cl
othesandst
ayedinmytracksuit
.I
workedonsomedocument sandDr
Nxumalocamein,ar
gh!Whatdoes
hewant?Hestoodbythedoor
Me:
WhatcanIhel
pyouwi
th?
DrN:Weneedt
otal
k,I
'
minl
ovewi
th
you.
#Danny
Beingawayf rom Nasi phi hasbeen
heartbreaki ngandf ort hef irstti
mei n
solong, Ihav ef el
ttheabsenceofmy
kidsandIhav emi ssedt hem.When
Zeepassedaway ,Ishutt hem of f
compl etel yandnowt hatNasi has
beenher e.Shehashel pedmebui lda
newr elationshi pwi thmyki dsandI
l
ov ethem dear l
yandbei ngwi thout
them thispastweekhast akenat oll
onme.Justhear i
ngt heirv oicesand
seeingt hem t hroughv ideocal l
si s
notenoughf orme.Iwantt obenear
them phy sically
.Nasi textedmei n
themor ni ngt el
li
ngmeDanv erisn'
t
feel
ingwel landt hatbr okemyhear t.
Thenandt her eIdecidedt opackand
bookmy sel faf li
ghtbackhome.
Nkosi under st oodIneededt ogoand
whatbr oughtmeher ehasbeen
sort
ed.Iwi lljustmi sst hefinal
meetingwhi chwoul dj ustbeabr ief
onhowt hingswi llcont i
nuewi thi
nthe
twoKingdomswhowant edt ogoon
war.Ther estoft hegent swi l
lbe
ther
et oosoIknowt heyhav e
ever
ythingunder control.Ilanded
about4hour sagoandwentt omy
constructioncompanywhi chI
opened3y ear sagoandhasbeenup
andrunni ng.I twor kscl oselywith
Nkosi'
scompany .AfterNkosi
receivedt hei nternati
onal tenderto
wor kandr edesi gnbuildings,he
neededaconst ructi
oncompany
wor ki
ngi nlinewi t
hhim soIt ookthe
oppor tunity.Beingabusi nessman
requiresmet ot akeoppor tuniti
esand
ri
sks.Thi swasagr eatoppor tunit
yso
Itooki tandt hemoneyhasbeen
roll
i
ngi n.Afterjustseei nghowt hings
havebeenIdr ovest r
aighttoseemy
hear t
.Igr eetedherPA
Me:
IsDrNy
athi
inherof
fi
ce?
Her:
Yessheis.Sheswi
thDr
Nxumal
o,butiti
snotameet
ing.You
maygothrough
Me:
Thanky
ou
Iwalkedt
hereandhear
dwhat
seemedtobeanarguement.Thi
s
i
diotDrNxumalowasshouti
ng,I
hopeforhi
sownsake,heisn'
t
shouti
ngatNasi
"Ilovey
oudamni
t!Can'
tyouget
that?
"Hesai
d
"DrNxumal o, wear ecolleague'
sand
nothingmor e.Pleaser espectour
professionalrel
ationshipanddonot
gobey ondt heboundar ies.Iam ina
happyr elat
ionshipandIdonotf eel
thesamewayabouty ou"sher epli
ed.
Ist
oodbyt
hedoorandl
i
stenedt
o
thi
sidi
ottel
li
ngNasihowhef eels
aboutherandthet
hingstheyhavein
common.Hewasmaki ngmybl ood
boi
l.
"Pl
easel
eav
emyof
fi
ce"sai
dNasi
"Iwi l
lnotleavetil
lyout ell
mey ou
l
ov emet oo,Iknowy oudo.I 'v
eseen
thewayy oulookatme, thewayy ou
l
aughatmyst upidjokesandwhen
youcr iedonmyshoul derthis
mor ning,Isawhowf ragil
ey ouare
andIneedt oprotecty ouandbeby
yoursi deatallti
mes"
Nowhewasspeaki
ngcr
ap!Igoti
n
andt
heydi
dn'
tseeme.Hewent
cl
osert
oNasi
Me:Don'
tyoudar
eputy
ourf
il
thy
handsonher
.
Nasiwasshockedwhenshesawme
butr
ightnowIwasfocusi
ngonthi
s
i
diot
.Iwil
ldealwi
thherl
ater
.
Dr
N:Whot
hef
uckar
eyou?
Me:Someoney oudonotwantto
messwith.Nowtakeafewsteps
backandmov eawayfr
om her.
Hewentcl
osert
oher
.Thi
smani
s
r
eal
lyt
esti
ngme.
Me:Iseeyou'r
edisrespect
ful
.Takea
f
ewst epsback,youdonotwantme
t
orepeatmy sel
f.
Hedi
dntmov
eandIl
ockedt
hedoor
Nasi
:Danny
Ididn'tl
ookatherandIpunchedt hi
s
i
diotonhi snose.Idi dn'tseeany
bloodsot hatangeredmemor eandI
beathi m up.Het ri
edfight i
ngmeof f
butIwast oomuchf orhi m.Iwas
boili
ngof fangerandIwi llnotst
op
untilIam satisf
iedwi t
ht heamount
ofbloodIwi l
lseeont hisf l
oor.I
couldhearNasi screami ngformet o
stopandcal l
ingforhelp.Idon'tknow
whensheopenedt hedoorbutBee
walkedi nasIwasbeat ingupt his
i
diot
Bee:Dannyst
op!OhGod,heis
l
oosingtoomuchbl
ood.Call
my
husband!
Nasi
:Whatwi
ll
hedobecausethey
ar
eallt
hewayinLangel
i
hle!
!
Bee:
Danny
!
Nasi:Dannyplease,I
'm beggi
ngyou.
Youwi l
lkil
lhim andgotojail
,who
am Igoingtoraiseourchil
drenwi
th?
Danny,please.
Thosewordshi
thomeandIstopped
becauseshest
art
edcr
ying.
Me:Iwon'
tbearrestedevenifIki
ll
t
hisbast
ard.Getyourbags,we'r
e
l
eavi
ng
Iwantedtocomf or
therbutIcouldn'
t
l
ookather .IwasupsetbecauseI
behavedthiswayinf
rontofher.Il
et
myangercont r
olmeandIwasst i
ll
ver
yangry.Igotint
othecarandshe
fol
lowed.
Me:
Wher
eisBee?
!
Nasi
:Inherof
fi
ce
Me:
Gogether
,we'
rel
eav
ingwi
thher
.
Sheranbackandcamebackwith
Babal
wa.Theysatatt
hebackseats
andIdrov
eofftoBongas.
Bee:
Byesguy
s.
Nasi
:Goodby
e,seey
out
omor
row.
Idr
ovetomyhouseandpar
ked
out
sidet
hegar
age.
Nasi
:You'
renotcomi
ngi
n?
Me:
No!
Sheseemedsadandwant edtocr y
butIcoul dntcomf ortherwhenI '
m
l
iket hi
s.IknowI 'l
lhur ther.WhenI 'm
angryIr el
easemy selfbyf ucki
ngr eal
hard, I
'
m notaboutt ohur therlike
that.We' v
enev erevenhadsexbef ore
soI'm notaboutt ohav eourf i
rstt i
me
l
iket hi
sandwhenI '
mt hi
sangr y .I
tookmyphoneaboutt ocal lmyol d
fuckbuddi esbutIstoppedmy sel f
.
Me:
No,
Iwi
l
lnotcheatonNasi
phi
.I
cannothur
therl
i
ket
his.
Idr
ov eof
ftooneofmyapartment
s
andwenttothei
n-housegy
m soI
canletgoofmyanger.
#Nasi
Todayhasbeennot hi
ngbutan
exhaustinganddr amat i
cday .Dr
Nx umalowentoutofcont roland
start
edconf essinghisfeeli
ngs
towardsmeandi tbecamemor eofa
disast
erwhenIr eali
zedthatDanny
wasst andingbyt hedoor.May behe
heardev er
y t
hingthatidi
otsai d.I
couldn'
tbelievewhatIwasseei ngas
DannybeatupDrNxumal o.May behe
i
si nacomaaswespeak.Myof f
ice
fl
oorwasf ill
edwi t
hhi sblood,Danny
al
mostki ll
edhi m.Iwon' tbeshocked
i
fthepol i
cecomeknocki nginthi
s
housecomi ngtoarresthi m.Hewas
soangr yandInev erev erwanttosee
hi
ml ikethatagain.Hedr oppedme
offandleft.Itookashowerandt he
ki
dscamet omyr oom
Oni
ka:
You'
rebackear
ly
Me:Iwasti
redandwantedtocome
homesoIcanspendti
mewi thyou.
Areyouf
eel
ingbett
erDanver
?
Danver
:YesIam.Bothmygranni
es
havebeent
akinggoodcar
eofus.
Oni
ka:
Let
'sgowat
chamov
ie
Wewentt ot hein-
housecinema
room andwat chedamov iewhich
wascar t
oons.Wewat chedt hemov i
e
andIwasn' tpayi
ngattent
iontoit.I
wasthinkingofDannyandwher ehe
mightbe.Igotat extf
rom Bee
Bee:
"Isheokaynow?
"
Me:
"Hei
sn'
tev
enathome"
Bee:"
He'
ll
calm downsoonandcome
backhome"
Ihopehewillcomehomesoon.
HourspassedandIwenttothe
ki
tchenandcookedsupperwhi
lemy
momswer ewat chi
ngT.
V.
MaD:Wearemov
ingi
ntoourhouse
onFr
iday
MaN: Wedon' tneedt odomuch, the
houseisf ul
lyfur
nishedalreadyand
we'l
ljusttakeourbagsandmov ei nt
o
thehouse.Al l
wehav et odoispack
ourclothesintoourclosetswhenwe
getthere.
Me:OkayMama.I'
l
lpassbyy
our
houseaf
terwor
k.
MaD: We'l
ltakethekidsf
orthe
weekendsot heycangettoseeour
house.I
twillgi
vey ouandDanny
somet i
meal one.
Me:
Okaymom t
hanks.
MaN:
Arey
ouokay
?
Me:
YeahI
'
mjustt
ir
ed.
Icont inuedwi t
hmycooki ngand
Paul agothome.Shewashappyand
herf i
rstdaywentr eall
ywel l
.She
helpedmef i
nishupandbat hedt he
kids.Itwasnowsuppert i
meand
Dannyst i
llwasn'thome.It riedcall
ing
him buti twentst r
aighttov oicemail.
Theydon' tknowt hathei sbackin
townsosav esmet hetroubleof
answer ingquest i
onsabouthi s
wher eabout s.Wehadsupperand
ever yonewentt osl eep.Iputhisplate
i
nt hef oodwar merandcl eanedt he
kitchen.Hecamei nlookinghor r
ibl
e
andIcoul dt ellhewasdr unk.That
gotmeangr yandIwal kedt oour
room upst air
s.Hecamei nandtook
offhisclothes,leavi
ngt hem onthe
fl
oorandhewentt otakeashower .I
willnotpickt hoseup.Iswi tchedthe
l
ightsof fandcov er
edmy selfwi
tha
blanket.Afterabouthal fanhourhe
remov edthebl anket.Istaredathim
andcov eredmy sel
fagain,he
remov edthem agai n.Nxx!Idon't
havet i
mef orgames.
Danny:
Whydoy oulookathim?Why
doyoulaughathi
sstupi
djokesand
smil
eathim?
Ii
gnor
edhi
m andpr
etendedt
obe
asl
eep
Danny
:Answermedamni
t!
I
'm gladthi
sroom i
ssoundpr
oof
,they
won'thearwhati
sabouttogodown
i
nher e.
Me:BecauseIt
ookhi
m asafr
iend.I
di
dn'
tknowhewasinl
ovewit
hme.
Danny:Youl
edhim on!Youl
ethi
m
fal
li
nlovewi
thy
ou
Me:Areyouli
steni
ngtothenonsense
that
'scomi
ngoutofy ourmout
h!I
don'
thaveti
mef ort
his
Danny:
Youlethi
m comf
ortyou,
you
cr
iedonhi
sdamnshoulder
Me: Ihadalongday ,
apatientpassed
awayt odayasIwasoperat i
ngonher
andi twasmyfir
sttimeexper i
enci
ng
that.Igotemot
ionalandcried,he
wast heonewhol ookedformeand
heldmeasIcr i
ed.Ipull
edawayf rom
that.
Danny:Nxx!Youlit
tl
ewhor e!You
thi
nkyoucanj ustf
launtyourassso
allt
heseothermencanseey ouand
I'
ll
bestupi
dt obeli
evethatyoudon'
t
wantthem.Arey oucheati
ngonme!
Outofnowhere,Ijustl
osti
tand
sl
appedhim.Hemustgett hisdamn
al
coholouthi
ssyst em.WheredoI
gett
henervetoslaphim af
terIsaw
him nearlyki
llsomeone?Imov ed
awayf rom hi
m asIrealizedwhatI
hadj ustdone.Theangeri nhi
seyes!
OhGod, whathaveIdone?Iwi l
lnot
besur pri
sedifhehit
sme, Iwi
ll
scream butnoonewi llhearme.He
camecl oseandImov edbackquickl
y.
Hel ookeddownandr uf fl
edhi
shair.
Me: Don'ty oudar ecallmeawhor e!I
am notawhor eandIwi llnotbe
disrespectedbyy ou!Iam not
cheat i
ngony ouandIwi l
lneverdo
that.Irespecty ouandIr espect
my self.I
tisnotmyf aultthatI
'mthi
ck
andIhav eanass.Idonotgo
fl
aunt i
ngi ntoot hermenbecauseI
havemymanwhoi sact i
ngstupid
andcal l
ingmenamesr i
ghtnow.
You'restinki
ngofalcoholandyou
havet henervetocomehomel ate,
l
ookingamessandcomi ngt osay
stupidthingstome.Andy ou'r
e
scari
ngme!WhatIsawt oday
showedmeasi det
oy outhatIam
scaredofandInev erwantt osee
again
Danny :Iwon'thurty
ou, pl
easedon't
besacr edofme.I '
m sorry
,I'
m sorryI
disrespectedyouandcal l
edyoua
whor e.I'
m angryatmy sel
fandI'm
tr
y i
ngt opushtheblameony ou.I
shouldhav econtrol
ledmyanger
Nasiphi
.Thatbast
arddeserv
edt
he
beati
ngbutIshoul
dn'thav
edone
i
nfrontofyou.
Me:
Youal
mostki
l
ledhi
m
Danny:Iwi
shIhadkill
edhim..
.how
darehesaythosethi
ngstoyou.
You'r
emineNasiphi,
nooneelsesbut
mine.
Me:Thatsoundsali
tt
lebitt
oo
possessi
vedon'
tyouthi
nk?
Danny:Idon'
tcarehowi tsoundsbut
Il
ovey ouandyou'r
emi neNasiphi
andnooneel sewil
lhavey ou.I
over
reactedandmostlybecauseI'm
scar
edy ou'
ll
fall
inl
ovewi t
hhim and
he'
lllov
ey oubetterthanIcan.He
won'thav eanyburdensandhe' llt
reat
youbetter.I'
m afr
aidI'
ll
loosey ou
Nasiphi!Justthethoughtofitscares
meandmakesmybl oodboi l
.Nasiphi
,
you'r
emi ne.You'r
emi neright,you
belongtome?
Ikeptqui
etandnoddeed
Danny
:Sayi
t!Sayi
toutl
oud!
Me:
YesI
'
myour
s!Ibel
ongt
oyou
IshoutedasIcri
ed.Heheldmeand
ki
ssedmyf orehead.Hekepton
whisperi
ng"y
ou'remine"andI
nodded.
Danny
:Pr
omi
sey
ou'
l
lnev
erl
eav
eme?
Thatonedayyou'l
lmarr
ymeandbe
themotherofourtwoki
ds.
Me:
Ipr
omi
se
Danny:
We'll
havetotakey ourwomb
outsoyoucannotfal
lpregnantand
di
e!Notevendeathcant akeyou
awayfr
om me.Itwon't!
He'seyeswereredashesai dthi
s
andheseemedt obestar
inginto
space.Heiscrazy,i
t'
sconfi
rmed.
Dannyhaslosthismind.
Me:
Iwon'
tdot
hat
.
Danny
:Youwi ll
!Youwil
l!Promiseme
youwil
l!Havi
ngbabiestakesaway
themother!I
ttookawaymyl i
feandI
wi
ll
notl
eti
ttakey
ouawayf
rom me
t
oo.
Heheldmet ooti
ghtandhewas
hurt
ingme.Icri
edasheki ssedme
andkeptonmumbl ingthingst o
himsel
f.Thi
smanneedsser i
oushelp,
heseemedt obeoutoft hiswor l
d
andsomeonewoul dreallythinkheis
i
nsane.He'sbodywassuddenl y
extr
emelyhotandtearsfellfrom hi
s
eyes.
Me:
Danny
,let
'sgety
oui
nbed.
Danny
:Youwon'
tl
eav
eme?
Me:
No.Iwon'
tl
eav
eyou.
Hel
etgoofmeandIhel
pedhi
m get
i
nbed.Hef ellasleepimmedi atel
y
andIlookedatt histr
oubledman.He
needshelpandI 'm goi
ngt ohelphim.
Theresmoret othisthanwhatI
thoughti
twas.Iki ssedhisforehead
andsleptnexttohi m wit
hmyhead
onhischest.Thisdayi scertai
nlyone
oftheworstday sofmyl ife.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
#LBAR
I
nser
t23
TosayI 'vebeenhear tbrokenforthe
pastf ewday swouldbean
under statement .Wakingupnextt o
Dannyt hemor ni
ngaf t
erhehassai d
allt
hosehear t
breakingthingstome.
Irealizedt hathehadal otofthings
bottledupi nsi
deofhi m andhei s
tr
aumat izednotonl yishe
tr
aumat izedbuthei sbr oken.We
haven' tspokef rom thatday,Imov ed
backt omyr oom andI '
vebeent r
ying
tofigur ethingsout.Hei spossessive,
heseemst obeobsessedandt hat
scar esme.IknowI 'veonlyseenhow
thingst urnoutonmov i
eswhenone
par t
neri sobsessedwi t
htheot her
butIknowt hingsr eal l
ydot urnout
thatway .He'sbeenkeepi nghis
distancef rom me, hemi ghtbegi v
ing
mesomespaceorhe' sbeat i
ng
himsel fupf ort het hingshesai d.
WhatIknowi st hat,hedoesn' twant
any mor echildr en.Whathappenedt o
Ziyandahast raumat izedhim andhe
thinksitwi l
l happent omet o.Iwil
l
notandwi llnev erevergetmywomb
remov ed.Wor khasbeengood, Dr
Nx umal owasdi schar gedafter
stayingt woday sinhospi talwhen
Dannybeathi m up.Hehasn' tshown
upandt hatmakesmehappy
becauseIdon' tknowhowt hingswill
bebet weenus.Mymot her sand
Paul aendedupmov ingona
Thur sdaybecausewewant edt ohave
ahousewar mi ngpar tytoday .I
prepar edforwor k,Ihavej usttwo
patientst oseeandt henI 'l
lleave
earlysoIcangot othepar ty.Ithas
j
ustbeenDannyandIi nt hehouse
sincey esterdayandt hingsar esour.I
tookt hekey s,wr oteast ickynot e
"Gonet owor k"andl eftitont he
fri
dge.That 'showwecommuni cate
theseday sandi tsdrai
ni ng.Igott o
workandwentt omoni tormyf i
rst
patient.Ever y
thingwasgoi ngwel l
andwewi l
l di
schar gehim soon.I
spoket ohi sfami lyandupdat edthem
onmypat i
ent sconditi
on.Af t
er
seeingmysecondpat i
entIwasgl ad
I'
dbegoi nghome.Iam phy si
cally
drainedbyal lthat'
sgoingonbet ween
meandDanny .Igothomeandwent
tochange.Igotacal lfrom Venes,
she'scomi ngov erforthehouse
warmi ngpar t
yt oday.
Venes:You'
repi
cki
ngmeupt
oday
ri
ght?
Me:
YesI
'
m comi
ng.IknowI
'
mlat
e,
I
'
llbet
her
ejustnow.
Ichangedi nt oti
ghtjeans, l
ace
bodysuit,offshoulderwi t
hsl eeves.
Andbl ackpenci lheels.Tiedmy
weav eintoamessybunandputona
l
itt
lemakeup.Il ookedr eallygood
andIf el
tgood.Iwentt ot hegar age
andst oodt herejustdeci dingwhi ch
cartodr i
ve, Iam sti
llhisgi rl
fri
endso
I'
l
ljustenjoyi twhil
ei tl
ast s.Itookhi s
maser atiandwentt opi ckupmygi rl
.
Shescr eamedwhenshesawmyr i
de
Me:
Come!We'
rel
ate
Venes:
Yhu!Gi
rlwhyar
eyousohot
!
Arewereal
l
ygoingtoa
housewar
mingpar
ty?
Me:
Yes.
Wedrovet
omymom'snewhouse
andIsawhi
scar
.He'
sher
eal
ready
.
Me:
Goi
n,I
'
llcomeshor
tl
yaf
ter
Venes:Fine,
IguessI
'
llhav
eto
i
ntroducemy sel
f.
Aft
erabout10minsIcoll
ectedmy
emotionsandwasreadytof acehi
m.
Iwentinsi
deandhechokedon
whateverhewasdri
nking.
Me:
Heyguy
s!
Sbahl
e:Damngi
rl
!Youl
ookst
unni
ng
Phi
l
a:Someonecannott
akehi
sey
es
of
fofy
ou.
Hepat tedDanny 'sshoul
derandI
l
aughedathi m.Ihuggedmygi rlsand
Venesseemedt ohadalready
i
ntroducedher selfandwashav inga
conversationwi t
hZandi.Ohlord,I
hopetheydi dn'treal
iz
ethattheyhave
crazypersonaliti
esbecausewe' l
l
haveanot herthingcoming.
MaN: Mybaby ,y
ou'rehere.Iseey ou
alwaysl
ate.Wheny ouwer ey oung
youwerelatetoo,youtooky ourown
ti
met ost
artcrawli
ng,youcr awl edf
or
solongandy ouwalkedaf t
ercr awli
ng
foral
mostay ear.
Me:
Mama!
MaN:
Whati
t'
str
ue.
Sneh:
Canwegett
hispar
tyst
art
ed?
Nt
oko:
Yesmam!
Thepar tyst art
edandwegav emy
mot hersgiftsandt hekidswer e
perfomingt heirsong.Theyar er eall
y
gift
edwi tht heabili
tytosing.Ijoined
them shor t
lyaf t
erandmostoft hem
weresur prisedtoheart hatIsang
thatwell.All t
histimeDannyhasn' t
tookhisey esof fmeandIl i
kedt hat
butIcoul dn'tactoni t
.Iwentt ot he
bathroom andwhenIcameouthe
wasst andingbyt hedoor.
Me:
MrMcKenzi
e
Danny
:DrNy
athi
Inoddedandhelookedatme,
his
eyeswereredandyoucoul
dseehe
hasn'
tsl
eptforday
s.
Me:
Whenl
astdi
dyousl
eep?
Danny:Thelastni
ghtIhadyouinmy
bed.IknowIhurtyouNasiandIdid
youwrong,Ihatemyselff
or
ever
ythingt
hathappenedthatday
..
.
Icuthi
m of
fbef
orehecoul
dfi
nish.
Me:Stop!Youwereexpressi
nghow
youreal
lyfel
tdeepi
nsideanddon't
apol
ogizefori
t.We'
l
l t
alkaboutt
his
whenwegethome, thekidswil
lsl
eep
overher
eandwe'l
lhav
eti
met
otal
k,
j
ustthetwoofus
Danny:Thankyou,
canweat l
east
pr
etendthatev
eryt
hing'
sokay.I
wannaholdyou
Me:Unfor
tunat
elyI
'
m notgoodat
pr
etendi
ngbutIcanal
lowyoutohug
me.
Hehuggedmeandgr
abbedmyass.I
smackedhi
shand
Me:
Isai
dahugnotwhaty
ou'
redoi
ng.
Danny
:Icouldn'
thelpmy
sel
f.You
l
ookbeauti
fulbytheway
.
Me:
Thanks,
younott
oobady
our
sel
f
Danny
:I'
l
ltaket
hatasacompl
i
ment
Me:
Itwasacompl
i
ment
Danny:
Babe,acomplimenti
syou
sayi
ngI'
m sexyandhandsome
Me:You'
resex
yandhandsome
Danny
.
Paul
a:Yout
ooneedt
ogetar
oom.
Danny
:Sorry
,youneedtoatl
east
gr
eetBri
an.He'
sgoingcrazy
Paul
a:Why
?
Ipi
nchedDanny,Paul
aisst
il
l
cl
uelesst
hatBr
ianli
kesher
.
Me:Imean,we'
veal
ltalkedtohi
m
andyouhav
en't
.Hemi ghtthi
nk
you'
remadathi
m orsomet
hing.He
canbereal
l
ysensi
ti
ve.
IleftandDannyf oll
owedme.Idon' t
knowwhyIdi dthat!Whydi dIall
ow
himt otouchme?I t'
snotpar tofmy
plan.Igotangryatmy selfandangry
athimf orbeingsochar mi ngand
maki ngmel ovehim somuch.The
daycont i
nuedandIst ayedaway
from him,whenhet ri
edt otalkt
ome
Iignoredhim andst eppedaway .I
couldseei ti
stakingat ollonhim and
hewasn' tokay.I
thur tmet oseehi m
thatwaybutI '
m doingwhati sbest
forusandi twil
lhelpus.
Sbahl
e:Tr
oubl
einpar
adi
se?
Me: Yes.Idon'
tthi
nkDannyisready
forarelat
ionshi
p.Idon'
tthi
nkwe're
goingtowor kout
Ngamso: I
twon'tbeeasyt hatIknow
butdon'
tgiveuponhi m.Hel oves
youbuthedoesst i
ll
hav eaf ew
thi
ngstowor kon.Trustme, I'
vebeen
ther
e.Jabuwasnotov ert
hel ossof
hiswif
eandki dswhenwest art
ed
dati
ngbutlookatusnow.I ttakes
ti
me.
Me:IguesssobutIf eelasift
hings
areabitdi
ff
erent,Il
ookidenti
calto
hi
swifeandI'm hersist
er.I
t'
sjusttoo
compli
cated
Sbahl
e:Idonotwisht
obei
nyour
shoesri
ghtnow.
Danny
:Canwet
alkNasi
phi
?
Icouldn'tl
ethimtalkt
ome.Iwas
goingtomel tandletmyguar
ddown.
Ij
ustst oodupandwenttosay
goodby etothekids
Me:I
'l
lcomepi
cky
ouuptomor
row
af
ter
noonokay
?Il
ovey
ou
Them:
Lov
eyout
oo
Iwentt
owheremymother
swere
seat
edandIsai
dmygoodbyes.
Me:
Venes,
let
'sgo.
Kamo:
You'
rel
eav
ingal
ready
?
Me:
Idon'
tfeel
wel
l
,Ineedt
ogo.
Naye:Youcanleav
eVenessince
we'r
estil
lenj
oyi
ngthepar
ty.I
'l
ldr
op
heroff
Inoddedandl eft
.Dannykepton
call
ingmynameandIi gnoredhim as
tear
sf ellf
rom myeyes.Idon'tknow
whyIwasact i
ngthi
swaybuti ti
s
probablybecausewhatI'm aboutto
doissi nki
nginandit
'sbreakingmy
heartbutitisf
orthebest.
Me:
Breat
hPear
l,br
eat
h.
Idrovehomeandhewasdri
vi
ngright
behindme.Thi
swil
lbeal
ongnight.
#Danny
TosayIhat emy selfwouldbean
under statement .I'vebeenbeat i
ng
my selfupf orthepastf ewday s
becauseofhowIt reat
edNasi phi
.
Calli
ngherawhor ewassol owofme
andj ustt hinkingabouti tmakesme
wantt oj ustgr abagunandki ll
my self.YesI 'm amessedupman, I
havebur densandmanyi ssuesI '
ve
neverdeal twi t
h.Idonotknowhow
todeal withmyi ssuesandev en
therapistsf ailwithme.Ihav eaway
ofbot tl
ingupmyf eeli
ngsandt okeep
ont ell
ingmy selfthatI'm okayandI 'm
overt hingswhenI '
mj ustonlyt el
li
ng
thatliet omy sel
fanddamagi ng
my selfmor e.Beingwi thNasi phi has
mademewantt ol ear nhowt o
communi cateandt ellherev er ything
thatIf eelandev erythingt hatIhav e
wentt hroughbutIf indi tv erydi f
ficult.
Thepastf ewday shav ebeenhor rible
aswewer enotonspeaki ngt er ms, I
deci dednott opushi tbecausei twas
obv i
ousshewasangr yatme.Ido
notbl ameher ethough, Ibehav edl ike
ani diotandaj erk.Ibehav edl iket he
i
di otIt houghtIwaspr ot ectingher
from butact uall
yIwaswor se.Il ov ed
mywi fe,y
esIdi dbutI '
venev erl ov ed
any onet hewayIl ov eNasi phi .Ican
fi
nal lysayt hatI'
m noti nlov ewi thZee
anymore.Yesshe' llalway sbei nmy
heart
,she'sthemot herofmyki ds
andwenev erfoughtordi vor ced.She
passedawayandmyl ov ef orherhas
comet oanend.Nasi phi hasf ul
l
ownershi
pofmyhear tandIwantt o
l
etherknow.YesIhav en'
tgotov er
abouthowmywi fepassed, itscares
meandi thasbeensomet hingI
haven'
tbeenabl et ofor getandi t
seemsasi fi
thascausedamuch
moredeeppr obl
em t ome.Nasi phi
l
ookedst unninglybeaut if
ul today ,
wordscannotbegi nt odescr ibethe
wayshel ookedandsher eallycaught
myat t
ention.Iwashappywhenshe
spoketomeev enget tingt otouch
hermademef eel happyandl oved.
Whenshest art
edi gnor ingmeand
gotangry,IknewIwasn' toffthe
hookandshewasst il
l madatme.I
j
ustneededt ot alktoherandf i
nda
waytogett hrought hist ogether.I
watchedherasshedr ov emy
maseratianditl ookedgoodonher .I
t
nowbel ongstoherandIknowshe
l
ovesit.Igottoourhouseandshe
wasinherr oom upst airs.
Me:
Nasi
phi
,pl
easet
alkt
ome.
Nasi
:Don'
ttouchmeTr
ist
on!
Ist
eppedbackandr
uff
ledmyhai
r.I
knowwhenshecall
smeTr i
stonshe
l
iter
all
ymeansbusi
nessandshes
deadseri
ous.
Me: I
'm sorr
yforthewayIbehav ed
thatni
ght .I
'
m sorryforthet
hingsI
saidtoy ouandmostofal lI
'
m sorr
y
forhurt
ingy ouNasiphi.
Nasi:Dannyy ouar enotov erwhat
happenedt oyourwifeandI
understand.Ididn'texpecty outoget
overitinjustafewmont hsor
somet hi
ngbuty ou,youthinkingthatI
wil
lremov emywombj usttosatisf
y
yourfearsi st
otall
ywr ongandoutof f
thi
swor ld.Iti
stotall
ysel f
ishofy ou
toevent hinkofthatandt hinkthatI
wil
ltaket
hatdeci
sion.Youar
e
damagedDanny
Me: Iknow,IknowI '
m damagedPear l
.
Lookatme, doy ouseeamanwhoi s
fi
neandcompl et
elyperfect
?No!You
seeadamagedmanwhocannotf i
x
himself.Amanwhoi sdeeplyinl
ove
withyoubutcannotf ul
lyexpressit
becauseI'm af
raidIwil
lloseyoujust
l
ikeIlostmywi feandmymot her!
Nasi
:Yourmot
her
?
Me: Yes,
mymot her
.Iknowy ou
thoughtmymotherisali
vebutshe
diedwhenIwas8mont hs.That
womanwhom y outhinkismymother
i
sactual
lymystepmother
.Razor
marri
edher3year
saft
ermymot her
passedaway.
Nasi
:I'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
.
Me: It
'sokay,that'
snotwhatwe
camet otal
kabout .Nasi
phiIloveyou,
Ireall
ydol oveyouandy ou've
managedt oownal lmyhear t
.You'
ve
managedt owinmeov erandmake
mebel ieveinlove.Il
ovey oubutI'
m
toodamagedt obeabl etoall
ow
my sel
ft oshowi ttoyou
Nasi:Andt
hat'
swhyIthi
nkit
'sbesti
f
westopdati
ng.We'
reoverDanny,I
cannotbewit
hsomeonewhodoesn' t
wantt ohav ekidswi thme.Iwantt o
bepr egnantandexper iencet hat,I
wantt ohav emyownchi ldrent oo.
Youhav ey ourkidsandt hat '
sgood
andmi ghtbeenoughf ory ou.Zee
passingawayaf tergivingbi r
tht o
Onikawasn' tyourf ault
, i
twasn' ther
faul
tandi twasn' tOnika'sf ault
.It
washert imeandt herewasnot hing
youcoul ddot ost opit.Thewayi t
happenedt raumat izedy ouandt hat
i
swhyy ou'vefil
ledy ourmi ndwi t
ht he
factthatbeingpr egnanti sabad
thi
ngandhav ingki dstakest he
mot heraway .Youar enotr eadyf ora
romant i
cser i
ousr elati
onshi pDanny .
Youneedhel pandwe' regoi ngtoget
hel
pf oryoubutonl yify ouwantt o
hel
py ourselftoo.Il
ov ey ouandI
wanttoseey ougethel pandbe
happy.Fornow, t
hisrelationshi
pisn'
t
whatsbestf orthebot hofusandI
bel
ieveifit
'smeantt obet henitwil
l
happenagai nbutjustnotnow.
Me: You'
rel
eavi
ngme!You'
redoi
ng
exactl
ywhatIwasaf
rai
doff.I
'
m
l
oosingyoutooNasi
phi
.
Nasi:You'
renotl
oosingme.I
'l
lst
il
lbe
aroundtobeyourfri
endand
someoney oucantal
kto.
Me:
Idon'
twanty
out
obemyf
ri
end.I
wanttobewithy ou.Mar
ryy
ou,r
aise
ourki
dstogetherandhavemor
eif
youwantthem.
Nasi:Youdon' twanttohav emore
ki
dsandIcannotf orcet
hatony ou.
May beoncey ougethelpy ou'
ll
havea
di
fferentperspecti
veofthingsbutI
'm
af
raidthisisov er
.GoodnightDanny.
#Nasi
Af
terhavi
ngt hatheatedconv ersat
ion
wi
thDanny.Iwashur t
ingsomuch.
Br
eakingupwi thhim hashur tme
morethanIthinkithashur thim.I
cr
iedandcriedbutcoul dn'
tget
mysel
ftosleepatal l
.Het oldmehe
alsolosthismot herwhenhewas
8mont hs.Iguesshe' sfathert ol
dhim
sincehewast ooy oungt oknowand
remembert hat.Iwentdownst air
sto
getsomewat erandgott hef r
ightof
myl i
fewhenIsawDannysi t
ti
ngon
thekitchencount er.Iwashappyt hat
therewasnoal cohol ar
oundhi m.I
tookabot tl
eofwat erandj ustasI
walkeduponest airhet alked.He's
voicewashuskyanddi fferent
Danny:Myfathertoldmet hatmy
motherhadcompl icati
onswhenshe
waspregnantwithmeandmyt wi
n.
Unfor
tunat
elywhenshegav ebir
thto
us,mytwinwasst ill
bornandI
survi
ved.Doct orsnev erthoughtshe
wouldsur vi
vet oobutshedi d.After
giv
ingbirthtomeshegotsi ckand
wasonl ystrongenought obealiveti
ll
Iwas8mont hsol dandshepassed
away.Ifshewasn' tpregnantwi thme
andmyt winshewoul dn'thavewent
thr
oughal lshewentt hrough.She
wouldalsost i
llbeal i
ve.WhenZee
waspr egnantitscar edmeal otbutI
nevertoldheraboutal lt
his.Itscared
memor ewhenshest artedhav i
nga
fewcompl icati
onsbutshepul l
ed
thr
ough.Unf ortunatelyaf t
ergivi
ng
bir
thtoOni kashewasn' tstrong
enoughandshedi ed.Justl i
kethat,i
f
Ihadn'
timpr egnat edher ,i
fOnikawas
neverconceivedandi fshehadnev er
metmeshewoul d'vestil
lbeenali
ve.I
blamedmy sel
fandOni kaf orher
deathbuty ouhelpedmer eali
zethat
i
twasn'tourf aultatal landIgetthat
nowbuti tstil
ldoesn' tchangethe
factt
hatpr egnancyf reaksmeout
andI'
mt raumat i
zed.I 'velostt
oo
manypeopl eNasi phiandIcannot
l
oosey outoo.
Me:
Danny
,I'
m sor
ryabout
..
.
Hecutmeof
fbef
oreIcoul
dcont
inue.
Danny
:Il
ostmanypeopleandIl
osta
par
tofmysel
ftoo.WhenIwas11I
wassexual l
ymol est edbysome
stranger s.Thatki ll
edmei nsi
debutI
burieditandpr etendedt obeokay .
ButwhenIwas13i thappenedagai n
andi twasmyuncl e,her apedmeand
that'
swheni tki
lledmet hemost .I
t
broughtbackwhathadhappenedt o
mebef or eandi ttookawaywhoI
was.I '
venev ertoldany oneaboutt his.
You'retheonl yonewhoknowsandI
trustthati twil
lst ayt hi
sway .Nasiphi,
I'
m abr okenmanandy ou'vebeen
fi
xingmesl owlywi thoutev en
reali
singi t.HereIam openi ngupt o
you, doingsomet hingI '
venev erever
donebef orebecauseofwhatIf eel
deepi
nsi
de.I
tisal
lbecauseofthe
l
oveIhav
eforyouandmyki ds.
Hestoodupandtookof fhi
sclothes.
Hewasst ar
knakedandIstoodand
l
ookedatme.Hef acedtheotherside
andhisbackwasfacingme
Danny :
Idon'tknowi fyou'r
egoingt o
seeinthisdarknessbutI '
m showing
youmyscar s.Igott hesewhenIwas
molestedbyt hosest r
angers.These
scarsareapar tofmeandt hey
remindmeofwhathappenedt ome,
theyremindmeoft hedayIl ostwhoI
was.Her eIam Nasiphi ,
thi
sisme
andthisismet ell
ingy outhatIlov
e
younomat t
erhowbr okenIam and
I'
m will
ingtogethel p.Justforyou
andourki ds.Justdon'tgiveupon
mej ustyet.Iunderstandyou're
l
ookingoutf oryourselfbygettingout
ofthisrel
ationshi
pbutpl ease,don'
t
giveuponus.
Ihelpedhim getdressedandIki
ssed
hisbarebackandhi sbareshoul
ders
tohistorsoandt ohisbar
echest.I
heldhim closel
yaswecr i
edtogether
andr i
ghtthenandt her
eIdeci
dedI '
m
notgivi
ngupont hi
sman.Ilovehim
andhel ovesmet oo.
Me:You'
regoi
ngt
other
ehabi
l
itat
ion
cent
rei
naweek.
Henoddedandweki
ssed.Icr
iedi
n
hi
sarmsandheki
ssedmyf or
ehead.
Me:
You'r
emi
neDannyMcKenzi
eand
I
'myour
s
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
Sor
ryi
fyouthi
nki
tisshort
.Wanted
tol
eav
ey ouwi
thali
tt
lesomet
hing
somet
hing.
#LBAR
I
nser
t24
WhenIwokeupDannywasst il
l
peaceful
lysleeping.Hel ooksso
i
nnocentandl ikeababywhenhei s
sl
eepingy oujustdon' twantt o
distur
bhim atall.Iwentt omyr oom
andchangedi ntomygy m clot
hes, I
'
ll
showeraf t
erIdomymor ningrun.It
's
notsomet hi
ngIdor egularlybutitis
somet hi
ngIdowhenIr emembert o.I
l
ef tasti
ckynot eont hefridgetell
ing
hi
mI '
l
lbebacksoon.Af t
eraboutan
hourIwentbackhomeandIf ound
Dannyshouti
ngatthesecur
it
ieswi
th
onl
yhisboxershor
tson.
Me:
Whati
sgoi
ngonher
e?
Danny
:Wher
ethef
uckdoy
oucome
fr
om?
Me:Ij
ustwentf
oraj
og,
Ilef
tanot
e
ont
hefri
dge.
Danny :
Ithoughtyoul
eftmeNasi
phi
,
afterwhatItol
dyoulastni
ght
.I
thoughtyoujustl
eftme.
Iapologi
zedtothesecur
it
iesandhe
didtoo.Wewentbackintot hehouse
withhimlooki
ngveryfr
ustrated.
Me:
Doy ouwantbr
eakf
ast
?I'
l
lhav
e
t
oshowerfi
rst
Danny
:I'
l
lmakei
twhi
l
eyoushower
.
Me:Iwoul
dn'tj
ustl
eavewit
hout
t
ell
i
ngyou,cowardsdothat
.
Danny
:Soy
ouwi
l
lleav
emeoneday
?
Me:I
fyougiv
emer
easonst
odoso
t
henIwil
l.
Danny
:Yout
oohonest
Me:You'
rea34y earol
dman, you
shoul
dbetoughenought otakethe
tr
uthnomatterhowmuchi thurt
s.
Andyoushouldalwaystel
lthetr
uth
Danny
:WhatIcant
ell
youi
sthatI
l
oveyou.
Me:
Whati
fIt
ell
youIdon'
tl
ovey
ou?
Danny
:Thatwoul
dbet
hef
ir
stl
i
eyou
tel
lmesi
ncewemet.
Me:Howdoyouknowt
hatI
'
venev
er
l
iedt
oyoubef
ore?
Danny:Ij
ustknow.Youcoul
dn'tev
en
l
ieandhidethatyouhadacrushon
Fezi
le.
Me:
Itwasn'
tacr
ush!Ij
ustl
i
kedhi
m
Danny:Ther
e'snodiff
erencether
e.
I
t'
sjustalmostthesamet hi
ng
Me:
Noi
t'
snot
Danny:Say
ssomeonewho'
snever
evenbeeninar
omanti
crel
ati
onshi
p
Me:
What
everDanny
.We'
l
ljustagr
ee
t
odi
sagr
ee.
Danny
:Goshower
,youst
ink.
Il
aughedathim andwentt oshower
.
Il
oti
nedandgotdr essed,wear
ingan
armygreenshortdressandsandal
s.
Combedmyhai randwent
downstai
rsforbreakfast
.
Danny:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul,
I'
m al
most
done.
Me:
Thanks.Mayyoupl
easebor
row
meyourl
aptoport
ab?
Danny :Okay,y
oucanusewhi chever
.
Whi chremindsme, weneedtoget
youy ourownt oo.You'
ll
needthem
sinceyou'r
ewor kingnow.I
twil
lmake
t
hingsmucheasi
erf
ory
ou.
Inoddedandhedi
shedupme.
Me:
Thanky
ou.You'
reagoodcook
Danny:Lear
ntfr
om thebest.Mydad
workswondersint
hekitchen.You
shoul
dmeethim soon,wecangot o
myhomenextweekend
Me:
You'
l
lbei
nrehabnextweekend.
Danny
:Oht
hat
..
.
Me:Yesthat.I
tsayshereyou'
l
lstay
f
or3weeks, i
fther
e'snopr
ogress
you'
l
lst
ayf or6weeks.
Danny:Nobabet
hat
'sl
i
keamont h.I
cannotgof
oramonthwit
houtseei
ng
y
ouandt
heki
ds.
Me:Wecanvisi
tdur
ingweekendsbut
i
t'
sinCapeTown.
Danny :I
t'
stheJuneschool hol
idays
i
nt woweeks, soI'
ll
stayt hosetwo
weeks, you'
l
lcomeseemedur ing
weekends.Thenont het hir
dweek, I'
l
l
di
schar gemy selfwhethertheres
progressornott henwe'llgoon
holi
day
Me: What'st
heuseofy ougoingt
here
i
fy oufeelasi
ftherewon'tbe
progress?Danny,y
ou'r
edoingthi
sfor
you.Itwil
lhel
pyou.
Danny
:IknowIcannotcommuni
cat
e,
moreso, Icannottellmydarkest
secret
st oastranger.I'
venevert
old
peoplewhoar ev er
yclosetome.
Onlyyouknow, Icanonl yopenupto
you.Ijustagr
eedondoi ngi
tbecause
youwantmet o.
Me:
Soshoul
dIar
rangef
ory
out
ogo
t
her
e?
Danny:
It'
snotnecessar
y.Youcanbe
mytherapi
st.
Me:Danny
,thi
sisn'
tsomet
hingt
o
j
okeabout
.
Danny
:Am Il
aughi
ng?
Me:
No
Danny
:So?
Me:
Ouch
Danny :
Andi kuphoxiNasiphi
, qha
ndik'
xelel
ai nyani
so.Andkwaz
ukuthethanomnt uendi
ngamaz
ngenxaki zam. (I
'
m nottryi
ngt ohurt
youNasi phi butI
'mtell
i
ngy out he
tr
uth.Icannotspeakt oast ranger
aboutmypr oblems)
Me:Whyaren'tanyofy
ourmany
f
ri
ends,
therapist
s?
Danny:
Unfort
unatel
yther
ear
en'
t.I
haveasuggest
ion
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Danny:
Wehav esessionsf
rom 7pm
to9pm ev
ery
day.Afterput
ti
ngthe
kidstosleep,t
hatwayIcangetto
openupt oy ouandIknowI'
ll
be
muchbet teraft
ertal
ki
ngaboutal
lthe
thingsIbott
leupinsi
deoffme.
Me:I
'l
lj
ustgoogl
equesti
ons
Ther
apist
sasks,
thi
sisseri
ousDanny
.
Danny:I
'
m seri
oustoo,andi
fit
doesn'
twork.Thennot
hingeverwi
l
l
work.
Wef i
nishedbreakf
astandhewentto
showerwhileIworkedonmynewly
foundjobofbeingDanny'
sther
api
st.
Igotsomei nf
ormationonhowto
approachacli
entandmakingthem
digdeepandhowt ohelphim
expresshi semot ions.Itwil
lbea
challengethatIam l ookingforwar d
to.Myphonebeepedandi twasa
textfrom Danny .Whyi shet exting
me?We' reinthesamehouse.I tread
asf oll
ows"Iknowt hi
si sst
upi dof
mebutI '
mj ustafraidtoasky oui n
person, y
oumakemef eelcertainway
thatIdon'tunder stand.MayIpl ease
takey ouonadat e?"
Il
aughedanddi dn'
trespondbut
i
nsteadIwenttohisr oom.Hewas
st
andingnearthewi ndowstar
ingat
hi
sphone."Turnaround"Irepl
iedand
hedidasIinst
ructed.
Me:
Whycan'
tyouaskmei
nper
son?
Danny
:Uhm I'
mjustsomet
imesabi
t
shyar
oundyou.Ij
ustdi
dn'
tknow
howtoaskyou.
Me:
It'
say
es
Danny: Ir
eall
yhadnot
hingplanned
out
, i
tjustcametomymi nd.Let'
sgo
watchamov i
e
Me:
Att
heci
nemar
oom?
Danny
:No,
atthemall
.Itwi
l
lfeel
li
ke
moreofar
eal
date.
Me:
I'
ll
gochange
Danny
:I'
l
laskoneofthehel
per
sto
moveyourcl
othest
othisr
oom
Me:
Buty
ourcl
oseti
sful
l
Danny:
Ther
eisanempt
ycl
osety
ou
canuse
Inoddedandwentt omyr oom.I
guessi tisthecl osetZeeusedt ouse.
Itsomet imesj ustdoesn'tsi
tright
withmet obei nthi
shouse.Itwas
herhomeandsheputt hi
ngstheway
theyar eandhowshel i
kedit.Icannot
rearranget hishouseorusesomeof
thet hi
ngsher ewithouthavi
ngmany
thought s.SoonI '
llbeusinghercl oset
,
Isleepont hesamebedsheused
withherhusbandandi tallj
ustfeels
l
ikeI '
m herr eplacementorI'm slowly
takingov erwhatwasher s.Idon't
under st
andwhyIf eelt
hiswaybutI
j
ustf eelt
hisway.Iworej eans,kappa
t-
shirtwit
hadenimj acketandv ans.I
gotdownst ai
rsandheki ssedmy
foreheadandtoldmeI '
m beaut i
ful
.
Het ell
smeI '
m beauti
fulev ery
chanceheget sandthatmakesme
feelsospecial
.Hewaswear ingjeans
andabl ackRedbatt'
shirt.Het hrew
met hekey sofhi
smaser atiandI
staredathim
Danny:
It'
snotli
keyou'
venev
erdr
iven
i
tbefor
e.Itsui
tsyou
Me:
ThanksIguess
HelaughedatmeandIputmy
shadeson.WhenIhav
ethemoney
,
I'
ll
reall
ybuyt hiscar
.I'
venev erreal
ly
beenaper sonwholikedcarsandI
neverpaidmuchat t
enti
ont othem.
SoIdon' thavewhatIcall a"dream
car"withtheamountofmoneyt hat
I'
ll
beget tingfr
om mysal ary
.I'l
l
defini
tel
ybeget ti
ngmy selfacarina
fewmont hs.Wegott oMusgr aveand
wentt oSKci nema.
Danny:Whi
chmov
iedoy
ouwantt
o
watch?
Me:Let
swatchLi
on,
itseemst
obe
i
nter
est
ing.
Danny
:Sl
ushpuppy
?
Me:
Yes,
thebl
ueonepl
ease.
Hegotuspopcor n,sweet sanda
sl
ushpuppyf orme.Wentt oour
seat sandwat chedt hemov ie.Itwas
av erysadst oryofay oungboycal l
ed
Sher uwhoonedayf ellasleepina
tr
ainst ationwai t
ingf orhisbr other.
Hegoti ntoat r
ainlooki ngf orhim
andt het rainleftwithhi mi nside.He
wasf arawayf rom homeandj ustgot
l
ost .Ev ent uall
yhewasi nahome
wher et heykeepl ostchi l
dren.They
couldn' tfindhi spar entsofwher ehe
wasf rom, hewassoonadopt edbya
coupl ef rom Engl and.Whenhewas
older, hel ookedf orhi shome.When
hedi df indhi shome, hef oundout
thathisbrotherpassedawayt he
samedayhewentmi ssing.Hewas
hirbyatrain.Itwasar eallysad
mov i
eandIcr i
edt hroughoutt he
enti
remov ie.Dannybei ngt he
sweetheartthathei s, wasmy
shouldertocryon.Hekeptongi vi
ng
met i
ssueandki ssingmyf or ehead.I
caughthiml aughingatmeaf ew
ti
mesandi twascut eact uall
y .The
mov i
ewasov erandwedeci dedt o
watchanot herone.I twasal soa
greatmov i
eandIenj oy edit.Wewent
shoppingtoget herandi twasmor e
funthanIt houghtitwoul dbe.I twas
weirdwhenhewant edt ogoi ntoa
l
ingerieshopwi t
hme.Idr ov eust o
diff
erentmallsandbout iquesaswe
shoppedf ormanycl othes.Hel i
ked
allthesui
tsandcasual clothesI
pickedoutforhim.Weshoppedf or
thekidsaswel landitwasr eall
ya
greatday.Wef orgotaboutal l
the
problemswehav eandwewer e
happy .Hewasr eal
lyhappyandhe
l
aughedal ot.Isawadi fferentsideto
him anditwashi sbestsi de.Hewas
ahappyDannyandIi nstantlyfell
deeperinlovewithhim.
Me:Wedost
il
lneedt
opi
ckupt
he
ki
ds.
Danny
:Don'
twor
ry,
we'
l
lpi
ckt
hem up
tomor
rowaf
ter
noon.Ial
readyt
ext
ed
Paul
a.
Me:
Okaycool
.
Het
ookthekey
sanddrov
eushome.
I
twasar
ound5:30pm.
Me:
Whatshoul
dIcook?
Danny:Don'
tcook,
I'
mtaki
ngy
ouout
fordi
nner.
Me:Ohwowuhm whatshouldIwear
?
I
'v
eneverbeenoutf
ordi
nnerbef
ore.
Danny:
Idon'
tknow,youfi
gureitout.
I
'l
lpi
ckyouupat7pm.By eI
'm going
toameeti
ngwiththegent
s.Dad
wantst
oseeus.
Me:
Byebabe.Il
ovey
ou
Danny
:Il
ovey
out
ooMaNy
athi
.
WhenheleftIqui
cklytext
edthegi
rl
s
"
Advi
ceplease,whatshouldIwear
f
oradinnerdate.
..Dannyist
aki
ng
meout"
Ntoko:
"Don'
twor
ry,
we'
l
lbet
her
eina
f
lash.
Sneh:"
Itr
ustthey
'l
lworkthei
rmagic
onyou.Sorr
yIcannotcomesis.Have
fun"
Me:"
Thankssi
s.Iunder
stand,t
hem
comi
ngismorethanenough."
Whentheysaidthey'
l
lbeher
eina
f
lash,
Ididn'
tthi
nkitwoul
dbethi
s
soon.Theymadethemsel
ves
comfort
ableaswewentthr
oughmy
cl
othes
Naye:Thisscenari
oissofamil
iar.
Justabout6to7y ear
sago.They
weredoingthisforme.Iwasgoing
onmyf i
rstproperdatewit
hNkosi.
Zandi:
Andwer eal
l
ygotdrunksoI
don'
twanthi
storytor
epeatit
sel
f,
that
swhyIcarri
edonebottl
eofwine
Sbahl
e:Youhaveal
cohol
wit
hyou
ever
ywhereyougo.
Me:Ireal
l
yappr
eci
atey
ouguy
sdoi
ng
t
hisforme.
Nceba:
Don'
twor
ryabouti
t,wey
our
si
ster
s.We'r
ejustafewminut
es
away,t
extaheadwhenyouneedus.
Kamo: Thi
sdresswi
ll
dowonder
sI
tel
lyou!Goshower
Bel
inda:Andshavethepr
ivat
earea'
s.
Youmi ghtbeget
ti
ngsomet oni
ght
Me:
Guy
sreal
l
ynow?
Si
ya:You'
l
lneverbeavi
rginf
orever
dar
li
ng.Goshower,t
imeisnotonour
si
de.
Itookabathandshav
ed.OnceIwas
done,Il
oti
onedandworemy
underwear
.
Bee:Nowthat'
ssomehotsexy
underwear
,comesi
t.I
'
lldoyourhai
r
andSi
yawi
l
ldoy
ourmakeup.
Phel
o:We'
rekeepi
ngi
tnat
ural
.
Beedidabeautif
ul st
yleonmyaf ro
andSiyadidmymakeup.Igot
dressed,i
twasagol ddress,knee
l
ength,longsl
eeves,ti
ghtwithan
openbackandblackpenci lheel
s.
Me:
HowdoIl
ook?
Si
ya:Dr
opdeadgorgeous!Danny
won'
tevenbeabl
etospeak.
Il
aughedatt
hem andhadonegl
ass
ofwine.
Me:
I'
m ner
vous
Sbahl
e:I
t'
snor
mal
.Justhav
eanot
her
gl
assandt
hat
'si
t.
Nceba:He'
l
lbeherei
nafewminut
es,
we'l
lbeonourwaybackt
oour
houses
Bel
inda:
Don'
tfor
gett
otel
lust
he
det
ail
s!
Beetookaf ewphot o'
sofmeand
sentthem toSneh.Iam t r
ulybl essed
tohavetheseladiesasmyf riends,as
muchasmostoft hem areoldert han
me.Itdoesn'tseem tomat ter,they
aremyf r
iendsandmysi sters.Ilove
andrespectthem asmuchast hey
l
ov eandrespectme.Af teraf ew
minutesIgotat extfr
om Danny
tell
ingmehei sdownst airsalready.I
checkedmy sel fonemor etimeandI
l
ookedgood.AsIwaswal king
downst ai
rsInot i
cedt hathewasnot
standi ngthereal one.Hest oodwi tha
manmucht allerthanhi m andhewas
well built
.Whent heybotht urnedI
sawt heresembl anceandIknewi t
washi sdad.Theybot hst oodand
staredatme, notsay ingany thing
whi chmademef eelshyand
uncomf ortable.Razor (Danny '
sf at
her
)
hadahugescaronhi scheekandhe
hadgr eeney es.Hesmi l
edatmeand
kissedmyhand
Razor
:Shei
stheone.You'
rebeaut
if
ul
makot
i.Sundayl
unchatmyhouse
t
omorrow,youdi
dwellTr
ist
on.
Wit
hthatsai
dheruf
fl
edDanny
'shai
r
andpat
tedhi
sshoul
dert
henhelef
t.
Me:
Thatwaswei
rdandscar
y
Danny:He'
ssortaweird,don'twor
ry
abouthi
m.Hewant edtocomesee
youandIcannev ersaynot ohim.
You'
reverybeaut
ifulmylady.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Danny
:Shal
lwe?
Inoddedandwewenttotheparking.
HewasusingacarI
'veneverseen
befor
e.I
twasbeaut
if
ulandIchoset o
shutmymouthsoIdon'tembarrass
my
sel
f.
Danny
:Doy
oul
i
kei
t?
Me:Yes,I
tsreal
lybeauti
ful
.Ireal
l
y
l
ovethecolour,
itsj
ustsorare.
Danny
:It
sar
aredi
me,
justl
i
key
ou.
Wegotintothecaranditjusttook
mybreatheaway.Ireal
l
ylov ethi
scar
andIcouldseei
twasbr and-new.
Danny
:It
saBMW X5.Inamedi
tPear
l
Me:Whywoul
dyounamei
tbymy
name?
Danny
:BecauseIthoughtofy
ou
whenIboughti
t.
Me:
You'
recr
azy
Theconv ersati
onkeptongoi ngas
wedr ovetowher everhewast aking
me.Hehadhi shandonmyt highand
damnwasi tmakingmehor ny .We
arr
ivedatourdest i
nationandi twasa
pl
acewi thabeaut i
fulgardenand
waterfountainnexttous.Heusher ed
met oourseat sandt hesett
ingwas
madej ustforthetwoofusout si
de
andwecoul dseesuchaper f ectv i
ew
ofthestars.Heopenedmyseatf or
meandIsat .Hewasonper fect
gentlemanmode.
Danny :
Doyouli
keit?Ar
eyoufeel
ing
cold?Wecanalwaysgoinsi
deif
you'r
ecoldandnotcomfor
tabl
ehere.
Me:Danny
, st
opworryi
ng.I
'
m not
col
dandIloveither
e.
Thewaitercamewi t
hourst
art
ers
andweat ewhilehavi
nga
conv
ersation.
Danny
:Youdoknowt
hatIl
ovey
ou?
Me:
Yes
Danny:Nasiphi
,Ijustwanty outo
knowthatIloveyouandI 'l
lnever
i
ntenti
onal
lyhurty ou.Iwillbeabi t
toooverpr
otecti
veofy ouandI '
ll
l
oosemymi ndifyou'reangr yatme.I
j
ustwanty outoknowt hatf r
om
todayonwardsyou' l
lhavet hisbi
g
manbuggingy ourl i
feforever.I
cannotpromi seyout
hatour
rel
ati
onshipwi l
lbesmoothasIknow
i
twillberockybutwhatIneedisfor
youtobel oyaltome.
Me:Iwi
l
lbeloy
al,
Icannev
ercheat
ony
ou.Ilov
eyou
Danny :Justknowi fy oudo, y ou're
diggingy ourowngr av e.Andnotj ust
thatonly, Ineedt oknowi fyou' l
l sti
ck
aroundwhent hingsgett ough.That
youwon' tpackandr unj ustbecause
thingsgetr ocky.Thaty ou'll
st andby
meandt rustmeasy ourmant of i
x
things.Ineedy outot rustmeand
knowy ourpl aceasmywoman.I
needy out obecommi tt
ed, fory out o
r
espectmeandt
rustme.
InoddedasIcommi t
tedmy selft
o
thi
srel
at i
onshi
p.Idon'tknowwhat
thefut
urehasforusbutIt rusthi
m
andwantt obewithhimf ortherest
ofmylife.
Me:Ineedyoutotrustmet oo,t
obe
committ
edtothisrel
ationshi
pandto
meandt heki
ds.Iwill
respectyou
andIwantyoutorespectmet oo.
Webothnoddedandhadt
hemai
n
meal
Danny
:Ihav
esomet
hingt
oasky
ou
Me:
Goahead.
Danny
:Cant
heki
dscal
lyouMom?
Theyaskedmeawhi l
eagoandIsaid
I'
daskyoubutI'
vebeenhesi
tant
about
,It
'sokayi
fyoudon'
twantto.
Me:I'
dlov
ethat.I
'
dlovethatv
ery
muchDanny.It
akethem asmyown
chi
l
drenandI'
dlovefort
hem tocal
l
memom.
Danny
:Thanky
ou,
thanky
ouv
ery
much.
Afterhavi
ngdinnerheaskedi fI
want edanydesertandIsaidno.I
wasr eal
lyful
l
,asmuchasIl ove
sweetstuffIhadnoplacefori ti
nmy
stomach.Wet ookawal khandi n
handandi twasamazi ng.I
twast he
bestnightofmyli
fe.Wewentt
oa
sett
ingwherether
ewasablanket
l
aidont hefl
oorwit
hpil
l
ows.
Danny:We'l
ll
ayher
eandlookatt
he
star
s.Theysai
dit
saperf
ectvi
ew
fr
om here.
Itookofmyshoesandgot
comf ort
ableaswel ai
ddownandI
l
aidonhi schest.Hecoveredmewit
h
hi
sj acket.Il
i
stenedtohi
sheart
beat
aswel ookedatt hest
ars
Danny:I
'
m goingtoheal
,I'
m goi
ngto
beabettermanforyou,mysel
fand
ourki
dsNasiphi
.Justtr
ustme
Me:
Itr
usty
ouandy
oudon'
tneedt
o
rushit.Heali
ngisnotanev
ent,i
tsa
process.It
'sgoi
ngtotaketi
mef or
yout oremoveallt
heemotional
scars
asy oucannotremovethephysi
cal
scars.
Danny:Isometimesfeelasi
fI'm not
manlyenough.Theytookmy
manhoodi nsi
deofmewhent hey
rapedme.Theyt ookawaythatpride
andstatus.
Me:Youareaman, y
ou'r
emor eofa
manthantheyare.Youneedto
r
emov et
hatfrom yourhead.
Danny
:Igr
ewup,Isti
ll
hadt hei
rfaces
i
nmyhead.Idr
ewt hem andhaunted
them downwi t
hthehelpofMpho, he
didn'
tknowthatI'
ml ookingforthese
peoplebecausetheyrapedme.He
thoughti
twaspeopl ethatjust
messedup.Nooneknowst hatI'
ve
beenrapedbesidesyou.
Me:Whatdi
dyoudowheny
ouf
ound
t
hem?
Danny
: It
ort
uredthem t
il
ltheydied.I
ki
ll
edthem sl
owlyandpainful
ly
.
Me:Howmanypeopl
ehav
eyouki
l
led
bef
ore?
Danny:Al
ot,Iwoul
dn'
thesi
tat
etokil
l
agai
nifsomeonemessedwi t
hme,
you,t
hekidsandmyfri
ends.Idon'
t
j
ustki
l
l,Iki
l
lwheni
tisnecessar
y.
Inoddedandjustkeptquiet
.The
amountofbloodinhishandsisnot
somethi
ngIcaneasilytakeaway.
Danny
:I'
veneverkil
ledachi
ldora
womanbefore.Idealwi
thmen,
womanwhocr ossusarealsodeal
t
wit
hbutnotkil
led.
Me:DoIneedtol earnhowtoprot
ect
myselfj
usti
ncasey ou'
renott
here
andit
sanemer gency
Danny
:Yes,
I'
ll
teachy
ouwhent
he
ti
meisri
ght
.
Me:
Danny
,Iwantt
ohav
eki
ds.
Danny
:Iknowt
hat
,Imeany
ou'
re
basi
call
y26,youwanttoset
tl
edown
andhaveafamilyandhaveki
dsof
yourowntoo.Iunder
standt
hat
Me:Thi
s,t
hisi
sn'
tfor
everi
fwe'
renot
goi
ngtohavemoreki
ds.
Danny :Iknowt hatandi twasr eal
ly
selfi
shofmet osayt haty ou'
l
l hav
et o
remov ey ourwomb.Iwasn' ti
nmy
ri
ghtsenses.Iwanty out oknowt hat
wewi l
lhavekidsNasi phi,Iwon'tl
ieit
reall
ydoesscar emebutIbel ieve
we' l
lbeokay .Andwe' l
lcrossthat
bridgewhenwegett her e.Doy ou
wanti ttobesomet hingt hathappens
soon?
Me:
Ayearort
woy
ear
sfr
om now
Danny
:Okay
,Icanwor
kwi
tht
hat
.
Ismil
edandkissedhim.Wekissed
andtheki
sswasget t
ingi
ntenseas
hewasnowr ubbingmythi
ghsgoing
ontomyclit
Danny
:Damn,
you'
rewet
.Suchat
urn
on
HekissedmyneckandImustsay,
it
i
sreall
yoneofmyweakspots.I
moanedandhebitmyneckmakinga
hi
ckey.
Danny:Let
sgobef
oret
hisget
smor
e
i
ntense.
Hecar
ri
edmeandIwashangi
ngl
i
ke
asackov erhisshoulders.Thedr i
ve
backhomewasr eal
lyshortert
han
thedriv
ecomi ngher e.Hewas
l
iter
all
yf l
yi
ngont her oad.Igi
ggled
andhel ookedatmeconf used.I
shruggedasIwascar ri
edintothe
houseandupt hestairs
Me:OnedayI
'
llf
all
landIwon'
ttal
kto
you.
Danny
:I'
l
lbev
erymadatmy
sel
ftoo
i
fyoufal
l.
Whenwegottoourr oom heki
ssed
meandpinnedmet othewallwhil
e
i
nser
ti
nghisfi
ngerinmyhoney pot
.I
moanedasitf
eltsogood
Danny
:Yourmoansdr
ivemecr
azy
.I
l
oveyouNasi
phi
Icoul dn'tevenrespond.Heputmeon
thebedandl ookedatmyunder wear.
Hesmi rkedandt ookitoff
.Heki ssed
meal lthewaydownandmuf fedme.
ItfeltsogoodasIf el
tmyl egs
trembl eandmyf l
uidsbuil
dup.I
cameandhesuckedmedr y .Het ook
offhi sboxershor tsandhe' speni s
wasst aringri
ghtatme.DearLor d!
Thi smani sgif
ted.Her ubbedi ton
clitandt hatalonesentshiv ersdown
myspi ne.Ifoundmy sel
fopeni ngmy
l
egsmor et oadjusttohim being
bet weenmyt highs.
Danny
:Whydi
dyouwai
t?
Me:
IguessIwai
tedforMrri
ght
.And
I
'ml
ooki
ngathimrightnow.
Heat t
ackedmewithapassionat
e
kissandIwasoncloudni
ne.Ifel
t
him asheenter
edmeslowlyandit
hurtsomuch!Ifel
tmyvir
ginalwal
ls
teari
ngapart
!
Me:
Ithur
ts
Danny
:Doy
ouwantmet
ost
op?
Me:
No
Het hrusteddeeperandthepleasure
waski ckingin.Itwaspai
nful
pleasure.Imoanedashet hrusted
fasterandt earsfel
lfr
om myeyes.I
don'tknowwhyIwascr yi
ng.He
wipedof fmyt earsandkissedme.He
waspassi onatelymakinglovetome
andi twasamazi ng.List
eningt
ohis
moansandseei ngt hewayhewas
mademef eel
good.Webot hcame
togetherashecal ledoutmyname.
Danny
:Thatwasamazi
ng.Thanky
ou
Heki ssedmeoncemor eandcarried
met ot hebathroom andwe
shower edtogether.Myvi
rginawas
soreandt hrobbing.Hedri
edmeup
andcar ri
edmet othebedandtucked
mei n.
Danny
:Getsomer
est
Me:
Idon'
twantt
orest
Danny
:Whatdoy
ouwantt
henNasi
?
Me:
Iwanty
ou
Whatiswr ongwi
thme?Ijusthadsex
minutesagoandhereIam wanti
ng
more.Thisguygotmeaddict
ed
i
nstantl
y.Hesmirkedandwastedno
t
ime.
Danny
:AahNasi
,thet
hingsI
'
m goi
ng
todotoy
ou.
Hei
nser
tedhi
smanhoodi
nsi
deof
meandthr
ust
ed.
Me:
Ilov
eyouDanny
!
Danny
:Il
ovey
out
ooPear
l.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t25
Lastni
ghtwasamaz ing.Isleptli
kea
babyandIkeptondreami ngoft he
thi
ngsDannydidtome.I t'
sf unny
howIjusti
nstant
lyenjoyedsex.He's
reall
ygoodatwhathedoes.What
camet omymi ndwast hatwedidn'
t
usepr otect
ionatall
!Iwokeup
quickl
ybutst oppedwhenmyl egs
fai
ledme.Ial mostfell
butDannywas
alr
eadyt hereholdi
ngme.
Danny
:Whatareyoudoing?You
al
mostfel
lbabe,
becareful
.
Me: Iwant
edtogobathsoIcangoto
thechemistandgetmor
ningaf
ter
pil
ls.
Danny:Getinbedandr
estmore.I
'
ll
gogetthem.Whatshoul
dIgetyou
forbr
eakfast?
Me:
Frui
tsal
adwi
l
lbeokay
,thanks.
Hekissedmyforeheadandlef
tme
t
uckedinbed.Igotaconfer
encecal
l
f
rom thegi
rl
s
Me:
Mor
ningbeaut
if
ull
adi
es
Phel
o:Soooo?
??Whathappenedl
ast
ni
ght?
Me:
Aladydoesn'
tgetl
aidandt
ell
!
Thescreamsthatfoll
owedaf t
ermy
stat
ement!You'
dswearIj ustsai
d
somethingsooexcit
ing.
Sneh:Youdir
tyl
it
tl
esi
ster
!Youneed
totel
lusthedet
ail
s
Me:
All
Icansayi
s,i
twasamazi
ng.
Nay
e:Am It
heonl
yonewhoi
s
get
ti
ngemot
ional
?
Zandy:Yougetemot
ional
about
ever
ythi
ng.Mmmh!Howbi gi
shis
di
ck?
Me:
Zandi
l
eZungu!
Zandy:WhatI'
mjustcurious,i
sit
whit
eorpink?Idon'
tthinkit'
sblack,
doesithav
epubichair?Cany oulike
seethevei
ns?
Kamo: Whatwi
llwedowi thZandy
kodwa?Youarecrazy .Let
smeetup
forl
unchsowecant alkandyou'l
ltel
l
usallt
hejui
cydetai
ls.
Me:Sorr
yIcannot
,MrMcKenzie,
Danny'
sfat
heri
nvi
tedusf
orlunch.
Ngamso:
Goodl
uckwi
tht
hatbi
tch
Me:
Whatbi
tch?
Nceba:Don'
tcal
lherabi
tch!
(giggl
es)
Danny'
sstepmom isabi
gpai ninthe
ar
se!
Naye:Don'
twor
ry,
Dannywi
l
lpr
otect
you.
Me:
Maki
ngmemor
ener
vous
Sneh:Don'
tbe.You'
ll
befi
ne,
Iknow
you'
ll
putherinherpl
ace.
Bel
inda:
Ihopet
hedi
ckdi
dn'
tmake
youweak!
Weall
laughedandweheardLubah
att
hebackgroundaski
ngwhatdi
ck
i
sshet
alki
ngaboutov
ert
hephone
Nt
oko:
Yey
e!Tr
oubl
einpar
adi
se.
Bel
i
nda:Dannyscor
edbabakhe,
so
we'
ret
alki
ngtoNasi.
Me:
Bel
i
nda!
Beli
nda:What?Youwanthi
mt obe
angryatmehereandthi
nkI'
m
cheati
ng.Nev
er
Wel aughedanddecidedtoendt he
cal
lbef orewecausemoredr ama.I
wentt otakeashowerandmyv i
rgi
na
wasabi tsor
e.Imadethebed,
changedt hesheet
sandlinen.I
cl
eanedandwentdownst ai
rs.
Danny
:It
houghtIt
oldy
out
orest
Me:
Icoul
dn'
tsl
eepany
mor
e.
Hepassedmet
hepi
l
lsandIt
ook
t
hem.
Me:Weshoul dpassbythehospital
soIcangetacont r
acept
ivei
njecti
on.
Idon'
tthi
nkI'
llbeablet
otakepill
s,I
'l
l
keeponforgett
ing.
Danny
:Okay
,I'
l
lgoshower
.
HeleftandIhadmyf rui
tsal
adwhi l
e
watchingT.
V.Hecamedownst air
s
l
ookingdazzl
inghotafteraboutan
hour.Hewasv eryhandsomeandhe
ki
ssedmyf orehead.
Danny:
Areyoufull
?Iboughtsome
past
afrom wool
iesjusti
ncaset
hat
sal
adi
sn'
tenough.
Me:
I'
ll
hav
ethepast
atoot
hanks.
Danny
:I'
l
ldi
shupf
ory
ou,
sitdown.
Me:Babe,
I'v
ebeenwant
ingt
oask
yousomethi
ng.
Danny
:Ask
Me:Hav
eyouseenyouruncl
eaf
ter
hedi
dwhathedi
d?
Danny:Af
terher
apedme,y
oucan
sayi
t.AndyesIhav
eseenhi
m once
whenIwas16.
Me:Yousaidyoulookedfort
he
r
apistsandkil
l
edthem,whydidn'
t
youlookforhi
m andkil
lhi
m?
Danny :Iknowwher ehei s.Hei smy
fathersbrother,t
heyarev eryclose.I
cannotgetmy selft
okillhim,Ihav e
nosi bl
ings,hischil
drenarelikemy
sibli
ngsandki ll
i
ngt hei
rfatherisn'
t
somet hingIwantt odo.
Me:Buthekil
l
edyout
oo,
heki
l
led
youbyrapi
ngyou.
Danny:Soy
out
hinkIshoul
d'
veki
l
led
hi
mt oo?
Me:Idon'
tknow,
Ijustt
hinki
fI'
dsee
hi
mI '
dkil
lhi
m.
Danny:You'r
enev ergoi
ngtokil
l
anyoneNasiphi.Idon'
twantany
bl
oodiny ourhands,under
stood?
Me:
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
yourf
ather
?
Danny:Theyhaveav er
yclose
rel
ati
onshi
p,thatwouldki
l
l myfat
her
.
I
'm pr
otecti
nghim
Me: Whileyoupr otecthim, you'
re
hurt
ingy ourselfi
nside.You'rehurti
ng
becausey ourdadwasn' tthereto
prot
ecty ou.You'rehur t
ingbecause
youdidn'tdoany thingtoy ouruncle.
Youhav en'tfoundt hatclosure.
Danny:Idowantmyr evengebutI
feelasifthi
ngswillf
alli
ntopl
ace
themselves.ThatonceIseehim
again,I
'
llaskhim whyhedi dt
hatt
o
hisownnephew.Il ookeduptomy
uncl
eandIwant edtobelikehim and
myf at
herwhenIgrewup.Butt heday
herapedme, t
hingschanged.Ihated
hi
m andmy sel
f.
Me:
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
Zeeaboutt
his?
Danny:Itrust
edheral ot
,butIdidn'
t
tr
ustherenought osharethiswi t
h
her.Shewoul d'
vepiti
edme, she
would'v
ef el
tsorryformeand
wouldn'tbeabletocopewi t
hi t
.She
wouldn'thaveknownhowt ohandleit
andwhatt oev ensaytome.
Me:Shedidseeyounakedamill
ion
t
imes,di
dn'tsheaskabouty
ourscar
s?
Danny
:Shedi
dandI
'
dsaywhenshe'
s
str
ongenough,I'
dtell
herwhat
happenedtome.Shewascur i
ous
aboutitbutIdi
dn'
ttel
lher
.Soshelet
i
tgo.
Me:Whatmadey
out
hinkI
'
m st
rong
enough?
Danny:Isawi ti
ny oureyesandhowI
i
nstantl
ygotcomf or t
abletoshare
anythi
ngandev erythi
ngwi thyou
amazedmeandi tscar edmet oo.I
sawhowst rongy ouar ewhent he
gir
lsattackedy oubuty oustoody our
ground.You'restrongerthany ou
actual
lythink.You'vemanagedt o
maket hisstrongguy ,veryweakfor
you.I'
m ablet ocommuni catewit
h
youandt al
kaboutmyf eel
i
ngs,that
's
somethingIhar
dlyeverdo.Theysay
amanal wayshashisweakspot ,
you'
remyweakspot .Ifanyt
hing
coul
dhappent oyou,IswearI'
dloose
mymi nd.
Me:NothingwillhappentomeMr
McKenzie.Don'tworryyour
sel
f.Let
mecallPaulatogett heki
dsready
andpackt hei
rbags.
Ical
l
edPaul
a
Me:
Dar
kbeaut
y
Paul
a:Hel
l
o,howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m goodandy
our
sel
fbabygi
rl
Paul
a:I
'
m okaysi
s,hehy
azBr
ian
cal
l
edmel
astni
ghtwhi
chwasv
ery
wei
rd.
Me:
Why
?
Paula:Hedidn'tspeakmuch,hejust
saidhewant edtohearmyv oi
cesoI
wast heonewhospokeal ottel
li
ng
him aboutmyday .Hesai
dhei sn'
tin
Durbanbutwhenhecomesbackhe' d
l
iketoseeme.
Me:
Andwhatdi
dyousay
?
Paul
a:Iagr
eed.
Me:That
sgreat,Iwonderwhyhe
want
stoseey ou.
Paul
a:Iwondert
oo,
any
way
swhydi
d
youcal
l?
Me:Pleasegett
hekidsr
eady,
we'
l
l
pi
ckthem upinanhourort
wo.
Paul
a:Okaycool
I'
ll
doso.
Me:
Thanks,
Iowey
ou.
Paul
a:Youcancomewi
thOr
eosf
or
me
Me:
Wil
ldoso,
whatel
sedoy
oul
i
ke?
Paul
a:Sourwor
ms
Me:
Mmmhokay
Iendedthecal
landt
ext
edBri
an,
"Buy
herOreo'
sandsourwor
ms.Shel
oves
them."
Hetextedback"
Thanks,
you'
rea
l
if
esaver.
"
Danny:
Sowhatdoy
ouwantt
odo
whil
ewewai
t
Me:Youcanst
artbymassagi
ngmy
f
eetwhil
eIwor
k.
Danny:I
t'
saSunday,
youneedt
o
rel
axandnotwork
Me:
Ihavet
owork,t
her
ear
ejusta
f
ewdocument
sIneedt
ogothrough.
Danny:I
fitwasuptome,you
wouldn'
tbeworki
ngatal
l
.
Me:
It'
snott
hef
ir
stt
imey
ousayt
hat
.
Danny:Thatsbecausei
t'
str
ue.We
haveeveryt
hingweneedandmore,I
cantakecareofyouandyoudon'
t
needtobewor ki
ng
Me:Danny
,youhaveeveryt
hing.I'
m
worki
ngsoIcanhaveall
thet hi
ngs
I
'v
edreamtofhavi
ng.
Danny
:Ev
ery
thi
ngt
hatIhav
eisy
our
s
Me: NoDanny,i
tallbel
ongstoyou
andwhaty ouworkedhardfor
.Ican'
t
comeupher eandsayIown
everyt
hingyouown.Iwanttowork
hardandearnthemoneysoIcanbe
abletohavethi
ngsthatIown.
Danny:I
'
m aman, Iam yourmanand
i
tismydut yt
oprovideforyou.I
knowthatyou'
vebeenindependent
yourent
ir
elif
eandy ou'
renotusedto
havi
ngsomeonetakingcareofyou.
Butjustl
etmetakecareof
fyouand
prov
ideforyouandourki
ds.
Me:Fi
neDanny
,butt
hatdoesn'
t
meanI'
l
lst
opworki
ng
Danny:Youcansti
ll
work,asi
thas
alwaysbeenyourdr
eam andIwant
tosupporty
ou.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Helef
tmeandwentupst ai
rsasI
readt
hroughsomedocument s.His
phonewasont hecouchandi trang.
Thecall
wasfrom Bianca.Ianswered
Bianca:"
Babe,
Imissyou.You'
ve
beenignori
ngmycall
s."
Me:
Sor
ry,
MrMcKenzi
eisbusy
.ButI
cant
ell
himt
ocal
lyoul
ater
Bianca:
"Andwhot
hefuckarey
ou
answeri
ngmymansphone?"
Me:I
'
m hishousehel
p,I
'
llt
ell
your
mantocall
you.Bye.
Ifel
tmyheartbreakint
opiecesand
mybl oodwasboili
ng.Iwalked
aroundthehousewithhisphone.He
camedownst ai
rs
Danny:Didyouseemyphone?I
thoughtIhadi
tinmypocket
.
Iputi
tontheki
tchencount
erandhe
cametotheki
tchen.
Danny
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
Yourgi
rl
fr
iendcal
l
ed
Danny
:Mygi
rl
fr
iend
Me:
Yes!Bi
anca
Danny
:Ohher
.
Me:
Car
etoexpl
ain
Danny:She'
snotmygir
lf
ri
endokay
?
She'
sjustsomeoneIf
uckedwit
h.
Me:
Her
e?
Danny
:No.
Me:Howmanyf
uckbuddi
esdoy
ou
hav
e?
Danny :
"Di
dIhav e"iswhatyou
shouldask.
..About10,I'
m notreall
y
sure.Theyall
didn'tmeananything.
Bi
ancaandPhi
wejusthappenedt
o
l
astl
ongert
hantheot
hers
Me:
Wer
etheyt
hatgood?
Danny
:Okayt
hisconv
ersat
ioni
sov
er.
Me:
Thatmeanst
heywer
egood
Danny:
Theywerebet
tert
hanthe
ot
hersandknewhowtofuck.
Me:
Jer
k
Il
efthi
mi ntheki
tchenandwentt
o
cr
ymyl ungsouti
nt hebat
hroom.
Danny
:Opent
hisdoorNasi
phi
Me:
No
Danny
:Youwant
edtoknowthet
rut
h
andIwasbei
nghonestwi
thy
ou.
Nasiphi
,they
'venevermat t
eredtome
andtheydon'tmatter.Bi
ancaisnot
mygi r
lf
ri
end,youare.I'
m sorryt
hat
shecall
edandt ol
dy outhat
nonsense.Il
oveyouPear l.
Iopenedt
hedoorandhesmi
l
edat
me
Me:
What
?
Danny
:Youcr
yingov
erme,
it'
scut
e
act
ual
ly
Me:
Youdon'
twantmet
oki
l
lyou.
Danny
:Washy
ourf
acesowecango.
Iwashedmyfaceandwel
eft.Danny
gotacal
lwhi
l
ewewer eontheway .
Danny
:Expl
ainy
our
sel
fBi
anca
Bi
anca:
Danny
,Imi
ssy
oubabe
Danny :Don'
tbabeme,howcany ou
call
mywomanandsayy ou'
remy
gir
lf
riend.Bet
terr
unbeforeIf
indyou,
youknowwhathappenswheny ou
messwi t
hme.
Heendedt
hecal
landhel
dmyhand.
Danny
:Shewon'
tbet
roubl
eany
mor
e.
Wegott omymot hershouseandI
wasv eryhappytoseethem.They
sett
ledinverywellandnothi
ng
makesmemor ehappyt hanknowing
thattheygetal
ongandar ealways
together
.
Me:Mom,havey
oubeent
aki
ngy
our
medi
cat
ion?
MaD:
YesNasi
.
Me:Hah,don'tgi
vemet hateye.Iwas
j
ustmakingsure.Mamam, howare
you?Ihopetheserascal
shav en'
t
beenexhausti
ngyou.
Oni
ka:
Mom,
youcan'
tcal
lusr
ascal
s.
Me:
Okay
,I'
m sor
rybaby
gir
l.
I
tfel
tsorealwhenshecall
edme
mom.IwantedtocrybutIhel
dmy
t
earsback.
Me:
Wher
eisDanv
er?
Danv
er:
I'
m comi
ngmom.
HerantomeandIhel
dhi
m.Ihav
e
missedmybi
gboy.
Me:
Missedme?
Danver
:I'
vemissedy ousomuch.I'
m
happyyou'
rehere.Daddy,
I'
vemissed
youtoo
Danny:
Imissedyoubot
hmyki
ds,
andguesswherewegoi
ng?
Oni
ka:
Thezoo?
Danny
:No,
Grandpa'
shouse.
Theycheeredandt
heyseemedt obe
soexcit
ed.Dannyt
ooktheirbagsand
wesaidourgoodbyestomymoms
andPaula.WewentofftoDanny's
fat
hershouseandi
twasr eal
ly
beauti
ful
andbig.Hewaswai ti
ngfor
usatthedoorwithagor geouslady
whoseemedr atheri
rri
tatedwhenthe
kidsr
antoRazor .Af
tergreeti
ngthem
theki
dsranintothehouseandwe
headedtothem.
Danny
:McKenzi
e
Razor
:Tr
ist
on
Theyshookhandsandheki
ssedmy
hand
Razor:
Youlookbeaut
if
ulmy
daughter
Me:
Thanky
ou
Razor
:Thi
sisLy
dia,
mywi
fe.
Me:GooddayMrsMcKenzi
e.I
'
m
Pear
lNasi
phiNy
athi
Ly
dia:
Wheredoyougett
hesecheap
gi
rl
sfr
om Danny
?
Danny
:Ly
dia!Don'
tst
art
.
Sheshruggedandmarchedintothe
house.Yhu!Ayshe'
ssomethingelse.
Razor:Comeinsi
de,youruncleand
hiswif
earehere.Youhaven'tseen
them i
nsolong
Danny
:Uncl
eRy
le?
Razor:Yes.He'
l
lbever
yhappytosee
you,he'
sbeenaski
ngaboutyou.
Danny
:Youcangoi
nDad,
we'
l
lfol
l
ow
y
oui
nami
nut
e.
Henoddedandwenti
n.If
igur
edthe
Uncl
eRy l
eist
heonewhoraped
Danny.
Me:
Isi
thi
m?
Dannynoddedandhewastur
ning
pale.Hewasget
ti
ngreal
l
yangryand
Iheldhi
m.
Me: Idon'tt
hinkl
eavi
ngwi l
lbea
goodi deasoIwon'tsuggestt
hat
.
Yousawhowhappyt heki
dsandyour
fat
herar e.
Danny :
Iwon'tl
eav
eandgiv
ehimthat
sati
sfacti
on.Wher
ehashebeenal
l
theseyearsandwhyi
sheherenow!
Me:
Danny
,cal
m down.
Hehuggedmetight
lyandIlethi
m
ev
enthoughIwassuffocat
ing.
Me:Don'
tactupi
nther
eplease.Don'
t
yout
hinki
tsti
meyoutol
dy ourf
ather
?
Danny:
No,notnow.I
twi
l
lki
ll
him,
yousawhowexcit
edhei
s.
Heheldmyhandandwewentt othe
di
nningroom whereeveryonewas.
Ryl
ewascar r
yingDanverand
br
ushinghischeek.Dannysqueezed
myhandashi sfaceturnedpal
e.
Me: Goodday.Uhm Danver
,come
heresweety
.Sorry
,Ifor
gotthathe
neededtousethebathroom onour
wayher
e.
Danny
: Downthepassage,
thi
rddoor
fr
om yourl
eft
.
Me:
Thanks,
excuseme.
Onikaalsof ol
l
owedusandI '
m gl
adI
wasabl etogetDanverofft
hat
bastar
dwi thouthav
inganydrama.
Thatsthelastthi
ngIneed.
Danv
er:
Idon'
tneedt
oweewee
Me:
Justwee'
weesoy oudon'
tneed
t
ocomebacklat
er.YoutooOni
ka
HedidasIsaidandtheywashed
thei
rhandsandwewentbackt othe
other
s.Ryl
eandRazorwerehavinga
goodconversat
iont
alki
ngabout
Dannywhenhewasst il
lachi
l
d.It
upsetmemor et
hathewasact i
ngas
i
fnothi
ngeverhappenedandhe
seemedli
keheexpectedDannyto
al
soactthatway.
Ry
le:
Arey
ouokayTr
ist
on?
Danny
:Yeahsur
e.
Ryle:Iseey ou'v
edoner eal
l
ywellf
or
yourself,I
'
m sor r
yImi ssedyour
weddi ngandmyapol ogiestoyoutoo
daught eri
nlaw, y
oulookedv er
y
beautifuli
nt hepict
ures.
Ryl
esWif
e: Youdi
dn'tgett
omeetme,
I
'm Pi
nky
.Youdi dl
ookv er
ybeaut
if
ul,
i
tseemsy ou'v
egainedsomuch
wei
ght.Wewer
einSanFr
anci
scoat
t
hatti
me.
Me:Sor
ry,
you'
remi
staken.Uhm t
hat
wasnotmeMam.
Lydi
a:Thatnonsenseofawi f
e
passedawayandDannyhasr epl
aced
herwit
hhercompl et
er epl
i
ca.Isee
theonl
yachievementyourwifehad
wasbeingskinny,
she'snowreplaced
byapig.
Thesl apshereceivedfrom Razor !I
wasshockedmy sel
f.Iam sohappy
thekidswer esomewher eint his
houseanddi dn'tgettoseet hat.She
star
tedcryingandwentout .Pinky
f
oll
owedher
.
Ryl
e:Iwonderwhydi
dyoust
aywi
th
her
Razor:She'
sstayi
nghereti
l
lour
divor
ceisfi
nali
zed.She'
l
lbegoneby
theendofthiscomingweek.
ItakeitDannyknewaboutt he
divorcesinceheisn'tsurpr
ised.The
helperssetthetableandIcal l
edt he
kids.EveryonesatdownandIsai d
grace.Idishedupformyki dsand
Danny .Theothershelpedt hemselves.
Itdidn'
tseem asifLy di
awasgoi ngt o
dishupf orRazorsoIdi shedupf or
him.
Razor
:Thanky
ouPear
l.
Weateourf
oodsi
l
ent
lyandRy
le
spokeup
Ryl
e:SoDanny,
howhaveyoubeen?
Youdidn'
tmi
ssyourf
avour
it
euncle?
Danny
:I'
vebeenf
ine.
Hehel
dmyhandundert hetabl
eand
i
twasshaki
ng.Ipassedhi
m some
wat
erandhegulpedit.
Razor
:Ar
eyouokayTr
ist
on?
Danny
:I'
mfi
ne!
Me:
Danny
Thet
ensi
oninthi
sroom waspr
ett
y
hi
ghandRazorwasbegi
nningt
o
not
icet
hatt
her
ewassomet
hing
goi
ngon.
Ryle:Ihavegoodnews, mywi feandI
arepermanent lymov i
nginDur ban.
We'llbemuchcl osert
oourf amily
andIwashopi ngwewoul dspend
mor eti
meDannyandI '
dgett oknow
mygr andchil
dren.Yourcousi nshave
tol
dmet hatyoukepti ntouchall
thesey ear
s.
Dannyjustl
ookedathim.Honest l
y
thi
sRyleguyisdisgusting.Hecomes
hereandactsli
keev er
y thi
ngisokay.
Hewasbegi nni
ngt opissmeof ft
oo.
ThisLydi
awomanwassi l
entnow,
thatsl
apshutherup.
Pi
nky
:Sowhatdoy
oudoPear
l?
Me:I
'm adoct
or,
Ispeci
ali
zei
n
Car
diol
ogy.
Pi
nky
:Ohwow,
that
samazi
ng.
Lydi
a:Dannyhasathi
ngforDoct
orsI
see,
hiswifewasadoctort
oo.
Me:Yes,atl
eastmysi
sterandIdi
d
somethi
ngwi t
hourl
iv
est hanbei
nga
tr
ophywife.
Ly
dia:
Excuseme?
!
Me:
You'
reexcused.
Razorlaughedabi
tandt hatmade
Lydiaevenmoreangry.Someone
walkedinandshelookedlikeshesi
n
herl
ate40'
sandshewaspr
egnant
.
Ly
dia:Ohhel
lno!Youdi
dnotj
ust
br
ingheri
nmyhouse!
Razor:
Thisismyhouseandyou'
l
l
shutupifyouknowwhat'
sgoodfor
you.Myphindy,y
ou'
reher
e.
Phi
ndy:Yesbabakhe,I
'
m sor
ryf
or
di
stur
bing,
Ididn'
tknowyouhad
company.
Danny
:Dad,
whati
sgoi
ngonher
e?
Razor
:Son,meetyournewmother.
She'
scarr
yingmychil
d.You'
ref
inal
ly
goi
ngtohav easi
bli
ng.
Dannyl
ookedl
i
kehewasjustabout
tol
oosehi
smind.Hej
ustst
aredat
hisfat
herwhowassmi l
ingf
rom ear
toearlooki
ngdeeplyinl
ovewit
h
MamPhi ndy.InudgedDannyandhe
fakedasmile.WehaddessertandI
clear
edthetable.
Danny
:Dad,
wehav
etogetgoi
ng
Razor
:Sosoon?
Danny
:Yes.We'
l
lseeyousomeother
ti
me.Nicet
omeetyou,MaPhi
ndy
.
Ryle:
I'll
beseeingy ousoontoo
Danny .I'
l
lvisi
tmygr andchi
l
dren,i
t
seemsasi fwe'l
lgetalongwellwi
th
mygr andson.
Inj
ustafl
ashDannypunchedRy
le
andhefel
lonthef
loor
.Onika
scr
eamedandIcar
ri
edher
.
Razor
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngDanny
!
Danny
:St
ayawayf
rom myki
dsor
el
seI'
l
lki
l
lyou.
Withthatsai
dweleftandIdrove
backhomebecauseDannywast oo
upsettodri
veandIdon'twantno
acci
denthappeni
ng.Wegothome
andthekidswenttotakeanap.
Me: Doyouwantscot
ch,
whi
skeyor
vodka?
Danny
:Vodka
Me:
Comi
ngr
ightup.
Danny
:Dadhasbeencal
l
ingme
Me:Ithi
nkit
stimeyouopenedupto
hi
mt oo.Heneedst
oknowt hetr
uth
Danny:Iguessso.Ar gh!Whata
dramati
cday !Icannotbeli
evethat
bastar
dhadt henervet oactal
l
i
nnocent.
Me:
Thatreal
l
ydi
dupsetmeal
ot.He
i
sanevi
lman.
Danny:Ialsocannotbel
ievemy
fat
heri
shav ingababy.Likewhendi
d
all
thi
shappenandwhyi sthatol
d
manstill
hav i
ngsex
Me: Yourfat
hermi
ghtbeol
dbuthei
s
veryhandsome,wel
lbui
l
tandseems
young.
Danny
:You'
reey
eingmyf
athernow?
Me:Hi
stoochar
ming,
Icannotkeep
myeyssof
fhim.
Igi
ggl
edandhesmi
rked.
Danny
:I'
m 34year
sold,
I'
mtoool
dto
behavi
ngasibli
ng.
Me:You'
l
lbeagreatbi
gbrot
her
.
She'
l
lbedueany
timesoon.
Myphoner
angandIanswer
ed
Me: Nasiphi
hel
l
o?Whoam I
speakingto?
Voice:
It'
sRaz
or,
giv
ethatboyt
he
phone.
Me:
Uhm.
..ohokaysi
r.
..
.it
'sy
our
f
ather
.
Danny
:Dad.
Heputi
tonspeaker
.
Razor
:Wi
l
lyout
alk?
Danny:Ther
e'snot
hingt
otal
kabout
Razor
Razor:Iwantt
oknowwhyyouact
ed
thatwaytowardsRy
leandy
ouwil
l
tel
lme.
Danny
:Whatyoushoul
dexplai
nis
MamPhindy
,whendidshehappen?
Razor:
She'sbeenaroundlong
enoughformet opl
anttwoseedsin
herwomb.She'shavingtwingi
rl
s
Danny
:I'
m goi
ngt
ofai
nt,
li
kel
i
ter
all
y.
Hegavemethephoneandwent
st
rai
ghtt
othepool
Razor
:Tr
ist
on!
Me: Si
r,Ithi
nkitsbesti
fyoucome
hereandt alkt
ohim.Hej ustthr
ew
himsel
fi nthepool.Hei
sn'ttaki
ngal
l
thi
swell.
Razor:
Stopcal
l
ingmesir
,you
makingmesoundreal
l
yold.
Me: Sor
ryRaz
or.Nowcomet
alkt
o
yourson.
Razor
:Thankyouf
orbei
ngi
nhisl
if
e.
You'
vemanagedtomakemysoncall
meDadagain.
Isaidmygoodbyesandendedt
he
cal
l.Iwonderwhathemeansbythat
.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t26
#Danny
Everythingseemst obebombar ding
mesomuch.Ev erythingwasgoi ng
perfectl
yandIwasr eal l
yhappy .I'm
happyandi nlovewi thmyPear l whom
Iseeaf utur
ewi th.Myf amilyis
comi ngt ogetherandmybondwi th
mychi ldreni sbey indwhatIev er
i
magi nedi twoul dbe.Honest ly
, Nasi
hasbeenkeepi ngmesaneal lthis
ti
me.Mydadcamey esterdaytry i
ng
totalktomebutIdi dn'ttalktohi m.I
hadal ottot akei nanddeal wit
h.He
call
edf orameet ingt odayat7pm
andI '
m notl ookingf orwardt oit.Nasi
saidshe' l
lbet her ewi thmeandt hat
alonemakesmef eel happyand
secure.Iknowshehasmybackand
wil
l supportme.Ihav et or el
iv
ethat
memor ytodayandi tisn'tsomething
I'
ml ookingforwardt obutIguessi ts
partofmyheal ingjour neyasNasi
said.She'stheonlyper sont hat
makessenset omeandt hatmakes
mest ronger.
Oni
ka:
Daddy
,wakeup.Wakeup
Me: Shoul
dn'
tyoubepr
epar
ingf
or
school?
Oni
ka:Iam r
eady
,come,
mommyi
s
cr
ying.
Ist
oodupsoquicklyandcarri
edher
asIrandownst
air
sandf oundNasii
n
t
ear
s.
Me:
Babe,
what
'swr
ong?
Nasi
:Nothing,Ij
usthurtmyfi
nger.I
wasclosi
ngt hecardoorandIcl
osed
i
twit
hi ti
nside.
Herhandwasbleedi
ngandIr
insedi
t
whil
eshewinced.
Me:
Stopmov
ingNasi
Ipl
ast
eredherf
ingerandshewas
l
aughi
ng.
Me:
Whyar
eyoul
aughi
ng?
Nasi
:Youlookl
i
key
ou'
reaboutt
oki
l
l
someone.
Me:
Youhur
tyour
sel
fthat
swhy
Nasi
:I'
m okaynow,
Danv
er,
Oni
kal
ets
go
Me:Youcannotdr
ivewi
tht
hatcut
.I'
l
l
dr
iveyou
Nasi
:OkaySi
r.
Iki
ssedherandsqueezedherbum.
Danv
er:
EuewwDad,
don'
tdot
hatt
o
mom
Me:Weneedt
ofi
ndy
ouagi
rl
fr
iend
soonsoon
Nasi
:St
opi
tDanny
.
Me:
Comehel
pmegetdr
essed
Nasi
:Danny
, weneedt
oleav
eort
he
ki
dswil
lbelate.
Ismi
rked,shedoesn'tknowwhat s
comi
ngf orher.Igotdressedqui
ckly
andweleft.IdroppedoffOnikat
hen
Danv
eranddr ov ebackhome.
Nasi
:Tr
ist
on!Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Shehasat endencyofcall
i
ngme
Tri
stonwhenshe'supset.All
that
angerwi
llbegonei nafewmi nut
es.I
mustsay,She'sdamnsexywhen
she'
sangry.
Nasi
:Whyar
ewebackhome?
Me:Becausewe'regoingt ohavea
qui
cki
esoy ouwon'tbel ateforwor
k.
Andit
'sbett
ernowsi ncethekids
won'
tbelateforschool,extr
a10mins
soi
ts30mi
nst
ops.
Nasi
:You'
recr
azy
Me:
Crazyabouty
ou.
Shegiggl
edandthatturnedmeon.
Shewaswearingatightkneelength
bl
ackdresswhichItookoff.Ient
ered
herandyou'
l
lgetthedetail
ssomeday .
Me:
Mmmht
hatwasgood.
Nasi:Yesi
twas.Nowlet'
sgoshower
,
Isti
l
lneedtogettoworkandyou
shouldgotoworktoo.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngonsi
tetodayt
henI
'
llgo
t
omymeetingwi
ththegent
s.
Weshower
edt
oget
herandmade
l
ov eagai n.I 'm gladshet ookhershot
becauseIdon' tlikeusingacondom.
PlusI'm notr eadyt ohav eababy ,i
t'
s
evenwor set hatI 'l
lbehav i
ngl i
ttle
twinsi ster swhi chI 'l
lbe34y ears
older!I'm ol denought obet heir
parent.Ev enmyownki dswi l
lbe
olderthant hem.Razori sliter
ally
crazyIt ell you.West i
llneedt o
discusst hisf urther,MaPhi ndywi ll
givebir t
hi naf ewweeks.That 'slit
tl
e
ti
mef ormet opr eparemy self,they
should' v
et oldmet hemi nutethey
foundout .Imean, Daddidn'tevent el
l
mehewascheat ingonLy diaandi s
getti
ngadi v orce.
Nasi
:Danny
,let
sgo.
Me:I
'
vebeenwait
ingf
ory
ou.You
t
ookyourownt
ime.
Idrovehert
owor kandwhi l
eIwal
ked
hertoherof
fice.Thati
diotwal
ked
towardsus.
Dr
N:MrMcKenzi
e
Me:
Nxumal
o.
HewalkedpastandI'm gl
adhedi
dn'
t
causeanydr
amabecauseIwont
hesi
tat
etobeathim upagain.
Nasi
:Don'
tgetal
lwor
kedupnow.
Me:I
'm notwor
ri
ed,heknowshi
s
pl
aceandifhestepsoutoft
hel
i
ne.
I'
l
ldisci
pli
nehim.Ihavetogonow,
enjoyyourday
.I'
ll
call
y ou
ShenoddedandIkissedhercheek
andl
eft.Lucki
l
yIbumpedinto
Nxumaloagain
Me:Nxumalo,stayi
nyourl
aneboy
.
St
ayinyourlane.
Dr
N:YesMrMcKenz
ie.
Somemenar ejustweakli
ngs.Byjust
gett
ingafewpunches,he'
salready
scared.
Isi
ghedasIremember edwhati
s
aheadofmef ort
heday .Asl
ongas
mypill
arofstr
engthi
snexttome,I
shoul
dbef i
ne.
#Nasi
Sot ryi
ngt ogetRazort ocomeov er
andt alkt oDannywasacompl ete
disasterast heyar guedt i
llIsaidit
wasenough.Theywer egoi ngonl i
ke
teenageboy s.Aftert hatRazorsai d
they'l
lbeaf ami lymeet i
ngwhi chwi l
l
belateront oday .I'
m notl ooking
forwar dt oitandI '
m def i
nitelynot
takingt heki dsther e.I'
llleavet hem at
mom' sandt hey'l
lsleepov erasI
don'tknowwhent hi smeet i
ngwi l
l
end.I'm notpar toft hef ami l
yandI
shouldn' tbeat tendingbutI 'm going
becauseDannyneedsmet here.IfI
don'tgo, hewon' tgot oo.Ideci dedto
workthroughlunchaf tercoming
fr
om surgeryandseei ngtwopat i
ent
s
wit
hcr i
ti
calcondit
ions.Thegirls
bargedinwithoutevenknockingand
Nay ewascarryi
ngt hebeautif
ul
Pri
ncessLisakhanya.
Kamo:
Heygi
rl
Me:Heyguys,
mmhy oubrought
l
unch.You'
rev
eryt
hought
ful
Zandy:I
t'
sjustawayofust
ryi
ngt
o
getyoutotal
k.
Si
ya:
Howwasbi
tchLy
dia?
Me:
Shegotahotsl
apf
rom Razor
Bel
i
nda:
YhuRazori
sbr
utal
Nt
oko:Appar
ent
lyt
heyar
eget
ti
ng
di
vor
ced
Me:
Youknow?
Nceba:Forsomest ranger eason,
L’
yandaandRazorgetal ongv er
ywel
l
andit
'sweirdbecauset heyare
completel
ydif
ferentpeople.
Me: Thatfri
endshipci
rcl
ealoneis
weird,becauseeachandev er
yone
hast hei
rownuni quechar
acterbut
theyblendinsowel l
.
Phelo:I
t'
samazi ngItel
lyou.Nasi
hurr
ywi ththedetai
ls,
Ineedtobe
backatt heAir
portat1pm,youhave
10mi ns
Me:Guy s,wehadsexokay.I
twas
amazing,hewasv er
ygent
leandi
t
wasthebestnightofmyli
fe.
Zandi
:Nof
reakyhandcuf
fi
ngi
sh?
Me: What?No!I
twasmyfir
stnight
andIwouldn'
tbewant
inghandcuffs.
AndIactual
lywant
edmore!Cany ou
bel
ievei
t!
?
Sbahl
e:Somdannyi
sgoodhuh?
!
Hehethi
sgir
l!
Bee:
I'
m sohappyf
ory
ou,
you'
reev
en
gl
owing.
Me:You'
rej
ustexagger
ati
ng.Sor
ry,
I
hav
etotakethi
s.
I
twasacal
lfr
om Danny
Me:
BabakaDanv
er.
Danny
:Thatsoundssosexy
.
Me:
Your
ecr
azy
,yougood?
Danny
:Yeah,
I'
mjustmi
ssi
ngy
ou.
Me:
Imi
ssy
out
oo
Danny
:I'
m comi
ngt
ofet
chy
ou
Me:No,you'
ll
fetchmeat4pm.I
'
m
okayandI'
m wit
ht hegi
rl
s.
Danny:Tel
lSiy
at opi
ckupherphone
orPhi
lawil
lloosehismind.I
'
llsee
youat4then.Iloveyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Ismi
l
edandendedt
hecal
l
.
Nay
e:You'
rewhi
pped
Me: Sayssomeonewhoi sv ery
att
achedt oherhusband.Siya,
your
manhasbeencal l
ingandifyoudon'
t
answery ourphone.He'
dcome
marchinginhere
Si
ya:
Phi
l
aneedstochi
l
landl
etme
br
eat
hef
oronce.
Bee:Hewoul dn'
tli
ketohearthat
.He
cal
lshereveryti
me.It
sl i
kehe
doesn'
thaveal i
fewit
houtSiya.
Bongacanbeobsessi vebutPhil
ais
onanotherlevel
Beli
nda:Dannyseemst
obesl
owl
y
becomingli
kehim.
Wehadmor
egi
rl
chatandPhel
olef
t.
Af
tersometi
metheyall
lef
tandI
wentbackt
owor
king.DrButhel
ezi
wal
kedin
Athi
:Weneedtotal
k,i
t'
ssor
tofl
i
kea
busi
nesspr
oposal.
Me:
Sit
Athi
:I'
m planningonbuyi
ngapr i
vate
hospit
alhereinDurban.I
tsnotdoing
wellfi
nancial
lyandtheowneris
sell
i
ngi t
.
Me:
Andwher
edoIcomei
nhandy
?
Athi
:Iwantyout
obemypartner
.
You'
llown50%andI
'l
lown50%ofthe
hospi
tal
.
Me:
What
!Ar
eyouser
ious?
At
hi:
YesIam.
Me:
I'
dreal
l
ylov
ethat
!
Athi:
Justknowthatyou'
l
lbeful
l
y
runni
ngthehospi
tal,
Ihaveal
oton
mypl at
e.
Me:I'
mlooki
ngf
orwar
dtot
hat
chal
l
enge.
Athi
:You'
l
ldogoodIknow.We'l
ltal
k
moreoverameeti
ngtomorr
owand
seewherethi
sgoesokay
?Enjoypay
daytomorr
ow
Me: Thanky
ou, Icannotwai
tto
recei
veanotif
icati
onofmyf i
rstr
eal
salar
y
At
hi:
Youdeser
vei
t.
Hel eftandIknewIhadt osav emy
salaryandputi ttogetherwithallmy
sav i
ngs.Ihopei twil
lbeenoughf or
met obeabl etopartnerupwi thAthi
.
Iwant edtopampermy sel
fbutI '
l
ldo
thatwi t
hmymansmoney ,hedi d
wantmet ospendi tsoIwi l
l.Iwas
veryhappyandIdeci dedtot el
lDanny
afterthemeet i
ng.Ipackedmybags
anddi dmyl astroundschecki ngon
mypat i
ents.Someonehel dmef rom
thebackandIl ethim becauseI
smel thisscent
Danny
:Mi
ssedme?
Me:Yes,
andy
ou'
renotsupposedt
o
bei
nhere.
Hef
oll
owedmet
otheof
fi
ceandt
ook
mybags.
Danny
:Di
dIt
ell
youhowsexyy
ou
l
ook?
Me:
No
Danny
:Youl
ookv
erysexymyl
ove
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Danny:Ial
r eadypackedfort
hekids
andeverythingisready
,wejustneed
todropthem of f
.
Me:
Wher
ear
ethey
?
Danny
:Thecar
.Soweshoul
dget
goi
ng.
Isai
dmygoodby
est
omyP.
A.and
t
her
ecept
ioni
st.
Me:
Heycut
ies
Danv
er:
Heymom,
howwasy
ourday
?
Me:
Good,
youl
ooksogr
ownup.
Danny
:It
sthehai
rst
yle,
hewant
edt
o
combitl
ikemi
ne.
Me:Helookssomanl
yli
ke,
andy
ou
l
it
tl
epri
ncess,y
ougood?
Onika:
Yesmom,canwegoal
ready
?I
missmygrandma'
s.
Danny
:Youj
ustwantt
ohav
ecandy
.
Wedroppedt
hem of
fandIwasabl
e
t
ochangeatmom'shouse.
Danny
:We'
regoi
ngt
opi
ckupBonga
andMay
i.They
'r
ecomi
ngwi
thus
Me:
Dot
heyknow?
Danny :
Itwast oughbutItol
dthem al
l
today.Theyallwantedtocomewi t
h
butIrefused.Theytookitdi
ff
erent
ly
thanIalwaysthoughttheywould.I
thoughttheywoul dj
udgemeorsee
measl essofamanbutt heydidnt
.
Theystoodbyme
Me:ThoseareyourbrothersDanny.
They'
l
lneverev
erturntheirbackson
you.
Danny:IknowandIappr
eci
atehav
ing
them i
nmyl i
fe.
Wepi
ckedt
hem upandwentt
o
Razor
shouse.
Me:
Ready
?
Danny
:Yep.
Ihel
dhishandaswewalkedtothe
maindoorandRyl
eopened.Hewas
metbyahugepunchfrom Bonga.
Mayi
:St
epasi
debast
ard.Wewantt
o
wal
kpass
Me:Okaychi
l
lguy
spl
ease.Nodr
ama,
noty
et.
Rylewenttothebathroom whil
stwe
walkedtothelounge.MaPhindywas
therewatchi
ngtvandf or
tunat
ely
Lydiawasnowher etobeseen.
Me:
HeyMaPhi
ndy
MaPhindy
:HeyNasi
.Youl
ook
beaut
if
ul
Me:
Thanky
ou,
youl
ookbeaut
if
ult
oo.
Shegi
ggl
edandsmackedmyhand.
MaPhi
ndy
:Il
ookl
i
keahi
ppo.
Me:
Asexyhi
ppo.
Danny
,BongaandMayicameto
gr
eetMaPhindyandwentt
othebar
ar
ea.
MaPhi
ndy
:Doy
out
hinkhe'
l
lli
keme?
Me:Yesofcause,
he'l
lneedamother
fi
gur
e.Asmuchashemi ghtnot
showitorsayso,buthe'
shappy
y
ou'
rewi
thhi
sfat
her
.
MaPhindy:Raytol
dmehe'sadif
fi
cul
t
chi
ld,
he'sstubbor
nandhasbeen
thr
oughalot.
Me:
Ray
?
MaPhindy
: Raymond,Ical
lhi
m Ray
.I
don'
tl
ikethisRazorname.
Me:Oh,he'
shasbeent hroughalot
andisst
il
lrecov
eri
ngbuthe' sagood
guyandhe'
llbeagreatbigbrother
.
Doyouhaveanyotherkids?
MaPhi
ndy
:At46,thesearemyfi
rst
ki
ds.I
'
vewai
tedforthi
stohappenso
l
ongandGodfi
nall
yblessedme.
Me:
Aaaahcongr
atul
ati
ons,
I'
ll
sur
ely
beprepar
ingyourbabyshower
.
You'
reduein?
MaPhi
ndy
:3weeks
Me:
Ihav
etost
artpr
epar
ing
MaPhi
ndy
:Thanky
ou.
Pi
nkyalsocametoj
oinusf
oll
owed
byRyl
eandRazorwhohappenst
obe
Raymond.
Razor
:Boy
s,comeandj
oinus.
Dannycamet osqueezehimselfnext
tomeandIl ai
dmyheadonhi s
shoulderasheranhisfi
ngersonmy
hair
.Itwasawayf ormet okeephim
seatedwhenheget sangry.
Razor:Ihavenoti
cedt hatthere'
s
somet hi
nggoingonher ewhi chI'
m
notbeingtol
dabout .Iwantt oknow
thereasonbehindthistension
betweenmybr otherandmyson.
Bonga:Dad,It
hinkRy
leshoul
ddot
he
expl
aini
ng.
Theycal l
him dad?Wowt heyareall
j
ustahugef amily,t
here'sareally
ti
ghtbondher ebecauset heother
dayDannywast alki
ngt oPhi l
a's
mot herandhecal l
edhermom.What
theyallshar
ei sspecialandt heresso
muchl oveinthisfamily.Nev ermind
thattheyall
comef rom diff
erent
placesanddi f
ferentsurnamesand
backgroundsanddi f
fer
entparents.
Theirfr
iendshipputt
ogetherfamili
es
creati
ngabi gunit
edfamily
.Itfeels
goodt owitnessthi
sandbeapar tof
them.
Razor
:Expl
ainy
our
sel
fRy
le
Ryl
e:Ther
e'snot
hingexpl
ainIdon'
t
knowwhattheyaretal
ki
ngabout?
May
i:Qui
tthebul
l
shi
t!
Pi
nky
:Whati
sgoi
ngonRy
le?
Ry
le:
Not
hing,
Ial
sodon'
tunder
stand.
Danny:I
tallst
art
edwhenIwas11, I
wassexuall
ymol est
edbysome
str
anger
sonmywaybackf rom
school
.Itwasthatti
mewhereIused
totakeat axithenwal kfrom thedr op
offt i
l
l Igethome.Theyt ookme, put
myi nt heircaranddr ovet osome
bushwher etheyr apedme, t
aking
turnswi thmet il
lIbled.Theyl eftme
thereandl aughed.Iwasi nintense
painbutImanagedt opi ckmy selfup
andgetat axibackhomeandIt ooka
batht hensl ept.Itwast hattimewhen
Istoppedwant i
ngt ogot oschool
andIst art
edhomeschool i
ng.It
runiedmebutInev erwant edtot el
l
any one.Ikepti ttomy self
.I
recov eredonmyownbutt hat'
swhat
Ithought .Iwasj ustly i
ngt omy self
soIcoul djustmov eon.2y earslater,
I
was13.Youl eftandwentona
businesst r
ipwithLy dialeav ingmeat
homewi thmynanny .Ry lecameand
gavehert heSat ur
dayof fashe
want edtospendt imewi thhi s
nephew.Il ookedupt omyuncl eandI
wasexci ted,l
it
tledidIknowt hathe
wasaboutt oruinmyl ifef orever.He
rapedme, hehadhi swaywi thme
andIbeggedhi mt ost opbuthedi dn'
t.
Ibeggedhi m asIwasr emi ndedof
whatIwant edtoforget ,asIf eltthe
samepai nov erandov eragai n.He
saidifItoldyouhewoul dki l
l t
hebot h
ofus.Heshowedmehi sgunsand
pict
ur esofwhathedoest opeopl e,
hedi
dal
lthatwhi
l
erapi
ngme.
Ry
lest
oodupandsodi
dRazor
Ry
le:
Thati
snonsense!
Allofasuddent her
ewasagunshot !
RazorshotRy l
e'sknee.Ryl
egr owled
i
npai n.MaPhindyandIscr eamed
andPi nkyj
ustsattherecryingand
theotherswatched.Dannyseemed
tobel osti
nhisownwor ld.Justli
ke
thenighthetoldmet hatcrapof
taki
ngoutmywomb.
Danny
:Youwerenott heretoprotect
measmyf at
her.Youwer ealway s
awayandwhatmat t
eredt oyouwas
mebecomingthemany ouwant ed
met obeandf ormet ogr owandtake
careofy ourbusinesses.Youcouldn'
t
protectmeRazor .Ry l
e,youwere
supposedt obemyuncl e,myother
fatherbutyouwer emywor st
nightmare.
Razor:
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?Myson
I
'm sor
ry
Danny
: Iwaspr
otect
ingy
oufr
om t
he
monsteryoul
ovesomuch.
Razor:
You'
remyson.Il
ovey
oumore
thanIl
ovehi
m,Iwoul
d'v
ebel
iev
ed
you.
Danny
:Theonl
yreasonwhyIhaven'
t
ki
ll
edhimi
sbecauseheisyour
br
otherandy
ouador
ehi
m.
Razor: Notanymor
e.I
fhewasmy
brotherhewouldn'
thavedonethat
shittomyownson! !
!Hisownflesh
andbl oodtoo!HowcouldyouRyle!
Ry
le:
I'
m sor
ry,
Iwasondr
ugs!
Razor
:Thatdoesn'
tgi
vey
ouar
ightt
o
rapemyson!
Pinky:
Ryle,
didyour
apeoursont
oo!
Whydon'tyougetal
ongwit
hKevi
n!?
Tellmethetrut
h
Ry
le:
Irapedhi
mtoo!
Me:
Disgust
ingol
dman!
Razor
:May
i,t
akehi
mtot
hebut
cher
.I
needt
oteachhi
m al
esson.
Thingsdidntgoaccor di
nglyasmany
gunshotswer efir
edandIt hrew
cov er
edmy selfwit
hapi l
lowholding
MaPhi ndy.Dannyhadalreadystood
upandt herewassi l
enc.Rylewas
l
ay i
ngdeadont hefl
oorwi t
hsomany
gunshots.Wet urnedandPi nky
droppedthegunandcr i
ed.Shej ust
ki
lledherhusband.
Razor:
Why !Whydidyoudot hat
?I
wantedtotort
urehim!Ski
nhim ali
ve
andmakehi m eathi
sfi
lt
hydick!You
gavehimtheeasywayout !
Pi
nky
:I.
..I
..ki
l
led.
.hi
m
Andshef aint
ed!I'
vebeen
exper
iencingtoomuchdrama.Ir
an
toherandRazorr antoMaPhi
ndy
whowasv omitt
ingsomuch.
Bonga:Shoul
dwer
ushhert
othe
hospi
tal
?
Me:Yes,
herbl
oodpr
essur
eist
oo
hi
gh.
Danny:Gotothehospit
al,
Bongawil
l
dri
veyou.I
'l
lstaybehi
nd,Mayi
,l
ets
getri
dofthi
sbody .
Il
ookedathim wanti
ngt oknowifhe
i
sokayandhenodded, cametome
andki
ssedmyf orehead.Thatt
ome
wasli
tt
leassur
ancet hathe'
sgoing
t
obeokay.Bongadrov
eoffqui
cklyt
o
t
hehospi
talandshewasadmit
ted.
Athi
:It
'sgoodt
hatyouher
e,r
oom
231.I
tsanemergency
Me:
Document
s?
At
hi:
Her
e
Ireadthroughwhil
erushingt othe
changingroom.Thepatientwas
havingrapidhear
tatt
ackssi ncelast
year.Ichangedandwentt ocheckon
him.Wewer eabl
etostabil
izehim
andr untests.
Me:He'l
lbefine,
sendhi
m overt
oDr
Pi
l
lay.He'
llknowwhattodo.
DrPi
l
layi
saJnr
.Car
diol
ogi
stwhoi
s
fi
nishi
nghistr
aining.Thi
st ohim will
beabi gcaseandheneedst hose.I
cannotdealwit
hami norcaseand
emot i
onal
lyI
'm notokaysoIwoul dn'
t
wanttoputapat i
entatrisk.Iwalked
backtoAthiandBonga.
Me:
Issheokay
?
At
hi:Yep,we'
llj
ustkeepheri
nfort
he
ni
ght.I
'm sur
eshe'str
aumati
zedby
whatshedid.
Bonga:I
'l
ltakeherhomesoshecan
restt
henjointheguysattheBut
cher
.
I
t'sgoi
ngtobeal ongnight,
Razorwi
ll
l
oosehismi nd.
At
hi:
Makesur
ehehashi
sremedy
,
wedon'
twanthi
m ki
l
li
nghi
msel
f
WeleftandIwantedt
ogot
oDanny
butBongawouldn'
tal
l
owme.
Me:
Woul
dRazorki
l
lhi
msel
f?
Bonga: Hewould,r
ightnowhef eel
s
asifhef ai
ledt
obeaf atherand
protect
ertoDannysohe' sinacrap
conditi
on.Buthewon'tkil
lhimsel
f,
he'sgotkidsontheway .
Me:
Makesur
eDannyi
sokay
.
Igotoutthecarandwenti nthe
house.Hedr oveoffoncehewas
surethatI
'm okayandsafelyi
nside
thehouse.Isighedandwentt otake
ashower ,
it'
shasbeenal onglong
day.Iwentt othekitchenandmade
somet hingquickandeasyf orsupper,
he'l
l needt oeatwhenheget shome.I
dishedupf ormy sel
fandat ewhi l
e
wat chingT. V.welli
twast hetv
wat chingmebecausemymi ndwas
farfaraway .Icoul
dn'tthinkpr oper
ly
andal l IwantedtodowaseatsoI
cangetmymi ndoffthings.IhadTi n
Roofi cecr eam andmar shmal l
ows.I
don'tknowwhenIf ellasleepbutI
wokeupbecauseIhear dv oicesin
theki t
chen.I twasMay iandDanny .
Danny:
Ohsorrybabe,
wedi
dn'
tmean
towakeyouup.
May
i:Hopey
ou'
regood,
bye.Seey
ou
soon.
Danny
:Bye,
hav
easaf
etr
ip
tomor
row.
Hel eftandIfiguredhemi ghtbe
goingt oLangelihl
e.Iwast oldhe
somet imesbooksaf l
ightto
wher everPheloisflyi
ngtoasshei s
thepi l
otofthatcertai
nplane, j
ustto
seeherandknowt hatshei ssafe.
Me:
Shoul
dIdi
shupf
ory
ou?
Danny
:Not
hanky
ou,
MaPhi
ndyf
ed
us.
Me:
Shet
houghty
ouwon'
tl
ikeher
Danny:
Idoli
keherbutI'
mj ust
st
ruggl
ingwi
thshowingthat.ButIdi
d
callhermom sot
hatwasthef
ir
st
step.Howareyoufeel
i
ng?
Me:
Ishoul
dbeaski
ngy
out
hat
.
Danny :I
'
m actuallymuchbet terthan
I'
vebeeni nalongt ime.Iwant edhim
deadbutIdi dn'
twantt obetheone
thatkil
l
shi m.Iwant edsomeonet o
fi
ghtformeandpr otectme.Tomei t
wasat wi st
edwayf orsomeonet o
rescuemysoul from thati
diot.When
hediedIf el
trelaxed,Ifel
tli
keahuge
weighthasbeenl if
tedoffmy
shoulder.NowIknowIcanheal and
bemy selfagain.
Me:
Arey
ounotangr
yaty
ourf
ather
f
ornotbei
ngt
her
etopr
otecty
ou?
Danny:I'
m notangr yathim,hedidn't
knowandt herewasnot hi
nghe
woulddot ochangewhathappened.
Heismadwi thhimselfbutIassured
him ev
er y
thingi sokay.Iwil
lgosee
Kevintomor rowandI 'vedecidedthat
we'l
lgot other apysessionstoget
her .
Icanrelatetohi m anditwill
beeasi er
todoitwi t
hhi m
Me:
I'
m happyt
oheart
hat
Danny :Iwantt othankyouNasiphi.
SinceImety ou,you'
vebeenmypi ll
ar
ofst r
ength.Youchangedmef orthe
betterandy ou'vesupport
edmeand
guidedme.Idon' tknowhowIcoul d
everrepayy oubutIhopemyl ov efor
youwi llbeenough.Thanky ouf ornot
l
eav i
ngmet hemomenty ouf ound
outaboutwhatIhadbur i
edi nside.
Thanky ouf orsti
ckingwi t
hmeand
showi ngmel oveandl ovingmyki ds.
Youar ei ndeedt hemostbeaut iful
andki ndestper sonI '
veev ermet .I
wantt olov ey ouuncondi tionallyfrom
nowonwar dsandt obet hebest
fathertomyki dsandt oourf utur e
kids.Iwanty outot akemysur name
andbeMr sMcKenzi eandt hatwi l
l
happeni nt imebecauseIknowi fI
proposednowy ou'dr ejectmeandI '
d
behear t
broken.Ij
ustwantyouto
knowt hatIhaveplansf
orus.Big
plansf orusandIwanty outobewit
h
meev erystepoftheway.Will
youdo
thatforme?
Me:
Yes
Danny
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:Il
oveyoutoo.AndIhav
e
somet
hingtot
ellyou
Danny
:Whati
sit
?
Me: At
hiispl
anningonbuy
inga
pr
ivatehospi
tal
andhewant st
o
makemehi spartner
.
Danny
:What?Wowthat'
samazi
ng!
Congr
atul
ati
onsmyl
ove.Ev
ery
thi
ng
seemst
obewor
kingoutper
fect
ly
Me: Ihopeallgoeswell
,I
'l
lbeful
l
y
runningthehospit
alashehasother
hospital
storunandmoni t
or.
Danny :
That '
salotofworkbutIknow
you'l
ldogood.I '
m proudofyou,I
won'tasky ouhowmuchy ouneed
becausey ou'
llbeupsetbutj
ustknow
thatI'
m hereifyouneedmei nany
way .
Me:
Thanky
ouDanny
,thanky
ou.
Ihuggedhi
m andweki
ssed.
Me:
Youneedt
oshower
,youst
ink
Danny
:Ohi
spaybackt
imehuh?
Me:
Iguessso
Iwinkedathi m andhelaughedashe
wenttot akeashower .IthankGod
forbri
ngingt hi
smani ntomyl if
e.I
am indeedv eryl
uckytohav ehim.
We'reluckytohav eoneanot her
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t27
It
sbeenawonder fulpast5mont hs,
theyhavebeenl ifechangi ngandt hey
haveshownmeadi ffer
enthappy
sideinli
fethatIhav enev er
experi
encedbef ore.Ihav ebeen
beyondt hewor dHappy ,thef eeli
ngI
haveinsideismor et hanhappi ness
andnowor dscandescr i
beitt helev el
ofhappinessthatIam exper iencing
i
nmyl i
fe.Myfami l
yhasbeenamaj or
partofmyhappi ness.DannyandI
commi ttedtoweekendsbei ngf ami ly
ti
meandt hebondhasgr ownt obe
muchst ronger.WhatIl ov ethemost
i
showOni ka,DanverandDannyar e
i
nsepar ableandDannyi salway s
homef orsupperandt ucki
ngt hem i n.
Whenev erhegoest oLangelihleor
somewher eelseonabusi nesst rip,
hemakessur ehevideocallsand
readsthem abedt i
mest ory.Bothmy
mot hershav ebeenamazi ngandI 'v
e
gottenmor eclosetothebothof
them.Paul ahasmov edintoherown
apartmentandshewasi ndir
ect l
y
conv i
ncedbyBr i
anandshet houghti t
throughandgotherownapar t
ment
notknowi ngt hatBri
ansactual plan
wast ogetherawayf rom my
mot herssohecanv isi
therof t
enand
beagood" fr
iend"whi l
eweal lj
ust
knowhewant shert obehi sgi r
lf
ri
end.
IttookPaul asomanymont hsto
final
lyreali
zet hatBrianli
kesherand
shewassmi ttenbuthasn' tshown
thattoBr i
an.Danny 'stherapy
sessionshav ebeengoodandhas
madeagr eati mprov ementonhi m
andhe' srelati
onshipwi thhisfather,
hiskidsandme.Hehasmanagedt o
beabl etocommuni catemor ewi t
h
meandhi sdad.Hi m andKev i
nhave
healedf r
om whatRy l
eputt hem
through.Ry l
ewascr emat edandhi s
asheswer ebur r
ied,itwasasmal l
funeralorshoul dIsayf unctioncause
i
tr eal
lydidn'tseem l ikeaf uneral.
Razorwashi ghlyaf fectedbywhat
happened, loosinghi sbr otherwhom
hewascl oset oaf terf indingoutt he
fi
lthhedi dtohi ssonandnephew.
Him notbei ngabl etopr otectt hem
madehi mf eellessofaf atherbuthe
alsoat t
endedasessi onwi ththem
andst rengthenedt hei rrelationship.A
fewweeksago, Dannyl etgoof
Ziyanda.Hewokemeuponeni ght,
it
wasact ual
lymi dni ghtwher ehehad
packedal lZee'sbel ongi ngsi nt he
room hekeptt hem.Hekept
i
mpor tantdocument sandwebur nt
everythingelse.I twast hef i
rsttimeI
sawhi m cr ythatmuchbuthe
explainedt omeandsai ditwasa
wayofhi mr eleasingal lhi
spai nt hat
hesuf feredf r
om whenshedi ed.
Afterthatni ghthehasbeen
compl etelydifferentandhappy .A
fewt hingshav ebeenchanged
aroundt hehouseandi tmakesme
feellessgui lt
yaboutbei ngi nhislate
wifesspace.Hehashadaspeci al
bondwi t
hhi slitt
lesi ster
s,atf i
rsthe
wasr eallyscar edandhesi tantabout
evengoi ngt oseet hem.MaPhi ndy
gavebi rthaf ewday saf t
erRy le's
funeral,Theynamedt hetwinsJane
andJennaMcKenzi e.Theyar ev ery
cuteandl ookalotl i
keRazor .Hehad
becomeasosof tandDannybl ames
i
tonbei ngaf athert oinfantsata
veryoldage.I njustaf ewday sI'
llbe
sayingI '
m of f
ici
al l
yanownerofa
hospital.Ev er
ythingwentwel landt he
hospital neededaf ewr enovations
andt hatwasst i
ll i
npr ogress.Ican
real
lysayt hatever yt
hingi sgoing
wellandI '
m happy .Besi desbeing
happy ,I'
m deepl yinlove.Nev erhav eI
everthoughtI 'df eelthiswayabout
someone.Hemakesmehappy ,takes
careof fmeandl ovesme
uncondi tional
lyal t
houghhei sov er
protectiveandi nsecur e,I'
velearntto
adjustt oitandl ovehi m wi thhis
fl
aws.Iunder st andwher ehi s
i
nsecur itesandpr otectivenesscome
fr
om, he'sbeent hr oughsomuchso
hehasbecomet hatway .We
somet imesar guej ustsohecant one
i
tdown, heact uallywant edt ogetme
body guar ds,I
'm notsomesor tof
Presidentorsomeonet hatimpor tant
,
Idon'tneedbody guar ds.Idon' tknow
howNay ecopeswi t
ht hem al ways
beingt her e.I
tsdi fferentf orher ,
She's
aQueenandherandNkosi owna
l
argei nter nat
ional architecture
companysoi tsunder standabl ewhy
shewoul dneedbody guar ds.I'
mj ust
anor dinaryper son.Onedaywewer e
allgoingt ot hemal l andmanypeopl e
wer elookingatusandt aking
pictures,Iwasntcomf ort
abl ewith
beingf oll
owedbyt hepapar azzibut
theyexpl ainedt omet hattheyar e
sortofusedt othisespeci allywhen
theyar ewi thNay eorSi yawhom ar e
mor eont hespot li
ght .Ifeel asifiti
s
toomuchofanext ravagantl i
feand
i
t'snotf orme.Theycal l
edNt okozo
themostpr ettybutmostdul lperson
i
nt hegr oup.I twasabadr emar k,I
feelasi fitwoul d'
vebeenbet t
erif
theysai d" si
mpl est"per sonbecause
sher eall
yi st hemostsi mpl estwho's
alway sinjeans, sneakersandbaggyt
-shirt
sjustlikeherhusband.Ther e'
s
neverbeensomet hingwr i
ttenabout
meandt hatmakesmev eryhappy .
Todayi smybi rthday ,wel lIsharethi
s
daywi thmyhandsomeson, Danver.
Hei sturning6andI 'mt urning26, I
'm
20y earsoldert hanhi m.I '
vebeeni n
bedj ustthinkingt omy selfandI
didn'tevenr ealizethet ime.Iwokeup
andt ookashowerandwentt omy
closetwhi l
ewear i
ngagown.The
kidscamer unni ngi nfollowedby
Danny .
Danver
:Mom!Mom!
!HappyBi
rt
hday
toyou!
Me:HappyBi
rt
hdayt
oyout
oomy
son
WehuggedandIki
ssedhi
m ont
he
f
orehead
Oni
ka:HappyBi
rthdayt
oal
lofus
mom!!Iwanti
ttobemybir
thdayt
oo
Shestar
tedcr
yingandIl
aughedand
car
ri
edher
Me:
Itsy
ourbi
rt
hdayt
oosweet
ie
Oni
ka:
Real
l
y!!
??
Me:
Yes!Nowhowol
dar
eyou?
Oni
ka:
38!
Danny
:Wow!You'
reev
enoldert
han
me.HappyBi
rt
hdaymylov
e.
Me:
ThanksDanny
Danny:Ki
ds,whydon'
tyougo
downstai
rsandcheckonthe
cupcakes
Theynoddedandwentdownst
air
s.
Hecamecl oserandIsmi
l
edasIsaw
hi
snaughtysmi r
k.
Danny
:Iwast
hinking,maybeIcoul
d
gi
veyouamorningprezzi
e
Me:Andwhatwoul
dthatmor
ning
"
prezzi
e"be?
Danny
:Justcl
osey
ourey
es
Idi
dasIwast
oldandhecar
ri
edme.
Me:
Arewegoi
ngsomewher
e?
Danny:
Sssshdon'
tsayawor
d
Nasi
phi
Het ookof fmygownandIwasn' t
wear i
nganyunder wear.Hespanked
meandIgi ggl
ed.Her ubbedmycl i
t
andImoanedast hebr eat
htaking
sensat i
ontookovermybody .He
pinnedmet othewallwhil
einserti
ng
hisfingersinmyhoney pot.
Danny
:Mmmhy
ou'
rewetal
ready
Hekissedmyboobsaggr essivel
yand
i
twaspai nful
butalsofi
ll
edwi thso
muchpl easur
e.Heenteredhi s
manhoodi nmyhoney potand
t
hrusted.Hewasn'tmakingl oveto
mebuthewasfucki
ngme.Hewas
r
oughyeti
twassogood.
Me:
Danny
!
IscreamedouthisnameasIr eached
mydest i
nati
onandhecamer ight
aft
er.Iputmyheadonhi sshoul der
andhewal kedustot hebat
hroom.
Weshower edtogetherandhad
anotherst
eamyr ound.Hedriedusup
andwegotdr essed
Danny
: I
'l
lmeety
oudownst
air
sfor
br
eakfast
Me:
I'
ll
bet
her
ejustnow.
Aft
erf
ixi
ngmyhair,
Imadethebed
andwentdownst
air
sforbr
eakf
ast
butnoonewast
her
e.
Me:
Awukant
iwher
eist
hisbr
eakf
ast
?
Dora(
hel
per)
:MrMcKenzi
esaidI
shoul
dtel
lyout
ogotothebacky
ard
Mam
Me:
Ohokayt
hanksAuntDor
a
Iwentt othebackyardandtherewas
alovelysetupandt hekidswere
dressedupbeaut i
ful
ly.Myman
l
ookedsohandsomeIj ustwantedt
o
haveapi eceofhimr i
ghtther
e.
Me:
Ohwow,
thi
slooksamazi
ng.
Oni
ka:SitdownMam.I'
l
lbeyour
wai
tertoday,
whatwoul
dyouli
keto
hav
ef i
rst
?
Me:Ohwowuhm I
'
llhav
efr
uitsal
ad
f
ir
st.
Oni
ka:
Andy
ouMrDanv
er?
Danv
er:
Pancakes!
Oni
ka:
Comi
ngr
ightup
ShewalkedtoDannyandwhi sper
ed
whatwejustsaid.Dannydi
shedup
forusandtheyservedus
Danv
er:
Thanky
oumyl
ady
.
Welaughedandat
etoget
her.Wehad
af
eastandIwasveryver
yfull
.
Me:Myst
omachi
sgoi
ngt
obur
st
now.
Danv
er:
I'
mful
ltoobutI
'
llhav
ejust
t
womor
epancakes.
Oni
ka:
Youeatal
otDanv
er.You'
l
l
hav
eabigbel
l
y
Danver
:Iwon'
t,
Daddywi
l
ltakemet
o
thegym.
Danny :That'
sright,you'
resixyear
s
ol
dnowandt hatmeansy ou'
ll
have
morer esponsibil
it
ies.St
arti
ngby
l
earningtomakey ourownbedand
packingy ourshoesandhockey
equipment s
Danver
:Unf
air
,Oni
kashoul
dal
soget
chor
es
Oni
ka:
NoI
'
m st
il
l5y
ear
sol
d
Me:
Didn'
tyousayy
ou'
re38?
Onika:
Itwasajoke,
I'
m st
il
ldaddy
's
l
it
tl
epr i
ncess
Danny:Anddaddy
'sl
i
ttl
epri
ncesswil
l
packhertoy
sandputthem i
nthet
oy
box
Oni
ka:
Icandot
hat
Danv
er:
Howmuchwi
l
lweear
n?
Me:
Youdon'
tear
nmoneyf
orchor
es
Danver
:Haht
henwhatshoul
dIdot
o
ear
nmoney
Danny
:Whatwi
l
lyoudowi
tht
he
money?
Danver:
Iwanttobuyanew
Pl
ayStati
onset
.
Danny
:We'
l
lgobuyi
ttomor
row
Me:
Danny
,youspoi
lthem t
oomuch.
Wewentbackt ot hehouseand
Dannyst ayedatt hebacky ar
dto
moni tortheev ent spl annerast hey
setupf orDanv ersbi rthdayparty.I
hadt oldDannyt hatIdonotwanta
birt
hdaypar ty.Ifel tasi fi
twouldbe
toomuchofawast eofmoneysi nce
he'sspendi tont hebot hofus.The
setti
ngwascomi ngt oget herandt hw
chefar ri
vedwi tht hef oodandIputi t
ont hekitchencount er.Iwent
upstairsandchangedi ntobl
ackt i
ght
highwai stjeansawhi teoffshoulder
cropt op.Don'twor ry, Ishowedno
fl
esh,Godgav emeagoodbodyf or
suchreasons.Iworewhitenike
sneaker
sandbi ghookearingsand
thenwentdownstair
s.Peoplewer e
alr
eadyoutsi
deandIwentt othegir
ls
i
nt heki
tchenwhower ewi t
hPhila
whowasv er
ymuchst uckonSi ya.
Si
ya:Herecomest
hebi
rt
hday
pr
incess!
!
TheysangformeandInev erreall
y
knowhowt oreactorwhattoeven
saywhenpeoplesingHappyBi r
thday
tome,doIsingalong?I
t'
salway sjust
soweirdatti
mes.
Me:
Thanksguy
s.
Phi
la:Si
yaI'm sor
ry,y
eybuty oul
ook
ver
ybeautif
ulNasiphi.Danny
'shead
wil
lli
ter
all
yfal
l whenheseesy ou
Danny:Phi
l
awhyar
eyout
alki
ng
aboutme?.
...
Hestoppedwal
kingandst ar
edatme
wit
hhismouthsti
llopen.Hestared
atmeforawhil
eandcamecl oseto
meholdingmywaist
Me:Dannybabe,
youcancl
osey
our
mouth
Danny
:You'
rev
erybeaut
if
ulandsexy
HekissedmeasIwasaboutt osay
thankyou.Hekissedmeso
passionat
elyIf
eltmysel
fget
ti
ngwet.
Hehel
dmyassandsqueezedi
t
Sbahl
e:Getaroom!!You'
remaki
ng
ushornyandwe'r
esingl
e
Danny:Selfservi
ceisavai
l
ablef
or
youSbahle.Plus,whatdoyouknow
aboutbeinghorny?
Sbahl
e:DaddyDanny
,yousoundli
ke
Mphonow.I'v
egrownupnow, Nasi
andIaret
hesameage.
Danny
:Idon'
tcare,
you'
l
lal
way
sbea
chi
ldi
nmyey es.
Sbahle:Real
l
y?Idoneedt
ogo
shoppingsoonIhav
enoclot
hes
Danny
:Sbahle,whathappenedt
othe
moneyIsentyoulastweek?
Sbahl
e:Ipai
dmyr
ent
Danny
:Okay,t
akethecar
dy ou
al
waysuse.Youshoul
dtakeNasi
wit
hyou
Sbahl
e:Thanky
ou!
Dannyspendsdrastical
ly
, Sbahl
eand
IhaveenoughclothesbutIwon't
commentsi ncei
tisnotmymoney
buthis,
hecandowhat everhewants
wit
hit.Iki
ssedhischeekandwal ked
away
Danny
:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
o?
Me:
Thebat
hroom
Phel
o:We'
l
lbeout
sidewheny
ou
comeback
Inoddedandwenttothebathr
oom
onthesecondfl
oor.Idi
dmy
busi
nessandwashedmyhands.
DannyknockedandIopenedforhi
m
Danny
:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:Danny,whatcoul
dpossi
blybe
wr
ongwi t
hme?
Danny
:You'
rei
rr
it
atednow, t
hat
makesmemorewor r
ied.Tal
ktome
Me:
I'
m okay
,I'
mjustov
err
eact
ing.
Danny
:On?
Me: Danny,If
eelasifyouspend
reckl
essly
.Youjustspendmoney
anyhowev enonunnecessarythi
ngs,
l
ikemeandSbahl egoi
ngshopping.
Wehav eenoughcl othes, Sbahlebuys
newcl othesal mostev eryday.You
buy i
ngDanv erthenewPl aySt
ation
setjustl i
ket hat.Youboughthi m
enoughgi f t
salready, whichsomeI
sawandar enotgiftsy ougi vetoasix
yearol d.Backt owhatI '
m say i
ng,the
kidsshoul dknowt hev alueofmoney
andt hatmoneyi sear ned.They
shouldnotgetev erythingt heywant ,
I
under standy ouwantt ospoi ly
our
kidsbutt here'sali
mi t.Wemust
teacht hem aboutsav i
ngmoneyand
wor ki
ngf ormoney .Allthel i
tt
le
thingscount ,groomi ngt hem and
teachingt hem atay oungagemakes
i
teasiersowhent heygrowup,they
underst
andmor eandgrowt obe
muchmor eresponsibl
ekids.But
thenI'
mjustvoi
cingoutmyopi nion,
it
i
sy ourmoneyDannyandy oucando
anythi
ngyouwantwi thi
t.
Danny : Youlooksosexywheny ou're
frust r
at ed.Baby ,Iunder st
and
ev erythingy ou'
resay i
ngandIget
wher ey ou'r
ecomi ngf rom.You're
ri
ghtandwewi l
l setlit
tlet
hingsf or
them t odosot heycanear nmoney
andwe' ll
teacht hem howt osav eit
.
Asf orSbahl e,aftery ourshopping
spr ee,shewon' tgetawaywi t
h
spendi ngmymoney .Butbabe, nawe
y
oudonotspendthemoneyImake
l
i
keIwantyouto
Me: Danny
, y
outhi
nkIdon'
tnot
ice
themoneyy ouputonmybank
accounteverymonth?
Danny:Uhm younev
ertal
kedabouti
t
soIthoughty
oudidn'
t
Me: Idoandthanky ouIappr
eci
atei
t.
AndIdospendi t.Ihopeyoudohave
tr
ustfunds,i
nvestmentsandsavi
ngs
accounts
Danny:YesIdoandIhav
emany
i
nvestments,
Ievenownshar
esofa
fewinvest
mentcompani
es
Me:
Exact
lyhowr
ichar
eyou?
Danny:Youjustneedt
oknowt hat
wheneveryouwanttospoi
lyourself
andthekids,t
hemoneyisthere.You
won'tr
unoutofmoneymyl ove.Now
canwegetpastt hi
smoneyissure?
Me:
Fine
Danny
:Il
ovey
ouNasi
phi
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Wekissedandl eftt
hebat
hroom.We
wentoutsideandIsawtherewere
t
woset upsandt hepar
tywasn'
tonly
f
orDanv erbutformetoo
Me:
Danny
?
Danny
:Sur
pri
se
Hesaidthatwit
hasexyt one,ki
ssed
myneckandwal kedaway .Thi
sguy!I
cal
meddownandt ol
dmy sel
fit
s
somethi
nghewant edtodof orme
andIappreci
ateit
.Iwentt ot
hegirl
s
andVeneswasal sother
e.
Me:
Baby
gir
l!
Venes:
Youl ooksobeaut
if
ul,
IseeMr
McKenziegotyougood
Me:
Youcansayso!Weneedt
otal
k
Venes:
About
?
West
eppedasi
deandIr
eal
l
ywant
ed
t
oaddr
essthi
s
Me:Iwantyoutostopworki
ngatt
he
cl
ub.Yourst
ri
pingdaysshoul
dcome
t
oanend
Venes:Idon'
tl
ikemyj obbutitput
s
foodonthetable.Pl
us,Im notsmar
t
andIdidn'
tgotouniversi
tynor
coll
ege
Me: It
oldy outhatonedayI '
dgett he
bothofusoutoft hatclub.I'
m nowa
partownerofahospi t
al Venes, Iown
50%!Youcancomewor kt hereasa
recepti
onistsorsomet hing.VenesI
don'twantt osucceedwi thy oubeing
l
eftbehind, we'
reinthi
st oget her.
ShewasnowcryingandIhuggedher.
Iwi
pedoffhert
earsandshelaughed
Venes:
ByMondayIwi
l
lgi
ver
esi
gn.
Thanky
ouNasi
phi
!Thanky
ouv
ery
much
Me:
Youdon'
tneedt
othankme.
Wehuggedoncemor eandj oi
ned
eveyoneelse.Someofmycol l
eagues
werealsothereandwhatshocked
mewast hatDrNxumalowasal so
heretoo.Thepartywasgreatand
everyonewasenjoyi
ngthemselv es
andthekidstoo.Dannytookthemi c
andspoke
Danny:MayIhav
eever
yoneat
tent
ion
pl
ease.AndNasi
phi
canyoupl
ease
j
oinmehere
Weal
lwentcl
oset
otheki
dssetup
andIwentt
ost
andnextt
ohi
m.
Danny :Iwoul dliketof i
rstt
hanky ou
allforcomi ngt odayandcel ebrati
ng
thisspecial daywi t
hus.Todayt wo
specialpeopl einmyhear twerebor n
andi tgiv
esmegr eatpleasureto
hav ethem inmyl i
fe.Godhas
blessedmewi thaki nd,smartand
goodhear t
edsonwhoi sstrongand
l
ooksabi ttoomuchl i
keme.Hei s
funnyy ethehasawei rdpersonali
ty.
Ther ewasat imewher eIshutoutmy
kidswhent heirmot herpassedaway .
Ididn'tgi
v emy selfthechancet oget
toknowt hem andhav eagood
relati
onshipwi ththem.Asy oungas
heis, hetookther oleofbei ng
Onika'sprotecterhebecameaf ather
toherwhenIhadf ailed.Mostpeopl e
won' tbeli
evethatt hisl itt
leguywoke
upandmadebr eakf astf orOnika
whenIwast oodamndr unkt otake
careofmyownki ds.Mostpeopl e
thoughtIhadi tal ltoget herbut
honest l
yIneglect edmyki dsand
didn'ttr
eatthem wel l becauseIwas
sufferri
ngfrom myownpai n.Myson,
wheny ouareol derIknowy ouwill
notmaket hesamemi stakesImade.
Iknowy ouwi l
ltakecar eofy ourki
ds
andbeabet terf athert hanIwas.I
havebi ghopesanddr eamsabout
you,t
hatonedayy ouwil
ltakeov eral
l
ofmybusi nessesanddobet terand
moret hanIdid.Ihopeyouloveal l
thepresentswegoty ou.Il
ovey ou
son
TheyhuggedandIwasi
ntear
s
al
ready
.
Danny:
Nasiphi
,Idon'
tev
enknow
wheretost
art.
Hekissedmyf
oreheadandwe
l
aughed
Danny:Ifel
linl
ovewi t
hy oubefor
eI
evensawy ourface.Somet hi
ngabout
youreyesdrewmet oyouandwhen
weof f
ici
all
ymetwi thoutyouhavinga
maskon, Ifell deeperi nlove.You
camei ntomyl ifewhent hingswer ea
messwi thmeandmyki ds.Iwasi na
badspace, myl ifewasupsi dedown
andy oumanagedt ostickbymeand
youchangedmyl i
feforthebet ter.
Youpi ckupt hebr okenpi ecesand
putthem t oget her .Youmademe
reali
zethatnot hi ngismor eimpor t
ant
thanmyki ds.Youmendedmy
rel
ationshipwi tht hekidsandy ou
helpedmeov er comemanyt hi
ngs.
Mostpeopl et hinkI '
m wi thyouj ust
becausey oul ookl i
kemyl atewife
andI '
mj ustusi ngy outor eplaceher ,
thatswhaty out houghtt oo.That '
s
nott r
ueNasi phi andIhopey oucan
seet hatnow.Iwakeupev er ydaywi t
h
amot i
vet opr ov eandshowt hel oveI
hav efory ouandt heki ds.You
becomeamot hert omyki dsand
tookcar eoft hem whenIj ustl eftyou
alonewi tht hem.Youst oodbyme
andl ovedmeev enwhenIcal l
edy ou
awhor eandt reatedy oubadl y.Ibeat
my selfupev erydayf ort hatandIai m
tomakey ouhappyeachand
ever y
day .Nasi phi Il
ov ey ouandI '
ve
nev ereverf eltthiswaybef ore.YesI
l
ov edmywi feandInev erimagi ned
thatI'dloveagai nbecausel ovehad
brokemei ntopi ecesbuty oumy
preciousPear lrestoredme.You
mademebel ievet hatlov et r
ulydoes
breakandr estores.Ilov ey ouandI 'd
choosey ouov erany thing,ifZee
wouldwakeupandcomebackt ome,
I'
dchosey ouov erheri fIcannothav e
thebot hofy ou.Whaty oumademe
feeli
sf orei
gnandIwi l
lnev ereverlet
yougo.Youar eheav enl ysent ,
you
aretheonef ormeandIbel ievey ou
aremysoul mat e.Youl ov emef or
whoIam andnotwhatIhav e.You
areindeedaspeci al dimeandIhope
youenj oyyourdayandl ovet hegiftI
boughty ou.Bonga, bringi tclose.
Bongawal
kedawayandIl
ookedat
hi
m conf
usedast
owhatwasgoi
ng
on.
Danny:Iknowy oual
wayswor ry
aboutmespendi ngr
ecklesslybut
thi
swasn'tmespendingr ecklessl
y.I
t
wasagi f
tthatcomesfrom deep
wit
hinmyhear t
.Isawhowmuchy ou
l
oveditsoIboughtyouy ourown
Icouldn'tbel
ievemyey esasBonga
parkedmynewcar .ItwasaBMW X5!
Itwasbeaut if
ulandIcouldn'
teven
speak.Ihadnowor ds.Iscr
eamed
j
umpi ngupanddownl i
keababyand
Onikajoinedme.Shessucha
character.Dannygavemet hekeys
andIjustcr i
edandhehuggedme.
Me:
Thanky
ou.Thanky
ouDanny
Danny
:You'
rewel
come
WekissedandIdi
dn'
tev
enwantt
o
l
ethi
m go.
Danny
:Wannat
akei
tforaspi
n?
Me: Yes,
comeki ds.Wher
ear
emy
mothers?!Iwantyoutobemyfi
rst
passengers
TheycameinandIdr ov
earoundthe
yar
dandi tf
eltsogoodandsoreal.I
parkedandwej umpedoff
Zandi
:Congr
atul
ati
onsdear
Me:
Thanky
ou
Thabo:
Lett
hepar
tybegi
n!!
!!
!!
!
Thekidsweretakeninsi
dethehouse
bythenanni
essot heycanhavefood
andcakethenplayatthepl
ayroom.I
wenttoDannyandIsatnexttohim
l
ayi
ngmyheadonhi schestwhil
ehe
hadhisbeer.
Danny
:Enj
oyi
ngy
ourday
?
Me:
Yes!If
ell
li
keapr
incess
Danny:You'
remypr
incess.I
'
m gl
ad
you'
reenjoy
ing
Me:
Andi
tsal
lbecauseofy
ou
Athi
:Youbettergetadressready,we
l
aunchingthehospit
alandour
part
nershi
ponFr i
day.Wehav ealot
todothisweekandt helaunchpart
y
wi
l
lbeonFr
iday
Me:
Dowehav eenought
imet
opl
an
t
helaunch?
Bonga:
Don'
tworry
,theevents
companywi
ll
takecareofthat
.
Me:
Ohwowokay
.I'
m exci
ted
Athi
:Youmustber eady
,you'
ll
beon
thespotl
i
ghtsoon.Ther
e'l
lbethe
mediathere
Nkosi
:Youwil
lwishtoj
ustbur
y
your
sel
fint
heground.
Me:It
houghty
ou'
dbeusedt
oitby
now
Nkosi
:It
stoomuchatt
imes
Naye:Hegetsver
yir
ri
tat
edand
wantstohi
tthem
Nkosi
:It
sagoodthi
ngIhav
eyou
wit
hmemostt i
mes.
Thepartyconti
nuedtil
lnightt
ime,
mostpeoplehadal r
eadyleftandit
wasjustusasf r
iends.Thekidsleft
wit
hmymot hersandSnehandAt hi
Bonga:
Weshoul
dal
sogetgoi
ng
Bee:
Byeguy
s
Theylef
tfol
l
owedbytheother
sand
wealsoheadedbackt
othehouse.
Me:
I'
m sot
ir
ed!
Danny
:Letmer
uny
ouawar
m bubbl
e
bat
h
Me:
Thanky
oubabe
Itookoffmycl othesandsodidhe.
Wegotint othebat ht
ubtoget
herand
Ilai
donhi schestandwehada
random conversati
on.
Me:
Danny
Danny
:Mmmh
Me:Thanky ouforever
ythi
ngyou'
ve
doneforme.Ireall
ydoappreci
ate
ever
ythingy
ou'vedoneformeso
muchandIneedy outoknowthatI
'l
l
makey ouproud
Danny:Makemyproudmypreci
ous
Pearl
.Il
oveyouandIal
sowantyou
tobepr oudofme.We' r
einthi
s
togetherandwhatwehav eis
permanent .Iknowi
twon'tbeeasy
butthroughoutever
ythi
ngwest i
ck
togetherNasiphi
Inoddedandweki ssed.Wegotout
thewateranddri
edour sel
vesup.He
carr
iedmet ot
hebedandl ai
dme
down.
Danny
:Justonemor
ebi
rt
hdaygi
ft
Igi
ggl
edasheki ssedmeal lt
heway
downtomyhoney pot.Thi
swillbea
l
ongnightofpassionat
elovemaking.
Danny:
Youwon'tbeabl
etowal
kby
thet
imeI'
mfi
nishedwit
hyou
Ohwel
l,passi
onatel
ovemaki
ngcan
bef
oranotherni
ght.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
I
fyouhav
eapr
obl
em,
inboxme.
#LBAR
I
nser
t28
Sofart heweekhasbeent hemost
hecti
candbusi estweek.Idi dn'
t
knowt hatget ti
ngev erythingr eady
fort
heopeni ngandl aunchoft he
hospitalwoul dbet hishect ic.I'
m gl
ad
theconst r
uctorswer eablet ofi
nish
i
nt i
meandweal sowor kedwi th
Phil
a'scompanyf ort hedesi gns.I
wouldn'thav ebeenabl et oget
everyt
hingr eadyi fitwasn' tf or
Beli
ndaandherev entpl anni ngteam.
Thesuppor tf r
om al lmyf riendsand
myf ami l
yespeci allyDannywhohas
madesur eI'
m wel l restedandf ed.He
l
iter
all
yf edmeoneoft heseday s
whi l
eIwasbusywi thsome
document s.Wor ki
nghasn' tkeptme
awayf rom myki ds.They 'v
eal so
beengr eathel pasDanv eral way s
givesmeamassagebutnot hi
ngi s
forfree.Ev ersincewest arted
teachingt hem aboutear ningand
sav i
ngmoney .Youcannotsendt hem
unlessy ou'regoi ngtopay .Theydon' t
offerfr eeser vices.Thel aunchwi l
lbe
tonightandDannymadest rict
i
nst ruct i
onst hatIdonotdoany thing
butr elaxt oday .Iwaschi ll
i
ngwi th
Sbahl e, Mnqobi andSi phosenkosi
whoar ebot hjustt oowei rdf orme.
Outofal ltheki dst heyar ejustt he
weirdest.Theyhav ear eal
lyweird
personalit
yandt heylov ebooksand
poetry.Mnqobi i
sol derthanSipho
buty ouwouldn'tbeabl etotell
becauseSi phosenkosi i
st al
ll
ikehis
fat
her .
Mnqobi
:I'
l
lbeout
side,
I'
m wai
ti
ngf
or
Nt
andokazi
Me:
She'
scomi
ngov
er?
Mnqobi:
She'
sdroppi
ngof
f
somethi
ng.I
'
m notsur
ewhati
tis,
she'
swit
hhermom.
Sbahl
e:Yhuaythoughther
ear
eso
manykidsher
e!Emihleisa
gl
amourous15yearol
d!
Me:Il
ostcountt
ryi
ngt
ocounthow
manykidsar
ethere
Sbahle:19sis,Ispental lday.Angi t
hi
phelaSiyachoset ohav e
quads(Masande, Mnqobi ,Ngcebo
andKhany akwezwe)pl usJnr .She
has5kids, plusNay ehasEmi hle,
Kwenzo, Lisakhany a,andthet wi ns
SiphoandBuhl ethenMboni si.Thats
another6sot hatmakes11.Zandy
hasKabel o,Nt okozohasSi qal o,
Beli
ndahasThembel i
hleandKamo
hasLuthandot hatmakes15, t han
youhav eDanv erandOni ka,17.Than
i
tsBee'st wins, Ntandokaziand
Thandokazi .PlusSneh' snewbor n
Zi
yandaThatmakes20!Yey!Ay
ni
zel
e!Phel
oisal
soexpecti
ng!
Me:Reall
y!Wow!Whydi
dn'
tIknow
aboutt
his?
Sbahle:Ei
sh!Meandmybi gmout h.
Shewant edtotel
l every
onet oni
ght
aft
erreall
yconfir
mi ng.Youknow,
shesbeent r
yingforthepast6y ears
noluckbutkef i
nallyshe'sexpecti
ng.
Me:I'
m sohappyf
orher
.Don'
twor
ry,
Iwon'
tji
nxit
.Andwenavel
e?
Sbahl
e:Noty
et,
Ist
il
lneedaman.
Me:
Andt
heOv
hay
o?
