Nahi

ko'
sHappi
ness

"
Nahi
ko"
Iqui
ckl
yrushedt
oMyGr
andmot
her
'sr
oom.
She'
ssweat
ingandboi
l
ingagai
n,i
t'
sbeenamont
h
nowbei
ngsick!
Idon'
tknowwhat '
swrongwi thher,I
'
vetr
iedtotake
hertothecli
nicbutthenur sesanddoct or
sthere
di
dn'tknow whathappened t o her.And thi
si s
East
ernCapeEv enhealthfacil
i
tiesarefarorthey
don'
thaveenoughmedicati
on.
Itooktheclot
hfrom t
hebowlofwatert
hati snextt
o
herandwi pedthesweat.She'
shotagain,Iremove
theblouseshe'
swearingandnowshe'sleftwit
hher
Bra.
Granny:Babaandi
kwazinyamezel
a,ndi
vaii
ntl
ungu
kunzi
ma mnt an'
omntanam. Ndif
una uye ekapa
uyohl
alanomamakho!
.
-(
Ican'tbaret
hepain,I
'
mi nadeeppai
nit
'shar
dmy
grandchi
ld.Iwanty
out ogotoCapeTownandstay
wi
thy
ourMot
her
!.
Me:Hay iMakhul u,suthet
ha kanj
e.Uzoba r
ight
si
zohl
alasobabi
ni.Andi
funinombonamnaUmama.
-(
NoGr annydon'
ttalkli
kethi
s,you'
regoi
ngtobe
fi
ne,andwewi l
lstaytoget
her
.Idon'
teverwantt
o
seemymot her
)
Gr
anny
:Fundauxol
amnt
anam,
mxol
eleuny
oko!
-
(Lear
ntof
orgi
vemychi
l
d,f
orgi
vey
ourmot
her
)
Me:kudal
andamxol
elaUmama,ndi
funauhl
alenam
Bhel
ekazi
.
-
(I
'v
elongf
orgivenmymot
her
,Ij
ustwanty
out
ost
ay
wi
thmebhelekazi
)
Gr
anny
:Ndi
yakut
handaNanaSt
handwaSam.
-
(Il
oveYouNana,
MyLov
e)
Wi
ththatsai
d,shekissedmyf
oreheadandl
aidback
wi
thherEyesclosed.
Me:
;Makhul
u! Mama! Makhul
u, Bhel
ekazi
!
Makhul
uuuu!
-
(Gr
andmot
her
,Mot
her
,Bhel
ekazi
. Gr
andmot
her
!
Bhel
ekazi
.Gr
anny
yy!
)
Iscr
eamed in agony
,my Gr
andmot
herwas not
waki
ngup.She'
snomor e!
.
RestI
nPeaceBhel
ekazi
.

[
TheDayOfTheFuner
al]

Amaguguel
i
li
zweay
osal
eemat
huneni
.
Ndiyol
alandindedwaet
hul
enil
ami
,amaguguEl
i
li
zwe
ayosal
emat huneni.
IlookatherCof f
in,tear
sdidn'tcomeout .Iwast ir
ed
ofCr yi
ng,ti
redoff eel
i
ngpai n,Iwant edBhel ekazi
ri
ghtnextt o me.Icoul dn'tev enhearwhatwer e
peoplesay i
ngaboutmygr andmot her,neitherwhat
thepastorpreachedaboutbutIhear dagl impseofa
sentencehesaid" Letherrestinpeace, she'llforever
bei nyourheart
s".Thatwast r
ue, she'salreadyi nmy
heartnoonecant akeherpl aceev er
!Noone.The
tentwasf ull
,alotofPeopl ewer epr esentandt his
tragedybrokeal otofhear ts,mygr andmot herwas
theheartoft
hisvil
lage,awomen, youcancryto,a
women who can f ightforyou oryourright
s.A
comedianofal
l.I
'
llalwayscher
ishherti
l
lIdi
etoo.

Iwatchedhercof
fi
nasi
treacheddown,herbei
ng
cov
eredwit
hsand.

Nom'izi
li
ngo zi
khon'emhl
abeni[
Int
he mi
stof
t
ri
bul
ati
onsonEarth]
Nob'
ubuhl
ungueny
ameni
[Orphy
sical
pai
ns]
Mawungesabi
,qi
nisel
a[Donotf
ret
,hol
don]
UJes'
uzobuy
akhonamanj
e[Jesusi
scomi
ngsoon]

Thabat
h'umnqaml
ezoul
andel
e[Takey
ourcr
ossand
fol
l
ow]
Thabat
h'umnqaml
ezoul
andel
e
Thabat
h'umnqaml
ezoul
andel
e
Thabat
h'umnqaml
ezoul
andel
e
Shi
yal
omhl abanent
ozawo[
Leav
ethi
sEar
thand
i
t'
sbel
ongi
ngs]
Shi
yal
omhl
abanent
ozawo
Shi
yal
omhl
abanent
ozawo
Shi
yal
omhl
abanent
ozawo

Vuka mzal
wane ul
andel
e[Be woke br
ethr
en and
fol
l
ow]
That
h'i
zi
khal
izi
kamoy
a[Equi
pyour
sel
fspi
ri
tual
l
y]
Mawungaphel
ionamandl
a[Mayy
oursoulbe not
wear
y]
Kodwaqhubekauzonqoba[
Keeppr
essi
ngon,y
ou
shal
lconquer
]

Shi
ya(
shi
ya)[
Leav
e!]
Shi
ya(
shi
ya)
.
Wesangt il
lever
ythi
ngwasdone,myAunt sandMy
'
Mother'werehereeveryfami
lymemberwast here,
we dished for ever
y guest and cl
eaned when
ever
yoneleft
.
"Nahiko"t
hatwasmymot her,
Lordknowshowmuch
Itri
edduckingherallweek,Ididn'
twanttot
alkt
o
herbutIrememberedGranny'
slastwor
ds.
"
Lear
ntof
orgi
vemychi
l
d,andFor
giv
eyourMot
her
"
Me:
Mama.
Mama:Babyy ouhavet
ocomeandstaywit
husin
capet own,y
ou'
llgost
udyatUCT asyoualway
s
wanted.
Me:
Okay
.
Mama:Baby ,IknowI'
vedoneyouwronginthepast.
Pleaseforgi
vemeforbel
iev
ingaManinst
eadofy ou,
I'
m sorryforAbusi
ngyouemot i
onal
l
y.I'
m sorr
yf or
everyt
hing.
Shewasnowcr yi
ng,ev
endeepdownI
'
m notheal
ed
butI
'
lll
ett
hispass.
Me:
It'
sokaymama
ShecameandHuggedme,itwasCol
d.I
tdi
dn'
thi
t
homejustl
i
keBhel
ekazi
'
sHugs.
GodknowshowmuchImi
ssher
.
.
[
CapeTown-Gugul
ethu]
Thisci
tyissti
l
lasbusyasIlef
titwhenIwas13
yearsol
dandst i
l
laf
ter10y
earsit
'sst
il
lthesame
butmoreBusynow.
Ilookedatmymother,
sheishappyaboutmyCome
back,sheishappyaboutever
ythi
ngshecan'tst
op
talki
ngabouthow Iwil
llov
emyl i
tt
lebrot
herand
sister
.
I
'm Gl
ad thatmonst
erofa Husband Lef
ther
,I
woul
dn'
thavecomeback.
I'
m glad,she upgraded herhouse i
tused t
o be
3rooms,and now i t
's a 5r
oomed house.She i
s
stayi
ngwit
hherNi ecewhohappenstobemycousin,
Yothandoshe'
salso23.
Yot
hando:Cuzl
ookaty
ou,sool
dandst
il
lyett
he
dar
kbeauty
.
Yot
handoi smyskeem,ni ne-9.ShestoodbyMe
whenthemonst err
apedme,sheheldmyhandwhen
mymot hercal
l
edmeNames.
Me:
Thando.
Igav
eheraBonecr
ushi
ngHug.
Me:
yout
ooar
enotbad,
youev
engai
nedwei
ght
.
Thando:Thatwaswhat ?10year
sago,A per
son
upgrades.Let
'sgety
out
oyourr
oom sot
haty
oucan
unpack.
Mom:
Uhm.Wher
ear
etheTwi
nsYot
hando?
Thando:
ohsor
ryAuntt
heyar
esl
eepi
ng.
Thandowasbabysi
tt
ingt
hetwinssincemotherwent
toEast
ernCapef
orFuner
alprepar
ations.
Iwenttot he gi
ven room forme,ithad a bed
war
drobeandami r
rorstand(
Dressi
ngt
abl
e).
MyMot herisaNurse,aNursewhocalleda13year
old Chi
ld a Hoe,Bi
tch Forsleepi
ng ar
ound,and
accusi
ngherHusbandforrapi
ngher!
"
I'
m sor
ryabouty
ourGr
andmot
her
"
Thando.
Isnappedoutf
rom myt
hought
s.
Me:it
'sokay
,every
thinghappensforareasonev
en
t
hisoneshal
lpass,butshe'
l
lfor
everbei
nmyheart
Thando:
alr
ight
Me:
soWhatar
eyoubusywi
th?
Thando:
I'
m wor
kingasar
ecept
ioni
sti
nal
awf
ir
m.
Me:Whathappenedt
obei
ngt
hef
amous"
int
eri
or
desi
gner
"
Thando:Iguessschoolisnotf
oral
lofus,y
ouarea
partoft
hecleverbunchschool
isf
ory'
al
lnotme
Me:
ButYot
hando
Thando:NoNahi ko,Ifai
l
edGr ade12andIknew
ther
e'snowayIwoul dseeUni ver
sitydoorsIeven
wenttocoll
egetostudycl
othi
ngpr oduct
ionbutnah
Iqui
ttedi
nthefi
rsttr
imest
er
Me:Butthat
'snotanexcusemay
bey
ouneedal
i
ttl
e
moti
vat
ion.
Wewer
enow unpacki
ngandput
ti
ngmycl
othesi
n
t
hewar
drobe.
Thando:her
egoest
he'
Iwantt
o sav
ethewor
ld
Nahiko'
Il
aughed
Thando:
whataboutschool
umendawoni
wena?
-
(wher
ear
eyoust
andi
ng)
Me:Iwasst udyi
ngatWSU[ Wal
terSi
sul
uUniver
sit
y]
doing psy
chology Iqui
tt
ed on my 3r
dy earand
start
edtolookaft
ermyGrandmother
Thando:
Soy
ouwon'
tgobackt
oschool
?
Me:y ou know schoolkeeps me sane Yot
hando,
sur
elyI'
l
lconti
nuewithmy3rdyear
Thando:
that
'st
hebookwor
m Iknow
Il
aughedwi
thher
Wecatched up al
ot,Yothando i
smyr ealDad's
Ni
ecetheonl
yfamil
ymemberIknowf r
om myDad' s
si
deandnow mymot hertr
eatsherlikehersever
si
nce my f
atherpassed away,Yothando doesn'
t
ev
enknow herparentsbutdadmadeherf eelat
home,how Imisshi
mtoohepassedawaywhenI
was8yearsol
d.Iwasst
il
lyoung.Ar
ghGodcanbe
sounf
airsomet
imes
Imett
heTwi
nssi
kel
elwaGi
rlandSi
kel
elaBoy
.
Sikelel
waisami niv ersi
onofme, sheremindsmeof
thelitt
lemeandSi kelelaisan'i
fIwereaboy '
versi
on
ofme,Iguessmymot her
'sgenesareverystr
ong.
Theyar e7yearsoldI'm GladtheyDon'
tevenlookli
ke
Mt hethowakhetheirfather.
Mom cooked,andThandowashedthedishes.I'
m
GladIdi
dn'
tdoanyworkI'
m st
il
lemot
ional
l
ydrained
andI'
m get
ti
ngbet
ter
.
Iwenttomyroom,tosl
eepassoonasIl
aidmy
headonpi
l
lowIsl
ept
.
.

"
Pri
ncess"
"
Tat
auf
unant
oni
Apha"
-
(daddywhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e)
"
Can'
tIsl
eepwi
thmypr
incess?
"
"
Uphi
Umama?
"
-
(wher
e'smymot
her
?)
"UphangeleNi
ght
,mamakhondi
zokul
ali
sangokwam
namhlanje"
-
(yourmotheri
sworki
ngni
ghtshi
ft
,I'
m her
etoput
y
out osl
eeptoday
)
"
Okaydaddy
"
"
Vul
aimi
l
enze"
-
(Openy
ourl
egs)
"
Hai
boTat
awenzani
?"
-
(Dadwhatar
eyoudoi
ng)
"
Nahi
ko,
ndi
thi
vul
aimi
l
enze"
-
(Nahi
koIsai
dopeny
ourl
egs)
"
Mhhy
out
ast
esoSweetbabygi
rl
"
"Mhh,now f
eelhow daddyi
shor
ny,f
eelhow bi
g
daddyi
s"
"
Tat
a,uMi
siwat
hiabant
uabangot
ataabazi
bambi
pr
ivat
epar
tzet
hungol
ohl
obo"
-(
Daddy my teachert
old us t
hatmens ar
e not
supposedt
oteachourpr
ivat
epart
sli
ket
hat
)
"Ahhh tat
a uy
andi
l
uma, t
ata i
buhl
ungu l
ent
o
uyenzay
o"
-
(dady
ou'
rebi
ti
ngme,
you'
rehur
ti
ngme)
"Tat
a,hayit
ata.Tat
ahay
itat
akubuhl
ungu.Mamaa,
Tatakubuhl
ungu"
-
(Dadno,dad.DadnoDadi
t'
spai
nful
.Mot
her!Dad
i
t'
spai
nful
)
"Thula wena uy angxol
a awuzi
va? Thul
a
ndingekakubet
hingempamaThul
a"
-
(shutupy
ou'
remaki
ngnoi
se,Shutupbef
oreIsl
ap
y
ou)
"
Mama,
mama,
mama,
mamaaa"
Iqui
ckl
yshutmyey esopen,i
t'
sadream, I
'
m panting
and dr
enched i
n myown sweat .It
's been Years
wit
hout dreaming about t hi
s, Mthethowakhe
Wandenza!Yourui
nedmylif
e!.
Yot
handoandmyMot
herqui
ckl
yrushi
ntomyr
oom.
Mot
her
:Babyar
eyouokay
?
Ihugged herso tight
ly,Ineeded herthatti
meI
neededhert otel
lmet hatshebel i
evesme,Iwas
only13whatdidIknowaboutboy sandsexf orthat
mat t
er,
Ineededthemotheri
nher .
Me:
I'
ll
bef
inemama,
I'
mjustmi
ssi
ngGr
anny
.
Yot
hando:
All
wil
lbewel
lthi
sshal
lpassMnt
ase.
Iknow.
Icheckedt heTimei t
's5am.Theyl ef
t,mamawi ll
prepar
ekidsforschoolandf orwork,al
soYothando
hastoprepareforwork.Si
ncewe' vegot1Bathroom
theyhavetowakeupear ly.ItomustdraftaCVand
l
ookf orwork,I
'
llstudynexty ear
.Ican'
tstayinthi
s
housealone.
Il
ookedatmyphone'
sscr
eenwal
l
papert
her
eshei
s
wi
thherfamoussmi
le.
"
Imi
ssy
ouBhel
ekaz
i"
Iki
ssedmyscreenthel
aidmyphonei
nmyhear
t
andcl
osedmyeyes!
..
ONE

Iwokeupandcheckedt
het
imeonmyPhone,
Itwas
12:
30pm.
Ist
oodupandmademyBed,t
hisi
sgoi
ngt
obea
l
ongJour
ney
.
Iwentt
othebat
hroom,ItookaBat
hthenwentback
tomyroom t
owearcl
othes.
Therewasnooni ntheHouse,soIspri
ngcl
eaned
si
nceIhadnoj obtodo.IhadnoAppeti
tet
oeat.I
satdownaf
terafewHoursofcl
eani
ng.
Iwat ched theTV,okayscrat
cht hattheTV was
watching me.Iwas deep int hought
s when my
PhoneVi br
at edont
hecouchIwassi t
ti
ngat,i
twas
myMot her
.
Me:
Mama
Mom:Hey ,babyIl
eftsomefoodforyourint
heoven
Idon'tknowy ou'
veseenit
.Ididn'
twanttowakey
ou
upsincey ouwerefastasl
eep.
Me:
It'
sokay
,Isawt
heFood.
Mom:
Okay
.Yot
handowi
l
lbet
her
eear
lyt
odayokay
.
Me:
Yes.
Mom:
Alr
ightGoodby
e.
Me:
Bye.
Isatt her
ethinki
ngoft helastt
imeIwasi nthis
House,10 y ears back.When my own mot her
Beli
evedaManov erherownChild.Iwentt
omy
room j
usttosl
eep.
.
Mom:How can y ou l
i
el ike t
hatNahiko?Idon't
bel
iev
ey ou,you'
reaHoeChi ldIdon'tbeli
eveI
'
v e
bi
rt
hedt osuchaConnivi
ngChi l
d.Ul
i
gqwi r
haMarn.
[
Youar eaWitchMar
n]
Me:Mama uTat a undidl
wengul
e Ufuna ndi
thi
ni?
BuzauYothando uy
ayaziebeKamer
eniyam uTata
Ebsuku.
[Mom dadRapedme,whatdoyouwantmet
osay?
AskYothandosheknowst
hatDadwasinmyroom
atNi
ght].
Shesl
eptmef
ort
heumpt
eent
hti
menow!
IraisedmyHead,i fIwasli
ghtskinnedIwouldbe
pinkr i
ghtnow.Ihadnopowert ostandup,tear
s
werej ustf
lowi
ngdownmycheeks.Icouldn'
tbel
iev
e
thattheWomanwhost ay
ed9Monthscarryi
ngmein
herwombwoul dbeatmeupBecauseofaMan.
Mom:I'mtaki
ngyout oy ourgrandmot
herinEast
ern
Cape.Maybeshecanst andy ourWhor
enessbutnot
me,Ican' teven stand a si ghtofYou,y ou'
re
di
sgusti
ngmemar n,nxx!
Me:Mama whywoul d Ili
e aboutsuch a thing?
Mama kodwa y i
ntoni Le undenza Yona?
NdinguMntanakhomamakodway hi
niundenzalento
uyenzayo? Mama ndi khol
elwe tor
ho ndakucel a
mamay hini
.
[
Mom whyarey oudoingthi
s? I'
myourchi
l
dmom
butwhyar
ey ou doing t
histo me?Mom please
bel
iev
eme,
pleasemom Ibegy ou]
Shejustkickedmecountl
essti
mesandmybody
washurti
ng,shehadaDisgust
edlookonherface,
shehatedt hesi
ghtofme,shedespisedherown
daught
er,herownWomb.Shef ai
l
edtopr ot
ectme
asShepr
omiseddadonhi sdeat
hbed,shef
ail
ed
bei
ngamot
her,shef
ail
edme.
!
She.
"Nahi
ko,Nahi
ko,Nahikowakeupit
'sal
ljustadream"
Ishootmyeyesopen,t ear
swerefl
owing.Yothando
wasstandi
ngrightnexttome.
Shehuggedmej ustl
ikeshedi
d10y ear
sback,she
huggedmelikealwayssheassur
edmet hati
twas
al
ladream,butit'
sreal
it
ymyMot herdi
dallt
hatto
me.
Yot
hando:Ithi
nkyouneedtotal
ktoat
her
api
st,
you
nev
erdealtwit
htheRapei
ssue.
Me:I'
l
lbef i
ne,Ineedsomet
hingtokeepmebusy
t
hat'
sall
,Ij
ustneedaJoborI
'
llgocr
azyIt
hishouse.
Yot
hando:
Nobabyy
ouneedaTher
apy
Me:Ther
apyi
sforr
ichpeopl
e,I
'
llbef
ineYot
handoI
pr
omise.
"
Yot
handoIr
ight
,youneedt
otal
ktoat
her
api
st"
Theresheisst
andi
ngatadoorf
ramewi
tht
ear
sin
hereyes.
Me:
Thandopl
easegi
veussomespace
Yot
hando l
eft
,I pat
ted a space next t
o me,
moti
oni
ngmymothert
ocomeandsitnexttome.
Mom:Pl easef orgi
v ememychi l
d,Iknow Idon' t
deservey ourf or
giveness,nochi lddeserveswhat
youwentt hrough,whatIdi dnomot hershoul
d've
donewhatIdi dt oy ou,Iam sorrybaby.Iknow my
apologywi l
lnotbr ingbacky ourv i
rgi
nit
y,yourself
-
esteem,y ourpr i
deandJust i
ce.Iknow ev ersince
youlefthere10Year sbackthishousewasnev erthe
same,Ir egrettedmydeci si
on,Icouldn'tl
iveupt o
whatIdid, I
'
m sor ry
.Ididn'
tknowhowt olookatyou.
Pleaseforgiv
emeMychi ld
Me:Youknow st ay i
ngwi thBhel ekazit houghtme
how tol earntofor gi
v eandherdy ingwi shwasf or
met ol etgoandFor gi
v ey ou,Ididn'tknow how t o
forgi
vey ou,how tof orgetal lthosewor dsy ousaid
tome.Al lthehatredy our esent edt omeEv eyt
hing
youdi d.Ineededyoumot her,Iwant edYout otel
lme
thatMt hethowakhewi llgetar rested,thatIwi l
lget
j
ust i
ce.Iwast hir
teenf orcr yingoutl oud,whatdi dI
knowaboutsex ?Seduci ngaman.Ineedy outotel
l
met hat'yesIbeliev
ey oumychild't
hat'
sallthatI
wantedandy earnedf or
.Butyouknow whatmom?
Formyownsani tyandpeaceofmi ndIforgi
ve,Il
et
fr
eeoft hehatr
edt hatIhadf oryou,myhear tis
heavybutI'ml
etti
ngev ery
thi
nggoforthesakeofmy
happiness.
Mom:ThankYousomuchmybaby ,Iknowourbond
wil
lnot be as st
rong as any mother
-daught
er
rel
ati
onshi
pbutwewillt
akebabyStep.Iam sorry
andIloveyou.
Me:
It'
sal
li
nthepastnow,
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Wehugged,
alongbonecr
ushi
nghug.
Mom:
Youl
ookugl
ywheny
oucr
y,nowst
opcr
ying.
Me:
sodoy
ou,
li
kemot
herl
i
kedaught
er.
Wel
aughedandwi
pedourt
ear
s.
Mom:Now to whatYot
hando sai
d,y
our
eal
l
ydo
needt
her
apy
.
Me:
CanIt
hinkabouti
t?
Mom:
Yes,
butt
omor
rowIwantanswer
s.
Me:
yesma'
am.NowI
'
m hungr
y.
Mom:Icooked,
andIsawy
oudi
dn'
teaty
ourf
oodi
n
t
heoven.
Me:
yeahIwasnoti
nthemoodt
oeat
.
Yot
hando:
thatwast
ense!Youguy
slookedugl
y.
Wel
aughed.
Weat
easawhol
efami
l
y.
Every
onel ef
tandwenttothei
rRoom Iwenttomine,
Iprayed,havi
nghopethatIwon'thaveNightmar
es
toni
ght.
.

Iwokeupandmademybed,t
hisi
sgoi
ngt
obea
l
ongday.
Motherhaslef
tforwork,thekidsar
eatschool
.I'
m
sur
eYothandoisprepar
ingforworkt
oo.
Yot
hando:
Mnt
aseher
e'sy
ourBr
eakf
ast
.
Me:
I'
ll
bei
nthel
oungenow,
youcanputi
tther
e.
Yot
hando:
Okay
Shel
eft
,Iwentt
ot hebat
hroom washedmyf
aceand
mout
h.Ijoi
nedherint
helounge.
Me:
Younotgoi
ngt
owor
k?
Yot
hando:
Nope,
it'
smydayof
ftoday
.
Me:Iwasthi
nki
ngofdr
aft
ingaCVthengoandlook
f
orajob,Ican'
tst
ayal
oneint
hishousei
twil
ldri
ve
mecrazy
.
Yot
hando:That
'sagoodt
hought
.Whatt
ypeofaJob
doyouwant?
Me:
AnyJobasl
ongi
twi
l
lkeepMeBusy
.
Yothando:Janewasl
ooki
ngf
orTeaGi
rllcant
alkt
o
herandseeWhatshecando.
Me:
Who'
sJane?
Yot
hando:Theheadoft
heCl
ear
ner
sandTeagi
rl
sat
wor
k!
Me:Aww t
hanky
ouMnt
ase,atl
eastt
hiswi
l
lkeep
mebusy
!
Yot
hando:How aboutwegost
rai
ghtt
oher
.Bef
ore
shehi
ressomeoneel
se.
Me:
Letmet
akeabat
htheny
ou'
l
lbat
haf
terme.
Yot
hando:
okaymyLov
e.
Iquickl
yBoil
ed watert
o bat
h,si
nce t
he Gey
ser
seemstobenotworki
ng.
Ibathed,af
terbat
hingIqui
ckl
ydressedup.Itookmy
Laptop,anddraft
edaCVi ncaseit'
sneeded,wewil
l
pri
ntitinTown.
Yot
hando:
I'
m donewecanl
eav
e.
Isav
edmyCVonmyUSB,
thent
ookmySl
i
ngbag.
Wet
ookaTaxi
,toTown.
Me:Canwestar
tatsomei
nter
netCaf
e,sot
hatIcan
pr
intmyCV.
Yot
hando:don'
twor
rywewi
l
ldot
hatatmywor
k
pl
ace.
We'v
ebeenwalki
ng,f
orabout10monut
esi
t'
sHot
,
andI'
mfeel
i
ngHotandTi
red.
Me:Ha.
aYothandowhere'
sthi
sWor kpl
aceofy
our
s?
We'
vebeenwalki
ngforf
artoolong.
Yot
hando:I
n East
ern Capeit
'sSo Hoty
ety
ou'
re
cr
yingwi
tht
hissmall
CapetownSun.
Me:
mxxxxm!
.
Shel
aughedatme,shest
oppedatsometall
bui
l
ding,
i
t'
ssotal
lthatmynecki
sevenst
retchi
ng.
Yot
hando:
wear
eher
e!
If
eltsosmal
l
,If
eltasi
fthi
sisadr
eam.
Yothando:l
ookI '
l
lgoandpr intmanyCV incase
Janedoesn'
tthinkyouaregoodfort
heJob.Al
lyou
havetodoistakeaseatandwaitf
orme.
Me:
Okay
!.
Shegreetedtherecept
ioni
st,t
heyweretalki
ngand
l
aughi
ng.I '
m sur
etheysharethatdeskbecausei
t'
s
Bi
gandt here'
s2Comput er
s.
Yothando,came back aft
er5mi nut
es,when I'
ve
al
ready cooled down and wat
ching peopl
e who
ScreamsrichwalkingupandDown,surelythi
sisa
busyLawFi r
m.
Yot
hando:
let
'sgoJanei
swai
ti
ngf
ory
ou.
Me:
Forme?Youwon'
tbewi
thme?
Yothando: You need t
o st
and on y
our own,
Andizi
ngenimna.
Me:
okay
.
I
'm notscar edofLift
s,Butt hi
soneIdon'
tKnow.She
pressed 23.We' re going to a 23rdf l
oor!
.My
I
ntestineswer etwisti
ng,mypal msweresweating.I
l
iedI'mv eryscaredoflif
tsandt hi
sJane'
soffi
cehad
tobeOnt he23rdFloorAr ggh.
Wearri
vedatourstop,Il
etoutahugesi
ghIdi
dn'
t
knowIwasnotevenbreat
hingi
nsi
det
heli
ft
.
Wewal
kedt
il
lthel
astr
oom,
downt
hecor
ri
dor
.
Yot
hando:Janei syourtypi
calStr
ict,int
imi
dat
ing
andstrai
ghtper
son.Don'
tbesacr
edt houghshehas
asoftheart
.
Me:NoYothando,I
'
drat
herst
ayathomej
obl
ess
t
hantoseeher
.
Yothando:JustGo Nahiko youwon'
tdie,i
fJane
doesn'thi
rey
ouitwi
llnotbetheendoft
heworl
d.
Me:
OkayIknocked.
"
Comein"Il
ookedback,Yothandowasmaki
ngher
wayt
othel
if
twhatatr
aitor
.
Igoti
nsidet
heoffi
ce,shewasseat
edi
ntheetabl
e.
TheOff
icewasnotbignorsmal
li
tacor
nerof
fi
ce.
Me:
Goodmor
ningma'
am.
Jane:
Goodmor
ning,
youmayt
akeaseat
.
Isatdown.
Me:
ThankYou.
Jane:
CanIseey
ourCV.
wow,Nohow ar
eyou?Whatar
eyoul
ooki
ngf
or?
What
soev
er.
Nonet
hel
essIgav
ehert
heCV.
Shepagedthroughit
,andjustbei
ngl
ooki
ngather
,I
can'
texpl
ainherfaci
alexpr
essi
on.
Jane:Whywoul
dy ouset
tl
etobei
ngaCleanerwhen
you'
vebeenpsychol
ogy,whyareyounotfini
shi
ng
yourst
udi
es?
Me:Ihad t olook af
termysi ck Gr
andmother
,I
coul
dn'
tfi
nishmystudi
es.ButI
'
mi nt
endingongoi
ng
t
oschool
nexty
ear
.
Jane:
mhh,
whyt
hisj
ob?
Me:BecauseIneedsomet
hingt
okeepmebusy
,
si
nceIhavenot
hingt
odoaj
ob.
Jane:
Doy
ouknowt
heTy
peofJoby
ou'
l
lbedoi
ng?
Me:
I'
ll
beaTeaGi
rl
?
Jane:AndaCl
eaner,I
'
m givi
ngyout
hisj
ob.It
rust
youwil
ldoy
ourworkeff
ect
ivel
y.
Me:
Yesma'
am Iwi
l
l,ThankYou.
Jane:Befor
eyou agr
ee,y
ourSal
arywi
l
lonl
ybe
R4500perMont
hnothi
ngmore.
Me:
Yesma'
am,
Idon'
tmi
nd.
Jane:Tomorr
owmor ningat8am Ineedyouher
e,I'
l
l
gi
vey ouyourschedul
eonwhoy ouwi l
lbemaking
Teaforandwhatoffi
cesyouwil
lbeCleani
ng.
Me:
ThankYousomuchy
ouwon'
tregr
ethi
ri
ngme.
Jane:IHopesot hen.Gi
vemey
ourTr
ouser
,Shi
rt
andDressSi
zes.
Iwr
otet
hem down.
Jane:AndThatwil
lbeall,Iwil
lseeyoutomor
row.
Youruni
for
m andschedul
ewill
bereadyf
oryou.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuch.
Jane:
Pleasur
e.
Weshookhands,It henl ef
t.Ifthewasapossi bil
i
ty
oftaki
ngst air
sIwoul dbutt hisisthe23r
dFl oor.I
wouldn'tri
skthat
.Ihav etofacemyf ear
ssinceIwi ll
bewor kingheresoon,andI '
llbetaki
ngaLift
.It ook
alif
ttot heGroundfloor.Yothandowastal
kingwi th
theReceptioni
st,
shesawmeandcamet ome.
Yot
hando:
andt
hen?
Me:
Shesai
dI'
m notf
itenoughf
orwor
kingher
e!
Yothando:I'
m sosorr
ybabe,doyouwantust
odr
op
theCVsAr oundtown,orgoHome!
Me:
I'
mjoki
ngcuz,
Igott
hej
ob.
Yot
hando:
What
?
Comeher
e.
Ihugged hert
ight
ly,i
t'
s al
lthanks t
o her
.Ev
en
thoughIknowthisisnott
heki
ndofJobIwant
edI
'
m
sti
llgr
atef
ulf
orthisJob.
Thi
sisagr
eat
erst
art
!
TWO

I
t'
smyfi
rstdayatwork,I
'
m nervousIdi
dn'tev
eneat
mybr
eakfast
.I'
m wi
thYothandoinaTaxit
owor k.
Yot
hando:justr
elax,Iknow Fi
rstfay
sarealways
goi
ngnort
hbutrestassur
edyou'
llbefi
net
rustme
Me:I
'
m scar
edThando,
whati
fImessup,
spi
l
lteai
n
onet
hebosses!
Yot
hando:
Youdon'
twor
ry,
youwon'
tgetf
ir
ed.
Me:
Ihopeso.
Thet
axi
droppedusi
nfr
ontoft
hebui
l
ding.
Yothandocl
ockedin,andIjusthadtogoseeJane
Fi
rstfort
hecontr
actandgetmyunifor
m.
Yothando:Goodl
uckCousi
n,I
'
llseey
oudur
ingl
unch
ti
me.
Me:
Okayby
e!
'
Lift
'arggt hi
sist heonlythingt
hat
'snotcuteabout
thi
spl ace,orisitmyf eartowar
dsit
?Idon'tknow.I
pressedt he23rdflooragai
n.
Idon'
tunderstandwhyJane'
sof
fi
cehadt
obei
n
t
here,
it'
stoofarmar
n!
'
Ping'
Final
lyI
'
m her
e.Iwal
ktoherof
fi
ceandknock
"
comei n"
Igeti
nsi
de.
Me:
Goodmor
ningma'
am!
Jane:Mor
ning,You'
rer
ightont
imeandpl
easecal
l
meJane.
Me:
Yesma'
am,
ImeanJane.
Shesmil
ed,Idi
dn'
tknow shecanshe'
stoogr
umpy
formyl
i
king.
Jane:Gr eat
,here'sy our contr
act it
's onl
yf or
3monthssinceyou'
llbeonprobati
on,andyouwillbe
super
visedhereandthereokay?
Me:
Okay
.
Jane:
Her
e'sy
ourschedul
eandy
ourUni
for
m.
Me:
ThankYou.
Jane:wai
t,I
'
llcal
lAzol
eshewi
l
lbey
ourWor
king
part
ner
.
Shetookt
heTelephoneandcal
l
edsomeonet
ocal
l
Azol
etoherOf
fi
ce.
Aft
er a few minutes the door opened,a very
col
ourf
ull
adywalkedin.Whatdoi meanbycolour
ful
?
Shehasar edshorthai
r,FacefullofGl
it
ter
sorisit
makeup?Idon'
tknowshe' sj
usttoomuchhai.
Jane:Whatdi
dIt
elly
ouaboutbudgi
ngi
nmyOf
fi
ce
l
ikethat
?
Azol
e:Sor
ryMar
ryJane,
I'
ll
nocknextt
ime.
andSheChewsBubbl
egum l
i
kei t
'st
heonl
ythi
ngi
n
thi
swor
ld,
andit
'
sQuit
eAnnoying!
Jane:
ThisNahi
ko,She'
sNew andshewi
l
lbey
our
Part
ner.
Azol
e:Ohhi
babybabygi
rl
.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Me:
thanky
ou.
Jane:YourSchedul
eisthesameashers,youcan
changeyourcl
othi
ngandweart
heUni
for
m andstar
t
yourShi
ft
.
Me:
Alr
ightt
hanks.
Shegav
emekey
stomyl
ocker
.
Al
lthewaytothe1stFloorAzolewasblabber
ingt
o
muchtomyirri
tat
ion.Iwasirr
it
atedt
hisisgoingt
o
beoneoft
helongest3months.
Azole:AsIwassay i
ngbabygi r
l,y
ou'l
llookmore
beauti
fulwi
thmakeup,you'
l
llookwayt obeaut
if
ul
thanthi
sfemal
eLawyersI
nthiscompany.
Me:
Yeah,
not
hanks.
Geez it
's onl
y 3hour
s wi
th herand i
tfeel
sli
ke
3decades.
Azol
e:youshouldseeMrMkhi ze'
sSonMl ungisi
,
Daaamn he Makes mypant i
es drenched byj ust
l
ooking athi
m,he's such a SexyGod.Pi tyhe' s
marri
ed.
Me:
ThatmeansYoushoul
dpl
ayf
ar.
Azol
e:bel
i
evemebabygi
rlI
'
m pl
ayi
ngv
eryf
ar,
Itr
ied
al
lthet
ri
ckst
hebookbutnov
ain.He'
stoughnutt
o
cr
ack!
Il
aughedather
.Thi
sgi
rli
scr
azyt
hough.
Me:Thatmeansy
oushoul
dcheckt
hosewhoar
e
si
ngl
e.
Azol
e:Babygi
rly
oushouldseehim,tr
ustmeyou
woul
devenagr
eeinpol
ygamyjustt
ohaveasl
i
ceof
hi
m.
Me:Thatwould nev
erhappen,I
'm nota home
wr
ecker
.Andwhyareyoucal
l
ingmebabygi
rl
?
Azol
e:If
orgoty
ourname.
Me:
Youmustbeki
ddi
ngr
ight
?
Azol
e:Nah,y
ousai
dyouwer
e?Nomsa,
Nandi
?Ithas
Nthough.
Me:
wow!
Istoodandlef
therthere,
it'
sLunchtime.Onethi
ngI
l
ikeaboutherist hatshekeptt al
ki
ngwhi l
eIwas
cleani
ngandshe'squit
ef astatcl
eaningt
hough.So
I'
l
l wor
kwithherni
cely.
Isaw Yot
handowi tht
heotherrecept
ioni
sthaving
l
unchintheCant eent
hatIdidn'
tknow about,but
ShawnbyAzole.
Me:Cany oubel
iev
emypar
tnerdoesn'
tknow my
name?Li
kecanyou?
Isai
dthatsi
tt
ingnextt
oYot
hando.
Yot
hando:
LetmeGuessy
ourPar
tneri
sAzol
e?
Me:
Yeahr
ight
!
Isai
dthatt
aki
ngasandwi
chi
nthebox.
Yot
hando:She doesn'
tknow Al
mostev
ery
one'
s
Name.She'
sjustl
i
kethat
.
Il
aughed.
Me:mxxm she'
stoomuch!YhooI
'
m sor
udemy
namei
sNahiko.
Isai
dthatt
otheot
herr
ecept
ioni
st.
Her
:hi
,I
'm Gi
gi.
Me:
Ihopey
ou'
l
lremembermyName.
Gi
gi:Don'
twor
ryIhav
eabet
termemor
ythatzol
e.
She'
sdoesn'
tknowev
enMyNamet
oo.
Yothando:Theonl
ynamesheknowi
sOnl
yMl
ungi
'
s
andMrMkhi zeonl
y.
Me:
Isn'
tthi
sMl
ungi
siaMkhi
ze?
Gigi
:There'
sMkhizetheSeniorhe'
st hebi
gboss,
andther
e'sMkhi
zetheJuni
orThatMlungi
sit
heSon.
Me:
MhhsoAzol
eonl
yknowst
heBosses.
Yothando:Yept
hat'
stheonl ynames,she'
sthehear
t
ofthiscompany.Whenev er
yoneisbusyorMoody
becauseofthei
rcases,Shewi l
lmaketheday.You'
l
l
l
aught i
lly
ouremembert hatyouhav
ewor ktodo.
Me:
Oh,
butshet
alksal
ot.
"
Youbusytalki
ngaboutme,Let
'sgobackt
owor
k
wenaNandi
"
Me:
It'
sNahi
ko!
Isai
dthatr
oll
i
ngmyey
es.
Azol
e:Yeaht
hat
,let
'
sgobabygi
rl
.
Me:
Argghby
eguy
sI'
l
lseey
oul
ater
.
Thando&Gi
gi:
ByeLat
er.
Me:
Didy
ouhav
etor
uinmyLunchAzol
e?
Azole:Iwasmi ssi
ngy ou,andIkeptonbi t
ingmy
tongueitwasgetti
ngtoomuch.SoIdecideIshould
callyoubef
oremyt onguegetsdamaged.Younever
know.
Ij
ustl
aughed.
Azol
e:Soy
ouwer
ereal
l
yGossi
pingaboutmebaby
gi
rl
?
Me:NoIwasjustt
ell
i
ngt
henaboutt
hef
actt
haty
ou
don'
tev
enknowmyname.
Azol
e:Babygir
lthatdoesn'
tmatt
erifthepar
tnerI
hadbef
oreshetookleav
eIsti
ll
don'
tknowhername,
sodon'
tbeBother
ed.
Me:
Yeahy
eah!
Wemadeourway,
wecl eanedThel
astFl
oorOf
fi
ces
whi
chi
sthe26t
hFloor
.
.
WhenIgothome,
Iwast
ir
edEv
ent
houghsomeof
theoff
iceswereNott
hatdir
ty,i
t'
sjustt
hatmybody
hasn'
tadjust
edtothe dayrouti
ne.Theonl
yti
meI
satdownwaswhenIatemyl unch.
Mommy
:Heybabi
es,
Nahi
kohowwasy
ourf
ir
stday
?
Sheat
tackedusassoonaswegoti
nsi
det
hehouse.
Me:Ijustneedabat h,thet
axidi
dn'
tevenmakea
di
ff
erent.Siy
ay aTaxisshoul
dstopoper
ati
ngIcan'
t
bar
ethe4- 4sitbet
teraQuantum.
Theyal
llaughed.Trul
yIdon'
tgetwhythesedriv
ers
si
t4intheSiyayaTaxi
swhereast
her
e'ssupposedto
be3peopleseated.Ar
ghh.
Imademywayt othebathr
oom,Yot
handocame
wi
thHotwat
ert
hankGod.
Af
terbat
hingIwentdownst
air
stoj
oint
heot
her
s.
Mom:
Youbet
ternow?
Me:
Onl
yfoodandbedwi
l
lmakemef
eel
bet
ternow.
Mom:we'veal
readyeat
enev
enYot
hando,y
out
ook
yourt
ime.
Me:Iwast
ir
ed,I
'
m notusedi
ntowor
kingt
hismuch
youknow.Ev eninEaster
nCapeIusedt oonlyf
etch
waterfr
om t her i
ver
,cl
eanthehouseandTakecar e
ofuBhelekazihowImi sshersweetvoi
ce,shewould
besingi
ngAf ricanXhosatal
esformeri
ghtnow.
At
earescapedmyey
eandIqui
ckl
ywi
pedi
t.
Mom:So hav eyou t
houghtaboutAt
tendi
ng a
t
her
apysessi
on?
Me:Yeah,IwanttobutI'm busyduri
ngtheweekso
i
twillbebett
erifIgoonSat ur
daysatleastI
'm of
f,I
don'
thav e wor
k.Ev en Fr
idays wi
l
lbe f i
ne cozI
knockof
faround1.
Mom:I'l
lhav
eat
alkwi
thChar
mai
ne,she'
sgoodat
whatshedo.
Me:
Thanky
ouIappr
eci
ate.
Mom:I'm doi
ngwhatiwassupposedt
odo10y
ear
s
back,
soit'
smyjobasamother.
Iatemyf
oodt
henwentt
omyr
oom andLockedt
he
door.
Iwentonmyknees.
Me:Lor
dthanky
ouf
orev
ery
thi
ngy
ouhav
edonef
or
me,thankyouf orwakingmeupt hismor ning,thank
youfortheJob,t hankyouforeachandev erysmal l
thi
ngyouhav edonef orme,I'
m gr
ateful.Iappr eci
ate
yourli
ghtov ermyhead,Mayy oukeepondoi ng
greatt
hingsinmyl if
e,mayy oushieldmeandput
meundery ourwi ngwher eIknow Iwi llbesaf e,
thankyoulord,Iprayinthenameoft heFat her,the
sonJesuschirst,
andt hehol
yspir
itAmen.
Ist
oodupandgotintomybed,Onethi
ngBhel
ekazi
wasonabout
,wasprayerandt
hewor
dofGod.
Shewi l
lsay"Ungenzay onkeintooyi
funayoeBomi
ni
kodwa uzungaze umlibale oThi
xo,uze Umkhonze
i
bengathiUyaqal
a"[youmaydoev er
ythi
ngyouwant
Inli
fe,butneverforgetGod,wor shiphim asifi
t'
s
yourfi
rstti
meworshipinghim].
Bhelekaziwasal waysawomanwi t
hwi sdom she
alwaysbel ievedi nGodwhenwedi dn'tevenhad
foodont hetable.Awomanwhowi llmakesur ethat
thevil
lagehasf oodtoeat,shewouldr athergoonan
empt ystomachandf eedhernei
ghborherl astf
ood,
that
'show sel f
lessmyGr andmotherwas.Mayher
BeautifulSoulrestinpeace.Iwipet heTear sinmy
ey
es.
.
Iwokeupi nthemor
ningfeeli
ngrej
uvenat
ed,I
'
m
happy
,i'
m smi
l
ingI
'
mfeeli
ngl
ightl
y.
Itookabi r
th,IknowI'mt hefir
stonetobirt
hit'
sonly
04:30am.Pecksofst ayi
ngi nEasternCapewithan
Old Women.She woul d say "Yeyi
phiLendoda
enotshatai v
il
a elinj
e ngawe? Sukonqena Nahi ko
Uyintombiintoyiy
o.Makungaphumii l
anga usal
ele
Tshini"[
whichManWi llmarrysuchaLazypersonas
you?Don' tbeLazyNahi koyou'r
eaGi rlt
hat'
swhat
youar etheSunmust n'tr
isewhileyousti
ll
inbed].
Il
aughj
ustat
houghtofherr
aisi
ngherv
oicewaki
ng
meup!.
"
Arey
ousur
eyou'
rest
il
lfunct
ioni
ngwel
l
?"
Ilookedatt
heKi
tchendoor
,Mom wasst
andi
ng
t
here.
Me:
I'
mthi
nki
ngaboutBhel
ekazi
.
Mom:
ohI
'
m sor
ry,
itmustbehar
dfory
ou.
Me:Shemademest
rong,I
'
llbef
ine.I
'
m maki
ng
br
eakf
ast
.
Mom:Can'twaitletmegoandt
akeabat
h,wake
Yot
handoandtwins.
Me:
Alr
ightt
hat
'sf
ine.
Thewhol
efami
l
ywasher
eeat
ingBr
eakf
ast
.
Si
kel
elwa:
TheEggswer
eni
cesi
si,
youcancook.
Si
kel
elwai
sthegi
rlt
winandSi
kel
elai
stheBoyTwi
n.
Me:
You'
l
lcookj
ustl
i
kemebaby
,don'
twor
ry.
Si
kel
ela:
Shecan'
tev
enbat
hher
sel
f.
Wel
aughed.
Me:
whenshei
sol
dsi
kel
ela.
Si
kel
elwa:
Nyweee!
Shemadef
unnyf
aces,
weal
lLaughed.
Yot
hando:YoFami
l
y,wegot
tal
oveandl
eav
eyou.
Seeyoul
ater
.
Me:
Byeseey
oul
ater
!
Them:
Bye!
Wemadeourwayt othetaxirank,andLucki
l
ythi
s
ti
mewer odeaQuantum,onlyGodknowshowIf eel
aboutSi
yayaTaxi
s,t
he4-
4!Smh.
.
"
HeyNandi
"
Me:
It'
sNahi
ko!
Isai
drol
l
ingmyey
es.
Azol
e:Yeaht
hat
,let
'
sgobabygi
rl
.
Shesway
edherf
latassi
nfr
ontofme.
Azole:Iknow myFlatassisveryAt
tract
ivebutI
'
m
Str
aightHoney,st
rai
ghtasarul
er.
Il
aughed,Argghi
t'
sgoi
ngt
obeav
eryLonnggDay
wi
ththi
sgirl
here!
THREE
I
t'
s been an amaz i
ng 3mont hs worki
ng atThe
MkhizeAtt
orney
s.Azole?If
inall
ymadeherknowmy
nam by force Icouldn'
tst and bei
ng call
ed by
di
ff
erentnamesall
timeorcallme'BabyGirl
'
"
Gir
lmymani
scomi
ngbackt
odayI
'
m sohappy
"she
wasdanci ng,i
fthewholeCompanydi dn'
tknowher
crazi
ness theywoul dthi
nk she'
s cr
azyofwhi ch
she'scrazyandtheyknowthat,
andthatisAzole.Oh
I'
m of f
icial
l
y a cleanerhere,I'
m no l ongeron
probati
on.
Me:
Who'
syourMannow?
Azol
e:Ml
ungi
siMkhi
zeDuhh!
Shesai
dthatr
oll
i
ngey
es.
Me:
OhhYeah!
TodayIwillbeseei
ngt his'Ml
ungisi'f
ortheFirstt
ime,
andIcan'twai t
.Wewer echanging,actuall
yIwas
theonechangingi ntomyuni form sinceAzol ewas
done.Azoleisdedi cat
edt oherwor k,shemaybe
yourreall
i
feBar bi
edol landawannabesl ayQueen
butwheni tcomest owor kshe'sj ustGreat,shedo
theworkwithoutevencompl ai
ning.
Me:
I'
m donel
ett
hej
obst
art
.
Azol
e:Fi
nal
l
y.
SheswaysherFlatAssgoingtot
helif
t.Il
augh,I
knowI
'm notbl
essedwi
ththeAssbuty
oucanGr ab
aLi
tt
lebum t
hough,
Azol
e?Yhuuha.
a.
Azol
e:Justbecauseyourassis 3cm bi
ggert
han
minedoesn'
tmakeyouaFaithNket
si.
Il
aughedhar
der
.
Me:
KodwaAzol
e,3cm?
Shel
aughsIj
oinedher
.
Wewer eservi
ngtheTeai ntheBoardroom.There
wasnoone,wepl acedthewaterbott
les.Waiti
sn't
thatt
heSecret
aryjob?Ourri
ghtsarev i
olat
edhere,
orisi
tourj
ob?HaiIdon'
tknow.
TheBi gLawy ersmadet hei
rwayin,wewer eseated
atafarcor ner,ifsomeonewantacof f
ee/ Teathey'
l
l
j
ustraisetheirhand,Ifeelli
keaWai t
ress.MrMkhi ze
theSeniorwal kedinf oll
owedby,OhmyGodar e
thoseRealBl ueey esorlenses?He'stallandBroad.
He l ooks l i
ke s bl ack American, One wor d
'
Handsome' .
"That
'sMlungi
si"Azol
edi
stur
bsmypar
twher
eIsayI
dotothatman,waitwhat
?
Me:
what
?
Azol
e:That
'
sMl
ungi
si.
NowIseeaweddi
ngband,
ashe'
sgr
eet
ingt
heot
her
Manaroundt
heRoom.
Me:
mhhokay
!
Weservedcof
feeandtea,t
il
lthemeetingisover
.It
wasnowLunchti
me,andGigi,Yot
hando,Azol
eandI
wer
egoingtoeatLunchatKFCdownt heroad.We
doi
teachandever
yFri
day.
Wemadeourwayt
oKFC.
Azole:y
hothi
stimeMl ungisicame10ti
mesmore
handsome,
hedidn'
tev
enl ookatmydir
ect
iont
oday
.
Wealll
aughed,wewer
eseat
edIaf
ourSeatTabl
e
wai
ti
ngforouror
der
.
Gi
gi:
Buthe'
smar
ri
ed.
Azole:Dar
li
ngaRingdoesn'
tscar
eme,it'
sjustan
expensi
vebandt
hatImadet odecor
atesomeone'
s
hand.
Yot
hando:
HeLov
eshi
swi
fe,
hehast
woki
ds.
Azol
e:Idon'
tmi
ndBei
ngaSecondwi
fe,he'
sZul
u
pol
ygamyi
sthei
rthi
ngmos.
Gigi
:He'
sFatherhas1wife,whywoul
dhet
akea
secondWi
fe?Tryanewcr
ushmarnAzol
e!
Weal
ll
aughedGi
giwasget
ti
ngwor
kedup.
Azole:Chil
lDarl
i
ng,allIwantf r
om hi
mi sonlyone
round nothi
ng l
essnothing more.Judgi
ng byhis
dickpr
inthe'
sgi
fteddownt her
e
Us:
eeeww!
Azol
e:What
?Ey
esar
emeantt
oseebet
huna.
Weal ll
aughedather,ther
e'sneveradullmoment
wit
hAzole,shemakesy oul
aughev enaty
ourl
owest
days,
she'sthatper
sonandIli
keher.
Ir emembermy Fi r
stday s wit
h Char
maine the
psychologist,IwouldfeeldownandsadbecauseI
wasr evisi
tingthepastbutAzolebei
ngAzolemade
surethatIdon' tdepr
essmy sel
fandI'
m grat
efulf
or
that.
Yot
hando:Luncht
imei
sov
erl
adi
es,
let
'sgetbackt
o
wor
k.
Me:
ArghI
'
m sol
azynow,
andI
'
mful
l
.
Azol
e:Don'twor
ryHi
kobabyI
'
lldot
hewor
k,y
oucan
l
azearound.
Di
dIt
ell
yout
hatIl
oveher
?Wel
lIdo.
Me:
Yout
hebestLov
ethanky
ou
Azol
e:You al
so cl
ean on Monday
s when I
'
m
Hangov
er.
Ohy
eah,
she'
sthepar
tyani
mal
thi
sone!
WemadeaWal kbal
kt otheBuildi
ng,aspr omised
Azole was cl
eani
ng and Iwas j ustseating and
watchi
ngherdoingherthi
ng.Lastoffi
cefortheday,
she'
sexcit
edsheisgoingoutwit
hherf r
iends.

I
'm standing atmyf avouri
tespot,thefarcor
ner
watchi
ngt hev i
ew,capet ownisbeauti
fulandt
his
gl
assiscl eanenoughtoseet heper
fectvi
ewofthe
ot
herbuildings.
"
Youmustbet henewgir"Iqui
cklyt
urn,ther
ehei s
wi
thhandsdeepinhispocket
,okayIfindthatsexy
'
Nahi
kohe'
smar r
ied'
mymi ndwarns.
Me:
Yeah,
I'
m new.
Wher
ethehel
li
sAzol
ewhenIneedhert
hemost
.
Mlungi
si:Soshouldn'
tyoubecl
eani
ngmyof
fi
ce,
i
nsteadofjustst
andi
ngther
e?
Ohgoshhiseyes,i
sitnormalf
orablackper
sont
o
hav
eblueeyes?I
'm soi
nlovewi
thhi
seyes.
Me:
I'
m wai
ti
ngf
ormycowor
kert
ocome.
Mlungi
si:Oh Al
ri
ghtt
hen,t
hat
's my spotwher
e
you'
rest
andi
ngat.
Me:
ohI
'
m sor
rysi
r.
Isai
dt hatmovi
ngt
owar
dst
hev
acuum."
Wel
come
backhandsome"
Azol
e!Thi
schi
l
dGod.
Ml
ungi
si:
Azol
ehi
.
Hesai
dthati
nast
rai
ghtf
ace.
Azol
e:Imi
ssedseei
ngy
ourhandsomesel
f.
Mlungi
si:AndI'
m sorr
y,Iwant
edt
ogetawayf
rom
youfort
helongestt
ime.
Azol
e:That
'sbadhun,cozy
ou'
l
lbeseei
ngmor
eof
t
hispr
ett
yface.
'
Pret
ty what? Azole shut up now,coz you'
re
bl
ubber
ingnonsense'myinnersel
fsai
dthat
.
Mlungi
si:Putlessofy
ourmakeupAzol
e.Ishoul
d
l
eaveIpr omisedmyWi f
ethatI
'
llbeear
lysoyou
Mondayuhm?
Hesai
dthatl
ooki
ngme.
Me:
Nahi
ko
Ml
ungi
si:
YeahSeey
ouMonday
,yout
ooAzz.
'
Azz'
Ilaughed.
Azol
e:Yi
ntoni
?[What
?]
Me:
Azz?
Il
aughedagai
n.
Azol
e:you'
resobori
ngrightnow.Ml
ungi
sil
i
kesme
i
t'
sjustt
hathe'
sindeni
al
Me:
Yeah,
what
ever
.He'
sNi
ce.
Azol
e:Ver
yni
ce,
evenhi
sfat
hery
ouknowt
hat
.
YeahMrMkhi
zei
sani
ceol
dman,het
reat
shi
s
wor
ker
sfai
rl
y,andher
espectt
hem.
It
's1pm andIhav
eanappoi
ntmentwi
thChar
mai
ne
at14:30.
Me:
Byegi
rl
sseey
oul
ater
.
Isaidt hatgett
ing i
nsi
de t
he UberIr equestt
o
par
klandswhereCharmai
ne'
soff
iceissi
tuated.
Ipaythedr
iverasImakemywayi
nsi
deChar
mai
ne'
s
off
ice.
I
'
m 5minut
esl
ate,t
her
ewasal
otoft
raf
fi
cont
he
r
oad.
Me:
HeyChar
ms.
Char
mai
ne:
Heyl
oveWel
come.
Charmaineisonebeauti
fulwhit
ewoman,shelooks
youngwher easshe'
s57yearsold.She'
snotagei
ng
l
ikeyourtypical
whit
ewoman, wi
thwrinkl
es.
Char
mai
ne:
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngt
oday
?
Me:
I'
m goodandhowar
eyou?
Charmaine:I
'
m goodlet
'
sgetstr
aightt
obusiness,
theTaskIhadaskedy
outodo,
canIhavethepaper
?
Itookoutthepeaceofpaperwher
eIwr ot
emytask
thatCharmainegavemet othelastt
imewemet ,
whichwast hel
astSat
urday
.Ihadtowrotemyf
ears
ofbeingwit
haman.
Sher eadmypaperandkeptonnoddi ng,
Ican'
treall
y
explainherface.I
t'
sexpressionl
essi fImaysayand
thatisoneoft hethi
ngsIdon' tl
ikeabouther,Ican'
t
evenr eadherbutsheseerightthroughme.
Charmai
ne:soyou'r
escar
edt ofalli
nl oveand to
havesex.CanIknow y
ourreasons?Startbyfal
l
ing
i
nlove.
Me:I '
m scar edt ofalli
nl ovebecauseofmypast ,
whowi l
ll ovemewi thmyscar soft hepast ?I
'm
scaredtobewi thaguyf oralongrunandwhenmy
pastcat chupwi thme,t heguynol ongerwant sme
I'
m scaredt ofallforsomeonewhowi llleavemef or
thethingsInev eraskedf orinmylife,Iwi l
lli
vewith
thefactort hatIwasmol estedaschi
ld,doguy swant
awomanwho' vebeent hroughthat
?Won' tt
heythi
nk
I'
m aslut ,
aBi t
ch?
Char
mai
ne:Youknow t
her
ear
egoodguy
sar
ound,
theguy sthatwi l
llookpasty ourpastandf ocuson
your f uturey our way f orwar d.You' r
e beaut iful
Nahi ko,y ou hav e dreams nexty eary ou wi l
lbe
returningt oschoolt r
ustmel ovey ouwi l
lf i
ndt he
ri
ghtmanwhowi l
lnotbr ingy ourpastt omakey ou
feelsmal l
,someonewhowi l
llovey ouf orwhoy ou
are,y ouwi l
lovercomet hi
sf earjustopeny ourhear t,
don'tputwal lsaroundher , i
fyou'remeantt ogethur t
alongt hewayy ouwi llgethur t,dusty ourselfthen
carryonwi thyourj ourneyitwi l
lnev erbetheendof
thewol d,every
thingpl annedbyGodhasi t'
st i
me,i f
yourt imecomesf oryout of l
our i
shandbehappyi t
willcome, thisisaphasei twillpasst oo.
Ikeptonnoddi
ng,t
hiswomanknowherbusi
ness.I
j
ustwanttobel
ikehert
oo,
getherwi
sdom.
Char
maine:
nowlet'
sfocust
oyournextf
ear
,whyar
e
youscar
edtohav
esex?
Isighedthenlookedather,ast
hememor i
escame
fl
ooding,Tearsfall
sdownmycheeks. Eachand
everyti
meIam her eIcr
y,thi
swasl ongover
duefor
met ocry.Char
mainehandedmetissues.
Me:Ev ensincet heRape,I 'venev erhadsexwi t
ha
man,nott hatIwi shf orbutIhav enev er.I'
m scared
to hav e sex because I '
m scar ed I wi l
l see
Mt het
howakhe' sface,I'm scaredt hatt hemanwi l
l
forcehimselfjustlikeMthethowakhedi d.I'
m scared
becauseofhav i
ngamansweat i
ngandgr oani
ngon
topofmej ustlikeMt hethowakhedi d.I '
m scared
that I wi ll nev er ev er recov er t he t r
auma
Mt het
howakheput tedmet hrough,Ihat ethatman
withallofmyev erythingmysoul included.
Charmai ne:Doy ouknow t her easony ouscar edt o
havesex,i sbecauseMt hethowakhei nstal
ledf earin
yousot haty ouwi llneverhav esexwi thany one, and
you hav en'tf orgiven him.Let t he by gones be
bygones.Fi rstst epi stof orgi
veMt het howakhe,and
for
givey ourmot herf ull
ybecause y ou st il
lhav e
hatr
edt owar dsher ,thehat ethatifshewast herefor
youMt het howakhewoul dbei njail
,ifshewast here
youwoul d'
vel ongheal .Breakt hewal l
sNahi ko,y ou
needtobr eakt hewal l
si not herfory out olivey our
l
ifefull
y,y ouneedt obr eakl oosebey ourselfand
neverall
owy ourpastt oov ercomey ou.
Me:
Howwil
lIdot
hatChar
mai
ne?Idon'
thavepower
t
odoany
thi
ng,mypastwi
l
lal
waysbeinthewayfor
me.
Char mai ne:y ouneedt oletl oose,y ouneedt obea
23y earol dt haty ou'renott his70y earol dwomani n
frontofme.Goouti fyouhav et o,bespont aneous,
youdon' thav et odr inkalcoholt obecool .Youcan
gocl ubbi ngwi t
hy ourFr i
endsanddr inkj ui
ce, justbe
outt herest ayingathomewi l
lhaunty ourt houghts
wi l
lmakey ouov erthi nkthings, i
twi llputy ouont he
samespot ,youwi llnotseey ourstepsi ntoheal ingif
youar est andingi nonespot .Tryoutdat i
ng,seehow
i
tf eelst o hav e someone who car es f or y ou,
someonewhowi l
lteachy oul ov e,ify oudon' twant
thatt oo,j ustexpl or e.Goout ,gohi kingi thel psto
easeone' smi nd.Youneedachangeofenv i
ronment
besomewher ey ou' venev erbeent ryy ogaj ustbe
spont aneous don' thi de your selfi n a shel l
,be a
butterfl
yt haty ouar e.spready ourwi ngsandf l
yhi gh,
don'tst ayi nt histinshel lthaty ou'reint orightnow.
Bey ou,f orgetaboutev eryoneandev eryt
hingel se
andenj oyt hef ruit
sofl if
eandy ouwi l
lseet hewal l
s
willj
ustbr eak,don'
tputyourmi ndintothepastalot
oft i
mesandl ear
nt oli
veony ourownandi ny our
ownt er
msandcondi ti
ons,thisisy ourbodyyoudo
what every ouwantwi t
hi t
,i t
'syoubey ou.All
ow
yourselft o gethurt,allow yourselftolearninto
sit
uat i
ons.Beopent oy oursel
f,bey ouNahikoand
thati sthegr eatestthi
ngy ouwi l
ldof oryour
self
okaymyl ove?
Il
ookedatthi
samazi
ngwomani nfrontofme,wi
th
asmil
ecurv
edinmymouth.Inodded.
Me:Thanky
ouChar
mai
ne,Thanky
ousomuchI
'
m
gr
atef
ul.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Charmai
ne:I
t'
smyj
obhoney
,how ar
eyouf
eel
i
ng
ri
ghtnow?
Me:I'm free,the bur
den thathas been i
n my
shoul
der
shav ebeenl i
fteddown,I'
mf eel
ingfr
ee,
fr
eshrej
uvenated.I
t'
sal
lthankst
oyou.
Charmaine:waitti
l
lyou'
reapsychologi
sttoo,you'l
l
see the impactyou'
llbe making int
ot he other
peopl
e'sli
v es,y
ouwil
lbethegreatestNahikoIcan
at
testt
hat
.
Ismi
l
edl
ooki
ngather
.
Me:
Thanky
ou,
Irecei
ve!
Wel
aughed.
Char
maine:Tomorrow I
'
m havingagroupt
her
apy
,
i
t'
sforRapeSur
viv
ors.Dotoyouwantt
ocome?
Il
ookedather
.
Charmaine:Ther earepeoplewhowentt hr
ought he
sameand wor sesituati
on doney ou,tell
ing each
otherwhathappenedandhow ar etheysur viv
ing
rapeandov ercomingi t
.It
'sfunther
ear epeoplewho
arenotupt ightyouwi l
llaugh,youwi l
lcrybutt r
ust
met heout comewi llnotbet hesameaswheny ou
wenti nside,y ou'
l
lr eali
se thaty ourpr obl
em i s
smallerthanwhatot herpeoplewentt hrough.It'
s
overwhelmingbuty ouwi l
lbeokay.
Me:
Iwi
l
lcome,
whatt
imeshoul
dIbeher
e?
Charmaine:6pm,don'
twor
ryIor
gani
set
ranspor
tto
takeyouhome.
Me:
alr
ightI
'
llbeher
ethent
hanksf
ori
nvi
ti
ngmeand
t
hanky
ouf
ort
oday
.
Charmaine: y
ou ar
e wel
come honey
,see y
ou
tomorr
ow.
Me:
yesseey
out
omor
row,
bye!
Char
mai
ne:
Goodby
e.
It ook my bag and l
eftt
he bui
l
ding f
eel
i
ng
r
ejuvenat
ed.
Icall
edYot
handoi
t'
smom'
sbi
rt
hdaywedi
ci
dedt
o
eatout.
Yot
hando:
heyl
ovear
eyoudone?
Me:
yesbabes,
wenawher
ear
eyou?
Yothando:athome,Ij
ustf
etchedt
het
winsf
rom
school.
Me:ohokayl
etmer
equestanUberI
'
llbet
her
einno
t
ime.
Yot
hando:
okayl
oveby
e.
Me:
bye.
Ihangedup.Thenr
equest
,in3mi
nut
est
heUber
ar
ri
ved.
Myridewasn'tt
hatlong,thedr
ivert
ookanot
her
r
out
eandtherewasnotraf
fi
c.
Iar
ri
vedathome,i
twas5:30pm by6:
30pm mom wil
l
behere.It
ookabat
h,Yot
handowasdr essi
ngupthe
twi
ns.
Wewer ealldressedup,mom wasshockedt
hatwe
weretaki
ngherout ,shewant
edustowatchmovi
es
butnotodayisherday .
Wear
ri
vedatLi
feGr
andi
nwat
erf
ront
.
Weorderedachampagneandspaghet
tibol
ognese
f
oruselder
sandJui
ceandbur
gersfort
heTwins.
"Cheerstomommydear
est
,mor
eyear
s"wecl
i
cked
ourglasses.
This was t
he bestday,and an Amazi
ng night
,
mommywast hanki
ngusallthewaytohome.She
coul
dn't be more happi
er to hav
e her Three
daughter
sandaoneson.
Athomewejustat
ethecakeshebought
,andwatch
somemovi
esonNet f
li
x,i
twasthebestbir
thdayf
or
her
!.
FOUR

It
's5pm andI '
m onmywayt oChar maine'sbuil
ding,I
tookat axithi
stime, Ubersar eexpensi v
eandIdon' t
havemoneyt opl ayar oundwi th.Fi nal
l
yi t
's6:05pm.
I'
mf ivemi nuteslat e,thankst ot hatTaxiDr i
v erfor
being slow and goi ng allovercapet own.Iwas
i
rrit
atedandannoy edIf eltli
keI'vebeeni nthistaxi
forhours.I'm wear ingmyj eansandboot s,sweat er
andsomebeani ei t'
sraining.Wi nterisapproaching
soit'
sboundt or ain.It'
sbeenr ainingsincelastnight,
andit'ssti
llr
aini
ng.
Imakear untot hebuil
ding,Iwasdirectedtothehal
l
wheret hegroupt herapyi staki
ngpl ace.Mhhi t'
s
warm here,t
hereareheat ersal
laround.There'
salot
of ladies here, conv ersi
ng and eat ing some
sandwichesandcof f
ee.
"youareher
e"It
urnback,Il
ookatChar
mai
newho
i
ssmili
ngatme.
Me:
Itol
dyout
hatI
'
llcomet
oday
.
Charmaine:Itaughtyouchangedy ourmind,graba
Coffeewithsandwichorsomemuf fi
ns.
Igrabsome
2blueberryMuf f
inswi thcoffee,thesewoul ddo.I
makemywayt othecushionst hatareatthefloori
n
acircl
ef or
m.Isi tdown,wai tIknow t hi
sper fume,
thi
sr ed hair
cut.Azol e? She looks atme she' s
shockedtoseemeher e,wellIam too.
Azol
e:Hi
ko?
Yeahshecal
l
smet
hat
.
Me:
Azol
e,y
ou'
reher
e!
Shel
aughsandIj
oinedhert
hisi
sreal
l
yint
erest
ing.
Ev
ery
onei
snowseat
edev
enchai
rmane.
Char
maine:Hel
l
oladi
es,Thanky ouf
orcomi
ngt
oday
.
Wehav esomeonenew here,someonecl
oset
omy
hear
t.
Shesmil
elooki
ngatme,Iknew shelovesmebut
cl
oset
oherheart
?Wonder
sshal
lneverend!
Charmai
ne:soIwoul dl
i
keustogiveherawar
m
roundofappl
ause.Andt
hat
'
sherNextt
oAzol
eher
NameisNahiko.
Theycl
appedt
hei
rhandssmi
l
ing,
Iret
urnt
hesmi
l
e.
Theydoi nt
roduct
ionstooandIonl yr
ememberthe
fi
rst3names,therestIf
orgot
.I'
l
lknowthem ast
ime
goes,Iwonder,
doesAzoleknowt hem?
Charmai
ne:Greatnowlet'
sgetst r
aighttobusi
ness,
i
fyouknowy ou'
refeel
i
ngcomf ort
ableyoucanstartI
won'tpi
ckanynames,y ou'l
ljusttalkit
'syourown
wil
l
.
"
Iwi
l
ltal
k"ohIdon'
tknowhername.Gosh.
Char
mai
ne:
Okay
,Amandat
hef
loori
syour
s.
Yeahshe'
sAmanda.
Amanda:
Hel
l
oBi
tches!
!!
Damnshe'
sloud.
Azol
e:Hel
l
oBi
tch!
Nott
hisonet
oo,
weal
ll
augh.
Amanda:Okay
,mystoryst
artwhenIwasathomei
n
Mnambit
hi,i
nKwaZuluNatal
.
Ohshe'sZulu.Sheheav
eabi
gSi
gh,andpl
aywi
th
herhandsl
ookingup.
Amanda:Iwasbor nandbr eadinMnambi t
hiinKZN.
Mymot herand f at
herpassed awaywhen Iwas
6yearold.Theywer einvolv
edi nacaracci dent .I
stayed with myAunt ,myFat her
'ssisterand her
husbandandki ds.Att heageof16Iwasdoi ng
grade10.Ev erythingwaswel lfrom t
heageof6t il
l
theageof16whenmyuncl elosthi
sj ob.MyAunt
wasahousewi fewher easmyuncl ewast heonl y
working per son i n t he house, he was t he
breadwinner.Whenhel osthi sjobwehadnot hing,
ast heeldestchi l
dIhadt ohel pmyauntanduncl e
withsomepi ecej obs,af
terschoolIwouldgoar ound
Mnambi thicleaningpeople'shouseanddoi ngt heir
l
aundr y
.
OnedayasIwascl eaninginoneoft hehouseholds
aroundMnambi thithemanoft hehouse,rapedhe.
Het ookmyv i
rginit
ymypr i
de,hehadhi swaywi t
h
met i
llIhadnopoweri nmet of i
ght.HecameasI
wasbusycl eaningthecupboar ds"Ineedal i
tt
lehel
p
i
nt hebedr oom"hesai dthat
,hewasar rogantIknew
that.Ididn'
tcleant heroomsbutIcoul dn'tsaynoto
him, Ineededt hemoney .AssoonasIgoti nsidet
he
room hel ockedt hedoorandmadehi swayt ome,I
wasshockedIf rozeIdi dn'tknowwhatt odo.Iwas
wear i
ngadr ess, athomegi rlswer enev erallowedt o
wearJeansoranyTr ouser.Hehel dmer oughl yand
threwmeont opoft hebed, asIwast ryi
ngt ogetof f
from hisgr ipher emov edmypant i
es,ashewas
struggli
ngt oremov ehi st r
ouser sIwasf ightinghi m
tryi
ng to getof ff rom hi sgr i
p.Hechoked me,I
couldn'tdoany thingIt houghtIwasdy i
nghef inall
y
remov edhi spant shepenet ratedt omyv i
rginaas
dryasIwas,i twast hemostpai nf
ulthingI 'veev er
had.Hemov edupanddowngr oaned,Iwasl aying
fl
atlywai t
ingforhimt of ini
sh.Tear swer edry ,Icried
ti
llIranoutoft ear sIbeggedhi mt i
llmyt hroatdr ied
andwor dsnotcomi ngi ntomymout h.
"Thatwassweet,youaresweet "that'
swhathesai d,
hegavemepi ll
sandf orcedmet odri
nkthem.Af ter
hegav emeR5000f or"theSer vi
ce"that
'swhathe
saidaft
erhebr okeme,af terhertookmyv i
rginity
mypr i
de.Ilef
tthathousewi t
hbloodonmyt highs,
mybodyweak.Igav eaunt ythatwholemoney ,and
tol
dherthatI'
m neverdoinganywor k.
It
ookabath,Thatv
eryni
ghtmyasIwassl
eepi
ng
myuncl
ecame.
"Shhhbabygi rl,Iknowwhatt hatAni maldidtoy ou,
I'
m sorry"Icr i
edi nhi sarms, IthoughtIwasgoi ngt o
getjusti
cewhowasIf oolingreal ly,asIwassobbi ng
i
nhi sarms, hebr ushedmyt hi
ghs, ti
llhishandfinda
wayt omyv irgi
nahebr ushedmyv i
rgi
na."don' t
wor r
ymi shybaby ,I'm soot hingt hepai nitwi l
lbe
l
ess pai nfuli fy ou do i tagai n"he r emoved my
panties Iknew whatwas goi ng t o happen,my
fi
ghting spiritwasnott hereanyl ongerIhadno
power .Her apedmet oo,samedayt womanhad
thei
rwayt hroughme.Af terthatDay ,Iwasat ossing
ballbetweenMrZul uandmyUncl e.Iwouldhav esex
withMrZul uf ormoneyandmyuncl eatnightwoul d
havehi swayt oo.MyAunt ?Thatwi tchknew about
allofthis,Af t
ersl eepingwi t
hMrZul uasalway she
gavememoney ,Itookabust hatdaycomi ngheret o
capet own.Ihadt hatmoneyonl y ,IthankedGodt hat
daywhenImetaman' Li hl
e'hewasasecur it
yi n
capet ownBusst ation.Hesawmewonder i
ngIt old
him myst or
y,hegav emehome, Lov eandpeace.He
compl
eted me.Iwas now a wai t
ress atRocco
mommas,Lihlewasst i
l
lasecur
it
yguy.Onef ai
thful
ni
ghtl
i
hlecamedr unk,f
umingwi
thanger."
AmandaI
madeyouaper son,gaveyouahome,loveandt hi
s
i
swhaty our
epaymewi th?
"
Iwasl ostwhatwashet al
kingabout?" Yougaveme
HIVAmanda, fuckenHI V"Icri
ed, hekickedhim outI
di
dn'tblamehim, butIt
oodi dn'
tknowt hatIwasHIV,
Istayedwithmyf r
iendtil
lIfoundapl acetostay.I
haveaf oodparlourinTown,Ist ayalone,nomani n
myl i
feI'
m aRapeVi cti
m noscratchthatIam aRape
Survi
vorandI'
m HI Vpositi
ve.
Ilookedaround,Iwasn'
ttheonl
yonecr
ying,ev
en
AzoleandCharmainewer
ecryi
ng.
Char
maine:Thatwasdeep,shoul
dwecal
litani
ght
ori
sther
eanyonewhowant stoshar
e?
Azol
e:Iwi
l
lshar
e.
Il
ookedather
?
Char
mai
ne:
Arey
ousur
e?
Azol
e:I
'
vebeendr
eadi
ng,
Iwantt
oshar
e.
Char
mai
ne:
okay
.
Azol
e:Higuys,asy '
al
lknow t
hatI
'
m Azol
eandI
don'
tknowal
lyournames.
Ever
yoneLaughed,t
hanky
ouAzol
eforbr
eaki
ngt
he
Tensi
on.
Azole:Igr ewupher einCapeTown,Iwasbor nher e
i
n cape t own.I 'm the onlychi l
di n mypar ent s,
growingupIhadev erythi
ngachi ldal waysyear ned
for,mydad was a Bank Managermymot hera
teacher.Iwasnev ert hispersont hatIam now,I
used to be shy ,scared tot alkto people.Iwas
stayi
ngi nKhay eli
tshabackt hen,ev enthoughwe
hadmoneydadl ovedbei ngwi thhishomeboy s,we
wer e stay i
ng in Lita Park.I twas my Mot her'
s
birt
hday ,wewer egoingt oeatout.Iwasst il
lput ti
ng
upmymakeup,t hat'
sonet hi
ngIl oveddoingatmy
sparet imei fI'm notst udyi
ng,Ihear d mymom
screami ngIr ushedtot heleavi
ngr oom, mydadwas
l
ay i
ngt hereinapoolofbl ood,mymot herscreami ng
herlungsout ."
yeyuy angxolasfebe"[you'
remaki nga
noiseBi tch]
.
Oneoft hoseguy ssaid,mymot hercoul
dn'tstop
cryi
ng.Abul l
etPier
cedr i
ghtinherf or
ehead,ri
ght
ther
eandt henIknewmymot herwasnolongeral
ive,
mysmal lf amil
y.Icouldn'
tstopmy sel
fIr anand
kneeledr
ightnextt
oherbody .
"
Mhhfreshmeetwhatdowehavehere?
"Hebr
ushed
myt
highsasIwasweari
ngaLinenshor
twi
thashi
rt
.
"
Let
'st
akeherwi
thusbef
oret
hepol
i
cef
indusher
e".
Theydr agged met ot hei
rcar ,theydr ovet i
l
lwe
arri
vedatthisoldbui
lding,weretheyt hr
ewmeatt he
fl
oortookof fthei
rpant s,thei
rplanwast orapeme
allThewayt o wheret heywer et aki
ng mewer e
fussi
ngaboutwhowi llstartfi
rsttherewasabout6
ofthem.
Aft
err emovi
ng t
heirPant
st hey al
lstood t
her
e
l
ooking atme,with ey
es f
ulloflust
.Theywere
pl
ayingWitht
hei
rpeni
seswait
ingf
orthei
rtur
n.
One ofthem remov
ed myshort
s,wit
h a Lotof
di
ff
icul
ti
escozIwasscr
eami
ngandki
cki
ng.
"Scr
eam al lyou want. Nobody'
s gonna you
sweethear
t"t
hatdi
dn'
tst
opmef rom ki
cki
ngt
hem.I
fel
tsomet hi
nghi tt
ingmyt highs,theywer ehitt
ing
mewi t
ht heirbelts,Ihadnopowert ofight,thepain
wasintensif
ying,theyfinal
lyremov edmyshor t
sand
under
wearand Hepenet rated thr
oughmyv ir
gina
wit
houtanywar ning,hekeptongr oaningashewas
Busy having hist i
me,t he ot herone penet r
ated
thr
oughmyAnal .Hav i
ng2di cksburiedr i
ghtinside
ofme.
Il
ookedatazole,shewascr y
ingthi
sisnotmyfr
iend.
Ihel
dherhandf orassurancethatIam her
eforshe
l
ookedatme, t
hensmi l
edatme.
Azole:Afterallsi
xofthem hadt heyshareoff un,
theydruggedme.For day st heyhadfunwi thme
andalltheycouldgivemewasdr ugs.Iusedtopiss
my sel
f,Icouldn'
thol
dmypee.Iwasst i
nking,Iwas
dir
tyIfeltdir
ty.Ili
vedforsex,andtheywouldgi v
e
medr ugs.
Theydumpedmei nfrontofthey ar
dofmyhouseat
thedayoft hefuner
al.Iwasnaked,Mybodyf ul
lof
scars,Ihadlostofweighti
nt hedaysI'v
ebeenwith
them.Myf ami l
ycoul
dn'thol
dt heytearswhenthey
saw me,Iwasdead.Iknew r ightthereandthen
Azazol ewasdead.Iknewawhol eofmewasdead,
I'
m gr atefulfort hef actt hatIwasn' tpregnant,Idi
dn'
t
catchanySTI sorHI V.Theybr oughtt hi
snewwhol e
me, Idoal loft hi
snotbecauseIwantt obutbecause
I'
mf orcedt o,bei ngt hisbubbl ygi rlismycopi ng
mechani sm,I 'm dy i
ngi nside.Imaypr etendthatI'
m
okaybutdeepdownIknowt hatI'm dy i
ngIknowt hat
I'
m power l
ess. I al so t ake sex as a copi ng
mechani sm.Thatf ai thf ulbirthday ,wast hedayIlost
mypar ent sIl ostmybei ngmyl i
fe.I'
m nott hesame
anymor e,If eelasi fIwoul dgobackt obeingthat
Azazol e woul dt aintme,woul dt ake me backt o
thoseday sIspenti nt hatbui ldi
ng.Now Iwi l
lnever
beabl et ogi vebi r
thbecauset heytookoutmywomb
becauset hosemandest royedmywomb,I '
l
lnever
havemyv eryownki ds.Isl eepwi t
hdi ff
erentman
becausei twassomet hingt hatwasdonet omeIam
goodf orthat .Andt hat '
smyst oryandIam Azol ethe
RapeSur vivor .
Itookherint
omyar ms,Ihuggedhersot ight
,she
cri
edherlungsout.Iwascr yi
ngtoo,Ili
ket hefel
t
thatsheal
lowedhersel
ftobev ul
ner
able,sheletus
al
li
nonwhathappenedt
o.
Char
mai
ne:
Ladi
esandt
hatwi
l
lbeal
lfort
oday
.
Ever
yonestood up,to dri
nkwatersomet
o hav
e
somecoff
ee.Ineedthatcoff
ee.
Azol
e:Thanky
ousomuchl
ove.
Me:Iwil
lal
way
sbet
her
efory
ou,andILov
eyou
Azol
e.
Azol
e:ILoveYout oo,myLove.Thanky
ousomuch
Nahiko,Iwoul
dn'
thavefi
nishedmystor
yifi
twasn'
t
fory
ou.
Me:
Bestf
ri
ends?
Azol
e:Bestf
ri
endsf
orEv
er.
Wehuggedandst
oodup.
Azol
e:Ar
ggwel
ookl
i
keugl
yri
ghtnoweuww.
Me:Sayt hatagain,andt
hatmakeupi
sal
lovery
our
face.Here.
.Igavehersomewi peswewereinthe
bathroom r
ightnow.
Azol
e:t
hanky
oubabes.
Iwashedmyface,t
hedri
editwi
tht
hefacecl
otht
hat
wasinthebathr
oom.Sheremovedthemakeupand
washedherf
ace.
Me:Youlookwaymor
epr
ett
ywi
thoutmakeupdo
youknowthat
?
Azol
e:Yousur
e?
Me:
Whywoul
dIl
i
e?
Azol
e:Doyout
hinkMl
ungi
siwi
l
lNot
icemewi
thout
makeup?
Me:
Her
ewegoAgai
n.
Welaughedaswemadeourwayt
othet
ranspor
t
pr
ovi
dedforus.
Thi
swasanemot ionalni
ght
,al
lIneedrightnowi
sa
bat
h and mysleep.Tomor r
ow is anotherday
,a
bl
essesday'
Sunday'.
FI
VE

It
'saMondaymor
ningandI
'm notfeel
ingtheday
alr
eady
,mybodyi
ssoreIsl
eptwithSikel
elwaand
shedoesn'
tknow how t
osl
eep,I
'
m nev
ersl
eepi
ng
wit
hherEveragai
n.
Igetup,she'ssti
llsl
eepinghori
zontal
ly.Imakemy
wayt othebat
hroom justasusualI
'mthef i
rstoneto
wake up. Af t
er bathing I made br eakfast f
or
everyone,whi
chwasoat s.Icouldn'
tbr i
ngi tupon
my selft
omakeaf ull
Englishbr
eakfast
.
"
Goodmor
ning"
I
twasYot
hando.
Me:
Mor
ning,
you'
reEar
lyt
oday
.
Yot
hando:
It'
sbecauseIsl
eptear
lyy
est
erday
.
Yeahshesl
eptar
ound6pm.Shewasnotf
eel
i
ngwel
l
.
Me:
yeah,
howar
eyout
hismor
ning?
Yot
hando:f
eel
ingbet
ter
,thanky
ouf
ort
heGi
nger
Teayoumade.
Me:i
tusedtohel
pBhel
ekazi
.SoIt
houghtIshoul
d
makei
tfory
outoo.
Yot
hando:
thanks.
Me:
her
ehav
ebr
eakf
ast
.Whymom hasn'
twokenup?
Yothando:it
'sahol
idaytheTwi
nsarenotgoingto
school,AuntisonLeave.Sowear
et aki
ngthecar
today.
Me:
Youj
oki
ngr
ight
?
Yothando:Justeatup so t
hatwe can beatt
he
Traff
ic.
Me:
Alr
ightcool
.
We ate af
tereati
ng,It
ook mybag t
hen j
oined
Yot
handointhecar
.
Wedrove,thet
raf
fi
cwasal ot
.Ar
ggCapeTown
t
raf
fi
c.Butwemadeiti
nti
mef
orwor
k.
Yot
hando:
seey
oui
nLunchTi
me!
Me:
Alr
ightby
ebabes.
Yot
hando:
ByeLov
e.
Ilef
theratt
heRecept
iondesk.Thenwal
kedmyway
tothel
ockerroom.
Azol
ewasther
e,wai
tshedyedherai
rbl
ackandshe
di
dn'
tappl
ymakeupt
oday.
Me:
Wowbabes,
lookaty
ou.Youl
ooksobeaut
if
ul.
Azol
e:Your
eckon?
Me:yes.Theblacki
sgood,andanew hai
rcutwho
ar
eyoutryi
ngtoimpr
ess?
Azol
e:Noone,
Ideci
dedt
oli
stent
oyouandt
ryt
obe
nat
ural
.
Me:i
tsui
tsyou,st
ayl
i
ket hi
s.I
fyouappl
ymakeup
t
hen,
tryt
oputmuchal
itt
lebi
tofit
.
Azol
e:Thanksbest
ies.
Me:
youwel
comeBestf
ri
end.
Ichanged,ther
ewas5mi nut
esl ef
tformyshi
ft
.I
deci
dedtologintheWi
Fiandcheckmyemail
s.
"DearMsMsomi
You'
vebeenAdmi
tt
edt
ost
udyatt
heUni
ver
sit
yof
CapeTown.
Youhavemetthemini
mum requi
rementsandyou'
ve
beenaccept
edtoSt
udyPsy
chologyStudi
es."
Iscr
eamedandal
ley
esi
nther
oom wer
eonme.
Azol
e:Andt
hen?
ITossedt hephonetoher
,sheread.I
'
m sur
eshe
didn'
tfi
nishthewholemessageli
keme,cozshe
screamedandhuggedme.
Azole:Congr
atul
ati
ons BestFr
iend wow,I
'
m so
proudofYou.
Me:
ThankYouBest
ie.
Ireadthewhol emessage,yesI
'l
lbeconti
nui
ngwith
mySt udi
esnexty ear.I'
l
lbeRepeati
ngmy3r dYear
si
nce,Idr opped outi nthe middl
e ofthe 1st
Semester.SoI'l
lbedoingmy3rdYear.
Me:I'
m soexci
ted,Iwantt
ocal
lmymot
herandt
ell
her
.
Azol
e:Whynott
ellherf
acet
oFace?Thatwoul
dbe
bet
ter
.
Me:Yeahri
ght
,butl
et'
scallChar
maine,she'
sthe
per
sonwhohel
pedmealotwit
hthi
sappli
cati
on.
Azol
e:Yeahdot
hat
.
I cal
led Char
mai
ne, and put
ted t
he cal
l on
l
oudspeaker
.
Char
mai
ne:
Mor
ningNahi
ko.
Yeah,that
's how Char
mai
ne answer
s herphone,
she'
stooFormal.
Me:
Mor
ning,
Ihav
eGoodNewst
otel
lyou.
Char
mai
ne:
Yes?
Me:I
'
vebeenaccept
edtost
udyatUCT,
thanky
ouso
muchchar
msforall
youdi
dforme.
Charmai
ne:OhmyGod,Congr atul
ati
onsbaby ,y
ou
deser
vetobesomet
hingoutt
here,I
'm happyf
oryou.
Me:Thankyou,Ireal
l
yappreci
atehav
ingyouinmy
l
if
e,youmadeahugeDi f
fer
enceinmyli
fe.I
'
llf
orev
er
beindebt
edt
oy ou.
Charmaine:Nonsense,you deserve allofit.You
deser
vet obehappy .Justseewheny ougraduat
e
andbeapsy chol
ogistandhavepat i
entsy ouwil
ldo
exact
lywhatI'
m doing,i
fnotmor e.Fridaywhenwe
meetI'
ll
giveyouapropercongrat
ulati
onsgi f
t.
Me:
Ther
e'snoneed.
Char
mai
ne:
Iinsi
stl
ove
Me:
Okay
.
Azol
e:AndonSat
urday
,Iwantagi
ftt
oo!
Hai
boAzol
e!
Char
mai
ne:
Azol
eist
haty
ou?
Azol
e:I
nfl
esh.
Char
mai
ne:
Lol
,okaySat
urdayy
ou'
l
lbeYourgi
ftt
oo.
Azol
e:Thanks
Wechat
ted,
forawhi
l
eandsai
dourGoodby
es.
Azole:I'
m so happyas ifI'
m t
he one who got
acceptedtost
udyatvar
sit
y.
Me:Yeah,Imeanttoaskyou,whyareyouwor ki
ng
asacl
eaneri
nsteadofst
udyi
ng?You'
rest
il
lyoung.
Azole:Afterev er
ything I
've been thr
ough Ididn'
t
copev er
ywel latschool.Ididn'tdoGrade12,Ionly
fi
nishedmyGr ade11.Tr ustmeIwannagot ovarsi
ty,
Ialwayswant edt hev ar
sityli
fe.Beingoncampus,
cl
ubbing,thereslife,part
ies.ThePol i
ti
calpar
ti
es.I
wantedallthatbutIguessi t
'sallj
ustadream
Me:Iwasquiteclev
erbacki
nhighschool
,Iwas
book smar
t.Iknew Iwas goi
ng t
o make i
tto
univer
sit
ywi t
houtanydoubt,andIdi d.Al
lI'
m sayi
ng
we'regoingtofindapar t
-t
ime Gr ade12schoolfor
olderpeopl
ey ou'l
lgother
e,andont heothersi
deI'
ll
teachyout oo,youwil
lwr it
ey ourmat r
icandgot o
univer
sit
y.Whatdoy ouwantt obe?
Azol
e:IwantJust
ice,
Iwantt
obeal
awy
er.
Me:
Theny
ouwi
l
lbeal
awy
er.Comeher
e.
Ihuggedher
.
Azol
e:I
'
veneverhadafri
endwhocar
esl
i
kemeas
muchasyoudo,I
'
m gr
atef
ulf
ort
hat
.
Me:
That
'swhatBestFr
iendsar
emadef
or.
Azol
e:Yhoo.Lookatt
het
ime,
wear
elat
e.
Me:
I'
m ev
enl
azyt
ocl
eant
oday
.
Azol
e:That
'
swher
eyourBest
iecomes.
Me:
Seet
her
easonIl
ovey
ou?
Azol
e:Ar
ggy
ouar
esousi
ngme!
Welaughedandmadeourwayt otheoffi
ce,t
hey
wer
enott hatdi
rt
y,andwecleanedFri
day
.Wewer e
j
ustvacuumingandcleani
ngthedustinthedesks
andcabi
net
s.
I
t'
sLunchTi
met
hankGod!
Wemadeourwayt ot hecaf eter
ia,acof f
eeand
muffi
nswilldo, t
heweat heri
snotourf r
iendtoday.I
used t
o enjoyr ai
nyday s,backi n Eastern Cape.
Bhel
ekaziwoul dmakeherFamoussweetcor nsoup.
Andwewoul dwat chmov i
esinmyl apt
op.Imi ssher
eachandev eryday,Imissherwar m smil
e,warm hug.
Herscent,I '
m sur eshe'sproudofme,herwi shes
wastoseemebei ngsuccessf ulandindependent.
Andthatwillcome, al
li
nGod' sti
me.
Azol
e:Ear
tht
oNahi
koMsomi
!
Yot
hando:
WassupJoe?
Il
aughed.
Me:
I'
m good,
I'
vegotgr
eatnewst
otel
lyou.
Yot
hando:
okay
?
Shewassmil
ing,
Yot
handoi
sal
way
smywel
lwi
sher
,
she'
ssosel
fl
ess.
Me:
Youroneandonl
yCousi
n,gotaccept
edatUCT!
!!
Yot
hando:
What
?Comeher
e.
Shegav
emeabonecr
ushi
nghug.
Me:
Yot
handoIcan'
tbr
eat
h.
Azol
eandGi
gil
aughed.
Yot
hando:I
'
m sor
ryLove,
ArgghI
'
m sohappyf
ory
ou.
Wehavetocel
ebr
ate.
Azol
e:Satur
day we al
lgoi
ng t
o cel
ebr
ate,we'
re
goi
ngtocubana.
Yot
hando:
I'
m wi
thy
out
her
elov
e.
Gigi
:Congrat
ulat
ions Nahi
ko l
ove,and def
ini
tel
y
Satur
daywearecelebr
ati
ng.
Me:
Itl
ooksl
i
keIdon'
thav
eachoi
ce.
Azol
e:Youdon'
thav
eitbabes.
Wechat
ted,
til
lthel
unchwasov
er.
Gigi
:Mondaysareal
way
sadr
agi
tfeel
sli
keI
'
ve
beenher
efor3day
s.
Me:Ijustwantt
hecl
ockt
ohi
t5pm sot
hatIcanbe
outofhere.
Theylaughed,Gi
giandYot
handoleftus,
goingt
othe
recepti
ondeskandIwaswai t
ingforpri
ncessAzol
e
tofini
shhercoff
ee.
Me:
Real
l
yAzol
e?
Azol
e:It
'snotli
key
ou'l
lbecl
eani
ng,
justsi
tandtake
achil
lpil
l.Thi
sCoff
eeisR13.MymoneysoI '
m not
goi
ngtowast emymoney.
Il
aughed,
shef
ini
shed.
Wegotinsidet
hel
if
t,wewer
egoingt
othel
astf
loor
,
wewerecleani
ngt
heTopoff
ices.
.
"
Pleasehol
dthel
i
ft"Azol
edi
dandhegoti
nsi
de.
"
Aft
ernoon"
Us:
"af
ter
noon"
.
Si
l
ent
.Hi
scol
ognedamn!
He'
ssmellingsonice,
Ijustwannarubmyselfi
nhi
m.
Hedidn'
tpressanynumberf orsur
ehe'
sgoingtot
he
l
astf
loortoo.
IlookedatAzole,shewasdrool
i
ngatthi
sGuy ,I
'
m
sureherpant
iesarewetbythewayshe'
slooki
ngat
hi
m ifIwasn'ther
eshewoul d'
veprobabl
ythrew
her
sel
finthi
sguy.Ihav en'
tseenhi
m properl
y,I
'm
onl
yseei
nghe'
sback.'
Ping'fi
nal
ly
.
Hegotoutf
ir
st,
wef
oll
owed.
Isi
ghedav
erybi
gone,
wasIhol
dingmybr
eat
h.
Azole:Youknow IthoughtMlungi
siwast
hemost
handsome,butt
hismant akest
hecup.
I
aughed.
Me:
Hesmel
lni
ce
Azol
e:Damn hei s,and I
'
m sur
ethatcol
ognei
s
fr
eaki
ngexpensi
ve.
Me:
Yeah,
he'
sRi
chj
udgi
ngbysui
t.
Azol
e:Yho,
hay
ihe'
saDr
eam.
Il
aughed.
Welaughed,andwenttocleantheof
fi
ces,Mlungi
si'
s
of
fi
cewast helastone.Si
nceit
'si
nthelastcor
ner
.
Azol
eknockedandgoti
nsi
de.
Iwai
tedf
orherout
side,
shecameback.
Azol
e:HeI
sbusy
,heaskedf
or5mi
nut
es.
Me:
Okay
.
Azole:He was wi
tht
hatGuy
,yho t
hatman i
s
handsome.
Me:
Shh.
Isignaledhertokeepqui et
,Imeant heguyisi nthe
offi
cehecoul dhearher .Ist
oodbyt heLongGl assin
thecor ri
dorlookingatt heview,theRainisr ai
ning
hard.It'
sabeaut if
ulsighttosee,andthisbui
ldingis
high.Ican see t he Table mountain whereI '
m
standing,ar
gght hisViewistodiefor.
Thedooropens,andt heyar el aughi
ng,Thatmanl y
l
augh.Ilookatthedoor .Damndi dhehav etobet hi
s
Handsome.Hewasl aughingsohar d,evenhi sbroad
shoul
dersaremov i
ng, Mlungisiisalsolaughi nghard.
Hiseyesmeetmi ne,for10secondshel ooksdeepi n
myey es,I'
m notmov i
ngmygazeIwoul dStareat
hi
m alldayandnev ergettir
ed.Hehasni celyshaped
Eyebr
ows,LongLashes.Ther e'ssomet hi
ngabout
hi
seyes,Igotl
ostint hem.He' sHandsomenodoubt ,
hehasadi mpleonhi sleftcheek.He' sl aughisso
manlyandnotl oudnorsi lentIcan'
tdecipher
.He
l
ooksatMl ungi
sithenl ooksatmeagai nandhe
Walkoutwi thMlungisi
.I '
m stuckmyf eetarenot
moving.I
ttookmeami nutetomov emyfeet.
Whatwast
hat
?
Igotinsi
detheOffi
ce,hi
scologneisli
nger
ingint
his
offi
ce,mixedwit
hMl ungi
si'
sCologne.Iopenedthe
windows.The wi nd was blowing thi
ngs,Azole
quickl
yClosedt
hem
Azol
e: Uy
aphambana Nahi
ko? [
Are y
ou cr
azy
Nahi
ko?
]
Azol
e:Ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
yeahI
'
mfi
ne.
The smel
lwas ther
e,y
eah he'
s handsome.
.we
cl
eanedt
heof
fi
ce.
Ml
ungi
sicameaf
ter
war
ds.
Ml
ungi
si:
Azol
eyoul
ookdi
ff
erent
!
Azole: How di
ff
erent
? Bad Di
ff
erent or Good
Dif
ferent
?
Mlungisi
: Good Di
ff
erence, y
ou l
ook beaut
if
ul
natur
ally
.St
aythi
sway.
Hee,
shei
sbl
ushi
ng.
He'smar
ri
edAzol
e!.Wel
eftassoonaswewer
e
done.
Fi
nal
l
yI'
m homeaf
terav
eryLongDay
.
Mom:
YouLookt
ir
ed.
Me:
Iam dy
ing,
Ican'
tdeal
yho.
Shel
aughed.
Mom:
Justt
akeaBat
handcomeeatsomef
ood.
Itookabath,Yothandobat
hedaf
terme.Wewer
ein
theloungeeat
ing.
Me:
Mot
herIhav
esomegoodnewst
oshar
e.
Mom:
I'
mli
steni
ng.
Me:Igotaccept
edatUCT,I
'
llbedoi
ngmy3r
dyear
NextYear
.
Mom:OhmyGod,I'm sopr
oudifyoubaby,I
'
m sur
e
Bhel
ekazi
ist
oo,
she'
slooki
ngoutf
oryou.Shewoul
d
be Happy to hear such news.Congr
atul
ati
ons
MamBhele!
Me:
Thanksmom.
Mom:
Nowcomeandgi
vey
ourmot
hersomesugar
.
Ilaughed,Dadusedt osaythatwhenhecomeback
fr
om wor k.YothandoandIwoul druntohim and
suffocatehim wit
hourhug.Goddecidedt
otakehi
m
early.YothandoandIwerest
il
lyoung.
Iwentt
omymot
herandhuggedher
!
Wear egettingther
e,thebondisslowlybecoming
stronger.Shereall
yissorr
yandIcan'tst
ayangryat
herf orever
,Iforgaveherandfor
got.Thisi
sanew
start.
.
.
I'
m sor r
y IwentMIA,Iwas busy f
ini
shing my
AssignmentsothatIcanf
ocusonthisstory.I
'm
sorr
y .
Anot
heri
nser
twi
thcomel
ater
.
Admi
n
SI
X
It'
sbeenav er
ylong and Busydayatwor
k.It'
s
SaturdaytodayandI'
m gett
ingreadyf
ort
hegroup
therapy.
Charmai
neboughtmeaDr essandsomeheel sasa
'
Congrat
ulat
ionsgif
t'andI
'
m happyandgr atef
ulfor
theki
ndgesture.Theweat
herissti
llbad,i
t'
swi nt
er
whatcanwedo.
I
'm dr essed in mysweat pants,Ni kekicksand a
blackcoat .Ihav emybr aidst i
edandcov eredmy
braidswi thadoek.Yothandoi sdr oppingme,af t
er
oursessi onAzoleandwi l
lj oi
nt hem atGi gi'
splace
forchangei fclothesandwegot ot heclub.Itr
ied
talki
ngt hem outofthi
sbutt heydi dn'tevenli
stento
me.IguessIhav etogowitht hem.
Yot
hando:
Howl
ongdoy
out
hinky
ouguy
swi
l
ltake?
Me:
EyyIdon'
tknow,
itwi
l
ldepend.
Yothando:Okay,I
'
llsendy
ouGi
gi'
sAddr
esst
henwe
wil
lmeett her
e.
Me:
Okayl
ove!
Yot
hando:
takeCar
eIl
ovey
ou!
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo,
bye!
Iquickl
yr antotheent r
ance,t
her
aini
snott
hat
heav
yt odaybuti
t'
srai
ning.
Imademyway
,Ineedt
hatcof
feeandmuf
fi
ns.
Azol
e:Justt
hewayy
oul
i
kei
t.
ShehandmeaCupwi
thcof
fee.
Me:
DidIt
ell
yout
hatIl
ovey
ou?
Azol
e:Wel
lYouhav
en'
ttol
dmet
oday
.
Me:
Ilov
eyouSt
handwa!
Azol
e:Il
ovey
out
oo,
Sandwi
chorMuf
fi
ns?
Me:
2Bl
ueber
rymuf
fi
nspl
ease.
Shehandsmet heplat
ewi t
hbl ueber
rymuffi
nsmy
fav
our
it
e,Iwoul
dkil
lyouforBlueberr
ymuff
ins.
Wemakeourwaytotheci
rcl
e,ther
earechai
rstoday
andnottheCushi
ons.Iguessit'
sbecauseoft he
weat
hersothatwedon'tcatchcold.ButtheGas
heat
ersar
emakingthehal
lWar
m.It
'swarm Iev
en
RemovedmycoatI
'
ml ef
twi
thmysweat
er.
Char
mai
newai
tedf
orust
oset
tl
einsot
hatwecoul
d
st
art
.
Char maine:GoodEv eni
ngl adies,welcomebackt o
the therapysessi on I'
m gl ad we are sti
llint hi
s
healingj ourney.I
'm gladt hatandhappy ,yesitmay
bev eryhar dt oshar ey ourpainbuti nthisplace
there'snobi gnorsmal lpain.Weal lwentt hrough
the same t r
aumat i
c exper ience but t he
cir
cumst ances wer e different.We ar e allr ape
survivors.So we wi llhol d each other'
s hands
throughoutt hisheali
ngj ourney,wear eafamilyhere
andf ami lysti
ckstogether.
Wekeptnoddi
ng.
.
Charmaine:so Iwanty '
al
lto share,so thatthe
burdencanbelif
ted,noonewil
llaughatyourstory
.
Juststepupandshar eyourstory
.Sot odaywho's
goingtoBreakt
heIceandstar
ttoshareherstor
y?.
Sheaskedthatl
ooki
ngatme,I
'm notr
eadytoshar
e
I
'm scar
ed,soshemustnotcountmein."Me"sai
d
theSweetcol
ouredgirlwi
thcurl
yhai r
,ar
gghILove
herhai
r.What
'shernameagain?Irememberherhai
r,
l
astweekIwasf ussi
ngoverherhair.'
Chel
sea'
yeah
hernameisChelsea.
Char
mai
ne:
OkayChel
seat
hef
loori
syour
s.
Chel
sea:
Hel
l
oev
ery
one.
Shesai
dthatshy
ly.She'
ssosweetandshy
.
Us:
Hey
,hi
,hel
l
o.
Thent
her
ewassi
l
ence.
Chel sea:Asy ouallknowt hatmyNamei sChelsea.I
am f rom her e,Iwasbor nandbr edher eincapet own.
Iused t o st ayin bi shop Lav i
s.Igr ew up t here,
stay i
ngi nbi shopLav i
sbacki nt heday swewer e
nev ersaf e,wehadt olookatourbacksbecauseof
thegangs.Andmyf ami l
ywasaf amilywithafaithin
Chr i
st,we wer e neverassoci ated with such,my
Gr andfatheral waysmadesur et hat,whenweget
from schoolwegobackst r
aighthome.Idon' tknow
how mybr othergotassoci atedwi t
ht heGang,he
startedcomi nglate,disrespectingourGr andfather.
MyFat herpassesawayf rom t hegangwart hat'
s
whyGr andfat
herwantedusawayf r
om thegang,
especiall
ytheboysi nthefamily
.Hehadast r
oke
whenher eali
sedthatMybr ot
herisinaGang.He
couldn'
tbr i
ngiti
nhimselft
ol osehi
sgrandchi
l
dren
becauseofgangs.
Oneni ghtmyBr ot
hercamehomewi thal otofbl ood
comi ngf r
om hi sst omach.Thewhol ef ami lywasi n
shock, i
twast heni ghtmyGr andfatherhadast r
oke.
Itwasn' tany mi nute when we hear d Gunshot s
outside,twomanwi thal otoft atoosev enont hei
r
facemadet hewayi nside,theytookmeandmybi g
sister,wewer escar ed.When t hef ami lyt r
ied to
objectbutt hosemanhadal readymadepl ansf orme
Andmybi gsi ster,thi
swasi t.Meandmysi sterwer e
onlygi r
lsint hef ami lyof8chi l
dren.6Boy sand2
girl
s.Iwasonl y15y earsoldandmysi sterwas17
year sold.Ir emembert heyt ookust oaBr othelin
Mi t
chell
sPl ain.Ther ewer elotofgirlsint here.
That
'swhenitregist
eredt omethatmyl i
fewasov er
.
Theygavedr ugsev eryday.Irememberwhent hat
guycametome" Iwantt hi
sbitch"hesaid.Hewas
cl
ean,hedidn'tlooklikey ourtypeifgangster
.He
wascl eanyeshehadt att
oosandscari nhislef
t
cheek.Itmadehi
m handsome.ButthewayhesaidI
am bit
chchangesmyperspect
iveabouthi
m,hewas
agangst er
.Iwastakenf r
om theroom wheremy
si
sterwas,Icri
ed.Irememberwhent heytookmy
si
stershecamebackwithscar
sandwounds.Ididn'
t
wantthat.
"Whyar ey oucryi
ngsweetheart,t
ear
sarenotgood
fory ourpret
tyface"
.Itwast hatguy,wewer
eina
cleanerroom i
tsmell
ednice
"Iwantt ogohome,Ihav eschool"Ibl urtedout .
"You'l
lgoi fyoudon'tsatisfyme.Buti fyoudoy ou'l
l
bemybi tch"Icr
ied,t
hi swasnotgoi ngtobemyl i
fe.
Her emov edmycl othesmyj ean,Iwasscar edto
evenobj ectbecauseIdi dn'twantt obebeatenup.I
wasst arknakedi nf rontofhi m.It ri
edtohi demy
pri
vate par tbuthe woul d Sl ap me ifIdi d.He
caressedmyboobsmyv iginar oughl
y,heremov ed
hisclothesandthrustedin.
Iwasnotav i
rgi
n,Ihadsexwit
hmyboy fr
ienditwas
aonceoffthi
ng.Whent hi
smanr apeditfel
tasifI
wasavir
ginagain.Hewasrough,
"you'
resoti
ght"he
keptonsay i
ngt hat.Af terthatni ghtIwasnev erokay .
Hewoul dcomeandr apeme,somet imeshewoul d
takei tinmyass.I twashi st hingt il
lhegott i
redi f
meaf teray earofbei nghi s" bi t
ch".sur elyhef i
nd
someonewhowast ighterthanme.Mysi sterkill
ed
herselfshecoul dn'tst andt his,andIhadt ot hinkof
myGr andf ather,Ial way swonder edabouthi m,he
keptmest r
onger .Iwentbackhome,Inev ert old
any oneaboutt his,theyj ustknowt hatIwasr aped.I
hadangeri ssues,t rusti ssues, Hatred.Bei ngr aped
takesapar tofy ou,apar tthatnotev ery
onewoul d
under stand.I tdecr easey oursel f-
esteem,andsel f
conf i
dence.I tt ook al lmy st rengtht ot alkt o
Char mai ne aboutwhathappened i nt hatpl ace,I
somet i
mes hav e night mar es seei ng hi m i n my
dreams, heinstil
ledf eari nme, feartobewi thaman,
feart ohav esex .Het ookal lmysoul ,Iwasonl yleft
wi t
hmybody .Butbei ngher elisteningt othest ories
y'al
lshar edgav emeasour ceofhopeandJoy ,self
conf i
denceandIam happyt hatImanagedt ot alk
aboutwhat 'sbeenbot heringmef oryears.MyName
i
sChel seaAndIam ar apev ictim.
She'
sstrongt
okeepthi
sfory
ear
s,andIseeherf
ace
i
sl i
ght
er.Iguessshe'
sfr
eenow.She'
sabeaut i
ful
massandshe'sstr
ong.
Char mai ne:Thanky ouChel seaf orshar ingwi t
hus.I
willjustsayaf ew wor dst henwewi llclose,Iam
rel
easi ngy ouear l
yt oday.Iwantt ot ellyout hat,
nev eraskGod on some" whyme?Whydi dt hi
s
happent omebutnotany one"Youknow Godi sa
Godt hatknewusbef orewewer eborn.Hehadpl ans
foreachandev ery oneofy ouher e,Hewast here
wheny ouwer er aped,he'sher eev ennow t haty ou
hav esur vi
vedt her ape.He' stheGodofpr ovision,
youguy smaynotknowwhatgr eat
ert hingsthatar e
comi ngi ny ourwayorhav ecomet oy ou.Y'allare
strongandbr av ewomen.Thi stooshal lpassand
youwi l
lallr ejoicewhenGodRev ealshi msel finto
yourl ives.Hewi llthingsthatwi l
lamazey oual l
,and
you wi l
lwonderwhathav ey ou to deser ve such
sufficientGr ace,i twi l
lcomei ntoy ourheadst hat
you'veper sev ered,beent hroughst orms,t r
ial
sand
tri
bulat i
onsbuty ety ouarest i
l
lstanding.That '
swhy
there'sbl essingandGoodnessupony ourl i
ves.Hei s
God t hatwillneverf or
gety ou.He willgi
vey ou
strengthwheny oufai
lintheroad,hewi
llbeyourguy
hewi llhol
dy outi
llyourfini
shli
ne.Thi
smaybet he
startwherey ouarecry i
ngbutbyt het
imet herace
endy ouwillberej
oici
ng.
Ilookedatthuswomani nfr
ontofme,Char maine
hasal otofwi
sdom.She'ssur
elybeent hr
oughalot,
andGodhaspr ovenhimselfi
nherlife.Ishal
lcarr
y
hermessagetil
lmyjour
neyinli
feends.
Char
maine:Iwoul
dmam'sandr
atopr
ayf
orusaswe
cl
oseToday'
sSessi
on.
Mam'sandr
aist heelderhere,she'
sold and she
hasn'
tshar
eherstor
yyet.She'
samarri
edwoman.
Mam'
sandr
a:l
et'
sbowourheadsandcl
oseourey
es.
Wedoj
ustt
hat
.
Mam' sandr
a:Heav enly Fat
her,we t hank you f or
giv
ing us this day
,we t hank you fort hi
sl ovely
sessi
on.Fat herIpr aythaty ou gi
veusf orgiv
ing
heart
s,so t hatwe mayf orgiv
et hose who hav e
wrongedussot hatwecancar ryonwi thli
fewit
hany
Babbage.Wepr ayforst
rengthandpr osperi
tyinour
l
ife.Andwepr
ayforhopeandfai
thi
nyou,Ipr
ayin
thenameoftheson,t
hefat
herandtheHolyspi
ri
t
Amen.
Us:
Amen.
Wehuggedeachother,Iwentt
ohav
emy2muf
fi
ns
f
ort
heroad.Thi
sissti
l
l al
ongday
Azol
e:wheny
oudr
unk,
you'
l
lvomi
tthesemuf
fi
ns.
.
Me:
Eeeuwwsi
smar
nAzol
e!
Azol
e:I
'
mjustt
ell
i
ngy
out
het
rut
h.
Me:I'
m notaheavyDr
inker
,sochi
l
l.I
'
llonl
yhav
e3
Gl
assesofcockt
ail
.
Azol
e:wewi
l
lseeaboutt
hat
,justsl
owdownont
he
muff
ins.
Ilaughed,mxxm thi
sone,Ionl
yat
eonemuf
fi
n
becauseofAzol
e.
IshakemyHeadasweheadt ot heUberthatAzol
e
request.Shehasaweekendbagi nherhand,sowe
aregoingstrai
ghtt
oGi
gi'
sApart
ment .
SEVEN
Wej ustar
ri
vedatGi
gi'
sFl
at.Azol
epai
dtheUber
dr
iver.
Me:Letmecal
lYot
hando,andl
etherknow wear
e
her
e!
Yot
hando:
wher
ear
eyouguy
s?
Me:i nfr
ontoft heGat
e,theSecur
it
ycardoft hi
s
complexjustt
olduswemusthaveaFlatnumberso
thathecancal
landconf
ir
m..
Yot
hando:
It'
sFl
atNo.
28.
Me:
okaysur
e.
Me:
Uhm si
rit
'sFl
atNo.
28.
.
Secur
it
y:okayl
etmecal
landConf
ir
m.
Hecall
ed,andconfi
rmed,heopenedt hegat
ewe
made ourwayfoll
owing hi
m to FlatNo.
28,thi
s
compoundi
shuge,i
thasniceabi
gflats.
Wef
inal
l
yreachedGi
gi'
sfl
at,
it'
sint
he2ndFl
oor
.
Azole:Iwasfreezi
ngout
side,andt
hissecur
it
ywas
gi
vingusAtti
tude.
Gigi:i
tsforsaf
etypur
pose.Wecan'tl
etev
eryonei
n,
l
et'syout wocametomur derme,y
ouwouldn'
thav
e
succeeded.
Azol
e:y
eahy
eahy
eah!
Wel
aughedat
.
Ifi
nal
lycatched a gl
i
mpsed oft
hem,t
heywer
e
l
ooki
ngpret
ty.
Me:
Adr
essYot
handoi
nthi
sweat
her
?
Azole:What'
swr
ongwi
tht
hat
?CozIam wear
inga
dresstoo.
Yot
hando:it
'sRai
ningnotcol
d,it
'swarm andwewi
ll
bewarm oncewehav esomealcohol
inoursyst
em.
Me:Yhoo,Idon'
thav
easay
!Gi
giwher
ecanIgeta
qui
ckshower?
Azol
e:Youdon'
tneedt
otakeashowerunl
essy
ou
di
dn'
tbatht
oday
.
Me:Ibathed,i
t'
sjustt
hatIf
eell
i
ke t
aki
ng a
3mi
nut
esshower
.
Azol
e:Dot
hat
,Gi
giwi
l
lbedoi
ngmymakeupsol
ong.
Itookashower,itt
ooklongerthanexpect
edt
he
warm wat
erdi
dn'
tdoanyj
usti
cetome.
Azol
e:t
hatt
ooky
ouawhol
e20mi
nut
es.
Me:
Youl
i
e..
IworemyJeans,Whi
tel
i
nenbl
ousewi
thmydeni
m
j
acket
.
Azol
e:pl
easeremov
ethej
acketi
tdoesn'
tgowel
l
wit
hyourout
fi
t.
Ar
ggazol
e.
Gigiappl
ied makeup on me,and Il
ooked v
ery
beaut
if
ul.
Azol
e:Gi
gidi
dyouhav
etomakehert
hisbeaut
if
ul?
Me:
Ther
ewasnoneedsana!
Yot
hando:
pleasegi
veachancet
oo.
Welaughed,mygirl
sweresl
ayi
ngIt
heirdr
essesand
t
highboots.Gi
giandIwerei
nourj
eansandblouses.
I
'm scaredifbei
ngsick,Ijustcan'
tgetsi
cknot
becauseofCl
ubbi
ngnevernotEver
.
Wer equest
edanUberbecausenoonewant edto
Dri
ve,andIdon'tknow how t
odr
ive.Ishoul
dtake
l
essonsthough.
Wear
ri
vedatCubunai
nGr
eenpoi
ntCapeTown.
I
twaspacked,sopeopl
egot
otheGr
oov
eEv
eni
fit
's
r
aini
ng!Smh!
.
I
'v
edrankbef
orebutI
'
venev
erbeeni
nacr
owded
pl
ace.
"Azole"we al
ltur
ned i
twas some guy
.He'
sa
bartender
Azol
e:HeyYou!
..
Shesmil
edIknew shedoesn'
tremembert
heGuy
's
name!
Bar
tender
:it
'sbeenal
ongt
imewi
thoutseei
ngy
ou.
Azol
e:Ei
shI
'
m busybr
a,wi
thwor
k.
Bart
ender
:yeah,I'
m sureyou'
real
waysinandoutif
cour
tfi
ghti
ngcriminal
s.You'
reonebeaut
if
ulLawy
er.
Weal
ll
ookedatAzol
e,andshef
ocusedont
heGuy
.
Azol
e:Yeah,
ist
heVI
Pful
l
?Wear
ri
vedl
ate.
Bar
tenderyou'
rel
uckyt
her
e'sa t
abl
efr
ee,some
l
adi
esjustl
eft
.
Azole:ThankGod,Icoul
dn'
tCopebei ngI
nGener
al,
eventhoughit
'sl
i
tther
ebutIjustcoul
dn'
t.
Bar
tender
:it
'sobv
iousl
yyourl
uckyday
.
Azol
e:canwehav
esomeshor
tssot
hatwecanki
ck
st
art
.
Bar
tender
:sho.
Wedowned4shor
tseach.
Thenthebar
tenderleadustothetabl
eint
heVIPare,
wefeltsoimportantbecauseifourmisshotshort
LawyerAzol
e!
Wesettlesinthetabl
e,whil
etheot herguycame
wit
h4bot tl
esofVeuveCl
icquotchampagne.And4
Yoghur
tPunchCocktai
l
s.
Azol
e:Tomi
ssPsy
chol
ogi
st!
Me:
Real
l
yAzol
e?
Gi
gi:
ToNahi
ko
Yot
hando:
That
'sbet
ter
Azol
e:Fakef
ri
ends.
Weal
ll
aughedather
.
Azol
e:Tot
heMostbeaut
if
ulGi
rl
.MyBest
ieNahi
ko.
Yot
hando&Gi
gi:
ToNahi
ko.
Me:
tome.
Wecl
ickedourglassesoft
heCockt
ail
.Thi
scockt
ail
i
ssonice,
butthevodkaist
oost
rong.
Wedrank,Iwasqui
teenj
oyi
ngmy sel
f.Ievenfor
got
t
hatIsai
dIwil
ldr
ink3cockt
ail
sandcalli
tout.
Azol
e:Ar
eyouenj
oyi
ngbestFr
iend?
Me:
Yesma'
am.
Wewer eallt
ipsy,wewereget
ti
ngthereandwewere
now drinki
ng our champagne,these ladi
es ar
e
makingmef eelspeci
alandIlov
ei t
'sli
keitismy
bi
rt
hday.
Yot
hando:
Ineedmymanr
ightnow!
Me:
Youhav
eaBoy
fri
endYot
hando?
Iwas shocked,we St
ayi
nthe same house,we
pract
ical
l
ydoevery
thingt
oget
her
.HowcomeIdon'
t
knowaboutherboyf
ri
end?
Yothando:y eahIdo,Ij ustdi
dn'twannarubitout
yourface.Imeany ou'
vebeenthroughalotwi
thman,
Ijustcouldn'tbr
ingituponmy sel
ftotel
lyouabout
him.I'
m sorryCousin.
Me:
It'
sOkayl
ove.
Idon'
twantustot
alkaboutither
e.Imeanwearei
n
thecl
ub,butwewi
llsur
elytal
kaboutitwhenwear
e
athome.
.
Azol
e:OHMYGOD!Nahi
ko,
Gir
ls.
Us:
What
?.
Azole:okayy'
alldon'
tlookatt
hesamet
ime,i
nthe
VVIPl ef
ttablethathandsomeguywhowaswith
MlungisiMonday.
Myhear
tski
ppedabi t
,Ilookedup.Looki
ngforhi
m.
Hi
seyesmetmine.Thatstar
ingcont
estagai
n.
Iqui
cklyr
emov
edmygazeathi
m.Icoul
dn'
tlookat
hi
mt oday
..
Yot
hando:Gi
gicoul
dn'
tev
ent
alkt
hatdaywhenshe
saw him. She was dumbst
ruck. He'
s r
eal
l
y
handsomeshame.
Gi
gi:I
t'
sli
kehe'
sli
vi
ngi
nhi
sownwor
ld.Hehadno
mercyi
nus.
Wel
aughed.
Azol
e:Nahi
koy
ouseem t
obet
akenbyhi
m mor
e!
Me:
wel
lhe'
shandsome.
Ibl
urt
edout
Theypoppedt
hei
rey
esatmyf
ace.
Azol
e:Saywhat
?
Me:
He'
sHandsome.
Yot
hando:
hay
iyi
Fil
m.[
Noi
t'
saFi
l
m]
Gi
gi:
Iam Shooket
h.
Wel
aughed.
Me:
I'
m comi
ngguy
s,I
'
m goi
ngt
othebat
hroom
Azol
e:Subal
eka.[
Don'
trunaway
]
Ilaughed t
hen st
ood up.Imademywaytot
he
bathr
oom,t her
eweret wo l
adi
esi
nthel
i
neso I
waitedpushi
ngconv ersati
onasi fweknew each
other.Al
coholis ki
cki
ng in ever
y one.It
's 2am.I
fi
nallymademywayi nsidethetoi
let,Idi
dmydeed.
ThenWentt owashmyhandsandFi xMyBr ai
ds.
"Yhoondinxi
l
il
eNgoku"[ yhoI'
m Dr unkNow].Isai d
thattomysel
flooki
nginthemirr
or.Ilaughed.
Iwentout ,Iti
ghtgrabonmyhandshocksmeI
qui
cklylook I
've col
l
ided wi
tht
he wal
l
,itwasn'
t
pai
nfuli
thappenedsof ast
.
"
Hey
"ohhGosh,
it'
sthehandsomeguy
.
Me:
Hi.
Ismi
l
e,Idon'
tknowwhyIam smi
l
ing.
Handsome:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Thanks,
you'
rehandsomet
oo.
Il
ookdownaft
ersay
ingt
hat
,hel
aughs,t
hatmanl
y
l
aughofhi
s.
Handsome:I'
m Bul
umnko,sopr
ett
yLadycanIget
yourname?
Me:
Nahi
ko,
I'
m Nahi
ko.
Bul
umnko:
Nahi
ko,
mhht
hat
'
sal
ovel
yname.
MhhGosh,thewayhepronouncedmyname.Ibl
ush
yhowhati
sthisguydoi
ngtome.
Bul
umnko:Ther
e'salotofnoi
sehere,sowhenar
e
youl
eav
ingsothatIcant
akeyouhome?
Me:
Wewi
l
lsee,
I'
m wi
thmyf
ri
ends.
Bul
umnko:YeahIknow,I
'
llbechecki
ngyousoi
fyou
wantt
oleaveI'
l
lbeint
heVVIP.I'
l
ltakey
ouhome.
Me:
Alr
ight
,Letmegot
omyf
ri
ends.
Bul
umnko:
Alr
ightbeaut
if
ul.
Iwal
kedawayf
rom hi
m,Iwasabl
ushi
ngmass.
Azol
e:Andt
hen?Wassup?
Igi
ggl
ed.
Yothando:Areyouhi
gh?Di
dyouconsumedr
ugsi
n
theBathroom?
Me:What
?No.ImetBul
umnkoandhe'
staki
ngus
home.
Gi
gi:
andwhot
hef
ucki
sBul
umnko?
Me:
Bul
umnko,
y'al
lknowhi
m.
Them:
Nowedon'
t!
Me:oh yeah,y
ou don'
tknow t
heNamehe'
sthe
Handsomeguyweweretal
ki
ngabout
.
Azol
e:YouJoki
ngRi
ght
?
Il
aughed.
Yot
hando:
Arey
oubei
ngf
orr
eal
?
Me:Yep,heaskedmewhattimewewi
l
lbel
eav
ing
sot
hathecantakeushome.
Azol
e:Thatcal
l
sforshot
s
Shecal
ledthebartenderhecamewithVodkaShots
andourCocktai
ls.
.Wedownedt heshot
s.Thedrank
OurCockt
ail
s,dancingtothemusi
c.
Dav
ido'
sFI
Apumpedt
hespeaker
s.Wewentcr
azy
.
Wetwer
ked,wedanceditwasjustcr
azywewer
e
t
otal
l
ymort
albynowit
's4:
08am.
Gi
gi:
yhooI'
m drunkasfuckri
ghtnow,Iwon'
tbeable
t
owal kintheseheel
s.Hikobabygoandcal lyour
man,Idon'
tknowifheleftwewillseewhatwil
lget
ushome,
cozwedr
ankt
heUbermoney
.
Azol
e:Hai
bo.
Wel aughed,Ihadmoneyi nmycar dsi
ncet heydidn'
t
all
ow me t o pay forany thi
ng since 't
hey wer e
celebrat
ingmyv arsi
tyacceptance'
.SoIwasgoi ng
topayf orUber.ButImademywayt ot heVVI P,I
saw hi mlaughi
ngwi thhisfr i
endIjuststoodt here
l
ooki ngathim,he' ssexymar n.Henoticedmehe
stoodupandcamet omydi recti
on.Iwasshocked
thebouncersdidn'tstopme.
Bul
umnko:Doyoul
ovet
ost
arei
nGener
alory
oul
i
ke
st
ari
ngatme?
Me:Ili
kestaringatyou,t
here'
sjustsomethingabout
you,Ican'
tputmyf i
ngeri
ni t
,butther
e'ssomething
aboutyou,youreyes!
Hel
aughed.
Bul
umnko:
Ithi
nky
ouar
edr
unk,
let
'sgety
ouhome.
Hesaidgoodbyetohisf
riends,t
hentookmyhand
making ourway tothe gir
ls.We arr
ived,Azol
e
coul
dn'
tstopst
ari
ngathi
m
Me:Uhm Bulumnkot hesearemyfriends,myBest
Fri
endAzole,MySi st
erYothandoandmySi st
er'
s
bestFr
iendGigi
.AndGirl
sthi
sisBul
umnko.
Azol
e:HeyHandsome.
Bul
umnkol
aughed.
Gi
gi:
Hi
Yot
hando:
hey
.
Bul
umnko:
Hel
l
oladi
es,
canIt
akey
'al
lhomenow?
Yot
hando:
Yespl
ease.
Wet ookourbagst henlef
t,goi
ngtotheplacewhere
hiscari
spar kedat.Itwasn'
tthatf
ar,butwewalked
forl
ike3minutes.
Hewasdr
ivi
ngawhi
teAudi
RS7.
Heopenedt hedoorsthecarwascl
ean,t
hel
eat
her
chai
rs.Thi
sisadream car
.
Wegotinsi
dethecar,Igotint
othepassengerseat
.
Thi
scarissocomfor
table.
Hel
ooksatmeanddriv
es.Igavehim Gigi
'
sAddress.
Hedr
oveinaf
astspeedbutitf
eltasifIwasf
loati
ng
Idon'
tknowwhet
herI
'
m dr
unkornot
.Buty
eaht
hat
.
Wear
ri
vedhesmi
l
edatme.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuch.
Thel
adi
eswer
ewai
ti
ngf
ormeatt
heGat
e.
Bul
umnko:
CanIgety
ournumber
s?
Me:
Sur
e,061*
***
***
Bul
umnko:ThanksI
'
llcal
l
.YourFr
iendsar
eshi
ver
ing
i
t'
scol
d.
Me:
Yeahby
e.
Iwentout,wer
antoGigi
'
sFlat.Noonesaidanyt
hing
toanyoneweweretoodrunk.Isl
eptonthebedwith
Gigi
,whil
eAzol
eandYothandosleptont
heCouch.
Thi
swast
hebestni
ghtEv
er!
.
I
t'
s Sundaymor
ning,and Ihav
e a mot
herofal
l
hangov
ers.
Azol
e:Myheadi
sspi
nni
ng.
Gi
gi:
Minet
oo.
Me:
Gigi
doy
ouhav
egi
nger
?
Gi
gi:
Yeswhy
?
Me:
I'
m comi
ng.
Imadet
heGingert
eawi
thl
emonf
orus,
wewer
eal
l
seat
edi
nthel
ounge.
Azol
e:t
hanky
ouhun,
Ihopet
hiswor
k.
Me:
itwi
l
lwor
kbabes.
Wedrankt
heTea,noonewassay
ingany
thi
ngt
o
any
one.
Idon'
tknow how wefellasl
eepagai
n.ButIwas
wokenupbymyringi
ngcell
phone.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
"Babywhenarey oucominghomewithYot
hando
andacar?Ihadt
ot akeat
axi
tochur
ch"
I
twasmymot
her
.
Me:I'
m sorr
ymom,wet
otal
l
yfor
gotbutwewi
l
lbe
backl
ater
.
Mom:
Alr
ightIl
ovey
ou.Besaf
e.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oomom.By
e.
Idr
oppedthecal
l.Thesei
diot
swokeup,andIwas
maki
ngalatel
unch.I
twas3pm.
Me:
Wakeywakey
.
Imadebur
ger
swi
thChi
ps
Azol
e:i
tsmel
l
ssogood
Me:
Itt
ast
ewayt
oogood.
Gigiand Yot
hando j
oined Azol
einthebathr
oom,
theywentwashthei
rfaceandmouth.Theycameto
eat.
Azol
e:GuyswasIdr eamingorreal
l
ydrunkwhenI
sawthathandsomeguytaki
ngushome.
Gi
gi:Youwer
enotdreamingordr
unkatal
l
.Het
ook
ushome.Hi
scarguy
sy ho!
Azol
e:Somyf
ri
endhe'
syour
s?
Sheaskedal
readysqui
rmi
ng.
Me:What
?No.Bul
umnkoandIdi
dn'
ttal
kthatmuch,
heonl
yaskedmetot
akeushomeandhedi dthat
's
al
l
Yothando:That
'sal
l?Nahiko ar
ey ouokayi
nt he
head?Youcan'tl
osethatguyyouguysmakeacute
couple.
Azole:Ihat
etoadmi
titcozI'm hur
t,butYot
handois
ri
ghty outooar
eav erybeauti
fulsighttosee.You
tookhisnumber
?Noact ual
l
yabusi nesscar
d?
Me:
Azol
ear
gg.Het
ookmyNumber
s
Azol
e:That
'
smybestFr
iendev
ery
one.
.
Sheshout
edandwel
aughed.
Azol
e:YhoIcan'
twai
ttobeamat
ronohhonour
.
Yot
hando:
UphambeneI
'
mthemat
ronofhonour
.
Gi
gi:Si
ncetheyar
efight
ingf
ort
heposi
ti
onmake
metheMatr
onofhonour.
Il
aughed,
theyar
ecr
azyshame.
Me:
Y'al
lar
ecr
azywear
enotev
eni
nar
elat
ionshi
p
Azol
e:MyChi
l
dIseet
hef
utur
e.If
oreseeaweddi
ng.
Weal
ll
aughedAzol
eiscr
azyandt
hat
'sFi
nal
.
Wechi
l
led,t
il
lwehadt
oleav
e.Iwassadt
oleav
e
Gi
giandAzol
e.Ijustwantedt
ostaywitht
hem.But
t
omorrowi
sanotherday.Wewil
lmeetatwork.
EI
GHT
Arri
vingathome,mom andt
heKi
dswer
echi
l
li
ngi
n
thelounge.
Mom:
Final
l
y,y
ou'
rebackhome.
Yot
hando:
Youdi
dn'
thav
etobewor
ri
ed.
Mom:it'
snotsaf eoutthereYothando,you'
reboth
Gi
rl
s.Youthink itsafefory '
al
ltoparadeoutther
e?
Gi
rl
sgetTr af
ficked,andy ou'
reDri
vingYoucanget
hi
j
acked.Iam amot herI'
m boundtobewor ri
ed,no
matt
erhowol dyouar e!
Igetherpoint
,shedoesn'
twanthi
storytor
epeat
i
tsel
f.AndI
'
m gladt
hatsheact
ual
l
ycares.
Me:WeAresor
rymom,nextti
mewegooutwewi
l
l
i
nfor
myouofourwher
eabout
sever
yhour
.
Isai
dthathuggi
ngherf
rom behi
nd.
Yot
hando:
Wet
rul
yar
esor
rymommy
!
Mom:Okay
,okayIf
orgi
vey
ou.Nahi
kogoandf
ixa
bathfort het
wins,t
heyshoul
dbat
handsleepit
's
schooltomorr
ow.Inthemeant
imeI
'
llwar
m upyour
food,we'v
ealr
eadyeaten.
Me:
okay
.
TheGey serhav ebeenf i
xed,now wecanhav ea
properbath.If i
xedthebathfortheTwins,cal
l
ed
them t
obat h.Theywi
llbat
hthemsel
ves.
Iwenttothebat
hroom,Yothandowasalr
eadyEat
ing
Ij
oinedher.Mot
herwenttohelpthet
wins.
Me:Yothando,l
astni
ghty
ousai
dyouwer
eina
Rel
ati
onshi
p.
Ihadtoaskher ,whywasshehidi
ngsuchat
hingt
o
me.I'
m hersi
sterforcr
yingout
.
Yot
hando:
Yessi
s,I
'
minaRel
ati
onshi
p.
Shesay
slooki
ngdown.
Me:AndWhyy
ouwoul
dhi
desuchaThi
ng?Ai
n'
twe
si
ster
s?
Shel
ookeddown,
andpl
ayedwi
thherf
ood.
Yot
hando:I
'
m sor
ry,l
ookIdi
dn'
twannabur
deny
ou
wit
hsuchst af
f.Ididn'tknow how t
oapproachyou
wit
h such a t hing. You've never been in a
Rel
ationshipandIdi dn'
twantt omakey oufeell
i
ke
I
'm shovingsuchThings.
Me:Whydi dn'tyout rymeYot hando?How wi lly
ou
know how If eelify oudon'ttalk?LookYot handoI
don't hate ev ery man out t here for What
Mthethowakhedi d, I
'
llneverblameot hermanf orhis
Twistedself.Youhav eeveryr i
ghtt otalktomeI '
m
yoursist
er,andev eryt
hinghappenedal ongt i
mea
go.Iwantt omov eonwi thmyl i
f e,Idon'
twantt o
dwellont hepastt hatmuch.I twi l
lalldist
urbmy
heali
ngpr ocess.Iwantt obef ree,If or
gaveand
for
gotev eryt
hingIwantt olookf or wardnow.And
seewhatl i
fehasi nstal
ledforme.Soar eweclear?
Yothando:I'
m sorryNahiko,Ijustthoughttheworst
ofyou.AllIeverwantedwast oseey ouhappythat
's
al
l.SoIhopey ouf or
giv
e,Iwi lltalkwit
hy ouasof
Today.Iwon'thideanyt
hingfrom y ou.
Me:If or
giv
eyou,sotellmewhoheis,whereishe
stay
ing,howdoy oumeetupwithhi
m.Sinceyou'
ve
beenhidi
nghim.Ever
ythi
ngmarn.
Shel
aughed.
Yothando:heisLwando,he'
sst ay
ingi
nAt hlone,he'
s
aHumanResour cesPessonel.
WheneverI'
m of fIgo
and visi
thim,and ev ery Sat
urday when y ou go
Att
endy ourther
apysessionIgoov ertheretomeet
hi
m.
Me:
You'
resl
yYot
handoYhoo!
Wel
aughed.
Yothando:Howabouty oumakeaGingerTeaforus,
and we t ake a bubble Bat
htoget
her? Bondi
ng
session!
Me:Bondingsessi
on?That
'
sactual
l
yaGreati
dea.
Thenletmegoandmaket het
ea.Andy
oufixthe
Bubbl
ebathforus.
Yot
hando:
Soundsl
i
keapl
an.
Aft
erourbondi
ngsessionwithYot
hando,Iwentto
myr oom.Wedidn'
tsl
eeplastni
ght
,soI'
mt i
redand
I
'm worki
ngI
nthemorning.
Iwentt
omybedIpr
ayedandsl
ept
.
.
MyPhonei svi
brat
ingundermypi
l
low,It
houghtI
swi
tchedi
toff
.
Onl
yAzol
ewhocal
l
sint
heWeehour
s.
Me:
What
?.
Myey
esar
est
il
lcl
osed,
I'
m st
il
lsl
eepy
.
"I
sthathowweanswerourphone,
it'
sRudebeaut
if
ul
Lady"
Ishootmyey esopen.Icheckt
hescr
een,i
t'
san
unknownnumber.
Me:
Hel
l
o?
"
It
'smeBul
umnko"
Me:
Ohhi
,heyI
'
m sor
ryy
ouwokemeup!
Bulumnko:It
'sokay,I
'
m sur
eyouwerehav
ingyour
beautysl
eep.Tolookmor
ebeaut
if
ulasy
ouare.
.
OhmyGoshthisguywhati
shedoi
ngt
omeI
'
m
bl
ushi
ngl
i
kecr
azy.
Me:noit
'snotl
i
ket
hatI
'
m wor
kingsoIhav
etowake
upat5am.
Bulumnko:Okay,Iwi
lll
etyougety oursl
eepi
fyou
al
lowmet otakeyouout
,foraLunch.
Me:I
'm sorr
ybutIcan'
t,
myl
unchusonl
y45minut
es.
SoIwon'tbeabl
etogooutf
orLunchwi
thyou.
Bulumnko:Let
'sj
ustsayyouwil
lworkhal
faday
today.Then we wi
l
lspend t
he restoft
he day
toget
her.
Me:Li
stenBulumnko,y
oumayhav eal otofmoney
,
butnotme.Ineedmoney.AndIcan'
thaveahal
fday.
Idroppedt
hecal
l
,swi
tchedi
tof
fandput
tedi
ton
charger
.
.
Yothandowokemeup,Ist i
l
lfeell
i
kesleepi
ngbut
Joby i
Job.IwenttotheBathr
oom thet
winswere
fi
nishi
ngup,I'
m sureYot
handoandIwi llbel
ate
today.
Ibathed,andworemyjeansandboot
s,andaJacket
.
Ilov
ewi nterbutgoi
ngoutinthi
scoldactual
l
ysets
meof f.
Yot
hando:
Youl
ookt
ir
ed.
Me:
Ifeel
tir
ed,
Ist
il
lneedt
osl
eep.
Mymom i
sst
il
lonl
eav
e,soYot
handoi
sdr
ivi
ngus
t
owor
k.
Idon'tknowknowwhet hertotellheraboutt
hecallI
hadint heear
lymor ni
ng.AndIsoundedRudet ohi
m,
Ididn'tmeant o.Iwasj ustsleepyandIwant edto
sl
eep.I '
ll
cal
lhim andApologize.
Yot
hando:
Nahi
ko!
!
Me:
mhh,
what
?
Yot
hando:What'
swrong?I'
vebeencall
ingyouf
ora
l
ongTime.I
'mtal
kingal
onewhatiswrong?
Me:
It'
snot
hing,
I'
mjustt
ir
ed.
Yot
hando:
Nosecr
etsr
emember
?
Me:
Okay
.Bul
umnkocal
l
ed!
Yot
hando:wow real
l
y?That
'
sgr
eatwhatdi
dyou
guy
stalkabout
?
Me:He want
ed t
otake me outf
orLunch,butI
decl
i
ned.
Yot
hando:
what
!Ar
eyoucr
azy
?
Me:Yot
handoy ouknowourlunchi
sonl
y45mi nutes
andi
t'
snotthatmuch,I
'm sur
ebytheti
mewear r
ive
atwherev
erwewer egoingtoeatmyl uncht i
me
woul
dbeov er
.SoIdecl
ined.
Yot
hando:Yhuu,hay
iumuncumarnNahikoudom
qhaYho![
Noyou'r
edumb,
you'
rej
ustDumbNahi
ko]
Ilaughedather
,shewasseri
ous.ShehasDrama
ThisOne.Justl
ikeIwon'
theartheendofi
tfrom
Azole.
Yot
hando:It
'snotFunnyYaziNahiko,nahit
'snot
.I
woul
dnev erdecli
neal unchdatewi t
haGuyl i
ke
Bul
umnkonev er
!He'sal
laGir
lneed.Yhoo!
Sheclappedherhandsandl
ookedatme,gi
vi
ngme
the"
Idon'tknowwhattodowi
thyou"t
ypal
ook.
Me:Maybewecanr eschedulei
tforSat
urday
,Idon'
t
knowI
'
llaskandcheckonhi m.
Yothando:Azol
e,Gigiand Ineed t
o educat
eyou
about Man and Relati
onshi
ps.Yhoo no You'r
e
di
sappointi
ngmerightnow,areyousureyou'
remy
cousin?
Il
aughed,
shei
staki
ngt
hist
oof
ar.
Yot
hando:
YouknowI
'
m hur
t!
Il
aughedev
enmor
e,she'
sreal
l
yaDr
amaQueen.
Ican'
twaittogett owor ksot hatIcanhearwhat
Azol
ehast osayaboutthis,cozIknowYothandowi l
l
notbeabletocloseherbigmout h.Shewi
l
l t
ellAzol
e
andGigiever
ythingandtheywi l
lgivemeamout hful
j
ustli
kedearestcousinnexttome.
Me:Yothandocany oudr
ivefast
,I'
m hungr
y.Idi
dn'
t
eat,Ij
ustwannabuycroi
ssantsandsomecof f
eeat
theCafeOpposi
tetheoff
ice.
.
Wear ri
vedatwork,beforeshegoandpar katthe
parki
nglot
,It
ookmywal letandjumpedandwentto
thecafeopposi
teourbui l
ding.Iboughtcof
fee,4
cupscozIknowthethr
eewi l
lalsowantt
hecoff
ee.
Ial
soboughtCr
oissant
s,I
'
m hungr
y.Andt
hankGod
wehave35minutestosparet
hetraf
fi
cwasn'
tthat
muchtoday
..
"
Shedidwhat?"asksAzol
e.Weareseatedinthe
Cant
eendr
inki
ngcoff
ee,
andI'
mtheonl
yoneeati
ng.
Yot
hando:
Shedecl
i
nedal
unchdat
ewi
thBul
umnko.
Azol
e:Hav
eIoncetol
dyout
hatIl
ovey
ouort
oldy
ou
you'
remyBestf
ri
end?
Il
ookedatherconf
used,
andnodded.
Me:
YeahIcount
lesst
imes
Azol
e:IwasJoki
ngsweet
iepi
e,I
nfactIwasl
yi
ng.
Shedr
ankhercof
fee.
.Ohnoshecan'
tbeser
ious.
Me:
Arey
oubei
ngser
ious?
Azol
e:Moret han Ever
,MyLove,MyBestf r
iend
woul
d nev
erDecl i
nea Datewit
hthatHandsome
man.Umuncu?[Areyoudumb?
]
Godcanthis12mi
nut
esthatl
eftend.Actual
l
ythi
s
daycozshe'
smyworki
ngpart
nershewi l
lpestme
al
lday.
Me:
y'al
ldon'
tunder
stand.
.
Gigi:t
henmakeusunderstand!YouknowNahi koI'
m
al
way sony oursi
de,butnotnow nott oday!You'
re
goingtocallBul
umnkoandt el
lhimthatheshoul d
beher eby12pm notanyminutelat
erthanthat.You
canevengototheKFCdownt
heroad.Ther
e'sno
needforhi
mtotakeyout
oafancypl
ace.Atleast
notdur
ingt
heweek!
Azole:AndIagreewi
thyouGigi
,Ifshedoesn'
tdo
thatI'
m cut
ti
ngal
lmyt
ieswi
thher
.
Hai
bo!Shecan'
tbeser
ious.Noshe'
snotser
ious.
Igav
ehermysadl
ook.
Azole:Youcanevenlookatmel i
kethatIdon'
tcar
e.
Youwi l
ldowhatGigitoldyou,i
t'
snotmuchofabi g
thi
ng,trythi
sonce!Livealit
tl
eNahiko.Ifyoudon'
t
doitthenihavenootherchoi
ce..
Sheshruggedhershoulder
s,Iwashur
tIwantedt
o
cr
y!She st ood up and lef
tme with Gi
giand
Yot
hando..
Yothando:shel
ovesyou,shewant
swhat
'sbestf
or
you.Shewantsyoutobehappy
.
Gi
gi:
Andt
hisi
scal
l
edt
oughLov
e.
Theyst
oodupandkissesbothmycheeksandl
eft
.
Whatwasthatal
labout?A man?wow!Whati fI
don'
twantto be with a man.Why don'
tthey
underst
and mypr obl
em.Whati sthei
rproblem I
don'
tknow.Theyjustcan'tf
orcemeintothi
s,Idon'
t
knowbutI '
m hur
t.YeahIknowt heymeantwellbut
doIreall
ywanttodothis?ButBul
umnkohiseyes!
Iswitchedmyphoneon,afterl
i
ghti
ngmessages
i
ndicati
ngvoi
cemessagesf
rom Bul
umnko,Idi
dn'
t
wanttoheart
hem.
"I
'
m sorr
yift
hatcameoutwr
ong,Ij
ustwant
edt
o
spendt
imewi
thyou"
"Canyoupl
easeanswery
ourphonet
hen,
I'
llonl
ytal
k
andyouwil
ll
ist
en"
"I
'
m sorr
yifIsai
d something wr
ong and outof
char
act
ermayy
oupleasef
orgiv
e"
"
Ireal
l
ywannaseey
out
omor
row"
"Morni
ngBeaut
if
ul,hav
eani
cedayatwor
k.St
ay
beauti
ful
.
Lov
eBul
umnkoxxx"
Ismil
easIr eadhi
stext
s.Igot
othelocker,Azol
eis
nowheretobeseen.Ichangei
ntomyuni f
orm,then
makeittotheBoar
droom.Weareser
vingtea/cof
fee
today.And there'
s a meeti
ng.We only serv
e
tea/cof
fee when ther
e's a meet
ing. Just t
o
accommodatethem.
Azol
ei s al r
eady t here she'
s givi
ng me si l
ent
tr
eat
ment ,she'snotev ensmili
ngatme.Thishurt
s,I
j
ustwanttol augh.Coul dn'
tshebedramati
cjustl
ike
How Yothandor eacted.Iwould'v
elaughedather.I
don'
tknowt hisAzole.She'snoteven
Thishasbeent heemostl ongest4 hours,Azol
e
hasn'tsaidanywor dt
ome.I'm hurtIdon'
twannali
e
andIdon' tevenknowwhattosayt ohertomakeher
feel
.Butshewi l
lcomearound,shecan'tgetmadat
met hatlong,Iknowthatf
orsure.
Ther
et heyar
eseat
edi
nthecant
een,
I'
m dr
eadi
ngt
o
gotothem.
"
Nahiko"It
urn,IseeJane.wowIt
houghtsher
eti
red
i
t'
sbeenami nute.
Iwal
kedt
oher
.
Me:
HeyJane.
Jane:
Heynahi
ko.Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m goodt
hanks,
andy
our
sel
f?
Jane:I
'm goodtoo.Someoneaskedmet
oGi
vel
et
youri
ghtaft
erlunch.
Me:
huh?
Jane:someLadycall
ed meearl
ier
,saying y
ou'
re
bei
nginvi
tedt
ohav
elunchwi
thherBoss.
Me:
Boss?Lunch?I
'
m notf
oll
owi
ngYouJane
Bef
oresheanswer
s,myphoner
ingsi
t'
sBul
umnko.
Jane:
Answert
hephone.
Me:
Nahi
t'
snoti
mpor
tant
,youwer
esay
ing?
Jane:
may
bet
hephonecal
li
simpor
tant
.
Il
ookedathert
henanswer
edt
hecal
l
.
Me:
HeyBul
umnko.
Bulumnko:Hey Beaut
if
ul,by now I'
m surey our
supervi
sort
oldy
outhatIaskedf
ortheresti
ftheday
wit
hy ou.
Me:
Soy
ou'
ret
hef
emal
ethatCal
l
ed?
Bul
umnko:I
'
m aManBeaut
if
ul,andI
t'
smyPAwho
cal
l
ed.
Me:
mhh.
Bulumnko:I
'
llbether
eat1pm t
ofet
chyou.Wehave
fr
om 1pm ti
ll5pm.That
'sal
lIneedtogettoknow
you!
Me:
ohokay
,I'
l
lseey
out
hen.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Il
ookedatJane,
shesmi
l
ed.
Jane:
Iguessy
ou'
vegoty
ourAnswernow?
Me:Yes!Somysalar
ywon'
tbeaf
fect
edbyt
his?I
cancancel
ifi
twi
l
l.
Jane:No don'
twor
ry,y
ourSal
arywi
l
lremai
nthe
same.
Me:
Ohwel
lthanky
ou.
Jane:
Alr
ight
,hav
eagooddayt
hennahi
ko.
Me:
Thanky
ou,
yout
oo!
Shetur
nedandlef
t.Il
ookedatmyfr
iendstheywil
l
behappytoheart
heseNews.TheyarejustFul
lof
Dr
ama.
Dr
amaQueens,
lol
..
Tonewbegi
nni
ngs!
.
NI
NE

