*

STORYOFMYLI
FE:
KEATLARETSI

CHAPTERONE*

"
Iwantadi
vor
ce.
"
Divorce?Whati st hat
? Andwhywoul dheevenwant
adivor ce?Di dIdosomet hi
ngwr ong?Di dhefallout
oflovewi t
hme?Am Inotat tr
activetohim anymore?
Am It hatbadnowandhecannotst andme
anymor e?Thosear ethequest ionsIkeptasking
mysel ff r
om thedaymysoont obeexhusband
askedf oradi vor ce.I
tkeptr i
ngingi nmyhead.I
couldn'tmakeoutwhyhewoul dwantt odi
vorceme.
We'vebeenmar r
iedforsevenyear sandwewer eso
happyt ogether.OrsoIt hought.Mar r
yyourbest
fr
iendt heysai d.Imar riedmybestf ri
endandt oday
Ifi
ndmysel fint hemi ddleofadi vorce.Thesame
bestfriendt hatIgr ewupwi t
h.Wewer efri
ends
si
nceourpr i
mar yschooldays.Inevert houghta
daywoul dcomewher eIwoul df i
ndmysel fhere.
ButtodayI '
vedeci dedt osayenoughi senough.I'
m
l
et ti
nggo.I '
ml ettinggoofever ything.I'm signi ng
thepaper st oday.I '
ml ettinggoofapar tofmyl if
e
thatIl ovedmyent ir
elif
e.Fi rstl
ywhenhe
ment i
onedt hedi vorceIwasscar ed.Scar edofwhat
peopl ear egoi ngt osay.Thi nkingt hattheywi l
l
judgeme.Judgemef ornotbei ngabl et ostayi nmy
mar r
iage.ButwhenIr eal i
zedt hatIhavebeenmade
af ool Isaidenoughi senough.I '
vebeenaf oolall
ourmar r
iedl i
fe.Whenwegotmar r
iedwehad
dr eams.Ver ybigdr eams.Wewant edtoachi evea
l
otandwedi dthat .Foryoungpeopl ewehavedone
ver ywel lforour selves.Sowhenwegotmar riedmy
soont obeexhusbandsai dImustt i
emyt ubes.We
hadt obest ablefirstbef oreevent hinkingofhavi ng
babi es.Andst upi dmebel ievedhi m becauseIwas
soi nl ovet oevennot iceanyt hi
ng.Ihadmyt ubes
tiedandhedi davasect omy.OrsoIt hought .Buta
sur pri
sewaswai ti
ngf orme.Hehast woki dswi t
h
anot herwoman.Twoki ds!Luckyhi m.Whi l
eIhad
myt ubest iedhemadeaf ooloutofmeandmade
met hinkt hatindeedhedi dvasect omy.Theki dsare
6year sold.Thi smeanst hatt heycamei ntot his
wor ldayearaf t
erourmar riage.Ihaveaf ew
questionsthatIwouldli
ketoaskhi m.Hewal ks
throughthedoorandi sabouttoascendt hest air
s
whenIaskhi mthatweshouldtalk.Hesayshei s
goingt ochangethenwewi l
ltal
k.Mi nuteslaterhe's
sit
tingont hecouchopposit
etheoneI '
m si
ttingon.
Itaketimeandst udyhim.Where'
smysweetRapul a
thatIknew?Hehaschanged.Hei samonst er.He
mightnotbeabusi vebutheisamonst er.
Me:
I'
mreadyt
osi
gnt
hepaper
s.
Rapul
a:oh.
Me:
oh?t
hat
'sal
lyouar
egoi
ngt
osay?
Rapul
a:whatdoyouwantmetosay?Pleasedoi
t
qui
ckl
y.Ther
e'ssomewher
eIhavetobe.
Me:ohyou'
regoi
ngtoyourl
it
tl
efamil
y?Yes.Iknow.
Isawthebi
rthcer
ti
fi
cat
esofyourchi
ldr
en.
Rapul
a:Keat
lar
etsi
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:whatar eyousorryfor?Youmadeafooloutof
me.Toldmet oti
emyt ubesbecausewear
enot
readyforchil
drenwhil
eyouknewyouwer e
planni
ngaf amilyoutt
here.
Rapul
a:I
'
mreal
lysor
ry.
Me:yoursorr
yisnotgoi
ngt
ohel
p.Iwantyout
otel
l
methetrut
h.
Rapul
a:keaIdon'
twantt
ohur
tyou.
Me:
ashur
tfulasi
tmaybe,
pleaset
ellme.Ideser
ve
t
oknow.
Rapul
a:I
tst
art
edayearbef
orewegotmar
ri
ed.
Me:oh.Soyou'
vebeencheat
ingonmef
orl
ong.Go
on.
Rapul
a:Ist
il
llovedyouandcouldn'
tletyougo.The
i
deaofyoubeingwi t
hanothermanhaunt edme.My
l
oveforyouwas, st
il
list
oomucht ol
etyoubewi th
someone.
Me:butsti
llyou'
redi
vorci
ngme.Rapul
aIlef
t
someonewhot r
ulyl
ovedandappr
eci
atedmefor
youandthisishowyoudome?
Rapula:yourrel
ati
onshi
pwasnevergoi
ngto
sur
vive.Webot hknowthat
.Youwereastudentand
hewasyourl ectur
er!
Me:i
sthatsupposedt
omakemef
eelbet
ter
?
Rapul
a:Idon'
twantustogetdi
vor
cedanymor
e.I
'
m
get
ti
ngasecondwife.
Me:Ir
eal
lyt
houghtyoulovedme.ButnowIsee
howyou'
vemadeaf ooloutofme.
Igotupandwentupst ai
rstoourroom.Istarted
packi
ngmysui tcases.BythetimeIwasdonei twas
l
ate.Ipushedmysui tcasesdownstairsandwent
fort
helastone.Tearscouldn'
tstopf al
li
ng.Igotto
wherehewasandt ookthepent osign.Hegrabbed
thepapers.
Rapul
a:babeIl
oveyou.Pl
easel
et'
snotdot
his.
Me:you'vehurtmeandi t
'senough.Youwant
edthi
s
divor
ceandnowI 'm gr
antingyouyourwi
sh.You
canfinal
lygoandbewi thyourrealf
amil
ywit
hno
Keatl
aretsit
odist
urbyou.
Aknockdi sturbsusandher ushestothedoor.He
comesbackwi thawomanwi tht
wokids.Theyhave
sui
tcaseswi ththem.I'
m movingoutandtheyare
movingin.Itmustbeni cebeingthem.Iworkedver
y
hardforeverythingi
nthishouseandthisishowhe
doesme.
Me:Iseet
heyar
eevenmovi
ngi
n.
Iturnedtothewomanwhohasbr okenmymar ri
age.
Il
ookedathercar efull
y.She'
sbeautif
ul.ThatIcan
giveher.Thenthere'
smeadar ki
e.She'sli
ghtin
compl exi
on.Maybet hat'
swhatattr
actedhimt oher.
Hewast i
redofseeingthisdar
kfaceofmi ne.
Me:
doyoul
ovehi
m?Pl
easeanswermehonest
ly.
Her
:I'
m sor
rybutIl
ovehi
m.I
twasn'
tmyi
ntent
iont
o
hur
tyou.
Me:youknewt hathehadsomeonei nhisl i
febut
thatdidn'
tstopyou.Letmet ellyousomet hing.I
hatewomenl i
keyou.Theyar ethereasonot her
womenl i
vemi serableli
ves.You'vebrokenmy
mar r
iage.Ihopeyouar ehappynow.I 'mleaving.I
hopeyout akecar eofhim.Takegoodcar eofhi m.
Don'tdotohi m whathedi dtome.Lovehi ml i
kehe
deservestobel oved.Begoodt ohim.MayGod
blessyouall.AndIwi shyouthebesti nyour
mar r
iage.
It
urnedt
oRapul a.Hehadasur
pr i
sedf
acemixed
wi
thhurt
.It
'sl
ikehedoesn'
tbel
ievewhatIj
ustsai
d.
Imeanti
t.Iwishthem thebest.I
'm notgoingt
o
hol
dgrudgesandhopef orkar
mat ovisitt
hem.No.I
don'
tbel
ievei
nt hat
.IfGodwant edthingstobethi
s
waythenleti
tbe.
Me:GodknowsIl ovedyou.Ist il
ldo,
somuch.ButI
wil
llearntoli
vewi t
houtyou.Justasyoul earntt
o
l
ovesomeone, Iwi l
lal
sol earntolovesomeone.I
wishyoual lt
hehappi nessi ntheworld.Takecare
ofher.Don'tli
et oherl i
keyoudi dtome.Anddon' t
worryaboutme.Iwi l
lsurvive.Iwil
lri
seupf r
om this.
Iwil
lrisetothet opagai n.Ialwaysdo.Nomat t
er
whatIf aceIwillbef i
ne.Begood.Haveawonder ful
l
if
e.Iloveyou.
Igentl
ytookthepapersfrom hi
m andsignedthem.
Ihadalreadyhadmyl awyer,
wellourl
awyerread
them soIknowwhat'sinthere.
Me:Iwil
lcomebackf ortherestofmyst uf
forl
et
someonet ocomeandf etchthem.Thankyoufor
ever
ything.Ichooset
obel i
evethatatsomepoint
youlovedme.Sot hankyouf orl
ovingme.
Iki
ssedhi
scheekandpushedoutmysui
tcases.
Igoti nsi
demycaranddr oveof f
.Ileftthesubur bs
ofIreneanddr ovetoMamel odi.Ihaveahouse
there.Twobedr oomshouse. Iboughtt hathouse
beforeget ti
ngmar ri
edandt hat'stheonl yproperty
that'
si nmyname.Theot hersIownt hem with
Rapul a.Iwonderhowar ewegonnadi vi
det hem
becauset heyar ethreeincludi ngt hehousewewer e
stayingin.ButIchoosenott owor ryaboutt hatand
focusont her oad.WhenIr eachHat fi
eldistopata
garaget hatisj ustaf ewmi nutesaf terthe
springbokpar k.Springbokpar k.Iusedt ocome
hereal otwi t
hmyf r
iendsdur ingourvar si
tyyears.It
wasourf avoriteplacet ocomet o.Especi al
lyon
weekends.If i
llmyt ankanddr i
veabi tthenst op.I
startcrying.Ithur t
s.Imayactt oughbuti thurts.I
t
startssinkingi nthatI'm nowadi vorcee.Iwi pemy
tearsandgoonwi thmyj our ney.

Afteral
mostanhourIreachmydesti
nati
on.Ihave
thekeyssoIopenthegateandgeti
n.Iwaveatthe
neighbor
s.Theyknowme.Iusedtostayhere
beforeIgotmar ri
ed.Ipar
kmycarbyt hepavement
andlockit.Iunlockthehouse,
buti
t'
snot
l
ocked...
andwhatIf indsurpr
isesme.Mycousinis
sit
ti
ngont hecouchwi thaman.Ican'tevenseethe
man'sfacepr operl
ybecauseofthesmokei nt
his
house.Theyar esmoking.Bonoloi
ssmoki nghere
whilemyauntt hinksshe'
shereworki
ng.Whati s
thi
snow?
Me:Bonol
owhat
'sgoi
ngon?Ar
en'
tyousupposedt
o
beatwork?
Bonol
o:cuzIdon'
tworkt
hereanymore.Igotf
ir
ed.
Butdon'
tworryIhaveanewjoboff
er.
Me:that
'sbet
ter
.Butcanyoupl
easet
ellyourf
ri
end
t
oleave?
Bonolo:whatar
eyoudoi
ngwit
hthosesui
tcases?
AreyouandRapulamovi
nginher
e?
Me:
wewi
llt
alkl
ater
.NowIwantt
oset
tl
ein.
Iwentt
omyroom andever
ythi
ngwasasIhadlef
t
i
t.Il
aydownonmybackandj ustl
ett
ear
sfal
l.
[
07/
06,
18:
56] :*
STORYOFMY
LI
FE:
KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER2*

"Keatl
aret
siwakeupandt akecontrolofyourlif
e.
You'vebeensulkingforthewholetwomont hs.It'
s
notgoingtochangeanyt hi
ng.Thatungratefulexof
yoursismovingonwi thhisli
feandyou'reher easif
you'r
einmour ning.Getup.You'r
east r
ongper son
butnowI '
m notseeingthatperson.Getupanddust
yoursel
f.Wear enotgoingtoletyourli
fegot oruins
becauseofhim. "
That'
smycousi n/sist
erknockingsomesensei nto
me.She'srightt
hough.Ihavebeensul kingandnot
doinganyt
hi ngf
orthepastt womont hs.Nowi t
's
ti
meIgetupandgoonwi thmyl if
e.Ifi
xt hebed
andgot othebathroom t
ot akeabatht henget
readyfort
heday.Igot othekitchenandmy
breakf
asthasalreadybeenmade.It akei tandgo
j
oinBonolo.
Me:
heysi
s.It
houghtyouwoul
d'vel
eftf
orwor
kby
now.
Nolo:haoItol
dyouIr esi
gnedt her
e.Itshowsthat
you'r
ereal
lystr
essed.I'
m havinganintervi
ewon
Fri
dayatanotherrest
aurant.Holdthumbsf orme.
Me:you'r
ethebestchefever
.You'
regoi
ngt
oget
t
hisjob.I
t'
salr
eadyyours.
Nol
o:mmhsowhatar
eyoudoi
ngt
oday?
Me:well
,meandyouaregoingtohuntforahouse.
ThenI'
m goi
nghometot al
ktomyfather.He
doesn'
tknowwhat'
sgoingoninmyl i
feyet.
Nol
o:don'
tyouhaveahouseal
ready?
Me:Il
etRapulagett
hehousewewer est
ayingin.
Theapart
ment st
hatweownt oget
herar
erentedout
andthei
rleaseswon'
tendanyti
mesoon.
Nol
o:t
hat'
smoremoneyf oryou.Andneversayyou
i
wnthem t
oget
her
,that
'syourhardwork.
Me:butI
'm worr
iedabouthowwe'regoingt
ohandl
e
ourcompany.MaybeIshouldsel
lhim my70%
shar
e.
Nol
o:babeyouputal
lyoursweatf
ort
hatcompany
tobeasuccess.Youact uall
ymadet hatmanwhat
hei swhilehewasbackstabbingyou.Soyouthi
nk
you'rej
ustgoingtogi
vehi m ever
ythi
ngandlett
he
otherwomaneatyourhar dwor k?That'
snot
happening.You'
renottheonewhomessedup.
You'regoingtost
ayinthatcompanyandever yt
hing
willgoonasusual.Youdon'toweanyone
sympat hy.
Me:butitdoesn'tmatt
eranyway.Idon'
tworkt
here.
Ihaveajob.Ijustpr
ayIstil
lhavethatj
ob.I
'
vebeen
absentf
ortwomont hs.
Nolo:Iappl
iedf
ort
hreemonthsl
eaveforyou.You
wil
lgetadoctor
'sl
ett
erandt
henyou'
regoodt ogo.
Me:whatwoul
dIdowi
thoutyou?Thankyouf
or
bei
ngheref
orme.
Af t
erwefini
shedeat
ingwelef
t.Idr
oveusto
Pretor
iaWest.Andmycousinbei
nghercrazysel
f
askedwhatwewer edoi
ngtherei
nsteadofgoi
ngto
Pretor
iaEast
.
Me:Idon'thavemoneyt
owast
e.Thosehousesar
e
expensi
ve.
Thatwasmyexcuse.Ij ustdon'twantt ofacemy
demonst heresoI '
dr at
hernotgot here.Af t
er
viewingt hehousesiboughta4bedr oom house
thathasapoolandapl ayar ea.WhatIl i
kei sthat
there'sabasket bal
lcourtandat ennisbal lcourtso
wheneverIf eell
ikeitIwil
ljustplay.Event houghit
won' tbet hesamebecauseRapul awon'tbeher e.I
won' tli
e.Istil
lmissthatmanbutI '
m wor kingon
forgetti
nghi m.
Bonolo:nowt hatwegotyourbeaut if
ulhouse,
it'
s
ti
met oletgooft hepast.Andwear estar
ti
ngby
taki
ngof fthatri
ng.Rapul awil
lneverbeyours
alone,
eraseever ythingthathast odowithhim.
Thereissomeonef oryououtt hereandhowwi l
l
menappr oachyouwi ththatr
ingonyourf i
nger
?
Ilaughinbet
weenmytear
s.Mysi
stert
hough.
Sometimesshe'
scr
azyandsomet
imessheiswise.
Me:you'reright.Thi
sringhast
ogo.Iwillgi
vei
t
backwhenIf etchtherestofmythi
ngs.AndIhave
apresentforyou.
Nol
o:i
t'
snotmybi
rt
hdayyetbutI
'
m get
ti
nga
pr
esent
.Godi
sgood.
Shesai
dthatdanci
ng.
Me:I
'm gi
vingyouthehouseinMamelodi
.Iwil
l
changethetit
ledeedsonceI'
m donewi
thfi
xing
ever
ythi
ngher e.I
t'
syoursnow.
Nol
o:Ler
atot
hat'
sgoodbutt
hat'
syourhouse.
You'
vedonealotf
ormealr
eady.
Me:andyou' vebeenagoodsisterandgr
eat
supportsystem.Sot akei
t.Andyoualsohavea
room here.Youcancomewheneveryouwant .
Nol
o:ohmyGodsi s.Thankyousomuch.I
'
llbe
her
eeveryweekend!
Af t
erthatIdr oveof fhome.Nowt hisisthehar dest
thi
ngI '
l
leverhavet odo.Rapul a'sf at
herandmy
fatherar efr
iends.Andusget t
ingmar ri
edmade
them sohappy.Theyneverf orcedust obei na
rel
ationshiporanyt hi
ng.Wegr ewupt ogether,di
d
everythingtoget herandwentever ywherewi thour
fathers.That'showcl osewewer e.Idon' tknowhow
ourdi vorceisgoi ngtobeonmyf ather.AsI '
m close
toget ti
nghomeist ar thavi
ngthought sruni nmy
head.Whatwi
llmyf
athersay?I
shegoingto
suppor
tmeorbeagainstme?That
'swhatIkept
aski
ngmyself
.

Igotoutofmycarandfoundmyfatherwatching
soccer
.Theyweretoget
herwi
thRapula'
sfather.I
don'
tknowhowt hi
sisgoingt
ogo.Istoodont he
doorwatchi
ngt
hem.
R.f
ather:
mydaught
er,
whyar
eyoust
andi
ngt
her
e?
comei n.
Me:
dumel
angmogae.
Dad:
dumel
angwanake.Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
mfi
neandyoudad?
Dad:
I'
m good.I
t'
sbeenl
ongsi
nceyoucamehome.
Me:
Iknowdad.
Dad:youcangoandr
est
.Ther
e'sf
oodi
nthef
ri
dge.
Me:I
'
m dr
ivi
ngbackintheeveni
ng.Ij
ustmi
ssed
yousoIt
houghtIshoul
dvisi
t.
R.
fat
her
:yourhusbandcamet
hispastweekend.He
sai
dyoucoul
dn'
tcomebecauseyouwer
ebusy.
Me:di
dhesayanyt
hingel
se?
R.
fat
her
:no,
wast
her
esomet
hinghewassupposed
t
osay?
It
'sobvi
oushedidn'
ttel
lthem.It
houghthewoul
d
doitandexpl
ainever
ythi
ngt ot
hem.
Me:meandRapulaar
egett
ingadivor
ce.I
t'
sbeen
t
hreemont
hssinceweseparat
ed.
R.
fat
her
:eng?
Dad:
andyoudi
dn'
tcar
etol
etusknow?
Me:Ithoughthewoul
dsi
ncehe'
stheonewho
i
nit
iat
edthedivor
ce.
Dad:whatdi
dyoudo?
Me:dadwhywouldyouassumet
hatIdi
d
somethi
ng?Whydon'
tyouaskwhyt
hedivor
cei
s
happeni
ng?
R.father
:wecan'
ttal
kaboutthi
snow.I
'
m cal
li
ng
yourhusbandsohecancomeher eandwewillhear
allthesi
desofthestor
ies.
Me:Ihavet
ogobackt
oday.
Dad:youwi
lll
eavet
omor
row.Wehavet
ofi
xthi
s.
Me:t
her
e'snot
hingt
ofi
x.Wear
eal
readydi
vor
ced.
R.fat
her:ourancestor
sdon'tknowanyt hingabout
youtwodi vor
cing.Ourancestorsacceptedyouand
approvedyourmar ri
age.There'
snoot herwoman
theywillappr
oveinRapula'sl
ife.I
t'
sonlyyou.
Me:
Ihopeyouwi l
lst
illsayt
hataf
teryouhearwhat
hewil
lsay.Idon'twanttostayi
nthismarr
iage.
Sur
elyyouwillunderstand.

.
..
..
.
"
Aaaaahhh!
"
IwokeupscreamingbecauseIwasscar
ed.Iwent
tosl
eepaloneandwokeupt oaper
sonhuggingme
fr
om behi
nd.
Voi
ce:
hey,
keepqui
eti
t'
sme.
Me:whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nher
e?
Rapul
a:t
hisi
sourr
oom
OhIfor
gotthatI'
m nothome.I'
m athi
spar
ent
s
pl
ace.Myfathersai
dI'm amarr
iedwomanandI
mustsl
eepatmymar i
talhome.
Me:andwhogaveyouper
missi
ont
ohol
dme?
Rapul
a:can'
tIhol
dmywi
fe?Gobackt
osl
eep.I
t'
s
st
il
lear
ly.
Me:Icannotsl
eepwi
thyouher
e.Getout
.
Rapula:ohIseeIst
il
lhavethatef
fectonyou.I
'
m
notgoinganywhere.Let
'sgobacktosleep.
Icheckedt
heti
meandi twas3am.Iignor
edhi
m
andtri
edtosl
eep.Event
ual
lyIf
ellasl
eep.

I
nthemorni
ngIwenttomakebreakf
astandt
he
Meet
ingwasabouttobegi
n.Hi
smothercameto
t
hekit
chenandgreet
edme.
R.mom:Ihopethatwhat everyouandRapul aare
goingt
hroughwillbef
ixed.Butjustremembert hat
noonecanf or
ceyouintoanyt hi
ngyoudon' twant.
Notyourfat
herinlaw,notevenyourf at
her.You
musttakeadecisiont
hati sbett
erforyou.Thinkof
yourl
if
e.
Me:t
hanksmama.
It
ookfoodt
othedini
ngroom andser
vedever
yone.
Aft
ert
heyweredoneeat
ingweallwentt
ositi
nthe
l
ounge.
Dad:weallknowwhatwear eherefor
.Sowe'
dli
ke
youtwototelluswhatyou'
redi
vorci
ngfor
.
Me:
dadwear
eal
readydi
vor
ced.
R.
fat
her
:Rapul
awhatisther
easonyouwant
edto
di
vor
ceyourwi
fe?Don'
tyoul
oveheranymor
e?
Rapul
a:Il
oveher
.
Dad:
sowhyaskf
oradi
vor
ce?
Rapul
a:Iwantasecondwi
fe.
Me:youal
readyst
aywi
thheri
nourhouse.
R.f
ather
:secondwi
fe?I
sn'
ttheonet
hatyouhave
enoughforyou?
Rapula:Keat
laret
sii
twasnevermyint
enti
ontohur t
you.Ineveri
ntendedtof
allf
orher
.Itj
usthappened.
R.f
ather:
sonowyouexpecthert ostaywit
hyou
aft
eryou'vebroughtanotherwomaninherhouse?
Whatwr ongdidshedot opushyoutoanother
woman?It hinkI'
veheardenough.Youaresuchan
i
diot!Youfindagoodwomanandt hisi
swhatyou
do?
Rapula:Keat
lar
etsiIst
il
lloveyou.I'
vet
earedupt
he
divor
cepapers.YouandBaset sanacanli
vein
separat
ehouses.Itdoesn'tmatt
er.Asl
ongasI
haveyouinmyl if
e.
Me:Iwi l
lhavethelawyerdr aftnewpaper s.I've
beenmadeaf oolforal ongt i
meandIdeser ve
better.Iwon'tactli
keaf oolandst aywithyou.Do
youknowwhathedi d?Het ol
dmet hatwewer enot
readyf orchil
dren.Wehadt obuildourlivesf i
rst.
Thenwewi l
lhavekidsl aterwhenwear ef inancial
ly
stable.Wehadmyt ubest iedandhesupposedl ydid
avasect omy.Butno.Hewasl yingt omet heent i
re
ti
me.Hegothi snewwi fepr egnantandt heyhave
twoki ds.Wher edoest hatleaveme?I tshowst hat
hedi dn'twanttobet iedt ome.Hedi dn'
twantt o
haveki dswithme.Iwasj ustaf ool.Iwasal onein
thi
smar ri
age.WhatIr egretiswhatI '
vedonef or
him.Everythi
nghehasIhel pedhi m achieveitbuti
t
doesn'tmatter.Iwi
llachievemyownt hi
ngs.Idon't
wanttost ayinalovelessmar ri
age.Rapul ayoumay
thi
nkthatyoul ovemebutyoudon' treal
lyloveme
andI'
veaccept edthat.Youj ustl
iketheideaofme.
Youdon'twantt oseemewi thsomeoneel se.That'
s
nothowi tworks.Youcan' thaveyourbr ead
butt
eredonbot hsi
des.
R.f
ather
:youhaveki
dsthatweknownot
hingabout?
Andhowheartl
esscanyoubetodosuchathingto
yourwif
e?
Rapul
a:mywif
eI'm sorr
y.Canwepl
easefi
xthi
ngs?
Ipr
omiseyouI
'm nevergoi
ngtohur
tyouagai
n.
Dad:Ibel
ieveyoucansti
llf
ixt
hings.Yout
woare
meanttobet oget
her
.Yourmarri
agewasappr
oved.
..
Me:andblessedbytheancestor
s,Iheart
hatbutI
don'
tthi
nkyouhear dme.I'
m donewi t
hthi
ssham
ofamarriage.Idon'
tcar
ewhattheancestorsdo.
I'
mleavi
nghi m.
R.
fat
her
:doyoust
il
llovehi
m?
Me:
idon'
tknow.
Dad:theni
t'
ssimple.Youalll
oveeachot
hersoi
t'
s
sti
llpossi
blet
ofixthi
ngs.Nodivor
cewil
lbe
happeninghere.
Me:
dadi
sthatyout
alki
ng?
Dad:you'
regoingtofi
xthi
ngswithyourhusband.
You'
resti
llyoung.Youwil
lst
il
lhaveki
ds.
R.f
ather
:wearegoingtogotot
hewoman' shome
andpayfordamagesandt hat
'sal
l.Youarenot
l
eavingyourhusband.
Rapul
a:butI
..
.
R.
fat
her
:whatI
'
vesai
disf
inal
.
Me:dad,mom wouldbedisappoi
ntedinyou.Ihope
you'
rehappywithyour
selfknowi
ngt hatyouronl
y
chi
ldisnothappyatal
l.
Dad:
wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
I'
mleavi
ng.AndI
'
m cer
tai
nlyget
ti
ngadi
vor
ce.

Igotupandwentbackhome.Idi
dn'
twai
tformy
fathertocomeback.Ij ustdrovebackt oPretori
a
samet ime.Ican'tbel
ievemyf atherdidthat.I
thoughthehadmybesti nter
estathear t.ButI'
ve
beenf ooli
ngmysel f
.Hedoesn' tcareaboutmeand
mywel l
-bei
ng.Myf ather!Thi
si snotmyf at
her.I
don'tknowhi m anymor e.Myf athertheonewho
rai
sedme, tookcareofmeanddi deverythi
ngf or
me.Af termymot herpassedoni thasalwaysbeen
thetwoofus.Heneverr emarried.Hesai dhe
doesn'twantanywomant omi streathi
schi l
dbut
herehei sdoingthesamet hi
ngt hathedoesn' t
wantpeopl etodot ome.

Iam notgoi ngbackt oRapul a.Iam donewi t

hhim.
Iknowmypl aceisnotr eadyyetbutIj ustwantto
got her
eandj ustbeal one.Justcr ymysel ft
osleep
i
fpossible.Idon'tknowhowI 'm goi
ngt ogoonbutI
knowIwi ll
.ThelookIsawonmyf at
her '
sfaceis
enoughf ormet oconcl udet hathemi ghteven
disownme.I fhedoest hattheni tmeansI '
m al
one
i
nt hisworld.Iwil
ljustbeal onerwithnoonet oturn
towhent hingsgosout h.Ihavesomuchi nmy
mindthatIdidn'
tevenhearcarscreeches.Ke
maketsikelemogar egatsi
la.Robotswer er
ed.
Howdi dInotseetheredrobots.I
twasamessand
Ist
artedpanicki
ng.Idon'
tknowwhathappened.
Buteveryt
hingwentblank.

IheardsoundswhenIt ri
edtogetmyheadup.I
real
izedthatIwasinhospit
al.Whathappenedto
me?Ipr essedthatbut
tonthi
ng.Soonadoct or
camei n.
Dr
:oht
hankGodyouar
eawake.
Icoul
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.Af
terl
ooki
ngatt
hedoct
orI
l
ookeddown.
Dr:Keai
sever
ythi
ngal
ri
ght
?Ar
eyouf
eel
ingany
pain?
Me:
noI
'
mfi
ne.
Mymi ndi
snothere.I
'
m busyt
hinki
ngabouthowhe
st
il
lknowsme.It
'sbeenl
ike10or11year
s.
Me:
um howdoyouknowmyname?Idon'
tthi
nk
we'
vemetbef
ore.
Dr:st
oppl
aying.Iknowyourememberme.What
wereyout
hinkingcrossi
ngwhi
let
heroboti
sred?
Me:Idon'tknowwhathappened.Pleasel
et'
snot
t
alkaboutit.Talki
ngabouti
tmakesmescared.
WhatifIhaddi edther
e?
Ist
art
edcr
ying.Myhear
tbeat
ingsof
ast
.
Dr
:cal
m downpl
ease.
Me:di
danyonegethur
tordi
e?
Dr:fort
unat
elyno.Justonecarthatscreeched
yours.Therobothadjusttur
nedgr eenontheother
sideandIguessot herdr
iver
snoticedquickl
y.I
thinkyoupanickedthenfai
nted.
Me:t
hankGod.WhatwasIgoi
ngt
odo?Who
br
oughtmehere?
Dr:
amanwhowi t
nessedwhathappened.Helef
this
numbersoyoucancontacthi
mi fyouwanttotal
k.
Isther
eanyoneIcancall
?Maybeyoucangiveme
yourhusband'
snumberandIwil
lcallhi
m?
Me:
no!
Ist
art
edcr
yingal
loveragai
n.Cr
yingf
orwhat
Happenedandever
ythi
ngt
hati
sgoi
ngoni
nmyl
if
e.
Me:youknowmaybei fIdiedint
hatacci
denti
t
wouldhavebeenbet
ter.Ihavenooneandnothi
ng
t
olivefor
.
Dr:Keait'sabl essi
ngthatyou'
reher
e.Youar efi
ne,
everythi
ngel seyouwillhandl
easyougoon.
There'sar easonwhyyoumadei tal
ive.I
twasa
miraclethatnot hi
nghappenedtoyou.Bet hankf
ul
forthat.
Me:thankyouf
orever
ythi
ng.Whenam Il
eavi
ng
t
hisplace?
Dr
:it
'sl
atenow,
tomor
rowmor
ning.

HewentoutandIj ustcouldn'tstopcryi
ng.Iwas
i
nvolvedinanaccidentandIcan' teventel
lmy
f
ather.Hehasn'teventri
edcal l
ingsinceIl
efthome.
I
tshowst hathedoesn'tcare.AndwhatcanIdo?
Nothing.

Af
terIgotdi
schar
gedIcal
ledBonol
otocome.
Dr
:I
'm sur
eyou'
rehappyyou'
regoi
nghome.
Me:yeahIam.
Dr:
wherewer
eyougoi
ng?It
houghtyoust
ayi
n
I
rene.
Me:notanymore.Iwasgoingt
omynewpl
ace.
Anywaythanksforever
ythi
ng.
Dr
:Iwasj
ustdoi
ngmywor
k.
Me:pl
easedon'
ttel
lanyonet
hatyousawme.
Dr:Iwoul
dn'
tdothat
.Doyouhavesomeonet
otake
youtoyourpl
ace?
Me:
mysi
steri
scomi
ng.Thanksanyway.
Ibidmygoodbyesandwentt otheparki
nglot.I
wonderwhathappenedtomycar .Iwil
laskthat
manwhobr oughtmehere.Hemightknow
something.BonolocamewithanUberandasked
thedr
ivertotakeusbacktoMams.

Wewerequi
etal
lquiett
hewholeway.Whenwegot
homeIwentt
omyr oom andchangedi
ntomy
t
racksui
tsandwentt
owat
chTV.
Nol
o:whathappened?
Me:
Idr
ovewi
thoutchecki
ngt
her
obot
s
Nol
o:that
'snotl
ikeyou.Youar
eal
wayscar
eful
.
What'
sgoingon?
Me:youruncl
edoesn'
twantmet
ogetadi
vor
ce.
That
'swhat'
sgoi
ngon.
Nol
o:what
!?
Me:yes,
andIkeptthi
nki
ngsomuchabouti
tthatI
evenfor
gotthati
t'
snotonlymeonther
oad.
idon'
t
knowhowigother efr
om Rust
enbur
g.
Nol
o:atl
eastyou'
ref
ine.
Me:yeah.NowI'
mj ustgoi
ngt
ofocusonmeonl
y,
I
don'
tcarewhatdadsays.
[
07/06,18:
56] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER3*
TodayisFri
dayandmycousinhasajobint
ervi
ew.I
wokeupsoear l
yandmadebreakf
astforusandgot
readyf
ortheday.Iwentt
ocheckonherinherr
oom
andshewasget t
ingr
eady.
Me:goodmor
ningcuzbr
eakf
asti
sready.
Nol
o:l
'
m soner
vous.
Me:cuzyou'
vegott
his.Thi
sisyourj
ob.Youwi
llget
i
t.
Nolo:t
hankyou.You'
veal
waysbeenmybi
g
support
er.
Me:nowlet
'sgoandeat.Bef
oret
hatwher
e'syour
man?Ihaven'
tbeenseei
nghim.
Nolo:that
'snotmyman.He'
sjustaf
riendpar
tl
ythe
reasonIgotfir
edfr
om mypr
eviousj
ob.SoI
decidedtocutti
eswit
hhi
m.
Me:okaydontf
orgetdi
nneratmypl
acet
oni
ght
.
Nol
o:kanawat
samayagompi
eno.Iwi
llmi
ssyou.
Me:youknowyouhavear
oom i
nmyhouser
ight
?
Let
'sgoandeat
.
Weeatourbr
eakf
astandpr
ayf
ornol
oaf
tert
hat
.
ShedropsmeatRapul a'splaceandleavesforher
i
ntervi
ew.Igathermythingsandwai tforthe
movingcompanyt oarri
ve.Igotothegar ageto
checkonmycar .Ihavetwocar ssotheoneIgot
i
ntoanaccidentwi t
hit
'satservi
ce.I
'm surpri
sed
mycari snoti
nt hegar
age.IcallRapula.
Me:
heyI
'
m atyourpl
aceandIcan'
tfi
ndmycar
.
Rapul
a:whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
her
e?I
'
m atwor
k.
Me:I'
m her
etof
etchmyt
hings.AndIcan'
tseemy
car
.
Rapul
a:Baset
sanai
susi
ngi
tatt
hemoment
.
Me:war eBase..
.Di
dyougi veyoursocall
edwifet
o
bemycar ?RapulaI'
m war ningyouri
ghtnow.I
boughtthatcarwit
hmyhar dearnedcash!Iwant
mycarr i
ghtnow!Ifit
'snotherein30mi nutes
ther
e'l
lbetroubl
e.I
'mt el
li
ngyou.
Rapul
a:r
elax.I
t'
snotli
keshestol
eit
.AndItol
dyou
nott
omoveout .Baset
sanawil
lmoveout.
Me:andyoubet
tersi
gnt
hosepaper
sIsentyou.I
don'
twantt
ofi
ghtwi
thyou.

Icuthi
scal
l.I
sn'
titenough
thathemademeaf ool?Nowhet akesmythings
andgivesthem t
ohismi st
ress!If
eelsomeonePat
meonmyshoul der
.Ilookbackandt hi
sguyjust
smilesatme.

Me:
hi.
Guy:
sawubonasi
si.
Me:
hey.howar
eyou?
Guy:
ngiyaphi
la.I
'
vebeencal
l
ingyouf
ort
hepast
t
enmi nut
es.
Me:sor
ry.Idi
dnthearyou.
Guy:
kul
ungi
le.Ar
eyouKeat
lar
etsiBogat
su?

Hewassayi
ngsomet
hingidi
dn'
tevenunder
stand.
Me:yescanwepleaseuseEngl
ish?Idon'
t
underst
andZul
u.
Guy:f
oryouIcanevenpol
ishmyEngl
ish.
Hejustst
aresintomyeyesf
oragoodtwominut
es.
Guy:
ohsorry.ThenameisMpendul
o.Wear
ehere
t
ofetchyourthings.
Me:ohthemovi
ngcompany.Youcanget
st
arted.
Thi
sisever
ythi
ng.

Ishowt hem t
heboxesandt heystar
t
moving.Mpendulowalksintoaboxandalmostfal
ls.
Hiscoll
eagueslaugh.Ishakemyheadandgo
upstai
rs.Il
ookfortheothercarkeysIcanf
indandI
can'
tfi
ndt hem.Igobackf r
ustr
ated.
Mpendul
o:what
'swr
ong?
Areyoual
ri
ght
?
Me:llm f
ine.Someonejustt
ookmycarwit
houtmy
permissi
onandIdon'tknowhowim goi
ngtoleave
thi
splace.
Myphoner
ingsagai
nandi
t'
sRapul
a.
Rapula:
BabeIsai
ddon'
tmoveout.Nowwhyam I
hear
ingaboutamovi
ngtruckbei
nginouryar
d?
Me:I'
veal
readyt
oldyouI
'm movi
ngout
.Wher
edi
d
yourwomantakemycar?
Rapula:
shewenttoNort
her
ncapeshe'
llbeback
nextmonth.Cal
m downyoucanst
il
luseyourot
her
car.
Me:ohmyGod!Rapul ahowcanyoual l
owherto
takemycar ?HowWi l
lIgettowork?She'sbusy
gall
ivanti
ngwit
hmycarai kgantshakayone?Am I
thatstupi
dtoworkforanotherwoman?You'vehur
t
mei t'
senough.Br
ingbackmycarpl ease.
Rapula:yourcarwi
llbeback.I
'
m comi
nghomewe
wil
ltal
k
Ij
ustcuthi
scal
landsl
idont
othecouch.
Mpendul
o:ar
eyouf
ine?
Me:j
ustst
opt
alki
ng!Want
haset
sat
lhemot
howa
modi
mo!
Hehuf
fedandwentonwi
thhi
swor
k.
Ij
ustsatdownt
her
ejustsatt
her
ethi
nki
ngabout
Basetsanagoingupanddownwi thmycar .Whati
f
somethinghappenstomycar ?Asifi
t'snotenough
thathe'
sf l
aunt
inghi
srelat
ionshi
pwithheri nf
ront
ofmehenowt akesmyt hi
ngsandgivet hem t
oher.
Mpendul o:
wearedonepackingyourthings.Can
yougiveusyouraddress?
Me:
ohokay
Mpendulo:
lcangi
veyoual
if
t.
..
lhear
dyouont
he
phone.
Me:t
hanks.
Hel edmet othepassengerseatofthet
ruckand
openedt hedoorforme.Kemaket simot
hoankoka
felaantsenyamogar e.Tsel
ayot l
hegontsigo
didimet
sinoonesayinganything.Wearr
ivedin
Pretori
aWestandtheyunloadedever
ythi
ng.I
thankedthem andt
heylef
t.Ipackedmythingsand
afterIwasdoneIcal
ledanUberandwentt o
Menlynmal
l.Ishoppedf
orthehousethi
ngsand
aft
erIwasdoneIboughtgr
oceri
esthenwentback
home.
Itwasamont hl at
erandIst i
llhaven'
tgot t
enmycar
back.Ont heot herhandmyot hercarthatItookf
or
servicehasn'tbeenreturned.Iwokeupdi dmy
hygieneprocesst hengotr eadyforwor k.My
father'
scallcamet hroughbef oreIcouldeven
requestanUber .
Me:
dumel
apapa
Dad:
mychi
ld.Whyhaven'
tyoucal
ledme?
Me:
papayouknowwhy.
Dad:
lhearyou.Howar
eyou?
Me:
imf
ineandyou?
Dad:l
'
mf ine.Iwant
edtofi
ndouthowyouar
e.I
'
m
happythatyouarefi
ne.
Me:t
hanksDad.
Dad:haveagoodday.Il
oveyou.
Me:
lloveyout
ooDad.
Ismi l
eaft
ert
alkingtomyfather
.Atleastweare
tal
kingnow.Ididntfeel
goodnottal
kingtomy
fat
her.He'
stheonl yper
sonIhaveinthiswor
ld.So
I'
m happyt hatatleastwearetalki
ngit'
ssomet
hing.
IhearaknockasIt akebywor kthi
ngsaboutto
l
eave.IwillrequestanUberstandingoutsi
deorelse
I'
l
lbelate.Iopent hedooronlytofindsomeoneI
wasn'texpecting.What'shedoinghere?
Me:
hiwhatbr
ingsyouher
e?
Mpendulo:Iheardyousayyou'
regoi
ngbackto
worktodayandIknowyoudon'thavetr
anspor
tso
I
'm heret
ot akeyoutowork.
Me:It
houghtIt
oldyout
oleavemeal
one.
Mpendul
o:andIt
houghtIal
readyt
oldyoui
twon'
t
bepossi
ble?
Me:leaveandnevercomeback.I
fIweret
ocal
l
yourbossandtel
lhim youar
eharr
asi
ngmewhat
wouldhesay?
Mpendul
o:l
'
m nothar
rasingyou.Oryoucan'
thol
d
your
sel
fwhenI'
m nexttoyou?
Me:don'
tfl
att
eryour
sel
f.
Mpendulo:wellI
'
m notgoinganywher
e.Let'
sgoor
youwil
lbelate.I
'm hel
pingyousavemoney.
IkeptquietbecauseIknowthatt
alki
ngt
ohi m
doesn'thelp.Wewalkedtohi
scarandIcouldnt
beli
eveit.TheBMW x61al wayssawparkedaround
hereishis.
Me:haveyoubeenspyi
ngonme?Ar
eyoust
alki
ng
me?
Mpendul
o:why?
Me:I '
veseenthi
scarar
oundher e.What'
sitgoingto
takeforyoutoleavemealone?Ievenregretcall
i
ng
thatmovingcompanythatday!Ihavemanyt hings
stressi
ngmeandyouar eaddingtothat.
Mpendulo:unt
ilyoursur
namei
sKhozaevent
henI
wi
llneverl
eaveyou.
Yoh!ThankGodI'
m get
ti
ngmycart oday.Orel
seI
wouldbeannoyedever
yday.Anywaygoodl uckt
o
hi
m Changingmysurnametohis.I
t'
snotgonna
happen.
Me:you'
rej
ustf
ool
ingyour
sel
f
Mpendul
o:Idontgi
veup.Iwi
llr
emi
ndyouoft
his
onourweddi
ngday.
Me:j
ustdr
ive!
Hedr oveof f
.Allthewayhekeptmaki ngsmal ltal
ks
andIi gnoredhim.Evenatwor khet ookmy
workcaseandwenti nsidethebui l
dingwi thmeunt il
wer eachedmyof fi
ce.Peopl ewerel ooki
ngatus
andhewassmi li
ng.Istart
eddoi ngmywor k.I
actuallyr
egrettakingthatl
eave.If oundapi l
eof
workwai ti
ngf orme.Ididn'tevengot olunch
becauseIwant edtofi
nisht hework.
"Knockknock.Ibroughtf
oodforyou.
"Hesayswit
h
hisstupi
dsmile.Whatam Igoi
ngtodowiththi
s
guy?
Me:Iseeyoudon'
ttakenof
orananswer
.
Mpendul
o:youknowme.How'
syourdaysof
ar?
Me:good.
Hetakesoutt
hetakeawaysandIseei
t'
spapand
beefst
ew.Itl
ooksdeli
cious.
Mpendul
o:lknowyouar
ehungr
y.I
twon'
thur
tyou
t
oeat.
Me:
okay
Sponsor
ed
hetookmywor kcaseandwenti nsidet
hebuil
ding
wit
hmeunt il
wer eachedmyof f
ice.Peopl
ewer e
l
ookingatusandhewassmi l
ing.Istar
teddoi
ngmy
work.Iact
uall
yregr ettaki
ngthatleave.If
ounda
pi
leofworkwai t
ingf orme.Ididn'tevengotolunch
becauseIwantedt of i
nishthewor k.
"Knockknock.Ibroughtf
oodforyou.
"Hesayswit
h
hisstupi
dsmile.Whatam Igoi
ngtodowiththi
s
guy?
Me:Iseeyoudon'
ttakenof
orananswer
.
Mpendul
o:youknowme.How'
syourdaysof
ar?
Me:good.
Hetakesoutt
hetakeawaysandIseei
t'
spapand
beefst
ew.Itl
ooksdeli
cious.
Mpendul
o:lknowyouar
ehungr
y.I
twonthur
tyout
o
eat
.
Me:okayImustadmi tIam hungry.Thanksf
or
br
ingingthefood.Butl
etitbethelastti
me.
Mpendulo:youcouldhavejustl
eftthatl
ast
st
atement
.
Aknockdi
stur
bsus.
Me:comei
n.
TheDevi
lmustbet
ryi
ngme.WhatdoesRapul
a
wanther
e?
Me:
nkagot
husa?
Rapul
a:lbr
oughtyoul
unch.
Me:Ial
readyhavef
ood.
Mpendul
o:whoi
sthi
s?
Me:noone.
Mpendul
o:yohIwi
lll
eaveyoutwot ot
alk.I
'
m goi
ng
backhometoni
ght
takecare.Iwi
llcal
lyou.
Rapul
a:whoi
sthi
s?
Mpendul
o:herman
MyeyespoppedoutandIl
ookedathi
m andhewas
smil
ing.Hecamet
owhereIwasstandi
ngand
huggedme.
Mpendul
o:cal
lifyouneedanyt
hing.
Me:l
eaveandnevercomeback.
Iwhisperedthatt
ohim.Tomakethi
ssi
tuat
ion
we'
ref acedwithwor
sehecuppedmyfaceand
ki
ssedme.God!Whati sthi
sguydoi
ngtome?
Mpendulo:Il
oveyou.Acarwi llbewaiti
ngf oryou
out
side.Youwil
luseitunti
lyourcari sback.Bye.
Hekissedmycheekandl eftwhistl
ing.Mymy!What
j
usthappened?Am Idreami ng?
Rapul
a:i
sthi
sther
easonyouwant
edt
omoveout
?
soyoucanseeyourboyf
ri
endeasi
ly?
Me:RapulawhatIdoi snonofyourbusi
ness.
Rapula:Iwon'
tal
lowmywi fet
ogoaroundkissi
ng
ot
herman.I nmypr esence.Doyouknowhow
di
srespectf
ult
hatis?
Me:pleaseleave.Isti
llhaveal
otofwor
ktodohere.
Rapul
a:lcan'tbel
ieveIcameherethi
nki
ngoff
ixi
ng
t
hingsbetweenus.
Me:t
here'
snot
hingt
ofixher
e.Admitit
.Younever
l
ovedme.Youonlymar
riedmet omakemoneyout
ofmeandyouarehopi
ngtosti
llmakemore.Si
gn
thosepaper
s.I'
m notcomingback.Tel
lyour
womant ohavemycarr eadybythi
safter
noon.
Someonewi l
lcomeandf etchi
t.
Rapul
a:Keat
lar
etsi
Iloveyou.
Me:noyoudon' t.Okayifyoudi dthenwhydi dyou
tel
lmet ohavemyt ubest i
edandwentandhad
childrenwithher ?It
'sbecauseyoudi dn'twanttobe
l
inkedt omef orever.Whydi dyoucheatonmei f
youl ovedme?I fyoul ovedmewewoul dn'tbehere.
It'
scl eart
hatIwasj ustaf ooltothinkyoul oveme.I
nevert houghtIwoul dsayt hisbutIregretthedayI
saidIdo.I twast hewor stmistakeofmyl i
fe.A
mi stakeIwillneverr epeat.Domeaf avorandsi gn
thosepaper s.Nowi fyoucanpl easeleavelhavea
l
otofwor kwai t
ingforme.
Rapul
a:wecanst
il
lfi
xthi
ngs.Icanl
eaveheri
f
t
hat'
swhatyouwant.
Me:i
t'
stool
atef
ort
hat
.Goodbye.
Rapula:t
hisi
snotgoodbye.Marr
iedpeopl
ego
t
hroughbadtimesandthi
sisitf
orusandwewillf
ix
t
hings.
Heleftthefoodhecamewi thandgotoutofmy
off
ice.Iopenedthelunchbagandi twasahome
cookedmeal .Iwi
llhaveitintheeveni
ng.Hej
ust
savedmef rom cooking.Iatethef
oodthat
mpendul
ocamewi t
h.Speaki
ngofhimhowam I
goi
ngtogetr
idofhi
m?Heevenl ef
thiscarf
orme?
Doeshet
rustmet
hatmuch?Whati
fIdamagei
t?
Sitt
inginyourhouseaf t
erwor khavi ngadr inkwi t
h
nowor ryint hewor l
di stherapeutic.I'mj ustsit t
ing
herewai t
ingf orNolot ofini
sht akingashower .She
cameher eaf t
erwor kwi t
hanexcuseofwant ingt o
checkonme.ButIt hi
nkshe' sboredbecauseshe' s
offfortwodays.Shedoesn' thavef riends.I '
m her
onlyfri
end.Andi m happyt ohaveabestf ri
endl ike
her.Allmyf riendsfrom varsityleftmeaf terIgot
mar ri
edtoRapul a.Theywer et eam 'Tim.' Ti
mi st he
l
ecturerthatIwasdat ingbacki nvarsity.Thatman
l
ovedmesomuchandIwasst upidandl efthimf or
Rapula.Nowt hesameRapul ashowedmef lames.I
real
lywishTi m wasst i
llali
ve.Maybej ustmaybe.
Wewoul dgetbackt ogetherandbehappy.Idont
thi
nkIwi lleverloveanyonel i
keIl ovedhi m.Even
whenIgotmar r
iedt
oRapul aIstil
lcar
ri
edhislove
i
nmyhear t.Irememberwest art
eddati
ngwhenI
was17anddoi ngfi
rstyearinUP.Hewas24anda
j
uniorl
ecturer
.Wedat edf or3yearsunti
lIgot
marri
ed.Sof r
om thereonIsawnoneedt ohave
morefri
ends.Thosecanbef ake.Ij
usthave
acquai
ntances.ButI
wil
lnevercompletel
yletthem i
ntomyl i
fe.Li
ketel
l
t
hem aboutwhat '
sgoingoni nmylif
eletthem i
non
myprivat
elif
e.ThatIwillneverdo.
"Cuzwhysoserious?Iswearsomeonecanbr eakin
andtakeyouandyouwoul dsti
llnothearanyt
hing.
"
Me:youarecrazyyouknowt hat?
Nol
o:f
orr
ealt
houghwhat
'sbot
her
ingyou?
Me:Rapul
awasatmywor
ktoday.
Nol
o:andthat'
sbotheri
ngyou?Ithoughtyou've
del
etedhimfrom yourli
feandhe'sanofactor.
Me:yesbutwhatI'm worr
iedabouti
sthathef ound
Mpendulothere.
Nol
o:Ithoughtyousai
dyoutol
dthi
sMpenduloguy
t
oleaveyoualoneandyouhaven'
tspokenf
ora
l
ongt
ime.
Me:yesbuttodayhej
ustshowedupher eand
of
feredtotakemetowor k.Hei
ntr
oducedhimsel
f
asmymanandevenki ssedmeinRapula'
s
pr
esence.
Nol
o:Il
ikehi
m!
Me:t
hisisaser
iousmat
ter
.Whati
fRapul
adoes
somet
hingtohi
m?
Nolo:
ohmyGod.Youlikehi
m.Youreal
lyl
iket
his
guy.That
'swhyyouar
eworried!
Me:i
t'
stoosoon.Idon'tseehiml
ikethat.Rapul
a
wassoangry.Whatifhetell
smyfather?
Nol
o:hewon't
.He'st
ryi
ngtogetyoubacksohe'
l
ltr
y
t
oactright
eoustoyou.Sodon'
tworr
y.
Me:Mpendul
oevenlef
thi
scarwithmesothatI
canusei
ttogetar
oundbecausehe'
sgoi
nghome.
Whodoesthat
?
Nol
o:thatmachineoutsi
deishi
s?Cuzthi
sguy
l
ovesyou.Holdontightont
ohim.I
'dsaygoforhi
m.
Me:Idon'twantnorel
ati
onshi
pstr
essinmylif
e.
I
'
vehadmyf airshare.Menarecompl
icat
ed.You
t
hinkyou'
ret
heonl yoneint
heirl
if
eonlyt
ofindout
i
t'
sa

di
ff
erentst
ory.
Nolo:notallmanar el
ikeyourex.Givelovea
chance.Anywaywedon' twantyouembar rassi
ng
theBogatsufami l
y.SochefBogat suishereto
teachyouhowt omaket r
adit
ionalfood.Iknowyou
can'tcooksomef oodsoI '
m heretohelp.Wedon't
wantyouf eel
ingembar r
assedwhenMpendul o
i
nt r
oducesyout ohisfamil
yandt heyaskyout o
cookf ort
hem.
Me:watsenwawaitsi
?WhenhecomesbackI
'
m
gi
vinghi
m hiscarandcutt
ieswi
thhi
m.
Nolo:butI
'm st
il
lgoi
ngtot
eachyouhowt ocook.
Butknowt hi
sOnedayyou'
regoingtobeheadover
heelsinl
ovewithhim.I
'
mtell
ingyou.Thi
s
Mpendul
oguyi sslowlymaki nghi
swayi nt
oyour
hear
tyoujusthaven'tnot
iced.Oryou'
reindeni
al.
Mxm.Shest ar
tssinginggoingtotheki
tchen.What
am Igoi
ngwi
tht
hiscr
azycousi
nofmi
ne?
[
07/06,18:
57] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER4*

Mydaywi thBonolowasverygood.Atl
eastshe
keptmecompany.Igotreadytogotowork.Itook
myst uf
fandisighedl
ooki
ngattheX6.Igotinand
droveofft
owork.
Me:
goodmor
ning.Doihaveanymessages?
Pa:nomam.Youdon'
thaveanymeeti
ngsal
so.Your
husbandi
swait
ingf
oryouinyourof
fi
ce.Myphone
rangoncue.
Me:
Keat
lar
etsiBogat
suspeaki
ng.
Voi
ce:
MaKhoza.Ul
alekanj
anist
handwasami
?
Me:
ohi
t'
syou.
Mpe:
yes.I
t'
sme.Howdi
dyousl
eep?
Me:
good.Thankyouf
ort
hecar
.It
'sr
eal
lyhel
ping.
Mpe:
that
'sgood.Youcant
akei
tthen.
Me:
bat
hong!Ar
ryouf
orr
eal
?Ican'
ttakeyourcar
.
Mpe:
wel
lidon'
twanti
t.
Me:iseeyou'
ref
ullofj
okes.
Iwenti
ntot
heof
fi
ceandRapul
awassi
tt
ingont
he
chai
r.
Mpe:
I'
m ser
ious.I
'
vesentsomeonet
obr
ingyou
br
eakf
ast.
Me:st
opbother
ingpeopl
e.Icanbuymyown
br
eakfast
.
Rapul
a:hel
loKeat
lar
etsi
.Canwet
alk?
Mpendul
o:who'
sthat
?
Me:
noone.
Mpe:
canwehavel
uncht
oget
her
?
Me:
ithoughtyouwenthome.
Mpe:Iwi
lll
eavet
oni
ght
.Iwi
llsendadr
ivert
ofet
ch
you.
Me:
youbor
rowedmeyourcarmos
Mpe:igavei
ttoyou.Anywaygivethedri
verthe
keysandhe'
lldri
vethecartoyourpl
ace.Then
someonewillcomeandf et
chyou.
Me:Mpendul
oI'
mreal
lybusy.Ican'
thavel
unchwi
th
you.
Mpe:
haveagoodday.

Hedr
oppedt
hecal
l
.Thi
sguydoesn'
tgi
veup.
Rapul
a:younowtal
ktomeninf
rontofme?I
t
houghtwewouldfi
xthi
ngs!
Me:
ihavewor
ktodoher
e.
Rapul
a:doyoul
ovehi
m?
Me:
..
.
Idon'tknowwhat'
sgoingonwit
hme.If eel
somet hi
ngbutidon'
tknowwhatiti
s.Thisguywa
nloya!
Rapul
a:wow.I
'
m heremaki
ngmysel
faf
oolkant
i
someonehasalr
eadyt
akenyou.
Me:
Rapul
ai.
..
Hel
eftangr
y.If
eltbadact
ual
ly.Hel
ookedsohur
t.
Pa:
maam someonebroughtyoubr
eakf
ast
.They
sai
dit
'sf
rom MrKhoza.
Me:
thankyou.
Itooki
tandshelef
t.It
houghthewouldj
ustorder
butitl
ooksli
kehemadeithimself
.Ismi
ledasi
tookafir
stbi
teonthet
oastedbread.
Voi
ce:
mmh.Thatsmi
le.
Me:
heysi
s.Howar
eyou?
Nol
o:keshap.Looksl
ikeicameont
her
ightt
ime.
Youcooked.
Me:Mpendulosentsomeonewi t
hit.Ohther
e'sa
note."
Iwantedtoorderf
oryoubutdecidedagai
nst
i
t.Iwokeupear l
ythanusualsoicancookformy
beauti
full
ady.Enj
oy."
Nol
o:aah.Sor
omant
ic!
Sher
ant
omysi
det
ohugme.
Nol
o:it
oldyout
hismanl
ovesyou.Hemakessur
e
youarri
vetoworksaf
ely,
cooksforyouandcar
es
aboutyou.Andiknowyoulovehim.
Me:idon'
tknow.Thi
sisal
ltoomuch.Rapulawas
here.Hewassohurtwhenheheardmetalkingon
thephonewithhi
m.
Nolo:
andwho'sfaul
tisi
t?Hebroughtt
histo
himsel
f.Ihat
etosaythi
sbutRapulaneverl
oved
you.
Me:ij
ustfel
tsor
ryf
orhi
m.Maybei
ficangoand
t
alktohim..
.
Nol
o:ot
labashap.Lethi
m be.
Me:
Mpendul
owant
sust
ogof
orl
unch.
Nol
o:ohmy.Youshoul
dgoandenj
oyyour
sel
f.Gi
ve
meyourphone.
Igaveherandshest
art
edt
ypi
ng.Thengavei
t.
Nol
o:I
'
llseeyoui
nanhour
.
Shetooktwotoast
edbreadslicesandrushedout.
Mxm.Iatethenaft
erstar
tedwor ki
ng.Iwantedt
o
fi
nishmyworkbeforel
eaving.Bonolodi
dcome
backaft
eranhour.Shecamewot hafl
oralsummer
dressandsandal s.Iwasconf usedbutshesai di
mustj usttr
usther.Atl
uncht i
meadr ivercamet o
fetchmeanddr ovet othelunchdestination.Ir
ead
andi tsai
dtheblydecrystall
agoon.ioncecame
herewi t
hBonolo.Tim hadpaidf oreverythingandi
askedBonol otocomewi thme.ButWhatam I
doingher e?
Dri
ver
:we'
vearr
ived.Gostr
aightt
other
est
aur
ant
.
He'
swaiti
ngforyouther
e.

NowiseewhyBonoloboughtt
hisdr
ess.Iwal
kedt
o
t
herest
aur
antandisawhim.Hesmiledandmet
mehalf
way.

Mpe:t
hankyouf
orcomi
ng.It
houghtyouchanged
yourmind.
Me:
thi
spl
acei
sbeaut
if
ul.
Mpe:
andpeacef
ul.Youar
esobeaut
if
ul.
Me:
thankyou.Youdon'
tlookbadyour
sel
f.
Hekissedmeandopenedachai
rforme.We
st
art
edeati
ng.

Mpe:youknow...
idon'
tusual
lydothi
s.Datesandal
l
that
.Butbecauseit
'syouI'
ddoitoverandover
agai
n.
Me:
I'
mimpr
essed.

Aftereati
ngwewentt ositbythebeachonthe
chairs.Heevenaskedsomeonet otakeuspictur
es.
Hesai dhe'l
llookatt
hem whenhemi ssesme.Ican
sayhehasj okes.I'
vebeenlaughi
ngmostoft he
ti
mesi nceigothere.
Me:
ienj
oyedmysel
f.Thankyou.
Wewer enowl eavingthebeach.I
twasbomapast
5.Hest r
etchedhi shandoutforme.Iputmi neon
hi
s.Ithoughtwewer egoi
nghomebutno.Hel ed
metot hoseapar tments.Wewenti nt
otheli
ftand
hecouldn'tstoplookingatme.Allicoul
ddowas
smil
eandl ookdown.Wef i
nall
yreachedtheroom.
Heopenedandpr
oceededt
othebedr
oom.Wow.
it
's
sobeaut
if
ul.

Me:
it
'
ssobeaut
if
ul.

Iwantedtosaysomethingbutheputhi
sfi
ngeron
mylips.Myheartst
art
edbeatingf
ast.

Mpe:ibookedt hi
sroom f
orus.Relaxwewon'tdo
anyt
hing.Ijustwantedt
obeal onewit
hyou.Talk
andgettoknoweachot her.

Hepr
essedsomet
hingandmusi
cst
art
edpl
ayi
ng.

Mpe:agai
n.Idon'
tdot
hisbutt
hisi
saver
yspeci
al
day.Come.
Igavehi
m myhandandwelieonthebed.Welook
ateachot
herandsmi
le.Heki
ssesme.Ikissback.I
smil
e.
Mpe:
youhaveabeaut
if
ulsmi
le.
Me:
thankyou.Sot
ellmeaboutyour
sel
f.
Mpe:
sowhatwoul
dyoul
iket
oknow?
Me:anyt
hing.I
'
mjustint
erest
edi
nknowi
ngabout
you.WhoisMpendulo?
Mpe:
I'
mj ustasi
mpl eper
son.I
fyouar
ear
oundme
al
otthenyouwillknowwhoiam.
Me:ohisee.That
'syourwayofsayi
ngyouwantme
ar
oundyou.
Mpe:
ineedyouar
oundme.

That
'sver
ydeep.

Mpe:andI
'm goi
ngtomaket
hatwi
shcomet
rue.I
wi
llnotst
optryi
ng.

Idon'
tknowwhatiti
sbutsomethi
ngpushesmeto
thi
sman.Ifeelcomf
ort
abl
ewithhim.Event
hough
i
thasn'
tbeenl
ongsi
ncewemet
.

Thefol
lowi
ngmor
ningiwokeupwhenhewas
shaki
ngme.
Mpe:
goandt
akeashower
.
Mpe:
goodmor
ning.
Mpe:
goodmor
ningmyl
ove.Howdi
dyousl
eep?
Me:
goodandyou?
Mpe:
ver
ygood.
Hesmiledreveal
inghi
steet
h.Ismil
edbackandhe
openedhiseyeswideandatt
ackedmewithahug.
Mpe:
shesmi
led!
Me:
you'
rewei
rdman.Letmegoandbat
h.
Mpe:
doyouwantmet
oor
derwi
nef
oryou?
Me:
idon'
tdr
ink.
Mpe:
wow.Good.
What'
sthemeaningofthat ?Doesi tmeanitwoul
d
beaprobl
em ifidri
nkalcohol?AnywayIgotupand
wentt
othebat hr
oom.Itwasabubbl ebath.
There
wasevenpetalsi
nthebubbl ebath.He'sromanti
c!I
enj
oymyt i
mewi thhim.Afterif
inishedbathi
ngiput
onagownt hatheputont hebed.
Me:
youknewwewer
egoi
ngt
ospendt
heni
ghther
e
hmm?
Mpe:
yes.EventhoughIknewtherewasapossi
bil
it
y
t
hatyoumightsayno.Ihadtotakemychance.
Me:
sowhatt
imear
ewel
eavi
ng?
Mpe:
canwepleasespendourdayher
e?I
'ml
eaving
t
oni
ghtandI
'
dl i
ketospendasmuchtimewi
thyou.
Me:
youar
eleavi
ng?
Mpe:
yes.Don'
tbesad.I
'
llcal
lyouever
ydayunt
ili
comeback.
Idon'
tevenknowwhyI'
m sadthathe'
sleavi
ng.I
satontopofhi
m andl
ookedint
ohiseyes.Beati
ful
blueeyes.
Mpe:
what
?
Me:
youhavebeaut
if
uleyes.
Mpe:
youl
ovet
hem?
Me:
yeah.
Mpe:
iloveyou.
Il
ookedathim st
udyi
nghi
m.Hesmi
ledr
eveal
ing
hi
sperfectt
eet
h.
Mpe:
wewi
llspendourt
imei
nher
e.Iwantt
ohol
d
youi
nmyarmsalldayl
ong.
Me:
ihopet
hat
'sj
usti
t.
Mpe:
ican'
tpr
omi
se.Whatwoul
dyoul
iket
ohave?
Me:
chocol
atecake.
Mpe:
youlovecakeneh?Theot hericamet
oyour
of
fi
ceisawacontainerofcake.
Me:yes.It'
smyf avourit
e.Especi
all
ywhenI'
m with
dad.Weeati ttogetherint
hesamepl at
e.I
cecream
i
shisf avouri
tethough.
Mpe:
youl
oveyourdad
Me:
yeah.He'
sthebest
.He'
smybestf
ri
end.
Mpe:
that
'sni
ce.Comeandl
ieont
opofme.
Me:
won'
tit
ir
eyou?I
'
m abi
ggi
rl
.
Mpe:
arggyou'
remybi
ggi
rlt
hen.Comeher
e.
Hepicksmeupandisleepontopofhi
m.Wear e
l
ooki
ngateachot
her.Ilookedt
otheot
hersi
de.He
br
ushesmybackwit
hhi shand.
Mpe:
thankyouf
orbei
ngher
e.

NARRATED

Thefl
ightt
oDur
banfi
nal
lyl
anded.Hetookhi
s
l
uggageandwentt
owherehisbr
otherwaswait
ing
forhi
m.
Mpe:
Mkhat
hini
.
Muzi:
bafo.Wewereexpect
ingyouyest
erdaybut
younevershowedup.
Mpe:
eishsomet
hingcameup.Dr
ive.
Muzi
:somet
hing?
Mpe:
yes.
Muzi
:what
'
sgoi
ngon?
Mpe:
ifi
nal
lyt
alkedt
oher
.
Muzi
:who?
Mpe:MaKhoza.
Muzi:
areyouobsessedwi
tht
hiswoman?She'
stoo
youngforyou.
Mpe:agedoesn'tmat
terwhenitcomestol
ove.I
l
ovehersomuch.Butshehasn' tsai
danyt
hing
aboutusbeingtoget
her.Whenigobackiwillmake
i
toffi
cial
.Butshe'
smi nenow.
Muzi
:eht
hisseemsser
ious.Yourage.
..
Mpe:t
hatdoesn'
tmat
ter
.Wel
oveeachot
her
.That
's
whatmatt
ers.
Muzi
:t
henyoushoul
dgof
ori
t.Whoknows?Thi
s
mi
ghtbeyourwif
e.
Mpe:sheis.I
'm goi
ngtomarryher
.Butpr
oblem i
s
she'
sholdingback.Doesn'
twantt
oletmein.Buti
wil
lnotgiveup.Icanalr
eadyseeusbei
ngaf amil
y.
Thi
soneim notgivi
nguponher.She'stheone.
Tal
kingaboutherihavet
ocal
lher.Iknowshewi l
l
notcal
lunl
essido.
Hedi
aledandshepi
ckedup.
Kea:
Mpendul
oI'
m busy.
Mpe:
notevenmyl
ove?
Kea:
howar
eyou?
Mpe:
I'
m good.I
'
vel
anded.
Kea:
that
'sgood.
Mpe:
iwi
llcal
lyoubef
oreyousl
eep.Il
oveyou.
Kea:
okay.I
'
llbewai
ti
ngf
oryourcal
l.

Hecutt
hecal
landputt
hephonedown.
Muzi
:huh.
..
Thi
sissur
pri
sing.Youi
nlove?Thi
s
womanmustbegoodhey.
Mpe:
she'
sper
fect
.
Muzi:
butyouhavet
otel
lherever
ythi
ngaboutyou.
Evenyourage!
Mpe:
iwil
ltel
lher.We'
vej
ustst
art
edsoidon'
twant
t
ooverwhelm her
.
Muzi
:okayt
hen.Butyoubet
terpr
ayt
hati
tdoesn'
t
comeoutbefor
eyoutel
lher
.
Mpe:
thatwon'
thappen.

.
..
..
.

TodayI 'm goingoutwi t

hBonol o.Shesai dit'
sagi rl
s
nightout.Wehaven' tdonet hatinal ongt ime.
ActuallysinceIgotmar riedwehaven' tdonet hat.I
j
ustf i
nishedt akingashower .Igetdr essedi nmy
dress.Ilovedr essesal ot.Iletmyhai rdown.Idon' t
putonweavesort hingsl ikethat.Ihavenat urallong
hair.Somemi stakeni tt
obeaweave.It ookaf t
er
mymot her.Shehadl onghai r.Longcur l
yhairjust
l
ikemi ne.Itakemyhandbagandasit hought,
Bonol oisalreadyher e.Shehasakeyt othishouse.
Ithoughtwhynotgi veherakeysi nceshe' salways
herewhenshe' sof f
?
Nol
o:f
inal
ly.Youtakesol
ongt
ogetr
eady.Iendup
get
ti
nghungr y.
Me:no.You'
rel
ying.Let
'sgo.Ican'
twai
ttoseewhat
t
hisnighthasf
orus.

Myphonest artsr
ingi
ngandiseeit
'sMpendul
o.I'
m
angryathim andidon'
tknowwhyishouldbeangry.
It
'snotl
ikemeandhi m ar
edati
ng.Igi
vethecar
keystoBonolo.

Nol
o:f
inal
lyidr
ivet
hisbeastofacar
.

Il
ockthehouseandwegot
othecar
.Mpendul
o
cal
lsagai
nandianswer
.
Me:
hel
lo.
Mpe:
hey.Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m goodandyou?
Mpe:
icanhearthatyou'
renotgood.I
sitbecausei
t
ooksolongtocallyou?
Me:
war
elong?I
t'
sbeenamont
h!
Mpe:cal
m down.Ij
usthadal
ott
odo.ButnowI
'
m
al
lyours.
Me:
notevenat
ext
?Buti
t'
sfi
ne.Iunder
stand
Mpe:Iknowthat'
snottr
ue.I
'
m comi
ngbacki
naf
ew
days.Sostopsulki
ng.
Me:
iwasn'
tsul
king.Whywoul
di?
Mpe:
areyoudr
ivi
ng?
wher
ear
eyougoi
ngatt
his
t
ime?
Me:
mysi
steri
sdr
ivi
ng.Wear
egoi
ngout
.
Mpe:
sendmeyourl
ocat
ion.I
t'
snotsaf
eoutt
her
e.
Me:
whymustisendyoumyl
ocat
ion?
Mpe:
soicanknowwhereyouar
eincase
somet
hinghappens.
Me:
aownot
hingwi
llhappen.Bye.
Icutt
hecal
l.Bonol
olookedatme.

Me:f
ocusondr
ivi
ngpl
ease.Oryoumi
ghtcauseus
anacci
dent
.
Bonolo:
whyar
eyouangr
y?I
t'
snotl
ikeyouguysar
e
dat
ing.
Me:
mxm youwon'
tunder
stand.
Bonol
o:makemeunder
stand.

Myphoner
ingsagai
n.I
t'
shi
m.

Me:
whatdoyouwant
?
Mpe:
ist
hathowyout
alkt
omenow?Di
dyoucal
l
me?
Me:
no.
Mpe:
thenwhydi
dyoudr
opt
hecal
l?
Me:
..
.
Mpe:
justbecauseidi
dn'
tcal
lyoui
nal
ongt
ime
you'
reangr
y?Whydon'
tyoucal
lmei
fyouwantt
o
tal
ktome?
Me:
butyousai
dyou'
dcal
l.
Mpe:enj
oyyoursel
f.Andbesafe.Don'
tfor
gett
o
sendmet hel
ocati
on.Il
oveyou.

ThistimeIdi
dn'
tcuti
t.Hedi
dthathi
msel
f.Isent
thelocat
iont
henputmyphoneinmyhandbag.