Sbahl
e:OvhayoandIdi
dn'twor
kout
butwesti
l
l r
eall
ycl
osefr
iends
Me: Judgingbywhaty ou'
vetol
dme
you'r
est i
l
l deepl
yinl
ovewitheach
otherbuty ouguysjustov
erthought
thesituat
ionandgav euptooquickl
y
Sbahl
e:Hei
sbusywi
thsomeoneel
se
Me:
Theyar
enotser
ious
Sbahl
e:Butst
il
l
Si
pho:
Mmmh
Me:
Whatacomment
Sbahle:
Boy,you'r
esti
llj
ust8y
ears
ol
d.I'
dunderstandifi
tsMnqobi
atl
eastat10hecanhav eagir
lfr
iend
Me:
Nev
er!Tooy
oung
Si
pho:
Emi
hlehasaboy
fri
end,
ifDad
woul
dfi
ndout
.He'
dki
l
lher
Me:Yhu!Nkosi
nathi
woul
dkill
ever
yone.WhatdoesEmi
hleknow
aboutboyf
ri
ends
Si
phoshruggedandwentout
sidet
o
Mnqobi
.
Sbahl
e:Theseki
ds.
Zandy:
Hel
l
o!!
!ZandyandBeei
nthe
house!
!
Sbahl
e:Hey
o!MakaKabza!And
Makamawele
Bee:
I'
m nott
heonl
yonewi
tht
wins
Me:Butst
il
l,
Nay
eisn'
ther
esoy
ou'
re
her
eMakamawele2.
Zandy:Kabel
oisalsostandi
ng
outsi
dewiththeboys,wherear
ethe
ki
dsspendingthenight?
Bee:Appar
ently
, t
heki
dswillbei
n
CapeTownf ortheweekend
Me:
CapeTown?
Bee:
Iwasal
sosur
pri
sed.
Zandy
:BabyZi
yandat
oo?
Bee:She'stooyoungtobet r
avel
li
ng,
they'
l
lleaveherwit
hAthi'
smom and
pickherup.Ithi
nkthey'
l
lleaveear
ly.
Bel
inda,
KamoandNangamsoarr
ived
wit
hsomepeopl
ewedidn'
tknow
Kamo:
Fol
l
owmepl
ease
Theyfol
lowedherandsodidwe.She
openedanotherr
oom downstai
rsand
i
tseemedl i
keadressi
ng/makeup
st
udio.
Me:
I'
venev
erseent
hisr
oom bef
ore
Ngamso: Weusethesef orsuch
emer gencies.We'
l
lpreparehere
tonight.Fornowwe'l
lbedoi ngour
hairandnai l
s.
Me:
Idi
dn'
tthi
nkwe'
dneedal
lthat
Sbahl
e:Trustmewedo,weneedt o
l
ookreal
lybeauti
ful
.Whoknows
maybeyourfacewil
lbeal
lovert
he
mediabytomorrowmorni
ng
Me:
I'
m notr
eady
Nay
e:You'
renev
err
eadysweet
y
Zandy
:Andwhendi
dyoushowup?
Naye:Justi
ntimetoblendi
nt he
conver
sati
on.Idon'
tknowwhat
Phel
oisstil
ldoi
nginthatki
tchen.
Me:
She'
spr
obabl
yhungr
y
Sbahlelaughedaswebothknewt
he
case.Theot her
sal
soar
ri
ved
fol
lowedbyDannyandBrian
Br
ian:
Ladi
es
He'seyesroamedar
oundunti
lthey
foundPaula.Hesmi
ledandwentto
sitnextt
oher.
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Me:
Danny
Hel ookedatmeandt hatwashim
summoni ngme.Idon'tgetwhyhe
j
ustdoesn' tasktotal
kt ome.Danny
though!Inev erunder
stand.Wewent
toourr oom andIclosedthedoorand
satont hecouch.Heseemedt obe
frustr
ated
Me:
Arey
ouokayTr
ist
on?
Danny:Yeah,
it'
sjustwork.How'
s
ever
ythi
ngcomi ngupfortoni
ght
?
Me: VerywellandI'
ver
estedl
ikey ou
toldme.Ij ustneedtodomyhai rand
nails.Mydr essandyoursui
tare
ready ,I
'
llasksomeonetopickitup
Danny
:Nowor
ri
es,
itwi
l
lbedel
i
ver
ed
her
e.
Me:
Arey
ousur
eyou'
reokay
?
Danny:I'
mjustworr
ied.Yourl
i
fewil
l
beintheopen,i
tgetshecti
cduri
ng
thefi
rstday
s
Me:I'
l
lbefi
neIhope.May
beI
'
llget
usedtoi
t
Danny:
You'
reast
rongwoman,
my
st
rongwoman
Me:Iwasthi
nkingthatmaybewe
shoul
dn'
tappeartoget
her
Thewayhelookedatme.Ir
egr
ett
ed
evensay
ingthat
.
Danny
:Expl
ainy
our
sel
f
Me:
Wel
lbabe.
..uhm.
.
Danny
:YoucannotspeaknowPear
l
Me:Ican.
..j
uststoplooki
ngatme
l
iket
hatandI'l
lspeak.
Danny
:Speak
Me: Iwasthinkingthatmay bewe
shouldn'
tappeart ogethertoni
ght
.
Likearri
vesepar at
elyandf or
everyonetothinkwewe' r
enot
together
Danny
:Forwhatr
eason?
Me:Danny
,y oudoknowhowmuchI
l
ookli
keZiyanda
Danny:Iknowt hatandIdon'tcar e
whatpeoplewi l
lsay.I
'm notgoingt o
hi
dey oujustbecausey oulooklike
Zee.Youshoul dlookl
ikeher,you're
hersi
ster.I
'm notashamedofy ou.I
l
ovey ou
Me:
Iknowy
oul
oveme
Danny:Andt
hewhol
eworl
dshoul
d
seethat
.Nowcomeher
e
Me:
No
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Helookessoser
ious.Ilaughedat
hi
m andwenttositontopofmyman.
Danny
:Il
ovey
ourt
highs
Me:
Ilovethem t
oo.I
'
llbeshowi
ng
t
hem of
ftonight
Danny
:What
?Noy
ouneedanot
her
dr
ess
Me:
Hawuwhy
?
Danny:Awuf uni
ndikuphoxeAmahle.
Ndzokuphoxauj al
estrong
ungasayinxi
bakwalolokwe.(I
'
llsay
somethingyouwon' tl
ike,
youwon't
evenwantt owearthatdress)
Me: Yousosexywheny
ouspeak
xhosa.
Danny
:I'
m ser
ious
Me:Iwasj
ustj
oki
ng.I
'
m notatt
he
st
agewher
eIfel
lcomfor
tabl
ewit
h
showi
ngmybody
.
Danny
:Onl
yIshoul
dsee.
Ikissedhim andIfel
thi
smanhood
ti
ghtenandget t
inganerect
ion.I
stoodandhehel dmeandputme
backont hebed.
Danny
:Wher
edoy
out
hinky
ou'
re
goi
ng?
Me:
Ihav
etogodomyhai
randnai
l
s.
Danny
:Thatcanwai
t.
Il
aughedashest ar
tedt
oti
ckleme.
Wemadel oveandwenttoshower
.I
deci
dedtojustputagownonand
wentbacktothegir
ls
Si
ya:Iwonderwhathappenedt
othe
cl
othes.
Me:
Itookashower
Phel
o:Justashower
?
Me:
Yes
Iwinkedandweall
laughed.Isat
downandst yl
esmynatural
hairand
di
dmynai ls.
Paul
a:We' l
lhav
efoodwherewe'
re
goi
ngright?OrPhel
okazi
will
not
sur
viv
et oni
ght
Phel
o:Am Ieat
ingt
oomuch
Nay
e:YesMaMkhi
ze
Me:
Howdi
dithappent
hatbot
hof
yougotcousi
nsgetmar
ri
edt
o
brot
her
s?
Naye: WhenNkosinathicamet opay
myl obola,
May ial
sosawabeaut i
ful
rosewear i
ngaredshi r
tont he
window.Wel l
wewer el ooki
ngat
Nkosi butMayihappenedt onoti
ce
Phelof r
om afardist
ance.
Me: Aaaht
hat'
ssocuteandhowdid
i
thappenthatabunchoffr
iends
getti
ngmarri
edtoanot
herbunchof
fr
iends?
Zandy:Wenev erknowhowt oanswer
that
.Ithappened,Iguessi
twas
God'splanforus
Me: I
t'
sreallysomet hi
ngr ar
eand
unique.Thistypeoff r
iendshi
pi srar
e,
thesedaysf ri
endshipsdon'tlastor
they'
refake.Iwasl uckytoevenhav e
Venes
Kamo: Sorr
yifyoudon'
tmindme
aski
ng,whenweal lmet,t
herewere
ti
meswheny oumenti
onedy ouwere
astr
ipper.Whathappened?
Me: VenesandIneededmoney .We
neededtosurvi
veandmymot her
neededtreat
ment.Icouldn'tgetaj
ob,
Veneswasnoteducat ed.Itwas
ei
therweselldr
ugs,stri
porbe
prosti
tut
es.Sowegotaj obatast ri
p
cl
ub.
Bee:
Howdi
dyoul
ear
nhowt
ost
ri
p?
Me:
Idi
dgy
mnast
icsatschool
Zandy
:Sooy
ou'
ref
lexi
ble?
Me:
Yes
Zandy:MmmhDannygotar ealdeal
.
Fl
exiSexymamah!Youshoul dt
each
meaf ewmov es.Ihaveapolei
nmy
housethatI
'
venev erused.
Me:
Don'
twor
ry,
I'
ll
sor
tyouout
.
Nt
oko:Bookmeint
oo!Ineedt
o
br
ingi
tdown!
!!
!!
Me:
OhLord,whathav
etheydoneto
t
hesweetangel
?Don'
tgetcor
rupt
ed
Shel
aughedandwecont
inued
tal
kingoverf oodandwi ne.Eachand
everyladyher ehasadi fferent
personali
ty,
di ff
erentstoryand
dif
ferentrol
e.It ookmyt i
meand
l
ookedateachandev eryoneoft hem.
Theyar euniqueandbeaut iful
.It
showst hatweal lhaveourst or
yy et
we'veroseabov eallthediffi
cul
ties
we'vefacedi nourl i
ves.
Kamo: Webett
erst
artgett
ing
dresseduporwe'
ll
belate.
Sneh:
Youguyswil
lhavetohel
pme
i
ntomydress,
Ihaven'
tl
ostanybaby
fat
Me:
Whatf
atar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Sneh:
Lit
tl
esi
s,di
dyouseehowbi
gI
l
ook?
Me:
You'
rer
idi
cul
ous,
you'
rev
erysexy
ShekissedmycheekandIwent
upstai
rs.Dannyleftanoteonthebed
nexttomydr essitreadasfoll
ows"l
knowy oumi ghtbemadatmebutI
changedy ourdress.Ihopeyoulov
e
thi
sone.Lov eD.T.M"
Me:
Thi
sguy
!
Iquicklyopenedthedr essandtomy
surpri
sei twasbeautif
ul.Bett
ert
han
theoneIchose.Whydoeshehav e
betterfashionsense?Ilaughedt
o
my selfandgotdressed.Itwasvery
ti
ghtbutIwasabl
etomov einit
.It
wasreall
ycomfor
tabl
e.Iworemy
shoesandVenescamer unni
ngin.
Me:
Arey
oubei
ngchasedbydogs?
Venes:NobutIdidn'twantt obel ate.
Ever
ythi
ngisonpoi ntatthehospi tal,
don'
tworry.Yourmanwast here
makingdemands, ever
ythingwoul dn't
bereadyinti
mei fhewasn' tthere.
Me:
Youseem di
str
act
ed
Venes:
NoI '
m not.I
'
mj ustti
red
maybeI'
ll
leaveearl
ytonight
.
Me:
VenesTal
k,Iwon'
trepeatmy
sel
f.
Venes:
Okay,I
'
m sorr
y.Iowe
someone,
aloansharkandhewant
s
hismoneyt
oday
.Orhe'
l
lhur
tmy
famil
y.
Me:
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
met
hisear
li
er?
Venes:Idon'
twanttobotheryouwi
th
mypr obl
emsNasiphi.You'
vedone
enoughforme.
Me:
Howmuchi
sit
?
Venes:
50
Me:Venesy
oucoul
dn'
tpaybacka
R50?
Venes:
R50000Nasi
Me:Oohpassmemyphone.Gi
veme
hi
sdetai
l
s
Venes:
NoNasi
phi
youcannotpay
hi
m.Iowey
oual
otal
ready
Me:Youdon'
towemeanyt
hing.Now
don'
tcr
y,y
ou'
llr
uiny
ourmakeup.
Venes:ThankyouNasi
phi.Goodwil
l
cont
inueblessi
ngyouabundant
ly
Me:
Amen.Nowdi
str
essandsmi
l
e.
Venes:
I'
ll
leav
eyout
ofi
nishup.
Il
ookedatmy selfi
nt hemirr
orone
mor et i
me.Itwasalmostsev en
alreadysowe' l
lbeintime.Itookmy
clutchbagandputmyphoneand
l
ipst i
ck.Thesenevermuchy oucan
puti nthesesmallcl
utches.Siya
calledme.Geezwe' reinthesame
house
Si
ya:Ar
ey oudy
ingt
her
e?Come
downst
air
swe'r
eall
wait
ingf
ory
ou.
Me:
I'
m comi
ng.
Iwalkeddownstai
rs,eventheguys
wereherealr
eady.Theyalllooked
amazing!Dannycouldn'
ttakehis
eyesoffmeandIcoul dn'
ttakemy
eyesoffhi
m.
Danny
:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Me:Real
l
y ?Idon'
tev
enli
kethi
sdress.
Whydidyouchangethedr
essIchose.
Iact
edli
keIwasangr
y.He'
sey es
poppedandhewashesi
tat
ing.Itf
elt
sogoodtoseehi
mf r
ust
rat
ed
Danny
:I'
m sosor
ry,
wecanchange
thedress.Wewon' tbel
ate.I
m so
sorr
yNasi phi
pleasedon'
tbeangry.
Hewasal readygoingtomakeacal l
andIlaughedathim.Hel ookedat
meconf usedandMphol aughed.He
wast hefi
rsttoseethatIwasj ust
j
oking.
Me:I'
mjustj
oki
ngTr
ist
on.Gosh!You
pani
calot
.
Danny
:Ar
eyousur
e?
Me: YesI'
m sure.Il
ovethi
sdr
essand
Ilov
et hatyouchoseitf
orme.Thank
youMrMcKenzi e.
Hejustki
ssedmeandsqueezedmy
but
t.
Athi
:Hey!Don'
tmakeuswatchl
iv
e
pornpl
ease.Don'
tki
l
lmyvi
rgineyes
Mpho:I
t'
snotl
i
key
ou'
venev
er
wat
chedit
.
Hereal
i
zedlat
ert
hatheshoul
dn'
t
hav
esaidt
hat.
Nkosi
:Okayl
etsgo.
Zandy
:No!Nowai
t!
Bri
an:Uhm gentsIt
hinksomeonei
s
cal
li
ngusoutside
Theyall
rushedoutl
i
keheadl
ess
chi
ckens
Nceba:
Iwonder
.Let
'sgoguy
s
Wewentoutandt
her
ewer
esomany
car
sourside,
allbl
ackandsecuri
ty
wasti
ghtened.Dannyopenedthe
doorf
orme
Me:
Thanky
ou
Hecameinandsodidt
hedri
ver
.Al
l
t
hecarsst
art
eddri
vi
ngoff
.
Danny:Youlookr
eal
l
ysexy
.Good
thi
ngIcarr
iedmyguns
Me:
What
!Whatf
or?
Danny:Fort
het
hir
stymenwhowi
l
l
l
ookaty out
oni
ght
.They'
l
lget
3bul
let
seach
Me:
You'
recr
azy
Danny
:YesI
'
m cr
azyabouty
ou
Thisguy !Mydr esswasj ustbelow
theknees.I twasnothingext rav
agant
butitwassexyy etcl
assy .Itwasa
blacklaceof fshoul
derdr esswhi ch
huggedmyboobsandhi ps.The
sleeveswer elaceandt hebodypar t
hadwhatseemedt obeal i
ngerie
dresswi ththeblacklacecov eri
ngit
uppr operly
.Wegott ot hehospi t
al
andIwasner vousduet ot henoise
thatwasal readyoutside.
Danny
:Isi
tcl
earf
orust
ocomeout
?
Voi
ce:
YesSi
r
Danny
:Ar
eyour
eady
?
Me:
Ithi
nkso
Danny:You'
llbeokay
.We'lltakea
fewpict
ures.Doa3inter
viewsandgo
i
n.Youdon'thavetoansweral lt
he
quest
ions.
Me:
Okay
Voi
ce:
Sir
,wehav
eapr
obl
em
Danny
:Whati
sitJomo?
Jomo:
Bianca
Danny
:Getr
idof
fher
Jomo:She'
sspeaki
ngt
ooneoft
he
j
ournal
i
sts
Danny
:Shi
t!Getr
idofher
Me:Whati
sshedoi
nghere?Andwhy
woul
dshetal
ktot
hejour
nali
sts
Danny
:Idon'tknow.She'
sreal
l
ythe
tr
uedefi
nit
ionofcrazy
.
Jomo:
Itscl
ear
Hecameoutf ir
standtherewere
manyscr eams.You'dswearthatthi
s
wer esomeoscarawar ds.Heopened
thedoorf ormeandt hesnapsand
fl
ashescomi ngmywayandev ery
j
our nal
istcal
li
ngmyname.We
walkedandst oodforafewpictur
es.
Hewashol di
ngmybackkeepi ngme
closetohim.
Bel
i
nda:You'
ll
bespeaki
ngt
othose
j
ournal
i
stsonl
y.
Me:
Okayt
hanks
Wetookpictur
eswi t
hallofus
t
ogetherandAthical
ledmet owher
e
we'
dbehav i
ngt hei
nterv
iews
Journ1:DrBut
helezi,t
hisisnotnew
foryouandwe'dliketogiveoffthe
questi
onstoyournewpar tnerDr
Nyathi
.Howdoesi tf
eeltoseeallt
his
happening
Me: Itisindeedablessi
nganda
dream comet r
ue.I'
m over
whel
med
andIf eltasifthi
swasjustadr
eam.
Itfeelsrealnow
Journ2:DrButhel
ezi
,isMrMcKenzi
e
behindthi
s,youmakinghisnew
gi
rlf
riendpar
tner?Weallknowit
mi
ghtbehi
smoney
Athi
:Thatisnottrue,
MrMcKenzi e
hasnothi
ngt odowi t
ht hi
s.Itwasmy
i
deatoappr oachDrNy athibecause
ofherexcell
entworkandIknewt hat
sheismoret hancapableofr unni
ng
thi
shospital
.
Journ3:DrNyat
hi,
Howi
sy our
rel
ati
onshipwit
hMrMcKenzie?
Me:Toni
ghti
saboutt
hehospi
tal
not
mypri
vat
elif
e.
Journ3: Howdoy ouf
eelaboutthe
factthatyoul ooksomuchlikehis
previ
ouswi f
e?Doy outhi
nkhe's
usingy oujusttorepl
aceMrs
McKenzi
e
Me:
Nohei
sn'
tusi
ngme.
Journ2:Iwonderwhatmadehi m
chooseaf atgirl
,weallknowMrs
McKenzi ehadagor geousbody
.He
mov edont oBiancawhohasa
stunningbody,anywaysHowdoy ou
feelabouthim havi
ngtobeexpecti
ng
ababywi thBiancaJames?
At
hi:
Okayt
hat
senough.Thanky
ou
HedraggedmeandIal l
owedhi m.My
st
omachj ustst
art
edtohur tandmy
moodjustdropped.Whatdidshe
meanthatDannyisexpect
ingachild
wi
thBianca?Athiwentt
ot hegents
andt
heywal
kedout
.
Kamo:
Andt
hen?What
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:Dannyi
shav
ingababywi
th
Bi
anca
Nay
e:That
'
sbul
l
Zandy:
Don'tl
ett
hisr
uiny
ourni
ght
.
Smil
ebabygir
l
Thenightconti
nuedandIpr
etended
tobeokay.Wedancedandt henAthi
tookt
hest age.Wesatdownand
Dannyheldmyhand
Danny
:You'
reokay
?
Me:
Idon'
tknow
Danny
:We'
l
ltal
kwhenwegethome.
InoddedandIcoul
dseet
hathewas
ver
yangry.
Athi
spokeaboutt hehospi
talabout
thevi
sonandmi ssionwewi shto
achi
eve.Hewelcomedal lt
hestaff
member st
hatwillbeworki
ngwi thus.
Athi
:Asyouknow, Ihavemany
hospi
tal
sandIcannotr uneachand
ever
yoneoft hem.Pleasewelcome,
mypartner
,theCEOofCar i
ngFor
YouHospit
al,DrPearlNasi
phi Ny
athi
.
Danny
:Idon'tl
i
kehowhecal
l
syou
hi
spartner
Me:
Justdeal
wit
hit
Il
aughedathi
m ashewal
kedmet
o
thest
age.Iwonderhowtheypull
ed
thi
soff
.I'
veneverseensucha
beaut
if
ulset
ti
ngatahospi t
al.
Me:
Thanky
oupar
tner
.
Myeyesroamedt oDannyandI
l
aughed.He'
sjustbei
nginsecur
e
Me: Idon'thavemucht osaybutto
thankDrBut heleziforthiswonder
ful
oppor t
unity
.Tot hankhi mforseei
ng
mef itandwor t
hyofsuchanhonour .
I
thasbeenmydr eam sinceIwasa
youngchi l
d.Lif
ehappenedandIgav e
uponmydr eamsbutImetMr
McKenzi ewhoencour agedmenott o
giveupandmakemydr eamscome
true.Manyt hi
nkI'
m herebecauseof
him andhi sweal
th.Butno.Il
ook
forwar dtoworki
ngwitheachand
ev eryoneofthestaf
fmember sand
har dworki
ngskil
l
edDoct or
s.Thank
you
Dannywast her
etowal kmebackto
ourseats.He'
saperfectgent
leman.
Thenightconti
nuedanditwas
i
ndeedagr eatni
ght.
Sneh:
Excuseusguys.We'r
eleav
ing
nowwe'l
lseeyout
omor r
ow
Me:
What
'shappeni
ngt
omor
row?
Zandy:
Braai
,food,
alcohol
.Itwi
l
lbe
fun,
atmyplace.
Phel
o:Befor
eyougoIhav
e
somethi
ngtosay
May
i:Whati
sitbabe?
Phel
o:You'
regoi
ngt
obeaf
ather
Mayi
bongwe
May
i:What
!Wow!Phel
okazi
Hedidn'
tknowwhatt
oevensay.He
ki
ssedherandshewascr
ying.
Mayi
:You'
vemademethehappi
est
manali
ve.Thanky
ou
Nkosi
:Congr
atul
ati
onsKhabazel
a
Nceba:Baby21!
YeyI'
m pl
anni
ngt
he
babyshowerthi
sti
me
Thapel
o:Baby21?
Sbahl
e:Yes,
youdoknowt
her
ear
e
20chi
l
drenhere
Bonga:Inevernoti
ced.Wow,it
'sPhi
l
a
andNkosi wit
hthei
rmulti
ple
shoot
ers
Nkosi
:Youal
sohav
etwi
ns
Phi
l
a:I
t'
snotmyfaul
tthatGodgav
e
mesupersper
ms.
At
hi:
Youi
diot
.
Wel aughedandalldeci
dedtojust
l
eave.Thedr i
vehomewassi l
entand
Dannyseemedt obev er
ydist
racted.I
guesshe'sfrust
rat
edbythefactthat
he'
llbeaf at
heragai
n.Isi
ghedandI
fel
thim squeezemyhand.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t29
Whenwegothomel astni
ghtallI
wantedtodowasj ustsleep.Iwas
avoi
dingtheconver sati
onbecauseI
wasaf r
aidofget
tingdeepl yhurt
.He
hel
dmeal l
nightl
ongli
kehewas
afr
aidt
hatI'
dleav
ehim.Ineedtogo
peebuthe'
sholdi
ngmet ooti
ght
ly
Me:
Mov
e..
.Danny
!
Danny
:Sl
eep
Me:
No,
Ineedt
ogot
othebat
hroom.
HeletgoandIwentt ot
hebathr
oom
anddidmybusiness.WhenIgotout
hewasstandi
ngbyt hedoor
.
Me:
Andt
hen?
Danny
:Iwaswai
ti
ngf
ory
ou
Wesatont
hebedandhel
ookedat
me
Danny
:She'
snotpr
egnant
.Shewas
j
ustpull
i
ngast
untt
ogetmy
at
tent
ion
Me:
Howsur
ear
eyou?
Danny:Myboystookcareofi t
,she
wasforcedtot
akeapr egnancytest
anditwasnegat
ive.She'
sev ensti
ll
onthepil
l.
Me:
Okay
Danny
:Youdobel
i
evemer
ight
?
Me:
Yesandt
hemedi
a?
Danny:
Don'
tworr
y.Itookcar
eofi
t.
You'
reont
hefr
ontpage
Me:
Real
l
y?Whatdi
dtheysayabout
me?
Danny:
Youdon'
thavet
owor
ry
your
sel
faboutt
hat
.
Itookmyphoneandl ookedonthe
tabl
oids.Theymi xedmypi ctur
ewi t
h
Zee'sandhadnast ycomment sabout
mywei ght.TheysaidI '
m pret
ti
erbut
shewassexi er."I
fyouwantt obe
withDannyMcKenzi e,youmustlook
l
ikehislatewife"apparentl
ythat'
s
howIscor edmy selfthi
sr i
chman.
Me:Somepeopl
ejustdon'
tknow
whatt
odowitht
heirl
ives.
Danny
:Younotupset
?
Me:No.Whenar
etheki
dscomi
ng
home?
Danny
:Tomor
rowaf
ter
noon
Me:Imi
ssthem al
ready
.Letmego
makebr
eakfast
Danny
:Ar
eyouhungr
y?
Me:
No
Danny
:I'
m nothungr
ytoo,canwe
j
ustst
ayinbedandcuddle?
Me:
OhokayMrCuddl
es
Danny:Icoul
dnev erbesocar el
ess.
NotsolongagoIwasbl abbi ngshit
aboutyouremov i
ngy ourwomb
becauseIdon'twantbabi es.YesI'
m
okaynowbutt hatdoesn'tmeanI
wouldgomakebabi eselsewher e.
Fi
nancial
lyI'
m moret hanr eadyfor
anot
herbaby.Butment
all
yand
emoti
onal
ly,
I'm not
.
Me:
Phy
sical
l
yyouar
eMrMuscl
e
Danny
:Real
l
ynow?Buty
esphy
sical
l
y
Iam.
Me:Iunderst
andDannybutdoy
ou
t
hinkyou'l
lev
erbereadyt
ohave
morekids?
Danny
:YesIwi
l
l.
Me: Idon'twantyout ofeelpressure
orany t
hing.Ify
ouf eelasifyounev er
wantt ohav eki
dsagai nyoushoul d
tel
lmebef orei
tstoolate.Idon't
wannasi tandwaitonsomet hing
that
'snev ergoi
ngt ohappen.Il ov
e
DanverandOni kaasmyown, they
aremychildrenbutIal sowantto
exper
iencepr egnancy.Iwantt
ogi ve
bir
thandbringl i
feint
ot hi
sworld.
Danny:
Soyoumeany ou'
dleavemei
f
I
'donedaysayInev
erwantkids.
Me:
Yes.
Danny:Wowokay .Sonothav
ingki
ds
i
sy ourdeal
breaker?
Me:
Yes,
andcheat
ing.
Danny
:Soi
fI'
dcheatony
ouy
ou'
d
l
eaveme?
Me: Youcheati
ngwouldmeany ou'
re
breakingourf
amily
,myheart,
this
rel
ationshi
pandthetr
ustIhavefor
y
ou.
Danny:
Whati fIj
ustki
sssomeone,
maybeI'
m drunkorit
sami stake?
You'
dregar
dt hatascheat
ing?
Me: Yes,
ev enifyougodiscussour
problemswi t
hsomeoneel se.That
wouldbey oucheatingonus.We
communi cateandfixourprobl
ems.
It
sy ouandInotusandt hem, ther
e
shouldn'
tbenot hir
dparty.
Danny:ButIconf
idei
nmyf
ri
ends
andlookforadvi
ce
Me:Therear
esomethi
ngsy oucan
di
scussandaskf
oradvi
ce.Like
mutualpr
obl
emsweallhavein
rel
ati
onshipsbutt
her e'
salimit
.You
wouldn'
twantmegoi ngtotel
lmy
fri
endsthatyoudon'tperf
orm welli
n
bed..
.howwoul dthatmakey oufeel
?
Danny:
What!Amahl
e,Idon'
tper
for
m
well
inbed?
Hewasonhisfeetal
ready.ThewayI
l
aughedathi
m!DannyMcKenzi ei
s
r
eall
ythemosti
nsecureguyIknow.
Me:
Babe,
itwasanexampl
e.
Danny:
Coul
dn'
tyouuseanot
her
exampl
e?Goshyou'
regoi
ngtodr
ive
mecrazy
Me:
Danny
,comebackt
obed.
Hegoti
nbedandIl
aidonhi
schest
.
Me: Danny
, y
ou'
remyf i
rstandthe
onlymanI'veeversl
eptwith.I
couldn'
tevencomparey oubecauseI
knownomanbesi desyou.
Danny
:Andi
'
llbet
hef
ir
standl
ast
.
Me:
Andwhati
syourdeal
breaker
?
Danny:I'
veneverreal
l
ythoughtabout
i
t.Iguessifyou'
dcheatonme, I
'dkil
l
youandt hatguy
.
Me:Idon'
twanttobewi
thaman
whokeepssecr
ets.
Danny:Idon'
tli
kekeepingsecrets.
Evenmyf ri
endsknow,whent heyare
keepi
ngsecretsfr
om theirwives,I
pushthem totel
lthem.Ibeli
eveif
you'r
ehonestt hi
ngsar emucheasi er
thanwheny oul i
e.Asmuchast he
trut
hhur ts,whatcancomf ort
someonei sthatyout ol
dt het r
uth
especi al
lybeforetheyher eitfr
om
someoneel se.Nowt hat '
sjustalow
blow, sowiththatsaid,Idon' twanta
womanwhokeepssecr etstoo.I
wanthonest y
, l
oyalt
y,uncondi t
ional
l
ov e,kindnessandahotboot y,j
ust
l
ikey ours
Me: Youjusthavetoaddsomethi
ng
stupidi
nsomet hi
ngsosincer
eand
romanti
c
Danny:Mybaby,whatIj
ustsaidi
s
tr
ue.Yourboot
ydriv
esmecr azy,
I'
m
hor
nyasI
'
mtal
ki
ngabouti
t.You'
re
gi
ft
ed
Me:
Andy
ou'
rej
ustcr
azy
.
Danny:
AsIalway
ssay
,I'
m cr
azy
aboutyou.
Wepassionat
elymadeloveandit
wasamazing.Hekeptongoingon
andon.Isl
eptonhischest
.Ifel
thi
m
ent
ermyhoney potagai
nandwe
madeloveagain.
Me:
I'
mti
redDanny
Danny
:Gety
our
sel
fsomesl
eep.
Heki
ssedmyf
oreheadandIsl
ept
.
#Danny
Iwat chedast heloveofmyl if
e
slowlyf ellasleepafterourmul ti
ple
sessionsofmaki nglov e.Ikissedher
foreheadoncemor eandwentt otake
ashower .Aft
erIwasr eady ,Iwrotea
notet el
lingNasi whereI '
llbejust
i
ncaseshewakesupandI '
m not
home.I tf eelsgoodt ocal lthishouse
ahome, eversinceshecamei nt
omy
l
ifeshe'schangedt hingsf orthe
better.Iwentt ochecki ftheboy sdid
agoodj ob, wehav eboy swhowor k
forusandsomet i
mest heydon' tajob
reall
ywel l.
Me:
Wher
eisJomo?
Kj
:Langel
i
hleboss.
Me:
Ever
ythi
ngwentwel
l
?
Kj:Yes,
sheisn'
tpregnantandwedi
d
beatherupjustsosheknowsnotto
messwi thy
ouagai n.
Me: Good.Ineedtoyoukeepat
ail
on
her.Tel
lOmphi nott
osmokeinhere
everagain,
itsti
nks.
Kj
:Shomdanaza
Me:
I'
ll
fucky
ouupboy
Kj
:Sor
ryboss
Me:Thisweednonsenseyouall
smokeismakingyoulooseyour
mind.
Kj
:AyBoss,
Ist
oppedsmoki
ngl
ong
l
ongago.YoucanaskBoss
Mayi
bongwe,webothver
yclean.
Me:I
tdidl
eaveafewl
oosescr
ewsi
n
t
hatheadofy
ours.
Kj
:KodwaBraBoss,ei
ntl
ek,
TaRazor
want
edtoseeyou.
Me:
Why
?
Kj:Idon'
tknow,he'sasoft
ienow, y
ou
knowhegav eusmoneyj ustnjeh,
wellwenotcompl aini
ngaboutthat
.
Butweev enhadapar tyi
nhere,he
didn'
tshout.
Me:Hewouldkil
lyouifhehear
dy ou
sayhe'
sasoft
ie.I
tsbeingafat
her
agai
natsuchanoldage.Idon'
tknow
whathewasthi
nking,Il
ovemy
si
ster
sbuthe'
stoooldtobehavi
ng
5monthsol
dbabies.
Kj:
Sexisunst
oppableBraBoss, pl
us
TaRazorwil
lneveruseplast
ic.Fut
h
TaRazori
sstil
lverysexyand
handsome
Me:Whythehel
lwouldy
ousayRazor
i
ssexyandhandsome?Kai
tsoJwar
a!
Ar
eyougay?
Kj:AyyBoss!I
'
m notgaybutIhave
eyes.Don'
tbejeal
ousthatTaRazor
i
ssexierthanyou.Don'
tworr
y,you
haveanicerbuttt
hanhim.
It
hrewasmal
lbr
ickathi
m andhe
ranaway .Thi
sidiot
!He'ssuchal oud
mout handalway st
alksnonsense.
Buthedoeshi sjobwel landIwas
thi
nkingofmaki nghim oneoft he
agentsnow.He'sdoneal ottoprove
thathe'swort
hyoft heposi t
ion.But
I'
llhavetotal
ktoRazor .Idrovetomy
father
shouseandasIexpect edhe
wasatt hegardenwi t
hhi stwinsand
wife.
Me:
MaPhi
ndy
,howar
eyou?
MaPhi
ndy
:I'
m goodandy
our
sel
f?
Me:
I'
m okay
.
Icar
ri
edthetwinsanddadwasn'
t
happyaboutt
hem notbei
ngi
nhis
ar
ms
Me:You'
rereal
lyasofti
enow.I
t'
snot
l
ikeIwon'
tgivethem back.
Razor:
Youdon'
twanttodi
eboy
,who
ar
ey oucal
l
ingasof
ti
e?
Me:
Idi
dn'
tcomef
rom me.
Igavehim backt
hetwi
nsandhe
gavethem toMaPhi
ndy.
Razor
:Come,
weneedt
otal
kson.
Ifoll
owedhi mtohisstudy.Att
his
ti
meIwasscar edcausethisman
couldbeatthecrapoutofmej ust
becauseIsaidhei sasoft
ie.My
fatherdoesn'
tplaygames.JustasI
thought,hegavemet wopunches.
Me:Shi
t!Whatt
hehel
l
?I'
m ev
en
bl
eedi
ngDad
Razor
:Mypunchesgoty
out
ocal
lme
dadhuh?
Me:Ial
way
scal
lyoudad,
wel
li
nmy
head
Razor:
Youdisrespect
fulboy.Yougot
apunchforcall
ingmeasof ti
eand
onefornotcomingtov i
sity
our
si
ster
soften.
Me:
Idi
dcomeseet
hem t
oday
Razor
:Af
terhowl
ong?
Me:
We'
renotgoi
ngt
odot
his.
Razor
:Si
tdownTr
ist
on!
Iremainedstandi
ngandhewas
angry
.I'm st
ubbornj
ustl
i
kehi
m.
Razor :
Iknowyou'
vewentt hr
ough
alotmysonbuttheyareyoursist
ers
andy ouneedtohaveagood
relat
ionshi
pwi
ththem.Andi twil
l
alsohelpyouwit
hyourissueswith
babies
Me:
Idon'
thav
eissueswi
thbabi
es
Razor:Youdo,youcannotev enl
ook
atthem proper
ly,youcarr
ythem l
i
ke
theyaresacks.Allyoudotoshow
l
ov eisbuythem thingst
heydon'
t
evenneed.Youneedt oshowert
hem
withlovenotgif
ts.
Me:I
'l
ltr
ytoseet
hem t
wicei
na
week
Razor:
Threet imesaweek.Theyar
e
comingov ertoyourhousenext
sat
urday,alldaylong.I
'
mt aki
ngmy
wif
eout .
Me:
Getanannyorsomet
hing.
Razor
:You'
l
lbet
henanny
.
Me:
I'
m out
Razor
:I'
m notdonewi
thy
ou
Me:
ButIam
Anotherpunchfledtomyst omach.I
pushedhim overandst ood.He
knowsI'dneverfightback.Just
pushi
nghi misallIeverdo.Asmuch
aswedon' thav
eaper f
ect
rel
ati
onshipbutI'
dnev erbeatupmy
fat
her.Iknowhe'dkil
l methatday.I
satdownandhesatnextt omewhi l
e
Iwasnur si
ngmyf uckedupf ace.
Razor:Youhav
egof
ory
ourl
ast
tr
aini
ng
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Razor:I'
m steppingdownasheadof
theforce.Youwi llt
akeafterme.I '
m
getti
ngol d,
Ihav eli
ttl
ebabiesanda
wifetobewi th.Icannotbeheadi ng
upmi ssionsandr unningtheforce.
I
tstoomuchf ormeandi tisyour
t
imenow.
Me:Wow, Iknewthi
swoul
dhappen
butnotsosoon.
Razor:Youhavet
oprepar
e.You'
l
lbe
l
eavingnextweekMonday.
InoddedandIwasnotl ooking
forwardtothepartofexplaini
ngt
o
NasithatI'
ll
begonef orthreemonths.
Justwhent hingswerecomi ng
together
,thi
scomesup.
Razor
:Yourwi
fei
scal
l
ing
Il
ookedatmyphoneandi
twasNasi
.
Me:
Nasi
phi
Nasi
:Wher
ear
eyou?Ev
ery
onei
sat
Zandi
'
sal
ready
Me:
Ever
yone?Zandi
'
s?Whatf
or?
Nasi:
Thebraai
,I
'mleav
ingi
fyou'
re
notherei
n10mins.
Me:
Shi
t!
Ifor
got
.I'
m comi
ng
Iendedthecallandsaidmy
goodbyes.Idrovebackhomequickl
y
andshewaswai t
ingformeatt
he
door,Iwentherandhuggedher
.
Nasi
:Whathappenedt
oyourf
ace?
Me:
Dadhappened.Hepunchedme
Shel
aughedatmeandIpr
etendedt
o
behur
t
Nasi
:Oh,
sor
ry.
Il
aughedatherandki
ssedmy
beaut
if
ulwoman.
Me:Isther
est
il
lti
mef
oral
i
ttl
e
qui
ckie
Nasi
:No!Nowl
et'
sgo.
Shegoti
ntot
hecarandIf
oll
owed.
#Nasi
IwokeupandDannywasn' thome.
Heleftanot esayi
nghisgoingt
oHQ
buthet ooktoolongandweendedup
bei
ngl ate.Weparkedatthegar
age
atZandi'shouseandhelockedall
car
doors
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Danny
:Just20mi
nut
esbabepl
ease
Me:
5mi
ns
Danny
:HahNasi
phi
Me:
10mi
nsandt
hat
'si
t
Iwentov
ertohisseatandhemoved
i
tdownabit.Hewassqueezingmy
but
twhil
eIsatproper
lyandi
nser
ted
hi
smanhoodinsideofme.
Danny
:Mmmmh
Me:
Alr
eady
?
Danny
:You'
ret
ight
ImoanedasIr odemymanl i
ke
theresnotomorrow.Whoknewsex
i
nt hecarwoul
dbet hisgood?
Me:
Danny
!
Icall
edouthisnameasIreachedan
orgasm.Hecamer i
ghtafterandI
si
ghed.Wef i
xedoursel
vesand
walkedtothehousehol
dinghands.
Athi
:DamnNasi
!Yout
hrowmean
punches!
Me:
What
?OhnoIdi
dn'
thi
thi
m.
Bonga:
Whodi
d?
Danny
:Razor
Theylaughedathi
m andtheyfool
ed
aroundwalki
ngtothechi
l
lingarea
outsi
de.
Nceba:
HeyMr
s..
.You'
regl
owi
ng
Me:
NoI
'
m not
Zandy:
Not
hatsmi
l
eisaqui
cki
e
smil
e!
Me:I
sther
eanythi
ngelseyouguy
s
ev
ertal
kaboutbesi
dessex?
Phel
o:Idon'
tthi
nkt
her
eis.
Ntoko:AsIoncesai
d,i
tsal
labout
Fashi
on,sexandmen.
Wecont i
nuedt alki
ngaboutal l we
evertalkaboutwhi l
ecooki ngpapand
makingsal ads.Whent hemeatwas
readyweser v edandf eastedt hrough
alovelyconv ersati
on.Theaf ternoon
wasgr eatasweconv er sat
edandi t
wasf i
ll
edwi thgr eatlaught er
.Iwi shit
wasl
iket
hisev
ery
daybutwehavet
o
wor
kandkeepourfami
l
iesf
ed.
Bri
an:
Paul
a,mayItakey
ououtona
dat
etomor
rownight?
What!Lookwhodeci dedtogrow
someballsandfinal
lyaskherouton
adate.Paulachockedonhersali
va
andweal l
laughed.Bri
anwasso
ner
vous
Paul
a:Sor
ry,
Pleaser
epeaty
our
sel
f?
Br
ian:
Uhm.
..I
..
.Iwas.
.
Phil
a:He'
sstutt
eri
ng!Mybrot
her
cannotspeaknow.I'
vewai
tedsoo
l
ongf ort
hisday.
Mpho:
ShutupPhi
l
a
Wealll
aughedandPaul
awasst
il
l
l
ooki
ngatBrian
Br
ian:
Iwantt
otakey
ououtonadat
e
Paul
a:Whathappenedt
opl
ease?
Jabu:
Toughcooki
e
Nkosi
:Youneedt
oshutupJabul
ani
Bri
an:Paul
a,MayIpl
easetakeyou
outonadatetomorr
ownight?
Paul
a:I
'
llt
hinkabouti
t
Thabo:
Yoh
Paul
a:I
'
mjoki
ngBr
ian!I
'
dlov
eto
Hel
ookedsorel
iev
edandhenodded.
Hedi
dn'
tevenknowwhatt
osay
Paul
a:Andwhathappenedt
othank
y
ou?
At
hi:
Askhi
m Paul
a
Br
ian:
Thanky
ouPaul
a
Sneh: Seemsasi fsomeonewi l
l
teachhi m di
scipl
ine.I
'm soooo
excit
ed!Littl
esistergoingonadate
ya'l
l
!!!
!Wehav etogoshoppi ng
tomor rowbeforet hedate
Zandy:I
sitaf
ormal
dat
eorj
ust
casual
?
Br
ian:
Uhm I
'
m notsur
e
Nkosi
:It
sacasual
dat
e
Il
aughedathowcl
uelessBri
anwas.
I'
m sur
ehehasnot
hingplannedout
atal
l
Thapel
o:I
'm enj
oy i
ngt hi
ssomuch.
YouusedtolaughatmewhenI
str
essedabouttakingNcebaonany
datenowlookwhoi sonthehotseat
!
Thisi
ssomuchf un
Phil
a:I
'
m enj
oyi
ngt
hiswi
thy
ou
Thaps!
Me:
Youguy
sar
esi
l
ly.
Weallhadawonderfult
imeandwe
l
eftar
ound7pm goingbackhome.
Br
ianwasdr oppi
ngPaul
aoffandt
hat
madehim happy.
Danny
:I'
l
lgor
uny
ouabat
h
Me:
Thanks,
you'
l
ljoi
nme?
Danny
:Yes
Ilookedatsomeofmye- mail
sand
therewasast r
angeoneitsaid"I
knowy ou'reali
ve"Ii
gnoredit
.Some
peoplejustlovefool
ingaround.I
wentupst air
sandmymanwas
waiti
ngf ormeandIj oi
nedhimi nthe
bathtub
Danny
:Wehav
etot
alk
Me:
Itsoundsser
ious
Danny
:Iti
s,myfat
heri
ssteppi
ng
downandleav
ingt
heforce.
Me:
Ohokay
.
Danny:
Youdoknowwhatt
hatmeans
ri
ght
?
Me:Thathei
sleavi
ngthefor
ce
Danny,
tobewithhi
sfamil
y
Danny: I
tmeansit
smyti
metotake
hisseat.I'
l
lhav
etost
epi
nasheadof
theforce.
Me:
Ohwow
Danny
:Tal
ktome
Me:Idon'
tknowwhatt
osay .You'
l
l
beawayfrom homemostoftheti
me
Danny
:Yes
Me:
Itmeanswewon'
tseey
oumuch.
Danny:I'
m afr
aidso,
I'
ll
workthi
ngs
outandmakesur eIhavet
imeformy
famil
y.Therearesomemissi
onsthat
wi
l
lneedmef
ull
time.
Me:Sot
hat
swhenwewon'
tseey
ou
atal
l
Danny
:I'
m af
rai
dso.Andnextweek
MondayI'
mleavi
ngformytr
aini
ng.
Me:
Whatt
rai
ning?
Danny:Ther
esatrai
ningIhav
eto
att
endbeforebei
ngHeadofthe
Force.
Me:
Forhowl
ong?
Danny
:Thr
eemont
hs.
Ifel
tmyhear tbreaki
ntopi
eces.He'
l
l
begonef orsolong.I
thurt
ssomuch
butIcannotstandinhisway.
Danny
:Saysomet
hingAmahl
e
Me: You'
l
lhavet
ospendthewhole
weekwi t
htheki
ds.Justt
ot r
yand
coverupfort
hethreemonths.
Idri
edmysel
fupandl
efthimther
e.I
gotint
obedandt
ri
edtosleep.
Danny:Nasi
phi
,Pl
easet
alkt
ome.I
don'
tl
ikethi
satal
l.
Me:
Iwantt
osl
eep.
Hegotinbedandhel dme.Al l
Icould
dowasj ustcry.HeheldmeandI
cl
osedmyey es.I'
m hurtandI'
m not
l
ookingforwardtot henextfew
months.I'
m notlookingforwardto
hi
m beingheadoft heforce.
Danny
:Il
ovey
ouMaNy
athi
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t30
Thepastweekhasbeenagr
eatweek.
We'vehadf untogetherasaf ami l
y
eventhoughIgothomeexhaust ed
fr
om wor k.Imadesur ewespent
ti
met ogetherwi t
htheki ds.Even
Danny'sli
ttlesi
sterswer ehereon
Satur
dayandIhadal otofbaby si
tti
ng
todowi thDanny '
slittl
ehel p.Theki ds
haveleftforschool alreadyandI 've
beenpacki ngDanny 'scl ot
hes.I'l
lgo
toworkabi tl
ate.Himl eavi
ngbr eaks
myhear tsomuchbutsadl ythere'
s
nothi
ngIcandoabouti totherthan
supporti
nghi m.IknowI '
m goingto
misshim somuch.Thr eemont hsisa
veryverylongtimeandI '
vebeen
usedtohi m beingar oundatal lti
mes,
thi
si snewt omebutIhopeI 'l
l
survive.I
'm walki
ngaroundt heroom
doingIdon'tknowwhatbutIcoul d
feelhisaura.He'ssomewher einthe
room.If el
thim comecl oserandheld
mywai st
.Justhistouchmademe
shiverandf eel
butter
fl
iesinmy
stomach.
Danny
:Pear
l
Ikeptqui
etandj
ustl
i
stenedt
ohi
s
heart
beat
.
Danny
:Lookatme,
Pear
l.
Itur
nedandlookedathi
m wi
thmy
toescur
li
ng.
Danny
:Iknowt
hisi
shar
dfory
ou.I
t'
s
hardforthebothofusNasi phi.I
knowy ou'r
eastr ongwoman, you'r
e
thestrongestwomanIknow.Ij ust
needy outobest rongformeandt he
kids.The3mont hswi l
lbeov ersoon.
I'
llbebackforyou, DanverandOni ka
Me:Butforhowlong,webothknow
youmightimmediat
elyhav
etogo
r
ightaf
tercomingback.
Danny
: Idon'
tknowbutj
usttr
ustme
Amahle.Ineedyout
otrustme.
Inoddedandwekissed.Iknowwhat
thi
skisswil
ll
eadt
o.Hewas
squeezi
ngmybuttinaflash.He
l
ovesmybut t,
mywaist,myt hi
ghs.
Hel ovesev erypartofmybodyandI
l
ov eev er
ypar tofhi s,especial
lyhis
hair
.Hel aidmeont hebedandt ook
offmycl othes.Heki ssedmyneck
anddownt omybr east s.Sending
goodsensat i
onsal lov ermybody .He
ki
ssedmeal lthewaydownt omy
honey potandper for medhi smagi c
withhistonguesl itheringonmycl i
t.
Softmoansescapi ngf rom mymout h
andt heyslowl ygotl ouderandl ouder
ashepenet ratedmewi thhi
sfingers.
Het ookofhi sclothesandl ookedat
me
Danny:Imi
ghtcomebackasa
di
ffer
entman,wher
eI'
m goi
ngthey
trai
nyoutobev erycruelandruthless.
Tohav eaheavyhear t
.ButIknowal l
thatwil
lneverchangethewayIf eel
aboutyouandourki ds.Itwon't
changethemanIam ar oundy ou
guys.You'
reeverythi
ngIhav e.Il
ov e
you
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Whathesai dscar
edmemor e,
whatif
hecomesbackandhaschanged
towardsusaswell?Whatifhestops
l
ov i
ngus?We' vej
ustbecamethis
ti
ghtunitandnowt hi
swill
happen?I
t
trul
yhasnot i
mingatall
.Hemade
l
ov etomel i
keneverbef
ore.He
madel ovetometil
l t
ear
sescaped
myey es,notbecausei tspai nfulbut
becauseoft hepl easure.I twassoo
goodandhehi tall t
her ightcor ners.I
camet wicebutt hatdi dn'tstophi m
from givingmet hef oreverlasting
sensat i
on.Ikeptonscr atchinghi s
backt ryi
ngt ohol dont ohi m, myl egs
wer etotall
ygivinguponmeandwer e
feeli
ngv eryweak.Wi t
hev er
yt hrustI
felthispurelove.I tsthel ovehehas
formeandmeonl y.I'
m hi sandhe' s
mi ne.Wewer emadef oreachot her,
oursoul sareauni t,
oursoul sar eone.
Oursoul sconnect edsomuchandi t
mademel ovehi m ev enmor e.All t
he
l
ov eIhav eforhi m wasexpr essedi n
thi
slov emaki ngsession.Het urned
usov erandIwasont opridingmy
man.He' sloudgroansmademe
smileasIknewIwasmaki nghim
feelgood.Afterafewhour swewer e
bothexhaust edandweshower ed
together.Hewasont hephonewhi l
st
Ichangedt hesheets.
Danny:
You'renotgoi
ngt
owork
anymore.You'
l
lgotomor
row.
Me:
Why
?
Danny
:Youneedt
orest
.
Heki ssedmyforeheadandgot
dressed.Iwentdownstai
rsandsaw
JomoandKJ, i
twasaconf i
rmati
on
thathe'sabouttoleav e.Ididn'
tev en
hav etheenergytospeakt othem, I
j
ustwav ed.TheytookDanny '
sbags
andhef ollowedthem.Ij ustlooked
downandt ri
edholdingbackmyt ears.
Hehuggedmeandki ssedmy
forehead
Danny
:By
eBabe
Me:
Bye
Whent heyclosedthedoorIjust
hai
ledsoloud.Icri
edlikeababyand
satonthefloorcry
ingmyl ungsout.
Therehewasl ooki
ngsowor r
iedand
hecarr
iedme.
Danny
:Nasi
phi
pleasedon'
tdot
his.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry
Danny
:Don'
tapol
ogi
ze.Ij
ustdon'
t
wantt
oseeyouli
kethi
s.St
opcryi
ng.
Kjwasstandi
ngbythedoorl
ooki
ng
atmeli
keI'm somecr
azywoman.
Danny :
Come, you'
recomingwi
thme
totheairpor
t.We'l
lhavel
unchand
you'l
lcomeback.
Thesmi l
eonmyf ace!Youwoul dn'
t
tel
lthatIwascryingami nuteago.I
rantothebathr
oom andf i
xedmy sel
f.
Iheardthem l
aughatmebutIdi dn't
care.Tookmybagandwewentt o
thecar.Jomowasdr i
vingandI'
v e
beenslowlygett
ingusedt ohisscary
f
ace.
Kj:BossLady ,
ayy oumademyday !
I'
m neverevergetti
ngawoman.My
fuckbuddiesareenoughandifthey
everpullastuntl
ikethat
,they
'dbe
sixfeetunder.
Il
aughedandl ai
dmyheadon
Danny'sshoulderwhil
ehewasbusy
onhislaptop.Hewasbr iefi
ngthe
act
ingCEO' sofhisbusinesses.Ikept
onkissinghisneckandhesqueezed
mybut tusinghisfr
eehand
Jomo:Aynev
er,Icannotbe
subj
ect
edtol
ivepornography
.
Me:
Ohwow,
youcant
alknow?
Theyl aughedatmeandwegott othe
airport.Mymanwashol di
ngme
closear oundmywai standIdon't
evenknowwher ethejournali
sts
camef rom buttheywer earoundus
takingpi ct
ures.Atl
eastIlookdecent.
Wewentshoppi ngaroundt hestor
es
her eandsatdownf oranear l
ylunch.
Danny
:Youcr
yli
keababy
Me:
What
everDanny
Thewayhelookedatmemademe
feel
abi
tuncomf or
tabl
e
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Danny
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oobuty
ou'
rel
ooki
ng
atmev
erywei
rdl
y.
Danny
:I'
mjustlooki
ngatthi
s
amazi
ngwomanbef oreme.I'
mvery
l
uckytohav
ey ou.Il
oveyouNasi
phi
Me:Ilov
eyout
ooTr
ist
on.You'
re
scar
ingme
Danny:Youdon'
tneedt
obescared.
Ever
ythi
ngwill
beokay,
Ipr
omise.
Hesqueezedmyhandandwe
fi
nishedupeat
ingandi
twast
imef
or
hi
mt ogo.
Danny:KJwil
lbearoundmoreoft
en
andhe'
llmakesurether
essecur
it
y.
Don'
tfi
ghthim,he'
ll
driv
eyouto
wherev
eryouwanttogo.
Me:
Whycan'
tIdr
ivemyowncar
?
Danny
:Babe,
youneedt
obesaf
e.
Me:I
'
llbesaf
ebydri
vi
ngmy sel
f.
WhenI'
mlazyhecandr
iveme.
Danny :FineNasi
phi,buthe'llkeepa
closeey eonyou.I
'l
ltransfermoney
i
nt oyouraccount,i
tshouldl astyou
forthenextthreemont hs.Ifyou
happent oneedmor e,you'l
l t
alktoKJ.
Me:
Yessi
r
Danny
:Goodby
e,Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooDanny
Wekissedforawhi
leandIwat
ched
hi
m walkawaywit
hJomoandhi s
securi
tyteam.I'
mleftwit
hthi
scr
azy
person.Iwipeoffmytear
sandhe
l
ooksatmel i
kehe'sscar
ed
Me:
What
?
Kj:
Justdon'
trol
lonthefl
oorandcr
y.
Don'tembar
rassmeplease,
Ihavea
goodimagetokeepup.
Me:
Mxm goodi
magemyf
oot
.
Kj:
What?I
'
mv er
yhandsomet
hank
youver
ymuch.
Gosh!Wil
lhehav
etobear
oundall
t
hetime.He'
sannoy
ingmeal
ready
Kj
:Icecr
eam?
Me:
Nowy
ou'
ret
alki
ng.
Hewasbusytext
ingonhi
sphone
andwegoti
ntothecar
.
Kj:
We'l
lfi
rstf
etchpr
egnantbossl
ady
andgeti
cecream t
oget
her
Me:
Pregnantbossl
ady
?
Kj
:Si
sBabal
wa
Wewenttofet
chBeeandwentt
o
mi
lkyl
ane.
Bee:
Howar
eyouDrNy
athi
?
Me:
I'
m sadandy
ou
Bee:I
'm heavy
.Hav inganothersetof
twi
nsisnotcool .Ntandokaziand
Thandokaziwereenoughdr ama, we
coul
dn'tevensleep.Nowwe' re
expecti
ngtwinsagai
n,I
'm goi
ngt
o
l
oosei t
.Ihav
eadoct or
's
appoint
mentinanhour,you'
ll
come
withmer i
ght
?
Me:
Yes.
Wewalkedaroundlooki
ngatthe
beachandIsli
ppedandfel
lonto
someicecream t
hatwasonthefloor
Me:
Ouch
Kj
hel
pedmeupandIt
hankedhi
m.
Bee:
Sor
ry
Webot
hlaughedandwal
kedt
othe
car
Me:
We'
l
lhav
etogot
ohomeandI
'
ll
change.I
t'
sagoodt
hingIf
ell
andnot
you.
Bee:Imagine,I
'dfreakout
.Getti
ng
pregnantwiththegirl
swasa
complicat
ionitsel
fsoIdon'twant
anycompl i
cati
onswi tht
his
pregnancy.I
'l
lbegi v
ingbi
rt
hinjust
2mont hs.
Me:You'
ref
indi
ngoutt
hegender
t
oday?
Bee:
Yes
We'l
lcel
ebr
atewi
thsomecakeand
j
unkwhenwecomeback.Andwe'l
l
f
etchtheki
ds
Bee:
Yourphonei
sri
ngi
ng,
itsDanny
Me:
Puti
tonl
oudspeakerpl
ease
Iwasst
il
ldr
essi
ngup.
Danny
:Whyam Ionl
oudspeaker
?
Bee: Hel
lotoy
outooDanny,
she'
s
sti
llchangi
ngsoIanswer
edthecal
l
forher.
Danny
:What'
swrongwithwhatshe
waswear
ing?Ar
ey ouguysgoi
ngout?
Me: We'
regoingtoherdoctor
s
appoint
ment.Ifel
lsoIneededto
change
Danny
:Whatdoy
oumeany
ouf
ell
?!
!
Me:Uhm.
.Isl
i
ppedoni
cecr
eam and
f
ell
Danny
: AndwherewasKJ!Wher
e
wereyourbody
guards!
Me:Calm down,Ij
ustfel
li
tsnobi
g
deal
.Andwhatdoy oumeanmy
bodyguar
ds,DannyIdon'
thave
bodyguar
ds
Danny
:Nasi
phi
gogi
veKJt
hephone
Me:Nowait
,let
stalkaboutt
he
body
guar
dspartfi
rst
Danny
:Nasi
phi
!
Beerushedmyphonet
oKJandI
fol
l
owed
Kj
:TaDanny
Danny
:Expl
ainy
our
sel
f!Howdoes
shef
all
wheny
ouar
eal
lar
ound?
Kj
:Ithappenedqui
ckl
yTaDanny
,we
di
dn'tseeitcomi
ng.
Me:I
twasami st
akeDanny
.Idi
dn'
t
br
eakanybones
Danny:Butyoufel
l!I'
m notgonefor
evenoveranhourbutshef al
ls!What
happenedtoyouall doi
ngyourjob!
Wherearethoseidiots?
Kj
:Out
sideSi
r.We'
rev
erysor
ry
OhwhathappenedtoTaDanny
?He'
s
Si
rnow?Andwhyi shesoangr
y?
Danny:List
enandlistencaref
ull
y,I
don'twantyourapology.Youareall
fi
red!Iwon'thav
eausel esssecuri
ty
team.HowcanIt rustyouwit
hmy
famil
yifyoucannotevenprotecther
from f
all
i
ng!Getoutofmyhouse!
Youarefired!
Yey!Hewasl
iv
id!Idon'
twi
shtobe
Jomoandtheguyswithhi
m.
Itookthephoneandwentt ositon
thecouchandtookitoffloud
speaker.Hewassti
llshouti
ng.
Me:
McKenzi
e
Danny
:Nasi
phi
!Gi
vet
hatphoneback
toKJ!
Me:Pleasecal
m down.Justcal
m
down,you'
reover
react
ingri
ghtnow.I
j
ustfel
landit'
snobigdeal
.
Danny
:Itisabigdeal
,youfel
lNasiphi
.
Youcould'
vehurty
oursel
fandlanded
i
nhospit
al.Orendupbeingparal
ysed
Il
aughedathim somuch.Hei
sjust
over
react
ing.
Me:You'reov err
eactingand
over
protecti
v eandal loft
hatdi
dn't
happen.Ididn'tevengetascratch.
I
'mfineTriston,I'
mr eall
yfi
ne.
Danny:Il
oveyouandwantnot
hingt
o
happentoyou.
Me: Andnothingwillhappen.And
you'
renotf i
ri
ngthem atall.You
cannotfir
ethem justbecauseIfel
l,
weal l
didn'
tseeitcomi ng.These
menhav ef amili
esdependi ngon
them,theyar emakingal i
vi
ngf or
themselvesandar ebreadwi nners.I
f
youfir
et hem, doyouknowhowmany
l
ivesyou'reaffect
ing?Whati fthey
won'thav efoodtoeatf ortherestof
theweekormont hory ear?You
cannotjustactwi t
houtt hi
nking.
You'r
eangr y,Iunderst
andbuty ou
can'
tfir
et hem.
Danny:Whydoy oumakesomuch
sense?Finethey'
renotfi
red.Buti
f
suchmi st
akeshappenagai nI'
l
lfi
re
them andyouwon' tbeableto
changemymi nd.
Me:
Okay
,nowwi
l
lyouexpl
ainwhyI
havebodyguards?ThatI
'
venev
er
evenseenbefore?
Danny:Icannotheary
ouproper
ly.I'
m
l
oosingthesignal
..
.Nasi
phi
..
.Nasiphi
Me:
Qui
ttheactDanny
Helaughedandendedt
hecal
l
.Mx
m
t
hisguy
Me:
Youcanst
il
lkeepy
ourj
obs.
Kj:
Thanksbosslady.IknowwhenTa
Dannyi
sangr y
,we'r
eindeepshit
.
Thankyouforusi
ngy ourchar
msto
soft
enhim up.
Bee:Yohaythesemenar
e
over
prot
ecti
ve
Kj:Youmakethem l
i
ket hi
s.That
s
whyIdon'
twanttohav eawomanI '
m
seri
ouswit
h.Idon'
twanttoloosemy
mind.Womanmakey ousoftand
crazy.
Bee:Menmakeuscr
azyt
oo.They
upsetus
Kj:
Yeybutyou'
real
lsoscary.
Especi
all
ySi
sNtokozo,
Ifearherso
much.
Bee:Why?She'
ssopeacef
ulandnot
scar
yatall
.
Kj
:She'
stoopeacefult
hatsthe
pr
oblem.Youneverevenknowwhat'
s
onhermind.Thepeacef
ulone'
sar
e
thecraziest
.Inev
erwantt
omess
withher.HerandNangomsoar
eano
goarea.
Wegoti nt
ot hecaranddroveofft
o
thehospit
alwiththi
scrazy
conversat
iongoingon.He'sri
ght
aboutNgamso, youneverknowwhat
she'
llsayordonext.She'
salways
thi
nkingdeep.
Kj:You'r
ealldi
ff
erentandsuit
ablef
or
yourhusbands.Youknowhowt o
tamet hem down.AykodwaIgi v
ethe
trophytoSisNaye.Bhut'
Nkosi
nathii
s
abeast !
Bee:
Youcansayt
hatagai
n.
Me:
Hei
sabi
tscar
y
Bee:You'
ll
seehi
m onedaywhenhe
i
sangry.You'
l
lwantt
ohideundert
he
bed
Me:
Youguy
sar
ecr
azy
.
Bee:Oneguyyou'
l
lhardlyseeangr
y
i
sJabulani
.He'
scalm andthe
peacemaker
Me:Hei
sweir
djustl
i
keThabo,
they
ar
etoowei
rd.
Kj:Thabo,Ialsodon'tknowhi
m
much.I'vebeenar oundforawhil
e
butIsti
llcannotgethim.Butthey
're
al
l goodbossest ous.Wewor kunder
greatmenandt heyalways
encourageust odowellandbegreat
andrichliket
hem.YabokeNasiphi
wenay ouwont helot
tery,
yourmanis
dannr i
ch.Thi
swhiteniggagot
money !
!Youknowweoncespenta
mill
onr andonboozefortheenti
re
week!Wewer eonadrinki
ngspree.
Bee: Theweekwherewehadno
husbands, t
heyweremarr
iedto
alcohol.Dannywascr
azythatweekI
telly
ou
Kj:Wewer edrinki
ngexpensi
ve
alcoholnotcastl
eli
ghtandkli
pdri
ft
.
I'
mt el
li
ngy ouaboutal
coholthatI
hadnev erseenbefor
e
Kj tal
ks, al
ot.That '
swhatI 'v
enot i
ced
abouthi m.Hei sachat terboxandI
knowIwon' tbebor edatal l
.Wegot
tot hehospi talandhedi dn'twantto
comei nwi thus.Hesai dhe' sall
ergi
c
tohospi t
als.Someguywenti nwith
usandsur pri
singlywef oundBonga
alreadyt here.Beewasl i
keal ove
struckt eenager .Shedidthescanand
i
twast woboy s.Bongawasov erthe
moonandunf ortunatel
yhehadt ogo
butat leastheshowedup.Wewentt o
thest oresboughtourj unkand
pickedupt heki dsfrom school pl
us
Ntandokazi andThandokazi .They
changed, ateandr ushedt oplay
outsi
dewhil
ewemunchedonour
j
unkfood.Ansmscamethroughand
Icoul
dntbel
iev
emyeyes.
Me:
Ishecr
azy
!
Bee:
What
?
Me:
Hej ustsentmeami
l
li
on.I
tsf
or
t
henextthreemont
hs
Bee:
Whyar
eyousay
inghei
scr
azy
?
Me:
It'
stoomuch.
Bee:Nottohim,justspendthe
moneyorsav esomeofi t.Babygi
rl
,
hechowsy ourpussywhenev erhe
wantsto,
spendhi smoney !
Thi
sgi
rli
scr
azy
!ButDannywoul
dn'
t
sendmesomuchmoneyi fi
twoul
d
takeat
ollonhi
sfi
nances.Somykids
andIwi
llchowdaddi
esmoney !
!
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
#LBAR

I
nser
t31
I
tsbeenamont
handt
woweeks
wit houtDannyMcKenzi e.Thel ast
ti
meIhear dfrom him waswhenhe
ov erreactedaboutmef all
i
ng.I
alway shearhisv oi
ceinmyheadand
Ilaught omy self
.Somet i
mesi t
'slike
he'sher ewithmeandIt al
kt ohi m.I
knowi tsoundscr azybutitswhatIdo.
Honest lymyki dshavebeent hebest ,
yesImi ssDannybutI '
m nev erlonely.
Theysl eepwi t
hmemostni ghtsand
we' real waysspendingtimet oget her.
Somet imest heyleaveandsl eepov er
atoneofmyf ri
endshousesbut
VenesandSbahl ekeepmecompany
andwedr i
nkourselv
est osleep.We
spentt hewhol eofDecember
holi
day sandnewy earswithouthim.
Mymot hersal socameov erwith
Paulaatt imesandt hey'
dkeepus
company .Kj hasbeenar oundatall
ti
mesandmaki ngmel aught i
llmy
stomachhur ts.It hi
nkheshoul d've
beenacomedi an.Wear gueabout
thedrivi
ngi ssueatal lti
mesbuthe
endsupwi nni ng.Hei sverystubborn
andy ou'dar guewi t
hhim alldaylong.
Anotherst rangee- mailwassentt o
meandKamol ookedi ntoitbutit
wasn'ttraceabl e.Ichoset ojust
i
gnorei ttoo.Wor khasbeengr eat
andev erythingi sgoingwel l,
the
hospitalhasbeenahugesuccess.
Runningi tt
houghhasbeen
exhaustingbutitissomet hingIl
ove
todoandI '
m passionateaboutit.I
wokeupandt ookav erylongshower.
I'
ll
begoi ngov ertoSiya'
shousewi th
thekids.Iwentt otheirroom and
Dannywasdr essingup
Me:Morni
ngangel
s,y
oubat
hed
al
ready
?
Danver
:Yesmom,Oni
kai
sst
il
l
asl
eepthough.
Me:
Ohokay
.
Iwokeherupandbat
hedher
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
owear
?
Oni
ka:
Thedr
esst
hatl
ooksl
i
key
our
s
Webothhadt hesameol
i
vegr
een
summerdresses.
Onika:It
'sgoingt
obeDaddy's35t
h
bir
thdayinjust2weeks,
wil
lhebe
there?
Ihadev
enfor
gotabouti
t,t
he3r
dof
Febr
uar
yisj
usti
n2weeks.
Me: Idon'
tthi
nkso.He'
llbeback
soonandwe' l
lcel
ebrat
eitwhenhe'
s
back.
Danv
er:
Imi
sshi
m
Me:
Imi
sshi
mtoo,
hemi
ssesust
oo.
Onikastar
tedcr
y i
ngandIdidmybest
tr
yingtocomfortherandconv
ince
herthatDannywil
lbebacksoon.I
wentdownstair
stomakebreakf
ast
andt her
ewasanotherbody
guar
d
standingbyt
hedoor.
Me:
Hi,
canIhel
pyou?
Him:
I'
ll
bewithyoutodaymam,Mr
Jwar
aneededtoatt
endafamil
y
emer
gency.
Me:Ohokay
,di
dhet
ell
youwhati
t
was?
Hi
m:NoMam
Me:MmmhIhopeev erythi
ngiswell
.
Theresnoneedforyoutostandinfor
him.I'
l
lbefi
neplusI'
llj
ustbegoing
toLaLuciaandstayther
ealldayat
MrNgcobo'syoumayt aketheday
of
f.
Hi
m:Thanky
oumam
Ohthatwaseasy
!Ithoughthewould
bestubbor
nli
keKj.Imadebreakf
ast
fort
hekidsandt
herewasadel i
ver
y.
Del
iv
ery
Guy:Goodmorni
ngmam,
I'
m
l
ooki
ngforDrNyat
hi
Me:
Thatwoul
dbeme.
Del
iv
ery
Guy
:Thi
sisf
ory
ou,
please
si
gn.
Isignedandheleft
.ItwasaboxandI
openedit.I
thadaboxofchocolat
e
andagol dneckl
ace.Thecardj
ust
said"Il
oveyou"i
tdidn'
tsaywhothey
arefrom.Iqui
ckl
ytextedJabu
Me:"Doyout
hinkDannywouldbe
abl
etosendmeaboxofchocolate
andgol
dneckl
acewhereverhei
s?"
Jabu:"
No,
wecangogett
hem i
fyou
want.
"
Me:"
Nodon'tworry
,Ijustwant
ed
somet
hingspeci
alfr
om him"
Jabu:"You'
recr
azybutdon'
twor
ry,
he'
llbebacksoon"
Soitsconfir
med, i
tcannotbeDanny
whosentt hese.Sowhodi d?It
hrew
them i
nthebi nandconti
nuedmaking
breakf
ast.Igotacallf
rom Jabu
Me:
Jabs
Jabu:
SoIputmyt
hinki
ngcaponand
real
izedsomet
hing,
someonesent
youaboxofchocolateandgol
d
necklace?
Me:
Uhm y
es
Jabu:
Thr
owt
hem away
Me:
Idi
d
Jabu:
Act
ual
l
y,dest
royt
hem
Me:
How?
Jabu:Burnthem orsomet
hing.Danny
won'tl
ikethi
satall
Me:
Trustme,
Iknow.
HeendedthecallandIaskedoneof
t
hesecurit
yguystothrowawayt he
t
rash.Thekidscamedownstair
sand
weat
e.
Danv
er:
Wher
eisKJ?
Me:
Dayof
f
Henoddedandwef inishedup.It ook
thecarkeysandl eft
.Idr oveof ftoLa
Lucia.Youknowwheny ouj usthave
abadf eeli
ngthatsomet hi
ngbadi s
goingtohappen?Buty ouj ustdon't
knowwhati tis.That'
showIf el
t.I
i
gnor edthefeeli
nganddr ove
careful
ly
.Wef inal
lygott oSi y
a's
houseandPhi lagreetedandl eft
.
Si
ya:
Heyki
ds!
!
Theyexchangedgreet
ingsandthey
wentofftothequadsandJnr.
Me:
Heygi
rl
Si
ya:
Youl
ookl
i
key
ouneedsome
wi
ne.
Me:Orangej
uicewoul
dbef
inet
hank
youver
ymuch
Si
ya:
Bor
ing
Il
aughedatherandwehadsnacks
andjui
cewellshewashav
ingwine.
Me:
How'
syoursi
ster
?
Si
ya:Verydramatic,
Beecannotbe
pati
entjustf
orthenextf
ewday s.
She'
llgi
v ebi
rt
hsoonbutshealready
wantsthem out.
Me:
Ifeel
sor
ryf
orBonga.Beecanbe
v
eryoverdramat
icy
ou'
dsweary
ou'
re
t
heolderone.
Si
ya:
Youcansayt
hatagai
n.
Wet alkedf orawhi leandwentt o
watchmov ies.Igotat extfrom Sneh
askingmet ocomev i
sitherweneed
totalk.Itextedherandsai dI'
llbe
thereinanhour .SiyaandIwer esti
l
l
fi
nishingupt hemov ie.Phil
acame
backandwedi dn'tpayat t
entionto
themov i
eany morebutl i
stenedto
himt alkallthetime.Hewast elli
ng
meabouthowSi yabehav edlikea
babyl astnightcryingjustbecause
Philajokedandsai dshel ooked
pretti
erwhenshewasy oung.
Me:Soyou'
l
lcr
yallt
het
imewhen
you'
reol
dandugl
y?
Siy
a: Nobuthesaiditinabadway,
l
ikehewasi ndi
rect
lytell
i
ngmeI'
m
ageingandugly
Me:You'
recrazy.Letmeloveand
l
eav
ey ou.You'l
ldroptheki
dsoff
t
omorrowright?
Si
ya:
Yep!Byebabeandsendmy
gr
eet
ingst
oSneh
Me:
Byesweet
ie,
wil
ldo.
Iwenttosaymygoodby estotheki
ds
anddrovetothemall
togetsome
pi
zzaandf oodI'
dhavetoni
ght
becauseIknowIwon'tcook.Il
eftmy
bagi nthecarandonl yt ookmycar d.
Iboughtev erythingIneeeded.WhenI
waswal ki
ngt ot heparkinglotIsaw
somemenwal kingaroundmycar .I
gotcl oserandnot icedhowscar yand
dodgymostoft hem looked.One
shout ed"Ther eshei s!
"Hespoke
weirdly.Somet ookoutt heirgunsand
Iputev erythingIwascar r
y i
ngonthe
fl
oorandr an.ThankGodI '
m wearing
fl
atshoes!Ir ant ot heunder gr
ound
parkinglotandwasabl etoexistthe
mall.Peopl ewer elookingatmeasI
ran,mostpr obabl yshockedast o
howsuchat hi
ckgi rlcanr unthi
sfast.
Nev erunder est i
mat ethickwomen!
OhIt hi
nkIsaidthattooearl
y
becauseI '
mtir
edandt hisl
ongdress
i
sirri
tati
ngme.It ookoffmyshoes
andrant othenextcarIsawopened.
Idon'tcarewhathappensbutI'
m
gett
ingin.Theyounggi r
lgotso
shockedandshescr eamed.They
werest i
l
lcoming.
Me:Sssshdon'
tscr
eam,
Iwon'
thar
m
you.
Her:
Please,
I'
ll
giv
eyouany
thi
ngy
ou
want.
Me:Ineedy
out
odr
ive!Dr
iveasf
ast
asy
oucan
Her
:Icannotdr
ivef
ast
,I'
m newat
t
his.
Me:
Mxm!Mov
eov
er!
Wequickl
yexchangedseat
sandI
dr
ove.
Me:Checkift
hosemeni
nbl
ackar
e
st
il
lfol
l
owingus
Her
:Theyget
ti
ngintosomecar
s.
We'
rebei
ngfoll
owed.OhGod!I
'
m
goi
ngtodi
e!
Me:Noonewi
l
ldi
e,t
ight
eny
our
seat
bel
t.
Idroveforawholelongtwohours
tr
yingtoloosethem andthey
eventual
lygaveup.Wewer eoutof
Durbanbyt heti
metheystopped.We
wereheadedsomewherearound
Marburg.Idon'
tev
enknowthispl
ace
andIparkednextt
owhatseemdl i
ke
asoccerfiel
d
Me:
You'
reokay
?
Her
:YesI
'
mjustscar
ed.
Me:
What
syourname?
Her
:Boi
tumel
o
Me:
I'
m Nasi
phi
.Yourphonepl
ease
ShegavemeandIfel
tdumbbecause
Ionl
yknewDanny
'snumberof
fby
hear
t.
It
ri
edcall
i
nghisphoneandi
tdidn'
t
gothr
ough.It
ri
edremember
ing
Venes'
snumber
Me:
Ihopet
hisi
sit
.
Icall
edanditwenttovoi
cemail
.I
cal
ledagai
nandr anoutofai
rt
ime.
Me:
Fuck!
Boi
ty:
Wecanl
ookf
orashopandbuy
ai
rt
ime.
Istar
tedthecarandi
tdidn'
tmove.
Couldn'
tthi
sdaygetanyworse!Fl
at
ti
reandnopet r
ol!
Boi
ty:
We'r
estranded.Let
'swal
kand
l
ookforashop,Ihavecash.
Me:
Doy
out
hinki
tssaf
e?
Boi
ty:
Idon'
tknowbutwehav
etot
ry.
Ineedt
ogohome
Me:
Whodoy
oust
aywi
th?
Boi
ty:
Alone.
Me:
Okay
Wewentar oundandti
ll
wefounda
spaza.Weboughtair
ti
meand
biscui
ts,
Toppercr
eam.Whenlastdi
d
Ihavethese
Me:
Buysomespooki
est
oo
Weboughtthem andwentbackt
o
thecar
.Ical
l
edVenesagainandshe
answered
Venes:You'
vebeencal
li
ngforawhil
e,
Idon'
tanswernumbersIdon'
tknow.
Ift
hisisapr
ankcal
lI'
l
lhav
eyou
arr
ested!
Me:
Shutup,
itsme
Venes:
Mewho?Nasi
phi
ist
haty
ou?
Me:
Yesi
tsNasi
phi
Venes:Whyareyoucall
ingmewi
th
thi
snumberIdon'tknow?Di
dyou
changephones?
Me:
Wher
ear
eyou?
Venes:
Packi
ngup,
atwor
k.I
'
m about
togohome.
Me:
IsAt
hit
her
e?
Venes:
Yeahhej
ustcamei
n.
Me:
Giv
ehi
mthephone
Venes:Waitabi
t.DrBut
hel
ezi
!Dr
Buthel
ezi
!
Shecal
ledoutandt
oldhi
mI'
m ont
he
phone.
Athi
:Whereareyou?Snehhasbeen
worri
edsi
ck.Shecouldn'
tgetahol
d
ofyouandtheywenttoyourhouse.
Me:Iwaschasedbysomemeni n
bl
ackwit
haf unnyaccent
.Ir
anaway
,
I
'minMarburg
At
hi:Wtf
!Your
anal
lthewayt
o
Marbur
g?
Me:Mxm Athenkosi
,noIdidn'
t.Ir
an
i
ntosomegirl
scarandbasical
lyI
ki
dnappedherandthecar.Idr
ov e
tr
yingtolooset
hem ti
ll
Igother
e.We
don'tknowthi
splaceorany
one
At
hi:
Dri
vebackandcomet
oHQ
Me:
Flatt
ir
eandnopet
rol
.
Athi
:Mmmhshi t,
ThapsandBri
anwil
l
comef et
chy ou.Makesur
eall
your
doorsarelocked.
Me:
Okay
.
Boi
ty:
Andwewai
t.
Me:
Yupandhowol
dar
eyou?
Boi
ty:
25
Me:
That
'sal
i
e!You'
resot
iny
Shel
ookedatmeandwel
aughed
Me:
You'
rer
eal
l
yshor
tandt
iny
,no
onewoul
dtell
thatwe'
real
mostt
he
sameage,I
'
m 26.
Wegottoknoweachot herwhil
ewe
wait
ed.Weevenexchangednumbers.
Shegotacal
landpassedt hephone
overt
ome.ItwasThapelo
Me:
Thaps
Thaps:Pr
essthegreenbut
tonon
yourankl
ebracel
et.Weneedtot
rack
yourl
ocati
on
Me:
Ohk
Idi
dsoandhesaidtheyar
ecoming.
Wewaitedawhil
eandtheyar
ri
ved
wit
hatowtruck.
Me:
Atowt
ruck,
real
l
y?
Br
ian:
Wasn'
tmyl
amei
dea.
Ii
ntr
oducedthem t
oBoityandwegot
i
ntothecarandwentbacktoDur
ban
Boi
ty:
Whatwi
l
lhappent
omycar
?
Thaps:
You'
l
lgeti
ttomor
rowmor
ning
Me:
Andmycar
?
Br
ian:
Paul
aandZandywentt
ogeti
t.
Me:Younev
ert
oldmehowt
hedat
e
went
?
Bri
an:It
houghtPaul
atol
dyouhow
sherej
ectedme
Me: ShedidbutIwant
edtohearyour
sideofthestor
y.Shedi
dn'
treal
l
y
rejecty
ou
Bri
an:Shesaidshe'
snotr
eadyf
ora
rel
ati
onshipandweshoul
dbefr
iends
andwef r
iendsnow
Thaps:Inotherwor
ds,
she
fr
iendzonedyou!
Helaughedathim andIj
oinedi
n.He
wasveryir
ri
tat
ed.
Br
ian:
Ishoul
d'
vel
efty
oust
randed.
Boity:I
'm sorrytomeddleinthings
thatdon'tinvolv
emebutIj ustfeelas
i
fy oushoul dbehappyshewant sto
bef r
iendswi thyouothert
han
rej
ectingy ouandshutti
ngy ouout
compl et
ely .I
tshowsthatsheis
i
nterestedbutt her
e'ssomething
holdi
ngherback.Youshould'
ve
askedwhyi sn'
tsher
eadyfora
rel
ationshi
pmay bet
her
e'savali
d
reasonbehindit
.
Thaps:Thatmakessomuchsense
comingfrom aki
d.
Me:
She'
sact
ual
l
y25
Them:
What
!Hel
lno!
Shenoddedandt heylaughedand
Thapsapol ogi
zedf orcal
li
ngherakid.
Boit
yt ol
dt hem whereshestayedand
wedr oppedherof fwhenwegott o
Durban.Wewentt oHQandt hegents
werebusy .Theyhuggedmeand
madesur eIwasokay
Phi
l
a:Wantsomef
ood?
Me:
Yespl
ease.
Mpho:
Youdi
dn'
tgethur
torany
thi
ng?
Me:
NoI
'
mfi
ne.
Jabu:
Thegi
rly
ouwer
ewi
th?
Me:She'
sfi
newedr
oppedherof
f
wher
eshestay
s.
Bonga:
Name?
Me:
Boi
tumel
o.
Mpho:Icannotgetahol
dofJomoor
Danny
Me:
Whyar
eyoucal
l
inghi
m?
Mpho:
Heneedst
oknow.
Me: We'l
ltellhi
m whenhe' sback
Mpho, i
fheknowsnowhe' l
l l
eavehis
traini
ngandcomebackher ewant i
ng
toki l
leveryone.Idon'twantt o
disturbhist r
aini
ngandputt hi
sthing
ofhi m beingheadoft hef orceonhol d.
I'
mf i
neandIknowhei spassi onate
abouti tandwant stoleadt heforce,
hej ustnev erment i
onsitbecausehe
thinksI'l
lbescar edandt hinkhe's
crazy
Thabo:Haveyoubeenl
i
steni
ngt
oour
conver
sati
ons?
Me:
Nowhy
?
Lubah:
Becauset
hat
'sexact
lywhat
hesai
dtousbef
orehel
eft
.
Me:
Ohwow
Welaugheditof
fandtheyworkedas
L’
yandatookmehome.WhenIgot
homeSbahlewasalr
eadyther
e
Me:
Baby
gir
l
Sbahl
e:You'
reokay
?
Me:YesI
'mf
ine.Ij
ustneedt
obat
h
andsl
eep
Sbahl
e:Let
sgoupstai
rs,Ial
sowant
tobat
handsleep.I
tsbeenalongday
.
I
thassurel
ybeenaverylongday.I
wonderwhoisaft
ermeandwhatdo
t
heywant?Iignor
edthosethought
s
andwebat hedandt uckedinbed.I
checkedmyemai l
sandt herewasno
strangee-
mai l
,maybeit'
snott he
personwhohasbeensendi ngmet he
stupide-
mails.Isi
ghed,prayedand
sl
ept .
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t32
Thepastf ewweekshav ebeenhecti
c
most lybecausewe' v ebeenatHQ
alot .Thegent sar ewor ki
ngona
mi ssionandt heyhadnochoi cebut
tol etthegi r
lsbacki ntotheforce
tempor ari
lyaswewor kedont r
yingt
o
fi
ndoutwhoi saf terme.Kamowas
ablet ol ocatewher ethee-mai l
s
camef r
om butt hatleadust oadead
end.I 'vebeenannoy edbyal lt
hisand
whathur t
smor ei st hatDannyisnot
backy et.Hewassupposedt obe
backaweekagobuthei sn'
t.Even
theki dsar ehur tandDanv erisangry
.
Thatchildhasangerf orday sItell
you.Hedi dn'tspeakt omef or3day s,
Onikatri
edbutf ail
ed,shespoket o
meaf terjust10mi nsofignor ingme.
Wecel ebratedDanny 'sbirthday
withouthim mer elybecauseOni ka
j
ustwant edsomecakeandi twasa
vali
dreasonast owhyshewant ed
cake.Babal wagav ebirthtot wo
beautif
ul boys,Siphesandeand
Siphel
eleLut huli
.Wehav en'tseen
them foraf ewday sbecausewe' r
ei n
HQmostoft het i
meandt heyar e
babysitt
ingt hei
rnewbor ns.
Zandy
:I'
mthi
rst
y
Me:
Met
oo
Wegotoursel
vessomet
hingt
odr
ink
andsatdown.
Kamo:Ihav
erunoutofideas.Idon'
t
evenknowwhatI
'
m doingany more.
Zandy:Thesear
ethi
ngst
hatneed
Zee,If
eelsodumb
Naye:Aybohy
ou'
rebasi
cal
l
yliket
he
smart
estofusal
l
,howdoy outhi
nk
wefeel?
Nceba:
Ext
radumb,
ift
hatev
enexi
sts
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nki
tdoessweet
ie.
Sbahl
e:Ineedaman
Zandy
:Noy
oudon'
t
Sbahl
e:WeZandi
l
eLebone,
yourman
serv
icesy
ouandminaI'
m drydown
ther
e.Adil
doi
sout
,itdoesn'
tdo
anyt
hingt
omeanymor e
Si
ya:
Youser
iousl
ydoneedaman
Phel
ol aughedasshewasst
uff
ing
her
selfwithfood
Me:Wheni
sMay
iJnrcomi
ngt
o
ear
th?
Phelo:
Isti
ll
haveafewmonthst ogo.
Atl
eastI'
l
lbeabl
etotel
lthegender
nextmonth
Nay
e:It
hinki
tsaboy
Kamo:Met oo,
yournosei
sbi
gand
you'
reugl
y.
Phel
o:You'
resuchabadf
ri
end.
Iwasthi
nkingdeepl
y,whatIhadin
mindwouldhavemyl i
feindanger
butI
'mti
redofbeingcluel
ess.
Me:
Bel
i
nda,
teachmehowt
oshoot
.
Bel
i
nda:
What
?Now?
Me:
Yes
Ngamso:
Whynow?
Me:BecauseIshoul
dknowhowt o
prot
ectmysel
f,j
usti
ncasesomethi
ng
happensandyou'
real
lnotar
ound.
Bel
i
nda:
Fol
l
owme
Ifol
l
owedherandwegott
othe
shooti
ngr
angeroom.
Bel
inda:
Puttheseonandst
andt
her
e,
openyourl
egsabit.
Idi
dassheinstr
uctedandthegun
washeav
ierthanitl
ooks.Iai
medand
shot
Beli
nda:
You'
reanat
ural
,wantt
otr
yit
agai
n
Inodded,wespenthoursshooti
ng
andusingdif
fer
entguns.Bythatti
me
Iwassur eI
'
dbeabl etopr
otect
my sel
finwhatI
'm aboutt
odo.Itwas
around3pm andwewer edone.
Me:Woahthatwasfun,
Ineedtogo
home.Iwantt
obathandsleep,
want
metodropyouoffPhel
o?
Phel
o:Don'
twor
ryy
oursel
fsweet
ie,
Nayewil
ldr
opmeoff.
Me:
Byeguy
s
Theki dswer ewitht heirgrandma's
evenMaPhi ndywasatmymot her
s
house.Theyal lhav eat i
ghtbondand
Iwoul dn'tbehappi er.Idroveoff
slowlyandj ustasIwant ed,Iwas
beingf oll
owed.Idon' tknowwher e
I'
m get t
ingthisbrav eryfrom butIwil
l
cont i
nuewi t
hmypl an.Idrovetoa
quietar eaandpar kedt hecar.They
parkedbehi ndme.Bel indadidn't
noticethatIleftwitht woguns.Ihad
them tuckedi nmywai st
belt
.Some
guyswear i
ngallblackal socameout
oft
hecarcarr
yingbi
gguns.Iwalked
tot
hem wi
thouttaki
ngoutanygun
Guy
:St
epback
Me:WhyshouldI?Youwantedme
nowI'
m coming,andyou'
resay
ingI
shoul
dstepback.Don'
twastemy
ti
medude.
Guy
:She'
sfei
sty
Me:
Whosenty
ou?
Guy
2:Ourboss.
Me:
Hisacowar
d.Takemet
ohi
m
Theyhel
dmer
oughl
yandIl
aughed
Me:Ther
e'snoneedfort
hat
.I'
m not
acowardandIwon'tr
unaway.
Igotintot
hecarandthatwasme
thr
owi ngmysel
fint
helionsden.
Theytookmyphonesandt hrewthem
out.DearGod,bewi
thme.
#Danny
Threemont hsandaweekpassed
andIhadn' twentbackhome.Ist i
ll
hadtomeetupwi thall
myagent s
andev eryoneonboar dwhowi l
lbe
workingunderme.Igott oSout h
Afr
ical astnightandwentt ohavea
meetingwi thagent sont hehigher
department .Ihav en'
tseent hegents
asIassi gnedt hem onami ssi
on
whichneedst heiratt
ention.It
's
somet hingthey '
lldoinjustaday .
Razorcamet oseemeandchecki f
ev erythingwasgoi ngwell.Ihonestly
didn' tli
kehowI 'vebecomei naspace
ofj ust3mont hsbutt hat'
swhatIwas
trainedf orandIwi l
lnotbea
weakl i
ng.Idon' tevenknowhowam I
goi ngt oev ent ouchNasiphi.Icannot
beaf fectionatenorev enbeabl eto
expr essmyf eeli
ngs.Isti
lldoloveher
alotandI '
vemi ssedher.Ilovemy
kidsandI '
vemi ssedthem butI '
m
afrai dIwon' tbeabl etoevenshow
that .Itwi l
lallj
ustbebackt osquare
oneandIknowNasi phiwillbehurt.I
hopet hingschangewhenIseeher
andf eel hertouch.WhatIdoknowi s
Iwon' tmakel ovet ohert oni ghtasI
knowIwi llj
ustbr eakherbones.I
don'twanthert obehur tint hatway .I
roamedar oundt hehot el room
frustrat
ed.KJcamet of et chme, I
hav emadehi m anagentandhewi l
l
bemyr ighthandman.Jomowi l
lbe
goingbackt oLangel i
hle, Nkosi
needshi m.Whenhel ef thet oldNasi
thathehasaf ami l
yemer gency ,
I
didn'twanthi mt ot ellhert hathe's
comi ngt ome.Shewoul d'veal so
want edt ocome.Kj hasal sonot iced
howdi f
ferentI'
vebecomeandhe
ment ionedhowhei snowv eryscared
ofme.Idon' tonlyf eel differ entbutI
al
sol
ookdi
ff
erent
.
Me:
Let
'sgo
Kj:
Woahev eny
ourvoi
ceisdeeper
andhusky
,whatdi
dtheydotoyou?
Ij
ustshookmyheadandwal
kedout
.
Me:
Wher
eisshe?
Kj
:HQ,t
heki
dsar
ewi
tht
hei
r
gr
andma'
s
Me:
Takemet
omyki
dsf
ir
st
Kj
:Youdon'
twanttoshavef
irst?
Maybet
heywon'tevenr
ecognizeyou.
Il
ookedathim andheconti
nued
dr
ivi
ng.Idon'
tthinkIl
ookbad,my
ki
dswillr
ecognizeme.Wegottothe
houseandMaNyat
hiwasout
side
wit
hbabyZeeandOnika.
Me:
MaNy
athi
MaN:
McKenz
ie
Onikahidbehi
ndheranditmademe
feelbad.I
thur
tbutIshutt
hat
emot i
ondown.
Me:
Oni
ka,
Itsdaddy
Shecriedandcamet ome.Ihugged
herandcarri
edherinsi
dethehouse.
Theli
ttlemancamer unni
ngtome,
atl
eastherecogni
zesme.
Me:
Danv
er
Danv
er:
Heydaddy
!Youback
Me:
YesI
'
m backson.
Iputthem downanddranksome
water.Theywer
efoll
owingme
aroundandMaDlaminiwasshocked
whenshesawme.
MaD:Youlookli
keabushman.Your
motheri
shere
Me:
Mymot
her
?
MaD:
MaPhi
ndy
Me:
Oh
Shehuggedanddr
aggedmet
ogo
seeMaPhindy
.
Me:
MaPhi
ndy
MaPhi
ndy
:Ohy
oubackDanny
,how
ar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m goodandy
our
sel
f?
MaPhi
ndy
:I'
m good,
yoursi
ster
sar
e
asl
eep
Me:I'
l
l seethem soon.I'
llbel
eav
ing
now,we'll
fetcht
heki dslater
.
Hopefull
ythetwinswi l
lbeup.
Isaidmygoodbyestotheki
dsand
droveof
ftoHQ.Itwasaround6pm
whenwegotthere.Igoti
nandthe
gir
lsdi
dntnot
ice.
Me:
Ladi
es
Theygotafr
ightandInot
icedmy
Nasi
phiwasn'tt
here.
Them:
HiDanny
Me:
Youl
ookscar
ed
Zandy
:Youl
ookscar
y
Me:I
'
vebeent
old,
Wher
eismy
woman?
Kamo: Shewenthomeabout4hour
s
ago.Shewastir
edandwantedto
sl
eep.
Me:
Ok
Il
eftKJthereanddr
ovehome.When
Igotther
e,t
herewasjustsome
secur
iti
esandthemaids.
Me:
Wher
eisNasi
phi
Her
:Shehasn'
tbeenhomesi
ncet
hey
l
efti
nthemor
ning.
Me:
Arey
ousur
e!
Her
:YesSi
r.
Whereisthi
swoman!?Icall
edher
andherphonewentstr
aightt
o
voi
cemail
.IwentbacktoHQandthe
guyshadarr
ived
May
i:Danny
!
Me:Someonebet
terst
artexpl
aini
ng!
!
Wherei
smywoman! ?Whereis
Nasi
phi
Lubah:
Cal
m downdude,
Bel
i
nda
wherei
sshe?
Bel
i
nda:
Shel
eftabout4hour
sago
guy
s,shewenthome.
Me:She'
snothomeandherphonei
s
of
f.
Kamo:
I'
ll
trackhercar
Me:Someonecal
lVenesandseei
f
she'
snotwi
thher
Paul
a:I
'
lldoso
Isatdownandt
ri
edt
ocal
m my
sel
f
Me:
Howwast
hemi
sson?
Thapelo:
Ever
ythi
ngi
ssor
ted,
ther
e's
noleak.
Me:
Good,
themol
e?
Mpho:
Dead
Me:
Excel
l
ent
.
Kamo:Ifoundhercar
,it
'snott
oof
ar
fr
om her
e.
Paul
a:Andshe'
snotev
enwi
thVenes.
Me:
Wher
eisi
t?
Kamo:
Mlazi
,kaK
Me:Whatthef
uckwouldshebe
doi
ngther
e!Kjl
etsgo
Kj
:I'
l
ldr
ive
Wegoti ntothecaranddroveoff
.
Theothersf ol
lowedandwegotto
hercarbutshewasn' tt
hereandthe
carwasn'tlocked
At
hi:
It'
snotev
encl
oset
oanyhouses.
Sneh:
Guy
s,It
hinkshewas
kidnapped.Herphoneshavebeen
thrownhere.Theytookher
,theyt
ook
mysi st
er.
Shest art
edcryingandhonest lyt here
wasnot imeforhert ear s.Shewas
nexttomeandIl ookedather .I
couldn'tcomforther.At hi camet o
herandwentt othecar .Ngamso
l
ookedatmeandIshookmyhead.
I'
mi nnomoodf orherl ectures, Ineed
tofindNasiphi.Icalledameet ing
withallthebody guardsI 'vehiredi n
myhouseandIwast herei naf lash
withBel i
ndaandKJ
Me:
Doy
oual
lval
uey
ourl
i
ves?
Them:
YesSi
r
Me:Tel
lme,howdoesNasiphigo
mi
ssingwhenIpayyouloadsof
moneytopr
otectherandmyfamil
y?
Guard: Wearenotawar
et hatshei
s
missing,shedi
dn'
twantanyonet o
gowit hher,
shegaveherpersonal
bodyguardtheweekoff.
Me:
Whopay
syou?
Guar
ds:
Yousi
r
Me: Igavey oustri
ctordersandone
ofthoseor dersisnottolist
entoher
becauseIknewshedi dn'twant
body guar
ds!WhenIl eft,notev
en
hoursaf t
erIleft
,shefell
!Youwere
nottheretopr otectherfrom f all
i
ng.I
gavey ouallanot herchancebecause
sheconv i
ncedme.Nowshe' s
missing!She'sbloodymi ssingand
you'r
estandingher ewithy ourkak
facessayingy ouwer enotawar e!Cal
l
herbloodyper sonal bodyguar d!Now
Oneoft hem wenttothei
rroomsat
thebackandcalledhim.Islapped
him har
dandhef ell
Me:
You'
reonv
acat
ionIsee!
Hi
m:Si
r,Mam gav
emet
heweekof
f
Me:
Doy
out
akeor
der
sfr
om Mam?
It
ookmygunandshothi
sleg
Bel
i
nda:
Cal
m downDanny
!
Me:
ShutupBel
i
nda
Ishoteachandever
yoneoneoft
hem
ononeleg.Theywerehai
l
ing
Me: Shutup!You' r
ealluseless!!
!
Betterprayt hatIfindheraliveand
unhar medbecausei fnot.You'reall
dead, betterstartcal
li
ngy ourfamili
es
andi nformingt hem oftheupcomi ng
funeral.Iwalkedawayandst opped.
Me: Andremember,
Idon'
tmake
threat
s.Imakepr
omisesanddon'
t
breakthem.Geti
nthecarKJ
Beli
nda'
sphoner
angandsheputon
speak
Sbahl
e:Howmanygunsdi
dyouuse
Bel
i
nda?
Me:
Whatguns!
Bel
i
nda:
15why
?
Sbahl
e:Twoaremissi
ngontheones
youused.Shel
eftwi
thtwoguns.
Me:Whatt
hehel
lwerey
oudoi
ng
wi
thgunsBel
i
nda!
!!
Beli
nda:Shewant
edtoknowhowto
shootsoshecanprot
ecther
sel
f
Me:I'
m goingt
oloosemymi
nd.Get
outofthi
scar
Bel
i
nda:
Danny
Me:
Bel
i
nda!Getout
!
Kj
:Let
'sgo.We'
l
ldr
ivebehi
ndy
ou.
Nasiphi!Nasi phi
!Thi
swomanwi ll
dri
vemecr azy .Whythehellwould
shetakegunsanddi sappear?Does
shewantt ol eaveme?Wast hethree
mont hstoomuchf orher?Nasiphi
i
sn'tacowar d,shewouldn'
tjustl
eave
wit
houtf acingmeandt el
li
ngmemy
shi
t.IgottoHQandIwant ed
answers
Me:Ist
her
esomet
hingIneedt
o
know?
Jabu:Therehasbeenpeoplewho
werefollowi
ngherandsendinghere-
mail
s.Shemanagedt orunfrom
them onceandendedupinMar burg.
Wef etchedherandt
heyhaven'tbeen
f
oll
owi
nghermuchf
rom t
hatday
.
Me:
Andwhendi
dthi
shappen?
Mpho:Aboutamont
handt
hree
weeksago
Me:
AndIwasn'
ti
nfor
med!
!!
Phila:Wewant edt oinformyoubut
shedi dn'
twantt o.Shewant edy outo
cont i
nuewithyourt r
ainingandnot
disturbyoubecausesheknewhow
i
mpor t
antitwast oyou.Shesai dshe
seeshowpassi onateyouar eabout
thisandshedi dn'twantt ostandin
yourway .
Me:Nasi
phi
!She'
smoreimpor
tant
t
hanmeleadi
ngthef
orce!
Phelo:Somet i
mesy ouhavet o
compromi seyoursel
fjustt
omake
yourpartnerhappyandletthem do
whattheyl ov
e.That'
swhatshedi d,
sheletyoubeanddowhaty oulove
Me: Andi nal lt
hatshei smi ssi ngnow!
Iwantev ery onetodr opt heir
missi onsandgol ookingf orher .Call
allourbr anchesandal l
agent s!No
onewi l
lsleep!Ev er
yonei slooki ngf or
her!Fl i
procksandst onesIdon' tcare!
Iwantherf ound!Kj ,
Phila,Mphoand
Jabu, you'recomi ngwi t
hme.May i
,
takey ourwi fehome.Theot her s,split
.
We' reraidingal loverthisplace!I f
any onecomesi ny ourway ,
y ouki ll
!
Am Icl
ear
!Am Icl
ear
!
Voi
ce:
Ther
e'snoneedf
ort
hat
Iknewthatvoi
ce.Iknewi
twasthe
l
oveofmyl i
feandshewasstandi
ng
bythedoorl
ookingatme.
Me:
Wher
ethef
uckhav
eyoubeen?
Nasi
:Hel
lot
oyoutooDanny
.Wher
e
t
hefuckhav
eyoubeen?
Shewalkedtomeandki ssedmy
cheek.Damnshewassosexy !But
shehadalotofexpl
aini
ngtodo.And
sodidI
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
off
ri
ends
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
#LBAR

I
nser
t33
Mymanwasback, t
hatmademeso
happyandexci
tedbuthehad
expl
aini
ngtodo.WellsodidI.He
l
ookedlikeamess,myhotmess.We
real
l
yneededtogetridofthebeard
andcuthishai
r.Helookeddif
fer
ent,
andhewasv eryangry.Iwal
kedto
thecouchandsatdown.Ev ery
one
wasl ooki
ngatmewai ti
ngforan
expl
anat i
on.Itookoutthegunsand
putthem ont hecouch.Dannystar
ed
atmeandIshookmyhead
Me:
Idi
dn'
tuset
hem
Mpho:
ThankGod
Paul
a:Wher
ehav
eyoubeenNasi
phi
?
Me:
Somewher
e
Danny:Whatt
hef uckNasiphi
!We've
beendamnwor r
iedandy oujustsay
you'
vebeensomewher e!
Me:Sincewhendoyouswearand
shoutwhenyouspeakt
ome?
Danny
:Expl
ainy
our
sel
f!
Me:Youneedtocalm downand
expl
ainy
oursel
f!Don'tr
aiseyour
voi
ceatmeI '
m notyourchil
d
Danny
:Sor
ry
Me:Sav
eyourmeani
ngl
esssor
ri
es
f
orsomeonewhocar
es.Nxx
Honestl
yIdidn'
tmeantobedramatic
buthewasupsetti
ngme.Hecannot
j
ustshowupandt hinkhe'
l
lswearat
meandt al
ktomel i
keI'
m not
hing.I
wenttothebathr
oom andhe
fol
lowedme.
Danny:Nasi
phiI
'm sor
ryokay
,I'
ve
j
ustbeenworri
edsickaboutyou
Me:WellI
'mfi
neDannybutIj
ust
don'
tl
ikehowyouspoketome
Danny
:I'
m sor
ry.
Hekissedmyf or
ehead,Itr
iedtohol
d
hi
m buthesteppedback.Iwashur t
,
al
ot.IwentbacktotheothersandI
st
artedexpl
aini
ng
Me: Well
Iwast i
redofsi tt
inghere
andbeingcl uel
essbecausei twas
obviousthatwewoul dn'tf
ind
anythi
ng.Wewer eatadeadend.I
askedBelindatot eachmehowt o
shootbecauseIhadal readyhada
planinmindbutIneededt oknow
howt oprotectmy selfi
fIneededt o
butIdidn'tneedto.WhenIlef
thereI
wasbei ngfollowedj
ustasIhad
hoped.West oppedatsomewherein
MlaziandIwentt ot
heguyswho
werefollowingme.
Danny
:Ar
eyoucr
azy
?
Mpho:
Justl
ethercont
inueDanny
Me: ThanksMpho.Sot heythrewmy
phonesanddr ovemetot heirboss
whohappenst obemybr ot
her.Well
we'r
et hesameage,I'
m borni n
November11andhe' sbor n
November23.Cany oui magine?
Otherthanthat,
myfatherhasbeen
l
ookingf orme.
Jabu:
Hect
or?
Me:
Muzi
wokut
hul
aNy
athi
Danny:Pl
easedon'
ttel
lmey
ouwent
toseehim
Me: Ididn'tbutIam goingt oseehim
tomor r
ow.Mybr ot
her,Mbulelo,he
saidmyf atherissi
ckandwant sto
seehisdaught ersi
ncludi
ngSneh.
Whenhef i
rstsawmeonTvandhe
wasact uallyseeingZee.Het r
iedto
contactherbutunf ortunatel
yshe
passed.Sowhenhesawmehe
thoughtZeewasal i
vebutDadt ol
d
him abouthowi denti
calwel ooked
anditwasme, sohest art
ed
fol
lowi
ngmeandsendi ngthecreepy
e-mail
s.Apparent
lyIhave11sibli
ngs
andmyf atherhastwowives.
At
hi:
Wow
Me:Iknowri
ght
,it
sall
just
over
whelmi
ng.I
t'
sbeenalongday
,I
needtogohomeandrest.
Nay
e:Gor
estandwe'
l
lseey
ou
t
omorr
ow.
DannywalkedawayandIguessed
thatmeantIshouldfol
low.Wegot
i
ntothecarandt hedri
vehomewas
sil
ent
.Toosilentformyli
kingandi
t
wasneverhowIi magineditwoul
dbe
whenhecomeshome.Heopened
thedoorformeandmostoft he
bodyguar
dswer et
err
if
iedand
bandagedononeoftheirlegs.Thi
s
hadDannywr i
tt
enall
ov erit
.
Me:
Youshott
hem?
Danny
:It
houghty
ouwer
eki
dnapped
Me: Guards,I
'
m sorryforwhatMr
McKenzi ehasdone.Het otall
yblew
thi
ngswayoutofpr oport
ionandmy
apologi
eswon' tt
akeawayt hepain.
I'
m okaynowandy oucangohome
fort
her estoftheweek.
Theyst
oodt
her
eanddi
dn'
tmov
e
Me:
Guy
s,y
oucango.
Theyst
il
lst
ood.Ar
etheymadatme
ori
gnor
ingme?
Danny
:Youcango
Theyl eftandIl ookedatDanny .Hei s
maki ngpeopl esuf fer.Theyar e
terri
fi
edofhi m, Idon' twi shtobei n
theirshoesr i
ghtnow.Iwentt oour
room andt ookof fmycl othes.
Wal kedbackdownst airsandIhear d
him clearhi sthroat .Itooksome
frozenpi esandputt hem i ntheov en.
WhenIgotupst airshewast akinga
shower .Iwal kedi ntot heshowerand
heldhi m whi l
eki ssingt hebackofhi s
neck.Hej ustgotoutoft heshower
andl eftmest andi ngt here.Rejected,
that'
showIf elt
.Idi dn'tknowwhatt o
do.Ijustt ookmyshowerandgot
dressedi nmypy jamasandwent
downst airs.Iwasathi sstudytalki
ng
toRazor .Itookmypi e, pouredsome
orangej uiceandsatont hehigh
kit
chenst ool.Ij
ustcri
edand
conti
nuedeat i
ngmyf oodbecauseI
wasr eallyhungr y
.Hecame
downst airsandIwi pedmyt ear
sof f
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Iignoredhim.Ididn'twanttoeven
talktohim.Her ej
ectedmet wice
todayandheshout edatmeand
swor e!Icont
inuedeatingand
fi
nishedmyf ood.Iwashedmypl at
e
andwar meduphi spie
Danny
:Don'
twor
ryaboutme,
I'
mful
l
.
Ilef
titt
hereandwentupst
air
s.He
foll
owedmeandcarriedmeback
downstair
s
Me:
Letmego!
Danny
:HowcanIl
etmyl
i
fego?
Me:
Justputmedownpl
ease
Hesatdownonthecouchandmade
mesitontopofhi
m.Itr
iedmov
ing
buthewastoostr
ong.
Danny:
Don'
tmov
e,j
ustsi
tandwe'
l
l
tal
k.
Me:Ther
e'snot
hingwehav
etot
alk
about
Danny:I
'm sor
ryaboutwhat
happenedearl
ier
Me:
Your
eject
ingme,
twi
ce!
Danny:
Wecaneasil
ytal
kaboutt
his
wit
houtshout
ing
Il
ookeddownandheki ssedmy
cheek.Atl
eastthatwassomethi
ng.
I'
vemissedthisman.
Danny :I
'
mr eall
ysor
ryNasiphi
.Ij
ust
don'tknowwhatgotov erme,I
'ma
diff
erentman.Idon'tknowhowt obe
affect
ionate,Idon'
tevenknowhow
totouchy our i
ghtwi
thouthurt
ingyou.
RightnowI '
m damnhor nybutIdon't
wantt ohurty ou
Me:
Whatmakesy
out
hinky
ou'
l
lhur
t
me?
Danny
:IknowIwi
l
l
Inodded,
Iwashurtanddi
sappoi
nted
butIl
ethim be.
Me:
MayIgosl
eep?
Danny
:Let
'
sgo
Me:
You'
rer
eal
l
ynothav
inganyf
ood?
Heshookhi sheadandIwent
upstairswithhi
mf ol
lowingme.Igot
i
nbedandhesatont hecouchwith
hislaptop.Iwashurti
ngandIcri
ed
real
isingI'
velostmyman.TheDanny
thatlovedmeuncondi t
ional
l
y.He
camei nbedandlookedatme.He
di
dn'
tevenknowi
fheshoul
dtouch
meornot.
Me:
Whatdi
dtheydot
oyou?
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Ihel
dhim andki
ssedhim.Ilai
don
hi
schestanditwascold.I
twasn't
mysafeplaceanymore.Hewasa
str
angert
ome.Isighedandsleptin
hi
scoldarms.
#NEXTMORNI
NG
Wakingupandt r
yingtocuddlebut
you'
renowcuddlingwithpil
l
ows!He
wasn'ti
nbedbuti nst
eadheput
pil
l
ows.Iwokeupandt ookalong
shower.Igotdr
essedi nati
ghtbl
ack
dressshowi ngof fallmyassetsand
mini cleaveny ana.Combedmyaf ro
andt ieditintoaneatbun.Puton
somebur gundymat teli
psti
ckand
burgundyst i
lett
os.Packedmybags
andwentdownst ai
rs.Hewassi t
ti
ng
ont heki t
chenst ool st
arr
ingathis
l
aptop.
Me:
Mor
ning
Danny
:Hy
Imadebr
eakf
astandwentt
hrough
mye-mai
l
s.
Danny:Whenar
eyougoi
ngt
osee
Muzi?
Me:
At1pm
Danny
:I'
l
lpi
cky
ouup
Inoddedanddishedupbr
eakf
astf
or
thebothofus.
Danny
: Sorr
y,Iwon'
tbehav
ing
br
eakfast.
Me:Youdidn'
teatlastni
ghtandnow
youdon'
twantbreakfast
?
Danny:
Justusedt
oeat
ingoncea
daynow
Me:Wel
lyou'r
enotaty
ourtr
aini
ng
any
more,you'
rehomenow.Eat
Helookedatmeandstartedeat
ing.
Hawu!Iwon'twast
efood,hemust
eatal
lthef
oodImakef orhim.
Danny
:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Me: Thanks,
I'l
lpi
ckupt hekidsand
dropthem offatschool.Thedri
ver
will
pickthem up,t
heirnannywillbe
homewhent heycomeback.
Danny
:Newnanny
?
Me:
Yes.
HenoddedandIwentt obrushmy
teeth.WhenIturnedhewasbehind
me!Thef ri
ghtIgot!Hecannotbe
creepinguponmel i
ket
hat.
Me:Don'
tscar
emeli
ket
hat
!Idi
dn'
t
ev
enhearyoucomei
n.
Hewasbusyscr
atchi
nghishai
rand
hi
seyeswer
ered.Hereal
l
yneedsa
hai
rcutandshav
etheugl
ybear
d.
Me:
What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Danny
:Justki
ssmepl
ease
Me:
Ooohokaay
Iwasconfusedast owhatwasgoi ng
onbecauseDannynev erasksmet o
ki
sshim,hejustkissesme.Iki ssed
hi
m andhesi ghedandwentaway .
Whatthehellwast hat?Iwasangr y!I
wasmor ethanangr y.Iwent
downstai
rsandIwasal readycryi
ng.
Danny
:Nasi
phi
I'
m sor
ry!
!!
Me:
Ihav
etogo,
I'
mlat
e.
Il
efthi
mther
eanddr
ovet
omy
mother
shouseandpi
ckedupt
he
ki
ds.
Me:I
'
vemi ssedyou!You'
recoming
hometoday,nomoresleepover
s
Danver
:At
leastDadi
sbacksoi
twi
l
l
befun.
Me:
Ihopeso
Idroppedt
hem offatschoolandmy
phonehad16missedcallsfr
om KJ
andBonga.Ical
ledBonga
Bonga:
Gett
oyourhouser
ightnow
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
owor
k
Bonga:
Gether
enowNasi
phi
!
Me:
Geezokay
,Don'
tshoutatme.
Whatisitwit
ht hesemen?Theyjust
shoutatyouli
key ou'r
eaki
d.Igot
homeandt herewer emanycar
sin
theyar
d
Me:
Jabul
ani
,whati
sgoi
ngon?
Jabu:
We'
vet
ri
ed,
he'
sadangert
oal
l
ofus.
Kj:
Yourmanisl
oosi
ngit
.Gohelp
hi
m orhe'
l
lbr
ingt
hiswhol
ehouse
down.
Me:
Whatno!Whati
fhehur
tsme?
Bonga:
Justgoi
nther
e
Me:Nev
er!You'
ret
hebi
gbuf
fyones,
yougoi
n.
Thaps:Hedoesn'
twanttoli
stent
o
anyofus.Justgostophi
m befor
ehe
hurt
shimselfmore.At
hiwil
lcome
checkuponhim
Me:
Youoweme
Iwalkedt
othehouseandmostoft
he
thi
ngsweredest
royed.
Me:Shi
t!Danny
!Danny
!Wher
ear
e
you?
Danny
:Getoutofher
eNasi
phi
.Idon'
t
wantt
ohurtyou
Me:Buty
ou'
rehur
ti
ngy
our
sel
f.Look
aty
ou.
Hehadbloodalloverhi
shandsanda
cutonhi
sforehead.Helookedso
muchl
i
keRazornow.Iwentcl
osert
o
hi
m
Danny:I
'm sorr
y,I
'
m sorryforhur
ti
ng
you.Il
ovey ouNasiphi
,Don'tl
eav
e
me.Don'tgiveuponme.
Me:
Iwon'
tl
eav
eyou.Il
ovey
ou
Danny
:Real
l
y,doy
oul
oveme?
Hewascry
ingandt
hatj
usthur
tme
somuch
Danny
:Doyoulovethi
smessedup
man?Doyoulovethi
smonster
!
Me:
Yes,
yesIdo.
Ihel
dhishandsf
ull
ofbl
ood,
and
ki
ssedhim.Heki
ssedmebackand
hel
dmet
ight
ly.
Me:
You'
renothur
ti
ngy
ourhands?
Danny
:Idon'
tfeel
anypai
n.
Me:Ohnowcome,
let
sgety
ou
cl
eanedup
Danny:
Idon'
tthi
nky
ouwantt
ogoup
ther
e
Me:Whydidn'
tyoujustcal
lmeand
don'
tdest
royever
ythi
ng?
Danny
:Iwasn'
tthi
nki
ngst
rai
ght
Me:
Younev
erev
ent
hink
Danny
:I'
l
lagr
eewi
tht
hat
.
Il
aughedathi
m andwashedhis
handsi
ntheki
tchensi
nk.He'
sfeet
wereful
lofglasscutsandhesaidhe
di
dn'tf
eelanypain.Icleanedhi
m up
andgothim dressed.Hewasget t
ing
ti
redandweak.
Me:
You'
ret
ooheav
yformet
ocar
ry.
Wai
ther
e
Ical
ledBongaandThapstocome
carr
yhim andt
heyputhi
mi nt
omy
car
Me:
Gett
hishousef
ixedpl
ease.
Bonga:Oni
t.I
twi
l
lbef
ixedby
tomorr
ow
Me:We'
l
lbeathi
sapar
tmentf
or
t
oday
Kj
:I'
l
ldr
ivebehi
ndy
ou.
Idrovetohisapartmentandcal led
myPAt oputanotherDrf ormy
scheduletoday.Icanceledmy
meet i
ngwithmyf ather.Takingcare
ofDannynowi smuchmor e
i
mpor tantthananythi
ngel seri
ght
now.Igott otheapartmentandKj
carri
edhim andputhi mi nbed.
Me:
Thanks
Kj
:Shobossl
ady
.
Ipouredsomehotwat eri
nabasi
n
anddetol.Icl
eanedhi
m upandhi
s
bloodpressur
ewashigh
Me:
I'
m goingtot
urny
ouov
er,
Ineed
t
owipeyourback
Danny
:Don'
t
Me:
Why
?
Danny
:Youwon'
tl
ikewhaty
ou'
l
lsee
Itur
nedhi
m overbecauseIwantedt
o
seewhatIwon'tl
i
ke.Hehadf r
esh
woundsandtheywerescary
.
Me:
Whathappenedher
e?
Danny
:Youdon'
tneedt
oknow
Me:Iwantt
oknow,wedon'
tkeep
secr
etsr
emember?
Danny:Yeswedon't.Butwhat
happenedinmyt r
aini
ngissomethi
ng
youshouldn'
tknowabout.Ther
eis
somethingyouneedtoknow
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Danny :Ikissedanot herwoman.
Thosewomanwer ebr oughti nto
entertainusandIgotl edon, we
kissed.Wewer eaboutt ofuckbutI
couldn't.Icouldn'
tdot hattoy ou.I'm
sorrythatIev enkissedher .Ev er
sinceIcamebackal lI'
vebeendoi ng
i
shur tingy ouandIhav en'
tbeenback
foreven48hour sbutI'vehur tyou.I'
m
sorryAmahl e
Me:
It'
sokay
Danny
:Iknowy
ouhav
en'
tfor
giv
en
me
Me:
I'
m gl
ady
ouknow.Nowget
somer
est
.I'
l
lmakey
ousomet
hingt
o
eat
Danny
:Veget
abl
esouppl
ease
Me:
Okay
Danny
:Thanky
ou,
Ilov
eyouNasi
phi
.
Inoddedandwentt ocr
yasIcooked
forhim.Iwipedof fmytearsand
fi
nishedup.Di shedupf
orhi m and
wentt ot
her oom.Ichangedmy
dressedandputonhi stracksuit
.I
helpedhim situpandIfedhim
Me:Youneedahai
rcutandshav
e
Danny
Danny
:I'
l
ldoi
ttomorr
ow.Youcan
st
il
lgoseeMuzi
,you'
l
ljusthav
etogo
wi
thsomeone.
Me:Icangoanot
hert
ime.Taki
ng
car
eofyouismorei
mportantr
ight
now.
Danny:ThankyouNasi
phi
,Ir
eal
l
y
don'
tdeservey
ou.
Me:
I'
m gl
ady
ouknowt
hat
Danny
:Ouch
Me:What?Wedon'tkeepsecr
ets
f
rom eachot
herr
emember .
Il
aughedathi
m andki
ssedhi
scheek.
Me:
Ilov
eyou,
nowsl
eep.
Danny
:Sl
eepnextt
omepl
ease
Me:
Okay
It
uckedi
nnexttohim andhekepton
ki
ssi
ngmyforehead.He'sey
eswere
wi
deopened
Me:
SleepDanny
Hedidn'
trepl
y,hewasfastasl
eep
buthe'
seyeswereopened.Ishook
hi
m andwokehi m up
Me:
Arey
ouokayTr
ist
on?
Danny
:Whydi
dyouwakemeup?
Me:
Yourey
eswer
eopened
Danny
:Di
dn'
treal
i
ze.Nowsl
eep
Si
ncewhendoeshesleepwithhis
ey
esopened.Gosht
hisisscary
!
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t34
Thi
ngswer edif
fer
ent
,thi
ngswere
ver
ydiffer
entnowbutIhadhopedit
wil
lchangeastimegoesbybecause
hejustcameback.Maybewhenhe
j
ustadjustshe'
l
lbefi
ne.Whatscar
ed
mei showhe' llbewi ththeki dsbut
yesterdaywhent heycamebackf rom
school ,t
heywer ehappyt ogether.I
wasgl adt oseet hathei sst i
ll
agr eat
dadt ohi ski ds.Onet hi
ngIdi dn't
wanti sforhi mt onegl ectt hekids
again,theyhadj ustfixedt heir
rel
ationshi pandIwoul dn'twanti tto
gobackt ot hewayi twas.Weal lsat
downf orbr eakfastt ogetherandhe
wasf ine.Hedi dn' tf
eel anypai nfrom
yesterdaybutt hebr uiseswer estil
l
veryv i
sible.
Me: Fi
nishupguy
sorwe'
l
lbel
atef
or
school
Danny
:You'
renotdr
essedf
orwor
k
Me:
I'
m notgoi
ng
Danny
:Why
?
Me:Whowi
l
ltakecar
eofy
oui
fI'
m at
wor
k?
Danny
:I'
l
ltakecar
eofmy
sel
f
Me:Yeahsur
eyouwil
l,pl
usI'l
lbe
goi
ngtomeetMuzil
ateronsogoing
toworki
sn'
ti
nthepi
cturetoday.
Danny
:I'
l
lcomewi
th
Me:
Okay
,comemybabi
es
Danv
er:
Mom youshoul
dst
opcal
l
ing
meababy,
I'
m amannow.
Me:
OhokayMrMan,
let
'sgo.
Theybr
ushedt
hei
rteet
hasIpacked
thei
rbags.Wegoti nt
othecarandI
droppedt hem of fatschool .Ipassed
atthehospi taljusttocheckhow
everythingwasgoi ngandf etchaf ew
document s.Afterleavi
ngt hehospi t
al
Iwentt omuggandbean, gotsome
muf f
insandcof fee.Nay ealway s
wantsmuf finsfrom muggandbean,
theyar ereallygoodt houghi t
swor th
everypenny .
Me:
Danny
!
Danny
:I'
mtaki
ngashower
!
Thidapart
mentisv er
ybigand
spaci
ous.Theresthatrel
axedaura
anditspeacef
ul.Isatonthecouch
andwat
chedtvwhi
l
emunchi
ngon
mymuffi
ns.
Danny
:Boughtsomef
orme?
Me:
Yup,
int
hef
ri
dge
Danny
:Thanks
Hesatnextt omeandhewasn' t
dressedatall
.Iswal
l
owedandt his
muf fi
ndidn'
tgother
ightway.Iwas
coughinganditwasstuckonmy
throat.
Danny:Idon'tgetwhyyou'rechoki
ng,
i
t'
snotlikeyou'veneverseenme
nakedbefore.
Idrankwaterandt
ookadeep
breathe.
Me:
Tookmebysur
pri
se
Ihadmyhandsont hekitchen
counterandhecamef r
om theback
andkissedmyneck.Hehel dme
cl
oseandIcoul dfeelhi
spenis
pokingme.Heputhi shandundermy
dressandbrushedmyt highsall
the
wayt omyhoney pot
Danny
:Fuck!Nounder
wear
.You'
re
ki
ll
i
ngme
Hebentmeov erabitandspanked
myass.Itstungatfir
stbuti
twas
pai
nful
pleasure.Hetookmyl egand
puti
toverthecounterandstart
ed
ki
ssi
ngmybut tal
lthewaydownt o
mycl it.Hei nsertedhistongueandI
l
etoutasof tmoan.Het hrustedwith
histongueandf ingeratthesame
ti
memaki ngmybodyweakandf eel
hotf l
ushesbui l
dupmaki ngme
shiver.Ilaidmyupperbodyont he
counterandscr eamedouthi sname
asIcl i
maxed.Hepi ckedmeupand
l
edust other oom wher ehemade
mel ayont hebedandputhi swhole
penisi nmymout h.Igaggedashe
thrustedhar dandf ast
er.Hisloud
groansbecamel ouderandluckily
we'real one.Hecamei nmymout h
andIswal lowedhi sjuices.Helaidon
meandki ssedmybr eastsand
squeezedt hem hard.Iwassowet
andr eadyforhim asheinser t
edhis
manhoodi nsideofme.I '
vemi ssed
havinghisfulll
engthinsi
demy
honey pot
.Het hrust
edhar danddeep
i
tfeltsoogoodatf i
rstbutitgot
rougherandr ougher.Hewashol di
ng
met oot i
ghtl
y,diggi
nghist eethon
myneckandbr east
s
Me:
Dannyy
ou'
rehur
ti
ngme
Idon'tthinkhehear dme, hewasnot
theDannyt hatmadel ov
et ome.He
wasf uckingmel i
keI'
mj ustoneof
hisbitches.Hef uckedmehar derand
deeperIf eltmyv agi
nathrobbing,
I
couldn'ttakethepain.Thiswasnot
l
ov e.Icr i
edbuthei gnoredmycr i
es.
Het urnedmeov erandent er edme
from t heback.Hewashol dingmy
handsasi fI'
m hispr isoner .Hewent
deeperanddeeper ,wi t
hev erythrust
hebr okeapar tofmysoul .He
spankedmesohar di tfeltlikea
beat ing.Hekeptt hem comi ngandhe
didn'tstop.Hef inall
ydeci dedt ocum
andr oaredoutthel oudestgr oan.He
l
ef tmeont hebedandwentt othe
bat hroom.Icr i
ed,Icr i
edsomuchand
Iwast ooweakt oev ent uckmy selfi
n
thebl ankets.Hecov eredmewi tha
blanketandl eft.Ifeel vi
olat ed,Ifeel
weakandhel pl
ess.Whathehasdone
hasbrokenmeintopieces.Iguess
thi
sisthepuni
shmenty ougetfor
fal
li
nginl
ovewit
hy oursist
ers
husband.
#Danny
Shit!Shi
t!Whathav eIdone! ?I
shouldn'thaveev enmadeamov eon
her.Ishouldn'thavetouchedher
becauseIknewIwoul dhur ther.ButI
want edtomakel ovetoher ,Imissed
her.Imissedhav ingmyf ul
l l
ength
i
nsideofherandhear inghermoan
outmynamebutal lIhear dwasher
cri
es.Ilostit
, Il
ostmy selfwhile
i
nsideofherandIhur theri nthe
mostpai nfulandunbear ableway .
WhenIsawherl ayingont hebed
try
ingt ogeti nthebl anketsbutshe
couldn't,shewast ooweak.That
brokemyhear tintopiecesasi twas
myowndoi ngs.Icoveredherandl ef
t.
Icouldn' tfaceher,Iviolat
edher .I
kil
ledhersoul andi tisallbecauseof
mysel f
ishnessandanger .I
tisthis
beasti nsideofmet hatIhav eno
control over.Nasiphi wil
lnever
forgi
v emef orthisandIhav elosther
forever.Idamagedher ,Ibrokeher
andmadeherf eelwor t
hlessand
cheap.Idr ovearoundt il
lIcall
ed
Nkosi nathi
Nkosi
:DannyMcKenzi
e!
Me:
Imessedup,
ImessedupNkosi
.
Nkosi
:Whatdi
dyoudo?
Me:Ihur
ther,she'
sgoi
ngt
oleav
eme.
I
'v
elostherf
orgood
Nkosi
:St
opspeaki
ngi
nri
ddl
esand
comehere.
Me:
Wher
ear
eyou?
Nkosi
:Comet
omyof
fi
ce,
MMH.
Me:
Sho
Iendedthecal l
anddrov etohi
s
off
ice.I
'
m gl adhe'si
nt own,ev
enif
hewasn'tIwoul d'
vedroveallt
heway
toLangeli
hle.Igottohiscompany
andwentupt ohisoff
ice.Hegaveme
agl
assofscot
ch.
Nkosi
:Si
tdownandexpl
ainy
our
sel
f
Me:
I..
.Ihur
ther
..
Nkosi
:Youbeatherup
Me:No,If
uckedherli
keI'
mf ucki
ng
oneofmydamnf uckbuddi
es.
Nkosi
:Shi
t!That
'swhaty
ou'
rei
n,
deepshi
tboy.
Me:
Tel
lmesomet
hingIdon'
tknow.
Nkosi
:You'
vegott
ofi
xthi
s
Me:How?She'
sgoi
ngt
oleav
emy
st
upi
dass
Nkosi
:Andy
ou'
regoi
ngt
olether
?
Me:
Ihav
enochoi
ce,
Imessedherup.
Iwoul
dn'
tst
opheri
fshewantedt
o
l
eaveorr
eportmef
orrape.
Nkosi:Idon'
tthi
nkNasiphiwoulddo
that
,shecaresforyouandwoul d
neverwanttohurtyouorthekidsby
sendingyoutojai
l.She'
dneverhurt
you,butyouhurther.
Me:Soy
ou'regoi
ngt
okeept
hrowi
ng
i
tinmyface?
Nkosi:Yesbecausey ouneedt ohear
i
t,i
tneedst osinkindeep.There'
sno
wayyou'regoingtomakeupf orthi
s.
Thatshitt
akest i
me.Ifsheforgiv
es
you,i
twillbeupt oyoutomakeher
happyandl ethertr
ustyouwithher
bodyandsoul agai
n.Andyoushoul
d
neverhurtheri
nthatki
ndofway
again.You'
vegottogomakethings
ri
ght.
Me:
Icannotf
aceherr
ightnow
Nkosi :
Ther e'
sonet hi
ngIl earntinli
fe,
i
tstonev errunawayf r
om y our
problems.Iknowhowy ouf eel i
nsi
de,
Iknowhowt hisdemonhasr eplaced
youandy ou'vebecomesomet hi
ng
you'r
enotandy outhi
nky ouhav eno
controlov eri
t.Iknowhowi tfeels,
I'
vebeent here.Youcancont rolit
Danny ,youcan.I ti
stherewhen
you'r
eatwor k, spit
ti
ngfir
eand
l
eadingusi nf orcebutwheny ouget
homey oubecomeaf at
heranda
par
tnertosomeone, notabeast
.You
l
eaveital
lbehind,y
oumustl ear
n
howtoseparatethetwo.Iknowy ou'
l
l
begoingawaysoonagai n.
Me:
Howdoy
ouknow?
Nkosi:BecauseI
'
m goi
ngwit
hy ou,
youcannotheadupthi
smissi
on
alone.
Me:
Thanks,
Iappr
eci
atei
t.
Nkosi:Nowbackt othesit
uati
onat
hand,you'r
egoingtobegoingaway
soonandy ou'
ll
havet ocomef i
x
yoursel
fandsetyourprior
it
ies
str
aight.Andbeabet t
ermanf ory
our
family,
I'veseenmy selfbr eakmy
familyintopi ecesbecauseofmy
stupidact i
ons, youknowi tandy ou'v
e
witnessedi t.Youwer et herewhen
mywi fel ostitandcoul dn'tdeal with
i
t.Whenshecamet oherbr eaki ng
point,y
oudonotwantt ogot hrough
thatwithNasi phi
.Herbr eakingpoi nt
wouldbeherki l
li
ngy ou,she'st ough.
You'veseenhowst rongshei s.Now
you'r
ebr eakingt hat
, you'r
emaki ng
herfeel weakandshewi l
lbeweak.
You'rebreaki ngherDanny ,fi
xit.
Isi
ghedandhe'
swor dskepton
fl
owingi
nmymi nd.Igotacall
from
Kj
Me:
Speak
Kj:
She'
sgoingtoseeherf
ather
.Ar
e
youst
il
lcomingwit
h?
Me:
No,
howi
sshe?
Kj:
She'
sNasi
phi
,she'
shernor
mal
sel
f.
Me:Oh,gowi
thherandkeepaneye
onher
.Makesureshe'
ssafeKJ.
Kj
:Shoboss.
Nkosi
:Howi
sshe?
Me:Hesay
sshe'
sjusthernor
mal
sel
f.
Nkosi
:You'v
egotastrongwoman,
she'
sputt
ingtheshi
tyoudi
dtoher
asideandcont inuingwi thherday .
Don' tgett hi
si nawr ongwayand
thi
nkI '
m at t
ract edtoher .Buta
strongwomanl i
keheri sv er
y
attract i
veandr are.Yeswel i
ket hat
womanwhodependonusand
submi tanal lthatshi t,i
tmakesy ou
feel li
keamanandt hepr ovi
der.A
strongi ndependentwomani sat rue
dime, shechal lengesy out odobet t
er
andIdon' tev enknowhowt oexpl ai
n
i
tDanny .That'swhatat t
r act
edme
themostaboutNay e,shedi dn'
tneed
me, Ineededher .Andt hat '
showi ti
s
withy ouandNasi phi.Asmuchas
youhel pedhergethert rueidentity
andl eavethatstri
pclub, shedidn'
t
needy outo.Shewasdoi ngwellfor
herselfbef
or eyoucameandshecan
sti
lldowell aft
ershe'sleftyou.She
coll
ect edy
ouandhel pedy ouwhen
noneofuscoul d.Youneedhermor e
thansheneedsy ou.Don' tgi
veupon
hercauseshehasn' tgi
v enupony ou.
Me:Iheary
ouman,
butI
'
vebr
oken
herman.
Nkosi
:That'
sthethi
ngaboutl
ove,
l
ovebreaksandrest
ores.
Me: Ihat
eitwhenyoumakesomuch
senseandcomeatmewi t
hgood
advi
ce.That'
sPhil
a'
sjob
Wel
aughedi
tof
f
Me:Thanksman,Iappreci
atei
t.I
t'
s
goi
ngtobeadiff
icul
ttaskbuti
ts
wort
hit.
#Nasi
Idecidedtost opbeingweakand
cry
ingov erwhathashappened.The
damagehasbeendoneandcannot
bef i
xtheresnousef orcryi
ngov er
spi
ltmi l
k.Iti
supt omet opick
my sel
fupandnotl ethim havethe
upperhand.Hehasbr okenmysoul
butit'
supt omet opickupthepieces
andupt ohi mi fhegluethem upand
fi
xhismi stakes.Itookonest epata
ti
met illIreachedt heshowerandsat
downl ettingt hewat erwashawayt he
feeli
ngofbei ngcheapandunwor thy.
Idriedmy selfupaf tercleaning
my selfandgotdr essedi nal ong
sleevet'shirtandjeans.Icov eredup
allmybr uisesandl etmyweav elay
l
oose.It ext edSnehandshewas
readyt oleav e.Ihady oghur tand
call
edKJ.Hedr ov
eof fandwepi cked
upSneh.
Sneh:
Heygi
rl
!
Me:
Heysweet
ie
Shehuggedmeandi
tpai
nedabi
tbut
Idi
dn'
tshowit
.
Sneh:
Youdon'
tl
ookt
oogood
Me:
Uhm i
tsj
ustacol
dfl
ue
Sneh:Acol
dfluethatl
eavesy
ou
brui
sedal
loveryourneck!
Me:
Don'
tshout
Sneh:
Hedi
dthi
sshi
ttoy
ou?
Me: Yeah,
we'l
ltal
kaboutthi
slat
er
Sneh.Wegott othehousemybrother
sentanaddressoff
Sneh:
Iwonderwhyhewant
stosee
us.
Me:
Let
sgoi
nandf
indout
.
Weknockedandanel
derl
ywoman
openedandwel
comedus.Itmustbe
oneofhiswives.He'shouseisbi
g
andy oucoul
dseet hatheisa
wealthyman.Therewer emanyfaces
thatl
ookedli
kemeandIguessed
thoseweremysi bl
ings
Mbulelo:Nasi
phi
,I'
m gladyoucame.
Theseareourbrother
sandsi st
ers.
Nkonzobeingourelderbrother
.He
i
ntroducedall
ofthem tousandt her
e
weretoomanynamesI 'l
lendup
for
getti
ngthem.
Me: Pl
easedt
omeetyouever
yone,
thisisSnenhl
anhl
aBut
hel
ezi,
my
sister.
Woman:
Iguessy
ou'
reBhengu'
s
daught
er
Sneh:
That
'
swhatI
'
vebeent
old.
Nkonzo:Fol
lowme,ourf
atherwant
s
t
oseet hebothofy
ou.
Wef ol
lowedhim asheusheredusto
aroom upstai
rs.Wegotinandhe
waslayingonthebedwithmany
machinesconnectedt
ohim.He
l
ookedl i
kemebuthewassopal e.
Nkonzo:
Nyat
hi,
they
'vear
ri
ved
Muzi:Pear
l,Snenhl
anhl
acomecl
ose
soIcanseey ou
Wewer est
il
lst
andingatt
hedoor
behi
ndNkonzo.Ipushedherandshe
pushedmetoo,noneofuswantedto
getcl
osert
ohi
m.
Nkonzo:
Mov
e
Hel
aughedatusandpushedusand
wesatnextt
oMuzi
Muzi:Iwast
oldy
ourel
dersi
sterhas
passedon
Sneh:
Yesshedi
d.
Muzi:Thatbri
ngssaddnesstomy
hear
t.Iam veryhappytohavefi
nal
ly
seenyoumydaught ers.Wherei
sthat
bast
ardHector?
Me:
Wedon'
tknow
Muzi:
Hebetr
ayedme,Ihadbeen
sendi
nghi
m moneyal
ltheseyear
sto
takegoodcar eofy oubuthespenti t
tohi mself
.Iwant edt oseey ousoI
couldapologi zetoy oumydaught er s.
WhatIdi dwasf oolish,Iwasdr i
v en
byt heexcitementofmoneyand
hav i
ngwoman.If or gotaboutmyr eal
fami l
y,Idi
dt heunthi nkableandki lled
yourmot herandgr andpa.Ishoty our
fatherSnehandr apedy ourmot her.I
didmanyt hingsI'
m notpr oudofand
I'
m beingpuni shedf ormysi ns
Me:Ourmotherisnotdead,
she
managedtogetawayfrom t
hefi
re
yousety
ouev i
lbast
ard.
Muzi
:Tel
lherIsai
dIam sorr
ymy
ki
ds,
Iam ver
ysorryt
oallofyou.I
'
m
sor
ry
Heheldourhandsandcoughedhard.
Hestoppedbreat
hingandthatwasit
.
Snehlookedatmeandcried.
Nkonzo:
Nyat
hi!Ny
athi
!!Fat
her
!
Hecr i
edandhel dhi
sf ather.Imoved
overasev eryonewascr y i
ngand
getti
ngi nther oom.He' sdead, he'
s
gone.Justl i
kethat?Ineeded
answer s,heneededt oseemymom
andapol ogi zetoher.Hemustbe
goingst r
aightt ohell
,hewasanev i
l
man.Idon' tgetwhyt heyar ecryi
ng
somuchf orhi m.May bet heyknewa
di
fferentmanbecauseonceupona
ti
me, hewasagr eatmant hatmy
mot herfelli
nlovewi th.Butbitterness
andev i
lwaysgothi mt hr
oughhi s
l
ov ef ormoneyandl uxury.Af uneral
servicecompanywascal ledandwe
weresi tt
ingattheki tchenast hey
tookhi sbodyt othemor t
uar y.His
wiveswer ecryi
ngandi twasasad
scenebutnotsadenought omake
mecr y.Mymot hert aughtmet o
nevercr yforunwor t
hypeopl e.You
maycal lmebi t
terbuthedoesn' t
deser vemyt ears
Me:
Wehav
etogo
Wife1:
You'
releav
ing,
yourf
atherj
ust
passedaway
Me:Wehav etogo,Snehhasababy
tot
akecareofandIhav ekidstotake
car
eoff.Hewasnev erafathertous,
weknowt wodif
fer
entMuzi '
ssoy ou
wil
lnev
erforceustomour nfora
manwhomadeourl i
vesmi serabl
e.
Wife2:Youwil
lnott
alkaboutour
husbandthatway!
Sneh:Asshesaid,
weknowt wo
dif
fer
entMuzi'
s.Wemightcomeby
tomorrow.Goodby
e
Welef
tandNkonzoandMbul
elo
f
oll
owedus
Mbul
elo:
Pleasedocomeby
t
omorrowandforthef
uner
al.Nasi
willsendmey ournumbersisSneh,
sowecankeepcont act
.Wear e
sibli
ngsaft
erallandshoul
dn'tl
etour
fathersmi
stakesruinourr
elati
onshi
p.
Wesai dourgoodby est othem and
drovehome.Isawhi scarandhe
wasn'ti
nt hehouseal one.Therewere
manycar sparkedout si
deandI
guessedthehousei sf i
xed.Wegoti n
andgreeted.Snehwal kedr i
ghtover
toDannyandsl appedhi mt wice!
Sneh:
That'
sforthinki
ngy
oucan
damnhurtmysisteryoui
diot
.
Zandy
:Whatt
hef
uckdi
dhedo!
Me:
Guy
schi
l
lpl
ease,
we'
vehada
l
ongday.Ij
ustneedsomef
oodand
r
est
ing.
Lubah:
Whatdi
dhewant
?
Me:
Toapol
ogi
ze.
Mpho:
And
Sneh:
He'
sdead.
Thaps:
Awuj
ustl
i
ket
hat
?
Me:
YesThaps,
justl
i
ket
hat
.
Iwentupst
air
sandhef
oll
owedme
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Me:
Notnowpl
ease
Danny
:Nasi
pleaseweneedt
otal
k.
Me:
Gett
hef
uckoutofmyf
ace!
Hesighedandcl osedthedoor.I
call
edmyki dsinandwegoti ntobed
together
.It
'sbeenalonglongday
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t35
Iwokeupwi
thOni
ka'
slegsonmy
face.Yhuthi
schi l
d!Imovedherface
andgotoutt hebed.Mybodywas
paini
ngandIhadamassi ve
headache.Iclosedmyey esfora
minuteandIf el
thim hol
dme.
Danny
:Si
tdown
Hehel pedmesi tandIwatchedhi m
ashewentt othebathroom andr ana
bathforme.Het ookoffmycl othes
andsawwhathedi dtomeandshed
atear.Iwasn' tgoingtocomf orthim,
hehur tme.I '
m notgoingtof eelsorr
y
forhimj ustbecausehei scrying.He
hardlyev ercri
esandi thur
tst osee
him crybutIwon' tfeelsor
ryf orhim.
Hecar ri
edmeandputmei nt hebath
t
ub.
Me:Whatdi
dyouputi
nher
e?I
t
st
ings
Danny:
It'
sgoingtot
aket
hepai
n
away.I
'
llwaketheki
dsup
Inoddedandheclosedthedoor.Isat
i
nt hebat
htubandthoughtaboutit.I
cri
edasital
lplay
edinmyheadagai n,
i
t'
samemor ythatI'
l
lneverf
orget.
Oneoftheverybadmemor i
es.
Oni
ka:
Arey
oucr
yingmommy
?
Me:Oni
ka,whendi
dyougetinher
e?
Nomommyi snotcr
ying,
Ihave
somet
hingi
nmyey e
Oni
ka:
Daddy
!Daddy
!!Mommyi
s
cr
ying
Me:
Oni
ka,
Ssshdon'
tcal
l
...
Iwastoolate,
Daddydear
estwas
al
readyhere.
Oni
ka:
Mommyiscryi
ngdaddy
,if
mommycr
ythanIcr
ytoo
Danny:I
'm sor
ry,Daddyhur
tmommy
that
'swhyshe'scryi
ng.Come,l
et'
sgo
getyoureadyforschool
.Goto
Danver,
I'
m coming.
SheranoutandDannysatont
he
edgeofthetub.
Danny:
Iknowy oudon'twanttohear
mysorri
esbecauseyout hi
nkthey
don'
tmeananythingbuttheydo.I
'm
sorryNasi phi.Il ostitandcoul dn'
t
controlmy self, Icoul dn'tcontr ol
what '
sinsideofme.I 'm sor r
yt hatI
hurtyout hewayIdi d.Noonewant s
tofeelthatpai n, Iforonehaswent
thr
oughbei ngr aped, it
'sjustt he
sameaswhatIdi dt oy ou.Iwi ll
understandi fy ouwantt ol aychar ges
andhav emear restedi t
sf ine.I
deserveev eryt hingt hatscomi ngmy
waybutal lI
'l
l aski st haty out ake
careofourki ds.
Me:I'
dnev
ergety
ouar
rest
edDanny
,
Iwon'
tdothat
.
Danny:
Thanky ou.Idon'
tdeserveyou
Nasi
phi,andIknowy ouwon'tbel
ieve
i
twhenIt ellyouthisbutIloveyou
Amahl e.IreallydoloveyouandI 'm
goingt opr ovei tt
oy ou,I
'
m goingt o
beabet termanf oryouandI '
l
l l
ove
yout hewayy oudeservetobel oved.
AllI'
m aski ngi sforyoutogivemea
chance, Iknowi twillt
aketimefor
yout of orgivemeandIwon' trush
you.Butpl easegi v
emeachancet o
fi
xt his,please
Icri
edandnodded.Heki ssedmy
for
eheadandl eft
.Ifinishedupwi t
h
mybat handloti
onedmybody .Iwent
tomycl osetandlookedf or
somethingtowear ,Itookabl acksuit
pantsandanol i
vebl ousewhi chwas
l
ongsl eev e.Thebr ui
seswerenot
thatvi
sibleany mor eandIcover
ed
thespot sleftwithmakeup.Iwent
downst airsandt hekidswereal
ready
havingbr eakfastandwerereadyfor
school
Me:
You'
regoi
ngt
owor
k?
Danny
:Yes
Iwentbackupstai
rsandtookouta
sui
tforhi
m andmadehi sti
e.Went
backdownstai
rsandhedishedupfor
me
Danny:KJwil
ldropof
ftheki
ds.I
'
ll
takey
out owork
Me:
Okay
Danver:Ihavesoccerpr
act
icetoday
soI'
l
l havetobepickedupat4pm
Me:Shoul
dImakey
ouanot
her
l
unchbox?
Danver
:Nomom,dadalr
eadygave
meenoughmoneytobuysomethi
ng
i
fI'
m hungr
y.
Me:
Okay
Oni
ka:Ial
sohav
epr
act
ice,
canIget
moremoney?
Me:
Whatpr
act
iceOni
ka?
Oni
ka:
Mmmhdol
l
ypr
act
ice
Me:You'
renotreal
l
ygoodatl
yi
ng
Let
hukut
hula.
Shel
aughedandwewentt
obr
ush
ourt
eet
h.
Me:
Byesweet
ies,
comeki
ssmommy
Oni
kacamerunni
ngandIhugged
andki
ssedher
.
Me:
Andt
henDanv
er?
Danv
er:Justonthecheek,
I'
m gr
own
nowyoucan'tbeki
ssingmyli
ps.
Me:You'
renevert
oogr
ownf
orme
pl
usyou'
rejust6.
Ikissedhischeekandwalkedt hem
tothecar .Theyl
eftwi
thKJandI
stoodbyt hedoorandsmiledto
my self
.That'swhatki
dsdo,they
makey ouhappyevenatyourlowest
moment
s.
Danny
:Readyt
ogo?
Inoddedandhet ookmybags.Idon'
t
feel
li
ketal
kingtohim.Idon'
tknow
whatI'
ll
evensayt ohim.Hedrov
eoff
anditwasjustsi
lentall
theway.
Danny:Babe,ar
ey ougi
vi
ngmet
he
si
lentt
reatment?
Ij
ustl
ookedoutt
hewindowashe
par
ked.It
ookmybagsbuthehel
d
myhand.
Danny:Babehowam Igoingt
ofi
x
thi
sifyou'
renotevental
ki
ngt
ome.
Pleasesaysomething
Me:
Mebei
ngi
nthi
scari
sasi
gnof
meall
owingyoutofixyourmess.
Don'
tpushit
,nowleavemealone.
Bri
ngmelunchat12
Danny
:YesMam.
It
ookmybagsandhewal
kedmet
o
myoff
ice.
Danny :
By ebabe,Il
oveyou.Youcan
givemet hesil
enttr
eatment,I
'
llt
ake
whateverIget.Il
oveyou,remember
that.
Inoddedandheki
ssedmyfor
ehead
andlef
t.MyPAwalkedi
nandgave
memycof fee.
Jul
i
a:Youhav
ethr
eeoper
ati
onst
o
per
for
mtoday
Me:Thr
ee?That
'sal
ot,
Ineededt
he
af
ter
noonoff
Jul
ia:
Sor
rybutt
heyspeci
fi
cal
l
yneed
you
Me:Sendoneintheemer
gencyroom
i
n10mins.Documentspl
ease.
ThankGodt heywereheart
tr
ansplantati
ons.Ichangedandwent
i
ntosurger y
.Wewer et her
eformany
hoursandIcameoutat3pm.Iwent
tomyof fi
ceandgoti ntothe
bathr
oom andshower ed.Yes,my
off
icehasaconnect edbat hr
oom.I
changedintomycl othesandDanny
waswai ti
ngf orme
Me:
Wer
eyouher
esi
nce12?
Danny:No,Iwast ol
dy ou'
rei
nthe
theat
resoIwentbackt owor
kand
yourPAcalledtotellmeyou'
redone.
Here'
syourlatelunch.
Me:I'
l
leatontheway,weneedt
oget
goi
ng.Nkonzohasbeencal
li
ngme
Danny
:Nkonzo?
Me: Bigbrother.You'l
lseemy
sibl
ings,weal l
lookalike.Thewi
ves
thoughhav eanat ti
tude.
HetookmybagsasIt ol
dhi m about
ever
ythi
ngthathappenedy ester
day.
Whenwegott oMuzi '
splace,Sneh
andMaNy at
hiweretherealready.
Me:
Mom,
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
MaN:MyhusbandpassedonsoI
hav
etopaymyr espect
s.
Me: Yhuyou'
reevenst
il
lcal
l
inghi
m
yourhusband,y
ouhaveabighear
t
mom.
MaN:Andsodoy ou,
Mkwenyana,i
t'
s
goodtoseethaty
ou'
vecutof
fthat
ugl
yfaci
alhai
r
Danny
:Yesma, Snehcanwet
alk
asi
deplease?
Sneh:
OkayDanny
Theywentasi
deandwewai t
edfor
them ast
heyar
gued.Theyhuggedi
t
outandwewentinsi
de.Mbulel
o
wel
comedusandoneofthesegi
rl
s
waseyei
ngmyman!Eyesoffgi
rl
y!
Wif
e1:Whati
sthi
swomandoi
ng
her
e!
MaN:
Cebi
sil
e
Me:
Youknowher
?
MaN:Yes,sheusedt
obemybest
f
ri
end.Iseeyouwentof
fandmar
ri
ed
myhusband.
Me:
Isshet
hef
ir
stwi
fe?
Cebi
sil
e:YesIam!
Mom shookherheadandwesat
down.
Nkonzo:
Thel
awy
erwi
l
lbeher
eina
f
ewmi
nut
est
oreadt
hewi
l
l
Sneh:
Isn'
tthatsupposedt
obedone
aft
ert
hefuneral?
Nkonzo:Dadwantedi
ttobedone
bef
orethefuner
al,
Idon'
tknowwhy.
Thel
awy
erar
ri
vedandhegr
eet
ed.
Lawy
er:
IsMr
sNt
ombi
Nyat
hipr
esent
?
MaN:
Yes
Lawyer:Iwi l
lproceed.ThisistheWi l
l
MrMuzi wokut hulaNy athiwrot
eand
i
tcannotbepr otestedagainstin
cour
t.Whoev erdoesnotagr eewi t
h
whatiswrittenher ewi l
lhavetokeep
whattheyr eceivedort hecourtwil
l
sei
zeitiftheyr ebelagainstthi
sWi l
l.
Hel efteachandev eryoneofy oua
l
et t
erwhi chy ouwi llrecei
v eaf t
erthis
meet i
ng.Itreadsasf oll
ows: Tomy
fi
rstson, NkonzoMuzi wokut hula
Ny athi,Il
eav ey out oy oumy
busi nesst haty ouar ecur rentl
yCEO
at,andmyhousei nCapeTown.I
alsogi vey ouR500000.Mbul elo
Ny athi,Igivey out heconst r
uction
companyi nDur banandR500000.I
gav ey out heleastamountofmoney
becausey oumakemi l
li
onsf rom the
busi nessesIl eftyou.Tot het wins,
Ket hoandLut ho, Ileavey ou1mi l
li
on
eachwhi chy ouwi llbothgetwhen
yougr aduatef rom Uni versity
.To
GuguandZi pho, Igiveyou2mi l
l
ion
eachandy ouwi l
l getthismoney
withintwomont hsbecausey ouhav e
graduat edandmademepr oud.To
the5y oungonesi nhighschool ,you
willeachget1mi l
lionrandwheny ou
graduat e.Ileavemyhousei nJHBt o
CebisileNy athiandt hreeofmycar s.
Thehousei nDur banandanot her3of
mycar s(whichar enamedont hewi l
l)
willbelongt oZet huNy athi.Bynow
youhav eallmetmyf i
rstlove,my
beaut i
fulwi f
eNt ombi Nyathiwhoi s
myf irstwife,sheknowst hatIwillbe
burriedinBi zananextt omypar ents.I
havet wohousest herewhi chshe
doesn'tknowaboutbutt heyarehers
now.Ileav emyl andtoherandshe
willbeheadoft hepreparat
ionsofmy
funeral
.Ileaveherwiththesum of
3milli
on.
Cebi
sil
e:Angekenikubonelokho!
!
Ngeke!
(Youwi l
lnotseethat!Never
!)
Mbulelo:Mah,
stopcausi
ng
unnecessar
ydrama.
Cebisil
e:UyabayekaZethu!
Lomt hakat
hindiniwil
lnotget
that(Youletthem beZethu!Thi
s
witch!)
Me:Youwillnotcal
lmymothera
wi
tch!ShutupbeforeIsl
apyou
Nkonzo:Ther
ewi l
lbenoneedfor
t
hat,pl
easesitdownNasi
phi.
Lawy er:Iwi l
lcontinue, Ihavebeen
i
nfor medt hatmyf irstchil
d,Zi y
anda
haspassedon, Ileav e3mi l
l
iont hat
wil
l beshar edamongstherki ds.My
twohousesDur ban, theonesi n
Hil
lcrestwi l
lbelongt oSnenhl anhla
andPear l
,theywi lldecidewhot akes
which.Tomydaught erSneh, Igive
youanamountof5mi l
li
onandl astly
mypr eci
ousPear l,Igiveyoumymul t
i
-mil
lionrandmi ningcompany ,Ny athi
Miningt oy ou,Ileav eanamountof
10mi ll
ionrandsandal lmyr emai ning
carswhi chIbel i
ev ear e5car s.Itrust
t
hatNkonzowil
ll
eadthi
sfamilyand
workhandi
nhandwit
hhissibli
ngs.
Noonewill
cont
estt
hiswil
l.Thank
you
"
Lor
dJesushowrichwashe?
"I
whi
sper
edtomyself
.
Cebisi
le:
VukaNy at
hiuzolungisa
l
asimbaowenzile!
(WakeupNy athi
andcomef ixt
hisshi
tyoucr eated)I
am thefi
rstwi
feandwhatIsaygoes!
Myhusbandwi l
lbeburiedherei n
Durban
MaN: Youwi
llshutt
hatbi
gmout hof
your
sCebisi
l
e, youweret
her
ewhenI
gotmarri
edfi
rsttothi
sman,you
witnesseditwithyourownt woey es,
l
egallyandtradit
ionall
yIam hisfi
rst
wife.Wewi l
llaymyhusbandi npeace.
Zethu,Ibel
ievey ouaretheonewi th
commonsenseandwi l
lnotfi
ghtme,
wewi llwor
kt ogetherandplanthi
s
funeral
.Ift
hatwi ll
beit,wewillal
l
packandgodownt oBizana
tomor r
ow.
Lawyer:
Thatwi
ll
notbeit
,Iwoul
dli
ke
tospeaktoMrMcKenzi
easi
de.
Zi
pho:Whatdoeshehav
etodowi
th
myfat
her?
Shewast
heonewhowasey
eingmy
man.
Me:Whatev
eri
tis,
itconcer
nshi
m
andnoty
ou.
Zi
pho:
Youwi
l
lnott
alkt
omet
hat
way
Me:Younggir
l,don'
tstartwi
thme.
Youwon'tbeabletofi
nishwhaty
ou
st
art
ed.
IguessedshesCebi si
l
e'sdaughter,
theyhavethesamest inki
ngat t
it
ude.
Zethuseemedt obenicet odayand
wasn'tCebisi
l
e'spet.Wesatf ora
whilewit
hmysi bli
ngsandgott o
knoweachot her.Honestl
y,Mbulelo
andIwer etooali
ke,evenour
personal
it
ieswerethesame.Iguess
i
tsbecausewe'
ret
hesameagebor
n
onthesamemonth.
Nkonzo:Howwasoursi
ster
,Zi
yanda?
IwishIcoul
dhav
emether.
Me:
Yeaht
hat
'
swhatIal
way
swi
shso
t
oo
Mbul
elo:
Didn'
tyouguy
sgr
owup
t
oget
her?
Sneh: I
t'
salongstor
y,Igrewupwi th
her.Shewasanamazi ngsi ster
,very
protecti
veofmeandv erylovingand
anadr enal
i
nejunki
e.Shelov edbikes.
Gugu:I
'm sorr
yift
hiswi
ll
ber udebut
wealll
ookalikeher
ebesi
desSi s
Sneh,
arey ouourbl
oodsist
er?
Nkonzo:
Gugul
ethu
Sneh:
Noi
t'
sokay
,Iwasadopt
ed.
Ilookedather,whydoesntshejust
tellt
hem t
hetruth?Ihi
therwithmy
elbowwhent heyweren'
tpaying
attenti
ont
ous
Me:
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
them t
het
rut
h?
Sneh:Theyallnowhi
m asasai
nt,
we'l
lkeepitt
hatway.
Me:
Andweknowt
hedev
ilhi
msel
f.
Sneh:Wi
ll
weacceptwhathegav
eus?
I
t'
salot
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkwehaveachoice.