Imakemywayt owheremyf r
iendsar
eseated.I
t
akeasi
tnextt
oYot
handoandopposi
teAzol
e.
Shedoesn'
tdar
etoevenlookatme.Shehasdr
ama,
toomuchdrama.Act
ual
lyall
ofthem.
Iseat
,Idr
inkt
heCoket
hatIboughtj
ustnow.
Nooneissayi
ngany
thi
ng,okayIguessI
'
llhav
eto
br
eakt
heice.
Me:
soooooo!
GigiAndYot handogi
veal ook,thenbackatt hei
r
sandwiches,andmydearestbestfri
endisnoteven
l
ookingatme.IwanttolaughbutIcan't,shewi
llbe
moredr amati
c.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngoutf
orl
unch.
Theyal
lshootthei
rey
esatme,IcanseeAzol
e
want
stoask,
she'
snowfocusedonme.
It
akeasi
pthenl
ookatt
hem.
Azol
e:soyouwantust
oaskwhoy
ouwi
l
lbegoi
ng
outwi
th?
Sheask,
arggI
'
m goi
ngt
oannoyherf
ir
st.
Me:
Nowy
ouwannat
alk?
Azol
e:mxxm sadi
ki
.[You'
resoannoy
ing]
Il
aughed.
Theyarenotl
aughi
ng.OkayIhav
etobeser
iousnow
befor
etheyl
eavemeallal
onehere.
Me:Somyl ov
ies,I
'
m goi ngoutf
oralunchwi
th
Bul
umnko.I'
l
lspendtherestoft
hedaywi
thhi
m,he
wil
ltakemehomeafter
wards.
Them:
Sayy
ou'
rel
yi
ng!
.
Iwantt
olaughbutt
heychopmyhear
dof
f.
Me:
Pit
yI'
m not
!
Isai
dthatt
aki
ngasi
ponmycoke!Theyscr
eam i
n
excit
ement.Iguesst
hecanteenr
egul
arsareusedto
thesescr
eams.Cozweal waysscr
eam andlaughal
l
theti
me.
Azol
e:That
'
smyBestFr
iendev
ery
body
!
Sheshout
spoi
nti
ngatme.
Azol
e:Di
dIt
ell
youIl
ovey
out
oday
?
IshakemyheadNo.
Azol
e:wel
lIl
ovey
ou!
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Wehug.
Azole:LookI 'm sorryf ornott al
king t
oy ou,but
Nahiko you havet ol earn how li
feoperates.Yes
Bulumnkoi saskingy ouout,hecanbet heguyt hat
youwantort heguyt haty oudon'twant.Youwi l
l
neverknowt hatifyoudon'tspendtimewi t
hhi m.We
arenotforci
ngy out oDate,wewanty out
obehappy
for
getaboutt hepastandt r
yt omov eonwithl i
fe.If
yougethur t,Heartbreaks.It'
sallpartofli
fe,we' ve
beentheredonet hatandwedust edourselvesand
herewear e!IfBulumnkoi snottheguyf ory ou,y ou
moveont henextoneti
llyoufindt
heonet haty
our
hear
ty ear
ns f
or.Use thisis an exper
ience,and
ever
ythi
ngshal
lfal
li
ntoplace.
She'
sri
ght
,thi
siswhatIt
alkedwi
thYot
handol
ast
ni
ght
.
Yothando:And thisis whatyou saidlastnight
,
You'veforgot
ten aboutpastand you'
rewil
li
ng to
mov eonandcarryonwi t
hyourl
if
e.Thisi
sastartke
myl ove.
Me:
Thanky
ouguy
s.
Azol
e:Soreall
y,real
lymyfr
iendyou'
regoi
ngout
wit
hthatcr
ispyhandsomeman?Ican'
tgett
hatout
ofmymind!
Il
aughedatherst
upi
dit
y.
Azol
e:Bey our
selft
her
e,don'
ttrytobesomebody
el
sejustbeyouandenj
oyyourdat
e.
Gi
gi:
Andi
fWai
tr
essesar
eov
ery
ourman,
Kisshi
m!
Azole:Yeah,ki
sshim.Hol
dhi m markyourter
ri
tory
al
readysot hatyouwon'
thaveapr obl
em infut
ure.
AsIsaidIf or
eseeawedding,wher
eI '
mthemat r
on
ofhonour
!
Wel
aughed.
Me:Buty
'al
lareext
remehow canIki
sssomeone
whoi
snotevenmyboyfr
iend.
Yot
hando:okay
,okayj
ustmakesur
ethewai
tr
esses
st
aybackandareonl
yserv
ing.
Azol
e:makei
tcl
ear
.
Il
aughedt
heyar
ejustcr
azy
!
Azole:Goandchanget hi
sGr andmaunif
orminto
yourbeaut
if
ulcl
othes.Youlookedgoodinthem,I
wantedtotelly
oubutIwaspr act
isi
ngmymood
swingsaty
ou.
Me:andIdi
dn'
tknowy
ouhadi
tiny
out
ogetangr
y
atme!
Azol
e:Thisi
sthest
artmyf
ri
end,
justt
rymeandy
ou
wil
lsee.
Il
aughed.
Me:Noway s,Idon'twanttobei nyourbadbooks
agai
n.Nev
er,I
'm notdoi
ngthatshame!
Gi
gi:okaybabe gi
rlwe hav
et o go backt o our
wor
kingpl
aces,
someofusdon'thavedates!
.
Il
aughed.
Yot
hando:
Goodby
e..
Theyl
eft
,Iwasonl
ylef
twi
thAzol
e.
Azol
e:Ar
eYouhappy
?
Me:Iam happy
,buyWhati
fBul
umnkoi
snotaGuy
f
orme,whatdoIdo?
Azole:Iwantyout orel
axwhenyou'
rewithhim,don'
t
l
etsucht houghtscrowdy ourmi
nd.Justtr
ytoenjoy
yourday.Idon'tknowwhathappenedinthepastbut
don'
tletitr
uiny ourf
utur
e.
Yeahshedoesn'
tknow i
ndet
ail
sonwhathappen,
butsheknowIwasr
aped.
Wewer
eint
hel
ocker
snow,
IWaschangi
ng.
Me:
Whati
fhewant
stot
akemet
ohi
shouse?
Azole:Agr
ee,don'
tholdback.I
fhet
ri
esany
thi
ng
funny.Wehavet
hisfort
hat
.
Shehandsmeaspr
aygun.
Me:
Doy
oucar
ryt
hiswi
thy
ouev
ery
day
?
Azol
e:Yesmyl ove,Il
eavever
year
lytot
hetaxir
ank
sowhateverhappensIhavemyspraywi
thme.
It
ooki
t,andput
tedi
tinsi
demyback.
Me:
I'
ll
tel
lYot
hando,
todr
opy
ouof
f.
Azol
e:I
'
m abi
ggi
rl
,Iwi
l
ltakeat
axi
Me:
Iinsi
st.
Azol
e:Okayf
ine,
enj
oymyl
ove.Bey
ouokay
.
Me:
Okay
.
Justr
ightt
henBul
umnkocal
l
ed.
Il
ookedatAzol
e,shewassmi
l
ing.
Me:
Hey
.
Bulumnko:Hibeaut
if
ul,I
'
m wai
ti
ngf
ory
ouatt
he
Recept
iondesk.
Me:
OkayI
'
m comi
ng.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
,andl
ookatMybestf
ri
end.
Me:
Thi
sisi
t.
Azol
e:Yeah,letmegetbacktowork.YhoI
'
llwor
k
Al
one,yadi
ka.Enj
oyl
oveILoveYou!
Me:
Thanks,
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Imakemywayout
,ther
ehei
stal
ki
ngwi
thYot
hando
andGi
gi.
He'
swear i
ngblackjeans,Bl
ackFit
tedt
urt
leneck
andaBrowncoat.Matchi
ngwithBr
ownTimberl
and.
He'
slooki
nghandsome.HehasRedRoseswit
hhim.
Hetur
nedandsmil
elooki
ngatme,l
i
keI
'
mtheonl
y
t
hingt
hatmat
ter
stohim.
Me:
Hey
.
Bul
umnko:
Hi,
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Ismil
enoscr at
cht
hatI
'
m bl
ushi
ng.ThankGodI
'
m
dar
kskinned.
Me:
Thanks.
Bul
umnko:
Oht
hesear
efory
ou.
Hehandsmet
hef
lower
s
Me:
Thanky
ousomuch!
Ilookathi
m.Hesmi
l
es,
hisdi
mpl
e.Thi
sManwi
l
lbe
theDeathofme.
Bul
umnko:
shal
lwe?
Heaskt
aki
nghi
shandout
.
Ipl
acemyhandont
opofhi
s.
Me:
Yes.
Bul
umnko:
ByeLadi
es.
Hesaidthatl
ooki
ngatYot
handoandGi
gi,It
otal
l
y
f
orgott
heywereher
e!
Yot
hando:By
e,andI
fyouv
aluey
ourl
i
fey
ouwoul
d
doasIsai
d.
Bul
umnko:I'
m st
il
lyoungt
odi
e,sosur
elyI
'
llt
ake
car
eofher
.
Yot
hando:
Goodt
henby
e.
Us:
Bye.
Wewal kedtowher
ehe'scari
sparked,i
t'
sdr
izz
li
ng
out
side.Thewi
ndistoomuch,
it'
scol
d.
Heopenedt
hedoorf
orme,
andcl
osedi
t.Hewentt
o
hi
ssi
de.Hel
ookedatmet
hensmi
l
ed.
Bul
umnko:Do you know how beaut
if
uly
ou Ar
e?
You'
rear
areki
nd.
He saidlooki
ng atme I
nthe ey
e.Il
ook down
bl
ushing.
Me:IknowI
'
m beaut
if
ul,butIdon'
tknowaboutt
he
r
areki
nd.
Bul
umnko:
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ou,
you'
rear
areki
nd.
Ismi
l
elooki
ngathi
m.
Bul
umnko:Ihopeyoudon'
tmi
ndi
fwear
egoi
ngt
o
myplace,
I'
ll
cookf
oryou!
It
ensedupabi
t,andhenot
iced.
Bulumnko:Rel
axify
oudon'
twantt
o,wecabgot
oa
Restaur
antIdon'
tmind.
Me:
Noi
t'
sjustt
hat
,uhm.
Bulumnko:Iwon'
tdoany t
hingt hatwi
l
lmakey
ou
feeluncomf
ort
abl
e,t
rustmeplease.
Il
ookathi
mthennod.
Bul
umnko:
Somypl
ace?
Me:
Yeah.
Hesmi
l
edatme.Hest
art
sthecaranddr
iveof
f.
Me:
Didy
ousayy
ouwi
l
lcook?
Hel
aughed
Bul
umnko:
YeahI
'
llCook!
Me:ShouldIdownl
oadUberEat
sapp?Sot
hatI
won'
thavepr
obl
ems.
Bul
umnko:
Arey
out
ryi
ngt
osayt
hatIcan'
tCook?
Me:What
!No,
you'
reput
ti
ngwor
dsi
nmymout
hyou
know.
Bul
umnko:
I'
ll
sur
pri
sey
ou,
you'
l
lsee.
Hel
aughed,
Ijoi
nedhi
m.
Therestoftheroad,wel
ist
eningt ojazzmusi
c.I
t'
s
soot
hing,hekeepsonsteali
nggl ancesatmeand
smil
e.Can'thenotsmil
e,he'
st oohandsomewhen
hedoes.
Wedr
ivei
nsuchbeaut
if
ulhouses,t
hosey
ouseeon
Topbill
ing,themagazinety
pesofhouse.I'
venever
been,seen,heardaboutthi
spl
ace.Isaw theGreen
boardwr i
tt
enPlatt
ekl
oof.hayI
'
veneverheard.
HetakesoutaRemot ei
nthedashboardandpr
essa
butt
onthereagateofthisbi
ghouseopensandhe
dri
vein,I'
mi nawe.Iqui
ckl
yclosemymout h.Thi
s
houseisthehouseIusedtodr eam ofwhenIwas
youngplayi
ng"homechoi
ce/Myhouse".
Heopensadoorf orme,t here'
sr ai
ndroplet
s,i
t'
s
abouttorain.Wemakeawayi nsidethehouse,
Gosh
thei
nteri
or.Black,Gr
eywithat ouchofRedandwhite.
It
'sagreatcombi nati
on,
thisisdream.
Someonepl
easepi
nchme.
Me:
Ouch!
Bul
umnko:yousaidsomeonepinchyouandIdi
d
nowwhat'
swrong.Hel
aughedandIsul
ked.
Bulumnko:Lookaty ou,you'
resocutewhenyou'
re
sul
king.Cany ousul
kallday.Idon'
tmindl
ooki
ngat
yourcuteface.
Me:
mxxm.
Il
aughed,
hej
oinedhe'
ssuchabr
eat
hoff
reshai
r.
Bul
umnko:
Rel
axandmakey
our
sel
fcomf
ort
abl
e.
Hesaidt hatt
akingaRemot ethati
sont hegl
ass
Andpressedsomethi
ngt hi
ng,
anditbecomeswar
m
her
e.Isettl
eonthecouch.
Bul
umnko:
I'
m comi
ng.
Hegoesupt hestair
s. Myphonebeeps."You'v
e
beenaddedonaWhat sAppgr
oup"Il
aughed,Azol
e
creat
edaWhatsAppgroup.
"
Hav
eyouar
ri
ved?
"Yot
hando
"
Wher
ear
eyouguy
sat
?"Azol
e.
It
akepictur
esoft hehouseandsendt hem tothe
gr
ouptell
i
ngt hem I'
m athisplace.Yhotheycan'
t
st
opgushingaboutthi
shouse.
"OMG,Ican'twai ttov i
sityou atyourplace.Or
havi
ng a house par
tyorengagementpar tyt her
e
yhoo,I
'm havi
ngExcitosi
s"Ilaughreal
lyhard,God
whydidyoumakesuchachi l
d.
"
Andithurt
smethatI
'
m nottheonemakingyou
l
aughthi
smuch"Il
ookathi
m,he'schangedi
nto
sweat
pant
sandasweat
erpl
ussocksnoshoes.
Me:
It'
smyf
ri
ends.
.
Bul
umnko:
Missi
ngy
oual
ready
?
Me:
Kindof
.
Bulumnko:l
et'
sgot otheKit
chen,andy
ou'
l
lwat
ch
yourchefwhi
lstmaki
ngfood.
Me:
Chefmyl
eftpar
aly
sedFoot
!
Helaughedt
hrowi
nghi
sheadback,
thatmanl
ylaugh
ofhi
s.
Bulumnko:Can'twai
tto seey
ourf
acewheny
ou
tastemyfood.
Me:
Yeahwhat
ever
!
Helaughsandtakemyhandtothekit
chen,
wowt he
ki
tchenisbeaut
if
ulal
lwhi
tewi
thatouchofgrey
.
Me:
Youhav
eabeaut
if
ulhouse.
Bul
umnko:
Notmor
ethany
out
hough.
Me:
Arggst
opbei
ngcheesy
!
Hel
aughs.
Bulumnko:Aw kodwaNtombenhl
eungenzani
![But
beauti
ful
ladywhatar
eyoudoi
ngtome]
I
sheZul
u?Butthat
'
snotthequest
ion,t
hequest
ion
i
swhymyunder
weariswet
?
Il
ookathi
m andsmi
l
e.
Bulumnko:Jui
ce,wat
er,
Fi
zzyDr
ink,
Tea,Cof
fee or
Wine?
Me:
Cof
feePl
ease
Bul
umnko:
Comi
ngr
ightnow.
Hemakesmecof f
ee,andhetakesoutaCast l
el i
te
forhim.Het akesoutsomer eadmeatandv eggies.
Hechops,hemakesf oodwhilewear etalking.It
smel l
sdivine,heseemst oknow hi
sbusi ness.He' s
sosexyGuy s,y '
al
lshouldseehi m.Ist ealaf ew
pictur
esandv i
deoswhi lehe'
snotl ooking,ifev er
thingsdon'twor koutforthet
woofuseIwoul dhav e
thesepicturesasar eminderofsomethinggreatt hat
hasev erhappenedt ome.
Hef
ini
shesf
inal
l
y.
Bul
umnko:shoul
d we eatI
nthe di
ning t
abl
e or
l
ounge
Me:
Loungepl
ease.
Bul
umnko:
Thencomeandhel
pmema'
am.
Ihelphi
mt akethej ui
ceandgl asses.Het
akest
he
plat
es.Wer eachthel ounge,hesettl
edownandI
takeaseatr
ightnexttohim.
He Cooked beefst
ew and some v
eggi
es wi
tha
mash.
Me:
thi
slookappet
isi
ng,
let
'
stast
eandsee.
Hechuckl
es.
Bul
umnko:
Sti
l
ldon'
ttr
ustmycooki
ngski
l
ls?
Ishr
ugged.
.It
ookaspoonandat
e..
OhmyGosh.
Me:
mhh
Imoanast
hisf
oodt
ast
esgood.
Me:
Thi
sisgood.
.
Hel
ookedatmewi
thacockysmi
l
e.
Bul
umnko:
arey
oust
il
ltal
ki
ngma'
am.
Ii
gnor
edhi
m andat
emyf
ood.
Me:
You'
redi
stur
bingme,
justeaty
ourf
ood.
Hel
aughsatmeandst
art
seat
ing.
Me:
Thatwasmout
hwat
eri
ng.Thanky
ou.
Bul
umnko:You'
re wel
come.Nev
erunder
est
imat
e
meokay.
Me:
Iwi
l
lnev
er.
Hetookthedishest ot
heki
tchen,hedi
dn'
twantme
towasht hedishes.Heref
usedhesaidIwon'tdo
anyt
hingnottoday .Hecamebackwi t
hicecream
andsomeBerries.
Bul
umnko:
desser
t?
Me:
Arey
out
ryi
ngt
ogetmef
at?
Bul
umnko:
Ift
hatwi
l
lmakey
ourassf
att
ery
es!
Me:
Bul
umnko!
Ipl
ayf
ull
yhi
thi
m.Hel
aughsatme.
Bul
umnko:Ididn'
tknow y
ou'
reaBul
l
y,y
ouwoul
dn'
t
beher
eifIknew.
Il
aughed.
He stood up and wentupstai
rs,he came back
car
ryi
ngafleeceBl
anket.
.Hesatnextt
ome
Bul
umnko:
sowho'
sNahi
ko?Tel
lmeabouty
ou.
Hesai
dtaki
ngaspoonofani
cecr
eam.
Me:Iam Nahi koMsomi ,23y earold.Iwasbor nand
bred herei ncapet own.MyFat herpassed away
whenIwas5y earsold.Istayedwi t
hmymot her ,at
the age of13 Ihad t ol eave and st aywi t
h my
Grandmot herinEast er
nCape.Wher eIf inishedmy
mat r
ic and studied Psychology atWal terSi sulu
Universi
ty,whenIwasdoi ngmy3r dy earIhadt o
dropoutandt akecar eofmysi ckGr andmot her ,I
owedhert hat
.Sher ecentl
yPassedaway .4mont hs
back,Ihadt ocomebackher e.Iappl i
edatUni ver si
ty
ofCapeTownt ocont i
nuewi thmyst udies.If i
nda
j
obsi nceIcoul dn'
tstayathomeanddonot hing.
AndIj ustreceivedmyaccept ancel ett
erf rom UCT,
sonexty earI'
llbecont i
nuingwi thmyst udies.Oh
and Ist ay wi th my mot her,my cousi n Si ster
Yothando y ou know her,and myl it
tl
esi sterand
brot
herwhoar
eTwi
ns.That
'
sal
lyouneedt
oknow
aboutme!
.
Henodhe'
shead,
whi
l
elooki
ngatme.
Bulumnko:And why wouldy ou go and st
ay i
n
Easter
ncapeatsuchayoungage?
Me:
I'
drat
hernott
alkabouti
t.
Hel
ookedatme,
andgav
emeasi
desmi
l
e.
Me:
andwho'
sBul
umnko?
Bulumnko:I '
m Bul umnkoZi thul
eleMkhi ze,30Year s
old,Iam aBusi nessMan.Bot hmypar entsar esti
ll
ali
ve,Ihav e5si bli
ngsI '
mt hesecondbor n.Ihav e2
brothers1ol dand1y oungerthanme.And2si ster
s.
I'
mf rom LadySmi thinKZNf i
nishedmyhi ghschool
there,Passedmymat ri
candst udiedAccount i
ngand
Businessst udi
esatWi tsinJohannesbur g.Thenmy
whol efamilymov edher e,Ihadnoot herchoi cebut
tomov ethissi det oo.ButIdohav eDur banand
Johannesbur gbr anchesf ormybusi nesses,That '
s
all.
Me:
Arey
oumay
ber
elat
edt
oMl
ungi
si?
Bul
umnko:
He'
smybi
gbr
other
,the1stbor
n.
Me:
mhhokay
!
NowIknowwhyJaneagr
eedt
omyhal
fday
.
Me:Then whyy
ou nev
eri
ntr
oduced y
our
sel
fas
Zi
thul
ele?
Bulumnko:Onl
yMamkhi
zemymot
her
,whocal
l
sme
that.
Me:
Ilov
ethename,
it'
sbet
tert
hanBul
umnko.
Hel
ookedatmet
henl
aughed.
Timepassedbysoquickl
y,itwasalready5pm.He
wassadthatIwasleavi
ng,hewast heonesul ki
ng
now.Hedrovemehome.Hepar kedrightinfr
ontof
myhome,Mom' scarwast her
esurelyYothandois
home.
Me:
Andt
hisi
swher
eIst
ay.
Hesmi
l
ed.
Bul
umnko:ThenIcancomeany
timeIwantt
osee
youGr
eat!
Hesmi
l
ed,
Itookt
hef
lower
sfr
om t
hebackseat
.
Me:Thanky ouf
ortoday,Ienj
oyedmy
sel
f.You'
re
suchabreat
hoff
reshai
r.
Bul
umnko:Ienj
oyedtoo,y
ou'r
ejustgr
eat.Nowgi
ve
meahug,befor
eyourmothercomesout.
Ihuggedhi
m,ohmyGodhesmel l
ssoniceIst
ayed
i
nhisembracehedi
dn'
tl
etgonordi
dI.
Fi
nal
l
yhel
etgo,
andki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.
Bul
umnko:
Gowel
l
.
Me:
Dri
vesaf
ely
,by
e.
Bul
umnko:
Goodby
eBeaut
if
ul.
Iwentout,andgothomeever
yonewaseat
ing.I
'
m
st
il
lFul
lshame,i
t'
s18:
40pm.
Mymot
herl
ookedatme.
Mot
her
:Ni
ceFl
ower
s!
Ilookeddown,If
eltl
i
kea1y
earol
dcaughtst
eal
i
ng
sugar.
Mother:Youareol
dNahi
ko,
you'
real
l
owedt
ogoout
onDatesrelax.
Ismi
l
ed.
YhooIthoughtshewasgoi
ngt
oshoutatmeor
somet
hing.
Thi
sisnewf
orme,
andI
'
mlov
ingev
erybi
tofi
t.
.
TEN
I
t'
sMor ni
ng,I
'minhighspiri
tsI
'mfeel
ingIam happy.
Ij
utstookabat h,I
'm handsonmaki ngful
lEngli
sh
br
eakf
ast,Ihaveeveryri
ghttobehappy.
"Ihavetomeetthi
sman,andt hankhi
m.Wear enot
eati
ngOatsforachange"Il
aughedandlookedatmy
mot her
.
Me:
I'
m al
way
sLazyt
omakeEngl
i
shBr
eakf
ast
.
Mom:Ewe kal ok ndi
tsho,ndifuna umbulel
a qha,
ngobaj ongawonwabil
ewenzeneEngl i
shBreakf
ast.
[
Yest hat'
swhatI'
m say i
ng,Ijustwanttothankhim
becausey ou'
rehappyandy ou'
vemadeanEngl i
sh
Breakfast]
Il
aughed.
Me:wearenotdat
ingmama,i
twasj
ustLat
elunch
t
hat'
sal
l
.
Mom:izapha Nana,i
za khe si
thet
he.
[come her
e,
comel
et'
stal
k]
Iwentandsatnextt
oher
.
Mom:Youar eoldnowNana.You' rebeautifulyou're
att heSt agewher ey ou'l
lhav et o bei naSt able
Relati
onshi pandf r
iendships.Wecannotchanget he
ti
meper iodwher ewewoul dgobackt oy our13y ear
oldselfandchangewhathapped.Iwanty out obe
honestwi ththisguyandt el
lhim ev er
ythingwhi leit'
s
sti
llearl
y.I fhelovesy ouhewi l
llovey ouregar dless
ofwhathappened,hewi llbewi thyouBecausehe
want stobewi tht hebrokeny ouandhewi l
lmend
you,weaspeopl ewehav eourhi ddenskel etonsnot
everyonei sasai nt,andi fhel eavesy ouaf tery ou
tol
dhi mt het r
uthi twasnotmeantt obe,hewas
neverYour s.And t hatwi l
lsav ey ou less ofa
heartbr
eakandFeel ingsinvested.
Ilookeddownthinki
ngofwhatmymotheri
ssay
ing,
tearsmakethei
rwaydownmycheeks.
Me:I
'
m scar
edmama,Idon' tkbosw wheretost
art
t
otel
lhi
m.He'sal
lagi
rlneeds,
whatifheleav
esme?
I
'
m scar
edmamaI
'
mreal
l
yam.
Mom:Lookbaby ,ify oudon'ttellhim nowwheny ou
decidetotellhi
mi twoul dbet ool at
e.Yesy oucan
surviv
eRapeandt hinky ou'
vebecomest rong.There
areday swher ey ou'llhavenight mareswher ey ou
feelscar
edandi nsecurebyt heni twi l
lbet oolate,
that'
swhyI '
m say i
ngi fhelovesy ouhewi lll
ovey ou
forwhoy ouare,andwhaty ouar e.
Shehuggedme, Icriedinherembr ace.Thisiswhat
Ital
kedaboutwithChar maine.Thisismyf earthi
sis
whatIam fear
ing,beinginaRel ati
onshipthenIhave
total
kaboutmypastt hi
sisscaringme.
Iwenttot heBathroom wher eYothandowasbat hing
andIwashedmyf acei nthesi nk.Iwoket heTwi ns
uptheyhav etobat h.Yot handowasdonebat hing
andIbat hedt heTwi nsev enthoughSi kel
elagav e
meat hought imebecausehei st hemanoft he
famil
ysoIcan' tbath.Af t
erbathingthem wewentt o
eatbreakfast
,thetimewas6am.Thei rt
ransportwi l
l
beher ehalfpast6.Yot handoandIhav etoleav e.
Weat eandl ef
t,Ilovet hefactthatwedon' thav eto
gotoTer minustocat chtaxis.
We dr oveto worki
ng li
steni
ng t
o amaPiano and
dancing.Wearri
vedatwor k,j
ustl
i
keGigiandAzole
weret her
easalways.Azol
ewasbeamingasal ways
l
ookingatourway .
Shehuggedmet
henYot
hando.
Azol
e:Sobabygi
rl
,whathappened?
Il
aughed.
Me:Youcan'
tev
enwai
tformet
oseatdownand
r
elaxabi
t.
WewenttoseatattheCant
een,
that
'st
heonlypl
ace
wherewecant al
kandmakenoi sethesel
awyers
canbeupt
ightsometi
messowedon'twantt
omake
noi
se.
Azole:wear
eseat
edmyskat
.So,
wast
hatr
eal
l
yhi
s
house?
Me:Ij ustcan'tgetthathouseoutofmymi nd.It
's
beauti
ful,t
hecouchesar esosof tandcomfortabl
e.
Every
thingintherescreamedexpensiv
eyho.
Gi
gi:
Iwoul
dn'
twantt
oleav
ether
e,Iwoul
dcohabi
t.
Hai
bo!
Azol
e:Met oobabes,Iwoul
daskhimtocomewi
th
met ofet
chmycl othes,Iwoul
dn'
tbeabl
etowai
t
Never
.
Wel
aughed.
Me:
Lookathowsexyhewaswhenhewascooki
ng.
Ishowedt
hem t
hev
ideosandpi
ctur
esIt
ookofhi
m
Azol
e:Damnt
hisi
saDr
eam y
ho.
Yot
hando:
Hai
bo,
sohowwast
hef
ood?
Me:The f
ood was mout
hwat
eri
ng,he can Cook
shame.
Gigi
:Iwantyourl
if
erightnow,y
ou'
resoLucky
.I'
m
happyf
oryoubunny.
Azole:I'
m happyify ou'
re happybestfr
iend.My
happinessi
swhereyourhappinessl
ays.
Me:Thank y
ou,and He'
s a Mkhi
ze.Ml
ungi
si'
s
Br
other
.
Azol
e:What
?MyMl
ungi
si?
Us:
Hai
boAzol
e.
Azol
e:what
?He'
smi
nemos.
Yot
hando:
he'
smar
ri
ed.
Gi
gi:
Happi
l
ymar
ri
edwi
th2ki
ds
Azol
e:Youwer
esay
inghe'
smyMl
ungi
si'
sBr
other
?
Me:
Yes,
he'
sthesecondbor
n.Af
terMl
ungi
si.
Gi
gi:
Dot
heyhav
eanot
herbr
other
?
Me:
Yeah,
he'
syoungandi
nVar
sit
y.
Azol
e:Howy
oung?
Gi
gi:
You'
reol
dAzol
e!.
Me:
myAge23.
Azol
eis22,
Gigi
is26.She'
stheel
dest
.
Azol
e:Ohyeahhe'
syoung.Hemustst
ayi
nvar
sit
y
andbeagoodboy.
Wel
augh.
Gi
gi:
Buthe'
sOl
dert
hanhowi
sitt
hathe'
syoung?
Azol
e:MyBoyfr
iend'
s Age must26 upwar
ds.25
downwar
dst
heyareveryyoungf
orme.
Wel
aughathershe'
scr
azyt
hisone.
Welef
tandwenttoourwor
kingst
ati
ons.Ichanged
andworemyuni
for
m.
Myphoner
angi
twasBul
umnko,
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
Zit
hul
ele
Hechuckl
ed.
Bul
umnko:Reall
ynow?ButIl ovehowmynameroll
s
outofyourt ongue so I'
l
ll etyou cal
lme t
hat.
Nonet
hel
ess,didyousleepwell?
Me:
YesIdi
d,t
hanksf
oraski
ngandy
ou?
Bul
umnko:
Icoul
dn'
tsl
eep,
Ikeptt
hinki
ngabouty
ou.
Ibl
ushed,Azol
ewasgi
v i
ngmeaconf
usedl
ook.She
doesn'
tknowwhoisZi
thulel
e.
Bl
ushi
ng:
Stopbl
ushi
ngNt
ombenhl
e[Beaut
if
ulLady
]
Me:
NoI
'
m not
.
Bul
umnko:Yesyouare,act
ual
l
yletmenotkeepyou
awayf
rom yourwor
k.HaveaGooddayatwork.
Me:
Thanky
out
oo.
Bul
umnko:
Bye.
Hedr
oppedt
heCal
l
.
Ismi
l
edasIputmyphonei
nmypocket
s..
Azole:And who t he Fuck is Zit
hul
ele? Arey ou
alr
eadyscr ewing Bul
umnko?No Idon' tli
ke your
waysbabygi rlchangethem assoon.Ot her
wiseI'
m
team Bulumnko,Sot hisZit
hulelemustFuckof fI
don'tcar
e!
Il
aughed.
Me:Foryouri
nfor
mat
ion,Bul
umnkoi
sZi
thul
ele.I
t'
s
hi
ssecondName.
Azole:Iwasgoi ngto askforhi
sNumbersf r
om
Mlungisi
thencal
lhi
m andtel
lhi
mther
e'saZi
thul
ele.
Webot hlaugh,Azoleissuchagreatfri
end.Wedi d
ourj obthisistir
ing,Ijustcan'
twaittol eavethi
s
place.It
'sonlyamat t
erof3months,thenI'l
lbeout
oft hi
splace.Yest hemoneyhasi ncr
easedbuty ho
ha.acleaningisnotformeIgethomet i
resevery
day
exceptforFriday
,sinceit
'sashor
tday!.
_
___
___
It
'sFri
dayAf ternoonI '
m onmywayt omymeetup
withCharmaine,t heWeekwasawesome,Bul umnko
call
edeverydayhe' sinJo'
burg,hel
eftTuesdayNoon.
Buthecal lev erynow andt hen.I
'
m wi t
hYot hando
andAzoleinthecar ,
Yothandoisdri
vi
ng.
Azol
e,ar
ewest
il
lchi
l
li
ngatGi
gi'
spl
acet
omor
row?
.
Yeahwearenowi
nsepar
abl
e,weenj
oyeachot
her
s
company
.
Yot
hando:Yeswear estil
lon,andwheny
outwogo
toyourgroupsessi
onI'
llbegoingtomyMan,f
ora
sl
eepoverit
'sbeenl
ong.
Wel
augh.
Azol
e:y
eswenagi
rl
,gi
vei
ttoussi
ncewe'
resi
ngl
e!
Yothando:Youneedt
ofi
ndaman,sot
haty
oucan
getlai
d..
Azol
e:Notnow,
I'
m st
il
lwor
kingonmy
sel
f.
Shel ooksatmesmili
ng,I
'm gl
adsheconsideredmy
advice,shecan'
tgoandsl eepwitheveryTom and
Dick.She mustr espectherbody ,I'
m glad she
decidedtotakemyadvicethatshemustn'
ttradeher
bodytoanyone,shemustv
aluehersel
f,andworshi
p
herbody.I
tallstar
twit
hselflov
eandf orherown
Sani
ty.
.
Igi
veherasmi
l
etoo.
Wef i
nal
lyarr
iveatChar maine'sCentre.Thi
spl
aceis
huge,there'
s ot her Psychologist
si t'
s not onl
y
Charmaine.There'sa suppor ti
ng group f
orthose
whoar esufferi
ngwi t
hHI V,andA gr oupofthose
suff
eri
ngwi t
hMent aldisorders.A groupofthose
whohav eaddict
ions.
Me:
Okayby
ebabi
es,
Azol
eI'
l
lseey
out
omor
row
Azole:by el ove.Theydr iveoffandImakemyway ,
she's stil
lbusy wi th a clientshe asked f or30
minutes, soIt akemyt i
met oadmi retheplace,i
t'sa
beauti
f ulplace.Iwal kupt hestairs,t
here'
sabal cony
therear ekidspl ayi
ngatt heback,Idi dn'tknowKi ds
docomeher e.Iwalkfurtherthere'sartstudi
os.This
i
si ncrediblepl aceImakemywaybackwi thapi e
withacokei nmyhand,Iboughtatt heCaf eteri
a
herethatIdi dn'tknowof .Ionl yknewt hemai nhal l
and Char mai ne'
s Of f
ice.It ake a seatnextt o
Charmai
ne'sof f
iceandeatmypi einpeaceever
yone
passandgr eet,ev er
ypersonmindshis/
herbusi
ness
thi
siswhatIl ikeandl oveaboutt
husplace,weeach
havedif
ferentpr oblems.It
'sonl
yamat t
erofhow
deepyourpr oblem is.
ThemanmakehiswasoutofCharmai
ne'
soffi
ce
aft
erami
nut
eImakemywayi
n.Shesmil
esatme.
Char
mai
ne:
heyNahi
ko.
Me:
Heychar
mshowar
eyou?
Char
mai
ne:
I'
m goodt
hanksandy
our
sel
f?
Me:
I'
m goodt
hanks.
Shegi
vesmet
hatsmi
l
eofher
s..
Char
mai
ne:
Howwasy
ourweek?Any
thi
nghappened?
Me:
Imetsomeone.
Shelooksatmeandnodsherhead,Iknow she'
s
tel
l
ingmetogoon.
Me:He'sNamei sBulumnko,wemetatworkhe
wentto meethis br
other
.And Isaw hi
m last
Sat
urdayatacl
ub,
hetookmeandmyfri
endshome.
And asked f
ormynumber
s.He'
shandsome,t
oo
handsome.
Isayl
ooki
ngdownbl
ushi
ng,
thi
nki
ngabouthi
m.
Me:WespentMondayAft
ernoonathispl
acegett
ing
toknoweachother
.He'
sagr eatguy
,thewayIwas
comfor
tabl
e wit
h him Ihav e never been t
hat
comfor
tabl
ewit
haman.
Shesmi
l
esl
ooki
ngathi
m
Char
mai
ne:
Soar
eyouguy
sdat
ing?
Me:Nowehaven'
ttaggedwhatwehav e,hecal
levery
ti
mehegetsachancet o.Adaydoesn'
tpasswithout
hi
m cal
l
ing.He'
sinJo'burgnow,
buthest i
l
lcal
l
Shenod.
Charmai
ne:i
fheasksy
out
obehi
sgi
rl
fr
iendwi
l
lyou
gofori
t?
Me:That '
swhatI 'm scar
ed of
,I '
m abrokengirl
.
Put
tingcommi tmenti
nmyl if
ewillmakethi
sworse.
I
'm scar
edt olovehi
m andgetmyhear tbr
eaki
nthe
pr
ocessofl ov
inghim.
Char
mai
ne:
Youscar
edt
ocommi
t?
Me:
Yes.
Char
mai
ne:
andwhyi
sthat
?
Me:Idon'
tknow char
ms,Ifeell
i
kei fIlethimi
n,I
won'
tbeabletoworkpastaheart
break.Hedoesn'
t
knowhowvulner
abl
eIam,howscaredofl ov
eIam.
Char mai ne:Communi cation,y ouhav et ot alkt ohi m
tellhim aboutwhathappenedt oy ou,y ourf ear s.So
thatheknowswhathei sdeal i
ngwi th,y oucannot
j
ustst ri
nghi m al ot.AsI '
vesai dt oy ouy ou'l
lgethur t
alongt heway ,you' llgethear tbreaksandi t'
sal lpar t
i
ft hisl i
feit'
sar ollercoast er.Tel lhim,i fhe'snotf or
youhewon' tstandy ourf ragi l
esel f.Hewi l
l l
eav ey ou,
buti fhe'swi ll
ingt ot aket hisr oadwi thy ou,t oy our
heal i
ngi twillmeanhe' sinf orabi gr unwi thy ou.I nto
sur etoohe' snotper fectt oo,nobodyi s.May behe
hashi sskel etonst hingshi shi ding,andi fy ouar e
honestwi thhim hewi llbehonestwi thy out oo.Just
trusthi m andt akel eapoff ait
h.Andhehur t
sy ouI '
m
her e,that'
swhyI 'm her et hat '
swhyy ouar eher e.For
yourpeaceofmi ndandsani t
y,behonestonagot o
gowi tht hisguy sbef oret akingt hingsf ar,bef ore
feelingsar einvest ed.
Il
augh.
Me:Youknowmymot hertol
dmewhaty
ou'
ret
ell
i
ng
me.Iguessi
t'
sar
ightthi
ngtodo.
Charmai
ne:wear eol
d,yourmotherknowsmore
thanyouknow,sodoI
.Takeouradvi
ceandtal
kto
thi
sguy.
Me:Oncehet el
l
smethathel
ovesmet
henIwi
l
ltel
l
hi
m ever
ythi
ngandany
thi
ng.
Charmaine:That'
saGoodidea,andt r
ustmebabyi t
wil
lbef oryourowngood.Younev eraskedforwhat
happenedtoy ou,
don'
tbl
amey ourself
,lear
ntomov e
onandbeawoman,Bey ouandlivey ourLi
fetothe
ful
lest
,don'
tholdbackNahi
ko.
Me:
Thanky
ouChar
mai
ne.
We car r
yon wi t
h a Session,and Ileav
ef eel
ing
l
ighter,t
hisisallaboutmor ethanit
'saboutother
people.Ishoul
dputmy selfFir
stthentherestshal
l
fol
low.
Idon'
tknow how If
eelabouttel
l
ingBul
umnkothe
t
ruth,I feelsaf
e when I '
m wi t
h hi
m,t her
e's
somethi
ngabouthim.Ijustdon'twannaloosehi
m, I
wanttoexperi
encethi
sRel at
ionshi
pthingwithhi
m,
butI
'
m scared.Ihav
etotellhi
m.
I
'
m conv
inci
ngmy
sel
fri
ght
,ther
e'snoot
herway
.
Iar
ri
veathome,
Yot
handoIcooki
ngandIj
oinher
.
Yot
hando:
Ohy
ou'
reback,
howwasy
oursessi
on?
Me:
Alway
sgr
eat
,I'
m get
ti
ngbet
terandbet
ter
.
Yothando:Thatdoesn'
tmean y
ou shoul
d st
op
at
tendingt
herapy
.
Me:Iwast r
aumati
sed,andI
'
m doi
ngwel
landIno
l
ongergetNi
ghtmar
es
Yot
hando:Andt hatst
il
lisnotar
easonf
ory
out
o
st
opattendi
ng.
Me:
Iwasn'
tthi
nki
ngt
ost
opat
tendi
ng.
Yot
hando:Iknow,can y
ou pl
ease chop t
hose
Car
rot
s.
Me:AndwhenI'mtheOneCooki
ngyoudon'
thelp,
you'
resuchasl
yoneYot
hando.I
'
m goi
ngtotakea
warm bat
h.
Yot
hando:
You'
resuchaBi
tch.
Me:
Iknow!
Il
eftherl
aughi
ng,Iwasl
aughi
ngwi
thhershe'
stoo
l
azy!
Iwenttot
hebathr
oom andtookar
elaxingbath,my
mindisworki
ngover
ti
metheseday
sIj ustcan'tget
thi
ssit
uat
ionoutofmyhead,andi
t'
smessi ngwi th
myhead.
Aft
erbat
hing,Iwenttomyroom.Ihadmi
ssedcal
l
s
fr
om Bul
umnko.Icall
edhi
m.
Bul
umnko:
Bhel
ekazi
.
Iblushed,he'
sbeencal
l
ingmel
i
ket
hatt
hesepast
fewday s.
Me:
Bab'
uMkhi
ze!
Bulumnko: mhh, Waze wangibi
za kamnandi
Ntombenhl
e.[mhhwhatani
cewaytocal
lme]
Me:
Howar
eyou?
Bul
umnko:Now t
hatiam talki
ngtoyou,I
'
mf eel
ing
bet
ter
.Iwasf
eel
ingali
tt
lebitundert
heweather..
Me:
Yousoundl
i
keamama'
sBoy
!
Hechuckl
e.
Bul
umnko: Ngiy
akukhuza nj
alo weNahi
ko. [
I'
m
war
ningyouNahi
ko]
Il
aughed.
Bulumnko:Youknow hear
ingy
oul
aughmakesmy
heartf
eelsatpeace.
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
Stopi
tZi
thul
ele.Sohowar
efeel
i
ngnow?
Bulumnko:I
'm amanNahi
ko,I
'l
lbefi
neandIjust
tol
dy out
hatI
'mfi
nenowt
hatI
'v
etal
kedwi
thyou.
Me:
Thatmeansst
ayathome.
Bulumnko:Musa ukuzi
fani
sa noMamkhi
ze,nay
e
ungit
shel
elokhongi
mdal
angingaka.
[
Stopbei
ngli
kemamkhi
ze,
shej
ustt
oldmet
hat
,I'
m
ol
denough]
Il
aughedathi
m.
Me:
OkayMr
,justt
akeherandgetbet
ter
.
Bul
umnko:
Iwi
l
lbebet
ter
.
Me:
GetRestZi
thul
eleokay
.
Bulumnko:y
esma'
am,
lookI
'
llcal
lyoubef
orey
ougo
tosleep.
Me:Alr
ightI
'l
lwai
t,andI
'
mtheonewhocal
l
edsoI
gett
odropthecal
l
.
Helaughed,thatl
aughofhis.Ar
ghI'm obsessed
wi
thhislaugh,
nowIcrav
etoseehi
sface.
Bul
umnko:
okayy
oucandr
opi
tma'
am.
Idroppedthecall
,Ilot
ionmybodyandWor emy
Unicor
n onsi
e.Then made my way t
olounge,I
snuggl
edinbetweent
hetwins
Si
kel
elwa:si
siy
ouneedt
oremov
eyourbr
aids,t
hey
ar
eoldnow..
Hai
bot
hischi
l
d.Theybot
hlaughhi
dingt
hei
rface.
Me:
OhmyGosh,
Ifeel
li
kecr
ying.
Sikel
ela:Buty
ouar
ebeaut
if
ulsi
s,Iwoul
ddat
eyoui
f
youmyage!
Il
ookathi
m,hel
aughs.
.
Si
kel
elwa:eaw Si
kel
elay
ou'
reachi
l
d.That
'sadul
ts
st
uff
.
Si
kel
ela:
Iknow,
whenIgetol
dIwant10gi
rl
fr
iends.
Hesayshowinghi
s10f
inger
s.Il
aughatwhathe'
s
sayi
ng,t
rul
yhewil
lbealady'
sman,he'
stooCute
andHandsome.
We talked,they ar
ej usttoo cut
e.Mommy and
Yot
hando joined,we bonded asa fami
l
yshari
ng
j
okeslaughinghereandther
e..
Thi
sisal
lIev
erwant
ed!
Happyt
imes,
HappyFami
l
y!.
ELEVEN
The rai
n deci
ded t
o gi
ve us a break t
oday
.The
Weatheroutsi
deisbeauti
fulther
e'sSun.Buty'
al
l
knowWi nt
erSuni
snotthathot
.
I
'm weari
ngmyl ongfl
owereddress,sandal
sand
Deni
m Jacket
.Iremovedthebrai
dsandwashedmy
Afr
o,i
t'
sBeauti
fulandl
ong.
Me:
Yot
handol
et'
sgo!
We'
regoi
ngtoGi gi'
splace,Azol
ehasbeenbl owing
myphoneof
f,she'sbeencall
ingshe'
sjustpunct
ual.
Yot
hando:OkayI
'
m comi
ng,r
equestanUberf
orso
l
ong.
Yeah we not t aking the Car Today ,because
Yothandoissleepingoverathisboyfr
iend'splaceso
Iwon'tbeabletodr i
v ehome,sinceIcan'tdriv
e.And
Ishouldgetat i
meandr egi
stertowriteal earner
s.I
needal i
cencesoon.
Ir
equest
ed,
ourUbercame.Shewasdonepacki
ng.
Azol
ecal
l
ed.
.
Me:
Wecomi
ng.
Azol
e:mxxm.
Shedr
opst
hecal
lshe'
sjustdr
amat
ic.
Wear r
ivedatGi gi'
sCompl ex.Thesecur i
tycalled
Gigiforconfi
rmationandwewenti nsi
de,Ilovethis
securit
ymeasur es.It
'sonly11am,andweatGi gi'
s
place.ThankstoAzoleforarrangi
ngourmeet i
ng,we
decidedt omeetatNoonbutshedeci dedont he
mor ni
ngandher ewear e,
bulli
edbyaLastbor n.
Gi
gi:Whuu,Ilov
eyourAfroBabes,i
t'
sbeaut
if
ul.But
whydidyouremoveyourbrai
ds.
Me:
TheTwinssai
dtheywereol
d,soIaskedt
hem t
o
r
emoveandgaveeachR5.
.
Azol
e:Theywer
eri
ght
,theywer
esi
ngi
ngi
nmyt
ime!
Welaughed,justaf
ew hour
sawayf
rom herI
'
m
mi
ssi
ngy ou.
Azol
e:I'
l
lbet aki
ngYot
hando'
spl
acet
oday
,I'
l
lbe
sl
eepi
ngover
Me:
What
?Youdi
dn'
task.
Azol
e:Yes,
andI
'
mtel
l
ingy
ou.
Cl
aponce,
I'
m gi
vi
ngupont
hischi
l
d.
We'r
edri
nki
ngwineandeat
ingsomedri
edf
rui
t.The
ai
mi snottogetDrunksi
nceAzoleandIhavea
Gr
oupsessi
ontoday
!
Yothando:Yhoguys,whenl
astdi
dIhav
esexIf
eel
l
ikeI'
m av i
rgi
nagai
n.
Wel
augh
Azol
e:Thatl
ong?
Yot
hando:
Youhav
enoi
dea.
Gi
gi:
Didy
oushav
e?
Yothando:No,Ishav
edl
astweeksot
her
e'ssome
l
it
tl
ehai r
.
Azol
e:Youneedt
oshav
eHoney
,itmustbepl
ain.
Il
aughed,Yot
handowentt
oshav
eint
hebat
hroom.
Shecameback.
Gi
gi:
Ihav
eaf
ewl
i
nger
ies.
Azol
e:Andwhatar
eyoudoi
ngwi
thLi
nger
ies?
Me:
Whati
sli
nger
ief
or.
Myphoner
ings.I
t'
sBul
umnkoIsmi
l
e.
Me:
Hey
Bul
umnko:
Ntombenhl
e[beaut
if
ulLady
]
Azole:al
inger
iei
snotanev ery
daything,youwearit
on speci
aloccasions and when y ou'
re sur
pri
si
ng
yourman.Itmustbesomet hingspecial
.
Iqui
ckl
ystoodupandwenttot heroom.I'
m sur
e
Bul
umnkoHeardher
,that
'
swhyhe'sl
aughi
ng.
Me:
Andwhyy
ou'
rel
aughi
ng?
Bul
umnko:
Noi
t'
snot
hingBeaut
if
ul
Me:
Zit
hul
ele!
Bul
umnko:
What
?It
'snot
hingr
eal
l
y.
Hei
sst
il
ll
aughi
ng.
Me:
Arghandwhyar
eyoucal
l
ing?
Bulumnko:Do Ineed a r
eason t
o cal
lthe most
beauti
ful
LadyI
'
veeverl
aidmyeyeson?
Bat
hong!Thi
sman.
Me:
Zit
humemar
n.
Bul
umnko:
Andshe'
sbl
ushi
ng.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
odr
opt
hephone,
andswi
tchi
tof
f.
Bul
umnko:
Ouch,
suchbr
utal
i
ty.
Me:
Yeah,
what
ever
!
Hel
aughs.
Bul
umnko:Imi
ssseei
ngy
ourpr
ett
yface,Iwanna
seeyou.
Me:
Soshoul
dwechanget
ofacet
ime?
Bul
umnko:No y
out
ellmewher
eyouar
eandI
'
ll
come
Me:
Arey
ounoti
nJohannesbur
g?
Bulumnko:Af
teracal
lwi
thy
oul
astni
ght
,It
ooka
fl
i
ghtback!
Me:
Andy
oudi
dn'
ttel
lme?
Bul
umnko:
I'
mtel
l
ingy
ounow.
Me:
Youshoul
d'
vecal
l
edmeandt
oldme.
Bul
umnko:
arey
oumadt
hatIdi
dn'
ttel
lyou?
Me:
No
Bul
umnko:
Yesy
ouar
e.
Me:
No.
Bul
umnko:Okay,I
'm sor
ryt
hatIdi
dn'
ttel
lyout
hat
I
'm comi
ngback.
Me:
It'
sokay
.
Bul
umnko:Alr
ightt
hen,soar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lme
wher
eyouare?
Me:
atmyf
ri
end'
spl
ace.
Bul
umnko:
wher
eIdr
oppedy
ouAMDy
ourf
ri
ends?
Me:
Yes.
Bul
umnko:
Alr
ightt
henIam comi
ng.
Me:
Alr
ighty
ou'
l
lcal
lwheny
ou'
reher
e.
Bul
umnko:
okaysur
e.
Het
hendr
opst
hecal
l
.
Imakemywayt
othegi
rl
sint
hel
ounge
Gi
gi:
Heewhyy
oubl
ushi
ng?
Isatnextt
oAzol
eandr
est
edmyheadi
nhert
highs.
Me:
Bul
umnkoi
scomi
ng.
Yot
hando:
Comi
ngbackt
oCapeTown?
Me:
No,
her
e.
Azol
e:sohe'
sincapet
own?
Me:
Yeah,
hear
ri
vedher
emi
dni
ght
.
Gi
gi:
Soy
ou'
redi
tchi
ngus.Goi
ngoutwi
thhi
m?
Me:
Hesai
dhe'
scomi
ngt
oseemet
hat
'sal
l
.Hesai
d
he'
smi
ssi
ngme.
Gi
gi:
Didy
oumi
sshi
m?
Me:
Iwantt
oseehi
mtoo.
Azol
e:Di
dyoumi
sshi
myesorno?
Me:
Andwhyt
hisquest
ions?
Yothando:youwil
lnotgot
ohi
m unl
essy
ouanswer
ourQuestions.
.
Ar
ght
hey
'vest
art
ed.
Me:
YesImi
ssedhi
m.
Isai
dsmili
ng,j
ustthi
nki
ngabouthi
ssmi
l
e,whenhe
l
aughs.Imi
ssedhim.
Azol
e:Doy
oul
ovehi
m?
Me:
What
?
Gi
gi:
Doy
oul
ovehi
m?
Me:Ifl
ovemeans, havingbutt
erf
li
eswhenhelaughs
andsmile,f
eeli
ngl ikethere'
snoonewheny ou'
re
wit
hhim.Feeli
nglikeIcouldstar
eathiseyesal
lthe
daysofmyli
fe,seeinghe'sbeaut
if
ul,
handsomeface.
Theny
esIl
ovehi
m.
Them:
Ncooaah.
Il
aughedatt
hei
rreact
ion.
Gi
gi:
arghguy
sdoy
ouj
ustcutanOni
on?
She'
scr
ying.
Azol
e:ar
ggGi
giy
ou'
resoemot
ional
.
Gi
gi:
Iam anemot
ional
bei
ng.MyGi
rli
sinl
ove.
Wel
augh.
Azol
e:I
'
m happyf
ory
oubaby
.
Shehugsme,theyal
lcomeandweshar
eahugand
tur
niti
ntoagr
ouphug.
Me: Thankyouguys,
thankyouforbei
ngt
ruefr
iends.
I
'm gladIhavef
ri
endsli
keyou.Ilov
eyouall
.
Gigi
:Thankyoual lf
orcomi ngtomymi ser
abl
eli
fe,
ther
e'sli
ght
,JoyAMD l aught
ernow inmyl i
feall
becauseofyou.ThankyouIloveyoual
l
..
Yot
hando:Thankyoubei
ngher
eforme,forshowing
mesidesofmy selft
hatInev
erknew aboutthank
y
ouguy
sIl
ovey
ou.
Azol
e:It'
sGoodt ohaveoldersi
stersinmyli
fe,y'
al
l
arenotjustfr
iendsbutmybi gsister
s.Iam happy
wheneverI'
m wi t
hyouall
,Idon'twantt obeaway
fr
om youallnotevenadayawayf rom youal
l
.Ilove
youal
lwithallofmyhear
t.
Me:
ToSi
ster
hood.
Them:
Tosi
ster
hood.
Wemov esfrom t
hehug,andpour
edt
hewi
nei
nto
ourgl
asses.
Azol
e:Tobestf
ri
endsf
orev
er,
andt
oSi
ster
hood.
.
Us:To Bestf
ri
ends f
orev
erand t
o Si
ster
hood,
cheer
s.
Wedr
ankourwi
ne.
Myphoner
ang.
Azol
e:doesBul
umnkohav
etor
uinsuchabeaut
if
ul
moment.
Gi
gi:
Jeal
ousy
.
Wel
aughed,
Me:
tel
lher
.
Ianswer
ed.
Me:
Hey
..
Bul
umnko:
I'
m out
side.
Me:
OkayI
'
m.Comi
ng.
Gigi
:There'
saList
eri
neMout
hwashi
nthebathr
oom.
Useit,
winetendstohav
eabadmout
hbreath.
Iwenttothebat
hroom,
washedmymoutht
henwent
back.Iworemysandal
sagain.Andt
ookmydeni
m
j
acket.
Azol
e:Don'
tfor
gett
heGr
oupsessi
onat5pm.
Me:
Iwon'
tl
ove,
byeILov
eY'
al
l.
Them:
Bye,
lov
eyout
oo.
I walk to the Gate, t
here he was. Weari
ng
stonewashed Jeans, whi
te T-shi
rt and whi
te
sneakers.
He'
slooki
nggood,
he'
sfadei
sni
cel
ytr
eamed.
Hesaw me,heputhi
scel
l
phonei
nsi
dehi
spocket
thensmil
esatme.Arghthi
smani
ssuchadr
eam I
don'
teverwantt
owakeupfr
om.
Me:
Hey
.
Bulumnko:Youlookbeaut
if
ul,
Ilov
eyourhai
ritsui
ts
you.Sonatur
al.
Me:
Thanky
ou!
Bul
umnko:Nowar
eyougoi
ngt
ost
andt
her
eorgi
ve
meaHug?.
Ismi
led,thenhuggedhi
m,doeshehav
etosmel
lso
ni
ceeverytime,
Bulumnko:Yousmellsogood,Idon'
twantt
obe
removedfr
om you.
Il
augh.
Me:
Buty
ourcol
ognedomi
nat
es.
Bul
umnko:
Youl
i
e,l
ookIsmel
ll
ikeagi
rlr
ightnow.
Me:
ThenI
'
m nev
erhuggi
ngy
ouagai
n.
Bul
umnko:
You'
recr
azy
,comeher
e.
Hehol
dmebymywai
st.He'
stoocl
ose,andhe'
s
l
ooki
ngr
ightI
nmyey
es.
Bulumnko:You'r
esobeauti
ful
,Ij
ustcan'
tgetenough
i
fyourbeautyitseemseachandeveryti
meIseey ou
you'r
emorebeaut i
ful
.
Ibl
ushandl
ookdown.
Bul
umnko: and when y
ou blush, y
our smil
e
somethi
ngi
nmyhear tmoves,I
'
veneverfel
tthi
s
way.
.
Il
ookathi
m,he'
slooki
ngatmest
rai
ghti
ntheey
e.
Me:
Wel
lthanky
ou,
yout
ooar
enotbad.
Bul
umnko:
notbady
ousay
?
Inod.
Bul
umnko:
Arey
ouscar
edt
osayt
hatI
'
m handsome?
Il
aughathi
m.
Bul
umnko:
Geti
nthecarNkosazane[
Pri
ncess]
Heopensthedoorforme,hewal
kst
ohi
ssi
deand
geti
nsi
de.He'
sseat
ed.
Thi
sisanot
hercar
,BMW M3.He'
saBMW Lov
erI
canseet
hat
.
Me:
Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng.
Bul
umnko:
Somewher
eIknowy
ouwi
l
llov
etobe.
Me:
Howdoy
ouknowIwi
l
llov
eit
?
Bul
umnko:I
fIl
ovet
hatpl
acesur
elyy
out
oowi
l
llov
e
i
t.
Me:
mhhIhopei
t'
snotf
ar.
Bul
umnko:
Why
?Youhav
eot
herpl
ans?
Me:
Ihav
etobei
npar
klandsat5pm.
Hecheckt
imeathi
swr
ist
wat
ch.
Bul
umnko:
it'
sonl
yhal
fpast1.Youwi
l
lmakei
tat5.
Me:
Alr
ight
.
We'
rel
i
steni
ngt
ohi
phopt
oday
.

[
Comeoncomeon
Iseenochangeswakeupi
nthemor
ningandIask
mysel
f
I
sli
fewor
thl
i
vingshoul
dIbl
astmy
sel
f?
I
'
mti
redofbei
n'poorandev
enwor
seI
'
m bl
ack
Myst omach hur
ts so I
'
m l
ooki
n'f
ora pur
se t
o
snat
ch
Copsgi
veadamnaboutanegr
o
Pul
lthet
ri
ggerki
l
lani
ggahe'
saher
o
Gi
vet
hecr
ackt
otheki
dswhot
hehel
lcar
es
Onel
esshungr
ymout
hont
hewel
far
e
Fi
rstshi
p'em dopeandl
et'
em deal
thebr
other
s
Gi
ve'
em gunsst
epbackwat
ch'
em ki
l
leachot
her
I
t'
sti
met
ofi
ghtbackt
hat
'swhatHueysai
d
Twoshot
sint
hedar
knowHuey
'sdead
Igotlovef
ormybr
otherbutwe can nev
ergo
nowher
e
Unl
essweshar
ewi
theachot
her
Wegot
tast
artmaki
n'changes
Learntoseemeasabr
otheri
nst
eadoft
wodi
stant
str
angers
Andt
hat
'showi
t'
ssupposedt
obe
Howcant
heDev
ilt
akeabr
otheri
fhe'
scl
oset
ome?
I
'
dlov
etogobackt
owhenwepl
ayedaski
ds
Butt
hingschanged,
andt
hat
'st
hewayi
tis
That
'sj
ustt
hewayi
tis
Thi
ngswi
l
lnev
erbet
hesame
That
'sj
ustt
hewayi
tis
Awwy
eah
That
'sj
ustt
hewayi
tis
Thi
ngswi
l
lnev
erbet
hesame
That
'sj
ustt
hewayi
tis
Awwy
eah
Iseenochangesal
lIseei
sraci
stf
aces
Mi
spl
acedhat
emakesdi
sgr
acet
oraces
WeunderIwonderwhati
ttakest
omaket
his
Onebet
terpl
ace,
let
'ser
aset
hewast
ed
Taket
heev
iloutt
hepeopl
ethey
'l
lbeact
ingr
ight
'
Causebot
hbl
ackandwhi
tei
ssmoki
n'cr
ackt
oni
ght
Andonl
yti
mewechi
l
liswhenweki
l
leachot
her
I
ttakesski
l
ltober
eal
,ti
met
oheal
eachot
her
Andal
thoughi
tseemsheav
ensent
Weai
n'
tready
,toseeabl
ackPr
esi
dent
,uhh
I
tai
n'
tasecr
etdon'
tconceal
thef
act
Thepeni
tent
iar
y'
spacked,
andi
t'
sfi
l
ledwi
thbl
acks
Butsomet
hingswi
l
lnev
erchange
Tryt
oshowanot
herwaybuty
oust
ayi
n'i
nthedope
game
Nowt
ell
mewhat
'
samot
hert
odo
Bei
n'r
eal
don'
tappeal
tot
hebr
otheri
nyou
Yougot
taoper
atet
heeasyway
"
ImadeaGt
oday
"Buty
oumadei
tinasl
eazyway
Sel
l
in'
crackt
otheki
d."Igot
tagetpai
d,"
Wel
lhey
,wel
lthat
'
sthewayi
tis
That
'sj
ustt
hewayi
tis
Thi
ngswi
l
lnev
erbet
hesame
That
'sj
ustt
hewayi
tis
Awwy
eah
That
'sj
ustt
hewayi
tis
Thi
ngswi
l
lnev
erbet
hesame
That
'sj
ustt
hewayi
tis
Awwy
eah
Wegot
tamakeachange
It
'sti
mef orusasapeopl
etost
artmaki
n'some
changes.
Let
'schanget
hewayweeat
,let
'schanget
hewaywe
l
ive
Andl
et'
schanget
hewaywet
reateachot
her
.
Youseet
heol
dwaywasn'
twor
kingsoi
t'
sonust
o
do
Whatwegot
tado,
tosur
viv
e.
Andstil
lIseenochangescan'
tabr
othergetal
i
ttl
e
peace
I
t'
swaront
hest
reet
sandt
hewari
ntheMi
ddl
eEast
I
nst
eadofwaronpov
ert
ytheygotawarondr
ugs
Sot
hepol
i
cecanbot
herme
AndIai
n'
tnev
erdi
dacr
imeIai
n'
thav
etodo
ButnowI
'
m backwi
tht
hebl
acksgi
vi
n'i
tbackt
oyou
Don'
tl
et'
em j
acky
ouup,
backy
ouup,
Cr
acky
ouupandpi
mpsmacky
ouup
Yougot
tal
ear
ntohol
dyaown]
2pacShukur-Changesisplaying.AndI'
ml ooki
ngat
hi
mi nadmi r
ati
on,he'
srappingalong.Tappi
ngatthe
steer
ingwheel.He'
sfeel
ingthi
ssongandIcan' thel
p
butsmileathim.
Bul
umnko:
Youknowi
tissowr
ongt
ost
are.
Me:Ij
ustcoul
dn'
tst
opmy
sel
f,Idi
dn'
tknow y
ou'
re
hi
phoplov
er.
Bul
umnko:
Ionl
yli
stent
oTupacnooneel
se.
Me:
ohhIsee.
Bul
umnko:
andwear
eher
e!
We'r
einasecl
udedplace,
it'
sli
keamount
ainbuti
t'
s
notst
eepbutGent
le.
Heopenmydoorandopenhis.HegoestotheBoot
,
hecomeswi
thapicni
cbasketandaFl
eece.
Me:
Soy
ougott
hisal
lpl
annedout
.
Bulumnko:Thankstotheweat her
,Iwoul
dn'
thav
e
broughty
ouhersifi
twasrai
ning.
Heplacethef
leeceandt
hebasketi
nsomet
hingt
hat
l
ookslikeahi
l
l.
Bul
umnko:
Come.
Me:
I'
m scar
edwhati
fwef
all
?
Bul
umnko:
Doy
out
rustme?
.
Inodded.
Bul
umnko:
thencome,
not
hingwi
l
lhappent
oyou.
Iwentandsatnexttohi
m,wow thebuil
ding,cars
movi
ngaround.Thi
sisani
cev
iew,I'
m sur
eatni ght
i
t'
sbeaut
if
ul.
Bulumnko: When I fi
rst came her
e,aft
er my
Graduat
ion Ihad no one onl
ymyf ami
ly
,Iwas
star
tingmybusiness.Thi
ngswerenotwor kingout
soIwoul dfindmy sel
fhereeveryti
meIf eell
ike
givi
ngup,angryorinneedofaFreshair
.Thisismy
sanit
y .
Il
ookedar
ound.
I
t'
sindeedabeaut
if
ulpl
ace,
youcoul
dcr
y,shoutand
noonewill
beheretost
opyou.
Me:
It'
sabeaut
if
ulpl
ace,
Ifeel
atpeaceIdon'
tknow.
Bulumnko:That'
stheaim,al
lnatur
althi
ngsImade
tocalm usandgiveuspeace.That
'swhyyou'
l
lfi
nd
placesl
i
kethisatpeace.
Wewer enow t
alki
ng,andeati
ng.Iwasdr
inki
nga
j
uiceandhewasdri
nkinghe'
sCast
lel
i
te.
Bul
umnko:Youknow nahi kothedayIl aidmyey es
ony ou,Icouldn'
tbel i
evesuchbeautl ives.Iwas
mesmer i
zedbyy ourbeaut y.WeIgoti nsi deoft hat
l
if
tIwant edtoturnandl ookaty oui nt heey e,j
ust
l
ookingathowbeaut ifulyouar einmyey es.WhenI
gotofftheli
ft
,Ifeltl
ikeIwasl eavingapar tofme.
WhenIwasdonewi thmybr ot
her,youwer est anding
i
ntheglasswindowl ookingatme, Icouldn' thelpbut
stareaty out oo.Somet hi ngi nmyHear tmov ed,I
don'tknow whet heritwasf ateorwhatbutwhenI
saw y oui ntheCl ub,Imadei tami ssiont oaskf or
yournumber s,andwhenIt alkedwithy ouIcoul dn'
t
forgety oursmi le,yourl aught er
.If ellinlovewi th
thosel it
tlet hingsbutl ittledi dIknow t hatIwas
Falli
ngmor edeepl yi nlov ewi ththeowneroft hat
smi l
e,thatl aught er.Nahi koImaybemanyt hi ngs
butsai ntI '
m not ,I'
m notgoi ngtol ietoy ouand
promi se y ou heav en and ear t
h my Act i
ons wi l
l
determinemyl ovef oryou.Ngi yakuthandaNt okazi
enhle.[Ilovey oubeaut if
ul Lady ]
Il
ookedathi
m wi
tht
ear
sinmyear
s.
Me:Nam Ndi yakuthanda,Youmademef al
linlove
withyou.Theywayy ourlaughdot hi
ngst ome,y our
smiletoo.Everyti
mey oucal lIpict
urey ourface.I
wantt olookaty ourey esf ort herestofmyl i
fe.
There'
ssomet hi
ngabouty oureyes,t
hewayy oulook
atme,t hecomf or
tablenessar oundy ou.Ido,y esI
real
lyl
ov eyouZit
hulele.
Bul
umnko:
Wozal
a.[
Comeher
e]
Iwenttohim,andhuggedhi
m.I
twasoneoft
he
l
ongesthugs.
Heletgoandl
ookedatme,Il
ookeddown.Idon'
t
knowhi
sgazemakesmeshy
.
Hechuckl
e.
Bul
umnko:Manj
e sengi
cel
a ukuphuza okwamike
mama.[
NowIwanttokisswhati
smi ne]
Il
ookeddown,hel
i
ftedmychi
nandbr
ushedmyl
i
ps
wi
thhishands.
.
Bul
umnko:
Umuhl
eyazi
![You'
resobeaut
if
ul]
He ki
ssed me,Ididn'
tknow whatt
o do,Ij
ust
f
roze.
.hechuckl
ed
Bul
umnko:
Justf
oll
owmyl
ead.
IdidasIwast ol
d,whatarethose?Butter
fl
ies?Yeah
i
t'
st hem,therearabutter
fl
iesinmyst omach,thisi
s
i
ntense.I'
v e neverfeltt
hiswayi n myl i
fe,tear
s
str
eam down,i t'
stearsofjoy.I
'm happyIam atmy
happiesti
nlif
er i
ghtnow.
Hepul
l
soutandwi
pesmyt
ear
s.
Bul
umnko:
Ilov
eYou.
Me:
Ilov
eYout
oo!
Istayedinhi
sembr ace,hi mtell
ing.ejokesandI
l
augh,Itel
lhim aboutBhelekaziandherj okesand
how Imisshereveryday.Andhe'sli
sten.Timefli
es
i
t'
s4pm.Idon'twannal eav
e,Iwanttobewi thhi
m.
Thedr
ivetoparkl
andsissofun,we'
resi
ngi
ngal
ong,
andmakinghimt oli
stentoAmaPiano.Hehadno
obj
ect
ionbecauseIwasli
steni
ngto2pacwi
thhi
m.
Wear r
iveattheCentr
e,helooksatitandthenme.
Ever
ythi
ngthatisdonehereiswri
tt
eni nbol
dlet
ter
s
j
ustout si
de.He can read,he knows whathe's
happeni
ng.I'
m scar
edofwhathewillask.
.
Bul
umnko:
Thi
siswher
eyou'
regoi
ngt
o?
Me:
Yesi
t'
s.
Bulumnko:OkaykeSt
handwasamil
etmenotkeep
you,you'
l
lbelat
e.
Me:
Yeah,
it'
s5o'
cl
ock.
Bul
umnko:
soI
'
m notget
ti
ngmyhugandki
ss?
Me:
You'
resuchabi
gbaby
.
Hechuckl
e.
Bul
umnko:
Yourbabyr
ight
?
Me:
yesmybaby
.
Bul
umnko:
nowcome!
.
Ihug and ki
ss hi
m,he ki
sses al
way
sleav
e me
want
ingmore.
Me:
ByeIl
ovey
ou.
Bul
umnko:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Imakemywaytothecent
re,
he'
sst
il
lst
andi
ngt
her
e
l
ooki
ngatme.
.Iwavemyhand.
Hewav
eshi
sandgeti
nsi
dehi
scart
hendr
oveof
f.
Whydidn'
theaskwhatIwasdoi
ngher e?I
'm sur
ehe
hasquest
ionsaboutmybei
nghere,buthe'
swai t
ing
formetotel
lhi
m.
IspotAzol
etal
ki
ng wi
th Amanda and Chel
sea I
makemywaytot
hem.
Me:
Heyguy
s
Them:
Hey
.
Azol
e:Takesmyhandandwal ktotheref
reshment s
ar
eaandt her
e'snotCof
feetodayther
e'sj
uice.Ipour
mysel
fsomeI '
mf ul
lsoIwil
lsett
leint
hejui
ceonl y.
Azol
e:so?Whathappened?
Me:I
'
lltel
lyouev
ery
thi
ngatni
ght
,you'
resl
eepi
ng
ov
err
ight?
Azol
e:Yhoo Ican'
twait
,judgi
ng by y
ourf
aci
al
expr
essi
oni
t'
sgoodnew.
OhMyGod,I'v
ejustinv
itedTroubl
ewi
tht
hisone.I
don'
tthi
nkwewil
lsl
eepatall
!.
.
Iam i
nlov
e!
THI
RTEEN
It
'saSundayMor ning,I'
mf eel
i
ngwaybet ter,I
'min
themoodf orchurch.IleaveAzol est
illsl
eepingin
bedandIgot othebat hr
oom.Iwashmyhand,f ace
andteet
h.Iwenttot heKit
chen,ImadeBr eakfastf
or
every
one.Iwentt o wake mot herfi
rst,then The
Twins.
If
oundAzol
eAl
readyawake.
Me:
mor
ningbabes.
Azol
e:Mor
ning,
it'
ssmel
l
ssoni
ce.
Me:
YeahI
'
vemadebr
eakf
ast
.
Azol
e:al
ri
ghty
oust
il
lowemey
ouknow.
Me:
What
?
Azol
e:TheDetail
sabouty ourAf
ter
noon,Iwantto
know whatHappened,coul
dn'
tasklastni
ghtsi
nce
youwerenoti
nar i
ghtmood.
Ibl
ushj
ustbythi
nkingabouty
est
erday
.Justr
ight
t
henmyPhonebeepedit
'
samessage.
"MorningMuhl eza,Ihopey ousleptwellIcoul
dn'
t
sleepknowi ngmyBabei snotokay ,Ihopeyou'
re
feeli
ngbet t
erthismor ni
ng.Iwil
ltryandmakemy
scheduleshortt odaysot haticanseey ouinthe
Afternoon.Ngi
yakuthandaMuntuwami "
Iblush,Azol
etakes t
he phone and Read t
he
message.
Azol
e:SoYou'
reof
fi
cial
now?
Me:
Yes.
Azol
e:OhmyGosh.
Shej
umpsof
fbedandhugsme.
Me:OkayAzol
ewehavechur
cht
ogot
o,sol
et'
sgo
eatsot
hatwecanbat
h.
Azol
e:Chur
ch?
Me:Yeschurch,andy ou'
regoingnoexcuseI
'
llt
ake
adressf
rom Yothando'sCl
othes.
Azol
e:You'
resuchaBul
l
y.
Me:Iknow,nowgot
othebat
hroom andwashy
our
handsandTeet
h.
Azol
e:Yesma'
am.
Shegoestoherbagandt
akeat
oot
hbr
ush,shegoto
thebathr
oom Imakemywayt othelounge,t
hey
wereal
readyeat
ing.
Me:
Youguy
scoul
dn'
tEv
enwai
tforme.
Mot
her
:Ti
mei
smoney
,it
'
sSundaywehav
echur
ch
Me:
Yesma'
am.
Azol
emakesherway
.
Azol
e:Mor
ningev
ery
one.
Mom:
Mor
ningbaby
.
Si
kel
ela:
Andwhoar
eyou?You'
resobeaut
if
ul.
Si
kel
elwa:She'
s Ol
d Si
kel
ela,she can'
tbe Your
gi
rl
fr
iend.
Si
kel
ela:
Iknowt
hat
,Iwasj
ustsay
inggeez
.
Hai
bot
heseki
ds.
Me:
Andhowol
dyout
woar
eagai
n?
Si
kel
elwa:
Oldenough.
Ar
ghshe'
saDr
amaQueent
hisone.
Azole:Whuu,Il
ovey
out
wins.I
'
m Azol
eNahi
ko'
s
BestFri
end.
Si
kel
elwa:
LikeBFF,
BFF?Forev
er?
Azol
e:Yeaht
hat
.
Si
kel
elwa:
Soar
eyo.
.
Mom:Hay iSi
kel
elwa,j
usteatyourf
ood.Weknow
you'
l
lask100Questi
ons,noweatsothatwecango
andBath.
She'ssul ki
ng,shewantedtotalkmor e,weeatand
mot herandt winsgot otheBat hr
oom.Iwasht he
dishest henwentYothando'
sroom.If oundayel
low
kneedr essthatwil
lfi
tAzol
eperfect
ly.
Iwenttomyroom shej
ustt
ookabat
h,t
hiswi
l
ldoI
handhert
hedress.
Azol
e:i
t'
sni
ce.
Me:
yeahl
etmegoandbat
h.
Itookaver
yquickbat
haf t
erbay
hingIwentto my
room,il
oti
onmybodywor emyundergarments.I
applyamakeuponmyf aceAzol
eisshockedthatI
candomakeup.
Azol
e:y
ou'
regood,ev
enmor
ethanme,wher
edi
d
youl
ear
n?
Me:Backinv ar
sit
y,myRoommat ewasabeauti
cian.
She'
sagr eatteacher
,butI'
ml azytoappl
ymakeup
onever
yday .Ij
ustapplyi
tonlyonSundays,Iwanna
sl
ayinchurch.
Azol
e:Thenwhatar
ey ouwai
ti
ngf
or?Iwannasl
ay
too,
sodoyourj
obhoney.
IlaughIapplymakeuponherf ace,aft
erdoi
ngher
face.Itookmyov erthekneeBl ackSli
mf i
tski
rt
,
whiteshi
rt,
pinkbl
azerandbackheel.
Azole:Mhhmyf riendy
oul ookf
ine,i
fyoudi
dn'thave
Bul
umnkoIwoul dsayy ou'r
eaftert
hePastor.Your
Afr
oi sabsol ut
elybeauti
ful,i
tsuitsyou you'
rea
Naturalbeaut
ydamnn.
Il
augh.Shelooksgoodtooint
hatYel
l
ow dr
ess,i
t
matcheswi
thherski
ntone.
Me:ohThankyoul
oveandy
ou'
rest
unni
ngt
oo,t
he
dr
esssui
tsy
ou.
Azol
e:Iknowbabesbutt
hanks!
.
Il
augh,she'
sjustdr
amat
ic.It
akeasl
i
ngbag,and
myBibl
e.
Me:
Let
'sgo.
Azole:I
'm soNer
vous,
whenwast
hel
astt
imeIwent
tochurch?
Me:Itwil
lbealr
ight
,you'
l
lbefiney
ouj
ustneedt
o
r
elax.I
t'
schur
chnotanExam r
oom.
Azol
e:Iam asi
nnerNahi
ko,y
oudon'
tunder
stand.
I
'vecommittedalotofsins,sl
eptwi
thmar
ri
edmen,
drankal
cohol,st
olemoney .I'
vedonealotofbad
thi
ngs,
churchisnotforme.
Me:“ Cometome, al
lofyouwhoarewear yandcarry
heavy burdens,and Iwi llgi
veyou r est
."That's
Mat t
hew 11:28GodWantpeopl el
ikey ouandme,
those who feellike ar
e notwort
hyt o be in his
presence. He want us, goi ng there ask f or
forgi
venessofy oursins.He'saForgiv
ingGod,he
doesn'thol
dGr udges.
Azol
e:Idon'
tknow wher
ewoul
dIbewi
thouty
ou,I
l
oveyou!
Me:
Ilov
eyoumor
e!
Wewenttothel
ounge,
TheTwi
nswer
ealr
eadyt
her
e
l
ooki
ng cut
e.Mom wasnothere,t
hiswomen i
s
al
waysl
ate.
Me:
Mommm!
.
Ishout
.
Mom:
Comi
ng!
.
Shecomesl
ooki
ngsobeaut
if
uli
nthatWhi
tedr
ess.I
wantt
oagej
ustl
i
keher
,shel
ookssoy
oung.
Mom:
wow,
youGi
rl
slooksobeaut
if
ul.
.
Azol
e:i
t'
smything,
Idon'
tknowabouty
ourdaught
er
buty
eahThanks.
Wel
augh,
Yot
handoi
sjustsomet
hingel
se.
Me:
Thanksmommy
.
We make ourway t othe car
,Azoletakes t
he
passengerseat
,Iset
tl
eatt
hebackwit
htheTwins.
Thedr i
vet ochur
chisfun,we'r
esi ngi
ngt oAyanda
Ntazi
'
ssongs.Wear r
iveatchurch,wef i
ndaspace
topark.Theservi
cesjustst
art
edwear e15minutes
l
ate.Thet winsgototheSundayschool ,wetakea
seatt
oo.We' resi
ngi
ngtoprai
seandwor shi
psongs.
TheWor shi
pTeam isdoinganamazi ngJob,t he
HolySpiri
tisamongstus.
.

Wandi
bizandasabel
a[Youcal
l
edme,
Iresponded]
Ndazendaf
uman'
ubuncwanebot
hando
[
AndIr
ecei
vedt
her
ichesofl
ove]
Namhl
andi
sondel
ephambi
kwakho
[
TodayIcamebef
orey
ou]
Ndi
fun'
ukhokel
wanguwe[
Leadet
hme]
Ndi
fun'
ukul
awul
wanguwe[
Takecont
rol
ofme]
Ndi
funauhambanawe[
Iwantt
owal
kwi
thYou]

Ndi
zokul
andel
a[Iwi
l
lfol
l
ow]
Jesundohambanawe[
JesusIwi
l
lgowi
thYou]
Aphoukhoy
o[Wher
everYouar
e]
Ndi
zokul
andel
a
Ebukhweni
bam [
Inmypl
aceofbet
rot
hal
]
NgoJesundi
phephi
l
e[ThoughJesusI
'
m saf
e]
Ndi
zokul
andel
a
Jesundohambanawe

Amandl
'okuphi
l
aaf
umanekakuwe
[
Liv
ingpower
sar
efoundi
nyou]
Unguwoumt
hombowaboubomi
[
You'
ret
hest
ream ofl
i
fe]
Nj
alondi
zohl
al'
ezi
nyaweni
zakho
[
SoIwi
l
lfor
everst
ayatYourf
eet
]
Ngobanguw'
umkhokel
iwam
[
BecauseYouar
emyl
eader
]
Umomel
ezi
wam,
[Mypi
l
larofst
rengt
h]
Ul
i
thembael
i
miy
o,el
i
miy
o
[
You'
reanev
erpr
esenthope]

Ubomi
bami
[Myl
i
fe]
BukuweNkosi
[isi
nyou]
Ngakondi
zol
andel
a(Jesundohambanawe)
Ububomi
ndi
budi
ngay
o[You'
ret
hel
i
feIneed]
Ndi
yakudi
ngami
hlay
onke[
IneedTheeev
ery
day
]
Ngakondol
andel
a(Jesundohambanawe)
Nobakuyeny
ukel
akuy
ehl
ela[
Nomat
tert
heupsand
downs]
Ndi
zony
athel
aaphouny
athel
ekhona
[
I'
l
lkeeponf
oll
owi
ngy
ourst
eps]
(
Jesundohambanawe)
Ndi
zol
andel
a,ndi
zol
andeal
Ndi
zol
andel
aWena(
Jesundohambanawe)
Ndi
zohambanawe,
ndi
zohambanawe
(
Jesundohambanawe)
Ndi
zony
athel
a
Wen'
unobomi
bam,
Wen'
ukukuphi
l
akwam
Wen'
uli
thembal
am,
Wen'
ungumonwabi
siwam
[
You'
remysour
ceofj
oy]
Ndonwabi
l
exandi
kuwe[
I'
mjoy
ful
iny
our
pr
esence]
Ndi
nobomi
xandi
kuwey
ingakondi
zony
athel
a
Kweny
ukel
akwehl
elandi
zohambanawe
Sebendi
hlekandi
zohambanawe
[
Whent
hey
'r
elaughi
ngatme]
Sebendi
thukandi
zohambanawe
[
Whent
hey
'r
ecal
l
ingmenames]
Ndi
zony
amezel
anobakwenzekani
Ndi
zony
amezel
anobakwenzekani
Ndi
zohambaNawe,
ndi
zohambaNawe
Ndi
zohambaNawe,
ndi
zohamba
Hal
l
eluj
ah!Jesundohambanawe
.
Myhandsareli
ft
edasIopenmyhear t
,asIpr ay.
Thi
ssongspeaksVolumeinmyheart
.Thepast or
makeshi
swaytotheAlt
er,
andwet
akeourseat
s.
Pastor:Thereisabsolutel
ynothingi nthislifethat'
s
worth keepi ng y ou depr essed, di sturbed or
dest
abi l
ised,when y ou have God.Pr actice and
embr acet hehabitoflett
inggoorgi vingi nwher e
andwhennecessar yasy oupr ogressthr oughl i
fe'
s
j
ourney .Ephesians 4:31-
32 say s" Getr i
d ofal l
bi
tt
erness,rage,anger,harshwor ds,andsl
ander,as
wel
lasal ltypesofev i
lbehavior.32Inst
ead,bekind
toeachot her,tender
hearted,forgi
vi
ngoneanother,
j
ustasGodt hroughChristhasforgi
venyou."
ThisWordspeakst
omeandt
here'
snodoubtabout
that
.IclosemyBibl
easmyfocusisnow ont he
pastor
.
Past or : Somet imes wai ting f or t hei
r apol ogy,
gratitudeorr emor sefulbehav i
ori snotr eal
lyneeded,
i
fy ouunder standt hatpeopl ehav ef l
awsandar en't
perfect .Wal k wi t
ht hi s consci ousness.Hol ding
grudges or hav i
ng bi tt
er ness on t ri
vi
alt hings,
mat ter sori ssuest hatev eryonehasl aughedov eror
mov edonwi t
hi st r
ulyt i
ringanduncal l
edf or
.You
mustl ear nt oletgoofhur torpai n.Theper sonwho
causedy ousor row ort r
oubl esmaybey ourloved
one,f ri
end,col league,f ami l
yorassoci at
e,duet oa
miscul ated,unexpect ed or unr easonabl e act or
deci sion.Stilll
eti tgo.Besi ncer eandhonestenough
withy ourselfthaty ouacknowl edgey ourmi sconduct,
error sorwr ongdoi ngs,andqui cklyseekf orpeople
tof orgi v
ey ou.Ev eni fthey'vef orgiveny oufrom their
hear
t,st
il
lgoaheadandaskf
ormer
cy.
Bythet i
met hePastorf
ini
shesPreaching,Hecal
ls
f
orAltercal
l
,thosewhowantt obeforgi
v enandt
his
whowant st
heirhear
ttobeatease,thosewhowant
t
oforgetandforgi
ve.
Imakemywayt her
e,myHear tisheav ythi
swasa
Heavypr eaching.Aft
erthepast orhav eprayedfor
me.Imakemywayt omyseatf eeli
ngf r
eeofallthe
burdenI'
v ebeencar ryi
ng,feeli
ngf reemyhear tat
ease.MyMot herandAzolemaket heirwaybacktoo,
Idi
dn'tnoti
cet heyweretoo.Itwasmyt imewithGod.
Pastor:IpraythatGodhelpyoutowalkinandwi
th
for
givenesst owardsmeni nJesusname.Maythe
LoveandGr aceoftheLord,t
heholyspi
ri
tst
aywi
th
youforeverandev erAmen.
Congr
egat
ion:
Amen.
Thechur
chwasGr
eatt
odaynol
i
es,If
eltt
hehol
y
spi
ri
t.
We drive back home.The r
ide i
s sti
l
lfun,with
si
kelel
wat el
li
ngaboutwhattheydidIntheSunday
school
.
Wearri
vehome,mom goest
otheki
tchent
omake
usaqui
cklunch.
Azole:Thankyoufortoday,Thanky
ouf orinsi
sti
ngI
gotochur ch,
theSer
monwasspeaki ngr i
ghtatme.I
fel
teachandev er
ywor dthatt
hepastorsaid.
Me:youdon'tneedtot
hankme,maybeGodwant
ed
i
ttobet hi
sway .Ev
enmeIf el
tthepr
eachi
ngev
en
myheartasatease.
.
We'rei
nmyr oom changi
ng,I
'
m onmyj
eansandT-
shir
twit
hai rfor
ceSneaker.Makeupi
ssti
llon,I
'
ll
removeitl
ater
Azol
e:Yourmot
herbet
terbedoney
ho,
I'
mfami
shed.
Me:
met
oo,
it'
sli
keIdi
dn'
teatbr
eakf
ast
.
Wel aughaswemakeourwayt othel
ounge,mom
br
ingschickenwr
apswi
thhotChi
psont
heside.
Weeatasaf amil
y,Azolej
ustbl
endedi
nwi
thus.
She'
ssuchal
ovel
ysoul.
Mom:
Shoul
dweor
deri
nory
ou'
l
lCook?I
'
mlazy
.
Me:Met ooI
'mlazy
,andwedon' tknow whatt
ime
Yot
handowil
lcomeback.I
'
llbuyussuper
.
Mom:Okaythenletmejoi
nthosel
azyt
winsandrest
.
GowellAzolebaby,pl
easedocomebacky ou'
rea
br
eat
hoffreshair
Azol
e:Iwi
l
lsur
elybear
egul
arher
e.
Mom:
That
'smor
eli
kei
t.
Me:mamaar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osayYot
handoandIbor
e
you?
Mom:Idi
dn'
tsayt
hathoney
,don'
tputwor
dsi
nmy
mout
h.
Azol
e:Jeal
ousdoesn'
tsui
tsy
oubabes.
Mom:
itr
eal
l
ydoesnot
.
Shesayst
hati
nthepassagemaki
ngherwayt
oher
room.
Welaugh.We'
reseat
edinthel
ounge,Azol
ewantt
o
l
eav
eandIdon'twanthert
ogo.
Azol
e:Icanseey
ou'
redr
eadi
ngt
oseemel
eav
e!
Me:
Idon'
twanty
out
ogo,
canIadopty
ou?
Shel
aughs.
Azol
e:You willsee me tomor
row,y
ou see me
ever
ydaygeezst
opbeingdr
amati
c.
AsIwasaboutt
oanswerhermyphoner
angi
t'
smy
Man.
Me:
Zit
hul
ele
Bulumnko:st
handwasami ,I
'
mt hr
eehousesaway
fr
om yourpl
acepleasecometomeImi
ssy ou.
Il
augh,
hecan'
tbeser
ious.
Me:
Whati
fIwasn'
thome?
Bul
umnko:Then Iwould'
ve wai
ted t
il
lyou come
home,
ortel
lmewhereyouatsothatIcancome.
Me:
You'
reunbel
i
evabl
e
Bulumnko:wozaphel
a,kadengi
mil
ela.[
Justcome,
I
'vebeenwait
ing]
.
Hedr
opst
hecal
l
..
Azol
e:ThankGodIwon'tbewastingmymoneyon
Uber
,youandyourManwil
ltakey
ouhome.
Shegoestomyr
oom andt
akeherbag,wemakeour
way.Iseehi
sBMW M3.Thenwal kedther
e.Azol
e
cl
i
mbsatt
hebackIt
aket
hepassengerseat
.
Azol
e:HeyHandsome.
Bul
umnko:
HeyAzol
e.
Hel
ooksatmewi
thasmi
l
eonhi
sface.
Bul
umnko:
Sthandwasami
.
Me:
Heyl
ove.
Hecomesf
orwar
dforaki
ss.Andweki
ss.
.
Azol
e:euwguy
sI'
m st
il
lher
e,hav
esomer
espect
.
Bulumnko:Thisi smycar .Andt
hiswomennextto
mei smi ne,I'
llki
ssherWheneverIwantto.ButI
respecty
ou, Iwon'tki
ssher.
Azol
e:YouseewhyIl
ovey
ou,
didIt
ell
yout
hough?
Bul
umnko:
noy
oudi
dn'
t.
Azol
e:Wel
lIl
ovey
ou!
Bul
umnko:
Wel
lthanky
ou.
Hesmi
l
elooki
ngatme.
Me:Babe,canwepleasedropheroffatherpl
ace.
Shebul
li
edmei nt
ocomi nghere.Shealwaysbul
ly
met
oo.
Bul
umnko:noprobl
em.Azol
epl
easedon'
tbul
l
ymy
Womanplease.
Azol
e:AkusemnandiubaneNdoda,yathet
hel
elwa.
[
It
'ssoni
cetohav
eaMan, hetal
ksfory
ou]
Bul
umnko:
You'
l
lfi
ndy
oursoon.
Azol
e:Hemustcome,
I'
mimpat
ient
lywai
ti
ng.
Bul
umnko:
Itt
akest
imey
oushoul
dchi
l
l.
Azol
e:i
fyousaysot
hen,
I'
ll
keeponwai
ti
ng.
Wetal
kandl aughsatAzole'
sjokes.Theyarejust
Bl
endi
ng wit
h Bulumnko bunch ofcrazi
ness.We
ar
ri
veatherpl
ace.
Azole:NowIdon'
twantt
ogetof
f,Imi
ssy
oual
ready
bestfri
end.
Me:
yetyouwer
et heonewhosaidyou'
l
lseeme
t
omorr
owwhenIbeggedy
outost
ay.
Azol
e:mxxm y
ou'
resuchawi
tch.
Me:
AndIl
ovey
out
oo.
Shel
aughs.
Azole:ArghIl
oveyoubi
tch,by
eBul
umnkopl
ease
takecareofmygi
rl
.
Bul
umnko:
don'
twor
ryy
our
sel
fIwi
l
ldoj
ustt
hat
.
Azol
e:al
ri
ghtby
e.
Us:
Bye.
She.Cl
i
mbsoutandmakesherwayt
oherpl
ace.
Bulumnko:She'
s so f
unny
,it
's ni
ce t
o be i
n her
presence.
Me:Yeah,t
her
e'snev
eradul
lmomentwhenshe'
s
ar
ound.
Wedr i
vetosomeparkIdon'
tknow whereweare,
butit
'squi
et.Hepar
kthecarandswi tchof
fthe
engi
ne.
Heremov eshi
sseat
bel
tandlooksmyway.DidIt
ell
y'
al
labouthow gor geous t
his man i
s? He'
sa
master
piece.
Bul
umnko:
Sthandwasami
.
Me:
Babe
Bul
umnko:
Khul
umakengi
l
alel
e.[
Tal
kI'
mli
steni
ng]
Me:
About
?
Bul
umnko:whatev
ert hati
sbor
der
ingy
ou,what
ever
madeyoucryl
astnight.
Ilookdown,Idon'twanttotal
kaboutmypast,not
ri
ghtnownotinhiscar.I
'
m notreadyt
otel
lhi
m.
Heclimbsoutthencometomyside,heopenst
he
doorIremovetheseat
bel
tthent
akehishand.We
seatatt
heback.
Bul
umnko:Nowt
alkBhel
ekazi
.
Me:i
t'
snothi
ngbigZithul
ele,Iwasjustmi
ssi
ngmy
Gr
andmother
,Ineededheryester
day
.
Helookedatme,
int
ensegaze.Hehast
hisl
ookt
hat
Icandeci
pher
.
Bul
umnko:
Whatmadey
ouneedhersomuch?
Icoul
dn'
tlookathi
mintheey
e,notwi
tht
hel
ook
t
hathehasonhisf
ace.
Bul
umnko:
Muhl
eza!
Me:
mhh.
Bul
umnko:
Doy
out
rustme?
Inod.
Bulumnko:Khul
umaphel a, ngi
funa uzwai
zwiLakho
l
ingit
shel
aukuthiuyangethemba.[ Pl
easet
alkIwant
tohearyourvoi
cesayingy outrustme]
Me:
Yesbabe,
Idot
rusty
ou.
Bul
umnko:
thant
alkt
ome.
Ihughi
m,Idon'
twantt
olosehi
m.
Me:Idon'
twantt olosey ou,Iwanty
oubymysi de
al
ways.I
'm soscaredthatImayloseyouandIdon'
t
wantt
hat.
Bulumnko:y ouwi l
lnev erlosemeSt handwasami,
never.Ilov
ey ou,onlyyouandnobodywi l
lev
ertake
yourplaceinmyhear t.Alr
ight,
nev
er!
Me:Ihopeso,Idon'tknow how Iwoul
dfeelabout
myfi
rsthear
tbr
eak,
ifyouweretobreakmyheart.
Bul
umnko:
Am Iy
ourf
ir
stl
ove?
Me:Yes,you'
remyf ir
stl
ove.AndIl
ovey
ouson
much,
Idon'twantany
onebuty
ou.
Bulumnko:I'
my ourfi
rstandlastl
ove.It
'smeand
youtil
ltheend.AsIsai
dI'
m notper
fectbutforyouI
wil
llearn,and tryto be per
fect
.Ngiyakuthanda
uyezwa?
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo!
Ist
ayedinhisstr
ongarms, wechatt
edhewast el
li
ng
mehisKZNSt orieshi
m growingup.Itwasfun,t
hen
hedrovemet oKFCandMcDonal d'
sdr i
vethr
oughto
buysomef oodf ormyfami l
y.Andhewast heone
payi
ng,heinsist
edandi t
'
st ruewhent hesayZulu
manarestubbornIcanatt
esttothat.
.
2Morechapt
ersar
ecomi
ng,sor
ryIhav
en'
tpost
ed.
Admi
n
FOURTEEN
It
'saFridayI'mfeeli
ngGood,I
'
mi nlove,ever
y t
hingis
GreatbyMySi de.Iwon'
tbeattendi
ngt her
apyt oday
andt here'snogr oupsessi
ont omorrow,I'
m mor e
thanhappy .Charmaineisoutoft hecount r
ysoI '
l
l
seehernextweek.Yot handomadet hebr eakfast
,
I'
vejustt akenabat hI'
mi nmyj eans,Turtl
eneck,
Deni mj acketandboot s.CapeTownweat heri sati t
agai n,i t'
scol d.It houghtwe' vepassedt hewi nter
seasonbutweal lknow capet ownweat her .Inow
hav ecor nrowswhi char esoPai nful,I'
vemadet hem
yest erdayandIcoul dn'tev ensl eepI '
l
lnev erfor get
thatNi gerianLady , i
twasasi fshe'sdoi ngsomeone
who' sshar ingamanwi th, shewenthar donme! .But
nonet helessI '
m pr ett
y.It akemybagt ot hel ounge.
Mom i sinhernur singuni formt winsint hei rCasual
Clot hesi t
'sFr idayt heyar ewear i
ngt heircl othes.
Yot handocomeswi thbr eakfastweeat ,t het wi ns
transpor tcamemamagav eusahi ket oTer minus.
Y'allknowhowIf eelAboutt axisright?Letmekeep
quiet .Wear r
iveatwor ki nt i
me, sot here'snot imet o
catchupwi thmyf r
iends.Imakemywayt ot he
l
ocker s,Ichangei ntomyuni form.Azol ei sal ready
cleani ngt heof fice, wesai dwewantt of inishourj ob
befor el unchsot hatwecoul dl eaveear l
y .
Azol
e:OhmyGucciy oul
ooksobeaut
if
ul.Wher
edi
d
youpl
aity
ourcor
nrows?Il
ovet
hem.
Me:Thankyoulove,i
nsomesalonatGugul
ethuthey
maketheebestcornr
ows.l
et'
sgett
hisworkstar
ted.
Wecl eanal ltheofficeswewer esupposedt oclean,
andwef ini
shexact lyatourl unchti
me.Wesi gnour
scheduleandsenti ttoJane.We' redonefortheday .
Wechangei ntoourcl othes.YothandoandGi giare
seatedInt hecant een.Whoaguy sdidItelly'
allthat
YesterdaywasourPay day?Therearefewpeopl ein
thecant eenI 'm surepeopl ear eeati
ngoutt oday.
JustLikeAzol eandpl annedwegoi ngtoCanalWal k
forsomeshoppi ng,IneedachangeofCl othes..
Gigi
:And t
hen? Why ar
eyou notwear
ing y
our
unif
orm?
Azol
e:we'r
edonewithourwor
k,andweareheadi
ng
toCanal
walkforl
unchandsomeshoppi
ng.
Yot
hando:
Wit
houtus?Yout
woar
esobad.
Me:
Shoul
dwewai
tfor2pm?
Gi
gi:we'r
eleav
ingat1pm t
odaysoy
'al
lhav
e1hour
t
owai t
.
Azol
e:We'
rehungr
y,y
ou'
l
lcat
chust
her
e.
Gi
gi:
We'
l
lbuysomemuf
fi
nsandcof
feej
ustt
ost
all
.
Azol
e:Gr
eatIwant3 Bl
ueber
ry muf
fi
ns and a
Cappucci
no.
Me:2Chocolat
ecroi
ssant
sandaChocMi
ntMuf
fi
n
pl
usacappucci
no.
Gi
gi:
Yout
woar
ewewi
tches.
Azol
e&I
:Wel
ovey
out
oo.
Shewentand BoughtusourFood t
henherand
Yot
handowentt
otheirDesk.
Azol
e:Ar
ghIj
ustcan'
tgetov
ery
ourhai
rst
yle,
itsui
ts
you.
Me:
ThanksLov
e.
Azol
e:Zi
thul
elewi
l
lgomadwhenheseey
ou.
Me:Speaki
ngofhi
m,hehasn'
tcal
l
edt
oday
.Letme
gi
vehim acal
l
..
Itakeoutmyphonefrom mybagandcal
l
,itr
ings
unanswer
ed.Idr
opi
tandcall
agai
n.
"
Sor
ryB i
sbusypl
easecal
lagai
n,may
bel
ateror
t
omorr
ow"What
?Awoman?
Me:
Andy
ouar
e?
Per
son:
Andwhoar
eyou?
Me:
Iaskedy
ouf
ir
st.
Per
son:LookasI'
veSai
dBi
sbusyy
ou'
redi
stur
bing
cal
lhi
mlaterby
e!
wow!B?
Azol
e:Andt
hen?
Me:Canyoubeli
eveawomenanswer
edhi
sphone,
andcal
l
shim B.
Azol
e:What
!?Gi
vemey
ourphone.
Shesnat
chesmyphonef rom myhands,shepresses
andsheputsitonthetable.She'
scal
l
ingBulumnko
agai
nandit
'sonloudspeaker.
"It
oldyouBi
sbusycan'
tyougeti
nyourt
hickskul
l
huh?"
Azol
e:Ohnoy oudi
dn'
tbit
ch,li
stent
ellBul
umnkot
o
answerhi
sphoneri
ghtnow!.
Per
son:
We'
rest
il
lbusy
.
Azol
e:You know whatBitch?Fuck y
ou,and t
ell
Bul
umnkohebetternotcal
lthi
sNumberagai
n,Ar
gh
nx!
Shedr
opst
hecal
l
.She'
smad.
Azole:HeeBulumnkoistest
ingmey
az.He'
sreal
l
y
test
ingme.Areyouokay?
Sheasksl
ooki
ngmyway
?
Me:
YeahIguess.
Azole:Maybehe'
sreal
l
ybusy,Itr
usthi
m andi
fhe
fucksuphewil
lhavemetodeal
with.
Me:And unguphumasil
wewena! .Inobaibi
ngase
AphumekulePhoneumbethe!
.[You'
reafight
er,I
'
m
sureyouwantedhert
ocomeoutoft hephoneso
thaty
oucanhither
]
Azole:Yhoawazi
ntoMntase,benzombethapl
usnalo
Bulumnko.Andimoyi
kikaloknay e.
[Yhoyouhadno
i
dea,Iwoul d'
vebit
tedher ,pl
usBul umnkoI
'm not
scaredofhi
m]
Wel
aughedshe'
sjustdr
amat
ic.
Azol
e:Youdon'
thavet obecookaboutever
ythi
ng,
Ever
ygir
lhast
hecrazy.Gomadathi
mi fy
ouhav et
o
j
usttoscar
ehi
m alit
tl
e.
Il
aughather
.
Me:Azoleyou'
recr
azynormal
l
y,sobei
ngcr
azyi
sin
yourbl
oodnotever
ygir
l.
Azol
e:IfhehisdickGameisli
t,you'l
lseet
hisside
I
'm tal
king about
.ButIcan at testtoyou that
Bul
umnko'ssexgameisonster
oids.
Me:That'
smyMany
ou'
ret
alki
ngaboutRi
ghtnow
youknowthat
?
Azol
e:YeahIknow t
hat
,Iwasj
ustt
ell
i
ngy
oumy
poi
ntofvi
ewabouthi
m.
Me:
HayIdon'
tneedi
t!
Shel
aughs.
Azol
e:Youmyf
ri
endy
ou'
ret
ooi
nnocent
.
Yot
handocamet
ous.
Yot
hando:
Okayguy
slet
'
sgobabi
eswe'
redone.
It
ookmybag,
Gigiwasdr
ivi
nghercar
.Sowe'resaf
e.
Theri
detoCanalwal
kischil
ledwe'r
eli
steningto
Amapi
ano.
Myphoner
ingsi
t'
sBul
umnko.IshowAzol
e.
Azol
e:Lethim gi
vey ousomemi
ssedcal
l
s,t
hen
answerl
atery
ou'
rebusyt
oo.
Hecal l
sf orsomet i
me." MuntuwamiIknow y ou'
re
probablymadatme, butcanyoupleaseansweryour
phonesot hatIcanexpl
ain"Il
aughathismessage.I
showi ttoAzole.
Azol
e:He'
stoocut
e,j
ustanswerhi
sphone.
Me:
Whathappenedt
ost
all
i
nghi
m?
Azol
e:Aftert
hismessage?Youhav
etol
i
stent
othe
expl
anat
ion.
Yot
hando:
Whatar
eyout
wogossi
pingabout
?
Bef
oreIanswermyphoner
ings.
Me:Yot
handocany
oupl
easet
urndownt
hemusi
ca
l
it
tl
ebit
.
Yot
hando:
sur
e.
Me:
Bul
umnko.
Bul
umnko:
NoZi
thul
ele,
nobabynoNot
hing.
Me:
Don'
tpushi
t.
Bulumnko: okaysthandwasami.I'
m sorr
yIwasbusy .
Iwasonconf erencecall
.MyPAPr eciousanswered
myphone,I twaswi t
hhersinceIdi dn'
tneedany
dist
urbance.Iknow shewasr udewi thyou,that'
s
how shei s.Shehasahugecr ushonmebutshe
knowsI '
m withy ou,
andIcan'
tfi
reher.Herbrot
heris
myf r
iend.
Me:Thentel
lhertokeepherl
imi
ts,y
ourphonemust
bewithyou,rat
herswitchi
toffandshemustcall
yousi
rnotB.You'r
esirt
ohershemustknowthat
.
Bul
umnko:She can heary ou ma'am,y
ou'
re on
l
oudspeakerbabe.Soar
eyoust
il
langry
?
Me:
May
beal
i
ttl
e
Bul
umnko:
Sowher
ear
eyounow?Imi
ssy
ou.
Me:Nott odayl
ove.I
'
m spendi
ngmydaywi
thmy
Fr
iends.
Bulumnko:Okayl
etmenotkeepy
out
hen.Il
ovey
ou
okay?
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooBabe.
Bul
umnko:
Bye!
Hedr
opst
hecal
landIsmi
l
ed.
Azol
e:Soo?
Me:
FindamanAzol
e.
Azol
e:Justt
alk.
Itellhert heexpl
anati
on,shewant
stomeett hi
s
Precious.Azol
eisatroubl
emaker
,she'
smybackup
thatIknowof .
Wear
ri
veatcanal
wal
k.
Gi
gi:
I'
m hungr
yguy
s,l
et'
sgot
oPr
imi
'sRest
aur
ant
.
Azol
e:You'
ret
ooexpensi
veGi
giy
ho,
butl
et'
sgo.
Gigi
:Azoley ouneedt ospoilyour
sel fasaper son,
that
'swhyy our eceivesal
aryaf
teryourhardworking.
Topampery ourselfwhil
ey ousti
llcan.Oncey ou
havekidsand aHusband ev eryt
hing wil
lchange,
you'
llhavetoputt hem fi
rst
.Sospoi lyour
sel
fwhi le
youstil
lcanLov e
Azol
e:Yespr
eachpast
or'
swi
fe.
Yot
hando:
Hal
l
eluj
ah.
Me:
ButIagr
eewi
thy
ouGi
gi.
Azole:yout
woar ebor
ingthat
'swhyy
oui
nsi
ston
agreei
ngwit
hthesamethi
ng.
Gi
gi:Iwon'
tanswery
ouAzol
e,I
'
m saneenought
o
l
oosemymind.
Wel
augh.
Azol
e:Doy
ouhav
eapr
obl
em wi
thmeGi
gi?
Wel
aughathershe'
sjustmel
odr
amat
ic.
Wemakeourwayi
ntopr
imi
,thenset
tl
eddowni
na4
seatt
abl
e.
Azol
e:Thi
slooksf
ancy
.
Gi
gi:
Don'
ttel
lmey
ou'
venev
erbeent
oPr
imi
.
Azole:TheNi cestrest
aurantI'
vebeent oisGrand
Li
feCaf e,whi chNahiko tookmet o.Idon'
teast
money ,
Itreasuremoney.I'
dr at
herbuyanexpensi
ve
bott
leofwi neorchampagnet hanfood.
We l
augh,Azolereal
lydoes l
ove herAlcohol
.A
wai
tr
essatt
endedus,weorder
edwine,anddif
fer
ent
t
ypesoff
oodbutourwinewasserv
ed.
Azol
e:Thi
swi
net
ast
esogood.
Yot
hando:
wai
tti
l
lyout
ast
ethef
ood,
it'
sdel
i
cious.
Azol
e:You'
remaki
ngmehungr
ynow!
Welaugh,ourfoodcamewei ndul
gehav
ingani
ce
conv
ersat
ion.Af
terourLat
elunch.
Gigi
:I'
l
lpaythebil
ly'
al
lwi
l
lpaymeback!Si
nceI
knowyoudon'
thav
ecashwi
thy
ou.
Me:
That
'sokaybyme.
Azol
e:met
oo.
Yot
hando:
Canwehav
ethebi
l
l.
Shesayt
hatl
ooki
ngatt
hewai
tr
ess.
Wai
tr
ess:
Ohsor
ryma'
am y
ourBi
l
lhav
ebeenpai
d.
Azol
e:Bywho?
Wai
tr
ess:
ThoseMenov
ert
her
e!.
I
twast
woguy
sInsui
ts,t
heyr
aisedt
hei
rGl
assesat
us.
Azol
esmi
l
ed.
Azol
e:Cany
oupl
easet
ell
them wesayt
hanky
ou.
Thewai
tr
essgoest
othatt
abl
e.
Azol
e:Theyl
ookRi
ch!
Us:
Azol
e!.
Azol
e:What
?Ishoul
dcomet
othusPr
imi
mor
eof
ten.
Wel
aughather
.
Yot
hando:Notever
ytimey
ouher
eyou'
l
lgetaguy
whowil
lset
tl
eyourbil
l
.
Azol
e:Yeahwhat
ever
.Y'
al
lar
ejeal
ous.
"
Sorr
yma'am oneoft
heGuy
sisaski
ngf
ory
our
Number
"
Shehandsmeapaperandapen.
Me:
me?
Wai
tr
ess:
Yesy
ou.
Azol
e:Chomi
whydoy
ouhav
etot
aket
hem al
l
?
Me:
Azol
ethi
sisser
ioust
heywantmynumber
.
Azol
e:Gi
vet
hem mi
ne.
Iwrot
edownAzole'
snumbers.Thenwr
it
eAzol
e.I
gav
ethepapert
othewai
tr
ess.
Azol
e sl
i
des herphone t
o me.I
tri
ngs unknown
number
.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Per
son:Notonl
yyou'
rebeaut
if
uly
ouhav
easweet
voi
cetoo.
Il
ooki
nthei
rtabl
eonehasaphonei
nhi
sear
.
Me:
Wel
lthanky
ou!
.
Guy
:I'
m Busani
byt
heway
.
Me:Azol
e,asI'
vewr
it
teni
tdown.Uhm t
hanky
ouf
or
set
tl
ingOurbi
l
l.
Busani:ohyoudon'
thavetowor
ryabouti
t,canI
takeyououtf
ordi
nnermaybe?
Me:
OhIcan'
tI'
m hav
ingaGi
rl
'
sweekend.Nextt
ime.
Busani
:Okayenj
oybeaut
if
ul,
I'
ll
cal
lyoul
ater
.
Me:
Alr
ightby
e.
Idr
opt
hecal
l
.
Me:
Canwel
eav
eguy
s?
Azole:Why do you hav
etot
ake t
hem al
l
.My
questi
oni
ssti
ll
pendi
ng.
Me:
Youcanhav
ethi
sone,
hewi
l
lcal
ll
ater
.
Gi
gi:
Andy
ou'
reAzol
e.
Azol
e:Not
hanks,
I'
m bl
ocki
ngt
hisone.
Yot
hando:
Canwego.Wehav
esomeshoppi
ngt
odo.
West oodup,wedoashoppi nggoi ngshopbyshop.
We'r
ebuy ingcl othes,yhoitf eelssogoodbuy i
ng
cl
otheswi thy ourown money !
.Yourhar d ear
ned
money .NextyearI '
l
lmissthat,speakingofschool.I
havetoapplyf orNSFASbur saries.Ot
herwiseIwon't
behav i
ngaf undingformyself,soIhav et
odo.
Azol
e:how aboutabot
tl
eofwi
nef
oreachper
son,
j
ustfort
heroad.
Yot
hando:
I'
min.
Gigi
:I'
m dr
ivi
ngbutIguessabot
tl
eofwi
newon'
t
hurt
.
Me:
Whyt
hehel
lnot
?I'
min.
WemakeourwayatPi ck'
nPayl
iquor
.ThatBusani
guyusherewit
hhisFri
end.He'
snotthatbad,heis
handsomebutMyZi t
hulel
e'
sHandsome.Zi t
hul
ele
nj
eisaGreekGod!
.
Busani
:Oh wemeetagain Azol
e,j
ustt
hatwe'
re
cl
osetoeachot
hernow.
If
akeasmi
l
e..
Me:
Yeah,
Icanseey
ourf
acet
oo.
Busani
:Your
eal
l
yar
ebeaut
if
ul,y
ouhav
eaMel
ani
n
dri
p.
Ichuckl
e,Iwant
edt
olaughsobad,hesoundsl
i
ke
skr
rskrrt
ype.
Me:
Oht
hanky
ou.
Gi
gipay
s.
Me:
OhI
'
llseey
ou.Ihav
etol
eav
e.
Busani
:Awe,
I'
ll
seey
ou.
Iwal
kedout
.
Me:
Thi
sisaSkr
rskr
rinasui
t.
Theyl
aughatwhatI
'
m say
ing.
Azol
e:thengiv
ememyphonesot hatIcanblock
hi
m now!Wewai tf
orGigit
ocomeback, shewentto
payatt
heparki
ngstat
ionforpar
king.
Shecameback.Wegoti
nsi
det
hecarof
fwego.
.
Eker
eoshot
akabokaekot
lat
se
Ahhoshot
akabokaekot
lat
se
Ahhoshot
akabokaekot
lat
se
Eker
eoshot
akabokaekot
lat
se!
(Ay
boYebo)x2
Bar
eshebi
l
e
Bar
ekgal
ela
BareentseWi
ndowShoppi
nghar
eyengsandt
onx4
(Ar
gTxu)
Chomi
arey
esandt
on(
Har
engSandt
on)x8
Amant
ombazanaGi
rl
in(
Gir
li
n)
Vay
anemaj
i
ta(
Boy
zins)
Ei
x
Theny
okochel
ela(
Chel
ela)
Chomi
har
eyesandt
on(
Sandt
on)
Chomi
har
eyesandt
on(
har
eyengsandt
on)x4
Amant
ombazanagi
rl
in(
Gir
li
n)
Vay
anemaj
i
ta(
Boy
zins)
Ei
x
Theny
okochel
ela(
Chel
ela)
Chomi
Har
eyengsandt
on(
sandt
on
Chomi
har
eyesandt
on(
har
eyengsandt
on)
Ar
evengeAr
eyeng,
Arey
eng,
Arey
eng,
Arey
eng.
.
We'
resi
ngi
ngalongtothi
ssong,thi
sisAzol
eand
mi
ne'
sFavour
it
eaft
eremci
mbiniandLor
ch.
Azol
e:NowIf
eel
li
kegoi
ngt
otheGr
oov
e!
Me:Ihat
etoAgr
eewi
thy
ou,butIagr
eewi
thy
ouon
t
hisone.
Azol
e:You lowkey agr
ee wi
th me i
n each and
ever
ythi
ngIsay
.
Yothando:
Canwegotomorr
owt
otheGr
oov
e,Iwant
toslayi
nmynewclot
hes.
Gi
gi:
Met
oo.Ij
ustwantt
obepr
ett
y.
Azol
e:AndNahi
kowi
l
ldoourmakeup
Yot
hando:
howdi
dyouknowshecanmakemakeup?
Azol
e:ShedidmymakeuplastSunday
,she'
spr
ett
y
goodati
t.Ev
enbet
tert
hanGigi
.
Yot
hando:
She'
sjustl
azyt
hat
'sal
l
.
Gi
gi:Then i
t'
s deci
ded Nahi
ko i
s doi
ng makeup
t
omorrow.
Azol
e:Ij
ustcan'
twai
t,andwewi
l
lmeetatmypl
ace.
Me:
Yeah,
it'
syourpl
acet
omor
row.
Gi
gi:GuysIt
hinkI
'
m getti
ngdrunkri
ghtnow soI '
l
l
dr
opy '
al
latmyplace,youcanrequestitwil
ltake
messthanaR100sinceyoudon'
tstayfarf
rom my
pl
ace.
Me:
alr
ightl
ove.
Wearri
veatherpl
ace,I'
mtir
ed.Ijustwanttosl
eep,
werequest
edourUbercame,Iwast i
psyi
nav ery
ni
ceway.TheUberdropusinfr
ontiftheGat
e.Ther
e
wasaPoloviv
oinfr
ontoftheGate.
Me:
Who'
scari
sthi
s?
Yot
hando:
Ihav
enocl
uebabes.
Wemadeourwayinsi
de,If
rozeri
ghtatt
hedoor.I
dr
oppedmyshoppi
ngbags,thi
scannothappento
menotnow!
FI
FTEEN
"
Nahi
koBabyPl
easeLi
stent
ome"
Me:
Don'
tyoudar
etr
yme,
don'
tyouf
reakendar
e!.
Mt
het
howakhe:
I'
m sor
ry,
Ijustcameher
einpeace.
Me:Peace?YouknowwhatMthet
howakheFuckYou,
YoucanGot ohel
lar
ggnxa!
.
Mom:
Mthet
howakhepl
easel
eav
e.
Mt
het
howakhe:
I'
m notl
eav
ingt
il
lshehear
smeout
.
Me:
TheI
'
lldoanhonourandl
eav
eyouher
e!.
Mom:
thi
sMani
sleav
ingbaby
,wenaGetout
.
Mt
het
howakhe:
I'
m notl
eav
ing.
Me:
Bye.
It
akemybag,
andleav
e.Ical
lAzol
eherphoneison
Voi
cemai
l
.Itr
iedGigi
,I'
m sur
eshe'ssl
eepingshe
wenthardonthewi neear
li
eron.Iwipet
het
ears
t
hatarestr
eamingdown.TheLi v
erofthi
sman.I
r
equestanUber
,itar
riv
esaf
ter5mi
nut
es.
Me:
Cany
oudr
ive,
I'
ll
tel
lyouwher
eI'
m goi
ng.
MymotherandYothandoareshout
ingmyname,I
can'
tst
andthatmanwi t
houtt
hinki
ngaboutki
l
li
ng
hi
m.
"
Sthandwasami
"
Me:
Ineedy
ou!
.
I
'
m acr
yingmass
Bul
umnko:Babywher
ear
eyou,I
'
m comi
ngt
ofet
ch
youri
ghtnow.
Me:
I'
m onmywayt
oyourhouse.
Bul
umnko:
okayI
'
m wai
ti
ng.
Idr op thecal l
,Ican' tbeli
eveIhav etot el
lhim
everyt
hingt oday,I'
m scared.Tear
sstream downas
pain,hurt,angerconsumeme.If eell
ikeKil
li
ngthat
man,t heAudaci tyofcomingbackaf t
ermanyy ear
s.
Towhat ?Tocheckt hedamagehemade.I 'm st
il
l
broken,Istil
lfearhim hei
nstil
l
edfearinme.
Wear r
iveatBul
umnko' spl
ace.Ipayt hedriver
."Take
i
tasconsolingfee,j
ustrat
emeandgi vemea5st ar"
Godblesshi m.CozR350woul d'vegonedownt he
Drai
n.The secur i
ty Guy opened forme,he st il
l
rememberme.I 'm sur
eIlookugl y,becauseI'm stil
l
cryi
ngallthethingshedi dtomear efloodi
ngmy
mind,IneedmyMan' sHugsot hatIcancr yar i
v er
onhischest.
Iri
ngabell
,hecomewear
inghi
sT-
shi
rt
,sweat
pant
s
andsocks.
"
Muhl
eza"Ir
uni
ntohi
sar
ms,
I'
m aweepi
ngmass.
Bul
umnko:Don'
twor
ryy
ou'
resaf
ewi
thme,
shhdon'
t
cr
ybaby.
Ist
opandwi
pemyt
ear
s.
Bul
umnko:
Aret
her
emor
etear
scomi
ng?
.
Il
augh,
he'
scut
ebutInodt
oanswerHi
squest
ion.
Bulumnko:I
'm havingmyfri
endsar
ound,howaboutI
fi
xy ouabathandIf i
ndawayt ogetr
idofthem so
thatIcanbeallyours?Huh?
Inod.
Me:
wil
ltheyseemel
i
ket
his?
Hel
aughs
Bulumnko:ohyeahy
oureal
lyl
ookl
i
keamass,but
you'r
eaprett
ymasst
hough!
.
Il
augh.
Hetakesmyhand,thereare3GuysChill
i
ngi
nthe
l
oungedrinki
ngwhiskey
.AndThere'sMungi
sihi
s
br
othert
hereand2GuysI'
venev
erseen.
Wewal kupthestai
rswit
houtsayinganyt
hingt oHis
f
ri
end,wearri
vedinthi
sHugeRoom t hati
sGr eywith
atouchofwhitehereandt her
e.Isett
leforthebed
whenhegot othebathr
oom.Ihearwat err unni
ng.
He'sreal
lyprepari
ng a bathforme.Af t
ersome
minut
eshecomest oandhugme.
Bul
umnko:
Ever
ythi
ngwi
l
lbef
ineokay
?
Inod.Il
ovethefactt
hathedoesn'
tfor
cemet
osay
somethi
ngoraskmequestions.
Bulumnko:Todayi
syourLuckyDay
,you'
l
lsmel
ljust
l
ikeme.
Il
augh.
Me:Andt hatwoul
dbeagreatt
hing,becauseI
'
m
obsessedwithy
oursmel
l
.
Bul
umnko:
come!
.
Heshowsmet
hebat
hroom.
Me:
ABubbl
ebat
h,y
ou'
resocheesyZi
thul
ele.
Bul
umnko:onl
ywheni
tcomest
oyou,I
'
m scor
ing
poi
nts.
Il
aughhe'
sri
dicul
ous.
Bulumnko:letmegodownstai
rst
othoseguy
s,t
ell
them toleaveandI'l
lfi
xyousomethi
ngtoeati
f
you'r
ehungryist
hatokay
?.
Me:
Yeahi
t'
sokayandI
'
mfami
shed.
Bulumnko:Thent
akeyourwekkdeser
vingbat
h.I'
l
l
choosesomeclot
hesf
oryoutowear
,I'
l
lputt
hem on
topofthebed.
Me:
Alr
eady
.
Bul
umnko:
ILov
eyouokay
!?
Inod.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo!
Heki ssedmyf or
eheadthenlef
tmei nthi
shuge
bathr
oom.Il ockt
hebathr
oom doort
hengotinsi
de
thebathtub.
Iclosemyey es,Iseehi ssweat yfaceont opofme.
His br own ey es thatar e so dar kand di r
ty.Him
pumpi ngmel i
keI '
m somepr ost
itute.Measki ngfor
forgiveness in somet hing Ididn'tdo,t he smile
plasteredonhi sf acewhenmymot herchasemeout
ofherhouse.TheShar pey ehegav emewhenIwent
tothepol icest ati
on.Thescar shegav eme, thepain
he inst i
ll
ed in me,t he fearhe i nsti
ll
ed in me.I
thoughtI '
v emov edonbutseei nghi sfacebr ought
backal lt
hememor ies,myj ourneyt ohealinggoes
backt osquar eone.It houghtI'
veheal ed,theysay
ti
meheal sbutwhyam Inotheal ed?Whydoesi t
hav etobemewhosuf ferssomuchpai n.Whatdi dI
dot oGodf orhi mtohat emet hismuch,I 'venever
doneany onewr ong!
.
Thewaterisnowcold,Idrymysel
fthenl
otionusi
ng
hi
slot
ion,Idisposet hewaterandcleant hetub.
WhenIreachthebedthere'
saBacksweatpantanda
whit
e T-shirt
.These t hi
ngs ar
e bigt o me but
nonet
hel
essIl ookcute.Therearesockst oo,one
thi
ngInoticedaboutZithul
elehedoesn'tl
i
keshoes
whenhe'si nhi spl
ace.Hepr efersocksorr at
her
walkbar
efoot.
Iwalkintothi
shugemi r
rorthel ookatmy self
,so
i
nnocentmysmi lethebestt hi
ngt hatcomesf rom
myface.I'
m beauti
fulf
rom theout si
deappearance.
Buti
nsideI'
m br
oken,I'
m shatt
ered.
"
Youl
ookcut
e"
Me:
Thanksbabe.
Bul
umnko:now comeandeatI
'
llt
akeashowerso
l
ong!.
Me:
Alr
ight
.
There'
s a burgerand f ri
es.May be him and his
fr
iendshadtakeout s.Ieattheburgerandf r
iesand
downi twi
thjuice.Igodost air
stot heki
tchen,i
t'
s
cl
eanIwasht hepl ateandt heGlass.Igobackt o
bedhe'sweari
ngj ustli
keme. .
Me:
ArewesomeCoupl
egoal
s?.
It
ease.
Bul
umnko:Ngi
mdalangi
ngakanj
aloweNahi
ko.[
I'
m
ol
denoughNahi
ko]
Il
aughathisst
atement
,he'
sal
way
scheesywi
thme,
butwhenIt rytobecheesyhepul
lstheI'
m ol
d
enoughcar
d.
Me:
yeahy
eah.
Bul
umnko:Let
'sgety
outobed,sot
haty
oucant
ell
mewhat'
sbother
ingy
ou.
It
hinkofmymotherandYot
hando,I
'm sur
etheyar
e
worri
edandmyphonebat
ter
yisfl
at.
Me:CanImakeaPhonecal
lfi
rst
,I'
m sur
emyf
ami
l
y
i
sworri
edaboutme.
.
Bul
umnko:
Sur
e.
Hehandsmehi sphone,waitt
hisisme,i
t'
saside
pi
ctur
eofmeI nthatcli
ffpl
ayi
ngwi t
hmyAf r
o.He
st
ealpict
uresofmejustli
keIdotohim.
Me:Youknow youcanaskt
otakepi
ctur
esofme
i
nst
eadifst
eal
i
ngmine.
Bul
umnko:
Sameappl
i
eswi
thy
oumadam.
What?He knows.Il augh as Idi
almymot
her
's
number
.Itr
ingsonceandsheanswers.
"
Hel
l
o".
Me:
mamai
t'
sme,
I'
m saf
e.
Mom:Babywher
eareyou,I'
m sosorryIdi
dn'
tev
en
know he'
sbackincapetown.Pleasecomeback
home.
Me:
Ishe,
(si
gh)i
shest
il
lther
e?
Mom:
No,
wehadt
ocal
lthepol
i
cef
orhi
mtol
eav
e.
Me:
I'
ll
seey
out
omor
row.
Mama:
Baby
.
Me:
Yes?
Mom:I
'
m sorr
y,andIl
ovey
ousomuchIwon'
tlet
t
hatmanwinagai
n.
Me:
It'
sokayIl
ovey
out
ooby
e.
Idr
opthecall
.IlookatBulumnkohe'
slooki
ngatme,
wit
hthati
ntenseandterr
if
y i
ngl
oom ofhi
s.
Me:
Don'
tl
ookatmel
i
ket
hat
.
Bul
umnko:
Likewhat
?
Me:
Liket
hatmar
nBul
umnko.
Hechuckl
es.
Bul
umnko:
Wozaembhedeni
.[Comet
obed]
Heopent
heblanket
sforme,Isl
eepnexttohim,he
makesmelayonhi schest
,andhe'
sbr ushi
ngmy
hai
r.
Bulumnko:Thi
shai
rst
yli
stsui
tsy
ou.Umuhl
e.[
You'
re
beauti
ful
].
Me:
Thanky
oubabe.
Bul
umnko:KhulumanamiMunt
uwami
,yi
niinki
nga,
yi
niLeikuhluphay
o.[
Tal
kto memylove,what'
s
bot
her
ingyou?]
Me:As you know t
hatwhen Iwas 13 Iwentt o
Easter
nCape.Irememberwhenyouaskedmewhy
didIgotoeaster
natsuchayoungage.TheAnswer
toyourquest
ioni
sWhatmademecr y!
.
Hebr
ushesmyhai
r,
asf
resht
ear
sst
art
swat
eri
nghi
s
chest
,he'
snotsay
ingany
thi
ng.
Me:y ouknow mymot heri sanur seright ,10y ears
back she was st il
la nur se,she used t o wor k
nightshi f
tsandwewoul dn'thaveapr oblem because
wehadmyst epfat hertol ookoutf orus.Hewasa
veryl ov i
ngme.Het r
eatedmeandYot handoi na
veryni cewayl i
kewewer ehi sownki ds.Tocomet o
thinkofi t,hecl osedt hegapofaf at herandhe
became one.It rusted hi m mor ethan my own
mot her .Hewasnev erbusywhenmymot herwoul d
beatwor k.Hewasal wayst her
ef orme, whenIhav e
someawar dceremoni essinceIwasabr ainy.Iwas
smar tatschool andheusedt ocongr atulateme, and
mot iveYot hando t o do mor et hanshedoes.We
nev erlackedany thingwhenhewaswi thus.Buton
thisf ai t
hfulNi ghtal lt hose thing changed.He
became a monst er,he Raped me.He t ook my
i
nnocencei nav eryi nhumanet hing.Fora13y ear
oldIdi dn'tdeservewhathedi dtome.
Bul
umnko'
sbodyst
if
fen,he'
sbecomi
ng t
ensehe
hol
dsmeti
ght
ly.
Me:HeRapedmedayaf
terday
.Whenmymot
her
waswor kinghewoul dcomeandf orcehi sway .He
want ed t othesamet hing t o Yot hando,Ihad t o
prot ecthershecoul dn'
tsur vi
vewhatIwentt hrough.
Hewi llbeatme,andl eav escar sandbr uisesinmy
body .Icoul dn'
tt heany oneIwasscar edofhi m.
Yot handosawhi m.Andhet hreat enedhert oo.Once
I'
vehadenoughIdeci dedt ov oiceout ,itoldmy
mot her .Shedi dn'tbeli
ev eme.Shecal l
edmebyal l
sortsofbadnames.Iwentt ot hepol i
cet hedi dn'
t
believ eme,Idi dn'tgetanyj ust ice.Uhadt ol eave
and st aywi th myGr andmot heri n East ern Cape.
Year sl atermymom woul dcal lt oapol ogise,she
woul dcal lmygr andmot her.Af terMyGr andmot her
passedawayIdi dn'twantt ost ayi neast erncape.I
forgav e mymot her,she ar ranged t hatIgo and
attendsomet herapysi nceIhadni ghtmar esofwhat
happenedwhenIwasy oung,ont hatdaywheny ou
droppedmei nt hatcent re,it
'swher eIat tendmy
therapysessi on.Bei ngt hereheal sorIt houghtI
hav eheal ed.He'sback,t heaudaci ty.Heev enst ood
fi
rmt hathe'sst aying,thathewant stot alktohi m.I
coul dn' tl
ookathi mi nt heey e, I
'
m scar edofhi m.But
Ijustwantt ohol dhi m andki llhim wi t
hmyown
handssot hatt hepai nhehei nstalledi nmewoul d
goaway ,sot hatIcanl eavefreely,sot hatIcanheal
andmov eon.I st hat'st oomucht oask?Thepai n,
hurt.SadnessIam f eelingmakesmyhear theav y.All
Iwantt odoi stol ivef reel
y,am Icur sedt hatIcan' t
behappy ?Eachandev er yt
imeI '
mt ry i
ngt obehappy ,
blackcl oud sur r
ound myl i
fe,am It hatunl ucky ?
When am Igoi ng t o gethappi ness? When i s
everythi
nggoi ngtobeokay ?Whyme, Ihav en'
tdone
anythingwr ongt oany one.Whatwasmysi ntoGod
thathecanpuni shmel ikethi
s?Don' tIdeser vetobe
happy ,tol i
vel if
el i
keanyot hery oung adul t.I'
m
questioningmyexi stencei nl i
fe,Idon' twannal i
ve
anymor ei fthisist hel i
feIam cutf ort henIdon' t
wantt olivebyi t
.
Bulumnko:St
opt alki
ngl i
kethatmyl ove,ILoveyou.I
am hereforyou,Iwi llneverleaveyouokay .Pl
ease
stoptal
kingl
iket hat,ithurtsmet oseey oucryi
ng
thusmuch.I'
m her enow I '
m protectyou,nooneI
meannoonewi lldoashe/ shepleaseswi t
hyou.You
havemenow, every t
hingwi l
lbealri
ght.
Me:How cany
oul
ovesomeonet
hisbr
oken?I
'
m
brokenbey
ondr
epai
rs,I
'
m unl
uckyIdon'
tdeser
ve
you.
Bulumnko:I t
'smewhodoesn' tdeserveyou.Itold
yout hatyou'rerarethere'snoonel i
keyou.You're
puremyLov e.Inmyey esyou'
reinnocent,you'
re
beautif
ul.Iam luckyt ohav eyouinmyl i
fe.I'
m not
perfectNahiko,Idon' tknow how manyt imesI '
ve
tol
dy outhisbuty eahIhav emyflawsbutIwi l
lkeep
onlov i
ngyounomat terwhat.
Me:Iloveyouokay?IloveyousomuchMkhi
ze,
you'
remysani
ty,
you'
remysaf
eplace.
Bul
umnko:Il
oveyou t
oo,you'
re mysani
tyt
oo.
You'
remycal
mness.Iwoul
dnev ert
radey
oufor
anyt
hing.
Ihughi
mti
ght
ly.
Bul
umnko:
Arey
oudonewi
thy
ourRi
verJor
dan?
Il
augh,hesti
l
lmakesmeli
fei
nthi
ssi
tuat
ion.I
'
m
l
uckytohav
ehimi
nmyli
fe.
Me:
yesI
'
m done,
Iwon'
tcr
yagai
n.
Bul
umnko:
okayl
etmegoandchangemyT-
shi
rt
.
He'
st-
shir
tissowet
.Hechangedi
tthencameback
t
obed..
Bul
umnko:
You'
reapr
ett
ymass.
.
Me:
Iknowbutt
hanky
ou.
Bul
umnko:ain'
tyout
ir
ed?ComeI
'
llsi
ngf
ory
out
il
l
youfaasl
eep.
Me:
Yousi
ngf
orme?Hayt
hanks.
.
Bulumnko:Justputy
ourheadinmychestandr
elax.
Feelmyhear t
beatI'
l
lsi
ngf oryou,andy
ouwil
lf al
l
asl
eep.
.
I
fIai
n'
tgotnot
hing
Igoty
ou
I
fIai
n'
tgotsomet
hing
'
CauseIgoti
twi
thy
ou
Idon'
tknowmuchaboutal
gebr
a
Onepl
usoneequal
stwo
Andi
t'
smeandy
ou
That
'sal
lwe'
l
lhav
ewhent
hewor
ldi
sthr
ough
Weai
n'
tgotnot
hingwi
thoutl
ove
Dar
li
ngy
ougotenoughf
ort
hebot
hofus
Makel
ovet
ome
Whenmyday
slookl
ow
Pul
lmei
ncl
oseanddon'
tl
etmego
Makel
ovet
ome
Sowhent
hewor
ld'
satwar
Letourl
oveheal
usal
l
Makel
ovet
ome(
me,
me,
me,
me)oh,
oh
Makel
ovet
ome
Hey
,Idon'
tknowmuchaboutgunsbutI
I
'
vebeenshotbyy
ou
AndIdon'
tknowwhenI
'
m gon'
diebutIhope
ThatI
'
m gon'
diebyy
ou
AndIdon'
tknowmuchaboutf
ight
ingbutI
IknowIwi
l
lfi
ghtf
ory
ou
Andj
ustwhenIbal
lupmyf
istIr
eal
i
ze
I
'
mlay
ingr
ightnextt
oyoubaby
Weai
n'
tgotnot
hingbutl
ove
Anddar
li
ngy
ougotenoughf
ort
hebot
hofus
Makel
ovet
ome
Whenmyday
slookl
ow
Pul
lmei
ncl
oseanddon'
tl
etmego
Makel
ovet
ome
Sowhent
hewor
ld'
satwar
Letourl
oveheal
usal
l.
.
Ididn'
tknowhel i
stenst oBeyonce,butmymanhas
anamazi ngvoice,100t imesbet t
ert hanme.God
gavemeal otoftalentsbutsingi
ngi snotofit,i
t'
s
j
ustnotforme.AndIt al
kinst
eadofsi ngingsoy
eah.
I'
vemanagedt ofallasleepi nthear msandand
chestoftheManILov ewi t
hallmyhear t.
.
Goodni
ghtIl
ovey
ouAl
l
.
Admi
n.
SI
XTEEN.
"Bythetimey oureadt hi
slett
erI'l
lbel onggone,I
havemadebr eakf
asti t'
sintheOv en.Hadt orusht o
workbutI '
l
lsur el
ybebackbef orenoon.Il ovey ou"
ArggsuchaBadwr it
ing,butnonethel
essIsmi l
eat
thethought.Imakemywayt othebathroom.Iwash
myf aceandmout h.Myey esar
eswol l
enwi thallthe
cryi
ngI'
vebeendoi ng.
Iwal
kdownstai
rs,t
here'
sawoman.He'
sbacki
s
f
aci
ngme.Iqui
cklyt
urn.
"
Sawubona"[
Hel
l
o]
Iturnsl
owl
y,Ismi
lel
ooki
ngather
.She'
sbeaut
if
ulno
l
ie,shel
ooksli
kemymom'sAge.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Her:You'
rebeaut
if
ul,t
akeaseatI
'
vemadesome
Lunch.
Me:
Thank.
Her
:Ngi
nguMamkhizemi
naungubaniwena?[
Iam
Mamkhi
zeandy
ou'
re?]
Me:
Nahi
ko
Mamkhi
ze:
That
'sabeaut
if
ulname.Justl
i
key
ou.
Me:
Thanky
ouma.
Mamkhize:Ididn'
tev
enaskhow ar
eyout
hough.
Howarey ou?
Me:
I'
m goodma,
andhowar
eyou?
Mamkhize:Iam Goodbaby .Youlookl
i
key
ou'
ve
beenCr
y i
ng,
didZi
thul
elehur
tyou?
OhGoshshe'
sdef
ini
tel
yZi
thul
ele'
smot
her
.
Me:Nohedidn'
tdoany
thi
ng,
I'
m notf
eel
i
ngwel
l
.But
I
'l
lbef
ine.
Shegav emeav eryint
imi
dat
inglook,Il
ookeddown
playi
ngwithmyhands.IneverthoughtI'
dmeetmy
Boyfri
end'
sMotherli
kethi
s,i
t'
swhat?2weeksdat i
ng
hisSonandI'
m alreadymeeti
ngupwi thher,Iknow
may behecamet oseehisSon.ButyhoIwasnev er
read.
Me:
Thi
steai
sGood,
bestt
eaI
'
veev
ert
est
ed.
Mamkhize:I
t'
schamomil
eMadewi
thl
ove,t
hat
'
sal
l
needt
omakei tt
hebest
.
Now Iknow wher
eZi t
hul
elegott hatki
ll
ersmi
leof
hi
s.This woman's smil
ei s a kil
lersmil
e,she'
s
beaut
if
ul.She'
sar
eal l
i
feangel
.
Mamkhize:l
et'
sgotot
hedi
ningt
abl
esot
hatwecan
eatandhaveachat
.
Me:
CanIhel
pyouwi
thany
thi
ng?
Mamkhi
ze:
Yes,
pleaset
aket
hej
uiceandgl
asses.
ItaketheJuiceand2Gl asses.I'
m scar edofthechat
thatI'
m abouttohavewithher,whati fshewant sme
tol eave herchild? Ri
ghtnow I '
m ner vous,I'
m
foll
owinghertil
lshearri
veatt het able,shesetsthe
platesforus.Iputdownt hejuiceandgl asses.She
dishoutforthebothofus.OhmyGosshehasmade
macandcheesewi thbaconbitsont opandi tsmell
s
sogoodIj ustcan'
twaittotasteit.ItakeaseatNext
toher.
Mamkhi
ze:
SoNahi
kot
ell
meabouty
our
sel
f.
Shel
ooksatmeandgi
vesmeawar
m smi
l
e.
Me:I 'm Nahi ko I
'm 23 y ears old.I '
m cur rentl
y
workingasacl eaner,butnexty earI'l
lbest udying
I'
m wor ki
ng on get ti
ng my Psy chology St udies
Degree.And I '
m Gugulethu Il i
vet here wi th my
mother ,si
sterandt winsaboyandgi r l
.Myf ather
passedawaywhenIwas5y earsold.Igr ew upi n
easterncapewher eIwasst ayingwi thGr andmot her
who j ustpasses away3mont hs back.That '
s all
aboutme.
Mamkhi
ze:
Ohht
hat
'
sni
ce,
soy
ou'
reapsy
chol
ogi
st?
Ichuckl
e.
Me:Nonotno,aft
er2year
sofmyst udi
es,I'
l
lbe
doingmy3r
dyeart
hendomylasty
earnextofnext
year.
Mamkhize:that
'sgr
eat
,butwhatst
oppedy
ouf
rom
yourst
udies?
Me:as Iwas say ing Iwas stay
ing with my
grandmotherineasterncapeIwasal sostudyi
ng
thereatWalt
erSisul
uUniver
sit
yandst
ayingatRes.I
hadt olookaftermysi ckGrandmot
herIcouldn't
focusonmyst udi
esandlookaft
erhertoo.Soo
droppedoutandhel
pedherti
l
lshegaveuponlif
e
andpassedaway.
Mamkhi
ze:
I'
m sor
rybaby
,I'
m sur
eitwassadf
ory
ou.
Me:Youhav enoi dea, Iowedmyl if
et othatwomen,
Iwoul dn'tbeher ei fitwasn' tforherwhenIal most
gaveuponl i
fe,whenev eryonet urnedt heirbackat
meshewast heref orme.Shewasmysuppor t
system,myev erything.Herdeat hhi thardonme,I
neverexpect edsuchf rom hershewasawonder ful
women, shewast hehear tofther ur
al ar
eawher ewe
usedt ol i
vei n.Wewoul dgohungr ywhi l
eshegi ves
otherpeopl eourf oodshewast hatselfl
ess.Shehad
somuchwi sdom,shewoul dspeaksomesensei n
me.Imi sshereachandev erydayadaydoesn' tpass
bywi t
houtmi ssingherv oicet hewor dsi nmyhear t
thatshel ikedt osayi s"Yazimnt anam bubom obu,
soze bubemnandikuzobakho i i
miniapho uf une
ukuy ekelay onke i nto,kodwa uzungaze uy ekele
ubomibukohl ulemay ibanguweowahl ulaumhl aba. "
Whichmeanst hat'youknow mychi l
dt hisislif
e,i t
willneverbeni cether ewi ll
day s,wherey ou'l
lwantt o
giveuponev eryt
hingbutnev ergiveuponl if
enev er
,
l
etl i
fegiveupony ou".Iwoul dal waystaket hose
wordsi nt
omyhear t,yesterdaywasj ustanotherday
thatIwi shedIcoul ddie,al lthepai nthatIwas
feel
ingwasunbear able.YesterdayIj ustwant edto
numbt hepai n,Iwant edtost opl i
vi
ngbutherwor ds
keptmeal i
ve.Idon' tknow r eall
ywher ewoul dIbe
withthatman.
Mamkhizeenv
elopesmei ntoahug,
Icr
yinherar
ms.
He hug i
s so war m itjustremi
nds me ofmy
Gr
andmotherBhelekazi
.
Mamkhi ze:YourGr andmotherwasr ight
,shewas
tr
ulyaphenomenonwomen.Keepi ntoherwords
andy ou'l
lnev ergowr ongi nli
fe,andshe'sr i
ght.
Nevergi ve up on li
fey ou neverknow whati t'
s
i
nstal
ledf oryou,l
if
ecansur pr
iseyou.Juststaytr
ue
toyourselfneverchangeforanyone,notevenformy
son.Bey oumygi rl
.
Me:WhenIwas13Iwasr aped,Iwasr apedby
someone Itrusted t
he most,someone whom I
tr
ustedmorethatmyveryownmot hermystepfat
her
.
After10y
earsofnotseeinghimy est
erdayhecame
tomyhome,Hebr oughtbackal lthepain,sadness,
angerandmemor iesofwhathappened10y ears
back.Iwant edt of orget,Iwasr eall
yonmyj ourney
onheal ingbuthej ustt ookmebackt ozero.Seeing
hisfacebr oughtal lthepai nandf earhei nfl
i
ctedon
me,Iwant edt oki llhim hehadal i
v ert
ocomeup
andwantt oseeme.Idon' tknowwhot ol
dhim Iwas
backf rom East erncape,he' sther easonIwentt o
easterncape.Iwantt omov eonwi thmyl i
feIwant
tof orgetaboutt he rape,Ij ustwantt o be that
Selfl
ess,cheer fulNahi ko.ButIcan' tmyl ifeison
holdal lbecauseofmypastbecauseofhi m,I '
ve
neverhat eraper sonmor ethanIhat ehim.Ij ust
can'tbringitinmet ofor givehim,thatwoul dbet he
hardestt hi
ngt hathasev erhappenedonme.I '
ma
veryforgivingper sonbutwheni tcomest ohimi t'
s
sohar d,it
'ssohar dmaIcan' t..
Icr
yIherar
ms,she'
sal
socr
yingIcoul
dfeelher
t
ear
sonmyshoul
der
.
Mamkhize:youknowItoowasraped,
notonl
ythatI
wastraff
ickedthatmeansIwasasexsl av
e,ifit
wasn'
tforBab'uMkhizemyhusbandIdon'tknow
wher ewouldIbe,butbabedoy ouknowwhatmade
mecar ryonwithli
feandputt hatal latthebackof
myhead.If or
gavet hem,Iknew Godhasawayof
dealingwithhi
speopl e.Igotcl osurewhenIf orgave
them.I '
m notonet opuni shbutGodi s,ev eryt
hing
willpassandbabyy ou'reonest rongwomenI 'veever
met .Justputyourfai
thandt r
ustinGod, trustmehe
willpunishhi
mf oryou.For giv
ehi mj ustf
ort hesake
ofy oursel
fandsanity,att
endt herapyallwi l
lbef i
ne.
I
thel pedmesur el
yitwillhelpyout oo.
Me:Thanky ou,Idon'
tknowwhyIf el
tasi fIshoul
d
tal
ktoy ou,butmyt herapi
stalwaystalki
nghelps
thantokeept hi
ngsatheartandIfeelreli
vednow,
andI'
m sorr
yaboutwhathappenedtoyou.
Mamkhi ze:don'
tbemychi l
d,wedon' taskf orwhat
happenst ous,Goddecidesit'
seitherwel earnfr
om
thatorwe wal k awayf r
om a si tuat
ion.Butwe
alwaysl
ear naboutGod'
swayofdoi ngthingsandwe
cannotquest i
on God.Hecr eat
ed us,wear ehis
peopleweabi debyhim allwehav et odoi stotr
ust
i
nhi m.Nowwi pethosetears.
Imov
efr
om andwi
pemyt
ear
s.
"Hawu mamkhi ze y
ini i
nki
nga,
kwenzekani l
ana
Nikhal
elani
"[Mamkhi
zewhat'
stheproblem,what'
s
happeni
ngherewhyareyout
wocryi
ng?]
That'
sBulumnko,hermot herwipesherTearsand
goestohissonwi thasmile,shehugshim.She's
shortj
ustli
kemesoherheadi sinZit
hu'
schest
.I'
m
sureZit
hulele'
sFatheri
stallbecausemlungi
sihis
brot
herisalsotal
l
.
Mamkhi
ze:Baby
,youdi
dn'
tev
ent
ellust
hatwehav
e
anewbr
ide.
Bul
umnko:Youandy ourhusbandj
ustl
i
ket
hings,
whatar
eyouevendoi
ng.
Mamkhi ze: Zit
hulel
e ngi wu ny oko ngi
yakuzal
o
usukhohli
we lokho?[ Zi
thul
ele haveyou f
orgott
en
thatI
'my ourmotherIgavebir
tht oyou]