Bonol
o:ineverknewl
ovecanmakeaper
sonso
angr
y.
Me:
I'
m notangr
y.
Bonolo:butyoul
ovehim hey.I
t'
svisi
blei
nyoureyes.
Justgivehim achance.Anddon'tt
ellmethatmen
areal
lthesame.
Me:
iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
osayt
hat
.Iwi
llt
hinkabouti
t.
Bonol
o:I
'
m happyf
oryou.
Me:
wasemol
la.Happyf
orwhat
?
Myphonebeepedandichecked.R10000just
deposi
tedi
ntomyaccount
.Soonat extf
oll
ows.
"Enj
oyyour
self
.Uset
hatmoney."

Bonol
o:kengokar
eobonespoko?
Me:
hesentmeR10000.Whodoest
hat
?
Bonol
o:amani
nlove.
Me:i
t'
stoomuch.Whati
fmeandhi
m don'
tdat
e?I
won'
tusethi
smoney.
Bonol
o:yest
hisi
snotsomethi
ngt hatsomeonecan
j
ustdo.Butdon'
tcal
landshoutatthepoorguy.

"Thanks.Butyoudidn'
thavetosendsomuch
money."Af t
erthatit
houghtofswit
chi
ngmydbut
decidedagainsti
t.
[
07/06,18:
57] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*
*
CHAPTER5*

Ithasbeenaf ewdays.Todaympendul oiscomi ng

back.Imustadmi tthatimi ssedhi m.Idon' tknow
whati tisthatimf eel
ingr i
ghtnow.Ishoul dbe
getti
ngovermyf ail
edmar r
iagebuther eiam
fantasizi
ngaboutsomement hatI '
veknownf or
aboutt hreemont hsorso." You' r
ei nlovewi tht he
manbutyou' reindeni al.
"That'swhatBonol o
alwayst ell
sme.I m goi ngthroughadi vorcef or
heavenssake.Ishoul df ocusont hat.Aknockon
thedoorbr i
ngsmebackt oreality.Myhear tst ar
ts
beatingf astasIgot ot hedoor .Ibreatheoutl oud
thenopent hedoor .Noonei ssayi nganyt hi
ng.We
arejustlookingateachot her.Smi li
ng.
Me:
erhcomei
n.Yeahcomei
n.
Hechuckl
esandmakeshiswayt
othel
ounge.I
f
oll
owbehindhi
m.Hepassesandgoesst
rai
ghtto
t
hefri
dgeandIsitdown.
Mpe:
don'
tyouhaveabeer
?
Me:
itol
dyout
hatidon'
tdr
ink.
Mpe:
sowhatcanonedr
inkher
e?
Me:
ther
e'sj
uiceandcr
eam soda
Mpe:
hayir
atherdr
inkwat
er.Nextt
imebuybeerf
or
me.
Ishepl
anni
ngoncomingbackher
eagai
n?He
comesandsit
snextt
omeandi nafewminut
eshe
makesmesitonhisl
ap.
Mpe:
sohowhaveyoubeen?
Me:
good.
Mpe:
Ithoughtyouwoul
dsayyoumi
ssedme.
Igiggl
e.Idi
dmisshim butiwontt
ellhim.Hel
ooks
str
aighti
ntomyeyes.Thisti
meIdon' tbr
eakt
he
eyecontact
.
Mpe:
caniki
ssyou?
Sincewhendoesheaskf orper
mi ssion?Inod.He
holdsmywai stt
ightandsoonhisl i
psmeetwi th
mine.Wegoonki ssi
ngforawhileandt henhis
Handsgoi ntomydr essandIquicklygetoffhim.I
cl
earmyt hroat
Mpe:
what
'swr
ong?
Me:
um not
hing.
Hesmi
lesshaki
nghi
shead.
Mpe:
goandpackabagf
ort
omor
row.
Me:
tomor
row?
Mpe:
yes.We'
regoi
ngt
omyplace.Wel
lit
'sour
pl
acenow.Whodoyoust
aywit
hhere?
Me:
alone.Why?
Mpe:
it
'snotsaf
eforyouher
e.I
'
dunder
standi
fyou
wer
estayi
ngwithsomeone.
Me:
it
'
ssaf
e.Somet
imesmysi
stervi
sit
s.
Mpe:
ifihadmywayyou'
dmovei
nwi
thme.
Hewentbackt ot hekit
chenaf t
ersayingthat.Asif
hedidn'
tjustdropthatbombonme.Myhear tis
beat
ingfast.Iseehim sitdownont hecouch.I
di
dn'
thearhi m comeback.Il ookedathimt hen
wenttopackanover ni
ghtbag.Ilockedthehouse
andfoll
owedhi mt ohiscar.Heopenedf ormeandi
goti
n.Thenhedr oveoff.Iwasamazedwhenwe
enter
edSi
lver
lakegol
fest
ate.Il
ookedathi
m.He
tookmyhandandkissedi
t.
Mpe:
iloveyou.
Af
tert
hathekeptqui
et.Wegott
ohi
spl
aceand
wenti
n.
Mpe:welcomehome.Whenwegetmar riedwewill
getabiggerhouse.Ki
dswi
llbeal
loverandthey
needspace.

Hehasat
endencyofsayi
ngsomet
hingasi
fhe'
s
j
oki
ng.

Mpe:I'
veorder
edpizza.Wecaneatittoni
ght
.
Tomorrowyouwil
lcook.Goandputyourbagi nour
room.Theoneontheleftsi
de.I
real
lydon'
tknow
what'
sgoingonhere.
Mpe:
I'
l
lbebackj
ustnow.
Hekissedmyforeheadandtookhi
scarkeysand
l
eft
.Idecidedt
ocallBonol
o.
Nol
o:sohow'
sever
ythi
ngt
her
e?Whati
ssbar
idoi
ng
t
her
e?
Me:don'tstart
.I'
m confused.Idon'
tknowwhatto
do.He'salreadycall
inghishouseourhome!Isn'
tit
tooearl
yf orthat
?
Nol
o:I
'
veseenhowyout al
kaboutthi
sman.You
l
ovehim.Dowhatwillmakeyouhappy.You'
renot
doi
nganythi
ngwrong.
Me:
okaybye.
Itookmybagandwentupst ai
r s.Iputmybagi nhis
cl
osetandwenttotakeashower .Hehelookatme
acti
nglikei
minmyhouse.Af terthatiloti
onedand
worenyundergarmentst
henputonagownont op.
Ifel
thandsonmybr east
s.Ialmostj umpedbut
stoppedwhenireal
isedi
tshim.It ur
nedandl ooked
athim.Heunti
edmygownandt heni tf
elldown.
Mpe:
you'
resobeaut
if
ul.
Ismil
ed.Heholdsmywaistti
ghtandsoonhisli
ps
meetwi t
hmine.Wegoonkissingf
orawhileand
thenhisHandsgoonmybar ebackandIquickl
y
getoffhi
m.Iclearmyt
hroataswhatwasaboutt o
happenr
egi
ster
sinmymi
nd.
Mpe:whati
sit
?
Me:
it
snot
hing.
Helaughsandholdmywai stagai
n.Nowir egr
et
cominghere.Helowershisheadtomeandagai n
wekiss.He'ssot
allt
hatilooksosmal lcompar
ed
tohi
m.Hi shandsareallovercar
resi
ngmybody.
Hepicksmeupandgoestothebed.Idon'
tknow
howhewasabletopickmeup.Ihaveabitof
weight
.Si
ze38.Hetakesof
fhiscl
othesandsinks
downtomylevel
onthebed.
Hemakesl ovetomeandt obehonestI '
veneverfelt
l
ikethi
s.Idon' twantt ocompar ehi
m wi t
hr apul
a
butihaveneverf eltthi
sgoodi nalongt i
me.The
wayhet ouchesmybody.Howcar efulheiswi t
hit.
Soonwegetourhappyendi ngandhecol lapsekn
memaki ngmef eelhisheavyweight.Hemovesmy
hai
rtot hebackandj uststaresatmewi thhis
charmingsmi le.
Mpe:
IloveyouKeat
lar
etsi
.
Ismi
le.Heki
ssesmyf
orehead.
Mpe:
andi
m goi
ngt
omar
ryyou.
Me:
whatj
usthappened?
Mpe:wemadel ove.Didyouf eelthechemistry
betweenus?Don' tdenyi t
.Iknowyoudi d.Eventhat
ti
mewespentt hedayt ogether .
Youfelti
t.Touare
j
ustscared.Whyar eyouhol dingback?Meandyou
aremadef oreachot her.Andyoubet t
ertel
lthatboy
whowasi nyourof fi
cet hatdayt oplayfaraway.
I
fonl
yheknewt
hatt
hat"
boy"i
smyhusband.
Mpe:
stopovert
hinki
ng.Now,
canyoupl
easegive
meachancetoloveyou?Tomakeyouhappy?
Me:
im scar
ed.
Mpe:
why?
Me:
I'
vebeenhur
tandiwoul
dn'
twantt
ogot
hrough
t
hatagai
n.
Mpe:i
m notgoi
ngtomakepr omises.Iwillj
ustbe
honestwit
hyou.Iloveyouandiwi l
lnot
i
ntenti
onal
lydosomethingt
ohur tyou.Iwillt
reat
youli
kethequeenthatyouare.Justgivemea
chance.Justsayyes.
Me:
yes.But
..
..
Mpe:nobuts.Nowthatweareinar el
ati
onshi
p,i
expectr
espectfr
om youandloyal
ty.Andhonestyi
s
i
mpor t
ant.
Me:
ther
e'ssomet
hingI
'
dli
ket
otel
lyou.
Mpe:we'
l
ltal
klat
er.Nowiwanttouset
hisl
it
tl
eti
me
Ihavewi
thyou.Im goi
ngbackhomesoo.
Me:
butyouj
ustcameback.
Mpe:yesiknow.IjusthavetofixsomethingthenI
wil
lcomeback.Iwasn' tevensupposedt obeher
e
buticoul
dn'tspendanotherdaywithoutseei
ngyou.
Ifi
twasupt omeI '
dbewi thyoueverysecondof
theday.
Isheobsessedwithmeorsomethi
ng?Buti
t'
s
sweett
hought hathecameal
lthewayf
rom kznj
ust
toseeme.
Mpe:
you'
resobeaut
if
ul.
Me:
thankyou.
Wel
l,
tr
uetohiswordwespentthewholeday
maki
ngloveandcuddl
ing.Il
ovedspendi
ngtime
wi
thhim.

Thefoll
owingdayiwokeupandhewasst
il
l
sl
eeping.It
ookashowerandhewasupwhenI
camebackt ot
heroom.
Mpe:
MaBogat
su.Ul
alekanj
ani
?
Me:kerobet
sisent
le.Pl
easeuseEngl
ish.Idon'
t
underst
andsomeoft hethi
ngsyousay.
Mpe:don'
tworr
y.Soonyouwil
lbemamkhozaand
speaki
ngisi
zul
uli
keyouwerebornzul
u.
Ther
ehegoesagai
n.Hej
ustspeakswhatcomest
o
hi
smi nd.
Me:
letmegomakebr
eakf
ast
.
Mpe:
iloveyou.Andt
hanksf
oragr
eei
ngt
ospend
t
imewithme.

Ismi
ledandl
eftbef
orehesai
dsomet
hingr
andoml
y.
Itookthingsthatiwil
luseoutandstar t
edmaking
breakfast.Lucki
lyhehadbread.Iheardpeople
tal
king.Myhear tstar
tedbeat
ingfast.Iswi
tchedoff
thestoveanddeci dedtogobacktot hebedroom.
Voi
ce:
awumakot
i.Uyaphimanj
he?
Ipr
oceededt
othebedr
oom.
Me:
Mpendul
other
ear
epeopl
eher
e.
Mle:
ohtheyar
ealr
eadyhere.I
t'
smybrot
her
s.They
ar
eheretofet
chsomethi
ng.Let'
sgo.
Theonewit
habal dheaf
dl aughed.If
oundthathis
nameisBonganiandt
heotheroneisSiyabonga.
Bonga:
she'sshy.Wear
epl
easedt
omeetyou
MaBogatsu.
Si
ya:nowwecanf i
nal
lyr
est
.Ourbr
otherwon'
tbe
st
ressingaboutpeopl
esnat
chi
ngyou.
Mpe:youcanser
vebr
eakf
astnow.
Ifet
chthefoodandj ustputi
tont hedi
ningtable
thenservet
hem.Theyar etal
kingandlaughing.
Sometimestheyincl
udemei nt hei
rconver
sation.I
thi
nkit'
sbecausethesemenf orcedmet osi
twi th
t
hem.

.
..
Thef ol
lowingdayiwokeupt oanot eanddeli
cious
breakfast
.Hehadl eft
.Hewentbackhomet otake
careofsomet hi
ng.Aft
ereati
ngidr oveofft
oBM
construct
ion.Helef
thiscarkeysforme.qAsusual
everyonewasbusyanddoi ngtheirwork.Iwent
strai
ghttoRapula'soff
iceandluckyformehewas
i
n.
Me:
goodmor
ning.
Rapul
a:goodmor
ning.Goodt
oseeyou.Howhave
youbeen?
Me:
good.Ver
ygood.
Rapul
a:i
t'
sgoodt
oseeyouhappy.
What?di
dhet
hinkiwoul
dspendmyt
imecr
ying
overhi
m?
Me:
Iwant
edtoaski
fyou'
vesi
gnedt
hepaper
sand
t
oseehowthi
ngsar
egoingher
e.
Rapul
a:ever
ythi
ngi
sgood.Whenar
eyoucomi
ng
home?
Me:t
hat'
snotwhyi m her
e.Rapulayoumademea
f
oolallt
heseyears.Theleastyoucoul
dhavedone
i
stel
lmet hetr
uth.Didyour eal
lyl
ovemeorjust
t
heideaofme?
Rapul
a:babeyouknowil
oveyou
Me:t
hat'
snottr
ue.Foralliknowi
tcoul
dbet hat
she'
sbeenthereevenbef
orewestar
teddat
ing.
Wereyouusingme?
HelooksdownandIsuddenl
yfeelapai
nonmy
chest
.Hemademehi sfool
.
"
Babeineedyoursi
gnat
ureonsomet
hingher
e..
..
."
Iturnaroundandican'
tbel
ievet
his.Hi
swomani
s
here.Inmycompany.Doesshewor khere?
Me:
whati
sshedoi
ngher
e?
Baset
sana:
sor
ryIdi
dn'
tknowyouwer
ebusyher
e.
Shesaysl
eavi
ngt
heof
fi
ce
Me:
andwher
edoyout
hinkyouar
egoi
ng?
Rapul
a:youcangoiwi
llsi
gnt
hedocsl
ater
Me:sheisnotgoi
nganywher
e.Iwantyoutot
ellme
whatisshedoingi
nmycompany.Idon't
r
ememberhi ri
ngher
.
Rapul
a:ourcompany.
Me:ist
artedthi
scompany.Al lmyhardwor kkanti
i
m workingforanotherwoman.Ibetyouevenbui l
t
herahouseandt ookhertoschoolwit
hmymoney.
Ausikekopaot swe.Goandpackwhat everbelongs
toyouhereandgetoutofmybui ldi
ng.
Basetsana:
youcan'
tdot
hat
.Myhusbandhas
shareshere.
Me:
yourhusband?
Basetsana:yesmyhusband.Iseeyoudon' tknow.
Meandhi m aremar r
ied,havebeenmar ri
edeven
befor
eyout wothoughtofget t
ingmar r
ied.Arggyou
arenotevenmar r
ied.Thi swasallasham.Evenat
homeaf fai
rsyourmar r
iageisnotrecognized.
Rapul
a:Baset
sana!
Baset
sana:
imt
ir
edofpr
etendi
ng.
Me:ican'tbeli
eveyoudidthi
stome.Theper soni
grewupwi t
handcal l
edmybestfr i
end.Butrest
assured.Youar enotget
ti
ngawaywi t
hthis.Andas
ofnowyouar edeadtome.Idon' teverwant
anythi
ngt odowi t
hyou.Andwenabet ternotset
yourfoothereagain.Youwillal
lhearfrom my
l
awyer .

Il
eftanddeci
dedtodri
vebacktomypl ace.Onmy
phonerangandiconnectedtot
heBluetoot
hand
answered.Ij
ustf
oundt ear
sfal
li
ng.
Mpe:st
handwasaam wherear
eyou?it
houghtyou
sai
dyouwerenotgoi
ngt oworkt
oday.
Me:
howdi
dyouknowt
hatiwentt
owor
k?
Mpe:ihadboughtsomethi
ngforyouandt
he
del
iver
yguysaidther
ewasnoone.What '
swrong?
Yousoundlikeyouwerecryi
ng.
Me:
it
snot
hing
Mpe:i
mjustaboutt
oleavebutican'
tleaveyoul
i
ke
t
his.
Me:
goi
m sur
eyouhavesomet
hingi
mpor
tantt
odo.
Mpe:
youar
emor
eimpor
tantt
ome.
Me:
itf
iner
eal
ly.Go,
iwi
llbef
ine.
Afterfi
nall
yconvi nci
nghi m heendedt hecall.Igot
homeandj ustlayont hecouchwi t
ht het vwatching
mewhi l
eim supposedt obewat chingi t
.Ireall
y
thoughtiwasgoi ngt ojustleteverythinggobuti m
reall
yhurt.Im goi
ngt ofightwithever ythi
ngihave.
Thisguyl i
ter
allyusedme.Hei sact uallyagol d
digger.Hewasdoi ngthisforhisfami ly,
notbecause
helovesme.Hej ustmademet ohat ehi m.
.
.
Idon'
tknowhowifel
lasl
eepbutiwakeupt
oa
knockonthedoor
.Igoandopen.Mpendul
o
att
acksmewithahug.
Mpe:
ithoughtsomet
hinghappenedt
oyou.
Me:
aren'
tyousupposedt
obeonyourwayhome?
Mpe:i
m heret
ofetchyou.Goandgetdr
essedin
t
racksui
tsandpackabagforaweek.Youare
t
akingasickl
eaveandcomingkkme.
Me:
sowewon'
ttal
kabouti
t?
Mpe:wewillt
alkabouti
tathome.Im worri
edabout
you.Lookatyoureyes.Theyaresored.You'
ve
beencryi
ng.
Tal
kingaboutthi
sisgoi
ngt
omakemecr
yagai
nso
il
ooktotheothersi
de.
Mpe:
what
everi
tis,
youar
egoi
ngt
obef
ine.
Thosewor ds.Somehowtheymakemebel i
evethati
real
lyam goingtobefi
ne.Maybei
tsbecausethey
arecomingf r
om hi
m.
Mpe:don'
tcr
y.Ithur
tsmetoseeyoucr
ying.Goand
packiwil
lwaitf
oryouher
e.
Iwentupst ai
rsandpackedaf ewdr essesand
tracksuit
sincaseitget
smor ecold.Isawt hateven
theweat heri
schanging.Ipushmysui t
case
downst air
sandfindhim st
andingwher eIlef
thim.
Mpe:
I'
vecl
osedal
lthewi
ndows.Wecangonow.
Hesayst
aki
ngmysuitcase.Mpe:
women!
isaypack
f
oraweekbutyoupackforamonth.
Me:
that
'snott
rue!
Welaughgoi
ngtohi
scar.Heopensthedoorforme
andbefor
eIgeti
nhepi
nsmeagai nstt
hecar.
Mpe:iknowt hatyouaregoingthr
oughsomething.
Youdon'thavet otel
lmeifyouarenotr
eady.But
j
ustknowi m hereforyou.Iwil
lhel
pyougothrough
whateveri
tis.
Me:
thankyou.
Hekissesmycheekandigetinashegoest
oput
mysuitcaseatt
heback.Hegoestohi
ssideand
dr
ivesoff.Musi
cst
art
splayi
ng
.Inoti
cethati
t'
sOl
iverMut
ukudzi
.Myuncl
eloves
hissongs.
Me:
youl
ist
ent
othi
stypeofsongs?
Mpe:yes.Theyar
emyf
avour
it
e.Af
termaskandiof
cour
se.
Me:
areyouZi
mbabwean?
Mpe:
areyouAmer
ican?
Me:
no.
Il
aughandhej
oins.
Mpe:yousee?Justbecauseyouli
stentoabo
Beyoncei
tdoesn'tmeanyouar eAmer i
can.Same
asme.Anywaywhat '
swr ongwithbeinga
Zi
mbabweananyway?
Me:
nothi
ng.Don'
ttakei
twr
ongt
hough.I
m not
j
udgi
ng.
Mpe:
okayst
handwasam.
Me:mymom wasf r
om Zimbabwe.Sothat'
showI
knowthesesongs.Myuncl eal
wayspl
ayst hem.I
evengotti
redofthem ever
yti
mehewoul dfetchme.
Hewouldpl ayt
hem fr
om NorthWestt
oBul awayo.
Wel
augh.I
m ser
ious.Myuncl
eisl
iket
hat
.
Mpe:
icanpi
ctur
eyoudanci
ngt
othesesongs.
Me:
Idon'
tknowhowt
odance.
Mpe:ihaveaf eel
ingyouar elyi
ngtome.But
anyway,thereasonIl i
stentothi
stypeoofsongsi
s
becauseIoncest ayedinZimbabwe.Mydad
workedtheresomet imef orf
iveyear
sandwehadt o
gowithhim.
Me:
wow.Mymot
her
'sf
ami
lyst
aysi
nBul
awayo.But
someofmyuncl
esst
ayi
nHar
are.
Mpe:youusedpasttensespeaki
ngaboutyour
mother.Whathappenedtoher?
Me:
shepassedaway.Wheniwas6.
Mpe:
ohi
m sor
ry.
Me:
imf
inenow.I
t'
sbeenal
ongt
ime.
Wereacht heai
rportandj
ustsiti
nhiscart
alki
ng.
Hemi ssedt hef
lightt
hathewassupposedtotake
butt
her ewasanot heronethatl
eavesat1soweare
wait
ingf orit
.Hi
sphoner i
ngsandheput si
ton
l
oudspeaker .
Mpe:
baf
o
Voice:
ukuphi
?Dadi
sfumi
ngher
e.We'
real
lwai
ti
ng
foryou!
Mpe:i
m wai
ti
ngf
oraf
li
ght
.Iwi
llbet
her
emaybe2
orso.
Voi
ce:
okay.Uphiumakot
i?I
sshef
inenow?
Helooksatmeandsmi
les.Di
dhet
ellhi
sbr
other
s
aboutme?
Mpe:
shewi
llbef
ine.
Hel
aughs.
Voice:uhlekanikemanje?Youleftherei
nahurry
j
ustbecauseyouhadaf eel
ingthatshe'
snotfi
ne.
Wewer edeali
ngwi t
himportantthi
ngsbutyoulef
t
regardl
essoft hat
.Isalutethi
swomanf ort
aming
t
hatcol dheartofyours.
Mpe:
baf
o,shei
smor
eimpor
tantt
hananyt
hing.I
hadt
ogo.
Voi
ce:nowibeli
eveyouareinl
ove.I
'
veneverhear
d
youtal
kingl
iket
his.Sayhit
oher.
Mpe:
she'
sher
e.Youcant
alkt
oher
.
Ishakemyheadnobutal
lhedoesi
slaugh.
Voice:
youletmegoontalki
ngaboutherkant
i
ukhonalapho.Unj
aniMakot
i?
Il
ookatt
hisonenextt
omeandsigh.Howcoul
dhe
putmeonthespot
li
ghtli
ket
hat
?
Mpe:t
alkt
ohim st
handwasam.Akal umil
omunt u.
Bafoungakhul
umiisi
zul
u.Shewontunder
stand
you.
Voi
ce:
..
..
Hesaidsomethi
ngindeepzul
uthatidi
dn'
teven
underst
andevenasi
nglewordandtheyl
aughed.
Bathobakagosebaontsil
ebone.
Voi
ce:
makot
i,
howar
eyou?
Mpendul
olookedatmeandicoul
dseehewas
st
if
li
ngalaugh.
Me:
imf
ineandyou?
Voice:i
m good.What
everyouar
efeedi
ngtomy
brotherkeepdoi
ngit
.Youaremakingthathard
headedbr ot
herofmi
nehappy.Wecan'
twai tt
o
meetyou.Anywayt r
avelsaf
eokay?
Me:
thankyou.
Voi
ce:
baf
osi
zokhul
uma.
Mpe:
kul
ungi
lebaf
o.
Thecal
lwentof
fandhest
art
edl
aughi
ng.
Me:whyar
eyoulaughi
ng?Di
dyouhavet
otel
lyour
br
other
saboutme?
Mpe:
you'
rei
mpor
tantt
omesoihadt
otel
lthem.
Theyhadtoknowaboutt
hewomanim goi
ngt
o
marry.I
fonl
yheknewwhatyouwer
efeedi
ngme.
Ii
gnorehi
m andkeepmyselfbusychat
ti
ngt
o
Bonol
o.It
ellhert
hati
m goi
ngtokznandsoonher
cal
lcomesin.
Me:Bonol
ocal
lmel
aternotnow.
Nol
o:putmeonl
oudspeaker
.Iwantt
otal
ktosbal
i
Me:
mxm wam'
bor
atuu
Nol
o:l
oudspeakermadam speaker
.
Mpe:
putheronl
oudspeaker
Iputthephoneonloudspeakerandshel
aughs.
Whyisshelaughi
ngsol oudatthat
?She'
sacrazy
person.
Nol
o:sbal
isam.Howar
eyou?
Me:
sbal
iBonol
o,r
eal
ly?
Mpe:
imf
ine.Yoursi
steri
smadatme.
Nol
o:l
eavet
hatone.Ihear
dyourgoi
nghomewi
th
her
.Thankgodit
aughtherhowtocook.
Me:
didyouhavet
osayt
hat
?
Nolo:
itol
dyouyouar ef
alli
ngi
nlovewit
hhim but
youkeptdenyingi
t.
Nowyouar emeet
ingthef
amily!
Sbali
takecareofmysister
.Shemustcomebackin
onepiece.
Mpe:
iwi
llmakesur
eoft
hat
.
Nolo:
don'
tbreakmysi st
er'shear
t.Shelovesyou
andifyouhurtheryouwillhavemet odealwit
h.
Mpe:
youhavemywor
d.Il
oveherandidon'
tpl
an
onhur
ti
ngher.
Nolo:
didyoufeedheraloveporti
on?Youshoul
d
heart
hewayshet al
ksaboutyou.Mpendul
othis
mpendulothat.Haysbal
iisal
uteyou!
Mpe:
real
ly?
Nol
o:yes.
Me:Bonol
oyouar
eexagger
ati
ng.Bye.
Icutt
hecal
l.Di
dshehavet
osayal
lthoset
hings
mara?
Mpe:
soar
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lmewhatyouwer
e
sayi
ngt
oheraboutme?
Me:
leavemeal
one.Goandaskyoursbal
i.
HelaughsandIputonmyheadset
s.Het
akest
hem
of
f.
Mpe:
im sor
rybabe.Iwon'
tlaughatyouagai
n.
Ididn'tanswerhim.Iwi lli
gnorehim unti
lweget
wher ewear egoing.Ourf l
ightgotcal
ledandwe
boar ded.Hekeptpokingmebutiwoul dj
ustkeep
quiet.Whent heplanelandedmyhear tst
art
ed
racing.
Mpe:
babeyouar
est
il
lgoi
ngt
oignor
eme?
Isai
dnot
hing.Idon'twanttotal
ktohi
m.Ican
i
gnorehi
m unti
ltomorrowifiwantt
o.
Mpe:doyouwantmetokneeldownher
eandbr
ing
at
tenti
ontousorshout
?
Me:
goonmaki
ngmemadandIwi
llgobackhome!
Mpe:
fi
nal
lyyout
alkt
ome.Il
oveyou

Event
hought
hingsar
emovi
ngt
oof
astil
ovehi
m
t
ooandi
m goi
ngt
oshowi
t.Iwi
llnothi
dehowif
eel
.

Me:
iloveyout
oo.
Mpe:
didyouheart
hat
!?Shesai
dshel
ovesme!She
l
ovesme!

Heshout
edthat.Thepeopl
ewerelooki
ngatus
somesmil
ingandĺaughi
ng.Hepickedmeupand
spi
nnedmearound.
Mpe:
youj
ustmademet
hehappi
estmani
nthe
whol
ewor
ld.
Heputmedownandwewentt
othecart
hatwas
wai
ti
ngforus.
Guy:
ndoda
Mpe:zwel
imeetmywoman.St
handwasamiuzwel
i
l
ona.Myverygoodf
ri
end.
Me:
nicet
omeetyou.
Zweli
:ni
cet
ofi
nal
lymeett
hewomant
hatmyf
ri
end
l
oves.Youmaket
hisguycr
azy.
Me:r
eal
ly?
idi
dn'
tknowicanmakeanol
dman
cr
azy
Isayl
aughi
ngathi
m.
Mpe:butyoul
ovet
hisol
dman.
babywhot
oldyou
i
m anoldman?Doyouknowmyage?
Me:
sesesal
angyou'
reanol
dman.
Zwel
i
:wher
emusti
dropyou?Yourpl
ace?
Mpe:
home.
Myhear
t!Whydi
diagr
eet
ocomewi
thhi
m?
Me:pl
easetakemet
oyourpl
ace.Ican'
tgot
oyour
par
ent
splace.
Mpe:I
'l
lbehomefort
hewholeweekandIcan'
t
l
eaveyouonyourown.Theyar
egoi
ngtoloveyou
Wedr ovei
nsi lenceandIgotscar edaswegott o
thi
sbeaut i
fulhouse.Wegotoutandif oll
owed
behindmpendul o.Weent eredthehouseand
everyonewasseat edinthel ounge.Mpendul o
greetedandt heyallanswer ed.Isatont hecouch
nexttohim.Havi ngalltheseeyesl ookingatme
wasmaki ngmener vous.Irecognizeoneguy.He
camet
omovemyt
hingswi
thmpendul
o.
Mpe:
greet
ings
Theyal
lansweredli
keachoir
.Iwassoscared.
Whati
fhi
sfatherhatesme?He'sbeenl
ooki
ngat
meandnotsayingsomethi
ng.

Mpe:
manobaba.Thisisthewomanthathasstol
en
myhear
t.Keat
lar
etsi
.She'st
hewomant hatiwoul
d
l
iket
omarryandbuil
dafamilywi
th.
M. dad:
isshetheonet
hatmadeyoutoleave
everyt
hingher
eandgobacktoGauteng?
Mpe:
yes
M.
dad:
areyousur
eshei
stheone?
Mpe:
yesshei
s.Il
oveher
.
M.
dad:
doesshel
oveyou?
Mpe:
yes.
M.
dad:
can'
tshespeakf
orher
sel
f?
I
tbecamequi
et.
M.
dad:
sowher
edoyoucomef
rom Keat
lar
etsi
?
Me:
Nor
thWestsi
r.
M.dad:
doyouyouknowwhatyouar
edoi
ngher
e?
Whyyouareher
e?
Me:
no.
M.
dad:
sowhydi
dyoucomeher
e?
Me:Mpenduloinsist
edt
haticomewit
hhi
m
becausehedi
dn'twantt
oleavemeonmyown.
M.dad:
thi
squest
ioni
sver
yimpor
tantt
ome.Do
youl
ovemyson?
IlookedatMpenduloandhewasl
ooki
ngdown.I
smiledandansweredtheol
dman.
Me:
yessi
r.Il
ovehi
m.
M.dad:t hatisgoodandIhopei twil
lst
ayliket hat
.I
hopehet ol
dyouwhati tmeansforhi
mt ointroduce
youher e.You' r
ethefir
stwomant obeint
roduced
here.Event hemot hersofhi
skidshenever
i
ntroducedt hem tousashi swomen.Andst op
cal
lingmesi r.Cal
lmedad.Wel cometoourf ami l
y.
Tal
kt oyourf ather.Andyouboysprepare
your
sel
ves.Nextweekendwear
eleavi
ng.
Aftersayi
ngt hathegotupandwentout.Mpendulo
andhisbrothersfol
lowedhim.Hi
smot hergotup
andopenedherar ms.Iassumedthatshewantsto
hugme.Iwentandhuggedher .Shehasabeaut i
ful
smile.
M. mom: wel
comemydaught er.Thisisnow your
home.Youar ewelcomet ocomeher eanyti
me
youwantt oandwewi llwelcomeyou.Wear enow
yourfamilyandweloveyou.Anyt hi
ngyouneed
don'thesi
tat
etoask.Feel f
ree.Khanyoshowher
toherroom andtakeherluggage.Thatstupi
dman
ofyoursshouldhavetakenittoyourroom al
ready.
Wel aughed.Tobehonestiwasjustf
aki
ngl
augh.
Iwasreall
ynotfi
neatal
l.If
oll
owedKhanyotomy
supposedroom.Sheopenedmyluggageand
star
tedunpacki
ngthi
ngs.
Me:
noit
sfine.Iwi
lldoit
.AnywayIwilll
eavei
tin
t
her
eseei
ngasimleavingontheweekend.
Shel
aughedatme.Li
ker
eal
lyhar
d.
Khanyo:
theweekendyousay?youar
enotl
eavi
ng.
Youwilll
eavenextweekt
hencomebackont
he
weekend..
Me:
Mpendul
osai
dwear
ejusther
efort
hisweek.
Khanyo:wel
lnotanymore.Doyouknowwhymy
f
athersai
dtal
ktoyourfather
?
Me:
no
Khanyo: hemeantthatyoumustlethim knowthat
hewillhaveguestssoon.Theyaregoingt opayfor
yourlobolanextweekend.Theywil
lsendt hel
ett
er
duri
ngt heweek.
Me:
lobol
a?
Khanyo:
that
'swhatisai
d.Mybr otherwantsto
marr
yyou.Don'tbesad.Ever
ythingwillbefi
ne.

Iwasnol ongerthere.Myheartwasbeati
ngsofast
.
Iregr
ett
edeversayi ngyestohim.Whatiftheyf
ind
outaboutmehavi ngbeenmar ri
ed?Eventhough
Rapulafooledmei ntothi
nki
ngwear emarri
edhe
didpaylobolaformeandwehadat r
adi
ti
onal
ceremony.Af t
erKhanyol ef
tical
ledBonol
oand
tol
dheraboutwhatwashappeni ng.Shewashappy
andsaidift
hisisiwantthenishoulddoi
tandthat
noonewi l
ldoanythingtomeifiweretosayno.
Thedecisi
onisalluptome.Butishouldbehonest
wit
hMpendul oandt el
lhi
m ever
ythi
ngaboutme.
Imjustt
hankfulthatshewil
laskauntyt
otalkt
omy
dad.But
Ikeepaski
ngmyselfi
fIam doi
ngtherightt
hing.
ThedooropensandIcanal
readyt
ellbythescent
thati
t'
shi
m.

Mpe:
sthandwasami
.Ur
ight
?
Me: howcanibewit
heveryt
hingthati
sgoi
ngon
here?Youdon'
tevenknowmet hatmuchand
al
readyyouwanttomarryme.
Mpe: idon'tneedtoknowyouf orayearf
ormet o
knowt hatiwantt omarryyou.Il
oveyou.Iseea
futur
ewi thyou.Whenil ookatyouiseethemother
ofmychi l
dren.Mylifepart
ner.SomeoneIcan
growwi th.SomeoneIcanbui l
dalif
ewith.You'
re
notjustapassi ngphasetome.You'remylif
e.Even
i
fimar
ryyounextyeari
twon'
tchangeanyt
hing.
Me:idowanttogetmarr
iedt
oyouandgr
owol d
t
ogetherbutl
et'
sgett
oknoweachot
herf
ir
st.
Mpe:iknowenoughaboutyout
owantwantt
o
mar
ryyou.
Me: noyoudon'
t.Doyouknowt
hati
m mar
ri
ed?I
askedtotal
kbutyoudi
smi
ssedi
t.
Mpe: yes.Don'
teversayyouar emar r
iedbecause
youar enot.Thatfoolyoucal
ledahusbandmade
suretotellmeallaboutyourr
elat
ionship.Butialso
knowt hathehasbeenmaki ngyouaf ool.Iknow
everythi
ng.Butiam nothim.Don' tcruci
fymef or
hissins.
Me: ididn'
tsayiwi l
ldothat
.Mpenduloyoudon't
knowme.Wej uststar
tedourr
elati
onshi
pjust
yest
er dayandal r
eadyyou'r
etal
kingmarri
age.I
knowI 'veknownyouf orafewmont hsbutwe
haven'tbeendat i
ngevenforaweek.
Mpe:ngyakthandaKea.Andngi
funaubeumkami
.I
wanttospendt her
estofmyli
fewit
hyou.
Me:
don'
tyout
hinkwe'
removi
ngt
oof
astnow?
Mpe:
iknowwhatif
eel
.AndI
'
m ver
ysur
eabouti
t.
Me:
idon'
tknow.
Mpe:
ipr
omi
seyouever
ythi
ngwi
llwor
kout
.Ii
pr
omi
se.
Me:mydadisgoi
ngtofr
eakout
.Im soscar
edof
whathe'
sgoingt
osay.
Mpe:
ever
ythi
ngwi
llgof
ine.Dontwor
ry.
Me:
pleasedon'
thur
tme.I
m al
readygoi
ngt
hrougha
l
otasiti
s.
Mpe:
letmehelpyougot
hroughwhat
everi
tis.Let
meholdyourhand.
Me:pleasepr
omi
semeyouwillt
ellmeifyoudon't
wantmeanymore.Event
houghitwil
lhurtbutiwil
l
acceptit.
Mpe:
sot
ellmewhathappenedbet
weenyouand
hi
m?
Me:
wegrewuptoget
her
.Hisandmyfatherar
e
f
ri
ends.Thenwegotmarr
iedorsoit
hought.Al
l
thistimehehasbeenmaki ngmeaf ool.Hei s
mar riedandhaski ds.Mademet ohavemyt ubes
ti
edj ustsoiwon' thavekids.Sai dwear enotr eady
forchi l
drenknowi ngver ywel lwhathewasdoi ng.
Allthistimehehasbeenmaki ngmoneyoutofme.I
startedacompanyandigavehi m 30%ofmy
shar es.Itookal lmymoneymymot herlef
tforme
andputi tint
ot hatcompany.Shewoul dbe
disappoi ntedinme.Het ookhi swifet oschoolwi t
h
mymoney.Bui ltherahouseandevenhi r
edheri n
mycompanywi thoutmeevenknowi ng.Hemade
mewast e7year sofmyl ife.Thesi gnswer et her e.I
j
usti gnor edthem.If oundoutt hathe'sbeen
mar riedevenbef or eourrel at
ionship.Hewast he
onewhoi nit
iat
edt hedivor cebutt henchangedhi s
mi nd.Ithenf il
edf ordi
vor cemysel fandhe' sbeen
maki ngi thardf ormet oleavehi m.Ever ythi
nghe
hasi sallbecauseofme.Ihopeyouar enotgoi ng
todot hesamet ome.
Mpe:iwoul
dneverdothat
...t
herei
ssomeoneiwant
youtomeet.Lookatme.I
m notgoingtodowhathe
did.I
m goi
ngtoloveyoul
ikeneverbef
ore.
Hewentoutforafewmi nutesandcamebackwi t
h
achi
ld.Theotheronewasf ol
lowi
ngbehi
ndhim.
Theyoungeronewassucki ngonherthump.They
j
umpedont hebedlaughing.
Mpe:
Mnqobist
opt
hat
.Li
sa.
Li
sa:
no.
Mpe:
yout
wowi
llgi
vemegr
eyhai
r.
Hegotholdoft
hem andcamet
ost
andwi
tht
hem
nearme.
Mpe:t
hisisMnqobimyson.He's7.Andthi
sismy
l
it
tl
egi
rlLi
sakhanya.She'
s5.Andguyst
hisis
mommy.Sayhi.
Li saj
ustcli
mbedthecouchandsatont opofme
andputherhandar oundmyneck.Im notagai
nst
kidsorthatidon'
tlovehi
ski
ds.Buthecouldhave
toldmebef or
ehand.
Me:
nicet
omeetyouguys.
Li
sa:
wil
lyoubat
hmeandgowi
thmet
othemal
l?
Il
ookedatMpendul
oandhel
ookedsohappyand
al
lsmil
es.
Me:
yes.Andiwi
llbuyyouanyt
hingyouwant
.
Shej
umpedof
fscr
eami
ngandr
anout
.
Mpe:
she'
sgoi
ngtotellhergogot
hathermommy
i
sgoi
ngtobuyhert
hings.
Mnqobi
:nowicanf
inal
lygett
hatbi
cycl
eiwant
ed.
Mpe:
no.
Mnqobi
:yesdad.
Hewentoutl
aughi
ng.
Me:
youhavebeaut
if
ulki
ds.
Mpe:andIcan'
twai
tforust
ohavemor ebeaut
if
ul
babi
esrunni
ngar
oundourhouse.Come.
Wewentandl
ayont
hebed.
Mpe:
iwi
shLi
sa'smotherwasaroundt
oseeher
gr
owupi
ntot
hishappychil
dthatshei
s.
Okay.If
eelj
eal
oust
hathest
il
lthi
nksofhi
sex.
Me:
wher
e'sshe?
Mpe:
shepassedon.
Me:
im sor
ry.
Mpe:
butIknow youar
egoi
ngt
obeagoodmot
her
t
oher
.
Me:
andMnqobi
,
wher
e'shi
smot
her
?
Mpe:she'
sar
ound.Weshar
ecustodyofMnqobi.
Hecomeshereonsomeweekendsandhol
idays.
Me:
okay.
.
..
..
..
..
..
..
Idon'
tknowhowifel
lasl
eepbutiwokeupt
o
Mpendul
otel
li
ngmetogoandshowersowecango
andhavedi
nner.Wowisl
eptthatl
ong.
Me:whydi
dn'
tyouwakemeupsot
haticanhel
p
wi
thcooki
ng?
Mpe:Makot
iyourt
imewi
llcome.Nowj
ustenj
oy
havi
ngot
hersdothi
ngsf
oryou.
Me:
makot
i?Notyet
Mpe:
justaf
ewdays.Nowl
et'
sgoandshower
.
Me:
toget
her
?
Mpe:
somet
hingwr
ongwi
tht
hatt
hat
?
Me:
no.
Wet ookoffourcl
othest
henwentandtooka
shower.Afterweweredonewegotdressedandhe
tookmydressoff.
Mpe:youwilldi
eofcoldt
.Weart
racksui
ts.Noone
wi
llt
ellyouanythi
ng.
Ididashesaid.Hepull
edmet ohi m andsmi l
ed.I
l
ookedi nt
ohiseyesandiactual
lyblushed.Ican'
t
beli
evemeugl yBet
tyscoredthi
smanf ormyself.
Evenbacki nhi
ghschooliwasal waysbulli
edfor
beingtoodarkandfat
.That'
showi thasal ways
been.
Mpe:
it
'sgoodt
oseeyouhappy.
Me:
youmakemehappy.
Heholdsmyhandandwegotojointheot
her
s.We
al
lsitar
oundthet
abl
eandaf
tersayi
nggracewe
st
arteati
ng.
Lisa:mkhul
uyouseeher?She'
smymom andshe'
s
goingtobuymeanythi
ngiwant.
Mpendul
o:shedoesn'
thavemoneyt
owast
e
Mnqobi
:dadit'
shermoney.Shewil
lbuyanyt
hing
f
oruswi
t hhermoneynotyour
sokay
M.
mom:
okaynowwecaneat
.Andst
opt
alki
ng.
Allicansayi
sienjoyedspendi
ngtimewi
ththis
family.Andi
m happythatsoonI'
l
lbepar
tofthis
family.

Thefoll
owi
ngdayiwokeupandt hebedwasempt y.
Itakeashowerandgetdr essedi
nasummerdr ess
andsandal
s.It'
shottoday.Thedooropensand
Li
sagetsinrunning.
Li
sa:
goodmor
ningmommy.
Me:
goodmor
ningbaby.Howdi
dyousl
eep?
Li
sa:
good.Wear
egoi
ngt
othebeach.
Me:
okay.Youwantmet
ocomewi
thyou?
Li
sa:
daddysai
dyou'
recomi
ngwi
thus.
Me:
okayl
et'
sgoandhel
pmakebr
eakf
ast
.
Li
sa:
okay.Il
oveyoumama
Me:
iloveyout
oo.
Aah.She'sasweetchi
ld.Andsocute.She'
ssti
ll
holdi
ngmyhandaswel eavet
heroom.Wegett o
theki
tchenandthehel
perisbusymakingbreakf
ast
.
Me:
goodmor
ningma.HowcanIhel
pyou?
Hel
per:
goodmorni
ng.Youcanj
ustgoandsi
tdown
andrel
ax.I
'
m al
mostdone.
Me:
okayma.
Wewenttothel
oungeandtheot
her
swer
eal
ready
up.Iwassoembar
rassed.
Me:
goodmor
ningever
yone.
Li
sarantot
heotherki
ds.NowIwaslef
twit
hthe
br
other
sandthei
rwives.Nowt
heyar
ealll
ooki
ngat
me.Wherei
sMpendulowhenyouneedhim?
Muzi
:excuseusl
adi
es.
Theyl
eftandnowi
twasj
ustmeandMpumiand
Ntombi
.
Nt
ombi
:soKeawher
ear
eyouf
rom?
Me:
Rust
enbur
g.
Mpumi :
you'
resobeaut
if
ul.Don'
tbescar
edmaan.
Feelf
ree.Asmamasaidthisisyourf
amil
y.
Ij
ustnodded.
Ntombi
:butpr
epar
eyoursel
f.You'
resti
llt
omeet
somefamilymember
s.Somear erude.
Me:
I'
m sur
eI'
l
lbef
ine.Soyoual
lst
ayher
e?
Mpumi :
no.Westayi
nPr
etor
iabutwehavehouses
here.Mostoft
heti
mewhenwear ei
nDurbanweall
stayher
e.
Me:
okay.
Ntombi
:youknowicoul
dsweariknowyouf
rom
somewhere.Maybeamagazi
ne.
Ididn'
tthi
nktheywer
egoingtocat
chsofast.What
i
ftheyknowaboutRapula?Theonlymagazi
nes
coversI'
vebeenonwerewit
hhim andi
twasf orour
business.
Me:maybeyour
eadaboutmeonmagazines.
Someti
mesidoint
ervi
ewsonbusi
ness.
Nt
ombi:yeahnowthatIr
ememberi
titwasona
magazi
ne.Ili
kedwhereyouwer
ehel
pingschool
s
wi
thsani
tar
ypadsandst
ati
onar
y.
Me:
ihel
pwher
eican.
Mpumi:
that
'
sgood.Sowhenandhowdi
dyouand
bhut
iomdalameet?
Me:
who'
sthat
?
Nt
ombi
:yourhusbandt
obe.
Me:
whyi
shebhut
iomdal
a?
Theyl
aughed.Il
ookedatt
hem.
Mpumi
:he'
sthef
ir
stbor
n.Sowecal
lhi
mli
ket
hatt
o
showr
espect
.
Me:oh.Wemetfourmonthsago.Iwasmovi ngtoa
bewplaceandhewaspar tofthepeoplewhocame
tomovemyt hi
ngs.From t
hereonheneverstopped
fol
lowi
ngme.That'
showwegotcl ose.Butwe
haven'
tbeendat
ingforl
ong.
Ntombi:i
tdoesn'tmatterhowl ongyoudated.You
wil
lknowwhenyoumeett heonet hatyouwantto
spendther estofyourli
fewiththem.Andyoumake
him happy.He'sbeensmi l
ingallweekkantii
t'
syou.
Whenhecamebackher ehewasal lsmil
es.
Ohitmustbeaf terourdayatt
heBl yde.Wewere
call
edtohavebr eakf
astandaft
erthat
me,Mpendulo,
LisaandMnqobileftforthebeach.
I'
veneverseenahappychi l
dli
keLisa.Andthat
madeherf at
hersmi l
e.
Me:
she'
ssohappy.
Mpe:that
'sbecauseyou'
reher
e.She'
shavi
nga
motherforthefir
stti
mesobeli
evemeshewillbe
l
ikethist
hewhol eti
me.Whenitol
dheraboutyou
shekeptaskingwhenyouwerecoming.Sheeven
madeagi ftforyou.
[
07/06,18:
57] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER6*

Ir
eall
ydidn'tst
aythewhol
eweekasMpendul osaid.
Myfathercall
edsayi
ngishouldcomehome.Il ef
t
onThursdayandiasexpectedhewasn'tpleased
wit
hwhatwasgoi ngon.Afterit
oldhi
mt hewhole
storyaboutwhatRapul adi dhecal meddown.Andi
thoughtRapul a'
sf ami lywoul dr efusethel obolabut
theyagr eedf ortheKhozaf amilyt ocome.Todayi s
Saturday. Thedayoft hel obola.Iwokeupear l
yand
shower edandgotr eady.Todayusabi gdayf orme.
Myaunt swer ebusyr unni ngar ounddoi ngGod
knowswhat .Wehavebeenwai tingbutnosi gnof
theKhozaf ami l
y.Nocal lfrom Mpendul o.Not hing.
Itri
edhi scal landi tr angwi thoutbei nganswer ed.
I'
venevercr iedlikeidi dt oday.I m hurt.Im hurt
beyondwor ds.Not hi ngcanexpl ainhowi mf eeli
ng
ri
ghtnow." Iknewt hati twast oogoodt obet r
ue.Ne
nkamakal a!Yougotdi vor cednotsol ongagoand
i
nl essthanayearyouwer eaboutt omar ryanot her
man.Iknewi twasntgoi ngt ohappen. "
_thats
RakgadiMoi pone.Oneofmyf ather '
ssisters.How
canshet al kl i
ket his?I m goi ngt obeal aughing
stockint hi scommuni t
y!Mosti mpor t
antlyim hur t.
Sheshoul dbecomf ortingmenotaddi ngsal ttot he
wound.Butshesr i
ght .ImayhaveknownMpendul o
forafewmont hsbutweonl ystar t
eddat i
ngni tso
l
ongago.Andal readyiwasaboutt omar ryhi m.I m
suchaf ool .Ishoul dhaveknownt hatthiswast oo
goodtobetrue.Igoint
othebathr
oom andwashof
f
themakeup.IdontevenknowwhyiletBonol
oputi
t
onme.Im notamakeupper son.

Twomont hspassedandnot hingfrom hi

m orhis
family.Iwi shedthatitcouldbeadr eam andiwould
wakeupf rom it.Nowi mint hekit
chenmaking
breakfast.Imustsayt hi
slobolathingmademet o
spendal otoftimewi thmyf ather
.Her ef
usedfor
met ogobackt owork.Ihadt ocallBontl
eandask
hertol ookf orsomeonei nthecompanywhowoul d
holdthef or t
.Ifi
nishspreadingramaonmybr ead
alongwi thpeanutbut ter
.Ieveneatpeanutbut t
er
onitsown.I t'
smyf avourit
e.Itaketheeggsand
maket hem f ormyf ather.Iknowdadwi l
lwant
them.
Papa:
mor
ningmybabby.
Me:mor
ningpapa.I
'
llbedonesoon.Goandsi
t
down.
Iconti
nuet
hentakeeveryt
hingt
othesit
ti
ngr
oom.I
givehi
m hi
spl
ateandf et
chthecof
fee.West
art
eati
ng.Ifini
shmyr amaandpeanutbuttersandwich
thenstartwit
ht heeggs.Ifeelsomethi
ngcomi ng
upfrom myt hroat.iruntothebathr
oom andempt y
everyt
hingthatI'vejusteat
en.Iri
nsemymout hand
goback.
Papa:Keatl
aret
siagonal
esengweobat
langgo
mpolel
la?
Me:nodad.I
mfine.I
'vej
ustbeent
hrowi
ngupt
hese
pastf
ewdays.ButI'
l
lbefine.
Papa:ar
eyoupr
egnant
?
Me:
dadno.I
'
dknow.
Papa:
yousai
dRapul
ahadyout
ieyourt
ubes.
Me:
iunt
iedt
hem af
terwesepar
ated.
..
Papa:
theni
mri
ght
.You'
repr
egnant
.
Me:myGod!Howcoul dibesocarel
ess?Nowim
pregnantandpapangwanaotshabi
le.Neke
naganaeng?Justaft
erdat
inghimforlesst
hana
mont hhewouldmarryme?
Papa:
thi
stooshal
lpass.
Me:
nowihavet
othi
nkaboutwhati
m goi
ngt
odo.
Papa:youwanttoter
minat
e?No.i
m here.Iwil
lhel
p
youraisethi
sbaby.I
fhewantsnothi
ngtodowi th
youiwi l
lhel
pyou.You'
remychil
dandil oveyou.
Me:
iloveyout
oopapa.
Iputmyheadonhisshoulderandcri
ed.Mydadis
theonlymanwhowi l
lneverdi
sappoi
ntme.Ican
alwayscountonhi
m.

Seeingasihavenot hi
ngt odoidecidedtojusttake
awal karoundtheneighbourhood.Iendedupat
mmaMoeket sipl
ace.Iorderedabur gerandchips
andjustsitbythechairsandwat chpeoplegoi
ngup
anddown.That '
swhatial waysdo.Comeher e,buy
somet hi
ngandwat chpeople."Here'
syour
order.
"_t
hat'
sherbringi
ngmyf ood.
"
Obonal
aol
ekgakal
a.Aosi
ame?
"
Herquest
ionexhaust
sme.
"Kesi
ame.Kenagal
afel
akabophel
o."
_isayl
ooki
ng
down
"Sengwel eswmgwesenal emakoyasone.Thi ngs
willbealri
ght.Iheardaboutyourlobola
negot i
ati
onsandiknowpeopl ear
etalki
ng.Seba
tseeletl
hogongbat hobamot seoo.Akerewait
se
gorebat hobajwang. "Shedoesn'
tunderst
andwhat
i
m goi ngthrough
"Peopl
elookatmeont hestreet
.Ihearthem sayi
ng
kepall
etswekel
enyalo.Thatkaopona.Im noteven
l
ikethat
."icanfeelt
hetearsfal
li
ng.Im star
ti
ngto
beemot i
onal
.
"
Got
lasi
amangwanake.Osekewabel
ael
a."
Iwipemyt earsandfocusonmyf ood.Thi sbabyi s
makingmeeatal ot
.Im alwaysinthekitchenort hi
s
pl
ace.Andnowhe' smakingmecr y.Ievenmi ssthe
bastardwhomademepr egnantandr anaway.Why
di
dn'thej usttel
lmet omyf acethathedoesn' tcare.
Iwoul dmoveonpeacef ull
ynotwonder ingabout
anything.Itryhisphoneagai nthi
nkingI '
l
lgeta
di
fferentanswerbuti t
'sthesame.Voi cemail.I
al
wayssendmessagesbutnor epli
es.Ieven
att
empt edt ogotohishomebutdadr ef
used.
Afterfi
nishingmymeal igobackhome.People'
s
stareswillneverst
op.Ican'tstandt
hem!Igethome
andgot omyr oom thenpackabag.Im goi
ngt o
Durban.Hewi l
ltel
lmeexact l
ywhyhedecidednot
toshowupont helobol
aday.Heowesmesome
explai
ning.Ilookformydadandif i
ndhim behi
nd
thehouse.
Me:
papaiwantt
oaskyousomet
hing.
Papa:
okay.
Me:
canipl
easegotoDurban?Ihavetoknowwhy
hemademeaf ool
.Ihavet
ogetclosur
e.
Papa:
vecar
eful
.Haveasafet
ri
panddon'
tfor
gett
o
cal
lmewhenyougetther
e.
Me:
thankyoupapa.
Ihughim andgetintomycaranddr i
vetoJoburg.
Assoonasir eachther
emyf l
ightisr
eady.Igota
fl
ight
.Iwasluckybecauset
hiswast henextone
avail
abl
e.Alltheti
meikeptthinki
ngaboutthe
worstpossi
blescenari
oofwhatcouldhappen.As
soonast hedl
ightl
andedir
equest
edanubberand
i
tdr ovemetohishome.Myheartst
art
sbeat
ing
fastasital
ktothemanqhoopensthegat
e.
Man:
MrsKhoza.Comei
n.Wel
come.
Me:
um t
hankyou.
Ismileandpushmybagi nsi
detheyard.I
contemplat
edwhethert
ogoi nornot
.Iringt
hebel
l
atthedoorandsomeoneopens.Ilookupand
Khanyoisstar
ingatme.
Khanyo:
comei
n.
Shetakesmybagwithher
.If
oll
owherandgoto
thel
ounge.Hi
sparentsar
esi
tti
ngwat
chingt
he
news.
Me:
hel
lo.
Theyallt
urnandlookatme.Theyar
ereal
ly
surpr
isedtoseeme.
Ma:
ohmychi
ld!You'
reher
e.
Shegetsupandcomest
ohugme.She'
seven
cr
yingnow.
Baba:pl
easedon'
tcr
y.You'
regoi
ngt
omakehercr
y
too.
Khanyo:
ibroughtsomeoneher
e.She'
sbeencr
ying
foryouever
yday.
Li
sa:
mommy.
Ipi
ckherandshe'scryi
ng.Isi
tacr
yingdaytoday?I
si
tdown.Lisahasherheadonmyshoulderhaving
hi
ccups.Ibrushherback.
Dad:
howar
eyou?
Me:
iam f
ineandyou?
Dad:
not
hingi
sgoodhere.Iam si
reyouar
easki
ng
your
sel
fwhywedidn'
tshowup.
Me:
yesbaba.Ieventr
iedhi
sphoneandi
t'
snot
wor
king.Whati
sgoingon?
Baba:heyit
'sbad.Wehavebeenl ooki
ngforyou.
Siyawenttoyourworkplaceandtheygavehima
wrongnumber .Wecheckedyourplaceandthere
wasnoone.Nowt heywenttolookforyourcousi
n
hopingthattheywi
llf
indher.
Me:
why?
whati
sgoi
ngon?
Baba:Mpendul oisinhospit
al.Thedaywewer e
comi ngtoyourhomehegoti nt
oanaccidentwhil
e
dri
vingtot heair
port
.He'sinacoma.Wej ustcame
backf r
om t hehospi
tal
.There'
ssti
llnochange.We
areevent hinki
ngofswitchi
ngoffthemachines.

Idontknowwhathappenedbutiwokeupi
na
hospit
alr
oom.Il
ookedaroundandisawworr
ied
faces.
Me:
ismybabyokay?
Ma:yes.Rel
ax,
youwer
ejustshocked.Ever
ythi
ng
wi
llbefine.
Me:
howi
s..
Ma:Focusont
hisbaby.Mpendul
owi
llbef
ine.
Me:
okayma.Caniseehi
m?
Ma:
yes.Thedoct
ori
saboutt
odi
schar
geyou.
Me:
okay.Canyoupl
easechangeyourmi
ndabout
swi
tchi
ngthemachi
nesoff
?Ibeli
evehewil
lmakei
t.
Mama:
iwi
llt
alkt
ohi
sfat
her
.
Me:
thankyou.

Afterthedoct ordischar gedmeiwentt ohiswar d.

Hewasj ustsleepi
ngt her eli
feless.Butiwasnot
givinguponhi m.Iknowhewi l
lwakeup.Whenwe
wentbackhomeIcal ledmydadandt oldhim what
wasgoi ngon.Hesai dicant akeallthetimeineed
andbeher eforMpendul o.Iwashappyt ohearhim
talkinglikethatbecauseatf irsthewasnotaf anof
myr el
ationshipwithhi m.I '
vebeenher ef ort
hree
daysandt her
e'sstil
lnochange.Event houghmy
mi ndisnother eim watchi ngt v.I
'
vebeensi t
ti
ng
her eaft
erhavi nglunch.Mahasbeenl ookingatme
andi wasj ustacti
ngl i
keidon' tnoti
ce.Butiended
upaski ngi fsomet hi
ngi swr ong.
Ma:nothi
ngiswrong.Imjustamazedabouthow
goodyouarewithLisa.Andhowyoul ovemyson.
Imreall
yhappyhemetyou.You' r
eabl essi
ngt
othi
s
famil
y.Wearegratefulf
oryou.Weloveyou.
Me:
thankyouma.
"
Sani
bonaniekhaya.
"
Ma:
Mabut
ho.Howar
eyou
Mabut
ho:
im goodma.I
sbabaher
e?
Ma:no.
Mabutho:
okay.Getr
eady.Wearegoi
ngt
othe
hospi
tal
.Mpenduloj
ustwokeup.
Isai
dasi
lentpr
ayer
.
Wewai
tedf
ormaasshewentupst
air
s.
Mabut
ho:ur
ight
?
Me:
yeah.
Mabutho:t
hankyouf
orbei
nghere.Mybr
other
askedforyouwhenhewokeup.
Me:
isheal
ri
ght
?
Mabutho:
he'
sup.That
'sal
lthatmat
ter
s.He'
l
lbe
f
ine.
Me:
okay.
Iwipedateart
hatfel
l.Welef
tandhewasl yi
ngon
thebedwithhi
slegdangli
ng.Theyhadtol
dust o
getint
ogether
.Helookedatthedoorandsmiled.
Mpendul
o:comebabe.
Ithoughthefor
gotme.Iwentnextt
othebedand
heldhishand.Westayedabi
tandtheother
slef
t.
Mpendul
o:howar
eyou?Comeandl
ieont
hebed
wi
thme.
Me:
idon'
twantt
ohur
tyou.
Mpendulo:
imf
ine.AndsoonI
'
llbeoutofher
eand
backathomewithyou.
Me:
that
'sgoodnews.Butyouhavetohealf
ir
st.I
t
houghtyouchangedyourmindaboutus
Mpendul
o:why
Me:youhadanaccidentonthedayoft hel
obol
a
negoti
ati
onsandyoudidn'tpi
tch.Ispentt
wo
monthsthinki
ngyoudon'twantmeanymor e.
Mpendul
o:don'
tcr
y.I
m her
enow.
Me:
imi
ssedyou.
Mpendulo:
imissedyoumore.Youlooksobeaut
if
ul.
Andyougainedabitforsomeonewhowas
st
ressed.
Me:
don'
tsayt
hat
.It
'syourbabydoi
ngt
hat
.
Mpendul
o:huh.
.you.
.?You'
repr
egnant
!
Me:
yes.
..
Mpendul
o:comehere!Iwokeupt
osuchgoodnews
andmywifetobeishere.
Me:
youst
il
lwantust
ogetmar
ri
ed?
Mpendulo:
yes.Andt
hist
imenoacci
dentwi
llst
op
us.Il
oveyou
Me:
iloveyoumor
e.

Afterstayingaweekiwentbackt omypl ace.I

haven'tbeenher ei
nawhi le.I
fwallscoul dspeak
they'
dsayhowmucht heymi ssedme.I mi nt he
kit
chencooki nganewr ecipethatijustdiscovered.
Im alwayst ryingnewrecipesandican' tbelieveim
thi
sper fect.Indeedpracti
cemakesper fect.My
phoner ingst heniwipemyhands.Asmi l
e
automat ical
lyf i
ndsi
tselfonmyf ace.
Me:
heybabe.
Mpendul
o:myl
ove.Howar
eyou?
Me:
im goodt
hanksandyou?
Mpendul
o:i
m good.Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Mpendul
o:i
m cooki
ng.
Mpendul
o:iseeimingoodhands.Mywi
fewi
ll
al
wayscookf orme.
Me:begladcooki
ngi
smynewhobbyorel
seyou'
d
havetakeawaysf
orl
unchanddi
nner
.
Mpendul
o:nono.I
'dteachyouhowt
ocook.I
m
get
ti
ngdischar
gedtoday.
Me:
goodnewsbabe.Iwi
shiwast
her
e
Mpendul
o:i
m comi
ngbackt
hisweek.
Me:
ican'
twai
ttoseeyou.
.ohbef
oreIfor
get
,it
hink
wehavet
ostopthel
obolanegot
iat
ionsf
ornow.
Mpendul
o:why?
You'
rechangi
ngyourmi
nd?
Me:
ofcour
senot.Dadwantst
omeetyouf
ir
st.Get
t
oknowyouthendecidef
rom t
her
e.
Mpendul
o:okay.Iunder
standwher
ehe'
scomi
ng
fr
om.Hecan'tj
ustgi
vehi
schi
ldawayt
opeopl
ehe
doesn'
tknow.
Me:yes.Andt
her
e'snoneedt
opani
ck.Myf
ather
l
ikesyou.
Mpendulo:
let
'sbehonesther
e.Yourf
atherpr
efer
s
yourexoverme.
Me:
that
'snott
rue.
Mpendul
o:okay.Iwi
llseeyout
omor
row.
Me:
ithoughtyouwer
egoi
ngt
orestf
ir
st.
Mpendulo:iwon'
tbedoi nganythi
ng.Mabuthowil
l
dri
vemet otheairportandyouwi l
lfet
chme.Iwant
tosleepnextt
oyou.Ican' tspendaweekwi t
hout
seei
ngyou.Iwi l
lcallyoujustbef
oreileave
tomorrow.
Me:t
hat'sali
e.Iknowyou'
regoi
ngt
ocal
lbef
ore
yousleep.
Mpendul
o:ican'
thel
pit.Ikeepfal
li
nginl
ovewi t
h
youandwhenIdon'tseeort al
ktoyouidon'
tfeel
good.
Me:
babe.
..
Mpendul
o:enj
oyyourday.
Me:
yout
oo.
Iwentbackt
omycooki
ng.

MPENDULO

Hear inghervoi cemadehi m cal m down.Hewas

feelingdownandknewt hattalki
ngt oherwi l
lcalm
him down.Thi si saf or
eignfeel i
ngf orhim.Hehas
beeni nrel
ationshipsbutnonemadehi mf eelli
ke
this.Event houghpeopl etalkhe'snotgoi ngtolet
them gett ohi m.Hi sconversat i
onwi thhi saunty
ear l
ieronupsethi m.Howcanshet hinkt hatheis
takingadvant ageofher ?She' soldenought oknow
i
fshe' sbei ngt akenadvant ageofornot .Theymake
eachot herhappy.Theyl oveeachot her.That '
sall
thatmat t
ers.Hewasneveri nterestedinmar ri
age
butwi t
hherhewant sit.Hewant sforeverwi thher.
Forhi sauntt osayt hemar ri
agei snothappeni ngis
bullshit.Hefel trel
ievedafterKeat laretsitol
dhi m
thatherf athersai dtheyhavet oputnegot i
ati
onson
hold.Hedi dn'tknowhowt ot ellherthathi suncles
andaunt i
esar eagainstthemar ri
ageandwanti tto
best opped.Thi sisthef i
rstwomanhe' severr eally
l
ovedf orGod'ssake!Thenwhatdot heysuggesthe
doesbecausehecannotl ivewi thouther ?Gr owing
uphewi tnessedhi sfatherlovinghi smot herand
wishedt ohavet hatki ndofl ove.Nowt hathef inds
i
tt heyinterf
ere.Sincewhendi dt heystart
cont r
olli
nghi m?He' sagr ownmanwhoknowsr ight
andwr ong!Theycan' ttellhim whatt odo.Thati s
notgoi ngtohappen.Theywi l
lnotdictatet ohislife.
Iftheydisownhi mt hat'
st heirproblem.Andwho
toldthem theacci dentwasbecauset heancest or s
didn'twantt helobolanegot i
ationstopr oceed?Di d
theancest orsthemsel ftellthem?

Mabut hocamet ofetchhi m duri

ngt heday.Hewas
rel
ievedthathei sgoinghome.Thepl acewas
alr
eadyget t
ingtohi m.Hecoul dn'tstandallt
hose
doctorsandnur sesgi vinghimi nstructi
onsasif
he'
st hei
rchild.He'sol derthanmostoft hem
anyway!Thedr i
vehomewasqui etandhecoul d
sensethatsomethingwasof f
.Mabuthowastoo
quietabdthat
'sunusual.Theygothomeandhe
walkedinwithhiscrut
ches.Hisdaught
err
antohim
andhehuggedher .
"
Daddyimi
ssedyou."
-Li
sa.
"Imissedyout
oobaby.Goandt
ellaunt
ytopack
yourbag.Wearegoi
ngtomommyt omorrow"-
Mpendulo
Thelit
tlegi
rlr
anoutoft hel
oungescreami
nghappy.
Shewasgoi ngtoseehermot her
.Whycan'tt
hey
seethekindofeffectshehasonhim andhi
s
chi
ldren?Theyloveher!
"Mpenduloit'
sgoodthatyou'
reback.There'
s
somethingwehavet otal
kabout."
-thatwashis
auntytal
kingtohim.Whatelseistheretotal
k
about?Shealreadysai
dwhatshewant edtosay.
"
Whati
sit
?ihavetogetr
eadyf
ormyf
li
ght
t
omorr
ow"-Mpendul
o
"Whatf
li
ghtwhenyourwif
etobeisal
readyher
e?
Youcan'
tleave.Wehaveguest
s.-
aunty
"Idon'tr
ememberaski ngyout ohelpmelookf ora
wife.Takeyourguestsandl eave.Ormaybeyour
soncant akethatbri
de.Notme.I m anadultandi
canmakemyowndeci sions.Im notl
eavi
ngt he
mot herofmychild."
Mpendul o
"
Nkosi
yam!She'
sal
readypr
egnant
!Thi
sisamess.
"
-
aunt
y
"
Ther
e'snomessher
e."
-Mpendul
o
Heleftherst
andi
ngt
her
eandgott
ohi
sroom and
packedhisbag.
"
Baf
o..
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?It
houghtwear
eleavi
ng
t
omorr
ow."
-Mabut
ho
"
Ican'tbeher
e.Doesmom anddadknowabout
t
his?
"-Mpendul
o
"Theywouldhaveputastoptothi
s.Thatwomani
s
taki
ngadvantagebecausesheknowsthepar
ent
s
arenotar
ound."-Mabutho
"
Canyougetthejetr
eady?
Idon'
twantt
obei
none
r
oofwi
ththatwit
ch."
Mabut
ho:
iwi
llgett
oit
.
[
07/06,18:
58] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER7*

MPENDULO

Mabuthowentbackhomeassoonast
hej
et
boar
ded.
Heor ganizedfortr
ansportati
ont otakeMpendul oto
hisplace.Afterabout2hour sorsot hejetfinal
ly
l
andedandhegotoutandhel dhisdaught er'
shand
andwal kedt othecarthatwaswai ti
ngf orthem.He
sentat exttoKeatl
aretsit
ell
inghert opackabag
he'sonhi swayt oher.Aft
eral ongdr i
vetheyf i
nall
y
reachedPr etor
iaWest.Theydr ovetoherpl aceand
parkedout si
de.Hewal kedinsidetheyar dand
knocked. Assoonasshesawhi m abi gsmi l
e
formedonherf aceandshehuggedhi mforgetti
ng
thathe'shurt.Andhisauntyanduncl eswanthi mto
l
eavethislovel
ywomanforsomeonehedoesn'
t
evenknow?Howcanhel eavethewomanheloves
forsomethingt
hati
snotwort
hi t
?
Kea:
imi
ssedyoubaby.
Mpendul
o:imi
ssedyoumor e.Ar
eyour
eadyt
ogo?I
wantust
odogr ocer
iesf
ir
st.
Kea:
okay.Letmegr
abmybagandt
henwecango.
Sher
anupst
air
s
Mpendul
o:babedon'
trunont
hest
air
spl
ease.
Shegiggl
edandcamebackwithherbag.Hehel d
herhandandwentbacktot
hecar .Butnotbefore
hol
dinghercl
osetohi
m andkissedher .Theygot
i
ntothecarandhetol
dthedri
vertodrivetothemall
.
Li
sa:
mommyiwantabur
ger
.Andami
lkshake.
Pl
ease.
Kea:I
'
m goi
ngt
obuyyouanyt
hingyouwant
.
Li
sa:
iloveyoumom anddad.