Pl
usheprettymuchowesusforthe
shi
twewentt
hroughbecauseofhi
m.
Hereal
l
ydi
dwellforhi
mselft
hough
Sneh:
Yeahhedi
d.
ThelawyerandDannycameback
fr
om outsideandwesaidour
goodbyes.Whenwegotout si
deKJ
wasthere,whendidhegethere?
Danny:Mah,Kjwil
ltakeyoutomy
houseandpleasetaketheki
ds.We'
ll
pi
ckthem uptomor r
owmor ni
ng.
Sneh,y
ou'l
lri
dewithus,we'r
eofft
o
HQ.
Sneh:
Whatf
or?
Danny:Urgentmeeti
ng,t
heot
her
sar
e
headedthereal
ready.
Me:
Webetterbuyfoodonourway
t
her
e,I
'
m hungryfr
om thatr
abbi
t
f
oodweatehere.
Wel ef
tandst
oppedatNandosand
gotsomefood.WegottoHQandI
tookofmyheels.
Danny
:I'
l
lgety
ouy
oursl
i
pper
s
Me:
Wher
ear
ethey
?
Danny
:Thecar
Hegott
hem andputt
hem onme
Me:
Thanksbabe.
Athi:Whati
sitt
hatyoucall
edushere
for?IwasabouttowatchBlacki
sh
Danny
:Bl
acki
shcanwai
t.Asy
ou
knowMuzi haspassedonandhi swil
l
wasr eadtoday.Sneh,MaNy at
hiand
Nasi hav
et ogotoBizanaforthe
preparat
ionsofthefuner
al,Iwil
l
accompanyt hem andIneedsome
otherpeopleto
Sbahl
e:Paul
aandIwi
l
lgowi
thy
ou.
At
hi:
I'
ll
hav
etogot
oo,
andBr
ain
Sbahl
e:Yhu!I
'
m goi
ngwi
thcoupl
es!
Me:Kjwi
l
lbet
her
e,he'
ssi
ngl
eyou
know.
Phi
l
a: Andt
henNasi
deci
dest
o
matchmake.
Danny
:Nasi
nowownsNy
athi
Mini
ng
Zandy
:What
!!
!I'
m nev
erpay
ingwhen
wegoout
Mpho:TheeNyat
hiMini
ngt
hatweal
l
knowoffwasownedbyMuzi?
Me:YupandIknownot
hingabouta
mi
ningcompany
Danny:Don'
tworr
y,thatwil
lbesort
ed
out.Thebi
ggerpi
ctureinal
lofthi
sis
thatwe'
rebacki
nthedr ugbusi
ness.
Me&Phel
o:What
!Dr
ugbusi
ness?
Zandy
:OhOmaf iki
zol
o,yeswehave
ranadrugbusi
nessbeforeandi
twas
fun
Me:
Fun!Sel
l
ingdr
ugst
oki
dsi
sfun?
Nkosi
:Wedi
dn'
tdot
hat
Danny:Andwewon'tdothat.We
suppl
y,andwedon'
tevensupplyi
n
S.Awesupplyot
hercountr
ies.
Lyanda:Expl
ainhowwegot
oursel
vesbackther
e?
Danny:Hiscompanieswer eaf ront
,
hewasadr uglord.Seemsasi fhe
dugdeepandknewoneofuswoul d
beheadoft hef
orce.Idon'tknow
howithappenedbuthel eftthe
busi
nesstome.It al
kedt oNkonzo,
he'
seldersonandhesai dhenev er
wantedtoinvol
ved,hewasgoi ngto
gi
veitofftoNasibuthedi dn'twant
hischi
ldtodot hat .Iwashis
daughtershusbandandnowhi sother
daughtersboyfriendsohesawi tf
it
thatheleavesitall t
omei nint
erest
ofhisdaugterandgr andchi
l
dren.
ThatsallIwast old.
Jabu:
Wow
Me:
Youcansayt
hatagai
n
Danny : Icannotberunningevery
thi
ng,
thefor ceistoomuchi t
self
.The
businessi sdividedandisin3
provinces.Weneedt oscatter
,Jabu,
you'
reheadoft hebusinessher
ein
Durban.May ibongwe,you'r
eheadin
Jobur g.There'sanotheroneinCape
Town,
Idon'
tknowwhot
oassi
gn
Br
ian:
I'
ll
takei
t.
Danny:
Youdoknowy
ou'
l
lhav
eto
st
ayinCapeTown
Bri
an:Yep,i
twill
bebr andnewstar
t
forme.I'
m notsett
ledanddon'
thave
awifeandkidsli
key ouguysso
rel
ocat
ingwill
beeasi erf
ormethan
anyofyou.
Danny
:Guesst
hat
ssor
ted.
WowBr i
ani
sreall
yseri
ousaboutj
ust
packi
ngupandleavi
ng.
Danny:Everyt
hingwil
lst
artpr
oper
ly
bynextweek.Soy ouhavesometi
me
tobelookingforahouse
Brian:Don'
twor
ry,
Idohav
eahouse
there.
Danny
:Gr
eat
!That
'si
tfort
oday
.
Nt
oko:Cometomyhouset
omor
row
Br
ian,
weneedtot
alk.
Il
ookedatPaul
aandshewasst
ari
ng
atBr
ian
Paul
a:By
eguy
s
Br
ian:
Paul
a,wai
t!
Sher
anoutandweal
lsi
ghed
Thabo:Yetanot
hercompl
i
cat
edl
ove
st
oryhuh?
Lubah:
Yep!Let
'sgo
Weal
lgoti
ntoourcar
sanddr
ovet
o
ourhomes.Wegothomeandwent
str
aightupst
air
s
Me: Doyouthi
nkBri
anwant stol
eav
e
becauseofPaular
eject
inghim?
Danny:Maybe,i
t'
snotreal
lyf
untobe
aroundsomeonewhoy oudeepl
ylov
e
buthasrej
ectedyou,
dail
y.
Me:Iguessthey'
l
lworkthi
ngsout.
Paul
awasn'ttoohappyaboutt
his.
Danny:
Sheshouldn'
thaver
eject
ed
hi
mi nthefi
rstpl
acei
fshewas
i
nter
ested.
Me:Shehasherownr
easonsand
shewasn'
tready
Danny
:Whi
chsheshoul
dtel
lBr
ian,
hewon'tbewait
inguponherforev
er.
Whatifhe'
swait
ingforsomeonewho
wil
lneverber
eadyforarel
ati
onshi
p?
Me:Butwedon'
tknowthat.Hi
m
l
eavi
ngisj
ustl
ikehe'
sgiv
ingupon
her
Danny:We'
ll
justagr
eetodi sagree
pl
usit'
snoneofourbusinessbabe.
Theyareol
denought osortitout.
Nowsleep
Isi
ghedandl ayedonhischest.I
t'
s
tr
uewhent heysaylif
eis
unpr
edict
able.JustnotsolongagoI
wasast r
ipperbutnowIam par t
ownerofahospi t
alandIownamul t
i-
mil
l
ionminingcompany
.Godwor
ks
i
nmy st
eri
ousways
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
#LBAR

I
nser
t36
Iwokeupveryear
lyinthemorni
ngso
Icanpackf
orthekids.Theywi
ll
be
stayingatSneh'swhilewegoneand
willcomedownt oBizanawithheron
Fridayaft
ernoon.Ipackedev ery
thi
ng
theyneededandwoket hem upto
preparethem forschool.
Me:Morni
ngsweet
ie,
Oni
ka,
wakey
wakey
.
Thisgir
llovessleepi
ng,she'ssucha
deepsleepershewoul dn'
tev enhear
youscream ifshewassl eepingand
shehateswaki ngup.Icarriedher
andundressedherandbat hedher
eventhoughshewashal fasleep.
Tuckedherbacki nbedwhenIwas
donewithherandbat hedDanv er
.
Oni
ka:
Whenar
eschool
scl
osi
ng?
Me:Itwil
lbeMar
chsoonsweeti
e
you'
regoingt
ocl
oseschool
sforj
ust
aweek
Danv
er:
Wil
lwegoonhol
i
day
?
Me:Wecan,I
'l
lspeakt
odaddy
.
Wher
edoy ouwanttogo?
Oni
ka:
CapeTown!
Danver
: We'
vebeenther
emanyt
imes
bef
ore,Iwasthi
nki
ngwecangoto
Dubai
Me: WowDubai,Mmmhwel lI
'
ve
neverbeentobothplacessoI
'l
lbe
happywithwhateverDaddeci
deson
okay?
Them:
Yesmom
Wewentdownstai
rsandDannyhad
al
readymadebr
eakfast
Danny
:Mor
ning,
sitdown.
Onika:
Daddy,mom andIwantt
ogo
onaholidaytoCapeTownbut
DanverwantstogotoDubai
Onika!Idi
dn'
tsayIwantt
ogot
o
CapeTownbutI '
l
lsti
ckwit
hmygi
rl
.
Danny
:WellI
'm wi
thDanv
er,
Iwantto
gotoDubai
.Whenwereyouthi
nki
ng
ofgoi
ng?
Me:
Thi
scomi
nghol
i
day
Hescr
atchedhi
sheadandIknew
he'
dbel
eav
ingsoon.
Danny
:I'
l
lmakeapl
an
Me:Don'
tpr
omi
sesomet
hingy
ou
won'
tdo
Danny
:Isai
d,I
'
llmakeapl
an
Danver
:WecangoJunehol
i
day
sit
s
fi
ne
Me&Danny
:No!
Me:
Sor
ry
Danny
:I'
m sor
ryt
oo,we'
llal
lgoto
Dubait
hishol
i
dayandwe'll
goto
CapeTownJuneholi
day
sokay ?
Oni
ka:
Okaydad.
Danny
:Let
'
sgobr
ushourt
eet
h,come
mommy
.
Me:
Danny
!Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Il
aughedashecar
ri
edmeonhis
back.Hecar
ri
edOni
kaandDanv
er
Oni
ka:
Daddy
,we'
real
lgoi
ngt
ofal
l
!
Danny
:I'
dnev
erl
ety
ouf
all
pri
ncess.
Hewalkedtothebathroom andput
usdown.Webr ushedourteethwit
h
hi
m holdi
ngmywai standIwas
br
ushinghist
eeth
Danv
er:
Daddyi
smom'
sbaby
Oni
ka:
He'
sbl
ushi
ng
Danny
:Whatdoy
ouknowabout
bl
ushi
ng?
Onika:DanverandKabel
otol
dme
aboutit,
theysayJuni
ori
salways
bl
ushingwhenhe' swi
thThembel
ihl
e.
Danver:Okayy
out
alkt
oomuch
Onika,
let'
sgo.
Theyr anoutandwel
aughedand
fi
nishedup.
Danny
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
I'
m gl
ady
oudo.
Danny :
Iwassupposedtobel eavi
ng
nextweekbutIwon'tl
eave,myf amil
y
needsmemor eplusIneedt oget
yourdrugbusi
nessonitsfeet,pl
us
you'
llbest
udyi
ng.
Me:
Idon'
thav
eadr
ugbusi
nessand
I
'
llbest
udy
ingf
orwhat
?
Danny:
Baby,
thisbusi
nessi
syours.
Al
lthemoneyitmakeswil
lbeyours.
Me:No,i
twil
lbedivi
dedequal
l
y
amongstal
lofus.
Danny
:Fine,you'
l
lbel
ear
ningabout
themi
ningindustr
y
Me:Iwasthinkingofhav
ingt
he
cur
rentCEOr unthecompany
,Ihav
e
ahospit
alt
or un
Danny:Yesyoucandot hatbutalso
youneedtoknowaboutev eryt
hing
thatgoesonsot heydon'tdothings
underyournosejustbecausey ou'r
e
cluel
essaboutthebusiness
Me:Okay.Let
'sgosayourgoodby
es
t
othekids.
Wewentt
otheki
dsanddeci
dedwe'
d
dr
opt
hem of
fatschool
Danny:MommyandDaddywi l
lbe
awayforawhil
e,weneedtogoto
Bi
zana.ButonFri
day
,youguyswil
l
al
socomet oBi
zanawithAunt
ySneh
Oni
ka:
Wher
eist
hat
?
Me:
Somewher
eint
heEast
ernCape.
Oni
ka:
Dot
heyhav
epi
zzat
her
e?
Me:
Yessweet
ie
Oni
ka:
Okayy
oucango
Wedr
oppedt
hem of
fatschool
and
Dannymadesur etheirt
hingsar e
senttoSneh' shouse.Wewenthome
andpackedourt hingswhi l
ehe
shower ed.Af t
eranhourwewer eall
onther oad, Iwasridi
ngwi th
Danny ,
Sbahl eandmom, Paulawi t
h
Bri
anandKJandSnehandAt hi.We
weregoi ngt oarr
ivearound1pm at
thevi
llagewer egoi ngtoandt hen
we'l
lheadbackt otheBnBwebooked
whichiscl osertothev i
ll
age.Thet r
ip
wasfunbecauseofmymom and
Sbahle,theirconversati
onwasj ust
tooexpl i
cit
Mom: AsmuchasMuzibecomea
bast
ardal
ongtheway
,butthatman
wasagoodman.Hegav ei
ttome
real
good,Ihaven'
thadsomef or
year
sbutsweet i
etheglowissti
ll
ther
e.I
fmyf acewasn'tbur
nt,y
ou'd
seehowbeaut i
fulIwas
Danny
:You'r
est
il
lver
ybeaut
if
ul
MaNyathi
Mom: Thankyouson,yesIam butI
wasmuchmor ebeaut
ifult
hanthi
s.
Buthey,Ist
il
lhavemysexybodyto
showoff.Ishoul
dgetmy sel
fa
boyf
ri
end
Sbahl
e:Mah!Nonono
Me:
Heckno
Mom:
I'
m st
il
lj
usti
nmyl
ate40s
peopl
egetmar
ri
edev
enat60!
Danny
:You'
resti
llv
eryy
oungand
fr
eshMaNyathi
.Icanevenhooky
ou
up
Me:
Danny
!You'
reencour
agi
ngt
his
Wewer ecloserandmom di rectedus.
Apparentlyt hedir
ect i
onswer eont he
l
ettershel eftusbecauset her estof
thefamilyal soknewwher etheyar e
going.Ididnotev enreadthelet t
er
butIwilldosot onight.Wegott here
andwewer ethelasttoarriv
e.I twas
av er
ybigy ardwithmanyhousesand
rondavels.Themai nbighousewas
verybigtoo.Hi sent i
refamil
ywi l
lfi
t
here.Ther
ewer enei
ghbour
sand
extendedfamil
ymember swhohad
alr
eadyarri
vedandmanypeople
fr
om thevill
age
Bri
an:
Itseemsasi
fhewaswel
l
known
Mom: Iguessso, buthere,people
comeev ent hought heydidn'tknow
theper son.Thef reef oodandal cohol
i
smuchmor ei mportant.Letmego
greethisbr othersanduncl es,It
s
beenawhi le.Wi l
lyoubeokayPaul a?
Idon'tthinkt hey'
reher e
Paulanodded.Sheseemedabi t
uncomfort
ableandIlookedatBri
an
Br
ian:
Ial
sodon'
tknow,
shedi
dn'
t
ev
enspeakmuchonourwayher
e
Me:
Andy
ou'
rer
eal
l
yleav
ing?
Br
ian:YepandI
'
m notchangi
ngmy
mind.
Athi
:OkayIdon'tt
hinkjustst
andi
ng
herei
sagoodi dea,peoplear
e
al
readyl
ookingatus
Sbahle:Idi
dsayweshoul dhi
reold
carsli
keToy ot
athoseVentur
es,now
peoplearelooki
ngattheseexpensi
ve
cars
Kj:Nonsense,
thi
sfami
l
yal
sohas
expensi
vecars
Sbahl
e:Doy
ouseeanyMer
cedesG-
Cl
asst
her
e?Audi
A7?
Kj
:No
Sbahl
e:Thoughtasmuch.
Sneh:Let
'
sj ustgoguy
s.Cebisi
l
eis
al
readygi
vingusabadey e,
wedon't
wantthem tocall
ussnobs.
Kj
:Wel
lwear
ewi
thasnobher
e
Sbahl
e:Andwhowoul
dthatbe
Kai
tso?
Kj
:Youhawu
Sbahl
e:Mxm
Danny:
Juststopplease,
youguy
sar
e
l
ikeTom andJerr
y.
Wewal
kedi
ntot
hey
ardand
exchangedgr eet
ingswi
thsome
people.Anotheroldwomancame
for
thandl ookedatPaul
a
Her
:Ndi
nani
!
Mom camerushi
ngt
ousandt
he
vi
l
lager
sal
socame
Mom:
Masbut
ha!Don'
tst
art
Man2:Thewi
tchi
sback!
!!Ndi
nani
is
her
e!
Theywer epicki
ngupst onesasPaula
star
tedrunningaway .WhoisNdinani
?
CoulditbePaula?Danny ,KJandAthi
werefi
ght i
ngoffthepeopleasBrian
andIranaf t
erPaula.Whenwegott o
hershewashav i
ngapani cat
tack
Bri
an:Paul
a,br
eat
hinandout
.Come
on,br
eathi
nandout.Doi
tagai
n
Me:
Her
e'ssomewat
er
Theot
herscamef
oll
owedbyMbul
elo
andGugu.
Me:Mom wi
ll
youpl
easeexpl
ain
whati
sgoi
ngon?
Paul a: Iam NdinaniTsheeru,my
fatherwasaNi geri
antradi
tional
heal erandwhenhecamet oBizana
hemetmymot herandtheyf el
li
nlov
e
butt hev i
l
lagerswereagainstthei
r
relationship.TheysaidbyFat herwas
wi ckedwi t
ch.Ihavemyf ather'
s
traditionalmarkonmybackwhi ch
hisforefathersalsohad.Sot ot hem, I
woul d'
vet akenov ermyf ather'
sgi ft.
Myf athergoti nvolvedinsomet hing
whichhewasmeantt oheal agr eat
manoft hev il
l
agenotknowi ngt hat ,
thatsamemanusedt obeawi tch
beforesicknessmadehi m weakand
l
ayonhi sdeat hbed.Whent heysaw
myf athert her
e, t
heyal lt
houghti t
wasaconf i
rmat i
ont otheir
assumpt ionst hatmyf atherisawi tch.
Theyst onedhi m ali
v eti
llhedied.My
mot herandIr anawayasaf r
iendof
herscamet otell
ust orunbecause
theywer ecomi ngforme.Wer ant o
thev i
ll
agewher eMasbut hai sfrom,
west ayedt hereunti
lIwas19t hat
's
whent heydi scover
edwewer et he
famil
yofGr eatTsheeru.Mymot her
diedsav i
ngmyv eryownlife.Iran
awayunt ilIfoundMaNy athi.Theyall
beli
eveIam awi tch
Br
ian:
Andt
henamePaul
a?
MaN:
InamedherPaul
a
Brian:Theywi
ll
diefi
rsti
ftheyt
hink
they'l
lst
oneyoutodeath!
Het
ookhi
sgunandsodi
dAt
hi
Sneh:
Woahguy
sno
Mbul
elo:
I'
m surether
e'ssomethi
ng
wecandowithoutanyviol
ence
Paul
a:Icanj
ustl
eav
e
Me:You'
renotgoi
ngany
wher
e.
Wherei
sNkonzo?
Mbul
elo:
Town
Inoddedandweal lwalkedbackto
theyard.Thevil
l
agerswereangryand
theywerearmedwi t
hsjamboks,
stonesandlitf
ir
esti
cks.Whendid
theyevengetthose?
Danny
:Ev
ery
one!Si
l
encepl
ease
Boy:Angekesiv
hengomlungu
esi
ngamaziyotshi
n!Ungubanna
wenauzosixel
elal
onto(Wewillnot
betoldwhattodobyawhi t
eper son
wedon'tevenknow.Whoar eyout o
t
ell
ust
hat
?)
Danny:Ndizokudibani
sanezi
nyany
a
zakhokwedi ni
.(Iwil
lmakeyoumeet
yourancestorsboy)
Mostwer eshockedtoseeDanny
speakXhosa.Somepeoplehere
spokedeepXhosaandMpondoI
couldn'
tunder
standsomeofthe
thi
ngstheysaid.
Me: Ihearyouwanttokil
lNdi
nani
becausey outhi
nksheisawitch!
Thatwi l
lnothappeni
nmyl at
e
fat
her'syard!
Masbut
ha:
Whoar
eyou?
Me:
Iam t
hedaught
erof
Muzi wokuthulaNy athi,
andt hisenti
re
houseandy ardy ou'
rest andingi n
nowbel ongst omymot her!Youwi l
l
notdisrespectusandherdaught er,
Ndinani l
ikethis.Whywoul dwecome
wit
hawi tchtomyf atherspl ace?
Whywoul dwebr i
nghar mt ohis
people?Shei snotawi tchandi fyou
cannotr espectthat,Leav e!Wecan
buryourf atheraloneinpeace, we
don'tneedy ouher etocause
unnecessar ydrama.
Mbul
eloopenedt
hebi
ggat
eand
st
oodther
e
Mbul
elo:
Youhear
dwhatshesai
d,
youmayleav
e.
Someofthem l
eftandsomestay
ed
andthr
ewawayt hethi
ngst
heywere
car
ryi
ng
Bri
an:Andi
fIhearthatanyofy ou,
I
meananyofy outr
eatedherbadlyor
makeherevencrybyy ournast
y
comments.Iwil
lnothesit
atetokil
l
you.
Cebisi
l
e:Youacti
ngli
keyoucallthe
shotsi
nthisy
ard,youfor
getti
ngthat
Iam Muzi'
swif
eandwewi l
lnotbe
tol
dwhattodobyanyofy ouandI
wil
lnotst
aywithawitch
Mom:Cebi
sil
e!Shutt
hatbigmouth
ofy
our
s.Youforget
ti
ngthatyou'
rei
n
myhouse, notyours.Icanki
ckyou
outanytime.Ev er
yoneshouldgo
backtowhat ev
ertheywer edoi
ng
beforeallofthi
sstar t
ed,t
hecoffi
n
wil
lbeher esoon.Weneedt obe
seatedinsidethehouse.
Ever
yonewentbackt
owhat
evert
hey
weredoi
ngandwewenti
nsi
de
Gugu:Wewerejustsi
tti
nginthat
room wi
thBul
elwa(ot
hersibl
i
ng),I
don'
tknowwhichroom theother
sare.
Sneh:
We'll
joi
nyout
her
e,t
hel
ess
peopl
ethebet
ter
Sbahl
e:Youcansayt
hat
Danny
:We'
l
lbeout
sidewi
tht
heot
her
men.Cal
lusi
fyouneedus
Theyl
eftwi
thMbul
eloandwesati
n
ther
oom.
Buu:
Heysi
ster
s
Gugu:Ihopey
ouhav
en'
tfi
nishedt
he
st
uff
Buu:
Thewaytheseaunt
iestal
k,t
hey
maki
ngmeloosemymi nd.Here
Sneh:
Alcohol
,j
ustwhatIneed.
Sbahl
e:Ament
othat
Me:Bulelwa,
aren'tyout
ooyoungt
o
bedri
nkingalcohol?Howol
dareyou
Buu:18,thi
sfamil
ydr
ivesyouint
o
al
cohol.Thedramaneverends,
especi
all
ywi
thCebisi
leandZi
pho!
Yhubayandi
dikast
rong(t
heyr
eall
y
annoyme)
Gugu:
Ayboht
hat
'sy
ourmot
herwena
Buu:
Justbecauseshegav
ebirt
hto
medoesn'
tmakehermymot her.
Paula:
Andy
ougugu,
AuntZet
hui
s
yourmom?
Gugu:Yep,Nkonzo,Bulel
wa,Zi
pho,
Pamela,AndNtsikel
eloareCebi
sil
e'
s
ki
ds.Mbulelo,
Ketho,Lutho,
Cebo,
Mbuthi,
andIareZethu'sandthat
makesupt he11ofus
Me:
Wit
hCebobei
ngt
hey
oungest
?
Buu:
Yep
Paul
a:Ver
ybi
gfami
l
y
Buu:Withloadsofdrama,
Icannot
waitt
oj ustgototheWest
ernCape
nextyearandleav
et hi
spl
ace
Gugu:
Youneedt
ofi
rstpassgr
ade12.
West ayedandt alkedforawhi leand
thenwewer ecalledtogosi twiththe
entir
efami l
y.Ther ewasachur ch
servi
cewhi chwasmor el i
kea
memor i
alservi
ce.Af t
eritendedwe
wentt odishupf oreveryone.Oneof
theuncleswasgi venfoodbyPaul a
andhet oldhertoeati tfi
rstbeforehe
does.Whenshequest i
onedhi m he
threwitonherf ace.Heear ned
hi
mselfabeat
ingfr
om Br
ianwhohad
hi
m onthewal
l wi
thaguninhi
s
mouth
Nkonzo:
Putt
hegundownpl
ease
Br
ian!
Bri
an:Imadeitcleartoever
yoneand
youchoosetodisrespectme!
Paul
a:Br
ian,
pleaseputt
hegundown.
Bri
an:Iwi
l
lki
ll
thi
smanandhewon'
t
betheonl
yonewebur
yonSatur
day
Paul
a:Mashi
yamahl
e,Ngcobo,
pl
easedon'
tdoit
.
Am Ial
lowedtofi
ndthiscut
e?Iknow
we'
reinashit
tysi
tuat
ionbutitgot
ver
ycutewhenPaulawasbeggi ng
Br
ian.Heputthegundownand
ki
ssedPaul
a'sfor
ehead
Br
ian:
Let
'sgetoutofher
e
Paul
a:I
'
llgogetmybag
Kj
:We'l
lfol
l
owy
ousoon,
I'
ll
ridewi
th
At
hi.
Theyl ef
tandwecont i
nuedserv
ing
foodandcl eaningup.Iwasglad
thereweremanygi rl
sher esowe
didn'
thav eanyproblemswi t
h
divi
dingthedutiesamongstussowe
didn'
twor kthatmuch.
Pamela:
Youarever
ybeaut
if
ulsi
s
Sneh,
Iwantt
olookli
keyouwhenI
growup
Sneh:Ohwowt hankyouPammy,you
wil
llookt
wiceasbeauti
ful
asIam
Zi
pho:
Wit
hfakeweav
es
Sbahl
e:Excuseme?St
ayi
nyourl
ane
pl
ease
Sherol
l
edherey
esandSbahl
edi
dso
too.
Buu: Tol
dy ouabouttheendless
dramai nthisf
amily
.I'm out
!Peace
ya'l
l
!!!
Shedidt
hepeacesignandwal
kedt
o
ther
oom wewerein.
Sneh:
Ilov
ehersomuchal
ready
.
Wel
aughedandcal
l
edmom
Me:Whenar
ewel
eav
ing?Iwantt
o
gonow
MaN:
Youcanleav
eandcomeback
t
omorr
owmorning
Sbahl
e:Mah,
you'
renotcomi
ngwi
th
us?
MaN: I'
m notleavi
ngmyhousewi
th
thesevult
ures.Ineedt
okeepaney
e
onev er
ythi
ng.
Me:
Idon'
tl
ikel
eav
ingy
ouher
e
MaN:
Don'
twor
ry,
I'
ll
bef
ine.
Wesai
dourgoodbyestothosewho
pai
dat
tent
ionandwalkedout.
Me:
Keepaney
eonmymot
her
Mbul
elo
Mbul
elo:
Wi l
ldo,
dri
vesaf
ely
.I'
l
lsee
yout
omorrow.
Iwenttothecarwi
thSbahl
ewhile
DannyspoketoMbulel
o,Nkonzoand
someguy.Kjwasalsoinadeep
conver
sat
ionwithAthi
andoneofmy
uncl
e's
Sbahle:Ihopeitwon'tbeoneof
thoselongconv er
sati
onswherewe
havetowai t
.I'
mt i
redalr
eady.
Aft
er30minut
esorsot
heywer
edone
andwedrovetot
heBnB.
Danny
:Yourf
ami
l
yisv
erydi
vi
ded
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Danny:Manyfamil
yarguments,
they
cannotj
ustagreeononethi
ng.They
don'
tgetal
ong
Me:
Buudidment
iont
her
e'sal
otof
f
amil
ydr
ama
Danny :
Speakingofdrama,
yourot
her
si
sterthathasastinki
ngat
ti
tudewas
fl
ashinghersmallassatme.
Me:
What
?
Danny :
Itwasveryf
unnybecauseone
ofthedrunkguysfr
om t hevi
ll
age
endedupspankingher,shewasso
angry.Shewasservi
ngusf oodso
shedecidedtobenddownandf l
ash
herstupidassonmyf ace.
Ididn'
tknowhowIf eltaboutthatbut
sheshoul dr
eall
ystayinherlane.I
t
actual
lyupsetmeandt hisguywas
seeingitasfunny
Danny:Youcutewheny ouget
j
ealousandangryoverme.Don't
worry,I
'
my our
sandy oursal
one.I
l
ovey ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Sbahle:I'
m st
il
lheret
oo,bei
ngt
hir
d
wheel sucksbuthey,
Ilov
eyouguys
too.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
#LBAR

I
nser
t37
Thepastf ewday shavebeen
exhausting.Pr
epar i
ngforthefuneral
wasi tsowncompl i
cat
ionandt he
familydramajustaddedont othe
exhaustion.Honestlyi
fBuuwasn' t
herewi t
hhersecr etst
ashesof
alcoholI'
dbelayingsixfeetunder.
ZiphoandCebi si
lehav eaPHDi n
dramaIt ellyou.Ziphohasbeen
wear i
ngtightsexycl othesandshe' s
real
lycutebutnotsoocut ebecause
she'stryi
ngchar m myman.I tsso
sadt oseeherangr ywhenDanny
decidestogetcosywi t
hmei nfront
ofher,boywhoam Iki ddi
ng, Ienjoy
eachandev eryminut eofit.The
othersarri
vedy esterdayandt hekids
arealsoher e.NkonzoandMbul elo
werev eryhappyt oseet heirniece
andnephew.Honest l
yIhav et hebest
brothersever,I'
vebecomecl oset o
them andIl ovethebondweshar e.
BuuandGuguweal sogetal ongbut
theni
tsnott
hesameasi
tiswi
thmy
brot
hers.
Danny:Baby
,ify
oudon'tgetoutof
thatbed,
we'l
lbelat
e.
Me:MmmhIcoul
djustsl
eepont
his
bedal
lday
Danny:
Wel
lyoucannot
,nowgo
shower
.
DannyandIhav ebeenokayIguess,
he'sbeent hereformeandt r
yingto
maket hingsright.Ihaventf
orgotten
whathedi dt omeandIdon' tt
hinkI'
ll
everforget.West il
lhaveneverhad
sexsincet henandi t'
sgoingtostay
thatwayf orawhi le.Wehav enever
eventookashowert oget
her
.Wej ust
hugandki sslikehighschool kids.I
tookal ongbat hjustsoIcant akemy
ownt i
me.Idi dn'twanttoevengot o
hisfuneralbutIhav eto.Worstpar t
,
I'
mint heprogr amme.
Danny:
Getoutoft
hewat
er,
we'
re
l
ate.
Oni
ka:
Daddy
,Icannotf
indmyshoe
Danny:
I'
m coming.Bet
tergetout
bef
oreIdragyouout
Me:
Fine!
Knowi
ngDanny,
hewouldreal
l
yreal
l
y
dr
agmeout.Idr
iedmy
selfupand
l
oti
oned.
Danny:Iironedyourclothesandyour
shoesar eri
ghtthere.Packedapair
ofsli
ppersjustincaseyougettir
edin
thosehighheels.
Me:Aaaht
hat
'
ssoocut
e.Thanks
babe
Danny
:Don'
tgetusedt
oit
.
Il
aughedandgotdressed.Helped
DannyandDanverwit
ht hei
rti
esand
weweredone.
Me:
Wher
ear
etheot
her
s?
Danny
:They
'vel
eftal
ready
Hedroveoffandhewasprett
ymuch
annoyedbymedelayi
ng.Hesure
damndoesn'tl
ikebei
nglat
eatal
l.
Danv
er:
Daddyi
sangr
y
Hewhi
speredtomeandInodded
t
henwelaughed
Oni
ka:
Theyt
alki
ngabouty
oudaddy
Danv
er:
You'
resuchasni
tchOni
ka
Onika:
Youdon'twantmet ostar
t
tel
l
ingtheparent
syoursecret
shuh?
Sodon'tcal
lmeasnitch
Danny
:Bl
ackmail,
you'
regr
owingt
o
bemoresassyeachandever
yday
.
Wegottomyhomeandev er
ythi
ng
seemedtober eady
.Thekidswentto
Kabel
oandMasande, theyal
socame
andtheotherki
dsareinDurban.
MaDlaminiwasalsohere
Me:
Heymom
MaD:Hell
omybaby
,youl
ook
beaut
if
ul.
Zi
pho:Shedoesn'
tlookl
i
kesomeone
whojustl
ostafat
her
Andwher
edi
dshecomef
rom?
Me: Morni
ngt oyoutooZizi
pho.He
wasn'tafathert
ome, soitdoesn'
t
aff
ectmei nanyway.Sosor r
yfor
yourlossdearsi
ster
.Excuseme, I
'l
l
bebackmom
MaD:Hur
ry,
theser
vicei
saboutt
o
st
art
.
Iwenttomygir
lswhol
ookedv
ery
beaut
if
ulandsexy
.
Me:
Mamasi
tas!
Bel
i
nda:
Zandyi
saboutt
oki
ckass!
Me:
Why
?Whathappened?
Zandy :
Thatskinnyassbi tchover
theredecidestosay"Uy azenzel
a
usizi
selaabelungu"uhlanganaphi
yena!?Mxm ( "
She'sdoingwhat ev
er
shewant s,she'
sbringi
ngwhi tes
here"wher edoesitconcernher")
Me:Don'
tmindher,Zi
phoisj
ust
somet
hingIdon'
tunderst
and
Gugucamet
ousandgr
eet
ed.
Gugu:Ohmygod!Icannotbel
iev
e
t
his,i
sthisr
eall
yyouQueen
NokukhanyaandPri
ncessNokut
hul
a?
Me:
Nokukhany
a?Nokut
hul
a?
Naye:Yesiti
s,Nokukhanyaisa
nameIwasgi venbytheRoy al
Famil
y
whenIgotmar ri
edtoNkosinathi
and
Nokuthul
aisPhelo,sheal
sogott he
namewhenshegotmar ri
edt o
Mayibongwe
Me:
OhIdi
dn'
tknow
Gugu:
It'
sapl
easur
etomeety
ou.
Me:
Howdoy
ouknowaboutt
hem?
Gugu:
I'
veseent
hem onMagazi
nes.
Zandy
:Doy
ouknowme?
Gugu:
NoI
'
m sor
ry,
Idon'
tthi
nkIdo
Zandy
:Damn!Nay
eandPhel
o,y
'al
l
notf
amousenough.
Wel aughedather
,Zandil
eisj
ustso
crazy.Wewenttothetentandsat
down.
Mbulel
o:Nasi
phi
,yourseati
satt
he
f
rontrow
Me:
ButI
'
mfi
neher
e
MaN: Youhav
etosi
twi
thy
our
si
bli
ngs
Me:
Wher
eisSneh?
Mbul
elo:
She'
sal
readyseat
edt
her
e.
Isi
ghedandwenttosi
tnexttoSneh
andBuu.MaZethuwascryi
ngsi
lent
ly
anditwasver
ysadbecauseshewas
reall
yhurtandmourni
ngherhusband
peacefull
yanditwassincereunl
ike
MaCebi si
lewhowasthrowingher sel
f
alloverandcryi
ngver
ydr amati
cally
j
ustf oratt
ent
ion.
Buu:Wher
eonEarthdoesthat
womancomef r
om?Whyi sshe
causi
ngsuchascene
Nkonzo:
Idon'
tknowandI
'
m not
goi
ngtoenter
tai
nit
.
Me:
She'
syourmot
her
Nt
sikel
elo:
She'
sZi
zi
pho'
smot
her
Itwasthefir
stti
mehespokeandI
smiledathim.Heseemsshyandhe'
s
veryhandsome,I'
m sur
egi
rl
slov
e
himv er
ymuch.He' sdoi nggr ade11.
Seemsasi fallCebisil
e'
ski dsdon' t
l
ikeherbesi desZipho.Theser vice
begunandwest oppedt alki
ng.The
youngkidswer everyemot i
onal and
CebosatonmeandIt r
ied
comfortinghim.Myj ealousbaby ,
Onikacamef rom hi
sdaddyand
wantedt ositonmet oo.Ishi ft
ed
Ceboabi tandtheybot hsatonme.
Mymot herst oodupandsang, she
wasgoi ngt otalkashisf i
rstwi fe.
MaN:Goodmor ni
ngtoeveryonewho
i
shereandthankyouforbei
ngwi t
h
usaswesaygoodby etoourbeloved
Muzi
wokuthul
aNy at
hi.Mostofy ou
knowmebutdi dn'tknowt hatIam
Muzi'swi fe.Somedon' tknowmeat
all
.Muzi andImetatav eryy oung
age,hewasmyf irstlove.Hewast he
mostl oving,car i
ngandsweet est
manIev erknew.Hel ovedme, he
genuinelyl ovedmeandIl ovedhi m
too.Wewer eyoungandi nlove,asa
resul
twehadourf irstchildwhenI
wasst il
ljustat eenager .Li f
e
happened, hedidsomemi stakes,
mistakest hattor eusapar tbutal lof
thatneverchangedt helov eIhav efor
him.Ther ewasat imewher eIhated
him becausehi smi stakessepar ated
meandmychi ldrenbutIf orgav ehim.
Notforhi
m butmy sel
fbecauseIwas
abl
etoheal.Ifor
giveyou
Muziwokut
hula.Restinpeace
Muziwokut
hulaNy at
hi,r
estinpeace
myhusband.
Mymom, Ihav enowor dsforher.
Aft
erev erythingthathehasdone,
shestilll
oveshi m.She'sgotahuge
heartindeed.Af t
erNkonzo, Zi
zi
pho
andPamel aspokei twasmyt urn.
Snehhel dmyhandandIwent
carr
yingOni kabecauseshedi dn't
wantmet ol eaveherontheseat.
Me: Idon'
thavemucht osay,Idi
dn'
t
knowhi m,Ionl
yknewhi snameand
thathewasmyf atherandthat
happenedj ustay earago.The
womanwhoj ustsatdownher ei smy
mot her,Ialsofoundherj ustay ear
ago.Asmymot hersai d,hi
smi stakes
separatedus.Andf orgiv
inghimi s
somet hinghuge, Iwokeupnotev en
want i
ngt ocomet ot hisfuneral
becauseoft heangerandt hedi sgust
Ihadt owar dshim.ButasI 'm
standingher einfeel i
ngdi f
fer
ent ,I'
m
feel
ingsadt hathe'sf ooli
shdeci si
ons
tookawayt hechanceofusknowi ng
him.Ittookawayt hechanceofus
knowi ngourmot her,byourImean
myl atesi st
erZiyandaandmysi st
er
overther e,Sneh.Idon' tknowt he
typeofmanhewas, mysi bli
ngsandI
knowadi f
ferentMuzi,thewayt hey
talkabouthim showshowmuchhe
l
ov edhisfami lyandhiskids.My
hearthasheal edandf orgi
venbutI
willnotfor
get .Thankyouf or
everythi
ngthaty ouhav egivenme, I
wishitcouldmakeupf orallt
hetime
wel ostbutitcannot.Thanky oufor
acknowledgingmymot herandusas
yourkids.Resti npeaceDad.
Tearsjustfel
lfrom myey es,It
ri
ed
holdingthem backbutIcouldn't
.I
di
dn'twantt ocryforhim butheis
sti
l
l myfather.Iwouldn'
tbeinthis
wor l
difi
twasn' tf
ortheseedhe
pl
ant
edi
nmymother
swomb.Onika
wi
pedof
fmyt
ear
sasIsatdown
Me:
Thanky
oubaby
Oni
ka:
Dadi
scal
l
ingy
ou
Il
ookedathim andhesignal
l
edthatI
shoul
dgoout sidetohi
m.Hewent
outfi
rstandIfoll
owed.
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Danny:Iwant
edt
ocheckupony
ou,
ar
ey ouokay?
Me:If
eel
bet
ternotsoangr
y
any
more.
Hehuggedusandki
ssedme
Oni
ka:
Dad!I
'
mri
ghther
e
Danny:Sor
rysweet
ie.Youcango
backnow
Me:
ButIwantt
ost
ayher
ewi
thy
ou
Danny:Babe,i
tsyourdadsf
uner
al.
Payyourlastr
espects
Me:
Yessi
r
Iwentbackt
omyseatandsatdown.
Nkonzo:Justi
ntime,
yourmot
heri
s
abouttospeak.
Hewast alki
ngaboutCebisi
l
eandI
wonderedwhatshewasgoi ngtosay.
ShesangandLor dwasithorri
ble.
Buuwasl aughi
ngoutloudanddi di
t
evenhi
deme.Snehsmackedher
thi
ghandsheshutup.
Gugu:
Geezsomebodyst
opher
Aft
ersometi
meshef
inal
l
yst
opped!
ThankGod.
Cebisi
l
e:Nyathi
,ohmyl ov
ing
husband.Youhavelef
tmei nthi
s
worldfi
ll
edwithbi
tt
erandev i
lpeopl
e.
Buu:
Say
sthedev
ilher
sel
f
Me:
Your
eal
l
yhat
eher
Buu:Youhav
enoi
dea,
itsdeeper
thanhat
e.
Me:
Iwonderwhatshedi
dtoy
ou
Buu:
It'
sast
oryf
oranot
herday
.
Cebi
sil
e:ThedayImetyouIknew
youweretheoneforme,y
ouwere
j
ustwi t
hthewr ongwomanatt hat
ti
me.Butbecausewewer emeantt o
be, y
ouf oundy ourwayt ome, y
our
soulmat e.Iknowy oulov emeand
onlyme, youonl ymar r
iedZet hu
becausey oui mpregnatedher .Other
thant hat,asy ourfi
rstwi fe,notthe
onewhocl aimst obey ourf i
rstwife
buty ourreal fi
rstwife,Iwi l
lmake
sureev erythingyouownedi swel l
takencar eof fandy ourbusi nesses
arest i
llasuccess.Wewor kedv ery
hardf orthem andIwi l
l notletother
peopl eenjoywhatwewor kedhar d
for.Iwillmi ssyou,Resti npeace.
Eeh!Thi
swoman,
thatwas
completel
yunnecessar yand
MaZethuj ustcri
ed.Sheshoul dn'tlet
thi
swomanmakehercr yli
kethi
s.
She'
snotwor thhertears.Theser vice
wasov erandwewentt owher ehe
wasbur i
ed.Wet hr ewint hesoil
and
hewascov eredandl ai
dt orestnext
tohisparent'
sgr aves.Igav eOnikat o
Dannyandwentt ohel poutaswe
serv
edev eryonef ood
Ntoko:Thi
sisthepartIhat
eabout
anyfuncti
on,
itst
ir
ing.
Bee:
You'
rej
ustl
azy
Nceba:
Youcansayt
hatagai
n
Oncewewer
edoneweal
sodi
shed
upforour
sel
vesandat
e.Dannycame
tomeandkissedmycheek
Danny
:Yousosexy
Hewhisper
edtomeandIlaughed.
Hei
sjustsomethi
ngel
se
Kamo:
You'
resoi
nlov
e,i
tst
oocut
e.
Gugu:
Ver
ycut
e
Whenwewer edonewest ood
outside,NkosihadOnikaandIwas
carryi
ngDanv er.Paul
acamelimpi
ng
andt ryi
ngtorun.Herlegwas
bleeding
Siy
a:OhmyGod!Paul
a!What
happened?
Me:
Bri
an!Br
ian!
Hecamer unni
ngandwhenhesaw
Paul
acryi
ngandherleg,
he'
sface
wentpal
e.
Br
ian:
Paul
a,whathappened?
Paul
a:Theywant
edt
ocuti
tof
f,i
ts
pai
nful
.
Br
ian:
Whodi
dthi
s!
Paula:
TheyranawaybutIknowof
them,hest
ayedinmyvil
lage.He'
s
nameisBoti
.
Thaps:
I'
ll
rushhert
othehospi
tal
Paul
a:Noneedt
o,Iknowhowt
o
tr
eati
t.
At
hi:
AndI
'
llhel
p
Me:
Whati
sthatr
edt
hing?
Paula:Muti
,i
tssupposedtomakemy
l
egr ot,
theyputitsi
nceIwasfi
ght
ing
them andcouldntcutmylegof
f
Zandy
:Somepeopl
ear
ejustt
oo
cr
uel
Bri
an:
Takecareofher
,wher
edoes
thi
sBoti
stay
!
Ntsi
kelel
o:Iknowwher
ehest
ays,
I
cantakeyouthere
Cebi
sil
e:Nt
sikel
elo!
!Youar
enot
goi
nganywhere
Nt
sikel
elo:
Idon'
ttakei
nst
ruct
ions
f
rom y
ou,
canIgoBhut
'Nkonzo?
Nkonzo:
Yes
Lubah:
I'
ll
comewi
th.
Paul
a:Besaf
e
Bri
ankissedhercheekandtheylef
t.
Shetr
eatedherwoundwi t
hAt hi
'
s
hel
pandbandagedi t.
Me:
Doesi
thur
t?
Paul
a:NoI
'
mfi
ne.
Wesatt ogetheroutsi
deandmost
peopl
ef rom thevi
ll
agehadleft.It
wasjustsomemenanduncl eswho
satwiththegentsandt heywere
l
ist
eningt oMaskandianddrinking
al
cohol .I
jubaandMqombothit
obe
specif
ic,IwasshockedwhenDanny
drankittoo.Mywhitemanisablack
man.
Buu:
I'
mthi
rst
y
Me:
Yourdr
inki
nghabi
twor
ri
esme
Gugu:
I'
vet
ri
edt
ost
ophermany
t
imes
Zandy
:Wher
eist
hel
i
quorst
oreher
e?
Buu:
Inmybedr
oom,
fol
l
owme.
Nay
e:Hehet
hischi
l
d!
Wefoll
owedhert otheroom which
shehasentit
ledhasherli
quorstor
e.
Ever
yonejustfoundaplacesitand
shetookouthersecr
etst
ashunder
thebed
Zandy:
YouandIwi
l
lgetal
ongj
ust
fi
ne.
Wedr ankt heaf t
ernoonawayand
hadav erylov el
yconv ersati
ongoing
on.Itwasf unandIwashappyt osee
everyonehappyandget ti
ngalong
well
.Zipho, Idon'tknowwher esheis
andIdonotcar e.Myot hersi
ster
weren'tbadatal landIknowi fwe
spendmor et imet ogetherwewi ll
be
muchcl oser.I'l
lcomeseet hem
tomor r
owbef orewegobackt o
Durban.Mom cal l
edmeandIwentt o
her
Me:
Mommydear
est
MaN:Well
Iwast al
ki
ngtoMaDlami
ni
andMaZethuaboutmydeci
sion
Me:
Whatdeci
sion?
MaN:I
'
vedecidedtostayheref
ora
whi
lej
ustunt
ilev
eryt
hingisset
tl
ed.
Me:Ma,what
?Noy
ou'
l
lbesof
ar
f
rom us
MaN: Ifyouwantt oseemey ou'l
l
comeher e, thi
sisy ourhome.Ineed
tostayher eandmakesur e
ever
y t
hingi sinorder.Myhusband
hastrustedmewi tht hi
spl
aceandI
wil
lnotdi sappointhim
Me:
Finet
hen,
ift
hat
'
swhaty
ouwant
MaN:Thankyoubaby,
you'
llcome
seemebefor
ey oul
eaveri
ght?
Me:YesIwi
l
lcomebyt
omor
row.I
l
oveyou
MaN:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Bri
ancamebackandwewent
out
sidet
ohi
m
Paul
a:Whathappened?Youhav
e
bl
oodonyourshir
t
Br
ian:
Don'
twor
ry,
Itookcar
eofhi
m
Paul
a:Whatdoy
oumean?
Hegaveherthatl
ook,Ij
ustknewt
hat
Br
ianki
ll
edthatguy.
Nt
sikel
elo:
Bhut
'Br
ianbeathi
m up!He
wasli
keMi keTyson!Bot
iwascry
ing
l
ikeababy!YeLuthomfanam!Hehe
youmissedoutbigtime!
Me:
Thi
sseemst
obeexci
ti
ngy
ou
Nt
sikel
elo:
Iti
s!Iwaswat
chi
ng
wr
estli
ngli
vesis!
Mbulel
o:Helovesfight
ing,
hedoes
boxi
ngatschool.That'
swhyit
sso
exci
ti
ngtohi
m
Wesatandl i
stenedashet al ked
aboutwhatwentdown.Het oldus
howhewassadwhenBr i
anl ocked
hi
mi nthecarandl ef
t.Iguesst hat
s
whenhekill
edt hi
sBot iguy.Itwas
gett
ingdar
kandweal lgotint oour
car
sanddr
ovet
otheBnB
Phelo:Guyslet
shav
edi
nneragai
n,
I
'm star
ving
Nkosi
:YouandIbot
h
Me:
I'
ll
justhav
edesser
t
Danver:
I'
mful
lbutIcannev
ersayno
tofood.
Theysetupthet ablef
orus,we
bookedthewholeBnBwewer ethe
onlyguest
sthere.Itwasn'
tthatbig
butitwasbigenoughf oral
lofus.We
satandate.
Phel
o:I
'
m hav
ingagi
rlguy
s!
Nceba:
Ohwow!Congr
atul
ati
ons!
Zandy:Socut
e!May
ibongwewi
l
l
spoi
lthechi
ld
May
i:Yougott
hatr
ight
Paul
a:Ial
sohav
esomet
hingt
osay
Mpho:
Ohwhati
sit
?Ar
eyouokay
?
Paul
a:YesMphoI
'
mfi
ne.I
'
mleav
ing
Bri
an:
You'
rel
eav
ing!
?Wher
ear
eyou
goi
ng?
Jabu:Whyareyouupsetbecause
you'
real
soleav
ing?
Si
ya:
Goodquest
ion
Nceba:Justl
etherfi
nishpl
ease,
you
guysknowhowt orui
naper f
ect
moment
Paul
a:I
'mleavi
ng,I
'ml
eav
ingwit
h
youBri
an.Iwantt
ogotoCapeTown
wit
hyou
Br
ian:
What
?Paul
a,ar
eyousur
e?
Paul
a:I'
venev
erbeensosur
eabout
somethi
ng.
Bri
anjustki
ssedherandshewas
shockedbutki
ssedhim back.Cal
l
medr amati
cbutIwasalreadycry
ing.
Kj
:Thi
sist
oor
omant
ic,
Ineedv
odka
Sbahl
e:I
tshowsthaty
ouknow
nothi
ngaboutr
omance
Kj
:Sbahle,Iwasn'
ttal
ki
ngt
oyou.
You'
reveryfor
ward.
Mpho:Thi
sisactual
l
ythetimewhere
youguysshutupandthechoi
rsay
s?
Us:
Ncooooooooooh!
!
Weallsai
dtoget
herandthelaught
er
wesharedwasreal
lygood!
Danny:You'
resuchababy
,you'
re
al
readycryi
ng
Me:
Itwasv
eryr
omant
icbabe
Wehaddesser tandIwasv er
ycli
ngy
l
ayi
ngonDanny sshoul
der.Ever
yone
wenttothei
rroomsbutSneh, Paula
andIremained.Wellwejustwanted
tot
alktoPaula.
Sneh:Li
tt
lesi
s,ar
eyousur
eabout
thi
s?
Paula:
YesIam,
mom spokel
otsof
senseint
omeandmademereali
ze
al
ot
Me:
Somom knows?
Paul
a:Yept
heybot
hknow.
Sneh:
Andy
ourj
ob?
Paul
a:I
'
lll
ookf
oraj
obt
her
e.
Me:
I'
m sohappyf
ory
ou
Sneh:Didmom tel
lyouguy
sthatshe
won'tbeleav
ingwi
thustomorr
ow
Me:Yes,
youguysareal
lj
ustl
eav
ing
whenwehadjustf
oundyou
Paul
a:We'
reonl
yaphonecal
laway
.
Pl
usyoucancomeseemeat
any
time
Wehuggedandwal kedt oourr ooms.
Whowoul d'
v eknownt hatt hings
wouldt urnthisway?Ihav eabi gbi g
familythatIloveandt heyl oveme
too.I'
m happy ,andIdon' tknowwhat
painandsuf feri
ngisany mor e.I'
m
blessedtohav esuchal ovelygr oup
offri
endswhoar emyf ami ly
, andmy
familythatI'
vejustfound.I tsalljust
overwhelmingandIcoul dn'tbemor e
happier.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Sor
ryi
fit
'sshor
t.
#LBAR

I
nser
t38
Everyt
hingseemedt obefall
inginto
placeandwascomi nggoodt ogether.
It
sbeen2weekssi ncewecameback
fr
om Bizana,mymom set t
ledinjust
fi
neandi tdoesn'
tseem asifshe'l
lbe
comingbackany ti
mesoon.Danny
keptont elli
ngmet ol etherbeandi f
shewant st ost aytheref orgoodI
shouldsuppor ther.It'
sreal l
yhar d
becauseshe' sfarawayf r om me,
she'smymot herandIwanthercl ose
tomebutIhav et osuppor twhatshe
want sandv isitheroccasi onal l
y.We
allwentdownt oLangel i
hlef orthe
weekendasi twasPhel o'sbaby
shower .Paul aandBr i
anal socame,
theysett l
edi nwel linCapeTownand
Paulaisn' tlookingf orajob, shesay s
she'sstillenjoy i
ngbei ngt akencar e
off.She'lllookf oraj obnexty ear.
Thisgirl!Buti t'
snopr oblem because
Brianismor ethancapabl eoft aki
ng
careof fher
.Plusshe'sbeent hr
ough
alot,sheneedsabr eak.Iwokeup
andDannywasn' ti
nbed, thepalace
i
sbi gandweal l
hav eroomsher e.I
tookashowerandwentdownst airs
afterIhadcleanedther oom and
madet hebedandIf oundt hegi
rlsat
thelounge.
Me:
Goodmor
ningl
adi
es
Them:
Mor
ning
Me:
Wher
eisDanny
?
Nceba:We'r
einLangel
i
hlesweeti
e,
we'
reverysi
nglewhenwe'r
ehere.
Kamo:Theywenttosomemeeting.
Theymenti
onedsomethi
ngabouta
far
m.Nayewentwit
hthem si
nceshe
headsupt
heproj
ectsoff
armingher
e
Me:
Itmustbegr
eat
Phelo:I
tisbuti
tsalsoti
ri
ng.I
'm gl
ad
I'
m notaQueen, i
tstoomuchwor k
andy ouhavetosmileatal
lti
mes,
geezIcannotfakeasmi l
e.
Si
ya:
That
sbecausey
ou'
remean
Phelo:I
'
m notmean!Nangamsoi s
verymean, shewon'
tevenlaughwi
th
youifshedoesntfeel
you,shecannot
evenpretend.
Theywerenowargui
ngaboutwhois
themeanestbet
weenthem.Bel
inda
andIj
ustsatandwatchedt
heir
stupi
dar
gument
.Oneoft
hehel
per
s
came
Her:
Breakf
asti
sser
ved,
mayyou
pl
easecometothedi
nni
ngr
oom?
Me:
Thanky
ou,
we'
l
lfol
l
owy
ou.
Wewentt
othedi
nni
ngr
oom andsat
Me:Ilovethispl
ace,
whodi
dthe
i
nter
iordesigns?
Si
ya:
Nkosi
andPhi
l
a
Me:
It'
sreal
l
ybeaut
if
ul.
Wedishedupforandt heki
dscame
t
ojoi
nus.Weal lateandt hekids
wer
eatt hei
rownt ablemakingso
muchnoise.Wefinishedupandt he
gi
rl
swentt othei
rroomstoshower
andchange.Iwasleftwi
thPhel
oand
Nceba
Me:Let
'sgof
orawal
katt
hegar
den
pl
ease
Nceba:Youguyscango,
Ineedt
o
checkafewe-mail
sandmakesome
cal
ls
PheloandIwentout side,theguards
fol
lowedusbutwet oldthem we're
goi
ngt othegar den.Plust hereare
guardsalloverthisplacewe' refi
ne.
Wewal kedincomf ort
abl esil
ence
andcameacr ossMboni si,
Nay e'
slast
born.Heis,heist oomuchofNkosi .
He'
sser
iousandnotv
erypl
ayf
ul
Mboni
si:
Mor
ning
Phel
o:Youshoul
dbewiththeot
her
ki
dsMbonisi
,whatwer
ey oudoi
ng
her
e?
Mbonisi:
MasandeandIt ookawalk,
butI'
m goingbacknow.He'sst
il
l
ther
edrawi ng
Phel
o:Takesafterhi
sfat
her
,Phi
l
a
l
ovesdrawing.
Me:Icantel
l,
that
'showhef
ollowed
hi
spassionandbecameanarchit
ect
.
Mbonisirant
othehouseandwe
conti
nuedwalki
ng.I
t'
sav er
y
peaceful
andbeauti
ful
place.Ir
eal
l
y
enjoybei
nghere,thegrassisgreen,
thesunisshi
nningbr i
ghtandthe
fl
owersarebreathtaki
ng.
Phelo:
Nayedoesn'
tcomet
othi
ssi
de
ofthegar
den.
Me:
Why
?
Phelo:
She'sall
ergi
ct ofl
owers,she
sti
ckstothatsi
de,there'
sarti
fi
cial
fl
owers.Nkositookdownt heflowers
ther
eandputAr ti
fi
cialone'
swhen
Nayecameher e.
Me:
That
ssocut
e
Wewal kedar
oundandshest
art
ed
cr
ying
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Phel
o:I
'
minpai
n.
Me:Shi
tIt
hinky
ourwat
erj
ustbr
oke.
WhatdoIdo?
Phel
o:Ihav
etogett
othatr
oom
Theroom shepoi
ntedt
owassofar
fr
om wherewewereatandt
her
e
werenoguards.
Me:OkayI'
veneverdonethi
sbefore
andIdon'
tknowwhatt odobut
mmmhj ustbreat
handI'l
lgocal
lfor
hel
p
Phel
o:Youcannotl
eav
emeher
e!
Me:
Didy
ouat
leastcar
ryy
ourphone?
Phel
o:No!Aaaaah!
!
OhGod!Iscr
eamedf orhelpandt
he
guar
dscamer unni
ngfoll
owedby
Nceba
Nceba:
She'
sgi
vi
ngbi
rt
h?
Me:
Ithi
nkso
Nceba:
I'
ll
gogett hehel
per
stoget
t
heroom readyandcall
Gogo.
Me:
Gogo?
Nceba:
Shedel
i
ver
sther
oyal
babi
es.
Theguard'scar
ri
edherandwewent
tothedeli
veryr
oom.Itwasful
l
y
equippedandshelai
donthebed.
TheQueenMot herandGogocamein.
Me:
I'
ll
cal
lMay
i
Phelo:Tel
lhim Ihat
ehi
m!Wewi
l
l
nevereverhavesexagai
n!
MaQ:Woahgirl,
don'
ttakesuch
dr
asti
cdeci
sions.Mysoncannot
st
arv
e.
Thi
swoman!Il
aughedandcal
l
ed
Mayi
Me:Ify
oudon'twanttobest
arv
ed
fort
herestofyourl
i
fe,y
ou'
ll
come
home
Mayi
:Whatdoyoumean?Ar
ewe
r
unni
ngoutoff
ood?
Me:(l
aughs)Noman,yourwi
feis
giv
ingbir
thandshesaysshehates
youandy ou'
l
lnev
erhavesexagain
May i
:Ohhellno,t
hat
'snothappeni
ng
I'
m hornyr
ightnow,j
ustthi
nki
ng
abouthermakesmehor ny.
Me:GeezMay i
bongwe!Idon'
twant
tohearabouty
ourhornydi
ckri
ght
now.Justcomehome
Mayi:Thelookyourmanisgivi
ngme.
We'recoming,well
that
sifDanny
doesn'
tkil
lme.
Iendedthecal
landheseemedso
chi
ll
edforsomeonewhoishavi
nga
babyri
ghtnow.
Phel
o:Taket
hebabyout
!!
Gogo:Thebabywon'tcomeouti
fyou
don'
tpushNokut
hula!Push!
Phel
o:Ican'
t
Me:
Shecannotbr
eat
hpr
oper
ly
Iwenttoherandconnect edhertoa
machinet hathelpedherbr eath.I
guessAt himi ghthaveorganized
ever
ythingt hatsinhere.Imoni t
ored
herbreathingandshet r
iedpushing
MaQ:I
'm goi
ngt
oneedy
out
opush
har
der
May
icamei
nandst
oodbyt
hedoor
May
i:She'
sreal
l
ygi
vi
ngbi
rt
h!
Phel
o:May
ibongwe
Shewascry
ingandheheldher
.Whi
l
e
Iwaswi
pingoffhersweat
Mayi:
Ineedy outobest
rongand
push,pushharder
Theydi dabr eathingexercise
togetherandshepushed.Shepushed
threetimesandt hebabycameout
cryingr eal
l
yloud.I twassuchacute
thi
ngt owat ch.Iwasal readycry
ing
whent heygavet hebabyt o
May i
bongwe
Mayi
:Hell
oPri
ncess,Hel
l
oPri
ncess
Al
wande.Daddy
'sli
tt
legi
rl
Phel
o:May
i,Ial
sowantt
ocar
ryher
Mayi
:Ohsorr
y,If
orgotabouty
ou.
She'
stoocut
e
Phel
owascl
eanedandst
it
chedup.
Me:
We'
l
lgi
vey
ouguy
ssomespace
MaQ:
Wil
lwe?
Me:
YesMah,
comel
etsgo.
MaQ: Inev
ert
houghtI
'dsee
Mayibongwemarr
ied,
letal
one
havi
ngababy.Thi
sbringsj
oytomy
hear
t.
Me:
Youshoul
dbepr
oud.
MaQ:
Howar
eyouandmyson?
Me:We'r
egoodmah,thi
ngshav
e
beent
oughbutwe'
regoodnow
MaQ:Helovesyou,j
ustl
ookathow
hekeepsonlooki
ngatyou.
Me:
AwuMah
MaQ:Iknowtruel
ovewhenIseei
t.
Nowgot ohi
m
Iwentt
oDannyandhehel
dme
cl
osel
yandki
ssedme.
Danny
:I'
vemi
ssedy
ou
Me:
Imi
ssedy
out
oo
Danny:
Comewithme,
ther
e'sapl
ace
Ineedtoshowy
ou.
Me:
Shoul
dIt
akemybag?
Danny
:No,
noneedt
obabe.
Wegotint
othecaranddroveoff.I
di
dn'
tevenknowwherewewer e
goi
ng.Heparkedt
hecaront heside
oft
heroad.Peopl
eweregreeti
nghim
andwer
ehappyt
oseehi
m
Me:
You'
rewel
lknownar
oundher
e
Danny
:I'
mt heKingscounci
lmember,
of
causetheyknowme.Come, geton
myback
Me:
Why
?
Danny:
Idon'
twanty
outohur
t
your
sel
fwhil
ewewalkdownher
e
Igotonhi
sbackandhekepton
play
ingwi
thmybutt
Me:
Danny
!
Helaughedandwalked.Thi
spl
ace
wasreall
ybeaut
if
ul.Wegottosome
st
oneandheputmedownandwe
sat
.
Danny:Nkosi t
ookmeher ewhenI
wassodepr essedandwant edtojust
endmyl i
fe.Hel ef
tmeher eandIjust
satandcried.Icouldsaythatt
hisis
whereIcomej usttof i
ndpeaceand
thi
nk,i
t'
smysaf eplace.
Me:
It'
sreal
l
ybeaut
if
ulher
e.
Danny:Nasiphi,I
'
mr eall
ysorr
yabout
whatIdidtoy ou.I
'l
lneverbeableto
forgi
vemyselfnorforgetthepai
nI
putyouthrough.I'
m sorryandIknow
thosewordscannott akeawaythe
painbutIreal
lymeani t.
Me:
Youdon'
tneedt
oapol
ogi
ze
anymore.I'
vefor
giv
eny ou.Youjust
needtoassuremet hatitwil
lnever
everhappenagainDanny .
Danny
:Itwon'
thappenagai
n.Idon'
t
wantt
oev erl
ooseyou
Me:Andyouwon'
t.Justdon'
thur
tme
andyouwon'
tl
ooseme
Danny
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Danny:Si
ncewenowknowy our
famil
yandIknowyou'
rebrot
hersand
uncl
es,Iwantt
ogodot hi
ngsthe
ri
ghtway
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Danny:Itookyourinnocence,
Ibroke
yourvir
gini
tysoIneedt odorightby
them andpayforthedamages.
Me:
Ohwowuhm isn'
tthatsupposed
t
ohappeni
fyoui
mpregnatedme?
Danny
:Itshowsthatyoudon'
tknow
muchaboutcul
tureandtradi
ti
on.I
havet
opaybabe.
Me:Okayandwhendoy
ouwantt
o
dot
his?
Danny:Assoonaspossibl
e,It
alked
toNkonzoandhesaidhe'l
ltal
ktohis
uncl
esandgivemethedateonwhen
weshouldcome.Ineededtotalkto
youabouti
tfi
rst
Me:
Ohokaymybl
ackwhi
teman
Danny:Iwasal sogoi ngt oaskfor
yourhandinmar r
iage.Iwasgoi ngto
alsopaylobolafory ou,thatwasthe
i
niti
alpl
an.Butaf tertalki
ngt omy
boys,Ir
ealizedthaty ou'dsayI'
m
rushi
ngthings
Me:Youweregoi
ngtodothat
?
Danny
,It
hinki
t'
stooear
ly
Danny
:It
'snott
ooear
ly,
Iwantt
o
makeyoumywi f
e
Me:
Tri
ston
Danny
:Amahl
e
Me:Babe,don'
tyout
hinky
ou'
re
r
ushingthi
ngs?
Danny : IknowwhatIwant ,andt hats
youbei ngmywi f
e.Iknowy out hink
you'r
enotr eadyandmi ghtst il
lhave
somedoubt saboutusandI
under standbutI '
mj ustletti
ngy ou
knowt hatIhav egoodi ntentionsand
thatyou' rest uckwithmef ort herest
ofyourl i
fe.Iknowy ou'r
epr obabl y
scared, it
'sy ourfir
stser i
ous
rel
ationshi pandy ou'r
eaf raidof
rushingi ntomar r
iagebecausey ou
sti
llt
hi nkt hatt hi
ngswon' twor kout
Me:
Danny
..
.I.
Hecutmeoffandi
twasv
isi
blet
hat
hewashur
t.
Danny :Iknowy oudon' tf
ull
yt rustme
Nasiphi andIdon' tbl amey ou.Idon' t
knowwhati sitt hatIhav etodot o
provet hatmyl ov efory ouisgenui ne
andI'm notwi thy oubecausey ou
remindmeofZee.ThatI '
mr ushi ng
youintoget t
ingmar ri
edbecausemy
fri
endsar eallmar r
ied, i
tsnott hat
andIwi shonedayy ou'dful
lyt rust
mewhenIsayIl ovey ouandwantt o
bewi thy ouf orther estofy ourl ife.I
knowy ou'vebeent hr oughal ot,I'
m
notHect ornorMuzi I'
m notgoi ngt o
promisey out hewor ldandl eav ey ou
j
ustliket heydi dt oy ourmot her's.
You'venev erbeenar oundwhatIcal l
truel ovet hatmuch, butI'm hopi ng
youseei tandf eelitwheny ou're
aroundourf riendsbecausewhatt hey
shar ewi tht heirspousesi swhatIcal l
truel ove.I'm nott r
yingt omakey ou
feel badaboutnotbei ngr eadybutI '
m
tryingt ogety out oseet haty ou're
j
ustaf raidandt hatf earishol ding
youback.I '
mt ryi
ngt ogety out o
openy ourey esandseet hatt he
thingsy ou'retry i
ngt oignor eand
thinkt hatt heydi dn'taffecty ouasa
per sonact uallydidaf fecty ou.St op
l
y ingt oy oursel fandl etgooft hef ear
.
Justknowt hatIl ovey ouandt hisis
for ever.
Iwasal readyi ntearsandhewi ped
them of f.Wher ehashebeenal lmy
l
ife?Thi smanl ovesmeandl ov
esme
somucht oseemewor t
hyofbei ng
hiswi fe.I'
m ov erwhel medandIdon' t
knowwhatt oev ensayt ohi m.His
wor dshi trightdeepdownand
every t
hinghesai di strue.Wesati n
comf or t
abl esil
enceandhekepton
playingwi t
hmyhai r
.It'
slikeheknew
Ihadnor esponset ohiswor dsand
didn'tforceaconv ersi
onwi thme.We
weresi lentf orawhi l
eandheki ssed
me.
Danny
:Wouldy
ouhav
esexwi
thme
i
nthebush?
Me:
Okaynowy
ou'
recr
azy
!Let
'sgo.
Danny:Whyareyour
unni
ngaway
?
I
t'
sjustaquesti
on
Me: You'
recrazy
,thefactt
haty
ou'r
e
aski
ngmet hati
sbecauseyou'
re
thi
nkingaboutit
Danny
:WellIwouldn'
tminddoi
ngi
t,
i
t'
scall
edbeingadvent
urous
Me:
I'
dnev
erdot
hatnonsense
Danny
:YesMr
sMcKenzi
e
Il
ookedathi
m andhel
aughedatme
Danny:Don'
tgiv
emet hatlook,y
ou
shoul
djustgetusedt
oit.You'l
lbe
MrsMcKenziesoon.You'r
emi ne
Nasi
,Imeanti
twhenIsai
dthat
.
Me:WhatifIwantt
obeMr
sNy
athi
-
McKenzi
e?
Danny
:Nothappeni
ng.
Me:
Mxm
Danny:Iknowy
oul
ovemeandIl
ove
youtoo
Me:
I'
m hungr
ynow,
let
'sgo.
Danny:Come, Iknowt
hisr
eall
ygreat
placeher
ewi t
hgoodfood.Ihopeyou
l
ikebeeftr
ipe.
Me:
Ido
Danny
: Theny ouwil
lnotwantt
o
l
eavethatplace.Getonmyback
Me:
Agai
n?
Danny
:Idi
dsayIdon'
twanty
out
o
hur
tyour
sel
f.
Me:Peopl
ewil
lthinkIusedMut
hion
youandmaki
ngy oumysl av
e
Danny
:Iwoul
dn'
tmi
ndt
hatatal
l
Me:
You'
recr
azy
.
Danny:Yeah,
I'
m cr
azyabouty
ouand
yourugl
yfeet.
Me:
Danny
!
Heputmeinthecarandclosedthe
doorgoi
ngtohi
sseatanddr ov
eof f
.
Hewassmili
ngandtalki
ngalot.He
seemstobehappy,
he'sreal
lyhappy
andhelookssomuchl i
keDanv er
.I
l
ovehim somuchandnev erwantto
l
oosehim.Hehasar eal
lygreatsmil
e,
hehel
dmyt hi
ghashedr oveandI
di
dn'
tfeelscaredatall
.
Me:
Ilov
eyouTr
ist
on
Danny
:Il
ovey
ouPear
l
Wegottothemini setup,i
twasa
homebasedrestaurantandthe
ownerwasveryhappyt oseehi
m
Her:
MrMcKenzi
e,Whatagreat
pl
easur
etoseey
ouagain.
Danny:Mam Dol l
y,y
ouknowhowI
l
ovey ourfood.You'
ret
hebesti
n
Langeli
hle
MamDoll
y:OhI'
mf l
att
ered,
whoi s
t
hisl
ovel
ybeaut
iful
womany oucame
wi
th?
Danny:Mam Doll
y,t
hisismy
gi
rl
fri
end,Nasi
phiNyathi
.
Me:
Pleasur
etomeety
ouMam Dol
l
y
MamDolly
:Pleasur
etomeetyoutoo,
Ihopehehastoldyouaboutt
hegood
foodwehavehere
Me:Hehasandhasbeenment i
oni
ng
t
hatyoumakethebestbeeft
ri
pe
MamDoll
y:Gott
hatr
ight
,wi
l
lyou
hav
etheusual
?
Danny:
Yespleaseandwar
m wat
er
wit
hlemonforher
Me:
Youcomeher
eal
ot?
Danny:Ever
yti
mewhenI '
min
Langel
ihl
e,t
hisiswher
ewedinewith
JabuandThabo.Thabosometimes
getssomerecipesf
rom Mam Dol
ly
Thef oodcameanditwasst eam
breadandbeeftr
ipe.I
tindeedtast
ed
real
lygood,t
hebesttr
ipeI'
vehad.
Danny
:Youl
i
kei
t?
Me:
YesIdo,
it'
sreal
l
ygood.
Danny
:I'
m gl
ady
oul
i
kei
t.
Wehadourfoodandwashedour
handswhenwewer edone.Hepai
d
andsai
dhisgoodbyesandweleft
.
Peopl
efrom ar
oundhereknowhim
andl ovehi
m.Hewasgr eetedby
manyandt heyrespecthim.I twas
reall
ygoodt oknowandseet hisside
ofhim.He'sv er
yhumbl eanddownt o
earth.Hehelpedthisoldladywho
wascar ryi
ngheav ythi
ngsandwe
walkedhert oherhouse.He' sr eal
l
y
j
ustagoodmanwhoi sjustt roubl
ed.
Hehel dmeonmywai standwe
stoodandj ustt
alked.Ienjoyed
spendingtimewi thhim,allinallI
enjoyedthisday
Danny:
Let'
sgo,
Imi
sst
heki
ds.
You'
redri
vi
ng
Me:
HahDanny
Hegav emet hekey sandIdr ove
backt othepal ace.Theki dswer e
playingout sidewi ththeirfathersand
hej oinedthem.Iwentt oourr oom
andshower edsoIcoul dshav e.I'
l
l
hav et ol
ookf ormysexyl i
nger i
eand
I'
l
l hav eali
t tl
eshowf orhim.Myman
i
sget ti
ngsomet onight.Il
aughedat
my selfandwentt oshower .Bei
ng
happyandl ov edr eall
yfeelsgood.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
#LBAR
I
nser
t39
Thepastmont hhasbeenspl endi
d
andI'
mf all
ingdeeperanddeeper
i
nlovewithDanny .ThoughIhav en't
beenfeeli
ngwel llately,
Ihavebeen
wellt
akencar eoffbyhi m.Pr i
ncess
Alwandehasbeengr owingandshe
l
ooksalotli
kePhel oandhasMay i's
nose.Ihavebeenst udyingonli
neand
havegottoknowmor eaboutmy
fat
her'
sbusi ness.Themoneyhel eft
formewasputi nmybankaccount
andi tisstil
lthere,
Ihav ei
nv ested
halfofit.Themoneyt hatbel ongsto
thekidshasal sobeeni nv
est edand
theywi llgeti
toncet heyturn18.
Babal wat houghtI'
m pregnantbut
thatsnott hecase.Ihav ealsobeen
havingt oomuchpai nsonmyl eft
breastandIwi ll
got othedoct orand
checki fmyassumpt ionsaret rue.
Danny
: Areyousur
ey ouwantt
ogo
toworktoday?Youlookpal
e
Me:Dannyy
ou'
resupposedt
osayI
'
m
beaut
if
ul
Danny
:Youar
ebeaut
if
ulbuty
ou'
re
al
sopal
e
Me: Mxm what ever .YeahI '
m goingto
wor kandI 'l
lalsogot oNy athiMini
ng
j
ustt ocheckonwhat 'sgoingon.I
don' tknowmuchy etbutIknow
enought obeabl et ocheckwhat
goeson.Whent heannouncement
wasmadet hatIf ullyownNy athi
Mini ng,Iwasal l ov erthepaper sand
theywer eshockedt of i
ndoutMr
Ny athiwasmyf at her.Istoodupand
wal kedsl owlyt ot hebat hr
oom and
tookabat h.Myhear twassor easto
thet hought sIhadbutIdeci dedto
shiftitbackandgoonwi t
hmyday .I
wor eal ongy ellowdr essandsandal s.
Danny
:Come,
I'
ll
comby
ourhai
r.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Hecombedmyhai randti
editi
ntoa
neatbun.Hewal
kedmedownst ai
rs
anddishedupbr
eakfastf
orme.Iate
ashet ookt
heki
dstoschool
.
Kj
:Thambol
aDanny
Me:
Kai
tsoKai
tso
Kj:
Ayman,Theycal
lmeKJbecauseI
don'
tl
iket
heKait
soname
Me:
Why
?
Kj
:BecauseIdon'
tev
enknowwhati
t
means.
Me:
Asky
ourpar
ent
s
Kj
:Theynotar
ound
Me:
Wher
ear
ethey
?
Kj
:Weshoul
dgoory
ou'
l
lbel
atef
or
work.
Iguessedthatwashimtel
l
ingme
thatt
hisconver
sati
onisover
.It
ook
mybagsandwel ef
t.Hedr
oppedme
offatworkandDrNxumalowashere
Me:
HeyPhuml
ani
Dr
N:HyNasi
,yougood?
Me:
Goodandy
our
sel
f?
Dr
N:I
'
m good,
it'
sbeenawhi
l
e.
Me:
Yeahhey
Dr
N:Seey
ouar
ound,
I'
mthi
ssi
def
or
t
heweek.
Me:
Okaycool
,seey
a.
Iwentt
omyof fi
ceandsaidmy
goodby
est oKJandhelef
t.Iwor
ked
al
ldaylongandtext
edNceba
Me:"Goi
ngt
oadoct
orsappoint
ment,
pl
easecomewi
thmeifyou'
refr
ee"
Nceba:
"Whatt
ime?
"
Me:
"At2pm"
Nceba:
"I'
l
lfet
chy
ou.
"
Me:
"Thanks"
Ithentext
edKjtel
li
nghi
m nottopick
meup.Hehadal otofquest
ionsand
he'dconfi
rm wi
thDanny.Kj
isso
pr
otecti
vej
ustl
i
keDanny
.Icont
inued
worki
ngandmyPAtoldmeIhavea
vi
sit
or
Me:
Whoi
sit
?
Her:Don'
tknow,I
'
m sendi
nghimin
becausehe'
shotandhelooksl
i
ke
you.
Voi
ce:
Thanky
ouf
ort
hecompl
i
ment
,
Ms?
Her
:MsFunway
o
Shesmi
ledatmeasMbul
elocame
andwehugged.
Mbul
elo:
Youdon'
tl
ookt
oogood,
what
'
swr ong?
Me:
Flue
Mbul
elo:
Sor
ry,
hav
eyoueat
en?
Me:
No,
I'
m st
arv
ing.
Mbulel
o:GoodthingIboughtyou
l
unch,Dannytol
dmey oul
ov e
Nandos,LemonandHer b,sal
adwit
h
Fet
acheese.
Me:
Gott
hatr
ight
,thanky
ou.
MbuleloandNkonzohasav er
ycl ose
rel
ati
onshipwithDanny.Myuncl e'
s
wereveryimpressedwhenDanny
camet opayforbreaki
ngmyv irgini
ty.
Oneuncleevensaidhei sl
ooking
for
wardtowhenhecomest opayf or
l
obola.Theydidn'
twanttotell
me
howmuchhepai dandIhopet hey
don'triphim off.Wehadl unchwhil
e
chatti
ngandhet oldmeabouthis
3gir
lfriendsthatar egi
vi
nghim
tr
oubl e.Ast owhyhehast hr
ee
gir
lf
riends, Idon'tknow.
Me:
Youwantt
obei
napol
ygamous
mar
ri
age?
Mbul
elo:
Nev
er!I
'
dloosemymi
nd
Me:Buty
ouhav
ethr
eegi
rl
fr
iends
now?
Mbul
elo:
Theyaregi
rl
fr
iendsnot
wi
ves,
Idon'
tlov
eeit
herofthem and
t
heydon'
tknoweachother.
Me:
Play
er
Mbulel
o:What
every
oucal
li
t,bye
si
ster
,Ineedt
ogobackt
owor k.
Me:
Giv
emear
ideanddr
opmeof
fat
NM.
Mbulel
o:Oneoft hem workst
here,
I'
ll
gowithyou.Ihaven'
tseenherina
weeksopoppi ngbywill
makeher
happy
Me:
Ireal
l
ydon'
tunder
standy
ou.
Wewentt oNM andev eryt
hingwasin
or
der.Imethergir
lf
riendandshe
wasprett
yanddidn'tdeservetobe
pl
ayedbyMbulelo.Hedr oppedme
of
fatworkandmadesur eIwasi n
myoffi
cesafel
y.
Mbul
elo:
Lov
eyout
win
Me:
Lov
eyout
oot
win
Iworkedf orthelasthourandwai t
ed
forNceba.Shecameandwedr ove
offtothepr evi
oushospitalIworked
atfi
rst.Iprefer
redgoingtoDrCel e
whowor ksthere.Myprevious
coll
eagueswer ehappytoseemeand
Athigavemet heeye
Athi
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Hy
Nceba
Me:
Appoi
ntmentwi
thDrCel
e
At
hi:
Whatf
or?
Nceba:
Gir
lst
uff
At
hi:
Mmmh
Hedi dn'
ttrustusandwelefthim
standingthere.Ihopehewon'tgo
snoopingar ound.
Dr
C:DrNy
athi
andMs?
Nceba:
MrsZul
u
DrC:MrsZul
u,pl
easur
etomeetyou.
Youmaysitdown.Whatseemst
obe
thepr
oblem?
Me:
Ineedacheckup
Dr
C:Acheckupon?
Me:Ihaven'
tbeenfeel
i
ngwel l
lat
ely
andIkeeponhavingpainsonmyleft
boob.I
thurt
sandi sgr
owingtobe
muchbi
ggert
hant
heot
her
.It
'sl
i
keI
hav
ealump
DrC:
That '
saseri
ouscaseasi
tcoul
d
bebreastcancer
Me:
Iwassuspect
ingt
hatt
oo.
DrC:Pl
easel
aydownf
ormer
ight
ther
e.
Sheranafewt
est
sandIwasv
ery
anxi
ous.
DrC:I
'
llsendt
hesetothelabandwe'
l
l
havetowaitf
orther
esult
s
Me:Ist
hereanypossi
bil
i
tyofme
get
ti
ngthem t
oday
Dr
C:Justbecausei
t'
syouDrNy
athi
,I
canarrangesomethi
ngandyou'
l
lget
them t
hiseveni
ng.I'
l
lcal
lyou
Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch,
Iowey
ou.
Welef
tthehospi
tal
andwedr
ovet
o
Mi
lkyl
ane.
Nceba:
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?
Me:Idi
dn'
twantt
oworryanyonebut
f
ornowlet
skeepthi
sbetweenus
Nceba:Whati
fyour
eal
l
yhav
ebr
east
cancer
?
Me:
Idon'
tknowhey
Nceba:
You'
l
lhav
etot
ell
him
Me:Iwil
l,
whenIgett
her
esul
ts.I
'
ll
al
sotextyou.
Nceba:
Thi
swi
l
lbev
eryhar
dony
ou
guys
Me:YeahIguessso.Let'
sst
op
t
alki
ngaboutthi
splease
Nceba:Sur
e,youknow,Thapswants
ustohavekidsnow.I
'm soscar
ed
Me:
Why
?
Nceba:Givi
ngbir
thscarst
heshitout
ofme.PlusI'
m sti
ll
young,may
be
nextyear
Me:
You'
re27,
you'
renoty
oung.
Nceba:What ev
er,Iguessit
stimeI
giv
ehim kids.He'sbeenwantinga
chil
dsi
ncewef i
rstdatedandwe
weren'
tevenhav i
ngsexbyt hen.
Me:
Whendi
dyoust
artdat
ing?
Nceba:
WhenIwas17,
doi
nggr
ade
11.
Me:Wowsoy
ou'
vebeent
oget
herf
or
sol
ong.
Nceba:
Anent
ir
edecade.
Me:Howdidyouknowthati
twoul
d
l
ast
?Didn'
tyouhavedoubt
s?
Nceba:Hel ovedmet oomuchand
showedit,Ididn'
thaveanydoubts.
Youneverknowi fi
tsgoi
ngtolastor
notbutyouj usthavetobel
i
evethatit
wil
landletfatetakeit
scause.It
sup
tothebothofy outomakeitwor k
anditl
asts.
Me:
Iguessso
Wehadouricecream andwewentto
pi
ckupthekidsandshedroppedus
of
fathome
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwantt
ohav
e?
Oni
ka:
Hot
dogs
Danv
er:
Met
oo
Me: Comi
ngr
ightup,
sohowwas
yourday?
Danver
:Itwasgood,Ihaveasoccer
matchcomingup.I'
mj ustnotsur
e
whenisit
Me:We'
ll
comewat
chandy
ou'
re
Oni
ka?
Onika:
Bor
ing,Idon'
tl
ikel
ear
ning
t
hingsIal
readyknow.
Me:Youtoosmar
tbuty
ou'
l
lbei
n
gr
ade2soon
Danv
er:
AndI
'
llbei
ngr
ade3!
Me:
You'r
egr
owi
ngsof
astI
'
m goi
ng
t
ocry.
Danv
er:We'l
lal
waysbear
oundyou
mom, I
'
llst
aywit
hyoufor
ever
Kj:
BadmoveDanver
,youwon'
tbe
abl
etobr
ingy
ourgir
lf
ri
endsov
er
Danver:Ohyeah,mom Iwon'tstay
wit
hy oufor
ever.I
'
llj
ustvi
sityouon
weekends
Me:Kjst
opteachi
ngmysonabout
gi
rl
s,he'
stooyoung.
Dannycamei nandtheki
dsranto
him.Oni
kastainedhi
sshir
twit
h
tomatosauce.
Danny
:Heyl
i
ttl
eMcKenzi
e'
s!Kj
Kj
:Shoboss
Danny
:Pr
eci
ousPear
l
Hekissedmyneckandhel dmywai st
huggingmefrom theback.Icoul
d
feel
hiserect
ionandhegr i
ndediton
myass.
Me:
Hadagoodday
?
Danny
:Hadar
eal
l
ybusyday
Kj
:Weneedt
otal
kBoss
Danny
:Fol
l
owme,
I'
ll
ber
ightback.
TheywenttohisstudyandIwoul
dn'
t
beabletoeavesdr
opev eni
fIwant
ed
to.I
t'
ssoundproof
ed.
Ispenttheaf
ter
noonwi t
hthekidsas
Iprepar
edsupper.Igotacal
lfr
om
Sbahle
Me:
Sweet
ie
Sbahl
e:Li
vingalonesucks!I
'
m
comingoverforsupper
Me:Comenowsoy
oucanhel
pme
cook
Sbahl
e:I
'
m act
ual
l
yaty
ourgat
e,Ij
ust
cal
l
edt
oinf
ormy
oubef
oreIbar
ged
i
n
Me:You'
recr
azyandhav
eai
rt
imet
o
wast
e
Sbahl
e:That
'swhaty
oudowhen
you'
rebor
ed.
Shedi dn'
tev enendt hecal
lasshe
droveinandpar ked.Shecamei nand
madet oomuchnoi seanditwasvery
excit
ingf orOnikaasshescr eamed
withher .
Sbahl
e:Wher
eisDaddyDanny
?
Me:
Studywi
thKJ
Sbahle:
Doesheal
way
shav
etobe
around?
Me:Yep,
what
'sy
ouri
ssuewi
thhi
m
vel
e?
Sbahl
e:He'
stooarr
ogant
,thi
nks
hi
ghlyofhi
mself
.Andhehaslame
j
okes
Me:
He'
sjokesar
ever
yfunny
Sbahl
e:Thatwoul
dboosthi
sego,
he'
sjustt
ooful
lofhi
mself
.Nxxhe
annoysme
MyeyespoppedasIsawthatKJ
hear
dall
ofthat
.Theywer
est andi
ng
behi
ndSbahl
e
Kj:
Saysthespoi
ltbr
at,
you'
real
so
ver
yannoyi
ng.I'
m gl
adthef
eeli
ngi
s
mutual
Sbahl
e:Mxm what
ever
Danny:Cany
oupl
easepourussome
whiskey
?
Me:
okay
Sbahle:
I'
lldoit
,cont
inuechoppi
ng
thoseonions.
Me:
Thanks
Hepouredthem whi
skeyandgave
them.Wefini
shedupwiththe
cooki
ng.Andsheprepar
edt het
abl
e.
Sbahl
e:Comet
othedi
nnert
abl
e
pl
ease
Us:
Comi
ng
Wesai
dgr
aceanddi
shedup.Weat
e
i
npeacewi
thoutt
hesetwoar
gui
ng.
Myphoner
anganditwasDrCel
e
Me:
Excuseme,
Ihav
etot
aket
his.
Iwentout
sidesot
heywoul
dntbe
abl
etohearme.
Me:
Doc
DrC:Goodev
eni
ng,
Ihav
eyour
resul
ts.
Me:
Whatdot
heysay
?
DrC:Asweassumed, y
esy
oudo
havebreastcancer
.
Me:
Whatst
age?
DrC:Stage3,I'
m gl
adyoucame
befor
ei tgott
ostage4.You'
l
lbeabl
e
tostilloperate, weneedt odoitas
soonaspossi blebeforethelump
growsbi ggerandi ti
nfectstheother
breast.Youneedt ocomet omor r
ow
sowecanst ar tchemotherapyasap
andt herear emanygr oupsand
therapistsIcoul dreferyoutosee
andj oinwhohav epeoplewithyour
condi t
ionandsomebr eastcancer
survivors.Youcanal sobeatthisDr
Ny athi
Me:Whataret
hechancesofme
sur
viv
ing?
DrC:I
'
dsayt heresa40%chanceof
yousurvi
vi
ng.Itwil
lgetbet
teronce
youstar
tchemo, pl
easedonotdelay
t
his.
Me:
Thanky
ou,
I'
ll
seey
out
omor
row.
Howam Igoi ngtotell
Dannythis?I
text
edNcebat el
li
nghermyr esult
s
andshesaidshe'l
lcomewi t
hme
tomorrow.Iwentbackinsi
deand
every
onewasl aughingandhappy.
Sbahl
e:Youweret
akingtoolongand
wemov edont
odessertwit
houtyou
Danny
:Yougood?
Me: YeahI'
ll
alsoj
ustski
ptodesser
t,
I
'm notthathungr
y.
Idi
shedupdesser
tandIdi
dn'
tev
en
fi
nishi
t.
Me:I'
m goi
ngtobedguy
s,goodni
ght
.
I
'l
lseeyoutomor
row
Oni
ka:
Yes!Wewon'
tbat
h
Danny
:Yesy
ouwi
l
l,nowcomebat
h
Danver:
Mommmypleasecanwenot
bat
h,tal
ktodad?
Me:
It'
sokayDanny
,lett
hem be.
Danny
:I'
l
lbet
her
esoon
Iwentupstai
rsandjustgoti
nbed.I
didn'
tevenhavethestr
engthto
changeorbath.Dannycameinand
satnexttome.
Danny
:What
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:
Not
hing
Danny :Nasi phi ,yousteppedoutso
youcananswery ourphone.You
nev erev erdot hat ,
youcomeback
andy oudon' tev eneat ,youbar ely
evenhadt hatdeser t.Youal lowedt he
kidsnott obat handdi dn'tevent uck
them inandy ou'resleepingi nadr ess,
younev erdot hoset hi
ngsandt hat'
s
evidencet haty ou'r
enotokay .AndI
canseer i
ghtt hroughy ou, nowsi tup
andt alkt ome.
Me:
Ihav
ebr
eastcancer
Danny:
That'
swhyy
ou'
vebeenso
si
cklat
ely
?
Me:
Yes,
NcebaandIwentt
oDrCel
e
t
odayandwhenshecall
edshewas
t
ell
i
ngmemyr esul
ts.I
t'
sonstage3.
Danny
:Isi
tacr
it
ical
stage?
Me:
Sor
tof
Danny
:Youneedtost
art
Chemother
apybyt
omorrow
Me:Danny,there'sa40%chanceof
mesur v
ivi
ng,Idon'tthi
nkChemowi l
l
work,Ij
ustfeelasifIshouldjustl
eti
t
r
uni t
scourseot hert
hangoi ng
t
hroughallthi
sknowi ngthatI'
lldi
e
Danny:That'
snonsense!Utt
er
nonsense!Soyou'
llj
ustgiv
eup
wit
houtev ent
ryi
ng?That'
snotgoi
ng
tohappen
Me:
Danny
Danny:Thisi
snotupfordi
scussi
on.I
wil
lnotloseyou,
Ican'
tl
oseyou.
Hestart
edcryi
ngandhehel
dmeand
keptonbrushi
ngmyhai
r.
Me:I
'l
lal
sohavetooper
atesoont
o
getr
idoft
hecancerl
ump.
Danny
:You'
regoi
ngt
osur
viv
ethi
s,I
pr
omise.
Me:
Danny
,youcannotbet
oosur
e
Danny :St
opspeaki
ngl i
kethi
sPearl.
Heki ssedmeandt ookoffmydress.
Hedr essedmeintomypy jamasand
tuckedmei n.
Me:
You'
renotcomi
ngt
obed?
Danny:
Iam, Ijustneedtomakea
fewcal
ls.Ineedtogett hebest
doct
orsandbestt reat
ment.
Me:Danny,DrCel
eisf
ine,
Ihavean
appoi
ntmentwit
hhert
omor r
ow
Danny: Wewi llnotargueaboutthi
s
mylov e.Sleep,youneedt orest
.I'
l
l
gowi t
hy ouandaf t
erthatyou'
ll
be
tr
eatedint hishousebyt hedoctor
s
I
'l
lget.SleepNasi phi.
Hekissedmyf oreheadandwentout .
Iguessther
e'snopoi nti
narguing
wit
hhim.Isighedanddeci dedto
sl
eep.Ifel
tdefeatedandhur t
.Just
whenev erythi
ngwascomi ng
togetherandf all
ingintoplacethis
happens.IhopeIl ivelongenought o
seeDanv erssoccermat chandspend
ti
mewi t
hmyki ds.Theyal ldon'
t
deservet his,t
heycannotl ose
anothermot herandt hatwouldkil
l
Danny .DearGod, IhopeI '
m abl
eto
survi
v ethis.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Suggestpaget
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I
nser
t40
IcouldfeelthatIwasawakebutI
didn'
twantt oopenmyey es.Ididn'
t
wanttowakeupandf acemysad
andhear t
breakingr eal
ity.Ididn't
wanttoseet hef acesthatf el
tpityf
or
meandpi t
yf orDanny .Thathemi ght
l
oseanot herl ovedonej ustwhenhe
thoughthef oundhappi ness.Heev en
wantedt omar r
yme, hesawaf utur
e
i
nusandt hishappens.DearGod
whatisitthatwehav edonewr ongto
deservet hispuni shment ?Yousai d
youwi llnev ergiv euschal lengest hat
arebey ondwhatwecant ake.Idon' t
feell
ikeI '
m st rongenoughf orthis,
thi
sist oomuchandI '
mf eeling
defeated.Showmet hewayt o
conquert hisandi fthisist heway
thatleadst omyr estingpl ace, l
etme
restknowi ngt hatIhav eleftsomeone
whowi l
l bewi thDannyandt hekids.
Tolov eandt akecar eoft hem.I fnot
formeLor d,thandoi tforDannyand
thekids.Iknowhedoesn' tev enknow
thewayt hel eadst oachur ch, may be
thelastt i
meheopenedabi blewasi n
sundayschool ,ifheev enwentt here
butwhatI 'mt r
yingtosayi st hat ,heis
yourson, hehasmadehi smi st akes
andLor dforgivehimf orhedi dn't
knowwhathewasdoi ng.Show
mer cyuponhi slif
eandhel pus
sur vi
vethi
s.Idon'twantt oleav et his
wor ldyet,
Ihav ekidst or aiseanda
mant oloveandt akecar eof f.Ihav e
af amilydearGod, theseki dsar et oo
youngt olooseamot heragai n, Oni ka
nev erknewanymot herunt ilIcame, I
don' twantthattobet akenaway
fr
om her .Hearmypr ayerohl or d.
Amen.Isi ghedaf terhav ingmysi lent
pray er
.Iopenedmyey esandhewas
staringatme.
Me:
What
?
Danny
:Goodmor
ningmyl
ady
Me:
There'
snot
hinggoodaboutt
his
mor
ning.
Danny
:Babe,y
ou'resweat
ing.Lay
downI'
m coming
Hewenttothebathr
oom andcame
backwit
habowl wit
hwarm water
andatowel
.
Hewipedmyf
aceandadj
ust
edmy
pi
l
lows.
Me:Iwantt
otakeabat
handgot
o
wor
k
Danny
:You'
vel
osty
ourmi
nd.You'
re
notgoi
ngany
wher
e
Me:Wi
l
lIat
leastgodownstai
rsand
hav
ebr
eakf
astwiththeki
ds?
Danny:Idon'
twantt
hem t
oseey
ou
l
ikethi
s
Me:Theyhav eto,
Iwantt
oseet hem
Danny.Ineedtospendmylastdays
wit
hthem
Danny
:Nasiphi
,st
optal
ki
ngliket
hat.
Youwon'tl
i
kethethi
ngsI'
l
lsaytoyou
i
fyoukeeponupsett
ingme.
Me:Idon'twantt oupsety oubutI
'm
j
uststat
ingf act
s.Thisthinggets
worsebyt heday !Lookatme!Iam
l
oosingwei ght,
I'
m pale.Nextthi
ng,
I
'
llbel
oosi
ngmyhai
r.Andl
ast
lyI
l
osemylif
e!
Danny :Wel l
thi
st hing!Wi llbetaken
careof f
!Ilovey oudamni t!AndIwi ll
notallowy outoj ustgi veupl i
kethis!
Iam her e,weareher et osupportyou!
Youwi lleathealthy ,we'll
cutourhai r
together!Andy ouwi llnotdie,
babeI
don'twantt oshoutandar guewi t
h
youbuty ou'
retoost ubbornand
negative.Stayont heposi ti
veside
withmeandwe' llhav eless
argument s,underst ood?
Me:
Ijustwantt
oseemyki
ds
Danny
:Youwi
l
lseet
hem.Comeon
don'
tcr
ynow
Me:(sni
ff
s)You,
you.
..ar
eshout
ingat
me..youdon'
twantmetoseethe
ki
ds..
Icri
edandst
uff
edmyf
acei
nthe
pil
l
ow.
Danny :Babe,stopcr yi
ngokay .I
'm
sorryforshoutingaty ouandf or
sayingy ouwon' tseet hekids.You
will
,wewokeupear lyandtheyst i
l
l
asleep.I'
llwaket hem upsoon, get
them readyforschool andy ou'l
l
comedownf orbr eakfastandwe' l
l
dropthem of ftoget herokay?
Me:
Okay
.Makel
ovet
omeDanny
Danny
:Isi
tokayf
ormet
odot
hat
?
Me:
YesDanny
Hesmi ledandi twasmusict ohi
s
ears.Heki ssedmyf or
eheadand
downt omyl i
ps.Weki ssed
passionatelyashei nsert
edhis
manhoodi nsideofme.Ther ewasno
for
eplaytoday ,
wedi vi
ngrighti
nto
business.MrMcKenzi edoesn't
wastet i
me.Heki ssedmyneckand
thr
usteddeeper
Danny
:Iwantedtomakel
ovet
oyou
l
astni
ghtbutIwasaf
rai
d.
Ij
ustmoaned,
itwastoogoodI
coul
dn'
tevenr
espond.Iki
ssedhi
s
neckandhel dhimt i
ghtlywithmy
toescurl
ing.I
tscomi ng.Ifel
tmysel
f
buil
dupandIwasget t
ingweakerand
weaker.Hegr oanedoutl oudaswe
bothcameatt hesamet ime.I
breat
hedoutl oudandcl osedmy
eyes
Me:
Thatwasamazi
ng
Danny
:Youcansayt
hatagai
n.
Hecar r
iedmetothebat hr
oom and
wet ookashowertogether.Isat
downwhenIwasget t
ingtooweakto
standandheheldmeashewashed
mybody .
Me:
Ilov
eyouDanny
Danny
:Il
ovey
out
ooNasi
wam.
Hetookmyshowercapof
fand
washedmyhai
r.Hedri
edmeupand
car
ri
edmeandputmeont hebed.
Me:Passmethel
oti
on,
I'
ll
beabl
eto
doi
tmy sel
f
Danny
:Okay
Il
oti
onedandhetookoutawar
m
tr
acksui
tforme
Me:
Babe,
it'
sver
yhotout
side
Danny:
Youhav etobewar m Nasi .
Youwon'twearthejacketthen,but
you'
l
lwearalongsleevet'shir
t.
Me:
Finebyme.
Igotdressedandhewentt owake
thekidsup.Iknowthi
swi l
lupsethim
butwe'llar
guewhenI'm done.I
walkeddownstair
sandwentt ot he
kit
chenandmadebr eakfastfor
everyonewhil
esingi
ngLuluDi kana_
L.O.V.E
Me:"Yougi
vemegood,L.O.
V.El
ove!
Ohyougivegoodgoodgoodgood
L.
O.V.El
ove.I
tmakesmewanna
si
ng!"
Theycamedownf orbreakf
astandI
cont
inuedsi
ngingtr
yingtoi
gnorethe
badlookDannyisgi
vingme.
Ki
ds:
Mor
ningmom
Me:
Mor
ningmybabi
es,
sleptwel
l
?
Ki
ds:
Yup!
Oni
ka:
What
'sf
orbr
eakf
ast
?
Me:Toast
,bakedbeans,scr
ambl
ed
eggs,
baconandvienna.
Danv
er:
Nopancakes?
Me:
No, you'l
lhav
ethosetomor
row
mor
ning.It
'saTuesdayremember
Onika:
I'
m wai
ti
ngforThursday,I
misshavi
ngOtees.Daddy
, si
tdown
Danny:I
'l
lcomej
ustnow.Ther
e'sa
cal
lIneedtomake
Hewentbackupst
air
sandIlaughed
al
it
tl
easIdishedupforev
eryone
andsatdown.Hecameandsatnext
tome.Hepinchedmyass.I
twas
pai
nful
Me:
Danny
!Whatwast
hatf
or?
Danny
:You'
rer
eal
l
ygoi
ngt
oask?
Me:
Ijustdi
d
Hestar
edatmewit
hsuchascary
l
ookandIj
ustat
emyfood.Okay
,he'
s
angr
yatme.
Me: Fi
nishupsoy
oucangobr
ush
yourteeth
Oni
ka:
I'
mful
lal
ready
Me:Justf
ini
shupt het
oastsoyou
canbeful
lunti
lschool
lunchbr
eak
Aftert heyf i
nishedtheywentt obr ush
theirteethandIputt hedishesint he
dishwasher .Theycamedownand
wewentt otheandIsatatbackwi t
h
theki ds.Whenhecamei nhegav e
meadeat hstare.Awuwhatnow?I
satwi tht hekidssohecanhav ehis
ownspaceandbeangr yatme.Now
thismakeshi m mor eangr y?Danny
hasnev erbeenangr yatmebef ore,
soIdon' tevenknowwhatt odo.I
reall
yf eltli
kel aughi
ngbutt hatwoul d
upsethi m evenmor e.SoI
participatedint heconversati
ont he
kidswer ehav ing.Wegott othe
school andwewal kedthem tot heir
cl
asses.Wewentbackt
othecarand
hestar
edatmeasIwenttotheback
seat
s
Danny
:Youseatatt
hebacknow?
Me:
No
Danny
:Andt
hen?
Ij
ustwentt
othef
rontpassenger
s
seat
.
Danny
:Yourseat
bel
t
Me:
Thanks
Danny :Di
dn'tIt
ellyoutostayinbed
andy ou'l
lcomedownf orbr
eakfast
afterI
'vemadebr eakfastmyselfand
preparedthekidsforschool?
Me:
Youdi
d
Danny:
Sohowisitt
hatIfoundyou
downstai
rs,
maki
ngbreakf
ast?
Me:
Danny
,Iwant
edt
ogetoutoft
he
r
oom.
Danny:
Weren'
tyougoi
ngtogetout
ofther
oom aft
erI
'v
etol
dy outo
comedownstai
rsandhavebreakf
ast
?
Me:
Iwas
Danny
:Andt
hen?
Ij
ustl
ookedoutt
hewindowbecause
Idi
dn'
tknowhowtorespondt
othat.
Danny
:You'
renotsupposedtobe
doi
nganyt
hingt
hatwillst
rai
nyou.
Youneedt or
estbutbecauseyou
havestubbor
n,youdotheopposi
teof
rest
ing
Me:
DannyI
'
m sor
ryokay
.I'
m sor
ry
Danny
:Getoutoft
hecar
Me:What
!Noy
ou'
rechasi
ngmeout
oft
hecar
?
Danny
:We'
rehome
Me:
Oh
Idi
dn'tevennot
icethatwe'
rehome
al
ready.Heopenedthedoorforme
andcarri
edmet othehouse.
Danny:
Anapologyi
snotwhatIwant
.
Iwantt
otakecareofy
ouandIneed
yout
oworkwi t
hmeandnotagai
nst
me.Under
stood?
Me:
YesTr
ist
on
Danny:Babe,Il
oveyourst
ubbor
nsel
f
andIsomet i
mesli
keitwhenwe
arguebutnotwhenyourheal
thi
sat
stakeokay?
Me:
YesTr
ist
on
Danny:Let
sgo,y
ouhav
eadoct
ors
appoi
ntment.
Me:Canwepi
ckupNceba?She'
s
comi
ngwit
hus
Danny
:Okay
Wepi
ckedupNcebaandwentt
othe
hospi
tal
.Wemetwi
thAt
hiagai
n
today
Athi
:Okay,
star
texplai
ning.You'v
e
beeninandoutofDrCele'soff
ice,
shoul
dIbeworried?
Danny
:No
At
hi:
What
'
sgoi
ngon?
Me:You'l
lfi
ndoutlat
er.Lunchatt
he
house,
at1pm exactl
y,don'
tbelat
e
At
hi:
Yesmam
Danny
:Idi
dn'
tknowaboutt
hat
Me:Ialsodidn'
t.Ij
ustwanttotell
them andgetitoveranddonewith.
Athiwasgoingtosnoopar ound
any
way
sunt
ilhef
indsout
.
Nceba:That
'
str
ue.We'
l
ljustor
der
somethi
ng
Danny: Idon'twantfast
foods,they
notgoodf oryouNasi,I
'
llcal
lthechef
toprepar esomet hi
ngwhilewehere.
Somet hinghealthy
Me:
Thanks
Thedoct or
sappoi
ntmentwentas
expectedandDannygett
ingtoknow
moreaboutmyheal t
hissue.Hewas
keenonget ti
ngi
nvol
vedinthebreast
cancergroupsandIwasn't
.
Dr
C: Iwasthi
nkingthaty
oushoul
d
st
arttaki
ngtheseandbyFri
day,y
ou'
l
l
best
art
ingonChemot
her
apy
Danny :
Ihavecal
l
edDrFr anci
sfrom
Nami bi
atocomewor konNasi.Not
thatIdon'
ttr
ustyouoranythi
ngbut
hewasr ecommendedast hebest.
DrC:Yeshei sthebestwehav ei
n
Afri
caandIt r
ustthathewi l
ltake
goodcar eofNasi.I
tsalli
nthebest
i
nterestofherhealt
h.I'
l
ljuste-mail
hi
m herdocument sandhecant akeit
fr
om there
Danny:Thanky
ouforunder
standi
ng.
She'
ll
keepincont
actwit
hyout o
updat
ey ouonhowshe'
sdoing
Me:
Youcanal
socomecheckupon
mei
fyouwantt
o.
DrC:Iwi
ll
doso.Andagai
n,r
estand
don'
tover
wor
ky our
sel
f.
Me:
Thanky
ouDrCel
e.
Thedaywentbyandwewer eat
homewai ti
ngfortheot herstoarri
ve.
JabuandMphower ealreadyhere.
Theot her
sarri
vedaf t
eraf ew
minutesandwewentt ot hedinner
tabl
e.Bothmymot hers,Nkonzoand
Mbulelo,Paul
aandBr ianwer ehere
too.ThishasDannywr i
ttenal
l ov
erit
.
Nay e:Iam st
arv
ing!Shest ar
ted
dishingupandIwasn' thappywith
theamountofv egetablesthatwere
ont hetabl
e.Thiseat
inghealt
hythi
ng
i
sr eall
ynoton.Ntokozobeingthe
rabbitshei
s,dishedupandate
Nay
e:Ahhaguy
sIdi
dn'
tknowwe'
re
onadi
et
Danny
:Nay
ehast
oeatheal
thy
Me:Butbabemeatisheal
thy
,some
pi
zzaandchocol
atecake
Naye:
I'
m al
overf
orgr
easyf
oodand
j
unk.
Nt
oko:
Thi
sisl
ovel
yguy
s,t
ast
eit
.
L’
yanda:
Babe,
we'
remeateat
ers.
MaD:
Stopcompl
aini
ngandeat
Mom di
shedupf
oral
lofusandwe
at
e.Theyatemoret
hanIdi
d.Danny
st
art
edfeedingmeandt
her
ewasno
wayI'
dsayno.
At
hi:
Sot
here'
ssomet
hingy
ou
want
edt
otell
us?
Me:WhydoIf
eel
li
key
oual
ready
know?
At
hi:
Idon'
t
Me: Ihav
esomet hi
ngtosay ,whatam
abouttosayissomethingInever
thoughti
twouldhappent ome.I
don'twanty
out ocryf
ormeandpi ty
meorDanny .Ihavebreastcancer
Theyal
lgaspedandwer eshocked.
WhatIdi
dn'twanthappenedinstant
ly,
mymot herswereint ear
sandso
werethegirl
s.EvenNangamsoand
Zandywer ecry
ing.Icouldn'
tst
ay
hereanylonger
Me:
Excuseme
Iwentupst
air
swi
thDannyf
oll
owi
ng
me.
Danny
:Don'
trunaway
,facet
hem.
Me:
Ican'
t,
theyar
eallcr
yingand
f
eel
i
ngsorryf
orme.Icannottake
t
hat
Danny:You'
rei
mport
antt
othem and
theyl
oveyou.Comeback
Hehel
dmeaswewal
kedbackt
othe
t
abl
e.
Nkosi:
Danny,Ihopeyouhavemade
al
lthenecessar
yarrangement
s
Danny:YesIhav
e.Athi
,you'
l
lneedto
havesomeoneinchar
geforawhil
e
Me: Iwasthi
nki
ngofDrGumede.
You'l
lgi
vehim mysal
aryandwho
everwil
lrepl
acehi
m wil
lgethi
s
Athi
:That
'sunnecessar
yyoucanst
il
l
getpai
d
Me:Thehospitali
sdoingv
erywel
l
butt
here'
snoneedf orust
owaste
money.IhaveenoughmoneyAthi
,do
asIsayplease.
At
hi:
YesMam
Mbul
elo:
You'
l
lbef
inet
win,
wewi
th
y
oual
ltheway
Zandy:
He'sr
ight,
youhav
eal
lthe
suppor
tyouneed.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Weallat
etherabbi
tfoodwehat
ed
andl
ucki
lywehadsomet hi
ngni
ce
andsweetasdesser
t.
Danny:I
t'st
imeforyout
orest
,you
haven'
trest
edtoday
.
Me:
ButIwantt
osayher
ewi
tht
hem
Danny:You'
l
llaydownonthecouch
then,
we'l
lsi
twithyouatt
helounge.
Hecarr
iedmetothel
oungeandIlai
d
down.Hecov
eredmeupandt he
ot
her
sjoi
nedus.
MaN:ThankyouDanny
,thanky
ouf
or
t
aki
ngcareofher
.
Sneh:
She'
sreal
l
yluckyt
ohav
eyou
Me:
Youcansayt
hatagai
n
Heki
ssedmycheekandindeedIwas
sol
uckyt
ohaveDanny.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
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I
nser
t41
#Danny
Thepastf ewweekshav ebeenhear t
breaki
ng.Nasi phial
soi nsi
stedon
tel
li
ngthekidsabouthercondi t
ion.
Eventhought heydidn'treall
y
underst
andf ully,
Iwasgl adwhen
theyagreedtogoonhol i
daywi thout
us.Weendedupsendi ngt hem to
CapeTownwi thPaulaandBr ian.We
neededt hem therebecauseeachand
everywashect ic.Herchemot her apy
startedwor ki
ngonl yafteraweekt hat
shest artedt reatment .Att hattime,
thedoct orsdi dn'twantt ooper ateon
herimmedi at el
y.She' sgoi ngtohav e
heroper ationl atertoday .DrFr anci
s
hasbeeni ndeedgr eatandhehas
beent reatingherwel l.Herhai ralso
startedf allingof flastweekandwe
willcutourhai rtoday .Shedoesn' t
full
ybel i
ev ethatIwi l
lcuti tt
oo.Her
mot hernev erwentbackt oBizana
andt heybot hcomet ocheckonher
every day .She' snev eralonei nher
room andi talsodoesgi v emet i
me
togowor kandseehowev eryt
hingis
goingi ntheFor ce.Maki ngKJmy
ri
ghthandmanwast hebestdeci sion
I'
veev ermade.Hei st rulymaki ngme
proudandhewi l
lgetgr eatrewards.I
cannotbehandl i
ngt heFor ceright
nowandhei sdoingagoodj ob.The
kidsleftyester
dayaf tert heycame
backf rom school.Itwashar dseeing
them leaveatat imel iket hisbutit
hadt ohappen, Ineedt ohav emyf ull
attenti
ononNasi phi.
Me:
Babe!Ar
eyouupal
ready
?
Ishoutedf
rom t
hebathroom asI
heardsomemov ements.
Nasi
:Yes
Shesai
dinanewl
owv
oice.I
tspr
ett
y
sexybutIdon' tl
i
keitbecauseit
showshowweakerandweakershe' s
getti
ng.Ifi
nishedupbathingandgot
dressed.Iki
ssedher
Me:
Mor
ningbeaut
if
ul
Shet oldmet ostopsay i
ngGood
mor ningbecauset heresnot hing
goodabouthermor nings.Ihel ped
herintoherwheel chairandshewent
tothebat hr
oom.Shei nsistedon
beingonawheel chairbecauseI
didn'twantherwal ki
ngar oundand
shedi dn'
twantmecar r
yingher
around.Sot hewheel chairwasour
commongr ound.Imadet hebedand
wentdownst ai
rswi t
hherf ollowing
me.Ihadsomechangesmadei
nthe
housesoshecoul
daccommodat
e
herwheel
chai
r.
Me:Whatdoy
ouwantt
ofor
br
eakf
ast?
Nasi:
I'
m nothungr
y,wecangocut
myhairandwe'l
lhavebr
eakf
astata
r
estaurant
Me:Areyousure?Thel
astti
mewe
wentoutyouendedupcry
ing
Nasi
:I'
m sur
ebabe
Thelastti
mewewentoutsheended
upcryingbecausepeopl ef
eltsor
ry
forher.Hercondit
ionmadet he
tabl
oidsafterherf
irstchemother
apy.
Oneofthenursesleakedoutt he
i
nformati
onandwaspr operl
ydealt
wit
h.Don'tworr
y,Ididn'
tkil
lher.
Me:Getyourbag,
itsont
hecouch
andwe'
ll
go.
Nasi:
Icannotbel
i
evemyaf
roi
s
abouttobecutof
f
Me:Yourfami
lyhasl
otsofhai
rsoI
'
m
sur
eyourswil
lal
sogrowback.
Nasi
:May
be
Iputheri
nthecarandt
hewheel
chai
r
attheboot
.
Nasi
:Imi
ssdr
ivi
ng
Me:
You'
l
ldr
ivesoondon'
twor
ry.
Queensmead,
Pavil
ion,
Gat
ewayor
Gal
ler
iaorWestwoodmall
?
Nasi:Iwantedt oalsodosome
shopping,haven'tdonet
hati
nawhil
e
plusmycl othesarebigonme.Il
ook
l
ikeagr anny
Me:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulPear
l
Nasi
:Ofcausey
ou'
l
lsayI
'
m beaut
if
ul
Danny
Me:
Eveni
fyouwor
erags
Nasi
:Let
sgot
oGat
ewaypl
ease
Me:
Okay
Nasi:AhhanoIwanttogotoPav
il
ion,
Gatewaycanbereal
lyful
l
.
Me:
SodoesPav
il
ion
Nasi
:It
sbet
ter
Me:
Yourchoi
ce.
Nasi:
Iwasthi
nki
ngIshoul
dputyou
onanonli
nedati
ngsi
tesoyoucango
outondat
es
Me:
Nott
hisnonsenseagai
npl
ease
She'sbeengoi
ngonaboutf indingme
agirl
fri
endwhoshe'l
lknowandsee
howshei swit
hthekidsjustincase
shedies.Not
hingupsetsmemor e
thanthat.
Nasi
:YoudoknowI'
m havi
ngmy
sur
geryt
oday
,anyt
hingcanhappen
Me:Canwenott
alkaboutt
his
Nasi
phi
!
Nasi
:I'
m sor
ry.
Me: I
t'
sfine,
andI '
m sorryfor
shouti
ng.Youj usteasi
lygi
v eup,Nasi
we'vebeenthroughhellforthepast
fewweeksandy ou'vedonebetter
thanthedoctorsexpected.Today's
operati
onwillbeasucess, you'
renot
goingtodie.
Idr
ovet oPavi
li
onandwewer elucky
i
twasn'tthatf
ull
.Ihelpedherint
oher
wheelchai
randwewal kedt
othe
sal
on.Herwheelchairissel
f-
operated
andtheresnoneedformet opush
heraround.Wewer eholdi
nghands
aswewenti nt
othesalon.Asalway
s
therewerepeopletaki
ngpict
uresof
usandj ournal
i
sts.Wewenttot het
he
barber'
ssideandmyboyGemi ni
came.
Gemini
:MrMcKenzi
e!WhatcanIdo
fory
ou?
Me:
Gemini,
itsbeenawhil
ehey
.
We'
reher
etocutourhai
r.
Gemini:MsNyat
hi,wesawwhat
happenedonnewspapers.Hopey
ou
recov
er.I'
l
lmakeyoulookvery
beauti
ful
Nasi
:Thanky
ouv
erymuchGemi
ni.I
don'
tthi
nkI
'
llbebol
dandbeaut
if
ul
Gemini
:Tr
ustmey
ouwi
l
l,whowi
l
lgo
fi
rst
?
Nasi
:NoI
'
m cut
ti
ngmyhai
ral
one
Me:
I'
m cut
ti
ngi
ttoobabe
Nasi
:
(laughs)Danny,
Idon'twanty
ou
t
o,whatifyoulookhorr
ibl
e?
Me:
Iwon't
,IsaidI
'
dsuppor
tyouso
t
hat
'swhatI
'm doi
ng.
Shelaughedatmeandaskedi fwe
didi
tatthesamet i
mewi thoutseeing
eachother.Theyputupsmal lblack
materi
altocov erusfr
om seeing
eachother.Ihaven'
tcutmyhai rbol
d
i
nsol ong.Theycutitall
of fand
t
ri
mmedmybear
d.
Nasi
:BabeI
'
m done!
!
Me:
Met
oo
Gemi
ni:
Okay,I
'
llcounttothr
eeand
t
akedownthemat er
ial
.Oneguywas
t
aki
ngav i
deof
orus
Gemi
ni:
1..
.2.
..2&1/
2..
..3!
!!
Theyt ookdownt hemat eri
alandshe
l
ookedamazi ng.I
'm notthetypethat
cri
esbutIdi dandshewasal so
cry
ing.Ihuggedherandcar ri
edher
outofherwheel chai
rkissingherwith
herlegswrappedar oundmywai st
.
Peoplewer escreamingandIputher
down.
Me:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulmypr
eci
ous
Pear
l
Nasi:Thankyou,youl
ookver
y
handsomet oo.Il
oveyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Guy:Sorrybutt hi
swast ooromanticI
hadto,it
'sstreamingliv
eonsoci al
media.You'resuchagoodcoupl e.
Welookupt oy ouMrMcKenzi e,
you'
reteachingusmenonhowt o
appr
eciateandsuppor tourwoman.
MsNy athi,
you'regoingtorecover.
Youhav eoursuppor tandprayer
s
Nasi
:Thankyouv
erymuchguy
s.I
t
meansalott
ome.
Iputherbacki
ntoherwheel
chai
rand
pai
dup.
Me:
What
snext
?
Nasi
:Shoppi
ng
Wespentt herestofthedayatt he
mallshoppi ngandeating.Iall
owed
hertoeatj unkandshewent
overboard.Wedr ovehomeandI
packedherbag.Theoper ationwi l
l
takeplaceatt hehospitalsowehad
tobet hereinanhour.Shewasl aying
onthebedandIt ookof fherclothes
Nasi
:Babe,Idon'
tneedt
ochangeI
'
m
comfor
tabl
einthese
Me:
Sssh
Iki
ssedherallt
hewaydownt oher
honeypotasshecall
sit.Hermoans
madememor ehornyandImade
l
ovetoherpassionatel
y.Shewasso
beauti
fulhermoanswer easweet
melodytomyear s.
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Nasi
:Il
ovey
ouandI
'
llal
way
slov
e
you.
Wet
ookashowerandgotdr
essed.
Me:
Let
sgo
Nasi
:Let
'
ssky
pewi
tht
heki
dsf
ir
st.
Weskypedandt
heywer
esohappyt
o
seeus
Oni
ka:Mom,Ial
sowanttocutmy
hai
r.Youl
ooksobeaut
if
ul
Nasi:
Thanky ousweet
iebutdon'
tcut
i
t.Yousti
llneedtomakeyour
beauti
ful
cornrows
Danv
er:
Daddyl
ooksl
i
keababy
Me:I
'l
ltaket
hatasacompl
i
ment
Mpendulo
Danv
er:
OkayTr
ist
on
Me:
I'
ll
kicky
ourass
Danv
er:I
'minCapeTownandy
ou'
re
i
nDurbandad.Andyoucal
l
edmeby
mysecondnamefir
st
Wecont
inuedt
alki
ngaswewentt
o
t
hecarandIdrov
eof
ftot
hehospi
tal
whi
l
etheytal
ked.
Me:
Weatt
hehospi
tal
now,
weneed
t
ogo.
Nasi
:Goodby
emybabi
es
Them:
ByeMom,
byedad.
Shecr
iedandIki
ssedherf
orehead
Me:
You'
l
lseet
hem soon.
Weent er
edandthedoctorswere
al
readywaiti
ngforher
.Itookhert
o
herroom andhel
pedherchange.
Nurse:
MrMcKenzi
e,pl
easeexuseus.
Thedoctor
sar
ecominginnow.
Me:
I'
ll
seey
ousoon
Nasi
:Takecar
eofy oursel
fandt
he
ki
ds.I
'l
lal
wayslov
ey ou.
Iwentt
othewai
ti
ngr
oom andsat
wit
htheot
her
s
Naye:5y
ear
slat
erwe'
rebackher
e
agai
n
Kamo:
I'
ll
ordersomef
ood
Westayedt
herewaiti
ngforhour
s
andIwasn'
tpat
ientanymore.
Me:
Whenar
etheyf
ini
shi
ng!
Bee:It
hinktheyshouldbedoneby
now.May bethere'
sbeensome
compli
cations.I
'
llgofi
ndout
Me:
Peasedo.
Shealsowentoutforhal
fanhour
andcamebackwi t
hDrFr anci
s.
DrFrancis:
I'veneverhadsuchacase
befor
e.Wemanagedt oremovethe
canceroustumorandherbodydi dn'
t
rej
ectthetreatmentasitwasalready
shri
nking.We'vestabi
li
sedherbut
j
uststill
unconscious.Youshoul
dn' t
worry,she'
saf i
ghterandshe'
ll
survi
ve
Me:
Whenwi
l
lshewakeup?
DrFranci
s:Wecannotr eal
l
ytel
las
herbodyisst
il
lrest
ing.Butshewi
ll
wakeupMrMcKenzi e
Me:
Thanky
ouDrFr
anci
s
Bee:
Ther
e'smor
eDanny
Me:
What
?
DrFranci
s:Bef or
ewecoul doper
ate
onherorinjectherwi t
hany
chemical
s,weneededt odoaf ew
checkupsandwedi dwi thher
permissi
onof cause.MrMcKenzi e,
you'
regoingtobeaf atheragai
n.
Nasiphii
samont hpregnant
What
?Isheser
ious?Ihadnowor
ds.I
di
dn'
tev
enknowwhatt osay
Me:
Doessheknow?
DrFranci
s:Yes,she'
sfullyawar
eofi
t.
Shewasn'tunderanydr ugwhenwe
foundout.Congrat
ulat
ionsMr
McKenzi
e
Heshookmyhandandl ef
t.Isat
downtryi
ngt
ocat chmybr eathe.I
'm
goingt
obeaf at
heragain?Itall
seemstobejustadream.Idon' t
evenknowhowt ofeelorwhatt o
evensay.
Phi
l
a:Congr
atul
ati
onsMcKenzi
e
Jabu:
Congr
atul
ati
onsDaddyDanny
Me:
Thanksgent
s,t
hanky
ou.
Thatsti
ll
scaredmebutI '
m happy
.
Godhasbl essedme.Icannotwai
t
forhert
owakeup.Imi ssmywoman.
Imisstheloveofmylif
e.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t42
Ifel
tnumb, IwasinadarkplaceandI
wasn'tabletomove.Mythroatwas
verydryandevery
thi
ngseemedt obe
uneasyaboutmybody .OhGod, am I
deadalready?Somebodypinchme!I
tookt imeandt riedopeni ngmyey es,
whenIev ent uall
ydi d,Iregr ett
edand
i
mmedi atel yclosedt hem.Thel ights
wer et oobr i
ghtf orme." Breathi n,
breat hout ...openy ourey esagai n
Nasi phi, youcandot his.Yourf ami l
y
mi ssedy ou"It oldmy sel f.Iopened
them agai nandi twasasi fthings
wer ef l
oat ingint heai r
, okayI '
v e
l
iterall
yl ostmymi nd.Danny !Ther es
Danny ,hewasasl eepnextt ome.
He' shai rhasgr ownback.Wowt hat
wasqui ck.Myt hroatist oodr y ,Ineed
wat er.
Me:
Danny
,Danny
I
twashar
dtoev
enspeak,
hedi
dn'
t
hearme.Ipushedhi
m wi
thmyweak
handandhewokeup
Danny:What
?Nasi
!Nasi
phi
baby
you'
reup!
Me:
Wat
er
Danny
:Huh?
Me:
Wat
er!
Hecamewithwat
erandhehelped
medri
nk.That
smuchbett
er!
Danny:I'
m sogl ady ou'r
eup!I
thoughtIhadlosty oubutIcouldn'
t
j
ustgiveupy et.Eveni fyouwereout
fortherestoftheyearIwoul dn'
thave
givenup
Me:
Howl
ongwasIoutf
or?
Danny
:Aweekand4day
s.
Me:What
?That'
ssolong.Theki
ds
wer
esupposedt
obeback4day sago,
wer
earethey
?Aret
heyokay ?
Danny:Theyarefi
neandwillcome
seeyousoon.I'
ll
gocallt
hedoctor
plusst
opstressi
ng,i
tsnotgoodfor
thebaby.
Me:Theyt oldyou?DannyI '
m sorr
y,I
wasoni njecti
onIdon'tknowhowi t
happened.Iknowy oudon' twanta
babyrightnowandI '
m sosor ry
,butI
won'tabortmybaby ,i
fy ouwantto
l
eaveusy oucanl eave.Icannotbut
pl
easedoknowi
twasn'
tonpur
pose
I
'm sor
ry
Danny:Ssshwoah.Baby,Idon'twant
youtoabortourchi
l
d,yesitcameas
asurpri
seandIdidsayI'
m notr eady
butwe'l
lworkthr
oughthistogether.
Nowst opstr
essi
ngyourselfpl
ease,
areyouhungry?
Me:
Yes
Hewentoutandcamebackwi thDr
CeleandDrFranci
s.Hecal
ledSneh
tel
l
ingthem t
ocomewi t
hthekids
andfood.
Dr
F:DrNy
athi
,howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
Justexhaust
ed
DrC:It
'sgoodtohaveyouback,
you
scaredus.Aft
erever
ythi
ngwasa
success,youscar
edusbynotwaki
ng
up.
Me:Whatdoyoumeanbyt hat
ev
eryt
hingwasasuccess?
Dr
F:Wer
emov
edt
hecancer
Me:
SoIdon'
thav
ecancer
?
DrC:You'reabreastcancersurvi
vor.
Ever
ythingisclearbutyoudoneedt o
comei nforregularcheckupsplus
you'
l
l al
socheckupont hel
it
tl
e
McKenzi etoo.
Me:Thankyouv
erymuchDrFr
anci
s
andDrCele
Theyl
eftandDannysatnextt
ome.
Danny
: Youhavenoi
deahowmuch
I
'v
emi ssedyou
Me:
I'
vemi
ssedy
out
oomyl
ove.
Danny:You'r
enevergoingt
oscar
e
melikethatever
.I'
dbenothi
ng
wit
houty ou,
weneedy ou
Me:
AndIneedy
out
oo
Thekidscameinr
unni
ngandt
hrew
themsel
vesatme
Danny:Danver,Oni
ka,
youneedt
obe
car
efularoundmommyanddon'thur
t
her
,understood?
Them:
Sor
ry,
yesdad.
Me:
Heymybabi
es
Oni
ka:
I'
m madaty
ou
Me:
Whatdi
dIdo?
Oni
ka:
Youweresl
eepi
ngforsolong.
Let
spl
aydol
l
yhousesoIcanfor
give
you
Me:Okay
,I'
l
ldoany
thi
ngf
ory
out
o
f
orgi
veme.
Danv
erj
ustcr
iedandIhuggedhi
m
Me:
Don'
tcr
ymyman,
I'
m her
enow.
Danv
er:
Ilov
eyoumom
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oomyson
Bothmymom'swerealr
eadycr
ying
tooandi
twasal
lj
usttooemoti
onal
MaD:
Amahle,
don'
tyouev
erdot
hat
t
ousagai
n.
MaN:Youl
ookbeauti
fulmypreci
ous
Pear
l,y
ouevenhav
elit
tl
ehairnow
Me:
ThankGod
Danny
:Buty
ouwer
ebeaut
if
ulwi
thno
hai
r
Me:
NoIwasn'
t.
Myf r
iendsallcameandeacht ook
tur
nswi thgr
eetingandhuggingme.
I
twassogoodt obeback.Ilovemy
famil
yandIcoul dseehowt hey '
ve
missedme.IsatupandDannyf ed
me.He' sbei
ngdr amati
casal ways
becauseIam mor et
hancapabl eof
f
eedi
ngmy
sel
f.
Mpho:
Dannycri
edal
mostev
eryday,
i
twashear
tbr
eaki
ngandf
unnyatthe
sameti
me
Phi
l
a:Whatwasf
unnyabouti
t?
Mpho: Dannyhardl
yevercr
ies,when
heactuall
ydid,i
twasfunny.Hisnose
tur
nedr edandguys!I
twasf unny,
nobodynoticed?
Hewaslaughi
ngandenj
oyi
ngt
hison
hi
sown.Hewasjustbei
ngsowei
rd.
Thaps:You'
dsweart
hatyou'
rehi
gh,
di
dy ouhitaf
ewjoi
ntsbef
orecoming
here?
Bel
i
nda:
Don'
tpl
ayl
i
ket
hat
,Mpho
doesn'
tknowwhatweedl
ooksl
i
ke
Thabo:
Ohhel
lno!That
'ssonott
rue
Weallar guedaboutweedand
memor iesfloodedbackandmany
st
ori
eswer etoldaboutwhatt heydi
d
whent heywer ehigh.Wewer eall
l
aughingandi tbecamesosi lent
whent heformerKi ngand
Queen(Nkosi '
sparents)andRazor,
Danny'
sdadcamei n.
TheQueenMot herwenttosi
twit
h
mymomsaf tergreet
ingmeandit
wassoawkwar dwhenNkosi'
sdad
huggedme,hescaresmesomuch
sodoesRazor.Theytot
all
yfr
eakme
out
Razor
:Ar
eyouf
eel
i
ngwel
l
?
Me:Yes.YesMrMcKenzi
eI'
mfeel
i
ng
wel
l
.
Razor
:Agai
n,pl
easecal
lmeRazor
.
Kj
:TaRazor
,awor
dout
sidepl
ease
Theywentoutf orawhi l
easweal l
satandhadadecentconv ersat
ion
withthegir
lsbuttheguy swerebusy
fooli
ngaround.Youwoul dn'
teventel
l
thatIwasatahospi t
al.Itwasa
pri
vateroom,itwasasi fIwasat
home.
Ngamso:Iwast
hinki
ngweshould
st
artupacampai
gn,abr
eastcancer
awar
enesscampai
gn.
L’
yanda:
Elabor
ate
Ngamso: Nasi couldbet hepublic
speakerast hebreastcancersur vi
vor
amongstusandwecoul dalsoinvi
te
someoft hebr eastcancersurvivors
andwecoul deducatepeopleabout
theconditi
on,helpthosewhoar e
suffer
ingfrom anyki ndofcancerand
thosewhocannotaf ford
Chemot herapy.Basicall
y,i
tistohelp
peoplewhohav ecancer.
Me:That
'sagoodideaonl
yify
ou'
re
goi
ngtoheadupthecampaign
Si
ya:
AndIcoul
dhel
p,t
her
e'snot
hing
I
'
m wor
kingonr
ightnow.
Nceba:Andaft
ert
hatcampaignpi
cks
up,wecanalsost
artoneforwoman
whoareabusedandteenager
s.
Youknowwheni ti sallunpl
anned
andunexpected,andy oudo
somethingatonce.That '
swhat
happened,weallturnedandlooked
ather
Nceba:What
?DidIsaysomet hi
ng
wrong?I
twasjustasuggest
ion..
.
Me:
Noy
oudi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ngwr
ong
MaD:
Arey
oubei
ngabused?
Thaps:
No,
guy
sli
ker
eal
l
y?
Nceba:(
laughs)Guy sno,Thaps
wouldneverdot hat.Mah,Iwasjust
suggest
ing.Iwor kalotwi
thabused
womansoIj ustthoughti
twouldalso
beagoodi dea.
Si
ya:
Woah,
Ial
mostl
ostmycool
Phi
la:
Evenify
oudi
d,y
ouwoul
dn'
t
har
m Thaps
Si
ya:
Don'
tbet
oosur
e
Athi
:Youdon'twantmetoremind
youPhil
a,shesMrsCri
cketBat
.
Everyonel
aughedandIwaslost
.Kj
call
edDannyandNkosi'
sdadoutsi
de
andtherewasanothermanwhom I
didn'
tknow
Me:
Whoi
sthat
?
Bonga:
Mydad
Me:
Ohokay,isther
eanyf
oodl
eft
?
I
'mreal
l
yhungry
Lubah:
Buty
ouj
ustat
e?
Ntoko:
Givehert
hef
ood,
thet
woof
t
hem haven'
teat
enf
oral
mostt
wo
weeks.
Isatproper
lyputti
ngt
hekidsasi
de
ast heywer
ealreadyf
astasl
eep.And
Iate.TheycamebackinandDannys
facewaspale.Hesatnexttomeand
Ilookedathim
Me:
Arey
ouokayTr
ist
on?
Danny
:Yeahsur
e.
Me:
I'
m st
il
lhungr
y
Bel
i
nda:You'
rel
uckyt
her
e'sst
il
ll
ots
off
ood.
Me:
Thesewi
ngsar
esooodel
i
cious!
Nkosi
'
sDad:
(cl
ear
sthr
oat
)McKenzi
e
DannynoddedandIcont
inued
focusi
ngonmyf ood
Danny
:MaNy
athi
,MaDl
ami
ni
Them:
Yesson
Danny:Ineedy
outocall
theuncl
es
andsetadateformetocomepay
l
obola.
Ichockedonmysal
i
va!What
?Dear
Godhewasal r
eadyonhi sknees
hol
dingabeauti
ful
ring.Ij
ustcri
ed
Danny:Pear
lNasi
phi
Amahl
eNy
athi
,
wil
lyoumarryme?
Myhandsweresodi
rtyf
il
ledwi
th
BBQsauce.Nay
epassedmeatowel
andIwi
pedmyhands.
Me:
Hel
pmeuppl
ease
JabuhelpedmeupandIstood
i
nfrontofDannywhowassti
ll
onhi
s
kness
Me:
Yes,
yesI
'
llmar
ryy
ouDanny
.
Danny
:Real
l
y?Yousai
dyes?
Inoddedandhecar
ri
edmeandwe
ki
ssed.Hewi
pedof
fmyt
ear
sandI
l
aughed
Me:
Whendi
dyout
hinkoft
his?
Danny:Idi
dt el
lyouI'
l
lmarryyou
soon,seei
ngy oulayt
heremademe
real
i
zehowwedon' thaveti
met o
waste.ThatIneverwanttolooseand
Iwanttomakey oumineoff
icial
l
y.
Me:Thankyouf
orlov
ingmeand
tr
usti
ngmeenoughtoseemewort
hy
ofbei
ngyourwi
fe.
Bel
inda:Iguessweal
sohav
ea
weddingtoplan!
!!
!
Me:Yes!Andnogoingover
board
pl
ease.Iwantsomethi
ngsi
mple.
What
'st
hebudgethoney
?
Danny:
MmmhI '
m honeynow,
ther
es
nobudgetbabe.
Me:
Okayt
hanky
ou
Theycongratul
atedusandtheot
her
s
l
eft.Iwaslef
twithKJ,Danny,
Nceba
andSbahle,t
heki dsl
eftwi
thmy
moms.
Me:
CanIgohome?
Danny
:I'
l
lgot
alkt
othedoct
ors.
Hewentoutandwewereleftwi
th
Tom andJer
ryhav
inganargument
Nceba:Youguysshoul
djustf
uck,
t
hissexualf
rust
rat
ionbet
weenyou
t
woi
sjustannoy
ing.
Aft
erNcebahadsai
dthat
,theyshut
upandlookedv
erygui
l
ty
Me:
Whydoy
oul
ooksogui
l
ty?
Nceba:
Expl
ainpl
ease
Them:
Ithappenedonce!
Sbahl
e:AndIr
egr
eti
t!
Kj
:Wel
lsodoI
!Spoi
l
tbr
at
Sbahl
e:Phar
a!
Kjstormedoutandwelaughed.
Sbahlewasn'
tlaughi
ngshewas
upset
Me:
Andwhat
supset
ti
ngy
ou?
Sbahl
e:Hesai
dher
egr
etsi
t?Li
ke
r
eall
y!I'
m SbahleZungu,
Mancwane
mina!Nooner egr
etshavi
ngsexwi
th
me
Nceba:
Buty
ousai
dyour
egr
eti
ttoo?
Sbahle:
WhowasIf ool
ing?Ijust
wantedtohur
thim.Idon'tr
egret
anyt
hingatal
l
,themanknowswhat
he'
sdoing.
Me:
Wow!I
'
m conf
used
Sbahle:
Met oo,guy
sitwasamistake.
I
tjusthappenedandwe'r
eovert
hat
Me:
Clear
lyy
oubot
har
en'
tov
eri
t
Sbahl
e:Youknow,wefoughtr
ight
aft
eri
thappened?Li
kewhatthehell
!
Mxm it
'snotgoi
ngtohappenever
agai
n
Nceba:
Mmmmh
Sbahle:
Whatt
hehel
li
sthat
supposedt
omean?
Nceba:
Not
hing.
DannyandKjcamebackandIwas
al
lowedtogohome.Theypackedf
or
measIshoweredandwhenIwas
donegett
ingr
eady
.Wewenthome
Me:Aaah,
itf
eel
ssogoodt
obe
home.
Danny
:Wel
comebackhomehoney
.
Sbahl
e:By
eguy
s,we'
l
lleav
eyouto
cat
chupandmakemorebabi
eson
t
hesewal
l
s
Danny:Hey!Whatdoyouknowabout
makingbabiesonthewal
ls?I
'
my our
fat
herremember!
Sbahl
e:Chi
l
lDaddyDanny
.
Shehuggedhi
m andt
heyal
ll
eft
.
Me: What sthestorywithyouguy s
bei
ngsopr otect
iveofherandl ike
fat
her stoher?We' r
eal mostthe
sameageandsur el
yy ouknowshe' s
havi
ngsexandshesol denought obe
married.Mphol i
teral
lyloosesitwhen
Sbahletalksnasty
Wesatont
hecouchandcuddl
ed
Danny
:Nay
efoundSbahl
e,i
twasl
i
ke
6or7y earsago.Shebumpedi nto
Nay eandspi ltcoffeeonher ,the
samecof feeSbahl ehadbeensentby
herbosst ogetandhadnomoneyt o
repl
acei tnorgobackt owor kso
Nay egav eittoherandpai dat tention
tother esembl ancebet wenSbahl e
andZandy ,Sbahlewasj ust17att hat
ti
meandshest ayedont hest reets.
Nay etookhert ooneofherf latsand
i
ntroducedhert ouswhent heyf ound
outshewasZandy '
ssi ster.Sof r
om
then,wej ustallfeltasi fshewasour
l
itt
leteenagechi l
d, weneededt o
protectherander aseherbad
chil
dhood.We' veall beenaf athert o
hereversi
nceandit'
snotcool
knowingthatshe'
sallgrownnowand
she'shavi
ngsex,wit
hKj !I
'm st
il
l
goingtobeatthati
diotup
Me:
Howdoy
ouknow?
Danny:Thehospi
tal
isn'
treal
ly
soundproof
,soweheardy ou
speaki
ng.
Shi
t!KJhear
dSbahl
eadmi
tthathe
wasgood.Wow!
Wecuddledmor
eashehadhi
s
handsar
oundmyst
omach
Me:I
t'
ssti
l
lsmallandnotshowi
ng,
ar
eyouscared?
Danny
:YesIam butwe'
l
lbef
ine,
I
knowy ou'
rehereformewhenIneed
total
kandIwi l
lsupporty
outhrough
thi
spregnancy.Iwon'
tabandony ou,
I
wil
lbeawayatt imesbutIwil
lnot
missanyappointments.
Hegotat
extf
rom Nkonzo
Danny:We'
regoi
ngtoyourhome
nextweekSat
urday
,soyou'
llhav
eto
gohomeonWednesday .
Me:
Sosoon?
Danny:Iwantthi
sdoneassoonas
possi
blebefor
eIleav
eforamissi
on
Me:
Whenar
eyoul
eav
ing?
Danny
:Next
weekSunday
Me:
Wow,
forhowl
ong?
Danny:2monthsbutI
'
llbehome
ever
yweekendandony our
appoi
ntments.
Me:
That
'sbet
ter
.
Danny
:Idi
dsayI
'
dwor
kthi
ngsout
.
Me:
Ther
ingi
sbeaut
if
ul
Danny
:Justl
i
key
ouMaNy
athi
Me:
Thanky
ouMcKenzi
e
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t43
Theweekswentbyf ast
,onthat
Saturdaywecelebratedmyr ecov er
y
andL’ y
andas34thbi rt
hday.Al
l Ican
sayisthatitwasabl ast!Pi
tythatI
couldn'tdr
inkanyalcohol.Wegott o
BizanaonWednesdayaf ter
noonand
thankGodMaCebi sil
eandZi pho
werenother e.Itwasv erypeacef ul
,
onlyGuguandPamel awer eher ewith
mom.Pamel adeci dedt ost aywi t
h
mom andst udyher e,She'snev er
beenaf anoft heci t
yl i
feandshe' s
goingt odoherl asttwohi ghschool
yearsher e.Buuont heot herhand
hadt obei nDur banandf ocusonher
Mat ri
candGugut ookhercar dand
makessur eshe' ssober .Thatchi l
d
couldev engor i
ghtanexam dr unk.
Sbahlecamewi thmeWednesday '
s
andSi yacamey esterday(Fri
day
mor ning)tosuppor tme.Nangamso
hasbeendoi ngwel lsofarwi th
star t
ingupt hecancercampai gnand
i
t'ssomet hingshe'sbecomeso
passi onateaboutandshehast ime
fori t
.Iont heot herhandhasbeen
busyr unningthehospi talandt he
mi ningcompany ,
I'
vebeenat tendi
ng
boar dmeet i
ngsandsi gningdeals.I
don' tknowhowIwoul d'vedoneall
thiswi thoutmyf i
ance, he'sbeenso
muchhel pandheal sohasbeenv ery
busyget ti
ngt hi
ngsi nor derforhis
nex tmi ssion,I'
veseensomeofhi s
agent si nthehouseashehad
meet i
ngsi nhisof f
iceandhasal so
beenoper atingthedr ugbusi ness
her e.It'
salljustbeenabusyweek
andi t'
sst il
lgoingt obebusy .I
decidedt ost ar tplanningtheweddi ng
thef ol
lowi ngweek, I'
vealr
eadyf ound
aweddi ngpl annerandIschedul ed
themeet ingf orthiscomi ngMonday .
WithBel inda'shel p, Iknowev erythi
ng
wil
l beor gani zed.Ij ustneedtot alkto
Dannyanddeci deont heweddi ng
date.Iknowi twi l
lbesoonbecause
hewant st hi
ngsdonequi ckly,my
manhasnopat ienceatal l
.
Gugu:
Makot
i!Wakeup!
Me:
Itsst
il
lj
ust8am
Gugu:Andt
hey'v
ebeenscr
eami
ng
t
heirl
ungsoutsi
nce7am.
Me:
Forawhol
ehour
!That
'st
ort
ure.
Iwentt ot
akeashowerandgot
dressedinalongnavyski
rtandwhit
e
l
ongsl eevet
'shi
rtandanavydoek.
Gugu:
I'
ll
gogety
ousomebr
eakf
ast
Me:
Okay
Ilookedoutthewindowandt here
wasRazor ,
Nkosi'
sdad,Bonga'sdad
andanotherwhitemanIdidn'tknow.
Gugucamewi t
hmybr eakfast
foll
owedbySbahleandSi y
a.
Gugu:Whoi
sthehandsomeguy
t
here?
Si
ya:
Kev
in,
Danny
'scousi
n.
Theyf i
nall
yl etthem inandtheywer e
sayi
ngNy athiclannamesand
prai
ses" BoNy athikabudede
unokhonzi ingongy ama,
unogixibengounoxhel ainkomoi ngafi
.
OoohNy athikazi,
dandasikiza"they
prai
sedandmyuncl e'
sseemedt obe
i
mpr essed.I twaseasyf orust osee
fr
om t hewi ndowbutnotunt i
lthey
wentinside
Sbahl
e:Bor
ing,
wecan'
tseeany
mor
e.
Me:
Wher
e'sDanny
?
Sbahl
e:I
nthecarwit
hKJ,
hesai
dI
shoul
dgivey
outhis.
I
twaswr
appesandIwassoexci
ted.
Iopenedi t.I
twasChocol at
e,Fruit
andNutf lavourandMi ntTopper
cream bi scuits.Theseweresohar d
tof i
ndwhenIl i
teral
l
ywantedthem!
Heboughtt hem!Ismi l
edli
keal ove
struckt eenagerandmunchedonmy
goodi es.
Si
y a:Ther
e'sanote,
itsays,
"I
stockeduponthebiscuit
s,theywi
l
l
notbehardt of
indagain"
Me:Aaahhe'
ssosweet.Ihopemy
cr
avi
ngsdon'
tchangeanyti
mesoon.
Gugu:Youwi
llbehuge,you'
realr
eady
put
ti
ngonsomewei ghtandy ou'
re
j
ustonlyamonthpregnant
Pam:She'ssexyt
hough,
Dannywi
l
l
beexci
ted.
MaZet hucamei nandshoutedatme
fornotbeingready.Iqui
ckl
ygot
dressedandwewer ecover
edand
wentt othetheloungewherethe
negotiat
ionstookplace.
Uncl
e:Sowhi
choneofourr
osesdi
d
yousee?
Kev
in:
Theonewi
tht
hebl
ackdoek
Andyes,t
hatwasme!Icannot
bel
i
evethatthi
sisreal
lyhappeni
ng.
Bytheendofthesenegoti
ati
onsI'
ll
beDanny'
swi f
etradi
ti
onal
ly.
Uncl
e:Nasi
phi
,doy
ouknowt
hese
peopl
e?
Me:
Yesuncl
e
Uncl
e:Youmaygobackmychi
l
dren
Westoodupandwentt
oourroom.
Af
tersometi
meweheardali
ttl
e
ar
gument.
Sbahl
e:I
'
llgof
indoutwhat
'sgoi
ngon
Me:
Pleasedo
SheleftandIwaswor ri
ed.It
ookmy
phonet r
yingtocal
ldannybutitdi
dn'
t
gothrough.Hebasical
lyrej
ect
edmy
cal
l!Sbahlecamebackandwewer e
al
lonourf eet
.
Sbahl
e:Thegr
eedyuncl
esar
e
demandingt
hathepayslobol
afor
Ziy
andaashewasmar ri
edtoher
wit
houtpayi
nglobol
a
Siya:
Wethoughtshehadnof
ami
l
yat
thatt
ime
Gugu:That
'ssostupi
d,theyj
ustwant
money.They'
veseenthathehaslot
s
ofi
t.
Me:
OhGod.
Sbahl
e:Youwon'tbeablet
omar
ry
hi
m unlesshedoesthat
Myphoner
angandi
twasDanny
Me:
McKenzi
e
Danny
:Sor
ryIdi
dn'
ttakey
ourcal
l
,I
wasst
il
ltal
ki
ngt
oKev
in
Me:
Youdon'
thav
etodoi
t
Danny
: Icannotmar
ryy
oui
fIdon'
tdo
i
tNasiphi.
Me:WhatImeanisthat,
youcantake
thel
obol
amoneythatwasmeantf or
meandpayZee'
s.Wecandot his
agai
nafewmonthslaterandyou'
l
l
comelobol
amethen.
Danny:
(si
ghs)Babe, I
'
m notleavi
ng
her
eunt i
lyou'r
emywi fet
radit
ional
ly
.
KJandIar egoingtogett
hemoney
andI'
l
lpayf orthebot
hofy outhatsi
t
Me:Butbabe,
Idon'twantthi
sto
st
rai
nyourfi
nances,pl
usifwewait
thenextf
ewmonthsyou'
l
lbeabl
eto
comeupwi t
hthemoney
Danny
:Doy
ouwantt
obemywi
fe?
Me:
Yes
Danny:HowmuchdoIhav
einmy
bankaccount
s?
Me:
Bil
l
ions
Danny :
Nowwhywoul dIwai tmonths
tomakey oumywi f
e, whenIhav ethe
money ?Iknowwhaty ou'r
e
suggestingisfr
om thegoodnessof
yourhear t
.Andputti
ngot hersbefore
yoursel
f,butbaby,you'remyf i
rst
pri
orit
yandt hi
sisme, put
ti
ngy ou
fi
rst
.Nowst opstr
essing,it
'snot
goodf
ormybaby
.
Me:
FineTr
ist
ongoahead
Danny
:Thanky
ou
Heendedt
hecal
landIt
hrewmy
sel
f
ont
hebed.
Gugu:
Andt
hen?
Me:
He'
sgoi
ngt
odoi
t
Sbahle:
Ihearhealr
eadypai
dfor
makingyoupregnant
Me:Danny!Idi
dn'twantt
hatt
obe
menti
onedther
eandIhadal r
eady
t
oldmybrothersnotmenti
onitand
makehim payforit
.
Si
ya:
Thi
sisDanny
,hewi
l
ldor
ightby
y
ou.
Me:Thisi
sfr
ust
rat
ing,
it'
smaki
ngme
hungr
y
Pam: I
'
llgogety
ousomet
hingt
o
snackon.
Af
terawhi
l
eshecameback
Me:
Whatt
ooky
ousol
ong?
Pam:Sor
ry,
butyourdr
unkaunt
ykept
mether
e.She'
scomingher
enow
Me:
What
'shername?
Pam:
Mbewu
Hernamei sweir
dbutshewas
beauti
ful
.IguessNyathi
peopl
eare
al
ljustver
ybeauti
ful
.Shehadbrown
eyeswhichspar
kled.Iseewhat
Dannysawinmyey esnow.
Aunt M: Hehehe!!Whatdi dy ouget
thisml unguofy ours!Hookmeup!
Whol obolaswithami l
li
on!Heheay
mychi l
d,youarewel l
takencar eoff!
Tot hinkthatisnott heonlymoneyhe
paid!Itmeanst here'smor edeep
down!Iseewhyy our anaf t
ery our
l
at esistersman, heisloaded.You
didn'twantt hemoneyt ogot o
anot herfamily,
youar esmar tmy
child.TheMut iyouusedr eallyworks!
Whenshetur
nedwant
ingtogetout,
shewasmetbyahotslapfr
om
MaZet
hu.Iwasj
ustal
readycry
ing.
MaZ:Yeywenadoti!
(Yourubbi
sh)
Wheredoy ougett
heaudaci
tyto
speaksuchtomychil
d?Iwil
lbeat
youupMbewu!Don'ttestme
AuntMbewuranoutandMaZet
hu
cametochecki
fIwasokay
.
Gugu:
Youspi
tt
ingf
lamesmama
MaZ: Thesepeopl eareupsetti
ngme.
Youruncl es!Mxm suchan
embar rassmentandtheyar eso
greedy.Theywi l
lnotgetacentof
thatmoneybecauset heywill
drinki
t
away !Thatmoneywi llbeusedtopay
foryourweddi ng
Si
ya:
Idon'
tseeDannyagr
eei
ngt
o
t
hat
Me:MetoobutI
'
llt
ryt
alki
ngt
ohi
m.
Hehast
oagree
MaZ:Comehel
pmedi shupf or
ev
ery
oneandtel
lyourhusbandto
comei
n.
ItextedDannyandwewentt othe
kit
chen.Mymot herswentalloutand
cookedr eal
l
ygoodf ood.Ihadto
serveDannyandgi vehi m watert
o
washhi shands.Hesmi l
edandI
l
ookeddown.Gav ehi m hi
sfoodand
l
ef t
.Wesatatt hekitchenandat e
whileli
steni
ngtoAuntMbewut el
lus
thev i
ll
agegossip.She'stobeauti
ful
tobet hi
sdrunkar
dshei s,Iwonder
whathappenedt oher.Theremustbe
astorybehi
ndal l
ofthis.Themen
steppedoutandchil
ledout sidewhi
l
e
havingbeer
sandDannycal ledme
Me:
"McKenzi
e"
Danny
:"Comeher
e"
Me:
"Okay
"
Iwentouttohim andhewasont he
othersi
deofthey ardwi
thKJand
Kevinandt
heywer eal
sohav
ingbeer.
Danny
:Mybeaut
if
ulwi
fe,
arey
ou
madatme?
Me:
No
Danny:That'
sgood,t
hat
'smycousi
n,
Kevi
n.Kevin,t
hisi
stheQueenofmy
hear
t,Nasiphi
.
Kevi
n:Pl
easur
etofi
nal
l
ymeety ou,
he'
stol
dmealotli
keal
otaboutyou.
Me:Pl
easur
etomeety
out
oo,
Ihope
i
t'
sall
goodthi
ngs.
Kj:Bossl
ady,
Iwantt
orepor
twhat
yourmandidtome
Me:
Whatdi
dyoudoDanny
!?
Kj:Heki
ckedmyass, heeven
punchedme, canyoubel
ieveit
?No
wondertheseladi
eshaven'
tthrew
themsel
vesatme, herui
nedmy
handsomef ace.
Me:
Dannyt
hati
ssowr
ong
Danny:What
'swrongi
shim hav
ing
casual
sexwithmydaught
er
Kj:Iwasj
ustshowi
ngheragood
ti
me
Kevi
n:Whatshe'
sbeenmi
ssi
ngout
on!
Theyl
aughedandshookhands.Oh
Godmen,Iwonderi
fthi
sishowt hey
di
scussusandwhatwedoi nbed
Kj
:Shewasscr eamingoutmyname.
..
Kai
tso!Kai
tso!Kai
tso!
Sbahl
e:Won'
tyout
ellt
hem howy
ou
j
ustcameaft
er3st
rokes?
Danny
&Kev
in:
What
!!
!!
Sbahl
e:Weakhuh?
Me:
Andwhendi
dyougether
e?
Sbahl
e:Mom i
scal
l
ingy
ou
DannyandKev i
ncoul
dn'
tst
op
l
aughingatKjevent
houghhet
old
them i
t'
snott
rue.
Me:
Itsnott
ruer
ight
?
Sbahl
e:I
tsnot
,Ij
ustwant
edt
ohurt
hi
m.Hedidhavemescreami
nghi
s
name.
Ilaughedatherandwentt
omom in
thekitchen.Shel
edmeint
oherr
oom
MaN:
Arey
ouhappymychi
l
d?
Me:Yesmom,I'
venev
erbeent
his
happyi
nmyli
fe
MaN: That '
sgoodbaby ,allIwantis
foryout obehappy .I'
veseenhow
Dannyhasal otofmoney ,don'
tlet
thatchangey ou.Don'tlosel ovefor
him andgai nlovef orhismoney .I
don'twantmkhweny anacomi nghere
andcompl aini
ngt hatthef ancy
l
ifesty
lehasgot tenintoy ourhead.
Hisat ruemant hatneedsagood
wife.Don'tlosey ourindependence
andst andy ourgr oundmychi l
d.
Achieveall yourgoalsandhewi l
lbe
theretoassi styouandy ouwi l
lbe
theretoassi sthimt oo.
Me:
Yesmom
MaN: Hetoldme,he'
sleavi
ngon
Monday.Gohomewi t
hhimt oday
, so
hecanbewi thyouandthekidsall
daytomorrow.He'
sagoodman, take
car
eofhim.
Me:YesIwi
l
lmom.Letmegogetmy
bag
MaN:Ial
readytol
dMbul
elot
oput
t
hem i
nDanny '
scar.
Wewentt osaygoodbyetothe
ot
hersanxandSiyawillbet
ravell
i
ng
wit
hKevinandSbahle.Kjwi
llbe
dr
ivi
ngalonenowbecauseoft hat
l
it
tl
edrama
Nkonzo:
I'
llseeyouatyourof
fi
ceon
Monday,I
'l
lbri
nglunch
Me:
Okaybr
o.By
e!Lov
eyou
Mbul
elo:
Lov
eyoumor
etwi
n
Nkonzo:
Lov
eyout
ooki
ddo
Honest
ly!Ihavethebestbr
other
sin
t
heworld.DannydroveoffandIwas
i
mmediat el
yfeel
i
ngsleepy
Danny
:Don'
tyoudar
esl
eep
Me:
Yourchi
l
dwant
stosl
eep
Danny:
Fine!I
'
m goingtobebor
edal
l
thewaytoDurban,
great.
Me: Don'tsul
k,y
ouwon'
tbebor
edat
al
ltonight.
Danny
:Ohwow,
I'
ll
stopsul
ki
ngbabe.
Me:Andhowabout
,Ishowyouapar
t
ofwhatwi
ll
behappeni
ngtoni
ght
Ipul
l
eddownhi szi
pandunbuckl
ed
hi
sbelt.TookoutMcKenzi
eandhe
wasstaringr
ightatme
Danny
:Shi
t!BabeI
'
m dr
ivi
ng
Isuckedtheti
pandt ookhim all
i
nsidemymout h.Thegroans!From
Dannymademesodamnhor ny.I
suckedharderandharder.After
somet i
mehecameal lovermy
mouthandIswal lowed.
Danny
:Fuck!Thatwasamazi
ng.
Me:
Youev
enpul
l
edov
er.
Danny:Ididn'
twanttocausean
acci
dent.Ihavepreci
ouspearl
sint
he
car.
Me:
Yesy
oudo
Isatpr
oper
lyandsl
ept.Hewokeme
upandcarr
iedmetothehouse.