Bul
umnko:Iwasj ustj
oking,youknow mosyou'
re
myFirstwi
feIwasgoi ngt otellyou.Sohav
ey ou
metyoursi
sterwi
fe?She'sbeauti
fulr
ight
?
Mamkhi
ze:
Ver
ybeaut
if
ul,
I'
mjeal
ous.
Bul
umnko:Youdon'thavet
obe,you'
l
lal
way sbethe
MostSecondbeaut
iful
womenaft
erherofcourse.
Mamkhi
ze:
Zit
hu!
Shehi
tshi
m onhi
sar
m pl
ayf
ull
y.
Helaughst
hrowi
nghisheadback,t
hatlaughofhi
s
t
hatmademeFallinl
ovewit
hhim moreandmore!.
Mamkhize:I
've made Mac and cheese.we wer
e
aboutt
oeat,
seatdownI'l
ldi
shforyou.
Ohyeah,wewer
eaboutt
oeatandsheaskedabout
me,
andweendedupcryi
nghowfunny
.
Bul
umnko:Doyouseewhyy
ou'
remyf
ir
stl
ove,
Ilov
e
youMkami.[
Wif
e]
Bul
umnko:
heybaby
,youf
ine?
Heaskedmewhi
l
eki
ssi
ngmeonmyf
orehead.
Me:
YesI
'
mfi
ne.
Mamkhi
ze:JusteatandI
'
llbeoutofher
e,Ineedt
o
t
ell
uMkhi
zeaboutourmakoti
.
Bul
umnko:y
ousee?Iknew y
ou'
lltel
lyourhusband
youtwowil
lgossi
paboutt
hisevery
day.I'
l
lbet he
t
alk,y
ourhusbandwillev
encomet
omyhousedai
l
y
y
ouknowhowhei s.
.
Mamkhi
zel
aughsathi
sson.
Mamkhi
ze:
I'
m st
il
ltel
l
inghi
m.
Bul
umnko:
Iwasn'
tst
oppi
ngy
ou.
Shelaughsathi
sson,
Zit
hul
elei
samama'
sboyI
'
m
sur
eofit.
Weeati
nsi
l
ence,
acomf
ort
abl
esi
l
ence.
Mamkhi
ze:
ishoul
dwasht
hedi
shesandl
eav
e.
Me:
ther
e'snoneedma,
I'
ll
washt
hem
Mamkhi
ze:
arey
ousur
e?
Bul
umnko:Yesshe'
ssureI'
l
lev
enwasht
hem t
oo,
youcanl
eavemamkhize.
Hel
aughs.
Mamkhi ze:Zi
thul
elewhatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowhen
I
'm nothere?
Bul
umnko:I
'l
lst
aywi t
hmybeaut i
fulwomen,wash
di
shesandt
akeherhome.That
'sal
lhappy
?
Mamkhi ze:IhaveenoughGrandki
dsfornow,pl
ease
waitforZent ogrow Shea5ki dsi
nonet hatchi
l
d.
Fornow nomor ekidsIcan'tdeal
,you'
llmakeme
agereal
lyfast.
Zi
thuandIl
aughather
.
Bulumnko:Youshoul
dt el
lMlungi
sithat,he'sthe
babymaker.Di
dhetel
lyouOyi
saispregnantagai
n?
Mamkhi
ze:
Youl
i
e.
Bul
umnko:
that
'st
het
rut
h.
Mamkhize:youknow Ishoul
dputt
hatgi
rlonbi
rt
h
cont
rol
,Mlungi
siwi
ll
ruinhery
ho!
Shecl
apsonce.
Bul
umnko:yeahy
oushoul
d,Ican'
thavemor
eki
ds
whenminecomewhatIwi
l
ldo.Pl
easedo.
I
'm wat
chi
ngi namusement
,Zi
thul
elei
sgossi
ping
wit
hhermother
.
Mamkhize:Iwillt
alkt
oher,y
ouknowwhat?Letme
gototheirhouseandit'
saweekendt
heyarehome
notatwork.
Bul
umnko:Yeahanddon'
tsayy
ou'
vehear
ditf
rom
me.
Mamkhi
ze:
trustmeIwon'
tbaby
.
Heee!Ican'
tbel
i
evet
his.I
'
mlaughi
ngi
nsi
de.
Mamkhize:makotiI
'
llseey
ou,r
ememberwhatwe
t
alkedaboutr
ight
?
Inod.
Me:YesI
'l
lal
way
sremember
,thanky
ouf
orbei
ng
t
heref
orme.
Mamkhize:Iwi
llal
way sbether
efory
ou,I
'
llt
akeyour
numbersfr
om myhi m.I'l
lgi
veyouacal
lsometi
mes
butdon'
tbeaty
ourselfup.
Me:
Iwon'
t,
thanky
ou.
Shehugsme,
andwehugf
ort
hel
ongestt
ime.
Bul
umnko:
mashe'
smi
ne,
justl
eav
enow!
Mamkhi
ze:I
'
llt
elly
ourbr
othery
out
heonewhot
old
me.
Bul
umnko:
youwoul
dn'
t!
.
Mamkhi
ze:
yesIwoul
d,By
enahi
kobaby
.
Sheki
ssedmycheekandl
eftj
ustl
i
ket
hat
.
Zi
thucamet
omeandhuggedme.
Bul
umnko:
Imi
ssy
ou,
comeher
e.
Heki
ssmeandIj
oini
n,t
heki
ssi
sfi
l
ledwi
thal
otof
emot
ions.
"If
orgotmycarkey
s,yheeyst
opt
hatIhav
en'
tbeen
goneforaminuteyetyoutwoar
eoneachother'
s
thr
oat"
Zi
thugr
oansi
nmymout
hbef
orepul
l
ingout
.
Zi
thu:
Mat
hisi
smyhouse.
Mamkhi
ze:
AndIam st
il
lyourmot
her
Zi
thu:
Okaywher
ear
eyourcarkey
s?
Mamkhi
ze:pr
obablyi
ntheki
tchenIdon'
tknow,l
et
megoandcheck.
Shegoest
otheki
tchenandIl
ookatZi
thul
elehe
si
ghs.
Mamkhi
ze:Foundt
hem,andpl
easel
ockt
hedoor
nextt
ime.
Zi
thu:
Yesmadam.
Shel
eav
esagai
n.
Me:Yourmotherisagoodwomen,y
oumustbe
pr
oudtobeherson.
Zit
hu:I
'mveryproud,she'
sast
rongwomanj
ustl
i
ke
you.Howareyoufeeli
ngnow?
Me:
Ifel
tbet
terj
ustaf
terIt
alkedwi
thy
ourmot
her
.
Zit
hu:it'
sgoodt hatsheli
kesy ou,shehatedmyEx
Girl
fr
iend.Iwasscar edt
otellheraboutyou,Ididn'
t
wanty outogot hr
oughwhatmyexwentt hrough,
butshewasr i
ghtabouther,shewasn'tgoodenough
forme.Icamer ushingwhenIsawhercarout si
de.
Me:Ijustsawawomani nyourki
tchen,whenIwas
abouttogobackupst
air
sshetal
ked,she'
salit
tl
ebi
t
i
nti
midati
ng.
Zi
thu:Youareluckyshedi dn'
tgiveyouatoughti
me,
Oyi
samyBr other'
swife,hadav erydif
fi
cul
tti
mewith
Mamkhize.Shet houghtshewasaGol ddi
gger
.But
ev
entuall
yshewar medupt oher.
Me:
IguessIwasl
ucky
.
Zit
hu:Noshef el
linl
ovewithyouthemomentshe
l
aid hereyesony oujustli
kehisson.You'
reso
beauti
ful
,butt
ear
sdoesn'
tsui
tyou.
Il
augh.
Me:SoMry
ou'
ret
ryi
ngt
osayIl
ookugl
ywhenI
'
m
cr
ying?
Zi
thu:
what
?Me?NoIdi
dn'
tsayt
hatSt
handwaSam.
Ihughi
m asIl
aymyheadi
nhi
schest
,het
akesme
i
ntohi
sarm.
Me:
Hav
eIt
oldy
ouhowmuchIl
ovey
ou?
Zi
thu:
Noy
out
ell
me.
Ihi
thi
m onhi
schest
.
Zit
hu:you'
resuchabul
l
y,andIwasj
ustt
ell
i
ngt
he
tr
uth.
Me:mxxm,buty eahIl oveyouMkhi ze,somuch.
You'r
ethemosti mport
antper soninmyl if
er i
ght
now,Iwoul
dn'
ttr
adey ouforanythi
ng.Thankyoufor
stay
ingwi
thme,thismeansal ottome.Idon'twant
t
olooseyou,
Iwoul
dbedamnedi
fIl
oosey
ou.Il
ove
y
oukhabazel
a.
Hebl
ushes.
Me:
Arey
oubl
ushi
ng?
Zi
thu:
Arey
out
alki
ngt
ome?
ngi
yi
ndoday omzulumi
naindodayangempel
aIdon'
t
bl
ushbutwheny oucallmeKhabazel
asomethi
ngin
memov es.[Iam aZul
uman,Ireal
man].
Ibl
ush.
Zit
hu:yousee,theseblushingt
hingsareforyounot
me.AndSt handwasamiIl oveyou,onl
yyou.Iwould
neverchooseany onebutyou,youaremine.Losing
youisnotopt i
onal,Iwouldneverloseyounorwi l
l
youloseme, am Icl
ear
?.
Inod.
Zi
thu:
Ingi
zwa?[
I'
m nothear
ingany
thi
ng]
Hewant
swor
ds.
Me:
Yessi
rYou'
recl
ear
.
Zi
thu:
That
'sgoodnowcomeher
e!
Hegivesmeaki
ss,
thi
sGuycanreal
l
yki
ss.Hepul
l
s
outandki
ssmeonmyfor
ehead.
Zi
thu:
Iboughtsomecl
othesf
ory
out
ochange.
Me:Thanks,l
etmegoandt
akeashowert
hen.So
t
hatIcanwearthese.
Zi
thu:
Sur
e,I
'
llwasht
hedi
shessol
ong.
Itaketheplasti
csandgost r
aightinhisroom,Itake
ashower .Iloti
on.Thereasomenew pant ieshere
andtheyaredef ini
tel
ymysi zehow di dheknow?I
worethem andt heyperfectl
yf i
t.There'
snobr a!He
knowsIdon' twearbras?Iweart hejeansandwhi t
e
T-shi
rt
.There'sawhi t
eAirforcesize4!.
Ifeelsobadt hati fIwer et or et
ur nthefav ourand
buyhi m clothes,Iwoul dn'tbeabl et ocomewi t
h
perf
ectsizes..It akemyback, Ican'tseethecl ot
hes
Icamewear ingl astni ght!
.Yeahmar n,Geezhesaw
thesizes thereif eltbadf ornot hing,Itakemybag
downst ai
rs,Ifellfr
ee, IfeelfreshandIf eelgood.
"
Youl
ookgood"
Hewaswat
chi
ngsoccer
.
Me:Thanks,
andt
heyper
fect
lyf
it
.Howdi
dyouknow
mysizes?
Zit
hu:Iknowev
ery
thi
ngabouty
oumyl
ove,
howcan
youaskthat
?
Il
augh.
Me:SoReadi
ngthesi
zeofmycl
othesont
hei
rlabel
s
i
sparti
fknowi
ngever
ythi
ng?
Hel aughssohard,thatmanl
ylaughofhi
sandI
watchi nadmi
rat
ion,thi
smanisbeaut
if
uli
fImay
say
!
Zi
thu:
am Ibust
ed?
Me:
yessi
r.
Hel
aughs.
Zi
thu:Soareyoureadytogohome?Youcanst
ayas
muchasy ouwanthere!
Me:
It
'sokay,
I'
m suremymotherisworr
iedaboutme.
I
fanyt
hinghappensyouknowI'
l
lcal
lyou.
Zi
thu:
Pleasedocal
lmel
ove.
Me:
Iwi
l
l.
Zi
thu:
Nowcomeandgi
vey
ourManaki
ss.
Ichuckl
e,andgot ohim.Wekissfort
hel
ongest
t
ime.Het akesmyhandandwel
eft
!.
SEVENTEEN
Iar
ri
veathome,
thet
winsar
epl
ayi
ngout
side.
Si
kel
elwar
unst
ome.
Si
kel
elwa:
sisi
!
.
Sheshout
scomi
ngt
ome.
Me:
heybaby
,howar
eyou?
Iaskhuggi
ngher
.
Si
kelel
wa:I'
m good,wher
ewer
eyoul
astni
ght
?I
missyou.
Me:
Imi
ssy
out
oobaby
!
Si
kel
ela:
Whatme?
Me:
Yout
ooboy
!Letmegeti
nsi
det
hehouse.
Ileavethem playi
ngoutsi
de,Imakemywayin.My
mot herisinherownwor l
d,Ican'
tseeYot
hando
she'sprobabl
ysleepi
ng.
Me:
Mom!
Shel
ooksmyway
,andcomesr
unni
ng.
Mom:
Baby
,ar
eyouokay
?
She'
schecki
ngmeout
.
Il
aughather
.
Me:I
'm okaymom t
her
e'snoneedf
ory
out
owor
ry
I
'mfi
ne.
Mom:
Arey
ousur
emybaby
?
Me:
YesIam sur
e,asy
oucanseeI
'
mfi
ne.
Mom:Iwantust
otal
k,canwegoandt
alki
nyour
r
oom?
Me:
okayf
ine.
Wewalkint
omyr oom andseatonmybed.She
l
ooksatmeandheavesasigh.
Mom:10 Year s back you and Mt het
ho wer e
i
nseparable,y
ou had a bond ofa Fat herand a
daught
er.Nothingcamebet weentheTwoofy ou,
youregardedhim asy ourfather
.Hewast her
ef or
youwhenIwasn' t
,wheny ourschoolhadparents
teachermeet i
ng he woul d be t heref ory ou and
Yothando,whent here'sawar dscer emonyhewas
therefory oubutIwasn' t.Youl ovedhi m mor et han
youl ov edmey ourmot her,hewast heref ory ou
protectedy ouinhar msway .Wheny out oldmewhat
hedi dt oy ou70%ofmedi dn'tbeli
ev ey oubut30%
beli
evedy ou.Ther easonIdi dn'tbelievey ouwas
howhewassogoodt oy ouandt oldmet hat .Iwas
bli
ndedbutt heGoodt hingshedi df ory ou,apar tof
medi dn'twantt obel ievet hataf t
ert hebondy ou
shared Iwonder ed whatwentwr ong wi thy ou,I
thoughty ouhat et hef actt hathe' snotr ealFat her
andnowy ouhat et hef actt hathewast here.Idi dn't
knowwhata13y earol dwoul dthink,Iwasbl inded.I
know al loft hisdoesn' tj ustif
yt hef actt hatusai d
thosewor dst oyouonceagai nI '
m sor r
y ,
afterIt ook
yout oEast erncapeIhadast r
ongey etohi m,Ihad
towat chhi sev erymov eofhi m wi thYot hando.I
evenaskedatwor kt onotwor kni ghtshift,Idi dn't
want ev eryt
hing happened t o y ou happen t o
Yothandoaswel l,Ir egrettedmydeci sionofl etti
ng
yougo,Ical l
edmot herandshet oldmet ogi vey ou
ti
me.He suddenl ychanged he became col d,he
start
edhitt
ingmeandhef orcedhi msel
fonme,but
i
nal loft
hatIpr otectedYot handof rom him.Af t
er2
yearsofthat,heleftandnev ercamebackIwasgl ad.
ButIwaspr egnantwhenhel efthedi dn'tknow.
WhenIusedt ocally ouandaskf orforgivenesshe
was notl eaving her e anymore,Iwant ed y ou to
forgi
veme.Iwasnev erther
e,Idi dn'
tknowt hatthe
manwasamonst er.Fortherestofmyl ifemychi ldI
willdyeaskingforanapol ogy.Ihopey ouf inditin
yourhearttof or
gi v
eme,Il ovey oubaby ,Ilovey ou
somuch. .
.
Ij
usthugher
.
Me:For giv
enessishealing,forgi
venessisfi
ndi
ng
cl
osure.If or
gav
ey oual ongt i
meagomamast op
apol
ogisingnow,justknow thatIforgav
eyouandI
l
oveyout oo!.
Ij
ustusedMamkhi
ze'
swor
ds,r
ightnowt
heyar
ein
myheart
.
Iwi
pehert
ear
s.
Mom:
I'
vemadesomechi
ckenwr
aps.
Me:I
'
m st
il
lful
l
,I'
l
leatl
ater t
hough.Wher
e's
Yot
hando?
Mom:Inherroom sl
eepi
ng,shesai
dyout
woar
e
goi
ngoutt
oni
ghtwi
thFri
ends.
Me:
Ohy
eah,
Ifor
gotaboutt
hat
.
Mom:
Besaf
ekemyl
oveokay
.
Me:
Yeswewi
l
lbesaf
e.
Ihugherfort
hel
astt
ime,
She'
smywor
ldnowsi
nce
Bhel
ekazi
isnomore.
Shegoest
otheki
tchenIwal
kint
oYot
hando'
sroom.
Me:
Bit
chhhh!
Shescr
eams,
wasn'
tshesl
eepi
ngnah?
Yot
hando:
youback?Iwaswor
ri
edabouty
ou.
Me:
I'
m her
enow.
Yot
hando:
I'
m gl
ad,
wher
ewer
eyou?
Me:
AtZi
thul
ele'
spl
ace.
Yothando:Azol
esaidyou'
rether
esurely
.Bothher
andGi giweworri
edaboutyou.Now l
et'
stel
lthem
you'
refine,
arewesti
l
lgoi
ngout?
Me:
Yeahwhynot
.
Shev
ideocal
lAzol
eandGi
gi.
Azol
e:Hasn'
tshecomehome?
Me:
I'
m her
e!
Gi
giwherewereyou?Wewerewor r
iedabouty
ou.
Af
terYot
handotol
dusyoudi
sappear
edaft
erafi
ght
wi
thyouruncl
e.
Azol
e:Ar
eyouokayt
hough?
Me:Iam fineguy
s,Iwaswithzithu.It
ri
edcall
i
ng
you t
wo butyourphonesdidn'
tgo thr
ough,so I
cal
ledhi
m andwentt
ohispl
ace.
Azol
e:I
'
m gl
adt
haty
ou'
reokay
.
Gi
gi:
Met
oobabes,
ThankGod.
Azol
e:soar
ewest
il
lgoi
ngout
?
Me:
YeahI
'
m game
Yot
hando:
Met
wo
Gi
gi:
Met
hree.
Azol
e:Sot
her
e'st
hisCl
ub,Cl
ubI
ri
sinTown,i
t'
sLi
t
guys.I
t'
sel
egantandexclusive.Youwon'tfi
ndki
ds
ther
eevenr
ichguysgothere.Funisthatcl
ub.
Gi
gi:
It'
ssoundsexpensi
ve.
Azol
e:Yeaht hat
'swherey ouandIar egoi ngt oget
Man,sincethetwosister
sar einaRelationship,you
di
dn'tmi ndwasti
ngmoneyonf oody esterdayand
wedidn'tevenpay,mam willpaydon'
twor ry.Nahiko
wil
lmakeuspr ett
ythenweent erthem.
Yot
hando:
Ican'
twai
tthencani
tbel
ateal
ready
?
Gi
gi:
We'
rewear
ingt
henewcl
othesr
ight
?
Yot
hando:
Duhh!That
'
sobv
ious.
Azol
e:Nahi
koandGi
gipl
easeweardr
esses.
Me:
Iwaspl
anni
ngi
nwear
ingonegeezbabugi
rl
.
Azol
e:wenev
erknowwi
thy
ou,
andy
ouGi
gi?
Gi
gi:
yeahI
'
llwearadr
ess.
Azol
e:sowewi
l
lbedr
essi
ngupher
eatmyhouse?
Us:
That
'sobv
ious.
Azol
e:Hai
bosanundi
tyanonkekal
ok,nat
het
hanam
y
angat hinehl
aemt
hini
.Niphambene?[
Don'ttal
kli
ke
t
hat,talki
ngasifyou'
regetti
ngoffatree,arey'
all
i
nsane? ]
Gigi
:Si
badalakeMhi mhikuwe,susuqhela.Si
hlekene
nawegqithingoku.[Weareol
derthany oudon'tfuck
withyou.We'vel aughedwit
hy ouf orfartool ong
now]
Azol
e:GeezIwasJoki
ngGog'
uGi
gi
Weal
ll
augh,
nev
ert
akewhatAzol
esai
dint
ohear
t.
Yothando:Thi
sismyAi
rt
ime,
we'
l
lshey
ouguy
snow
now.
Gi
gi:
yeah,
I'
ll
takeashowert
henl
eav
e.
Me:
pleasebr
ingy
ourmakeupki
tanddon'
tfor
get
.
Gi
gi:
alr
ight
.
Wesai
dourby
es.
Yot
hando:
hel
pmechoosewhatt
owear
.
Me:Thi
sblackgl
i
tter
ydr
esswi
l
ldo,
weari
twi
thy
our
si
l
verHeel
.
Yot
hando:Icoul
dnev
ergowr
ongwi
thy
ou.Thanks
l
ove.
Me:
You'
rewel
come.
Iwalkint
omyr oom It
ookoutmypl ast
icIdi
dn'
tbuy
alotofdr essesy est
erday
.ButI '
l
lwearthisopen
back Rainbow Bandage Dr ess.With my yel
low
str
appedheel.
Ipackt hedresswit
htheheelandthemakeupki t
.I
won'ttakeashowerIsti
l
lsmel lmymine,andIwant
tosmel ll
i
kethist
hewholenightsothatIwon'
thave
toforgetabouthi
m.
"
NahikotheUberi
sherecome"she'
sshouti
ngf
rom
t
helounge.It
aket
hebagandmakemyout .
Wear
ri
veatAzol
e'
sfl
ati
nnot
ime.
Sheatt
acksmewi
thahugassoonasweopent
he
door
.
Azol
e:Iwasscar
edf
ory
ou,
butI
'
m gl
ady
ou'
resaf
e.
"Wewantt
oent
ert
oosol
adi
esmov
e"whendi
dshe
arr
ive.
.
Wemov
ebot
hherandYot
handomakest
hei
rwayi
n.
Gi
gi:Wedon'
thavet i
mebabygi
rl
,pl
easewor
kyour
magic,
I'
mthefi
rstone.
Ihav
en'
tev
enr
elaxedabi
tbuti
t'
sfi
ne.
Iapplymakeupont hem andtheylookbeaut
if
ulI
appl
yitonmetoo.Ichangedthenworethef
reeand
heel
.
Azol
e:ArgghmybestFr
iend i
sway
yhot
tert
han
your
speople.
Yot
hando:Gigiy
ou'
remybestf
ri
enddoy
oul
i
ket
hat
st
atement?
Gi
gi:
EyyIhav
etoagr
ee!
Weal
ll
augh
Azole:Nobestfri
endIknow t
hesecornr
owsl ook
beauti
fulonyou,
butwe'
regoi
ngt oav er
yelegant
clubwecan'tbeseenwi
thyouhavingcor
nrowsso
thisweavewoul
ddo.
Shegi
vesmeher22"Per
uvi
anweav
e.
Me:Thanksf
ri
end.Anditsui
tsme,it
'smyfi
rstti
me
havi
ngaweaveonmyheadI '
m abrai
dski
ndofgi r
l,I
don'
teventr
yYothando'
sweav esodearsisterI'
ll
weary
ourweav
esf
rom nowon!
Yot
hando:
Seewhaty
ou'
vest
art
edAzol
e!
Myphoner
ingsi
t'
smyMans.
Me:
heyl
ove
Zi
thu:
HeySt
handwasam,
unj
ani
?
Me:
I'
m goodl
ove,
andy
ou?
Zi
thu:
I'
m goodbutImi
ssy
ou.
Ihearmanl
ylaught
erawayf
rom hi
m.
Me:
Imi
ssy
out
oo,
you'
rewi
thpeopl
e?
Zi
thu:
Yeahmyf
ri
ends,
theyar
efor
cingmet
ogoout
!
Theyar
emumbl
i
ngsomet
hingi
nthebackgr
ound.
Me:
andwhyar
eyounotgoi
ngout
?
Zit
hu:Iwon'
tbeofgr
eatcompany
,andt
her
e'sal
otI
havetodo.
Me:
Justgooutwi
thy
ourf
ri
endsZi
thul
ele.
Zi
thu:
YesmamaIwi
l
lgooutwi
tht
hem.
"
Wel
ovey
ouNahi
ko"t
heysayf
rom t
hebackgr
ound.
Zi
thu:
umkami
kel
oBaf
oz.
[Thi
sismywi
febr
other
s]
Theyl
augh.
Azol
esi
gnal
smet
ime.
Me:LookbabeI
'
m al
sohav
ingagi
rl
sni
ghtwi
thmy
gi
rl
s..
Zi
thu:
okayl
ove,
enj
oyandbesaf
edr
inkr
esponsi
ble.
Me:
YesSi
r,y
out
ooenj
oyanddon'
tchaseonski
rt
s.
Zi
thu:
Notev
enami
l
li
ony
ear
s.
Me:That
'smybabel
ookbabywehav
etol
eav
eri
ght
now.
Zi
thu:OkayIl
oveyou,
cal
lmei
fyouneedany
thi
ngI
'
ll
bether
eforyou.
Me:
I'
ll
remembert
hat
,Il
ovey
out
oo!
Hedropsthecal
l
.Ismi
l
elooki
ngatmywal
l
paper
,it
's
hi
m smil
ing.
Azol
e:It'
s st
il
lthe honeymoon phase sweet
hear
t
l
et'
sjustgoandgetdrunk.
Gi
gi:
Jeal
ousy
!
Wel
augh.
Azole:Nahi
kopleasebabesgi
veusachancetoday
,
youIshould'v
el etyoukeepyourcor
nrows.You'
l
l
takeourmannow!
Wel
aughather
.
Yot
hando:Thatwoul
dbeokayt
hough,Imeanwe
woul
dbegetti
ngfr
eedri
nks.
Me:I'
m notforsaleShame,Iall
owedthoseguysto
paysi
nceitwasf ood.Shoul
dithadbeensomethi
ng
el
seli
keAlcoholIwouldn'
thaveall
owedthat
.Doyou
knowhowaggr essi
ve
Mani
nthecl
ubsar
e?
Theyl
augh.
Me:
AndI
'
m ser
iousguy
s!.
ImakemywayoutasourUberi
sout
side.
.
Theyfoll
owsuit.Thedri
vetoTowni snotlongsince
we'r
et al
kingandlaughi
ng,wear r
iveinlongstreet
wheretheclubisat.wowthi
sClubLookGood." Club
I
ri
s"it'
swritt
eninbigbl
ackit
ali
cs.
Gigi
:Thi
sClubi
sbeaut
if
ul,
Judgi
ngf
rom t
heout
side
appear
ance.
Yot
hando:Ihopei
tlooksasgoodasi
t'
sfr
om t
he
out
side.
Azol
e:Whydon'
twegoandsee?
Me:
I'
m wi
thy
our
ightI
'
m ecst
ati
c.
Wemakeourwayaf terpassi
ngt hosebi
gBouncer s
yhoo,haytheyarewordmostbi ggestBouncersever
,
yhonot heyarehuge.Theyar eev enugly,Iwonder
dotheyhav egi
rl
fri
ends.
Thisclubislookingeli
te,elegant.There'
sal otof
SlayQueenswithSkimpyshor tdressthatonl
ycov er
thei
rbutts,wi
thal otofmakeupont hem.There's
Guystoo,goodl ooki
ngt oo.Thisi sthebestplace
I
'vebeen.
Azol
e:wedon'tneedt
ogot
otheVI
Pher
e,t
her
e'sa
l
otofspace.
Me:y
eah,andt
hatwi
llsaveourmoney
,Idon'
twanna
bebroket
hemonthi
sst i
l
llong.
Gi
gi:
Sayt
hatAgai
n.
Azol
e:wenaGigikeepqui
etyouweret
heonethat
was pr
eachi
ng aboutspendi
ng ourmoney j
ust
y
est
erday
,don'
tev
enst
art
.
Wel augh,we'
restandingneart
heent
ranceandt
hat
at
tractseyesandattenti
ononus.
Me:GuysEy esar
eonus,Azol
eandGigipl
easego
buyusAlcoholYot
handoandIar
egoi
ngt ofi
ndus
sometabl
e..
Gigi
:Shewillgowi t
hYot hando,ndi
zombet
hamna
Lomntana.[
Iwil
lbeatthi
schild]
.
Wealllaugh.GigiandIf indaTablenexttothe
Dancefl
oorbutwewon' tbedistur
bbypeopleAnd
Azol
elovestodancethi
stablei
sGoodforus.
Theycamewi t
houral cohol,shotsaft
ershot
sf or
Start
ers.Theydi
dn'tbuyal otofchampagneonly3
bottl
es,andSmirnof
fPinet
wi standspar
kli
ngBer
nini
Blush.
Me:
ToMonat
e.
Them:
ToMonat
e.[
ToFun]
Wedrink,themusicisn'
tdoi
nganyj ust
icetous.
We'
rehavingthet
imeofourl
iv
es,thetimeisrunni
ng
f
asti
t'
s1:45am al
readyGodDoesn'tLoveusthough
Gr
oovetimemustbesl ow sot
hatwecouldenjoy
wi
thoutt
hinki
ngaboutt
hemorni
ngthati
stocome.
Yot
hando:Yhoandi
nxi
l
ekamnandi
.[I
'
m sodr
unk,i
n
ani
ceway ]
.
Azol
e:Met
oo.
Me:
thi
sisJustLi
t.
"Yi
kes(
Yikes)
,youacl
own,
youdoi
tforl
i
kes
Yi
kes(
Yikes)
,yes,
it'
sti
ght
,buti
tdoesn'
tbi
te
Gr
ipi
tri
ght
,hebel
i
ke(
Woo)
Yi
kes"
.
Ilookatmydear estfr i
ends,I'
m aboutt obet he
baddestRi ghtnow,whati sTheDJdoi ngt ome,
NickiMi naj-Yi
kes,ispumpi ngt heSpeaker s.Il
ove
nickiminaj,ahaveNickimi najinme.Ipul lAzoleto
thedancef l
oor
,Istarttwerki
ngonher ,she'sont he
receiv
ingendI 'mt werkinglikemyhear tdepends,
eyesar eonusandIdon' tevencar e,okayI 'm dr
unk
becauseIdocar e!.Chun-Lipumpsup,t heDJi s
favouri
ngmer i
ghtnow, peoplearehippingup.
Wef
inal
l
ygot
othet
abl
eaf
terNi
ckimi
naj
'
schun-Li
ofcour
se.
Azol
e:Bi
tchy
ou'
vegoti
tiny
ou.
Me:i
fthatDJpl
ayedmoreofNicki
minajIwasgoi
ng
t
oloosemymorals,
Iwould'
vegonewil
d.
Gi
gi:YouneedtoTeachmetheGoi
ngdownwhi
l
e
t
werkingmove,
it'
ssoNi
ce.
.
"
Azol
e"someonet
ouchmyshoul
der
.
God arey
ou hat
ing me j
ustbecause I
'
m att
he
Groov
e?
Me:
ohheey
!.
What
'shi
snameagai
n,ohYeahBusani
.
Busani:Iwaswatchi
ngy oufrom t
heVIPdamny ou
candance,Itri
edcall
ingyouYesterdayandToday
butyourphonecoul
dn'
tgot hr
ough!
.
Me:yeahasI
'v
esaidIhav
eagi
rl
sweekend,sowe
deci
dednophones.
Busani
:Okay ist
her
e any
thi
ng y
ou guy
s need?
Al
coholmaybe?
Me:
Ohnot
hankswe'
ref
inedon'
twor
ry.
Busani
:OkayI
'l
lcheckupony ouagai
n,y
oucanhave
funwit
hyourf
riends.Orhowaboutyouj
oinusi
nthe
VIP?Pl
easeAzoleitwil
lbef
ine.
Me:
Nahwe'
recool
her
e!
Busani
:Al
ri
ghti
fyouneedany
thi
ngI
'
llbet
her
e.
Me:
Sur
eI'
l
lbet
her
e!
Hewal
ksaway
.
Yot
hando:
sosi
stery
ouj
ustdecl
i
nedAl
cohol
.
Me:Idon'
twantt
oleadt
hisGuy
s,he'
sanui
sance
al
ready
.
TheyLaugh.
Thebarmanpl
acesabucketwi
th3bott
lesofMoët&
ChandonBr
utI
mpéri
alchampagneandgivesAzol
ea
paper
!.
Azol
e:Fi
nal
l
yaMan.
Me:
what
'swr
it
teni
nthepaper
?
Azol
e:'
Pleasecal
lme'
ther
e'sanumber
.
It
apont
hebar
man
Me:
whosentt
his?
.
Iasked,hepoint
edataguywhowasseatedi
nafar
corneroftheVIPhehasapot bel
lyhe'
snotev
en
goodlooki
ng,herai
seshi
sgl
assatAzol
e.
Ishuff
lemylaughIwantt ol
aughsohar
d,I
'm nott
he
onlyone.Peoplef
rom theVI
Pcanseeproperl
ywhat
happensinGeneral,I
'
m surehesawusdancingthe
samewi thBusani
.
Me:
AsweopenAzol
e'
shappi
ness.
Isai
dopeningtheBot
tl
eofchampagnet
henpourin
myGl ass,Gi
gifol
l
owssui
tsameasYot handoand
Azol
e.
Me:
ToAzol
efi
ndi
ngaman
Azol
e:Fucky
ou!
.
Wel
aughbutdr
inkatt
hesame.
Azole:Ican'
tsay no to al
cohol
,especi
all
ythi
s
expensi
veChampagne.
Yot
hando:
You'
l
lfi
ndaman.
Azol
e:Yeah,Nahi
komyf
ri
endaf
terbat
hingpl
ease
don'
tdisposey
ourwat erputi
tona2l
it
rebot
tl
eand
bri
ngittome,I
'l
lboi
lthem andbat
hwi
thi
t.
Weal
ll
aughather,
she'
scr
azy
!.
Barmancomesagainwi
thaBot
tl
eofRemyMar
ti
n
ChampagneCognac.
Barman:Fr
om t
heBoss,t
heowneroft
hispl
acet
o
y'
al
lladi
es
Azol
e:Tel
lyourbosst
ocal
lmewai
t,doy
ouhav
ea
pen?
Thebarmangiv
eherapen,shewr
it
esdownher
numberi
napaper.
Azole:i
shegoodl ooki
ngFirst
?(Theguynods)i
she
young.(Theguynods)thengiv
ehimthis.
Hegi
veshi
m hernumber
.
Me:
We'
ret
aki
ngt
hishome,
we'
real
readydr
unk!
Azol
e:Yeah,
wit
htheset
wobot
tl
eofchampagne.
Wef
ini
sht
hel
astcupsofoural
cohol
.
Me:
Letmer
equestf
orus.
Itakeoutmyphone,and goesto myUberapp
t
here'
snoai
rt
ime.Ibuyai
rt
imef
ir
st.
"
Yourphonei
sonbutIcan'
tgot
hrough"
Shi
twhat
'
swi
tht
hisguy
s?
Me:
thatshoul
dtel
lyout
hatIbl
ockedi
t.
Busani
:whywoul
dyoudot
hat
?
Me:Becauset
hisi
smyphone,Icandowhat
everI
wantt
odo.
Busani
:Ipai
dyourf
uckenbi
l
lbi
tch.
Hehel
dmyar
m sot
ight
ly.
Me:
LetgoofmyAr
m,y
ou'
rehur
ti
ngme.
Iwassnuggl
i
ngmyar
m awayf
rom hi
m.
Me:Youwanty
ourmoney
?Letmegi
vey
ourf
ucken
money!
Busani:Ohnosweethear
tIdon'
twantAnymoney,I
j
ustwanty ou.You'
l
ltwerkf
ormeallnightj
ustl
i
ke
youdid.
Me:
Leav
eme!
It
ri
edpushi
nghi
m of
fhe'
sst
rong.
Azol
e:Yeeywenal
ethergo.
Busani
:Youst
ayaway
,don'
tev
engeti
nvol
ved.
I'
m pi
ssedandI'm angry
.Azolehitshim wi
than
emptybot
tl
eofBerni
nionhisheadhelet
sgoofme.
Busani
:Youbi
tch!
.
"
Ist
her
eapr
obl
em?
"Hewasaboutt
osl
apAzol
e.
Zi
thu:
IaskedaQuest
ion?
Busani
:Nahbr
ather
e'snopr
obl
em.
Hel
eftusst
andi
ng.
Zi
thu:
Takey
ourbegsI
'
mtaki
ngy
'al
lhome.
Hewal
ksaway
.
Azol
e:y
ouAl
ri
ght
.
Me:
YeahI
'
mfi
ne,
arey
ouokay
?
Azol
e:y
eah,
isheangr
y?
Idon'
tknow,I
'
venev
erseenhi
m angr
y,heseems
cool
.
Gi
gi;
Yeahheseemscool
.
Yot
handoandGigiwer
etoodrunk.
.wet
aket
het
hree
bot
tl
esourchampagneandCognac.
Ihol
dYot
handoshehol
dsGi
gi.
Zi
thuispar
kedr
ighti
nfr
ontoft
hedoor
.Weal
lget
i
nside.
He'splayi
nghisj
azz,
Givehim Azole'
sAddress.He's
nottal
kingtome,norholdi
ngmyhandwhi ledriv
ing
he'
sjustquiet
.Wearr
iveatAzole'
splace.helooksat
thebacktheladi
esar
esleepi
ng.
Hegoesoutandt akeYot handof i
rst
,AzoleGiv
es
hi
m thekeys.Wehel p each otherwi t
h Gi
gi.We
fi
nal
l
ydropheront
heroom wi thYothando.
Her
ubshi
sfacewhi
l
elooki
ngatme?
Zi
thu:
Youf
ine?
Inod,
hegi
vesmet
hatl
ookofhi
sthat
'si
nti
midat
ing.
Me:
YeahI
'
mfi
ne.
Zi
thu:
Okayby
e!.
Heki
ssmeonmyf
orehead.
Me:
Arey
oumad?Iaskashe'
sonhi
swayt
ohi
scar
.
Zi
thu:
forwhat
?
Me:
Idon'
tknow.
Zi
thu:
Ist
her
ear
easonf
ormet
obeangr
y?
Me:
Idon'
tknow,
you'
renoty
ourusual
l
ysel
f.
Zi
thu:Maybeyou'
redr
unkbaby
,go t
o sl
eep and
makesur
ey oul
ockt
hedoor
!.
Hegeti
nhi
scaranddr
iveof
f.He'
sreal
l
ymadatme!
.
EI
GHTEEN
Iwokeupwi thabangi ngheadache,Ican' tev en
standup.Ijustl ayont hefloor,Idon'tknow what
happenedbutAzol eandIf i
nishedtheWi nethatwas
onherf r
idgewewer etalki
ngandIwasl aughi
ngat
herwiththepot bel
lyguy .Sonow I'm ont hefl
oorI
havethemot herofallheadachesmybodyi sknots.
"Wakeupbitcheeess"Icl
osedmyey
esey
esf
ir
mly
didshehav
et oshoutli
ket
hat.
"
FuckYou"that
'sAzol
ewai
t,she'
sjustnextt
ome.I
f
inal
l
ystandupandmademywayt ot hebat
hroom,
whendi
dIremov
emymakeup?Iwashmyf
aceand
mymouth.
Gigi:Imadey
ourgingerTea,Iboughtsomeginger
Biscuit
saswell
.Boughtthem f
rom theShopdown
theroad.
Me:
You'
real
i
fesav
er.
Yot
hando:
Howdi
dwegether
e?
Azol
e:Angr
yZi
thul
elebr
oughtushome.
Shesai
dthatcomi
ngf
rom t
hebat
hroom,
shej
oinus
i
nthecouches.
Yot
hando:
Whywoul
dhebeangr
y?
Azol
e:Hesawusf
ight
ingwi
tht
hatBusani
Guy
.
Gi
gi:
Whenwast
heFi
ght
?Whatwer
eyouf
ight
ingf
or?
Me:thathepai
dbillf
orus,soIshouldgowithhi
m
andtwerkforhi
mi magine.Mygi r
lovert
hereHit
s
hi
m withanemptybot
tlethat
'swhenZi
thucame.
Azol
e:Washet
her
eal
lal
ong?
Me:Ihav
eafeel
i
ngt hathewasi nt
hesameclubas
us,cozIfor
ced hi
m t o go outwit
h hi
sfr
iends.
What
'st
het
ime?
Gi
gi:
it'
shal
fpast2.
Me:
Yhoo,
it'
sal
readyaf
ter
noon.
IcheckmyphoneNomi
ssedcal
l
sZi
thul
ele,i
she
st
il
langr
y?
Azol
e'
sPhonev
ibr
atesnextt
omeIhandher
.
Azol
e:Hel
l
o!.
Sheput
sitonLoudspeakersi
nceshe'
seat
ing.
Per
son:
Hey
,howar
eyou?
Azol
e:I
'
m good,
whoam Ispeaki
ngt
o?
Per
son:
Chumani
,Club I
ri
sowner
,yousai
dtot
he
Bar
manIshoul
dgiv
eyouacal
l.
Wealll
ookather
,she'
ssmi
l
ingnoscr
atcht
hatshe'
s
bl
ushi
ng.
Azol
e:Uhm Iwant
ed tothanky
ouf ortheRemy
Mart
in.Meandmyf
ri
endsweappr
eci
atethegest
ure.
Chumani:
No pr
obl
em,y
ou and y
ourFr
iends ar
e
beaut
if
ul.
Wearesmil
ing,
butMyBest
ieov
erher
eissay
ingher
weddi
ngvowsalready
.
Azol
e:Thanks,
arey
ouhandsomet
hough?
Chumani
:YeahIam,
ver
yhandsome.
Azol
e:Iwoul
dn'
tmi
ndseei
ngy
ourf
ace!
Chumani
:
You'
llseeme,i
fyouagr
eeongoi
ngout
wit
hmenextFri
day!
Azol
e:Iwi
l
l,y
ou hav
e a beaut
if
ulcl
ub t
oo.I
t'
s
el
egant
.
Chumani
:ThanksItry
,andf i
ght
ingisprohi
bit
edi
n
myclub,
youandyourfr
iendbr
oketherul
es.
Azol
e:Yeah,butt
hatguywast hr
eat
eni
ngmyfri
end,
hewashurti
nghertoo.Ihadt
odowhatIhadt
odo!
Chumani
:yeah,nextt
imet
ryandf
ightout
sidemy
cl
ub.
Me:
whati
fit
'st
hebar
mancal
l
ing?
Thegi
rl
slaughev
enAzol
e.
Me:
didIsayt
hatl
oud?
Azol
e:Yesma'
am!
Chumani
:am Ionl
oudspeaker
?
Azole:Yeahyouare,Iwaseat
ingsoIhadt
oputy
ou
onloudspeaker
.I'
m sorr
y.
Chumani
:no it'
s okay,and i
twas an unknown
number
,toansweryourf
ri
endI
'm nott
hebar
man.
Azol
e:it
'sf
ineIbelieveyou!She'sjustjeal
ousher
boyf
ri
endhasn'
tcalledher,andit
'sunli
kehim.She'
l
l
befi
neshe'
sjustexperi
encingchestpai
ns.
Me:
I'
m outofher
e!
Theylaughedatme,Itakemyphonetot
heki
tchen
asIgetmy sel
fagl
assofChampagne.
"Imissyou,andI
'
m sor
ryaboutt
hecl
ubi
nci
dent
"I
presssent
!.
Her
eadmymessageandl
ogof
f.Yhoo.
Igul
ptheGl
assofchampagne,myphoner
ingsi
t'
s
hi
m.
Me:
Hey
.
Zi
thu:
Sthandwasami
arey
ouokay
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne,
buty
ou'
rewor
ryi
ngme.
Zi
thu:
Whathav
eIdone?
Me:yougavemesilenttr
eat
mentear
li
eron,y
ou
di
dn'
ttal
ktomel
ovi
ngly.
Zi
thu:
Soy
ou'
rehur
tbyt
hat
?
Me:
Yes,
ofcour
sei
t'
shur
ti
ngmeZi
thul
ele.
Zi
thu:
Whendi
dthatguyPai
dyourf
oodbi
l
l?
Iwasshockedhowdi
dheknow?
Zi
thu:
Muhl
eza?
Me:Friday,asyouknowIwentoutwi thmyFr i
ends
wewentt oPri
mi,whenwewer eabouttosettl
eour
ownbi l
l,
thewait
resstol
dusourbil
lhasbeenpaidby
thatguy,heaskedf ormynumbers,Azol
egav ehi
m
herandhername.Hecal l
edbutwebl ockedhis
numbersowemeti ntheclub,hewantedmet o
repaythebil
l.
Zi
thu:
How?
Me:Hewant edsex,t
hat
'
swhyIwasf
ight
ingwi
th
hi
m.I'
m sor
ry.
Zi
thu:
Andwhyar
eyouapol
ogi
zi
ngBaby
?
Me:
Idon'
tknowy
ouseem angr
y.
Zit
hu:Nomyl ov
eI'
m not
,andwhyarey oumaki
ng
yoursel
fgui
l
ty.Arey
ougui
lt
yofsomet
hing?
Me:No.Ididn'tdoany t
hingwit
hthatguyweonl y
tal
ked.AndItoldhim hewasannoyingmeandhe
shouldl
eav
eme, andIblockedhi
snumberbecauseI
wasnotint
erest
edthat'
swhenhegotangry
.
Zit
hu:Ibelieveyoubaby,don'
texplai
nandIwasn't
angryaty ou.Youwer etoobeauti
full
astni
ghtfor
met obeangr yatyou.Isaw youwheny oumade
yourwayI ntheclub,Ididn'
twantt orui
nyourfun
withyourfri
endsthat
'swhyIstayedwithmyfri
ends
andYour emainedwithyour
s.
Me:
Soy
ouwer
ewat
chi
ngme?
OhGoshhesawmet
wer
king!
.
Zit
hu:Yeah kind ofbutnotallt he ti
me,Iwas
enj
oy i
ngmyt i
mewi t
hmyf r
iendstoobutwheny ou
twerked!Yho!BabyIcouldn'
tstop wat chi
ng y
ou
know y ourst
uff
.I'
veAlr
eadydownl oadedChun-Li
andYi
kes.Ican'
twai
ttoseey
out
wer
kforme.
Me:
Don'
tBeaper
vetZi
thul
ele!
Hel
aughs,
Ijustwi
sht
oseehi
sfacer
ightnow.
Zi
thu:
Butbabyy
ou'
regoodati
t.
Me:
Sti
l
lIwon'
tdancef
ory
ou.
Zit
hu:ButSt handwa samiI '
ve sang f
oryou a
count
lesst
ime,I'
vebee.Say
ingthi
syou'
reabul
l
y.
Il
augh.He'
ssuchabi
gbaby
Me:
Okayl
ove,
Iwi
l
ltwer
kfory
ou.
Zi
thu:
That
'smyWi
fe.
Hesayhappi
l
y,Il
augh.
Zi
thu:Ngi
kukhumbul
ekodwamkami
.[Imi
ssy
oumy
wi
fe]
Me:
Imi
ssy
out
oobabe,
butI
'
m st
il
lwi
tht
hegi
rl
s.
Zit
hu:yourgi
rl
sshoul dhaveboy
fri
ends,I
'l
lmake
suret
heydosothatIcanhav
eyouallt
heti
me.
Me:
Jeal
ousydoesn'
tsui
tyoukhabazel
a.
Zi
thu:butSt
handwasamit
heyspendmostoft
he
t
imewi
thy
ou,
ever
ydayy
ouseet
hem.
Me:
okayt
hisweekendI
'
m al
lyour
s?
Zi
thu:
You'
l
lbei
nmypl
acef
rom Fr
idayt
il
lMonday
?
Me:
Til
lSundayZi
thul
ele.
.
Zi
thu:
That
'sst
il
lfi
nebyme,
Idon'
thav
eapr
obl
em.
Me:
Okayl
etmegetbackt
othem.
Zi
thu:Ungadakwal
apho,y
ou'
rewor
kingt
omor
row.
[
Don'tgetdr
unk]
Me:
we'
l
lseeaboutt
hat
,Il
ovey
ou
Zi
thu:
Ilov
eyout
ooSt
handwasami
.
Me:
bye!
Idr
opt
hecal
l
.Hecal
l
s.
Me:
Babe?
Zi
thu:
whocal
l
ed?Ar
eyour
ushi
ngt
odr
inkal
cohol
?
Me:
No,
IthoughtIwast
heonewhocal
l
ed.
Il
aughedIf
orgethowhepl
ayf
ulhecanbe.
Zi
thu:
Ngi
yakut
handaBhel
ekazi
.[Il
ovey
ouBhel
ekazi
]
Me:
UthandwaNdi
m Mkhi
ze.[
Ilov
eyout
ooMkhi
ze]
.
Zi
thu:By
eSt
handwa,
enj
oy.
Me:
Iwi
l
lthanks.
He drops t
he cal
l
.Ismi l
e athisf
ace that
's my
wal
lpaper
,I'
m soobsessedwithhi
ssmil
e.
"
Thatsmi l
es t
hathe call
ed and You guy
sf i
xed
t
hings"t
hat'
sazolemakingherwayi nthekit
chen
wi
thYothandoandGi
gi.
Me:Hewasn'tangr
y,hesaidIwasreadi
ngtoomuch
i
ntothi
ngs.Andheknew t hatguypaidoutbil
l,he
wasint
heclubtooandletmeenjoyedwithyouguys
si
ncehewaswi t
hhisfr
iendstoo.
Gigi
:Heshoul
d'
vecal
l
edy
ou,may
behi
sfr
iendsar
e
handsome.
Me:Theyarehandsomeev enthough Idi
dn'
tsee
t
hem t
hatl
ongtheyarehandsome.
Yot
hando:
Guy
slet
'scar
ryonwi
tht
hepar
ty.
Shesaidt
aki
ngt hebot
tl
eswef ol
l
ow herintothe
l
ounge.WeSwit
chonTV,putt
edmusicon.Channel
Ohaveamapi
anoon.We'r
ehav
ingourSundaychi
l
l.
Wedr i
nkouralcoholwi
thoutanywor
ry,Itext
edmy
motherforhert
obewor ri
edwearesafeandwewil
l
behomel at
eron!
Thebot t
lesarefi
nishedandwearet i
psy,wedon' t
wanttogof arsi
ncetomorrowi
t'
swork.IfIdi
dn'tget
enoughmoneyIwoul d'
vel
ongl
eftmyJob, butknow
mysal ar
ybuy sclothesandIcangooutwi thmy
fr
iends.NSFASmoneywon' tdoMuchsoIbet ter
enjoymyv er
yownsal ar
y.
Yot
hando:
SoAzol
eChumani
?
Azol
e:yhoguy s,I
'
m pray
inghe'sreal
lyhandsome,
act
uall
yIdon'tCarei
fhe'snotthathandsome,di
d
youseethatcl
ub?We'l
lbespendi
ngmoneywi thmy
Man.
Me:
YourManAl
ready
!
Wel
augh,
we'
rer
eal
l
yti
psy
.We'
reeat
ingdr
iedf
rui
t.
Azol
e:Idon'twast
eti
mebabygi
rl
.He'
sal
readymi
ne,
heboughtthatRemyMar
ti
nforme.
Gi
gi:
Foral
lofus,
hesai
dwear
eal
lbeaut
if
ul.
Azol
e:Andy
oubel
i
evedhi
m?
Me:
Justl
i
key
oudi
d,y
oubel
i
evedhi
mtoobabygi
rl
.
Azole:Thefacti
shegav
eust
heRemyMar
ti
nal
l
becauseofme!
Yot
hando:
whati
fhet
hinkshe'
stal
ki
ngt
oNahi
ko.
Azole:yhuuIwouldfor
getthefactt
hatshe'
smy
Bestfri
end,
Iwoul
dkil
lhernotwi
thmychumani
!.
Me:Don'tworry Best
ie chumaniis al
lyours,the
barmanshowedhi m whowr ot
ethenote,andifshe
saw usf i
ght
ingwi t
hBusanisoheknowswhoi s
Azole.Andbesi
desIwoul dn'
tgoforhim,Ihavemy
HandsomeMan.
Azol
e:Doy
ouseewhyy
ou'
remyBestf
ri
end?
Wel
augh.
Gi
gi:Andher
eI'
mf eel
i
nglikeav
irgi
nagai
n,I
'
m sur
e
t
here'
scobwebsi
nmyv ir
gina
Yot
hando:
whenwast
hel
astt
imey
ouhadsex?
Gi
gi:
7Mont
hsback!
Azol
e:You'
rej
oki
ngr
ight
?
Gi
gi:
Iwi
shIwas!
Azole:OhmyGosh,noGi giwear eputti
ngy ouona
bli
nddat e,Yot handoy ouhav et oasky ourMansi s
hedoesn' thaveaf ri
endwho' ssingle,y
out ooNahiko
youaskZi thu.Wecan' thavet hat.Nonoy ou'
lldi
e
mychi l
d,nowondery ouhav etoomuchnonsensei n
yourheadi t'
sbecauseoft hesalt,nonomychi ld.
Weal
ll
aughather
.
Yothando:EyyAzolenow IseemyMor ghelhas
fr
ustrat
ionsi
t'
sallbecauseoft
hesal
t,y
hoGigihow
di
dy ousurvi
ve?
Gi
gi:yout womust n'
tfor
getthatI
'm ol
der
,I
'
myour
bi
gsisterpleaset
reatmewit
hrespect
.
Me:
GetaManFi
rst
!
Weal
ll
augh.
.
Gi
gi:
noty
out
oo!
Ishr
ugmyshoul
der
s.
Gi
gi:
I'
l
lgety
'al
l
..
Azol
e:Thef
actremai
nwearetaki
ngy ouonabl
i
nd
dat
e.Wecan'
tdealwi
thy
ourf
rust
rat
ions.
Gi
gi:
youknowwhat
?Igi
veupony
out
hree!
Me:buti t'st
het r
uth,you'
reol dyou'l
lbet ur ni
ng30
soony ouwi l
lwanttoset t
ledownandhav eki dsbut
howwi llyousettl
edownwi t
houtar ightguybyy our
side?Forgetaboutsexf oramomentandt hinkofa
l
ifepartnersomeonewhowi llbetherefory ouallthe
ti
me,Someonewhowi l
lbeapar tofy ou,y ourbest
fr
iend,yourbrotheryourfatherallinone.Youneed
tofindlovethenhav ealotifsext hen,knowi ngthat
you'redoingi
twiththerightperson,aper sonofy our
ownhear t.
Azol
e:That
'
smybestf
ri
endev
ery
one.
Yot
hando:
Ourpsy
chol
ogi
st.
Gigi:youseewhyy ou'
rethesensi
bleonei
nallofus.
You'rewise,asy oungasy ouaretomey ou'r
ethe
wisestper sonI'
veev ermet,youspeaksot hata
personcoul dheareventhoughthi
swasaj okeyou
turneditintoreal
it
y.Iagreetogoonabl i
ndDate
onlybecauseofwhaty ousaid!
.
Me:
Thanky
ou,
I'
ddoany
thi
ngf
ormysi
ster
s
Azol
e:Byt
omor
rowguy
swe'
rest
art
ingwi
thourpl
an
#Fi
ndi
ngaManf
orGi
gi
Me:
Oper
ati
onFi
ndi
ngaManf
orGi
gii
son!
.
West
ayedandi
twasst
art
ingt
obel
ate.
Gi
gi:Okayl
adi
esIhavetoLov
eandl
eav
eyou,
Ineed
t
ocatchmybeautysl
eep.
Me:
Okayl
ove,
dri
vesaf
ely
.
Gi
gi:
Alr
ightIwi
l
lby
e.
Us:
Bye.
Shedrov
eoff,she'
ssuchasweet
hear
t.She'
sthe
Hear
tofourf
ri
endshi
p
Yot
hando:
Real
l
ySABC1Azol
e?
Azol
e:Ial
way
swat
chnews.
Yot
hando:Let
'sl
eaveNahi
ko,t
her
e'snowayi
nhel
lI
woul
dseatandwatchnews.
Azol
e:Theyar
egoodf
ort
hesoul
.
Weal
ll
augh,
Azol
eiscr
azy
.
Me:There'
ssuch.Youjustl
oveGossi
pthat
'swhy
you'
resayi
ngi
t'
sgoodfort
hesoul
.
Azole:Ineedtoknowever
ythingthathappensinour
country,
ithel
pssomet
imesy outwoshouldt r
yit
.
Yot
hando:
Not
hanks.
Me:Iusedt owat
cht hem,MyGrandmot
herki
nda
for
cedmei nt
owatchi
ngthenews.Theyarej
ust
purel
yBor
ing.
Azol
e:Justl
i
key
ou.
Me:
That
'si
nanI
nsul
t.
Azol
e:Yeahwhat
ever
.
"AsweendofSundayweendi twithSadNews
aboutourEx- BoxerMt het
howakheZwi de,heWas
Sexuall
y Viol
ated,and assassinated by unknown
peopleandwasf ounddeadi nStell
enboschFor est
"I
qui
cklylookattheTVt hereheis,myphoner ingsit'
s
mymot her.Ianswer.
Mom:
CheckSABC1Newsnow.
Me:
I'
m wat
chi
ng.
Idon'
tknow whyI '
mf eel
i
ngt hi
sway,I'
m shocked
abouthi
sdeath.Icheckonli
nether
earepict
uresof
hi
m whichar
enotpost edonTV.OhmyGodI sthat
his!Oh God hi s Peni
sis on his mout
h.He'
s
unrecogni
zabl
et hi
sisdeepcr
uel
ty,i
t'
sli
kehewas
tort
uredti
l
ldeath.
Ihandov ermyPhonetoYot
handoshe'
sshockas
me,I'
m sureAzol
egetwhoMt
het
howakheis.
Yot
hando:Hedeservedtodiebutl
i
ket
his?Yhoo
hay
iotherpeopl
ear
eanimal
s.
Azol
e:Helooksr
eal
l
ybad,
yhobutAdoghasi
tsday
,
hegothi
s.
Yot
hando:
Thi
sisourt
ear
s.
Me:Iknewmyt earswillnev
erbeinvain.Ineedmy
motherr
ightnow, Ineedherri
ghtnow.
Azol e:I'
m comingwi t
hy ouguysl etmepackcl othes
I
'llweart omorrow.Shedo t hatf astand weget
i
nsi det heUber,Idon'tknowIhav enoTearst ocryI
don' tfeelanythingIdon' tevenf eelbadtheonl y
thingt hatisshockingmei shissuddendeat h,Igo
throught hepicturesontheInternet .Andgothrough
thecomment s.
"
Hewassuchagoodmanhedi
dn'
tdeser
vet
odi
e
l
i
ket
his"
"
Thi
s shows t
hatshe Raped someone,and t
hei
r
f
amil
ytookcar
eofhi
m"
"
He'
saBl
oodyRapi
sthedeser
vet
odi
eli
ket
his"
"
Her et
ir
edonBoxi
ngt
oRapeourki
ds,hedeser
ve
t
his,
andmore"
"
Hewasnonobl
eman,he'
saRapi
st.I
t'
str
uewhen
t
heysayy
our
eapwhaty
ousow"
"
Whatwashi
ssi
mforpeopl
etoki
l
lhi
mli
ket
his?
"
"whatabouthi
swi
feandhi
snewbor
nBaby
?"
Hehasanewbor
nandababy
?Wonder
sshal
lNev
er
end.
We arr
ive atHome,my mom i
sfaraway I
'
m
t
hought
s.
Me:
Arey
ouokay
?
Mom:
I'
mfi
neAr
eyouokay
?Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:am Ibadtonotf eelbadhi
sdeath?Am Iabad
per
sont obegl
adthathe'snomore?There'
snothi
ng
whatsoevermovi
nginsideofme,not earsnot
hing.
I
'
mjustshocked.
Mom:If el
texactl
ythesameway ,I
'm gladthatthe
Twinsnev erknew abouthim andhenev erknow
aboutthem.Hewoul d'
veconst antr
emi nderofwhat
happenedy ear
sback.I'
m gladhedi ed,Ifeelrel
iv
ed
aft
erhecamebackIwasst art
ingtohav efears.
Me:Hewasmarr
iedandhadanewbor
nbaby
,Ij
ust
r
eadabouti
t.
Mom:
Idon'
tcar
ethatmanwasamonst
er.
Me:
wewi
l
lhav
etoat
tendhi
sFuner
al.
Mom:
Arey
ousur
ebaby?
Me:
YesIam,
it'
sforcl
osur
e!
.
.
Goodni
ghtt
oyoual
l
.
Lov
eyou
NI
NETEEN
I
t'
saSat
urdayMor
ning,
it'
sMt
het
howakhe'
sFuner
al.
We'reat t
endingFuner alasAFami l
yGi giandAzol e
arealsoj oi
ningus.Yest erdaywast heDayweTol d
Gigiand Yot hando aboutwhathappened t o us,
Yothandoknew aboutmyst or
ybutshedi dn'tknow
Gigididn'
tknowmyst oryandAzol e'sstorytoo.We
werecr yi
ng,andweseal edournightwi thSomewi ne,
i
thel psit'ssomeki ndaofTher apeutic.Todayi t
's
counts1Mont hinar elati
onshipwi thZithuleleand
I'
m atmyhappi est,he'
st hebestt hingthathasev er
happenedt ome! .
Yot
hando:Hurr
y up Nahi
ko,Gi
giand Azol
e ar
e
wai
ti
ngoutsi
de.
She'
sshout
ingf
rom t
hel
ounge.
Me:
I'
m comi
ngr
ightnow!
Iwearmyheel st henItakemybag, myMom sl eptat
Mthethowakhe'shomel astni
ght,hisfamil
ywant ed
thetwinst oremai nbehindbutMymot herdecided
shewi l
lsleept heretoo,shecouldn'
tleaveSikelel
a
andSikelel
wat here.
Azole:Youtooky
ourti
me,Idon'
tli
keey
esatthe
funeral
.Ifi
twassomeweddi
ngIwouldl
ovet
hem
notaFuner
al.
Me:I'
m sor
ryItookt
ime,y
oucanDr
iveGi
gi,and
Goodmorni
ng.
Gi
gi:
Mor
ningbabes,
wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Yot
hando:
Khay
eli
tshaMakhay
a.
Azol
e:Hewasf
rom t
her
e?
Yothando:Hegr ewupthere,
thenwenttostayint
he
burbs when he was st i
l
la boxer ,afterl
oosi
ng
everyt
hing he stay
ed wit
h us then wentbackto
Khayeli
tshahi
shome.
Gi
gi:
Mnk,
hayhemov
ed.
Me:I
'mjustgl
adwe'
regoi
ngtoburr
yhim,andthank
youGuysfort
hel
oveandsuppor
tIreal
l
yappreci
ate
t
hatalot
.
Azol
e:That
'
swhatBestf
ri
endsar
efor
.
Gi
gi:
AndwhatBi
gsi
sterdo!
Ismi
l
ed,
myPhoneRi
nged,
it'
smyMans.
Me:
MyLov
e.
Zi
thu:
HeySt
handwasami
,howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m GoodLov
eandhowar
eyou?
Zit
hu:I'm Good,Imiss you.This weekend was
supposedtobeourweekendyouknow?
Me:
Imi
ssy
ou,
andIknowI
'
llcomeandsl
eepov
er.
Zi
thu:
You'
l
lbebackonMonday
,it
'saHol
i
dayr
ight
?
Me:
Yes,
Iowey
out
hat
.
Zi
thu:
OkayLov
e,Ican'
twai
t.Ar
eyout
her
eal
ready
?
He'
saski
ngaboutMt
het
ho'
sPl
ace.
Me:
We'
reonourwayt
her
e.
Zi
thu:
Okaybabe,
Best
rongokay
.
Me:
Iwi
l
lbabe.
Zi
thu:Okay,Ngi
yakut
handaBhel
ekazi
.[Il
ovey
ou
Bhel
ekazi
]
Me:
Ilov
eYouTooKhabazel
a.
Zi
thu:
Mhh.By
emyl
ove.
Me:
Bye!
Azol
e:IwishMeandChumani
,canhel
i
key
ouand
Zi
thul
ele.
Gi
gi:
Arey
oui
naRel
ati
onshi
pnow?
Me:And y ou di
dn'
ttel
lus aboutt
he Dat
e what
t
ranspi
red?
Azol
e:I
'
llt
ell
y'al
lEv
ery
thi
ngdon'
trush.
Gi
gi:
Andwe'
reher
e!.
Haibo,Idi dn'tev enhearYot handoDi recti
ngGi gi.
There'sabi gBl ueandWhi teTentout sidet heHouse,
ther
ear epeopl e.Wef indawayt opar kthecart hen
ourmadeout .Wel ookedbeaut ifuli
nourAl lbl ack,
we made i t
.The ser vice hasn' tst art
ed y et ,the
Womenar est i
llbusywi ththei rSer v
icei nsidet he
house,sowe' r
ewai ti
ngf ort hem t obedone. The
famil
y ,andt he' wife'wi thababymaket hei
rwayi n
thetentandseatatt heFr ontr ow,mom andt he
Twinst aket heSecondr ow.Ot herpeopl eJoi nsus
andt heser vicest arts,itdoesn' tt akelongt i
llwego
totheGr avey ard.We' ref inal
lyatt hegr aveyardt he
wifehast ospeak.Shehandst hebabyt oMt het ho'
s
Aunt.
Wife:Idon'tknowwher et ostart
,myhusbandwasa
manofHonour ,hest oodf orhi sr especthewas
l
ov ed by many and he l oved a l otofpeopl e.I
rememberwhenIt ol
dhi m Iwaspr egnanthewas
themosthappi estmanI '
veev ermet .Hecoul dn't
stoptalki
ngt omybump, hewoul dtalkasi ft
hebaby
exist
ed.It'
spityheonlymethi ssonf orafewweeks,
hewon' tbetheretowat chhissont akehi sfi
rststep,
tohearhi ssonspeakhi sfirstwor d.Hemayhav e
nothadsomet hingt
odowi thhisli
febuthewast he
bestmanev er,
oneofthegr eatestmanev er.
"Haibowenj a,unyeRightthere,kudalandi
mamel e
ubhudat het
haububhanxa"[ Heyyoudog,you'v
ejust
shit
tedr i
ghtthereI
'v
ebeenl ist
eni
ngf orf
artoolong
now, busyalter
ingNonsense]
Weal llookatthewoman t
alki
ng,she'
swear
ing
shadesshe'
sli
kemyMot
her
'sAge.
Woman:ThatManl ayingthere,isnomanofhonour
he deser
v ed t
o Die.He' s Death was nothi
ng,he
deserv
edmor ethant hat
.Hewassupposedt obe
choppedintopeaces,Iwishedhewasbur ntal
i
ve.He
wasnosai nt,
nosaintatal li
nfacthewasaMonst er
aDev i
lhimself,Iwantedtoseeitwi
thmyey esthat
he gets buri
ed.Thatman Raped my6 Yearol d
daughter,whatwashersi n?Huh?Mydaught erwil
l
neverhav e chil
dren al
lherbecause i
fthis man
Layi
ngt here.Hewombwast akenoutbecauseof
thedamagemadebyt hi
sMan.
ShewasHi t
ti
ngthecasket
,andcriedi nAgony.I
coul
dn'
thel
pbutshar
esomet ear
s,Ifeltherpai
nit
wassti
l
lraw.Al
mostever
yonewascryingyoucould
seei
tshewastel
li
ngt
hetrut
h..
Woman:Youknow Mt hethowakheZwi deIforgi
ve
you,formydaughter'
sSakeIf orgivey ouandmy
daughterFor
giv
esyout oo.Forallthepai nyou'
ve
causedme,mydaught erandallotherpeopleyou'
ve
causedpainIForgiv
ey ou.Mayy oursoulrestin
peace,Onl
yGodhasawayt opunishy ou.Gowell
.
Shewipeshertearsandt
aket
hesoi
landt
hrewi
tin
Mthet
ho'sCasket.
Shet
henmadeherwayoutoft
hegr
avey
ard.
Thepast
orcont
inueswit
hthepr
ogr
am andi
t'
sti
me
tot
hrowthesoi
linhi
scasket
.
Me:
Ifor
giv
eyouMt
het
howakheZwi
de!
.
Isai
dandt
hrewt
hesoi
laf
tert
hat
.
TheMencoveredhisgravethenwentbackt
ohi
s
house,
wewashesourhands.
Me:Gir
lscanwejustl
eave,
andeatf
oodsomewher
e
el
se.KFCistheCl
osest
.
Yot
hando:
Idon'
thav
eapr
obl
em wi
thi
t'
sfi
nebyme.
Azol
e:Thenwhatar
ewewai
ti
ngf
or?
Wedr
ovet
oKFC,
andor
der
ed.
Gigi
:Thatwomani
str
endi
ngguy
s,al
lov
erTwi
tt
er
andFacebook.
Wet
ookoutourphones,
Justt
ocheckup.
"
Iknewhewast
oogoodt
obet
rue"
"Hewasawel lknownBox
er,I
'
m sur
ethePol
i
ce
didn'
tbel
i
evet
hewoman"
"Youcannev
erknow aper
son,Deat
hwastooeasy
hedeser
vedtodi
e100ti
mesthewayhedi
ed"
"
Canwewakehi
m andki
l
lhi
m agai
n,makesur
ehe
f
ini
sheshi
speni
s"
Me:
Yhoopeopl
ear
ebr
utal
downt
her
e.
Azol
e:Yhoo,t
hethi
ngstheyar
esayi
ngaboutt
he
wif
elyi
ng,
ofnowgoodhe'
smanwas.
Yot
hando:
I'
m Gl
adt
hatwomanspoke,
shedi
dgr
eat
.
Me:Yeah,andtothi
nkIwast
heonl
yonewhowas
hi
sv i
cti
m,hehad more.Hewasasickman.He
makesmesi ckAr
gh.
Ourf
oodcame,
weat
ewhi
l
etal
ki
ng.
Azol
e:Wi
neev
ery
body
?
SeewhatImeantaboutwi
ne?I
t'
sther
apeut
icy
'al
l
shoul
dtr
yit
.
Me:
I'
m game.
Yot
hando:
Ineedi
ttoo.
Gi
gi:
Winei
t'
s.
Wewentt oal i
quorst
oret
hatwasn'
tthatf
arf
rom
KFCanddr ov
et omyhouse,I
'm sur
emom wil
lbe
backl
ater
.
Azol
e:Youknowletmel
i
ghtupt
hemoodaboutmy
dat
ewithchumani
.
Wear
eseat
edj
ustout
sidemyhouse.
Gi
gi:
Indul
geussi
ster
,indul
geus.
Azol
e:GetaManFi
rst
.
Weal
ll
augh,
Azol
eissuchamood.
Azol
e:I
'
m Sor
rymyGi
gi,
Iwasj
oki
ng.
Gi
gi:
Iknowbabyy
ouwer
ejoki
ng.
Me:
We'
rewai
ti
ngpat
ient
lyHoney
.
Azole:Okaysohecal ledandconf irmedourdat ethat
we're meeti
ng atTashas Rest aur ant.Fine Iwas
dressedupt hent ookanUbert here, mindyouGuy sI
di
dn'tknowwhochumanii s,notev enGl impsef ineI
arri
vedther
eandt ol
dhi mthatI'm att heparkinglotI
don'twanttol ookl i
keaf oolhesai dhe'swear inga
Babybl ueShirtwi t
hBl uejeansI '
llseehi m.Fi neI
walked to Tasha' st here weret wo Guy s wear i
ng
Babybl ueshirtsbot hnotev enlooki nghandsome,
Guy sIwaswear ingmyOl i
veGr eensi lkDr essand
heelsIwassl ayingandmeet i
ngt hoseguy swasso
notoptional.Idi
dn'
tknowwhi chonetogo,
soIwent
tothebet t
eroneoft hosetwobutonmywayt hereI
fel
ta hand sneaki ng on mywai stand a manly
Cologneonmynost ri
lsItur
nedt her
ehewas,hewas
handsome he smi l
ed atme.He was notev en
wearingBlueshirtbutBlackjacketwit
hwhit
eT-shir
t
andjeanshel ookedperfect
.
Me:
Mor
ehandsomet
hanMl
ungi
si?
Azol
e:Doy
ouwantmet
ocar
ryonwi
thmyst
ory
?
Yot
hando:
Nahi
koj
ustshutup.
Me:
Okayf
ine,
sor
rycont
inue.
Azol
e:To answery ou,he's handsome butthe
MkhizeBrot
hersaretoohandsomebuthehasa
shar
eofhishandsomenessandIlovethat
,andwhy
areyoucompar
inghi
m withMlungi
si?
Il
augh.
Me:Yousaidyouwantt
ocont
inuewi
thy
ourst
oryso
whynotconti
nue?
Azol
e:AnswermyQuest
ionf
ir
stI
'
llcont
inue.
Me:I
t'
sbecauseMl
ungi
siwasori
syourCr
ushI
don'
tknowwhi
chi
sbuty
eahy
ourcr
ush.
Azole:He wasmycr ush he'
sPastNews.So t o
continuewi t
hmyst or
yhel eadust oaTabl e,andwe
chattedtheconv ersat
ionwasf l
owingandt herewas
achemi strybetweenusnol ie,sowet alkedand
tal
kedhewasf untobear ound,he'sFunnyhehasa
verygoodsenseofhumour ,heownsaConst ruct
ion
companyt oo.Sohehasmoneyt otakecar eofme.
Tocutt hest oryshorthewasal lt
hatIev erwanted,
l
ov eatfirstsightandyesIam i naRel at
ionshipwith
him andIl ovehim.
Me:
Arey
ouhappy
?
Gi
gi:
Doeshemakesy
ouhappy
?
Azol
e:YesIam happy
,andy eshemakesmehappy.
Al
ltheweekhewascalli
ngandt ext
ingy
est
erdaywe
werej
ustseal
i
ngthedeal.Il
ovehim.
Yothando:Thenifhemakesy ouhappyandyouare
happytoowehav enot
hingt
owor r
yabout,hemust
takecareofyou.
Me:I
fhebreaksyourhear
t,ncncIdon'
tknowwhat
I
'ddotohi
m.TellhimtothreadCar
eful
.I'
l
lbeathi
s
cheat
ingassi
fheevercheatsonyou,I
'm onephone
cal
lawayIcangetal
lcr
azyifIwantto.
Gi
gi:
I'
ll
chophi
sdi
ckandf
eedi
ttodogs.
Azol
e:WhooI
'
m scar
ed.ButI
'
llt
ell
him.
Weal
ll
augh.
Yothando:Tel
lhi
my ouhave3Bigsist
erswhowil
l
makesur eyoudon'
tev
ergethur
t,whol
ovesyouso
dearl
y.
Azol
e:I'
l
ltel
lhi
mthankyou,i
tfeel
ssogr
eatt
obe
thel
astbor
nIdi
dn'
tknow.
Me:
Don'
tgett
ooused.Canweseehi
spi
ctur
enow.
Azol
e:Sur
e!
SheshowsGi
giandYot
handof
ir
st.
Gi
gi:
he'
shandsome.
Yot
hando:
yeahhei
s,hel
ookscut
etoo.
Me:
Guy
sletmeseehi
mtoo.
Theypassmet
hephoneandIcheckt
hepi
ctur
e.
Me:
Hel
ooksf
ami
l
iarl
i
keI
'
veseenhi
m bef
ore.
Azol
e:Pl
easedon'
ttel
lmeheonceappr
oachedy
ou
I
'ddi
ea1000deaths.
Weal
ll
augh.
Me:No,i t
'sl
ikeI'
veseenhim somewher
eIdon't
know wherel
ikeIsaw aGl
i
mpseofhi m,butnahI
don'
tknowhim.
Azol
e:ThankGod.
Weal
ll
augh.
Me:I
'
dneverstealy
ourman,Ihav
emi
newhom I
l
ovet
hemost.
Azol
e:Iknow youwouldn'
tbebutwedon'
tknow
whattheguywoul
dthi
nk.
Me:
I'
dnev
ergof
orhi
m ev
en.
Weal
ll
augh.
Gi
gi:
Youneedt
orel
ax.
Azol
e:Speaki
ngoft
hatGi
gi,
wheni
syourbl
i
nddat
e?
Gi
gi:
Idon'
tknow,
butI
'
llsee.
Yot
hando:
ther
e'sacl
i
entwhowentt
omeetMl
ungi
si
atWor
khet
ookhernumber
s,hav
en'
thecal
l
ed?
Gi
gi:
Hecal
ledbuthe'
stoochi
l
dishI
'
m ol
denought
o
bepl
ayi
ngwit
hMachoman.
Me:
Takey
ourt
imedon'
trushhoney
.
Gi
gi:
Exact
lywhatI
'
m doi
ng.
Westayedthedri
nki
ngwine,t
il
llateGi
giandAzol
e
l
eft
.Iwaspacki
ngmyweekendbagYot handoi
sal
so
goi
ng t
o herMan sinceit
'sHolidayMondayand
we'
renotworki
ng.
Ical
lmymot
her
.
Mom:
Heybaby
.
Me:
Heymom,
whatt
imewi
l
lyoubebackathome?
Mom:I t
's seems as ift
here wi
llbe a cl
eansi
ng
ceremonyher et omorr
ow sowear esleepi
nghere
again,Ifeeldisgust
edherebutI'
m doi
ngi tfort
he
twi
ns.
Me:Yeah,hewast
hei
rFat
herandy
ouneedt
odo
r
ightbyt
hem.
Mom:Yeah,di
dyouneedany
thi
ngt
houghory
ou
wer
ecal
l
ingt
ocheckuponme?
Me:OhyeahIcal
ledtotel
lyouI '
l
lhespendi
ngt
he
t
wodayswit
hZit
hulel
esodon'tgetwor
ri
ed.
Mom:Okaybaby,pl
easebesafeandusecondom I
don'
twantGr
andchi
l
drennotnow,
I'
m st
il
lyoung.
Me:HaaaMama, I
'
m notev
enreadyt
ohavesexnow
andZit
hulel
eknowsthatandhe'snotr
ushi
ngme
andst
aff.
Mom:
Ohokaybaby
.
Me:Al
ri
ght
,letmeconti
nuewit
hmypacki
ngt
ellt
he
t
winst
hatImisst
hem andIl
ovethem.
Mom:Al r
ightIwil
l
,andtheywer
easkingaboutyou
andYothandotheyweresadyoulef
twit
houttel
l
ing
andspeakingt
hem.
Me:
Tel
lthem Iwasr
ushi
ngandI
'
m sor
ry.
Mom:
okayIwi
l
l.
Me:
Alr
ightby
ethenIl
ovey
ou.
Mom:
Ilov
eyoumor
ebabyby
e.
Idr
opped t
hecal
l
,I'
vel
onged t
ext
ed Zi
thul
elet
o
comeandf
etchmeIwasdonepacki
ng.
"
HeyI
'
mleav
ingLwandoi
sher
e".
Il
ookatt
hedoor
,Yot
handowasst
andi
ngt
her
e.
Me:Alr
ightpl
easeusecondomsi
'
m st
il
lyoungt
obe
anAunt.
NowI
'
m usi
ngmymot
her
'swor
ds.
Yot
hando:wor
seI
'mthi
nki
ngifgett
ingababy,you
nev
erknowwheni
sthet
imeforGodtotakeus.
Me:
You'
rest
il
lachi
l
dYot
hando,
usepr
otect
ion.
Yot
hando:
Yesmommy
!.
Shel
aughedwal
ki
ngout
.
"Don'
tforgett
olockt
heGat
e"sheshout
sfr
om t
he
othersi
de.
IwalkedtotheFr
idgeIfi
nishthewinethatwasl
eft
andwentt owashmymout hi nthebathr
oom.My
phonerangi
nmyr oom i
t'
sZithul
ele.
Me:
Heybabe.
Zi
thul
ele:
I'
m out
sidebaby
.
Me:
Alr
ightI
'
m comi
ng.
It
akemybagandswit
chof
ftheli
ght
s,I
'm sot
ipsyi
n
aver
yni
cewayIlov
ethewayI'
mfeel
ingri
ghtnow.
Il
ockal
lthedoor
sandGat
e.He'
sst
andi
ngnextt
oa
Bl
ackPol
oGTI.
He'
slooki
ngashandsomeasev
er.
Me:
Heyl
ove.
Zi
thul
ele:
youl
ookbeaut
if
ulasal
way
s.
I
'm onl
yinmyjeansandT-shi
rthe'sf
ool
i
ngmebutI
don'
tmindt
hatbecauseI
'
m blushing.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Hehugsme,ki ssmeonmyf
oreheadt
henopent
he
Passengerdoorf
orme.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Hewal
kst
ohi
ssi
det
hengeti
nsi
de.
Hel
ooksatmef
oral
ong3mi
nut
es.
Zi
thu:UngenzaniBhel
ekazi
?[Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
o
meBhelekazi
?]
Ibl
ush.
Zi
thu:
Ngi
yakut
handa.[
Ilov
eyou]
Me:
Ndi
yakut
handaNam.[
Ilov
eyout
oo]
Hekissthetopofmyheadanddr
ivesof
fPl
ayi
ng
KennyG'
sSongs.
.
TWENTY
"
WakeupSt
handwasami
"Ar
ghZi
thul
ele.
Me:
2Mor
emi
nut
esmyl
ove.
AsIwasaboutt
ocov
ermy
sel
fwi
thabl
ankethe
snat
ched.
Me:
Real
l
yZi
thul
eleReal
l
youchh.
Ihel
dmyhead,i
twasbangi
ngI
'
m nev
erdr
inki
ng
agai
n.
Zi
thu:
What
'swr
ongbabe,
youokay
?
Me:
YeahI
'
mfi
nei
t'
sjustHeadache.
Zit
hu:Pl
easetakeashowerI
'
llmakesomet
hingf
or
youtoeatt
hendri
nksomepai
nkil
l
ers.
Me:
OkayThanks!
.
YesterdayIt houghtIwast ipsybuti nact ualf actI
wasdr unk,ThatKennyGofhi smademef allasleep
andIwast i
r edsoIsl eptont hecar .Itakeashower
andl oti
onwi thmySt uffIbr oughtmyt oil
etryt hi
s
ti
me.Af terlot i
onIwor emycot t
onshor tsandat ank
topthenwor esl i
des, i
t'
shotout side.Imademyway
downst ai
rst heAr omacan' tbemi ssed,andIdi dn'
t
eatLastNi ghtsof orsurei'
m hungr y
.Ist andatt he
doorFr amewat chinghim ashedohi st hing,sur el
y
heknowshi swayi nthekitchen,butt onightI'llbe
taki
ngov erandshowhi m whatBhel ekazitaughtme.
"
Youknowy
oucant
akeapi
ctur
eitl
astl
ong"
Me:If
orgoti
tupst
air
s,I
'
mlazyt
ogoupheadache
i
sn'
tgi
vi
ngmeachance.
Zi
thu:
wer
eyoudr
inki
ngy
est
erday
?
Me:
NoIwasn'
t.
Zi
thu:
Yousur
e?
Me:
Yeah!
Heswit
ched of
ft hest
oveand camet o me.He
wr
apshi
sarmsar oundmywai
st.andpeckmyneck
t
hent
rai
lof
ftomyshoul
der
.
Zi
thu:BukaMi
naSt
handwaSam.[
Lookatmemy
l
ove].
Ishyawayandl
ookar
ound.
Zi
thu:
Ngi
yakhul
umaphoNahi
ko.[
I'
mtal
ki
ngNahi
ko]
.
Il
ookathi
m,Ist
arer
ightathi
sEy
es,hehasDar
k
bl
ueey
es.
Zi
thu:
wer
eyoudr
inki
ngy
est
erday
?
Me:
Justf
ewGl
assesofwi
ne.
Zit
hu:Phouqambel
aniamanga?[
Thenwhydi
dyou
l
ie?]
Idon'
tAnswer ,hechuckl ethenKi ssme,Iki sshim
BackhisGrani sti
ghtonmywai st.Idon'
tknowwhy
butI
'm enj
oyingthiskiss,hepicksmeupandputme
ontopoft heki t
chenCount er,myhandsf i
ndshi s
neckashei sbrushingmybar ethighs,Itakemyl eft
handintohi
schestr ubbingi
tsl owlyupanddown.I
don'
tknow whatI '
m doi ngorwhatI '
mf eelingbutI
don'
twantitt ostop,hecomesf ormyneckIt hrow
myhead backand al l
ow hi m to hav e some f ul
l
access.Il et a sl
i
ght moan whi
le he gr
oans
ti
ghteni
nghisgrabonmyt hi
ghsifIwasWhitein
ski
ncolourIwoul
dbehavi
nghandmarks.
"
Yhoyoutwogetar oom"hegr
oansonmyneck
whi
l
eIkeephi
m cl
ose.
Zi
thu:Itol
dy'al
lnott
ocomet odayandt
omor
row,
whatareyoudoi
nginmyhouse?
Guy
:GeezBr
elaxwewer
epassi
ng.
"
YoSandswhyareyouwaisti
ngt
imeont
hebeer
s"a
v
oicef
rom t
hel
oungeShouts.
Zi
thu:
real
l
yGuy
s?
Hef i
nal
l
yletgoofme,andr
emov
emef
rom t
he
count
er.
Zit
hu:Babepleaseeatsomet
hingI
'
llComeandgi
ve
youyourpai
nkil
ler
s.
Sandz
:HeybabyGi
rl
.
Me:
Hi.
Hetakes3beer
sonfr
idgeandgobacktothel
ounge,
Zi
thul
eleki
ssmeandfol
lowaft
ert
hatSandz.
Ieatthechickenmay oWr apandpot atochi
psont he
si
de,It akeaj uiceint hef r
idge,Iseatatbar st
ool
nexttothekitchencount er.Whatjusthappened?My
panti
eswer e wet,Iwasgoi ng to have sexwith
Zit
hulel
e?Ican' ttrustmybodyar oundhim now.I
j
ustcan't,whatwoul d'
vehappenedi fhisfri
enddidn'
t
come.
"
Hey
"Il
ookatMl
ungi
sist
andi
ngatt
hedoor
.
Me:
HiMl
u,howar
eyou?
Mlungi
si:I
'
m Good,i
t'
sbeenal
ongt
imewi
thout
seei
ngyou.
Me:Yeah,y
ounol
ongercomei
ntheof
fi
cet
hati
s
why.
Mlungi
si:MyWi fei s pr
egnant
,she's on her6t
h
Month,sheli
kesgi
vingbir
thpremat
urel
ysoIhav et
o
Bebyhersideever
yt i
me.
Me:That
'
saGoodt hi
ngtodo,Congr
atul
ati
onsby
t
heway.Howmanyki
dsdoyouhav
e?
I
'mthi
nki
ngofwhatMamkhi zesai
daboutMl
ungi
si'
s
wi
febei
ngpregnantal
lthet
ime.
Ml
ungi
si:
Thanky
ou,
thi
sisat
hir
dbaby
.
Me:
Ohht
hat
'sni
ce,
babi
esar
eabl
essi
ng
Mlungi
si:t
rul
ytheyar
e,soy
ouandmybr
otherar
e
dati
ng.
Me:
Yeswear
e.
Mlungisi
:Congr at
ulati
ons,ifhecheat sony ou,beat
youupt akey ouf orshitleav ehisAssbaby .Don't
settlefor l ess.Iknow he i s my br other but
Mamkhi zemadesur ewet reatwomenwi threspect
soi fhedoesn' tLeavehim si mpleast hat
,y ouneed
tov al
uey oursel fmoreint hanv al
ueaRel ationshi
p,I
know thisbecausei t
'
sbeen4y earssinceImar r
ied
OyisabutIt akecar eofmy selff
ir
stthenherandour
ki
dsandmar riage.Youcoul dsavear el
ati
onshi pbut
l
oosey our selfwhilesav i
ngi t,
sodoy ouBabygi rl.
Il
augh.
Me:Thanky ouMl
ungi
si,I
'
llcar
ryy
ouradv
icewi
th
mealways.
Mlungi
si:I
'
m Glady
ouwi
l
l,nowcomemeett
her
est
ofthebr
other
s.
Me:
I'
m wear
ingashor
t.
Mlungi
si:sowhat
?It
'snotl
i
kewewi
l
ltouchy
our
t
highs.
Iwasht heplat
eandt heGlassIwasusi
ngthen
t
akeshishand,heoffer
edme.Wemakeourwayto
t
heloungehandinhand.
Chumani
?YeahIknewi
t,Iknowhi
m.
Mlungi
si:Thi
sisSands,who'
sful
lnamei
sSandi
l
e
and
Me:
Chumani
.
Zi
thu:
Youknowhi
m?
Me:
YeahIdo,
butChumani
doy
ouknowme?
Chumani
:YeahIdo.
Zi
thu:
Andwher
edoy
ouguy
sknoweachot
her
!.
Me:
He'
sdat
ingmybestf
ri
endAzol
e.
Sandz
:Andwedi
dn'
tknowaboutt
hat
?
Zit
hu:Youcangoaskhi
mthatquesti
onout
sidemy
house,cany
ouguy
sleav
e?You'
veseenmywifenow
l
eav
e.
Mlungisi
:can we f
ini
sh t
hese l
astcans Baf
o?
[
Brother]
Zi
thu:
Chaani
ngi
phumel
e.[
Nopl
easel
eav
e]
Theyl
eav
emumbl
i
ngsomet
hingwecan'
thear
Me:Real
l
yZi
thul
ele?Di
dyour
eal
l
yhav
etobet
hat
r
ude?
Zi
thu:Theydist
urbed mypeace wi
th mywoman
whenItol
dthem nott
ocome!
.
Me:
Sti
l
lyou'
rer
ude!
Zi
thu:
Shoul
dIcal
lthem her
eagai
n?
Me:
What
?Nodon'
t.
Zi
thu:
Thencomel
et'
swat
chamov
ieonNet
fl
ix.
Me:PleasemakesomesnackandIwi
l
lchoosea
movi
e.
Zi
thu:
SthandwaSam doy
ouknowhowt
ocook?
Il
augh.
Me:
Whyar
eyouaski
ngt
hisquest
ion?
Zi
thu:Youal
wayssendmear oundtheKitchen,I
makesnackf
ory
ou,l
unchf
ory
ou, br
eakf
ast
.
Me:
Inev
eraskbabe,
youal
way
sof
fer
.
Zi
thu:
Doy
ouknowhowt
oCookt
hough?
Me:
NoIdon'
t.
Zi
thu:
Iknewi
t,doy
ouknowhowt
omakeEggs?
Me:
Ial
way
sbur
nthem,
andonl
ymeeat
sthem
Zit
hu:I'
llteach you how to cook mawungena
emagcekenioMkhiz
eyoushouldknowhowtocook.
[Whenyouentert
heMkhizehousehol
ds]
Me:
Yout
hebestcookersoIdon'
thav
etowor
ry.
Zit
hu:Mamkhi
zewoul d cr
yi sshehear sherson
cooksforagir
l.Hayiangisakhul
umikengoBaba.
[Nott
oevenmenti
onhowmyFat herwoul
dfeel
]
Me:I'mjoki
ngIcancook,I '
llmakesomet
hingGood
foryou,j
ustwaitfortoni
ght
.RememberIwasrai
sed
bymyGr andmot hershewouldt ur
nin hergr
ave
shouldIdi
sappointher.
Zi
thu:ThenIj
ustcan'
twai
t,l
etmegomaket
he
snack,
pleasechooseav
erygoodmov
ie.
Me:
Sur
eIwi
l
l
Hemakeshi
swayt otheki
tchenwhileIchoosea
ni
cemovi
eforus.I
'
llgoforTylerPer
ry'
sFallf
rom
Gr
ace.
"Deci
ded?"Heaskscomi
ngt
oseatnextt
ome,he
haschipsandsweet
s.
Me:
AFal
lFr
om Gr
acei
t'
sTy
lerPer
ry'
smov
ie.
Zi
thu:
OkayLet
'swat
ch.
Heset
tl
enextt
omeandl aymyheadonhi
sthi
ghs.
Wewatcht
hemovi
efel
l
ingcomfor
tabl
e

BytheTimet hemovi
eIdon'
tknowhowmanyt i
mes
Icr
ied,Ty
lerperr
yisGOAThehasnoleaguehekeep
makingushat eman.
Me:
Hedi
dn'
tdeser
vet
oli
ve,
Ithoughthedi
ed.
Zi
thu:
You'
reaSuchacr
ybaby
,butmycr
ybaby
.
Me:The t
hings us women go t
hrough,we don'
t
deser
vet
hem.Wecant r
ytobestrongit'
sManl i
ke
hi
mt hatmakesuswomenl i
veinfear
,f earforour
Li
ves,f
ormarr
iagesbecauseofsuchsi
tuations
Zithu:Igetwhaty ouar esaying,therear est i
llgood
MenOutt here,manwhowi l
lnev erlaytheirhandson
women,Man who r espects woman.If or one
Promi seyouIwi llneverlayhandony ou,di srespect
you,cheatony ou,madey oufeelsmal l.Iwi l
lalway s
cherishbeingwi thyou,Il ovey ouBhel ekazii t'
syou
thatIlovenobodyel se,youhav emyhear t
.I'mi nthis
foral ongrun,memar ryi
ngy ouwi llnev erchangemy
l
ov ef oryouIwi lll
ety ouliveyourdr eams,bewhat
youwantt obebutal lIaskf rom y oui shonest yand
Lov ethat'
sallIaskfrom y ou.Yourl ovei sv erymuch
suffici
entformeandt hat'
sall.
Me:Il ovey ouMkhize,Il
ov eonl yyou.You'
remyfirst
andl astlove,youhavet hatf r
om me.Icamet oy ou
broken,Hav i
ngscars,hurtandhav ingnospacefor
l
ov e.Youl ovedmer egardlessal lt
hat,t
hankyoufor
thatKhabazel a.Thanky ouf oryourhugelovethank
you,trustmeI 'minthi
sf orthelongestrunofmyl i
fe.
Ican'tevenexpl ai
nmyl oveImy selfdon'
tknowhow
Icanl ov
eaper sont hi
smuchbuty oumadei tall
possi
ble,
you'r
edeepinmyheartandit
'sy
ounobody
el
se,Ican'
tevenimagi
nemylifewit
houtyouinit
,in
suchashortspaceofti
meyou'r
edeepinthedepths
ofmyheart.Il
oveyouMkhi
ze,onlyy
ou.
Icaresshi
sface,het akesmyhandsandki ssthem.
Hecomesi nmyf aceandki ssmeandkisshim back,
thi
ski ssi
sdifferentfrom theotherkisseswe've
sharedbef
oreit'
sf ul
lofl oveandemot i
ons.Tears
dropdownmycheeks, i
t'
sthiski
ssi
t'
sjustamazing.
Zi
thu:
Ngi
funaubeUmkam.[
Iwanty
out
obemywi
fe]
Me:Al
lindueti
memylove.Letmegot
otheki
tchen
andCook,
it'
sget
ti
ngl
ate.
Zit
hu:I
'l
lbei
nmyst
udydoi
ngsomeof
fi
cewor
kof
youneedme.
Me:
Okaybabe.
It
akethebowlsthathadchips,andsweet
sthen
makemywaytotheki
tchenandIri
nset
hem.
Whatam Igoingtocook,Icheckthefri
dgeand
cupboar
ds whatto cook.Ideci
ded on cooki
ng
creamysampandoxt
ailst
ew.
Itake outt
he necessar
yingr
edi
ent
s and st
art
ed
cooki
ng.
It
's7pm andI'vealr
eadysetthetabl
e,Iwentupstai
rs
andchangedi ntohissweatpant
sandaT- shi
rt.Then
wenttohisst udy,hewasbusyconcent r
atedonhi s
Laptopscreen,helookedreal
lyhandsome.
Me:
Foodi
sreadypl
easecome.
Hecl
osesherl
apt
ont
henmakeshi
swayt
ome.
Zit
hu:I
'v
ebeendy
ing,I
'
m sohungr
yicoul
deatf
or3
peopl
e.
Me:
Thencomeandf
ulf
il
lyourwi
sh.
Zi
thu:
Shoul
dIor
derapi
zzaj
usti
ncase?
Me:
Ther
e'snoneedcome.
Hef
oll
ows.
Zi
thu:
Mycl
othessui
tyou.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Zi
thu:
NiceAss.
Ist
opandl
ookathi
m.Heshr
ugshi
sshoul
derandI
shakemyhead.
Me:
You'
resuchaPer
vet
.
Hel
aughs.
Zi
thu:
Andy
oul
ovet
hisPer
vet
.
Me:
mxxm.
HeseatsdownandIwenttot
hekitchent
ookabowl
wi
thwar m wat
erandatowel
.I'
m doingt
hist
heold
way,i
t'
smyf i
rstti
mecooki
ngf orhim soali
tt
le
r
espectgoesalongaway.
Zi
thu:
mhh,
canIgett
hist
reat
mentf
orev
er?
Hewasheshi
shandsanddr
iest
henwi
tht
hecl
oth.
Me:
Don'
tgetused.
Iwalktothekit
chenandcomebackwi
thj
uicet
hen
wentbacktofet
chourpl
ates.
Zit
hu:Itsmell
s greatcan'twai
ttotast
eit.Pho
Sthandwasamiunderukuphi
?[Mylov
ewhereismy
beer?]
Me:
Nott
odayl
ove,
you'
l
ldr
inkj
uice.
Zi
thu:
Thi
ngswedof
orl
ove.
Heshakeshi
shead,
Ibl
esst
hef
oodandweeat
.
Zi
thu:mhh Sthandwa samithi
sis good,ev
en
Mamkhi
zenevermadesuchanamazi
ngdi
sh.
Me:
Met
hanky
ou,
Igoti
tal
lfr
om myGr
andmot
her
.
Zi
thu:
Thankst
oher
.
Weeatwi t
hhi m complement i
ngmyf ood,heasks
f
orsecondsandIdi shforhi
m again.Aftereat
ingwe
washedthedishes,andput t
edt helef
toversonthe
f
ri
dgehesaidit'
sgoi ngtobehisbreakf
ast.
Wemakei
ttot
her
oom.
"I
'
m goi
ngtotakeashowerwannaj
oinme"Ichoked
onmysali
va.
Idi
dn'
texpectt
hat
.
Zi
thu:I'
mj oki
ngI
'l
ltakeshoweri
nther
oom next
dooryoucanuset
hisone.
Inod,becauseI
'm st
il
lshockedaboutwhatI
'vej
ust
sai
d.Itookashowerthem woremypyjamas.
Hecamewear
inghi
ssweat
pant
s.
Igotinsidethecover
s,her
emov
eshi
ssweat
pant
s
andleftwit
hhisboxer
s.
Hegoti
nsi
det
hecov
erst
oo,andsnuggl
esmenext
t
ohim.
Zi
thu:
Yousmel
ll
ikef
lower
s,y
ousmel
lgood.
Me:Ican'
tev
ensayt
hatabouty
ou,y
ousmel
lgood
t
oo.
Zi
thu:
Baby
Me:
mhh?
Zi
thu:Aft
er(clear
sthr
oat
)af
terMt
het
ho,hav
eyou
ev
erini
ti
atedinsex?
Me:
No.
Zi
thu:
ohokay
.
Hekeepsqui
etl
i
kehe'
sthi
nki
ng.
Me:
Whyar
eyouaski
ngt
hisquest
iont
hough?
Zit
hu:Iwasjustaski
ng,Isawhowshockedy ouwere
whenIt al
kedabouthav i
ngashowerwi t
hme.You
don'thavetobescar edofme,Iwoul dnev erdo
anythi
ngthatcouldhurtyou,i
fyou'
renotreadyI'
m
wi
l
li
ngt
owai
tnor
ush.
Me:
Thanky
ouf
orunder
standi
ng.
Il
ayonhi
schest
.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Zi
thu:
Wit
hal
lofmyhear
tIl
ovey
out
oo.

Iwast hef
irstonet
owakeupi nthemorni
ng,Iwent
tothebathroom washedmyhands,f
aceandmout h
thenwentbackt obed.Itookmyphonethem took
pict
uresofhiscuteface,andIneedtochangemy
wall
paper.
Iki
sshim al
lov
erhisf
acehegr
oansandswamps
mearound,
nowhe'
sont
opofme.
Zi
thu:
Mor
ningSweet
hear
t!
Ismi
l
eathi
m
Heki
ssmet
henl
eav
esandgot
otheBat
hroom.
Hecomesback.
Zi
thu:Comel
et'
sgo makey
ousomebr
eakf
astI
hav
emyl
eft
over
s.
Me:Butinthemor
ningbabe,can'
tyoueati
tli
kei
n
t
heAfter
noon.
Zi
thu:
Iwanti
tnow.
Hesai
dsul
ki
ng.
Me:
Okayokay
,youcanhav
eit
.
Hesmi
l
ed,
thent
ookmyhand.
Me:
Whynotpi
ggy
backme?
Zi
thu:
Chay
ou'
reHeav
y!
Me:
Haa,
Zit
hul
eleI
'
m onl
yasi
ze30/
32Geez
.
Zi
thu:
Iwasj
oki
ngcome.
Hetakesmeonhi
sbackandwemakeourway
downst
air
s.
Zi
thu:
You'
rel
i
ghtasaf
eat
her
!.
Ilaughed,becauseIagr
eewi
thhi
m cozIr
eal
l
yfeel
l
ight.
"Zi
thuwhomadet hi
soxt
ailandcreamysamp,t he
bestI
'v
eevert
ast
ednotev
eni canpul
litt
hrough"
Zi
thu:
Mamkhi
zeear
lyi
nthemor
ning!
Mamkhi
ze:
Sawubunasi
sterwi
fe.[
Hel
l
o]
Me:
Hel
l
oma.
.
Zi
thu:
Iaskedy
ouaquest
ion.
Mamkhize:Iwasj
ustpassi
ngby,soIdecidedt
o
comeandmakey oubreakf
astIt
houghty
ouwere
al
one.
Zi
thu:
ohh,
andt
henmyf
ood?
Mamkhi
ze:
It'
sGood,
whocookedi
t?
Zi
thu:
Nahi
ko.
Mamkhize:youneedt
ot eachmehowt omaket
his
oxt
ail
,Ineedtomakei
tformyhusband.
Me:
I'
ll
teachy
oudon'
twor
ry.
Mamkhize:Okayki
dsl
etmel
eav
eyou,pl
easeagai
n
don'
tmakebabies.
Wel
augh.
Me:
Byema
Zi
thu:
Byemyl
ove!
Shewav
esandwal
kout
.
Zit
hu:Ineedtochangemylocks,
speci
all
ynowthatI
haveyou,theyj
ustcan'
tcomeanyti
metheywant
.
Me:
Butt
heyar
eyourf
ami
l
y
Zithu:Thef actthatI'
m notmar r
ieddoesn'
tmean
thatt heycouldcomeher eany
timeIrespectt
hei
r
pri
v acy,t
heyshouldrespectmi
ne.
Me:
okayIhear
dyou.
Zi
thu:
Nowcomeher
e.
Hehugsmet
ight
lybutnott
hatt
ight
.
Zi
thu:
Iwantt
obewi
thy
oual
lthet
ime.
Me:
It'
swor
kbabe,
atl
eastI
'
llbel
eav
ingl
ateron.
Zi
thu:
Ilov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyouwaymor
e.
Hesmil
esatmeandkissmeandweshar eahug,
t
hisf
eel
sli
keHome,
Idon'
twantt
oletgo!
.
Guy
sIhav
eloadsofschool
wor
kthatIneedt
ocov
er,
so1inser
tadaywoul
ddo.Theni
fI'
m nott
hatbusy
I'
l
lty
pe2orme.
Lov
ey'
al
l,
Goodni
ght
TWENTYONE
ZI
THULELEMKHI
ZE
"Bhutisheshaphel
akadengil
i
ndi
l
elana"[
Bigbr
other
hurryupI'vebeenwai
ti
ngfort
ool
onghere]
Iregr
ettel
l
ingBabusi
siwethatI
'
m comi
ngwi
thher
togoshoppingf
orTomorr
ow'spart
y.
Iwal
ktoher
.
Me:Can'
tweli
kedoi
ttomorr
owwhenwe'
rei
nCape
Town,I
'
llgi
vey
oumycard.
Babu:
youpr
omi
sebhut
i?
Me:
Yesbabysi
s,buty
oudon'
ttel
lBuhl
e.
Babu:Myli
psar
eseal
ed,l
etmegoandPackmy
cl
othes.
Me:
Sur
e.
Iwal
kbackt
omyr
ondav
el,myphonei
sri
ngi
ngi
t'
s
mywi
fe.
Me:
mkam.[
Mywi
fe]
Nahi
ko:Pl
easetel
lmey
ou'
reony
ourwayt
othe
Ai
rpor
tcomi
ngback.
Me:Iwillbef
lyi
ngl
aterSt
handwaSam.Pl
easebe
pat
ient
Nahi
ko:Pati
entZi
thul
ele?Pat
ientst
ayt
her
edon'
t
comeback.
Me:Iwil
lmeetupwi t
hy oul
ateassoonasIl
and
you'
l
lbet
hefi
rstper
sonIsee.
Nahi
ko:
Imi
ssy
oubaby
.
Me:ImissyoutooSthandwaSam,
thi
shast
obet
he
l
ongestmonthever
.
Nahiko:Mi
net oo,andi
t'
sal
lyourf
aultI
'm gl
uedt
o
you.Youneverwantmetomovebyyoursi
de.
Me:Ijustcan'
tgetenoughofyout
hat'
swhy
.You
andy
ourfri
endsarest
il
li
naboutt
omorr
ow?
Nahi
ko:Yeahwewi
l
lit
'
snotl
i
kewehadsomewher
e
t
ogo.
"
Baf
o,Baf
o!"ThatMl
ungi
sical
l
ingme.
Me:LookmyloveIhav
et oleaveri
ghtnow,I
'
llcal
l
youwhenI
'
m aboutt
ocatchafli
ghtokay
.
Nahi
ko:
OkayBaby
,Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyouwaymor
e.
Nahi
ko:
IknowBy
e!
Shedr
opst
hecal
l
.
Me:
what
'st
hepr
obl
em.
Mlungi
si:Oyisaisgiv
ingmepr
obl
emsshewantme
t
obaby si
t.
Ijustneedabeer
.
Me:Itoldyoutostopmaki
ngbabi
es,l
ookaty
ou
now.Asambe.
[l
et'
sgo]
Wewentt
othemai
nhouseandtookbeer
sfr
om t
he
f
ri
dget
henwal
kedt
othekr
aal.
Ml
ungi
si:
Whenar
eyoumaki
ngbabi
es?
Me:When t heti
mei sr i
ght
,Iwanthert ofi
nish
school
fir
st,
engagehergetmarr
iedt
henki
ds.
Ml
ungi
si:
Youseeaf
utur
ewi
thher
?
Me:ther
e'snooneipi ctur
ehavi
ngfuturewit
hi fnot
wit
h her,Ilove herman t hatiteven scare me
someti
me,whati fihurtheri
ntheprocesswebot h
knowthatI'
m notper
fectbutI
'mtry
ingforher.
Mlungi
si:Thenyouhavet
otal
ktoMkhi
zeabout
,he
knowsthebestwords.
"
Andwhatdoy
ouneedt
otal
ktomeabout
?"
Mkhi
zesatont
her
ockj
ustopposi
teus.
Ml
ungi
si:
Hewi
l
ltal
ktoy
ou,
I'
m gone!
Heleftj
ustl
ikethat,he'
ssuchat r
ait
ornowIhav et
o
facemyFat heralone,He'sav er
yst r
aightf
orwar
d
Manhedoesn' tbeataroundt
hebush.He' saManof
hiswordsandwheni tcomestowomenhepr ot
ect
s
them wi
thhi
s.
"
Ngi
l
alel
eGubhel
a"[
I'
mli
steni
ng]
Me:
ChaBabai
t'
snotabi
gthi
ng.
Mkhi
ze:
Khul
umaZi
thul
ele.[
speakZi
thul
ele]
Me:Babawewer etalki
ngaboutmarri
ageandkids,
andItol
dMl ungi
sithatwhenNahikoisreadyand
donewit
hschoolI
'l
ldotheri
ghtt
hing.
Mkhi
ze:
Arey
ousur
eabouther
?
Me:YesBabaI '
m sur
e,I'
venev erbeent
hissur
e
aboutsomet
hingasIam r
ightnow
Mkhize:Can she handl
ey ou,do you t
hing she'
s
st
rongenoughtobeaMkhi zeWife?
Me:That'
swhati
swor
ryi
ngme,she'
stoof
ragi
l
eI'
m
scar
edforher
.
Mkhi
ze:
Hav
eyout
oldher
?
Me:
Chababa.
Mkhi
ze:
Whatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or?
Me:Ther i
ghtti
me,butIwil
ltel
lherwhenshei
s
r
eady.I
t'
snotli
keI'
mrushi
ngher
.
Hechuckl
e.
Mkhize: Angi zophi
nda ngi
khulume nawe
ngaloku,
MtsheleGubhela.[Iwonttal
ktoyouabout
thi
sagain,t
ellherGubhela]
Hel ef
tandIwasnow leftal
oneinthekr
aalwi
th
thought
sinmymi nd.Icarpul
ledoutatt
heGat
e,
Buhlecameoutsmi
li
ng.
Thecardr
oveof
f,Iwal
kedt
oher
.
Me:UphumaphiBuhl
e!?[
Wher
ear
eyoucomi
ngf
rom
Buhl
e]
Shequi
ckl
ytur
nedandLookedatme.
Buhl
e:Bhut
i?
Me:Uphumaphi
?Ubukuphi
?[Wher
ear
eyoucomi
ng
f
rom,wherewer
eyou?]
Buhl
e:Uhm comi
ngf
rom myf
ri
end'
spl
ace.
Me:
WhoJustdr
oppedy
ou?
Buhl
e:Oht
hat
,thatwasmyf
ri
end'
smot
her
.
Me:maungi
bheki
leubonaISdomu?[wheny
oul
ook
atmedoyouseeanidi
ot?
]
Buhl
e:ChaBhut
i.[
Nobi
gbr
other
]
Shel
ookeddown.
Me:Usuyaj
olamanj
eBuhl
e?[
Arey
oudat
ingnow
buhl
e?]
Buhl
e:Chabhut
i.
[Nobi
gbr
other
]
Me:wee Buhl
e,ngi
yakukhuza nj
alo.Ungangi
l
ingi
Minauy ezwa?Hlukananabafanauseyi
nganephel a
Siyezwana?[Buhl
eI'm war
ningyou,
don'ttestmedo
youhearme?Leav etheboysaloneyou'
restil
lachi
l
d
arewecl ear
?]
Buhl
e:Yebo bhut
ingi
kuzwi
l
e![Yesbi
g br
otherI
hear
dyou]
.
Me:Youcango,wehave1hourt
ospar
esot
hatwe
cangobackt
ocapetown.
Buhl
e:al
ri
ght
.
Shewalkedaway,
she'sonly20year
soldshecannot
bedati
ng,she'
ssti
llyoung.Iwalktomyr ondav
elI
tookmybagt hencontinuedwit
hmyPacki ngthat
wasdi
sturbedbyMlungi
si.
"
Baf
o"can'
tIj
usthav
epeace!
Me:YeboMnqobiy
inii
nki
nga?[
YesMnqobiwhat
's
t
heprobl
em?
].
MnqobicomesaftermethenBabusi
si
weandt
he
l
astbor
nisBuhl
ebendal
o.
Mnqobi
:IneedsomeR200brother
,I'
l
lrepayy
ou
whenwegetbackt
ocapet
own.
Me:Okayletmecount,youowememor et
hana
R5000andyounev
erpai
d.Whatwi
l
lyoudowi
tht
his
money?
Mnqobi
:ei
shI
'
llgi
vei
ttoSont
o.
Me:Whyar
ey ouplay
ingthi
sGi
rlMnqobi
?Ar
eyou
ev
enusi
ngcondom wi
thher?
Mnqobi:Usuqali
l
eubaubabaki t
hi,umncaneBaf
o
j
ustrelax.[you'
vestar
tedbei
nglikefat
hertous,
you'
resti
lly
oungbrot
her
]
Me:
I'
m ol
d,wayol
dert
hany
ou.
Mnqobi
:SocanIgett
hemoney
?
Me:
Iwanti
tback.
Igivehi
m aR200note,heleavesr
ightafterthat
.I
feelsorr
yf orNomasont
o,she lov es t
hisi di
ot
whereas Mnqobij
ustuse herwhen he's herein
Mnambithi
.
Il
ayonmybed,I'mti
red.Bei
ngHomei nLadySmith
hasal
waysbeenrefr
eshi
ng,beinginthegroundsof
Mkhi
ze'
sbutnotthi
stimearound.Iwasmi ssi
ngmy
Woman,whereasshewashav ingfunbacki ncape
t
own,butdeepdownIknew shemissesme.She
woul
dcal
lwhenshe'
sdr
unk,
ArghIl
ovethatgi
rl
.
"
Daddy
,daddy
!"
Myf
avour
it
eni
ececomest
omer
unni
ng.
Me:
YesMyAngel
.
Zen:We'
releav
ingnow,Mkhul
usai
dIshoul
dcome
andcal
lyou.
Me:
Okaydaddyi
scomi
ngr
ightnow!
Shenodsandr unback,thi
sonei sadr amaqueen,a
toomuchwor kbutshe'sbeenbehav i
ngsincebaby
Ndalowasbor n,shehasBigsisterduti
esnow.Itake
mysui tcase and giveitBabusi si
we then j
oined,
Mkhize,MlungisiandMnqobiint hekraal.Wetal
ked
totheMkhi zeancestor
s,af
terthatwemakeourway
totheAirport
.
"
HeyBabywe' r
eonourwaytotheAirpor
tri
ghtnow,
I
'l
lsee you aft
er3 hour
s.You know Ilovey ou
Al
ways"
Ipr
esssend,
Ijustcan'
twai
ttoseet
hatpr
ett
yface.
_
___
___
___
___
___
_
NAHI
KOMSOMI