KEATLARETSI
Mpendul osurprisedmewhenhesai dimustpack
mybagandber eadyforhim.Ithoughthesaidhe'
s
comi ngt omorrow.Buti m happyhe'
sher e.Wedid
ourgr oceri
est henwenttohi spl
ace.It'
smyf i
rst
ti
mebei nginthisplace.Heboughtanewhouse.I t'
s
biggerthant helastone.But
Mpendul
o:wel
comet
oyournewhomeMamKhoza.
Me:
MamKhoza?
Ismi
ledathi
m.
Mpendul o:
yes.Soonitwi
llbeoff
ici
albuti
nmy
heartyou'r
ealreadymywife.Andnoonecan
changeanyt hi
ngaboutit
.
Noone?I
sther
esomet
hinggoi
ngon?
Me:wel
l,
i
t'
salsojustli
kethat.Soi
m goi
ngtocook.
WhatshouldImakef orus?Iwil
lcookmor
eandput
i
tincont
ainerssothatyoucanhavesomethi
ngto
eatwhenim notar
ound.
Mpendul
o:canyoupl
easest
ayher
efort
hisweek?
Me:
ionl
ypackedf
ort
heweekend.
Mpendul
o:iwi
llt
akecar
eoft
hat
.
Me:
okay.Sowhatshoul
dImake?
Mpendul
o:sur
pri
seyourman.
Me:whil
eim cooki
ngpleasesitdownandr el
ax.I
wil
lbri
ngyouadr i
nk.Wedon' twantyouput t
ing
morepressureonyourfeet
.Andiwi llkeepon
checki
ngonyout omakesur ethatyouar esi
tti
ng
sti
ll
.
Mpendulo:
yesmaam.Meandmybabygirlwi
llbe
j
ustsi
tt
inghereandwat
chi
ngherf
avour
it
ecar t
oon.
Li
sa:
yesdaddy.Mommydon' tfor
gett
oalsobr
ing
mesomeicecream pl
ease.Iloveyoumom
Yoht hischi
ld!She'sreal
lymanipulat
ivejustlikeher
dad.Ibr i
nghi sbeerandhericecream.Iwentt othe
kit
chenandt ookouttri
pe.Iknowhe'sgoi ngt olove
i
t.I'
dmakei twithdumplingsbutiwouldf i
nishlate.
Imakei twithpap.Thet r
ipetakesabitlongbut
sooni m donebef or
eitgetsdark.Idi
shandt akethe
foodt othetable.Imakejuiceaswellandt akeitto
thetable.
Me:
foodi
sready.
Mpendul
o:t
hanksbabe.I
m sohappyyouar
eher
e.
Wewentt
osi
tdownandLi
sapr
ayedf
ort
hef
ood.
Lisa:
God,t
hankyouforthi
sf ood.Thankyoufor
provi
dingitf
orus.Thankyouf ormydadandf or
heali
nghim.Thankyouf orgivingmemymot her
thatil
ovesomuch.Ipr omiseiwillbeagoodsist
er
tomyl i
tt
lechamp.Amen.
Mpendul
o:beaut
if
ulpr
ayer
.Nowwecaneat
.

IlookedatMpendulo.Helookedlikeheistroubl
ed.I
thoughtofaski
ngbutnott oni
ght.Weare
celebrat
inghi
mr ecover
ing.Weat eandMrKhoza
wasbusycompl ement i
ngmycooki ngskil
ls.You
shouldhaveseenasi st
erblushi
ng.Imustt hank
Bonoloforthi
s.
Mpendul o:
babe.Thankyou.Forever
ythi
ng.You'
ve
beensosuppor ti
vesinceyoufoundoutt
hatimin
hospital
.Someonewoul dhaverunaway.Butyou
stayed.You'
rest
il
lhere.You'
remydream woman.A
womanI 'dlovet ospendt her estofmylifewit
h.A
beauti
ful
,caringandl oving.I 'dlovetohavethat
womanar oundmef orever .Wakeupandseeyour
facefi
rstthinginthemor ni ng.Love,wi
llyoumake
met hehappi estmani nt hewor l
d,bemywi f
e.
Will
youmar ryme?BeMr sKhoza?
Me:
yes.Yes.
OhmyGod.Yesiwi
llmar
ryyou.
Mpendul
o:t
hankyoubaby.
Idi
dn'
tcaret
hathedi
dn'
tbookthewhol
erest
aurant
andgotonhi
sknee.I
m ahappywomanjustl
ikehe
i
sahappyman.
Me:
babeil
ovemyr
ing.I
t'
ssobeaut
if
ul.
Mpendul
o:il
oveyou.
Youcangosol
ongwhi
leIputLi
sat
osl
eep.
IpickedaheavyLi saupandwentt oherroom.Aft
er
dinnerwewat chedtvandshef el
lasl
eep.Iputher
onbedandki ssedherf or
eheadthenlef
t.Iheada
fallabdscr
eami nginthebathr
oom.Iranthereabd
myf i
ancef
ellinthebatht
ub.
Me:
babe!Di
dyouhur
tyour
sel
f?
Mpendulo:
justmyleg.It
'sf
ineyoucanl
eave.Be
car
efulnottofal
lonthatwater
.
Icoul
dseet hathewasembar r
assed.Igotoutand
cl
osedt hebathr
oom door .
iwenttofetchamoband
whenicomebackhewasj ustsit
ti
ngint hebatht
ub
andthinki
ng.Hel ookedatmeasimoppedt hefl
oor
.
Aft
eriwasdoneiwentcl osetohim andt ookt
he
washingtowelandbat hhim.
Mpendul
o:Keat
lar
etsipl
eased.
..
Me:babeyoudon' thavetobeashamed.You' rehur t
andi knowyouwoul ddothethesamef orme.I
woulddoanyt hi
ngf oryou.Thi
sisnot hi
ng.Pl ease
i
fyoust r
ugglewithsomet hi
ngcal lmeinsteadof
putti
ngpr essureonyoureg.Ihur twhenyouhur t.
Please.Canwepl easemovet other oom
downst air
sunt i
lyouf ul
lyr
ecover?Idon'twantyou
fal
li
ngont hestair
s.
Mpendulo:
okayst
handwasami.Im sol
uckytohave
you.I
maginemina,i
ndodaendal
abeingbat
hedby
someone.Youhaveagoodheart.That
'swhyIlove
youMaKhoza.
Me:
nowl
et'
shel
pyougetup.
Ihelpedhi
m standupanddr i
edhimthenwentback
tothebedroom.Ilef
thi
ml ot
ioni
ngandtookaquick
showerandwentt obed.Butnotbef
oregi
vinghi
m
hismedicati
on.

Thef ol
lowi
ngdayiwokeupandwentt odomy
hygieneprocessthenmadebr eakfastwi
thLisa
askingmeendl essquesti
ons.Afteriwasdonei
wentbackt othebedroom andMpendul owas
alr
eadydonebat hing.Ismil
edandt ookoutanout
fi
t
forhim.
Mpendul
o:t
hanks.Howar
eyou?
Me:
im goodandyou?
Mpendulo:
im great.Wit
hyoubymysi deican
over
comeanyt hing.Whatisyoursi
ze?Iwanttobuy
somethi
ngforyout owear
.
Me:36.Butyoudon'
thavet
o.Icandr
ivet
omypl
ace
andfetchmyclot
hes.
Mpendul
o:iwantyout
obebysi
det
oday.Idon'
t
feel
real
lygood.Li
kesomethi
ngbadisaboutt
o
happen.Idon'
twantyoufarf
rom me.
Me:okay.Breakf
astisr
eady.Canyoual soget
someonet obuyyouawheel chai
r?Yourbrot
hersai
d
you'
resupposedt obeonawheel chai
r.
Mpendul
o:event
hought
her
e'snoneediwi
lldoi
t.
Wewentt oeatbreakf
astandaft
erMpendul
owent
backtobed.It
hinkthepil
lswer
emakinghi
m
drowsy.Meandmybabygi r
lwentt
othesal
on.

NARRATED

Keatl
aret
siandLisadidthei
rhai
randwentback
home.Whent heyarri
vedther
ewerevisi
tor
s.They
greet
edandKeat l
aret
siwentupst
air
sleavi
ngLisa
witht
hevisit
or.
Kea:
babewear
eback.
Mpendul
o:youar
esobeaut
if
ul.Di
dyousee
someonedownstai
rs
Kea:
yeah.Awoman.
Mpendulo:
shedoesn'
tli
sten.It
oldhert
oleave.I
t'
s
myaunty.
Kea:youdon'
twantherher
e?
Mpendul
o:don'teatanyt
hingshemakesf
oryou.
Shemightki
llourbaby.
Kea:
whywoul
dshedot
hat
?
Mpendulo:
she'
sevil.Isuspectshehassomethi
ng
t
odowi thmyaccident.Shedoesn'twantme
marr
yingyou.Anythingthatisopenint
hefr
idgeget
r
idofit
.
Kea:
that
'sscar
y.
Mpendulo:
andshe'sref
usingt
oleave.I
'
veal
ready
cal
ledherhusbandtofet
chher.
Kea:
okay.
Mpendulo:i
fyouar
ehungryor
derfood.I
m dead
ser
ious.Idon'
twantyout
oeatanythi
nginthi
s
house.
Kea:
doyout
hinksheputanyt
hingi
nthef
oodshe'
s
cooki
ng?
Mpendul
owhat
!?
Kea:
yes.She'
scooki
ng.
Mpendul
o:pl
easegoabdtakeal
lthef
oodi
nthe
f
ri
dgeout.Puti
tint
hetr
ash.
Kea:
youj
ustboughti
tyest
erday.
Mpendulo:
youdon'
tknowher.Iswearifanyt
hing
happenstomybabybecauseyoudon'twantto
l
ist
enwewi l
lhavepr
oblems.Throweverythi
ng
away!
Kea:
okay.
Mpendul
o:i
m goi
ngt
otr
yandgetheroutofher
e
agai
n.
Keawenttot
hekit
chenandtookabl
ackt
rashbag
andst
art
edtaki
ngoutthef
ood.
Aunt
y:whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Kea:
ohaunty.
..
Imtaki
ngoutt
hef ood.I
t'
snoti
n
goodcondi
ti
on.Somehasexpir
ed
Shej
ustl
iedt
hroughhert
eet
h.
Aunt
y:youdon'thavet ol
ieforhim.Hethi
nksi
poi
sonedal lt
hisfood.Doyout hi
nkiwouldpoi
son
mybrother'
sson?I fiwantedtodosomet hi
ngt
o
hi
m don'tyouthinkiwouldhavealreadydonei
t?
Kea:
id.
..
Aunty:
you'r
ejustagirl
fr
iendsoyoudon'thave
anyt
hingtosay.Doesyourparentsknowthatyou'
re
l
ivi
ngwi t
hamant hathasn'
tevenmarri
edyou?
Kea:
myf
atherknowst
hatiam her
e.
Aunty:
didhet
ellyout
her
easonhedoesn'
twantme
her
e?
Voice:yes.Itoldher.Youwantt okil
lmybabyso
thatshedi stanceshersel
ffrom mesot hatican
mar r
yt hewomanyougotf orme?Yourpl answon't
work.Im agr ownmanandicanmakemyown
decisi
ons.Eveni fsj
edecidestoleave,
i
m not
mar r
yingt hatwoman.I t
'sherthatiwant.Ineedher
i
nmyl ife.
Aunt
y:whatdoesshehavet
hat
'smaki
ngyouso
cr
azy?
Mpendulo:she'
sgotever
ythi
ng.Shemakesme
happyandiloveher
.
Aunty:
she'
sachil
d.You'
ret
oool
dforher
!You'
re
t
akingadvant
ageofher.
Mpendulo:auntyst optryi
ngtomakeexcuses.Your
husbandist hi
rteenyear sol
derthanyou. i
snthe
taki
ngadvant ageofyou?I m bookingyouat icket
nowanddadwi llf
indoutaboutthis.Ithoughti
wouldletitgobutnotanymor e.Stopinter
feri
ngin
myl i
fe.I
mf inewi t
ht hewaythingsare.Abdunt il
youchangeyourwaysyou' r
enotwel comei nthis
house.
Aunty:iwil
lleave.Butdon'tcomecr yi
ngwhenthi
s
tswanagi rlbr
eaksyou.Youshoul dgetmar
ri
edtoa
zulugirlbutwheni thappensthatsheshowsher
truecoloursdon'tsayIdidn'tt
ellyou.
Mpendulo:
oh.Nowiseewhat
'shappeni
ngher
e.I
t'
s
becauseshe'
snotzul
u.
Aunty:
anywaywhatdidiexpectf
rom you?Your
motheriswhi
te.Ofcour
seshewouldal l
owthis.
Mpendul
o:mymot
her
'scol
ourhasnot
hingt
odo
witht
his.Shemaybewhi t
ebutshe'sreal
.Notli
ke
you.NowI '
vebookedyourt
icketyoucanleavei
n
thenexthour.

Keatl
aret
sit
ookthetr
ashplast
icoutandwentback
i
nside.Shewenttosi
tint
hebedroom.

KEATLARETSI
Whatt hataunt ysaidhur tmyf eeli
ngs.Justbecause
i
mt swanai tdoesn'tmeani ml esswor thyofbeing
Mpendul owi fe.Iknowi m notzulubutshedi dn'
t
havet osayi tinfrontofme.Mpendul o'smot heris
whiteandherhusbandl ovesherjustt hewayshei s.
Imt swanaandMpendul olovesme.I fhedi dn'
the
woul dn'
thaveappr oachedme.Nowibel i
eveshe' sa
witch.Mpendul oisright.Shecausedt hataccident.
Shewentasf arast ofindazul uwi feforhim.Who
doest hatinthisage?Wi llihavepeaceandj oy
mar ryi
ngintot hisfamily?Howwi llisurvive?Ididn'
t
evenr eal
izet hatiwascr yi
ng.Ijustfeltahand
wipingmyt ears
Mpendulo:
pleasestopcr
ying.Shelef
tandwi l
lnever
comebackher e.Si
yacamet ofet
chLisa.Idi
dn't
wanthertoseeyoul i
ket
his.
Me:
whydoesshehat
eme?Shedoesn'
tevenknow
me.
Mpendulo:she'sabit
teroldwoman.Evenwi thmy
mothershedi dthesamet hi
ngbutdaddi dn'
tallow
i
t.Withmom i twaswor sebecauseatfi
rsther
fami
lydidn'twanthertogetmar r
iedtomyf ather.
Butl
ookatt hem today.Myaunt'sopi
niondoesnot
matter
.
Me:
didsher
eal
lygetawi
fef
oryou?
Mpendulo:yes.WhenIcamef r
om thehospit
ali
foundherthereandshesai dshefoundawuf eandi
j
ustdecidedtoleave.Ididn'
tevenwaittomeetthe
womanshecamewi th.That'
swhyshecameher e.
Toconvincemet omar rythatwomani nst
eadofyou.
Me:
wil
lyoul
eavemef
orher
?
Mpendul
o:andbemi
ser
abl
efort
her
estofmyl
if
e?
Youandiar
emeantt
obe.I
m notl
eavi
ngyou.
Me:
okay.Imi
ssedyou.
Mpendul
o:woman!I
mri
ghtnextt
oyou.
Me:
yourauntisscar
y.Icoul
dn'
tevental
ktoyou.
Wecoul
dn'tevencel
ebrat
eourengagement.
Mpendulo:
wel
lnowshe'
sgoneandwecan
cel
ebr
ate.
Me:isentmydadapict
ureofmyr ing.He'sso
happyforme.Hecal
ledjustaf
terisentthepi
ctur
e.
Mpendul
o:r
eal
ly?Youandhi
m ar
esocl
ose.
Me:yes.It
'
salwaysbeenlikethat
.Im happyhe'
s
acceptedourr
elat
ionshi
p.Itmeansalottome.
Mpendul
o:wel
lim happyt
hathe'
sgi
vingushi
s
bl
essi
ngs.
Me:andwhenyou'ver
ecover
edyout
wocanmeet
.
Thenwewillgetmarr
ied.
Mpendul
o:t
haticannotwai
tfor
.
Afteral
mostamont hMpendul orecovered.Nowwe
areathomeandmyf atherisi
nthesitti
ngr oom
tal
kingwithMpendulo.Iwi shIcouldgosi twit
h
them butmyuncl esaidno.He'salsoher e.Sai
dhe
want stoknowtheper sonthati
smar ryi
nghi sniece.
They'vebeeninthereforawhi l
enow.
"Keatl
aret
sii
sthef
oodr
eadynow?Ar
eweever
goingtoeat?
That '
smyuncl e.ThankGodt heyaredone
i
nter rogat
inghim.Itaket hefoodtothetableand
calleveryonetocomeandeat .Themeet i
ngwent
wel landim happywi ththat.Iwantedustoleave
thef oll
owingdaybutMpendul orefused.Sayi
nghe
willnotsleepinmyf at
her'shouse.Hehasn'tpai
d
l
obol asohecan' tsleepinmyf at
her'
shouse.We
drovebackt oPr et
oria.
Whenwear ri
vedLisawasint
heroom t
alki
ngand
l
aughing.Wewentfurt
heri
nandMnqobiwasbusy
expl
aini
ngwhatthemoviei
sabout
.
Mnqobi
:mommy!
HehuggedmeandLi
sadi
dthesame.Iki
ssed
t
hei
rfor
eheadsandsatont
hecouchwi
tht
hem.
Me:
imi
ssedyoumybaby.Whendi
dyougether
e?
Mnqobi:
inthemorni
ng.WasLisat
aki
ngcareof
you?Shesaidshei
stheonedoi
ngthi
ngsf
oryou.
M:
um yes.
shei
s.
Mnqobi
:goodgi
rl
.
Lisa:
mommyi m goi
ngt
ofet
chyourpi
ll
ow.You
seeim doi
ngmywork?
Mnqobi:
goodgi
rl
.Wemustt
akecar
eofourl
it
tl
e
champ.
Me:
whoar
eyouwi
thher
e?
Mnqobi
:gogoandmkhul
u.
Mpendul
o:babel
etmegoandl
ookf
ort
hem.

Thefoll
owingdayMpendul ocouldn'tstopsmi l
ing.I
askedwhat'sgoingonandal lhesai
di s"l
ifeisgood
mawakhe."Istoppedasking.Heevensai dwear e
eati
ngout.It
'sadate.Ourfir
stoff
ici
aldatesincewe
star
teddati
ng.He'staki
ngmet oarestaurantfora
change.Hel ikeshistraditi
onalf
oodsohesays
thesepeopl ei nrest
aur antsdon'
tknowhowt ocook.
Soi m surprisedthattodaywear egoingtoa
restaurant.Ican'tstopl ooki
ngathim.Asexyman
drivi
ng.Heal sokeepssmi li
ngwhenIlookathi
m.
Mpendul
o:i
yakut
handai
ndodayakhoMawakhe.
Me:okay.Nowt
ellmewhat
'smaki
ngyousmi
lel
ike
t
his.
Mpendulo:yourf
athergaveusadateforl
obola
negoti
ati
ons.Nextweekendwearetakingourcows
tohim.Uzobaowaminabaphant sibazoyazi
.Izi
nto
ziyahl
angana.
Me:
iknewithadtobesomethi
ngmakingyousmi
le.
Wel
lim al
sohappy.Il
oveyoubaby.
Mpendul
o:phi
ndaf
uthiSt
handwasami
Me:
iloveyou
Mpendul
o:ahmadodai
nhl
anhl
ayonkengat
handwa
t
int
ombazaneenhl
ekanj
he.
Ibl
ushed.Godt
hankyouf
ort
hisman.Il
ovehi
m so
much.
Mpendul
o:weareher
e.Il
ovet
hispl
ace.Theymake
t
hebestfood.
Hegotoutandcametoopenmydoor
.Igotoutand
wewentin.Wewereshowedt
oatabl
eanda
wai
tr
esscame.
Wai
tress:
goodday.Wel
comet oRose'
srest
aur
ant
.
Whatwouldyouli
ketohave?
Il
ookedather
.Idon'
tknowwher
eI'
veseenherbut
she'
sfami
li
ar.
Mpendul
o:Mawakheshoul
dIor
derf
oryou?
Me:ohsor
ry.I
t'
sjustt
hat
..
.Doiknowyouf
rom
somewhere?
Wai t
ress:maybeyouforgotme.Myr est
aurantonce
cateredatsomeeventatyourcompany.Andi
couldswearisawyouyest erdayatmyneighbor'
s
house.InPr et
ori
aEast
.Im Lerat
o.Thispl
aceis
namedaf t
ermyname,Rose.Myhusbandgaveme
thatname.
Il
aughed.
Mpendul
o:she'
sChr
is'
swi
fe.ThemanBabyyou
shoul
dgr
eetyournei
ghbor
shey.
Me:ohplease!Yousai
dt hi
sisyourf
avour
it
e
r
estaur
antbutyoudidn'tknowyournei
ghborowns
i
t.
Wel
aughed.
Ler
ato:
her
e'smybusinesscar
d.Cal
lmeandwe'
l
l
meetoneofthesedays.
Me:
okay.
Ler
ato:
sowhatwi
llyouhave?
Il
ookedatthemenuandl
aughed.Ishakemyhead
andlookup.
Ler
ato:
issomet
hingwr
ong?
Me:no.Not
hingi
swr
ong.I
mlaughi
ngbecauseof
t
hisman.
Mpendul
o:andwhatdi
dido?
Me:babeyousai
dyou'r
egivingmeabr eakfr
om
cooki
ngandthatnotr
adit
ionalf
oodtoday.Nowi
seewhywear eher
e.Theyhaveallt
het hi
ngsyou
l
ove!
Mpendulo:t
hatwasmywayofbr ingi
ngyouhere.
How'sthatforourfi
rstdate?Andiwast i
redofnot
spendi
ngtimewi thyou.Eversincemamacame
you'
rei
nsepar abl
e.She'ssteal
ingyoufr
om me.
Me:good!Wheneveriml
azytocookiwi
llj
ustor
der
her
e.Thispl
acewi l
lbeal
if
esaver
.
Ler
ato:
fi
rstdat
e?
Me:yes.Canyoubeli
evewe'
reget
ti
ngmar
ri
edand
t
hisisourfi
rstdat
e?
Mpendul
o:imustupmyshoest
hen.
Me:
iwi
llhavebeefst
ewandpap.
Mpendul
o:same.Wi
thabeer
.
Me:
putj
uiceonmi
ne.
Ler
ato:
comi
ngr
ightup.
Shel
eftandil
ookedatt
hismanopposi
teme.
Me:youneverceaset
oamazeme.Ithoughtyou
wer
et aki
ngmesomewhereli
keseaf
oodplace.
Mpendulo:
youwi
llneverf
eedmychampt
hose
t
hings.
Me:
iwasj
ustj
oki
ng.
idon'
teatt
hoset
hings.
"
It
'snicebeingyou.Answeryourcal
lsausi.Wear
e
r
unningabusi nessandnotaplayhouse.Ther
eare
i
mpor t
antthingstobetakencar
eof ."
Me:yoh.Pleasest
opdist
urbingus.Meandny
fi
ancéarehavingourfunti
mesopl easeexcuseus.I
l
eftpeopleinchar
geofMYCOMPANY.Ther e'
sa
reasonforthat
.Youdon'tevenown1%i nthat
companysodontbor eme.
Baset
sana:
myhusbandowns30%
Me:andiwanti
tback.Soi
fyoudon'
tmi
ndexcuse
us.
Baset
sana:
that
'snotgoi
ngt
ohappen.Wewi
llt
ake
youtocour
t.
Me:bemyguest .Andyoumustt el
lyourhusbandt o
moveoutofmyhouse.Wel lsi
Im sureyouwi llst
art
overandmakeyourownmoney.Mymoneyt ook
youtoschool
,buil
tyourparentsahouseandbought
youacar.Oh,
andr ai
sedyourki ds.Andt hatwasthe
l
astofit
.Eventhehouset hatyou'restayingi
ni
wantit
.Yourhusbandhasnot hingt ohisname.
Justthemoneyt hathegotfrom meandt hat
quali
ficat
ionhegotbymymoney.Andnott ofor
get
thathewant edtoscam me.Nowl eaveusinpeace.
Iwashappyt onothavetoseeyourfacethesepast
mont hsbutnowi m bor
ed.Leaveusalone.
Shel
eftaf
terdr
amat
ical
lycl
i
cki
nghert
ongue.
Mpendul
o:ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?
Me:imfine.Iknowyourbrotherwi
llhel
pmegetmy
proper
ti
esandshar es.Ithoughtiwouldl
ethim
keeptheproperti
esbutthatwomanwant ena.She'l
l
bebraggingaboutmyt hingsasifsheworkedfor
them.
Mpendulo:butdon'
tal
lowt
hist
ost
ressyou.Youwi
ll
getever
ythingback.
Lerat
obroughtourf oodandwest artedeating.Aft
er
wewer edonewel eft
.Myhusbandt obet ookus
backhome.Sai dwe. are.
goi
ngoutagaintomor r
ow.
Wowi m beingt akenonsomanydat es.Whenwe
gothomet herewer esomanypeopl einthehouse.
Most.oft
hem idi dn'tknow.ThankGodiwas
weari
ngadr ess.Iwoul dsuggestt
hatigobackt o
myplacebutmamabl atantl
yr ef
used.Shesaidshe
enj
oysbeingwi t
hmeher e.Shegivesmet hat
motherl
ylove.She'sslowlyclosi
ngthatgapihadof
nothavi
ngamot her.
Mpendul
o:babet
hewhol
efami
lyi
sher
e.
Me:okay.I
sthereanotherwayicangoandputona
doekwithoutt
hem seeingme?
Mpendul
o:doyousomeonewi
thadoekt
her
e?Let
's
go.
Hehel
dmyhandandwenti
n.
Mpendul
o:sani
bonaniekhaya.
.
Theygr
eet
edback.
Ol
dWoman:
ist
hatourmakot
i?
Mpendulo:
yebo.Uyelo.St
handwasamit hi
sismy
fami
ly.Weareaverybigfamily.Thi
sisnot
ever
yone.Somewi l
lbeheretomor r
ow.
OldWoman:shelookstooyoungbuticanseeshe
l
ovesyouandlookslikeagoodperson.Youdi
d
goodbywait
ing.Looknowyouf oundagood
woman.Icanhearbyhowt hekidsandyour
brotherstalkaboutherthatyou'vefoundagood
woman.Tr eatherri
ght.Don'tl
istentowhatothers
say.Thi srel
ati
onshipi
sbet weenyouandher .No
oneel se.AndwenaZi nzil
eyoushoul dstoptryi
ngto
arrangewi vesforhi
m.You' vetri
edbeforeandfail
ed.
Myki ds, l
oveeachotherandcher i
shyourl
ove.
Wewer
enowseat
ed.

Hi
sgogowasnowgi
vingusadvi
ceaboutmar
ri
age.

Gogo:Mpendul o,
youdon' thityourwi fe.Ther e'sa
wayyour epri
mandher .Learnt otalktoheri na
goodmanner .Nosl eepingout .
Thi sisabi gst ep
you'
r etaking.Meani ngyoumustl eaveyourol d
waysbehi ndandl i
veli
keahusband.Si si,
your
husbandmustber espect edjustashemustr espect
you.Thi sisnowyourf ami l
y.Youdon' ttalkabout
yourmar r
iageaffai
rswi thyourf ri
ends.Yourf ri
ends
mightt urnouttobeyourenemi esandt alkabout
everythingthatyout ol
dt hem.Yousol vet hingswi t
h
yourhusband.Andi fyoucan' t
,yourmot herinlawis
hereforthat.Andfi
nal
ly.Iwantgrandki
ds.Yousee
howbi gthisfami
lyi
s?Iwantmor egreatgrandki
ds.
Wel oveyouandwewel comeyoukwaKhoza.Al l
thesepeopleyouseehereareyourauntiesand
uncles.Yourmother
sandf at
hers.Feelf
reeand
at.
home.
Me:
thankyou.
Mpendul
o:gogothankyouf
oryourbeaut
if
ulwor
ds.
Weappreci
ateit
.

Laterwef oundoutt hatallthesepeopl eareherefor

Mpendul o'
sbirthday.Ididn'tevenknowi twashis
bir
thdayint wodays.Lucki l
yBonol o'swor kpl
ace
canmaket hecakeandLer ato'
sr estaurantwil
ldo
cateri
ng.Icrackedmyheadt hinkingofwhati m
goingtogethim ashi spr esent.Butiendedup
getti
ngit.
[
07/06,18:
58] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*
*
CHAPTER8*

NARRATED

Todayi sMpendul o'sbirthdayandmor ef amily

member shavear r
ived.Ever yoneisbusymovi ng
aroundget ti
ngt hingsr eady.Thecat eri
ngpeopl e
arealreadyher eandsomear edecor at
ingthe
backyardwher et heyar egoi ngt ohavet heparty.
Muzicamet of etchMpendul ointhemor ni
ngso
thathewon' tknowwhati sgoingon.Af terthey
wer edonewi threnovat ionsandput t
ingt hi
ngsi n
placetheyallgat her edaroundandwai tedf orthe
manoft hemoment .Theyal lgotreadyasMuzir old
them thattheyar ecomi ng.MuziandMpendul o
arri
vedandt heyal lshout ed"surpri
se!"
Muzi:happybirt
hdaybaf
o.Weknowyoudon' t
usuall
ycelebrat
eyourbi
r t
hdaysbuttodaywehad
todot hi
s.Toshowourl oveandappreciat
ionto
you.Wel oveyouandwear ethankf
ulforeveryt
hing
thatyoudof ort
hisfami
ly.Enj
oy.
Mpendul
o:t
hankyou.Thankyoufort
his.Even
t
houghit
'sunusual
butim happy.
Khanyo:
bhut
icomeandcutyourcake.
Hiseyeswanderedar
oundandlandedon
Keatl
aret
si.Hewentt
owhereKeatl
aret
siwasand
t
ookherhand.
Mpendul
o:imi
ssedyou.
Kea:
imi
ssedyout
oo.
Hekissedherforeheadthenwenttowherethecake
was.Theysangf orhim andhecutthecakeand
tookaverybi
gpor ti
onandwentt ositonhi
schair
.
Peoplesai
dtheirspeechesthanki
nghim.
AuntyZinzil
e:ij
ustt
houghtishouldalsosay
something.Happybir
thdaytoyoumybr other
'sson.
Indeedthishadtobedone.Weknowhowyouar ea
bighelptoourfamil
yandwedi dthistoshowyou
thatweloveyou.50yearsisnotchil
d'spl
ay.Happy
50thbirt
hday.

KEATLARETSI
"Happy50t hbirt
hday."iwi l
lneverf orgett
hesmi rk
onaunt yZinzi
le'
sf ace.I t
'slikesheknewt hatidon' t
knowhi sage.Howcoul dhenott ellmehi sage?I
thoughtmaybehe' si nhi s30sorear l
y40s.He
l
ooksyoung.21year s!Suchahugegap!He' s
almostmyuncl eanddad' sage!If eltaholdonmy
handt ighten.I
t'sli
kehecoul dseeorf eelwhatim
feeli
ngr ightnow.Howcoul dhej ustkeepqui et
aboutsuchani mpor tantmat ter?Itriedpushi ngitto
thebackofmyheadandf ocusonhi spart
y.Idi dn'
t
wantt oshowever yonet hathi sagehassomehow
affectedme.Aunt yZi nzilekeptl ooki ngatmeandi
didn'twantt ogivehert hesat isfaction.Iknowshe
doesn' tl
ikemeatal l
.Al linal lthedaywasf unand
wonder f
ul.Theotherr el
ativesl efttohi sbrothers
placesandsomer emai ned.
Gogo:
mychi
ldcomeher
e.Iwoul
dli
ket
otal
ktoyou.
She'
smaki ngmelat
e.Ihavetogowit
hBonol
obuti
can'
tjustgowit
houtt
alki
ngtoher.
Me:
okaygogo.
MyphonebeepedanditwasBonol
o."Iknowyou
wanttorunawaybutt
hatwon'
tsol
veanythi
ng.Stay
andtal
ktohim.I
m sur
ehehadhisreasonsfornot
tel
li
ngyou.
Iwentt
osi
twi
thgogo.
Gogo:
howar
e.you?
Me:
im good.
Gogo:iknowyou'r
enot.Discoveri
nghisagemight
havecomeasashock.Iknowi t
'stoomuchbut
pl
easedon'tleavehi
m.Eversinceyoucamei nto
hi
slifehe'
sonlybeenhappy.It
'sgoodtoseehim
smil
ing.Iknewhehadf oundhiswifewhenhetol
d
meaboutyou.
Me:yeshi
sagecameasshockbutIwi llnotl
eave
him.Il
ovehim andt
hatwi
llnotchange.It
'sj
ustt
hat
thi
sshockedme.
Gogo:
iunder
stand.Doyouhavesi
bli
ngs?
Me:
no.
Gogo:
you'
reanonl
ychi
ld?
Me:
yes.Mymot
heral
waysl
ostherchi
ldr
enandi
m
t
heonl
yonet
hatsur
vived.
Gogo:sor
ryaboutt
hat
.Don'tover
thi
nk.Takei
teasy
andtalkt
ohim.Youcanleavenow.

Iknowipromi sedgogot hatiwil

ltal
ktohim butthi
s
i
st oomuch.If eell
ikehemani pul
atedmeintobeing
wit
hhim.Whydi dn'thet
ellmeabouthisagebef ore
wecouldstartdat i
ng?Ihadtof i
ndoutfr
om his
aunti
e.Thelookonherf ace!

Itakemycell
phoneandwenti
nsi
det
hehouse.I
bumpintoauntyZi
nzi
leonmywayout.
Zinzi
le:
wher
eareyougoi
ng?Ar
eyoupl
anni
ngon
runni
ngaway?
Me:aunt
ieIknowthat
'swhatyouwant.Didyou
t
hinkwhatyousaidwil
lmakemel eave?Iwon'
tdo
t
hat.Healr
eadytol
dmehi sage.Excuseme.

Imoveasi
deandgotothebedr
oom andtakea
shower
.Tobehonestt
hisaget
hinggott
ome.Ili
ed
toherandsai dhet oldmebecauseIdi dn'twanther
tot hinkshewon.If inisht akingashowerandl oti
on
andgeti ntomyni ghtdr essandgownbef ore
Mpendul ocomesi n.If eel l
iket hi
sisadr eam.I
l
eavet hebedr oom andgot ot hespareroom t o
sleept here.Butireal l
ycan' tsleep.He's21year s
oldert hanme!Inevert houghtIwoul df i
ndmysel fin
asi tuati
onl i
ket hi
s.Howcoul difalli
nlovewi th
someonewho' salmostmyf ather'
sage?Myf ather
i
s63!Whati shegoi ngt osay?Wi l
lhereallyal l
owi t
?
Butwhataboutwhatiwant ?Myhear twantshi m
butmyheadsaysot herwi se.Al lt
heset hought sin
myheadar egi vi
ngmeaheadache.Igetupandput
onmygownandgobackt oourbedr oom.It ouch
thedoorhandl eanddebat ewi thmyselfwhet herto
goi nornot .Ifinall
yopent hedoorandgeti n.He
wassi tt
ingont hebedwi thhi selbowsonhi sknees
andhandsonhi shead.Icoul dseet hathewas
thinkinghar d.Iwentt ot hecl osetandtookhi s
present s.
Me:
heybabe.Ihaveyourpr
esenther
e.
Mpendul
o:come.
Iwentt
osi
tnextt
ohi
m.Igavehi
m hi
spr
esent
s.
Mpendulo:t
hankyoubaby.
..
im sor
ry.Iknowi
shouldhavetol
dyouaboutmyage.Iwasgoingt
o
tel
lyou.
Ismi
ledandki
ssedhi
m.
Me: i
t'
sfine.Iloveyouandiwi lll
oveyouevennow
afterknowingyourage.Il ovedyoubef orebefor
e
knowi ngyouragesot hatmusttellyousomething.
Whatil oveaboutyoui st
hatyoucar eforme.You
l
eaveever ythingthatyouaredoingwhenyousee
thatim notfine.Youalwaysmakesur ethatimfine.
Youputmef i
rstandyouhavegoodi ntenti
onswith
me.Wheni m wi t
hyouicanbemysel f
.Youar ejust
sogoodt omeandikeepf all
inginlovewi t
hyou
everymoment .
Mpendul
o:youhavenoideahowhappythatmakes
me.Andipromisei
m goingtol
oveyouf
oraslong
asweli
ve.I
'l
lbebackjustnow.

Igotundert
hecover
sashewentoutoft
her
oom.
Hecamebackwi t
haplat
eonhi
shandandjui
ce.
Mpendul
o:isawt
hatyoudi
dn'tt
ouchyourcakeand
iknowhowyoulovei
tsoifet
chedsomef oryou.
Me:thankyou.Icoul
dn'
teatwithauntyZi
nzil
e's
star
es.Thewayshewasl ookingatmei t
'sasifshe
expectedmetorunaway.Idon'tknow.It
'sli
keshe
expectedmetoreactdi
ff
erent
ly.
Mpendulo:
don'tmindt
hatwitch.Canyoubelieve
shetemperedwithmycartopr eventt
helobolo
fr
om happening?Shecausedtheaccidentonly
becauseshedidn'
twantmet omar ryyou.

Wow.Sheevenputhisli
fei
ndangerj
ustbecause
shedoesn'
twanthi
mt omarryme?Am it
hatbad?
Whygot ot
hatext
ent?

Me:ohmyGod.Whatifsomethi
ngwor
seHappened?
Idi
dn'tt
hinkshe'
dgot
hatfar
.
Mpendul
o:butyoudon'
thavet
oworryabouther.
Shewon'
ttryanythi
ngagai
n.How'
smyl i
tt
lechamp?
Me:
he'
sbeensogoodt
oday.
Mpendul
o:t
ellmei
fyou'
rehungry.Iknowyoudon'
t
eatmuchwhenther
earealotofpeople.
Me:
imf
ine.Iwi
llhavet
hiscaket
hough.

Heopenedhi sgif
tswhil
eiate.Hissmi
lewas
ever
ything.I
tshowedthathelovedal
lhi
spresent
s.
Igothim akeyhol
der,
awatchandacust omi
zed
wall
etwr i
tt
enMM Khoza.

Mpendul
o:il
ovethiskeyhol
der
.WheneverImi
ss
myfamil
yiwil
llookatit
.Thankyou.
I
thasapi
ctur
eofusandt
heki
ds.
Me:
idi
dn'
tknowwhattogetyou.Whatdoyouget
f
orsomeonewhohasever
ythi
ng?
Mpendul
o:you'
remyever
ythi
ng.

Hewatchedmeeatingt
hecakeunt
ilif
inished.He
t
ooktheplat
eback.Hetookof
fhi
sclothesandput
onpaj
amasandwesl
ept
.

Me:
babe,
bet
weenyouandMuziwho'
stheol
derone?
Mpendulo:i
mt heol
derone,
fol
lowedbyMzwakhe
t
henMuzi ,
Mabutho,
Bongani
,Si
yabongaand
Nokukhanya.
Me:
wher
e'sMzwakhe?
Mpendulo:he'
sinSwaziland.Heonlycomeshome
onceinawhi l
e.ReasonbeingauntyZinzi
le'
sdoi
ngs.
Shedidthesamet hi
ngshedi dtomehi sbridet
o
be.From t
hereonhemovedt oSwazil
and.She
hatedthepoorwomanj ustbecauseshewasSwat i
.
Me:
wow.
Mpendul
o:butwe'
vemadepeacewi
thi
t.

Icoul
dseet
hatt
hismat
terhi
thome.

Thefol
lowingdayiwokeupandwentt
otakea
showerthenwenttot
hekit
chent
omakebreakf
ast
.
Voi
ce:l
eaveeveryt
hingasiti
s.You'
renotyet
marr
iedintot
hisfamil
y.You'
renotourbri
deyet
.
Youcan'tbecooki
ngforus!

Wheredi
dshegetthat
?I sitt
hei
rzulut
radi
ti
on?
Thi
swomanhatemeal otshame.Iswi
tchofft
he
st
oveandgotothesit
ti
ngr oom.
Khanyo:
heyKea.
Ma:
goodmor
ningmychi
ld.
Me:
goodmor
ningma.Hi
wdi
dyousl
eep?
Ma:
goodandyou?
Me:
good.Hkwar
eyouKhanyo?
Khanyo:
I'
m good.
Ma:
howi
sthebaby?
Me:
good.He'
sgr
owi
ng.
Ma:
that
'sgood.

Ever
yonecamei
ntot
hesi
tt
ingr
oom andweal
lsat
andwai
tedf
oraunt
ie.Shecameandsatdown.
Aunt
ie:
sowearenothavi
ngbreakf
astt
oday?Kea
di
dn'
tyousayyouweregoingt
ocook?
Me:aunti
eiwascookingandyousai
dimustst
op
becauseI'
m notyetabr
idet
othisf
amil
ysoI'
m not
al
lowedtocook.
Aunt
ie:
idon'
tremembert
ell
ingyout
hat
.
Mpe:Keat
lar
etsil
et'
sgo.Shewi
llcookf
orever
yone
her
e.

Igotupandfol
lowedhi
m.Heopenedt
hecardoor
formethenwenttohi
sside.
Mpe:areyougoi
ngt
ocr
yaboutever
ythi
ngshesays
aboutyou?
Me:
ever
yone'
seyeswer
eonme!Sheembar
rassed
me.
Mpe:
itol
dyout oignor
et hatwit
ch.Canyoupl
ease
st
opcryi
ng?Iwillbuybreakfastf
orusandshe'
s
l
eavi
ngtoday.Youwon'thavet odealwi
thher
.
Icr
ymor
ethi
nki
ngabouthowembar
rassediwas.

Mpe:cr
yingwillnothel
pyou.Shewi
llal
wayshave
somethi
ngt osay.Ift
hisi
showyoubehavethen
you'
regoingtocryyourwholel
if
e.
Me:
I'
m hungr
y.Andi
t'
sherf
aul
t.
Mpe:iwi
llbuyyouanyt
hingyouwant
.Justst
op
cr
ying.
Me:
ican'
twai
ttoeat
.Thi
sbabyeat
sal
ot.
Mpe:
butyou'
ret
heoneeat
ingalot
.ButI
'
m not
compl
aini
ng.Mybabyi
sgrowi
ng.
Me:
whataboutme?
Mpe:
whataboutyou?
Me:
nevermi
nd.

Hedr
ovetoLer
ato'sr
estaur
antandgotourf
ood
t
henatei
nthecar.If
ini
shedmyf oodsof
ast.I
twas
sodel
ici
ous.

Mpe:
whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmenow?
Me:
I'
m notf
ull
.
Mpe:
her
e.Youcanhavehal
fofmi
ne.
Me:
thankyou.

Iki
ssedhi
scheek.

Mpe:
ifearpr
egnantwomen.
Me:
justsayi
fyoudon'
twantmet
ohaveyourf
ood.
Mpe:
youcanhavei
tal
l.
Me:
iloveyou.
Mpe:
meormyf
ood?
Me:
yourf
ood.Justf
ornow.

Il
ookathi
mlaughi
ngandhej
oins.
[
07/06,18:
58] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER9*

Aweekl
ater

IcamehomeonFr i
dayandicoul dn'thel pbutwor r
y.
Whatifaunt yZinzil
edoessomet hingagai nandt he
l
obolonegot iat
ionsdon' thappen? idon' tknowhowi
fel
lasleeplastnightthinkingaboutt hi
s.Iwokeup
i
nt hemor ni
ngandt ookabat h.Ikeptgoi ngtothe
windowt ochecki ftheyhavear r
ived.WhenIsaw
mygr andmot herIcouldn'thol dmysel f.Ididn'tcare
thatt
heysai dimustnotgetoutoft hisr oom before
theycallme.Iranoutandmetherbyt hedoor .I
cri
ed.Imissedmygr andmot her.Butmost
i
mpor tant
lyiwascr yingbecauseiwashappyt hat
shemadei t
.
Gr
andma:
let
'sgoi
n.You'
renotsupposedt
obeout
her
e.

Wewentinwithmeholdingherhand.WhenRapul
a
andigotmarr
iedorwhatithoughtwasusget
ti
ng
marr
iedmygr andmot
herdidn'
tcome.Shesai
dshe
wasbusy.Butiknewshewasn'tandithur
tme.

Me:
thankyouf
orcomi
ngkoko.
Grandma:yourf
athersentsomeonet
ofetchme.
Whenhet oldmeyourbr i
depri
cewil
lbepaidihad
t
obeher e.Mydaughter'
sonlychi
ldi
sgetti
ng
marri
ed.
Me:
I'
m happyyou'
reher
e.
Grandma:nowdon'
tleavethi
sroom unt
ilt
heyask
foryou.Anddon'
tst
ress.Ever
ythi
ngwil
lgowell.

Shelef
ttheroom andiwentbacktothewindow
andLuckil
ytheyarr
ivedandwereaskingtobeleti
n
andsayingourcl
annames.Nowicanf i
nall
yrel
ax.I
knowtheyhaven'
tstart
edyetbuti
m happythat
t
heyar
ri
vedandnot
hingwr
onghappened.
"Babe,
ij
ustwant edyout
oknowthatwehave
arri
vedsaf
ely.Ican'
twai
ttoseeyouasmywife.
Seeyoulater."
Ismi
ledaf
ter
readi
ngt
het
ext
.
"I
m happythatnot
hinghappenedt
hist
ime.Wher
e
areyou?"
"I
m atthatf
avour
it
eplaceofyours.Ihadt
oget
somethingt
oeat.Wil
ltal
klat
er.
"

Iputmyphonedownandj ustsatdownandwai t
ed
tobecall
ed.Itl
ooksl
ikemyphonei sbj
sytoday.It
keepsbeepi
ng.
"
Keat
lar
etsipl
easemeetmeathome.Ir
eal
lywanna
t
alkt
oyou.KeRapula."
Whatdoeshewantnow?Ibl ockedhi
snumberbut
hekeepschangi
ngthem.Ideletedt
hetextand
br
eatheoutl
oud.Itbeepsagain.
Bonol
o:whyar
eyoui
gnor
ingt
hatphone?
Me:
keRapul
a.Idon'
twantt
otal
ktohi
m.
Bonol
o:it
houghtyoucutal
lti
eswithhim!Thi
sisan
i
mportantdayforyouhebet
ternotrui
nit
.
Me:
hekeepschangi
nghi
snumbersaf
teribl
ock
t
hem.Hesaysimustcomekwabonehewantsus
t
otal
k.
Bonol
o:i
m goi
ngtohim bef
oretheyletthekhozasi
n.
Hemustnotdarerui
nthisbeauti
fulday!
Me:
im movi
ngonwithmyl
if
e.Hemustj
ustf
ocus
onhi
swifeandl
eavemeal
one.
Bonol
o:I
'
llmakesur
eoft
hat
.
Shegotoutandiwasl
eftwi
thDi
puo,
Regoand
Mannonomycousins.
Rego:
tobehonestIt
hinkyou'
remaki
ngami
stake.
Rapswagorata.
Me:
wel
lIdon'
tlovehi
m.
Rego:
andyou'vecomet ot
hatdecisi
oninwhat?
Ei
ghtmonths?Bettert
hedevi
lyouknowt hanthe
onedontknow.Mencheatandt hatwontchange.
Whenthisonecheatsyouwil
lleavehimtoo?
Appar
ent
lyal
lmencheatbesi
desherhusband.

Me:i
fyouknowsomuchaboutthatRapsofyours
wjydon'
tyout
akehi
mforyoursel
f?Pleasedon'
t
r
uinmyday.
Dipuo:
don'tmi
ndher
.Thisi
sgoingtobea
successf
uldayandj
ustbehappyandignor
eher
.
Mannono:butim wit
hRegoont hi
sone.Yougo
fr
om thakatsagagoandgof oragrandpa.Idon'
t
evenknowwhatyou' rel
ooki
ngforcositcan'tbe
money.Youhavel otsoft
hat
.Hewi l
ldiesoon.The
guyistooold.
Di
puo:
whatmat
ter
sist
hei
rloveandnotage.
Mannono:becar
efuloft
heseol
dmen.Whyi
she
onl
ygett
ingmarri
ednow!
Me:pl
ease!Youar
emakingnoise.St
optal
king
aboutt
hingsyouknownot
hingabout!
Myphoner
ingsandianswer
.
Mpendul
o:st
handwasami
hiwar
ethi
ngsgoi
ng
t
here.
Me:
um f
ine.
Mpendul
o:don'
tli
etome.Youknowyoucannever
l
iet
ome.
Me:okay.Idon'
tknowhowi
t'
sgoi
ng.Yourf
ami
lyi
s
st
il
latthegate.
Mpendul
o:okay.Babe.
..
Youwoul
dn'
tchangeyour
mi
ndaboutusr ight
?
Me:
no,
why?
Mpendul
o:ij
ustsawyourex.Hel
ookedangr
y.
Me:babeiwoul dn'
tletyourfami l
ycomealltheway
herejustt
oembar rassthem.Il oveyouandt hat
's
notgoingtochange.Noonewi l
lstopusfr
om being
toget
her.Ichoseyouandiwi l
lalwayschooseyou.
There'
snothingtowor ryabout.
Mpendul
o:okay.Ngi
yak'
thandaMawakhe.
Me:
iloveyout
ooandi
can'
twai
ttoseeyou.Bye.
"
Im back.They'
vej
ustl
ett
hekhozasi
nnow.
"
Ir
eleasedabi
gbr
eat
he.
Mannono:ijustsawamanwi
thwhi
tehai
r!I
sthat
yourf
iance?
Shelaughed.Likereall
yhar
d.Thi
sisoneofthe
reasonsIdon'tgetalongwi
thher
.Idon'
tknow
what'sfunny?
Me:Bonol
odi
dyouseeMpendul
o?
Nol
o:no.Butisawhi
scar
.

Aft
erawhilemyauntycamet ocal
lmesot hatwe
cangotowherethenegot
iati
onswereheld.
Me,Mannono,
Bonol
oandDi puowenttothere.We
satdown.
Uncl
e:whi
choneofourt
hreef
lower
sdi
dyoucome
t
opick?
M.
uncl
e:t
heonei
nthemi
ddl
e.
Uncl
e:Keat
lar
etsi
doyouknowt
hesepeopl
e?
Inoddedasasi
gnofagr
eei
ng.
Uncl
e:youcanl
eave.
Wegotupt henwentbacktomyroom.Icoul
dnow
breat
h.Iwasreal
lyhol
dingmybr
eathf
orawhi l
e
yoh.
Nol
o:pl
easeexcuseus.
Theyl
eftsul
king.
Nol
o:i
t'
sdonedown.You'
ret
radi
ti
onal
lyhi
swi
fe.
Youdon'
thavet
ocry.
Me: i
t'
sjustt ear
sofhappiness.Yousawthatman
withblackj acket?Thei
rauntcausedanaccident
tostophi mf rom get
ti
ngmar ri
edandhisbri
degot
i
nt oanacci dentandthat'
sthereasonhedoesn't
stayinsa.Shewasal soresponsibl
eforMpendulo'
s
accident.Soiwashol dingmybr eat
hthatnot
hing
happenst histi
me.
Nolo:
andnothinghappened.Youcanrel
ax.Im so
happyforyou.Anddon'tworr
yaboutRapula.I
tal
kedtohim andim sur
ehewi l
lnotdosomething
stupi
d.Somakot iwakwaKhozahowdoyouf eel?
Me:
happy!Ican'
tbel
ievet
hisi
shappeni
ng.
Theaunt
iescameandgavemeadvi
ce.Theywer
e
t
ell
ingmehowt obehaveandwhattoexpecti
n
marri
age.Af
terthatiwast
oldt
otakeMpendulo'
s
f
oodt ohi
m.Theyshowedmewhi chroom hewasin.
Aunty:
don'
tfor
gett
okneeldown.Showt
hem you
wererai
sedwell
.
Me:
rakgadiI
'
m pr
egnant
.Whati
fif
all
?
Aunt
y:youwon'
t.

Itookthetr
aywithhisfoodandtookitt
ohim.He
waswi thot
hermenf r
om hisfamil
y.Theywer e
eati
ngbutnothim.Ikneeldownandputhi sfoodon
thetabl
ethengetthewaterandhelphim washhis
hands.Hewasallsmi l
es.
Mpendul
o:t
hankyoumywi
fe.
Ismiledandwentout .Thatfel
tli
keiwasi
nther
e
forhours.Af
terif
etchedt hepl
ateswhent
heywere
done.Hesentmeat extthatimustcomet
othecar
.
Mpendul
o:ihavesomet
hingf
oryou.
Hereachedt
heplast
icandgavemeasphatl
o.
Aaaah!I
t'
sli
kehecouldfeel
howim cr
avi
ngfor
MmeMoeket
sisphat
lo.
Me:
thankyouf
ort
his.
Mpendul
o:howar
eyou?
Me:
im good.Ij
ustmi
ssedyou.Ihaven'
tseenyoui
n
awhol
eweek.
Mpendul
o:nowim her
e.You'
remywi
fe.Fi
nall
y!
Event
houghyouruncl
ewasmakingt
hingshardfor
myfamil
yandalsomyunclebei
ngst
ubborn.Buti
m
gl
adever
ythi
ngwentwell.
Me:
ihavet
ogoback.Theymustbel
ooki
ngf
orme.
Mpendul
o:canyoupl
easest
ayabi
t?Maybe10
mi
nutes?
Me:
babeyou'
l
lhavemeal
ltoyour
sel
f.We'
rel
eavi
ng
t
oget
her.
Mpendul
o:okay.
Itookmykotaandwentback.Iat
eitandwentt
o
myr oom t
otakeanap.Iwaswokenafterawhi
le
andtheyweresingi
ngoutsi
de.
Aunt
y:i
t'
snowt
imet
oleave.They'
ver
equest
edt
o
l
eavewi
thyou.
Me:
didisl
eepf
oral
ong?
Aunty:
itmustbethebabymakingyousl
eepl
iket
his.
Letsamayesentl
e.Oitshwar
esentl
e.
Me:
eyar
akgadi
.
Ihuggedherandt
ookmyhandbagandwentt
olook
fordad.If
oundhi
minthel
ounge.
Me:
papa
Dad:
ngwanake.
Iwentt
ohughi
m.
Dad:im pr
oudofyouandhowf aryouhavecome.
Yourin-l
awshaverequestedtoleavewit
hyou.Don'
t
for
getaboutme.Call.Il
oveyouandi ft
here'
s
anythi
ngyouneedcal lme.Getti
ngmarri
eddoesn'
t
meanyoushouldforgetabout
us.
Me:dadyouknowyoucomefi
rst
tome.I
fitwasupto
meyouwoul dmovet
oPret
ori
atobecl
osetome.but
youdon'
twantto.
Dad:
ibui
lt
thi
spl
acewi
thyourmot
herandiwi
lldi
e
her
e.Gowel
l.
Me:
iwi
llcal
lassoonasIar
ri
ve.
Wehuggedf
orsomet
imeandl
eft
.

Mpendul
o
Il
ookedatt hewomani nfrontofmeandint hat
i
nstantiknewt hatGodisgood.Hegavemet his
beauti
fulwoman.I m bl
essed.Ihaveever
ythinga
mancanaskf or.
whatmor ecaniaskfor?
Kea:
doyouwantsomecake?
Me:
noiwantyou.
Shebl
ushedl
ooki
ngdown.Ist
il
lgoti
t.Thi
sol
dman
canst
il
lmakeawomanblush.
Kea:
babeourf
ami
li
esar
eher
e.Beser
ioust
uu.
Me:
im ser
ious.Icanevenki
ckt
hem out
.
Shel
aughed.
Kea:t
hat
'st
aki
ngi
ttoofar
.Theyarel
eavi
nginthe
eveni
ngandwewil
lhavethehouset
ooursel
ves.
Me:
okayiguessamancanonl
ybepat
ient
.
Ourf ami l
iesar eatmypl acei nDur ban.Theywer e
heref orthet r
aditionalweddi ng.Fi r
stl
yt heweddi ng
tookpl acebackatmygr andmot her'
splacet hen
cameher e.Wet henwentt osi gnthenhada
celebration.I t'
snowof fi
cial.Im mar ri
edt omy
sweet hear t.Thel oveofmyl i
fe.Event hought hings
wentqui ck, ibeli
evet hi
sisper manent .Ilovemy
wife.Iwoul dgocr azyifshel ef tme.Bef oremeet i
ng
heriwasn' tevensur eifiwoul devergetmar ri
ed.
Butshecameandchangedever yt
hing.

Thef
oll
owi
ngday

Ever
yonehadl ef
tandnowmywi fe'
sfat
her,
uncl
es
andgrandfat
herwereonthei
rway.Mywi f
ewas
sul
kingbecauseherfat
herwasl
eaving.
K.dad:pleaset
akecareofmydaughter
.I'
mt r
usti
ng
youwi thmyl i
tt
legi
rl.Ihopet
hatyouwil
ltr
eather
well.
Me:
ipr
omi
set
otr
eatherwel
l.She'
singoodhands.
K.
dad:
that
'sgood.
Kea:
papaidon'
twantyout
ogo.Atl
eastst
ayf
ora
week.
K.dad:iwi
llcalleveryday.Gaosalengwanaakre?
Youhavet olearnt oli
vewithoutmealwaysbei
ng
byyourside.Idon' thavemucht i
meinthiswor
ld.
Butiknowyouwi llbetakencareof.
Kea:
papadon'
ttal
kli
ket
hat
.Pl
ease.
K.
dad:
sor
ry.Wewi
llt
alkever
yday.
Kea:papaareyousi
ck?You'
resuddenl
ytal
king
aboutdeath!
K.
dad:
im notsi
ck.Papawagor
atawaut
lwe?
Kea:
lennakagor
atapapa.
Shehuggedherfat
hersnif
fi
ng.Thenmovedtoher
grandf
ather
.Af
tert
hatthedri
verdrovet
hem t
othe
ai
rport
.
Me:
babeyourf
atheri
sal
ri
ght
.
Kea:
he'
ssuddenl
ytal
kingaboutdeat
h.Whatdoyou
wantmet
othi
nk?
Me:wecanal
waysdr i
vetoRust
enbur
gwhenyou
misshi
m.Youwillbefi
ne.Andhewil
lbebackf
or
t
hewhiteweddi
ngsoon.
Kea:
im notget
ti
ngmar
ri
edwhi
lepr
egnant
.
Me:
Khanyi
sil
ewet
alkedandagr
eedont
his.
Myf amil
ygavehert
henameKhanyi si
le.She
broughtl
ightt
omyli
fe.She'
stheonlyonewhowas
gi
venaname.Mygr andmotherspecif
ical
lygave
herthi
sname.
Kea:
I'
l
lbebi
g.
Me:
youwon'tbebi
g.Andyou'
renotshowingyet
.
Weareget
ti
ngmarri
edintwomonthstime.
Kea:I
'
llbef
ivemont
hs!Besi
des,
we'
veal
ready
si
gned.
Me:andiwantust ohaveawedding.Iknowyou
wantthi
st oo.Andyoubei
ngpregnantwillnotst
op
usfrom havingthi
sweddi
ng.
Kea:
okay.
Ihuggedher
.Iknowshedoesn'tagr
eewit
hthi
sbut
Ihopeiwasabletogett
hroughtoher.
[
07/06,18:
58] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER10*

Todayi m doingmyl astdayatwor ktheniwi l

lgo
backt omycompany.Leavi ngthisplacei sso
emot i
onal.I '
vebeenwor kingheref orf ouryears.
Theowneroft hiscompanyi smyment or.Shesaw
potent i
alinmewhenIj oinedt hi
spl aceanddeci ded
thatshewi llmentorme.I'velearntal otfrom her.I
willapplyt hatknowledgei nmycompany.
Yest erdayt heydidafarewellpartyformeandi m
blessedt ohavepeopl ewhol ovemel ikemy
colleaguesdo.Iwi l
lal
wayscher i
sht hem.
"Keaiswearit
oldheryouar
ebusybutshei
nsi
sted
oncominghere.
"
Thati
sBont
lemyassi
stant
.She'
sact
ual
lymy
ri
ghthandwoman.Idoeveryt
hingworkrel
atedwith
her.Meandherareverycl
osebutnotonapersonal
l
evel.She'
sal
sogoingtoworkwit
hmei nmy
company.Ial
readyaskedt
hebossandsheagr eed.
Me:
it
sfi
neBont
le.Youcanl
eaveus.
Shegotoutandcl
osedt
hedoor
.
Me:Khanyowhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Doesyour
br
otherknowyouar
eher
e?
Khanyo:
yes.I
m st
il
lonr
ecesssoi
tsnotapr
obl
em.
Me:
ofcour
senot
.Howar
eyou?
Khanyo:
ver
ygood!
Me:
youl
ookhappy.
Khanyo:
iam happy.Iwontbespendi
ngmyhol
idays
wit
hmom anddadsoiam happy.
Me:
wow.Sohowdi
dyougether
e?
Khanyo:uber.Iact
ual
lyranaway.Doyouknowhow
yourdaughterwantedtocomehere?Shesaidyou
l
efther.Shewascr yi
ng.
Me:
shecr
iesever
ydayil
eavehome.Sot
odayIhave
toknockoffear
lysowecangot
othemal
landbuy
heranyt
hingshewants.
Welaughed.Aknockdi
stur
bedusandGod!What
doeshewanthere?It
houghtmeandhi
m aredone.
Me:
Rapul
adumel
a
Rap:
hey.Longt
ime.Haveyoubeeni
gnor
ingme?
Me:
andwhywoul
dIdot
hat
?
Heshr
ugshi
sshoul
der
s.
Khanyo:im goi
ngtogetusfood.I
ml eavi
ngwhen
youleaveoryourhusbandwillmakemebabysit
yourkids.Andthat
'sabigno!
Me:wontyougetbor
edhere?Oryouwantt
olear
n
si
methi
ngaboutfi
nances?
Shel
aughed.Shehasar
eal
lyl
oudl
augh.
Khanyo:nothanks.Imfi
nedoi
ngmedi
cine.Sooni
wil
lbetreat
ingyouforf
ree.
Sher
ushedoutl
aughi
ng.
Rap:
husband?
who'
sthat
?
Me:t
hat
snokukhanyamysi
steri
nlaw.
Rap:youar
ereal
lymar
ri
ed.Whatdoesthatf
ool
havethatmadeyoumarr
yhim sof
ast?
Me:
myhusbandi
snotaf
ool
.
Rap:Keatlaret
sit
hatweddi ngwonthappen.Imi
ght
haveletthestupi
dtradit
ionalweddi
nghappenbut
restassuredther
ewillbenowhi t
ewedding
happening!
Me:t
hat'
snotuptoyou.Anddonteventr
ytostop
mywedding.I
fyoueverconsi
deredmeyourf
ri
end
j
ustli
keidi
dyouwillnott
ryanyt
hing.
Rap:di
dyoueverl
oveme? i
t'
snotevenayearbut
al
readyyougotmarr
ied.
Me:
youknowidid.Icar
edaboutyouandyout
ook
myfeel
ingsf
orgrant
ed.
Rap:
wecanst
il
lfi
xthi
ngs.I
tsnott
ool
ate
Me:i
m sor
ry.I
tstoolatefort
hat.Il
ovemyhusband.
Youknow?IneverthoughtI'
deverrecoverfr
om
whatyoudidt
ome.Buther eiam.Inevert houghti
woul
dloveanothermanagain.Butmyhusband
changedt hat .Heshowedmet heresstillpuret r
ue
l
oveoutt her e.Heshowedmewhatt ruel oveis.He
caresformyhappi nessmor et hanhi sown.He
l
ovesmewi thoutanycondi tion.Hedoesntl oveme
forwhatihave.Hel ovesmef orme.Hecar esabout
meandnotmymoney.Somet hingiexpect edf r
om
youmybestf riend.Mybr other .Butwhatyoudi dis
crushmyspi ritandhe' sdoingagoodj obatf ixi
ng
that.Thatswhyil ovehi m.Ilovehi m becausehe
l
ovesme.Becausehemakesmehappy.I m happy
wheniam wi thhim.Mor ethanievert houghti
couldbe.Inevert houghtiwoul dbet hi
shappyand
i
nl ove.Im sor rybuttheresnowayicanl etgoofal l
ofthat.Asisai dbefore.Iwishyout hebest .Ihope
youf i
ndt hatoneper sonthatmakesyouhappyl ike
hedoest ome.Notsomeonewhowi lltellyout o
plotonyoucanr obsomeone.Thatper sondoesnt
l
oveyou.Theyar eonlydestroyingyou.Youcanst i
ll
changet hat.Goodl uckwithyourl if
e.
"
Mommyyou'
reher
e.whydi
dyoul
eaveme?
"
Andnow?Whyi
shebr
ingi
ngt
heki
dst
owor
k?
Mpe:
wemi
ssedyouandwear
etaki
ngyouout
.It
's
yourknockof
fti
me.
Me:iwasjustwai
ti
ngforKhanyo.Whydi
dyou
comewiththem?i
m atwork.
Mnqobi
:st
handwadaddyisgoi
ngtodowhateverwe
want
.Whoknows?Imightgetmybicycl
e.
Ididn'tseeRapulaleave.Ij
ustheardt
hedoorbang.
Wel li
m happyitoldhim whatwasinmychest.I
j
usthopehel ist
enedandwi llchooset
her
ightpath
forhislif
e.
Khanyocomesbackandit akemyst uffandweal l
l
eavebutnotbef or
esayinggoodbyet omyboss.
Wespendt hedayinBr ooklynmal lbuyingthingsfor
thekids.IswearMpendul owast esmoney.
What everLisaasksforhewoul dt el
lhert otakeit
.
Evenmnqobihegothi m abi cycl
eandnewgames.
WhatI '
venot i
cedisheloveshi schildren.Hedoes
anythingforthem.Well,meont heot herhandidi d
fur
nitureshoppingforourhousewi thKhanyowhi l
e
thekidswer ewiththei
rfather.Ievendi dsome
shoppi ngformyhusband.Ihopehel oveswhati
boughtf orhim.Aft
erwewer edonewewentback
homeandigotdownt ot hepot
s.Onet hi
ngf orsure
i
simar r
iedamanwhodoesntl i
ketakeaways.Soi
havet ocookr ealfoodf orhi
m ashecal l
sit.Ithank
Godf orBonol oteachingmehowt ocoom.Orel sei
don'tknow.Icookedmogoduandpapandput
spinachont hesi de.Hisfavour
it
e.Afteriwasdone
i
twasal readydi nnertime.Khanyohadl eft.She'sat
Siyabonga'splace.It ookthefoodtothet ableand
wentt ocalleveryonet oeat.
Mpe:
smel
lsni
cei
nher
e.Mmhicantwai
ttot
ast
e.
Me:
sitdown.Ihopeyouenj
oy.
Mpe:
comeher
efi
rst
..
..
iloveyou.Neverf
orgett
hat
.
Ikissedhi
m.I
m blessedt
ohavehim asmy
husbandandicantwaitt
osayido.Theki
dscame
tooandwehadagr ouphug.
Li
saandMnqobi
:wel
oveyoumom.
Me:
iloveyout
oo.
Mpe:
whataboutme?
Mnqobi
:t
hef
oodi
sget
ti
ngcol
d.
Wel
aughedandsi
tdown.West
art
edeat
ing.Nott
o
bl
owmyownhor
nbutkedigat
il
e.Iout
didmysel
f.
Mpe:
thi
sfoodi
sdel
ici
ous.Canihaveanot
herpl
ate?
Mmh.
Me:
okay.
Igavehi m anot heroneandIcouldseet hathewas
enjoyi
nghi mselve.Af t
erwewer edoneiwentt o
givethekidsashowert henreadabedt i
mest ory.
Li
sa'sidea.Aftert heywerefal
li
ngasleepileftand
wentt oourbedr oom.It ookof
fmycl ot
hesand
wentt oshower .Iwentandshower edthendried
myselfandwentback.
Mpe:
whydi
dn'
tyouwai
tforme?
Me:
youshoul
dhavet
oldme.
Het ookoffhi
sclot
hesandijustloti
onthengot
i
ntomyni ghtdr
essandgotundert hecovers.It
ook
myphoneandj ustcheckedmyemai lsunti
lmy
husbandcameback.Heal soj
oinedmei nbed.
Mpe:osst
handwasami
.Howf
arar
eyouwi
tht
he
weddi
ngplanni
ng?
Me:
im st
il
llooki
ngf
oravenue.Ihaven'
tfoundone
t
hatil
ove.
Mpe:im sureyouwil
lfi
ndi
tthi
sweeksi
nceyouar
e
notgoi
ngt owork.
Me:yeah.AndBonolowi
llhel
pmesi
nceshesnot
wor
kingthisweek.
Mpe:
youl
ookexci
ted.
Me:t
hisismyfi
rstwhi
teweddi
ngandit'
swi
tht
he
manlove.Soi
m boundtobeexci
ted.
Mpe:
ihear
dyourconver
sat
ionwi
thRapul
a.
Me:
what
everyouhear
djustknowt
hatimeanti
t.
Mpe:
iknow.Andil
oveyou.
Me:
andil
oveyoumor
ent
atemogol
o.
Mpe:
am iagr
amdpa?
Me:Mannonomycousi nsai
dso.Sai
dyou'
ret
oo
ol
dforme.Thaticoul
ddobet
ter
.
Wel
aughed.
Mpe:
wel
lwhatdi
dyousay?
Me:
thatil
ovet
hisgr
andpaofmi
me.I
tdoesn'
t
mat
terwhatanyonesays.
Mpe:
andthi
sgrandpadoesntcare.Asl
ongashi
s
wi
fei
shappy.Sheshappyri
ght?
Me:
ver
yhappy.
Mpe:
ifmywi
fei
shappyt
heni
m happy.
West
ayedt
alki
ngandl
aughi
ngunt
ilwef
ellasl
eep.
.
..
..
..
..
ThenextdayIwentoutt ol ookforavenuewit
h
Bonolo.We'vebeenlooki
ngihaventf oundapl
ace
thatil
ike.Nowwear ecurrentlyonourwaytol
ook
atanothervenue.Andim alreadyti
red.
Nol
o:haveyouf
oundbr
idemai
ds?
Me:
yeah.You'
remymai
dofhonour
.
Nol
o:ial
readyknowt
hat
Me:
thenkhanyoandBont
lemyassi
stant
.
Nolo:youshoul
datl
easthave5hl
e.Don'
tyour
husbandhavecousi
ns?
Me:
idon'
tli
ket
hei
rfami
ly.
Nolo:Keaeket
lepel
ehl
emma.Youdon'
tli
keyour
husband'
sfami
ly?
Me:
theyarepol
ygamousandt
heymi
ghti
nfl
uence
myhusband.
Nol o:
ihopei t
'sthefir
standlastti
meyousayt hat!
Ifyourhusbandwant sasecondwi feitwontbe
becauseoft hem.I twil
lbehischoice.Sincewhen
haveyoust artedjudging?Idontknowyoul ikethat
.
Me: i
mj ustscar
edhewillchangeonmeandwanta
secondwi f
ejustli
keRapulawanted.Hi
sunclehas
twowi vesandhistwosonalsohavetwowives.
Whatst hat
?
Nolo:t
heyarenotyourhusband.Stopt hose
negati
vethought
s.I
fyouaret henwhat stheuseof
fi
ndingavenue?Youcan'tgetmar r
ied.Youhaveto
besure.Wedontwantyour egret
ti
ngi tlat
er.
Me:
iwontr
egr
etanyt
hing.I
m sur
e.
Nolo:
thenthatsgood.Youshoul daskt wogi
rls
fr
om yourhusbandscousinsthenyou' l
lbefi
ne.
Nowaf t
erthi
swe'llf
ocusoncat ering.I
twouldbe
goodiftheownersofthevenueal sodocateri
ng.
Me:theplaceyouwor
katcandocat
eri
ngand
t
hingsli
kethose.
Nolo:wowt hat
'sgood.Thenwehavet
olookf
or
yourdress.
Me:thedressesar
esor
ted.Bongani
'
swi
fei
sa
desi
gner.
Nol o:
wehavet oseeherdesignsf
ir
st.Youcant
wearshitj
ustbecauseitsdonebyfamily.I
fyou
don'tf
indadressthatyoulovewecanconsi der
otherdesi
gners.
Me:
im happyt
ohaveyoubymysi
de.
Nol
o:t
hat
swhatf
ami
lyi
sfor
.
.
..
.
Im happyt
hatifoundavenue.Mydr essisr
eady
andeveryt
hingisalmostover.Whati
m mostl
y
happyforisRapulagivi
ngmebackmyhouseand
company.Afterourtal
khesaidhehadt i
metothi
nk
aboutever
ythinganddecidedtodowhatisri
ght.
Iminmyr oom sit
ti
ngwi t
hLisa.Mpendulot
ook
Mnqobibackhomebecauseschoolhol i
daysare
over.Lisacr
iednotwant ingtogobackandi tbroke
myhear t
.Wedeci dedthatsheshouldstay.I ve
tr
yingt ocal
lmpendul obuthe'snotpicki
nguphi s
call
s.Sinceyest er
day.Itryhim agai
nandt histime
Mnqobianswer edandqui ckl
ycutthecall
.Soonhe
wasvi deocall
ing.
Me:
heybaby
Mnqobi
:mommyimi
ssyou.Howar
eyou
Me:
im good.Wher
esdaddy?
Mnqobi
:i
mtaki
ngt
hephonet
ohi
m.
Hewasgoi ngupt hestairsthengotinsidearoom.
Hewentt oabedandt herehewassl eeping.He
wascuddl edupt oawomanwhoiassumedi s
Mnqobi smot her.Thewayhewashol di
ngher .If
elt
myhear tbeatfast .Icouldn'
tbeli
evet hatthi
sis
happeningt omeagai n.Iwi pedatearandj ustcut
thevideocall.
ijoinedLi sainbed.I'
vebeenf eeli
ng
sickandIt houghtIshoul dlethim knowbutwhati
sawj ustmadememor esick.Iputthelightoffand
slepthear
tbroken.
.
..
..
.
Inthemor ni
ngiwokeupt owhispering.Iopened
myeyesandt herehewaswhisperingwithLisa.I
gotof fthebedandwentt othebathroom.He
attempt edtogetinbutishutthedoorandl ocked
i
t.itookaver ylongshower.Wheniwentbackt omy
room t herewasnoone.Iloti
onedandgotdr ess
thent ookmyhandbag.Iwentdownst air
sandt hey
wer ewat chi
ng.
Mpendul
o:mor
ningmyl
ove
Li
sa:
mommycanicomecomewi
thyou?
Me:
didyout
akeabat
h?
Li
sa:
yes.
Me:
okay.Let
'sgo.
Mpendul
o:wher
ear
egoi
ngt
o?
Me:
im goi
ngt
othedoct
or.
Mpendul
o:ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?
Me:
ifyoupi
ckedyourcal
lsyouwoul
dhaveknown.
ItookLisa'
shandamdweleft.Idrovet
othe
hospit
alfir
st.Wheni
twasourturnthedoct
or
at
tendedt
ome.
Dr:
pleasestopst
ressi
ng.You'
reput
ti
ngst
ari
non
t
hebabi es.
Me:
babi
es?
Dr
:yesyou'
recar
ryi
ngt
wins.
Me:
mypr
evi
ousdoct
ordi
dn'
tsay.
Dr:
nowyoumustt akei
teasyandt
akecar
eof
your
sel
f.Foryourki
dssake.
Li
sa:
mommyar
eokay?
Me:
imf
inebaby.