Danny
:Doy
ouwantsomet
hingt
oeat
?
Me:Yesplease,
somet
hing
chocol
atey
Danny:Wedon'thavecakeher
eand
you'
renothavi
ngthosetopper
s
anymore.You'
l
lgetsick.
Me:
ButDanny
Danny
:I'
l
lmakey
ouf
rui
tsal
ad,
wit
h
y
oghur
t.
Me:
Okayt
hanky
ou
Hemadeusf r
uit
sal
adandweate.
Wespentt
herestoftheaf
ter
noon
t
oget
hercuddl
ingandwatchi
nga
movi
e
Danny
:Mr
sMcKenzi
e
Me:
MrMcKenzi
e
Danny :
Ilov
ey ou,Iknowyoudon't
ful
lyagreewit
hwhatIdi dtodaybuti
t
i
sal l
becauseIlovey ouandwantto
spendt her
estofmyl if
ewithyou.
Nothingwil
lstandinourway .
Me:It
sokay,
Iunder
stand.Ijustdi
dn'
t
wantyout
ospendrecklessl
y
Danny:WhenI'm spendi
ngonyou
andthekids,
I'
m notspendi
ng
reckl
essl
y.
Me:OkayI
'm sor
ry.Whatt
imewi
l
l
youl
eaveonMonday ?
Danny
:Iwon'
tbehomewheny
ou
wakeup.
Me:
Danny
Danny
:Babe,
wewon'
tar
gueabout
thi
s
Me:Canyouatleastwakemeup
whenyouleav
e?
Danny
:Iwi
l
ldoso.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Danny:Ther
e'sanot
herwayyoucan
thankme,howaboutgivi
ngmea
l
itt
leshow?
Me:
MmmhIl
ovet
hesoundoft
hat
.
Hecarr
iedmeandwewentt oour
room.I
'
llsav
ethedet
ail
sforanot
her
day
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t44
Wespentt heSundayt oget herasa
familyandi twaswonder ful.Itwas
verysadwhenDannyl efttoday ,he
l
eftaround1am .I twasr eallysadbut
Ihadt olethim go.Iwokeupand
foundbeaut if
ulrosesonmybed.I
smiledtomy sel
fandwentt ogobat h.
Itookal ongbubbl ebathandgot
readyforwor k.Iwoket heki dsup
andpr eparedthem forschool
Oni
ka:
Wil
lyoupi
ckusup?
Me:
Nobaby
,thedr
iverwi
l
lpi
cky
ou
up.Ihav
etoworksoIcanl
eav
ewor
k
earl
yandcomehome
Danv
er:
Okaymom.
Me:
Doy
ouwantbur
ger
sforsupper
?
Them:
Yes!
!!
Me:
Okaywe'
l
lhav
ebur
ger
s.
Igottot heirschoolandwal kedt hem
totheirclasses.It'
ssobor i
ngnott o
haveKJar ound.NowI '
m being
foll
owedbymysecur i
tydetaill
i
keI '
m
acelebrity.Idrovetowor kand
start
edwor ki
ng.Julia,myPAbr ought
mest rongcof feewhi chI'
m not
supposedt obehav ing.Iwasso
temptedbutIst oppedmy self.I
start
edwor kingandhadameet i
ng
withtheCFOoft hehospital
.Our
number swer elookinggoodandI
washappywi tht hewor kDrGumede
didwhi l
eIwasaway .I'
m notfull
y
recoveredyetasIst i
llhavealotof
sti
tchesonmyl ef tbreast
.Wel lwhat
usedt obeabr eastnowi t'
sjust
sti
tches.Mybabywi l
l onl
yfeedon
onebr east
.May beIwon' teven
breastfeed.Igotl ostinmyt houghts
whilebrushingmyst omach
Jul
i
a:Expect
ing?
Me:
Yes
Jul
i
a:Congr
atul
ati
onsDrNy
athi
.
Me:Thankyou,
sohowmany
sur
geri
esdowehavetoday
?
Juli
a:You'r
enotal
l
owedtogoint
o
thetheat
eranymoreDrNy
athi
,
weren'ty
ouaware?
Me:
No,
why
?Howam Inotal
l
owed?
Juli
a:Youwon' tbewor ki
ngonany
surgeries.Allthepat
ientsyouhav
e
arejustf otcheckups.Wewasgi ven
str
ictinstructi
onsbyMrMcKenzi e
andDrBut helezi
.
Me:Mxm don'
ttakeanycal
l
sfr
om Mr
McKenzi
e,MrJwaraandDrBut
hel
ezi
.
Jul
i
a:YesDr
Iwasannoy
edbutIcoul
dn'
ttakei
tal
l
outonJul i
a.Shewasj ustdoi ngher
j
ob.Idecidedt oj
ustwor kont he
document sofNyathi Mi nning.The
daycontinuedandIonl yhadt wo
pati
entsforcheckups.They '
vemade
myl i
fesobor i
ng.Igotacal lfrom
DannyandIi gnoredit.Hecal l
ed
about5timesandIi gnor edi t
.Igota
callf
rom KJ,whatmakest hem t hi
nk
I'
ll
tal
ktot hem af
tert heyhav et aken
suchadr asti
cdecisionwi thout
consult
ingmef ir
st.Nzuzocamei n
fol
lowedbyMbul elocar ryinglunch.
Me:
Mmmh!Smel
l
sgood
Mbul
elo:
Itsseaf
ood,
hopey
oul
i
kei
t
Me:Idoandthanky
ou.Sohowar
e
youdearbr
other
s
Nz
uzo:
We'
regoodandy
our
sel
f?
Me:
Get
ti
ngbet
terandbet
ter
Mbulel
o:Whyaren'tyouanswer
ing
Danny'
scal
ls?He'sloosi
nghismind
Me:I
'm madathi
m andi
fyou'
resent
byhi
m, y
ou'
ll
leav
e
Nzuzo:Butwhathedi
disgood,
you
can'
tbeworkingtoomuch
Mbul
elo:
Youshoul
dn'
tbewor
kingat
al
l
Me:
You'
l
lleav
eMbul
elo
Mbul
elo:
Okaysor
ry
Me:
How'
sthebusi
nesses?
Nzuzo:Goi
ngr eal
l
ywel
lasdad
would'
vewished.
Me:
Hemustbepr
oud
Mbulel
o:Sureheis,wefoundy ouand
he'
shappy.Heusedt otal
kabouty ou,
ZeeandSnehattimes,wellhenev er
tal
kedtoourmom' saboutyou.But
whenwet oget
herheusedt otalk
aboutyou
Me:Youguysseem asi
fyouwer
e
ver
ycloset
oMuzi
Nkonzo:
Youcal
lhi
m byhi
sname?
Me:Ij
ustdon'
tgett
hehangofcal
l
ing
hi
m dad.MaybeonedayIwi
l
l
Mbulel
o:Weunder st
and,wemi ght
notknowtheentir
estorybutthenI
knowy ouhav
ev al
idreasonsand
wouldneverj
ustdisr
especthi
m.
Me:
True.
Nkonzo:Sowhodoy
ouknowasy
our
f
ather?
Me:Noone,t
hemanwhom It hought
wasafat
hertometurnedoutnotto
beonesoIdon'
thav
eaf at
her.It
's
Hect
orDl
amini
Mbul
elo:
Dad'
sfr
iend?
Me:
Yesy
ouknowhi
m?
Nzuzo:Yeswedo,heusedtocome
vi
sitmydadal
ltheti
me.Justl
ast
yearhestart
edusingawheel chai
r,he
wasbadl yt
ortur
edbyt hugsandthey
l
efthim att
hegat eofhishouse.
Thathi
thomebecauseIknewt
hat
those"
thugs"wer
eus.
Me:Soallt
histi
meHect
orhasbeen
i
ncontactwit
hMuzi
?
Mbul
elo:
Yes
Me:OhIdi
dn'
tknowt
heykneweach
ot
her
Whydi dHectorl
i
e?Hesai dhe'
s
neverseenMuziformanyy ear
s.
Somet hi
ngwasn'taddi
ngup.We
fi
nishedourl
unchandt heywere
abouttoleav
e
Mbulel
o:Byesi
s,makesur
eyou
cont
actDanny.
Nkonzo:I'
l
ltel
lhi
myou'r
esti
ll
alive
andlovehimverymuch.Andthatwe
fedhisbaby
Me:
(l
aughs)By
eguy
s.
TheyleftandIthoughtaboutwhy
wouldhel i
eaboutthis.Itext
edKamo
tel
l
inghert ocomeov erlater
.I
conti
nuedwor ki
ngandwenti nt
o
surger
y.
Jul
i
a:DrNyat
hiy
oushoul
dn'
tbe
doi
ngthat
Me:Jul
ia,youworkf
ormenotMr
McKenzienorDrBut
hel
ezi
.Getmy
t
eam r
eady
.
Jul
i
a:DrBut
hel
ezi
!!Pl
easehel
p,she'
s
goi
ngtoper
for
m asurger
y
Athi:I
'
llt
akecareofthisJul
ia.
Nasiphi,
wenzanikahle
kahle?(
Nasi
phi,whatexactl
yarey
ou
doing?)
Me:
Myj
ob
At
hi:
Myof
fi
cepl
ease
Isi
ghedandf oll
owedhim.Hewason
avideocal l
withDannywhowas
angry,Icouldjusttel
lbyhi
sfaci
al
expressionbutI'm angr
ytoo
Danny:
Nasi
phi
,whyar
eyoudoi
ng
thi
s?
Me: Whyarey oudoi ngthi
sDanny ?
Thisismyj ob!Youhav enor i
ghtto
gi
vesuchi nstruct
ionswi t
houteven
consult
ingme.
Danny:I
'
m doingt hisforyourheal
th,
youneedtobef ull
yr estedNasi
phi
andyou'
repregnantnow, youcan'
tbe
runni
ngaroundgoi ngt oemergency
roomsandy ou'
l
l sli
pandf al
l
.
Me:
Iwi
l
lbecar
eful
Danny:No,youcannotbesureoft
hat.
Nasi
phi,Iwantt
owor kherewit
hout
youdri
vingmeinsane!Justl
ist
enfor
onceandstopbeingstubbor
n!!
Me:
Don'
tshoutatme!AndIal
so
wantt
owor
k!St
opt
ryi
ngt
ocont
rol
me!
At
hi:
I'
ll
leav
eyout
wot
odi
scusst
his
Danny:Nasi
,am Icont
rol
li
ngyouby
wanti
ngwhatsbestforyou?
Ikeptqui
etanddidn'
thav
eananswer
.
AllIdi
dwasjustcry
Danny :IfyouthinkI'm control
li
ng,I
'm
sorry.Butthatismychi l
dy ou'
re
carry
ing, y
ou'remywi fewhoj ustgot
outoft hecomaandwhoi sstil
l
recoveringfrom theoper at
ionandI
wantwhat sbestf oryou.Ineedt o
focusNasi phi,Icannotdot hatwhenI
knowy ou'
renotsaf eandwhenI
knowy ou'
redef
yingmyr ul
es.I
cannotmessupanymi ssion,I
'mt he
bossandi fI
'
m notconcentr
atedit
affect
sallmyagentsandthemi ssion.
Please,l
etmedot hi
swithouthaving
towor r
yaboutyou
Me:
Okay
,I'
m sor
ry
Danny:WhenIcal
l,y
ouanswer.I
cannott
akeitwhenyoui
gnoreme.
Underst
ood?
Me:
Yes
Danny
:Nowst
opcr
yingandgohome
Me:
Danny
Danny
:Don'
tar
gue,
gohome.
Me:
Fine.
Danny
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Glady
oudo
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooDanny
Danny
:Good,
bye.
Heendedthevideocall
andIdr
agged
myfeett
otheof f
iceandoneoft
he
body
guardstookmybags
Hi
m:Ri
ghtbehi
ndy
ouMam
Iwal
kedtotheparki
ngl
otandgot
i
ntomycar.Hedroveof
fbuthe
wasn'
tdr
ivi
ngtomyhouse
Me:
Excuseme,
wher
ear
eyout
aki
ng
me?
Him:
MrMcKenziesai
dIshoul
dtake
yout
otheSpa,MsKamogel
angand
MsZandi
lewil
lbet
heret
oo
Me:
OkayThanks
Hi
m:Justdoi
ngmyj
obMam
Wegott
otheSpaandt
heywer
e
t
her
e.
Zandy
:Heygi
rl
!!
Me:
Heyguy
s,howar
eyou?
Kamo:Exhausted,
ful
lbodymassage
i
swhatIr eal
lyr
eal
lyneedri
ghtnow.
Andyourself
?
Me:
I'
m okay
.
Zandy
:You'
vebeencr
ying?
Me:
Dannywasupset
ti
ngme
Kamo:
Andt
hehor
monesar
eki
cki
ng
i
n
Me:
Youcansayso.
Wechangedandgotourmassage
whil
esippi
ngonal
coholf
ree
cockt
ail
s.
Kamo:Sowastheresomethi
ng
speci
fi
cyouwantedtot
alkabout
?
Me: Yes,Iwaswi t
hmybr ot
her
s
earl
ieronandt heysaidsomething
whichdidn'taddupwi thwhatwe
know.Theysai dMuzi andHector
havebeeni ncontactallal
ong.
Apparent
lyaf
tert
hatt
ort
ure,he
endedupbeingonawheelchai
r.
Zandy
:Serveshi
mri
ght
..
..Butwhy
di
dhelie?
Me: That'
swhatconf usedmeand
beforeMuzi diedhecalledHectora
bastard?It
sal lnotaddi
ngup, maki
ng
mer eali
zethatMuzi onlyfoundout
thatMom isal i
v ewhenwet oldhi
m
andhedi edrightinfr
ontofus,how
didheputheront hewill
?
Zandy:
May behesai
dshewi
l
lget
thoset
hingsi
fshe'
sali
ve
Me:Orheknewal
lal
ongt
hatshe'
s
al
i
ve.
Kamo: Thatsalsopossi
ble.Theres
moret othi
st hanwhatweget t
ing.
Youcanst artspendi
ngalotoftime
wit
hy ourbrothersandgetti
ngmor e
i
nformationaboutMuzi,itcoul
dhelp
Me:ButIdi
dn'
treal
l
yseem as
someonewhoiseagert
oknowabout
hi
m
Zandy :Youcansayy ouchangedy our
mi ndandwantt oknowasi dey ou
didn'tknowabouty ourfathersoy ou
canbeabl etoforgi
v eandf orget.
Justsaysomet hingr easonableand
wemi ghtgetafewl eads.
Me:
OrIcanj
ustgot
ohi
shouseand
j
ustsnoopar
ound
Kamo:
Buty
ouhav
etobecar
eful
Me: Iwil
l,I
'l
lgopickupthekidsnow
andgowi t
hthem sotheycandistr
act
MaZet hu.MaCebisil
eisn'
tst
aying
thereanymor esoshewon'tbeany
troubl
e
Zandy
:AndGugu?
Me:
Atwor
k,soar
ethebr
other
s.
Kamo:
Okaygot
ry.
Wefi
nishedupandIpi
ckedupt
he
ki
ds.
Me:We'regoi
ngtogranni
esf
orabi
t.
Ther
e'ssomethi
ngIneed
Oni
ka:
Okaymom
Danv
er:
Wil
lwest
il
lgett
hebur
ger
s?
Me:
Yesy
ouwi
l
l.
WegothomeandMaZethuwas
homeal
oneandexci
tedt
oseethe
ki
ds.
Me:Hell
oMa, I'
m notgoi
ngtost
ay
l
ong.Justpassi
ngbybecauseIneed
afewdocument s
MaZethu:Whatdocument
s?Fr
om
yourf
ather
soffi
ce?
Me:YesMa,theyneededatthe
company
.I'
l
lhavetolookforthem
MaZet
hu:
Yourf
atherwasv
ery
or
gani
sedy
ou'
l
lfi
ndt
hem qui
ckl
y
Me:
Hiskey
s?
MaZet
hu:
Topdr
aweront
hatshel
f
Me:
Thanks
Thatwaseasi erthanIt hought,Itook
thekey sandwentt otheof fi
ce.It
waswel lorganized.Ilookedand
founddocument swhi chhadr ecor ds
betweenhi m andHect or.Thefil
ewas
bigandwhatgotmyat tenti
onwer e
thepi ct
uresofZi yanda, Sneh,Mom
andI .He'sbeenkeepi ngt absonus
allourli
ves.Ther ewassomet hing
elsethatr eal
lygrabbedmyat tenti
on.
Whyi sev eryonehi dingt hi
ngsf r
om
me?Thisi
sdeepert
hanIt
houghti
tis.
It
ookthef
il
eandlef
t.
Me:
Goti
tMa,
thanks.Let
sgoki
ds!
Wesai dourgoodby esandIdr oveto
steersandgotbur ger s.Wewent
homeandIspentt heaf ternoonwith
thekids.Wedi dt heirhomewor k
whileIwasr eadingt hingsont hi
sf i
le.
Nothingi smakingsenset ome.I'mi n
thedar kbutI'
l
l cont i
nuer eadi
ngt i
l
lI
fi
ndoutwhyent i
rel i
fehasbeenal i
e.
I'
m surroundedbypeopl ewhokeep
secrets,eventhef riendsIt houghtI
couldtrust.Event hemanIsl eepnext
toever yni
ght.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t45
Iwasupset,IwasveryupsetbutI
wasconfusedtoo.Ineededanswers
andIneededthem quickl
y.Ispent
thewholeni
ghtgoingthroughthe
documentsanditmadememor e
vi
gil
antandmor econfused.I
pr
eparedthekidsforschooland
madethem breakf
ast.
Me:
Doy
ouhav
espor
tst
oday
?
Oni
ka:
No,
Ihav
edancecl
asses
Danv
er:
Ihav
espor
ts,
hockey
.
Me:Sothedriv
erwi l
lhavetofetch
youi
ndiffer
entti
mes, Icannotcome
f
etchyou.Ihavealottodo.
Oni
ka:
Okay,
canwehav
espaghet
ti
andmeat
bal
ls?
Me:Yeswe'l
lhavethatf
orsupper
.
We'
l
l sl
eeptoget
hertoni
ghttomake
upf
ornotfetchi
ngyou
Danv
er:
Yey
!I'
m exci
ted.
Idroppedt
hem of
fatschooland
wentbackhome.Igotavideocal
l
fr
om Danny
Me:
Babe
Danny
:Youhav
en'
tbat
hed?
Me:
Howdoy
ouknow?
Danny
:Ijustknow,
sowhatar
eyou
doi
ngtoday?
Me:Not
hing,
I'
m notgoi
ngt
owor
k
t
hough
Danny
:Why
?
Me:
Justf
eel
i
ngt
ir
ed.
Danny
:Youshoul
drest
.Got
akea
bat
h,Iwantt
osee
Me:
Okay
WespokeasIpr
epar
edt
hebat
hand
goti
n.
Danny
:Youl
ooksosexy
.
Me:
Thanky
ouMrMcKenzi
e
Danny:Imi
sst
ouchi
ngy
ourbeaut
if
ul
sexybody
Me:Youbet
teracet
hatmissi
onand
commebackhome.We'l
lbewait
ing
fory
ou
Danny:
I'
ll
comehomesoon.Your
st
it
chesareheal
i
ng
Me:
Yest
heyar
e,DannyIwas
act
ual
lythi
nki
ngofhav
ingabr
east
i
mplant.
Danny
:Why
?
Me:
BecauseIdon'
thav
eal
eftboob
Danny
:Buty
ouhav
ether
ightbr
east
.
Me:
Howwi
l
lIbr
eastf
eed?
Danny
: We'
llseewhatthedoct
orsay
s,
whenisyournextappoint
ment
?
Me:
NextweekSat
urdayat12
Danny
:I'
l
lcomehomeFr
idayand
l
eaveMonday
Me:
Okaybabe.
WespokeasIf
ini
shedupbat
hing
andl
oti
oned
Danny
:Wearyourwhi
tedr
ess,
it
l
ooksgoodonyou
Me:Tri
stonIhav
emanywhi
te
dr
esses
Danny:Theshor
tonewi
thof
f
shoul
ders
Me:
Ohokay
Iworeitandhewashappy .Wespoke
moreandendedt hecallwhenhehad
togoat t
endameet ingwithhis
agents.It
extedthegirl
sinthegroup
tel
li
ngthem toallcomet oHQwi t
h
thei
rhusbands.Theyallwondered
whybutIdidn'twanttoment i
oniton
thephone.Itreal
l
yupsetmesomuch
thattheydidn'ttell
met his.Ormaybe
I'
mr eadingtoomuchi ntoitandthey
didn'
tknowabouti t.Il
eftthehouse
anddr ovetoNandos, boughtmyself
somef oodandwentt oPanarott
ies
andgotmy selfsomepi zzaandaf ew
snacks.Iwasdr iv
enof ft
oHQand
thedriverdroppedmeof f.
Thabo:
Iseey
ouwantt
owearsi
ze
XXLbyMay
Me:Mxm whatever
,Mayisin
2months.I
'
llj
ustbe4months
pr
egnant
Thabo:
You'
l
lbefatj
ustl
i
keKamo
whenshewaspr
egnantwit
h
Thembel
i
hle.
Me:Shewouldki
ll
youi
fshehear
d
youcal
lherf
at.
Thabo:That'
swhyIsaidi
twhenshe'
s
notaround.Let
'sgoi
n.
Wewenti nsi
deandever
yonewas
thereal
ready
.If
eltmy
selfget
disgust
ed.
Me: Solet'
sgetst
rai
ghttothepoint
here.Iam angr
yanddissapoi
nted,
whoar eyouandwhatdoy oudo
besidesthefor
ce
Mpho:
Wer
uny
ourdr
ugbusi
ness
Me:
Besi
dest
hat
.
Mpho:Wehavebusi
nessesthatwe
r
un,getst
rai
ghtt
othepointNasi
phi
Me:
Wher
eist
hechi
p?
Theygaspedandt heyweresuprised
thatIknewaboutit.I
mmedi at
ely
NgamsoandBel i
ndatookouttheir
gunsandt heothergi
rl
sfoll
owedbut
Iwasqui cktot
akeoutmi netoo,well
i
t'sDanny '
s.
Thapel
o:St
opbei
ngdr
amat
ic,
putt
he
gunsdown.
Nkosi
:Lett
hem ki
l
leachot
heri
fthey
wantt
o!Shoot
!
Bonga:
It'
sunnecessar
y,j
ustst
op.
Phi
l
a:Lett
hem doi
t
Mpho:I
tshowshowmuchyoudon'
t
l
ist
en!Whatt
hefuckar
eyoudoi
ng
wit
hguns!
Zandy
:Forsuchday
s
Nkosi
:Ar
eyounotpr
egnantNasi
phi
?
Me:
Iam
TheyweresoangrybutIwasangr
y
tooandIneededanswers
Bonga:
Putt
hegunsdown
Theyal
ldi
dbutIdidn'
t.Theyl
ooked
atmeli
ketheyar
egoingt oki
l
lme
Jabu:
You'
reonest
ubbor
nlady
.
Me:Iwi
ll
,butfornowIdon'ttrustany
oneher
e.IthoughtIcoul
dtrustyou
al
lbutthere'
sahighpossi
bil
i
tythat
myli
feisindangerbecauseyouall
di
dn'
ttellmet het
rut
h!
Nkosi
:We'l
lfacey
our
saf
ter
,si
tyour
damnassesdown
Nayewast
hef
ir
stt
osi
tdownandwe
di
dn'
t
Naye:Isuggestwesi
tdowngi
rl
s,
pl
ease.
Shelookedscar ed,
Iguessshe
knowswhatgoesdownwhenhe' s
l
ikethis.BeedidsayI'
donedaysee
himv eryangr
y.Wesatdownandhe
tookourgunsandwest ay
edsti
ll
Phi
l
a:Idon'
twi
sht
obey
oual
lri
ght
now
Nkosi :Weal lwor khar dher e, each
andev er ymany ouseeher ewor ks
veryhar dt omakesur eyoual l hav ea
nicelife.Tomakesur et haty ou're
protect edeachandev eryoneofy ou.
Dannyi soutt heriskinghi sl if
eon
thatmi ssi ont oprot ectall ofus.
Ther ear emenandwoment her ewho
hav elef ttheirfami l
iesbehi ndt o
makesur ethatwear eall saf e, t
hat
thiscount ryissaf e!Butwhati sal l
thathar dwor kf orifyoual ljustcar r
y
gunsar oundl i
ket heyt oys.Whati f
somet hi nghappens, whati fy ou
accident all
ypull t
het ri
ggerandy ou
getshot ,whati fsomet hinghappens
andt hatgunendsupbei ngpoi nted
aty ou!Don' tbest upidplease.
Nasi phi ,youfindouthal foft hetruth
andy oudeci denott otrustusatal l,
youknowany oneofuswoul dlayour
l
iv est osav ey oubecausey ou'reour
fami ly,thatwe' ddot hatf orany one
her e.Yougi rls,you'resoqui ckt o
wantt oshootj ustbecausesomeone
knowswhaty out houghtwasa
secr et!Whati fshedi dn'tknow
any thingbutj ustt ry
ingt ol ur eyou
i
nt ot elli
ngthet ruth,you'r equi ckt o
actwi thoutthinking!Wher ei st he
trust!Weal lnotgoi ngany wher e
wi
thoutt
rust
ingeachot
her
May
i:Andkeepi
ngsecr
ets
Bri
an:Idon'
tthi
nki
tst
her
ightt
imet
o
keeponaddingon.
Nkosi:Andyoudi
dn'tt
hink,whatif
i
nnocentPaulawashere,she
would'
vebeenfri
ght
enedand
exposedtoaworldshedoesn'tknow
yet.
Br
ian:
Whi
chshewi
l
lknowv
erysoon.
Me:I'
m sor
ry,
I'
mjustupsetand
conf
used.
Nkosi:
Andyouladi
es?Youhav
e
not
hingtosay
Theyal
lapologi
zedanditwasmy
ti
metoexplainwhatIwasonabout
.
Me:
Ineedt
oknowwher
eist
hechi
p
Zandy
:Howdoy
ouknowaboutt
he
chi
p?
Me:Iwaswi thmybr othersyesterday
andtheytoldmet hatMuzi and
Hectorhavebeeni ncontactforthe
pastyear'
s.Whatconf usedmewas
that
,Hectortol
dust hathehadn' t
heardfrom Muziforyears.Ical
led
Kamoandwef i
guredthattherewas
somethingtheywer ehidi
ng.SoI
wenttoMuzi '
shouseanddi dsome
snoopingaround.Ifoundalotof
document swhichIspental lni
ght
readingandt r
yingt oputoneandt wo
together.MuziandHect orare
somehowi nvol
v edi nthischipthi
ng
andy ouhav eit
.It seitherhewas
afteritorhewant edtopr otecti
t
somehow.Howt hehel ldoy oual
l
hav esuchinfor
mat ion?Andwher ei
s
i
t?
Si
ya:
Iti
sinal
lofus
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Phelo:Thechipwasprogr
ammed
andinstall
edi
nalloft
hem.Well
Bel
inda,Ngamso,KamoandIdon't
haveitsinceweweren'
twit
hthem at
t
hatt
ime.
Me:
Don'
tl
ie.
Bonga:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Me: Thi
stypeofi nf ormationi srare
andonlyfoundi nRussi aandI tal
y ,
the
system t
opr ogrammet hi
sandi nstal
l
i
tinsomeone' sbr ainorany wherei s
thebodyhasnotbeeni nv entedy et.
Theonlywayi st opl anttheact ual
chipinsomeonesbodyorhi dei t
somewher e.Itcannotbe
programmedandi nstal
led!
Jabu:
Thatcannotbet
rue
Me:
Wel l
iti
sandy
ouwi
l
ltel
lal
lofus
t
hetr
uth!
Zandy:That
sthet
rut
h,t
her
e's
nothi
ngmoretoit
.
Me:Iguessifyou'
renotgoi
ngt
otalk,
I
'l
lgodiggi
ngandt r
ustmeIwil
lfi
nd
whatev
eryou'r
ehiding
Mpho:AndIwi
llhel
py ou,
Ithought
ourwi
vesdon'
thideanysecret
sfrom
usnowthi
s
Beli
nda:OhshutupMpho,don'
tbe
pett
y.Si
tyourassdown.Nayewil
ltel
l
theenti
ret
rut
h
Nay
e:Whyme?
Ntoko:
Fine,
I'
ll
sayit.Thechipis
ei
theri
nZee'sbodyoriti
swher ever
sheputit
.Honestl
y,wedon'treal
ly
knowwher eexact
lythechi
pis.We'
ve
alwayshadonestoryandZeewas
responsi
blef
orthechip.
Lubah:
Zandy
,wher
eist
hechi
p?
Zandy:
Whyarey ouaski
ngme?She's
tol
dyouthetr
uth.Idon'
tknowwhere
thechi
pis,
Zeelikeddoi
ngthi
ngsher
ownway
Sneh:
SeemsasifZeelef
tal
otof
damagebehi
nd.HowdoesMuzi
knowaboutt
hechip?
Lubah:
MaybeheknowstheRussi
ans
andwasworki
ngwit
hthem.
Me:
Whoi
sMrSant
oz?
Si
ya:
Ourf
ather
Me:
Wher
eishe?
Nceba:
Brazi
l
Me:Heneedstocomebackorleav
e
Br
azi
landgotoasaferpl
ace,
there
ar
epeopl
eafterhi
m
Bee:
Arey
ousur
e?
Me: Iwouldn'
tli
eorsaysomethi
ng
thatI'
m notsureof
f.Phil
a,t
akethese,
youallneedtoreadthissowecanbe
onthesamepage.Idon' twanta
mess, we'
lldealwi
ththis
Athi
:Andwecannotdealwi
thi
t,i
fwe
keepsecr
ets,
wenotgoingany
where
Kamo:IshotThabo'
ssidechick.
She'
sdeadandhe'snext.Iwanta
di
vor
ce
Yooh!Nev
erdidIevereverexpect
thi
s.Wewereallveryshockedbythi
s
andThabojustl
eft.
Thaps:
Wow
Me:
Youcansayt
hatagai
n
Kamo: I
'mt ir
edofhi sshit,cl
earl
yhe
wantsot herwomanandnotme, I
'm
sett
inghimf eee.Wel lco-par
entand
workthingsoutr egarding
Thembel ihl
e.Nasi,Ithinkyoushould
tal
kmor et oyourbrot her
sandf i
nd
outifhehadanyf ri
endsi nRussi
a
Bee:Don'
tmakeitobvi
ous,
justsay
outsi
dethecount
ry.
Me:I'
llgetsomeinfof
rom Mbulel
o,I
don'
tthinkI'
ll
beablet
oaskNkonzo
that
,he'snotappr
oachabl
einthat
manner .
Phil
a:Buu,she'
sthebestopt
ion,
she
tal
ksalotandshemightknow
something
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkshewoul
dknowt
hat
much.
May
i:I
t'
swor
that
ry.
Me:Iwi
llt
ry.MaybeIshouldpickher
upandaskhertosleepover.
Jabu:
You'
renotwast
inganyt
ime
Me:
Ther
eisnot
imet
owast
e.
Kamo:
You'
l
ldr
opmeof
fNasi
Me:Iact
ual
lyhavenocarher
e,Iwas
hopi
ngforali
ftf
rom oneofy
ou
Phi
l
a:We'
l
ldr
opy
ouof
f.
Me:I
'l
lthenpi
ckupmycar
,theki
ds
andBuu.
Weleftandt heydroppedmeof f
.I
di
dn'
tev engoi nsi
det hehouse.I
dr
oveof f,
IknowI '
llbei nt
roubl
efor
dr
ivi
ngmy sel
fbutI'l
ldealwitht
hat
l
ater
.Ipickedupt heki ds
Onika:You'
redr
ivi
ng?Daddywon'
t
l
ikethat
Danv
er:
Andwe'
regoi
ngt
otel
lhi
m
Me:
Noy
ou'
renot
Them:
Yeswear
e
Me:
Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Oni
ka:
Chocol
atecake
Me:
No
Danv
er:
We'
ret
ell
i
ng
Me:
Fine,
you'
l
lgeti
t.
Them:
Thanky
ou
Wepi ckedupBuuandsheact
ual
l
y
packedsuchalar
gebag.
Me:
Youpackedsomuch
Buu:Yousai
dy ourboyfieeei
s
comingbackendofnextmont h,
that
'swhenI'
l
lleave.Icannotstay
wi
thMaCebi
sil
e.
Me:
School
?
Buu:
Youhav
emanycar
s.
Me:Finethen.Youwi
l
lst
udyal
oti
f
you'
reli
vi
ngwi t
hme.
Buu:
That
'
sbetter
,I'
l
lact
ual
l
yimpr
ove
onmymarks.
Weboughtsomef astfoodsand
chocol at
ecake.Therewasal otof
j
unkt hereandwedi dn'tcare.Danny
woul dbesomadbuthey ,whathe
doesntknow, won'
tkil
lhim.After
theydi dtheirhomeworkandBuuhad
herst udytime,wehadsupperand
chil
ledwat chingTV
Onika:Mom,yourbedi
sbigenough
forall
ofus,
evenBuuwill
sleepwit
h
us
Me:
Nopr
obl
em.
Thekidswentt
ogobat
hwhi
l
eI
chi
ll
edwithBuu
Me:
Doy
oumi
ssdad?
Buu:
Yeahbutnott
hatmuch.
Me:
Why
?
Buu:Weren'treal
l
yclose.Iwasthe
di
sappoi
nt mentinallhiski
dsandhe
madeitclear.SoIdidn'
thavethat
muchofagoodr elat
ionshi
pwithhi
m.
Me:
Andy
ou'
renotcl
osewi
thy
our
mom t
oo?
Buu:
Yup.
Me:Mmmh, di
dhehavesomef
ri
ends
ouroft
hecount
ryper
haps?
Buu:
Yesal
ot,
doy
ouknow?
Me:
Knowwhat
?
Buu:Nev
ermind.Hehadal
otof
Russi
anfri
ends.
Me:
Mmmh
Ididn'
twantt opushit,shewoul
d
knowt hatI'
m snoopingfor
i
nformat i
on.Onestepatat ime,
she'
s
eventual
lygoingtotalk.AndIwant
hersober.
Wewentt obedandr eadast oryf or
thekids.Theysl eptasIt ext edt he
gir
lsupdat i
ngt hem.Dannycal led, he
wasexhaust edandwedi dn' ttalk
much.Ij ustappr eciatedt hathe
call
ed.Imi sshi m andImi ssf all
ing
asleepi nhisar ms.He' l
lbehome
soonandIhav etobepat ient .
Tomor rowi sstil
l anot herdayandI
hav eanappoi ntmentwi t
ht he
weddi ngpl annert oo.I 'l
linv i
te
Mbul elo, t
hecloserIam t ot hem, t
he
mor einf ormationIr ecei ve.Ihat e
usingt hem butIhav et o.Theymi ght
hav etot hankmel ater.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestspaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t46
HavingBuuaroundsofarseemedto
bethebestthi
ngever
.She'sbeen
st
ayingwit
husf oraweekandshe
l
ovesthehousebecauseshehasher
ownmassi veroom.Ihav emoni tored
herandmadesur ethatshest udies.
DaybydayIgetnewi nformati
on.I
havet urnedoneoft her oomsi ntomy
ownst udyroom, wel lit
'ssortoflike
mypl aceofkeepi ngmyi nfor
mat ion.
Myowndet ectiveoffice,I'
mt r
yingt o
putev eryt
hingt ogetherandNgamso
hasbeenhel pingmeal ot.Theot her
girl
shav ebeenahel pt oo.Kamowas
reall
yser i
ousaboutdi vorcingThabo
andshei sev enlookingf orahouse.
It
ssomet hingshehasmadeher
mindaboutandIdon' tthinkanyone
can.Itshitti
ngThabohar d,may be
he'snowr eali
singhowt heshithe
hasdonehasbr okehisfami l
yandhe
drownshi ssor r
owsi nwor kand
al
cohol .Ipreparedthekidsf orschool
asBuuwasmaki ngbreakfastfor
ever y
one.Whenwewer edonewe
hadbr eakfasttogetherandl eft
.They
wer edr oppedof fatschool andIwas
droppedof fatNy athiMinning.I
di
scov eredMuzi hadasaf einthis
buildingandwasdi r
ectedtoi tand
gi
v ent hekey s
Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch
Iwentinsi
deandl ockedmy sel
fin
ther
e.There'
swasnocel lphone
serv
icehere.Idi
dn'tknowwher eto
star
t,Ihadtobeoutofher eby12
becauseDannyi scomi ngbackand
we'llmeetupf orlunch.We' r
eof fto
thedoct orsappoi ntmentt omor row.
Therewer emanydocument sand
CDsandDVDs, cellphoner ecords
andmoney .Hewasr eall
yorganized
andi twaseasyt ofindexact l
ywhat
you'r
el ookingf or.Iwentt hroughal ot
ofdocument sandhekeptat ailonus
andknewwhatr eallywentdowni n
ourlives.Whatwast hi
smanaf ter?
Whatdi dhewant ?Whatconnect s
him withthechi p!
?Ihav esomany
quest i
onst hatIcannotanswer .Il
ost
trackoft i
mer eadi ngov erthese
document s.Igotacal lfr
om Danny
Me:
Babe
Danny
:Wher
ear
eyou?You'
re16mi
ns
l
ate
Me:
I'
m onmyway
Danny
:Iknowy
ou'
renoti
nthecar
now
Me:YesI
'
mleav
ingt
heof
fi
ce,
I'
m at
NM
Danny
:I'
l
lfet
cht
hey
ou.Wai
tther
e
Me:
Okay
Iqui
ckl
yputt
hedocumentsIwas
busywi
thinmybagandlocked.
Me:
I'
mleav
ingwi
tht
hekey
It
oldt
her
ecept
ioni
standDannywas
al
readyt
her
e
Danny
:Myl
ady
Me:
Myman
Hetookmybagandwewenttothe
car
.Helookedatmeli
kehewant
ed
metoexplai
nsomethi
ng
Me:
What
?
Danny
:Not
hing.Let
'sgohav
elunch
Me:
I'
m hungr
y,Iwantseaf
ood
Danny
:JohnDor
isorOceanBasket
?
Me:
OceanBasketpl
ease
Wewentt oOceanBasketandIwas
happybecauseourf
ooddidn'
ttake
l
ongtocome.
Danny:
Ist
her
eany
thi
ngy
ouwi
sht
o
tel
lme?
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Me:WhyshouldIt
ell
yousomet
hing
youal
readyknow?
Danny:
WhatIwantt
oknowi
swhydo
youhavemygun?
Me:
Ineedi
t
Danny
:Whatf
or?
Me:
Prot
ect
ion
Danny
:SoIdon'
tpr
otecty
ou?
Me:
Wheny
ou'
renotar
ound
Danny
:Whataboutt
hebody
guar
dsI
hi
redtoprot
ectyou?Nasi
phi
,ar
eyou
outofyourmind?
Me:
No
Danny:
Stopbehavingthatway .I
knowyou'
reeageronf i
ndingout
moreaboutthi
sandIsuppor tyou.
Butnocarr
yingguns.Giveitback
Me:
Danny
Danny:Nasi
phi
,youdon'
twantt
o
upsetme.
Me:
FineI
'
llgi
vei
ttoy
ou
Danny
:Nowbaby
It
ookoutthegunandgavehim.The
st
ares!Andhedi
dn'
tevenseem t
o
car
e.
Danny:Wher
eist
hei
nfor
mat
iony
ou
have?
Me:
Thehouse
Danny:I
'
llhav
et ogothr
oughitwi
th
you,i
fwe'r
egoingtogetthr
ought
his,
youneedtoworkwithme.
Me:Okaybabe.If
oundmor
e
i
nfor
mation.
Danny:Ij
ustfeelasifZeekeptt
oo
muchf r
om me.If eelangr
yand
betr
ayed,whydidshekeepsomuch
fr
om?
Me:
Idon'
thav
etheanswer
stot
hat
Danny:Ihopeyou'
renotkeepi
ngany
secr
etsfrom me
Me:
I'
m notZi
yanda
Danny
:Youar
esi
ster
s
Me:
Whati
sthatsupposedt
omean?
Danny
:Sor
ry,
not
hing.
Me: Youcannotcompar emet oZee.
Wemi ghtl
ookali
kebutwe'renotthe
same.Wemi ghtbesist
ers,butwe'r
e
dif
ferentpeopl
e.I'
m notyourwife
Istoodupandwentbackt othecar.I
waspi ssedoff.Whatdi
dhemeanby
theshithesaid?Helit
erall
y
compar edmet ohiswife?Isawhim
approachingandIprentendedtobe
asl
eep
Danny
:I'
m sor
ry
Me:
Dri
ve
WasInotasleep?Whatev
er,he
pissedmeoff.WegothomeandI
wentupstai
rsandt
hrewmy sel
fon
thebed.
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Me:
Tr i
ston,
youneedt
ogopi
ckup
t
hekids.
Danny:KJwi
l
lpi
ckt
hem up.Weneed
total
k
Me:Idon'
twantt
otal
k,Iwantt
o
sl
eep
Danny
:Iwantt
osl
eepwi
thy
ou
Me:
Idon'
twantsex
Danny:
Iwasn'
ttal
ki
ngaboutsex,
I
don'
twanti
tei
ther
Me:What!Youdon'twantt
ohavesex
wit
hme?Hav eyoubeengetti
ngsex
f
rom someoneelse!
Danny:Whatno!Whatt hefuck?How
coul
dy outhinkoft
hat?Doy ou
seri
ouslyt
hinkI'
m cheati
ngony ou?
Me:
Iwouldn'
tknow!Youdon'
twant
t
ohavesexwit
hme
Danny:Yousai
dyoudon'
twantto
havesexwit
hmet oo,
you'
retheone
whosaiditf
ir
stnowwhyisita
pr
obl
em whenIsayi
ttoo
Me:
Wel
lyousai
ditl
i
key
oumeanti
t
Danny
:Youdi
dtoo
Hewasannoyi
ngmeandIwashur
t.I
j
ustcr
iedandf
acedt
heot
hersi
deof
t
heroom.
Danny:Ohcomeon,
you'
recr
ying?
Babe,
nodon'tcr
y
Me:Youmaki
ngmecry
!Yourbabyi
s
maki
ngmehavecr
azyhor
mones.
Danny:Idon'tthi
nkit
st hebabi
es
faul
tthatyou'r
eov er
reacti
ng
Me:
SoI
'
m ov
err
eact
ing?
Danny
:Noy
ou'
renotbabe,
Ilov
eyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
#Danny
Comi ngbackhomef ormewas
exciti
ngbecauseIwashappyt hatI
willseemyf ami ly.Leav i
ngPar is,
wher ethemi ssioni s,wasn'tgoodas
Idon'tli
keleav i
ngt hingsunf i
nished
butIhadt o.Igothomet onew
i
nf ormati
onwhi chmademeangr yas
Ifoundoutt hatZi yandahadmany
secretsthatshehi dfrom me.I tupset
mesomuchbecauseIwascl ueless,
howdoest hatreflectt herel
ationship
wehad?ThatIwasj ustani di
otal l
alongandIwasi nthedar kabout
whatmywi fewasupt o.Ihate
secrets,there'
snothingIhat emor e
thansecr ets.WhenNasi phi didn'ttell
meaboutt hei nf
ormat i
onshef ound
andt hatshe'sbeengoi ngt hrough, I
gotmad.Whydi dIhav etof i
ndout
abouti tf
rom Nkosi ?Het houghtI
knewbuther eIwas, acluelessi diot
thatdoesn' tknowwhathi sfi
ancehas
beendoi ng.Itremindedmeal otof
Zeekeepi ngsecr et
sf r
om me.Idi dn't
meant ocompar ehert oZeebuti t
j
ustcameout .Herhormonesar eon
anotherlev elnow.Ididn'
tappr eciate
howshej ustconcludedt hatI'm
cheatingonher ,
butIchosenott obe
soupsetabouti tanddon' targuewi th
her.Whi leIwaswal kingupst
air
s,I
noticedt heroom thatwasempt yand
al
way slockedwasnowopened.I
knewi twasn' tBuu'
sr oom.Igotin
andIdi dn'tl
ikewhatIsaw.Iwent
backdownst airst
ot heroom Nasi
wassl eepingi n
Me:
Nasi
phi
,wakeup!
Nasi
:What
?
Me:
Wakeupandf
oll
owme
Nasi
:You'
rer
eal
l
yannoy
ing
Wewentupst ai
rsandshewas
walki
ngreal
lyslowly
.Icarri
edherand
shewaslaughing.Imissedthatso
much,If
oundmy sel
fsmi l
i
nginstead
ofbeingangry
.Thi
sist
hecrazy
thi
ngsshedoestome.Weent er
ed
theroom andshewasper
fect
ly
normal.
Nasi
:Idon'
tgetwhyy
ou'
reupset
Me:
Whywasn'
tIi
nfor
medaboutt
his?
Nasi
:Becausey
ouwer
en'
thome
Me:Nasi
havey outur
nedy
our
sel
f
i
ntosomedetecti
ve?
Nasi:
NobutmaybeI'
dlooksexyin
t
heiruni
for
m.Whatdoyouthink?
Me:Tr
yingtoav
oidt
hisconv
ersat
ion
won'
thappen
Nasi
:Okayf
ine.Youcangot
hrough
ever
ythi
ngthatsinhere.Ididn'
twant
tokeepanysecretfr
om y ouandI
wasgoingtoinformyouwheny ou'
re
home.Nextti
me, Iwil
ltelly
oupr i
or
Me:Thankyou,
thatwi
l
lbe
appr
eci
ated
Nasi
:Nowwi
l
lyoumakel
ovet
ome?
Me:
Soy
ouwantmenow?
Nasi
:Yes
Me:
Takewhaty
ouwant
.
Nasi
: Danny,
I'
m pr
egnantandhor
ny,
you'
regoingtomakemebeg?
Me:
(l
aughs)NobutI
'mjustt
ell
i
ngy
o
t
otakewhatyouwant
.
Shest art
edcry
ingandIr eal
lywanted
tolaughatherbutshewasangr y.I
kissedherandthesmi l
eshehad.
Thiswomani sreal
lycrazyandshe
drivesmecrazy.Imadel ovetoher
andshewashappy .Shewant ed
mor eandIgaveittoher,I'
mr eal
ly
goingt oenj
oyhernewsexdr i
ve.
Nasi:
Cal
lev
eryoneel
se,
weneedt
o
haveameet
ing.
Me:
Whati
sitabout
?
Nasi:You'
l
lfi
ndoutwithev
ery
one
else.I
t'
saboutZee,
I'
m goi
ngtobat
h
fornow.
Ical
l
edev
ery
oneandt
heyar
ri
ved
qui
cklysi
nceIsaiditwasan
emergency.Mayi
,Phelo,
Paul
aand
Bri
anwerealsointown.
Athi
:Whywer ewecall
edher?Iwas
sti
ll
gett
ingsomelovebutnooo,y
ou
havetodist
urbus
Nasi:
Sor
ryf
orbeingacockbl
ock.
Fol
lowmeplease
Weallwenttohernewworki
ngof
fi
ce,
Ihavetoputinof
fi
ceequi
pment
s
heresoitcanbeherst
udy
.
Nasi
:Fi
ndaplacetositsomewher
e
her
e,Iwon'
tbelong.
Thaps:Ij
ustl
ovehowyoual
way
sget
st
raightt
othepoi
nt.
Nay
e:Tr
ue
Nasi:SoIhav ekeystoMuzi'
ssafe
room, andIfoundoutalot
.What
caughtmyey ei
ssomet hi
ngthathurt
mesomuch.Idon' tunder
standwhy
hehasahandi nthi
sbutwhatIdo
knowi sthatwehav etofi
ndwhoev er
elsewasi nvol
vedinthi
s.
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Nasi:
I'
m sorr
yDanny,butZeedi
dn'
t
j
ustdiebecauseofgiv
ingbi
rt
hand
notbeingabl
etobreathe
Naye:
Whatdoyoumean!Iwast
her
e
whenshedi
ed
Me:
No,
no,
no.
Nasi
:Whoel
sewaswi
thy
out
her
e?
Nay
e:Twoot
herdoct
orsandnur
ses.
Nasi:Thenoneoft hem i s
responsibl
efori njectingherwi ththe
chemical t
hatkilledher .Shewas
weaky es,butthiski l
ledher .Shegav e
Nay ethesmal lbot t
le.Idi dn'tknow
howIf elt
.Ineededaf ull
expl anati
on
andIneededt ofindwhosoev erwas
i
nt hatroom thatni ght .Theanger
i
nsideofmewasr api dlyincreasing
andIneededt ogetoutofher ebefore
Idosomet hingIr egr et.
Nasi
:I'
m sor
ryDanny
Shewascr
yingandsower
etheot
her
l
adies.Icouldn'ttakeit.Somebody
ki
ll
edmywi f
e, someoneki l
ledher
andtookherawayf r
om us!Theman
whohadt hisinformat i
oni snowdead!
Ineededtogetoutofher .Ist
oodup
andkissedNasi 'sforeheadandl ef
t.I
heardherkeeponcal li
ngmyname
butIcouldn'
tst ay.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t47
Ilookedathi m ashecameback
homel ate.Welli
twasi nthemorning
already,Ifell
asleepont hecouch
wai t
ingf orhi
m.Iwassur pri
sedt
o
seet hathewasn' tdrunk.Itmademe
feelproudt hathedidn'tgorunni
ngto
alcohol butwherewashe?Hel ooked
atmeandf akedasmi le.
Danny:Wer
eyousl
eepi
ngont
he
couch?
Me:
Yes
Danny
:Come,
let
'sgot
obed.You
needt
orest
.
Me:
Wher
ewer
eyou?
Danny
:Thecemet
ery
AsmuchasZeei snotal
iv
eany more
butf
actis,heranbacktohiswif
e
whoownshi sheartandl
eftmeand
wenttoher.Calm downNasiphi
,st
op
over
thi
nkingthi
ngs.
Danny
:Icanseey
ou'
renotokay
Me: YesI
'
m notokay
.Youchoseher
overme!Youlef
tmeandrantoher!
Youchosehereveni
fshe'
sdead
Danny:Stoptal
ki
ngbullshi
tNasi
phi
,
I
'm notgoingtotakei
t.
Me:
Mxm
Danny
:Ij
ustwantedt
othi
nkandbe
cl
osetomywife!
Me:
Andwhatam I
!?
Danny :Nasiphi,Ij
ustfoundoutt hat
someoneki l
ledher !It
houghtshe
diedbecauseofpr egnancy
compl i
cati
onsbutsomeonet ookher
l
ife!Ibl
amedmydaught erfory
ears!
Someonet ookherawayf rom meand
I'
m goingtof indthatpersonandki l
l
him orher.I'
m noti nthebestof
moodssopl ease, don'
tannoyme.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry
Isi
ghedandwentt
other
oom cr
ying.
Hewasf
oll
owi
ngme.
Danny
:Nasi
,pl
easedon'
tcr
y.Ihat
eit
whenyoucr
y
Me:Thenst
opdoingthi
ngsthat
makemecry.Goodni
ghtDanny
Danny
:It
'sal
readyi
nthemor
ning
Me:
What
ever
.
Isl
eptforhoursandwokeupi n
Danny'
sarms.Theki dswereal
soin
bedwit
hus, Ididn'
tevenheart
hem
comein.
Me:
Hel
l
omybabi
es
Oni
ka:
Hel
l
omom,
I'
m hungr
y
Me:
Wear
ehungr
ytoo
Danny
: Danv
erandIwi
l
lgomake
br
eakfast
Danv
er:
I'l
lj
ustmakejuice.Andy
ou'
l
l
makeeveryt
hingel
se.
Danny
:Fi
ne
TheyleftandOni kaandIbondedwi th
mybaby .I'
mr eall
ystart
ingtoshow
andIlookr eal
lycute.ButI
'm not
l
ookingf or
wardt obeingfatandtir
ed.
Withswol l
enfeetandwei rdcrav
ings
Oni
ka:Ihopei
t'
sagir
l,Iwant
someonetopl
aywit
h.
Me:Ialsowanti
ttobeagirl
,your
f
atherandDanvermightwantaboy.
Oni
ka:
We'
l
ljusthav
etobetoni
t.
Me:
That
'sagoodi
dea.
Wewentdownforbr
eakf
astandBuu
wasal
sother
e.
Buu:
Sis,
canwet
alkaf
terbr
eakf
ast
?
Me:
Yeahsur
e.
Wewashedt hedishesaf
tereat
ing
andDannytookthekidst
ot hepar
k.
BuuandIgotsomesnacksandwent
tochi
l
loutsi
de.
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Buu:
Iknowy
ou'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
oget
metotal
k
Me:Tal
k?Idon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
re
t
alki
ngabout
Buu:I
'm notafoolsi
s,Iknowmore
thananyonethi
nksIdo.Iknowyou'
ve
beentry
ingtogetmet otalkmor
e
aboutourfat
her.
Me:Wellyes,
Ineedt
oknowmor
e
abouthi
m
Buu:Ineedy out oassuremet hat
whatwet alkaboutwon' tgett o
Cebisil
eandZi pho.There'ssomeone
elseinvol
vedbutIj ustdon'tknow
who.WhenIf ir
stsawy ouIwas
surpri
sedthaty ou'
restil
lali
v ebut
thenIreal
izedy ou'r
enotZi yanda.
HectorandMuzi gotalongr eal
lywell
buttheydidn'tagreeonmanyt hings.
Hectorwant edZeedeadbecauseshe
wouldn'
tspeaknorgi veoutt he
i
nformati
onwhi chIdon' tknowwhat
i
tisaboutbutI '
m sureyoudoknow.
Daddidn'
twantZeedead, hewant ed
todrugherandhy pnoti
zeher .Idon't
doITfornothing,t
heydi dn'tknowI
hadinst
all
edr ecorder
si nhisof fi
ce.I
haveconversati
onsoft heir
argumentsrecorded,may bey ou'l
l
fi
ndoutmor e.
Me:
Wher
ear
ether
ecor
ds?
Buu:
Nasi
phi
,canIt
rusty
ou?
Me:
Yesy
oucan
Buu:I
fIgiv
ey outhese,
Ineedt
o
knowthatI'
m saf
e
Danny
:You'
l
lbepr
otect
ed24/
7
Wet
urnedandhewasbehi
ndus.
Me:
Whendi
dyougether
e?
Danny
:Notsol
ongago
Buu:
Howmuchdi
dyouhear
?
Danny
:Ev
ery
thi
ngIneededt
oknow.
Me:
Theki
ds?
Danny
:Parkwit
hMaPhindy,t
hetwins
andDad.Tel
lmesomethingBul
elwa,
whydoyouhateCebi
sil
e?
Buu:I
t'
snotsomet
hingIwantt
otal
k
about
Me:Youdon'
thav
etot
alkabouti
t
r
ightnow.
Buu:Letsgo,
weneedt
ogett
hose
recor
dings
Danny
:Wher
ear
ethey
?
Buu:Somewheresaf e.Youcannpt
dri
vemet her
e,Ineedsomeonet hey
won'tknowandnotice
Me:
Whoi
sthey
?
Buu:Hector
,hehashistendenciesof
fol
l
owingme.Het hinksIdon'
tknow,
he'
supt osomethi
ngandIdon' tli
ke
bei
nginthedark,I
'
llhavetofi
ndout .
Danny
:KJwi
l
ldr
ivey
ou
Buu:Badi
dea,KJiswel
lknownand
i
salwayswit
hy ou.
Me:
Whodoy
ouwantt
ogowi
th?
Buu:Someoneel
se,Idon'
tknow
maybeoneofyourguys
Danny
:I'
l
lgetSt
it
ch.
Dannycamebackwit
hsti
tchandBuu
changedi
ntoabl
acktr
acksui
t.
Buu:
Gun
Me:
No
Buu:
Nasiphi
,we'r
edoi
ngthi
smyway .
Noargui
ng,Iknowhowtouseagun.
Me:
Idon'
ttr
usty
ou
Danny
:Fol
l
owme
Wewentt
othebasementandDanny
gav
eheragun.
Danny
:Let
sseewhaty
oucando
Buu:Nasiphii
sjustbeing
over
protecti
vefornothing.
Shest
art
edshoot
ingandshewas
waybet
tert
hanme.
Me:
Okayst
op!
!
Buu:
Thoughtasmuch.CanIgonow?
Me:
Yes,
besaf
e.
Buu:
Iwi
l
l.
Danny
:Howl
ongwi
l
lyout
ake?
Buu:
3hour
s,wher
ewi
l
lmeet
?
Danny
:St
it
chwi
l
ldr
ivey
out
oHQ.
Buu:
I'
m out
.Don'
tcal
lme,
inf
act
,I'
m
l
eavi
ngmyphones.
Sheleftherphonesandheadedt o
wherevershewasgoi ng.Iwasv ery
worri
edaboutherbutatt hebackof
myheadIwaswor r
iedifIcantrust
her.I
'v
ebeent ootrusti
ngandt hat
di
dn'thelpmei nanyway .Igotacall
fr
om Venes, she'
sbeensodi stantt
o
mebutshe' sli
kethatattimes.
Me:
Sweet
ie
Venes:
Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:
Athome
Venes:
Let
sgoout
Me:Icannott
oday
,howaboutwe
hav
elunchonMonday?
Venes:
OhokayNasi
.Youwon'
t
bel
i
evewhoIsawt
oday
!!
Me:
Who?
Venes:
Mphumelelo,
canyoubel
iev
e
i
t!
?He'sst
il
lhandsomeasalway
s.
Me:Ohwow, Ihaven'
tseenhimina
whil
e.Iguesshehasn'tlosthi
s
handsomecut eface.Makeamov e
Venes:
Ican'
tmakeamov
eony
our
ex!
Me: I
t'
snotli
keourr
elati
onshi
pwas
seri
ous.Hewashandsomeandal l
buthewasbor i
ngandwewer etoo
dif
fer
ent.SoIwon'
trefert
ohim as
myex.
Venes:
You'
resobor
ing.I
'
m happy
Dannyt
appedy
ourass.
Me:
You'
resonaught
y..
..Your
emi
nd
me.
..
.
Shestar
tedscr
eami
ngoutl
oud
cal
li
ngforhel
p.
Me:
Venes!Venes!Venes!
!!
Thecal
lendedandIwassoscar
ed
andcry
ing.
Danny
:Whati
sit
?
Me:Venesisi
ndanger
.It
hinkshe'
s
ki
dnapped
Danny:Come,we'regoi
ngtoHQ.
MphoandKJwi l
lbeonhertai
land
l
ookingforher
.Don'tworr
y
Me:Wel
lIam wor
ri
ed,
she'
smy
f
ri
end.
Danny:You'
repregnant
,youcannot
bestr
essing.I
t'
snotgoodforour
baby.
Wewentt oHQandwai tedf orthe
ot
her'
s.Theyarri
vedbutMphoand
KJweren'
tther
e.West ayedt here
wai
ti
ng,wellt
heywer ewor ki
ngandI
waseati
ngandwat chingt hem.Buu
ar
ri
vedafterafewhour sandshehad
aboxinherhands.
Me:
ThankGody
ou'
resaf
e.
Buu:Toldy
ouI'
dbesaf
e.Theseare
cel
lphoner
ecor
ds,
Camerafootages
oft
hehospitalt
hedayshediedand
more.Idon'
tknowwhatelseisi
n
her
e
Phi
l
a:Howdi
dyougett
hese?
Buu: Thefat
heri
sdead,
soIcan
excesssomet hi
ngshethoughthe
hid.Dadwasnotassmar tashe
thought.
Lubah:I
'l
lpl
aythef
ootages,Nay
eI
needyouclosesoyoucanident
if
y
thesepeopl
e.
Naye:IrememberDrMazi bukoand
DrSangweni werethere.Ij
ustneed
toi
dentifythenursesandt heone
whoinjectsher.
Wesatdownandwat chedt ogether
asitreplayed.Itwasav eryemot ional
momentasIgott oseemysi st
er.It
fel
tasifshewasal iveevent hough
herscreamswer edeafeningandi t
wasahect i
cmoment .Iappr eci
at ed
theli
ttl
eIsawofher .SeeingOni ka
comet ol i
fewasbeaut if
ul.Iwas
cryi
ngandDannyhadhi sheadonmy
thi
ghs.Itwast oomuchf orhi m,he
couldn'
twat chit.Therei
twas, when
shediedandt oldNayetot akecar e
ofherkids.Itwast oosadt owat ch,
theyallr
elivedthemoment .
Sneh:
Icannotdot
his
Shest
eppedoutandmostf
oll
owed.
Itwashardforthem mor
ethani
twas
hardforus.Iwaslef
twit
hBuu,Nay
e,
LubahandThaps.
Me:
Ther
e'smov
ementt
her
e!Zoom
i
npl
ease
Hezoomedinandt
heotherDoct
or
whoNayesaidi
sDrSangweni
i
nject
edZee.
Nay
e:Heki
l
ledher
!!Heki
l
ledher
!
Shewascr y
ingoutloudandIwi shed
Nkosiwasheret ocal
m herdown.
Thapsmanagedandshest opped
cry
ing.Theotherscamebacki nand
wesatdownt ogether
.Itwasar eal
ly
sadmoment .I'
veneverseenthem so
emot
ional
.Ithi
tusal
lhar
d.
L’
yanda:I
'l
ll
ocat
eSangweni
,hewi
l
l
payfort
his
Danny:Iwi
l
lki
l
lhi
m wi
thmybar
e
hands
Me:Notyet
,heneedst
ospeakout
f
ir
st.Thenweki
llhi
m
Danny:
There'
sno"
We"y
ou'
renot
get
ti
nginv
olved
Zandy
:ButDanny
Danny
:Iwon'
trepeatmy
sel
fZandi
l
e.
L’
yanda:
Heskeptt
hecount
ry,
he'
sin
Russi
a.
Kamo:
Thatmeanshe'
swor
kingwi
th
t
heRussi
ans
Buu:
Hemi
ghtbewi
tht
heCar
lo'
s
Zandy
:JacqueCar
lo?
Buu:
I'
m notsur
eoft
hename.
Phi
l
a:Weneedt
ofi
ndHect
or
Igotacal
lfr
om Mpho
Me:
Speak
Mpho:
Igother
,shewasbeat
enup
soI
'mtaki
nghert
othehospi
tal
.
Me:I'
l
lbet
her
ejustnow.Whot
ook
her
?
Mpho: Shesai
dshe'll
speakonce
you'
rehere.Ij
ustfeelasi
fweshould
bereadyforanyt
hing.Anyt
hingcan
happenfrom now.Therear
etoo
manysecr et
sanditcausesmore
confusi
on.
Me:
You'r
espeaki
ngasi
fyouknow
mor
ethanyou'
ret
ell
i
ngme.
Mpho: I
'
mj ustsay
ingweshouldopen
oureyesandbecar ef
ul.We'
re
walki
ngont hi
nice
Me:
I'
m onmyway
.
Thabo:Hect
orisatameeti
ngi
n
Pret
ori
a.Theguysareonhi
m.
Bee:
Iknowwedon'tdot
hisbut
,ri
ght
nowweneedto.Wehavetothr
eat
en
hi
m wit
hhisf
amil
y
Si
ya:
We'
l
ltaket
hedaught
er,
we
won'
thur
ther
.
Zandy
:Andi
nthatway
,he'
l
lspeak.
Buu:Hemi ghtnot,
weneedt o
thr
eatenhi
m wi t
hsomethingthat
i
nvolveshi
sbusinessesandmoney .
He'saself
ishmanwhoonl ycares
aboutmoneyandhi sbusi
nesses
Me:
You'
rer
ight
.
Danny:ThenIguesshewant
stodo
thi
sthehardway.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Danny:Don'twaitupbabe,I
'
m not
cominghomet oni
ght.Seey
ou
tomorr
ow, Ilov
ey ou
Me:
Danny
Danny
:Justt
rustmeNasi
phi
Me:
Okay
,Il
ovey
ou.
Iki
ssedhi m andhel eft
.Hedidn't
evenwanthi sfri
endst ocomewi th.
Jabuof f
eredtotakemet othe
hospi
tal.Thisisall
justconfusi
ngand
dangerous.Ihopeweal lmakeitout
ali
veandnothar med.Ihopewe' llbe
ablet
or evealthetruth.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t48
Wewentt othehospi t
alandVenes
wasbadlybeat enup.Shecoul dn'
t
evenspeakbecausehermout hwas
real
lyswollen.Itwassadt oseemy
fri
endthatway .IthurtmealotandI
couldn'
tjustletitgo.Peopl
ewhodi d
thi
sneedpayandt heywil
lpaya
heav
yprice.Dannyhasn'
tcontact
ed
ussi
ncehel ef
tandIdon'tevenknow
whereheis.
Me:Venes,
pleaset
ryspeaki
ng.Who
di
dthi
stoyou?
Shej
ustcr
iedandcoul
dn'
tspeak.
Mphohandedherapenandpaper.
Me:
Whydi
dn'
tIt
hinkoft
hisear
li
er?
Mpho:
Younev
ert
hink
Me:
What
ever
Shewrotedownsomet hi
ngwedi dn'
t
under
stand.I
tsai
d" Becar
eful
,he's
aft
eryou.Hewantedmet otalkand
tel
lhi
m every
thi
ng,evenaboutthe
chi
p.WhatisthechipNasi?You'r
ein
danger
"
Me:Whoisthis?Whotooky
ou?Don'
t
wor
ryaboutthechi
p.
Mpho:Whatdoy
oumeanshe'
sin
danger
?
Shetookt
hepaperandwr
otedown
agai
n.
Venes:
"Idi
dn'
ttalk,
that'
swhyt hey
beatmeup.You'r
esurroundedby
peopl
ewhom youcannott r
ust.He
wil
lki
ll
youall
,eachandev er
yoneof
you.
"
Mpho:
Whoi
she!
Venes:
"IknowI'
l
lbeki
ll
edifIt
ell
you
whoiti
s.You'
remyfri
endNasi
phi
andyou'vedonemanygr eatt
hings
forme,I'
dgiveupmyl i
feforyouat
anyday.You'r
eindangerandit'
syour
brot
her,NkonzoNyathi
."
Me:What!Venesar
eyousur
e?Thi
s
can'
tbe.
Mpho: I
'm goi
ngtodischar
geyou
here.You'
llbetr
eat
edf r
om home,i
ts
notsafe.I
'l
lbeback
Me:
I'
ll
gogett
hecarr
eady
.
Venes:
Okay
Iwenttotheparki
nglotandIgota
cal
lfrom Mbul
elo.I
tupsetmet hathe
hasthenervetocall
meknowi ng
whathe'sbrot
herisuptoo
Me:
Speak
Mbul
elo:
Run,
you'
renotsaf
e.
Me: Fut
sekMbulel
o,y
ou'v
ebeena
partofthi
sal
lthi
swhil
eandyou
tel
l
ingmet or
un!
Mbulel
o:Wehavenot i
me!Ididn'
t
knowaboutev
eryt
hing.Justbel
iev
e
me.
Me:WhenIsetmyhandsony
ouI
'
ll
ki
l
lyou!Aaaaah!
!!
!
Someonei
nject
edmeandIf
elt
drowsy
Me:
Danny
Isai
dsof
tl
y.Igotweakerandweaker
.
I
twast
henl
i
ght
soutf
orme.
#Danny
Iwentoutt oclearmyheadandput
mypl anint oaction.Isentmyagent s
whoar einDur bant ol
ookf orHect or
Dlamini,theyshoul dfli
pev erystone
andinsect .Somehav eflown
overseasandmyagent salloverare
l
ookingf orhim.Ihadbor dersclosed
andwashav i
ngmypeopl eraid
air
ports.Hewi ll notbeabl etofl
ee
andhe'llbei nourhandssoon.My
peoplearef lyi
ngt oRussi a.I
'dgo
ther
eper sonallybutIdon' twantt o
l
eav emyf amil
y .Igotacal lf
rom
Mpho
Me:
Speak
Mpho:She'
sgone,
she'
sbeen
ki
dnapped.
Me:Youdon'twantmet olosemy
mind.Whotookher!
!Itcannotbe
Hector
Mpho:Supri
singly
,it
ssomeonewe
di
dn'
texpect.It
sNkonzo
Me:
Herbr
other
?
Mpho:Yes.He'
stheonebehi
ndal
lof
t
his.
Me:GotoHQ,
we'l
lal
lmeett
her
e.
Makesur
eBuuist
heret
oo.
Iendedt
hecal
l
.Thi
sbast
ardhast
he
nervet okidnapmyf iance.Heclearl
y
doesnotknowwhohei smessi ng
with.Andhei ssurel
ynotr eadyfor
theconsequenceshewi l
lfaceforhis
actions.IdrovequicklytoHQand
Mbul el
owast heretoo.Myangerj ust
roseandIpunchedhi m.Pi nnedhim
ont hefloorandpunchedhi m
numer oust i
mes.
Phi
l
a:St
opi
tDanny
!
Me:Whatareyoudoi
ngher
e!Coming
tospyonussoyoucanki
dnapyour
ownsist
er!
?
Mbulel
o:(
coughs)Iunderst
andyour
angerDanny,
Ionlyfoundoutabout
thi
s, thi
smor ning.Ical
l
edNasi tell
ing
hert orunwhi l
eshest i
l
lcan.Idi dn't
knowNkonzoi sdoingallt
his,he's
wor kingwit
ht heRussiansand
Hect or.Heistheonewhot ookVenes
andbeatherup.Iwasabl etogether
toescapet hat'swhentheywer eabl e
tofindher.I'
m her etoworkwit hy ou
togetNasi ,she'smysisterandI 'l
l
neverdot hattoher .WhatIdoknow
i
st hatwe'rerunningoutoft i
me, he'l
l
kil
lher .
Il
osti
t!Il
i
teral
l
ylostmycoolandlet
myangercontr
olme.Iwasonhimi n
j
ustasecond.Theymanagedtopull
mebackandIwentt odr
inksome
wat
er
Me:
Wher
eishet
aki
ngher
?
Mbul
elo:
Russi
a
Me:
KJ,
cal
lthepi
l
ot.We'
rel
eav
ing
Kamo: Shemanagedtot
urnher
bracel
eton.Theyar
eonthepl
ane
al
ready
Bonga:Getthewiv
esintheBalit
o
safehouse.Jomowill
takethem
ther
e.NkosiandBri
anwillmeetusat
theair
port
.ZandyandKamo, you'
re
comingwithus.
Si
ya:
I'
ll
makesur
etheki
dsar
esaf
e.
Sbahl
e:I
'
m goi
ngt
ofet
chMaDl
ami
ni
Naye:Thi
sisbig,weneedt obealer
t
atal
lti
mes.Switchyourbracel
etson
now,soifyougetcaughtupinsome
shi
tt
ymess.We' reabl
etotrackyou
Nceba:
Alldone,I
'
llpr
epar
et heguns.
Weneedt ohaveourownjustso
we'
resafe.
Iwentt
hroughmyownsetofguns
andmypistol
wasmissi
ng
Me:
Nceba,
wher
eismypi
stol
?
Nceba:
Idon'
tknow
Me:Nasi
phi
,she'
ssosneaky
.She
t
ookit
,she'
ssosmart
.
Nceba:
Whydoy
ousayso?
Me:
Ithasat
racker
Kamo:I
'
lll
ookint
oit.Themor
ewe
hav
etolocat
eher,t
hebett
er
KJ:
Thepl
anei
sready
Jabu:
Let
sgo
Thabo:I
'
llmeety
ouatt heai
rpor
t.I
havesomethi
ngtotakeoff,
Ihad
backtobackmeeti
ngs.Ineedtoput
peopl
ein
L’
yanda:
Can'
tyouj
ustmakecal
l
s?
Thabo:
IwouldifIcoul
d.Ineedt
odo
thi
spersonal
l
y.
Wegotint
oourcar
sanddrov
etothe
ai
rpor
t.Dr
ivi
ngwi
thKamokeptme
sanebecauseshewasl ocatingNasi.
Shemi ghtbesoscar edrightnowbut
Iknowshewon' tshowit.Mygi r
lis
braveandrightnowIneedhert obe
strongbecauseI '
m comingtogether .
I'
m worri
edaboutherandt hebaby .I
gotacallfr
om Si yatel
l
ingust hat
theyhaveallthekidsandar eoffto
thesafeus
Zandy
:Somet
hingi
snotr
ight
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Zandy:
Thetrackeront
hegunhas
beenswit
chedoff
Me:
Shi
t!
Wegott
otheai
rpor
tandev
ery
one
wasther
ealr
eady
.Wegoti
ntothe
pl
aneanditt
ookoffi
mmedi
atel
y
Jabu:
Zandy,comesi
tnextt
ome.We
needtot
alk
Thaps:
Aren'
twegoingt
obei
ncl
uded
i
ntheconver
sat
ion?
Jabu:No,
justf
ocusonwhat
ever
you'
redoi
ng.
Me:
Thisi
staki
ngf
orever
.Wel
lget
t
her
etomorr
owaft
ernoon
Kamo:They'
l
lar
ri
vej
ustanhour
bef
oreus.
Zandy:
Ijustneedtorememberthe
waytotheirHeadQuart
ers,
it'
sbeen
tool
ong.
Mbul
elo:Iknowtheway .Dadonce
t
ookmewi t
hhimt oabusiness
meet
ing.TheCarlosri
ght?
Zandy
:Yes
Mbulel
o:JacquezFat
heri
sst
il
lal
i
ve
youknow?
Zandy
:Fuck!
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Zandy
:Hei
stheonewedi
rect
lyst
ole
fr
om.
Me:
Don'
twor
ry,
you'
l
lbef
ine.
Af
teramanyhour
soft
ravel
l
ing.I
wokeupandi
twas5am i
nthe
morni
ng
Me:
Howl
onghav
eIbeenout
?
KJ:
Sincel
astni
ghtar
ound7pm.You
wer
etir
ed
Me:
Anynewupdat
es?
Kj:Theyhav
en'tar
riv
edinRussi
a.But
I'
vemanagedtof i
ndthehot
elthey
arebookedint
o.
Me:
Theagent
sinRussi
aar
eready
?
Kamo:Alr
eadyonthei
rwayt
ocl
ose
downall
airpor
tsi
nRussi
a
Bonga:Guesswhoj
ustl
andedi
n
Russi
a
Me:
Who?
Bonga:
Raz
orandNkosi
'
sfat
her
.
Nkosi
:Shi
t!
Me:Youcansayt
hatagai
n,he'
s
cal
l
ing
Zandy:Whyi
syourphonenoti
n
Fl
ightmode?
Mpho:Babe,
thi
spl
anehascel
lphone
ser
vice
Iansweredt
hecal
landhewasnot
happy.
Razor
:Howdoesmydaught
eri
nlaw
getki
dnapped?
Danny:
Razor,
herbr
otherdi
dit
.We
wereal
lnotawar
e
Razor
:Theybet
terbeal
i
veDanny
,if
t
heydon'tmakeitoutal
ive.I
'
m kill
i
ng
y
ou,numberoner ul
e,pr
otectyour
f
amil
y.Ifyoufai
ltodothat,y
ouf ai
lto
l
eadtheforce.
Me:
Yesf
ather
,Iunder
stand.
Razor:
Don'
tdi
sappoi
ntme.Sav
e
them
Me:
Iwi
l
l.
Iendedthecallandrealizedt heres
nowsomuchpr essure.Iwi l
lf i
ndmy
wifeandnowl eakswillbemadef r
om
nowonwar ds.Ifai
ledtopr otecther
butthatwi
llneverhappenagai n.
Thaps:Theycancel
ledthebooking.I
cannotl
ocatethehotel
t heyar
e
mov
ingt
o
Lubah:Howisi
tthatwhenweone
stepahead,
wetaketwostepsback
again.
Kamo: Thebracel
ethasal
sobeen
shutdown.Wehav enoaccess
whatsoeverovert
hem
KJ:Theyknowourev erymoveand
everyleadmehav e,f
ir
sti
twasthe
gun,thehotelr
oom nowthebracel
et.
Itdoesn'tmakesense
Igotatextmessagef
rom anumberI
didn'
tknow.
Me:Li
stentot
his:
"You'
redumber
t
hanIthought
.Weknowy ourev
ery
mov e,y
ouhavenothi
ngonus.You'
l
l
fi
ndherdead,saygoodby
etoyour
preci
ouski
dthattoyou'
venev
er
met .
"
Jabu:
Thisconf
ir
msmysuspi
cions
Zandy.
Nkosi
:Whatsuspi
cions?
Zandy
:Wehav
easni
tchamongstus.
Weallt
ookoutourgunsandpoi
nted
atMbul
elo
Mbulelo:Youcannotbeser i
ous.I'
m
notthesni t
chhere.Iwoul
dn'tdothat
tomysi ster,she'
smyblood,almost
myt wi
n.Wej ustafewdaysapart.I
'd
neverdot hat.
Kamo:Ri
ghtnow,
wecannott
rust
any
one.
Thaps:
Itcan'
tbeoneofus.
Thabo:
Wel l
itisandt hatpersonhas
tobeMbulelo.We'v
ebeent ogether
fort
oolong,wewoul dntdot hatto
eachot
her.He'sbeenher efornot
l
ongandweal r
eadyhav eleaks.
Me:
Ineedt
othi
nk
Nkosi
:I'
m sodi
sappoi
ntedi
nal
lofus.
ItextedSi y
atel
li
ngherwehav ea
snitch.Thishasjustbeent hemost
diff
icultthi
ngwe'vebeent hrough.
Justwhenwenev erexpectedit,
Thabot ookKamoandputhergunon
herhead.
Me:
It'
sbeeny
oual
lal
ong.
Thabo:Aren'
tyougl adtof indout?I
wouldn'
tdoany t
hingst upidi fIwas
you.Iwill
nothesi
tat et
oki llherandI
havebombsi nst
alledint hesaf e
houseinBali
towithal l
y ourf amil
ies
i
nside.Youdosomet hi
ngst upid,
Ikil
l
them al
l.We'
reaboutt ol andnowand
you'
lldoasIsay.
Me: Thatwon'thappen.Youofall
peopleshouldknowt hatyoudon'
t
thr
eatenanyofus.We' renotafr
aidof
anyofy ouandwhoev eryou'
re
workingwith
Nkosi:
Don'tfighthim Danny.Thabo,
we'l
ldoasy ousay .Justknowthat
youwillpayforthi
s.
Nkosi wi
nkedatmeandIl aughed.
WesatdownandThabot houghthe
hast heupperhand.Hecl earl
ydoes
notknowus.Kamowascr yi
ngandI
l
ookedather .Rightnow, Ineedhert o
putheremot i
onsasi deandf ocus.
We'vebeenf riendsforsol ong,been
thr
oughsomucht ogetehrandhe
doest hi
sus.Ihav ealotofquest i
ons
andhewi llanswert hem.Wel anded
andwewer eusher edi nt
odifferent
cars.Iwasi nthecarwi t
hPhilaand
Zandy
Zandy:
Herownhusbandhasagun
onherheadthr
eateningt
okill
her
.
Thefat
herofherkids.Whatki
ndofa
manisThabo?
Me:Zandy,
you'
ll
getemoti
onal
about
i
tlat
er.We'
regoi
ngoncode411.
Ready?
Them:
YesSi
r.
WegottotheRussi
anHeadQuarter
s,
mindyou,wewereout
numberedand
notar
med.Butwe'r
egoingt
owar.I
l
aughedandNkosil
ookedatmelike
I
'm cr
azy
Nkosi
:Areyoucr
azy
?We'
reonat
ight
cor
nerhere
Me:Thesepeopl
eareamateur
s,y
ou
wenttowarwit
hK.Dunarmedand
sur
viv
edwhatwill
stopus?
Nkosi:Youdonot icethatwe
outnumber ed?Ourtrustedf
ri
end
tur
nedoutt obenotoneofus?Do
youseriouslythi
nkwe'llmakeitout
ali
ve?
Bonga:We'
rewi
thDannyher
e,why
shoul
dwenotmakeitoutal
i
ve?
Phi
l
a:Ther
e'sy
ourbabe
Shewasseat edonthefl
oorti
edup.
Itanger
edmesomuchbutIneeded
tocalm downandfocus.Theycame
andwant edt
ot i
eusup.
Me:Don'
tbecowards,
ther
e'sno
needt
otieusup.
Zandy
:We'
rer
eal
l
ydoi
ngt
he411?
KJ:
Yes!
Mbul
elo:
Bri
efmepl
ease
Jabu:
Wef
ight
ing
Mbulel
o:Youdoseet
hatt
hese
peopl
earearmed?
Danny:Nev
erbeafr
aidofagun.We
don'
tneedcowar
dsoryou'
lldi
e.
Mbul
elo:
I'
min
L’yanda:I
'
llov
erhim upifhecan'
t
takeit.We'
respl
it
ti
ng,Zandyyou
knowhowwedot hisright
?Don'tbea
l
adyt
oday
Zandy
:Youknowme.
Ibl
ewakissatNasi.Shewascryi
ng
andshewasafrai
d.She'
llpr
obabl
y
sl
apmeforblowingakissatsucha
moment.
Theycamewi t
hthei
rgunswit
h
Nkonzoleadi
ngthem f
oll
owedby
Thabo
Me:
Wher
eisKamogel
ang?
Nkonzo:Wi
ll
bewithyourwi
feshort
ly,
wecoulddothi
stheeasyway.Gi
ve
usthechi
p
Bonga:
Thatwon'
thappen
Nkonzo:Soyoudeci
dedt
ojoi
nthe
ot
herteam Mbul
elo?
Mbulel
o:Youturnedagai
nstyourown
si
ster
.Iwil
lnotbetr
ayherli
kethat.
Phi
l
a:Ar
eyour
eadygent
s?
Me:Iam,evenifIdi
etoday,I
'
lldi
e
knowi
ngthatIhavesavedmy
woman'sl
if
e.Theyremov edt
heclot
h
i
nhermouth
Nasi
:Babe!Don'
tdoi
t.Sav
etheki
ds!
Kamowasnowwithherandshehad
al
otofhat
redi
nherey
es
Me:
Ilov
eyouNasi
.
Thaps:
Wel
ovey
oubot
h,hangi
n
t
her
e.
Theycameatusarmedandwe
st
artedf
ight
ing.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t49
I
'
veneverf
eltsoscar
edinmyent
ir
e
l
i
fe.I
'
veneverfel
tsobet
ray
edinmy
ent i
reli
fe.Mybl ood,myv er yownbig
brotherhast urnedhisbackagai nst
me.Iwasscar edformyl ifeandmy
child'
slife.Iwaswor ri
edaboutmy
kidsandmyf i
ance.Iwaswor ried
aboutal lmyf r
iends.Ishoul dbeat
homepl anningmyweddi ngbutI 'min
Russi ati
edupi nsomest inkyroom.I
feltmybl oodboi lasIsawNkonzo
l
aughi ngwi thThaboinf r
ontofmeme.
Didn'theknowt hatNkonzoi s
wor kingwi t
htheRussi ans?Myhear t
brokeashesl appedmeandr emov ed
theduckt apeonmymout h.
Me:
Thabo,
howcoul
dyou?
Thabo:
Shutupf
ort
hesakeofy
our
ki
dsandf
ami
l
y
Me:Whatdi
dyoudot
othem!You
bast
ard
Hesl appedmeagai nandt heyt ook
meoutoft heroom andwewentt o
someopenspace.Dannyandt he
guy sandZandywer et her
e.They
wer enotarmednordi dIthinkthey
hav eaplan.Dannyblewaki sst ome
andi tangeredmet hatheiffooling
aroundatsuchamoment .Oneoft he
guy sdraggedKamoandputhernext
tome.Theyr emovedourduckt apes
afterNkonzot al
kedtoDannyabout
sav i
ngusort hekids.
Me:
Babe!Don'
tdoi
t.Sav
etheki
ds!
DannyMcKenziedecidedt
odo
other
wiseandthrowapunchat
Nkonzo.Theyall
star
tedfi
ght
ingand
somewer eshooti
ng.
Kamo:
Iwantt
hatbast
arddead!
Wewer educktapedagainandthey
fought
.Someoft hem hadalr
eady
managedtogetgunsandwer e
shooti
ngattheopponents.
Kamo:
OhGod!Icannotwat
cht
his.
Itwasr eal
l
yhor
ribl
et owatch.Ikept
oncryingandcl
osingmyey es
prayi
ng.Zandycouldn'tt
akeit
anymor e
Me:
Wehav
etodosomet
hing.
Kamo:Trycut
ti
ngtherope.We'
l
l
snat
chthegunsbehi
ndusandshoot
.
Me:
Comecl
oserKamo
Shecamecloseandwewer eabl
eto
cutther
opewit
har azorwi
thout
anyoneseei
ngus.
Kamo:
Ready
?
Me:
Yes
Kamo:
Shoot
.
Westart
edshooti
ngandfi
nding
pl
acestohi
de.Dannysawmeandit
anger
edhimthatIwaski
ll
i
ngpeople.
AsmuchasitwasscarybutIhadt
o.
Ineededtosavemyf amil
y.Iwas
emotional
butIfocusedonwhatI
hadtodo
Kamo:
Shi
t!Run
Me:
Ohmybaby
,pl
easehangon.
Iranasf
astasIcoul
dandwekept
onshoot
ingthemenwhowere
chasi
ngus.
Me:
Kamo,
Ican'
tdot
hisany
mor
e
Kamo:
Pleaset
ry
Isl
oweddownandt
heycaughtme
Me:
Runandsav
eyour
sel
fKamo!
Kamo:NoI
'
m comi
ngf
ory
ou,
Iwon'
t
l
eavey
ou
Wet r
iedfi
ghti
ngthem offandwe
weretakenbacktowher ewewer e.
TheyconnectedsomethingandI
real
i
zeditwasanel ect
ri
calteaser.
Me:
Pleasedon'
t!I
'
m pr
egnant
.
Guy
:Wedon'
tcar
eaboutt
hat
.
Theyt ookusbackt otheopenspace
wer etheotherswerefighti
ng.We
cri
edaswesawLubah, Thapsand
L’
y andalayi
ngont hefloor.I
twasf ul
l
ofbloodandIl ostal
lhope.Danny
wasbadl ybeatenupbuthedi dn'
t
stopf i
ghti
ng.Mphokeptonf i
ghti
ng
buthewasl i
mping.
Kamo:
We'
regoi
ngt
odi
e
Me:
Don'
tgi
veupy
et
Thabocamet ousandhewas
l
aughing.Thi
smanisrut
hless.He
cal
ledDannyandhismenwer e
hol
dingthem.
Thabo:
Youwi l
lnowwat
chasy
ou
l
ooseyourbaby.
Me:
Please!NotmybabyThabo!
Kamo:Thabo,
don'
tdot
hatpl
easeI
begyou.
Danny:
Don'
tdot
his,
Iwi
l
lki
l
lyou
Thabo.
Thabo:What?I
t'
snotli
keyouwant ed
thi
sbaby.Youdidsayyou'
renot
happyaboutNasibei
ngpregnant
.
Me:
That
'snott
rue
Thabo:
Isi
t,
Danny
?
Dannyl
ookeddownandIknewwhat
Thabowassayi
ngi
strue.Icr
iedandI
washurt
Danny
:I'
m sor
ryNasi
phi
Theyswi tchedont heel ectri
cal
teaserandst artedwithKamo.Her
screamsdeaf enedmyear sandi t
wasev idencet hatwhatIwasabout
togot hroughwaspai nful.Ifel
tit
,it
elect
rocut edmybody .Iwasi nso
muchpai n,mybodyf eltnumbaf terit
stopped.Icoul dn'
tevencr yanymor e.
Icouldhearhi m scream, Iopenedmy
eyesandremainedstr
ong.Itwasnot
thatv
isi
blebutIcoul
dseehi m
fi
ghti
ng.Theywereallmoreanger
ed
andhitt
ingNkonzo'
smen.
Nkonzo:
Wherearet
heot
hermen!
!!
?
Wherearet
hey?
Theywer egetti
ngout number edand
thatwasanadv ant aget ous.Jabu
andBr i
anwer ealsodownandi twas
mor eworkfortheot her s.Mbul
elo
tookoutakni f
eandf oughtwhi l
e
stabbi
ngaf ew.It hrewupduet othe
nauseaandt heamountofdead
bodiesthatwereinf rontofme.My
vomitearnedmeanot her
elect
rocuti
on.Icoul dn' ttakei
t
any more.Theydi di tnumer oust i
mes
ti
llIfel
tsomet hi
nghotandwetf al
li
ng
slowlydownmyl egs.Icoul dhear
Dannyscr eamingandt her ewer elots
andl otsofgunshot sf ired.Iwashi m
ashef elldown.Hewasshott wiceon
hisshoul derandchest .Thatdi dn't
stophi m, Ihadabl urredv i
sionbutI
couldseehi m.Myhear twasbr oken
becauseIhadal readyaccept edwhat
hadhappened.Icl osedmyey esasI
wentt hroughmor et ort
ur e.Wewer e
takent osomeot herr oom andIcoul d
hearKamoscr eami ng.Icoul dn'tcry
any more.Ihadnot ear sleftinme
andIhadal readygiv enup.JustasI
wasabouttocl
osemyey es.Thabo
gotshotonbot
hhisknees.
Kamo:
Yes!
Dannycamei
nandki
ssedme
Danny
:Holdonbabe,t
heambul
ance
i
scoming.Il
oveyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooDanny
Kamo:
Lookout
!!
Thabowast r
yingtoshootDannybut
heshotmeonmyst omach.Itwas
thenl
ight
'soutforme
#Danny
I
twashard,wefoughtunar
medand
out
numbered.Someofourmenwere
downandZandywasout .Itwas
dif
f i
cult
,Icoul dsayt hiswast he
toughestf ightwe'vehadi nourl i
ves.I
wasangr ywhenNasi usedagunand
kil
ledpeopl e.Ididn'twantanybl ood
i
nherhands.She' snev erkill
eda
personandt hef i
rsttimeshedi d,she
kil
ledmany .Iknowhowi twillaffect
heremot ionallybuti twasat ough
sit
uat i
ont hatwef oundour selves
caughtupi n.Ineededt osav eher
andt hefami ly.Weneededt okeep
pushingev enthoughwewer eal l
badlybeat enup.Thabopushedme,
hepushedmet oofarandhewi llpay
forthis.Hedr ovemet ot heedge
whenhet ol dNasi thatIdi dn'twant
thebaby .Yesi t'str
ueIhadmy
doubtsandhesi tat
ionsaboutt he
babybutIwant edit.Itismychi l
dand
Iwilll
ov ehi m orhert hewayIl ovemy
otherkids.Shewassodi sappointed
andhur t.Hedr ovemet ot heedge
whenheel ect
rocutedherwi than
electr
icalteaser .HerandKamo' s
screamsmademel oosemymi nd.I
foughtlikenev erbef ore.Wewer eon
fullat
tackingmode.Wewer eall
angeredbyThabo' sdoi ngs.Hehad
nor emor seandnohear ttobedoi ng
sucht ohi sownwi fe.Theywer eata
ti
ghtcor nerast heybecome
outnumbered.Itotallylostmymi nd
asIsawt hebloodf alldownf r
om her
l
egs.Shewasl oosingt oomuch
blood.Mbulelothrewmeakni feandI
wasablet ostabaf ewpeopl e.Nkosi
tooktheknifeandt heyf oughtasI
wentstrai
ghttot heirsecur i
tyleader
.
Wef oughtti
llgunshot swer efired
andIgotshotonmyshoul derand
nearmychest .Ifellandcl osedmy
eyesforawhi l
e
Bonga:
Danny!Danny!Wakeupman,
wecannotl
ooseyou.Phi
la,Jabuand
Mphohavealsobeenshot!
Iopenedmyeyesandst
oodup.
Mphostoodupwithmeandwe
cont
inuedf
ight
ing
Mpho:Go!Gosav
ethem.We'
l
ldeal
wi
ththe10guy
sthat
slef
t.
ItookagunandshotThaboonhi s
knees.Theotherof fi
cial
swhower e
watchingranaway .Bloodycowards!
Theycanr unbutI'
ll f
indthem.Iwas
l
oosinglotsofbloodt oo.ButI
couldn'
tlett
hatstopme.Igott oher
andshewasst i
l
lbr eathi
ngandher
eyeswer eopenedabi t
.
Me:Hol
donbabe,
theambul
ancei
s
comi
ng.Il
ovey
ou
Nasi
:Il
ovey
ou
Kamo:
Lookout
!!
WhenIturned,t
hebulletwent
st
rai
ghttoNasi andshotherinher
st
omach!Shewi ncedandclosedmy
ey
es.Shewassl owlyloosi
ngher
br
eath.Thabolaughedandsomeone
hi
thi
m ont heheadwi t
hav ase.I
t
wasZandy,sheuntiedKamo
Zandy
: Wefi
nishedthem,
the
ambulancei
sont heway.
Me:
Takeherf
ir
st
Kamo:Dannyy
oualsoneedhel
p.You
bl
eedi
ngtoomuch
Me:I
'
mf i
ne,
Ihav
esomet
hingst
o
t
akecar
eoff
.
Nkosi
:Danny
,wecannotl
oosey
ou.
Youneedt
ogethel
p
Me:
I'
ll
beback!
!!
Iwal
kedar
oundwi
thKJf
oll
owi
ngme
l
impi
ng
Me:
Wher
ear
egoi
ng?
KJ:
I'
m notl
ett
ingy
ougoal
one.
Me:
Youdon'
twantmet
oki
l
lyou
KJ:You'
llf
allandcol
lapsebefor
eyou
evendothat.You'
reshotnearyour
heart
,onyourdamnchest !You
exhaust
ed.
Me:
Shutup
Iwalkedandhewasbehindme.
Otheragent
sarr
ivedandtheywai
ted
f
ori
nst
ruct
ionsf
rom me.
Me:TakeThaboandNkonzot
othe
war
ehouse.
Jomo: Thef
amil
iesar
eonthei
rway,
they
'l
lbeherebytomor
rowmorni
ng.
Me:
Good
Jomo:Agentsi
nDur
banmanagedto
di
sabl
eallbombsi
nthesaf
ehouse.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Iwasgetti
ngtir
edanddi zzy.I
stumbledasIwalkedbackt owher e
theambulancearri
vedat.Zandyand
Kamower ebeingchecked.May i,
Brian,
Thapel
o,LubahandL’ yanda
wer er
ushedtothehospital
ast hey
neededtobeunderi
ntensi
vecar
e.
TheytookNasi
phiandIhel
dherhand
Me:
I'
m sor
rymyl
ove
KJ:Danny,
youneedtobeoper
ated
on.You'
resoaki
ngi
nblood.
Icouldhearpeopl ecall
ingoutmy
namebutmyey eswer eshutti
ng
downandal lIcouldfeelwas
excruciati
ngpain.EvenifIdietoday,
I'
l
l di
eknowi ngthatIhav esavedher
l
ifeinsteadofmi ne.Isqueezedher
handf orthelastti
meandIcoul dn'
t
breathany more.
Me:Il
oveyouPear
lNasi
phi
McKenzi
e.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t50
Iwokeupf eel
ingweak,Iwasnumb
butIopenedmyey es.Il
ooked
aroundandIwashospi t
ali
zed.Paul
a
wasl ay
ingherheadnexttome
Me:
Paul
a
Shewokeupandsmil
edatme.She
adj
ustedmypi
ll
owandgaveme
water
.
Paul
a:I
t'
sgoodtoseey
ou'
reawake.
Howareyoufeel
i
ng?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne,
wher
eisDanny
?
Paula:Heisi
nacoma, helostt
oo
muchbl oodandthebul
leti
nhis
chestdidal
otofdamage
Me:
Wil
lhebeokay
?
Paul
a:I
'
m notsure.Youdon'tneedt
o
worr
yyour
sel
faboutot her
sand
worr
yaboutyour
self.
Me:
Mybaby
Paul
a:I
'
llcal
lthedoct
or
Shewentoutandcamebackwi
tht
he
Doct
or,
SnehandNt okozo
Doc:
Wow,
you'
reawake.That
'sgood
Me:
Mybabyi
sdead?
Doc:
Unfort
unatel
y,t
hebabydi
dn'
t
makeit
.I'
m sor
ryDrNyat
hi
Me:
Okay
,leav
epl
ease
Doc:I'
llgi
veyousomet
imewi t
hyour
fr
iends.I'
l
lcomebackl
atert
ocheck
youup.
Nt
oko:
Doy
ouwantsomet
hingt
oeat
?
Me:
No,
wher
ear
etheot
her
s?
Sneh:Kamoi satherhouseresting.
May i
,Mpho,PhilaandBongaar ein
somer oom hereatthehospit
al.Bri
an,
JabuandMbul eloarehospit
ali
zed
l
ayinginthei
rroom.L’yandaand
NkosiareatHQ, LubahandDanny
areinthecoma.
Me:
Athi
?
Paul
a:Hewentt ocheckonDanny
andLubah.Thapsiswit
hZandy.
Me:
CanIgoseeDanny
?
Nt
oko:
Don'
tyouwantt
orestabi
t?
Me:No,whendi
dwegetbackf
rom
Russi
a?
Sneh:
Yest
erday
Me:
Wher
ear
etheki
ds?
Paul
a:Wi
tht
hemot
her
s
Me:
Hel
pmeuppl
ease
Ntoko:We'l
lputy
ouonthi
s
wheelchai
rsoyouwon'
thavet
owal
k.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Theytookmet oDanny 'sroom and
hewasl ay
ingtherel
ifelesswithso
manymachi nesonhim.Ij ustsat
ther
eandst ar
edathim wi thsomuch
tosaybutIcouldn'
ttalk.AllIdi
dwas
j
ustcryandIheldhishand.
Me:
Comebackt
ousMcKenzi
e.
Iwheel
edmy
sel
foutoft
her
oom and
theot
her
swerewaiti
ngf ormesowe
cangoseeBri
an,Mbulel
oandJabu.
Theywer
einthesamer oom soi
t
madethi
ngseasi
er.
West ayedandtal
kedjustj
oking
around.NkosiandL’
yandaalsocame
andjoinedus
Nkosi
:Ibel
ievethi
shasbeent he
t
oughestchal
lengewe'
v eveen
t
hroughinsuchalonglongtime.
Bee:
Youcansayt
hatagai
n.Too
manymendown
Phi
l
a:We'
l
lri
se
Me:
Wher
eisThaboandNkonzo?
Nkosi
:HQ
Inoddedandi
twasliketheywer
e
skat
ingonthi
nicenexttome.They
gavemelooksfi
ll
edwithpit
y.
Me:
Don'
tfeel
sor
ryf
orme
Siy
a:Iknowwhaty ou'
regoing
thr
oughtrustme,Ihadseveral
miscar
ri
agesbeforehavi
ngt he
Quads.
Me:I'
m notfeeli
nganypai
nnordoI
hav
eanyt ears.I
sthatnor
mal
?
At
hi:
Peopl
egr
iev
eindi
ff
erentway
s.
Nkosi:
May bei
t'
sbecausey
ou
haven'
taccept
edit
.
Inoddedandtheygott
hemessage
ofthatIdon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t.
Me:
Sowhatwi
l
lhappent
othem?
Mpho: They
'l
lbetort
uredandthey'
l
l
tal
k.Butwewi l
lnotki
llt
hem t
il
l
Dannywakesup.Hewi l
lgi
veusthe
goahead.
Me:
Iwantt
obet
her
e
Phil
a:Nasi
phi
,youknowhewon'
t
al
lowy out
obethere.
Me:I'
l
ldoitwhi
lehei
sn'
tawake.I
wanttogother
etomorr
ow.
Nkosi
:That
'
sreal
l
ynotagoodi
dea
Me:
Inf
actIwantt
ogot
her
etoday
Nkosi
:NoNasi
phi
Me:
Wit
hal
lduer
espectNkosi
nat
hi,
youdonottakedeci
sionsforme.I
wil
lgot
herewithorwithoutanyof
you.
Nkosi
:Fi
ne
Me:
Thanky
ou,
Athi
,di
schar
geme
At
hi:
YesMr
s
Me:
Wher
eisKJ?Ihav
en'
tseenhi
m
Bonga:He'
staki
ngcareofDanny'
s
thi
ngs.HewenttoPret
ori
atodayand
guesswhohewentwi t
h?
Me:
Who?
Bonga:
Sbahl
e
Me:Heheaythosetwo,youcannev
er
under
standwhatgoesdown.
Nceba:Theyar
ehav
ingsmashand
dashfun.
Lubah:
Whi
chwi
l
lendv
erybadl
y
Wealltur
nedandhewasona
wheel
chairbehi
ndus.Bel
i
ndaj
ust
cr
iedandrantohim
Me:ThankGodyou'
reup.Whendi
d
t
hisal
lhappen?
Lubah:Afewhoursago, Iwasjust
rest
ingmybody.Afteralloft
hisis
over,weneedavacation.
Nay
e:Wehav
enoti
meforvacat
ions,
wehav
eaweddi
ngtopl
an
Me:
Doyout
hinkDannywill
sti
l
lwant
t
omarr
ymeafteral
lthi
s?
Mpho: Ofcausehewi l
l
.Hel ovesyou
andwentt hrougheveryt
hingwe've
beenthrought hi
spastfewday s
becauseoft helovehehasf oryou.
Lubah:
Dannywoulddoi tall
over
agai
nforyou.You'
rehi
sl i
feandhe
wil
lwakeupfrom t
hatcomaand
comebacktoy ouandthekids
Me:
Didy
oubr
ingmeanycl
othes?
Si
ya:
Let
sgogety
ouchanged
Iwentbacktomyr oom andchanged
i
ntoatracksui
tandsneakers.
Me:I'
l
lbeabl
etowal
k,Iwon'
tuset
he
wheel
chai
r.
Iwentt
oDanny
'sr
oom andki
ssed
hi
sdryl
ips.IputVasel
i
neont
hem
andl
eft
.
At
hi:
Whatdoy
out
hinky
ou'
redoi
ng?
Me:I
'm dr
ivi
ngmy
sel
ftomyhouse
andHQ
At
hi:
Mov
e,I
'
lldr
ivey
ou
Me:
Icandr
ivemy
sel
f!
Athi
:YoudoknowIcancar r
yyouand
putyouonthepassenger
sseat?
Me:
Youwoul
dn'
tdar
e.
Her eal
l
ydidcarr
ymeandputmeon
thepassenger
sseatignor
ingmy
screamsandsmal l
punches.
At
hi:
Yout
oost
ubbor
n.
Me:
What
ever
Athi:
Mybodyaches,
Ihaven'
t
recover
edasmuchasIthought
Me:
Andy
oudeci
dedt
ocar
ryme
At
hi:
Younotev
enheav
y
Hedr ovemehomeandwai t
edf orme
outside.IwenttoDanny '
ssaf eandI
cri
edwhenIsawwhatwast here.It
wasahugepi ctureofmesl eeping.
Het ookthispicturethedayhet ook
myi nnocents.Ilaughedtomy self
andt ookhisgun.Anal arm wentoff
Me:
Shi
t!Whendi
dthi
shappen?
Athi
:Iknewyouwereupt
onogood.
Putthatgundown
Hepressedsomecodeandt
heal
arm
st
opped.
Me:
Ineedagun
At
hi:
Whydi
dn'
tyouj
ustask?
Me:
Youwoul
dn'
thav
eagr
eed
At
hi:
Youdon'
tknowt
hat
.
Hegavemeagunandwal kedout.
Thatwaseasyandunexpected.I
l
ookedatDannyspi
ctureandsmi l
ed.
Somehowitfel
tasi
fhewaswi thme.
Il
aughedtomysel
f
At
hi:
Isweary
ou'
rel
oosi
ngy
ourmi
nd.
Me:
Isitst
rangethatIf
eel
asi
fDanny
i
swit
hmer ightnow?
Athi
:IwouldntknowbutI'
ll
justsay
you'
renotcrazy.Let
'sgo
Igoti
nthecarandhedr
oveof
f
Athi
:You'
reonl
ygoingt
oseeNkonzo
notThabo.We'
l
ldealwi
thThabo
whenDannyisawake
Me:
Fai
renough
At
hi:
Andy
ouwi
l
lnotki
l
lhi
m
Me:
Yessi
r
At
hi:
Good
Wegott oHQandt her ewasLubah
andNkosi andNaye.Nay ewas
hol
dingNkosi cl
oselyandtheylooked
soperfecttoget
her.Inot
icedher
mov eawayandlookedatmewi t
h
pit
y.Ir
eali
zedIhadbeenstari
ngat
them f
orlongandIevensheddeda
fewtears.
Me:
Sor
ry
IwalkedawayandLubahledmet o
theroom t
heyheldNkonzohost age.
Itmademewantt opuket
hatthis
wasmyownbr otherandi
lookedso
muchl i
kehim.Itpai
nedmet hathe
didt
histome
Me:SawbonaBhut
'omdal
a(Hel
l
obi
g
br
other
)
Nkonzo:Iseeyoumadei
toutali
ve.
Thankthatbast
ardofaf
iancey
ou
hav
e.He'sreal
l
yfear
lessand
per
sist
ant.
Me:Helovesmeandwoulddo
anyt
hingf
orme.Unl
ikemyown
fami
lywhotur
nsthi
erbacksonme
Nkonzo:Justbecausewehavethe
samefatherdoesn'
tmakeusfamily
.
Whereisthattr
ait
orofabr
otheryou
have?
Me:Youdon'
tneedtoknowabout
wheremyloy
albrot
heri
s.Whydid
youdothi
s?
Nkonzo:
Ineededtobri
ngy
oual
l
downandgetthechi
p
Me:
Whati
sitaboutt
hisst
upi
dchi
p
every
oneisl
oosingt
heirmi
ndsover
on!Whatoneart
hdoy ouhavet
odo
withi
tNkonzo?
Nkonzo: TheRussi
ansand
Colombiansauthor
iti
eswil
l ki
l
lyou.
Thatchiphasinfor
mat i
onthatcould
bri
ngusdown.Wecoul dspendy ear
s
andy ear
si nj
ail
.Whereist
hechip
Nasiphi?
Me:Howam Isupposedtoknow?
WasMuzii
nvolvedi
nalloft
his?
Nkonzo:
Yes,
him andHect
or.
Me:Whyar eyoubei
ngsoco-
operat
iveandanswer
ingal
lmy
questi
ons?
Nkonzo:BecauseIknowt hatfi
ance
ofyourswil
lki
llmeev ent
uall
y.You
don'
tknowhi mli
key outhi
nky oudo
Nasiphi
.Runwhileyoustil
lcan.
You'
regoingtomarryamonst er.
Me:
Amonst
ert
hatl
ovesme
Nkonzo:Whathappenswhenhe
doesn'
tl
oveyouany mor
e?
Me:I'l
lcrossthatdamnbri
dgewhenI
getthere.Ri
ghtnowIneedtodeal
wit
ht hemonst eri
nfr
ontofme.
Itookat oolboxnextt
omeandI
start
edtorturi
nghim.It
ookoutt
wo
ofhisteethandhewaswhi ni
ngi
n
pain.Isl
appedhim andtol
dhimto
shutup.
Me: Whaty ouandThabodidki l
l
ed
mybaby !!Youkil
l
edmychi ld!Thisi
s
nothi
ngcompar edtowhatmyf i
ance
wil
ldotoy ou.Youkil
l
edhi schil
dand
putmet hroughexcr
uciat
ingpain.
Nkonzo: I'
m sorry,Ididn'twanty ou
caughtupandi nvolvedinal loft his.
Youj usthadtocomeal ong.Ki ll
ing
Ziyandawasawast e!Youcame
alongwi t
hy oursmar tassandr uined
things.Yoursmar tsisterZeehi dt hi
s
damnt hi
ngper f
ectly.Ihearshewas
wor ki
ngwi t
ht hebeaut i
ful sexyand
smar tZandy,Imustsayf uckingt hat
girlwasthebestf uckofmyl i
f e.In
j
ustaflashNkosi t
hrewi
napunch
andbeathim up.Iwasconf
used,
whendidNkonzoandZandyhav esex?
Athigrabbedmeandwel eftdr
ivi
ng
offbacktothehospi
tal
.Weal l
satin
ourdesignatedr
oom.Bri
anandMay i
wereupandmov i
ngagain.
Me:It
'sgoodt
oseet
haty
ouguy
sar
e
okay
Mayi:Yeahhey,
It'
sbeentough.Jabu
i
supaswel l,
he'sj
ustint
he
bat
hroom.
Inoddedandcouldn'
tgetwhat
Nkonzosaidoffmyhead.Ikepton
l
ookingatZandyandMpho, I
wonderedwhathemeant .Didt
hey
oncehav earel
ati
onshi
p?But
wouldn'
thaveZandyment i
onedthat
orment i
onedthatt
heykneweach
otherbefor
e.
Zandy
:Isev
ery
thi
ngokayNasi
phi
?
Me:
Yeah.
..Yeahsur
e.
Buu:
I'
m notconv
inced
Me:
I'
mjustt
ir
ed.
Nkosi
lookedatmeli
kehewant
ed
metosaysomethi
ng.Thi
sguycan
cr
eepmeoutattimes.
Phi
la:
Ifeelasi
fther
e'ssomet
hing
youwanttotel
lus
Me: Idon'twanttojumpinto
conclusions.ButNkonzomenti
oned
somet hi
ngt hatdi
dn'tmakeany
senset ome.
Jabu:
Whati
sit
?
Athi
:Hesaidfucki
ngZandywast
he
bestfucksofhi
sli
fe
Mpholookedv
eryangr
yandheput
hi
shandsinhi
spocket
.
Zandy:ButI
'veneversl
eptwi
th
Nkonzo.Idi
dntevenknowhim bef
ore
wemethi m atNasi'
s
Nkosi
:Hewasatt
hear
myZandy
Zandyj
ustcri
ed,i
tisasifheputone
andtwotoget
herandfigur
editout
.
Theyall
didandPaul
a,
Phel
o,Buuand
Iweresolost
.
Me:
Pleaseexpl
ain,
I'
mlost
Si
ya:
It'
sasensi
ti
vesubj
ect
Zandy :Yearsagowewer ei nthe
army ,wedi dn'tknoweachot herat
thatti
meandi twasj ustmeandZee
atthear myandot herpeopl eofcause.
Longst orycutshor t,
theyescaped
sinceitwasn' treallyalegal armybut
wewer etrainedt ober uthlessand
kil
lpeopleol denought obeour
grandmot her '
s.Whent heyescaped,
theyleftaf ewl ooseendswhi chwe
hadt opayf or.Wegotr apedt ry
ingto
ti
ethoselooseendsandt
ryi
ngto
escape.Iwasrapedbymul
ti
pleof
mensoIguessNkonzowasoneof
them.
Iwasi nt earsandwehugged.My
brotherr apedmyf r
iend.Zandywas
raped, sheisindeedast r
ongwoman
tohav esur vi
vedallofthat
.Sheeven
managedt obewithanotherman
afterthatt r
auma
Me:
I'
m sosor
ryZandi
l
e
Zandy:I
t'
snoty ourfaul
t.I
tsthat
brot
herofyours.It
ssomet hi
ngI'
ll
neverev
erforgetbutI'v
ehealed.
Mpho:
Iwi
l
lki
l
lhi
m andy
ouwon'
t
st
opme.
Wit
hthatsai
dhewal
kedoutandIr
an
af
terhi
m
Me: Don'tdoit
.Iknowy ou'reangry,
I'
m alsoangryandweal lar
e.We' l
l
punishthebothofthem f orthetime
being,weneedt owaitfortheot hers
towakeupandr ecover.Weneedt o
dot hi
stogether
,asat eam.Iknow
wenothowwewer e,oneofuschose
tobetrayusbutwe'reall wehav e
now.Ihav en'
tbeenwi t
hy ouguy sfor
l
ongbutIknowwest i
ckt ogetherat
allt
imesandwedot hingst ogether.
Thabocoul dn'
tsti
cktot hatandi t
s
hislosswhichhe'l
lpaygr atel
yfor.I
foroneknowsDannywi l
lbeliv
idifhe
wakesupandNkonzoi sdead.He' l
l
l
oosehi smindandgocrazyov ernot
gett
inghisrev
engeandmaki nghim
suff
er.Let'
sdothi
stogetherMpho
Zandy
:She'
sri
ghtLebonewam.
Mpho:I
'm goi
ngt
ogetsomeai
r.I
'
ll
beback
Bonga:
I'
m comi
ngwi
thy
ou
Mpho:
You'
rel
i
mpi
ng
Bonga:
Andsoar
eyou
Wel aughedandtheylef
t.Whilethey
werewal ki
ngdownt hepassage
Kamocameandt heyalltur
nedback
together
.Ihaven'
tseenhersincethe
dayoft
het
ragi
cinci
dent
.
Kamo:
Wher
ewer
etheset
wogoi
ng?
Mpho:Goingt
ogetsomeai
rbutt
hat
canwait
.
Kamo:
How'
sDanny
?
Me:
Nochanges
Kamo:
He'
llbeokay
.Hangi
nther
e,
howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
mfi
neandy
our
sel
f
Kamo:
I'
ll
justsayI
'
mfi
net
oo.
Wesatt ogetheront
hesamecouch
andIsatl i
keIsatwhenIwas
pregnant.Il
aughedasIreali
zedI'm
notpregnantanymore.Isatstr
aight
andr ubbedmyst omach.Mybabyi s
goneandI '
l
lneverseehim orher
again.Iclosedmyey esanditwas
weirdbecauseIcoul dsmellDanny'
s
scent.Iknewhe'llwakeupandcome
backf ormeandt hekids.Hehasto
comebackf orus.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t51
It
sbeen4mont hs,mont hsf il
ledwith
sadnessy etIsheddednot ears.He's
beenint hecomaf oramont handt he
doctorswant edmet oswi tchof ft
he
l
ifemachi nes.ThatIwillnev erdo
evenifhest aysinthecomaf or
10years.Todaywe' regoingt othe
hospit
al.At hiandDrNxumal ohave
beenwor kingonsomet hingt hat
mighthel phi m wakehim upandhe' l
l
beablet obr eathonhi sown.Ihav e
beenpr ayingsincet heyst arted
workingwi t
hi tandIhopei twil
l reall
y
work.Buuhel pedmebat ht
heki ds
andpr eparetheki dsf orschool .To
them ithasbeenast rainandt hey
real
lymi sstheirfather .Ihavenot
evenexpl ai
nedt hedeat hofmybaby .
Onikasomet imesaskt hegenderof
thebabyandIj ustsayi tsgone.I
cannotev enexpl ain,Icannotev en
crynormour nmychi ld.Thepast
4mont hshav ebeenhel landI'
ve
neverbeent hroughsomuchal l at
once.NkonzoandThabohav elost
onelegeach?They 'v
ebeent ortur ed
everydaysincewehel dt hem host age.
Buu:
Doy
ouwantmet
ocomewi
th
y
ou?
Me:Noy oudon'
thav
etosis,
you
needtogotoschool
.You'
rei
ngrade
12remember?
Buu:
YeahYeah
Oni
ka:
Wil
ldadcomebackt
oday
?
Sheaskesthi
squest
ioneachand
ever
yday.
Me:I
'l
lpr
aythathedoeswakeupand
comestoseeus.
Danv
er:
Imi
ssmyf
ather
Me:Hemissesy
out
oo,
noweatup
sowecango.
Weat
eandt
heybr
ushedt
hei
rteet
h
whil
eIpackedt hei
rbags.It
'sli
keI
don'
tevenwor kanymore.Ihav e
peopler
unningourbusinessesf or
meandDannyandwe' resoluckyt o
haveKJbecausewehav eev er
ythi
ng
undercont
rolandhei si
nchar geof
ever
ythi
ng.Hehasbeendoi nga
real
l
ygreatjobandIhav ebeen
payi
nghimv erywell
.
Buu:
I'
m outy
'al
l
!!
Me:
You'
renotl
eav
ingwi
thus?
Buu:
Guguispicki
ngmeup,shesai
d
someshi
taboutmissi
ngme.
Me:
Sayhi
toher
Myr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thmysi
bli
ngshas
beenr ocky .TheyknowwhatNkonzo
didandIdon' ttrustanyoft hem.I t
hasbeenr eallyhar dtoevenbel i
ev e
thattheyhadnot hi
ngt odowi thit.I
knowf orsuret hatCebisil
eandZi pho
hadev er yt
hingt odowi thNkonzo' s
betrayal.Pamel awasdi sappoi nted
andshewasgl adshewasst aying
withmymot heranddoesn' tgett o
seet hef amily.Idrovetheki dst o
school ,t
hedr iversdon'tevenar gue
withmet heseday saboutdr iving
my self.Kjspoket othem about
l
ettingmebeatt i
mes.Idr opped
them of ftoschool andwentt opi ck
upSi ya.She'sal way savail
abl esince
shedoesn'
twor
katal
l
.
Si
ya:
Heygi
rl
,yougood?
Me:
I'
mfi
neandy
our
sel
f?
Siy
a:I'
m good.Iknowy ou'
renotokay,
IusedtosayI'
mf ineallt
heti
me
whenI'
m actual
lyfall
i
ngapart.We'r
e
al
lworri
edabouty ou.
Me:
Youdon'
tneedt
owor
ry
Si
ya:Youneedt
omournNasi,maybe
i
twil
lbebett
erwhenDannyi
shere.
Me: I
sitokayt
hatIwantmybaby
back?
Si
ya:It
'snor
malforyoutof
eel
that
way.YouandIbothhavesi
mil
ar
sit
uations.Phil
awasi nacoma, Iwas
sti
llsuffer
ingfr
om exper i
enci ng
multiplemiscarr
iages.Ilostmymi nd,
Iendedupi napsy chiatr
ichospi tal
becauseofhowIf elt.Iwast oldI
cannothav echil
drenandPhi lahad
madesomeoneel sepr egnant ,itwas
allt
oomuchf ormeNasi phi.Ifeltl i
ke
mywhol eli
fewasov er.Butl ookat
menow, I
'
m happy ,Ihaveal oving
husbandand5chi ldren.Gotbl essed
meabundant l
yandhewi ll
bl essy ou
too.Justhangi nthere.
Inoddedanditwassadtohearall
thethi
ngsshehasbeenthrough.
Seemslikeminear
enothing
compar edtowhatshe' sbeen
through.Weal l
hav eproblemsand
weseem t hem asbi gproblemsonl y
tofindoutthatthereareot herpeople
withbiggerproblemsandmi ghtbe
otherpeoplewhohav ewentt hr
ough
biggerprobl
emst hanSiya.Wegott o
thehospitalandDrNxumal oandDr
Butheleziwerealreadywaitingforme
tosigndocument s.
At
hi:Wanttoseehi
m bef
orewest
art
?
Me:Yesplease
Iwentt
oseehi
m andhel
ookedso
pal
e.
Me:
Myl
ove,
Iknowy
ouhav
en'
thear
d
myv oiceinawhi le.Ihaven'tev en
beenabl etot alktoy oubecauseI
neverev enknewwhatt osayt oy ou.I
don'tevenknowwhatt osayt ot he
kidswhent heyaskabouty ou.Ihope
everythi
nggoeswel ltoday.Pleaseco
-operatetodaysoy oucancomeback
tous.Ineedy ou,
theki dsneedy ou
andev eryoneneedsy ou.Thef orce
needst heirleader.Pleasecomeback
tous.Ilov ey ou
Iki
ssedhim andletthedoct
orscome
i
n.Iwenttothewai t
ingroom andsat
wit
hSiyaandNay ewhometusatt he
hospi
tal
.NkosiandBongawant edto
beherepersonal
l
yandt heyareinthe
sur
ger
yroom.
Naye:Theweddi ngpl
annercont
act
ed
mey est
erdaysinceyouweren'
t
answeri
ngy ourphone,
shetoldme
youcancell
edthewedding.
Me:
YesIdi
d
Shenoddedandnot i
cedIdidn'
twant
total
kabouti t.Wesatt heref
or
hoursandhour s.Iwentt ofet
cht he
kidsfrom school anddr oppedthem
offatMaDl amini's.Idecidedtojust
staythereandcat chupwi thmymom.
Me:
Howar
eyou?
MaD:
Ishouldbeaski
ngyouthat
,you
ev
enloosi
ngweightmybaby
Me:
I'
mfi
nemom
MaD:
Noy ounot,y
ourmot
herandI
ar
eworr
iedaboutyou.
Me:Havi
ngtwomothersi
sso
ov
erwhel
ming.Youguy
sworr
ytoo
much
Shemademef
oodandl
i
ter
all
yfed
me.
Danver:
Oni
kal
ook,
Grandmai
s
feedi
ngmom
Oni
ka:
Mom y
ou'
reababynow
Theyl
aughedatmeandshef
edme
ti
l
lshewassati
sfi
edt
hatI
'mful
l
.
MaD:
Didy
oubat
h?
Me:
Mama!YesIdi
d
MaD:
What
?Youl
ookugl
ysodon'
t
bl
ameme
Igotacal
lfr
om Athi
,Iwasso
nerv
ousbutIanswer
edanyway.
Me:
Hel
l
o
At
hi:
Ify
oudon'
tgethernow,t
his
manofyour
swi
lll
osehismind.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?He'
sawake!
Athi
:Al
iv
eandkicki
ng,
he'
s
demandi
ngtoseehisf
amil
y.
Me:
We'
recomi
ng!
Iwassoexci
tedandIscr
eamedout
l
oud
Danv
er:
Dadi
sawake?
Me:
Yes!Yeshei
s.Let
'sgo,
let
'sgo.
Wegotint
ot hecaranddr
oveofft
o
t
hehospit
al.WhenwegotthereI
r
ushedtohisroom andhewasn'
t
t
here.
Me:
DrNxumal
o,wher
eishe?
?
DrN:Thewaitingr
oom wit
hhis
fr
iends.Hedidn'
twantt
ostayher
e.
I
'm happyforyouNasi
phi
Me:
Thanky
ouPhuml
ani
DrN:
I'
m happywe'
rebacktothef
ir
st
namebasis.I
'
vemi
ssedy ou
Me:
Don'
tcr
osst
hel
i
ne
Dr
N:I
'
m sor
ry
Ilaughedathi m andr antothe
waitingr oom withmyki dsrunning
nex ttome.Oni kat hrewher sel
fon
him andhecar riedherandspunher
around.I tmakesmesohappyt osee
them liket hi
sandi tshowshowf ar
I'
vewentwi t
hfixingtheirrel
ati
onship.
Theyar einseparablenow.Het hen
carriedDannyt oget herwithOnika
andhel ookedatmesmi l
i
ngasI
stoodbyt hedoor .
Danny:
Arey
ouj
ustgoi
ngt
ost
ay
ther
e?
Me:
I'
m wai
ti
ngf
ormyt
urnwi
thmy
man
Danny
:Wel
lcomet
oyourman
Nay
e:Thi
sissor
omant
ic
Iwal
kedt
ohi
m andheputt
hekuds
kidsdown.Wehugged, j
ustbybeing
i
nhi sarmsandsmel li
nghi sscent
mademef eelsecur
e.Iwasabl eto
fi
nallycr
yinhisarms.Letgoofal l
thetearsI'
vebeenholdingback.I
criedasheheldmeandki ssedmy
forehead
Danny
:It
'sokay
,I'
m her
enow.
Me: Thebabydidn'
tsurv
iveDanny,
I'
m sorr
y.I
'm sorr
yIwasn'tst
rong
enoughforourchild.
Danny:Ssshit
'sgoi
ngtobeokay.I
t'
s
notyourfaul
tbabe.Don'
tcr
ypl
ease
Icouldn'tstop,
Icont
inuedcryi
ngand
hecar r
iedmeandhesatdownwi th
me.Hel ookedatmeandwi pedmy
tear
s
Danny:
I'
m her
enow, youdon'
tneed
tobestr
ong,I
'
llbest
rongforyou.
Inoddedandhekissedmynose.
Onikal
aughedandsaidi
tsdi
sgust
ing.
MaD: I
t'
sgoodt
haty
ou'r
ebackson.
We'vebeenwor
ri
edandkepty
ouin
ourprayer
s
Danny:Thanksmah.ThoughI
'
m not
happy
Me:
Why
?
Danny
:You'
vel
ostwei
ghtNasi
phi
Me:
Icoul
dn'
teat
,butdon'
twor
ry
mom f
edmetoday
Danver
:Itwasli
kesheisababy
.Just
l
ikehowy ou'
rehol
dingherl
i
keababy
.
Danny:
She'
smybabygi
rlj
ustl
i
ke
you'
remybaby
.
Imovedovert
omyseatandt
hekids
satonDannywhi
l
eheheldmyhand.
Danny:Wi
l
lyourdr
essf
iti
fyou'
vel
ost
weight
?
Me:
Whatdr
ess?
Danny
:Yourweddi
ngdr
ess
Me:
Icancel
l
edt
heweddi
ngbabe
Danny
:Why
?Youdon'
twantt
omar
ry
me?
Me:
Ido
Danny
:Then?
Me:
Youwer
eint
hecoma
Danny:I
'
m her
enow.We'
reget
ti
ng
marri
edtomor
row
Me:
That
'st
oosoon
Bel
inda:Noit
'snot
!We'
rehav
inga
weddingtomorr
ow!
Nay
e:I
'
m cal
l
ingt
heweddi
ngpl
anner
.
Me:
Ihav
en'
tchoseadr
essy
et
Bee:
Cuddl
eforj
ust30mi
nsandwe'
re
l
eav
ing.
Danny
:Fol
l
owmet
omyr
oom babe.
Ifol
lowedhi
m andwewenttohi
s
room.Hewasgetti
ngdi
schar
ged
todaysoIdeci
dedt
opackforhi
m.
Danny
:Idi
dn'
tcal
lyouher
etopack
forme
Me:
Whatdi
dyoucal
lmef
or?
Hest
art
edkissi
ngmyneckandhel
d
mecl
osely
.
Danny
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Iknowy
oudo
Danny
:Doy
oul
oveme?
Me:
Yes
Danny:I
'm sorr
yIcoul
dn'
tprotectyou.
I
fIwast herenoneoft
hiswould've
happened.I'
m goi
ngtostepdownas
headofthef or
ceandbehomeatal l
ti
mes
Me: Danny,Iknowt heforceisa
happyplacef oryou.Idon'twanty
ou
toleavetheforce.
Danny
:Ineedt
obewi
thmyf
ami
l
y
Me: Iknowy ouwon' tbehappy .I
knowi tssomet hi
ngt hat'
simportant
toyou.We' l
ljustworkt hi
ngsout, say
youcomehomeev erysecond
weekendoft hemont h.We'l
l i
ncrease
securit
yevent houghIhat eitbutI'l
l
compr
omi
sebecauseIl
oveyouandI
wanty
out
odowhaty oul
ove
Danny
:Wel
ostourbaby
Il
ookedathi
m andj
ustcri
ed.He
cr
iedwit
hmeandweki ssed.
Danny:
Ilovey
ou,wecantr
yfor
anot
herbabywhenyou'
rer
eady
Me:Youdi
dn'
twantababysot
her
e's
noneed
Danny
:Nasiphi
,that'
snott
rue.Ihad
mydoubtsbutIdowantust ohave2
ot
herbabi
esandt hatsi
t
Me:
Youpr
omi
se?
Danny
:YesIdo
Me:
Okayt
hen
Danny
:Howaboutwest
artnow?
Me:
NoDanny
.
Danny
:Okayf
ine
Il
aughedathim becausehewas
ti
ckedof
f.Ihel
dhisdickandhe
l
ookedatme
Danny:Don'
tst
artwhaty
ouwon'
t
fi
nish.
Zandybar
gedi
nandscr
eamed
Zandy
:Ti
mef oryourquicki
eeisover
!
Weneedthebri
deandt hegroom's
car
d.
Danny
:Takemybl
ackcar
d.
Me:
Thanksbabe
Danny:I
'
llgowi
thDanv
er,
yout
ake
Onika
Zandy:TheKidsar
eal
lgoi
ngwi
th
thei
rfat
hers
Bee:WeshouldpickupKamoand
Thembeli
hle.Kamohasbeenl
ocki
ng
hersel
fuptoomuch.
Wewenttopi
ckt
hem upandwentt
o
t
heai
rpor
t
Me:
Whyar
eweatt
heai
rpor
t?
Siya:
We'regoingtoJHB.We've
order
edev er
ythi
ngweneedsot hey
'l
l
dropitof
fatthehotelwe'
reofft
o
andthenwe'lldoever
ythi
ngfr
om
t
her
e.
Me:Ohgood.Idon'
twantt
obe
wal
kingar
ound
Beli
nda:Andwe'
rehav
ingour
bachel
orett
epar
ty!
Paul
a:Mi
asay
stheyar
enowset
ti
ng
up.
Me:
Thatwasf
ast
.
Kamo:You'
remarr
yingMrMcKenzie
darl
i
ng,any
thi
ngcanhappeni
njusta
fl
ash
WelaughedandpouredChampai
gn
asweflewtoJHB.Iwassoexcit
ed
butal
soworri
edifev
eryt
hingwi
llbe
donebytomorr
ow.Theweddingwil
l
star
tat1pm soIhopewe'
l
lmakei
tin
ti
me.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t52
WewokeupandIhadmassiv
e
headache.Wewer
einar
ushtocat
ch
ourmor ningflightwhichdepar tured
at5am.Wedi dn' tevenbat handwe
hadbr eakfastint hepl
ane.Myphone
hadaf latbatterysincey ester
dayand
IknowDannyhasbeencal l
ingnon-
stop.Wel andedi nDur banandwent
toKamo' shousewher ewe' dpr epar
e
fortheday .Whenwegott herewe
werest i
llabithungov er
Me:Guysl
etst
akeanapwe'
l
lwake
upat11am
Zandy
:Letswakeupat10:
40am j
ust
tobesaf
e
Kamo:
I'
ll
sett
heal
arm.
Bel
i
nda:
Thedr
esseswi
l
lbeher
eat
11t
hen
IchangedmyphoneandI
i
mmedi atel
ygotacal
lfr
om Danny
l
ikeheknewIjustputmyphoneon
thecharger
Me:
MyFi
ance
Danny:
Inj
ustafewhour
syou'
l
lbe
sayi
ngMyhusband.
Me:
YesIwi
l
lMrMcKenzi
e.
Danny:Youhav
en'
tbeenanswer
ing
yourphone
Me:
Flatbat
ter
ysor
ry
Danny
:Sowhatwentony
est
erday
?
Il
aughedbyj
ustt
hinki
ngaboutmy
bachel
oret
tepart
y.Thesegir
lscan
real
l
ybef r
eakyandnasty.I
twas
defi
nit
elyt
hebestnightofmyli
fe.
Me:
Wehadf
un
Danny
:NoMal
est
ri
pper
s?
Me:
Uhm may
be
Danny:
Whatt
hehel
ldoy
oumeanby
maybe?
Me:
Idon'
tknow,
Idon'
tremember
.
Il
aughedandheendedt hecall
.
Dannyjustover
reactsandI
someti
mesl oveteasinghim.Wetook
ournapbutwewer edi st
urbedbya
l
oudknockont hedoor .
Bel
i
nda:
Whot
hef
ucki
sit
?
Itwasar oom wi t
htwobigbedsand
weal l
justsleptinit
.Theydon'
treall
y
l
ikebookingmanyhot elr
oomsifits
j
ustusgi rl
sbecauseweenj oy
sleepi
ngtoget herandbei
ngtogether.
Nceba:
It'
sDanny
,he'
sangr
y
Zandy:Youcannotseet
hebr
ideon
yourweddingday!
Kamo:
Especi
all
yahungov
erone.
Me:
Kamogel
ang!
Danny
:Opent
hisdoor
Si
yaopenedandhecamer
ushi
ngt
o
me.
Buu:Bhut'
Danny,
youlookli
keyou'
re
abouttoki
llsomeone.Letmegetyou
water
.
Dannysatnexttomeandsi gnal
led
thatIshoul
dsitonhim andIdi
dso
andkissedhisfor
ehead
Me:Youdoknowthati
tsbadluckt
o
seet
hebri
deontheweddingday
Danny:Idon'tbel
i
eveinbadluckso
not
hingwillhappen.St
artexpl
aini
ng
Me:
Expl
aini
ngwhat
?
Danny:Whathappenedl
astni
ght?
Di
dy ouhavestr
ipper
scomeov er
?
NayeandNtokozoj
ustlaughedand
t
hatmadethingsworse.
Me:Idon'
tremember,
sincet
heyar
e
l
aughi
ng.Theycananswer
Theystoodupandr anout.Wher
ethe
hel
laretheygoingandleavi
ngme
wit
hthiscrazyhandsomeman?
Danny
:Don'
tupsetmeNasi
phi
Me:Iwasjoki
ngbabe,t
her
ewer eno
st
ri
ppers.Weputonourownshow,I
wasteachi
ngthem af
ewthings.
Danny
:Sot
her
ewer
enost
ri
pper
s?
Me:Yep,
Iwast
heonl
ypr
ofessi
onal
st
ri
ppert
her
e.
Danny:
You'
renotastr
ipper
,you'
rea
doct
orandbusi
nessowner
Me:
Iusedt
obeast
ri
pper
Danny
:Butnotany
mor
e
Me:I
'
m notashamedofwhoIusedt
o
be
Danny
:I'
m notashamedei
ther
Me:
Mmh
Danny
:Whati
sthatsupposedt
o
mean?
Me:Not
hingDanny
,youcanl
eav
e
now
Danny
:I'
m notl
eav
ing
Me:
I'
m goi
ngbackt
osl
eep.
Danny
:Youneedt
ogetr
eady
Me:
Mxm
Danny
:Whati
sitwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Not
hing,
justl
eav
e
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Me:Arey
ouashamedofmeandmy
past
?
Danny
:Iwoul
dn'
tbemar
ryi
ngy
oui
fI
was.
Il
ookedathi
m andcr
ied.Hewasso
conf
usedandIwasconfusedt
oo.
Me:
Doy
our
eal
l
ywantt
omar
ryme?
Danny
:Yes
Me:Youwon'tl
eavemewhen
somethi
nghappenstome?WhatifI
geti
ntoanacci
dentandIcannot
walk?Whati
fIgetst
roke?Wi
l
lyou
packupandleav
e
Danny :Ithurt
st hatyouevent hinkI'
d
l
eav eyoui fanyoft hatcouldhappen.
Iloveyouandev er
ydayItrytopr ove
toy outhatIlovey ouandI '
m her et
o
stay.BecauseIknowwher eyou
comef r
om andunder st
andy our
i
nsecur i
t i
es,I
'm notgoingtobeangr y
andwal koutt hatdoorbecausey ou
doubt i
ngal l
this.I'
m notMuzi nor
Hect or
,Iwon' tdowhatt heydidt o
yourmot her
s.Youchoosewhatt odo,
eitheryousleepher eanddon' tmar r
y
mebecauseoft hoseinsecuri
tiesor
youwal kdownt hataisl
echoosi ngto
t
rustmeandaccept
ingt
hatI
'
llbei
n
y
ourli
fef
orev
er.
Withthatsaidhet ookhi
skey sand
openedt hedoor.Thefri
ghtthegir
ls
gotbecauset heywere
eavesdroppi
ngatt hedoor.Heshook
hi
sheadandl eft
.Theycamei n
l
ookingsogui lt
y.
Bee:
Sor
ry,
wewer
ejustbei
ngnosey
Sbahl
e:Wewereactual
l
ywai
ti
ngfor
youguystohav
esexsowecanhear
yourmoansandgr
oans
Buu:
Sbahl
e!
Il
aughedandt
hrewmy
sel
font
he
bed
Sneh:
Thatmanl ovesyouandyou
needtost
artseei
ngthatandtr
ust
ing
i
t.
Me:Idotrusthi
m andtr
ustt
hathe
l
ovesme, i
t'
sjustt
hatsomet
imesI
t
hinkthati
tstoogoodtobetr
ue
Nay e:
Ithoughtabouti ttoo, al
ot
actual
ly.Iknewhel ovedmeandhe
showedi teveryday .Helov edme
fr
om thedaywemetbutweonl y
dated4y ear
sl ater.Throughoutt hat
4yearshest i
llshowedmet hathe
l
ov edme.Ther ewasat i
mewer ehe
stoppedt al
kingt ome, datedand
sl
eptwi thothergi rl
sandi ntroduced
hi
sgi r
lfr
iendt ouswhot urnedoutt o
behi
swi
fe
Me:
What
!Idon'
tunder
stand
Nay e:It
sast oryf oranotherday ,
therewasj ustt hatdaywher ehe
camet olookaf termebecauseIhad
periodpai ns,het ol
dmehel ov esme
aftertwoy earsofhi m nottelli
ngme.
Ihadt houghthehadgi venuponme
butwhatIr ealizedwast hat
,hewas
ti
redofchasi ngaf t
ermeandpr ovi
ng
thathel ovesme.Ineededt ot akea
stepf or
war dandshowhi mt hatI
acknowl edgedhi sef f
ortsandIdo
feel t
hesamewaybutIhav emy
i
nsecur it
iesanddoubt s.Throughout
allthathel ovedmeuncondi tionall
y.
Hel ovedmei nawayt hatnot hing
elsemat teredandIsawandf elthis
genui nelov e,that swhyIendedup
agr eeingt obehi ssecondwi fe
becauseIl ov edhi m andknewt hatifI
l
ef thim, Iwoul dn'tbehappy .He
mademehappyandIwant edt obe
withmyhappi nessr egar dl
essoft he
situationwewer ei natt hattime.I
foundmy selfcompr omisingand
changi ngmyway sbecause
somet imesi nar elationshipy ouneed
toputy ourguar ddownandal lowhi m
asamant oleady out otherightpat h.
Allowhi mt olov ey ouandal low
your selftobel ievet hathislov ei s
tr
ueandhehasgoodi ntenti
ons
abouty ou.Dannyri
skedhi sli
fefor
youandwoul ddoitagainandagain.
Don'tletwhatyourfathersdidtoyour
mother scomei nt
hewayofy our
happiness.
Bee: Wesawhowhewaswi th
Ziyanda,wewer et herefrom the
beginningandsawt heirrel
at i
onshi
p.
WhatIcansayi sthat ,
I'v
enev erseen
himt hisway .I
'm sur edeepdowny ou
sti
llthi
nky ou'r
ej ustZee's
replacementandt hathel ov esyou
becausey oul ookl i
keZeebuti nall
honest y,
thewayhel ovesy ouisway
mor ethant hewayhel ovedZee.We
vaveli
ter
all
yneversawhimli
kethis
andlovesomeonet hewayhelov
es
you.Sowhatareyougoingtodo?Are
youjustgoi
ngtositther
eandnot
marrythatman?
Me:I
'l
lgetupandgetr
eady
.I'
l
lwalk
downtheaisl
ewit
hmyheadheld
hi
ghandsayIdo.
Sbahl
e:Gobat
h
Beli
nda: Wehav ingawedding!!!The
dresseswillcomesoonandt he
makeupar t
ists.Wehavejust2hour s
l
eft.Irantothebat hr
oom andwe
bathed.Myf ri
endsaresowei rd,we
bathedtogether.Themakeupar ti
sts
arr
ivedandtheycamewi thhair
sty
li
sts.Wedidourhairfi
rstthenthe
makeup.Ther ewasaknockont he
dooranditwasNkosi fol
l
owedby
Mpho.Itwasv i
siblet
hattheywere
angryandfr
ustrated
Me:
Whati
shappeni
ng?
Nkosi
:I'
veneverseenDannysoangry.
MaNyathihastr
ied,shereal
l
ytri
edto
t
alktoyouruncl
e'sbuttheyref
use
Me:
Whatdot
heywant
?
Mpho: TheywantNkonzot obethe
onethatwal ksyoudownt heaisl
e.I
ts
thei
rtradit
ionthathewalksyoudown
theaislesi
ncey ourf
atherhas
passedaway
.
Me:
That
'sbul
l
shi
t.Iwon'
tdot
hat
Mpho:It
'st
hei
rtr
adi
ti
onorel
sey
ou'
re
notget
ti
ngmarri
ed.
Me:
Passmemyt
racksui
t.
Nkosi
:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
o?
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
otal
ktot
hem.
Iworemyt racksuitandsneakersand
wentout.Igotintomycar ,Mphoand
Nkosiweref ol
lowingme.Idr ov
eto
myhouseandMphocal l
edmet o
waitf
orthem.Igott her
eDannywas
si
tt
ingoutsidedrinkingWhiskey.
Danny
:You'
vedeci
dedt
ocome
Me:Not
hingi
sgoi
ngt
ost
opusf
rom
get
ti
ngmarri
ed
Danny
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Danny
:Tal
ktot
hem bef
oreIki
l
lthem
Hetookoutacigar
ett
eandsmoked.I
don'
trecal
lseei
nghi
m smoke.I
l
ookedathim andhej
ustwi
nked.
Danny
:I'
m st
ressed.
Iwenti
nsi
deandmyuncl
e'
slooked
atme
Uncl
e:You'
renotsupposedt
obe
her
e
Me:
Wel
lI'
m her
ebecauseofy
our
nonsense.
Uncl
e:Youareachi
ldi
nthi
sfamil
y
andyouwill
obeyourt
radi
ti
onsand
cust
oms
Me:Youdidnotraisemesoyouwi
ll
notdi
ctat
emylife.Nkonzowi
ll
not
walkmedownt heaisl
e
Mbulel
o: Andheisnowheret
obe
found,
clearl
yhedoesnotcar
enor
supporthissi
sterget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed
Me:Hechosetodi
sappearandIwi
l
l
notl
ethi
mr ui
nmyday.
Zipho:Hisdi
sappear
ancehas
somethingtodowithyouandthose
fr
iendsofyours.
Mpho:
Don'
ttal
kcr
apst
upi
dbi
tch
Zi
pho:
It'
str
ue!
Me: Iwil
lgetmarri
edwi t
horwi t
hout
yourpermissi
on.Youjustmetme
andy oualr
eadycall
ingshotsinmy
l
ife?Whot hefuckdoy outhi
nky ou
are?
Danny:Mindyourl
anguageNasi.You
don'
tspeakthatwaytoyourel
ders
Me:Youcannott
ellmethatDanny
.
Theyar
erui
ningourwedding!
Danny:Nasi
phiandIaregett
ing
marri
edevenifwedoi tal
lal
one.I
ts
ei
theryousupportusoryoudon'
t.
Mbul
elo:
I'
ll
wal
kNasi
phi
downt
he
ai
sle,
itmakessense,
whenNkonzo
i
snothereI'
mtheonewhois
i
ncharge.
Me:Whycan' tmymot herj
ustwal
k
medownt heai
sle?Youmaking
unnecessarydr
ama
Uncle:Thatwi
l
lnothappen,
ifany
womancoul dwal
ky oudownit
shouldbeMam Cebisi
le
Me:
You'
reoutofy
ourmi
nd.
Danny :I
'
ml eavi
ngandgoi ngtoget
dressed.Wehav ejust30minutesti
ll
theweddi ng.Allofyoudecide
whethery ou'recomingornot .
I
ncludingy ouNasi,I'
llbeatthealt
er
wai
ti
ng.
Withthatsai
dhet ookoffandI
fol
lowedbehindhim goi
ngt omycar.
ThisisnothowIimaginedmy
weddingdaytobegin.Iwentbackto
thehotelandtheywereallwai
ti
ngfor
me
Me:
Whyar
en'
tyoudr
essed?
Paul
a:Wecouldn'tgetdr
essed
wit
houtknowi
ngwhet herthe
weddi
ngissti
l
l onornot.
Me:Getdr
essedpl
ease.Wedon'
t
hav
emucht i
me.Whereismydress?
Kamo:
Her
eher
egi
rl
Me:
Pleasecomehel
pme
Shehel pedmegetdr essed.Ihadt wo
dressesf ort heday, i
twasNay e's
i
dea.Idi dnthav emanyi deasabout
myweddi ng.I '
venev erreall
ybeen
i
ntoweddi ngst uff
,Inev erthoughtI'd
everev engetmar ri
ed.Soi twas
somet hingt hatIwasr eal
lyconfused
aboutandIam gr atefulforthe
fr
iendsIhav e.Veneswasj ustso
emot i
onal whenshesawmei nmy
weddingdr ess.ShewasmyMai dof
honor.Danny 'sbestmanwasJabu.I
wasal soshockedbecauseIt hought
i
tmi ghtbeNkosi orPhi l
a.Ilookedat
my sel
foncemor eont hemi rr
or.I
couldn'tbelieveitwasme.Icr i
edasI
hel
dmyt
ummy
.
Si
ya:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Me:
Thanky
ou,
Ifeel
beaut
if
ul.
MydresswasabigCinderel
ladr
ess,
i
twasstrapl
essandhadaboobt ube
andgl
it
terontheti
ghtupperpar
t.
Phel
oputmyv ei
lonandIjustcr
ied.
Nceba:
You'
l
lrui
nyourmakeup
Nasi
phi
Me:
Sor
ryMr
sMakeup
Ngamso:
Yousocut
e.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Wegoti
ntothecar
sandlef
t.We
wer
eheadi
ngtooneofThabo'
s
hotelswhichnowbel ongt oKamo.
Shewentt oHQandt ort
uredhimi nto
signingeveryt
hingovertoher.We
wer eanhourlateandthati sfi
ne.
Mostbr i
desar ealwaysl
at e.My
mot herrushedbackinsi
deandIwas
toldtowai tabi
t.Aft
eraf ewmi nutes
i
twast i
mef ormet owalkdownt he
aisl
e.
Mbul
elo:
Arey
our
eady
?
Me:
Yes
Mbulel
o:I
'm sorr
yPearl
.Iknowit
won'
tbeeasyf oryout
otrustmebut
I
'mreal
lysorry
.Iwasn'
tpartofwhat
Nkonzodid.
Me:Let
'st
alkaboutt
hissomeot
her
t
imeTwin
Mbul
elo:
(laughs)At
leastt
her
e's
pr
ogr
ess.Iloveyou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Wewer etal
ki
ngall
thiswhi
l
eandhe
fi
nall
yhandedmeov ert
oDannywho
sheddedafewtear
swhenhesawme
enter
.
Danny
:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Heremovedmyveilandkissedme.
Thegent
sweregrowlingmakingl
ots
ofnoi
seandIj
ustlaughed.
Pri
est:MrMcKenzi
e,t
hatwas
supposedt
obedonelast.
Danny:Sor
ry,
Icoul
dn'
thol
dmy
sel
f.
She'
stoobeauti
ful
Phil
a:Doany
thi
ngDannyboy
!She'
s
yours!
Si
ya:
OhPhi
l
a
Shel
ookeddownandshel
aughed.
Thef
ri
endsIhav
e!
Danny
:Readyt
obemywi
fe?
Me:
Yes
Danny:Iknewyou'
dmaket
her
ight
deci
sion.Il
oveyou
Me:I
'm gl
adImadet
her
ightdeci
sion.
Il
oveyoutoo
Tobecont
inuedi
ninser
t53
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t53
#Danny
Seei
ngherwalkingdowntheai
sle
wasthefi
rstti
meIf el
tsoemot
ional
.
I
'vecr
iedbefor
ebutnotthi
smuch.
Shesmil
edasshel ookedatmeand
wipedmytearof
f.Iwantedtokiss
heragai
nbutIst
oppedmy self
.
Pri
est:Iam amar r
iedmanwhomade
myv eryownv owst osayt omy
spouse, i
twouldbesel f
ishofmet o
maket hem sayaft
ermeandpr omise
eachot herthi
ngsthatIhadsaid.So
whent hingsgoSouth, t
heycannot
comebackt omeandsayIcausedi t.
SoIwi l
l l
etyousayyourownv ows.
DrNy athi,
youcanpr oceed.
Nasi
: Idi
dn'
tnotevenprepar
e,I
wantedtospeakf r
om deepdownmy
hear
t.IfIwouldhaveapaperandpen
andrightal
lthethi
ngsyou'
vedone
formeandt hewayy ou'vemademe
feelandt heloveyou'veshownme, I'
d
runoutofpenandpaper .I
fIcould,I
wouldr ightanent irenov elfi
l
ledwi t
h
1000pages.Yout ookmeatmy
l
owest ,youdi dn'
tjudgemef orwhoI
waswheny oumetme.Yout oldme
myey esspar kl
edandy oul ovedme
regardlessofmysi t
uation.Thet i
meI
foundoutIl ookalikewi thyourlate
wifewhohappenst obemysi ster.I
wascer tainthatyouwer eusingme
asar eplacementf oryourhear tbr
eak.
Buty oupr ovedmewr ong.Youl oved
meuncondi ti
onall
y,protectedmeand
helpedmemakemydr eamscome
true.Youhel pedmef i
ndoutwhoI
wasandhel pedmef indmyi dent
it
y
andf ami l
y.You' v
et aughtmehowt o
l
ov emy sel
fandf eelgoodabout
my self.Ipromi setolov eyou,car
efor
you, supporty ouandt akecareofour
fami l
y.
Pr
iest
:MrMcKenzi
e,y
oumay
pr
oceed
Me:Mypr eciousPearl,Ihadwrit
ten
something,itwasn'
tevent went
y
wordsbecauseIt houghtIcouldjust
sayashor tsweetpoem butIalso
wanttospeakf rom deepdownmy
heart
.I'
m standingheretoday,i
tsnot
thefi
rstti
meI '
m getti
ngt odothi
sbut
i
tf eelsdi f
ferent.Manyoft hepeopl e
hereknowmeandhav enev erseen
mecr ybuttodayIcr iedbecauseI
sawt hisbeaut if
ul womanwhohas
choset obemywi f
eandwal kthis
pathi nl
ifewi t
hme.Awomanwho
hassawmef i
tanddeser vi
ngmyt o
beahusband.Tot rustmewi thour
fami ly,t
ot r
ustmewi thyourselfand
tot rustmet obey ourpr otectorand
prov ider.I
'velov edy ouf rom thedayI
mety ou.Yout ookmybr eatheaway
byj ustseeingy ourey esonl y.They
toldadeeperst oryandt hatintri
gued
me.I '
driskmyl ifefory ouandour
kidsatanyday .Ilov ey ouNasi phi,
I
wanty out oknowt hatIwi l
lnever
hurty oui ntentional
ly.I'
m notper f
ect
andI 'l
lnev erbeper fect.I'
m notgoi ng
topr omi sey out hateverythi
ngwi llbe
perfectbutIwanty out oknowt hatI'
l
l
tr
ybyal lmeanst omakey ouhappy .
I'
l
lpr otecty ouandcher ishyou.I
promi set ol ovey outil
lIdie.Ev
en
deathcannotputpasst hef eel
ingsI
havef ory ou.Iknowwehav eour
i
ssues, ever yonedoesbutIknow
we'l
l wor kt hroughitandmakei t
work.Il ov ey ouNasiphi
Weputonourri
ngswhi
leexchangi
ng
sweetwor
dsandshewasintears
Pr
iest
:Theyhav
esai
ditandwe'
ve
wit
nessedit
.Ther
e'snot
hingmoret
o
saythant
oletyoukissy
ourbri
deMr
McKenzie
Ihel
dhercl
oselyandkissedher.
Wipedhert
earsoffandkissedher
agai
n
Nasi
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
#Nasi
Wal kingdownt heaisleIcouldntsee
any onebuthi m.Hewasst andi
ng
therel ookinghandsomei nhistuxedo.
Itlookedexpensi vebutI '
m sureit
didn'thurthispocket s.Theentire
weddi ngt hroughoutwasasuccess.I
didntcar eaboutwhathappenedt his
mor ning.Everythi
ngthatis
happeni ngrightnowwashedawayby
theper fectmoment .Hisvowsmade
mecr yandt herewasal otofhonest
y.
That'swhatIl ovemostabouthi m,he
i
shonest .Iwenttothechanging
room andchangedi ntomysecond
dressf ortherecepti
on.Mamacame
i
nf oll
owedbyOni ka
Oni
ka:
Mommy
!!CanIchanget
oo?
Me:
Yessweet
ie
Onika:
Buuwi
l
lhel
pme.By
e,y
oul
ook
goodmom!
Me:
Thanky
oumydaught
er
MaN:
Pear
l
Me:
Mama
MaN: I'
m sohappyf oryou,youlook
beautifulmypr eci
ousPearl.I'
mr eall
y
proudofy ou.I
'm proudoft
hewoman
you'v
ebecome.IknowIwasn' tthere
toraisey ou,IknowIwasn'tthereto
groom y ouandpr epareyoufor
mar r
iagebutt helevelofst
rengthy ou
have, Iknowy ou'l
lbeagoodwi fe.
Me:
Thanky
oumom
Kamocamei nandt oldustogo.We
wenttotherecepti
on.Isatnextto
Dannywhowasl ookingatmelikeI
'm
theonl
ypersonint her oom
Me:
Youdoknowt
hatst
ari
ngi
srude
Danny
:It
'snotr
udewhenI
'
m st
ari
ng
att
hemostbeauti
ful
womanonEart
h
Me:
That
'scut
e
Danny
:Baby
,weneedt
otal
k
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Danny:Iknowy
ouwantedt
ogoour
honey
mooni mmedi
atel
yaf
tert
he
weddi
ngbutcanwegoendofthe
week?
Me:
Why
?
Danny
:Ihav
eaf
ewt
hingst
otake
car
eoff
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Danny
:Nkonzo,
Thaboandt
hef
orce.
Thenwecango
Me:
OhIdon'
tmi
nd.
Danny
:Thanky
ou
Me:
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Danny
:Par
is
Me:
What
!!
!!Danny
!
Danny
:I'
m gl
ady
ou'
rehappy
,come
ki
ssdaddy
Me:It
hinkDaddydeser
vesmor
ethan
aki
ss.
Danny
:Get
ti
ngnaught
yar
en'
twe?
Me:Welldaddywi
l
lmi
ssouti
fhe
doesn'
tfol
lowme
Ist
oodupandl
eftwi
thhi
mfol
l
owi
ng
me
Phi
la:Iknowwherethati
sleadi
ngt
o!
Don'tcum i
n2secondsDanny
May
i:Tel
lhi
m
Danny:
Fuckyouguys,don'
tmakeme
st
artonthej
ujut
alk.
Theyal l
laughedandIwasl ost
.I
walkedt other oom andt ookoffmy
dress.Iwasl eftwithlinger
ieonand
hebentmeov er.It
'sthefir
stti
me
wereintimatesi ncethet r
agedywe
wentt hr
ough.Hesqueezedmy
breastsandinser tedhisdickfr
om
behind.Henoti nt
of orepl
ayandwent
st
rai
ghtt
obusi
ness
Danny
: You'
resotight
.I'
vemi
ssed
bei
nginsideofyou.
Me:
I'
vemi
ssedi
ttoo
Hewasnotmaki nglovet omebuthe
wasf uckingme.Hewast aki
ngwhat
belongstohim.HespankedmeandI
winced.Itwasnotthatrough
unpleasureabl
esexbuti twasthe
rough,sexyandpleasureablesex.
Me:
Danny
Danny
:I'
m her
e
Me:
I'
m aboutt
ocum
Whydi
dIev
ensayt
hat
!
Me:
Danny
!
Hestoppedthr
ust
ingandIwas
f
rust
rated!
Me:
Danny
,don'
tdot
his.
Hel aughedatmeandlit
er al
lyl
eftme
hanging.Igotdr
essedandwentt o
theot her
s.Iwaspi
ssed!Iwasr eal
l
y
pissedandsexuall
yfr
ustrated.
Sbahl
e:What'
swrongwi
thy
ou?You
shoul
dbeglowing
Me:
Not
hingI
'
mjustt
ir
ed.
Itwast
imeforspeechesandRazor
spokef
ir
st
Razor
:Iwon'
tsaymuch.Iwoul
dli
ke
tocongratulatet hecoupleoftheday ,
myson, takecar eofAmahl e.She's
oneofaki ndandhaschangedy ou
i
ntoabet terman.Thanky oufor
stayi
ngint hismansl i
feNasiphi,If
or
oneknowt hathei sahar dmant obe
around.Andt hat'
sbecauseofme
andhowIr aisedhi m.Iknowhe'sgot
everyt
hinghehasev erwantedwi th
youandt hegr andki
ds.Thanky ou
Thespeecheswentonandonand
theyweretouchi
ngandIcr
ied
throughsome.
Nkosi
:Imetthi
smany ear
sago,ov
er
adecadeago.WhenImethim,we
werebot
hlostandhadsomethi
ngsin
commonandwer esuf f
eringf r
om
pressuret hatwegotf rom ourf athers.
Webondedandgoti ntolotsandl ots
oftrouble.Wegr ewupandwegot
mar r
ied.He' sf i
rstmar r
iagewashi s
personal businessbutt hroughmy
obser v
at i
onshewasnott hisinlove.I
waswi t
hhi m whenhest aredat
Nasiphi atashopwhi l
eshewas
maki nggr ocerieswi thVenes.That
waswhenIf irstsoDannyTr iston
McKenzi edeepl yinlove.Hewasf ull
y
commi t
tedandi nv estedi nhislove
forNasi phibef oreheev enspoket o
her.Hehasr iskedhi sl i
fef orherand
Iknowhewoul ddoi tagai natany
ti
me.Thanky ouforbei
ngi nhi
sli
fe
Nasiphi.Ihaven'
tknowny ouforl
ong
butIknowy ou'
reexact
lywhathe
neededwhenhewasdownandwe
couldn'tpi
ckhim up.Andthe
preciousPearlcamealongand
changedt hi
s,shemadeachangei n
usasawhol e.Welovey ouDanny
andNasi phi.
Si
ya,Paul
aandJabuandMphosang
Thi
siswhyIloveyouandtheywer
e
soperf
ect
.Icri
edandDannyheldme.
Iwasmadathim butIwasalso
emoti
onal
.Il
etgoofhim andhe
smir
ked
Danny
:You'
rest
il
lmad
Me:
Yes
Helaughedatme, obv
iouslyhewas
enj
oyingthi
s.MaDlaminicamefort
h
andsaidherspeech
MaD: Iwon' tbelongbutIj ustwantto
sayt hatDanny ,t
hanky ouforlovi
ng
mydaught er.Thankyouf or
protectingherandkeepi ngherhappy
atall t
imes.Mydaught er,asy our
mot heritismydut ytoguidey ou.
Bothy ourmot hersmar ri
agesdidn't
wor koutbutt hatdoesn'tmeany ours
wont .Donothangont othatmychi l
d
andr uinagoodt hingthaty ouhave.
Thismanwi llneverwalkoutofy our
l
ife.He'st ooobsessedwi thyoutodo
t
hat
Danny
:That
ssot
rue
MaD: Congr
atul
ati
onsmykids.Iwi
sh
youagoodmar ri
agethatwi
lll
ast
f
orever.
Venes:Thanky ouMahf ort hose
sweetwor ds.DannyandNasi phi,
I
wishyouwel l andDanny ,takecar eof
myqueenanddon' tyoudar ehurther.
Ifyoudo!I'
llkilly
ou.Nasi phi ,
don't
hurtDanny.Ify oudo, we' r
enot
fri
endsany mor e,fairri
ght ?Iwantt o
saythatI'
mv erysur pri
sedt hat
Nasiphii
sget tingmar r
ied, Iwas
supri
sedwhenshet oldmeshe' s
i
nlove!Thathasnev erhappened
before,I'
vetri
edset t
ingherupon
datesbef or
ecauseshewasol dnot
tohav eaboy fri
endandno
exper i
ence.Iwantedt ocor ruptherat
ti
mesbymaki ngherdr i
nkt oomuch
andwewer est r
ippershust l
ingf or
ourfami l
iesbutwhatIl ov edabout
Nasiphi wasthatshenev erf orgotnor
l
ostwhoshewas.Sher emai nedtrue
toher sel
fandknewt hereasonwhy
shewasdoi ngthisandknewt hatit
wasnotaper manentsi tuat ion.She
hast aughtmeal otinli
fe, ev enwhen
shesucceededshenev erl eftme
behind.Shet ookmeandmademea
bett
erper sonandt hat swhatshedi d
toDanny ,shechangesl i
vesand
alwaysleav esamar k.Danny,you'r
e
l
uckyt ohav eherasmuchasshei s
l
uckyt ohav eyou.Myf ri
endhas
alwaysbeenast ylishper son,when
Dannycameal ong, shechangedher
styl
efort hebet terandshebecome
someonedi fferent, someonehappy .