Ismi l
edaf t
err eadinghist ext, Ican'tbeliev eit'
sbeen
anAmazi ng6Mont hsbei ngi naRel ati
onshi pwi th
him,t his December has t o be t he bi t
tersweet
DecemberI '
veev erhear d.Thebi t
terparti swhenmy
Manl eftandwentbackhomei nKZNf orthi sHoliday
season.Hesai dit '
sar i
tual,ev er yyeartheygot here
andbewi tht her estoft heirFami lyIwashur tbutI
under standf ami lycomesf i
rst .Thesweetpar tis
thatIhav emysi stersatmycor ner,wecl ubbedt his
holidayl eftrightandcent re.Imi ssedmyMant oo
muchi t'sthe30t hofDecemberandI 'm shoppi ng
withmyf ri
endsf ort omor row' scr ossov eral lwhite
partyatt he' Mkhi zeMansi on' I'
llbemeet ingwi thhis
whol ef amily,I'
vemetMrMkhi zewaybef oreIdat ed
Zithulele,heoncecamei ntot heof ficeandl ookedat
mef ort helongestt imehewaswi thMl ungisithat
dayI '
m gl adhedi dn'tcomet omei 'm scar edoft hat
man.I '
llbemeet ingwi tht her estofhi sFami lyand
thatishi sbr otherand2si ster s.I'm notr eadybutI
don'tCar eI '
m notdat ing them I '
m dating t
heir
brotherwhet hert heyl
i
kei tornotIj ustdon'tCare.
Ont heot herpar tofgoodnewsZi t
hulel
ewillbe
turni
ng31ont he1stofJanuar ysoI '
l
lgivehimthe
bestbi r
thdaypr esentwhichismy sel
f.Itwil
lbeour
fi
rstt i
mebei ngi nti
mate,I'
mf inal
lyreadythanksto
Char maine'sgroupsessionithelpedal ot
.
"Areyougoi ngt osmil
el i
kethatal lday,wedon' t
havealldaywehav eMant ogot o"t hat'
sGigi,yes
youhear drightGigihasaMan.He' sacar pent
erhe
owns f ur
nishershop somet hi
ng like that,he'sa
colour
ed.Inev erknownGigili
kecol ouredsbutshe
l
oves hercal dri
n and cal
dri
nl oves hert oo.Our
bli
ndatesfailed.
Me:
Yesma'
am,
canwegonow.
Isai
dthr
owi
ngmyphonei
nsi
demyback.
.
Azol
e:Wehav
eal
i
nger
iet
olookf
or!
.
Gi
gi:
Iknowaper
fectSt
ore.
'
thi
ckmadame'
Me:
Arey
ouguy
str
yingt
osayI
'
mfat
?
Gigi
:It's notthat
,t hi
s shops sel
l
s allsor t
s of
beauti
full
inger
iebutSupportphatpeopletoo.They
havetheebestli
ngeri
eyou'l
lnev
ergowr ong.
Me:Guyscan'
tIj
ustwearmypant
ies?Idon'
tli
ke
t
hisi
dea.
Azole:Babygir
l,it
'
shi sbirt
hday,you'
reapresent
.
Havey oueverseenapr esentwit
houtwrap?You'
re
thepresentt
heli
ngeri
eisthecoverwrap.
Gi
gi:
Justl
i
ket
hat
,tr
ustmey
ou'
l
llooksexy
.
Azol
e:And i
fhe wr i
ps yourl
i
ngeri
eint
o peaces
tomor
row morni
ng he'
llgi
veyou hi
scardto bye
more.
Gi
gi:
Andi
tal
way
swor
k.
Me:Butguy
sthi
sisZi
thul
elewe'
ret
alki
ngabout
,
he'
saZul
uMan.
Azole:He'
sst i
l
laMan,andi t
'snotl
i
kehisbank
accountwi
llbehur
t.I
'
m sur
ehehasabl
ackcar
d.
Gi
gi:
Hehasabl
ackcar
d.
Me:
Canwej
ustgett
hisov
eranddonewi
th!
Azole:Ride hi
m baby,ri
de hi
m as i
f hi
sl i
fe
dependentonyou.Theni
ntheMorni
ngt
hecardis
al
lyours.
Ir
oll
edmyeyes,welookedar
oundandAzol
ecame
wi
thaRedl
i
ngerie.
Azol
e:Thi
sismadef
ory
ou!
We bought t he l i
ngeri
e,and t he dresses for
tomor r
ow.Sowear esorted,
waitther
e'ssomethi
ng
wr ongwit
hYot handoshehardlysai
danythi
ngtoday,
sheonl ypicked adr essshewi llweartomorrow
night.
Me:
Yot
handoy
ouokay
?
Yot
hando:
mhhy
eah,
yeah
Gi
gi:
Wewel
laskagai
n,Yot
handoar
eyouokay
?
Yot
hando:
Ithi
nkI
'
m pr
egnant
.
Me&Gi
gi:
What
??
Azol
e:Yhoo!
Me:
Whyy
out
hinki
ngl
i
ket
his?
Yot
hando:Thi
sist
he3r
dmont
hwi
thoutget
ti
ngmy
per
iods.
Me:Howaboutwegot
oclicksbuysomepr
egnancy
t
eststhenwhenwearr
iveathomewewi llcheck
t
hem.
Theyagr eewithme, aswe'realreadyatcl i
cksImake
mywayt otheclinicsi
dethere'snoone, IgetinsideI
doaf ami l
yplanningcontraceptiv
es.Ican' taffordto
be pregnant.Ipai dthen joined them.Gi giwas
dri
ving,wewentt oMcDonal d'sdrivethruandbought
ourselvesburgers.Therewasal otoft ensioni nthe
car,evenmi sstalknonstopAzol ewasqui et
.Thank
GodMamaandTwi nsarei ntheEast ernCape.We
seatdown.
Me:
10Test
sGuy
s?
Azol
e:What
?Wewantt
omakesur
e.
Gi
gi:
Yot
handopl
easegoandpeeont
hiscup.
Shegivesheracuptopee.Icanseei ti
nYot
hando'
s
eyesthatshe'sscar
ed.Shecomesback,wi t
hthe
cup.GigidipsthePregnancytest
sst i
cksi
ntothe
uri
ne.Andwewai t,myphonedi st
urbsthemoment
i
tsbabe.
Me:
Heyl
ove.
Zi
thu:
HeySt
handwaSam,
I'
vej
ustl
anded.
"
Sawubonasi
sterwi
fe"
Il
aughatMamkhi
ze'
svoi
ce.
Me:
sayt
omysi
sterwi
feIsayhel
l
otoo.
Hetel
lhi
smot her
,andhismotherwantst
otalkov
er
t
he phone butzi
thu i
s hav
ing non ofitand I
'
m
l
aughi
ngont heot
hersi
de.
Zi
thu:
Imi
ssy
ou,
Ican'
twai
ttoseey
ou.
Me:
Aboutt
hat
,Yot
handoi
snotf
eel
i
ngwel
l
.
Zi
thu:
Justf
or5-
10mi
nut
esmyl
ovet
henI
'
lll
eav
e.
Me:
Ohokay
.
Zi
thu:
Alr
ight
,I'
m onmyway
.
Me:
Okayhedr
opst
hecal
l
Azol
e:Al
ri
ghtl
et'
scheckt
her
esul
ts.
Yot
hando:
Nahi
kopl
easecheck.
Whatme?I
'
m scar
edt
oo.
Me:
Gigi
pleasecheck.
Gigit
urneachandeverytestther
earetworedli
ne
oneachandever
ysti
ck.Yothandocri
edIwentt
oher,
andhugher.
Me:
Youhav
etot
ell
Lwandoaboutt
his.
Yot
hando:
Webr
okeup,
andIwantt
odoabor
ti
on.
I
sshecr
azy
?
Me:
Whendi
dyouguy
sbr
okeup?
Yot
hando:
bef
oreDecember
.
Azol
e:Yhoo!
Gigi
:You can'
thaveAbor ti
on,t
heclearBl
u say
s
you'
re9weekspregnant
,it
'
sahugeri
sk.
Yot
hando:
Whatwi
l
lIdowi
tht
hispr
egnancy
?
Me:Youwi llt
ellLwando,i
fhedoesn'
twantt
hebaby
,
thenit'
ssimplewewi l
lbether
ewi t
hyoueachand
everystepoftheway .
Azole:Andy ou'
reol
denough,youareworkingyou
haveav erymuchstabl
ejob.Yourbabywillhav
e3
beauti
fulAuntswhowil
lspoi
lherli
kecrazyandwe
wi
l
llov
eher
,wewi
l
lev
enf
atherheri
fithast
o.
Gi
gi:I
t'
saboyAzolebuty
ou'
rer
ighti
neachand
ev
erywordy
ousai
d.
Me:OkayIknowyoutwowi l
lStar
tfi
ghti
ngaboutthe
gender
,butyeahsi
sabort
ionisnotanoptionsince
you'
refarwi
thyourpr
egnancy.Wear eher
efory ou
okay.
Yothando:Thanky
ouguy
s,Ineedagl
assofwi
ne
ri
ghtnow.
Azol
e:Uphambeneagl
assofOr
angej
uicecomi
ng
up.
Welaughathert
houghshe'
sri
ghtaboutwhatshe
j
ustsai
d.
Me:
Sowe'
regoi
ngt
obeAunt
s!
Azol
e:Wonder
sshal
lnev
erend!
We laugh at her st
atement
,ev
en Yot
hando i
s
l
aughi
ng.
Iam happyforher
,andI
'
llsupportheral
lthewayI'
l
l
evenbether
ewhenshegivesbirt
hIjustcan'
twai
t.
.
.
Ev
eni
ngl
oves.
Iam aski ngf ory'al
ltopl easepar ti
cipate,please
sharey ourviewsont hecommentboxsot hatIcan
bemot iv
atedbyy ourr esponset owardsmyst ory
.
Pleaseguy scommentsot hatIcanhav ei nter
estsin
yourviews.Youdon' tknowhowdi scouragingt osee
5or6Comment swher et herearemor et han100
l
ikes.I'
m notf i
ght
ingbutal lI
'm askingforisf oryou
guyst ocomment .Iam pl eadi
ngwi t
hy 'al
l.Please
comment ,l
i
keandshar e.
Thanky
ou,
lov
ey'
al
l .
TWENTYTWO
"
Youl
ookbeaut
iful
,thi
sdr
esssui
tsy
ou.You'
rej
ust
l
i
keGabr
iel
l
eUnion"
Ilookather,IlovethewayAzol ecomplementsme
everyti
mesheseesme,whet heri'
m prett
yornot
shejustcomplementsme, shealwaysboostmysel
f
confi
denceandi '
m grat
eful
forhavi
nginmyl i
fe.
Me: Thank you best f
ri
end, ev
en y
ou l
ook
br
eat
htaki
ng.
Azol
e:IknowDar
li
ng,
butt
hanks.
Me:
Wher
eisGi
giandBabymama?
Yothando'
snewnamenowi
sbabymama,
allt
hanks
toAzoleofcour
se.
Wecal ledMymot hert odayandt oldherthisandshe
saidIQuot e" Ndiyanivani yathet
haneh,butndi funa
Ayivi
sisisa lento niyit
het hayo xa ndi
lapho.Ani yazi
ngokui condom Yot hando,Yhoohay iNdiyal
ingwa.
Ndil
indeni nge 3 Ndi lapho, yhuu ni zondisa
engcwabenindi semnci nciNi na"[Icanheary ou'r
e
tal
kingnow,butIwantt ohearal loft hi
sproper ly
whenI 'mt here.Youdon' tknow Whati sacondom
Yothando,You' r
et empt ingme.Wai tformeont he
3rdI '
l
lbet here.Youki dswantt osendmet ot he
graveear l
y]
ShehasBhelekazi
'sDrama,she'
sjustdr
amati
cshe
wil
lbef i
neandcooledwhensheget sher
e,she'
s
al
readydi
gesti
ngthenewsasit'
s.
Azol
e:Gi
gi,
babyMamahur
ryup.
Theycomeher elooki
ngsoBeaut yint hosewhi te
dress.We al lare wear
ing whi t
e dr esses,ev en
thoughIwant edawhi t
esuitbuttheydidn'tagreeI'
m
Gladtheydidn'tal
lowmet ocozI '
mlooki ngsexyi n
thi
sDr ess,
itexposesmybody ,captur
ingal lt
her i
ght
parts.
Gigi
:Yourweekendbagbabes,andsomecondoms
youheardSi
s'
Bulel
wa.
Si
s'
Bul
elwai
smymot
her
.
Me:
I'
m oni
nject
ion,
wentt
othedoct
orsy
est
erday
.
Gigi
:Itwon'
twor k,y
ouneedi tfor5day st
obei n
yoursyst
em soifyouletZi
thul
eletakesy
ouwit
hout
condom pl
easegetamor ni
ngafterpil
l
.
Azol
e:WorrynotIal
way
scar
ryt
hose,chumanij
ust
hat
escondom.
Shehandsmeasetofpi l
l
s.Iputthem i
nsi
dethe
bagwherether
e'smyl
i
ngeri
eandchangi
ngclot
hes
fort
omorr
ow.
Azol
e:It
'st
he31stofDecemberthathousebet
ter
havesomev i
beorI
'
ml eav
ingIcan'tst
andalame
pl
aceunl
essther
e'st
oomuchal
coholt
henIdon'
t
haveapr
obl
em.
Wel
augh.
.
Yot
hando:
You'
l
ldi
ebecauseofal
cohol
.
Azol
e:ThankyouBabymama,
Jui
cei
sther
eforsur
e
don'
tworryy
oursel
f.
Wel augh,icanseeYot
handowant
stocry
,andI'
ve
heardPregnantwomencryalotandIcan'
taff
ord
thatri
ghtnow.
Me:She'sjustj
oking,beglady oudr ankyourWhole
Decemberandy ouknew aboutt hebabyatt heend
ofthe festi
ve season be gratefulotherwi
se you
would'
vebeensoberev ersi
nce.
Yot
hando:
yeahy
our
ighty
az.
Me:
I'
m al
way
sri
ghtbabymama.
Weshareahugandt
akespi
ctur
es,Gi
gii
sourdr
iver
t
oourlocat
ion.
Wearr
iveatt
heMkhizeMansi
on,
OhHol
yfuck,
Thi
s
r
eal
l
yisaMansion.
Azol
e:Whydi
dthatgirlhadt
omar r
ymyMl ungi
si,
seewher
emyin-
lawshousewoul
d'
vebeen.
Gi
gi:
Cryf
ort
hel
ostt
ime.
Me:
Andy
ou'
l
lbemeet
ingwi
thhi
swi
fe.
Azol
e:I
'm notr
eadyt
omeether
,doy
ouknowheri
s
sheugl
y?
Me:Ihav
en'
tmether,butshe'
spr
ett
yjudgi
ngbyher
pr
ett
yDaught
erandson.
Azol
e:Yeahwhat
everIhav
emyManst
hatIl
oveso
much.
Yot
hando:
Thenbet
terbeni
ceonMl
ungi
si'
swi
fe.
Azol
e:I
'
llt
ry.
Gi
gi:
Don'
ttr
ybutdoAzol
e.
Azol
e:Okayf
ineIwi
l
lbeni
ce.
Justt
henmyphoner
ang.
Me:
Heyl
ove.
Zi
thu:Pl
easet
ellmey
ou'
reony
ourwayher
e,ory
ou
ar
ehere!
Me:
we'
vej
ustar
ri
ved.
Zi
thu:
okayI
'
m onmyway
!
Me:I
scomi
ngt
ofet
chusl
et'
sgoandwai
tnex
tto
t
hedoor
.
Aguywho'
s wear
ingabl
acksui
tknocksonGi
gi'
s
wi
ndow.
Shel
ower
sherwi
ndow.
Gi
gi:
HicanIhel
pyou?
Guy:Hell
oma'
am,I
'
m her
etot
akey
ourcarandt
ake
i
ttoparki
ngl
ot.
Gi
gi:
Apar
kingl
ot?
Guy
:Yesma'
am.
Wegotof
fthecar
,andt
her
ewer
enocar
sar
ound.
Theguysdri
vesoff
,andt her
e'smyManlooki
ngso
handsomeIhi
swhitetuxedo.Heshav
edpret
tywel
l
.
Arggmymani sgor
geousifImaysayso.
Zit
hu:Wazewamuhl
eSt
handwasami
.[Youl
ookso
beaut
if
ulmyl
ove]
Me:Thankyou,youlookhandsomet
oo,Iwi
shI
coul
deaty
ouri
ghtnow.
He laughed at my st
atement,he get
s mor
e
handsomewhenhe'sl
aughing.
Zi
thu:
don'
tfor
getI
'
m aMan.Wozal
a.[
Comeher
e]
Hehugsme,
Goshhesmel
l
ssoGoodI
'
m sni
ff
inghi
s
Col
ogne.
HeKi
ssesme.
"
Okayl
ovebi
rdsst
opi
tnow!
"
Hechuckl
essti
llhi
sli
psonmi ne.Hepullsout.I
br
ushhi
sli
psremovi
ngthenudel
ipst
ickonhi
sli
ps.
Zi
thu:
Isi
tremov
ed?
Me:
Yeah.
Zi
thu:
Goodev
eni
ngl
adi
es!
Yot
hando:Ohnow y
ourHi
ghnessdeci
dest
ogr
eet
us.
Gi
gi:
Stopbei
ngJeal
ousBabymama,
heyZi
thul
ele.
Azol
e:Hi
handsome.
Yot
hando:
ist
her
efoodt
her
e?
Azol
e:Yhoosaf
a!
Zi
thu:
Yeahpl
ent
yofi
t.
Yot
hando:
thenwhyar
ewest
il
lwai
ti
ng?
Shesay
smaki
ngherwayt
othedoor
.
Me:
Don'
twor
ryshe'
spr
egnantt
hat
'sal
l
.
Zi
thu:
Real
l
y?Weshoul
dmakeourownt
oo.
Hesay
ssmi
l
ing.
Me:
Notnowbabe.
Zi
thu:
Iknowmyl
ove.
Hetakesmyhandandweal lwal
kinsi
de,thehouse
i
s beauti
fuldecor
ated wit
hrose gol
d and white.
Therearechandel
iersallt
hetop.It
'selegantand
beaut
if
ul.
Gi
gi:
thi
sisdr
eam comet
rue.
Azol
e:Zi
thul
elehowr
ichar
eyouguy
s?
Zi
thul
aughs.
Zi
thu:Ladi
escany
oupl
easel
adi
eshel
pyour
sel
f
wi
thanythi
ngt hatyouwant,t
herear
edrinksov
er
t
hereandfood.I'
l
lbetaki
ngmyladywi
thme.
Azole:Pl
easedon'
tmakebabi
es,
we'
rest
il
ladj
ust
ing
tothisonebabywehave.
Zi
thu:
Don'
twor
rywewi
l
lnot
.
Azole:Thank you,Gigithere'
s wi
ne t
her
e and
YothandoJui
ceovert
herehoney.
Wealll
augh,Zi
thut
akesmyhandwi
thhi
s.Ther
ear
e
al
otofstar
es.
Me:
I'
m scar
edbabe.
Zi
thu:Don'
tworr
y,myfat
herdoesn'
tbi
te,sodomy
si
ster
sandbrot
hers.
Me:
Asi
fthatwi
l
lmakemef
eel
bet
ter
.
Zi
thu:
Butt
hiswi
l
lmakey
oubet
ter
.
Heki
ssesme,
foraf
ewsecondst
hensmi
l
eatme.
Peopl
ewer
elooki
ngatus.
Zi
thu:
Bet
ternow?
Ij
ustsmi
l
ehe'
sani
diot
.
Zi
thu:
Ther
e'snol
i
pst
ickt
hist
ime?
Me:
Nope.
Zi
thu:
Bet
terbenot
,ot
her
wiseMkhi
zewoul
dki
l
lme.
Het akesmyhandandwal ksf ur
thermore.Ther
e's
Mamkhi ze looking So beauti
fulint hatsil
kwhite
ankl
edr essandr osegolddoekonhead.Shegi ves
me a war m smi l
e as we appr oach herand her
beauti
fulfamily.Theyar
eal ll
ookinggorgeous.
Mamkhize:Si
ster wi
fe,awusemuhl
e.[
You l
ook
beaut
if
ul]
Ismi
l
eather
.
Me:Thankyousi
sterwif
e,y
oul
ookbeaut
if
ult
oo.
Howoldar
eyouagain?
Shel
aughs.
Mamkhi
ze:
25may
be?
Me:
Exact
lyt
hat
.
Shehugsme,
herwar
mshugsmakesmef
eelal
i
ttl
e
bet
ter
.
Zi
thu:Okayst
opi
t,Nahi
koLov
epl
easemeetmy
Fat
herBab'
uMkhi
ze
Me:
Hel
l
obaba.
Mkhize:Sawubona nt
ombiumuhl
e,butson I'
ve
al
ready metherIknow her.[Hel
lo Gi
rl
,you'
re
beauti
ful
]
Zi
thu:
Thenshehasmyhear
tbaba.
Mkhi
ze:
Shebet
ternotbr
eaki
t.
Il
augh.
Me:
Iwoul
dnev
er.
Zit
hu:BabymeetmyBeauti
fulsist
eri
n-l
aw,Oy
isa
andOyi
sapleasemywomanNahiko.
Oyisa:Nahi
koyoulookbeaut
if
ul,i
t'
sni
cetomeet
you,myhusbandandhisbrot
heral
waystal
kabout
you.
Me:Thankyou,youl
ookbeauti
fult
oo.AndIhope
t
heytal
kgoodthi
ngsaboutme.
Oy
isa:
Don'
twor
ryi
t'
sgoodt
hings.
Mlungi
si:Oyisay
oucoul
dn'tstopyourmout
h,now
nahi
kowi l
lknowwet
alkabouther.
Oy
isa:
haababyy
oudi
dn'
tsayIshoul
dn'
tsayi
t.
Zi
thu:
Yeahcoupl
egi
vemet
imet
oo.
Weal
lshar
eal
augh.
Zi
thu:
MeetmyBr
otherMnqobi
.
Me:
It'
sgoodmeety
ouMnqobi
.
Mnqobi
:Bafoyou didn'
tsayshe'sthis beaut
if
ul,
Nahi
koyoucanleav
ehi m any
timeI
'm hereI'
llt
ake
car
eofyou.
Me:
I'
ll
keept
hati
nmi
nd.
Zi
thu:
Voet
sekMnqobi
.
Mnqobi
:Iwasn'
tjoki
ngt
hough,I
'
m ser
iousNahi
ko
babygi
rl
.
Il
aughasZi
thugi
vesmeabi
gst
are.
Mkhize:don'
tlookatherl
i
ket
hat
,tal
kwi
thy
our
br
other.
Wel
augh.
Zi
thu:Mnqobi
,babythi
smysist
erBabusi
siwe,af
ter
3boyswewereblessedwi
thagi
rlshe'
sourbl
essi
ng.
Babu:
Heynahi
ko,
you'
rebeaut
if
ulIl
ovey
oursmi
l
e.
Me:
Thanky
ou,
yout
ooar
ebeaut
if
ul.
Iwasnow t i
redoft hei
rcomplements.Ifel
tthey
weresayi
ngjustt
opasst i
me,becausetheywereal
l
say
ingthesamething.
Zi
thu:
Andmeett
hebeaut
if
ull
astbor
nBuhl
ebendal
o.
Me:
Nicet
omeety
ouBuhl
e.
Buhle:pleasur
et o meety
ou t
oo,t
he dr
ess i
s
gorgeousitsui
tsYou.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Zi
thu:Okayf
ami
l
ycanIst
ealt
heLadyf
orj
ustaf
ew
minutes.
Mamkhize:Noy oucannot,wehav
etostaywit
hher
chatweher.Youhaveallt
heti
meintheworl
d.
Babu:Sor
rybhut
ibutmai
sri
ght
,wehav
etoget
knowbett
er.
Zi
thu:
Baby
?
Ishr
uggedmyshoulder
sher ai
sedhi
shandsasa
si
gnofgiv
ingup.
.wel
aughedather
.
Babu:
Her
e'sagl
assofchampagnebabes.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Itookt
heglassofchampagnebutwhatcaughtmy
eyeswasBuhlewhowasdrinki
ngjui
ceona31st,or
she'
snotdr
inki
ng?Letmeaskher.
Me:
Youdon'
tdr
inkBuhl
e?
Shel
ookedatzi
thut
henatme.
Buhl
e:Ido,
butyourManov ert
her
edoesn'
twantme
todr
ink,
hesaysI'
m st
il
lyoung.
Me:
What
?Howol
dar
eyouagai
n?
Buhl
e:20y
ear
sol
d,andBabui
s23butshe'
sdr
inki
ng.
Il
ookatZi
thul
elehel
ooksaway
!.
Me:TakeaGlassofchampagneanddrink,
you'
reold
enoughbet
terdri
nkinfr
ontofthepeoplewhocares
aboutyoui
nsteadoft
hosedoesn'
tevenknowyou.
Buhl
e:Noonegoesagai
nstBhut
i'
sor
der
s.
Zi
thu:I
t'
sfine y
ou can dr
ink,j
ustt
hisone t
ime.
Ot
herwi
seyou'
resti
l
lyoung.
Buhl
e:Thanky
oubhut
i,t
hanky
out
ooNahi
kof
or
savi
ngme.
Me:
You'
rewel
come.
Buhl
e:Il
ovey
oual
ready
!Cheer
sFAM!
Shesai draisinghergl ass,ital
kedwitht heladies
whileZit
huleletal
kswi t
hhi sfr
iendsandbr ot
herson
theside.Theyaskedmequest ionsli
kehowol dIam,
whatIdof oral eavi
ng.Ianswer edandl earntthat
OyisaisaNur se,Babusisiwewi l
lbedoingherl ast
yearasaFoodnut r
it
ionistwhi
leBuhlewillbedoi ng
her2ndy earinTeaching.Shesay sshel
ov eskids.
Me:Uhm,cany
ouexcusemeIhav
etogot
omy
si
ster
s.
Mamkhize:callt
hem t
hissi
de,sot
hatwecanal
l
seatt
ogether
.
Me:
Alr
ight
.
Iwal ked t
o my gir
ls,they wer
e dri
nking whi
l
e
Yothandowaseat
ing,shehadaplatef
ullofmeati
n
herhands.
Me:
Arey
ougoi
ngt
ofi
nisht
hat
?
Yot
hando:
Duh?
It
'str
uewhent heysayapregnantwomanmaynot
know herhormonesandcr avingsbefor
eshefinds
outshepregnant,butwhenshef i
ndsoutev
ery
thing
i
sr ev
ealedI
'm seei
ngwithYothando.
Azol
e:Soy
oumett
hei
n-l
aws?
It
akeapeaceofmeatf
rom Yot
hando'
spl
ate.
Me:Yeah,t hey are a bunch oflovel
y peopl
e.I
thoughtMrMkhizewi llhaveaproblem butno,he
saidIshoul
dn'
tbream hisson'
shear
t.
Gi
gi:Fat
herin-
lawsar
enottheprobl
em butmot
her
i
n-l
awsare.BegladMamkhi
zelov
esyou.
Me:
I'
m gr
atef
ulf
ort
hat
,Idon'
tl
ikedr
ama.
Azol
e:Howi
sMl
ungi
si'
swi
fe?
.
Me:She'
s beaut
if
ul,she'
sli
ght i
n ski
n col
our
.
Mamkhi
zewantsustoj
oint
hem.
Azol
e:Asus,
youmeanuspl
usy
ou?
Me:
Yeah.
Azol
e:Let
'sgoIcan'
twai
t.
Yothando:Ihav
enopr
obl
em t
oo,sheseemsl
i
kea
goodwomansowhynot?
Me:
Let
'sgo.
Wewal
ktowheretheMkhi
zepeopl
ewer
e,butt
he
Guy
swer
enoti
nsight
.
Me:Uhm meetmyf r
iendsAzol
e,Gi
giandYothando
who'
smysi ster
.Gi
rl
smeetMamkhizezithu'
smom,
Oyi
saMl ungi
si'
swi
feBabusisi
weandBuhl ezi
thu'
s
l
it
tl
esist
ers.
Greetingsar epassedfr
om oneanother
.Wedr i
nk,
having fun.Asal waysAzol
ei sballoffun she'
s
sharingjokes.Buhl
eisal
soanot
herfunpersontobe
around.Oy isadoesn'
ttal
ktoomuchbutshewas
l
aughi ngnonstop.Iwasenj
oyi
ng,t
herewerenobad
vi
bes.
Buhl
e:yhoy
ouguysar
esof
unt
obear
ound,wher
e
wereyoumyal
ll
if
e?
Azol
e:l
i
vingl
i
fe,
whi
l
eyoust
ayedher
einashel
l
.
She'sdrunkt
hisone,chumaniwi
l
lhav
eal
otofj
ob
today.
Azole:Idon'
tknow,whatchampagnei
st hi
s?I
tmust
bev eryexpensi
veit
'snoteven12am formet obe
feel
i
ngt hi
sdrunk.
Wel
aughatherst
atement
.
Mamkhi
ze:Youshoul
dsl
ow down,anddet
oxhav
e
somewater
.
Azol
e:ey
yI'
l
ldot
hat
.
TheMencameandj oi
nedus, i
twas5t o12whenwe
wentt ot her ooft
op,t hishousei sr eall
ybi g,and
there'
sar ooftopt oo.I t
'sdecoratedwi thr osegold
andwhi t
et oo.Therear elight
sev erywhere.Thecape
Town l i
ghts ar ev ery beauti
fulatni ght.We ar e
stari
ngatt helight
sandst arswaitingforthet imeto
stri
ke12am f oranew y ear.Zit
hul el
ehol dsmeon
mywai standcomescl osertome.
Zi
thu:
Youar
enott
hatdr
unk,
compar
edt
othel
adi
es.
Me:
I'
mtaki
ngi
tsl
ow.
I
'vejusthad3GlassesofchampagneIdon'
twantto
getdrunk.Iwantt
obesoberwhenIhavesexf ort
he
fi
rstti
mewi thmyMan.Iwantittobespecialanda
memorythatwil
lfor
everbei
nmymi
nd,sot
hat
's
whyI
'
m notdri
nki
ng.
Zi
thu:
Isee.
Mnqobi
:okayokay
,wehav
etodoacount
downr
ight
now.
"10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1HAPPYNEW YEAR"ev
ery
onescreams.
Zi
thu:
HappynewYearSt
handwaSam.
Me:
HappyNewYeart
oyou,
andHappyBi
rt
hday
!.
Weshar
eahuganda2mi
nut
eski
ss.
We're bothlooki
ng at t
he st
ars,f
ir
e cr
acker
s
decorat
ingt
hesky.
Zit
hu:Thi si saNew y ear
,adiff
erentyearfrom the
onewej usthad.ButIwanty outoknowt hatmyl ove
foryoust i
llremainsitdoesn'tchange,it
'sstil
lthe
same t hing.Il ovey ou now,Iwi llsti
lllovey ou
tomorrowandf orever.Youhavemyhear tSthandwa
sam,Iwi sht ohavey oueveninmysecondl ifeyou'
re
myl i
fecompani onIwantnooneel se.Thiswillbe
ouryear ,ay earwher ewewi l
lcreatememor i
esfor
ourki
ds,f
orthebot
hofusnooneel
sebutus.Il
ove
youBhel
ekazisomuch.
Hewi
pesmyt
ear
swi
thhi
shands.
Me:Thanky ouforlovi
ngmeMkhi ze,you'rethebest
thingthathappenedt omel astyear,thanky oufor
comi ngtome,t hanky ouf orteachingmehow t o
l
ov e,and what l ov
ei s.Thi sy ear I s star
t of
somet hi
ngnew f orus,maywecounty earsandbe
togethereachandev eryy eartocel
ebrateusourl ove.
IloveyouKhabazel asomuch.
Wekissagain,t
hisr
ighther
eisal
i
fet
imemydr
eam
cometrue.
"Okaylovebi
rdswear eher
etoo"that
'shi
ssist
er
Babusi
siwe.Ipulloutandhewipesmytearsand
smilel
ookingatme.
Babu:
Happybi
rt
hdaybhut
i.
Every
onewi
shhi
m ahappybir
thdayhe'
sst
il
lhashis
handsonme,hedoesn'
twanttoletgoasifI
'l
lrun
andleav
ehi
m.
Me:
Soy
ou'
re31,
you'
reol
d.
Zit
hu:Iknow,
butt
hatwon'
tchangewhatIf
eel
about
you.
Me:
Iknow,
agedoesn'
tmat
ter
.
Zi
thu:
that
'sbet
ter
.
Wegobackdownstai
rst
ocont i
nuewi
tht
hepar t
y,I
wasnextt
oZi
thul
elehedidn'
twantmetoleav
ehi s
si
de.
Me:
Canwegot
oyourpl
aceI
'
mti
red,
Iwantt
osl
eep.
Zi
thu:Butbabe y
ou used t
o cl
ub and go home
ar
ound4am.
Me:Iknow,
Ijustwantt
obeal
onewi
thy
ou,
Imi
ssed
you.
Zi
thu:Ohokay
,letmet
ellmyf
atherandf
ri
endst
hat
I
'mleavi
ng.
Me:Al
ri
ght,andIwil
lgoandt
ellt
hegi
rl
stoo.
.we
wal
kourseparat
eway
.
Me:Okayev eryone,I'
m leavi
ng.Oyi
sa,Babu and
Buhl
eitwasniceseeingyou.Ti
llwemeetagai
n.
Mamkhi
ze:
Whyar
eyoul
eav
ingsoear
ly?
Azol
e:She'
sgoi
ngt
oshagy
ourson!
.
Wasn'
tshedet
oxi
ng?Cozshe'
sreal
l
ydr
unkr
ight
now.
.
Yot
hando:itwillbethei
rfi
rstt
imebei
ngi
nti
mat
e,i
t'
s
abi
rthdaypresent.
Me:
Babymama!
.
Azol
e:What
?Leav
ebabymamaal
one,she'
stel
l
ing
thet
rut
h.
Ohgosh,Ican'tevenl
ookatMamkhi
zeaf
terwhat
t
hesetwojustsai
d.
Babu:Youmeaninalloft
his6ori
t'
s7mont
hsnow,
youhaven'
ti
nit
iat
edsex?
Mamkhi
ze:
Gobaby
,andenj
oyy
our
sel
f.
Shewi
nksatme.Theyar
eal
lj
ustdi
rt
y.
Me:
Thanky
ouma.
Azol
e:Don'
tfor
gett
ori
dehi
sdi
ckt
il
lhecal
l
soutal
l
hi
sclannames.
Me:
OkayI
'
m outofHer
e
Ir
anawayl
eav
ingt
henl
aughi
ngatme.
IasktheGuywhotookourcartobringmet hebagin
thecar,
hecomeswi t
hit.Zi
thul
elemakeshi swayto
me.Andheasksf orhiscartheotherguybr i
ngsi
t.
.
Wegoti nsi
det
hecar,dr
ivi
ngofftohispl
ace.
Thi
sisi
t.I
t'
snowornev
er!
..
.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
keandCommentThanks .
TWENTYTHREE
Wear
riv
eathispl
ace,het
akesmyhandi
ntohi
sas
wemakeourwayi
nsi
de.
Zi
thu:
Youv
eryBeaut
if
ult
oday
,Imeany
est
erday
.
Il
augh.
Me:
Andy
oul
ookedhandsomet
oo.
Zi
thu:
YouknowIl
ovey
our
ight
?
Me:
YesIknow,
what
'
swr
ong?
Zit
hu:Not
hingIwasj
ustt
ell
i
ngy
ouhowIf
eelabout
you.
Me:You'r
ebei
ngwei
rdr
ight
,letmegoandt
akea
shower
.
Zit
hu:Al
ri
ght,I
'
llt
akeashowert
oo.Shoul
dImake
yousomethi
ngtoeat
?
Me:
Not
hanksI
'
mfi
ne,
Ijustneedashower
.
Zi
thu:
OkayI
'
llsur
eint
heGuestRoom t
oo.
Itakemybagwewal ki nt ohi sroom,het akeshis
thi
ngsandl eaves,Ilockt hedoort henmakemyway
tot he bathroom.It ake a showercont emplati
ng
whet herIshoul dabor tt hemi ssi
onorj ustcarr
yon
withmyt hing.IdecideIwi lldoit,Il
oti
ont hentook
thelingerieIwor eit.Il ooksosexyi fImaysayso
my self.Itiemybr aidsni cely.Ilookli
keaBadass
andIf eelli
keonet oo.Ther e'
sanockatt hedoor ,
thi
si sit.I
'
m onmyheal s, Iwor ethesil
kgown.
Idoaf
ewbr
eat
hingexer
cisesbef
oreIopent
hedoor
.
"Youdi
dn'
tbr
ingy
ourf
latshoes?Whyy
ouwear
ing
heel
s?"
Me:Ijustfeellikei
t.Iwal
kfur
therme,he'
sonl
y
wear
inghi
sbr i
efs.
I
'm debat
ingwit
hmymi nd,whethertoremov
et he
gownorseatont hebedt henr
emov e.Hewalksto
thebat
hroom,I
'
m chickeningout
!Hecomesback. .
Zi
thu:
youal
ri
ght
?
Me:
Yeah,
yeahI
'
mfi
ne.
Her
aiseshi
sey
ebr
owsandt
hat
'ssexyAF.
Ismi
leatwhil
ebit
ingmylips,Ir
emov
ethegown
l
ooki
ngst
rai
ghti
nhisey
es!
Iwalkupt ohi
m, he'
sshockedItoodon'
tknowwhat
I
'minit
iat
ingbutIfeelgoodabouti
t.
Me:
HappyBi
rt
hdayMyLov
e!
Thi
sisi t
, Hebrusheshisthumbagainstmylips
par
ti
ngthem ki
ssingmethekissget
sheatedIwant
hi
mt odomor ebuthepul
lsawaywhenIneedmor e
andshakeshi
shead.
Zi
thu:
Arey
ousur
eaboutt
his?
Me:
Mor
ethanev
er!
Zi
thu:al
ri
ghtnowAl
l
owmet
olov
eandwor
shi
pyour
body.
Hegiv
esmesmi
l
e,t
hesmi
l
ethatmademef
alli
n
l
ovewit
hhi
m.
Inodmyheadbi tingmyl owerl iphel i
ft
smeup
placi
ngmeont hebedhel eavi
ngki ssesf rom my
toes up myl egs t o myt highs Icl ose myey es
gasping.
Het hent earsmyl i
nger i
eandcont inueshis
assaulttomysensesgoi ngdownwar ds.Sof tmoans
escapemymout h, thisfeel
ingi sar ousal ,
it'
sunusual
butIl ovei t
.Heki ssesmyi nnert highs,If eelhis
war m breathonmyv irgi
na,hi sonehandi sonmy
twinsplayingwi tht hem smoot hlywhi let heotheris
i
nbet weenmyt highs.Hebl owssomeai randt he
mostunexpect edf eelingtakesov ermywhol ebody.
Hest artsmuf fi
ngme,Icl osemyey eswhenhi s
tonguetwi r
lsaroundmyf oldsandhi st humbr ubson
myhoney pothislipsmov erhy thmically.
Ihol
dont
othecov
erswhenaf
eel
i
ngofpeei
ng
come.
Me:
Baby
Zi
thu:
leti
tal
lgobaby
,cum f
ormepl
ease.
Il
etgo,
andt
hatf
eel
ssogoodIcoul
drepeati
tfr
om
therestofmyl i
fe.Hel i
cksmecl ean,he'
snow on
topofmeki ssi
ngmehi sl i
psar enow salty.He
removeshisbr i
efs,andpar t
smyl egsposit
ioni
ng
himselfhol
dingmygazesl owlypushinghi
shardpre
cum dr i
ppi
ng bl ack cock Ihold on to hi
s arms
holdi
ngaway .
"
Ngi
cel
aungi
bukeSt
handwasam”hesay
ssof
tl
y.
Ilookathi m hisey est hosedar keyes,theey est hat
hasl oveonlyf orme.Ourhandsent winedandt he
shar pestpai nt earst hroughwi thZi t
hulelekissi ng
met omuf fl
emycr i
esandj ustl i
kethathe’ sinside,
andIt akeint hepai nt hat'sunbear able,hest ay s
i
nsi demef orawhi l
ej ustki ssi
ngmeandst arts
mov i
ngsl owlyt il
lwebot hfindourr hythm hishands
mov etoal lthepar tsofmybodyhav ingmescr eam
hisnamesol oud.Hest artsmov i
ngataf ast
erpace
thrust i
ng ,st r
oking and gr owli
ng t he pain and
pleasur ewal khandi nhandmyscr eamsgetl ouder
andl ouderwhenIf eelthismy selfletgo.
"pl
easeDon'
tst
opbaby
,ilovey
oukhabazela”Isay
hol
dingontohi
m,Hegrowlsontopofmehol ding
mesot i
ghtwebot
hcli
maxandhet akeslongerto
fi
nish,hel
ooksatmeandIcanf
eel
ever
yinchofhi
m
pull
ingout
.
Heki
ssmyf
oreheadandsmi
l
esatme
Zi
thu:
Thanky
ouBhel
ekazi
,Ngi
yakut
handauy
ezwa!
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Zit
hu:Thi
sisthebestbi
rthdaypr
esentI
'veeverhad,
Iusedtohat
eallmybir
thdaybutnotany
mor e.
Me:
I'
m gl
ady
oul
ove
Ikisshi m again,hehol dsmeasI '
m now ont opof
him, hekissesmeashehol dsonmyar setightly, he
spanks me and t hatf eels so good.I 'm al ready
feeli
ngwetonmyhoney pot,It akehi shar dcock
i
nsidemyhoney pothe' sshocked, sl
owl ysl
idedown.
Itakehi m allIact uallycan' tbel i
ev ethat.It'
sso
painful,butI '
llsoldi eron.Imake sl ow ci r cles
pushing my hi ps si de t o side. He' s groani ng
under neath me,I '
m mov ing up and down sl owl y
shaking mybut t.It hrustev en fast erand har der
mov ingmyhi psbackandf ort
hwi thmyheadt hrown
backwhi l
etwerkinglikelif
e' sdependi ngont hi
s.
"OhShitt"hecurses.Ishakemyassf asterasI'
m
abouttocum,hegr oansloudl
yandy es'sayingal
l
my clan names,pr ai
sing me and thanki
ng my
mother'Ireachmyor gasm andri
dehimfastashe's
abouttocomet oo,webot hreachourorgasmsat
thesamet ime,Iwasmoani ngsoloud.Hegrowlsas
webot hcat chourbreaths,I
'mlayi
ngonhi schest
exhaust
ed.
Zi
thu:
whot
aughty
out
hat
?Damny
ouwer
eabeast
!
Ilaughathisst
atement
,Ifidon'tgethi
scar
dt hi
s
mor ni
ng,I'
l
lhavet o consul
tantwiththe bhel
e
ancestor
s.
Ir
emov emy
sel
ffr
om hi
m,If
eelt
ir
edIj
ustwantt
o
sl
eep.
"
Needabat
h?"Heasks.
Me:
No,
Ijustwantt
osl
eepI
'
mti
red.
Zi
thu:
Okaysl
eepmyl
ove,
ilov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Icl
osemyey
es,I
'
m al
readyi
nhi
sar
mswher
eI
bel
ong.
_
___
___
___
___
ZI
THULELEMKHI
ZE

Iwat chedherasshe' ssl eepingwi t

hherbr ai
dsall
overherf ace,lipspar t
edshe' sabeaut if
ulmass,my
veryownbeaut ifulmass.Hert highs ar eexposed
andsoi sherbr eaststheyar esosmal l.Icouldsee
seeherasmywi f
eandi nsidehermaki ngl ov
et oher
alldayandev eryday .Thi smor ningwasamazi ng,
bestbirthdayev er ,
wewer eoneandIwi shedt ostay
l
ikethatf ort her estofmyl if
e.It'
s13: 20pm.Igetof f
thebed,shemustber eall
yt i
red.Iwentt otakea
shower ,finallynow wewi llbeabl etot akeshower
together.Imakemywaydownst airs,Ihavet omake
aqui ckl unchf orher .ImadMacandcheesewi th
baconbi tsont op, i
t'
sherf avourite.
"
Whydi
dn'
tyouwakemeup?
"
She'
sinmyshi
rt
,wal
ki
ngbar
efoot
ed
Me:
Youwer
esl
eepi
ngpeacef
ull
y.
Imakemywayt
oher
.
Me:
Goodaf
ter
noonSt
handwaSam.
Iki
ssher,shesmil
essogood.Ilov
ehervanil
l
aand
str
awber
ryscent.Whatev
erper
fumeorloti
onshe'
s
usi
ngsmellssogood.
Me:
yousmel
lsogood.
Nahi
ko:
Itookabat
h.
Me:
I'
vemadeMacandcheesey
ourf
avour
it
e.
Nahi
ko:
SeewhyIl
ovey
ou.
Shecupsmyf
aceandki
ssedme,she'
sonhert
oes
mymidget
.
Me:CanIgetoneroundbef
oreweeat
,her
eri
ghton
t
hekit
chencount
er.
Nahi
ko:
Zit
hul
ele.
Shel
ooksshynow,
Iletoutachuckl
e.
Me:
Ngi
yakucel
aSt
handwaSam.[
Pleasemyl
ove]
Shesmil
est
hennod,Iki
ssedhergent
lypi
ckedher
up t
henputherontop ofthekit
chencounter
,I
remov etheshi rtshewaswear i
ngandI 'ml ooking
ri
ghtatherbr easts.Itookof fmysweat pantsand
bri
efs,igentlypartedherl egsholdi
nghergazeand
herwar m moistwal l
swel comedme,shest il
lhast o
getusedt omebei nginsi
deher .Imov edslowlyand
gentl
ywhi l
eshemoanedmynameandhernai l
sdug
onto myback Ir an myhands down hert highs
grabbing t
hem t ightl
y,shet hrowsherhead back
whilegivi
ngmeachancet ol
eavelovebitesonher
neck.Shehol dsonmet ightl
yasIt hrustindeeper
andf ast
er,herloudsweetmoansf il
l
supt hewhol e
kit
chen,she'saboutr eachherorgasm whensher est
herheadonmyshoul der
s,Icanf eelthatI'm about
tocum Ihol donhert i
ght
ly,asIcame.Ipul loutand
l
ookather ,shewi l
lbet hedeathofme.Hert i
ght
templewillbethedeat hofme.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Nahi
ko:
Don'
tgetusedt
oit
.
Me:me?Nev
ery
ou'
l
lbe t
he one comi
ng t
o me
wi
ll
i
ngl
y
Shel
aughs.
Nahi
ko:
NowIhav
etogoandbat
hagai
n.
Me:
comewewi
l
ltakeani
nnocentshower
.
Nahi
ko:Doyoupr
omi
se?Cozmyhoney
poti
sonf
ir
e,
i
t'
shurt
ing
Me:I'
m sor
rymyl
ove,comeIpr
omi
sei
twi
l
lbe
i
nnocent
.
Webot htakeshowerusingmyshowergel ,itwas
i
ndeedinnocentIwashedhershewashedme.She's
weari
ngay ell
ow dr
esswithwhitesandals.She'
s
l
ookingipr
ettyint
hatsummerdress.Godthankyou
f
orsuchaGoddess.Ist il
lcan'
tbeli
eveshe'smine,
mineAlone.
Nahi
ko:
Whatar
eyout
hinki
ngabout
?
Me:
Howl
uckyIam t
ohav
eyoui
nmyl
i
fe.
Nahiko:Bet
terbel
i
evet
hatI
'
m al
lyour
s.ComeI
'
m
dyi
ngofhunger.
Wemakeourwayt otheki
tchen,
shelaughsI'
m sure
she'
st hi
nki
ng ofwhathappened on thi
s ki
tchen
count
er.
Nahi
ko:
I'
m nev
ereat
ingher
eagai
n.
Il
aughather
.
Me:
youwi
l
l,comel
etmef
eedy
ou.
Shet
akesherpl
ateandmakesherwayt
othel
ounge,
It
akej
uicef
orherandbeerf
orme.
She'
seat
ingwat
chi
ngTV.
Me:
Whatar
ewedoi
ngt
oday
.
Bef
oresheanswer
sMkhi
zei
scal
l
ing.
Me:
Baba.
Mkhi
ze: si
l
inde wena noMakot
i Lana, shesha
Bul
umnko.[
We'rewai
ti
ngfory
ouandmydaughterin
l
awhere,
hurryupBul
umnko]
Hedr
opst
hecal
l
.
Me:appar
entl
yt heyar
ewai t
ingforusathome,I
don'
tknow wherewear eGoi ngbutt
heyare.So
hurr
yupsothatwecanleav
e.
Nahi
ko:
Youandwho?
Me:andyou,Ican'tbel
i
evewhatI'
m aboutt
osaybut
can y
ou please eatinthe car
,Mkhize i
sa very
i
npati
entman.
Nahi
ko:
Youdon'
tl
ikepeopl
eeat
ingi
nyourcar
?
Me:Yes,mycarsaremybabi
esItr
eatt
hem wi
th
tender
lyl
ovesonoonei
sal
lowedt
oeati
nsi
dethe
carevenme.
Nahi
ko:
Evenme?
Me:You'l
lbeeat
ingt
her
e,Ij
ustal
l
owedy
ou.Just
t
hisonce.
Shelaughsatme,asifI
'
v ej
ustsai
dajoke.I'
m sur
e
shewill
eati
nsi
deitj
usttoseemyreact
ion.
"Cany ougetmeagl assofwater"sheshout
sfrom
upstair
s,shecomesdownstai
rs,
Ihandherthewater
shet hr
owssomepi l
l
si nsi
dehermouththendowns
i
twithwat er
.
Me:
Andwhat
'
sthatf
or?Hangov
er?
Nahi
ko:
No,
mor
ningaf
terpi
l
l.
.
Shesaidt aki
ngherplat
ewalki
ngoutoft hedoor
,
unbeli
evabl
e! I'
m lef
t her
s stunned she came
prepar
ed.
She'
sinsi
det
hecaralready
,Idr
oveoffli
steningt
o
herplay
li
stt
hat
'
sNi ckiminajand Amapiano.I'
m
subj
ectedtothatbull
ying,she'sbul
lyi
ngmeont his
one.She'
ssingingalong,thisistheonlypar
tIli
ke,
whensherapsorat t
empt i
ngt otwer
kbutthechai
ris
thest
umblingblockanobst acl
etoher.
Weareathome,Iopent
hedoorforher
,shel
eav
es
herpl
atei
nmycar,
seewhatIhat
e?
Me:
Nahi
kot
hepl
ate.
Nahi
ko:
Whatabouti
t?
Me:
Hitmewi
th,
dowhat
every
ouwant
.
Shelaughsatme,
butshetakesthepl
atewi
thher
.I
openthedoorf
orhert
ogetinsi
defi
rst
.
Thewhol
efami
lyisher
e,herf
ri
endstoo.Thehouse
backt
oNormal
therear
enodecorat
ions.
Nahi
ko:
Goodaf
ter
noonev
ery
one.
Me:
Sani
bonani
.[Gr
eet
ings]
It
akethepl
atef
rom hert
henwentt
otheki
tchent
o
washi
t.
Iwal
kbackt
owher
eev
ery
onei
sseat
ed.
Me:
BabaI
'
m her
e.
Mkhize: we'
re hav
ing y
our bi
rt
hday di
nner i
n
l
angebaanbeach.
"
Sayy
ou'
rej
oki
ng!
"That
'
sAzol
eIl
aughather
.
Mkhi
ze:
I'
m notj
oki
ng,
wewer
ewai
ti
ngf
orMrpar
ty!
Hesai
dthel
astpar
tinsar
casm.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryI
'
mlat
ebaba,
didn'
tknow.
Mkhi
ze:i
fyouanswer
edy
ourphoneear
li
eron,y
ou
woul
d'
veknown.
Me:Ngiyaxoli
sababa,anguyzwanga![I
'
m sor
ry
f
atherIdi
dn'theari
t]
.
Henods,myf atherlovesr especttoomuchhef eel
s
di
srespectedbysuchsmal l t
hings,I
'm moreli
kehim.
BothMl ungisiandIt akeaf terhimf oreveryt
hing,
bei
ngst r
ict,
callforatt
entionandr espectgoesalong
away.Ihat etobedi srespect edbecauseIrespect
people.
Mamkhi
ze:
thenwhatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or?
Weal
lst
oodupheadi
ngout
side.
Mamkhi
ze:
I'
ll
bedr
ivi
ngwi
thal
lthegi
rl
s.
Notmygirl
!If
rownlooki
ngather
,shegivesmet
hat
warm smi
l
eofhersandIgiv
einquickl
y.
Mkhi
ze:
thenI
'
llt
aket
heboy
s!.
Weal
lmumbl
eatt
hewor
dboy
s!
Mkhi
ze:
Niy
akhul
umabaf
ana?[
Arey
out
alki
ngboy
s?]
Us:
Chababa[
Nof
ather
].
We cl
imb insi
de dad'
s SUV. Ladi
es ar
e wi
th
Mamkhi
zei
nherSUV.
It
ookabeerf
rom t
hecool
erBoxatt
heback.
Wearetal
kingaboutBusiness,andsomeotherstaf
f.
Mkhi
ze is pl
aying Maskandi,we'r
e si
ngi
ng along.
Chumani and Sandz got used i nto Mkhize's
Maskandimusic.TheyarebothXhosa'
s.
"Awumithi
sangamfana?"[Youdidn'
timpr
egnat
eher
Man]No he' s nott al
ki
ng me,i '
m hav i
ng thus
questi
onwithmyfatherri
ghtnow,wit
hthesecl
owns
here.
Mkhi
ze: Ngi
yakhul
uma Bul
umnko [
I'
m t
alki
ng
Bul
umnko]
Me:Angi
zwangababa.[
Idi
dn'
thearwhaty
ousai
d
Fat
her
]
Mkhi
ze:di
dyoui
mpr
egnat
euMakot
i?[
Mydaught
er
i
nlaw?]
Me:
Chababa.[
Nof
ather
]
Ikeptqui et
,thank God he di
dn'
tanswermor
e
quest
ionsIwoul
dn'tbeabl
e.
Aft
er3hour sinthet r
affi
cifcapetown,wear r
ivein
l
angebaanbeach.I t'
sabouttohitthesunset.Iwor e
myshadest hengotof fthecar,
we'rewait
ingf orthe
l
adiessot hatwecangot heTheBungal ow,Dad
bookedthewhol erestaur
ant.Mom' scardr ovei n,
sheparkednextt ous.Theycameout ,mywi fewas
l
aughingsohar d,theywerealll
aughingbutmywi fe
caughtmyat t
enti
on.
Iwal
kedupt
oher
.
Me:
Imi
ssy
ou.
Shel
aughs
Nahi
ko:
You'
resuchabi
gbabydoy
ouknowt
hat
?
Ismi
l
eather
.
Me:
Yourbi
gbabyr
ight
?
Nahi
ko:Yes,butwhenmyki
dscomey
ou'
l
lhav
eto
st
epback.
Me:
Ourki
dsmama,
noty
our
s.
Shel
aughs.
Nahiko:Yesourki
ds,andIj
ustcan'
twait.Letme
fi
nishmystudi
esthenwewil
lmakealotandlotsof
babies.
Me:
10Babi
esr
ightl
ove?
Nahi
ko:Noways,3ki
dsmi
nimum and5maxi
mum.
Notmoret
han5.
Me:
Howaboutweseeaboutt
hat
?
Nahi
ko:
Mydeci
sionst
ands,
yout
akei
tofl
eav
eit
.
Shepout
s,shel
ookssocut
e.Igi
veheraPeckon
thel
i
ps.
Me:
Yesmama,
yourwor
dgoes.
Nahi
ko:
I'
m gl
ady
oul
i
stened.
Me:
Comel
et'
sgoi
nsi
de.
We wal ked i
nsi
de,the Bungal
ow was beauti
ful
decorat
ed.There was a l
ong tabl
e we wer
e all
seated.
Eati
ngstarter
sanddr i
nki
ngsomechampagnebut
usMenwer edrinki
ngbeer
,wi
neandChampagnear
e
notmythings.
Mamkhi ze:Thi si st he day Igav e bi r
tht o my
handsomeson,gr owi ngupy ouwer esuchal ovey
chil
d, amama' sboyt obepr ecise.It houghtt hatyou
wer eGay .Butwheny ouwer eat eeny oust ar
ted
beingy ourf ather'schi ld.You'renotaManofmany
wor ds,buty ouract ionsexpl ainwhoy ouar emor e.
Youwer enev erapr obl emati
cchi l
d,youl i
stenedand
your espectedmeandy ourfat herI '
m gr at
efulfor
that.Now y ou' reaMan,Iwanty out ocar r
yonas
Mant haty ouar edon' tl
osey ourselfonany thi
ng.
Treatwomenwi t
ht hesamer espectt hatyougi ve
me, That goes f or Nahi ko t oo. Lov e her
uncondit i
onalj ustl i
ket helovey ourf atherhasf or
mewhi ch nev erf aded butcont inueson gr owing
each and ev er yday .Il ovey ou My eniwam. [
my
husband]
Nahi
kosmi l
edatmymot her
,shereal
l
ylov
esmy
motherandmymotherl
oveshertoo.I
'
m gl
adshe
l
ovesher.
Me:Thankyouma,IpromiseyouI
'l
lneverchange
andI'
l
lcont
inuer
espect
ingwomenmor eespeci
all
y
thi
sonenexttome.Theloveofmylov
eandIl ove
youmoremkam.[Mywif
e]
Shebl
ushesl
ooki
ngdown.
Mkhize:Iwon'
ttal
kmuchsony ourmot
hersai
di tal
l
,
Iwishyoumanymor eyearsi
nlif
e.Iwi
shhappiness
andjoyinyourl
i
fe.Il
oveyouson.
Me:
Thanky
ouf
ather
,Il
ovey
out
oo.
I
tf eltweir
dsaying'Il
oveyoutoo'fr
om mydad.He
doesn'texpresshisloveforust oomuchandI'm
grateful
heexpressedhimsel
ftoday.
Mybr
other
sandsi
ster
ssai
dthei
rspeechest
oo.
Mamkhi
ze:canwehearwhaty
ouhav
etosaysi
ster
wi
fe.
Nahi
ko:
me?
Oy
isa:
Yesy
ou,
whyar
eyouscar
edt
otal
ktous?
Nahi
kol
ooksdownshe'
sfeel
i
ngshy
.
Me:Shehasalr
eadysai
dal
ott
oday
,sot
her
e'sno
needf
orhert
otal
k.
Mkhize:wedi
dn'
thearher
,wewantt
oknow what
shehastosay
.
Nahi
kosmi
lesthenl
ooksatme,sheknowst
her
e's
nowayt
oescapeMkhize.
Nahiko:Uhm I '
ve saidal otof t hings toy ou
SthandwaSam,butIwantt ot hankyouagai nfor
l
ov i
ngme, forbei
ngwi thme.Ilovehowy out
reatme,
thewayy oucar ef orme,r espectsme.Mayy ou
always be li
ke thatand nev erchange,y ou'
rea
blessi
ngsindisguise.Ever
ydayIaskGodt oalways
keep you forme,idon' tknow whatwoul d Ido
withoutyou,you'
remyper fectheav ensmysani t
y.I
l
ov eyouKhabazela!
Ican'
tst
opsmili
ngatt
hispr
ett
ywomannextt
ome,
I
peckakissonherl
i
ps.
Me:Trustmei'
mt heluckyone,i
'
mt heonewho's
bl
essedtohaveyou.Thankyoutoof orl
ovi
ngme
back,t
hankyouforyourundyi
nglov
e,I'
m ahappy
man i
t'
sallbecauseofyou myl i
ghtin shi
nni
ng
ar
mour.Il
oveyouwaymor
eBhelekazi
..
IKi
ssher
."Yeeyy
ounotal
oneher
e"
That
's Mkhi
ze,thi
s Man is Jeal
ous wher
eas he
al
wayskissherwi
feinf
rontofus.
Me:
I'
m sor
rybaba.
Yot
hando:we'
redonewit
hthespeechesr
ight
?Can
weeatnowI'
mf ami
shed.
Weal ll
aughather,t
hispr egnancyi
smaki
nghereat
alot,thi
siswhatI '
m notl ooki
ngfor
wardfor,t
he
Hormonesandt hecravings.IknowhowCrazyOyisa
usedt obeandMl ungisiwoul dbeontherecei
vi
ng
end.
Mamkhi
ze:Sorr
yBabymama,t
hef
oodwi
l
lbeher
e
anymoment.
Azol
e:Justdr
inkj
uicef
ort
het
imebei
ng.
WelaughatAzole'
sstat
ement,sheteasesherev
ery
nowandthenbecauseshe'
snotdri
nkingtheal
cohol
.
Myphoneri
ngs,
it
'
saunknownnumberthankGod
t
hefoodhasn'
tarri
vedMkhi
zewoul
d'
vemurder
ed
mef
orhav
ingaphonewhi
l
eeat
ing.
Me:
pleaseexcuseme.
Iwal
koutoft
her
est
aur
antt
oanswermyphone.
Me:
Mkhi
zeHel
l
o.
"
Myeni
HappyBi
rt
hday
"
Me:
Mkam?
"Yes,whereareyou?I
'
m aty
ourhousewhyy
ou
changedthel
ocks?
"
Me:
You'
reher
ebacki
nsout
hAf
ri
ca?
"
Yes,
wher
ear
eyou?
"
Me:Havi
ngDinnerwit
ht heFam,i
nlangebaan,I
'
ll
comeandseeyoutomor
row.
"
Can'
twai
t,Imi
ssedy
ou"
Me:
IknowandImi
ssedy
oumor
e.
"
OkayBy
e,i
lov
eyou"
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooby
e!
Idroppedthecall
thenmademywayin,t
hefoodjust
arr
ived.Isatdownthenl
ookedatt
hisGoddessnext
tome,iam indeedblessedtohav
eheri
nmyli
fe.
Shesmil
esatme,Ij ustwishedwewer
eal
oneI
woul
d'
vekissedherr
ightaway.
Thedinnerwentwel l,webacktothemansionri
ght
aft
erdinner.Ml ungi
sidroveMamkhize'
sSUV,she
wouldn'
tbeabl etodriveatni
ght
,andshehadsome
few dr
inks.Thiswast heThebestBir
thdayever
,I'
l
l
for
everCherishit.
.
.
30comment
smi
nimum mypeopl
e.
Goodni
ghtl
oveY'
al
l
TWENTYFOUR
Iwokeupwi thabangingheadache,i t'
sdef ini
tel
y
motherofal lheadaches,t
hisist heonl yreasoni
hateal coholbutwhatcanwedo?Wel ov eal
cohol.
Weal l sl
epti
nt heMansionandIsleptwi t
hmygi r
ls,
I
couldn'tdisrespectMrMkhi ze and Mamkhi ze by
sl
eepi ngwithZithul
elei
nthesamer oom, we'
renota
marriedcoupl esothatwoul
dbedi srespect.
Il
oveatAzol
eshehasherhandsonherf
ace.
Me:
Yougood?
Azole:Ithoughexpensi
veal
coholdoesn'
tmakey
ou
drunk,butyhooIwaswrongIfeel
li
keshit
!
Il
aughather
,myheadisheavyandthatstoppedme
fr
om l
aughi
ng.Gi
giandYot
handoarestil
lsleepi
ng.
Azol
e:SooHowwasi
t?
Yester
dayi nthecart heyaskedaboutmymi ssion
andIt oldthem itwassuccessf ulIdi
dn'tgointo
detai
ls Mamkhi ze and hi
s sist
ers werether
e,I
wouldn'
tjustblabberaboutmineandzithu'
ssexual
l
ifenevershame.
Me:Itwasgoodf r
iendyho,Iwanttodoitoverand
ov
eragain.Ienj
oyed,itf
eltsoheavenl
yIevensaw
MoseswhenIr eachedmyor gasm!Ihadplentyof
or
gasmsheknowshowt opleaseaLady!
Azol
e:Haa,
Wel
comeaboar
dhoney
!
Welaidt
her
eforashortperi
odoft
ime,t
henwentto
showeri
nthebathroom.Wewor eourclot
hes,t
he
oneswewereweari
ngyester
day
.
GigiandYot
handowokeupt
oo,t
heywentt
ohav
ea
showertoo.
Yot
hando:
I'
m hungr
y,what
'
sthet
ime?
Me:Ar
ound12pm,l
et'
sjustgohome.Iwantt
obe
homeyho
Azol
e:Wecameher
ewi
thchumani
'
scar
.
Me:
we'
l
ltakeanUber
.
Iwasn'
tfeel
ingwell
,It
houghti
twasaheadacheI
'
m
feel
i
ngdizzyri
ghtnow.
It
akeaseat
,andcl
osedmyey
es.
Gi
gi:
YouokayHi
ko?
Me:
I'
ll
bef
ine,
I'
mjustdi
zzyt
hat
'sal
l
.
Thedoct ortol
dmet hatsomepeoplehav esome
si
deef fect
swhenitcomest ot
heinj
ecti
on,i
tmakes
otherpeopl efat
,itchy,vomit
,dizzy et
ci tjust
dependsonaper son.IthinkI
'
m havingthoseside
effect
s.
Me:
let
'sgoguy
s.
Yot
hando:
You'
resweat
ingNahi
koar
esur
eyouf
ine.
Iwipet
hesweatof
fmyf
acet
henst
ood,
Ifeelbet
ter
now.
Me:
I'
ll
sleepathome,
butI
'
mfeel
i
ngf
inenow.
I'
mfeel
i
nghot,butI
'
llmanageti
llIgethomeandI
'
ll
askt
hedri
vert
oputsomeaircon.
Wemakeourdownst ai
rs,I
'
v ebeenwipingmysweat
idon'
tknowwhyi '
m sweatingmay beit
'sbecauseof
whatI'mf eeli
ng.Finall
ywer eachthelaststai
r,t
he
Mkhize fami l
yi s having lunch.Inor malize my
breat
hing,sinceIwasbr eathingheavi
ly.Iwipethe
fi
nall
ysweatt henmakemywayt othetablewhere
theyareeating.
Iwantt
otel
lthem we'
rel
eav
ing.
Me:
GoodAf
ter
noon
Meandmygi
rl
sgr
eet
,theyr
etur
nourgr
eet
ings.
Me:Uhm MrMkhi zewewoul dtoleavenow,itwas
greatbei
ngaroundy ouyou'
resuchal ovel
yfamil
y
and we're grateful we shar
ed such amazi ng
moment swi
thy ouandweenjoyedourselv
es.
Mamkhi
ze:
Justhav
elunchwi
thusbef
orey
oul
eav
e.
Mkhize:Yes,mywi
fei
sri
ghtpl
easet
akeaseatand
j
oinus.
Me:
Okay
.
Wetakeaseat
,Ij
ustt
akeaj
uiceIf
eell
i
kei
fieatI
'
ll
vomi
tall
thef
ood.
Ibal
ancemyhandswiththetabl
e,ireal
l
yneedt
o
sl
eepmaybeI
'
llbef
ineassoonasIwakeup.
Mamkhi
ze:
Youf
inenahi
kobaby
?
Me:
yeah,
yesI
'
mfi
ne.
Isaysmi
l
ingather
.
Yot
hando:No she'
snotf i
ne,she'
ssweat
ing and
bur
ningup.Shewasfeel
i
ngdizzyami
nut
eago.
Zi
thu:
Babyar
eyouokay
?
Heaskswor
rywr
it
teni
nhi
sface,
Inod.
Me:
Ijustneedsomesl
eept
henI
'
llbef
ine.
Iwipethesweatonmyf acewi t
ht hebackofmy
hand,
Ifeel
li
kefl
oat
ingasI
'm seat
ingint
hisseat
.
Zi
thu:St
handwa sam y
ou'
re scar
ing me what
's
wr
ongwi
thy
ou,
wher
edoesi
thur
ts?
Bef
oreianswerhim myphoner
ingsi
t'
smymom.I
st
oodupwalktothelounge.
Me:
Mama.
Mom:Nahi ko wher
e ar
ey ou and Yot
hando?I'
ve
arr
ivedher
earound5am i
t'
snoonnowwher ear
ethe
twoofyou?
Me:we'r
ecomi
ng,
wesleptatAzol
e'
spl
acewedidn'
t
know y
ouwerear
ri
vi
ngtoday.Yousai
dyou'
l
lcome
onthe3rd.
Mom:wellI
'm her
enow,I
'llwai
tfort
het
woofy
ou.
Yot
handohassomeexpl
ainingt
odo.
Me:Pl
easedon'tgohar
donher
,It
houghty
ouwoul
d
becal
mrightnow.
Mom:Iam amot herbabyIhav
et obeangr yand
worr
ied atthe same time,So she has a l
otof
expl
aini
ng.
Me:
That
'sokaybutdon'
tbehar
donher
.
Mom:
I'
ll
seeaboutt
hat
.
Me:
Butmama!
Shedoesn'
tanswer,wai
tshedroppedt
hecal
l.It
ry
tor
egai
nsomest r
engtht
ostandupbutI
'mfai
l
ing.
"
Heyeasy
"
Zit
hu makes hi
s way nextt
o me,he f
eel
s my
temper
atur
e.
Zit
hu:I
'
mt aki
ngy
outot hedoct
or,youdon'thav
eto
sayanyt
hingcozyou'
l
lli
eandsayy ou'
ref
ine.
Me:I
'
llbefi
ne,mymom isanurseshe'l
lknowwhat
's
wr
ongifIdon'
tgetanybet
terI
'
llcal
lyou.
Zi
thu:
Youpr
omi
se?
Me:
YesI'
l
lbefi
nethere'snoneedt obeworr
ied,I
wasfi
nef
ewhoursbackI'l
lbeokay
.Andmymot her
i
scal
li
ngmeandYothandocanyouTakeushome?
Zi
thu:Ther
e'snoneedforyoutoaskI
'
llt
akey
ou
Home,it
'sj
ustt
hatI
'
m worr
ied.
Me:
I'
ll
bef
ine.
Ibrushhi
sfacewi
thmyhands,hesmil
esatmeI
r
eturnthesmil
e.Iwoul
d bedoomed i
fthi
sisa
dr
eam,
Ilov
ehi
m somuch.He'
smyf
ir
stl
oveaf
teral
l
.
Me:
Ilov
eyou.
Zi
thu:Ilovey
ouwaymore,canigetmyki
ssnow?
Ev
ent houghy
ou'
resi
ck
Igotcl
osertohim,It
houghthewouldnev
erask.I
ki
sshim,thenpull
edoutremember
ingwe'
reathis
Fat
her'
shouse!
Hesmi
l
es.
Zi
thu:letmego and tel
lthepar
ent
sthaty
ou'
re
l
eavingandI
'
llt
ell
thegi
rl
stocomet
oo.
Afterawhi
l
e hecamebackwi
thhi
sfami
l
yandmy
fr
iends.
.
Mkhi
ze:Makot
iyoushoul
dgot
othedoct
or,y
ounot
l
ooki
nggoodatall
.
Me:Mymom wi llmakeapl
an,i
fIdon'
tgetany
bet
terI
'
llgot
othedoct
or.
Mamkhi
ze:You'
reworr
ying,cozyouwereper
fect
ly
f
iney
est
erdayandnowyou'r
enotokayI
'
m worr
ied.
Me:Youdon'
thav
etobewor
ri
edmai
t'
sjusthot
t
emper
atur
ethat
'sal
l
.
Mamkhi
ze:I
'
llt
ryt
obeli
evet
hat
,butI
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
ont
ocheckuponyou.
Me:
Alr
ightI
'
llwai
tfory
ourcal
l
.
Thef amilysai
dt hei
rgoodbyes,Irepeatt heyare
suchabunchofagoodf amil
y.Manyr ichpeople
wouldn'tevent
hinktodinewit
hpeoplelikemeand
myf ri
endsbuttheyshowedusl ov
eandweenj oyed
oursel
ves.
Wef ir
stdroppedGigiandAzol ethenwentt omy
house,Ididn'
ttel
lYothandothatmot herwant
st o
tal
kwithher,shej
ustknowshe'sback.We'r
eparked
ri
ghtinfr
ontofthegat
e.
Zi
thu:pleasecallmebabuifany
thi
nghappensI
'
ll
dr
opev eryt
hingj
ustf
ory
ou.
Me:I'l
lcal
ly oubabey oudon'tneedtowor r
y,I'
m
feel
i
ngbetternowthankstotheair
.I'
l
leatandsleep
Ithi
nkthat
'swhatIneed.
Zi
thu:
OkayIl
ovey
ousomuch.
Me:
Iknow,
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Ipeckhisli
pst hencli
mbout ,Yot
handowaswaiti
ng
meatt hegate.Idon'tthi
nkthi
sinj
ecti
onisgoodf
or
mybody ,j
udgingbyt hewayi '
mfeeli
ngri
ghtnow.I
f
thi
siswhathappenshappenI '
drathert
akethepi
ll
s
contr
acepti
vest hani
nject
ion.
Mom:
Final
l
yyou'
rehome.
Me:
sor
rywet
ookl
ong,
ther
ewast
raf
fi
c.
Mom:
Youdon'
tl
ookokay
!What
'swr
ongbaby
?
Yot
hando:shewasdizzy
,feel
i
nghotwedon'
tknow
what
'stheprobl
em.
Mom:
What
'st
hepr
obl
em baby
?
Me:Whatar et hesideeff
ect
soff
ami
l
ypl
anni
ng
i
nject
ionCont
racept
ives?
Mom:
whyar
easki
ng?
Me:
You'
reanur
seIj
ustwantt
oknow.
Mom: ner vousness, dizzi
ness, foggy minded,
Tir
edness, acne, no sex dr i
ve, bl
oat
ed, water
ret
ention,weightgain,cr
amps,et ci
tdependsona
person'sbody.
Me:Idi
df ami
l
yplanni
ng2day
sAgoandI
'
mfeel
i
ng
Di
zzy,
tir
edandhot.
Mom:Yourbody i s notreacti
ng wellwi ththe
contracept
ives,you need to go to a doctorand
he/she can r un some blood workt o check f
or
hormonel evelsandhe/ shewil
ltel
lyouwhi chBir
th
controltouse.
Me:
Thi
sisser
ious?
Mom:Ver yseri
ous,somepeopleareusi
ngwr ong
bi
rt
hcontrolwhichi
snotgoodfort
hei
rbodysy
stem
andthatl
eadsthem t
oinf
ert
il
it
y.
Me:Yhoo,I'
l
lgot
otheDoct
ormay
bet
omor
row i
don'
tknow.
Mom:I'
l
lmakey ougingert
easol ongandyouwil
lbe
al
it
tl
ebett
er,
it'
sjustsi
deeffect
sy ou'
l
lnotdi
e!
Il
aughather
.Atleastshehascool
eddownnow,
j
udgi
ngbywhenwegothereshewasspi
tt
ingf
ir
e.
Shecamebackwith3cupsofgi
ngerteat
here'
s
l
emoninmine,shehandsmet
hengiveYot
hando
too.
Mom:
SoYot
hando,
Whatwer
eyousay
ing?
Yot
handol
ookeddown,shedi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osay
tomom.
Mom:I'mt
alki
ngYot
handopl
easedon'
tmakeme
angr
y.
Shehal
fshout
s.
Yot
hando:
I'
m pr
egnantmama.
Mom:
who'
sthef
ather
?
Yot
hando:
Myexboy
fri
endLwando.
Mom:
Ex?Doesheknow?
Yothando:Yeswebr
okeupamont
hago,hedoesn'
t
know.
Mom:
wher
eishi
sfami
l
y?
Yothando:he'
sst
ayi
ngwi
tht
hem atAt
hlonewi
thhi
s
famil
y.
Mom:I'
l
lcallmyBr
otherwho'
sinKhayel
it
shato
comewi
thme,wewi
l
lgoonaweekend,Sat
urdayt
o
bepr
eci
se.
Yot
hando:ButmamaLwandoandIar
eov
er,t
her
e's
not
hinggoi
ngonbet
weenus.
Mom:y out
oohaveababytoget
her,he'
sthefather
ofyouunbornbabyhehast otakeresponsi
bil
it
y,
doeshehav
eastabl
ejob?
Yot
hando:
Yes,
he'
sinHumanResour
ces.
Mom:Good,hewi l
ltakecar
eofy ouandt hebaby,
I'
m sayingyoutwocangetbackt ogetheral lIwant
foryoui syourunbornbabytohav eaf atherf i
gure
andt hi
sLwandoofy our
smustacknowl edget he
factthathe'sgoingt obeaf at
hert oy ourunbor n
baby!
.
Yot
hando:
Okayma,
Iheary
ou.
Mom:I'
m notproudofWhatyou'vedoneYot
hando
youhav
edisappoi
ntedme,butihavenochoi
cebut
t
oacceptt
hisbecausei
'
m amother.
Yothando:IknowmamaIdi
dn'
tmeant
odi
sappoi
nt
you,i
'm sosorr
y.
Mom:It
'
sokaybaby
,al
lisi
nthepastnow.Howf
ar
ar
eyou?
Yothando:3monthspr
egnant
,butIwanttomake
sureIam soI'l
lgowithNahikotomor
row t
othe
doctor.
Mom:Iknow agoodgynecol
ogisti
nCentur
yCity
sheusedtowor
kwher
eI'
m worki
ngbutsheownher
Pract
ice.
Me:
DoIhav
etogot
ohert
oo?
Mom:Yeswhynot
?You'
l
lhav
etot
aket
hemedi
cal
ai
dcar
d.
Yot
hando:
okaymama,
nopr
obl
em.
Mom:Nahi
koy oucangoandt akeaNapnowIwant
t
otal
ktoYothandoaboutpar
enting.
Me:
Andwhyar
esi
del
i
ningme?
Mom:
Arey
oupr
egnant
?
Me:
No.
Mom:
Doy
ouhav
eachi
l
dorchi
l
dren?
Me:
No.
Mom:
Theny
ou'
reexcused.
Me:
Yhoo,
thi
sissounf
air
.
Ipl
acet
hecuponthetabl
ethewalkedt omyroom,I
l
eftt
hepar
ent
slaughi
ngatme.Idon'tcarewet
hu!
Iremov edmyshoest hetookmyf l
eecetocovermy
feet,Iwasf eel
ingsleepy.Ipl
acedmyphoneont he
dressingtableaf t
erputti
ngitonsil
ent.Ineedthi
s
sleep,maybeI '
l
l f
eelbett
erwhenIwakeup.

_
___
___
___
___
ZI
THULELE

Iam wor
ri
edaboutNahi
ko,Iwonderwhat
'swr
ong
wit
hher
.
Babu:
Doy
out
hinkshewi
l
lbef
ine?
Me:EyyIdon'
tknow,she'
sstubbor
nthatoneshe
sai
dshe'l
lbef
ine.Shewon'
teventel
lmethatshe
gotwor
se.
Mamkhize:Shewasbur
ningup.Iwoul
dsayi
t'
sfev
er
buti
t'
snot.
Me:I'
l
lhavetocheckuponher,Iwon'
tbeabl
eto
sl
eepwit
houtknowi
nghowshe'
sdoi
ng.
Mamkhi
ze:
I'
ll
cal
lherl
ateront
oo.
Buhl
e:Pl
easemagivemehernumber
s,she'
sfunt
o
bear
oundandherf
ri
endst
oo.
Me:Sothaty
oucoul
ddr
inkagai
n?I
twasaonceof
f
t
hing.
Buhl
e:y
ou'
renotFunbhut
ishame.
Shelef
twi t
hbabuand.Mamkhi ze,Mnqobihasl
eft
tohisplace,al
soMlungi
si,Oy
isaandt hekidsl
eft
too.
I
'
m wi
thMkhi
zedr
inki
ngwhi
sky
.
Mkhi
ze:She'
l
lbef
iney
oudon'
thav
etowor
ryt
hat
much.
Me:Baba whati fshe's sick and can'
tt ellme
becauseshe'
sscaredtolooseme?I twashar dtotel
l
met hatshewasr apedi ttookhert hatbastar
dt o
comeatherdoor stepforhert otel
lme.Sowhati f
shewanttobeinherdeat hbedtotel
lmet hatshe's
si
ck.
Mkhi ze:Iknow you l
ove herson,butshe'
s not
keepinganythi
ngawayf r
om y oubuty
ouare.So
don'tworr
yyoursel
faboutthat
.
Me:Ihearyou,butbabaI'
llbefinewhenIhearher
voi
cetel
l
ingmeshe'sperf
ectlyf
ineI'
l
lbeal
ri
ghttoo.
Mkhi
ze:
Arey
ousur
eyouhav
en'
ti
mpr
egnat
edher
?
Thi
stopi
cagai
n,whydoesi
tfeelasi
fMkhi
zewant
Nahi
kotobepr
egnant
.
Me:
Doy
ouwanthert
obepr
egnant
?
Mkhi
ze:
it'
stheonl
ywayt
okeepher
.
Me:Ababywon' tkeepany one,she'sy oungbutshe
knows what '
s wrong and r i
ght.She woul d never
al
low her sel
ftobepr egnant.Shebr oughtMor ning
afterpil
l
sanddr ankt hem infrontofmewhi chwasa
goodt hingIwoul d'
vef or
gotten.Idon'twantt or uin
herf ut
ure,i'
m waiti
ngf orhert ofi
nishschoolIwant
hert oli
veherdr eamsbabaIdon' twantt otrapher
withkidsandmar ri
age.I '
m 31she' s23I '
veal ready
l
ivedmyl i
fe,r
eachedmypur posei nli
feandl i
vedmy
dreamswhenshedoesal lthatforherselfthenwe' l
l
hav eourkidsandI '
l
lmar ryher.
Mkhize:You'
rer
eal
l
yaMan,y outakeaf
termeand
I
'm proudoft
heManthaty
ouaret
oday!
Me:Yeah,
letmel
eav
eyouwi
thy
ourgi
rl
s.I
'
llseey
ou
ar
oundbaba.
Mkhi
ze:
ByeSon.
It
akemycarkeys,thendrov
ei nst
eadofdri
vi
ngto
Pl
att
ekl
oofmyhouseItookaroutetoGoodwood.
IcheckifIhavet heHousekeysinmycar ,found
them.Ipr
esstheremotetoopenhergat
e,i
t'
sseems
asifshe'shomebecauseherRangeRov erSport
wasparkedonthedriv
eway.Thedoori
snotlocked.
There she i
s sl
eepi
ng on t
he couch wi
th di
rty
takeawaypl
atesonthefl
oor
.Ichuckl
eShe'
llnever
Change!
Ipickupallthedir
tandthrew i
tont hedustbi
n.I
tookacanofcastl
elit
efr
om thefr
idge,I
'
m sureshe
boughtt
hisbeerf
ormesincesheknewI '
llcomeand
seeher.
Whil
esheissti
llsl
eepi
ngIri
ngNahikobutshe'
snot
answer
ingherphone.Itr
yitforsometi
mebutstil
l
she'
s notpi
cki
ng up t
hatmakes me a l
i
ttl
e bi
t
worr
ied.
"SthandwaSam pleasewhenyougetthismessage
pleasegiv
emeacal l
,I'
m wor
ri
edabouty ou"Isend
herthemessagethenwalkedt
othelounge.
She'
sst i
l
lsleepi
ng I
'
m sor
ryI
'
llhav
et orui
n her
beaut
ysleepImissedhert
oomuchthant
owat ch
hersl
eep.
"
Eva!
""Ev
a!"Isayshaki
ngheral
i
ttl
ebi
t.
Ev
a:Honey
!
She screams and j
umps on me,Il
augh ather
react
ion.
Me:
Didn'
tknowIwasmi
ssedt
hismuch.
Ev
a:YouHav
enoi
deaMy
eni
wam.[
Myhusband]
.
Me:Ngi
yaxoli
saMkami
,butImi
ssedy
out
oo.[
I'
m
sor
ryMywife]
Ev
a:wai
tIhav
esomet
hingf
ory
ou!
Sher
unsupst
air
sandcomebackcar
ryi
ngaBl
ack
Smal
lbox
!
Me:
Andwhati
sthat
?
Eva:ABirt
hdaypresent
,sorr
yIdi
dn'tcel
ebr
ateyour
bir
thdaywithyouI '
m sorr
ymyf l
ightgotdelayed
that'
swhyIarr
ivedl
ate.
Me:I
t'
sokayy
ou'
reher
enow,
andy
ouhav
eagi
ftf
or
me!
Ev
a:Justt
oaddony
ourCol
l
ect
ion.
Shehandsmet heboxt
her
e'saRol
exGMTMasterI
I
Steeland Yel
l
ow Gold 40MM Watch i
t'
s wat
er
resi
stance.
Ismi
l
eather
,she'
ssmi
l
ingwi
del
yatme.
Me:
Thanky
ou!
Ismi
l
elooki
ngather
.
Ev
a:Okayt
alk,
what
'swr
ong?
She'
sonherser
ioussel
fri
ghtnow!
Me:
Idon'
tknowhowt
otel
lyout
his.
Ev
a:I
sitbadnews?
Me:
NoGoodNews,
don'
tbewor
ri
ed.
Ev
a:OkayTal
kZi
thul
eleI
'
mli
steni
ng.
Me:
I'
vemetsomeone!
.
.
Let
'sCont
inuewi
thour30+Comment
s
TWENTYFI
VE
"
Whatdoy
oumeany
ou'
vemetSomeone?
"
Me:ImeanIhaveaGirlf
ri
endnow herNamei
s
Nahi
koy
ou'
regoi
ngt
olov
ehertr
ustme.
Ev
a:Howol
disshe?
Me:
23!
Ev
a:Ihav
enosay
,sor
ry!
Shewal ksupthest ai
rsIknow she'sangryshewi l
l
cooldown,inthemeant i
meIcheckwhatIcancook
sinceI'
m hungryandshecan' tsaynot omyf ood.
There'
snomuchGr oceryi
nhere,it
'sjustafewst uff
soideci dedt
hatiwi l
lcookspaghettibolognese.It
didn'
ttakemet i
met ocookthismealt hat'
soneof
thereasonwhyilovet ocookit
,it
'ssoeasyt ocook
i
t.IwasdonewhenImademywayupst ai
rsi
nher
room,ihopeshehascooleddowncozweneedt o
haveaseri
oustal
k.She'
sbusyty
pingsomethi
ngon
herl
aptop.
Me:
Comeandeat
,I'
vecooked.
Ev
a:okayI
'
m comi
ng.
ThankGodshe' snow okay,Ij
usthopewewi llbe
abletotal
k.Imakemydownst air
sagain,Idishout
forthebothofus.thenwai
tedforheri
nt hel
ounge,
shecomesaf tersometimeandsettl
erightnextto
me, Igi
veher
,herplat
e.
Me:You'
l
llov
eherIpr omi
se,Mamkhi
zeapprov
ed
al
souBabaappr
ovedofher
,ev
ery
onel
ovesher
!
Ev
a:WhataboutAmanda?Bul
umnkoshe'
sachi
l
d.
Me:Achil
dt hatIl ovesomuch,andshe'smat ured
waymatured,there'sonlya7y ear
sgapit
'snotthat
much,i
t'
sact uall
y6y earsShe'
llbet
urni
ng24t his
year
.
Ev
a:Whatdoesshedof
oral
eav
ing?
Me:
She'
saPsy
chol
ogyst
udent
Ev
a:AVar
sit
yGi
rlBul
umnko?
Me:Il
oveherEva,andevenyouwon'tst
opmef
rom
l
ovi
ngherIwast el
l
ingyousothaty
oumayknowas
myBestfr
iend.
Ev
a:DoessheknowAmanda?
Me:Noshedoesn' tknow.LookEv aAmandai sno
mor e,i
t'
sbeen4y ear
swi t
houther.ImovedonNow,
IknowAmandawasy oursisterbutbef
orethatEv a
you'vebeenmyBestf r
iendSincepri
mary,Secondary
andv arsi
tycan'
tyoubehappyf orme?For getthat
Amandawasy oursi
sterthi
nkofmeasy ourbest
fr
iend.
Ev
a:Wi
l
lyoupr
otecther
?
She'
snowcryi
ng,It
ookheri
nmyar ms.Shecr
iesin
myarmsIknow Amanda'sDeathwasallmyf aul
t
andshewasheroneandonl
ysi
ster
.
Me:Iwi llprotectherwi thmyal l,I'
vekill
edforher
onceI'
lldoi toverandov erAgain.Whathappenedt o
Amandawasami stake,herdeathstil
lhurtmeli
keit
happenedj ustyesterday
.I'm sor
ryEv a,butIl
oveher
so much.She makes me a bet t
erman,no one
menti
onedAmanda'sdeat
ht i
l
l nowbecausei
t'
sall
in
thepastnow,butshe'
llf
oreverbeinmyhear t.I
t'
s
hight
imethatImoveonnow!
Eva:Ist
il
lblameyouf
orherdeathBulumnko,y
ou
coul
d'
vesavedhery
ouwer
esupposedtosaveher
.
Me:
Iknow,
IknowEv
aandIbl
amemy
sel
ftoo.
Shecri
es,
andmytear
sfallt
oo,
Amanda'
sdeat
hst
il
l
hur
tsandEvai
shur
ti
ngtoo.
Ev
a:Iwantt
oseeher
!
Me:Icanshow youherpi
cturef
ornow t
henI
'
ll
ar
rangesomet
imefory
out
wot omeet
.
Ev
a:Nopr
obl
em cani
seeherpi
ctur
e?
Itookoutmyphonet
henshowedherpi
ctur
esof
Nahiko.
Ev
a:She'
sbeaut
if
ul,
what
'
sherNameagai
n?
Me:
Nahi
ko.
Ev
a:She'
sbeaut
if
ul,
Ilov
ehersmi
l
e.
Me:
Ipr
omi
sey
ouwi
l
llov
eher
Ev
a:Ihopeso,
canweeatnow?
Me:
Yeahsur
e!
Aftereati
ngwehaven'tshar
edanywor ds,shet
ook
theplatesthenwalked totheki
tchen,shecame
backwi t
habottl
eofwi neandagl
asswi thacanof
castl
elit
eforme.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Isayasshehandsmet
hecan.
Ev
a:I
'm sor
ryi
facameoutasajeal
ousbestFr
iendI
di
dn'
tmeanto,emot
ionsj
ustt
ookover
.
Me:Iknow don'tworry
,you'r
ej ustl
ooki
ngoutf or
yoursist
er.I'
m sorr
yEv abutIwon' thold on to
Amandaf ort
herestofmyli
fe,Ihadtomoveon,and
Ididj
ustthat
.
Eva:Iknowbuty ouhavetotel
lyourGir
lf
ri
endabout
Amanda,r el
ati
onshi
pi sbuil
tont r
ust,
honestyand
communi cat
ionyoufail
edthat.Now I'
mt alki
ngto
youasy ourbestf
ri
end.Tel
lherever
ythi
ng
Me:I
twon'tbeeasyEva,I'
l
lri
skingmyrel
ati
onshi
p
wi
thheri
fItel
lherev
erythi
ng,shewon'
twanttobe
i
nar elat
ionshi
pshewi l
lthinkwhathappenedto
Amandamayhappent ohertoo.She'
smysafepl
ace
Ican'
tlooseherli
ket
hat.
Eva:DoYouknow ify
oucontinuel
ikethi
syouwi
l
l
l
ooseher
,ifshel
ovesyoushewil
lst
aytr
ustme.
Me:Iwil
lseeaboutt
hat
,enoughaboutmeHowwas
LasVegas?
Ev
a:Ididn'
twantt ocomebackhome,Ienj
oyed
mysel
fnoli
esbutImissedhome.
Me:
Sti
l
lnoMan?
Ev
a:NopenoMan,
Idon'
tneedanyman.
Me:
Sandzi
sst
il
lsi
ngl
eandav
ail
abl
e.
Eva:IwouldbedamnedifIweret
oDat eSandzisa
headachehewouldbeadeathofme.He'sFatherof
al
lPlayer
sInthi
suni
ver
se,bot
hhim andChumani.
Me:
Chumani
isi
naRel
ati
onshi
p.
Ev
a:Youl
i
e!
Me:I'
mtel
li
ngy ou,
andIthoughtbynowhewoul
d'
ve
cheat
edI
'm st
il
lshocked.
Ev
a:Yho,Bat
hongPeoplereal
lydochange.YhooI
missedev
ent
hem andourGossip.
Me:
You'
ret
heBi
ggestGossi
perI
'
veev
ermet
.
Shel
aughssohar
d,atl
eastshe'
ssmi
l
ing.
Ev
aisaModel
andshei
sal
soanAccount
ant
.
Eva:youknow evenyou,aft
erAmanda'
sdeathyou
wereuncontr
oll
able,y
ouwer ebusywit
hladi
eslef
t
ri
ghtandcent
reyouwer eev
enmor et
hanSandz.
Me:YouseethereasonwhyIsayNahikomakesme
abetterMan,shechangedmeintothisManthatI
am now,ev
enMkhizesawthedif
fer
ence.
Ev
a:Di
dyousayMamkhi
zeAppr
ovedofher
?
Me:Iwasshockedt oo,shefoundheri nmyhouse
weari
ng my clot
hes inst
ead offi
ghting herthey
tal
ked,sheev
encookedf orher
.Shelovesher,even
todayshewasn'tfeel
i
ngwel lMamkhizeiswor r
ied
abouther
Ev
a:What
'swr
ongwi
thher
?
Me:Idon'
tknow,shewassweati
ngshewasbur ni
ng
upandalsofel
tdi
zzywedidn'
tknowwhathappened
t
oher
Ev
a:I
sshenotpr
egnant
?
Me:Noshe'snotpregnant
,andIhavetogoand
checkuponher
.Seei
ngherwil
leasemymi
nd.
Ev
a:Icanseei
tiny
ourey
esy
oul
oveher
Me:She'smysani ty
,myHappypl acewhenev erIsee
herIjustwanthertobewithmeforthel ongestt
ime.
Holdheri nmyar m wit
houtevenl etti
nghergo.I
real
l
ydol oveher,IwenttoAmanda'sGr aveandtold
heraboutNahikoandAskedforherbl essi
ngs
Eva:Youwentt
oLadySmi
th,
emnambi
thij
ustt
otal
k
toAmanda?
Me:No,wewerethereasafamil
yforChr
ist
massoI
deci
dedtogoandt alkwi
thAmanda,Iwenttoher
grav
eandtol
dheraboutNahiko.
Eva:I
'
m Gladyoudid,andI'
m gl
adt
haty
ouhav
en'
t
for
gott
enaboutmysist
er.
Me:She'
llal
waysbeinmyhear
t,buywhatIf
eelfor
Nahi
koisdif
fer
entEva,
she'
smysoulmat
eIcanfeel
i
t.Onl
ydeathwil
ldouspar
t.
Ev
a:Iam happyf
ory
ouMy
eni
.
Me:
Thanky
ouMkami
.
MyPhoner
ingsi
t'
sNahi
ko.
Me:
It'
sNahi
kol
etmeanswer
.
Ev
a:OkayI
'
llbei
ntheki
tchen
Shewal
kst
otheki
tchen.
Me:
SthandwaSam.
Nahi
ko:Hey Babe,so y
ourmi
ssed cal
l
s Iwas
sl
eepi
ngandmyphonewasonsilentIdi
dn'
twant
anydi
str
act
ions.
Me:
It'
sokay
,sohowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Nahiko:Muchbet
tery
oudon'
tneedt
owor
ryasI
havetoldy
ou.
Me:I'
llbebett
eri
fIseey
ou,sot
hatIcanknowt
hat
you'
reokay.
Nahi
ko:
Ifor
gothowst
ubbor
nyouar
esomet
imes.
Me:
Justl
i
key
our
ight
?
Shel
aughsandt
hatwar
msupmyhear
t.
Nahi
ko:
I'
m notst
ubbor
nbabe.
Me:Yeahyou'
l
lsaythatbecausey
oudon'
tknowhow
st
ubborny
ouar e.
Nahi
ko:
ify
ousayso.
Me:Youknowit
'sgoodtohearyoulaugh,youhar
dly
l
aughedinthemorni
ngnorsmiled,that
'soneofthe
reasonIwasworr
iedandstil
lwor r
ied.CanIcome
andseeyou?
Nahi
ko:
Yesy
oucancomeandi
nspecti
nspect
or.
.
Il
aughsohar
d.
Me:
SoI
'
mthei
nspect
or?
Nahi
ko:
Youwantt
oseehowI
'
m doi
ngmos.
Il
augh.
.
Me:
Ilov
eyouBhel
ekazi
.
Nahi
ko:Iknow y
oudoKhabazel
a,andIloveyou
more.Pl
easecomeIwantt
oseey ourhandsome
f
ace.
Il
augh,
she'
sbr
avet
oobr
ave.
Me:
OkaySt
handwaSam I
'
m comi
ng.
Nahi
ko:
Pleaseapi
zzaandsomewi
ngsf
rom KFC.
Me:
Letmeguesst
heyar
eBabymama'
sfood.
Nahi
ko:Yeahr i
ght,I
'm al
readydr
aineditwasbett
er
when we di dn'
t know now we' re suf
fer
ing f
or
Lwando'
ssins.
Il
augh.
Me:
Alr
ightbabe,
letmecomet
hen.
Nahi
ko:
Okayl
ove.
Shedr
opst
hecal
l
.
"
How is she?
"Ev
a asks maki
ng herwayt
othe
l
ounge.
Me:
Shesoundsbet
ter
.ButIwantt
omakesur
e.
Eva:OhAl
ri
ghtthen,i
twasni
cetoseey
ouagai
n,I
'
m
backnowI'
l
lseey oumoreof
ten.
Me:Yeahofcour se,I'
l
ltellthegent
st haty
ouare
back.Ididn'
ttel
lthem becauseIwantedtotal
kto
fi
rstbef
oreyouheareveryt
hingfr
om t
hem.
Eva:I'
m gl
ady outol
dme,itwoul
d'v
ebeenbadifI
heardever
ythi
ngfr
om someoneel
se,t
hanky
ou.
Me:
Alr
ightMkami
,I
'l
lseey
ouar
ound.
Ev
a:Samet
oyouMy
eni
.
WehugandImakemywayt othecar
,I'
m gl
adwe'
ve
hadt
hist
alknowIcanf
eelf
reeanddatemyWoman
fr
eel
y.

_
___
___
___
NAHI
KO
Iwokef eel
ingmuchbet ter
,butmyt emperaturewas
sti
l
lhighnott hathigh,I'
m sohungr yIdidn'teatthe
wholeday .Isaw mi ssedcallsfrom Zithulel
e,his
Motherandunknownnumber .Icall
edmyManf i
rst
he'
sr eal
lyworriedaboutme,andI 'm sohappyt hat
Hecar es,Iwentt othel oungewitht hetwinswer e
watchingTV
Si
kel
elwa:
Sisi
.
Sherantomeandhuggedme,Si kel
elacamet oo
andIhuggedhi
mtoo.Idon'
tknowwhet
herit
'sy
hoo
t
heyar
egr
owi
ng,
ali
tt
lebi
ttal
l
er.
Me:
missedy
oursi
s?
Si
kelel
wa:Youhavenoidea,I
'
m nevergoi
ngt
othe
Bundusagai
ntheymademewor k.
Sikel
ela:Ilov
edeasterncape,Il
ovedt
hefactt
hatI
washer dingcows,sheepsandGoatsIlov
eddoing
thatwithmycousins.
Si
kel
elwa:Aunt
ieNondumisoissolazy
,shel
ikest
o
i
nstr
uctpeopleto do somet
hing whi
lesheseat
s
downandkeeponpointi
ngoutprobl
ems.
Il
aughatherstat
ementsohard,she'
sri
ghtabout
Aunt
'Nondumi
soshe'
stoomuchwedidn'
tgotal
ong.
Theytellmest ori
est hathappenedbackhome,I
real
l
ymi ssedmyt winsther
e'sneveradul
lmoment
whenevertheyar
earound.
Myphonedi
stur
bsourbondi
ngsessi
oni
t'
sMyMans.
Me:
Heybabe.
Zi
thu:
I'
m 3housesawayf
rom y
ourhouse.
Me:Justpar
kinf
ront
,I'
l
lcome my mot
heri
s
sl
eepi
ng.
Zi
thu:
Okay
.
Me:
Twi
nsgoandbat
hthengost
rai
ghtt
obed.
Si
kel
elwa:
Butwewer
est
il
ltal
ki
ng.
Me:Ihavetogosomewher
eforaf
ew mi
nut
es,so
j
ustgoandbat
h.
Si
kel
ela:
ohokaysi
s.
Iwor
emyf l
atsthenmademywayout
,I'
m wear
ing
mypyj
amasIgotinsi
det
hecar
.
Me:
Hey
,youcandr
iveandpar
knotf
arf
rom home.
Hedriv
esof
fandpar
ksnextt
oapl
aygr
oundt
hat
's
notf
ar.
Me:
SohowdoIl
ooki
nspect
or?
Zit
hu:Youl
ookmuchbet
ter
,whatwaswr
ongwi
th
you?
Me:Ihadsi deef fect
softhebi r
thcont
rolchose
whichisnotrightformybody,sot omor
row I
'l
lbe
goi
ngt oaDoctortochecksomemyhor monelevel
s
andotherst
uffthatwomenexper
ience.
Zi
thu:SotheBi
rt
hcont
roly
ouchosecandodamage
i
ny ourbody
?
Me:that
'swhatIwanttoknow,
judgi
ngbyt
heseside
eff
ectsIdon'
tthinkit
'
sgoodf ormybodyI'l
lhear
fr
om theDoct
orwhatshehastosay
Zi
thu:
Theuniver
setry
ingtotel
lust
haty
oushoul
dn'
t
beonbir
thcontr
olsothatwecoul
dmakebabi
es.
Me:
Zit
hul
ele!
Ihi
thi
m onhi
schest
,hel
aughsatmeIal
soj
oinhi
m.
Zit
hu:ButIdon'
twanttoseeyousi
ckagai
n,Iwant
youtobeal way
sy ourj
oll
yself
.Il
ovetoseey ou
happy.
Me:
Iknow,
evenIdon'
tl
ikebei
ngsi
ck.
Zi
thu:Imi
ssy
ou,Iwantedyoutobei
nmyar msl
ast
ni
ght,may
beyouwoul
d'
v ebefi
newhoknows.
Me:
Arey
ouJesus?
Zi
thu:
inf
lash.
Il
aughathi
m.
Zi
thu:
Itf
eel
ssogoodt
oseey
oul
aughi
ngl
i
ket
his.
Me:it
'sbecausey
oumakemehappyt
hat
'swhyI
'
m
l
aughi
ngthismuch.
Zi
thu:AndI
'
m gl
adImakey
ouhappy
,becausey
ou
makemehappyt
oo.
Me:Iknow,sostopbeingsocheesyandki
ssme.I
di
dn'
tgetyourki
sstoday.
Zi
thu:
Ithoughty
ou'
l
lnev
erask.
Il
aughasIcuphi sfacewithbot hofmyhands,I
missedhi sli
ps.Hisri
ghthandmov esupanddown
myt hi
ghsbr ushingmythi
ghsandIdeepenthekiss,
ir
eal i
sesasof tmoan..Whent hekisswasheat
ing
uphepul ledout.Hewasbreathingheavi
l
ysowasi .
Wecat chourbr eat
hsforafewmi nuteshel
ooksat
mesmi l
i
ng.
Zi
thu:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
omeChi
l
d?
Ir
etur
nthesmi
l
etoo.
Me:
Idon'
tknowGr
andpa,
whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
ome?
Helaughsatme,thisNigah'
slaughi
ssocar ef
ree
andI'
venoti
cedhel
aughswhenhe'swit
hmebutnot
i
nfrontofot
herpl
ease.Hegiv
esthatmanl
ylaughof
hi
s when he'
s around peopl
e,butIr
ecei
vet
he
car
efr
eel
augh,andit'
sthebest
.
Zi
thu:
Doy
ouhav
eagr
andpat
hatl
ooksl
i
keme?
Me:
Evenwaybet
tert
hany
oul
ook.
Zi
thu:
Arey
out
ryi
ngt
osayI
'
m ol
dSt
handwaSam?
Me:You?Whatno.Youevenl
ookmor
ehandsome,
Cut
er,
sexi
ert
hanthesey
oungboy
s.
HeLaughs.
Zi
thu:You'
resuchanidi
ot,Pl
eassr
emi
ndmewhat
am Idoi
ngwit
hy ou?
I
t'
smyt
urnt
olaughnow.
Me:Iam t
hei
diot
?Idi
oti
sme?Wel
lIguessy
ouLov
e
t
hisi
diot
.
Zi
thu:
Andi
lov
eyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Weki ssedforthel
astti
me,itwasget t
inglat
eand
babymamawi l
lmurdermeifIdon'tgot
heresooner
,
hedropsmeatt hegateandImademywayi nhe
drov
eof f,Il
ockedthegateandt hedoorthetwins
wer
ei nt hei
rroom sl
eeping af
ter l
ocki
ng and
swi
tchi
ngofft
heli
ght
sIwenttobabymama'sroom.
Weat ethepizzawi t
ht hewings.ThenIwentt omy
room.Icall
edMamkhi zeandt oldherIwasf eeling
bett
erIcalledtheot hernumberi twasBabusisiwe
shewasaski ngaboutmyheal th.I
'm sti
l
lgratef ul
even today t
hatMkhi ze peopl
el i
kes me,Ij ust
coul
dn'timagine my selfhav i
ng drama wi t
h my
Boyfr
iend'
smot her,f
at her,br
otherorsi
ster.I
'
m gl ad
thelikemeand Il ov et hem alltheyaresucha
wonderfulf
amily,wit
ht heirLovi
ngson.He'stheBest
boyfr
iend
.
.
30+comment
sthanky
ou .
Lov
ey'
al
lGoodni
ght
TWENTYSI
X
"Hey
,Nahiko!
"OhmyGodt
hischi
l
ddoesn'
tgi
veup
doesshe?
Me:
Hey
y.
"
Youf
orgotmynameagai
n?"
Ichuckl
eshe'sanonfact
orwhywoul
dIev
ent
hink
abouthername,
Ismil
eather
!.
"
LisaandI
'
mtel
l
ingy
ouf
ort
heLastt
ime.
"
Me:OkayLi
sa,i
fyoudon'
tmi
ndI
'
mlat
eformycl
ass
ineedt
orush.
Li
sa:Nowe'
rel
eftwi
th10mi
nut
esbef
oreourcl
ass
commence.
Yeahr
ight
.
Me:
Youi
nmycl
ass?
Li
sa:
Duh!
Yhoo,Idon'tevenr emembert hatit'
stheFirstweek
of Februarya l otof t hings happened butmy
happinesssti
llremainedandYot handoi s4mont hs
pregnantnowherpr egnancyi streati
nghergoodbut
she eatsf orthe whol e country,she's back wi
th
Lwandoandhe' shappyaboutt hebabyhedi dn'
t
know whathe di df or them t o broke up,we
understooditwashor monesbutnow t heyareli
ke
houseonf ir
e!Ot herthant hatmyGi rlsGigiand
Azole ar e stil
lgood wi tht heirr el
ationships.My
relat
ionshipi sst i
llont hehoney moonphasesoI
can'tsayI 'm nothappy ,I'm al way shappyhe' st he
bestboy f
ri
endev er.Hei ntroducedmet ohi s'femal e
bestf ri
end'Ev a.Nol i
esIdon' tli
keheratal l,she's
alway swi t
hZi t
huoratzi thu' shouseandmydear est
Zithudoesn' tseeany thingwr ongwi tht hat,andI
didn'
twantt osoundl i
keaJeal ousgirl
friendIhav ea
l
ott owor ryaboutt hanagr ownassMan.ButmyGut
feeli
ngnev erli
es,y '
allwi l
lsayi tonet hatdayt hat
thatgi r
lisnotgoodnews! .She' sev ensi ngle,she
doesn'thav eaMany hol etmewat chandsee.Oh
andt hisgirlnextt omeLi sahasbeenf orcingmet o
beherf ri
end,Iwant ednof riendsi nv arsitybutnot
thisGi r
l,Imi ssthewor ki ngpl ace,speaki ngoft hat
Azolei si naMat ri
cCol leget owor konherMat ri
c
she wi l
lbe wr it
ing herexams i n June.I '
m al so
helpi
ng herwi th herst udi es,she' sal way satmy
placenowaday sandmom doesn' thav eapr oblem
withher ,actual
lywhohasapr oblem withher ?When
Itoldthem aboutt hi
sEv a, theysai dshoul dany thing
happenbet weenhi m andzi thuGi giandYot hando
cant akeZi thulel
ebuyshewant soneononewi th
Evashel
ldealwit
hherher
self
.Shedoesn'
tfeelt
his
Evaaswellsinceshe'
sfri
endswit
hal lZi
thul
ele'
s
fr
iendsi
ncl
udi
ngherChumani.
"
Heyar
eyoust
il
lher
e?"
Il
ookatherQui
ckl
y
Me:
Ohy
eahsor
ryy
ouwer
esay
ing?
Li
sa:Wecangot ot
hecafet
eri
at ogetsomet
hingt
o
eat
,theymaket
heebestHotFr
ies.
It
'sjustafterourclass,wehav eonemoretoattend
sot hatIcanbeouti fhere!Thi
siswhatILoveAbout
universi
tyyoudon'thav etobehereal
lday,y
ouhav e
l
ike2or3cl assesadaybutsomeday sIhav e4
classes.Butsti
llIdon'
tmi nd.
We'r
eseatedi
nt hecafet
eri
aeat
ingourf
ri
es,she'
s
notabadcompanythough.
Li
sa:Sotel
lmeabouty
ou.Whyar
eyounotst
ayi
ng
atRez?
Me:There'
snothi
ngtoknow aboutme,I'
m Nahi
ko
I
'm 23we'redoi
ngthesamecourseIstayathome
becauseIwant
edto.
.
Lisa:ohI
'm Li
sa,22year
sol
d.Ist
ayatRezbecause
I'
m notfr
om capetownI'
mfr
om knysna.
Me:
Ohh,
that
'sabeaut
if
ulpl
ace.
Li
sa:
yeahi
tis.
Wechattedaboutalotofst
uff
,she'sagreatperson
butI'
vealr
eadyhavet oomuchf r
iendsont hebag
ri
ghtnow,soshe'l
lbemycampusbuddy .I'
llneed
someonetotal
kto.

_
___
___
__
AZOLE
"MissMawenicany oupleasecomeandhel puswi th
theSum"t hatwouldbeme,i fIdidn'
twantt obei n
universi
tyIwould'
vedroppedt hi
sshi t
,Ist
oodupand
walkt otheTeacherwho' sIncredibl
yhandsome,he
smilesatme,don' tyouDarey ouDev il
.OhLor dhelp
yourchildandl eadhernoti ntotempt at
ions.Itake
thechalkfrom anddot hesum, thankstomysecond
TeachermyBest i
eforteachi
ngmeIwoul dbefail
ing
mat hscozIalway sl
oosemymi ndwhenhe' si
nfront
t
eachi
ng.
"
That
'scor
rectt
hanky
oumi
ssMaweni
"
Ismil
ethenmademywaybacktotheDesk,Lol
l
y
smi
lesatme,
she'
smyf
ri
endher
eatschool
.
Thet
eacherf
inal
l
yfi
nishes,
thi
sist
ort
ure.
Lol
ly:Behappyheknowsy
oursur
name,and he
cal
l
edy out
otheboar
d.
Me:Ihav e a boy
fri
end Lol
l
y,MrI
sake i
sjusta
Teacher
!
Lol
l
y:Buty
oul
i
kehi
m!
Me:That'
swhereyouarewrong,
Idon'
tl
ikehim.He's
j
ustahandsomeman,butIhav eaboyfr
iendthatI
l
oveIwoul dn'
tsabot
agewhatIhavewi t
hmyMan
f
ortheli
kesofMrIsakeno.
Myphonebeepsit'
samessagef
rom mybestfri
end.
"Thel
ect
ureisaskingf
oranext
ra30minutes,take
anUberi
n35mi nut
esfr
om now,
Ilov
eyou"
Ismile,Wewai tforeachotherever
yWednesday
becauseourcl
assesendsat3pm.Anyotherdayshe
l
eavesbecauseherclassesendsearl
ierorlat
eso
Wednesday
si swhenweendatthesamet i
me.I'
mi n
CapeTownsoI '
mt heonerequest
ingUberthenget
heratUCTlowercampust
hat'
swher eshe'
sat.
Lol
l
y:That
'
smyBus,
letmer
un.I
'
llseey
out
omor
row.
Me:
OkayLov
e.
Sherunst
othebusstop,It
akebustooit
'scheapi
t
savesmoneysi
nceI'
m notworki
nganymorebutas
I'
vesai
dWednesday
sarespeci
al.
IsawMrI sakemaki
nghiswayappr
oachi
ngme,my
phoner
ingsit'
sChumani
.
Me:
Heyl
ove
Chumani
:heybaby
,ar
est
il
latschool
?
Me:
Yeah,
I'
m wai
ti
ngf
orNahi
ko.
Chumani:IguessI'
llbesav
ingy
out oo,I
'
minl
ong
st
reeti
nmycl ubIcancomeandf
etchyou.
Me:
OhokayI
'
llwai
tfory
ouher
e.
Chumani
:OkayI
'
m comi
ngby
e,Il
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
"
MissMaweni
you'
rest
il
lher
e?Theschool
isout
"
Canhej ustcallmeusi ngmyname, schoolisoutas
hej ustsaidwhat '
swi ththeSurnamecalli
ngInever
under stoodteachersandst i
l
ldon'tunderst
andwhy
theyar ecallingst udent
switht hei
rsurnames.It'
s
actuallybad,
Ipr ef
erbeingcal
ledbymyName.
I
sake:ohokay
,I'
l
lwai
twi
thy
ouher
eit
'snotsaf
eout
her
e.
Okay.There'
s a secur
it
yfora r
eason so Idon'
t
under
standbuti
t'
sokay.
Me:
Alr
ightsi
rIdon'
tmi
nd.
I
sake:You'
repret
tygoodwit
hyourstudi
es,i
'
m sur
e
y
ou'l
lpassyourmatr
icwit
hgoodmarks
Me:y esmyv ar
sit
yfri
endkindahel
pmewithmy
studiesshe'
squi
tegood,Ij
ustwantt
odowel
linmy
fi
nals.
I
sake: Then you need t
o wor
k har
d,and i
n
det
ermi
nationy
ou'l
ldowel
l.
Me:
Thanky
ousi
r,Iwi
l
ldoexact
lyt
hat
I
sake:Whattooky
ousol
ongf
ory
out
ocompl
ete
y
ourMatri
c?
Me:MyBestf r
iendtheonewho'
sinvarsi
ty,shet
old
me it'
s nev
ert oo lat
etoliv
ey ourdreams and
educat
ioniswhatIneed asast ar
tpointofmy
dreams.
I
sake:She'
sagoodf r
iend,whatdoy
ouwantt
obe
whenyoufi
nishy
ourstudi
es?
Me:A l awyer
,iwaswor ki
nginaLaw firm asa
cleanerIsaw mysel
finthosel
awyer
sbutInev er
thoughtIwouldbeonebutmyfr
iendt
oldIcoul
dbe
one.
I
sake:
Youl
oveherdon'
tyou?
Me:Whodoesn't
?She'
sthebestt
hingt
hathasever
happened t
o me.Ilov
e herso much,she'
s my
ever
ythi
ng.
Isake:I
ssheacelebr
it
ythatev
ery
onel
ovesher
?Coz
Idon'tknowher
.
Il
augh.
Me:
Ever
yonewhomeet
sherf
all
sinl
ovewi
thher
.
She'
ssweet
,ki
ndandv
erybeaut
if
ul.
Itookoutmyphone,Ipagedthr
oughmypi ct
ures
then wentt
o'My Nahi
ko'album whi
ch has her
pict
ures.
Me:
See,
thi
sisher
!
Hekeepsonswi
pingl
ooki
ngatNahi
ko'
spi
ctur
es.
I
sake:She'
sreal
l
y beaut
if
ul.How can Igether
number
s?
Hel
aughs,
andIj
oinhi
m.
Me:Pityyoucan'
tbecauseyou'
reamarr
iedman,
andshe'
sinaver
yser
iousRel
ati
onshi
p.
Isake:I'
mj oki
ng,mywifewouldreall
ykillme.She
doesn'ttr
ustmesinceI'
m wor
kingwit
hy oungadul
ts,
shet hi
nksIwouldcheatonher,butneverIlov
eher
tobitstodoherli
kethat
.
Me:
That
'swhyy
ou'
real
way
sMrSer
ious?
I
sake:Yeahyoucansayt
hat
,butt
hisconv
ersat
ion
nev
erhappened!
Me:
MyLi
psar
eseal
edy
oudon'
thav
etowor
ry!
Wel
augh,
IsawChumani
'
scaratt
hegat
e.
Me:
That
'smyr
ideby
eSi
r.
I
sake:
ByeMi
ssMaweni
!
Iwal
ktot
hecar
,Igoti
nsi
det
hecar
.
Me:
HeyLov
e.
Chumani
:Whowast
hat
?
Me:
MyMat
hTeacher
.
Chumani:You l
augh l
i
ke t
hatwi
thy
ourMat
hs
Teacher
?
Me:He'samar ri
edManChumani
,andIam i
na
Rel
ati
onshi
pthankyou.
Il
ookout
sidet
hewi
ndow,
he'
sjeal
ous,
I'
m gl
adhei
s.
Chumani
:OkaybabeI
'
m sor
ry,Idon'
tknow whyI
sai
dthat
.
Me:
Becausey
ouar
ejeal
ous,
thati
swhy
.
Chumani
:MeJeal
ous?
.
Hel
aughs.
Me:
Yesy
ouj
eal
ous.
Chumani
:Ohokay
,al
i
ttl
e.
Il
aughathi
m.
Me:
Ilov
eyou,
onl
yyou.
Chumani
:IknowandIl
ovey
out
oobabe.
Heleansf
oraki
ss,andIgi
vehimt heki
sst
hathe
want,
myMansi
sSuchagoodkisser
.
Chumani
:Imi
ssy
ou!
Iknowbyt
hathewant
ssex,
andIl
augh.
Me:
I'
m Sur
eNahi
koi
swai
ti
ngf
orus.
Chumani
:Thenanswerme,
I'
ll
dri
vet
oher
.
Me:
Aft
erdr
oppi
ngherwecangot
oyourhouse.
Chumani
:Thatsoundsl
i
keapl
an.
HedroveofftoLowercampus,Nahi
kowasseat
ing
atabenchnextt
othegatewi
thaYell
owbonegi
rl
.
Shesaw Chumani'
scar
.Theyst
oodupshehugged
thegi
rlandshecametous,t
hegi
rlwal
kedopposi
te
way.
Nahi
ko:
HeyLov
ebi
rds
Chumani
:HeyHi
ko.
Me:
Shoul
dIbewor
ri
ed?
Nahi
ko:
About
?
Me:
Thaty
ell
owbone?
Shelaughsasi
fIj
ustshar
edaj
okewher
easI
'
m
ser
ious.
Me:
I'
m ser
iousNahi
ko.
Nahi
ko:
Youhav
eLol
l
ipop,
whyar
eyouwor
ri
ed?
Shecal
l
sLol
l
ybyLol
l
ipop
Me:
Lol
l
yisj
ustaf
ri
endnot
hingmuch.
Nahi
ko:SodoesLi
sa,she'
smyCampusbuddyy
ou
don'
thav
etobeworr
ied.
Chumani
:She'
sJustJeal
ousHi
kobabydon'
tmi
nd
her
.
Theybot
hlaugh.
Me:
it'
snotev
enf
unny
!
Nahi
ko:
Justst
opi
tAzol
e,l
etl
oosewhat
'swr
ong?
Me:
I'
m sexual
l
yFr
ust
rat
ed.
Chumani
:Buty
oudi
dn'
ttel
lme.
Me:
Wel
lI'
mtel
l
ingy
ounow!
Nahiko:OkayGuy
sstopitbef
orey
ouhavesexright
I
nfrontofme.Chumanicanyoupl
easepassbyKFC
I
'm sohungry.
Me:I'
m hungr
ytoo,Iwas t
hinki
ng of hav
ing
McDonal
d'
s.
Nahiko:WepassedMcDonal
d'
sweonl
yhav
eKFC
aheadofus.
Chumani:She'
sri
ght,y
ou'
l
lgetbur
geratKFCi
fit
's
bur
gerthatyouwant
.
Me:
It'
sokayI
'
llset
tl
eont
hemeat
..
Weby eStreet
wise2andsomeOr eocr
usher
s.We
eatinChumani'
scar
vjedoesn'
thav
eaproblem wi
th
that
.
Nahi
ko:
Whenar
eyouwr
it
ingy
ourt
est
s?
Me:
I'
m st
art
ingFr
iday
,andi
am sost
ressed.
Chumani
:Youdon'
thav
etobebabe,you'
l
lbejust
fi
nedon'
tst
resst
oomuch.You'
l
ldoy
ourbestt
rust
meIknowandIbel
i
eveI
nyou.
Nahi
ko:Ibel
i
eveiny
outoolove,Iknowyoucandoi
t,
act
ual
lyyouwil
ldoi
tyou'
recapableofdoi
ngit
.
Me:Thankyouguy sforbeingthebestsupport
ersin
mylif
e,youTwoar ejustthebestt
hingthathasever
happenedtomeaf terIl ostmyparents,I
'm happy
andit
'sal
lbecauseofy outwo.
Chumani
:Il
ovey
oubabe,
Iwantt
hebestf
ory
ou.
Nahiko:And Il
ovey ou t
oo baby
,you t
oo ar
e
t
reasuredi
nmyhear
t.
Me:
AndILov
eYouTwowaymor
e!.
Wearri
veatNahi
ko'
sPl
ace.Chumani
'
sPhoner
ings.
Heanswer
sit.
Chumani:Sandz.
.What
?..
.Oh shi
tI'
m on myway
ri
ghtnow!
Hedr
opst
hecal
landl
ooksatNahi
kot
henatme
Chumani
:Lookbabe,Iwil
ldr
opy
ouher
eI'
l
lcome
andpi
ckyouupl
aterokay
?
Me:
Chumani
what
'
swr
ong?
Chumani
:Ican'
ttal
kfornowbaby
,Ir
eal
l
yhav
etogo.
Nahi
kot
akesherschool
bag.
Nahi
ko:
Byechust
a!
Chumani
:By
eHi
kobaby
.
Nahi
kocl
i
mbsof
f,andIwantChumani
toexpl
ain.
Me:
Expl
ainChumani
,what
'
sgoi
ngon?
Chumani:Lookbaber i
ghtnow isnotthetimet
o
explai
n,Ir
eal
lyhav
et ogo.LateronwhenIcomet
o
pickyouupI'
l
lexpl
ainev
eryt
hing.
Me:Youbett
erexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ngt
omeChumani
andImeani
t.
Chumani
:Ipr
omi
sey
oubaby
,Il
ovey
ouokay
?
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Icl
imbof f,hedoesn'tevenwaitformet ogeti
nsi
de
thehouse,hedr ov
eof flikeamadman.Iwonder
what'shappening.Imakemywayi nsi
dethehouse,
Nahikoisfini
shingherstreet
wise2.Iateminei
nthe
Car.
Me:
Wher
e'sev
ery
one?
Nahi
ko:Mom andYot
handoatwor kandt
heTwi
ns
pr
obabl
yonthei
rwaybackf
rom school
.
Me:
Ohokay
!.
Nahiko:Doy ouwantustogothroughsomefew
exerci
sebeforet
hetwinscomebackanddemand
att
ention?
Me:Let'
smaket hem l
unchsol
ongsot
hat
,theycan
eatwhentheygetback.
Nahiko:Thatsoundl
i
keapl
an.Ham andcheese
sandwiches?
Me:Makeloadsofthem f
orthebabymamat
oo,
you
knowShe'
l
l wantt
oeattoo.
Nahi
ko:Canshegi
vebi
rt
halr
eady
,I'
mreadytobean
Aunt
.Herhor
monesarej
ustal
lov
erthepl
ace.
Me:Thatwil
lbeyoutoowhenyou'
repr
egnantbut
yourhor
moneswi
l
l bewor
set
hanher
.
Nahi
ko:
That
'swhatI
'
m scar
edofr
ightnow.
Il
aughather,shewenttothedoctoraft
ertheside
ef
fect
si nci
dent.The doctor t
old her t
hat her
Hormonesarehighandwhenshe' sonherperi
ods
shewil
lbehor
monalandwhenshe'
spr
egnantt
hey
wil
lbewor
se.
Me:
Buty
ou'
l
lbef
ine.
Nahi
ko:
Yeah,
ionl
yfeel
sor
ryf
orZi
thul
ele.
Me:
hewi
l
lregr
etmaki
ngy
oupr
egnant
.
Wel
augh,
andmadet
hesandwi
chesf
orev
ery
one.

_
___
___
__
NAHI
KO
It
'slatenow,I'
vebeencalli
ngzi
thu'
snumberitgoes
strai
ghttov oi
cemail,Ionl
ytal
kedwi t
hhimi nthe
mor ni
ngwhenhecal l
ed,nomatterhow busyHis
scheduleishemakessomemeansandcal lsme.
Somet hi
ngisnotr ightandIcanf eelitIwonder
what '
swrongwithhi
m
"
Youal
ri
ghtbaby
?"Mymom asks
Me:YeahI'mfiney'
al
lcanseatdownI'l
ldi
shoutf
or
yousothatyoucanwatchyournews.
Azol
e:Countmei
ntoo,I
'
llwat
cht
henews,i
tseems
asi
fChumani
isnotcomi
ngsoI
'
m sl
eepi
ngher
e.
Yot
hando:
Justhur
ryupI
'
m hungr
y.
Sikel
elwa:Sisiyou'r
ealwayshungry
,andyoualways
pointandinstructusyou'
rej
ustli
keAuntNondumiso
yhoo!
Shesay
sdr
amat
ical
l
yweal
ll
augh.
Si
kel
ela:
She'
spr
egnantDommy
!
Si
kel
elwa:
Yesshe'
spr
egnantnotdi
sabl
e.
Il ef tthem t here Fighting wit
h each and Azol e
fuelingt hem,butIagr eewi t
hSi kel
elwashe' sright,
Yot hando doesn' tdo any t
hing she calls outf or
ever ythingthat
'swhyIst ayoncampussomet ime. .I
dishoutf oreveryonemymi ndisstil
lnother eI '
m
wor riedaboutZi thulel
eandIdon' twantt ocal lher
mot herIdon' twantt obeseem desper ate.It ook
theirpl atesint
ot hem,t heNewshav estartedAzol e
andmymot hersareconcent r
atedont heTV.I '
mj ust
wat chingsi nceI '
m eat i
ngI '
l
lbeoutofher ei nno
ti
met hengot omyr oom.Andsl eepwhenZi thulele
deci dest ocallIwon'tbeanswer i
nganyofhi scalls.
"TheBusi
nessTy coonZit
hulel
eMkhizearr
estedfor
drug Smuggli
ng.The Police Depar
tmentCaptain
Smithsayshe'sbeenAf t
erhim andhisFamilyFor
year
s and now he got.Quest i
on Isthe Mkhize
EmpireBuil
tbyDr ugsMoney?OrTheMkhizepeople
arej
ustbasi
call
yAccused?"
The repor
ter sai
d.She'
si nf r
ontof Zi
thul
ele'
s
Bui
ldi
ng.Idon'
tknowwhattosayordoIf
eel
useless
andweakrightnow.
.
.
30+ comments,Inv
itey
ourf
ri
ends,ment
ion y
our
fr
iends,
li
keandshar
e
TWENTYSEVEN
Iwasi
nmyof f
icewhenSmi
thandhi
sDogsbadged
i
nmyoffi
ce.
Me:
CanIhel
pyouGent
leman?
Smit
h:Nothanky ou,butyourti
meisovernow.I
've
gotyouandI'l
lputy ouinj ai
landmakesurey ou
ser
veLif
ewithy ouBrothersandthati
ncl
udesyour
Fat
her
.
Me:Whathav
eidone,It
houghtIwaspl
ayi
ngr
ight
now.
Smi
th:
Yout
houghtsoBoy
.
Me:
Cal
lmet
hatagai
nI'
l
lfor
gety
ou'
reapol
i
ceman!
Hel
aughed,
hewaspi
ssi
ngmeandheknewt
hat
.
Smith:WellIwasn'
theretochi
tchatwi
thyouIhav
e
alotofthatbutnother e.Doyouperhapsownan
Accounti
ngFirminStel
l
enbosch
Me:
YeahIdo,
it'
smi
nehav
eapr
obl
em?
Smi t
h:Wefounddrugsinyourcompanysi
r,weknow
thatyoustashedthem t
hereandtheCompanyi sa
frontwhi
l
ey outr
anspor
tthedrugs.
Me:
Idon'
tdodr
ugs.Webot
hknowt
hat
.
Smith:Wedon'tknowWhaty ouMkhize'
sdobut,You
areunderarr
est.Youhav et
heri
ghttoremainsil
ent,
foranyt
hingyousay ,maybeusedagainstyou.You
havear i
ghttoat t
orneyifyoudon'
thavetheSt at
e
wil
lprovi
deonef oryou.
Me:Don'
tyoudar
eputt
hosecuf
fsonmeI
'
llwal
k
wi
ll
i
ngly
.
Ifix my sui
t,who everplanned t
his,has been
pl
anning f
ortoo l
ong he orshe betterrun way
becauseIwon'tbetooleni
ent.TheWhol eFucken
Poli
ceDepart
mentsurr
oundingmyBui ldi
ngli
keI'
m
somesortofanAni
mal.
Me:
Cal
lMl
ungi
siandMkhi
ze!
Isayt
other
ecept
ioni
st.
Igetinsi
dethePol
i
ceVan.Thej our
nal
ist
sar
ehav
ing
afiel
dday ,
whotol
dthem aboutthi
s?
We arri
ve atthe pol
i
ce st
ati
on t
he putme i
na
i
nter
rogati
onroom.
Smi
th:
SoMkhi
ze.
Me:Youdon'tev entrymesmi t
h,asI'vesaidI
'
ll
f
orgetyou'
reevenaCapt ai
n.Don'
tfuckwithandI
'
ll
t
alkwhenmyl awyergether
e.Pl
easeleav
e!
Smi
th:
Youhav
efor
got
tent
haty
ou'
rei
nmyt
err
it
ory
.
Me:
Yeah!
.
"
CanIhav
eat
imewi
thmycl
i
entsmi
th"
Smith:TheMkhizeCri
minal
s,surewhynotletme
l
eavey out
odecideawaytocheatthepol
i
cebutnot
thi
stimearound.
Ml
ungi
si:
Whowoul
ddousl
i
ket
his?
Me:whoev
ert hatper
sonis,bet
terr
unawayornot
he/
shebet
terkil
lhi
mself
.
Ml
ungi
si:
I'
ll
hel
pyouonki
l
li
nghi
m orher
.
Me:Getmeoutofher
eorI
'
llbechar
gedwi
thmur
der
ofCapt
ainSmi
th.
Mlungisi
:It
'salr
eadyl
atenow you'
l
lhavet
ospend
thenighthere,tomor
row mor
ningyou'
l
lbeoutof
here.
Me:Ibett
erbe,I
'
m al
readypi
ssedIj
ustneedt
obe
al
onefornow
Mlungisi:I
'
veorgani
sedaper f
ectcellfory
ou,even
thoughbedwon' tbeascomf or
tabl
easy ourbed
you'l
lbe f i
ne.I
t'
sjusta night,I'
ve been her
ea
countlessti
mesyou'
llbef
ine.
Me:
Yeahr
ight
!Nahi
ko?
Mlungi
si:I
'
m sureshewil
lknow,thejour
nal
istwere
t
here.We'r
eprobablyMar
kingheadl
i
nes,andwe'r
ea
t
alkint
hesesocialnet
wor
ks.
Me:Idon'tknowhowshewillf
eelaboutthi
s,wil
lshe
beli
evemewhenIsayIdon' tsmuggledr ugs?Will
shebeliev
eme?I '
m ar
rest
edf orfuckssake,Ithi
nk
I'
l
lgivehersomespace
Ml
ungi
si:
Youdon'
tmeant
hat
.
Me:ImeanitBaf
o,She'
ssti
lly
oungtobestuckwit
h
me,I
'l
lhav
et ol
ethergo.Shehastoli
veherli
fet
he
wayshewantsl
iv
ein
Ml
ungi
si:
Whati
fshewant
stobewi
thy
ou?
Me:Iwon'
tgiveherachance,i
twil
lbewor
thi
tfor
t
hebothofus.I
'
m doneher
eBafo.
Ml
ungi
si:
Alr
ight
.
Hel
eav
esr
ightaf
terhi
m,Smi
thmakeshi
sway
.
Smi
th:
Sti
l
lwon'
ttal
k?
Me:Youhadachancet otal
kwhi l
emybrot
herwas
here,soleav
emeal one.Ij
ustneedtobeal
oneand
thi
nkt hi
sthr
ough.
Smi
th:
What
?ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
oDenyev
ery
thi
ng?
Me:There'
snot
hingwrongI'
m doing,
I'l
ljustsueyou
and you'
llmake a publi
c stat
ementt el
li
ng you
arr
est
ed a wrong person justbeforet he ends
tomor
row.CanIgotomycel l
.
Smi
th:
Sur
ethepol
i
cewi
l
ltakey
out
her
e.
Thepol iceoffi
cert ookmet oacel l
,that'
smuch
cl
eanerandbet terIstay edthere.It
houghtofNahi ko,
mygi rldoesn'
tdeser v
emeandI '
m bei ngselfi
shf or
notletti
nghergo.SoassoonasImakemywayout
I'
l
ltellhertoliv
eherl ife.She'sstil
ly oungandI '
llbe
putti
ngherl i
feindanger .Soyeahshewi llbe inmy
heartyes,butshemustst udyandf inishherstudies
andshecanl i
veherl i
f ef r
eel
y.DamnImi ssherl i
ke
crazy,wil
lIbeabletol ethergo?Myhear ttel
l
smet o
bewi thherandst aywi thherbutmymi ndt el
lsme
otherwise.I
ttel
lsmet ol etgoofher .

_
___
___
__
NAHI
KO
"Youalr
ightbaby"mot herask,afterli
steni
ngt oal
l
thatwassaidabouttheMkhi ze,Iwil
lbeli
eveitwhen
Ihearital lfr
om Zit
hulele,hehast oexplain.My
bookswillkeepsanethat'
swhyI '
m dressedupt ogo
tocampus, I
'l
lgomadi fIstayanylonger
.
Me:
YeahI
'
mfi
nemama.
Mom:
Doy
ouknowt
hatMan?I
shey
ourZi
thul
ele?
.
Yeahmymot herdoesn'
tknowZi
thul
elef
acet
oface
butheknowshisname.
Me:
Yesi
t'
shi
m.
Mom:
Doy
oubel
i
evewhati
ssai
dabouthi
m?
Me:No,andifthat
'
sallthet
rut
htrul
yIdon'
tknow
t
heManI'vebeenwit
hfor8Mont
hs.
Mom:Fr om thestori
esy
ou'
vet
oldmeabouthi
m,I
don'
tthi
nkit
'sall
true.
Me:Wewi l
lneverknow mom,you'
l
lfini
shaper
son
butIpr
ayandhopethatal
li
sjustal
ie.
Bef
oremyMot
heranswermemyphoner
angi
twas
Mamkhi
ze.
Me:
Hel
l
oma
Mamkhi
ze:
Baby
.
Me:
Pleaset
ell
mei
t'
snott
ruemama.
Mamkhi
ze:We'r
edr i
vi
ngt
oyourhomer
ightnow,
howar
eyoufeel
ing?
Me:Idon'
tknow how I
'
mfeel
i
ng,butseei
nghi
m
woul
dbebett
er!
Mamkhi
ze:
Hol
dupwe'
recomi
ng.
Idropthecal
l,I
'
m havingaheadache,I
'
m atthe
ver
geofcryi
ng.Lastni
ghtIcr
iedandprayedt
hat
he'
ssaf
e.
Me:
Hismot
heri
scomi
ngher
e.
Mom:
Sheseemsl
i
keagoodwoman.
Me:Sheisallherf
ami
l
y,t
hat
'
swhyI
'
mfai
l
ingt
o
bel
i
evet
his.
There'
saNockatmydoor ,I'm wit
hmymot her
,
Yothandoi
satwor k,Azol
ei satschoolalsothe
twi
ns.Myclasseswer
estar
tinglat
eronthat
'swhyI
washome.
My mom came wi th Mamkhize and Ml
ungisi
,
Mamkhi
ze'seyeswer
er eadyasifshewascry
ing.
Mymotherof
ferst
hem aseat
.
Mom:
CanIgety
ouany
thi
ngt
odr
ink?
Mamkhi
ze:
Wat
erwi
l
lbef
ine
Ml
ungi
si:
Wat
erwi
l
lbef
inet
omet
oo.
Mymot
herwentt
otheki
tchen.
Mamkhize:MysonmaybeAny
thi
ngbutnotaDr
ug
smuggl
er,hewasI
nnocent
.
Me:
Whatdoy
oumeanwas?
Mamkhi ze:He'
sfoundnotgui
l
ty,
hewasf
ramedand
accused.
InodmyHeadi
nunder
standi
ng.
Me:
Wher
eishe?Iwantt
oseehi
m,i
sheokay
?
Mot
hercamewi
tht
hewat
er,Mamkhi
zedownedt
he
wat
eri
nonego.
Ml
ungi
si:
HewasshotLastni
ght
.
Idon'
tknowwhatIj
usthear
dfr
om Ml
ungi
sihemust
bejoki
ng,somebodypl
easewakemeupf
rom t
his
dr
eam.It'
sabaddream.
Me:
youj
oki
ngr
ight
?.
Il
ookatMl
ungi
sihe'
slooki
ngdown,Mamkhi
zei
s
cr
ying.
Idon'tknow when myt
ear
sst
art
ed f
ormi
ng I
'
m
cr
yinguncont
rol
l
abl
e.
Me:I
t'
snotfunnyMlungisiit
snotfunnyatall
,why
ar
epl
ayingl
i
kethi
s,i
sZithulel
epar
tofthi
splan?.
Mymot hercomesfr
om mysideandhugme, Icr
yin
herarms,Idon'
twantt
obel
ievealloft
his.Wewere
j
usthappyandnothi
ngcamebetweenuswhyi sthi
s
happeni
ngtome?
Me::
MamawhyGoddoesn' twanttoseemehappy ?
Am Inotsubj
ectedtohappi
nessdon'tIdeser
veto
behappy?Whyal lthebadthi
ngshappenst ome
whenev
erI'
mt r
yingt
obehappy,Motheram Iacur
se?
WhodidIwrongma.
Mother:Shhbabydon'
tworr
y,t
her
e'snot
hingwr
ong
wi
thy ouatall
.I'
m sor
ryt
hisal
lhadtohappenyou,
butbayGoddoesn'
that
eyou.
Mamkhi ze:Yourmot herisright
,whathappenedt o
Zithul
eleisnoty ourfaul
t.ItGod'spl anthatal
lof
thishappenedtohi m,wecannotmasswi t
hGod's
planheknowswhathe' sdoing.Zit
hulelewil
lbef
ind
trustme,he'
sstronghewi l
lpullt
hrough.
Allyouneedtodoi stobest rongf orhim,behi s
pil
lari
nthi
stimeofneed,hewi llneedyout owake
up.Ifyou'
restr
ongforhi
m hewi llpul
lthroughfor
yoursakeandfort
hesakeofushi sfamil
y.Wi l
lyou
beabletobestr
ongforZi
thul
ele?
Inod.
Me:Yes,Iwi
llbestrongforhi
m.Ilovehi
m somuchI
woul
dn'tsur
viveifIweretoloosehi
m.I'l
ldot
hisf
or
hi
m,foryouhisfamilyandforourl
ove.
Mamkhize:Thanky ousomuchbaby
,andyou'r
eway
st
rongeryouwillhandl
ethi
sItr
ustyou,wi
llandwe
Wil
lri
ghtbyyourside.
Me:
Whatar
ewewai
ti
ngf
orl
et'
sgoandseehi
m.
Mom:
I'
ll
gowi
thy
ou.
Inodsmil
i
ngather
.Shet
akesmyhands,It
akemy
phone.
"Heyl oveIwon'tbeat
tendi
ngt odayIhavesome
cri
sispleasesendmeal
lthenot
esf ort
oday
"Isenti
t
toLisa.
Wearr
iveatt
heHospi
tal
Sandz
,Chumani
,MrMkhi
ze
andEv
aarether
e.
MrMkhizecal
lmetogotohi
sar
ms.Icr
yinhi
sar
ms,
he'
sbr
ushingmyback.
Mkhi
ze:Hewillbefi
ne,hewasjustshotonhi
sArm
andstomach.TheDoctorswerebusywi t
hhim al
l
ni
ght
.He'snowsleepi
ngonhighmeds.
Hepul
l
edmeof
fhi
sar
mssl
owl
y.
Mkhi
ze:
youl
ookl
i
keamass,
didy
ousl
eep?
Hewould'
vesai
d"y
oul
ookl
i
keamass,abeaut
if
ul
mass"
Me:
Isl
eptal
i
ttl
edi
dn'
tsl
eept
hatmuch,
Icoul
dn'
t.
Mkhi
ze:
Iguessy
ouhadquest
ions?
Me:
Alotofquest
ions.
Before he coul dt
alk,j
ournal
ist
s came r ushing.
Takingpi ctur
eshetookmeI nhisar mshi dingmy
face,Sandz,Chumaniand Ml ungisiQuicklydeal t
witht hem.Thatwasr eal
lyunnecessaryt hisisa
pri
vat e hospit
alIdon'
tknow how t hey gott he
i
nfor mation but y eah nev er under est i
mat e
j
our nali
sts.
Mkhi
ze:
Comemakot
i,l
et'
sgogetsomef
reshai
r.
Het ookmyhand and wepassed byakioskhe
boughtt
wobot
tl
esofwaterandt
wopi es.
Hecameback,wewalkedt
osomepl acethatlooked
l
ikeagar
denitf
lower
sandtrees,
itwasref
reshing.
Hehandsmet
hebot
tl
edwat
erandpi
e.
Mkhi
ze:
Youshoul
dEat
,Icanseey
ouhav
en'
teat
en.
Me:
Thankssi
r.
Mkhi
ze:
Cal
kmeBaba[
fat
her
].
Ismi
l
edathi
m.
Mkhize:Ihavetotel
lyousomethi
ng,mysonfai
led
t
ot el
lyoubecausehewasscaredofl
oosi
ngyoubut
I
'l
lhav etotellyousomethi
ngthatwil
lmakey ou
deci
dewhet
hery
ou wantt
o bewi
th Zi
thul
eleor
Leav
ehi
m.
Me:
You'
rescar
ingme.
Mkhi
ze:
Don'
tbe.
Hewasr eal
l
yscar
ingme,Idi
dn'
tknow whatt
odo
andwhattosay
.
Mkhi ze:WhenIgr ewInev erhadi tall,IwasAcat tl
e
boy back i n Lady Smi th.I t was har d getting
educat i
onbutwhenIf i
nishedmyMat r
icIwentt o
stayI nJohannesbur g.Idi dn'tmakei ttoVar sity.
TheseSt udentf i
nancialSchemewer enoteasyt o
access,Ist ay edi nJohannesbur gont hest r
eetsI
hadnowher et ogonoone.It ol
dmyf amilyIwoul d
neverdi sappoi ntmyMot herwassi ck,myf ather
didn'teven make i twhen Iwas bor n he was a
mar ri
edman, Iwasr aisedbyasi nglemot her.WhenI
wasst il
linJo'bur gont hest r
eetsIstolesomeman' s
wallethow hef oundmeIdon' tknow.Het ookme
awayf r
om t hest reets,bui l
tmymom ahouseand
tookmet oUni v er
sit
y.Inev eraskedwhyhedi dthat .
AftermyGr aduat ionIwasf i
nall
yal awy er
,ittur
ned
thatt he man had no f ami lywhat soev er,he got
mar riedt omymot her ,Iwashi sson.Hewasav er y
goodman.Whenhedi edhel eftallhi sbusi nesst o
me.Thedayhedi edIal mostdi edIwasshot ,al otof
peopl ewant edmedeadt ooIdi dn'tknowwhy ,unt i
l
his Ri ghthand man t old me abouthi si llegal
business.Ihadt opr otectmy selfIdi dallIhadt odo
tosav emyf ather 'sJob.ImetMl ungisi'smot her
i
mpr egnat edherandmar ri
edher .Idi dallthet hi ngsI
didf ormychi ldren.I '
m ol dnow,t heyhadt ot ake
careoft hebusi ness,wedoGunssmuggl i
ng,Own
TrainingAcademyf orAssassi nsandHi t
mans.Ihad
to do i tformychi l
dren,f ort heirf uture.Inev er
want edt hem t
obepar tofi t,butithappenedf ort hei r
safety .Ml ungi
siandZi t
hul el
eTookov erme.Dr ugs?
Idon' tsmuggl edr ugsMySonsnev erdi dZi thul el ei s
i
nnocent .Wer anki ng2ndi nt heUnder wor ldal otof
peopl ear eafterus.4y earsback,Zi t
hul el
eHada
Girl
friendAmandaZungu,shewasaZul ugi r lf rom
Ladysmi th,i
nMnambi t
hi.ShewasEv a'ssi st ert hey
weret heonl ysi blingst heirpar entshad.Zi thul ele
datedAmandaf ort hel ongestt ime,t heywer ehi gh
school sweet hear ts, Amanda st udied her e i n
Univer sit
yoft heWest ernCape.UWC, whi leZithulele
wentt oWi tsi nJohannesbur g.Whenhest artedhi s
businesshecamebackHome.Hecont inuedwi th
hisrelat i
onshi pAmanda.TheAmandaPassedaway
wasTheZi thulelewasgoi ngt opr oposet oher ,He
want edt omar ryher ,Amandacompl etedhi m We
wer esosur et hatt heywer esoul mat es.Ont heday
oft hatengagementZi thulelebookedar estaurant
j
ustt obeal onewi t
hher ,heaskedadr ivert opi ck
herup.Onherwayt oZithulelet heywer ehi j
acked
those Guy st ook Amanda and ki l
led t he dr i
v er
.
Zithulelewaswai t
ingf orAmandaHedi dn'tknow
thatshewaski dnapped.Af t
ersomet i
meher eali
sed
thatt heywer esupposed t o bet herehecoul dn't
reacht heDr iv
erandcoul dn'treachAmandat oo.He
trackeddownt hecar ,whenhear rivedt hedr iv
erwas
deadAmandawasnowher etobeseen.Het racked
herusi ngaChar m braceletheboughti tf orher .
Whenhel ocatedher ,hewasal readyl ate.Amanda
wasKi ll
edi nav er
yinhumanway .Hebl amedhi mself
fornotbei ngwi thherthatt ime,hebl amedhi mself
fornott aking herbyhi s own.Amanda' sf ami l
y
blamedhi mt oo,Ev ablamedme.Fory earshel i
v ed
witht hatgui l
tt hatheki ll
edhi sGi rlfr
iend.I nt he
per i
odof4y ear sHewoul dgoar oundcl ubbingand
sleepi ngwi thdi fferentgi rl
s,hedi dn'
thav eaway
forwar daf terAmanda' sdeat h.Hewentf ortherapy,
hewentbackt ohi sbusi nessesbutwenev ersaw
him wi thagi r
lfriend.Amanda' sFami l
yf orgav ehim
butst illtheybl amehi mf orAmanda' sdeat h.When
Mamkhi zesai dZi thulelewaswi thagi rlIwasso
happy ,i t'
sbeeny earswi thoutseei ngZi thulelethis
happy .Youmadehi mt hebet termanhei st oday,
Zithul elei sav erypr oud man and v eryst ubbor n
somet i
mesy ouwoul dthinkhe' soldert hanMl ungisi
.
Hel ov esy ou,Icoul dseei ti
nHi sey es!AsI '
vesai d
what I '
m t ell
ing y ou can make or br eak y our
relationshi pwi thZi t
hulele.Hedi dn'ttellyoubecause
hewasscar edhewi l
lloosey etanot herper sont hat
hel ov es.I t
'sy ourchoi cenow,t heBal lisi ny our
cour t.Thi nkabouti t,don'tmaker usheddeci sionsif
youhav et obesel fi
shbesel fi
shandt hi
nkabout
your sel f.Iwon' tf orce y ou t o staywi th myson
Zithul elet oowon' tforcey out obewi thhi mi fy ou
don't..
Icoul
dn'tdi
gestwhatMrMkhizei
stel
l
ingme,Idon'
t
know Ijustneedmybedr i
ghtnow.Myheadisso
heavyiwon'tbeabl
etot
hink.
Me:Thankyoubabafortel
li
ngmethi
s,I
'
m gl
ady
ou
di
dotherwi
seIwoul
dn'thav
eknown.
Mkhi
ze:
I'
m gl
adnowy
ouknowt
het
rut
h.
Hest
oodupandt
ookmyhand.
Mkhi
ze:comeI'
llgety
out i
metospeakt
ohi
m.Even
t
houghhewon'thearyouduet
otheheav
ymedst
hat
t
heygavehim.
Ist
oodup.
Mkhi
ze:y
ouneedtogohomeaft
erthi
sandsleep,
I'
ll
buyy
ousomesleepi
ngpi
l
lsi
nthePharmacy
.
Me:
ther
e'snoneedI
'
llsl
eep.
Wear r
ivedatt hewardwhereThewhol eMkhize
famil
y,thatincl
udest
hesister
sandMnqobi.Evais
sti
llheretoo,whyishestil
linZi
thul
ele'
sli
feaft
er
everyt
hinghedidtohi
ssist
er?
Mkhi
ze:Nanageti
nsi
deI
'
llbet
alki
ngt
oyourmot
her
sol
ong.
Inod,Iopenedt hedoorther
eheis.There'
sasli
ng
onhisarm,pi pesandhehast heoxy genmaskon
hi
m.Hel ookssopeacef ulandhandsome.IPecka
ki
ssonhislips.
Itakeaseatonthechai
rnexttohi
sbed,
iint
ert
wine
ourhands,
tear
sfall
uncont
rol
labl
e.
Me:Il oveyou,GoddamnIl ovey ousomuch.Ican' t
see my self without you i n my l if
e,y ou'
re my
soulmate.Butihav etolety ougowhi l
ei t
'ssti
llearl
y
beforewei nvestmor efeel
ings, Idon'
tknowhowmy
l
ifewoul dbewi thoutyou.HeckIcan' teveni magine
thatbutIhav etobesel f
isht hi
sonce, I'
m sor r
ythatI
won'tbeher ewheny ouwakeup, butI'
llalwayscarry
youi nmyhear tnow til
lfor
ev er.Ilov
ey ouKhabazel a
butt hi
sisf orbot hourowngood.Iki sshi shand,
foreheadandl astl
yhisli
ps.
Iwalkaway ,I
'm wal
kingawayfrom mylov
efrom my
Li
fe,Idon'tknow whatI '
vejustdonebecausemy
hear
tisbleeding.
.Icl
osethedoorandleanonitwit
h
myey esclosestear
sf l
owi
ng.
Me:Chumanicany
oupl
easet
akemeandmymom
home?
Chumani
:Yeahsur
e.
IhugMamkhi zeforthelastt i
me,si ncethewon'tbe
any t
hingbet weenmeandhi ssonany more.IhugMr
MrMkhi ze,Mlungisi
,Oyisa,Mnqobi ,Babusisiweand
Buhle.I'
m say i
ngmyGoodby est othem.Iwal kaway
wi t
hmyhear tbleedi
ng.Chumanidr ov eushome.It'
s
4pm now t het winsareont hei
rwaybackhome.
"Heredr i
nkt hi
sy ou'
llbefine"Itaket heorangejui
ce
from mymom andgul pedi tinonego.Il aymyhead
onherl apasshe' sbrushingmyhai r.
Ilookatmywal l
paperonmyphone,I 'l
lmi sshi
s
smile,eyes,Laughterandhi
shandsomef ace.I
'm
dr
ift
ingof ft
olal
alandasmymot herkeepsbrushi
ng
myher .IhugthephoneasiletwhatI'
vedecidedto
si
nki n.

.
.
30+comment
s,Shar
e,Ment
iony
ourf
ri
endsandLi
ke.
Goodni
ghtIl
ovey
'al
l
TWENTYEI
GHT
Thi smustbet hel ongest3day sev er,it'
sMonday
mor ningI '
vej ustat emybr eakfast.I
'vebeenav oiding
ev er
y one,mymom,mysi st erandmyf riends.Ij ust
want edt obeal one,noIneededt obeal one.On
Friday Mor ning headl ines wer et he Mkhi ze's on
Newspaper s.About' the My stery Woman'who' s
supposedt obeZi thulele'sGi rl
fri
end.It hankGodMr
Mkhi zeshi eldedmei nal loft hat,Iwoul dbeal lover
theNewspaper s.AndOnThur sdayNi ghtt hePol ice
madeast atementt hatZi thulel
ewasf ramedand
accusedt hatt heyar et rul ysorryf ort hewayt he
treatedhi m.Youknow peopl ear ej ustnott obe
trusted one mi nutet heyar e againstt he Mkhi ze
peopl ecal l
ingt hem cr imi nal
s,Mur derersbecause
drugski l
lthei rchildren.Af tertheSt atementr ealise
from t hepol icenow t heyWantt heMkhi ze'stosue
thepol icedepar tmentt heywer eshami ngt hepol ice
on how t hey al way s ar resti nnocentpeopl e.My
ri
ngingphonedi stractsmef r
om myt aught sit'sMr
Mkhi ze.
Me:
SawubonaBaba.[
Hel
l
oFat
her
]
Mkhize:Sawubonant
ombi
yam kunj
ani
?[Hel
l
o my
gi
rlhowareyou?]
Me:
I'
m goodandy
ou?
Mkhi
ze:
I'
m goodt
oo.
Me:
Howi
she?
He'ssupposedt
obedischargedtodayifthi
ngsgo
accor
dingl
y,MrMkhi
zekeepsmeupdat ed.Hewoke
uponThursdayf
ewhoursaft
erI'
velef
t.
Mkhize:I'
vejustsi
gnedhisDischargedPapers,he'
s
comi ngbackhome.Wewi l
lbestayingathishouse
fortheti
mebei ng,Mamkhizewant stotakecareof
him andchangehisbandageseverynowandt hen.
Me:Alr
ightbaba,
I'mrushi
ngt
oschoolnowIhav
eto
cutt
heconv er
sat
ionshort
.
Mkhi
ze:
Alr
ightMygi
rlgowel
l
.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Hedropst
hecallIsatdown,Ij
ustwantt
ohearhi s
voi
ceonel
astt
ime!Iwonderhowdoeshefeelabout
me?Doeshel ovemeorhewasj ustrepl
aci
ngme
withhi
sLateGir
lf
riend?Iwonderwhatwentthrough
hismindwhenhedi dn'tseemeatthehospit
al."I
'
m
donenow,let
'sgo"It ookmybackpackandwal ked
tothecar
,mymot herisdroppi
ngmeoncampus.
We'reli
steni
ng tothe r
adio ev
ery
one wal
ks on
eggshel
l
swhent heyar
earoundmetheydon'
tknow
whattosayordothati
ncl
udesmymot her
.
'
MnandisiDy
antyi
sNdimt
handa'
play
sont her
adi
o,I
l
i
stentothesongwhi
lecl
osi
ngmyey es.

'
Ndimthanda,nobaevukaehambaesenz'
intoZakhe,
Kutshi
sa kubanda, kusasa naseMi
ni, equmbil
e
encumil
eesenz'
int
ozakhe'.