IdroveusbackhomeandMpendul owasst i
ll
seatedonthesamespotilef
thim.Iwentst r
aightt
o
thekit
chenandiwar medmyf ood.Ihaven'thad
anythi
ngtoeattoday.It
akeitamdgot othelounge.
Mpendul
o:Li
sasaysyouwentt
othehospi
tal
.Ar
e
yousi
ck?
Me:
noi
mfi
ne.
Li
sa:
daddyt
hedoct
orsai
d..
.
Me:
Lisa.
Mpendul
o:canwet
alk?
Me:
canieatmyf
oodi
npeace?
Mpendul
o:whyar
eyoul
iket
his
Me:
im post
poni
ngt
heweddi
ng.
Mpendul
o:whendidyoudeci
det
hat
?Anddon'
ti
haveasayinthi
s?
Me:
idon'
tthi
nkwear
ereadyt
odot
his.Let
'sj
ust
wai
tandwhenwearesur
ewecangoonwithx.
Mpendul
o:?Wear
eal
readymar
ri
ed
Me:.Idon'
twantt
orepeatt
hesamemi
staket
wice.I
wanttobesurewhenIsayIdo.
Mpendul
o:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Me:qui
tplayi
ngMpendulo!Ical
ledandyoudi dn't
pi
ckupyourcalls.Iwassi
ckandwant edtoknow
whenyouwer ecomingback.Mnqobivideocalled
andthereyouwereinbedwithhismother
.Hol ding
herasifshewasgoingtorun.Doyoustil
lloveher
andregr
etbei
mgwit
hme?I m usedt
obei
ng
rej
ect
ed.Youcant
ellme.
Mpendul
o:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
!?
Me:you'
rest
il
ldenyi
ngi
t.Iseeyouar
enotr
eadyt
o
t
alk.
Mpendul
o:andwher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:somewherepeacef
ul.Wher
eiwon'
thavet
o
overt
hinkt
hings.
It
ookmyhandbagandwenttomycaranddr
ove
wher
evert
heroadwoul
dtakeme.

NARRATED

Mpendulohasbeencall
ingKeat
lar
etsibutshewas
notpicki
nghi
scall
s.Hewasevenpani cking
becauseheevencal
ledBonoloandshesai dshe
hasn'
tseenher.Hehear
daknockandr ushedtot
he
door.
Mpendul
o:babyt
hankgodyou'
reback.
Bongani
:haywhat
'swi
thyoucal
li
ngmebaby?
Mpendul
o:it
houghti
t'
sKhanyi
sil
e.
Mabut
ho:
wher
e'sshe?
Mpendul
o:wehadami
sunder
standi
ngandshel
eft
.
Mabut
ho:
justl
i
ket
hat
?Whatdi
dyoudo?
Me:she'
sstoppi
ngt heweddi
ng.Ir
uinedagood
t
hing.Im sost
upid.Whenifi
ndagoodwomani
r
uoni t
.
Bongani
:whathappened?
Mpendulo:shesawmeandSnenhl anhl
ainbed.I
t'
s
notwhatyout hink.Herhusbandwasinvol
vedinan
acci
dentandIhappenedt obethereandMnqobi
vi
deocalledandshesawus.
Mabut
ho:
Bhut
i!Cantyouseewhatt
hatwomani
s
doi
ng?
Bongani :
youleftherandnowshewant storui
n
thingsforyou.Therecouldbenoaccident
.Thisi
s
allherplans.Shedoesn'twantyout
obehappyand
youf el
lrighti
ntohertrap.
Mabutho:
fi
ndherbef
oreit
'st
oolateandfi
xthi
ngs.
Wouldyouhavesmil
edifyoufoundheri
nbed
wi
thherex?
Mpendul
o:no!
Bongani
:yousee.Idon'
tbl
ameher
.

Keagoti
nandt
heyl
ookedatt
hedoor
.

Mpendul
o:i
m sor
ry.Pl
easef
orgi
veme.
Keat
lar
etsi
:i
m goi
nghome.
Mabut
ho:Khanyi
sil
edon'tt
akei
ttoof
ar.Si
tdown
andt
alk.Wearel
eaving.

Thet
wobr
other
sgotupandl
eft
.

Mpendulo:
im sor
ry.Iswearnot
hinghappened
betweenmeandSnenhl anhl
a.Shesaidshewas
scaredofbei
ngalone.Herhusbandgotint
oan
accidentandshewashear
tbr
oken.Idi
dn'
tmeant
o
hurtyou.
Keat
lar
etsi
:andiwasn'tscar
edofbei
ngalonehere?
Iwasaloneandsick.Whatifsomet
hinghappened?
Mpendul
o:I
'
m sor
ry.Pl
easedon'
tst
opt
heweddi
ng.
Keat
lar
etsi
:doyouknowhowi
thur
ttoseeyout
wo
i
nbed?
Mpendul
o:i
twi
llneverhappenagai
n.
Keatl
aret
si:
andt
hef
oolt
hatiam i
mjustgoi
ngt
o
for
giveyou.
Mpendul
o:i
..
..
Keat
lar
etsi
:i
fther
e'ssomet
hingyou'
rest
il
lhi
ding
youbet
tertel
lmebef or
ewegetmarri
ed.
Mpendul
o:t
heweddi
ngi
snotpost
poned?
Keat
lar
etsi
:i
fyoust
il
lwantt
o..
.
Mpendulo:
ofcourse.Ofcour
se.Thankyou.I
sweariwil
lneverdoanyt
hingtohur
tyouagai
n.
Thankyou.Iwasscarediwasgoingtol
oseyou.
Keat
lar
etsi
:I
'
m goi
ngt
omakesomet
hingt
oeat
.Im
hungr
y.
Mpendul
o:si
tdown.Iwi
llmakei
tforyou.
Keat
lar
etsi
:i
t'
sfi
ne.
Mpendul
o:si
tdownandl
etmecookf
oryou.
Keat
lar
etsi
:i
mjustmaki
ngasandwi
ch.
Mpendul
o:okay.
Shewentt
ot heki
tchent
omakeasandwi
cht
hen
camet
othelounge.
Mpendul
o:yourphonewasr
ingi
ng.
Keat
lar
etsi
:whoi
sit
?
Mpendul
o:noname.
I
tri
ngsagai
nandsheanswer
s.
Keat
lar
etsi
:hi
.
Voi
ce:
Rudo.Howar
eyou
Keat
lar
etsi
:whatdoyout
hink?I
mfi
ne.
Voice:
im backandwant
edt
oknowhowt
ouar
e
doi
ng.
Keat
lar
etsi
:you'
vehear
dthati
mfi
ne.Sowhatnow?
Voi
ce:
givemeyouraddr
ess.I
'
llcomet
her
e
t
omorr
ow.
Keatl
aret
si:
aft
er10year
sFar
ai!It
houghtyouwer
e
dead.
Far
ai:
im al
ive.Soyouraddr
ess?
Keatl
aret
si:Far
aii
m goi
ngt
hroughsomet
hingr
ight
now.Comenextweek.
Far
ai:
you'
remad.Anywayseeyout
omor
row.
Kea:you'r
etheonewho'smad.Don'
tcome
her
e!..
..
hecutthecal
l!
Mpendul
o:who'
sthat
?
Keat
lar
etsi
:noonei
mpor
tant
.
Mpendul
o:youwoul
dn'
tbet
hatmadi
fhewasn'
t
i
mport
ant
.
Keat
lar
etsi
:i
t'
smycousi
n.He'sbeeni
ntheUKf
or
t
enyearsandhej
ustgotback.
Mpendul
o:sowhyar
eyoumad?
Keatlar
etsi
:hefor
gott
hatiexist.Evenchangedhis
number.Nowhewant stoseeme?Hest r
essed
grandmasohemustj ustleavemeal one.Idon'
t
wanthimt omakehersickagain.Hemustgoback
towherehe'scomingfr
om.
Mpendul
o:maybehe'
sbackf
orgood.
Keatlaretsi
:wel
lhemustwait
.It
hinki
m goinghome
i
fmydaddoesn' tcomeher
e.Imisshim somuch.I
haven'tseenhiminawhil
e.
Mpendulo:haystop.I
thasn'
tbeenamont
hand
alr
eadyyouwantt ogohome.Evenyourf
atherwil
l
agreewit
hmewhenIsayyoumustgetusedt onot
seeinghi
mi nalongti
me.You'remar
ri
ednow.
Keat
lar
etsi
:t
hisi
smydadwe'ret
alki
ngabout
.You
al
waysseeyourfat
her
.Rapul
ausedt..
..
Mpendul
o:doyouseeRapul
aher
e?Nxaai
m outof
her
e.
Keatl
aret
si:
im sor
ry.Idi
dn'
tmeant
oment
ionhi
s
name.
Mpendul
o:don'
twai
tforme.
Keat
lar
etsi
:comeon.Let
'st
alkaboutt
his.
Mpendulo:doyouwantmet
oli
stent
oyout
alki
ng
aboutyourex?
Keat
lar
etsi
:i
twon'
thappenagai
n.Pl
ease.
Shewenttohim andstoodonhert
oessothatshe
canr
eachhisheightbutshewasst
il
lshor
t.Hebent
downandkissedher.
Mpendul
o:i
nthi
shousewedon'
ttal
kaboutt
hat
name.
Keat
lar
etsi
:nomor
e.I
m sor
ry.
Mpendul
o:wannashowmehowsor
ryyou
ar
e?mmh
Keat
lar
etsi
:yeah?
Hescoopedherof
fthef
loorandof
ftheywent
to
t
hei
rroom.
.
..
.
Mpendul
o:wher
edoyout
hinkyouar
egoi
ng?
Shewasget
ti
ngoutofbedbuthehel
dherback.
Keat
lar
etsi
:i
m goi
ngt
ocheckonLi
sa.
Mpendulo:
don'
twor
ryabouther
.she'
satBongani
'
s.
I
t'
sjustmeandyouher
e.
Hef
li
ppedheroverandwasnowont
opofher
.
Mpendul
o:ngyakt
handakhanyi
sil
e.
Keat
lar
etsi
:namingyakt
handa.
Mpendul
o:wher
edi
dyoul
ear
nthat
?
Keatl
aret
si:
whatdoyout hi
nkidowhenwe'r
ealone
wit
hLisahere?Angit
hiwenauyanghl
ekasoshe
t
eachesme.Di digeti
tri
ght?
Mpendul
o:yes.Butyousoundf
unnybutyouwi
llget
t
here.
Keat
lar
etsi
:butyou'
rel
aughi
ng.
Mpendul
o:i
m sor
ry.
Kea:
howwi
llil
ear
nwhenyoul
augh?
Hel
aughedki
ssi
ngher
.
[
07/06,18:
59] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*
*
CHAPTER11*

Mpendul
owasbr
ushi
ngmyt
ummy.
Mpendul
o:t
hankyouf
ort
hisbeaut
if
ulgi
ft
.How'
s
shet
reat
ingyou?
Me:
whosai
dit
'sagi
rl
?
Mpendul
o:meherf at
her.Iknowshe'
sgoi
ngt
obe
mybeaut
ifulpr
incess.
Me:
thedoctorsaidit
'st
wins,
andt
heyar
emaki
ng
mesick.Andlazy.
Mpendul
o:babi
espl
easestopmakingmommysick.
Yesyoucanmakehereatalotbutst
opmaki
ngher
si
ckneh
Heki
ssedmyt
ummy.
Me:
kej
athat
aMpendul
o?I
sthatwhatyou'
resayi
ng?
Mpendul
o:butbabeyouj
ustat
easandwi
ch.
Me:
thatwashour
sago.
Mpendul
o:okayIwi
llor
derf
oodf
orus.
Me:
noi
t'
smi
neonl
y.Aker
ekej
athat
a
Mpendul
o:okayi
m sor
ry.Babyt
ellmommyi
m sor
ry.
Pl
ease.
Me:
ordermyf
oodbef
orekengal
a.
Mpendul
o:women!
youdon'
tknowwhatwant
.
Me:whati
sthatsupposedt
omean?Mxm don'
teven
bot
herwit
hthefoodanymore.
Mpendul
o:babeiwasj
oki
ng.Youhavet
oeatokay?
Sothatt
hebabiescangr
ow
Me:
whataboutme?
Mpendul
o:doyouwantmet
oor
derf
oodf
oryouor
not
?
Me:
itol
dyouiwantf
ood.
Mpendul
o:okay.Youdon'
thavet
ocr
y.Iwi
llor
der
yourf
ood.

Iwokeupt
hef
oll
owi
ngdayf
eel
ingt
ir
edandweak.I
wentandt ookabat hhopingt obebetter.Af t
eri
wasdoneiwentdownst ai
rsandf oundbr eakfasti
n
theoven.Mpendul olef
tforwork.It'
sjustmesi nce
Lisaisnothere.Itookmyf oodandst artedeat i
ng.
Afteriwasdoneiwentt otakemywor kthingsand
droveofftowor k.Ihadnothingtodoathome.
EveryonewasbusyasusualwhenIar ri
ved.Igot
downt obusiness.
Bont
le:
areyoual
ri
ghtKeat
lar
etsi
?
Me:i
mf i
ne.Justal
ri
ghtt
ir
edoft
hesemor
ning
si
cknesses.
Bontle:
butitwil
lal
lbeworthi
twhent
hebaby
ar
rives.Justhanginther
e.
Me:yeah.Imthinki
ngoft
aki
ngleaveunt
iligi
ve
bir
th.Ij
usthavetofi
ndsomeonewhoiscapableof
runni
ngmycompany.
Bont
le:
okayIwi
llgetont
oit
.Someonef
rom out
side
orar
oundhere?
Me:someonefrom t
hiscompany.Doyout hi
nkyou
coul
dbei nchargewhil
eim away?
I'
llpopi
nnow
andthen.Youdidwelll
astt
ime.
Bontle:
webothknowi m notqualif
iedf
orthat
.Even
thoughI'vel
earntalotfr
om you.Knowwhat ?Iwil
l
tal
ktoHRandt heywilll
ookatpeoplewhoar e
capableofthi
st henyouwil
ldot heent
ervi
ews.
Me:okay.Butyouwi
llhavet
owor
kbesi
dest
hat
per
son.
Bont
le:
okayt
hen.
Shel
eftandIwentbackt
omywor
k.
.
..
.
Lunchtimecameandmyhusbandcamet opickme
up.Thisti
mehedidn'
tbri
nglunch.Justsaidwear e
goingtoaweekaway.Iwouldn'tcal
litaweekend
awaybecausewe'l
lspendthewholeweekt here.
Lisaal
readylef
twi
thhisbr
others.Hesaidit'
sa
famil
ything.
Me:
babecanwepl
easef
etchBonol
o?Imi
ssher
.
Mpendul
o:Khanyi
sileyouseeheral
mostever
yday.
She'
l
lbeboredthere.
Me:
shecancomewi t
hherpar
tner
.Iwil
lmi
ssher
.
I
magineiwon'
tseehert
hewholeweek.
Mpendulo:youwil
lcal
leachother
.Please.Meand
mybr ot
hersjustwantourwi
vestogett oknow
eachother.Youcaninvit
ehertoyourladiesget
toget
her.
Me:
okay.
Mpendulo:
youknowil
oveyou?Youar
emyl
if
e.I
'
d
ki
llf
oryou.
Me:
let
'sst
opt
alki
ngaboutki
ll
ing.
Mpendul
o:i
m ser
ious.
Me:ineveraskedyou.Whatdoyour
eal
lydo?
Besidemovingpeoplest
hings.
Mpendul o:
youthinkimovepeoplethings?That'
s
mybr other'
scompany.Ionlycamef oryourthi
ngs
becauseiwant edtoseeyou.Thef i
rstdayisaw
youenqui r
ingaboutmovingyourthi
ngsyout ook
mybr eathaway.Iknewihadtohaveyoui nmylife.
Me:
soyouspentt
womont
hsbef
oreappr
oachi
ng
me?
Mpendul
o:yes.If
ollowedyouar
ound.Youwere
al
wayssobeaut i
fulihadt
oholdmyselff
rom
comi
ngt
oyou.
Me:
wei
rd.Sowhatdoyoudo?
Mpendulo:
wouldyoubeli
evemeifisai
dima
sol
dier
?Welliwasasoldiert
henqui
t.
Me:
real
ly?
Mpendul o:yeahsonowi mintotr
ansport
.Buti
special
isewi tht
rucks.Tr
ansport
inggoodsout
side
southAf r
icaandbusesaswel l.
Me:
wow.
Mpendul
o:pl
easeanswermyphonef
orme
Itwaswri
tt
enSnenhl
anhl
aandiknewwewer
e
goingt
oargue.
Me:
it
'
syourbabymama.
Mpendul
o:t
alkt
oher
.Im dr
ivi
ng.
Ianswer
edandputi
tonl
oudspeaker
.
Sne:Mpendul
o.
Me:
hiSnenhl
anhl
a.I
t'
sKhanyi
sil
e.
Mpendul
osmi
led.Hel
ovest
hisname.
Sne:
who'st
hat
?Anyway.Ihavebeenwai
ti
ngf
or
hi
scall
.
Me: f
orgeti
tsne.Hewon'
tbecall
ingyou.Anyt
hing
regardi
ngMnqobiyouwanttotal
kaboutyoucan
callme.
Sne:
ohit'
sthewomanwhot hinksjustbecause
she'
sgett
ingmarri
edt othef
at herofmysonshe
canbemyson'smot her.Wellicanr ui
nthat
marri
ageofyour
sbef oreyouevengetmar ried.
Me:
wellwe'
real
readymarr
ied.Butyou'
rewel
come
t
ocomet ot
hewhi t
eweddi
ng.Icansendyouan
i
nvi
te.Sowhatdoyouwant?
Sne:
giveMpendul
othephone.
Me:Snenhlanhlast ayawayf r
om myhusband.Or
youwon'tlikeitwhenIcomet her
e.Maybeyou've
tr
iedyourst unt
sonhi spastr el
ati
onshipsbutnot
onme.I m notgoi ngtoletyoudot hat
.Thisi
syour
fi
rstandlastwar nimg.
Sne:
youwon'
ttel
lmewhatt
odo.
Me:
wear
edonet
alki
ngabout
.Bye.
Icutt
hecal
landtookmyphoneoutsendi
ngat
ext
toFar
ait
hatwe'
llmeetnextweek.
Mpendulo:
idi
dn'
tknowyouwer
esof
eist
y.Ican'
t
bel
ievet
hatwasyoutal
king
Me:shemustkeept
oherl
ane.You'
remi
ne.Hert
ime
haspassed.
Mpendulo:okay.Ilovet
hatyoustandupfor
your
selfbutpleasedon'
tchange.Remainasmy
sweetwife.
Me:anddon'
tenter
tai
nherplease.Il
oveyouso
muchtoloseyou.Imyselfcan'
tbeli
evethatI
'
ve
f
all
enhardinlovei
nsuchashor tti
me.
Mpendul
o:il
oveyou.Ifiwasnotdr
ivi
ngiwasgoi
ng
t
okissyou.Butwe'
llbether
esoonandIcan'
twai
t
t
oholdmywi fe.
Me:
ican'
twai
ttoseeLi
sa.Imi
ssedher
.
Mpendul
o:t
hischi
ldi
staki
ngmyspacenow.Andi
don'
twantt
ohearanythi
ngabouthersl
eepi
ngwi
th
us.
Me:
it
'
sli
keyour
eadmymi
nd.Iwasgonnasayshe
wi
llsl
eepwi
thus.
Mpendul
o:nothappeni
ng.
Me:
imj
oki
ng.
Ikeptlookingathim whi l
ehe'sdrivi
ng.Mymani s
handsome.Noexpl anati
onneeded.Hej ustis.
Afterawhi l
ewedr ovei nt
othel odgethattheyhad
bookedi nt
o.Hepar kedandwegotoutt henwentt o
wher etheyhadbooked.Icoul dhearwi t
ht henoise
thateveryonei sal
readyhere.Thef i
rstpersonIsaw
i
sLi sarunni ngtome.Ipickedherupandshe
kissedmyf ace.
Li
sa:
imi
ssedyoumommy.
Me:
imi
ssedyout
oo.
Li
sa:
areyouangr
ywi
thme?
ithoughtyoul
eftme.
Me:
noi
m not
.
Li
sa:
okayiwassad
Me:
sor
ry.Il
oveyou.
Li
sa:
iloveyout
oomommy.
Mpendul
o:Li
sacomet
odaddyYouwi
llhur
tthe
baby.
Li
sa:
whi
chbaby
Mpendul
o:t
heoneinmommy'
stummy.Mommyi
s
goi
ngtohaveababy.
Li
sa:
okay.Takeme.
Igavehert
oherf
atherandwewenti
n.
Mpendul
o:sani
bonani
.
Siya:
baf
oyou'r
ehere.It
houghtyouwer
enot
coming.Khanyi
sil
euyaphil
a
Me:
yebo.
Hel
aughed
Me:
heyi
mlear
ningher
e.
Bongani
:i
t'
sagoodthingthatyou'
rel
ear
ning.How
ar
eyouandl i
tt
leMkhathi
ni?
Mpendul
o:ican'
tbel
ieveiscor
edont
hef
ir
stday.
Mabut
ho:
itr
ustyou.
Me:Mpendul
oim st
il
langr
yatyou.
Mpendul
o:butbabeit
houghtwewer
efi
ne.
Me:wel
lwewer
ebutnotanymor
e.Li
sababyyou'
re
sl
eepi
ngwit
hustoni
gh
Li
sa:
yaay.Il
ovesl
eepi
ngwi
thyou.
Mpendul
o:st
handwasami
ngi
yaxol
isa.
Theyl
aughed.Mxm.
Muzi
:yoursi
ster
sar
ebyt
hepool
.Youcanj
oin
t
hem.
Iwentoutandtheretheywere.Allf
iveofthem.I
di
dn'tknowwhot heotheroneis.Igreet
edandsat
ontheemptychair.
Li
sa:
mommyi
m pl
ayi
ngt
her
e.Don'
tleavewi
thout
meokay?
Me:babyi
m notgoi
nganywher
e.Youcangoand
pl
ay.
Iki
ssedhercheekandsher
ant
otheot
herki
ds.

Iwentandsatdowngr
eet
ingt
hel
adi
es.
Nt
ombi
:ir
eal
lydi
dn'
tthi
nkyouwer
ecomi
ng.
Me:
whywoul
dyout
hinkso?
Ntombi
:don'
tgetmewrong.Butyoual
wayskeepto
your
sel
f.Evenwhenwe'r
einDurbanyoukeepto
your
sel
f.
Me:wel
limjustnotusedt
ohavi
ngf
ri
ends.Fr
iends
ar
ebackstabber
s
Bongi
:wel
lwear eallsi
ster
ssoyoudon'
thaveto
worr
yaboutthat.Herewear eaf
amil
y.Sofeelf
ree
toj
oinusanytime.
Me:
okay.
Ndoni:
sotellusaboutyour
sel
f.Whoi
s
Keat
laret
si,
whatyoudo
Nt
ombi
:Khanyi
sil
e.
Ndoni
:yeahKhanyi
sil
e
Me:wellwhatyouseeiswhatyouget.Imjustagirl
fr
om Rustenburgtr
yingtomakeitint
hisworld.I
m
anonlychil
d.Im abusinesswoman.
Si
za:
whatki
ndofbusi
nessdoyoudo?
Me:
I'
mint
oconst
ruct
ionbutI
'
m achar
ter
ed
account
ant
.Ihaveaconstruct
ioncompany.Ever
heardofBM const
ruct
ion?
Phuml
a:yes.OwnedbyRapul
aMol
etsane.
Me:t
hat'
smycompany.Hedoesn'
towni
t.Igave
hi
m 30%sharesi
nthecompanywhenwegot
marr
iedbutnowhegavei
tback.
Nt
ombi
:youwer
emar
ri
ed!
?
Me:it
houghtiwas.I
t'
sal
ongst
ory.
Ndoni
:wehavet
ime.
Ist
art
edtel
li
ngt
hem aboutmystor
y.Itwasnice
get
ti
ngtoknowthem.Iact
ual
lyenj
oyedthei
r
company.

Atnightwewentt ohavedinner.Everyonegat
hered
aroundandt hefoodwasbr oughttous.Somethi
ng
di
dn'tsmellgood.i
tsmeltbadsoir antothe
bathroom andvomited.If
eltmyhusbandt ouchi
ng
myhai r.
Mpendul
o:wher
eisyourmedi
cat
ion?
Me:
idi
dn'
tbr
ingi
t.
Mpendulo:
youdi
dn'
tbr
ingi
t?Youknowyouhavet
o
t
akeitever
yday!
Me:
stopshout
ingt
uu.
Mpendul
o:sonowwhatwi
llwedo?
Me:you'
reshout
ingagai
n.I
m goi
ngt
oeat
.

Igotoutwi
thhi
mfol
lowi
ngme.
Mpendul
o:i
fsomet
hinghappenst
othebaby.
..
Me:
yohnot
hingwi
llhappen.Canyoupl
easest
op?
Mpendul
o:youshoul
dhavet
oldmet
ogett
he
medi
neforyou.
Me:
im goi
ngt
osl
eep!

Iwenttoourbedr
oom andshutt
hedoor
.Icoul
d
st
il
lhearhi
mt al
king.
Muzi
:baf
oyoushoul
dn'
thaveshout
edather
.
Mpendul
o:shel
efthermedi
cat
ionnowihavet
o
dr
iveback!
Bongani
:ai
ntyout
aki
ngsomet
hingf
orhert
oeat
?
Mpendulo:
she'
llbefi
ne.Idon'tt
hinkthemedi
cat
ion
i
stheonlythi
ngmaki ngheractl
ikethat
.She
wantedhercousint
ocomewi thus.Andnowshe's
angr
yatme.
Siya:herhormonesmustbecausi
ngt
his.Justdon'
t
forgettotakeherf
oodwhenyougotosleep.
Mpendul
o:l
et'
seat
.Whenshe'shungr
yshewil
l
comeout.Orel
seshewi
lleatwhenIgotosl
eep.

Nxa!Whatdoesmyhormoneshavetodowit
hhi
m
shout
ingatme?Isl
eptwi
thoutwai
ti
ngforhi
m.

Nextmorni
ngiwokeupandt ookashowerand
wentout
side.Isatther
ejustenj
oyi
ngmynat ur
e.It
wassopeaceful.IwishiwasbackinPr
etor
ia.I
'd
j
ustcookororderfood.I'
m sohungr
yri
ghtnow.
Voi
ce:
Khanyi
sil
ebr
eakf
asti
sready.
Me:
thankGod!Iwassohungr
y.
If
oll
owedbehi
ndNdoniandsatar
oundt
het
abl
e
wi
thever
yone.
Me:
wher
e'sever
yone?
Mpumi
:t
heyt
ookt
heki
dsout
.It
'sj
ustusl
adi
esher
e.
Me:
okay.
Sethu:
areyoufi
ne?Ihear
dyouandyourhusband
argui
ng.Isi
ttr
ueyouwantedyoursi
stert
ocome
qi
th?
Me:yeahandaccor
dingtoMpendul
oI'
m
overr
eact
ing.What
'swrongwi
thmysist
ercomi
ng
here?
Ntombi
:not
hingwrong.Butiunder
standhim.He
j
ustwantedyoutogettoknowusasaf amil
y.
Me:
mysi
steri
smyf
ami
ly.
Nt
ombi
:youknowwhatimean.
Set
hu:t
hewayyout
rustt
hissi
sterofyour
s..
.be
car
eful
.
Me:
whyar
eyousayi
ngt
hat
?
Set
hu:
I'
mjustsayi
ngt
hatyout
rustheral
ot.But
youmusthavesomel
imi
ts.
Me:l
imi
tst
owhat?I
fMpendul
ocanbeher
ewi
thhi
s
br
other
swhycan'
tibewi
thmysist
er?
Mpumi:yoursi
sterisnotmar
ri
edt
othi
sfami
ly.
Sur
elyyouunder st
and.
Set
hu:
doyouhavef
ri
ends?
Me:
no.Bonol
oismyonl
yfr
iend.
Sethu:ihopeyoudon'tt
ellherever
ythi
ng.
Especial
lyaboutyourmarri
age.Whatifshe
snatchesyourhusbandfrom you?
Me:wemustbetal
kingaboutadi
ff
erentper
sonher
e.
She'
dneverdot
hat.
Sethu:t
hingshappen.I'mjustgi
vingyoufr
eeadvi
ce.
Shemustst opbeingtoocomfort
ablewit
hyour
husband.Iseeher .Sbal
ithi
sandt hat
?Oneday
you'r
egoi ngtocry.
Ndoni
:l
et'
sjustl
eavet
hist
opi
c.
Me:letmet el
lyousomet
hing.Idon'
tst
andwith
cheating.I
fyoumeanthatMpendulowouldcheat
onmewi thmysi sterthenyou'remistaken.Buti
fhe
weretocheatI'
dleavehi m.I
fhecanhavet he
couragetocheatthenhedoesn' tloveme.He
promisednottocheat .NotthatI'
m sayinghewon't
.
Butifhedoesthenil eave.
Bongi
:assi
mpl
east
hat
?
Me: yes.Ifhecheat
sthenitmeansI'm notenough
forhim.I fhecheat
she'ssti
llgoi
ngtodoi tagai
n.
Whyst ay?Soimustjustwaitforhi
mt obring
diseaseshome?Not hankyou.That'
snotme.
Ndoni:
iwishiwasj
ustl
ikeyou.Iwoul
dhavel
eft
al
ready.
Bongi
:why?
Ndoni:shakaist
heonlymanI'veeverbeenwit
h.I
don'
tthinkicanl
ovesomeoneel se.Maybeoneday
iwil
lhavethecouraget
oleaveandnevercome
back.

Il
ookatherandiseepai
n.She'
sreall
yinpai
n.I
knowI
'vebeenthr
oughalotandallt
hatbutwhati
seeinheri sabrokenperson.I
fsomeoneclai
ms
thatt
heyl oveyoutgenhowcomet heyhurtyouli
ke
thi
s?Thisi soneofthereasonsmanypeoplegive
uponl ove.Beinghurtbytheoneyoul
ove.

Sethu:
ifyoucoul
dn'tl
eaveayearagot henyouwil
l
neverl
eave.Idon'
tthinkyouwil
lleave.Shakawi
l
l
al
waysmakeaf ooloutofyou.
Ndoni
:ar
eyousayi
ngI
'
m af
oolSi
phoset
hu?
Set
hu:
idi
dn'
tsayt
hat
.
Ndoni
:mxm.Excuseme.
Nt
ombi
:youhaven'
ttouchedyourf
ood.
Ndoni
:il
ostmyappet
it
e.

Shegotupandwentout
.

Mpumi :
Sethuyouar
etoomuch.Wast
hat
necessar
y?
Set
hu:
idon'
tsugar
coatt
hings.That
'snotwhoiam.
Me:
I'
l
leatout
side.

Itookmyplat
ewi t
hNdoni'
s.Il
ookedf
orherand
foundherwhereiwassi
tt
ing.
Me:
hey.Her
e'syourf
ood.
Ndoni
:I
'
m nothungr
y.
Me:I
'
m notgoingt
oletyoust
arvebecauseofSet
hu.
Eat
.I'
llsi
ther
ewit
hyou.
Ndoni
:t
hanks.
Me:
you'
l
lbef
ine.Don'
ttakewhatshesai
dtoyour
mi
nd.
Ndoni:agg.Idon' tcareaboutthatone.That'show
sheis.Shedoesn' twatchwhatshesays.Thanks
forbeingher e.You'retheonlyonewhot ookitupon
themselvest omakeaur ethatI'
m al
right
.The
momentyouar ri
vedyoucoul dseet hatsomet hi
ng
i
swr ong.Somet hingicannotsayaboutmyso
call
edsisters.Onedayyouwi l
lknowaboutt his.
Thisfamilypr eachaboutstandingwi t
heachot her
nomat
terwhat
.Butjustwai
tunt
ili
t'
soneoftheir
owni
nthewrong.Theywil
lshowthei
rtr
uecolours.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryyou'
regoi
ngt
hroughthi
s.Iwi
sht
her
e
wassomethi
ngicoul
ddotohelp.
Ndoni
:don'
twor
ryaboutme.Iwi
llbef
ine.

Aft
ermytal
kwi
thNdoniiwentt
otakeanap.iwoke
uptobi
geyesl
ooki
ngatme.
Itur
nedtotheot
hersi
decont
empl
ati
ngwhet
heri
shouldwakeupornot
.
Mpendul
o:ar
ewegoi
ngt
otal
kaboutl
astni
ght
Me:
whati
sther
etot
alkabout
?
Mpendul
o:your
eal
lywantyourcousi
nher
e?i
sthati
t?
Me:no.Wet alkedaboutt hatandiunderstoodthat
youwantmet oknowyourbor t
herswivesandget
usedtothem.I t
'snotli
keiwi l
ldiewhenBonol oi
s
nothere.Thei ssueisyoushout ingatmel i
keima
chi
ld.Evenmyf at
herwoul dn'
tshoutatmel iket
hat
whenim wr ong.Youshoul dhavej ustcal
ledmeand
tol
dmet hatwe' regoingawayoraskedwher eiput
themwdi cine.Butyoujustshoutatmeinfr
ontof
allyourbrother
sandt heirwi
ves.Doyouknowhow
embar r
assedif el
t?Youcouldhavemaybewai t
ed
andt al
kedt omei nhere.Notgoreont
senyet
se
mat l
hobat hong.Kenalemai kut
lol
ennaaw.
Mpendulo:
im sor
ry.Idi
dntknowyouf
eltl
iket
hat
.
Pl
easeforgi
veme.
Me:
it
'
sfi
ne.
Mpendulo:
canyougetreadyf
orbr
eakf
ast
?I
f
etchedyourmedi
cati
on.
Me:youdrovebackt
oPr
etor
ia?
ial
readyhad
br
eakfast
.
Mpendul
o:ihadt
o.Nowgoandt
akeabat
h.
Me:t
hanks.Canigetahugnow?Idon'
tli
kei
twhen
you'
reangryatme.
Mpendul
o:i
m notangr
y.Comeher
e.
Isatonhi
slapandhuggedhi
m.
Me:
iloveyou.
Mpendul
o:il
oveyoumor
eandipr
omi
senott
o
shoutatyouagai
n.
Hepi
ckedmeupandputmebackont
hebed.
Me:
goandhavebr
eakf
ast
.
Mpendulo:
itcanwai
t.Mywi
fest
il
lneedsmy
at
tent
ion.
.
..
..
Ourstayi
nMpumalangawasgood.Wedi dalotof
thi
ngsandvi
sit
edmanyplaces.It'
sapit
yicoul dn'
t
dosomebecausei
m pregnant
.Butalli
nallihadan
amazingt
imeandigottobeclosetomysistersin
l
aw.
Mpendul
o:babest
oppr
etendi
ng.Wakeup.Imi
ss
you.
Me:
don'
tyouhavewor
ktodo?
Mpendul
o:i
m notgoi
ngt
owor
k.
Me:
okay.Soyouwi
llst
ayher
ewi
thme?
Mpendul
o:yes.Wearealsogoingtot
hehospi
talsoi
canseemypr i
ncesses.Getup.Li
sai
salr
eadyup
Me:
whydoyoul
ikewaki
ngherupsoear
ly?
She'
sa
chi
ld
Mpendul
o:i
mteachingherdisci
pli
ne.Byt
het
ime
shest
art
sschoolshe'
llbeusedtoit.
Me:
okay.I
'
llgoshowerandmakebr
eakf
ast
.
Mpendulo:youdon'
thavetoworryabouti
t.I
'
ve
cookedalreadyandwe'r
eget
tingahelper
.Wewil
l
dointer
viewstoget
hertomor
row.
Me:
okay.
Igotupandwentt oshower.Gotdressedin
tr
acksui
ts.Theweatherinptakeepschanging.I
wentdownstair
sandf at
heranddaught erwer
e
watchi
ngcartoonsandeati
ng.
Li
sa:
wher
ear
eyougoi
ngdaddy?
Mpendul
o:i
m goi
ngt
otakemommy'
sfood.I
'
llbe
back.
Li
sa:
okayhur
ry.
God.Im bl
essedwit
hthebestman.Event hough
somet i
mesIdoubtift
hisi
srealoronedayiwi l
lend
updisappoi
nted.Hecamebackwi t
hmyf oodand
tabl
ets.
Mpendul
o:goodmor
ningmami
Me:
goodmor
ningmyl
ove.
Hecl
osedLi
sa'
seyesandki
ssedme
Mpendul
o:nowmydaycanst
art
.
Lisa:
daddyst
opt
ouchi
ngmyeyes.Iwantt
owat
ch
thetv.
Mpendulo:
stopshout
ing.Oriwon'
tcookf
oryou
anymore.
Li
sa:
okay.Iloveyourf
oodbecauseyoudon'
tgi
ve
meveges.Gogogivesmevegeseveryt
ime.
Me:youhavet
oeatt
hem sot
hatyoucanbeheal
thy
andstr
ong.
Li
sa:
mydaddydoesn'
teatveges.Yout
oomom.
Me:
ido.
Mpendul
o:sohaveyouboughtyourdadapr
esent
?
Me:yeah.He'
sgoingt
obesur
prised!Ican'
twaitt
o
seehim smil
e.I
'
vebeenwant
ingtodot hi
sforhim.
Mpendul
o:you'
reagoodper
sonyouknowt
hat
?And
i
m happyyou'r
emine.AndI'dhavet
odi
efi
rstorki
ll
someonebeforet
heytakeyoufr
om me.
Me:for
tunat
elyforyouyouwonthavet
oki
llanyone
becauseiam notgoinganywher
e.
Mpendul
o:andi
m goi
ngtomakesur eofthat.Less
thanamonthtoourwedding.Icantwaitforyouto
beMrsKhoza.Keatl
aret
siRudoKhanyisileKhoza.
Me:
Bogat
su.
Mpendul
o:wewi
llseeMr
sKhoza.
Li
sa:daddyam iMr
sKhozat
oobecauseiam Li
sa
Khoza?
Wel
aughed.Shel
ookedsocut
e.
Mpendul
o:umi
ssKhozawena.uMr
sumama
wakho.
Li
sa:
thandanemama?
Me:
thandanamiLi
sa.Mybeaut
if
ulbaby.
Li
sa:
daddysai
dim beaut
if
ul.
Me:
he'
sri
ght
.
Li
sa:
andaunt
yKhanyosai
dim cut
e.
Me:
ver
ycut
e.
Mpendul
o:nowcanigetahugf
rom mygi
rl
s?
Wehuggedhi m.Thi s.Abeaut i
fulfami l
y,being
happy.I t
'swhatIal waysl ongedf or.Ial ways
thoughtihadi tbutno.It houghtIwashappywi t
h
Rapul a.Ihadever ythingpl annedout .Thatwe
woul dhaveki dsandl ivet oget herf orever.Inever
noticedthathedoesn' treallyl ovemebecauseal li
concent rat
edonwast hef actt hatt hi
si stheper son
igrewupwi thandhewi l
lneverhur tme.Igr ewup
withthisper sonandhepr ot ectedmesobei ng
mar ri
edt ohimi sabonus.Iknewhi mi nandout .I
knewhewoul dn' thur tme.Butt hatwasmef ooli
ng
mysel f.Butnowiknowbet ter.Youcanknow
someoneal lyourl ifeandt heywi l
lbet r
ayyou.You
canbui ldaman, makepl anst oget her.Lifeti
me
plansandhecanst il
lleaveyou.Youcanbui l
da
manandhewi llstilll
eaveyou.Youcanpr omi se
eachot herthewor ldbutst illbreakup.Sameas
women.Theycanst i
llleaveyou.Leaver oom for
disappointment .Eveni fthi ngsdonotwor koutwe
getupanddustour sel
ves.Wedonotl etgoof
ourselves.Wemove.Butneverforgetyourwort
h.
Knowyourwor th.Youarewortheveryt
hingyou
couldeverthi
nkof.Neverletsomeonetellyu
otherwise.
.
..
..
Thedr ivet oRust enbur gwasshor t.Wear ri
vedthere
wheni twasst i
lldur ingt heday.Myauntwast here.
EvenFar aicame.Weal lst
ar t
edwi ththecooki ngfor
myf ather '
sbi rt
hdaycel ebrati
on.Me, myauntmy
mot her '
ssister,andBonol oandhermot her .The
manwer eout si
deseat edwi ththeirbeers.Af t
erwe
wer edonewesett het ableoutside.Wet ookt he
foodt hereandever yonesatar oundt het ableand
startedeat i
ng.I twasagoodt imeenj oying
ourselves.Mosti mpor tantlyIwashappyt oseemy
fatherenj oyi
nghi msel f.Hewasal lsmi l
esand
l
aughi ng.Thebestt hingwaswhenIgavehi m his
present .I
'veneverseenmyf at
hercr ybutt odayhe
did.Hegavemeat ighthug.Icoul dn'thel pbutalso
cry.Iwssoemot i
onal .
Dad:
mychi
ldyouboughtt
hismachi
nef
orme.How
am ievengoi
ngt
odr
ivei
t?
Me:
icangetyouadr
iver
.
Dad:noneedfort
hat
.I'
l
ldri
vemysel
f.Godbl
ess
youmychi l
d.Mayheblessyouwit
hagoodl
ifeand
allt
hatyouwish.
Me:
iloveyoupapa
Dad:
iloveyoutoongwanakeum.
..
ther
e's
somethingihavet
otel
lyou.
Me:
areyousi
ck?
Dad:
no.I
mfi
ne.Ther
e'ssomeoneiwantyout
o
meet
.
Me:
okaywho'
sthat
?
Dad:
she'
scomi
ngj
ustnow.
Soonacarpar kedbythegat e.Dad'scar.Ihaven'
t
evennoti
cedthathiscarisnother e.Awomangot
outwit
hal i
tt
leboy.Shewal kedtowher ewewer e
si
tti
ng.Il
ookedatt heboyandhel ookedexact l
yli
ke
meandmyf ather
.Myhear tstart
edr aci
ng.
Me:
dadwho'
sthi
s?
Boy:
happybi
rt
hdaypapa.
Theboysmil
edhuggi
ngmydad.Papa?Wow.He
hasachi
ldandidon'
tevenknow.
Dad:i
m gett
ingmarr
iedtoher
.Andthisi
sOrati
le
yourl
itt
lebr
other
.BigBoyhere'
syoursi
ster
.Say
hel
lotoher.
Idon'
tknowwhatwashappening.Mydadget
ti
ng
marri
ed?Idi
dn'
tevenpayat
tenti
ontot
heboy
speaki
ngtome.
Me:papawanyalagape?Whathappenedtoyou
sayi
ngyoudon'tseeyoursel
fget
ti
ngmarri
edagai
n?
Youdon'tl
ovemymot heranymore?I
sthati
t?
Dad:Keatl
aret
siidi
dn'
twantt
ohurtyouwit
hthis.
Im sorr
yokay?ButI
'dl
ovemydaughter
'ssupport
ont hi
s.
Me:mysupport?Nowyouwantmysuppor
tbutyou
spendal
ltheseyear
smaki
ngmeaf ool
.Youl
iedto
me.Howol dishe?
Dad:
12
Me:
allt
heseyear
sthi
nki
ngi
t'
sjustus.Wow.Why
di
dn'
tyout
ellme?
Dad:
ireal
lydidwantt
otel
lyoubutidi
dn'
tknow
howyouwillr
eact
.
Me:
babeit
hinkweshoul
dleave.
Farai:Rudoyoucan'
tbeangryatyourf
ather
movingon.Youcantexpecthi
m goli
vehisli
fe
al
one.
Me:i
t'
snotaboutt
hat
.Thet
hingisheli
edtomeal
l
t
heseyear
s.Mpendul
oar
ewel eavi
ngornot
?
Li
sa:
mommycanist
aypl
ease?
Me:
Lisawear
egoi
nghome.
Mpendulo:
stopshout
ingatthechi
ld.Nowsi
tdown
andt
alkcal
ml y.You'
reupset
ti
ngthebabi
es.
Me:
iwantt
ogohome.
Mpendul
o:Khanyi
sil
esi
tdown.
Hesai
dthatwi
thadeepvoi
ce.
Mpendulo:
nowyou'r
egoi
ngtol
ist
ent
oyourf
ather
andnotactl
ikeal
it
tl
echi
ld.
Igotof fthechai randl eft
.Theycal l
edmeandi
didn'tli
sten.Iwal kedunt ilifoundmysel fatMme
Moeket sisfastfoodshop.Ior deredsphat l
oandsat
down.Ij uststart
edt hinkingaboutever ything.Why
didn'thet ellmei nsteadofl ying?Whol e12year s
he'sbeenl yigtomesayi ngi t
'sjustusonl y.Hehas
anot herchi l
d.He'sget ti
ngmar r
ied.It'
snotgoi ngto
bejustt het woofusanymor e.He' sgoingt of orget
aboutmymot her.Ican'tbel i
eveiwasevent alking
tomyl awyeraboutgi vinghi m myhousei nPret or
ia
Eastandt he30%shar est hatihadgi vent oRapul a.
Wel lnotanymor e.Imagi nehavi nganot herwoman
eati
ngmymot her '
shar dlabor .Ican'
thavet hat.
Theycal l
edmyor derandisatdownandst art
ed
eati
ng.
MaMoeket
si:
wow.I
t'
sbeenl
ongsi
nceil
astsaw
you.
Me:
eyamama.Lekae?
MaMoeket si:
rethotsihant
lengwanake.Kanai
neverthoughtyou'dcomeher eandbuysphatlo
again.Iheardyou'r
enowasuccessf ul
businesswomanwi t
hyourowncompany.O
ber
eki
lengwanake.
Me:kalebogamama.Beingsuccessful
doesn'
t
meanimustf or
getwher
eicomef rom.Igr
ewup
buyi
ngsphatl
ohereandeveryt
imeicomehomei
wil
lbuy.
MaMoeket si:
irememberyouandRapul
acoming
backfr
om schoolandhavi
ngyourl
unchher
e.Kana
nelel
estoutgore.
Me:
dil
otsakgal
eyanamama.
Wel
aughed.
MaMoeketsi:Rapul
awasher etel
li
ngmeabouthi w
hemessedthingsupbetweenyou.Ireal
lythought
youwoul
dspendt herestofyourl
if
etogether.You
l
ookedsogood.
Me:
it
'
sli
femama.Ret
lar
eng
MaMoeket
si:
areyouf
inemar
a?
Me:
kesi
amehel
amama.
MaMoeketsi
:Godhasr
eal
lybl
essedyou.Youl
ook
beaut
if
ul
Me:
keal
eboga.
MaMoeketsi
:andihear
dyouaregett
ingmar
ri
ed.
Yourmot
herwouldbesoproudofyou.
Me:
yeah.
..
Voi
ce:
fancyseei
ngyouher
e.
Me:Rapul
aobat
langha?
Rapul
a:ial
wayscomeher
ewheneveri
m home.
Howareyou?
Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s.
Rapul
a:iguessyouf
oundoutaboutyour
st
epmotherandyou'
renothappy.
Me:
youknew!Whydi
dn'
tyout
ellme!
?
Rapul
a:i
twasnotmypl
ace.Canweshar
eyour
f
ood?
Me:
obuahel
aoset
siot
senyal
etsogo.
Wel aughed.Mmh!Iact
ual
lymissedt
his.Weused
toshareoursof
tdr
inksandsphatl
oshereaf
ter
school.
Rapul
a:imissedthis.Inwverthoughtiwouldsee
ussi
tt
ingtogetherandlaughigafterwhatidi
d.
Me:
arghi
m movi
ngonf
rom t
hat
.
Rapula:
canweatl
eastbef ri
ends?Icantbearnot
havi
ngyouinmylife.Ir
uinedagoodt hi
ng.Ir
eall
y
l
ovedyouandisti
lldo.Butiknowthere'
sno
chancef
orusanymor e.
Me:
your
eal
lyhur
tmeyouknow?
Rapula:andim sor
ry.I
'
llspendt
her
estofmyl
if
e
apol
ogising.
Me:
it
'
sfi
ne.
Rapul
a:soyou'
rer
eal
lymarryingthi
sidi
ot?Doyou
l
ovehi
m mor et
hanyoueverlovedme?
Me: Il
ovedyou.Iputmyal linourrel
ationshipand
youdisappoint
edme.Soyesi m marr
yinghi m.I
neverthoughtiwasgoingtomoveonf rom what
youdidbuthereiam.Imi nloveagainandi m happy
okay?Whatweshar edwasamazi ngandI '
dliketo
keepthosememor i
es.I'l
lnevercompar ehowi
l
ovedyouandhowil ovehim.Wegr ewupt ogether
.
That'
ssomet hingi
m notgoingt ofor
get.Asmuch
asyou' vehur tmeiwontforgetthethi
ngsyoudi d
forme.Youwer et
hatbigbrotherineverhad.I
actuallythinkweruinedourfri
endshipwiththis
rel
ationship.Weshoul dn'
thavebeent ogetherin
thefirstplace.
Rapul
a:don'
t!Idon'
tregretourti
met oget
her
.If
t
herewasanythingicoulddot ogetyoubacki
woul
d.IloveyouKeat laret
si.
Voi
ce:
unf
ort
unat
elyt
her
e'snot
hingyoucandonow.
Ilookeddown.Iknewt
hatvoi
cewi
thouteven
l
ookingathi
m.
Mpendul
o:Khanyi
sil
egot
othecar
.
Me:
im notdonewi
thmyf
ood.
Mpendul
o:iwon'
trepeatmysel
f.Got
othecar
.
Me:
letmegoandt
akemyl
astor
der
.
Mpendul
o:heyngi
thehamba.Got
othecariwi
ll
t
aket
heorder.
Il
eftt
hef
oodt
hatiwaseat
ingwi
thRapul
a.
Rapul
a:don'
twor
ryabouti
t.Iwi
llpay
Me:
ok.
..
Mpendul
o:hey.Goandwai
tformei
nthecar
.
Iwenttothecarandjustsatwai
ti
ngforhim.I
l
ookedthr
oughthewi ndowandIcouldcouldsee
t
hattheywereargui
ng.Afterawhil
ehecameback
wit
haplasti
c.
Li
sa:
mommyar
eyousad?
Ididn'tevennot
iceshe'
sher
e.She'
sbeenqui
etal
l
t
histime.
Me:
im notsadbaby.I
mfi
neokay?
Lisa:
okay.Imadeanewfr
iend.Dadsai
dhe'
smy
unclebuthe'smyf
ri
endbecausehe'
snotbi
gli
ke
myot heruncl
es
Me:
that
'sgood.
Or
a:ar
eyouangr
yatme?
Me:
noi
m not
.
Ora:okay.Idon'
tli
kemaki
ngmysi
sterangr
y.Dad
showedmeyourpi ctur
es.
Me:
oht
hat
'
sgood.
Or
a:I
'
m happyt
ohaveasi
ster
.Ionl
yhadbr
other
s.
Li
sa:buticanbeyoursi
ster
.Doyouknowi m my
br
other'
ssist
er?Mnqobi
.He'sbi
gjustl
ikeyou.
Or
a:you'
remyf
ri
end.I
ssheyourmot
her
?
Lisa:
yes.She'
smymot
her
.MeandMnqobiand
ourli
tt
lechamps.
Ifel
tir
ri
tatedanddeci dednottol
ist
enanymor
e.
Li
sacant alk.Shenevergetti
red.
Wear r
ivedathomeandhet ookouttwokotasand
gavethem t
oLi saandOrati
le.Iwentt
omyr oom
andhecamewi t
hmyf ood.Hestoodbythedoor
l
ookingatme.
Me:
canihavemyf
oodpl
ease?
Mpendulo:
Khanyisi
lewhydoyoul
ikemaki
ngmea
f
ooli
nf r
ontofthatboy?
Me:
idi
..
.
Mpendulo:
youwhat?Youwer
ecatchi
ngupwi
th
yourl
over?I
sthatwhyyour
anfr
om here?
Me:
that
'snott
rue.
Mpendul
o:wewil
ltal
kathome.Nowgooutt
her
e
andapol
ogiset
oyourfat
her.
Me:
whatdi
dido?
Mpendul
o:don'
tpissmeof f
!Youdon'
trai
seyour
voi
cetoyourparentsnomatterwhat
.Iwon'thave
mywifebehavi
ngl i
keahoodrat.Got
ohim and
apol
ogi
se,t
alkt
ohi m.Li
stentowhathehastosay.
Me:
but
Mpendul
o:iwasnotaski
ngyou.Thisfoodwontr
un.
Youwil
lfi
ndither
ewhenyou'redone.
Hesatont
hebedl
ooki
ngpi
ssedof
f.Igotoutand
wentt
otal
ktomyf
ather
.
.
.
At5pm wel eftnorthwestanddrovebackto
pretori
a.Thedr ivewasqquietwithonl
yLisatalki
ng
untilshefellasleep.WhenwegothomeMpendul o
l
eft.Hej usttookourt hi
ngsupstair
sandlefti
na
hurry.Itookashowerandgoti ntomypjs.IputLisa
tobedaf terbathingher.It
ookanovelandr eadit
.
Whenihear dfootst
epsiputt
hebookawayand
sl
ept.If
elthim geti
ntobedandhol
dme.Idi
dn'
t
evenwakeupt ot al
ktohi
m.
Mpendul
o:canyoust
opt
hisandwakeup?Wehave
t
otal
k.
Me:
..
..
Mpendul o: iknowyou' renotsl eepi ng.Soyouwi ll
l
istentomeandl istencar efully.Thatthingofsitti
ng
withyourexandt alkingendst oday.I m notgoing
toletmywi f
ebef ri
endswi t
hanex.Anext hatstil
l
wantsher .Ihopei t
'snotgoi ngt ohappenagai nor
beli
evemeyoui m goingt okillhim.Iwi l
lkil
lhim
andt herei snot hingyouwi l
ldoabouti t
.Wewi l
lgo
onwi thourl i
vesasnor malevenaf t
erI'
vekil
ledhim
.Ihopet hewar ningigavehi mi senought ostop
tr
yingt ogetcl osetoyou.Il oveyoubaby.Andno
onewi llcomebet weenus.Sopl easewor kwithme
here.Hel pmet omaket hiswor k.Let'
snotbringex's
i
ntoourmar riage.Iknowyoul ovemeandidon' t
doubti t
.It'sthati di
otidon' tlike.Hehast his
i
mpr essiont hatyou' reallgoingt ogetbacktogether.
Butwebot hknowi t'snotgoi ngt ohappen. .
Isni
ff
ed.Tear
swer
efal
li
ng.
Mpendulo:
idi
dn'
tmeant
omakeyoucr
y.Lookat
meplease.
Me:shoul
dIbescaredofyou?You'
retal
kingabout
ki
ll
ingandit
'snott
hefi
rstt
ime.It
'sscar
ingme.
Mpendulo:
im sor
ry.Ipr
omiseiwonttal
kabout
ki
ll
ingsanymore.Justpromi
setoplayawayfr
om
hi
m
Me:
canyoupl
ayawayf
rom yourext
oo?
Mpendulo:
ipromise.Everyt
hingaboutMnqobishe
wi
llcal
lyou.Iloveyouokay?Youonly.
Me:il
oveyoutoo.Andipr
omiseyouidon'
tlove
Rapul
a.Ij
ustcar
e.Buti
m goi
ngtostayawayf r
om
hi
m.
Mpendul
o:t
hat
'sgoodt
hen.
Me:
whatdi
dyoudot
ohi
m?
Mpendulo:not
hingtoworryabout
.Ijusttol
dhim
t
hatidon'twanthim nearyouorhewil
lregreti
t.
Me:
mmh.Whati
sit
?
Mpendul
o:hasanyoneevertol
dyouhowbeaut
if
ul
youar
e?Andi m happythatyou'
remi
ne.
Me:ir
eall
ydon'tbel
ievethat.Igr
ewupbei
ngcal
led
afatuglybecauseI'm dar
kandihaveabi
tof
weight.
Mpendulo:
you'r
ebeautif
ul.Yourbeaut yisthefi
rst
thi
ngthatpushedtoyou.Thenigott oknowyou
andhowki ndyouare.Yourskincolourdoesn't
defi
neyou.Andasf oryourweightidon'tknow
whatthegmeant.Il
oveyouast hi
ckjustliket
his.
Tomorrowdon'tmakeanypl ans.Iwanttospend
thedaywithyou.
Me:
okay.Goodni
ght
Mpendul
o:babe.
..
Me:iknowwhatyouwantbutwewaitformy
appoint
mentwi
ththedoct
orfi
rstandhearwhathe
says?
Mpendul
o:okaymyl
ove.Sl
eep.
..
[
07/06,18:
59] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*
*
CHAPTER12*

Timef l
ies.Todayisourweddingdayandmy
bridesmaidsareherewit
hmeandt hemakeupar t
ist
i
sdoi nglastt
ouchups.Ilookedbeauti
ful
.
Mpendul omadesur et
otellmeeachandever yday
thatim beaut
if
ulandiendedupbelievi
ngit.
Ma:
andvoi
la.Done.
Nol
o:ohmyGod.Youlooksobeaut
if
ul.Lookatt
hat
dr
ess.Itwasmadef
oryou.
Me:
thankyou.Myauntcameandaskedt
heot
her
s
t
oexcuseus.
Aunt:mysisterissurel
ysmi l
ingdownonyou.You
l
ookabsol utel
ybeaut i
ful
.Iknowyouaregoibgtobe
agoodwi fe.Godbl essyouabdyourhusband.Be
frui
tf
ulandmul tipl
y.Mayyouhavemanychi ldr
en
thatwil
lfi
llyourhousewi t
hlaughter
.Happi
ness
andpeacewi l
lfoll
owyouever ywher
eyougo.Ilove
youmychi l
d
Me:
iloveyout
ooaunt
ie.
Dad:
andi
m her
etot
akemygi
rl
.
Aunt:
don'
tkeepmysoninlawwai
ti
ng.Hemi
ght
t
hinkyou'
rerunni
ngaway.
Shel
eftaf
tersayi
ngt
hat
.
Dad:
ibr
oughtyourgr
andmot
herwi
th.
Tearsfell
.Mygr andmotherisreall
yher e.Ithought
shewasn' tgoi
ngt ocome.She' shere.WhenIgot
marri
edt oRapulashedi dn'
tcome, saidshe'sbusy.
Turnsoutshewasn' tbusy.Shewasn' thappywi th
meget t
ingmar r
iedtoRapul a.Turnsoutt hatshe
wasn'ti
nsuppor tofithappening.
Me:
grannyyou'
reher
e.
Granny:ofcourse.Mychil
disgett
ingmar
ri
edsoi
havetobeher e.Yourhusbandfet
chedmeandyour
uncle.
Sheki
ssesmycheek.
Granny:
beagoodwif
etoyourhusband.Respect
him.Takecar
eofhi
m.Iloveyouandiam pr
oudof
you.
Me:il
oveyout
oo.
Shewentout
.
Dad:
icantbel
ievemyonlydaught
eri
sget
ti
ng
marr
ied.Nowyouwi l
lbefarfr
om me.
Me:papayou'
l
lmakemecr
y.
Event
houghhehadliedt
omeicouldneverhat
e
hi
m.Isti
lll
ovehi
m asidi
difnotmor
e.
Dad:im happyforyou.Andiknowyou' regoingt obe
agoodmot herandwi fe.Justknownoonewi l
ltake
yourpl acei
nmyhear t.You'resti
llmyl i
tt
legirl.
Anytimeyoumi sspapacomehome.Iwi llbether e.
Iknowyouwi l
lbuil
dyourhomet obebeaut iful
.
Takecar eofyourself.Iloveyouandyourmot heri s
proudofyou.Dontl oseyour sel
finthismar ri
age
okay?Andknowyoucanst i
lltal
kt opapaabout
anything.Comeher e.
Ihuggedmydad.I tbroughttear
shear
inghis
speech.Aft
erhegotoutt hemakeuparti
stcame
backagaintofi
xmeasI '
vebeencryi
ng.Af t
ershe
wasdonewepr ayedwithmybr i
demai
ds.Mpendulo
canwor r
yallheli
kes.Thisismydayandi m
al
lowedt
obel
ate.

NARRATED
Mpendulostoodtherehiseyeswander ingar ound
thevenue.Hewasst arti
ngtogetwor r
ied.Whati f
shedecidedthatshecan'tgothroughwi ththe
wedding?Hecoul dntkeepsti
ll
.It
shisf i
rstwedding
andthebrideisnotshowingup.Hi m andhi s
brot
hersmadesur et
hatnothi
ngmustdi stur
bt hi
s
daysowhatmustbekeepi ngherthislong?
Mzwakhe:
bafocal
m down.Youknowwomenar
e
al
wayslat
e.She'
scoming.
Mpendul
o:whati
fshedoesn'tlovemeanymor
eand
deci
dedt
or unbackt
othatidiot?
Mzwakhe:itol
dyoutostopt
orturi
ngyoursel
fwit
h
that.Shel
ovesyouandshe'
llbehere.Yousee?Her
grandmotherj
ustent
eredsmil
ing.She'
scoming.
Helookedattheent
ranceandsawLisathr
owing
fl
owerscomingdownt owheret
heywereasthe
songTwoBecomi ngOnebyJonathanandEmi l
y
Mart
inpl
ayed.BehindLi
safol
lowedOrat
il
eand
Mnqobi
.Hesmi ledashesawt hem.

Themomenthesawhi swi feinherbeaut i

ful
weddinggowni t
'sl i
keever ythi
ngel sedidn'tmatter.
Allhecoul dseewasher .Herf atherwal kedher
downt heai sleholdingherhand.Shesmi l
edasthey
werenear ingwher ethegr oom wasst anding.Asf or
Mpendul o,whenshewasnearhi m het urnedtothe
otherside.Hecoul dn'tholdhi mself.Hest art
ed
si
lentl
ycr ying.Itwasabeaut i
fulsi
ghtt osee.
Mzwakhehi sbrotherandbestmanof feredhima
handkerchi eftowi pedhi stears.Thebr others
l
aughedast heyhadneverseenhi m crylikethat
.
Eventhebr ideshedaf ewt earsasshewas
approaching.Het henl ookedatt hef r
ontbef oreshe
couldgetwher ehewasst anding.
Past
or:
whogi
vesawayt
hebr
ide?
K.
dad:ido.Khozapl
easet
akecar
eofmychi
ld.I
m
t
rust
ingyouwi t
hher.
Mpendul
o:iwi
ll
.
Het
ookhol
dofherhandt
heyl
ookedateachot
her
.
Past
or:
Bef
orewecancontinue.Isther
eanyone
her
ewhothinkstheset
woshoul dnotgetmarr
ied?
Tal
knoworf or
everhol
dyourpiece.
Itwasqui
etinthevenuet
henhecont
inued.Theni
t
wastimeforthebr
ideandgr
oom t
osayt hei
rown
vows.
Mpendul o:fi
rstl
ymyl oveI '
dli
ket osayyou' r
eso
beautif
ul.You'rethemostbeaut ifulpersoni nher e.
Andi m happyt hatyou'remine.Inevert houghtone
dayI '
dfindmysel fstandinginfrontofmanypeopl e
sayingvows.Inevert houghtmar riagewasf orme.
But,
onedayyouappear edandchangedal loft hat.
Youmademebel i
evet haticanchange.Il oved
i
mmedi atel
ywhenil ai dmyeyesonyou.Iknew
thenthatyouwer egoingt obemywi f
e.Andf rom
ther
eihadt owor khar dforitt
ohappen.Yougave
meabi tofahar dti
mebuti twasal lworthi tinthe
end.BecauseIgotmydr eam gi
rl.Myent irelifei
nevergotmar r
iedbecauseiwant edt obesur efir
st
oftheper sonthatim goi ngtospendt her estofmy
l
ifewith.Andaf terseeingyouiwassur ecort he
fi
rstti
me.You' remyf or
ever.Iwil
lloveyouli
kei
t'
s
myl astdayonear th.Iwil
lprot
ectandpr ovi
def
or
you.Ipromiset obeagoodhusbandt oyoumy
queen.Iwi l
lloveandcherishyou.Iloveyouso
muchKhanyi sile.
Hewipedat
eart
hatf
ellonherf
ace.Hewant
edt
o
ki
ssher.
Past
or:
notyetnotyet
.Iknowyoucannotwai
tbut
nowit'
shertur
ntosayhervows.
Laught
erer
upt
edi
nthehal
l.
Keatlar
etsi
:fir
stl
yt hankyoumyl oveforlovingme.
Thankyouf orshowi ngmet hattr
uelovereallyexi
st.
Insuchashor ttimeif oundmysel ffal
linginlove
withyouandever ydayif allmoreinlovewi t
hyou.
Tome, youaresomeoneiknowicancounton.
Someoneif indcomf or
tin.Someoneiwi shtosee
everydayiwakeupandwhenigot osleep.You're
themanipr ayedt oGodf or .AndithankGodt hat
heblessedmewi thyou.Il ovethatyoucareand
l
oveme.Andever ytimeyousayyouar egoingtobe
okayifeelcomf ortinthat.BecauseIknowi t'sfr
om
youandiknowt hatyouwi llbether
eforme.I
promi
set obet hereforyouj ustasyouhaveal
ways
beenthereforme.Iwi lll
oveandcher i
shyou.Iwil
l
beyourlove,si
sterandf r
iend.Iloveyousomuch
andeveryti
meit hankGodf oryou.
Past
or:
wow.Suchbeauti
fulandpowerfulvows.
MayGodblessyouruni
on.IpronounceyouMrand
MrsKhoza.Youmaynowki ssyourbride.
Hehel dherclosetohim andbentdown.Heki ssed
herandt heykissedpassionatelywhil
eothers
clappedtheirhandsforthem.Thef amil
ycameand
huggedt hem.Theyhadt her ecepti
onanditwas
goodandwonder ful
.Peopl ewer eenj
oying
themselves.

Mpendul
o
Kea:
babeidi
dn'
tknowyoucandancel
iket
hat
.
Me:youhaven'
tseenanyt
hing.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
andican'
twaittotot
akethatdr
essof
f.
Kea:
aahmyl
ove.Ican'
tbel
ievewe'
remar
ri
ed.
Ismi l
eather .Seei ngt hatshe' spr egnantideci ded
thatwewon' tgot oourhoneymoonnow.Wewi l
l
j
ustt ravelar oundSout hAf ricaf orthreeweeks.
Awayf rom ever yone.Justmeandher .Thef i
rst
ti
meImetmywi fei knewshewast heone.Iknewi
want edt omar ryher .Shehadabeaut if
ulsmi l
et hat
day,event houghIcoul dseet hepai ninhereyes.
Hersmi lewascont agious.If oundmysel ffal
li
ngi n
l
ove.Att hatmomentionl ycoul dseeher .Myhear t
wasatpeace.Imadei tmyi nt entiont oknow
everythingabouther .Event houghshewashar dto
getatf i
r stbutmychar m wor kedonher .Ifoundmy
wayt oherhear t.Andnowwear eher e.Andi
couldn'thavei tanyot herway.She' smyl ife.Inow
havear easont obecal ledahusband.I m
someone' shusband.Seei ngherwal kdownt he
aisl
ewast hemostbeaut ifulthi ng.I twas
confirmat ionthatshe' sr eall
ymi ne.
Me:Mr
sKhoza.
Her
:Keat
lar
etsiRudoKhoza.Il
ovei
t.
Me:
ithoughtyouwer
enotchangi
ngyoursur
name
Her:
thi
sisnotfunny.Whyar
eyoul aughi
ng?I'
m
onl
ychangingmysur namebecauseitdoesn'
t
matt
eranymore.Dadhassomeonet ocarr
yhis
nameforward.Soyeah
Me:butyoudon'thavetobesadabouti
tokay.Let
's
stoptal
kingaboutthi
s.It
'supset
ti
ngyouandidon'
t
l
ikeit
.
Her:
I'
dratherwef
ocusonusandj
ustenj
oyour
vacat
ion.How'st
hat?
Me:
ilovet
hat.Andpl
ease.Not al
kingaboutLi
sa.
Thi
sisourti
me.Wewillseeherwhenwegoback.
Her
:butImi
ssher
..
Me:
haa.
Ibrushedhertummy.Shewasnowshowi ngand
shelookedsobeauti
fuli
nherweddi
ngdress.Il
ove
thatshelovesmychil
dren.She'
sagoodmotherto
them.

Chapt
er10
Keat
lar
etsi

It'
sbeenal mostayear .Al othashappened. Now
thetwinsar e10mont hsandt heycanst andont heir
own.Thei rfir
stwor dswer edada.Youshoul dhave
seent heirdadsmi li
ng.Theset woar eloved.
MnqobiandLi saar eal wayswi t
ht hem.Theyl ove
playingwi ththeirsiblings.Mnqobist ayswi t
hus
nowbecausehi smot heri sinScot l
andwi t
hher
husband.Mnqobigoest heredur inghol i
days.I
evenwentbackt owor k.Iwasn' tusedt ost ayi
ngat
home.Whent het winst urned6mont hswegota
nannyandiwentbackt owor k.Lifehasbeengood.
Thet winscr owlt othemai ndoorandiknowt heir
fatherisback.Ever ydaywhenhecomesbackf rom
wor ktheydot hat.Luyandat ri
esst andingandf al
ls
andst artscrying.Hi sf atherdoesn' tmovef r
om the
doorunt ilheget stohi m.Thenhepi ckst hem both.
Andt heyst artsmi l
ing.Thesemoment sar eso
precious.Heki ssesmyf or eheadandpasses
upstairs.Isett hetabl esot hatwecanhavedi nner.
Afterim doneigot otheki dspl ayroom t ocheck
howt
hoset
woar
ecomi
ngwi
tht
hei
rhomewor
ks.
Me:
howi
sitgoi
ngher
e?
Mnqobi
:i
m donemama.Li
sadoesn'
twantmet
o
hel
pher
.
Me:
babyl
etyourbr
otherhel
pyou.
Li
sa:
iknowt
heset
hings.
Me:
letmeseeyourhomewor
k.
It
akei
tandiseeshe'
sget
ti
ngt
henumber
swr
ong.
Me:l
etyourbrot
hershowyouhowit
'sdone.Andi
f
i
t'
ssti
llnotr
ightt
heniwil
lhel
pyou.
Li
sa:
whymusthehel
pme?
Me:yousee,t
herearet
hingsthatwedon'tknow.
Justli
keyoulovemovingthetwinsar
oundyour
brot
herloveshel
pingyou.Youmustlethim hel
p
youthenyouwi l
lgotobiggrade.
Li
sa:
iwantt
ogot
ohi
sschool
.
Me:
youwi
lli
fyoul
ethi
m hel
pyou.
Li
sa:
okayiwi
lll
etmybr
otherhel
pmewi
thal
lmy
homewor
ks.
Me:t
hat
'sgood.Nowcomedi
nneri
sready.Hewi
ll
hel
pyoutomorrow.
Mnqobi
:okaymama.
Iwai
tforthem t
ogetoutandif
oll
owbehindt
hem.
Mpenduloisal
readysi
tt
ingwai
ti
ngforus.
Mpendul
o:yohkuni
ningi
li
ndi
le.
Hi
stonewasdi
ff
erent
.Okar
eot
inegi
le.
Me:
theki
dswer
efi
nishi
ngt
hei
rhomewor
ks.
Li
sa:
butbabaidi
dn'
tfi
nishmi
ne.
Me:youwil
lfi
nisht
omor
rowbaby.Pr
ayf
orussowe
caneat.
Mybabyl
ovessayi
nggr
ace.