Shehasal way swor kedhar dand
madesur et hathermom wast r
eat ed
andheal t
hyandt hatIwashappy .She
putusf i
rstanddi dn' tputmuchef f
ort
i
ntoher self.Dannycameandl oved
herregardlessandmadeherf eel
goodabouther selfandshegai ned
alotofconfi
dence.It
hankyouDanny
forhavingsuchapositi
vei
mpactin
herli
fe.Ilov
eyouguy s
Shehuggedmeandt
heki
dscame
Them:
Daddy
,Mommy
!Wel
ovey
ou!
Theyscreamedandr anaway .I
l
aughedatt hem andt heycameback
andsatwithus.Ther estoft henight
wasfunf i
ll
edwi t
hlaught erandcr azy
dancemov es.Ithasbeeni ndeeda
wonderfuldayandi nspiteofal lt
hat
happenedtoday ,i
twasagr eatday
i
ndeed.Iwi l
lneverforgett hisday.I
t
wasaround1am whenev eryonewas
ti
redandretir
edt obed.I
r
ememberedIwasangryatDanny
.
Hekeptonspeaki
ngandIwas
i
gnor
inghim.
Danny
:Youmad?
Ii
gnoredandhecanecl
oser
.He
ki
ssedmyneckandIwaswetalr
eady
.
Me:
Stop
Danny
:Doy
our
eal
l
ywantmet
ost
op?
Hehadhisfinger
sinsert
edinmeand
thr
ust
ing.Iwasbreathi
ngoutl
oud
andheinsert
edhismanhood.Itf
elt
sogood
Danny
:Doy
oust
il
lwantmet
ost
op?
Me:
No!Don'
tst
op
Danny
:That
swhatIwanttohear
.I
l
oveyoumotherofmyki
ds
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oof
atherofmyki
ds.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t54
Ikeptonlooki
ngatmyweddi
ngring
notbeli
evi
ngthati
tismewhoisnow
mar r
ied.I'
m offi
ciallyMrsMcKenzi e.I
smiledlookingatmyhusbandwho
wassl eepi
ngpeacef ul
lynextt ome.I
thoughtaboutt heamazi ngt hingshe
didtomel astnight .Theamazi ng
thi
ngshehasbeendoi ngt omet he
pastfewday ssinceourweddi ngday .
Tomei thasbeenahoney moonbut
hest i
lli
nsi
ststhatwegot oPar is.He
hasbeenbusyatt heforceandHQ.
They '
vemadei tcl eart
hatwear enot
i
nt heforceany mor e.Afterweal l
dealwi t
hNkonzoandThabot oday ,
we'reoutoft hefor ceast hei
rwi v es.
Kamohasbeendoi ngokaybuty ou
canseet hatshe' sdeeplyhur t
.
Danny
:Whatar
eyout
hinki
ngabout
?
Me:
Howl
uckyIam t
obewi
thy
ou.
Danny
:AndI
'
mthel
uckyonet
oo
Me:Whatdoy
ouwantt
ohav
efor
br
eakf
ast?
Danny
:You
Me:
I'
m bei
ngser
ious
Danny
:I'
m ser
ioust
oo
Il
aughedandt
ri
edgetti
ngoutofbed
buthehel
dmeandtickl
edme.
Me:
Dannyst
oporI
'
llpeeont
hisbed
Danny
:Idon'
tcar
eev
eni
fyoupee
Me:
You'
recr
azy
Hekeptonti
ckl
ingmeandI
managedtogetaway
.
Danny
:Runwhi
l
eyoust
il
lcan
Iwentt othekidsroom andwoke
them up.Theywentt obat hwhileI
wokeBuuup.Hert rialexamswer e
comi ngupandsheneededt ofocus
mor ethanev er
.Iprepar edthekids
forschool andmadebr eakfastfor
everyone.
Danny
:Youl
ooksosexy
Me:
Thanky
ouhandsome
Heki
ssedmeandOni
kacamei
n
Oni
ka:
Dad!Mom!Si
esnoti
nfr
ontof
me
Danny
:Youwal
kedi
nonus
Oni
ka:
I'
m hungr
y
Me:
Sitdown,
wher
eisDanv
er?
Oni
ka:
Sti
l
llooki
ngf
orhi
sshoes
Me:It
oldhi
m nottot
hrowthem
ar
oundbuthedoesn'
tl
ist
en.
Danny:Hedoeshav
emanypai
rs?Get
hi
mt heother
s
Me:No,hemustlookfort
hepairhe
l
ost.Hemustlearnt
oberesponsi
ble
anddon'
tlosethi
ngs
Danv
ercameinscrat
chi
nghishai
r
j
ustl
ikeDannydoeswhenheis
fr
ust
rated.
Danv
er:
Mom,
Icannotf
indmyshoes
Me:Youbett
ergobackt
othatr
oom
andfi
ndthem Danv
er
Danver
:Butmom,
Ilooked
ever
ywhere
Me:Itmeansyoudidn'
tl
ookwhere
youputthem i
fyou'
rest
andi
ngher
e
emptyhanded.Gofi
ndthem
Danv
er:
Butmom
Me:Youdon'twantmet ogoupt he
andlookforthem myself
,ifIfi
nd
them Danver
!Youintrouble,y
ouwill
notgetyourpocketmoney
Danny
:Babe,
you'
rebei
ngt
oohar
sh
Me:I'
vet
oldhim morethan3ti
mesto
puthi
sschoolshoesintheshoer
ack.
Hemustlear
nhislesson
Danny:I
'
llgol
ookf
ort
hem wi
thy
ou
Danver
,come
Theyl
eftandcamebacktooquickl
y.I
j
ustknewtheytookanot
herpai
r.
Danny
:Seet
hatwaseasy
Me:
Giv
emet
hoseshoesDanny
HegavemeandIknewi t
'sthe
secondpai
r.Iboughtthem and
markedeachpairdif
ferentl
y
Me:DannyandDanv
er,
gol
ookf
or
t
hoseshoes
Danny
:Buty
ouhav
ethem
Danv
er:Dad,
Idi
dtell
youmom woul
d
seet
hatit
sadif
fer
entpai
r
Danny:ComeonNasiphi
,Idi
dn'
tl
ook
fort
heshoes.Honest
lyy
ou'r
emaking
afussabouti
t
Me:I
'mteachi
nghi
m howt
otake
r
esponsi
bil
i
ty
Theyhadthei
rbreakf
astandBuu
packedt
hedishes.
Buu:Iwon'
tbecomingbackt oni
ght
si
s,mom call
edmeandsai dshe
wantsmetosleepoverbecausewe
needtotal
k.Iwonderwhatisitt
hat
shewantstotal
kabout
Me:
Youshoul
dgoandf
indout
Buu:
Ihopeshei
sn'
tgoi
ngt
owast
e
myti
me.
Me:Youdi
dn'tenduptel
l
ingmewhy
youhat
eyourmothersomuch
Shejustl
ookedatmeandcont inued
wit
hwhatshewasdoi ng.Therewas
aknockonthedoorandBuuwentt o
open.Whenshegotthereshe
scr
eamedandst oodther
efrozen
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Dannycamefrom upst
air
sandwe
wenttocheck
Me:
Hect
or
Hect
or:
Mydaught
er
Danny
:Youhav
egut
shuh?
Dannytookthekidstothecarand
thedri
verdrov
et hem t
oschool.Buu
satdownandi twasevidentt
hatshe
wasangry.Iwantedtoknowwhyshe
i
st hi
sway.
Danny
:Leav
emyhouseHect
or
Hect
or:
Icamet
oseemydaught
er
Me:
Iam noty
ourdaught
er
Hect
or:
I'
m nott
alki
ngabouty
ou
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Hect
or:
Bul
elwa,
she'
smydaught
er
Buu:
Pleasel
eav
e
Hect
or:I
'
m notl
eav
ingt
il
lwet
alk
Bul
elwa
Buu:
Leav
eHect
or!
Danny
:Youheardher,y
oudon'
twant
metogetyoutoleav
einmyownway .
Hector:I
'
lll
eavebutwewi
l
ltal
k
eventual
lyBul
elwa.
Wi
tht
hatsai
dhel
eft
.
Me:
Arey
ouokayBuu?
Danny
:I'
l
lgety
ousomewat
er
Buu:
Thatbast
ard
Me:
Car
etoexpl
ain?
Buu:Don'
tyoureal
izet
hatIdon'
tl
ook
l
ikeall
ofMuzi'
skids?
Me:Youl
ookl
ikeNkonzosoitspr
ett
y
muchhar
dtoseethedif
fer
ence
Buu: WellHect
orDl ami
niismyfather
,
thatswhatthatsnakeofawoman
toldme.Itispossiblet
hatPamelais
alsoHectorsbutI'
m notsure.
Cebisil
ewashav i
nganaf fai
rwit
h
Hector,IwasbornandPamel awas
bornthroughoutthatenti
reaf
fai
r.
Danny:
Wow, i
sthatwhyy
ouhat
e
yourmothersomuch?
Buu:
Yes,
it'
spar
toft
her
easonswhy
Me:Soy
ou'
renotgi
vi
ngust
heent
ir
e
st
ory
Buu:
Sheoncesol
dme
Danny:Bast
ard!Whot
hef
uckdi
dshe
sel
lyoutoo?
Buu: Iwasj ustingr ade10, asy ou
canseeI '
m gi f
tedbody wise.Hect or
andMbuy aziwoul dcomeof t
enlyat
homesi ncet heywer eMuzi '
sf r
iends.
Theywoul dal wayslookatme, they
wer elit
erall
yundr essingmewi th
theireyesbutDadnev ernot i
ced.One
ti
me, dadleftfortheUni tedSt ates, he
wasl eav i
ngf ortwoweeks.Mom
call
edmet oherr oom int hemor ning
andt oldmet ogetr eadysowecan
goshoppi ng.Iwasexci tedandI
quicklygotr eady.Wewentt othe
mal landdi dalotofshoppi ng.She
boughtmeski mpycl othest hat
revealedmybody .Shesai dIwas
sexysoIshoul df l
aunti t.Itookother
clothesthatIwascomf ortablewith
too.Wegothomeandwewer ethe
onlyone'sthere.Shet oldmet obath
andweart hedr esssheboughtme
becausewe' rehav i
ngguest sf or
dinner.Idi
dasshesai dandgot
ready.Iwassobeaut if
ul t
hatIdidn't
feeluncomf ort
ableint heshor t
reveali
ngdressIhadon.Iwal ked
downst ai
rsandsawt hatt heguest
wasMbuy aziandHect or.Wehad
dinnerandIwasuncomf ortablenow
becauseoft helookst heywer egivi
ng
me.Whent hedinnerwasov erI
quicklywentt omyr oom and
changedi ntopy j
amas.Ir ememberI
waswashi ngmyf acei nthe
bat hr
oom whenhecamei nandhel d
mychi n.IwasshakenbutIdi dn'tl
et
him seet hat.Heki ssedmyf orehead
andIt oldhimt ost op,thatwhathe
wasdoi ngwasi nappr opri
atebuthe
didn'tstop.Icall
edoutmymot hers
name, f
orhert ohel pmebutshe
turnedadeafeart oal lmycr ies.He
tookofmypant i
esandsl appedmy
thighs.Itouchedmycl i
tandr ubbedit.
Iknewt hathewasgoi ngt orapeme
whenhet ookouthi smanhoodand
rubbedi tovermyv agina.Hesai dit
l
ookedgoodandf reshlyshav edj ust
thewayhel ikesit.Iwasi nt ears
whenhi sbi gmanhoodt or
emy
vir
ginalwal l
s.Ithurt,i
thurtsomuch.
Iwast ryingt ofi
ghthim offbuthe
wast oost rongf orme.Het hrusted
deeperanddeeper ,t
hepai ndi dn't
stop.Hekeptonbi ti
ngmyneck,
tel
li
ngmehowgoodandt ightIam.I
wasdi sgust edbyhowanol dman
coulddot hi
st osomeoney oung
enought obehi syoungestdaught er
.
Het urnedmeov erandhe. .
.
Me:StopBul
elwa,
stop,
Icannothear
t
his.
Iwasintear
sandDannyheldus.Buu
wasinsomeotherworl
d.Hereyes
wereredandshel
ookedli
keshewas
rel
i
vingthemoment
Danny
:Lethercont
inue
Buu: Heturnedmeov erandhe
i
nser t
edhi smanhoodi nsidemy
asshole.Thepai nIfel
t,i
tsthekindof
painthatleavesy ounumb.Icoul dn't
crynorscr eam anymore.Ijustl
ethi m
be.Heshower edmybodywi thhis
cum.I twasal lovermyface.Whenhe
l
aidov ernextt ome,Istoodupand
walkedsl owlytothebathroom.I
l
ookedatmy selfi
nthemi rr
orandf el
t
disgusted.Iwentdownst air
sand
tookakni fe.Ihiditinmydr essand
hecal ledtellingmet ocomebackt o
bed.Thathei sn'tdonewi t hme.I
sleptnextt ohi m andhel dt heknife.
Whenhet urnedmeov ertof acehim,
Iaimedathi shear tandst abbedt he
l
ifeoutofhi m.Ist abbedhi m
numer oust i
mesandIscr eamedasI
reali
sedt hatIki ll
edhi m.ThatIki l
led
Mbuy aziCele.Ir usheddownst ai
rs
andsatwi thbl oodal lovermyhands
andcar r
yingt hekni fe.Hect orandmy
mot hercamef rom herr oom l aughing
andi twasv isibl
et hattheywer ebusy
fuckingwhi l
eIwasbei ngr aped.Wel l
theyknewexact lywhatMbuy aziwas
doingt ome.Theydi dn'
tseewhatI
wascar r
yingast heywer ebehi ndme.
Cebisil
easkedmewher emyf uture
husbandwas, t
hatalonedr oveme
crazyandIscr eamed.That swhen
theysawt hebloodinmyhands.
ThatswhenIconf i
rmedt heiraffair
.
Theyf oll
owedmet omyr oom and
sawhi sdeadbodyonmybed.It ol
d
them tot akecar eoftheirdoings.
Mom sl appedmesohar dbutI
couldn'tfeelanypain.Ihadf eltmor e
pain,Icouldn'tcrybecauseofone
stupidslap.Itoldthem togetr i
dof
thebodyandt heydi dsowhi leIwas
bathing.Whenev erythi
ngwasdone
t
heysatmedowntotal
ktome.From
t
hatday,
Ihat
edmyownmot her
.And
amanwhom Inowknowismyfather
.
Me:
Wher
eist
hebody
?
Buu;Bur
iedsomewherei
nourol
d
home.Icoul
dntstayt
her
esoIwas
abl
etopursueddadtobuyanew
house.
Me:I'
m sosorr
yyouhadt
ogo
t
hroughall
that
.
Buu:It
'sokay,weallhaveourst ori
es
andbadpast sthatwewentthr ough.
Lif
eisn'teasyonanyofus.Ithink
that
swhyweal lhavethi
sbond, the
bondbet weenyouandy ourf
riends.
Youal lhavestori
estotel
l,y
ouall
hav edif
ferentpai
nyou'vewent
through,somesi mil
arsit
uati
onsand
thatbroughty ouandheldyou
together.
Danny:True,youhav etodealwit
h
yourtr
auma, Iwill
takey outoseea
ther
apistandy ou'
llgetovert
his
Me: Andy ou'l
lst
opdri
nkingal
cohol
l
ikeaf ish.Youhavetr
ail
sandfinal
s
comingup, y
oumustbef ul
ly
prepared.DidyouevenapplyBulel
wa?
Buu:Thatssomethi
ngIwantedto
tal
ktoyouandDannyabout.Iwantto
studyover
seas,
Iwanttol
eav eSout
h
Af
ri
ca
Me:
What
,why
?That
'ssof
ar
Buu:Pl
ease,
Ihav
esomemoneyf
rom
Dadswil
l.
Danny
:Youdon'tneedtousethat
money,I
'
llt
akecareofever
ythi
ng.
Buu:
Real
l
y!!
?
Danny:Yes,
any
thi
ngt
hatmakesy
ou
happyBuu.
Buu:Thanky
ou,
Ihopey
oudon'
t
mindsis
Me:NoIdon'
tmi
nd.Iwi
l
lmi
ssy
ou
t
hough
Buu:
I'
ll
missy
out
oo,
we'
l
ljusthav
e
t
oenj
oyt
het
imewehav
enow.
Me:See,y
ou'r
elat
eforschoolnow.
I
'l
ll
etyoustayi
njustf
ortoday
.
Buu:
Thanky
ou
Danny
:Wehav
etogetgoi
ngNasi
phi
Me:Letmegotothebat
hroom
pl
ease,t
akemybagwhil
ey ouwai
t.
Iwenttothebathroom andMr
McKenziedecidedtojoi
nmefora10
minut
equi cki
e.
Danny
:Thanky
ou,
thatwasgood.
Iki
ssedhim onel
astt
imeandwe
wereofft
oHQ
Nkosi
:Tooky
ourownt
imehuh?
Danny
:Iwasbusy
Phi
l
a:YougoodMr
sMcKenzi
e?
Me:
I'
m goodandy
our
sel
fMrNgcobo?
Phil
a:Notgoodatal
l
,Mr
sNgcoboi
s
nottaki
ngtome
Me:
Whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?
Phi
la:WhydoIhavet
obeatf
aul
t?I
di
dn'tdoany
thi
ng
Bee:
Shewouldn'tj
uststoptal
ki
ngt
o
youi
fyoudi
dn'tdoanything.
Wewentt owhereNkonzoandThabo
were.Theroom wassti
nki
ngandI
coul
dn'thandl
ethesmell
.Ivomit
ed
andMphol aughedatme.Dannygave
mesomet
hingt
ocov
ermynose.
Theybeatthem upreall
ybadly,t
heir
l
egswer echoppedoffandt hei
r
screamsweredeafening.Itwas
horri
blet
owatchbutt heydeservedi
t.
Dannywasoutofcont rolanditwas
scarytoseehi
mt hatway .
Danny:
Whythef
uckdi
dyoubet
ray
usThabo?
Jabu:Whygoandbetr
ayour
fr
iendshi
pthatway
?
Thabo:
Wewer
enev
erf
ri
endst
o
begi
nwith
Kamo:Ourmarr
iage?WhyThabo?I
needanswer
s
Thabo: Youwer enev erpar toft he
plan.Butwheny oucameal ong, you
j
ustf i
tinpr operl
y .From t hedayImet
youal l
,Iwasonami ssion,Ialready
knewal otabouty ougent ssot hat's
whywewer eabl et oestablisht hat
fri
endshi p.Iknewmymi ssi
onwoul d
takey earsandy ear s.Firstofal l
, I
'
m
notThabo, I'
m PallenceDut ywa.I
wor kfort heColumbi anFor ce, you
didthinkIwor kedf ortheRussi an
Forcebutasy ouknowt hosef or ces
mer gedy earsago.Ther e'snot hingto
explainbuty ouneedt oknowt hatthe
Columbi ansandRussi ansknew
everythingabouty ouforasl ongasI
wasar
ound.
Phil
ahadhisroundsofbeat
inghi
m
up.Theywereallv
eryangr
yandthey
hadeveryr
ight
Me:
Youki
l
ledmychi
l
d!
Thabo:You'l
lgetoverit.Danny ,you'
re
sor i
chyoudon'tevenrealizethe
moneyI '
vebeentakingf r
om y our
accountsforthepastfewmont hs,
youraccountanthasbeenwor king
forme.Nasiphiyou'r
emar ri
edt oa
verywealt
hyman, wealthierthanal l
ofuscombi nedhere.Kamogel ang,
I'
veneverlovedyou.Whydoy out hi
nk
Ialwayscheatedony ou?Ev enour
mar ri
agewasf ake, hav i
ngachi l
d
togetherwasami stake.You'relucky
thatI'
ml eavi
ngy ouwi thmypr eci ous
seed.Whydoy out hinky oucan'tget
pregnantanymor e?It iedyourdamn
womb.Thatdoct orofy our
sli
edt o
youbecauseIt oldhi mt o.Iwoul dn'
t
wantt ohaveanot herbr atwit
hy ou.
Youev ensucki nbed, mywhor esar e
muchbet t
er,
may bey ourchil
dt astes
betterthanyou
Wewer eshockedbyt hegunshots
thatfol
l
owed.Shewasshoot i
ngat
bothofthem andloosingcontr
ol.She
tookanothergunandshott i
l
lI
couldn'
trecogni
zethem.
Danny
:Kamogel
ang!
!St
op!
Shedr
oppedt
hegunandcr
ied.
Kamo:
Ihat
ehi
m!Ihat
ehi
m!
Me:
Itsokay
,it
sokay
.
Kamo:Iki
ll
edthef
atherofmybaby
,
whatwil
lIt
ell
Thembeli
hle?
Si
ya:
Come,
let
sgetoutofher
e
Me:
Babe,
youf
etchmeatSi
ya'
s.
Danny
:We'l
lfet
chyoureal
l
ylate.The
ki
dswill
bedroppedof
fatSiy
a'stoo.
Me:
Okay
HekissedmeandIgoti
ntot
he
dr
iver
sseat
Zandy
:Youdon'
twantDannyt
oki
l
l
us.Jumpof
f,I
'
lldr
ive.
Me:
Dannyi
str
eat
ingmel
i
keachi
l
d.
Bee:He'spr
otecti
ve,
you'
vebeen
thr
oughalot
, i
fsomethi
ngcould
happentoyou,hewouldli
ter
all
y
l
ooseit.Helovesyou
Me:
Ilov
ehi
mtoo
Kamo:
Idon'
tbel
i
evei
nlov
eany
mor
e.
Wit
hthatsai
dwejustkeptqui
etand
f
ocusedonther
oad.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t55
Ihadnev erthoughtt
hatitwoul done
daybemewhoi swalkingalloverthe
street
sofNewYor k,England,Pari
s
etc.Ourhoney moonhasbeen
wonder f
ul.We'vebeent r
avell
ingall
aroundandIam hav ingthebestt i
me
ofmyl if
e.Thabowasr i
ghtwhenhe
saidDannyMcKenzi eisr i
ch,Idon'
t
knowhowr i
chhei sexactlybutour
honey moonhasser vedasev i
dence
thathei sri
ch.Hehashousesi nall
thecount ri
eswe'vetr
av elledsof ar.
WhenIaskedhi m howr ichhei s,he
j
ustshutmeupbysay ingIshoul d
hav easkedhowr icharewe.Andt hat
wast heandoft heconv er sati
on.We
l
andedi nJamai caearl
yt odayandI
sleptthroughouttheentiremor ning.
WhenIwokeup, i
twasbl azinghot.
Dannydi dwar nmeaboutt he
weat herherebutIwantedt ocome
heresoIhav etosuff
ert he
consequencesofmychoi ces
Danny
:Goodmor
ningMr
sMcKenz
ie
Me:
Goodmor
ningMrMcKenzi
e,how
ar
eyout
oday
?
Danny
:I'
m goodandy
our
sel
fbabe
Iwasgoi
ngt
oanswerbutIf
eltabi
t
di
zzy
Danny
:What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Me:
Not
hing,
justf
eel
i
ngdi
zzy
Danny
:Maybeyou'
rehungr
y,l
etme
or
deryousomebreakf
ast
Me:
Afr
uitsal
adpl
ease
Danny:Thatwon'tkeepyouful
l
,I'
l
l
buyyouaf ul
lengli
shbreakf
ast
.I'
l
l
feedyou
Me:
Fine
Iwasangr
yandIsl
eptf
aci
ngt
he
ot
herdi
rect
ion.
Danny:You'
reget
ti
ngangryover
nothi
ngbecauseyou'
redi
zzy,
y ou
needtoeat.Whyareyoubei
ngso
upset
?
Me:
Don'
tupsetmeDanny
Thefoodcameandhewokemeup
butIcont
inuedsl
eepi
ng.Hepicked
meupandcar ri
edmetothetable
Danny
:Eat
Me:Feedme,youwantmet
oeatso
you'
l
lfeedme.
Danny
:You'
reconfusi
ngme,Idon'
t
knowwhati
swr ongwithy
ou
Me:Idon'
tknowt
oo.Mov
eaway
f
rom myface
Danny:Di
dn'
tyousayy
ouwantmet
o
feedy
ou?
Me:Idon'twanty
outofeedme
any
mor e.Justmoveawayfr
om me
Danny
:I'
m goi
ngt
omakeacal
l
Me:
Goanddon'
tcomeback
#Danny
Ever
y t
hinghasbeensoper f
ectand
i
tsthebestt i
meofmyl i
fe.Seei
ng
hersmileandenjoyi
nghersel
fmade
mehappy .Makingherhappymade
mef eelsat
isfi
edandhappy.Butthe
wayshei stoday,
isreal
l
yconfusi
ng
me.She' sj ustlashingoutf orno
reason.Icannotbel i
eveshej ustsai d
Ishouldmov eawayf rom herf ace.Is
shet hatannoy edbyme?Idi dn'teven
doany thing.Bei ngt hegentleman
thatIam, Ichoset oletherbeandI
walkedaway .Imadeaf ewcal l
st o
KJandJomot ochecki fever y
t hi
ngis
goingwel l.IcheckedonBuuandt he
kids.I'
vemi ssedt hem somuch, i
ts
sadt hatI'
ll onl
ygett oseethem t his
comi ngweekend.We' vebeenawat
from them f ortool ong, t
woweeksi s
toolong.Ineedt ospendasmuch
ti
mewi tht hem aspossi bl
ebef oreI
l
eav eformynextmi ssionwhi chis
for4mont hs.Ihaven'ttoldNasiphi,I
knowshewi l
lnotbehappyabouti tat
all
.I'l
lleavethisOct oberandcome
backi nJanuar y.Shei stotall
ygoing
tobemor eangryatme, Iwon'ttell
hernow, Idon'twanthert obeangr y
withmenowandr ui
nourhoney moon.
Ilookedatherasshest uff
edher sel
f
withf ood,foodt hatshedi dn'
twant
mi nutesago.
Me:
Babe
Nasi
:YesMcKenzi
e,I
'
vemi
ssedy
ou
Me:
Real
l
y?Youki
ckedmeout
Nasi:
Sorry,
Idon'
tknowwhyIdi
d
t
hat.I'
m sor
ry
Me:
Don'
tapol
ogi
ze.Comeher
e
Shecametomeandsatonme.She
dri
vesmecrazy.Justhav
ingheron
mesendsforei
gnf eel
i
ngsall
overmy
body.
Nasi
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Nasi
:Iwantt
obuyacar
Me:Howmuchdoyouneed?What
cardoy
ouhav
einmind?
Nasi
:Iwantt
obuyi
twi
thmyown
money
Me:
Youdon'
tneedt
o
Nasi
:Iwantt
oandy
ouwon'
tst
opme.
Babe, weshoul dshowerandgocar
searching.Idon'tevenknowwhi ch
carIwantbutIwantacar .Andwe
mustgoshoppi ng,Ipromi sedt
he
kidsthatI '
l
lbuythem clothesand
sneaker s.Aft
erthatwel ookfora
dressI'l
l wearatthegrandopeningof
theCancer CareCent r
e.
Me:
Iguesswehav
eal
otofshoppi
ng
t
odowifey
Nasi
:Yeswedo
#Nasi
Idon'
tknowwhatiswrongwithme.
I'
veneverbeent
hemoodyt y
pebut
I'
vebeenmoodyallmorni
ngandIj
ust
gotannoy edbyDanny .Hewasso
conf usedandi thurtmet oseehi m
thatwaybutIdi dn'tdoi ti
nt enti
onal
ly.
Ijustwant edt oconv ersatewi t
hhim
andIguessi tjustpoppedt hatI
want edacar ,Idon'tev enknowwhi ch
carIwantbutI 'l
lgetacar .Per ksof
mar ryingarichman, Icanspendmy
moneyhowev erIwantt o.Iknewhe' d
wantt obuymeacarbutIr efused.
He'lljustpayfortheki dscl othes,my
clothesandhi scl othes.Wegot
dressedandl eft
.Thest r
eet sofNew
Yorkar esofullandt here'
sal otof
traf
fic.
Me:
Par
kthecarher
eandwe'
l
lwal
k.
Danny
:You'
recr
azy
Me:I
t'
sgoingtobefunbabe,
and
whenyouti
redwe'
ll
comegett hecar
anddr
ive.
Danny:Fi
ne,any
thi
ngy
ouwant
Preci
ousPearl
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Danny
:Il
ovey
out
oo
Wewal kedhandinhandandi twas
thebestexper
ienceever
.Beinginthe
crowdandwegotcaughtupi na
streetmobdance.Wehadt odance
alonganditwasfunnyseeingDanny
dancebutalli
nallwehadsomuch
fun.Westart
edwi t
hclot
hing
shoppingandwegotmor ethanwe
needed.Thekidswil
lbesohappy
abouttheclot
hesweboughtthem.
Wet henhadlunchatarest
aurant
andItrieddi
ff
erentf
oods.
Danny:Youateal
ot,
you'r
egoingt
o
vomiti
fwekeepwalking.Let
sgo
backtothecar
Me:
Myf
eethur
tnow,
wecangoback.
Wewal kedbacktot
hecarandput
ourshoppingbagsi
nthecarboot
.
Danny
:We'
reof
ftol
ookf
ory
ourcar
now
Me:
Yep!I
'
m exci
ted
Wewentl
ooki
ngandmostcar
sdi
dn'
t
exci
temethatmuchunt
ilIl
andedmy
eyesonamattebl
ackMercedes-
BenzCL03.
Me:
Babe,
Iwantt
hisone!
Danny
:Yousur
e?
Me:
Def
ini
tel
y
Danny
:We'
ret
aket
hatoneSi
r
Thecardeal
ernoddedandwentt o
getsomedocument sforus.Danny
si
gnedeveryt
hingandhemadet he
paymentandIsmi led.Iknewhe'd
buythecar
,theresnousef i
ght
ing
hi
m aboutit
.Sav esmemor emoney .
Theshipmentwilltakeaboutamont h
Danny
:Ar
eyouhappy
?
Me:
Ver
yhappy
Danny:ThenI
'
m happy,Il
ovei
twhen
youspendmymoney .
Me:
Youmakemespendy
ourmoney
Danny
:I'
l
lgetyourownBl
ackcar
d
madeandallf
undswil
lbepai
dforby
me.
Me:There'
snoneedbabe,
you
al
readygiv
emesomuchmoney
monthly
Danny:I
'
llst
artput
ti
ngthatmoneyi
n
thebl
ackcardaccount
Me:
OkayDanny
Danny
:Moneyi
ssomet
hingt
hatI
have,soIdon' twantusar gui
ng
aboutit.Yourcompani esarealso
makingmi ll
ionssomoneyi s
somet hi
ngy oualsohav e,Idon'
twant
ustoev erargueaboutf i
nances.
Moneyi snotapr oblem inourfamil
y
Me:
Theki
dsshoul
dhav
etr
ust
funds
Danny:Theydo,t
heyevenhaveso
manyaccountswhichtheywil
lgetat
acert
ainage.Youknow,Ievenmade
anaccountforTi
a
Me:
Tia?
Danny
:Ourbaby
,theonewel
ost
.
Me:Younamedt
hebabyTi
a?That
sa
gi
rl
snamewhati
fitwasaboy
?
Danny:Idon'
tknowbutIj
ustknewit
wasagi r
landInamedherTia.We'
ve
neverr
eall
yspokeabouther
Me:
She'
sgoneDanny
Iignor
edhi
m andwal
kedtoourhot
el
room.Hecameinandheldmy
pinni
ngmyheadonhischest
Danny:Wecannoti gnoret hi
sforever
.
Shewaspar tofourl
ives.Shewas
ourchil
dbaby ,welostheri navery
badway .Ihatethemanwhocaused
herdeath.Iwoulddoany t
hingto
bri
ngherbackbutIcannot .It
s
beyondme, f
orgi
vemef ornotbeing
abl
et oprotectyouboth
Me:Youdi dyourbest,
yousav edmy
l
if
ebutsav ingherswasbey ond
ever
yone.Thabo'ssoulwil
lneverrest
i
npeacef ordoingsuchevil
.You'r
e
nott
obebl amedf oranyt
hing
Danny:Let
'
snotactl
i
keshewas
neverapartofus
Me: Whatdoy ouwantmet odo?Tal k
abouther?Icannotdot hat,
y esI'
ll
neverforgetaboutherbuttalking
aboutherev erydayi
ssomet hingI
cannotdo.Icannotf or
everbe
remindedoft hepainIfel
twhenIl ost
her.Icannot,IcannotDanny.
Hehel
dmeasIcr
ied.Iguesst
hisi
s
themostsensi
ti
vesubj
ectwe'
l
lev
er
conver
sat
eaboutinourl
if
e.
Danny
:Il
oveyou,
I'
m al
way
sher
efor
youNasi
phi
Me:
Thanky
ou,
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Iwentt
ot hebat
hroom andwashed
myface.Iwentbackt
ohi m andhe
waslayi
nginbedandIjoinedhim
Me:
Sot
ell
me
Danny
:Tel
lyouwhat
?
Me:
Whenar
eyoul
eav
ing?
Danny:
Idon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
re
tal
ki
ngabout
Me:
Danny
,Iknowy
ou'
rehi
ding
somethi
ngf
rom meandi
tsabouty
ou
l
eavi
ng.Nowtal
k
Danny:Idon'
twantt
orui
nour
honey
moon
Me:I'
m notgoi
ngtogetusedt
oyou
l
eavi
ngifyou'
ll
tel
lmethedaybef
ore
youpackupandleav
e.
Danny
:Iunder
stand
Me:
Nowt
alkTr
ist
on
Danny:I
'
ml eavi
nginOctoberandI
'
m
comingbackinJanuar
y
Me:
Okay
Danny
:That
sal
lyou'
regoi
ngt
ost
ay?
Me:
Yes,
Idon'
twantt
orui
nour
honey
moon
Danny
:Soyou'
rest
il
lgoi
ngtobr
ing
thi
supaf
tert
hehoneymoon?
Me:
YesIam
Danny:OhIguessI
'm st
il
lgoi
ngt
obe
puni
shed,cani
tnotbesil
ent
tr
eatment?
Me:Youdon'
tgett
ochoosebabe.
Nowkissme
Danny
:Musi
ctomyear
s
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t56
TwoMont
hsLat
er
IneverthoughtI'dmi sshimli
ket his.I
getsoemot ional byjustseei
nghi s
pict
uresonmyphonebutInev ercall
hi
m becauset hemomenthehear s
mecr y,
he'll
comehomei nafl
ash.I
havebeenl i
vingbyl ockingmyselfup.
Il
ockmy sel
fint hehouseandt hey
hardlyev erseemeatwor kbecauseI
shutmy selfinmyof f
iceandwor kall
daylong.Ihav en'tseenanyofmy
fri
endsexceptVenesandAt himer el
y
becausewewor ktoget her.Ihav e
beendi stanci ngmy selffrom t hem for
goodr easons.Theopeni ngoft he
Cancer CareCent rewassucha
success.I twasov erwhel mingt osee
howmanyl ivesI '
v etouchedandhow
manypeopl eneededt hehel pof
getti
ngmedi calcar etot reatcancer .
Itwentbey ondt hanhel pingwoman
withbreastcancerbuti thelpedmany
menandchi ldrensuf feringf rom the
diseasewhocamef orth.Sof arwe
hav ehadabout50peopl ewhohav e
survivedf rom cancer .Af ewhav e
passedonbutwehav emadeahuge
changef ort hepastt womont hs.
Ngamsohasbeenhandsonandi ti
s
asuccess.Todayi smybi rt
hdayand
soi sitDanv ers,andOni ka'si naway.
Shewant edt ocel ebrateher 'swithus
sowedi dn' treallyhav emuchofa
celebrationonherbi rthday .Iwas
againstitatf i
rstbutshei nsistedon
i
tsoIhadt osuppor therdeci si
on.
Theyhav ebot hbeendoi ngv erywell
atschool andt heyar emaki ngme
verypr oud.Danv erisgrowi ngt oo
fast,heknowkeepscur lyhai randhe
want stochangei tscolouranddy eit
black.Buuhasst artedwithherf inal
examsandy ouhardlyevenseeher .
Hert herapysessionswor ked
wonder sonherandIcoul dseeal ot
ofchange.Shedi dv erywel lonher
trai
lexamsandIknowshewi ll
ace
herf i
nals.She'
swor kingreallyhard
sot hatshecanbeaccept edi n
Harv ar
duni ver
sit
y.Iwokeupnot
feeli
ngwel lasusual.Theki dscame
tomyr oom andwesangf oreach
other
Oni
ka:
I'
m soexci
ted!
Me:I'
m exci
tedtoo,
pleasegetmea
bot
tl
eofwat erDanver
Danv
er:
Okaymom,
wit
hyourpi
l
ls?
Me:
No,
nott
odaysweet
ie.
Hegotmeabot
tl
eofwat
erandI
gul
pedi
t.
Buucameinwithbreakf
astf
orus
andwehadbreakfasti
nmyroom.
Buu:
Doesheknow?
Me:
Knowwhat
?
Shelookedatmewi t
hthe"Don'
tfuck
wit
hme"l ook.AndIshookmyhead.
Buu:
Hewon'
tbehappy
Me:
Iknow
Buu:Gobathandl
ookbeaut
if
ul,
I'
ll
prepar
etheki
ds
Me:
Thepar
tyi
sst
art
ingear
ly?
Buu:
Yes,
at9am
Me:Argh,Idon'
tev
enf
eel
li
kegoi
ng
butIhaveto.
Iwenttot
hebathr
oom andt
ooka
l
onglongshower
Buu:
You'
ret
aki
ngt
ool
ong!
!!
Me:Ineedt
olookbeaut
if
ul,
I'
m
al
mostdone.
Idriedmy sel
fupandl oti
onedmy
body .Iwentt omycl oset
.Argh!
Looki ngforclothestoweari s
stressful.Iworealongbl ackdress
withashor tdenimjacketand
fl
ipflops.Iputonsomemakeup
becausemyf
acel
ookedawf
ul.
Buu:
Final
l
y,y
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul
Me:
Thanksy
out
oo.Let
'sgo
Icall
edt
heki
dsandt
heywer
eon
point
.
Me:
Youguy
slookcut
e
Them:
Thanksmommy
Igotintothecarandwel eft
.Idrov
e
offtoJabu'shouse.That '
swher et
he
partywast akingplace.Theywereall
outsidewaitingforus.Thegirl
s
screamedwhent heysawme, I
ts
beenl ongsincetheysawme.Venes,
GuguandPamel awer eal
sohereand
sower emymot hers.
Sbahl
e:Youst
ranger
!Comeher
e
Theyal l
huggedmeandIwasl iter
all
y
suffocating.Wewentintot
hehouse
andwewer eledt
othebackyardat
thechill
ingarea.Thesetupforadult
s
wast hereandt heki
dswereinthe
playroom.
Paul
a:Howhav
eyoubeenNasi
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne,
justbusy
Zandy:
You'
vel
ockedy
our
sel
fupf
or
tool
ong
Si
ya:Ili
ter
all
ythoughty
ouwer
e
av
oidingus
Ishookmyheadsayi
ngnobutdeep
downIknewthatIwasav
oidi
ng
ever
yone.Lubahdidn'tkeephi
seyes
offmeanditwasmaki ngme
uncomfort
able.Veryuncomfort
abl
e.I
avoi
dedhisey esbyallmeans.
Kamo:
You'
vegai
nedwei
ght
Me:I
'v
ebeenstuff
ingmysel
fwi
th
f
ood.Mostti
mesIworkathomesoI
wor
k,eatandsl
eep.
Siy
a:Itot
allygetyou,bef
oreIwas
seri
ousaboutt hegym,Igai
ned
weightal
lthetime.
Lubah:MayIhav
eawor
dwi
thy
ou
Nasiphi
?
Me:
Now?
Lubah:
Yes
Me:
Uhm sur
e
Heli
ter
all
ypul
l
edmei ntothehouse
andMphowast her
etoo.
Lubah:
You'
repr
egnant
Me:
You'
recr
azy
Mpho:Howdoy ouexpl
ainyour
weight
?Don'
tgivemethefakestor
y
yougavet
heladi
es.
Me:Idon'
tknowwhaty
ouwantmet
o
say
Lubah:Howdoy ouexplai
ny our
constantv
isi
tstoDrCele?Yougoing
tothechemistandyourstomachis
vi
sibl
e.
Me:I
t'
snoneofyourbusi
nessand
whydoyouknowaboutmy
wher
eabout
s?
Mpho:
You'
remar
ri
edt
oDanny
Me:
So?
Mpho:Whenheisnotaround,
weare
t
heret
oprotecty
ou.Doesheknow
Me:
No
Lubah:
Hewon'
tbehappy
Me:
Iknow
Il
eftthem standingther
eandIwas
angry
.Wesatf orabouthal
fanhour
andIwasal armedbysuddenly
smell
inghisscent .NoI'
mjustbei
ng
crazyandmi ssinghi m.If el
this
touchonmyshoul der.Iclosedmy
ey esandstoodup.Iopenedmyey es
andhewassmi li
ngl i
kea4y earol
d
boy .Helookedatmecar efull
yandhe
frowned.Iimmedi atelyknewhenow
knows.Thi sstomachi sverymuch
visibl
eandI '
mj ust2mont hspregnant
.
Danny:Mf
aziwam,umi
thi
?(Mywi
fe,
ar
ey oupr
egnant
?)
Tearsjustescapedfrom myey esand
Icouldn'
tcontrolt
hem norcouldIbe
abletoseehowhef eel
sbecausehe
hadast rai
ghtfaci
alexpr
ession.
Danny
:Isi
tnotmybaby
?
Il
osti
t,Isl
appedhimtwi
ceandhe
wasshocked.It
ookmybagbuthe
hel
dmeandki ssedme.Ipushedhi
m
away
Me:
Getof
fmey
oubast
ard!
Danny:Cal
m down,
it'
snotgoodf
or
ourbaby
Me:It
sourbabynowhuh!?Icannot
bel
i
eveyouwouldevendoubtthati
t
i
syourbaby.
Danny:Ididn'
tthi
nkstraight
,It
hought
i
tcouldbet heonlyreasonwhyy ou
hidt
hepr egnancyfr
om me.Youal l
knewbuty oukeptitawayf r
om me!!
Mpho:
No,
wedi
dn'
tknow.Weonl
y
foundouttoday,wel
lmeandLubah.
Theothersjustf
oundoutwel
lri
ght
now.
Bee:I
t'
sthefir
stt
imeweev
ensee
hert
odaysinceyoul
eft
Venes:BesidesmeandAthisi
ncewe
worktogetherbutshewashar
dly
everatwork.
Whyaret
heyreport
ingal
lthi
sto
Danny
?I'
m st
andingri
ghti
nfrontof
them!
Danny:Mfaziwam,t
alktome.I'
m
yourhusband,wet
alkaboutthi
ngs
becausecommunicati
oniskeyright
?
Inoddedandhel
edmet
ooneoft
he
rooms.Isatont
heedgeofthebed
andhestoodinf
rontofme.
Danny
:Howf
arar
eyou?
Me:
TwoMont
hsandaf
ewday
s
Danny:Thebabywasconcei
vedon
ourhoneymoon.
Me:
Yes.
Danny:Idon'
tunder
standwhyy
ou
di
dn'tt
ellme
Me: If
oundoutont
hedayy
oul
eftf
or
yourmissi
on
Danny
:So?
Me:Iknewyou'
dwanttostayand
don'
tgobutthef
orceneededthei
r
l
eader
Danny:Andy
oudi
dn'
tneedy
our
husband?
Ilookeddownandhecl
ear
edhi
s
throat
Danny:
LookatmewhenI
'
mtal
ki
ng
toyouNasi
phi
.
He'sv
oicewassternandscary.He
wasangryandhehadev er
yreasonto
be.Hereal
lyscar
esmewhenhei s
thi
sangry.
Danny:IwanttoshoutatyoubutIdo
notwanttohurtyouespecial
lynoton
thi
sday .I
'
m sorr
yforwhatIsai d
earl
ier
.I'
m hur
tanddisappointed
Nasiphi
andIcannothel
pbutfeelas
i
fthere'
smor et
othi
s.I'
m goi
ngto
seemyki ds
HeleftmeandIcri
edst
uff
ingmy
faceonthepil
l
ow.Ngamsocamein
andsmiledatme.
Me:
Don'
tfakei
t
Ngamso: I
t'
sgoingt
obeal
ongseven
monthsifyou'
regoi
ngt
obethi
srude
andcheeky
Me:
I'
m sor
ry
Ngamso:
Apol
ogynotaccept
ed
Me:
Mxm
Ngamso:
I'
ll
cuty
ourt
oesof
f.Thi
s
pregnancygoty
our
eal
l
ybad,
your
faceisugly
.
Me:
Ngamsodon'
tupsetme
Ngamso: I'
mj usttelli
ngy out hetrut
h.
Iknowy ou'
rehur tbutbabe, you'
re
turning27t oday,y ou'
repr egnantand
yourmancamebackf rom wher ever
hewasdodgi ngbul l
etst oprotectus
alljusttospendt hisspeci aldaywi t
h
hisf amil
y.That'ssomet hingspecial
andy oudon'twantt olookbackand
cryaboutt hisday .Nowhei sangry
andshockedandmost l
yconf used,
weal lar
ebutIbel ievey ouhav evali
d
reasonsf oryouract ions.Hewi l
l
comear oundandf orgivey ou.He
cannotst
ayangr
yaty
ou,hemisses
youevennow.Chi
nupandcome
enj
oy.
Me:
Thanks,
I'
m hungr
y
Ngamso:I'
l
l t
ell
Dannyt odishupf or
youwhil
eyouf i
xthatfaceofy our
s.
Therear
efreshtowelsintheleft
cupboar
d
Me:
Thanky
ouMr
sShezi
Ngamso:
Mypl
easur
eMommyt
obe
Icri
nged,thatalonecreepedmeout.I
hadthisforei
gnf eel
i
ngIdi dn'
t
underst
and.If i
xedmyf aceandwent
backtotheot hersoutsi
de.Dannyf
ed
mebuthewasn' ttal
kingtome.The
ki
dswer ever
yhappytoseehim and
i
tmademehappyt oseethem smil
e
andlaughwit
hthei
rfather
.Mymom
camet omeandtouchedmy
stomachandIpushedherhandaway .
Shelookedatmefortoolong.
MaN:
Congr
atul
ati
ons
Me:
Thanks
MaN:
Arey
ousur
eyou'
reokayPear
l?
Me:
Yes.Excuseme
Iwenttothebat
hroom andlookedat
myselfi
nthemirr
or.Whatis
happeni
ngtome?Isatdownand
cl
osedmyey es
#Danny
Ont hef li
ghtbackhomeIwasv er
y
excitedaboutseei ngmywi feand
kids.ButwhatIf oundoutwhenIgot
homedi dn'tmakemehappy .She'
s
beenkeepi ngsuchasecr etfrom me,
IknowIwaswr ongtojumpi nto
concl usionsbutIdidn'tevenknow
whatt othink.Icoul
dn'tev enjusti
fy
ther easonswhyshehi dt he
pregnancyf rom meandshei sn'
t
ev enexpl aini
ng.Thewayshei s
act i
ngi salsoconfusingme.May be
i
t sthehor mones?Butshe' sr udeand
cheeky ,Ihear dhertal
kingt oNgamso.
Itlooksl i
kewe' l
lskateont hi
nice
nex ttoher .Iwasangr y,Iwashur t
anddi sappointedbutshe'
smywi f
e
andI '
m wor ri
edabouthersomuch.I
havebeenkeepi nganeyeonherand
thewaysher eactedwhenhermot her
touchedherst omach.Shequi ckl
y
remov edherhandandhesi t
ated.She
quicklywalkedawayandIf ol
lowed
her.Shel ockedhersel
finthe
bathroom andIgav ehersomespace.
30mi nspassedandshewasn' tout
yet
Me:Whatt
hehellcoul
dshebedoi
ng
i
nthebat
hroom f
orsolong?
Zandy
:I'
l
lgoknockandcheckupon
her
Shewentandcamebacksay
ingshe
i
sn'
trespondi
ng
Me:Somet
hingisup.Jabu,
I'
m
br
eaki
ngyourdoor
Jabu:
Justasl
ongasy
ou'
l
lpayf
ori
t.
Iki
ckedt
hedoordownandshewas
l
ayi
ngonthefl
oor.
Me:
Nasi
phi
!
Iwentt
oherandshewasf
astasl
eep.
Me:Howdoesshef
all
asl
eepi
nthe
bat
hroom?
Icarr
iedherandwenttothebedr
oom
andlaidherdown.Iki
ssedher
for
eheadandl ookedatmywif
e
Me:Whati
sgoi
ngonwi
thy
oumy
wi
fe?
Iwasi ndeepthought
sandIam
worri
edsomuchabouther .Leavi
ng
tocompl et
ethenexttwomonthswill
behardbutI '
l
lonlyl
eaveonceIsee
thatsheisokay.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t57
Iwokeupf eeli
ngreal
lyreal
lyhungr y
.
ThenIremember ed,I
'm eati
ngf or
twoandIdon' tr
ememberhav i
ng
supperl
astnight.It
ri
edmov i
ngbutI
wasstuck.Am Iparaly
zed?Ir eali
zed
Dannyhadhi sarmsaroundmeand
ther
ewasnowayofget t
ingoffof
him.
Me:
Babe,
wakeup!
Hedidn'
thearmesoIstart
edki
ssi
ng
hi
m onhisneckandhemoaned
openi
nghisli
tt
lehor
nyeyes.
Me:
Mov
e,I
'
m hungr
y
Danny
:Eatme
Me:
Ineedr
eal
food
Danny:Ouch.
..buty
oucannotwake
meupi nsuchasexywayanddon't
takecar
eofthisbonert
hatyoumade
Me:Babethat
'sj
ustyourmor
ning
er
ecti
on.Takeacol
dshower
Danny:Ihaveawifewit
hahotpussy
andIshouldtakecol
dshower
s?
ThosedaysendedwhenIwast he
mostwant edbachel
or
Me:
Ful
lofour
sel
vesar
en'
twe?
Danny
:Nowcomeki
ssmeagai
n,I
'
ve
mi
ssedy
ou
Me:
I'
m sor
ryabouty
est
erday
Danny:We'
l
ltal
kaboutt
hataf
tery
ou
ser
viceme.
Helaiddownl ooki
ngatme.Iguess
I'
m doingallthewor kt
oday.Ikissed
hisneckallthewaydownt ohispenis.
Suckingonitmademer eal
lyhorny
andwanti ti
nsi demealready.Isaton
i
tandi nsert
edi ti
n
Danny
:For
epl
ayov
eral
ready
?
Me:
I'
mtoohor
ny
HelaughedatmeandIstar
tedri
ding
hi
m.He'smoanst ur
nedi
ntogroans
andthatal
onesentmeovertheedge.
Ii
ncr
easedmypaceandki
ssedhi
m.
Me:
Ilov
eyouDanny
Danny
:Il
ovey
out
ooMr
sDanny
Withthatsai
dwebot
hreachedour
desti
nati
ons.
Danny
:Thatwasamazi
ng
Ismi
l
edandl
ookedaway
.He'
s
maki
ngmebl
ush
Danny:I
'
m gl
adIsti
ll
makey ou
wannahidey
ourredfl
ushedface.I
'
ve
missedmywife
Me:I'
vemi
ssedmyhusband.Let
sgo
shower
Danny
:Roundt
woi
ntheshower
?
Me:
No
HespankedmeandIr anaway.We
gotintotheshowerandhegotwhat
hewant ed.Ashealway sdoes.We
fi
nishedupandgotdr essed.
Danny
: I
'
llorderbr
eakfast,
Idon'
t
wantyouwal ki
ngaroundthekit
chen.
Youneedt oresty
ourself
Me:
Butbabe
Danny
:Nobut
s
Me:
Whenar
eyoul
eav
ing?
Danny
:I'
m notl
eav
ing
Me:Youneedt
ocompl
etey
our
mi
ssion
Danny:Ihaveagentsfrom al
lover
thi
swor l
d,theycanhandleit
.You'
re
pregnantandI'
m notleavi
ng.You
needsomeonet otakecareoffyou
Me:Icantakecareofmy
sel
f,Idon'
t
needababysit
ter
Danny:
Ohsoy oucanfal
lasl
eepina
publ
ict
oil
etandyougetki
dnappedor
murder
ed
Me:
Idi
dn'
tfal
lsl
eepatapubl
i
ctoi
l
et
Danny:Youf
ell
asl
eepint
he
bat
hroom i
nJabu'
shouse
Me:
Nott
rue!
Danny:
Yout hi
nkyoufl
ewhere?We
hadtobreakthedoor
,onl
ytofi
ndy
ou
sleepi
ngonthefl
ooraf
terl
ocki
ng
yoursel
fint
her
e.
Me:
Wow
Danny
:Yeswow,
car
etoexpl
ain
Me:Howwi
llIexpl
ainsomet
hingI
don'
tev
enr
emember ?
Danny
:Mmmmh
Me:
Don'
tsayt
hat
Danny:Idon'
tunder
standwhyy
ou
keptourbabyasecret
Me:Idi
dn'
twantyoutowor
ryand
don'
tgoonyourmissi
on
Danny
:Whendi
dyouf
indout
?
Me:
Thedayy
oul
eft
.
Danny:
I'
mr eall
yhurt
.Ar
eyouhappy
aboutt
hispregnancy
?
Me:
Idon'
tknowhowt
oanswert
hat
Danny
:It
sasi
mpl
equest
ion,
yesor
no?
Me:
YesI
'
m happybutI
'
m scar
edt
oo.
Danny:Iam scar
edtoo,
don'tshutme
out.Tal
ktome, yout
aughtmehow
tocommuni cat
enowpracti
cewhat
youpreach
Me:I'
m scaredImightnotbeabl eto
prot
ectourchil
d.Whati fwelosethis
babytoo?Icannotloseanotherbaby,
Loosi
ngTi awasthemosthur tfuland
heart
breaki
ngexperiencethatInever
wantt
ogot
hrough
Danny:Youwi l
lcarrythisbabyt il
lfull
term.Iwillbewi t
hy ouev erystepof
theway .Thatbast ardkil
ledourchi ld,
i
tisnotbecausey oucoul dn'tcarry
thebabyt i
llful
lterm.Thabocuther
l
ifeshort.Hecausedt hemi scarri
age.
Iunderstandwhyy ou'rebeinglike
thi
sbutbabe, Ineedy outost op
beingscaredandst opst r
essing.It'
s
notgoodf orourbaby .All
owust o
touchyou, yourmot herwashur t
wheny oupushedherhandaway .
She'snotgoi ngtohur tyourbaby ,
we'renotgoi ngtohur ther.
Me:
Iwi
l
ltr
ymyl
ove.Anddoy
ou
t
hinki
tsagi
rl
?
Danny
:Yesi
tis
Me:
Yousoundsosur
e
Danny:
That'
sbecauseI
'
m hopi
ngf
or
anot
herpr
incess.
Me:
Wel
lI'
m hopi
ngf
oraPr
ince
Danny
:Let
sbetonit
?Whoev erwins
get
saPorsche811t
urbocabriol
et
Me:
Arey
oucr
azy
!?
Danny
:Deal
?
Me:
Fine,
it'
sadeal
.
Danny:Whenwi
l
lwegett
oknowt
he
gender
?
Me:
WhenI
'
m 5mont
hspr
egnantso
st
artsav
ingup!
Ther
ewasaknockonthedoorand
al
lmyfr
iendscamei
n
Venes:
Mor
ning!
!!
!!
Buual
socamedownst
air
s
Me:
Heygi
rl
s
Zandy:Gochange,we'
regoi
ng
shoppi
ngandhav i
ngacatchingup
sessi
on.You'
vebeenawol f
oralong
twomonths
Sneh:Andwe'r
emadaty
ou.We'
ve
missedyousoomuch
Nay
e:You'
repay
ingf
orlunchtomake
i
tuptous.Nowgogetdressed
Danny:
Youcan'
ttakemywi
fe
wit
houtmypermi
ssion
Sbahl
e: Yeswecandad,yougoj oi
n
yourfr
iendsatPhi
la'
s.They'r
e
drowni
ngt hemsel
vesinalcohol
Danny:Kai
tsosai
dIshoul
dsayheyt
o
you,heknowsyoumisshi
m
Sbahl
e:He'ssoful
lofhi
mself.When
i
shecomi ngbackanyways?
Danny:Whydoy
ouwantt
oknow?
Youreal
lydomi
sshi
m
Sbahle:JustwanttoknowsoIcan
bookmy sel
favacati
onfarawaysoI
won'tseehisuglyface
Danny
:Mmmmh
Iwentupstair
sandhef
oll
owedmet
o
theourbedroom.
Danny
:Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
owear
?
Me:
Idon'
tknow
Danny
:I'
l
lpi
ckoutsomet
hingf
ory
ou
Me:
Thanky
ou
Ifr
eshenedupwhilehewasbusyin
mycloset.It
henwenttohim,mind
youIwaswal ki
ngaroundnaked
Danny:Baby,you'
rekil
l
ingmeri
ght
now.Couldn'
ty ouwrapatowel
aroundyoursexybody?
Me:NoIwantedmyhusbandt
osee
mysexybody
HespankedmeandIlaughedathi
m.
Hepi
ckedoutafl
oral
greendressf
or
meandsandal
s
Me:
Thanky
ouMcKenzi
e
IgotdressedandIlookedbeaut
if
ul.
Hegavemeear i
ngstowearanda
bagI'
ll
car r
y
Me:Ididn'
tknowIhadmyv
eryown
st
yli
st.HowdoIlook?
Danny:It
rymybest
.Youl
ook
beaut
if
ul
Me:
Thanky
ou.Il
ovey
ou
Hetoldmehelov
esmetooandwe
ki
ssed.Hehel
dmybagaswewent
downstai
rs
Beli
nda:
Youguyslooksocut
e
toget
her
,you'
remakingmewantt
o
cry
Phel
o:Somuchdr
amaLi
nda
Me:
She'
sal
way
sov
erdr
amat
ic
Bel
i
nda:
I'
mri
ghther
eremember
Zandy
: I
t'
snotsomet
hingt
heydi
dn'
t
wantyoutohear.
Si
ya:
Let
sgoorwe'
l
lbel
ate
Dannywalkedmetoacer
tai
ncar
whichwasn'tf
ami
l
iart
ome
Me:
Who'
scari
sthi
s?
Paul
a:I
tbel
ongst
omesi
s
Me:
What
!OMG!Whendi
dyougeti
t?
I
m sohappyf
ory
ou,
congr
atul
ati
ons
mylov
e
Paula:I
tsbeent
woweeks,
myman
takesgoodcarofme.
Me:
Bri
ani
ssuchasweet
hear
t.
Paul
a:Yeahhei
s,wehaveal
ott
o
cat
chuponsoletsgo.
Danny:By
egi
rl
s,t
akecar
eofmy
queen.
Hekissedmeonemor eti
meandwe
l
eft
.Iwasi nPaul
a'
scarwit
h,Venes,
NcebaandSbahle.Wedroveof
fto
t
hemal landwewenttotheSpa
Me:Li
keyouguysknewhowmuchI
needamassage
Bee:Wethoughty
oumi
ghtr
eal
l
y
needone.
Wegotf ull
bodymassages,ful
lbody
waxandwewer enowchil
li
nginthe
Jacuzzi
.Iwasn'tt
oldt
obringabiki
ni
butmysi st
er,
Snehcarr
iedonefor
me.
Me:
SooPaul
a,spi
tital
lout
Paula:Well
,li
fehasbeengood!Brian
i
st hebestmanonEar th.Yeswe
ar
gueal otbuthelov
esmeguy sand
wedi dthedeedsoI'
m of f
ici
all
ynota
vi
rgin
Me:MmmhMrNgcobomaki ngmy
l
it
tl
esi
sHappy
!That
'sal
lIneedto
know,
seei
ngy
out
hishappymakes
mehappy.
Zandy
:Andshest
aysathomeal
lday
andgetst
reat
edl
i
keaqueen
Paul
a:Iwi
l
lwor
k,j
ustnoty
et.
Me:That
'swhaty
ousai
dwheny
ou
guy
sleft
.
Paul
a:I
'
llwor
knexty
ear
Si
ya:Oryou'
l
lbel
i
kemeanddon'
t
workatal
l
Naye:Idon'
twor
ktoo,
wel
lIdobut
youknowwhatImean
Bee:
You'
reaQueen,
that
swher
eyour
j
obli
es
Me:
Howi
sit
?
Nay
e:What
?Bei
ngaQueen?
Me:
Yes
Nay e:It
'shar dandchall
engingbutI
l
ov eit.Itteachesmenewt hi
ngsall
thet i
meandmakesmegr ow.Plusits
wort hit
, Il
ovesupporti
ngmy
husbandi nallt
hathedoesandbei ng
byhi ssidewhenhemakest ough
decisionst oservetheki
ngdom.
Everymanneedsawomanwhowi ll
suppor thim andadv i
sehim sohe
canbeabl etoachieveallhedoes.
AndI 'm happyt obeKingNkosinathi'
s
suit
abl ehelper.
Me:
Wow
Ngamso: I
nter
esti
nghey,y
oualso
haveabigresponsi
bil
i
tyof
support
ingDanny.Heist
heleaderof
thefor
ce.ThatIknowisnochil
ds
play
.
Me:
I'm notthatinvol
ved.Att
imesI
f
eelasifI'
m holdinghi
m back
Sneh:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Me: IfeelasifI'
m holdinghim back
becauseIdon' tknowmuchaboutt he
for
ce, wellIdoubtIevenknowa
quarterofwhatgoesont her
e.I'
ve
seeni tinhiseyes,he'
spassionat e
abouti tandhel ov
est hathesav es
people'slivesandser v est hecountry
.
Butwhenev erheisaway ,hehast o
worryaboutmenotbei ngabl et
o
prot
ectmy selfort heki ds.Whenhei s
athomepr otecti
ngmeandourki ds,
hewor r
iesaboutwhat '
sgoi ngonat
theforce.Whet herhi sagent sneed
him ornot .He' stor napar tbetween
twopl aces.Iwantt osuppor thi
m but
Idon'tknowhow, Iwanthi mt ogoon
hismi ssionsandf oritt obea
successwi thouthi m wor r
y i
ngabout
us.Iwanthi mt odowhathel ov
es
andnotr egretnotdoi ngi tonedayall
becauseofme.
Kamo:
Isuggesty
out
alkt
ohi
m
aboutthis.Andyoudon'
twantt
obe
thereasonwhyhedoesn'tdowhathe
i
spassi onateabout
.
Paula:
Iam i
nt hedarkmor eabout
thi
ssecondli
fet hegentsli
ve.Atl
east
youguysall
know.Ij ustkeepquiet
andwhenhei sreadyandt rust
sme
enoughtoknowaboutt heshady
thi
ngshedoes, hewillt
alk.
Zandy
:Iwi
shIwasascl
uel
essas
youar
e
Ntoko:
Weal lwi
shsobutwe'renot.I
t
doeshurtgoi
ngtobedatnightal
l
al
oneandknowinghemi ghtevennot
comeback.It
sworseforyouNasiphi
becausey ougett ospendmont hs
withouthi m, IknowIwoul dn'
tsur v
ive
that.Butatt heendoft heday,t
hey
areal l
doi ngwhatt heyhav eal
way s
want edt odoandi tisourjobt o
suppor tthem anddon' tcomplain.
Theypr ov ideforus, takecareofus.
Wewoul dn' tevenknowt hi
skindof
l
ifestyl
ei fitwasn'tf orthei
rhardwor k.
Yeswedosomet i
meswantour
husbandsal lt
oour selvesbutwhat
diff
erencewoul ditmakei fyoukept
himt oy our sel
fallthet i
mebutdeep
withinhei snothappy ?Heisnot
doingwhathel ovest odoal li
nt he
sakeofusbei ngsel fi
sh.Lethim be.
Andy ouwil
lseeadif
fer
entsideto
him,youwil
lseehowhappyhei sand
hewilldohe'
smissi
onssuccessful
ly
knowinghehasawi f
eathome
supporti
nghi
m andwait
ingforhim.
Whoknows, hemightevenbeback
earl
i
er.
Sbahl
e:Youguy
sar
esomar
ri
ed!
Geez
Venes:
Youcansayt
hatagai
n.
Ngamso:I'
llj
ustlearnt
oo,Jabuis
goi
ngforthenextt womonths.He'
s
hol
dingi
nf orDanny
Me:See?Nowanotherwomanhast o
suf
ferf
rom nothav
ingherhusband
homebecauseofme.Dannycannot
gobackbecauseofme.
Ngamso:
No,
noIdi
dn'
tmeani
tli
ke
t
hat.
Me:
It'
str
ue.
Naye:
Justt
alkt
ohim andy
ou'
l
lbe
abl
etosol
vethi
s.
Zandy:
Pl uswe'
realwaysherefory
ou,
don'
tevershutusoutofy ourl
if
eli
ke
youdi
dt hepasttwomont hs.We
weremiserabl
ewi t
houtyou
Me:
I'
m sor
rymyl
adi
es.
WegotoutoftheJacuzzi
and
f
reshenedup.
Kamo:
Ilov
ethi
sspa!
Phel
o:Sal
ont
henshoppi
ng?
Sneh:
Yes
Buu:Iwannalookf
oradress,
my
Matri
cdanceiscomingupstr
aight
af
termylastexam.
Bee:Ourdesi
gnerwi
l
lmakeadr
ess
fory
ou
Buu:
Wowr
eal
l
y?Thanks
Bel
inda:Don'
tworr
y,you'
l
lbe
st
unning.Yougotus!
Wewenttothesal
onanddi
dourhai
r.
Ij
ustwashedmyafr
oandst
y l
edi
t.
Onourwayoutwebumpedint
o
somegir
l.Shewasver
yfitandsexy.
Shesmil
edatusandsaluted.They
greet
edback
Me:
Whoi
sshe?
Phelo:Iwasaboutt
oaskt
hesame
questi
on
Zandy
:Shewor
ksf
ort
hef
orce.
Inodded,wowDannywor kswith
suchprettygi
rl
s.Iknowi
tscrazybutI
wasjealous
Me:Howbeaut
iful
aret
hel
adi
est
hat
wor
kfort
heforce?
Bee:
Someareugl
ysomear
ereal
l
y
st
unning.
Me:
Mmmmh
Nay
e:Tr
ustme,
Dannyonl
yseesy
ou
Kamo:That
'
st r
ue.Pr
obabl
yThabo
sl
eptwit
hhalfoft
hegir
lst
her
e.
Weal l j
ustdi dn'
tcommentbecausei t
waspr obablyt r
ue.Inoti
cedhowI
wantedt owal kinthemi ddleofthem
andwascar efulofwhowal ked
i
nfrontofme.Iwant edtopr otect
mysel fandmychi l
d.Idon'twant
anyoneIdon' tknowt ohav eany
physical contactwithme.We
shoppedt i
llIwasr eall
ytir
ed.Wehad
l
unchandi twasr eall
ygoodt obe
wit
ht hem.Idi dn'tr
eali
zehowmuchI
havemi sssdmyf r
iends.Weleftthe
mallandpi ckedupt hekidsatJabu's
butOnikaandDanv erhadalreadylef
t
wit
ht heirf
at her
.Igothomeandt he
ki
dswer esl eepi
ng.
Me:
I'
m exhaust
ed
Danny:Icanseebytheamountof
shoppi
ngbagst haty
ouhadablast.
Youlookbeauti
fulmypreci
ousPear
l.
Hekissedmyfor
eheadandt
he
hel
perstookmybags.
Danny:Pl
easepr
epar
ehersomet
hing
toeat
Hesai
dtothechefandhecar
ri
edme
t
othecouch.
Me:Ther
e'snoneedt
o,Ij
ustat
e.
Mi
ssedme?
Danny
:Youhav
enoi
dea.
Me:Imissedy
oumor
ethough.We
needt
ot al
k
Danny
:About
?
Me:
Tel
lmeaboutt
hef
orce
Danny
:What
?Why
?
Me:Iwantt
oknowmor
eaboutwhat
youdo.
Danny:Ohwow,
Inev
ert
houghtI
'
d
heart
his
Hehadabigsmil
eonhisf
aceandI
coul
dtel
lhewashappy
.
Danny :Webasi call
ywor kwi t
h
gov ernment salloverthewor l
d.We
protectingsomeandsomecount ri
es
wewor kt oexposet hatt heyar e
corruptandsav eitspoeol e.Youfind
thatsomecount ri
esar est il
lonwar s
andt hepeopl ear eaffected, ourjobis
topr otectthosepeopl eandmake
suret heyar esafe.Wesomet i
mes
fi
ndour selvesinthatwar .Thats
whenwef i
ghtusingweapons.The
forcehasagoodsi de, andt hatsthe
goodsi deofit.Thebadsi deisthe
smuggl ingofweaponsandnow
ofcausey ourfathersdr ugbusi ness.
Wesav epeopl ef r
om human
traf
fi
ckingandt hosegreedyidiots
whoki dnappyounggi rl
sandsel l
them.Maket hem impor tandexpor t
drugs.Webasi call
ytheretoprotect
mor ethankil
l
.Weki l
lwhenits
necessary,wekillt
hebadguy s.
Me:Iwantyoutotr
ainme,sothatI
canbeabletopr
otectmysel
f
Danny
:Nothappeni
ng,
you'
re
pr
egnant
.
Me:
WhenI
'
vegi
venbi
rt
hthenDanny
Danny
:Okay
Me:FornowIwantt
ohav
e
body
guards
Danny
:Whoi
sthi
sandwhatdi
dyou
dotoNasi
phi?Youbitmyheadof f
whenIsai
dthat,wel
lhonestl
yyoudo
havebody
guardsbutyoujustdon'
t
know
Me:Youdidthatagai
n?WellnowI
wantt
oseet hem nowandhavet hem
wit
hme24/ 7justsoIcanf
eel safe
andprot
ected
Danny
:I'
m her
e
Me: Noy ou'
renot
,you'
regoi
ngback
toy ourmissi
onandit'
snotupf
or
discussi
on
Danny:You'
resosex
ywheny
ou'
re
shoot
ingdemands
Me:
Iam ser
iousTr
ist
on.Iknowy
ou
l
ov ewhaty oudo, Icanseeitallin
yourey es.Itwoul dbesel fi
shofme
totelly out ost ayy etyou'
renothappy
andy ourmi ndi ssomewher eelse.
You'ret heirleaderandal eaderneeds
tobet hereandl eadhi speople.I
don'twanty ouwaki nguponeday
andr egr etti
ngt hingsbecauseofme.
Youar emyhusbandandi ti
smyj ob
tosuppor ty ou.Iwanty outobe
happy , eveni fIhav etosleepaloneat
nightwhi l
ey ouser vetheworld,then
sobei t.Justdon' tf or
getthatyou
haveaf amilytoo, Iam setti
ngy ou
fr
eebutdon' tov eruset hatfr
eedom
byf orget t
ingt hatwehav echil
dren
whoalsoneedt
hei
rfat
her
.Doy
ou
under
stand?
Danny:YesMam, youdon'tknowhow
happyIam tohearyousayallthi
s
Nasiphi
.Youareindeedthebestwif
e
Icouldeveraskf
or.Iwil
lbebackfor
ourfamil
y,Iknowwehav ekidsto
rai
seandy ouwon'tdoital
one.
Me:IhopesoDanny .Ir
eall
ydohope
so.I
thurtsbutit
sworthit
.Don'
tget
Jabutoleave,
hisfamil
yneedshi
m.
Danny: Myfamilyneedsmetoo,I
'm
nottakinghim offt
heteam.Heison
boar
donmi ssionsfort
henext
4mont hs.
Me:
Ngamsowi
l
lloosehermi
nd.
Danny
:She'
l
lbest
rong.Sheneedst
o.
Me:
Sowher
eist
hismi
ssi
on?
Danny:Icannott
ell
youMr sMe.You
know,sometimeswhenI'
m away,I'
m
actual
l
yaroundinDurban
Me:
What
!
Danny :Yes,buty oujustdon'tknow.
WhenI 'm onami ssi
on,Ineededt o
beawayf r
om y ousoIcanbeabl eto
focus,butatt i
mesIcannot ,
especiall
ywhenIknowy ou'r
enot
happywi thmebei ngaway .I
tsr eal
ly
hardformet oo,beingawayf r
om my
familyisn'
tanyf unbabe, butthisis
whatIwastr
ainedfor
.Thi
siswhoI
am andwhatIneedtodo
Me: AndIwon'
tst
andi
nthewayof
yourhappi
ness
Danny
:You'
remyhappi
nesst
oo.
Me: Butyoucanonlybeinonepl ace
atat i
me.AndIwi l
lnotmakey ou
choose, t
hatwouldbeself
ishofme.
Youal l
owedmet of ol
l
owmydr eams
anddowhatIl ove,nowIam allowing
you.Don'tbehel
dbackbecauseof
me.Inl ove,
youhavetocompr omise
andt hati
swhatIam doing.Il
ov eyou
DannyTr i
stonMcKenzie
Danny
:Wher
ehav
eyoubeenal
lmy
l
if
eMaNy at
hi?Il
oveyoutooPear
l
Nasi
phi
Amahl eNyat
hi.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t58
It
sbeentwoweekssincehel
eft.
Lett
inghi
m gowasnoteasybuti
t
hadt obedone.Hehadt ogol eadhi s
peopl eint ot
ri
umph.Hewi ll
come
backhomewhenal lisov erandbe
withhi sf amil
y.Of causebei ngt he
over protecti
veDannyt hathei s, he
didn'tleav ewithoutusgoi ngtoseea
doct ortocheckont hebaby .Ourbet
i
sst illonandIdohopet hatIwi n.
OfcauseIwi llbehappyev enifitsa
girlbutspendi ngal mostami l
li
on
randsi swhatI 'm wor ri
edabout .Ifhe
wins, I'
ll
usehi smoneyt obuyt hecar .
Fairenoughr i
ght ?Inowhav e
body guar dsfollowingmear ound, I
didn'twantt heent ireteam.Just
threeoft hem wer eenoughf orme.
Thekidsal
sohaveoneeachand
Onikaenj
oysitv
erymuch.Shei
sso
sassyandgrowsbytheday.
Danv
er:Wil
li
talway
sbethi
sway
?
Dadalway
sbeingaway
?
Me:
Mostt
imes
Isati
nbetweent
hem andt
ri
ed
expl
aini
ngwhydaddyi
saway
Me:See,Daddyhastowor kjustli
keI
hav
et owork.Di
ff
erenceis,Dad
worksfarf
arawaysohecannotbe
her
eatallti
mes.Hegoesf oraf ew
monthsandstaysforafewmont hs
Onika:
Butthi
swill
bethesecond
Decemberholi
dayhedoesn'
tspend
wi
thus
Me: Hewi l
lcomeseeusandguess
what ?We'regoi
ngonav acati
onand
allyourfr
iendswil
lbether
e.Allt
he
fatherswon'tbet
herethoughand
whent heydocome, daddywil
lbe
theretoo
Danv er:ButIwishhewasar ound
mor e.Ihaveabi gsoccermat chnext
weekSat ur
day ,
it'
sthefi
nalmat ch.
Onikahasherhockeymat chnext
weekFr iday,hewi l
lmissallthe
i
mpor t
antev ents
Me:Ifdaddydi
dn'
twork,
youwouldn'
t
beabletoevenpl
ayt
hatsoccer
.He
hasgowor ksohecanpr ov
ideforus,
soy oucangot oschool ,
soy oucan
havet hef oody oueatandt heclothes
youwear .Itisallbecausehewor ks.I
knowy oumi sshim andImi sshim
toobutwehav etobest r
ongand
understandt hatheisdoing
everythingt hathedoesf orus.We're
veryluckyt ohav esomeonel i
kehim.
Sowhenev erheisar ound,wemake
thebestmemor i
esright?
Them:
Yesmom
Me:
Good,nowgobat
hsowecango
t
oGrandma'
s
Oni
ka:
Maywesl
eepov
er?I
tsbeena
whi
l
esi
ncewev
isi
ted
Me:YoucanbutI
'
llf
etchy
ouf i
rst
t
hingi
nthemorni
ngtomorrowokay
Danv
er:
Yesmom
Theybat
hedwhileIpackedforthem.
Buuwasatschool.Iprepar
ed
somethi
ngtoeatforthem whi
lethey
gotdr
essed
Oni
ka:Maywealsohav
eicecr
eam
af
tert
hismeal
?
Me:
Yesy
oumay
.
WeateupandIleft
.Thehelper
swere
i
nthehouseandthedri
verdroveus
andwewer ef
oll
owedbythe
body
guards.Wegotatmomsand
MaDl
amini
wasi nt
hegarden.Paul
a
wasal
soaroundwatchi
ngTV
Me:Hell
oSis,
whyismymot heri
n
thegar
den?Sheneverl
i
stensdoes
she?
Paula:Nopeandshenev erwill
.She
l
ooseshermi ndwhenshe' snotdoing
anyt
hing.We'vebeencl
eani ngthi
s
housesince5am, andt
rustmei twas
ver
ycleanbuty ourmom thoughtit
wasdirty.I
'
m soexhausted
Me:
Youshoul
dbe
Thekidswer
ealr
eadyatthegarden
wit
hmom.Iwentt ogr
eetherandwe
satnextt
oherwi
thPaulawhil
ethe
ki
dshel
pedherpl
antv
eget
abl
es
Me:Havey
oubeenseei
ngy
our
doct
ormom?
MaD:
Ishoul
dbeaskingy
out
hat
,
howi
smygrandchi
l
d?
Me: Ihavebeenseeingadoct
orand
yourgrandchi
ldi
sfine.Nowstop
t
ryingtochangethissubj
ect
,answer
me.
MaD:YesIhav
ebeenseei
ngmy
doct
or.
Me:
Arey
ouokaymom?
MaD:
YesI
'
mfi
ne.
Me:
Tal
k
MaD: I
'mfine,yourfatherj
ustcal
l
ed
yest
erday.Ihadn'theardfr
om himin
solong.Hesaidheneedst oseeme
Me:
Ihopey
ousai
dno
Paul
a:Amahl
e!
Me:
What
?
Iwasdistur
bedbyacall
from KJ,
whenlastdidIev
enhearfrom hi
m.
Me:
Kai
tsot
hest
ranger
KJ:
MrsMcKenzie,
Itol
dyout
ocal
l
meKJnotKai
tso.
Me:WellIpref
areKai
tso.Shoul
dn'
t
youbesavingthewor
ld?
KJ:
Iwoul
difmybosshadhi
shead
pull
edt ogether.Idon'tknowwhati s
i
twi thhim buthe' sloosinghismind.
I
fhedoesn' tpullhimselftogether
,we
willcomebacki ncof fi
ns.JabuandI
tri
edt al
kingtohim, wear etr
yingto
manageev erythi
ngbuti tstoomuch
forjustthebot hofus.Weneedour
l
eader
Me:
Wher
eishe?
KJ:I
nameeti
ng.Ibookedy
ouaf
li
ght
,
youneedt
ocomehere.
Me:
Wher
e?Icannotj
ustl
eav
e
KJ:Youhavet
o,yourf
li
ghtl
eavesi
n
30mins,
youdon'
tneedtopack.We'
re
i
nJoburg
Me:
Youmakesomanydemands.
KJ:Yourdri
veral
readyknowshe
needstotakeyoutotheair
por
tnow.
Goodbye
Iendedthecallandsi ghed.Itol
dt he
ki
dsI '
dbeleavingandI 'l
lcomeback
Mondaymor ning.Theywer ehappyto
spendmor eday swiththeirauntand
grandma.Igotintot hecarandwas
dri
ventotheairport.Thef l
ightt
ooka
l
ongt wohoursandIwast akento
Danny'shouse.Ididn'tknowhehasa
houseinJoburgbutIdon' tget
shockedanymor e.Hepr obablyhas
houseseverywherehegoes.Iwal ked
aroundandfoundt hemast er
bedroom, ther
ewer et wobagsi n
thereandmyt hingswer et her
e.KJis
assl yasaf ox.Iwon' tevenaskhow
myt hingsgother e.Iwat chedtvthe
entir
eaf t
ernoonandcookedar ound
6pm.Idi shedupwhenIwasdone
andIat e.Iwasexhaust edsoIwent
tobed.Igotasi l
lyideaandwent
throughwi t
hit.
#Danny
Leavinghomewassadasal way sbut
Iwashappythatmywifesuppor ted
me.Iwashappythatshefi
nal l
y
al
lowedmet obeandletmet akeon
myr oleasal
eaderi
ntheforce.The
l
itt
letimeIwasgoneever
ything
turnedintosomemess.Wehav e
beendeal i
ngwi thmanycasesat
onceandt heydidn'tdoany t
hi ng
withoutmyappr oval.Ihadal ottodo
i
nashor tamountoft ime.Ithasonl y
beent woweekssi nceIr eturnedt o
theJobur gHeadQuar tersbutI '
m
alr
eadyl oosingmymi nd.Howdi dmy
fathercopewi thsomuchpr essure?
Whatmakest hi
ngswor seishow
muchIhav ebeent hinkingabout
Ziyandalately.I
tfrustratesmeso
muchbutshehasbeeni nmymi nd.I
smel lherscent,Ihearherv oiceandI
knowi tsoundscr azybutatt i
mesI
feelhertouch.ItislikeI'
m bei ng
haunt edbyherghost .May beIam
exagger ati
ngr i
ght?Yest erdaywas
ouranni versary
,may bet hatiswhy
she'
sbeenonmymi ndl at ely
.Iam
confusedwhet herIam mi ssingher
orI'
m gui l
tyofnotgoi ngt ov isi
ther
graveonouranni versar yfort hepast
twoy ears.Thathasbeenaf fecti
ng
meandbr i
ngingmedownbecause
myemot i
onsar eallov erthepl ace
andt hatalonecanj eopar dizemy
missions.JabuandKJhav ebeen
headofsomecasesandt heydo
needmyappr ovalstooandIneedt o
beassi sti
ngev eryone.Iwasi na
parl
iamentmeet ingwhi chIwent
undercoverbecauseIcannotbe
spott
ed.Iwant edtodoitpersonal
l
y,
i
tsahugecase.Iwentbackt omy
off
icearound6: 30pm.Li
ndelwawas
sti
l
l t
here,shehasbeenal i
fesaver
l
ately
Me:
Hav
en'
tl
eft
?
Li
ndel
wa:Iwenttocookandcame
backwi
thyourf
ood.It
sony ourdesk
Me:Thankyousomuch.Iwas
gett
ingt
ir
edoftakeaways.I'
l
lhavei
t
athome,wantmetodropy ouoff
?
Li
ndel
wa:
YesMrMcKenzi
e
Itookthel
uncht
inandmybag.We
gotint
omycarandIdroppedherof
f
atherapartment .Idrovestrai
ght
homeandIwasexhaust ed.Ineeded
togost r
aighttobed.It ookaspoon
andatemyf oodwhi l
ewalking
upstai
rs.Igottheshockofmyl i
fe
andchockedont hefoodIwaseat ing
whenIsawNasi philayi
ngont hebed
i
nlingeri
er eadingabook.Whendi d
shegether e?Icoul dnthelpbutsmi l
e
atthesexycr eaturethatwasr i
ght
i
nfrontofme.
Me:
MrsMcKenzi
e
Nasi:Youdi
shedupforyourself
?I
di
dn'tthi
nkyou'
devennoti
cet hatI
cooked
Shit
!Shecooked?HowdoIexpl
ain
thi
s?
Me:
Uhm Idi
dn'
tdishup,Icamef
rom
t
heoff
icewi
tht
hisfood.
Shefr
ownedandIcoul
dseeshewas
di
sappoi
nted
Nasi
:Whocookedforyou?Cause
t
hat'
snotr
est
aurantfood
Me:
Lindel
wa,
she'
smyagent
Nasi
:Anagentt
hatcooksf
ory
ou?
Mmmh
Me:Whati
sthatsupposedt
omean
Nasi
phi
?
Nasi
:Not
hing.Goodni
ght
Me:
Babe,
I'
minnomoodt
oar
gue
Nasi
:Don'
tbefor
war
d.Noonewas
ar
gui
ngwithyou
Tjo,shewaspi ssed.Herhormones
reall
ydowor kagai nstme.She'
sso
rudeandcheeky .Ilaughedand
kissedhercheek.Seei nghermade
mebet ter.Isqueezedherbut tcheeks
andshel aughed.That smygirl
,I
kissedheral loverandr emovedthe
l
acel i
nger i
e.Shel ookedsosexy ,
ev enherroundbel lywassexyonher
Me:Thiswasagr eatsurpr
ise,
I'
ve
missedyou.Iwon'tevenaskhowy ou
knewIwasher eandhowy ougot
her
e.What
'
simpor
tanti
sthaty
ou'
re
her
e
Nasi :
Ididv owthatI
'
dbet her
ewhen
youneedme.Whati sgoingon?They
tell
ingmeMrMcKenzi ehasbeen
slackingthesepastfewdays
Me:Canwetal
kabouti
twhenI
'
m
donewi
thyou?
Nasi
:Fi
ne
Hergigglessentshiv
er sallovermy
body.Itookheralli
n, shewasmi ne
andIwasal loverher.Hermoans
sentmet otheedge.Feel ingmy sel
f
al
linsi
deofhert hi
ghtv aginal
wal ls
mademef eelsomef oreignway .I
waspour
ingallmyloveont
oheri
n
t
hemostpleasureabl
eway
Nasi
:Il
ovey
ouDanny
Me:Ilov
eyoutooNt
ombi
yakwaNyat
hi
Wecamet oget
hercall
ingeach
other
snames.I '
ll
nevergetenoughof
mywi f
e'spussy.Sheislit
eral
l
ythe
bestI
'veeverhad.Icarri
edhertothe
bathr
oom andwecont inuedinthe
shower.
Nasi
:Youl
ooksohandsome
Me:
Real
l
y?Thanksbabe
Weshower
edandwentt
obednaked.
Me:Nowhonest
ly,
howdi
dyouget
her
e?
Nasi
:KJcal
led,hewasworr
iedabout
youandhearrangedf
ormetobe
her
e.What'
sgoingon?
Me: It
houghtasmuch.BabeIdon'
t
thi
nkitssomethi
ngyou'
ll
behappy
about
Nasi
:Whatdi
dyoudowi
thLi
ndel
wa?
Me:
Real
l
yAmahl
e?Don'
tupsetme
Nasi
:I'
m sor
ry
Me:AsIwassaying,
Idon'tthink
you'
l
lbehappyaboutitbecauseI'
ve
beenthi
nki
ngaboutZiyandalatel
y.
She'
sbeenonmymi ndal mostallthe
t
ime.I
twasouranni
ver
sar
y
y
ester
day
.
Nasi
:Oh
Me:Iknewyouwoul
dn'
tbehappy
aboutt
hat
Nasi
:Ij
ustdon'
tknowwhattosay.
Maybeyoushouldgov
isi
thergr
ave
whenyou'
reback.
Me:
Yout
hinkso?
Nasi
:Oryoushoul
ddoanunvei
li
ng
f
orher,
newtombstonemaybe?
Me:Thatsani
dea,
howcomey
ou'
re
notangr
y?
Nasi
:It
'snotsomet
hingt
obeangr
y
aboutTr i
ston.Shewillal
way sbein
yourheart,youlovedherandmay be
youstil
ldo.Youwi llr
ememberheron
daysyoumadeunf or
gett
able
memor ies.Shehasapl aceiny our
heartnoonecant akeaway ,
notev en
Ican.AndI '
veacceptedit.Youcan
havethebot hofusi nyourheart,i
ts
okaywithme.
At earfellfr
om hereyesandIknew
shewassay i
ngthisj
usttomakeme
feelbetter.Andshewast ryi
ngto
conv i
nceher sel
fthatshecanaccept
sharingmyhear twi t
hsomeoneelse.
Iknewdeepi nsi
deshewashur ti
ng.
Shewant stobet heonlyoneand
whatshedoesn'
tknowi
sthatshei
s
t
heonlyoneinmyheart
Me: Pearl
,youhav etoknowand
neverdoubtt hatyou'
retheonlyone
i
nmyhear t.You'r
enotsharingyour
pl
acewi thany oneokay?AsI '
vesaid
bef
or e,I
'
venev erlovedsomeonet he
wayIl ov
ey ou.
ShenoddedandIki
ssedher
.
Nasi
:Butwewi
l
lst
il
lgoonwi
thmy
i
dea
Me:
Yes.
Wetalkedforawhil
eandwe
ev
entuall
yfel
lasl
eep.
#NEXTMORNI
NG
#NASI
Lastnightwasamaz ing.Thet hings
hedi dtomewer ef ill
edwi thhislove.
Therewasnodoubtt hatt hi
sman
l
ov esme.Whatwet al kedabout
yesterdaydidhur tmeabi tbutitis
naturalforittohappen.Icannot
expecthi mt onev erev erthi
nkabout
Zeeandcompl etelyfor getabouther .
Shepl ayedar oleinhi sl if
eandgav e
himt woador ableki ds.Heassur ed
met hatheonl yhasapl aceformei n
hisheartandIbel i
ev edhi m.Hel oves
meandonl yme.WhenIwokeuphe
wasgone.Hel ef
tanot etelli
ngmehe
haswentt ohisof fi
cewhi chIfi
gured
wast heJHBHeadQuar ters.I
watchedTVwhi l
estuff
ingmy self
wit
hf ood.Icookedl unchforhi m and
bathedoncei twasr eady.Ar ound
1pm It ol
dt hedr i
verstodrivemet o
JHB-HQ.WhenIgott hereev eryone
wasont heirfeetdoingsomet hing.
Theyal lseemedv erybusy.Kai t
so
washappyt oseeme, wetalkedf ora
whileandheshowedmeDanny '
s
off
ice.Iwal kedi nandhewasbusy
l
aughi ngwi thsomegi r
lwhom Ij ust
fi
guedwasLi ndelwa.Iwalkedi n
mindy u, Iwasl ooki
ngv erysexy .I
hadhi ghheel son, t
ightanklegr azer
j
eanswi thav esttuckedinanda
bl
azer.Iputmybagonhisdesk
wi
thoutev ensayi
ngaword.They
werebothstari
ngatmeawkwar dl
y.
Danny
:Mr
sMcKenzi
e
Me:
Myhusband
Iki
ssedhi mforawhi leandheldhis
manhood.Hegr oanedwithi
nthekiss
andIgi ggl
ed.Hewasnowsqueezi ng
myassandhehadahar dboner.Thi
s
gir
lclearedherthroat
,whatwasshe
sti
lldoi
ngher e.
Danny:
Ohuhm,Babe,
thisis
Li
ndel
waandLi
ndelwathisi
smywi
fe
Nasi
phi
Li
ndel
wa:
Pleasedt
omeety
ou
Nasi
phi
Me:
MrsMcKenzi
etoy
ouLi
ndel
wa.
Li
ndel
wa:Myapol ogi
esMr
s
McKenzi
e.Excuseme
Me:
You'
reexcused
ShewentoutandDannycr
ackedi
n
l
aught
er.
Danny:
Youscar
edt
hepoorgi
rl
Nasi
phi.
Me:
Sheshoul
dknowherpl
ace
Danny:Damnr ightshemust.You'
re
sosexyandy oushouldknowIhav e
eyesonlyfory ou.PlusLi
ndelwaisa
bi
tugly,herfacei sweir
d
Me:
That
sver
ymean.
Danny
:Wantmet
oshowy
ouar
ound?
Me:
Yespl
ease
Heshowedmear oundandmostof
hisagentsmetme.Wehada
wonderfulaft
ernoonandIdi dn'twant
toleavebutIhadt o.Imissedmyki ds,
bothparentscannotbeawayf rom
them.Wewentbackt ohisoff
iceand
hadahotsessi onofl ov
emaki ng.
Me:Ihav
etogo,
I'
ll
seey
ouwheny
ou
comehome
Danny
:Ithoughty
ou'
rel
eav
ingon
Monday
Me:
Ithoughtsot
oobutwebot
h
cannotbeawayfrom thekids.I
'm
l
eavingnow.Thekidshavebi g
matchesnextweekend.Youbet t
er
showupordon'tbotherevercomi ng
home.
Iki
ssedhim andhenodded.Hedr
ove
met ot
heairpor
tandwesaidour
goodbyes.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t59
Wewer eal
llookingf orwardt
ot his
weekend.Most l
ysobecauseI
expect edDannyt obehomeand
comesuppor thi
ski dsbuthedi dn'
t.
YesterdaywasOni ca'sl
astbi
ggame
ofthey ear
,hedi dn'tshowupandhe
didn'tshowupt odayf orDanversbig
game.Thehur tanddi sappoi
ntment
theyhadhur tmesomuchast heir
mot her.Theybot hdi dv er
ywelland
Buu, SbahleandIt ookthem to
UshakaMar i
newithKabelo,Juni
or,
Thembelihl
eandNgcebo.Theygott o
bedistr
actedandtheywerehappy .I
smiledandwishedthei
rfatherwas
herebuthewasn't
Sbahl
e:KJcal
l
edmetwoday sago,
tel
l
ingmeDannyhasl
osthi
smi nd
Me:
What
?Whatdoeshemean?
Sbahl
e:Ithi
nkyoushoul
dseei
t
your
sel
f,checkLi
ndel
waDamaneon
I
nstagr
am
IdidasshesaidandIwas
heart
broken.Dannywasona
vacati
onwithLindel
wa,i
nDubai
whenhei ssupposedtobeher
ewit
h
hi
swifeandki
ds.Thecaptionwas"
I
l
ovemyman, hetakescareofme"I
l
aughedandswitchedof
fmyphone.I
won'
tlett
hisr
uinmyday .
Me:
Becar
eful
Oni
kapl
ease
Onika:Mom,I
'm 6y
earsol
dal
ready
.I
cantakecar
eofmy sel
f
Me:
You'
rest
il
lmybaby
Oni
ka:
YesIam
Jnr:
I'
lllookaft
erherAuntNasi
,Iam
theoldestaft
eral
l
He'sevencomingtohaveadeep
voi
ce.Siyasti
ll
cannotbel
iev
ethat
hersonwi l
lbe13.Shesayshegrew
uptoofast.Theyearsar
epassi
ngby
veryqui ckly .Inallherki ds, you'd
swearMasandei st heol dest .He's
tall
erandhast hisdeepbuthusky
voice.He' sper sonalityisv er y
i
nt i
mi dating.Wehadf unal lafter
noon
andwewentt oeatatCent reCour t
.
Wehadal ov elyconv ersat i
onast he
kidswer eexci t
edaboutt heVacat ion
wewi ll
begoi ngtoi nt woweeks.The
fi
rstweekofDecemberwhi chi sin
twoday s, we'real l
goi ngt oLangel i
hle.
Ther e'
sat hanksgi vingcer emony .I
am notsur ewhatf orexact lybutwe
hav etobet here.Lat ertoni ght,wear e
attendingBuu' sMat ricBal l,BeeandI
willbegoi ngandIhear d
MamCebi sil
eandZi phowi ll
al sobe
there.Everythi
ngisr eadyandshe
hasbeensoexci ted.Wef ini
shedup
andwenthome.Theki dswentt o
showerandt heywer eplanningt o
watchmov iesallnight.Kabel o'sidea
whilethegi r
ls,Thembel i
hleandOni ka
wantt ojuststayint heirroom and
chat.Iwonderwhatwi llgooni nthat
conv er
sation.Idon'tknowwhat
Kamosai dtoThembel i
hleexpl ai
ning
theabsenceofherf atherbutshe
neverasksabouthi m.ButIdon' t
thi
nkshet oldherthatsheki l
ledhi m.
Shehashergoodandbadday s,and
todaywasoneoft hebadday s.Itook
thechildsoshecanbeal oneandbe
abletocr yifshewant sto.Idon' t
wantThembel i
hlet oseehermom i n
abadst ate.Aki d'schildhood
memor i
esshoul dal way sbef il
led
withsmi lesandl aught er.Themake
upartistwasbusywi thBuuasIal so
shower edandgotdr essed.My
stomachwasv er yv i
sible, I
'
llhaveto
goshoppi ngbef orewegot oour
vacati
on.Idon' tev enknowwher ewe
aregoingonl yBel i
ndaknowsasshe
i
st heonepl anningi t.Wewer eall
readyandBuul ookedbeaut if
ulina
royalbluemer mai ddr esswi than
openbackandl ongl acesl eeves.
Me:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulmybaby
Shel
aughedandwi
pedof
fmyt
ear
s.
Buu:ThankyouSi sNasiphi,you'r
e
thebestsi
sterI'
veeverhad.You' re
l
ikeamot hertomeandIt hanky ou
fort
hat.Godwi l
lkeeponbl essing
youabundantl
y.IloveyouSi s
Me:
You'
remaki
ngmecr
y,Il
ovey
ou
t
ooBul
elwa.
Herdat
ear
ri
vedandhewassi
zzl
i
ng
hot
Bee:Yummmmy !You'
reso
handsome,
whatisyourname?
Hi
m:Mel
okuhl
eMt
hiy
ane.
Me:
Takecar
eofmysi
stert
oni
ght
Mel
o
Melo:
Iplant
odosoMrsMcKenzi
e.
Pl
easuretomeety
ouMrsLut
hul
iand
MrsMcKenzie
Bee:
Likewi
seMt
hiy
ane.
Me:
Stopdr
ool
i
ngov
ert
heboyBee
Shelaughedandtheyleft
.We
fol
lowedbehi
nd.Theki dswerelef
t
withSbahl
eandPam( Sbahlesbest
fri
end)
.Wegott oBuu'sschoolandit
waspacked.Peoplerecogni
zedme
andtheschoolspr
incipalmadesure
wegetthebestseats.
Me:
Sincewhendi
dIbecomet
his
popul
ar?
Bee:You'
reMrMcKenzi
e'
swi
fe,
who
doesn'
tknowthat
?
Me:Wel
ltheywi
llknowabouthis
mi
str
essastheyareal
loversoci
al
medi
a.
Bee:
What
!!Ohhel
lno
Me:Stopbei
ngdr
amati
cBee,
we'
l
l
t
alkabouti
tsomeot
herti
me.
Ther estoftheni
ghtwasamazi ng.
Buuhadagoodt ime,Zi
phoand
MaCebi si
ledidnotshowup.She
wasn'tbotheredbythat
.Welefther
thereastheywereheadedtotheir
afterpart
y.Beedroppedmeoffat
homeandIcheckedont
heki
dswho
werenowf
astasleep
Pam:You'
reback,
Iheardthedoor
openi
ngsoIcamet ocheck
Me:I'
m backsweeti
esor
ryf
or
di
stur
bingyoursl
eep
Shenoddedandwentbackt othe
room shewasusi ng.It
ookof fmy
clothesandgoti nbed.Ilookedon
Lindelwa'
si nst
agram andshehad
post edherhand,shewaswear inga
ri
ngandt hecapti
onwas" Thenew
Mr sM"Howcoul dDannydot hi
st o
me?Ther ewasal oudknockont he
doorandIt ookmygunandwentt o
open.Welltheguardswouldn'
tleta
str
angerpassthroughthem butI
carr
iedthegunforsafety
.Iopened
andpointedthegunathim anditwas
KJ.
Me:Whatt
hehel
lKJ!Di
dyouseet
he
t
ime?
KJ:Hel
lot
oyoutooAmahle.Wher
e's
Sbahl
e?It
ri
edcal
li
ngher
Me:
She'
sasl
eep
KJ:
Gobackt
obed,
we'
l
ltal
kint
he
morni
ng
Me:
Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t.
KJ:
Fine
#TwoDay
sLat
er
Iwokeupandr antothebat
hroom
andv omit
ted.Ifel
tsomeone
brushingmybackandhol di
ngmy
hair
.Foramomentt her
eIthoughti
t
wasDannybutnoi twasKait
so.I
stoodupandhegav emeagl assof
water
KJ:
Drinkupandgetr
eady
,we'
re
l
eavi
nginanhour
Me:
Ihav
etopackf
ort
heki
ds
KJ:I
tsal
lbeentakencar
eoff,we'
l
l
passbyyourDoctorf
oracheckup.
Me:
Whyar
eyoudoi
ngal
lthi
s?
KJ:
Doi
ngwhat
?
Me:
Taki
ngcar
eofmeandt
heki
ds
KJ:You'
remyboss'swife.Mr
McKenziehasdonealotformeandI
wouldn'
twanttoseehisfamilysuff
er
becauseofhi
sstupi
dmi stakes.I
don'
tknowwhat '
sgoi
ngonwi thhi
m
butwhatIdoknowisthathel oves
you.
Me:He'
sengagedwi
thanot
her
woman
KJ:Idon'
tknowwhattosay
.Justget
readysowecanleav
e
Inoddedandtookalonghotbat
h.I
gotacallf
rom KJtel
l
ingmethathe
wil
lleav
emebehi ndi
fIdon'
tfi
nish
up.Hei ssoannoy i
ng!Andwant s
ever
ythingdoneont ime.Ifi
nishedup
andgotr eady.Iwaswearingat i
ght
l
ongbl ackdresswithsli
ppersanda
deni
mj acket
.Iputadoekonmy
headandwentdownst ai
rs
Buu:
Sitdownandeat
Me:
Mor
ningt
oyout
oo
Buu:Thewaywerunningoutofti
me,
wehav enoti
meforsmallt
alks.
Kai
tsoisalr
eadyi
nthecar
Shelaughedandweate.Shet ookmy
bagandwel eft
.Thehousekeeper
waslefti
nthehouse.Wewentt omy
doct
orandev er
ythi
ngwasf i
newi t
h
thebaby.Onourwayoutwebumped
i
ntosomej our nalist swhowant edt o
knowaboutMrMcKenzi e'
ssudden
engagement .Iknewmyf r
iendsal l
knewabouti tbutt heyjustdidn't
wanttobringi tup.Theki dswant ed
totrav
elwithSi yaandherki ds.Ther e
wasBuu, Nceba, andSbahl eint he
caraswewer edr iv enbyKJ.Wehad
afunrideallthewayt oLangelihle.
Theargument sbet weenSbahl eand
KJwer eentertainingsowewer en't
boredatall
.
Me:St
opbythegar
age,
Iwanta
Wi
mpyburger.
KJ:
Yesmam,
whatdoy
ouguy
swant
?
Theyallwantedburgersandhewent
outandboughtt hem f
orus.Phil
a'
s
caralsoparkednexttousandSiya
rushedtouswhi l
ePhilawentto
Wimpyf ol
lowingKJ
Si
ya:Youokaybabes?Isawt
heli
ve
vi
deowhil
etheyambushedyou
Me:
Iam okay
,theki
ds?
Si
ya:
Theyar
eal
lsl
eepi
ng.
Wet al
kedf orawhi l
eandshel ef
t
whenPhi laandKJcameback.We
werejustanhourawayf r
om
Langeli
hle.Weat eandIsleptforthe
restofthetrip.Buuwokemeupand
wewer eatt heparki
nglotatthe
Royalpal
ace.Nayewassoexci
tedt
o
seeus,sherushedt
omeandhugged
me.
Nay
e:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulbabes
Me:ThankyoumyQueen,
youl
ook
beaut
if
ult
oo
Sher ol
ledherey esatmeandI
l
aughed.I twasbecauseIcal l
edher
myQueen.Shegr eetedtheothers
whileanothercardr ovein.Myhear t
brokeintopiecesasDannycameout
andwentt oopenf orLindel
wa.She
wasov erdressedIt el
lyou.Igiggl
eda
l
it
tleandt heywer eallsurpr
ised
aboutmyr eact
ion.
Me:
What
?She'
sov
erdr
essed
Jabu:
You'
recr
azy
Oni karantoherf atherbutitwasasi f
hedi dn'tev
enr ecognizeher .Danny
l
ookedatLi ndelwaandsheshookher
head.Dannyt henchasedOni kaaway
whot hencriedsomuch.Iwentt o
takeherandwal kedst r
aightt othe
palace.Ihear dalotofarguingbutI
didn'tlookback.Hehasnor ightto
treatmychi ldli
ket hat
.Shecr i
ed
herselftosleepandIwentt oputher
i
nherbed.MaQcamei nasIwas
cov eri
ngOni kawi t
habl anket.
MaQ:
Youokaymychi
l
d?
Me:
YesMaI
'
m okay
.
MaQ:I'
m alwaysheref
oryouokay
?I
under
standify
ou'r
enotreadyt
otalk.
Me:You'
ll
bethefi
rstoneIcomet
oif
Iwantt
otalkMa
MaQ:Comej oi
nusdownst
air
sfor
l
unch,Iknowthel
i
ttl
eonei
ntherei
s
hungr
y
Ilaughedandf ol
lowedher
downst ai
rs.Myfriendswer ewor r
ied
aboutme, Icouldseei tintheireyes
andt heyweresurprisedbymy
reacti
on.Ihonestlyhadnot hingt o
sayort odotoDanny .Iwashur t,
beinghurtisanunder statement .I
couldn'tbeangr
ynordosomethi
ng
crazy.Iwascalm andt
hatal
so
scaredme
Danny:
Sincewear eallhere,
Iwould
l
iketoi
ntroducetoyou,myf i
ance,
Nasi
phiNy at
hi.Shef
inall
ysaidyes
Wewereallshockedandconf
used.I
s
shepr
etendi
ngtobeme?
Me:
Danny
Danny:Zi
yanda,Iknowsincey ou'r
e
goi
ngt obemyexwi f
eyoumi ghtbe
unhappyaboutthi
sbutI'm happy .
Shemakesmehappy .Here,theseare
ourdiv
orcepapers,don'
tfi
ghtt hi
s.
Inoddedandsatdown.Zandyhel
d
myhandandt hatalonejustmademe
cry.Whatwasgoi ngonwi t
hhim?I
wipedmyt earsoffandf akedasmi le.
Everyonewasj ustshockedt oeven
speak.OnlyDannyandLi ndel
wawel l
Nasiphi,
weretalking.Nkosi,His
fat
herandDanny '
sfatherwalkedin.It
wasi nt
ense,Razorlookedar ound
andsawt hatIwascr ying
Razor
:Makot
i,y
ouwer
ecr
ying?
Ishookmyheadsayingno.Icoul
dnt
getmysel
ftospeakbecauseIwould
j
ustcry
Danny:
Fat
her,
meetmyf
iance,
Nasi
phiNy
athi
Nkosi
:Whati
sgoi
ngonher
e?
Bonga:
Wej
ustasconf
usedasy
ou
ar
e
Razorsl
appedDannyandt
heyar
gued.
Danny:Iknewy
ouwouldn'
tbehappy
forme.Whydoy ouhat
emesomuch?
Razor:
Iwil
lnotsi
tandl
i
stent
othi
s
bul
lshi
t.
Danverwasl
ooki
ngfr
om adi
stance.I
wenttohi
m andhef
akedasmile.
Danv
er:
Ist
hisr
eal
l
ydaddy
?
Me: Mybaby,
yourfat
heri
ssick.
Come, l
et'
sgocheckuponyour
si
ster.
Danver
:Hewon'
thur
tyoumommy
,I'
l
l
pr
otectyou
Iwasonthevergeofabreakdown.I
coul
dntbr
eakdowninfr
ontofmyson.
Iki
ssedhi
sforeheadandhelaughed
atme.
Me:
Ilov
eyouDanv
er
Danv
er:
Ilov
eyout
oomom.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t60
Inev erknewat27I 'dbeget ti
ng
divorced.Wi thjustbeingmar r
iedfor
11mont hs.Nextmont hont he28t h
woul dbeour1stanni versaryy etby
thattimeIwi llnotbemar ri
ed
any more.Lastni ghtIsignedt he
divorcepaper sandIcr i
edmy selft
o
sleep.Isleptwi thmyki ds,Ijust
neededt oholdont othem because
theyar eallIhadnow.Idi dn't
under st
and, butIknewt hemanwho
waswi thLindel
wawasnotmy
husband.Idon' tknowwhatshedi dt o
hi
m, Idon'tevenknowwher et ostart,
Iwantt ohelphim butIdon'tknow
howt o.Heseesmeashi sl
atewi fe
buthet hi
nksI'm his"ex"wife,thatI
am Zi yanda.HeseesLi ndel
waasme.
Idon'tknowwhatt odobutI 'l
ll
ethim
be.It ookashowerandwor eaal l
black, bl
ackshirt,bl
ackl ongskirtand
blackdoek.Il eftthekidssleeping
andwentdownst air
s.Iwasv ery
hungr y.
Phel
o:I
t'
ssohotandy
ou'
rewear
ing
bl
ack
Me:
It'
snev
ert
oohotf
orbl
ackpl
us
I
'
m mour
ningt
hel
ossofmyhusband.
Nay
e:Nasi
phi
Ii
gnor edthem andwenttothe
ki
tchen.Therehewasdr i
nkingcoff
ee,
hi
sscent ,hi
smuscul i
nebody,hi
s
eyes,hisl
ips,hewassohandsome.I
dr
ooledov erhim buthewasno
l
ongermi ne.
Me:
Mor
ning
Danny
:HeyZee
Me:
Isi
gnedt
hedi
vor
cepaper
s
Danny
:Thanks,
handt
hem ov
ert
omy
l
awyer
Me:
Theki
dsDanny
Danny
:Whatki
ds?
Me:
Dannywehav
eki
dst
oget
her
"Sheisl
yi
ngmylove.She'
stryi
ngt
o
getyoutost
aywithher
"Lindel
wa
saidassheappr
oachedus.
Me:Stopit
!Stopf
eedi
nghi
mli
es!
Danny
, l
ookatme!
Li
ndelwapushedmeov erandI
pushedhertoo.Shef el
l and
pret
endedtobehur t.Icouldntbeli
eve
whatjusthappened.Dannysl apped
met wiceandmyf acelandedont he
fl
oorasIfell
.Icouldtastetheblood
i
nmymout h
KJ:
Whatt
hef
uckdoy
out
hinky
ou'
re
doi
ngDanny
!
Hepunchedhim andDannybeathi
m
up.Theyweresepar
atedbyBonga
andBrian.
Li
ndelwa:Let'
sjustl
eavethi
splace
baby,It
oldyouthesepeoplear
e
crazy
.
Danny
:You'
rer
ight
,let
'sl
eav
e.
Me:
Tri
ston
Het ur
nedbackandl ookedatme.For
amomentt hereIsawmyhusband's
eyes.Hewal kedawaywithLi
ndel
wa
i
nhi shands.Bongahelpedmeup
andIthankedhi m.MaQwalkedin
withherhusband
DadN(Nkosi
'sfat
her
):What
happenedtoyou?
Me:
Isl
i
ppedandf
ell
MaQ:Thef
inger
sonyourfacear
e
f
rom sl
i
ppi
ngandfal
l
ing?!
Me:
Mapl
ease
DadN: Wher
eist
hati
diotofasonI
have!Danny
!
Iadmir
edhowallourpar
ent
ssaw
eachandever
yoneofusasthei
rki
ds.
Me:
Hel
eftwi
thhi
swi
fe.
MaQ: Iam cal
l
ingVul
amasango,
that
sl
utdidsomethingt
oDannyanditi
s
beyondus.
Me:
Doy
our
eal
l
ythi
nki
tswi
tchcr
aft
?
MaQ:
Whatel
secani
tbe?
Ishruggedandwentt
omyr oom.I
washedmyf aceandputlot
sofmake
up.Theceremonywasaboutt ostar
t.
Iwoket heki
dsupandpreparedthem
fort
heday .
Oni
ka:
Idon'
twantt
oseeDad
Me:
Youwon'
tseehi
m,hei
sgone.
Danv
er:
Heisnotourf
atherOni
ka.
St
opcall
i
nghi
m Dad.
Me:
Danv
erMphendul
oMcKenzi
e!
Danv
er:
I'
m sor
rymom
Isi
ghedandj
usthuggedt
hem.
Danveri
stoomatur
edforhisage.
Thiswil
lki
l
lhi
srel
ati
onshi
pwithhis
fat
her.
Me:Youguysl
ookgood.Nowgo
downst
air
sandhavebr
eakfast
TheyranoutandIlaughedt
omy sel
f.
Il
ovemyki dssomuch.Itookthe
di
vorcepapersandwenttogiv
e
Bonga
Bonga:
Yougoi
ngt
hroughwi
thi
t
Me:
Yes
Nkosi
:Pl
easedon'
tNasi
phi
,pl
ease.
Me:
Iam gi
vi
nghi
m whathewant
s.
Jabu:
Hei
snoti
nhi
sri
ghtmi
nd.
Me:Wil
lheeverbeinhi
sri
ghtmi
nd?
Hehi
tme, t
hatalonemademegi
ve
uponhim.
Bonga:
I'
ll
tal
ktoy
ourl
awy
er
Me:I'
m notcont
est
ingt
hisdi
vor
ce
andIdon'
twantanyofhi
sasset
s
Jabu:
Hei
shandl
i
ngy
ourbusi
ness
Me:Hecancontinuehandl
i
ngitorhe
canev
enhavei t
.Idon'
tcar
easlong
ashedoesn'
ttakemykidsawayfrom
me.
Bri
an:I
tdoesn'
tseem asi
fheknows
aboutt
hem.
Me:
Evenbet
ter
.
Iwentoutandsatwi t
hthegirl
sunder
thetent.Itwasn'tabigceremony ,
wellthat'
swhatwassai dbuthalfof
thevill
agewasher e.Theceremony
wentonandnoonet al
kedaboutthis
morningsev ent
.Iknowt hegir
ls
knowt hathehi tmeev enthoughthey
weren'tthere.TheyknowInev erput
thi
smuchmakeupandpr obabl
y
MaQt ol
dt hem.
Me:Wheni
sthef
oodcomi
ng?I
'
m
hungr
y
Nongcebo:
Let'
sgogety ou
somethi
ngtoeatbecauseallt
he
uncl
esaresti
l
lgoi
ngt ospeak.
Wewenttothepalaceandwent
st
rai
ghtt
othekit
chen.Shemademe
achi
ckenwrapandj ui
ce
Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch.
Ihatewhileshehadasaladandwe
spokebriefl
y.Igotacal
lfr
om t
he
housekeeperNonni
Me:
Hel
l
o
Nonni
:MrsMcKenzi
e,MrMcKenzi
e
i
sherewit
hsomewomanandt hey
ar
ethrowi
ngyourt
hingsout
Me:What?Ohgod.Uhm, pl
easepack
al
lmyclothesandt hekidsclot
hes.
Ever
ythi
ngthey'
l
l need.Veneswill
comepickthem upandal sohelpyou
Nonni
:Okaymam,
shoul
dIal
sopack
Buu'
sstuf
f
Me:
Yespl
ease
Iendedthecal
landcall
edVenes.She
agreedt
oitandItookmytabletand
start
edl
ookingforahouse
Nongcebo:
Ever
ythi
ngokay
?
Me:
Yeah
Wewentt
otheother
sbutIwasbusy
wi
thmyphone.
Kamo:
Whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngathouses?
Me:I'
m buy
ingahouse.I
'v
ebeen
ki
ckedoutofDanny
'shouse
Kamo:
Tel
lmey
ou'
rej
oki
ng
Me:
Iwi
shIwas.
Ifoundaf ul
lyfurni shedhousewi th
6bedrooms, lounge, dinni
ngar ea,
swimmi ngpool ,2ki t
chens,
3bathroomsandpl ayarea.Itwasbi g
andcomf ortablebyt hepicturesIsaw.
Itwasmor et hanIneededandI
contactedit
ssel ler.Iwant edmy
chil
drentokeeponhav i
ngt he
l
ifestyl
etheywer eusedt o.Iknowi t
won'tbecompar edt owhatt heyhad
beforebutit
sbet terthannot hing.I
gotthehouseandVenessai dshewi ll
takecareofev ery thi
ngsoIshoul dn'
t
wor r
y.Shewentof ftoseet heseller
andv i
ewt hehouseandsi gnonmy
behal
f.
Si
ya:
Wher
eist
hehouse?
Me:
LaLuci
a
Si
ya:
Yey
!You'
l
lbecl
osert
ome!
Me:Inevert
houghtt
hiswoul
d
happen.Hel
ovedme
Kamo:
Andhest
il
ldoes.
Iwasn'tevenpayingatt
enti
ontothe
ceremonyany more.Mymi ndwasall
overtheplace.Venescall
edmeand
shewasf uming
Me:
Venes
Venes:Iwil
lki
l
lthi
sgi
rl
!You'
l
lfi
nd
meinjail
Me:
Don'
tdoany
thi
ngst
upi
dVenes!
Venes:I
'mtakingyourcaraswelland
Iwil
lcomebackandt akeanot
hercar
.
Hecannotthinkyou'l
lleav
eempty
handed!Thatwon'thappenonmy
watch
Me:
Don'
tcauseanydr
amapl
ease
Venes:Dramaismymi
ddl
ename
sweetheart
.By
e
Il
aughedtomy sel
f,wher
edoIf
ind
suchfr
iends?
Me:Iwi
llhavet
ocutmyst
ayshor
t.I
wi
ll
beleavingt
omorr
ow
Sbahl
e:Bul
elwaandIwi
l
lleav
ewi
th
you
Ngamso: Leavetheki
dsheresot
hey
canbedistract
edabitwhi
leyousor
t
thi
ngsoutthatside
Beli
nda:Wearest
il
l goi
ngonour
vacati
on,y
ou'
l
lbefinebabe.You'
rea
verystr
ongwoman.
Theceremonywasov er
,peoplewere
j
ustknowhav i
ngfoodanddrinks.We
wentinsi
deandMaQcal l
edme.
Therewasthiscr
eepyman,
Vulamasangoscaresme.Hest ar
ted
chanti
ngandwalkingar
oundme.
Vula:
Thereisasnakeseparati
ng
yourmarr
iage!Sheusedav er
y
str
ongpotionwhichcancausedeat
h
toyourhusband.Mychi ld,ther
eis
nothingyoucandoabouti t.Ev
enI
don'thavethepower softhewi t
ch
shewor kswith.Itcanonlycomeout
i
namat terofli
feanddeat h.
HereIwast hinki
nghecancomewi th
asolut
ionbutno.Hesai dsomethi
ng
thatworr
iedme, Idon'
twanthi
mt o
dienomat terhowmuchhehashur t
me.Wi t
ht hatsai
dheleft
.
MaQ:
Okayt
hatwasn'
tmuchhel
p
Me:Youcansaythatagai
n.I
'
mjust
goi
ngtolett
hingsbe
Nkosi
:Whati
fitl
ast
sfory
ear
s?
Me:
Thansobei
t
Bonga:
You'
regi
vi
nguponhi
m
Me:Thisisbeyondme,lastthingI
wanttodoisputmychi l
drensl i
vesin
dangerandmyunbor nchil
d.Idon't
havethestr
engthtofi
ghtthis.You
wil
ltel
lhi
mt hatIl
ovehim andwi ll
al
way sdo.Butwe'r
eovernow, we
di
vorced.
Bonga:Het
hinkshe'
sdivor
cingZee,
hethi
nksLi
ndelwaisYou!
Me: Youcanhel phim,convincehim.I
don'tknow,Iknownot hingabout
thesemut i
things.Excuseme, Ihave
anear l
ymor ni
ngt omorrow.
Sbahl
e:Wi
l
lseey
oui
nthemor
ning.
Iwentt ocheckont heki
dsandtold
them I'
dbel eavi
ngthem her
etosort
outaf ewthings.Theywere
understanding,t
heywenttohave
dinnerwhileIlai
dinbed.Kamocame
i
nwi thfoodf orme
Kamo:Youhavetoeatbef
orey
ou
sl
eepsweet
heart
.
Me:
Thanks
Iat
ewhi l
eshesatt her
ewat chingme.
Shestayedti
l
l If
ini
shedmyf oodand
shelef
twiththedishes.It
ookmy
phoneandlookedatDanny '
spi ct
ures.
Me:
You'
ll
findy
ourwaybackt
ome
myl
ove
#NEXTMORNI
NG
WeleftLangeli
hleearl
yaround8am.
KJdidn'tal
lowustoleavealoneand
hedroveust oDurban.Veneshad
sl
eptinmynewhousesowedr oveto
LaLucia.TherewasaMer cedes-
BenzG63, AudiA3andBMW R8.
Me:
God,
Venes!
Shecameoutwi
thabot
tl
eofwi
ne
l
aughi
ng.
Me:Thisi
snotfunny
!Yout
ook
Danny'
scars!
Venes:Heowesy
out hatmuch.IfI
knewthepint
ohi
ssaf e,Iwoul
d'
v e
tookmil
li
onsf
oryou!Byt heway
,your
newhousei
sgor
geous,
weshoul
d
hav
eahousewarmi
ngpart
y
Sbahl
e:Nowy
ou'
ret
alki
ng!
Buu:Whenar
eweev
engoi
ngi
nthe
house?
KJ:Let'
sgoinandleav
ethem
chatt
ingouther
e.Ij
ustwantt
osee
thehousealr
eady.
Welaughedandwenti nside.The
housewasmuchmor ethanwhatI
sawont hepict
ures.Tear sfel
lfrom
myey esasIsawmyhouse, it
bel
ongst omeandmyki dswillbe
happyhere.
Venes:
Hor
mones,
Imov
ed
somethingsandputthem t
heway
you'
dwantt hem t
olook.Ohand
Nonniwasf i
redbythatLi
ndel
waand
she'
swor ki
ngherenow.Iknowshe'
l
l
begreathelp
Me:
Thankgod,
wher
eisshe?
Venes:
She'
ll
beher
ebytomor
row.
Shewentt
oseeherfami
l
y.
Me:Thankyou,
Idon'tknowwhatI
woul
d'vedonewit
houtyou
Venes:
I'
ddoany
thi
ngf
ory
ou
Il
aidonmybedwi
thBuuj
umpi
ngon
i
t.
Me:
You'
resoannoy
ing
Buu:I
'
mjustenj
oyi
ngyournewbed.
Letmegocheckoutmyroom
Me:
Let
sgo
Wewentaroundandcheckedt
he
ent
ir
ehouse.
Sbahle:Weshoul
dgodosome
groceri
esnow
Me:
KJ,
youdon'
tmi
nd?
KJ:
NoIdon'
tmi
nd,
let
sgo
Me: CanwepassbyDanny
shouse
fi
rst
, t
her
ear
esomedocumentsI
need?
Venes:
Arey
ousur
e?
Me:
Ver
ysur
e
Venes:
Letmegoshower
Wewat chedTVassheshower edand
gotready.Whenshewasdonewe
l
eftandwentt oDanny '
shouse.
Securi
tyatthegatedidn'
twanttolet
usin.Iwentoutandspoket ooneof
theguysIknewt her
e.Heopenedup
formeandl etmegoi nalone.
KJ:
Wil
lyoubeokay
?
Me:
Yes
Thewalkfrom thegatetot
hemain
doorisexhausti
ng!Dannywassi
tt
ing
outsi
dereadinganewspaper.
Me:
Danny
Danny
:Zi
yanda,
whatar
eyoudoi
ng
her
e!
Me:Don'
tshoutatme,I
'm hereto
pi
ckupafewt hi
ngs.Whereisyour
wi
fe?
Danny:
Shewentoutwithafr
iend,
she'
l
lprobabl
ybebacksoon
Me: Letmenott akeuptoomuch
ti
me.Shewon' tappreci
atemebeing
here.Iwenti
nsideandhekepton
foll
owingme.All ourpi
ctur
eswer
e
takendownandi nacardboar
d
Me:Carr
ythi
sformepl
ease,
I'
m
pr
egnant.
Danny:Idon'
tunderstandwhyyou
cheat
edonmeZi yanda,i
sthef
ather
ev
ensuppor
ti
ve
Me:Thefatherisengagedwi t
ha
womanwhoi spret
endingtobeme!I
am Nasi
phiNy at
hi,y
ourwi f
e!Ziy
anda
i
syourlat
ewi fe,motherofyourtwo
ki
ds!
Danny
:St
opt
alki
ngnonsense
Me:Fi
ne,
whatev
er.I
'
m nother
eto
ar
guewit
hyou.
Iwenttomyof f
iceandt ookallthe
thi
ngsIneeded.Venesi deapopped
i
nmyheadandIl aughedt omy sel
f.
Dannywasnotar oundmeandIwent
tohissafe.I
diotdidn'
tev enchange
hispassword.Mybi gpicturewasst i
l
l
thereandIsmiledwhil
elookingatit
.I
tookablackbagf il
l
edwithmoney .I
closedandlef
t.Lindel
wawas
downstair
swhenIgott here.
Li
ndel
wa:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Me: What
everiti
sthatI
'm doi
nghere
hasnothi
ngtodowi t
hy ou.Danny,
Fol
lowmewi ththeboxesplease
Danny
:Sur
e.
Li
ndel
wa:
Don'
tdot
hatDanny
!
Danny
:I'
mjusthel
pingherout
,she'
s
pr
egnant
.
Li
ndel
wast
ormedoutandIl
aughed
Danny
:Don'
tst
artZi
yanda.
Me:
Idi
dtel
lyouI
'
m notZi
yanda.
Hegav etheguar
dstheboxesandI
l
ookedathi m.Il
ookeddeepi
ntohi
s
eyesandkissedhim.Hemovedaway
andlookedatme
Me:
Goodby
eTr
ist
on
Danny:Youkeeponcal
l
ingme
Tri
ston,whoi
sthat
?
Gosh!Thi
siswor
set
hanIt
hought
.
Me:Tri
stoni
syoursecondname.
Tr
ist
onismyhusband'sname.
Danny:Iam yourexhusband,thank
youfornotcontest
ingthediv
or ce
Me:
I'
m gi
vi
ngy
oual
lyouwant
.
Compromi
ser
emember?That
'swhat
youdowheny
oul
ovesomeone.
Danny
:Whydi
dyoucheat
?
Me:
Idi
dn'
tcheatony
oudamni
t!
Li
ndel
wacameandscreamedout
Danny
'sname.Dannyl
eftandwentt
o
hi
swife.
Me:
Wecango
Thebodyguardsfol
l
owedmeand
theyputmythingsi
nthecar.I
thankedt
hem amdKJdr oveoff
Me:
Guesswhat
?
Sbahl
e:What
?
Me:
You'
resupposedt
oguessbut
what
ever
.Iwentaheadwi
thVene'
s
i
dea!
!!
Wealll
aughedasIshowedt
hem t
he
bagf
il
ledwit
hmoney
Venes:
That
'
smygi
rl
!!
!!
Buu:
You'r
esocor
rupt
!Whatdi
dthe
Mrssay
?
Me: Thatidiottol
dDannyshitstori
es,
heknowst hatIcheatedonhim,that
I'
m pregnantwi thsomeoneelse'
s
baby.Hedi dn'tevenknowthathis
secondnamei sTr i
ston
KJ: Ij
ustthi
nki
fyouguysbecome
fr
iends,makehimfal
linl
ovewit
hy ou
al
l overagai
n,y
oucanhelphim and
t
hiswi
l
lbeov
er
Sbahl
e:Iagr
eewi
thhi
mfort
hev
ery
fi
rstt
ime
Me:No,he'
shurtmeenough.Ij
ust
wantt
ostayawayfr
om him and
enj
oymyl i
fewi
thmykids.
Buu:
You'
rer
eal
l
ylet
ti
nghi
m go?
Me:
YesIam.
Isi
ghedanddi gest
edmyownwor ds.
WasIr eall
yletti
nghim go?Inodded
asIanswer edmy self
.Iam lett
ing
him go,andifitwasmeantt obe.
He'l
lfi
ndhi swaybackt ome.Al lIwil
l
doisjustkeeponpr ayingforhim.I
knowGodwi ll
makeawayf orhimto
besetf
reef
rom t
hedev
il
shands.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t61
Work,work,
wor k!I
'
m soexhaust
ed.
Dri
vi
ngmy selfhome,nomore
bodyguar
ds,nomor edri
ver
s.No
mor eper
ksofbei
ngMr sMcKenzi e.
I
'm backtobei
ngDrNyat hi.Ihad
wenttocheckouti
feverythingwas
okayandIendedupwor king.Igot
homeandBuuhadal r
eadypacked
forus.
Me:Letmeshowerandt
henwe'
l
lbe
of
f
Buu:
KJsai
dhe'
l
lfet
chus
Me:
Okaycool
Iwenttot akeashowerandgot
dressed.Iworeacomf or
tabl
e
tr
acksuit.I
'l
lbeonaplanefor
28hourssoIneedt obecomf or
tabl
e.
Buu:
Youl
ooksexy
Me: Ihopey oupackedmesexy
things,Ineedtobeonpoint.I
'
m
singlesoIneedtof l
our
ish!
Buu:Dannywoul
dkil
lyoui
fhehear
d
yousaythat
.Wel
ltheDannyy
ou
knewbefore
Il
aughedatherandt houghtabout
howj eal
oushewoul dbe.Ilastsaw
hi
mt hedayIt ookhismoney .That
wasaboutaweekago.Hehad
al
r eadymadeanappear ancewi th
Li
ndel waandt hecallsIreceiv
edf r
om
Jour nali
sts!Iendeduppubl ishinga
statementst atingthatMrMcKenzi e
andIwer enowdi v
orced.Any thi
nghe
doesi snotli
nkedt omenordoesi t
i
mpactmei nanyway.Lindel
wagav e
astatementonbehalfofDannysince
Dannywasnotf eel
i
ng" well
"Iknow
shewasaf r
aidDannywasgoi ngto
callmeZeeandherNasi t
henher
plangetsmessedup.She'ssmar t
,
thatIcanappl
audherfor.KJfetched
usdrovetoRoccoMammas
KJ:Youhav
etoeatfi
rst
,you'
reso
bor
ingNasi
phi
,youhavenocravi
ngs
Me: Yup,wel
lIsomet
imesdobutnot
al
lthetime.
KJ:Yournextdoctor
sappoi
ntmentis
wheny ouguyscomeback.We'l
lfi
nd
outthegenderri
ght?
Me:Noyou'
l
lhav
etowai
tonemor
e
month
KJ:
Wack!
Wewer ethenofftotheair
port.He
madesurewewer ealli
ntheplane
andwewer eall
saf e.I
twasjustus
l
adiesandthekids.
KJ:
Haveasafetr
ip,
Cal
i
for
niai
s
wai
ti
ngonyou.
Me:
We'
regoi
ngt
oCal
i
!?Awesome!
Beli
nda:I'm gladyou'r
eexcit
ed!This
tr
ipisfortheki ds,
youandKamo.
Thebot hofy ouhav ebeenthrough
al
otlatelysoy ouneedt orel
ax!No
cryi
ng,nosadness, justhappi
ness
andl
aught
erokay
?
Me&Kamo:
YesMr
sMt
oti
Phelo:We'
reget
ti
ngdr
unk!
!!Wel
l
exceptyoumommytobe
Me:Letmegogr
eetmyki
dswhi
l
e
you'
reati
t.
Iendedupseat
edwi t
hmyki ds.We
fel
lasl
eept
hroughoutthef
li
ght
#NEXTMORNI
NG
Ifel
tafootonmyf ace,Ij
ustknewit
wasOnika's.Thatbabysleptli
ke.
..I
don'
tevenknowwhatt ocompar eher
tobecauseshei sonherownl eague.
Shetakesupt heentir
ebed.And
whendidweev engettosleepona
bed?Iwokeupandlookedaround.
Wewer ei
nCalif
orni
aalr
eady
?
Bulel
wabargedinwit
hhereyesall
out
Me:
What
?
Buu:Don'
tbemad,Dannyis
downstai
rswi
thhi
swifey
Me:
Whatar
etheydoi
ngher
e?
Buu:Thegentswantedtosurpri
seus
Iguesshetaggedalong.They
coul
dntdeserthi
m plusNkosiseems
eageronhelpi
nghim.Mbul el
oisher
e
toandsoisBonga'scousinbrot
her
andVenes.
Me:
Ohokay
,whendi
dwegether
e?
Buu: About8hoursago.Youwer e
total
lyoutsoJabucar r
iedyouand
tuckedy oui
n.Thekidsjustj
oined
youabout2hour sago.Showerand
comeeat
Me:I'
mtoohungry
,I'
l
lcomeeatfi
rst
.
Wewentdownstai
rsandournew
coupl
eseemedverycosy
.
Me:
Mor
ninggoodpeopl
e
KJ:
Mor
ningmamabear
,yougood?
Me:
YesIam andy
our
sel
f
KJ:
Asal
way
s
KJandIhav ebecomev erycl
ose.He
hasbeenagr eatsuppor
tsystem and
Icoul
dn'
tthankhim enough.
Nkosi
:Di
shupf
ormet
oopl
easeNasi
Danny:
Met oopl
ease,
whyar
eyou
cal
li
ngherNasi
?
Nkosi
:Becauset
hat
shername.
IlookedatNkosi andhewashav i
ng
noneofi t
.Ifitwasupt ohimthis
Lindelwagirlwouldn'tevenbehere.I
servedthem theirfoodandourhands
touchedwhenDannyt ookhisplat
e.
Thewayhel ookedatmemademe
feelsomet ypeofway .Li
ndelwa
clearedherthroatandIl aughed
Me:
Feel
i
ngt
hreat
enedhuh?
Iwi
nkedatherandwentt
osi
tdown.
Zandy
:Ihav
eaf
eel
i
ngy
ouhav
en'
t
r
eal
l
ygi
venupont
hisguy
Me: HowcouldIev er
?Ididal
otof
thi
nkingandIreali
zedthathe
wouldnthavegivenuponmeeasily.
Dannyhasr i
skedhisli
feformeso
whycan'tIdothesame?
Zandy
:You'
repr
egnant
Me:Iwon'
tdoanythi
ngoutr
ageous,
I
'l
ll
ovehim andpr
ayforhi
m.
Zandy
:Amen.
#Danny
If
eel l
i
keI '
ml i
vi
ngalif
et hatisnot
mine.Ifeell
ikesomeonewhohas
j
ustlostthei
rmemor y.Idon'tknow
whoIam andIdon' tevenknowmy
l
ife.Iam engagedt oNasi phi,she'sall
Iev erthinkabout .Gosh!It hinkI'm
evenobsessed.I '
vel ovedhersi nce
thedayImether .Ialway slaugh
whenshet ellsmeabouthowwemet .
Butsomet hingdoesn' taddupabout
thest ory,shekeepsonsay ingshe' s
forgot t
enmostt hingsbecauseoft he
acci dentwewentt hroughatt he
forcewhi chcausedmet oloosemy
memor y
.Thi ngis,Idon' tev en
remembert hatacci dentnordoIhav e
thescar st oshowasev i
denceofi t
butshedoes.Herf acewasdamaged
butshest i
ll
looksbeaut i
ful li
keshe
wasont hepi ct
uresheshowedme.
Sadlyourpi cturest oget herwer e
burntbymybi tt
erexwi fewho
cheatedonme.Theev ildoingst hat
womanhasdone!It houghtt he
momentIsawherI 'dki llherbut
there'
sjustsomet hingabouther .
Somet hingthatIcannotev enfigure
out.What '
smor econf usingi show
myf atherandf r
iendskeepont el
li
ng
met hatshei sNasi phi andshe' smy
wife.I'
mt ir
edofar guingwi ththem.
ProbablyZiy andapai dthem t odoso, I
havebeent oldbymyl ov el
yf i
ance
thatshei scapabl eofdoi ngsuch.We
wer eallonav acati
onandshedi shed
upf orme.Iwoul dbel yingifIsaidI
didn'
tfeelt
hesparkbetweenuswhen
ourhandstouched.Icannotexplai
n
thefeeli
ngbutitwasmagical.I
shouldn'
tevenbefeeli
ngthisway
aboutmyexwi f
e?DoIstil
ll
ov eher?I
shovedthethoughtsbackand
fi
nishedmyf ood.
Zandy
:Li
ndel
wa
WhoisthisLi
ndel
wat
heykeepon
t
alkngabout?
Zandy:ArghNasi
phiImean,uhm l
ets
goshoppingabit
.Weneedsome
grocer
iesint
hishousebef
orewehit
thestr
eetsofCali
Li
ndel
wa:
Uhm noIdon'
tthi
nkso,
I
hav
etobewi
thmyf
iance
Bee:
Dannyisnotababy
,sur
elyhe'
l
l
befi
newit
houtyou
Me: Yeahyoucangobabe,Ij
ust
suff
eredfrom amemoryl
ossnotthat
I'
m paral
yzednow.
Shewashesi t
antabouti
tbut
event
uall
yagreed.Theyl
eftaft
era
fewminutes.Curi
osi
tygotthebest
outofme.Ineededaf ewanswers,I
fel
tasift
here'
smor etomyl i
fest
ory
thanwhatIknew.
Me:
Canwet
alk?
Nasi
:Yeahsur
ewhati
sit
?
Me:
Ziy
anda,
Ineedt
oknowmor
e
aboutmyl
i
fe
Nasi:
Icameheretoenj
oymysel
fand
Idon'
twantanyt
roubl
e,got
oyour
wif
e.
Me:
She'
snother
e
Nasi :Mynamei sNasi phi Pearl
Amahl eNy athi
,You'r
eDannyTr i
ston
McKenzi e.Yourwi f
ei sLindelwa,Iam
notsur eaboutherot herdetailsbut
shei syouragent.You' r
eheadoft he
force,you'
reamul ti
mi ll
ionairewelllet
mesaybi l
li
onairebecausey ou'
rev ery
ri
ch.Youowncompani esandoneof
them ismyf athersdrugbusi ness
whi chheleftformet or unbutIlet
youhandleitsi
nceIdon'
twant
anyt
hingtodowi thi
t.WemetwhenI
wasstil
lastri
pper,y
ousai
dmyey es
spar
kleinthedark.
Shelaughedal i
tt
le,youcoul
dsee
shewasl ostinherownwor l
dasshe
tol
dmeaboutus.Ther ewas
somethingthatmademebel iev
eher
butmoreofmymi ndtoldmeal
lthat
shewassay ingwasal i
e.
Nasi: Wehav etwoamazi ngchildr
en,
Danv erMphendul oMcKenzi eand
OnikaLet hukuthulaMcKenzi e.Their
mot herisZiyandaNy athi,well
McKenzi esincey ouguy swer e
mar ri
ed.Shedi edwhilegivingbirt
hto
Oni
ka.Whent i
mewentonaswe
wer
etogetherwef oundoutt hatshe
wasmyoldersister.Thatexplai
ns
whywelookalike.
Me:
Ihav
eki
ds?Wher
ear
ethey
?
Nasi:TheyhateyouDanny ,y
ou've
beentreati
ngthem badly
.Especial
ly
Danver,heissoupsetitscaresme.
Hehadsomuchangeri nhim, your
angerissuesarebei
ngpassedont o
hi
m!
Me:Idon'
tremembert
hem,I
'
mt ry
ing.
Apartofmefeel
sasifI
'ml
ost.
Shegavemeherphoneandshowed
mevideo'
sandpi
ctur
esofusandour
f
amil
y.Myheadstar
tedpai
ning,
I
t
ri
edremember
ingbutIcoul
dnt.
"Danny !
!!Danny !Whatareyoudoing
withher!"Av oicescreamed.Itwas
mybeaut i
fulNasi,orshouldIsay
Lindelwa.Justbyl ookingatherIf
elt
diff
erent.Ithoughtdiff
erentl
y.
Li
ndelwa:She'
sadangertoyou
Danny!Shewantstoki
l
lyou.Ther
eis
abri
ckbehindherandshewantsto
ki
lly
ouwi t
hit
Jabu:
Ohcomeon!Shutt
hef
uckup
Li
ndel
wa!
!
Nasi
:Ihav
ehadi
twi
thy
ou!
I
ndeedshet
ookt
hebr
ickandwal
ked
toLindel
wa,shewasscreamingandI
foundmy sel
fbeat
ingZiy
andaup.I
pushedheroffandshefell
onher
face.Iki
ckedherf
aceandMbul el
o
beatmeup.Wewer enowallf
ight
ing
astheytooktur
nswi t
hme
Phil
a:Wewi
l
lbeatt
hiscr
apoutof
you!
Jabu:
Arey
ououtofy
ourmi
nd!
BythenZi
yandascr
eamedt
ell
i
ng
them t
ost
op
Si
ya:
Youmustbecr
azy
!Don'
tst
op
Nasi
:Stop,pl
easeyou'
ll
kil
lhi
m.He
haski
dst oli
vefor
,pl
ease
KJ:
Kidst
hathet
reat
sli
keshi
t!
Hesai
dki
cki
ngmyback.
Nasi:Youhavekil
l
edusTrist
on,ther
e
i
snohopeandt herewil
lneverbe.
Evenwheny ou'
reiny
ourri
ghtmi nd.
Leaveplease
Nkosi:Leav
eDanny
!!Takey
ourskank
andleave!
Nasi
phi
(Li
ndel
wa)pickedmeupand
wewenttoourroom.
Li
ndelwa:Letsleaveandyouwi l
l
nevereverseethesepeople!Theyar
e
notyourfri
endsiftheyar
ecapableof
doi
ngsucht oyou.
Shecall
edacabandwel ef
taswe
wenttoanot
herhot
el.Whenwegot
thereItookashowerandIcoul dn't
stopthinkingaboutherscr eams.The
bloodonherf aceandhersi l
entcri
es.
Whatdi dIdo?Whywasshest i
llon
mymi nd?Myf iancejoinedmei nthe
showerandwemadel ov e.Goshshe
wasbeaut iful
!Herf acewasso
perfect,j
ustli
keZi y
anda's.Wasshe
seri
ouswhenshesai dtheywer e
sist
ers?
Me:Whydidn'
tyoutel
lmey
ouand
Zi
yandaar
esister
s?
Shelookedshockedandconf
usedat
fi
rst
.Whichconfusedmetoo.She
star
tedcry
ingandkissedme.
Lindelwa:Ididn'
twanty out oseeme
asahomewr ecker.Ifeltbadenough
thatIlookedlikeherandt hatyou
mi ghtbeusingmet oj ustrepl
aceher
.
Me:Il
oveyouandI'
l
lneverdothat
.
Youar
emyl i
feNasi
phiNyathi
.You
ar
emyl i
fe
"
Youdi
dwelltodaymyl
ove,
youdi
d
wel
l
"shesai
d.
#Nasi
Icouldntbeli
evei tashethrew
punchesatme.I thappenedsofast,
evenitsmemor yjustf
lashesbyfast
.
Hekilledme, heki l
l
edusandour
fut
ure.Ilookedatmyf aceasIwiped
thebl oodof f.Heki ckedmyf ace,he
rui
nedi t.Icouldntbel i
evet hatI ,
Nasiphi Nyathiwasbeat enupbyt he
l
ov eofmyl i
fe,DannyMcKenzi e.I
tookal ongbat h, mybodywasi nso
muchpai n.Icri
ed, Icr i
edsomuchf or
thev eryf i
rstti
mesi ncet his
happenedi twast hef i
rsttimeIcr ied
l
ikethi s.Icriedf orloosi ngmy
husband, thefatherofmychi ldren,I
cri
edbecausehel ai dhi shandson
me.Hemanhandl edme.Icr iedso
muchIl ostmyv oice.Myt hroatwas
dry.Iwor eat r
acksui tandsneaker s.I
wentdownst airsandt hemoodwas
sour.Theyl ookedatmel ikeI'm
somecr
azyper
son
Mbul
elo:
Wher
ear
eyouof
fto?
Me:Ineedt
ocl
earmyhead.I
'
mjust
t
aki
ngawalk
Buu:I
'm comi
ngwithyou,y
oucannot
walkal
one.It
'sget
ti
ngreal
l
ydark
Me:I'
m gr
own,
Icant
akecar
eof
mysel
f
Bee:
ButNasi
phi
,youcantgoal
one
Me: Shutup!
!!
!All
ofyou!I
'm nota
baby,Iwil
lwalkal
one!AndifIfind
anyonefoll
owingmetherewillbehel
l
topay.
At
hi:
Taket
his
Mpho:
Arey
oucr
azyAt
henkosi
?
Me:
Thanky
ou
Itookthegunandl ef
t.Iwal
ked
aroundnotev enknowingwheream I
going.Isatdownont hepavement
andcr i
ed.
"Whatisabeauti
fulladyl
ikeyou
doingoutheresolateandwhot he
fuckmadey oucry?"Hisv
oicesaid.
Ididn'
tl
ookupbecauseIdidn'
twant
whoeveritwastoseethebrui
sesand
scarsonmyf aceandhowswolleni
t
was.
Me:
Keepwal
ki
ng
Hi
m:Imi
ghtaswel
lj
ustsi
tdown.
Hesatnextt
omeandlif
tedmyface
soIcoul
dfacehi
m.Theangerwas
vi
sibl
e
Hi
m:Whodi
dthi
stoy
ou?
Me:
Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t
Him:Mynamei
sLucasMi
l
lerand
youar
e?
Me:
Nasi
phi
Nyat
hii
sthename
Lucas:I'
m hear
tbr
oken,
myfiance
cheatedonmewi thmybrot
her.
Me:I'
m hear
tbr
oken,
myexhusband
beatmeup.
Hehel
dmyhandandIcri
ed.Her
eI
am,i
nCal
i
for
nia,
sit
ti
ngona
pavement
,cr
yingandfindi
ngcomf
ort
fr
om astr
anger.Li
fehasawayof
doingt
heunexpected.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t62
Ther
estoft
hev
acat
ionact
ual
l
ygot
bet t
erast heday swentby .Myscar s
wer efadingawaybutt herewasone
spott hatdidn'
twantt of ade.Wehad
abl astandIwasabl etof orgetabout
ev eryt
hingthatwenton.Theni ghtI
tookawal k,Imadeaf r
iend, Lucas
Mi ll
erandwe' vebeenchat ti
ngsince
then.Wehav emetupf orluncht wice
andhewaswi thusonNewYear sev e.
Of causetheguy sweren'tthathappy
abouti tbutwehadagr eatni ght
.He
i
si ndeedav erygoodf r
iend.Hei s
from Sout hAfricaandhewor ksall
ov erthewor l
dasaMi li
taryDoct or.
Het ravelsalotandhewason
vacat i
oninCal i.Hehasadaught er
whichhel ovesverymuchandhas
beenagr eatsuppor tsystem.Wear e
bothgoingthroughar oughpat chand
we'reabletotalktoeachot her.We
werebacki nSout hAf r
icaandImust
say,Iwasnotl ookingforwar dt o
goingbackt oreali
ty.Lucaswasi n
Nigeri
aandhedi dmanaget obuyme
fl
owersandchocol atesandt hey
wereonmymot hersdoor stepwhenI
wokeup.Wev i
sit
edMaNy athiforthe
l
astweekoft heholidaysbef oret he
ki
dsgobackt oschool .
MaN: Whoist
hismyster
yman
sendi
ngyoufl
owers?Youjustgot
div
orcedt
wosecondsago
Me:Mom pl
ease,
Lucasi
sjustagood
f
ri
end.
MaN:
Justaf
ri
end?
Me:
Yes
MaN:Youdoknowt
hatDannyneeds
you
Me:Dannyhasawif
e.Ist
opped
bei
nghiswif
ewhenhebeatmeup.
Sowhathasbeengoi
ngonwithyou?
MaN: Nothi
ngandwe' r
etalkngabout
youheresodon'tchangethetopic.
Hewasn'tinhi
sr i
ghtmind.Whatt hi
s
gir
lisusi
ngisst
rong
Me:Ri
ghtmindornot
.Heshoul
dn'
t
hav
elai
dhishandsonme
MaN:Idon'
tl
iket
hisatal
l,especi
all
y
t
hisLucasf
ri
endofyours
Me:
You'
resuchamot
her
.
Speaki
ngofhi
m,Igotacal
lfr
om
Lucas
Me:
MrMi
l
ler
Lucas:Mybeaut
if
ull
ady
,howar
eyou
today?
Me:
I'
m goodandy
our
sel
fDrMi
l
ler
Lucas:I
'm okayj
ustbusy.ThoughtI
shouldcheckupony ou.Howarethe
ki
dsandt hebunintheoven?
Me:Theyar
eal
ldoi
ngv
erywel
lthank
you
Lucas:That
'sgood.Letmego,
I'
ll
cal
l
youlat
erokay?
Me:YesLucasandt
hanky
ouf
or
cal
l
ing.
Lucas:
Thatswhatfri
endsaref
or.
Youwon'tbel
i
evewhathappened!
ButanywaysI
'l
ltel
lyoulat
er
Me:Youdidn'thav
et odothat
,nowI'
l
l
becuri
ousalldayalong.Andt
hank
youfort
heflowersandchocolat
esI
feel
speci
al
Lucas:
Youarespecial
myPearl.The
newsarej
uicysotheyarewor
ththe
wait
.
Wel
aughedandsai
dourgoodby
es.
He'
shonest
lyj
ustt
hebest
!
Me:
Letmegor
eadmyemai
l
s
MaN:No,youarenotreadi
nganye-
mai
ls.You'
reonleav
e.
Me:
Ihav
etomom.
Itookmyl aptopandtherewasan
emer gencyatworkthatIneededt
o
attendto.Iemail
edbacksay i
ngI'
l
lbe
theretomorrow.
Me:
I'
mleav
ingt
omor
row
MaN: Youcannotdr
ivesuchal
ong
di
stance
Me:Wel
lIhavetomom andwewon'
t
ar
gueaboutt
hispl
ease.
MaN:
Fine.Dannywon'
tbehappy
Me:
You'
react
ingasi
fI'
m st
il
l
mar
ri
edt
ohim.
MaN: Godsti
ll
seesyouasacoupl
e
andhewillworki
namy st
eri
ousway
togetyoubacktoget
her
Me:
I'
ll
bel
i
evet
hatwhenIseei
t
Ther estofthedaywespentindoors
catchingupandspendingtimewith
thekids.Theywer ever
yhappyabout
beingher eandtheymadeaf ew
fri
endst oo.Lat
erwhenIwasi nbedI
recei
v edacallfr
om Lucas.
Me:
Youf
inal
l
ydeci
dedt
ocal
l
Lucas:
It'
sbeenabusyday
,Ij
ustgot
t
othehot
elr
oom.
Me:
Youshoul
drest
Lucas:
I'l
lrestpeacef
ull
ynowthatI
'
ve
heardyourvoicebutIhaveaf
li
ghtto
catchi
n2hour s
Me:Sowhati
sitt
hatyouwantedt
o
t
ell
me?Youalwaystr
avel
l
ing
Lucas:
Igotacall
from t
hestupi
dex
wif
eofmine.She'
spregnant
Me:
Oh
Lucas:
it'
smybr
other
schi
l
dandt
hey
areget
ti
ngmarr
ied
Me:
Youl
i
e!
Lucas:
I'
m ser
ious
Me:
Whyi
sshet
ell
i
ngy
out
hough?
Lucas: Togivet hem mybl essing.I
won' tevenattendt hatstupid
weddi ng.Allthi
st i
met heyhav ebeen
i
nlov eanddoi ngitrightundermy
nose.Theyhav ealway sgotal ongbut
nothingev ermademet hinkt heyare
together.Ifeelreal
lyangr yand
betrayed
Me:
I'
m sosor
ry
Lucas:
It'
snotyourf
aul
tbut
ter
cup,
let
menotkeepy ouup.
Me:Youneedt
orestt
ooso
goodni
ght
Lucas:
Goodni
ght
Iendedt
heanddr
if
tedof
ftol
alal
and.
#NEXTMORNI
NG
Thekidswer en'
tv eryhappyabout
wakingupat4am andt ravell
i
ngal l
thewayt oDurban.Theywant edt obe
l
eftbehindbutt herewasnowayI '
d
l
eav ethem.Idon'twantt obel onely
i
nt hatnewhouse.Idr oppedt hem off
athomeandt heywer ewi t
hNonni .I
wentst r
aightt
owor kandithasbeen
busysince8am!Iam soexhaust ed
butIneedt owor kandpr ovi
def ormy
family
.
Venes:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulandhappy
.
Me:
Iam happy
Venes:You'
resogrownandcalm,I
don'
tknowhowIwoul d'
vedealtwi
th
whatyouwentthrough,
I'
dprobabl
y
bedepressedri
ghtnow.
Me:Iguessaccepti
ngthesit
uat
ion
mademedeal withiteasi
l
y.
Venes:Iguessso,soIbookedy
our
appoi
ntmentfor1pm
Me:
Thanky
ou
Venes:
Wantmet
ocomewi
th?
Me:
Not
hanks,
I'
ll
goal
one.
Venes:
I'
ll
beonmydeski
fyouneed
me.
Shel
eftandIsi
ghed.Iwi
l
lbef
indi
ng
outmybabi esgendert oday.Iam
veryexci
tedbuty etagainI'm hurt
becauseDannyandIwer elooking
for
war dtothi
sday .Weev enmadea
betandnowt hati
sal l
gone.I twas
now12am andi twasmyl uncht i
me.I
wentoutandcoul dn'tbeli
evewho
wast al
ki
ngt oVenes.
Me:
Lucas!
!
Hesmiledandwal
kedt
ome.We
huggedandheki
ssedmyf
orehead.
Me:
OMG!Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Lucas:
IthoughtI
'
djustsur
pri
sey
ou.
Me:
I'
m sosur
pri
sed!
Wehuggedandi
tfel
tsogoodt
osee
hi
m.Someoneclearedthei
rthr
oat
andwepull
edaway.ItwasDanny,
MphoandAthi
.Athihadbeentheone
whocl
earedhi
sthroat.
Me:
Heyguy
s
Mpho:
MrMi
l
ler
Lucas:
Lebone,
But
hel
ezi
,goodtosee
youagainandy
oumustbeDanny
McKenzie
Dannynoddedanddi
dn'
tevenshake
hi
shand.Itwassoawkwar
d
At
hi:
Goodt
oseey
out
oLucas.
Theyl
eftandwentt
oAt
hi'
sof
fi
ce.
Me:
Iwasgoi
ngt
ohav
elunch,
wanna
comewi
th?
Lucas:
Yesofcause.We'
l
lusey
our
car,
atookacabher e
Me:
You'
redr
ivi
ng
Lucas:Whodr
ovey
ouher
efr
om
Bizana?
Me:Idrovemysel
fanddon'tl
ect
ure
meaboutbeingunfi
ttodr
iveandal
l
t
hatstuff
.
Lucas:I
'
llkeepi
tal
ltomy
sel
fbutI
'
m
nothappy.
Ir
oll
edmyeyesathim andheshook
hi
shead.Wegotintomycarandhe
dr
oveofft
oCali
forni
aDreamings.
Me:
Fancyf
orl
unch
Lucas:
Imagi
nei
tasami
nidat
e
Me:OhwowokayMi l
l
erbutIonl
y
haveanhour
.Ihav
etoseemydoctor
at1pm
Wehadourl unchaswegott oknow
moreofeachot her.Ienj
oyedhis
companyalotandIdon' teven
rememberwhenl astdi
dIlaughso
much.Honestly,Iam veryhappyri
ght
nowandIdon' tfeelgui
lt
yaboutit.
Wethenwentt oseemydoct or.
Dr
:DrNy
athi
and?
Lucas:
DrMi
l
ler
Shenoddedwesatdown.
Dr
:Exci
ted?
Me:
YesIam
Dr
:Youknowt
hepr
ocedur
e
Il
aidont
hebedandshel
oti
onedt
he
gelonmyst
omach.
Lucas:
Thi
sissocut
e
Hewast aki
ngpict
uresandvi
deos.
Ever
ythi
ngwasokaywi t
hthebaby
andit
sheartbeatmademeso
emoti
onal.
Dr
:Look,
it'
saboy
!
Me:
What
?Ohmy
,it
'saboy
!
Hetookapi
ctureofmeasIwas
cr
yingandl
aughingatt
hesamet
ime.
I
'm havi
ngaboy
.IguessIwont
he
betaft
eral
l
.
Lucas:Youlooksocut
ewheny
oucr
y.
Congratul
ati
onsNasi
phi
Me:
ThanksMi
l
ler
Thedoctorcleanedmeupandgav e
meapr escr
iptionandt
hescans.
Me:I'
mlookingfor
wardtotel
l
ingt
he
ki
ds!Danverwil
lbesohappy
Lucas:
Wil
lyout
ell
Danny
?
Me:Whatfor?Hethi
nksIcheat
edon
hi
m andhedoesn'
tevenknowhis
ki
ds.Idon'
twantt
otalkt
ohim about
ourpast
.
Lucas:I
fthat'
swhaty ouwant
sweethear
t.Ijustf
eelasify
ouneed
tofuckhim andhe'l
lbebacktohi
s
senses.
Me:Whydi
dIf
orgethowcr
azyy
ou
ar
e?
Ipinchedhi m andwel aughedashe
drovemehome.Honest l
y ,
Lucasis
suchagoodf riend.Hehasgenui ne
i
ntentionsofbei ngmyf riend,not
hing
mor eandnot hingl ess.Mostpeopl e
mightt hi
nkwemi ghtendupf al
li
ng
i
nlovebutIdon' tseemy selfbei
ngin
arelati
onshipwi t
hhi m andsodoes
he.We' vebothcomeoutofbad
heartbreaks,t
hel astthingweneed
r
ightnowi
sat
oxi
crel
ati
onshi
p.
#Danny
Thepastf ewday shav ebeenhect ic
forme.Myownf atherpul l
edmeof f
ofwor k, hestr
ippedmeof fmy
missi onsashesai dI '
m notwel l.I
havebeenl oosingmymi ndandwhat
i
sf rust rati
ngishowIhav emyexwi f
e
i
nmymi ndall
day ,everyday.If i
jd
my sel fslowingloosi ngi nterestin
Nasi .Shei sl
azy ,doesn'thav eany
ambi tionandi sal way sspendi ngmy
money .Shehasnoi nspirati
on, no
dreamsandnof uture.Shei s
dif
fer ent ,makesmewonderhowon
earthdi dIfal
lheadov erheel sforher.
Thismemor yl osst hi
ngisani ssueas
thereissomuchIwantt or emember
becauseIf eel asifIam l i
ving
someoneel se'sli
fe.Thatt hisisnot
myl if
e.Idon' tknowhowt odescr ibe
i
tbutsomet hingiswr ongher e,
somet hingi smi ssing.Iam nothappy
andIam i nneedofsomeone.We
wer ewal kingt oAt hi'
soffi
cewhenI
sawZeehuggi ngsomemanwho
kissedherf orehead.Sheseemedso
happywi thoutme.Whatam Isay i
ng?
Idivorcedherandmay beshei swi th
themanshecheat edonmewi t
h.I
l
ef therandIam wi t
hsomeoneel se,
butwhydoIf eelthisway ?Mphoand
Athiseemedtoknowt hi
sguyandit
botheredmehowZeedi dn'
tcareto
evenlookmei ntheeyenotev
en
touchme.Whywoul dshewhenI '
ve
hurther?Ir
egrett
edlayi
ngmyhands
onherev er
yday.Iwi
shshecould
hearmeout .
Mpho:Whydoy
ouseem so
f
rust
rat
ed?
Me: Idon'
tknowman,ImissZi
yanda
may be?Ikeepont
hinki
ngabouther
.
Butshecheatedonmeandwhoi s
thi
sMi l
lerguy
?
Athi
:Fir
stl
y,t
hati
sNasi
phi
aswe'v
e
beentel
li
ngyouamil
li
onti
mes.Wake
upDannyman!Thewomaninyour
housei
sLi
ndelwanotNasi
phi
.The
womanwhoy outhi
nki
sZeeisnot
Zee!