I
'mt hi
nkingaboutaboutZithul
eleIcan'
thelpbutfeel
myhear tbreaksi
ntopar t
s,whylovedoesl ovehurt
s
thi
smuch.Am idoi ngar i
ghtdecisi
onforlett
inghim
go?Whent hesongr eachestheendingpart
'
Nguyel o oncumi
s'i
ntl
i
ziy
o y
am ngawo onke
amaxesha'

I'
m holdi
ngtearsIdon'
twanttoletgo,I'
vecr
ied
enoughital
lneedst
oend.
."Andwear
ehere"
.
Me:
Thanksmama.Il
ovey
ousomuch.
Ihug hert
ight
ly,Idon'
tknow whyI'
m shut
ti
ng
ev
ery
oneoutIneedgoodpeopl
ebymysi
de.
Mam:Il ov
ey out oomybaby ,you'r
ewayst ronger
than t
his.Thisshallpasst oo butIwanty ou to
choose happiness in al
loft hi
sy ourhappiness
matter
swhet heritli
eswithZit
hulel
eorWithouthim
okay?
Me:
Yeaht
hanks.
Itakeoutmyst udentcardandbackpackthenmade
mywayt ot heGateIpl uggedmyear phonest hen
l
istened to my f avouri
te song 'The gr eatest
showman-Nev erenough'Iwalkdowntot helecture
hallI
'm 20minutesearl
y.Iseatdownli
steningtomy
songt hat
'sonrepeat.Ifeelataponmyshoul der.I
r
emov emyear
phonesawhi
teguyi
sst
andi
ngi
n
f
rontofme.
Me:
hi
"hey
,i'
m sor
ryi
fIandi
stur
bingy
ou,
I'
m Ni
chol
as"
.
Me:
it'
sokayI
'
m Nahi
ko.
wedoal
i
ttl
ehandshake.
Ni
chol
as:
you'
rebeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Nichol
as:I'
veneverseeny
ouoncampusy
ou'
rea
t
ransferst
udent
?
Me:
Yeahy
oucansayt
hat
.
Nicholas:Alr
ightNahi
ko,wel
comet
o UCT Ihope
you'r
ewel comed.
Me:
Arey
oui
nSRCofsomesor
t?
Ni
chol
as:
Yes,
Deput
yPr
esi
dentandEFFl
eader
!
Il
aughatwhathej
ustsai
d
Me:
Buty
ou'
rewhi
te.
Ni
chol
as:
I'
m bl
ack,
itwasni
ceseei
ngy
ouNahi
ko.
WewalkedawayIwasl
eftamused,he'
sBl
ack?But
how?
"wast
hatNi
chol
aswhoy
ouwer
etal
ki
ngt
o?"
Me:
HeyLi
sahowar
eyou?
Li
sa:
I'
m Good,
youl
ookdi
ff
erent
.
Me:
Howdi
ff
erent
?
Li
sa:
Likemi
ser
abl
eDi
ff
erenty
ousur
eyouokay
?
Me:
YeahI
'
m okay
,Who'
sNi
chol
as?
Itr
ybyallmeanst ochangethesubj
ect
,she'
sa
psy
chst
udentShe'
l
lknowthatI
'
mlyi
ng.
Li
sa:He'stheEFleader
,helostby2v ot
est
obea
SRCpresi
dent.He'
sapol
iti
cal
student
.
Me:
Hesai
dhewasbl
ack.
Li
sa:Hewasadopt
edbybl ackpeopl
e,he'
sXhosa
butI
'
m sur
ehe'
sbi
ologi
cal
parent
sarewhit
epeopl
e.
Me:
SohecanspeakXhosa?
Li
sa:
Fluent
ly.
Me:
That
'si
nter
est
ing,
youseem t
obet
akenbyhi
m.
Li
sa:
Whowoul
dn'
the'
shandsome.
Me:I '
m nottaken by hi
m,he's notev
en that
'
handsome't
her
earepeoplewhoar
ewayHandsome
t
hanhim.
Lisa:Li ke t
he Guy who was tr
ending,Zithul
ele
Mkhi ze.Thatmanishandsomei
t'
ssadt hathehasa
girl
fr
iendnow,act ual
l
ythejour
nal
istareassuming
thattheynotsure.
.
Yeahneh,whenI'mtr
yingbyal
lmymightt
ofor
get
aboutzit
huhe'snamealwayscomeandmyheart
can'
teventakei
t.
Me:
Yeah.Lookl
et'
sgoandat
tend.
Ist
oodupandwalkedintothelect
urehal
l.Books
wer
eal
waysmysanit
y,si
ncebackintheday
s.
Iat t
end my3 cl asses f
ort he daysmoot hl
yno
str
uggle.Iwal kint hecafeteri
aforsomechi prol
l
andjuiceforther oadIhav en'
teatenalldayexcept
thecerealIhadi nthemorning.Iseatdown, pl
ugmy
earphonest heat emychi pr ollpeacef
ully
.Yeahi
madeament alnot ethatI'l
ldownloadt hesongI
heard on the radioi'
m on t he WiFiso whynot .
"
Mandi siDy
antyi
s -Ndi
mt handa"Iknow I'
l
lbe
t
ortur
ing mysel
fbutIloved the song,i
tspoke
v
olumes.
"
Youal
onerneh?
"
Me:
Doy
ouhar
assev
erynewst
udentj
ustl
i
keme?
Ni
chol
as:
am i
har
assi
ngy
ou?
Me:You'
redi
stur
bingmypeace!Ther
ear
e1sty
ear
st
udent
syouknow.
Helaughs,Idon'
tknowwhatI
'
vej
ustsai
dthatmade
hi
ml augh.
Ni
chol
as:
Fri
ends?
Me:
Not
hanky
ou,
Ihav
elot
soft
hem!
It
ookmybackpackandj
uice.
Me:
Hav
eal
ovel
ydayMrNi
chol
as.
Hesmil
esatme,Il
efthi
m smil
ingther
elikeanidi
ot.
Myphoneri
ngsasIcatchataxit
hatwilltakemeto
Wynber
gTaxir
ank.
Me:
Baba.
Mkhi
ze:
Hewant
stoseey
ou.
If
reezeont
heseat
Me:
Iwon'
tbeabl
etoseehi
m.
Mkhize:Justthi
slastt
imemygi
rl
,thi
slastt
imeand
Ipromisey ou.Youwon'thearfr
om usany more.
You'
llgetcl
osuretoo.
He'
sguil
ttr
ippi
ngmerightnow,heckIwantt
osee
hi
m andl
ookathisf
acewaslastchance.
Me:
OkayI
'
m comi
ng.
Mkhi
ze:
Okaymydaught
er.
Hedr
opst
hecal
lIsi
gh.
Arri
ving atthe TaxiRank Il ooked f
ortaxisto
Platt
ekloofthe Dri
versaidt hey are had t
of i
nd
becauset her
e'snolotpassengerssoItooktheone
going to par
row I'
l
lUbert herei twon'tbemuch
expensive.

_
___
___
___
___
ZI
THULELE
Imissher,Imi ssherbeaut i
fulface,Imi sshersmile,
Imissbeingsubj ect
edt oherbul ly
ing.Imi sswhen
shelaughsatmi ssherscenti nmynost ri
l
.Ifthi
sis
whatshewantt hisiswhatshewi llget,ifsheis
happy with herdeci si
on t hen iam happy ,my
happinessli
eswi thher.whenmkhi zet ol
dmet hat
hetoldherev erythi
ng,Iwasgl adbecauseIcoul dn't
fi
ndt hecourageandIdi dn'tknow wher et ostart
tel
l
ingme.Al lIknowi st hatshel ovesmeandil ove
herwaymor et hanshel ovesme.
"
Thi
scoul
ddof
ornow"
Me:
ThanksEv
ayout
hebest
.
Shesmilesatme.Shewasf i
xingmypi
ll
owsot hatI
don'
tstr
ainmybackandhur tmystomach,i
t'
snot
l
ike i
t'
s my fir
st time bei
ng shot i
t'
s not but
Mamkhizemakesitfeel
sli
keit.
Ev
a:Hear
dyourf
athersay
sNahi
koi
scomi
ng.
Me:
Sheagr
eedt
ocome?
Ev
a:Soundsl
i
kei
t.
Me:
Pleasegoandcal
lfat
herf
orme.
Ev
a:sur
e.
Shestoodupandwentdownst airst
ocallmyfather
.
He'
swi thMamkhizei nthekitchenthosetwoar e
i
nseparabl
e.I
fNahikoi scomingt henI'
m happy,I
j
ustwanttoseeherfacethat
'
sal l
.
"
Youcal
l
edf
ormeson,
isev
ery
thi
ngal
ri
ght
?"
Me:
Yes,
didNahi
koagr
eet
omeetme?
Mkhi
ze:Yes,shesai
dshe'
sonherwayher
eshe'
s
f
rom school
.
Me:
Okayt
hanksf
ather
.
Hel
eav
es.
Ev
a:Youseem happy
,ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
ochangeher
mind?
Me:NoIwon'
tbechangi
nghermi
nd,i
fherdeci
si
on
i
sfi
nalt
henIhav
enosayini
t.
Ev
a:Your
eal
l
yLov
eher
?
Me:
Alot
,Il
ovehersomuch.
Ev
a:Mor
ethanAmanda?
Me:Mylovewit
hAmandawasdi
ff
erentwi
tht
he
Lov
eIhav
eforNahi
ko.
Ev
a:mhhokay
.
Me:Il
ovedyoursi
sterwit
hmyev er
ythi
ng,I
'l
lal
way
s
Lov
eher.She'
snomor enowIhadtomov eon.
Eva:Iknow,canwemov
efr
om Amanda,how ar
e
youfeel
i
ngnow?
Me:I
t'
snotl
ikei
t'
smyf
ir
stt
imebei
ngshot
,I'
l
lbe
f
ineI
'
m aMan.
Eva:You'
l
lforeverbestubborn,r
ememberwheny
ou
gotshotforthe1stti
me?Youwer ei
nsomuchpain
butyoudi
dn'twanttogot otheHospi
tal
.
Me:AndIkeptIpour
ingthewhi
skyonthewound
thi
nki
ngi
twil
lgoaway.Amandawascr
yingl
i
keI'
m
dead,
scr
eami
ngatme.
Eva:Andt hatt
imeshefoundyouwi
thawoman,
and
burntyourshackbackhome.
Me:Shewascr
azy
,andacr
ybabyt
oo.Imi
ssher
somet
imes.
Eva:Imissherever
yday,
andherewegotoAmanda
again.LookIshoul
dleave,I
'
llcomeandchecky
ou
tomorrow.
Me:Okaythanky
ouf
orcomi
ngby
,Ir
eal
l
yappr
eci
ate
yourbei
ng.
Ev
a:That
'swhatbestf
ri
endsar
efor
.By
eB.
Me:
ByeNt
ombi
fut
hi.
Ev
a:Fucky
ou!
Me:
Butt
hat
'sy
ourname.
Eva:Whatever
,Il
aughatherassheheadsout
.She
hatesherf
ir
stname.
Mamkhi
ze made herwaywi
thj
uice and chi
cken
mayowr
ap.
Me:
I'
m notHungr
yyouknow?
Mamkhi
ze:
you'
l
lhav
etodr
inky
ourmeds
Itook a few bi
tes i
nthe wr
ap.Then dr
ank t
he
medicat
ionwit
hwater.
Mamkhi
ze:Veryhappy,Son tal
kto me I
'
m y
our
mot
herIwasonceyourf
avour
it
e.
Il
augh.
Me:
Oncey
ourf
avour
it
e?
Mamkhi
ze:
Yeahy
ourf
atheri
syournewf
avour
it
e.
Shesay
spout
ing,mymot
heri
sa v
erybeaut
if
ul
woman.
Me:Youknow you'
remyFav
our
ite,y
ou'l
lal
waysbe
myfavour
it
e.Myno1womanint
heentir
eworld.
Mamkhize:okayt
elly
ourf
avour
it
ewomanhow y
ou
f
eel
ing.
Me:Idon'
tknowhowIfeelma,honestl
ythi
sbreaks
mealotbuti
fnahi
kowantst
histhenIhavenosay.
Mamkhize:Shel
ovesyousomuch.She'
sjustscar
ed
t
rustmeshewi l
lcomebackf
oryou.
Me:
Iwi
l
lwai
tti
l
lshecomeback,
I'
ll
wai
tforher
Mamkhi
ze:Nowpr
omi
semet
haty
ouwon'
tgoback
t
oyourol
dself
?
Me:
Iwon'
t,
I'
ll
cont
inuewi
thmybusi
nesses.
.
Ther
e'sasof
tnockont
hedoor
.
Mamkhi
ze:
Comei
n.
Ther
esheis,l
ookingl
ikeabeaut
if
ul mess.Shel
ooks
l
ikeshehasn'
tbeengett
ingsomesleep.
Mamkhi
ze:
Heybaby
.
Nahi
ko:
Heyma.
They bot
h hug,Mamkhize takes t
he pl
ate and
gl
assesshehadandwentout
.
Nahi
ko:
Hey
!
Shesai
dsof
tl
y,i
tsoundedl
i
keawhi
sper
.
Me:
Hey
y.
Shecameandsetnextt
ome.
Nahiko:How ar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?Ar
eyoui
nsomesor
t
ofpain.
Me:
I'
mfeel
i
ngbet
tert
haty
ouar
eher
e.
Nahi
ko:Al
ri
ght
.I'
m sor
ryIwasn'
tther
ewheny
ou
wokeup
Me:Youdon'
thav
etobesorr
y,itwasy
ourchoi
ceof
notbei
ngther
ebutI'
m gl
ady ouareher
ewi t
hme
r
ightnow.
Nahi
ko:
Doy
oust
il
ll
oveher
?
Iknewshewi
l
laskt
hisquest
ion.
Me:She'sno more,whyarey oucompet ing wi
th
someone who passed away a long ti
me ago?
SthandwaSam Il
oveyouonlyyou,nobodyelsebut
you.Amandawasahugepartofmyl i
feyes,shehad
herownf ai
rofmyl
ove,y
ouareherenowshe' snot.I
l
ov eyou.
Shenods.
Nahi
ko:
Iwanttot
hinkthi
sthr
ough,
Iwanttothinkof
mydeci
sionwhet
herI'
vemadetherightdeci
si
onor
not
.
Me:
Arey
ouhappyabouty
ourdeci
si
on?
Shedoesn'
tsayany
thi
ngshel
ooksaway
,sheseems
asifshewant
stocry.
Me:
Pleasecomeandl
ayr
ightnextt
ome.
Itakeherhand,
sheremov eshershoesandl
aidr
ight
nexttome.Iholdherr
ightint
omyar ms.
Nahi
ko:
Am Inothur
ti
ngy
ou?
Me:Noy ounot,t
husf eel
ssor i
ght,it
'sasify ouare
meantt obeinmyar msIlov ehavingy ouinmyar ms,
Baby li
sten Iknow t haty ou hav e made a best
decisi
onf oryou.Thatwi l
lbebestf ory ou.ThenI
havenosaybutt oagreewi t
hy ou.Myhappi nessl
ies
withyou,Ihappyifyouarehappy .I'l
lalwaysbeher e
foryoualways.Myar msar eopenedf ory ouanyday
I
'llbekeent ohav eyoui nmyar ms.Youownmy
heartandNobodyel sedoesbuty ou.Thanky oufor
teachi
ngmet oloveagain,thanky ouf orgi v
ingme
yetanotherchanceinl ov
e.Il ovey ou,Iwillalways
l
ov eyou.
She'
scry
ingandt
hatbreaksmyheart.Iputherasi
de
andgotontopofher
,Iwi pedhert
earsthensmi l
ed
ather
.
I kissed her she r esponded wi t
h as much
Enthusiasm.The kissisdi f
ferentfrom t he other
kisseswe'vesharedthi
sonei sdiff
erent
,it'sfullof
emot i
onsandShe' scryi
ng,Iletoutat eart oo. I
remov eherjackett
hatshe'swearingandt heT- shi
rt
she'sherbreathsar
epointedrightatme.Imakemy
downherherj
eansIremov ethem wit
honehand,I'
m
sti
l
lki
ssi
ngher,she'
sonlyleftwit
hherlacepanti
es.
SheremovedtheshirtIwaswear i
ng,she'
shaving
tr
oubl
eswithmysweat pant
sIhelpherwi t
hthat
,I'
m
l
eftwi
thmybrief
.
Me:
Arey
ousur
eaboutt
his?Shenodsherhead.
Me:
Khul
umaSt
handwaSam.
Nahi
ko:
Yes,
Iwantt
hispl
easee.
Iwentbackonherl i
psbusypl ay
ingwit
hherbr eats.I
tookmyl ipsand downal loverherbodyt i
llher
honeypot.Iremov eherpantieswithmyt eet
h.Then
wentbackt oherlipsandcapt ur
edthem onceagai n.
Itookoffmybr i
efs,igentl
ypartedherl egsholding
hergaz eandherwar m moistwal l
swel comedme,
she'
st i
ghtasal way s.Imov eslowlyandgent l
eas
shedugmynai l
satmyback.Shehol dsmet i
ghtly
asI'mincreasingmypace.She' smoani ngmyname
andI'm groaninghisnameandwe' reonourspace,
webot hdon'tcareabouttheParentsdownst ai
rs.
Me:
Ilov
eyouBhel
ekazi
,I
'm deepl
yinl
ovewi
thy
ou.
Nahi
ko:
Ilov
eyoumor
eMkhi
ze.
.
Shescreamedoutl
oadasshe'sreachi
nghersecond
orgasm we bot h r
eached our or gasm. Aft
er
sometimeIpul
l
edoutandkissedherforehead.
Iwenttothebat
hroom andgotussomewett
owel
sI
wipedherandmet henwentbacktoher
,Imadehe
l
ayonmychest .
Wenotsay i
nganyt
hingwe'
rej
ustl
i
steni
ngt
oour
l
oudhear
tbeats.
Ifeelhert
earsonmychest,shemustcr
yal
lshe
wantI'
m gi
vi
ngherachancet
o.
Nahi
ko:
Thi
sisGoodby
e..
Ididn'tsayany
thi
ng,shestoodupandworeher
cl
othes.Iworemine,Ist
oodupandhel
pedhert
ie
herbraids.
Me:
Comeher
e!
It
ookint
omyar ms,she'
ssobbi
ngsil
ent
ly.Theysay
Mandon'tcr
y,butt
hishurtmor
ethanagunshot .I
wi
pethetear
sinmyarms.
Me:
Goodby
e.
Nahi
ko:
Goodby
e.
Sheleavesmest andi
ngtherewi
thnot
hingtodo
wit
hmy sel
f,i
fthi
siswhatshewantshewil
lgeti
t,
i
t'
sforwell
bei
ngandhersafet
y.
Igeti nsi
de my blanket
s hersweetperf
ume us
l
inger
inginthi
sroom.Thisshi
thur
t,i
thur
tsalot
!.
.
30+ Comment
s,Ment
ion y
ourf
ri
ends,Shar
e and
Li
ke.
Enj
oy
TWENTYNI
NE
Iaskedt heUberdr iv
ert opassbyt hePhar macy,I
boughtMor ningAf terPi l
ls.I'
m notoni njecti
onbut
onbirt
hcont r
olpi ll
swhi chIhav etodr i
nkev eryday
atthesamet ime,y ouf orgotthem justforoneday
you'
llgetpr egnantsoMor ni
ngAf terpil
lwi l
ldo.I
dri
nkitassoonasIgoti nsidetheUber .MrMkhi zeis
payi
ng,Iwassoembar r
assedt oev enlookatt hem,I
j
usthadsexwi t
ht heirsonandscr eamedl oudlyasif
iwantthem t ocl aphandsf orme.Mymot herwhen
she'
sonherf ightingmodewoul dki l
lmeifIwer eto
tel
lherthis,ButZi thulel
e' sFatherandmot herdidn'
t
sayany thi
ng."Arey ougoingt obef ine?"That'sall
theyaskedandit oldthem I'
l
lbef i
ne.Thisismyf i
rst
relat
ionshi
pmyf i
rstheart
breakitwillallpassmany
peoplehav edonei tI'
lldoittoo.Idon'tmi ndbeing
single and miser
ablef ormywhol el i
fe because
there'
snomanoutt herewhoIwi lll
ov emor ethanI
l
ov eZithul
ele,
Ilef
tmyhear twithhim.
Me:
Thanky
ou!
.
IclimbofftheUber ,andImakemywayi n.My
fr
iendsareallseat
edi nthel
ounge.Gi
gi,Azole&
Yothando!
.
MamaandtheTwinsar
eint
heki
tchenIcoul
dhear
f
rom t
hel
ounge.
Me:
Hey
y!
Idi
dn'
tev enwai tf
orthei
rresponse,Iwal
kedint
omy
Room asIwast oclosemydoorGi gibl
ockedit
,they
al
lgotinside.BabyMamal ockedthedoor!
.
Gi
gi:
Nahi
kowhat
'
swr
ong?
Me:
Not
hing,
it'
sjustsomephasei
twi
l
lpass.
Azol
e:Aphaset
hatexcl
udesus?
Me:
Y'al
lwon'
tgeti
t,y
ou'
l
lnev
erunder
stand.
Gigi
:Makeusunder st
andNahikocozwehav eplent
y
ofti
meandwewi l
lbeher ei
ny ourroom allni
ght!
You'
ve been a corpse f
orlong enough now you
shoul
dgobacktot heNahikoweareusedto.
Me:
That
'swhatI
'
llbedoi
ngf
rom nowon.
Azole:Nahikoyouwerether
ef ormewhenIneeded
you,youwer eourveryownpsy chol
ogist,youwer
e
ourpill
arofst r
engt
hmypi llarofstrength,myno
1Supporteral
lowustohelpyou!
Gigi:Yourememberwheny ouf or
cedthetr
uthabout
myRel at
ionshipwit
hcal dri
n,wheny ousupported
meandt oldmet ofol
low myhear t
,youwerethere
my cheer leader
,my mot i
vati
on.I'
ve neverseem
someoneasst r
ongasy ou,theywayy ouholdyour
str
engt hisnoti nyourphy si
cbuty ourHeartit'
s
withininyou.Allowustohelpy ouli
keyou'
vehelped
us.
Yothando:YouNahi ko you'
remysi ster
,sincewe
werey oungy ouhadinyour'Bigsi
stershoes'even
thoughy ou'
re2monthsolderthanmey ouprotect
ed
me,Al ltheBadt hingsyouallowedt hem t
ohappen
toy oubutnott ome,y oufoughtf orbacki
nprimary
schoolpeopl eknew nott omesswi thmecozt hey
arescaredofy ou.Wheny oul ef
tmeapar tofmen
l
ef t
,youcamebackf orme.Yout al
kedwithmother
aboutmypr egnancy,youtol
eratedallmyHormones
allbecausey oucar eabouteveryone,whynotall
ow
ust ohel
py ou,crywithyouasy oucr i
edwit
hus?.
Me:
WeBr
okeup!
.
Idon'
tknowwher etheseTear
scomef
rom butt
hey
areal
ot,I
'm sobbi
nginthei
rar
ms.
Me:Ithurt
sguys,i
thurt
ssomuchpl
easel
eti
tst
opI
can'
ttakeitany
more,i
thur
ts!
.
Isobloudl
y,theyarenotaskinganyquest
ionst
hey
arecryi
ngwithme,I'
m sureithurt
sthem t
oseeme
cryand Idon'tevenlikethef actthatI
'
m cryi
ng
becauseIdon'
twanttoseethem cryi
ng.
Yot
hando:
Whathappened?
Sheaskedaf
teral
ongt
ime.
Il
aidmyheadonhert
highs.
Azole:Wewannaknow,y ouguysar
ewhatwecal
l
couplegoal
s,y
ou'
resoul
mates.
.
Gi
gi:
Indeed,
iref
uset
oacceptt
his.
Me:IfIstay
ed,Iwouldbeputti
ngmyl i
fei
nDanger,
i
wil
lhav etoli
velookingovermyback.A l otisat
st
akei fIstaywithme.Thati ncludesMymot her,
YothandoandtheTwins.Ihadtoletgoofhim.
Azol
e:HikobabyZit
hui
salwayswit
hy ouandyou
guysspental
otoft
imet
oo.Hecanpr
otecty
ou.
Me:Hecanpr otectme,whataboutmyf amil
y?Thi s
i
sav eryconfidenti
alst ory,MrMkhi zetol
dmeandI
can'tevent el
lyouguy s.Butt rustmeI '
vemadet he
ri
ghtdeci si
on,itmaynotbeaneasyonebuti t'
st he
ri
ghtone.I '
llneverforgetZi thulele,he'
smyf i
rstand
Lastl ove.Fornow Iwantt of ocusmor eonmy
careerandmyf amil
yt hati ncludesyouguy st oo.
You'remyf ami l
y,al
lIwanti sy oursupportt
hat'
sal l
.
Azole:Iknow how sensi bl
eandself
lessyouare,
you'
remybestfriend.Isupporty
ou,
eventhoughmy
hearbleedsf
orthisbreakup.
Gi
gi:Met
ool
i
ttl
esi
ster
,Isuppor
tyou.I
'
m al
lrout
ing
foryourhappi
ness,Iwanty
out
oret
urnf
rom y
our
oldsel
f.
Yot
hando:Ifull
ysuppor
ty ou,i
fthi
siswhaty ouwant
andthi
nkit'
sgoodf oryouI '
mv ouchi
ngf oryout
oo.
ButIwanty outobey ouroldsel ftoo,wemi ss
Nahi
ko,OurNahiko.
Me:Itwon'tbeeasy,si
ncetomor
row i
sValent
ineit
wil
ltaketi
me.Zi t
huandIhadplansf ort
omor r
ow
butIguessl i
fedoesn'
tal
waysgiveuswhatwe' ve
al
way swanted.
Azole:They say shar
ing is car
ing so I
'
llbr
ing
ever
y t
hingChumaniwil
lbuyformeI 'l
lcomewit
hit
sothatwecanshareitt
ogether
.
Gigi
:Caldr
ini
ssoghett
oandOld-f
ashi
onedhewon't
evenbuyanythi
ng,andI'
m sur
eIwon' tbeget
ti
ng
anyt
hing.
Me:Ihav
emyMot herandMycut eTwinsI'
llwat
ch
moviewi
ththem,t
rustmeIwon' tgetbor
ed.Soyou
guysgoandspendy ourVal
ent
ineswithyourMans
okay?
Azol
e:Yesma'
am.
Me:And wena Gi
gi,don'
twaiton caldri
nt o do
somet
hingr
omanti
c,youcanpl
ansomething.
Gi
gi:
You'
rer
ight
,andIhav
eanI
dea.
Me:
IknowI
'
m al
way
sri
ght
.
Yot
hando:Lwando istaki
ng me outf ordinner
,
whereasIj
ustwantsexandjunkfood.Iwon'
teven
gotherehe'
llgoal
one,I
'
mf atenoughhewant sto
makemet heJokeoft
hecit
y.
Wedon'tsayanythi
ngbecauseherhor
monesareal
l
overthepl
ace,andshewi l
lgotothetomor
row we
al
lknowthat.
Gi
gi:
HowaboutaGl
assofwi
ne!
Me:
Ihav
eschool
tomor
rowsonot
hanks.
WeallknowthatourOnegl assofwi
neendswi
thus
Dr
unk.Soyeahnot hanks.
West ay
edandchatt
edwithmyf r
iendsitwasso
goodtohavet
hem i
nmyli
fe,Iev
enforgotaboutMy
probl
ems.
They
'vej
ustl
eftand I
'm wit
h mymotherint
he
l
oungewat
chi
ngTV,ev
eryoneel
sei
sasl
eep.
Mom:
Nanay
ouokay
?
Me:
Yesmom I
'
llbef
ine,
Webr
okeup.
Mom:Because ofthe Dr
ugs i
nci
dent
? He was
cl
ear
edf
rom t
hatcasehewasFr
amed.
DoItellmymotherever
ythi
ng?Orletmej
ustkeep
qui
et?Ideci
dedt
otel
lherevery
thi
ng.
Mom:Iwon' tbest andi ngher eandJudgi ngPeopl e
fortheirends meet ,butWhathappened t o his
Girl
fr
iend scar es me.I ft hathappened t oy ou I
wouldn'thav ef orgiv enhi m.ButBabyy ourFat her
wouldsaychoosey ourhappi ness,Hewasaman
thatdidn'
tcar eaboutt hesi tuationsofot herpeopl e,
henev erjudgedandnev erdi ctatedsomeone' sl i
feI
won'tdoi twithy ou,y ou'reol denought omakey our
owndeci sionsbabyi fy out hi
nky ou'
llbefinewithout
thatMkhi zeboyt henI '
llber ightbyy ourside,buti f
you'r
eMi serablewi thouthi my ou'l
lhav etogoback
tohim,t hatBoyLov esy ouhi sf amilylovesy ouso
dearl
y.Butmyl ovey ourhappi ness,y ourSafet
yy our
l
ifemat ters.Deci sionsi nl ovedi f
ferbutI '
m happy
youchosey ourself.Itwon' tbeeasywi t
houthim, i
si t
7or8Mont hswi thhi
m?I tdoesn'tmattery
ouwer e
usedbeingcalledever
ydayandni ght,
youwer eused
to bei
ng with him,going outon dateswi th him.
Adjust
ingwi t
houthimi nyourli
fewi l
lbehar dbutI
wanty outof ocusony ourstudies,t
akey ourt i
me
heali
ngfrom yourhear
tbreakanddon'trushanything
okaybaby ?
Me:Thanky ou so much,if eell
ikethi
siswhat
Bhel
ekaziwoul
d'
v esaid.I'
m gratef
ultohavey
ouin
mylif
e,you'
reDad,Bhelekaziandy oui
none.Ilov
e
yousomuchmama.
Mom:
Ilov
eyouwaymor
emybaby
!
Sheki
ssmyf
orehead.
Mom:
Letmegoandsl
eep!
Me:
Alr
ightgoodni
ght
.
Mom:
Goodni
ghtbaby
.
Shest oodupandlef
tmeal one,Ideci
dedI'l
lwatch
cartoonseati
ngmyicecream.Sofiathefi
rstinnot
thatbad,andmir
acul
ousLadybugtoo.
Af
terwat
chi
ngt
hecar
toonsIwentt
oputt
hei
ce
cream back int he f
ri
dge t hen walked tot he
bathr
oom.Ididn'
twanttobath,IwantedhisCologne
tolastfor
evertheclot
hest hatiwaswear i
ngwi l
l
neverbewashedtheywillbear emi
nderofhisLov e
forme.
Itookabat h,t
hem woremypy j
amas,Iwentt omy
room.ItookmycellphoneasIwasabouttol i
stento
music Ihad 6 mi ssed cal
lfr
om Zithul
ele and a
messagef r
om him.Iopenedthemessage.
"HeyIhopey ouar r
ivedsaf el
yathome.I '
ml eav i
ng
tomor r
ow I'l
lbegoingt oJohannesbur g,inol onger
hav eal i
feincapetown.Iwon' tbeablet obarenot
seeingy ouev ery
daybei ngawayf r
om y ouwil
lf eela
l
ittl
ebet ter
.I'llbeatt heAi r
portaround4pm.My
fl
ightleavesat6pm.I '
l
lwai tf
ory oujusttoseey ou
fort he lastt ime.St ay wellGoodni ght.Lov e-
Zithul
ele".
Ir
eadthemessage10t
imes.Isl
eepl
i
steni
ngt
omy
musi
c.

Iwokeupi
nthemor
ning,It
ookashowert
henwor
e
mygr een fl
owered Maxidresswith mygl adiat
or
sandal
s.Iletl
oosemybr ai
ds,it
ookabaginst eadof
backpacktodayandputt
edmybooksi nsi
dethebag.
Ididsomel i
ghtmakeup,i t
'
smyf i
rstti
medoi ng
makeupgoi ngtoschool
,butIjustwanttolookt he
partI
'm cl
aimi
ngNahikoback.
Iwalkt ot he lounge Twi
ns are notherethei
r
t
ransportarri
ves earl
y bef
ore 7am.There'
s onl
y
mamaandYot handowho'sl
atebecausei
t'
s7:
50am.
Hershif
tst
artsat8am. .
Yot
hando:
mhhh,
youl
ookgoodsobeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Thanky
ouar
eyounotl
ate?
Yot
hando:i
t'
smycli
nicday
,I'
l
lgot
owor
klat
eron
wewerewait
ingf
ory
ou.
Mama:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulbaby
.
Me:
Thanky
oumama.
Imadecor nfl
akesandat ethem qui
cklybecause
theywer erushi
ngme.Ihav ea9am classbutthey
arerushingI'
m not
,butsi
nceIneedari
deI '
l
lhaveto
matcht hei
rti
me.
It
akemybag.
"
Let
'sgo"Isaymaki
ngmywayout
.
Theydropmeoffoncampus,It
akeoutmystudent
car
d,IspotLi
sacomi
ngget
ti
ngofff
rom t
heShutt
le.
Iwai
tforher
.
Li
sa:wowyoul
ooksobeauti
ful
,what
'st
heoccasi
on?
Yougoi
ngoutf
orVal
ent
inesdate?
Me:
NoI
'
m not
,thi
sismewhenI
'
mint
hemood.
Li
sa:Canyoubei
nthemoodev
ery
day
,Il
ovet
his
moodofyour
s!
"
HeyNahiko"ilookbacki
t'
sthatwhi
teguyf
rom
y
est
erdayIfor
gothi
sname.
Me:
Hi,
what
'sy
ournameagai
n?
Hi
m:Youdon'
tknowmyname?
Lisa:She'
sjustl
i
ket hat
,shewon'
tremembery
our
name t omor
row t
rustme,ittookhera weekto
remembermyname.
Hi
m:Wel
lI'
m Ni
chol
as,
remember
?
OhyeahnowIknowwhoy
ouar
e,abl
ackwhi
teman
l
ol.
Me:
HowcanIhel
pyouNi
chol
as?
Nichol
as:Nothi
ng,I was j
ust gr
eet
ing,Happy
Valent
inebyt
heway.
Hegav
emear
edf
lower
Me:OhhThanks,l
ookIhav
etol
eav
eI'
mlat
eformy
cl
ass.
Iwal
kawaymaki
ngmywayt ot
hel
ect
ureHal
l
.He
j
ustmademymoodgodown!
Li
sa:
Can'
tyouseet
hatNi
chol
asi
siny
ou?
Me:
Wel
li
'm noti
nhi
m,canwej
ustl
eav
ehi
m now.
Isai
dgi
vi
nghert
her
edst
upi
dfl
ower
!
Iatt
endedallmycl
assessmoot
hly
,andIhadno
pr
oblem me.
"
You'v
e been star
ing atyourphone forlike 30
minut
esnow,areyouwait
ingforaphonecal
l
?"-Lisa.
I
t'
s3pm now,I
'
m debat
ingwhet
herIshoul
dleav
eor
not
.
Me:
LookIhav
etogosomewher
e!.
It
ookmybagandl efthert
alki
ngshet
alksalot
.I
walkedtot
hegat
e,Ir
equest
edanUbergoingt
othe
Ai
rport.
I'
minfrontoftheAi
rpor
tI'
m cont
emplat
ingwhet
her
Ishoul
dcallhi
m ort
akeUberandgobackhome.
Ical
lhi
m,heanswer
simmedi
atel
y.
Me:
Hey
,I'
m att
heent
rance.
Zithu:Someonei
sgoi
ng t
o comeand f
etch y
ou
there!
Idropt
hecall
,i
t'
smyfir
stti
mebeinghere.I
'v
enever
beenonaplanebef
orebutIhopeIwon'
tdiewit
hout
bei
ngonone.
"
After
noonmissNahiko,pl
easef
oll
owme"Il
ookat
t
hisbigguyi
nfr
ontofme.
Ifoll
owhim,Idon'
tknowwher eI'
m goi
ngbutItr
ust
Zi
thulel
ewithal
lmyheart
.Idon'tknowwhereweare
goingasI'
vesai
dI'
veneverbeenherebef
ore.
"Youmaygoi
nma'
am"we'
rei
nfr
ontofabi
gwhi
te
door.
Me:
her
e?
Guy
:Yes.
Iopent
hedoori
t'
sdar
kher
e.
"
Youcame"
.
Me:
Zit
hul
elewher
ear
eyou?I
t'
sdar
kher
e!.
Heswi
tchont
hel
i
ght
s..
Me:
wow!
..
I
'm i n shock,Ihave no wor
ds.Thi sroom i s
decorat
edr edandwhit
e.Wi
thbal
loonsrosepet
als.
There'
saf ountai
nandaver
ybeauti
fulv
iewofcape
townifitwaslate
Me:
Arewest
il
latt
heAi
rpor
t?.
Hel
aughst
hatcar
efr
eel
aughofhi
s.
Zi
thu:
Yesma'
am.Comeandseatdown.
Wherei
shissl
i
ng?He'swear
inghi
sbl
uej
eansand
whi
teT-
shi
rtwi
thmi
l
itar
yboot
s..
It
akeaseat
..
Zi
thu:
I'
ll
bel
eav
ingi
nanhour
,Iwantt
otel
lyout
hatI
l
ov eyouNahikoMsomisomuch,I 'veneverlov
ed
anyonethewayiloveyou.I
t'
ssodiff
erentbuty
etso
preci
ous.I'
mleavi
ngbecauseIwantyoutobehappy.
Iwanty outoli
veyourl
if
eandbehappymyhear tis
withyou!.
Het
akesoutsomepl
atesandabox.
.
Zi
thu:I
'
v ebakedy ourfav
our
it
eswi t
hthehelpof
Mamkhize.Cheesecakeandbl
ueber
rymuff
ins.
Hepl
acet
hem ont
hepl
ate.
.
It
ast
ethecake.
.
Me:mhh,t hi
sissodeli
cious.Thankyousomuch
Zit
hulel
e.Thanky
ouforthisyou'l
lal
waysbeinmy
heart
,Il
oveyousomuch.Youhav emyhear
ttoo.
Hekissesmyhands.
.Wetalkaboutourl
ovest
ory
,
whi
l
eeat i
ngt
hesepast
ri
es.
Zi
thul
ele:Ihaveagiftf
oryou,myGuywi
l
lgi
vey
ou
whenhet akesyouhome.
Iopenupmybag,
andt
akeoutal
ockerwi
thahear
t.
Me:Thisl
ockermyfat
hergav
eitt
omebeforehe
passedaway,i
t'
ssodeartome.It
'smyhear
tin
wholeIwantyoutotakecar
eofit,i
t'
spur
egoldand
i
t'
smyhear t
.Iwantyoutohaveit
,Iknowit
'sasmal
l
t
hingfory
oubutit
'severy
thi
ngtome.
Zi
thu:
I'
ll
alway
shav
eitwi
thmeal
lthet
ime.
West oodupandhugeachot her,Iinhalehi
scol
ogne
Iwantittolingerfor
ever.Hecapt uresmyl i
psandI
takeinhis,myt earsflowsregar dlesssodoeshis
tear
s.Wepul loutaft
ersomet ime.I '
m sobbi
ngi
nhis
armsholdinghimt i
ghtl
y,he'
sleavingwi t
hmyheart
.
Zi
thul
ele:
Ihav
etol
eav
eSt
handwaSam.
Il
ookathi
m wi
tht
ear
sbl
urr
ing.
ysi
ght
.
Me:
Ilov
eyou,
somuch.
Zi
thul
ele:
Ilov
eyouwaymor
e!
Themomenthi shandssli
psof ffrom mi neIknew
he'
sleavi
ngandi t
'sbr
eaki
ngmyhear t,butI'
m glad
hedidthi
stoday.He'
sonhissi
deoft hedoorI'm on
mine.We'relooki
ng ateach other,myt ear
s are
fl
owing.
Zit
hu:you'
resuchapret
tymass,wi
pet
hoset
ear
s
andgiv
emeasmi le.
Iwi
pet
hem andf
orceasmi
l
e..
Zi
thu:ti
llwemeetagai
n.Ngi
yakut
handakut
handa
Bhel
ekazi.
Me:
Ngi
yakut
handanam Khabazel
a.
Heopenhi sdoor,Iopenminehel eavesandIlook
backthinki
nghewillcomebackbutnowhedoesn' t
.
Imakemywayt oo,I'mfol
lowi
nghi sbigguy.We
arr
iveI.AblackMercedesheopensthedoor,t
here'
s
atraff
icJam.
ButIf
inal
l
yar
ri
veathome.
Theguyhandsmeav
erybi
gredboxandRedr
oses.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Hi
m:By
ema'
am.
Me:
Bye!
Theboxi
sal
i
ttl
ebi
theav
y.
"
Andt
hen?
"That
'
sYot
handoaski
ng
Me:
It'
sagi
ft
.
Mom andt
heTwi
nsj
ustl
ookatmeasi
fi'
m cr
azy
.I
don'
tmindt
hem,soimakemywayt
omyr
oom,
Iput
theboxont
opofthebed.
Iopeni
t.Ther
e'saCol
ognewi
thal
ett
er.
"Iknowhowmuchy ou' r
ei nlov ewithmyCol ogneso
idecidedt hatIshoul dbuyonef ory ousot hatmy
scentcanbewi t
hy oual way s".Ilaught here'
sabox
withGr eysweatpant s,T- shirtandasweat er
.Anda
l
etter. " My cl ot hes al way s l ook good on
you,especial
lyt
hese.Iwanty out ohav et hem and
wheny ouweart hem t hinkasi fyousl eptatmypl ace.
Youev enmetMamkhi zewear i
ngt hesecl othes,they
arejustforyou"sot hought fulofhimi smil
e.Ther e'
s
asmal lframe.Cov eredwi thabr owncov erIopen,a
mixtureofourpicturesst ar t
ingf r
om ourf ir
stdatet i
ll
hisBirt
hday .
"Iwanty outoknow thatt hel oveweshar edwas
beauti
fuland unique.You' r
e such an amazi ng
phenomenony oungwoman, anymanwi l
lbeblessed
tohavey ouasacompani on,Iwi shyounothingbut
l
aughter,JoyandHappi nessi nyourli
fe.Behappy
Butt
erfl
y"it
'swri
tt
enatthebackoft heframe!
Ismilehe'
ssocheesy .There'
sanothersmal lf
rame,
i
t'soneoft hepict
uresIst oleofhim cookingathis
housewhenIwentt hereforthef i
rstt i
me."Don't
askmewher eIgotthi
spi ct
ureIhavemyway s,andI
thi
sismyf avouri
teandy ourfavouri
tetoo.Wheny ou
missmyf oodr emembery ourpersonalchefthatis
me"Ilaugh,hewasi ndeedmyper sonal chef
,he
cookedmor ethanme.Ther e'saDi ar
ywi t
hapen.
Thef i
rstpageiswri
tten."Thi
sdi ar
yisapl acewher e
you'
llventyouremotions,ifyoumi ssme,orf eeli
ng
l
ikecry i
ngorseemer ighthere,thisiswher ey ou'l
l
betell
ingmeabouthowy ouf eeltakeitasify ou're
tal
ki
ngt ome! "Ismi
le,whyi shedoi ngallofthisf or
me?
Ther
e'saveryhugeFramewi t
hthebothofus,
ont
he
newyear,
rightexact
lyat12am hi
sbir
thday
.
We'
rel
ooki
ngatthest
arshi
shandonmywai
stand
mi
neonhiswai
st.
I
t'
sav
erybeaut
if
ulpi
ctur
esobeaut
if
ul.
"Myloveforyouwil
lneverfade,i
twil
lbelikethose
star
sintheskyal
waysthereandconst
ant.Ilov
ey ou
Bhel
ekazi
"
It
'swr i
ttenatafarcorner.
.Ican'
thel
pbutcrytearsi
f
j
oy .IthankGodf orgivi
ngmeapl at
for
mt obeloved
andt olove.You'l
lforeverbei nmyhear talways
Mkhi ze.I'
l
lputthi
sf r
ameonmywal l
.Ismil
ewi pi
ng
myt ears."Apret
tymasshuh? "
.
.
2Year
sLat
er!
!
.
.
30+Comment
s,pl
easeshar
e,ment
iony
ourf
ri
ends
andl
i
ke.
THI
RTY

"SURPRISEE"ohhmyGoodnessaRangeRov
erSpor
t
Voguewi thaBow Wri
tt
en"CONGRATULATIONS"I
n
bigLet
ters.
Ther
ear
etwoset
sofkey
s.Il
ookatmysecond
par
ent
s,MrandMr
sMkhi
ze.
Me:
Youdi
dn'
thav
eTo.
Mkhize:Summa Cum Laude is no chi
l
d'sy
ou
deserveev
ery
thi
ngmor
ethant
his.
Me:
What
'st
heot
herkeyf
or?
Mamkhi
ze:
YourApar
tmenti
nSeapoi
nt.
Me:
You'
rej
oki
ngr
ight
?
Mkhi
ze:
Nodaught
erwear
ever
ypr
oudofy
ou.
Ir
ananhugt hem, whatdidIdodeser v
et hem?After
Zi
thul
eleleft2y earsbackt heyforcedt hemselves
i
ntomyl ove,theyt r
eatedmej ustli
ket hei
rKid,the
l
ovet heyhav eforme.I tfeelsli
keIhav eanother
motherandfathertheyarejustbl
essingsindisgui
se.
Azol
e:OkaywhatdoesSummaCum Laude?
Yot
hando:Iwanttoknow too,Ihear
dwhent hey
wer
ecall
ingNahi
koandpeopl
escreamedwhatdi
dit
mean?
Me:Summacum l audei
sanhonor
aryt
it
leusedby
educat
ionali
nst
it
uti
onst
osi
gni
fyadegr
eethatwas
ear
ned"
wit
hhi
ghestdi
sti
nct
ion.
"
Azole:Thatmeans y
ou passed wi
tht
he hi
ghest
Dist
inct
ion?
Me:
What
'smyName?
Yothando:So itmeans you passed yourCl
ini
cal
Ment al Psychol
ogy Degree with the Highest
Dist
incti
on?
Mamkhi
ze:
You'
vesai
dital
l
.
I
t'
smyGr aduat
ionDayandI '
mthehappiestWoman
on ear
thI'
m so pr oud ofmysel
f,I
've made my
dr
eamscomet rue!
.
Mom:
Ihav
eapr
esentt
oo.
Me:Okayguy
s,y '
al
lwantmedead wit
h a hear
t
at
tack,I
'
m aGraduat
e.I
'v
ejustgr
aduat
edIdon't
wannadi
e.
Mom:
Meandy
ourFat
herPhi
wehav
ethi
sfory
ou!
.
Shehandsmeandenv el
ope,DaddyPhiweismy
mother'
shusband.OneofthemosthonestMenout
ther
e,he'sa Pastorand a Doct
ortoo.Theyare
stay
inginMont cl
airwi
ththekids,Yot
handohave
beenrent
ingaflatwher eGigiStay
s,Azol
ej oinedus
too.I
t'
sasaf ecompl ex,now we'r
einMont cl
airf
or
ByGraduati
onpartyandI '
m happytobehere.
Iopent
heenvel
ope,t
woplanet
icket
sonet
oEast
ern
CapeandonetotheMal
div
es!
Tear
shavebeendroppi
ngsi
ncet
her
anger
overand
apar
tmenti
nseapoint
.
Me:
East
ernCape?
Mom:Bhel ekaziwouldlov
etohearyourv oi
ceagai n,
youhavet ot el
lherthatherhar
dwor kofraisingyou
has wor ked out.You're a gr
aduate with highest
dist
inct
ion, andyouranked2ndinyourClass.
Il
ookedather
.
Me:
Comeher
eyoubeaut
if
ulwoman.
WeshareaHug,
it'
sThur
sdayandmyf
li
ghtl
eav
esi
n
3hour
s.
Me:
Ihav
etogoandpackmycl
othes.
Oy
isa:
Ohnodearsi
stery
ou'
renotpacki
ngany
thi
ng.
Ml
ungi
si:Meandmywi
fear
egi
vi
ngy
out
his,
goand
enj
oyy
our
sel
fint
heMal
div
es.
Hehandsmeabl
ackcar
d,Ihughi
mthenhugOy
isa.
Me:
Youdi
dn'
thav
eto,
butt
hanky
ou.
Othergif
tscome fr
om otherpeopl
e as I
'
ve sai
d
daddypisaPastorsopeopl
efr
om churchcameto
congr
atul
atemeandI'
m gl
ad.
BuhleboughtaLouisVuitt
onHeelthatmatchedwith
abagandDol ceandGabbanaDr ess.It
'smyf i
rst
ti
me owni ng such clot
hes,Babusisi
we was not
presenttodaybutshebought2pai rsGucciheels
andGi v
enchyPari
sSilkDress!
TheMkhizepeopl
eneh?Idon'
thav
easaybuty
eah
I
'm bl
essed.
Me:
CanIdr
ivemyowncart
otheAi
rpor
tpl
ease.
Azol
e:Andweneedar
ide!
.
Me:
We?
Azole:YothandoandGigi
,doy
out
hinky
ou'
l
lenj
oy
Maldiveswithoutus?
Il
augh,Iwoul
dn'
tmi
ndt
hough,hav
ingamet
ime,
may
beI
'
llgetmy
sel
fsomeni
ceMan.
Me:Ofcour
seIknewI
'l
lbegoingwi
thmyskeem!So
hopi
nsi
de,hav
eyoupacked?
Azol
e:packedf
ort
hewhy
?
Me:oy i
sa and Mlungi
sido y
ou hearwhatshe'
s
say
ing?It
'syourbl
ackcard.
Ml
ungi
si:
itwon'
thur
tmywal
l
etdon'
twor
ryy
our
sel
f!
.
We sayourgoodbyes BabyNamisa (
Yothando'
s
Baby
)iswi
thherGr
andparent
smom anddaddyp.
Me:Okayguys,I
'
lll
eav
emycaratt
heai
rpor
tI'
l
lsee
youTuesday
!
IhootasIdr i
veaway
,t hiswasplannedal
lmy
i
mportantdocument
swereherewi
thme.
Me:Thisf
eelsl
ikeadr
eam guy
s,pl
easet
ellmei
fI'
m
notdr
eaming.
Yot
hando:You'
renot
,you'
reourf ir
stGr
aduat
eat
home,andt
oourci
rcl
eoffr
iendshi
pwearesoproud
ofyou.
Me:
Thanky
ou!
Azol
e:Ican'
twai
tformyGr
aduat
ionday
!.
She'
s study i
ng Law atUni v
ersit
yoft he West ern
Cape,UWC.Yot handoisdoingherDesi gningCour se
atsomePr i
vatecollegeshe'sdoingpr ettywell
.We
arewai t
ingforherdesi gnsandbr ands,I '
l
lhelpher
fund hercl othing li
ne and herown st ore she
deservesit.GigiisEngagedt oCal dr
in,shewi llbe
gett
ingmar ri
edsoonandI '
m proudofher !She'
snow
Mlungisi
'sPA.
Wear ri
veatt heAi rport
, Ir
emembert hatfai
thf
ulday,
I'
llneverf orgeti
t.I'veremov edmygr aduati
ongown,
I'
m l eftwi thmysi l
kr eddr essandGol dheels.I
l
ookedl ikeacel ebritytodayandIsur etookal otof
picturesi t
'soneoft hemosti mportantmemor i
est o
bekeptal i
ve.AndIr emembert hepromiseImade
wheniwasher et hatIonedayIwi l
lboardaPl ane
onedaybef oreIdieandt odayisthatday.Wemake
allthenecessi ti
es,we' reonapl anewai t
ingforitto
takeof f.Inaf ewmi nuteswe'reonair,It
akeoutmy
diaryandpen.
23Mar
ch.
Dr
eamsar
emeantt
ocomet
rue.
Deardi
ary
/Zi
thul
ele
Todaymar ksthedayIgr aduated,Iwant edyoutobe
thereforme,bet her
ewi thme.Iwant edtoseey our
proud smi l
ey ourbeaut i
fulsmi le.Ipassed wi th
SummaCum Laude, Iknowy ouwoul d'vebeenproud.
Thiswasmeantt obe,ohcongr atulati
onsf oryour
engagementIam happyf oryou,asy oualway sifI
am happyIy ouarehappyt oo,itsameappl i
estoy ou
too,i
fy ou'
rehappyI'
m happyt oo!Ilovey ouforever.
Lov
e-Lov
eofy
ourLi
fe.
Icl
oset hedi
aryandputitinsi
demybag,I t'
sbeen2
Yearssurel
yourbreakupfeelsli
keYester
day .Many
guyshav et
ri
edbutfail
edtobei narelati
onship,I
'
m
sti
l
lstuckonmyex.
Whohasmov edonwi t
hhisli
fe,YesZi t
hulel
eisnow
engagedwi t
hDi neoJones,I
nstagram famous.She's
anInfluenceract ual
lyidon'tcar eabouther ,she'
s
pret
tyt hough.Sher ecentl
ypost edapi ctur
ewi tha
weddingr ingonherweddi ngf i
ngerandcapt i
oned
"ENGAGED" Idon' tknow,Zi thu'sInstagr
am has
pi
cturesofhi m onlyandonepi ctur
eofmet heone
hetookatt hecli
ffourseconddate,butyoucan'tsee
myf acebecauseIhav emybackonhi m.Hepost ed
i
tlasty earonmybi rthday,henevercapti
oni t.He
neverpostpicturesofDi neobutshehaspicturesof
herand zi thu together.They are a couple,an
engagedcouplenow.
Wehavel
andedsaf
elyi
nEast
ernCape,we'
reonour
wayt
omyhomer i
ghtnow.
Wearri
ved,t
hehousehav
ebeenr
enov
ated,i
t'
s9pm
atni
ght
..
Iam t i
redI'
vebeenupsi nce6am til
lnow Ihaven'
t
sleptsoI'
m headingstr
aighttoBhelekazi
'
sroom.It'
s
stil
lthesamei t
'sjustdif
ferent
,it
'scleanItookher
favouri
tedresst
hatshelikeditsomuchandwor ei
t.
Iwokeupv er
yearl
y,t
ogot othegrav
eyard.Her
ei n
East
ernCapey oudon'tgotot hegrav
ey ar
dafter
sunr
ise,
yougowhil
eit'
ssti
l
ldark.
Iworeherdress,andmyGraduat
iongownandmy
Cer
ti
fi
cateandwhitel
il
i
esherf
avouri
te.
Thegi
rl
swer
est
il
lsl
eepi
ng,
iwal
kedt
hel
ongwayt
o
the Grav
eyard.Iwentt o hertombst
one.It
's so
beauti
ful
,per
fectf
orherIput
ttheLi
li
esontop.
Me:Mama, Idon'tknowwher etost art,l
ifehasn'
tbe
kindatal lbutl ookatmenowl ookhowst r
ongy our
granddaught eris.Imetaman,aMant hatIloveso
much, somucht hatev enlettinghim howassohar d,
he'sstilli
nmyhear tandwi llforeverbei nmyhear t.I
wanty out o protecthi m forme,Makesur ehe' s
happywi thwhoev erheendsupwi th.Lookatme
Bhelekazi.( Ist
andupandt ur naroundt hensatdown
again).Iam aGr aduat e,ont opoft hecl assranking
2nd.Ipassedwi thahi ghestdi sti
ncti
onSummaCum
Laude,i nt hathal lwhen t heycal led myName I
want ed y ou ther e scr eaming myname,ourcl an
name.Iknow y ouwoul d'
vebeenpr oudofme,but
l
ifet ooky ouear lyf rom you.Youwer emyl i
feand
stil
lmyl i
fe,asIam aboutt oembar kanewj ourney
oflife,asawor kingwomanIdon' twantt ochange
whoIam,mychar acterIwantt or emai nast hi s
humbl eNahi kot hatIam now.Thanky ouBhelekazi
forev erythingy ou'vedonef orMe,i fy ouwer eal i
v e
my1stsal arywoul d'vecamet oyou.Buty ou'r
enot
wi
thmeany more.Iwantyoutokeeponprotect
ing
me,andbl
essi
ngme.Il oveyousomuch,keepWell
myBeaut
if
ulGrandmother
!.
Therainwashesmyt ears,Istoodupandshiel
dmy
cert
if
icat
erunning back tot he house.Ther
e'sa
bucketofwateratt
hegat e,iqui
cklywashmyhands
thenmademywayt othehouse.
Thegi
rl
swer
eeat
ing.
Gigi
:Pl
easehur
ryupandeat
,andal
sochangewe
haveaf
li
ghtt
ocatch.
Me:
yesma'
am.
Ieatt
heBeaconandeggs,Aunt
'Nondumi
soi
sst
il
l
sl
eepi
ngt
hankGod.
Aftereat
ingIchangeintotheDol ceandGabbana
thatBuhleboughtf
orme,Ineedt oslay.Ihave30
i
nchweav eonmyheadi t
'
sagi ftfrom Gigi
,itwasfor
myGr aduat
ionandI'
m sl
ay i
ng,ilooklikesomer ich
kid.MyAunt '
sHusbanddroppedi tatt heAirpor
tit
10am.We' r
eboardi
ngapl anet oJohannesbur gOR
Tambo.
Therainhasst
oppedi
t'ssosunny,
Ihav
emyshades
onasI 'vesai
dIlookl i
kear i
chkidwit
hmyr i
ch
fr
iendsthi
sisadr
eam comingtr
ue.
Wear
ri
veatORTambo11:
30am.
Ourf
li
ghtt
oMal
e(Mal
div
es)depar
ts12pm.
We'
rewai
ti
ngf
orourf
li
ghtnumbert
obecal
l
ed.
.
Azol
e:Sot
hisi
tguy
s?
Me:
Ican'
tbel
i
evei
t,i
tseemsl
i
keadr
eam y
ho!
Yothando:I
'
mjustGl
adI
'
m doi
ngt
hisl
i
fet
hingwi
th
y'
al
l.
Gi
gi:
Ican'
twai
ttogetdr
unki
ntheMal
div
es.
Me:Ont hesea,babyI'
vej ustgoogl
edt
her
esor
t
we'
regoi
ngto,i
t'
ssobeauti
ful.
Azol
e:Evenifwehadnopl
acet
ost
ayI
twoul
d'
ve
beenfi
netome.
Me:
AsLongaswe'
rei
ntheMal
div
es.
Azol
e:LookonmyGr
aduat
ionwegoi
ngt
oDubaimy
l
oves.
.
Ourfli
ghtwascall
edwemadeourwayt hr
ought he
passagegoi
ngt ot
hePlane,
wewerefly
ing1stcl
ass,
i
fthisist
hedream t
henIdon'
twantt
owakeup! .
After8hours on t he pl ane we l
anded wi
th no
di
f f
icul
ti
es,it
'salreadyl atebedsareneededri
ght
now.Wewal kedout side,ther
e'sashopthatsell
s
Bikini
s,dr
esses,
t-shir
ts.
Me:GuysIdon'
thaveanyt
hingtowear,
Ineedani
ce
bi
ki
niandsomedressforshoppi
ngtomorr
ow!
Azol
e:met
oo,
sol
et'
sgo
Wewal kedtotheshop,Ionl
yBoughtaYellowbiki
ni
andawhi teNetDressandbeautif
ulwhitesli
des.I
boughtthem wit
hmyownmoney ,Mlungi
si'
smoney
hasit
scoursetomorrow!.
WehaltataxitoHURAWALHII SLANDRESORT.We
coul
dn'
tstopadmi ri
ngt heplace,abooki ngi nmy
Namewasconf ir
medIf eelli
keI'm somePr esi
dent'
s
daught
er.Aguywhowor ksthereushersust oour
vi
ll
a.OhMyGoodnesst hi
splacei sbeaut if
ul,we
havealounge,ki
tchenapool ,jacuzzi
,3r ooms.Oh
myGodIcoul dseet heseaont hef l
oor,Ican'twai
t
t
ogetdrunkandl
ookatthefloor
.Iwillscr
eam my
mot
her
'snameandlaughati
tthenextmorni
ng.Thi
s
i
saweekendofal
if
etime.

Iwokeupi nthemorningfeeli
ngonTopoft hewor ld,
Ilookatt hef l
oorandseedi f
ferenttypesofsea
fi
shes and ani mal
s it '
s beauti
ful. Big ups t o
whomev ercamewi ththisideaIlov eit
.Iwal kinto
thebat hroom,it'
sforroy al
ti
esnol i
eaboutt hat.I
takeabat h,aft
erbathi
ngIwor et hebikiniandt he
dress,Ilookl i
kearichkidagainIdon' tknow ifit'
s
thisweav eifwhatbuty eah.Iapplyal it
tl
emakeup
thenmademywayt ot helounge,theywer etaking
pictur
es.
Azol
e:Yeahshe'
sawake,
Nahi
kopl
easey
ouri
Phone.
Il
aughandhandt
hem myphone.
Theyt akepi
ctures,Itookpictur
esyester
dayatt he
airportandher eatt heVi l
laandpost edthem on
Instagram "ASummaCum LaudeGr aduate'
sGi f
tis
tot ake hert o Maldives,thank you parent
s"I
capt i
oned,Ididn'twantpeopletothi
nkIwast aken
t
herebyaBlessernoi
t'
sthepar
ent
s.Af
tereat
inga
f
ull
breakf
astwewentt
oCentroMal
l.
Itwasbeaut ifulpeopletaki
ngpictures,peopleli
ke
me.I nstagr
am wi llbeshockedaboutmysudden
outburstbutijustcan'thel
p.Weboughtcl othesnot
i
nexpensi vest or
es,eventhoughOy i
saAgr eedinall
ofthisisherhusband' smoneywear eanonf act
or,
soweboughtcl othesfr
om descentshopsandnot
Disi
gnerclothes.
Ispotawi
nest
ore.
Me:Guy
sI'
l
lbebuy
ingwi
net
her
e,y
ou'
l
lfi
ndme
t
her
e.
Azol
e:Wear
eri
ghtbehi
ndy
ou.
Itakeat rol
leyandabasketr i
ghtatthedoor,and
boughtallourfavouri
tes,IsawCabernetSauvi
gnon
wineit'
soneofmyf avouri
tebuti
twasont heTop
shelf
.Iwastryi
ngt ogetit.
"
Needsomehelp?"Hol
l
yMary!He'
shandsome,
Dar
k,
muscul
arandagai
nHandsome.
Me:
Please2Bot
tl
es.
Heget
sthebot
tl
esf
orme.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuch!
.
Hi
m:Ar
eyouhav
ingapar
ty?
Ismi
l
e.
Me:
Ohno,
justmeandmyf
ri
endshav
ingf
un.
Hi
m:Youl ookl
i
keabl
ackAmer
icanar
eyouf
rom
Amer
ica?
Il
augh,
am i
thatbeaut
if
ul?
Me:
No,
I'
mfr
om Sout
hAf
ri
ca.
Him:Noways,I
'
mfr
om t
her
etoo,i
nDur
banwhat
abouty
ou?
Pr
aiset
heLor
d!
Me:
CapeTown.
Hi
m:Ishoul
dsel
lmyhouseandmov
etoCapeTown
mos.
Il
augh.
Me:
Andwhywoul
dyoudot
hat
?
Hi
m:I
fthi
sty
pe ofbeaut
yexi
stst
her
e whynot
r
esi
det
her
e?
Ismi
l
e.
Him:Ididn'
tevenwantt oattendthi
smeet i
ng,but
I'
m gl
adIcameher eandattendedthemeet
ingImet
suchabeauti
fulLady
.SorryIdidn'
tevent
ellyoumy
name.I'
m Nkosi
nayeZulu.
Me:
Nicename,
I'
m Nahi
koMsomi
.
Nkosi
nay
e:WhatBeaut
if
ulunusual
name.
Me:
Thanky
ou
Nkosi
nay
e:Soy
ou'
reXhosa?
Me:
YesIam,
Iguessy
ou'
reaZul
uman?
Hel
aughs.
Nkosi
naye:No I
'
m hal
fZul
uand Hal
fXhosa.My
motheri
saXhosawomanandmyFatheri
saZulu
man.
"
Nahi
kowher
ear
eyou?
"
They come t
ot he ai
sleI
'
m st
andi
ng at wi
th
Nkosi
nayei
nfr
ontofme.
Me:Uhm Nkosi
nayemeetmyf r
iendsAzol
eandGigi
,
t
henMySisterYot
hando.AndGirl
sthi
sisNkosi
nay
e.
Theygr
eetback,
wit
hmi
schi
evoussmi
l
esont
hem.
Nkosi
nay
e:i
t'
sapl
easur
etomeety
oul
adi
es.
.
Azol
e:Youcanf i
nishyourconv
ersat
ionwhil
ewego
andpayforthese.Theytakethetroll
eyawayf
rom
me.
Me:IguessIhav
etol
eav
enow,i
twasni
cemeet
ing
you.
Nkosi
naye:Idon'
twantt obeli
keapushov eror
somethi
ngcanihavedinnerwi
thyou?Itwi
llbeme
andmyFr i
endswhoar
emybusinessassoci
ates.
Me:Andendupinsomefor
eigncount
rybei
ngasex
wor
kerorasl
ave!Not
hankyou.
Helaughs,
hisl
aughremi
ndsmeofZi
thul
ele'
slaugh.
Okaywhyam Ithi
nki
ngabouthi
m.
Nkosi
naye:Iwould neverdo t
hat
,okayy
ou pi
ck
anypl
aceI'
l
lcomealone.
Me:
That
'ssoundsl
i
keapl
an.
Nkosi
nay
e:sowher
ear
eyoust
ayi
ng?
Me:
Hur
awal
hii
slandr
esor
t.
Nkosi
naye:Meandmyf r
iendst
oo,canIgety
our
numbersothatIcancal
lyou?
Me:
Howabouty
ougi
vemey
our
s?
Nkosi
naye:t
hat'
sf i
nebyme,butpl
easegi
vemea
cal
lI'
l
lbewait
ingforyourcal
l
.
Me:
Alr
ightIwi
l
l.
Ihandhim myphone,het
ypeshi
snumberandI
sav
ehisnumber
.
Me:
Okayseey
ouby
e.
Nkosi
nay
e:By
e!
Imademywayout
.
"
Aaaaaannnd?
"Theyal
lask.Il
augh.
Me:it'
sjustaguywhohelpedmegetawinet
hat
happenstobef
rom sout
hAfr
icat
hat
'sal
l
.
Yot
hando:
He'
shandsomet
hough.
Azol
e:Andheseemsr
ich,y
ouhav
eat
hingf
orsuch
guy
s,t
heyal
lcomet
oyou!
Gigi
:Pleasedon'
tev
enment
ionZi
thul
elef
rom t
his
one,t
rytomoveon.
Ilaughatherstatement,t
hesepast2y ear
severy
guyIgoonadat ewith,Iwouldtel
lthem about
Zit
hulel
eti
l
ltheend.
"
You'
rest
il
li
nlov
ewi
thy
ourex"
"Whydi
dyoubr
eakupwi
thhi
m wheny
oust
il
llov
e
him?
"
"Youst
il
lint
ohim,j
ustl
ety
ourpr
ideandegoasi
de
andgobacktohi
m"
Thoseguy swouldadvicemeafterIt
alkedaboutmy
rel
ationshi
pwithZithulel
e.Iam sorr
yl adi
esbutI
couldn'thel
p.I
'
m mov ingonnow,zit
humov edona
l
ongt imeagohe'sevenengaged..
Me:
Who'
sZi
thul
eleagai
n?
Azol
e:Youknowhi
mver
ywel
l
.
Gigi
:TheMany ouhavehi spi
ctur
esandy
our
son
yourwal
l
.That
'
sZithul
ele.
Wel
aughed,
theyar
ecr
azy
.
Me:Wel
lI'
mt r
yingtofor
gethim,buyt
hosef
rames
wi
llr
emai
nther
e, sor
rymyLoves!
.
Thi
sisgoi
ngtobeaver
yint
erest
ingweekend,I
'
m
l
ooki
ngfor
war
dtoi
t.
Iam atmyhappi
estr
ightnow.
.
.
30+comment
s,pl
easeshar
e,ment
iony
ourf
ri
ends
andLi
ke.
Thanky
ou
THI
RTYONE

DI
NEOJONES

Iparkri
ghtnextt
ohi
scar
,Imakemywayi
nsi
dehe'
s
notevenaround!
.
Me:
Babe,
Babe!Bul
umnko!
Ishoutst i
llnoresponsewher ethehel li
she?Iwalk
upstair
st ohisroom he' snothere,Ichecktheot
her
room st i
l
lhe'snother e.AsI '
m aboutt ogoback
downst ai
rs,wait.Iwal kbackeversinceI'v
estar
ted
dati
nghi m,I'v
enev erseenthi
sroom opened,Iwalk
slowlygoingstraighttothedoor.
Me:
Babe,
Honey
!Bul
umnko!
He'snothereIpeepi n,somanypi ct
uresofher .
Who' sshe?Therearepicturesoft hem,smilingI've
neverseenBulumnkosmi l
ebuthe' ssmi l
ingher e,I
takeoutmyphonet hentakepi cturesofher .Ineed
tofindwhoshei s.Iputmyphonebackandl ookat
heragainshe'sprett
ynol ies,Ilov eherAf r
o.She' s
suchabeaut i
fulwomanbutwhati sherstorywi th
BulumnkoIwantt oknow,Pi ct
uresofhersl eeping,
herwear i
ngwhatseemsl ikeBul umnko'sCl othes.
Theyar ebot
hhappy ,Bul
umnkoi snev erThishappy
withmeorany oneelse.
"
Ufunani
la?
"[Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?]
Iqui
ckl
ytur
n,hel
ooksAngr
y.
Me:
HeyBabe,
Iwasl
ooki
ngaty
ou.
Bul
umnko:coul
dn'
tyouwai
tformedownst
air
sori
n
myroom?
He's car r
ying a bi
gf r
ame of t hat weari
ng a
Graduation Gown,she'sin between Bulumnko'
s
Parents.May beshe'
sBul
umnko'ssister
.ButIknow
al
lt heMkhi ze'
swhoistothem?Mor eespecial
l
yto
Bulumnko.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry!
.
Iwalkawayandmakemywaydownst air
s,Ireal
l
y
don'
twantt omakeBul umnkoAngr
y,he'
slikean
Animalwhenhe'sangry!Hemakeshiswaydown
tooandseatopposi
teme.
Bulumnko:Never
,imean nevergo i nthatroom,
what'
sintherei
snonofyourbusiness.Whetherit
's
openedorclosekeepy
ourdist
anceawayf rom that
room.
Me:
whoi
sshe?
Bul
umnko:
Nonofy
ourbusi
ness.
Me:ButI'
my ourFi
ancéeBulumnko,Ineedtoknow
ev
eryt
hingwearenotsupposedt
obehi di
ngsecr
ets.
Bulumnko:Youengagedyour
sel
f,Ihav
enof
iancée!
Lockthedooronyourwayout
.
Justli
kethathetakeshiscarkeysandleav
eme
seat
ingint
hishugehouse.Iheav
easi
gh.
"
WereatSandtonMal
l
,wai
ti
ngf
ory
ouhoney
"that
's
myFr
iendTshego.
Itakemykey
sandlockthehouse, hi
scarisnothere
mxxm.Idr i
ve mysel
ft o Sandton Mall
.I'
m gl ad
Bulumnkost
ayaroundhere,i
nnot i
meIgot omug
andbeanwheremyfri
endsare..
Me:
HeyDar
li
ngs.
Tshego:
MrsMkhi
zet
obe.
Ki
m:heyboo.
It
akeaseat
!
Me:
Howar
eyouGi
rl
s.
Tshego:
Wegood,
notcompl
aini
ng.You?
Ki
m:I
'
mfabul
oushoney
,you?
Me:
Iwi
shIwas.Her
elook.
Ishowt
hem t
hepi
ctur
esoft
hatgi
rl
.
Ki
m:Damnshe'
spr
ett
y.
Tshego:
Yeah,
wai
tisn'
tthatBul
umnko?
Me:
It'
shi
m,butIwantt
oknowwhot
hatgi
rli
s.
Kim:Wehav etof
indabouther
,whatdoesBul
umnko
sayabouther?
.
Me:Het ol
dmei t'
snonofmybusi ness,todayhe
wasgoi
ngt oputanot
herpi
ctur
eoft hatgi
rlwithhi
s
par
ent
s,shewaswearingaGraduat
ionGown.
Tshego:ThatmeansshejustGraduat
ed.Howabout
we go t o my place and Google about r
ecent
graduat
es.
Me:
That
'ssoundsl
i
keapl
an.
.
Idri
v ethem t
oTshego' sApartment.Shetakesher
l
aptopandGoogl e.She'
st hebrainyofthegr oup,
Kim andIArejustSoci
ali
tes.I
nfl
uencerst
hat'
sallwe
know.
Tshego:NahikoMsomiHonour
edasa2ndRanking
StudentwithSummaCum Laudei
nCli
nicalMental
Psychologyst
udi
es.
Me:
Ist
hather
?
Tshego:Ithi
nkit
'
sher ,shematchest
hepict
uresy
ou
showedus.Damnshe' sCl ever
,Toobtai
nsuchhi
gh
Dist
inct
ioninpsychol
ogyy hooIwoul
dnever
.
Me:
Sear
chheronsoci
almedi
apl
atf
orms.
Tshego:
she'
sonl
yonI
nst
agr
am as@nahi
ko_
M.
Iquickl
y search heron I
nst
agram she has 45k
Fol
lower
s,andI 'm on200kFoll
owers.She'sfrom
CapeTownt hat'
swhereBul
umnkowasStaying.
OhMyGoodnessshe' sinMaldi
ves,shel
ooksso
beaut
if
ul.Herpar
ent
stookhert
otheMaldi
vesthey
mustber i
ch.
Iqui
ckl
yfol
l
owher
..
"Hey Nahiko,can Ihav ey ournumberst her
e's
somethingweneedt otal
kaboutandIcan'
twaitit
's
Argent
.Lov e-DineoJones!
."Ipr
esssend.I'
vejust
sentheramessage.
Me:GuysIsentamessaget
oheraski
ngf
orher
number
sweneedt
otal
k.
Ki
m:Whati
fshe'
sBul
umnko'
sGi
rl
fr
iend.
Me:
I'
mthef
iancée.
Tshego:
Whati
fshe'
sthewi
fe?
Me:Whatifshe'
sasi
ster
?Orasi st
erI
nLawmay
be.
Youdon'
thavethi
sbenegat
ive.
Tshego:WeareyourBestf ri
endsDi neowe'rejust
checki
ng atthe possi
bil
it
ies.Didy ou see how
Bulumnkowassmil
inginthosepict
ures?
Me:HayIdon'
tknow,and t
his gi
rli
s notev
en
r
espondi
ng.
Myphonesbeeps."
@nahi
ko_
M -sur
eher
e061*
**
*
***
"
"
Thanks"Ir
epl
y.
.
Me:
Shesenthernumberl
et'
scal
lher
.
Tshego:
Putheronspeaker
.
Ical
lthenumbershegav
eme!I
tri
ngsf
orsomet
ime
unti
lsheanswer
s.
Her
:Nahi
kohel
l
o.
Me:
HeyNahi
koi
t'
sDi
neoJones.
Nahi
ko:
okay
,HowcanIhel
pyouDi
neo?
Me:
Doy
ouknowBul
umnkoMkhi
ze?
Nahi
ko:
Whodoesn'
t!
Ther
earelaughsatherbackgr
oundandI
'
m st
art
ing
tobepi
ssed.
Me:
Whatar
eyout
ohi
m?
Nahi
ko:
Par
don?
Me:
I'
m aski
ngWhatar
eyout
ohi
m?
Nahi
ko:
Not
hing.
Ki
m:Bi
tcht
ell
thet
rut
h.
Tshego:
NoKi
m,t
hat
'
snothowt
otal
k
Ki
m:Butshe'
sly
ingT.
Tshego:
Howdoy
ouknowt
hat
?
Shekeepsqui
et.
Me:
Nahi
koar
eyoust
il
lther
e?
Nahi
ko:Yeah.Whatdoy
ouknowaboutme?Whyar
e
youhar
assingme?
Me:I'
m sosorr
y,t
hethi
ngisthatIsaw pi
ctur
esof
youathi
shouseandIgoogl
edaboutyouti
llIf
ound
you.
Nahi
ko:May beHe' scrushi
ngonmeIdon' tknow,
l
ookIhav eaboy fr
iendandhappywit
hhim.Wit
hall
duerespectpleasestopcalli
ngmeIhav enot
hing
pl
easeaskBulumnkonotme,he' stheonewhohas
mypictur
esthanks.
Wi
tht
hatsai
dshedr
opst
hecal
l
.
Ki
m:Sheknowssomet
hing!
Me:I'
m wit
hy ouont hat
,I'
l
lstopfornow.Whenshe
gettocapetownI '
l
ltakeBulumnkotoCapeTown.I
wil
lknowthetrut
h.
Tshego:Pl
easebecar
efulIdon'
twanty
out
oget
hurti
nthepr
ocess.
Me:
I'
m aBi
gGi
rlT.Butt
hanksf
orf
indi
ngherf
orme!
Tshego:
Any
thi
ngf
ory
ouD.
Ismi l
eather ,t
hisGi
rlbett
erbetel
l
ingthetr
uth
other
wise.Idon'
tknow whatIwi
l
ldot oher
,If
eel
verysorr
yforher
!
_
___
___
__
NAHI
KO

Azol
e:SoZi
thul
elehaspi
ctur
esofy
ouathi
shouse?
Me:
Seemsl
i
ket
hat
!
Yothando:Thi
sgi
rli
shigh,shehasi
nsecur
it
iesandI
don'tknowwhybecauseshehasari
ngonherf i
nger
.
Gigi
:Ther
ingcanbet
her
e,butDoesZi
thul
elewant
her?
Me:Thisi
sallconf
using,somethi
ngi
nmewant
sto
cal
lhi
m andaskhim aboutthi
s!
Azole:YouZit
hul
elehe'
stooshady.He'
lltel
lyout
hat
thepictur
esofhi
m andyouarethepict
ureshehave!
Yot
hando:Butwhatthi
sgir
ldid,i
tsnotgoodatall
.
Sheshoul
dapol
ogizetousal
lthewomenoutther
e.
Me:Sheshould'
veaskedZi
thul
elenotme,f
orhert
o
Googl
emel i
kethisi
ssoquesti
oning.
Azol
e:Yeah,
let
'sfor
getaboutZi
thul
ele.Theguyy
ou
weretal
ki
ngto?Youweregoingoutwithhim.
Me:
Isai
dI'
l
lcal
lhi
m.
Yot
hando:
Thenwhatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or?
Il
aughatt
hem asIcal
lNkosi
nay
e.
Nkosi
nay
e:Nkosi
nay
eZul
uhel
l
o!
Me:
HiNkosi
nay
eit
'
smeNahi
ko.
Nkosinay
e:That'
swonder
ful
,It
houghty
ouwer
enot
cal
li
ngany mor
e.
Me:Ihadtodosomething,ar
eyoust
il
lkeenon
Taki
ngmeoutf
ordi
nner
?
Nkosi
nay
e:Pi
ckt
het
imeandapl
aceI
'
llbet
her
e.
Me:
Howaboutt
heResor
t'
sRest
aur
anti
nanhour
?
Nkosi
nay
e:You'
l
lfi
ndmet
her
ebeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Alr
ightseey
ou!
Idr
opt
hecal
l
.
Azol
e:Soy
ou'
rei
ndeedgoi
ngout
?
Me:
Yes,
andIf
eel
goodaboutt
hisDi
nner
.
Yothando:I
twi
l
lbegood i
fyoudon'
ttal
kabout
Zi
thulel
e.
Me:Tr
ustme,nott
hisoneti
me.I
t'
shightimeImov e
onwit
hmylif
etoo,I
'vebeenonhol
df orf
artoolong
now.I
t'
shi
ghti
meIbehappyandbei narelat
ionshi
p.
Azole:That'
s a gr
eatthing,y
ou see now y
ou'
re
tal
ki
nglet'
sgetyouready
.
Gigi
:How abouty
ouweart
hatSi
l
kdr
essandt
hose
goldsl
i
des.
Me:
ThatwaswhatIwast
hinki
ng.
Yot
hando:
Thenwhatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
orgetr
eady
.
It
akeabot
tl
eofwi
newi
thme.
Itookashowerthewor et
hedr ess.Ionlydidali
tt
le
makeupwhiledr i
nkingmywi ne.afteranhourmy
Bottl
ewasfi
nished.Iwast
ipsyinav eryniceway
.
It
ookmybag.
Me:
Ladi
esl
etmel
oveandl
eav
eyou.
Azol
e:Youl
ookl
i
kebonang.
Me:
ThanksDar
li
ng.
Iwentoutgoi
ngt
otheResor
tsRest
aur
ant
.
Iwalkinsi
det
herestaur
ant
,Ispot
tedhi
m ataf
ar
cor
ner,
Iwalkt
hewalkli
keari
chki
d.
Me:
Hey
.
Nkosi
nay
e:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Heopenedt
hechai
rforme.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Hesit
sdown,
he'
slooki
nghandsomet
oobutIwon'
t
t
ell
him.
Nkosi
nay
e:Dr
ink?
Me:
Winepl
ease!
Her ai
sehishandtocal
lint
hewai
ter
.Thewai
ter
br
ingsourdri
nks.
Nkosi
naye:So Nahi
ko,whatbr
ings y
ou her
ein
Maldi
ves?
Me:
It'
saBl
essersuppor
tedt
ri
p.
Isaydr
inki
ngmywi
ne,
hechokesonhi
sbeer
.
Nkosi
nay
e:YourBl
esser
.
Me:Yes,he'
sjustaBl
essernot
hingmuch,hegi
ves
mewhatIwantandIgi
vewhathewantthat'
sal
l.
.
I
'
m ey
einghi
m,Icanseehe'
suncomf
ort
abl
e.
Nkosi
nay
e:Di
dn'
tknow.
Me:
I'
mjoki
ng,
youshoul
d'
veseeny
ourf
ace.
Nkosinay
e:Yhonev
erpl
ayl
i
ket
hat
,If
eltasi
fIwas
l
oosing.
Me:I'm sor
ry,Uhm t
oanswery ourquesti
onIcame
herebecauseitwasagif
tfrom myPar ent
s.I
'
vejust
Graduat
ed,soit'
sacongr
atulat
ionsgi
ft
.
Nkosinaye:Soiam seat
ingwi
thanent
ir
eGr aduat
e?
Butwe' ve gr
aduat
ed butneverev
en take outof
Durban..
Il
aughed.
Me:
May
bey
oudi
dn'
tPasswi
thSummaCum Laude.
Nkosi
nay
e:Youl
i
e
Me:
Whywoul
dIl
i
e?
Nkosi
nay
e:wow,
congr
atul
ati
ons!
Me:
Andwhatbr
ingsy
ouher
e?
Nkosi
naye:Irun a fami
l
y Oi
land Constr
ucti
on
Busi
ness.So iam heref
orbusi
ness,wi
th some
Asi
ans.
Me:
Oht
hat
'sgr
eatsohowol
dar
eyou?
Nkosi
naye:I'
m 29 y ear
s old and Ihaveav er
y
beaut
if
ulbabygi
rlshe'
s4y ear
sold.Whatabouty
ou?
Me:
I'
m 25Year
sol
d,nochi
l
d.
Nkosi
nay
e:NoMan?
Heaskey
eingme.
Me:
NoMan!
.NoGi
rl
fr
iend?
Nkosi
nay
e:Nogirl
fr
iend,onl
ymydaught
er'
smot
her
whoisamarr
iedwoman.
Me:
Oht
hat
'sNi
ce.
Wewerenow eati
ng,Iwasenj
oyi
ngt
hedi
nnerhe'
s
qui
teani
nter
est
ingguytobewi
th.
Nkosinay
e:Sowhywouldav
erybeaut
if
ulwoman
l
ikeyouwouldbesi
ngl
e?
Me:Ihadav er
ymessyBr eakup2y ear
sbackso
t
hese2y earswereformet oredeem my sel
fand
f
ocus on my degr ee and Idi djustthatand I
f
lour
ished..
Itf
eltgoodtalkingaboutmypastwi
thoutt
hinki
ng
aboutZi
thul
ele,butImisshi
m.
Nkosi
naye:That
'sgr
eat,y
ou'
resuchaphenomenon
woman.Soy oumanagedtomoveonf
rom yourex?
Me:Not ent ir
ely,Ihav en'
t been on a ser
ious
rel
ationshi
p where It hi
nk Iwould be ablet o
overpassthepastr
elat
ionshi
pwithmyex.
Nkosi
naye:Shoul
dyouf
indtherightguytoLovey ou
morethanhelovedy
ou,
will
y ougivehim achance?
Me:YesIwould,
all
Iwanttodoistomoveon.Iwant
tobewithaguywithoutcompar
inghi
m wit
hmyex
orsomethi
ng.Iwanttolovehimforbei
nghim but
notbei
ngli
kemyEx .
Nkosi
nay
e:Ohy
eahIhear
,whyar
eyousost
uckon
hi
m?
Me:
Hewasmyf
ir
stl
ove!
.
You see, I'
m not t he one that ini
ti
ate t
he
conver
sati
on aboutZi
thul
elebuttheyalwaysask
anditendswi t
hmebei ngsoemot i
onalandthi
nk
abouthi
m..
Nkosi
nay
e:OhIseet hat
'
swhy ,i
t'
snev
ereasyt
o
get
ti
ngovert
hef
ir
stl
ovesIknowtoo.
Me:Yeah,enoughaboutme.Whatabouty
ou?Your
l
astRel
ati
onship?
Nkosi
naye:Ididn'twanttogetol
dandsettl
eonone
l
ady,Icheatedonhersoshegotf edupandl eftme,
i
ttookmeherl eavi
ngmet onoti
cethatI
'
m ol dnow
andIcan'
tjustplayaround.
Me:
ohIsee,
soy
out
hinky
ouchanged?
Hel
aughed.
Nkosinay
e:I '
m changed,Ijustwantto be I
na
seri
ousr el
ati
onshi
p,getmar r
iesgetki
ds.I
'
m old
enoughnow andKwaZul ubadi
ngauMakot
i.[
The
Zulu'
sneedadaughterin-
law]
Il
augh.
Me:Oh Isee,l
etmeguess?Thewi
fewi
l
lbea
housewi
fe?
Nkosi
naye:Notmywif
e,shewi
l
ldoev
ery
thi
ngand
anyt
hingshewant
s.
Me:
Isee!
TheNightcametoanend,Idon'
twantli
eIenjoy
ed
mysel
fhe'squi
teav
eryi
nter
esti
ngGuy,hetal
ksalot
andhe'
ssuchanopenbook.
Rightnow theseabreezeisdoingmesogr eat
.I
tookpict
uresintheRestaur
antandNkosi
nay
ewas
taki
ngpict
uresofme,he'
ssuchaDarl
ing.
Nkosinaye:itwas ni
ce spending ti
me wi t
hyou,
you'
resuchabr eat
hofthi
sseabr eeze.I
'm gl
adt
hat
youcalledandnowIhaveyournumber s!
Me:
Yeah,
pleasedon'
tcal
lal
lthedamnt
ime!
Hel
aughed.
Nkosi
naye:tr
ustmeIwon't,I'
l
lgi
vey
ou t
imet
o
br
eathIdon'
twantt
obebl
ocked.
Me:
YeahIwoul
dbl
ocky
ourar
se!
Hel
aughedmyphoner
angi
twasMrMkhi
zeandI
f
eltbed.
Me:
it'
smydad
Me:
Baba!
Mkhize:Somydaught ergoest oMaldives,doesn'
t
call
andtellusshehasarr
ivedsafel
ywe'r
eseeingon
Inst
agram andWhatsAppthatyou'
rest
il
lali
ve.
Il
aughathi
m.
Me:
ButBabaIgott
ooexci
ted.
We t
alked f
orsome t
ime and Ial
so t
alked wi
th
Mamkhizet
oo.
Nkosi
naye:You hav
e a st
rong bond wi
thy
our
par
ents.
.
I
fheknew.
Me:Yeah,t
heyaregreatparent
s.Lookitwasagr eat
Ti
mebei ngwithyouIhav etoleavenow,If eell
ike
I
'm dr
unkrightnowIjustneedmygoodsl eep.
Nkosi
nay
e:Okaygoodby
ebeaut
if
ul.
Wehugged,
andheki
ssedmeonmyf
orehead.
Iwal
ktomyv
il
la,
wewentoursepar
atesway
!
.
.
Sor
ryIdi
dn'
tpostearl
i
erI
'm notfeel
i
ngwel
l
,itt
ook
mesometimetoevenwri
tet
hisinser
t.
.
30+comment
s,pl
easel
i
ke,
ment
ionf
ri
endsandl
i
ke.
.
Enj
oy
THI
RTYTWO
TheBaby'
sscr
eamsandcri
esfr
om t
hebabymoni
tor
wakes me fr
om my deep sl
umber.Iwake my
husband.
Me:
Baby
!Baby
!
He'snotwaki
ngup.It
akethewat
eront
opofmy
headboar
dandthr
ewi
tall
onhi
m.
"
Whatt
hehel
l
!?"
Me:
Thebabyi
scr
ying.
Icheckt
het
imei
t'
s07:
30am.I
'
m sur
ehe'
sbeen
cry
ingf
orf
art
ool
ong.Heusual
l
ywakesupar
ound
6am.
Istoodupwhichwasami ssionforme, I
'
m 9mont hs
pregnantand I'
m carr
ying tri
plet
s.It akeaqui ck
showerandIwor emypeachmat erni
tydress.Il
ook
l
ikeanElephantthewayI'm sohuge.
Itaketheli
ftdownst
air
s,meandThest
air
sar
enot
fr
iendsfornow.
Me:
You'
rel
ateMar
tha!
Iscr
eam ather
,I'
mti
cki
ngt
imebomb!
.
Mar
tha:I'
m sor
rymadam t
hebusesar
est
ri
ki
ngsoI
t
ookatrai
n.
Me:I
t'
sseemsyou'
resousedt omebei
ngni
cet
o
youy
ou'
regoi
ngt
ogetfi
redt
rustme!
.
Mar
tha:
I'
m sor
rymadam i
twon'
thappen.
"Mar
thapleasetakeJuni
or,y
ouknow y
ourmadam
hasbeenadragonladyt
heseday
s!"
Me:
SoI
'
mthedr
agonLady
?
Hubby
:Nomyl
ovenoty
ou!
"
Mama!
"Juni
ori
sscr
eami
ngf
orme.
Me:
Notnowj
uni
or!
Iwal
ktotheki
tchen,t
heyar
efr
ust
rat
ingmeandI
'
m
sohungr
y.
Ipainshootr
ightdownmyabdomen,mywat
erj
ust
broke!
Me:
Baby
yyy
yy!mar
thaaa!
Ishout
,theycomer
unni
ngMar
thahasJuni
oronher
arms.
Me:
Babymywat
erj
ustbr
oke!
.
Herushesupstai
rsI'
m sur
ehewentt
otaket
hecar
key
sandt heBaby'
sbag.
Me:
Mar
thacanIpl
easehav
ethel
emonwat
er.
Shehandsmywat erImakemywayout
side,wher
e
i
sthi
sidiot
icHusbandofmi
ne.
Hecomesr
unni
ng.
Hubby
:Geti
nsi
debaby
.
Iseatatt
heback,
hedr
ivesof
ftonetcar
e.
I
'm screami
ngandshout
ingathi
m al
lthewayt
othe
hospit
al.
Hecupsmebr
idal
sty
leandr
uni
nsi
det
heHospi
tal
.
I'
m scr
eamingandpanti
ngI'minsomuch.Idon't
knowhowImanagedt ogiv
ebir
thi
nto3Bigheads.
I'
m sot
ired,
myeyescl
osed.
"
Hubby
"that
'smyhusbandsmi
l
ingl
i
keani
diot
.
Me:
Babi
es.
Hubby
:Theyar
eher
e!Thanky
ouSt
handwaSam.
Heki
ssesme.
Mymot her
,MamkhizeandBhel
ekazi
arecar
ryi
ngt
he
t
ri
plet
s.Ismil
elooki
ngatthem.
Bhel
ekazi
:i
t'
sTwoboy
spl
usagi
rl
.
Hubby
:Wenowhav
e3boy
sandapr
incessbaby
!
Me:
Asi
fjuni
orwasnotenough.
Theyl
aughatme,
Bhel
ekazi
gav
emeababy
.
Bhel
ekazi
:thi
sisSi
busi
so.
Me:
Sibusi
soIl
ovet
hename.
Shedi
sappear
s.
"
Bhel
ekazi
,Bhel
ekazi
,Bhel
ekazi
!"Ishoutather
wher
eisshe,
wher
eismygrandmother
?
Ifeelsomeoneshaki
ngmeIqui
ckl
ywakeup.Was
thi
salladr
eam?
Yot
hando:
Youal
ri
ght
?You'
resweat
ing.
Me:
it'
sjustadr
eam I
'
llbef
ine
Azol
e:Ohhokay
,we'
vej
ustl
anded.
Me:
Alr
ightl
et'
sleav
e.
It
ookof
ftheseatbel
tIst
il
lfeel
funny
.Thi
sdr
eam?
Itookmybag,wewenti nsideandwai t
edf orour
sui
tcases,wetookoursuitcases,allIrememberi s
cry
ingmywayt otheAirpor
tIdidn'twanttoleavethe
Maldiv
esIhadf unnoli
e,andt hatplaceisbeauti
ful
.
MyRangeRov erisr
ightinfrontofme,Ist i
llcan'
t
bel
ieveIownthiscar
..
Wedr i
vehomei
nMontcl
airj
usttoseet
hepar
ent
s
sothatwecanseetheparentsandThankt
hem
agai
n.
Iparki
nsi
de,
wemadeourinsidetheFamil
yi seat
ing
Lunch.Baby Nami
sa pl
ayi
ng wi t
h hert oys,she
j
umpsupwhensheseeshermot hershe'
sjustcuti
e.
Me:
Aft
ernoonf
ami
l
y.
Mot
her
:Sot
heyar
eback!
Me:
Byf
ir
ebyf
orce.
Wet
akeaseat
!
Mot
her
:letmebr
ingmor
efood.
Shecomesbackwi
thf
ood.
Si
kel
elwa:
Sosi
showwasy
ourt
ri
p?
Me:Itwasgood!.AndDaddyThankyousomuch,
t
hetripwasoneofali
feti
me.Thanky
ouformaki
ng
mygr aduat
iongi
ftanhonour
,mayGodblessyou
more!Thankyou.
Daddy:Iwasjustdoingmyjobasaf ather
,andYou,
YothandoandTwi nsaremychildr
enandIj ustdi
d
whatanyproudfat
herwoulddoforhischil
dren.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Ist
oodupandwentt
ohughi
m..
Azol
e:Ar
eyousur
eit
'
snotourOf
fer
ingandTi
thes.
Yothando:whatdoyouknow aboutat
it
he?10%of
yourBursar
ymoneygoestowine!
Wel
aughather
.
Daddy :NotatallAzole,Idon'tevenknowhowmuch
moneyt hechur ch have.Tr easureroft hechurch
knowst hemoney ,I
'mj ustapast or.I
'm adoct
orby
professi
onsoTaki ngy out otheMal di
veswasawal k
i
nt hepar k,I
'
vebeensav ingsinceIhadnochi l
dren.
Nowt hatIhav echil
drenI'l
lspoilt
hem rott
en.
Me:
Tel
lherdaddy
!
Mot
her
:Youj
ustLov
eMoneywenaNahi
ko!
Wealll
augh,DaddyPcan' thav
echil
drenthat'
swhy
henevergotmar r
iedbuthef el
linlovewi t
hmy
mother
,it
'sbeenyear sbutmommydear estnev
er
tol
dus.Shetol
dusl astyearasheproposedtoher.
Soweadjust
ed.
Afteradeli
ciouslunchwit
htherentsIdroppedThe
gir
lstothei
rboy f
ri
ends.Yeahneh,i
tfeel
ssoweirdI
call
edBabusisiwetomeetmeatseapoi ntshe'
sthe
onewhoknowsmyapar
tment
.
Iseehercarpar
kedi
ntot
heshoppi
ngcent
re,
Ical
l
ed
her.
Babu:
Heyl
ove.
Me:
I'
mri
ghtbehi
ndy
ou,
youcandr
ive.
Babu:
Okay
.
Ihangup.Shestar
tshercaranddri
v esof
f,If
oll
ow
ri
ghtbehi
ndhershe'
ssuchafastdr
iver!
She st
opped int
othis beauti
fulhouse.Thisisa
pent
houseit
'ssobeaut
if
ul andlooksexpensi
ve.
Me:
Thi
sisal
lmi
ne?
Babu:YesLov e,andt hehousehasaf urni
tureand
wer emovedally ourbelongi
ngsfr
om yourFlatand
theyareallhere.Thishousehast hr
eebedr ooms
andMai nBedr oom wi t
hi t
'sownbathroom anda
walk-i
ncl
oset.Thef r
amesar eher
e.
"
Youmi
sshi
m?"
Me:
Ever
ydayandev
eryt
ime.
Babu:
I'
m sur
ehedoest
oo.
Me:Ihopeso.Hi
sfi
ancéecal
l
edmewhenIwasi
n
t
heMaldiv
es.
Babu:
DineoJones?
Me:Yes,Shecal
ledt
oaskwhatam It
oZi
thul
ele,
andIt
oldhert
oaskhi
m.
Babu:Wheredidshegety
ourNumber
s?CozI
'
m
sur
eBhuti
doesn'
t.
Me:ShesentmeaDM onI nst
agram,askingf
ormy
numbersther
e'ssomeArgentt
hing.It
houghtt
her
e's
somethi
ngwrongwi t
hzi
thu.
Babu:
Ohhsoy
oust
il
lcar
eabouthi
m?
Me:
Iwi
l
lal
way
scar
eabouty
ourbr
other
.
Babu:We wentGrocer
yshoppi
ng thi
s Mor
ning I
hopeyou'
l
lli
ket
hef
oodwebroughtf
oryou.
Me:
Thanky
ou!
Babu:Okayl
ovel
etmegetbackt
owor
k,Luncht
ime
i
sov er
.
Me:
Alr
ightl
etmewal
kyouout
.
Iwal
kedherout
.
Me:
Byel
ove!
Babu:
ByeDar
li
ng.
Shedr
ivesof
f,Imakemywayinside,
I'
mi nlov
ewi t
h
myhouse.Theint
eri
orisr
ed,
yel
low,greyandblack.
Theyj
ustbl
endsowell.
Iwal
ktot
hef
ri
dget
her
e'swi
nemyf
avour
it
e.
Ther
e'saTupper
war
einsi
dewi
thanot
e.
"Enjoy
"that
'swhatwr i
tt
eninthenot e.Iopent he
Tupperwarethere'
s Mac and cheese wi
th bi
tof
baconont op..Iwarmi tupandpour edmy sel
fa
glassofAppl
ejui
ce.
Thensatdown,
cat
chi
nguponmyser
ies.
Thi
sisl i
ke how Zithul
ele used to make,but
Mamkhi
zemakesitthi
swayt oo.Speaki
ngofherl
et
megoandseeherandherhusband.
If
ir
stri
ngChar
mai
ne,Ihopeshe'
snotbusywi
tha
Cl
i
ent.
Char
mai
ne:
Congr
atul
ati
onsI
'
m sopr
oudofy
oul
ove.
Me:
Ist
hathowy
ougr
eety
ourst
uffwor
ker
s?
Char
maine:i
fthatworkerismybabythenyesand
shemademepr oudIcoul
dn'tbemor
ehappi
er.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuchhoney
,it
'sal
lyourwor
k.
Charmai
ne:Ican'
twaitto see y
ourpr
ett
yface
ever
yday
,cany
oustar
tear
li
er?
Me:I'
m sti
l
lenj
oyi
ngmyf r
eetimema'am,I'
l
lseey
ou
nextweekMonday.Iwasj
ustchecki
ngyouup
Charmai
ne:t
hankyouf
orchecki
ngmeup,
andIhav
e
acli
enti
nthenext5mi
nutes.
Me:
Okayl
ove,
letmenotkeepy
ou.By
eIl
ovey
ou.
Char
mai
ne:
ByebabyIl
ovey
oumor
e!
Idropthecallandatemyf ood.Idon'
tknow wher
e
thisappet
it
eiscomingfrom,cozIateatmymom' s
placeandI'
m eati
ngevennow.
IputtheTupper
wareback.It
akemycarkey
.Ilock
thedoort
hendroveof
fwhil
etheGat
ecl
osedit
sel
f.
Iwasplayi
ngNi
ckiMinaj
,theLoveIhavef
orthi
s
l
ady.
.She'
smyspi
ri
tAnimal.I
'
m si
ngi
ngandr
appi
ng
al
ong.
Imakemywayi
nandpar
kri
ghtatt
hedoorway
.
Imakemywayi
nmyf
avour
it
ecoupl
eiski
ssi
ng
eachot
her
.
Me:
EewwGuy
s,pl
easegetar
oom!
Isaymaki
ngmyonet
otheki
tchen
"Thi
si smyhouse"t hat
'
sMkhizeshout
ing.It
ake
bott
ledwater.I
t'
sTuesdayandther
e'sNowayI'm
dri
nkingal
cohol
.Idr
ankfort
hewhol
eweekend.
Imakemywayt
othem,andseatr
ighti
nbet
ween
t
hem.
Me:
How'
smyf
avour
it
ecoupl
e.
Mamkhi
ze:
It'
sgoodt
oseey
ou,
you'
regl
owi
ng
Me:
I'
vemetsomeone.
Isaythi
nki
ngofNkosi
naye,hemademyweekend
t
heebest.We'r
esti
l
lfri
endsthough.He'
scomi
ng
t
hissi
deFri
day
.
Mkhi
ze:
AndWho'
sthat
?
Me:
SomeoneBaba,
we'
rest
il
lfr
iendst
hough.
Mamkhi
ze:
I'
m happyf
ory
oumybaby
!
Shehugsme!
Ihearasoundsofheel
scli
ckingfrom t
hest
air
s.I
t
urnmyheadup.It'
sDineoJones.Icameonabad
t
iming.
Mamkhi
ze:
Ohhshe'
sAwakef
inal
l
y!
Shesay
ssar
cast
ical
l
y.
Inudgeher
,shecan'
tdot
hatonherdaught
eri
n-l
aw.
Shesmil
esassheseeme,Idon'
tseeaneedt
o
smi
le.
Di
neo:
Hel
l
o.
Me:
Hi.
Mamkhize:Nahi
koIwasgoi
ngt
omakesomef
ood,
wantt
ohelpme?
Me:I'
m sor
ryIcan'
t,Iwasj
ustpassi
ngby.Ihavea
meetingwi
thCharmainesoiwon'tbeabl
et o,but
her
e'suhm?.
Di
neo:
Dineo!
Me:
Yeah,
Dineocanhel
pyou!
Mamkhize:Okay
,don'
tbeast
rangernowt
haty
ou'
ve
comeback
Me:
Iwon'
tby
ewoman.
Ihugherandki
ssheront
hecheek.
Me:
Byebaba.
.
Ihughi
m.
Mkhi
ze:
ButIwant
edy
out
ost
ayf
ordi
nner
.
Me:
Nextt
ime,
IjustcamebackIhav
eal
ott
odo.
Mkhize:Al
ri
ght Ndodakaziusuhambe kahl
e ke.
[Daught
ery
ougowel l
]
Me:
Thanky
ou,
ByeDi
neo.
Di
neo:
Byee!
It
ookthewaterandmycarkeys,Idon'
tknowwher
e
i
sZit
hulel
ebutI'
m gl
adhe'
snothere.
OkayIsaidthatt
ooearly
,t her
eheis.OhmyGodi s
thataBeard?He'
ssohandsome, t
heBear dlooksso
goodonhim.He'snotageingatal
l
.Hel ookseatabl
e
i
fImaysaysomy sel
f.He'
swear i
ngbl
ackjeans,
bl
ackT-shi
rt
,bl
ackBiker
sjacketandmi
li
tar
yboots.
He'
shotandsexy.
"
Ear
tht
oyou"
Me:uhm sor
ry,Ihav
eal
otonmymi
nd.Youwer
e
say
ing?
Zi
thu:
SawubonaBhel
ekazi
[Hel
l
oBhel
ekazi
]
OhmyGodi sthathi
snew v
oice?Il
ovet
hedeep
bar
it
onehehas
Me:
Hey
.
Zi
thu:
Howy
ou'
vebeen?
Me:
Good,
you?
Zi
thu:Good,Congr
atul
ati
onsony
ourdegr
eey
oudi
d
well
Me:
Thanky
ousomuch,
iguessIwasf
ocused.
Zi
thu:Yeah,you l
ook beaut
if
ulmor
e beaut
if
ul.
You'
vegr
own.
Me:
Thanky
ou,
andy
ouLookuhm Bet
ter
!
Zi
thu:
Bet
tery
ousay
?
Heasksnoddi
nghishead,
whyi
shet
hissexy
?Okay
l
etmeleaveher
e.
Me:
Yeah,
lookI
'
mrushi
ngsomewher
eIhav
etogo.
Iclut
chont hewaterbottkeandwal
kawayfrom hi
m.
I'
mf idgeti
ngwiththecarkey s,whydoeshehav e
this eff
ecton my .Finall
yIdriv
e away,he'
s sti
ll
standingnextt
owal l
leaningoni
t.

_
___
___
___
__
ZI
THULELE
She'sstil
lasI nnocentasI'
velefther,she'smore
beaut
if
ulnow andshe' sagrownwoman.Il ovethe
bodychangesshehav e,wi
dehips,t
hickthighsand
Ass.I
'm sureshe'sasize34Now.Shelooksgood.
Imakemywayi
nsi
det
hehouse.
Mkhi
ze:
youj
ustmi
ssedNahi
koshewasher
e.
Me:
Real
l
ywhatwasshedoi
ngher
e?
Mkhi
ze:Shecamet
oseeus,shedi
dn'
tknowy
ou'
re
back.Butshesawy
ourFi
ancée
Me:
Yeah.
It
akeagl
assandpourmy
sel
fsomewhi
skey
.
Me:
Wher
eisMamkhi
ze?
Mkhi
ze:
Int
heki
tchen,
Cooki
ngwi
thy
ourFi
ancée.
Hewasput
ti
ngemphasi
sont
hewor
d'f
iancée'
Me:
Hernamei
sDi
neo.
Mkhi
ze:
Arey
ousur
eaboutherSon?
Me:
YesbabaI
'
m sur
e!
Di
neomadeherwayt
ome.
Di
neo:
HeyLov
e.
Sheki
ssedmeonmyCheek
Me:
HeyBabe.
Di
neo:
Dinnerwoul
dber
eadyi
nnot
ime.
Me:
Bet
terbeI
'
mfami
shed.
Di
neo:
Yourmot
heri
scooki
ngdon'
twor
ry.
Shet
akesaseatnextt
ome,she'
sdr
inki
ngwi
ne.
Af
tersometimeMamkhi
zecal
l
edust
ojoi
nheri
nthe
di
nnertabl
e.
Wewentt
her
e.
Mamkhize:Youknow Nahi
kowasher e,y
oumissed
herandshecoul
dn'tst
ayfordi
nnershehadworkto
do.
.
Di
neo:
IsNahi
koy
ourAdopt
edDaught
er?
Mamkhi
ze:
Noshe'
smyDaught
eri
n-l
aw.
Di
neo:
Daught
eri
n-l
aw?She'
sMnqobi
'
sWi
fe?
Whatisthi
sgir
lplay
ingat?Didn'
tshegetenough
i
nfor
mati
onaboutNahikoandIwhenshecal
l
edher?
Orshewant
stoheari
tf r
om me?
Me:
Canweeati
npeacepl
ease?
Di
neo:
Sor
rybabe.
Weat ewi t
hnoonesay i
nganythi
ng,Mkhi
zewas
l
ookingatmeal lti
me.Tomor
rowwe'regoi
ngtomy
house,Idon'tknow whyIbroughtherher
eshe'
s
suchanuisance.
Iwasseat
edi
nDad'
sSt
udyr
oom.
Thi
nki
ngaboutmy
Nahiko,
she'
ssuchapret
tywoman.MyHeartiswit
h
herandIcan'tevenmov eonwithouther
,wellit
seemsshehasn'
tmovedontoo!
.
Itakemycarkeysanddrov
etoseapoi nt
.Ihaveto
seeher
,thankGodIhav
eherGate'
skeys.Iopenthe
GateIj
usthopeshe'
sal
oneandnofri
ends.
Inockonthedoor
,sheopens.Ther
eisshel
ooki
ng
sobeaut
if
uli
nhert
iedAf
roandT-shi
rt.
Nahi
ko:
Zit
hu?Att
hist
ime?
I
t'
s11pm.
Me:
Icoul
dn'
tsl
eepcanIcomei
n?
Nahi
ko:
Yeahcomei
n.
I
tseems as i
f she was wat
chi
ng Car
toons.I
r
emovedmyj
acket
.
Nahi
ko:Whywouldy oucomehereify
oucouldn'
t
sl
eep? You shoul
d'
v e t
aken a l
ong dr
ive or
somethi
ng.
Me:
Thatl
ongdr
ivebr
oughtmeher
e!
Shel
ooksamused.
Nahi
ko:
Wantany
thi
ngt
odr
ink?
Me:
Wat
erpl
ease!
Sheturnsandwalkt otheki
tchen,herbut
tocksar
e
outandshelookssexy!
ShecomesbackwithtwoBot
tl
edwat
ershehands
meone,andonei
sforher
.
Sheseat sr i
ghtnextme,weseati ncomf ortable
sil
ence.She' slookingatmeandI 'ml ookingather
searchingmyl ove.Idon'tknowwhatpul l
edmei nto
herbutmyl ipsar ebrushingherIl ookatherasshe
slowlycloseherey es.Itakeherl i
psi ntomi ne, she's
notst oppingmeatal l.Herhandsar eal lov ermy
chest.Ihol dherassandt ookhert ome,Ist oodup
makingmywayupt hestairstoherr oom.Wi thout
breakingt hekissmyT- shirti
sl eftont hest aircase
wemakei tint
oherr oom.It ookof ftheT- shirtshe
waswear ingherbr eathsar elookingst rai
ghtatme,
shest il
lhavesmal lbreast.Itookof fmyshoesand
j
ean, she'smoani ngasmyhandst r aveli
nhert highs,
thisrightherei shomemyhappypl ace.Imademy
wayi nherhoney potDamnshe' stight..Ithrustdeep
i
nherandhert oescurlup.She'
smoaning,It
hrust
deepandpoundf ast
.Itakemyhandsintoherand
theyi
nter
twi
ne.Hermoansareloudandt
heyfuelme.
"Ohhzithu,Harder
!"Shescreamsyourwi shismy
commandma' am.Igoharderandshecumsf orthe
second time.We r each or
gasm toget
her.She's
breathi
ngheav i
l
y.Soam i.Iputheront opofme,
she'sheavy.Sheki ssesmeagainandMkhi zeis
alr
eadyup.
Shetakeshimi nher,sheswir
lsar oundinci r
cles.
She slowl
ythrustand star
ts mov i
ng sl
owly ,she
i
ncreasesherpace,shehasgonewi l
dagai n.We
bothreachor
gasmsatt hesamet ime,sherestsher
headmychest.Shehasfall
enasleep.
Iwokeupshest i
l
lsleeping,shesleptwi
thMkhi
ze
i
nsidehersoImov einslowly,shemoansinher
sl
eep.Ihol
dherhipsandshemov esupanddown.
Aft
erthemorni
ngGloryshestoodup..
Nahi
ko:PleaseLeaveZit
hul
ele,whenIcomeoutof
t
hisbat
hroom youbett
ernotbehere!
.
Shewal
ksi
ntoherbat
hroom,
Ifeelused.If
eell
i
kea
onestand.Ichuckl
easItakemybr i
efson.Iwearmy
j
eansIf oundmyT- shi
rtatthest ai
rcaseIworeit.I
tookmyj acketandcarkeysf rom thecoffeetable
thedroveof fgoi
ngtotheMkhi zeMansionI'm not
readyforDineo'
s1000Questions.Ohhel pmelord,I
heaveasigh!
.
.
30+comment s.Pl
easeShar
e,Ment
ion/
Inv
itey
our
fr
iendsandl
i
ke.
THI
RTYTHREE

"
Arey
oual
way
sthi
sBeaut
if
ul?
"
Ismi
l
eathi
m.
Me:
ALadyhast
obeal
way
sbeaut
if
ul.
Hesmi
l
ed,
andi
huggedhi
m.
Me:
Ican'
tbel
i
evey
our
eal
l
yar
eher
e!
Nkosi
nay
e:IAl
way
skeepmypr
omi
ses.
Me:
Yousur
elydo.
It
'sFr
idaytodayThankGodNkosinayeisher
eas
promi
sedwewi l
lbeeatingDi
nnerthengotothe
cl
ubstrai
ghtaf
terdi
nner
.
Nkosi
nay
e:Thi
swast
heSl
owestWeekI
'
veev
erhad.
Me:Ther
e'snosuchast
hat
,youj
ustwant
edt
osee
me.
Nkosi
nay
e:Okayy
eah,
that
'st
ruebutwasIwr
ong?
Me:
Noy
ouwer
enotwr
ongatal
l
.
Nkosi
naye:AndYouLookbr
eat
htaki
ng,ILov
ethe
LookandtheHai
r.
Iappli
edaf ul
ldol
lmakeup,andwor emyWhi teBob
wig.Ilookshel
laf
ine,wit
hmyol i
vegreensil
kdress
and Luis Vui
tt
on Heels.Iwental lout,this our
second day and Icouldn'
tslay atthe i
sland in
Maldiv
esbuthereIcandarli
ngs.
Me:
Wel
lthanky
ou.
Nkosi
naye:Iwon'tl
ietoyouNahi koIli
keyou,Iwant
t
obewi t
hy ou.Iwanttotrythi
sthingcal
ledl
ovewith
youandseewher eitwil
ltakeus.Ifi
tworksI'
l
lmarry
y
ouandy
oubar
emechi
l
drenandwewi
l
lli
vehappi
l
y.
Me:Idon'
tknow Nkosi
naye,t
hethingsi
sI'
venever
beenwit
htheothermanexceptf ormyex.Butwe
cantr
yandseewherethi
swill
takeus.
Nkosi
nay
e:Ipr
omisey
ouIwon'
tmakey
oudot
hings
t
hatyouwon'
tl
ike.
Me:
Thanky
ou,
andcanwet
akei
tsl
ow?
Nkosi
nay
e:Alr
ightIdon'
tmindthatbutcanIki
ss
you?I
'
vebeenwanti
ngtothedayImetyou.
Me:
Wel
lyeahwhynot
.
Hestoodupandkissedme,he'
sagoodki
sser
.He
st
opped,andl
ookedatme.
Nkosi
nay
e:It
hinkI
'
vef
oundmyObsessi
on.
Il
aughed.
Me:
Don'
tgetusedt
oit
.
Nkosinay
e:butI'
m al
readyaddict
ed,I
fwewer
enot
i
nthisRestaur
antIwoul
dn'thav
estopped.
Me:
Nextt
imeHey
y.
Nkosinay
e:So we wi
l
lbe i
nal
ong di
stance
r
elat
ionship?
Me:
yout
alkedaboutmov
ingt
hissi
de,
ornomor
e?
Hesmi
l
ed.
Nkosi
naye:How aboutyou moveto Dur
ban,my
busi
nessesar
ethere.Achangeofscener
ywil
ldo
yougood.
Me:I'
vejustgraduat
ed,andgotaj obIcan'
tjust
wake up l
eav
e!And f ora Rel
ati
onshi
pthatjust
st
art
ed.
Nkosi
naye:Ihearyoubeauti
ful
,soyeahthat
'sfi
neby
me.Idon'
tmi ndfl
yingthi
ssi
deev er
yti
meImi ssyou
andwanttobewi t
hy ou.
Me:Thatsoundsli
keaplan,andwhenI'
m notbusy
onweekendsIcanfl
yandbetheret
oo.
Nkosi
nay
e:I
'
mjustGl
ady
ouagr
eedt
obemi
ne.
"Comrade?
"It ake a look i
t'
s Nicholas. Y'
al
l
remembertheWhi t
eguythati
sBlack?WhenIwas
campaigni
ng f
or my pr oj
ect of Gender based
viol
encehewaswor ki
ngsi
debysidewi thme,he
hel
pedmeal
otandI
'
m gl
adhekeptonf
oll
owi
ngme.
Me:Ni
chol
asl
ookaty
ousogr
own,Iev
ensaw y
ou
onTV.
He'
sabi
gpol
i
tici
annow.
Nichol
as:Andlookatyou,fl
our
ishi
ng.Youmaki ng
headli
nesandy
ou'r
eatopicofUCT,congr
atul
ati
ons.
Me:
Thanky
ouNi
chol
as.
Nicholas:Okayletme Notrui
n a boy
fri
end and
Girl
fr
ienddatecanIgetyournumberssothatwe
cancat chup?
Me:
Sur
e..
Iwr
otedownmynumberonpapert
hengav
ehi
m.
Ni
chol
as:
Thanky
ou,
I'
ll
cal
l
.
Me:
Alr
ight
.
Hel
eft
..
Me:I'
m sosor
ryaboutt
hat
,that
'smyf
ri
endf
rom
Var
sit
y.
Nkosi
nay
e:Noi
t'
sfi
neIunder
stand.
Me:Ihopey ouwon'
tmindgoi
ngt oacl
ubtomy
Fr
iends,
anddon'
twor
ryt
hei
rboy
fri
endswi
l
lbet
her
e.
Nkosi
nay
e:That'
salr
ight
,I'
l
lhav
etoseewhatt
hey
meanaboutCapeTownFun.
Me:
Pleasedon'
tgett
oodr
unk.
He laughed,Nkosi
nayeis so car
efree Ili
ke t
hat
abouthim,he'
snotser
iousaboutever
y t
hing.
Nkosi
nay
e:Don'
twor
ryIcanhandl
emyAl
coholj
ust
l
ikeaMan.
Me:that'
sgreatl
etmejustt
extmyf
ri
endandsee
wher
et heyar
eatthemoment
.
Nkosinaye:Al
ri
ghtI'
l
lbemaki
ngacal
ltomymot
her
checkingonmyPr i
ncess.
Iev
enf
orgotI
'
m ast
epmot
heri
magi
ne.
It
extAzol
e.
'
Me:
Babeswher
ey'
al
lat
?'
'
Azol
e:Cl
ubI
ri
s,donewi
thy
ourdat
e?'
'
Me:
ClubI
ri
sAzol
e?Outofal
lthecl
ubs?
'
'
Azol
e:Chumani
ownst
hecl
ub,
hehast
obeher
e.'
'
Me:
Whati
fZi
thui
sther
e?'
'
Arey
ouhi
dingNkosi
nay
efr
om Zi
thul
ele?
'
'
Me:Whatno!Zi
thul
elei
sengaged,hemov
edonso
doI
'
'
Azol
e:Theny
ouhav
enot
hingt
owor
ryabout
'
'
Me:
Okaywewi
l
lbet
her
einanhourorso'
Ipress send.Theydon'tknow t hatIsl eptwith
Zit
hulel
eonTuesdayNight,andIact ual
lydon'tf
eel
badIl ovedeachandeveryt
hing.Buthecan' tstop
myl i
fewhilehe'
smovi
ngon.Nkosi nayemakeshi s
way!
Me:
Isy
ourGi
rlal
ri
ght
?
Nkosi
nay
e:Yeah,
she'
ssl
eepi
ngnow.
Me:
Ohh,
youl
oveherneh.
Nkosi
nay
e:Al
otshe'
smyl
i
fe.
Me:
That
'scut
e.
Hesmi
l
es.
Me:Uhm myf
ri
endsar
eint
own,l
et'
sgoandmeet
t
hem t
her
e.
Nkosi
nay
e:Al
ri
ght
.
Hecall
sthewait
erandsett
ledt
heBi
ll
.Het ookmy
Handaswewalkedout
,konj
ewe'
reacoupl
e.
Wewal
kedi
ntomycar
.
Nkosi
nay
e:Thi
sisy
ourcar
?
Me:
Yes,
doy
ouhav
eapr
obl
em?
Nkosi
nay
e:No,
notal
l
.Il
ovet
hecar
.
Me:
Wel
lthanky
ou.Geti
nsi
desot
hatwecanl
eav
e!.
Ihaven'
ttouchedanyalcoholandI
'm gl
adcozI'
m
pl
anningonget t
ingdr
unk.Ihav eaboyfr
iendwho
wil
ldri
vemehome!
The dri
veisf un,Nkosinayei s al
so a fan of
Amapianosonoworr
ies.Iwouldbel i
steni
ngt
ojazz
i
fIwas dr i
vi
ng wi
th Zithul
ele,okay why am i
speaki
ngabouthi
m?
Wear r
ivei
nlongst
reet
,I'
m hav
ingdi
ff
icul
ti
eswit
h
f
indi
ngapar ki
ngspacebutImanagedt of i
nda
placethankGod,Iwasal
readyloosingmymind.I
takethebagandcli
mbedoff
,Nkosinayecl
i
mbedoff
too.Il
ockedt
hecar.
Me:Therewillbealotofgi
rl
sinsi
dether
e,beaut
if
ul
verybeaut
if
uly oul
ookatthem you'
redeadarewe
clear
?
Hel
aughsatmeasi
fI'
veI
'
mjoki
ng.
Me:
I'
m ser
ious.
Nkosinay
e:Lookbaby,y
ou'rebeauti
fulv
erybeaut
if
ul
there'
snoonewho'sasbeauti
fulasyouaresothose
l
adiesmustf uckt
hemselvescozIhav eyoubymy
side.
Ismi
l
eandgi
vehi
m aki
ss.
Me:
Thatsoundsbet
ter
.
Nkosi
nay
e:You'
resomet
hingel
sey
ouknow.
.
Ilaughathim,ashetakesmyhandint
ohis.Ist
il
l
can'tgetov
ert
hiscl
ub,
Chumani
outdi
dhimsel
fher
e.
Nkosi
naye:Thi
s Cl
ub i
s so Beaut
if
ul,chi
l
led and
El
egant.
Me:
Thev
ibei
ssomet
hingel
se.
Wemakeourwayi ntotheVI P sect
ionwheremy
fr
iends ar
e.Oh Holy Mary and Joseph whati
s
Zi
thulel
eandHi
sslayQueendoinghere?
Imakemywayt othem wit
hasmi l
eonmyf ace.I
hugmyfri
ends,Il
eavetheSlayQueenal
oneshe's
notmyf
ri
end.
Me:
Heyguy
s.
Ev
ery
one:
Hey
,hi
.
Me:
Uhm Nkosi
you'
vemetmyf
ri
endsmos?
Henodswhi
l
egr
eet
ingmygi
rl
s.
Me:Uhm so t hisi s Cal
dri
n Gi
giFiancé,Lwando
Yothando'
s boy fr
iend,ChumaniAzol e'
s Boyf
ri
end
and ThisZithulele orBulumnko y
ou choose he'
s
Chumani'sfr
iendandt hatovert
hereishisFi
ancée
Dineo!
.Andev eryonemeetmyBoy fr
iendNkosi
naye!
.
Hegreetsever
yoneandZithul
elei
snotpl
easedatal
l
andIjustdon'tcar
eanddon' tevengi
veaf uckhe
hasaf i
ancée.Ineedadr inkthi
sisgoingtobea
l
ongnight!.It
akeaf ew shotsIneedthem,Ipour
wi
neonmygl
asst
henchi
l
ledback.
Chumani
:SoNkosi
nat
hiWhatar
eyoudoi
ngf
ora
l
ivi
ng?
Hee!I'
m bei
ngtempt
ed,Ishootal
ookatAzol
eshe
shrugshershoul
der
s.Chumaniissuppor
ti
ng her
fr
iend?
Nkosi
naye: I
t'
s Nkosi
naye, I own a Oil and
Const
ruct
ionCompanyandAudi
ti
ngCompany
.
Chumani
:mhh.
Zi
thul
ele:
Wher
edi
dyoumeetNahi
ko.
Amen!
Nkosi
nay
e:I
ntheMal
div
es,
Imethert
her
e.
Zi
thul
ele:
Soy
ou'
vebeendat
ingf
or5or6day
s?
Me:
that
'snonofy
ourbusi
ness.
Chumani
:He'
sjustaski
ng.
Me:St i
l
li t
's non ofhi
s busi
ness!
.When di
d he
engagehisSlayQueen?
Si
l
ence!
Me:
That
'si
t,l
eav
emymanAl
one!
Igul
pdownt
hewhol
econt
ent
.Ineedmor
eshot
s.
Nkosi
nay
e:Youal
ri
ghtbabe?
Me:
YesI
'
m okay
.
Ismi
l
e.
Azole:ButNahiko'
squest
ionIsrightt
hough,Di
ny
di
ny Ov erther
e post
s every
thi
ng butneverthe
engagementZit
huonhisknee!
Di
neo:
Myr
elat
ionshi
pispr
ivat
e!
Gi
gi:
Ohr
eal
l
y?
Di
neo:
yesdoy
ouhav
eapr
obl
em?
Gi
gi:
Notatal
l
.
Si
l
ence!
.
"Nickiminaj-Megatr
on"playandIwantt
odancet o
bad.It akeNkosinaye'shand wegoing t
o dance
togetherhellI
'
m goingt otwerkf
orme,That'smy
Girl
'ssongplayi
ngthere.
Idancewi
thNkosi
nay
e,I
'
mtwer
kinghe'
sget
ti
nga
BonnerandiSt opIdon'
twanthi
mtobedamaged
theni
ghtisst
il
lyoung.
Itakeaseatanddr i
nkmywi ne,I
'm av
oidi
ngey
e
contactwi
thZi
thul
eleIdon'
twantt
olookathi
m.
IgulpdowntheWi negl ass,myf
ri
endsareallover
thei
rMans.Ithoughtthiswasagirl
snightout,and
wewi l
ll
eav
etheguy salone.
Itakemysel
ftothebat hr
oom,Idomybusiness,I'
m
l
ookingatmyfaceinthemi rr
orIf
eelal
i
ttl
ebitTipsy
Ineedtogetdrunk.Ifeelcol
dhandsonmywai st,I
l
ookupit'
sZit
hulel
e
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Zi
thul
ele:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ult
oday
!.
Me:
Thanky
ou,
sodoesy
ourFi
ancée.
Zi
thul
ele:
Soy
oumov
edon?
Thatquest
ion!Ican'
tev
enansweri
t,soI
'
lldodgei
t.
Me:Youmov
edont
oo!I
'
mtr
yingt
omov
eonpl
ease
al
l
owme.
Zi
thul
ele:
Doy
ouev
enknowt
hisguy
?
Il
ookathim,he'
saManImetatMal
div
eswho'
sfun
tobearoundwitht
hat
'
sall
.Ohhehasadaughter
andbusi
nesses.
Zithul
ele:Iseelook,I'
mlooki
ngoutf oryouandI
wanty out obesafeatallti
mes.Icareabouty ou
mor ethatIevencareaboutmeorany oneelseout
there.Youmyl i
fey ouknow that
,youremember
whenIuset osay'Il
oveyounow,andwi l
lloveyou
alwaysandf or
ever
?'
Heasks,
Inod.Idon'
twantt
oopenmymout
h,Idon'
t
t
rustt
hewordsthatwoul
dcomeout
.
Zi
thul
ele:
ILov
eyouNahi
ko,
Ial
way
swi
l
l.
Nahi
ko:
ButZi
thul
eley
ouar
eengaged
Zit
hul
ele:Ididn'
tengage,sheboughtther
ingand
tol
dpeoplethatIengagedher
.Myfutur
eiswit
hyou
nobodybutyou.
Me:
Arey
ousur
eyounotdr
unk?
Zi
thul
ele:
Hav
eyouev
ersawmedr
unk?
Me:
No.
Heki
ssesmeandIgi
vemy
sel
ftohi
m,whyam It
his
weakar
oundhi
m?
Hepul
l
soutandl
ookatmesmi
rki
ng.
Zi
thul
ele:I
'm sureyourboyfr
iend us wonder
ing
whereyouat
,you'
vebeenl
onggone!
.
Inodandl ef
thimthere,Remi ndmenott obealone
withZit
hulel
eEveragain..
Itakeaseatanddr i
nkmy
wine.TodayIhavenof ri
endst heydon'
tevennoti
ce
howmuchIneedt hem rightnow.
Di
neo:
Nahi
kocanwet
alk?
Me:
Me?
Shenods,Igul
pdownt
hecont
entt
henr
efi
l
lmy
gl
ass.
Wemov
efarawayf
rom t
heot
her
s.
Di
neo:Iknow what
'
shappeni
ngbet
weeny
ouand
Zi
thul
ele.
Me:
What
'shappeni
ng?
Di
neo:
Youguy
sar
efucki
ng.
Me:
That
'snott
rue.
Dineo:Lookther
e'snoneedt ohi
dethet ruthbutI
wanty outost
ayfarandfarawayf
rom Zi
thulel
e.You
don'tknowmebabygi r
ltr
ustme.
Me:
Ifi
don'
tst
ayawayf
rom hi
mthenwhat
?
Iaskl
ooki
ngatheri
ntheey
e.
Dineo:Thenyou'r
epl ayi
ngav er
ydanger
ousgame
andy ouwil
lgethurt
.Stayawayfr
om hi
m bef
orey
ou
getburnt
.
Me:ohI '
m scar
ed!LookDi
neoyoudon'
tscar
emeat
all
.Zi
thul
eleisanGrownassofaman.Hewillchose
whathewantsof uckofmylif
eandleavemet he
fuckal
one!.
It
ookmywinegl
assandwal
kawaybutshequi
ckl
y
gr
abbedmebymyarm.
Di
neo:Youdon'tknow whaty
ou'
rest
art
ing,y
ou'
ve
st
art
edthi
sbutIwil
lendit
.
Me:Istartedt
his,andIwi
llbetheoneendi
ngthis.
Thatfakeengagementwhichyouengagedyour
self
wil
lnotstopmet r
ustme.
Iwentbackandt
ookmybag.
Me:
Let
'sgo.
IsaidtoNkosinayewhil
ewal ki
ngaway ,hecomes,I
don'tknowwhyI '
m angr
y.Onet hi
ngI'velear
ntfrom
todayisthatIshoul
dn'
trelyonmyf ri
endswe' r
eold
enough now and we won' tbe f ocused on out
fri
endshipthey
'vespentthenightwitht hei
rmans,
that'
sgreatandI'vel
earntthatIloveZithul
eleand
alwayswill
..
Me:
Whi
chHot
ely
oust
ayi
ngat
?
Nkosi
nay
e:Pr
oteaHot
elt
heonei
nwat
erf
ront
.
I
t'
snotf
arf
rom her
ethankGod.
We'
rest
andi
ngr
ighti
nfr
ontofmycar
.
Me:LookNkosi nayeyou'r
eagr eatguyt rustme, and
I'
m gl adyoucamei nt
omyl ifeIappr eciatethat,on
these day thatI '
ve known you I 'velearntt o be
car ef
reeandopenedaboutt heot herthings.Thisl i
fe
thing doesn'
tgo accor di
ng to ourownr ulesand
regulati
onsbuti t'
ssetf orus.Todaywasl ovelyI
woul ddoi toverandov eragainy ou'r
esuchagr eat
guy .I
'minlovewi t
hsomeoneel seandi fIstri
ngy ou
alongt hi
soneofuswoul dgethur tandIdon' twant
that,Ihavetolety ougoandf indsomeonewho' s
goingt oloveyouj ustl
i
key ou'
llbelov
ingher
.I '
m
sorryforbri
ngi
ngy ouhereincapetownfornot
hing.
Pleasefindi
tinyourheart
.
Nkosi
nay
e:I
stheper
sony
ou'
rei
nlov
ewi
thy
ourex?
Me:
Yes.
Nkosinaye:Al r
ight,you'
re beaut
ifulNahiko,ver
y
beauti
fulnev erset t
lef orless you'
re so much
val
uable,Iwanty out ovalueyour
selfmore.Andbe
i
nr el
ati
onshipwi thsomeoney oul
ov eandsomeone
wholov esyou.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuchf
orunder
standi
ng.
Nkosi
nay
e:Any
time,sotomor
row bef
oreIf
lyback.
Canwegooutf
orlunch?
Me:
I'
ll
nev
ersaynot
ofr
eef
oodnev
er.
Nkosi
nay
e:Okaydr
ivesaf
e!
Me:
Iwi
l
lthanks,
Goodni
ght
.
Nkosi
nay
e:Goodni
ght
.
Igoti
nsi
det
hecaranddr
oveof
f,Igoti
nsi
demy
houseswitchedof
fmyphonel
ockal
lmydoor
,I
drankwat
erthenwentbed.
Thi
swast
hewor
stni
ghtEv
er!
.
I
nt hehi
storyofmyGr oov
esnight
,I'
venev
erbeen
homeat00:25am t
hisi
sbad!.
.
.
ThankyouGuy
sf orbei
ngsuchwonder
fulReader
s.
Thankt
oall
youthebest .
.
30+Comment
s,Ment
iony
ourf
ri
ends,
shar
eandl
i
ke.
THI
RTYFOUR

IwokeupandIdon'tknowwhatt
imeisit
.Iwentto
the bat
hroom It
ooka showerthen Br
ushed my
Teeth.
Iwr
appedmy
sel
fwi
that
owel
.
Iswi
tchedonmyphone,
Ihadmi
ssedcal
l
sfr
om my
f
ri
ends,
Mom,
Mkhi
ze'
s,Zi
thul
eleandNkosi
nay
e.
Ical
l
edNkosi
nay
e.
Nkosi
nay
e:HeyI
'
m gl
ady
ou'
rest
il
lal
i
ve!
.
Me:
YeahI
'
m al
i
ve,
arewest
il
lhav
ingl
unch?
Nkosi
naye:Yes,comeher
einwat
erf
rontsot
hatwe
canHavelunch.
Me:
Alr
ightI
'
m onmyway
!
IworemyJeans,
whit
eT-shi
rtandasneaker
.Idi
dn'
t
wearanyweavet
odayIcombedmyAf r
oandputted
ali
psti
ck.
Itookmycarkeys,
lockedal
lthedoor
sanddr ov
eoff
myphoner angi
twasmymot her
,Iconnect
editt
o
theBluet
oot
hspeaker.
Me:
MommyDear
est
.
Mom:
Don'
tmommydear
estmeher
e,wher
ear
e?
Me:Onmywayt
owat
erf
rontf
oral
unchwi
tha
f
ri
end.
Mom:Yot
handoandy
ourf
ri
endswer
ewor
ri
edabout
you.
Me:
Yout
ell
them i
'
mfi
ne.
Mom:
Arey
ouguy
sokay
?
Me:Yesmommy ,youdon'tneedt
owor
ry.You'
l
ldi
e
youngbecauseofworr
ying.
Mom:You'
resuchabi
gmout
h,okaybabear
eyou
dr
ivi
ng?
Me:
YesIam dr
ivi
ng.
Mom:
okayl
etmenotdi
stur
b,Il
ovey
oubaby
!
Me:
ILov
eyout
oomommy
!
Mom:
Byebaby
.
Me:
Bye!
Shedr
oppedt
hecal
l
,Ipl
ayedmusi
casi
wasdr
ivi
ng.
IcalledNkosi nayeasIwasal r
eadyinf r
ontoft he
hotel!
.Hecamecar r
y i
ngasmal lsui
tcaseandgot
i
nsidet hecar .Idrov etof i
ndapar kingspace,I
parkedt henwewadeoutwayt oLifeGr andCaf e.
ThisRest aurantisbeautif
ulnoli
es,wechoset oseat
andeatatt heTopbal cony.Theviewi
sbeaut i
fuland
there'
sseabr eeze!
Nkosi
nay
e:Thi
sissor
efr
eshi
ng.
Me:
Yeahi
t'
s.
Nkosi
nay
e:Youdon'
tl
ookgood,
yousur
eyouokay
?
Me:IhaveaHangoverI'
l
lbefi
ne,IjustFi
shl
otsof
f
ishandsomechocol
ateI'
l
lbef
ine!
Hel
aughedatme.
Nkosi
nay
e:Doest
hatcur
ehangov
er?
Me:
Tomey
es!
Ior
deredASt r
awberryFuzzyDr
ink!Whi
l
eheor
der
ed
ABeerjustt
odr i
nk.
Idon'
tneedal
cohol
notnow,
notEv
erI
'
m done!
Nkosi
nay
e:SoWhatar
eyouhav
ing?
Me:Lemonorharri
saspicedcal
amar
iwi
thr
oast
ed
Veget
abl
es.Whatabouty
ou?
Nkosi
nay
e:gr
il
ledchi
ckenbr
east
Wi
tychi
psont
hesi
de!
Beor
der
edt
henl
ookedatme!
Nkosi
nay
e:Nat
ural
sui
tsy
ouy
ouknow!
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Nkosi
nay
e:Whydoy
ouappl
ymake-
up?Idon'
tseea
need!
Me:Idon'tusemakeupeverydayIhavemydays,
you'
vej
ustseenmeonthosedayswhereIhadt
oput
makeup.
Nkosi
nay
e:I
'
m gl
adIhadt
oseet
heNat
ural
you.
Me:
Thanky
ou!
Nkosi
nay
e:CanIasky
ouaquest
ion?
Me:
Yeahsur
eask!
Nkosi
nay
e:I
syourExZi
thul
elef
rom l
astni
ght
?
Me:
Yes!
Nkosi
nay
e:Iknewi
t!
Hesai
ditl
ikehewasconvi
nci
nghimsel
f,am Il
i
ke
t
hatwi
thZi
thu?Ar
ewethatv
isi
blet
oever
yone?
Me:
Howdi
dyouknow?
Nkosi
naye:Youwer
eav
oidi
ngmakingeyecont
act
wit
h hi
m,and hewasbusylooki
ng aty
ou ev
ery
chanceheget .Helooksatyouwithl
otsofLov ein
hiseyesbutdoesn'
tdot hatwi
thhi
sFiancéethere'
s
nolovebet weent
hem.I t
'sonesi
dedlove.Heused
thatgir
l,i
fImayaskwhatmadey ouguysbrokeup
2yearsback?
Me:
Icoul
dn'
tbewi
thhi
m,becauseofwhohei
s.
Nkosinaye:Butther
e'sasaythatst
ates'i
fyoulovea
personyoul ovehim/herbecauseofwhohe/ sheis
andwhot heyar eyoujustcan'tchangeaper son
becauseofLov e'wheny oufel
linlovewithhi
m did
you know aboutt he things t
hatmade y ou two
breakup?
Me:
NoIdi
dn'
tknowany
thi
ng.
Nkosinaye:That'
swhohei s,i
fthet hingshedoes
neveraffected y
ou ory ourrel
ationshipthen you
werewr ong forgivi
ng up on him.You shoul d'
ve
stayedanddoy ourpar
twhichislovehimr egar
dless.
Me:Now Iknow allthat,IguessIwasy oungand
nai
ve back t
hen.Ihad no gut sto stay inthe
Rel
ati
onshi
pIdidn'
tbeli
evei nhi
scapabi
l
iti
es.Idi
dn'
t
gi
vehim achancetopr otectmeordor i
ghtbyme.
Now Iknow thehappinessthatIthi
nkIchosewas
nev
erthere.Iwouldcallhim wit
hapr i
vatenumber
j
ustto hearhi sv oi
ce,stalk hi
m on hi s soci
al
net
works.Iwasshat t
eredwhenIsaw Di neo'
spost
oft
hem toget
herbutIfocusedonmyst udi
es.
Nkosi
naye: You thought y
ou wer
e choosi
ng
happi
nessbef
orehi
m?
Me:Yeah,butli
tt
ledidIknowthathewasandst
il
lis
myhappiness.Am Istupi
dorNaivef
orLov
inghi
m?
Nkosinaye:Noy ounot,youtwoloveeachot herand
i
t'sevident.Hehast odor i
ghtbyDineoandl ether
gosot hathecanf ocusony ou.Don'
tal
lowhi mi nif
Dineoisst i
llthere.Hemustseet hatyou'
reser ious
anddor ightbyy outoo.Don'
tall
owhimt oplayy ouif
thati
shi splan.
Me:Thankyou,wher
ewer
eyoual
lmyl
i
fewhenI
neededamal
efri
end!
Nkosi
nay
e:Theguywemety
est
erday
?
Me:Nichol
as?Hewastoobusyatschool
.He'
sa
busymanbuthewast
her
e.
Nkosinaye:Thenyoucancal
lmeanyt
imey
ouwant
t
ov ent,I
'
llbeonephonecal
laway
!
Me:
ThatIknow.
Wef
ini
shedourdeser
ts.
Ipai
dthebil
lwi
thalotofdi
ff
icul
ti
es,hedi
dn'
twant
metopaythebi
l
lbutIwonandpaid
Nkosi
nay
e:Now wehavetorusht otheai
rpor
t,I
havet
ocatchaf
li
ghti
n1h30minut
es.
Me:
Let
'sgobef
oret
raf
fi
cjam cat
chesonus.
Idrov
ehimt ot
heAi r
por
t,weweresingi
ngal
ong.He
fi
tsaMal eBestfr
iendDescr
ipt
ion.Hedeserv
esi t
,
he'
s such a gr
eatguy Iwi sh him not
hing but
happi
ness.
Me:Please nexttime when you come t
his si
de
pl
easebri
ngPrincess,
Iwouldl
ovetoseeher.
Nkosi
naye:I'
m defi
nit
elybr
ingi
ngher
,andIl
ovei
t
her
eit
'schil
l
edI'
llbearegul
ar.
Me:That meansI'
l
lbehavi
ngmyf ri
endthi
ssi
de,
andyou'
l
lbest
ayi
nginmyhousenotHotel
.
Nkosi
nay
e:Yesma'
am.
Me:
Imi
ssy
oual
ready
.
Hel
aughs.
Nkosi
naye: Don'
t be pr
incess on me pl
ease.
Goodbye.
Me:
ByeIl
ovey
ou!
Nkosi
nay
e:Il
ovey
out
oo.
Hehugsmeandr unsinsi
de.Idr
oveawaymyphone
i
soff,Iswi
tchedoffwhenIwaswi t
hNkosi
nayeat
t
heRestaur
ant.
Bouquetofredrosesi
nmyf
rontGat
e.Igetof
fthe
carandtookthem.
Igoti
nsidethecar,IopenedmyGatet
hencl
osesit
agai
n,Itookthefl
owersandmybagandwenti
nsi
de
theHouse.Il
ockedthedoorsagai
n.
It
ookoutt
hecar
d.
"
Heybeaut
if
ul.
Ti
me i
sti
cking y
ou shoul
d countyourbl
essi
ngs
whi
ley
ou'
resti
l
laliv
e.Becauseyou'
l
lbeli
vi
ngwith
y
ourancest
orsi
nthenextcomi
ngweeks.
Lov
e-D"

This gi
rlreall
ymeans busi ness,Iswi tch on my
phone.Idon'tevenlookatthemi ssedcalls.It
akea
pi
cture ofthe flowers and cardt hen sentitto
Zit
hulel
e.
"Pl
easetel
lyourf
iancéet
oleav
emeal
one,y
out
oo
ontopofthat
!"
Ipr
esssend.
It
akeashowerandwentt
omybed,
Ineedt
osl
eep!