Mpendul
o:mor
ningbaby.Youwer
enotonyoursi
de
whenIwokeup.
Me:iwokeupear
ly.Howar
eyou?
Mpendul
o:i
m goodbaby.Iwi
llt
ryandcomeback
ear
ly.
Me:
it
'
sfi
ner
eal
ly.Youdoyourwor
kandf
ini
sh.
Mpendulo:
iknowthi
sisourf
ami
lyday.I
'
m sor
ry
butiwi
llmakeitupt
oyou.
Hef
ini
sheddr
essi
ngandpackedhi
sthi
ngs.
Me:yourbreakf
asti
sint
hemi
crowave.Dontf
orget
yourlunchbox.
Mpendul
o:t
hankyoubaby.Il
oveyou.
Me:il
oveyout
oo.
Mpendul
o:comeher
e.
Me:
im sl
eepi
ngpl
ease.
Mpendul
o:youwantmet ogotoworkwithout
ki
ssi
ngmywi fe?That
'snothappeni
ng.
Hecr
ouchednextt
othebedandweki
ssed.
Mpendul
o:il
oveyousomuch.
Me:
haveagoodday.
Mpendul
o:t
akecar
eofourgi
rl
Me:
bat
honggakai
mat
uu.Youhear
dwhatt
he
doct
orsai
d.
Mpendul
o:mmh.
Het
ookhi
sbagandl
eft
.Iwentbackt
osl
eep.

Aft
erwor
khecamebacklooki
ngsad.Iwant
edt
o
askwhat
'swr
ongbutdeci
dedagai
nstit
.

Mpendul
o:tomor
rowi
mleavi
ng.I
m goi
ngt
o
Mozambique.
Me:
what
!?
Mpendul
o:oneofourtr
uckshasbeenhi
jackedandi
havet
ogoandt akecareofever
ythi
ngt
here.As
soonasi
m doneim comingback.
Me:
okay.
Mpendul
o:pl
easebehavewheni
m nother
e.
Me:
whati
sthatsupposedt
omean?
Mpendul
o:don'
tdosomet
hingiwoul
dn'
tdo.
Me:
ist
her
esomet
hingyouwantt
osay?
Mpendul
o:yourexisal
wayscal
li
ngyou.Whatdo
youwantmet othi
nk?
Me:i
sitmyf aul
t?It
oldhimim noti
nter
est
edand
youwerethere.Youalwayscheckmyphone.
Whenhecal l
syouanswerhim.Andyoucomeher e
andaccusemeofsh. .
.
Ist
oppedbef
oreicoul
dfi
nisht
hesent
ence.
Mpendul
o:you'
ret
alki
ngt
omel
iket
hat
?
Me:you'r
eaccusi
ngmeofcheat
ing.Haveiever
cheatedonyou?
Mpendulo:it
'sthelastt
imeyouuset hatword.When
didyoustartswear i
ngKhanyisil
e? Anywayyou
muststopwor ki
ngandf ocusont hechil
dren.I
makeenoughmoneyf orthebothofus.Youshoul d
rel
axandt akecareoft hechil
dren.That'
swhatyou
shouldbedoi ng.Justunti
lthetwinsare3.
Me:
mxm.
It
urnedt
otheot
hersi
de.
Mpendul
o:ut
himxm ki
mi?Usuyadel
elawena.
Me:
itol
dyouiwon'
tst
opwor
kingnowwhyar
ewe
backt
othi
stopi
c?
Mpendul
o:Behomeandt akecareofourf
amil
y.I
m
l
eavingt
omorrowandidon'tknowwheniwil
lcome
back.Weshouldn'
tbef
ight
ing.
Me:
im notf
ight
ingyouar
e.
Mpendul
o:you'
rej
ustst
ubbor
nfornor
eason.
Iignor edhi m andpr etendedtosleepunt ilIfi
nall
y
slept.Ear lyint hemorningiwokeupt ohim holding
sot ightunt ome.Noonesai danything.Iwant edt o
talkbuthedi dn'twanttohavethat.I nsteadhe
turnedmet ol ookathim.Wemadel ovej ustbefore
hel eft.Icriedwhenhel eft.I
twasasi fsomeone
died.Hel eftwhi lewewewer enotingoodt erms.I
gotupandj ustwenttot heshowerandt ookal ong
neededshower

Itwaslonelybeinghomewi t
houthi
m.Amont h
passedandhewasn' tback.Idi
dwhatididevery
morning.Wakeupandgett hekidsreadyf
orschool
andthedriverwaswai ti
ngforthem.Iwasnotthe
onefetchi
ngt hem anymore.Secondmont hcame
andpassed.Thet hinrdmont hcameandal so
passed.Hemi ssedt het winsfirstbirt
hday.Iwasno
l
ongersur ewhenhewoul dcomeback.Hi sphone
wasnotgoi ngthroughanymor e.Iwaseven
start
ingt oloseweight .Bonolol eftforTurkeywith
Ami r
.Ihadnoonet haticoul dr eall
ytalkto.Idi
dn't
enti
relytrusttheladies.Wewer eclosebutikeptmy
mar r
iageaf fai
rstomysel f
.Todayiwokeupear l
i
er
thanusualandgotr eadyf orwor k.Thiswast helast
meet i
ngiwasgoi ngt ohave.I figott hisbig
contracttheniwoul dqui twor kf orawhi l
e.Iwentto
mymeet ingwi t
hBobt heguyihadl efti
ncharge
before.Themeet i
ngwentwel landwegott he
contract.Wesi gnedt hecont r
actandever ythi
ng.I
couldn'tbemor ehappi er
.Nowiwasl eftwithBob.
Me:t
hankyousomuchf oreveryt
hing.Thi
s
woul
dn'thavehappenedwithoutyou.
Bob:bossyoudoeveryt
hing.I
t'
syourbr
ainst
hat
gotusthiscont
ract
.
Me:andyoucontributed.Whichbr
ingsmetoour
nexttopi
c.I
'
llbeonl eaveforawhi
le.Idon'
tknow
howlongbutitrustyout ohol
dthefor
t.I
m putt
ing
youi
nchar
geagai
n.
Bob:t
hankyousomuchKeat
lar
etsi
.Youwont
regr
etit
.
Me:
ihopeso
Voi
ce:
Khanyi
sil
e.
Idi
dn'texpectt
oseehim her
e.I
t'
sShaka,
my
husband'sbrot
her
/cousi
n.
Me:
hel
lo.
Shaka:
whoisthi
s?Isthi
swhathappenshappens
whenyourhusbandisnotar
ound?
Me:t
hisisBob.Hewor
ksi
nmycompany.Wej ust
hadameet i
ngwit
hsomecompany.I
t'
snotwhat
youthi
nk.
Shaka:
ihopef
oryoursakeyouar
eri
ght
.
Af
tert
hathel
eft
.
Bob:
andt
hat
?
Me:mybr
otheri
nlaw.Don'
tmi
ndhi
m.Wecanl
eave
now.
Aft
erigotmyt hi
ngsfr
om wor kidrovestrai
ght
home.Iwenttobed.Iwassot ir
ed.Islept
thr
oughouttheday.WhenIwokeupif oundmy
husband'
sbrother
ssit
tingi
nthel ounge.Itwas
Mabutho,ShakaandSiyabonga.Igreetedandsat
down.Mzwakhet ookthekidstohisplacefort
he
weekend.
Me:
hel
lo.
Mabut
ho:Khanyi
sil
eibeli
eveyouknowwhyweare
her
e.Ihear
dyou'vebeenseengoi
ngaroundwi
th
men.
Me:
itwasj
ustameet
ing.
Si
ya:
didn'
tyourhusbandt
ellyout
ost
opwor
king.
Me:
ist
oppedt
oday.
Shaka:notbecauseheasked.Becauseyou'
re
pregnant.
Yeah.I
'
m pr
egnantagai
nandt
hef
atheri
smi
ssi
ng.
Mabut
ho:it
rust
edyouandbeli
evedthatyouwould
beagoodwifeformybr
otherbutiseeiwaswrong.
Who'
sthef
atheroft
hischi
ld.
?
Me:
whatki
ndofquest
ioni
sthat
?
Shaka:wearebusylooki
ngforyourhusbandand
ther
e'sapossi
bil
it
yofhim bei
ngdeadwena
uyamithal
ana.Didyouevenlovehim?
Me:i
m notgoi
ngtol
ist
entoyoutal
kthi
ngsyou
knownothi
ngabout
.Isuggestyoul
eave.
Mabutho:angi
thiyoudecidedt
ocheatandhavea
chi
ldoutsideyourmarri
age?Sonowyouwi l
lleave
thi
shouse.
Me:
thi
sismyhouse.
Shaka:Mpenduloshouse.Packyourt
hings.By
tomorrowyoumustbeout .Wedon'tt
olerat
e
cheat
inginthi
sfamil
y.
Mabutho:
areyout
hatcheapt
hatyoucoul
dn'
teven
wai
tforayear?
Me:
don'
tcal
lmecheap.
Si
ya:idon'
tknowwhathesawinyou.Iknewyou
weren'
tfi
ttobeaKhozawi
fe.Nowgetreadyt
o
l
eavekesisi.
Me:i
m notgoi
nganywher
e.Onl
ymyhusbandcan
ki
ckmeoutofhere.
Mabutho:andthati
swhathewouldhavedone.You
cangobackt oyourfat
her
'shouseorbuyyourselfa
house.Youcanaf f
ordi
tri
ght?AndbeforeIforget,
thechi
ldr
enar enotgoi
nganywhere.Leavealone.
Shaka:
andiwi
llcomeandmakesur
ethatyoul
eave.
Andwi t
ht hattheyleft.IneverthoughtIwoul df i
nd
mysel fint hissit
uati
on.Thatni ghtipackedmy
stuffandt heki dsthings.Idi dn'
tsleep.Ikept
thinkingaboutMpendul o.Wher eishewhenIneed
himt hemost ?Heknewiwaspr egnant.Iwould
nevercheatonmyhusband.Idon' tknowwhatgave
them t hei deat hatiwascheat i
ng.Mor ningcame
andt ruetohi swordShakacamet ocheck.Het ook
thehousekeys.I m gladidi dn'
tsellmyhousei n
Pret oriaWestandidi dn'tr
entitout.JustthatFar ai
stayst herewheneverhe' sintown.Butonet hi
ngf or
sur eiwasnotgoi ngt oleavemychi l
dren.Imt aking
them wi thmeorwecanevengot ocour t
.It
ookmy
bagsandl oadedthem i nthecaranddr oveoff
.On
sundayni ghtMzwakhebr oughtthekids.Hewasso
pi
ssedof
f.
Mzwakhe: andyouj ustagreedtol
eaveyourhouse?
Itol
dt hem nottot
ellyouthatyourhusbandi
s
missingandt heydi
dn'tli
sten.Whatifsomet
hing
happenedt othebaby?
Me:
..
.youknowi
m pr
egnant
?
Mzwakhe: ofcour
se.Hetol
dmebef or
ehel eft
.I
don'tknowwhatgotint
othei
rheadsiwil
ltalkto
them.
Me:
doyoual
sot
hinkhe'
sdead?
Mzwakhe: no.I
m goingtolookforhim myselfand
bri
nghim home.Don' tst
ressyoursel
f.Your
husbandwi l
lbeback.
Me:
thankyou.
Aft
erMzwakhebr oughtthekidshet oldmet hathe'
l
l
beleavi
ngintwodayst imeandwoul dn'tcome
backwithouthisbrother.Ibeli
evedhim.Idi dn't
bel
ievethatmyhusbandi sdead.Thoset hr
ee
bustar
dstreatedmel ikedirt
.Camet omyhouse
andshouted.Sayingt heyaretheref
ort heki ds.I
shutt hedoorontheirface.Sincethatdayistopped
tal
kingt oanyofthem.Amont hpassedanda
meet i
ngwascal l
ed.Idon' tevenknowwhati twas
for
.Igotr eadyanddr ovetoSi l
verl
ake.That'
swhere
themeet ingwasgoi ngtobe.Car swereparked
outsidesoiparkedmi neandwenti n.Ihadmissed
myhouse.Thef irstpeopleIsawwer emamaand
baba.Mamawasput t
ingfoodont hetable.
Mama:
wel
comemydaught
er.Howar
eyou?
Me:
im goodandyouma?
Mama:Khanyisi
leyou'
velostwei
ght.What'
sgoing
on?Youdon'
tevencallanymoreandsaidnothi
ng
aboutt
hebaby.
Baba:
sitdownandl
et'
seat
.Wewi
llt
alkaf
ter
.
Me:
im nothungr
y.
Mama:
sitdownandeat
.
Isatdownandalleyeswereonme.Mamasaid
graceandwestart
edeati
ng.Aft
erweweredonei
tookthepl
atest
othekit
chenandcameback.
Muzi
:il
eavef
oramont
handif
indever
ythi
nga
mess!Ar
eyoui
ncapabl
eoft
aki
ngcar
eoft
hef
ami
ly?
Shaka:wet
ookcar
eoft
hings.
Muzi:youmeankicki
ngKhanyi
sil
eoutofherhouse
taki
ngcareofthefamil
y?Whatwoul
dourbr ot
her
sayaboutthat
?
Mabut
ho:
wedi
dwhati
sgoodf
orhi
m.
Muzi:
doyouknowhowangr yhewi l
lbewhenhe
comesbackandfi
ndsthatyoukickedhi
swifeout
ofherhome?Di
dyouthinkofthebaby?
Siya:
it
'snothi
sbaby.Shecantf
oolus.I
t'
snothi
s
baby.
Muzi
:t
hulawena!didhetel
lyouthat
?Coshetold
metolookaft
erhi
swi f
ebecauseshe'spr
egnant
!
Whydidn'
tyoutal
ktomef i
rst?
Si
ya:
whataboutt
hemenshe'
sal
waysseenwi
th?
Me:soican'
tdobusi
nesswi
thmen?Thosewer
e
cl
ient
sformycompany.
Muzi
:andhowdidyouloseMpendulocosyouthree
wer
esupposedtobemonitori
nghi
m?Nowyoul et
Mzwakhegother
e.Whatifsomet
hinghappenedto
hi
mtoo?Ayyounevert
hinkbef
oreyoudot
hings.
Itwasqui
eti
nther
oom.Noonewassayi
ng
anythi
ng.
Muzi
:Khanyi
sil
ewhydi
dyoul
eave?
Me:
idi
dn'
tleavet
heyki
ckedmeout
.
Muzi:
outofyourownhouse?Andwhat '
sthi
sihear
aboutyougoingtowork?Ithoughtyoutal
kedwit
h
yourhusbandthatyouwil
lleavework.
Me:iwasworki
ngbef
orehemar
ri
edme.Whydoi
havetoqui
t?
Muzi
:you'
renotgoi
ngt
owor
kagai
nunt
ilt
heki
ds
ar
eoldenough!
Baba:ihopeiwi
llneverbecal
ledf
ormeeti
ngsl
ike
theseagain.Ni
nanixoli
sekuKhanyi
sil
e.Youdid
herwr ong.
Me:
ther
e'snoneed.
Baba:
sicel
aubuyeekhayamakot
i.Weapologi
zef
or
whatt
hesef ool
sdi
d.Comebacktoyourhome.
Me:
nott
obedi
srespect
ful
oranyt
hing,
butican'
t
comeback.Iwaski ckedoutofherelikeadog.I
wasi nsulted.Evenhadmyki dsthr
eat enedtobe
takenfrom me.Evenmyownf at
herhasnever
tal
kedt omel i
kethat.Yeshedoesr epr i
mandme
butnotliket hat
.Itoldyoursonsiwoul dnever
cheatonmyhusbandbutt heycontinuedi nsult
ing
me.Ithur ttohearpeopleiconsiderfami l
ytalki
ng
l
ikethataboutme.Soi mfi
newher eiam.
Mama:isn'
tther
eanotherwayicanchangeyour
mind?Please.Justdothi
sforyourhusbandand
chi
ldr
en.
Me:idon'
tthi
nkthat
'l
lbepossi
ble.I
m notr
eadyt
o
comebackher e.
Baba:makotibuyaekhaya.Thesethreewil
l
apologi
zeandwemovef orwar
dandf ocuson
bri
ngingyourhusbandback.Iwoul dliket
oseeyou
backinyourhousetoday.Andni na,whogaveyou
permissi
ontomakedeci sionsint
hisfamily?
Somet i
mesyouactwi thoutthi
nki
ng.
Aft
erthatmeet
ingi
wentbackt
omyhouseand
packedmystuf
fandtookt
heki
dsandmovedback
toSil
verl
akesameday.Tobehonestiwasst
art
ing
togetti
red.Bei
ngtol
dwhatt
odowhenever
someonef eel
sli
keit
.

Iwaswat chingtvwhenMnqobishowedup.Hesat
nextt omeandl ayhisheadonmyl ap.Theki ds
missedt heirfat
her.Andever yt i
met heyaskedmei
didnotevenhaveanansweranymor e.Mont hs
wentbyandhewasnotevencomi ngback.Ieven
beli
evedt hathe'sdead.Myduedat ecame.Lucki l
y
wehadMmeMaggi ewithus.Shehel pedmeget
readyt ogot othehospital
.Andal sowest i
llhad
thedr i
ver.ThankGodf orthat.Iwasi nl
abourf or
hour s.Thepai nthatiwentt hrough!Butiwas
gratefulwhenihear dthatli
ttl
ecr y.
Dr
:i
t'
sagi
rl
.
Ismi
ledatthat
.Mylitt
legir
l.Ipassedoutaf
terthat
andonlywokeuplat
e.Thenursehelpedmebat h
andtheybr
oughtmygirl.
Nur
se:
sowhat
'shername?
Me:Onal
eronaKhoza.
Weheardsomenoiseandthefamil
ycamein.I
twas
t
hebrother
stoget
herwit
hthei
rwives.Whywould
t
heyall
owsuchacr owdinher
e?
Muzi:MaKhozasi
yabongaf
orl
enkosazanayakwa
Khoza.Haveyounamedher
?
Me:
yes.KeOnal
erona.
Mabut
ho:
andazul
uname?
Me:
Shedoesn'
thaveone.

Thethreebrot
her
sapologisedbutijustchoosenot
toassoci
atemyselfwi
ththem thatmuch.That'
s
goodformysoul.

Siya:shelooksexact
lyl
ikeLi
sa.
Thankyouf
ort
his
beautif
ulgif
t.
Me:
oh?It
houghtt
hiswasnotaKhozachi
ld.

Nxa!Iwishicli
ckedmytoungeoutl
oudbuti
coul
dn'tdoit
.Didn'
twantt
oseem di
srespect
ful
.
Muzi
:soshe'
sonl
ygoi
ngt
ohaveonename?
Me:herf
atherwi
llnameherwhenhecomesback.
Andhergrandmothersai
dshehasaname.
Theyl
ookedateachot
hersad.
Me:i
fyou'
regoi
ngt
ofeelpi
tyf
ormethenleave.I
knowmyhusbandi
snotdead.Hei
soutthereand
wil
lcomehome.
Bongani
:um canihol
dher
?
Igavehertohim andhewassmi l
ing.Outofal l
thesepeoplei
nher eheal
sobelievest hatMpendul
o
i
sal i
ve.EventhoughIwasalsostar t
ingtobeli
eve
thathe'
sdeadnowibel i
evehe'salive.Hehast o
comebackf ormeandourchi l
dren.
[
07/06,19:
00] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER13*
Sitt
ingever ydayforsomet hi
ngthatyou'renoteven
surewillhappeni susel ess.It
'sbeentwomont hs
si
nceIl eftthehospi t
al.Nosi gnofmyhusband.I 'm
evenstartingt odoubtthathe' l
levercomeback.
Nowij ustt oldmyselftol ear
nt oli
vewithouthim.
It
'shardyesbutI '
llmanage.
MmeMaggi e:
don'
tworr
yaboutcooking.Youjust
st
ayhereandiwil
ldoever
ythi
ng.Youmustr es.
You'
real
waysupatnightl
ooki
ngafterher.
Me:kal
ebogamama.Iwi
llbei
nthesi
tt
ingr
oom i
f
youneedme
MmeMaggi
e:okay.

I'
m gratef
ulforthi
swoman.Igrewupwi thsomeif
herkids.She'sf
rom mykasi
.Whent heysayi tt
akes
avill
agetoraiseachil
diputheri
nt hat.Icansay
thatshealsocontri
but
edtomegr owingup.And
nowshe' shelpi
ngmer ai
semychildren.Sowet ake
herasfamil
yher e.It
ookmylaptopandsome
snacksandjuiceandwenttositdown.Befor
eican
evenstar
teati
ngmysnackst here'
saknock.Willi
evergetabreak?Igotupandwentt oopenthedoor
Me:
ohi
t'
syou.
Bongani
:i
sthathowyouwel
comeus?
Me:
ithoughtimadei
tcl
eart
hatyoual
lar
enot
wel
comeher e.
Mabutho:
unt
ilwhenar
eyougoi
ngt
ost
opusf
rom
seei
ngtheki
ds?
Me:youcanseeyourbrother
'ski
ds.Butpl
ayfar
awayfrom mybaby.She'
snotevent hr
eemonths
yet
.Soyou'renotal
lowedtogeti
ntoherroom.
Shaka:
isthatwhyyouevenshutt
hedooronus?
Uyasanganayini
?
Me:youcan'tcometomyhousetotel
lmethat
.I
thoughtyousaidshe'
snotaKhozababy.Sowhydo
youwantt oseeher?
Si
ya:
weapol
ogi
zedf
ort
hat
.
Me:
ohpl
easeSi
ya.Thatwasal
ameexcuse.Okay
sotel
lme.I
fyourbr
otherdi
eswher
everhei
swhat
ar
eyougoingtodotome?Kickmeoutagai
n?
Si
ya:wear
enother
eaboutt
hat
.
Me:Siyaletmet ellyousomething.St oplet
ting
thesetwoputyoui ntot
hei
runnecessar yfeudthat
theyhavewi t
hme.Justbecauset heythinkI'm not
fi
tforthi
sf amil
yyouar egoingt ofollowsuit?The
fi
rstti
meInetyouyouwer esoni ce.Idon'tknow
whathappenedt oyou.Nowi fyou'llexcuseme.I
needsomeai r
.
Bonga:
soyouwon'
tletusseeher
?
Me:you'
l
lseeherafterpr
ovi
dingthatshe'
syour
brot
her'
sbaby.Orwhenyouf i
ndhim andheall
ows
youtoseeher.Butnowidon'tcar
e.Youwon'tsee
her.
Bongani:
Khabyi
sil
eithoughtwehadal
ready
resol
vedthi
sasaf amy.
Me:Bonganiidon'
thaveaproblem wit
hanyone
here.Theset
hreehaveaproblem wit
hme.I fyouor
yourotherbr
other
swanttoseeOnal eronayou'r
e
welcomebutnotthesethr
ee.I
fyoucomewi ththem
t
henyouwon'
tseeher
.

I'
mt i
r edofthesepeoplepl ayingallovermyhead.
I'
m alreadystressedbutt heyar eaddingtoit.They
don'tknowwhatI '
m goingt hrough.Theyhavet hei
r
wiveswi tht
hem.I '
mtheonewhohast othinkabout
whet hermyhusbandwi lleverbef oundornot .This
thi
ngi seati
ngmei nsi
de.It rytohidehowbr okeni
am from thekids.ButI'
m notani ron.Ibreak.And
todayi soneoft hosedays.NowI '
m cr yi
ng.Iwipe
myt earsquicklywhenmmeMaggi ecomes.
Mme:
i
t'sf
inet
ocr
ymychi
ld.Don'
tkeepi
tinsi
de.
Me:
idon'
tknowwhatt
odoanymor
e.I
t'
shar
d.
Mme:
yourhusbandwi
llbef
ound.Justbest
rong.
Me:I
'
vebeenstr
ongforal
mostayear
.Whyi
shenot
comingorcont
act
ingus?

Ileavet
hesi
tt
ingr
oom asif
eelmyt
ear
saboutt
o
fall
NDONI

Mar ryingyoungi sgoodbutal sohasi tsbadsi de.

Shaka' smot herdoesn' tlikeme.Ican' tsayanyt hing
abouthi sfatherbecausehe' saman.Andeveni fhe
doesntl i
kemehedoesntsayi t
.I'
vebeent hrough
hellint hismar ri
aget hatievent houghtofl eaving.
Mymot herinl awhasbeenpest eri
ngmeabout
wheniwoul dgi vet hem gr andkids.Iremembert he
dayigotshott hr eeyear sago.Sheshout edeven
whenshecoul dseet hatiwasi npai n.Cal l
edme
usel essbecauseicoul dn' tdoasi mplet hinglike
givingbi rthtoachi l
d.Asi fit
sthatsimpl e.Thati s
oneoft her easonswhyIneversetf ooti nt he
vil
lagesagai n.IfShakawant stogoheknowst hat
hewi l
lhavet ogoal oneandnotwi thme.Nowwe
arewai ti
ngf orhimt ocomebacksowecanal l
l
eave.I t
'smygr aduat ionday. i
m suret hatwomani s
tyer easonhe' sl ate.Thatwomani spur eevi l
.She' s
thedef initi
onofadevi l.Butt hat
'sast oryf oranot her
day. NowI '
mf inallyaCA( SA).Iam pr oudofmysel f
.
Idon' tknowhowImanagedt opasswi thwhatiwas
goingthrough.Wedeci det oleavebecauseShakai s
notcomi ng.Wegett oHi l
crestcampusandi t'
sfill
ed
withgraduates.Thecer emonyst art
sandt heyst art
call
ingnames.Justast heycallmynameShaka
comesi ntothehal l
.Atl easthemadei t.Iwould
havereallybeenhur tifhedi dn'tcome.Iacceptmy
degreewi t
hhappi nesswr i
tt
enovermyf ace.I
graduatedwithdistinctions.Ismi lewheniseemy
husbandcheer i
ngf orme.That 'swhatIl ovemost
abouthim.Hi ssuppor t.He'ssuppor ti
ve.Af t
erthe
ceremonyweal lgot oourpl ace.They' vepr epared
somet hi
ng.Wear egoingt ocelebr ate.Heevent ook
adayof fjustsohecoul dbeher e.
Dad:I
'm proudofyoumybaby.Youmadeyourol d
manr eal
lyproud.Thi sdegreenoonecantakeit
fr
om you.Anyt hingcant oanendbutyour
educati
onwi llneverdisappear.Mymoneywasnot
wasted.Youknewexact l
ywhatyouwantedand
wentforit.That'
showi ti
s.UsZuluswedon'tgi
ve
up.That '
swhyweal waysf ini
shwhatwestart
.
Ever
yonesai
dthei
rspeechandi
twassogood.
Aft
erever
yonel
efticl
eanedt
hehouseandput
platesint
hedishwasher.Iwenttoshowerandthen
cameanddr essedint
omyni ghtdress.My
husband'sphonestar
tedringing.Hemusthave
forgott
enitwhenhewentt othestudy.Letmet
ake
i
tt ohim.I
tstopsri
ngingthenamessagepopsi n.
"Pickupyourphone.Oryouwantmet ocomet
o
yourplaceandtal
ktoyourwi fe?"
Who'
sthi
s?I
tri
ngsagai
n.Thi
sti
meIanswer
.
Voice:whydidyoul
eavemeonmyownknowi ng
thatyourkidsar
esick!
?Ican'
tdot
hisonmyown.
You'realsomyhusband!

Mybodybecamecol
dsamet
ime.I
twasl
ikeidi
ed
andwokeup.

Voice:idi
dn'
tmaket
heseki
dsonmyown.I fyou
don'tcomebackiwi
lldumpthem atyourwif
e's
house.
Ideci
dedihear
denough.Iputt
hephoneont he
tabl
ewit
houtcutt
ingof
fthecal
l.Whenir
aisedmy
headShakawasl
ocki
ngt
hedoor
.
Me:
pleaseopent
hedoor
.
Shaka:
wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
hisl
ate?
Me:
pleaseopent
hedoor
.
Shaka:
babyiwasgoi
ngt
otel
lyou
Me:t
ellmewhat
?Thatyou'
remar
ri
ed?Thatyou
havekids?
Whenwer
eyougoingt
otel
lme?
Shaka:
iwasj
ustwai
ti
ngf
ort
her
ightt
ime.
Me:wheni
stheri
ghtti
me?Whendi di
thappen?Was
i
ttheti
meyou'
dgot othevi
ll
ageandcomeback
af
teraweek?Wereyouwithher
?
Shaka:
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
howl
onghaveyoubeenmar
ri
ed?
Shaka:
wegotmar
ri
edyest
erday.
Me:
oht hat'
swhyyouwerelat
eformygraduat
ion
t
oday.Youshoul
dhavejustst
ayedwit
hyourfamil
y.
Whatareyoudoi
ngherewitht
hisbar
renusel
ess
woman?
Shaka:myl
ovedon'
ttal
kli
ket
hat
.I'
m sor
ry.Pl
ease
for
giveme.
Me:whendidthi
sstart
?Ithoughtwewer
ehappy.
Yousaidi
fwecan'thavechil
drenwe'
daddopt
.
Whathappenedtothat?
Shaka:
wecanst i
lladopt
.Ionl
ysl
eptoncewi
thher
andshefel
lpregnantwit
htwinst
henmydadsaidi
hadtomarryher.
Me:stupidme.Ibeli
evedyouwhenyousai dt hei
r
opini
ondoesn' tmat
ter.Yourparent
sputme
thr
oughal ot.Yourmot hermadesuretot
ellanyone
whocar edtolist
enthatican'
tgiveyouki
ds.And
thi
sishowyoudome?Yousai dther
ewouldbeno
thi
rdpartyinourmar r
iage.
Shaka:
I'
m sor
ryaboutthi
s.Wecansti
llhaveour
baby.Wecanadopt.Eventhet
winscanvisi
ther
e.
Me:
argg.Nxa.Uyangi
jwayel
awena.
Shaka:
Ndoniyamanziukhul
umanamikanj
alo?
You'
redisr
espect
fulnow.
Me:
justgetoutoft
hisr
oom.Got
othevi
ll
age.Your
ki
dsar
eSi
ck.Andl
eavemeal
one.
Shaka:
ican'
tleaveyoual
one.
Me:you'
vebeenl
eavi
ngmealoneforweeks.What
's
changednow?Ihopeshemakesyouhappy.

Igotundert
hebl
anket
sandsl
eptwi
thabr
oken
heart
.

.
..
.

WhenIwokeupifoundhi
ssideoft
hebedempt y.I
madebr
eakfastt
henwentt
oshower.Af
teriwentto
eat
.
Me:
whogaveyout
her
ightt
oeatmyf
ood?
Shaka:
I'
m notsupposedt
oeati
nthi
shouse?
Me:don'
tyouhaveanotherwif
ewhowi l
lcookf
or
you?It
'sthel
astti
meyoueatf oodmadebyme.
Yourwifewil
lcookforyou.
Shaka:
ijustmar
ri
edherbecauseoft
heki
ds.Idon'
t
l
oveher.
Me:
wecouldhavet
alkedaboutt
hisandmaybe
t
ri
edsur
rogacy.
Shaka:
idi
dn'
tthi
nkaboutt
hat
.
Me:
goodf
oryou.Ihopeshewaswor
thi
t.
Shaka:
I'
m goi
ngt
othevi
ll
age.Iwantt
ofi
ndouthow
theki
dsare.
Me:youdon'
thavet
otellmeanythi
ng.Youdon'
t
havetoaskformyper
mi ssi
on.

Il
ethiml eavethent ookmycarkeysandl eft
.I
droveofftotheonl yfr i
endiknew.TheothersthatI
wasf r
iendswi t
hl ef
tt hiscountr
y.Lyni
queand
Karenarei nChina.Theyar el
ivi
ngthei
rbestli
ves.I
dri
veintoJohan' sdrivewayandpar kmycar .I
knockandheopensf orme.It hrowmyselfathim.
Hedoesn' taskquest ions.Hejusthugsme.
Thenwewenti
nsi
dehi
shouse.
Me:
pleasehol
dme.
Johan:
whyar
eyoucr
ying?
Me:
hecheat
edandhadki
ds.Hehast
winsandhas
mar
ri
edthewoman.
Johan:
I'
m sosor
ry.Butheseemedl
ikeagoodguy.
Me:t
hat
'swhatial
sot
hought
.Hepr
omi
sedt
hathe
woul
dnothurtme.
Johan:
itwi
llpass.
Me:
please.
..
Pleasehel
pmef
orget
.
Johan:Ndoniyou'
rehurt
ingandIcan'tt
ake
advantageoft
hat.Icanonlyof
feryouashoul
dert
o
cryon.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryiaskedt
hat
.Ihavet
ogo.

Ican'tbeli
eveiaskedJohanthat.OhmyGodwhat
wouldhavehappenedi fhedi
dn'tt
urnmedown?
Whati fhetookadvantageofme?Damn!Igothome
andpar kedmycar .IseeShaka'
scar.It
houghthe
l
eft.Igetintot
hehouseandI 'm wel
comedbycries
ofababy.
Shaka:
wher
edi
dyougo?
Me:
ihavealif
eout
sidet
hishouse.Whosebabyi
s
t
hatcr
ying?
Shaka:
it
'st
het
wins.
Me:
awungibonist
ruu.Iwantadi
vor
ce.
Shaka:
gett
hatr
ubi
shoutofyourmi
nd.
Me:yout
hinkI
'
m pl
ayi
ng?Gett
hiswomanandher
ki
dsoutofher
eoriwi
llbet
heoneget
ti
ngoutof
her
e.
Shaka:
you'r
enotleavingme.Wesai
dvowst
hat
we'l
lbetogethert
il
ltheendoft
ime.
Me:
whobr
oket
hevows?
Il
efthi
mther
eandwenttoourr oom andst
art
ed
packi
ngmystuf
f.Iwasnotgoingtostayi
nthe
samehouseasasidechi
ck.I
'dbedammed.
Shaka:pleaseforgi
veme.Ididn'
tconsi
deryour
feel
ings.Ishouldn'
thavebroughtt
hem her
e.I
shouldn'
thavedonei twit
houttal
kingt
oyouf i
rst
.I
promiseiwi l
ltakecar
eofthis.
Me:i
t'
stoolatefort
hat.I'
ml eavi
ng.I'
m goinghome.
You'
veopenedourhomet oastranger
.I'
d
under
standifitwasjustthekids.Youdisr
espect
ed
me.Goodbye.

From thedayilef
thomemyhusbandhasbeen
call
ingmeandiendedupbl ockinghisnumber.I
askedkyf at
her'
slawyert
of i
lefordi
vorce.The
papersarereadyandI'mtaki
ngt hem t
ohim.I
knockont hedoorandhecomest oopenwi t
haki
d
onhi sar
ms.
Me:
hel
lo.
Shaka:comei
n.Letmeputhi
mtosl
eep.I
'
llbewi
th
youjustnow.
Idi
dn'
tevenwantt
osi
t.Ij
ustst
oodatt
hesame
pl
ace.
Shaka:I
'
m back.Youhavenoi
deahowhappyiam
toseeyou.Icametoyourpar
ent
splaceandyou
didn'
twanttoseeme.
Me:
ithi
nkwebot
hknowt
her
easonf
ort
hat
.I
br
oughtt
hesepaper
s.
Shaka:
whatar
etheyf
or?
Me:i
t'
sbeent
womont hs.It
hinkwebot
hknowt
hat
t
hiswasthenextst
age.

"
Shakawher
edi
dyouput
..
..
Ohmychi
ldyou'
reback.
"
Me:
hel
lomom.Ij
ustcamet
ogi
ve.
..
Shaka:
yesmom.She'
sbackandwear
efi
xingour
marri
age.
Mom:youshoul dbegr atef
ulthatshe'
swi l
li
ngto
comeback.Youf i
ndagoodwomanandyoucheat .
Youwillneverbeluckymor et hanonce.Ihopethi
s
ti
meyouwi l
lneverrepeatthesamemi st
ake.She
shoul
dhavepuni shedyouf ortheent
ir
eyear.Come
mydaught er.Comeandhel pme.

Shuu!Whatgavehert
heideat
hatI'
m back?She
di
dn'tevengi
vemeachancetospeak.Sheheldmy
handandwentwithmetotheki
tchen.
Mom: youseemychi l
d,menandbei ngungrateful.
Somet i
mest heyj ustdon'
tthi
nkabouthowt hei
r
acti
onshur tothers.Buticommendyouf orcomi ng
back.Itshowshowmuchyoul oveyourhusband
butdon'tleti
tbear egul
arthi
ng.Ifthi
shappens
againjustdon'ttakehisnonsense.Standyour
ground.Asf orthathomewr eckerdon'
twor r
yabout
her.Shewi l
lnevercomebackher e.Imadesur eof
that.
Me:
sot
het
winsst
ayher
e?
Mom:
no.Theyj
ustvi
sit
.
Me:
okay.

Wecookedandt ookever
ythi
ngtot
hetabl
eandi
wentt
ocallShakaanddadt ocomeandeatf
.
Dad:
thankyouf
orcomi ngbackmakot
i.Nowme
andmywi f
ecanleave.We'
vebeenhereforawhi
le
now.
Ismi
led.
Shaka:
thanksf
orcomi
ng.Iknowicanal
wayscount
onyou.
Aft
ereatingwewentt
obed.Ishower
edandgoti
nto
bedquickly.
Shaka:iknowyou'
renotsl
eepi
ng.Canyouhel
pme
wit
hthebabies?
Me:idi
dn'
tcomehereforbabi
es.Assoonasmom
anddadleaveI
'
ml eavi
ng.
Shaka:
ilostyouonce.Notagai
n.Iwi
llf
ixt
hings.
Comeher e.
Me:
ihavet
ocal
lmymom.Shemustbewor
ri
ed.
Shaka:
butyou'
veal
readycal
l
edher
.Ihear
dyou.
Arrg.It
akeofft
heblanket
sandwentt othecot.
Theirbi
geyeswereallopen.Idon'
tthi
nktheyare
evergoingt
osleepanyti
mesoon.
Shaka:
rememberhowgoodyouwer
ewi
thMnqobi
.
You'
rebornt
obeagoodmot her
.
Me:
toot
herpeopl
e'
schi
ldr
enr
ight
?
Shaka:
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
don'
tbe.I
t'
snotyourf
aul
tI'
m bar
ren.
Shaka:
you'
renotbar
ren.
Ibendandt ookoneoft
hebabi
es.Helookedinmy
eyes.Isatwithhi
m ont
hebed.Helooksexact
lyl
ike
hisfat
her.Alloft
hem.
Me:
theyl
ookl
ikeyou.
Hesmi l
ed.Ifedthebabyunt
ilhesleptt
hent
ookt
he
ot
her.Ididthesame.Thenaftert
hatwewenttot
he
mainbedroom.
Shaka:
youknowt
hisbedwassocol
dwi
thoutyou.I
missedyou.
Me:
i.
..
Shaka:
shh.Sshh.Don'
tsayanyt
hing.
Wel etthesil
enceovertakeus.Itwasacomf or
table
sil
ence.Whyi stherethi
sstrongdesi r
ef or
cingme
tohim?Thi sisnotwhyicameher e.Idon'tknow
howif oundmysel funderhim butithappened.I
foundmysel fpanti
ngunderhi m.Hef il
ledmewi t
h
hisseedsandr ammedhar dintome.Hegotof fand
pull
edmyheadonhi schest.Ifel
lasleepli
stening
t
ohi
shear
tbeat
.

"
Breakf
asti
nbedf
ormywi
fe.
"
Me:
I'
m st
il
lsl
eepi
ng.
Shaka:
wakeupbeaut
if
ul.
Me:I
'
m up.Nowst opwi
tht
hatf
ace.Letmet
akea
qui
ckshower.If
eelhot
.
Shaka:
mmh.
It
ookaqui
ckshowerandhadmybr
eakf
ast
.
Me:
whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
iket
hat
?
Shaka:
wer
eyour
eal
lygoi
ngt
odi
vor
ceme?
Me:
yes.Assoonasyousi
gnediwasgoi
ngt
otake
mybagsandleave.
Shaka:
gowher
e?
Me:Taiwan.Ever
ythingofmi neispackedandready.
Ifoundajobthere.Ijusthavetosignonthedott
ed
l
inesofthecontr
actt henleave.
Shaka:
ireal
lyhur
tyouneh?
Me:
alot
.
Shaka:
ngi
yaxol
isa.
Me:don'
tsaysor
ry.Justl
etyouract
ionsshowhow
sor
ryyouare.Di
dthetwinseat?
Shaka:
theyar
esti
llsl
eepi
ng.Butimadet
hem f
ood.
Mnqobiisher
e.
Me:
real
ly?
Shaka:
yes.Hecamewit
hLisa.Anywayaft
erbhut
i
i
sfoundwear emovi
ngtoSil
verl
akegol
festat
e.
Me:
wit
hthemot
heròfyourki
ds?
Shaka:
I'
mt r
yingher
e.Whywoul
dImoveint
oa
housethatwasboughtf
oruswi
thher
!?
Me:whenwegotthathouseitwasjustyouandme!
Itwasjustgoi
ngtobeourfamil
y.Wewer egoi
ngt
o
adoptbutyouhadotherpl
ansforyoursel
f!
Shaka:
Ndoni
.
Me:
noShaka.I'
m al
lowedtobeangry!Youbet
rayed
me!Hur
tmeint heworstwayever
!Soyoudon'tget
t
otel
lmeanything!
Shaka:
that
'snotwhat
..
..
Me:youhur tmesomuch.Whatyoudi djustproved
yourpar ent
sright
.Thatyoudon'tlovemeal otli
ke
yousay.I fyoudidyouwouldn'thavehurtme.Iask
mysel fquesti
onsifI
'l
leverbeenoughf oryoui fi
comebackher e.Wil
lther
ebeot herwomen?That '
s
howi tstart
s.Whatiftheoneyouhavenowcan' t
giveyouki dsanymorear eyougoingtot akeat hr
id
wifeandsoon?
Tellme!You'
vechangedmei nt
osomeoneI'
m not
.I
alwaysthi
nkbadl
yofpeople.Ial
mostsl
eptwit
h
someoneelsebecauseofyou.Ial
mostdi
dwhati
tol
dmyselfiwouldneverdo!

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
sbutt
heykeptf
all
ing.

Shaka:
whatdoyoumeanyoualmostsleptwi
th
someoneel
se!?Di
dhetouchyou!
?Tellme!
Me:
inever
ythi
ngisai
dyouonl
yhear
dthat
?
Shaka:
ngi
zobul
alaumunt
u!Notwi
thmywi
fe!
Hebangedt
hedoorashel
eft
.Icont
inuedeat
ing
myfood.
Voi
ce:
mommyar
eyoucr
ying?
Li
sa:
wher
eismommy?
Mnqobi
:l
ookont
hebed.
Theyr
anandt
hrewt
hemsel
vesont
hebed.
Li
sa:
whyar
eyoucr
ying?
Me:
ihavesomet
hingi
nmyeyes.
Lisa:
mydaddysayst
hatwhenhecri
es.Youl
eft
.Di
d
youleavewi
thmydaddy?Doyouknowwherehe
i
s? Di
dyoucomeandtakehi
m?iwantmydaddy.
Mnqobi
:youhear
dgogo.He'
l
lcomenextweek.
Li
sa:
okay.I
'
m notgoi
ngt
ocr
yagai
n.

Theseki
dsr
eal
lymi
sst
hei
rdad.Ihopet
heyf
ind
hi
m.
Afterawhi leofShakanotcomi ngbackievengave
uponl eaving.Mymom cal ledandaskedhow
Shakat ookthedi vorce.Itoldherwewer enotgoing
throughwi thi tandshewasangr y.Therewasmor e
tohowangr yshesounded.Mydadt ookt hephone
andt oldmeabouthowiwoul dgobackhomei na
bodybag.Idi dn'tunderstandwhathemeant
becausemyhusbanddoesn' tabuseme.It ri
edto
callagai nbutt heyneverpi ckedmycal ls.Maand
babal eftwi t
hLi saandMnqobi .Itwasj ustmeand
thet wi
nsl eft.Ibaththem andf eedt hem.I '
m
startl
edwhenNkanyezii ssnat chedf r
om me.I twas
theirmot her.Wher edidsheevencomef rom?
Si
hle:
whatdoyout
hinkyouar
edoi
ng?
Me:youdon'
thavet
obeliket
his.Thesear
emy
husband'
ski
ds.Whatwi
llidotothem?
Si
hle:
idon'
twantyounextt
omyki
dsyouwi
tch!
Me:
takeyourki
dsandl
eave!
Si
hle:
youdon'
tgett
o..
.
Me:getoutofmyhouse!Ial
sodon'
teverwantto
seeyouhere!Youmayhavegivenhi
m kidsbutyou
willnevergetevenapieceofhi
m.Af t
eral
lyou'
re
justast rangert
hatcar
ri
edhisbabi
es.That
'sal
l
you'lleverbe.
Si
hle:
I'
m al
sohi
swi
fe!
Me:
iwon'
tar
guewi
thyou.Wher
e'syourr
ing?
Si
hle:
he'
sst
il
lgoi
ngt
obuyi
t.
Me:
wit
hwhatmoney?Mi
ne?Goodl
uck.
Sihl
e:youdon'
twor
ksowhatmoneyar
eyout
alki
ng
about?
Me:ohiseeyoudon'tknow.Hismoneyi smy
moneyandI'm goi
ngt omakesur ehedivorcesyou.
Andyourdearestmot heri
nlawwilldonothing
aboutit
.AndI'
m goingt omakesureyouleavewi t
h
nothi
ngbutyourclothes.Nowleavemyhouse.
Sihl
e:I
'
m notgoinganywher
e.Iwil
lsi
thereandwai
t
formyhusband.Youleavefort
womont hsand
thi
nklif
ewil
lstop?
Me:okaysi
ther
eandwai
tforhi
m.Wai
tforyour
husband.
Il
efthersit
ti
ngonthecouch.Thebabi
esmoved
aroundthehousepl
ayi
ngandmaki ngnoise.I
cookedandputShaka'
sfoodinthemicrowave.

Voi
ce:
what
'st
henoi
set
hatI
'
m hear
ingf
rom t
he
gat
e?.
Me:t
alkt
oyourwi
fe.Putherinherpl
ace.Idi
dn'
t
comebacktobedi
srespect
ed.
Shaka:
Wenawhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Si
hle:
I'
m her
eformykidsorel
set
hisbar
renusel
ess
womanmi ghtki
llt
hem.
OhI
'
veher
adenoughoft
hat
.
Shaka:youwantmet ost
opyoufrom havingaccess
tothetwins?Ifthat
'swhatyouwantthenkeepon
doingthat.Andsignthedivor
cepapers.Iwon'
t
repeatmyself.Nowgetoutofhere!

Af
tershel
eftif
oll
owedbehi
ndShaka.
Me:
letmewar
m yourf
oodf
oryoubef
oreIl
eave.
Shaka:
leave?
Me:
yes.I
'
m goi
ngbackt
oPMB.
Shaka:
kwenzenj
animanj
he?
Me:I
'm goi
ngt
ofet
chmycl
othes.Orwhatwi
lliwear
her
e?
Hehuggedmet
ight
ly.
Shaka:
ithoughtyouwer
eleavi
ngmeagai
n.
Me:
I'
m notgoi
nganywher
e.
Shaka:
I'
m sor
ryf
orbar
gingoutear
li
eron.
Me:
it
'
sfi
ne.Let
'ssi
tdownandt
alk.
Shaka:
whodidyoualmostsl
eepwit
h?Di
d
somethi
nghappenbetweenyou?
Me:not
hinghappened.Hesai
dno.Hesai
dhe
coul
dn'
ttakeadvantageofmypai
n.Sodon'
tst
ress
abouti
t.
Shaka:I
'
m sorry.I
t'
smyf aul
t.Ifidi
dn'
thur
tyouthat
wouldn'
thavehappened.NowI '
m maki
ngapr omi
se
toyou.Iwi
llneverputyouthroughwhatididagai
n.
Me:promisemeonet hing.Thatthatwomanwi l
l
neversetfootinourhouseagai n.Andt hatnot
hing
wil
lhappenbet weenyouwheneveryougot ofet
ch
thekids.Idon'twantt ohavetoi nt
er actwithher.
Andt hatyouwi lldi
vorceher.Iwon' tbesecondbest .
Ican'tandwon' tbeasomeone' ssisterwi f
e.Thati
won'tstandfor.Whenicomebackher eyoumust
bedivorcedfrom her .

.
..
..
..

Igothomeandmom anddadweresi
tt
ingint
hetv
room.Mydadhasr
eti
redfr
om hi
sjobsotheyar
e
alwayshome.
Mom:
You'
reback.Howar
eyou?
Me:
I'
m goodmom howar
eyou?
Mom:
good.Di
dhesi
gn?
Dad:
whydoifeell
ikeyou'
reforci
nghert
ogeta
di
vor
ce?Letherdeci
deforhersel
f.
Mom:
I'
mtheonewhohadt
odealwi
thhersui
cide
att
empt swhi
leyouslept.Ihadt ogothr
ough
everyt
hingonmyownf ortwomont hs.Youdon'
t
knowt hepai
nifeltwit
hhert hesepasttwomonths.
Theyevencallherawi t
chthere.Whatifonedaywe
wakeupandourbabyhasbeenbur nttodeat
h?Do
youwantust ogot hr
oughthat ?
Dad:iunderst
andwher
eyouar
ecomi
ngf
rom butl
et
herdot hi
sonherown.
Mom: iknowyoulovethatboyforourdaughterbut
don'
tletitmakeyoublindandnotseewhat'sgoing
on.Idon'twantanyonemistr
eati
ngmydaught er.
Dad:ial
sowanthert
oleavethatboybutitmustbe
onherownterms.Let
'snoti
nfluenceherpl
easemy
wif
e.Let'
sgi
veherti
met odealwiththi
shersel
f.
Iwenttomyroom andcriedmyself.HowcanIgo
backtohi
m whenmymom i shurt
ingliket
his?How
wil
libehappywhenmymom i snot?Itakemy
phoneandcallhim.Someoneanswer sbutit
'snot
hi
m.Ithasn'
tevenbeenfivehour
ssi nceIlef
tbut
al
readyhe'
swi t
hher.
Me:
whatar
eyoudoi
ngwi
thmyhusband'
sphone?
Sihl
e:ourhusband.Anywayhecamet
ovi
sithi
s
famil
y.
"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngwi
thmyphone!
?"
Shaka:
babedi
dyouar
ri
vewel
l?
Me:
you'
rewi
thher
Shaka:
she'
slyi
ng.Idi
dn'
tcomet
ovi
sither
.I'
m not
evenatherpl
ace.
Me:
butyou'
ret
oget
her
.
Shaka:
thet
winsar
esi
ckagai
n.Wear
eatt
he
hospi
tal
.
Me:
what
'
swr
ongwi
tht
hem?
Shaka:theywer
evomi ti
ngandt
heyhadblood
comi ngoutoft
heirnose.Nowwe'
rewai
ti
ngfora
plane.Wearegoingtokzn
Me:
doyouwantmet
ocome?
Shaka:
please.
Me:
tel
lmewhenyoul
and.
Shaka:
iloveyou.
Me:
iloveyout
oo.

Itookmysui t
casesandleftt
heroom.Ihadn'
t
unpacked.Ipushedthem outandmyparents
l
ookedatme.
Mom:
wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
ihavet
ogobackmama.
Dad:youhaveadar kcloudhangingoveryou.That
famil
yhasbewit chedyou!You'r
e23.Youstil
lhave
alottoachi
eve.Youcanst il
lgetmarri
edagain.
You'r
etooyoung.Myonl ypr
oblem wasall
owing
youtogetmarriedwhileyoung.Nowl ookwhat'
s
happening.
Me:
dadnoonehasbewi
tchedme.I
'
m goi
ngback
onmyownaccor
d.
Dad:i
fyouleavet hr
oughthatdoordon'
tevercome
back.Whent hatmotheri
nlawofyour skil
lsyoutel
l
them nott
obr i
ngyourbodyher e.You'
renolonger
partofthi
sfamily.
Me:
dadyoucan'
tsayt
hat
.
Mom: he'
sr i
ght.Don'
tcomebackher
e.We'
ve
acceptedthatourdaught
eri
sdead.Weonl
yhave
onedaught er
.
Ipushedmybagsandl eavet heplaceI'vealways
beenwel comeat .NowI'm nolongerconsidered
partof.Icri
edthewholewayunt i
licouldn't
.When
wear r
ivedathomeit ookmybagst omyr oom.We
didn'
tgot oourhouseasmyhusbandwi l
lcome
herefi
rst.Ipassedtheloungesof ast.Isatonthe
bed.Therewasaknockbyt hedoor.Theper son
camei n.
Me:
whoi
sit
?
Kea:
ohsor
ryf
orj
ustbar
gingi
ntoyourr
oom.I
t'
s
Kea.
Me:
oh.
howar
eyou?
Kea:
I'
l
lbefi
ne.Howareyou?Isawhowhurtyou
l
ookedwhenyouwalkedpastt
hel
ounge.
Me:
it
'
snot
hing.
Kea:youcant
alkt
ome.I
'
vehadmyf
airshar
eof
problems.
Me:myhusbandcheatedonmeandhadt winst
hen
marri
edthemother
.Iwantedadi vorcebutnowI'
ve
changedmymind.Mypar entswantnothingtodo
wit
hme.TheysayI'm nolongerwelcomeathome.
Imaginet
hat
.
Kea:beli
evemeyourpar entsarej
usthurtandangry.
Myf atherwant
ednothingt odowithMpenduloat
fi
rst
.Hewant edmet ostaywi t
hmyex.Butididn't
gi
veuponhi m.Ishowedmydadhowmuchil ove
Mpendul oandheaccept edhim.Thingswil
lwork
outj
ustf i
ne.Donotwor ry.
Me:iwentagai
nstmypar
ent
sforsomebodyI
'
m not
evensureabout
.
Kea:
ifyoul
ovehi
m enought
henyouwi
llst
andby
hi
sside.
Me:
eveni
fit
'ski
ll
ingmei
nsi
de?
Kea:
tal
ktohi
m andt
ellhi
m what
'si
nsi
deyou.
Me:tal
kingtohimisli
ketal
kingt
oapolet
hat
'sj
ust
standi
ngt her
e.Heli
stensanddoeshi
sownthi
ng.
It
'sli
keI'mtal
kingt
oast at
ue.
Wel
aughed.Shakar
eal
lydoesn'
tli
sten.
Kea:
makehimlist
entoyou.Onl
yyouknowhow.Im
goi
ngbacktotheother
snow.Don'
tbeher
ealone.
Comeandjoi
nus.
Ifol
lowedbehi
ndher.Therewasnoiseint
helounge.
Ohthebrother
shavearri
ved.Il
ookedformy
husbandandhestoodupaf t
erseei
ngme.Hecame
andhuggedme.
Shaka:
haveyoubeencr
ying?
Me:
I'
l
lbef
ine.
Shaka:
comeandsi
tdown.
Me:
howar
etheki
ds?
Shaka:
they'
l
lbefine.Wear
ewai
ti
ngf
orMzwakhe
thenwecanleave.
Me:
can'
tist
ayher
e?
Shaka:
iwantyounextt
ome.I
'
llbeabl
etof
ocus.

*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
00] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER14*

*
NDONI
YAMANZI
*

Mzwakhear r
ivedandwehadt oleave.I tt
ookal ot
forustoleave.Whenevert hecarwasst arted
NkanyeziorNkazi mulowouldcr y.Ont heot hersi
de
iwasst ar
ti
ngt ogetirri
tat
ed.Sihlecouldn'tstop
tal
king.Whenwegott hereatraditi
onalheal erhad
alr
eadybeencal led.Iknowidon' tl
ikethiswoman
Sihl
ebutisympat hi
sewi t
hher.Shehasbeencr yi
ng
alottoday.I'
m sureit'
sveryhardseei ngyour
chil
drensick.
Shaka:
goandr
esti
nourr
oom.
Me:
no.I
'
llj
ustst
ayout
sideher
e.
Shaka:
it
'shother
e.
Me:I
'
llst
ayundert
heshade.We'
rel
eavi
ngt
oday
r
ight
?
Shaka:
yes.Iwi
llbuyf
oodf
oryou.
Me:
thanks.
Shaka:
her
e.Youcangoandst
ayi
nthecar
.
Me:I
'
llbef
ine.Okayyoucanl
eavet
hekey.
It
ookthekeyandhekissedme.Icl
ear
edmythr
oat
aspeopl
ewerelooki
ngatus.Hewenttot
hehut
.
Voi
ce:
hi.
Me:
hi.Howcanihel
pyou?
Thesevil
lagewomenlikebull
yingmejustbecause
I
'm young.Butnowidon'tcar
e.Idon'
tknowwhat
thi
sonewant sher
e
MaCel
e:si
siunj
ani
?
Me:
ngi
yaphi
lani
na?
MaCel
e:si
yaphi
lasi
si.Uyabi
zwaekhi
shi
ni?
Me:
foryi
ni?
MaCel
e:haybosi
sikuyaphekwaekhi
shi
ni.
Me:
idon'
tcookher
e.
"Yohobhut
iShakanokuzi
bizel
aamai
ndi
yal
a
ekhaya.
"Shemumbledthat.
Me:
Mai
ndi
yaayenzenimanj
ebo?
MaCel
e:uzodl
aniumyeniwakhosi
si?
Me: angi
thiI
'
m notaloneinhisl
ife.Weren'
tyou
celebrat
ingwhentheyhadt hei
rmar r
iagewhil
eI
wasi nthedark?Evennowyoumustj ustl
eaveme
alone.Goandt el
lhertohel
pyoucook.
MaCel
e:herki
dsar
esi
ck.Comeandwor
kwi
thus.
Me:
Ididnothaveatr
adi
ti
onalweddinghere.And
t
heparentsdi
dnotcometomyweddi ng.TheyDon'
t
r
ecogni
zemeasoneofyouher e.Sowheni tcomes
t
ocookingimustsl
ave?
MaCel
e:youwi
llnoteather
eifyoudon'
twor
k.
Me:
icanbuymyownf
ood.
Shel eftfur
ious.Isataloneundertheshadeunti
l
theywer edone.Theygotoutoft hehuthappyand
cheer f
ul.Ihadapai ninmyhear t
.Ifel
tli
keidon'
t
belong.
Shaka:
theyar
edone.Thetwinswil
lst
ayherewi
th
thei
rmother
.Iwi
llj
ustvi
sitt
hem asican'
tst
ayher
e.
Me:
theywant
edyout
ost
ayher
e?
Shaka:
yes.I
ftheki
dsleavet
hevil
lagetheywi
ll
al
waysbesick.Butican'
tst
ayherebecauseihave
ajobinPret
ori
aandyou.Idon'
twantthesepeople
mist
reat
ingyou.
Ij
ustnodded.
Me:
arewel
eavi
ng?
Shaka:
yes.Let
'sgo.

*
NARRATED*

Sihl
e:mayousaidthiswouldwork.Ievensigned
thedivor
cepapers.Justli
keyousaid.Il
ostmy
husbandtothatbarrenthi
ng!
Ma:that
'smyplan.Ever
ythi
ngwi
llwor
koutj
ustf
ine.
Justwaitandsee.
Si
hle:
ifi
tdoesn'
twor
koutI
'
llcauset
roubl
eforyou.I
knowyourbi
gsecr
et.Don'
tfor
gett
hat
.
Ma:doyouthi
nkI'
dforgetwhenyouthr
eat
enme
ever
ychanceyouget?Ihavealott
olose!
Si
hle:
it
'sgoodt
hatyouknow.OrI
'
dshowyouwhat
I
'm madeof.
Shaka:
babeyourphonei
sri
ngi
ng.
Ndoni
:answeri
t.Ihavef
louronmyhands.
Hepressedtheyesbut
tonandputi
ton
l
oudspeaker
.
Voi
ce:
heyNdoni
Ndoni
:um hi
.Howar
eyou?
Johan:
notgood.I
'
vebeent
hinki
ngaboutyou.
Ndoni
:t
hinki
ngaboutme?
Johan:ir
egr
etturningyoudownt hatday.Youknow
I'
vealwaysl
ovedyou.Ij ustr
espectedthefactt
hat
you'r
einarel
ationship.Nowthatyouaregetti
nga
divor
cemaybewecant r
ysomethingout.
Ndoni
:um idon'
tthi
nkthatwi
llbepossi
ble.Il
ove
myhusbandandwe' rebackt
ogether
.
Johan:
howlongagai
nbefor
ehehur t
syouagai
n?
WhataboutTai
wan?Ibethedoesntwantyout
ogo.
Nandi
:it
'smydeci
sionnott
ogo.
Johan:
icanr
elocat
ewi t
hyou.Thi
sisagood
opport
uni
tyt
hatyou'r
elett
inggoof
.
Shakawentt
ohi
swi
feandki
ssedher
.
Johan:
Ndoniar
eyoust
il
lther
e?
Ndoni
:aah
Johan:
areyoual
ri
ght
?
Ndoni
:uhm st
opdoi
ngt
hatim ont
hephone!Johan
canwetal
ksomet i
mel
ater
?I'
m busybaki
nghere.
Johan:
okaycal
lme.
Shaka:
doyouli
kewhatI
'm doi
ngtoyou?It
hinkwe
shoul
dtaket
histot
hebedroom.Ther
earekidsher
e.
Ndoni
:st
op.
Shest
art
edl
aughi
ng.Thecal
lgotdr
opped.
Shaka:
andt
hat
'showyoudealwi
thsmal
lboys.
Ndoni
:di
dyouhavet
o?I
'
m sur
ehe'
shur
tri
ghtnow.
Shaka:
it
'snotmyprobl
em.Mi
ndgivi
ngyour
husbandsomelovi
ngmyUsainBolt
?
Ndoni
:i
fyoudon'
tst
opusi
ngthatnameiwon'
tbe
r
esponsi
blef
ormyacti
ons.
Shaka:
youshoul
dhavejoinedathlet
ics.Youusedt
o
runbackt
hen.Butij
ustcouldn'
tletyougo.
Ndoni
:youdi
dn'
tli
kei
twheniusedt
orun.
Shaka:
becauseyou'
dfal
lever
yti
meandi
thur
tme
seei
ngyouliket
hat.
Ndoni:
wel
lil
ikedi
twhenyoudancedf orme.Idon'
t
knowwhatwasgoingonwit
hyout hatday.You
dancedsomuchforme.Beuphet
hweyi nivel
e?
Shaka:
uthandoMaZul
u.Ut
hando.
Ndoni:
imissNdusomuch.Doyouthi
nkishoul
d
cal
lhisfat
herandmaybehecancomeduri
ng
hol
idays?
Ndoni:
babegoandr
ecei
vet
het
het
hingsior
der
ed
out
side.Pl
ease.
Shaka:
tal
ktoyourbr
other
.Hewon'
tsayno.
Shaka:
uyangit
humamanj
he?
Ndoni
:I
'
m busy.I
'
llbedoneaoon
Shaka:
whati
sit
?
Me:i
t'
sbedsf
ortheki
dsandNdumi
so.I
'
m goi
ngt
o
decor
atet
hei
rrooms.
Shaka:
you'
ddot
hatf
ormyboys?
Ndoni:
ourboys.I
'
veaccept edmyfatetyatiwont
haveki
dssoyoudon' thavetowalkineggshell
s
whenthetwinsarehere.Theywi
llhealandvisi
t.
Shaka:
youhaveabeat
if
ulhear
t.Thankyou.
"
Heybabel
ookwhatibr
ought
?Yourf
avor
it
e"
Ndoni:wowsheevenknowyourfavori
te.
Ithasn't
evenbeenaweeksinceyoudivorcedandalready
she'sheret
owinyouback.Wi
llieverhavepeace
here?
Shaka:
babe.
..
Si
hle:
her
ehaveat
ast
e.
Ndoni
:you'
ret
aki
ngi
t?
Shaka:
I'
m ver
yhungr
yandyou'
renotdoneyet
.
Ndoni
:nxa!St
aywi
thher
!
Shaka:
Ndoni
!
Ndoni:
I'
m donefool
ingmysel
f.Pl
easesi
gnt
he
di
vorcepapers.
Si
hle:
youdon'
thavet
oleave.Wecanco-
exi
st.
Shaka:babewecantalkaboutthi
s.Idi
dn'
tsayi
wantherbackhere.Justeat
ingthecakeshe
broughtdoesn'
tmeananything.
Ndoni:
isawhowyoulookedather.Ihopewhenthe
mutit
heyservedyoust
opsworkingitwon'
tbetoo
l
ate.
NDONI
Ipushedmybagsl ookingatt hispl
aceicalled
homef orsi
xyear s.Ibookt henextavail
ablef l
ight
andleave.Hesignedt hedi vorcepaper
s.Ithought
hewoul dfi
ghtforourl ove.Ialwaysputalotof
workinourrelati
onship.It'
st i
meiputmysel ff
irst
.
Theuberdrivesmet otheai r
portandtearscan' t
stopfal
li
ng.Ireacht hereandwai tformyf l
ight.
Whent heycal litileave.Ther e'snotevenanounce
tel
li
ngmet ogetoutorr egr etget ti
nginthepl ane.
I'
vehadenough.I nst eadofgoi ngt oTaiwaniopt ed
forJapan.Iwi lljustwor kt herewi thnooneknowi ng
wher eiam.I 'veal waysputever yonebef oreme.
Nowi t
'stimeiputmysel ffirst.Evenmypar ents
wantnot hingt odowi t
hmebecauseofaman.I
don'tknowf orhowl ongiwi l
lst ayinJapanbut
what everhappenshappens.Get t
ingmar ri
edata
youngagehadi t'
sgoodandbad.Iwasr eall
yhappy
i
nmymar riagef ort hefirstf ouryear s.Idid
everythingieverdr eamtof .Butmosti mpor tantlyi
wasl oved.Nooneeverl ovedmel ikeShakadi d.He
stoodupf orme.Putmef ir
sti never yt
hing.It hink
him want ingki dschanged.I tputst rai
nonour
mar r
iage.Andit hinkbl ami nghi m won'tbef air
.I
couldn'tgivehi m whathewant ed.Maybewewer e
real
lynotdest inedt obet ogether .Nowher e'stomy
newl if
ei nJapan.IhopeJapanhassomet hing
goodf orme.

*
KEATLARETSI
*
Mybabyt urned5mont hsl astweekandidecidedto
vi
sithome.Ihaven' tbeenther einawhil
e.Iwokeup
andgotr eadyandbat hedKar men.That'
st hename
hergr andmagaveher .Idressedherinherclothes
andt ookmyt hings.Ikissedt hetwi
nsgoodbyeand
waitedwai t
edforthedr i
ver.Theyweregonnabel ef
t
wit
ht heirnanny.Thedooropened
Me:
wecangoi
fyouar
eready.
Hesai
dnot
hing.
Me:
I.
..
Wor dsl
eftmymout h.Therestoodmyhusband.
Lookingsothin.Hehadlostsomuchweight.I
lookedproperl
yanditwashim.IputKar
menont he
couchandr antohim.Ihel
dhim soti
ght
.Ifeltl
ikei
f
iletgoitwouldbeadream andhewoulddisappear
.
Tearswer efal
li
ngonmyeyes.
Mpendul
o:shshh
Hebrushedmybackwhi
leIcri
ed.Thenannyt
ook
Kar
menandl ef
twi
thher
.Icri
ed.Cri
edforawhil
e.
Myhusbandwasback.Hesal
ive.That
'sal
lthat
mat
ter
s.
Mpendul
o:i
m sor
ry.
West ayedjustli
ket hatnoonemovi ng.Iwaseven
shakingwi t
ht hewayiwas.Hepi ckedmeupand
wentt oourroom.Hel ayedmeont hebedandl ay
besideme.Theonl yt hingyoucouldhearwer emy
sniff
ing.Icrieduntilievenhadaheadache.Idon' t
knowhowif ellasl
eepbutiwokeupt ot
inyhands
touchingme.Iknewt het winswereinmybedr oom.
Iopenedmyeyesandl ookedaround.Therehewas
holdingourdaught erwal ki
ngaroundtheroom.Isat
downandl ookedathi m.
Ayanda:
mama
Luyanda:
baba
Hesmi l
edandki
ssedt
hei
rfor
eheads.Theydi
dn'
t
f
orgethi
m.
Mpendul
o:uvuki
lemama
Ismi
led.Iwashappyt
hathewashome.
Mpendul
o:she'
sfal
li
ngasl
eep.Letmet
akehert
o
t
henur
ser
y.
Iwaitedf
orhi
m andhecamebackandsatont
he
bed.Thet
winsweresoi
ntohi
m anddi
dn'
twantto
l
etgo.
Me:
doesyourf
ami
lyknowyou'
reback?
Mpendul
o:t
hisi
sthefi
rstst
opimade.
Mzwakhe
dr
oppedmeandleft
.
Hi
sphoner
angandhedr
oppedi
t.
Mpendulo:
ijustwantt
obewi t
hyoutodaywithout
peoplecr
owdingme.Let'
sjustspendourdayin
here.
Me:
okay.Ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?Shoul
dImakeyouf
ood?
Mpendul
o:I
'veal
readyeat
en.Icookedwhi
leyou
wer
esleepi
ng.
Me:
okay.Whathappened?
Mpendulo:thingswentwrong.Thepeoplethat
hij
ackedthet r
uckcameaf t
erme.Iwasaloneand
theywereal ot.Ther
ewasnot hi
ngicoul
dhave
done.Theyat tachedmeandl ef
tmetodie.Ionl
y
wokeupi nsomeman' shouse.Henursedmeback
t
ohealt
h.Idi
dn'tr
ememberwhoiwas.Di dn'
tknow
wher
eiam f
rom.Knewnot hi
ngaboutmyselfand
t
heoldmansaidhewil
lkeepmeuntilIr
emember .
Me:
soyoudi
dn'
trememberanyt
hingt
hiswhol
e
t
ime?
Mpendul
o:t
hat
'swhatt
hemansai
d.
Me:
imjusthappyyou'
rehome.Not
hingel
se
mat
ter
s.
Mpendul
o:you'
vel
ostwei
ght
.
Me:iwasst
ressedwi
thever
ythi
ngt
hatwasgoi
ng
on.Icoul
dn'
tcope.
Mpendul
o:Mzwakhet
oldme.I
m notgoi
ngt
oleave
youagai
n.
West ayedther
einbedandiprefer
redi
tli
ket
hat
.
Justbequietandfor
getaboutever
ythi
ngwebot
h
wentthrough.