Me:
Thi
sisal
lj
ustconf
usi
ngme
Mpho: Wear ey ourfri
endsandwe
wouldnev erev erl
ietoy ou.Ziyanda
i
sanexwi feofy ourst hatpassed
awaywhi legivingbirt
ht oOni kawho
i
sy ourdaught er.Wel aterthanfound
outshewaski ll
edbysomeonewho
i
njectedheraf tergi
v i
ngbi rt
h.Your
wife,
y ourrealwifeisNasi phiPearl
Amahl eNy athiwhom y oumetata
str
ipclubwher eshewor ked.Sheis
yourwi f
enotLi ndelwa
Me:SoLi
ndel
waisthewomanI'
m
wi
thnow?SheisnotNasi
phi
?
At
hi:
Yes
Me:
WasIinvol
vedi
nanacci
dentat
t
hefor
cewhi
chcausedmetoloose
mymemory?
Mpho:No,Shei
susi
ngsomest
rong
subst
anceonyou
Me:
Icannotbel
i
evet
his.
Mpho: Bel
ievewhomev eryouwantto
beli
evebutjustknow,you'r
eruini
ng
yourownlife.ThatLi
ndelwachickis
rui
ningyourlif
e.TheonlyreasonI
haven'
tkil
ledherisbecauseIfear
whatcouldhappent oyouifIkil
lher
.
Me:
Don'
tki
l
lmywi
fe
Mpho:
Ithi
nkI
'
llendupki
l
li
ngy
ou
Helaughedandsomet hingmademe
wantt obelieveal lt
hattheysaid.We
spentther estoft heafternoon
workingwi thAthi inhi
sof fi
ce.Ididn't
carethatRazort ookmeof ftheforce,
Iam thebosssohecannotdot hatto
me.Hei ssoangr yatmeandIdon' t
understandwhy .Icameacr ossa
weddingpi ctureofmeandZi yandaor
Nasiphi
Me:
Whoi
sthi
sexact
ly?
At
hi:
Ther
eal
Nasi
phi
Me:
Doy
ouhappent
ohav
eapi
ctur
e
ofmeandt
her
eal
Ziy
anda?
Theygaveitt
omeandIlookedat
them t
ryi
ngtocompar
eandanaly
se
i
t.
Me:
Thi
sisf
rust
rat
ing.
Theygav
emeapictur
eofsomeugl
y
womanwho'
sfaceseemedver
y
weir
d
Me:
(l
aughs)Whot
hef
ucki
sthi
s?
Athi
:Soyoucanseethereal
Lindel
wa
onpict
uresbutwhenyouseeherli
ve,
youthi
nkiti
sNasiphi
?
Me:
Ist
hist
heLi
ndel
wachi
ck?
Mpho:
It'
sthewomanpr
etendi
ngt
o
beNasi
phi
.
I
'veneverbeensoconfusedinmyl i
fe.
Notevenalgebraconf
usedany one
thi
smuch.Ipackedmyt hingsand
drovehome.IfoundNasiphidanci
ng
i
nt hel
ounge
Her
:Honey
!You'
rehome
Me:
Sitdown,
weneedt
otal
k
Her
:Youseem angr
y,whati
sit
?
Me:
Wher
edi
dwemeet
?
Her
:We'
vetal
kedaboutt
his,
wemet
att
hemal
latmuggnbean?
Me:
Whydoest
hestorychangeal
l
t
heti
me?Fr
om myknowledgeImet
Nasi
atast
ri
pclub.Whoar
eyou
woman!
?Areyoureal
l
yLi
ndel
wa?
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t63
#Danny
Shelookedatmeandchockedont he
wineshewasdr i
nking.Hereyes
poppedandt hattomeconf ir
medit.I
fel
ttheangerinsideofmesur pass
everyot
herfeeli
ngi nsi
deofme.YesI
havebeenangr ybeforebutnotthi
s
much.
Me:
Tal
k
Lindelwa:Dannybaby
,it
'sme.I
ts
Nasiphi.Idon'
tknowwhatyouare
talki
ngabout.
Me:
Sot
heyl
i
edt
ome?
Li
ndel
wa:Yestheydid.Idon'
tknow
whatt
heytol
dy oubuttheyli
ed.
Me:
Okay
,I'
m sor
ryf
ornotbel
i
evi
ng
y
ou.
Shehuggedandki ssedme.Ifelt
disgusted.Icoul
dst i
lseeheras
Nasi phibuti
nmymi nd,Ihada
pictureoftherealLi
ndelwa.She
seemedhesi tantandkeptonlooking
forherphone.
Me:
I'
ll
bei
nmyof
fi
ceaf
terIshower
Lindel
wa:I
'
llpr
epar
eyousomet
hing
toeatsoon
Inoddedandl ockedmy selfinthe
offi
ce.Ihackedhercell
phoneandI
wasabl etoheartheconv ersat
ionof
thecallshejustmade.Shewas
basical
lyinf
ormingsomeonet hatthe
Ihav
ef oundoutabouthert
rue
i
denti
ty
Person: "
Arghthat'
sali
e.Youarejust
panicking.Whatwedidtohim wil
l
l
asthi senti
rel
ife.Hemightknow
yournamebutheseesy ouas
Nasiphi.Hewillnotl
eave.
"
Lindel
wa:
Youdoknowwewilll
ose
themoneywemakeoutofhi
m?"
Person:"Youmustcomet ome
tomorrowandwewi llseekf
or
somethingstr
onger"
Li
ndel
wa:
"Whati
fitki
l
lshi
m!?"
Per
son:"Yewena!Not
hingwil
lki
l
lhim,
j
ustfeedyourmanproperl
yandstop
hesi
tat
ing.Youwi
l
lrui
nthi
sent
ir
e
pl
an."
Li
ndel
wa:
"fi
ne,
I'
ll
seey
out
omor
row"
Ifel
treall
ydisgusted,hur
tandangr
y.
Iwantedt ohurtherbutIcoul
dn'
t.I
neededsomeone.Iwentt omyroom
andtookashower .ShecameinasI
wasf i
nishi
ngup.
Li
ndel
wa:
Supperi
sready
Me:Not
hanks,Ij
ustwantt
osl
eep.
Hav
eyoueaten?
Li
ndel
wa:
Yes
Me:
Let
'sj
ustsl
eep.
Shesmi
l
edandwegoti
nbed.If
elt
l
ikeIwasbet rayi
ngsomeone.I
closedmyey esbutIwasn' tasleep.I
heardhershuf f
li
ngaroundandshe
gotcloserandclosertomeand
strangl
edmewi t
har ope.Iheldher
roughlyandpinnedheragai nstthe
wal l
.
Me:
Whatt
hef
uckar
eyoudoi
ng!
!
Li
ndel
wa:I'
m sor
ry,
I'
m sosorr
y.I
don'
tknowwhatcameov erme.
Islappedherandshefel
l.Myhead
wasst ar
ti
ngtohurtandIwasgett
ing
dizzy.
Li
ndel
wa:
Don'
thur
tmepl
ease
Me:
Shutup
Li
ndel
wa:
Iam y
ourwi
fe!
Me:
Mywi
fewoul
dn'
ttr
ytoki
l
lme.
Icarri
edherandl ockedheri nthe
basement .Thedizzi nesswas
becomi ngheav i
erandmybodywas
becomi ngweak.Ical l
edNasi phi
whileIwasonmywayt omycar .I
beli
evedonl yshecoul dhelpmeandI
couldgetalltheanswer sIneeded.I
drovenotev enknowi ngwher eIam
going.Idon'tknowwher eshestays
nowbutIwasgoi ngt of i
ndherone
wayoranot her.Idr ovet oBee's
housesoshecoul dtellme.Iwas
determinedtof i
ndher ,eventhoughI
couldn'
tseeany mor e.AllIcoul
dsee
wasLi ndel
wa'sface.Idon'
tknow
whathappenedaf terbutIhear
dloud
crashingsoundsandmyheadwas
throbbingi
npain.
Me:
Nasi
phi
Iwhisper
edi
npai
nandcl
osedmy
eyes.
#Nasi
phi
Aft
erallthi
sti
meandev eryt
hingt hat
hashappenedhedeci destocal lme
at9pm!He'sreal
lykiddingmeand
thi
nkingI'
m st
upid?Iignoredhiscal l
s
asIwaswat chi
ngt v
.Iwaswat ching
Catf
ishthetvshow.Icouldn'tsleep
soIdecidedtohavejunkandwat ch
tv.Around10pm Ikeptonrecei
ving
call
sf r
om di
ffer
entnumbersthatI
didn'
tknow.Iswitchedoffmyphone
andwal kedt
omyr oom whenthere
wasaknockont hedoor.
Me:
Whoi
sit
?
It
ookmygunoutandopened
Lucas:We'
l
ldi
scussthegunsi
tuat
ion
l
ater.Whyi
syourphoneoff
?
Me:Ikeptonrecei
vingcal
l
sfrom
di
ff
erentnumbersthatIdi
dn'
tknow.
Lucas:
Imi
ssedy
ou
Me:Idi
dmi
ssy
out
oosowhyar
eyou
her
e?
Lucas:I
'm spendi
ngtheni
ght.Pl
us
I'
m hungrywhatareweeati
ng?
Me:
Looki
nthef
ri
dge
Lucas:
Didy
ouev
encook?
Me:
NoIdi
dn'
t
Lucas:Solazy
,won'
tyouswi
tchon
yourphone?
Me:Dannycal
ledear
li
ersoprobably
hei
susingall
thoseothernumbersor
i
tst
hecrazywifecal
l
ingtoswearme
Lucas:Hect
ic,
hassheev
erdi
dthat
befor
e?
Me:Nobutwe'l
lnev
erknow.Pl
usI
wantnot
hingt
odowi t
hthoset
wo
Lucas:
Yougav
euponhi
m soeasi
l
y
Me: Idi
dn'
treal
lygiv
euponhi m butI
don'twantanythi
ngputt
ingmy
chil
dren'
sli
feindanger
.I'
ma
pregnantwomanwhohasl ostachi
ld
beforeandIcannotaff
ordanyharm
tobenearhim.
Lucas:
Iunder
stand
Me:Pl
usItrustDanny,he'safight
er.
Onewayortheother,hewi l
lbeatthi
s.
I
t'
sli
kether
e'snothi
ngt hatcanbeat
hi
m down.Buthedidbeatmeup
Lucas:
Idon'
tsuppor
twomanabuse
butwebothknowthesi
tuat
ionhei
s
i
n.
Me:Whyareyousosuppor
ti
veofhim
andonhissi
de?Who'
sfri
endar
ey ou
anyway
s?
Lucas:Ij
ustknowt
ruel
ovewhenI
seeit
.
Me:YeahwhateverI
'
m goingtosl
eep
now.You'
l
lusethatroom.I'
m goi
ng
tosl
eep
Lucas:
Par
typooper
,goodni
ght
.
Ilef
thi
mt her
eandIsl
eptf
orabout
twohoursandsomeonewaswaking
meup.
Me:
Whatt
hehel
l
!!!
Lucas:
Wakeup!
Me:
Lucas,
Iwi
l
lki
l
lyou
Lucas:
Justgett
hef
uckup!
IgotoutofbedandIwasinmythong
andvest.Hebreat
hedoutl
oudand
cl
osedhiseyes
Lucas:Gosh!You'
resosexyNasi
phi
butpleasegetdr
essedsoIcanfocus
Iwor
eagownandhedi
sappr
oved
andt
hrewmemypyj
amapants.
Lucas:
We'
regoi
ngt
othehospi
tal
Me:
Whatwhy
?
Lucas:Thekidswi
llbel
eftwi
th
Nonnie.Dannyisi
nhospi
talf
ight
ing
forhi
slif
e.
Me:
What
!Whathappened?
Wegoti
ntohiscarandhedr
oveof
f
t
othehospi
tal
.
Lucas: Iwatchedthenewschannel
andt hat'swheretheyshowedt he
accidentscene.Hewasi nvol
vedi na
caracci dentonhiswayt oMr
Luthuli
'shouse.SoIswi tchedyour
phoneonandy ouhadt onsofmi ssed
call
sf r
om y ourfr
iendsandhisf ather
.
Itol
dKamoy ou'r
eony ourway
Heheldmyhandast hetearsj
ust
f
lowed.Whatifheneededmyhelp
whenhecall
edmeandIi gnoredhi
m?
WhydidIl
etangerrul
eov erme?
Noneofthiswouldhavehappenedi
fI
wasn'
tself
ish.Buthehur
tmesobad
Iwant
ednot hi
ngtodowithhim.
Me:
Wasi
tbad?
Lucas:
From whatIsaw,i
twasbad.
Twoothert
ruckswereinv
olv
ed.
Wegott
othehospi
tal
andIr
ushedi
n.
Me:
Somebodyt
ell
mewher
eishe!
!!
Nur
se:
Cal
m downDrNy
athi
Me:Don'
tyoudar
etel
lmet
ocal
m
down!
Therewasal otofj
ournal
i
stsand
securi
tythatwastry
ingtochase
them off
.DrNxumal ocameandtook
metothewait
ingroom wher
esome
ofourf
ri
endswere.
Bee:
I'
m sosor
ryNasi
phi
Shewascr
yingandIcr
iedaswehel
d
eachot
her
.
Me:
Howbadi
sit
?
Phi
l
a:I
t'
sbadNasi
phi
,i
treal
l
yis.
Me:
Whatwashedoi
ng?
Bonga:Dri
vi
ngtomyhouse,Idon'
t
knowwhatf ort
hough.Hedi
dn'
t
i
nform me.
Me:
Ineedt
oseehi
m
Dr
N:Hei
sst
il
li
nsur
ger
y
Me:
Whatdi
dheneedsur
ger
yfor
?
DrN:Aglasswentt
hroughhi
s
shoul
derandneck.
Istumbledandcouldn'
tst
and
proper
ly.Phi
lahel
dmeandIsat
down
DrN:Thetwot r
uckssmashedhiscar
andbothsidesofhisheadwerebadl
y
hi
t,i
twasv eryhar
dtofindhe'
sbody
butwedidandhewasst i
l
labit
consci
ous.Hekeptoncalli
ngyour
name.
Phi
la:Myguessi
sthathewas
l
ookingf
oryou.
Me:How?Why?Whatfor
?Wherewas
Li
ndel
wawhenal
lthi
shappened
Kamo:Wealsodon'
tknow.Mphoand
Thapshav
ewenttocheckhi
shouse.
Bonga:
Thanky
ouf
orbr
ingi
ngher
her
eMill
er
Lucasnoddedandgav
emeabot
tl
e
ofwater
Me:
It'
saboy
Phi
l
a:Huh?
Me:
Thebaby
,it
'saboy
Bee:
Congr
atul
ati
onssweet
iee!
Me:Hedoesntev
enknowabouthi
m,
norDanv
erorOni
ka.
Phi
la:
Don'tt
hinknorstr
esstoomuch,
i
t'
snotgoodfortheli
tt
leDannyi
n
t
her
e.
Inoddedandsatdown.Icoul dn'
t
stopthinkingabouthim.Igotonto
myphoneandt herewasav i
deofrom
thecamer a'
sont her
oad.Itwas
real
lyat erri
bleacci
dent
.Anaccident
noonecansur v
ivefr
om.Itwasby
God'sgr acethatDannycameoutst i
l
l
conscious.
Lucas:Comeone,
stopwat
chi
ngt
his
Nasiphi
.St
op
Icouldntspeak.Iwashur ti
ngandall
I
coulddowaspr aysi
lent
ly.Icl
osed
myey esandpr ayed.There'
snothi
ng
thatGodcannotdo.Hel i
stenstomy
cri
es, t
omypl eadsandmypr ayers.
Hesai dwheny oucallhi
snamehe
willr
epl y.Iknowt hereisami racle
thathewi llperf
orm andhewi llsave
Danny 'slife.Iknowthathewi lltouch
myhear tandmakemeheal and
forgi
v eDannyf orhi
swr ongdoi ngs.
Jesusi st heanswert oallour
problems.
Bee:
Nasi
phi
!
Me:
What
?
Bee:
I'
vebeencal
li
ngyou.Let
'sgo
home,youneedt
orest
Me:No,I'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e
wi
thoutseei
nghim.
Bee: You'
vebeensi
tt
ingli
kethisfor
thepast3hours,weeventhoughtyou
blackedout.
Me:
Itsbeen3hour
s?
Bee:Yes,t
hedoct
orsaidyoucansee
hi
m butjustf
or5mins.Af
tert
hat
,
we'r
egoinghome
Me:
Okay
ShewalkedmetoDanny'
sroom and
theamountofmachi
nesonhim
mademecr y.
Me:
Tri
ston
Icall
edhim asIheldhi
shand.Ihada
si
lentconversat
ionwit
hhim.Words
couldn'
tevencomeout .Isaw
fl
ashbacksofhi m hitt
ingme.I
couldntdoi t
,Icouldntbewithhi
m
anymor e.Iki
ssedhi shandandleft
.
May beI'l
lbebettertomorrowandI'
ll
belessemot i
onal.Lucasdroveme
andBeet omyhouse.Theguy swere
l
eftbehind.
Me:
Yourki
ds?
Bee:
Kamowi
l
lcomewi
tht
hem her
e
Me:
Okay
Bee:Gosl
eepNasi
,youneedt
orest
your
sel
f
Inoddedandwenttomyroom.I
prayedforhi
m onemor
eti
meandfel
l
asleep.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t64
Iwokeupanditwasar ound8am.I
fel
tdi
ff
erent
,Ifel
tlessangryandI
wasn'
tinmuchpaint hatIwasin
whenIslept
.Iwentdownst ai
rsand
madebr eakf
astforev
eryone.Af
ter
thatIwenttotakeashowerandgot
dressed.
Oni
ka:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
o?
Me:Somewhere,comel
etsgohav
e
br
eakfast
.You'
l
lspendt
hedaywit
h
AuntNonni
Onika:Okaymom, Danv
eri
snot
feel
ingwellt
hough.
Me:Godownst
air
sandI
'
llgocheck
onhi
m.
Iwentt
oDanv
ersr
oom andhewas
sl
eepi
ng
Me:
Danv
er
Danv
er:
Mom
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
Danv
er:
Myt
hroati
ssor
e.
Me:Sorr
ybabe,cometr
yeat
ingthen
I'
l
lgi
veyousomemedsandy oucan
sl
eeptheent
ir
eday .
Danv
er:
Iwantt
osl
eepwi
thy
ou
Me: Icannotsweetie,Ihavetogo
somewher ebutIpr omiseI'
ll
come
checkupony ouluncht i
meandwe'l
l
sl
eept ogethert
onight.
Danv
er:
Pinkypr
omi
se?
Me:
Yes
Danv
er:
Arey
ougoi
ngt
oseeDad?
Me:
Howdoy
ouknowaboutt
hat
?
Danv
er:
Isawi
tonmyt
abl
et
Me:Ididsayit
sabadideaforyouto
havethatbuty
ourf
atheri
nsist
ed.
YesI'
m goingt
oseehim
Danv
er:
CanIcomewi
th?
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?
Danv
er:
Yes
Me:
Bat
hwhi
l
eImakey
ourbed.
Danver
:Noneed,I
'l
lcomebacktoit
.
I
'l
lj
ustseehi
mf orafewminut
es.Do
youfor
giv
ehim?
Me:
Who?
Danv
er:
Danny
,forhi
tt
ingy
ou?
Me:Danv
er,
youmustnotcal
lhi
m by
name.
Danv
er:
Ijustwantt
oknow
Me:
Idon'
tknow
Danver:
Youdon' thavetorush
your
self
,ittakesti
met oheal.Pl
us
youshouldn'tbescar
ed,he'l
lnever
dothattoyouagain.
Me:
Howol
dar
eyou?
Danver:Ol
denoughtoseet
he
si
tuati
onsaroundme.
Me:
Gobat
hMphendul
o
Danv
er:
OkayAmahl
e
It
hrewapi
l
lowathi
m andher
an
away .Thi
schild!Aft
erhewasdone
hegotdr essedandhewas
uncomf ort
abledoingiti
nfr
ontofme.
Sincewhendi dhegr owli
kethi
s?
Me:
You'
rewor
ryi
ngme
Danv
er:
JustbecauseIneedpr
ivacy
?
Me: Whatdoy
ouev
enknowabout
pr
ivacy?
Danver
:WhatIdoknowist
hatt
hisi
s
uncomfor
tabl
e.Let
'sgo
Me:
Yessi
r
Wegotdownstair
sandKamohad
di
shedupforevery
one.Weatei n
comfor
tabl
esil
enceandlef
t,Beewas
dri
vi
ngus.Wegott ot
hehospital
At
hi:
Ihav
egoodnews
Me:
What
?
Athi
:He'
sawake.Hewokeupabout
anhourago
Me:
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?
Athi
:Wewerest
il
lbusywit
hhim and
you'
reher
enowsoy oucanseehim
Me:
Cant
heki
dsseemet
oo?
Athi
:Onlyforaf ewminut
es.Idon'
t
wantthem havingsuxhanimageof
thei
rfat
her.He'sawakebuthestil
l
l
ooksawf ul
.It
'snotabearabl
esight.
Me:
Justaf
ewmi
nut
esokay
?
Ki
ds:
Yesmom.
Athi
:I'
l
lcoverhi
sfaceup.Weopened
thebandagestol
etitdr
yup.
Wewenti nafterhehadcoveredhim
up.Ihear
dt hem tal
ki
ng.Dannydidn'
t
wantthekidstoseehim athisst
ate
Oni
ka:
Daddy
Danny
:Let
hukut
hul
a,hel
l
opr
incess.
Oni
ka:Danvert
oldmeyouwer
ehi
tby
t
wotrucks,
areyouinpai
n?
Danny:Yesbuti
t'
snothi
ngIcannot
handl
e.Hell
oDanver
Hejustnodded.Awu?It
houghthe
wouldtal
ksincehewant
edtosee
hi
m.
Oni
kakeptont
alki
ng,Danv
erandI
hav
enotevenut
teredaword.
Me:
Saysomet
hingMphendul
o
Danny
:It
'sokay
,noneedt
ofor
cehi
m.
Danv er
:Isawy oubeatupmymot her
.
Isawy outhefirstti
mey oudiditand
thesecondt i
me.Isawy oukicki
ng
herface,Isawt hebloodandIhear d
herscreams.Shecr iedforyouwhen
wesl ept
,shepray edforyouand
l
ov edyou.
Me:
Danv
er,
itst
imef
ory
out
ogo
Danver:Itol
dhert oforgi
vey out
his
morning,Itoldheryou'
llneverdoit
agai
n.Idon' twanttoregretmywor ds.
Wit
hthatsaidhelef
tusshockedand
Iwentaf
terhim.Hewascryi
nginKJs
ar
ms
Me:
Danv
erbaby
,Il
ovey
ouokay
?
Danver
:Ilov
eyout
oomom,
I'
ll
pr
otectyou.
IlaughedandnoddedasIki ssedhis
forehead.TheyleftandIwentbackto
Danny .Iuncover
edhi sf
aceandhe
wasr eall
yinj
ured.
Danny
:Hehat
esme
Me:
Idon'
tbl
amehi
m
Danny
:Ihur
tyou
Me:
Mor
ethany
ou'
l
lev
erknow
Danny
:HowdoIf
ixt
hisNasi
phi
?
Me:
Idon'
tknow
Danny
:Cal
lMphof
ormepl
ease
Inoddedanddi
dashesai
d.
Me:
You'
reugl
y
Danny:
Tel
lmesomet
hingIdon'
t
know
Hesaidashethrewapi
ll
owatme
buthegothur
tinst
eadwhi
chmade
melaughathi
m.
Danny:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulmy
pr
eciousPear
l
Me:
Thanky
ou
Danny
:Di
dyoueat
?
Me:
Yes
Danny
:Whenl
astdi
dyoudoy
ourhai
r?
Me:
Yout
alkt
oomuch
Danny:I
'mtry
ingtokeepupa
conver
sati
onwithyou
Me:Idon'
twanttohav
ea
conv
ersat
ionwit
hyou
Danny
:Idi
dn'
thur
ther
Me:
Who?
Danny
:Thebaby
,whenIbeaty
ouup?
Me:
Noandi
t'
saboy
Danny
:Iguessy
ouwonaf
ter
all
Me:
Iguessso.
Ikeptqui
etandlookedoutthe
window.Lucascameinfoll
owedby
MphoandIsmi l
edashecar ri
ed
fl
owers
Me:
Thanky
ou
Lucas:Theyarenoty
our
sNasi
,they
areforthepat
ient
Me:
Mxm y
ou'
resuchabadf
ri
end
Lucas:You'
rej
ustj
eal
ous.IknowI
'
m
att
ract
ive
Mpho:
Stayi
nyourl
aneMi
l
ler
Lucas:
I'
minmyl
aneLebone
Dannystar
edatLucaswhodidn'
t
seem scar
edbythelookhewas
giv
en.Iwant edtolaughbutIkeptit
tomy self
.Theyhadt heirown
conversati
onwhichIt r
iedveryhar
d
l
isteni
ngt obutIcouldnthearathi
ng
Me:
Areyouguysspeaki
ngengl
i
sh?
Not
hat'
snotEngl
i
sh
Mpho:
It'
sSpani
sh
Me:
Youguy
sar
esobor
ing.
Itooksomenut sinmybagandar e
whiletheygossi
ped.Whateverthey
weretalki
ngaboutseemedl i
keI
wasn'tsupposedtohear.Af
tersome
ti
met heyfi
nall
yleftandIwasleft
al
onewi thDanny.
Danny
:Comecl
oserpl
ease
Me:
Okay
Isatnextt
ohim andheheldmyhand.
He'shandwasabi tweakbutIcoul
d
feelt
hesparkbetweenus.Ij
ustcri
ed
Danny
:I'
m sor
ryNasi
phi
Me:No,sor
ryisnotenoughTri
ston!
Youhur
tme, saneornot.Youhurt
me.Youhadnor i
ghttohitme
Danny:NasiphiI'
m sor
ryyouknow
surel
yIwoul dnevereverhi
tyou.
Eventhi
nkingaboutitmakesme
angryatmy sel
f.Idi
dn'
tdoit
i
ntenti
onal
ly
Me:Youhavenor
ightt
ohitmenor
anyot
herwoman.Iam damn
pregnant,t
hatdi dnotevenstopyou.
Apr egnantwoman, whom y ou
thoughtisy ourexwife?Justbecause
ofthef i
l
tht hatwasinyourhead,you
thi
nki ti
sright?
Danny:Of
causenotNasi
,not
hing
j
usti
fi
eswhatIdid.
Me: Danversawy ou!Hewi l
lhavethat
i
nhismi ndf ortherestofhi
slif
e.
Nothingcant akethatmemor yaway.
Il
ovey ouDannybuty ouhurtmeand
ourfamil
y .
Danny
:Whatdi
dsheuseonme?
Me:
Idon'
tknow
Danny
:Di
dyoucont
actVul
amasango?
Me: Nkosi '
smot hercal l
edhi m when
wewer einLangel i
hle.Hesai dthere'
s
nothingwecoul ddo, onlyamat t
erof
l
ifeanddeat hwouldcur ey ou.I
couldntf i
ghther,Icoul dntf i
ghtfor
youbecauseIam pr egnantandIwas
putti
ngmychi ldfir
st,put ti
ngour
chil
drenf ir
st.I
fIwasi nvest edin
fi
ghtingf oryou,whowoul dbea
parentt oourki dsifsheal soused
somet hingonme?Thatdr ov eme
i
nsane, webot hdon' tknowt he
measur esshewoul dhav etakenandI
wasn' tgoi ngtoriskmyunbor nchil
ds
l
ife.Rat hery oudieorIdi esoour
chil
dcanl i
ve.I'
m sor r
yi fIam sel f
ish
becauseyouwouldjumpoffacli
ff
formebutourchil
dcomesf i
rst
.Il
ost
achil
dbeforeandIwasn'
tgoingto
l
ooseanotherchi
ldDanny
.Iloveyou
butIlov
eourchil
drenmore.
Danny:
Ify
ouwer egi
venachoi
cet
o
ki
llmeortheki
ds,whowoul
dyouki
ll
?
Me:I
'
dkill
you.Ourki
dscomef
ir
st,
nomatt
erwhat
Danny:Youaresuchawonderf
ul
mother.Iwi
shIknewwhatamot her
s
l
ovefeelsli
kebutI'
m gl
admy
chi
ldr
enhav ewhatI'
veal
waysl
onged
for
.
Me:
Yourmot
herwoul
d'
vebeena
gr
eatmot
hert
oyou
Danny
:I'
dlov
etobel
i
eveso
Me: Maybeyoushoul
dgiveMaPhindy
achance.She'
sagreatwomananda
gr
eatmot hert
oyourli
tt
lesi
ster
s
whichyouhaven'
tseeninmonths
Tr
iston!
Danny
: Isometi
mesevenforgetI
haveyoungersi
ster
s,I
'
m usedtojust
bei
ngtheonlychil
d.
Thedoct
orcamei
n
Dr
:MrMcKenzi
e,DrNy
athi
.
Me:Hel
loDr,
howl
ongwi
l
lhi
sface
t
aketoheal
?
Dr
:Pr
obabl
yanent
ir
eyear
Danny
:Thatl
ong!
Dr:Yourwoundswi l
ltaketi
met oheal
,
i
fy ou'
reluckyandyourskinreact
s
wellwiththemedicat
ion,i
twillt
ake
wil
l t
akelessti
me.Youwer ebadl
y
i
njuredMrMcKenzi e,Idon'
teven
knowhowy ousurvi
ved
Danny
:It
'sal
lbecauseofmywi
fe'
s
pr
ayer
sDoc.
Dr:You'
realuckyman.You'l
lhav
e
j
ustanotherhourwi
thhim and
vi
siti
nghourswil
lbeover,
Mr
McKenzieneedstorest
Me:
YesIwi
l
lleav
e
Danny
:Mywi
fei
sn'
tgoi
ngany
wher
e
Thedoct
orlaughedandl
eftus.He
hasnori
ghttomakedemands
Me: Youcannotmakedemands.I
'
m
beingagoodf r
iendherepl
usI
'
m not
yourwife,
youdivorcedme.
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Me:
NoDanny
!
Istartedcryi
ngandshoutingathim.I
don'tknowwhyIwasev enacti
ng
thatway .Hewhi sper
ed"
hormones"
andt hatjustupsetmeevenmor e.
Danny:I
'
m sorr
ymylov
e,I'
m goi
ngto
fi
xthi
ngs.I
'
llwiny
ouoveragai
n,I
l
oveyou.
Me:
Itst
ool
ate
Danny:You'rejustsayi
ngthat
becausey ou'
reupset.Baby,we'
re
soulmates.Youknowy oucannotget
overme
Me:
(l
aughs)Don'
tbesococky
.
Danny
:It
'sgoodt
oseey
ousmi
l
e
Il
aiddownnextt
ohi
m bei
ngcar
eful
nottohur
thi
m.
Me:
Yousl
eptwi
thher
?
Danny
:YesIdi
d,count
lesst
imes.
Me:
Didy
ouev
enusepr
otect
ion?
Danny
:Shi
t!NoNasi
phi
Me:
Wher
eisshe?
Danny
:Theyt
ookhert
oHQ
Me:
Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odot
oher
?
Danny:Somanyquest i
ons, I
'l
lkil
lher
Nasiphi
.Shewil
lsuff
er ,butnotyet.I
needtoknowwhoshei swor king
wit
h.Mphoi sworki
ngont r
acingthe
cal
lshemadebef or
et heaccident
happened.Shei
swor kingwi t
h
someone,shewasaf t
ermymoney .
Me: Bef
orey
oudoanythi
ng,make
sureyoudoapr
egnancytestonher
fi
rst
.
Danny
:She'
snotpr
egnant
Me:Justt
obeont
hesaf
esi
de
Tr
ist
on
Danny
:OkayI
'
lldoso.
Westayedi
ncomfor
tabl
esi
l
enceand
hedeci
dedtodr
opabombonme.
Danny
:Mar
rymeagai
nNasi
phi
Me:
You'
rest
il
lmar
ri
edt
oher
Danny:We'
ll
bedi
vor
cedbytheend
oftheday
.Wecangetmar
ri
ed
tomorr
ow
Me:
NoDanny ,
let
sjustwai
tforyou
t
oheal
fir
standwe'l
lseefr
om ther
e.
Danny:
Youdon'
twantt
obewi
thme
anymore?
Me:
Idi
dn'
tsayt
hat
Danny
:Thenwhydon'
tyouwantt
o
mar
ryme?
Me:Iwil
lmarr
yyouTri
ston,j
ustnot
now.Let
'sf
ocusonyougetti
ng
heal
edandthenwe'
l
lwor konus.
Danny
:It
'st
hisaboutLucas?Doy ou
l
ovehim?Areyouguystogether
?
Me:I'
m notgoi
ngt
oli
stent
othi
s
nonsense.
Danny
:Tal
k!
Me:Don'tyoudareshoutatmeMr
McKenzie!Youhavenoright
!Stop
bei
nginsecure,
Lucasismyf r
iend
andherespectsmeandy ou!
Danny
:I'
m sor
ryNasi
phi
Me:
Youj
ustt
alkcr
apsomet
imes
Danny :Ist
ill
needtober espect
ed,I
'l
l
l
etitpassj ustf
ort
oday .Butnever
wil
ly ouevertal
ktomel ikethatev
er
again,doImakemy sel
fclear?
Inoddedwitht
ears.Hewasusi
nghis
author
it
ati
vevoi
ceonmeandi tst
il
l
doesscareme.
Me:
Youst
il
ll
ookugl
ythough
Imanagedt omakehi ml aughand
forgetthatIdi
srespect
edhi m.Indeed
hewasabi tugl
y ,
forsomeonewho
didn'
tknowhi m much, heorshe
woul dneverbeabletor ecogni
zehim.
Buthest il
li
smyhandsomeDanny .
Wet al
kedf orawhi l
eandt henur se
camet oinjecthim wit
hhi s
medi cati
onandIwasaskedt oleav e.
Hewasn' thappyabouti tatallbutI
toldhim howIpr omisedtobet her e
forDanv er.Wesai dourgoodby es
andAt hidrov emehomeaf t
eral ong
l
ect ureofwhyIdr ovemy selfhere.
Thesepeopl efailt
ounder standt he
situati
onIwasi n.Igothomeandt he
kidswer ewat chingtvwhi l
ehav ing
snacks
Me:Heyguys,di
dyouev
enhav
e
pr
operfood?
Oni
ka:
Yeswedi
d
Me:
Good,
Danv
er,
howdoy
ouf
eel
?
Danver
:I'
mfeel
ingmuchbet
ter
.Ij
ust
needafootmassage
Me:Youshoul
dbegi
vi
ngmeaf
oot
massage
Danver
:Unf
air,
Ialwaysgi
veyouone
buty
oudon'tdoitinr
etur
n.
Il
aughedandgav ehi mt hefoot
massagehewant ed.Iendedup
doingi ttoOnikat oo.Wehadagr eat
aft
ernoont oget
herandwecooked
suppert ogether.Ilookedatthem and
sawhowl uckyIam t ohavethem as
myki ds.I'dprotectthem wit
h
everythingIhave, Iwouldlaymyl i
fe
f
ormychi
l
dren.
#Danny
Waki ngup, al
lIwant edtoseewas
Nasi phi.Iwashur tanddi sappoint
ed
i
nmy selfaboutev eryt
hingt hatI'
ve
donet oherwhi l
eIwasunder
Lindel wa'si nf
luence.Nev erhaveI
thoughtt hatonedaysucht hi
ngs
woul dhappent ome.Wewat ch
mov i
esandhearf rom ot herpeopleof
storiest hatpeopl eusemut hion
other sfort hem tol ovethem and
nev erdidIt hi
nkI'dbei nt hat
situation.I tal
lseemssur r ealbut
whathashappened, hashappened.
Event het houghtofmebeat i
ngup
theloveofmyl ifemakesmewant s
toshotmy selfbutIwi l
l nottakethe
easywayout .Ihur therandIdeser ve
everythingt hati scomi ngf orme.I
knowNasi phi andIknowt hatshe
won'tlett hisgoeasi l
y,Iam wi l
l
ingto
putinal lthehar dwor kandwi nher
back.She' ssof theartedwheni t
comest omebutIwi l
lnotuset hatto
myadv ant age.Nowomandeser ves
tobebeat enup, especiall
ya
pregnantwoman.WhatIdi di s
unforgivabl e.Iknowi nmysanemi nd
Iwould'v enev erdonet hatbutthatis
sti
llnotanexcuset ogetof fmy
wrongs.Knowi ngt hatmyson
witnessedhi sf atherbeatuphi s
mot heri st hewor st.Iknowi twi l
l
forev erbeembeddedi nhismemor y
butt hatIwi l
ltrybyal l meanst o
remov et hatinhi smi nd.AsNasi phi
alway ssay s,achi ldsmemor yoft hei
r
childhoodshoul dal way sbef il
l
ed
withsmi lesandl aught erandt hati s
whatIpl ant odof ort hebot hoft hem
andourunbor nson.Iam happy
abouthav i
nganot hersonandIdo
oweNasi phi acar .Ear l
ieronIasked
thenur sest ogivemeami r
rorsoI
canseemy self,Iwasbadl yinjuredon
myf acebutIbel iev eitwi l
lhealsoon.
Asl ongasNasi phi st
illl
ovesmeev en
whenIl ookl i
ket his,I'
m happy .I
understoodherwhenshet oldmeshe
couldn'tfi
ghtf orme.I fIwasi nher
shoesI '
ddot hesame.Sheshowsme
everyti
met hatshe' sanamazi ng
mot her,noonecomesbef oreher
chil
dren.Ev enI ,
andt hatmakesme
happybecauseIknowt heyar ei n
goodhands.Shel ov est hem inaway
thatalsoamazesme.Iam i ndeed
l
uckyt ohav esuchawomani nmy
l
ife.Asf orLindelwa, shedoesn' t
knowme.Shehaswor kedwi thme
foryearsandcer tainly,she'sbr avet
o
havet hegut stodot hatt ome.ThatI
applaudherf orbutnoonemesses
withDannyTr i
stonMcKenzi e, noone.
Beingst uckinthishospitalbed
upset smebutIwi l
ldeal withher
accor dingly.MphoandBongamade
sureshe' satHQBasement s, she'san
agent ,shewasf ull
ytr
ainedandshe
knowst hei nsandout s.She'ssmar t
andwoul dbeabl etoescape.They
pour edboi l
ingacidonherl egsoshe
i
sinenor mouspai nwithnomeansof
gettingout .She'sunderhi ghsecur i
ty
andsheknowsshe' sindeepshi t.My
peopl ear ewor ki
ngonf inding
whoev eritisthatshewast alkingt o
ont hephone.Shewaswor kingf or
someoneandt heywil
l bothl oset hei
r
l
ives.Whil
eIwasindeepthought
s
myf at
hercamein,nowIwasindeep
shitj
udgi
ngbyhisface.Hewasangr
y
Razor
:Tr
ist
on
Me:
Razor
Razor
:Si
tupwhenIt
alkt
oyou
Me:
Butdad,
Ican'
t.
Razor
:YouknowIcanbeaty
ouupon
thi
shospi
tal
bed.
Thiswaspurepunishment,I
'
m 37
al
readybutmyfathersti
ll
bull
iesme
andbeatsmeup.IsatupasIwasi n
somuchpainbuthedi dn'
tcare.
Razor
:Di
dIt
eachy
out
obeatupy
our
wi
fe?
Me:
Nobuty
oudi
dsl
apy
ourexwi
fe
Razor
:Ibr
oughtyouint
othi
sworl
d
andIwon'
thesi
tatet
ogetyououtof
i
t.
Razor:Shewasasl ut
.Nev erdidI
everbeatupyourmot herandnev er
haveIeverbeatenupMaPhi ndy.
Wheny ouleavethishospi t
al,Iwil
l
showy ou.Youthinky oustrong
enoughtobebeat ingupNasi phi
?I
wil
lshowy ouwhoi sstrongeryou
i
diot.
Me:Dad,
youcan'
tbeatmeup.I
'm so
ol
d.Youshoul
dbehappyt
hatI'
m
al
iv
eanddidn'tdi
eint
hatacci
dent
i
nsteadofwanti
ngtobeatmeup.
Razor
:Asl
ongasI
'm st
il
lonEar
th,
youar
eachil
dtomeandIhaveevery
ri
ghtt
obeaty
ouup.
Withthatsaidhel
eftandIsighed.I
'
m
nevergett
ingoutofthi
shospital
.
Razorwilll
andmebacki nhere.KJ
camei nandhewasf ol
lowedby
L’
yandaandJabu.
Me:
Gent
s
Jabu:
Yougood?Justsawt
heol
d
manstor
m out
Me:I
'
mi npai
n,hemademesi
tup
andt
hreat
enedtobeatme
KJ:Trustme, t
hatwasnotat hreat.
Hewi ll
doit.HebeatmeandJomo
upy est
erdayfornotdoingmont hl
y
checkupsont heagents.Thi
ngsar e
toughattheforce,he'
sbreat
hingfire.
Me:
Razori
scr
azy
L’
yanda:Andyout
akeaf
terhi
m.We
notevenall
owedt
obeinherebutwe
snuckinsowecanseeyou
Me:
Why
?
L’yanda:Nasi
lef
tst
ri
cti
nstr
uct
ions
thatnooneshouldcomeinsoyou
canr est
.
Me:
Ohwow
KJ:
Shel
ovesy
ou,
don'
tmessup
agai
n
Me:Iwon'
tandt
hanky
ouf
ort
aki
ng
car
eofher.
KJ:
I'
ddoany
thi
ngf
ory
ouandher
.
Me:
Iappr
eci
atet
hat
Jabu:
Argh!Let
sgobefor
eyougetal
l
moochyoneachother
.
Ly
anda:
Shar
pbr
o!
TheyleftmeandIdeci dedtosl
eep
again.There'
snothingmuchtodo
otherthansleep.IhopeI'
l
lbeoutof
herebyt omorrow.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t65
It
'sbeenaweeksi ncehe'sbeenat
thehospi
tal.He'sbeenwant i
ngtoget
outandfinall
yithashappened.KJ
andIwereonourwayt ofetchhim
andhekeptoncal li
ngust el
li
ngus
thatwe'
retakingourownt ime.When
wegott herehewasstandingbythe
recepti
onwi t
hhisbagsready.
Ofcauset her
ewasjournal
istst
aki
ng
pict
uresofhim andhedidn'tev
en
care.Allhewantedwastogohome.
Me:
Youdi
dn'
tcov
ery
ourf
ace
Danny:I
twon'
theal
ifI
'
m al
way
s
cover
ingit
.
Me: Okay
,you'
ll
becomingi
nfora
checkupeveryweekend
Danny
:Canwecheckupont
hebaby
?
I
fyoudon'
tmi
nd
Hewasner v
ousandIdi
dn'
t
under
standwhy.
Me:
Idon'
tmi
nd.
Wewentt oDrCele'soffi
ceand
l
uckilyshewasn'tbusyatal l
.Wedi d
thescanandhehear dthehear tbeat.
Hesheddedat earandIgot
emot i
onal t
oo.I'
veseenhim cr y
beforebuteacht i
meseemsl iket he
fi
rstti
me.Wewer egiventhescan
photosandwesai dourgoodby es.KJ
droveandDannywasqui etall the
wayhome.Wewenti nwi t
hKJbuthe
stoodout si
de.Iwatchedhimt hrough
thewindowashewal kedar oundi n
deept houghtsandtalki
ngtohi mself
.
Iunpackedhi sbagandmadehi m
somet hingtoeatwhilehewas
outsi
de.Hecamei nandat ewi thout
say
ingawor
d
Me:
Youokay
?
Danny:YesI
'
mfine.Babe,
Ithi
nkwe
shoul
dgetanewhouse.
Me:
Why
?
Danny
:Foraf
reshst
art
Me:Youcandeci
dewhatyouwant,I
hav
emyownhouset hatIj
ustbought
.
I
fyoudon'
twanttost
ayhereyoucan
moveout.
Danny:ButIt
houghty
ou'
dbemov
ing
backhome
Me:
No
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Me:
NotnowDanny
Danny
:When?
Me: Idon'
tknowjustnotnow.Just
becauseI'
mt aki
ngcareofy ou
doesn'tmeanwe'rebacktogether
.
You'l
lbestayi
ngaloneinyourhouse.
HenoddedandIfel
tbad.ButIwasn'
t
backi
ngdowneasil
y.Iwashedthe
di
sheswhenwewer edoneeati
ng.
KJ:
Let
'sgo
Danny:
Sure,wantt
ogohomeor
you'
l
lstayher
e?
Me:Whereareguy
sgoing?You'
re
supposedt
oberesti
ng
Danny
:HQ,Ihavetodealwit
h
Li
ndel
waplusthey
'vefoundwhoev
er
shewasworki
ngwith.
Me:
Iwantt
ocomewi
th
KJ:
Yousur
e?
Me:Yes.Di
dyouguy
sdot
hat
pr
egnancyt
est?
KJ:
Yesandshe'
snotpr
egnant
Danny
:Let
'
sgetgoi
ng
Wewentt
otheandDannydr
oveus
of
ftoHQ.
Phi
l
a:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Hesai
dlookingatme.Theywer
e
nowabithesit
ant
Me:
Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Bonga:
Not
hing
HepulledDannyasi
deandthey
spokeforawhil
e.Dannyseemedso
angry
Danny
:Let
'
sgoi
n.
Wewentdownt othebasementandI
wassoshockedtoseewhoLindelwa
wasworki
ngwith.
Me:
Zizi
pho
Mysister
,wehavethesamefat
her.
Whydoesf ami
l
ydot hi
stoone
anot
her?Seemsli
keshe'sj
ustl
ike
Nkonzo.
Me:
Why
?Whydi
dyoudot
his?
Zi
pho:
Letmego!
Me:Youcannotbemaki
ngdemands
her
e.Speak
Mphogav emeachairandabott
leof
wat
er.Isatdownandwaitedf
orher
t
ospeak
Lindel
wa:MrsMcKenzi eI'
m sorry,I
'
m
sosorrypl
easet el
lthem t
ost op
tort
uri
ngmet hisway .I
'
mi npain,my
l
egsar eal
lburntbyacidplease!
Please
Ii
gnor
edherandf
ocusedonZi
pho
Zipho:
Ther
e'snothi
ngt
oexpl
ain,
I
neededmoney.Sheowedmesoshe
wor kedforme.Youknowhowmuch
I'
veal wayslov
edDannybutIcouldn'
t
bet heonewhodr ugshim,Ihadno
accesst ohim sobasi
cal
lyImade
Lindelwaliv
emyl i
feforme.
Me:
Itsmyl
i
fe,
noty
our
sZi
zi
pho
Zi
pho:That'
swherey ouget
ti
ngit
wrongyounglady,i
t'
soursi
ster
sli
fe.
I
tisZiy
anda'sli
fe!
Danny
:Youar
ecr
azy
Zi
pho:
Andy
oul
ovemeDanny
!
Me:
DoesMaCebi
sil
enowaboutt
his?
Zipho:No,butsheknowsthatyou
ki
lledNkonzo!Ify
oukil
lme,shewill
knowandshei scomingforyou.
Don'
tunder
est
imat
eher
Me: Andshemustnotunder esti
mate
me.Yout hi
nky ou'
real
way sgoi ngto
winhuh?That'snevergoingt o
happen.Ihaveneverdoneany t
hing
toyouandy ourfamil
ybuty ouand
yoursickbr
otherdoterr
iblethingsto
me!
Zipho:That'sbecuasey out
ookwhat
belongstous!Dadl ef
tyouall
the
wealthhehad!Thatwasunf ai
r
becausei tbelongedtous!Gugu,
Pamel a,Buu, Mbulel
oandtheyoung
onesar estupid!Sostupidt
otreat
youasoursi stery
etyoutookaway
ourweal t
h
Me:Idi
dn'
t,y
ourfat
herdi
dthat.It
washismoneyandhisdeci
sions.I
di
dn'
tevenknowhim!
Zi
pho:
Doesn'
tchangeathi
ng.You'
re
l
iv
ingt
heni
celi
fewhilewesuff
er
Me:You'
renotevensuf
fer
ing,
you'
ve
gotagoodli
feandagoodjob.
Zi
pho:
Thati
snotenough!
Me:
You'
rej
ustbei
nggr
eedy
.
Danny:Youcanleavenowbabe,
l
eaveust odealwit
hthem.They
won'tseethesunri
setomorr
ow
Me:
Don'
t,
don'
tki
l
lthem.
Bonga:
What
?Ar
eyoucr
azy
?
Me:Thei
rbl
oodshoul
dn'
tbei
nyour
hands
Li
ndelwa:
Thanky
ou,
thanky
ouf
or
l
ett
ingusgo
Me:I'
m notlet
ti
ngy ougo.Jomo,
passmet heacidandthose
chemical
s
Hedi dsoandDannymi xedthem
together.Wepour editontheirl
egs.
Whati twill
doi sputthem inint
ense
pain.Theirlegswill
burnintoashes
ast heywatcht hem.Imadesur et hat
thechemi caldoesn'tgobeyondt heir
knees.Dannywentasf arascut t
ing
offtheirfi
ngers.Thathasbeen
somet hingthatdisgustsme.Il ef
t
them ast heytort
uredt hem.Gone
wasmysweetandmer cif
ulheart
.I
wantedt hem tosuf f
eranddi easlow
painf
ul death.Shootingthem would
belett
ingt hem goeasi l
y.Asfor
MaCebi sil
e,Iknowshewi llwagewar.
Jabu:Hermot
herneedst
obet
aken
careoff
Danny:Wesitdownandwai tf
orher
towagewar.Iknowshewi l
lactas
soonasshediscover
sZiphois
missi
ng.Wewi l
lat
tackwhenshe
att
acks,we'
l
lbereadyforher.
Me:
That
'sagoodi
dea
Danny
:Agoodideawouldbey
ou,
goi
nghomet oeatandr
est
.Myson
mustbehungry
Irol
l
edmyeyesathi
m andwewent
tohiscar
.
Danny:Wantt
ogr
absomet
hingat
thest
ores?
Me:Wecangogetsomebur gersfor
theki
dsandsomegoodies.They'
l
lbe
happytocomebackhomet oit
.
Danny
:Ihaven'tseenOni
kainsucha
l
ongti
me.Imi ssthebothofthem,i
s
i
tokayifIsl
eepov er
?
Me:
Danny
Danny
:It
sokayi
fyoudon'
twantme
t
o.
Me:
You'
l
lsl
eepi
ntheguestr
oom.
Danny:Begger
scan'
tbechoser
s.
Thanks
Wewentt othemallanddi
dami ni
grocer
yshoppingandboughtt
he
burger
s.WegothomeandIat e.Il
aid
onthecouchandhesqueezed
hi
mselfnexttome.Hewentdown
andlai
dhisheadsoftl
yonmy
stomach.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Danny
:Li
steni
ngt
omybabybr
eat
h
Me:
Didy
ouf
eel
that
?Ouch
Hel
aughedashef
elthi
m ki
cki
ng.I
t'
s
t
hefi
rstt
imeheev
enkicks
Danny
:Hel
l
oli
tt
leMcKenzi
e
Il
aughedathim ashehadal ong
conv
ersat
ionwithhisson.Heheld
myhandandIsmi led.Igotacal
l
fr
om Danny'
sfather.
Me:
Hel
l
oMrMcKenz
ie
Razor
:Nasimydaught
er,
howar
eyou
andmygrandchi
l
dren?
Me:Wearewel
lthanky
ouand
your
sel
f?
Razor:I
'm okay,
Icalledt
oinv
itey
ou
forsupper.I'
vemissedmy
grandchi
ldren
Me:We'll
comeov erdad,
thankyou
fort
heinvi
te.Thekidswil
lbereall
y
happyandexcitedtoseethetwi
ns.
Razor:Tel
lDannyt
ost
opignor
ingmy
cal
ls,
whenIf i
ndhi
m.He'
l
l r
egr
etit
Me:
YesIwi
l
ltel
lhi
m
Wesai
dourgoodby
esandDanny
's
ey
eswereal
lout
Danny
:Whatdi
dhesay
?
Me: Yesinvi
ti
ngusforsupperandhe
saidstopignor
inghi
scall
s,you'
ll
regreti
twhenhef i
ndsyou.
Danny:Ohgod,
I'
m notgoi
ngt
othat
supper
.
Me:Youhav
etobet
her
eorhe'
l
lbe
angr
y
Danny
:Nop,
I'
m notgoi
ngatal
l
.
Me:
Wow!
Danny:Ist
il
lwantt
oli
veandseemy
chi
ld.
Me:Ican'
tbeli
eveyou'
rer
unni
ng
awayfrom y
ourfat
her
Danny
: Bestbel
i
eveit
.I'
m goi
ngt
o
fet
chthekidsfr
om school
.
Me:
Okay
.
Hel
eftandIwatchedTVasIwai
ted
f
ort
hem tocomeback.Aft
er15mins
t
heki
dscamer unningt
ome.
Oni
ka:
MamakaLet
hukut
hul
a!!
!!
Me:
I'
m her
ebaby
Oni
ka:
Mom,stopcal
l
ingmeababy
.
Howarey
ou?
Me:I
'm goodandy
our
sel
f?Hey
Danv
er
Danv
er:
Hel
l
omom,
I'
m hungr
y
Oni
ka:
I'
m Okay
,I'
m hungr
ytoo.
Danny
:Comegety
ourbur
ger
s
Them:
Yey
!Bur
ger
s!
Me:Andguesswher
ewe'
regoi
ng
t
hiseveni
ng?
Danv
er:
Theci
nema?
Me:
Wrong
Oni
ka:
Uhm Aunt
yKamo'
s?
Me:
Wrong,
we'
regoi
ngt
ogr
andpa'
s!
Theyscreamedaswecheer edand
didourhappydance.Dannywas
taki
ngav i
deoofusandl aughi
ng.
Oni
ka:
Weshoul
dteachDad.
Danny
:Tomor
row,
I'
m abi
tti
rednow
Onika:
Daddyt ol
dmewhathappened
t
ohi sface.Hesti
ll
lookshandsome,
r
ightmom?
Me:
Yeshedoes
DannysmiledandIrol
ledmyeyes.I
di
dn'tcompli
menthim, Oni
kadi
d.I
gotacallf
rom Lucas.
Me:
Lul
uuuu
Lucas:Whatthehel
l
!You'
rebadat
gi
vingnicknames
Me:Whatev
er,
li
key
ou'
reanybet
ter
.
What
'sup?
Lucas:Not
hingmuch,Iwasj
ust
checki
ngupony ou.
Me:
Oht
hanky
ou,
sohowswor
k?
Lucas: Wor
kisverytempti
ng,
why
didn'ty
outel
lmet herear
esomany
thickandbeaut
if
ul womaninNiger
ia?
Me:Idi
dn'
tevenknowyouwer ei
n
Ni
geri
a!Rememberyousaidyou
won'
thavesexfort
henext5months?
Lucas:Fuckt
hat
!I'
m seri
ousl
ynot
sti
cki
ngt omywords.How'sDanny
?
Me:He'
sokay,
he'
sjustgi
vi
ngmea
gr
umpylook
Lucas:Iknewyouguy
swoul
dget
backtogether
Me:
Wel
lyou'
rewr
ong
Lucas:
You'r
esobor i
ngNasibut
anyways,
goodbye.Sayheyt
ot he
ki
dsandMrgr umpyface
Ilaughedandsai
dgoodbye.Ihada
hugesmi l
eonmyf acewhichseemed
l
ikeDannywasn'thappyabout
Me:
What
?
Danny:
Hemakesy
oul
aughand
smil
e
Me:
Yeshedoes
Danny:I
'
m nothappyaboutthat.Onl
y
Ishoul
dmakey ousmil
elikethat
Me:
You'
resoj
eal
ousMcKenzi
e.
Danny:Whyar
ey ouev
ent
alki
ng
abouthi
ssexl
ife?
Me:BecauseLucastal
ksabout
any
thi
ngandev er
ythi
ng.He'
svery
out
spoken
Danny
:Idon'
tl
iket
his
Me:Well
you'
ll
havet
osucki
tup.I
'
m
goi
ngtoshower
Il
ef thim withhisgrumpyf aceand
hi
ski dsandIt ookashower .Iworea
ti
ghtnav ydresswhichwasal i
tt
le
belowt hekneesandwhi tesneakers
andabl ackdoekov ermyheadand
shoul ders.ImightbedivorcedbutI
sti
llrespectDanny '
sparents.Igotthe
ki
dsr eadyandDannywaswat chi
ng
tv.
Me:
Youst
il
lnotcomi
ng?
Danny
:Nop
Me:
Whatwi
l
lIsayt
ohi
m?
Danny
:Idon'
tknow,
you'
l
lcomeup
wit
hsomethi
ng.
Me:
Whowi
l
ldr
iveus?
Danny
:I'
l
ldr
opy
ouof
f
Me:
Thi
sissocr
azyTr
ist
on.
Danny
:Razori
sev
encr
azi
er.
Me:
Wer
eadyt
oleav
e
Danny:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulmy
pr
eciousPear
l
Me:
Thanky
ou
Hecarri
edbot hthekidsasItookmy
bagandwel ef
t.Hereall
ydi
ddr opus
offonthedrivewayandhespedof f.
Thisguy!IknockedandMaPhi ndy
openedthedoor .
MaP:Hel
l
o!Well,
whatdowehav
e
her
e?Mygrandki
ds!
Shecarr
iedt
hem andki
ssedt
hei
r
faces
Danv
er:
Grandma!I
'
m ol
dnow.
MaP:You'l
lnev
erbet
oool
dforme
youngone.
Sheputt
hem downandshehugged
me.
MaP:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulandbl
oat
ed
Me:Iam solooki
ngfor
wardt
ogivi
ng
bi
rt
h.Justtwomor emont
hstogo.
MaP:Hangi
nther
e.Let
'sgohav
ea
seat
.
Wewentt
othedi
nningr
oom and
t
her
ewasKevi
n,Danny'
scousi
nand
Razor
Me:
Hel
l
oKev
in,
Heydad
Razor
:Hel
l
omydaught
er
Kev
in:
Hel
l
oNasi
.
Theygreetedtheki
dsandt hen
l
ookedatme.Ohoh, Idon'
tknow
whatl
ieI'l
ltel
l
Razor
:Wher
eishe?
Me: Thedoctorsai
dit
'sbesti
fhe
getssomer estsohe'
sathome
rest
ing.
Ihopemywhi
tel
i
ewor
ks.Fi
nger
s
crossed!
Razor
:Thatboy
!
Kev
in:
Lethi
mrestuncl
e
Kevi
nwantedtolaughandsodidI
butwehel
ditin.Razort
ookhi
scar
keysandl
eft
.
Kev
in(
laughs)
:Hei
sindeepshi
t
Me:
Tel
lmeabouti
t
Kevin:
Idon'
tgetwhyDannyst
il
l
thi
nkshecancrossUncl
eRazor.He'
l
l
regr
etnotcomingher
e.
MaPcamef
rom t
heki
tchenwi
tht
he
ki
ds.
MaP:
Wher
eisy
ourf
ather
?
Kev
in:
Hewentt
osor
toutDanny
MaP:
Ohmyson.
Me:Doy
our
eal
l
ythi
nkhe'
l
lbeathi
m
up?
MaP:Iknowmyman,whenhesays
he'
l
ldosomethi
ng.Her
eal
lydoesi
t.
Thetwi
ns,JaneandJennacame
downst
air
sandthey'
vegrownso
much!
Jenna:
Hel
l
oaunt
yNasi
Me:Hel
loJenna,
you'
vegr
ownso
much!
ShelaughedandJanewavedatme.
Shewassuckingonherthumbso
ther
ewasnowayshewasgoi ngto
tal
k.Wesatdownandhadal ovely
conversat
ionwhi
l
ewewer ecatchi
ng
upandt hekidswerewat ching
cart
oons.Thechefcal l
eduswhen
thefoodwasr eady.Iprayed,blessi
n
thefoodandj ustwhenwewer e
abouttodishupDannyandRazor
camei n.Dannywasev enl i
mping.
ThewayKev i
nlaughedathi m,Ifelt
sosorryforhim.Istoodupwant ing
tohelphim butRazorstoppedme.
Dannymadehi swaytohi sseatand
l
ift
edhi smiddlefi
ngeronKev in.
Kevi
n:Youst
il
lhav
ethecour
aget
o
swearatme
Danny:
Don'tworry
,I'
m notthathur
t.
Dadisslowl
yloosi
nghisfir
e.
Me:Butt
hewayy
ouar
etel
l
sme
ot
herwi
se.
Hel aughedandkissedmyhand.He
greetedMaPhi ndyandhissi ster
s.We
dishedupf oreveryoneandwehada
l
ov elymeal andgreatconversati
ons.
Mostoft het i
mewewer eli
st eni
ngto
thekids.Afterhavi
ngdesser twe
l
istenedtomusi candt hekidswer e
dancing.Razorpulledmeasi deand
dancedwi t
hme.
Razor
:Ar
eyouhappy
?
Me:
YesIam.
Razor:Iwon'
tblameyouifyoudon't
for
giv
et hati
diotofasonIhave.But
youdohavetoknowthathei
ssorry
anditwasn'
thi
sint
ent
iontohur
tyou.
Me:Iknowbuti
tsj
usthar
dtof
orget
abouti
t
Razor:Youshouldn'
tforceyoursel
fto
for
getbecausethatmi ghtnever
happen.Focusonmov i
ngon.Focus
onbeinghappy,evenifitmeans
bei
nghappywi t
houthi m.
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkIcanbehappy
wi
thouthi
m
Razor
:Your
eal
l
ylov
ehi
m don'
tyou?
Me:
YesIdo
Razor
:I'
m gl
adhef oundyou.He'l
l
makeitwork,
trustme.Iseealotof
mei
nhi
m.
Me:
True
Razor :Someoneoncet ol
dmet hat
l
ov ehast heabili
tytobreakand
restore.He'sbrokeny ouint
opieces
buthecanr est
orey ou.Whatever
happensf rom nowonwar ds,besure
thatitmakesy ouandy ourki
ds
happy .You'r
eapr eciousPearl,you
deserv etobehappy .
Me:
ThanksDad
Hekissedmyf or
eheadwecontinued
danci
ng.He'swordsreal
lymeantalot
tome.Ilookedathi
m ashewasn' t
faci
ngme, hewastalki
ngtoKevin
andMaPhi ndy.Ismil
edtomy sel
fasI
thoughtaboutthebeauti
fulf
amilywe
haveandhowexci tedIam aboutour
newmembert hatwil
lbejoi
ningus
soon.Itouchedmyst omachand
smiled.
Me:
Ilov
eyouson
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t66
It
'sbeenamont hsi
nceDannycame
backf rom thehospi t
al.Hehas
recoveredbutnotf ul
ly.Bei
ngt he
stubbor nmant hatheis.Hehaswent
backt ot heforceandhasbeengone
forthepastt woweeks.Wear gued
abouti tbuthesawi tasthebest
decisiont odosoandIl ethi
m be.
Lindelwacoul dntbaret hepainany
l
ongerandshepassedaway .They
tookherr emainingbodypartst oher
familyandsai dshedi edinami ssi
on.
Ziphodi edshor tl
yafterandher
mot herhasbeenupanddown
searchingf orher.Shesuspect edthat
Buu, Mbul eloandIhadsomet hingto
dowi thherdi sappearancebutshe
doesn'thav eherf actsstrai
ght.Ido
notfeel guilt
yatal l
becauseher
daughtercal ledherdeat hupon
herself
.I twast hesev er
epunishment
shedeser ved.
Onika:
Mom, Idon'
twantt
ogot
o
schooltoday
Me: Youhavetogotoschool,i
t'
sthe
secondterm,aver
yimportantt
erm.
Oni
ka:
I'
m sot
ir
edofschool
.
Me:Youstil
lhav
ealongwaytogo
sweeti
e.Nowgetup,yourwat
erwi
l
l
getcol
d.
Shehuf f
edandwenttothebathroom.
Shewasl aughi
ngandscreamingand
Irushedtothebat
hroom andshe
wasmaki ngsuchamessi nthe
bathroom.
Me:
Oni
kaMcKenzi
e!!
!
Oni
ka:
Oops
Me:Youdidonthatonpur
pose.Bat
h
ory
ou'l
lbelat
e.
Iwentt
ocheckonDanv erandhe
wasalr
eadydressed.Icombedhis
hai
randti
editint
oabun.He' scur
ly
hai
rhasgr
ownt
oomuch
Me:
Wewi
l
lcuti
tsoon
Danv
er:
Butmom!
Me:
Notal
lofi
t,i
t'
stool
ongnow.
Hesighedandnodded.Wewer
e
doneandwehadbr eakf
ast
.
Me: Hur
ryandbr
ushyourt
eeth,
the
dr
iverwil
lbeher
eanyminut
e.
Theybrushedt hei
rteet
handwe
waitedf
ort hedriv
eraft
ertheywere
done.Thedr i
vercameandt ookthem
toschool.WhileIwascleani
ngthe
kit
chenNt okozoandSiyawalkedin.
Si
ya:
Mammi
kaDanv
er
Me:
Heysweet
ies
Nt
oko:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Me:
Real
l
ynow?
Theyl
aughedatmeandwesatdown.
Me:Sincemybeaut
iful
fri
endsar
e
her
e,Ineedafootr
ub
Si
ya:
I'
m out
Ntokozobei
ngt
hesof
tandkind
heart
edonegav
emeaf ootr
ub.
Siy
a:Thesemenofoursaresounf
air
,
you'
dsweartheyar
emar r
iedt
othi
s
for
ce.Imissmyhusbandbuthei
s
busy.
Nt
oko:
TrueandwhenIcompl
ained
L’
yandasaidIshoul
dst opnaggi
ng
hi
ml i
keanoldgranny,canyou
bel
ieveit
?Iwassoangr ybutwhenhe
cal
ledthi
smor ni
ng,
beingthefooli
n
l
ovethatIam,Imelted.
Welaughedaswecontinuedt al
king
andthem t
ell
i
ngmehowi tgetsso
busybutsomuchfunatthef orce.
Theyonceworkedf
ull
timef or
Ta'
Razor.
Si
ya:
Razordidn'
tpl
ay,
ifhewant
eda
j
obdone,i
thadtobedoneoneti
me.
Ntoko:Thetr
ainingwast
ough!I
l
it
erall
ycri
edev ery
day
Me:
Whydi
dn'
tyoul
eav
e?I
t'
snotl
i
ke
y
ouwer
efor
cedt
obet
her
e
Ntoko:AsmuchasIwasnotf or
ced
butIhadtobethere.ZeeandZandy
wereintr
oubl
esoi tmeantt herestof
uswereintr
ouble.Weneeded
prot
ecti
onandthef orcecould
prot
ectussoinreturn,wehadt o
work.
Me:ZeeandZandyt
oget
hermeans
t
roubl
ehey
Siya:Youdon'tev enwanttoknow.
They '
regi
f t
edwi t
hsomuchbr ai
ns
andt heyjustdodanger oust
hingsfor
fun.Theyar etooinquisi
ti
veandthey
don'tstoptil
ltheyfindwhatthey
wer
elooki
ngf
or.
Ntoko: Zeelovedtroubl
e,l
ikeshe
l
iterall
ysmeltthedirect
ionofitand
threwher sel
fin.Thefunshehas!
She'sjustalwaysbeenanadr enali
n
j
unki e.
Siy
a:Ialway
ssai dsheshouldn'
thave
beenadoctor,shebelongedonthose
NCIStypeofthings.
ThemoreI'
mtol
daboutZeei
sthe
moreIgett
oknowaboutmysi
ster
.
Siya:Butweir
denough,shewasal l
thatandsti
llhadthi
ssideofher
whichwassoi nnocent
, sodownto
earthandrespect
ful
.Sosubmi ssi
ve
i
naway ,whenshegoti ntoa
rel
ationshi
pwi t
hDanny ,wethought
they'
dbr i
ngthehousedownand
shooteachot herbutshenevereven
arguedwi t
hhim norchall
engedhim
i
nanyway .Shewasi ndeedaspecial
character
Me:Iguessshewasunpr
edi
ctabl
e
j
ustl
ikeNangamso
Siy
a: Oohthatone!Li
keIli
ter
all
yget
scaredofeachandev eryt
houghtshe
has.Alwaysafrai
dofwhatshe'l
ldo
nextorwhatshe'l
lsay.She'
stoo
unpredict
abl
e.
Me:
Youguy
sar
ejustsomet
hingel
se.
Nt
oko:Takeyourbag,
we'
regoi
ngout
.
We'
ll
fetchKamo
Me:
Giv
emeaf
ewmi
nut
est
ochange.
Iwenttotheroom andchangedinto
awhitelongdressandsandal
s.Took
mybagandwewer eofftoKamo's.
Wegott hereandhercarswereall
ther
ebutt hedoor
swer ecl
osed
Si
ya:
She'
snotanswer
ingherphone
Ntoko:Letsgett
hekey
sfr
om t
he
securi
ty.
Shedi
dsoandweopened.Ther
e
wereafewwi
nebot
tl
esont het
abl
e.
Nt
oko:
Wher
eisshe?
Welookedar oundthefir
stfl
oorbut
coul
dn'
tfindher.Thisisthe
di
sadvantageofhav i
ngbigmansions.
Youdon'tevenknowwher et
ofind
someone
Me:I'
m goingtot
hebasement
,you
gotothesecondfl
oorandSi
yagoto
thet
hir
dfloor.
Nt
oko:
Yesmam.
Iwalkeddownst airstot
hebasement
aft
eraf ewmi nutesofwalking.Isat
onthelaststepf eeli
ngvery
exhausted.Il
ookedar oundand
couldn'
tbeli
evewhatwasbef oreme.
Iscreamedoutl oudcalli
ngNt okozo
andSi
ya
Me:Ohno!Kamogelangno!Don'
tdo
t
hispl
ease.Pl
ease!St
op
Theybot
hrushedi
nandscr
eamed.
HowcouldKamodothi
s?Ohno
Si
ya:
Kamo!Kamo!
Sheopenedherey es,theywerebl
ood
red.Shehungher selfwitharopeand
wasf l
oatingi
ntheai r.She'
s
commi tt
ingsui
cide
Me:Kamo,
pleasest
op.Thi
nkabout
t
his
Shelookedatusl i
kewewerecrazy
.
Si
y awasalreadycryi
ngandcoul
dn'
t
evenspeak.She'salway
ssoquickto
cr
y
Ntoko:Kamogelang!Whatareon
eart
hareyoudoi ng!Getthef
uck
down,don'
tpissmeof f
!
Me:
Ntokozocal
m down
Ntoko:
She'sbei
ngv
erysel
fi
sh!She
hasakid!
Me: Iunderstandthat.Kamogel ang,
pleaseIknowy ou'
renotinagood
spacer i
ghtnow, sweetieplease,
you'rehurti
ng,youfeelasify ou'
re
alonebuty ou'r
enot.Idon'tknowhow
i
tf eelsl
iketobei nyourshoesr ight
nowbutwhatIdoknowi sthatIknow
thef eel
i
ngofbei ngdivorced.May be
whaty ou' r
ef eelingai n'tevenabout
thediv orce.Thef eel i
ngofbei ng
betrayedl iket hat,thaty ourentire
mar ri
ageandl if
ewi thThabowasa
l
ie.Thaty ouwer eaf oolallt
hist i
me.
Forsomeoneasi nt el
li
gentasy ou
andy ou'reaPI ,Iknowy ou'
rebeat i
ng
yourselfupf ornotev enconnect i
ng
dotsnorf i
ndi ngev ent hesli
ghtest
clue.Youcannotbl amey ourself,
you
wer einloveandbl i
ndedbyi t.Hehad
hisactt oget herandy oustoodbyhi m
evenwhenhecheat ed.Idon'tknow
howmanyt i
meshedi ditbuty ou
forgavehi m becausey oulovehi m
andy ouwoul dn'tjusteasi l
ygiveup,
youhav eachi l
dt ogetherandy ou
wantedhert ogr owi nt hepr esence
ofbothhi spar ent s.Buthowwi ll
t hat
happeni fy ou'r
ebot hnott her e?She
doesn'
tknowwhathappenedt oher
fat
her,shedoesn' thav eaf ather
anymor e,y oupl aybot hr oles, now
youwanthert ogr owbei nganor phan
becausey ouwer ehur t.I'
m notgoi ng
tocoveri tup, Nt okozoi sbei ng
honest,you' r
ebei ngsel f
ish.You
l
ivi
ngThembel ihlealonei nt hiswor l
d,
yesshehasusbuti t'
sdi ff
er ent,
you'
reherpar ent .Don'ty oudar edo
thi
sKamogel ang.Don' t,
pleaset hink
aboutyourchi l
d.Nooneandnot hi ng
i
smor eimpor t
antinl if
et hany our
chil
d.Ev enyou'r
enot ,youcome
secondandshecomesf i
rst.
What everyou'r
egoi ngt ot hrough,
don'ttakerashdeci sionst hatwi ll
haveabadi mpactonher .Hav en't
youseenorhear dhowpeopl esuf f
er
withouttheirparents?Youhav e
fr
iendswhogr ewupwi thoutt heir
parentsandhav et oldy out heirlif
e
stori
esandhowt heirchi l
dhoodwas,
i
st hatwhaty ouwi shf ory our
daught er?
Il
ookedatthedoorastheybargedi
n.
Whendidtheyall
gethere?Al
lthe
guyscameinrushingandBongaand
Dannymanagedt ocli
mbupand
unti
eKamo.Howdi dsheev enreach
thatf
ar?Shelai
dont hefl
oorand
l
ookedlikeshehasnolif
einher.I
wipedoffmytearsastheycarr
iedher
andwewentupst ai
rs.
Jabu:We'r
etaki
nghert
othehospi
tal
.
Ntoko,dr
ivet
heset
wothere.
Nt
oko:
Wil
ldo
Danny
:Ar
eyoual
lokay
?
Wenoddedashehuggedusand
ki
ssedourf
oreheads.
Phi
l
a:Danny
,I'
m wat
chi
ngy
ou
Danny
:Yourwi
fei
smywi
fey
abo?
Wealllaughedastheyl
eft
.Wesat
downforawhi l
eanddranksome
water
.
Me:
Howdi
dtheyknow?
Si
ya:
Ical
l
edPhi
l
a
Wet al
kedf
orawhil
eandt
hen
headedtot
hehospi
tal
.
Me:We'
realway
satthehospi
tal
,I
'm
begi
nni
ngtohat
ethi
splace.
Ntoko:
Woah,y
oucannothat
eit
.You
workhere.
Me:I'
mjusttir
edofthi
sneverendi
ng
hospi
tal
visi
ts.Maybesomethi
ngis
wrongormay bei
tsawayofusbeing
puni
shedforoursi
ns.Attheend,
t
hey '
l
lbeli
vesthatwil
lbel
ost
.
Questi
onis,howlongdowehavet
o
waitti
ll
thenextburi
al?
Si
ya:
Stopspeaki
ngl
i
ket
hatNasi
phi
.
Wesatatthewait
ingroom wi
tht
he
gentsandt
heotherl
adieswer
eon
thei
rway.
Me:We'
dbeinadif
fer
entsi
tuat
ion
hadwenotar
ri
vedonti
me.
Thaps:
HayNasi
phi
Me:
What?Weneedtof
acemany
f
act
s.Thi
swasawakeupcal
l
Thegir
lsrushedi
nandgreet
ed.We
al
lsatdowni nsi
l
encebutIj
ust
coul
dn'
tkeepmyt hought
stomysel
f.
Me: Thisi sallawakeupcal l
,we're
alsoatf aultforheract i
ons.We' reat
faultforthinkingshei sokayj ust
becausesheact edokay .Wel et
situati
onsgot ooeasi lywi thout
maki ngsur ethatwhat everwe' ve
wentt hrough, thatspeci ficperson
hasf ull
yheal ed.Wel etherdeal with
thepai naloneandi nherway s,l
ook
wher ethathasl andedus.Whenshe
saidshewant edtobeal one, we
all
owedi twhenweshoul dn'thave.
I
knowwe' realway st heref orone
anot herandl oveeachot herdeepl y
butt here'
ssomet hingwe' renotdoing
ri
ght ,we'renotcommuni cati
ngthe
wayweshoul d.Yesweal l
haveour
ownl i
vesandchallengeswef ace
eachandev er
yday ,butthereshoul
d
betimeforus,ti
mef orustodeal
withourdemonsandl oveone
anotherandsharethingswekeep
deepinourhearts.Weneedt obe
presenti
neachot hersli
ves
Br
ian:
We'r
eal
way
stoget
hert
hought
mostti
mes
Mpho:
True
Me:Weneedt obemor epresent
emot i
onall
y.Idon'
tev
enknowhowt o
putthisbutwedo.Ifi
tmeanswe
needtoholdhandsandcr ytoget
her
,
wewi l
l.Ifitmeansy ouwakemeup
at3am, want ingmet oholdy ouas
youcr yandt alk,Iwillwakeupand
l
isten,ev eni fitmeansIhav et odrive
allthewayt oCapeTown, alltheway
toLangel i
hle,allthewayt o
Johannesbur gIwi l
ldoso.Weneed
eachot hermor ethanweneed
anyt hi
ngel se.Iwasn' taroundwhen
youl ostZeebutIsawt hedamagei t
caused, Iwitnessedi tandwe
woul dn'twantt hattohappenagai n.It
almosthappenedi nourwat ch,what
dowedonextt imeifwear r
ivet ol
ate
Danny
:Ther
ewon'
tbeanextt
ime
Me:
Howwi
l
lweknowi
fwedon'
t
takeacti
onnow!Nowistheti
mewe
stoodupandtookact
ion!Nowist
he
ti
meweopenedbot heyesbef
orei
ts
toolat
e.
Iwasstandi
ngandev er
yonewas
l
ist
eni
ngt ome.Theyhadt ol
i
sten
andIhadtogetital
lout.
Me: The2y earsand3mont hst hatI
havespentwi t
hy ou,all
ofy ouhas
taughtmeal ot .I
'
veobser vedal ot
abouteachandev eryoneofy ou.We
woul ddieforeachot her,thatwe
woul dn'
thesitatetodo.We' realways
protecti
ngeachot herfr
om our
enemi esbutwhendowepr otect
eachot herfrom ourselves?Buuonce
tol
dmet hatweal lhav eonet hingi n
commonandt hatkeepsust oget her,
weal l
hav ebadbackgr oundst ori
es,
weal l
hav echall
engest hatwe' ve
facedi nlif
e,wef oundaf ami lyint his
fri
endshi pandthat swhywe' l
l never
l
etgoofeachot her.Al lofusher e, we
aredamagedt ot hecor e, deepdeep
i
nside, yeswe'veheal edonsome
baggageswehadandt her e'
sal otof
i
mpr ovementbutwehav en'tforgiven
ourselvesandt oldour selv esthat
what everwewentt hroughwasnot
ourf ault
.Jabulani,itwasnoty our
faultthatyourkidsandwi fedi edin
thatcarcr ash,i
twasi nev i
table,
Nkosi nathi,itisnoty ourf aul tthat
youwer ebor ni nRoy altyandy ouhad
at oughupbr ingingandy oudon' t
knowhowbei ngachi l
di s,L’ yanda, i
t
i
snoty ourf aultt haty ourf at her
turnedhi sbackony ou, yourmot her
andy oursiblings, thatwashi s
mi stakenoty our s,Danny ,itisnot
yourf aultthaty ouwer emol est ed,
thaty ourmom di edwhi legi vingbi r
th
toy ouandt hatZeedi ed, Zandy ,You
didn'taskt ober aped, allthatwasn' t
yourf ault,
Bee, Nceba, Siya, y oudidn't
notchasey ourf atheraway ,nordi d
yourmot her ,hewasdoi ngi tfory ou!
Him notbei ngar oundwasy oury ou
andy ourowngood, letgooft he
angerdeepi nsideofy ou, Naye,y our
fearofweddi ngsai n'ty ourfault
,y ou
didn' taskf oryourpar ent stobe
mur der edony ourweddi ngday ,you
coul dn' tprot
ectt hem norcoul dy ou
Nkosi nathi.Therear esomanymor e
situat ionsbutwecoul dntst opthem
becauset heywer ei nev it
able.Some
thingsar enotinourhands, some
situat ionswecannotsav eourselves
from butwecanonl ydoour selvesa
fav ourbyf orgi
vingour selvesfort he
painwewentt hrough.Some
situat ionswehadt ogot hroughso
wecanbewher ewear et odayand
l
ookatus?We' vebecomebet terthan
weev erdr eamed.Whenwel eav ethi
s
placet onight,youthi
nkabout
ever ythingI '
vesaidandy oudeci de
whet herwewantt obesi tt
ingher e
agai n, i
nt hesamewai t
ingroom
cryingourey esoutforsuch
situat i
onsorwewantt obebackher e
forjoy fulmoment ssuchaspoppi ng
headsoutofourv ir
gina'
sandy ou
beingf athersagain.I'
m done
Isai
ddownandAthideci
dedtocl
ap
hishandsandwel
aughedathi
m.
Danny
:Wher
edoy
oucomef
rom?
L’
yanda:
Wher
ehasshebeenal
lour
l
i
fei
swhatIwantt
oknow.
Wel aughedandhadagr ouphug.We
satdowni ncomf or
tabl
esi l
ence.I
guessev ery
onewasj ustinthei
r
thoughts.DannysmiledatmeandI
smiledathimt o.Hewassi tt
ingabit
farfrom me.
Danny
:Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Phel
o:Oooooohl
ovebi
rdi
es
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t67
Wewer eabl etoseeKamoandshe
l
ookedsol ost.Theguy sdidn'
twant
togoinwi t
husandt heysatatthe
waiti
ngr oom.Shewasl ookingatthe
ceil
i
ngsandherar mswer ebandaged.
Itwasev identthatshedidn'tonlyt
ry
tohangher sel
fbutshet r
iedtocut
herwriststoo.Siya,Phelo,Paulaand
Zandywer esti
llcr
ying.
Kamo:
Don'
tcr
yforme.
Zandy:
Howcany ousaythat
?How
canyoutrytoki
l
ly our
sel
f
Kamogelang?
Kamo:
Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t
Bee:Butyouwil
ltal
kaboutit
eventual
l
y,we'
rel
etti
ngthi
sgojust
fornow.
Kamo:
I'
m hav
inganabor
ti
on
Li
nda:
Anabor
ti
on?Whatabor
ti
on
Kamo:
Ihav
ethatbast
ardschi
l
din
me
Naye:I
t'
stoolat
eforanaborti
on.
You'
reovert
hreemonthspregnant
Nceba:Yourstomachi
ssosmall
,
you'
renotbloatedl
i
kesomeoneI
know
Me:
What
ever
Kamo: I'
m soclosetogivingbir
th,al
l
thesemont hsI'
vebeenpr egnantand
Ididn'tevenknowabouti t.Nosigns,
nothing!AllthealcoholI
'v
ebeen
dri
nkinghasn' tevenkil
l
edt hi
sbaby !
Whydi dn'
tshedie!
Me: Stopspeakingsuchaboutababy
thatisnotatfaulthere,
you'
rehavi
ng
agirl
!That'
ssocut e.Whenwil
lyou
givebirt
h?
Kamo:
22cnd
Li
nda:
That
'st
hisweek!
Kamo:
Idon'
twantt
hebaby
Bee:It
hinky
oushoul
dseea
prof
essi
onal
Kamo:Idon'
tneedapr
ofessi
onal
,
cany
oual l
justl
eav
e?
Si
ya:
HawuKamogel
ang
Me:
Let
sgi
vehersomespace
Kamo:
Iwanty
out
ost
ayNasi
Paul
a:Atl
eastyouwon'
tbeal
one,
don'
tshutusoutKamo.
Zandy
:We'
reof
ftotheshops,
we
havet
wobabyshowerst
oprepar
e
for
.
TheyleftusandMphopeeped
thr
ought hedoorandwavedatKamo,
shelaughedandwav edback.
Kamo:
Iknowy
oumi
ssme
Mpho:Of
causeIdo,
we'
l
lseey
ou
l
ater
.
Theycl
osedt
hedoorandIt
ookof
f
myshoes.
Kamo:
How?Howdi
dthi
shappen?
Me: Ialsodon'
tknow,
I'
m shocked
too.Likethatwassol
ongago,you
can'tbeexactl
y9months
Kamo: I
t'
s11months,Idon'teven
knowwhatt odoorthink.Idi
dn'tf
eel
anyt
hing,nopai
n,nothingabnormal.
Me:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokaywi
tht
hebaby
?
Kamo:
Yes,
Ist
il
lcannotbel
i
evei
t
Me:It
'ssuchamiracl
e.You'
vebeen
suchaheavydr
inker
Kamo: Don'
tmakemef
eel
wor
se
thanIdo
Me:I
t'
str
uethough,
youhav
eto
t
hankGod.
Kamo: How?HowcanGoddot histo
mewhenheknowswhatt hefatherof
thi
schil
d, i
sabastard.Whenhe
knowst hatIki
l
ledmyownhusband.
WellamanwhoIt houghtwasmy
husband.Myl i
fei
ssuchamess
Me:
Butki
l
li
ngy
our
sel
fisn'
tthe
answer
.
Kamo:
Whati
stheanswer
?
Me:Takingcar
eofy our
sel
fandy our
ki
dsistheanswer.Godknowswhat
heisdoing,
youjusthav
etotrusthim
Kamo:
I'
mjustbei
ngpuni
shed
Me:Youdoknowt haty
ou'r
etal
king
cr
aprightnow.I
'
m hungry
,arey
ou?
Kamo:
No
Me:
Youar
ehungr
y
Kamo:
Idon'
twantt
oeat
Me:
Youwi
l
leat
Itext
edDannyt
ell
i
nghi
mt hatI
'
m
hungryandsoi
sKamo.Hetext
ed
back"
Caughtupi
nsomethi
ng,
Sbahl
ewil
lbri
ngt
hefood"
Ithankedhi
m andwestayedin
si
lencewhil
eshewasjustcry
ing.Ilet
hercryandIknewshewasgoingt o
beabletotal
kaft
ershe'
sleti
tallout.
Kamo:
Cany
oucal
lDrCel
e?
Ical
l
edt
heDoct
orandshecame.
Kamo:
Canwedot
hescanagai
n?
Dr
C:Youst
il
lcannotbel
i
evei
t?
Kamo:
No
Me:
Ial
sowantt
oseef
ormy
sel
f
DrC:
I'
veonl
yhadt
hiscaseonceand
I
'v
ebeenagynaef
or11year
s.It
's
reall
yrar
eandspeci
al.You'
rer
eal
l
y
blessed
I
ndeedtherewasababyandt
he
hear
tbeatf
il
ledt
heroom.
Me:
Wow
Kamocr i
edwhilelaughing.Icouldnt
tel
lwhethershewashappyorwas
shesad.Itwasalljustunreal
.Itwas
j
ustunbeliev
able
DrC:You'
regoi
ngt ohavetogivebir
th
thr
oughC-Sect
ion,gi
vingbir
th
natur
all
ycancausealotofdamage.
Wewantwhat sbestforyouandthe
chi
ld.I
nsomeot hercases,t
hechil
d
doesn'
tmakeit.I
t'
shighlypossi
ble
t
hatt
hebabycanbest
il
lbor
n.Excuse
mepl
ease
Me:Wowt
hisi
sreal
l
yunbel
i
evabl
e
Kamo.
Kamo:
Idon'
tknowwhatt
odo
Me:We'
reher
etohel
pyou,
we'
real
l
her
etohel
pyou.
Kamo:
Wher
eisThembel
i
hle?
Me:
Wit
hal
ltheot
herki
dsatBee'
s
Kamo:
Idon'
tev
enknowhowI
'
llf
ace
her
Me:Shedoesntknowwhaty
oudi
d.
She'
l
lneverknow
Kamo:
Iwassupposedt
ofet
chher
fr
om school
,Iletherdown.Igaveup
onmyl i
fewit
houtev ent
hinki
ngof
her,
whowi l
lIbelivi
ngherwith?I
t
wasv er
ysel
fishofme
Me:I'
m gl
adyoureal
izethatand
you'
l
lneverev
erdoitagain.
Sbahl
ecameinwi
tht
hefood
fol
l
owedbytheot
her
sandthegent
s
wereal
soher
e
At
hi:
Poodl
epoo
Me:
Whot
hehel
li
spoodl
epoo?
At
hi:
Sheknows
Snehblushedandweal
llaughedat
her.Dannyki
ssedmycheekand
brushedmytummy .
Zandy:
Wewer eabletogetafew
i
tems,I
'vesentsomepeopletowor
k
onthenurser
yroom aty
ourhouse
Kamo,aah!Thisi
ssoexcit
ing
Phil
a:AtKamo's?WhydoesKamo
needanurser
yr oom
Me:
She'
shav
ingababy
L’
yanda:
Ababy
?
Ntokoexplai
nedever
ythi
ngandt
hey
st
ill
didn'
tunder
stand
Lubah:
Howi
sthatev
enpossi
ble?
Nceba:
Weal
socan'
tbel
i
evei
tbuti
ts
t
rue.
Bonga:
Wowcongr
atul
ati
ons.How
f
arar
eyou?
Kamo:
I'
ll
begi
vi
ngbi
rt
hthi
sFr
iday
KJ:
Ayngeke,
wher
eist
hest
omach?
Kamo: I
tdi
dn'
tshowal
lthesemont
hs.
I
'm ev
enoverdue.
Thaps:Nowthethingswedidwhile
youwerepregnantdidn'
taf
fectt
he
baby?
Me:
Whatt
hings?
Thaps:
Wesmokedweedal
lni
ght
Me:
What
!When?
Kamo:
BlameMay
ibongwef
ort
hat
May
i:Hey
,itwasn'
tmyf
aul
t
Nceba:
Youst
art
ed
Danny
:Whowast
her
eany
way
s?
Thaps:
Nceba,
May
i,Kamo,
Jomo,
KJ
andmysel
f
Athi:I
fthi
schi
l
dcomesoutwit
ha
halfl
egandtwist
edey
es,
it'
syour
fault
Kamo:
What
?Thatcoul
dhappen
Shewassof ri
ghtenedsheevencr
ied,
weallj
ustlaughedatherandshe
endeduplaughing
At
hi:
Iwasj
ustj
oki
ng
Kamo:
Youscar
edme.
Nkosi
:You'
ll
best
ayi
ngwi
thMpho
andZandy
Kamo:
What
?Why
?
Danny:
Youcan'tbealoneagai
n,not
af
terwhathappened.We'r
ekeepi
nga
cl
oseeyeony ou
Kamo: Icannotstaywithamarri
ed
couple,I'
l
llosemymi nd.It
sal
ways
overwhelmingevenatt i
mesli
ke
these,you'
realll
oveydoveyandit
alwaysremi ndsmeofwhatIhad,of
myf akemar ri
age.
Me:Youf
eelli
ket
hat?Whyhav
eyou
nev
ermenti
onedi
t?
Kamo: Di
dn'
twanttost
ressyouguys
orhaveyouguysbehav
ediff
erent
ly
becauseofme.
Danny :We'realsosor ry,weshoul d
hav et houghtabouti torconsi deredit.
Alothasbeengoi ngonandweal l
quickl ymov edonf rom t het hings
thathav ehappenedwi thoutpr operl
y
addr essingtheemot ional i
mpacti t
hadonus.Wear ealsot obl amef or
whaty oudid, t
hingsar et oughKamo
andy ouknowt hat,
wedon' tlive
normal li
vesnordoweev engett i
me
toliveandaddr essourper sonal l
iv
es,
especi all
yusgent s,weal way sont he
roadordodgi ngbullet s.Wego
throughshi ttogetherbutsui cide,
shoul dn'tbethewayy ousol v ea
probl em.Thi sisthef i
rstandl ast
ti
mey out r
ytot akey ourownl ife,and
thatgoesf orev eryoneher e.Pl ease,
all
owust ohel py ou, Thembel ihleand
yourunbor nbabyneedt heirstrong
mot her,Iknowy oumi ghtnotbeso
happyaboutt hechi ldbutshei s
yours,loveher .Ialsodi dn'tknowhow
toloveOni kabecauseIbl amedher
forZee'sdeat h,trustme, youdonot
wantt oputy our selfthrought hat ,you
don'twantt otur nThembi hlei nto
mot heringanewbor nlikeIdi dt o
Danv erandy oudon' twanty our
unbor nchildtogot hroughbei ng
unlovedbyhermom.We' r
eher efor
you
Sbahle:AndsinceI'm notmar r
iednor
i
nanyr elat
ionshi
p,Istayaloneand
getboredalltheti
me, I'
l
lmov einwith
you!Iknowy ou'l
lenj
oymypr esence
Kamo:
OhGod
KJ:
Goodl
uckKamo
Sbahl
e:Youwer egoingtosay
somethi
ngv el
eKaitso?Youalways
havesomethingtosay.You'
reso
for
ward
KJ:Iknowyou'
vedmi ssedmeSbahl
e,
notneedtogetonmyneckwheny ou
cangetonmydi ck.
Sbahl
elookedsoshockedandher
eyespopped.Weal
lli
teral
l
ydi
dn't
expectt
hat.At
hibur
stt
hebubbl
eby
l
aughingatSbahl
e
Mpho:
I'
m st
il
lher
eKai
tsoJwar
a
KJ:Hadebozz
a,Ij
ustneededt
oshut
herup.
Phi
l
a:Di
ckpower
Bonga:
Isecondt
hat
!
Theyal
lroar
edandmadeal oud
noi
se.I
fitwasn'
tmyhospit
al,
and
ownedbysomeoneelse,
we'dbe
ki
ckedoutofher
e.
Ngamso:Youguy saresochi l
dish,
Nasi
,Iwantedtotal
ktoy ouabout
somethi
ng.There'
sanev entcomi ng
upaft
eryougivebir
th,you'
llbet he
guestspeakerandy
ou'
l
lneedt
o
shareyourstor
y.
Me: Okaycool
,Isometi
mesr eal
ly
forgett
hatIhaveoneboob.It
'sal
l
kicki
nginnow,howwillIbr
eastf
eed?
Danny
:Doy
ouhav
etobr
east
feed?
Me:Idon'thav
etobutI
'dl
oveto.But
Iguessifi
tdoesn'
twor
kout,
I'
llhav
e
touseformula
Danny:Thatwi
l
lbef
inebabe,
don'
t
st
ress.
Bonga:Wehav
etol
oveandl
eav
eyou
guys!
Me:Gi
vemeal
i
ftt
omyhousepl
ease
Nceba
Dannygav emeadeathstar
eandI
di
dn'tunderst
andwhatitwasabout
Lubah:
Someone'
snothappy
Nkosi
:Let
sleav
ebef
orehebl
owsup.
Danny:You'
recominghomewit
hme,
that
'snotupfordi
scussi
on.
Me:HahbutDanny
,Idon'
twantt
ogo
t
othathouse
Danny
:Thenwe'
regoi
ngt
oyour
pl
ace
Me:Idon'
twantt
obei
nahousewi
th
youi
nit
Danny
:Nowy
ou'
rel
oosi
ngi
t.Let
'sgo
Dannyj
ustl
ovesor
der
ingmear
ound.
Li
kereall
y!Hef orget
sthatwe'renot
marri
edany more.Heopenedt he
doorformeandspankedmeasIgot
i
n.Hedoesn' tknowthemeani ngof
boundari
es.Hegoti nthedri
versside
anddroveoff.Buthewasnot
headi
ngtomyhouse.
Me:Wher
earewegoi
ng?Iwantgo
homeandsl
eep
Danny
:Chi
l
lAmahl
e
Me:Don'
ttel
lmet
ochi
l
l!Takeme
home!
Danny
:Whyt
hef
uckar
eyouy
ell
i
ng?
Me:
Whyt
hef
uckar
eyoucur
sing?
Danny
:BecauseIcan
Me:
BecauseIcant
oo!
!
Danny
:What
ever
,justenj
oyt
her
ide.
Ist
art
edcr
yingandhel
aughedatme.
Me:
You'
rel
aughi
ng
Danny
:Iknowf
aket
ear
sbabe
Me:
I'
m noty
ourbabe
Danny:
Youar
e,y
ou'
remywi
fe
Nasi
phi
Me:
I'
m di
vor
ced
He'sfaci
alexpr
essi
onchangedand
hehadangerandhewashur t.I
guessItouchedanerv
e.Hekept
qui
etandt ur
neddri
vi
ngbackt omy
house.
Me:Whathappenedt
owher
ewe
wer
egoing?
Danny
:Yousai
dyouwant
edt
ogo
homeandsl
eep.
Me:
ButDanny
Heignor edmeandwentt omyhouse.
Hepar kedanddi dn'tevenopent he
doorforme.Iwor kedmybi gsel
ft o
thehouseandwenti n.Hequickly
spedof fandIjustsighed.Whatwent
wrongnow?I '
m allaloneinthis
houseandIknowt heki dswil
lnot
comebackhome.Butl etmet r
ymy
l
uckany ways.Icall
edBeeandshe
answer ed,t
herewassomuchnoi se.
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
llbel
ucky
Bee:Yup,
theyaredefini
tel
ynot
comingback.You'
llseethem
tomorr
owaf t
erschool
Me:
I'
m al
one
Bee:
Wher
eisDanny
?
Me:It
hinkwehadafi
ghtorwhat
ever
i
twassohestormedoff
.
Bee:Aaahsorr
ygirl
.Byee,
I'
m maki
ng
foodfort
heserascal
s.
Me:
Bye
Bee:
Oh,Dannyj
ustcamein.Pr
obabl
y
comingt
ocheckontheki
ds
Me:
Idon'
tev
enknowwhatt
osay
Bee:
Justst
uffy
our
sel
fwi
thf
ood.
Me:
You'
vegotsomanygoodi
deas.
Iendedt hecal landor deredsome
pizza,Nandosand4St eersbur gers.I
tookoutsomeor angejuiceanda
platewhileIwai ted.Lucki l
yitdidn't
takethatlong, see?Foodnev erlets
medown!Isatatt helounge, ate
whilewat chingNi geri
anmov ies.They
arelit
erall
yjustt hebest !AndIl ove
them becauset heyplayf orav ery
l
ongt ime.Af terabout4hour slater,i
t
wasar ound9pm.Dannycal led, I
i
gnor edhiscal l
st il
lhecamet omy
house.Hekeptonknocki ng,wel lhe
wasbangi ngthedoor
Me:
Iam comi
ng!
!!
Iwalkedslowl ytot hedoorf i
nishing
mypi zzaslice.I
'm surehewas
getti
ngirri
tated.OnceIwasdoneI
openedt hedoorandhecamei n.He
heldmeont othewal l
andki ssedme.
Iwasn'tsupposedt oki sshim back
butIwassoweak, mybodyj ust
melted.Hedi dn'twast etime,his
manhoodwasal readypenet rati
ng
meashehadmyl eguponhi s
shouldersandhewascar ry
ingme,
howcanhecar r
ymewhenI '
mt his
big?OhIhopeIdon' tfall
!
Me:
Danny
!
Danny
:Doy
ouwantmet
ost
op?
Me:
No,
don'
tst
op
Danny:Il
oveyouNasi
phi
!Don'
tyou
under
tsandthat
?
Me:
Ido
Danny:Thenwhyar eyoumaking
thi
ngssohar dforme!IknowIhurt
youandI'mi nnopositi
ontobe
complai
ningabouty ougiv
ingmea
hardti
me, butyou'
renotevenl
ett
ing
met r
ytofixmymi stakes.
Ikeptquietashelaidmeont he
couchandent er
edf r
om theback.I
heldontothecushionsandkepton
bit
ingthem.
Danny
:Mar
rymeNasi
phi
Me:
What
?
Danny
:Marr
ymeagai
n,bemyMr
s
McKenzi
e
Me:
Danny
Danny:Pl
ease,I'
m beggingyou.I
needyouinmyl i
fe,Ineedourfamil
y
toget
herandIneedt oshowy ouhow
truel
oveis,
justmarrymeplease
Me:
I'
ll
mar
ryy
ouTr
ist
on
Danny
:Youwi
l
l?
Me:
Yes!YesIwi
l
l.
Wereachedourdest
inat
ionandIl
aid
downcatchi
ngmybreath.Hecame
wi
that
owel
andcl
eanedmeup.
Danny
:Di
dyouhav
esomebodyov
er?
Me:
Nowhy
?
Danny
:Somuchf
ood,
justbyy
our
sel
f?
Me:Don'tj
udge,pl
usit
sthet
woofus.
Yoursonloveseat
ing.
Hekissedmyfor
eheadandt
ouched
mystomach.Thewaythi
sboyki
cked!
Iscr
eamedabit.
Danny:
That
'
saMcKenzi
eki
ck!Sor
ry
baby
Me:
Ouch!
Danny
:Letmeki
ssi
tbet
ter
Il
aughedashekeptonki
ssi
ngmy
st
omach.I
tactual
l
yti
ckl
ed.Hegav
e
mehousekeys
Me:
Whatar
ethesef
or?
Danny:Ournewhouse,
ever
ythi
ng
hasbeentakencar
eoff
Me:
Ist
hatwher
eyouwer
etaki
ngme?
Danny
:Yes
Ismi
l
edandweki
ssedagai
n.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Danny
:Il
ovey
ouAmahl
e
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooTr
ist
on
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t68
DayswentbyandKamowasbet t
er,
sheev enfel
tbetteremoti
onal
lyand
ment ally.Al
otofhelphastodowi t
h
thepr ofessi
onal hel
pshe'
sbeen
gett
ingandt heloveandsupportfr
om
herfriends.Ithasbeenindeed
wonder fultoseet hatt hewor dsI
spokemadeadi f
ference.I t
'sli
kei n
thef ewday swe' vespentsi nceI
spoke, i
t'
sl i
kewe' vegr ewt oanot her
l
ev elofcommuni cationandwi th
eachpassi ngdayIknowwe' llgrow
mor eandmor e.Agr eeingt omar ry
Dannyagai nmademehappy
becausehe' smysoul mat e,
we' ve
beent hroughal ottoget her,
somuch
butIknowt heresnopl aceI'drather
bet hanbei nhishear tandgot obed
nex ttohim everynight .Itol
dhi mt hat
wewi l
lgot oHomeAf fairstodayand
signsol ateronIcanaccompany
Kamot othehospi tal.Igotr eadyas
hedr ov ethekidst oschool .Theyar e
sohappyi t
saf riday,Oni kaisgr owing
tohat eschool andt hatwor riesme
somuch, shecannotal waysbe
pushedt oanot hergr ade.Herov er
i
nt ell
igencewor r
iesme.Hecamet o
pickmeupanddr oveof ft
oHome
Affairs.Itwassof ul
l butI'
m wi t
hMr
McKenzi eheresowewer eatt ended
tof ir
st.Onanor mal dayIwoul dn't
agr eetoi tbecausei tsunf airtot hose
whoar eatt hebackoft helinebutI
hav eswol l
enfeetandast omachbi g
enought of i
ll
allt hesepeopl esoI
tookadv antagej ustfort oday .We
wer eat t
endedt obysomeguywho
seemedtoknowDanny .Hewasbusy
onthecomputerchecki
ngonthe
syst
em.
Hi
m: I
tappear
syoubotharesti
l
l
marr
iedandhavenev
erdiv
orced
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeanbyt
hat
?
Hi
m: You'
rebothst
il
lmarri
edl
egal
l
y,
i
tshowsthatyoudiv
orcedMs
Zi
yandaBhengu
Me:
Cany ouchecki
fhegotmar
ri
ed
t
oaLindel
wa?
Him:Nomam wedon'
thav
ethati
n
oursyst
em
Danny:Thankyousi
r,sor
ryf
or
wasti
ngy ourt
ime.
Me:
Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Danny:Thi
shasBongawr
it
tenal
l
overi
t.
Wegotint
othecarandhemadea
cal
landputi
tonloudspeaker
Danny
:St
artexpl
aini
ng
Bonga:Congr
atul
ati
ons,
youar
est
il
l
marri
ed
Me:
Bongani
Lut
hul
i
Bonga: What?Isavedyourassesa
l
ongt imeagoandy oushouldbe
thanki
ngme.Thosedi v
or cepaper
s
weref akeandsowasy ourmarri
age
certi
fi
catewithLi
ndelwa.Iwasbei ng
agoodl awyerandforthat ,
Iwantto
bepai
ddoubl
ethi
smont
h.
Danny
:Thanky
ouman,
thanky
ou
Bonga:
That
'
swhatf
ri
endsar
efor
.
Ihadal i
ttl
epainandIclosedmy
eyesastheycont i
nuedtal
king.It
real
lyhurtbutIthoughtI
twasj ust
Braxtonhicks.
Danny
:Youokaybabe?
Heaskedaf
terendi
ngt
hecal
land
hel
dmyhand.
Me:
YesI
'
mfi
ne.Wat
erpl
ease
Hegavemeabot
tl
eofwat
erandI
dr
ank.
Danny
:Let
sgogetsomet
hingt
oeat
,
I
'
mtaki
ngy
ououtonami
nidat
e
Me:
That
'sexci
ti
ng
Ifakedasmi leandpr etendednotto
bei npain.Iknowhe' llf
reakouti fI
tellhimI '
mi npain.RatherIsayso
whent here'
ssomeonewhocan
actuallyhelpme.Wegott othe
restaurantandIwasatease, Iwasnt
i
nmuchpai nany more,hewasj ust
kickingalot.Weor deredandat eour
foodt hroughal onglovely
conv ersati
on.
Danny:Youknow,
Kamo'ssituat
ion
real
lyfr
eaksmeout.Tohaveababy
allt
histi
meandnothi
ngshows,no
signsnot hing.Shedidn'tknowshe
waspr egnantallthi
stime.May i
told
usaboutashowhewat ches,Ididn'
t
knowIwaspr egnantonTLC, he
explainsthatithappensal ot.One
womangav ebirthwhil
eshewas
takingashi tinthetoil
et,cany ou
beli
ev eit!
Mayiandwat chingtheseshows, he
real
l
yenj oy
st hem moreov ersoccer.
Henev ermissesTheReal t
alkshow.
Theyalwayslaughathi m butnow, he
i
swel l
informedaboutt hesituat
ion
athand.
Me:Iguessyoual
soshoul
dst
art
wat
chingtheshow
Danny
:Ohnobabe,I
'm notdoi
ngthat
.
Iwant
edust
otalkaboutourwedding
Me:
Butwe'
rest
il
lmar
ri
edbabe
Danny
:Butdon'
tyouwantanot
her
weddi
ng?
Me: Nobabe, wecanhav esomethi
ng
smalljusttocelebrat
eandexchange
vowsagai nwithjustourf
amil
yand
fr
iends.
Danny:What
every
ouwantbabe,as
l
ongasIhaveyoubymysideI'
m
happy
.
Wemov edintoournewhomet wo
daysago.Danverwassohappy
becausehe'
sroom hadever
ythi
nghe
want edandmor e.He'sli
ter
all
y
al
way sthereandmaki ngsomuch
noisewi thhispl aystati
onandgui tar
.
Onikaont heot herhandi sal
way sin
herroom pl ayingdollyhouseand
she'salway sthet eacher.I'
vebeen
oneofherst udent sandshei sso
bri
lli
ant.Sher eallydi
dt akeafterher
mot her.
Me:Let
'sgo,
Ipromi
sedKamoI
woul
dn'
tbelate.
Hepaidthebi
l
landwhenIst oodup,
thepai
nwasexcruci
ati
ng.Isatdown
anddrankwat
er
Danny
:Yousur
eyou'
reokay
?
Me:
YesTr
ist
on
Hecar r
iedmet ot
hecar ,
drawing
every
one' satt
enti
onandpeopl e
taki
ngpi ctur
es.That'
sthelastthi
ngI
neededt oday,Il
ookandf eelugly
.We
gottoKamo' sandshewaswi t
h
SbahleandPamel a(
sbahlesfri
end)
Sbahl
e:She'sbeensoner vous,
walki
ngalloverthehouse.You'
d
swearit
sthef i
rstt
imeshe'sgoingt
o
haveakid
Kamo:I
'mri
ghther
eyouknow.Let
's
gopl
ease
Me:
Let
ssi
tdownf
orawhi
l
e
Wesatandhadi
cecr
eam whenwe
weredone.Dannysai dweshould
l
eav ebecausehewant stogoseehis
fr
iendsafterhedropsusoff.Ist
ood
upandIhadaf unnyfeel
i
ng
Pamela:Si
sNasi
didy
ouj
ustpeeon
your
self
?
Me:
Ohgosh!Danny
Hewaslaughi
ngsohar
dIwasso
i
rr
it
ated
Danny:Babe!Whythehel
ldidyou
peeony our
sel
f?Thisi
sfunny,
I'l
ltake
apict
ure
Kamo:
Herwat
erj
ustbr
okeman!
!
Danny:Whatdoy
oumean?What
water
?
Me: Danny ?Thi
sisnoty
ourfi
rstchi
l
d,
Iexpecty outobemoreeducated
aboutthis!
Danny:
Fuck,t
hebabyiscoming.
Uhm br
eatheNasi
,Kamo,whatdowe
do?
Sbahl
e:OhGod!Danny,gofet
chthe
babi
esclot
hesandherclot
hes.You'
l
l
meetusatthehospi
tal
.ComeNasi
WewenttothecarandKamowasso
f
reakedout
.Iguessitwaski
cki
ngi
n
t
hatshe'
salsogoingtogi
vebi
rt
h
Kamo:We'r
egoi
ngt
ohav
eki
dsbor
n
onthesameday
Me:
Thi
sissopai
nful
Kamo,
so
pai
nful
.
Kamo:Hav
esomemor
eicecr
eam,
Dri
veMan!
Me:Idon'
twanti
cecr
eam!Dr
ive
Sbahl
e!
Sbahle:Ihavetwopregnantwoman
goingcrazyonme, Icannotdr
iveany
faster
.Ifyoubothj
ustshutup,
may beImi ght
Pamel
a:Thi
sisf
unny
Weall
endeduplaughi
ngandwegot
t
othehospi
tal
Zandy:You'
real
soi
nlabour
?Wow
thi
sissocute
Si
ya:
Tel
lmeabouti
t
Dannyar ri
vedshor t
lyafterwedi d.
Kamowast akentotheat r
ewhi l
eI
wast akent oourroom.Wewant ed
ourroom t obecombi nedandI '
dsee
heraf t
erwards.DrMkhi ze,whoi s
Nay ewoul dbemygy naef ortheni
ght.
Itwasr eall
yfunnyandcut et hatmy
fri
endwi ll
helpmegi vebi r
th.DrCele
hadt omoni torandperformt hec-
sectiononKamo.
Naye:You'
rer
eady
.Openy
ourl
egsa
bi
twider
Nkosi
:It
sourt
imet
oleav
eDanny
Danny
:Whenl
astdi
dyoudot
his
Nay
e?
Naye:Beenawhi
l
e,t
rustme.Igot
t
his.
Hekissedmyf or
eheadandhewas
veryworri
ed.Apar tofme
underst
oodhi sconcerns.Thel ast
ti
met hi
shappenedhel osthiswi f
e.
Hemadesur ethatallt
henur sesthat
wereassist
ingNay ewer echecked.
Shekeptonsl appi
ngmyt highsand
tel
li
ngmet opushwhi l
eNt okozowas
holdi
ngmyhand.
Nt
oko:
Push!
Naye:1,2,3push!Pushhar
der
Nasiphi
,push!
Me:
Ican'
t
I
twassopainful
,Igav
eitmyal
land
pushedsohar
d.
Naye:Good,pushhar
deragai
n,Ican
seethehead.
Me:
I'
mti
red!
!!
!
IscreamedasIpushedhar
derand
harder
Nt
oko:
Ouch,
you'
rehur
ti
ngmyhand
Me:
Shutup!
!!
!!
!!
!!
Iwasl
osi
ngi
t,Iwant
edt
hisbabyout
!
Me:
I'
m nev
erget
ti
ngpr
egnantagai
n!
Nt
oko:
Dannywon'
tl
iket
hat
Ipushedonel
astt
imeandhi
scr
y
fi
lledtheroom.Hewasplacedonmy
chestandIsawhisli
tt
lehandsfor
thef i
rstti
me.Hewastakenawayf or
cleaningasIwasal
sobeingcleaned
andst it
ched.
Me:Myvi
rgi
nahurt
s.Whydidn'
tyou
t
ell
meitwasthi
spainf
ul!
Nay
e:Wewantedy
out
oexper
iencei
t
f
oryour
sel
f.
Me:
Lameexcuse
Dannycamebacki
nashewas
car
ryi
ngourl
i
ttl
epri
nce.Hewas
fol
l
owedbyOnikaandDanver
Me:
Whendi
dyouguy
sgether
e?
Danv
er:
Aunt
yNgamsof
etchedus.
I
'
m abi
gbr
other
!
Oni
ka:
AndI
'
m abi
gsi
ster
!
Me:
Yesy
ouar
e
Danny:
Helookssomuchl
i
keme,
he'
stoocut
e
Me:
CanIhol
dhi
m?
Naye:It
'sokaytobreastf
eedhi m wit
h
yourotherboob,yourdoctorassured
met hatit
scleanandclear
Me:
Thanky
ou
Iheldhim andtr
iedtodoit
.Itwas
painful
atfir
stbutthewayhewas
suckingonmyboob, thepai
nwas
wor t
hit.
Danny
:Whatwi
l
lwenamehi
m?
Danv
er:
Ihav
eanamef
orhi
m
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Danver
:Oni
kaandIcameupwi
thi
t,
he'
smamei sTay
lor
Me:
Ilov
eit
,Tay
lorSi
phephel
o.
Danny
:Il
ovei
ttoo.
Theotherscameinandtookturnson
holdi
ngTaylor
.Hewassoador abl
e,
theykeptonfi
ght
ingoverhi
m
Mpho:IwantanotherbabyZandy
,
Kabel
oisoldenoughtohaveasibli
ng
now.
Zandy
:OhGod
Jabu:Maybei
t'
sev
ent
imef
orababy
,
ri
ghtNgamso?
Ngamso:
YesShezi
Kamowasbr oughti
ncar
ryi
ngher
beaut
if
ulpr
incess.
Me:
Danny
,hol
dTay
lor
.
Iwasthefi
rsttot
akeKamo' sbaby
andshelookedsocute.Therewas
al
otofThaboinher.
Me:
She'
sabeaut
if
ulpr
incess
Sbahl
e:Wehav eabout25ki
dsnow,
nopregnancymuststop
Bonga:
Yohandwe'
rest
il
lgoi
ngt
o
addmore
Mpho:
Isecondt
hatBonga
Sbahle:Al
lofyoushouldst
ophaving
sexforatl
eastayear,
imaginei
f
someoneel segi
vesbir
thtoquadsor
tr
ipl
ets!OhGod
Nceba:Westi
l
ldon'
thav
ebabi
es,
we'
lladdon
Sbahl
e:I
'
m nothav
ingbabi
es
KJ:
Why
?
Sbahl
e:Ihav
eenoughal
ready
.
Me:
Whati
shername?
Kamo:
Langal
ethuHope
Bee:
Langal
ethu,
suchacut
ename.
Paul
a:Youguy
sgi
vesuchbeaut
if
ul
names,Idon'
tthi
nkI
'
dbeablet
o
evencomeupwi t
hanameformy
chil
d
Athi
:Nkosi wil
lnameyourchil
d,hei
s
good.Istil
lfi
ndthename
SabelosababakhethebestnameI'
ve
everheard.Idon'
tevenknowhowhe
cameupwi thi
t.
Bonga:
Hedugdeep
Theywentonandt easedeachother
whilewejusthadourown
conversat
ionsandZandytalki
ng
aboutthebabyshowerwhichhas
tur
nedi nt
oababywel coming
ceremony.Thenursestooktheki
ds
tothenur
ser
y.Wehadfoodtoeat
andNgamsobrief
ingmeaboutt
he
upcomingev
ent.
Bri
an:Wehavetor
ushsomewher
e
butwe'
ll
checkontheki
dsf
ir
stt
hen
l
eave.
Thaps:
We'
l
lbebackl
ateron.
Bee:
Makesureyoualsogoseethe
ol
derki
dsandbuythem bur
ger
s
Dannyki
ssedmycheekandt
heyl
eft
.
Me:Apparent
lyladi
es,
all
thankst
o
Bonga,DannyandIwerenever
di
vorced.
Li
nda:
ThankGod,
sonoweddi
ng?
Me:We'
llj
usthavesomet
hingsmal
l
asacel
ebrat
ion
Zandy:I
'
m pl
anni
ngt
hat"
somet
hing
small
"
Me:Ohhellno!Itwil
lbesomet
hing
bi
gandextravagant.Nt
okoand
Bel
indacanheadt hi
sup
Nt
oko:
I'
mthebestf
ort
hej
ob.
Phel
o:Yesy
ouar
e
Mpho,JabuandThapscameback
r
ushi
ngin.
Kamo:
Whati
sit
?
Jabu:
Thebabyi
smi
ssi
ng
Idi
dn'
theart
hatcor
rect
ly,
Kamoand
Ist
oodup
Us:
Whi
chbaby
?
Thaps:
Tay
lor
Icouldn'
tbr
eat
h,Icoul
dntev
enst
and
properl
y.
Nceba:
Cal
m downNay
e,cal
m down.
Me:
Wher
eisDanny
?
Mpho:He'
sloosi
nghi
smind,
all
over
t
hehospit
all
ooki
ngforhi
m
Me:Takemet
her
e!Takemet
omy
son!
!
Jabu:
Hei
smi
ssi
ngNasi
phi
Me:
No!
!!
!No!
!!
!
Ist
ormedof
fandwentt
othenur
ser
y
l
ooki
ngf
ormyson
Nurse:
DrNyat
hi,y
oucannotbei
n
her
e.Youneedtoleav
e
Me:Li
stenher
eNt ando!Ihir
edyou
andIcanfi
reyou!Youwillnott
ellme
whattodo.Whowasondut yhere?
Nur
se:
SisZombuso
Me:
Bri
ngherher
e!Now!
Nurse:
MrMcKenzi
ecal
l
edher
,she'
s
wit
hhim.
She'
sindangeri
fshe'
swithDanny
butr
ightnowIdon'
tcare.
Me:Lookf
ormybaby
!!
!!Every
one
l
ookforhi
m!Ev
ery
where!Everywher
e
Iwasscr eami ngandpushi ngt hi
ngs
over.Theyhel dmeandgotmeoutas
Iwasscr eami ngandkickingt hem off
.
Gonewasal lthepainIhadf rom
gi
vingbi r
th!Iwasnumb, allIcoulddo
wascr y.WillIeverbeatpeace?
Dannycamel ookingangryandl ost
.
Helookedmei ntheeye
Me:Fi
ndmybabyTri
ston,
Idon'
tcar
e
whoyouhav
etoki
ll
!Findhi
m!
Heki ssedmyf or
eheadandl
eftme
standingther
e.Whereismyson?I
needmyson!
Hopey
ou
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t69
Thepai nIfel
tcanneverbecompar ed
toanyot herpai
ninthewor ld.The
fi
rstchil
dIcarri
edinmywombf or
ninemont hs,t
hechil
dt hatofficiat
ed
mebei ngamot her,t
hef i
rstfruitof
mywomb, t
hefir
stgif
tGodbl essed
mewi thandt hef ir
stbei ngt hatmade
meexper i
encepr egnancyhasbeen
takenawayf rom me.HowdoI
sur vi
vefrom t hat?HowdoIgoon?
It'
sbeenaweeksi ncehi s
disappear anceandsi ncet henIhav e
nev erseenDannybutIhav ehear d
from him.Hei ssear chingf orourson
andIcanconf irmthathehasl osthis
mi nd.Idon'tbl amehi m, hel osthis
son.Hecal l
smeev erydayandwecr y
togetherbutt hoset ear
sj ustnev er
bringTay l
orback.Iwasdi scharged
from thehospi tal
twoday sagoand
I'
vebeeni nhi snur serysi ncet hatday.
Ihav enev erleftthisplaceandI 'm not
planningonl eaving.Idon' tknow
whatt osay ,Idon'twantt oface
peopl ebecauseoft helooksIget .I
don'tknowwhatev endo.Oni kaand
Danv ersomet imessi twi thmeand
wehav eameani nglessconv ersat i
on.
Theyunder st
andwhyI '
mt hisway
andt hey'vebeenf orcingmet oeat .I
hav ethebestki dsev er.Theyhav e
beengoi ngt oschopl withalotof
body guards,theirfatherisnott aking
anychancesatal l
.Hedi dgoonl ive
televi
siontospeakoutandf orpeopl e
tobeawar eandcomef orthwi t
h
i
nf ormationthatt heycanf i
nd.The
rewar dis10mi l
lionrands, luckilywe
hadaphot oofhi m buti t
sdifficult
si
ncehei sjustani nfant,wecannot
golooki ngatev er yone'sbabyt hatwe
seeont her oad.Whathur tsmeev en
mor eist hatt hecamer a'swer e
switchedof fint henur seryandt he
backexi twhi chonl ythest affuse, it
wasev i
dentt hatwhoev erdidt his
wassomeonewhowor kedatmy
hospital butwhati sconfusingi sthat
everyonewhowaswor kingt hatni ght
wast her eandnoonehadescaped
withthebaby .Ev eryt
hingwasj ustso
str
essf ul!Ther ewasaknockont he
doorandIdi dn'trespondasal way s.
SnehandMaNy at hiwalkedin.
Me:
Whendi
dyougether
e?
MaNyathi
:Icameassoonasyou
ki
dsrememberedtot
ellmesuch
news.
Sneh:Ma,weall
hadalotgoi
ngon,
wereall
yfor
gottoi
nfor
my ou.
MaN:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:
Iwon'
tanswert
hatmama
MaN: Iunder st
and, y
ear sagoIwasi n
yourshoes.Iknowhowi tist ohope
andprayt hatyourkidsar esaf e
wherev ertheyare.Iwentt hrough
whaty ou'r
egoingt hrough, y
oucan
tal
ktome.Iwai tedy earsandy ears,
notknowi ngwhet hery ou'redeador
ali
v e,wantingandl ongingt oseemy
beaut i
fulgirl
seachandev erypassing
day .Sit
ti
ngundert hetreewai ti
ngon
you, cel
ebratingy ourbirt
hday sand
talkingtoy ouallli
key ouwer ewi th
me.Peopl ewer esur ethatIhadl ost
mymi ndandIdi dn'tcarebecauseI
knewIwasn' tcrazybutIneededmy
kids.
Me: Idon'
tthi
nkI'
ll
surviv
e,Idon'
t
thi
nkIcanwai tt
hatlong.Iwantmy
son
MaN: Dannyisdoi
ngever
ythi
nghe
can,
hei sfl
i
ppingever
yantandst
one
l
ookingforTayl
or
Me:
Whatift
hati
sn'tenough?Whati
f
t
herewar
dmoneyisn'tenough?
Sneh:I
t'
sdrivi
ngpeoplecrazy,t
hey'
ve
beencall
ingtel
li
nguscrap,thethi
ngs
peopl
edof ormoney.Theydon't
under
standthatthi
sisn'
tagameat
al
l
MaN:IknowDannywouldtri
plet
he
moneyifhehadto,hewoul
dgiveup
al
lhi
shasf orTay
lor.
Me:
WhatifGodi
spuni
shi
ngus?Thi
s
i
sawayofustor
epayf
oroursi
ns
Sneh:
Don'
tspeakl
i
ket
hatNasi
phi
Me:It
'str
ue,y
ouendedupnever
goi
ngt oseeyourpar
ent
s.Doyou
knowwhatt heyaregoi
ngthr
ough
ri
ghtnow?I t
sexactl
ywhatI'
m goi
ng
through.Weneverknowwhatli
fehas
forus,doitbef
oreit
stool
ate.
Sneh:
ButI
'm her
efory
ou,Icannot
l
eaveyouwhi
leyou'
rel
iket
his
Me: Yourparentsmattermor
e.You
shouldgo,Inev ert
ookitt
oheartt
il
lit
happenedtome.Not hi
nghur
tsmor e
thannotknowi ngwherethef
rui
tof
yourwombi s.
Shenoddedandt heylef tmealone.I
satther
estari
ngathist eddybear
thatDanverhadbought .Allt
hegift
s
thatwereboughtbyev eryoneelse.
Theydi dgot oKamo' sbaby
welcomi ngpar t
y ,
theywant edt o
cancelitbutIdi dn'
twantt hem t oat
myaccount .Ididn'
tattendbecause
eachandev erytimeIl ookat
Langalethu,IthinkofTay lor .Ithi
nk
aboutthet imeIhadhi m wr apped
aroundmyar ms.Icanst il
l smel lhi
s
scent,Icanf eelhisli
ttl
ehandsand
hissmal lnose.Icanhearhi sli
ttl
ecry.
Icri
edandpr ayed.IhopeGod
protectsmysonwher everhei s.I
hopehei ssti
llali
ve.Ther ewasa
knockont hedoorandIi gnor editas
always.
Danny
:Amahl
e
Hewasback!Istoodupandranto
thedoor
.HeheldmeasIcriedi
nhis
arms.
Danny
:Sssh,
don'
tcr
y.Don'
tcr
ymy
l
ove
Me:
Didy
ouf
indhi
m?
Danny
:I'
m sorr
y,wehav
en'
tfound
hi
m.I'
m sorr
y
Me:OurbabyTr
ist
on!Ourbabyi
s
gone
Danny
:Li
sten,
hey
,lookatmeand
l
ist
en.
Heheldmyfaceupandwi
pedaway
mytears.
Danny:
Wewi ll
findhi
m okay,wewil
l
fi
ndhi
m.Idon'tknowhow, Idon'
t
knowwhere.Butwewillf
indhim
Nasi
phi.
Me:
Hej
ustdi
sappear
edi
ntot
hinai
r
Danny
:We'
rel
ooki
ngal
lov
er,
please
st
aystr
ong
Me:
Icannot
,Icant
.Ineedmybaby
Danny :Thisissohar d,
ithurts.I
'
mi n
pai
nj ustlikeyou'rei
npain.Iloveyou
Nasiphi andbel i
evemewhenIsayI
wil
lnev erstopl ooki
ngforhim eveni
f
i
ttakest her estofourl
ives,Iwil
ldo
so.
Inoddedandhel
ookedatmewei
rdl
y
Me:
What
?
Danny
:Youshi
rti
swetanddi
rt
y
Me:Mybreast
sareleaki
ng,
butmom
br
oughtmebreast
pads.
Danny
:Mmmmh
Me:
Whatnow?
Danny
:Whenl
astdi
dyoubat
h?
Me:
Twoday
sago
Danny:Pleasedon'
ttel
lmey ou'
reon
yourperi
odsandy ouhaven'
tbathed
i
nt woday s
Me:I'
m notonmyper i
ods.Nayesaid
i
t'
snormal,Imi
ghtstartaf
teraful
l
week.Thecycl
egetsirr
egular
Danny
:Butst
il
l,
youst
ink.Let
'sgo
bat
h
Me:
Idon'
twantt
obat
h
Danny:I
'
vebeentol
dyou'
vebeenin
her
esinceyoucamehome,you'
re
get
ti
ngout
Me:
NoI
'
m not
Hecarriedmef or
ceful
l
yandIended
uplaughingandtell
i
nghimt ostop.
Mom smi ledasshesawuswal kby.
I
'm sureshewashappyt oseeme
l
augh.Het ookof
fmyclothesand
l
ookedatmybody
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Danny
:You'
resexy
Me:
What
ever
,let
'sgoshower
Danny
:No,
we'
reusi
ngt
hebat
htub
Hehadal
readyrant
hewateri
ntot
he
t
ub.Wegotinandhebat
hedme.
Danny
:Il
ovey
ouMaNy
athi
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooMcKenzi
e
Danny:Promisemet hatthiswon'
t
dri
ftusapart,
thatwe'l
ltalkandmake
thi
ngswor kbetweenusandour
famil
y.Pr
omi seyouwon' tpushus
away
Me:
Ipr
omi
se
Wefini
shedupandhehel
pedmeget
dr
essed.Heki
ssedmeandanswer
ed
acall
.Iwentdownst
air
stoget
somethi
ngtoeatwhil
ehetookhi
s
cal
l.
Bee:
Kamoi
sonherwayher
e
Me:
Okay
Bee:
She'
swi
thLangal
athu
Me:
It'
sokay
Ncebamademeasandwhi chand
applej
uice.Si yaar
ri
vedwi t
hKamo
andLangal ethu.Wesatandhada
bri
efconv ersati
onwhileSbahl
ewas
onthephone.HerandPaul ahave
beenbusyanswer i
ngcallsoft
hose
whomayhav eanyhelpful
i
nformationbutsof arithasbeen
usel
ess.Langal
ethucri
edandi
t
remi
ndedmeofTay l
or'
scry
Me:
CanIhol
dher
?
Kamo:
Sur
e
Shepassedherontomeandshe
stoppedcr
yingaf
terIsanghera
songmymom usedt osingforme
MaD:Itaughty
ouwel
l
,you'
rea
nat
ural
Me:Youusedt
omakemesi
ngi
tto
mydoll
s
Wel aughedasIplayedwith
Langalet
hu'shand.Wehear dthe
cl
ickingsoundofacamer aandi t
wasDannyt akingapict
ure.Icoul
d
seet
hathehasbeencr
ying.
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Danny
:Bri
anandMphoar
ecomi
ngt
o
fet
chus.
Me:
Why
?
Zandy
:Whati
sgoi
ngonDanny
?
Danny :Wehav et ogoidentif
yabody ,
therewasacaracci dent
.Anur se
whohappenst obeaccusedof
steali
ngachi l
datahospi talsame
dayTay l
orwast akenwasi nvol
v edi
n
acaracci dentwiththebaby .I
tshard
totellsi
nceitsjustababybutt he
i
dent i
tyhasbeenmat chedwi th
Taylors.
Sbahl
e:Apparent
ly,
thr
eenewbor
ns
wrret
akenthatsameday.
Icouldn'
t,
Icouldnttaket
hatther
e
wasapossi bi
l
itythatTay
lorwasdied.
Itcan'
tbe
Me:
I'
m notgoi
ng,
it'
snotourchi
l
d
Danny:
Youhavetobet
here,I
'
m not
sayi
ngit
shi
m butweneedtobesur
e.
Kamotri
edtaki
ngLangabutI
coul
dn'
tl
etgoofher.
Danny
:Letgooft
hebabyNasi
Kamo: You'
l
lfi
ndusher
ewhenwe
getback.
Bee:
Yeswe'
l
lbeher
e
#Danny
It
'sbeenachal l
enge, mor et hana
chall
engeact ually.Itseemsasi f
thi
ngsar ejustbei ngt hrownatuswe
arenotev enget ti
ngt i
met obr eathe
andenj oyourl ives.Ev ersincewe
weret ogetherweseem t obehav i
ng
mor ebadday st hangoodday s.Thi s
hasbeent hewor st, notknowi ng
wherey ourchi ldis.Seei ngy ourot her
chil
dreneatandbei ngt akencar eof f
whil
enotknowi ngt haty ourot her
chil
dhaseat ennori shewel ltaken
careof f
.It
sal l t
aki ngat ollonmebut
l
uckilyIhav et hebestoff ri
endswho
haven'tbeenr est i
ng, whohav eleft
theirf
ami li
esathomet ocomehel p
mel ookf ormychi ld.Nkosi toldme
thatmar riagei snoteasy ,thatbei nga
parentandhusbandi shardandi t
reall
yis.Iknowmywi feislooki ngup
tomeandt r
ust i
ngmet ofindour
Tay l
or.Shedi dn'twantl etgoof
Langal ethu,ithur tmet oseeherl ike
thatbutshehadt ol etgo.Weneeded
togoi dent i
fyabody .Justani nfants
l
ifehasbeent akenawaybecauseof
someone' ssel fi
shness.Toknowt hat
wear enott heonl yf amilygoi ng
throught hisal soj usthurts.Idon' t
wisht hisonany one.Ihel dherasshe
cri
edwhi lewal kingt othecar .Wegot
tothemor t
uar
yandwenttoseethe
body.Idon'
tevenknowi
fit
sokayto
sayit
sabody ,hewassosmall
.
Nasi
:It
'snotTay
lor
Me:
Itr
eal
l
yisn'
t
Shecr i
edandclosedherey
esand
prayed.Sheki
ssedthebaby'
s
foreheadandwel ef
t.
Me:
Wer
en'
tyouscar
edt
odot
hat
?
Nasi
:Dowhat
?
Me:
Kissi
ngadeadbaby
Nasi
:Youmakei
tsoundsol
i
kei
tsa
si
ckthi
ngt
odo
Me:
Itsj
ustt
hatIdon'
tthi
nkIcoul
d
ev
ergetmy
sel
ftodoi
t.You'
rebr
ave
Shelaughedatmeandgoti
ntot
he
car
.
Nasi:I'
m sadt hatsuchay oungchil
d
hasjustpassedon.Icannotbegi nto
evenimagi newhatt heparentsar
e
goingthroughr i
ghtnowbutI '
m
rel
ievedthatitisnotTaylor
Me:Iwant
edt osayt
hatawhil
eago
butIdi
dn'
twanttosayi
t,It
houghti
t
wouldbewrongofme
Mpho:I'
mjusthappyy
oudi
dn'
tj
ust
bl
urti
tout
Bri
an:Hedoesnthaveti
mini
ng,he
neverknowswhenistheri
ghtt
imeto
saysomet
hing
Me:Whenistheri
ghtti
met
osay
somet
hingsensi
ti
ve?
Mpho:
Ireal
l
ydon'
tknow
Wedebat
edabouti
tandNasikepton
l
aughi
ngatus.I
twasgoodtoseeher
l
augh,
shehardl
yeversmi
l
eslatel
y.
Me:We'l
ldr
opy
ouof
fbabeandwe'
l
l
headt
oHQ
Nasi
:Wi
l
lyoubebackt
oni
ght
?
Me:
I'
m notsur
e
SheseemedsadaboutitbutIhadt
o
work,Ihadtoconti
nuel
ooki
ngfor
ourson.Every
thi
ngisonmyhands
Bri
an:
He'
l
lbeback,
by8pm he'
l
lbe
home.
Wedr oppedheroffandshedidn't
seem happyaboutmel eav
ing.I
ki
ssedherandshewal kedintothe
house.
Me:
Howwi
l
lIbehomeby8pm?
Mpho:We'l
lhandl
eev
eryt
hingDanny
,
youj
ustneedtobewit
hyourwif
e.
Sheneedsyou
Bri
an:He'sri
ght,
youal
soneedtorest
.
Tayl
orisourbabytoo,
wewon'tr
est
ti
l
lwef i
ndleads.
Me:
Thanky
ougent
s.
Wewentt
oHQandcont
inued
worki
ng.HourspassedandIhadt o
gohome.Ileftthem wor ki
ngand
boughtsomef r
uitsforNasi .Igot
homeandt heywer ewat chingnews.
Tayl
or'
spictur
ewast hereandIdid
rai
sethereward.Nasi switchedoff
theTVandKamogav emesupper .
Me:
ThanksKamogel
ang
Ihadsupperandwesatf orawhi l
e
thenwenttobed.Shefel
l asl
eepin
myarmsandIal sosl
ept.Iwas
wokenupbyascr eam.Iwent
downstai
rsandKamowascr ying
Me:
What
'swr
ong?
Kamo:
Icannotf
indmybaby
Me:Ohgodno,whatdoyoumean?
Don'
ttel
lmeshe'
sbeenkidnapped.
Howdidanyonegeti
nhere?
Bee:
Idon'
tknow,
let
'snotpani
c
MaN:
Wher
eisNasi
?
Me:She..
.Idon'
tthi
nkshewasi
nbed
whenIranhere
MaN:Shehast
hebaby
,cal
m down
Kamo.
IwenttoTaylor
snurseryroom and
i
ndeedshehadLangal ethuandshe
keptoncall
i
ngherTay lorandshe
wasasleepinherarms.Ijustst
ood
ther
eandfeltdefeat
ed.
Me:
Nasi
phi
Nasi
:Tay
lorj
ustwokeup.
Me:Babe,
pleasegi
vemet
hebaby
,
i
t'
snotTayl
or.
Shejustcr
iedandhandedt
hebaby
overtome.
Nasi
:TheytookTay
lor
,wher
eis
Tayl
or.Shescr
eami
ngandcryi
ng.
MaN:Calm downmybaby,
calm
down.Ihandedt
hebabyovert
o
Kamo.
Me:Youcanal
lgobackt
obed.I
'l
l
handl
eher
.Comebabe,l
etsgot
o
bed.
ShenoddedandIcarr
iedher.She'
s
soli
ght
,she'
salwayssoquicktoloss
wei
ghtwhensheisstr
essed.Iputher
i
nbedandsherestedonmychest .
Me:Iknowwe' r
egoingthr
oughalot
butbabe,youcannott
akeother
peopl
e'sbabies
Nasi
:I'
m sor
ry,
Idon'
tknowwhat
wentoverme.
Me:I
tsokay
,youneedt
oapol
ogi
zet
o
Kamo.
Nasu:Iwil
l
.Ij
usthear
dhercryandI
wantedtomakehersl
eep.I
tseemed
asifi
twasTaylor
.
Me: Noneedt
oexpl
ainmyl ove,j
ust
sleep.Thi
swi
l
lbeoversoon,close
youreyes.
Nasi
:Makel
ovet
ome
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?
Nasi
:Itwi
l
lmakemef
eel
bet
ter
Me:
Okay
,Il
ovey
ouNasi
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooTr
ist
on.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t70
It
'sbeent hreemont hs, t
hemost
dreadful andmosthur tfulthree
mont hsofmyent i
relife.Ithasbeen
chall
engi nganddr aining.We' vehad
somanydeadl eads, somewher e
peopleact edoutaconcr etestory
andhandedov erababywhi chwas
notTay l
orj usttogett he12mi l
ii
on.It
hurtsmeev erydaytoseehowpeopl e
gobey ondmeasur esj ustt oget
money .Thewor ldhasj ustseent his
asawayt omakemoney .Thepolice
i
sf ai
lingandsoi sthef orce.Wehav e
nothing, not hi
ngatal landI '
v est
arted
tojustgi veup.I t'
st r
uewhent heysay
Thingshappeni nl i
fe.Youf i
nd
your sel
finsi tuat i
onsy ou'venev er
picturedy our selfin.I fIwast oldt hat
I'
dbegoi ngt hr ought hisinmyl ife,I
woul d'v
enev erwant edt hel if
eIhav e
no.Iwoul d'venev erwi shedt oev en
grow.I '
llwe'v ebeendoi ngi swor king.
Ilockmy selfupi nmyof f
iceand
wor k.Dannyhasnev erst opped
l
ooki ngf orTay lor,hewoul d
somet i
mesj ustwakeupandl eav e.
Sear chi
ngpeopl eshouses, searching
athospi tals,or phanagehomes,
mor tuari
esev erywher e.Ithast ruly
takenat ollonhi m.I thast akenat oll
onourr elat i
onshi p?Wehar dlyev er
spendt i
met oget her.WhenIcome
backhome, Ispendt imewi ththekids,
cookandgot obed.I fhecomes
homef i
rsthedoest hesameandhe
l
eav esaf t
erput t
ingt hechil
dr enin
bed.Hegoest oHQandcomesback
i
nt hemor ning.Isomet i
mest hinkit'
s
mewhohei sav oidingandIdon' t
knowwhy .Iwokeupandhewasn' t
homeasusual .Iwoket heki dsup
andpr epar edthem f orschool ,it'
s
theirlastdayatschool ,
it'
sJune
holiday sandt heywantt oleav eand
got oBi zanawi t
hMaNy athi str
aight
afterschool .Iunder standwhyt hey
wantt ol eave,DannyandIhav en' t
beengr eatcompanyatal l
.Idrov e
them toschool andwentbackhome.
Iwasnotgoi ngtowor ktodaybutI
wasgoi ngt oseemyman.Imi sshi m
andIhat ewhathei sdoi ng.Iputon
somel inger i
eandl ookedatmy selfi
n
themi rror.Iwasn'thappyaboutt he
wayIl ookedatal l,I
'velostwei ght
andI '
m asi ze32now.Snehi sev en
biggerthanmenow, speakingof
Sneh.Shewentt oseeherpar ents
andonl yt ofindoutthatherf ather
hadpassedaway .Hermot herst ayed
aloneandwhenshesawSneh, she
couldn'tstopcr yi
ng.Shecameback
withherandshest ayswi thher .She'
s
beent hehappi estwomanonEar t
h,
theygivemehopet hatonedayI 'l
l
alsofindTay lor.Thathewoul done
daywal ki nhereandcal lmemom.I
j
ustwonderhowmanyy earsofhi s
l
ifewi l
lImi ss?Wi l
l heacceptmeas
hismot herorwi l
lheev erevenf i
nd
meorwi l
lIeverev enfindhim?Lucas
hasbeenbackf oraboutamont h,he
decidedt oset t
leinSout hAf r
icaand
he'sbeenwor kingatoneofAt hi'
s
hospitals.Hehasbeenhav i
ngagood
relati
onshipwi ththeguy sandDanny
hasseent hatLucashadnev erhad
i
nt enti
onsofbei nginar omant ic
rel
ati
onshi
pwi t
hme.Hesawmeasa
goodfri
endfrom t
hegetgo.Iputon
ablackcoatandstil
ett
osandabitof
makeup.ItextedKJt ofi
ndouti
f
Dannyisathisoff
iceathiscompany
orHQ
KJ:
"AtHQ"
Igotint
othecaranddroveofft
oHQ.
Iwentinsi
deandevery
oneseemedto
besobusy ,
evenSbahl
e,Nceba,
PaulaandZandywerethere
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngon?
Lucas:
Yourmanwon'tbehappy
aboutyoubei
ngher
e,whodroveyou?
Me:
Icandr
ivemy
sel
fLucas
Zandy
:Tel
lthatt
oDannyandhe'
l
ltel
l
youwhati
sgoingon.
Shekissedmyforeheadandpeaked
undermycoat.Shelaughedand
spankedme.
Danny
:Handsofmywi
feZandi
l
e
Zandy
:Yesboss
Shewi nkedandwentaway.Danny
hel
dmyhandandwewal kedt ohi
s
off
ice.Hesatdownandpour edme
water.Iwonderwhosai
dIwant ed
water,Iwantedmyman.
Me:
Danny
,you'
vebeenav
oidi
ngme
Danny
:I'
m sor
ry
Me:Idon'
twantanapol
ogy
,Iwantan
expl
anat
ion.
Danny :
It'
sbeent hreemont hs
Nasiphi,I
'v
ef ailedt obr ingourson
home.I '
vefailedmy selfasaman, as
aleader,asy ourhusband, I
'
vef ai
led
myson, I'
vefai ledmyf ami l
yand
mostofal lI'
vef ai
ledy ou.Idon' tev en
knowhowt ogohomeandl ookat
youwi t
houthav ingTay lorinmyar ms.
Everyti
meIcomehomey oulookat
mewi thpleadi ngey es,beggi ngthatI
haveoursonwhenIdon' t
.Itisalljust
drai
ningNasi phi ,I'
vef ail
edy ou
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkyou'
vefai
ledme,
you'
rehumannotasuperhero.Idon'
t
expecty outof i
ndoursoni njusta
day,babet hesethingstaketime,
especi al
l
ysinceitisababy .You've
beendoi ngy ourbestandIappr eci
ate
that,
t here'
snothingyouhav en'
ttri
ed
andy ou'vedonemor et
hanwhat
anyonehas, morethanwhatt he
poli
cehav edoneaboutit.You've
neverf ai
ledmeDanny ,
you'renota
fai
lure.
HelookeddownandItookof
fmy
coatandlockedhi
sdoor
.
Danny
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng
Me:Imissmyhusband,Iwantmy
husbandhomebecauseIneedhi
m
andheneedsmet
oo.
Danny
:Youl
ooksosexyr
ightnow.
Heki ssedmeandlaidmeonhis
desk.Het ookhi
stimewit
hmeand
madepassi onat
elovet
ome.Igot
dressedafterweweredoneandhe
di
dt oo.
Danny
:Wher
ear
eof
ftonow?
Me:
May
beI
'
llst
ayher
eforawhi
l
e.
Danny:You'
renotdr
essedundert
he
coatr
emember
Me:
Yeah
Danny
:Gr
abat
racksui
tint
hatdr
awer
Me:
Youev
enkeepcl
othesher
e
Danny
:Yes
Ichangedi
ntohi
str
acksui
tand
l
aughed
Danny
:Whyar
eyoul
aughi
ng?
Me: Icameinher
einacoatandI'
ll
comeoutinat r
acksui
t,t
hatwi
l
lrai
se
suspici
ons
Danny:Theyareadul
ts,
t heyal
so
havesex.Sothey'
l
lunder st
andthatI
j
usthadmywi vescookie.
Me:
Yousuchaper
v
Danny:
Doesn'
ti
tfeelwei
rdthatwe'
re
havi
ngsexwhi
leourchi
ldismissi
ng?
Il
aughedabi
tbecausei
tishowIf
elt
t
oo.
Me:It'
sguil
t,If
eel
guil
tyev
enwhenI
eatbecauseIwonderi
fhehaseat
en
too.
Danny:
Itwi
l
l al
lbeokay
.Idi
dn'
tget
togi
veyouyourri
ng
Me:
Myr
ing?
Danny:Youhav
enor
ingony
our
fi
ngerNasi
Me:
Oh,
Ifor
got
.
Danny
:MayI
?
Me:
Yesy
oumay
Heopenedtheboxanditwasanew
r
ing.It
houghthewoul
dgivememy
ol
dring.I
twasabeaut
if
uldi
amond
ri
ng.
Me:
Itsbeaut
if
ul
Danny
:Justl
i
key
ou
Me:
Thanky
ou
Weki
ssedandt
her
ewasaknock
Danny
:Whati
sit
?
Bonga: Stopsucki
ngeachot
hers
throatsandcomehere,wehavea
problem
Heopenedthedoorandwewentt
o
j
oint
heothers.
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Lubah:
ItsDuoLi
erez,
KingofThe
Col
umbianDr
ugLor
d's,whoofcause
i
sworki
ngwit
htheRussians.Hesent
avi
deotous
Danny
:Pl
ayi
t
Thi
sDuoguyl
ookedscar
y
Duo: Hel
lo,Iseethemi ght
yhave
fal
len.Ihavey oursonTaylor
McKenzi e.Giv
emet hechipThor
,
giv
emet hechi pandI'
llgi
veyouyour
son.
Thev
ideoendedj
ustl
i
ket
hat
.Thor
?
WhoisThor
?
Me:
Whoi
sThor
?
Thegent
sjuststoodupandtheyal
l
wentt
oDanny '
soffi
cewit
houteven
say
ingawor
d.
Me:
Whati
sgoi
ngon?Whoi
sThor
?
Zandy:
Thori
sy ourhusband.I
t'
sa
namehewasgi veninthearmy,l
et'
s
j
ustsayit
sasideofy ourmanthat
youdon'
twanttomeet .
Me:
Oh
Bee:Andletsj
ustsay
,keepyourguns
cl
ose.It
'saboutt
ogetheated
Iwentt
oDanny
'sof
fi
ceandthelook
hegavemewassoscar
y.Il
ooked
downandbi
tmynail
s
Danny
:Tal
k
Me:
Idon'
tthi
nkt
heyhav
ethebaby
Br
ian:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Me:
Theydon'
thav
eTay
lor
Bonga:Youcannotbesureofthat,
wehaven'tbeenabl
etofindhim and
i
twouldmakesenset hatthebabyis
wit
hthem
Me: Thi nkaboutthis,whydidn'tthey
comef or t
hthesameweekt hebaby
wasst olen?Theywantt hechipas
quicklyaspossi ble,t
heywoul dn't
waitt hislong.Theyarelookingfor
thechi ldasmuchaswear e.Theyar e
j
ustusi ngthisasabai tt
ogett he
chip.Danny ,
theyknowy ourchi l
dren
arey ourweaknessandt heyar eusing
t
hist
othei
radv
ant
age.
Danny
:Cal
ltheot
herl
adi
esi
n
Ical
ledthem andwesatdownl i
ke
wewer eint
rouble.Hedi
dn'teven
l
ookatmei nt heeye,
mostpr obably
becauseheknowsIwantt oknow
aboutthi
sThorname.Ilookedatt he
ti
meandi twasn'tonmyside.
Me:Ihav
etogo,
I'
ll
bebacki
nan
hour
Danny
:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me: Pi
cki
ngupthekidsanddropping
them of
fatmymothers.Theyare
goingtoBi
zanawit
hMaDl aminiand
MaNy at
hi
Danny:Iwantt
oseet
hem bef
ore
theyl
eave
Me:
Icannotbr
ingt
hem t
oHQ
Danny
:You'
l
lseewhatyoucando,I
wantt
oseethem bef
oret
heyleav
e
Me:You'
rebeingcrazyr
ightnow,
If
youwanttoseethem.You'l
lcome
wit
hme
Hegul
pedonhi swhi
skey,
mindyou,
hedi
dn'tev
enuseaglasshedrank
fr
om t
hebottl
e.
Me:
Whowi
l
ldr
ive?
Danny
:I'
l
ldr
ive
Me:
Noway
s,y
ou'
reangr
yandy
ou
drankal
cohol.You'
renotev
engood
companyrightnow
Zandy
:Oooooh
Mpho:
ShutupZandi
l
e
ShelookeddownandGodknows
howwewant edt olaugh.Whyar
e
theysuddenlyjustsoangryandwe'
re
gett
ingpunishedf orit
.
Paul
a:I
'l
ldr
ive,
Iwantedt
oseemom
toobef
oreshegoes.
Igavehert
hekeysandwewentout
wit
hDannyf ol
l
owingbehindus.We
goti
ntothecarandhestart
ed
makingcal
ls.Wepickeduptheki
ds
andtheywerehappytoseeDanny.
Otherthreeblackcar spar kednearus
attheschool par ki
nglot,ther
ewas
al
otofbody guar dsandt hemot hers
wereint hecar.Dannychangedcar s
andIsaidmygoodby est othekidsas
heleftwiththem t aki
ngt hem t
oSpur
beforetheyleav e.Wechi ll
edat
Mom' sforthet i
mebei ngandwhen
hecamebackt heyleftheadingto
Bizana.
Danny
:Gobackt
oHQ
Paul
anoddedanddroveusbackto
HQ.Dannywasnowi nhi
sowncar.
Hewastrul
yjustbei
ngver
ydramati
c.
Whenwegott oHQIpull
edhi
m asi
de.
Danny
:Idon'
twantt
otal
kabouti
t
Me:Idon'twanttotal
kaboutitei
ther
,
f
ornowt hough.Stopact
ingthisway
Hejustki
ssedmeandl
eftme
st
andingther
e.
Danny
:Cal
lDuo
Jomomadet hecallandputiton
l
oudspeaker.Theyspokeina
l
anguageIdidn'tunderst
and.They
wereargui
ngt hough.Mphojoinedin
theconver
sationanditendedaftera
l
ong30mi ns
Danny:
Hedoesn'
thaveTay
lorbut
he'
sinSout
hAfri
ca,
hewantswar.
Phi
l
a:Wecannotaf
for
dtogoonwar
wi
thev
ery
thi
ngt
hati
sgoi
ngon.
Me:
Handov
ert
hechi
p
Mpho:
Youar
ecr
azy
Me:Whathappenswhent
hechi
pis
handedov
er?
Zandy
:Igot
ojai
landt
hey
'l
ldef
ini
tel
y
ki
llme
Jabu:
Youwi
l
lgot
ojai
lto
Me:
Me?Why
?
Jabu:Yoursi
ster
ssi
nsar
eyoursi
ns,
accor
dingtothem.
Me:
Wher
eist
hechi
p?
Zandy:
Wecannotaccessit
,onl
yZee
canandshei
sdead.We'rej
usti
nshi
t
Me:Youalwayshav
edi f
ferentstor
ies
aboutt
hischi
pandit'
sjuststart
ingto
pi
ssmeof f
Zandy
:Yout
hinkI
'
mjoki
ng?Fol
l
ow
me
Ifoll
owedherandwewentdownt o
Zee'sdarkroom.Shepunchedi n
somet hi
ngsonadoorwedi dn'tknow
exist
ed.Zeewasr eal
l
yt wisted.She
openedt hedoorandt herewer eso
manypaper sont hewal landso
manycomput ersandev eryt
hingjust
screamedt echnol
ogy.Ther ewasa
chairint
hemi ddleofther oom.
Me:
Whati
sthi
s?
Zandy:Thi siswher eshedi d
every
thing, seet hi
schair,oncewe' r
e
abletofigur eoutherpr ogrammi ng,
wehav et osi there,connectittoour
bri
ansandmov etheinformation
amongstuswhi chshei nstal
ledinus
andintot hi
s.
Sheopenedaglasstabl
ewhichhada
smal
lgoldandblackmetal
piece.
Me:
Sot
hisi
sthechi
p?
Zandy
:Buti
tisempt
y
Mpho:Soal
lalongwhenyousai
diti
s
i
nallofy
ou,youweretel
l
ingust
he
t
rut
h
Zandy
:Yes
Si
ya:
Butweal
lcannotaccessi
t.
Ev
enKamo
Me:Thi
shasnev
erbeeni
nvent
ed
bef
ore
Bee:WecansaythatZeeinvent
ed
thi
ssyst
em andi
tshere.Shenever
wantedany
onetoknowabouti t
.
Lucas:
Ihavenev
erseensuch,
you'
d
swearshewasanal
ien
Iroamedaroundandopenedone
computerwhichopenedt
hem al
l
.It
needed8passwords.
Me:
Wher
eonEar
thwi
l
lIgett
hese!
At
hi:
Ifeel
sodumbr
ightnow
Sbahl
e:You'
renotal
one.
Me:
Ihav
eapl
an
Danny
:Whatpl
an?
Me: We'
refi
nishi
ngthischi
pshit,
I'
m
ti
redofleav
inginfearanddanger
becauseofthispi
eceofmet al
.
Zandy
:Wehav
echi
l
dren,
wecannot
di
e
Danny:Wewon'tdi
e,we'
renotgoi
ng
tohandovert
hechipbutwewill
dest
royit
.
Me: JustasIwasthi
nki
ng.Danny,
call
thisDuoguyandtel
lhim we'
l
l
giv
ehi mthechipi
naweek.
Mpho:Wecannotpul
lthi
sof
fina
week
Me:Wecanandwewi l
l.Nceba,Cal
l
Kamo.KJ,pr
eparetheagents.Zandy
,
whoelsehasthi
sinthem?
Zandy
:Si
ya,
Nay
e,Nt
oko,
Nceba,
Bee
andSneh
Me:Paul
a,cal
lNaye,
sheneedst
obe
her
enow.May i
,Cal
lRazor
Danny
:Awor
dpl
easeNasi
If
oll
owedhi
m andwegoti
ntohi
s
of
fi
ce.
Danny
:Youdoknowthatwhatwear
e
doi
ngisdanger
ous
Me:Idon'tknowwhatI'
m doi
ng
Tri
stonbutIknowI'
m doingi
t
anyways.
Danny
:Il
ovey
ouNasi
Me:
Ilov
eyouThor
Danny
:Don'
tcal
lmet
hat
.
Me:
What
?It
'ssexy
,Thor
Danny:Youdon'
tl
ist
endoy
ouMr
s
Thor?
Inoddedandl aughed.Alli
nal l
,Iwas
scaredofwhatIi ni
ti
ated.Buttheres
nogoingback.I 'mtakingcar eof
whatmysi sterleftbehind.Idon't
knowwher edoIgett hisbraveryfrom
butI'
mf i
nishingt hi
s.They'vebeenon
therunf
ortoolong.Idon'
tknowt he
peopleI
'
m deali
ngwi t
hherebutthey
do.I
fDannyhasagr eedtot
histhan
heknowswe'll
beabl etomakeit.
Danny:Ihopeyou'
rereadyforwhat
youjustst
art
ed.It
'si
ny ourhands
Me:
I'
mleadi
ngt
hismi
ssi
on?
Danny:Yesbossl
ady,
justt
he
techni
calsi
deofi
t.
Me:
Argh,
butIwant
edt
oleadi
tal
l
Danny
:Nothappeni
ng,you'
rest
il
lmy
wif
eandyouwon'tuseanygun.
Me:
Fine.
Danny
:We'
redoi
ngt
hisf
orourki
ds
f
utur
eandTay
lor
Me:
Forourf
utur
egener
ati
on
Wejoi
nedtheot
her
sandImadea
si
l
entpray
er.
Me:
Wer
eady
?
Them:
Yes
Me:
Toourf
utur
egener
ati
on!
Us:
Toourf
utur
egener
ati
on
Thi
si sforyouTaylor
,Iwhisperedto
mysel f
.Iknewtheydidn'
thav ehim
butwhatIwant edwast ogetthisout
oftheway .Forourki
dstogr owup
andt akeoverourl
egacywithout
havingtowor r
yaboutourmaj or
enemiesandourwars.Ifwedon't
fi
nishthi
snow, i
twi
lli
mpactt hem
l
ateronwhent heyt
akeov er
.Ithasto
bedone.It'
sdanger
ousbutitisar i
sk
wear eal
lwill
i
ngtotake.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t71
Ihadst ayedupf orsol ong,weonl y
havet woday sl eftti
llDuoandhi s
peoplecomet of etcht hechip.No
sl
eep, Dannyhasbeenwi t
hmeand
hel
pingme.Weal ltookshiftsand
sendingal l
theki dsdownt oBi zana
wasthebesti deaAt hihasev ercome
upwit h.Weunder stoodwhenKamo
l
eftwi ththekidsbecauseshehada
smallbabyt ot akecar eof.Whenev er
weneededherhel pwewoul dsky pe.I
managedt ocrackal lZee'
s
passwor ds,theywer ekindofeasy
becausesheusedt henamesoft he
peopleshel ovedandt hefoodshe
l
oved.Todayi sthedayIputwhatI
havebeenwor kingonintoact i
on.I
wil
lbeabl et
oputt hem ont heseat
andconnectv erydangerouscabl e'
s
onthem whichwi l
lcoll
ectthe
i
nformati
ont hatIneed.Afterthat,i
t
wil
lprogrammei tsel
fandIwi llhave
toi
nstall
itont hechip.
Danny
:Let
'sgohome,we'
ll
beback
whenever
yonei
shereandprepar
ed.
Me:
Okay
Danny:Leav
ethesyst
emsonso
won'thavet
ostar
tagain.
Il
eftthesyst
emsonandhecarr
ied
met othecar
.Idi
dn'
tev
enreal
i
ze
howti
redIwas.Hedroveushome
andIi
mmediatel
ygotreal
lyhungr
y
Me:
Babe,
I'
m hungr
y
Danny:Let
'
sgoshowerfir
stwhil
ethe
chefpr
eparessomet
hingforus.
Me:Inev
erhadt
imet
oadmi
reour
newhouse
Danny:Whenall
ofthi
sisov
er,
we'll
seeitall
andmakesurewehavesex
i
nev eryroom
Me:
Tri
ston!
Danny
:What
?Heal
sohassexwi
th
hi
swife
Igi
ggl
edandgr
eet
edt
hecheft
hen
wentupst
air
s.Weshower edtoget
her
andwemadel ove.Iworeatoweland
wenttosi
tbythebalcony.It
hought
aboutTay
lor
,DanverandOnika.
Danny
:Whatar
eyout
hinki
ngabout
?
Me:
Ourki
ds
Danny
:Imi
sst
hem somuch
Me:Metoo,
doy
out
hinkwewi
l
lev
er
f
indhi
m?
Danny
:Ibel
i
eveso.Wecannotgi
ve
up
Me:
Ilov
eyouDanny
Danny
:Iknowy
oudo,whowouldnt
l
oveme?Youcoul
dn'
tresi
stmy
char
msandmyv
erysexybody
Me:
Get
ti
ngcockyhuh?