_
___
___
___
DI
NEO
Kim:Soy
ou'
resay
ingt
hatBul
umnko'
smot
herhat
e
you?
Me:Youhav enoi
dea,shedoesn'
tev
enhi
dei
t.She
l
ovesthatNahi
ko.
Tshego:So now y
ou know whati
s Nahi
ko t
o
Bulumnko?
Me:Yeah,Apparent
ly she'
sthe Lov
e ofhi
sli
fe
accor
dingt
oBul
umnko'sparent
s.
Tshego:
Thenwhatar
eyoust
il
ldoi
ngt
her
eD?
Me:Il
ovehim somuchT,andIj ustcan'
tupand
l
eavej
ustl
i
kethatwi
thoutaf
ight
.
Ki
m:Fi
ghtf
orhi
mift
hat
'
sthenbaby
.
Me:Yes,I'
vealr
eadychal
lengedthatgi
rl
,shewon't
know what
'scomingforher.Ihaveagreatpar
tner
bymyside.
Tshego:You'
rescar
ingmeD,pleasef
ri
endl
ett
his
gobeforei
tcomesandbit
eyou.
Kim:No Mar
n, l
etDi
neo f
ightf
orherman,she
deser
vehi
m.
Tshego:Let '
snotforgett
hatDi
neoengagedher
self
,
Bulumnkonev erdi
dandnev erpostedheronany
socialmedianotev enonWhatsApp.Butheposted
thatgir
l.Letthi
sgoD.
Di
neo:I
'
m al
readyi
ntoodeepT,Ij
ustcan'
tletgo.I
hav
etof
ini
shwhatI
'
vest
art
ed.
Tshego:Thi
sisdanger
ousandIhaveabadfeel
i
ng
aboutit
.Mygutf
eeli
ngisnev
erwrongandy
ouknow
thatD.
Di
neo:Iknow but
,IpromiseyouI
'
llbevi
ctori
ous.I
wi
llwi
ll
thi
s,andIwil
lwinBul
umnkoovert
rustme.
Ki
m:Iknowy
oubabe,
Itr
usty
ou.
Tshego:I'
m outofthisdon'
tsayIdi
dn'
twar
nyou
whenallofthi
sbackf
ir
es.
Me:
Itwon'
tby
eIl
ovey
ou
Ki
m:Il
ovey
out
oo.
Tshego:
Ilov
eyoumor
epl
easbesaf
e.
Me:
Iwi
l
lbesaf
ehoneydon'
twor
ry.
Idroppedt hecall,Tshego shoul
dn'
tbewor ri
edI
wantallofthistobedone.IneedBul umnkobymy
si
de, hi
sparentsareanonfactortome.Theyshould
be worried aboutwhatI '
m aboutto do,tot hat
Nahiko.
"
Weneedt
omeett
omor
row,weneedt
ost
artwi
th
ourpl an,Ij ustcan'
twaitany more.Ican'tstand
Nahikoandherst i
nkingatt
it
udesheneedst obe
dealtwith.Meetmet omor
rownight,I
'l
lmakeapl an
to Dodge myf i
ancé "Ipress send.This gi
rlis
star
tingsomet hi
ngthatshewon'tf i
nishshemust
sti
ckt oherlane.
Myphoner
ingsi
t'
smyFat
her
Me:
Daddy
.
Dad:Don'
tdaddymewher
ethehel
lar
eyou.Di
neo
Jones.
Me:
InCapeTownDadwi
thmyFi
ancé.
Dad:Dineoy
ou'
renoti
nyourr
ightsenses,Joseph
cal
ledme.Whydi
dyour
unaway?
Me:DaddyIdon'
twantt
ogobackt
her
e,i
'
m not
cr
azyokay
?I'
mfi
ne.
Dad:Di neo y
ou bett
ercatch t
he f
ir
stpl
ane t
o
Johannesbur
gr i
ghtnow.Youneedtogobackto
Joseph.
Me:
I'
m notdoi
ngbackt
oJosephnotnownotev
er!
Dad:Okaypr
incessdaddyunder
stand.Butpl
ease
dr
inky
ourpi
l
ls.
Me:Whenar eyougoingtotreatmel i
keI'
my our
chil
ddad?Doyouhatemethatmuch?Iwon'tl
iv
eby
thosepil
l
sfort
herestofmylif
eI'm sor
rydadbutI
won't.
Dad:
it'
sfory
ourowngoodbaby
,pl
easemychi
l
d.
Me:Iwon'
tdadandt
hat
'
sfi
nal
,andpl
easest
op
cal
l
ingme.
Idr
oppedcal
l
,I'
m notcr
azynoI
'
m not
!
Iwentt
otheki
tchent
odr
inksomei
cewat
erIneed
one.
Myphonepi
ngsi
t'
samessage.
"Bel
lv
illeNexttoFr y
daysfisher
yther
e'saInt
ernet
Cafe,bet her
e4pm onthedotseeyou"
.Thi
sisgreat
news, Isetupareminderonmyphone.Bul
umnkoi s
mineandmi neal
one!
"
Didy
ousendt
hoser
oses?
"
It
urnandl
ookatt
hisGor
geousmani
nfr
ontofme.
Me:
HeyBaby
.Whi
chr
oses?
Bul
umnko:Don'
tyoudar
epl aydumbwit
hmeDi neo.
Why wouldyou send such a bad message t
o
Nahi
ko!
..
Ohididn'
tknow shewil
lrunt
ohim,Ithought'
She
wi
ll
startt
hisandendi
t'
nowsheincl
udesmyMan.
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhaty
ouar
etal
ki
ngabout
.
Bul
umnko:
I'
mtal
ki
ngaboutt
his.
Heshowedmeapi
ctur
esoft
hef
lower
sandacar
dI
sentt
oNahi
ko.
Me:
Whywoul dIsendthi
stoNahiko?Whatwoul
dbe
mymotive?WhatwouldIbeint
endingt
osendsuch
t
oher?She'sy
ourexandyou'
redonswit
hherri
ght?
Hel
ooksatmewi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.
Me:Idon'
thaveapr oblem withyourexgir
lf
ri
end
Bul
umnko.She'
str
yingtobreakusupbabycan'
tyou
j
ustseet
hat?Arey
out hatbl
ind?
Bul
umnko:
Nowy
ou'
reCr
azy
!
Me:NoI'm notcr
azy,she'sbeenAftery
oueversince
youcamebacki nCapet own.Shehasaboy fr
iend
butst
il
lwantyou.She'stheinsaneonebabynotme!
Bulumnko:LeaveNahikothef uckalone,andt rust
meDi neoi
fyouhurther,y
ou'l
lseethewor stsideof
me!Touchher ,oronestrandofherhai ryou'l
lbe
wishi
ngyounevermetme.I'm warni
ngy ou!
Hel
eftmest
andi
ngt
her
e.
Me:
Aaaaaaahhhhh!
!!Damny
ouNahi
ko!
Ithr
ewt hebot t
leofwaterIwasdri
nking.Isatdown,
thi
sgi rlist est
ingmeshe' s,def
ini
telytesti
ngme.
Whatt hehel lissheplayi
ngat?Whatdi dBulumnko
takehersi de?Whatdoesshehav ethatIdon'thave?
I
'm somadr i
ghtnow,I
'm boi
li
ngwithrage,Ihateyou
Nahiko.DAMN! !.

_
___
___
___
___
YOTHANDO

I'
vespentt hedaywi t
h myGi rl
sGigiand Azole.
NahikoGhostedusthewhol
eday .Herphonewasn't
goingthr
oughwedidn'
tevenknowwhenshel eftt
he
cl
uby ester
daywithherBoyfr
iend.Shedidn'
teven
t
ellus t
hatshe of fi
ciat
ed herRelati
onshi
p with
Nkosi
naye.Idon'
tknowwhyshe' sdoingusli
kethi
s.
Wear egivi
ngheraspacesheneeds,she' sbeen
t
hroughal otandwedon' twanttocr owdher,but
whensheisreadytol
etusi nshewil
l
.
Me:Okay gi
rl
s Ithi
nk Ishouldleav
e and f
etch
Nami
sa,Lwandowasbabysi
tt
ingt
hewholeday
.
Azol
e:He'
sthef
ather
,he'
ssupposedt
obaby
siti
t'
s
hi
sjob.
Gigi
:Andhe'stoobusyt
obewi
thhi
schi
l
dsohe
bett
erbaby
sit
.
Me:That'
swhyIneedtocheckonmybaby .Whatif
she'
sdyingofhungerordehy
drat
ionIwouldnever
al
lowthatt
ohappentomybaby.
Gigi:Alr
ightbabyy
ou can go,and I
'
m dr
ivi
ng t
o
Caldri
ntoo.
Azole:I
'
m wor r
ied aboutNahi
ko,she'
s my Best
fr
iendwhati
fsheneedsusguys?
Gigi:Shewould'
vecal
l
ed,whenshe'
sreadyshewill
callus.Ineedhert
ohaveherownspaceandt hi
nk
aboutherli
fethrough.Sheneedst
ot hi
nkabouther
deci
sions.Whethershest i
l
lwantZit
hulel
eorShe's
movingonwi t
hNkosi nay
e.
Azole:Iforonebel i
evet
heyNahi koandZi t
huleleare
soulmates.No l i
esaboutt hatyoucoul d seet he
Lovebot hi ntheireyesbutt heydon'twantt obe
togetherand t hatIdon' tunder st
and.And now
they'
veincludedpeopleint hei
rlovestory
.If eelli
ke
theyarebot hStri
ngingDineoandNkosi nayei nthei
r
messedupl oveli
fe.
Me:I'm wi
thy ouont
hat,Ev
enlastNightZi
thul
ele'
s
eyesweregluedonNahi
ko.Hedidn'
twanttolookat
anyone butNahiko.They shoul
dj ustgetback
toget
her.
Gigi
:Theywi l
lgetbackt ogetherandIcanbeton
1mill
ion Rand aboutthat
.Those t wo wi
l
lr euni
te
beforethisy earends,Zithulel
e won'
tev en get
mar r
ied.
Azol
e:Idon'
tevenl
iket
hatDi
neo,
she'
swr
it
ten'
Gol
d
di
gger'
onherface!
Wel
aughather
,sher
eal
l
ydoesn'
tl
ikeDi
neosodoI
.
Me:
Alr
ightl
oves,
letmel
oveandl
eav
ey'
al
l.
Azol
e:By
eHoney
Gi
gi:
ByeDar
li
ng
IwalkedoutofAz ol
e'sf l
at.Thenwentt omycar ,
Mama' sGTIisnowmycarI 'm gladit
'sfi
nallymine.I
dri
veof ftoAthloneI '
m GladLwando' sPar ent
sar e
no longerstay i
ng wi th him.He' s such a huge
mama' sboyandhe' spr oud.ILov ethatabouthim.I
parkri
ghtoutsi
de, hiscarispar kedinsi
det heyard.I
walkthrought heki tchendoorI '
m inneedofi ce
water,hedoesn'tl
ockt hekitchendoorbef ore10pm.
I
t'
sonl y8pm,there'sal oudnoi sedownt hecor r
idor
i
nhisr oom.
Idri
nkt hewater,Imakemywayt ohisr oom whenI
hearmoansandgr oans.Whereismybaby ?Iwal k
backtot helounget heresheissl
eeping,wit
ht ears
onhercheeks.I '
m sureshesleptcr
ying,myhear tis
beat
ingsof astIwantt ogoandcheckwho' sint he
room Idon'
twantt omakeassumpt i
onsbutIwantt o
besure.Iwalkslowlywi t
hmyheartbeatingsofast ,
I
opent hedoorslowl ythegir
lsismoaningsol oudly
t
hatshe'
sev
enannoy
ingme.
"Howcouldy oudothi
stome?"Ishoutedthatmade
thebothofthem t
ostar
tl
e.Lwandoshootouthi
sbig
eyeslooki
ngatmeshocked.
Lwando:
BabyIcanexpl
ainl
ooki
t'
sami
stake.
Me:Coul
dn'
ty ouwai
tformet ofet
chmybaby ?
DamnyouLwandoMyBabycr i
edhersel
ftosl
eep
whi
leyoubusywit
hpussy.Itr
ust
edy ouLwando,
moret
hat
.Anyonei
sthi
showyoudome?
Lwando:LookI'
m sor
rybaby,Idi
dn'
tmeant
ohur
t
you.Pl
easeal
lowmetoexplai
n.
Me:Not her
e'snoneed!.LookasofTodayy ou'
re
deadtome,Nami saZenandeMsomihasnoFather
,
youaredeadtot hebothofus.Idon'
twantt
osee
you,
ever
!Stayfarawayfrom mychi
l
d.
Lwando:
Babypl
ease!
Hehel
dmyar
m.
Me:
Letgoofmey
oudog!
Hedi
dn'
t.
Me:
Lwandof
uckenr
emov
eyourf
il
thyhandonme.
Iwiggledmyselft
henr antothelounge,Itookmy
babyandherbag.IShit
!TodayoutofalldayIfor
got
thebaby'
scarseat.I
tdoesn'
tmatterIputtedheron
thebackseatandusedasafet
ybelt.
Lwando:Yot hando! Baby
,please li
sten t
o me
SthandwaSam y oucan'
tdri
vel
iket
his.Thi
nkofout
baby!Pleasebaby!
Hesai
dbangi
ngont
hewi
ndowwaki
ngNami
sa.
Me:
Fucky
ouLwandomar
n,Fucky
ou!
.
Tear
s weref l
owing down mycheeks Ineed my
motherr
ightnow.Ical
ledher
.
Mom:Youknow I '
m marr
iedandhav
eahusband
whycal
ll
ateatni
ghtYot
hando?
Me:Hecheatedonmama,helef
tmybabyt ocr
y
her
sel
ftosl
eep.It
rust
edhi
m mama.Howcoul
dhe
dothi
stome?
Mom:Okayst
opcr
yingbaby
,tel
lmewher
ear
eyou
now?
Me:
I'
m dr
ivi
ng,
I'
m onmywayt
oyouIneedy
ou.
Mom:
wher
eisZenande?
Me:
She'
sher
ewi
thme,
she'
ssl
eepi
ng.
.OhmyGod.
.
Mom:
Yot
handowhat
'
shappeni
ng?
Wheret
hehelldoesthiscarcomesf
rom?It
ri
edt
he
br
akesbuti
twasalreadytoolat
e.
Scr
eechi
ngt
ir
es,
ohGod.
"
Mybaby
yy"I
'
m scr
eami
ngi
nter
ror
.
Mom:
Yot
handoooo!Baby
yynooo!
.
.
Tobeunlocki
ngI
nser
t35wewil
lneed30comment s
bef
ore4pm.Sothatwecangeti
nsert35exact
lyat
4pm.
Thanky
ouenj
oy
THI
RTYFOUR

IwokeupandIdon'tknowwhatt
imeisit
.Iwentto
the bat
hroom It
ooka showerthen Br
ushed my
Teet
h.
Iwr
appedmy
sel
fwi
that
owel
.
Iswitchedonmyphone,Ihadmissedcal
lsfr
om my
fr
iends,Mom,Mkhi
ze'
s,Zit
hul
eleandNkosi
naye.
Ical
l
edNkosi
nay
e.
Nkosi
nay
e:HeyI
'
m gl
ady
ou'
rest
il
lal
i
ve!
.
Me:
YeahI
'
m al
i
ve,
arewest
il
lhav
ingl
unch?
Nkosi
naye:Yes,comeher
einwat
erf
rontsot
hatwe
canHavelunch.
Me:
Alr
ightI
'
m onmyway
!
IworemyJeans,
whit
eT-shi
rtandasneaker
.Idi
dn'
t
wearanyweavet
odayIcombedmyAf r
oandputted
ali
psti
ck.
Itookmycarkeys,
lockedal
lthedoor
sanddr ov
eoff
myphoner angi
twasmymot her
,Iconnect
editt
o
theBluet
oot
hspeaker.
Me:
MommyDear
est
.
Mom:
Don'
tmommydear
estmeher
e,wher
ear
e?
Me:Onmywayt
owat
erf
rontf
oral
unchwi
tha
f
ri
end.
Mom:Yot
handoandy
ourf
ri
endswer
ewor
ri
edabout
you.
Me:
Yout
ell
them i
'
mfi
ne.
Mom:
Arey
ouguy
sokay
?
Me:Yesmommy ,youdon'tneedt
owor
ry.You'
l
ldi
e
youngbecauseofworr
ying.
Mom:You'
resuchabi
gmout
h,okaybabear
eyou
dr
ivi
ng?
Me:
YesIam dr
ivi
ng.
Mom:
okayl
etmenotdi
stur
b,Il
ovey
oubaby
!
Me:
ILov
eyout
oomommy
!
Mom:
Byebaby
.
Me:
Bye!
Shedr
oppedt
hecal
l
,Ipl
ayedmusi
casi
wasdr
ivi
ng.
Ical
ledNkosi
nay
easIwasalr
eadyi
nf rontoft
he
hot
el!
.Hecamecarr
yingasmal
lsui
tcaseandgot
i
nsidet hecar .Idrov etof i
ndapar ki
ngspace,I
parkedt henwewadeoutwayt oLifeGrandCaf e.
ThisRest aurantisbeauti
fulnoli
es,wechosetoseat
andeatatt heTopbal cony.Thevi
ewisbeauti
fuland
there'
sseabr eeze!
Nkosi
nay
e:Thi
sissor
efr
eshi
ng.
Me:
Yeahi
t'
s.
Nkosi
nay
e:Youdon'
tl
ookgood,
yousur
eyouokay
?
Me:IhaveaHangoverI'
l
lbefi
ne,IjustFi
shl
otsof
f
ishandsomechocol
ateI'
l
lbef
ine!
Hel
aughedatme.
Nkosi
nay
e:Doest
hatcur
ehangov
er?
Me:
Tomey
es!
Ior
deredASt r
awberryFuzzyDr
ink!Whi
l
eheor
der
ed
ABeerjustt
odr i
nk.
Idon'
tneedal
cohol
notnow,
notEv
erI
'
m done!
Nkosi
nay
e:SoWhatar
eyouhav
ing?
Me:Lemonorharri
saspicedcal
amar
iwi
thr
oast
ed
Veget
abl
es.Whatabouty
ou?
Nkosi
nay
e:gr
il
ledchi
ckenbr
east
Wi
tychi
psont
hesi
de!
Beor
der
edt
henl
ookedatme!
Nkosi
nay
e:Nat
ural
sui
tsy
ouy
ouknow!
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Nkosi
nay
e:Whydoy
ouappl
ymake-
up?Idon'
tseea
need!
Me:Idon'tusemakeupeverydayIhavemydays,
you'
vej
ustseenmeonthosedayswhereIhadt
oput
makeup.
Nkosi
nay
e:I
'
m gl
adIhadt
oseet
heNat
ural
you.
Me:
Thanky
ou!
Nkosi
nay
e:CanIasky
ouaquest
ion?
Me:
Yeahsur
eask!
Nkosi
nay
e:I
syourExZi
thul
elef
rom l
astni
ght
?
Me:
Yes!
Nkosi
nay
e:Iknewi
t!
Hesai
ditl
i
kehewasconv
inci
nghi
msel
f,am Il
i
ke
t
hatwi
thZi
thu?Ar
ewet
hatv
isi
blet
oev
ery
one?
Me:
Howdi
dyouknow?
Nkosinaye:Youwer eavoidi
ngmaki ngey econtact
with hi
m,and hewasbusyl ooking aty ou ev
ery
chanceheget .Helooksaty ouwithlotsofLov ein
hiseyesbutdoesn'tdothatwithhi
sFi ancéethere'
s
nolov ebetweenthem.It
'sonesidedl ove.Heused
thatgirl
,ifImayaskwhatmadey ouguy sbrokeup
2yearsback?
Me:
Icoul
dn'
tbewi
thhi
m,becauseofwhohei
s.
Nkosinaye:Butther
e'sasaythatst
ates'i
fyoulovea
personyoul ovehim/herbecauseofwhohe/ sheis
andwhot heyar eyoujustcan'tchangeaper son
becauseofLov e'wheny oufel
linlovewithhi
m did
you know aboutt he things t
hatmade y ou two
breakup?
Me:
NoIdi
dn'
tknowany
thi
ng.
Nkosinaye:That'
swhohei s,i
fthet hingshedoes
neveraffected y
ou ory ourrel
ationshipthen you
werewr ong forgivi
ng up on him.You shoul d'
ve
stayedanddoy ourpar
twhichislovehimr egar
dless.
Me:Now Iknow al lthat,IguessIwasy oungand
nai
ve back t hen.Ihad no gut st o stay inthe
Rel
ationshipIdidn'
tbeli
evei nhi
scapabi
lit
ies.Idi
dn't
gi
vehi m achancet opr otectmeordor i
ghtbyme.
Now Iknow t hehappinesst hatIthi
nkIchosewas
neverthere.Iwouldcal lhim wit
hapr i
vatenumber
j
ustt o hearhi svoice,st al
k hi
m on hi s social
net
wor ks.Iwasshat teredwhenIsaw Di neo'spost
oft
hem t ogetherbutIfocusedonmyst udies.
Nkosi
naye: You thought y
ou wer
e choosi
ng
happi
nessbef
orehi
m?
Me:Yeah,butli
tt
ledidIknowthathewasandst
il
lis
myhappiness.Am Istupi
dorNaivef
orLov
inghi
m?
Nkosinaye:Noy ounot,youtwoloveeachot herand
i
t'sevident.Hehast odor i
ghtbyDineoandl ether
gosot hathecanf ocusony ou.Don'
tal
lowhi mi nif
Dineoisst i
llthere.Hemustseet hatyou'
reser ious
anddor ightbyy outoo.Don'
tall
owhimt oplayy ouif
thati
shi splan.
Me:Thankyou,wher
ewer
eyoual
lmyl
i
fewhenI
neededamal
efri
end!
Nkosi
nay
e:Theguywemety
est
erday
?
Me:Nichol
as?Hewastoobusyatschool
.He'
sa
busymanbuthewast
her
e.
Nkosinaye:Thenyoucancal
lmeanyt
imey
ouwant
t
ov ent,I
'
llbeonephonecal
laway
!
Me:
ThatIknow.
Wef
ini
shedourdeser
ts.
Ipai
dthebil
lwi
thalotofdi
ff
icul
ti
es,hedi
dn'
twant
metopaythebi
l
lbutIwonandpaid
Nkosi
nay
e:Now wehavetorusht otheai
rpor
t,I
havet
ocatchaf
li
ghti
n1h30minut
es.
Me:
Let
'sgobef
oret
raf
fi
cjam cat
chesonus.
Idrov
ehimt ot
heAi r
por
t,weweresingi
ngal
ong.He
fi
tsaMal eBestfr
iendDescr
ipt
ion.Hedeserv
esi t
,
he'
s such a gr
eatguy Iwi sh him not
hing but
happi
ness.
Me:Please nexttime when you come t
his si
de
pl
easebri
ngPrincess,
Iwouldl
ovetoseeher.
Nkosi
nay
e:I
'
m def
ini
tel
ybr
ingi
ngher
,andIl
ovei
t
her
eit
'schi
l
ledI
'
llbear
egul
ar.
Me:That meansI'
l
lbehavi
ngmyf ri
endthi
ssi
de,
andyou'
l
lbest
ayi
nginmyhousenotHotel
.
Nkosi
nay
e:Yesma'
am.
Me:
Imi
ssy
oual
ready
.
Hel
aughs.
Nkosi
naye: Don'
t be pr
incess on me pl
ease.
Goodbye.
Me:
ByeIl
ovey
ou!
Nkosi
nay
e:Il
ovey
out
oo.
Hehugsmeandr unsinsi
de.Idr
oveawaymyphone
i
soff,Iswi
tchedoffwhenIwaswi t
hNkosi
nayeat
t
heRestaur
ant.
Bouquetofredrosesi
nmyf
rontGat
e.Igetof
fthe
carandtookthem.
Igoti
nsidethecar,IopenedmyGatet
hencl
osesit
agai
n,Itookthefl
owersandmybagandwenti
nsi
de
theHouse.Il
ockedthedoorsagai
n.
It
ookoutt
hecar
d.
"
Heybeaut
if
ul.
Time isticki
ng you shoul
d countyourblessi
ngs
whil
ey ou'
restil
lali
ve.Becauseyou'
l
lbeliv
ingwith
yourancestor
sinthenextcomingweeks.
Lov
e-D"

This gi
rlreall
ymeans busi ness,Iswi tch on my
phone.Idon'tevenlookatthemi ssedcalls.It
akea
pi
cture ofthe flowers and cardt hen sentitto
Zit
hulel
e.
"Pl
easetel
lyourf
iancéet
oleav
emeal
one,y
out
oo
ontopofthat
!"
Ipr
esssend.
It
akeashowerandwentt
omybed,
Ineedt
osl
eep!

_
___
___
___
DI
NEO
Kim:Soy
ou'
resay
ingt
hatBul
umnko'
smot
herhat
e
you?
Me:Youhav enoi
dea,shedoesn'
tev
enhi
dei
t.She
l
ovesthatNahi
ko.
Tshego:So now y
ou know whati
s Nahi
ko t
o
Bulumnko?
Me:Yeah,Apparent
ly she'
sthe Lov
e ofhi
sli
fe
accor
dingt
oBul
umnko'sparent
s.
Tshego:
Thenwhatar
eyoust
il
ldoi
ngt
her
eD?
Me:Il
ovehim somuchT,andIj ustcan'
tupand
l
eavej
ustl
i
kethatwi
thoutaf
ight
.
Ki
m:Fi
ghtf
orhi
mift
hat
'
sthenbaby
.
Me:Yes,I'
vealr
eadychal
lengedthatgi
rl
,shewon't
know what
'scomingforher.Ihaveagreatpar
tner
bymyside.
Tshego:You'
rescar
ingmeD,pleasef
ri
endl
ett
his
gobeforei
tcomesandbit
eyou.
Kim:No Mar
n, l
etDi
neo f
ightf
orherman,she
deser
vehi
m.
Tshego:Let
'snotf
orgett
hatDi
neoengagedher
self
,
Bulumnkoneverdidandneverpostedheronany
socialmedi
anotevenonWhatsApp.Butheposted
t
hatgi
rl
.Lett
hisgoD.
Dineo:I
'
m alreadyi
ntoodeepT,Ij
ustcan'
tletgo.I
havetofi
nishwhatI'
vest
art
ed.
Tshego:Thi
sisdanger
ousandIhaveabadfeel
i
ng
aboutit
.Mygutf
eeli
ngisnev
erwrongandy
ouknow
thatD.
Di
neo:Iknow but
,IpromiseyouI
'
llbevi
ctori
ous.I
wi
llwi
ll
thi
s,andIwil
lwinBul
umnkoovert
rustme.
Ki
m:Iknowy
oubabe,
Itr
usty
ou.
Tshego:I'
m outofthisdon'
tsayIdi
dn'
twar
nyou
whenallofthi
sbackf
ir
es.
Me:
Itwon'
tby
eIl
ovey
ou
Ki
m:Il
ovey
out
oo.
Tshego:
Ilov
eyoumor
epl
easbesaf
e.
Me:
Iwi
l
lbesaf
ehoneydon'
twor
ry.
Idroppedthecall,Tshego shoul
dn'
tbewor ri
edI
wantalloft
histobedone.IneedBul umnkobymy
si
de,hi
sparentsareanonfactortome.Theyshould
be worri
ed aboutwhatI '
m aboutto do,tot hat
Nahi
ko.
"Weneedt omeett omorrow,weneedt ostar
twith
ourpl an,Ij ustcan'twaitany more.Ican'tstand
Nahikoandherst i
nkingat t
it
udesheneedst obe
dealtwith.Meetmet omorrownight,I
'l
lmakeapl an
to Dodge myf i
ancé "Ipr ess send.This gi
rlis
star
tingsomet hi
ngt hatshewon'tf i
nishshemust
sti
ckt oherlane.
Myphoner
ingsi
t'
smyFat
her
Me:
Daddy
.
Dad:Don'
tdaddymewher
ethehel
lar
eyou.Di
neo
Jones.
Me:
InCapeTownDadwi
thmyFi
ancé.
Dad:Dineoy
ou'
renoti
nyourr
ightsenses,Joseph
cal
ledme.Whydi
dyour
unaway?
Me:DaddyIdon'
twantt
ogobackt
her
e,i
'
m not
cr
azyokay
?I'
mfi
ne.
Dad:Di neo y
ou bett
ercatch t
he f
ir
stpl
ane t
o
Johannesbur
gr i
ghtnow.Youneedtogobackto
Joseph.
Me:
I'
m notdoi
ngbackt
oJosephnotnownotev
er!
Dad:Okayprincessdaddyunder
stand.Butpl
ease
dr
inkyourpi
l
ls.
Me:Whenar eyougoingtotreatmel i
keI'
my our
chil
ddad?Doyouhatemethatmuch?Iwon'tl
iv
eby
thosepil
l
sfort
herestofmylif
eI'm sor
rydadbutI
won't.
Dad:
it'
sfory
ourowngoodbaby
,pl
easemychi
l
d.
Me:Iwon'
tdadandt
hat
'
sfi
nal
,andpl
easest
op
cal
l
ingme.
Idr
oppedcal
l
,I'
m notcr
azynoI
'
m not
!
Iwentt
otheki
tchent
odr
inksomei
cewat
erIneed
one.
Myphonepi
ngsi
t'
samessage.
"Bel
lv
illeNexttoFr y
daysfisher
yther
e'saInt
ernet
Cafe,bet her
e4pm onthedotseeyou"
.Thi
sisgreat
news, Isetupareminderonmyphone.Bul
umnkoi s
mineandmi neal
one!
"
Didy
ousendt
hoser
oses?
"
It
urnandl
ookatt
hisGor
geousmani
nfr
ontofme.
Me:
HeyBaby
.Whi
chr
oses?
Bul
umnko:Don'
tyoudar
epl aydumbwit
hmeDi neo.
Why wouldyou send such a bad message t
o
Nahi
ko!
..
Ohididn'
tknow shewil
lrunt
ohim,Ithought'
She
wi
ll
startt
hisandendi
t'
nowsheincl
udesmyMan.
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhaty
ouar
etal
ki
ngabout
.
Bul
umnko:
I'
mtal
ki
ngaboutt
his.
Heshowedmeapi
ctur
esoft
hef
lower
sandacar
dI
sentt
oNahi
ko.
Me:
Whywoul dIsendthi
stoNahiko?Whatwoul
dbe
mymotive?WhatwouldIbeint
endingt
osendsuch
t
oher?She'sy
ourexandyou'
redonswit
hherri
ght?
Hel
ooksatmewi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.
Me:Idon'
thaveapr oblem withyourexgir
lf
ri
end
Bul
umnko.She'
str
yingtobreakusupbabycan'
tyou
j
ustseet
hat?Arey
out hatbl
ind?
Bul
umnko:
Nowy
ou'
reCr
azy
!
Me:NoI'm notcr
azy,she'sbeenAftery
oueversince
youcamebacki nCapet own.Shehasaboy fr
iend
butst
il
lwantyou.She'stheinsaneonebabynotme!
Bulumnko:LeaveNahikothef uckalone,andt rust
meDi neoi
fyouhurther,y
ou'l
lseethewor stsideof
me!Touchher ,oronestrandofherhai ryou'l
lbe
wishi
ngyounevermetme.I'm warni
ngy ou!
Hel
eftmest
andi
ngt
her
e.
Me:
Aaaaaaahhhhh!
!!Damny
ouNahi
ko!
Ithr
ewt hebot t
leofwaterIwasdri
nking.Isatdown,
thi
sgi rlist est
ingmeshe' s,def
ini
telytesti
ngme.
Whatt hehel lissheplayi
ngat?Whatdi dBulumnko
takehersi de?Whatdoesshehav ethatIdon'thave?
I
'm somadr i
ghtnow,I
'm boi
li
ngwithrage,Ihateyou
Nahiko.DAMN! !.

_
___
___
___
___
YOTHANDO

I
'
vespentt
hedaywi
th myGi
rl
sGi
giand Azol
e.
NahikoGhost edust hewhol eday.Herphonewasn' t
goingt hr
oughwedi dn'tevenknowwhenshel ef
tthe
cluby ester
daywi t
hherBoy fri
end.Shedidn'teven
tellus thatshe of fici
ated herRelati
onshi
p with
Nkosinaye.Idon'tknowwhyshe' sdoingusli
kethis.
Wear egi v
ingheraspacesheneeds,she' sbeen
throughal otandwedon' twanttocr owdher,but
whenshei sreadytoletusinshewi l
l
.
Me:Okay gi
rl
s Ithi
nk Ishouldleav
e and f
etch
Nami
sa,Lwandowasbabysi
tt
ingt
hewholeday
.
Azol
e:He'
sthef
ather
,he'
ssupposedt
obaby
siti
t'
s
hi
sjob.
Gigi
:Andhe'stoobusyt
obewi
thhi
schi
l
dsohe
bett
erbaby
sit
.
Me:That'
swhyIneedtocheckonmybaby .Whatif
she'
sdyingofhungerordehy
drat
ionIwouldnever
al
lowthatt
ohappentomybaby.
Gigi:Alr
ightbabyy
ou can go,and I
'
m dr
ivi
ng t
o
Caldri
ntoo.
Azole:I
'
m wor r
ied aboutNahi
ko,she'
s my Best
fr
iendwhati
fsheneedsusguys?
Gigi:Shewoul d'
vecal l
ed,whenshe'
sreadyshewi l
l
callus.Ineedhert ohav eherownspaceandt hink
aboutherl i
fethrough.Sheneedstothinkabouther
decisions.Whethershest i
llwantZi
thulel
eorShe's
mov ingonwi t
hNkosi naye.
Azole:Iforonebel i
evet
heyNahi koandZi t
huleleare
soulmates.No l i
esaboutt hatyoucoul d seet he
Lovebot hi ntheireyesbutt heydon'twantt obe
togetherand t hatIdon' tunder st
and.And now
they'
veincludedpeopleint hei
rlovestory
.If eelli
ke
theyarebot hStri
ngingDineoandNkosi nayei nthei
r
messedupl oveli
fe.
Me:I'm wi
thy ouont
hat,Ev
enlastNightZi
thul
ele'
s
eyesweregluedonNahi
ko.Hedidn'
twanttolookat
anyone butNahiko.They shoul
dj ustgetback
toget
her.
Gigi
:Theywi l
lgetbackt ogetherandIcanbeton
1mill
ion Rand aboutthat
.Those t wo wi
l
lr euni
te
beforethisy earends,Zithulel
e won'
tev en get
mar r
ied.
Azol
e:Idon'
tev
enl
i
ket
hatDi
neo,
she'
swr
it
ten'
Gol
d
di
gger
'onherf
ace!
Wel
aughather
,sher
eal
l
ydoesn'
tl
ikeDi
neosodoI
.
Me:
Alr
ightl
oves,
letmel
oveandl
eav
ey'
al
l.
Azol
e:By
eHoney
Gi
gi:
ByeDar
li
ng
IwalkedoutofAz ol
e'sf l
at.Thenwentt omycar ,
Mama' sGTIisnowmycarI 'm gladit
'sfi
nallymine.I
dri
veof ftoAthloneI '
m GladLwando' sPar ent
sar e
no longerstay i
ng wi th him.He' s such a huge
mama' sboyandhe' spr oud.ILov ethatabouthim.I
parkri
ghtoutsi
de, hiscarispar kedinsi
det heyard.I
walkthrought heki tchendoorI '
m inneedofi ce
water,hedoesn'tl
ockt hekitchendoorbef ore10pm.
I
t'
sonl y8pm,there'sal oudnoi sedownt hecor r
idor
i
nhisr oom.
Idri
nkt hewater,Imakemywayt ohisr oom whenI
hearmoansandgr oans.Whereismybaby ?Iwal k
backtot helounget her
eshei ssl
eeping,wit
ht ears
onhercheeks.I '
m sureshesleptcr
ying,myhear tis
beat
ingsof astIwantt ogoandcheckwho' sint he
room Idon'
twantt omakeassumpt i
onsbutIwantt o
besure.Iwalksl
owlywit
hmyhear
tbeat
ingsof
ast,
I
opent hedoorsl
owlythegi
rl
sismoani
ngsoloudl
y
thatshe'
sevenannoyi
ngme.
"Howcouldy oudothi
stome?"Ishoutedthatmade
thebothofthem t
ostar
tl
e.Lwandoshootouthi
sbig
eyeslooki
ngatmeshocked.
Lwando:
BabyIcanexpl
ainl
ooki
t'
sami
stake.
Me:Coul
dn'
ty ouwai
tformet ofet
chmybaby ?
DamnyouLwandoMyBabycr i
edhersel
ftosl
eep
whi
leyoubusywit
hpussy.Itr
ust
edy ouLwando,
moret
hat
.Anyonei
sthi
showyoudome?
Lwando:LookI'
m sor
rybaby,Idi
dn'
tmeant
ohur
t
you.Pl
easeal
lowmetoexplai
n.
Me:Not her
e'snoneed!.LookasofTodayy ou'
re
deadtome,Nami saZenandeMsomihasnoFather
,
youaredeadtot hebothofus.Idon'
twantt
osee
you,
ever
!Stayfarawayfrom mychi
l
d.
Lwando:
Babypl
ease!
Hehel
dmyar
m.
Me:
Letgoofmey
oudog!
Hedi
dn'
t.
Me:
Lwandof
uckenr
emov
eyourf
il
thyhandonme.
Iwiggledmyselft
henr antothelounge,Itookmy
babyandherbag.IShit
!TodayoutofalldayIfor
got
thebaby'
scarseat.I
tdoesn'
tmatterIputtedheron
thebackseatandusedasafet
ybelt.
Lwando:Yot hando! Baby
,please li
sten t
o me
SthandwaSam y oucan'
tdri
vel
iket
his.Thi
nkofout
baby!Pleasebaby!
Hesai
dbangi
ngont
hewi
ndowwaki
ngNami
sa.
Me:
Fucky
ouLwandomar
n,Fucky
ou!
.
Tear
s weref l
owing down mycheeks Ineed my
motherr
ightnow.Ical
ledher
.
Mom:Youknow I '
m marr
iedandhav
eahusband
whycal
ll
ateatni
ghtYot
hando?
Me:Hecheatedonmama,helef
tmybabyt ocr
y
her
sel
ftosl
eep.It
rust
edhi
m mama.Howcoul
dhe
dothi
stome?
Mom:Okayst
opcr
yingbaby
,tel
lmewher
ear
eyou
now?
Me:
I'
m dr
ivi
ng,
I'
m onmywayt
oyouIneedy
ou.
Mom:
wher
eisZenande?
Me:
She'
sher
ewi
thme,
she'
ssl
eepi
ng.
.OhmyGod.
.
Mom:
Yot
handowhat
'
shappeni
ng?
Wheret
hehelldoesthiscarcomesf
rom?It
ri
edt
he
br
akesbuti
twasalreadytoolat
e.
Scr
eechi
ngt
ir
es,
ohGod.
"
Mybaby
yy"I
'
m scr
eami
ngi
nter
ror
.
Mom:
Yot
handoooo!Baby
yynooo!
.
.
Tobeunlocki
ngI
nser
t35wewil
lneed30comment s
bef
ore4pm.Sothatwecangeti
nsert35exact
lyat
4pm.
Thanky
ouenj
oy

THI
RTYFI
VE
I'
m wokenupbymyr i
ngi
ngphone,Icheckthet
ime
01:25am.Thisissounusualmymot herisasleep
around t
histime.Ican'
thel
p butfeelsomething
wrongisgoingon.
Me:
Hel
l
omama.
Mom:
Nahi
ko,
comet
oTy
ger
ber
gHospi
tal
Now!
Me:
What
'sgoi
ngonmama?
Mama:
Dri
vesaf
ely
.
Shedropsthecal
l
.I'
m st
il
lonmyj
eans.Iputonmy
sneaker
sandmysweater
!.
Iwashedmyf acet henrandownstair
sIt ookmycar
keyandhousekey s.Thedri
vetoTy gerbergHospi
tal
wasf ast
,Idon'tcarabouttheti
cketsI'
llberecei
vi
ng
becauseIwasSpeedi ng.
Iparkatthepar
kingl
ot,Ir
antotheent
rance,Iwas
l
ikeacr azyper
son.Isaw DaddyP si
gningsome
papers.
Me:
Daddywhat
'
sgoi
ngon?
Dad:
Babyt
hankGody
ouar
eher
e.
Hehandst
hepaper
stot
heNur
set
hatwasst
andi
ng
nextt
ome.
Het akesmyhandandwet akeal if
ttot
heother
f
loor,mom isseat
edopposit
et heatr
eshei
sseated
t
here,She'
scryi
ngandpr
ayingatt hesamet
ime.
Me:
Mamawhati
sgoi
ngon?
Sherushestomeandhugsmet i
ght
ly,Ican'
thel
p
butcr
ytoo.Ithi
nkt
her
e'ssomet
hingwrongwitht
he
twi
ns.
Me:
Wher
ear
etheTwi
ns?Ar
etheyokay
?.
I
'
m al
readycr
ying,
I'
m expect
ingsomet
hingwor
se.
Dad:TheTwi
nsareathome.Yothandohadafight
wit
hLwandoandshegoti
nvol
vedi
nacaracci
dent.
Me:
Youj
oki
ngr
ight
?
Mom:
Sadl
yno,
she'
sfi
ght
ingf
orherl
i
fe.
Me:
Wher
eisbabyZenande?
Mom:Theyarebothther
e,ButZenandeisnotthat
i
njur
ed.Yot
hando i
st heonewho' smuch i
njured
si
nceshewasprot
ecti
ngBabyZenande.
Me:Zenandei
s1y ear7Mont hsyetshe'
sal
readyi
n
t
heatr
esbeingoperated,shedoesn'
tdeser
v ethi
s.
Howisthei
rsi
tuat
ion?
Dad:VeryBad,theFor mthatIwassi gningisto
confi
rmthatifanythi
nghappenst oYothandoand
Zenandeinthattheat
retheHospitalwon'tbeheld
account
abl
e.Thedoctorsaret
ryingthei
rbestallwe
havetodoistopr
ayandhopet heypull
sthrough!
..
I
'vef ail
edherthist
imearound,I
'v
ealwaysprotect
ed
herf rom al
lthebadthi
ngsoft hi
sworldbuttodayI
didn'tshe betterpul
lthrough,they hav
et o pull
through.
I
'm cr
yingi
nDaddy'
sarms.Hecan'
thandl
emeand
motheratt
hesameti
me.
Me:I
fYothandoorZenandedoesn'
tmakei
t,Iwi
l
lki
l
l
t
hatLwandowithmyownhands.
Dad:Don'ttal
kli
ket
hatbaby
,youar
enotGody
ou
can'
ttakeli
fe.
Imovedaway,Iwentandstoodnexttothewindow.
Yot
handocan'
tleaveme,shehastosurv
ivethi
s.She
hastobestr
ongf orme,herandourBaby.Zenande
willneedhermot her,Yothandobetternotdouslike
that.Ifeelhandsonmyback, i
t'
smyf ri
endstheyare
bothi ntears.No onesai dany t
hing,wewer eal l
crying.;didn'tevennoticethewhol eMkhizeFami ly
i
sher e.WhenImeanwhol eIincl
udeOy i
sa,Mlungisi
andZi t
hulel
et oo,t
hankGodt hatDineoisnothereI
wasgoi ngtoloosemymi nd.
Hel ooksin myey es,butmyey esightisblur
red
becauseoft heTears.Hewant st
ohol dme,andI
wanttobei nhisarmsIdon'tknowwhat'sst
opping
usfrom doi
ngthatbutther
e'sabar
ri
er.
Azol
e:Theywil
lbef i
neBabe,don'
tworryYot
hando
i
sstrongsoisZenande,
She'sasSt
rongasherAunt
.
HerGodmother
,theywil
lcomebacktous.
Me:I'
m scaredtoLoosethem,Iwon'
tbeabl
eto
l
oosethem notev
enoneofthem.
Gi
gi:
Godi
sther
esav
ingt
hem,
theywi
l
lbeokay
.
Me:
Theyhav
eto!
.
Dad:
Comel
et'
sgat
herar
oundandpr
ay!
Weal
lhol
dhands.
Dad:Inthenameoft heFather,theSonandt heHol y
spir
it
.DearGod we ar e her e gathered as y our
chil
dren,weneedy outointerveneohLor df orwear e
nothi
ngwi t
houty ou.Fathery ousai di ny ourwor d
thatyouwi l
lneverl eaveusnorf or
sakeusf oryou'll
alwaysbewi th us.Lor d Yothando and herChi l
d
Zenandet heyareinneedofy ourHeal i
ngy ourpower
andst r
engtht ofight.LordIwanty out opr otected
them shi
eldthem from allthehar ms.Wepr ayforthe
operati
ont obesuccessf ulwebel i
eveandwet rust
InyourName.Weknowy ou'l
ldowhat everwehav e
askedf r
om y ou.Ipr ayint henameofJesusy our
SonAmen.
Us:
Amen.
We letgo ofourhands,mama was st
il
lcr
ying
act
uall
yev
erywomanhereiscr
ying.
Mamkhi
zecameandgav emeahug,Igotl
osti
nher
embr
acethatIst
art
edcr
yingal
ot.
Mamkhi
ze:Shhbabytheywi
l
lbef
ine,don'
twor
ry
Godi
switht
hem now.
Me:Whydi
dheal
l
owal
loft
hist
ohappeni
nthef
ir
st
pl
ace?
Mamkhize:Iknowthatyouarehur
ti
ngnowbutdon'
t
quest
ionGod,don'
tevendoubthi
m.
Me: Yot handoismysi ster,
wecrawl edtogether,took
babyst epst ogether,wentt ocr echet ogetherand
wentt oprimaryschoolt oget
her.Ipr otect
edhert o
allthe.Bul l
iesIf oughtpeoplef orher .Ihelpedher
withherschoolwor kbecauseshewasst ruggli
ng
shej ustcan'tupandl eavemeher ealone.Ist il
lneed
herinmyl if
e,west i
l
lhav etosharehappymemor ies,
ourweddi ngday s.Ourki dsgrowingup.I twasal l
thatwewi shedf or.Sheneedt owakeupIcan' tFulfi
ll
ourdr eamsal one. .
Ihel
dont ighttoMamkhi ze,I'
mreall
yscaredandthe
wayI'mf eeli
ngr i
ghtnow i sscari
ngme.Whenwe
werechildrensheusedt oaskme." Nahikoi
fIdie
whatwoul dy oudo?"AndIwoul dreplybysaying"I
praythatIdi efir
stbecauseIwoul dn'tbeableto
handl
ey ourdeath"that
'showcl osewewer el
oosi
ng
one anotheri st he l
eastofOurPr oblem Baby
Zenandei sther
efighti
ngf orherli
fetoo,Godwould
besounf ai
rifhewer et otakezenande.Thebaby
hasn'
tevenreached2y
ear
sol
dbutshe'
sal
ready
fi
ghti
ngf
orherli
fe.
.
Wherear
etheDamnDoct
ors!We'
vebeenher
efor
hour
s!
Mamkhize:Her
ebabyhav
esomewat
erandst
op
cr
yingt
heywil
lbef
ine.
Me:
Thanksma.
Itakethebot t
ledwaterandgul peditinonego.I
wipedmyt ear
sandwenttot hewi ndowagai
n.Ihav
e
tobestrong,Ihavetobest rongf ort
hem theywil
l
needme.Bot hofthem wi
llpullt
hroughandtheywil
l
beokay!
TheTheat
reDoorsopened,weGatheredal
toget
her
wai
ti
ngfortheDoct
or,
helooksdr
ainedandworri
ed.
Iam scar
edt
oev
enaskquest
ion.
Doct
or:
Msomi
Fami
l
y?
Mom:
Yes.
.
Doct
or:
OkayIhav
ebot
hGoodNewsandBadNews!
.
Her
ewego,wenoti
nthemov
iescant
hismant
ell
uswhat
'swr
ong.
Me:Canyoupl
easetal
k,wewantt oknow what'
s
wr
ong!Wear
eal
readyst
ressedsopl
easeDoct
or.
Henodshi
shead,
heunder
standourf
rust
rat
ions.
Doctor:TheBabyPull
edthrough,shewillbesentto
theIntensi
veCareUnit(
ICU).Shehasabr okenleg
andfractur
edarms,shewil
lbef ineshe'
sstruggli
ng
tobreathonherownbutwewi l
lgivehertheoxygen
ti
ll
shewakesup.
Mom:
Soshewi
l
lbef
ine?
Doct
or:
Yesma'
am.
That
'st
heGoodNews,
whatar
etheBadNews?
Me:
Whatabouthermot
her
?
Doct or
:Wearest i
l
lbusywithhermother
,Awi ndow
glass wentt hr
ough herchest,we managed t o
remov eitbutthereapiecesofGlassesthatwent
throughher
Coronaryar t
eri
esandt hei
rbranchesrunningal
ong
thesur f
aceoft heheart
.Sowear einneedofa
cardi
ologisttooperat
ebefor
etheglasspiecesmove
i
ntot
hehear
t!
.
Me:
Cany
oupl
easeexpl
aini
nsi
mpl
eEngl
i
sh?
Dad:Hemeanst hatt
heGl assesaremov i
ngtothe
hear
t,t
heyar
enexttotheheartift
hepiecesmanage
togothr
oughthehear
tYothandowon'tmakeit
!.
What
?Tear
sfl
owi
ng,
Ican'
tbest
rongatt
hispoi
nt.
Me:
Doct
orpl
easedowhat
every
oucant
osav
eher
.
Doct
or:Wearewait
ingf
ortheCardi
ologistt
ocome
andoper
ate,
butwearemonit
ori
ngtheglasses.
Mkhi
ze:Whatty
peofHospi
tal
ist
his?Whyt
her
e'sno
Car
diol
ogi
st?
Doct
or:Theyar
eoper
ati
ngi
ntheot
herwar
ds,
Today
i
sbusy.
Dad:Iwil
lmakeacal
ltoourCar
diol
ogi
statGr
oot
e
SchuurHospi
tal
.
Me:
Pleasedaddyhur
ryup!
.
Hegoest omakethatcall
.Isi
nkinthefl
oor
,thi
sis
nothappeni
ngnoi
tcan'tbehappeni
ng.
.
They st
rol
la bed outoft
he Theat
rei
t'
s Baby
Zenande.
Me:
Wher
ear
etheyt
aki
ngher
?
Doct
or:
TotheI
ntensi
veCar
eUni
tma'
am.Shewi
l
lbe
moni
tor
edever
yhour!
.
Mkhize:Wewi l
lCallMedicl
i
nictocomeandf
etch
her
,shewil
lrecoversoononthei
rcar
e.
Doct
or:
Alr
ightSi
r.
Hegoesbacktot het
heatr
e,Ifol
l
owBabyZenandeI
needherandIneedtoseeher.
Me:
CanIseeherNur
se?
Nur
se:
Iam sosor
ryma'
am buty
oucan'
t.
Me:Pl
easeIneedtoseeher
,Ihav
etoseeherj
ust
f
or1minut
e.I
'm beggi
ngy
ou.
Nur
se:
Okaypl
ease,
for1mi
nut
e.
Inod and make my way i n,she'
s Layi
ng there
l
if
elessl
yshe'ssosmal linthatbed.There'
sbruises
on herf ace she doesn'
tl ook li
ke my beautif
ul
Zenande.Iki
ssherbandagedFor ehead.
Me:Il
ovey
ousomuchbaby
,you'
reonest
rongbaby
.
You havefaughtfory our
sel
fbabyy ou'
re st
rong,
pl
easeremainstr
ongf ormeI'
m givingup.Ihav eno
st
rengthnowbabypleasebestrong.Iloveyousoso
much!
Ikissheronelastti
me.Thenwentout
,Iwal
kedto
theparki
nglotthi
sistoomuchforme.Noloosi
ng
Yothandoisnotanopti
on.
If
eelstr
onghandsonmywai
st,
Iknowthi
sCol
ogne.
HeturnsmearoundandIcr
yinhisar
ms,hi
sarms
ar
ealwayshomeforme.
Me:I
'
m scaredZithul
ele,
i'
m scar
ed.Ican'
tlooseher
t
ooIj ustcan'
t.Thisishurt
ingme,myhear tcan'
t
t
akethis.
Zi
thu:Iknow St
handwaSam,butyouhav etobe
st
rong f
orher.You arealway
sso st
rong,y
ou'
ve
al
waysbeenther
eforher.
Me:Iknowbutnott hi
sti
mear ound,I'
m weakzi
thu.I
can'ttakethi
sany
mor eIj
ustcan't.Ineedsomeone
totell
met hisi
sal
ladream t
ome.
Zi
thu:Shewil
lbef
ineokay
?Nowwi
pey
ourt
ear
sal
l
wi
llbewell
.
Me:
I'
m sohungr
y,Il
astat
ear
ound1pm.
Zit
hu:Let'
sgo tot
heHospi
tal
'
sCaf
eto gety
ou
somethi
ngtoeat
.
Me:
I'
minneedofChi
ckenLi
ckenwi
ngs.
Zi
thu:si
ncewearenexttoy
ourcar
,let
'sgof
ora
Dr
ivethr
uori
sitFl
ythr
u?
Ichuckl
e,hest
il
lmakesmesmi
l
e.
Igi
vehimthecarkeys,heopenedt
hedoorf
orand
wentt
othedr
iver
'ssi
de.
Zi
thu:
Damny
ourCarsmel
l
sli
key
ou!
Me:
Badsmel
l
?
Zethu:Yousmel
lsweet,sowomanly
.Il
ovet
heway
yousmell,
soIdon'
tmindbei
nghere.
Me:
Yeah.
Zi
thu:
Thef
lower
s
Me:Don'tment i
onthem,I'
m noti
nt hemoodofthat
Dineo.OnethinkIwil
ltel
lyouisthatIdon'
tli
keher
anddon'tt
rusther.
Zi
thu:Don'
tworr
yIhaveherf
oll
owed,i
fshe'
supto
nogoodIwil
lhandl
eher
.You'
resaf
eIpr
omiseyou.
Me:
Whyar
eyouev
enst
ri
ngi
ngt
hisgi
rlany
way
s?
Zi
thu:
Whyar
eyouwi
tht
hatDude?
Me:ThatDudei
sNkosi
nay
eandhe'
smyf
ri
endnot
boy
fri
end.
Zi
thu:
Soy
ounotdat
ing?
Me:
Nowenot
!Pl
easedr
ivef
ast
.
Il
ookatt hewindow i
gnor
inghi
m.Hepr
essedpl
ay
onmypl ayl
ist'
Great
estshowman-Nev
erEnough'
pl
ayed.
Icl
osedmyey
esandl
i
stenedt
othesong.

"I
'
mtr
yingt
ohol
dmybr
eat
h
Leti
tst
ayt
hisway
Can'
tl
ett
hismomentend
Yousetof
fadr
eam wi
thme
Get
ti
ngl
oudernow
Cany
ouheari
techoi
ng?
Takemyhand
Wi
l
lyoushar
ethi
swi
thme?
'
Causedar
li
ngwi
thouty
ou
Al
ltheshi
neofat
housandspot
li
ght
s
Al
lthest
arswest
eal
from t
heni
ght
sky
Wi
l
lnev
erbeenough
Nev
erbeenough"

I'
mt ry
ingtoholdandbestr
ongbutIcan'
thel
pbut
Cry.Zi
thul
eleswit
chof
fthemusi
candHoldmyhand
si
ncehe'sdriv
ing.
Wemakeoutwayt ot
hehospi
tal
,Ihaven'
ttouched
t
hewi
ngs.Idon'
tev
enhav
etheAppeti
tenow.
Zi
thu:
Youneedt
oeatSt
handwaSam.
Me:
ButIdon'
thav
eanAppet
it
e.
Zi
thu:
Youhav
etobest
rong,
youneedt
oeatpl
ease.
Me:
Okay
!
Itaket
het akeawayandate,he'
slooki
ngatmeasI
am eat
ing.It
'snotmyfi
rstt
imeeatingi
nfr
ontofhi
m
buthe'
sjustmakingmeshy
Me:
Pleasest
opst
arr
ing.
Zi
thu:
Ican'
thel
pit
,you'
rebeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Iknow,
butt
hanky
ou.Pl
easest
opst
arr
ingnow.
Hel
augh.Andhet
akesouthi
sphone.
Wemakeourwayt otheWar dhol di
nghands,but
that
'shisideait
'sasifI'l
ljustrunawayf r
om him.
The stares t
hatwe ar e gett
ing f
rom ourfami l
y
member s,i
tseemsl i
kewewi l
lsaying."
Heyfamily,
we willbe gett
ing marr
ied soon".Theyare busy
smil
ing.
Me:
Daddyi
stheDoct
orher
e?
Dad:
Yesbabyhe'
swi
thYot
handoRi
ghtnow.
Me:
Wil
lshebef
ine?
Dad:Wedon'tknowbutshe'
sinav
erycr
it
icalst
ate
i
t'
s50/50chancessowemusthavehopet hatshe
wil
lpul
lthr
ough
Me:Shewi
l
lpul
lthr
ough,she'
sst
rongenought
odo
t
hat.
Dad:
Iknowbaby
,nowcomet
odaddy
!.
Ihughi m,heremindsmeofmyv er
yownFat her
.
He'sindeedagreatmanandanAmazi ngfatherto
me,YothandoandtheTwi
n.ThebestGrandf
atherto
Zenande.
Afterhugging hi
m,Iwentand seatnextt o my
mot herwhoseemsl i
keazombi e.Sheisn'
ttaki
ng
thi
swel latall
.Iknow mymot hershe'soneofthe
mostemot ionalwomanoutt here.Shemayseem
str
ongbutshe' sveryweakandemot ionalandthi
s
sit
uationsi
snotdoingheranygood.
Me:Al
lwil
lbewellMama,trustmeallwil
lbewel
l
.
Wewil
lcomeoutf
rom t
his,
thiswi
ll
passtoo.
Mom:Ican'
tjustl
oosemychi
l
d,shecan'
tleav
eus
Nana.
Me:Iknowmommyshewi l
lcomebackt ous,she'
s
str
ong.Wearey
ourst
rongdaught
ersr
ight
?Thistoo
shall
pass.
Mom:
Thanky
ouNana,
thanky
ou.
ShehugsmeandIhugherbackt ight
lytoo.Icoul
d
feelthewetnessonmyShouldershe'
scr y
ingandI
can'thelpbutshar
eateartoo.Ithurt
st oseemy
mot hercr
y..
Weal lst
oodupaswenoti
cedt
hatthedoct
orsar
e
comingourway .Ther
ear
e2mal edoctorand1
femaledoct
or.
I
'
m hol
dingonmymot
hert
ight
ly.
Dad:
Hanswhat
'st
hef
eedback?
Doct
orHans:uhm Doct orDy ant
yi,I
'
m sorr
yshe
di
dn'
tmakeit.Wetr
iedt
osav eherbuti
twasalr
eady
l
ate,
thegl
asseshaveal
readybeenonherhear
t.
Me:Noitcan'
t!NoNoshe'
sgoi
ngt
obef
ineshehas
t
obefine.Heckshewi
l
lbefi
ne
Doct
or:Iam deepl
ysor
ryma'
am!Wet
ri
edal
lwe
coul
ddo.
Thescramsandt ears,mom hasfai
ntednexttome.
Irantot hetheat
reshe'scover
ed,I'
mf i
ghti
ngwit
h
thedoctorst
hiscan'
thappentoher.
"Noooo.Shecan'
tleav
eme!.Shehav
etocome"Iam
screami
ngont opofmylungs.
Me:Youkil
ledher.Youcoul
dn'
tsav
eher
.Whatt
ype
ofdoct
orsareyou!
Isi
nktothefl
oorcr
ying,t
hisi
soneofthethi
ngsI
nev
erwi
shevenformyworstenemy
.Shecan'
tl
eave.
"St
handwaSam ev
ery
thi
ngi
sgoi
ngt
obef
ine,Shh
don'
tcry
"
I
'm crying i
n his ar
ms,t hi
si s nothappening.
Someonepleasewakemeupf rom t
hisenti
redr
eam.
Ineedtowakeup.Yothandoissti
l
lali
ve,heckshe's
fi
ne.BabyZenande.
Me:
Zit
hul
eleZenande.BabyZenande.
Ipull
ed outofZi
thu'
s Gr
ip and r
an down t
he
cor
ri
dors.
"Zenande!Zenande"I
'
m shout
ingandscr
eami
ngher
name.
Zi
thuhol
dsmebackandIcan'
twi
ggl
emy
sel
f.
"
Pleasesedat
eher
"Ihearav
oice.
Ifeelapainonmyar
m,they'
vejustinj
ectedme.I
sl
owlyloosemygr
ipf
rom hol
dingZi
thulel
e.Icl
ose
myslowly.
"
Zenandeee"
.
.
Imayposti
nser
t36Lat
eron.I
fIgett
hechancet
o
ty
pe.
Enj
oy
THI
RTYSI
X

I'
m Looki
ngatmy sel
finthemi r
ror
,I'm Dul l
.There'
s
nolifei
nme.If ixthedress.Todayist heDayWe' r
e
l
ayingYothandoinpeace.2weeksl aterandIhav en't
healedfrom herdeath.Thishasbeenoneoft he
l
ongest2weeksev er.Mymot heri
sn'tev encopingat
all
,I'
m strongforher.I'
m alsothest rengthofour
Fri
endshi
pAzoleandGi gitooarenotcopi ng.
Icheckmyphoneandgot
hroughmyemai
l
sagai
n.
"
MsYMsomi
Wewoul dlov
et oletyouknowt hatJ&G' sGlamour
bouti
queLovesy ourdesignsandwoul dli
ketowork
wit
hy ou.Please byMondayr eportto ourhead
cour
tersi
nV&AWat erf
rontThanky ou"
Ihad t hi
semai la weekago.Ist ole Yothando'
s
Designs and sent t hem the designs f or the
compet i
ti
ontheyhad,shewonandherdesi gnswere
thebest.Nowhowwi llIshar
esuchnewt oherwhen
she'
snotev enhere?Itwasherdr eam tobeawel l
known Designerand now when herdr eam wer e
star
ting to come t rue death t ook her so
unexpectedl
y.Deat
hdonotbepr oud.
"
Hey
!ar
eyour
eady
?"
Me:Yeah,t
hanky
ouf
orbei
ngher
eforme,i
tmeans
al
ottome.
Zi
thu:
Any
thi
ngf
ory
ouSt
handwaSam!
Hehugsmeandgi vemepeckonmyf orehead.He's
mystrengt
h,he'
sbeenherewit
hmeal lt
het i
me.He
woul
dmakesur eIsleepbef
oreleav
ing,everydayhe
i
sherewithme.
Zit
hu:Every
thi
ngwi llbefine,thi
sshal
lpasst
oo.
You'v
ebeenstrongatt hebeginni
ngt
hisist
heend
youhavetobestrongtoo.
Me:
Yeah,
thi
siswhatYot
handowoul
d'
vewant
ed.
Zi
thu:
Nowweart
hedoek,
itwi
l
lsui
tyou.
Het
ookt
hedoekandgi
vei
ttome.
Me:
butIwant
edt
heweav
enodoek.
Zi
thu:
mamay
ou'
l
lbebeaut
if
ul.
Me:
Okayf
ineZi
thul
ele,
fine.
Helaughst
heki
ssme,
aft
eraf
ewmi
nut
eshepul
l
ed
out
.
Zi
thu:I
'
llseeyouintheser
vice,I
'
llbeout
sidewi
th
menifyouneedme!.
Inod,Ipecksmyli
psandleave.Totell
youthetr
uthI
don'tevenknowwhat'
shappeningbetweenhim and
I,Idon'tknow whetherwe'r
ecomi ng orgoing.I
haven'thear
dnorseenDineosincethatDayatClub
Ir
is.
"
Heybabesy
oul
ookBeaut
if
ul"
Me:
HeyLov
es.Yout
wol
ookamazi
ng.
I
t'
smy2Si st
ers,
theyar
ebot
hwearingal
lbl
ack,
Gigi
i
sweari
ngadoekj ustl
i
keme.ThankstoZi
thul
eleI
l
ooksobeauti
ful
.
Azol
e:Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Me:
Good,
andy
ou?
Gigi
:It
'sbeent
oughguysnol
ies,i
t'
sbeenoneofthe
l
ongest2weeks.Butt
odaywe'r
elayi
nghertor
estin
peace.
Azole:You've been st
rong Nahiko,Imean you
handledallthefuner
alprepar
ati
ons,ev
ery
thi
ngand
youar est
il
lstandi
ng.
Me:
Someonehadt
obest
rong!
Ther e ar e church women int he lounge,t hey
've
startedwi t
ht heWomenSer vice.I'
m gr at
efulthat
theyar e here,Imean l astnightt heywer e here
attendingNi ghtVigi
l,andi
t'
s8am inthemor ningand
they hav e start
ed withthe servi
ce.We wer ei n
Gugul ethumai nhouse,eventhoughwemov edout
wedi dn'tsellthehousenorrentitout .Wepassby
andgot oYothando'sroom wher
emom' sat
,she'
s
seati
ngonthemat t
ress.Shei
snotcopi
ngatal
l,
thi
s
tookatr
oll
onher.
Ihughert
ight
ly.
Me:Everyt
hingwil
lbefine,we'
vesol
deredonthat
pr
ovesthatwearestr
ongandthi
sshal
lpasstoo.
Mom:I'
m Gratefult
hatGodgav
ey oumychil
d,you'
re
suchabl
essing.Thankyouf
orhandli
ngev
eryt
hing.
Me:
Iknow,
I'
m her
eandal
way
swi
l
lbeher
efory
ou!
.
Gi
gi:Ifitwasuptome,uwoul
d'vebr
okendowna
l
ong time ago.Iwoul
dn'
tbe abl
eto hol
dital
l
t
ogether.
Me:Oneofushadt
obest
rong.Mamal
et'
sgot
othe
ser
vice.
Shestoodup,
she'
slooki
ngbeaut
if
ul,
weari
ngalong
vel
vetbl
ackdr
ess.Shehasadoekandascal
fonher
shoul
ders.
Wemakeourwayt othelounge,t
hechurchwomen
ar
esingi
ng.Weseatrighti
nf r
ontoft
hecasket,t
his
i
sit.Thi
sishappeni
ngYothandohasleftusandit
's
coming tor eali
tyt hatshe'
s no mor e.My heart
breaksintopeaces.Thi sisbri
ngsnothi
ngbutapain
i
nmyhear t
.Ev ent hestr
ongestpeopleint
hewor l
d
toohast heirbreakingpoint
,andri
ghtnowIf eell
i
ke
breaki
ngj usttol etitsi
nkthatshe'
snomor e,she's
nevercomi ngagai n.
The women ar e preachi
ng and singi
ng t hi
si s
happeningbutmymi ndisveryfaraway.Mymi nd
hasdr i
ftedtot hehappymemor i
esI'vesharedwi t
h
Yothando,sincechildhoodt i
l
lthedayshel eftus.If
thi
siswhati tfeel
sliketolosesomeonesodeart o
met henIdon' twantt ofeell
iket
his.Thi
sisdoesn' t
feelr
ightithurt
s.
Daddybei
ngthepastorandt heot
herMencame
i
nside,
tot
aket
heser
viceout
side.
I
t'
st i
met oview theBody,I
'
m shaki
ng.Assoonas
wev i
ew thebodywewi l
lheadtothetentout
side.
My Mot heris unableto cont
rolhersel
f.Itake
Zenandefrom AuntVuyi
swadaddy'
ssist
er.
Mot
herl
ookatmeandt
akesZenande.
Mom:Nami
sababyt
hisi
syourmot
her
,Iwanty
out
o
l
ookathershe'
snev
ercomi
ngback.Lookatherf
or
t
helastt
ime.
Shef al
lsdownalmosthur ti
ngZenandeonherl eg.
Shehasacementon.Zi thul
eletakesZenandef r
om
mom andhel psmymot herup.Ican'tevenholdthe
tear
s.ThisiswhatIwasscar edof.ItellAzol
eand
Gigitogopassme.Wat chi
ngthem cr ybreaksmy
heartImakeat ur
nt ogettothetentIcan'tdothi
s.I
bumpi ntoZi
thul
ele.
Zi
thu:
Mamapl
easegoandseeher
,you'
l
lbef
ine.
Het akesmyhand, andwewalktohercasket
.There
shei slooki
ngsopal eandstil
lbutst
il
lbeauti
ful
.I
can'tholdmysel
f,Iletascr
eam.Doesdeathhaveto
hurtusliket
his?
Iwenttot
hetentwi
tht
hehel
pofZi
thul
eleI
'
m sur
e
he'
sti
redt
oo.
Iseatnextt
omymot herandrestedmyheadonher
l
ap.Thisissopai
nful
,hercasketistakenoutt
ot he
tentaft
erthewholef ami
lyandcl osefri
endshas
seen her.The serv
ice car
ri
ed on Ihav e baby
Zenandeonmyl ap.Dearbabydoesn' tevenknow
what
'
s happeni
ng.She'
s been say
ing mama t
o
ev
eryone.
I'
m holdinghandswithZenande,she'
sjustbeauti
ful
.
Ilookatt hebackandInoti
ceLwando.Ohhel lno,he
hasgut stocomehereat ot
alli
ver.
IplaceZenandeont
opofMot
herandwentt
othe
back.
Itake hi
s hand,justto av
oid ey
es and r
uini
ng
Yot
hando'
slastser
vice.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
We'
renow2housesawayf
rom t
het
ent
.
Lwando:I'
m sor
ryNahiko,Ipr
omi
seIdi
dn'
tmean
anyofthatt
ohappen!
Me:Whydi
dyoust
ri
ngheral
ong?Di
dyouev
erl
ove
her
?
Lwando:Yot
handowast hel
oveofmylov
e,Il
oved
hersomuch.I'
m hur
tpl
easeal
lowmet
opaymylast
respect
.
Me:Younev
err
espectedherwhenshewassti
ll
ali
ve,
she'
snomorebecauseofyou.Hav
ey ounev
erdone
whatyoudid,shewouldbeher
ewithus!Andyour
chi
ldwouldn'
thavebr
okenl
egsandbrui
sedar
msat
suchayoungage.
Lwando:Pl
easefi
nditinyourhearttof
orgi
veme
Nahi
ko,pl
easeIj
ustwantt
obethere.
Me:I'm sosor r
ybutIhat eyousomuch,Ihat ey ou
witheachandev eryfi
breofmybody .Ican'tst and
you,Idon'twanttoseey ourfaceever!Youki ll
edher
Dammi t,youKi ll
edher.She'snomor eandt hat'
s
becauseify ou.Iblamey ou,Iblamey ouLwando.I
hateyousomuch,t hatseeingy oubr ingsnot hing
butsorrowsandr age!Ihateyouwi l
lallofme, damn
you'
reaMur der.Ihopey ouli
vewi t
ht hef actorthat
youkill
edsomeonef ort herestofy ourl i
fe.Iwi sh
youluck!
Iwi
pedmytears,someofthepeopl
ei nthest
reet
whower
eat
tendingthef
uner
alwer
elooki
ngatus.
"St
handwaSam pl
easedon'
tdot
his"
Me:
Hemustl
eav
eZi
thul
eleIdon'
twanthi
m her
e!
Isai
dthatwal
ki
ngpasthim goi
ngt
othetent
,my
moodisrui
nednow.Seei
ngLwandobr
oughtback
thepai
nt hatIwantt ofor
get,
ther easonmysist
eri s
nomor e.ThePr ogr am Dir
ectorcallsoutforGi
git o
tal
konbehal foft hest uf
fwher eshewor kedat.As
thepeoplewer esi ngingshest oodupandwentt o
thefr
ont,she'
st r
yingt obestrongbutIcanseet hat
shewantst obreakdown!
Gigi:Igreatyouallinthewonder fulnameofthelor d.
Yothando was mybestFr iend and a Col
league.
Yothandowast heheartoft hecompanywewor ked
for,wewer ebot hrecepti
onist.Shewouldsmi l
eev en
ont heday sshe' snother selfbutshewoul dsmi l
e.
Sheusedt ol aughallthet i
me,shewast heperson
who'sal way sputherhear tout .Whenshe'ssador
doesn'tl i
kesomet hi
ngshet el
lyou,andshet ells
trut
h as i t.She was gr eatand she was a v ery
beaut i
fulsoul.
Sheleftthepulpi
tandandcamet ositdown,Iknow
ther
e'salotshehadt osaybutshecoul dn'
tbecause
shewascr yi
ng.Mymot herdoesn'twanttocomeup
andtalkrepresent
ingthefamily.SoIhav etobeup
andtalkasaf amil
y.
Me:Igr
eety
oual
lint
henameofourwonder
full
ord
amen.Whenwewer ey oungDadusedt ocal lus
NanaandYoy obef orehepassedon, wenev erlov ed
beingcal ledliket hatbuthewasourf at herandwe
respect edhim.Iam t heol dest,event houghIwas
oldby2mont hs, iwoul dal waysr emindhert hatIam
oldert hanher ,growi ngupYot handowast heshy ,
nonspokenandl essconf i
dence.Sheusedt oget
bulli
edatschoolandwhenIf oundt hatal loft hat
was happeni ng Ishi el ded her ,Ipr otect ed and I
foughtf orher.Ipr otect edheri nal otoft hings, some
shewasn' tevenawar eIpr otectedherint hingst hat
dest roy edmeIwasdoi ngwhatanybi gsi sterwoul d
do.10y earsbei ngawayf rom herwehel l,Iwas
thinking abouther ,onhow she' sholdi ng up and
how' sshe' sholdingup.Butshewasst rong,comi ng
backher ewast of ulfi
llourdr eams,wehaddr eams
thatwewer esocl osei nf ulli
ng.Wemadepr omises
that we wi l
l at tend each ot her'
s Gr aduat ions,
Weddi ngs, baby shower s, Labour pai ns, baby
deliver anceandanni ver saries.Funeralwasnev eri n
ourdr eams,shehad3mont hslefttoGr aduat eand
fulfi
lloneofoutdr eams.Shewasmycheer leaderon
myGr aduat i
onday ,Iwant edt oscream ont opofmy
l
ungswhensher ecei
veshercerti
fi
cat
e.Aguessal l
thatwasdream andIhadt owakeup.Suchahumbl e
andsweetsoul ,av er
yopposi
teofme.I 'm hurtt
hat
shewon' tbet hereforme,Iwon' tbeseei ngher
Prett
yface.Restinpeacebeauti
fulButt
erf
lyloveyou
somuch.
Iplacedmyhandonhercasket,andpl
acedi
tonmy
heart.Isatdownwi
thav
eryheavyhear
t.
Theser
vicecont
inued.
Wewer eintheGraveyard,
final
l
yr est
ingheri
npeace.
Itwastimef orhercaskettogodown,andaf amil
y
tothrowthesoilonit.Ipl
acedt hesoildownonher
casket.
Hercasketr
oll
eddown,
Irant
her
eIcoul
dn'
thel
pbut
gowithher.
Me:
Yot
handoo!Yoy
o!!
!
Menwer
etr
yingt
ost
opmeast
heywer
egoi
ngt
o
di
g.
Thi
sishur
ti
ngme.
.Isatdownont
hegr
avel
.
Me:Whyy
oyo?Whyar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
ome?What
di
dIdowr
ongwhydi
dyoul
eav
e!!
.
Il
etoutascr
eam.
Me:Ithurts here,ithear
tsrightatmy heart
,I
woul
d'v
egiveny oumyheartifthi
swasgoingtobe
t
hispai
nful
.Whyy oyo?WhyYothando!Why
yy!
Il
etoutaloudscream, Iwanttoleti
talloutsothatI
canacceptthefactthatshe'
snomor e!Iwantherto
hol
dmeonel astti
me, gi
vemet hatcomf or
tabl
ehug
sheal
way sgivesme.
Whydoesthi
shav et
ohurtthi
smuch?Myhear
tcan'
t
t
akethi
s,Ij
ustcan'
ttaket
hisany
more!
.
.
Sor
ryt
opostv
eryl
ateIwasbusy
.
30+comment
s,ment
ionf
ri
endsandpl
easel
i
ke.
Enj
oy
THI
RTYSEVEN
Iwoke up wi th a heavy Headache,and f eel
ing
nauseousImakear unt othebat hroom It hrew up.
It
'sbeen2weeksaf terYothando' sbur ial.Idon't
know how I '
m f eel
i
ng butI 'm mov ing on.Ihav e
Charmaineatmycor ner,whenev erIf eelhelpher
offi
ce is notf arfrom mi ne t hathel ps t o have
someonet otalkto.TheGi r
ls,Mymot herandt he
Twins also attend therapy because Yot hando's
suddendeat htookast rol
lont hem too.Butt hese2
weekshav ebeenal ongr i
de,we' r
eadj ustingt othe
factthatshe'snomor eandshewon' tbecomi ng
backt ousbutShewi llfor
ev erbei nourhear t
s.I
stumbleupont hechestofdr awersl ookingf ormy
Painki
ll
ers!
Idon'
tfi
nd them,Idon'tknow whetherI'm st
il
l
dr
owsyorwhat.Ideci
dedt
otakeashowertheneat
.
It
'sFriday,oneoft hedaysthatar emyf avouri
te.I
know I'vesaidthatI'
m soeagert owor kbutYho,
worki stoomuchIcr yeverydayt hatIevenopt ed
thatmakeupi snotanopt i
onl i
steningtodiff
erent
stori
esf r
om kids,Youthandy oungadultsstories
thatbreaksandbr okethem.I'
mt hankfulaboutone
thi
ngi nalloft hat,I
'
mt hankfulthatI'
m sti
llstanding
and helping t hem t ot he heal i
ng jour
ney br ings
nothingbutJoyi nmyhear t.IdecidedthatIwantt o
beasunf lowert oday,soYel l
owdr esswi l
lbeper fect
.
Iwor et hedr essand heel s.Iwentdownst ai
rs,I
mademy selffrui
tsaladwi thplainyoghurt.It
'sbeen
myf avouritetheseday s!
Aftereati
ng,Icheckf orthepainkil
lers.Icouldn'tfi
nd
them, Ihadthem Ihav en'tdr
ankanypai nkil
l
er sfora
l
ongt i
meago,if oundMor ni
ngAf t
erPi ll
si nstead.
Wai t
,OhMyGod!NoNo,Ir andownst airsandt ook
my phone,check my Per i
ods Cal endar Iwas
supposedt ohav emyper i
ods2weeksback.Ibi te
mynai lsinfrustr
ati
on,not hi
scan' tbe.Itakemycar
keyst hem dr ov
et ot he nearestPhar macy and
boughtPr egnancyTest s.
IDriv
eback,andIdoal lthenecessi t
ies.I
'm paci
ng
upanddown, howcanIbet hisstupid.ThatTuesday
NightIspentwithZithulel
eint hemor ni
ngIt ooka
showerthent ookpill
s,It houghtIdr ankMor ni
ng
aft
erpill
s butdr ank Painki
ll
ersi nstead.No t hi
s
cannothappen,Idon'
twantanyoft hi
st ohappen.
Aft
erseemsli
keanhourfi
ghti
ngwit
hmy
sel
ftakea
l
ookatall
the10pr
egnancyt
ests.
Isatdownindef
eat,thi
swasn'thappeningtome.
1month5day
spregnant,
Idon'
ttr
usttheseatal
l.
Idri
vetoCentur
yCity
,IhavetoseeDrSkey
i.Mama'
s
fr
iend she's a great gynaecol
ogi
st she was
Yothando'
sgynaecol
ogi
st.
I
t'
ssti
l
linthemorni
ng,andthere'
straf
fi
csodrivi
ng
t
ocentur
ycit
yseemstotakelongert
hanexpect
ed.
IputmyphoneonBl uet
oot
handIcal
lCandywho'
s
ourr
ecept
ioni
statt
hecentr
e.
Candy
:St
ephan'
srehabi
l
itat
ionandt
her
apycent
re
howmayIhel
pyou?
Me:Candyit'smeNahi
ko,pl
easecancelmymor ni
ng
sessionwit
hMr sDy
ant
yiandschedul
eitforl
ateron,
i
'mr unni
nglate.
Candy
:Okayma'
am Iwi
l
ldot
hatr
ightnow
Me:
ThankYou!
.
Ipr
ayandhopethatshe'
sdoesn'
thav
eapat i
entor
anappoi
ntmentcomi
ng!.Ipar
kmycar ,t
henmade
myonei nsi
deherpr act
ise.It'
sbeauti
fulsmal
lbut
ver
ybeauti
ful
,I
'm sur
eshej uststar
ted.
Me:
Hel
l
oI'
m Nahi
koMsomi
,i
sDoct
orSkey
iin?
.
Recept
ioni
st:Yesma'
am she'
sin,doy
ouhav
ean
appoi
ntment?
Me:
OhnoIdon'
thav
eany
,isshebusy
?
Recept
ioni
st:
Shehasanappoi
ntmenti
n15mi
nut
es.
Me:Pl
easecal
lherandt
ellhert
hatNahi
koMsomii
s
her
e!
Recept
ioni
st:
Okay
.
Shecal
l
sher
.
Recept
ioni
st:
Youmaygot
hrough.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Ir
usht
oherof
fi
ce.
Skeyi
:Nahikoit'
ssogoodtoseeyou!I
'
m sor
ryabout
yoursist
er,mycondolences.Iwasoutoft own,I
would'
veattendedt
heFuneral
.
Me:
It'
sokay
,shehadadescentFuner
al.
Skey
i:Andyouar
egl
owi
ng,i
t'
sbeenal
ongt
ime
si
nceIsawy
ou.
I
twasmymot
her
'sweddi
ngwhenIsawher
.
Me:Yeahit
'sbeenalongtime,Icameher
ebecause
ofsomet
hingveryi
mportant
.
Skeyi
:Isitt
hesidesef
fect
?Itoldyounott
otake
i
nject
ion,
butbi
rt
hcont
rolpi
l
lsev
eryday
.
Me:I
t'
snotaboutthat
,IthinkI
'm pr
egnantandt
hese
pr
egnancyt
estssayI'
m pregnant
.
Ipl
acet
wopr
egnancyt
estont
opoft
het
abl
e.
Skey
i:Whenl
astdi
dyouhav
esex?
Me:
Amont
handsomef
ewday
sago.
Skey
i:Wasi
tpr
otect
edsex?
Me:
Nowedi
dn'
tuseanypr
otect
ion.
Skeyi
:Doyouknowthatexceptpregnancyt
her
ear
e
STIsandHI
Vthi
sisy
ourlif
eNahi ko.
Me:
Itr
ustt
heper
sonI
'
vehadsexwi
thhe'
scl
ean.
Okayam Iconv
inci
ngmy
sel
forwhat
?It
'sbeen2
yearsZithul
elenotbei
nghere,hecomesbackwi
th
Dineo.Dineoisaslayqueensheusedtosl
eepwi
th
dif
ferentMen.OhmyGod.
Skeyi
:I'
l
ldoanot
hert
est
.Apr
egnancyt
estandHI
V
test
.
Hegi
vesmeacupt
opeeon.Iwentt
othet
oil
ett
hen
t
ookmyuri
net
oher
.
Shedippedt
hest
icki
nsi
det
heur
ineandputI
ton
thesi
de..
Shetookaneedl eandt ooksomebl oodf r
om my
middl
ef i
ngerandpl aceditonsomest ickthi
ng.She
tol
dmei ftherearetwol inesi'm HI
Vposi ti
ve.She
keptony appingandy appingaboutbei ngHIV,and
thati
t'
snott heendoft hewor l
ditwasjusttoomuch
andIzonedoutt hi
nkingaboutt heworstpossibi
li
ti
es
thatI
'
llbefacing.
"
Congr
atul
ati
onsy ou'
regoi
ngt
obeamot
herand
y
ou'
reHIVnegat
ive"
ThankGodI
'
m st
il
lfi
ne.
Skey
i:I
'
llsetup an appoi
ntmentf
ory
ourf
ir
st
checkup.NowIwantyout
o got
hebedandI
'
lldoa
checkuponyourbaby
.
Inod,Iwenttothebed.Shepull
edupmydressto
haveanaccesstomyst omach.Shewi
pedi
twit
ha
wipefi
rstt
henSmearedaverycol
dgel
.
Skeyi
:Thebabyissti
l
ladot,i
t'
ssosmal
l.Youreal
l
y
arepr
egnantandyouandt
hebabyarest
il
lokay
..
Shegav
emeawi peandIwi
pedmyst
omacht
hen
pul
l
edmydr
essdown.
Igotof
ftheBed.
Skey
i:Her
earetheVitami
nsyouhav etotakedai
l
y ,i
f
you r
un outoft hem buy them i nyournearest
phar
macy.Onceagaincongr
atulat
ions.
Me:
Thanky
oui
guess,
Skey
i:BabyZeni
sgoi
ngt
obeabi
gsi
stersoon.
Ismil
et hi
nki
ngaboutmybabygirl
,ohandTodayis
Fri
daythatmeansI'
m hav
ingheratmyplace.Ihav
e
togoandf et
chher
.
Idr
ivet
oparkl
ands,mymi ndi
snothereonemi
nute
i
t'
sherethenextisgone.Ihavet
ot el
lmymother
thatshe'sgoingtobeagr andmot heragain.Idon't
know how t ofeel
,t hisbabyi ssounpl annedand
unexpected.Heorshecameatt hev er
ywr ongtime,
Idon'tknowwhat'shappeningbet weenZithulel
eand
I.Ihaven'
tseenDi neoisav erylongt i
me,butshe' s
notst ayi
ng with Zithul
ele may be she'
s back i n
Jo'burgIdon'tknow.Tel li
ngZi thul
eleaboutt his?
Notanyt i
mesoon, Idon'twanthim herewithme.He
wi l
lbefussingovert hi
sbaby ,he'swishhascome
true.
Iparki
nmyparki
ngspot
,It
ookmyhandbagt
hen
l
ockedt
hecar
.
Me:
HeyCandy
,di
dyouschedul
emysessi
on?
Candy:yesidid,y
ou'
ref
reeaf
terl
unchIschedul
ed
heraf
terlunch.
Me:
Alr
ightt
hank.
Iwal
kedt
omyof
fi
ceandsatdownonmyChai
r.
"
Youl
ookhor
ri
ble,
ever
ythi
ngf
ine?
"
Me:HeyChar ms,y
esev
ery
thi
ng i
sokayI
'
m j
ust
dr
ainedandt
ir
ed.
Charmaine:Youknow I'
my ourper
sonalt
her
api
st,
andyourotherMotherIknowyouli
keabackofmy
hands.
Shecl
osedthedoorandsatdownlooki
ngatmeand
wai
ti
ngformetotell
hersomethi
ng.
Me:
I'
m pr
egnant
.
Char
mai
ne:
Youj
oki
ngr
ight
?
Me:
Isowi
shIwasj
oki
ng!
.
Isi
ghed.
Char
maine:wowsoy
ou'
regoi
ngt
obeamot
her
,and
youar
enothappy
!
Me:Idi dn'tpl
ant hisatal l
,iknowitwil
lsoundcr
azy
buti nsteadofdr inkingMor ni
ngafterpi
ll
sIdrank
painkil
lers.Ineveri ntendedt ohaveababyatt hi
s
stageofmyl i
fe.
Charmai
ne:AndtheBabyDaddy?How willhefeel
aboutt
his?Won'
thebl
ameyouandfeel
trapped?
Me: I
t'
sZithul
ele,hewil
lbesohappyandIdon'
tev
en
wantt o seehi sface.Hisdream wasformet o
Graduate,getmar r
iedandhav
ekids.Sohisdr
eams
camethr
ough.Igr
aduat
edandIhav
eahumanbei
ng
growi
ngi
nsideofme.
Charmai
ne:May
bei
twasmeantt
obe,
andwecan'
t
changef
ate.
Me:
May
beIdon'
tknow.
Charmai
ne:Gety oursel
ftogether
,you'
l
lbefi
neand
you'
l
lmakeagr eatmot her
.Zenwi l
lbeabi
gsi
stert
o
ali
tt
lebr
otherorLitt
lesist
er!
Me:I'
m notr
eadyatallt
ohave2gi
rl
s.Not
hisone
bet
terbeaBoyI
nsteadofagi
rl
.
Charmaine:He wil
lbe handsome,he'
sfat
heris
handsomeandhi smotherisaGorgeousl
ady.He
wil
ltur
nhands!
.
Il
aughatherst
atement
,am Ir
eadyt
obeamot
her
of2?
Char
mai
ne:
OkayIhav
eapat
ientandIhav
etol
eav
e.
Me:
Alr
ightnopr
obl
em by
e!.
Char
mai
ne:
Byemama.
.
Shel
eftmet
her
eonmyownt
hought
s,Iwentt
othe
canteenboughtmyfavour
it
esBl
ueber
rymuf
fi
nsand
Applejui
ce.I'
m seat
edinmyoffi
cewhenmyphone
rang,i
twasNkosinay
e.
Me:
Youar
est
il
lal
i
ve?
Nkosi
:i
sthathowy
ougr
eety
ourbestf
ri
end?
Me:Icall
edyouy
est
erday
,thewhol
edayandy
ou
di
dn'
tanswer
!
Nkosi
:Justbecauseof1day
,justonedayy
ou'
re
madatme
Me:Ifyoutellmeav al
idreasonwhyy oudi
dn'
t
answery
ourphonet
henI'
l
lbelessangr
y.
Nkosi
:Iwaswi
thmynew gi r
lf
ri
endt
hewhol
eday
.
That
'swhyy
oucoul
dn'
treachme.
Me:
Tel
lIhat
eher
,howcoul
dshet
akey
ouf
rom me?
Nkosi
:Butshewant
stoseey
ouandmeety
ou.
Me:CapeTowni
swher
eI'
m atBaby
,tel
lhert
obe
her
e.
Nkosi
:That
'
swhyi '
minv
iti
ngy
out
oal
unchdat
e
t
omorrowwit
hher
.
Me:
Arey
oui
nCapeTownr
ightnow?
Nkosi
:No,west
il
linDur
banwewi
l
lfl
ytomor
row
morni
ng.
Me:Al
ri
ghtpl
easebr
ingprincess,wewi
l
lbehav
ing
l
unchatmypl
aceIwi
llcook.
Nkosi
:Al
ri
ghtthenIjustcan'
twait.I
twi
l
lbemyf
ir
st
t
imeeati
ngyourfoodI'
m scared.
Me:Tr
ustmey ou'l
lbearegul
ari
ncapetown,y
ou
mayevenconsi
derto mov
ethi
ssi
de,
justt
oeatmy
f
ood.
Nkosi
:ThenIcan'
tev
enwai
t
Il
augh.
Me:Al
ri
ghtl
ookNkosimy2pm pat
ienti
sher
eI'
l
ltal
k
t
oyoulat
er.
Nkosi
:Al
ri
ghtby
eIl
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Hedr
opst
hecal
l
..
I
t'
s5pm andI'm onmywayt
oMontcl
air
,I'
m her
eto
f
etchZenande.TheTwi
nswerewi
thmel astweek
soi
t'
smeandZenandet
hisweekend.
Me:
Hel
l
ofami
l
y!
"Mama,mama"Ihugmybaby .Shesti
l
lhascement
onherl
eg,
shecan'
trunnorwalkpr
operl
y.
It
akeheri
nmyar
msandki
ssedheral
lov
erherf
ace.
Daddy
:Shemissedyou,t
hewholeweekshewoul
d
st
andnextt
othehoppi
ngtoseey
ou.
Me:
Sot
hat
'swhyIf
oundher
enextt
othedoor
?
Daddy
:Yest
hat
'swhy
!
Wel
augh,
IknewIsensedDr
amaf
rom t
hispr
incess.
Mom:
Heybaby
.
Ihugher
.
Me:
Imi
ssedy
ousomuch,
wher
ear
ethet
wins?
Mom:Youhav eAphoney ouwould'
vecal
ledi
fy ou
real
l
ymi ssedme.Thetwinsar
esleepi
ngtheyhada
sportdaysotheywer
eti
redandwenttobedearl
y.
Me:Ohh,butmamay ouknow I
'm wor
kingnow,I
hav
ealotofpat
ient
sandI'
m al
waysbusy,butIdo
cal
lwhenI
'
m notbusy
,don'
tmakemeabadchi
l
d.
Mom:Youcal
lyourpar
ent
severy
day
,nomatt
erhow
t
ir
edyouarecal
levenifi
t'
sfora3-5minut
esyou
won'
tdi
e.
Me:Yes ma'
am I
'
llt
ake t
hati
nto mi
nd.I
'
llcal
l
ev
ery
day
.
Mom:That'
sgood,pl
easegoandtakeZenande's
bagonherroom anddri
vebackt
oy ourhouse.I
wanty
outobesaf
e.
Ever si
nce Yothando'
s deat
h,mot her i
s bei
ng
paranoi
daboutdri
vingatni
ght
,shedoesn'
tli
kei
tifI
dri
veatni ght
.ShewouldsayImustt akeanUber
i
nsteadifdri
vi
ng.
Me:
Bef
oreIgoIhav
esomet
hingt
otel
lyou
Mom:
Whati
sit
,youar
escar
ingme.
Ipl
aywithmyhands,andbi
ti
ngmynai
l
sthi
sisnot
aseasyasIant
ici
pat
ed.
Mom:Iknowwheny oubit
eyournai
lsandplaywi
th
yourhandsyouhavedonesomethi
ngwrong.What
haveyoudoneNahi
ko?
Me:I'
m sorr
yIdidn'
tpl
ani tatal
l,i
twasapur
e
mi
stakeyounowhowcour
teousIam.
Mom:
Umi
thi
Nahi
ko?[
Arey
oupr
egnantNahi
ko?
]
Il
ookdown.
.
Me:
EweMama.[
Yesmot
her
]
Shecl
apherhandsonce!
Mom:Who'sthefat
her?Becausethel
astt
imeI
fI
r
emembercor
rect
lyyouweresi
ngle.
Me:
It'
sZi
thul
ele.
Sheheavesasighofr eli
ef,wasshehol
dingher
breat
h?Shet
aughtIsl
eptaroundmay
be?
Mom:
Howf
arar
eyou?
Me:
Onemont
h,5day
s.
Mom:Iwi llt
ellyouexact l
ywhatIt ol
dYot hando.I
'
m
disappoi
ntedyesbuty ou'r
eol denoughnow, youcan
makey ourowndeci sionbutIwoul d'v
el ovedtosee
youbeingani ndependentwoman,wor k,andliv
eli
fe
tot heful
lestIwi shed thatf oryoubutwecan' t
changedestinyandf ate.I
'm happyforyou,haveyou
t
oldZi
thul
ele?
Me:NoIhaven'
ttol
dhim,andIwon'
ttel
lhi
mti
l
lI
f
eell
i
keI
'mreadytotel
lhi
m.
Mom:
SoIhav
etohi
dei
ttomyf
ri
endMamkhi
ze?
Me:
Yesmama,
please.
Mom:
Okayf
ine!
Me:
Thanky
ou.Letmel
eav
e.
ImadesureZenandei scomf
ort
abl
eont
hecarseat
andIdr
ovetomypl ace.
Whatthehel
lishedoinghere?Ipar
knextt
ohi
scar
,
wher
edoesZithul
elehavekeystomypl
ace?
"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Zi
thu:
Sawubonamama,
hel
l
opr
incess.
Thi
str
aitort
hatI'
m carr
yingwiggleher
sel
ffrom me
andwenttoZit
hul
ele,
Ifeelbet
rayedbyZenande.
Theyar ebusyt al
ki
ngandlaughing,Il
eav
ethem
downstair
sandwentupst
air
s,t
hankGodIhadall10
pregnancytest
sonmyBag.It ookashowerthen
woremypy j
amas.
Ij
oinedt
hem i
nthel
ounge.
Me:
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
ezi
thul
ele?
Zi
thu:
Imi
ssedy
ou,
soIt
houghtIcancome.
Me:
Wher
edi
dyougetmykey
stomyhouse
Zi
thu:
Thatdoesn'
tmat
ter
,Icookedar
eyouhungr
y?
Il
ookedathi
mindi
sbel
i
ef.
Me:Thanky
ouf
orcooki
ng,buty
ouar
enotsl
eepi
ng
her
e!
Zi
thu:I
'
m her
et obondwit
hmybabyandhermot
her
i
sthatsomet
hingwrong.
Me:
Pleasegoanddi
shupf
orusZi
thul
ele.
Zi
thu:
Hai
bowhyme?
Me:
Whocooked?
Hedi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng.
Me:
Giv
emeZenande.
HegavemeZenande,andwenttotheki
tchen.He
camecarr
yingpl
atest
hathav
eacreamysampand
beefst
ew.
Me:I
'
m agoodt
eacher
,lookhowy
oumast
eredt
his
meal
.
Zi
thu:
Youar
ethebestcooker
,buty
oudamnLazy
!
Il
aughedathi
m.
Weeat ,whil
echat t
ingwi
thhi
m andZenandetalki
ng
too.She'ssuchabi gmouthandshe'st ur
ning2
yearsnextmont h.AndZi
thul
ele?Oneminut
eIwant
him outofherdandonemomentIwanthim here.
Zi
thu:
Goodni
ght
.
Me:
Goodni
ght
.
He kissed me and sl eepi
ng zenande on our
for
eheads.Hewi l
lbesl eepi
ngi ntheguestroom.
Aft
eraf unni ghtofplayingdollhousebecauseof
Zenandeandwewat chedcartoonswhichIloveand
enj
oy,Zithul
elewantedt obeoutofher ebutit ol
d
himtor emainandwat ch.Hehav etopracti
ce,he
hasachildcomi nghemustknowt heinsandouts.

.
.
30+comments,pl
easeshare,ment
iony
ourf
ri
ends,
I
nvi
teyourf
ri
endsandli
ke.
THI
RTYEI
GHT

Iwokeup,thenrantot hebathr
oom it hrew up.I
washedmyfacethenwentdownstai
rs,Zenandewas
noti
nbedsoI'
m sureshe'
swit
hZithulel
e.
Me:
Goodmor
ning.
Zit
hu:Morni
ng,Idi
dn'
tmakebr
eakf
astpr
incessand
Iatecer
eal
.
Me:
It'
sokayI
'
llhav
emyf
rui
tsal
ad.
Iat
emyf
rui
tsal
adwhi
l
ewat
chi
ngSoccerhi
ghl
i
ght
s.
Me:Yout hinkt
hisisy ourhousenow,youhav
eto
l
eaveIcan'tbewatchi
ngsocceratmyplace.
Zit
hu:You'
resti
l
labull
y?Iwaswatchi
ngbeforey
ou
camedown, somadam eaty
ourf
oodinpeace.
Ir
oll
edmyey
es,
he'
ssoannoy
ing.
Myphoner
angi
t'
sNkosi
nay
e.
Me:
Hubbydear
est
!
Zi
thul
elegav
emeast
are.
Nkosi
nay
e:heywif
ey,wearehalf
waypacki
ngand
wewil
lbeonourwaytot
heai
rpor
t.
Me:Al
ri
ghtt
hanksforupdat
ingme,I
'
llst
artwi
thmy
pot
s.Whenyou'
reaboutt
odepar
tcal
lme.
Nkosi
nay
e:Al
ri
ghtIwi
l
ldot
hat
.
Me:okay
,youcar
ryonandI
'
llst
artcooki
ng.Seey
ou
i
nfewhours.
Nkosi
nay
e:Sur
eby
e!
Idr
opt
hecal
l
.
Zi
thu:
Youexpect
ingsomeone?
Me:Yes,Nkosi
nay
eandhi
sdaught
er.Youhav
eto
l
eave.
Zit
hu:ar
eyouguy
snotf
ri
end?Whatwi
l
lhebedoi
ng
here?
Me:
That
'snonofy
ourbusi
nessy
ouneedt
oleav
e.
Zi
thu:
Pit
yI'
m notgoi
ngany
wher
e,I
'
llst
ay.
Me:
You'
resoAnnoy
ingar
gh.
Imademyt othekitchen,whatam Icooking?Idon't
I'
m puzzledIj
ustlookedatthefri
dgeandCupboar ds.
IwillmakeRoastedchickenwithmashedpot atoes&
gravyandst eamedgr eenbeans, Butter
nut,Bean
salad,sal
moncaesarsal adandshortr
ibs.
I have company i
nt he ki
tchen,Zi
thul
ele and
Zenande.Theyar
emaki
ngmyjobv er
ydi
ffi
cul
t.
Zi
thu:Younevercookedthi
smuchf
orme,ory
ou'
l
l
bemeetingy
ourin-
laws?
Me:
Whydoy
oucar
e?
Zi
thu:
I'
mjustaski
ng.
Me:Yes,Nkosi
nayei
scomi
ngwi
thhi
sfami
l
y.Now
wi
lly
oushutup!?
Zi
thu:
I'
m hungr
y!
Me:
yit
yamnaZi
thul
ele![
EatmeZi
thul
ele]
Hesmi
rksatme.
Zi
thu:
Arey
ousur
e?
Me:
mxxm y
ou'
resoannoy
ing.
Imadet
hem asnack.
I
'm donecooki
ngnow,Nkosi
nay
eandherGi
rl
fr
iend
haveborder
edthepl
ane.
IcheckonmyChocol
ateHotFudgeCakei
tlooksso
good.
Me:
Zit
hul
eledi
dyoubat
h?
Zi
thu:
Yes,
whyar
eyouaski
ng?
Me:
Iwanty
ououtofmyhouset
hat
'swhy
!
Zi
thu:
Isai
dI'
m notgoi
ng.
Me:Sui
tyoursel
f,pl
easecl
eanupt
heki
tchenwhi
l
eI
goandbathZenande.
Zi
thu:
Andshedoesn'
twantmeatherhouse.
Hesai
dsar
cast
ical
l
y.
Me:
Justdot
hat
.
ItookZenandeinmyar ms,bat
hingherisami ssi
on
andahal fbutImanagedandf ini
shed.Imadeher
wearherpri
ncessdress,
Icombedhercutel i
tt
leAf
ro.
She'ssobeaut
if
ul,
she'smoreli
kehermot her.
Iworemyfl
owereddr
ess,
andsandal
s.Icombedmy
hugeAfr
otooandmadeabun,Ineedt odobrai
ds
i
t'
sbeenalongt
imenowI'
mtir
esofwigs.
Itakeherhand,
Zithul
elei
swatchi
ngsoccerdrinki
ng
beer.Hereal
lyt
hinkthi
sishishouse,t
hiski
tchenis
spotl
ess.It
akeaseatnexttohi
m.
Zi
thu:
thi
sisbeaut
if
ul.
Me:
What
'sBeaut
if
ul?
Zi
thu:
Thi
s.You,
meandZenande.We'
reaf
ami
l
y.
Me:
Mhh.
Zit
hu:Iwanttohav
eaf ut
urewit
hy ouNahiko,
Iwant
tohavekidswit
hyou.Morekids,5kids.Weneed4
ki
dsnowsi ncewealr
eadyhav
ePr i
ncessZen.
Ilookathi
m,Idon'
tknow whatt
osayIj
ustsmi
l
e.
ThankGodmyphonedeci
dedtori
ng.
Nkosi
naye:We'
reatt
heAi
rpor
tpl
easesendy
our
addr
ess.
Me:
Alr
ightt
hen,
wil
lsendi
tnow.
Idr
opt
hecal
l
,thengav
ehi
m myaddr
ess.
Zi
thu:
Yourboy
fri
endi
scomi
ng?
Me:
He'
snotmyboy
fri
end,
he'
sabestf
ri
end.
Zi
thu:
mhhhh.
Hedoesn'tbel
i
evemeatal l
,he'
shur
t.Het
hinks
Nkosi
nay
ei smyboy
fri
end.
Me:
He'
scomi
ngwi
thhi
sGi
rl
fr
iendandachi
l
d.
Helooksatme,Iseer
eli
efonhi
sface.Wewat
ch
Sof
iaTheFi
rst
.
Me:Thisiswhatyou'
l
lbesubj
ect
edi
ntowheny
ou
hav
ekids.Thi
sist
hefi
rst
.
Zi
thu:Idon'
tmindbei
ngsubj
ect
edt
othi
sbul
l
ying,
if
I
'm havi
ngyoubymyside.
Ismi l
e athi
m,whydoeshe al
way
shav
eto be
cheesy!
Zi
thu:
Oneday
,you'
l
lbecar
ryi
ngaboMkhi
ze.
Hesai
dbrushi
ngmyt
ummy
,Igotbut
ter
fl
iesi
nmy
st
omach.
Me:
Stopi
tZi
thul
ele.
Zi
thu:
buty
oul
i
kei
t.
Me:
Whosai
dIl
i
kei
t?
Zi
thu:
Youdon'
t?
Me:
NoIdon'
t!
Zi
thu:
You'
rehur
ti
ngmyf
eel
i
ngsr
ightnow.
Me:
Idon'
tcar
eaboutt
hat
.
Zi
thu:
you'
resohear
tl
ess.
Me:
SoI
'
vebeent
old!
Zi
thu:
Bywho?
Me:
Nonofy
ourbusi
ness.
Hel
aughedatme.
Zi
thu:
You'
resuchasweet
hear
t.
Ismilelookingathi
m.Nothi
scannotbehappeni
ng.
Hiscoldlipsmeetmine,
wekissforal
ongti
me.The
l
asttimeweki ssedwasthedaythi
schi
ldthatI'
m
carr
yingwasmade.
Wehearsmallgi
ggl
es.Wepul
lout
,wef
orgotabout
Zenandewho'
slaughi
ngwit
hhersmal
lhandson
ey
es.
Me:
Youhav
enoshamei
nfr
ontofachi
l
d.
Zi
thu:
Yout
oodi
dn'
tst
opmet
hough.
Me:
Yeahwhat
ever
.
Myentercom r
ang,t
her
e'ssomeoneattheGate,i
t'
s
Nkosi
naye.IopentheGateforhim,he'sdr
ivi
nga
r
entedcar.
Me:
Pleasebehav
eZi
thul
ele.
Zi
thu:
Yesmama.
Me:
I'
m ser
ious.
Hesmile,nxwhydoeshehav
etobet
hisgor
geous,
he'
stooHandsome.
There'
sanockatt
hedoor
.Iwentt
oopent
hedoor
fort
hem.
Me:
Heywel
comet
omysaf
eheav
en.
Nkosi
nay
e:I
t'
sindeedheav
en,y
ouhav
eabeaut
if
ul
Home.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Imovesl
i
ghtl
yfort
hem t
oenter
,he'
swi
thabeaut
if
ul
l
adyandaver
ycuteandpret
tyy
ounggi
rl
.
Wewal kthem t
othel
ounge,
theygr
eetZi
thul
eleand
seatdown.
Zi
thu:
Howar
eyoudoi
ngMan?
Nkosi
nay
e:I
'
m Goodman,
andy
ou?
Zi
thu:
I'
m goodandy
ousi
si?[
Sist
er?
]
Lady
:I'
m goodt
hanks.
Nkosi
nay
e:Uhm t
hisi
smyGi
rl
fr
iendBusi
si
we.
Me:
It'
sni
cet
omeetBusi
siwe.
Busi
siwe:I
t'
sni
ce t
o meety
ou t
oo,t
he Famous
Nahi
ko.
Me:
am i
thatf
amous?
Busi
siwe:You have no i
dea,Ieven thoughtnah
you'
rethegi
rl
fr
iendandtheBestf
ri
endthingisal
ie.
Me:Toobad,iam t hebestfri
end.Ohandmeet
Zi
thul
eleandmyBabyZenande.
Busi
siwe:
She'
spr
ett
y,whathappenedt
oherl
eg?
Me:
shehadacaracci
dent
,wantsomet
hingt
odr
ink?
Nkosi
nay
e:Doy
ouhav
eBeer
?
IlookedatZit
hulel
ewhogav
emeast
are,t
hat
'shi
s
beerhewil
lthrowaf i
t.
Me:
Yes,
Busi
siwe?
Busi
siwe:
Winepl
ease.
Me:
Comi
ngr
ightup.
1glassofwi
ne,2beer
sand3Appl ejui
ce.Myheart
i
sbl eedi
ngt
hatI'
m notdri
nkingmywi ne,butI'
m
doi
ngi tf
ormyBaby.I
t'
ssti
llear
lyandIdon'twant
anyprobl
emswit
hmypregnancy.
Igavethem t
hei
rdr
inks,
andt
heki
dsJui
ce.If
eel
li
ke
akidtoo.
Busi
siwe:
Youdon'
tdr
inkal
cohol
?
Me:I'
vej
ustdeci
dedt
ost
opf
oraf
ew mont
hs.I
'
m
det
oxi
ng.
Busi
siwe:
ohy
eahIsee,
isZi
thul
eley
ourBoy
fri
end?
IlookatZi
thul
ele,hewantstoknowtheanswert
oo
he'sl
ooki
ngatmest rai
ghti
ntheeye!
Me:
Yeshei
smyboy
fri
end.
Busi
siwe:
He'
sHandsome.
Nkosi
nay
e:HawuBaby
!
Busi
siwe:
I'
mjustcompl
i
ment
ingbabydon'
twor
ry!
Zi
thul
ele:
Wel
lthanky
ou.
Iwenttot
hekit
chenandt ookthecheesest
icksand
cooki
es.Mar
shmallowsforthekids.Theyarebusy
watchi
ngCar
tons,
hav i
ngfun.
Me:
SoBusi
siwewhatdoy
oudof
oral
i
ving?
Busisi
we:Iam a st udent
,doi
ng myl asty
earin
Teaching.And wor
king atanOrphanageasaft
er
careteacher
.
Me:That'
s wonder
ful
,why orphanage though? I
meanyouwoul
dbehelpingmay
bei nschools.
Busi
siwe:I
t'
sbecauseIgrew upt her
e,mymother
l
eftmei nfrontoftheorphanagedoorandnever
l
ookedback.Sot heor
phanageissomethi
ngcl
ose
tomyheart
.
Me:
Ohwow,
that
'
samazi
ngandagr
eatt
hingt
odo.
Busi
siwe:
Sowhatdoy
oudof
oral
i
ving?
Me:I'v
ej ustGr
aduated 2 mont
hs back,and I
'
m
worki
nginaRehabil
it
ati
onandTherapyCentr
easa
cl
i
nicalandment
alhealt
hpsychol
ogi
st.
Babusisi
we:That'
s gr
eat,y
ho Iwish to be y
ou,
graduateandgetaj
obaft
ermygr
aduat
ion.
Me:
Youhav
etowor
khar
dmyl
ovei
tpay
sof
f.
Nkosi
nay
e:Andwhatabouty
ouZi t
hulel
e?Youdi
dn'
t
t
ellmewhaty oudoforali
ving,youaskedmeon
t
hatni
ghtoutwehad.
Zit
hu:Oh y eah,Iown a construct
ion company,
Accountfi
rm,Mar ket
ingCompany
.Ihav ebranches
here,
Durban,Johannesbur
gandPr
etori
a.
Nkosi
nay
e:Mkhi
zeI
nc?
Zi
thul
ele:
Yest
hat
.
Nkosinaye:Youar
erul
i
ngi
nthebusi
nessworl
d.I
'
ve
heard abouttheMkhi
zeI
ncbuty ou nev
ercame
across.
Zi
thu:
Iam t
heUnder
dog.
Nkosi
nay
e:Your
eal
l
yar
eanunder
dog.
Wet
alkedmor
e,get
ti
ngt
oknoweachot
her
.
Busisi
wehel pedmesetupt het abl
esot hatwecan
eat.Idishedupf orthekidsthenwentt ogivethem
thei
rf ood.They wer e sti
l
lgl ued up on the TV,
Zenandei saMessmakerwhensheeat s.SoI'l
lhav
e
tocleanupr i
ghtaft
erthem.
Idi
shedoutf
orus,
andr
efi
l
ledt
hei
rgl
ass.
.
Nkosi
naye:mhht hi
stast
esogood,mout
hwat
eri
ng.
Headofftoyou.
Busisiwe:Please shar
ey our r
eci
pe t
hisi s so
del
icious.Zi
thul
eleyou'
real
uckyman,br
ain,beaut
y
andacooker .
Zi
thu:
Iam i
ndeedal
uckyman.
Nkosi
:Justmar
ryhermant
hat
'sal
lyouneed.
Zi
thu:
EyBaf
oI'
m pl
anni
ngt
o
Busi
siwe:
heart
hat
,Nkosi
nay
eai
n'
tyoupl
anni
ngt
o?
Nkosi
:Gi
vemet
imebabe,I
'
llputar
ingony
our
f
inger
.
The conversati
ons wer
ef l
owi
ng,Zithulel
ei s wel
l
behaved It houghthe wil
lhave a problem with
Nkosinayebuthe'scool,i
t'
sal
lbecauseIsai dhe's
myboy fr
iend.
"Mama, mama"Il ookather,ohMyGoodnesswas
sheFoodpai nt
ing?Shehasfoodall
over,
onherf
ace,
dress,andhair
.Bothofthem act
ual
lyt
heyhavef
ood
ont hem.
Me:Letmet aketheseladiesandcl
eant hem up.
Busisi
wecany oupleasecleanupwheretheywer e
eat
ing,zit
hu wil
lshow y ou whereyou'
l
lgett he
cl
eaningstuf
f.
Busi
siwe:
Alr
ight
.
Itaket
heLadi esintothebat hr
oom.Theyar eboth
sl
eepyasIfinishcleaningthem up.Iputthem i
nbed
nakedasI '
lldr ycleantheirdresses.Icoverthem
withaf
leece,thesuni ssetti
ng.
Aft
erhoursofhavingourguest
s,t
heyhadtogo
backtoDurbanNkosi
nayehadacri
si
ssotheyhad
toboar
dafli
ghtt
oDurban.
Zenandei
ssl
eepi
ng,shewokeuphungr
yIf
edher
andshewentbackt
osl
eep.I
'
mti
redt
oo,
Ijustwant
tosl
eep.
"
Soy
ou'
remygi
rl
fr
iend?
"
We'
redoi
ngf
inal
touchesofcl
eani
ng,
hei
shel
ping.
Me:
No,
Iwasj
ustsay
ingi
ttomyf
ri
endt
hat
'sal
l
.
Zi
thu:
soy
ou'
renotmyGi
rl
fr
iend?
Me:
Itdepends.
Zi
thu:
Onwhat
?
Me:
Dineo,
wher
eisshe?
Zit
hu:Backi
nJo'
bur
g,Itol
dherthatIcan'
tst
ri
ngher
alongknowingt
hatIdon'
tloveher,Ilov
eyousoI
tol
dhertomoveonwit
hherli
fe.
Me:Thatgirlisobsessedwit
hy ou,helovesy ou.
There'
ssomethi
ngwr ongwi
thherIdon'
ttrusthera
bi
t.Didsheagr
ee?
Zit
hu:Yeah,sheagreedshehadnoprobl
em.Buti
f
shedosomet hi
ngtoyouthenIwi
l
ldeal
wit
hher.
Me:Somethi
ng i
s notright,thatgi
rli
s pl
anni
ng
somet
hingbi
g.Shethreatenedme,shesaidshe'
s
goi
ngt
oki
l
lmei
fIdon'
tgetawayf
rom y
ou.
Zi
thu:Lethershoothershot
.Wewi
l
lseebutt
rust
meont hi
soneIwill
prot
ectyou.
Me:
Ihopeso.
Zi
thu:
Soy
ou'
remyGi
rl
fr
iend.
Me:Ihavebeenal
way syourgirl
fr
iend,wenever
br
okeup.Wet
ookabreakf
rom eachothert
hat
'sal
l.
Zithu:And her
e Itoughyy ou were goi
ng to get
pregnanton thatgoodbye sex,I'
ve giv
en up on
getti
ngyoupregnant
.I'
l
lhav
et oaskforbabiesnow.
Me:Youthoughtbyhavi
ngunpr
otect
edsexwi
thme
youwi
llgetmepregnant
?
Zi
thu:
YeahIt
houghtso,
I'
vegi
venup.
Hesayl
aughi
ng,
Ijustsmi
l
e.Hehasscor
edt
hist
ime
ar
ound.
Zi
thu:
Comeher
e!
Het
akesmei
nhi
sar
ms,
andweki
ss.
Zi
thu:
Ngi
yakut
handauy
ezwa?
Me:
Nami
Ngi
yakut
handa.
Hesmi
l
elooki
ngatme.
Zi
thu:
Youar
esobeaut
if
ul,
ver
ybeaut
if
ul.
Me:Thankyousomuch,youtooy
ou'
rehandsome.
Ver
yhandsomeandcut
etoo.
Zi
thu:Ay
ikhoi
ndodaeCut
eMama.[
Ther
e'snocut
e
Man]
Me:
Buty
ouar
ecut
etome.
Zi
thul
ele:Ngi
yakukhuza weNahi
ko,angisi
so phel
a
MinaiSiy
oyoy
o.[I'
m warningyouNahiko,I
'm nota
weakl
ing]
Me:
Idi
dn'
tsayy
ouwer
e.
Zi
thu:
pleasedon'
tfi
ghtme.
Me:
Iwasn'
tfi
ght
ingy
ou
Zit
hu:Youneedt
osl
eep,Icanseet
haty
ouneed
somesleep.
Me:
ButZi
thu
Zi
thu:
Nobut
scome.
mxxm Ir emov
ed my
sel
ffr
om hi
m t
hen wal
ked
upst
air
s.
Zi
thu:
You'
vegai
nedl
ookatt
hatBut
t.
Me:
Don'
tbeanAsshol
e.
Zi
thu:
ILov
eYoumama.
Me:
What
ever
.
Iremovedthedr
essandwor
emypy
jamas,I
'
m not
taki
ngashowerI
'
mt i
red.
"
Soy
ouwon'
tsayGoodni
ghtt
oyourMan?
"
Me:
Goodni
ghtZi
thul
eleMkhi
ze.
Zi
thu:
Whathav
eIdonenow?
Me:
CanIsl
eepi
npeace?
Zi
thu:
CanIgetaki
ss?
Me:
Yhuu,
Zit
hul
eley
ou'
resoAnnoy
ing.
Zi
thu:
Am Iget
ti
ngaki
ss?
Iwal
ktohi
m,andhuggedhi
m sot
ight
ly.Onhi
m.
Me:
Ilov
eyou!
Zi
thu:
You'
resowei
rdbutIl
ovey
out
oo.
Weki
ssedf
oral
ongt
ime.
Zi
thu:
Goodni
ght
.
Me:
Goodni
ght
.

_
___
___
_
DI
NEO

"
Dhe'
sleav
ing"
Me:
Alr
ightt
hanksupdat
emeonwhat
'shappeni
ng.
Zi
thulel
eis mine and mine alone.He was busy
pl
ayinghappyfamil
ieswitht hatBi
tch.How canhe
domel i
kethi
s?Aft
er2y ears.Ican'
tIwon'
texcept
.
Ir
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om myaccompl
i
ce.
Me:
Hey
..
"
Don'
theyme,
what
'
shappeni
ng?IneedNahi
ko"
Me:Zi
thul
elewaswithhert
hewhol
eweekend,I
'
m
sur
ebytheendoft
hisdaywewi
l
lbehav
ingher
.
"
Ify
oucoul
dn'
tdot hatduri
ngtheweekwhatmakes
y
ousayyouwi
llgethertoday?
"
Me:Shehast odropherlat
e'ssi
ster
'sbabyather
mother
's pl
ace.When she comes back we wil
l
ki
dnapher
"I
fyoudon'
tdothisj
obpr
operl
yI'l
lki
l
lyoufi
rstand
fi
ndNahikoonmyownandki llhert
oo.Bet
terget
hert
odayI'
m get
ti
ngi
mpat
ient
"
Me:
wor
rynotI
'
llhav
eher
.
Idropt
hecal
l,Thi
spl
anbet
terwor
ktodayIcan'
t
hav
emysel
fki
l
led..
I
t'
s4pm now sti
l
lnomov ementfr
om thi
sgi
rl
,I'
m
get
ti
ngf
rust
rat
ed.Ir
ecei
veacal
lfr
om Si
yamyguy.
Me:
Siy
awhat
'shappeni
ng?
Si
ya:
She'
sleav
ingherpl
acenow.
Me:That
'
sgr eat
,youguy
sfol
low herandcont
inue
wi
ththeplan.Wehavetogethertodaynomat t
er
what
.
Si
ya:
I'
m oni
tmadam.
Me:
sur
e.
Ismileatmy self
,mypl anisgoingaccor
dingl
y.I'
m
happy,soonZithulel
ewillbemineandmi neAlone.
I
'l
lhav eto help him mourn hi
sdearestNahiko's
Death.
Ifeelsorr
ythemot
herBur
yingher2daught
eri
t
won'tbeni
ce.
.
"
Planisinacti
onshe'
sont
hemov
eMyguy
sar
e
r
ightonhert
ail
".
Ipr
esssend!
.
Thi
sisav
ict
ory
,Ican'
twai
ttoseeherpr
ett
yface.

.
35+comment
s,Pl
easel
i
ke,shar
eandi
nvi
tey
our
fr
iends
THI
RTYNI
NE

I woke wi
thout Mor
ning sickness today
,it
's
af
ter
noonal
readyandIsurel
yov ersl
ept
.Iwentt
o
the bat
hroom wash myf ace and hands.Iwent
downstai
rsZithul
elewascombingZenande'shai
rit
seemst hattheyjusthadabat h.Zit
hulel
ehasa
changeofclot
hes,hereal
l
yCEpr epar
ed.
Me:
Aft
ernoon!
Zi
thu:
Hey
y,y
ouov
ersl
ept
.
Me:
Iwast
oot
ir
edt
hat
'
swhy
!
Iwentt
otheki
tchentolookf
orsomethi
ngt
oeat
,I
at
eMacandcheesethatwasi
nthef
ri
dge.
Zi
thu:LookIhavetogo,Ihav
etobesomewher
e
el
seinthenextt
wohour
s.
Me:I'
l
lbathandheadhomet
oo,I
'
m sur
etheyar
e
backf
rom chur
chnow.
Zi
thu:
Alr
ight
,I'
l
lseey
oul
aterokay
?
Me:
Alr
ightIwi
l
l.
Weki
ssandhel
eav
es.
Ifi
nisheating,andt
ookmyplateinsi
dethesi
nkand
ri
nsedi t
.Zenandeandherfri
endsonTVar eal
ways
togethersoshe'sgl
uedonPhineasandf
erb.
Iwentt
otakeabat
h,Idr
ankmyv
itami
ns.
Iwor
emysweatpant
s,sneaker
sandasweat
er.It
ied
myafr
oI'
m aBun.
Itookmyphoneandcarkey
s,Zenandehasf
all
en
asl
eepont
hecouch.
Itookherandpl acedheronhercarseatIdr oveoff
afterlockingev erythi
ng.OnmywayIwasl i
stening
tomymusi c,t
here'sabl ackGTIf ol
lowingoram I
j
usthal l
ucinati
ng?It urnitt ur
ns,Idecided t otake
thel ongr outewher ethere'salotofcar si ncase
somet hi
ng happens.Ical l
ed Zit
hulele he's not
answer i
nghi sphone.Ical ledhim 6times,st i
llshe
wasn' tanswer i
ngt hat
'ssounl i
kehim.
Iar
riv
ei nMont clai
rthiscari
sst i
l
lfol
lowingme,l
par
koutsidethegat easusuall
yanditpasseswhere
Ist
aymaki ngat urn.Isi
gh,Iwasbeingparanoi
dfor
aminutethatpersonstayshere.
Itakethesl
eepi
ngZenande,Iwasdr
ivi
ngf
ast
erand
shedidn'
tevenwakeup.
Itookherinmyar
msI
'
llaskSi
kel
elat
ocomeand
fet
chherbag.
Me:
Hey
yFami
l
y.
Daddy
:Heybaby
.
Mama:
HeyDar
li
ng
Me:
Wher
ear
ethet
wins,
theydon'
tl
ikemeany
mor
e.
"
Wear
eher
e"
Ihugt
hem
Me:Si
kel
elapl
easegoandf
etchZenande'
sBagi
n
mycar
.
Igav
ehi
m mycarkey
s.Het
ookt
hem t
henl
eft
.
Me:
Lookaty
ousi
kel
elway
ou'
reabi
ggi
rlsogr
own.
Si
kel
elwa:
I'
mI'
m 10y
ear
sol
dnowsi
sit
hat
'swhy
!
Me:
OhIsee.
Iwalkedt
otheki
dsroom t
henplacesZenandeon
herbedAMDcov
eredherwi
thaf
leecebl
anket.
Iwal
kedbackt
othel
ounge.
Me:Ionlyat
efrui
tsal
adtoday
,I'
m sohungr
ywhat
's
f
ordinnersi
nceit
'
salr
eady6pm.
Si
kel
elwa:
DaddyCooked.
Me:
Real
l
y?ThenI
'
m st
ayi
ngi
nfordi
nner
.
Daddy
:AndIwaswaiti
ngfory
out
ocomesot
hatI
candi
shoutf
orev
ery
one.
Me:
Real
l
y?
Mom:Yes,hesai
dyou'
llcomeanddr
opZenande
andhewant
syout
oeat.
Me:Ithoughtdaddywil
lbe mad atme f
ornot
comi
ngtochurcht
oday
.
Daddy
:I'
m st
il
lmad,
butIcan'
tst
arv
emyGr
andchi
l
d
so?
Wel
aughed.
Me:
SoIam anonf
act
or?
Mom:
that
'sobv
ious,
I'
mfeel
i
ngsor
ryf
ory
oual
ready
.
Me:
I'
mfeel
i
ngsor
ryf
ormy
sel
ftoo.
Wel
aughed.
Daddy:Come let
's go t
othe di
nni
ng tabl
e,I'
ve
al
readyseti
t.Wedon'
twanty
oudri
vi
nglat
eatnight
.
Mom:
Yesy
ouar
eri
ght
!
Wewal
kedt
othedi
nni
ngt
abl
eandsatdown.
Si
kel
ela:
You'
regoi
ngt
ohav
eachi
l
dsi
si?
Me:
Yes.
Si
kelel
wa:wow,I
'
m goi
ng t
o be an Auntagai
n
Yaasss.
Sikel
ela:CanhebeBoy,I'
mtiredofgi
rl
s.Ineedt
o
teachhim howt
ookaysoccer
.
Il
aughathi
m,het
hinkshe'
sa16y
eart
hisone.
Me:mhh,
thi
sissodel
ici
ousdaddy
!Pl
easet
eachme
howtomakethi
sst
ake.
Daddy
:Iwi
l
lmybaby
,comet
hissi
deonweekends.
Me:Ithi
nkyouguysshoul
dpr
epar
emyr
oom f
orme.
Icanpopupanyti
me.
Mom:
Forr
eal
baby
?
Me:I'
m notmovi
ngin,j
ustonrainydays,whenI'
m
notf
eeli
ngwel
lorwhenI
'mlazyormissi
ngy ouguy
s.
Mom:
Ohh
Mymot
herdoesn'
tli
ket
hef
actt
hatIst
ayal
one,
she
can'tacceptthefactt
hatI'
m ol
denoughnow.Ineed
tobei ndependentandlear
ntoadj
usti
ntol
if
ejustby
my sel
fwi t
houthernursi
ngme.
Me:
Daddypl
easemakeherunder
stand.
Daddy:Sweetheartshewil
lcomeandstaywi
thus,i
t
won'tmatt
erifit'
s2daysor3day swhatwil
lmatt
er
i
st hefactthatshewi l
lbewi t
hus,youshoul
dbe
happy.
Mom:
ButIwanthert
ost
aywi
thus.
Daddy:Youshouldl
etherbemyl ove,Nahi
koisold
enought ohaveherownpl ace.Shehasaj ob,a
houseandshe' spr
egnant
.Sol etherfindhersel
f,
whatwillhappenwhenshegetmar ri
ed?Youdon't
havetobabyherany
more.
Mom:
It'
sfi
nei
under
standl
ove.
Me:
I'
m gl
ady
ouunder
standnow.
Mom:
What
ever
!
I
twasni ceshar
ingamealwi thmyf ami l
y,i
t'
sso
r
efr
eshing ev
en though Yothando'
s place i
s so
v
isi
ble.Shewoul
dbel aughi
ngatev er
yl ameJoke
Daddyshar
es.Shewoul
dl i
stenatt
ent
ivel
ytot
he
twi
n'
sArgument
.Imi
ssherevery
day
.
I'
m soful
l,Iat
efort
heenti
reweek.Idon'
tthi
nkI'
llbe
abletoeatt omorr
ow butknow thatI'
m pregnant
surel
yI'
ll
behungry.
Me:Can Ipl ease hav
eat
akeaway
? Ican'
tget
enoughoft
hisfood.
Daddy:Si
kel
elwapl
easebr
ingaTupper
war
efory
our
bi
gsister
.
Si
kel
elwa:
Okaydaddy
.
Shest
oodup.
Daddy
:Thi
sisaonceof
fthi
ng,
Idon'
tusual
l
ycook.
Me:
Why
,you'
reagr
eatcook.
Mom:He'ssuchabusyman, Sunday
sarehi
srest
ing
daysaf
terchur
chofcourse.SoIdot hecooki
ng,I
guesst
odayisourl
uckyday
.
Me:
I'
m sogl
adt
hatI
'
m par
toft
hisl
uckyday
.
Daddy
:Let
'sev
eryf
ir
stSundayI
'
llbecooki
ng.
Me:
Thenev
eryf
ir
stSundayI
'
llbeher
e.
Weshar
ealaugh,Icheckti
meonmywr i
stwatchi
t'
s
7:
45pm.Ti
mer unsfastheyitwas6pm notsol
ong
ago.
Me:Famil
yi twasniceseei
ngyouandeati
ngwith
youitwasrefr
eshi
ngbutIhavet
oleav
eit
'salr
eady
l
ate.
Sikel
ela:Fri
day,pl
ease don'
tfor
gett
o come and
fetchusplease!
Yeaht
heyr
otat
e,i
fit
snott
hem i
tsZenande.
Me:
I'
ll
nev
erf
orgett
hatBaby
!
Si
kelel
wa:Ican'
twai
t,Il
oveyourhouse.Il
ovey
our
houseIwanttost
aywit
hyou.
Me:AndIneedsomeonet
okeepmecompany
,I'
l
l
hav
etothi
nkaboutt
hat
.
Si
kel
ela:
Ohmydeart
winy
ou'
regoi
ngt
obeasl
ave!
Me:
HaaSi
kel
elawhyar
eyousay
ingt
hat
?
Sikel
ela:Doy ourememberhowsis'
Yothandouset o
sendusal larounddr
ivi
ngusli
keheadl
esschickens?
Idon'tli
kepregnantwomanatall
.
Il
aughedsohar
d,t
hisKi
dthough.Mybabybr
other
Ar
gh.
Me:
I'
ll
bemor
eni
cer
!
Si
kel
ela:
Sti
l
laNo!
Si
kelel
wa:AndIwasj oki
ngt
oosi
si,I
'
mfi
neher
e
weekendswi
ll
beokay
.
Me:wow,youknow what
?I'
m outofher
e.Mommy
andDaddydeal
wit
hyourki
ds!
Mom:
ByeLov
e.
Daddy
:By
eBaby
.
Me:
Bye!
Il
eftastheyl
aughedatme,it
's8pm.Dar
kout
side,
Ar
ghIdidn'
tmeantost
ayti
l
lthi
slate.
Idrov
eof f
,onethi
ngIloveaboutdri
vi
ngatnightis
thatther
e's no t
raf
fi
c unl
ess ther
e's somet
hing
i
mpor t
antl
ikebi
gdays.
Waitwai
t,Il
ookonmyr earmi
rr
oragai
n.It
'sthatGTI
agai
nandI'm notcr
azyIknowwhatI'
mt al
kingabout,
i
ndeedSomeonei sfol
lowingmeandI '
m surethat
's
Zi
thu'
sDoi
ngs.Myphoner i
ngsi
t'
sZi
thul
ele.Iput
hi
m onmyBluet
oot
hspeaker
.
Me:
Hey
Zit
hu:Wherear
eyou?Whywer
en'
tyouanswer
ing
yourphone.
Me:I '
m dri
vi
ng backto myhouse,Iwas atmy
parent
s.Whyar eyouaski
ngmeallthi
swhenyou
sentpeopl
etofol
lowme!
Zit
hu:Idi
dn'
tsendany
onet
ofol
l
ow y
ou,whatar
e
youonabout
?
Me:Ther
e'sabl
ackGTIf
oll
owi
ngme,i
sitnoty
our
peopl
e?
Zi
thu:
Wher
ear
eyounowNahi
ko?
Me:
I'
m dr
ivi
ngpassLansdowne.
I'
m panicki
ngnow,t
her
ear
enocar
sont
heway
.I'
m
scared.
Zit
hu:Okaypleasekeepy
ourphoneon,I
'
llmake
somefewcal
ls.
Hedr
opst
hecal
l
,Idr
ivef
astasIcan,t
heGTI
i
ncreaseit
sspeedtoo.I'
m pani
cki
ngI'
m headst
rong
becauseIdon'
twanttocauseanyacci
dent
.
Myphoner
ingsagai
nit
'
szi
thuIanswer
.
Zit
hu:Myguywi llbefol
lowi
ngy ousoondon'
twor
ry
babe.Justdon'
ttakeanyshor
tcuts.
Inodasi
fhecanseeme.
Zi
thu:
Nahi
koar
eyout
her
e?Focusnahi
ko.
Me:
YesI
'
m her
e.
Acarov
ert
akesmeandsl
owsdown.
.
Me:
Whatt
hef
uck!
.
Zi
thu:
What
'shappeni
ngSt
handwaSam?
He'
svoiceisdeep,he'
spanicki
ngandangr
yIcan
f
eeli
tjustbyhear
inghi
svoi
ce.
Me:
Acarj
ustov
ert
akesandsl
owsdown.
Zit
hu:Shi
t!Pl
easegiv
emetheNumberpl
atesi
fyou
can.Bothcar
st heonei
nfrontandt
heoneatthe
back.
Me:
CA786-678WCand56678-231GP.
Zi
thu:Okayl
ove,hel
pwitht
her
eSooIpr
omi
sey
ou
St
handwaSam I'
ll
savey
outher
e.
He'
spani
cki
ng,Ican'
thel
pbutcr
y,whati
fgetki
l
led
j
ustl
iket
heydi
dwitAmanda?
Zi
thu:
SthandwaSam,
Nahi
koar
eyoucr
ying?
BeforeIcoul
danswerthecarinfr
ontofstopsandI
quickl
y hi
tt he br
eaks so har
d.In seconds my
windowbreaks.
"
Voet
sekbi
tchgetout
"
Me:
Pleasedon'
thur
tme,
youcant
aket
hecar
.
"Dowel ookl
ikeweneedy
ourFuckenCar
?Bi
tch
don'
tgi
veusshit
"
Me:
Ilov
eyouzi
thul
ele!
Iscr
eam ast
hisGuygr
absmebymyhai
r.
Zi
thui
scur
singonspeaker
,theydon'
tCar
e.
MyCar
,myphonemyev
ery
thi
ngwasl
efti
nthecar
.
TheygotmeinsidetheGTIwithmuchhardhust
le,
asIwasf i
ght
ingwit
ht hem.Iwaskeepi
ngti
meso
thatZi
thu'
sGuyscancomeandhel porbeableto
f
oll
owt
hiscar
.
"
DoIhav
etodr
ugy
out
ocooper
ate?
"
Me:There'
snoneedf
oradr
ugi
,cooper
ate,pl
ease
don'
tdr
ugme.
Theygotmei nsidet hecar ,andoutasackonmy
headsot hatIwon' tseet her oadort hepl acethey
aret akingme.Ihel dmyst omachandIt hought
aboutt hel i
ttl
ehumanbei nggr owi
ngi nsi
deofme.
I'
m scar ed,tearsar ef l
owingIcan' tevenwi pethem
offbecausei ft hi
ssack.Iwi lldieandzi t
huw won't
evenknow t hathe'saf ather,thi
si swhatIwas
scared of2 y ears backand now i t'
s happening.
2minut esafterIgotbackandal lt
hisishappening,
thi
ngswegot hroughf orLov e.AtleastIwi l
ldie
happy !