*
THREEMONTHSLATER*
*
SIHLE*

It'
sbeent hr
eemont hssincet hatlittl
eI ndiangi rl
Ndoni yamanzil eft.Theyl ookedever ywher ef orher
andcoul dn'
tfi
ndher .It
'sgoodt hatshel eft.Nowi t'
s
myt imet oenj
oymyl i
feandgetwhatiwant .The
l
ifethatI '
vealwayswant ed.Dr eamtof .She' sst i
ll
young.Shewi llmeetsomeoneandf allinlove.I 've
movedi nwi t
hShaka.Weevent ookourbabi est o
staywi thus.Thatst untoft het winsf alli
ngsi ck
whent heyleavethevi l
lage?Thatwasal lhis
mot her'sdoings.Thet winsar eper fect l
yfine.She
wast heonemaki ngt hem si ckandihadt ogowi t
h
herplant ogetwhatiwant .Nowihaveever ything
thatI'
veal waysneeded.NowmeandShakaar ei n
bedaf terourhotst eamysessi on.I'venevermeta
manasr omant i
cashi m.Hepl annedar omant ic
dinnerf oruslastni ght.Itwassobeaut if
ul.It hink
that'
soneoft her easonsNdonif ellforhi m.He
mi ghtevenmanaget odistractmef rom mymi ssion.
ButThi ngsseem t obewor kingout .Il ookathi m
andsmi le.
Shaka:
iloveyousomuchNdoni
yami
.
Isthiswhatmyl i
feisgoingt obel i
ke?Doeshesee
Ndonii nme?HeknowsI 'm notherbutwhenever
wehavesexhecal l
smeNdoni .Thisgi
rlisgiving
problemsf rom wherevershei swi t
houtevent ryi
ng.
Ithinkit'
stimeigobackt ousi ngt hemut it
hathis
mot hergaveme.Ihadst oppedusi ngit.Nowiwi ll
usei tagain.Ther
e'saknockont hedoor.Shaka
getsupandr ushestot hedoort henigot oshower .
Wheni m doneifi
ndhi m gettingoutoft heot her
shower .Heget sdressedqui cklyandgoest othe
l
ounge.
Shaka:
wecant
alknow
Mpe:
wher
eisMaZul
u?
Shaka:
idon'
tknow.
Mpe:
youdon'
tknowwher
eyourwi
fei
s?
Shaka:isi
gnedthedivor
cepaper sandsheleft
.I
tr
iedtolookforherandican'
tfindher.Evenher
parent
sdon'tknowwher esheis.
Mpe:
whydi
dyousi
gnt
hem damni
t!
?
Shaka:
idon'
tknowwhatcameoverme.I
twasl
ike
somethi
ngwaspushi
ngmet odoit
.
Mpe:
sowhowast
hatyouwer
etal
kingt
o?
Shaka:
It
'sSi
hle.
Mpe:ohnowiseewhyyourwi
fel
eftyou.Whatthen
i
fshemoveson?Doyouwanttodiealoneand
miserabl
e?
Shaka:
ipr
oposedt
oSi
hlel
astni
ght
.Wear
eget
ti
ng
marri
ed.
Mpe:there'snomarriagethati
shappeni
nghere.We
onl
ywi llacceptMaZuluandnooneelse.Lookfor
herandf indher.
Shaka:shedoesn'
twantt
obef
ound.Soishoul
d
st
oplivingmylif
e?
Mpe:soyou'r
ejustgoi
ngt
ost
aywi
thsomeoneyou
don'
tlove?
Shaka:shel
ovesme.Iwi
lll
ear
ntoloveher
.She'
s
matureunli
keNdoni
.Shewontcomplai
nat
ever
ything.
Mpe:
youmadehercompl
ain.Youwer
ehappywhen
yougotmarri
edandeveryt
hingwasgoi ngwel
lthe
fi
rstf
ewyears.Thenyoucheated.That
'swher
et he
probl
em st
art
ed.Youmadeheri nsecur
e.
Shaka:il
oveNdoniandiwi llnevercompletelygive
myhear tt
osomeoneel se.Shel eftwit
hmyhear t.
She'stheonlywomanI '
veevert rul
yloved.Noone
deservestobelovedli
keilovedher .Andshe' st
he
fi
rstonewhol ovedmewi t
houtanycondi t
ions.She
gavemet rueloveandiwashappywi thher .Iwi
ll
alwayskeepthosememor ieswi thme.Iwi l
ltryt
o
moveonandl ovesomeoneel se.AndSi hlecanbe
thatsomeone.
Mpe:okay.Dowhat everyouwant.Butknowthat
youwillneversetf
ooti nt
hathouseinSil
verl
ake.
Weboughtt hathouseasagi f
tforyourwedding
wit
hMaZul uandi t
'l
lstayli
kethat
.Iwil
lrenti
tout
andopenanaccountf ort
hetwins.
Shaka:
buticanst
ayt
her
e!
Mpe: notwit
hsomeoneel
sebutMaZulu.When
you'vefoundhert
henyoucanmoveinther
e.Wit
h
her.Notsomespinel
esshar
lot
.
Hesaidthataft
erhesawme.Me?I
sfebe?
Uyangi
jwayela.
Me:
am it
hehar
lot
?
Mpe:
ift
heshoef
it
s.
Me:sayssomeonewhoismar
ri
edt
osomeone21
yearsyoungert
hant
hem.
Mpe:youwil
lneverbeaKhozabr
ide.Iwi
llmake
sur
eofit.
Me:
gotoyourl
it
tl
ebi
tchandl
eaveusal
one.You'
re
nol
ongerwel
comehere.
Idi
dn'
tseei
tcomi ngbutShakast
oodupand
cl
appedmetwice.Mycheekhurt.
Me:
yousl
appedme.
Shaka:
andiwilldoitagai
nifyoudon'
tpackyour
thi
ngsandleavemyhouse.Theengagementi sof
f.
Youcansel
lthatring.
Mpendul
owasf
umi
ng.
Shaka:
you'
rest
il
lher
e?
Me:
justbecauseisai
dwhatisai
d?I
t'
sthet
rut
h.
Whatdoest hatKeahavethathasever
yoneso
over
protect
iveofher?Fi
rsti
twasyourlit
tl
ewi
fe
nowit'
sher!
Shaka:l
eave!Idon'teverwantt
oseeher eagai
n!I
wil
lcommuni catewi thmymotherabouttheki
ds.
Anddon'tdoanyt hingstupi
dbecauseihaveful
l
cust
odyoft hetwinsandicant akethem anyt
imei
want.Sotradecar eful
ly.
Me:soyouwereusingmet orel
easeyourst
ress?I
hopeyourNdoninevercomesbackthenyoucan
di
emi ser
abl
eandal onenxa!
Shaka:
atleastiwon'tbewit
hsomest upidbit
ch.
Whydon'tyouuset hemoneyt hatigi
veyoutodo
somethi
ngval uabl
e?Likegotoschoolandstop
runni
ngaftermen?Cost hat
'sallyou'
l
leverbegood
at.Dosomethingforachangeman!
Wow!Thelookhegavemeaf tersayingthat.Isat
ont
hecouchandcr i
edashewentt ot hebedr oom.
Sot
hat'
showheseesme?St upidandusel ess?
NowI'
m determi
nedtomaket hi
smi ssionI'
m on
wor
k.I
'm goingt
ofeedhi
mt hatmut i.Whydi dIstop
usi
ngt
hatmut
i!
?

*
TOBECONTI
NUED.
..
*
[
07/06,19:
00] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER16*

Onsundaymor ningiwokeupandgotr eadyf ormy

tr
iptoRust enburg.Iam t
akingOr ati
leback.He
didn'
tleavewithourparents.Thet imedadwasher e
ihadal ongweekhavi ngtopr etendthateverything
wasf i
ne.Theywer eher
etomeetwi thAmi r
'sf amil
y
andwhent heyleftiwassor el
ieved.

ItookaquickshowerandwenttocheckonOr
ati
le.
Hewasalreadyupanddressed.

Me:
ofedi
tseboy?
Or
ati
le:
eyakef
edi
tse.
Me:
okay.Youcangoandhavebr
eakf
ast
.Then
we'
l
lleaveaf
tert
hat
.
Iwenttot
hehel
per
sroom.Wegotahelperbecause
ther
e'sal
ott
odowithbot
hofuswor
king.

Me:mamakeyagae.Okar
atagoyagot
lhol
akwa
gaekgot
sagosi
ame?
Mme:
nkanakat
samayal
ewena.
Me:okay.Okannawai
paakanya.Wewi
lll
eave
af
terbreakf
ast
.
Ayanda:
mama
Me:
comemyboy.
If
oundMpendul
otal
kingontyephoneandij
ust
wait
edbyt
hedoorandli
stened.
Mpendulo:heywena!It ol
dyouthatwhatwehad
wasnothingandit'
sover.It ol
dyouihaveawife
t
hatilove!Andididn'tknowwhatwashappening
t
here.Il
ostmymemor y!Idi
dn'
tevenknowwhoi
was.
.
..
.
Mpendulo:
sowhatdoyouwantmet
odoaboutt
hat
?
Geti
tint
oyourhead.I
t'
sover
.
IwentinasAyandawasmakingsounds.Iwentt
o
thecl
osetandtookmyhandbag.
Mpendul
o:Khanyi
sil
euyaphi
?
Me:
it
'
sst
il
lear
lyf
oryourquest
ions.
Mpendul
o:ihavetoknowwher
eyouar
esot
hati
canpr
otectyou.
Me:
protectmef
rom what
?Pi
tyyoucan'
tpr
otectme
f
rom you.
Mpendul
o:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:notthati
t'
sanyl
fyourbusi
nessbuti
m goi
ngt
o
Rustenburg.
Mpendul
o:ar
eyoucomi
ngbackt
oday?
Me:
yes.
Mpendul
o:l
eavet
heki
ds.Iwi
l
llookaf
tert
hem.
Me:
it
'
snotapr
obl
em.I
mtaki
ngmmeMami
kiwi
th.
Mpendul
o:youcanl
eavet
heki
ds.
Me:
ifThandocr
iespl
easecal
lme.
Mpendul
o:okay.
Wewentdownst ai
rstohavebr eakfastandaft
er
thatwelef
t.Lisawant edtocomewi thandihadt o
takeherbecauseIknewshewasn' tgoingt
oagr ee
i
fisaidno.Idi dn'
ttakethedri
verwi thme..Idrove
homeaf t
erdroppingthenannyof f.Ipassedby
mmaMoeket siandboughtthreekot as.
Li
sa:
arewesl
eepi
ngher
e?
Me:
yes.Wewi
lll
eavet
omor
row.
Li
sa:
imi
ssdad.
Me:
wecancal
lhi
m.
Li
sa:
okay.Butnowiwantt
oeat
.
Iatemykotaandaf t
ert
hatiwentt
osl eep.Iwoke
upafterawhil
eandwenttotheshi
sanyamaand
boughtmeatandpap.Whenwear r
iveddadwasnot
around.Iwentbackhomeandweat eourf ood.
Mpendul
ocoul
dn'
tst
opcal
li
ng.I
twasst
art
ingt
o
i
rr
it
ateme.
Me:
hel
lo.
Mpendul
o:nir
ight
?
Me:
yes
Mpendulo:
areyouonyourway?Becar
efuldr
ivi
ng
ont
her ai
n.
Me:wear
enotcomi
ngbackt
oday.Wewi
lldr
ive
backt
omorr
ow.
Mpendul
o:Khanyi
sil
eunganghl
anyi
si.
Me:isai
diwil
lcomebacktomorr
ow.Ican'
tchange
nowwhenivealr
eadytol
dthehel
pert
hatwewill
dri
vebackt
omorrow.
Mpendul
o:i
t'
snotl
ikeweneedher
.Wecanl
ether
go.
Me:unt
ilyoudeci
detoleaveagai
n.Sheneedst
his
j
ob.We'vejusthi
redher!
Mpendul
o:i
fyoudon'tl
eavei
nthemorni
ngi
m
comi
ngforyouther
e.Howarewegoingtof
ix
t
hingsi
fyou'
renother
e?
Me:
bye.
Mpendul
o:ngi
sakhul
umanje.Kant
iyi
niengakauyi
j
agel
e?UkhonayiniuRapul
alapho?
Me:wow.Doyour
eal
lyt
hinkIwoul
dkeepRapul
a
her
e?
Mpendul
o:whatdoyouwantmetothi
nk?Angi
thi
awf
uniukbuyaekhaya.Gi
veLi
sat
hephone.
Me:
babyher
e.Daddywant
stot
alkt
oyou.
Igaveherthephoneandtheyt
alkedandlaughed.
Astheywer et
alki
ngihear
dahoot erout
side.I
wentouttocheck.
"Iwaspassi
ngandsawacarher
eandt
houghti
t'
s
you."
Me:Ican'
tbel
ievet
hatit
'syou.Wher
ehaveyou
beenal
lthi
sti
meml ungu?
Hisnamei sRi
ckus.Wecalledhim mlungu.His
famil
ycamet othi
svil
lagelongagoandset tl
edhere.
Thefirstt
imewemethi m me,Bonol
oandFar aiwere
playi
ngandhecameki cki
nghi ssoccerbal
l.Ithi
t
meandifell
.ThenFar aiwaslike"heywenamlungu.
Whydidyouhitmysi ster?
"Iwon' tfor
gett
hatday.
Hewassoscar ed.Lol.Aft
ert
hatwebecame
f
ri
ends.Thenaftermat r
icheleft.
Ml
ungu:
you'
rest
il
lusi
ngt
hatname?
Me:
comei
n.
Li
sawasst
il
ltal
kingwi
thherdad.
Me:
howar
eyou?
Ri
ckus:
im good.I
t'
ssogoodt
oseeyou.
Li
sa:chababa.Ngi
hlelinomanoOrat
il
e.Gogo
akekho.YeahandMl ungu.MamasaysMlungui
s
hisname.
Il
aughed.
Ri
ckus:
thatyourchi
ld?Ogodi
sit
sene.
Me:
yeah.Ihavef
ourbackatmypl
ace.
Ri
ckus:
sixki
ds!
Me:
no.Thatonei
smyl
it
tl
ebr
other
.
Ri
ckus:
Far
aiompol
elet
sigor
eonyet
swi
.
Li
sa:
babauml
unguukhul
umaiset
swana!
Sheshoutedlaughi
ng.Whatdoit
ellt
hischi
ld
aboutt
ell
ingherdadthi
ngs?
Li
sa:
mamababauf
unkhul
umanawe.
Me:
excuseme..
..What
'swr
ong?
Mpendul
o:wenzanil
aphoKhanyi
sil
e?Doyouwant
metodri
vethereri
ghtnow?whatdoest
hatwhi
te
bi
ywant?
Me:
there'
snoneedf
ort
hat.He'
sjustaf
ri
endigr
ew
upwit
handhewaspassingandsawme.
Mpendul
o:don'
tpat
roni
zeme.Comehome.
Me:
im comi
ngbackt
omor
row.
Mpendulo:
ibet
ternotf
indt
hatwhi
teboywhenIget
t
here.Nxa.
Hecutt
hecal
l
Ri
ckus:
sohusband?
Me:
he'
sinPr
etor
ia.
Ri
ckus:
ihear
dyoumar
ri
edt
hatf
oolRapul
a.
Me:
act
ual
lywewerenotr
eall
ymarri
ed.Igot
mar
ri
edagai
n.Li
sagotoyourroom orgowat
cht
v
Lisa:mommyim eat
ing.I
m sor
ryiwon'
ttel
ldad
thingsagai
n.
Me:
okaygot
othet
vroom
Li
sa:
im wai
ti
ngf
ordadher
e.He'
scomi
ngt
otakeus
home.
Me:
goandwai
tforhi
mther
e.
Shet
ookherpl
ateandl
eft
.
Ri
ckus:
yourchi
ldi
sasni
tch.
Me:
andknowi
ngherf
atherot
laaf
ofi
lef
aa.
Ri
ckus:sowhydi
dyoul
eaveRapul
a?
Me:hewasfooli
ngme.Heal
readyhadawif
eand
ourmarr
iagetur
nedoutt
obefake.I
magi
ne.
Rickus:
kentj
a.Mar
aoshapnou?Ial
sohear
dabout
yourfat
herhavi
ngawi
fe.
Me:
imf
ine.Justt
aki
ngi
tonedayatat
ime.
Ri
ckus:
it
'sgoodt
oseeyou.
Me:
yout
oo.
Ri
ckus:
letmel
eavebef
oreshakazul
uget
sher
eand
ki
ll
sme.
Wel aughed.Wehuggedandhel eft.Hehoot edand
droveof f.Iwentt ositinthetvroom andwat ched
whatt heywer ewat ching.Imissedmybabi es.
EspeciallyThando.Shemustbecr yingformenow.
Ther ainhadst opped.Wewat chedt vunti
lIeven
gotbor ed.Ithoughtofvi si
ti
nguncl ebef oreleaving
tomor r
ow.Ihear dacarout side.Isml unguback?I
peepedt hrought hewi ndowandIcoul dn'tbelieve
whatisaw.Iunl ockedt hedoorandwentbackt o
myseat .Hegoti nandsai dnot hing.
Mpendul
o:Li
sagoandt akeyourt
hingsandgot o
t
hecar.Wearegoinghome.Wewi l
lleaveOrat
il
eko
mmeMoeketsi.YourDadwil
lfi
ndhimt her
e.
Me:di
dyour eal
lyhavetodri
veal
lthewayher
e?
DadwillwonderwhyIleft
.
Mpendul
o:youwant
edmetostayhomewhi
lemy
wif
eisbusywit
hsomewhiteboyher
e?Weare
goi
nghome.Takeyourt
hings.
Me:
whataboutmycar
?
Mpendul
o:icamewi
thadr
iver
.
Mxm.If
etchedmyhandbagandf
oll
owedaf
terhi
m.

Iwasangr yallthewayhome.Ionlysmi l
edwhen
myboysr antome.Khanyowaswi ththem.When
wear ri
vedMpendul otol
dhertogowithallt
hekids
toMuzi '
s.
Hedr ovethem t
her
e.Iwassoangr yat
him.Itwasr ai
ningagainabi
taft
ertheyhadjustlef
t.
Iclosedthewindowsandwentt otakeashower.
Thenwr appedat owelandwenttolot
ion.
"
Youl
ikeseei
ngmeangr
yneh?
"
Me:ont
shosi
tse.
Mpendul
o:wasthatwhi
teboyt
her
easonyouwent
t
oRustenburg?
Me:
idi
dn'
tknowhewasback.He'
sjustaf
ri
end!
It
ookmynightdr
essbuthesnat
chedit.I
swall
owedwhenhetookt
hetowelandalsot
hrewi
t
off.I
naswif
tmomentiwasinhisarms.
Me:
letgoofme.
Itfel
lindeafears.Heputmeont hebedandsoon
hisclotheswereoff.It
ri
edgetti
ngoffhim andhe
pinnedmyhandsonmyhead.Icoul dn'
tmove.I
screamedwhenif el
thim ent
er
Mpendulo:
youcanscr
eam al
lyouwantt
heki
dsar
e
nother
e.
Hel ookedint
omyeyesandil ookeddown.He
startedmovingandforawhil
ehedi dn'tl
etmerest.
Onlywhenwewer edoneigottobreathe.Yesial
so
enjoyeditbutIwon'
tshowhimt hat
.Iwasst i
ll
angr yathi
m.
Mpendul
o:l
ookatme.
Icoul
dn'
tlookathim.Idi
dn'
twantt
o.Buthe
for
cedmet olookathi
m.
Mpendul
o:ngi
yak'
thandaKhanyisi
le.Kakhul
ufut
hi.
WhathappenedinMozambi quemeantnothi
ng.
You'
remylif
e.Withyouim complete.Thi
sismy
home.
Isni
ff
edandhewi
pedmyt
ear
.
Mpendul o:nomatterhowlongittakesim goi
kngto
fi
xthings.Iwi l
learnyourfor
giveness.Iwon'tst
op
unti
lyouf orgi
veme.
Me:whatdididof oryout
ohurtmelikethis?I
thoughtihadfoundmyhappiness.Onlyforyouto
breakmyheartmor e.WhenIl
ookatyouii magine
youwi t
hher.
Mpendul
o:pl
easef
orgi
veme.I
mreal
lysor
ry.
Me:
pleasebehonestwi
thme.Doyoul
oveher
?
Mpendulo:
idon'
tloveher
.Ir
egr
etever
ythi
ngt
hat
happened.
Me:
didyout
hinkofmeandhowhur
tiwoul
dbe?
Mpendulo:
ngyaxol
isast
handwasami
.Ipr
omi
sei
t
wi
llneverhappenagai
n.
Me:don'
tmakepromi
sesyoucantkeep.It
hinkwe
needti
meapart
.
Mpendul
o:t
imeapar
tsoyoucanseeyourwhi
teboy?
Me:
soicandeci
dewhatiwant
.
Mpendul
o:youwantt
oleave.I
sthati
t?
Me:youknowmypastr elati
onshipdidn'
tworkout
becauseofl
iesandcheating.Itoldyouidon't
tol
erat
echeati
nginarelati
onship.It
hinkineed
ti
met odeci
dewhatiwant .
Mpendul o:youhaveever ythi
ngyouwanther e.Iwil
l
showyout hatever yt
hingwasami stake.Iwon'tl
et
youl eave.Im notlett
ingsomesmal lboytakeyou.
Firstitwasyourexnowi t
'st
hiswhiteboy.Didthey
giveyousomet hing?
Me:
mxm kar
obal
a.
It
urnedar
oundandhel
dthecovert
omybody.
Mpendulo:
caniaskonequest
ionandpl
easet
ellme
t
hetrut
h?Doyoust i
lll
oveme?
Ikeptqui
et.Iwasj
ustsni
ff
ing.Iwi
pedat
eart
hat
fel
l.
Me:
yes.
Mpendulo:
theni
t'
ssett
led.Wewil
lwor
kont
hings.
Wewillf
ixourmarri
age.Il
ove.
Me:
iloveyout
oobutt
hisi
stoomuchf
orme.
Hepul
ledmet
ohi
m andki
ssedmyneck.
Thefol
lowi
ngmorningiwokeupandhewasstar
ing
atme.Hiseyesl
ookedli
kehewascryi
ng.He
l
ookedsad.
Mpendul
o:goandt
akeashower
.Ihaveasur
pri
se
f
oryou.
Me:
whati
sit
?
Mpendul
o:youwi
llsee.
Iwentt
oshowerandheal readytookoutcl
othesf
or
me.Igotdr
essedandwel eft.Hedrovet
oOR
tamboandiwassurpr
isedwhatwewer edoi
ng
ther
e.
Mpendul
o:we'
regoi
ngt
oourhoneymoon.Wenever
hadonesothi
sisit
.
Me:
whendi
dyoupl
ant
his?
Mpendul
o:l
astweek.
Me:
wehaveasmal
lbaby.Whati
fshecr
ies?
Mpendul
o:mamawi
l
llookaf
terher
.Ther
e'snot
hing
t
oworryabout
.
Me:youcantbuymewi thahoneymoon.There'
sa
reasonwhywedi dn'
tgo.Mybabyisst
il
lyoungto
beleftonherown.Youcangoalone.Im notgoi
ng
anywhere.

Ilefthim standingthereandr equest

edanubber
andwentbackhome.I '
m notgoingtogiveintoa
per sonfeelingguilt
yandtryingtobuymy
forgiveness.Hecheat edandnowimustj ustact
l
ikeaf oolandagr eetoeverythi
nghesays?That's
notgoi ngt ohappen.WhenIgothomehewas
alreadyt here.Hemusthavebeendr ivi
ngfast
.
Mpendul
o:whati
sitgoi
ngtotaket
omakeyousee
t
hatiam sor
ry?Whatdoihavetodo?
Me: youcantbuymyf or
gi veness.It'
supt oyouwhat
youdo.Idontcar e.Youl eftmef orayearand
mont hsalone.Inevercheat edort houghtofdoing
that.Youcheat ed.Whatdoest hatmakeyou?You' r
e
justli
keanyot hermant hatcheatandimadea
promi setomysel fthatiwontst andthat.It
hink
divorceistheonl ywayout .IthoughtIcouldforget
aboutyouandherbuticant .I
tshardf orme.Whi le
youwer eoutthereenj oyingyour sel
fiwasher e
goingt hroughal ot.YoudontknowwhatI '
vebeen
through.Ilostwei ghtthinkingaboutwhet heryou
aref i
neornot .Icouldntsl eepwel lt
hinking
somet hingbadmi ghthavehappenedt oyou!Ihad
tomoveupanddownwhenyourbr otherswer e
accusi ngmeofcheat ing,somet hi
ngidi dnotdo.
Somet hingyouwer ebusydoi ng.Nowt hatyou'r
e
theonei nf aul
ttheysaynot hing.Howdoyout hink
thatmakesmef eel?Happy?Good?No!I m broken
i
nsi de.Dontwai tupf orme.I '
l
lbebackl ater.
Mpendul
o:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
iwantsomef
reshai
r.Awayf
rom you.

Nar
rat
ed

Mpendulowaswal ki
ngupanddownl ooki
ng
throughthewindowifhi
swifewoul
dshowup.He
didntwanttoeatnotknowi
ngwheresheis.Ont
he
otherhandhisphonekeptr
ingi
ngandheknewwho
i
tissohecouldn'
treal
lyanswerit
.Itendedup
i
rr
itat
inghi
m andheanswer ed.
Mpendulo:
voet
sekman!Di
dn'
tit
ellyounott
ocal
l
meagain?
Farai
:
hey.Yourwi
feisher
edrunk.Pl
easecomeand
fet
chher.She'
scr
yingandscr
eaming.
Mpendul
o:what
?Wher
ear
eyou?
Farai
:
Pret
ori
awestatherpl
ace.Shehadal
ott
o
dri
nk.
Hecoul dhearhercr
yingi
nthebackgroundandthat
brokehisheart
.Heranoutofthehouseanddrove
toPretori
aWest.Uponarr
ivi
ngFaraihadmanaged
tocalm herdownandshewasnowsl eepi
ngi
nher
room.
Farai
:
she'
sinherroom.Whathappened?I'
venever
seenherl
iket
hat.Ievent
houghtofcal
li
ngher
fat
her.
Mpendul
o:di
dshesayanyt
hingt
oyou?
Farai:
not
hing.Shewasjustcryi
ng,scr
eamingand
sayingsomet hi
ngsicoul
dn'tunderst
and.
Somethi
ngbadmusthavehappenedf
orhert
odo
thi
s.Shedoesn'
tdr
ink!
Mpendul
o:t
hankyouf
orcal
li
ngme.
Hej
oggedupst
air
stoherr
oom andgotoutwi
thher
.
Mpendul
o:I
'
llf
etchhercart
omor
row.
Far
ai:
sur
e.

Hedr ovehomeandwentwi t
hhertothebathroom.
Hepr eparedabathf orherandhelpedi
ntothe
bathtub.Assoonast hewatermadecontactwith
herski nsheopenedhereyes.Het ookawat er
bottl
eandmadehert odri
nk.Aft
erhefi
nished
bathingherhetookhert obedthenwentt omake
foodf orher
.Hetriedt omakehereatbutshe
refused.
Mpendul
o:youhavetoeatsomet
hing.Youcan'
t
sl
eepwit
hanempt ystomach.
Kea:idon'
tfeelwel
l.Iwantt
osl
eep.
Iwi
lleatt
omor
row.
Mpendul
o:youhavetoeatnow.Soyoucanhave
somestr
ength.Iknowicausedal
loft
hisandi
m
sor
rybutcanyoupleaseeat?
Kea:ij
ustwantt
osl
eep.I
sthatsohar
dto
underst
and?
Mpendul
o:f
ine!Sl
eep.

Sil
encefel
landnoonewast alki
ngtoanyone.They
sl
eptandinthemor ni
ngKeawokeupandr antothe
bathr
oom.Shet hrewupandflushedthetoi
lett
hen
di
dherhygieneprocess.Shewrappedatoweland
wenttodressup.
Mpendul
o:mor
ningst
handwasami
.
Kea:
hey!
don'
ttouchme!
Heletgoofherandwenttot
hebathroom.Af
ter
shewasdoneshemadet hebedandwent
downstai
rs.Theki
dswereal
readyupandeat
ing.
Kea:
goodmor
ningbabi
es.
Mnqobi:
goodmor
ningmom.
Kea:
goodmor
ningLi
sa.
Li
sa:
it
'snotagoodmor
ning.Youdidn'
ttuckmei
n
andr
eadmeabedt i
mestory.I
'
m sad.
Kea:
ipr
omi
set
oni
ghtiwi
llt
uckyoui
n.
Mnqobi
:butLi
sadadr
eadt
hest
oryf
oryou.
Li
sa:
it
'snott
hesame.
Kea:ipr
omi
set
oni
ghtiwi
llbeher
e.
Li
sa:
okay.
Sj
ewentt
otheki
tchent
owar
m herf
ood.
Mpendul
o:ar
eyour
eal
lygoi
ngt
oignor
eme?
Kea:pl
ease!I
m al
readyti
redasi
tis.You'
real
ways
fol
lowi
ngmear ound.Dontyouhaveworktogoto?
Mpendul
o:iwoul
dli
keust
ofi
xthi
ngs.
Kea:doyout hi
nkthi
ngswillbeeasi lyf
ixed?Nowi
don'tknowhowt ofeel
.Wesl epttogetherwit
hout
protecti
on.WhatifI
'
vebeeni nfected?Didyouever
thinkaboutthat
?Whatifyoui nfectedmewi t
hsome
sickness?
Mpendul
o:idon'
thaveanysi
ckness.
Kea:i
t'
salwaysgoodandobedientwifeswho
al
waysgett hesesti
s.Thei
rhusbandsgooutther
e
andbr i
ngitback.Iwoul
dn'
tbesurpri
sedifi
m al
so
i
nfected.
Shel
efthi
mther
edef
eat
ed.

.
..
..
..

Ijustcamebackf r
om t hedoctor.I
mj usthappyt hat
iwasn' ti
nfectedwi thanyt hi
ng.Butist i
llhaveto
tr
eadcar efull
y.Ican' tbel
ieveim goingthrought hi
s
again.Myhusbandcheat edandidon' tknowwhat
im goingtodo.Foil eaveorst ay?Im confli
cted.
Theubberdr opmei nfrontofmyhouse.Idon' t
botherknocki ng.Ijustgot hroughast hedoorwas
notlocked.If reezewher eIam standing.
Far
ai:
Rudo!
Me:um hi
.Idi
dn'
tknowyouhadcompany.I
'
llcome
backsomeothert
ime.
Voi
ce:
youdon'
thavet
oleave.
Me:
Rickus?
Ri
ckus:
yeahi
t'
sme.
Far
ai:
sitdownsowecanexpl
ain.
Me:ther
e'snoneed.I
mj ustsurpri
sed.That'
sal
l.
Didn'
tknowyout woaredating.Andthatyouar
e
gay!
Far
ai:
wear
emar
ri
ed.
Me:
Far
ai!
Far
ai:
..
Me:
wow.Yougetmar
ri
edanddon'
teveni
nvi
teme.I
t
houghtwewer
eti
ght
.
Farai
:it
houghtmaybeyouwon'
tapprove.Alotof
peopl
earenotsuppor
ti
ngthi
srel
ati
onship.
Me:
youknowiwoul
dneverj
udgeyou.I
m notl
ike
t
hat
.
Far
ai:
i
m sor
ry.
Me:
butinevert
houghtiwoul
dseet
his.Youand
hi
m?Yout
wousedt
ofi
ghtal
lthet
ime!
Ri
ckus:
no!He'
stheonewhopi
ckedt
hosef
ight
s.
Me:
butanywayi
m happyf
oryou.
Far
ai:
aboutyester
day.Whywer
eyoudr
unk?You
wereevencryi
ng.
Me:
let
'snott
alkabouti
t.Pl
easeor
derpizzaforme.
I
m goi
ngtomyr oom.Callmewhenitgetshere.
Ri
ckus:
okay
Me:
buyf
ourboxes.
Far
ai:
four
?
Me:
ihaveabi
gfami
ly.wakemeaf
teranhour
.

Mpendul
o

Wearebusyputtingthi
ngsintheloungeforour
fami
lyday.Khanyisi
lehasbeengonef orawhil
e
nowbutLisawon'tstop.She'
stheonewhosai dwe
mustdothisandwai tf
orhermommy.She' sreal
ly
sur
ethatshewi
llcome.
Li
sa:daddy,wealwayshaveafamil
ydayonsunday.
Youwi l
lsee.Mommywi llbeher
esoon.Goandtake
dri
nks.Iwillf
etcht
hesnacks.
Sheranoutsohappy.I
'dhat
eforhertobe
di
sappoi
nted.Ir
eall
yhopeKhanyi
sil
ewillcome.
Li
sacomesbackr unni
ng.
Li
sa:
daddygoandt
aket
hesnacks.Yousee?
Mommy'scari
sher
e.
Ismil
eandfet
chchi
psandbi
scui
tst
hatif
oundi
n
thedr
awer.
Kea:
babi
esi
m back.
Theyal
lrant
oherandhugged.Shekissedt
hem al
l
andMnqobitookt
heboxesofpizza.
Li
sa:
mommydaddysai
dyouwer
enotcomi
ng.
Kea:
youknowiwoul
dn'
tmi
ssourf
ami
lyday.
Shekissedmycheekandwentt ositdown.It
hink
shedidthatbecausetheki
dswer elooki
ngather.I
don'
thhopeinourmar ri
ageanymor e.Wit
htheway
she'
sactingidontthi
nkshewillfor
giveme.But
t
her
e'snowayiwi
llal
lowt
hat
.

KEATLARETSI

Aknockonthedoorandhegoest oopenthedoor.
Hetakest
imeandihearacommot i
on.I
mt empted
t
ogocheckbutthisfoodistoogoodformetoleave
i
t.Iwaseat
ingl
eftoversfr
om ourfamil
yday.A
womancomesinshout i
ng.
Me:whoareyou?Youcan'
tjustgeti
ntomyhouse
andstar
tshout
ing.
Shest
oppedandl
ookedatme.
Me:
what
?
Mpendulo:
babeidi
dn'
tknowshewouldcomeher
e.
Idon'
tevenknowhowshefoundoutist
ayher
e.
Me:
whoar
eyou?
Mpendul
o:i
t'
s.
.
Me:
I'
mtal
kingt
oher
.
Woman:
im Li
loca
Icoul
dhearf
rom heraccentt
hatkeyenanyat
siya
teng.
Me:sowhatareyoudoi
ngher
e?Ar
eyouher
eto
gl
oatthatyouhadhi
mforamoment?
Lil
oca:i
m nothereforthat
.Mpendulocanwet al
kin
pri
vate?IpromiseI'
llbeoutofher
ebeforeyourwif
e
seeme.I m nother
et ocausetr
oublef
oryou.
Mpendulo:you'
veal
readycausedenought
roubl
e.I
suggestyouleaver
ightnow.
Me:
kat
lhol
lwagol
ofaa.
Mpendul
o:you'
renotwel
comeher
e.
Me:
pleasel
eave.
Li
loca:
im notgoi
nganywher
ebef
oreispeakt
ohi
m.
Mpendul
o:youhear
dmywi
fenowl
eave.
Li
loca:
yourwi
fe?Thi
sthi
ng!
?
Me:
iwon'
tletyoudi
srespectmei
nmyownhouse.
Li
loca:
ijustwantt
otal
ktohi
m.Idon'
twantany
t
roubl
e.
Me:weren'
tyoul
ooki
ngf
ort
roubl
ewhenyousl
ept
wi
thhim?
Li
loca:
idi
dn'
tknowhehasawi
fe.
Me:i
sthatri
ngonhi sf
ingerfordecor
ati
ons?leave
andnevercomebackher e.Ifyouwantyour
boyf
ri
endletitnotbehere.Nxa!
Mpendul
o:babei
..
.
Me:I
'
mt i
redoftal
kingaboutthi
s.Ithoughtwe
woul
dnevercomebackt othi
stopic.Ithoughtwe
woul
dmoveonandf or
get.Butyourskelet
onsare
comi
ngouttobotherme.
Li
loca:
pleaseMpendul
oineedyourhelp.Dadi
sin
hospit
alandtheyar
enothelpi
nghim.Ihaveno
moneyt opayforhi
smedicalbi
ll
s.
Shest
art
edcr
ying.
Mpendul
o:what
!?
Agnes:
yest
hat
'swhyicameher
e.Ihadnoot
her
choi
ce.
Me:whydidn'
tyouusethemoneyyouusedt
ocome
her
eforthemedicalbi
ll
s?
Mpendul
o:pl
easel
eave.Iwillcal
lyouandyoucan
gi
vemeyourbankingdetai
ls.
Me:
wowyoust
il
lhavehernumber
.
Agnes:
thankyou.
Mpendul
o:i
fhedoesn'
tgetbet
teriwi
llt
ryt
ohave
hi
m movedthi
sside.
Me:
nxa!
Iconti
nuedeat
ingmyfoodandshel
eft.Hetri
ed
tal
kingtomebutii
gnoredhi
m andj
ustfocusedon
myf ood.

Thewhol
eeveni
nginevert
alkedt
ohi
m.

TOBECONTI
NUED!
!!
[
07/06,19:
00] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*
*
CHAPTER17*

IfMpendul owant edtodowhat everthiswoman

want edt heniwasgoi ngtol ethim be.It'shisl i
fe
andhecandowhat everhewant s.Ifsher eally
neededhel pwi t
hherf athershecoul dhavesentan
smsi fshesawt hathewasnotanswer inghercal ls.
Andwher edidsheevengethi snumbercoshe
changedhi snumberwhenheboughtanew
cellphone?Al lthetimesheusedt ocomeher e
somet hi
ngcoul dhappent oherf ather.I'
m not
sayinghemustl ethim die.Theol dmanhel pedhi m.
Buti t
'shisdaught erthatidonotl ike.Isawt heway
shel ookedatmyhusband.Shest il
lwant shi m and
woul ddoanyt hingtohavehi m.Idi dn'
tevencr y.I
've
criedenoughmywhol elife.Pwentt obake.Imade
dumpl i
ngandsoupf ortheki ds.Afterthatical l
ed
theki dsandt henannyt ocomeandeat .Iwentt o
callMpendul osaidhewasonaphonecal l.I
l
istenedt hrought hedoor .
Mpendul o:itol
dyout onevercont actmeagai n..
.i
l
ovemywi feandnowyou' vejusttakenmebackt o
squareone.Shehadf orgivenmebutnowyoucame
andrui neverything.ItoldyouIwi l
lneverlove
anyonebesi desmywi fe!....
what!Im notleavingmy
wifeforyou!I '
vesentt hemoneyandi fit
'snothing
aboutyourf atherdon'tevercal lmeagai n.Giveme
thehospi t
alcont act
sandiwi llcontactthem
dir
ectly..
.i
m war ningyouf orthelastt i
me.Don' t
...
Ideci
dediheardenoughandlef
t.Iwentt
ojoi
nthe
other
s.Aft
eriwashedtheplat
esandwentto
shower.Af
tert
hatisl
ept.

Inthemor
ningiwokeupt
omyhusbandholdi
ngme.
Itr
iedt
ogetoutofhi
shol
dbuthewasn'
thavi
ngi
t.
Mpendul
o:goodmor
ningbeaut
if
ul.
Me:
mor
ning
Mpendul
o:howdi
dyousl
eep?
Me:
fi
neandyou?
Mpendul
o:notgood.Youwer
eignor
ingme.Ar
ewe
okay?
Me:
yeah.
Mpendul
o:gogocal
led.Shewant
sust
ovi
sit
.
Me:
idon'
tknow.
Mpendul
o:I
t'
sbeenawhi
lesi
ncewevi
sit
edher
.
Me:
okay.Youcango.I
'
llbebusy
Mpendul
o:ihaven'
tevent
oldyouwhen.Iwantust
o
gowit
hthekids.
Me:
asl
ongasi
t'
snott
hisweek.
Mpendul
o:nextweek.
Me:
canyoul
etgonow?
Mpendul
o:no.
Heki
ssedmyneckanddi
dn'
tst
op.
Mpendul
o:il
ovethi
sposi
ti
onthatwear
ein.Ihope
youar
enotgoinganywher
etoday.
Me:noi
m not.Ij
usthavehavet
olookforacat
eri
ng
company.Theoneihadfoundcancel
led.
Mpendul
o:t
hatwon'
ttaket
ime.Who'
sthat
knocki
ng?Comei
n.
Mnqobi
:mamaibr
oughtt
heki
ds.
Mpendul
o:youdon'
tgr
eetanymor
e?
Mnqobi
:goodmor
ningmamaandbaba
Mpendul
o:whydi
dyoubr
ingt
hem?
Mnqobi
:t
heyar
ecryi
ngforyou.Canweswi
ntoday?
Pl
ease.Wewil
luseoursmallpool
.
Me:
okay.Yourdadwi
llt
akei
toutf
oryou.
Mnqobi
:yes!Canihavemyf
ri
endscomeover
?
Me:
okay.
Mnqobi
:t
hankyoumom
Her
anoutandthetwi
nsgoti
ntobed.Theyki
ssed
myf
aceandlaughi
ng.
Mpendul
o:myboysanddi
stur
bing.

Dayspassedandt
hingswerejustnotgood
betweenus.Wewouldj
ustfi
ghtorignoreeach
other
.Seei
ngmyhusbandtalki
ngtohismi st
ressi
n
mypr esencet ookitstollonme.Iknowshewas
updatinghim aboutherf ather '
shealthbutitdidn'
t
sitwellwit
hme.If el
tlikehef eelssomet hi
ngf orher
.
Whatcoul donet hinkinasi tuationli
kethis?Your
husbanddoesn' tgiveyouat tent i
onandgi vesitto
theotherwoman?Somet imesievent hinkimadea
mi st
ake.Imf eel
inglikeimt heonl yoneput ti
ng
effor
tinthismar ri
age.Ij ustt hinkideservebetter
thanthis.Icannotspendmyl if
ewor ryi
ngaboutan
oldmanmi sbehaving.Mpendul o:hey
Me:ohhi.Iguessyou'
vedeci
dednow.You'
re
l
eaving.
Mpendul
o:whatdoyouwantmet
odo?Heneeds
me.
Me:you'
renotGod.I
t'
snotl
ikeyouwi
llsavehi
m.
Yougavethem money!
Mpendul
o:wewon'
ttal
kaboutt
his.Wewi
llt
alk
whenIcomeback.
Me:assoonasyougetinthatpl
anejustknowthat
i
tsoverbet
weenus.Ithoughtiwoul
df or
getabout
ever
ythi
ngandworkonourmar ri
agebutifyou
l
eavet
henknowi
tsover
.
Iwatchedhim wal
koutonme.Isankdownwheni
heardthecarl
eave.Iwait
edandwaitedt
hinki
nghe
wil
lcomeback.Butno.Hedi dn'
tcomeback.Il
ived
asusual.I
tsnotli
kethi
sisthefi
rstt
imehedidthis.
Leavi
ngus.

Iwentandgott hekidsreadyforschool.Lif
ewont
stopjustbecausethei
rf at
herl
eft
.Iwilltakecareof
thekids.I
t'
snotli
kei mincapabl
eofdoi ngthat.I
fi
nishedmakingtheirlunchboxesandputi tint
o
thei
rbackpacks.
Mnqobi
:haveagooddaymom.Wel
oveyou
Me:
loveyout
oo.
Theyleftandiwentt ocheckont heonesthatare
l
efthere.Theywer esti
llsleeping.Iwenttotheroom
that'
sempt yandlookedi fican'tmakeitmyhome
offi
cesinceican'tgotowor k.Ideci
dedtogot othe
i
nternetandcheckoutf ur ni
tureformyhomeof f
ice.
Iorderedeveryt
hingthatineededandi twouldbe
deli
veredinaweek' sti
me.Ical ledtheRustenburg
of
fi
cej
ustt
ofi
ndouthowever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ng.
Me:
hel
lo.I
sthatRubben?
Rubben:
yes.I
t'
sme.Howar
eyou?
Me:
imf
ineandyou?
Rubben:i
m good.Itakei
tyoucal
ledt
oaskabout
howthingsaregoing.
Me:
yes.How'
sever
ythi
ng?
Rubben:good.Newcl
ient
sarecomingi
nand
ever
ythingissetf
ort
helaunch.Sot
her
e'snot
hing
toworryabout.
Me:okay.Ihopeyouarerunni
ngthewaythatit
old
you.Andtheli
stofcl
eanersanddri
ver
sigaveyou.
Didyoulookatit
?
Rubben:al
readydonet hat
.Theyar ehir
ed.Butasf or
theconstr
ucti
onwor kersidon'tthi
nkyoushould
j
ustpickanyone.Fornowwehavet hestufft
hatwi l
l
runthecompany.Butwewi lldoenter
viewsforthe
constr
ucti
onwor ker
s.Wehavet ohirepeoplewit
h
experi
ence.Wedon' twantthecompanyt obein
troubl
ebecauseofincompet entpeopledowe?
Me:
you'
rer
ight
.Let
'
stal
kaboutMannonoBogat
su.
Rubben:
ithinkyoumadeami st
ake.Sheact
sli
kea
bosshere.Accordi
ngtohert
hisisherf
amil
y
busi
ness.Herbehaviori
snotgood.
Me:that'
snotherfami l
ybusi ness.Shecan'tdo
as.
shepl eases.Iwil
ltal
ktoherwhenIcomet here.
She'
sj ustaninter
nthere.Don' tl
etherwalkallover
youjustbecauseshe'sr el
atedt ome.Givehera
warning.Thisisabusiness.
Rubben:
okay.
Me:haveyour
sel
fagoodday.Wi
llseeyouatt
he
l
aunch.
Af
tert
hecal
lical
ledMannono.
Mannono:
cuzhowar
eyou?
Me:i
m good.Thi
sisnotasoci
alcal
l.Ihear
dyou'
ve
beenmisbehavi
ngatwork.
Mannono:
whosai
dthat
?
Me:
yourboss.
Mannono:
cuzit
hinkt
hatguydoesn'
tli
ket
hef
act
thatiworkt
her
e.Heshoul
dknowt
hatmyf
ami
ly
ownst hi
sbusi
ness.
Me:yourfamil
ydoesnotownt hatcompany.It'
s
mine.Stopacti
ngli
keyouhaveashar ethere.Don'
t
for
gethowyougott hatj
ob.Youbetterchangehow
youact.
Mannono:
sor
ry.Ihearyou
Shecutthecallonme!Whatisthisgir
lplayi
ngat?I
gaveherthi
sjobbecausemyaunt yasked.Ididher
afavor.Nowshe'sput
ti
ngmycompanyunder
thr
eat.Iwil
lfi
reheri
fshedoesn'tbehave.

DAYOFTHELAUNCH

Nar
rat
ed

Thelaunchhasstart
edalr
eadyandever yonewas
movingupanddowndoi ngtheirwork.
Ref
reshmentsandsnackswer eservedandother
s
weremingli
ngthere.
"
Hey.
"
Keat
lar
etsit
urnedar
oundt
otheper
soncal
li
ngher
.
Kea:hiIdi
dn'
tknowyou'
dcomeher
e.
Rapula:
andmi ssyourl aunch?Thatcan'
thappen.
Rememberwhengr owingupipr omisedtobeinal
l
yoursuccesses? Itoldyout hatiwontmissanyof
yourachievement s.Wemaynotbet oget
her
anymorebuti tdoesn' tmeanidon'thavetosupport
you.
Kea:
thankyouf
orcomi
ng.
Shehuggedhi
m.
Kea:
itr
eal
lymeansal
ott
ome.Iappr
eci
atei
t.
Nol
o:ohRapul
aIdi
dn'
tknowyouwer
eal
soi
nvi
ted.
Rapula:
icoul
dn'
tmi
sst
hisl
aunchwhenIhear
d
aboutit
.
Kea:
thankyouf
orcomi
ngRapul
a.Iwi
llseeyou
ar
ound.
Rapul
a:youl
ooksobeaut
if
ul.
Shesmi
ledandl
eft
.Bonol
ofol
lowedheraf
ter
gi
vingRapul
aal
ook.
Nol
o:Keat
lar
etsiwhatdoesRapul
awanther
e?
Kea:
asyouhear
dhi
m he'
sher
etosuppor
tme.
Nol
o:doyouthi
nkyourhusbandwi
lll
ovet
his?Hi
s
f
amil
yishere.
Kea:
doyouseehi
m her
e?
Nolo:
thatdoesn'tmeanyoushouldinvi
teyourex!
Youknowwhat ?Thi
sisanimportantdayforyou
andwecantar gueaboutthi
shere.Wewi l
ltal
k!
Shel
efther
.Keawentt
owher
etheKhozaf
ami
ly
was.
Kea:
thankyouf
orcomi
ng.Iappr
eci
atei
t.
Ntombi
:wehadtocomeandsuppor
tyou.You'
ve
donesowel
lforyour
sel
f.
Bongi
:isawRapul
aMol
etsane.Ar
eyoupar
tner
ing
wit
hhim agai
n?
Kea:
um..
no.Hi
spl
usonewasi
nvi
ted.Sot
hat
'swhy
he'
sher
e.
Muzi
:youi
nvi
tedhi
swi
fe?
Kea:
no.Idi
dn'
tseet
hatper
sonandican'
tjustt
ell
hi
mt ol
eave.
Mzwakhe:MaKhozaihopeyou'
renotent
ert
aini
ng
t
hatboy.Rememberyou'
remarr
ied.
Kea:Iknowim mar
ri
ed,
can'
tsayt
hesameabout
yourbrot
her
.
Phumla:
guyswe'r
eheretoenj
oyoursel
vesand
suppor
toursi
ster
.Let
'snott
alkaboutt
his.
Kea:it
hinkishoul
dgo.
Mzwakhe:
bef
oreyougo,
yourHUSBANDwoul
dli
ke
t
otal
ktoyou.
Kea:
what
..
.
Mzwakhe:
her
e.Tal
ktohi
m.
Shet
ookt
hephoneandi
twasavi
deocal
l.
Mpendul
o:Khanyi
sil
e.Whyar
en'
tyout
aki
ngmy
cal
ls?
Kea:you'
veal
readymadeyourdeci
sion.
Mpendulo:
youknowihadtodothis.Pl
easej
ustbe
pat
ient
.Imightbebackbynextweek.
Kea:
im al
wayspati
entwi
thyou.Butyoudon'
tseei
t.
Didyouhavetocal
lnow?Doyouwantt orui
nmy
day?
Mpendulo:
wewil
ltal
klater
.Goodl
uckwi
tht
oday.
Ngi
yak'
thandaKhanyi
sil
e.
Shegavet
hephonetoMzwakheandl
eft
.Nowi
t
wasti
meforherspeech.
Kea:thankyouever yoneforcomi ng.Yoursuppor t
meansal ot.Thi slaunchwoul dn'tbeasuccessi f
youal ldi
dn' tcome.St arti
ngabusi nessi sreall
ynot
awal kinthepar k.Event hought hi
si snott hefir
st
companyt hatI '
vest art
edbutt herearest i
ll
obstaclestobef aced.Iwoul dn'tbeabl et o
overcomet hem wi thoutmyt eam.I m gr atef
ulfor
theteam thatihave.Theymakeal loft histobe
possible.I
ml ucky.Thi swouldf allapar t.Thankyou.
Toever yonewho' sher eenjoyyour selvesandf eel
freetohaveanyf ood,ref
reshment sandsnackyou
l
ike.Thankyou.
Shefi
nishedandgotof
fthest
age.ShemetSi
ya
hal
fway.
Si
ya:
wehavet
oleave.
Kea:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
Siya:
somet
hinghappenedathomeandwe'
re
needed.
Kea:
thel
aunchi
snotover
.Youcanl
eave.
Si
ya:
thi
sisnot
imet
oar
guewi
thme.
Kea:
isMpendul
ofi
ne?
Siya:
he'
stryi
ngtogetaf
li
ghthome.Youdon'
thave
toworryabouthi
m.
Kea:
letmegi
vemycarkeyst
oBonol
o.Shewi
llt
ake
mycar .
Mzwakhe:
givemethekeys.I
'
llqui
ckl
ylookf
orher
.
Gotomycar.Her
earemykeys.
Shetookt
hekeysandwenttothecar
.Afterawhi
le
theydr
ovebackt
oPretor
ia.I
twasaquietdri
vewi
th
noonesayi
nganythi
ng.
Mzwakhe:Khanyi
sil
est
ayi
nher
e.Don'
tcomeout
.
Kea:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
Mzwakhe:
im goi
ngt
ofi
ndout
.
Kea:
no!I
m going.Whatar
ethesepol
icedoi
ngher
e?
Didsomet
hinghappen?
Mzwakhe:
thehousewasonf
ir
e.
Shejumpedoutofthecarandranint
ot heyar
d.The
pol
icewereal
readybusywitht
heirwork.
Poli
ce:
mam youcan'
tgeti
nther
e.I
t'
snowacr
ime
scene.
Kea:
myki
ds!Wher
ear
ethey?
Pol
ice:
theambul
anceal
readyl
eftwi
tht
hem.
Sher
anbackt
othecar
Kea:
pleaset
akemet
othehospi
tal
.Ihavet
oseemy
ki
ds.
Mzwakhe:
calm down.Youcan'
tbecryi
ngli
kethi
s.
Whatwil
lhappenifsomethi
ngworseHappened?
Kea:don'
ttal
kli
ket
hat
!Ifsomet
hingbadhappened
t
ot hem..
.
Hedroveinsil
enceandwhentheygott
othe
hospi
talsheaskedwher
eherkidsar
e.
Dr:t
hekidshavebeenadmitt
ed.Theothertwoare
notthathur
t.I
t'
sjustt
heli
tt
leonewhoi sburnton
thesideofherst
omach.Theothersj
ustinhaled
smoke.
Kea:
wher
ear
etheot
hert
wo?
Dr:
onl
ythreeki
dswer
eadmi
tt
ed.Idon'
tknowabout
t
heother
s.
Kea:what'
sgoingon?Hesaidt
her
e'sonl
ythr
eeher
.
WhereisLuyandaandAyanda?
Mzwakhe:
thetwinsarefine.Theywer
enotatt
he
housewhenitcaughtfi
re.
Shebr
eat
hedi
nandout
.
Kea:
caniseet
heot
her
s?
Dr:
visi
ti
nghoursar
eover.Youhavenot hi
ngto
worryabout
.Theothert
wowillbedischargedsoon
andtheli
tt
leonewehavetotreatherwounds.They
arei
ngoodhands.
Kea:iwil
lwai
tforvi
sit
inghour
s.Ihavet
oseemy
chi
ldren.
Mzwakhe:
iwi
llgobackandcheckt
hehouse.
Kea:
idon'
tcar
eaboutt
hehouse!Ij
ustwantmyki
ds
t
obef i
ne.
Dr
:mam don'
tcr
y.Yourki
dswi
llbef
ine.
Kea:
youdon'tknowhowt
heymustbefeel
ing.So
youdon'
thavetotel
lmet
hat
!Iwi
llst
ayhere.Who
camewit
ht hem?
Mzwakhe:
yournei
ghbor
s.Theyar
etheoneswho
cal
led.
Dr:
oh.Itmustbet
hemanwho'
sadmit
tedher
e.
There'
sal
soawomanwhogotbur
nt.
Mzwakhe:
iml
eavi
ng.
Kea:
okay.

WhenMpendul oar ri
vedi nSAi twasalreadyl ate.
Hehadt ogotot hehospi talbecauseKeatlaretsi
didn'twanttoleavet hehospi t
al.
shedidgeta
chancet oseet hekidsbutshedi dn'
twantt oleave
them alone.EspeciallyThandosi nceshe'
sst i
llvery
youngandcr i
esatni ghtWhenshedoesn' tseeher
mot her.Whenshesawhi m entersherantohi m.He
embr
acedheri
nahug.
Mpendulo:
im sor
ry.Maybeifiwashomethis
woul
dn'thavehappened.Butim her
enow.Andi
m
notl
eavingyouagain.
Kea:Thandoi
shur
t.She'
sbur
nt.
Mpendul
o:i
twi
llbef
ine.
Hegotclosetothekidsbedandl ookedatthem.He
wasfil
ledwit
hguilt
.Hewasbl ami nghimselff
or
whathappened.Laterheconvincedhiswifeto
l
eave.Thefoll
owingdayshewokeupver yearl
y
andtookashowerandpr eparedtogot othe
hospi
tal.
Mpendulo:Khanyi
sil
eyou'vebeencryi
ngsi ncelast
ni
ght.Pl
ease.Youdon'tevenwanttotalk.Don't
negl
ectthetwinsi
nallofthi
s.Theyalsoneedt heir
mother.
Kea:
it
'sj
ustt
hat
..
.if
eelli
kei
fiwasnotbusywi
tht
he
l
aunchthi
swoul
dn'thavehappened.
Mpendulo:
don'
tblameyour
sel
f.Thi
scoul
dhave
happenedtoanyone.
Muzi
:mor
ning.Ni
lel
ekanj
hani
?
Mpendul
o:notgood.Butwe'
l
lbef
ine.
Kea:
thankyouf
orl
ett
ingussl
eepher
e.
Muzi:
youdon'
thavetot
hankme.Thi
sisyourhome.
Baf
oyouwi l
lupdat
eus.
Mpendul
o:yeah.Wear
eleavi
ng.
Muzi
:havebr
eakf
astf
ir
stt
henyoucanl
eave.
Mpendul
o:si
zodl
aphambi
li
.Let
'sgo.

Arr
ivi
ngatt
hehospi
talt
heyf
ir
stwentt
ocheckon
t
hekids.
Dr:
theothert
woareup.Theli
tt
leoneisst
il
l
sl
eeping.Youcancomeinandseethem.
Li
saandMnqobiwer
eupandt
alki
ng.
Mpendul
o:hel
lo.Ar
eyouguysgood?
Mnqobi
:i
mfl
ine.
Li
sa:
met
oo.Ar
eyout
aki
ngushome?
Kea:
thedoct
orst
il
lhast
otr
eatyouf
ir
st.When
ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
net
henyoucancomehome.
Mpendul
o:webr
oughtyouf
ood.
Mnqobi
:t
hankyou.Ar
eyoul
eavi
ngnow?
Kea:
no.We'l
lst
ayher
euntilvi
sit
inghour
sar
eover
.
Nowwear egoi
ngtocheckonThando.Wewill
comeback.
Li
sa:
okaymommy.
Theyl
eftt
oThando'
sward.Shewasal
soawake
andherpar
ent
swererel
ieved.
Mpendul
o:shewi
llbef
ine.She'
supandt
hat
'sal
l
t
hatmatt
ers.
Kea:she'
ssoyoung.Iwishi
twasmei nherpl
ace.
Imaginehowshecrieswhentheychanget
he
bandage.Idon'
tthi
nkicandothat
.Heari
nghercr
y
wil
lbreakme.
Mpendul
o:wewillseewhenwegetther
e.Fornow
l
et'
shopethatshe'sgoi
ngtobeal
ri
ght.
Theysatwithherunt
ilshefel
lasl
eep.Aft
ert
hat
theyl
eftbecausevi
sit
inghourswereover
.They
weregoingtocomebackandseet henannyandthe
manwhohel
pedt
hem.
Mpendul
o:Khanyi
sil
ewher
eisyourr
ing?
Kea:
it
'si
nmycar
.
Mpendulo:
whati
sitdoi
nginyourcar
?Isn'
tit
supposedtobeonyourf
inger
!?
Kea:
iwi
llputi
tonwhenBonol
obr
ingsmycar
.
Mpendul
o:whydi
dyout
akei
tof
fint
hef
ir
stpl
ace?
Kea:iwasangryokay?Wi
thyourmistr
essarri
ving
anddisr
especti
ngmeandyouleavingijustt
ookit
off
.Howdoyout hi
nki
mfeel
ingrightnow?Your an
toyourmist
ressandiwasl
eftal
oneher e.
Mpendul
o:iam sor
ry.
Kea:everyti
meyouar ejustgoingtosaysor ryandI
j
usthavet osayf ineiforgi
veyou.Youpr omised
thatwewontf acet hesecheatingthings.Inmyf i
rst
rel
ationshi
piwasf ooledandhur t
,evenher eifeel
l
ikeim beingfooled.You'realwaysleavingandi
havet oremainbehi ndandtakecar eofthechildren.
Istoppedwor ki
ngbecauset herewouldbenooneat
home.Butyoudon' tseemyef f
ort
s.Al lt
he
promisesyoumadebefor
ewegotmar
ri
edi
m not
seei
ngt hem.I
twasallj
ustl
ies.
Mpendulo:pl
easedon'tsaythat.Icanstil
ldot hose
thi
ngs.Im beggi
ngyou.Let '
snotdi vor
cepl ease.
Look,I
'vechanged.Itel
lyouallthosethingst hat
happenedwi l
lnothappenagain.Canwef ixthings?
Kea:It
oldyoubef
oreweevengotmar riedthat
cheati
ngisanonof orme.Butyoudi dn'tt
hink
aboutthat
.Whoknows?Somet hingmi ghthave
happenedwhenyouwentbackt here.Youcandeny
i
tallyouwantbutiwasnotthere.Iwillneverknow.
Mpendulo:ipr
omiseyounothi
nghappened.Can
youpleasegivemethisl
astchange?Ipr
omisewe
wil
lnevercomehereagain.
Kea:unti
lsheshowsupagai n.Youevendot hings
withouttal
kingtomefirst
.Wear esupposedt obea
team.Event houghRapulaliedtomeabout
everyt
hingelsewewer eat eam.Heincludedmei n
everyt
hing.Ifel
timpor
tant.Iknowim notsupposed
tocompar eyoubutihavet o.Youmustal sotr
eat
mel i
keapar tinthi
smar r
iage.I
m notjustsomeone
who'sher et obar ekidsf oryouandt akecareof
yourfami l
y.Ial sohavet of eell
oved.Wemustbui ld
eachother .I nst
eadofdest royingeachot her.How
arewegoi ngt odot hatwhenyoudontseemeas
yourpartner .?Themomentshegother eyouj ust
toldherthatyouwi l
ltransferthemoneywi thout
eventalkingt omeabouti t.Shet alkedtoyouasi fi
wasn'tther e.Call
edmeat hi ng.Andyoul ether.
Whocanst andal lofthat?Icanal sor eachacer t
ain
stagewher eIcansayi t'
senough.Yesil oveyoubut
iam notgoi ngtol etyoupl ayal lovermyhead.
Mpendulo:ihearyou.Andipr omisethingsare
goingtochange.Idon'twantt oloseyou.Iloveyou
somuch.Itmaybehar df oryout obel
ieveit
becauseofwhatidi dbutneverdoubtmyl ovef or
you.Il
oveyouonl yandi twillremai
nlikethat.Can
wewor konourmar r
iage?
Kea:Ihopesomethingli
ket
hiswon'
thappenagai
n.
Im nott
hreat
eningyoubuti
fyouevercheatonme
againisweariwil
ltaket
heki
dsandleaveyou.
Mpendul
o:iwon'
tlett
hathappen.
Kea:
im goi
ngt
ocheckont
het
wins.
[
07/06,19:
01] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER18*

Istoodnearthef
ri
edgebythecounterandt
ookout
i
cecr eam andabowel
.If
eltsomeonehugmef r
om
behind.
Mpendul
o:heybaby.Howwasyourni
ght
?
Me:
fi
ne.Howar
eyou
Mpendulo:
im good.Ar
eyousur
eyou'
ref
inewi
thmy
br
other
scomi nghere?
Me:yeah.Whywoul
dihaveapr
obl
em wi
tht
hat
?
They'
reyourf
amil
y.
Mpendul
o:t
henwhyareyounotj
oini
ngus?Thei
r
wi
veswil
lbewit
hthem.
Me:Far
aii
sleavi
ngtomorrow.Sowe'r
espendi
ng
t
hedaywit
hhim.Ican'tl
ethim down.
Mpendul
o:i
fyouf
ini
shear
lyyouwi
llcome?
Me:
yes.Buti
tdependsonwhatBonol
owant susto
dot
oday.Buti
t'
snotthatmuchwewil
lfi
nishearl
y.
Mpendul
o:can'
tshedohert
hingsonherown?
Me:shwwast her
eformeonmyweddi ngsoial so
wanttobether
eforher
.Im surewewil
lfi
nishearl
y.
Wearejustgoi
ngtofi
tthedresses.
Mpendulo:
youcant
ellSbongi
letobr
ingt
hedr
ess
her
e.Thenyoucanallmeethere.
Me:koreyou'r
etr
yingallyoucanformetobeher
e?
Tal
kt oFaraii
fhe'
llagr
eet ocomehere.
Mpendul
o:i
fthesepeoplewer
etomovet
oanot
her
count
rywoul
dyousur vi
ve?
Me:yesiwould.Whichiswhyihavetospendmost
ofmyt imewitht
hem whentheyar
ehere.Far
aican
goal ongtimewi
thoutcal
li
ngsoihavetomake
mostofi t
.
Mpendul
o:okay.Iwi
llt
alkt
ohi
m.
Hesai
dleavi
ng.It
ookthei
cecream andwentt
o
t
hesit
ti
ngroom.Igaveever
yonetheir
s.Wehad
ouricecream whil
eIli
stenedtot hem t el
lmeabout
whathappenedwhenIwasn' taround.Wear enow
renti
nganapar t
ment.Mpendul or efusedwheni
saidwecanmovei nmyhousei nPr etor i
aWest.He
saidhecan'tst
aywi t
hFarai.Idon'tknowwhat '
shi
s
problem wi
thhim.Ourhousei nSi l
verlakeisbei
ng
rebuil
t.

Ourhoneymoon!Wel lihadagr eatti

me.Wewentt o
Greece.Greeceissobeaut iful
.Butmost
i
mpor t
antl
ymeandmyhusband.Hel i
ter
allyt
old
met hatwewoul dn'tcomebackbef orethingsare
goodbet weenus.Wel li
ttookt i
mef orust oget
here.Ican'tsayif
ullytrusthim now.Buti twil
lget
there.Iknowitol
dmysel ft
hatifhecheat siwill
l
eave.Butsomet hinginmej usttoldmet ogivemy
mar ri
ageasecondchance.I fitdoesn'tworkthenit
doesn'twor k.
Mpendul
o:babeyourcousi
nagr
eedt
ocomeher
e.
Me:
oh.ThenIwi
llgowi
thBonol
otof
itherdr
ess
t
hencomeback.
Mpendul
o:okay.I
'
llbei
nthest
udy.Comemygi
rl
.
Het riedt otakeThandobutshest artedcryi
ng.My
girlhadascaront hesideofherstomach, fr
om the
fi
re.West i
lldon'tknowhowt hefirehappened
becausemmeMaggi e(
thenanny.)Sai dshewasn' t
cooki ngandt herewasnot hi
ngthatcoul dhave
startedt hef i
re.Thepol i
cehaven'tfoundanyt hi
ng
soLer ato'
sbr othertheonewhohel pedwi t
hgetting
theki dsoutoft hef i
resaidhewil
linvestigate
himsel fbecauset hepolicearenotdoi nganythi
ng.
Wel lLeratot urnedoutt obeaver ygoodf ri
endof
mi ne.It'
shar df ormet ojusttr
ustanyonebutwi t
h
heri tjustnat ural
.She'sagoodper sonand
someoneicankeepar ound.
Mnqobi:
youseeyourdadi
sjeal
ous?Hewant
sto
t
ajeyoufrom me.
Mpendul
o:whyvel
eisshecr
ying?Doyoubr
ibeher
?
Mnqobi
:shel
ovesherbr
other
.
Li
sa:
noshewontcr
yonme
Theyallt
ri
edt
otakegerandshecr
ied.Evenonme.
Trai
ter
.
Mpendul
o:t
hischi
ld!Let
'sgoboys.
Thetwinswer eal r
eadyathi sfeet
.Welaughed.He
tookthwm andt heydi sappear
edt hr
oughthe
passage.Afteriwasdonewi t
hwhatiwasdoi ngi
drovetoHatfi
eld.That '
swher eSbongile'
sbouti
que
i
s.ImetBonol ot here.West ar
ted
Fi
tt
ingt
hedr
essandi
tlookedsogoodonher
.
Sbo:
itshoul
dbehercr
yingbuti
t'
syou
Theyl
aughedatme
Me:ij
ustcan'
thel
pit.Youlooksobeauti
ful.
Remembersayingyouwillnevergetmar
ried?
Bonol
o:youhadt
ogot
here.Idi
dn'
tknowiwoul
dfal
l
i
nloveomeday.Nowher
eiam.
Me:
you'
regoi
ngt
obet
hemostbeaut
if
ulbr
ide.
Sbo:
ever
yonewi
llbel
ooki
ngatyou.
Shechangedandcameback.
Sbo:
thankyouf
orrecommendingmeKhanyi
sil
e.So
woul
dyoul i
ket
oleavewi
thitorwhat
?
Bonol
o:idon'
twantanyt
hinghappeni
ngt
oitsoi
ll
f
etchi
tonFr
iday.
Sbo:
okay.
Me:
sowher
etonow?
Bonol
o:i
m goi
ngt
oAmi
r'
spl
ace.
Me:
okay.I
'
llseeyou.
Bonol
o:ihaveabonet
opi
ckwi
thyou.Iwi
llcal
l.
Me:
dididosomet
hingwr
ong?
Bonol
o:no.Byenow.Il
oveyou.
Me:il
oveyout
oo.
Wehuggedandwentoursepar ateways.WhenI
arr
ivedisawthecarsoutsi
de.Theymustbehere.I
wentinandtherewasnoone.Ichangedmyheal s
i
ntosandalsthenwentoutsi
de.Ifoundever
yoneat
thebackyar
d.
Me:
dumel
ang.
Them:
yebo/
hi/
hel
lo
Isatononeoftheempt
ychair
s.Theki
dswere
playi
ng.Andt
hemenwer edoi
ngabraai
.Isee
ever
ythi
ngi
sready.Justwai
ti
ngf
ort
hemeat
.
Nt
ombi
:sowher
ewer
eyou?
Me:
iwentwi
thBonol
otof
itherdr
ess.
Ntombi:
okay.Soyounevert
oldusaboutyour
honeymoon.
Ndoni
:anddon'
tleaveanyt
hingout
.
Me:
um whocooked?
Set
hu:you'
renotget
ti
ngoutoft
hisone.
Me:
itwasgood.Ihadagr
eatt
ime.
Set
hu:
wher
edi
dhet
akeyou?
Me:
Greece.Ihadneverbeent
her
ebef
ore.Thepl
ace
i
ssobeautif
ul!
Ndoni
:i
tshowsyouhadagr
eatt
ime.You'
re
gl
owing.
Myphonesavedmef
rom t
hequest
ions.
Me:hell
o..
.yesatt
hebackyar
d.Youdon'thavet
o
shout.Justcometot
hebackyardyou'
llseeus.
Ndoni
:wher
eisSbongi
le?
Me:shesai
dshehadt
ofet
chsomet
hingathome
f
ir
st.

Farai
appear
edwi t
hRickus.Il
ookedatt
hem and
theyl
ookedateachot
herandlaughed.
Me:
andnow?Ri
ckusi
t'
sgoodt
oseeyou.
Ri
ckus:ihadt
oseeyoubeforeIl
eft
.Soideci
ded
t
otagalongwit
hyourcousi
n.
Far
ai:
areyouf
ine?I
sther
esomeoneihavet
otake
car
eof?
Me:
alwaysr
eadyt
ofi
ght
.Im good.
Far
ai:wecoul
dhavej ustwentwit
hourplansf
orthe
dayinst
eadoftell
ingyourhusbandrotel
lmeto
comehere.Actual
ly,
orderme.Yourhusbandt
hinks
he'
sGod.
Me:
somet
imeshet
hinksheownst
hiswor
ld.
Sbongi
lear
ri
vedandt
ookaseat
Me:guyst
hisi
sRi
ckusmyf
ri
end.Andt
hesear
emy
si
ster
sinlaw.
Rickus:
notr
ight.I
m herbr
other
.Gr
ewupt
oget
her
andusedtofightbul
li
esforher
.
Me:
youcoul
dhavej
ustst
oppedatgr
ewupt
oget
her
.
Ri
ckus:ihadt
ogeti
toutt
her
e.
Me:
youcangoandj oi
ntheguysther
e.I
m sur
e
t
hey'
l
lneedyourhandmasterchef
Rickus:
li
lsi
sthankyou.I
fyouhaveaf
unct
ioni
m
yourchef.
Hel
aughedandt
heywentwher
ethemenwer
e.

Wechatuntilt
heyweredonewiththemeatandwe
wenttoseataroundt
hetabl
e.Thekidssatonthei
r
own.Thandocr i
edandMnqobibroughther.
Mnqobi
:mal
omeMl
ungu.
Ial
mostlaughed.Li
samusthavebeentalki
ng
abouthi
m.Thatlit
tl
egi
rlwi
ll
neverchange.
Ri
ckus:
boy.Howar
eyou?
Mnqobi
:i
mfi
ne.
Li
sa:
yousee?It
oldyouhi
snamei
sml
ungu.
Me:
youcangoandeatnow.
Weallateourfoodandaf t
erwewer edonewe
chi
ll
edoutside.Ievenfel
tfunnyaf
tereat
ing.Iwent
andthr
ewupt hencameback.If oundthem
i
nter
rogati
ngRi ckus.
Mpendul
o:sot
hisi
stheMl
ungu.Whyi
syourname
ml
ungu?
Ri
ckus:
thesetwogavemet henameandever
yone
i
nourneighborhoodst
art
edusingi
t.
Si
ya:
soyou'r
efr
om t
hesamenei
ghbor
hood.
I
nter
est
ing.
Mabutho:Ml
unguIhopeyouseet
hatr
ingonher
f
ingersonochancef
oryou.
Mpendul
owasquietandj
ustl
ooki
ngathi
m and
Far
ai.What
'shi
sprobl
em?
Ri
ckus:youhavenot
hingt
owor
ryabout
.She'
smy
l
it
tl
esister
.
Mabutho:
tal
kingaboutli
tt
lesi
ster
s.WenaFarai
whatareyoudoingwithourli
tt
lesi
ster
?She'
s
al
waysaski
ngaboutyou.
Far
ai:
maybeyoushoul
daskher
.
Mabut
ho:
im aski
ngyou.Ihopeyou'
renotdat
ingher
ort
her
ewil
lbet r
oubl
e.
Mpendul
o:you'
ret
oool
dforher
.
Il
ookedathi
mli
kewhaat
?Il
aughedt
oget
herwi
th
Far
ai.
Farai
:yousurpr
isememan.Im 8year
soldert
han
yoursist
erandwena?21yearsol
derthanmysist
er.
Soidon'tknowwhatyoumean.
Mpendulo:ar
eyoudati
ngmysister
?ifyouar e,
stop
t
hatrel
ationshi
p.You'
l
ldi
str
actherfrom herstudi
es.
Farai
:
yohRudo.Yourf
ami
ly.Youdon'
tknowwhat
yougotyour
sel
fint
o.
Me:
lol
Farai:
i
m notaperveteventhoughthere'
snot hi
ng
wrongwi t
hdati
ngsomeoneyoungert hanyou.Just
l
ikeyouandmysi ster.Im hel
pingyoursisterwi
th
someofhermodul essinceim adoctor.Shehas
researcht
hatshe'
sbusywi thsoihelpher .I
m
mar
ri
edi
fyouhaven'
tseent
hisr
ing.