Danny
:Let
sjustsayIknowmy
sel
f
sweet
ie
Me:
What
ever
Heheldmeti
ght
lyf
rom t
hebackand
ki
ssedmyneck.
Danny
:Il
ovey
out
oo
Igi
ggl
edashekeptont
ickl
i
ngme.
Me:
Zeewassmar
t
Danny:Yesshewas,Iguessi
trunsin
thefamil
y.Iwoul
dhaveneverf
igured
thosesyst
emsout.
Me:
Weonl
yhav
etwoday
slef
t
Danny
:Howl
ongwi
l
litt
ake?
Me: Twohourseach,si
ncet her
es7
ofthem we'l
lneed14hours.Sowe'l
l
st
artat10:00soprobablyaround
midnightwe'
llbedone.
Danny:
Okay
,let
'sgoeat
.Getdr
essed
fi
rst
Me:
Yessi
r
Iwor eaAdi dastracksuitandsl i
ppers
thenwentdownst ai
rs.WhileIwas
walkingoutt ojusttoseet hegar den
andf reshfl
ower sIcameacr ossa
l
izard.Iscreamedl i
keIjustsawa
snake.Dannyandsomebody guards
weret hereinani nstantwit
hguns.I
wasf
ri
ght
enedbyt
hem ev
enmor
e.
Me:
Putt
hegunsdown
Danny :Arey
ouokay?Iheardyou
scream.Hekeptoncheckingmeand
Iroll
edmyey es.Hecanbeso
overdramati
cormay beIwasbei
ng
dramat i
cbyscreami
ngthatmuch?
Me:
Isawal
i
zar
d
Helookedatmewi t
hthe"you'v
egot
tobekiddi
ng"l
ook.Thebodyguards
wentbacktothei
rposi
ti
onsandhe
wentbackinsi
deasIwasfollowing
him
Me:
I'
m scar
edofl
i
zar
ds
Danny
:Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngout
side
becausey ouweresupposedt
ocome
tothedinningr
oom?
Me:Iwant
edt
oseethegar
denbut
i
nst
eadIcameacr
ossali
zard
Danny:Servesy
ouright,
that
swhat
yougetfornotl
ist
eningto
i
nstr
uctions.
Me:
HahDanny
Danny
: Yi
ni,
andi
thi
buphapha
Amahle(What,y
ouwerebeing
for
wardAmahle)
Me:
Yoh
Idishedupformy sel
fbecausehe
didn'
tseem l
ikehewasgoi ngtodoi
t
forme.Idon'tgetwhyDannywas
angry,li
keli
terall
yIdidn'
tgeti
tatall
.
Hef i
nishedeat i
ngandwentt ohis
offi
ce.Idishedupagai nandate.The
foodwasdel icious.Ipour
edmy sel
f
somewi neandj ustasIwasaboutto
dri
nkit,hetookt heglassaway.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Danny:You'
renotsupposedt
obe
dr
inki
ng
Me:
Say
swho?
Danny
:Say
sme
Me:
Yout
hinky
ou'
reGody
azwena
Danny
:Thensobei
t.
Hegav
emeor
angej
uiceandIdr
ank
i
tev
ent
houghIwasn'
thappyabouti
t.
Me:
Whyar
eyouangr
yatme?
Danny
:I'
m notangr
y
Me:
Youar
e
Danny :DoyouknowhowmuchI
panickedwhenIhear dyouscream?I
thoughtsomethingbadhas
happenedtoy oubutno,itwasjusta
l
izard.Nasi
y oudon'tscr
eam t
hat
muchwheny ouseesomet hi
ngas
harmlessasal i
zard
Me:
ButI'm af
rai
dofali
zard,
itscar
ed
methat
'swhyIscreamed.
Danny:
Don'
tdothatagai
n,y
ou
scar
edme.Youknowhowcr azyI
'
d
goi
fsomet
hinghappenedt
oyou
Me:Youtooprot
ecti
veofme,
rememberhowcrazyyouwentwhen
Ifel
l
?
Danny
:Thatr
eal
l
yupsetme
Me:
Itwasn'
tabi
tdeal
dude
Danny
:I'
m noty
ourdude
Me:Yohlet
sgobef
orey
oubi
temy
headof
f.
Danny
:Youcanbesoannoy
ing
Me:
Yout
oo
WelaughedandIt
ookmybag.He
hel
dmyhand
andkeptonki
ssi
ngi
twhi
l
ewe
wal
kedt
othegar
age.
Danny
:You'
rebeaut
if
ul
Me:
Thanky
oubabe
Danny
:I'
m al
uckyman
Me:
Indeedy
ouar
e
Heopenedthedoorf ormeandwent
tohi
ssidethendroveof f.Iwasvery
ner
vousabouteveryt
hi ng.Wegott o
HQandMphoseemedt obeworse.
Hedidn'
tl
iketheideaofhav i
nghi
s
wif
econnectedtoallthosemachi nes
Danny:See?I
'm nottheonl
yone
who'soverpr
otecti
vewhenitcomes
tomywi f
e.
Mpho:Nasi
,i
sn'
tther
eanyot
herway
ofdoi
ngthi
s?
Me:
Ther
e'snoot
herway
Zandy:I
'v
ebeentell
inghi
m si
nce
yest
erday.I
'
llbef
ineMpho
Nkosi
:Ial
sodon'
tl
iket
hisatal
lbuti
t
hastobedone.
Kamowasher
etodaysoshecoul
d
assi
stme.
Me:
Thebaby
?
Kamo:Lef
ther,Imadesur
etopump
enoughmi
lkforher
.
Me:
Your
eady
?
Kamo:
Yes,
whoi
sgoi
ngf
ir
st?
Si
ya:
I'
ll
doi
tfi
rst
Phi
la:
Ahana,whati
fitdoesn'
twor
k
andbust
syourbrai
n?
Siy
a:OhGod, wheredothesemen
comef r
om?You'reall
just
overr
eacti
ngnowcomeon
KJ:Ireal
lydon'
twantt
ogetmar
ri
ed
i
fthisishowI'l
lbe
Sbahl
e:it
'scal
l
edbeingromanticand
l
ovingyourpar
tneruncondi
ti
onall
y
andbei
ngpr ot
ecti
veofher
KJ:Sbahl
e,you'
resoforwar
d.You'
re
al
wayscomment ingonevery
thi
ngI
saywhenitdoesn'tev
enconcer
nyou
Me:
Ohgosh,
nott
hisagai
n.Guy
s,
we'
vehadt
hisf
ightmor
ethanonce
Sbahl
e:Heal
way
sst
art
s
KJ:Whatdi
dIdo?Youjustl
ove
hav
ingmyattent
ionsweet
ie
Bonga:Whenlastdi
dy ouguyshave
sex?Pl
easedoitagainsoonand
removethi
ssexualt
ensionbetween
youtoo
Thaps:
Isecondt
hatBonga
Mpho: You'
reencour
agi
ngthi
s
nonsensegoingonbetweent
hem?
Me:Canwegetbackt
owhatwe'
re
her
efor
?
Nkosi
:Yespl
ease,
thesoonerwe
f
ini
sht
hebet
ter
.Whil
esheisonthi
s
wehav
etodi
scussafewthi
ngs.
Siy
asatonthechai
rwhil
eBrianand
L’
yandaconnect
edthecabl
estoher
andinj
ect
edher.
Me:
I'
m swi
tchi
ngt
hem on
L’
yanda:
Wedone
Iswit
chedt
hem onandst
art
ed
worki
ngonher
.
Phil
a:Wi
l
lsheev
enr
ememberaf
ter
thi
s?
Me:YesPhi
la,
wenotf lushingher
memorybutwe'r
eretr
ieving
i
nfor
mati
on.Thetwohour sstartnow.
Kamowasbusywhi l
ewest arted
di
scussi
ngourpl
anf
orwar
d.
Me:
Wear
edest
roy
ingt
hechi
p
Nceba:
Whatar
ewegoi
nggi
veDuo?
Danny :Anempt ychi
p,andt hatalone
declareswar.Heisdef i
nit
elynot
comi ngalone,we'
rekil
li
nghi m and
Tropez,hewi l
ldefi
nit
elycomewi t
h
hi
m andwi t
hamot ive.
Nkosi:I
nthatwayl
adi
es,you'
renot
comingwithuswhenwe'r
ehanding
overthechi
p.Wecannotputyouin
thatki
ndofdanger
.
Li
nda:
Butt
hat
'snotf
air
Lubah:Youwon'
tquest
ionour
deci
sions
Me:
Danny
Danny:There'
snouseingivi
ngme
thoseeyes.You'
renotgoi
ng
Zandy:Theywi
llwantt
oseeme,
that
'sf
orsure.
Mpho: Wewer eget
tingtothat
,you
l
adiesjustneedtol
istenandstop
i
nterr
upting.
Bri
an:Thanky ou,nowlist
en.Wewi ll
l
eavewi t
hZandy ,butshe'
llbebackin
arecordti
meofanhour .Beli
ndaand
Nasiwil
lfetchher,Beli
ndawilldr
ive
andwhileNasi andZandyshoot
becausethey'
lldefi
nit
elyatt
ackyou.
Theywantusal ldead,whatZandy
wil
ldoismeetupwi t
hTropezand
handitover
,aMicandcamerawillbe
connectedt
oallofussoyouladi
es
l
eftinHQwi l
lseei
tall
.
Bonga:Thereisahighpossi
bil
i
tythat
Duowi l
lwanttositdownandhave
l
unchwi t
hus, youknowhowhedoes
thi
ngs.Wewi l
lbesearchedandthey
wil
lbedisconnected
Me:What
'st
heuseofput
ti
ngt
hem
onf
rom t
hegetgo?
Danny:Whent
heyt akethem out ,
they'
ll
putt
hem wher ewe'
llbe.
There'
sabuginstal
ledinallofthem,
whichKamowi l
lprogram andthey
wi
l
lgett
hei
nfor
mat
ionweneed.
Nt
oko:
Whati
nfor
mat
ion?
Jabu:Thei
nfor
mat
iont
heyhav
e
agai
nstus
Linda:Andwhydon'
tweknowabout
that?
L’
yanda:You'r
enotgoi
ngt
oknow
aboutev
erythi
ng
Nay
e:Whatdot
heyhav
eagai
nsty
ou?
Theylookedateachot
heranddi
dn'
t
sayanythi
ng.
Zandy:Somuchforbei
nghonestand
tr
usti
ngeachot
her
Bonga:
Thi
syoucannotknowabout
.
Nay
e:Wow
Danny:We'l
lgett
othatwhenal
lof
thi
sisoverokay?
Mayi:
Af terwegetthei
nformat
ionwe
need,thebugwi l
lbepr
ogrammed
backintothis.
Heshowedusasmal l
black
cont
ainer.Theybri
efedusin
ever
ythingthatwoul
dgodown
tomorrow.
KJ:Weareleav
ingat12t
omor
row,
ever
yoneshoul
dbeready
.
Me:
Theagent
s?
Phi
la:
Only30agent
swil
lbewor
king
wit
hus.Theweapons?
Lucas:
Theyar
eready
.
Twohour
shadalr
eadypassedand
wedi
sconnect
edSi
ya.
Phi
l
a:She'
snotwaki
ngup
Me:
Rel
ax
Ii
nject
edherandl
etherr
est
.
Me:
Next
Zandy
:I'
l
lgo
Mpho:
Ilov
eyou
Zandy
:Il
ovey
out
oo
Il
aughedathowMphowasso
worr
iedaboutZandy.Shedi
dher
hour
sandt heNtokowasnext.
L’
yandaandIwenttogetsomepizza
andlot
soffoodandalcohol
.Me:I
don'
tgetwhyyouguysaredri
nki
ng
whil
ewe'r
esobusy
L’
yanda:
Wear
ethi
rst
y
Ilaughedathim andwewentbackt o
HQ.West ay
edf orhoursandhours
ast heyt
ookt hei
rturnsandret
ri
eved
theinfor
mation.
Naye:
Am It
heonl
yonef
eel
i
ngwei
rd
now?
Nt
oko:
You'
renotal
one
Phil
a:Asl
ongasmywi
fest
il
l
remember
sme.
Kamo:
Thi
sisn'
twor
king
Me:Whatdoyoumean?Youcannot
sayt
hat
.Wehav eworkedhar
dand
onl
yhaveafewhourslef
t
Kamo:
Comeseet
his
Alloft
hei nformati
onwasr etr
ieved
butcouldn'tgeti
nstal
l
edint hechip.
Thereneededt obeaccesscodes
anditwasv er
ycomplicat
ed.Itri
ed
butfai
led.Weal ldi
dtrybutcouldn't
doit.I
tcamet omymi ndofwho
couldhelpus.
Me:
No,
itcan'
tbe.Ohwow
Danny
:What
,whati
sit
?
Me:
Oni
ka
Jabu:
Whati
swr
ongwi
thOni
ka?
Me:Danny
!Oni
ka!Oni
kai
swhatwe
need
Danny
:El
ebor
ate
Me: Onikaissuperi nt
ell
igent,when
she'ssupposedt obedoingher
homewor k.Shewor ksont hese
codesthatev enIdon'
tknow.Shehas
Ziy
anda' sintell
i
genceandmor e,she
al
way st eachesherdolls,I
'vebeen
partofhercl assesandy ouhav en'
t
butshecanhel pus
Danny:That
'
snothappeni
ng,
I'
m not
i
nvolv
ingmychil
dinthi
s.
Me:Shewon'tbeinanydanger
,she
j
ustneedst
odot his
Danny :Thi
sistoomuchfora6y ear
old,eventhebothofuscannotdo
this,whatmakesyouthi
nkOnikacan?
Me: Becauseshehasagi ftDanny
,
shehasagi ftthatshegotfr
om her
mother.Thisiswhatshecando.Just
giv
ei tachance
Danny
:Idon'
tknowNasi
phi
,Ineed
ti
metothi
nkabouti
t
Me:There'
snotimeTr
iston.Iknow
you'
reworr
iedandpr
otecti
veofher
butt
his,
thi
sneedstobedone.
Danny
:Wecannotdr
ivet
oBi
zana
now
Me:
Ist
hatay
es?
Danny
:YeahIt
rusty
ou
Me:
Okay
,youdr
ive
Kamo:I
t'
sver
ylat
e,i
twi
l
ltaket
oo
l
ong.
Nkosi
:Di
dyouguysf
orgett
hatDanny
hasapri
vat
ejet
?
Danny:Ri
ght,
KJ,
inf
ormt
hepi
l
ot.
We'r
eleavi
ng.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Danny
:Il
oveyouandItr
ustt
haty
ou
knowwhatyou'
redoi
ng
Me:Iwouldntdoany
thi
ngt
hatcoul
d
har
m Onika
Danny
:Iknow,
I'
mjustwor
ri
ed.
Me:
Iam t
oobutt
hisi
sfort
hebest
.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
Sor
ryi
fit
'sshor
t
#LBAR

I
nser
t72
Conv
inci
ngDannyt
oletOni
kahel
pus
witht hecodeswasnoteasybuti na
way ,itwaseasi ert hanIt houghti t
woul dbe.Iendedupnotgoi ngashe
wentt ofetchOni ka, hel eftwithBr ai
n,
ThapsandLubah.Wewer estil
l
wai t
ingf orthem t ocomeback.That
manl oveshi skidsandhascome
verypr otecti
veoft hem especi all
y
sinceTay l
orwaski dnapped.It hi
nkof
mysoneachandev ery day,whathas
keptmeawayf rom dr owni ngmy self
i
nsor rowwast hismi ssion.Ithas
helpedmebeabl et of ocusonot her
thingsandnotsi nki nt odepr ession.
Siyaoncet oldmeabouthowshe
l
andedi napsy chi atrichospi tal
becauseofdepr essionandt hey
thoughtshewascr azy.Shesay sshe
l
iterall
ysawandspoket oPhi l
ay et
Phil
awasi nacoma.I tall seems
surreal,li
steningt oherst or ymakes
mej ustcr y,shei nspir
esmeev eryday
andsher eallyisav eryst r
ongwoman.
Allthesel adiessi t
ti
ngher ewi thme
aret hest r
ongestwomanIknow, who
havebeent hr ought hewor stbutst i
ll
standt allandt akechar geoft heir
l
ives.Nangamsowasbusy
shar peningkni vesandl ookedso
deepl yintoit.Shewasi nherdeep
thought smode.
Paul
a:Youl
ookl
i
key
ou'
l
lki
l
l
someoneNgamso
Me:Youcansayt
hatagain,
whatar
e
youevendoi
ngwi
thkniv
es?
Ngamso: Youneverknowwheny ou
needkill
someone,quickandeasy.
Theresastorybehi
ndknives,
never
underest
imatethem.
Bee:
YesMr
sKni
fe
Ngamso:I'
m pr
egnant
,ingoi
ngt
o
haveababy.
Wescr eamedandshefocusedon
herknife.Real
l
y?Howweirdcanshe
everbe?
Jabu:
What
?Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?
Ngamso: WhatI'
mtryi
ngtosayi
s
thatyoudon'
tshootbl
anks,
you
scored.
Shewasnowi ntearsbutst i
ll
sharpeningherkni f
e.Jabut ookitand
carri
edher .Itwasav eryemot i
onal
moment ,Jabuwast hehappi estman
onear th.Afterhav i
ngt oloseawi f
e
andhi skidsal latoncei nacar
accidentmusthav enotbeeneasyf or
him.Tonowbebl essedwi thaweird
butlovingwi fewhoi scarryi
ngachild
forhimi sjustabl essingthathewi l
l
foreverbegr atefulfor.
Jabu:
Thanky
ou,
Ilov
eyou.
Si
ya:Halal
ahalal
ahalalaShezi!Dl
aba!
Sganandachube!Shukulase!
Weululat
edandhadal
i
ttl
emoment
ofcel
ebrat
ing.
Ngamso: I'
m giv
ingthi
skni fesoy ou
couldhideitanduseitinthiscrazy
missionyouguy sar
egoi ngt o.Iwant
youbackhomeandal iv
e, Icannot
rai
set hi
sbabyalone.
Soallalongt
hiswast hest
orybehind
tbi
sknife.WelaughedandJabutook
theknif
e.Aft
eranhourDannywal ked
i
ncarryingOni
ka.Onikarantome
andwehugged.
Me:
Heybabygi
rl
,Danny
,whatt
ook
y
ousol
ong?
Danny:Shewasst
il
lsl
eepi
ngsoI
di
dn'twantt
owakeherup.
Me:
Real
l
yDanny
?
Couldn'
thejustcarryherandshe'
l
l
sl
eepont heplane?Dannyi sj
ust
somethingesle.Iexplai
nedtoOni
ka
aboutwhatshewoul dhelpmewit
h
Mpho:
Doy
out
hinkshe'
l
lbeabl
eto?
Me:
Idon'
tknow,
Ihopeshewi
l
l.
Oni
kalookedatt
hecodesfor
somet
imeandshesmiled.
Me:
Cany
oudoi
t?
Oni
ka:
Ithi
nkso
Wewer edependingona6y earold,
howl i
fecanbeunpredi
ctable.She
start
edtypi
ngandIwassol ost.
Kamowashel pingherandther ewer
e
toomanyt hi
ngsgoingon,ont he
screen.
Me:
Whydi
dn'
tIst
udyI
T?
Li
nda:
Likel
i
ter
all
y,If
eel
dumb.
TherewasacallandSbahl
e
answered.Shet
henendedthecal
l
andcamet ous
Phi
l
a:Whati
sit
?
Sbahl
e:I
t'
saboutTay
lor
,theyt
hink
theyf
oundhi
m
Me:
What
?Wher
eishe?
Sbahle:Limpopo,buttheresjust
somet hingmakingfeeluneasyabout
thi
s.Shesoundedsohesi tantl
ikeshe
wasfor cedtosaywhatshewas
sayi
ng
Me:Idon'
tcar
e,we'
regoi
ngt
ofi
nd
myson
Danny:Wedon'
thavethetime,
inplus
minus4hour
stheRussiansand
Columbi
answil
lat
tackifwedon't
showup.
Me:Whatdoy oumeanbynothav i
ng
t
ime!
!!Thisisourson,heismor
e
i
mportantthanal
lofthis!
Danny
:Babe,
thi
nk.Thi
sisnott
rue,
theti
ming,whoev
ercal
l
eddoesn'
t
haveourbaby
Istar
tedcry
ingastohowDanny
didn'
tbel
iev
ewe'l
lfi
ndourchi
l
d
anymore.It
ookmygunandcarkey
s.
Danny
:You'
renotgoi
ngany
wher
e
Me:
Tri
stonMcKenzi
e!Iam l
eav
ing
Danny:Noy
ou'
renot
,it
'snotsaf
e
okay.
Me:
Iwantmybaby
Bonga:
We'
l
lexcusey
ouguy
s
KJ:YohBonga,y
oualwayswantus
tomissthedr
ama.Ifyoudon'
twanna
watch,
youcanexcusethem
Athi
:Thankyouv erymuchKJ,
Don'
t
say"We"say"I"becausey
ouwanna
excusethem notus.
Naye:
Theywi
l
lfi
ghtandseal
itwi
tha
ki
ss
KJ:
Itwi
l
lbesor
omant
ic
Nkosi
:Ay
abonga,
you'
real
soatt
his?
Naye:I
t'
snotmyfaulty
ouguy
sar
e
hopel
essromant
ics.
Bonga:
Let
'
sgo
Naye:Noy
ou,
andt
akeNkosi
wit
h
you.
NowDannyandIwer ewatchingt
hem
ast
heyarguedaboutthi
s.Ifound
mysel
flaughi
ngatt
hem andsat
down
Nkosi
:At
leastwemadey
oul
augh
Danny
:Amahl
e,l
ookatme.
Hesatinf
rontofmeandhel
dmy
hands.
Danny :
Iwantt oustosav eourchil
d
andforhimt ocomebackhome.I
real
l
ydobutt hi
nkaboutt hi
s,t
heres
nochildinLimpopo.Whoev eriti
s
j
ustbewor kingwithourenemi es
whowear eabouttogoonwarwi th
andtheywi l
luseanythingand
ever
ythingtodistr
actus.Theyknow
ourkidsareourdownf all
andTay l
ors
disappearancehasbeeni nthei
r
advantage.Theydef i
nit
elyknewthi
s
woulddi str
actus,youknowI
wouldn'tjustgi
veuponTay l
orthat
easil
y.Butt hi
s,t
hisisaplotofthe
enemy .
Inoddedandwhathesai dmadeso
muchsensebutmymi ndwasnot
evenhereanymor e.Ij
ustlongedfor
mychild.Hekissedmyf oreheadand
wewentt ocheckonOni kaandKamo.
Theywer est
il
lwor ki
ng
Me:Weonlyhav
e2hour
slef
t.Thaps,
gett
heagent
sready
.
Thaps:
Oni
tboss
Danny
:Let
'
spr
epar
e
Wewentt hrought heacti
onplanal
l
overagainanddi dconf i
rmati
onsof
everyt
hing.Ev er
ythingseemedtobe
i
nor derandasmuchasIwasscar ed
aboutthis,Ireal
lytrust
edthem.
Kamo:
Wedone
Me:
What
?
Kamo:
Shedi
dit
!,Oni
kadi
dit
.
IwassohappyandIexcit
edl
y
huggedandki
ssedOnikaandshe
wassonotint
oit.
Oni
ka:
Mom,
putmedown.
Me:
ButI
'
m st
il
lgi
vi
ngl
ovet
omy
baby
Oni
ka:
I'
m notababyany
mor
e
Iti
ckl
edherandkissedheragai
n.She
endeduplaughi
ngandenjoyi
ng.
Onika:
CanIal
way
sdot
hisandst
op
school
?
Danny
:Nowy
ou'
repushi
ngi
t.
Oni
ka:
ButDad!
Danny
:You'regoi
nghomenow.
Jomo,takeherbackt
oBi
zana.
Oni
ka:
Byeev
ery
one!By
emom
She'ssuchasassyli
ttl
egirl
.Iwasso
proudofher,
Icouldntevenputiti
n
words.
Kamo:
Thi
sisi
t
Shehandedov
erasmal
lbr
ief
case
andthechi
pwasi
nther
e.
L’
yanda:
Thi
sist
hef
akeone
Me:
Passmet
heoi
landpar
aff
in
Zandy
:You'
rer
eal
l
yget
ti
ngr
idofi
t?
Me:Ithastobedone.Toomanyl iv
es
havebeenlostbecauseofi
t.It
stay
ingmoreonlycausesalotmore
bl
oodshed.Wewi llbef
reeaft
erthi
s.
Wewentout
sideanddest
roy
edi
t.
Phil
a:Am It
heonl
yonef
eel
i
ng
rel
i
evedri
ghtnow?
Nkosi
:Li
keal
othasbeent
akenaway
of
fofourshoul
der
s
Zandywasl
i
ter
all
ycr
ying.
Zandy
:Indeedyouhav
erest
edi
n
pi
eceZiyanda.
Ngamso:
Indeed.
Jabu:Don'
tgett
oocomf
ort
abl
e,we
havealott
odonow.
Theguyswentt
ofreshenupand
changedi
ntobl
ackformalsui
ts.We
i
nstal
ledt
hecameras,micsandbugs.
Me:
Youl
ookdecent
.
Zandycameoutl ooki
ngsosexyi
na
blacksparkl
ydr
esswithanopen
thighsl
it
.
Mpho:
Nothappeni
ng.
Zandy:Wewentt
hrought
hisMpho,
notagai
n
Mpho:Younev
ersai
dyou'
l
llookso
sexy
.
Zandy:Iti
stheonl
ywayI'l
lbeabl
eto
di
stracthi
m soIcangetaway.Don'
t
dothis
Mpho:
MaNcwane
Zandy:NoLebone, IknowDuo, I
workedf orhi
m al ongt i
me.Iknow
hi
sweaknessesandst rengt
hsand
ri
ghtnowI 'm usi
ngi ttomy
advantage.Nothingwi l
lhappento
me, I
'
m abi ggirl
.
Mpho:
I'
m nothappyaboutt
his
Zandy
:Noonei
s.
Oneofourcamera'
sstartedwor
king,
wehadanagentinst
allcamera'
sin
Duo'
shotel
.Heisworkingunder
cover
asDuo'
sbodyguard.
Bee:
Zandi
l
e,l
ookatt
his
Zandy
:Fuck!Damni
t.I
'
llneedback
up
KJ:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Zandy:There'
sLapit
aandTr
opez,
I
cannottakethem al
lon.
ShelookedatmeandInodded.The
st
areIgotfrom Danny
.Ii
gnor
edhim
andZandyt
hrewmeadresssimi
lar
toher
sbutminewasgr
ey.Sbahl
e
alsot
ookareddr
ess
Sbahl
e:We'
redoi
ngt
his
Me:Iusedtobeastri
pper,l
uri
ngmen
i
ntotaki
ngoutmoneywasmyj ob.
Thi
sshouldbeeasy.Dannypull
edme
tohi
soffi
ceandclosedthedoor.
Danny
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
IknewIwoul dn'twinthisargument
butIneededt heupperhand.It ook
offmyclothesandhel ookedatme
l
ikehewoul dn'tbudge.Ikissedhim
andgavehim head.
Me:
Letmedot
his
Isai
dasIst art
edr idi
ngonhi m.He
wasgetti
ngsoagr essivebutina
goodpleasureableway .Hewas
angr
yatmeandIl ethim havehis
waywithme.Af terwewer edone,we
fr
eshenedupandgotdr essed.
Danny
:BeSaf
e
Me:
Yout
oo
Ikissedhi
scheekandwej
oinedt
he
others
Bonga:
Ready
?
Me:
Yes
Zandy
:Let
'
sgo.
Icoul
dseet
hatKJwant
edt
osay
somet
hingt
oSbahl
ebuthehel
d
hi
msel
f.
Me:
I'
ll
keepaney
eonher
KJ:
Pleasedo
Li
nda:
I'
ll
bedr
ivi
ngy
ou.
Igotacal
lfr
om DuoandIputi
ton
l
oudspeaker
Me:
Duo
Duo: MrsThor
,locat
ionofdropoff
haschanged.Weshal lmeetatt
he
DickensWarehouse.
Me:
Fine
Duo:Nofunnybusi
nessandThor
,
yourl
ocat
ionhasn'
tchanged.
Weswitchedofft
hecal
landDanny
wasn'
tDanny,hewassl
owlyshowi
ng
t
hatheisThor.
Li
nda:
Let
'sgo
Wet ookourbagsandl ef
t.Beli
nda
droveofft
ot hewarehouse.Iwas
gett
ingnervousaswegotcl oserand
wesaidalit
t l
epray
er.
Sbahl
e:I
tsnowornev
erl
adi
es
Zandy
:Let
'
sdot
his.
Wegotoutoft hecarandwalkedto
wher
ewewer el edbythebodyguards.
Wehadtostartbyseducingthem so
t
heycouldn'
ttakeawayourguns.It
wasreal
l
yeasy ,si
ckpervswere
dr
ool
i
ngi
n2mi
ns.
Sbahl
e:Somemen,
mxm.
Wegottoanicesetupandt heywere
si
tti
ngdr
inki
ngwhiskey
.Irecogni
zed
eachoft
hem fr
om thepict
uresI'
ve
seen.
Duo:Zandi
leZunguorshal
lIsay
Lebone,wemeetagai
n.
Zandy:DuoLi
erez,
Iknewthisday
wouldcome.Youstil
ll
ookthesame
Duo:Andy ou'
vegrowntobemuch
sexi
erthanthelastti
meIsawy ou.
Showshowy ou'
remarri
edtoa
powerf
ul man.Butyouknowwher e
homeis,IDuoam y ourhome.
Zandy:(
giggl
es)Iseey
oust
il
lhav
ea
softspotforme.
Zandywast
ednot i
meandwenttosit
onDuo'
slap.Thesmil
eonDuo'sf
ace
waspri
cel
ess.Hewasindeedt
aken
awaybyZandil
e.
Tropez:HowrudeofyouDuo,y
ouwi
l
l
notint
roduceustot
helovel
yMrs
Thor?
Me:Weneednoi ntr
oduct
ions
gent
lemen.TheGreatTr
opez
Duo:Youlooksomuchl iket
hat
tr
oublemakerZiyanda,
Ihopeyou'
re
notanytr
ouble.
Me:
Wemi
ghtl
ookal
i
kebutwe'
re
di
ff
erentsi
r
Tr
opez:
Atl
easty
ouhav
erespect
Lapi
ta:Zi
yandawould'
vebeen
shooti
ngevery
onebynow.Young
Mrs,Idi
dn'
tgetyourname.
Sbahlemadehi swayt ohim andI
mademywayt oTropez.Itwasreal
l
y
uncomf or
tabletobetouchedby
anotherman.Wehadt ogoal ong
withevery
thing,t
heywer estr
ongwell
knownmenbutev erystr
ongmanhas
thei
rweakness.Especiall
ymenhoes
l
ikethem.
Duo:Let
'st
aket
hist
oapr
operpl
ace
shal
lwe?
Zandy
:Uhm sur
e.
Wewer edefini
tel
ynotsur eoft he
nex tmovebutt heywi l
lbeablet o
trackourwher eabouts.Itseemedas
wewer eheadedt otheconf er
ence
room they'dbemeet ingtheguy s.We
wenti nandtheywer eseat edthere.
Dannyl ookeddamnsexyashewas
soangr y.
Tr
opez:
Fancyseei
ngy
ouher
eThor
Danny
:Li
kewi
seTr
opez
Hisvei
nswer evisi
blebutIwinkedat
him,
hopef ul
l
yhe' l
lunderst
andthat
I'
mtellhi
mt ocool off
.Wesatdown
andtheyinsi
stedwesi tonthem.
Mphowasaboutt olosehi
sgri
pas
hesawDuot ouchZandy'
sthi
ghs.
Theyl
it
eral
l
yhat edever
yminuteof
thi
sbutwehadt odoit.
Duo:
Let
'sgetst
rai
ghtt
obusi
ness.
Oneofthebodyguar
dspl
ayedmusi
c
andTr
opezlookedatus.
Me:
What
?
Duo:
Showusy
ourmagi
c
Sbahl
e:You'
vegott
obeki
ddi
ngme.
Theyhadt
heupperhandatt
his,
for
now.
Danny
:Nothappeni
ng.
Ist
oodupandwentt
othepol
eint
he
middleofeveryone.I'
vedonethi
s
mil
lionsoft
imes.Sbahl eandZandy
fol
lowedmyl ead,thei
reyeswereon
usandLapita,TropezandDuower e
havingthet
imeoft heirl
iv
es.
Duo:
Thechi
p
Mpho:
Theyl
eav
efi
rst
Duo:
Nonono, Iknowyou'
resmar
t
andt
ricky
,thi
schipmightbeempty
.
Danny
:Hav
eIev
ercr
ossedy
ouDuo?
Duo:Thor,
youhavenot.ButMs
Zunguhereandyourlat
ewifehav
e.I
wil
lnotfor
gett
hat.Sear
chthem
guards
Justaspl
anned,
theguy
swer
e
searchedandtheyfoundcameras
andmi cr
ophones.Theyweretossed
onthesideandthebugswoul dbe
acti
vatedbyKamoi nHQ.Ihanded
overthesmallbri
efcaseandsome
geekcamef or
war dandopenedit
Lucasmadehiswaytomeasthey
werest
il
lfocusedont
hechi
p.
Lucas:Theywil
ldi
scovert
hatt
he
chipi
sf akeandempty
,weshoot,
you
run.
Me:
Goti
t.
Geek:
Sir,
thi
schi
pisnotr
eal
and
empty.
Mphof
ir
edt
hef
ir
stgunshotandi
t
l
andedonDuo'
sar
m.Wetookoutour
gunsandf
ir
edaswer
an.
Sbahl
e:Thi
sisawesome!
Zandy
:Wehav
etol
eav
e
Wer anl
eav i
ngourmenbehi ndand
ouragentscamei n.Wegottot he
backexitandBeli
ndawasal ready
ther
e.Aswegoti ntothecar,Igot
shotonmyt highandSbahleonher
arm.
Me:
Shi
t!Dr
iveBel
i
nda
Li
nda:
Noneedt
osayi
ttwi
ce.
Shedroveof
fandwegott oHQ.Naye
wasreadywit
haf i
rstai
dki
tandshe
hel
peduswhileIwasbusyonthe
comput
ersy
stem.Ihadnot
imet
obe
i
npain.
Nt
oko:I'
m goingi
n,I
'l
ll
eavewit
h
moreagents,
theyneedbackup.
Me:
L’y
andawi
l
lki
l
lusbutGo
Paul
a:I
'
m comi
ngwi
th
Sneh:
No!
!
Paula:Ihav
et o,Phelolet
sgo.
Ngamsocan' tleave,she'
scarry
inga
preci
ouscargo.Bel i
ndawill
drive,and
theotherswil
lbeleftherewithy ou.
Nt
oko:
Cany
ouev
enuseagun?
Paula:Ihaven'
tbeenar
oundBri
anf
or
thi
slong,runni
ngadrugempir
eand
notknowhowt
ouseagun.
Phel
o:Yesgi
rl
!
Wel aughedandt heylef
taf ter
stashingt heweapons.I
twasr eal
l
y
scaryf ormebutwehadt o.Wewer e
abletor etri
evet
heinfor
mat ionthat
theRussi ansandColumbi anshad
againstt hegent
s.
Kamo:
Doy
out
hinkweshoul
dopeni
t?
Nay
e:No
Si
ya:
I'
m socur
ious
Me:
Met
oo
Kamo:
Okayl
etsnotopeni
t.
Wesatf
orawhi
l
eandal
lsy
stems
connectedtowher
etheywer
e,
wereshutdown.
Me:
Shi
t!
Kamo:
Thi
sist
roubl
e.
Bee:
Iguesswehav
etowai
t.
Wesatinsil
encef
orabout2hours
andIguessedweall
hadonethingin
mind.
Us:
Let
'sopeni
t
Welaughedaswesai ditt
hesame
ti
me.Wewer ejustsocuri
ousbutit
wasoncesaidthatcuri
osi
tyonce
ki
ll
edacat.Kamoopenedi tandwe
wereal
lshocked
Kamo:
Sti
l
lwannagoahead?
Us:
Yes
Bee:
OhGod
Me:
Stop,
stoppl
ease.
Nay
e:Wow
Me:
Iguesswegotwhatwewant
ed
Nceba:
Iguesswedi
d.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t73
Thewaitwasdraining,
notknowing
whatwasgoingonwasdef eat
ing.
West ay
edforhoursandonl yt
he
l
adiescameback.Theygav eusa
feedbackwedidn'twanttohear.I
t
wastoughandtheysentthem back.
Ntoko:I
'
venev
erusedsomany
bull
etsi
nmyli
fe
Paula:Tel
lmeabouti
t,Icannot
bel
ieveIhavesomuchbl oodinmy
hands.Whatswrongwithyou?Why
ar
eyoual
lsosour
?
Kamodi dn'
tspeakbutj
ustshowed
them whatwesaw.Phelowenttothe
bathr
oom andv omi
ted
Paul
a:Wow,
justwow.
Bee:Thi
siswhatt
heydon'
twantus
tosee
Nay
e:Plusthi
sisver
yrecent
,hence
t
here'
sLucastoo.
Sbahl
e:Ver
yrecent
.
Me:Whywer
eoursy
stemsshut
down?
Paul
a:Mphoshutt
hem down
Me:
Forwhatr
eason?
Phelo:
Thi
ngswer
eget
ti
ngint
ense,
ther
ewasnoonetomoni
tort
hem.
Bee:Canweal
lj
ustgotomyhouse
andrest
?Wecannotbeher
eal
lnight
agai
n
I
twasaround7pm andwewentt
o
Bee'
shouse.
Ngamso:
I'
ll
orderf
ood.
Kamo:I'
mleavi
ng,
myj
obusdone
her
e.Ineedtogot
omybaby
.
Li
nda:
Thepl
anei
sready
?
Kamo:
Yes
Shesaidhergoodby
esandlef
t.I
wenttotakeashowerandwhenI
wentdownstai
rst
hef
oodwas
al
readyt
here.
Me:Looksdel
i
cious,
Idi
dn'
treal
i
zeI
wassohungry
.
Bee:
Breast
pads?
Me: Yeah,somet
imesthemilkl
eaks
t
hat'swhyIputthem on.Youknow,
I
'm start
ingtosl
owl
ygiveupon
f
indingTay l
or
Nceba:
Youshoul
dn'
t.
Si
ya:Youshouldn'tgi
veup,y
ou'ret
he
onewhoalwayst ell
sustonevergi
ve
upandGodhasawayofdoi ng
myster
ioust
hings.
Me:
Iguessso,
Ihav
etohol
don.We
stay
edupf oraf ewhour sandwe
heardcarscomi ngin.Theangerr ose
agai
n,Istar
tedaboutt hedespi cable
tr
ashtheydid.Ifeltl
ikev omit
ingby
j
ustlooki
ngatt hem ast heycamei n.
Theylookedli
ket hey'v
ebeenbeat en
upbadlybuttheywer elaughingand
happysoitmeantev eryt
hingwent
well
.
Lucas:
Wher
eisKamo?
Me:Shef
lewbackt
otheEast
ern
Cape
Mpho:Whydoyoualll
ooksosour?
Werey
outhatworr
iedaboutus?
Zandy
:Notatal
l
,let
'sgogi
rl
s.They
makemewantt
ovomi
t
Me:
I'
m wi
thy
out
her
e
Ngamso:
Nxx
Beli
ndat ookourwi neandwewent
upstai
rs.Wel eftthem wi thblank
star
es.Theywer ereal l
yconfusedbut
wereallydidn'tcaret hatmuch.We
werereallyhurt.Afteraboutanhour
Nkosicamei nf oll
owedbyhi screw.
Theywer ealreadyf reshenedupand
changed.Dannyhadal i
tt
lescaron
hi
sf or
eheadandher emindedmeof
Razor.Theysatdownacr ossus
Danny
:Ladi
es,weseethati
tisus
whoarei
ntroubl
ebutwehaveno
i
deawhy .I
twoul
dbebesti
fwet
alk
abouti
t
Bee:
Tal
kaboutwhat
?
Nkosi
:What
everi
tist
hati
str
oubl
i
ng
you.
Ngamso:
Howdi
ditgo?
Thaps:Itwashar
dbutitwasa
success.I
twentbet
terthanweev
en
i
magi ned
KJ: Duo,
LapitaandTropezaredead,
beforeal
lofthathappenedthey
signedoverthei
rregi
onstous.Isn'
t
thatamazing?
Me:
Wow
Itreallywasahugesucess.I tmeant
theyhadcont rolov erthesect ionof
thef orcet hatDuo, LapitaandTr opez
ownedi nRussi aandCol oumbi a.But
i
tdi dal someant herewoul dbeal ot
ofagent sthatneedt ober ecruited
andi tmeansal otofwarand
bloodshedbecausesomeoft he
Russi anandCol umbi anDr ugLor d
andf or celeader swi l
l notappr eciate
that.Itwasi ndedj ustsuchahuge
success.Weknowourchi l
drensl iv
es
aresecur edf i
nanci al
lyev enour
grandchi l
drenwer ecov ered.They
discussedbusi nesswhi l
ewesatand
l
istenedt othem.Youcoul dseehow
passi
onat
etheywer
eaboutt
his.
Nt
oko:
You'
real
lj
ustf
uckenasshol
es.
TheywereshockedandL’ y
anda
seemedt obeangry.Iwasal so
shockedbecauseIdidn'tknowshe
wouldburstoutl
ikethat.Ithought
ZandyorNgamsowoul d.Literal
l
yyou
neverknowwhatt oexpectf rom
Ntokozo.
L’
yanda:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Bee:
Fol
l
owme.
Westoodupandf
oll
owedhert
othe
ci
nemaroom.
Nay
e:Si
tdown
Theysatdownwhi l
ewest oodand
sheplayedthev i
deo.Itwasli
teral
l
y
si
ckening.Dannybenthisheadov er
andNkosi wasbusyr ubbi
nghis
nuckl
es.Philatookofhisshir
t.They
al
lreactedinveryweirdways
Me:
It'
sget
ti
nghoti
nher
eisn'
ti
t?
Sbahl
e:You'
real
lj
ustdi
sgust
ing
Si
ya:
Howcoul
dyoudot
his?
Phi
l
a:Baby
,Icanexpl
ain
Nay
e:Ther
e'snot
hingt
oexpl
ain!
Phi
l
a:Iam t
alki
ngt
omywi
fe
Me:Ohshe'
syourwif
enow?You
wer
en'
tthi
nki
ngofthatwheny
ouhad
yourdickdeepi nsi
dethatsl
ut!You
all
didthistogetherandyou'
regoing
downt oget
her .Youthi
nkyoucan
hurtusli
ket hatandthensayyoucan
explai
n?Don' tupsetmemor eplease,
youdonotwantt oseewhatIam
capableoff
.
Nceba:Youdefi
nit
elydonotwantt
o
seewhatwe'recapabl
eoftoget
her
,
youcheatedonthewrongwoman.
Naye:Youknowwhathur tst
hemost ?
Thatall
ofyouparti
cipatedinthe
groupsex,y
oumakegr oupporn
vi
deo'snow?You'r
epr ofessi
onal
s,
yourwomenwi l
lneverfindout
becausewe'r
efoolshuh?Youwer e
al
l sopussywi
ppedthatnoone
stoppedoneanother
,noneofyou
sawany t
hingwronginwhatyoudi
d?
Zandy:
Andy oubetternottell
usthat
i
twasal ongti
meago, Lucasjust
cameintoourl
ives,hewast heretoo
sothi
s,thi
sisrecent.
Lucas:
DidKamoseet
his?
Li
nda:
Weal
ldi
d!!
At
hi:
Shi
t
Paula:I
'
m sodisappoi
nted,
inal
lof
you.Let'
sgobeforeweupset
oursel
vesmore,it
snotgoodtobe
angeredbyfool
s.
Bee:
Youal
lknowt
hewayout
,we
don'
twantt
oseey
ourf
aces.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
obed.
Bee:
Met
oo.
Weal lwentt otheroomswe' dbe
using.Dannywasf ollowingmel i
kea
l
ostpuppy .Ihonest lydidn'teven
knowhowt ol ookathi m orwhatt o
evensayt ohi m.Iwassohur tbutI
wasn'tgoingt ocry.Hesl eptwi t
h
anotherwoman, wel lnotjustone
becauseont hatvi
deoi twasv ery
evidentthatwhatev erwasgoi ngon,
theyhadsomesor tofexchangi ng.I
t
wasj ustgroupsexandt heywer e
hav i
ngthet i
meoft hei rli
ves.Iwent
backdownst ai
rstohav ecoff ee.I
t
seemedasi feveryonehadwentt o
thei
rroomsandt hewasal otof
argui
nggoingon.Iwentt other oom
andchangedi nt
omymypy j
amas.Al l
thi
swhi l
ehewassi t
ti
ngont heedge
ofthebedwi thhi
shandsr unningin
hishair
.Hishairwasj ustamess
ri
ghtnow.Hesawmybandagedt high
andhegotangr y
Danny
:Whathappened?
Me:
Igotshot
.
Danny
:Whodi
dthi
stoy
ou?
Me:
Hei
sdead.
Henoddedandr
ubbedhi
shands
t
oget
her
.
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Ii
gnoredhi
m andgoti
ntobedt
hen
swi
tchedoffmysi
delamp.
Me:
Swi
tcht
hel
i
ght
sof
f
Hedidsoandgotinbed.Hehel
dme
andIpushedhi
m away.
Danny:
Please,canwet al
k?Pl
ease
Nasi
phi.Iknowy ou'
reangr
yri
ght
nowbutpleaselet'
stal
k
Me: Talkaboutwhat?Thaty ou
cheatedonme, thatyouallcheat
ed
onusandf el
tnoremorse.You
continuedandbehavedlikenothi
ng
everhappened.Youwer enotguil
ty,
youlovedever
yminuteofi
t.I
tshows
howitwasn'tt
hefi
rstti
meift
hisis
howy ouall
cover
editupandreact
ed
normall
y.
Danny:That
'
snott
rue,Nasi
phi
itwas
thef
ir
standthel
astti
me..
.
Me:Howam Isupposedtobeli
eve
t
hat?Youbr
okeallt
hetrustIhadfor
you.
Danny
:Nasi
phi
I'
m sor
ry
Me:JustshutupTr i
ston,
Iwantto
sl
eep.Swit
chy ourdamnsi del
amp
of
f.
Hesi
ghedandswitchedofft
hesi
de
l
amp.JustasIwasstart
ingt
ofal
l
asl
eepIwaswokenupbyt
hree
gunshot
s
Danny
:Shi
t!
!
Wewentoutandev er
yonewas
runningtother oom Ngamsoand
Jabuwer eusingsi nceiti
swher ethe
gunshotscamef r
om.Itdi
dn'thelp
becauseNt oko, Siy
aandZandyal so
hadt hei
rowngunsshoot ingupa
storm.Atleastnoonegothur t
.They
managedt ot akeawayt hegunsf r
om
them.Ngamsowasl i
vi
d!Theysay
youshouldnev ermesswi tha
scornedwoman.
Si
ya:
Getout
!Al
lofy
ou,
getout
!!
Iusedt oj usthearst ori
esabouthow
crazySiy abecomeswhenshei s
reall
yangr y.TodayIwi tnessedi twit
h
myownt woey es.Shewast hrowing
everythingshecoul dgetahol doft o
theguy s.KJandLucaswer et hefir
st
togor unni ngit.Theyhadnosi nin
thi
ssi ncet heywer et hesingleguy s
butstilltheywer eallatf aul
t.
Me:
Cal
m downSi
ya
Phi
l
a:Il
ovey
ouSi
ya
Siy
a:Don'
ttel
lmet
hatt
rash.Tel
li
tto
yourwhor
es
Nkosi
:Youmightnotbel
i
eveusbut
weloveyou.I
tmightbeaver
ybad
t
imetosaysomet
hingl
i
ket
hisbutI
t
wasamistake
Nay
e&Sneh:
Ami
stake!
!
Me:
Don'
tupsetusmor
epl
ease
Bonga:Whathei str
yingtosayist
hat
i
twasn'tsomethingplanned,i
twasn'
t
somethi
ngwe' v
edonebef ore.I
t
real
kywasami stake,aweak
momentf orus.
Athi
:We'
renot
hingwi
thouty
ou,
we'
re
real
l
ysor
ry
Sneh:
Bul
l
shi
t
L’y
anda:Wecannotev
entackl
ethi
s
i
ndivi
duall
yorhav
esomeonetopoint
toandblame,i
twasusandwewere
al
l i
n.Asmuchaswewerehi
ghand
drunkbutweknewwhatwewer
e
doingsoIwi
llnotbl
amei
tont
he
al
cohol.
Danny:Wewerest r
essed,wehadt oo
mucht odri
nkandtoomuchathand.
Wewentaboutdeal i
ngwiththings
thewrongway.Itwasstupidofus
andreall
yimmatureandsucha
disgr
ace.Wecannotapologize
enoughaboutouracti
ons
Lubah:Norcanweev enexpecty
ou
toforgi
veusr i
ghtawaybutwehope
youwi l
lfor
giv
eusandr eal
l
yknow
thatwe'r
esorry
Zandy:Whenwast
his?Whendi
dit
happen?
Theylookeddownastheywere
contemplat
ingwhet
hertot
ell
usor
not.
Danny
:I'
m sor
ry
Sneh:
Justt
alk!
Thaps:Aweekaf
terTay
lor
di
sappear
ed.
Me:
Pleasel
eav
e
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Tearsjustfel
lfr
om myeyes,
Icouldnt
holdthem back.Iwassohur
t,i
thurt
deepdeepi nsi
de.Youknowwhen
youfeel
you'
vebeenhurtr
ightt
othe
cor
e?That'
swhatIfel
t.
Paul
a:Youhear
dher ,
leave,
youdon'
t
wanthert
orepeathersel
f.
May
i:Wewi
l
lbeback
Phel
o:Wedon'
twantt
oseey
ou
agai
n
Br
ian:
Wewon'
tgi
veupony
ou
Mpho:You'
respeaki
ngoutofanger
andhur
t,wewill
beherefi
rstt
hingi
n
themoney
Zandy:Tel
lthi
sLebonemant
oshut
thefuckup!
!!!
Shet
hrewav
aseathi
m buti
thi
tthe
wall
.Theyall
wentoutandl
eftus
st
andingther
e.
Nay
e:Wipeyourt
ear
sof
fsweet
ie,
he
i
snotwort
hit.
Sbahle:
Iam si
ngl
ebutt
hisr
eal
l
y
hurt
s.
Siy
a:I
thurt
ssomuchl
ikei
tsthefi
rst
ti
meithappenst
omebuti
tisn'
t.
Weall
keptquietandwewentt
osi
t
att
helounge
Li
nda:
Thi
sneedsmor
ewi
ne
Sbahl
e:Yespl
ease!
!!
Ngamso:Youguy
sar
esounfai
r,y
ou
dr
inksomuchwhenI
'
m pr
egnant
Me:Tr
ustme,If
eltt
hesameway
whenIwaspr
egnant.
Li
nda: I
tfeel
slikesomesortof
punishment,butweall
justheav
y
dri
nkers,soyoucansulkally
ouwant
.
We'l
l st
il
ldri
nk
Sbahl
e:Winesol
vesal
lofour
hear
taches!
Ntoko:Whathear
tachewena?You'
re
si
ngle
Sbahle:IfeelasifKJcheatedonme,
eversincewehadt hi
s,thi
swhat ever
i
tis,I
'venev ersl
eptwithanyoneel se.
Iknowwesai dnost r
ingsattached,
wewon' thav eanyfeeli
ngsinvolved
butlookatmenow? Icaughtfeel
ings
whenIwasn' tsupposedto.PlusKJ
wasj ustfull
onaboutnothav i
ng
feel
ings.Itsli
kehehasnof eel
ingsat
all
,that'
swhatannoy smeabouthi m.
Thisisjustsuchamess
Naye:Asmuchasthatistruebuthe
doeshavesomesortoffeeli
ngsfor
you
Me:Andhewi
llcomeandexpl
ain
hi
mselft
oyou
Sbahle:Hewont ,andbythathewon'
t
beatf aul
tbecausewebot hknew
whatwewer edoing.Wewer en'
t
supposedt ocatchfeel
i
ngsandIdid,
Iam j
usthi
sshagbuddynothi
ng
more,heowesmenoexplanati
on
Paul
a:Thi
sissohect
ic!Whydid
Bri
anhavetobemyfi
rstboyf
ri
end?
!
Phel
o:Tel
lmeabouti
t.
..
Welaughedatt
hem andsippedon
somewine.Wegotav i
deocallf
rom
Kamo
Kamo:
Heyl
adi
es!
!
Werespondedwithsuchal
ousyhey
andshelaughedatus.
Kamo:
Ihopey
oudi
dn'
tki
l
lany
one
Ngamso:
Noty
et
Sneh:
Sheal
mostdi
d,wewer
ewoken
upbygunshot
s,Si
yaandZandyand
Ntokoaddedf
uelt
othefi
re.
Kamo:I'
m sothankfulIwasn'
tther
e,
youknowhowcr azyy ouguysare.
Othert
hanthat,
arey ouokay?
Me:
Wear
enot
,especi
all
ySbahl
e
Kamo:
Shecaughtf
eel
i
ngshey
?
Sbahl
e:Tel
lmesomet
hingIdon'
t
know
Wel aughedatherandcont inued
tal
ki
ng.Idi dn'tevenknowhowIf el
t
orhowIhav er eactedwas
appropriat
ef orthissit
uati
on.But
whatist hewayt oreactt
othis
anyway s?Iam r eall
ysti
ll
thinki
ngit
will al
ljustturnoutt obeadr eam or
somesor tofjokebuti tisn't
.I talljust
seemssur real.I
tallj
ustseemsl i
kea
dream.Il ookedatt hel adi
esnextt o
meandsawhowst rongeachand
ever yoneofuswas.Wewer e
l
aughi ngandhappyy etdeepi nside
wewer ehur t
ing,Iknowwe' r
est il
l
goi ngt owakeupandcr ytoget her
andhel peachot herthroughev ery
si
t uationt hatcomesourway .Igot
onmyphoneandl ookedatt hef ew
pict ur
esIhadofTay lorandpi ctures
ofOni kaandDanv er.Theyar e
ever yt
hi ngIneedi nlifeandwhat
keepsmegoi ng.Ilovemyki dswi t
h
everyt
hingi
nsideofmeandIknow
thatoneday,Iwil
lfi
ndmyson.God
willmakeaway .Weal lwenttosl
eep
i
noner oom combiningourbeds.I
gotatextfr
om Danny ,weallganged
uponmyphoneandr eadthetext
"Ihopey ou'
restil
lawake,Ij
ust
want edtotelly
ouhowsor r
yIam.I
l
ov ey ou"Zandytookthephoneand
sentaanemoj iofthebrownmi ddl
e
finger!Welaughedandswt ichedmy
phoneof f.
Zandy
:Goodni
ghtsi
ster
s
Us:
Goodni
ghtsi
ster
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t74
Wewokeupt henextdayandtooka
l
onglongbath.Igotdr
essedi
na
bi
ki
niandthegirl
seyedme
Me:
What ?Wear
eal
lgoi
ngf
oran
mor
ningswim
Ngamso:Suchagoodidea,
inf
act
we'
respendi
ngal
ldaybythepool
ar
ea.
Bee:
Letmegoshower
!
Theyshoweredwhil
eIor
der
ed
breakf
astforev
ery
oneandwent
downstai
rs
Zandy
:Di
dyouor
dersomet
hing?
Me:
YesIor
der
edbr
eakf
ast
Zandy
:Awesome
Sheattendedtot hedoorandt heyset
i
tupout si
deatt hepoolar ea.She
pai
d,that'
sreall
ysomet hingshe
har
dlydoes.Thel adi
eswer edone
andweal lheadedoutside.Wehad
breakf
astincomfor
tablesil
ence.All
youcouldhearwasjustpeace,we
wereallj
ustatapeacefulpl
aceand
wewer eallj
usti
nourownt houghts.
Zandy:
AllIam t
hinki
ngofi
srev
enge,
rev
enge,r
evenge.
Nay
e:Your
eadmyt
hought
s
Me:
Whatdoy
ouhav
einmi
nd?
Zandy
:I'
m cal
l
ingst
ri
pper
s
Sbahl
e:Ohhel
lyeah!
!!
!!
!
Wealll
aughed.Inallhonest
yIwas
upfort
hisrevengeidea.Asmuchas
wewereput t
ingourli
vesatri
sk,
we
wentaheadwi t
htheidea.
Phel
o:Wewi
l
lbei
nsomucht
roubl
e
Zandy
:It
sjust50/
50,t
heyhav
eno
ri
ghtt
obeangryatus.
Thestri
pper sarri
vedandthisturned
i
nt oapar ty
.Wedancedandhadf un
thatwehav en'
thadinawhile.We
wer et
wer kinganddancingwiththese
stri
ppers.PheloandSiyaeatingsuchi
from t
heirbodies.Oneofthecar ri
ed
meandmaki ngmegr i
ndonhi m and
wewer el aughi
ngwhi l
eZandyalso
diditwithanotherguyandBel i
nda
throwi
ngmoneyatus.Wewer eallso
shockedwhenwehear dgunshots.
Me:
Damni
t
Theretheywerest andinginli
neone
nexttotheotherwi t
ht hei
rguns
point
edatthestripers.Mindy ou, he
wasst i
l
lcarr
yingme.IgotdownandI
l
aughedal i
tt
le.Ididn'tthi
nkany one
heardmebutt heydi dandt heladies
l
aughedwi t
hme.Iguessi twast he
al
cohol i
nourheads.
Naye:Whyar
etheseugl
yduckl
i
ngs
l
ookingsogr
umpy?Wantmywhi skey
Ki
ngMkhize!
Shegiggl
edandfelldown.The
st
ri
pperssoweresof ri
ghtened,
they
wantedtoshootthem butwestood
i
nfr
ontofthestri
ppers
Paul
a:Youki
l
lthem,
youki
l
lus.
Br
ian:
Mov
e!
Lucas:Gentsputthegunsdown,
theseareyourwiv
es.I'
m sur
ether
es
anotherwayofsolvi
ngthi
s.
Siya:
LucasMil
l
er!Don'ty
ouev erev
er
evergetmar
ri
edagain!Marr
iageisa
tr
ap
Thestri
pperstookthi
ert
hingsand
ranout.Lubahfi
redsomegunshots
astheywer er
unningaway
Bee:YeyWena!
!!Youbr
eaki
ngmy
gl
asses!
Bonga:
All
ofy
ou!Getdr
essed
Danny
:Whatnonsenseisthi
s?Ar
e
youcr
azy
,haveyoulostyourmi
nd?
Nay
e:Ohsoi
t'
snonsensewhenwe
doi
t?
Me:
Youlucky
,youar
ri
vedjusti
nti
me.
Wewer
eabouttohavegr
oupsex!
Zandy
:Wi
thst
ri
pper
s!!
!!
Wel aughedandIfeltsomeone
hol
di ngmeroughlyandtheladi
es
screaming.I
twasDannyhol di
ng
againstthewal
l.
Me:What ?Ithurtswhenithappens
toyouhuh?SoIshoul dn'thavemy
ownf unandf uckhandsomemenl i
ke
youfucksluts?Wasshegood?
Danny:
Takeherawayf
rom me
bef
oreIdosomethi
ngI
'l
lregr
et.
Me:
Doi
t!Doi
tyouf
ool
!
Heputmedownandonet hingl
edt
o
anot
her
.Hewasont hefl
oorwit
h
bl
oodcomingout.Ihithi
m onhi
s
headwi
thaglassvase.
Me:
(gi
ggl
es)Di
dIj
ustki
l
lhi
m?
Athi
:Youhav ecompl et
elylostyour
mind.Iheardhim sayouchandt ouch
thebackofhishead.Oh, heisn'
t
dead.Ijumpedintothepool andt he
l
adiesjoinedme.Wewer esodr unk
wecoul dntev
enswi m properl
y
Nt
oko:
Idon'
twantt
odi
efr
om
dr
owni
ng,
let
'sgetout
.
Thewaywewer eallj
ustlaughing
you'
dswearwewer esohi gh.The
angerIsawonthemensf aceswas
somet hi
ngI'
dbescaredofifIwas
sober.Athi
wasbusynursingDanny
whil
ewepassedt hem andwentto
theroom.Weallgoti
ntoour
combinedbedsandslept.
#NEXTMORNI
NG
Ifel
tsomeonesoheavyonme,I
coul
dntevenbr
eat
he.Iopenedmy
eyesandi
twasSneh.
Me:
Mov
e!You'
resoheav
y
Sneh:
Buty
ou'
rebi
ggert
hanme,
I
can'
tbet
hatheav
yony
ou.
Me:
Wel
lyouar
e,nowmov
e
Sneh:What
everl
it
tl
esi
ster
,I'
l
lbe
goi
ngtoseemymom againsoon,wi
l
l
youcomewith?
Me:Tel
lmethedat
eandt
imeandI
wi
ll
bether
e.
Sneh:
Cool
then.
Shemov edoverandcont
inued
sleepi
ng.Iwashungr
ysoIwent
downstair
s.Iwasmetbyagr oupof
redeyesandabandagedDanny .
Me:Whathappenedt
oyou?Whyar
e
youal
lsogrumpy?
Danny:Soyoudon'
trememberhow
youtr
iedtoki
ll
mey est
erdayAmahl
e?
Istoodther
et hi
nki
ngaboutwhatthe
hellwasheonabout ?Ohshit
!Ihi
t
him wit
hav aseatthebackofhi
s
head.
Me:
Ohwel
l
,youshoul
d'
vedi
ed.
Hecouldntbeli
evewhatIwassay i
ng
butIwasreall
yjustfedupwithDanny
.
Iwasnotov err
eact
ingorbeingdumb.
I'
vebeenthroughalotofpai
n
becauseofhim andIhavehad
enough.Zandycamedownst air
s
fol
lowedbyNcebaandPaul a.
Paul
a:Ar
gh!Whatadaywehad
y
est
erday
!
Nceba:
Ifoundmyselfhav
ingawet
dr
eam aboutt
hathandsomeguy!
Zandy:Ishoul
d'
vel
ethimfuckme,
butthanIrememberedI
'
m amarri
ed
womanwhoi smarr
iedt
oaman
whore!
Wel
aughedandt
heywer
esoi
rr
it
ated
Nay
e:Mor
ningbi
tches!
!!
!!
!
Us:
Hey
!!
!!
!!
!!
!!
Naye:Whenar
ewehi tt
ingthecl
ub?I
j
ustwannadance!Danceanddance!
Shesaidt
hatwhil
etwerki
ngonthe
tabl
e
Nkosi:Nokukhany
aNay
eAy
abonga
Mkhize!!
!!
Naye:I
tsNayeAyabongaKhoza,
don'
tgeti
ttwist
ed.
ThathitNkosi
nat
hi har
d,t
helookon
hisfacesai
dital
l.Hetookhi
scar
keysandleft
,hi
screwf ol
l
owedhim.
Bee:
Tom,
DickandHar
ry
Welaughedandmadeoursel
ves
br
eakfast
.Il
ovedwhatwasgoingon.
Phelo:Didyouseehi
sface?Theyar
e
al
ljustloosi
ngit
.
Sneh:Serv
esthem r
ight
,they
shoul
dn'tmesswit
hus.Thisisn'
t
over
Ngamso: Let
'
sjustpackandgoto
Bizanaguys,
weallneedabreakand
therural
shavesomuchpeace.
Me:
Suchawonder
ful
idea.
Wef i
nishedupbreakf
astand
everyonewentt opack.Whenwe
wer edoneweal lwantedtotrav
el
togetherandnotindiffer
entcars.But
wedi dn'thaveacartoaccommodat e
allofus.
Sbahl
e:Let
'
sgobuyacar
Nceba:
Okayy
ou'
recr
azy
Zandy
:Wedohav
ethemoney
Me:Youandyoursi
sterwi
l
lputusi
n
j
ail
oneday,t
rustme.
Wewentt oaMer cedesBenzgar age
andfoundaper f
ectcar .Mercedes-
BenzH1.Wemadeapay ment ,cash!
AndBel i
ndat ookthewheel .Nay e
madeav i
deoofussi nging
Beyonce_SingleLadies.Wehad
act
uall
yt akenoffourr i
ngsj ustto
maket hatvideo
Sbahl
e:I
'm soogl
adI
'
m notsi
ngl
e
al
onetoday
Wel aughedatherandt oldherwe'd
gomanhunt i
ngforher.Thevideo
wasact uall
ycir
culat
ingonsocial
medi aandIknewi twouldgettoour
husband's.That'
swhatwewant ed
aft
erall.
Phel
o:Pri
nceMay
ibongweMkhi
ze
cal
li
ng!
!!
Nt
oko:
Ignor
eit
Bee:
Bongani
Lut
hul
ical
l
ing!
!!
Us:
Ignor
eit
!!
Wel aughedandi gnoredourphones.
Theykeptonr i
ngi ng.Weanswered
them butdidn'
ttalk,al
ltheycoul
d
hearwast hemusi cplayingandus
screamingourlungsout .
Me:Aft
erBizana,we'
ret
aki
ngt
he
ki
dstoJoburg!!
!!
!
Bee:
Letusbuyapr
ivat
ejet
!
Sbahl
e:Okaywoah,
enoughal
cohol
andspendi
ng
Wehadsuchaf untri
pal l t
hewayt o
Bizana.Af ter2hourswegott her
eand
thekidswer eallpl
ayingout si
dewi t
h
MaNy athi andMaDl amini .Kamowas
standingnextt oMasandewhi l
e
carryi
ngHope.Shehasgr ownso
much, eacht i
meIseeherIgetso
emot i
onal becauseIseehowTay lor
hasgr ownwher everhei s.Idon'
t
beli
evet hathei sdead,Ibel i
eveIwill
feeli
tinmewhenhei sinsomesor t
ofdangerorwhenhedi es.Ibeli
eve
Godwi l
lnev erdothattome.Mychi ld
cannotdi e.IheldHopeandshewas
playi
ngwi t
hcheeks.
Me:
She'
ssobi
gandheav
y
Kamo: Af
ewday sofst
ayi
ngwi
tht
he
grandma'
s,makesyougai
nwei
ght
.
MaD:Tr
ue,
sohowar
eyouy
oung
l
adi
es?
Sneh:
We'
regoodandy
our
sel
fmom?
MaD:We'r
eokay,j
usthappytosee
youal
l
.It
salway
swonder ful
tosee
mybeaut
iful
chi
l
dren.
MaN:Whyar
eyoubehav
ingl
i
ke
unmar
ri
edwoman?
Me:
Hawumama
MaN: Don'
t"Ny
awuny ay
a"me,what
nonsensevi
deoist
his?Doyouthi
nk
oMkhwenyanawil
lbehappyabout
thi
s?YewenaSbahl
e,t
hatKait
soboy
wil
lnevermar
ryyoui
fheseesy ou
behavi
ngli
kethi
s.
Linda:
Butmama, wedon'
tcar
eif
theyarehappyornot
.
MaD: Iti
sjustt
heanger,
Kamogel
ang
tol
duswhathappened.Whattheydid
i
sadi sgraceandi
tisver
ydi
sgusti
ng.
Buttheyaremen,theymake
mistakes
Zandy:Wellt
hiswast heirbi
ggest
mistake,
theydidn'
treal
izewhatit
wouldcostthem.
MaD:
Doy
ouknowhowmanyt
imes
Hect orcheat edonme?Iev enl ost
count ,Ialway sf
orgavehi m becauseI
l
ov edhi m andIknewhewoul d
changeoneday .Menar emen, they
willalway sli
eorcheat .Theyar ethe
mosti mper fectbeingsont hisear th.
Hect ordidchange, buthedi dn't
changef ormebecausehedi dn'tlove
me.Amanknowshome, andt hati s
wher ehechangesandbecomesf i
t
forthatwoman.Thosey oungmen
l
ov ey ou...
Si
ya:Sorr
yt ocutyouoffmamabutI
am notunderst
anding,weshould
wai
tforthem tochange?Howl ong
wi
llwewai tandcryforsomeonewho
mightneverev
enchange,ourtear
s
shoul
dbet hefoundat
ionofsomeone
el
sesjoy?
MaD: ThatisnotwhatIam say i
ng,
beforethesemenwer eloose
cannons,beforemeet i
ngy ou.They
thoughtwiththei
rdicksandnott hei
r
minds.Theychangedf oryou,youdi
d
seethechangei nthem bef or
e
everyt
hinghappened
Us:
Yes
MaD: Theychangedforyou,
what
happenedtothem wasaweak
moment ,ever
ymanhast hose
whetheriti
s16yearsint
ohis
mar ri
ageandhehasbeenf aithful or
i
tis3y earsofhi smar riageandhe
hasbeenf aithf
ul buthehashi sweak
moment .Youshoul dunder standt hat
uswomanandourpr i
v atepar ts,are
suchaweaknesst omen, youcoul d
goandl ureanot hermanswoman
i
ntoy ourbedusi ngt hepoweroft hat
thi
ngbet weeny ourt highs.Lett hem
explainthemsel ves, gi
v et hem t hat
chanceat least,I
'm notsay i
ngdoi t
today,doitt omor row, butf indi ti
n
yourhear t
st ofor giv
et hem.Zandi le,
whatwoul dy oudoi fy ougotacal l
ri
ghtnowt ell
ingy out hatMphoi s
dead?
Zandyj
ustcri
edwi
thoutev
en
answer
ing.
MaD: Younev erknowwhatlif
ecan
bri
ngtomor row,youneverknowthe
ti
mey ouhav ewithyourl
ovedones.
Justgivethem achancetospeak
andthatisallIask.
Mymot herwasnotmakingany
senset ome.Iwasconvi
ncedt hat
there'
snogoingbacknow, not
hing
willfi
xmyr el
ati
onshi
pwithDanny.I
l
ov ehimy esbuthehashurtmeso
much
MaN:Youandthatst
ubbor
nness
Pear
l,i
twi
l
lnotgetyouany
where.
Didn'
tyougetyourfairsharebydoing
whatyoudidwiththosest r
ippers?
Didn'
tyouhurtthem enought opay
backforwhattheydid?
Howthehell
didsheknowaboutthay
?
Il
ookedatKamoandsheshrugged.
MaN: oMkhwenyanacall
edmeand
tol
dmeev ery
thi
ng,andhowy ou
almostki
ll
edhim.Don'
tgobackt her
e,
don'tbet
heangryNasiphi
.Youare
onlypuni
shi
ngyoursel
f.
Me:
Iam notangr
y
MaD:Keeptel
li
ngyoursel
fthat.Iam
hav
ingafamil
ylunchtomorrow, I
hav
ecall
edthei
rparentsandyour
parents,nowy oushoul dcall
them,
theyallneedt obeheret omorrow.I
t
start
sat12, goaheadcal l
yourmen.
AndwenaSbahl e,
callKait
so.Weall
tookourphonesandexcused
ourselves,Kamol aughedatusas
shewasenj oyingthi
s.
Li
nda:You'r
esuchat
rai
tor
Kamogelang
Kamo:" Al
lthesingl
eladi
es,all
the
si
ngleladi
es"shemi mickedour
voi
cesandl aughed.Iwasstil
l
car
ryi
ngHopeandImadeav i
deocal
l
.
Hequicklypickedup
Danny
:"Heyl
i
ttl
eone,
shel
ooksso
bi
g"
Me:"That
'swhatIt
houghtwhenI
sawher"
Danny
:"IguessTay
lorwoul
dbet
his
bi
gtoobynow"
Me:
"Yeshewoul
d"
Ther
ewasabitofsi
l
enceandi
twas
j
ustsoawkwar
d
Me:
"Howsy
ourhead?
"
Danny:
"It
sjustpai
nful
,not
hingIcan'
t
handl
e"
Me:"
Okay,
Iwascalli
ngtoi
nfor
myou
t
hatmymot hersar
ehavi
ngafami
ly
l
unchtomorrowandyoushoul
d
come.
"
Danny
:"We'
l
lbet
her
e1stt
hingi
nthe
morni
ng"
Me:"Comewi
thLucas,y
ourf
amil
ywill
al
sobehereandyou'
ll
seeyourt
win
si
sters"
Danny
:"Ihav
en'
tseent
hem i
nawhi
l
e"
Me:
"Met
oo,
I'
mlooki
ngf
orwar
dtoi
t"
Danny
:"Whati
sitaboutany
way
s?"
Me:"Idon'
tknowbutshe'
sinvit
ing
everyone,i
twil
lbeaver
ybigfamily
l
unch, MaDlamini
act
uall
yplanned
thi
swhol ethi
ng"
Danny
:"I
twi
l
lbegoodt
ohav
e
ev
ery
onear
ound"
Ther
ewasaknockont hedoorand
Bul
elwabargedin.Dannywasso
sur
prisedandhappy,shejoi
nedthe
cal
l.
Buu:"
Ithoughty
ou'
dbeher
e!Iwant
ed
tosurpri
seyou"
Me:"I
'
minBizana,
thisl
unchmustbe
soimpor
tant
,youfl
ewallt
heway
fr
om Ameri
ca"
Buu:"
Ihadnochoi
ce,MaDlaminiwas
onmyneck.Ihadtocome, whati
sit
aboutanyway
s?Alloursi
bli
ngswil
l
betheret
oo?"
Me:
"Idon'
tknow,
yourmot
heri
sal
so
comi
ng"
Buu:"
Idon'
tthi
nkso,maybeMaZet
hu
wil
l.I
'
llcomewithBhut
'Danny
."
Me:
"Okaycool
,by
ethen"
Theywav edandImadeHopewav e
too.Iwentbackt ot heot hersandwe
playedwhi l
eOnikawast ell
i
ngme
abouthowshewaswor kingont hese
newcodes.HowIwi shedIcoul dt ake
outherbr ai
nandj ustl etherbeaki d.
Herov erint
ell
igencer eallyscaresme.
Danv erwasn'tpayingmuchat t
ention
tome, hewaswi t
ht heboy sast hey
werepl ay
ingwi t
hst i
cks.
Zandy
:Kabel
oissot
all
Me:
Theygr
owupt
oof
asthey
?
Siya:
Theydidn'
tevencomegr
eetus,
theydidn'
tmissus.
Phelo:
SurelyNgcebomissedyou,
he
i
samama' sboy.Masande,y
oucan
for
getabouthim missi
ngyou.
Si
ya:
Myboy
sthough
Wel ookedatourchi ldrenasthey
playedandIwasr eal l
yatpeace.
Thereisjustsomet hingaboutt he
vi
llagesthatIcannotpi npoi
nt.Iti
sso
calm andpeaceful.Itissorefreshi
ng
andwel coming.Ijustlovebeing
home.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t75
WhenDannysai dthey'dbeherefi
rst
t
hingi
nthemor ning,Ididn'
tknow
t
heyweretalki
ngabout3am i nthe
morni
ng.Iheardhim wal ki
ngint
he
r
oom andshift
ingOni kasohecould
sleep.Idi
dn'tpaymuchat tent
iont
o
him andIslept.Wakingupt hi
s
mor ni
ng,therewasbr eakf
astonmy
sidedeskwi tharoseandanot e.
"Mamawabant wanabam,
uyathandwandi m"(Motherofmy
chil
dren,y
ou'relovedbyme)
Il
aughedandhadmybr eakfast
.After
IwasdoneIt ookashowerandI
hear
dal otofshuf
fl
ingandhewas
hummi ngasongsoIknewi twas
Danny.Ifi
nishedupandwentt othe
bedr
oom naked.Hest opped
ever
ythinghewasdoingandst ar
ed
atme.Ibentdownl ot
ioni
ngmyl egs.
Heclearedhisthr
oatandtouchedmy
but
t.Igav
ehi
m adeat
hst
areandhe
movedaway
Danny
:Babe
Me:I'
m noty
ourbabeandy
ou'
renot
get
ti
nganyofthi
sformont
hs
Danny
:Babe,
I'
mreal
l
ysor
ry.
Iignor
edhi
m andconti
nueddressi
ng
up.Danny
:Yourmother
shav ecall
ed
forusbef
oret
helunchstar
ts
Me:
Why
?
Danny:
Idon'
tknowsohurr
yup,
the
ot
hersaret
hereal
ready
Me:
Theot
her
s?
Danny
:Thecoupl
es
Me:OhGod,She'
sgoingtotur
n
her
sel
fint
oamarriagether
api
st.
Dannyl aughedandt hrewmyshoes
atme.Iwor ethem andpinchedhis
armf orthrowingthem.Het henjust
tot
allycaughtmeof f
guardand
carr
iedme.Thesmi l
eonMaDl amini
andMaNy athiwhenhewal kedinand
hewascar ry
ingme.You' dswearthey
j
ustwont helott
ery.
MaN: Nowt
hisi
swhatwewantt
o
see.
Wealll
aughedandIwentt
osi
tdown
nex
ttoSneh.
MaD:
Wher
ear
eyousi
tt
ing?Nasi
phi
,
ar
ey oumar r
iedtoSneh?
Si
yamt handaareyoumarri
edt
o
Bel
inda?
Us:
NoMah
Wehadtoallswopeseat
sandwesat
nex
ttoourspouses.
MaD: Nowthisishowi tshouldbe,
mychildr
enwear ey ourparents,not
yourpeer
snorf r
iendsandweshoul d
notint
erf
ereinanyofy ourmar ri
ages
butwehav eseenhowt hi
ngshav e
j
ustblownwayoutofpr oporti
on.We
haveseennooneel seappr opri
ate
enoughtoint
ervenet hanusy our
parent
s,wecouldnoti nvi
tea
str
angerher
eoranyoneel
se
showcasi
ngyourhomeaff
air
s.
MaN: Si
yamt handa,
we'l
lstar
tbyy ou
becauseIcanseehowhar di
tisfor
youtositnexttoyourhusband.
Siya:Hedi sgustsmemah, Iam so
angryathi m becauset hi
sisnotthe
fi
rsttimehei scheati
ngonmeand
theyal soknowt hat.Ifai
lto
under standthereasonswhyhedoes
that,hehasdonei tbefor
eandIdo
nott r
usthi m atal
lwhenhesay she
willnev erdoitagainbecausehe
doesi tagainjustwhenIt hi
nkhehas
changedandIam gi vi
nghima
chancet oprovewhatIhav e
accept
edwr
ong
MaN: Whati
sitt
haty
ouhav
e
accept
ed?
Siya:Thathewi l
l nev erstopcheati
ng
onme.Hei sadi sgr acet omen,mor e
especial
lymar r
iedmenwhot ryso
hardtobet akenawayf rom the
phrase"allmencheat "anditist
rue,
notallmencheatbuti tisthosemen
l
ikehim whoal way sseem t obri
ng
mendownbecauset heycannot
controlt
hemsel vesatal l
.Byjust
seeingfreepussyt heirzips
automatical
lyopenandt heirmouths
arehangingdrool ingf oritnoteven
thi
nkingabouty ourwi feathome, t
he
motherofy
ourchi
l
dren.Di
dyouev
en
useacondom?!
Wealllookedatt
hem andt
hey
noddedshameful
ly
MaD:Whati
sanod?I
sitay
esora
no?
Them:
Yes,
weusedt
hem.
Theychant
edl
i
keachoi
r.
Paula:I
tdoesn'
tevenmat t
erifthere
wasacondom, nevermindt he
di
seasestheycouldinfectuswi th
whichwerepreventedbyt hat
condom butthefactthatyourpr i
vat
e
partent
eredanotherwoman' spri
vate
part,
multi
plewomenatt hat.People
tendt ounder est
imat ethepowerof
sex,whet heritwasj ustanot her
meani nglessshagbutspi ri
tsar e
connect edwhenhav ingsex.I tis
mor et hanjustreachinganor gasm
buty ou'rebindedwitht hatper soni
n
manyway sthanone.Youcar ryal
l
thatfrom all t
hosewomenandt hen
sleepwi thme, pouri
ngal lthatt ome,
BrianIr emembercar ef
ullythaton
thatv erysameni ght,youcamehome,
tookashowerandt henwehadsex?
Am Iwr ong?
Br
ian:
No
Paul
a:Youdi
dnotev
encaret
othi
nk
ofme,whaty
ouweredoi
ngtomy
bodyandspi ri
t?Howy ouwere
connecti
ngmet othosewomeny ou
had?Didn'tyougetenoughfrom
them andthencomet ome?Only
yourself
ishdesir
esmat t
er.
Br
ian:
Babe,
noi
t'
snotl
i
ket
hat
Paul
a:Thenhowi
sit
?
Hekeptqui
etandl
ookeddown.He
hadnocomebackforthat
.
Me:Youdiditbecausey ouhadt he
samement al
it
yoft hatwewi ll
forgi
ve
youbecausewecannotl eav
ey ou.
Wewantourchi l
drent ogrowupi na
homewi t
hbothpar ents.Nomat ter
howmuchwear ehur tandwisht o
j
ustl eav ebutwecannotbecause
beingt hemot her sthatwear e,we
havet ocompr omi sebecauseour
chil
dr encomef i
r st
.Ihav estayed
withourchi ldrenwi thoutyouDanny
andi tissadwhent heykeepaski ng
aboutt hierf ather ,theykeepl ooki
ng
atthedoorwi shingy ou'dcomei n
andcar rythem.Mostofusher e
knowhowi tist obewi thoutboth
parent sandwedonotwi shthatupon
ourki ds.Yout akingadv antageof
tr
uel oy alt
yandt akingadv antageof
yourki dst oo.Tr ustmeDanny ,
ifwe
didn'thav eki dsIwoul dhav eleftyou,
period.AndI 'm sur eI '
m nottheonl y
one.
Ngamso:
I'
m wi
thy
out
her
e
Paula:
Andy ouMrNgcobo,you
for
getthatwearenotmarr
iedandI
havenokidswit
hyou.Icanleaveat
anyt
imewheny oudobull
shitl
iket
his,
don'
tgettoocomfort
abl
e.
Thathi
tBri
andeeply.Hegulpeda
bott
leofwaterandhewassohur t
buthedeser
v edtoknowthetrut
h.
MaN: WhatIwanttoknowishowyou
would'
vefel
tifi
twasthem whowere
onthatvi
deohavingsexwi
thmult
ipl
e
men
Nkosi
:Theywoul
dntev
enbeal
i
veby
now
Bonga:
Wewoul
d'
veki
l
ledt
hem
Zandy:Andyety
ouexpectust
ojust
for
giv
ey ou?
Phel
o:Doy
out
hinkwecan'
tki
l
l?
Mayi:
Weknowy
oucanki
l
landwe'
ve
seenyou
Ntoko:Soyouunderest
imateusthat
much?Whatmakesy outhi
nkwear e
notcapabl
eofdoingwhaty oudi
d
L’
yanda:Nt
okozodon'
tev
ent
hink
abouti
t
Mpho:Whatyoudidwit
hthose
st
ri
pper
sisfucknenough
Me:Enough?Watchyourwords
MphoLebone,watchyourwords
Sneh:
Whatwedidi
snot
hing
comparedt
owhaty
oudi
d.
MaD: Wear
enotheretof
ightbutt
o
tal
k,Mphoapol
ogi
zefory
our
stat
ement
Mpho:
I'
m sor
ry
Sneh:That'
swhati swr ong,youthi
nk
all
youcansayi s"I'
m sor r
y"and
you'
reforgi
ven.Yousi ngthosewor ds
l
ikeit
sanat i
onalant hem thatswhyit
i
shasl osti
t'
struthfulmeani ngand
val
ue.Thosewor dsar enotabl et
o
curetheheart
breakbutact i
onsdo.
Thaps: Whatwedi disunf orgi
v abl
e
andunf orgettable.Nowor dscan
j
ustifywhatwehav edone.I ti
s
shamef ul,di
sgust i
ngand
i
nappr opri
ate.Wear esorryandwe
don'twantt oloseanyofy oubecause
ofthis,Idon'twantt olosemywi f
e
andIdon' twantt ol oseanyofy ou
l
adiesasaf ri
endandmybr ot
her s
wifeandasi st ertome.Wear ealla
familyhere,Iseey oual l
ladiesasmy
sist
ers,besidesmywi feof causeand
Iseet hesemenasmybr others.We
werest upidthatIcansay , wear eat
faul
tandweknowt hedamagewe
havecaused
Jabu:Andwewi l
ldoouroutmost
besttofi
xit
,itwon'
ttakeafewdays
i
tcouldeventakeayearbutweare
wil
li
ngtodowhat ev
erbecauseyou
areworthi
t.
Nkosi
:Di
vor
cei
soutoft
hepi
ctur
e
t
hough
Theyagr
eedamongsteachot
her
.
Bee:Avesukenikhul
umelanewemah
ungafungaukuthini
qal
enilungi
selel
e
nini
kaneizi
scr
ipt(Thewayy outal
k
foreachother
,you'dswearyoufir
st
pract
iceandgiveeachotherscri
pts)
Nceba:Ungashouphi
nde(
Youcan
saythatagai
n)
Iknewt hingsweregett
ingserious
whenIsawBonga' sdadwal ki
ngin
foll
owedbyRazor ,Nkosi'
sdad,
Phila'
sdadandMpho' sdad.We
stoodupandgr eetedthem.My
mot herswentouttojoi
nt heother
mot hersandwhenwest eppedout
wewer ecall
edbackbyMr
Buthelezi
(Bonga'
sdad)
Mr
B:Si
tdownmydaught
ers.
MrM( Mkhi
ze,Nkosi'sdad):Youidiot
s
whoIam evenashamedt ocallmy
sons!Whenhav ey oueverseenme
cheatonmywi fe?Nkosi nathi,
May i
bongwe,Iraisedyousi nceyou
weretoddl
ers,didy oueverseeme
cheatonmywi
fe?
Them:
Nof
ather
Razor
:Nowwher
edi
dyoul
ear
nthat
fr
om?
Theykeptqui
etandl
ookeddown.
MrL:Youcannotspeaknow?You
havenovoices
Jabu:
Wecanspeak,
fat
her
MrN:Youknowy ouarestil
lkidstous,
wecanstil
lwhiptheanswersoutof
you!Whatfool
i
shnessisthis?Don't
youseethebeauti
ful
,smartand
sophi
sti
cat
edwomani nf
rontofyou.
Womanwhohav ebeenwithy ou
thr
oughthi
ckandt hi
n.Womenwho
standbyy ouandhel py our eachall
yourdreams, supporti
vewomanwho
staymont hswithoutseei ngy ou
becausey ouaredoinggoodf orthe
country,youdon'tfi
ndt hem
complainingorinanot hermansbed
buttheyst i
ckbyy oubecauset hey
knowt hatitmakesy ouhappy .These
womenar eyourpill
ersofst rength
butthi
si showy outhankt hem.
Bafanabam akwenzi wakanj e(my
boys,thi
si snothowi tisdone)
Theygotl onglect
uresfr
om thei
r
fathersandwewer et
oldtoleav
e
afterthefather
salsoapologi
zedon
theirbehalf
.Wewentandhel pedout
i
nt hekitchen.Therewasnot hing
mucht obedoneasacat eri
ngt eam
washi red.Itwasfullypackedandi t
wasgoodt omeetsomeoft heir
famil
ymember sthatIdi dn'tknow.
Sneh'smot herwasal soher esoIgot
tomeether .KJpulledSbahl easide,I
knewhewasgoi ngt oapol ogize.I
j
ustwi sht heycouldjustbeacoupl e
alr
eady .IsawSi y
abl i
nkingt wiceas
shesawawomanwal ki
ngi n.
Sneh:
Whati
sshedoi
ngher
e?
Me:
Whoi
sshe?
Si
ya:
Namhl
a,Phi
l
a'ssi
ster
.
Me:
Idon'
tunder
stand,
whyshoul
dn'
t
shebeher
e?
Si
ya:
She'
ssupposedt
obei
njai
l
.
Me:
Wow
Nandiwentst
rai
ghttoherand
dr
aggedherbackint
othecar.
Si
ya:
Nongcebo!
!No,
leav
eher
.
Nandi
:She'
snotwel
comedher
e
MaD: Todayisaboutpeaceand
for
giv
eness.Letherbe,ifSi
yai
s
comfortabl
ewithherbeingher
ethan
i
tisokay .
MaQ:
Shei
syoursi
ster
,letherst
ay.
Namhl
athankedthem andweallsat
downatt
hetablethatwasset
,the
kidshadt heirownt ableandt hey
wer ewi ththenanni esnextt ous.Si ya
keptonwat chingov erherki ds.I
reallywant edt oknowwhyNamhl a
wasi njailbutImadeament al note
toaskDannyl ateron.Themencame
j
oi nedusandt hi
swasr eallyagood
i
deabecausei twasf unf i
l
led.Af ter
weat e,Emi hl
ewassi ngingwi th
Sabel osababakhe, Onika,
Thembel ihle,
LuthandoandKabel o.
MasandeandJuni orsai dpoems.The
kidsal lperformedandi twasmagi cal
.
Whatwasmor emagi calwaswhen
Nkosi sangwi thMpho!Thei rv oices
arej ustsobeaut i
ful.Everyonewent
outsideandwedancedt oget her
.It
wasr eall
yjustamazingf amilyti
me
nothingmat ter
edbesidesf amily
.
Nay egotemot ionalabi
tandLwazi
huggedher ,shement i
onedhowshe
wishedherpar entswereal sohere.I
wishedTay lorwashere,lookingat
Hopemakesmet hi
nkofhi m.Danny
huggedmeandwhi spered"Hei s
okay, Godiswat chi
ngov erhim"
Every
onewasdoi
ngthei
rownthing
andIwassi
tt
ingwit
hDanverand
Siqal
o.
Naye:Wher
eisMaDl
ami
ni,
shewas
supposedt
ocomemakeaspeech?
Me:
Letmegol
ookf
orher
.
Iwentinsi
det
hehouseandl
ooked
forher
Me:
MaDl
ami
ni!
If
oundhersi
tt
ingbyt
hel
ounge.
Me:Thereyouare,y
ou'
reneeded
out
side.Speecht
ime
It
urnedandshedi
dn'trespond.I
wentbackandwentclosertoher
.
Me:
Mama
Shewassi l
entandnotev enmov i
ng.
Herey eswereopenedandl ooki
ngat
towardsme.Ikneeledinf
rontofher
andtouchedherpulse.Shewasn't
breat
hinganymore.Shehadnolif
ein
heranymore.Mymot herhadpassed
onjustli
kethat
Me:
Mama!
!!Hel
p!!
!
Istart
edcryi
ngandscreami
ng.Iwas
shakingherbutIwasj
ustshaki
nga
corpse.Icl
osedherey
es
Me:
Resti
npeaceMaDl
ami
ni.
Iki
ssedhercheekandfeltsomeone
holdi
ngme.Iheldhi
m closelyand
cri
ed
Danny
:Sssh,
ever
ythi
ngwi
l
lbeokay
KJ:
Cov
erherup,
I'
ll
makeaf
ewcal
l
s
Ev
ery
onewasi
nsi
deal
readybesi
des
theki
ds.Mostwer ecrying,Iknow
hadanunder standi ngast owhyshe
wantedev eryonetoget her.She
wantedonel astmomentwi theach
andeveryoneofus.Sheknewshe
wasleav i
ngus.Thatshewasl eav
ing
me.Ilookedast heytookawayher
body.I
tall f
eltsurreal,
likeitwasall
j
ustadr eam.
Mbul
elo:
I'
m sor
rysi
ster
MaQ: Shewill
restineter
nal
peace,
becausethati
swhatshewant ed
today.Shewantedloveandpeace.
Staystongmychild,st
aystr
ong.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t76
Mourni
ngmymot her
,themotherthat
rai
sedmeandhel pedmebet he
womant hatIam t
odayissti
llsur
real.
Weknowonedayourpar ent
swi l
ldie,
oranyofourlovedone'
sbutwheni t
happensi tjustcomesunexpect edl
y.
What '
swei rdaboutt hisislikeshe
knewhert i
mewascomi ng.She
gat heredusher esoshecoul dbe
witheachandev eryoneofusf orthe
veryl astti
me.Shewant edt of i
xour
relati
onshi psandhav epeacesot hat
shecanhav eet ernal peace.Thepast
weekhasbeenav er
ydi fferent,I
woul dn'tsayI '
vebeenmi ser abl
eand
cryingmyey esout .Iam act ual
ly
okay ,Iknowmymot herisi nabet t
er
place.Thepr epar ati
onsf orthe
funer alwer enothect i
casHect or
tookcar eofev erything
Danny
:Wakeup
Me:
Goaway
Danny
:Babe,
comeon.Youneedto
wakeup.Wehav
eafuneral
toatt
end
to.
Isighedandt hengotup.Shewas
getti
ngbur i
edatHect orshome, I
tri
edfighti
ngitbutitwasbey ondme.
Shewassupposedt ogetmar ri
ed
therebecauseshewasst il
lawi f
e
thereandherf amil
yalsoagr eedto
thosetradit
ions.Hectorbehavedina
veryunexpectedway ,hehadsome
sortofchangeofhear tbutthatdidn'
t
makemet r
usthim.Hewasj ustas
thedev i
ll
ikehispartnerincri
meMuzi .
Hewasdeepl ysaddenedbymy
mot her spassi ng,hedi dn'tgetthe
chancet osaygoodby e.Whenwe
wer ehav inguml i
ndelo, hecried.
Ther ewasamomentwher eheasked
tobeal onewi thher .Istoodbyt he
doorandl i
stenedt ohi m cryand
apologi ze.Iknewmymot herhad
forgivenhi m butIhav en't
.Buuwas
dodgi nghi mi nal lpossibleway s.He
stil
lwant edtot alktoher .Igotupand
tookabat h,wewer estay i
ngata
hotel nearHect orshomei nLady
Smi th.Wecoul dn'
tstayatPhi l
a's
sincei twasv eryfarfrom her e.Danny
wasal readydr essedandwai ti
ngup
onme.It ookmyownt imeget ti
ng
dr
essed.
Danny:Whyarey
ouwear
ingl
i
nger
ie
toafuner
al?
Me:Justt
ohol
dupmybodytoget
her
.
I
'l
lbeweari
ngati
ghtdr
ess
Danny
:Buty
ourbodyi
sper
fect
Me:Danny,I'
vel
ostsomuchweight.I
ev
enhavesomeski nhangingar
ound
mywaist.Thati
snotproper
Danny:You'
rebei
ngdramatic,Il
ove
yourbodyasiti
s.You'
l
ljusthaveto
eatal
otsoyoucangobackt oyour
normalsi
ze
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkt
hatwi
l
lhappen
babe
Hehadahugesmil
eonhisface
whi
chIdi
dn'
tunder
stand.
Me:
What
?
Danny:Youcal
ledmebabe,
you
haven'
tsai
dthatinawhi
l
e.
Il
aughedathim andcont
inued
dr
essingup.
Me:
Pleasehel
pmewi
tht
hezi
p.
Hedi dn'tjustgostarighttopull
i
ng
thezipup, hetouchedmybody
caressingi tinsuchapl easur
eable
way .Hehel dmet i
ghtlymakingme
feelhishugeer ect
ion.Ibreat
hedout
l
oudasIf eltmybodybet rayi
ngme.It
wasget tingweakerandweaker .He
ki
ssedmyneckandIcl osedmyey es.
Ifel
tmy selfget ti
ngwetdownt her
e,
ohhowmybodywasbet rayi
ngme!I t
surr
ender stohi st ouch.The
unzippeddr essal lowedhimt oput
hishandsi nsideandt ouchme.He
pull
edupt hedr essandi twasaround
mywai st.Hekeptont ouchi
ngmycl it
.
Icouldn'
tst andonmyownany more,
myl egswer ef ail
ingme.
Danny:You'
vebeenget
ti
ngnaught
y
onyourownhuh?
Idi
dn'tr
espondbecauseIdi dn'
t
underst
and.Iletoutahugemoan
whenher ubbedav i
bratoronmy
nana.NowIunder stoodwhathe
meant.Iputmyar msont hewall
l
eaningonitashet or
turedmei na
ver
ypleasureableway .Ical
ledouthi
s
nameashei nser
teditonmy
ent
ranceandwor keditsmagic.
Danny:Youli
keithuh?Idi
dn'
t
respond,
mykneeswer eshaki
ng.He
stoppedandIcaughtmybreat
hand
l
ookedathim
Danny
:Answerme
Me:
YesIdo
Heturneditonagai
nandIf el
tmy
bodyflui
dsbuil
dup.Mymoansgot
l
ouderandhewasat tacki
ngmyneck.
JustasIwasabouttocum, he
st
opped.Doesthi
smanwantmet o
ki
l
lhim!!Hewhi
sper ed"
Ilov
eyou
MaNyathi
"andhefixedmeupand
cl
osedthezi
pper.
Me:
Tri
ston
Danny
:Br
eakfasti
sready
,you'
l
lmeet
medownstai
rs.
Hegotupandl eftmyhor nyass
standingthere.Isighedanddi dmy
hair.Gotev ery
thingreadyandwent
downst ai
rs.Heopenedt heseatfor
meandIt hankedhi m.Theki dscame
withMaNy athiandOni kasatnextt
o
DannyandDanv ersatnexttome.
Danv
er:
Mor
ningmot
her
bear
Il
aughedathi
m andgreetedback.
Wehadbreakfastwhi
lechatt
ingupa
stor
m.WellKJandMbulelowerethe
one'
swhoweret al
ki
ngthemost .
Sneh:
Let
'sgetgoi
ngguy
s,wehav
ea
l
ongdayaheadofus.
Athi:
Idon'tthi
nkwe'l
ldri
vebackt
o
Durbantonight
,I'
m sur
eMaBhenguis
goingtobeexhausted
MaB:YesIwi
l
l,ol
dagemyson.Ol
d
age
MaN:
Iti
sreal
l
yget
ti
ngt
ous.
MaQ:
Kugugaot
handay
o
Nkosi
:Mah,
You'
real
soget
ti
ngol
d
MaQ:Excuseme,haveyouseenmy
fr
eshbody?Tel
lyourfat
hert
otel
lyou
howyoungandfreshIam
Nkosi:
Okay,l
et'
sjustgobef
orethi
s
conver
sat
iongoesanyfurt
her.
Thefather
shadleftl
ongbefor
ewe
evenwokeup.Whent heyar
e
toget
her,I
'
m al
way sj
ustsoscared.
Theyaresoint
imidat
ing.
Lucas:
Who' sdr
ivi
ngy
ou
Kamogelang?
Thewayhepr onouncesKamo'
s
name,I
fIwasKamo, Iwoul
dbeso
char
medrightnow
Kamo:
Iam
Lucas:Theroadstot
hechurchar
e
abi
trocky,wil
lyoumanage?
Kamo:It
hinkso,
Thembeli
hletake
Hopeandcomeplease.Whereisher
car
seat
?
Thembe:
Iny
ourcarIt
hink.
Lucas:
Justcome,
I'
ll
dri
vey
ou.
Kamo:
Andy
ourcar
?
Lucas:
Wecanl
eav
eitbehi
nd.
Kamocarr
iedHopeandt
heyf
oll
owed
Lucas.
Danny:Don'
tsmil
esomuch,
your
cheekboneswi
ll
crack.
Me:
ArghTr
ist
on!Iwasst
il
lwat
chi
ng
av
eryr
omant
icscene
Danny
:Don'
ttr
ytosett
hem up
Me:Whosai
dany
thi
ngaboutset
ti
ng
any
oneup?
Danny
:Geti
nthecarpl
ease
Ir
oll
edmyeyesandgoti
nthenhe
cl
osedt
hedoor.
Oni
ka:
Sayt
hanky
oumom
Me:
Thanky
ouDanny
Danny:You'
resuchagoodpr
incess
Onika
Onika:Al
way sremembert
osay
pleaseandthankyou,
youalway
s
taughtusthatmom.
Danv
er:
Andnowshe'
sfor
get
ti
ngi
t.
Me:
I'
m ol
d,If
orgett
hings
Oni
ka:
Doesthatmeanyouwil
lal
so
got
oheavenjustl
i
kegogo?
Me:What
?Nosweet
ie,
Iam notgoi
ng
any
where
Danv
er:
Pinkypr
omi
se?
Me:
Pinkypr
omi
se
Danver:Mommyal sowentt
oheaven.
Irememberhowdadwascr yi
ngandI
wast ol
dtocl
osemyey esandsl
eep.
ThatIwill
seeheragai
noneday,i
n
heaven.
Oni
ka:
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Ther
e'smommy ,whyar
eyousay
ing
shewenttoheav
en?Youwatcht
oo
manycart
oonMpendulo
Danv
er:
Iam t
alki
ngaboutourf
ir
st
mommy
Dannyl
ookedatmeandIshr
ugged
Danny
:Saysomet
hing
Hewhisper
edandIlookedathi
m.
Whatwil
lIevensay
?
Me:
Whatwi
l
lIsay
?
Danny :Idon'
tknow,youknowhowI
can'tdealwitht
hesethi
ngs.Idon't
evenknowwhatt osay,I
'
m surpri
sed
thatheev enremembers.Justhel
p
meouther e
Isighedandheseemedpr etty
fr
eakedout .HereIwasthinking
Dannyi sovert
hewayhewaswhenI
methi m.Backtosquareone!I twas
si
lentforawhiletotheconv ersat
ion
wasov er.Okay,Isai
dthattooear l
y
Onika:
Mom,Dad,
didwer
eal
l
yhav
ea
fi
rstmommy
?
Me:
Uhm y
essweet
hear
t
Oni
ka:
Andshewentt
oheav
en?
Me:
Yes
Oni
ka:
Whydon'
tIknowher
?
OhGod,
howdoIanswert
his.
Danny
:Ki
ds,
thosequest
ionsar
e
enoughnow.
Danver:
1stmommyl
ookedj
ustl
i
ke
secondmommy .
Oni
ka:
Sowher
eist
he1stdaddy
?
Me:OhGod,
topi
ccl
osed.Weatt
he
chur
chnow,
nomoretal
king.
Them:
ButDad!
!
Danny:Youheardy
ourmot
her
,one
fi
ngeronyourli
p
Oni
ka:Wedot
hatatschool
,notat
home
Danny:Well
youwi
l
ldoither
etoo,
unl
essyouwantmetoputduckt
ape
onyourli
ps
Theyqui
ckl
ydi
ditandIsi
ghed
Danny
:Yourki
dst
alkal
ot
Sbahl
e:Andthen?What
swi
tht
he
fi
nger
sony ourl
ips
Oni
kapoint
edatDannyandwentt
o
t
heotherki
ds
Danny
:Theyt
alkal
ot.
GuguandMbul el
owav edatmeand
showedmethatMaCebi si
lewashere.
Shewaswearingt hebi
ggesthatev
er,
shewalkedt
owar dsmewi t
h
MaZethu.
Danny
:Her
ecomesShe-
Dev
il
Me:
Danny
Hel
aughedandleftwit
hSbahl
eand
t
heothershadal
readywenti
nsi
de
t
hechurch.
MaZethu:
Nasi
phi
mychi
l
d,howar
e
you?
Me:
I'
m okaymamaandy
our
sel
f?
MaZethu:I'
m goodaslongasy ouare
okay.Justknowthatwear eherefor
youjustbecauseyou'
velostone
motherdoesn'tmeanyouhav eno
mothersleft
.Youhad4mot hersnow
youhave3.You'rever
yluckytohav e
somanymot her
s
Me:
It'
sver
yov
erwhel
ming
MaCebi
sil
e:Whyhav
eyoui
ncl
uded
me?Idon'tremembergi
vi
ngbi
rt
hto
t
hismurderer
Me:
Mur
der
er?
MaCebisi
le:
Youkil
l
edNkonzo!!And
Zizi
phohasbeenmissi
ngformonths
andmonthsnow,Iam sur
eyoukill
ed
her
Me:
Thosear
eser
iousaccusat
ions
mot
her
MaCebi si
le:Don'
ty oudarecall
me
yourmot her!Iwi
ll findoutandIwill
ki
llyou!Whoev ert ookthatbastard
sonofy oursdidt her i
ghtthi
ng,Ihope
heorshehaski l
ledhi m.Youdon't
deservetobeamot her
!
Iletmyangergett hebestofme, I
slepthertwice.MaZethuheldher
whenshet r
iedtoslapme.Dannyr an
tomeandhel dmeasIwant edtohit
MaCebi si
l
e.Iknowshei soldert
han
mebutwhatshesai dupsetme.
Danny
:Nasi
phi
!Cal
m down
Me:
Mar
kyourwor
dsCebi
sil
e.
IwalkedawayandDannyf oll
owed
me.Tear st
hreat
eningt
ocomeout
butIdidn'
tl
etthem.Iwalkedint
he
churchandsatattheback.
Danny
:Yourseati
satt
hef
ront
Me:
ButI
'
mfi
neher
e
Danny
:Youdon'
twantmet
ocausea
sceneandcar
ryy
out
her
e
Istoodupandwentt
oseatatt
he
fr
ontnextt
oBulel
wa.
Buu:Hectorwantst
ospeakt
ome
af
tertheservi
ce
Me:
Okay
Buu:
Ishoul
dtal
ktohi
m?
Me:Justt
ohearhi
m out
,whenar
e
yougoi
ngbacktot
heStates?
Buu:
Toni
ght
Me:
What
?
Buu:
Ihavealr
eadymissedouton
manycl
asses.Iwi
ll
comebacksoon
Me:
Howsoon?
Buu:
Nov
ember
Me:
That
'st
oof
ar,
it'
sst
il
lj
ustJul
y.
Buu:
Iwi
l
lbeback,
soon.Don'
twor
ry
Me:
Iam wor
ri
ed
Theservi
cestartedandIdidn'tthi
nkI
wouldcryforherbecauseIwasat
peacewithherpassingbutitwassad.
I
thurtmeandIcr i
edastheyr eadher
obit
uar
y.Ididn'
twantt odoit.Ihadto
gofort
handt al
kabouther.Danny
wentwithmeandhel dmyhand
Me:Mymot her
, Yenz
oloDlamini
.You
wereawonderfulwoman.Youwer ea
gr
eatmother,y
ouwer enotonlyj
usta
mothert
omebuty ouwerealsoa
sisterandaf ri
end.Youal way smade
sur ethatIwashappy ,thatIwaswel l
fedandIhadev eryt
hingIneeded.
Ev enwhent hingswentsout h, when
wesuf f
eredandy ouhadast r
oke,
youst il
lpushedy ourselfsot hatIcan
hav eabet terlif
e.Noonewoul d'v
e
saidt haty ouwer en'
tmybi ological
mot her ,allthatdoesn' tmat ter.You
wer ei ndeedmymot herandIl ove
youandwi l
lalway sdo.Nev erhav e
youev err ai
sedy ourhandatme, even
wheny oushout edatmey ou' dendup
apol ogizingbecauseoft hesof t
hear tedper sony ouwer e,youal ways
want edpeaceandhappi nessand
thatissomet hingt hatmadey ou
shineamongstmanypeopl e.You
i
nspi r
edmeev eryday,Iremember
howwor riedy ouwer eaboutme
whenIgotv eryangr y,yousai dmy
rageandangerwoul dmakemyhear t
blackandi twillstopbeat i
ng, thats
howshet hreatenedmesoIcoul d
stopbei ngangr y,Ican'tbelieveI
actuall
ybel ievedherwhenshesai d
that.Yout aughtmehowt ol ov e,
how
tobeki ndandf orgivi
ng.Yout aught
meal otinl ifeandaboutl i
fe, when
theytalkaboutr ol
emodel sIal ways
thinkabouty ou.Il ookupt oy ouand
oneday , Iwantt obel i
key ou.One
day,Iwi
llbel ikey ou.Ri ghtnow, li
fe
hasbeent estingmei nsomanyway s,
butIwil
lhol dont oy ourwor ds.That
nothi
ngbeat spr ay erandhav ingfaith
i
nGod.Not hingi sst rongerthana
prayi
ngwoman.Andt hatIwillhol
d
ontoandIwi ll nev erforgetyour
wordsofwi sdom.Il ov eyou,andr est
i
npeaceMaDl ami ni .
Isangoneofherf avouri
tesongsand
wentt ositdown.Theser vi
ce
continuedandwewentt otheDl amini
gravey ar
dafterwards.Ev
erythi
ng
proceededandshewasbur i
edwel l
andpeacef ul
ly.Wewentt othe
Dlami nihomesteadandsati nsi
dethe
t
ent
.IsawBuuar
gui
ngwi
thHect
or.
Gugu:She'
ssoangr
y,I
'
venev
erseen
hersoangry
Me:
Idon'
tbl
ameher
Gugu:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Me:
Not
hing,
I'
ll
beback.
Iwentov
ert
oherandHect
or
Me:
Hect
or
Hect
or:
Pear
l
Me:
Isev
ery
thi
ngokayher
e?
Hect
or:
Yesi
tis
Buu:Wear
edoneanddon'tyouev
er
cal
lmeagai
n.Let
'sgoPearl
Me:
Doesn'
tseem l
i
ket
hatwentwel
l
Buu:
Iwi
l
lnev
erf
orgi
vet
hatman.
Me:
Didy
ouspeakt
oCebi
sil
etoday
?
Buu:
Whatf
or?Ihat
ethatwoman
Me:
Youhat
eyourpar
ent
s
Buu:Trueparentsdonotsell
thei
r
chil
d.I
'mleavingnow,Ihavetobeat
theair
porti
nanhour .
Me:
Didy
ouev
eneat
?
Buu:
YesIdi
dsi
s
Me:Imissyou,youwi
l
lcal
lme
ev
erydayBulel
wa?
Buu:Hah,ev
ery
day
.I'
m noty
our
husband
Me:
Bul
elwa
Buu:
Okayf
ine,
Iwi
l
lcal
lyouev
ery
day
.
Me:Good,gosaygoodbyet
oyour
si
bli
ngs.Mbul
elowil
ldr
ivey
outothe
ai
rport
.Tr
avelsaf
ely
Buu:
I'
llgosaygoodby
etot
heki
ds
andDannytoo.
Me:
Andy
ourmot
her
Buu:
Iwi
l
lshooty
ou
Il
aughedatherandwentt
osi
tdown
wi
ththegir
ls.
Sneh:
Buuhasgr
ownal
ot
Me: I
'
mj ustwor
ri
edabouther
.I'
l
lgo
vi
sithersoon
Naye:
Iwasthinki
ngofchangi
ngmy
par
ent'
stombstones
Phel
o:That
'
sagoodi
dea
Naye:
Everyt
imeIattendafuner
alI
al
waysjustt
hinkaboutthem.
Si
ya:
It'
shar
dtof
orget
.
AnItal
ianl
ooki
ngmancomet owards
usandhelookedol
dyetso
handsome.Hepatt
edBee'
sshoul der
andshescreamedandhuggedhim.
Siy
aandNcebawenttohimt oo
Nceba:
Daddy
!!
!!
Ohwow!Itstheirfat
her,
I'
veheard
abouthi
m butjusthaveneverseen
hi
m befor
e.
MrSant
oz:Mygir
ls,i
tsgoodtosee
you.Wher
eisyourbeaut
iful
mother
?
Si
ya:
She'
sint
heki
tchenhel
pingout
.
MrSantoz:
Wher earemymanner s?
Hel
loyoungladies,andIam seei
ng
t
wof acesthatIdon'tknow.
Hesai
dlooki
ngatmeandPaul
a.
Paula:MrSantoz,we'
veheardabout
you.I'
m Paul
aNy athi
andt hi
sismy
sist
er,Nasi
phiMcKenzie.Theyshook
handsandwedi dtoo
Santoz:Pl
easedtomeety ouyoung
l
adies.Mycondolencesonyourloss
MrsMcKenzi e,
andmyapol ogiesfor
meetingundertheseci
rcumstances.
Me:
It'
sokaysi
r
Sant
oz:Ohno,cal
lmedad.I'
mthe
cool
estdadamongstt
hem al
l.
Where'
sRazor
?
Me:Theyar
esomewher
ear
oundt
he
house.
Santoz:
Letmegolookformysexy
babymamaandthoseidi
otfr
iendsof
mine.
Il
aughedandwesatdown
Me:Yourf
atherseemsl
i
kesucha
f
unnychar
acter
Si
ya:
Hei
s.
Kamo:
Letmegol
ookf
orLucas
Zandy:Whywi
l
lyoubel
ooki
ngf
or
Lucas?
Me:
Car
etoexpl
ain,
Kamogel
ang.
ShelaughedasIwast
ryi
ngt
oimi
tat
e
Lucas'
sv oi
ce
Kamo:Ineedthecarkey
s,t
her
es
somet
hingIneedinthecar
.
Ngamso:
Mmmmmmh,
int
hecar
.
Kamo:
Stopi
t.
Shelef
tusandwecont inuedchatti
ng
andwel eftint
heeveninggoi ngback
tothehotel.It
ookashowerandwent
tobed.Dannywoul dcomel atetobed
astheywer esti
ll
havi
ngdr inkswith
thefat
hers.Igotacallfr
okBuuand
aft
erthecal l
.IprayedandaskedGod
toprotectTaylorandl ethim bewi th
someonewhowi ll
lovehi m andt ake
careofhim.MaCebi sile'
swor dsgot
tome.I fIam reall
ynotdeser v i
ngt o
rai
sehim, letwhomev erhashi m bea
goodpar entandpr otecthimj ustli
ke
MaDlami nididtome.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t77
It
sbeent woweekssi ncewel aid
MaDl aminitor est.Ihadst i
llhaven'
t
gotusedt oit,there'sthisdaywher eI
foundmy selfcal l
i
ngherandi tonly
kickedinwhent hephonewent
strai
ghttov oicemai l
.Danny
deactivat
edhercel l
phonenumber
afterthi
nkingIwascr azy .I
'v
ebeen
busy ,
inandoutofwor k.Dannyhad
j
ustcomebackf r
om Russi a,
apparentl
ysi ncetheyki ll
edTr opez,
DuoandLapi ta.Siya'sfathercan
comebackt oSout hAfricaandst ay
forgood.Idon' tknowhowhewas
i
nv olvedi nallofthisbuthei snow
free.Af t
ertheki dshadsomany
quest i
ons, i
twaspr ettyclearhowwe
hadt ogi vethem answer s.Danny
wasnotsuppor tiv
eofmyi deaandI
wasnotsuppor tiv
eofhi sidea,he
want edt ohy pnotizethem andIwas
hav i
ngnoneoft hat.Iwoul dn'twant
toputmychi ldr
eni nthesame
situati
ont hatIwasi n.Itisnotal i
fe
thatIwantf orthem andt heywi l
l
knowt het r
uth.Iwokeupandmade
chocol atechippancakesand
blueber r
ymi lkshakeswi th
mar
shmel
l
ows.
Me:
Kids!
!!
!Br
eakf
asti
sready
Dannywasthefi
rstt
ocome
downst
air
sfol
lowesbytheki
ds
Me:
You'
reaki
dnow?
Danny
:YesIam
Heki
ssedmeandspankedmyass.
Me:
Stopbei
ngnaught
y
Danny:Whyshoul
dI?Tel
lmey
ou
don'
tl
ikeit
Danv
er:Mom anddad,
pleasest
op.
Westil
lneedt
oeat
WelaughedandOnikast
aredat
Danverwi
thherhandsonherhi
ps
Danv
er:
Whati
sit
?
Onika:WenaMpendul
o,y
ou'
rea
hopelessr
omanti
c
Danver
:Let
hukuthula,
whatdoy ou
knowabouthopelessromant
ics?
Onika:Iheart
heconver
sati
onsyou,
Kabelo,
Kwenzokuhl
e,Ngceboand
Masandehav e.
Danny:Youboy
sseem t
ohav
e
naught
ytopi
cs
Danver:Wedon'thavenaughtytopi
cs
andsheislyi
ng.I'
mj ust7y
earsold,
whatwouldIknowabouthopel ess
romanti
csplusitsKwenzokuhle'
s
alwayssay
st hatyouguysare
hopel
essr
omat
incs,
especi
all
yUncl
e
Bonga
Danny
:Wel
lthat
'st
rue
Me:Youguysli
stent
oadul
ts
conv
ersat
ions
Onika:I
tsnotl
ikeyouguy
shav
e
thoseconver
sati
onswhenwearenot
around.
Danver:Oni
kaandSabelosababakhe
l
ikeeavesdroppi
ngevenwhenwenot
around,
theyalwayscomeandl i
sten
toourconversat
ions.
Onika:
Youdon'
tinv
olv
eusi
nthe
conver
sat
ionsy
ouhave
Danv
er:
Whyshoul
dwe?Youar
egi
rl
s
andwear
eboy
s.
Oni
ka:
What
ever
.
Danny:Yout
alkt
oomuch,
fini
shup
eat
ing.Weneedtot
alk
Weal l
finishedupeati
ngandthekids
cl
earedt hekit
chenwhil
eDanny
washedt hedishesandIwasrel
axing.
Theycameandj oi
nedmeafterthey
weredone.
Danny:Okay,
rememberhowy ou
guyshavebeenhavingalotof
quest
ionsabouthavingafir
stmother
andsecondmot her
?
Them:
YesDad
Danny
:Wel
lOni
ka,
whatDanv
erwas
t
ell
i
ngy
oui
str
ue.
Oni
ka:
I'
m conf
usedDad
Danny :Yourmotherdiedwheny ou
werebor nsweetheart
,that
swhyy ou
don'tknowher.Shegav ebirt
htoyou
andt henshewentt oheaven,Danver
knewherbecausehewast her
e
beforey ouwer
ebor n.
Oni
ka:
Sowhoi
smom?
Danny:
Yourmotheri
sZiyandaand
thi
sisyourst
epmother
,Nasiphi
Danv
er:WhydoesmotherNasi
phi
l
ookli
kemotherZi
yanda?
Me:
BecauseIam hersi
ster
Oni
ka:Ohsowehav etwomother
s
j
ustli
keyoudidbutt
heothermot
her
wenttoheav
en?
Me:
Yes
Oni
ka:
OhIunder
standnow
Danny
:Doy
ouunder
standDanv
er?
Danv
er:
YesDad
Danny :Thewomansi tt
ingnextt ome
i
sy ourmot her
,shelovesy ouand
takesgoodcar eofyou.Shef oundus
i
napost i
onwher eIhadnev er
thoughtwewoul drecoverf r
om and
forthatweshoul dandforev erbe
thankfulfor
.Noonel ovesy oulike
shedoesandev ery
dayshei nspir
es
met obeabetterparenttoyouguys,
nevereverdi
srespectherorshowno
appreci
ati
ontoher,doy ou
underst
and?
Them:
YesDad
Danny
:Nowtel
lherhowmuchyou
l
oveherandgi
vehersomel
ove
Them:
Wel
ovey
oumom!
!!
Theyscreamedandcametohugme.
It
ickl
edthem andwehadawarm
grouphug.
Danny:Nowwhowant
stogot
ovi
sit
hope?
Them:
Wedo!
!!
Danny
:Let
'
sgo
Me:
Pleasedr
opmeof
fatwor
k
Danny
:It
'saSat
urday
,adayofr
est
Me:There'
safewthi
ngsIneedt
o
sor
tout.Iwon'
tst
ayforev
en2hour
s
Danny:I
'
lldr
opthem of
fatKamo'
s
andgotoRichar
dsBaywithKJ.
Ther
e'ssomethi
ngheneedstot
ake
car
eoff
It
ookmybagandweleft
.He
dr
oppedmeoffatwor
kandVenes
waswait
ingf
ormeinmyoff
ice
Me:
Hel
l
ost
ranger
Venes:
Ishoul
dbesay
ingt
hatt
oyou,
y
ou'
vebeensoscar
cel
atel
y
Me:You'
vebeenscar
ce,youweren'
t
atworkt
heenti
reweek,
lastweek.
Howwereyourexams?
Venes:Sochal
l
engi
ngbutIknowI
passed.
Me:
Nowthat
'swhatIwantt
ohearal
l
t
heti
me
Venes: Iwantt omakey oupr oud,I
'm
forevergr ateful
.WhenGodcr eated
you,hecr eatedanangel .Youknow
manypeopl ewould'veleftmebehi nd
whent heygetmi l
l
ionsofr andsbut
youdi dn'tleavemebehi nd,you're
reall
yar esentf rom heav en.Ilovey ou
Nasi
phi
Me: Ncooh,you'
regoingtomakeme
cry
.Youst uckwithmewhenIhad
nothi
ng,leavi
ngyoubehindwhenI
haveeverythi
ngwouldbev er
ysel
fi
sh
ofme.Ilov eyouVenes,sowhat
's
goingoni nyourl
if
elatel
y
Venes:
Ithi
nkI
'
minl
ove
Me:
What!
!!Younev
erf
all
inl
ove
r
emember
?
Venes:Idon'tknowNasi
phi
,I
'm so
confused.There'
sthi
sguyman,ar
gh
heli
teral
lymakesmeweak.
Me:Pleasedon'
ttel
lmei
tst
henew
doct
or?
Venes:
Iti
s!!You'
veseenhi
m?
Me:No,Ijustknowhe'sDrB
somethi
ng,Ididn'
tli
stent oAthi
when
hetol
dmehi sname.Iact ual
l
yhavea
meeti
ngwi thhiminaf ewmi nut
es
j
usttodi
scussaf ewt hings
Venes:
Heissodel
i
cious,
hemakes
mykneesgoweak!
!!
Therewasaknockont hedoorandI
couldn'
tbeli
evewhatIwasseeing!
Thenewdoct orwasmyhi ghschool
crushwhoal mostbecomemy
boyfri
end.BythatImean,hewas
i
nlovewithmeasmuchasIwas
i
nlovewithhim.Whenhet ol
dmeand
thingswerel ooki nggoodf orus,
somegi rl
st hreat enedmeandI
backedof fandInev erspoketohim
unt i
lsomepar t
ywehadaf terour
mat ri
cexamswher eweal most
kissedandwer edi sturbedbyhis
girl
fri
end.Ev erythingwasj ust
"almost"betweenus.Hest oodbythe
doorandsmi l
edatme.Veneskept
onl ooki
ngatusandsheknewt here
wassomet hingt hereandshebr oke
theawkwar dsi lence
Venes:I
'
llexcuseyou,
MrsMcKenzi
e,
you'
ll
callmeifyouneedme.
Me:Sur
e,uhm pl
easebeseat
edDr
Si
boni
soButt
erworth.
Si
boni
so:
Thanky
ouDr
..
..DrNy
athi
Isawhowhel
ookedconf
usedwhen
hesawmynametag
Me:I
t'
salongstory
,Iknowyouknow
measDlaminibutl
ateri
ntheyearsI
f
oundoutthatmysurnameisNy at
hi.
Si
boni
so:AndIj
usthear
dMr
s
McKenzi
e
Ishowedhim myweddi
ngringandhe
repl
iedwi
thalong"
oooohhh"
Si
boniso:
Sowhydoy
ouhav
eNy
athi
onthenamet
ag?
Me:Ijustl
i
kehavi
ngmyowni dent
it
y
apar
tfrom bei
ngMrsMcKenzi
e
Si
boni
so:McKenzi
easi
nMrDanny
McKenzi
e?
Me:
Yes,
thatwoul
dbemyhusband
Si
boni
so:WowNampopo,
you'
ve
madei
tinli
fe!Wow
Me: SeewhyIuseNyathi,
toavoi
d
suchencount
ers.Andplease,
not
thatname.
Si
boni
so:What
?Il
ovei
t,i
twasy
our
hi
ghschool
name
Me:Thatwasinhighschool
,coul
d
wepleasegetont
owhatwe'rehere
f
or?
Siboni
so:Somepeopl
eneverchange,
you'r
esti
l
l st
ubbor
nandf
eisty
.So
y
ou'
ret
heboss?
Me: YesalongwithDrButhel
ezibut
I'
m alwaysheremor ethanheis.SoI
knowhe'sgi v
eny outhecont
ract,
haveanyquest i
ons?
Siboniso:
Notatal
l
,it
'ssi
gnedand
sealed.
Hepassedi toverandourhands
touchedsendinganawkwar dfeeli
ng
onmybody .Il
it
erall
yfel
tmyar mpit
s
sweating.Heclearedhist
hroatand
fi
xedhi sti
e
Me:Acar
diol
ogi
sthuh?Suchacopy
cat
Si
boni
so:
Youcansayt
hat
,youknow
howIj ustdidn'tknowwhatt odowith
myl i
fe.Ij
ustwant edtobeamodel
andbeonev erymagazine'
sfront
pagebutIr ealizedthatj
ustdoesn'
t
haveanyv alueanddoesn' tmakeany
di
fferenceint hewor l
d
Me: Andyouweretooosmarttobe
j
ustamodel ,
li
kewhoget s100%on
physicsandMaths!Youwerejust
crazy
Siboni
so:SeeandIcouldntjustlet
thathar
dworkgotowast e,
sowhenI
wascalledbynumer ousuniver
siti
es
andIwasof f
eredtogost udyinCuba
formedici
ne,Ij
ustreali
zedthatI
shoulddosomethingmeani ngf
ul wit
h
mylif
e.AndthenIrememberedhow
youwantedt
omakeadi f
fer
encein
theworl
dandsavepeople'
sli
vesand
Ideci
dedtodocardiol
ogy.
Me: You'
vereall
ydonealotfor
yoursel
fandhav ebecomev er
y
successful
,i
t'sanhonourtohaveyou
atourhospital
,someonewithyear
s
ofexperi
enceofwor ki
nginCubaand
Pari
s.Whatmadey oucomeback?
Me:Myf amil
yhey,Ireall
ywant edt
o
bebackhomeandIj ustmissedmy
mothersomuch, Isl
eptont hesame
bedwithforanenti
reweekwhenI
cameback.Iwasr eall
ymi ssi
ngmy
fami
ly
Wet alkedandhet oldmealotabout
himselfandthet hi
ngsthathavetook
placeinhisli
fe.Wehadacat chingup
sessionsandi twasreal
lygoodt o
seehi m agai
n.
Me:We' l
lbeworki
ngcl
oselyt
ogether
andI'
llsendsomedocumentsoverto
yousoy oucantakeov
ersome
pat
ientsforme.AndVeneswil
lshow
youaround.Letmecal
lher
Icall
edherandIt oldhertoshowDr
Butter
wortharoundandshe
screamedthankingmef orget
ti
ngher
tospendtimewi thMrBae.Idon't
blameherforgoingcr azyabout
Siboni
so,hewasv er
yhandsomewi t
h
ahandsomebodyandhi shei ghtjust
addedont oit.Hereallydeser vedt o
beonev erymagazi ne'sfrontpage.
Hewasav ersi
onofLungel o
Tshabalal
aandhadt hesexiestv oice.
Notonlydoeshehav ethelooksbut
hehadaper sonali
tythatev eryone
wouldfalli
nlovewi t
h.Hewoul dget
anygir
l t
hathewant ed,girl
sliterall
y
thr
ewt hemsel vesathim.Heal ways
complainedabouthowgi r
lsjust
datedhimf orhislooksandt het i
tle
ofdati
ng" SibonisoBut t
erwor th",he
nevergotsomet hi
nggenui neand
mademesomet i
meshat ehowhe
l
ooked.Whenhespokeabouti t,he
wouldr eall
yseem sohur tandhe
alway slovedhowIchal lengedhi m
andhowIaccept edhi m andl ooked
beyondhi slooks.Hegav emet he
nameNampopowhenwewer ei n
grade9andi twasusedt hroughout
highschool .Wewer ealway si nthe
samecl asssi ncepr i
mar yschool and
wer eall
yhadaspeci albondgr owi ng
up.Hewasal wayst hereandal ways
j
ustaf r
iendunt i
lIfelli
nlov ewithhi m
andi twaswei rdbecauseIwas
alway saroundhi m andknownhi m
forav erylongtime, whydi dIf all
i
nlovewi t
hhimi nhighschool ?
Seeinghi mt ookmebackt osomany
memor iesandmyhighschool lif
e.I
endedupl aughi
ngaloneandst art
ed
packingup.Ical
ledoneofmydr i
vers
andhepi ckedmeupanddr oppedme
offathome.Thesecur i
tycameupt o
me
Securit
y:Mam,ther
eisayoungl ady
thatisher
etoseeyou.It
oldhert o
l
eav ebutshei
nsist
edonstayingunti
l
youcameback.Shei spr
ett
y
stubbornmam,sheisnotgoing
anywhere.
Me:
Okay
,thanky
ou.
Iwalkedontheneverendi
ng
dri
vewayti
ll
Ireachedthemaindoor
.
Shesitt
ingont hedoorstepweari
nga
browndr essandpinktornsl
ippers.
Shewascar r
yingablacksmallone
arm bag.
Me:
Hi
Her:MrsMcKenzi
e,hiI
'm sor
ryf
or
j
ustshowingupbutIneedtotal
kto
you
Me:
Uhm okay
,comei
n.
Shefol
lowedmeandtookof
fher
shoeswhensheent
ered
Me:No,
nopleaseputthem on.Ti
l
es
canbever
ycold,
putthem on
Her
:Idon'twantt
odirtyy
ourhouse
madam,itisspot
less
Me: Nodon'
twor
ryabouti
t.What
s
yourname?
Iaskedasweent
eredthekit
chen.
Shewaslooki
ngaroundt
hehouse
andsheseemedoutofplace
Her
:Asanda,
AsandaDi
tshabe.
Me:Nicetomeety
ouAsanda,
what
br
ingsyouher
e?
Asanda:Mam, Icameal l
theway
fr
om Mpumal anga,inasmallvil
lage
cal
ledTsheri
lo.Icameher eabout
yourmissi
ngson, hisnameIbelieve
i
sTay l
orSiphepheloMcKenzie
Justbyhear
ingmysonsname, I
wantedtocr
y .Idi
dn'
tknowhowto
f
eel
.
Me:CanIcal
lmyhusbandbef
orewe
pr
oceed?
Asanda:
YesMam
Ist
eppedoutandcal
l
edDanny
Danny
:St
handwasenhl
i
ziy
oyam
Me:
(sni
ff
s)ComehomeTr
ist
on
Danny
:Babe?What
'sgoi
ngon?Ar
e
youcr
ying?
Me:
Pleasej
ustcomehome
Iwasalr
eadycr
yingandget
ti
ngv
ery
emoti
onal
Danny
:Okay
,I'
l
lbet
her
einanhour
.
Iendedt
hecal
landwentbacki
nsi
de
Me:
Arey
ouhungr
y?
Asanda:
NoMam
Me:Asanda,youl
ookhungryandy
ou
seem t
ir
ed.Letmemakey ousome
food
ShenoddedandImadehert
wo
chi
ckenandmayosandwi
ches
Me:Coffee,
tea,j
uice,
mil
kshake,
dr
ink,
alcohol?
ShelaughedwhenImenti
oned
al
coholandwantedj
uice
Me:Ihav
eor
angej
uiceandguav
a
j
uice
Asanda:
Guav
apl
ease
Me:
Comi
ngr
ightup
JabuandL’
yandabar
gedandt
hey
real
l
yscar
edus
Me:Whati
swr
ongwi
thy
out
wo?You
scar
edus
Asandawasal
readyst
andi
ngbehi
nd
mehiding.
Me:
Sor
ryaboutt
hat
,si
tdown
L’
yanda:Dannysentust
ocome
checkupony ou.
Jabu:Hesai
dyouwerecr
y i
ngand
wantedhi
m homei
mmedi atel
y.We
cameasfastaswecoul
d.Whoi s
thi
s?
Me:Iam fine,y
esIwascr
yingandI
needhim homenowbutIam fi
ne.
There'
snothingwr
ong
Jabu:
Sowhoi
sthi
s?Hel
l
oyoung
l
ady
Me:
ItsAsandaandshei
smyguest
.
L’
yanda:Ohsoy
ouar
eokay
?Noti
n
anydanger
Me:Nodanger
,seeI
'
m st
il
lal
i
veand
nothar
med.
Jabu:
He'
l
lbeher
esoon.
L’y
anda:
CanIalsohaveasandwi
ch,
tocompensat
eforhowworri
edIwas.
Me:
Sitdown
Imadesandwi chesforthem andthey
ate.Ithoughttheywouldl eav
ebut
theystay ed.Af
teraboutanhourand
30mi nutesDannycamer unni
ngin
screamingmyname.Hecamet ome
andhuggedmehol di
ngmesot i
ghtl
y
Me:
Babe,
Ican'
tbr
eat
he
Danny
:Iwassowor
ri
ed,
arey
ouokay
?
Me:
Yesbabe,
I'
m okay
L’
yanda:
Weout
!!
Theyscr eamedandleft
.Dannyonl
y
real
izedt hent
hatt
herewassomeone
elsehere.
Danny:Uhm hi
,sorry
,Idi
dn'tev
ensee
you.Iwassowor r
iedaboutmywife
Asanda:
It'
sokaySi
r
Me: Babe,t
hisi
sAsandauhm,
what
's
yoursurnameagai
n?
Asanda:Di
tshabe,
I'
m Asanda
Di
stshabe
Me:Andshe'
scomingfr
om al
lthe
wayfr
om Mpumalanga.
Danny:Ohwow, that
'ssofar
.You
seem l
i
key ou'
vebeent r
avel
l
ingon
foot
.Didyougivehersomethingt
o
eat?
Me:
Tri
ston!
Danny:
What
?Sorr
y,sowhatbr
ings
youher
eMsDit
shabe?Howoldare
you?
Me:
Dannyy
our
eal
l
ytal
kal
ot
Asanda:
I'
m 20yearsol
dandIcame
her
eaboutyourmissi
ngson
Andthentheser
iousnesstookover
,
he'
sfaci
alexpr
essionschangedand
Asandaseemedabi tf
right
ened
Danny:
Letsmovethi
sconv
ersat
ion
tothel
oungepl
ease
Wef
oll
owedhi
m andwesatdown
Danny
:Speak
Asanda:I'
vebeentravel
li
ngfora
week,tr
yingtogethere.Il
eft
Mpumal angawit
honl yaR150t hatI
hadmanagedt osav eupfrom sell
i
ng
sweetsinthestr
eetsoIcouldcome
t
ell
yout
hatIknowwher
eyoursoni
s.
Danny :Whydidn'ty
oucall
?Isthi
s
aboutther ewardmoney?We'vehad
alotofpeoplecomingandcall
i
ngus
tell
i
ngf akestor
ies
Asanda:Idon'
twantyourrewar
d
money,I
fIhadaphoneIwoul dcall
andsavemy sel
fsuchalongtri
p.
Me: I
'm sor
ryaboutmyhusband'
s
responsetothi
s,thi
sisaver
y
sensit
ivesubj
ecttous.
Asanda: Iunder
stand.Myneighbour
i
sanur sewhohasl i
vedther
esinceI
wasbor n.Shewasmar ri
edbut
coul
dnthav ekidssoherhusbandleft
her.Shehashadabout
5mi scar
ri
agesandhasgi venbirthto
2sti
llbor
nbabies.That 'swhenshe
l
osthermi ndf orawhi le.Whenshe
wasokay ,shewor kedagain.Ther es
thi
soneweekendwher eshet oldme
thatIshouldguar dherhouse
becuaseshe'llbei nDur banfora
weekandwor kt hereforawhi lefil
li
ng
i
nf orhersist
er .Whenshecameback,
shecamebackv eryhappy ,witha
newbor nbaby ,shel i
edandsai dshe
waspr egnantal lt
hiswhi l
eandshe
hiditnotwantingt otellanyone
becausepeopl ewoul dlaughatheri f
shegav ebirt
ht oast i
ll
bor nbaby
again.I '
m ol denought ounderst and
thatitwasal lali
eandt hebaby
l
ookednot hingli
keher ,noneofher
boyfriendswer eevenwhi teguy s.She
wasol d, aroundherl ate40'sandshe
real
lybel ievesthatitsherbaby .SoI
babysi ttedf orherwhi leshewentt o
worksoIcoul dearnmoneyandshe
real
lyl ov esandt akescar eof
Themba, shecal lshim
Themb' alibulali
.Whatmademesur e
thatshest oleyourchildandi t
's
Taylor, Iwaswat chingt henewsat
myf riendshousewhenIsawMr
McKenzi eandTay l
or'spictur
es.She
hasy ourbaby ,Il
eftmyf r
iendat
homesoshecankeepaney
eonher
.
Danny :Wemustgot oMpumal anga
i
mmedi ately
,callKamot hatt hedri
ver
willfetcht hekidsandt aket hem to
Siya'
shouse.Theycan' tsleepov er
there, shehast opayf ullatt
entionto
hope.I '
l
lcallSbahleandKJ, we'l
lgo
witht hem.
Me:
Okay
,letmegopack
Danny:There'snot i
mef orthat
Nasi
phi.Wher ear
et hese
bodygaurds!
!!Gumede!Si biya!Cal
l
mypilot,
thej etmustber eadywhenI
gett
ot heairport.
Me:
Letmegetmybagat
leastand
myphone
Danny :
Nasiphi
,you'r
esti
llst
andi
ng
there?Don'
tannoymepl easeorel
se
I
'lll
eaveyoubehind.Fol
l
owme
Asanda.
Irushedt other oom andt ookmybag
andmyphonet henIcal ledKamoand
alsocal l
edSiyat otellheraboutthe
kidssleepingov er.Iremainedsilent
andkeptont hinkingaboutmyson.I
wasgr at
efulthathei sstil
lali
veand
hewaswel ltakencar eof f
.Ijust
neededmysoni nmyhandsand
talki
ngt oDannyi sn'tsomet hi
ngI '
m
planningtodot hroughoutthisentir
e
tri
p.Heseemedsoangr yandi fi
twas
upt
ohi
m andhehadwi ngs,
hewoul
d
bei
nMpumalangar
ightnow.
Danny
:You'
reokay
?
Me:
YesIam,
I'
mjustner
vous
Danny
:Iwi
l
lki
l
lher
Me:NoDanny
,she'
sbeent
hrough
enough
Danny:Rightnow,
you'
ret
alki
ng
nonsense.
Iknewhewoul dn'
tunderstandwhyI
saidthisbutalli
nall
,herstoryis
touchingandsomehow, Iunderst
and
thati
tall l
eadtoherdoingsuch
drasti
ct hi
ngs.Unfor
tunatelyi
t
happenedt obemychi ldthatshe
stol
eandt hefatherofthischilddoes
notunder standnorcar eabouther
reasons.Shei sintrouble,t
hat '
sal
lI
cansay .Iam feeli
ngv eryner v
ous
aboutseei ngmychi ld,seeinghim
andt ouchinghimf orthef i
rstti
mein
somanymont hs.Ilookedathi s
pict
ur esonmyphoneandcl osedmy
eyes.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t78
Ifel
thim kissmycheekandIwoke
up.Hesmi ledatmeandIremoved
theblanketthatwascov
eri
ngme.
Me:
We'
vear
ri
ved?
Danny:Yeswehavear
ri
ved,
wakeup.
KJ,wakeAsandaandSbahl
e
KJ:
Asandasnor
esal
ot
Me:
Yesshedoes
Welaughedatherandshewas
conf
usedasshewokeupt ous
l
ooki
ngandl
aughi
ngather
.
Danny:Thecarsareher
e,let
sgo.
Asandayou'
llhavetodi
rectust
o
yourhome
Asanda:Westi
ll
haveal
otof
tr
avel
li
ngtodo.Myhomeisabout
8hoursawayf
rom t
heai
rpor
tand
6hoursawayf
rom t
hebusst
ati
on
Sbahl
e:Howdi
dyougett
othebus
st
ati
on?
Asanda:
Iwal
ked
Me:OhGod,y
ouwentthr
oughso
muchtof
indus.Godwi
ll
blessy
ou
Asanda:
Thanky
ousi
sNasi
Wegotintothecarsandlucki
l
ythe
cl
osestvi
l
lagetoherswasont he
GPSandwet ravel
l
edf oraver
ylong
ti
me.
Me:St
opatthegar
agepl
ease,
I'
m
ver
yhungr
y.
Danny
:Okaybabe
Sbahle:
Di dwereall
yneedtohavea
convoy,l
ikewewoul d'
vecamehere
wit
houtbody guar
ds.Nowev er
yonei
s
j
ustlookingatus
KJ:
Weneedt
obesaf
e
West oppedatthegarageandwent
togetsomef oodanddr i
nks.Wet
hen
proceededwiththet
ravell
ing
Me:
Aren'
tyougoi
ngt
oeatAsanda?
Asanda:Ican'
treal
l
yeatwhi
l
e
tr
avel
li
ng,I'
ll
vomit.
Danny:I
'
llstopt
hecarsoyoucaneat
andyou'
llhavewat
eraft
erwar
ds
Asanda:
Thanky
ou
West oppedthecarandweat
eand
r
elaxedforhalfanhour
.
Danny
:Feel
i
ngokay
?
Asanda:
Yessi
r
Danny:
CallmeDanny
,here'
sapaper
baguseitwheny
oufeell
i
kev omi
ti
ng
Asanda:
ThanksBhut
'Danny
Danny
:(l
aughs)JustDanny
Wet r
avel
l
edandshedi
rect
edust
o
herhome.
Me: It
hinkonecarshoul
dgotoher
home, whati
fwedr awatt
ent
ionto
oursel
vesandthiswomanpanicsand
runsaway
Danny:Thebodyguardswi
ll
stay
behindbutt
hey'
l
l benear
by,what
's
thi
slady'
sname
Asanda:IknowherasPhi
l
iswa,
we
cal
lherSisPhi
li
KJ:
Hersur
name?
Asanda:Phi
li
swaKhuboni
andshe
wasmarriedtoaGumedesomaybe
sheusesGumede
KJwasgetti
nginformati
ononher
andshewasusingKhuboni.She
l
ookedverybeaut
ifulanddecent
,she
doesn'
tev
enlooklikesomeonewho
woulddosuchathing.
Asanda:
Ther
eiti
s,t
hat
'swher
eIst
ay.
Me:
Youst
ayt
her
e?Wi
thwho?
Asanda:
Alone
Shestayedi
nasmallhouseandthe
yar
dwasf ul
lofgr
ass,i
twassolong
i
tcoveredhal
foft
hehouse.
Sbahle:
Don'
tyoucomeacr
ossany
snakesher
e?
Asanda:
Ido,Idon'
thavemoneyto
hi
resomeonetocutthegr
assforme.
I
'l
lgoi
nfir
standgocheckSi
sPhi
li
,
whenIcomeout,
you'
llt
hencomei
n.
Me:
Wher
eisherhouse?
Asanda:
Thepi
nkonenearmyhome.
Danny
:Okaygo
ShewalkedovertoPhil
i'
shouseand
shest
ay edt
hereforawhile.Sheonl
y
cameoutafteraboutanhour
Me:
Whatt
ooky
ousol
ong?
Asanda:Iusual
l
ystayoverforalong
ti
me,Ididn'
twanttoji
nxitandhave
hersuspecti
ngthi
ngs.
Me:
Ismysoni
nther
e?
Asanda:
Yeshei
s,he'
ssi
tt
ingont
he
f
loorpl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
stoy
s.
Inoddedandtear
sfl
oodedmyey
es
uncontr
oll
abl
y
Danny:
Don'
tcr
y,he'
l
lbei
nyourar
ms
soon
Sbahl
e:Let
'
sgo
Iwipedof
fmyt
ear
sandwewentt
o
herhouse
Asanda:
Ousi
e!Openuppl
ease,
Ilef
t
mybag
Voi
ce:
Okay
,I'
m comi
ng.
Sheopenedt
hedoorandl
ooked
conf
used.
Phi
l
i:Whoar
ethesepeopl
eAsanda?
Me:
Maywecomei
npl
ease?
Shel ookedatmef orawhi l
eandt hen
l
ookedatDanny ,herey espopped
andshet ri
edclosi ngthedoorbut
Dannybeathert oi t,hewasal r
eady
getti
ngi n.Hewast oostrongf orher
andsher anandt ookTay lor.He
l
ookedsogr own, hehadl otsofhai r
j
ustlikeDanv er
,hel ookedl i
keDanny
buthehadmyey es.Hekepton
maki ngnoises,gr oaningand
screami ngandt henhel aughs.I
couldn'tmov e,allIdidwasst areat
mybaby .Dannywassoangr y
,hehad
hisgunt uckedi natt hebackofhi s
pants.Sbahl eandAsandawentcl ose
toPhilibeggi
nghertoputthebaby
down.Phi l
iwascryi
ngandscreaming
thatthebabyishers.Tay
lorst
art
ed
cryi
ngandt hatwokemebackt omy
senses.
Me:SisPhi
li
,pl
easesitdownandwe
wil
ltal
kaboutt
his.Noonewil
lhur
t
youorTayl
or
Phi
l
i:I
tsThemba!
!NotTay
lor
Me:
Yes,
noonewi
l
lhur
tThemba.
Sbahl
e:Justgi
vet
hebabyov
er
pl
ease
Phi
l
i:Hehasagun
Me:Hewon'thurty
ou,
mov
eaway
f
rom herDanny
Danny
:Shehasmychi
l
d!!
Me:IknowDannybutpl
ease,weal
l
wanttoleav
eunhar
medhere.Pl
ease,
j
uststepaway.
Iwentcl
osertoherandshewas
cr
yingandspeaki
ngtohersel
f.
Me:
Handt
hebabyov
er,
please
ShenoddedandhandedTay
lorov
er.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Sbahle:
Come,
let
ssi
tdown.Come
Phil
i
Phil
i
swawasr eal
lydi
stur
bedandj ust
l
ookingathermademecr y.Ihel
dmy
babyandhestoppedcryi
ng
Me:
Hel
l
o,hel
l
oli
tt
leTay
lor
.
Hewassoheavyandsogr
own.He
smil
edandhel
dmyhair
.Dannycame
cl
oseandhel
dhim.
Danny
:Hel
l
oMcKenzi
e
Ididn'
tthinkitwouldhappen, Danny
i
sast rongmanbutt oday ,hecried.
Hehel dTay l
orandcried.Itwassuch
anemot i
onalmoment ,
ev enKJhad
glassyeyes.Asandagav ePhi l
ia
glassofwat erandshecoul dnteven
holdit.Asandahelditforherandshe
drank.Tay l
orkeptoncr yi
ngand
Dannypassedhi m ov ertome
Phi
l
i:Hemustbehungr
y,Asanda
passhi
sbott
le,i
tsattheki
tcheni
n
thebl
uejugwit
hwar m wat
er.
Asandadidsoandpasseditov
erto
me.Ifedhim buthedi
dn'
twantit
Phil
i:
Holdhim wit
hyourl
efthand,
puthiminasleepi
ngposi
ti
onand
thenrockhi
m upanddownwhi le
feedi
nghim.
Ididasshesai dandi ndeedi twor
ked.
Hewassucki ngonhi sbottleandhis
l
ittl
eey eswereclosing.Afterhewas
done, Irubbedhisbackandhe
burped.Hef ell
asleepinmyar msfor
thev eryfi
rstt
ime.Philipassedmea
blanketandIcov eredhim up.A
str
angerwasamot hertomyson.It
hurtmehowIhadt otakeadv i
se
fr
om someoneIdon' tknowonhow
tofeedmychi l
d.Tay l
orwasusedto
herandherway s.Isawhowmuchi t
angeredDanny,howhej ustwanted
toputabulleti
nhisheadbuthe
couldn'
t.Hewasdoi ngitforme,I
beggedhim nottohar m her
.
Sbahl
e:Whydi
dyoudoi
t?
Phi
l
i:Dowhat
?
Danny:Don'tupsetmewoman,
why
di
dy oustealmychild!
Phil
i
:Idon'
tknowwhatcameoverme
butIdi
ditanyway
s.Iwasatt
he
hospi t
alcomi ngtoseemysi ster,she
hadj ustgivenbi rthandIwasi nmy
nursinguni form whi chi sverysimilar
totheonet heywer eatt hathospi t
al.I
wentt ot henur seryr oom tocheckon
herbabyandal ltheki dstherewer e
sobeaut i
fulandIwi shedt heywer e
myown.Thembawasnextt omy
sisterschildandhecr i
edabi t,
Itook
him andi tfeltsor i
ght ,
whenhef ell
asleepinmyar ms, If el
tso
connect edt ohim.Hewasmi neandI
ranawaywi thhim.
Danny
:Hewasn'
tyour
s!!
!
Phi
l
i:Heismine!Heknowsmeashis
motherandy
ouar est
ranger
stohi
m!!
Dannysl
appedherandIscr
eamed
forhi
mtostop
KJ:
Danny
,cont
rol
your
sel
f
Phil
i:Youcanbeatmeupbuthei s
mine.I'
vealwayswant edachildbutI
keptonhav i
ngmi scarr
iagesand
givi
ngbirthtosti
l
lbornbabies,doyou
knowhowpai nf
ulthatisit
?Itis
nothingcomparedt owhaty ouwere
feel
ingwheny oureali
zedy ourbaby
i
smi ssing.Hewasn'tdead!
Me:I
tfeltl
i
kehewasbecauseyou
t
ookhim awayfr
om me!Notknowi
ng
whet
herheisali
ve,
ifhei
seati
ngand
wel
ltakencar
eoff,
youwantedmeto
feel
thepai
nyouf
elt
!Thatmadey
ou
happy?
Phil
i:Yes, becauseIhadachi l
dand
hewasmaki ngmehappy .Ididnot
evenknowwhohi sparentswer euntil
Isawy ouonTV.Youwer ehur ti
ng
andIf eltbad,butIcoul
dntbr inghim
backt oy ou,Ihadbuil
tast rongbond
withhim andIwasn' tgoingt ogive
thatallway .
Asanda:Butwhaty
oudi
dwaswr
ong
Si
sPhili
Phil
i
:Yousnit
ch!
!Shutupbecauseit
i
sbecuaseofyouthatt
hisi
s
happeni
ng!
!Nowonderyourmot her
l
eftyouidi
oti
cchi
l
d!!Youar
eadamn
sni
tchandyoubetr
ayedme!
Asanda:Mymotherhasnot
hingt
odo
wit
hthisPhi
l
iswa.
Sbahle:Whydi
dn'
tyouadoptachi
l
d
thansteal
i
ngababy?
Phil
i:TheysaidIwascrazyandI
wasn'tfi
ttoraiseachi
l
d.Whatdo
theyknowaboutbeingcrazy!I
wantedachi l
dandtheytoldmethat
shit
!
Danny
:Youar
ecr
azy
Dannywasjustaddi
ngfuelt
othef
ir
e.
Il
ookedathim andhesai
dsorr
y.
Danny
:Let
'
sjustgetoutofher
e
pl
ease
Phil
i
:No!
!!
!Nodon'tt
akehi
m away
fr
om me!Noooo!Myson
Me:Hei
smysonandI
'
mleav
ingwi
th
hi
m
Phil
i
: CanIpl
easejusthol
dhi
m,j
ust
tostaygoodbye?
Danny
:No
Phi
li
:Pl
ease,
pleaseMr
sMcKenzi
e.
Pl
ease
Ifel
tsosor ryforher
,yesshestol
e
mychi l
d,Ishouldbebreathi
ngfir
e
andwant i
ngt okil
lherbutIcoul
dnt.I
underst
oodherpai n,nowoman
shouldgot hroughwhatshehaswent
t
hrough.
Me:
Justonce
ShenoddedandIgav eherTayl
or.
Li
ttledi
dIknowt hatshewoulddo
such,Ifel
titonmyt hi
gh,she
stabbedmeonmyt highandheldthe
knif
eagainstTayl
orsneck
Phil
i
:IfIcan'
thav
ehi
m,t
hennoone
can.
IcouldntkeepmybalanceandIfel
l
onthef l
oor.That
'swhenIhear
dtwo
gunshotsbeingfi
redandshefel
l
downnextt ome.Iheardmybabies
cryandDannyt ookhi
m
Danny
:Pl
easet
akehi
m Sbahl
e
Sbahl
etookTay
lorandDannypi
cked
meup.
Danny
:Let
'
sgo
Asanda:
Wear
eleav
ingherbehi
nd?
Danny:Yes,
she'
l
lroti
nher
eifnoone
everf
indsher
Me:
She'
sdead?
KJ:
Yes
Isighedandclosedmyey es.She
wasn'tsupposedtodie,shewasnot
supposedtodieliket
hisbutbecause
shedoublecrossedme, shecall
ed
fordeath.
Danny
:Shet
ookt
heeasywayout
,
she'
sluckyIdi
dn'
tdot
hingsmyway
.
Me:I
'm sor
ryf
orput
ti
ngourchi
l
ds
l
if
eindanger
Danny:Youdi
dn'
tknowshehada
kni
fe.
Wegoti
ntot
hecarandAsandadi
dn'
t
KJ:
Andt
hen?
Asanda:
YouguyshaveTay
lorand
youcanleav
e.I
'
m goi
nghome
Danny
:You'
recomi
ngwi
thus
Asanda:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Me:Ther
e'snowaywe'
rel
eav
ingy
ou
her
e.
Asanda:
Ican'
tj
ustl
eav
e
Danny:Whatdoyouhav
eher
ethat
youneedtostayf
or?
Asanda:
Not
hing
Me:
Sot
hen?Let
'sgo
Asanda:
Wai
tpl
ease
Sherant
oherhouseandcameback
wit
hapict
ureframeandasmall
box.
Shegoti
ntothecarandwedr
oveoff
.
Sbahl
e:Whoar
ethesepeopl
e?
Asanda:
Mymom,
dadandl
i
ttl
esi
ster
Me:
Wher
ear
etheynow?
Asanda:Mydadandlit
tl
esi
sterdi
ed
i
nacaraccident.Mymom coul
dn't
takei
tandsheleftme.Wel
l,
that'
s
whatshesaidinthelet
tershewrote.
SheleftwhenIwas9, t
hat'
sthelast
ti
meI '
veeverseennorheardfr
om
here.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Danny:Wher
eist
henear
bycl
i
nicor
hospi
tal
?
Asanda:
Itsi
ntown
Danny
:That
'
ssof
ar,
dri
veKJ.
Hetookakitandnur sedmywound.
Tayl
orwassl eepi
ngpeacef
ull
yin
Sbahle'
sarms.Shepassedhim ont
o
mewhenDannywasdone
addressi
ngmyt hi
ghandIheldonto
hi
ml ikenev
erbefore.
Danny:
Giv
ehi
m spacet
obr
eat
he
Nasi
Me:Sorr
y,Idi
dn'
treal
i
zeIwas
hol
dinghi
mt oot
ight
#Danny
Seeingmyl it
tleprinceinmywi fe'
s
armsmademef eelatpeace.The
wayshel ookedathi m,thewayshe
heldhim,itallshowedhowhappy
shewast ohav ehim back.Butther
e
wassomet hi
ngi nherey esthatIwas
notsureabout .May besher eal
ly
didn'
twantt hatPhi l
iswatodiebutI
hadt oki
l
l herorel seshewoul d'
ve
ki
lledmyson.Andt herewasnowayI
woul d'
veletthathappen.Wegott o
thecl i
nicandshewast r
eated,my
str
ongwi f
ewasi mmunet othepai
n,
allshewant edwast ojustbewithher
son.Shewasl impingabitbutshe
wasst rongenought owal konher
own.
KJ:It
'sl
ateforustotr
avelandI
'm
ti
red,weshouldbookint
oahotel
Me:Yesthatsagoodi dea,
soNasi
coul
drestandTaylorneedstor
est
toobef
oretrav
ell
i
ng.
Sbahl
e:I'
l
lbooki
ntoahot
elcl
oset
o
theai
rpor
t.
Shebookedwhi
l
ewedr
ovet
othe
stor
es.Wegotdi apersandformula
andeveryt
hingthatthebabywill
need
andchangingclothesforal
lofus.We
wenttothehotel
Sbahle:I
'
llshar
earoom wi
thAsanda,
I
'm sureshedoesn'
twantt
obealone.
Weallwentoursepar
tewaysandI
car
ri
edthebagsintoourr
oom.
Me:
I'
ll
makehi
sbot
tl
e
Nasi
:Thanky
ou
Imadehisbot
tl
eandt
ookhi
mfor
feedi
ng.
Me:
Goshowerwhi
l
eIf
eedhi
m
Nasi
:No,
I'
ll
justst
ayher
e
Me:Nasi
,heisnotgoi
ngany
wher
e,
goshower.
ShenoddedandIf edTay l
or,
not
doi
ngi tthewayt hatwoman
i
nstructed.Hehast ogetusedt oour
waysorel sewewi llhav eaprobl
em.
Hecr i
edatf i
rstbutfinall
ygavein.
Oncehef el
lasl
eep,It uckedhimin
bedandsatnextt ohim.Icalled
Razor
Me:
Razor
Razor
:It
sdadt
oyouy
oungman
Me:
Ifoundmyson,
dad.
Razor
:OhthankGod!Thati
s
wonderf
ulnewsboy,
wherearey
ou?I
wantt
oseemygr
andson
Me:You'
llseehi
mtomor
row,
we'
rei
n
Mpumalanga
Razor
:Hewasal lt
hewayin
Mpumalanga!Ihopey
outookcar
eof
theki
dnapper
Me:YesIdiddad,
by e.Sendmy
gr
eeti
ngstomysistersand
MaPhindy
Razor
:Wi
l
ldo,
ismakot
iokay
?
Me:
Yesshei
s
Razor
:Thati
sgood,
wel
ldoneson.I
am pr
oudofyou
Me:
ThanksRazor
Heswor eatmeandIendedt hecall
.I
contact
edt hegent
sinfor
mingt hem
andIcalledDanverandOnikatowish
them goodnight
.
Nasi
:I'
m done
Me:Letmegoshower
,he'
sasl
eep
f
ornow.
Itookashowerandhal fwaythrough
theshowerIheardhim cryi
ng,hehas
suchaloudcry.Ifi
nishedupqui ckl
y
andwenttohelpNasi
Nasi
:Idon'
tknowwhatt
odoDanny
,
hekeepsoncryi
ng.
Me:
Didy
ouf
eedhi
m agai
n?
Nasi
:Yes
Me:
Let
sbat
hhi
m,may
behe'
l
lbef
ine.
Hewaslaughingandplayi
ngwi ththe
wat
erwhenhewast aki
nghisbat h.
Hereal
l
yenjoyedbeinginthewat er.I
t
ookmanypi ctur
esofhim andhe
wassuchahappychi l
duntilNasi
t
ookhim outofthewater
Me:
Youcr
ysomuchTay
lor
Shelotionedhim andgothim
dressed.Shewal kedaroundtr
yingto
gethimt ostopcr yi
ngbuthekepton
cryi
ng.Iclearedupandshef el
t
helpl
ess.Shewasal socry
ingandI
tookthebaby .Afterafewminuteshe
stoppedcr y
ingandf el
lasl
eep.
Nasi
:Hedoesn'
twantme.
Me:Nodon'
tsayt
hat
,he'
sjust
get
ti
ngusedt
ous.
Nasi:
Ican'
tev
engethi
mtost
op
cr
yingMcKenzi
e.
Me:
It'
sjustst
il
lourf
ir
stdayNasi
phi
Shecr
iedandIhel
dher
.
Me:Don'
tcr
y,ev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lbeokay
soon.
Nasi
:Ihopeso
Me:Iknowso,
nowst
opcr
yingand
sl
eep.
Nasi
:No,
Iwon'
tsl
eep,
I'
ll
wat
chov
er
hi
m
Me:Youneedtorest
,sl
eep.I
'
llwat
ch
ov
erthebothofy
ou.
Shegoti nbedandhel dhim closely.
Shef el
l asleepimmedi atelyandI
tookpict uresofthem.Theyl ooked
sopeacef ulbutthelitt
leguyher e
withal oudv oicewi l
lbescr eaming
hislungsoutsoon.Idi dn'tdot hi
s
parenti
ngt hi
ngpr operlywithDanv er
andOni ka, especiall
yOnika, butnow
I'
m goingt odot hingsdi f
ferently
.I'm
goingtobet hebestf atherIcan
possiblybe.It hankGodf orblessing
mewi t
hsuchal ov el
yf amil
yand
mostespeci all
y,mybeaut i
fulwife.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t79
It
'sbeenaweeksi nceTay lorwas
foundandhomesaf ely
.Itdidn'
ttake
himlongtoadjustandIal sogotused
tohavinghi
m around.Ev enthoughhe
cri
esalotandl
ikesst ayi
ngupatni ght,
i
tisalljustwor t
hi t.Ihav etookmy
4mont hsmat ernityleaveandI '
l
lbe
goingtowor kaf terthef ourmont hs.