_
___
___
___
DI
NEO

"
Wehav
eherMa'
am"
Me:Good,I
'
lldr
ivet
othewarehousepleasekeepher
st
il
l,
don'
tdoanythi
ngtoherdon'
teventouchher.
Si
ya:
yesmadam.
Ismi
l
eatmy
sel
f,t
hist
hebestnewsev
er!
IcallKi
m,shewi
l
lbehappyshehasbeenagood
fr
iend
Ki
m:I
'
m aboutt
obeD'
i
ckedwhat
sup?
Me:I
'
vefinal
lygott
hatbi
tch,t
heyar
eont
hewayt
o
t
hewarehouse.
Ki
m:That'
sgreatnewsfr
iend,pl
easeki
l
lherend
wi
thheral
readysothaty
oucangoandgety our
man.
Me:That'
sthepl
anf
ri
end,Idon'
tcar
eaboutherallI
needismyman,andIcan'
tevenwaiti
t'
sbeenlong
enough.
Ki
m:That'
smygi r
l,pl
easecallmeandupdat
eme
whenev
eryt
hingi
sokay!Ineedtogonow.
Me:
Alr
ight
,ILov
eyou
Ki
m:Il
ovey
out
ooDar
li
ngby
e!
Shedropst
hecal
l
.Thi
sfeel
sli
kemybi
rt
hday
,I'
m so
happy
.
Ir
ecei
veacal
l
.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
"
Tel
lmey
ouhav
eher
!"
Me:
YesIhav
eherI
'
m onmywayt
othewar
ehouse.
"Good,Iwantherhear
tIwantt
oseezi
thul
elet
osee
herheartonhi
sdoorst
ep.
"
Me:
Isn'
tthatabi
tex
treme?
"
Don'
tyouf
uckwi
thmeokay
!"
Me:I'm sosor
ryIdidn'
tmeanthat
.Sowhatwil
l
happentome?Areyougoingt
odothesamet
hing
thaty
oudidt
oNahikotome?
"Zi
thul
eleLovesNahi ko,morethanhehehasev er
l
ov edanyone.Nahikoi shisheart
.Soi fIdestr
oy
Nahikohewi l
lneverbet hesameagain.Hewi l
lbe
brokenbeyondwor ds,andthat
'swher
ey ouchipin.
You'l
lbehissavi
ourandsani t
y.Hewil
llear
ntolov e
you".
Me:
That
'sbr
il
li
ant
,thanky
ousomuch.
"yeahI
'
llseeyoutomor
row,
keepheral
i
veanddon'
t
doanyt
hingst
upid"
Me:
Alr
ight
.
Ther
e'ssi
l
ence,
Idr
opt
hecal
l
.
Itook my carkey sthen dr
ove of
ftot he old
warehouse.I
'm sohappy
,Iwantt
oseeherfaceIjust
can'
twai ttolaughatherIcan'twaittoseeher
scaredfacebi
tch!.
Iarr
ivethecar
sar
epar
kedout
side,Ipar
kmi
nenext
toSiy
a'sGTI.
Iwal
kinsi
de,
Icoul
dheart
hem conv
ersi
ng
Si
ya:
Damnshe'
sbeaut
if
ulman.
Sgora:Yeah,she'
spr
ett
yIwoul
dki
l
lforheri
fIwer
e
herboyfr
iend.
Si
ya:Sheseemsrichsoshemustbedat
ingsome
ri
chman.If
eelsor
ryforher
.
That
'si
t,Idon'
twantt
hem t
ofeel
sor
ryf
orher
.
Me:She'
saBi
tch,
amanst
eal
ersoIhadt
odealwi
th
hermywaysi
nceshedi
dn'
tl
ist
enwhenIwar
nedher
.
Si
ya:
Sor
ryMadam wedi
dn'
tseey
ou!
Me:
It'
sokay
,takemet
oher
.
Sgor
a:She'
ssl
eepi
ngmadam.
Me:Okaylethersl
eep.Tomorr
ow morni
ngit
'sme
and her.Don'
tgive herany food,I
'l
lsee y
ou
tomorr
ow.Guar
dwithyourl
i
ves.
Them:
Sur
emadam.
Me:
Wher
ear
eot
herguy
s?
Si
ya:
Theywentt
obuysomef
oodt
heywi
l
lbeback.
Me:
all
8oft
hem?I
sthatf
oodheav
y?
Si
ya:
NoMadam somear
est
il
lcomi
ng.
Me:
MhhI
'
llseey
out
omor
rowby
e!
Iwenttomycar,Idrov
eawayli
stentomyR&B.I
'm
feelj
oyous,I
'
m happyI'
m al
lmoods.Iar
ri
veatt
he
hotel
andheadstomyroom.
Itestthewater
sletmecallZi
thul
ele,hemustbe
worri
edGir
lf
ri
endDear
esti
smissi
ng!
Me:
HeyB!
Zi
thu:
Whatdoy
ouwantDi
neoI
'
m noti
nthemood!
Me:
Sor
ry,
Iwasj
ustchecki
ngy
ou.What
'swr
ong?
Zi
thu:
Not
hing,
lookI
'
m busynowI
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
.
Hedropsthecal l
,shamemyl ove.Hewi l
lbefinet
his
tooshal
lpassj ustli
kehispr
eviousgirl
fr
iend,what'
s
hernameagai n?YeahAmanda.Nahi kowi l
ldiej
ust
l
ikeThatgi
rl.Theybot hdon'
tdeserv
ehi m,he'smine
andminealone!.
MyPhonerings,i
t'
sMyDad.GoshIdon'
tev
enwant
tospeakt
ohi m,butknowi
ngmyDadhewon'tst
op
cal
li
ng.
Me:
HeyDad.
Dad:DineoIwaswithy
ourfri
endearl
i
ershet
oldme
whatyou'r
eabouttodo.Justleav
emybabyIdon'
t
wanttolooseyou.
Ki
m Bet
ray
edme,
howcoul
dshe!
Me:Ki
mli
edtoyoudaddy,asI
'
vesai
dtoy
oubef
ore
i
'
m her
etoseemyboyf
ri
end.
Dad:I '
m nottalking aboutKim,Tshego tol
d me
everyt
hingandDi neoTshegohasbeeny ourfr
iend
sincechil
dhoodshe'sbeent her
eforyou.Shenever
l
ies,she'sworr
iedabouty ouandy ourheal
thbaby.
Pleasecomebackhome.
Me:Idon'tknow whatyouar
et al
ki
ngaboutdaddy.
Tshegohasf edyouli
esIdon'
tknow whatshetol
d
youbutI
'm herewit
hmyboyfr
iend.
Dad:Richpeopl
earedangerousmychild,t
heirli
ves
doesn'
trevol
vearoundthoseexpensiv
esui tsthey
were.Theyarewhol
ediff
erentpeopl
ewhent heyare
notwearingsui
tssopleaseli
stentomeandcome
homebaby .
Me:Dadyou'
regoi
ngtoannoymerightnow,
I'
mfine
andI'
m happycan'
tyoujustbehappyformejust
thi
sonce?
Dad:Icar
eabouty oualot,Iwi shyouallthegood
thi
ngsinl
if
ebuty ou'r
emaki ngitdi
ff
icul
tformeasa
parent
.Ar
ey ouatleastdr
inkingyourpil
l
s?
Me:I'
m notcrazyDaddyand Iwon' tbe fucken
l
abel
edcr
azy.I
'
mf ine,okayIdon'
tneedthosepill
s
Okay
!
Dad:I'
m sor
rypl
easedon'
tgetmadbaby
.I'
m comi
ng
tocapetowntomorr
ow.
Me:What
?Nodon' tcome.Fi
neI
'
llcomedayaf
ter
t
omorr
ow.Tuesday
!
Dad:Pl
ease,andify
oudon'
tcome,I
'
llbet
her
eas
soonaspossi
ble.
Me:Al
ri
ght
,lookyoursoni
n-l
awi
scal
l
ingmeIhav
e
t
ogo.Il
oveyou.
Dad:
Ilov
eyout
oobabyby
e!
Idropthecallandheaveaheav ysi
gh.Tshegoisa
bit
chhow couldshesni t
chuponmel i
ket hat
?I
fuckent
rustedher
,andshedoi sgobehi
ndmyBack
andgotellmyFatherev
eryt
hing.
Ar
gghh.Ithr
ewt
heVaseacr
osst
hewal
l
.Il
etouta
l
oudscream.
Me:OkayD,cal
m down.Youhav
ebi
ggert
hingst
o
wor
ryabout
!.
Ihearpeoplelaughi
ngatmeIturnar
oundIseeno
one,thelaughsgetsint
ensei
t'
smessingwit
hmy
head.
Me:
Shutup,
shutt
hef
uckup!
.
Isnap.Iscream andt
hrewmyshoeatthemi
rr
orasI
seeheadlesspeopleLaughi
ngatme.
Me:
Pleaseshutup,
pleasekeepqui
et.
Ihearanockatt
hedoor
.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
Man:
HeyMa'
am i
sev
ery
thi
ngal
ri
ght
?
Me:Yeahever
ythi
ngi
sfine,ItaughtIsaw aspi
der
buti
twasj
ustmyimagi
nation.
Man:
Alr
ightkeepsaf
e.
Me:
Thanky
ou!
Icl
osethedoorandsl
iddownasIputmyhandsi
n
myearsbl
ocki
ngthenoi
se.
Ifeelmysel
fdr
if
ti
ngtosl
eep.Imakemywayt
obed
andIlai
ddownandcover
edmy sel
f.
.
.
Shouldwemake200Li
keand35comment
s.I
'
llpost
i
nsert40t
oo.
Assoonasy our
each200l
i
keand35comment
sI'
l
l
posti
nser
t40.
.
Pl
easedon'
tfor
gett
oshar
eandI
nvi
tey
ourf
ri
ends.
FORTY

ZI
THULELE

Iwal kt oMamkhi zeandhughert i

ghtly,shedoesn' t
sayany thi
ngshehugsmeback.Mysi blingsar eall
here,t heyar elooking atmewi t
h conf usion and
worriedey es.Thel astti
meIhuggedMamkhi zeand
cri
edwast hedayIlostAmanda.TheysaymanDon' t
cry sur elythey don'tknow t he pain ofl oosi
ng
someonei ny ourheart.I
t'
smor ni
ngal r
eadyandmy
familywaseat i
ng breakfast
.Icoul dn'tsleep I'
ve
beenmaki ngcalls,IneedtofindNahikoatal lcostI
can'tlooseherI '
ddi eifIweretolooseher .I'm onl
y
hopingthatmyMancant
rackt
hosecar
saccor
ding
thosenumberpl
ates.
Me:I'
m goingtokil
lthem Mama,t r
ustmeIwon'
t
spar
ethei
rli
ves.I
'
m goingt
okil
lthem.
Iremovemysel
ffr
om her
,shel
ooksatmewi
tha
worr
iedf
ace!
.
Mkhi
ze:
What
'
swr
ongSon?
Babai saski
ngwi t
hast r
aightf
ace,heknowswhen
I
'mlikethisI
'm unst
oppabl
eandI '
l
lhuntdownt
hose
people.
Me:
Somepeopl
etookNahi
koBaba!
Mkhi
ze&Ml
ungi
si:
What
?
Me:Shecal l
edYest erdaynighttel
lingmet ostop
l
et t
ingpeoplet ofol
low hereverymov e.ItoldherI
didn'tsendanypeopl etofoll
owher .Itri
ngedt ome
thatshewasf oll
owed,Icall
edmyment otrackher
downandmakesur et hatshe'
ssafe.I twasal r
eady
l
at ewhent heydraggedheroutoft hecar .Shewas
screami nginpainandshescar edIcoul dhearit
from herv oi
ce.Theywer ecalli
nghernames.They
eventol
dherthatt
heywer
enott
her
eforhercarbut
forhert
heyt
ookher!.
Mamkhi zewascr yi
ng with mysi
ster
sBuhleand
Babusisi
we.TheyloveNahiko,myDadandMlungi
si
wereangry.Mnqobididn'
tknowwhattodo,whet
her
toseatorstand.
Me:Whenmyguygott here,hef oundhercarwi t
ha
brokenwindow.Hetookthecart othewarehouse,I
wentt her
etochecksomet hingthatcanl eadand
helpusbutnot hi
ng.Beforet heytookher,Nahi ko
gavemeNumberpl atesofbot hcars.I
'm waiti
ngfor
SvijourI
Tguytotr
ackthecar s.
Mamkhize:Pl
easegoandsavehermychild,pl
ease
notwi
thher.WelostAmandabutwedon'
tl
ooseher.
Me:whenIwassearchinghercar,If
oundherbag
andfound10pr
egnancytest
s.She'
spr
egnantMama.
Ml
ungi
si:
Yourchi
l
d?
Me:Yes,
Isleptwi
thhertheDayshecamebackfr
om
TheMaldiv
es.Thatr esul
ted i
npregnancy
.Ican'
t
l
oosebothmychil
dandHermot her
.
Mkhi
ze:
Whatar
ewewai
ti
ngf
orher
e?
Hesai
dmaki
nghi
swayout
.
Mamkhize:Pl
easebr
inghersaf
eandsound.Make
sur
eshe'sal
iv
emyson.
Hehugsmef
ort
hel
astt
ime.
Mkhizeisdr
ivi
ng,nohe'sf
lyi
ng.Noonei
ssay
inga
word.It
'sMe,Mlungi
si,MnqobiandMkhi
zei
nthe
car
.
Wearri
veatthewarehouse,myDadheadst
otheI
T
Room t
osvi
j,
wef ol
l
owhi m.
I'
m angry,I
'm scaredandIdon' twanttot hi
nkthe
worst.Lastnight,Ithoughtaboutallthepossibl
e
outcomes,onethingIknowshoul dIfi
ndthatper
son
mh,t r
ustmeI '
m goingt okillhi
m orher !Iwon'
t
sparethem al
l
.Whoev erisinv
olved.
Mkhi
ze:
Svi
jwhat
'
sthepr
ogr
ess?
Svij
:Thefi
rstnumberpl
ateisi
nval
id,t
hatmeansi
t'
s
fake!I
'
m checki
ngonthesecondone!
Ml
ungisi
:Wecannotj
ustseatandwai
tfort
hatwe
mustworkonsomepl
an.
Mnqobi
:Butwe'
vebeenlay
ingl
ow f
orqui
tesome
t
ime.Whowoul
drui
nusli
ke.
Me:Thisdoesn'
tmakesenseatal l,i
fitwasan
enemytheywoul
d'vecal
ledbynow,butt
hisper
son
hasn'
tdoneanyt
hingthat'
swhatmakesmepani c
anddon'
tknowwhattodo.
Mkhi
ze:weshouldwait
,til
lnoonandwewi
l
lsee
t
henbutsv
ijkeeponwor
king.
Wewal
ktot
hemai
nroom anddr
inksomewhi
sky
.
Mnqobi
:Youdi
dn'
ttel
lust
haty
ougotbackt
oget
her
.
Ml
ungi
si:
Iwant
edt
oaskt
hatt
oo.
Theyaretr
yingt
oli
ght
enupt
hemoodsi
nceweal
l
aret
ense.
Me:
wenev
erbr
okeup!
Mkhi
ze:
Shebr
okeupwi
thy
ou.
Me:Shetol
dmet
hatwenev
erbr
okeupsobet
ter
bel
i
eve.
Ml
ungi
si:
Sof
or2y
ear
syoul
efty
ourgi
rl
fr
iendAl
one?
Mnqobi
:Di
dshesay'
I
t'
sov
erZi
thul
ele?
'
Me:
Nahshedi
dn'
t.
Mkhize:Thenshe'sri
ghty
ounev
erbr
okeup,
youl
eft
her
.You'resostupid.
Me:
Yeahwhat
ever
.
NowIhav
ecool
eddownandwai
ti
ngf
orSv
ij
.
Mkhize:So you decided to make herpregnant
wi
thoutmar r
ying her?Arey ou maki
ng t
he same
mist
ake yourbr otherdid? Havi
ng chi
ld outof
wedl
ock?
Howwi
l
lIanswert
hisquest
ion?
"
BossI
'
vef
oundSomet
hing"
Thanky
ouSv
ij
.
Mkhi
ze:
Thi
sconv
ersat
ioni
snotov
er.
Wewal
kedt
otheI
TRoom.
Svi
j: Siy
abonga Mhl ahl
o Age 28, Residi
ng in
Khayel
it
shast ay
ingwi thbot
hhispar
ents.3si
bli
ngs
1brotherand2Si sters.Hav
e3&6Year soldBoys
fr
om diff
erentmothers.That
'st
heOwnerofThe2nd
NumberPl at
e,heownsaGTI .
Me:
Didy
out
rackhi
scar
?
Svi
j:Yes,he'
sMui zenber
goffshoreWarehouseI
t'
s
nexttothebeach.That'
shiscur
rentl
ocati
onfort
he
past12hours.
Me:Sendguy
stohi
splace,andmakesur
etheyar
e
ther
e.I'
l
lhavet
o makea call!
.Do y
ou havehi
s
number?
Sv
ij
:YeahI
'
vef
oundonl
y3Number
s.
Me:Gi
vethem t
oMnqobi,keephi
m onTabs,
andcal
l
usi
fhe'
schangingl
ocat
ions.
Sv
ij
:Sur
eboss.
Wemadeourway,t
hisguywilll
eadust oNahi
ko.I
pr
ayt
hatNahi
koi
sther
einthatWarehouse!
.

_
___
___
___
NAHI
KO

Iwokewit
hmyf r
eezi
ngbody!.If
eelnauseous,Ir
an
tot
hatsmall
bat
hroom andt
hrewup.
If
lushedandwenttoseatonthathar
dbed,t
here'
s
noblanket
.Icouldheart
hesoundofwavesthat'
s
whyIwasfreezi
ng.
ThedooropenstheGuywhocamet ocheckupon
mebefor
eIsleptl
astni
ghtmadehi
sway.
Hi
m:Hi
.
Me:
Hey
,canIpl
easegetwat
erI
'
mthi
rst
y.
Hi
m:y
eahsur
e.
Hewentoutandcamebackwi
thwat
eri
naSmal
l
mug.
Me:Whyar
ey oudoi
ngt
his?Youdon'
tlookl
i
key
ou
wantt
odothi
s.
Him:Jonga ke Si ster
inot sonke si khule ni
ce
nj
engawe Joe,uLi fe inzima ndinengcosi ezi
y 2
efuneka zit
yil
e.Entlek khothindvaye![l
ook her e
si
sternotallofusgrewupni cel
yjustl
ikeyou,l
if
ei s
hardIhav e2Ki dst
opr ovidefor
,youknowwhatl et
mej ustLeave]
Me:Sorr
yIdidn'tmeant omakey ouAngr
y.Nam
ndi
yay
aziIndl
ala ndi
khul
elekuy
o butl
onto zange
i
ndenzeiskoli
,ndaf undandifundelaf amilyyam.So
akuvel
e kubemnandinat hiact uall
y nam ndi dl
ule
ebunzi
menindijonge.[Itooknowpov erty
,Igrewup
topovert
ybutt hatdidn'
tmakemeat hug,Istudi
ed
gett
ingeducat
ionf ormyf amily.It
'snotal lni
ceeven
usactual
lyme,Iwentt hroughhar dshi
ps]
Him:Unice Joe and uyi
cherr
yeGrand unt
swemp,
umenzeniuMadam?[ You'
resoniceyou'
reanicegi
rl
andyou'
resobeautif
ul,whatdi
dyoutomadam? ]
Befor
eIanswer
,theguyt
hatf
orcedmeoutofmy
carcamei
n.
Him:EkseSi yaJoeSiy avaya.K'yabandaAphaand
l
amnt u usebenzisana noMadam unendawo.That a
l
oMedy zandi f
umana emot weni.Uy ishiy
el a kari
Yakhosov ayangeQuant um.[Si y
awear el
eavingi
t'
s
col
dher eandt hatpersonwhowor kswi thMadam
hasapl acef orustaket hisgi
rlyou'l
lfindmei nt
he
car,
leavey ourCarwewi llbedri
vingaQuant um]
Si
ya:
Sur
e!
Hewentout
,Si
yal
ookedatme.
MeDowhaty
ouhav
etodo.
Si
ya:
I'
m sor
ry!
Me:
It'
sokay
.
Heplacedt heSackonmyheadandcov er
edmyf ace.
He took myhand and we wal ked out
,it'
s chi l
l
y
outsi
de.I'm shiver
ing,I'
vebeensubj ected t
ot hi
s
Coldsincel astni
ght.Thissweaterandsweat pants
I'
m wear i
ngar enotev endoinganyj ust
ice.Thank
God Ideci ded nott o wearthatdress and wear
somethingcomf ort
able.Iwonderwher eisZit
hul el
e
whenIneedhi mthemost .
Ihel
dmySt omach"i
t'
sgoingt
obealr
ightBaby
"I
sai
dthatt
omysel
fhol
dingmyst
omacht
ight
ly.
Thi
sdrivefeel
sli
keour
s,I'
m sur
eit
'sev
enl
atenow.
I
'm sohungry,
mybabyhasn'
teat
en.
Thecarcomesi ntohalt,I'
m heari
ngdiff
erentvoi
ces
ofMen.I'
m start
ingtogetwor r
ied,sur
elythei
rboss
i
sawoman.Fr om hearingthewor d'Madam'.If
eela
handgrabbingmeni celynottohur tme,I'mthat'
s
Siy
acozifitwast hatotherguyhewoul d'
vedragged
meoutofthecar .
Thi
spl
acei
ssopeacef
ult
her
e'snosoundmaki
ng
noi
se,andi nmymi ndIknow i t
'sasecl uded.We
makeitint
ot hehousej ustheari
ng,t
here'sal otof
men,Idon'tevenhearaWoman' svoi
ce.I'
m scared,
and I
'
m pr ayi
ng thattheydon'ttrytor apeme.I
woul
dn'tbeabletosurvi
vethat.
Thesacki
sremov
edf
rom Face.
It
'saroom wit
habanibed,
atabl
eandBucketi
nthe
cornert
her
e'snoBat
hroom.
Si
ya:
Thi
sisy
ourr
oom.
Me:
CanIpl
easehav
esomef
ood?
Si
ya:
Madam sai
dwemustnotgi
vey
ouf
ood.
Me:
Alr
ight
.
Iwenttot
hebedandsatdown,t
her
e'snobl
anket
agai
nbutt
hispl
acei
swar
m.
Me:
Whati
sthet
ime?
Si
ya:
10:
45pm.
Me:
Alr
ight
.
Helookedmeoncemor et
henleft
,Ishoul
df i
nda
waytoguil
ttr
iphi
m,he'
smyti
cketoutoft
hispl
ace.
Ishoul
dmakehi
mregr
etbei
ngher
e.
Iseatont
hebedandcur
lmy
sel
ftosl
eep.If
eel
sl
eepy!
I
'
m wokenupbysomeonegent
lyshaki
ngme.
I
t'
sSi
ya.
Me:
Hi.
Siya:Hi,Ibr
oughtyousomemi
l
k.I
t'
stheonl
yThi
ng
thatIcangiveyou
Me:
It'
sokayI
'
llbef
ine.
Idri
nkthewholegl
assofmi lk,I'
m notafanof
dr
inki
ngmi
lkbutt
hesi
tuat
iondoesn'
tal
lowmeto.
Si
ya:
howol
dar
eyou?
Me:
25Year
sol
d.You?
Si
ya:
I'
m 28.Doy
ouwor
k?
Me:
Yes,
I'
m apsy
chol
ogi
st.
Si
ya:Whati
sthat
?
Me:
Ami
ndDoct
or.
Si
ya:
Your
eadmi
nd?
Me:NoIdealwi t
hpleasewhohaveMentalil
l
ness,
haveTraumaorwentthroughTr
aumat
icexper
ience
Ihel
pthatper
sontobebetter
.
Si
ya:
That
'swhyy
ouar
esocool
andcal
m.
Me:I'mtryingtodealwi ththi
ssit
uati
oninacal m
stat
e.What '
stheuseofshout i
ng?Youwillbeatme
upifIdon'tcooperate.SoIdeci
dedthatI
'
llbecalm
andfacethesituat
ion.
Si
ya:
You'
resocl
ever
,Inev
erwentt
oschool
.
Me:
Youdon'
tknowhowt
oreadandwr
it
e?
Si
ya:
yeah.
Me:
Icanhel
pyou,
geteducat
edanddobet
ter
.
Hel
aughedatmeandst
oodup.
Si
ya:
I'
m ol
denough.
Me:Educat
iondoesn'tgetol
d,so t
her
e'sno age
r
egar
dingeducat
ion.
Hel
ookedatmet
henwentout
.
I
'm makingprogr
esswit
hhim.Ihearacommotion
happeni
ngthatsi
de,t
her
e'saf
emalevoi
ceshout
ing
isi
tupstr
aightwai
ti
ngf
ort
hei
r'madam'
tomakeher
wayint
heroom.
TheDoorOpensSiyacomesinandthatOt
herGuy
Fol
l
owedByDineo.wowshe'
stheMadam?
Di
neo:
Nahi
ko
Me:
Dineo.
Ilookatherst
rai
ghti
ntheeye,Iwon'
tfeart
hisgi
rl
notint
hisl
if
enormysecondone.
Di
neo:
Remembermypr
omi
se?
Me:
Doy
our
emembermi
ne?
Shel aughs,t
hisgirlissicktrustme,andmyGuar d
was t el
li
ng me t he t r
uth abouther,she f
inal
ly
plannedsuchabi gt hing,surel
yshe'
snotal
onejust
l
ikethisotherGuyssai dshe'sworki
ngwit
hsomeone.
Di
neoy
ou'
resocheekydoy
ouknowt
hat
?
Me:SoI'
vebeent ol
d,lookDi
neoI'
m notscaredyou
andIwil
ltel
lyouagainYou'
vehav
estart
edt hi
sbutI
wil
lendi
t.
Shesl
appedmesohar
dthatwhenIt
ri
edt
ost
andup
t
hatGuyhel
dmeback.
Il
ookedather
,I'
mfumi
ng.
Di
neo:
Youhav
eaner
ve.
Me:y outheper
sonwhohasanerveherei
syou,
you'r
eacrazyBi
tchy
ouar
ecrazy
.Youaresi
cky
ou
disgustmesi
es.
ShewentcrazyonmyItri
edfight
ingherbutt
hatguy
was hol
ding me l
ett
ing Di
neo to hi
t,she'
sreall
y
i
nsane.
She letgo ofme,she looked mad.Ihad bl
ood
runni
ng from mynoise butIwon'tgiv
e herthe
sati
sfact
ionthatI
'
m onpai
n.
Me:Whyar eyoudoingthis?ForaManwhodoesn' t
even Lovey ou?A man who doesn' teven know
what'
sy ourfavour
it
ecolournoryourf
avouri
tefood.
Don'
tbesi ckDineojustl
etmego,you'
rej
ustcrazy!
Shescr
eamedatme.
Di
neo:ZI
THULELEI
SMI
NE,MI
NEALONENOTUS
BUTMINE.
Shewasshout
ingl
i
keacr
azywoman,y
esshehas
somescr
ewsmi
ssi
ngandshe'
sdagger
ingher
sel
f.
Me:
Cal
m down.
Di
neo:
Don'
tfuckent
ell
mewhatt
odookay
!
Sgora pl
ease t
each her some Respect a few
punchesher
eandther
eshewi l
ll
ear
ntorespectme.
Sgor
a:Sur
emadam.
ThisGoraGuyGr
abbedmebymyhai
randthrewme
down.Iheldmystomachsoti
ght
lyashest ar
ted
punchi
ngmeandki cki
ngme.Iwasscreamingin
pai
n..
Si
ya:
Madam It
hinkt
hat
'
senough.
Di
neo:
Stopi
tSgor
alet
'
sgo.
Shewentoutandt
hatSgor
aguyf
oll
owedhi
m.
Il
ookedatSi
ya,
hehadawor
ri
edf
ace.
Me:
Pl-ea-sss-e,
Hel
-ppmeU-
p..
Iwashur
ti
ng,
Iwasi
npai
n.Mywhol
ebodyi
sinpai
n.
Hecar
ri
edmeandputmeont
opoft
hebed.
Si
ya:
I'
m sor
ry!
Ilookedt
heothersi
desti
llHoldingmystomach.I
'
m
feel
ingDef
eat
ed,I'
m deal
ingwithalunat
icsomeone
whoneedssomepsy chi
atri
chelp.Il
ookdownonmy
stomach.
Me:Mommy wi l
lprot
ect y
ou baby I wi
l
ldi
e
pr
otect
inghi
m.I
'
m sohungr
y.

.
Iwokeupi nthemorni
ng,mywholebodyispai
ningI
needfoodandwat erIdon'
tcar
eaboutscarsorthe
brui
ses.I
'
mt hinki
ngofmybaby.
Si
yamakeshi
swascar
ryi
ngawat
erbot
tl
ehegav
e
mewat
er.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Si
ya:
Youal
ri
ght
?
Me:
HowcanIbeal
ri
ght
,looki
ngl
i
ket
his.
Si
ya:
HadeJoe,
aski
es.[Iam sor
ry]
Me:Siy
aIcanhel
pyoutakey
outoschool
,youcan
speakEngl
i
shver
ywellandyoucanwrit
eIknow
t
hatbuty
oudi
dn'
tgetenoughEducat
ion.
Si
ya:
Your
eadmymi
nd?
Me:No,Whyar ey ouworki
ngf orher
?She'scr
azy
sheneedshelpshe'
sindangersheneedst
ogotoa
mentalasy
lum.
Si
ya:
Shepay
smegood
Me:Icanhel pyouSiya,y
ouneedt ogetmeoutof
here.Icantakeyoutoschoolorhel
pyoutostar
ta
business.Youneedt
odot hi
sforyourf
amil
yfort
he
ki
dsy outoldmeabout
Siy
a:Ican'
tgetoutofher
e,I'
m onl
ythemaster
mindI
comeupwi thplansIdon'
tknowhowt ofight
.They
wouldkil
lbothofusbeforeweev enmakeitoutof
here.
Me:
Pleasehel
pme.
Si
ya:
Iwantt
obutIcan'
t.
Me:Okaypleasecal
lmyBoy fri
end,
hewil
lcomehere.
Iam pr
egnantSiyaIcan'
tloosemybabynotli
ket
his
pl
easedosomet hi
ng.
Si
ya:The ot
herboss i
s comi
ng we don'
tknow
whet
heri
t'
samanorwoman.
Me:Takemyboy fri
end'
snumbercallhim.Hewi l
l
come,he'
sav er
ydangerousmanshouldhefindy
ou
hewil
lkil
lal
lofyou.Butyoucanspar
eyourownli
fe.
Hisphoner
ang,hel
ookedati
tandwentout
.Damn
youSiy
a!

35+ comment s.Please shar

e,Li
ke,I
nvi
tey
our
fr
iends.ThankYou.
FORTYONE
SI
YABONGA

Ifeelsorryforthi
sgirlIdon'tknow why ,butIwant
hertobesaf e.ButIdon' ttr
ustthatshewi llgetme
educated and star
tmyown busi ness.She'si na
stat
e wher e she can make empt ypromises.My
phoner i
ngsit'
smyMot her.
Me:
Oledy[
mot
her
]
Mom:
Uphi
Siy
abonga?[
Wher
ear
eyouSi
yabonga]
Me:
I'
m atwor
kol
edywhy
?
Mom:Uf
unaundibul
alaSi
yabonga?[
Doy
ouwantt
o
ki
l
lmeSi
yabonga?]
Me:Oledyyi
ntonngxaki
,kwenzekantoni
?[Mot
her
what
'
st hepr
oblem,
what'shappeni
ng?
]
Il
ookatt
heGuy
sasImademywayout
.
Mom:Kukho abant u Abazosi
bul
ala aphe ndli
ni.
Baf
unaWenaSi y
abongayint
oniLenausifakekuyo
mntanam.[Therearepeopleheretoki l
lus,they
wantyou.Whathaveyoudonemychil
d.]
I'
m wor
riednow.Shedropsthecallbef
oreIcal
lher
agai
nIrecei
veacall
from anunknownnumber.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
"I
'
m sureyou'
vehear
dwhatyourmothersai
d.We
havey
ourWholeFami
lyt
hati
ncl
udesy
oursons.You
havet
ocooper
ate.
Me:
Whoar
eyou?
Guy:Youhavewhatbel
ongst
omeIbel
i
eve.Mywi
fe,
she'
swithyou.
Me:Sor
ryIdon'tknow whaty
ouar
etal
ki
ngabout
.
Thi
sisami
stake.
Guy:You Have mywif
e Nahi
ko wi
thyou,you'
ve
ki
dnappedher.Soi
nordertosav
eyourfami
l
yy ou
havetotel
lmewher
eisshe.
Ithought about what Nahiko said about her
boyf
ri
endbeingdangerous,shedidn'
tsayhusband.
Butshesai
dhewillki
l
leveryoneIcan'
tri
skthat
.
Me:She'sokayfornow,shegotbeatenupl
astnight
.
There'
sanewbosst hatwedon'tknowthat
'scoming
today.Heorsheisonherway!
Guy
:Whoar
eyouwor
kingf
or?
Me:
Madam.
Guy
:Who'
smadam?
Me:
Dineo,
siry
ourwi
feknowher
.
Guy
:Gi
vemey
ourLocat
ion.I
'
m onmyway
.
Me:
Alr
ightI
'
llsendi
tinWhat
sApp.
Hedoesn'
tsayanyt
hing,hedr opped t
hecallI
'
m
scar
edf
ormyfami
ly
.Ipraytheydon'thar
mthem.
Isendthel
ocat
iont
othatnumber
,thenmademy
wayin.
Sgor
a:What
'swr
ongy
oudon'
tl
ookgood?
Sgora was my primary schoolfriend we bot h
droppedouti
nGrade7.Hechangedal othebecame
thi
sAnimalthatheist
oday .I
'm her
ej ustbecauseI
wanttoprovi
deformyfamil
y .
Me:thatwasol
edymyson wasi
nvol
ved i
n car
acci
dent
.
Sgor
a:Buthow?I
sn'
tthatwhi
tepeopl
e'
sthi
ngs
Me:TheTaxiDr
iverwasdr
unk,andIdon'
twantt
o
t
alkabouti
t.
Sgor
a:HadeBr
a.[
Sor
ryBr
other
]
Inod.Iwenttot
hekitchenandtooktheGatsbythat
wewer eeati
nglastnightandsomej ui
ce.Ilooked
outbeforeIwentt o Nahiko.Idon'
tknow wher e
Madam is.
She'
ssl
eepi
ng,Ishakeheral
i
ttl
ebi
t.Shecan'
tbe
hungr
ywhenshe'
spr
egnant
.
Me:
Ibr
oughty
ousomef
oodt
oeat
.
Shestoodupwi
thal
otofst
ruggl
e,herl
eftey
eis
cl
osed.
Nahi
ko:
ThankYouSi
ya,
you'
reni
ce.
She'
st ooinnocentandv
erybeaut
if
ulev
eni
nthe
bl
oodiedface.
Me:
YourHusbandi
scomi
ng.
Shel
ooksatmest
rai
ghti
ntheey
e.
Nahi
ko:
Howdi
dyougethi
sNumber
?
Me:Hehasmyf amil
ycapti
ve,Idon'
tknow how he
knewaboutmeget
ti
nginv
olved.
Nahi
ko:If
eell
i
keI'
ml osi
ngstr
engt
h,I
'
mint
oomuch
pai
nIcan'
thol
danylonger.
Me:Pleaset
ryeatsomef
oodbef
oreany
oneget
s
her
e.
Sheeatsherf
oodfast
,ev
ent
houghIcanseeshe'
s
st
ruggl
i
ngtochew.
Nahi
ko:
CanIt
alkt
ohi
mthi
sonce?
Me:
You'
l
lputmei
nTr
oubl
e.
Nahi
ko:You'
realr
eadyi ntr
ouble,Ijustwanttotel
l
hi
mt hatI
'
m pregnantthat
'sall
.IfIdieinthi
splace
hemustknowthatI'
m carr
yinghischil
d..
Ical
l
edhi
m andputhi
m onl
oudspeaker
..
Guy
:What
?
Nahi
ko:
Zit
hul
ele.
Zi
thu:
Sthandwahowar
eyou?Ar
eyouokay
?
Nahi
ko:I'
m pregnantZi
thul
ele,I
'
m carr
yingy
ourchi
l
d.
Iwantyout oknow thatIlovey ousomuch,Ilove
youwit
hallofmyhear t
.You'remyheart.
Shedr
opst
hecal
l
.Andt
ear
sar
efl
owi
ng.
Nahi
ko:
ThankYouSi
ya.MayGodBl
essy
ou.
Hegivesmet
hepl
ateandt
het
hegl
asst
hathad
j
uice.
Me:
Pleasest
ayst
rong,
doi
tfory
ourbaby
.
Imademywayoutasqui
ckl
yaspossi
bleIwentt
o
thekit
chen.Andputt heplat
eandglassint hesink
thenwentt oseatwi t
ht heguyssot hattheydon't
knowwhati shappeni
ng.IhavemyphoneOnsi lent
sinceIdon'twantanyonetonoti
cesomet hingfi
shy.
CozNahi ko'
sHusbandkeepsoncal li
ngandIcan' t
answerhim now.

"She'
ssl
eepi
ngfornow,ican'
ttal
know.Befastshe
wantstoletgo,Ijustfedher"Ipresssendand
delet
edt
hemessage.
Dineocamei nsi
de,
withaverybeaut
if
ulgi
rlshewas
verybeaut
if
ul.Whythesegi
rl
sareaft
erNahiko?

_
___
___
___
___
__
ZI
THULELE

Findingt hecaronlyinthatwarehousemademe
angry ,
Icouldn'
tsl
eepnotknowi
nghowmyWi f
eand
Childaredoing.Thefi
rstt
hingwedidwast ogather
thisSiyabonga'
sFamil
ysothatwecanThreatenhim.
Heseemsl i
keaweakandniceguytotel
lusallthi
s
I
nfor
mationwit
houtaHustl
eandhear
ingThatDineo
i
sinvol
vedinal
loft
hismakesmeangry.
Aft
erthephonecallwi
thNahiko,Idon'tknowIasked
Mlungisit
oexchangewithMnqobisinceMnqobican
dri
vefastert
hanhi m.Theydidn'tevenwantmet o
dri
ve.No one is sayi
ng anythi
ng int he car
.I'
m
worri
edaboutNahiko,i
tseemsl ikeshe'sinalotof
pai
n.
Myphonebeepsi
t'
sthi
sSi
yabongat
ell
i
ngNahi
koi
s
sl
eepi
ngandshewant
stogi
veup.
Me:MnqobiBaf
ost
eponi
t,Nahi
koneedsmer
ight
now.
Mnqobi
:I'
m dr
ivi
ngf
astZi
thul
ele.
WhydidtheyHavetotakeheroutsi
deCapeTown
out
let
s,i
nasecl
udedpl
aceitseemsli
keafar
m.
Anot
hermessagebeeps,
it'
sfr
om I
nst
agr
am.
"Hey Bulumnko Iknow you don'
tknow me,I '
m
TshegoDi neo'
sfri
endfr
om Johannesburg.Di
neois
onami ssiontoki
lly
ourGir
lf
ri
endNahi ko,shewil
l
ki
llherIknow her .Dineoisnotokayshehasa
Bipol
arDisorder
,andalsoSuffer
sf r
om Di ssoci
ative
i
dentitydisor
der. Shewillharm her,shest ooped
dri
nkingherpill
s.Youhavet osavey ourGi rl
fr
iend.
She'salsoworkingwit
hsomeonewho' syourEnemy
Idon'tknowwhot hatper
sonisbutt heplanistoki l
l
yourGirl
fr
iend"
Ireadt
hemessageoverandoveripassedt
hephone
toMkhizeandMlungisi
.TheyareasshockedasI
am.
Me:
CrazyornotI
'
m ki
l
li
ngt
hatBi
tch.
Mlungisi
:MyWor
ryi
stheenemy
,whowoul
dwantt
o
ki
l
l Nahiko.
Me:
Idon'
tknowwhyt
heywentf
orheri
nst
eadofme.
Mkhi
ze:Whydi dyouattr
actapsy
cho?I
tst
art
ed
whensheengagedher
sel
f!
Me:Nahikowar
nedmeabouther,butIdi
dn'
tthi
nk
t
hatgi
rlwoul
dbypassmeandpl
ansuchathi
ng.
Ml
ungi
si:I
'm sur
eshe'sjustl
ist
eni
ngt otheenemy
.
Di
neoi
sf r
om Johannesburgshedoesn'
tknowCape
Town.
Me:
MyGuessexact
lybutwhowoul
dmasswi
thUs?
Mkhi
ze:
Someonewhohasadeat
hwi
sh.

_
___
___
__
NAHI
KO

I
'mthankfulf orSi
ya'
sbeing.Him bei
ngher
esav ed
myli
fe,t
hef oodmadeabi gdiff
erenceev
enthoughI
wassti
l
lfeelingsomepain.
ThedooropenedSi yaandSgor amadet heirwayin
Foll
owedByDi neo,wai
tEv a?wow,Wonder sshal
l
neverend.IthankmyGutf eel
ing,IoncesaidIdon'
t
tr
ustthi
sgirlandshehaspr ovenmer i
ght.Ican'
tbe
seem asweakIhav etost
rong.
Ev
a:I
t'
sNi
cet
omeety
ouagai
nNahi
ko.
Me:
Samet
oyout
ooEv
a!
Di
neo:
Yout
ooknoweachot
her
?
Eva:VeryWell,wemeet2y
ear
sago.I
'
mther
eason
ofthei
rbreakup.
Wai
t,whati
sshet
alki
ngabout
?
Me:
Youf
ramedZi
thul
ele?
Ev
a:Bef
orgotaboutmysi
ster
,andmov
edon!
Me:
Andwher
edoIf
iti
nal
loft
his?
Eva:MysisterlovedZit
hulel
esomuch.Shegav eall
herli
fetoZithulel
e,shetr
ustedhim andleftherl
ife
BackinLadySmi t
htoli
vewithZi
thul
eleincapetown.
Zit
hulel
ewho choseJohannesbur g overher.She
di
edal lbecausehi m,it'
shisfaultthatshedi ed.
Shouldshest ayedbackhomenonoft hiswould've
happened.
Me:I
'
llaskyouagainEva,wher
edoIfiti
nal
loft
his?
Ar
eyouav engi
ngyoursi
ster
'sDeat
h?
Eva:Il
ovethefactthatyou'r
ecl
ever.Toansweryour
questi
on,youcamei nt
ot hepi
ctureyoucamei nto
Zit
hu'sli
fe.Hef orgotaboutmysi st
er,heforgot
aboutthepromiseshemadet omewhenmysi ster
passedon.Hemov edonandl ov edyoumorethan
he'
sev
erl
ovedsomeone.
Me:
Whatpr
omi
sesdi
dhemade?
Eva:Thathewi
l
lmar
ryme,
li
vehappi
l
ywi
thmehav
e
ki
dswi t
hme.
Me:
Doy
ouLov
eZi
thul
ele?
Eva:Iusedtolovehim,butnotany
moreallthatI
havenow ishatr
edtowardshim.Hecoul
dn'
tev en
keeponeofhi
spr omi
ses,
hefail
edmeandfai
ledmy
si
ster
.
Shewasnowcr
ying,
thi
sgi
rlhasal
otofi
ssues.
Me:
Sowhatar
egoi
ngt
odot
ome?
Eva:Ithoughty ou'
llneverask,Iwil
lki
llyoujustli
ke
how mysi sterwaski ll
ed.Andt akeyourhear tand
thr
ow itonhi sdoorstep,Iwantt o seeZi t
hulel
e
shatt
eredintopeacesIwanthi mt ogomad.He' s
nothi
ngwi t
houty ou,I'
vebeenwat chi
nghi minthis2
Yearsperi
odofy ourbreakup.He'
scrazyinlovewi t
h
you,so I'
m f eel
i
ng sor r
yt hathe'
sgoi ng t
ol ose
someonehel ovessomuch.
Me:Zi
thul
elel
ovedAmanda,shel
ovedy
oursi
ster
wholeheart
lessl
yhewasshat t
ered,Iguessnowt hat
hedidn'
tful
filhi
spromisestoyoumakeshi m abad
personandl ovedyoursist
erlessasy ousay .He
di
dn'tmarryy oubecausehenev erlovedy ou,he
tr
eatedyoulikeasi
sterabestfr
iend.
Ev
a:Youdon'
tknowany
thi
ng.
Me:
Justadmi
titt
haty
oul
ovehi
m.That
'snothar
d.
Ev
a:NoI
'
m noti
nlov
ewi
thhi
m.
Me:
yesy
ouar
e!.
Aslaplandedonmyf aceandinaj i
ffy
,Sgor
awas
nextt
omewai ti
ngf ormetof i
ghtbacksothathe
canhol
dmeagai n.act
ual
lyIdon'
thaveanyfi
ghti
ng
spi
ri
twithme.
Me:Slappi
ngmewon'tchanget het
ruth,i
t'
sworse
t
hatyouali
nedyour
sel
fwit
hacrazygirl
that'
sal
soin
l
ovewithZi
thul
elet
hat
'
sint
erest
ing.
Di
neo:SayI
'
m cr
azyonemor
eti
meI
'
llshow y
ou
cr
azy.
Ikeptquiet
,Idi
dn'twantanybeat
ingst
oday
.Iwon'
t
chal
lengethem t
oday.
Di
neo:
I'
m aski
ngaquest
ionbi
tch.
Iremai
nedquiet
.Idon'
tknow whenandwher
eshe
tookt
heBasebal
lbat
.
She hi
tterme withit
,Ev
a was busyki
cki
ng me
hel
pingher.Ilai
donmyt ummymakingSuret
hey
don'
tevendaretohi
tmeonit
.
Il
aidt
her
eont
hef
loorUnconsci
ousl
y.

_
___
___
___
___
ZI
THULELE

Wear r i
veinthatplace,itwasn'tevensecured.We
tookourgunsandputsi lencersont hem t
henmade
way ,i
naf ewsecond8Guy swer edown.Thatwasn't
evenFun,It houghtthey'l
lbegi vi
ngushar dtime.I
walkintother oom whereIhearscreamsandpeopl e
shouting.DineohasBasebal lbatthathasal otof
blood.
Ev
a?Whatt
hef
ucki
sshedoi
ngher
e.
Me:
What
'shappeni
ngher
e?
Theshocki
nbot
hthei
rfacegav
ethem i
n,Idi
dn'
tdo
much.
"Bra pl
ease t
ake Nahi
ko t
othe hospi
tal
.She'
s
bleedi
ng.
"
Iguesst
hat
'sSi
ya.
Me:
Pleaset
akehert
othecarI
'
llj
oiny
ou.
.
Ishoott
heGuyt hatwast
her
eandIwasl
eftwi
th
t
hesetwoladi
es.
Mnqobi
:Wher ewil
lbefunifweshootandki
l
lyou
hearwi
thoutt
ort
uri
ngyou?
Ml
ungi
si:
IGuesst
heyar
egoi
ngt
otheWar
ehouse.
Me:
Dri
veEv
a'sCarI
'
llbet
aki
ngNahi
kot
ohospi
tal
.
Ir
anoutandIf
oundt
hisSi
yaGuyl
ooki
ngf
oracar
.
Me:
Thi
sway
!
Iopenadoorf orhim,andIdri
veaway
.I'
l
lbegoing
totheNearestHospit
altheonet
hat
'si
nSommerset
si
nceit
'stheclosest
.
Iar
ri
vethereandtheyt
akehert
otheemer
gency
r
oom.Isatdown.
Me:
Whathappenedi
nther
e?
Siy
a:Madam andherf
ri
endwer
efi
ght
ingNahi
kof
or
you!
Me:
Forme?
Si
ya:
Yeah,
theyar
eal
li
nlov
ewi
thy
ou.
Ichuckl
eal
lIcar
efori
smywi
feandmyunbor
nbaby
.
MyFat
hergi
vesmeacal
l
.
Me:
Baba.
Mkhize:Ther
e'san emergencyheli
coptercomi ng,
I'
veupdatedt
heHospitalmanagement,justdri
veto
capetownsothaty
oucanr eachthi
ssidefast.
Me:
Can'
tIcomewi
thherwi
tht
hehel
i
copt
er?
Mkhi
ze:
Theywi
l
lbebusywi
thhert
her
e.
Me:
OkayI
'
m onmyway
!
It
rustmyf
ather
.
Me:
Wehav
etoheadt
ocapet
own.
Si
ya:
Leav
ingy
ourwi
feher
e?
Me:MyFat
hersentahel
i
copt
er,I
'
llhav
etodr
ive
back.
Wewentout
.
Me:
pleasedr
ive.
Igavehimt hecarkey s,Idon'tknowI '
m damnangry
aboutwhatt hesegirl
shav edone.Idon' tcar
eabout
DineobutEv a?Allal
ongshe' splanningmydownf al
l
,
Ithoughtshewasov erhersister'
sdeathbutIguess
Iwaswr ongandIf eelsorrythatshewi l
lhavetoj
oin
hersist
er,butidon'tthi
nkshe' sgoingtoheavenbut
hell
.
Me:
Dri
veFast
.
Helookedatme,
ther
e'ssomethingaboutt
hisboy.I
don'
tknow whatiti
sbutt here'sJustsomethi
ng
abouthi
m.
Wear r
ivei
nMedi cl
i
nicinPanoramaaftersometime.
Mywhol efami l
yishere,andNahiko'
smot herand
Father
.Ican'
tlookatherintheeyeknowingthather
daughteri
sthereal
lbecauseofme.
Mamkhizehuggedmet ight
ly,Ihat
ehowhopelessl
y
andweakI'mf eel
ing.Idon'
tknow whatI '
l
ldoifI
l
oosemybaby ,Idon'
tknowhowIwi lll
ookatNahi
ko
agai
n.
Nahi
ko'
smot
herCame.
N.Mom:It'
snotyourfault
,Idon'tblamey ouandI
knowNahi
kowil
lnotbl
amey outoo.Youdidn'tknow
aboutt
hepr
egnancyI
'm sureyouwoul d'
veprotect
ed
them.
Me:Idon'
tknowhowIwi l
llookatherma.Iwantthat
babytosur
viv
e,idon'
twanttoseet ear
sinherey
esI
don'
twanttoseeherhear
tbroken.
N.
Mom:Ev er
ythi
ngwil
lbealr
ight
,justhangi
nther
e.
Nahi
koandthebabywil
lbeokay.
Mamkhize:Nomzamo isright
,Nahiko and my
Gr
andchil
dwil
lbefi
ne.She'
sast r
ongwomanshe
wi
llbef
ine.
Ihuggedthem,Ifel
tal
it
tl
ebitbet
tertal
ki
ngtothem
butI'
m st
il
langryatDi
neoandEvaf orevenl
anding
mywomanHer e.
Noonei ssayi
nganythi
ng,i
t'
ssi
lenceever
yoneis
t
hinki
ngaboutwhat
everwear
eindif
fer
entworl
ds.
TheDoct
ormadehi
swayt
ousweal
lst
oodup.
Mkhi
ze:
Thompsonwhatdoy
ouhav
eforus?
Dr.
Thompson:Herlef
tribsareswol
l
enbutt heyar
e
notfractur
edandhasbr uisesonherfaceanda
fr
acturedArm.Shewillhealandbefi
nei nweeks
ti
me.
Me:
Ist
hebabyokay
?
Hel
ookeddownandl
ookedatusagai
n.
Dr
.Thompson:
ShehadaVani
shi
ngTwi
nsy
ndr
ome.
Me:
Whatt
heFucki
sthat
?
Mamkhi
ze:
LanguageZi
thul
ele.
Shewar
ned.
Me:
Sor
ryma,
whati
sthatDoct
or?
Dr.Thompson:It'
sisaLossofoneTwin,t
hatmean
Nahikohasmi scar
ri
edoneTwinandnow she'
slef
t
withone.I
toccursonthef
ir
stt
ri
mester
.
Me:
Shewascar
ryi
ngt
wins?
Dr
.Thompson:
Yessi
r.
Mamkhi
ze:
wil
ltheTwi
nthati
slef
tsur
viv
e?
Dr.Thompson:Yes,Af ter t
he dev elopi
ng t
win
disappear
s,itsfet
alti
ssue is absorbed by t
he
survi
vingbabyandi
tsmot
her.
Me:
Won'
tshehav
ecompl
i
cat
ionsi
nherpr
egnancy
?
Dr.Thompson:Noshewon' t,unl
esssheexper ience
pret
ermlaborthatisdef i
nedasregularcont
ractions
oftheuter
usresul t
inginchangesi nthecervixthat
st
artbefor
e37weeksofpr egnancy.Whichshewi l
l
i
nhi ghr
iskofmi scarr
yingorresultt
oanear l
ybi rt
h.
ShemustbeSt ressf r
ee,herhi ghbloodpr essure
mustbelowatal lti
mes.
Icoul
dn'
tli
stentowhattheDoct orwassayi
ng,t
hat
meansI'
velostonebabyal lbecauseoftwocrazy
woman.Iwon'tspar
ethei
rli
ves!
.
.
35+comment
s,Pl
easel
i
ke,shar
eandMent
iony
our
Fr
iends.
ThankYou.
FORTYTWO

Icouldhearbyt hebeepi
ngsoundst hatI
'
mi na
Hospit
al.IwokeupIcouldf eelpeopl
e'spr
esence
and yes ther
e's my mother,Father
,Mamkhi ze,
MkhizeandSiya.Wherei
sZi t
hulel
e?Hewast here,
hesavedme.Mybaby ?
Me:
Mamamybaby
!
Mom:
Shhbabe,
yourbabyi
sokayr
elax.
Il
ookather
,ther
e'ssomet
hingshecan'
ttel
lme.
IlookatSiya,thi
sGuyoverhereri
skedhi
sli
fej
ust
forme.Idon'tknowhowt
ot hankhi
m.
Me:Thanky ousomuchSi ya,Idon'
tknow how t
o
thankyou.You havesaved myl i
feand al
so my
baby'
sli
fe.I
'
m sograt
eful
.
Si
ya:Ther
e'snoneedf
orthat
,Ididwhatanyman
woul
d'v
edone.AndYourHusbandsav
edyou,i
fhe
di
dn'
tCatchmeandmyfami
lywewoul
dbet
ell
i
nga
di
ff
erentst
ory
.hef
oundy
ou.
Whyi
shecal
l
ingZi
thul
elemyHusband?
Me:Butyougavemefood,gav
ehi
mthedi
rect
ion.
Theher
oherei
syou.
Si
ya:
Thanky
ou.
Me:
Wher
eisZi
thul
ele?
Mkhize:Hehadt
otakecar
eofsomet
hing,
hewi
l
lbe
her
e!
Inodded.
Me:
I'
m hungr
y.
Mamkhi
ze:
Babusi
siwei
sonherwaywi
thf
ood.
Me:
Alr
ight
.
Babucamewi
thf
ood,Iat
eandt
heyl
eftmet
her
e
al
one.
TheDoct
ormadehi
sway
.
Doct
or:
GoodEv
eni
ngma'
am.
Me:
HeyDoct
or.
Doct
or:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?Anypai
n?
Me:
Noonl
yonmyl
eftsi
de,
I'
m hav
ingi
ntensepai
n.
Doct
or:YourRi
bsar
eswol
l
en,y
ouwi
l
lbef
inedon'
t
worr
y!.
Me:
Alr
ightt
hanksdoct
or.
Doctor
:The Hospi
talpsy
chol
ogi
st wi
l
lbe her
e
tomorr
owmorni
ngtotal
kwit
hyou.
Me:NoI'l
lbefi
ne,
Idon'
tneedapsychologistbuti
fI
needoneIhav
emyownper sonal
psychologist
.
Doctor:Iknowma'am y
ou'l
ltr
yandactf
ine,butyou
needsomeonet otal
kt o.Youcancallyourown
psychologist
,loosi
ng a chi l
d can be v ery
heart
breaking. I
t can send other people to
Depression.
Me:
Loosi
ngaBaby
?
MyTear
sfal
li
nst
ant
lyasIhel
dmyst
omach.
Doctor
:Youwer ecar
ryi
ngtwins,butt
heot hertwi
n
coul
dn'tmakei
t.Youmiscar
ri
edoneTwi nandy ou'
re
l
eftwit
hone.
Idi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng,
Icl
osedmyey
es.Mybaby
..
Doct
or:
Ma'
am ar
eyouokay
?
Me:
Ineedt
obeal
one.
Doct
or:Al
ri
ght
,Iwi
l
lneed y
our psy
chol
ogi
st'
s
number
.
Inod,Idon'
thavewordstosay .I'
m shat
ter
ed,why
di
dn'tDr.
Skeyinot
icethesecondbaby ?Iwould'
ve
pr
otect
edthem bot
h,nowI'
vesav edone.
ThedooropensandIdon'tev
encheckwhoi
t'
s,i
fit
's
thatdoctorhe wil
lexcuse hi
mself
.Iknow thi
s
Cologne.Iopenmyeyes
Me:Ourbabyi
snomor eZi
thul
ele,Icoul
dn'
tpr
otect
ourbabyI
'
m sosor
ry!
Zi
thul
ele:
it'
snoty
ourf
aul
tSt
handwaSam.
Het ookofhi
sshoesandl
aidnextt
ome,Ikepton
cr
yinginhi
sarms.
Me:I
t'
smyf aul
t,i
fIprot
ect
edbothofthem noneof
t
hiswoul
d'
vehappened.I
'mreal
l
ysorr
y.
Zi
thu:I
'
mtheonet
obebl
amed,Di
neoandEv
awer
e
obsessedwi t
hmet hatIdidn'
tevennoti
cethatt hey
canhar my ou.I'
m sor
ryforarr
ivi
nglat
e,I
'm sorrymy
l
ove,I'mt heonewhoshoul dbeblamedf orloosing
ourbaby .Pleasedon'
tstressSt
handwaSam, i
t'snot
goodf orthebaby .Pl
easemyl ovelet
'sdoitf orthe
twi
nt hat'
sleft.
Ihughi
mti
ght
ly.
Me:Whyisthi
shappeni
ngt ous?Whathav
ewe
donet
oof
fendGodt
hisway.
Zi
thu:I
'm sor
rySt
handwapl
easel
et'
snotbl
ameGod
i
nthis,
youcanblameme.

_
___
___
___
___
ZI
THULELE

Leavingthehospi t
alIdidn'
tgot othewarehouse,I
couldn'
tgat hermy sel
ftogot here,Iwasgoingt o
shoott hem andki llt
hem thatwouldbeeasyf or
them.Soi nsteadIwentt oNahi ko'
sApartment,I
found my selfsnuggli
ng herpill
ows.Iwant ed to
smellher,f
eelherpr
esence.Idon'
tknowhowI '
l
lbe
abl
et olookatherknowingt hatshelostonetwi
n
andthat'
sbecauseofme.
Mkhize cal
l
ed me saying they l
eftthe Hospi
tal
becauseofvisi
ti
nghour
s.IaskedDoctorThompson
toletmesleepwi t
hNahikobecauseshe'
sgoingto
needme.
Heari
ngherblaminghersel
fbrokeme,Ididn'
twant
thi
stohappenthisway.She'sgoingtobehurtand
shewil
lhar
m hersel
fbecauseofal
l t
his.

Idon'tknowwhenIf el
lasleepbutIwokeuptot
he
sl
eepingNahiko.She'sholdingmetight
lyl
i
keshe
doesn'twantmetoleave.
TheNur
semadeherwayi
n.
Nur
se:
GoodMor
ningsi
r.
Me:
Mor
ningwhatt
imei
sit
?
Nurse:09:
00am.Ineedt
ofeedher
,bat
hherand
cl
eanherwounds.
Me:
I'
ll
hel
pyouwi
tht
hat
.
Nur
se:
Okaysi
r.
IwokeNahikoup,shejustl
ookedatmewi thout
say
ingany
thi
ng.Herey
esarer
ead,bl
oodshotr
ed.
Me:Morni
ngSthandwaSam, y
ouneedt
oeatsot
hat
youcandr
inky
ourmedicat
ion.
Shedoesn'
tsayany
thi
ng,butsheeatt
hepor
ri
dge
I
'm gi
vi
ngher.
TheNursehel
pshertobaththent
heycameback,I
cl
eanedupherwounds.Andappli
edcream onher
l
eftf
ortheswol
lenr
ibs.Shewaswi
nci
nginpai
n.
Nur
se:
Shehasn'
tsai
dany
thi
ngt
hismor
ning.
Me:
I'
venot
icedt
hatt
oo.
She'
slooki
ngatt heceil
i
ngli
keshe'
sinherown
worl
d.She'
shol
dingher
self
.
Thedooropens,herpar
ent
sandmypar
ent
smade
thei
rwayi
n.
N'
smom:
Howi
sshe?
Nurse:Shehaven'
tsai
danyt
hing,
sheat
eandbat
hed
butsti
llnot
hing.I
'
llgoandcallt
heDoct
ort
ocheck
herout
.
Mamkhi
ze:
Alr
ight
.
Shewentout
.
N'
sMom:
Doessheknowaboutt
hemi
scar
ri
age?
Me:Yes,DrThompson t ol
d her .She' s bl
aming
her
selfi
nallofthi
s.Shesaidshedi dn'tknow t
hat
shewascarryi
ngtwins,soshepr otectedonechi l
d
i
nsteadoft
wo.She'
sblamingherself.
TheDoct
ormadehi
swayi
n.
DrThompson:Can y ou please gi
ve me and my
pat
ientsomespace.I
twon'ttaket
ime.
Wewentoutandsatont
hebr
anches,wai
ti
ngf
or
Thompson.
Hecomesbackt
ous
Me:
Doct
orWhat
'swr
ongwi
thher
?
DrThompson:she'
s hav
ing a Ment
al(
Ner
vous)
Br
eakdown.
Mkhize:AndWhati
sthatThompson,pl
easeexpl
ain
i
nplainEngl
ish.
Me:
Isshegoi
ngcr
azy
?
DrThompson:No,she' snotcrazy.She'
sjusthav i
ng
ament albreakdownwhi chalsoknownasaner vous
breakdowni sanon- medicalter
m usedt odescr i
be
anacut etempor ar y
,shortphaseofadi sorderwith
features ofdepr ession oranxiety.Thatincludes
Hallucinat
ions,st ress,Soci
albreakdown,Tiredness
andcr eat
et heirownscener y.Me:How l ongdoes
thi
st ake?
DrThompson: I
twill
dependonher,shesai
dshehas
herownpsy chologi
st.SoIwouldsuggesty oucal
l
herpsychol
ogistsot hatshecangethelpthatshe
needs.
Me:
Alr
ightIwi
l
lcal
lhernow!
Hewal
kedaway
,Isl
owl
ysatdownatt
heBench.
Mkhi
ze:
Youhav
etobest
rongf
orherson.
Me:Itf
eel
sasi
fI'
mfai
l
ingher
,Idon'
tknowwhatt
o
doanymor
e.
Mkhize:Bethereforher,makesurethatwhenshe
needsyouyou'r
ethere.Suppor
thert
hroughoutal
lof
t
his.Beherst
rengt
h.
Me:HayiAngi
saziMinababa.Ngi
yahl
uleka![
Idon'
t
knowanymoref
ather
,I'
m gi
vi
ngup]
Mkhi
ze:
Iknowt
hisi
shar
dfory
oubutbet
her
eokay
?
Inod
N'
sMom:
Letmegi
vey
ouChar
mai
ne'
sNumber
.
Shegav
emehernumberIr
ingedher
.
Char
mai
ne:
Char
mai
neSt
ephanHel
l
o.
Me:Hel
loChar
mai
ne,y
ou'
reSpeaki
ngt
oZi
thul
ele
Mkhi
ze.
Char
mai
ne:
Alr
ight
,howcanIhel
pyou?
Me:I tr
egardsoneofy ourpat
ient
s,Nahi
koMsomi.
She'sinHospitalandshe'sexperi
enci
ngaNervous
Breakdown.Ineedy ourhel
p.
Char
mai
ne:
Pleaset
ell
me?Whi
chhospi
tal
issheat
?
Me:
Medi
cli
nici
nPanor
ama.
Char
mai
ne:
Alr
ightI
'
m onmyway
!
Me:
Alr
ightThanks.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
..
Me:
She'
scomi
ng.
Mamkhi
ze:
ThankGodshe'
snotbusy
!.
Chumani
,Azol
eandGi
gimadet
hei
rwayt
ous.
Chumani
:HeyMan.
Me:
Yeah.
Wef
istbump.
Azol
e:Howi
sshe?
N'
sMom:She'
snotdoingokay
!I'
m scar
edt
hatshe
mayl
ooset
hesecondbaby
.
Azol
e:She'
spr
egnant
?
Gigi
:Whatdoy
oumeanshemayl
oset
hesecond
baby?
N'
sMom:Shewaspr egnantwi
thTwi
nsandshe
miscar
ri
edoneTwi
nshe'
sonlylef
twi
thonl
yone
Twin.
Azol
e:Whathappened?
Mamkhi
ze:
Shewaski
dnapped
Azol
e:ArethoseKi
dnapper
sDead?BecauseIwant
toki
l
lthem onmyown.
Nooneanswer
edt
hatquest
ion!
Gi
gi:
sohowi
sshehol
dingup?
Mamkhize:She'
shavi
ngaNer v
ousBreakdown,we'
re
wait
ingforCharmai
neherpsychol
ogisttotal
kwit
h
herandseehowshe'shol
dingup.
Azole:Thi
sissobad,
whycan'
tshej
ustbehappyf
or
once?
Gi
gi:
Howf
ari
sshe?
N'sMom:1mont h,1week.Thispregnancywil
lbea
verycompli
catedpregnancyforher,sheneedsour
help.Weal
lhav etobethereforherthat
'sal
lwecan
do,shewil
lneedustobeatt hi
s.
Mamkhize:She'sri
ght,Nahi
koneedsusmor et
han
evernow.She need ourl ove,str
engt
h and our
fi
ght
ingspir
itsothatwecanfi
ghtwit
hher.
Azol
e:Iam wi
l
li
ngt
odowhat
everi
ttakesf
orhert
o
beokay!
Gi
gi:
I'
m her
eforher
,whenev
ersheneedsme.
Awhi
tewomancamet
ous.
.
N'
sMom:
Char
mai
nei
t'
sgoodt
oseey
ou!
Soshe'
sChar
mai
ne?
Char
mai
ne:HeyNomzamo.How i
sNahi
koHol
ding
up?
N'
sMom:
Notgood,
notgoodatal
l
.
Char
mai
ne:
Letmegoandseeher
.
Me:CanIgo wi
thy
ou?She'
sthemot
herofmy
unbor
nchi
l
d
Char
maine:Yesyoumaycome,buti
fshedoesn'
t
wantyouther
eyouwi
l
lleav
e.
Me:
YesIhav
enopr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
.
Myf atherplaced hi
s hand on myshoul
derand
nodded,Igavehim anodtoothenwentt
otheroom
whereNahikoisat.
Wewal
kedi
n,she'
slooki
ngatt
hecei
l
ing.
Char
mai
ne:
HeyHi
komyl
ove!
Shel
ookedatus,
herey
esar
esoempt
y.
Shesmi
l
edatus.
Char
mai
ne:
Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
Nahi
ko:
Shhh,
keepi
tlowt
heBabyi
ssl
eepi
ng.
Me:
WhatBaby
?
Nahi
ko:Junior
,ourBabyboyJuni orhe'
ssleepi
ng.
Bhel
ekazipl
easefet
chhisspeci
fi
ersothatwhenhe
wakesuphewon'tcry.
Char
mainelooksatme,Ihav
ebr
ief
edherabout
Nahi
ko'
ssit
uati
on.
Char
mai
ne:
Juni
ori
sav
eryhandsomeboy
.
Nahiko:Right
?Hel
ooksexact
lyl
i
kehi
sfat
herI
'
m
evenjeal
ous.
Char
mai
ne:
He'
str
ulyhi
sfat
her
'sSon.
Nahi
ko:Bhelekazii
stal
ki
ngt
oyouZi
thul
ele.Whyar
e
younotansweringher
?
Il
ookatChar
mai
ne,
het
ell
smet
otal
ktoher
.
Me:
Whati
ssheaski
ng?
Nahi
ko:She'
saski
ngwhenar
eweget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed,
we'
vebeenengagedf
orav
eryl
ongt
ime.
Me:
in2mont
hst
imemyl
ove.
Shesmiledatme.Idon'
tknowwhattodonow,I
'm
l
ost.Nahikoisseei
ngandhear
ingthingst
hatwe
can'
tev
ensee.
Char
mai
ne:
Nahi
kohowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Nahiko:I'
m happysohappy,thi
sfeel
sl i
keadream
I
'm havi
ngj uni
or,
I'
m pr
egnantBhel
ekazii
sherewit
h
meandI '
m Engagedaboutgetmarri
edt ot
heLove
ofmyl i
fe.
Char
mai
ne:
Isee.
DrThompson:Sor
rytodistur
bbutmypati
ent
sneed
tor
estnow.Wewillsedat
ehertosl
eep.
Wenoddedt
henwai
tedf
orhi
m out
side.
Hecamet
ousaf
teraf
ewmi
nut
es.
DrThompson:I
'
m gl
ady
ouar
eher
e,what
'st
hemai
n
pr
oblem.
Charmaine:HerNerv
ousbreakdown madehert o
feelhopel
essandtoavoi
dnormalsoci
alsi
tuat
ions
that'
swhyshecr eat
edt heimageofhav i
ngababy
andseeingherlateGrandmother
.Iwillcomeagai n
l
ater,andtr
ytomakeherunder st
andthatthere'sno
babyandherGr andmotherisnomor e.Shewi l
lbe
fi
nei nweeksti
me,aslongasshe'snotst r
essingto
affectt
hesecondbabyalli
sgood.
DrThompson:Thankyou,I
'
llt
ryt
o st
abi
l
izeand
moni
tort
hebabyandhert
oo.
Char
mai
ne:
thatwoul
dbegr
eat
.
DrThompsonl
eftus.
Charmaine:SheLovesy
ou,everyt
hingwillbefine.
Bothherandthebabywi
llbegood.Justbether
ef or
heral
way s.
Me:
I'
ll
bet
her
eforher
.Tr
ustme.
Iwalkedhert
otheparki
nglot
,shedroveoffandI
wenttomycar.Todayisthel
astdayofDineoand
Eva.
Idr
ovest
rai
ghtt
othewar
ehouse.
Ther
e'sSandz,
Mlungi
siandMnqobi
.
Me:
Baf
o.
Them:
Baf
o.
Ml
ungi
si:
How'
sNahi
koDoi
ng?
Me:she'
sgett
ingwor sebutshewi
l
lbebet
teri
n
weekst
ime,
I'
m hol
dingonthat
.
Mnqobi:She'
sav er
ystr
ongwomanshewi
l
lpass
t
hroughthi
s.Shehav
eyoubyhersi
de.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuchBaf
o.
Sandz
:Youwi
l
lbef
ine,
justbest
rong!
Me:
Yeah,
wher
ear
ethoset
wo.
Mnqobi
:Tor
tur
eroom.
Iwalkedthere,andIf
oundthem sl
eepi
ng.Iwalked
tothefreezerandtookIcewaterandthrew i
ton
them.
Theyscr
eamed.
Me:
HeyLadi
es.
Isai
dthatt
aki
ngt
het
ool
box.
Ev
a:Zi
thul
ele.
Me:
That
'smyname.
Eva:Iam sosorr
y,Idi
dn'tmeant odot hi
sIdon't
know whathasgotten i
nto me.If el
ta need t
o
avengemysist
erIam sorryIdidn'
tmeant oharm
Nahiko.
Me:
Mhhhh
Eva:You'r
e my .bestfr
iend Zi
thul
eleremember?
We'vebeenthr
oughalottoget
her
.Butlookatus,
we
st
ill
standi
ngyoucandothis.
Me:
foundi
t!
It
ooktheScr
ewdriv
erandascissor
.Ir
emov
edt
he
j
eansof
fhert
highsbycut
ti
ngi
t.
Me:
Whatdi
dNahi
kodot
oyou?
Ev
a:Not
hing.
Me:
I'
ll
askagai
n.WhathasNahi
kodonet
oyou?
Shekeptqui
et,
Ist
abbedherr
ightt
high.
Me:
Answermyquest
ion.
Shewasscr
eami
ng
Ev
a:YouLov
edher
.
Ipushedt
hescr
ewdr
iverdownwar
dsanddeepshe
scr
eamed.
Me:
Younotanswer
ingme.
Shekeptonscreaming.It
ookthespi
ri
tandpour
edi
t
onhert hi
gh.Ir emovedthescrewdri
vershewas
scr
eaming,Di
neowashel pi
ngher.
Idi
dthesamet
hingonherl
eftt
high.
Eva:Shetookyoufrom me,Il ov
ey ouZit
hulel
e.I
l
ovey ousomuchbutshecamei nt hepi
ctureand
youlovedherandbrokeal lthepromisesthatyou
madet ome.Ipromiset omar r
ymeandhav ekids
withme.Youbrokeallofthatandthat'
sal
lbecause
ofher!
Shewascry
ingIr
emov
edt
hescr
ewdr
iverandwent
toDi
neo.
Me:Iwon'
taskt
hesameQuest
iont
oyouagai
nand
agai
n.
Ist
abbedheronherthi
gh,
shemuf f
ledherscreams.
She thought she was str
onger , buried the
scr
ewdriv
erdeepandt wi
steditshescr eamed in
agony
.
Di
neo:I
'
m sor
rypleasef
orgi
veme!Iwi
l
lleav
esout
h
Af
ri
cagotoanot
hercountr
y.
Istabbedherotherthi
ghandi nf
lect
edpaini nher
.
Shewascr y
ing,bot
hoft hem wer
ecr yi
ng.Iwentto
the otherr
oom and t ook Ti
kki
e and Br uno my
pit
bull
s.
Me:
Tikki
e,Br
unohav
efun.That
'sy
ourl
unch.
Isatbackt hentookMyCi gar
ett
eandsmoked.I
don'
tsmokeev er
yday,IsmokewheneverIfeelangry
orpissed.Thei
rscreamswer enothi
ngt ome,I 'v
e
hadmor eint
ensescream t
hanthei
rI'
m notfazedat
al
l.
Ther
ewasbloodallov
ert
hem.Iwentt
othef
ir
e
pl
aceandl
i
tthef
ir
e.
Me:
Tikki
eandBr
unoSt
opt
hat
'senough.
It
ookt
hedogsi
ntot
hei
rroom andcl
osedi
t.
Iwentt
otheladi
es,
theywer
einav
erybadst
ateand
di
dn'
tcareatal
l.
Ev
a:Iam sosor
ryZi
thul
elepl
easespar
emyl
i
fe,I
wil
lleav
et hecount
ryandnev
ersetfoothereev
er
agai
n.Pleasef
orgi
vemeIbegyouZi
thul
ele.
Dineo:Ev aisright
,wewi llleav
epleasespareus
we'vealreadysuff
eredenough.Wewon'ttel
lany
one
wewi lltakethef i
rstf
li
ghtthat'
sgoingoutoft he
countr
y .
Me:Youdi dn'
tsparemybaby '
sl i
fewhyshoul dI
spareyourshuh?Whywoul dIwantt ospar
ey ours
whyy oudidn'
tevenspar eanunbor nbaby'
sl i
fe?
Hecky outwoareri
ght,y
ouwon'teversetyourfoot
herenotevenoneart
h.Thisi
syourlastf
ewmi nutes
onearth.
Eva:Please Zi
thu,I'
m begging you.Thi
nkofmy
parent
sloosi
ngbot hofthei
rdaughter
s.Thi
nkofmy
Sist
erAmanda,I'
m sorry
.
Me:yourparent
swil
lneverknow,andAmandai
sno
moreit
'spi
tyyouai
n'
tjoi
ningheri
nheaven.
Itookt
heparaf
finandpouri
tont
hem,
theybeggi
ng
andscr
eamingformetostop.
Me:
Didy
oust
opwhenNahi
koaskedy
out
ost
op?
Theydi
dn'
tev
enanswermyquest
ion.
Me:
Who'
sfi
rstt
ogoi
nsi
det
hef
ir
e?
Theyst
art
edmov i
ngbackwar
dssl
owl
ysi
ncet
hey
hadnost
rengt
hint
hem.
Me:Bot
hofy
ouwi
l
lbegoi
ngi
nsi
de,t
hatwoul
dbe
ver
ycut
e!
ItookDineoandthrewheronf
ir
eandt
ookEv
atoo
andthr
ewhert her
etoo.
Iwatchedt
hem astheyscr
eamedcal
l
ingf
orhel
p
andaski
ngf
oranapol
ogy.
Me:
Ashest
oAshesl
adi
es!
.
Isai
dthatl
eav
ingt
her
oom.

.
.
40+comment s.Pl
easeshar
e,l
i
keandpl
easeI
nvi
te
yourFr
iends.
Thanky
ou.
FORTYTHREE

"Chi
ckennuggets,Beefburgerwi
thlargechi
psf r
om
RoccoMamas,st i
ckywings,Hotwingsandt i
ramisu
cake.Oh and don'tfor
getpeppermi ntI
cecr eam,
Cranber
ryJui
ceandsomesnackI 'veranout"
Me:
you'
re notget
ti
ng anyI
ce cr
eam Nahi
ko and
t
hat
'sfi
nal
.
Nahi
ko:
mxxm y
ou'
resuchabul
l
y.
Shewal ksoutonme,cur
singandmumbl
i
ngt
hings
thatIcan'
tevenhear
.
Nahiko:Youknow what?For
getaboutallt
hatI
'
ve
askedyoutobuy.Ihat
eyouMarnZi
thul
ele
Sheshout
edf
rom Upst
air
s.
4Mont hspregnantandIj ustcan'
twai tf
orherto
givebi r
thalready.I'
vehadenough.Thesepast3
mont hswer ehardonherbutshe' sveryst
rongshe
wentt hroughalloft
hisnotalonebutwithmebyhis
side.Ther eweretimesthatsheal mostmiscar
ri
ed
thesecondbabybutThankt heLor
dwesur vi
vedand
Tr
iumphi
nal
loft
his.
"Youar
est
il
lher
eBul
umnkoZi
thul
eleMkhi
ze?"
Me:butwher
eam Isupposedt
obeatSt
handwa
Sam?
Nahi
ko:Don'
ttr
yme,pl
easedon'
t!I
'
m gi
vi
ngy
ouan
hour
.
Shewal
kedi
ntot
heki
tchen.
Itaket
hecarkey
sandwentout
,Azol
eandGi
giwer
e
aboutt
oknock.
Me:
HeyLadi
es.
Them:
Hi.
Me:Yourcr
azyfri
endi
sinside,
lookIhav
etorunher
er
randsi
fnotI
'l
lfi
ndmyselfoutsi
demyhouseagai
n.
TheylaughedatmeasrantomyCar.We'restay
ing
i
nmyhouse,t heDoctorandChar
mainesuggested
thatsheshoul
dstaywit
hsomeone,she'
shereonly
forthi
sweekshe'sstayi
ngwit
hherpar ent
sbutI
askedforherthi
sweekandi t
'sonly3daysandI
wantheroutofmyhouse.
Myphoner
ingsi
t'
sSi
yabongaIconnectmyphone
onBl
uet
oot
h.
Me:
Siy
a.
Si
ya:
Brawehav
eapr
obl
em att
heTaxi
Rank.
Me:
Whatpr
obl
em?
Siy
a:TheRoutet
oMi t
chel
l'
sPlai
nisclosed,t
hose
Colour
edswantttakeoverand Ther
ear esome
gangsher
ewedon'
twanttofi
ght.
Me:I'
llhandleit
,I'
llcal
loneoftheAlphasthat
'sin
char
geoft hatr
outes.Youwil
lbeabl
etodri
vethere.
Si
ya:
Ther
ewon'
tbeanyWar
?
Me:Notherewon'
tbeaneedf
orWar
.I'
l
lbepeacef
ul
aspossi
ble.
Si
ya:
Alr
ightBr
a,Fede.
Me:
Sur
e.
IdroptheCal
l
,Nahikoaskedmet odowhateverSi
ya
wants,si
ncehe'
sabr eadwinnerathi
shome.SoI
askedSiyawhathewant edtodo,heTol dmehe
wantedtobei ntheTaxiindustr
y,Ididn'
thavea
problem wit
hthat
,we'r
egoingon50/ 50.Wehav e
protect
ion f
orhim si
nce he seems weak,so he
managest heTaxisandTaxidr i
ver
,Imanaget he
otherownersand Tur
fsprobl
em.Ev er
ythi
ngissti
l
l
goingwellwehavenoprobl
ems.
Imakedr iv
et hrut
oallthest opsbuy i
nghert hi
ngs.I
parkedatt hemallmaki ngmywayt oWoolwor thsI
needt obuyt hatcakeandsnack,I '
m debat i
ngon
whethertobuyt heicecr eam ornot.Ibuyit,I'
l
lhide
i
tandi fshegivesmet ought i
meI'l
lgiveitt
oher .
Idr
ivebackt
omypl
ace.
She'
sdoi ngsomeYoga,It houghtherFr
iendswoul
d
besti
llhereandent er
tai
nherbutno.Notonl yme
can'
tstandherbutherfri
endstoo.
"
Ohhy
ou'
rebag,
thanky
ousomuchmyLov
e"
Shet
akesthebagsf
rom me,ifshewasn'
tpr
egnantI
woul
d'
veconcl
udedthatshe'
sbipol
ar.
I
tseemsasi
fI'
m nother
e.
Myphonecal
lRi
ngsi
t'
sJK.
Me:
JK
JK:
HeyHandsome,
howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m goodMan.
JK:
Didy
ouhav
etot
alkaboutmebei
ngaMan?I
'
ma
Woman
Me:
Yeah,
iny
ourdr
eams.
JK:Idon'tgetitwhy I'
m wor
king f
ory
ou,but
ever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngaccor
dingt
opl
an.
Me:
Ther
ing?
JK:I'
vesentt hem toy ouremai
lsincey oudon'
t
answeryourphone,pl
easechoosetheOney oul
ove
the most.Make i tsnappy act
uall
y check y
our
WhatsAppnowandgi vemeacall.
Il
ogin,andMessagesf loodonIdidn'
tevenknow
I
'mfamous.Iwhenthroughther
ingsandIf
ell
inlov
e
wi
thoneofthem.Igiv
eJKaCal l
.
JK:
thatwasf
ast
.
Me:I'
m a Man,Iwon' tgush ov
err
ings and be
i
ndeci
siv
eaboutsomet
hing.
JK:
Soy
ouagr
eet
hatI
'
m awoman.
Me:Idi
dn'
tsayso,butt
aket
hat2.8car
etDi
amond
r
ingwit
hWhit
eGoldCentr
epi
ece.
JK:Greatchoi
ce,
Ilov
eitandI
'
m sur
eshewi
l
llov
eit
too.
Me:Itrusty
out omaket hi
sdaySpeci
alf
orher
,
pl
easemakethepl
acebeauti
ful
.
JK:Noworri
estheDr
esswi
l
lcomewi
tht
heMakeup
andhai
rst
yli
st.
Me:
Alr
ightt
hanky
ou.
JK:
I'
m onl
ydoi
ngmyj
ob.
Me:
Alr
ightby
e.
JK:
Bye.
Idr op the call
.Ismi l
e,tomor
row it
's Nahi
ko'
s
Bir
thdayandIwantt oengageherthem sendmy
unclesforLobola,Idon'
twanttohav
eachi l
doutof
wedlock.Byt hetimethebabyisbornNahikoandI
havetobeal r
eadymar ri
ed.
"Youmustbethi
nki
ngaboutsomewoman,ar
eyou
cheat
ingonmewenaZi
thul
ele?
"
Ilook ather,she has hands on herwaistI'
m
thr
eadi
ngcaref
ull
yhereIdon'twanttolaughather
shewil
lbeangry
.
Me:
Nomyl
ove,
Iwast
hinki
ngabouty
ou.
Nahi
ko:Am Iaf
oolZi
thulel
e?DoIl
ookl
i
keanI
diot
?
I
sidi
otwri
tt
enonmyFor ehead?
Me:BabyCal
m downokay
?I'
m notcheat
ingony
ouI
woul
dnever.
Nahiko:I
fyoudar
echeatonMeZithul
eleBul
umnko
MkhizetrustmeI'l
lbur
ny ouAl
i
veandgi v
eyour
ashestodogs.
Me:Iwoul
dnev
ercheatony
ou,andI
'
llkeept
hati
n
mi
nd.
Nahiko:Andwher eismyi cecream?Whydoy ou
al
way stestmeZithul
ele?Areyounotbother
ingme
enoughwi t
hyourcheat
ingways?Doy ouwantmeto
di
e?Doy ouwantmyHighbloodpressur
etori
sehuh?
Me:
Ihav
eyouri
cecr
eam i
t'
sint
hecar
.
Nahi
ko:
Int
heCar
?
Me:
YesSt
handwaSam.
Nahiko:Areyousureyoust i
l
lfuncti
oningwell?I
t'
s
bl
azinghotoutsi
deyoulef
ticecream i
nt hecar
,who
wil
leatameltedicecr
eam?YouknowBi gHead?I'm
Donewi thyou,eattheIcecr eam Idon' twantit
anymore!
Shet
akest
he5Lj
uiceandt
hesnacksandheadup.
Areallpr
egnantwomanl
i
kethi
sorNahi
koi
sbeing
Dramati
c?IfIshout
edathershewoul
dbecr
ying
ri
ghtnow.
Iwentt othecart ooktheice,ithasn'tmel t
edt hat
muchi t
'sj
ustthatpregnantwomanupst ai
rsiscrazy.
Iputitonf r
eezer.Ieatthewi ngst hatIboughtf or
my sel
fand dr ank my beerIneed al lthe help.
Mamkhi zebeforeNahikowaspr egnantsheusedt o
comeannouncenow t hatshe'
spr egnanttheydon' t
evenpopup.She' ssuchaslavedri
v er,abigbull
y .
Iwalkupstai
rs,she'
ssleepi
ngNakedont
opoft
he
bed,
ther
e'sadr essont
opofherhand.
Shewasabouttogetdr
essed,Il
aughather
.Idr
ess
herandcov
erherwi
thafleecebl
anket
..
Doy
'al
lheart
hat
?.
'
Peacef
ul'
.

_
___
___
__
NAHI
KO
Me:hey
,whoar
eyou?Whatar
eyoudoi
ngwi
thmy
baby
?
Lady
:He'
ssohandsomej ustl
i
kehi
sFat
her
,andhas
hi
smother
'sbeaut
if
uley
es.
Me:
Wel
lthanky
ou!Butwhoar
eyou?
Lady:Zi
thulel
eisaNiceman,t
hankyouforchangi
ng
him.You'r
et heLov
eofhisLife,y
outwoar emeant
foreachotherwhet
herIwasal
iveordead.
Me:
Amanda?
Shenods.
Amanda:Youhav esuchabeaut i
fulheart
,y ou'
reso
humble,sel
fl
essandy ou'
resobeautif
ul.Thanky ou
forl
ovingZithul
elethewayy oulovehim.He' sno
sai
ntthatIknow,y ou'
vel
ovedhim mor ethanIdi d.
Helovesyoutoowi t
hhiswhol
eheartandlife.
Me:Thank you so much,I'
m sorr
y aboutwhat
happenedtoyou.Hewant
edtosav
ey ouwit
hhisal
l,
helovesyout
oo.You'
real
way
sinhishear
tyou'
rehi
s
fi
rstl
ove.
Amanda:Iknow,he'sinmyhear ttoo.Itwasmeant
formet oleav
eear t
h,itwasmyt i
mesoIdon' t
Blamehi m.Iblessyourunion,mayGodBl essyou
andZi t
hulel
ewi t
hlotsofloveandhappi nesswith
yourkidsbyy ourside.Youdeser v
eal ltheGood
thi
ngsiny ourl
if
e.YourGrandmotherisalway swi
th
you,shelovesy
ousomuch.
Me:Youtooarebeaut
if
ul,Thankyou.Imi
ssmy
Gr
andmot
herev
ery
day.I
sthatmyBaby?
"
Yes,
he'
sHandsome,
hewi
l
lbr
eakhear
tsoneday
"
Ir
unintoherwar
m ar
msIengul
finahug.Tear
son
mycheeks.
Me:Iwantt
obeher
eBhel
ekazi
,i
t'
ssopeacef
uland
r
efr
eshi
ng.
Bhel
ekazi
:Iknow,that'
swhat'
scomingtoy ourli
fe.
Happi
ness,Lov
e,refr
eshmentandpeace.It
'sal
ldue
mychild TheLightatt heend oft
het unnelhas
shi
nedupony
ou.YourHappi
ness.
Me:
Thanky
ouBhel
ekazi
,Il
ovey
ousomuch!
Bhel
ekazi
:Il
ovey
ouwaymor
emybaby
.
Ihughersot
ight
ly,
Amandai
snotwi
thusanymor
e.
Bhel
ekazi
:her
eisy
ourbaby
,Nqobi
zi
tha Juni
or
Mkhi
ze!
Me:
Nqobi
zi
tha?
Bhelekazi
:Hehasconquer edyourLongestfi
ghtwith
yourenemies,hesurviv
edhef oughtforhisSurv
ival
.
Heconquer edall
,he'
sy ourst
rongchildjustl
ikehis
fat
her'Juni
or'Zi
thul
ele.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuch,
Ilov
ethenames.
Bhel
ekazi:Ibl
essyoumychi
ld,
Ibl
essyourMar
ri
age
wit
hZithulel
eIgiv
ey oual
lmyblessi
ngsIl
oveyou
Nana!
Me:
Thanky
ou,
Ilov
eyouwaymor
e.
Bhel
ekazi
:Ihav
etogonow,
HappyBi
rt
hdayMyLov
e.
ShehugsmeandgivemeNqobi
zi
thaJuni
orMkhi
ze.
Il
ookatmyhandsomeson.
Me:
ByeSt
handwaSam!
Iwav
easshef
adesaway
.
"HAPPYBIRTHDAYTOYOU! !HAPPYBI
RTHDAYTO
YOU.HAPPY BI RTHDAY DEAR NAHI
KO HAPPY
BIRTHDAYTOYOU!!!
"
Iopenmyey
esandsmi
l
eathi
m,mybabyki
cks.
Me:
Zit
hul
ele!
Isayi
nshocki
t'
sthef
ir
stt
imet
hebabyi
ski
cki
ng.
Zi
thu:
what
'swr
ong.
It
akehishandsandpl
acethem onmystomach,he'
s
soexci
tedwebothareexci
ted.Thi
sispri
cel
ess,I
'm
evencr
ying
Zi
thu:
he'
swi
shi
nghi
smot
herahappybi
rt
hday
.
Iusestoarguewit
hhim andsaythi
schi
l
disgi
rl
af
tert
hisdr
eam I
'
m cer
tai
nit
'saboy
.
Me:
Wel
lThanky
ouBoy
!
Hest
opski
cki
ngandZi
thul
eleki
ssme!
Zi
thul
ele:
HappyBi
rt
hdayMama,
Ilov
eyousomuch.
Me:
ThankBabakheIl
ovey
out
oo.
Wehugandki
ss.
.
"
Okayst
opi
tnow!I
t'
snotcut
eany
mor
e"
I
t'
smymot
herandMamkhi
ze.
Theycomeandhugme.
Mom:HappyBi r
thdayMybaby
,mayGodblessyou
abundant
lyandgranty
ouwi
shandy
ear
nsfor.Il
ove
you.
Me:
Thanksmommy
,Il
ovey
out
oo.
Mamkhize:HappyBi
rt
hdaymakoti,mayGodbl
ess
youandgivey
oumoreli
fe.Il
ovey
oubaby
Me:
Thanky
ouma,
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Mamkhi
ze:
Nowy
out
wowat
cht
his.
Itakeherphoneandi t'
smeandZi t
hulelegushi
ng
overourBaby'
sfir
stki
ck.IlaughatZi
thulel
e'
ssmile,
i
t'
ssobr oadbutbeaut
if
ul.
Me:Pl
easesendi
ttomeonWhat sApp,t
hiswi
l
lbe
memori
esofmyfi
rstpr
egnancy
.
Mamkhize:wi
l
lsurelydo,pl
easet
akesqui
ckshower
peopl
earewait
ingforyou.
Theylef
t,now I
'
mlooki
ngatt
heWol
d'
samazi
ng
boyf
ri
end.
Zi
thu:Yousleptear
lyy
ester
dayyoudi
dn'
tev
enwake
upatnight
.Andy ouweremadatme
Me:I
t'
stheHor
monesbabyy
ouknow,I
'
llnev
erdo
youl
i
kethat
.
Hesmi
l
es.
Zi
thu:
Iknowbabyy
ouwoul
dnev
er.
Me:
Alr
ightl
etmet
akeashower
!
Zi
thu:
I'
ll
bedownst
air
s.
Heleavesfast
,hethi
nksI'
m gonnaaskhi mt
oshare
a showerwi t
h me butwe hav e guestand we
wouldn'
twanttokeepthem wai
ti
ng.
It
akeaqui
ckshower
,dr
ymybodyandl
oti
on.
Iwor emyy
ell
ow mat
erni
tydr
esswi
th mywhi
te
sandal
s.
Icombmyaf
roandt
iei
tinani
cebun.
I make my way downst ai
rs,my fri
ends their
boyfr
iends,my parents,twi
ns,Zenande,Mkhi ze
famil
yi salldownst
air
seati
ngandlaughinginthis
l
ong t abl
et hathas food.My heartsmi l
es I
'm
feast
ing.
"
HappyBi
rt
hday
"
Theysingandwi shmeav eryhappybirt
hdayand
smil
ing and shedding t
ear
s.I t
'sthe hor
mones,I
l
it
erall
ycryf
ornor easonatall
.
Ev
eryonewi
shesmeahappybi
rt
hdayandt
hegood
wi
shes.
Me:Thankyousomucht
oyoual
l
,thi
sist
hebest
bi
rt
hdayever
.
Mamkhi
ze:
wai
tti
l
lyouseel
ateron.
Me:
I'
m hav
ingapar
ty?
Zi
thu:
Somet
hingl
i
ket
hatSt
handwaSam.
Hesay seyei
ngMamkhi
ze,Mamkhi
zej
ustshr
ugged
hershoul
ders.
Idon'
tmi
ndt hem,I
'mfocusedonmyplatet
hat
's
whatmat
ter
sNqobizi
thai
shungryheneedst
obe
fed.Ij
ustcan'
twai
tforhi
mtobebor
nmyhandsome
son.
Zit
hu:St
handwaSam I'
m goi
ngwiththeguy
s,ther
e
aresomethi
ngthatweneedtotakecareof.Imay
notcomebackbutseey ouatt
hev enuewherewe
wil
lbehavi
ngyourpar
ty.
Me:
Doy
our
eal
l
yhav
etogo?
Hesi
gh.
Zit
hu:Babyi
t'
syour25t
hbi
rt
hday
,ithast
obet
he
bestokay
.
Me:
Finel
eav
ebef
oreIchangemymi
nd.
Zi
thu:Iknowy oucanchangey
ourmi
ndi
nseconds.
By
eIl oveyou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.By
e.
Heki
ssMtf
oreheadandl
eav
ewi
thf
ri
ends.
I
'
mlef
twit
hAzoleandGi
giev
ery
onewentt
opr
epar
e
f
ormyBi
rt
hdaypar
ty.
Azol
e:Thi
sfeel
sli
keadr
eam,
afai
ryt
aley
ouknow.
Me:Yeah,
we'
vegr
ownsomucht
hati
fyout
oldme2
Yearsbackt hatIwouldbeherebackwi thZit
hul
ele,
pregnantGigiengagedt obemar r
ied,andmyBest
fr
iendinalongestRelat
ionshi
p.I
t'
ssuchadr eam.
Azol
e: Yeah.Ican'
tevenbeli
evei
tmy sel
f,onemont h
waslongenoughf ormet obei naRel ati
onship.2
year
s 6mont hs isal ot
,I'm al
ready planning a
weddingi nmyhear dri
ghtnowChumaniI sallagir
l
wouldev erwant.
Gigi:Ineverli
kedColoureds,noteveninmywi l
dest
dreams buther e Iam madl yinl ove wit
h and
engagedt obemar ri
edit'
ssounr eal
.I'
m gl
adIfound
soulsistersiny ougir
ls,I'
vefoundSi st
erhoodnot
even f r
iendshi
p because what we shar ei sa
si
sterhood.Iloveyouli
ttl
esist
ers.
Me:Thi shormonesaremessingmeup.Butt hank
you guysforAl waysbeing t
hereforme,and I'
l
l
alwaysbet hereforyout wo no mat
terwhatthe
univer
seholds.Ilov
ey oubigsist
erandIloveyou
tooLit
tlesi
ster
.
Azol
e:I
'
veneverbeencloset
opeopl
easy ouguy
s,
Nahi
koyou'
ret
heloveofmyli
feat
ruefr
iendy
ouare
str
aighttal
kery ouity oudon'tli
kesomet hi
ngyou
sayityouvoiceouty ouropini
ons.Gi
giyou'r
esucha
GodsentanAngeli nhumanf orm.You'rethebest
si
stera girlchild could everask for
,so sweet,
humbleandki ndhearted.Il
oveyoubigsist
ers.
Weshar
eahug,
I'
ll
nev
ert
radet
hist
wo.
Me:I t
's myfir
stBir
thdaywit
houtYot
hando,you
know evenbackinEaster
nCapeshewasthefir
st
persontowishmeahappybi rt
hday
.Butit
'sgood
youguysareherewi
thme.
Azol
e:Wewi
l
lgr
owol
dhoney
!
Welaugh,theywil
lget
ti
ngreadywi
thmet
odayf
or
myspecial
Birt
hdaypar
ty.
"St
handwaSam, there'
saGayGuyJKcomi ngwi t
ha
Makeupandhai rst y
li
stGir
l.Theywi l
lsortyouthree
withdresses,makeupandhai rst
yle.Ican'twaitto
seeyou,Iknow y ou'
llbethemostbeaut i
full
ady.I
l
ov eyoumama. "Ir eadthemessageandshowi tto
thegi
rls.
Azole:Thi
sistheli
feI
'vewishedf
oranddr
eamt
about.Wearel
i
vingl
i
fel
adies.
Welaughather
,theyaredr
inki
ngchampagneand
I
'
m dri
nki
ngcr
anberr
yjui
ceI
'm soj
eal
ousShame!
.
.
7i
nser
tsl
eftf
orourst
oryt
oend.
.
.
40+comment
s,pl
easeshar
e,Li
keandI
nvi
tey
our
fr
iends.
Enj
oy.
FORTYFOUR
"
Cryonemor
eti
meI
'
llwi
pet
hatmakeupof
fyour
f
ace"
Il
aughatJK,
he'
sGayandIal
readyl
ovehi
m.
Me:
I'
m sor
ry,
I'
mlooki
ngbeaut
if
ult
hat
'swhy
.
JK:Andyoul ooki
ngbeauti
fulandy
ou'
regett
ingl
ate
foryourbir
thdayCelebr
ati
on.Yourfr
iendswil
lget
drunkher
e.
Ilaughathi
m,Gi
giandAz
olehav
ebeendr
inki
ng
Champagne.
Il
ookatmy
sel
fInt
hemi
rr
oroncemor
eti
me.
Thi
smust ardDr
esswi thOnear
mr ol
l
edopenback
andsli
tonmyl eftleg.MybabybumpissocuteI
smil
ethi
st i
mearound.
Imademywaydownst ai
rsmyfri
endsar
eseatedi n
theloungesi
ppingonchampagnedi dIt
elly
'al
lthat
I'
mjealousofthem dr
inki
ngAlcohol
?Where'
smor al
support?
Me:
Bef
orey
out
wogetdr
unkcanwel
i
ve?
Azole:Mamalookatyou,OhmyGody
ouar
eso
beauti
ful
.Youl
ookl
i
keanAngel
.
Ismi
l
eather
.
Me:
Thanky
oumyl
ove.
Gigi
:You r
eal
lylook beaut
if
ul.Zi
thul
ele wi
l
lcr
y
seei
ngt
oli
kethi
s.
Wel
augh.
"
Okay enough wi
tht
he Chi
tchatl
et'
s go y
ou'
re
al
readyl
atef
ory
ourbi
rt
hdaycel
ebr
ati
on"
Me:
JKy
ou'
resoj
eal
ous!
Il
aughathi
m.
Ther
e'saLi
mousi
neout
side,
andIl
ookatJK.
Me:
OhmyGoodnessJK,
ist
hisourr
ide?
JK:
Yeshoneyi
tis.
Zi
thul
elei
ssomet
hingel
se.
Ther i
detothevenuei
ssofunJKisourenter
tai
ner
we'v
ebeenl aughi
ngfr
om t
hehouse,i
t'
strueGay s
arethebest
.
Wear ri
veint hispl
ace,itlooksl i
keaLodgei t'
sso
beauti
ful and t he night li
ght s are maki ng i t
except
ional.Wemakewayi ntosomechapel ,i
t'
sso
beauti
fulGoldandBl ackisthet heme. .Myf ami l
yi s
herelooking so beautif
ulIl ove baby Zenande' s
dressit'
ssobeaut i
fulitsuit
sher .Mkhi zeFami l
yi s
alsoherelookingbeautif
ulasal way s,Charmai nei s
hereandot herladi
esthatIwor kwithatt hecent re.
Thisisbeaut if
ulIspotChel seaand ot herladies
whichweat tendedtheTherapygr oupwi ththem!
Ismileatmy sel
f,ther
e'snowayZit
hul
elepul
l
edal
l
thi
sbyhi mselfmybestf ri
endhadahandhere!
.
SpeakingofZit
hulel
ewhereishe?
"
HappyBi
rt
hdayBest
ie"
Il
ookback,
it'
sNkosi
nay
e,Busi
si
weandPr
incess.
Ihughi
m
Me:ThisDaykeepsonget
ti
ngbet
terandbet
tereach
andeverysecond.
Nkosi
naye:Iwoul
dn'tmissi
tfort
heworl
d.Youlook
beaut
if
ul,
lookatbabybumpit'
ssocut
e.I
'm goi
ngto
beanunclesoon.
Il
aughathi
m.
Me:Yeah,It
houghtIshoul
dgi
vepr
incesssomeBen
10youknow.
Wel
aughed.
Me:ButI
'm gl
adt
hatyouareher
e.Tocel
ebr
atemy
bi
rt
hdaywit
hme,I
'm gr
atef
ul.
Ihughi
m.
Nkosi
nay
e:That
'
swhatbestf
ri
endsar
efor
.
Me:feelfreet
omingl
eandBusi
si
weI
'
m sor
ryIj
ust
gotcar
riedaway
Busi
siwe:It
'sokaymyl oveIunder
standi
t'
sbeen
l
ongthatyouhaven'
tseeneachot
her
.
Me:
Yeah,
enj
oyl
etmegogr
eett
heot
herguest
s.
Nkosi
nay
e:Al
ri
ght
.
Igoar
oundgr
eetingpeopl
e,I
'
m happyt
hatpeopl
e
cl
oset
omyheartareher
e.
"
HeySi
ster
"
Me:
HeyBr
other
.
Ihughim,Si y
abongahasbeent hebigbr
otherthat
I'
venev
erhad.We' vegott
encl
osebyt heti
meIwas
i
nhospitalandwhenIwashealingfrom t
hetrauma
andMent al
breakdown.
Si
ya:
Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul,
Happybi
rt
hday
.
Me:
Thanky
ou,
Wher
eisZi
thul
ele?
Si
ya:Hewil
lbeher
esoon,hewasf
ixingt
hingsher
e
sohewentt
ochange.Doyoumi
sshim?
Me:Il
astsaw hi
mint
hemor
ningofcour
seImi
ss
hi
m.
Si
ya:
Alr
ightl
etmegocheckonhi
mfory
ou.
Me:
Please.
Helef
tandIfeelawarm hugf
rom myback.Iknow
t
hiswri
nkl
edwhitehands.
Me:
Char
ms.
Charmai
ne:My Baby l
ook aty ou,so grown,so
beaut
if
ulandy
ou'
regl
owing.Happinesssui
tsyou.
Me:ThankyouandIdi dn'
tevenknow al
loft
hisi
s
goi
ngtohappen,
Iexpectedsomet
hingsosmal
l.
Charmaine:Thatmanlov
esy ou,hewast herefor
youinyourdif
fi
cul
tti
mes,
henev erl
efty
ou.Thelove
thatyoutwosharei
ssotrueandpure,youar
ewhat
theycal
lsoul
mates.
Me:Thanky ouandnowIbeliev
et hat,I
'
vefoundt r
ue
l
ov ei n hi
m,If ound a f
atherf i
gure,bestfriend,
brotherandal i
feti
mepartnerit
'sallI'
veeverasked
forandwhatI '
veal
waysdreamtt ohave.
Charmai
ne:Youhavesuchabeaut
if
ulhear
tMayy ou
passitt
oyourchi
ldr
enaswell
,may,heyi
nher
itwhat
y
out
wohav
e.
Me:CharmaineJKinst
ruct
edmet hatIshoul
dn'
tcr
y
sopleasest
opwithsuchwordsIdon'
tknowwhatto
doI'
l
l j
ustcr
y!
Webot
hlaugh.
Char
maine:WellhappyBi
rt
hdaymyLov
e.Got
oyour
manoverther
e!
Itur
ninnanoseconds, ther
ehei slookingallsortsof
handsomei nthatblackTux,whi teshi r
t.Thet op2
butt
onsar eunbut t
onedhe' schiseledchesti sout
ther
e,hehadahai rcutper fect
lytreamed.Ican' t
stopmysmi l
e,I'm blushi
ngIam undr essi
nghi m
withmyey esifi twast het woofusi nt hishallI
would'
vehavehimr ighthererightnow.Ir ushtohim
andgivehim abighug, hel
aughsatmebutgi vesme
thebesthug.
Zi
thu:
SoIwasmi
ssed?
Heaskedwi
thasmi
rkonhi
sface.
Me:Wel
lyouhav
enoi
dea,
Iwasaboutt
ocr
yandgo
mad.
Zit
hu:ThankGodIar ri
ved.MyLov ey ouarelooki
ng
sobeauti
ful
,Idon'tknow whatI'
llsayy oulookli
ke
butyou'
relooki
ngl i
kesomet hi
ngI '
venev erhadin
myentir
elif
e,Idon'tseemyselfdoingt hi
sli
fethi
ng
wit
houtyoubymysi de.You'
remyev ery
thi
ngNahiko
Msomi.
Ihughi
m av
oidi
ngt
oshar
esomet
ear
s.
"
OkayMrAndMi
ssPar
tycanwest
artnow?
"
Me:
JKwhatdoy
ouwantf
rom me?
Hel
aughs.
JK:Justtakeaseatsot
hatwemayhav
esome
speeches!
Wet
akeaseati
ntheTopt
abl
e.
Jk:Okay accor di
ng to my program,we havea
speakerfrom work.Char
maine,pl
easepeopl
ethisi
s
notaf uneralshor
tandsweetmessagessot hatwe
canmov eon.Wehav eto eat
,wedon' twantto
star
vemi ssparty!
Ev
ery
onel
aughs,
wher
edi
dZi
thul
elegetJKf
rom?
Char
mai
nemakesherwayt
othepodi
um andt
akes
t
hemi
cfr
om JK.
Charmaine:I'
vealr
eadyt alkedwi t
hyoubaby .But
Hereagain,HappyBirt
hdayt oyou.MayGodbl ess
youandbewi t
hyouallthet i
me,youdeserveal
lthe
goodt hi
ngscomingt oy ourlif
e.Iwanty outobe
happyandst ayashumbl eandki ndhear
tedasy ou
are.Il
oveyou!
Ibl
owsomeki
ssest
oher
.Shegi
vesJKt
hemi
c.
JK:Thatwasbeauti
ful
,that'
swhyIlov
ewhi
tepeopl
e
theyl
ist
encar
eful
lytoinstr
ucti
ons.
Ev
ery
onel
aughs.
JK:Somov i
ngri
ghtal
ongmygoodpeopl ewehave
speechcomingfrom BestFr
iendAzol
e.Soblack
chi
ldshor
tandSweet.
Hegi
vest
hemi
ctoAzol
e.
Azol
e:Andi
zuv
angawemnaJK.[Iwon'
tli
stent
o
youJK]
Wel
aughandshewon'
tl
ist
ent
ohi
m.
Azol
e:Idon'tknowwheretostar
twit
hyou,3Year
s
backImetthisbeaut
if
ulbl
ackdol
lIdi
dn'
tev
enknow
hernamebutshef orcedmet or ememberhername,
that
'swher eourf r
iendshipstart
edaswor kpart
ners
butlookatusnow.You' vebeent heref ormemor e
thanany one,you' v
ehel dmyhandi nt hewor stdays
ofmyl if
e, youadv isedmet obeabet t
erpersonand
dowel lformy self
,y ouhadnof i
l
t eryouwoul dsay
thi
ngst hatwoul d makeorbr eakmeasl ong as
you'
vesai dy ourpi ece.Thanky ouf orbeingaf r
iend
thatI'v
enev erhad,t hanky ou f orbei ng self
less,
carr
ying and t hank y ou Fory ourki nd heartand
ther
apyt alks,myv er
yownt herapi st
.Ilov eyouso
much, Happybi rthdaymyl ove!
Ihuhherandqui
ckl
ywi
pedmyt
ear
sbef
oreJKsee
me.
JK:wow,thatwasbeaut
if
ul.Wehav
easpeakerf
rom
theI
nlaws.Motheri
n-l
aw.
Mamkhi
zet
akest
heMi
c.
Mamkhize:Don'
tworry JK Iwil
llisten t
oyour
i
nst
ruct
ionsandkeepi
tshor
taspossi
ble.
Wel
augh.
Mamkhi
ze:MyBabyt
hef
ir
stt
imeImety
ouIknew
youwer etheoneformychi ld,thanky ouf orbeing
thisl
ov el
ywoman,thanky ouf orchangingmyson
from theStonehewasand t urned him intothis
amazingman.Godbl essy oumychi l
d,wi t
hl ot
sof
happi
nessandgoodFor tune.Happybi r
thday,Ilove
you.
Ismi
l
eatherandbl
ewaki
ssonher
.
JK:ThankyoumyQueen,Nowourl
astspeakerour
MissPart
y'
sMother
.
Mom:Babylookathow beaut
if
uly
ouar
e,t
rul
yyou
t
akeaf
terme.
Il
aughandsmi
l
eather
.
Mom:MybabyIwon' tbelong,
youknowIal waystell
youev er
yt i
met hatyou'reaGodsenti nmyl i
fe,
you'r
eabestchi ldthatamot hercouldhave.Ilove
youmybabyandI '
m blessedt
ohav eyouasachi ld,
I'
m sopr oudofy ou,I'm soproudoft hewoman
you'v
ebecome.You' vebeen,t
hroughalotbutl ook
atyoust i
l
lstandingandbeaut i
ful
.You'
resostrong,
even str
ongerthan me.You' vemademesuch a
proudmot her,you'r
emyev er
ythi
ngmayt heGood
Lordblessyoubaby
.Ididn'tknowwhenIgav ebi
rth
26y ear
sagoIwouldhav esuchast r
ongwomanas
you,surel
ymywombi sblessed.Il
oveyouBhel
ekazi
.
Ihuggedhersot
ight
ly.
Me:Thanky ousomuchmom,Il ov
eyousomuch!
Thank you forgivi
ng bi
rthto me,wit
houty
ou I
wouldn'
tbehere.Thankyou.
WebreaktheHug,Iwi
pedmyt
ear
sbef
oreIr
uinmy
makeup.
JK:Thatwassohear tf
elt
,abeautif
ulmot herand
daughtermomentt here.Thankyoufortheniceand
beauti
fulspeechesforourmisspart
y.I'
m sureshe'
s
enj
oy i
ng.So now we ar e aboutto sing happy
bi
rthdayforherandeatandbemer ry
!
Zi
thul
elet
akesmyhand.
Me:
Ithoughty
ou'
l
lsaysomet
hingy
ouknow.
Zi
thu:
Nott
odaymyl
ove.
Hekissesmycheek.I
'm sodi
sappoi
nted,Iwant
ed
hi
mt otal
kandsaysomethi
ngbutIguessIwon'
tbe
havi
ngthat
.
Theysi
nghappybi
rt
hday
,andcutt
hecake!
Food!Godthankyou,I
'
vehadenoughofsnacksat
l
eastIwillhavesomenicemeal.Mybabyboyi s
hungr
y!

_
___
___
___
___
ZI
THULELE

Seei
nghert odaylooki
nglikeaGoddess, sobeautif
ul
herdar k melanin ski
nl ooking beauti
fulint hat
Mustarddressshe'swearing.Thebabybumpmakes
hermor ecuterandbeaut i
ful,she'
sglowing.She's
themostbeaut i
fulwomanI '
v eeverLai
dmyey eson,
she'
stheQueenofmyownKi ngdom she'stheonly
exi
sti
ngmembert hatIknow.
Thedisappoi
ntmenti
nherfacewhen It
oldhert
hat
I
'm notsayi
nganyspeecht
oday.
Iwal
kedt
oherf
ather
.
N.
Dad:
Arey
our
eadyson?
Me:
I'
m ner
voust
otel
lyout
het
rut
h.
N.Dad:Youwi
l
lbef
inej
ustsaywhat
evert
hati
sin
yourhear
t.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuch.Nowpl
easedoy
ourpar
t.
N.
Dad:
Sur
e.
Iwal
ktoJK.
Jk:
Youl
ookner
vous,
you'
reev
enshaki
ng.
Me:
Whati
fshesay
sno?
JK:Shewoul
dnev
er,shel
ovesy
ouj
ustr
elaxy
ou'
ve
gotthi
s.
Me:
YeahI
'
vegott
his,
I'
m sur
eitwon'
tbet
hathar
d
JK:
Speakf
rom y
ourHear
t.
Me:
YeahI
'
lldot
hat
.
Iwatchherasshe'sdanci
ngwithherFatheri
nthe
centr
estage!
.Thisi
swhatI'
vebeendreamingtodo
eversi
nceI'
velai
dmyeyesonher.
JK:
Ager
eal
l
yisbeaut
if
ul,
you'
resol
uckyy
ouknow.
Me:
YeahIknow,
she'
sar
areDi
amond.Har
dtof
ind
JK:Andy ou'
l
lbepr
oposingtoher
,youtwowillhave
averybeauti
ful
Uni
onblessedwi
thbeaut
if
ulchil
dren.
Me:
Yeahne?Thanksf
ort
hev
oteofconf
idence.
JK:I'
mtr
yingt
omakey
oul
essner
vousy
ouknow
that
?
Me:
Yeah,
canIhav
ether
ing?
JK:
Yeahsur
e.
Itaket
heboxfr
om hi
m andopent hebox,ther
e'sa
ri
ngandIsmi
leshewi
l
ldefi
nit
elyl
ovethi
sring.
Me:
Dimt
hosel
i
ght
sandl
ett
hespot
li
ghtonher
.
JK:
Oni
tboss.
Hehandsmet
heMi
c.
Iheav
easi gh.Hedimstheli
ghtsandt
hespot
li
ghti
s
onher,herfat
herhasl
eftheral
oneint
hecent
re.
Me:3Year sbackI'
vemett
hisbeaut
if
ulgir
lonal i
ft
butturnedmybackonherdeepdownIwant edto
l
ookatheroncemor et
imeandmakesur ethatmy
eyesarenotdecei
vi
ngme.WhenImadeey econtact
withhersomethi
nginmemoved,Iwantedtolookat
herey est illIst opbr eat hing.Ir ememberseei ngher
i
nacl ubImadei tami ssi ont hatI'
llhavetohav eher
number s,Iwasacowar dbutIknewI '
m notbacki ng
down.WhenIst artedcal l
ingherImadei ttoi nmy
mindt hatshe' smi nef orev er ,Irememberherf i
rstat
mypl aceshewassocomf ortabley etsheonl yknew
for2day s.Whensheagr eedt obemyGi r
lfri
endI
was t he happi estman ev er ,Iknew we wi llbe
countingy ear sact ual l
yweal ldot hedeat hdous
partvow.I 'venev ercr iedbef oreshecamei nmyl i
fe
butIcr i
esIshar edt ear swi thher ,ourr elationship
wasabi tt
er sweetr elationshi pshewassobr okenso
wasI .Wemendedt hebr okenbones,wel aughed
together ,foughtt oget herandcr i
edt ogether .I'
ma
changedmanal lbecauseofher .Whenwewentour
separatef or2Year sIcoul dn' tfunctionwithoutherI
couldn'tl i
vewi thouther ,butGod,Fat eandourLov e
broughtust ogether .MyLov et hanky ouf orcomi ng
i
nmyl i
f e,thanky ouf orbei ngt r
ueandhonestwi th
me.Il ov eeachandev ery thingabouty ou,wi thout
youI '
m not hi ng.Aty ourl owestIwast heref ory ou,
youwer et her eformeonmyl owestday s.AsI '
ve
saidIcan' tdot hisl ifet hingwi thouty oui nmyl ife.
Thankyouf orgiv
ingmeanheirthanky
ouf
orgi
vi
ng
met hebestgif
tofli
fe.I
'
m gr
atef
ul.
.
Istr
idewalki
ngt
oherI'
mri
ghtinf
rontofherl
ooki
ng
atcryi
ng,
mybeauti
ful
mess.I
'
m nowononeknee.
Me:Now I'
m askingy outori
deal ongwithme,be
withmefort
her estofmylif
eshar ethi
sli
fej
our
ney
withme.Bethemot herofmy10ki dsandbethe
Loveofmyl i
fe,myr ideordie.NahikoMsomiwil
l
takethi
shonourand changey oursurnamefr
om
Msomi t
oMkhize?
She'
scryi
ng,she'
sbeingher
sel
facrybabypl
ust
he
hormonesar
ewalkinghandi
nhandt
oo.
She nods herhead count
less t
imes,Ir
aise my
eyebr
ows.
Nahi
ko:
YesmyLov
e,Iwi
l
lmar
ryy
ou!
Isl
i
dtheri
ngonherf
ingerandst
oodup.Itookheri
n
myarms,t
hisi
sabeaut i
fulmomentf
orthebothof
us.
Me:
Ilov
eyouSt
handwaSam.
Nahi
ko:
Ilov
eyouwaymor
eMkhi
ze!
She hugs me ti
ght
ly,peopl
e ar
e cheer
ing and
congr
atul
ati
ngus.
Theli
ghtsnow ar
enor
mal
,It
akeat
issueandwi
pe
hert
ears.
JK:wow,thatwasverybeaut
if
ul.Now fi
nalspeech
fr
om ourMisspar
tyl
et'
sheari
tallf
rom Nahi
ko.
Hegi
vesherMakeup.
Nahiko:wow I '
m speechl ess.Thank y ou allfor
comingandcel ebr
atemybi rthdayitmeansal otto
me.Tomybestf ri
endsGi giandAzol ethankyouso
muchgi rls,Charmainethanky ousomuchmyl ove,
Myv eryownmot herthanky ouf oryourwombt hank
youf oreachandev er
ythi
ngy ou'v
edonef ormeI '
m
suchabl essedchil
d.Thanky ouMamBhel e.
Mamkhi ze,thankyouwomanf orgivingbirt
htot hi
s
amazingMan.I '
mv erymuchi nl ov
ewi thyourSon.
Tot heloveofmyl i
fe,t
hef at
herofmyunbor nkids,
thanky ousomuchKhabazel a,t hanky ouforlovi
ng
measbr okenasIwast hanky ouf oralwaysbeing
thereforme.I '
m gratef
ulandhappy .Ican'
tbeli
eve
I'
m someone' sFiancée,I
'm aboutt ogetmar r
iedto
themanofmydr eamsthefatherofmykidsI'
m so
happyIcan'tevenexpl
ainIhav enowordslef
tI'
m
speechl
ess.Il
oveyouKhabazelasomuch!
Iwalkedt
oherandhugher
,andki
ssedhert
hen
pul
l
edout.
Me:Ilovey ou mor
e Sthandwa sam.Ist
il
lcan'
t
bel
i
evethaty
ou'r
esoontobemywi f
e.
Nahi
ko:Ican'
tbel
ieveyoutur
nedmybi
rt
hdaypar
ty
i
ntoanengagementpar
ty.
Me:
Any
thi
ngnowcomemyl
ovel
et'
sgoanddance.
Nahi
ko:
Alr
ightBabakhe.
Il
aughandki
ssherf
orehead.
Thi
sher
eisadream comi
ngtrue,bei
ngmar
ri
edto
mysoul
mat
e,myrib,
myheartt
heloveofmyl
i
fe.
.
I
t'
spr
icel
ess!
.
.
.
6i
nser
tsl
eftf
orourst
oryt
oend.
.
.
.
40 comment
s,Pl
easeshar
e,Li
keand I
nvi
tey
our
Fr
iends.
ThankYou.
FORTYFI
VE

"
Nahikondi
nxi
niweiphinal
eBeer
"[Nahi
koI
'
mthi
rst
y
wher
eistheBeer]
Istompmyf
eetagai
n,I
'
m pr
egnantf
orGoodness'
s
sake.
Me:
Ndi
yezaMal
ume.[
I'
m comi
ngUncl
e]
We'
rei
nEast
ernCape,
myf
ri
endsar
eher
etomor
row
i
smyLobol
aDay.
I
'vebeenupanddownsi
nceI
'
vewokonupar
ound
5am.
Azol
e:Her
egoandgi
vei
ttome!
It
aket
hebeerandgav
eitt
ohi
m.
Uncle: Yho hay i umdala mtshana, nguwe lo
uzotshataandikhol
wat u.Kal
okwenaubumnci nci
ngoku.[ You'
re ol
d now myniece Idon'tbeli
eve
you'
ret heonethat'
sgetti
ngmarri
edy ou'
rewer
eso
small]
Me:Abantu bay
akhul
a Malume nam ndi
khul
i
le.
[
Peopl
egrowupuncl
eI'
vegr
owntoo]
Uncl
e:Khahlale phant
siMtshana khe si
ncokel
e.
[
Takeaseatniece,l
et'
shav
eachat]
OhGodnotnow,I
'
m sot
ir
edal
lIwantt
odoi
sto
sl
eep.
Uncle:Lomntu Utshata naye unayoi mali
? Kalok
ntombam umhl e, uf undil
e zij
onge i kumit
hisil
e
l
ekwekwe![Theper sony ou'
regett
ingmar ri
eddoes
hehav emoney?Lookaty oumygirlyou'
rebeauti
ful,
educatedl
ookatyout hisboymadey oupregnant.
]
Me:Uziy
ibhat
alai
ntlawul
of orUndimi
thi
sa,yindoda
akay
o kwekwe Mal ume.[He's goi
ng to pay the
damagesformypregnancy,
he'saMannotaBoy ]
Idon'
twantt
osounddi
srespecti
ngbutI
'mtir
edand
thi
smannexttomewil
lbel eadi
ngthenegot
iat
ions
tomor
rowsoIhav
etopl
ayni ce.
Uncl
e:Unay
oimal
i
?[Doeshehav
emoney
?]
Me:
EweMal
ume.[
YesUncl
e]
Hesmiledsuchapri
ck,hedoesn'tknowmyLobola
moneygoest omehe'sget t
ingR1000fortal
ki
ng.
OkayI
'
mj oki
ngbutheain'
tget
tinganymoney
!
Uncle:Okaynt ombam ungayaendli
ninam nzikhe
ndit
hitheaphelal
ini
.[Okaymygir
lyoucangeti
nside
thehouseI'
llgosomewher ei
nthevi
ll
age]
Iwentt
oBhel
ekazi
'
sroom It
ookanap.

Iwokeupatni
ghtwi
thmyst
omachgr
umbl
i
ng.
There's noi
se i
nthe ki
tchen mymotherand my
Aunts, cousins and my f ri
ends ar
e peeli
ng
vegetabl
es.
AuntN:
Nahi
kobaby
,You'
reawake?
Me:
YesI
'
m hungr
y!.
AuntB:yourf
oodisi
nt heoven,wehav
edi
shed
morefory
ousi
ncey
ou'
reeati
ngfor2.
Me:
Thanky
ouAunt
y.
Youknowl i
feissof unny,backwhenBhel ekaziwas
stil
lali
veallthesepeopl ewer eneverher ef orme
andBhel ekazi
.Theyal way shadsomeexcusest o
come and Vi sit,when Bhel ekaziwas si ck her
daughtersandsonswer enev erhereall7Chi ldren.3
sonsand4Daught erswerenev erhereIcan' tev en
speakaboutGr andchil
drentheynev erv i
sitedhernor
callhermymot heronlycalledwhenBhel ekaziwas
sick she sentmoney buthersi bli
ngs not hing.
They '
veheardthatI'
m educat edandget t
ingmar ried
tosomer ichguyandnowt heyar eallnicel i
feisv ery
funnyItelly
ou.
It
akemypl
atef
rom ov
en.
Azol
e:Your
eal
l
yar
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
Me:
It'
sunbel
i
evabl
eIknow.
Gigi
:It
houghtIwasthefi
rstonet
ogetmarri
edy
ou
knowsinceI
'
mt heonewhogotengagedf
ir
st.
Me:We woul d've wai
ted i
f Iwasn't pr
egnant
,
Zi
thul
ele'
sf at
herdoesn'
twantourchil
dt obeborn
outofwedlockthat'
swhywearerushi
ngthi
ngs.
Gigi
:Youar
enotr ushi
ngt
hingsatal
l
,yout woare
soul
matest
hiswasboundt
ohappensoonerorl
ater
.
Me:I
'm gl
adal
loft
hisi
shappeni
ng.I
t'
sev
erygi
rl
'
s
dr
eam.
Azol
e:Chumani
mustengagemepl
ease,
Idon'
twant
tobelef
tout
!
Weal
ll
augh.
Gi
gi:
you'
rest
il
lyoungmychi
l
d!
Azol
e:Nahi
ko i
sonlya y
earol
dert
han me t
hat
makeshery
oungtoo.
Me:
Pleasedon'
tcompar
eyour
sel
fwi
thme.
Azol
e:What
ever
!
"
Nahi
ko"
.
Myuncl
eisshout
ingf
rom t
hel
ounge.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngt
oki
l
lthi
smant
rustme,
I'
m ki
l
li
nghi
m.
Azol
e:Goandanswery
oubel
oveduncl
e.
Me:Hayiandif
uniyi
thaniNdi
Leleguysyho.[
NoI
don'
twantt
o,pl
easet
ellhi
mI'm sl
eepi
ng]
Gi
giwentt
othel
ounget
otel
lmyuncl
e.
Me:Cantomorr
owcomesot hatIcangetov
eral
lof
thi
s.Thereareothernephewsand niecesinthe
house,
I'
m pr
egnantforChr
ist
'
ssake.
Azole: You know Xhosa peopl
e, when y
ou'
re
pregnantyouar
enotpar
aly
sedordi
sabl
e.
Me:
NoAndi
ziMnt
ase!
Shel
aughsatme,
Gigi
camebackaf
ter10mi
nut
es.
Me:
Whatt
ooky
ousol
ong?
Gigi
:HewasBusyaskingmeaboutZithu'
sFami
l
y,
howrichandhowmanybusi
nesst
heyhave.
Me:It'
sf unnyt heythi
nkmymoneywi l
lgotot hem,
theyar e crazy.I
'
m glad dad willbe thereint he
negoti
ationsev enthoughhewon' tsaymuchbuthe
willt
ellmet heamountt hatthey'
veaskerforandI
willt
akei tandsav eit
.Nobody '
sgetti
ngmymoney .
Theonl ypersonwhodeser vedthemoneyi snothere
any
mor eso I
'
llt
akethemoney,giv
e10% t
o my
mothert
her
estgoest
omyaccount
!
Isayt
aki
ngasi
ponmyj
uice.
Gi
gi:
You'
rej
oki
ngr
ight
?
Me:
DoIl
ookl
i
keI
'
mjoki
ng?
Azol
e:Heee!
Shecl
apsonce.
Weall
laugh,
butforr
eal
thesepeopl
earenotget
ti
ng
anymoneyfr
om meandI'
m soseri
ousaboutt
hat.
Me:
Yhoguy
sI'
m sosl
eepy
,canIgetsomer
est
.
Azol
e:Butbabyy
ou'
vej
ustwokenup.
Me:OkayIwantt
otal
kwithmyManguy
sImi
sshi
m,
Iwantt
oaskwhereheis.
Gigi
:Okayl
ovepl
easecal
lusher
ewheny
ouar
e
done.
Me:Iwil
l
,pleasetr
ytoblockUncl
emziawayf
rom
meother
wiseI'
ll
kil
lhi
m guys.
Gi
gi:
Trustmewedon'
twantt
owi
tnesst
hat
.
Azol
e:Pl
easehur
ryup.Yourcousi
nsar
esobor
ing
Me:
Sur
e.
Theywentoutofther
oom,Il
ockedt
hedoorand
cal
ledZi
thul
ele.
Zi
thu:
SthandwaSam.
Me:
Babyhowar
eyou?
Zi
thu:
I'
m goodandy
ou?
Me:
I'
m good,
Imi
ssy
ou.
Zit
hu:Imissy
out ooandIcan'
twaitf
ory
outobe
tr
adit
ional
l
ymarr
iedtome.Actual
l
yIcan'
twai
tto
marryyou.
Me:
met
oo,
Ijustwantt
obewi
thy
oumyl
ove.
Zi
thu:
Howi
sJuni
ort
reat
ingy
ou?
Me:Wear
eokay
,it
'
sjustt
hatwemi
ssy
ouandy
our
t
ouch.
Zi
thu:
Whatar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osay
?
Me:
Imi
ssy
ouMkhi
ze!
Hel
aughsatmynaggi
ng.
Me:Zithul
eleIcal
l
ed becauseImi
ssy
oupl
ease
don'
tannoyme.
Zi
thu:
yhobabyI
'
m sor
ryt
hen.
Me:How f
arar
eyouguy
s?I
t'
slat
ey'
al
lsupposet
o
bei
naBnB
Zi
thu:
Wewi
l
lbei
nQueenst
owni
nanHourorso.
Me:
It'
slat
eZi
thul
ele,
youcan'
ttr
avel
lat
e.
Zi
thu:Iknow myl
ovewewi
l
lar
ri
vesaf
elynot
hing
wi
llhar
m us.
Me:
Ohhokay
.
Zi
thu:
Youruncl
esar
eal
lther
e?
Me:
Yest
heyar
e,buty
hooIwantal
lthi
stoend.
Zi
thu:
Ngi
bul
elebani
?[Whom shoul
dIki
l
l?]
Me:Uncl
eMzi,
he'
sbeenaf
termet
hewhol
eday
.He
wassendi
ngmeupanddown.
Zi
thu:Ihat
ehi
m al
ready
,can'
theseet
haty
ou'
re
pr
egnant
?
Me:I
nhi
sey
esI
'
m notPar
aly
sedordi
sabl
ed.SoI
'
ll
hav
etowor
k.
Zi
thu:
Showmet
omor
rowI
'
llki
l
lhi
m baby
.
Me:Remember you'
re aski
ng for my hand in
mar
ri
agef
rom hi
m,youki
llhi
mt her
e'snoweddi
ng.
Zi
thu:
Your
ight
,I'
l
ltol
erat
ehi
mfort
hat
.
Il
aughathi
m,he'
stoocr
azybutImi
sshi
m somuch.
Me:Iwantt
obeinyourarmsbaby,Ireal
l
ymi
ssy
ou.
Thi
swholeweekhasbeenator
tur
et ome.
Zi
thu:
Shoul
dIdr
ivet
her
eassoonaswear
ri
ve?
Me:No,Icanmanageaf
ewhour
sI'
l
lseey
oui
nthe
morni
ng.
Zi
thu:
Icandr
ivet
her
eIdon'
tmi
nd.
Me:
Andl
etwi
tchest
akey
ourl
i
fe?Thi
nkagai
nMr
.
Zi
thu:
Soy
ou'
rescar
edhuh?
Me:Toloseyou,y
es.Morethanany
thi
ngIdon'
t
knowwhatwi
l
lIbewit
houty
ou.
Zi
thu:
I'
m her
etost
aymyl
ove,
wewi
l
ldi
etoget
her
!
Me:
Ili
ket
hesoundoft
hat
.
Zit
hu:
LookbabyIhav
etodri
venow,
Mlungi
sii
sti
red
andMnqobii
sasl
eepsoIhavet
odri
ve.
Me:
Okaypl
easecal
m wheny
ouar
ri
ve.
Zi
thu:
Iwi
l
l.Il
ovey
ouSt
handwaSam.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo!
Idropthecal
l,
Ifeelal
i
ttl
ebi
tbet
ternow.Igoonmy
kneesandpray.
Me:LordhereIcomet oyouasy ourchil
d,Iwantto
thankyouforthelightthatyou'
veshonei nmylife,
theHappiness,Joy,LaughterandEndl essLove.I
wantyoutoprotectmyBaby ,myfami l
yandmysoon
tobehusband.Shi el
dusandpr otectusohLor dI
askandprayintheNameofJesusAmen.
Iwenttothekitchenmyfamilyandneighbourswer
e
si
ngingsoIjoinedthem.Thisfeltl
i
ket heoldti
mes,
whereIwouldgot ocel
ebrat
ionsinthev i
ll
agewit
h
myGr andmother,Bhel
ekaziusedt obehappyand
cheerf
ulasi
fshe' st
heonehosting.