Mabut
ho:
luckyf
oryou.Soml
unguushadi
le?
Ri
ckus:
idon'
tunder
standyourl
anguage.
Theyalll
ookedathi
m.Zul usandthei
rpr
ide.He
spokezuluwit
hhim del
iber
atel
y.
Me:
areonyet
sina?
Rickus:gor
engabatl
agoi
tse?NyaaKeat
lar
etsi
le
i
tsenyamodi l
ong.
Rickuswasreal
lymaki
ngmel
augh.Hewasbei
ng
funnynow.
Mabutho:ohsouyaziist
swana.Youhaven'
t
answeredmyquestion.
Ri
ckus:
yesi
m married.Sorel
axiwon'ttakeyour
br
other
'swi
fe.Asisaidshe'
smysister.Noneedto
worr
y.
Farai
:
thankyouforinvi
ti
ngus.MyhusbandandI
havetoleavenow.Rudotakecar
eofyoursel
f.
Si
ya:
he'
syourhusband?
Ri
ckus:
that
'swhathesai
d.
Me:
let
samayesent
le.I
m goi
ngt
omi
ssyouguys
Ri
ckus:
wewi
llcal
loryoucanvi
sit
.
Me:
okay.
Ihuggedt
hem andt
heyl
eft
.
Mpendul
o:youneversai
danyt
hingaboutt
hem
bei
nggay.
Me:gawabot
sa.Youwerebusyt
hinki
nghe'
str
ying
hi
sluckwi
thme.Excuseme
Igotupandwentt
obat
hroom.
Mpendul
o:ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?Di
disaysomet
hingt
o
of
fendyou?
Me:
no.Iwasj
ustt
hrowi
ngup.Idon'
tfeelgood.
Mpendul
o:okay.Youcangoandl
iedown
Me:
it
'
sfi
ne.Let
'sgo.

Wewentbackt
otheot
her
s.
Ndoni
:ar
eyoual
ri
ght
Me:
imfine.Iwasj
ustf
eel
ingnauseous.Not
hing
much.
Bonga:mi
naimjusthappyukut
hiwenanobafoar
e
al
ri
ght.Andyou'
reworki
ngonyourmarri
age
Si
ya:
namif
uthi
.
Phumla:wow.That'
ssurpri
singcomingfr
om you.
Youwer etheoneki
ckingheroutwhenyouthought
shewascheat i
ngbutnowt hati
t'
syourbr
otheryou
saynothing.Whyhaven'
tyoukickedhi
m outthen?
Siya:
peopl
emakemistakesokay.Anywaywe
apologi
zedandshef
orgaveus.
Bonga:
yessolet
'smoveon.Let
'snotl
eti
trui
nthi
s
beaut
if
ulday.
Mpendulo:
uri
ghtst
handwasami
?Khanyi
sil
e.
Khanyi
sil
e!

Iwokeupt
obeepi
ngmachi
nesandpeopl
eint
he
ward.
Bonolo:
ohthankGodyou'
reup.Whathappened?
Didsomeonedosomethingtoyou?
Me:
cal
m down.Noonedi
danyt
hingt
ome.
Nol
o:idon'
ttr
ustt
hem
Mpendul
o:howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Me:
imf
ine.Justdi
zzy.
Bonol
o:t
hedoct
ori
sher
e
Dr
:howi
smypat
ient
?
Me:
imf
ine.
Dr:
youscar
edthesepeopl
ebyfai
nti
ng.Anywayi
haveyourr
esul
tsher
e.You'
re3weekspregnant
.
Bonol
o:Keat
lar
etsi
!
Me:
it
'
snotpossi
ble.I
m oncont
racept
ives!
Dr:
itdoeshappen.Maybether
e'sadaywher
eyou
for
got.Congr
atulat
ions.
Il
ookedatMpenduloandhewassmil
ing.Isweari
f
hedi
dsomethingtomypil
lst
here'
l
lbetroubl
e.
Bonolo:
Keatl
aret
siyourchi
ldi
snotevenayearbut
you'
repregnantagai
n.Howwillyour
aiset
hesekids?
Muzi
:shehasahusband.Soi
t'
snotapr
obl
em
Bonolo:
unti
lhedi
sappear
sagai
nandshewi
llhave
tor
aisethebabyal
one.
Mpendul
o:i
m notgoi
nganywher
e.I
m happyi
m
goi
ngtobeafatheragai
n.
Dr
:wecandoascani
fyou'
dli
ket
o.
Mpendul
o:yes.
Thedoctordi
dhi
sthi
ngsandwehear
dthe
hear
tbeat.
Dr
:st
ronghear
tbeat
.Congr
atul
ati
ons.
Iwi
pedat
eart
hatf
ell
.
Mpendul
o:t
hisi
sgoodnews.Thankyoubabe.
Heheldmyhandandl ookedatthescan.Iwas
scar
ed.Am igoingt
obef i
ne?Whatifheleaves
agai
n?Idon'tknowhowiwi l
lcopewit
hthat.
Mpendul
o:you'
vebeensoqui
et.
Me:
didyouchangemypi
ll
s?
Mpendul
o:wow.Ididn'
tchangethem.Somet
imes
t
hesethi
ngsdon'twork.Buti
m happywe'
rehavi
ng
morebabi
ez.
Me:you'
renottheonecar
ryi
ngt hem.I
t'smewho'
s
goi
ngt obeti
redandfat
.Iwil
ljustsi
tinthi
shouse
anddonothing.
Mpendulo:
asisaid,
iwil
lbeherewit
hyou.I t
doesn'
tmatterhowyou'
lll
ook.I'
l
lst
il
lloveyoueven
i
fyourbodyshapechanges.
Me:
Im goi
ngt
osl
eep.
Mpendul
o:eatf
ir
st.I
'
llbr
ingyousomet
hingt
oeat
.
Hel
eftandcamebackwi
thapl
atef
ulloff
ood.
Me:
somuchf
ood.
Mpendul
o:youmustputonwei
ght
.
Me:it
hinkihavet
ogobackt
owor
k.
Mpendul
o:hawuit
houghtyouwer
enotgoi
ngback.
Me:
igetbor
edar
oundher
e.
Mpendul
o:youcanvi
sitf
ri
endsandanyt
hingbut
wor
king
Me:it
hinkihavetofocusontheRust
enbur
g
br
anch.Ihavetooverl
ookthi
ngs.
Mpendulo:
okay.Hereiswhatyoucando.Youcan
workfr
om home.Ifther
earemeetingsyoucan
havezoom meeti
ngs.Andtheywil
lkeepyouupto
datewit
hhowt hi
ngsaregoing.
Me:
thatsoundsbet
ter
.Canihaveat
char
?
Mpendul
o:t
hat
'snotgoodf
oryou.Eatt
hisandyou
wi
llbefi
ne.

Runningabusi nessr
eallyi
sabi gresponsibil
it
y.I
've
beendr i
vingupanddownbet weenRust enburgand
Pret
oria.Thi ngsarenotgoingverywel lwitht
he
Rustenbur gbranchandihadt ogot here.Thank
Goodim done.Thedr i
vingwasbegi nningtogetto
me.Ther ingingofmyphonedi sturbsmef rom what
i
m doing.I 'vebeencutt
ingthi
scallf oragesand
nowideci det ocompletel
yswitchitoff.
Ler
ato:
justanswert
hepoorman
Me:
he'
sgoi
ngt
odi
stur
bourpeace.
Ler
ato:l
ewenamaragaofair
.Ever
yti
meyougoto
Rustenbur
gyouseeRapul
a.Howdoyouthi
nkt
hat
makeshi
mfeel
?
Me:RapulamovedbacktoRust
enbur
gandthere'
s
not
hingicandoabouti
t.He'
sal
somyneighborso
howdoiignor
ehim?
Lerato:
igetwhyyourhusbandisacti
nglikethis.I
al
sost ayinthesameneighbor
hoodasmyexbutI
don'tassoci
atemysel
fwithhim.Youdon' thavea
chi
ldwi t
hthisguysoit
'seasytocuthim out.
Me:youwon'tunder
stand.Ourfat
hersar
efr
ineds
andtheyarealwaystoget
her
.He'sbeenmyfri
end
si
ncechil
dhood.Wegr ewuptogether
.
Lerato:Thabangwasal somyf ri
endsi
ncehigh
schoolbutyoudon' tseememeet i
ngwithhi
m.
Keat l
aretsionyetswi.Thisguyot l
agobakel
a
mat hatamol enyalongl agago.Imtel
li
ngyouas
yourf r
iendtostopt his.
Me:okayfi
ne!Andij
ustmethim onceandsuddenl
y
he'
sangry.Hedoesnthavet
oknowever ypl
aceim
at.
Lerat
o:t
hismanlovesyou.Deci
denowifyouwant
tobewithhi
m ornot.I
fyoudothenpl
ayawayfrom
yourex.Fr
om whatyoutol
dmet hisguyhurtyou.
Andifyoudon'
tstopthi
she'sgonnahurtyouagain.
Me:
iguessyou'r
eri
ght
.Nowim goi
ngtoswi
tchof
f
myphoneorelsehewontst
opcall
ing.
Ler
ato:
haaKea.Cal
lhi
m andtel
lhi
mt hatyou'
re
wit
hmeorelsehewil
lworr
y.Justl
ethim know
whereyouar
e.
Idial
edhisnumberandi
t'
sasi
fhewasr
eadyf
or
thecall
.
Me:
heybabe.
Mpendul
o:St
handwasami
.I'
vebeencal
li
ngyou.
Me:babethere'
snothi
ngt
owor r
yabout
.Im wi
th
Lerat
oatherplace.Youdon'
thavet
ocallmeever
y
hourI'
llbebacksoon.
Mpendul
o:cal
lmewhenyouar
edone.Iwi
llf
etch
you.
Me:
okay.Il
oveyou.
Mpendul
o:il
oveyou.
Icutt
hecal
l.
Me:
idi
dn'tknowamancri
es.Maybeweshouldgo
onaweekendawayandseehowhewil
lfeel
.
Ler
ato:
don'
tgi
vet
hepoormanahear
tat
tack.
Me:he'
stoost
rongf
orahear
tat
tack.
Ler
ato:
you'
recr
azy.
Me:butforr
ealt
hough,
hemustknowthatIcan
spendthewholedaywit
houtseei
nghi
m.
Ler
ato:
whoareyoutr
yingt
oconvi
nce?Youar
e
al
waysthi
nki
ngabouthim.
Me:
kenaganaonj
isi
tse.
..
Ler
ato:
wat
senwast
rai
ght
.
Me:mar akerat
amonnawamewei tsi.Bonol
owas
ri
ght.Shedidsayonedayiwoul
dbehead
overheelsi
nlovewi
thhi
m andideniedit.I
t'
s
actual
lyfunnyhowever
ythi
ngworkedout .
Ler
ato:
that
'sl
ovef
oryou.

NARRATED
mzwakhe:
whatwast
hat
!?
Mpendul
o:l
eavemeal
oneman.
Mzwakhe: wearerunningabusi
nessher
e.Doyou
wantust olosecl
ient
s?I st
hati
t?Idi
dn'
tcomeback
t
odealwi ththi
s!I
fthisishowit
'sgoi
ngtobel
ikei
wil
lleaveandnevercomeback!
Mpendul
o:don'
texagger
ate!
Mzwakhe:what
'sgoi
ngon?Whatever
'sst
ressi
ng
youi
saffect
ingthebusi
ness.
Mpendul
o:yout
hinkIdon'
tknowt
ha!
Mzwakhe:
thenwhati
sit
?
Mpendul
o:Ifeell
ikei
ml osi
ngmywi
fe.Thi
sidi
oti
s
al
waysfol
lowingheraround.
Mzwakhe:doyour eali
zethatyouaretheone
pushinghertohim?Thi sthingofyourunningto
Mozambi quewhenevert hatwomancal lsandsay
herfatheri
ssickiswhat '
sgoingtoruinyour
marriage.Don'
tyout hi
nkthatshemeet sthisguy
becauseshef eel
slonely?thiswomanl ovesyou.
Shecoul dhaveef
twhenyouhi dyourage,whenyou
cheat
ed,
whenyouranofft
oMozambi queagain.
Butshe'
sst
il
lher
e.Doesn'
tthatsaysomethi
ngto
you?Youar
ehurti
ngher.Changeyourwaysifyou
don'
twantt
oloseher.
Mpendul
o:i
m notcheat
ingonher
.
Mzwakhe: thenyouhavenot hi
ngtowor r
yabout.
Youknowwhat ?Gohomeandspendt i
mewi thyour
wife.Dosomet hi ngniceforher.St
opact i
ngli
kea
guilt
yman.Ther e'snothi
ngt obeguil
tyabout.She
for
gaveyouandnowmoveon.Leavet hepast
wher eitbel
ongs, int
hepast !Youwil
lcomeback
tomor r
owr efr
eshedandgood.
Mpendul
o:l
etmel
eave.Thanksman.Iwi
llseeyou.

Hedrovehomebutfir
stwentandbought
chocol
atesandfl
owersforhi
swife.Whenhegot
homehef oundZol
anither
ewait
ingforhi
m.
Mpendulo:
hel
lo.Idi
dn'
tknowyou'
dbeher
e.Iwoul
d
havecameearli
er.
Zol
ani
:wor
rynot
.Ij
ustar
ri
ved.Mypisayst
hatguy
hasnothingtodowit
hthefi
reher
e.Didyouknow
thatyourmist
resswasi
nthecountr
y?
Mpendul
o:Whatwasshedoi
ngher
e?
Zolani:
whatelsebesi
det aki
ngcareoft
heprobl
em
standingi
nfrontofher?Whi chi
syourwif
eand
chil
dren.Shestar
tedthisfir
e.
Mpendul
o:shewasi
nMozambi
que!
Zol
ani
:di
dyouseeherever
yday?
Mpendul
o:idi
dn'
tseehert
hedayicameback.
Zolani
:andthat
'swhenthefi
rest
art
ed.Thi
swoman
mustbear r
ested.Doyouknowwhatcoul
dhave
happenedtoyourkids?
Mpendul
o:i
fshei
sresponsi
blet
henj
aili
swher
e
shei
sgoing.
Zolani:
andyoumustbecleansed.Yourwifetoo.
Youdon' twantyourwi
feat
tracti
ngthoseevi
lspi
rit
s.
Iwillcomebackwi t
hever
ything.Evi
denceandall
that.
Mpendul
o:t
hankyou.
Hewentt
othebedr
oom af
terseei
nghi
m out
.
Kea:
areyoul
ist
eni
ngt
oyour
sel
f?
.
..
..
..
..
Kea:youshouldstopdoingthis.Doyouknowthe
problemsthatwe'r
egoingtoface?Youdon'twant
tocomecl ean?Ival
uemyl i
fe.Idon'
twanttodi
e!
Please.Dotheri
ghtthi
ng.
.
..
..
Kea:im surethepersonresponsi
blecanhelp.
Beforeit'
stoolate.Juststopthi
s.Okay.When
you'vethoughtabouteverythi
ngyouwillcal
lme.
Yesiwontt el
lanyone.
Yesevenhim.

Shesatont
hebedsi
ghi
ng.
Mpendul
o:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Kea:
you'
reback!Idi
dn'
thearyoucomei
n.
Mpendul
o:youwer
ebusyonyourphone.
Kea:
oh.Whyar
eyouear
lyt
oday?
Mpendul
o:can'
ticomehomewhenimi
ssmywi
fe?
Kea:
that
'snotwhatImean.
Mpendul
o:what
'sgoi
ngon?Whatsecr
etar
eyou
keepi
ng?
Kea:
ther
e'snosecr
et.
Mpendulo:i
fyou'
rei
ntr
oubl
etel
lmewhi
lei
t'
sst
il
l
ear
ly.Imighthel
p.
Kea:
it
'sBonol
o.Ipr
omi
sednott
osayanyt
hingso
i
can'
ttel
lyou.
Mpendulo:
whenit
'sal
readytoolat
eandsomet
hing
badhappenswil
lyousti
llsayt
his?
Kea:
okay!Butdon'
tsayt
hist
oanyone.
Mpendul
o:iwont
.
Kea:Bonol
oispregnantandit
'snotAmir'
schi
ld.
Nowshe'snotsureaboutthewedding.
Mpendul
o:what
!?
Kea:
yeahmaybethat
'soneofthereasonst
he
weddi
ngwascancell
ed.Nowshe'ssayingshe'
sin
t
roubl
e.Shet
hinksshe'
sindanger
.Shewant st
o
t
ellAmi
rbuthismotheri
sthreat
eni
nghersayi
ng
t
hatshemustnotsayanythi
ng.Ori
fshecan'
tkeep
t
hesecretshemustabor
t.
Mpendul
o:di
dshesaywhot
hef
atheri
s?
Kea:
no.Nowi
m al
soinvol
ved.Thewomanisalso
t
hreat
eni
ngmebecauseIalsoknowabouti
t.
Mpendul
o:shewon'tdoanyt
hingt
oyou.Iwil
ltake
car
eofit
.Tellhernott
oagreetot
heabort
ion.
Kea:
takecar
eofi
t?Doyouknowsomet
hingidon'
t?
Mpendul
o:i
fit
'snott
hefir
eatourhousei
t'
sthi
s!.
..
I
um ki
ndofknowwhot hefat
heri
s.
Kea:
youknowt
hef
ather
?whoi
sit
?
Mpendul
o:Mzwakhe.
Kea:
Mzwakheyourbr
other
?Whendi
dthi
shappen?
Mpendul
o:i
thasn'
tbeenayear
.
Kea:
Bonol
o!how canshel
ett
hishappen?
Mpendul
o:youcan'
tst
opl
ove.I
tjusthappens.
Kea:
youar
ehappyaboutt
his.I
t'
swr
ong!She
cheat
edonAmi r
.Ami
risagoodguy!Sheshoul
d
havebrokeupwit
hhi
mf i
rst
.
Mpendul
o:l
et'
snotgeti
nvol
vedi
nthi
s.I
t'
sthei
r
pr
oblems.
Kea:
iminvol
vedal
ready!Whenthi
ssecr
etcomes
outandthi
swomancomesaf t
erme?
Hef
iddl
edwi
thhi
sphoneandputi
tonhi
sear
.

Mpendul
o:heywena!Doyouseenowyour
pr
oblemsaremine?Takecar
eofthi
s!
Mzwakhe:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
Mpendul
o:umunt
uwakhoukhul
elweabdnowmy
wi
fe'
sinthemi
ddle.
Mzwakhe:
she'
spr
egnant
?
Mpendul
o:t
hat
'swhatIsai
d!Youbet
terf
ixt
hisnow.
Hecutt
hecal
landexhal
edl
oudl
y.
Mpendul
o:bef
oreIgotdi
stur
bed,
ihavesomet
hing
f
oryou.
Kea:
whati
sit
?
Mpendul
o:her
e.
Kea:
ahbabet
hankyou.Letmeputt
hem i
nwat
er.
[
07/06,19:
01] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER19*

LI
LOCA

I'
m LilocaPer ei
ra.I
'm mozambi can.That '
swher ei
metMpendul o.Hewasbadl yinjuredwhenmy
fatherbroughthi m home.Iwasat t
ractedt ohim.
Noi twasnotwhatt heycalll
oveatf i
rstsight.If
ell
forhim ast i
mewent .Theninot i
cedther inghehad
onhushandandconcl udedt hathe'smar r i
ed.But
thatdidnotst opmef rom maki nghim mi ne.His
memor ylosswasj ustabonust ome.I tmade
thi
ngseasi er.Imaginea40year soldwoman
divorced.Whowoul dmarrymeatsuchage?Soi
hadt omakesur ethatigethim.Thi ngsst ar ted
goingSout hwhenher ememberedt hi ngsbi tbybi t.
Thenher emember edthathehadawi feanda
familybacki nSA.Thatdi dnotsi twel lwit
hme.I
wantedt ohavehi mt omyself
.Inur sedhi m backt o
healt
h!Thent hatbr otherofhisfoundhi m andt ook
him home.Thatr uinedallmyplans.Yesaf t er
gaini
nghi smemor yhest art
edirrit
atingme.
Everythinghesai dwasabouthi sl i
vel yand
beaut i
fulwife.It'
sal lweheard.Thedayivi sitedhi s
placeist art
edunder standi
ngwhyheal wayst alked
abouther .She' sbeaut i
ful
.Reall
ybeaut if
ul.I've
neverr eall
yseenadar kbeautyli
keher .I
t'
smyf i
rst
ti
me.Whatipi ckedupaboutheri st hatshe' st hose
weakwomen.Whi chwi l
lmakemypl anseasy.

Iarr
ivedlastni
ghtfrom Mozambique.Imovedthis
si
desot haticanexecutemypl aneasi
ly.Ri
ghtnow
I'
m sit
ti
nginar est
aurantwait
ingonsomeLi sagi
rl.
Ihatewaiti
ng.I'
vebeenhereforsomet i
me.
"
Luu!Comeher
e."
Iwat chast het wol i
ttl
eboysj umpupanddown
l
aughi ng.Theyr unt otheirdad.Onhi sar msi sa
l
ittl
egi r
l.Theyal llookthesame.Justl ikethei r
father.Thel ittl
egi rli
shol dingonf ordearl ife.Then
thelitt
lewi fecomeswi tht woki ds.Theyar e
l
aughi ngandsohappy.That 'ssupposedt obeme.
Ifonly.Theyt aket heirseat sast heirf atheror ders.
Afterhe'sdonehegoest ot heirtablewi thaf ull
smi l
eonhi sf ace.Hedoesn' tcarewhatanyone
says.Heki ssesherevenaf tershepr ot ests.Al lisee
i
sl ove.I'veneverseenhi m smi l
eliket hatevenwi t
h
myf ather .Sowhoam it hathecansmi leliket hat
withme?Het alkst othem andt heyl augh.Damn!I
bangt het abl eandt hepeopl enextt omel ookatme.
Ilookatt hehappyf ami l
yast heyleave.Theyr eall
y
areahappyf ami l
y.Sohowwi l
lhel ovemei fhei s
l
iket hatwi t
hhi sl it
tlewife?Ist artbei ngangr y.
That'smyl ife!
"
Sor
ryI
'
mlat
e.Tr
aff
ic."
Me:di
dyouseet
het
ime?I
'
vebeenher
eforanhour
.
Let
'sgo.
Itakemyhandbagandl eedtheway.Wear ri
veat
myapar t
mentandiseet hehappyfami lyismovi ng
out.Ithoughtt
hefir
ewoul dhavehel pedme.That
she'ddietoget
herwithherchil
drenandt henI'dtake
over.Irentedt
hisapart
mentspecificallyjustto
keepmyeyesont hem.Itseemsl i
keal lmywor kis
i
nvai n.
"
Whydi
dyoucal
lmeher
e?"
Me:
Iwasdoi
ngar esear
chandifoundthatyou
wer
eonceKeat
lar
etsiKhoza'
sfr
iend.
"
Then?
"
Me:Annieiwoul
dli
keyoutohelpme.Youknowher
andherhusbandaccusedmeofburni
ngthei
r
house?SoI '
l
lal
soneedalawyer
.Andthat
'swher
e
youenter.
Anni
e:sohowcanIhel
p?
Me:
tel
lmeabouther
.
Annie:
wel
lshewasmyf ri
end.Butwest oppedbeing
fr
iendswi
thheraf
tershelef
therlect
urerboyfr
iend.
..
Me:
lect
urer
?
Anni e:
yes.Shelef
thimf orherchil
dhoodf
ri
end.
Thatmanl ovedherbutshedr oppedhi
mjustli
ke
that.Yousee, t
hatfakemarriagewitht
hechi
ldhood
fri
enddi dn'
tworkout.
Me:
fake?Howso?
Anni
e:t
hefr
iendwasfooli
ngher
.Hewasal
ready
marr
iedandhadafamily.
Me:
I'
m sur
eshewasj
ustt
her
eformoney.

Shel
aughedandil
ookedatherconf
used.

Annie:
it'
sclearyoudon'tknowher.Theguywast he
oneafterhermoney.Sheownedcompani es.But
shegavehi m ashareonherbiggestcompany.I f
youGoogl eBM constr
uctionyouwillseewhatI '
m
tal
kingabout.Theguyandhi swif
ewer etryi
ngto
scam her.Thenshelefthim.That
'swher eher
husbandcamei nandrescuedher.
Me:
howdoyouknowal
loft
his?
Aani
e:youdon'
thavet
oknowhowiknowt
his.
Me:
okaygoon.
Annie:
shefel
linl
ovewiththatman.I'
m verysur
e
shedidn'
tknowhisage.Imagineat29beingina
rel
ati
onshi
pwitha50year soldman.Butwhati
l
ovedmosti st
heirl
oveforeachother
.Sobeautif
ul.
Thatmanloveshiswif
e.Noonecancomebet ween
them.Andithi
nkshehasf oundtheone.
Me:
idi
dn'
tcal
lyouher
efort
hat
.
Anni
e:oaky!
Me:sohowisshe?I
sshemaybeagolddi
ggeror
somethi
ng?Howdidshest
artt
hesecompani
es?
Annie:notevenachance.Thatmani sf
il
thyri
chbut
idon'tthi
nksheknows.Orel seshewouldn'
tbe
working.Shebuiltal
lthosecomlani
eswithher
savi
ngs.She' ssmart.That
'showshegottobethi
s
successful.
Me:youspeaksohi
ghl
yofheryetyouar
entf
ri
ends
anymore.
Anni
e:she'
sagoodper
son.I
ficoul
dtur
nbackt
he
t
ime.
..
Me:
tel
lmeaboutt
hel
ect
urer
.
Annie:
myhusbandwashisbestfri
end.Whenhe
passedonhelef
therever
ythi
ng.That'
showmuch
helovedher
.
Me:
isee.Soshe'
sal
waysat
tr
act
edt
otheser
ich
men.
Anni e:theyj ustfal
linlovewi thher .It
'seasyt obe
aroundher .Shehasagoodhear t.Iremembermy
husbandt oldmet hatwhent hel ecturerleft
everythi ngt ohershet ransferredever ythingtohis
parent s.Shedi dn'
tevent akeacent .Itwassosad
readingont henewsaboutherhousebei ngbur nt
.
Sot ellmei sittruethatyoubur ntthehouse. ..
did
youdoi t?
Me:no.Idi
dn'
t.Eventhepol
icel
etgooft
hatcase.
Therewasnoevidenceatal
l.
Annie:
idon'
tknowwhatthatpersonwast
ryi
ngt
o
doreal
ly.Bur
ningt
hehousewi t
hkidsi
nsi
de!
Me:
sadmmh.Anywayt
hanksf
ort
hei
nfor
mat
ion.I
needyoutobemylawyer
.Thi
scasemi
ghtbe
reopenedagai
n.
Annie:
im pr
ett
ysuretheywillf
indthecul
pri
tand
youwillbecl
earedofeveryt
hing.Aft
eral
lher
husbandisfri
endswithZorr
o.Soyeah.
Me:
Zor
ro?
Annie:
yeah.
oneofThemostfearedgangster
sinthe
countr
y.He'
sherhusband'
sfruendandherfri
end's
brot
her.Soj
ustonewordit
'sdoneforthatcr
iminal
.
Me:
thankyouf
orever
ythi
ng.
Anni
e:youdoknow8ichar
geperhour
?
Me:
sur
e.Sendmeyourbanki
ngdet
ail
s.

Ithi
nkigotwhatiwaslooki
ngfor.I
ficanjust
tweaki
tther
eandt her
e.Iwi
llhavemyjackpot
.

.
..
..
..
Nextday

Iwokeupanddi dmyhygi enepr ocess.I'

m goi ngt o
meetMpendul osoihavet olookmybest .Iwon' tlet
al i
tt
lechi l
dbeatmeont hisgame.It akemycar
keysanddr ivetotheaddressigotont heinternet.
Youmi ghtbeaski ngyourselfwher eigett his
money.Ihavemyownmoney.Imaynotber ichbut
I'
m notpoorei t
her.Thatthingofmyf atherbei ng
sickandnothavi nghospitalfees?Nott r
ueatal l
.
He'sonmymedi calai
d.Thatwasj ustawayt o
makeMpendul oandhi swi f
ef i
ght.Idrivet ohis
companyj ustlist
eningtomusi c.Hopi ngt hatifind
him alone.Igett hereandgost raighttor eception.I
askf orhisof f
iceandt hereceptionisttel
lsme
wher ehei s.Istoponmyt rackswhenIseeKi a
l
ocki nglipswi t
hsomeonewho' smaybeMpendul o's
twin.
Her
:what
?Di
dyouj
ustseeaghost
?
Man:
babenother
epl
ease.
Her
:she'
sst
arr
ingatme!Doioweyousomet
hing?
Il
ookedathercareful
lyandsawthatt
hisonei
sa
bi
tli
ghti
ncompl exi
on.Buttheyl
ookthesame.
Maybetheyaretwins.
Me:
um sor
ry.Youj
ustl
ookf
ami
li
ar.
Her
:youdon'
thavet
olookatmel
iket
hat
.It
'scr
eepy.

Themant ookherhandandexi
tthebui
lding.Igot
i
ntotheelevatorandwenttot
heoffi
ce.Thisplace
i
sbeaut i
ful.Noli
es.Icani
magineowningthisone
day.Iknockandihearavoicesayi
ngcomei n.
Kea:
ohi
t'
syou.
Me:
heyKi
a.
Kea:
it
'sKea.Whatdoyouwanther
e?
Me:
I'
m her
etoseeMpendul
o.
Kea:
it
'sMrKhozat
oyou.Whatdoyouwantwi
th
hi
m?
Me:
ineedt
otal
ktohi
m.
Kea:
you'
renotwel
comeher
e.
Me:
ohyou'
reaf
rai
dthathemi
ghtj
ustcomebackt
o
me?
Kea:
not
hingl
ikethat
.Ther
e'snot
hingtobeafr
aidof
.
Nowgetoutofherebef
oreIcal
lthepol
ice.
"
Ismybeaut
if
ulCAwi
nni
ngher
e?"
Hekissedherneck.Hej
ustcameoutofsomedoor
anddidn'
tevenseeme.
Kea:
yes.I
'
m al
mostdone.
Mpe:
it
'sgoodt
ohaveawi
feasyourCA.Idon'
thave
t
opay.
Kea:
nicebei
ngyou.di
dyouor
dermyf
ood?I
'
m so
hungr
y.
Mpe:
oni
t'
sway.

Herai
sedhi
sheadandannoyancewaswr
it
tenon
hi
sface.
Mpe:
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Ar
eyout
hatst
upi
d
f
oryout
ocomehere?
Me:you'
recall
ingmestupi
dafterever
ythingI
've
doneforyou?Inursedyoubacktohealthandyou
tossedmelikesomethi
ngdir
ty!
Mpe:yourfathernur sedme.He' dbedi sappointedto
hearthathisdaught eri
sbusybur ningpeople's
houseswi t
ht heintent i
ontoki l
l.You'readisgracet o
women.St opf ooli
ngyour self.Iwillneverleavemy
wif
ef oryou.Oranyoneel sef orthatmat t
er.Geti t
i
ntoyourhead.Iwi llneverloveyou.Il ovemywi fe
andthat'
swher eitends.Don' ttryyourtri
cksagai n.
Thisti
meyouwi l
lneversucceed.Whatdi dyou
thi
nkwoul dhappenaf t
ermywi fediedinthatfire?
ThatI'
dmar ryyou?Thenyou' recrazy.Thist i
mei f
youtryanotherst untiwi l
lkil
lyouwi t
hmybar e
hands.Andt hat'sapr omise.
Me:
ist
hist
het
hanksigetf
rom you?
Mpe:oryouwantmet opayyouforyourfat
her
's
generosit
y?Nxagetoutofher
e.You'
resuch
embar r
assmentt
owomen.I fyoucomebackhere
agai
niwi
llcal
lthepol
iceonyou.
Me:
okay.Iwi
llneverbot
heryouagai
n.
Mpe:andst
opcal
li
ngmeaboutyourfat
her
.Hewi
ll
cal
lmeifheissi
ckorsomet
hing.Hehasmy
number.

Il
eftroughlyclosi
ngt hatdoor.Thatwomanl ooked
sosimpleyetbeaut if
ul.Youwoul dn'treal
lybeli
eve
sheownssuchcompani es.Ididn'tsleepsearching
aboutherlastnight.ButI'
m notgoi ngt olett
hat
i
nti
midateme.Herhusbandj ustdecl aredawarwi th
me.Fuckmyf eeli
ngsf orhi
m!Thi si snowwar .

.
..
..
..
.

Chapt
er16

Bonol
o
Mzwakhe:
sowhatdoyousayaboutmypr
oposal
?
Me:
whatpr
oposal
ist
hat
?
Mzwakhe:
ukushada.
Me:canwet aket hi
ngssl ow?Im notsayingIdon't
wanttogetmar riedtoyoubutl et'
sgettoknow
eachotherfi
rst.Dateandt henmaybewecanseei f
westil
lwanttogetmar riednextyear.Beina
rel
ati
onshipfi
rstandj ustbesur eabouteveryt
hing.
Idon'
twantust ohaver egret
s.
Mzwakhe:okayihearyou.Atleastiknowwewi ll
getmarri
edsomeday.Il oveyouokay?Andi m not
goinganywhere.Iwi
llwaitunt
ilyou'
reready
becauseIknowi mready.

Growingupihavealwaysbeent hatblacksheepof
thefamilyandcal
ledir
responsi
ble.Aftermatricmy
parentsexpect
edmet odowhatt heywant edmet o.
Ialwayslovedcooki
ngandwant edtogot oculinary
school.Idi
dnotevenapplytouniversit
ies.YesI
wast hatbri
ghtst
udentandtopstudenti nmy
school.Butidi
dn'
twanttostudyanyt hingthati
didn'
tl ove.Iwasr eal l
ysur pr i
sedt hedayofmy
resultswhenmypar entst ol dmet opackandbe
readyt oleavef oruni versity.Theyhadappl iedf or
mei nsecr et.Theyappl iedf orl lbandmedi cine.
Unfor t
unat el yIwasconsi der edf ormedi cineasi t
wast hef irstchoi ce.Iwasnothappyl eavinghome
togoandl ivei nPr etoria.Iat t
endedi nUPf or7
years.St ayi ngi nAcadi aandt ravell
ingt oPr inshof
medi calcampusever ymor ningwasal lotofwor k.
Butsur prisingl yidi dver ywel l.Ipassedwi th
dist
inct i
ons.Keat l
aret sithenj oinedmewhenIwas
doing3r dyear .Ihadal readymovedf rom Acadi ato
resi
dencei nmedi calcampus.Keat l
ar etsiandIwer e
alwayscompar edandwewoul djustl aughabouti t.
Soaf terif i
ni shedatmedi calschooliwentt o
culi
nar yschoolanddi dwhatIl ove.Event uallymy
parentsaccept edt hatcooki ngi swhatIl oveddoi ng.
Ididwor kasadoct orf orayearandt hat '
sf arasi t
goes.Atl eastihaddonesomet hi
ngt omakemy
parentshappy.AndwhenIi ntroducedAmi rtot hem
theywer esohappy.Butnowt hathappi nessi s
aboutt oend.I m evensur prisedAmi rhasn' tcal l
ed
totalkaboutt hebr eakupt ext .Iknowt hiswi llhurt
him.Butican' tturnbackt het ime.Iknowwhatidi d
i
shear tl
ess.Isawhowhur tKeatlaret
siwasaf ter
whatRapul adidtoher .Ireallydidn'
texpecttof al
lin
l
ovewi thMzwakhe.West artedasj ustfr
iends.I
couldbef reear oundhi m andi twast hecasewi th
himt oo.Wear ejustsogoodt ogether.Hegetsme.I
start
edf al
lingforhim.Thesmal lthi
ngshedi d
mademef allhardinlove.Sl owlyistart
edt oforget
thatim engagedt obemar r
ied.

Me:
thankyouf
orcomi
ng.
Amir
:you'
repregnantandyoudi
dn'
ttel
lmeanyt
hing.
Andthatt
ext?What '
sgoi
ngon?
Me:t
hat'
swhatIwantustotal
kabout
.Im sor
ryt
hat
t
hingshadt
oendlikethi
s.
Amir:babewear egetti
ngmarri
edsoon.it
hought
youpostponingtheweddingwasbecauseyouwer e
notyetready,notbecauseyouwantoutofthe
rel
ati
onship!
Me:iwi
shicoul
dsayi
twasl
i
ket
hatbuti
t'
snot
.Im
ver
ysorry.
Ami r
:il
oveyou!Weloveeachother
.What'
sthe
reasonforyoutoendthi
srel
ati
onship?
Me:
imetsomeone.
.
Amir:
real
ly!
?Haveyoubeenmaki ngmeaf ool
?You
knowwhat .
..
im happyigott
oseethetypeofperson
youarebeforeweevensaidido!Ihopeyouwillnot
comebackr unningtomewhenthatsomeonehur t
you.Beli
evemehewi l
l!
Me:
im sor
ryAmi
r.
Ami
r:
andt
hebaby,howwi
llever
ythi
ngwor
k?Iwant
t
obeinmybaby'
slif
e.
Me:i
t'
snotyour
s..
.
Hest oodupandbangedt hetabl
eandl ef
t.He
l
ookedsoangr y.Icri
ed.NotbecauseIwashur tbut
becauseifel
tbad.Idr ovebacktoMzwakhe' spl ace.
Icouldhavewentt omyhousebutiknowt hatas
soonasAmi r'
smot herhearst
hatitol
dhersont he
tr
uthshewi l
lretali
ateanditwil
lbeoverforme.I
parkedthecari nthegarageandwentinside.Gogo
sawmeandwavedf ormetogot oher.Thepar ents
l
eftyester
dayandsher emained.
Gogo:
howar
eyoumychi
ld?
Me:
imf
inegogo.
Gogo:
youar
enotfi
ne.I
smygr andsongivi
ngyoua
har
dti
me?Ishedoingsomet
hingthatyoudon'
tli
ke?
Me:
no.It
'snothi
m.It
'sjustsomethi
ngper
sonalt
hat
i
m goi
ngthroughandit
'shardformetohandl
e.
Gogo:t
ellme.Whati
sit?Youdon'
thavet
otel
l
exact
lywhatiti
sbutyoucanexpl
ain.
Me:Ididsomethi
ngthatit
houghtisr i
ghtbutnow
myfamilyisi
ndangerbecauseofit.Idon'
tknow
whati
m goingtodobecauseIjustputmyl oved
onesl
ivesindanger
.It
'ssohardforme.
Gogo:
youknowwhat ?Lifewillnotal waysber osy.
Youwillfacehardshipsandi t'
supt oyouhowyou
handl
et hem.What everitis,
youwi llgett hr oughit.
Asyousai dyouthoughti twast her ightt hingtodo.
Behappyt hatyoudidi t
.Ifyoudi dn'tyouwoul d
al
wayshavet hatwei ghtonyourshoul der s.
Me:
thankyouf
ort
hisgogo.NowIf
eelbet
ter
.
Gogo:
wher
e'st
hatbi
ghead?Hemustcomeand
makeyousomet
hingt
oeat
.
Me:
it
'
sfi
ne.Iwi
llmakei
t.
Gogo:nonono.Youmustenj
oyt
hist
imewhil
eiti
s
here.Af
teryougi
vebi
rt
hhewon'
tcookagai
n.I
knowhim.
Me:
thenImustt
akeadvant
ageoft
hist
ime.
Gogo:
nowt
hat
'st
hesmi
leiwantt
osee.

Aft
ereat
ingthefoodt
hatMzwakhemadeiwentt
o
l
iedown.Iwaswokenupbyabeep.Myheart
st
artedr
acing.
"
You'
vemessedwi
tht
hewr
ongf
ami
ly!
"
Ir
ushedt
othest
udyt
oshowMzwakhet
het
ext
.
Me:
ishoul
dn'
thavet
oldAmi
rthet
rut
h.
Mzwakhe:
babycal
m down.Youdi
dther
ightt
hing.
Me:thi
swomanisdanger
ous!She'
saTur
kish
gangst
erwoman!
Mzwakhe:
andyoudon'
thavet
owor
ryabouther
.
Focusonourbabyandiwi llhandlethi
s.Meand
youwilll
eavewit
hgogot omor r
ow.Wewi llgot
o
Swazil
and.Wewi l
lleaveever yt
hingbehind.Our
devi
cesandeverythingthatmi ghtmaket hem t
rack
us.Wewi l
lcomebackaf tereverythi
nghasset t
led
andtakencareof.
Me:
butican'
tleave.Myf
ami
ly?
Whataboutt
hat
?
Mzwakhe:iwantyout obesaf e.Mybrot
herandhis
fr
iendwil
ltakecar
eofever yt
hing.Wemi ghtbe
backsoonerthanwet hi
nk.Please.Wejusthavet
o
l
ayl owf
orawhi l
e.I'
l
lbet her
ewi t
hyou.
Me:okay.Atl
eastihavet
oletKeaknowwher
ei
am goi
ng.
Mzwakhe: no!Mybr otherandhisfr
iendwi
llt
ake
car
eofever ythi
ngbutevent heyal
sowon'tknow
wherewear e.Idon'twantanythi
nggoingwrong.I
wil
ljustt
ellthem i
m goingsomewher eal
one.
Me:
okay.
Mzwakhe:
don'
tresi
gnatwork.Justl
eti
tbel
ike
t
hatort
hey'
l
lbesuspici
ous.
Me:
iresi
gnedl
ongtimeago.Igott
hatj
obthr
ough
Ami
rsohismotherwasmakingthi
ngshar
dforme.
Mzwakhe:
im sor
ry.
Iagr
eedt
ohi
spl
anandj
usthopeiwontr
egr
eti
t.

KEATLARETSI

It'
sbeenawhi lesinceBonol owentMI A.Mzwakhe
evenhadt oleavebecauset hiswasaf fectinghim.I
couldn'
tbel i
evet hatshecoul djustdisappearl i
ke
that.Ievencal l
edAmi randaskedhi m.Hesai dit
's
agoodt hingshe' smi ssi
ngbecauset hi scountryi
s
toosmal lforthem.Hewasn' tevenwor r
ied!Whatif
hismot herdidsomet hi
ngt oher ?Nowi thasbeen
aboutfivemont hs.Shewoul dhavegi venbi r
th.Now
she'smi ssi
ngandidon' tknowwhathappenedt o
herchil
d.Ihadt oevenexpl aintomyuncl eabout
whathappened.TheKhozaf amilywentt opayf or
damages.Theybel ievethatshewi llbeback.Now
allwedoi shopet hatshewi llcomeback.My
husbandgotaPIt olookf orherbutheal sodidn't
fi
ndanyt hi
ng.Thi shitmever yhard.Ievenlost
weightagainthinkingaboutwher eshecoul d
be.Lerat
oalwayst akesmeoutt oherrestaurantand
ordersmoref oodf orus.Atleastsheeatswi t
hme.
Wegotsocl oseeversi nceBonololeft
.She's
helpi
ngmegett hroughever yt
hing.Anditwaseasy
forherbecausewemovedbackt oourhouseaf ter
theyfini
shedr ebuil
ding.
Lerat
o:t
hatwomanhasbeenst
ari
ngatus.Doyou
knowher?
Ilookedwhereshepoint
edandicouldn'
tbel
ieve
this.Whati
sshedoinghere?I
sn'
tshesupposedto
bei nMozambique?
Me:t
hat'
sthewomanmyhusbandcheat
edonme
wi
th.Theoneitol
dyouabout
.
Ler
ato:
iknowthosetypes.Iwil
lgoandt
alkt
oher
.
Shecan'
tkeepstar
ingatuslikethat
.

Iwatchedasshewenttot
alkt
oher.Isawher
prot
esti
ng.Il
ist
enedt
othei
rconver
sati
on.
Li
loca:
thi
sisar
est
aur
antandicanl
ookwher
everi
wantto.
Lerat
o:i
m notfi
ght
ingwi
thyou.I
mjustsayi
ngt
hat
youshouldstopst
ari
ngatus.I
t'
smakingus
uncomfort
able.
Li
loca:
canyoupl
easeleavemetoeatmyf
oodi
n
peace?Orel
seiwil
lcal
lthemanager
!
Lerat
o:t
here'
snoneedforthat
.Juststopwhat
you'r
edoingandever
ythi
ngwillbefi
ne.
Sher
aisedherhandf
ort
hewai
tor
.
Wai
tor
:gooddaymaam.Howcanihel
pyou?
Li
loca:canyoucal
lthemanagerf
orme?Thi
slady
hereisdist
urbi
ngmypeace!
Wai
ter
:maam.
..
Ler
ato:
noi
t'
sfi
ne.
Lil
oca:
ifyoucan'
tcallt
hemanagercanyougiveme
theowner'snumbersoicancallhi
m andl
ethim
knowhowunpr ofessi
onalyoupeopl
eareher
e?
Wai
ter
:maam t
hisi
stheowner
.
Ler
ato:
youcanl
eaveusJay.
Wai
ter
:okayLer
ato.
Lerat
o:anywaymaam enj
oyyourday.Meandmy
fr
iendareleavi
ng.
Shecamebacktoourtableandtoldthewaitert
o
makeourfoodatakeaway.Welefttherest
aurant.
Shedroveushome.
Me:idon'
tthinkshe'
sgoi
ngt
oleavemei
npeace.
She'
ssoirrit
ati
ng.
Ler
ato:
don'
tlethergett
oyou.
Me:she'sdoingitonpurpose.Shealmostkil
ledmy
ki
ds.She'sresponsibl
eforourhouseburning.
Mpendul odidn'
teventel
lme!Ioverhear
dhi m and
yourbrotherspeaki
ng.Mybabyhasabi gscarall
becauseoft hatwit
ch!
Ler
ato:
ihopeyoudi
dn'tf
ightwi
thyourhusband
whenyoufoundout
..
.Kea!
Me:rel
ax.Wetalkedcal
mly.Butwhyareallt
hese
thi
ngshappeningtome?Maybeimj ustdest
inedf
or
badthings.
Lerat
o:iusedtobel
ikethatt
oo.Letmet ellyou
aboutwhatoncehappenedt ome.Myf athergot
si
ckandiwentt oaloansharktoborr
owmoney
becausemymot hercouldn'
taf
for
dtopayf orhis
medicalbil
li
s.
Me:it
houghtyouwer
eyoungwhenyourpar
ent
s
di
ed?
Lerato:yes,
lessthanayearol d.Thenmyauntt ook
mei n.Af t
erthaticoul dn'tpaybackt hemoneyand
theloanshar kcameaf t
erme.Myhusbandwho
wasst illmyboyf riendatt hattimepai dhim buthte
l
oanshar kwasangr ybecauseIdi dn'tpayintime.
WhenIwasaboutt ogetmar riedheabduct edme
andt ookmet ost aywi t
hhi smot her.Ihadt obe
thei
rmai dtorepaymypayi ngt hedebtlate.The
l
oanshar kreturnedt oPret or
iaandatf i
rstheleft
mewi t
hhi sguys.Thoset wobast ar
dsr apedme.
Theyal lhadt heirturnswi thme.
Me:
im sosor
ry.
Lerato:
imfi
nenow.It
akei
tadayatatime.Aft
er
thatist
ayedwit
hhisf
amil
yandtheyabusedme.I
didever
ythi
ngf orthem.Cleanedandcookedf or
them.Evenwashedt hei
runderwear
s.Imagine
washedanothergirl'
sdirt
yunderwear.
..
.Then
someoneilaterfoundoutt obemyuncler escued
me.
Me:
wow.
..
Lerato:
andyouknowwhathur tmor e?Thel oan
sharkturnedoutt obemybr ot her.Yes, Zol ani.He
wast heloanshar k.Butif orgavehi m.Wedi dn't
knowwewer esibli
ngs.Andaf t
ert hatif oundout
thathismot hertookmyf ather '
sf rozensper m and
hadi ti
nsertedintoher.Shehadt wins, thesame
twinswhoiwascl eaningaf ter .Thoset wi nscame
hereandagai nihadt odot hingsf ort hem.It al
ked
tomyhusbandt olett
hem st ayi nourmansi onthat
wewer enotusi ng.Oneoft hem i sachefsot hey
conspiredtostealoneofmyr estaur antsandhouse.
From thereonicutt i
eswi tht hem.Somet elli
ngyou
aboutthisistomakeyouseet hatwhatyou' regoing
throughwi l
lnotlastforever.I tshal lpass.
Me:you'
reri
ght
.Butisweari
fthi
swomant
ri
esher
schemingagai
n..
..
.
Ler
ato:
don'
tlethermakeyouabadper
son.
Thedri
vehomewasnott hatl
ongwithustal
kingal
l
theway.Shedroppedmeonmygat eandwentto
herpl
ace.Igothometothetwinscr
ying.
Me:
what
'
sgoi
ngon?
Mpendul
o:t
heywantt
ogowitht
heirsi
ster
.You
knowhowtheyar
e.Theyal
waysfol
lowheraround.
Me:
no.Theywanttoleavemeonmyown.Mnqobi
i
sinScot
landandLisaisgoi
ngt
oDur
ban.
Mpendulo:i
m here.We'
l
lhavetimetooursel
ves.
Justunt
il13DecemberthenLisaandthetwi
nswill
comebackandwegot oBulawayo.
Me:okay.Iguesstheycango.Pl
easemakethem
st
opcr yi
ng.Im goi
ngtocheckonThando.
Mpendulo:
tellLi
satobeready.Si
yawi
llbehere
soon.Heleftherbecauset
heseboyswerecryi
ng.
Me:
okay.
Iwentupstair
sandLisaandLesediwereinthe
nurser
y.Istoodatt
hedoorandl ookedatthem.
Lesediwasgentl
yshakingThandoandaftershe
wokeupt heylaughedandpickedher.Thi
sisal
l
Lesedi
,sdoing.Hermothersaidshedoesitwi
thher
si
bli
ngs.Sheget sboredandwakethem upsothey
canplay.Sheturnedandlaughed.
Lesedi
:sor
ryaunt
ie.Iwant
edt
opl
aywi
thher
.
Me:
okay.Let
'sgodownst
air
s.Youcanpl
ayt
her
e
wi
thher.

Wewentbackdownst air
sandsatwi
thLi
sat
alki
ng
nonstopaboutwhatshe'
sgoingt
odowit
hher
grandmaandherbrothers.
Lesedi
:don'
tfor
getmeokay?
Li
sa:
iwon'
t.Youcancomewi
thme.
Lesedi
:i
m goi
ngt
oNi
ger
ia.Mygr
eatgr
andmot
her
stayst
here.
Lisa:
mommyiwanttogot
oNi
ger
iat
oo.Oricango
toMnqobii
nScot
land.
Mpendulo:andLuyandaandAyandawi l
lfi
nish
ever
ythi
nggr annykeptforyou.Shewil
lspoilt
hem
andtakethem tothebeacheveryday.
Li
sa:
okayi
m goi
ngt
ogr
anny.
Si
ya:
mygi
rlandboysr
eady?
Li
sa:
yes.Byemommy.Iwi
llmi
ssyou.
Me:
iwi
llmi
ssyout
oo.

Theywavedandl ef
t.Myboyshavegr own.They
evenleavewit
houtme.Icookedsupperandgot
everyt
hingr
eady.Wehadr el
easedthehelperand
nannyjustf
ortheholi
days.Wefini
shedeatingandi
tookashowerthengavemybabygi rlabath.
Mpendulo:
hey.She'
sfi
ne.Evenifshehasthatscar
shewil
lli
veanormalli
fe.Youdon'thavet
ostress.
Me:thi
sscarisar eminderofwhatthatwomandi d.
Doyouknowt hatshe'
snowf ol
lowingme?She' s
everywhereiam.TodayshewaatLer ao'
s
rest
aurantandstari
ngatme.WhenLer atot
alkedto
hershewasr ude.Doyout hi
nkthatpersonwill
l
eaveusal one?
Mpendul
o:shewi
ll
.Ifshedoesn'
ttheni
gnor
eher
.
Me:
andshewon'
tgot
ojai
lforwhatshedi
d.No
evi
dencewasf
ound!Abdshe'
sroamingt
hest
reet
s.
Whoknowswhatshemightdonext
?
Mpendul
o:wehaveaprotecti
onor
deragai
nsther
.
Soshewon'tt
ryanyt
hing.Letmegoputhert
oher
bed.
Igoti
ntomyni
ghtdr
essandgoti
ntobed.
Mpendul
o:she'
ssl
eepi
ng.Fi
nal
ly.
Me:shepl
aysal
otandatni
ghtsl
eeps.it
hinki
t'
sa
goodthi
ng.
Mpendul
o:yeahi
tis.
Me:
doyout
hinkt
het
winsar
ereadyf
ordaycar
e?
Mpendul
o:t
hey'
l
lbefi
vesoon.Sot
hey'
l
lbef
ine.
Alr
eadyt
heycansl
eepwit
houtmamasothey'
llbe
fi
ne.
Me:
imi
sst
hem al
ready.They'
dbeal
loverusnow.
Mpendulo:
butatl
eastIcanhavemywifeallt
o
mysel
f.Imeanwhat'stheuseoft
hem havi
ngtheir
ownroom whentheysleepwit
husal
mostever y
ni
ght?
Me:weshouldbl
ameLisa.Theyf
oll
owher
ever
ywhere.Soi
fshesleepsi
nheretheyal
sowi
ll
sl
eephere.
Mpendul
o:t
hatbossygi
rl
.Daddy'
spr
incess.
Me:
yeah.
..
imagi
nenowshewant
stogot
oNi
ger
ia.
Wel
aughed.
Mpendul
o:iwi
llnevergett
hatgi
rl
Me:
areyousur
eyouwer
en'
tli
ket
hatgr
owi
ngup?
Mpendul
o:mmhhhar
eyousayi
ngiwasbossy?
Me:wellyoust
il
lar
e.Remembert
hatdayyou
convi
ncedmet ogowithyout
oyourhome?
Mpendul
o:yeahIdo..shoul
diremindyousomeoof
t
hethi
ngst hathappenedthatday?
Me:
uh.
..
Mpendulo:
you'
resobeaut
if
ulmywi
feandIcan'
t
bel
ieveyou'
remine.
Me:
i..
ahh
Heent
eredunexpect
edl
y.Hest
art
edmovi
ngback
andfor t
h.Hiseyesnotleavi
ngmi ne.Iendedup
cl
osingmi neandicouldn'tholdmyself.Mymoans
andhi sgroansfi
ll
edthehouse.Isweart hewaywe
weresol oudThandocoul dhaveheardus.Maki ng
l
ovewi thmyhusbandi salwaysdi f
fer
ent.Every
ti
mehesur pri
sesme.Ourni ghtwasfullof
passionatelovemaki
ng.Iwokeupwr appedaround
myhusband' sbodyandicoul dn'
tbehappi er
.
Me:
goodmor
ning
Mpendul
o:i
t'
sagoodoneindeed.Lovewhatwas
t
hatyest
erday?Pl
easedoi
tallt
het i
me.Il
oveyou
MamKhoza.
Me:
iloveyoumor
e.I
m sot
ir
ed.
Mpendul
o:l
et'
sgot
akeashowerbef
orepr
incess
wakesup.

Ir
eachedf
ormyni
ght
ybuthesnat
chedi
t.
Mpendul
o:l
et'
sgo.
Igotupandhefol
lowedbehindmewhistl
ing.We
tookanotsoi
nnocentshowerthenwentt
ocheck
onourbabyandmadebr
eakf
astwhi
leshewas
sl
eepi
ng.
Me:
babeletgoofme.Let
'seatf
ir
storyou'
l
lbel
ate
f
orwork.
Mpendul
o:i
mtheboss.
Andwi ththathepi nnedmeagai nstthekitchen
wal l
,pull
edmydr essupandhel dmyot herlegup.
Heent eredandst art
edmovi ng.Hewasal so
whi speringsweetnot hingst
ome.Af terthathe
pickedmeandiwr appedmyl egsaroundhi swaist
.
Wedi dn'tevenreachourbedr oom.Heopenedt he
spar eroom andputmeont hedressingtable.His
strokeswer ef
astandt henicame.
Mpendulo:
goodmor
ningmyl
ove.I
'
dli
ket
owakeup
t
othisever
ymorni
ng.
Ismi
ledandt
urnedt
olookathi
m.
Mpendul
o:l
et'
sgot
akeashoweragai
n.
Weshower
edthenwentt
ocheckonThandoagai
n.
Shewasupandpl
ayi
ngwit
hhertoysi
nhercot
.
Me:
we'
resuchbadpar
ent
s!Wecoul
dn'
tevenhear
t
hatshe'
sup.

Wel
aughedandpi
ckedherupandwentt
oeat
.
Mpendulo:
weshouldbl
amemommy.Babyi t
'syour
faul
tcosyou'
resogood.I
m alr
eadycount
ingthe
hourstowhenI'
l
lbebackfrom wor
k.
Hespankedmeandwi nkedatme.Whatam igoi ng
todowit
hhim?Wehadourbr eakfastandhekissed
usgoodbyeandlef
tsi
nging.Icl
eanedt hehouse
butnott
hewholehouse.Myphoner ang
Mpendul
o:st
handwasami
how'
smybabynow?
Me:she'
sresti
ng.Youknowshel
ovesmovi
ng
t
hingsaround.
Mpendul
o:nott
hatbaby.Youknowwhi
chone.
..
Me:
Areyouf
li
rt
ingwi
thmesi
r?
Mpendul
o:i
fit
'swi
thmywi fet
henthere'
snot
hing
wr
ong.Il
eftmylunchbox.Canyoupleasebr
ingi
t?
Me:
okaybabe.Seeyout
hen.
It
hinkhel
efti
tonpur
pose.It
ooki
tandcal
ledt
he
dri
ver.Wewentt
ohi
scompanyandimetBongani
atrecept
ion.
Bongani
:Khanyi
sil
eunj
hani
?
Me:
im goodandyou?
Bongani
:i
m good.Gi
vet
hispr
incessher
e.Youcan
gethert
omorrow.
Me:
won'
tshegi
veyout
roubl
e?
Bongani
:no.Wewi
llbej
ustf
ine.
Me:
okaybutdon'
tfor
gett
o..
.
Bongani
:don'
twor
ry.Wehaveal
lhert
hingsathome.
Me:
okay.

Igavehertohim andshewassmil
ing.Heki
ssed
heral
loverthefaceandshecoul
dn'tst
opl
aughi
ng.
Me:
iseesomeonei
shappyt
oleavemommybehi
nd.
Bongani
:byemommyseeyout
omor
row.
Theywavedandl
eft
.
Recept
ioni
st:
youhaveacut
ebaby.
Me:
thankyou.I
sMrKhozai
nhi
sof
fi
ce?
Recept
ioni
st:
yeshe'
swai
ti
ngf
oryou.
Inoddedandt
ooktheli
ftt
ohi
soffi
ce.Iknocked
onceandheopened.Hehadast
upi
dgr i
n.
Mpendul
o:uphiuThando?
Me:
Bonganit
ookherwi
th.
Mpendul
o:mmh.
Hetooktheluncboxandputi tonthetabl
eand
l
ookedatmewi thhi
shalfopenedeyes.Hemoved
fr
om thetabl
eandt herehi
smemberwasst andi
ng.
Igotanidea.Iwentandkneltnexttohim.Thi
swas
abitofaproblem wit
hmyl i
tt
lebigbell
y.I
unbuckl
edhist r
ousersandslidt
hem down.
Mpendul
o:babeuh
Me:
rel
ax.
Itwasmyfirstti
medoingthis.I
nourthreeyear
sof
marri
ageI'
venevergivenhim ahead.Ididmy
worksandthisoffi
cewasf i
ll
edwit
hhisscreams.
Heshoutedmynamej ustashewasaboutt ocome.
Imovedandi tshotout
.I'
veneverseenanoldman
sohelpless.Iwashappyimadehi mf eelli
kethat.
Hesatont hecouchcat chinghisbreath.Iwentto
l
ockt hedoorandwentt ost andbetweenhi slegs
andbentdownandki ssedhi m.Hepickedmeup
andwewer enowagai nstthewal l
.Hishandsf ound
thei
rwayi nsidemydr ess.Hewasmassagi ngmy
breastsandl eavingwetkissesonmyneck.Soon
tookoffmydr essedandunder wearthenpi ckedme
up.Hewentwi t
hmet ohischai randisatonhi s
tabl
ewhi l
ehewasonhi sfeet
lookingatme.It
'smyf i
rstti
memaki ngloveinthe
off
ice.Ial
waysthoughtaboutitbutneverthoughtI
woulddoit.Ij
ustthoughtthati
twasnotf orme.

*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
01] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER20*
Afterleavi
nghisof f
icewewentout.Wewal ked
aroundt hemalldoingwindowshopping.Thenhe
sawt hisbeaut
ifulbabysneakersandsaidl
et'sget
i
n.Wegoti nandt hebabyclot
hesweresobeaut i
ful
.
Wedi dbabyshoppi ngandthishusbandofmi ne
tookal otoft
hings.
Voi
ce:
wow.Youkeeppoppi
ngt
hem babi
eshuh?
Icoul
dneverf
orgett
hatvoi
ce.I
twaseveni
rr
it
ati
ng
me.
Me:yeahhey.Atl
eastihaveacompanythatwi
ll
makeitpossi
blef
ormet otakecar
eofthem.Andi
l
ovepoppingthem f
ormyhusband.Notsomeone'
s
husband.
Basetsana:
oht
hat'
sgood.Youcannowf
orget
aboutmyhusband.
Me:iwoul
dn'
tthi
nkaboutyourswhil
eihavemi ne.
He'st
oowonderfult
omet hatican'
tevent
hink
aboutot
hermen.
Baset
sana:
enj
oyi
twhi
lei
tlast
s.
Me:iwi
lldar
li
ng.Iknowyouwi
shicoul
dgobackt
o
yourhusbandsoyoucangetmycompany.Keep
dreaming.Youwi l
ldr
eam unt i
lyoudie.Youseethi
s
manher e?Evendeathwon' tseparat
eus.So
whateverplansyouhavef orgetaboutit
.Baby,
isaw
arompert hatit
hinkwil
llookgoodonourl it
tl
eboy.
Mpendul
o:ngi
yak'
thandaMamKhoza.
Me:
iloveyouevenmor
emrKhoza.

Iheldhi
shandandwecontinuedwi
thourshoppi
ng
forourboy.I
fBaset
sanat
houghti
Wasgoi
ngtoent
ert
ainhert
henshegoti
twr
ong.
I
mtoohappytodothat
.

Mpendul
o:youhandl
edt
hatver
ywel
l
.
Wewer enowsitt
ingi
nsomerestaur
anthavi
ng
earl
ysupper
.Im sayi
ngt
hatbecauseIknowiwil
l
eatagai
natnight.
Me:idecidedt
hati
m notgoi
ngt
oletpeopl
egett
o
me.i
mj ustgoi
ngtol
ivemyli
feandbehappy.
Mpendul
o:andI
'
lldoanyt
hingt
omakeyouhappy.

Whenwegothomewevideocal
ledmymot
heri
n
l
awandtal
kedtot
heki
ds.
Mpendul
o:aboutwhatyousai
dtot
hatwoman.That
i
m wonderfult
oyou
Me:
imeanti
t.You'
reagoodman.
Mpendulo:i
tmademef eelgui
lt
y.Li
keaft
eralliput
youthrough.Yousti
llseemeast hi
sgoodman.I
promiseyouyouwi l
lneverhavetocryagai
n
becauseihurtyou.Ipromisetobeabetterman.A
goodhusbandt oyou.
Me:
iknowyouwi
ll
.
Mpendul
o:youar
ebeauti
fuli
nsi
deout.Andiwil
l
al
waysthankGodforyou.WhenImetyouiknew
al
readyt
hatihadfoundmysoulmat
e.Ourl
oveis
gr
eatert
hananyI'
veeverseen.
Idi
dn'
tsayanyt
hing.Ij
ustcuddl
edupt
ohi
m.
Inthemorni
ngwewokeupt obangingont hedoor
.
It
'snotal
waysthatwehavevi sit
ors.Mpendulo
wenttocheckandifi
nishedget t
ingdressed.We
hadjustt
akenashower .If
inishedthenwent
downstai
rs.
Me:
babewhowast
hat
?
Mpendul
o:myl
ovecomeandsi
tdown.
Me:ohidi
dn'
tknowwehaveguest
s.Dumel
ang
bagol
o.

Theyj
ustl
ookedatmel
ikeisai
dsomet
hingwr
ong.

Me:
um iwi
llgoandmakebr
eakf
ast
.
Mpendul
o:comeandsi
tdown.Iwi
lldot
hat
.
Isatnextt
ohi
m.
Mpendul
o:sowhatbr
ingsyouher
e?
Ol
dwoman:wewer ehereyester
daybuttherewas
noone.Wehavebroughtyourson.
wear eti
redof
hi
m.Heisatroubl
emakeranddoesn'tl
istento
anyone.Hi
smothergott i
redofhi
mf i
ght i
ngwith
otherki
dsi
nhermaritalhomesoshebr oughthi
m
tous.Hehasbeenstayingwi t
husforthreeyear
s
andwecanttakei
tanymor e.
Mpendul
o:ar
eyousur
eyou'
reatt
her
ighthouse?
Ol
dwoman:
yes.Ar
en'
tyouMpendul
oKhoza?
Mpendulo:
wher
e'st
heboy?Idon'
tknowanyt
hing
aboutason.
Ol
dwoman:
Phumzi
lehambauyobi
zauLi
ndani
.
Afterafewminut
esPhumzi
lecamebackwi
tha
spitt
ingi
mageofmyhusband.Ther
ewasnoneed
foradna.
Ol
dwoman:
thi
sishi
m.Wear
enotgoi
ngbackwi
th
hi
m.
Mpendul
o:who'
shi
smot
her
?
Ol
dwoman:
Nosi
bul
elo.
Mpendulo:idon'tknowanyonebythatnamesoi
suggestyoucallyourdaught
erorshowmeher
pict
ure.
Theygavehi
mthepi
ctur
eandhel
aughed.
Mpendul
o:t
hisi
sAndi
swa,notNosi
bul
elo.Orshe
j
ustgavemeafakename.
Oldwoman:nowthatyouknowweareleaving.Your
sonwil
lstaywi
thyou.Youarehi
sfat
her.Youwi l
l
al
sofeelwhatwefeel.
Li
ndani:
ialr
eadytol
dyouim notst
ayingwher
eim
notwanted.I
'dr
atherst
ayi
nt hest
reets.
Mpendul
o:idi
dn'
tknowaboutyou.
Li
ndani
:yout
oldmymot
hert
oabor
tme.
Mpendulo:
shedidn'
ttel
lmesheispregnant
.We
wentourseparat
ewaysandinevercontact
edher
agai
n.Howdi diknowaboutherbei
ngpregnant
?
Li
ndani:
you'
rej
ustdef
endingyoursel
fbecause
she'
snother
etospeakforher
self
.
Mpendulo:
givemehernumbersowecanvi
deocal
l
herandhearwhatshehast
osay.
Theycal
ledherandshet
ookver
ylongt
oanswer
.
Ol
dwoman:
Nosi
bul
elowear
ewi
thLi
ndani
'
sfat
her
her
eandhesaysyoudi
dn'tt
ellhi
m aboutLi
ndani
.
Butyousai
dhetol
dyoutoabort.
Nosi
:um.
..
Mpendulo:youdon' tknowwhattosaynow?How
canyoulietomysonandsayit ol
dyoutoabort
whil
eyoudi dn'tevent el
lmeyouwerepregnant
?
Youhidhimf rom me!
Nosi:
im sor
ry.Hewassopersi
stenti
nknowing
aboutyouanditol
dhi
mt hatst
orysothathecan
stop.
Mpendulo:
andnowthathe'
sgi
vingyoupr
obl
ems
youshi
fthi
mt ome!
?
Nosi
:he'
syourson!
Mpendul
o:wasn'
themysonwhenyout
oldhi
mli
es
aboutme?
Nosi :
im sor
ryokay?Nowyoucanhavehi m.Hehas
givenmeenought r
oubl
es.Doyouknowt heamount
ofmoneyI '
vebeenpayi
ngbecauseofthatevi
l
child!
?Doyouknowheoncest abbedmyhusband?
Nowyouwi l
lknowwhatIhadtodealwith!
Mpendul
o:shecutt
hecal
l!
Oldwoman:wear
eleavi
ngandl
eavi
ngyourevi
l
chi
ldbehi
nd.
Mpendul
o:don'
tcal
lhim evi
l!Wedon'
tknowwhat
madehimt obel
ikethi
s!Leavemyhouseri
ghtt
his
i
nst
ant!
Hewentt oopenthedoorf ort
hem.Igotupand
wenttomakebr eakf
ast.Icoul
dhearthem t
alki
ng.
From whatIcouldgett
hischildhasanger
.Itook
thefoodtothem andweat e.
Me:
loveiwi
llcal
lthedr
iverandf
etchThando.
Mpendul
o:Bonganii
sal
readyonhi
sway.
Me:
okay.
Mpendulo:iknowihaven'
tbeeni
nyourli
feandi
can'
tjudgeyoubasedonwhatIdon'tknow.So
whatmakesyout obet hi
str
oubl
emakerandevil
chi
ldtheysayyouare?
Li
ndani
:i
m notevi
l!Theyar
etheevi
lones.
Mpendul
o:don'
tshout
!wear
etal
kingher
e!
Me:okaylet'
sallcal
m downandtal
k.Babegivehim
achancet otal
k.SoLindanit
alkt
oyourfatherand
expl
ainthingstohim.Thenyourf
atherwi
llknow
whattodogoi ngfor
ward.
Mpendul
o:whathappenedt
her
e?
Linda:t
heyabusedme.Ial waysdidmostwor kthere.
WhenIwantt or
estI'dgetshouted.Whenotherkids
hitmeatschoolif oughtback.Onedaymy
stepfatherhi tmebecausehesai dimruininghi
s
reputation.Hehi tmel i
keadogandist abbedhim.
Thent heyt ookmet omygr andmother
's.Ist
ayed
therefort hreeyears.
Mpendul
o:butwhydi
dn'
tyourmot
hert
ellme?
Lindani
:ever
yti
meIaskedaboutyoushe'
ddi
smiss
thetopi
c.Thenshecamewiththeabor
ti
onst
ory.
Mpendul
o:i
m sorryyouwentt
hrought
hat
.Ipr
omi
se
t
omakeupf orlostti
me.
Li
ndani:
idon'
twantt
ost
ayher
e.I
'
vebeenabused
enough.
Me:
wear
enotgoi
ngt
oabuseyouher
e.Wewi
ll
t
reatyoul
ikeourot
herki
ds.

Hest oodupandpull
edhist-
shi
rtup.Igaspedin
shock.Hisbodyisf
il
ledwit
hbruises.Whatki
ndof
parentall
owsthi
stobedonetotheirchi
ld?
Mpendul
o:hedi
dthat
!?
Li
ndani
:yes.
..
andidon'
twantt
ogot
hroughi
tagai
n.
Mpendulo:
im sor
ry.I
fiknewaboutyouthis
wouldn'
thavehappened.Wejustmettodaybut
thi
ngsaregoingtochange.Iwi
llt
akecareofyou.
Youwi l
lst
ayhere.

Therewasaknockandiwentt oopen.Itwas
Bongani
.Thandowaslaughingthatyoucouldn't
eventel
lthatshedi
dn'
tevensleepwithherparents.
Me:
didshecr
y?
Bongani
:no.She'
sapr
incessandt
heydon'
tcr
y.
Me:
areyousur
e
Bongani
:okay.Whenhersi
ster
stookhershecr
ied
butwhenIt
ookhershewasallsmil
es.Whenshe
l
ooksatmeshethi
nksim herdad.
Wel
aughed.