Dannydi dn'twantmet ogot owor k
atallbutheknowshecannotst and
i
nt hewayoff ulf
ill
ingmydr eams.I
wokeupandTay lorwasont hefloor
withOni kaandDanv er,theywer e
playi
ngandt heyl ov ehav i
nghi m
around.Whent heycomebackf r
om
school,theychange, eatandt hen
babysit.Theyenj oyspendi ngtime
withtheirli
ttl
ebr ot her.
Danv
er:
You'
reawakemom
Me:
YesIam
Oni
ka:Dadhasr
ushedtowork,
he
di
dn'
twanttowakeyouup.
Me:
Ohokay
Iki
ssedt
hei
rcheeksandcar
ri
ed
Tayl
or
Me:
Mor
ninghandsome
Ikissedhi m andhel aughed,hehas
suchahugehear t
war mingsmi l
e.
Justlooki ngathi m sogr ownremi nds
meofhowmuchI 'vemi ssedouton
butIwi l
l definatel
ymakeupf orit.It
s
nottool ate,I'l
lsti
l
lgett oseehim
crawl,seehi mt akehi sfir
ststep,hear
him sayhi sfirstwords, I
'l
lbethereto
experiencei tallwit
hhi m.Wewent
downstair
sandIputhim onmyback
andpreparedsupper
.Hewasmov i
ng
around,hereal
l
ydoesn'
tli
kei
twhenI
puthim onmyback.
Oni
ka:
Puthi
m down,
we'
l
lwat
chov
er
hi
m
Me:
Yousur
e?
Danv
er:
Mom,
we'
reol
denough
Me:
Ohwow
Iputhim downandtheyplay
edwi t
h
him whi
leIcookedbreakf
astfor
them.
Onika:Ihopey
ouhavecooked
sausagesandbakedbeans
Me:
YesIhav
e
Oni
ka:
Awesome!
!
Danny
:Daddyi
shome!
!!
Theyrantohiml eavi
ngTayl
or
screamingonthef l
oorandcl
appi
ng
hishands.Dannycarri
edDanver
,
OnikaandTay l
or
Me:
OhGod,
myki
dswi
l
lfal
l
Danver
:Wewon'
t,Daddyi
sabig
str
ongman.WhenIgrowup,
Iwant
tobeli
kehi
m.
IsmiledandDannyhadt his
expressiont
hatIdidn'
tunderst
and.
Heki ssedDanver
sf or
eheadandput
them downandcar ri
edTayloral
one.
Danny
:Mybeaut
if
ulwi
fe
Me:
Myhandsomehusband
Danny
:Yougood?
Me:
YesIam andy
our
sel
f?
Danny:Nev
erbeenbetter
.Foodi
s
ready
?I'
m hungr
y,Ihopeyougotmy
message
Me:
YesIdi
d
Danny
:Wel
ldoneki
ds!
Oni
ka:
Pay
mentpl
ease
Dannytookouthiswall
etandgave
them R20eachandtheyrantoputi
t
i
nt hei
rmoneyti
n.
Danny
:Ihadanear
lymeet
ing,
Idi
dn'
t
ev
enhav
ebr
eakf
ast
Me:Well
sitdownmyhusband,
br
eakf
astisready
Hesetthetabl
eandwesatdownand
at
ewhilehehadTayl
or.Af
terwe
weredone,
I
cl
earedt
het
abl
eandwashedt
he
di
shes.
#Danny
HavingTay l
orhomehasmadet hi
s
housei nt
oahome.Wedon' thav e
manymemor i
esint hi
shousesincei
t
hasn'tbeenlongsincewest ay
ed
herebutwe'llbuil
dingmoreandmor e
memor i
esandt heentir
efamil
yis
hereandallIf
eel i
swarmthandl
ove.
Nasiishappy,happiert
hanI
'
veever
seenherbeforeandmyheartand
mindisatpeace
Me:Babe,
whenl
astdi
dyougot
othe
sal
on?
Nasi
:Isthatyourwayoft
ell
i
ngme
t
hatI'
m ugly?
Me:
You'
renotugl
ybuty
ourhai
rst
yle
i
sol
dnow
Nasi
:I'
l
lgot
odayi
fyoucanbaby
sit
Me:
Youshoul
dtakeAsandawi
thy
ou
Nasi
:Iwi
l
ldosowhenshe'
sawake
Me:
Iwast
hinki
ngt
hatweshoul
dtal
k
t
oheraboutgoi
ngbackt
oschool
Nasi
:Yesweshoul
d,may
beshe'
l
l
l
ovethat
.
Justaswewer
espeaki
ngabouther
shecamedownst
air
s
Asanda:
GoodMor
ning
Tayl
oropenedhi
sar
msf
orherand
shecar
ri
edhim
Danny
:Sl
eptwel
l
?
Asanda:
YesIdi
dthanky
ou
Nasi
:Yourbr
eakf
asti
sint
he
micr
owave
Asanda:
Thankssi
s
Me:
Wewer
ejustt
alki
ngabouty
ou,
howwouldyouf
eel
aboutgoi
ngback
toschool
?
Herfacialexpr
essionwasn't
somet hi
ngwebot hexpected,we
thoughtshewouldbehappybut
clear
lyshewasn't.Welookedateach
otherandwai t
edforaresponsebut
shedidn'trepl
y
Me:Okay
,It
akei
tthati
t'
snotagood
i
dea
Asanda:Ireall
yappr eciat
ethe
thoughtbut,I'
m notgifted
academically
.Insimpl eterms,I
'
m
verydumbandIf ai
ledmymat ri
c
dismall
y,Ifai
leditt
wi ce.Inever
appl
iedtoanyuni versit
yorcol l
egeor
FETbecauseIdi dn'twantany thi
ngto
dowithschool.Iwasal waysjusta
l
aughingstockatschool forhow
dumbIwas, Idon'tev enwantt oput
myselft
hrought hatmi sery.
Me: You'l
lbeattendingthebest
schools,you'
lli
mpr ovedrasti
call
y,
you'l
lhavetutorsandev eryt
hingwil
l
wor kout.Noonei sdumb, youhav e
alottolookforwardt oi
nlif
e.
Nasi
:Dannyi
sri
ght
Asanda:
Iappreci
atey
out r
yingto
hel
pmebutIt hi
nkgett
ingaj obi
s
what'
sbestf
orme.
Nasi
:Whatt
ypeofj
ob?
Asanda:Iwanttoj
ointhedef
ence
ar
my ,Iwanttobesoldi
er
Nasi:Ohno, t
hat'
sputti
ngyourl
if
ein
danger.You'l
lbefarawayf
rom home,
you'
rey oungAsanda.
Asanda:Home, Idon'
thaveahome
si
sNasi.Ihavenoone, Icangotothe
armyanddogoodf ort
hecountry
,
prot
ectpeopl
e,thatway,I'
ll
do
somethi
ngthatwi l
lmakemef eel
goodaboutmy self
.
Nasi:YouhaveahomeAsanda,
this
i
sy ourfamil
y.Youhav
eusandyou'
re
notalone.
Nasiphi
wasget t
ingemot i
onal about
al
lofthi
sandIhadnot icedhowshe
hadgrewsof ondofAsandaf ort he
pastweek.Asandaj ustcri
edwhen
sheheardhersayt hosewor ds.They
hadanemot i
onal momentandIt ook
Tayl
orastheyhuggedeachot her.
Asanda:
It'
ssomet
hingI
'
dlov
etodo
Me:Andwecannotstandi
ntheway
ofherdr
eamsNasiphi
Nasi
:ButDanny
Me:Okay ,Ihaveawayt hatwil
lmake
t
hingsbestf orev
eryone.Asandawil
l
j
ointheforce,Iwil
ltr
ainherand
monitorher,shewil
lbesafeunder
ourcare,t
hatwayshef ul
fi
ll
sher
dream ofprot
ect
ingthepeopleand
thatway,Nasi
phi
, y
ou'l
lknowt hat
sheiswithusandshei ssafe.She'
ll
beclosertohomeandshewon' tbe
i
ni nt
ensedanger
Nasi
phi
lookedatmeasi
fIwas
cr
azy
Nasi:Thef
orce,
Danny
,pl
easedon'
t
upsetme.
Me:It
sthebestwaypossible,Iknow
youwanttoprotecther
,butyouknow
she'
l
lbesaferwithusthan
somewhereelseintheworldinthe
armywit
hpeopleshedoesn' tknow.
Nasi:
Youdohav
eapoi
nt,
butshe'
s
young
Me:
She'
s20Nasi
phi
Asanda:
MayIask?
Me:
Sur
e
Asanda:
Whati
sthef
orce?
Me:You'
llf
indouti
fyourmotherher
e,
agr
eesthatyouwil
lj
ointhef
orce.
Asanda:
Please
Nasi
:I'
l
lthi
nkabouti
t
Nasi wal
kedawayandAsanda
fol
lowedher.Itwasadorabl
easto
howNasi phihasbecomeso
protect
iveandmotherl
ytoher.I
l
ovedhowmywi fehadabi ghear t
andshewasl ovi
ngandIcoul dsee
howshewant edtogi v eAsandat he
bestl
if
epossibl
e, andt hati swhatI
wantedto.Tayl
orf el
l asleepandI
wentupstai
rsandt uckedhi mi nhis
bed.Hehasacott hatheusesonl y
duri
ngthedayandIsatont hebed
nearhi
m andcheckedonaf ew
thi
ngsonmyl aptop.Nasi phicamei n
wit
hourwashedandi ronedl aundry
andshepackedit.Shewassi l
entand
sheseemedt obet hinkingdeepl y.
Me:
Wecanadopther
Herey
esl
i
tupandshel
ookedatme.
Nasi
:Real
l
y?
Me: Yes, I
'veseenhowy oulookather
,
howy ou'r
epr ot
ecti
veofherandhow
youtr eatherasy ourown.She'
sa
preciouschi l
dandI '
dlov
etohav eher
aspar tofourf amily
Shel
ookedatmeandcamet
osi
t
downnextt
ome
Nasi:Idon'tt
hinkshe'l
lagreeit,
I'
m
j
ust8y ear
soldert hanher,you'
re
14yearsolder.I
tjustwouldn'tmake
anysense
Me: Towhom?Sowhati fwe'
reonlya
fewy ear
sol
derthanher
?Wear efi
t
physical
l
yandfi
nanci
all
ytotakecare
ofher
.
Nasi:Iwantt ogi
vehert helov
eshe
l
ongsf or,whatshehasdonef orusis
somet hi
ngt hatI
'
llf
oreverbegr at
eful
for
.NowIj ustwanttotakecareof
herandgiv eherthebestlif
epossible.
Me:
Andt
hati
swhatshewi
l
lget
.
Nasi
:Letust
alkt
oherf
ir
st
Me:
Let
'sgot
hen
Nasi
:Thebaby
ShetookTaylorandwewent
downstai
rs,
heal sohasacott here
sosheputhimt osleep.Asandawas
watchi
ngtvwi t
hOnikaandDanv er
.
Me:Asanda,
joi
nusi
nthel
i
vingr
oom
pl
ease
Asanda:
Sur
e
Shef
oll
owedusandwesatdown.
Nasi:Wehavesomethingtotal
kto
youabout,
youdon'
thav etoagreet
o
i
tifyoudon'
twantt
o, we'l
l
underst
and
Asanda:
Ohokay
Me:Wewoul
dliketolegall
yadopt
you,
wewantyouunderourcareand
f
oryout
obepar tofourfamil
y
Asanda:
What
?
Nasi
:It
'sokayi
fyoudon'
twantt
o,
youdon'thav etofeelpr
essuredi
nto
doingthat,IknowI '
mjustafewyears
oldert
hany ouandi tmightbeweir
d
foryou,Iunderstand
Nasiphitendst
otalkal
otwhenshei
s
pani
cking,AsandaandIendedup
star
ingatherasshewasbusy
bl
abbling.
Asanda:Iam j
ustshocked,youguys
don'
tknowmeandy ou'
vetookmein
andnowy ouwantt obemypar ent
s,
i
t'
sallj
ustsoov er
whel mi
ng.
Me:Wewanty
out
ohav
ethebestl
i
fe
possi
ble
Asanda:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch,
you
don'
tknowhowmucht
hatmeanst
o
me
Shestart
edcr
yingandNasicri
edt
oo,
thesetwohav
esomucht ears.
Nasi
:Ist
hatay
es?
Asanda:
Yesmom anddad
West
oodupandhuggedeachot
her
.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Asanda:
Thanky
out
oo
Theywentt
othet
vroom andImade
acall
.
Me:
B'man
Bonga:
Tal
ktomeMcKenzi
e
Me:
Ineedy
out
obeonmyl
awy
er
mode
Bonga:
What
'sup,
you'
rei
ntr
oubl
e?
Me:Notatal
l
,wewantt
oadopt
Asanda.
Bonga:Ohwowman!That '
s
awesome,I'
l
lgetthepaper
sandget
ri
ghtonit
.I'
l
lbetherei
nanhour.
Me:
Good
Iwentbackt
othem andsatnextt
o
mywifeandwecuddled
Me:
Arey
oust
il
lgoi
ngout
?
Nasi:
Nobabe, we'llgoouttomorrow
al
ldaylong.I'
vejustinv
itedever
yone
overforal
itt
lecelebrat
ion.
Me:That
'sgood,
Bongawi
l
lcome
wi
ththedocuments
Asanda:
Itcanhappent
hatqui
ck?
Me:
Yesi
tcan
Asanda:
Ohwow,
thanky
ouagai
n.
Nasi:
Babe,
weneedt
ogetAsandaa
phone
Me: Asanda,t
akemyt abl
etandlook
foraphoney ouwantsowecanor der
i
t.Youcansel ectanyel
ect
roni
c
devi
cest hatyouwant.Doyouhave
yourIDdocument ?
Asanda:
Yesdad,
Ibr
oughtt
hem
Me:
Goodt
hen
Shewenttotakemytabl
etandIwent
upst
air
sfol
lowedbyNasiphi
.
Nasi
:Myl
ove
Me:
Yes
Nasi:Thankyouformaki ngmet he
happiestwomanaliv
e,Idon' tknowi f
I'
dbet hi
shappyifi
twer en'
tf oryou.I
am reall
yhappyandluckyt ohave
youinmyl i
fe.
Me:Iam happyt ohearthosewords
anditmakesmyhear tbeatpeaceif
you'
rehappy .YouknowI'ddo
anyt
hingandev eryt
hingforyoutobe
happy,becausewheny ouarehappy,
weallarehappy .Il
oveyouNasiphi
Nasi
:Il
ovey
out
oo
Sheki
ssedmehungr
il
yandpi
nned
meonthewal
l
Me:
Oh?
Shegiggl
edandt
ookoffmyshi
rt
.
Shekeptonki
ssi
ngmyneckand
hol
dingmymanhood.
Me:
Ist
hatwhaty
ouwant
?
Nasi
:Yessi
r
Me:
Andt
hati
swhaty
ouwi
l
lget
.
ShegiggledasIcarri
edherandtook
offhercl
othes.Herbodylookedso
sexyandIlovedthatshewasgaining
herweightback.Seei
ngherlose
wei
ghtwasn'
tmaki
ngmehappyatal
l
.
Me:(
singi
ng)I
'
llmakel
ovet
oyou,
li
ke
youwantmeto
Nasi
:
(laughi
ng)You'
resi
ngi
ng!
#Nasi
phi
Istar
edatmyhusbandaf t
erthe
amazingsessi onoflovemaki ngwe
had.Ikissedhischestandkepton
makingci r
clesnearhisli
tt
lenippl
e.
Hehasmademet hehappiest
womanal i
ve,helovesme
unconditi
onall
yandshowsi teach
andev eryday.Iknowwe' v
ehadour
tr
oublesbutI '
dnev erev
erwantt obe
wit
hsomeoneel se.Iheardthenoise
downstai
rsandIknewt
hef
ami
l
yhas
arr
ived
Me:
Wakeup
Danny
:They
'r
eher
eal
ready
?
Me:
Yes
Wet ookaquickshowerandI
changedint
oabl ackl
ongdressandI
wentdownstair
s
Me:
Heyhey
!!
Them:
Heygi
rl
!
Mygirl
swer esi
tt
ingbythekit
chen
count
erhavingdri
nks.Iwentoverto
thel
oungeandgr eet
edMaPhi ndi
,
MaNyathiandMaQ.Iwentt othekids
pl
ayroom andcheckedont heki
ds.
Asandawasinherr oom changi
ng
i
ntoay el
lowmaxi dress.Shel
ooked
sonervous
Me:
Youokay
?
Asanda:Yesmom,I'
mjustner
vous.
Whatifever
yoneel
sedoesnot
acceptme?
Me:Theywi l
l
, don'
tworr
yyour
self.
Weareonebi ghappyfamil
yhere,
youhavemanymot her
sandfather
s.
Yourfat
herswi l
lbever
y
over
protect
iveofyou
Shelaughedandwewentdownst
air
s
toget
her.Thet
abl
ewassetup
out
sideandthekidswereal
lpl
ayi
ng
ontheopenfri
end.Lucaswasset
ti
ng
upthebraai
standandBee,Kamo
andPheloweremar i
nati
ngt
hemeet
Me:
Ngamsobaby
!
Iki
ssedherver
yvi
sibl
epr egnant
tummy.Razorwascarr
yingTay l
or
andever
yonewashav i
ngagoodt i
me.
Venescameinfol
lowedbySi boni
so.
Shecameandhuggedme
Me:
Whati
shedoi
ngher
e?
Venes:Hewasatmydeskwheny ou
cal
ledandhewant edtotagal
ong.I
couldntsayno,Icantell
himtoleav
e
i
fyoudon' twanthim her
e
Me:
No,
it'
scool
.
Siboni
sowaschill
i
ngwithAthiand
Lucas.VenesandIwenttositwit
h
theotherl
adi
es.Asandawaswi t
h
SbahleandPamela.
Bee:Heshoul
dkeephisey est
o
hi
mselforhe'
l
lbeintr
ouble,Mphoi
s
al
readygi
vi
nghim badlooks
Me:
Who?
Bee:
Theguynextt
oAt
hi
Me:OhSi
bini
so,
hei
sn'
tl
ooki
ngat
me
Bee:
Yeshei
sandwhat
'shi
sst
ory
?
Wewer
ewhi
sper
ingt
oeachot
heral
l
t
hiswhi
l
eandIt
oldherev
ery
thi
ng
Bee:That
'snotgood,doesVenes
knowsinceshebroughthim her
e?
Me:Sheknowsthestor
ybutshe
doesn'
tknowi
tshim.AndIwon'
ttel
l
her.
Dannywentov ertothem andIwasa
l
it
t l
escaredf
orSi boni
so,Dannywi
ll
nothesit
atet
ohi thimifheseeshi
m
stari
ngatme.
Zandy
:Let
'
sgosi
twi
thev
ery
oneel
se
Wewentt
her
eandIst
oodnextt
o
Danny
.
Danny
: Maywehaveever
y one'
s
at
tent
ionpl
ease?Thankyou,overt
o
y
oumybeaut
if
ulpr
eci
ousPear
l
Me: Thankyoubabe, I
'
dl i
ketot
hank
eachandev eryoneofy ouwhois
heretoday.Todayisav er
yspeci
al
dayformeandIam happybecauseI
havemyf ami l
yhere.Mbulel
oand
Gugucamer ushi
ngin
Mbul
elo:
Sorr
ywe'
relat
e!At
leastwe
madeiti
nti
mefort
hespeech
Wel
aughedathi
m andIpr
oceeded.
Me: I
'
m happymor eespecial
ly
becauseoursonishome, safeand
sound.I
'dli
ketothankeveryone
you'
vebeenagoodsuppor tsy st
em
tousthroughevery
thi
ngandwor ds
cannev
erdescr
ibehowt
hankf
ulwe
are
Danny:Wewoul dalsoli
keto
speci
all
ythankAsanda, wewouldnt
beherewithoutyou.Wewoul dn'
tbe
thi
shappyifitwasn'tf
oryou.Thank
youforeveryt
hing.Andwedohav e
anannouncementt hatwewantto
make
Us:
Wear
eadopt
ingAsanda
Razor:
Wonderf
ul!
!Thef
ami
l
ykeeps
ongrowing!
Theycl
appedhandsandweshar
ed
hugswhil
eAsandawasbei
ng
bombardedwi
thhugsandwel
coming
hert
othef amil
y.Shecamet ousand
wetookpictur
estogether
.Icar
ri
ed
Tayl
orandwesatdown
Nkosi
:Wehaveadaught
er,
stayaway
f
rom boy
syoungl
ady
Naye:Ohandtherei
tst
art
s,she'
s20
year
soldNkosinat
hi
Nkosi
:So?I
'm herf
ather
,Ihaveever
y
r
ightt
otel
lhernottobewithboys
Sbahl
e:Hawukodwa
Mpho:Don'
thawukodwaushere
wena,
youasy oungasher
.Noboys
Lucas:
Didy
ouheart
hatKJ?
Ly
anda:
Ent
lek,
KJneedsabeat
ing
MaQ:Nev
er,
youwi
l
lnothi
tmyy
oung
boy
.
KJ:
Thanksmah
Thaps:
Wel
comet
othef
ami
l
ysi
s
Si
boni
socamet
omeandsmi
l
ed
Me:
Hi
Si
boniso:
Hey
,congr
atul
ati
onsI
guess
Me:
Thanky
ou
Siboniso:
Itsgoodtoseey ouagain,
you'vebeenscarceintheoff
icesoI
thoughtIcouldgrabthi
sopportunit
y
andcomeseey ou.Youlookbeaut i
ful
If
elthi
m hol
dmyshoul
derand
Tay
lor
shand.
Danny:Shedoesri
ght?Myver
yown
beaut
if
ul wi
fe,
I'
m DannyMcKenzi
e,
Thehusbandandy ouar
e?
Siboni
so:Si
boni
soButt
erwor
th,
the
coll
eaguesandex-
boy
fri
end.
Damn!Heshouldn'
thav
esai
dthat
.
Heearnedhi
mselfapunchf
rom
Dannyandhefell
.
Me:
Tri
ston!
Danny:
Youbett
ergetoutofmy
houseyoungman.
Si
boni
sostoodupandleft
.Venes
l
ookedatmeandIshrugged.
Me:
Thatwasn'
tnecessar
y
Danny:He'
syourexandhecall
edyou
beaut
if
ul.Hesteppedonawrong
mansterri
tor
y
Ismil
edandkissedhischeek.I
honest
lyhadnocomebackf orwhat
hehadjustsai
d.Isatnexttohim and
wecuddledwit
hTay l
or.Il
ookedat
Asandaasshewasdanci ngwith
PamelaandOnika.Shelookedvery
happy
MaN:Iam sopr
oudofy oumychil
d,
youdi
dtheri
ghtthi
ng.You'
vegr
own
somuch
Me:
Thanky
oumom
MaPhindy
:Sher eal
lyhassucha
goodheart
,justl
ikeyou.
Danny
:Thetwi
nsshoul
dcomeov
er
tomor
rowandhel
pmebabysi
t
MaPhi
ndy
:Iwi
l
lsur
elybr
ingt
hem
ov
er
Danny:
Andyoucanstaytoo,
sowe
canbondasmotherandson
MaPhi
ndy
:Thatwoul
dbel
ovel
yson.
Ismil
edatDannyandhesqueezed
myhand.Iwashappyt hathewas
genui
nelyworkingonhi sr
elat
ionshi
p
wit
hhissister
sandst epmom
wit
houtbeingtold.Iguessheisreal
ly
becomingmor eofaf amil
ymanand
r
eal
i
zingt
hei
mpor
tanceoff
ami
l
y
MaQ: Wear
eal
lgoi
ngt
ochur
chon
Sunday!
!
Lubah:
What
?Nooo,
Ihav
eameet
ing
mom
MaQ:
Andi
twi
l
lbecancel
l
ed
Me:
Amen
Ngamso:
Noexcuses,
chur
chi
tis.
Theguysseemedt obeirri
tat
edbut
ther
ewasnowayofget t
ingoutof
thi
sone.Theywer eal
lgoingto
church,
li
keitornot.
Bonga:
Thepaper
sar
einy
ourof
fi
ce
Danny
:Thanky
ou
Emi
hlecamet
otakeTay
lor
Me:Youhav
egr
ownsomuchy
oung
l
ady
Emi
hle:
I'
ll
beamom soon
Danny
:Nothappeni
ng
Emi
hle:
ButDad
Danny
:You'
rest
il
lal
i
ttl
epr
incess
Shesmi
l
edandl
aughedatDanny
Emi hle:I
fI'
m st
il
lali
tt
lepr
incess,
thenI '
ll
getthenewnikeai
rforce
takkiesIaskedfor
Danny
:Yesy
ouwi
l
l.
Iwentovert
oAsandaandshehi
dher
dri
nkfr
om me
Me:
Iguesst
her
esal
cohol
int
her
e
Sbahl
e:Justabi
t
Asanda:
I'
m sor
ry
Me: Don'
tbe,justdon'
tl
etyourf
ather
seethatfornow.Iknowy ou'
rea
grownwoman
ShenoddedandIsatwi ththem fora
while.Ireall
ylov edmybi gfami l
yand
Iam v erythankf ult
hatImett hese
peopleinmyl ife.There'
snobet ter
placeI'dratherbet hanbeingher e
withmyf ami l
y.IlookedatDannyand
hewi nkedatme.He' ssuchawei r
d
character,Ilovehi m any
way s.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t80
2y
ear
slat
er
"Mom!Mom!Mom! !Hurr
yorwe'
llbe
veryl
ate!
"Theloudannoy i
ngvoi
ce
thatwokemeupf r
om mydeepsleep
keptonscreaming.Iopenedmyey es
anditwasOni
kascr
eami
ngand
Tayl
orpul
li
ngmybedcov
ers.
Me:
Fine!I
'
m upal
ready
Tay
lor
:Food,
food,
food.
Oni
ka:
I'
m al
sohungr
y
Me:
Met
oo,
letmewakeup.
Iwokeupandt ookaquickshower.I
gotdownst
airsandthekidswereno
wheretobefound.
Me:
Danv
er!
!Tay
lor
!!Oni
ka!
Theseki
dswil
lmakemel
oosemy
mindcompl
etel
y.
Me:WeMpendulo,Lethukuthula
noSi
phephel
o,sanungangihlanyi
si
ninani
yezwa?
(Don'
tdr
ivemecr
azy
,
youhearme?)
"Bengi
thiiminakuphel aokwazi
ukukuhlanyi
sa("IthoughtIwasthe
onlyonewhoi scapableofdri
vi
ng
youcrazy")Iturnedandlookedatthe
door,i
twasSi boni so.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Siboni
so:
Icamet
odr
opof
fthef
il
es
youaskedfor
.
Me:Coul
dn'
tyouwai
tti
l
lIgott
othe
of
fi
ce?
Siboni
so:NoIcouldnotsi
nceI'
m
taki
ngtherestofthedayof
f,soI
thoughtIshoul
djustdr
opthem of
f.
Me:
Thanks,
wil
lthatbeal
l
?
Si
boni
so:
Yesandy
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul
Me:
Thanky
ou
2yearsago,aftertheencount er
DannyandSi bonisohad, henev er
real
lystoppedbot her
ingmenordi d
hestopf l
ir
ti
ng.We' vehadar ocky
rel
ati
onship,wegetal ongandt hen
wef i
ghtagainandagai n.Hesay si
ts
thesexualtensionbetweenusandi t
needst obetakencar eof f.Thepast
twoy earshavebeengoodandbad.
We'vehadourbadday s,we'vehad
ourgoodday s.Tay l
orhasgr ownso
much, watchi
nghi m growr i
ght
i
nf r
ontofmyey eswasabl issful
experience.Iendedupnotgoi ng
backt owor ktil
lthi
sweek.I'v
ehad
myf airshareofbeingahousewi fe
andI '
vehadenoughofi t
.After
Sibonisohadl eftIl
ookedforthekids
andt heywer eplayi
ngoutsi
de.
Me:Yousaidyouwant
edfoodbut
you'
rebusypl
ayi
ngher
e.
Danv
er:
Wet houghtyou'
rebusy
maki
ngbreakf
astall
thiswhil
e
Me:
Stayher
e,I
'
llj
ustor
der
.
Iorder
edbreakfastf
rom whereour
chefworksanditcamein30mi ns.
Theylai
ditoutandweat e.Igotacal
l
f
rom Danny
Me:
Myhusband
Danny:Hel
lowi
fe,
mysensestel
lme
thatt
herewasamanIdespi
seinmy
house
Me:Yoursensesory
ourspi
es?You
l
ikekeepi
ngtabsonme
Danny
:Iti
smydut
y
Me:You'
rej
ustcrazy
,hecamet
o
dr
opoffafewfil
es
Danny
:Whydi
dn'
thedot
hatatwor
k?
Me:
Ial
sohadt
hesamequest
ion
Danny
:Youhaven'
tbeenbackat
workf
orevenaweekandalready
t
her
e'st
roubl
e.
Me:Ther
e'snotroubl
eDanny
,when
ar
eyoucomi ngback?
Danny
:YouknowIst
il
lhav
etost
ay
her
efort
henextt
womonths
Me:Iknow,
Iwasj
usthopi
ngI
'
dsee
yousoon
Danny
:I'
l
lmakeapl
an
Me:Andwherei
sAsanda,
shedoesnt
cal
lmelat
ely
Danny
:Iassi
gnedheronami
ssi
on
Me:
Tri
ston
Danny
:She'
sreadynow,It
rusther
andKJal
sowentwi t
hhersosheis
saf
e.Don'
twor
ry.
Me:Shebet
tercomebacksoon,
I
mi
ssher.
Danny:AndI'
m sureshemissesy
ou
too.Byebabe,Il
oveyouandsendmy
greeti
ngstotheki
ds.
Hedi dn'
tev engi v
emet hechancet o
respond.Hedr oppedthecallandI
sighed.Hehasbeenawayal otsince
l
asty ear,hi
m andAsandahav ebeen
alloverthewor ld.Asanda'str
aining
didn'
ttaket hatmuchasshewasj ust
anat ur
al i
nev erythi
ng.Iwaspr oudof
herbutapar tofmewasal soscar ed.
Me:
Yourf
athersendshi
sgr
eet
ings.
Theywerehappyandwef
ini
shedup
eat
ing.
Onika:Canwegobathnow?Ir
eal
l
y
don'twantt
obelat
e
Me:OhOnika,
you'
rej
ustgoingto
Sneh'
shouse,
youcangetther
eat
anyt
ime
Oni
ka:
Andmi
ssoutont
hef
un?No
t
hankyou
AthiandMphoar ehost i
ngaki dsfun
day,That'
stheev entwe'regettingso
l
atefor.Ngamsogav ebirthtoa
beautif
ulchubbycheekspr i
ncess
whot heynamedNdal oyenkosi,
namedaf terJabu'slatefi
rstbor n.
MphoandZandyhadanot herbaby,it
wasaboyagai nandhi snamei s
Kgot so.Ncebaal soblesseduswi t
ha
babyboy ,Sandile,whoThapel ois
al
way sgluedt o.Asal waysSbahl e
saidwear eallincubatorsandwe
hav esoomanyki ds.Onlyherand
Pauladon' thav ekids.Sbahl eand
KJspot ent i
alrelati
onshipjustturned
i
nt odust .Weal ldon'tknowwhat
happenedbesi dest hebot hofthem.
Whenev erweask, theysayi tj
ust
didn'twor kout.SoIguesst hatis
betweent hem andt heyar egood
fr
iends, andy est heysti
llargueli
ke
al
otasal ways.Kamo, She'sbeen
reall
yhappy .She'ssi ngleandnot
l
ooki ngforanyman, Ihadmyhopes
upf orherandLucasbutt heyal so
seem t obej ustprettygoodf ri
ends.
ButIst i
llhavehope, NayeandNkosi
wer efri
endsf orfoury earsbef ore
theymadet hingsof fi
cialsot heygi ve
mehope.Speaki ngofHope, She'san
ador abl
ehappybaby ,Kamomakes
beingasi nglepar entsoeasy ,She's
happyandherki dsar esohappy .But
she'snotr eall
yasi nglepar ent,her
kidshav efatherst hatlovet hem v er
y
muchandshe' snotal oneatal l.Later
tonightwewi l
lbeof ftoOr angeFar m.
Nay e'sol
derbr otherisget t
ing
mar riedandNay ehasnev erbeenso
happy .EvenNomki tha, theysayhe' s
beendat i
ngt hi
sgi rl f
orabout7y ears
now.Theydi dbr eakupaf ewt imes
andnowt heyar ef inal l
yt y
ingt heknot .
Shesay sshehadal readygi venupon
hisbr other, whoi sget t
ingi ntohi s
early40' sandhei snowget ting
mar ried.Iam al soget tingol d,I'
llbe
turning30t hisyear !!AndDannyi s
turning37, hisbirthdaypar t
yi s
comi ngupsoonj oinedwi thPhi la'
s.
Wear egoi ngt opar t y!
!Wehav en't
donet hatinsol ong.Wear eall
wonder ingwhatt hey ear2019has
forus.OnNewy ear s,weal lwrot ea
fewt hingsonapi eceofpapert hat
wewoul dl i
ket hem t ohappent his
year.Weputt hem i nasmal l bottle
andl etitgowi ththesea.I twasal l
Nceba' sideabuti twasagoodt hing
todo.Ther ewasaknockont hedoor
asIwaswat chingtv .I
twasKabel o
andJuni or.Juni ori
ssot all,hehas
grownt obet all
erthanmeandhasa
deepv oice.Si y
adoesn' tli
ket hathi s
l
itt
lesoni snowat eenager ,
shef eels
asifshe' sagi ngy etshe'sonl ytur ni
ng
37.Zandy ,Bonga, Mpho, Beeand
Nkosi aret urning38t hi
sy ear.
Me:
Hel
l
oboy
s
Kabel
o:Mah,
wey
oungmennow
Me: Say
swho?You'
l
lal
way
sbe
youngboyst
ome
Juni
or:I
'
m ay
oungman,
noty
ou
Kabel
o.
Me: Howdidy
ougether
e?Idon'
tsee
yourdri
ver
Junior
: Idr
oveher
e,we'
reher
eto
fet
chy ou.
Me:
Youdr
ove?
Juni
or:
Yes
Me: Andhowoldareyou?Youdr
ove
al
lthewayfrom LaLuci
a?
Juni
or:
No,f
rom Kabel
o'
s.Youknow
mom woul
dneverall
owmet odri
ve
from LaLucia.Sheevendoesn'
tli
ke
thefactthatI'
m dri
vi
ng.Shesaysshe
wantsherl i
tt
leboyback,shedoesnt
understandthatI'
m gr
owing
Kabel
o:Andt
haty
ouhav
eagi
rl
fr
iend
now
Juni
or:Oht
hat'
sdri
vi
nghercrazy
,
shethi
nksI
'
lli
mpregnat
ethepoorgi
rl
.
Me:Juni
or,
you'
rej
ust13!Pl
ease
don'
ti
mpregnat
eanygir
l.
Junior
:Youall
shoul dbetell
ing
Emihlenott
ogetpr egnant.Her
fat
herwouldkil
lthatpoorboy
Speaki
ngofEmi
hle,
She'sal
sojustso
grown.Nay
eandNkosidonotbeli
eve
thatt heyhav eachi ldwhoi st urni ng
18l aterthisdecember .She' sdoi ng
hermat ri
ct hisy earandshe' sbeen
soexci t
ed.WhenNay et el
lst hest ory
abouthav ingheratj ustbei ng
19year sol d,She' salsoaf raidt hat
Emi hlewi llbepr egnantat19.She' s
j
ustov erthinki
ngt hi
ngssomuch.
Nceba, Thapel o,Paul a,Sbahl e, Kai t
so
andIar ejusty oungcompar edt o
them.Wenotev encl oseto35y et.At
l
eastNgamsoi s34.I tsjustshocki ng
howt imef li
es.Iwentupst airsand
helpedTay lorgetdr essed.Whenwe
wer edone, wegoti ntothecarand
Juni ordrov e.Imadeav ideobecause
Ij
ustcoul
dn'
tbel
i
eveit
.Wegott
o
Athi
'
shouseandthemusi
cwas
pumping.
Me:
Thi
shast
urnedi
ntoapar
ty
Juni
or:
Youknowwhenther
es
Mam'Zandyt
her
e'sal
waysabl
ast
.
Kabel
o:Mymom lovestopar
tybut
she'
sahorr
ibl
edancer
Onika:
MamSi
yai
stheonewho
knowshowt
odance
Shewasr i
ght,PhilaandSiyahav e
kil
lerdancemov es.ShesaysPhi l
a
taughtherinhighschool .They'
ve
beenpar tofeachot hersli
vessince
theywer e14,i
t'sbeen23y ears,
ifyou
excl
udethe5yearstheywer
eapar
t,i
t
hasbeen18years.
Me:
Hel
l
ohel
l
o!!
!
Phel
o:Heyhey!Here'
sagl
assof
goodwinesweethear
t
Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch
Theki
dswenttot
heothersand
Emihl
ewasbusyonherphone
Me:
MaMkhi
ze
Emi
hle:
Heymah,
thi
sphonei
sgi
vi
ng
metr
ouble!
Kamo:Itol
dyoutotel
lyourf
ather
andhe'
ll
sorti
tout.
Emi
hle:
DaddyJabusai
dwe'
l
lgo
f
etchmynewphonei
nanhour
.
Me:
Bepat
ientt
hen
Nay e:
Isti
ll
thi
nkyoudon'
tneeda
newphone, whodoyoutal
ktoon
thatphone?
Emi
hle:
Mom
Ngamso:Leavet
hechildal
one.No
onemonit
oredyourphonewhenyou
were18
Nay
e:She'
s17
Emi
hle:
Tur
ning18i
nDecember
,I'
m
18mom.
Masande:
CanIhav
e4beer
s?
Ichockedont
hewi
neIwasdr
inki
ng.
Me:
What
?
Helaughedatus,
wewer eal
ljust
shocked.Whatwi
llhedowit
hbeers?
Masande:I
'
mj ustpull
i
ngy ourl
eg,
they
'r
enotmine.I'
m sentbyDad,they
don'
twanttocomet hi
sside.They
arehavi
ngaheatedconversati
on
Zandy
:Iwassoreadyt
ohi
tyouwi
th
myshoeMasande
Masande:Hahmah,Mah,
wher
eis
DaddyDanny?Heowesme
Me: He'
soutoft
hecountrywit
h
LucasandAsanda.Whichreminds
me,Ihavetogototheoffi
cenow.I'
ll
bebackinanhourortwo
Paul
a:Okaycool
,we'
l
lseey
ousoon
Si
qal
o:CanIgowi
thy
oumah?
Me:
Okaycome
Sbahl
e:Comebackwi
thVenes,
I
misshercr
azyass
Me:
Wil
ldo.
AsIwentoutImetupwi
thDodo,
Nongcebo,
Isi
phi
l
eandLusanda.
Me:
Heygi
rl
s!
Dodo:Hey,wherear
eyougoi
ng?
We'v
ejustarr
ived
Me:I'
l
l bebacksoon,
I'
m goi
ngtothe
hospi
taltocheckonafewthi
ngs.
Lusanda:
Bebacksoon,
heySi
qal
o
Si
qal
o:HeyAunt
ySanda.
Wegotint
ot hecarandheplayed
musicf
rom hisphone.It
houghtwe'
d
t
alkonthewaybuthewasj ust
f
ocusedonhi sphone.
Si
qalo:Canwepassbyt
he
fl
owershop?
Me:
Whatf
or?
Si
qal
o:Iwannabuyf
lower
sfor
Buhl
ebenkosi
Me:
Ohwow,
Okay
.
Siqal
o:Don'
tthinkdeep,
it'
sjusta
thankyougi
ft.Shepackedmy
wardrobe
Me:
ButIdi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng
Siqalo:Youdi
dn'
thav
etosay
anything.
Il
aughedathi
m andpar
kedt
hecar
.
Si
qal
o:I
'
llwai
tfory
ouher
e
Me:
I'
ll
locky
oui
n
Si
qal
o:Okay
Il
ockedt
hecarandwenti
nsi
de
Me:Lar
a!Venes,
hel
l
obeaut
if
ul
l
adi
es
Venes:Heypr
ett
yface.Sbahl
ecal
l
ed
me,I'
ll
beleav
ingwithyou.
Me:
Okaybabes
Venes:
Letmef
ini
shupher
e
Veneswentonadat ewithSi boniso,
shet ol
dmet hedat ewentSout h.All
Sibonisotal
kedaboutwasme, me
andme.Ican' tbeli
evethathej ust
spokeaboutme.Veneswant edt o
knowt hetrut
handIt oldher .From
then,shegotov erhermini crushon
him.Shewasmadatmef ornot
tel
lingheronthegetgobutshe
forgavemewhenIbr ibedherwi th
wineandchocol ates.
Ther
ewasaknockonmydoorand
Si
bonisocamei
n.
Me:Di
dn'
tyousayyou'
ret
aki
ngt
he
r
estoft
hedayoff
Siboni
so:Don'tberude,Iwascall
ed
here.Ther
e'sanemer gencyandyou
needtobeatt hetheatr
erightnow.
Me:
I'
m comi
ng
Si
boni
so:
NowNasi
phi
Isighedandgav emycarkey sto
Venessoshecoul dst
ayinthecar
withSiqal
o.Idon'twanthimtobe
aloneforalongtime.Ichangedand
wentintotheat
re.Weper f
ormeda
quickheartsur
gerywhichwehadt o
exchangeheartsoftwowomen.
Me:
Whyi
sshecov
eredup?
Thewomanwewereoperat
ingon,
herf
acewascov
eredup.
Nurse:
Herfaceisburnt
,somethi
ng
aboutabombat t
ack.Theper
son
whobroughtherher
eknowsthe
stor
y.
Me:
Andt
heot
herwoman?
Siboniso:Apparentl
y,shewasti
redof
l
ivingandshewant edtodi
esoshe
offeredtoexchangeherheartand
givethisotherwomanachancet o
l
ive.She'ssuf f
eredal
otbutshewas
sti
llali
ve,herheartwastheonl
yt hi
ng
thatwasf ail
ingher.
Me:
Ohokay
Si
boniso:Shescomi
ngal
ltheway
fr
om Columbia,t
hewomansheswit
h
wantedy out
ooper
ateonherandno
bodyelse.
Me:
Doessheknowme?
Nur
se:
Wedon'
tknow.
TheytookthebodiesandIchanged
i
ntotheclothesIwasin.
Siboniso: Don'
tyouwanttogosee
theladyt hatbroughtheri
nandgi
ve
herthef eedback?
Me:
No,
I'
minar
ush.Pl
easedoso
Si
boni
so:
Okaycool
.By
e
Iwentt
otheoffi
ceandgott
heshock
ofmyli
feasIsawDanny
Me:
Youdon'
tsneaki
ntopeopl
e'
s
of
fi
cesl
i
ket
hat
.Yougav
emef
ri
ght
.
Danny
:Idi
dn'
tsneaki
n,y
ouwerenot
her
esoIwait
ed.Howareyoumy
wif
e?
Me:
I'
m happynowt
haty
ou'
reher
e
Wekissedandwer
edi
stur
bedby
Si
boniso
Danny
:Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Si
boniso:Nasi
,you'
llhav
etocome
backlat
ertodayandcheckonthat
woman.Theywanty ouandDr
Buthel
ezionhercase,nobodyel
se.
I
'm out
Me:
Okayt
hanky
ou
Si
boni
so:Yourroundsar
eat7pm.
McKenzi
e,goodtoseeyouagai
n.
Hel
eftandDannycl
i
ckedhi
stongue.
Hel
ookedir
ri
tat
ed
Danny:
Whyi
shest
il
lwor
kingher
e
agai
n?
Me:Danny ,l
et'
sjustgo.Wenot
gett
ingint
ot heSiboni
so
conversat
ion
Danny
:Whoi
sthatwomanany
way
s?
Me:Idon'
tknow,
she'
sfr
om
Col
umbia.
Danny:Whyi
ssheoper
atedi
nSout
h
Afr
ica?
Me:Idon'
tknowDanny
,I'
l
lknowthi
s
af
ter
noon.Wherei
smydaughter
?
Danny:AtAthi's,
I'm comi
ngf
rom
ther
e,Iwasn'thappywhenIsawt hat
mywi f
eisn'
tt here.
Wegottothepar
kingandmycar
wasn'
tther
e
Me:
Siqal
oandVenes?
Danny
:It
oldt
hem t
oleav
e.
Me:Siqal
owant
edtogotothefl
ower
shop,
IhopeVenest
ookhimther
e
Danny
:Whatf
or?
Me:Togetfl
ower
sDanny,at
leasthe
i
sromanti
c.Cometot
hinkofit,
when
l
astdi
dyoubuymef
lower
s?
Heplay
edwi
thhi
shai
randIl
aughed
athi
m.
Danny
: Igott
oupmygame, Iseet
he
l
it
tl
ekidsaredoi
ngbet
tert
hanme
Me:Youshoul
dtakesomet
ipsf
rom
Si
qal
o
Danny
:Whoi
shebuy
ingt
hem f
or?
Me:
Buhl
ebenkosi
Danny
:What
?
Me:Don'
treadtoomuchintoit
,it
sa
t
hankyougift
.Shepackedhis
war
drobe
Danny
:Mmmmhandy
oubel
i
eved
t
hat
?
Me:
Danny
,justf
ocusont
her
oad.
Welaughedanddr ov
etoAthi
'
s.We
gotthereandIwenttomybeaut
if
ul
daughter.
Asanda:
Oledi
Me:
May
eI'
m Ol
edi
now
Asanda:
Heybeaut
if
ulmom
Me:
Nowt
hat
'si
t.
Wel aughedandwenttosi twi
ththe
others.I
twasabeautif
ul wonderf
ul
andf unday.Wesharedlotsof
memor i
esandwetal
kedaboutal ot
thatwehav ewentt
hroughl at
elyi
n
ourl
i
ves.
Sbahl
e:Weneedmor
edr
inksand
paperpl
ates
Me:
Icangogett
hem atspar
Si
qal
o:I'
m comingwi
th,
you
pr
omisedtotakemetothatpl
ace
Me:
Ohokay
,comel
etsgo
Kwenzokuhl
e:I
'
m al
socomi
ngand
Mnqobi
Me:
Let
sgomyboy
s
Nkosi
:Seemsli
keSi
qal
oli
kesdr
ivi
ng
ar
oundwithy
ouNasi
Me:
Yeshedoes
Dannywi
nkedatmeandwel
eft
.
Kwenzosatatthef r
ontandhewas
theDJ.Wegott othefl
owershop
fi
rstandboughtli
l
li
es.
Si
qal
o:Wi
l
lshel
i
ket
hem?
Me:
Yesshewi
l
l.
WethenwenttoSparandgotwhat
weneeded.Wewereonourway
homenow.
Mnqobi
:Mom,
Ithi
nkwe'
rebei
ng
f
oll
owed
Me:
Arey
ousur
e?
Il
ookedbackandi
ndeedwewer
e
bei
ngfol
lowed.
Me:
Shi
t!
Theystar
tedshoot
ingatusandI
i
ncreasedmyspeed.
Si
qal
o:Wher
eisy
ourgunmom?
!
Me:
Mygun!Ar
ghwhynow!
Itookoutmygunandstart
ed
shooti
ngbutIcoul
dn'
tdobot hdri
vi
ng
andshooti
ng.Whydidn'
tJuniorcome
withusatl
east
.Iwasshocked,I
almostpeedonmyselfwhenSiqalo
tookmygunf r
om meandst art
ed
shooti
ng
Me:Whatthehell
areyoudoi
ng!
!!
Si
qal
o,putthegundown!
Mnqobi:
Youcan'
tdobot
hmah,
just
dr
ive!
Kwenzo:
I'
ll
cal
ldad
Tear swer erunningdownmyey esas
Idrov eoffandendeduppar king
becausewhoev eriti
st hatwas
attackingushadst opped.It ookmy
gunandl ookedatt heki dsIwaswi t
h.
Noonesai dawor dandIdr ov eto
Athi'
si nsil
ence.Wegott hereand
theywer ewai ti
ngf orusatt hegat e.
Theguy shadt heirbigey esout .A
partofmeknewt hattheyall knew
thatSiqalocanuseagun.
Naye:Ohmybabies,
arey
ouokay
?
Nasi,
noonegothurt
?
Me:
Nowe'
ref
ine.Let
'sj
ustgoi
nsi
de,
i
twasn'
tabi
gdeal
.
Sbahl
e:OhI
'
llgett
hepl
ast
ics
Mnqobi
:I'
l
lhel
pyou.
Mpho:We'
l
l beatt
heof
fi
cel
ooki
ng
i
ntothi
sat
tack.
Theywent t
ot heoffi
cefol
lowi
ngeach
other.Idr
anksomewi neand
checkedonTay lor.Hewaswith
VenesandDodo.It henwenttoAthi
'
s
offi
ceandt heylookedatmewi t
h
feari
nt hi
ereyes.
Me:Car
etoexpl
ainhowSi
qal
o
knowshowt
ouseagun?
Nkosi
:MaNy
athi
Me:
Don'
tMaNy
athi
me!Justexpl
ain
Danny
:Babe,
cal
m down.
Me:Iam v
erycal
mri
ghtnow,
donot
upsetme.
L’
yanda:
Theyhav
ewentf
ort
rai
ning
Me:
Sincewhen?
Jabu:
Lasty
ear
Me:
Arey
ououtofy
ourmi
nd?
Phil
a:Onlyt
heboyswhohave
reached10year
sol
dhavewent.
Me: Areyouheari
ngyour
sel
ves!
!10
yearolds!Howstupi
dcanyoube!I
s
thistheli
feyouwantt
oexposeour
kidsto?
Mayi:Theyhavetotr
ainatayoung
age,t
heyhavetostartl
earni
ngto
prot
ectthemselv
es
Me:
Theyar
ejustki
ds
Danny:
Wewereki
dswhenwegot
i
ntothi
sli
fe
Me:Anddidthatdoy ouanyjust
ice?
Noitdamagedy ou!Andtheseki
ds
wi
ll
notgot hr
ought hat
Lubah:
Weunder
standt
hatbuti
thas
tobedone
Me:I
twil
lbedoneattherightage,
youwi
ll
stopthi
strai
ningnonsense,
doImakemyselfcl
ear?
Theykeptqui
etandl
ookedatmel
i
ke
I
'
m somecr
azywoman
Me:
DoImakemy
sel
fcl
ear
?
Them:
YeboMaNy
athi
(YesMaNy
athi
)
Ilef
tthem thereandIwasangr ybutI
pretendedsothel adieswoul dntbe
suspiciousofany t
hing.Allinallwe
hadawonder f
ul dayandt hekidshad
fun.Wewer eallstayingov erbutI
hadt odomyr oundssi nceI '
vebeen
specifi
call
yassignedt othis.
Me:
Athi
,l
et'
sgo.
Sneh:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
o?
Me:Thehospi
tal
we'
l
lbebacki
nan
hour
.
Danny
:Besaf
e
Inoddedandwel
eft
.
Athi
:We'resor
ry,
pleasedon'
ti
nfor
m
theother
s
Me:
Iwon'
t
At
hi:
Thanky
ou
Iwentt
othewardsassoonaswe
gott
hereandhewentt
ohisoff
ice.
Me:Nurse,
wherei
sthewomanI
oper
atedonear
li
er?
Nur
se:
She'
sbeenmovedt
oapr
ivat
e
r
oom.Fol
l
owmeplease
Ifol
l
owedherandanothernur
sewas
busyremov
ingherbandagest
hat
cov
eredherf
ace.
Me:Hel
l
o, I
'
m DrNy
athi
I'
ll
be
moni
tor
ing.
..
.
Ohno,
no,i
tcan'
tbe.Iclosedmy
ey
esandopenedmyey esagai
n.Oh
no
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t81
I
nal lhonesty,Icouldn'
tbel
i
evewhatI
wasseei ng.Ionlysawheron
pict
ures,butIr eal
l
ydi dr
ecogni
zet
he
facewhenIsawher .
Me:
What
?Whathappenedt
oyou?
Her:I'
dr athernotexplai
nnow.Ineed
torest.Don'ttel
l t
hem I'
m here,
please.Ijustcamebackf ormyson,
weneedt ogetoutofher eassoonas
possible.Don'ttel
lthem I
'm her
e,
pleaseNasi phi
Me:
Howdoy
ouknowme?
Her
:Ij
ustknowy
ou.Pl
easel
etme
r
est
Me:
Thi
sisnotov
er.
Inoddedandwentt
oAt
hi'
sof
fi
ce.
Athi
:Youl
ookl
i
key
ou'
veseena
ghost.
Me:
Trustme,
Ihav
e.
At
hi:
Ghost
sdon'
texi
st
Me:Cal
lyourfri
ends,
tel
lthem t
o
comehere,now.
At
hi:
YesMam
Thiswasgoingtohur
tNay e,
Ihadtoo
manyquesti
onsinmyhead.Iwas
confusedmostl
ybutIchosetokeep
cal
m.TheygothereinaflashandI
t
oldt
hem t
osi
tdownwhi
l
eIst
oodby
t
hedoor
Danny
:You'
reokaybabe?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne
Thaps:
Whyareweher
e?Weneedt o
beonaf l
i
ghtt
oOr
angeFar
m al
ready
Me:
Nkosi
nat
hi
Nkosi
:MaNy
athi
Me:
Wher
eisNdi
phi
we?
Nkosi
:Whatdoyoumean?Ihav
en'
t
seenheri
nyear
s.
Danny:Shedisappear
edaf
terthe
pr
incessstuntshepull
edr
ight
?
Theyal
lagr
eedwi
theachot
herandI
satdownont
hef
loor
.
Me:
She'
sher
e
Mpho:
Wher
e?
Me:She'
sbackandshe'
sbackf
orher
son
Nkosi
:St
opspeaki
ngi
nri
ddl
esand
t
alk!
Danny
:Donotr
aisey
ourv
oiceather
Nkosi
nat
hi
Nkosi
:I'
m sor
ry
Me: She'
sthewomanwho
specif
ical
lyaskedformycar
e.I
operatedonherearli
ert
oday
,shegot
aheartfrom anot
herwomanwho
saidshewast ir
edofl i
fe.Idon'
tknow
thefull
storybutIjustsawhernow.
Shesay sshe'
sbackf orhersonand
sheneedst oleaveassoonas
possibl
e
Nkosi
:Ineedt
oseeher
.
Me:
Youcan'
t
At
hi:
Why
?
Me: Becauseshedoesn'
twantt
osee
anyonebutme.Idon'tknowhowshe
knowsmebutsheknowsme.
Jabu:
Howdoy
ouknowher
?
Me:I'
vebeentol
daboutherandI
'
ve
seenherpi
ctur
es.
Nkosi
:We'r
emostdef
ini
tel
ynot
goi
ngtotakeor
der
sfr
om her.We'
re
goi
ngtoseeher
Danny:Af t
erthat,we'reofft
oOrange
Farm andt hi
s,thisstaysbet
weenus
unti
lwegetbackf r
om OrangeFarm,
understoodNasi phi?
Inodded,Iam keepingsomuch
secret
stodayitwi l
ldr
ivemei nsane.I
tookthem toherroom andluckil
y
shewasf astasleepsotherewasno
wayshewoul dseet hatIbetr
ayedher
bylett
ingthem seeher
Nkosi
:Shehasal
otofexpl
aini
ngt
o
do.
Me:
Iguessso
Nkosi
:Shemustj
ustf
orgeti
t,she
won'
tbeget
ti
ngmyson.
Danny
:That
'
sri
ght
.
Nurse:
DrNy
athi
,youneedt
ocome
seethi
s.
Danny:Soy
ou'
rest
il
laddr
essedasDr
Nyathi
?
Me:Danny
,we'
l
ltal
kaboutt
hisl
ater
okay
.
Icoul
dseethathewasupsetbutI'
ll
dealwi
thhi
ml at
eron.Theyf
ollowed
meandIstoodandlookedatthem
Me:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
L’
yanda:We'
rej
ustmaki
ngsur
e
you'
resaf
e
Me:
Iam saf
e
Lucas:
Youwoul
dn'tbesur
e,t
her
e's
toomanymyst
eri
esinthi
sli
fe
Me:
Stayher
e
Iwenti
nsi
def
oll
owi
ngt
henur
se.
Nur
se:It
hinky
oushouldseethe
womanwhogav eupherhear
t.
Icoul
dntt akethesmell
,Ir
anoutto
thebat
hr oom andIpuked.Danny
wasalreadyt her
ehol
dingmyweav e
up.
Danny
:Youokay
?
Me:
YesIam.
Danny
:Iguesswe'
reexpect
ingbaby
number5
Me:Nowenot
,thatr
oom j
usthada
badsmel
l
.
Danny:
Yout
aki
ngapr
egnancyt
est
toni
ght
.
Me:
Fine
Iwentbackandcheckedonher .I
knewthefacebutIjustdidn'tknow
whoitwas.Imean, I
'v
eseenher
befor
ebutIjustcan'
tpinpointwhere
exact
lydi
dIseeher .
Me:
Nur
se,
cal
lthem i
n.
Theycamei nandBr i
anjustbenthis
headandt earsescapedf r
om his
eyes.Rightt here,Iremember edhowI
knewher .She' sPhila'
sandBr ian'
s
eldersist
er ,t
hesecondbor nright
afterNandi .She'stheonewhot ri
ed
takingSiya'sbaby .She'stheonewho
kil
ledthose11men.She' stheone
whogav eupherhear tforNdiphiwe.
Me:Wher
eistheotherwomanwho
camewit
hthem both?
Nur
se:
Shel
eftaboutt
wohour
sago.
Phil
a:Wehavet
oleav
e,wehav
ea
fl
i
ghttocat
ch
Br
ian:
Phi
l
asande,
shei
soursi
ster
Phil
a:Andrightaft
ertheweddi
ng,her
bodywillbetakentoLadySmit
h.Lets
go,Ihaveaf ewcall
stomake.Nasi,
don'tmenti
ont hi
stoanyone
Me:
Myl
i
psar
eseal
ed.
He'sreactiont owardsthiswasjust
Phil
a,Icoul dn'
tevenr eadifhewas
sadorwhat .Wet henleftandheaded
totheairpor twherewemetwi t
h
every
oneel seandt heywerealli
n
highspir
its.ItookTay lorandwentto
ourseat.
Asanda:
Youokay
?
Me:Yessweet
ie,
Itsj
ustbeenal
ong
l
ongday.
Asanda:Youshoul
dsl
eeponce
Tayl
orfal
lsasl
eep.
Me:
That
'st
hepl
an
Wechat t
edf orawhil
eandt heguy s
wer ealsoinhighspir
itsli
kenot hing
everhappenedt oday.OnceTay lorfel
l
asleep,IcoveredusupandIal so
sl
ept .IwokeupwhenAsandasai d
we'vear r
ivedatthehotel.Ididn't
evenr ememberget ti
ngoutoft he
planet othecarthatdroveust ot he
hotel.Iwassoexhaust edbutt hey
wer estil
lhypeandsingingweddi ng
songs
Me:
Its11pm guy
s,l
etsj
ustgosl
eep.
Zandy
:You'
reanol
dgr
annyt
oday
Me:
What
ever
.
Igott
omyr oom andputTaylort
o
sl
eepandwenttoshower .WhenIgot
outDannywaswai t
ingformewitha
homepregnancytestinhi
shand
Me:
Real
l
ynow?
Danny
:Yesr
eal
l
ynowgot
akei
t.
Isighedandwenttot hebathroom.I
tookthepregnancytestandindeedI
was3weekspr egnant.
Me:
Tri
ston!
!
Danny
:I'
m comi
ng
Hecamei
nandl
ookedatme.I
showedhi
mthet
wol
i
nesandhe
ki
ssedme.
Danny
:See?It
oldy
ou
Me:
Yeahy
eahwhat
ever
Danny
:So,
arewehav
ingt
hebett
his
ti
me?
Me:
Yeswear
eandIsayi
tsagi
rl
Danny:
AndIsayi
tsaboy
.Lett
he
bestmanwi
n
Me:
What
ever
WelaughedandIcl
eanedmy
sel
fup
andwenttobed
#NEXTMORNI
NG
Wewer
escr
eami
ng,
singi
ngand
dancinghav i
ngsomuchf un.They
werehav ingat raditi
onalweddi ng.
Lungelowasr eall
yhappy , hewas
mar r
yingAkhona.I twasf unnyhow
Dannyl ookedsosexywear ing
i
Bheshu.ThewayIl aughedwhenI
sawhi mf orthef i
rsttime.Icoul dnt
getov erit
.Iwaswear i
ngaXhosa
Tradit
onal at
tire"umbhaco"andhe
couldntstopcompl imentinghowi t
suit
edme.Il ov edhowt heweddi ng
mixedt heZulut raditi
onandXhosa
tr
aditi
onandi tcompl iment edeach
otherv er
ywel l
.
Aunt:
Nganeyam,comehelpme
car
rythi
stot
herondav
el,
theuncl
es
needmor
etr
adi
ti
onal
beer
Me:
OkayAunt
y
Danny:Nono,she'
snotgoi
ngtolif
t
anyt
hingheav
y.Don'twor
ry,
I'
ll
takeit
ther
e
Aunt
: Washadainganeyomlungu
ekut
otosayo.Waze
wanenhlanhl
a(youmar r
iedawhit
e
manwhot r
eatsyouli
keanegg.You
arever
ylucky)
Danny:I
minaonenhl
anhl
amah(Iam
thel
uckyonemom)
Aunt:Hawuhawuhawu!Habe,
uze
ukhul
umanesiZul
u!(Heev
enspeaks
Zulu)
Il
aughedather,
sheseemedreal
ly
shockedandDannywashappyto
havemadeanimpressi
on.
Ther
estofthedaycont
inuedv
ery
wel
landevery
thi
ngwasasuccess.
Naye:Aftersolongbi
gbrother!
!Af
ter
solong!Butstil
l,
Iam soproudofyou.
Thi
shast obethehappi
estdayofmy
l
if
e.Ilovey oubro
Lungelo:You'
regoi
ngtomakeme
emotionalandIdon'
twantt
hat
.Last
thi
ngIwanti smywifet
oseemecr y
Lwazi
:Yourwi
fe,t
hathasani
cer
ing
toi
tdon'
tyout
hink?
Akhona:
Yesi
tdoes.
Me:
Congr
atul
ati
onsAkhona
Akhona:Thankyouverymuchand
thankyouallf
orcoming.I
'm
honouredtohavetheKingandQueen
hereandthei
rcouncil
.
Thaps:
Thatsoundssof
ormal
L’y
anda:Isometi
mesevenfor
gett
hat
thi
sdorkoverher
eisaKing
Nkosi
:Hey,watchi
t.Icanbany
ou
f
rom Langel
ihl
e
L’
yanda:
Youwi
sh
Danny
: Hav
easeatMaNyathi
,Idon'
t
wantyoutost
andfort
oolong
May
i:Youhav
ebeenkeepi
nganey
e
onhermoret
hananyusual
time.Is
ther
eany
thi
ngwe'
renotbei
ngtold?
Danny
:Mybeauti
ful
wif
eher
e,i
s
pr
egnant
.3weeks
Sbahl
e:OhJesus
Ntoko:Yeahyeah,weknowwhat
you'
regoingtosaySbahle.
Congratul
ati
onssweeti
e
Me:
ThankYou
Phelo:
Iwantt
ogosl
eepnowand
rel
ax
Bri
an:You'
l
lrel
axonthepl
ane,
we
havesomewheretobe
Ngamso:
Hawu,
wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Phil
a:We'l
lexpl
ainlat
er,
everyone
shouldj
ustgettothei
rhotel
room
andpack.
Lungel
o:I
sitsomet
hingy
ou'
l
lneed
hel
pwith?
Lubah:Nobrazo,
goenjoyy
our
honeymoon.We'l
lbef
ine
Mpho:
Gomakemi l
l
ionsofbabi
es.
Wewantt
hem r
unni
ngallovert
he
yar
d
Sbahl
e:By2025we'
l
lbehav
ing
70ki
ds
Razor
:Iactual
l
ywant200grandki
ds
soboys,y
ouhav et
owork.
Bonga:
Yessi
r
Me:Yhu,
we'
dreal
l
ybeoutofour
mi
nds.
Wesaidourgoodbyesandwentto
thehotel
.It
ookaquickshowerand
changedint
oacomf or
tabl
etr
acksui
t
Me:
Doy
ouwantt
obat
hTay
lor
?
Tay
lor
:Yesmom
Me:
Okaycome
Hewasgett
ingsl
eepyandIqui
ckl
y
bat
hedhi
m
Me:Nomoretr
avel
li
ngaft
ert
his,
the
ki
dsneedt
orestDanny
.
Danny
:Nomor
etr
avel
l
ingbabe,
I
pr
omise.
Weweretakentotheai
rpor
tandt
he
amountofbody
guardswehadwas
real
l
ysodramati
c
Asanda:Wastheint
ensesecuri
ty
necessar
y?Ist
il
lcan'
tgetusedto
thi
satall
Nay
e:Yup,
sameher
e
Zandy
:Il
ovei
twheni
tsl
i
ket
his
Mpho:
Ofcausey
oudo,
youl
ove
dr
amababe
Zandy
:Andy
oul
ovemej
ustt
hewayI
am.
Mpho:Yourfr
iendi
sverydramati
c,
t
heresthi
soneday.Shebargedinto
myoffi
ce,car
ryi
ngagun,screaming
mynamef r
om downt hehal
lway.
Lookinglikehell,t
hehairisnot
combed, shel ookslikeshe'
sbeenhit
byat ruckandi sjustabouttokil
lme!
Justforsomedamndunkedwi ngs
thatshewascr aving.Herst
omach
wassobi g,whensheshout edit
l
iter
all
ywasj umpingupanddown
i
mi t
atingever ywor dshesays.
Zandy
:Andy
ou'
rej
ustexagger
ati
ng
Mpho
Bonga:
Trustme,
It'
str
ue.Iwast
her
e
Zandy
:You'
resur
elygoi
ngt
osi
de
wit
hhim
Mpho:
Whodoy
pubel
i
eveguy
s?
Me:
Zandy
,I'
m wi
thMphoont
hisone
Athi:AsmuchaswhatMphois
sayingdidhappen,
buthei
saddi
nga
l
itt
lebitofspi
cestoit
.
Zandy:Thanky
ou!Thanky
ou
Athenkosi
Thaps:
You'
rebot
hjustt
hesame
Wewerehavingagoodti
meall
the
wayt
oLadySmi th.Wear
ri
vedj
usti
n
t
imeforsupper
MaNgcobo:Welcome!Wel
comemy
beaut
if
ulki
ds.
Shewasalreadydr
essedinblack.I
guessPhil
ahadalr
eadyinformed
them.Thegir
lswer
econf usedasto
whyt
hefami
l
ywasweari
ngbl
ack
andt
her
ewascandl
esl
i
tup.
Bee:
Whodiedandwhywer
en'
twe
i
nfor
med?
Jabu:
Sitdown,
we'
l
lexpl
ain.
Nandi:
Kids!
!Fol
l
owme,
wannaknow
wherewe'r
eofft
oo?
Buhle:
Aunty,
youdoknowyou
cannotbr
ibeuswit
hthepl
ayr
oom
anymore?
Nandi
:Andhowoldar
ey ou?Yousti
ll
needt
oplay,
onl
ytheteenscantel
l
methat
Buhle:
Iwantt
obebr
ibedwi
thI
ce
Cream
Masande:
Yeahmet
oo
Nandi
:Fi
ne,
Icecr
eam i
tist
hen
Theyf oll
owedNandiwit
hTay l
or
holdi
ngHopeshand, t
heygetalong
sowel l.Wel
lIguessi
tsbecausethey
arebor nonthesameday.Wesatat
thedinningtabl
eandate.
Ntoko:
Isany
onegoi
ngt
oexpl
ain
now?
Paul
a:Imeanwear
ehal
fwayt
hrough
themealnow
Theguyslookedatme,
real
l
y?Ar
e
theyr
eal
lygoingtodot
hist
ome
Me:
Real
l
ynow?
Bonga:
What ?I
t'
sgoi
ngtobemor
e
appr
opri
atecomingf
rom y
ou
Athi
:Plusy
ou'
ret
heonewhof
ound
outfi
rst
Me:
Mxm y
oucan'
tbeser
ious
Il
ookedatDannybuthechoset
obe
morefocusedonhi
sfood
Me: Fine.YesterdaywhenIr ushedt
o
thehospi t
al,Ihadtooper ateona
womanwhohappenedt obe
transf
er r
edal l
thewayf rom
Columbi a.Wehadt oenchange
heartsbetweent wowomen.Long
storycutshor t
,intheeveningwhenI
wasdoi ngmyr ounds.Idiscover
ed
thatt
hewomanIwasoper ati
ngoni
s
someoneweknowandshesai dshe
i
sheret ot
akeherson,
itseemsasi
f
sheisintr
oubl
e.
Si
ya:
Whoi
sshe?
Me:
Ndi
phi
we
Nay
e:Excusemepl
ease
Nkosi
:Ay
abonga
Nay
e:Don'
tfol
l
owmeNkosi
nat
hi
Nkosi
:MaKhoza,
don'
tl
eav
e.
Nay
e: Ij
ustwantt
obewi
thmyson,
MyKing.
Nayeaddressi
ngNkosi
as" MyKi
ng"
sai
dital
l.Shehadcomplet
ely
changedintosomethingel
seinj
usta
sl
ightsecond.Nkosiseemedso
fr
ustrat
edashef ol
lowedher.
May
i:Ihat
eseei
ngherl
i
ket
hat
Kamo:Tr
ustme,noonedoes.I
l
it
eral
l
ygetsoscar
edofher
Zandy:Thest
oryisn'
tover,
whoar
e
wemour ni
nghere?Whatdoes
Ndiphi
wehastodowi ththe
Ngcobo's?
Me: Thewomanwhogaveupher
heartforNdi
phi
weisNamhl
a,Phi
la'
s
si
ster.Nowthat
'showt
heNgcobo's
comei n.
Si
ya:
Oh
Therewasanawkwar dsil
enceandI
j
ustfocusedonmyf oodtoo.Onl
ythe
soundofcutl
erywasheard.Paul
a
deci
dedtobreaktheice
Paula:Weareallver
ysorr
yfory
our
l
ossMrandMr sNgcobo.Idohope
thatGodwil
lgi
v eyoustr
engtht
o
mov eonfr
om thistr
agedy.
ShesqueezedBri
anshandandhe
hadafewy ear
sinhi
seyes.
MaNgcobo:Alt
houghNamhlawas
suchaprobl
ematicchi
l
d.Shewas
sti
ll
mydaughterandshedoesn'
t
deserv
etodi
e.
Mr
N:Nopar
entdeser
vest
obur
ythei
r
chi
l
d.
Thosewer etheonlywordsthathe
hadutter
edsi ncewegothereand
theywerethel ast
.Hestoodupand
wentupstair
st ohisr
oom.Phila
foll
owedhim andsodi dBri
an.
Nandi
:Mom wantsittobeasmall
i
nti
matefuner
alanditwil
lhappen
t
omorrow
Me:
Thati
ssosoon
Danny:Ev
ery
thi
nghasbeenar
ranged.
Theydon'
twanttodr
agthi
s.
Siy
a:Shedidn'tdorightbymebut
dearLor
d,forgiveherforal
lhersi
ns
andaccepthersoul
Bee:
Amen
Thiswasmaki ngmeseesomet hing
diff
erentaboutthesepeopl e.Icould
seeitinSiya'
sey esthatshewasn' t
hurtbyherdeathatal l
.Shewasn' t
showinganyemot ionandwhatshe
hadjustsaid,i
twadbl ankand
withoutmeaning.IguessNamhl a
reall
ydiddobadt hi
ngsinherl i
fe.As
forNdiphiwe,t
hat sanotherstorythat
Idonotwi shtoseehowi tunfolds.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

Clar
it
yont heki
dsnamesandwhoi
s
theparent
.
Causemostpeopl
eareconf
usedand
don'
tknowthebabi
esnames
Si
qal
o-Nt
okozo
Kwenzokuhl
e-Nay
e
Emi
hle-
Nay
e
Lut
hando-Bel
i
nda
Thembel
i
hle-
Kamo
Ngcebo-Si
ya(
Quad)
Mnqobi
-Si
ya(
Quad)
Li
sakhany
aSabel
osababakhe-
Nay
e
Khany
akwezwe-Si
ya(
Quad)
Oni
kaLet
hukut
hul
a-Nasi
Kabel
o-Zandy
Danv
erMpendul
o-Nasi
Masande-Si
ya(
Quad)
Si
phosenkosi
-Nay
e
Buhl
ebenkosi
-Nay
e
Mboni
siSi
phet
hoMkhi
ze-Nay
e
Nt
andokazi
-Bee
Thandokazi
-Bee
Lesl
eyJuni
or-Si
ya
Zi
yanda-Sneh
Al
wande-
Phel
o
Si
phesandeandSphel
ele-Bee
JaneandJenna-Danny
sli
tt
lesi
ster
s
Tay
lorSi
phephel
o-Nasi
Langal
ethuHope-Kamo
Ndal
oyenkosi
Shezi
-Ngamso
Sandi
l
e-Nceba
Kgot
soLebone-Zandy
I
nser
t82
Wecamebackf rom LadySmi th
yesterday ,
thefuner al wentonandi t
wasadi gnifi
edfuner al andshewas
l
ai dtorestpeacef ully.Iwashappyt o
seePhi lacry,tomei tshowedt hathe
stil
lhadal itt
lesomet hingforhis
sister
.Hewasj ustf il
ledwi t
hanger
thatwascausedbyheract i
ons.I
don'thav eanyr i
ghtt oj udgethem
sinceIwasnother ewhenev eryt
hing
happenedwi thNamhl a.Iwast ol
dbut
Iwasn' ttheretoexper i
encethe
i
nt ensit
yofi tandt omet hatmade
mef eelIhadnor ighttojudge.The
ki
dswer et akent oCapeTownata
saf ehousewi ththeirgrandmother'
s.
I'
m notsur ewhybutPhi lasaidi
tis
necessar yt hattheygot hereandthey
willbehomeschool ed.Wewer eall
j
ustget tingt hefeelingthatthi
ngsare
aboutt ogetr oughandwehadt o
makesur et hattheki dsareatasafe
place.Idi dmymor ningrout
ineand
wentdownst airs
Me:
Danny
!!Wher
ear
eyou?
Danny
:Thegy
m
Iwentt
othegy
mroom andhe
l
ookedsosex
y
Me:Whatabeaut
if
ulsexysi
ghtt
o
seeear
lyi
nthemorni
ng
Danny
: Wel
lI'
m gl
ady
ouappr
eci
ate
whatyousee.
Wekissedandhewenttoshower
whil
eImadebr eakf
astf
orhi
m.I
di
shedupf orhi
m whenhecame
downstai
rs
Danny
:You'
renoteat
ing?
Me:
I'
ll
hav
efr
uit
sal
ad
HenoddedandImademy sel
f
fr
uit
saladandate.Myphonerang
anditwasSiboniso
Me:
DrBut
ter
wor
th
Si
boniso:
You'
reneeded,
thi
swoman
whoonlywant
syout omoni
torheri
s
awakeandsheneedsacheckup.
Pl
usthewomanwhocamewi t
hher
wantstoseey
ouwhensheget sher
e
Me:Thesepeopleseem t
obevery
demanding.I
'
llbet
herein30mi
ns
Hedroppedt
hecal
landDannywas
l
ooki
ngatme.
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Danny
:Whyi
shecal
l
ingy
ou?
Me:
It'
swor
krel
ated
Danny
:Whycan'
ti
tbeVenescal
l
ing
nothi
m?Ort
heot
herr
ecept
ioni
st,
JJ?
Me: BecauseIwor kclosel
ywuththe
Siboni
so.Pl usNdiphiweistheone
whodemandedt hatIbetheonethat
shouldbet akingcareofher.
Danny:
Weneedt oseeher,
she
needstobequest
ioned.
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkshe'll
speaki
fshe
seesyouguys,especi
all
yNay
eand
Nkosi
Danny:You'
ll
findaway ,Nayewil
l
wanttoseeherwhethershel i
kesit
ornot.Ndi
phiweisn'
tgoingtoget
Kwenzokuhl
e, Nayewon'thesi
tat
eto
ki
llheri
fshecausestrouble.
Me:
I'
mleav
ingnow
Danny
:It
'sl
ikeyou'
rerunni
ngaway
fr
om t
hisconver
sati
on
Me:Iam,Ijusthav
eabadfeel
i
ng
aboutal
lofthi
s.Ther
earet
oomany
missi
ngpieces.Whenar
eyouleav
ing?
Danny
:Wher
eto?
Me:
Anot
hermi
ssi
onDanny
Danny:Wheny ou'
re3mont hs
pregnant
,Iwanttobeher eonthe
earl
ystageofyourpregnancy.
Me:
Oh
Danny
:Youseem i
rr
it
ated
Me:
You'
rei
rr
it
ati
ngme
Danny
:Whatdi
dIdonow?
Me:Will
youdr
ivemetowor
korI
shoul
ddoitmysel
f?
Danny
:I'
l
ldr
opy
ouof
fthengot
oHQ
Me:
Fine
Hetwist
edhisey
esatmeandj
ust
seei
nghisf
acemademewantto
vomit
.
Danny
:IwonderwhatIdi
dtoy
ou
Me:Whyarey
ousmi l
i
ng?You
showedy
ourugl
yface
Danny:Thi
swil
lbeaver
ylong
pr
egnancy.I
t'
staki
ngat
ollonme
al
ready
Me:
Ifyouknewwhatacondom was,
wewouldntbeher
e
Danny
:Acondom i
sasi
nbaby
gir
l.
Hewassoseri
ousIendedup
l
aughi
ngathi
m
Me:Ar
ghDanny,you'
rej
ust
somet
hingel
se.
HedroppedmeoffatworkandI
wenttoputmybagsint
heoffi
ce
Venes:
Wantsomecof
fee?
Me:
Yespl
ease
Venes:Yourbr
othermadean
appoi
ntment
Me:
Whi
chone?
Venes:
Ntsi
kel
eloNy
athi
Me:
Ohwow,
he'
sbacki
ntown.
Venes:
Ithi
nkt
hat
'shi
scarpar
king
ther
e
Irushedoutsi
deandhesmi l
edwhen
hesawmer unningt owar
dshim.He
l
ooksl i
keNkonzobuthedoesn' thave
thesameper sonalit
yashim norhi
s
mot herandsist
er.Ihavesomany
sibl
ingsyetIdon'tspendenough
ti
mewi t
hthem
Me:
Heyl
i
ttl
ebr
other
!!
Ntsi
kel
elo:
Bigsi
s,howar
eyou?You
l
ookbeauti
ful
Me:
Thanky
ouv
erymuch,
youdon'
t
l
ookt
oobady
our
sel
f
Nt
sikel
elo:
It'
sbeenawhi
l
e
Me:
It'
sbeent
ool
ong
Wewentt
omyof
fi
ceandhadcof
fee
Me:Ayboh!IforgotIshoul
dn'
tbe
havi
ngcoffee,butonewon'thur
t
ri
ght
?
Nt
sikel
elo:
You'
repr
egnant
?
Me:
Yes
Nt
sikel
elo:Congr
atul
ati
onssweet
ie,
dr
inkaglassofwateraft
erwar
ds
Me:Wi
l
ldo,
sowhat
sgoi
ngoni
nyour
l
if
e?
Nt
sikel
elo:
Not
hingmuch,
just
graduat
edandIwasbombedt
hat
youweren'
tther
e
Me:Youknowyourmot
her
,shedi
dn'
t
wantmether
e
Ntsi
kel
elo:Iknow,she'
sjustsoev i
l
.
Sheir
ri
tatesme.Butotherthanthatit
wasawesome.Si sNasi,I
'mlooking
foraj
ob
Me:
Ohokay
,sowhatcanIdof
ory
ou?
Nt
sikel
elo:Youf
orgett
haty
ouown
Ny
athiMi ni
ng
Me:Oh!Ir
eall
yforget,
wellyou
shoul
dn'
tworr
y.Itwasy ourfather
's
companytooandy ou'
llworkthere
butwehavetodot hi
ngsbyt hebook
Ntsi
kel
elo:
Thankyouver
ymuch,
I'
ll
emailmyCVtotheheadofHR
Me:
DosoandI
'
llt
alkt
oher
.
Nt
sikel
elo:
Thanky
ouv
erymuchsi
s
Venes:
Youneedt
odoy
ourr
ounds
Nasi
Me:
Boy
,Ineedt
ogett
owor
k
Ntsi
kel
elo:I'
m sool
dfory out
ocal
l
meboy,I'l
lseeyounextweekandI
'l
l
comewithCebo.Wemi ssyou
Me:
I'
ll
visi
tyousoon.
Nt
sikel
elo:
Doy
oupr
omi
se?
Me:YesIdo,asl
ongasMaCebisi
l
e
ai
n'
tther
e.Sendmygreet
ingst
o
MaZet
hu,
I'
ll
cal
lhert
hisaf
ter
noon.
Nt
sikel
elo:
Wil
ldo
WehuggedandIwalkedhi
mt ohi
s
car
.Iwentt
oNdiphi
we'sward.
Me:
Goodmor
ning
Ndi
phi
we:
Hi
Me:
Situppl
ease
Idi
dcheckupsonherandshewas
wel
l.
Me:You'r
erespondi
ngwelltothe
hear
tandthatisaverygoodthing.
You'
llbeoutofher
esoon.
Ndi
phi
we:AndIwi
llf
etchmysonand
gosomewher
efar
Me:
Arey
out
hatst
upi
d?
Ndi
phi
we:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Me:YouknowNkosi nathiv
erywell
j
udgingfrom whatI'
vehear
dand
whatI'
veseenbyknowi nghimfor
t
hesey ears.Doyouhonest
lythi
nkhe
wi
llgiv
ey ouKwenzokuhle?
Ndi
phiwe:Hewi
ll
,hehasnochoi
ce,
I
am Kwenz
o'smother
Me:That
'swher
eyou'
remi
staken,
Nay
eisKwenzokuhl
e'
smother.
Ndi
phi
we:
Igav
ebi
rt
htohi
m!
Me:Noneedt oshout
,it
'snotgood
fory
ourheart
.Pluswe'
rehavinga
conver
sat
ionli
keadul
ts
Ndi
phi
we:
I'
m sor
ry
Me:Yesy ougav ebir
thtohim but
you'
venev erbeenamot hertohim.
Givi
ngbir
tht ohim doesntr
eall
y
countr
ightnow.
Ndi
phi
we:
Ineedy
out
ohel
pme
Me:Icanonl
yhelpyouifyout
ell
me
t
hewholestor
y,whatbri
ngsyouand
NamhlaNgcobotoget
her?
Ndi
phi
we:
Icannott
ell
your
ightnow
Me:
ThanI
'
m af
rai
dIcannothel
pyou.
Ndi
phi
we:
CanIt
rusty
ou?
Me:
CanIt
rusty
ou?
Ndi
phi
we:
You'
rei
mpossi
ble.Namhl
a
andImetatt heCol umbi anDr ug
Force.Wel lamancal ledDuo
approachedmeandt oldmet hathe
hasaj obf orme, Iwasi nneedoft he
j
obandIt ookit.Litt
ledi dIknowt hat
hejustwant edtohav esomet hing
againstNkosi ,whathedi dn'tknowi s
thatNkosi doesn'tgiveashi tabout
me.Sowhenhedi scov eredt hat ,I
hadt ogowor kandt ranspor tdr ugs
todifferentcount ri
es.That '
swhenI
metNamhl abecausewedi dt he
samej ob.Shet oldmeal ot
,shet old
mewhatshedi dandhowev er yone
thoughtshewasi nj ai
l.Duohel ped
herescape, sheonl yst ayedt her efor
j
ustoney ear.Thingsgott oughthere
sotoughwewant edtorunawaybut
wecouldn't,
theonl ywayouti sdeath.
SowhenDuowaski ll
ed,wesawt hat
asanoppor tunit
yt orunaway ,but
Tropezwifethoughtot herwiseand
bombedus.Shei st heonewho
broughtusher e,sheiscomi ngto
avengeallofyou.I fyoudon'tgetme
outnow, we'
reall i
nt r
ouble.
Me:
Whoi
sshe?
Ndi
phi
we:
Icannott
ell
you
Me:Iwi
ll
call
theother
sandt
heywi
l
l
beabl
etohel
py ou.
Ndi
phi
we:
No!
Me:WeNdiphi
we,don'
ti
rr
it
ateme
pl
ease.Doyouwanthel
pornot?
Ndi
phi
we:
Ido
Me:
Now?
Ndi
phi
we:
Sor
ry
IcalledDannyandt oldt
hem t
ocome.
Appar entl
ytheywerealr
eadyonthe
way .Theygother eandNayewasthe
fi
rstt ocomei n.
Nay
e:Wemeetagai
nNdi
phi
we
Ndiphi
wedidn'
tsayanyt
hing.Inal
l
honestyIwasscar
edforher.The
l
ookNay egaveherwasjusttoo
creepy
Nkosi
:Tal
k!Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Me:Youhavetocalm down,
she
doesn'
tneedst
ress.
Jabu:
Sometimes,youdon'tneedto
beadoctori
nsuchsituat
ions.Evenif
thi
shear
tfai
lsher
,itwoul
dbeokay .
Me:
Jabul
ani
Jabu:
What
?I'
mjustsay
ing
Ndi
phi
wetol
dthem ev
ery
thi
ngshe
t
oldme.
Naye:Youdoknowthatwecanhelp
youescapebutyouwi
llnotgetmy
son
Ndi
phi
we:
Hei
smyson!
Nay e:Ohr eally
?Sodearmot her,
wher ehav ey oubeenfort hepast
yearswher eIhav ebeenr aisi
ng
Kwenzo?Whatdoy ouev enknow
aboutbei ngamot hertohim?What
sizedoeshewear ?Howol di
she!
Whatschool doesheattend?Whati s
hisfavour i
tecolour,f
ood, songand
acti
v i
ty?Youdon' tknowany t
hing
abouthi m andy ouwontknow
anything.Youhadachancei nhisli
fe
andy our uinedit!
!Youbast ard
NayeslappedherandNkosihel
dher
back.Shewasscreamingand
shouti
ngtell
i
nghershewil
lkil
lheri
f
shetri
estotakehersonaway.
Lucas:Hey!Cal
m down!Wear eata
hospit
alforPet
e'ssake!Tonei
tdown
Me:
Thanky
ouLucas
Itwasbett
erthattherestofthegir
ls
weren'
there.Wewoul dbehav i
ngtoo
muchnoise.OnlySneh,Siya,
Nay e
andBeewer ehere.Venesrunningi
n
Venes:Youhav
eavi
sit
orMs
Ndiphi
weandshewant
stoseey
our
Doctor
Me:
Sendheri
n
Venes:
Arey
ousur
e?
Me:
Whyar
eyousof
reakedout
?
Venes:
I..
.I.
.am not
..
.fr
eakedout
.
Voi
ce:Youseem t
obet
aki
ngy
our
ownti
mey oungl
ady
Thev oicehadaanaccentandshe
j
ustwal kedin.Icl
osedmyey esand
breathedinandout.Itcan'
tbe,i
tis
her.She's.
..She'
shere
Danny
:Zi
yanda?
Shel
ookedaroundanditseemedas
i
fshedi
dn'tknowanyonehere
Zee:Whoi
sDrNy
athi
?Ineedt
o
speakt
oher
Me:
Thatwoul
dbeme
Zee:DrNyathi
,i
t'
sapleasur
etomeet
you.I'
m Camil
l
aTropez,Ndi
phi
we'
s
fr
iend.
Me:
MsTr
opez,
uhm doy
ou.
..
.
Zee:Nottober
udebuti
t'
sMr
s
Tropez,
notMs
Danny
:Zi
yanda!
Snehwasinshock,wewereall
in
shock.Wewerejustt
ryi
ngtodi
gest
ever
ythi
ngthatwashappeni
ngin
fr
ontofus.
Me:
Ican'
tbr
eat
hepr
oper
ly
Danny
:Nasiphi
!Nasiphi
,babybr
eat
h
i
nandout.Nasiphi
!Nasiphi
!
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
off
ri
ends
#LBAR

I
nser
t83
IopenedmyeyeswhenIf
eltacol
d
substanceonmybody
Me:
WTF!
!
Danny
:Baby
,babyy
ou'
reokay
Zee:OhStopbei
ngsodr
amat
icnow
Tri
ston!
Danny
:Ohsoy
ouknowmenow?
Zee:
OfcauseIknowy
ou,
Thor
.
Me:
SoIwasn'
tdr
eami
ng?She'
s
r
eal
l
yal
iv
e
Sneh:
Iwi
shi
twasadr
eam.
Zee:Coul
dy oujustst
andupand
di
schargeher?
Me:She'
snotreadytobedi
schar
ged
yet
.Iwil
ldi
schargeheri
naweek
Zee:
Aweek!
!OhmyGod
Heraccentwassouniqueandshe
wastotal
lydi
ff
erentf
rom t
hepictur
es
I'
veseen,f
rom t
hestori
esI'
veheard
aboutherandhowherpersonal
it
y
wasdescr ibed.She,shewasj ust
somet hingel se.Thi
sisisn'thowI
i
magi nedhert obe,evenifIwas
givenachancet omeetheragai n,
I
woul dnev erinmywi ldestdream
thinkt hatIwi llmeetsomeonel ike
this.IlookedatDannyashewas
staringathi swife.Hewasl ost,he
wasconf usedmostofal lhewashurt
.
Nkosi
:Zi
yanda
Zee:
Iam Cami
l
laTr
opez.
Nkosi
:Cami
l
la,
wher
edoy
oucome
f
rom?
Zee:
Whatdoy
oumeanwheredoI
comefr
om?Fr
om Col
umbi
a
obv
iousl
y
Si
ya:
Ithi
nkweshoul
dleav
e
Zee:
Yesy
oushoul
d.
Mpho:Wearenotleav
ingher
eti
l
lwe
getanexpl
anat
ion!
Me:
Letusl
eav
e,pl
ease.
Il
ookedatSi
ya,Iknewshehadapl
an.
Ij
usthadtot
rusther.
Me: Youshouldalll
eav
e, Ihaveto
gi
vemypat ienthermedication,
Venes,cal
lNurseJudyf ormewi th
Ndiphiwe'
smedi ci
neplease.
Venes:
YesDrNy
athi
Theyal
ll
eftbesi
desZee,
inal
l
honest
yIwassoaf r
aidofbeingin
thesameroom asher.Bei
nginthe
sameroom wit
haghost !Okay,
sheis
notaghost.What
eversheis.
Me:Pleasesi
tup,Ineedtoconnect
youtothedri
p.You'
lll
aydownonce
we'r
edone
Shenoddedandshewasi
nfear
.
Zee:Sowhatar
eyougoi
ngtodowith
thi
smessedupface?Mycl
i
entscan'
t
seeherl
iket
hat
Me:Thebur
nswereint
ense,she
mi
ghtbeli
kethi
sforherent
irel
i
fe.
Zee:
Per
for
m apl
ast
icsur
ger
yonher
Me:
Thati
snotmyf
iel
dbuti
fshe
agreestoitIcanappoi
ntadoctorto
assisthert
omor r
ow.Andseeifshe'
s
readyforone
Zee:
Howl
ongwi
l
ltheyt
aket
oheal
?
Me:
Acoupl
eofday
s
Zee:Whatar
ey ouupt
oPearl!
?You
seem t
obedelayi
ngever
ythi
ng
Me:
Soy
oudoknowme?
Zee:
Trustme,
Iknowal
lmyenemi
es
Me: Idi
dn'tknowwe'
reenemi
esbut
I
'm gladyouinfor
medme.
Zee:
Don'
tactsmar
twi
thme
Me:
You'
rewaymoresmar
tert
hanI
am,
Iwoul
dn'
tdar
edothat
.Tel
lme
somet
hing,di
dyoupl
anal
lthi
s?Di
d
youev
erreall
ydi
e?
Zee:Idon'
tknowwhaty
ou'
ret
alki
ng
about.
Me:
I'
m notdumb!
Zee:
I'
m notdumbeither
,Ihat
ethat
wecomef r
om thesamev i
rgi
na
Me:Youseem t
obewelli
nfor
medf or
someonewhopret
endednottoknow
anyofus
Zee:I
t'
salwaysgoodtofakealit
tle
dramajustl
i
kethatst
unty oupul
led,
youreal
lydi
dn'
tfai
ntdidyou?You
j
ustwantedtheatt
enti
on
Me:
You'
resi
ck
Zee:
Iam notsi
ck!
!!
Shescr
eamedandIwascer
tai
nthat
shei
ssick
Ndi
phi
we:
Don'
tupsether
Me:Pleasel
eav
eMr sTr
opez,
you'
re
st
ressi
ngmypatient
.
Zee:Iwi
ll
bebackt
omorrow,
Idon't
knowwhyshewantedt
obetreat
ed
byyou!
Me:I
'mthebestatwhatIdo,
that
's
why
.Leave
ShestormedoutandIwai tedfor
about30mins.Venescamei nwitha
bagandItossedt hetr
acksuitt
hat
wasinsi
detoNdi phiwe
Ndi
phi
we:
Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Me:You'
rel
eavi
ngwi
thme.Venes,
gety
ourcarr
eady
Venes:
Yesmam!
Me:
Youbet
terhur
ryup
Shegotdr essedandIsi gnedher
dischargepaper sf orgingZee's
si
gnat ure.Perksofhav ingthesame
handwr i
ting.Ihadt osi gnthe
dischargepaper s,asmuchasI 'mthe
owneroft hehospi tal,
shecanl ay
chargesagai nstmeandhav eme
arrest
ed.Nott hatitwoul dactuall
y
happenbuthey ,I
'
mj ustsaying.We
gotoutandVenesdr ov etoHQ
Siy
a:Tooky
oulongenough,
Iknew
you'
dgetme.
Nay
e:You'
resof
ull
oft
ri
cks
Me:
Didy
out
ell
theot
herl
adi
es?
Si
ya:Ever
yonehasbeenbr
ief
ed
al
ready
Me:
How'
sSneht
aki
ngi
t?
Si
ya:
Ver
yhar
d
Danny:Comesi tandexplain
everyt
hingNdiphi
we, donotleav
eout
asingledetai
lbecauseifyoudo,your
l
if
ei satstake.
Ndi
phi
we:
Wat
erpl
ease
Sbahl
epassedherabot
tl
eofwat
er
andshedrankit
.Shethencl
osedher
eyesandstar
tedspeaki
ng.
Ndiphiwe: Idi dn' tknowy oual ot,I
didn'
tspendenought imewi thall of
youtobeabl et oknowwhatki ndof
personalit
iesy ouhadbutIwasv ery
surethatt heZi y andayoual lknew
wasn'ttheZi y andaorshal lIsay
Cami l
lathatweknewi nCol umbi a.
WhenIgott her eIwasshockedt o
seeher ,Iknewt hatshewasdeadbut
atthattimei tseemedasi fshewas
ment al
lydi st urbedandt ort
ured.I
wassoconf usedandwhenImet
Namhl ashet oldmeev ery
thingshe
knew.Shet oldmet hatshehad
helpedi nt hepl anni ngofZi yanda's
fakedeat h.Ziy andaknewnot hing
abouti tthen, theyknewt hatwi thout
Ziyanda, y ourfor cei snothing.They
want edi ttobeacaracci dentand
thenst eal herbodyt herebutNamhl a
didn'
tagr eet oi t
.Shesai ditwoul dbe
somet hi
ngy ou'ddi gdi pin.Thatt hey
neededt odosomet hingt hatwill
showt hatshedi edofanat uralcause.
Soshecameupwi ththepl anandi t
wasasuccess.I ttookt hem about
2year stodoev er y
thingandpl an
everythingcar efully
Danny
: Whydidn'
ttheydoitwhenshe
waspregnantwit
hDanv er
?
Ndi phi
we: Shesai dt hatherf i
rst
pregnancywasnotascompl i
cated
andi ntenseast heywant edittobe,
theyneededt or eallypul l
thisof f
,
theyhadt owai tandhopet hatshe
woul dbepr egnantagai nandi ndeed
shedi dgetpr egnant .Thabo, hewas
aroundy ou,hewasapar tofy ouso
thatwor kedi nt hei rfavour,heusedt o
giveZandi ledr inkingsubst ances
whet heritwaswat er,teaorwhat ever
thatisliquid,nowt hatiswhatcaused
thecompl icationsshehadont he
pregnancyandt hepoi sont here
affectedherandt hechi l
dbutcoul dnt
bei dentifi
edift est edf orany t
hings
causingthecompl i
cati
ons.So
knowingy ou, t
heyknewt hatNay e
wouldbedel i
veringZee' sbaby ,and
sheneededassi stance, theroom
nextdoort otheoneshewasgi v i
ng
bir
thinwast her oom wher eNamhl a
andhert eam was.Thedoct orthat
wasassi sti
ngNay eandanot her
nursewhowast her etoowaspar tof
Namhl a'
st eam.I twasexpect edthat
shewoul dhav ecompl icati
onswhi le
giv
ingbirthsoi twor kedt otheir
advantage, t
hei njecti
onshewas
i
njectedwi thdidn'tkil
lherbuti tmade
herunconsci ous.WhenNay ewentt o
deli
verthebadnewsofherpassi ng,
thatswhent hebodi eswer e
exchanged.MostofMuzi '
schildren,
whi chIsupposei sy ourfather,are
i
dent icalinav er
ycr eepyway .
MaZet hu,shegav ebi rt
ht oababygi r
l
whi chwascl aimeddead, thatwas
beforesheev enmar ri
edMuzi ,t
hat
babygi r
lwasnotdeadandt hatgi r
l
wast hesameageasZi yanda.Duo' s
father,hehadbeenenemi eswi th
Muzi agesago!Bef orewewer eev en
born, heistheonewhost olethechi l
d
andr aisedher ,t
rainingherandhe, he
wasv eryfondoft hechi ldbecause
shet urnedt obeexact l
yhowhe
want edhert obe, henamedher
Cami ll
a.Duowasn' thappyabouthi s
fatherlovi
ngachi l
dt hatwasnothi s
mor ethanhi m.Heki lledhi sown
fatherandst art
edusi ngCami l
l
aasa
tool.Whent heyneededsomeone
whol ookedl i
keZee, het ookthe
oppor t
unityandt heyki l
ledherand
exchangedbodi es.Youwer esad, you
wer eheartbrokenandy oudi dn't
noticethatCami l
l
awasasi ze32
whi l
eZeewasasi ze34.Shewas
sli
mert hanher ,butwhowoul dpay
attenti
ont othatatsuchat ragic
moment ,youdidbur ysomeone, but
youbur iedthewr ongbody .You
buriedCami ll
anotZi y anda.Att hat
ti
meZi yandawasbei ngmov edal lthe
wayt oCol umbi a.Namhl a'
spl anshad
wor kedandshewasgr eat l
y
rewar dedf orev eryt
hingshehaddone.
Duo, Lapita, Tr opezwer ev eryhappy
withherandt hat'
swhent heyst art
ed
druggi ngZi yanda.Theyhav ehar d
drugsandt heyhav everyv erygood
doct orsandsci ent
istswhohav e
beenwor kingonZi yandaf ory ears,it
tookher3y ear stobef i
nallywhat
theywant edhert obe.Shedi dn' t
forgetabouty oual lbutsheknows
thatshehasnochi l
dwi t
hy ou, allt
he
i
nfor mat i
ont hatshewaswor kingon,
every t
hingi nv olvi
ngherf ami lyand
fi
ndi ngy ouNasi phi,shespokeabout
thatandt heymanagedt otwistthe
i
nf ormat i
onal ot.Shewast urned
againsty ouandshei sseekingher
revenge.MrTr opezal wayshadasof t
spotf orZee, that swhyhedi dn't
hesitatet omar r
yher .Unfort
unately
shecoul dn'thav ebabi esany mor e
becauseoft hepoi sonshewasf ed.
Shebel ievest hati tisallyourfault
Nay e,thaty oudamagedherwomb.
Shewasf edal otofl iesandt urned
i
ntosomet hingel se.WhenDuo,
TropezandLapi tawer ekill
edandy ou
takingov ert hei rcar t
els,shewas
certainthaty oual lki
lledthem and
she, shei sher etoseekherr evenge.
Shei sv erydangerous,shewon' tstop
untilsheki ll
sNasiphi,Nayeand
Danny .Thosear ethepeopleshei s
l
oat hingbl oodf or.Andshewi l
lkil
l
met oo.It riedtoescape,thatisa
deat hsent enceforme.Namhl a,she
washav ingsomanyr egrets,because
oft hewayshewasnowt reatedand
shef inishedal lhermoneyondr ugs,
shewant edt ocomecl ean,butZee
caughtherandshei stheonewho
threat enedherandt ol
dhert hatshe
willgiv emeherhear tbecauseIwas
startingt ohav eheartfail
ure.That's
howshemanagedt ogetNamhl aout
ofthepi cture.Namhl ahadwr i
tt
en
many ,manyl et
terstell
ingever
ythi
ng.
Buttheywer eburntwhenZeesetup
abombi nourr oom andIwast here.
That'swhyI 'ml i
kethis.Fort
hepast
years,thisisthelif
ewe' vebeenliv
ing.
Andt hatishowZi yandaisCami l
la
Tropez
Me:
Wow
Sneh:
Ihav
enowor
dsatal
l
Me: Thi
slif
e, t
hisli
fet
hatweliveis
notagoodone.Lookathowt hings
haveturnedout ,
lookatt
hemesswe
arealli
n.Ziyandahassuff
ered!The
si
sterwedi dn'
tknowabouthas
suff
eredandendedupbei ngdead.
YoursisterPhi l
a,sheisdead.Can' t
yousee, theonlywayoutoft hisl
ife
i
sdeat h!Whenwi llt
hisallend,when
wil
lwebeatpeace!Wear eaboutt o
beonal i
fethreateningwar ,t
hat
demoni nZi yandaisoutf orblood
andshei sgoi ngtogetitonewayor
another.Trustme, theonlyquestion
i
s,whoi sgoi ngtodi enext!Whois
next
!
Paul
a:Nasi
phi
cal
m downpl
ease
Ngamso:Sheisri
ghtbutrightnow,
sul
ki
ngaboutitwon'thel
p.The
damagehasbeendoneandwehav e
tof
ixthebi
tsandpiecesthatwe
hav
elef
ttof
ix.Cal
lJomo
Bongacal
l
esJomoandhecamei
n.
Ngamso:TakeNdi
phi
webackt
othe
hospi
tal
Us:
What
?
Jabu:Shewi l
lbesafether
e,Zeewil
l
thi
nkthatshehasn'tspokennorhas
shebetray
edherbecauseshei s
afr
aidofdying.
Danny:KJ,t
ight
enupthesecur
it
yin
CapeTown.Asanda,cal
lal
lourbest
agent
s,theyneedt
ocomedownand
workwithus.
Me:
Don'ty
outhi
nkweneedRazor
?
I
'mj
ustsayi
ng
Phi
l
a:Theywi
l
lbecal
l
ed
Ndiphi
we:Zeeisnotworki
ngalone,
sheisworki
ngwiththesonsofthe
meny oukil
l
ed.Becaref
ul
Me:
Wewi
l
landThanky
ouNdi
phi
we
Nkosi
:Yes,
thanky
ou.
Naye:May
beI'
l
lall
owy out
oseea
pi
ctur
eofKwenzokuhl
e
Ndi
phi
we:
Thanky
ou,
thanky
ouv
ery
much
Naye:Don'
tthankmey
et,
Iwi
l
lthi
nk
abouti
t.
Kamo:
Lubah,
organi
seal
lweapons.
L’
yanda:
Wear
enott
aki
ngany
chances,Paul
a,Nasi
,Phel
o,y
ouneed
thefi
nalstageoft
rai
ning.
ZandyNasi
ispr
egnant
,L’
yanda.
Me:
Icanhandl
eit
,IknowIcan.
Danny
:No!
Me: Tri
ston,thi
sinvolvesmeasmuch
asitinvolvesyou.Ineedtoknowhow
toprotectmy sel
finev er
yway
possibl
e.Iwi l
lprot
ectmybabyand
myself.Please,j
usttrustmeDanny
.
Hecameclosetomeandhel
dme.
Wekissedandhel
ookedmeint
he
ey
e.
Danny
:It
rusty
ou
Me:Iwoul
dntbeMr
sThorf
ornot
hing
r
ight
?
Danny
:Yes
Me: Iknowt hi
sishar donyou,she'
s
yourwif eandshe'sbeenthroughal
ot
butwewi l
lgetthroughthi
s.Idon'
t
knowwher ethi
swi ll
putusbutif
possible,wewillsaveherl
ife.
Danny:You'
remywi f
e,nomatter
whathappens,knowthatIl
oveyou
andonlyyou.RememberwhatIused
tosay
?
Me:I'
myour
sDannyMcKenzi
e,Iam
your
s
Danny
:Good.Il
ovey
ouAmahl
e
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooTr
ist
on
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR

I
nser
t84
#Danny
Li
fehasawayofdoi
ngmy
ster
ious
andunexpect edt hings.Wher eIam
ri
ghtnow, mycur rentsituati
oni nli
fe
i
sn'tapl easantone.If eel asitGodi s
puni shingmef oral lofmysi ns.Ifeel
asi fI'
m bei ngpushedi ntoacor ner
andIam suf focating.If eelhurt,
betray ed,upsetandal otofmi xed
emot i
ons, happyi sn'toneoft hem.
Year sagoi fZeewoul d'vecameback
i
nmyl if
eIwoul dbet hril
led,Iwould
besohappybutr i
ghtnow, i
nnot .I
'm
stuckbet weenf eel i
ngst hatwer e
forgettenbutcamebackbyj ust
seeingandhear ingherv oice,feeli
ngs
ofbei ngdeepi nlov ewi thmywi f
e
whoi smyexwi fessi ster.Myl i
feis
socompli
cated.Il
ookedint
oZee' s
eyeswhenwesawher ,she,sheis
damagedandsheneedshel p.Ican'
t
l
etherbeli
kethatandNasifeelsthe
sameway.
Bonga:Iknowit
sastupidquest
ion
thatyoudon'
twannahearbutwhat
willy
oudo?
Me:
Idon'
tknowgent
s
Wewer ehav i
ngbeer satPhil
a's
house.Ineededabr eatherandI
coul
dn'tbeathomewi thNasiphi
,I
coul
dn'tfaceheryet.Shejusthasa
wayofr eadi
ngrightthr
oughmeandI
don'
twantt ohurtheratall.
Danny:WhatIdoknowisthatI
shoul
dhelphergetbacktoher
normalst
ate.I
tmightnotbeeasybut
i
thastobedone
Thaps:Onceshe'
sokay?Whatwi l
l
happen?Surel
yshemightexpectt
o
havetheli
feshehadbefor
eallofthi
s
happened
Me:
True
Mpho:
Soy
ou'
l
lhav
etwowi
ves?
Me:AsmuchasIl
ovethem bot
h,I
wi
ll
nothav
etwowives.
KJ:Ij
ustwanttoknowonet
hingand
onethi
ngonly.
May
i:Ij
ustf
eel
asi
fhewon'
tbeabl
e
t
oansweri
t.
KJ:Whathappensi
fyouneedto
choose,
Imeanwhowi l
lyouchoose?
Me:Idon'thav
eananswertothat
.
Canwej ustst
opt
alki
ngaboutmef or
asecond.
"Danny "ohgod, Iknewt hatvoice
from thebackofmyhead.I twas
Nasi andwewer eallwonder i
nghow
l
onghasshebeenst andingthere.
Sheseemedsodownandsohur t
,I
concludedt hatshehadhear d
ev er
ything.
At
hi:
MaNy
athi
Nasi
:Heyguy
s,j
ustwant
edt
otel
l
Dannynottoleav
emewhenhegoes,
SiyaandIar
ehav i
ngsupperi
nher
room
Me:
Okaybabe,
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Shenoddedandwentbackinsi
dethe
house.Isi
ghedandAt
hichoseto
l
aughatme
Brian:
Reall
y?Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul?I
s
thatal
lyoucoul
dcomeupwith?
KJ:
Wrongmov
eman!
Me:Whateverman,
Ijustneededt
o
saysomethi
ng
Nkosi
:Thi
sisshi
t
Me:
Youcansayt
hatagai
n.
Mpho:
Ifoundt
hehot
elshei
sin
Lubah:
Let
'
sgo
Me:Wecan'tallgo,
it'
sgoi
ngt
obl
ow
ourcover
.Surel
yshehasbody
guardsal
lover.
Nkosi
:Danny
,KJ,At
hiandLucas,
you
al
lgoandwe'l
lst
aybehi
nd.
Me:Letmetel
lNasi
I'
ll
comeback
andfet
chher.
Iwentupst
airst
oSiya'
sroom and
Nasiwassleepi
ngpeacef
ullyasSi
ya
wascoveri
ngherwit
habl anket
.
Siy
a: Shef
ell
asleep,shewaspret
ty
hurtsoshedidn'
tevenpayatt
enti
on
tothemovie.
Me:
I'
ll
comef
etchher
Siy
a:Don'
t,she'
llsl
eepover.Weneed
tocuddl
eandI '
l
lcomf or
ther,Idon'
t
thi
nkyou'
reinapositi
ont odothat.
Me:
WhatdoIdoSi
yamt
handa?
Siy
ahuggedmeandwhi
sper
edi
nmy
ear
Si
ya:Dotheri
ghtt
hingDanny
,dot
he
ri
ghtt
hing.
Me:
Whati
sther
ightt
hing?
Si
ya:
Onl
yyouwi
l
lknow.
Isi
ghedandkissedNasi
event
hough
shewasfastasleep.
Me:
Ilov
eyou
Sheopenedhereyesandsmi l
edat
me.Thenclosedhereyesagai
nand
sl
ept
.
Me:Issheevensleepi
nginagood
posi
ti
on?Isn'
tshesquashi
ngthe
baby
?
Siya:
(l
aughs)Noshei sn'
t.Nowgo,
I'
ll
takecareofher.Tel
lPhil
ahemust
useanotherroom.
Iwentdownst
air
sandt
oldPhi
l
a
Phi
l
a:Hahwhynow?
Me:
Mywi
fei
nvaded
Wet ookof
fgoi
ngtot
hehot
elthat
Zeewasusingwhi
l
eonthephone
wit
hMpho.
Me:
Howdoest
hisdr
ugwor
k?
Athi
:Itwilldi
ssolveinwater,i
twon' t
bevisibl
eatall.Shejustneedst o
dri
nkthewat erandi twil
lbeinher
syst
em.Themol ecul
esinthispil
l,wil
l
tr
avelinherbr ainandrefr
esh
memor i
esofthepastt oher.Itwil
l
getri
doft hedr ugsshe'sbeenfed
anditwi l
lcauseabi tofdamage
Me:Athenkosi
,she'
ssuff
eredenough.
I
sn'
tthereanotherway
?
Athi:
Letmef i
nish,i
twi
llcausealot
ofconfusi
ontoherbutifshetakes
painkil
l
ersandsleeps,
thenwala!It
wil
lnotcausemuchdamage.Don' t
beshocked,
shemi
ghtseem abi
t
cr
azy.
Lucas: Seemsasi ft her
e' snoeasy
wayt odot his.Shehasonewoman
workingf orheratthehot elandsheis
therenow, shei st
heonl yonewho
bri
ngsherf ood,water,towel sand
everythingsheneeds.Hernamei s
Goodnessandshehast wosons, one
i
sdi sabled,he'snamei sMt hobisi
andgoest oaspeci alschool .The
otheronei sMonwabi si
, andhei s
normal andst i
llst
ay sathome
KJ:Idon'
tli
ket
hisbutwe'
l
lhav
eto
thr
eatenherwi
thherki
ds.
Welookedatherpi
cturesandshe
woul
dbeeasyt ospot.
Mpho:"Okay,
itssaf
eforyoutoget
i
n,she'
stheonl
yoneont hehel
pers
desk.
"
I
twasnott hefancyhotel
swe'r
eused
to.Iguessshedi dn'
twanttobl
ow
hercov er.Peopleknowherand
peoplet hi
nkshewasdead, wel
lthat
's
i
ft heycant ell
herapartfr
om Nasi.I
mean, whowoul dntknowher?She
wasmar riedtome, okayl
etmenot
blowmyownhor n.
Welookedf
orabasementwi
thAt
hi
whi
l
eKJandLucasworkedon
gett
ingGoodnessdowntothe
basement.Thecamera'
shadbeen
shutdownbyMphosot heywouldn'
t
beabletoseeus.Theycamedown
wit
hherandsheseemedt err
if
ied
Goodness:
Idon'thav
eanymoney
,
pl
easedon'thar
m me.
Me:Thiswil
lbequickandeasy
Goodness,
youjustneedtoli
sten
Goodness:
Iknowy
ou
Me:
Youknowme?
Goodness:No,notyou, hi
m.Wewent
tohighschoolt
ogether.Uhm
AthenkosiBut
helezi
right?
At
hi:
Idon'
tremembery
ou,
buti
t'
s
muchbetternow.You'l
ldoyourhigh
school
mat eafavourandsinceyou
don'
thaveanymoney ,you'
l
learnso
muchinretur
n.
Lucas:
Nowy oudon'
ttel
lany
one
aboutt
hisoryou'
l
lhav
etobury
Mthobi
si
Goodness:
No,no,
mychi
l
d!Howdo
youknowabouthi
m?
KJ:Thatdoesn'
tmatter
,ify
oucr
oss
usbothMthobisiandMonwabi
siwi
l
l
bedead,am Icl
ear?
Shenoddedasshewascryi
ng.Thi
s
wasn'
tanyfunatal
l
.Itwassad
act
ual
ly.
Athi
:Weneedy outoputt
hesepi l
ls
toni
ghtandtomorr
owmor ni
ngi nMr s
Camill
aTropez'
swater
.Thatsimple!
You'
llhav
etoputthi
ssmallcamer a
onsowecanseet hatyouactuall
ydo
thej
obandl eav
ethecamerathere
Goodness:
Howwi
l
lIdot
hat
?
KJ:Putitonhertowel
sorsomet hi
ng.
Justmakesur ei
t'
sthere.When
you'r
edone,comet otheJeept
hat'
s
parkedoutsi
de.
Shenoddedandtookthepi
ll
s.She
putthecamer
anexttoherbadge.We
rushedbackt
othecarandcontact
ed
Mpho
Me:
Isi
tcl
ear
?
Mpho:YesI
'm connect
ingt
hesy
stem
t
oyourgadget
.
Itwasconnect
edandwecoul
dsee
andhearevery
thi
ng.
At
hi:
Goodnessispr
ayi
ng,
ohwe'
re
maki
ngthepoorwomansin.
Lucas:
Thisf
eel
ssobadbuti
thast
o
bedone.
Shethenpouredthepil
l
sinthewater
andwaitedf
orawhi l
e.Shetookf
resh
fl
owersandputthem i
nav ase
Me:
May
beshe'
l
lputt
hecamer
a
t
her
e
ShethenwenttoZee'
sroom and
ent
ered.Zeewaswalki
ngaround
wit
honlyathongandbraon.
Lucas:
Fuck!
Il
ookedathi
m andt
heyl
aughed.
Theseper
vs!
!
Me:That
'smywi
feyou'
redr
ool
ing
ov
er.Wowshehasatat
toonow.
Itwasatattooal
loverherbackofan
eaglehol
dingasnakeinitsmout h.
ShewassosexyIf eltmysel
ff eel
ing
thi
ngsofthepast.ButIwasn'tgoing
tolett
hatgettome.
KJ:
Canshegetdr
essedal
ready
?
Me:
Shewon'
t.Shel
ovesst
ayi
ng
naked.
At
hi:
Yesshedr
ankt
hewhol
ebot
tl
e
"
Goodness:
You'
ret
hatt
hir
sty
"
"
Zee:
YesIam,
plusIl
ovewat
er.
"
Shetookt
hesecondbot
tl
eanddr
ank
i
tall
.
At
hi:
She'
sgoi
ngt
opassout
.
Me:
Over
dosi
nghasnoef
fect
?
At
hi:
Ithi
nkso
Me:Whatdoyoumeany
out
hinkso?
Youshoul
dknow!
Athi
:Hey!Don'
tbit
emyheadof
f,i
t'
s
thef
irstt
imeI'
m usi
ngi
t.
Me:
Wher
edi
dyouev
engett
his?
Athi:
Idon'
tspendhour
sinmyl
abf
or
nothi
ng.
Athihasal way sbeenj ustt ooserious
aboutmedi cineandsci ence.I
rememberi nVar sit
yheusedt o
spendday si ntheschool labcomi ng
upwi thstuffhenev erevenused.I n
hisbasement ,hehassomany
medical substancesandev ery
thing
thathehascr eated.WhatIenj oy
ed
washi m maki ngdr ugst hatwould
makeussohi ghf orday s!
!Nowt hat
wast heawesomepar t
.
Lucas:
Okay
,she'
sout
.
Shewassl
eepi
ngont
hebedand
Goodnesscov
eredher.Sheputt
he
cameraonsomeflower.
KJ:Ohwowshehadanar tif
ici
al
fl
owerthere,
Iwasst
art
ingtowonder
whatwill
happenwhenthosefresh
fl
owersdie.
Me:
Let
'sgo.
Lucasdr
oveof
fandwentbackt
o
Phil
a'
s.
Bonga:
We'
rel
eav
ingnow
Lucas:Whydi
dn'
tyoutel
lussowe
wouldntev
enbot
hercomingher
e?
Me:
Sav
ingust
imeandpet
rol
Lubah:
Youhav
ebi
l
li
onsi
nyourbank
accountDanny,
youcan'
tbewor
ri
ed
aboutpetr
ol.
Wet alkedf
orawhi
l
eandwentour
separateways.
#NEXTMORNI
NG
#Nasi
phi
Iwokeupfeel
i
nghisl
ipsonmyl
i
ps.I
openedmyeyesandsmil
ed
Danny
:Goodmor
ning
Me:
Mov
e!
Ir
antothebat
hroom andvomited.
Ar
ghIhatemorningsi
ckness!I
tisthe
worst
.
Danny
:OkaysoIguessi
t'
snota
goodmor
ning.
Wewentt ot
heroom weusewhen
we'rehereandItookashowerand
gotdressedinatracksui
tthathe
broughtforme.
Danny:
I'
m sorr
yaboutwhaty
ou
hear
dyester
day.
Me:
It'
sokay
,youwer
ebei
nghonest
.
Danny
:Nasi
phi
Me:Youdon' thavetoexplai
nDanny ,I
knowy ouloveyourwife.Whent hi
sis
al
lover,youcangobackt oherand
haveahappyf amily
.I'
llseewhatI'
ll
dowithmy selfandyou'l
lseeyour
ki
dswheny ouwantto.Fornow, I'
l
lbe
stay
ingher
esoy
oucancl
eary
our
head.
Danny:Idon'
twanttoclearmyhead
andIdon'twantyoutostayher
e.
You'
ll
comehome, ourhomeNasiphi
.
Idon'
twanttolooseyou.
Me:
Youst
il
ll
oveher
Danny
:Idon'
tl
oveherl
i
keIl
ovey
ou
Me: You'r
ejustconf used.Youknow
whatmakesmef eel sostupi
d,was
thatIactual
lybel
iev edthatyouwere
overherandy oulov eme.ThatIwas
notar epl
acement ,butI'
mt hankful
forherretur
n,itr
eveal edthetr
uth.
Danny
:You'
renotherr
epl
acement
!I
l
ovey
ou!
Me:Andy oulovehert oo,I'
m sorr
y
DannybutIcan'tshar eyou.Iwantto
betheonlyonei ny ourhear
tandI '
m
defi
nit
elysurethatitiswhatshewi l
l
wantto.Wej ustneedt osett
lethi
s,
hel
pherr ecoverandwe' l
lseewhat
happensf r
om there.
Danny:
IknowIhav
etochoosebutI
don'
twantto.
Me: Youdon'thavet o,I'
l
lbackof f.Al
l
yourliv
eswer eperfectbef oreIwas
i
nt hepictur
eandi twi l
lbel i
kethat
again.I'
m happyfory ouDanny ,I
reall
yam.Danv erandOni kawill
f
inal
l
yhavethei
rmotherbackand
y
ou'l
lbehappy,
you'
l
lsee.
Danny
:Don'
tspeakl
i
ket
hatNasi
phi
Ikissedhischeekandwent
downst air
s.Iwassav i
ngmy selft
he
heartbreak.Iknowi fImakehi m
choosehewi llgoforZiyanda.SoI'
d
ratherbackof fbeforeIevenhear
thosehur tf
ulwor ds.
Me:
Mor
ning
Thecrewwasar r
ivi
ngandever
yone
meantbusinesst
oday.Wehad
breakf
astandwenttoHQ
Phel
o:Iseeyou'
reav
oidi
ngey
e
cont
actwit
hDanny.
Me:
Thel
essIl
ookathi
mthebet
ter
.
Phel
o:Hel
ovesy
ou
Me:Yougott
oexperi
encehowhe
waswit
hZeeandhowhewaswi th
me,j
udgi
ngbythat
,whodoy out
hink
hel
ovesmost?
Phel
o:You'
reput
ti
ngmei
nat
ight
cor
ner
Me:
Thathasal
readyanswer
edme.
Ilef
therandwentt
osi
tnexttoLucas
andMpho.Wewer emoni
tor
ingZee's
room
Me:
Sheseemsl
i
keshe'
shav
ingf
it
s
Phi
l
a:Shei
s!Cal
lGoodness
Me:
Whoi
sGoodness?
Danny
:Let
'
sgo!Weneedt
ohel
pher
Athi
:Wecan'
tgeti
nther
e,j
ustcal
l
Goodness
Zandy
:Whoi
sthi
sGoodness?
Lucas:
Someonewhoi
shel
pingus.
TheworryinDanny
'sface,hecoul
dn'
t
seethelov
eofhisli
fegoingthr
ough
thatpai
n.
Danny
:We'
regoi
ngt
ofet
chher
!
Nkosi
:I'
ll
comewithyou,tel
l
Goodnesstogot
ot hebasementwi
th
her
.
Bee:
I'
ll
bepr
epar
ingsomet
hingt
o
hel
pher
Everyonewasbusydoi ngsomet hing
butIwasst uckinachai r,fi
l
ledup
withsomanyt houghts.Icoul dn't
helpbutst artcompar ingmanyt hings.
Iwasl ostinmyownt hought smost
ofallIwast hinkingabouthowmyl i
fe
i
saboutt ochange.Idowantt osav e
Ziyanda,she'smysi sterandIwant
what '
sbestf orher .Shest opped
havingf i
tsandGoodnesscar ri
edher .
Shekeptoncal l
i
ngDanny '
sname.
Wat chingheront hisbigscr een,tears
fel
l f
rom myf aceasIr ealizedshe
wasget t
ingbackt ohersensesand
thefirstpersonshecal ledwasDanny ,
theloveofherli
fe.Kamopassedme
abot t
leofwaterandt i
ssues.What
didIgetmy sel
finto?Whydi dIf
all
i
nlovewi t
hDanny ?Isighedandwe
wait
edf orthem tocomeback.They
camebackandr ushedherinthe
room Beehadpr epared
Me:
Issheokay
?
KJ:She'
l
lbef
ine,
thedr
ugi
swor
king
onher.
Athi
:She'
l
l keeponhav
ingfl
ashbacks
andhopefull
ythi
ngsworkourway
Ngamso:
Didt
heguar
dsseey
ou?
KJ:
No
Ngamso:
Youdoknowt
haty
ou
kidnappedher?Thefir
stsuspectwi l
l
beGoodnessandherl ifeisindanger,
i
nl essthan15minsthesonsofDuo,
TropezandLapitawill
comet oher
hotelroom.Theyweresupposedt o
hav eameetingandthef i
rstperson
they'l
lat
tackisGoodnessbecause
shei sworki
ngclosel
ywi t
hher .
Bonga:Jomo, St
ix!GetGoodnessand
herfamily
.Takethem tothecl
osest
safehouse
Ngamso:
Takethem t
otheCape
Townsaf
ehouse.
Bonga:
Wedon'
thav
ethatt
ime
Ngamso:
Wecan'
tri
skot
herpeopl
es
l
i
vesj
ustl
i
ket
hat
!JustgoJomo!
Lucas:
Whyarey ouget
ti
ngemot
ional
aboutt
hisNangamso?
Ngamso: Shehasadi
sabledchi
l
dfor
cryi
ngoutloud,
whowil
ltakecar
eof
thatchi
l
dwhenshedies?
Jomo:
Sowhatdowedoboss?
Danny
:DowhatNangamsosay
s.
Zeewaswaki ngupandshewas
speakinginal anguaget
hatIdi
dn'
t
understandandLucaswas
responding.
Sneh:
Whati
sshesay
ing?
Lucas:
Thatweshoul
dlethergo
Danny
:Wecan'
tl
ety
ougo,
youneed
hel
p
Zee:
Hel
p!Hel
p!
Naye:
Wear
eyourf
ri
endsZee,
please
st
op
Zee:
You,youkil
l
edmybabyandmy
womb!!Danny
,youki
ll
edmyhusband!
Howcouldyoukil
lTr
opez!
Naye:
Idi
dn'tki
l
lyourbabynordi
dI
damageyourwomb
Zee:
Wher
eisZandy
?
Zandy
:I'
m her
e
Zee:
Wher
eist
hechi
p?
Zi
yanda'
saccentwassosexyandso
di
ff
erent
.
Me:
Idest
roy
edi
t
Zee:Soy oudi
dn'
thav eenoughwhen
youkil
ledourparentsnowyou
destr
oyedthechip!Ishoul
dn'thav
e
tol
dDadabouty ou
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Zee:It
oldhim aboutyoulongbef
ore
Icoul
dfindexactl
ywher eyouwere.
Butyou,youfoundhim andkil
l
edhim!
Suddenl
yther
ewer
eal
otofgunshot
s
fi
ri
ng.
Zee:
Letmegosot
heydontki
l
lyou
Ngamso:
Whyt
hesuddenchangeof
hear
t?
Zee:
Justl
etmego
Danny
:Lethergo
Ngamso:
Don'
tdot
hatDanny
Zee:
Tri
ston,
pleasel
etmego.
Shel
ookedathim wit
hpleadi
ngeyes
andDannynodded.Hewasshakinga
bi
tandIcoul
dseet hehol
dshestil
l
hadonhim.
Zee:Nasiphi
,meetmebyt
he
warehouseat6pm
Me:
Idon'
thav
eto
Zee:Trustme,youdon'
twantyour
preci
ousBulel
waandNt si
kel
eloto
di
edon'
tyou?
Me: No!Don'
thar
mthem,
thosear
e
yoursibl
i
ngstoo.
Zee:
I'
m aTr
opez,
notaNy
athi
.
Shewalkedoutandstoppedhermen
fr
om shooti
ng.Shetookabott
leof
waterandshedrankitt
henhel
dher
headscreaming.
Danny
:Zi
yanda!
!
Shet
urnedandl
ookedathi
m andgot
i
ntot
hecar.
Athi
:Letherbe,hermindis
generat
inghermemor i
esnowi t
sall
gett
ingtoomuchf orher
.She'
sstuck
betweenherpastandherpresent.
Ngamso:
Idon'
ttr
usther
Weal
ltur
nedandl
ookedather
.
Danny
:Whatdoy
oumeanbyt
hat
!?
Ngamso:Ij
ustdon'
ttr
usther,
I'
m
all
owedt
ohav emyownopi ni
onof
thi
s.
Nceba:
Thi
siscompl
i
cat
ed
Nkosi:
Pr epareyourweaponsf
or
t
onight,Nasiphi
f ol
l
owme.
Ifol
lowedNkosi
andwewentt
othe
basement.
Nkosi
:Sl
apme
Me:
Arey
oucr
azy
?
Nkosi
:Sl
apme!
Il
aughedathi
m andhewasso
ser
ious.
Me:
You'
reser
ious?
HenoddedandIsl
appedhi
m
Nkosi
:Good,
nowpunchme.
Me:
I'
m notdoi
ngt
his.
Nkosi
:Dannyi ssupposedtobedoing
thi
sbutIdon'tthi
nkhei si
nther
ight
mindtodoit.Thisistoughonhi
m
nowfi
ght!
Me:Ican'
tfi
ghtyou,
haveyouseen
your
self
?Youlookli
kehul
k
Nkosi
:Dannydoesn'
tl
ovey
ou
Me:
What
!
Ipunchedhi
mtwi
cewi
thoutev
en
thi
nki
ng.
Nkosi
:Soy
ouf
ightwheny
ou'
reangr
y?
Me:
Stopi
t!Don'
ttouchme!
Nkosi
:Fi
ghtme,
prov
emewr
ong!
Whyi sNkosisuchanidiot
?Itried
hi
tti
nghim buthekeptondodgi ng
anditupsetmesomuch.It hr
ew
punchesathim andwewer efighti
ng.
WellIwasfight
inghi
m, hethen
carr
iedmeonhi sshoulder
s
Me:
Putmedown!Putmedown!
Nkosi
:Youdoknowi
fyoureal
lyl
ove
Dannyyouneedt
ofi
ghtf
orhim!
Me:
Buthel
ovesher
!
Heputmedownandt
hrewapunch
onmyface
Me:
Ouch!
!!
Nkosi
:Di
dhet
ell
youhel
ovesher
?
Me: No!Hedoesn'
tneedt
osayi
t
becauseIcanseeit
Ihi
thim andpinnedhim ont hewall
andkickedhi
m.Hecar ri
edmei nthe
ai
randhedoesn' tknockmedown.
Heiscareful
becauseI '
m pregnant
andsowasI .Thiswast hetrai
ningI
needed?West oppedfighti
ngandhe
usedwor dst
oupsetmewhi legivi
ng
megunsandshoot i
ng.Wewer eat
theshooti
ngr
angeandIwaswas
weari
ngmybulletpr
oofspeci
all
y
madef ormewhichwasonly
cover
ingmystomachandi twasso
hard.
Nkosi
:Whatify
ouhav
etoki
l
lDanny
?
Wil
lyoudoit
?
Me:
I'
m notdoi
ngt
hatcr
ap!
Nkosi
:Whati
fyouhav
etoki
l
lZee?
Me:
Iwon'
tdot
hat
,she'
smysi
ster
.
Nkosi
:Dannyl
ovesy
ou
Allt
hiswhileDannyandKJwer e
watchingmet hr
oughthewindow.
Dannyseemedt obesodeepi n
thought.Il
ookedathi
m andheleft
.
Whatwasgoingonwasr eal
l
yhur
ting
mebutIwasn'taboutt
oshowhim
t
hat
May
i:Ar
eyour
eady
?
Me:
Let
'sgo
Igotacal
lfr
om Mbul
elo
Me:
Thi
sisnotagoodt
ime
Mbulel
o:Nt
iskel
eloisnotanswer
ing
hi
sphoneandhei sn'
tinhi
s
apar
tment
Me: Ohdon'twor
ry,Isenthi
m
somewher e.Hel
efthisphone
becauseithadnobat t
er
Mbul
elo:
Whydi
dn'
thechar
gei
tin
t
hecar
?
Me:Justl
eaveamessageMbul
elo,
I'
ll
t
ell
him whenhei
sback
Mbul
elo:
I'
ll
chi
l
lher
eandwai
tforhi
m.
Me:
Okay
.Il
ovey
ouMbu
Mbulel
o:Mbu?Real
lynow?You
soundli
keyou'
redy
ingtwi
n,ar
eyou
okay?
Me:I
'
mf i
ne,Imi
ssy
ourcr
azyass,
I'
ll
comevi
sity
ou.
WesaidourgoodbyesandItol
dhimI
l
ovehim agai
n.IdohopeIcomeback
wi
thNtsi
kelel
oandBuu.Ihaveto,
t
hishasnothi
ngtodowiththem.
Ngamso:
I'
m dr
ivi
ngwi
thy
ouNasi
,
al
one.
Inodded,shewasbehavi
ngvery
str
ange.Wellshei
salwaysst
range
andweird.Wegotint
othecarand
sheheldmyhand
Ngamso:Idon'
ttr
ustZee,If
eelasif
she'
suptosomethingandthi
s,thi
sis
al
lanact
.
Me:
That
'snott
rue
Ngamso:
AllIam sayi
ngis,i
fyou
havet
oki
llher
.Kil
lherbefor
eshe
ki
ll
syouf
ir
st.
Me:Shewon'tki
l
lme,
she'
sjustnoti
n
herr
ightmi
nd.
Ngamso:
Idon'
tbuyi
t.Sav
eyour
sel
f
f
ir
st.
Sheseemedsowor riedandIdi
dn'
t
knowwhattobeliev
e.Whywoul di
t
allbeanact
?Shesawhowshewas
andit'
str
ue.Isi
ghedandclosedmy
eyes.Onl
yGodcanhel pmeoutof
thi
sone.
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR
I
nser
t85
Somet imesi nli
fey ouhavet o
compr omi se.Youhav etogiveup
yourlifetogiveothersachancet o
l
ive.Thatist hement ali
tyIhad,Ihad
knownandhadmadeadeci sionthat
i
fIhav etogi veupmyl i
feforBuuand
Ntsikelel
ot hansobei t.ButIwasn't
j
ustgoi ngt ogiveupmyl i
fewithouta
fi
ght ,
Ihadt ofightfir
st.Whenwegot
there,shewasal r
eadywai t
ingforme
withBuuandNt si
kelel
ot i
edupona
chai
r.Shehadgunsont
hei
rheads
andIcameout
Ngamso:
Idon'tt
hinki
t'
sri
ghtf
ory
ou
t
ogothereal
one
Danny:
Shei
sn'
tgoi
ngal
one,
taket
his
Nasi
phi
Il
ookedathi
m andhesmi
l
edatme.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Lubah:Okay,t
hisisnottheti
met obe
all
loveydovey.You'
regoingtoher
andwe'll
comet hroughfrom t
heback,
Lucas,Nganso,Phil
aandBeewi l
l
remainhere.
Iwentt
owar
dsherandt
hecardr
ove
off
.
Zee:
Guar
ds!
!Takeal
lherweapons
Theysear
chedmeandt
ookt
he
weaponsIhad.
Me:Justl
ett
hem goandwedeal
wi
ththi
s,j
ustt
hebothofusZi
yanda
Zee:Thenamei sCamill
a!Wear
enot
goi
ngt otal
kaboutanythi
ng,
Iam
goi
ngt okil
lthem andy
ou
Me: Andhowdoy ouli
vewithyoursel
f
aft
erwards?You'll
kil
lyoursi
bli
ngs?
Thepeoplethatmat t
erinyourl
ife,
thepeoplethatloveyou.Don'
tdot hi
s,
we'r
ey oursibl
i
ngs
Zee:
Don'
tplayt
hesibl
i
ngscar
don
me!Youki
l
ledNkonzoandZi
pho
Ntsi
kel
elo:
What
!Nasi
phi
howcoul
d
you?
Buu:
OhshutupNt
sikel
elo!Shehad
to
Ntsikel
elo:Soyouknewaboutt
his!
Thisfami l
yist
wist
ed.
Me:Ihadt odoi tNtsi
kelelo,Nkonzo
wantedmedead!Andhewas
worki
ngwi ththeRussiansand
Col
ombi ans.AndZi pho,shewas
worki
ngwi thLindelwaruiningmy
marri
age.Theydeser vedt odieand
BuuandNt sikelel
odon'tdeservet o
di
ebecauset heydi dnothingtoyou.
Youhavenor easontokillthem,thi
s,
thi
sisn'
taboutt
hem.Iti
saboutme
andyou,l
etthem go.
Zee:
No!
Me:You'
resi
ckZi
yanda,
youneed
hel
p
Zee:
Stopsay
ingt
hat
!
Shel i
ftedhergunbutBuuf l
ipped
herselfandwasabl etomakeherf all
onherf ace.Iquickl
yunti
edBuuand
Ntsikelelo.Zeegotupandsl apped
me.Hert eam thencamer ushingin
andsodi dmi ne.Wealsohadagent s
onst andbyandKamopassedmea
gun.Ther ewasal otofshooti
ng
goingonwhi lePaulatookNtsikel
elo
tothecar.Wef oughtandImanaged
tokickawayhergunandsher an
away .If
oll
owedhert owhereshe
went, myplanwasnott ol
oseherand
convincehertogethelp.
Me: Ziyanda,stopi t
!Thisi
snoton,
youhav eal i
fet hatyouhadbef ore
youwentt oColombi a.Youhav ea
verysmar tbeaut i
fuldaughterand
verysmar thandsomeson.Oni kaand
Danv erneedt heirmother,andthis,
thi
sCami l
lai
snott hemot herthat
theyneed!
Zee:
She'
ssmar
t?
Me:
Justl
i
key
ou
Zee:Wel
lthat
'sherdownf
all
!Doy
ou
thi
nkIl
ovethi
sisnormal!
!
Me:
It'
sagi
ft
Zee: Itisacur se!!Youar eluckyyou
didn'tgett his!Ienvytobey ou!This
i
nt el
ligencedr ivesmecr azy,I
'vedone
somanyt hingsi nmyl i
fe,somany
thingst hathav eputmyl if
eindanger .
Thecur i
osityandanxi etyIgetwhenI
don'tf ollowupal eadIgetdr i
vesme
i
nsane!Ihadnoonet otalktoabout
thisbecausenooneknowswhatI '
m
goingt hroughandnoonecanr el
ate.
I'
m smar thuh?Butwhycan' tI
remember !Whycan' tIremember
everyt hingbef oremydeat hwas
faked?Al l
thef l
ashbacksIkeepon
getti
ng?HowdoIknowt heyar
etrue?
HowdoIknowt hatwhattheydi
dto
mei swhaty ouar edoingtome?Iam
sufferi
ng,beingdeadmi ghtevenfeel
betterthanthis!
Me: Stop,stopeveryt
hingyouhad
plannedf ortodayandleav
ewi t
hme,
Icanhel pyou.Wear esist
ersandI
l
ov eyouandIwantt oprot
ectyou
Voice:
Nasi
phi
!!Nasi
phi
!!
!Wher
ear
e
you?
Me:I'
m her
e!!We'
recomi
ng.Let
'sgo
Zee
Shenoddedandhel
dmyhand.If
elt
l
ikeIwaswinningherover.I
tf el
t
goodtogenuinel
yholdmysi ster'
s
handandwewentov ert
owher e
Dannyandtheotherswerest anding.
Hecameov ertomeandki ssedmy
for
ehead
Danny
:You'
reokay
?
Me:
Yes,
Gett
hecarpl
ease
Hewentof
fandhewasf
oll
owedby
MphoandL’
yanda
Sneh:
Ziy
anda
Zee:
Hi
Zee'
sfacewasgett
ingr
edandI
coul
dseethatshewasner
vous
Zee:ThankyouNasiphi
,Ichoset
o
bel
ieveyou'
renotl
yi
ngtome.Let's
hugitout
Me:
Sur
e
Nay
e:Whati
sthat
!
ZeeheldmeandwhatIf
eltonher
waistwasshocki
ng.
Me:
Ziy
anda,
pleasel
etmego!
Shel aughedandshehadabombt hat
wasat tachedtoherandme.It ri
ed
fi
ghtingherbutIcoul dnt,shehada
holdonmebyat tachi
ngast rap
aroundmywai st.Thetimerwas
ti
ckingandt herewer ejust
60secondsl eft
.Thegi r
lswer e
panickingandsowasI .Iscreamed
whent herewer etwogunshot sfir
ed
andonehi tmyshoul derandonehi t
Zee'sshoulder.Inthel
itt
leamountof
ti
mewehad, Iwasablet ounstrap
thebeltthebombwasat tachedto
from thebothofusandt hrewitfar
awayf rom us.
Ngamso:
Run!
Me:
Ican'
tl
eav
eher
!
Zandy
:Wat
chout
!!
Shehadagunpoint
edatmeandI
knewthatmyti
meonEar t
hwasov er
.
Icl
osedmyeyesandIheardsever
al
gunshot
sfi
rebutf
eltnopai
n.I
openedupmyey esandt heywer
e
bothlayi
ngonthefloor
.Bloodwas
scatt
eredall
overandDannyhadtook
bull
etsforme.
Athi
:He'
sst
il
lal
i
ve,
buthe'
sloosi
ng
toomuchbl
ood.
Ngamso:
She'
sdead
Me:
Whathappened!Danny
!Danny
!!
Paula:Hetookbul l
etsforyou,it
happenedsof ast!WhenZeewas
pul
li
ngt hetr
igger,hethrewhimself
whil
ef i
ri
ngshot satherandt hey
shotedeachot her.
Me:
Danny
,st
aywi
thmebabepl
ease.
Danny
:Il
ovey
ouandI
'
dchoosey
ou
overany
oneandov
erandov
eragai
n.
You'r
emyli
fe.
Heclosedhi
sey
esandIhel
dhi
s
hand.
Nkosi
:Putherbodyi
ntheboot
Me:Whatwhy?Shoul
dn'
twecal
lan
ambul
ance?
At
hi:
No
Theother
sarri
vedandwewer
eal
l
headedtothehospi
tal
Athi
:Tel
lVenest
oopenthebackexi
t
andmakesurenoonei
sinthe
pri
vat
erooms.
Sbahl
ecal
l
edherandi
nst
ruct
edher
.I
checkedDanny
'spul
seandhewas
sti
l
lali
ve.
Bee:I
'
ver
emov edt hef
ir
stbul
let
,
passmethescissorpl
ease.
Whenwegottothehospit
alshehad
r
emovedall
thebull
etsbesi
desthe
t
wothatwerenearhi
sheart.
At
hi:
Youokay
?
Me:
Yes
Athi
:Youhavet
odot
his,
remov
ethe
bull
etNasi
Me:
OhGod
Havi
ngtowor
konmyownhusband
wasver
yscar
yforme.It
ookof
fthe
bull
et proofIhadonandchanged.I
prayedandwenti ntosurgery.Iwas
ablet oremov ethebullet
sandhe
wasst il
lbreathingandIwashappy
thathewasst il
lali
ve.Thisman
ri
skedhi slif
ef orme,whenIwas
naive, stubbornandi ndenial.WhenI
beli
ev edt hathewoul dchoseZee
overme, whenIbel i
evedthatal lt
his
ti
mewhatwehadwasal i
e,whenI
didn'tbel i
eveinusandIdi dn'tbel
ieve
i
nhi m.Hepr ovedmewr ong.Iwent
tochangeandwashmyhands
Buu:Hei
sawakeandcal
l
ingf
orhi
s
wif
e
Ir
anbackt
ohi
swar
dandt
her
ehe
was,hewassit
tinguponhi
sbedand
t
alki
ngtotheothers.
Me:Youshoul
dbelay
ingdownand
get
ti
ngsomerest
.
Danny:
Idon'
tneedt
orest
,Ij
ustneed
you.
Isatnextt
ohim onhi
sbedandhe
ki
ssedmyf or
ehead.Hewas
bandagesandhadacasti
nhisar
m.
Danny
:Wher
eisZi
yanda'
sbody
?
Sneh:
Int
heboot
Danny:Getmemyt
racksui
t,weneed
tobur
yherbody
Zandy
:Ar
eyoui
nsane?I
ts11pm
Me:
Wecan'
tj
ustbur
yher
Danny:Whatdoy ouwantt odowi th
her?Haveamemor i
alserviceand
anotherbur
ialforsomeonewhoi s
bel
ievedtobedead?Wi l
l youanswer
al
lthequestionspeoplewi llask?The
questi
onsthatourf amil
ieswi llask?
Noy ouwon't.Nost opbeingst ubborn
aboutthi
sandl ist
entome.We' re
buryi
ngthebody
Sneh:
Soyou'
regoi
ngt
obur
yherj
ust
l
ikeadog?
Danny:Shetur
nedintoadogwhen
shetr
iedtokil
lmywi fe.Pl
us,
we've
giv
enZeeapr operfuneral
befor
e
whatmor
ewoul
dshewant
?
Hewasspi tti
ngfireandgoi ng
agai
nsthi mr i
ghtnowwasnotagood
i
deaatal l
.Hegotdr essedandwe
wenttot hecemet er yashehad
i
nstructedus.Themendugr ightnext
tohergr aveandt ossedherbodyi n
ther
e.Wehadourownmi nif
uner alat
dawnandi twasov er,j
ustli
ket hat.
Herstoryhadcomet oanendandher
j
ourneywasat oughone.Tome,
manyquest i
onswer eunanswer ed,
manyt hingswer est il
lconfusi
ngt o
mebutt herewasnowayofget ti
ng
answersnow.
Danny
:Thi
sisov
erandwe'
renev
er
get
ti
ngbacktothi
schapt
er.Thi
spar
t
ofourl
i
feisover
.
Idi
dn'treall
yunderstandhiswords
butri
ghtnownoonewasquest i
oning
hi
m.Weal l
obeyedwhatourl eader
wast ell
ingusandt hi
ssideofhim
i
nstalledfearandrespectforhim al
l
atthesamet i
me.
Danny:Let'
sallgot
oourhomesand
rest
.We'reall
meeti
ngatL’
yanda'
sat
tomorr
owat11am.Don'tbelat
e
Wegotintothecarsandwentour
separ
ateways.Whenwegothome
hewentstrai
ghttothebasementand
Iwenttoourroom.Itookashower
andgoti
ntobed.Afterawhi
lehe
cametoourroom andtookashower
.
Danny
:Hel
pme
Istoodupandhel
pedhim addr
ess
hiswoundandre-
bandagedit
.
Me:
Doy
ouwantpai
nki
l
ler
s?
Danny
:Foodf
ir
st
Wewentdownstair
sandImadefood
fort
hebot
hofus.Weat ei
nsi
lence
andIwasstar
ingathi
m
Danny
:What
?
Me:Aren'
twegoingtot
alkabouthow
your
iskedyourl
i
feforme?
Danny
:Whati
sther
etot
alkabout
?
Me:
Whydi
dyoudoi
t?
Danny
:Whatki
ndofquest
ioni
sthat
?
Me:
Ijustwantt
oknow
Danny
:BecauseIl
ovey
ou
Inoddedandhej
ustgi
ggl
ed.
Me:
Whati
sit
?
Danny:Iknowy ou'r
enotsat i
sfied
withmyanswer .Iknowl at
elyIwas
acti
ngstrangeandIwascaught
betweenfeeli
ngs,feel
ingsthatwer e
awakenedbyseei ngZeeandt hat,
thatputmei napost i
onwher eIgot
tothi
nkalot.WhereIendedup
compar i
ngmyl i
fewhenIwaswi t
h
Zeeandmyl i
fewhenIwaswi thy ou.
Iactuall
yf oundmy selfknowi ngt he
diff
erencebet weenbei ngi nl
ov eand
l
ov i
ngsomeone.Tome, Ilov edZee
andIt houghtshewasev erythingand
theonlyoneI '
dev erlovebutt heny ou
cameal ong, youshowedme
somet hing,yougav emet hel ovet hat
Ihaddef init
elyhadnev errecei ved
from anywomanI 'vebeenwi thi nmy
l
ife.Yougav emeadi fferentki ndof
l
ov eandchangedmet othebet ter
versi
onofme, somet hingIhad
l
ongedf orbutIwasnev erabl eto
reach.Ifelll
ov edy ouandmost
i
mpor tantly,Ifel
linlovewi thy ou, I
feeldeeplydeepl yinlovewi t
hy ouand
Iwasn'tgoingtolett
hatspeci alkind
oflovego.Ihatedmy selfforeven
thi
nkingaboutZeeandsecond
guessingwhatwehav e.From theget
go,Ishould'
vebeencer tai
nt hatyou
aretheonef ormeandnobodyel se.I
gavey oureasonstodoubtmeand
forthatIam verysor
ryNasi phi.
Inodded,Ihonest
lyhadnowordsfor
allt
hathehassaidbutIwascert
ain
thatIlov
ehim andIwantt
obewi t
h
himf ort
herestofmyli
fe.
#NEXTMORNI
NG
Iwassti
l
lpeacef
ull
ysl
eepi
ngwhen
Dannywokemeupandt ol
dme
breakfastisready
.Itwas9:30am and
Itookashowerandgotdr essed.My
stomachwasst art
ingtoshowand
thatwaswei rdcauseitisabitear
ly
forthat.ButIguessI'
llhav
eabi g
bell
y.Iwentdownst air
sandwehad
breakfast.
Danny:Gogety
ourbag,
we'
regoi
ng
tothedoct
or
Me:
Wedon'
thav
eanappoi
ntment
Danny:Wedo,aft
eryest
erday
,Iwant
tochecki
fever
ythi
ngisokaywit
hthe
babyandyouofcause
Me:Okay
,pl
easegogetmybag.I
'
m
l
azytogoupst
air
s
Danny:Wow,
I'
m bei
ngsentar
ound
al
ready
.
Me:
You'
resuchasweet
hear
t
Danny
:Andy
ouoweme.
Hewentt ogetmybagandcame
backthenwel eftheadi
ngt
oDoct or
Shulman,apparentl
yhehadjust
mov edfr
om LAt oSouthAfr
icaand
hasbeenaf ri
endofDanny'
sf r
om a
youngage.
DrS:
Danny
!!Ohman,
ithasbeent
oo
l
ong
Danny
:Fart
ool
ongShul
man
TheyfistbumpedandDanny
i
ntroducedme.
Dr
S:Pleasur
etomeety
ouMr
s
McKenzie
Me:
Likewi
seDrShul
man
Hecheckeduponmeandheseemed
sur
pri
sed
Dr
S:Ohwow!Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul
Danny
:Whati
sitdoct
or?
DrS:MrandMrsMcKenzi
e,i
tseems
asifyouneedt
opr
eparethr
eerooms
Me:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Dr
S:You'
reheav
ingt
ri
plet
s.
Danny
:What
!
OhLord,
IwassohappybutIwas
hol
dingi
tint
oseeDanny'
sreact
ion
towardsthenews.Dannyhadt
ear
sin
hiseyesandhehelpedmeupand
kissedme
Danny
:Thanky
ouMaNy
athi
.
ThenIl etthebr eatheIwashol di
ngin
go,hewashappy !Wewer ebothvery
happyandexci ted.Wemadeav i
deo
call
informi ngOni kaandDanv erneed
thegrandmot hers.Wet henlef
tand
headedt oL’ y
anda' shouseandwe
werethel astonest oar
r i
ve
Ngamso:Andt
heny
ousai
dwe
shoul
dn'
tbel
ate
Danny
:Wehav
eav
ali
dexcuse
Mpho:
10mi
nut
equi
cki
e?
Me:
Noman!We'
rehav
ingt
ri
plet
s!!
Sbahl
e:OhJesu!
Wel aughedatherandt hegirl
s
screamedt hei
rlungsout.Every
one
washappyandi tseemedasi fwhat
happenedy est
erdaywasj ust
forgot
ten.Thatchapterwasjust
closedandwewer emov i
ngon.
Asanda:Congr
atul
ati
onsmom,
I'
ll
be
abigsist
erof6now.
Naye:
You'
vejoi
nedmeinhavi
ng
6ki
ds!
!Wel
lyouhavemore!
Sbahl
e:Youguy
sar
ejustsomet
hing
el
se
Kamo:
Thi
scal
l
sforsomeshot
s!!
!!
Besi
dest
hepr
eggymamma
Me:
Jui
cef
orme!
Wehaddri
nksandsatout
sidejust
chi
l
li
ngandhavi
ngaconversat
ion
Lubah:Wehav esurel
ybeent hrough
al
otyetagainbutwest i
llst
anding.
Thejourneywe'v
ehadsi ncedayone,
Idon'
tthinkanyotherpeopl
el i
vethe
l
ivesthatwedo.
Nt
oko:I
tsomet
imesj
ustf
eel
sli
kea
movi
e
Bee:Youcansayt
hatagai
n,wej
ust
haveourownworl
d.
Danny
:Ihav
eanannouncementt
o
make
May
i:Thest
agei
syour
s
Danny :
You'vebeent hroughal otas
Lubahhassai d.Manyt hingshav e
happenedandt her ewer emany
changesinourl ivesandt hingswe
hadnev erexpect ed.Wehav ecried
andlaughedt oget herandwedonot
knowwhatt hef utur ehol dsf orus
andwher ear ewegoi ngf rom her e
andwhatmi ghthappent omor row.
Butalli
nall,eachandev eryoneof
youwhoi sher et oday ,Iwoul dliket o
thankyouf ory ourl oy altyandf orus
sti
ckingtogethert il
lthi sfar.Ihav e
fel
tloveandsuppor tfrom eachand
everyoneofy ou.Butt histime,from
nowonwar dsitisti
mef orust
ogive
thatloveandsuppor ttosomeone
else.I'
vebeent hi
nkingaboutt
hisal
ot
l
at el
yandmyf i
naldecisi
oncame
whenIr eceiv
edt henewsofhav i
ng
tri
pletsi
njustlessthan8months
from now.Ihav edecidedtost
ep
downasHeadoft heforce
Me:
What
?
Wewer eal
lsur
prisedandIknew
not
hingaboutt
his.
Danny:
AsIam st eppi
ngdowni
tis
mydutytoappointsomeoneel
se
whowillt
akechargeandIsawit
fi
tt
ingt
obet akenupbyamanwho
hascommi tt
edhi mselftotheforce
bett
erthananyoneofus.Amanwho
hasadr i
veandav i
sionofwher ehe
i
sgoingandamanwhoi swor ki
ngon
hi
msel ftobegreaterthanwhathei s
now.Itisapleasuretogivethis
opport
unityt
osomeonewhoi s
deservi
ngofit.Iherebythangiveoff
myposi t
iontoKaitsoJwar a.
TheshockonKJsf ace!Hewasr eall
y
notexpectingi
tandIwasn' tei
ther
.It
i
st r
uet hathei
scommi t
tedand
dedicatedtowhathedoesatt he
for
ceandDannyhadmadeagood
decisi
on.TheyshookhandsandKJ
accepted.Hewassoov erwhel
med
heendedupcryi
ng.I
twassucha
beaut
if
ulyetsoemoti
onal
moment
KJ: Thanky ou,thanky ousomuchf or
believingi
nmet hismucht oseeme
wor thyofthisposi t
ion.Isurel
yhav e
bigshoest of i
ll
,from servingMr
TristonRay mondMcKenzi ewhichwe
allknowasRazort oser v
ingMr
DannyTr i
stonMcKenzi e,Ihav
el earnt
alot.Ihavelearntalotfrom eachand
ever yoneofyouandf orthatIthank
youandIwi lll
eadt heforcewithy our
guidancebecauseIcannotdot his
alone.
Phil
a:Wehav
eyourbacksman,
we
gotyou
Nkosi:
Ist
hatal
lyouwantt
osay
Kai
tso?
KJ: Nkosi!Andnoi tisn'tthatonl y.
Beingwi thyouguy shav eal sotaught
mesomet hi
ngv er
yimpor tantinl i
fe,
somet hingthateveryoneneedsand
thatislove.Itissomet hingI '
vef ound
hereandIhav ebeenaf raidt oacton
i
t.Wi t
hmynewposi tonnow, Imost
defini
telyneedawomanbymysi de
andIknowt hisiscrazybutcr azyi s
mymi ddlename, I'
m wi l
li
ngt ot ake
thi
sr i
skandt hi
schance
Hewentt
oSbahleandshestoodup
andhet
ookherhand.Hewentdown
onhi
skneesandtookoutar
ing
Zandy
:OMG!
!!I
shepr
oposi
ng!
!!
Nay
e:ShutupZandy
!!
KJ:Zungu, Sengway o,Gwabi ni,
MaNcwaneomuhl e,Iknowt hings
havebeenupanddownbet weenus
andwenev err eallyknewwhat
exactl
ywashappeni ngbet weenus.
Today, Iwantt ot ellyouthatIl ove
youandIwantt ospendt her estof
myl i
fewi thy oubymysi de,Iwantus
togot hrought hisj ourneyofl ife
toget
herandl ov eoneanot her
uncondi t
ionally .Wi ththatsai d,wil
l
youmar r
yme?
Sbahl
e:Kai
tso,
ofcauseI
'
llmar
ryy
ou.
Wecheeredandwer
escreami
ngall
ov
er.Usgir
ls,
we'
rever
ydramt
ic!
!
KJ:
Wai
t!Wai
t,we'
renotdoneher
e.
Bee:
Whatdoy
oumean?
Brianst
oodupandandtookPaul
a's
hand,hewassonerv
ousandhe's
facewastur
ningr
ed.
Brian:EversinceIstarteddat ingI'
ve
alway sbeenapl ay
er, acasanov aand
Ibarelyeverknewwhatast able
rel
ationshipwasunt i
l Imety ou.Due
tomybr i
ngingupandwat chingmy
parentssplit
,iti
nstal
ledaf earof
mar ri
agetomeandIal way sf ear
ed
commi t
ment .I
'v
ehur ty ou,I'
vemade
youcryandInev erunderst
oodhow
you'
dj ustforgivemeandcont i
nuet o
l
oveamessedupper sonli
keme.
Younev ergav eupandmeandy ou
sai
dt hatitisbecausey ouknowI '
l
l
nevergiveupony ou.You'v
eshown
meuncondi t
ional loveandyou've
mademebeabl et olovemyselfand
l
ovey ou.Idon' twantt obewith
anyoneel seinmyl if
ebutyou
MaNy athi.Il
ov ey ouandwoul dli
ke
youtodomet hehonourofbei ngMr s
Ngcobo, willyoumar rymePaula?
Paul
a:Yes,
yesIwi
l
l.
Me:Aaaah!
!!Thi
sissobeaut
if
ul!
Congr
atul
ati
ons!
Weallcongr
atul
atedt
hem andi
twas
aver
yhappyandbeautif
ulmoment
f
oral
lofus
Bel
inda:Iguesswehav
eadoubl
e
weddingtoplan!
!!
!!
!
Siya:Rai
seyourglassespl
ease.A
toastToEverl
asti
ngLov eAnd
Everl
asti
ngFri
endship
Us:ToEv er
lasti
ngLoveAnd
Ever
last
ingFr i
endshi
p
Wet oast edandcheeredtogether.
Indeedi ndeed,i
tistr
uewhent hey
sayl ovehast heabil
i
tytobreakyou
i
nt opiecesandi thastheabil
it
yto
restorey ouandputtogetherall
the
piecest hatwer ebr oken.We' v ebeen
throughourf airshar eofhear tbreaks
andhar dshi psbutwest il
lsurv i
ve.
Her ewear e,we' rest i
llabletol ove
oneanot herandspr eadl ovet oall
thosewhohav egi venupandwho
hav ethoughtl ov ewasn' tforthem.I
cansur elysay , t
her ei sstil
lhopeand
Istil
lbelievet hatt ruel ovedoesst i
ll
exist.Youj ustneedt oal l
owy oursel
f
tofindandandf ori ttofindy ou,and
wheny oudof indi t.Nev erletitgo.
Lov edoesn' thur t,lovei sreal,loveis
pure, l
ovei sgenui ne,lov eiskindand
mosti mpor t
ant l
y ,lovei swithineach
andev er yoneofy ou.
TheEnd
Hopey
ouenj
oy
Pl
easel
i
keandcomment
Suggestpaget
ofr
iendsandf
ri
end'
s
offr
iends
#LBAR