_
__
I
t'sthemor ni
ngandI'v
ejustwokenupever
yonei
s
busyandr unni
ngaroundiam sohungr
y,Iwentt
o
thekit
chen.
Me:
Mol
weni
.[Gr
eet
ings]
Igr
eetandwentt
ocheckonmyf
rui
tonFr
idge.
Imademyf ruitsal
adf
ormysel
f,t
hewomenher eare
doing ev
ery
t hi
ng and I
'
m watching because I
'
m
happy.
"
Nahi
ko!Nahi
ko"
Il
ookoutf
orsomeonewho'
scal
l
ing.
Zee:
Magabai
scal
l
ingy
ou.
Me:
Alr
ight
.
Magabai
sBhel
ekazi
'
sFr
iend.
Iwal
ktowher
eshei
sseat
edsmoki
ngpi
pe.
Magaba:Zi j
onge Nana,awusemdal
a nguwe l
o.
Ukhul
elwe?[Lookatyou,y
ou'
reol
dnowisthi
syou?
Areyoupregnant
?]
Ismi
l
eatherandnod.
Magaba:Lendodaizakut
shat
ayi
yoLei
kumit
hisi
l
eyo?
[Themany ou'
regoingtomarr
y,i
shethef
atherof
yourchi
l
d?]
Me:
EweMama.
Wetal
kmoreandaboutmar
ri
agealso,Iwasbor
ed
nol
i
esbutshe'
sanel
der
.Mymothercal
ledme.
Magaba:
Alr
ightmygi
rlby
e!
Shehugsmeandbr
ushmystomach.If
eltcol
dand
qui
ckl
yremovedmysel
ffr
om herandgav ehera
weaksmil
e.
I
'
m havi
ngstomachcr ampsandI
'
m st
il
lfeel
i
ngcol
d.
Whatj
usthappened.
Ibal
ancedmy
sel
fwi
thawal
ltr
yingt
ost
abi
l
izemy
br
eathi
ng.
Mymot
hercomesmyway
Mom:
Babyy
ouokay
?
Me:
I'
m col
dmommy
,I'
m hav
ingcr
amps.
I
'
m nowcr
yingandhol
dingonhert
ight
ly.
Now ey
es ar
e on us,whati
s happeni
ng,I
'
m 5
mont
hspr
egnantIcan'
tj
ustl
osemysecondt
win.
Igr
abonmymot
hert
ight
ly.
Shet akesmyhand and takesmet o Bhel
ekazi
'
s
room I'
vebeensl
eepi
ngher
esincewearr
ived.
Azol
e:What
'swr
ongwi
thher
?
Mom:She's hav
ing cr
amps Idon'
tknow what
's
happeni
ng.
Me:
Pleasegi
veZi
thul
eleacal
l
.
Mom:
Okaywai
tI'
l
lcal
lhi
m now.
Inod,"pl
easelor
dnotwit
hmybaby,
notthi
sonetoo.
Please God"I'm pr
ayi
ng i
nsi
de,my hear
tbeatis
beati
ngfast.
Mom:he's phone i
s on Voi
cemai
llet me t
ry
Mamkhi
ze.
I'
m hol
dingonmyst omacht i
ght
lyandI'
mfeel
i
ng
coldIt
akeBhel
ekazi
'
sbigcoatI
'm col
d.
Mom:
her
e!
Shehandsmet
hephone.
Me:
Hel
l
o.
"
Nahi
kobabyi
sev
ery
thi
ngal
ri
ght
?"
Me:Idon'
tknow,
I'
m hav
ingpai
nfulcr
amps.Mybaby
zi
thu.
Zithu:Lookbabyr
elax
,doi
tforoursonNqobi
.I'
l
lbe
thereinnoti
me.
Me:
I'
ll
hol
don
Zi
thu:
Hav
eyoudr
anky
ourmedi
cat
ion?
Me:
I'
vej
ustat
emyFr
uitsal
adIdi
dn'
tdr
inkt
hem.
Zi
thu:
Pleasegi
vey
ourmot
hert
hephone.
Igiv
emot hert
hephoneandr
estmyheadonGi
gi'
s
shoulder
.
Mymothercomesbackaf
tersomef
ewmi
nut
esand
handsmemymedicati
onIdr
ink.
Mom:Now r est,I'
l
lwakey ouupaf t
eranhourt hen
you'
llpr
eparef oryournegoti
ati
ons.Ever
ythi
ngwi l
l
workaccordi
ngt opl an,Godisalwayswithusno
matterwhatt heDev ilmayt r
ywewi llprosperin
JesusName!Comel et'
spray
.
Wehol
dhandsandcl
oseourey
es.
Mom:Dearl or dwecomey outofatherasweaskf or
yourpr otectiont omychildandmygr andchi l
d.You
saidi ny ourwor dthaty ou'
l
lnev erl eave us nor
forsake us,her e we ar ef ather ask f or your
i
nt ervention.TheDev ilhasnor i
ghthe' spl answi l
l
notpr osperi nJesusname,al lthePlanst hatwer e
plannedbyt heDev i
landSpel lsandwi tchcraftwe
sendf ireint henameofJesus,Dev i
ly ouhav eno
poweragai nstmydaught eryouhav enor eignov er
herl i
feIpr ayl or
dkeephersaf eandpr otect edspiri
t
oft hel i
vingGod,weaskf oryoul or
dinJesusname
Amen.
Us:
Amen.
Ihuggedmymot
her
,Iwasnow f
eel
i
ngal
i
ttl
ebi
t
bet
ter
.
Mom:
Nowsl
eepI
'
llwakey
ouup.
Magabamadeherwayi
n.
Magaba:Nalichi
za l
abant
u abakhulelwey
o,t hina
kudal
a sasi
ncedwa l
il
o hayilamay eza esimanje
manje.[
Herei
sagoodmedi ci
nethathelpspregnant
woman,weusedtousei
tbacki
ntheday
snott
hese
west
ernmedi
cine]
Me:Enkosimama,but ndi r
ight ngoku.Ndiziv
a
ngcono.
[ThanksbutI
'
mri
ghtnow,I'
mf eel
ingbet
ter]
Idon'
ttr
ustherandmygutf
eel
i
ngi
snev
erwr
ong.
Magaba:OkayMntanam ndi
yakuvakodwaifawuziv
a
kakuhl
endikhona ndi
ngumzaliApha kuwe.[
OkayI
hearmychil
dbutifyouarenotfeelt
oowellI'
m her
e
foryouIam apar
enttoyou]
Me:
Okaymama.
Shel
eftmewi
thmymot
herandf
ri
ends.
Mot her
:Ev
ery
thi
ngwillbeal
ri
ghtmybabyGodi s
here,wewon'
tfor
sakeyouhewil
lpr
otecty
ouatal
l
ti
mes.
Me:
Iknowmom,
Itr
usti
nhi
m.
Mom:
Okaymyl
ove,
nowt
aket
hatnapy
ou'
l
lbef
ine.
Me:
Alr
ight
.
Azol
e&Gi
gi:
Wel
ovey
ouhoney
.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Wehuggedtheyl
eft
,Ihel
dmystomachsot
ight
lyas
f
resht
earsmadeit
'swaydown.
ThiscannotbehappeningtomeIcan' tall
owGodt o
domel i
kethis,
All t
hebadthingshappent omewhat
aboutmyhappi ness?Don'tIdeservet obehappy ?
Thiswassupposet obemyj oyousday ,ahappyday
andnowal loft
hisishappening.Ipr
ayandhopet hat
whenZithul
eleandhi sfami
lygethereImustbef ine
andJoyful
,Iwil
lhav etoenj
oymyday .Thisismybig
dayformeandIj ustcan'
tlettheworksoft heDevi
l
rui
nmyDay .
.
.
5i
nser
tsl
eft
.
.
Pl
easeLi
ke,
Shar
eandi
nvi
tey
ourFr
iends.
40comment
s,t
ounl
ocki
nst
ert46.
FORTYSI
X
Me:Mamat hey
'vebeenstandi
ngoutsi
dethegat
e
foraboutanhournow.Pleasetel
lyourBr
othert
o
openforthem.
Mom:Worr
ylessmybaby
,ev
ery
thi
ngwi
l
lbef
inet
his
i
sacust
om.
Me:
Wel
lIdon'
tl
iket
hesecust
oms.
Azol
e:Thegat
eisopened,
theyar
eget
ti
ngi
nsi
de.
Me:
ThankGod!
Isai
dtaki
ngaseat
.
Gi
gi:
You'
l
ldi
eyoung.
Weareatthebackrondav
el,t
henegot
iat
ionsar
e
t
aki
ngpl
aceinsi
det
hemainhouse.
The opens and Mamkhi
ze wal
ks i
nlooki
ng so
beaut
if
ulinherZul
uAt
ti
re.
And I'
m wear ing a Xhosa t radi
ti
onal cl
othes.
(Umbhaco).I'
m looking so beauti
fulbutseeing
MamkhizeIknowI '
lll
ookmorebeaut if
uli
nmyZul u
Att
ir
e,Ican'
twaitt
obeMr sMkhize.
Mamkhi
ze:How ar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?Youusal
lwor
ri
ed
we even r
ushed t
o gether
e.Zi
thu i
sint
he car
out
sideworri
edsi
ck.
Me:I'
mf i
ne,Idon'tknowwhathappenedtomebut
I
'm gr
atef
ulforGod'sgraceuponmyl
if
eI'
m per
fect
ly
f
ine.
Mamkhize:NowMysondon'
thav
eany
thi
ngt
owor
ry
about
.
Me:he'
sprobabl
ybl
ami
ng hi
msel
fri
ghtnow,I
'
m
sur
ehe'
str
essi
ng.
Mamkhize:l
etmegoandi nfor
m hi
mthaty
ouar
e
r
ightandheshoul
dn'
twor
ry!
.
Inod.
AuntNt
siki
makesherwayi
nther
ondav
el.
AuntN:Nahi kobabyit'
stimefory out
ogoi nsi
de,
you'
l
lgowi thyourfr
iends.Don'
tlookatthemenin
theeyes,keepyourey esonthef l
ooral
lthetime.
Don'
tspeakEngli
shthere.
Il
aughatherstat
ement,AuntNtsi
kimaybel
azyand
al
lbutshe'
sthebestAuntever
.
Me:
YesAunt
ie.
Icover my face and shoul
der
s wit
hthe r
ug,
Yot
handoandGigidi
dthesamethi
ng.
Wewal kedoutoftheRondav
eltheyar
dissobusy
,
peopl
ear ebusygoi
ngupanddown.
Wemakeourwayi nt
ot hehouse,I'
mlooki
ngdown
aspossi
bleIdon'
tev
enwantt or ai
semyheadup.
Wetakeaseatonagrassmat.
UncleMzi
:BoMkhizekhani
tshokengomphiumakoti
wenuApha.[
Mkhizepeoplepleaset
elluswho'
syour
daught
eri
n-l
awhere?]
Thatshoul
d be easybecause I
'
m the onl
ydar
k
ski
nnedher
eYothandoandGigi
areyel
l
owbones
"
Ngul
ouphakat
hi"[
theonei
nthemi
ddl
e]
Sayst
hevoicet
hatIdon'
tev
enr
ecogni
ze,
may
bei
t'
s
Zi
thu'
suncl
eIdon'
tknow.
Uncl
e:Nahi
koKhoj
ongeababantuundi
xel
eleuy
abazi
na?[
Nahikotakealookatthesepeopl
eandtellus
whet
heryouknowthem ornot
]
Il
ookedupIsaw twomant hatIdon'
tknow wi
th,
Mkhi
ze,SandzandMl
ungi
si.
Me:
EweMal
umendi
yabazi
.[Yesuncl
eIknowt
hem]
Uncl
eMzi :Alr
ightkeNt
ombini
ngahambake.[
Alr
ight
mygirl
y'all
cango]
We stood up and exi
ted the main house,Isaw
dif
fer
ent3PorscheMacanSUVs.Whatt hehel
l?I'
m
surethewhol
ev il
l
agewi llbehere!Whywoul dthey
dri
vesuchcar
s?Bazondi t
hakathi
saaba!
Wewal
kinsi
det
her
ondav
el.
Me:
Thatwast
ense!
Azole:I
'
m sur
eyouruncl
ewi
l
lcostt
henanar
m and
aleg.
Me: He wi ll say. Kalok umt shanam uf undil
e,
umtshanam ukhul el
we y il
ekwekwe, umt shanam
umhle,umtshanam umi l
il
e,umt shanam unembeko,
umtshanam uthobekil
e.[ Myni ecei seducated,my
ni
eceispregnantandit'
st hisboy '
sbaby,myni ecei
s
beauti
ful
,my ni ece is wel lbuilt
,my ni ece has
Respect,
myniecei shumbl e]
Isayal
lthatmi
micki
nghi
svoi
ceev
ery
onel
aughs.
Mom:f
oroner
easonhewi
l
lchar
geR20000.Ti
l
lthe
end.
Welaugh,
I'
mt ry
ingbyallmymi ghtt
okeepcal
m,i
t'
s
beenanhourandther
e'snoresponseatal
l
.
AuntN:Andwher
edi
dyoumeett
hisZul
uManNana?
Iwantt
omeetmine!
Shesaidthatseepi
ngatherwi ne.Di
dItel
lyouIl
ike
her
?Wel lshe'
sthebestaunt,t
hecooltypeauntt
hat
wil
lsayyoucandr i
nkalcoholbutdon'
tinv
olvemeif
yougetcought?
Me:
CapeTownaunt
y.
AuntN:He'
sRi
ch,y
ou'
vecat
cht
her
ightf
ish.Ineed
tohav
eatal
kwit
hhim.
Me:
Andsaywhat
?
Aunt:Nahiko suphambana Apha,ukhul i
swe ndim
noMama kal ok. Eza par t
y wawuzi hamba
ndikut
hethelel
e kuMama. Uy i
rhasi endala kal
ok
wena.[Nahikodon'tbecr
azy,mymot herandIrai
sed
you,Iusedt ohelpyoutosneakoutgoingtoparti
es
andcov erfory oufr
om mother,you'
vebeeni nthi
s
thi
ngy ou'
reagas]
Ilaughedather
,thosewerethegoodtimesyou
know.Whosai
dthere'
snof
uninEast
ernCape?
Me:Hai
boAunt
y!Kwakuk'
dal
akal
okngoko.[
Aunt
y
t
hatwasal
ongti
meago]
AuntN:ButNahi
koyou'
vebeenanaught
ychi
l
d,y
ou
gaveusatought
imewit
hBhelekazi
!
Welly
eah,AuntNtsikii
sthatsi
bli
ngthatr
emained
wit
hhermot herbecauseshehadnowher et
ogo,
shedr
oppedoutatschoolsoshewasbusygoingin
andoutbutshewasher ewit
hmeandBhel ekazi
.
Shewoul
ddisappearformont
hsandcomeback.
Me:
Iwasbei
ngl
i
keanyot
hert
eenager
.
AuntN:yougrewupsoqui ckl
yandbyt heti
mey ou
wenttouniversi
tyy
ouwer ev erymatured,Idon'
t
bl
amet hi
srichmanf orf
all
inginlov
ewi thyou.I
fI
wasamant ooIwouldwif
ey ou!
.
Somebodypl
easet
aket
hatwi
nef
rom her
.
AuntN:Youknow Ishoul
dsayaspeechaty
our
weddi
ngi
ncapetown.
Whoi
nvi
tedherTomyweddi
ng?Okayofcour
se
she'
sinvi
tedshe'
smyBestaunt
y,butspeech?She
wouldembarr
assmesoi
t'
sano.
Azol
e:Youknow that
'
sagr eatidea,Imeany ou
knowherl
i
kethebackofy
ourhand,your
aisedher
.
Hel
lno,Azol
eisenjoyi
ngthi
sthey'
vebeenlaughing
atmychil
dhoodstori
es.Imagi
neZithuhear
inghalf
oft
hethi
ngsthathavebeensai
dhere?Noway s.
Gi
gi:
Yeaht
hatwoul
dbegr
eat
.
Me:No,auntyyouwon'ttal
katmywedding no.
Thesetwohaveal
readyhear
dthet
hingst
hatI've
nevert
oldt
hem.
Aunt N:Ndizot
het
ha kekantiNahi
ko,awundazi
kakuhl
emna.[Iwil
ltal
kNahikoy
oudon'
tknowme
well
]
Bef
oreIr
espondt
oher
,wehear
dwomanal
l
ulat
ing.
AuntN:
Hal
alaaaaaaa!
Ismi
l
edatherexci
tement
,andIsi
ghofr
eli
efescape
mymout
h.I'
m sohappy,I
'
m overt
hemoon.
Myphoner
angi
twasZi
thul
ele.
Me:
SthandwaSam
Zi
thu:
Mamkhi
ze!
Ibl
ushatt
hesoundoft
hat
.
Me:
All
wehav
etodoi
stoof
fi
ci
atei
tont
hepaper
s.
Zi
thu:
Butt
radi
ti
onal
l
yunguMkam.[
Youar
emywi
fe]
Ismi
l
e,t
hisf
eel
sli
keadr
eam comi
ngt
rue.
Me:
YesMkhi
ze.
Zi
thu:CanIseey ounow?AndI 'm hungryplease
br
ing me some food,myfamil
yi s bei
ng served
i
nsidet
heyfor
gotaboutt
heHusband.
Il
aughathi
m,he'
spr
obabl
ysul
ki
ngr
ightnow.
Me:
Youwi
l
lbecal
l
edi
nri
ghtnow,
don'
twor
ry.
Zi
thu:
Iwanty
out
oser
veme.
Me:
YesBabakhe.
Hel
augh.
Zi
thu:
Ngi
yakut
handaMkam.[
Ilov
eyoumywi
fe]
Me:
Ndi
yakut
handaMy
eni
.[Il
ovey
ouHusband]
Hedr opsthecall
,Idi
dn'
tevenreal
iseIwasnowlef
t
alone.Itookoffthebl
anketsothatpeopl
ecansee
thishotmomma.
Iwentoutt owher ethewomanar edishingoutf or
people.Peopl earesingingit
'ssojoyful
,that'
swhyI
didn'
twantmyLobol at obeinCapeTownt here'
sno
vi
bet herecomet oEasternCapey ouwi l
lseepeopl e
youdon' tev enknow butt heyar ehappyf oryou,
actuall
ynoty oubuthappyf orthefoodandal cohol
,
ndiyabazisendibaqheli
le.[
Iknowt hem,I'
vegotused
tothem]
Il
ookatmyCousinsZintl
e,Avi
weandAnitat
heyare
l
ooki
ngatt hegatewithlotsofexci
tement
,Ilook
wher
ethei
rexci
tementisat.
Zit
hul
ele?He'st al
ki
ng wit
h AuntNtsi
ki
.Oh Holl
y
marry
!Whati sshesayingtohim,she'
sdrunknow
shewil
l t
ell
him mysecr
ets.
UncleMzicomestotherescuethankGod.He'
slef
t
tal
ki
ngtoZit
hul
elepr
obablyaski
ngformoney!
AuntNt
siki
comest
ome.
Me:
Whatwer
eyout
wot
alki
ngabout
?
AuntN:Youneedtorel
axitwasnotaboutyou.You
di
dn'tt
ell
methathe'
sHandsomeGod!He'ssosexy.
Me:Hai
boAunty!He'
smi
ne.Andwhywoul
dIwant
t
omarryanugl
yguy?
Aunt
:Fanaf
uthi
wasUgl
y!
OhmyGod! .Fanaf
uthiwasmyhi
ghschoolf
ri
end,
he
hadacr ushonmesoaunt ythoughthewasmy
boy
fri
end.
Me:Fanaf
uthiwasnotmyboy
fri
endAunt
y.Ihope
youdi
dn'
ttel
lZi
thut
hat
.
AuntN:Idi
dn'tt
ellhi
m,Ijustt
oldhi
mthathe'
s100
ti
mesbett
erthanFanafut
hi.
Me:
I'
m donewi
thy
ou,
I'
vewashedmyhands.
I wal
ked away fr
om her
, she has al
ready
embar
rassedme.
Zi
thul
elei
snow seat
edwi
thot
hermenebuhl
ant
i
[
kraal
].
Gi
rl
sar
ehov
eri
ngov
erhi
m andhi
sbr
other
s.
"
Theyar
etakenl
adi
es"
Isayt
hatt
omy
sel
f.
"Iwi
llnotberesponsi
blei
fIki
l
lsomeoneher
e,why
aret
heyallov
ermyman? ]
Il
aughatAzol
e.
Me:Chumanilov
esyou,
hewouldn'
tdoy oul
i
kethat
.
Letthesegi
rl
shaveabeaut
if
ulsi
ghttheywon'
tget
them.
Azol
e:Whyy
ousochi
l
led?Theyar
esoov
erZi
thul
ele
Me:Iwon'tspoi
lmymoodov
ert
hem andy
out
oo
shoul
drel
ax.
"Makot
i"Mkhi
zei
scal
l
ingmeshoul
dIsayf
atheri
n
Law
Me:
I'
ll
bebacksoon.
Azol
e:GoMakot
i.
Il
augh.
.
Iwal
kedt
omyf
atheri
nlaw.
Heopenedhi
sar
msf
orahug,andIhuggedhi
m so
t
ight
ly.
Mkhi
ze:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?Ar
eyouokaynow?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne,
Igotbet
teraf
terIt
ookanap
Mkhi
ze:Tomor
row mor
ningy
oushoul
dbeony
our
waybackt
oCapeTown.
Me:
ButIl
i
kei
ther
e,Iwant
edaweek.
Mkhize:peopl
eher
edon'
tli
ke,t
heywon'
twi
shyou
wel
l.Sogobackandyouhav
eaweddingt
opl
an.
Me:
ButJKi
sther
efort
hat
,he'
stheweddi
ngpl
anner
.
Mkhi
ze:
Iknowy
out
hebr
ide,
youhav
easay
.
Inod.
.
Mkhi
ze:
Youar
esodamnexpensi
ve.
Il
aughed,
hej
oinedme.
Mkhize:we paidf or you being r
aised by an
honouri
ng woman and al
so pai
df orthatwoman
who'snomoretoo.I
fitwasn'
tformyson, Iwoul
d'
ve
ki
ll
edthatMziwot
hando.
Il
aughedsohar
d.
Me:Uncl
eMzil
i
kesman,si
ncehe'
stheol
desthe
hadt
obeher
eandnegot
iat
eforme.
Mkhize:Iknow that,I
'
m happyal
lofthi
sisdone.I
hopewenotr ushingyou,butt
oushav
ingachi
ldout
ofwedlockisnotacceptabl
e.
Me:Iunderstandbaba,youdon'
thavetoworr
yand
younotrushingme.Iunderst
andyourf
amil
yvalues,
andIrespectthem.
Mkhize:That
'
sthereasonwhyIpai
dthatpr
icef
or
you,
becauseyou'
resosensi
ble.
Me:
Ngi
yabonga.[
Thanky
ou]
.
hel
aughed.
"
It
'ssoni
cetobeyou,wear ebusyandy
ou'
rebusy
l
aughi
ngwit
hyourf
atheri
n-l
aw.
"
Mkhi
ze:
Mkam j
eal
ousdoesn'
tsui
tyou.
Weal
ll
augh
Mamkhi ze:Sisterwifecomeandf et
chabowlof
waterandgot oy ourhusband,he'
shumanandhe'
s
hungrypleasethinkofmyson"
Mkhi
ze:
wewer
est
il
ltal
ki
ng
Mamkhi
ze:
Youhav
eyourent
ir
eli
ves.
.
Shet
akesmyhand,
wel
eav
eMkhi
zel
aughi
ngatus.
AuntN:
Don'
tl
ookathi
mint
heey
e.
Shesay
sthatfortheumpt
eent
hti
me,Ihear
dher
.
She'
sdr
unkt
hisone.
Itake the bowland cl
otht
hen wal
ked t
o wher
e
zi
thul
eleisseated.
Ibow downal
i
ttl
eandgi
vehi
mthewat
ert
owash
hi
shands.
Me:Thisi
sthesecondandt
hel
astt
imedon'
tget
used.
Iwhi
sper
ed.
Zit
hu:That'
swhaty
ousaidfort
hef
ir
stt
ime,
I'
m gl
ad
yousaidthi
sist
hesecondt
ime.
Me:
Mxxm!
Igi
vehi
mthecl
oth,
hechuckl
es.
Istoodupandwentbackt othekit
chen.Mymot her
gavemet heplat
e,Ii
nst
ruct
edhertodishoutforour
guestsandal
lownoelsetohelpherunl
essit
'sAzol
e,
Gi
giorMamkhi
ze.Idon'
ttr
ustany
onenow.
Iwal
kbackandgav
ehi
mthepl
ate.
Zit
hu:ngi
yabongaMkam Omuhl
e.[
Thanky
oumy
beaut
if
ulwi
fe]
Iwal
kedback.
"
Choma'
m"[
myf
ri
end]
Ilookbackit
'smyhighschoolbestf
ri
endLi
yema.
SheisMagaba'
sdaught
er.
Me:
Skeem.
Li
yema:Lookatyou,y
ou'
reget
ti
ngmar
ri
edbef
ore
me.Unbel
i
evabl
e
Me:
Yeah,
it'
sli
fe
Li
yema:YoualwayswantedtobeanIndependent
woman,youdidn'
tevenlikeboy
sbackthen.You
hat
edmarri
agesandki
ds.
Me:people change,Ichanged and gr
ew up and
hav
ingfamil
ywasnow mydr eam.Ithascometrue
now
Li
yema: I
'
m happy f
or y
ou, y
our husband i
s
handsomeandy
ouar
ebeaut
if
uly
ouguy
ssui
teach
other
.
Me:
Thanky
oumyf
ri
end.
Ismi
l
edather
.
Li
yema:
Hav
eyoueat
en?
Me:
NoI
'
m nothungr
y,I
'
llearl
ater
Li
yema:
You'
l
lst
arv
ethebabyy
ouknow?
Me:
Don'
twor
ryy
our
sel
ffr
iend,
I'
mfi
ne.
Shegav
emeal
azyl
augh.
Idon'
ttr
ustheratall,af
terIwentcol
daf
terhuggi
ng
hermothernothanks.
Me:Letmegoandcheckonmyguest
sI'
l
lseey
ou
ar
ound.
Li
yema:
Youmeany
ournewcapet
ownf
ri
ends?
Me:
Arey
ouj
eal
ousbunny
?
Shesmi
l
ed.
Li
yema:
Whywoul
dn'
tIbe?Lookaty
ou,
youchanged.
Me:Igr
ewupl
i
yemaal
otofpeopl
edo.AndI
'
m one
ofthosepeopl
eI'
m happythat
'
swhatmat
ter
s,y
ou
tooshoul
dbehappyforme.
Liy
ema:Iam,veryhappyf
ory
ou.Youcangoand
tal
kwi
thyourf
ri
ends.
Shewal
kedaway
,am i
abadf
ri
end?
We'vebeenf ri
endssinceIcameher einEaster
n
Cape,butbecamebestf ri
endsI nhi
ghschool.It
's
j
ustthatIdon'ttr
usthermotherthat
'sal
l
,I'
vebeen
avoi
dinghershegivesmechil
ls.
Mom:
Her
eeatsot
haty
oucanhav
eyourmedi
cat
ion.
We'
rebothi
ntheki
tchen,I
'
m eat
ingandev
ery
onei
s
out
side.
Me:Bab'uMkhize sai
d t
hat we shoul
d l
eav
e
t
omor
rowmorni
ng.
Mom:He'sr i
ght,peopl
earetal
ki
ngbabyandt hey
arenothappy.ForthesakeofmyGr andchi
l
dand
youweareleavi
ngbefor
esomethi
nghappen.
Me:IknowandIwantmybabyandmet
obesaf
eat
al
lti
mes.
Mom:Yourf
atherpr
ayedf
ory
oursaf
etyev
ery
thi
ng
wi
llbeokaywemustjustkeeponpr
ayi
nganddon'
t
l
etourguar
dsdown.
Ismi
l
eandnod.
Mom:Wewi llnotinf
orm anyonet
hatwear
el eavi
ng
i
nt hemor ni
ng,wewi l
ljustupandleav
eaf
tervisi
ng
Bhelekazi
'
sGr ave
Me:
OkayIhav
enopr
obl
em.I
'
mful
lnow.
Igav
ehert
heempt
ypl
ate.
Mom:
Wast
hef
ooddel
i
cious?
Me:
Ver
y,Iwantsecondsbutl
ater
.
Mom:
Nqobi
zi
thast
il
lhungr
y?
Me:
hewi
l
lbef
ine,
he'
sjustf
ull
fornow.
Mymot hergav
ememymedi cat
ionIdr
anki
t.My
phonebeepedi
t'
samassage.
"I
'
m waiti
ng foryou out
side,inthelastcar
.You
l
ookedsexyint hatt
radi
tionalat
tir
e,pl
easecome
gi
veyourHusbandsomeLov e"
Me:MotherIhav
esomewher
etobe,I
'
llbeback
soon.
Mom:
Thatsomewher
eisZi
thul
ele?
Il
aughedandnodded.
Ilefttheki
tchen.They ardisbusysonoonewi l
l
noticemethatI'
m nother e.Iwal
kedtothelastcar
fastaspossi
ble,Igoti
nsideatthebackt
hat'
swher e
he'sseat
ed.
Me:
Myeni
.[Husband]
Zi
thu:Mkami,youlooksobeaut
if
ul,sur
elyIdi
dn'
t
makeami st
akebychoosi
ngy
ouasmywi fe.
Ihuggedhi
m sot
ight
ly.
Zi
thu:
Whyar
eyoucr
ying?What
'swr
ong?
Idi
dn'
tev
enknowt
hatIwascr
ying,
Imi
ssedbei
ngi
n
hi
sarms.
Me:
IguessImi
ssedy
ou.
Weki
ssed,
alongki
ss.
.
Zi
thu:
soy
ouusedt
obat
hout
side?
AuntNt
siki
damny
ou!
Me:
It'
snotf
unnystal
l
.
He'
slaughi
ngatme.
Zi
thu:YouknowwhenIwasseat
ednextt
othekr
aal
Iwasimagi
ningt
henakedy
outaki
ngabat
h.
Me:
I'
m outgoodby
eZi
thul
eleMkhi
ze.
Hest
oppedmef
rom openi
ngt
hedoor
.
Zi
thu:I
'mj
oki
ngmyl
ove,I
'
m sor
ryIwon'
tmakef
un
ofyou.
Me:What
every
ouhear
dfr
om AuntNt
sikii
sanon
f
actor
.
Henods,
hidi
ngal
augh.Hewant
stol
aughsobad.
Zi
thu:Imissyoumylove,Ineedy ouinmyar
ms.
Wanttospendani
ghtwi
thyourhusband?
Me:I'
l
lthi
nkabouti
t,Idon'
tthi
nkmyuncl
eswi
l
l
agr
eeint
othat
.
Zi
thu:I
t'
sFi
ne,wear
eleav
ingt
omor
row soIdon'
t
mind.
Me:
we?
Zi
thu:Yeswe,I '
l
lbedriv
ingwi
thy
oubackhome
si
nceyoucan'
ttakeaf
li
ght.
Me:
That
'sal
ri
ghtt
henIdon'
tmi
nd.
Zi
thu:
Nowpl
easeki
ssme.
Igotont
opofhi
m andhuggedhi
m.
Me:
Ilov
eyou,
youknowt
hat
.
Zi
thu:
Mor
ethanany
thi
ng.
Ikisshim deeply,it
'
sgetti
nglat
eandwear enot
vi
sibletopeople.I'
m gri
ndi
ngont opofhi
m,he's
gr
oani ngi
npleasure.Hepull
supmyskir
tandgrab
myt hi
ghs.
Ther
e'sanockont
hewi
ndow.
Igetof
fhi
m,heopenst
hedoor
.
AuntN:
Fananut
hii
sher
e,hewant
stogr
eety
ou
Me:
Aunt
y!
Ihuf
f.
Zi
thul
aughsandInudgehi
m.
AuntN:Nahi
koFanaf
uthii
swai
ti
ng.He'
sst
il
lugl
y,I
don'
tknowwhatyousawinhi
m.It'
str
uewhenthey
sayl
oveisbl
i
nd.
Zi
thul
elecoul
dn'
tst
opl
aughi
ng,
hebl
urt
edout
.
Me:Hewasmyf
ri
endAunt
yfanai
snotev
enmy
t
ype.
Zi
thu:
She'
sev
engi
vi
nghi
m ani
ckname.
Me:
I'
m outofher
e!
Iwentout
,theycamer
unni
ngf
ormeIhat
eZi
thul
ele
ri
ghtnow.
Me:
Fanal
ookaty
ou.
Ihuggedhim.He'sl
ookingbet
tert
hanwhenhewas
ateenager
,he'
simpr
oving.
Fana:Icamet ocongr
atul
ateyou.Ihear
dyouwer
e
gett
ingmarr
ied,y
ouaresogrown.
Me;
Yout
oo,
howi
sJohannesbur
g?
Fana:Great
,Igr
aduat
edatthestar
tift
hey
ear
s,I
'
ma
Doctornowinthel
ocalhospi
tal
.
Me:
That
'sgr
eat
.
Fana:LookIhav
eani
ght
shi
ft
,itwasgr
eatseei
ng
mycrush.
Webot
hlaughed.
Me:
Sti
l
lhav
eacr
ush?
Fana:Mywi feknowsthatIhaveahugecrushonyou.
Ifol
lowy ouonI nst
agram shedoesn'
tbeli
eveIwas
yourbestfr
iend.
Me:
Shebet
terbel
i
evey
out
hen.
Fana:
OkayThen,
I'
ll
seey
ouar
ound.
Wehugged.
"
Fanaf
uthi
arey
oul
eav
ingal
ready
"
Zi
thul
eleaskedSt
if
li
ngal
augh.
Me:
FanameetmyhusbandZi
thul
ele.
Fana:
It'
sni
cet
omeety
ouman.
Zi
thu:
Nicet
omeety
out
ooman.
Fana:
Ihav
etol
eav
eNahi
ko,
itwasgr
eatseei
ngy
ou.
Me:
Itwasgr
eatseei
ngy
out
oo.
Hel
eft
.
Me:
Idon'
twantt
oseey
ouev
eragai
n!
Iwal
kedawayf
rom hi
m andmyAunt
.
Aunt
:ButFanaf
uthi
isnotHandsomet
hat
'st
het
rut
h.
Me:
mxxm!
Iwal
kedaway
.
"Hor
mones"Ihear
dZithulel
etalki
ngwit
haunt
,they
aresuchabadcombi
nation.Ican'
tbel
i
eveImissed
him,
nxaIdi
ot.
Me:
Ineedaf
ootr
ub,
myf
eet
'sar
eswol
l
en.
Mom:
Iwi
l
ldot
haty
ourf
ri
endsar
etoodr
unk.
Me:
I'
m donewi
tht
hoset
wo,
Zit
hul
elei
ncl
uded.
Mymotherl
aughed,
Idon'
tknowwhet
herIam aj
oke
orwhat
Mom:
Yourhor
monesar
eonst
eroi
ds.
Me:
What
ever
.
Shel aughed ather,and Ican'
ttellhertol
eav
e
becauseshe'sgiv
ingmethebestfootrub.
.
.
4i
nser
tsl
eft
.
.
Pl
easel
i
ke,
shar
e,andI
nvi
tey
ourf
ri
ends.
Pl
easesi
l
entr
eader
,comment
.
Thanky
ou!
FORTYSEVEN

AZOLE
"
Babywakeup,
breakf
asti
sready
"
Iopenedmyey
esandl
ookedatmyhandsomeman.
Chumani
:I'
l
lbewai
ti
ngdownst
air
s.
Me:
Okay
.
Heki
ssedmeonmyf or
eheadthenlef
ttheroom.I
madethebedt hent
ookawel lDeserv
ingbath,I
'
m
t
ir
edI'
m dr
ained.
Iwore my shi
rtdr
ess and sneaker
sthen went
downst
air
sChumani
wasdoneeat i
ng.
Chumani
:Icoul
dn'
twai
tfory
ou,y
out
ookl
ongsoI
at
emybr
eakf
ast
.Your
sist
hei
ntheov
en.
Me:
Alr
ightt
hanks.
Iwarmedupmyfoodt
henwentt
oseatnextt
ohi
m
andatemyf
ood.
Chumani
:Youseem down,
isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?
Me:
I'
mti
redt
hat
'sal
lI
'l
lbef
ine.
Chumani
:You'
vebeenst
udy
ing?
Me:Yes,exams ar e around the Cor
nerso I'
m
st
udyi
ng hard and I
'
ve been helpi
ng Nahi
ko wi
th
ev
ery
thing.
Chumani
:Youar
eagr
eatf
ri
enddoy
ouknowt
hat
?
Heaskedsmi
l
ing,
GoshIl
ovet
hisman.
Me:she'
sagr eatfr
iendtomet
oo,act
ual
l
ythebest
.
Wearepract
icall
yaf ami
l
y .
Chumani
:Isee,
youl
oveeachot
her
.
Me:
Thatappl
i
est
oyouandZi
thul
ele.
Chumani
:That'
smydayone,Zi
thuandhav
ebeen
thr
oughalot
.
Me:
Thatdeep?
Me:
Youdon'
tknowany
thi
ng.
Hel
aughed,
I'
m sur
ehe'
sthi
nki
ngZi
thu.
Myphoner
angi
t'
sGi
gi
Me:
HeyLov
e.
Gi
gi:
heybabes,
whatt
imear
ewemeet
ingJK?
Me:
2pm l
ove,
athi
sBui
l
ding.
Gi
gi:
I'
m sol
azyt
odr
ive,
cany
oucomeandf
etchme?
Me:
Sur
eIdon'
tmi
nd.
Gi
gi:
Alr
ightt
hen,
I'
ll
beatCal
dri
n'
spl
anni
ng.
Me:
Alr
ightby
e!
Gi
gi:
Bye.
Idroppedthecall,andt houghtaboutmyv eryown
l
if
e,GigiandIar epl anningNahi ko'
sbri
dalshower.
SoonIwillplanGi
gi'sbridalshowerbutwhenwi l
lbe
mine?Idon'tknowwhet herI'm comingorgoingwit
h
Chumani.
Chumani
:Azol
ewhat
'
sbot
her
ingy
ou?
Me:
Doy
ouseeaf
utur
ewi
thme?
Chumani
:Andwher
edoest
hiscomef
rom?
Me:
I'
mjustaski
ng.
Chumani
:Tal
ktomebabywhat
'seat
ingy
ou?
Iwi
pet
het
eart
hatescapedmyey
e.
Me:ChumaniIwon' tgi vey ouki ds,Idon' thavea
womb.Somet imei nt hefuturey ouwi llwantt ohave
yourownf amily,kidsbutIwon' tbeabl etogi veyou
that
.Thathur t
s,seeingNahi koandZi t
hulelegushing
overthepr egnancymakesmey earnst ohav eone,
thelovezi thuhav ef orhisunbor nbabyt hewayhe
tal
ktoNahi ko'
sst omachmakesmewonderhowy ou
feelaboutt hat,i t
's every Man' s dr eam t o have
chil
drenapr operf ami l
ybutIwon' tgivey ouallof
that
.I'm scaredt hatifwegetmar riedy ouwi l
lgoout
ther
eandcheatonme, breakmeandcomeback
withababyorbabi es.Itscar esmeal otchumani
j
ustbyt hinkingabouti t.
.
Heholdsmeonhi sar
msasicry
.I'
vebeenavoi
ding
t
hisconver
sat
ionbutwehav
etoaddr
essitnow.
.
Chumani :Azol ey ou know how much Il ovey ou,
you'r
emyl i
feIcannev eraskf orabet terpartner
othert hany ouIl ov eyousomuch.Iwanty out obe
bymysi deal way s,Iwantyout omer i
deordie.Il
ov e
youf orwhoy ouar eandI '
m happywi thyou.Iwoul d
never cheaton nor hav e childr
en outside this
rel
ationshi pIknow whathappenedt oyouwasnot
yourf aultyoudi dn'tmeanf orallofthatt
ohappent o
you.Hav i
ngki ds?Wecanadoptbaby ,wecanadopt
aninf antandr ai
sehi m orherit'snottheendoft he
worldandIwantt omakey oumywi feandhav eal i
fe
withy ou, Iwantt obewi thy ouonlysostopwor rying
yourselfokay ?
Inodandhuggedhi
m..
Me:Youhada cr
isi
siny
ourcl
ub,y
oucangoI
'
llbe
f
ine.Iwi
l
lgot
omeetnahi
ko.
Chumani
:Thi
sconv
ersat
ioni
snotov
erbaby
.
Hetakeshi
scarkey
sandki
ssmeonmyLi
pst
he
l
eft
.
Itookhi
sothercarkey
sanddr ovetoMont cl
air
,I
needtot
alkt
oNahikoaboutt
hisshewil
ltel
lmet he
r
ightt
hing.
Ipar
kont
hedr
ivewayt
henmademywayi
n.
Me:
Heysi
smay
.
Igreet
edthehel
per,whostay
swi t
hNahikoi
sher
par
entsar
eatworkandthet
winsatschool
.
May
:HeyAzol
e,howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m goodsi
smay
,wher
eismygi
rl
.
May
:Inherr
oom sl
eepi
ng.
Me:
Shehav
en'
twokenupy
et?
May
:No,
arey
out
wogoi
ngsomewher
e?
Me:
I'
m her
etov
isi
t,t
hat
'
sal
lImi
ss.Her
.
May:Then pl
easewakeherup,I'
l
lwar
m up her
br
eakf
astandfi
xherFr
uitsal
ad.
Me:
Okay
.
Iwal
kedt
oNahi
ko'
sroom,
she'
ssl
eepi
ngi
ndeed.
I'
m thi
nki
ng of a way t
o wake her up,she'
s
aggr
essi
vethi
sone.
Ir
ubherswol
l
enf
eet
,she'
senj
oyi
ngher
sel
fIknew
wewon'
tfi
ghtwhenIwakeherupl
i
ket
his.
Nahi
ko:
What
'st
het
ime?
Me:
11am.
Nahiko:Andyouarehere?What '
swrong,di
dy ou
f
ightwithChumani
?Otherwi
seifyouguysf
oughtI'
l
l
f
orgetthatI
'
m pr
egnantanddealwit
hhi
m.
Me:Nowedidn'
tfi
ght
,IdreamtaboutsoIt
houghtI
shoul
dcomeandseeyou.
Nahi
ko:I
'
m notdy
ingany
timesooni
fthat
'swhaty
ou
mean.
Il
aughatherst
upi
dit
y.
Me:Please go and t
ake a bat
hI'
l
lbr
ing y
our
br
eakf
ast.
Nahi
ko:Please make t
he bed f
orme and f
ind
somethi
ngcomfort
abl
eformetowear
.
Me:
I'
m noty
oursl
ave.
Nahi
ko:
Didn'
tsayy
ouwer
e!
Shesai
dmaki ngherwayi
nsi
det
hebathr
oom.She'
s
l
azytoolazysheremi
ndsmeofYot
handowhenshe
waspregnantImi
ssherevery
day
.Mayherbeaut
if
ul
soul
conti
nuerest
ingi
npeace.
Imadet heMadame'
sbed,andItookoutagrey
mater
nit
ydresst
hatIthi
nkwi
llbecomf
ort
abl
efor
her
.
Iwentt
otheki
tchen.
Me:
Sismayi
sherbr
eakf
astr
eady
?
May
:Yes,
taket
hatt
rayov
ert
her
e.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
It
ookthet
rayandwentbackt
oNahi
ko'
sroom she
wasdr
essi
ngup.
Nahi
ko:Whatwoul
dIdowi
thouty
oui
nmyl
i
fe,
Itr
uly
don'
tknow.
Shetakesthetr
ayandseatnextt
othewi
ndow t
he
weat
herisperf
ectout
side.
Nahiko:Azolewhatbroughty
ouhere?Don'tt
ellme
aboutthestupi
ddream sowhat'
shappeni
ng?
Yeppeopl
esheknowsmel
i
ket
hat
.
It
ookaseatnextt
oher
.
Me:
Eatf
ir
stt
henI
'
llt
ell
youev
ery
thi
ng.
Nahi
ko:Iwil
leatbecauseNqobii
shungr
yIdon'
t
wantt
oloosemyAppeti
te.
Me:
Them eat
.
Nahi
ko:Don'
trushme,pl
easemakeyour
sel
fusef
ul
j
oinmeeatwit
hmebutnotmyfrui
tsal
ad.
Iat
ewit
hherIknowi
fIdecl
i
nedshewoul
d'
vef
orced
metoeat.
Nahi
ko:Sonow t
hatwear
edone,what
'sbot
her
ing
you?
Wearenow seat
edont
hebed,I
'
m massagi
ngher
f
eet
.
Me:I
'm scar
edoft
heout
comeandpossi
bil
i
tyofmy
f
utur
ewi t
hChumani
.
Nahi
ko:
Meani
ng?
Me:I'm abarr
enf
riend,I
'
m scaredthatChumaniwil
l
gettir
edandcheatonmewi thsomeoneelseand
makeababy .And hisparentswillwantto have
grandchi
ldr
en,whati fthey wanthim tot ake a
secondwi f
eandI'
llhavetolosehim.Theyar eold
peopl
etheyar
enotusesi ntothesenewt hi
ngssuch
asadopti
on.I'
m scared,Il
ovehi m somucht hatI
don'
tseemyselfopeninguptoanot herguybuthim.
I'
m scar
edofthedayhewoul dpr oposetome,my
answerwoul
dn'tbeyesbecauseI'm scar
ed.
Nahi
ko:
Doy
oul
oveChumani
?
Me:
YesIdo,
howcoul
dyouaskmet
hatquest
ion?
Nahi
ko:
Whatmakesy
oul
ovehi
m?
Me:HeLov esme,hecar esaboutmeal ot
.He'
s
beent hereforthr
ought oughti
mes,I'
vetol
dhim
aboutmypasthedi dn'
tjudgemenorleav
eme.Why
wouldn'tIl
ovesomethi
ngliket
hat?
Nahi
ko: Werehi
spar
ent
stherewhenhet
oldy
out
hat
helovesy ou?Whenheli
stenedtoyouanddi
dn'
t
j
udgey ou?
Me:
No.
Nahiko:Exact
lyt
hisanswer sal
l,Chumanilovesy ou
onlyyou.Hechoseyouf rom alotofgi
rlshe'sbeen
with,you tol
d hi
m aboutnotbei ng abl
et o get
pregnantand he understood.Chumani's parents
hav enor i
ghttodi ctatewhatChumani shoulddoand
shouldn'tdo,ifChumanichosey ouknowi ngthef act
thaty oucan'tgetpr egnanthispar entshav enosay
i
t'sChumani '
sl i
fenott hei
rs.Adopt ioni sthere,y ou
willbothlovet hebabyorbabi esasi ftheyarey our s.
IfChumanidi dn'tknow t heout comesofbei ngina
rel
at i
onshipwi thy ouhewoul d'vel ongl eftyouand
foundsomeonewhowi llbarehim ki ds,you'vedat es
for3 y earshenev ershowed y ou t hathewoul d
choseasecondwi feorwantki ds.He' shappywi th
yout hewayy ouar e,don'tthinkl i
ket hatanymor e
youshal lpasst hi
st oo..
.
She hugged me,Icri
ed in herarms.Iknew by
cominghereIwon'tr
egretitatal
l,shehadal
lthe
answers.
Me:Thankyousomuchmyf
ri
end,t
hisi
swhatI
want
edtohear
.
Nahi
ko:That
'
s whatf
ri
ends ar
efor
,adv
ice one
anot
her
Me:
Thanks,
ILov
eyouMamkhi
ze.
Shel
aughed.
Nahi
ko:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Me:then whyar
eyou l
aughi
ng when I
'
m say
ing
Mamkhizetoy
ou?
Nahiko:I
t'
ssounusual
,I
'm usedsay
ingMamkhi
zet
o
Zi
thu'smothernotme.
Il
aughed.
Me:youar
eaMkhizewi
fe,y
ou'
reMamkhi
zet
ous
andt
oever
yone.
Nahi
ko:
Yeahne.
Me:
Yes.LookIhav
etogonowIhav
eacl
assat2pm.
Nahi
ko:
Okaymyl
ovey
oumaygoI
'
llNet
fl
ixandchi
l
l.
Me:
Thensl
eep.
Nahi
ko:
yeaht
hatt
oo.
Wel
aughed.
Me:
ByeIl
ovey
ou.
Nahi
ko:
Lov
eyoumor
e.
Iwentout
.
Me:
Byesi
smay
!
May
:By
eAzzybaby
!
Idr
ovet
oCal
dri
n'
spl
aceandcal
l
edGi
git
ocomeout
.
Gi
gi:
HeyLov
e.
Me:
Heybabewear
erunni
ngl
ate!
Gi
gi:
JKi
sgonnamur
derus!
WelaughedasIdroveust oJK'sBui
l
ding.JKisa
desi
gner
,weddi
ngplanner,ev
ery
thi
ngactual
l
y!He'
s
al
sotheMChe'smanythings.
"
Youar
elat
e"
Me:
Byonl
y5Mi
nut
es!
JK:i
ttakesasecondf
orsomeonet
odi
e,5mi
nut
es
i
salotofti
me.
Gi
gi:
Wear
esor
ryt
henJK.
JK:I
t'
sokay,y
ouneedtorel
axIwasj
ustpul
l
ingy
our
l
eg.WineorChampagne?
Me:
Champagnepl
ease.
Gi
gi:
Met
oo.
Hecamebackwi
th3gl
asseswi
thchampagnehe
handsourgl
asses.
JK:
Sowear
etal
ki
ngaboutt
hebr
idal
shower
?
Me:Yes,wedon'
twhet
herwecandoi
tinsome
Hot
elneart
hev
enue.
Jk:Theweddi ngvenueisaLodgeandar esorti
thas
niceroomswher eourbr i
dewillchangesoy oucan
dot hebri
dalshowertherei
twoul dbeniceandeasy!
I
fy ousleeplateyou'
l
lwakeupt hereandt akeabath
there,thedresseswi l
lbet hereand t hemakeup
team will
bethereaswellasHairsty
li
sts.
Gi
gi:Thatsoundsl
i
keabeaut
if
ulpl
an,andwewon'
t
bedoingupanddown.
JK:
Exact
lyt
hat
,itwi
l
lsav
eti
meandener
gy.
Me:
Won'
ttheGuy
'sbet
her
eforBachel
or'
spar
ty?
JK:Not hey
'l
lbei
nacl
ubsodon'
twor
ryy
our
sel
f
aboutt
hat.
Me:
Thent
hepl
anni
ngshoul
dSt
art
.
JK:TheThemei
sst
il
lRoseGol
d,Bl
ushpi
nkand
si
lv
er?
Gi
gi:
Yest
hat
'sThet
heme.
JK:ThenI'
l
lsendyou3dif
fer
entdecor
ati
onsf
ort
he
dayandyou'
ll
choosewhi
choneyoulove.
Gi
gi:
That
'sokay
.
JK:
TheLi
stofpeopl
ecomi
ng?
Me: We have 25 Peopl
e comi
ng, but make
r
eser
vat
ionsf
or30.
JK:
Okay
,I'
l
lal
sot
hemenust
il
lremai
n?
Gi
gi:
Yeahdon'
tchangeany
thi
ng.
JK:
Alr
ightt
henl
adi
esweshal
ltal
kov
ert
hephone.
Me:
Okay
,by
ehoney
!
JK:
ByeLov
es.
WehugJKandl
efthi
sbui
l
ding.
Gi
gi:
Howaboutwegoshoppi
ngf
orGi
ft
s?
Me:Thatsoundslikeaplan,weshoul
dby
e100
Ti
ssuesf
orourcr
yingbabymama
Gigi
:Shewi
llcr
yatany
thi
ng,Ican'
twai
ttoseeher
expr
essi
on.
Me:
itwi
l
lbepr
icel
essIt
ell
you.
Wel
aughaswedr
ovet
oV&AWat
erf
ront
!

_
___
___
__
NAHI
KO

Iwokeupf r
om mysl
eep,Ist
il
lfeell
i
kesl
eepi
ngbut
I
'm hungr
y.
Isaw missedcallsfr
om Zithul
ele,I
'
llcal
lhim af
ter
eat
ing.Iwenttothebathr
oom Iwashedmyf aceand
mouth.Iwalkedtothekitchen,whereissisMay?I
mademy selfasandwich.
May
:Ohy
ou'
reup?
Me:
Yes,
wher
ewer
eyou?
May
:Fi
xi
ngsomeGuest
srooms.
Me:
Forwhat
?
May
:YourMot
her
'ssi
ster
sandt
hei
rki
dswi
l
lbeher
e.
Me:
What
?
May
:Yourmotherwasasshockedasy
ouar
ethi
s
mor
ningwhensher
ecei
vedt
hecall
.
Me:
Whataboutmyuncl
es?
May
:Idon'
tknowaboutt
hat
.
Inodandatemysandwi
ch,t
hiswi
l
lbeal
ong,v
ery
Longweek.
Icall
edmydad,I
'
m cr
avi
ngsomechi
ckenl
i
cken'
s
Wings.
Dad:
Heybaby
.
Me:
Daddy
Dad:
Whatdoy
ouwantNahi
ko?
Il
aughed.
Me:I'
m cr
avi
ngsomeChickenLickenwi
ngs,andMc
Donal
d'sMexi
canBur
ger
.Pleasedaddy.
Dad:
Whynotasky
ourmot
her
?
Me:
Youknowy
ourwi
fe,
let
'
snotev
ent
alkabouther
.
Hel
aughed.
Dad:
Alr
ightt
henI
'
llbuyt
hem f
ory
ou.
Me:Pleaseonelastmor
e,Bl
ueber
rymuf
fi
nsand
cr
anberr
yjui
ce.
Dad:
:
That
'sal
l
?
Me:Yeah,cozIknow y
ouwon'
tbuypepper
minti
ce
cr
eam.
Dad:
AndIwon'
tbuyi
t.
Me:
Okayt
henby
edadIl
ovey
ou.
Dad:
Ilov
eyout
oo.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
l
.
Me:
Whatar
eyoucooki
ngsi
smay
?
May
:Samp,
redmeatandsomev
eget
abl
es.
Me:Letmehel
pyoubymaki
ngmyFamouscr
eamy
Spi
nach.
May
:AndIwi
l
lal
sol
ear
nhowy
oumakei
t.
Me:You'
rewel
come,t
hey'
vetr
iedbutf
ail
edsol
et'
s
seey
ouwill
beabl
etolear
n.
Wecookedtoget
her,si
smayisaverygoodwoman
whol
ist
ens,
sheev enknowswhenI
'
m hormonaland
whenIam myself
.She'
sbeenhereformeeversi
nce
Icamebackf rom hospi
taldaddyhir
edher,she'
s
f
rom chur
ch.
The dooropened mommy gotinsi
de wi
th her
si
bli
ngs,i
ncl
udi
ng herbr
other
s.Mycousi
nswer e
al
sohere.
"YhooNomzamoni hlal
akwiz
indl
uezinje?Hay
ibomi
yingumqamelel
o" [Nomzamo y ou'r
e stayi
ng in
housesli
kethese?Li
feisr
eal
lyapil
lowcase]
Il
aughed,
AuntNt
siki
issomet
hingel
se.
Mom:
Ntsi
kipl
easeshutup.
AuntZ:
HeyNahi
ko.
Me:
hel
l
oAuntzol
eka.
Ev
ery
onegr
eet
ed,
wewer
enowseat
edi
nthel
ounge.
Uncl
e Mzi: Nomzamo ubusi
thi sohl
alaphi
?
[
Nomzamowher
earewegoi
ngt
ost
ay?]
Ilookedathertoo,becauset
here'
snospace,thi
s
pl
acei scr
owdedDaddywon'tl
ikeitabi
t,cozev
enI
don'tl
ikei
t.
Mom:
Uhm Nahi
kobaby
.
What
,Noway
s!
Me:Don'
tev
en f
ini
sh i
tmom,t
heansweri
sno!
Nev
er.
AuntN:
Whatanswer
?
Me:
Theycangot
oGugul
ethu,
it'
sa5Room house.
Mommyl ookedatme,notmyApar tmentIknow
she'
st r
y i
ngt obef ancytohersist
ersbutmyuncles
i
nSeapoi nt?It
'sanono.TheHousei nGugul
ethuis
bigandbeaut i
fulIdon'tknow whyhedoesn'
twant
herbrothersthere.
Mom:Okayt heycangoandst
ayt
her
e,t
heycan
dr
ivey
ourRangeRover
.
Youseet hi
swomani sTest
ingmet
oday
,Notmy
houseanddefi
nit
elynotmycar!
.
Il
aughed.
Me:
Hayi
,andthat
'sf
inal
.Youwantedthem t
ost
ayi
n
myapar
tmentinseapointandnow y
ouwantthem
t
odri
vemycar?HayiNo.
AuntNt
siki
Clappedherhands.
Aunt
:OMalumebakhongoThem?oHay iNi
yakhul
i
sa
Nomzamo.[Yourunclesare'
Them' now?Nomzamo
youhav
eawayofr aisingy
ourKids]
Uncle Mzi:Sesi Singesiasi t
hethayo,ndanditshi
l
o
kemna ndat hiumf aziakafundiswa.Uzoyophendula
phaemzi niwakhephof unabowet hubabemkhupha
ngempuml o uGeorge.[i t
'
st heEngl i
sh thatshe's
speaki
ng,Ioncesai di tthatwomen must n'
tget
educati
on.Shewi l
lbeanswer i
nglikethi
si nherin-
l
awst oo,act
uallyev enherin-
lawsspeakEngl i
sh]
Ar
etr
yingt
ogui
l
ttr
ipme?I
t'
sact
ual
l
ywor
king.
Me:
Theycandr
ivemycar
,it
'
sokay
.
Isai
d.
AuntN:Ufi
l
eke?Yi
ntoni
binzi
ma?[
Didy
oudi
e?What
washard?
]
somebodytakeAuntNtsi
kioutofmysi
ghtBecause
I'
m goi
ngtomurderher
.
AuntN:FuthiZoleka uzohamba noBhut
ibakho
uyeKl
o Gugul
ethu bazophekel
wa nguwe pha,
ul
iphel
onobaliphel
o.[Zol
ekayouwi l
lgowi t
hy our
bi
gbr ot
hersandstaywiththem inGugul
ethuyou'l
l
Cookforthem,y
ou'r
etheLastborn]
Uncle Sam:Ther e'
s no need,we wi
l
lcook f
or
oursel
ves.Nt
siki
you'r
esuchabull
y.
Yesuncl
e,she'
saBul
l
ythatone!
AuntN:Whatever
,Kut
yiwantoni
kukomzi?Ndil
ambi
l
e
mna.[What
'stoeati
nthishouse,I
'
m hungry
]
Si
sMaymadeherwayi
n.
May:Thedinnert
abl
eisset
,youcangoandhav
e
yourdi
nner
.
AuntN:
Andwhoar
eyou?
May:Nahiko'
shelper,andal
sot hef
ami
l
y'shel
per
butIcameherebecauseofNahi
ko.
AuntN:Heeeee!Zamo?Ni sezot
hat
hel
waamadoda
zi
zcakaninyenyi
.[Nomzamo?Thesemaidswi
l
ltake
yourhusband]
Il
aughedatherstat
ement
,daddywoul
dneverdo
t
hatt
omymot her
,he'
sanhonour
abl
emanofGod.
Mommyr ol
ledherey
esandl
eadt
hewayt
othe
di
nni
ngt
able.
Wetookoursits,Zi
ntl
e,Av
iwe,Ani
taandNoxol
o
wer
ethepr
esentcousi
ns.
Uncl
eSam:Thi
stast
ereal
l
yGood,Whomadet
his
spi
nach?
Me:
It'
smeuncl
e.
Uncl
eSam:it'
sasifBhel
ekazimadeit,y
ou'
vemade
i
tthewaysheusedtomakeitforus.
AuntB:
Yeah,
Ithoughtofhert
oo.
Me:Shewast
hebestcooker
.I'
vel
ear
ntf
rom t
he
Best
.
Weatethentookt
heplatestotheKit
chen,Avi
we
andAni
tawi
ll
washthem t
hat'
sAuntNt
siki
'
sOrder
s.
Me:Pleaseuncl
eSam bet
heonedr
ivi
ngal
lthet
ime,
I
'mtrusti
ngyouwit
hmycar.
Uncl
eSam:
Don'
twor
rymyni
eceI
'
llbet
hedr
iver
.
Me:
Okayby
e!
Webi
dedt
hem goodby
e.Theywer
efol
l
owi
ngmy
mother
'sCarsi
nceshewasl
eadi
ng t
hem t
othe
house.
Iwas Lef twith AuntNt si
ki,AuntZol eka,Aunt
Bulel
waandmycousi nsAv i
we,Anita,Zii
ntl
eand
Noxolo.AuntVuyokaziisnothereshewillcomeon
theweddingdayandI '
m gratef
ulshe'stheDrama
Queen..
Wewer
eallwat
chi
ngTV,AuntNt
sikit
oldSi
smayt
o
l
eav
eandcomebackaf
tert
hewedding.
Daddymadehi
swayi
nwi
tht
heTwi
ns.
Dad:
Goodev
eni
ng.
Ev
ery
one:
Hel
l
o.
Dad:Her
ei syourpar
cel,
sinceyou'
vebeenbehav
ing
Ibr
oughtthatpepper
minticecr
eam.
Me:
SeewhyIl
ovey
ou?
Hel
aughed.
.
Dad:
WhenIdoy
ourer
randsne?
Me:
Whatno!
Hel
aughedgoi
ngt
ohi
sroom,
I'
m sur
etobat
h.
Si
kel
elwa:
Wher
e'ssi
sMay
?I'
m hungr
y.
Me:sheleft
,yourf
oodi
sint
heov
en.Butgoand
changef
ir
st.
Theywerestil
lwearingt hei
rschooluni
for
m,t hey
wereinthehospit
alafterschoolwai
ti
ngfordaddy.
Ever
y Monday they come back lat
e because of
daddyi
t'
shisdaytopickthem up.
AuntB:
Whyt
heycamebackl
ate?
Me:
Theywer
eint
hehospi
tal
.
AuntN:
What
'si
nthosebags?
Me:
Nqobi
andmyf
ood.
AuntN:
Ngubani
Nqobi
ngoku?[
Who'
sNqobiNow?
]
Me:
Myson!
Myphoneri
ngsi
t'
sMyHusband.I
tfeel
ssor
ightt
o
sayt
hatt
ohim.
Me:
Myeni
Zi
thu:
Mamkhi
zewear
eout
side.
Me:
we?
Zi
thu:
ZenandeandI
..
Iforgothe t
ook Baby Zenande f
or t
he ent
ir
e
weekend.
Me:
Alr
ightI
'
m comi
ng.
It
ookmyf
oodt
henl
ockedi
tinmyr
oom,
Idon'
ttr
ust
Ntsi
ki
.
Imademywayoutandwentt
oZi
thu'
scar
.
Me:
Heyl
ove.
Zi
thu:
Mkam.
.
Weki
ssed,
Zenandei
ssl
eepi
ngonhercarseat
.
Zi
thu:
Ical
l
edy
oui
ntheaf
ter
noony
oudi
dn'
tanswer
.
Me:Iwassl
eepi
ng,
andwhenIwokeupIhadt
ohel
p
si
smayprepar
esomefoodf
orourguest
s.
Zi
thu:
Guest
s?
Me:
Mymot
her
'ssi
ster
s.
Zi
thu:
IsNt
siki
ther
e?
Yeah,theyar
ebestf
ri
endev
ery
one.Thei
rfr
iendshi
p
annoysme.
Helaughs,becauseI'
m maki ngf
unnyf
acesj
ustby
t
hinki
ngabouttheirFr
iendshi
p.
Zi
thu:
Jeal
ousdoesn'
tsui
tyouSt
handwaSam.
Me:
Yeahwhat
ever
!
Heki
ssedme.
Zi
thu:
Arewest
il
lgoi
nghousehunt
ingt
omor
row?
Me:
IfIhav
etogetoutoft
hishouset
heny
es.
Hel
aughed.
Zi
thu:
Yousai
dconst
ant
ia?
Me:
Yes,
Iwantahousei
nConst
ant
ia.
Zi
thu:Thenyou'
llgetonemylov
e.Ihav
et obeatthe
Mkhizemansion,wehav esomeimpor
tantt
hingsto
do.
Me:I
t'
sal
ri
ghtbaby
,I'
l
lbesl
eepi
ngov
ert
omor
row.I
mi
ssyou.
Zi
thu:
Justsayy
oumi
ssMkhi
zemor
e.
Il
augh,
Mkhi
zei
shi
sdi
ck.
Me:
Imi
ssy
out
oo.
Weki
ssesf
ort
hel
astt
ime,
andIt
ookZenandei
nmy
ar
ms.
Me:
ByeMy
eni
.
Zi
thu:
ByeMkam,
Ngi
yakut
handauy
ezwa?
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo,
Babakhe.
He ki
ssed my for
ehead,Iopened t
he Gate and
cl
oseditasImademywayinsi
dethehouse.
.
AuntN:
Who'
schi
l
dist
hat
?
Me:
Mine.
.
Iwenttomyroom andplacedZenandeonmybed,I
knowAuntNt
sikiwil
lcomeandaskaboutZenande.
CanIgetmarri
edandleavethi
sf amil
y?I
t'
senough
now,I
'v
ehadenoughThanks.
.
.
3i
nser
tsl
eft
.
.
Pl
easel
i
ke,
Shar
eandi
nvi
tey
ourf
ri
ends.
Pl
easecomment
FORTYEI
GHT
ZI
THULELE
Me:
Nost
ri
pper
sBaf
o.
Mlungisi
:You won'
tdi
e,i
t'
s notl
i
ke we wi
l
ltel
l
Nahiko.
Sandz
:WhathappenstoaBachel
or'
spar
tyr
emai
ns
i
ntheBachel
or'
spar
ty.
Me:
Sti
l
lI'
m agai
nsti
t.
Chumani:Younotsleepingwithastr
ippertheyar
e
hereto enter
tai
n us that
's al
l
.Everyone i
si na
rel
ati
onshi
phere.
Sandz:Countmeoutoft
hatst
atementI
'
m si
ngl
eas
fuck.
Mnqobi:Met oo,I
'
m si
ngl
eandi
fIwantt
ofuckt
hen
sur
elyIwil
lfuck.
Mlungi
si:Comeonman,Remembery oufor
cedme
t
ohav estri
ppersonmybachel
or'
spar
tysoyouhav
e
t
ohav ethem tooman.
Me:
Finewecanhav
ethem.
Sandz
:letmemaket
hecal
l
.
Wear
eseatedinmyhouse,aboutt
ogotoCl
ubIr
is
f
ormybachel
or'
spar
ty.Wecl
oseddownt
hecl
ub.
Myphoner
angi
t'
sJK.
JK:
Mancr
ush.
Me:
JK,
what
ssup?
JK:Thesui
tsar
ereadyiwantedt
oconfi
rmthaty
ou
andyourgr
oomsmenarether
ecozI'
m onmyway.
Me:
Yeahwear
ewai
ti
ngf
ory
ou!
JK:
Alr
ightt
henIam comi
ng.
Idroppedthecal l
,Il
ookedatmywal l
paperthere'
s
mywi feandmybabi es.Wewentt oaphot oshoot
Wednesday itwas me,herand ourf ir
stbor n
Zenande.Ilov
ehow shel ov
esZenandeasi fshe's
herown.Weagr eedthatwewilladoptZenandeas
ourown,ourfirstbor
ni t
'swhatYothandowoul d'
ve
wanted.
JKmadehi
swayi
n.
JK:
Hel
l
obr
other
s.
Us:
Hey
!
Mnqobi:Can Igetmy sui
tIcan'
twai
tto be
handsome.
JK:You al
lare handsome,Iwouldn'
tev
en mi
nd
bei
ngoneofyouronenightst
and.
Sandz
:I'
m outofher
e.
Het
akeshi
ssui
tthenwentupst
air
s.
Allthe Guys ar e scares ofJK,actuallytheyar e
scared ofGay s.Ir ememberback i n Univ ersit
y
Chumaniwoul dr unifweseeaGay ,I
'm neverscar ed
ofthem Iletthem shoott heirshotandI '
l
ltellthem
tofuckoffI'
m notGay ,
butIlovegaystheyareav ibe
Icanbefri
endt hem justli
kemyf ri
endshipwithJK.
JK:
Whyy
ourBr
other
sscar
edofGay
s?
Me:Idon'
tknow,may
betheyar
enotusedt
ot hem,
youguy
sar ef
li
rt
ssoi
t'
sweir
dwhenaGuyfl
i
rtswith
youi
magine.
JK:
Ial
way
sfl
i
rtwi
thy
ou!
Me:I'
m usedtoy ou,andIdon'
tcareaboutyour
f
li
rt
ingwaysbecauseIhaveav erybeaut
if
ulwif
e,
whom Il
ovesomuch.
JK:
EewwwI
'
m soJeal
ous.
Il
aughedathi
m.
Me:
CanIgetmysui
tnow?
JK:
Mindi
fIhel
pyou?
Me:
Not
hanky
ouJKIwi
l
lmanage.
Il
aughedt
aki
ngasui
tfr
om hi
m.
Me:
Feel
athome!
JK:thoughtyou'
l
lnev
ersayt
hat
,I'
mthi
rst
yandmy
thr
oatisopened.

Iwentt
omyr
oom andchangedmycl
othes.
IworetheSuit,i
t'
saJetblackTuxedowit
h1butt
on
sl
im blazerwi t
hv el
vetcollari
ts made wi
tht
he
per
fectblendofter
ryandr
ay on.
Il
ook att
he mi
rr
or,i
fIwasn'
tthe one get
ti
ng
marriedtomor r
ow I'
l
lbesayi
ngthatladieswi l
ldrol
l
overme, act
uallymegetti
ngmar
rieswon' tevenstop
them theywillsti
l
ldrol
lbutt
hesadpar tisthatthey
won'tbehavingme.
Iwalkdownstai
rst
heGuy
sar
ether
elooki
ngGoodi
n
thei
rTuxedo.
JK:I'
mfi
l
ledwi
thal
oti
ftest
ost
erone,handsome
ones.
Mnqobi
:Thati
ncl
udesy
ou.
JK:
DoIl
ookl
i
keaMant
oyou?
Theguy
slaughed.
JK:
youar
etoohandsome,
Ican'
tev
enl
eav
e.
Me:Youmayl
eav
eJK,
thesui
tsar
eper
fectandIam
i
nlovewi
thmi
ne.
JK:
Alr
ightIwi
l
lseey
out
omor
rowmor
ning.
Me:
Alr
ightt
hanksf
orev
ery
thi
ngJK.
JK:
Nopr
obl
em,
youpai
dmeenoughmoney
.
Me:Pl
easemakesur
emyWi
fei
sOkayt
her
e,no
har
msmaycomeherway
.
JK:
Iwi
l
lguar
dherwi
thmyl
i
fey
oudon'
twor
ry!
Me:
Sur
e.
Iwentinsi
det
ochangesot
hatwel
eav
eandgot
o
thecl
ub.
Ichangedandwor
emyJeans,Sneakerandmywhi
te
T-shi
rtwi
thaDeni
m Jacket
.
Iwal
keddownst
air
s.
Chumani
:wewer ewai
ti
ng f
ory
ou,t
heGuy
sar
e
al
readyi
ntheCl
ub.
Me:Pl easesendsomeonet ocomeandf et
chthe
suit
sandt aket
hem tot
heLodge,
tomor
rowmorni
ng
wemustj ustgother
eandnotcomeher
eincasewe
arelat
e.
Mlungi
si:Babusi
siweiscomingt
ofet
cht
hem,l
eav
e
t
heKey stotheSecuri
tyGuar
d.
Me:
Ohal
ri
ghtt
hen.
It
ookmycarkey
sandwentout
,I'
l
lber
idi
ngwi
th
Mnqobi
.
Chumani
isr
idi
ngwi
thSandzandMl
ungi
si.
Il
eftt
hekey
swi
tht
heSecur
it
y.
I
twasar
acetot
heCl
ub,
andofcour
seIwast
hef
ir
st
onet
oar
ri
ve.
Chumani
:Youcheat
ed.
Me:
I'
mtheBestDr
iverofal
lti
mes,
I'
m aGOAT.
Ml
ungi
si:
Aft
ermeofcour
se.
Me:
Webot
hknowt
hat
'
sal
i
e.
Mnqobi:
OkaycanwegoandhavesomeFun?Oneof
uswil
lti
eaknoti
nthenextf
ewhour
s.
Sandz
:Hewi
l
lhav
eacur
fewof6pm shar
p.
Chumani
:Youcant
urnbackman.
Me:
Fucky
ou!I
'
m mar
ryi
ngmyGi
rlt
omor
row.
Wemadeourwayi nsi
de,myf ri
endsfr
om var
sit
yand
myBusiness associ
ates ar
e here.I
t'
s gonna get
down.
Zul
u:Mkhi
ze,
Your
eal
l
yty
ingt
heKnot
?
Me:
Yeahman.
Thwal
a:Who hav
ethoughtt
hatmi
ghtB Mkhi
ze
woul
dgetMar
ri
ed?
Ngwane:It
houghthewi
l
ldi
esi
ngl
e,j
ustChowi
ng
pussy
!
Wel aughed,Ngwane,Zulu and Thwala wereour
VarsityFri
ends.6Fri
endsitwasthem pluschumani,
SandzandI .Wewer einsepar
ableit
'sjustthatwe
mov edf r
om Johannesbur
gandcameher e,
butThey
decidedt oremaininJohannesburgI '
m Gladt hey
made i there,Iwoul dn'
thavet he bestweddi ng
wit
houtt hem.
Wewerehav i
ngFunwhenthestr
ippersmadethei
r
wayi
n.Thesingl
eMenwerehappytheyar
ehavi
nga
t
imeofthei
rli
fe!
"
HeyHandsome,Ihear
dyouar
etheManoft
he
moment
"
Ilookupandseewho'
stal
ki
ng.I
t'
sav er
ybeaut
if
ul
yell
ow bonewi
thalotofmakeup,notmycupof
coffee.
.
Me:
Hi.
"
I'
m Ki
m"
Ishakehandswi
thher
.
Me:
Nicet
omeety
ouKi
m.
Kim:Mi
ndi
fIshow youthebestti
meofyourl
i
fe.I
coul
dgi
vey
ouallni
ghtbef
oreyousayIDo.
Me:
Not
hanky
ouI
'
mfi
ne.
Ki
m:CanIgi
vey
oual
apdance?
Me:
Not
hanks.
Kim:Iseey
ou'
ret
heLoyalty
pe!I
'
llgi
vey
ouaLap
dancet
henl
eav
eyoual
one.
Zul
u:Comeonman,
loosenup.
Theydon'
tknowmywi
fe,
theyr
eal
l
ydon'
tknowwho
Nahi
kois.

_
___
___
___
__
NAHI
KO

"
wit
hthesehandcuf
fs,
Iwantyoutot
iehi
m,ri
dehi
m
l
i
keapr o.Gi
vehim alotofCOCONUT.Makemore
babi
es"
Il
aughather,Li
sai sj
ustanotherl
unat
ic.Remember
Li
sa?Myfri
end Fr om Var
sit
y?That'
shergr i
ft
ingme
wi
th3Diff
erenttypesofHandcuffs.
Me:
Thanky
ouLi
sa,
Iwi
l
lsur
elydot
hat
.
Itookt heGift
.Charmainestoodupwi
thKi
tchen
Appli
ances,
Blender
,Toaster
,Ket
tl
e.
Charmai
ne:Thesear eforyou,y ou'
l
lbel eavi
ngy our
home now goi ng to a di
ff erenthousehold.Wi th
theseappli
ancesIwanty out ostartupy ourown
home,yourownki t
chen.Av er yimport
antplacefora
wifeinherhousei sherkit chenandherbedr oom.
Yourkit
cheni syourtempl e,y oucleani tyout ake
careofyourkitchen.Witht heseappl i
ancesIwant
youtost artupy ourownki tchen,Leti tbey ours
nobodyelsebutyours.
Me:
Thanky
ouChar
ms.
Chelsea:withthesekit
chensetsIdon'twanty outo
l
ackany thi
ng.Whenev eryouhavevisi
tor
sorhosting
thesearef ory outohelpy ou.AsChar mainesaid
yourkit
cheni syourTempleyourtempleneedsthese
Iwishyouahappymar
ri
agef
il
ledwi
thl
otsofLov
e
andhappi
ness.
Me:
Thanky
ouChel
sea.
It
aket
hekitchensetofGl
asses,Cof
feemugsand
Wi
neGl
asses.
Gigi:Iknowbabyhowmuchy oulovey ourbed,now
i
twi l
lnotbe y ours onl ybuty ourhusband t oo.
Char mainesaidthatawoman' simpor t
antplaceisa
bedroom and ki tchen butIhav e a giftfory our
bedroom.Wi t
ht heseduv etset
s,fit
tedsheet s,fl
at
sheets,mattresspr otectorortopper.Yourbedwi l
l
bey oursafeheav en,y ouwi l
lhavey ourcleanbeds
andt hesewi l
lbepr ecioust oyouIknow si ncey ou
l
ov ey ourbed beaut i
fuland neatthesewi l
lhel p.
Pleasedon'tst ai
nt hem wi thunholyt hi
ngsasI 'v e
saidthisisyourheav en.
Il
aughedather
.
Me:Wewil
lbehusband and wi
fedearwhyy
ou
wor
ri
ed?
Ev
eryonel
aughed.
Gi
gi:Okay
,okayfinethenasl
ongasy
ouwi
l
lkeep
t
hem cl
eanthat
'sall
.
Me:Theywi l
lal
way
sbecl eanmyl
ovedon'
twor
ry
your
sel
f.Thanky
ouBigsi
ster
.
Gi
gi:
Youwel
come.
Azole:Mygi ftgoesalongwi t
hGi gi'
sgift
,it
'sTowel s,
bathmatset ,cur t
ains,duvets,pi l
lows.Theyar efor
yourbedr oom tomakei tbeaut i
f ulandelegantf ora
wifethaty ouar e.Andwi tht heseLi ngeri
esIwant
yout ogetf reakywheny ouwantt o,Iwanty out o
give Juniorand Zenande a l otofBr ot
hers and
sist
ers.Thisi snoty ourlastpr egnancybutf irstof
manypr egnanciesIwantnephewsandni ecest o
spoilr
otten.Iwishy ouahappymar ri
edli
fehoney .
Istoodupandhugher,
ifIhadt
winsIwoul
d'
vegi
ven
herone.Shedi
sser
vesone.
Me:Thankyousomuchbestf r
iend,don'
twor
ryyou
wi
llbethecoolAunt.Theauntthatmykidswi
lll
ove
morethant
heirmother.
Azol
e:Ar
eyouj
eal
ousAl
ready
?
Ev
ery
onel
aughed.
Babusi
siwe:
Hel
l
oMakot
i.
Me:
Heysi
steri
n-l
aw.
Shesmi
l
ed.
Babusi
siwe:Iam sohappyt hatImadei there,you
know I
'm sohappythatmybr ot
herhaveawi feli
ke
you.Withtheseheels,Iknow how muchy oulove
yourheel
sIwanty out ofi
llyourshoeclosetwit
ha
l
otofheelsandmayBi gBrotherfi
ll
itf
oryou!
Me:
Amensi
ster
!
Ev
ery
onel
aughed.
Babusisi
we:Iwanty out owalkthewalkwi t
hthis
heel
,make y ourpresence be f
eltwhetherathis
workpl
aceorev ent
s,y ourheelsmustboosty our
confi
dence.Iwi
shyouav eryHappymarri
ages.
Me:
Awww,
thanky
oul
ove.
Ihugher
.
Peoplegi
vemegi f
ts,Ididn'
texpectallofthi
sI
expect
ed somet
hing i
nti
mat e and smal
lwit
h my
closef
ri
endsj
ustchat
ti
ngbutI
'
m happyaboutt
his
too.
It
aket hechampagnegl
assinfr
ontofme,i
t'
smy
br
idal
showersoI'
lll
i
veoncet
oo
Igulp down mygl
assofchampagne.Myphone
vi
brat
esontopoft
hetabl
e,i
t'
stheHusband.
Me:
Myeni
.
Zi
thu:
Mkam,
howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m goodbaby
,andy
ou?
Zit
hu:I'm goodtoo,I
'
m call
ingyouasmyGir
lf
ri
end
forthelasttime.Inthenexthour
syouwi
llbemy
wifelawful
ly.
Me:Iknow,Ij
ustcan'
twai
ttobeof
fi
ci
atedasMr
s
Mkhi
ze
Zit
hu:Iknow,I
'
m soner
vous.I
t'
sasi
fyouwon'
t
showup.
Me:Allyouneedt
odoi
stor
elax,
Iwi
l
lshowupIwi
l
l
bethere.
Zi
thu:
DidIt
ell
yout
hatIl
ovey
ou?
Me:
Noy
oudi
dn'
t,
I'
mli
steni
ng.
Zi
thu:WellIl
ov eyou,so much.Youar
emyl
i
fe
NahikoMsomi
,ther
e'snooneel
sebuty
ou.
Me:
Pleasesav
ethev
owsf
orl
ater
.
Zi
thu:
Idon'
tev
enknowwhatt
osayf
orourv
ows.
Me:
Justspeakf
rom y
ourhear
t.
Zi
thu:
Iwi
l
l,Ij
ustcan'
twai
ttoseey
ourpr
ett
yface.
Me:
pat
iencei
sAl
ri
ghtMrMkhi
ze.
Zi
thu:So how's ev
ery
thi
ng t
her
e? Enj
oyi
ng y
our
br
idal
shower?
Me:YesI '
m havi
ngt
het
imeofmyl
i
fe,andy
our
Bachel
or'
spar
ty?
Zi
thu:
Great
,Ihav
emybeatf
ri
endsf
rom Var
sit
yher
e
i
t'
sallmi
nt.
Me:
Aret
her
eanyst
ri
pper
s?
Zi
thu:
Huh?
Me:Youhear
dmeZi
thul
eleMkhi
ze,andIhopey
ou
won'
tl
iet
oMe.
Zi
thu:Yesther
ear
est
ri
pper
sbutI
'
m pl
ayi
ng f
ar
awayfr
om t
hem.
Me:
mhhh
Zi
thu:
Pleasebel
i
evememyl
ove.
Me:Ibel i
evey
ou St
handwa sam,pl
ease behav
e
Zi
thul
ele.
Zi
thu:
Iwi
l
lbehav
emyl
oveIpr
omi
sey
ou.
Me:
Alr
ightt
hen,
lookIhav
etogoback.
Zi
thu:
Alr
ightGi
rl
fr
iendGoodby
eIl
ovey
ou.
Me:
Ilov
eyout
ooBoy
fri
end.
Hedr
opst
hecal
l
.
Iwal
kbackinsi
de.PeoplearehappyandI'
m happy
butI
'
m sohungr
y,noactual
l
ymysoni shungr
y.
Me:
Babypl
easebr
ingmef
ood,
I'
m sohungr
y!
Azole:Whydoyoualwaysbull
yme?Ther
ear
eyour
cousinsher
eyoucanaskthem t
oo.
Me:Azol
eyouar
emybestf
ri
end,t
hat
'swhatbest
f
ri
endsar
efor
.
Azol
e:mxxm!
Shewal
ksawayandbr
ingmef
ood.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuchBest
ie.
Azole:I
t'
sallbecauseyouarepregnant,Iwouldn'
t
havebroughty
ouf oodi
fyouwer
enotpr egnant
.
Me:
Thanky
ousomucht
hough
Azol
e:Yeahwhat
ever
!
Il
aughedather,she'
str
ulyabestfri
endandI '
m
gr
atef
ulshe'
ssti
llher
ewit
hme,sti
llstandingwi
th
me,happyand forme.She'
strul
ya bl essi
ng i
n
di
sgui
seinmyli
fe.
thi
sbr i
dalshowerist hebest,it
'snotbor i
ngt here's
fun.I'm enj
oyingmy selfhereandIst oppeddr i
nki ng
champagne,Iwasj ustdri
nkingitbecauseImi ssed
thet asteandt hefell
ingafterdr
inkingit
,peopl ear e
drunkandIcan' thavepeopl ewithhangov erorhal f
asleepi nmyweddi ng.Ev ery
onei sgoingt osl eep,
andIneedmybeaut ysleepIhavet ogetenoughr est
sot hatIwon'tgetti
redatal l
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
_
[
WEDDI
NGDAY]

Iwokeuphav i
ngmymor ningsickness,I'
mf eel
ing
nauseous Igeti
t'sthe Nerv
es.I '
m f el
li
ng v er
y
nervousandIam soexci
tedtoo,I'
m hav i
ngmi xed
emot i
ons.
I'
mt hinki
ngofmyBi ol
ogicalfat
herishewasst i
ll
ali
vetowal kmedownt heAisl
ebutGodDeci dedto
takehim early,Iwantedhi mtowal kmedownt he
aisl
ehandmeov ertoZit
hulel
ewi t
hapr oudsmi l
e
andhugeconf idenceandegobuthe' snomor e.At
l
eastDaddyPhi weisher e,heremindsmeofmy
Biol
ogicalfather,he'
sanobl emanandhav eav er
y
goodhear tI'
m gladthathewi l
lbewalki
ngmedown
theAisle.
Another person that my hearty earns for her
presencei smyGr andmotherBhel
ekazi
,sheal ways
wantedt oseemewal kdownt heaisl
e,shewant ed
toknowwhatt ypeofamanIwoul dgetmar riedto.
I
'm sur e she would'
ve appr
oved ofZithul
ele,she
wantedt hebestf ormeandZi thulel
ei sactual l
ythe
besttome.Bhel ekaziwoul d'
vel ovethef actt hathe
marriedmebef oreIgivebirth,shenev erwant edme
to give birth outofwedl ock,she woul d'v
e been
happy .ButIknowt hatshe'sher e,shehasgi v enme
herbl essingsandI '
m gratefulf orthat.Yot hando?
Sheal wayspi cturedmei naweddi ngdr ess,she
al
way sf oughtwi t
hAzol ef ortheMat ronofhonour
spot.Shewoul d'vebeenmai dofhonourt hat'
swhat
shewant edsincewewer echildren.Weusedt oplan
ourweddi ngsinadol lhouseandi npaperbookmy
house.We' veal waysdr eamtofhav i
ng suchabi g
weddi ngandshe' snother et oexper iencemyday
butIknow byspi ri
tshe'sher e,wear i
ngherMai dof
honourdr esssmi l
ingatmeasIwal kdownt heAi sl
e.
Ihearpeopl
eAl
l
ulat
ingout
side,
Iwi
pemyt
ear
s.
I
t'
smom andhersi
ster
s.
Mom:
Babywhat
'
swr
ongwhyar
eyoucr
ying?
Me:
It'
sthehor
monesandmi
xedemot
ions.
Mom:
Missy
ourGr
andmot
her
?
Me:
Yes,
her
,Yot
handoandmyFat
her
.
Mom:Thi sisav erybigdayf ory oumyangel,your
grandmother,yoursisterandy ourFatherarehere
withyoubyspiri
t.Youhav etobel i
eveiti
nyourheart
.
Theyar ewit
hyoumychi l
d, t
heirblessi
ngsarewit
hin
you.Now stopcr yi
ngandgot akeashowerJKwi l
l
beher esoonwithy ourdress,andt hemakeuparti
st
plusthehair
sty
list.
Me:
Wher
ear
emybr
idesmai
ds?
Mom:
Get
ti
ngr
eadyi
ntheot
herr
oom.
Me:
Okay
.Byt
hewayy
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Mom:
Thanky
oubaby
.
She'
swearingA Xhosaat tir
emi xedwi thmodern
desi
gnit
'ssobeauti
fulI'
m evenjealous.Hersi
ster
s
areal
soweari
ngTradit
ionalat
tir
e.
Iwenttothebat
hroom,Itookawel
ldeser
vingbat
h.
NowI'mfeel
ingr
elaxed.
Iwentoutdri
edmy sel
fandl
oti
on,Iwor
etheGown
thatwasi
nthebat
hroom.
JK:
Yout
ooky
oursweett
ime
Me:
I'
m sor
ryIneededt
orel
axabi
t.
JK:
it'
sokayher
ewearthedressf
irstsot
haty
oucan
domakeupandsty
leyourweave.
Theyhel
pedmewi
tht
hedr
ess,i
twasJKandsome
2Gir
ls.
Isti
llcan'tgetoverthisdr
essit'
saprincessdress
with gli
tt
ers and lace.The upperparthas nice
Gli
ttersit
'ssparkl
i
ngandt helowerpartispri
ncess
l
ike,itcover
smybabybump.
Twodresssuit
sme.Iworeagownontopsi
ncet
he
Makeuparti
stwillbebusywi
thmyface,andt
he
Hai
rst
yli
stwi
llbebusywi
thmyhai
r.
Aft
er2hoursofgett
ingr eadyI
'ml ooki
ngl
i
kean
Angel
,If
eel
li
keanAngelIam sobeauti
ful
.
JK:
Arey
ouput
ti
ngy
ourVei
lon?
Me:Ohnodar
li
ng,Iam not
.It
'sgoi
ngt
orui
nmy
make-
up
JK:
Youar
e35mi
nut
esLat
e.
Me:
I'
m wor
thal
lthewai
t,Zi
thul
elemustbepat
ient
.
JK:Youaresobeautif
ul,
thebestl
ooki
ngBr
ideev
er.
Zi
thul
elewil
ldi
einthatAlt
er.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuch.
JK:Ican'
tgetov eryourbeauty,ar
ey ousureyoufor
real
?I'd go str
aightin nanoseconds ifyou were
abouttobemywi fe.Youarethetypethatwouldget
anyGaybest rai
ght.
Me:Pl
easest
opJK,itt
ookmeal otofCeeC'
sti
me
t
ogetthi
smakeupl
ookready
.SoIdon'
twantt
ocry.
JK:It
'
swat er
proof,Iknew y
ouwer
egoingt
ocryal
l
daysof ornoty ourtober ui
nItol
dhertoappl
y
water
proofmakeup.
Me:
Thanky
ouJK.
JK:Wel
lyourfatheri
soutsidewai
ti
ngf
ory
ou.CanI
gett
hel
astpictureofyou?
Me:
Thi
sist
hel
astone.
.
Hehasbeent
aki
ngpi
ctur
esofme.
It
ookmyBouquetont
opoft
hebedandwal
kedout
.
Azole,Gi
gi,Li
sa,Babusi
siwe and Buhl
e ar
e my
bri
desmai
ds.Theyar
ewait
ingoutsi
deforme.
We ar
e hav
ing a Gar
den Weddi
ng,t
he set
ti
ng i
s
outsi
de.Theycan'tstopcomplementingmeonmy
l
ooks,andIknowI '
mlookingbeaut
iful
justl
i
kethem.
Theylookbeauti
fuli
nt hei
rBl
ushpinkandroseGold
fai
ryt
aledr
esses.

_
___
___
___
___
ZI
THULELE

I'
ve been standi
ng her
ef orthe past40mi nut
es,
Nahikoisnowher etobeseen.Icheckt heti
meon
mywat chit'
s10: 45am.Wewer esupposedgobe
here at10am.I '
m getti
ng more worr
ied and I'
m
gett
ingmor enervousshewoul
dn'tdomel i
kethi
sI
knowher.Shewoul d'
vetol
dmei fshedidn'
twantt o
getmarri
ed.
Whatsomet
hingi
swr
ongwi
thherwhatwi
l
lIdo?
Befor
eIgot oMamkhi ze,Isaw herli
ttl
esi
sterthe
TwinSikelel
wawalkingwi t
hbabyZenandecar r
ying
fl
owers.Il etoutahugesi ghofr el
ief
,Ithought
somethinghashappened.
My si st
ers walk wi th Nahiko'
s fr
iends as
Br
idesmaids.Azol
ewal kin aft
erthem,she'
sthe
Maidofhonourshelooksbeaut
if
ul.
Major-Thi
si swhyIl oveyou.Inst
rument
alwi
tha
Saxophonesplay
s.Everyonestandsup,
myheartus
beati
ngoutofmychestIam ner vousmypalmsare
sweati
ngthisist
hefi
rst.
.
Ther
eshei s,l
ooki ngsobeaut i
fulshel ooksli
kean
Angel.Damnmywi feissobeaut i
ful
,she'sthebest
l
ookingwomanI '
veev erseen.Shehascapt uredmy
hear
t.ChumaniNudges me and hands me a
Handkerchief
,Idi dn'tevenr eal
i
set hatIshedsome
fewtears.Iquickl
ywi pet hem astheyarenowcl oser
,
shelooksbeaut i
ful,she'
ssogor geousandt heDress
sui
tsherper f
ectly.MyVer yownAngel .
"
Prot
ectherandLov
eherwi
thal
lyourhear
t,ITr
ust
y
ou".
Me:
Iwi
l
lsi
r.
Ishookhandswit
hhi sfatherhandbefor
eItakeher
,
theint
ensi
fyi
ngwav eIf el
twhenIt ouchherhands
mademer eali
sethatI'
vegott heperf
ectmatch.My
soul
mat
e.
Shehandst
heBouquett
oAzol
eandtakesbothmy
handst
oher
s.She'
ssmil
i
ng,
mybeaut
ifulAngel
.
Pastor :Dearf r
iendsand f amily,wear egathered
heret odaytowi tnessandcel ebratet heunionof
Zit
hul eleBulumnkoMkhi zeandNahi koMsomi i n
mar ri
age.Thr ough theirti
me t ogether,theyhav e
comet oreal
iz ethattheirpersonaldr eams,hopes,
andgoal saremor eattai
nableandmor emeani ngful
through t he combi ned eff
ortand mut ualsuppor t
providedi nlov e,commi tment,andf amily;andso
today ,theywillbegintheirli
fetogether,ashusband
andwi fe.
Ever
yonecheered,somecl
appedt
hei
rhandswhi
l
e
theot
her
sAllul
ated.
Pastor
:Befor
ewest ar
tisthereanyonewhosay s
thi
scoupleshoul
dnotgetmar ri
edtoday.Someone
who is agai
nstthi
s Union? Pl
ease st
and up or
for
everhol
dyourpeace.
Thi
sisoneofthequest
ionIhateatweddi
ngs,I
woul
dki
l
lsomeonewhoweret
ostopmyweddi
ng.
Thesi
l
encemeansthatt
her
e'snoonewho'
sagai
nst
myuni
on,t
hankGod.
Pastor:Tr uemar r
iagei smor et hansi mplyj oini
ng
two per sons t ogether t hrough t he bonds of
mat r
imony .Iti
salsotheuni onoft wohear tsandt he
blendingoft wofamili
es.Itlivesont helovey ougi ve
eachot herandnev ergr owsol d,butal sot hriveson
thejoyofeachnewday .Marriagei s,andshoul dbe,
anexpr essionofl ove.Mayy oual way sbeabl eto
talkthingsov er
,toconf i
deineachot her
,t ol augh
witheachot her
,toenj oyl i
fet ogether,andt oal so
sharet hosemoment sofqui etandpeace,whent he
dayi sdone.Mayy oubebl essedwi t
hal ifetimeof
happinessandahomeofwar mt handunder st anding.
Thecoupl eher edeci dedt hatt heywi llmaket heir
ownv ows, wewoul dlovet ohearf rom theBr idef ir
st.
Sheget
sthemi
cthensmi
l
eatme.
Nahiko:wow Idon'
tknow whattosay,Ihaveal ot
saythatIcanevenwriteabookaboutyoumyl ove.
Noonebel i
evedmewhenIsayt hatIwascaptur
ed
byyourColognefi
rst
,thedayImety ouIwasinthe
l
iftt
iredbutsheIsmelledyourcol
ogneIwantedt o
seey ou, tol
ookaty out oseet hisper sonwhosmel t
soni ce.Buty ouknowf ate?Fat emadei tpossible,I
fellinl ovewi thy ourey esmor et hany ou,wheny our
eyesmetmi neIknew f oret ernityt hatIwi l
llookat
yourey est i
lltheday .Mkhi zey oucamei ntomyl i
fe
sounexpect edl y
,Inev erexpect edy out ocomet o
myl ifeliket his.Youbecamemysani t
y,myhi ding
placey ouwer eandst i
llmysol ace.Youar emyf ir
st
andl astlove, youshowedmel ov enoot hermanhas
evershowedme,y ouwer ether ef ormewhenIwas
broken,y ouwer et heref ormewhenIwasHappy
you' vebeenal waysbeent heref orme.Whenev erI
feltlikel i
fewasbei ngunf airtome,y oubecamemy
fairness,whenIwant edt ogi veuponl i
fey oumade
mebel i
ev ethaty ouar et her easonf ormet ol i
vemy
l
ife.Thanky oumyLov e, thanky ouMkhi zef orloving
me wi th myscar s,Br uises and shat tered hear t
.
Thanky ou f ormendi ng met hanky ou forl oving
me, forchoosi ngmeasy ourwi fe,f orbeingy ourl i
fe
par tnerIlovey ousosomuchMkhi ze..
It
ookt
hehandker
chi
efandwi
pedhert
ear
s.
Shehandedmet
heMi
c.
Me:MamBhel e,Bhel ekazi.Idon' tknow whatt osay
too,IthoughtIhadi tundercont r
ol .WhenIf i
rstmet
youIknewt haty ouwi llbeaMkhi zewi f
e, Iknewt hat
youwi llbemywi f
e.Iwasnev ert hissweetMan,I
neversmi l
edIwasal way sgr umpyandser i
ous.I
wasahar dcorepeopl ewer escar edofme, scaredt o
beev eni nmypr esencebuty oucamei nt omyl if
e
andIbecamecheesy ,Ibecamet hismant hatIam
ri
ghtnow.Iwantt ot hanky ouf orchangi ngmet obe
thebest ,thanky ouf orst ay ingi nmyl ifeknowi ng
verywel lthatmyl if
ei snotassweetassugar cane
butyouar eherewi t
hme.Youwoul d'vechosenany
manoutt her
ebuty ouchoseme,y our emai nedi n
myl if
eandt hanky ouf ort hat.Thanky ouf or t he
bestGi rl
fri
endamancoul dev eraskf or,y ouwoul d
bewor r
iedifIdi dn'tcal lint hemor ning.Youwoul d
soothmewhenI '
mf eel ingpai n, youar emyshi nning
amour .Icoul dsayal otoft hingsabouty oubutI
wantt osayt hanky ouandIl ov ey ousomuch,y ou
arethebestt hingt hathasev erhappenedi nmyl ife.
We'vebeent hroughal otandourr elati
onshi phav e
beent estedbutl ookatusnow, wear est illstandi ng,
youar eonest rongbeaut i
full adyi nmyl ife.Il ove
y
ousomuch.
Ever
yonecheer
ed,
andagai
nIwi
pedhert
ear
smycr
y
baby.
Past
or:
Canwebr
ingt
her
ingsf
ort
h.
Theyhandedhi
mt heringsandhepr
ayedf
ort
he
ri
ngsandgavei
ttous.
Pastor: Do you Nahi ko Msomi t ake Zit
hulele
Bulumnko Mkhi ze to be y our l
awf ul
l
y wedded
husband,promisingtoloveandcherish,thr
oughjoy
and sorrow,sickness and healt
h,and what ever
chall
engesy oumayf ace,f
orasl ongasy oubot h
shalll
i
ve?
Nahi
ko:
IDO.
Pastor:Do y ou Zi
thul
ele Bulumnko Mkhize take
Nahiko Msomit o be y
ourl awful
lywedded wi fe,
promising t
ol ove and cheri
sh,t hr
ough j
oy and
sorr
ow, si ckness and heal t
h, and what ever
chal
lengesy oumayf ace,forasl ongasy oubot h
shal
l l
i
ve?
Me:
IDO
Pastor:Pleasehav
ether
ingsi
nyourhandsand
repeataf
terme.
Nahi
ko:INahi
koMsomigiveyouZi
thul
eleBulumnko
Mkhi
zethisri
ngasanet
ernalsy
mbolofmyl oveand
commitmenttoy
ou.
Me:IZi
thul
eleBulumnkoMkhi zegi
veyouNahi
ko
Msomit
hisr
ingasaneternalsy
mbolofmylov
eand
commi
tmenttoyou.
Pastor
:Andnow,bythepowervestedinmebyt he
Stat
e ofSouth Afri
ca,Ihereby pronounce y
ou
husbandandwi
fe.Youmayki
ssy ourbri
de.
Il
ookedather
,she'
snowshy
.
Me:comeonnowwifeyt
here'
snoneedtogetal
lshy
,
youarecar
ryi
ngal
i
vingproofi
nyourst
omach.
Shepl
ayf
ull
yhi
tmyar
m.
Icapt
uredherl
i
psandki
ssedher
,t
henpul
l
edout
.
Past
or:Ladi
esandGent
lemenInow pr
esentt
oyou
MrandMr sMkhi
ze!
The crowd st
ood up and cheer
ed wi
th woman
All
ulat
ing.
Wewentt
osigntheDocument
s,t
opr
ovet
hatshe'
s
l
egal
l
ymywif
e!.
Past
or: Fri
ends and famil
y,to conclude thi
s
cer
emony ,wil
lthe desi
gnat
ed wi
tnesses pl
ease
comeforwardandsi
gnthei
rnamest
ot hecert
if
icat
e
ofmarr
iage.
HerMot herand Mamkhi
zecameand si
gned t
he
Marr
iageCert
if
icat
e.
She'
sof
fi
cial
l
yMywi
fe.
.

Mkhi
ze!
Gubhel
a!
GcwabeNgunezi
!
Khabazel
akaMav
ovo,
Nhl
amaEy
aphel
el'
etsheni
Ngokubadaphunel
a.
Mumb'
Omhl
ophe
Si
bisi
deEsi
maphandl
a,
Esaphandl
aAbaNguni
Bav
ungama.
Mbo,
Umbul
azi
Okhany
aAmasi
Esi
swi
ni
Mbo,
Umbul
azi
Odl
aUmunt
u,
Emy
engaNgendaba
Enal
alaNomunwe
Nav
ukaNakhwi
f'i
l
anga!
Nzal
okaSambel
a!
.
.
2i
nser
tsl
eft
.
.
pl
easel
i
ke,
shar
e,I
nvi
tey
ourf
ri
ends.
Anddon'
tfor
gett
ocomment
.
FORTYNI
NE

Me:Iam so tir
ed,al
lIneed r
ightnow i
s my
comfor
tabl
ebedandmyhusbandmassagi
ngmy
feet
.
Oyi
sa:Youaresoluckyt
haty
ouarepregnantand
cangivebi
rt
hany t
imenow.Ifyouwerenoty ou
wouldbest
il
linKZNeMnambit
hidoi
ngyourwifel
y
dut
ies.
Me:And Zit
hulel
e wasbusygoi ng up and down
Mnambi
thil
ookingforalostchi
cken,whi
leIworked
myassoff
.I'
m sti
llmadathimthough.
Oy
isa:
Buty
ousai
dyouneedamassagef
rom hi
m.
Me:That
'shi
sjob,I
'
m car
ryi
nghi
sson,Ineedt
o
washof
fKZNawayfr
om me!
Oy
isal
aughedatme.
Oy
isa:
You'
resuchadr
amaqueeny
ouknow.
Me:
Youdon'
tany
thi
ng,
youknownot
hing.
Oyi
sa:Iworkedmorethanyoudid,i
t'
sjustt
haty
ou
ar
epregnantanddi
dn'
tworkthatmuch.
Me:
ButIwor
kedt
hough.
Oyisa:Yeah,youjustsweptt hem offtheirfeetby
your cooking. Your cooking saved y ou. More
especial
l
ythatcreamyspi nachandcreamySamp.I
don'tknow how manyt i
mesIwi tchedy oucooking
thatdi
sh,theonlythi
ng Isaw wast
hewayy
ou
cookedyourMeatt
hat'
sal
l
.
Me:
Don'
twor
ryLov
eIwi
l
lteachy
ou.
Oy
isa:
Abouty
ourpr
egnancyhowar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Me:Iam soscar
ed,andnowknowi
ngt
hatcangi
ve
bi
rt
hany t
imenow sincei
t'
smymonthI'
m get
ti
ng
morefr
eakedout
.
Oyisa:Youwi
llbef
inebabe,al
lyouneedt
odoi
sto
pushhardnot
hingmore.
Me:I
t'
seasyf
ory
ou,
you'
reapr
o.Yougav
ebi
rt
hto4
bi
gheads!
Shel
aughedsohar
d.
Oyi
sa:Youarecar
ryi
ngabigheadt
oo.Ml
ungi
sii
sa
sexfr
eakI'
m usedtohi
m.ThankstoMamkhi
zefor
put
ti
ngmeonbi r
thcont
rol
.
Me:imagi
ne,Zithul
elewi
llget3kidsthat'
sal
l.2
act
ual
lyis enough,I'
ve wentt
hrough t
he worst
hor
mones.
Oy
isa:
Butt
hisi
sthef
ini
shl
i
ne!
Me:
Whati
fmywat
erbr
eaksher
e?
Oy
isa:
Yho,
int
hemi
ddl
eofnowher
e!
Ilaughedwi thher
,I'
m pray
ingt
hatIgi
vebir
that
home.Now wear eonourwaybackhome,weare
fr
om Zithul
ele'
sHomesteadi
nKZN.
3day saf t
ertheweddi ngwehadt oleaveandgot o
KZNt odomywi f
elydut i
es.Itwasagr eat2mont hs
spendingwi t
hZi t
hulel
e'sfami l
y.Theyar ev er
ygood
people,andIwasn' tmi str
eatedbutIwast r
eated
withlov eandr espect.ButYhot heymademewor k,
theydi dn'
tmi ndmebei ngpr egnantandt heTrait
or
Zithul
eledi dn'
tev enst ophisf ami l
yt hat
'swhywe
arer i
dingindiffer
entcar s.I
'm somadathi m,Idon't
wantt oseehi m atall.
I
'm 9mont
hspr
egnantnow,Icangi
vebi
rt
hany
time
now.

Final
l
ywearri
veathome,al
lIneedt
odoi
stakea
veryl
ongbi
rt
hIneedone.
Zi
thu:St
handwasam I
'
veal
readypr
epar
edt
heBat
h
f
ory
ou.
Me:
ThankYou.
Iwalkpasthi
m andcloseandlockt hebat
hroom
doorbef
orehecomesinsi
de.
.Istr
ippednakedand
wenti
nsi
dethebat
htub,
bubbl
ebaththankGod.
Icoul
dfeelmybodyr
elaxi
ng,I
'
m hav
ingt
imeofmy
l
if
emybodywast oot
ense.
MyWat eri
snowcol d,ohGodIdi dn'
twanttocome
outbutIhadto.Istoodupwi t
hahustlebecauseof
myhugebabybump.Idr i
edandl oti
onmybody ,t
hen
woremymat ernit
yni ghtdressandGownont op.I
woremysleepersthencleanedtheBathtub.
IWalkerout,t
herewasaMacandcheesedi shon
topofthebedwit
hcranber
ryjui
ce.Zi
thuseemsasi
f
hereadmymi ndcozIwascravi
ngforthi
smeal.
AftereatingIwentdownst ai
rs,he'snotther
eIwent
tot heki tchen he'snotev en theretwo.And t
his
housei ssohugeIwon' tl
ookf oragr ownassman,
I'
m surehe' sbusywher everheis.Iwashedthebowl
andGl asst hatIusedthenwentbackt obed,I'
mti
red
Iam dr ai
nedal lIneedismybed.
Iwentin my bed and cover
ed mysel
fwi
tht
he
Bl
anket
,Idon'
tneedanydi
stur
bing.
OkayIsai
dthatt
ooearl
y,becauseIfel
tcol
dhands
onmywai st
.Itensedupabi t.IremovedZi
thu'
s
handsof
fme.
Zi
thu:
SthandwaSam.
Me:
Yint
oni
Zit
hul
ele?[
WhatZi
thul
ele]
Zi
thu:
Imi
ssy
ouMkam.
Me:
Ohh
Zi
thu:
whatcanIdof
ory
out
ofor
giv
eme?
Me:
Justsl
eepZi
thul
ele,
Iwantt
osl
eept
oo.
Zi
thu:
Ilov
eyouokay
.
Me:
Iknow!
Hekissedmeonmycheekt henslept
,Imisshimtoo.
ButI'
m sti
llmadathim Idon'
tknow whetheri
nthe
morningIwil
lfor
giv
ehi
m ornot.

.
Iwas woken up wi
th ki
sses al
lovermyf ace,I
openedmyEyesitwasZenande.Ismil
edwi
delymy
Baby,howImi
ssedher
.
It
ookheri
nmyar
ms.
Me:
heybabygi
rl
,heymybaby
.Heymyl
ove.
Isayt
hatt
ickl
i
ngher
,she'
slaughi
ngnonst
op.
Zi
thu:
youhappy
?
Me:
Ver
yhappy
.
Ismi
l
edatt
his.
Zi
thu:
Ithi
nkt
hiswi
l
lmakey
oumor
ehappy
!
Me:
What
'st
his?
Zi
thu:
Openi
t.
I opened the Brown Env
elope,t
here'
s a bi
rt
h
cert
if
icat
e.Itakei
tout
,ohmyGoodness.'
ZENANDE
MKHI ZE'
Il
ookatZi
thul
ele.
Me:
Ist
his?
Zi
thu:Yes i
t'
str
ue,t
he Adopt
ion pr
ocess got
appr
oved so qui
ckl
ysince she was al
readyy
our
ni
ece,l
egal
lyshei
sourchil
dnow.
Ist
oodupandhuggedhi
m.
Me:Thanky
ousomuch,youdon'tknow how al
lof
t
hismeanst
ome,t
hisi
sthebestnews.
Zi
thu:
Doest
hatmeansIam f
orgi
ven?
Me:
Yesofcour
se.
Ihughi
mti
ght
ly,
andgav
ehi
m aki
ss.
Me:
Thanky
ouMy
eni
.
Zi
thu:
Youar
ewel
comeMkam.
IwalktomybabyandIhav eherinmyar ms,myfi
rst
daught
er.Ican't bel
iev
et hat she'
sf i
nall
y my
daught
er,Yot
handoissurelyhappythatItookcare
ofherownchil
d.
Zi
thu:
Come,
breakf
asti
sready
.
Me:okaypl
easet
akeZenandewi
thy
ouI
'
llbet
her
e
shor
tl
y.
Zi
thu:
Alr
ight
.
He takes Zenande in hi
s arms,thatgives me a
chancetomaket hebed,Iwentt ot hebathr
oom I
brushedmyt eethandwashedmyf acet
henwent
downstai
rs.AfullEngl
ishbreakf
ast
.
Me:
Thanky
ouMy
eni
,thi
sBr
eakf
asti
ssodel
i
cious.
Zi
thu:
Iam t
opl
ease.Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m good.
Zi
thu:
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngaboutgi
vi
ngbi
rt
h?
Me:Iam scar
edmyl
ove,
I'
m ev
enner
vous.Icangi
ve
bi
rt
hanytime.
Zit
hu:Iknowmylove,butIknowyouarest
rong.You
wil
lgothroughal
loft
hisandgivebi
rt
htoonestrong
healt
hyboy.
Me:Iwantyoutobebymysi
de,Ineedy
out
obe
t
herewhenIgi
vebi
rt
h.
Zit
hu:Don'tworr
ySthandwaSam Iwi
llbether
efear
not,butpl
easedon'
tshoutatmeI
'l
ll
eaveyouther
e.
Me:
youwoul
dn'
tdar
e.
Zi
thu:
Tryme!
Me:
wewi
l
lseeaboutt
hat
.
Zithu:I
'
mjoki
ng,Iknow y
ouwoul
ddi
vor
cemeand
takemybabi
esaway.
Me:
Youknowmet
owel
l
.
Zi
thu:Fi
nishuppl
ease,yourmot
hert
oldmeIshoul
d
br
ingyouhomeshemi ssesyou.
Me:
Imi
sshert
oo.
Zit
hu:Goandt
akeabat
hI'
l
lchoosecl
othesf
ory
ou
towear.
Me:Youar
ethebesthusbandev
er!Youdeser
vean
awar
d.
Zi
thu:Iknow myl ov
e,y
ou'
l
lrewar
dmewi
thmor
e
ki
dsinthefut
ure.
Me:
IfIgi
veaneasybi
rt
h.
Zi
thu:
I'
ll
prayf
ory
oureasybi
rt
h.
Me:
PrayHar
der
!
IsaidasIwalkedoutoftheki
tchen,Iwalkedt
omy
room thenIwenttotheBathr
oom,I '
llt
akeshower
todaybathi
ngi
sahustlet
ome.
Af
tershoweri
ngIwor emyunder
gar
ment
s,t
her
e'sa
whi
tedressandsandals.
Iwor
et he dr
ess,it
'sal ace dr
ess and Idon'
t
r
ememberbuyi
ngthi
sdress.
"
Lov
etheDr
ess?
"
Me:
It'
sbeaut
if
ul,
Ilov
eit
.Youboughti
t?
Zi
thu:
Yeah,
any
thi
ngf
ormywi
fe.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuch,
husband.
Zit
hu:Youar ewelcome.Lookletmet akeaqui
ck
shower,nandeisi
nt hel
oungewatchi
ngTVyoucan
goandbewi thher
.
Me:Alr
ightpl
ease come wi
th mybag when y
ou
comi
ngokay.
Zi
thu:
Okay
..
Iqui
cksnackwi
l
ldori
ghtnow,
ItookoutsomeLay
's
chi
psandsomejel
l
ybeans.
Iwal
kedtot
helounge,Nandei
swatchi
ngSof
iat
he
Fi
rst
.Igi
veherthejel
l
ybeansandt
heLay'
sarefor
me.
Nande:
mama.mama!
She gives me herhands,she si gnals me t hatI
shouldgivehersomeChi ps.Igiveherasmal lpoti
on
ofchips,Ilov emyLay '
sandIdon' tshar ebutI '
ma
mot her now,Iguess Ihav et o do a l ot of
compr omisingformykids.Ihavetosel fl
essandnot
sel
fish,i
t'
sgoi ngtobeav erylongjourneybutIhav e
the bestbestpar t
nerto wal kthisj ourneywi th.
Zit
huleleist hebestHusband,andbei ngtheBest
Fatherwill
comenat ural
ly,
he'sthebestatev erythi
ng.
Ifearmyki dswil
llov
etheirf
athermoret hanme
speci
all
ytheboy
s.Thegir
lsbet
ternotdi
sappoint
.
Zit
hucomesdownst
air
scar
ryi
ngababybag,
andmy
bag.
Weal way
scar r
ythebabybag,f orincasemywat er
breaksandwear enothome, itshoul
dbeeasyf orus
tojustrushtohospit
al.Inst
eadofst art
ingathome
andt akethebabybagthengot othehospit
al.
Hegoesoutandcomeback.
Zi
thu:
Let
'sgo.
Me:
Alr
ight
.
Iswi
tchofft
heTVandt
akeNandei
nmyar
ms,
she'
s
soheavy
.
Wewalkinthecar,zi
thustrapsheri
nhercarseat
.
AndIt
akethepassengerseat.
Zi
thu:
Youcomf
ort
abl
e?
Me:
YesIam.
Zi
thu:
Yourpl
ayl
i
stormi
ne?
Me:
Yourpl
ayl
i
st.
Irestmyhead and l
i
stent
otheJazzpl
ayi
ng,i
t
soothesmeandcal
msmedown.
Ther
idefr
om ourhousetomymom'shousei
slong
andt
here'
str
aff
ic,
Ifel
lasl
eepal
ongt
heway.
Zi
thuwakesmeup.
Zi
thu:
wear
eher
e!
Me:
Alr
ight
.
Ir emove t
he seat
bel
t and cl
i
mbs out
, he'
s
unbuckl
i
ngNande.
Zi
thu:
youcangoi
nsi
deI
'
llcomer
ightaf
tery
ou.
Me:
Okay
!
It
ookmybagt
henheadedi
nsi
det
hehouse.
"
SURPRI
SEEEEEEE"
OhMyGod,t
hisi
ssobeauti
ful
.Ismi
le,al
lmyf
ri
ends
andf
ami
lyar
ehere,
it'
sababyshower.
Thehouseisdecor
atesbl
ueandwhi te.Now Isee
thedr
ess,
Zit
hul
elewasapartoft
his.
Me:
Youdi
dn'
thav
etodoi
t,butThanky
ousomuch.
Azol
e:Thanky ourMotherandMot heri
n-l
aw,t
hey
ar
etheonesresponsi
bleforal
loft
his.
Iwal
ktomyt
womot
her
s.
Me:ThankyouMom andy
out
ooMamkhi
ze,Thi
sis
al
lbeaut
if
ul.
Mom:
Any
thi
ngf
ormydaught
er.
Mamkhi
ze:
Andany
thi
ngf
ormydaught
eri
n-l
aw.
Ihuggedt
hem
Mamkhi
ze:Pl
usy
ourhusbandcont
ri
but
edi
nal
lof
t
his.
Me:Ihav
egivenupont hatone,He'ssurpr
isi
ng.I
'
m
notev
ensur
priset
hathewaspar tofthi
s.
Theyl
aughatme.
Theymakemeseatont hi
sBigchairont op.Ifeel
l
ikeroyal
ty,mayboyi sgoingtohaveal otoftoys.
TheonlythingI'l
lbuyi sclot
hes,t
her estisbought.
I'
m sogratefultohav esuchpeopleinmyl i
fe,they
arethebest .Thesegi ft
sar ealot,thenur ser
yi s
goingt
obef ullever
ythingachil
dneedsi shere.
IlookatMamkhi
zeasshei
saboutt
otal
k,she
smil
esatme.
Mamkhi ze:Iam sohappyt hatI'
llbeaGr andmother
agai
n,thisfeelssogoodandIj ustcan'twaitt
ohav e
himinmyar ms.Youbr i
ngaMkhi zewi f
emeansal ot,
you changed myson and y ou made t he Mkhize
householdwar m again,IthankGodf orgi
vingusas
adaught erin-l
aw.Ihav et hebestdaught ersin-
law.
YouandOy isaareper fectdaught ers,youaremy
daughtersandt hanky ouNahi kof orbeinginmy
sonslife,mayy ouhav emor echi l
drenIwantmor e
gr
andchi
l
dren.Il
ovey
oumygi
rl
.
Me:
Thanky
ou!
.
Mom:MybabyIwi l
lbeshor t
,IwanttosayThank
youf ormaki
ngmeaGr andmother
.Ifeelsohappy
thatIwil
lbehav
ing2gr andchil
drennowandIwant
tohav emoreGrandchi
ldreninthefut
ure.MayGod
Blessyoumychi
ld,Ilov
ey ousomuch.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuchMama.
AsIwasaboutt ot
alkandsaymyLastThanky
outo
ever
yone.If
eltsomeLiqui
dinbetweenmythi
ghs,I
l
if
tedupthedresstoseewhati
sit
.
Mywat
erj
ustbr
oke!
Ibecamedumpforafewminut
es,
andeveryonewas
mindingt
hei
ronbusinessandI'
m notfeeli
ngany
crampsoIshoul
dsaymyspeecht
hen.
Me:Iwantt ot hankeachandev er
yoneofy oufor
beinghere,cel
ebrati
ngmybabyshowerwi thme.
Eventhoughyouguy snear
lyki
l
ledmewi thanheart
att
ack.Thankyousomuchandf orthegi
ft
s..
A shar
p pai
n on myabdomen,Ihel
d myl
ower
st
omachf
oraf
ewseconds
Me:Fort he gift
s,thank you so much Ireall
y
appr
eci
ateallyouref
fort
sI'
m ahappymot hert
oday
andi
t'
sallbecauseofyouguysandahhhh!
Iscr
eamed,
Mamkhi
zeandmommyhur
ri
edt
ome.
Mom:
Babywhat
'
swr
ong?
Me:
Mywat
erbr
oke!
Them:
Whaaat
?
Me:
Pleaset
akemet
othehospi
tal
!.
I
'
m nowsweat
ing,
I'
minal
otofpai
n.
Mamkhi
ze:
Zit
hui
satt
hebackwi
tht
heot
herMen.
Me:
Pleasesomeonegoandcal
lhi
m.
Iwentdownt
henmademywatout
.
Mom:
Babywher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
Out
side.
Isnap,I'
veneverfel
tthi
spain.Per
iod pai
nsar
e
bet
tert
hanthi
s,t
hisi
sthewor
stpai
nev er
!.
I
'
m wal
ki
ngi
nci
rcl
es,Zi
thul
elei
snotcomi
ngt
his
f
eel
sli
keanhourst
andi
ngout
side.
Me:
Whydi
dyout
akey
ourTi
me?
Zi
thu:
Irushedher
ebaby
.
Me:
JustUnl
ockt
hecar
!
Heunlockedt
hecarandIwentt
oseatatt
heback
seat
.
Hedr
oveof
f.
Me:
JustFastZi
thul
ele!
.
Zi
thu:
I'
m dr
ivi
ngf
astbaby
.
Me:
Notf
astenough.
Iam inal otofpainrightnow,I
'm swear
ingand
shout
ing atZit
hulel
e.Itel
lhim t
o dri
vefastand
whenhedr iv
esf astItel
lhimtoslow downv i
ce
ver
sa.
.
He'
sti
red,
andconf
used.
Me:Zi
thul
eleBulumnkoMkhizeI'
m notaboutt
ogiv
e
bi
rt
hinaf uckencar,pl
easedri
vefast.I
'
m aboutt
o
gi
vebi
rth.
Zi
thu:
Wear
eher
e.
Heopensupandt
akemei
nhi
sar
msandcar
ryme
br
idal
sty
le.
Wemadeourwayi n,t
heDoct
orquickl
yatt
endedus,
t
heContracti
onsarever
yint
ense.Ifeell
ikedyi
ng
r
ightnow.Ichangeintoahospit
algownandI 'm
t
akentolabor
.
TheDoct
ordi
dthev
agi
nal
check.
Doct
or:Sor
ryma'
am,y
ou'
re1.
5cm f
ary
oust
il
lhav
e
towai
t
If
eel
li
keki
l
li
ngt
hisman!Howcanhesayt
hat
.
.
.
It
's been 16hour
s and I
'
ve been cryi
ng,cursi
ng,
swearingandshouti
ngatthenurses,
doctorandmy
husband.
Thedoct
orcomesandchecksonmyv
agi
naagai
n.
Doct
or:
It'
sti
me.
Ihel
donZi
thu'
sHandsot
ight
ly.
Doct
or:
Push!
Ipushed,
andpushed.
Doct
or:
Iseeahead,
pleasepushmor
e!.
Ihear
dloudbabyscr
eams,
Ithenr
elaxed.
Zi
thu:Thanky
ousomuchmyl
ove,Il
ovey
ouso
much!.
I
'm wokenupbyZi t
hulel
e,wearei
nawardnow.I
don'tknow how Ipushed,andgav
ebi
rt
hthi
sisa
miracl
e.
Zi
thu:
He'
shungr
ypl
easebr
east
feedhi
m.
It
akemybabyf rom hi
m,andgav
ehimt hebr
east
mil
k.Whatt hefuck!Thi
sissopainf
ul.If
eell
ike
cr
yingr
ightnow
Me:Zit
hul
elet
hisi
ssopai
nful
,Idon'
tthi
nkIcando
t
his.
"Youneedt
otakeint
hepai
n,i
fyoudon'
tthenitwil
l
bemorepai
nful
.Asti
megoesi
twil
lbel
esspainful
".
Isighlooki
ngatmymotherthatIdi
dn'
tev
ennot
ice
thatshe'
shere,
wit
hMamkhize.
Me:
Yhookay
!
Igi
vehi
m mybr
eastagai
n.I
t'
ssopai
nful
.
Zi
thu:
Nqobi
zi
thaJuni
orMkhi
ze.
Zi
thul
elesai
dbr
ushi
ngNqobi
'
shead.
He'
sinl
ovewi
thhi
sson,
soam I
.
Ev
ery
onemadet hei
rwayi
n,hi
sfr
iendsandf
ami
l
y,
myfr
iendsandFamily.
Nqobi
zi
thaisjustoneluckyFell
a.Ev
ery
onel
oves
hi
m andcan'
tst
opgushi
ngov erhi
m.
.
.
1I
nser
tLef
t.
.
.
Pl
easel
i
ke,
Shar
e,andI
nvi
tey
ourFr
iends.
.
Pl
easeComment
!
FI
FTY
LASTCHAPTER
.

The Juni
or's scr
eams and cr
ies f
rom t
he baby
moni
torwakesmef rom mydeepslumber.Iwake
myZithul
eleup.
Me:
Baby
!Baby
!
He'snotwaki
ngup.It
akethewat
eront
opofmy
headboar
dandthr
ewi
tall
onhi
m.
"
Whatt
hehel
l
!?"
Me:
TheNqobi
iscr
ying.
Ichecktheti
mei
t'
s07:30am.I'
m sur
ehe'
sbeen
cry
ingf
orfart
ool
ong.Heusual
l
ywakesuparound
6am.
Istoodupwhi chwasami ssi
onforme, I
'm 9mont hs
pregnantand I'm carr
ying tr
ipl
ets,Zi
thulel
er eall
y
wentov er
boardwiththi
sone, butThankGodI '
vehad
smoot hpregnancywi t
hnocompl i
cat
ionsjustmy
babi
esenjoy
ingt
hemselves.Itakeaquickshower
andIworemypeachmat erni
tydress.Il
ookl
i
kean
El
ephantt
hewayI'
m sohuge.
Itakethel
if
tdownstai
rs,
meandThest
air
sandiar
e
notfri
endsfornow.
Me:
You'
rel
ateMar
tha!
Iscr
eam ather
,I'
m at
icki
ngt
imebomb!
.
Mar
tha:I'
m sor
rymadam t
hebusesar
est
ri
ki
ngsoI
t
ookatrai
n.
Me:I
t'
sseemsyou'
resousedt omebei
ngni
cet
o
youy
ou'
regoi
ngt
ogetfi
redt
rustme!
.
Mar
tha:
I'
m sor
rymadam i
twon'
thappenagai
n.
Idon'
tknow whyI'
m disr
espectMart
ha,she'
sol
der
thanme.Iguessi
t'
sthehormones.
"Mar
thapleasetakeJuni
or,y
ouknow y
ourmadam
hasbeenadragonladyt
heseday
s!"
Me:
SoI
'
mthedr
agonLady
?
Zi
thu:
Nomyl
ovenoty
ou!
"
Mama!
"Juni
ori
sscr
eami
ngf
orme.
Me:
Notnowj
uni
or!
Iwal
ktothekit
chen,Nandei
shav
ingherbr
eakf
ast
,
mysweetgi
rl
.
Me:
Heybaby
.
Nande:
Heymama.
Me:
Howar
eyou?
Nande:
I'
m good,
howar
eyouandt
hebabi
es?
Me:
Wegood,
wecan'
tcompl
ain.
Zenandei snow6y earsoldandshet alksal ot
,she
blubber ssomuchIdon' tknowwhoshet akesafter
becauseYot handoandIwer enottoomuchont he
talking partIdon' tknow wher eZenandegott he
blabber ingfrom pr obablyfrom Lwando.Nqobi zitha
i
snowa4Year sold, he'sagrownboy .Hel ooksjust
l
ikehi sfat
her,I
'm hur tthatheonlytookmyey esand
not hingelseohandmysmi l
etoo.Ther ear eday s
wher ehel i
kesbei ngababyj ustli
ket odayhecr ies
wor kingusup,andt herearedayswher ehewakes
upandhav ebr eakf astwithhersisterwiththehel p
ofMar thawithoutwaki ngusup.
I'
m havi
ngcontr
acti
onsfor30-60secondsandthey
end.Since y
est
erdayI'
ve been havi
ng them and
crampsonmyabdomen.
Imake my sel
fsome fr
uitsal
ad,it'
s been my
f
avour
it
ef r
om bei
ngpr
egnantwi
thJuni
orandwi t
h
t
heTri
plet
stoo.
If
eelaver
yshar
ppai
n,f
oll
owedbyl
i
qui
d.Mywat
er
br
oke.
I
'
vel
ear
ntnott
owi
thhol
d,t
hel
astt
ime.
Nande:Mama uzi
chamel
e wena.[
Mommyy
ou'
ve
j
ustpiedony
our
sel
f].
Shegi
ggl
edsoftl
y,makingmel
aughatt
hesame
ti
me,
she'
sreal
l
ycluel
ess.
Me:
Baby
yyy
yy!mar
thaaa!
Ishout
,theycomer
unni
ngMar
thahasJuni
oronher
arms.
Zi
thu:
Mkam,
what
'
swr
ong?
Me:
Babymywat
erj
ustbr
oke!
Zi
thu:
What
?
Me:
Iwon'
trepeatmy
sel
fZi
thul
eleBul
umnkoMkhi
ze.
Herushesupstai
rsI'
m sur
ehewentt
otaket
hecar
key
sandt heBaby'
sbag.
Me:
Mar
thacanIpl
easehav
ethel
emonwat
er.
Shehandsmywat erImakemywayout
side,wher
e
i
sthi
sidiot
icHusbandofmi
ne.
Me:
byebabi
esmommyl
ovesy
ou.
Isaykissingbotht hei
rcheeks,Zenandewantst o
askwhat'shappeningI'
m gladshedidn'taskasfor
j
uniorhe'
shungry.Hedoesn'tknowwhat'spoppi
ng.
Iwal
kout
side,It
ookt hecarkeys,f
rom t
hewal
lkey
hol
der
.Zi
thul
elewil
lfi
ndmei nsi
dethecar.
Hecomesr
unni
ng.
Zi
thu:
Geti
nsi
debaby
.
Iseatatt
heback,
hedr
ivesof
ftonetcar
e.
Iam socalm,I'
m notshout
ingathiml i
kethel
ast
ti
me.hehasbeenlooki
ngatmef r
om therearmi
rr
or
i
'm sur
eheisshockedonwhyi'
m notscr
eamingand
shouti
ng.
Shar
p pain shoots from the l
ower par
t.I
'
ve
complement
edmy sel
ftooear
ly.
I
'
m scr
eamingandshout
ingathi
m,wear
ehal
fway
t
othehospi
tal
.
Hecupsmebr
idal
sty
leandr
uni
nsi
det
heHospi
tal
.
I
'm screamingandpanti
ngI '
minsomuchpai n.I
don'
tknowhowIwi l
lmanagetogi
vebir
thi
nto3Big
heads.I'
m soti
red,
myeyesarehal
fcl
osed.
I
'
m nowi
nLabor
,wai
ti
ngf
ort
heDoct
or.
Me:
Zit
hul
elepl
easedosomet
hing,
I'
m dy
ingher
e.
Zit
hu:Pleasehangi
nther
emyl
ovet
hedoct
orwi
l
lbe
heresoonwi t
hyou.
Me:Fucky
ou Zi
thul
eley
ou know t
hat
!Fucky
ou
Mar
n!
Hel
aughed.
Me:
Thi
sisnotf
unnyatal
l
,it
'
snot
!
Ar
gg,
Ihuf
finangerZi
thul
elei
sjustFr
ust
rat
ingme.
Me:
Final
l
yJesusDeci
dedt
oComeBack!
Doct
orThompsonchuckl
eashemakeshi
swayi
n.
Me:I'm Gl
ady ouhav
egr
acedwi
thy
ourpr
esence
yourhi
ghness.
Isaysarcast
ical
l
y.Ther oom i
sfi
l
ledwi
thl
aught
er
andIj
ustcan'
thelpbutsulk.
Zi
thu:
Youar
esocut
ewheny
ousul
ki
ng.
Me:sayonemorewor
dandy ouwi
l
lbeoutofher
e,I
cangi
vebir
thwi
tht
hese3headswi
thouty
ou!
Zi
thu:
I'
m sor
ryMkam.
Heki
ssi
sesmyf
orehead.
.
Iam sodr
ainedandt ir
ed,kudust
omyv agina,avery
bi
groundofappl auset oit
.3bighead?I'm dri
edI
j
ustwanttowi peof fthesmugonZi t
hulele'
sface.
He'
sbeensmi l
i
ngev ersincewewerei
ntheLabor .
The dooropened t
wo nur
ses comes hav
ing my
babi
es.
Me:Youknow al
lthi
sfel
tli
keaDej
avu.I
'
vedr
eamt
aboutt
his,
all
oft
his.
Zi
thu:
Didy
ounamet
hem?
Me:
Bhel
ekazi
namedone,
hesai
dhe'
sSi
busi
so.
Zi
thu:
ThenI
'
m car
ryi
ngSi
busi
so.
Me:
Andwhataboutt
heot
hert
wo?
Zi
thu:
Shoul
dInamet
hem?
Me:Yes,I
'
ve al
readyname two.Nqobi
zi
tha and
Si
busi
sowenamedbyBhel
ekazisodot
hehonours.
Zithu:TheBoyi sSi bongakonke.Itmeanswear e
gratefulforevery
thing.I t
's been 5 yearsi n our
mar ri
ageandI '
m gratefulforthelovey ou'v
egiv en
me and my Fami l
y Si bongakonke i
s al lwe ar e
gratefulf
orinli
feandy ou.TheGirli
sSi negugu,we
hav e ourpreci
ous t reasure.She's ourpr eci
ous
tr
easur eourl
astborn.
Me:
Ilov
ethem.
Zi
thu:So we hav
e Si
busi
so,Si
bongakonke and
Si
negugu.
Me:Yesmyl ove.Ican'
tbeli
eveI
'v
egi
venbi
rt
hto
t
hem,thi
sal
lfeelsl
i
keafair
ytal
edr
eam.
Zithu:Thanky oumyLov e,I
'm now av eryproud
father of 5. Zenande, Nqobi zi
tha, Si
busiso,
SibongakonkeandSinegugu.Iwi
llbethebestfat
her
they'v
eeverhad,andthat'
snodoubtt haty
ouwi l
lbe
thebestmot her
.Il
oveyousomuchMkam.
Me:
ILov
eyoumor
eKhabazel
a.

.
_
___
___
GI
GI

"
Breakf
asti
nbedf
orourmai
ngi
rl
"
Ismi
l
elooki
ngatmyhusbandandmybabyboy
.
Me:LukeandDaddy
,Thankyousomuchtoy
ouMen
oft
hehouse.SowhatdidIdotodeser
vebr
eakf
ast
i
nbed?
Caldri
n:Let'
ssayforbeingt
hewif
eIcouldeverfi
nd,
forbeingthebestmot hert
oourchi
ld.Youdeserve
mor ethanaBreakfasti
nbed,y
oudeservet
hewhol e
wor
ld.
Me:WellthankyouBaby,I
'm gl
adI'
vefoundyouin
myli
fe,I
'
m gladthaty
ouareinthepi
ctureofmyli
fe
andt
hatIhav eaManli
keyou.
Caldri
n:You ar eso st r
ong,and Iadmi r
eal lthat
abouty ou.Youf oughtagai nstal loddsjustt obe
withme,Youf oughtwi t
hmewhenmyf amil
ywas
againstus,whent heyhat edy oubecausey ouwer e
blackgirl
.Thanky ouf orst ayi
ngwi thmewhenIl ost
myJobandhadnomoney ,youst ayed.It
hanky our
fri
endswhoar ey oursi sterswhomadeourweddi ng
thebestweddi ng.Ev en t hough Idi dn'
thav eany
moneyt ogi vey ouf orourweddi ng,whenwechose
tojustgetmar riedathomeaf fai
rsbecausewehad
nomoney .Ican'tthanky ourf ri
endsenought hatwas
a big weddi ng theypul led.You r eallyhavet rue
fri
ends.IloveyousomuchGeor ginaMkhont o.
.
Ilaughedatt hewayhepr onouncedmysur name.
YesNahi koandAzolecamet hroughforCal
dri
nandI .
Caldri
nlosthisj
obandhehadnomoney ,I
'v
eal r
eady
pl
annedmyweddi ng.Hedidn'tpayanyLobola,Ihad
nof amil
yIl ostmyf amil
ywhenIwasst il
lyoung.
Hav i
ngNahi koandAzol einmyl i
fewasaBl essing.
They cov ered my weddi ng f r
om t he v enue,
decorati
on, Cat eri
ng, my dr ess, my makeup
arti
st,
hai
rsty li
stt
oCal dr
in'
ssuitandhi sGroomsmen.
Caldri
n'
sf ami lysteppedback,theyhat edmebutat
theweddi ngt heygotdr essedasi ftheywer egoi ng
to Grammy awar ds.I'vet hanked ev ery
day t hey
provedthatwear emor ethanf ri
endsbutsi sters.I
have2y ear soldsonLuke.
Me:I'm GladIhav ethem tooinmyli
fe,pl
usthei
r
husbands.Iam happythatIal
sohav
eyouandLuke.
Luke:
mommy
.
Shewant
edt
obei
nmyar
ms.
Me:
Comebi
gboy
.
Cal
dri
n:Hemustbesl
eepy
,hewokeupar
ound7am.
Me:
Hemustsl
eept
hen.
Ihushedhi
m.
Myphoner
angi
t'
sAzol
e.
Me:
HeyHoney
.
Azol
e:HeyLov
e,howar
eyou?
Me:I
'm goodthanks,andy
ouhoney
?Ar
eyouback
f
rom y
ourhoneymoon?
Azole:I'
m goodt
oo.YesloveIam backevent
hough
Ididn'twanttocomebacky oudi dn'
ttel
lmehow
goodandFunmar ri
ageis.
Il
augh,
shegotmar
riesaMont hago,
andshe'
sbeen
i
nherhoney
moonsincethen.
Me:Ifyouar edoingthi
smarr
iaget
hingwi
tht
he
Loveofy ourli
fethenyouhav
enothi
ngtoworr
y
abouti
t'
sallsweet
.
Azol
e:Itookt
oolongt
ogetmarr
ied,
hadIknowt
hat
i
twast hissweetIwoul
d'
vegot
tenmarri
edalong
ti
meago.
Il
aughedAther
,she'
sjustbei
ngDr
amat
ic.
Me:
Yougogi
rl
.
Azole:Her
e Iblabberaboutme f
orget
ti
ng t
hatI
cal
ledyouforsomethi
ng.
Me:
That
'showy
ouar
e,i
t'
siny
ourNat
ure.
Webot
hlaugh.
Azole:Nahi
kogav
ebi
rt
htohert
ri
plet
s,2Boy
sand1
Gir
l.
Me:
OhmyGodar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Azole:Yeshoney.Iwantedust ogoandseeher .
Surpri
seher
,shedoesn'
tevenknowthatI
'
m back.
Me:
Alr
ightI
'
llmeety
out
her
e!
Idr
oppedt
hecal
li
nexci
tement
.
Cal
dri
n:What
'
sgoi
ngonbaby
?
Me:
Nahi
koGav
eBi
rt
hto2Boy
sandagi
rl
.
Cal
dri
n:Ar
eyouser
ious?
Me:
Yes,
shewascar
ryi
ngt
ri
plet
s.
Cal
dri
n:She'
sstr
ongDamn.3babi
es,y
ouwoul
d'
ve
di
edifi
twasyou.
Me:
Pleasedon'
texagger
atebaby
.
Cal
dri
n:ButI'
mtel
li
ngyouthet
rut
h,y
ouwant
edt
o
di
ewhilegi
vi
ngbi
rt
htoLuke.
Me:
Isohat
eyour
ightnow!
It
hrewapi
l
lowathi
m.
Me:
Goi
ngwi
thmet
otheHospi
tal
?
Cal
dri
n:Yeah,
I'
ll
seet
heGent
stoo.
Me:Okaylet
'sgo then,wewi
l
ldr
opLukeathi
s
Gr
andmother
'spl
ace.
Cal
dri
n:Yeah.
.
_
___
___
___
AZOLE

"
Nat
hi!Khany
i!Mommyi
sher
e"
Nat
hicomesr
unni
ng.
Me:
Nor
unni
ngi
nthehouseNkosi
nat
hi.
Hegi
vesmethatnaught
ysmi
l
eofhi
s,hehasagap
hi
sfr
ontt
oot
hisnotther
e.
Hehuggedmeonmyl
egs.
It
akeheri
nmyar
ms.
Me:Hel
l
omybaby
.Hel
l
obabyboy
,hel
l
oMommy
's
boy
!
He his hi
sface wi
th hi
s hands.Gi
ggl
i
ng as I
'
m
Ti
ckl
inghim.
Chumani'
smom comesdown wi th Khany
iin her
arms.WhenshesawherDadshescr eamedont op
ofherl
ungswi
thherhandsf
lyi
ng.
Khanyi
sil
eisadaddy
'sgi
rl
.She'
sonl
y10mont
hsbut
shefav
orsherDadmore.
AfterNahikoGav ebirth4Year sbackIf ellinlove
with Nqobizit
ha,hewasa v erycut ebabyboy .I
askedChumanit oaccompanymet ochecksome
babiesinaor phanage,wemetNkosi nathitherehe
wascut ejustf ew monthsol djustlikeNqobi zitha,
wedeci dedt oadopthi m.He' st hesameageas
Nqobizit
hai t
'sjustthatNqobizit
hai s4mont hsolder
thanNkosi nathi.Khanyisil
e?Theor phanagecal led
asaf ew mont hsbackbef oreourweddi ngandt old
us,ther
e'saNewbor n.Wet ookitintoourownhands
thatwewi l
ladopther .Nowwehav et obeaut if
ulkids,
NkosinathiandKhany isi
le.I'
m soinlovewi ththem.
Me:Khanyi
sil
eissuchaDaddy
'sgi
rl
,If
earf
orhi
s
wal
letwhenhe'
sagrownup.
Mama:Ifearthesamethi
ngMakot
i,hewi
l
lwanta
pai
rofshoesever
yday
.
Me:
AndChumani
wil
lnev
ersaynot
ohi
m.
Chumani
:She'
smypr incesswhatdoyouexpect
?
Mamaweretheybehav
ingwhil
ewewereaway
?
Mama:Theyaresuchpr obl
emati
ckids.Thanksto
Nahi
kowhot ookthem f
oraweek.Nqobi zi
thaand
Nkosi
nat
hiar
eabunchf rom hel
l
.Idon'tknowHow
Nahi
kohandl
esthem.
Me:She'sagreatmot her
,shedoesthi
sparent
ing
t
hingsosmoot hl
y.LookatZenandesogrownand
ver
yrespect
ful
.
Chumani
:youar
eagr
eatmot
hert
oomywi
fe!
Me:
ThatIknow.
Mama:That
'swher
eyouaresupposedt
osayThank
youmyHusbandMakot
i.
Il
augh.
Chumani
:She'
stoopr
oudt
hisone!
Ilaughandmymot herin-l
aw j
oinedme.It hought
she was goi
ng t
o be a Monst erin-
law butshe
showedmeamot her'
sLoveandsupportedChumani
andIwit
htheadopt
ionprocess.
Chumani
'
sphoner
anghewentout
.
Mama:
Sohowwast
hehoney
moonMakot
i?
Me:Itwasgreat,Idi
dn'
twantt
ocomeback, Parisi
s
r
eall
yaci tyofl ove.I
fitwasn'tformybabi esI
wouldn'
tbe here.Iwould'
ver el
ocat
ed and be a
r
esidenti
nParis.
Mama:
Andl
eav
eyourbeaut
if
ulmot
heri
n-l
aw?
Me:
Doy
ouknowPar
ismama?
Shel
aughed,
Ijoi
nedhert
oo.
Me:
Ithoughtasmuch.
Chumani
camebacksmi
l
ing.
Mama:Yourwi
fei
sher
e,sowho'
sther
easonbehi
nd
yoursmi
l
e.
Me:Exact
lyt
hat
,Iwas goi
ng t
o ask t
he same
quest
ionmama.
Chumani
:Wel
llet
'
ssay
,myBestMani
saf
ather
Agai
n.
Me:
What
?Nahi
kogav
ebi
rt
h?
Chumani
:Yes,
2Boy
sandagi
rl
.
Me:OhmyGod,I '
m soexci
tedIwantt oseemy
babi
es.OhmyGoshl
etmecal
l andi
nfor
m Gi
gi.
Aft
ermycallwithGigiIwentupst
air
sandtooka
qui
ckshower,Iwor
emyy el
l
ow summerdr
essand
ai
rfor
cesneaker
s.
It
iedmyweav
ethenwentdownst
air
s.
Me:
Chumani
let
'
sgo,
Ihav
etoseemybabi
es.
Chumani
:Ri
ghtbehi
ndyoubaby,wewi
l
lst
artatt
he
mall
andbuyafewgif
tsf
orournewmommy.
Me:
Alr
ightpl
easedr
ivef
ast
.
Hel
aughedatme,Nahi
koismysist
erherkidsar
e
mi
neandmykidsar
eherst
hatgoest
oGigit
oo.
.
Me:
Wher
ear
eyouI
'
m al
readyatnetcar
e.
Gi
gi:
Justl
ookbehi
ndy
ou.
Itur
nandshewav
esherhand.She'
scar
ryi
ngagi
ft
backsodoI
.
Cal
dri
ngot
oChumani
andIhugmybi
gsi
ster
s.
Gi
gi:
Lookaty
ou,
you'
regl
owi
ng.
Me:
It'
shappi
nessmyl
ove,
I'
m atmyhappi
est
.
Gi
gi:
Yesmygi
rl
.
Me:
Hey
,wear
elooki
ngf
orNahi
koMkhi
ze.
Recept
ioni
st:
war
d25t
hir
dfl
oor
.
Me:
Thanky
ou.
Wetakeali
ftt
othet
hir
dfl
oorandwal
kedf
ast
ert
o
herWar
d.
Mamkhi
ze,
herMot
herandOy
isahav
ethebabi
eson
t
hem.
Me:Okay
,okaymyl
ovest
imesup.Gi
vet
hebabi
est
o
mama.
Ev
ery
onel
aughs.
Nahiko:Gi
rl
ll
l
l.Youdi
dn'
tev
ent
ellmet
haty
ouar
e
back.
Me:
IthoughtIshoul
dsur
pri
sey
ou.CanIhol
done.
Oy
isagi
vesmet
hebaby
.
Me:j
udgi
ngbyt
hepi
nkbl
anket
sit
'sagi
rl
.What
'sher
Name?
Nahi
ko:
Sinegugu.
Me:OhmyGoodnesswhatal
ovel
yname.Andt
he
boy
s?
Nahi
ko:Mamkhi
zei
shol
dingSi
bongakonkeandGi
gi
Si
busi
so.
Me:
whonamedt
hem?Thesear
esuchl
ovel
ynames.
Nahi
ko:
Thei
rfat
her
,Ionl
ynamedSi
busi
so.
Gi
gi:
Socany
out
ell
whoi
swhobet
weent
heBoy
s?
Nahi
ko:YesmyLov
e,Si
bongakonkei
sal
i
ttl
edar
ker
t
hanSibusi
so.
Gi
gi:
Iwoul
dn'
tbeabl
etosepar
atet
hem.
Nahi
ko:Ihopeandpr
ayt
hatt
heydon'
tdi
sappoi
nt
meli
keNqobizi
tha,andlookli
ket
hei
rfat
her
.Atl
east
oneoft
hem shouldresembleme.
Mamkhize:TheMkhizeGenesar ewaytoostrong.
Look atmy kids,they al
llook l
i
ke t
heirfather
i
ncludi
ngthegi
rl
s.Theyonlyhav
emysmileandey es.
Nahiko:Iwillret
urnthem i
nmystomachshoul
dthey
Resembl eZi t
hulel
e.Especial
l
ySi
negugu,shecan'
t
takeafterherfather
.
Westay
edinthehospi
talexchangi
ngthebabi
es.I
'
m
soi
nlovewi
thNahiko'
sbabiestheyar
esocute.
.
Chumani
:Wegav
eyouenought
ime,i
t'
sourt
ime
now.
Chumani,Sandz,Ml
ungi
si,Cal
dri
n and Zi
thul
ele
madethei
rwayin.
Zi
thul
ele:Mybrot
herswantt
oholdmybabi
esso
pl
easeladi
esgi
vebackmyLov
ed.
Nahi
ko:
Giv
ehi
m guy
s,t
hef
atheroft
hey
ear
!
Shesai
dsar
casti
cal
l
y,andwelaughed.Shemustbe
madathim,don'
thormonesendafterGiv
ingbi
rt
h?
Letmenotcr
ackmymi
nd.
Chumani:She'
saBeaut
if
ulgi
rl
,Shewi
l
llookj
ustl
i
ke
hermother.
Zit
hu:I
'
m prayi
ngi
ntonguesthatshel
ooksexact
ly
l
ikeher
,ot
herwi
sei
t'
soverforher
.
Nahi
ko:AndImeanitZi
thul
ele,i
fSi
negugudoesn'
t
r
esembleme.I
'
m sel
l
ingher.
Me:Don'twor
rymyl
oveI
'
m her
e,t
hehi
ghestbi
dder
.
I
'l
lbuyher.
Weal
ll
augh.
Mlungi
si:
SoZithul
eley
ouwentov
eryourbi
gbrother
.
Ihave4kidsandyouhave5,
Don'
tyouhaveshame?
Zi
thu:Mkhi
zehas5chil
dren,
3sonsand2Daught
ers.
SoI'
m myFather
'sson!
Ml
ungisi
:Oyi
saweremov i
ngy
ouf
rom bi
rt
hcont
rol
,
weneedbabynumber5!
Sandz
:Youguysaret
oooldnow,Gi
vei
tup.Mnqobi
wil
lgi
veyout
he5thBaby
.
"
I'
m notDoi
nganyoft
hatshi
t.
"
Mamkhi
ze:
LanguageMnqobi
ther
ear
ebabi
esher
e.
Mnqobi
:Sor
ry!
Hemadehi
swayi
nwi
thhi
ssi
ster
sandf
ather
.
Nahiko:Yho,I
'
vehadenoughVisi
tor
sfort
oday
.I
needsomespaceandmybabi
esneedsomer
estt
oo.
Mkhi
ze:
Whyy
ousay
ingt
hatMakot
i?
Nahi
kol
aughs.
Mnqobi
:Isitbecauseofus?We'
vej
ustar
ri
vedand
youwantspacenow?
Nahiko:They'
vebeenhere,Ican'tevenbreat
hf r
esh
ai
r.Iwantt hem gone t hen Baba can see his
Grandchi
ldr
enandy ouseey ournephewsandniece.
Mkhize:Umakot
iusekhul
umil
eeni si
phumel
eke.[
My
daughteri
n-l
awhavespoken,
pleaseLeave]
Me:Uyasi
gxot
haNahi
ko?[
Youar
echasi
ngusout
Nahi
ko?]
Nahi
ko:Don'
tputwor
dsonmymout
h.I
'
mti
redIj
ust
wantt
osleepthat
'
sal
l.
I
ndeedshel
ookst
ir
ed,
andgi
vi
ngbi
rt
hto3babi
esi
s
av
erybi
gthi
ng,
shel
ooksexhaust
ed.
Gigi
:Youreal
lyl
ookexhaustedweshal
lgi
vey
ou
somespacebaby
.Wel
ovey ouokay
!
Nahi
ko:
Lov
eyouMor
e.
Me:ILovey
ousi
s,pl
easer
estandt
akecar
eofour
babi
es.
Nahiko:Iwil
llove,pl
easesendsmygr eet
ingsto
Supermanandkissmylit
tl
edramaqueenKhanyion
thecheek!
Me:
Iwi
l
lIl
ovey
ou.
Nahi
ko:
Lov
eyout
oo.
Wewentout
,andlef
therwi
thMnqobi
,Babusi
si
we,
Buhl
eandMrMkhi
ze.
Chumani:Many
ouar
eBl
essed,wi
thsuchbeaut
if
ul
babi
es.
Zi
thu:Iknow,butt
heyar
e ourbabi
es.You ar
e
bl
essedt
oo.
Wesmil
eashe'
swalki
ngwit
hust ot
hePar
kingl
ot,
hewi
llnev
erl
eavehiswi
fealonewi
th3Newborn
babi
es.Nahi
kowoul
dki
l
lhi
m.
.
_
___
___
___
___
___
___
___
_
FAMI
LYGATHERI
NG.
NAHI
KO
.
Zithu:Thanky ousomuchf orcomi ng,t hi
smeansa
l
ott o me and mywi f
e.Iknow t hatwe' ve been
fri
endsf orav eryl ongt imeandt odaymeandmy
wifedeci det hatweshoul dcr eatedabondt hatwi l
l
nev erbesepar ated.Abondt hatwi llstartfrom us
andourki dswi l
lalsocont i
nuewi thi t.Todaywewi l
l
beaf ami lynotf ri
endsbutA Fami ly.Wewi l
lbe
brot her
sandsi ster,t hatourchildrenmayknowt hat
theyar ebr other sandsi stersforlife,t her easonof
startingt hist rendi sbecauseoft hesuppor twe've
giveneachot her ,from bei ngeachot her'
spi l
l
arof
strengthandbei ngeachot her
'ssani t
y.Thatmeans
al otf r
om af riendshi p,wemaynotbesi stersand
brot her
sbybl oodbutbyHear t
.Tomanymor eyears
oft hisFami l
yhood.
Mlungisi
:Thanky ouBr ot
her,Iagr eewithy
ou.This
shoul
dt eacht heLovetoourchi ldrenandt
hatthey
shoul
d suppor teach otherno mat t
erwhatt he
sit
uati
onist heyshouldbet hereforeachotherand
thatt
heirbondmaybemor est r
ongerthanthebond
wehadandmayt hispassf rom ourgenerat
ionto
manymor egenerati
ons.
Caldr
in:IAgr ee,y
ou guy s showed me lov e and
supportthatnotevenmyf amilyevershowedme.
Youthoughtmehow t obesel f
lessatmanyt imes,
youtaughtmeonhav ingabiggerheartandhowt o
takecareofeachot herandbet hesupportsy st
em
ofoneot her.AndthatIwantmychi l
dtot akeand
l
earni t
,sot hathebecomeasnobl easy ouar e.
Shouldmysonhav er ol
emodeli tshouldbey ou
guys.
Chumani:YeahMan,I '
m grat
efulyouandNahi ko
camewi ththati
dea,Hav
ingmanyki dsaspossible
wil
lbri
ngjoytomeandmywi feandthatwill
creat
ea
veryi
nseparabl
ebondinourchil
dren.Them having
eachother'
sbackmeansalotandIwouldn'ttr
adeit
to anyone havi
ng you guys as my f amil
yi t'
s
somet hi
ngthathasbeeni nmyhear t,havingyouas
brothersandy ourwivesasmysi stersit'
ssuchan
honourt ome.Itreal
lymeansal ot.Thanky oual
lfor
being me and my wi f
e's supportsy stem I'l
lbe
forevergrat
efultoy ou all
,mor especi allytoy ou
Nahikoy ouareanamazi ngwomanmayGodbl ess
youasy ouarealreadybl
essed.
Me:
Thanky
ousomuchChust
a.
Ismi l
e,thisissobeaut i
f ulhav
ingmyFr i
endsher e
andOy isameansal ottomeandt hatwearenowa
famil
ynotFr i
endsbutsi ster
s,I'
velear
ntalotfrom
them asmuchast hey'
v elear
ntfrom met ooI '
m
happyi n myl i
fe,I
'm v erycontent.Ourkids are
playi
ngi ntheGardenit'
sabeaut i
fulsi
ghtt
oseemay
thisl
astf orl
onger.
Ist
oodupandlookedatt
hisamazi
ngpeopl
e.Sandz
andMnqobiar
etheonlyoneswit
hnospousesnext
tot
hem.
Me:Iwantt othankyouallf
orcomi
ngheret
ot hi
s
famil
ygatheri
ng,thi
smeansal ottomeandmy
husbandt
hanky ouagreei
ngt
othi
suni
on,t
hefamil
y
bond.Takemet ot heol dNahi kot he18y earsol d
Nahi ko,andt ellmet hatIwoul dbeher ewi thsuch
amazi nggr oupofpeopl eIwoul dlaughaty out illmy
stomachhur ts.Si ncemychi l
dhoodi ncidentInev er
knew t hatIwi llbet hi
scont entandhappyi nl if
eI
didn'tknowt hatIwoul dbet hiswomanIam, theonl y
thingIknew waspai n,smi le?I twasv eryrar et hi
ng
onmyf aceI 'venev erthoughtIwi llbel iket his.I t
's
truewhent heysayt hatJoycomesi nt hemor ni
ng
but t hey di dn't say t he f ollowing mor ning any
mor ningmaybey ourjoybutmyj oycameatal ater
stagei nlif
eandi tcamesounexpect edly.Lifet aught
met obepat ientandwai tformyt imet ocome, andI
wai t
edpat ient l
yandl ookatmenow, Ihav ethemost
honor able,lov i
ng,andador ablyhandsomehusband
wi t
hav erybi gandki ndhear tandGodbl essedus
wi t
hv erybeaut ifulandhandsomeki ds.Fr iendsf or
l
ifewho' spr acticall
ymyf ami lynow.Thanky oual l
forcomi ngi nmyl i
fe,forst i
ckingwi thmeonweak
day sandday sthatIwant edt ogi veupy ougav eme
l
ifeandagr eatsuppor t.Ilov ey ouall withall myl if
e.
I
t'
str
uewhent
heysayTher
eisLi
ghtAtTheEndOf
TheTunnel
.
Youguy
sar
emyl
i
ghtandmyHappi
ness.Thanky
ou.
Weshar
edhugsaroundeachother
,thi
sisaci
rcl
e
f
orl
i
fe.Myci
rcl
e,myhappypl
ace.
.
THEEND!

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chYouont
heFl
i
psi
de!
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easedoLi
ke,
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eandComment
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