AstimewentonLi ndaniwasi nt
roducedtothe
famil
yandal lt
herequiredcer
emoni esweredone
forhim.Hewasnowat tendi
ngtherapy.Butist
il
l
couldseethatsomethingwasbot heri
nghim.But
wechosetohavef ait
hthathewi l
lopenupin
ther
apyandgethel p.
Me:youknow,
grandmamustbecounti
ngdownthe
hour
sunti
lwegetther
e.Ican'
twai
ttoseeher
.
Mpendul
o:aboutt
hat
..
.
Me:babeihopeyoudi
dn'
tfor
getmyuncl
e'sbr
andy
hey.Anywaywhenwil
lyoupackt
hingsi
nthecar
?
Mpendul
o:iwast
hinki
ngt
hatwepost
pone.
Me:
post
pone?Mygr
andmot
heri
shappyand
wai
ti
ngforus.
Mpendulo:
yourgrandmothercanwai
t.Thisi
smy
son'
sfi
rstChri
stmaswithme.Wear egoinghome.
Me:
andt
hisi
smygrandmot
her
'sf
ir
stChr
ist
mas
wi
thmei
nyears.
Mpendul
o:i
mt heonewhosuggestedwegot her
e.
Youwoul
dn'thavethoughtabouti
tifidi
dn'
t.
Me:
wow.Thankyouf
orr
emi
ndi
ngme.
Mpendulo:don'
tbeself
ishman.Wecanst i
llgoto
yourgrandmother
'snextyear
.Thi
syeareveryoneis
goinghomeandt hat
'swherewewillspendour
Christ
mas.
Me:oh.You'
renotaski
ngme?You'
rej
ustt
ell
ingme.
Thatsoundsli
keit
'sfi
nal
.
Mpendul
o:t
hat
'sbecausei
tisf
inal
.
Me:countmeoutthen.BecauseIam notgoing
anywherewi
thyou.Iam goingtomygr andmother
's.
Iwil
lspendChr
ist
masandnewyearwi thher.
Mpendul
o:Khanyi
sil
eI'
vesai
dwhatIsai
d.Wear
e
goi
nghomeandi t
'sfi
nal
.
Ilookedatt
heot
hersi
deandtri
edtosl
eep.He
t
ri
edt ohol
dmeandiroughl
ytookhi
shandsof
fme.
Me:
skant
shwar
a!
Mpendul
o:heywear
enotf
ight
ing.
Me:
canyoul
eavemeal
one?I
mtr
yingt
osl
eepher
e.
Mpendul
o:notbef
orewef
ini
sht
alki
ng.
Me:
nnakef
edi
tsesookannawabuaol
eesi
.
Ipulledt hecovermyheadandj ustkeptquiet.Inthe
mor ningiwokeupt oanempt ybedandwentt odo
myhygi enepr ocess.Igotdressedandt ookmy
suit
caseout .Ipushedi tt
ot helounge.Iaskedf ora
l
iftfrom Faraisi ncehe'
salsogoi nghome.Icoul dn'
t
askt hedr i
versinceit'
sholidaysandhehast obe
withhi sfami l
y.Andicantdr i
vebecauseoft his
pregnancy.Iwentt othekidsr oom andal lt
heir
suit
caseswer eunpackedandt heywer enotar ound.
Theirfatherisr esponsibl
efort his.Istart
edpacki ng
thei
rcl othesandever ythi
ngt heywi llneed.Ilooked
forourdocument sandicoul dn'tfi
ndt hem.Iwent
toLindani '
sroom.
Me:
heydoyouknowwher
eyourf
atheri
s?
Li
ndani
:hesai
dhe'
sgoi
ngoutf
orbr
eakf
ast
.
Me:
okay.Sowhatar
eyoudoi
ngt
her
e?
Lindani
:not
hing!I
mjustr
eadi
ngsomet
hing.
..
yeah
that'
sit
.
Me:
youknowicanseet
hatyou'
rel
ying.Gi
veme
t
hatpaper
.
Li
ndani
:i
t'
snot
hingr
eal
ly.
Me:
thenl
etmesee.
Li
ndani
:no!
Iwentt
ohim andtookt
hepaper
.Ir
eadi
tandi
coul
dn'
tbel
ievei
t.
Me:Li
ndanihowcanyout
hinkl
iket
his!
?Youknow
youcantal
ktomeabdyourfat
her.
Lindani
:eversinceIcamehereyou' vebeensogood
tome.Lastni ghtIhear
dyouf ighti
ng.Ifeell
ikei
m
thecauseoft hat.Dadchangedyourpl ansbecause
ofme.Ever ywhereIgoiruinthings.Al
soever yt
hing
i
swei ghingsoheavyonme.
Hewasnowcr
ying.
Me:
andwhydidn'tyoumenti
ont
hatyourst
epf
ather
r
apedyou?Howdoyout hi
nkyourfat
herwasgoi
ng
t
ofeelr
eadi
ngitonasuici
denote?
Li
ndani:myownmot herdi
dnotbel ieveme.How
caniexpectot herpeopletobelieveme?Shest ood
withhim andsai di
m anevi landlyingchi
ld.Shelet
him hur
tme.That '
stherealreasonwhyIst abbed
him.Hef orcedhimselfonmef orayear.
Ne:ohmyGod!Howcanyourmotheral
lowt
hist
o
happen?
sheshoul
dhavepr
otect
edyou.
Li
ndani
:ihat
eherandineverwantt
oseeheragai
n.
Maybei
twi l
lbebet
teri
fidi
e.
Me: don'
ttalkli
kethat.Let
'sgomakesomethi
ngto
eat.Wewi lldealwit
ht hi
s.Wewil
lgett
hroughit
together
.
Li
ndani
:whyar
eyoubei
ngsoni
cet
ome?
Me:you'remyhusband' ssonthent hatmakesyou
myson.Il oveallmychil
drenthatmeansIloveyou
too.Im hereforyouwheneveryouwantt ot
alk.
Pleasedon' ttr
ytodoanythingstupidli
keki
ll
ing
yourself
.It'snotananswer.Im goingtomake
breakfast.Takeashowerandf ollowme.
Itri
edcalli
ngMpendul obuthewasnotpi cki ngup.I
tri
edcalli
ngmul ti
pletimesbuthej ustignor edmy
call
s.Iknowhe' signoringt hem.Ilefthima
messaget hencal l
edFar aiandt oldhimi m not
comi nganymor e.Thehar destthingwascal lingand
explaintomygr andmot herwhyi m notcomi ng
anymor e.Allhergrandchildrenaregoi ngtobet her
e
andi mtheonl yonewhowon' tbepr esent.Lindani
cameandwemadef ood.Iwasevenst ar
tingt obe
scaredbyhowhewast akingsol ong.Wet ookour
foodandwentt oeat.
Mpendul
o:goodmor
ningf
ami
ly.
Li
ndani
:mor
ningdad.
Mpendulo:
ibroughtyouf
oodbutiseeyou'
ve
al
readycooked.
Me:di
dyouexpectust
odieofhungerwhenyou
wenttoGodknowswhere?
Li
ndani
:I
'
llbei
nmyr
oom.
Li
sa:
im goi
ngwi
thyou.
Li
ndani
:no.
Li
sa:
hayyou'renotacoolbr
other
.Mnqobil
et'
sme
i
nhisroom andplayshi
sgameswi t
hme.Ieven
ri
dehi
sbicycle!
Li
ndani
:idon'
tri
debi
cycl
es.
Lisa:iwi
llplayyourgamesokay?You'
remybrother
andyouar egoingtopl
aywit
hme.Whodoyou
thinkwil
lplaywi t
hmewhenMnqobii snother
e?
Me:
babygoandpl
aywi
thLesedi
.
Li
sa:she'
sgoi
ngt
oNi
ger
ia.I
'
m notherf
ri
end
anymore.
Me:okay.Yourbr
otherwillpl
aywi
thyoutomor
row.
Nowcomewat chtv.Thandowant
stoplaywit
hher
si
ster.
Li
sa:okayThandoi
smybewbestf
ri
end.Ever
yone
doesn'
twantmenow.
Lindanir
ushedtohi
sroom.Lisai
ssobossy.She'
s
beenonhi shi
peversi
nceshecameback.I
t'
seven
funny.
Mpendul
o:iseeyoudi
dn'
tleave.
Me:
ntl
ogel
ekakagi
so.Wher
ewoul
digowi
thoutmy
passpor
t?Inevert
houghtyou'
dactsol
ow.
Mpendulo:yourpassportisi
nthecar
.Youcanl
eave
now.Butleavemychi ldrenbehi
nd
Me:I
'
veneverseenaselfi
shper
sonli
keyou.Howdo
youexpectmetogetther
e?Far
aial
readyl
eft
.Aker
e
youl
eftwithmypassport
.
Mpendul
o:ohsor
ry.
Me:you'r
enotevensor ry.Allmygrandmother'
s
grandchi
ldrenwil
lbet hereandI
'l
lbetheonlyone
whowon' tbethere.I
mt heonlythi
ngconnecting
hertoherlatedaughter.Buyyoudon'tunder
stand
that.
Mpendul
o:idi
dn'
tknow.
..
Me:youneverknowanyt hing.Ievencall
edyouand
youignoredmycal l
s.Whati fyoursonhadkill
ed
himself
?Youdon' tevenaskhi m whathe'
sgoing
thr
ough.You'rej
usthappyyouhaveanot herson
butyoudon'tmakeanef forttotalkt
ohim andf i
nd
outhowhei sdoing.Hewasr apedbyhisstepfather
butyoudon'tknowt hat
.Becausehe' sscar
edof
tal
kingtoyou.Ihadt ofi
ndoutf r
om asuicidenote
thathewaswr it
ing.Whatifididn'
tfi
ndhim writi
ng
i
tandi twastoolate?Talktoyourchil
d.Beaf ather
tohim.Showhi m youcareandwantt obet herefor
him.Don'tevert
hinkim notleavi
nganymor e
becauseipromiseyour"child"thatiwi
llbethere
forhim.
Mpendul
o:what
!?It
alkedt
ohi
m andhewasf
ine
Me:
clear
lyhewasn'
t.
Mpendul
o:iwi
llt
alkt
ohi
m.

*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
01] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER21*

Nar
rat
ed
Mpendulo:Zweliil
ovemywifesomuch.Butidon'
t
knowwhati swrong.Iseem t
obemakingal
lthe
wrongdecisi
ons..
Zweli
:areyousureyoudidtheri
ghtthi
nggetti
ng
marri
ed?Imeanal l
youdoi shur
ther.Askyourself
whatiti
sthatyouwant.Youcan'tal
waystreather
l
ikethi
s.Hassheevergivenyoureasontodot hese
thi
ngs?
Mpendul
o:no.Ij
ustf
indmyselfdoi
ngthingsforus
wit
houtt
alki
ngtoher.That
swhatim usedto.Im not
usedtomakingdeci
sionswit
hsomeone.
Zweli:
that'
sthepr oblem.Youhavet ochange.You
aremar ri
ednow.Thi ngsmustchange.Consul twit
h
yourwi f
ebefor eyoudot hings.I
tmusntbe
everyt
hingbuti fitconcer nsyourfamil
yt alktoher
aboutitandhearwhatshesays.Communi cat
e.Be
ateam.I t
'sallaboutt eamwor k.Respecther .
Respectyoursel falso.Beamanshet r
ust s.Every
ti
meyougooutshemustnotwor ryaboutwhet her
youaredoi ngsomet hingwr ongoutthere.Youmust
appreciat
eher .Iwassohappyf oryouwhenyou
tol
dmeyouhavef oundt heone.Nowyouwantt o
ruinit?Noiwontl etyoudot hat
.Whatkindoffri
end
woul dibe?Fixt hi
ngswiththatwoman.Yout wo
l
oveeachot her .Youjusthavetochangehereand
there.Youwillseeeverythi
ngwi l
lbegood.Star
tby
apologizi
ng.Thent akeeverythi
ngfr
om ther
e.
Mpendul
o:ihearyou.Thanksf
ort
headvi
ce.
Zwel
i:
goodl
uck.Iwantt
oseeyout
wosmi
li
ngwhen
youcomeher
e.
Mpendul
o:okay.Wi
llseeyout
omor
row.

Hecutthecal
landwentt
ohi
sbedr
oom.Hehugged
hi
swifefr
om behi
nd.
Mpendulo:myl
ove.Im sorry.I
m sorr
yfortr
eati
ng
youbadthepastfewdays.Iknowihavebeen
dif
fi
cultt
odealwit
h.Iwilldothingsdif
fer
entnow.
I'
veseenmymi st
akesandiwi l
lfi
xthem.
Kea:i
t'
sfine.Butyoucan'tal
waysdothi
ngsand
expectmet ojustagr
ee.Wehavetocommunicat
e.
Notjustdropabombshellonme.
Mpendul
o:iknow.
Kea:andthi
sthi
ngofyoualwayssayi
ngsor
ryand
neverchange.I
thast
ostop.
Mpendul
o:ihearyou.Andthankyouforaccept
ing
mysonandf orthesuppor
tthatyou'
regivi
nghim.
Kea:
that
'swhatamot
herdoes.
..
doyouhaveot her
ki
dsoutther
emaybefr
om yourpastgi
rl
fr
iendsor.
..
Mpendul
o:no.
Kea:
andLil
oca.
..
won'
tsherockupher
eoneday
sayi
ngyoutwohaveachi
ld.
..
Mpendul
o:it
houghtwehavemovedonf
rom t
hat
?
Kea:imjustmakingsure.Thewayshe'supinmy
backi t
'
sli
keshehassomet hi
ng.I
t'
sgoodthatyou
didn'ti
mpregnateherbecauseIwouldpackal
lmy
thingsandleave.
Mpendul
o:r
eal
lynow?
Kea:yes.Iwon'tstaytor
aiseachil
dthatisthe
result
sofcheat i
ng.Rapul
adidthatandileft
.He
waspr eparedtoleavehi
swi f
eformebutIcoul dn'
t
staythereandr ai
sehiski
ds.Youknowil oveyou
mor ethanI'veeverl
ovedanyman.That'swhyI
st
ayedafterwhathappenedwiththeLilocasaga.
Butimtell
ingyouifyoukeepdoingthingsthathur
t
meiwillsayenoughisenoughandl eave.Yesitwil
l
hur
tbecauseIloveyousomuchbutiwi l
ltr
ytoli
ve
wit
houtyou.
Mpendulo:
canwepl easestoptal
kingaboutyou
l
eaving?Thatwil
lneverhappensol et
'sj
uststop
t
alki
ngaboutit.I
m goingtobeagoodhusbandand
t
reatyouli
keaqueent hatyouare.Myqueen.
Kea:
keagor
atant
atekhoza
Mpendul o:
namingi
yak't
handaMamKhoza.Sodo
youf or
givemeforchangingourpl
answi
thout
tal
kingtoyoufi
rst
?
Kea:
yes.Asl
ongasi
twonthappenagai
n.
Mpendul
o:nowl
et'
sgobef
orewemi
ssourf
li
ght
.
Kea:Iwi
shIdi
dn'
thavet
ogo.
Mpendul
o:why?
Kea:
yourauntal
waysbri
ngsmedown.Ther
e'sno
waythatshewontbecal
li
ngmenamesoril
l
t
reat
ingme.
Mpendul
o:wel
ltheni
t'
sgoodbecauseshewon'
tbe
ar
ound.Shewil
lbewithherf
amil
y.
Me: okaythat
'sbett
er.Iwasr ai
sedtor
espectmy
elders.Idon'
thateyourauntybutthewayshe
treatsmei snotgood.Itdoesn'
tsui
tsomeoneofher
age.Iexpectedthattobedonebymaybesomeone
yourbr ot
hersageoryoung.Notkokoomot una
jaana.
Mpendul
o:ipr
omiseshewil
lneverpi
ckonyou
agai
n.Notwhenom ar
ound.

Thefol
lowingdayigotupandiwasal oneinour
room.ThreedaysbeforeChrist
mas.Mybi rthday.I
tookashowerandwor eadr essandf i
xedmyhai r.
Thewayit'ssolongifeel
li
kecut t
ing.Iwent
downstai
rsandeveryonelookedbeaut i
ful
.
Me:
goodmor
ning.
Mpendul
o:mor
ningmyqueen.
Li
sa:
happybi
rt
hdaymommy.
Me:
thankyoumyl
ove.Haveyoumadebr
eakf
ast
?
Mpendul
o:noWear
ecel
ebr
ati
ngyourbi
rt
hdayat
home.
Me:
okay.
Wedr
ovet
ohisparent
splace.Ever
yonehadar
ri
ved
t
henweal
lwentt
ositi
nthedi ni
ngroom.
Si
ya:
happybi
rt
hdayKea.Ican'
tbel
ieveyou'
re
al
mostmyage.
Me:
thankyou.
Ma:
happybi
rt
hdaymychi
ld.
Mpendul
o:wehaveasur
pri
sef
oryou.
Me:
real
ly?
Theyallt
urnedt
othedoorandt
her
eshewas
st
anding.
Nol
o:ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
ogi
vemeahug?
Me:
ican'
tbel
ieveyou'
reher
e.Imi
ssedyousomuch.
Nol
o:icoul
dn'
tmi
ssyourbi
rt
hday.Happybi
rt
hday.
Me:
thankyou.Wher
e'syourbaby?
Nol
o:he'
ssi
tt
ingt
her
ewi
thhi
sfat
her
.
Me:
ohmyGod.
.idi
dn'
tevenseei
t'
shi
m.
Mzwakhe:
howwouldyouseemewiththi
sbrot
her
ofmi
neholdi
ngyourhandasi
fyouaregoingt
orun?
Mpendul
o:awungyekewena.
Me:wowyourbabyi
sbeaut
if
ul.Bonol
oim sohappy
you'
reback.
Mpendul
o:comesi
t.
Lu:
babaiwantmeat
.Pl
ease.
Mybabyl
ookedsocut
e.
Baba:
whatdi
dyoudot
omyboy?Hi
sfacei
spi
nk.
Mpendulo:
Hewascr
yingf
ormeat
.Andit
oldhi
m he
wi
lleather
e.
Baba:
comemyboy.Don'
tcr
yagai
nokay?Youcan
havel
otofmeat
.
Henoddedhi sheadandsatonhi slap.Hewasnow
l
aughigtal
kingtohisgrandf
ather.Whatil
ikei
sthat
thi
smanl oveshisgrandchi
ldr
en.That'
swhymost
ofthet
imeyouwi llf
indthem her
e.
Mpendul
o:nowt
hatever
yonei
sset
tl
ed,
iwoul
dli
ke
tothankmywi fe.Thankyouf orbeingagoodwi fe.
Agoodmot hert oourkids.Iwouldn'tchoose
anyoneel set odot hisl
ifewith.You'r
ejustperfect
forme.Iloveyouandiappr eci
ateyou.Your
presencei nmyl i
feandt hatofourchildrenbr
ingsa
dif
ference.Ipr aythatyougr owt ocontinuebei
ng
thegoodper sont hatyouare.Icouldn'thaveasked
forabetterlifepar t
ner.

Hiswordsjustfoundtheirwaystrai
ghttomyheart
.
Iwasevenget t
ingemotional.Theystar
tedsi
ngi
ng
formethenwest art
edeat i
ng.Itwasreall
yagood
day.
"
Goodmor
ningf
ami
ly."
Ma:hi
.Whoar
eyouandhowdi
dyouwal
kpastt
he
gat
e?
Li
loca:
im Li
locaPer
eir
a.Yourson'
sbabymama.
Baba:
Mpendul
owhati
sshet
alki
ngabout
?
Li
loca:
thi
schi
ldwit
hmeher ei
shi
sson.I
'
ve
br
oughthimtohisfami
ly.
Ididn'tknowwhatt
osay.Justwhenwewer
e
start
ingtobehappy.
Nol
o:whati
sshet
alki
ngabout
?
Mzwakhe:
babecal
m down.
Nol
o:no!Mysist
er'
shadenough.Hedi sappeared
toMozambiquekantihewasmakingababyt her
e.
Youdeservebet
terKeat
lar
etsi
.Anditol
dyounott o
hur
tmysi st
erandyougoanddot hi
s?
Icouldn'
tstopthetear
sthatwer
efal
li
ng.Iwasnow
cryi
ng.Icouldn'
tunderst
andhowthi
scouldhappen
tome.Il ookedathim.
Me:
didyouknowaboutt
his?
Mpendul
o:babe.
..
Me:
answerme!
Mpendulo:
ialsoj
ustf
oundoutnow.Doyout
hinki
woul
dn'thavetol
dyouifiknew?
Me: andwena?Whatdidyouthi
nkyouwer egoi
ng
toachievebydoi
ngthi
s?Youthoughtyouwere
goingtocomehereonmybi r
thdayandrui
n
thi
ngs?Willt
hatmakeyouhappy?YouthoughtI
wasgoingt
orunawayandyouwoul dstayher
eand
bethenewwif
e?i
sthati
t?doesitmakeyouhappyt
o
seemecey?Anoldwomanl ikeyoudoi
ngthi
s!
Muzi
:Khanyi
sil
ecal
m down.
Me: no!im notgoingtocal m down.Imt ir
ed.Thi s
womanhasbeenf oll
owingmear oundandi mt ol
d
tojustl etitgo.Didyousl eepwi t
hmef oryout o
foll
owmeever ywhereigo?Whydon' tyouf ol
low
him andl eavemeal one?Wasn' titenought hatyou
burntmyhousewi thmyki dsinside?Myki dswi l
l
alwaysbet r
aumat i
zedbecauseoft hat!Mybaby
willlivewi t
habi gscarbecauseofanevi lperson.
Andyoudi dn'tgotojailf
orthat.Wer eyouhopi ng
thatI '
llbeinthehouseal soanddi ewithallmy
childr ensoyoucant akeover ?Areyout hat
hear tless?
Ma:what!
?Getout!Getoutofher
e.Mpenduloyou
seewhatyou'
rebr
ingi
ngintoyourfami
lynow!?
Lil
oca:wasthereanyproofl
inki
ngmet othat?
Don'
tmakeaccusations.Idi
dn'taskyourdear
i
nnocenthusbandtosleepwithme!
Baba:hey!Youarenotgoingtotalkl
ikethatinmy
house.Hereyoushowr espect
.Whoar eyout o
standther
eandtalkli
kethat?Didn'
tyourfather
teachyoumanners!?
Igotupandtookmyhandbag.Idon'
tthi
nkicanbe
i
nthesamehousewiththi
swoman.Thewoman
whotri
edtokil
lmyki
ds.
Baba:Khanyi
sil
esi
tdown.Thi
sevi
lwomani
s
l
eaving.
Li
loca:
andwhatabouthi
sson?
Shepoi
ntedatmyhusband.
Mzwakhe: haiwenamaan!Di dn'
tyouheartheman
ofthehousesaygoandl earnsomemanner s?And
whileatutwewantaDNAt estfort
hatchi
ld.I
fhe's
notmybr other'
skidI
'
lldefi
nitel
ykil
lyoumyself.
Evenifhe'shischi
ldiwil
lmakesur eheget sf
ull
custodyandyour oti
njailwhereyoubelongfor
arsonandat tempt
edmur der!Nowgetout.
Shet
ookherchi
ldandl
eft
.Mpendul
owasst
il
l
l
ooki
ngatt
hedoor.
Baba:
doyouwantt
ofol
lowt
hem?
Mpendul
o:babangimdal
a..
..youdon'
thavet
ospeak
t
omel i
keim achil
d!
Baba:hey!You'
resti
llachi
ldt
ome.Talktomel
ike
thatagainandtheseprobl
emsyou'r
efaci
ngwi
llbe
nothi
ngcompar edtowhatiwil
ldo.Nxa!
Mpendul ogotupandwentout .Hismot herfollowed
him.Ial sogotupandwentt ot hebat hroom.Al lthe
angerihadi nmecamebackandij ustcried.I
couldn'tstopcr yi
ng.Whati si twithme?Al lt
hemen
keepcheat ingonme.Am iper hapst heproblem?I s
thi
skar maf orleavingTim?Maybei fhewasst il
l
ali
veiwoul dgoandapol ogizet ohimf orleaving
him highanddr y.Maybet hingswoul dwor koutf or
me.Ti m wast heonl ymanwhof ull
yl ovedme.He
nevercheat edonmeormademecr y.Hewast he
perfectgent l
emanandir uinedmychanceata
happilyeveraf ter.Ihatethatidi dn'tlovehim
enought ostaywi thhim.Ididn' thavehopei nour
rel
ationship.JustwhenIl oveamanwi t
hmyal lhe
goesanddoest his.I
'veneverl ovedanymanl ikei
l
oveMpendul o.Andhe' stakingt hatf orgranted.Is
thi
swhathappenswhenyoul oveaper
sonl i
keyour
l
ifedependsonit?If
eell
iketakingal
otofpill
sand
dri
nkthem al
l!Butwhatwil
lbeofmychi l
dren?
Whatam igoingtodo?
"Keat
lar
etsipleaseopenthedoor
!Don'
tdo
somethi
ngst upidinther
e!"
Icoul
dhearwitht
hatvoi
cethatit
'sBonol
o.Buti
coul
dn'tbr
ingmysel
ftoopenforher.
Bonol
o:kagokopat
lhemma.Akobol
ekgor
o!
Me:
imf
ine.
Nolo:
iknowyou'
renotf
ine.Opent
hisdoororiwi
ll
notst
opshouti
ng!
Iwentandopened.AssoonasIopenedshe
huggedme.Andthatjustmademecrymore.
Nolo:
event
histooshal
lpass.Wear
egoingtoget
t
hroughitl
ikewealwaysdo.Youwi
llbef
ine.
Me:
am ievergoi
ngt
obehappy?
Nol
o:shhhshh.Let
'sgomakesugarwat
erf
oryou.
Wewentt
otheki
tchenandt
hel
adi
eswer
ewashi
ng
t
hedi
shesandcl
eani
ngt
heki
tchen.
Nt
ombi
:Khanyi
sil
ewear
esosor
ry.
Bongi
:thatwomanr eal
lyrui
nedyourbi r
thday.Ofal
l
daysshechoseyourbi r
thday?Andt henerveto
showherf aceher
eaf t
ershealmostkill
edyour
chi
ldr
en?Sheshoul dbeinjailr
ightnow!
Me:
um bye.
Iwasnotgoi ngtost ayher eandj ustt ake
everyone'
spity.Allthesepeopl efeelsor ryf orme
butit'
snotgoingt ochangeanyt hing.It ookmy
handbagandexi tedt hehouse.Ir equest edanubber
toourplace.Iar r
ivedandpackedmysui tcaseand
waitedforBonolo.Shesai dshewasgoi ngt ocome
withthekids.Ibookedaf li
ghtbackt oPr etori
a.I
wishicouldgot oRust enburgbutidon' twantmy
fat
hertomakemecr y.Wheni m aroundhi m andim
hurti
nghet endstot reatmel i
keagl assandI 'l
lwnd
upcr yi
ngandt hat'
snotwhatIwant .Iwantt o
decidedinpeacewhati ti
sthatiwant .Bonol o
arr
ivedalone.Ithoughtshewasgoi ngt ocomewi t
h
thekids.
Nol
o:yourmot
heri
nlawsai
dtheki
dscanr
emai
n.
Me:
im goi
ngbackt
oPr
etor
ia.
Nolo:
areyousur
eaboutt
his?Whydon'
tyoul
eave
af
ternewyear'
s?
Me:
iwanttobealone.Iwil
lbef
ine.I
m notl
eavi
ng
f
orgood.Ij
ustwanttoclearmyhead.
Nolo:inevert
houghtyouwoul
dgot
hrought
his
again.
Me:i
t'
sli
fe.Maybethi
siskarmaforleavi
ngTim.
Aneli
saandherfr
iendswereri
ght.Iwil
lneverbe
happy.
Nolo:
no!Wear eni
tgoingbackther
e.Mpendul
o
l
ovesyou.Youwi l
lbehappy.Iknowhemakesyou
happy.Weallhaveourfaul
ts.
Me:
hecheat
ed.Justl
ikeot
hermen.
Nol
o:youknowwheni thappenedhewasn'
thi
msel
f.
Youevenforgavehi
mf orthat
.
Me:butachildBonol
o?Iacceptedhi
sotherchi
ldr
en
becauseifoundthem t
here.Howdoistartt
obuil
d
abondwi t
ht hi
sonewhileiknowshe'
sthecauseof
myunhappi
ness?Howdoidot
hat
?
Nolo:
noonei
sfor
cingyout
oacceptt
hechi
ld.I
twi
ll
happeni
nit
sowntime.
Me:
idon'
tevenknowwhattothi
nknow.Howdowe
moveonfr
om thi
s?Suchbetr
ayal
.
Nolo:
ihopeyoudon'
tmakeanydr
ast
icchanges.
Takeyourti
me.
Me:Enj
oyyourChri
stmas.Iwi
llseeyouwhenyou
comebacktoPta.
Nol
o:youcan'
tgoal
one.Iwi
llgowi
thyou.
Me:noit
'sf
ine.Ij
ustwantt
obealoneandidon'
t
wantt
oburdenyouwi t
hmyprobl
ems.
Nol
o:youknowyoucanneverbeabur
dent
ome.

Me:youcantgowit
hme.Whatift
hatwomanf i
nds
youther
eandt her
e'snoonet
oprot
ectyou?
Nol
o:whi
chiswhyyoucan'
tgoal
one.Whati
fthey
dosomethi
ngtoyou?
Herphonedi
stur
bedherandsheanswer
ed.
Nolo:
yes.
..
noican'
tlethergoal
one.Ihavetobe
wit
hher.No!Shecan'tcomethere.Shap.
Il
ookedatherasshel
ookedatme.
Nolo:
wehavetogoback.Babawantsusbackatt
he
house.Thatmeansyoucantl
eave.
Me:
I'
veal
readybookedaf
li
ght
.
Nolo:canceli
t.Andpl easeKea.Talktoyour
husband.Talkt ohim andseehowyou' l
lmove
for
war dfrom thi
s.Im notgoingtosayl eavehi
m pr
for
givehim andst ay.Thati
sallupt oyou.Dowhat
i
sbestf oryou.Nowl etmepackf orthekidssowe
cango.
Me:
whypackf
ort
heki
ds?Wewi
llcomebackher
e.
Nol
o:ever
yoneisst
ayingattheKhozar
esi
dence
unt
ilt
heholi
daysareover.
Shepackedthendr
oveusback.Whenwegotther
e
Mpendulowasseat
edwit
hhisparent
sint
helounge.
Ma:Khanyi
sil
eyoumaysi
t.
Bonololeftandisatdown.Ididn'
tevenknowwhat
tosay.Ijustkeptqui
etandlookeddown.
Baba:Khanyi
sil
ewhatdi
dyousayt
hef
ir
stt
imeyou
camehere?
Me:
youaski
fil
ovemyhusbandandisai
dyes.
Baba:andialsoaskedyoui fyouknewwhati t
meanst obeint hi
sfamilyandi fyouar er
eally
readytospendt herestofyourlifewi t
hhimr i
ght ?
Youf or
gavehimf orcheati
ng.Di dn'tyouknowt hat
theremightbeapossi bi
li
tyoftheot herwoman
beingpregnant?Nowyou' r
ef acingt hisproblem
andyouwantt or unaway.whycan' tyousi twith
yourhusbandandt alk?Hearhi ssideoft hest ory?
Areyoual waysgoingtorunever ytimeyouf acea
problem?
Me:
..
.
Mama: no.Answerhi m.Howwi llyoubuildyour
homei fyoudon'tsitdownandt alk?heareachother
out?Doyour eal
lyknowwhatmar ri
ageis?I n
marriageitwon'talwaysberosy.Youwi llface
obstacles.Andsomet i
mesyouwon' tbehappy.
Whenyouf acethoseobstacl
esyouf i
ghtthem.
Don'tallowthem tobreakyou.Youhavet obe
str
ongandt al
kbeforeoverr
eacti
ngt henyoucan
decideawayforward.Nowi t
'sti
met ost andwit
h
yourhusbandinthisdil
emmayouar egoi ng
thr
ough.It
'snothischil
d.Yesthetestshaven'tbeen
doneyetbutibeli
evehim whenhesaysi t'
snothis.
Nowyout wogoandt al
ksortthi
ngsout .Youcan
l
eavenow.
Baba: ihopei t'
sthelastt imewet al
kabout
somet hingli
ket hi
s.NaweMpendul olearntobe
fait
hful .Lookwhatyou' r emaki ngyourwi fego
through.Eversi nceyougotmar r
iedihaven' theard
anycompl ai
ntsabouther .It
'salwaysyou.Don' t
makemet hi
nkt hatyou'renotcutoutf orthi
s
mar ri
age.Youdi sappointme.Youar etheonet hati
trustin.It r
ustyout otakecar eofthisfami l
ybut
howwhenyoucan' tevendor i
ghtbyyourown
family?Khul aman.Gr owupandshowt hatyou'rea
familyman.Womenwi llalwaysbeal otoutt here
butonceyoul oseagoodwomanyouwi llneverfind
anotherl i
keheragai n.Ihopeyour emembert hi
s
wheneveryou' reaboutt odosomet hi
ngst upid.You
canl eavenow.
Igotupandwentstr
aightt
oourbedroom.Igoti
nto
bedandsatt
hinki
ng.Whatifhe'
sthefat
her?
Mpendulo:ibr
oughtyouf
ood.Youdi
dn'
ttoch
br
eakfast.
Me:
im nothungr
y.
Mpendul
o:i
m notaski
ngyou.Youhavet
oeat
.
Igotupandsatont
hecouch.Ist
art
edeat
ing.
Mpendul o:whydon' tyout rustme?JustwhenIt hink
wef ixedt hingsandar emovi ngforwardt hi
s
happens.It houghtyouwoul dstandbyme.Justl i
ke
itoldyouidi dn'tmakeherpr egnantyoushoul d
havebel ievedme.Event houghIl ostmymemor yi
woul dknowi fshef ellpregnant .Shewoul dhave
givenbi r
thwhi leiwasst illinMozambi que.Butyou
actedf astbef oreIcoul dsayanyt hi
ng.Doyouknow
howif el
twhenmyf athert alkedtomel i
kethat
?
Thatchi l
di snotmi neandiknowshe' sgonnat r
y
andsayi smi ne.Shedoesn' twanttoseeushappy
together.Shehast hi
si deai nherheadt hatwe
belongt oget her.Shewi llgot oanylengthtoget
whatshewant s.Nowiwantmywi fetostandbyme.
Suppor tmei nthi
s.I
m sti
llwor kingonhergoingto
j
ai landnowihavet odealwi t
hyounotbel ievi
ngme.
Pleaset r
ustthatiwi
llsor
tthisandshewi l
lbeoutof
ourl i
vesforgood.Il
oveyou.Andnooneel se.Andi
havenoot herki
dsoutthere.Justbelievemeplease.
Lookatme.Doyout hinkiwoul dli
etoyouabout
thisknowinghowi twouldhur tyou?Ifiknewihave
achi ldwit
hheriwoul dhavetol dyou.Iwouldn'
t
wantyout ofi
ndoutfrom someoneel se.Please
trustme.Canyoudot hat
?

Mpendul
o

Myl if
eisr eallycur sed.WhenIf ixthisthatgoes
wrong.Seei ngmywi fecryli
ket hatbrokemyhear t.
Imr esponsiblef ort hat.Iknowi m notthef atherbut
ibroughtt hiswomani ntoourl i
ves.Ihavet ogetri
d
ofher .I
m goi ngt omakesur ethatshegoest ojail
.I
wil
ldoanyt hingi ttakes.Shef ellasleepafterwe
weret al
king.I mj ustgl adsheendedupbel ievi
ng
me.Nowwhati sl eftisformet ogett ot hebottom
oft
hisandf indexactl
ywhatthiswomanwants.I
ki
ssedherf oreheadandt
ookmycarkeysand
walkedout.Ifoundmom feedingThandoand
Naty,
Siya'
sdaught er
.
Mom:
wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?I
syourwi
feal
ri
ght
?
Me:
yes.She'
ssl
eepi
ngnow.
Mom:
okay.Ihopeyout
wof
ixt
hings.
Me:
we'
vet
alkedandever
ythi
ngisfi
ne.Il
oveherso
muchmom andidon'
twantt
oloseher.
Mom: youwon'
tloseher
.Ever
ythi
ngwi
llwor
kout
f
ine.Youwil
lsee.
Me:
youknowyou'ret
heonewhoal
waysbel
ievesi
n
me.Andyoursuppor
tmeansal
ott
ome.
Mom:
that
'swhatamot
herdoes.
Me:
im goi
ngsomewher
e.I
'
llbebackabi
tlat
e.
Mom:
okay.Besaf
e.
Ididn'
tevenmakeitt
othedoor.Mypri
ncess
start
edcryi
ngforme.Nat
tyfol
lowedsui
t.
Me:
letmegoandl
ookf
orNat
ty'
scarseat
.I'
l
lhave
t
ogowi
tht
hem.
Ilookedf orSiyaandhegavemehi skeyssoican
taket hecarseat .Iputi
tintomycarandwentt o
fetcht het wogirls.WhenIgoti nt hetwinswerealso
there.I tr
eal l
yisnotmyday.Ipi ckedt hetwogirl
s
andLuyandaandAyandawer ebehi ndme.Iput
them i ntothecarandst r
appedt hem.Iki ssedthei
r
cheeksandt heygi ggl
ed.Ilovemyki ds.Theyare
myl i
fe.Idr ovepastMcDonal d'
sandbought
bur gersandmi lkshakesforthet wins.Idrovet
o
Zwel i'
spl ace.Iwasgoi ngt oaskhi mt ohelpme
witht histhingthati mfacing.
Zwel
i
:youhavechubbybabi
es.
Me:t
heotheronei sSi
ya'
s.Youseethisonei
sli
ke
hermother.Ever
ythi
ngbesidesherl
ooksandski
n
col
our.She'schubbyandshecriesalot
.
Zwel
i
:you'
rer
ight
.Al
lyourki
dsl
ookl
ikeyou.
Me:yeah.Butthi
sprincessli
kescr
ying.Even
cominghereshecriedforme.Ievenhavet osneak
outinordert
ogot owor k.
Zwel
i
:that
'swhatyougetf
orhavi
ngmanyki
ds.But
i
t'
sgoodbecauseyourhousewil
lbefi
ll
edwi
th
l
aught
erandtheywil
ltakecar
eofyou.
Me:
buti
m donehey.Af
terQhawewear
edone.
Zwel
i
:that
'sal
ieandwebot
hknowi
t.

Wel
augh.

*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
02] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER22*

MytimewithZweliwasconstruct
ive.Hesaidhe
wouldgetpeopl
eheknowst okeept absonAgnes.
OntheotherhandZorrohasbeent r
yingtorecover
thef
ootageofourhouseont hedayitburnt.Ican'
t
sayi
m happythough.Wemi ghtnotgetanyt hi
ng.
Buti
m hopeful
.Everyonehasgonet osleepandi m
j
ustsi t
ti
ngher
ewiththetwinswhohavej ustfal
l
en
asleep.Ipi
ckt
hem upandt akethem t
oMnqobi s
room.ButnowLindaniusesit.If
indhimfastasleep.
Iputtheheavyboysnexttohim andkissthei
r
foreheads.
Me:
goodni
ghtmyboys.
Igobackt
oswitchof
fthet
vbutif
indMabut
ho
seat
edonthecouch.
Me:
idi
dn'
tknowyouwer
eher
e.
Mabut
ho:
icoul
dn'tsl
eepsoif
igur
edimustj
ust
comeabdt
hinkhere
Me:
isever
ythi
ngal
ri
ght
?
Mabut
ho:no.Igotaj
obout
sidet
hecount
ryand
nowidon'
tknowwhethert
ogoornot.
Me:whatdoyout
hinkyoushoul
ddo?Whatdoes
yourwi
fesay?
Mabutho:
shethi
nksi t
'sagoodoppor
tuni
ty.I
tcoul
d
openmanydoorsf ormeandwecanmaybe
rel
ocat
efor5years.
Me:
sowhat
'
sthepr
obl
em?
Mabutho:youknowhowyourfatheri
s.Hedoesnt
wantmet ogo.Evenmom who'salways
under
standingdoesn'
twantmetogo.
Me:t
hisi
syourli
fe.I
fthi
siswhatyouwantt
heni
t
hinkyoushoul
dgo.
Mabut
ho:
im notyou.Ican'
tgoagai
nsthi
sdeci
sion.
Me:foroncej
ustchooseyour sel
fandnotwhathe
says.You'
veworkedinthefami l
ycompanyforlong
anddidverywell
.Nowi t
'sti
met odowhatyouwant .
Youhavemysuppor t.Iwil
ltalkt
otheparent
s.Don'
t
worryabouti
t.
Mabut
ho:
sohow'
shunt
ingyoural
legedbabymama
Down?
Me:ican'
tbeli
evethatwomanthoughtI
'
dbeli
eve
herli
es.Thatchi
ldisnotmi
ne.Shedoesn'
teven
l
ooklikemeorher .
Mabut
ho:
thesethingshappen.Buti
m sur
eshewi
ll
r
ockupwithherfatherher
e.
Me:
lethercome.Shewillbeembar
rassed.Mywi f
e
mi
ghtbeaskinghersel
fwhereIam.Goodni ght
.
Mabut
ho:
goodni
ghtbaf
o.

Iwentt
oourr
oom andshewasawakepr
essi
ngher
phone.
Me:
myqueen.Ur
ight
?
Kea:
yeahkeshap.Iwasj
ustwai
ti
ngf
orl
it
tl
e
madam tof
allasl
eep.
Me:shemustbet i
red.Sj
ewasmovingar
oundal
ot
atZweli
'
splace.Ukhathel
engempel
a.
Kea:
atl
eastor
obet
sinou.
Me:
yeah.Youseem t
obet
oof
ar.
Kea:
iwasjustthi
nki
ng.WhenIgi
vebir
thandt he
babyi
ssixmont hsi
m goi
ngbacktowork.Idon'
t
wanttobeboreddoi
ngnothi
ngathome.
Me:iknowitcanbeboring.Youknowwhat ?How
aboutit
akeleavefr
om wor kandwer ai
seourbaby
andwhenhe'ssixmonthst henwef i
ndanannyand
webothgobackt owork.Butbeforegoingbackto
workmeandyouar egoingt otr
aveltheworl
d.Just
getfr
eshai
r.Awayf r
om allthedrama.
Kea:
thatsoundsgood.AboutAgnes.
.
Me:
whatabouther
Kea:
ift
hebabyi
syour
swhatwi
llyoudo?
Me:i
t'
snotmine.I
fitwasmineiwoul
dtake
r
esponsi
bil
it
yandsupportmychil
d.Butt
hankf
ull
y
i
t'
snotmine.
Kea:
okay.Butknowt
hati
fit
'syour
si.
..
Me:
youwi
llnotl
eaveme.Asisai
dit
'snotmi
ne.
Kea:
keepthatcr
imi
nalwomanawayf
rom me.I
don'
twanttoseehernearme.
Me:you'
resoamazi
ng.Let
'ssl
eep.Tomor
rowi
sa
ver
ybusyday.
Kea:
goodni
ght
.
Me:
aren'
tyouf
orget
ti
ngsomet
hing?
Kea:
mmhno.
Me:
hayi
thiuyadl
alabo.
Shelaughedandmovedherheadtome.Weki
ssed
andsmiled.Mywi
fehasabeauti
fulsmi
le.
Me:
nowwecansl
eep.
Wef
ellasl
eepi
neachot
her
sar
ms.Andt
hatwas
t
hemostamazi
ngthi
ng.

I
nthemorningiwokeupandmywi f
ewasplayi
ng
wit
hourgir
l.Shekeptgi
ggl
ingandt
ouchi
ngher
mother
'sf
ace.
Me:
goodmor
ningdaddy'
sgi
rl
s.
Kea:
mor
ningl
ove.Howar
eyou
Me:
im good.Letmet
akeashower
.
Kea:
okay.I
'
veal
readyshower
ed
Me:
whydi
dn'
tyouwakeme
Kea:
idi
dn'
twantt
odi
stur
byoursl
eep.

Iwentt
oshowert
henl
oti
onedandgotdr
essed.
Kea:
mmhsomeonel
ookssexy.
Me:
andwho'
sthat
Kea:
somemanij
ustsawonmyphone
Me:
wel
lnotsexi
ert
hanmeihope
Wel
aughed.I
t'
sgoodt
ohearherl
augh.
Me:
andt
henThando?Why'
sshel
aughi
ng?
Kea:
she'
slaughi
ngbecausehermommy'
slaughi
ng.
Me:shel
ikesthings.I
t'
sChr
ist
mas.Iseeyouar
e
al
readydressed.
Kea:
yes.Thi
sgi
rlwokeupver
year
ly.
Me:
youl
ooksobeaut
if
ul.Let
'sgo.

Wewentdownst
air
sandt
hehelper
swerebusy
movi
ngupanddown.Wejoi
nedtheot
hers.
Baba:
howar
eyoumakot
i?
Kea:
im goodt
hanksandyoubaba?
Baba:
im good.
Mom: gatheraroundandlet'
sstar
twithbreakfast
.
Im sohappyt ohavemysonsanddaught ersunder
oneroof.Andmygr andchi
ldr
en.Thankyouf or
makingthisChr i
stmasveryspeci
al.Il
oveyouso
much.Al
lofyou.
Baba:Li
ndani
.Thisi
syourf
ir
stChri
stmaswithyour
fami
ly.Manyaresti
llt
ocome.Enj
oyyoursel
fhere.
Befree.Weloveyouandwearesohappytohave
youwi t
hus.
Li
ndani
:t
hankyou.
Baba:andstopi
solat
ingyoursel
f.Bewithyour
brot
hers.Hangoutwiththem.Theseareyour
brot
herswhom youruntowhenyouneed
somethingoradvi
ce.Beonewi t
ht hem.Sti
ckwit
h
them.
Li
ndaninodded.Itr
eal
lymademehappyt
oseemy
sonbei
ngwel comedli
kethi
s.
Khanyo:
andnowwecaneat
.Mer
ryChr
ist
mas
ever
yone.
Al
l:
mer
ryChr
ist
mas.
Li
sa:
wai
t!
Shelookedathermot
her
'sphone.She'
shadi
tsi
nce
Igothere.
Li
sa:
don'
teat
.Im comi
ng.
Shegotof
fherchai
randwentt
othedoor.She
st
oodther
eandwehadt owai
tforher
.l
ol
Khanyo:
yourchi
ldi
sadr
amaqueen.
Me:what
'
sshedoi
ngt
her
eanyway?
Mzwakhe:
shei
sjustl
ikeyouKhanyo.
Weheardhercheer
ingandshewasmovingupand
down.Sheopenedthedoorandscr
eamed.
Mom:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
Baba:
thi
schi
ld.
Shecamebacksmi
li
ng.
Li
sa:
sur
pri
se!
!!
Shemovedasideandmyboywasthere.Buthow
di
dhegethere?Hismot
hergotupandhuggedhim.
Kea:
imi
ssedyousomuchmyboy.
Mnqobi
:imi
ssedyout
oomommy.
Li
sa:
nowwecaneat
.Mybr
otheri
sher
e.
Mnqobi
:i
m hungr
y.
Li
sa:
itol
dthem nott
oeatbef
oreyougether
e.Pr
ay
f
orus.
Wel aughed.Thi
sgir
lisabull
y.Thet
winsstopped
eati
ngandwentt ostandnextt
oMnqobi.Theyreal
ly
missedhim.
Me:
Boyssi
tdownandeat
.He'
sni
tgoi
nganywher
e.
Weal lst
artedeati
ngandchatt
ing.Suddenl
yther
e
wasacati nthehouse.Wedon'townanycatshere.
Justpuppies.Amandaplayedwit
hthecatand
Sfundohitthatcat.
Amanda:
whydi
dyoudot
hat
!?
Sfundo:
don'
tyouseei
tjumpi
ngont
histable.You
cantakeyourf
oodandgoeatwi
thi
t.Andleaveus.
Amanda:
stopbei
ngmean.Il
ovet
hiscat
.
Weignoredthei
rfi
ght
sandcont
inuedeati
ng.My
mom start
edchoki
ng.Shewasevenlosi
ngher
br
eath.
Si
ya:
mom what
'swr
ong?
Mom:
ican'
tbr
eat
he.It
hinksomet
hingchokedme.
Shewasst
art
ingt
oloseherbr
eat
h.I
twaseven
gett
ingworse.Igotupandt
ookhert
othecarand
drovetot
hehospi t
al.

Mzwakhe

Wefol
lowedbehi
ndMpendul
oashedr
ovemom t
o
t
hehospit
al.
Nol
o:babedon'
twor
ry.Yourmot
herwi
llbef
ine.
Mzwakhe:
fi
ne?Di
dyouseehowshewas?
Nol
o:st
opdr
ivi
ngl
ikeyouwantt
oki
llus!
Ididn'tli
stent oher.
ijustdroveunt i
lwegott othe
hospital.Wewai tedfort hedoctoruntilhecameand
tol
dust herewasnot hingt hatseemedt obewrong.
Theyputoxygenmaskonherandshewasnow
breathingf i
ne.Wecal ledgerbr ot
herst olett
hem
know.She' st heonlygirlfr
om herf amily.Theysai
d
theywoul dbeher esoon.Wet ookmom backhome
butthemomentwegothomei tallst
arted.
Nol
o:canwet
alk?Wi
thoutyoushout
ingatme?
Me:i
m sor
ry.Justt
hatt
hist
hingwi
thmymot
her
st
ressedme.
Nolo:
yousawhoweverythi
ngstar
tswhenwecame
back?It
hinkapast
orshouldpr
ayforher
.
Me:nott
hisagai
n.Whatwi
llapast
ordo?Canyou
pl
easestopthi
s?
Nolo:i
mt r
yingtohelpher
e.Youshoul
dbethanki
ng
mef ortr
ying.Iwantmamat obefi
neandiwil
ldoit
evenifyoudon't!
Shelef
tmethi
nkingaboutmanythi
ngs.Ifol
lowed
behi
ndherandshetal
kedwithKhanyi
sil
eandt hen
Khanyi
sil
ecal
ledsomeone.
Mpendul
o:mom i
snotgett
ingbet
ter.Whenwegoto
t
hehospi
talt
heysayther
e'snot
hingwrongwi
thher
.
Baba:
iwoul
dtakehert
oani
nyangabutshei
s
ref
usi
ng.
Nolo:
um babeiwouldl
iket
oasksomet hi
ng.Kea
cal
ledherfr
iendandshegaveherhermotherin
l
aw'snumberwho'sapastor.It
hinkweshouldcal
l
hersoshecanprayforma.
Me:
itol
dyout
ost
opwi
tht
hat
.
Nolo:I
'mjustt
ryingtohelp.Theset
hingshappen.
Butifyou'
renotcomf ort
ablewithi
tthenyou
shouldn'
tdoit.Peopl
ear eevi
loutthereandt
hey
wil
ldoevilthi
ngst ogetthei
rway.
Mpendul
o:youmustber
ight
.Cal
lher
.Thepast
or.

Theycalledthepast
orandtalkedtoher
.Weal lwent
tomom' sroom andwhenItouchedhershewas
col
d.Shewasshi veri
ng.Thepastorwasprayi
ngf or
herandshewasevenspeaki ngintongues.I
'
ve
neverheardsomeonepr ayl
ikethat
.

Whenshewasdoneshet
oldust
olethersl
eepand
shewi
llbef
ine.
Me:
mom howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Mom:iwil
lbef
ine.Iwantt
osl
eepnow.Takeof
fone
bl
anket
.
Me:
iwi
llsi
twi
thyouher
e.
Baba:
no!Iwil
lsi
ther
ewithher
.It
'sl
ateanyway.
Youallshoul
dgotosl
eep.
Weclosedthedooronourwayout
.Wewentt
osi
t
i
nthetvroom.
Nol
o:wher
e'st
hatcat
?
Si
ya:
Amandal
efti
tint
hegar
age.
Nol
o:t
akethatcatoutoft
hisyar
dormor
eisst
il
l
goi
ngtohappen.
Me:
what
'
supwi
thyouandt
hiscat
!?
Nol
o:mychil
disalsohere.Ihavetopr
otecthi
m!
Whatifsomet
hinghappenst ohi
m?
Muzi
:l
et'
sallj
ustcal
m down.Si
yat
aket
hecatand
t
hrowitout
.
Si
ya:
ist
il
lval
uemyl
if
e.
Me:i
mt i
redofthi
s!Andwena,
whyareyousohel
l
bentonthi
scatthi
ng?Areyoutheonewhobr
ought
i
theretoharm mymother?
Nol
o:war
engnar
e?
Me:
youhear
dme.
Nol
o:ompitsamol
oikana.War
ekal
oyaMzwakhe?
Youbet
ternotmeanit
!
Me:whatdoyouwantmet
othi
nkwhenyougoon
l
ikethi
s?
Ntombi:
canwenotfi
ghtovert
hiscatt
hing?Iwi
l
l
t
akeitandthr
owitout
.
Mabut
ho:
you'
renott
ouchi
ngt
hatcat
.
Nolo:i
m notsl
eepi
ngher
ewiththatcat
.And
tomorrowmorningiml
eavi
ng.Ican'
tstaywher
eim
call
edawi t
ch.
Wi
tht
hatshegotupandwentt
othegar
age.
Kea:
didyouhavet
ocal
lherawi
tchbat
hong?
Me:
idi
dn'
t
Kea:well t
hat'
showi tsounded.Diditeveroccurt o
youthatsomeone' safterthi
sfamily?Didyout hink
aboutwhatwi l
lhappenwhenshel eavestomorrow
andAmi r'
smot herfindsher?Ifsomet hi
nghappens
toher...
beli
evemeyouiwon' tfor
giveyou.Iknow
mysi stertalksal otbutshe'
sr i
ght.Thatcatwilldo
somet hingwor se.Mamawi l
lnotrecoverforasl ong
asit'
shere.Youshouldbefi
ndingwaysofsolvi
ng
thi
sinst
eadoff i
ght
ing.WhatifLi
locasenti
t?
Mpendul
o:babyl
et'
sgot
obed.
Kea:ihavet
ocheckonBonol
o.She'
snotf
ine.She
needsme.
Mpendul
o:Mzwakhewi
llbewi
thher
.
Iwentt
othegar
ageandBonol
owasj
ustcomi
ng
outofi
t.
Me:
im sor
ry.
Nol
o:.
..
Me:
areyougoi
ngt
oignor
eme?Di
dyouf
indi
t?
Nol
o:no.Wher
e'sKea?
Me:
shewentt
obed.Let
'sgot
osl
eep.
Sher
ushedtoourr
oom andcheckedt
hecott
hen
cametosl
eep.
Me:
areyougoi
ngt
oignor
eme?
Nolo:
youcall
edmeawi
tchi
nfr
ontofyourbr
other
s
andthei
rwives!
Me:I'
m sorry.Pl
easef
orgi
veme.Imjuststr
essed
bythi
sthing.Mymom isnotget
ti
ngbetterandon
theot
hersideyouwerebusyaboutt
hiscatthi
ng.A
merecat.Whatcanitdo?
Nolo:i
m sorrythatyourmotherisgoingthroughthi
s
andyoudon' tknowwhatt odobutt obecal l
eda
wit
ch?Youaccusedmeandal liwastryi
ngtodo
washel p!Thatcatisnotnormal.Keami ghtberi
ght.
Li
locamusthavesentt hatcatanditgotthewrong
person.
Me:soyou'
rejustgoi
ngt
ocrybecauseoft
hat
?I
di
dn'tr
eall
ysayyou'r
eawit
ch.
Nol
o:ohisee.
Wi
tht
hatshet
urnedt
heot
hersi
deandsl
ept
.

Thef ol
lowi
ngdayiwokeupanddadsai dwehadt o
gosomewher e.Mehi m MuziandMpendul
o.Wewe
al
sogoi ngwit
hmom.Igotupandwentt oshower
.I
fi
nishedthendressed.
Me:
mor
ning.
Nol
o:hi
.I'
m goi
nghomet
oday.
Me:di
dn'
tweagreethatwewil
lgotoget
hersot
hat
myunclescanexpl
ainwhati
sgoingontoyour
f
ather
?
Nolo:
ican'
tsaywher
eim nottrust
ed.Somet
hing
mightgowrongandyouwillsayit
'sme.
Me:ngi
yaxoli
samuntuwami.Iknowiwaswr ongfor
sayi
ngthatandworstofal
linf
rontofever
yone.Im
sorr
y.Iwil
ldoanyt
hingtomakeupf ort
hat.Pl
ease
don'
tgo.
Nol
o:f
ine.
Me:iwi
llseeyouwhenwecomeback.I
m goi
ng
somewher ewi
thmyfat
her
.
Nol
o:okay.Let
samayesent
le.
Me:Bonol
oican'tl
eavewhi
leyou'
remadatme.Can
youpl
easesmileforme?
Nol
o:bat
lagosi
yakwa.I
m notmad.Happynow?
Me:yes.I
m happyyou'
resmi
l
ingandnotsad.Nowi
havetogo.Il
oveyou.
Nol
o:il
oveyout
oo.
Atleasti
m sti
lll
oved.Yohyouneverknowwi
thher
.
Especial
lywhenshewaspr egnant
.Shewoul
dget
madevenf ortheli
tt
lethi
ngs.
Iki
ssedherevent
henl
eft
.

Mpendul
o
Me:
babyur
ight
?
Kea:
yeahj
ustt
ir
ed.
Me:Februar
yisj
ustar
oundt
hecor
ner
.Thenyou
gi
vebir
th.
Kea:
ican'
twai
t.Thi
sist
hel
astbaby.I
mti
red.
Me:
onemor
e?
Kea:
no!
!!
!
Me:
ngi
yadl
ala.Usal
ekahl
enemama?
Kea:
iloveyou
Me:
iloveyoumor
e.
It
ookmykeysandl
eft
.Theywer
ewai
ti
ngf
orme
downst air
s.Event woofmyuncl eshadar r
ived.It'
s
notever yti
met hatouruncl esvi situs.Theyar e
thosepeopl ewhol ovetraveling.Somet i
mest hey
travelaroundAf r
icaoranywher e.Soi t'
shar d
getti
nghol dofthem.Weal lgotintoourcar sand
droveof ftotheplacedadsai dweshoul dgot o.It
wasaver ylongdr i
ve.Ievenhadami ssedcallfrom
mysi sterbutwher ewewer et herewasnor eception.
Wear r
ivedthereatthepl aceandt herewasaver y
l
ongl ine.Manypeopl ewer eseat edoutside.This
manorwomanmustr eallybet rustedhey.For
peoplet ocomeandf i
lltheyar dl i
kethis.
Uncl
eHerman:
wher
edidyouhearaboutt
hisman?
I
shegoingt
ohelpmysist
er?
Dad:
afr
iendofminet
oldmeabouthi
m.Hesai
dthi
s
manwil
lhelpus.

Aboycametowher
ewewer estandi
ngandt
oldus
t
ofol
lowhi
m.Mymot herl
ookedsoweak.
Dad:
takeof
fyourshoes.
Heor
der
ed.Wedi
dthatandwenti
nsi
de.Theman
st
art
edoncal
li
ngcl
annamesandbl
owi
ngt
hatbag.

KEATLARETSI

Me:
wher
e'smyhusband?
Si
ya:isti
llcan'
tgethol
dofhi
m.Buti
m sur
etheyar
e
ontheirwayback.
Me:
gobosi
gobutt
heyar
enotevenback.
Siya:don'
tworry.Focusonget
ti
ngbetter
.Stop
thinkingalot
.Ihavetogonow.Visi
ti
nghour
sare
over.
Me:
okay.

Hel ef
t.Hewasher ewithmeallthetime.Justafter
myhusbandl eftistar
tedhavì
ngcr ampsandiwas
rushedtothehospital
.Theyhadt odoac- sessi
on
andr i
ghtnowimi nsomuchpai n.Ican'thandlethi
s
pain.Andihaven'tseenmybabyyet .Anur se
comesandgi vesmepi ll
s.
Me:canyoupleasetel
lmewheremybabyi
s?i
haven'
tseenhim si
nceiwokeup.
Nur
se:
don'
twor
ry.Youwi
llseehi
mtomor
row.
Me:
what
'
swr
ongwi
thhi
m?
Nur
se:
he'
singoodcar
e.Focusonheal
ingokay.

Idon'tknowhowif
ellasl
eep.Iwokeupt
he
fol
lowingdaytomyhusbandbrushi
ngmyhai
r.
Me:
hey
Hi
m:hey.Howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Me:
im bet
ternow.Haveyouseenourbaby?
Hi
m:i
m sor
ry.
Me:
why?Di
dsomet
hinghappen?
Hi
m:hedi
dn'
tmakei
t.I
m sor
ry.
Me:no.Mybabyi
sfi
ne.Iwantyout
otakemet
omy
baby.
Hi
m:.
..
.
Me:
thenur
sesai
dhe'
singoodcar
e.Whywoul
dshe
l
iet
ome?
Him:theydon'tknowwhathappened.Hewasdoing
welleventhoughhewaspr ematur
ebutthenhe
suddenlystoppedbreat
hing.
Ñurse:
goodmor
ning.I
m her
etohel
pyout
akea
bat
h.
Me:what
'
sgoodaboutithuh?Pl
easet
ellmei
t'
snot
t
rue.Mybabyi
ssti
llal
ive.
Nur
se:
im sor
ry.
..
Ihavet
ohel
pyout
akeabat
h.

Icri
ed.Icri
edsohard.Ihadbondedwithmybaby
onlyforhi
mt odi
e.Ididn'
tevenseehi
m.Icoul
dn'
t
stopcryi
ngevenwhenIwast aki
ngabath.
Me:
iwantt
oseehi
m.
Hi
m:youhavet
oeatf
ir
stt
henyouwi
llseehi
m.
Im goingtojusti
gnorehi
m.Ihavealottosayt
o
him butidon'twantt
osayiti
nfrontoft
hisnur
se.
Me:
whenam igoi
nghome?
Nur
se:
today.Thedoct
orj
usthast
ocheckaf
ew
t
hingst
henyoul
eave.

Goi ngbackhomeisawal otofpityfaces.Bei ng

aroundt hem justmademecr y.Webur riedourchild.
NewYearcameandpassedandwehadt ogoback
home.I twashar d.Ver yhardf orme.Myhusband' s
mi stresskill
edmybaby.Yesisuspect edherf or
thatcatt hingt hatalmostki l
ledmymot heri nlaw
andi tturnedoutr ightbutinevert houghtshewoul d
dot his.Theycaughtheroncamer aatt hehospi tal
.
Thepol i
cel ookedf orherandcoul dn'
tf indher .
Stayingi nmyownhousewasscar yforme.Iended
upbl ami ngmyhusbandbecausehebr oughtt hat
womani nourl ives.Idecidedt hatigohomeand
j
ustgr i
evemychi l
di npeace.It ookThandowi thme
becauset het winshadt ogot ocreche.Bei ngat
homewaspeacef ul.Ievengotal ongwi t hmy
stepmot her.She'snotr eall
yasihadt houghtshei s.
She' sbeensuppor ti
ve.Andf orthatimt hankf ulfor
her .
*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
02] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER23*

Ihavebeenhomef ortwomont hsnow.Mpendul o

comeswi t
hthekidsever yFr idayandf et
chest hem
Sundayeveni ngs.Beingcl oset omyf atherkeptme
sane.Ilovethisman.He' sal wayst hereformeand
makingsur ethati
m al r
ight.Event hough
somet i
mesIt akehimf orgr anted.Ir ememberone
dayheaskedmewhoi st akingcar eofmyki dsand
husbandwheni m here.Igotangr yandanswer ed
backathi m.I'
veneverdonet hatbef ore.I
apologizedandhef orgaveme.Myphoner ingsand
i
t'smyhusband.He' stell
ingmet hathe' soutside.I
takemybagsandpusht hem out .Hemeet smeby
thedoorandgi vesmeahug.Mor elikesqueezi ng
me.
Me:
im sor
ry.I
m sor
ryf
orbl
ami
ngyouf
ort
hedeat
h
ofourbaby.Pl
easef
orgi
veme.
Him:shh.Whatmatter
sisthatyoubewell
.Ot
her
t
hingswe'llgot
hroughthem daybyday.Wewil
lbe
f
ineokay?Letmegoi nandgr eet
.
Me:i
t'
sonl
ymebere.Ial
readyt
oldthem imleavi
ng.
Letmegoandt
akeThando.She'ssleepi
ng.
Hi
m:I
'
llt
aket
hebagst
othecar
.
ItookThandoandshedi dn'tevenwakeup.Thisgir
l
hasweightfordays.Movingwi thherupthest
air
s
i
sal otofwork.Ilockt
hehouseandl eavet
hekey
underamatt here.Wegetintothecarandiputher
i
ntohercarseat.
Hi
m:t
heki
dscan'
twai
ttoseeyou.
Me:
imi
ssedt
hem.
Him:t
heywerest
il
latschoolwhenIlef
t.I
m sur
e
theyar
eathomewai t
ingforyounow.Youshoul
d
haveseent
hetwinswhenIsai di
mf et
chi
ng
mommy.Theydidn'twanttogotoschool
.
Me:
whowi
llbewi
tht
hem whent
heycomeback?
Hi
m:t
hey'
l
lbeatChr
is.Justunt
ill
indanicomes
backf
rom school
.
Inoddedandhedr
ovet
oPt
a.

Uponar ri
vingLindanihadjustcomebackandt hey
wer enowwat chingcartoons.Igreet edmykidsand
theywer ehappyt ohavemeback.Thet winswer e
tel
lingmeaboutwhathappenedi nschool.They
didn'twanttohearanything.Theyj ustsatwit
hme
talki
nguntilt
heygott i
red.Idecidedt ocookformy
fami l
y.I
m sureit'
sbeenawhi l
esincet heyatefood
cookedbyme.Imader iceandsal ads.Thenidid
chickenstewandmashedpot at
oes.Thear omawas
there.
Mpendul
o:i
tsmel
lsgoodi
nher
e.
Hesai
dhol
dingmeonmywai
st.
Me:
ihopei
ttast
esasgoodasi
tsmel
ls.
Hi
m:i
m sur
eitdoes.I
t'
sgoodt
ohaveyouhome.
Me:
im happyt
obeback.
Hi
m:il
oveyouKhanyi
sil
emyqueen
It
urnedt
olookathi
m andsmi
led
Me:il
oveyout
oo.
Him:igotahel
per
.Shecomesever
ymor
ningbut
shedoesn'
tcomeonweekends.
Me:why?it
houghtyousai
dwedon'
tneedahel
per
anymore.
Hi
m:you'
llbegoingbackt
owor
ksoshe'
l
lhel
pwhen
we'
renothere.
Me:
okay.Hel
pmet
aket
hef
oodt
othet
abl
e.

Wetookt
hef
oodt
othet
abl
eandcal
ledever
yonet
o
eat
.
Me:
didyoual
ldoyourhomewor
k?
Theyal
lrespondedandtookthei
rseat
s.Asusual
Li
sawantedt obetheoneprayi
ngforf
ood.Wethen
st
art
edeating.
Mnqobi
:mom you'
rebackf
orgoodr
ight
?
Me:
yesboy.
Mnqobi
:okay.That
'sgood.
Li
sa:
yes.Andmeandyoucangot
ogi
rl
sout
ing.
Mnqobi
:whataboutus?
Li
sa:
youlef
tmeonyourboysout
ing.Yousai
dno
gi
rl
sall
owed.Ri
ghtdaddy?
Me:
real
ly?
whydi
dyoul
eavemybaby?
Li
ndani:
wewenttobuygr
ocer
iesatt
hemal
lwi t
hout
herandasyouknowhowsheisshecompl
ained.
Wel
aughed.
Me:
meandyoumygi
rlar
egoi
ngt
oourgi
rl
sout
ing
t
omorr
ow.
Li
sa:
soiwon'
tgot
oschool
?
Me:
you'
regoi
ng.Wewi
llgooutaf
teryoucomeback.
Shewasal lsmi l
es.Af terwefi
nishedeatingweal l
wenttoourr ooms.Myboyswer eonmyhi p.Di
dn't
wanttoleavemysi ght.Welayonbedt alkingwit
h
them unt
ilt
heyf ellasleepandwet ookthem tothei
r
room.Itookof fmycl othesandwenttoshower .I
wrappedat owel afteriwasdoneandwentbackt o
ourroom.Il
oti
onedandworemyni ghtdr
ess.Igot
i
ntobedandcalledBonol
o.Mpendulowas
showeri
ng.
Me:
hey.Ihopei
m notdi
stur
bing.
Nolo:
notatal
l.Ij
ustputLwandl
etosl
eep.Howar
e
you?
Me:
im goodandyou?Canwegooutt
omor
row?
Nol
o:i
m good.You'
reback?
Me:
yes.Icamebackt
oday.
Nolo:
yeswecanmeet.Sendmet
hedet
ail
s..
.ar
e
youalr
ightmar
a?Li
keoshap?
Me:
yesi
mfi
ne.
itmi
ghtnotbe100%butI
'
llgett
her
e.
Nol
o:t
hati
sgood.Iwaswor
ri
edaboutyou.
Me:
imf
inenow.We'
l
ltal
kmor
etomor
row.
"
Babehaveyouseenmyl
oti
on?
"
Me:st
opmakingmelaugh.Ij
ustcameback.What
haveyoubeenusi
ngallt
hist
ime?
Mpendul
o:t
hat
'smywayofaski
ngyout
ocome
l
oti
onmyback
Me:
iknewi
t!
Hi
m:youknowyourhusbandver
ywel
lMamKhoza.
Nowoverher
e.

Iwentandl
oti
onedhi
m.Hewasmaki
ngst
upi
d
sounds.
Me:
sitst
il
lbabe.
Hi
m:yourhandsar
emaki
ngmel
iket
his.Comeher
e.
Hepul
ledmeont
ohi
slap.
Hi
m:ir
eal
lymi
ssedyou.
Me:metoo.I
m notl
eavi
ngyouagai
n.I
figo
somewhereiwil
lgowit
hyou.
Hi
m:wasRust
enbur
gthatbor
ing?
Wel
aughed.Thi
sguy!
Hi
m:iknow.Youcansayi
t.I
mri
ght
.
Me:
okay.You'
rer
ight
.Iknowil
ovemyf at
herbuti
mi
ssedyouhey.Especi
all
ywhenyoucamewi t
hthe
ki
dsandyouhadt
oleave.
Hi
m:wel
lwe'
rehomenow.Let
'sgot
obed.
Wecuddl
edonbedj
ustt
alki
ngandcat
chi
ngup.
"
Thandovuka.
"
Ihear
dwhisper
sandbythatt
imeist
il
lwantt
o
sl
eep.AndThandost
art
scryi
ng.
"
Mom wakeup.
"
IopenmyeyesandLuyandai
sher
ewi
thLi
sa.
Theseki
ds!
Me:
whydi
dyouwakeme?
Li
sa:
iwantedtoseebef
orei
got
oschoolt
hatyou
won'
tleaveagai
n.
Me:
iwon'
tleaveokay?
Li
sa:
okaymom.I
mleavi
ngnow.
Sheki
ssmycheekandl
eave.
Me:
Luwhatdi
dyoudo?
Lu:
iwantt
opl
aywi
thher
.
Me:
sitont
hebed.
ItakeThandooutofhercot
.Ayandacomesi
n
running.
Aya:
wear
enotgoi
ngt
oschool
.
He'
shappy.It
hinkmysonhatesschool.Theybot
h
si
tonthebedandtal
kwit
htheirsi
ster
.
Lu:youseeshel
ooksl
ikeus?
Aya:
andshe'
sgoi
ngt
obebi
gli
keus.
Lu:andtodaywewi
llpl
aywi
thheri
nourcar
s.And
eatinyamawit
hher
.Wemissedher
.
Luyandaandi
nyamaar
ebest
fri
ends.Het
akesaf
ter
hi
sf at
her
.
Me:
youhavecar
s?
Aya:
yes.Daddyboughtt
hem f
orus.Theycanmove.
Me:
that
sgood.
Lu:
andwewi
llswi
minourpool
.
Me:
didyoubat
h?
Aya:
yes.Daddybat
husever
ymor
ningandni
ght
.
Me:okay
Mpendul
o:br
eakf
asti
nbedf
orabeaut
if
ulqueen.
Aya:
beaut
if
ulqueen
Ayaki
ssesmycheekaf
tert
hat
.Il
ovemyki
ds!
Me:
thankyou.Letmebr
ushmyt
eet
h.

Me:
soihear
dyouboughtt
hem car
s.
Him:Ihadt
obr
idet
hem sot
hatt
heycangot
o
daycar
e.
Me:
that
'ssmar
tofyou.Butar
en'
ttheyexpensi
ve?
Mpendulo:
growi
ngupidi dn'
thavemanyt hi
ngs.I
hadtoworkveryhardsothatmyki dscanhave
ever
ythi
ng.Thisfoodisdeli
cious.
Lu:
daddywhydoesThandol
ookl
ikeusandnot
mommy?
Hi
m:cosdaddyhasver
yst
ronggenes.
Aya:
whati
sgenes
Hi
m:kkk.Youlookl
ikedaddyandmommyl
ooksl
ike
gr
andfat
her,
herdaddy.
Aya:
okayIwantt
oeatwi
thyoumommy.
Me:
eat
.
Mpendulo:
that
'swhyicamewit
halotoff
ood.I
knewtheywouldwanttoeat
.Comemyprincess
Thandothr
ewhersel
finherf
ather
'sar
ms.Shewas
ki
ssinghi
sface.
Mpendul
o:mybabymi
ssedme.Lookathowbi
gyou
ar
e.
Me:it
hinksheeat
sal
ot.Ishoul
dli
mitwhatif
eed
her
.
Mpendul
o:don't.Thi
sisachi
ld.She'
sfi
neokay?
Shewil
llosethi
sweightasshegrowsup.Whatare
youdoi
ngt oday
Me:
im goi
ngoutwi
thmysi
sterandLi
sa.
Mpendul
o:okay.Iwant
edust
ogoout
.
Me:
howaboutSat
urday?
Mpendul
o:meandmybrothersar
etaki
ngourkids
out
.Youcanjoi
nyoursi
ster
sinwhatevert
hey'
l
lbe
doi
ng.
Me:
I'
drat
herst
ayathome.
Mpendul
o:youhavetogoout.I
twi
llbegoodf
oryou.
OnFri
daynighti
mt aki
ngyouonadate.
Me:
mmh.Il
ookf
orwar
dtoi
t.
Mpendulo:canwemakeapr omise?(inodded)Ever
y
Fri
daynightwearegoingonadat e.Justtohavean
usti
me.Ever yweekendi sf
orfami l
yandMonday
toFri
dayweknockof ffrom worknol at
erthan4pm
unl
essit
'sanemer gency.Canweagr eeonthat?
Me:okay.Thatsoundsgood.Andnowwhil
eIsti
l
l
havethisti
mel etmegoshowerandspendti
me
wit
hyoubef oreIleave.
Mpendul
o:Youwi
llf
indmeher
ewai
ti
ng.

Me:
sohowi
sitgoi
ngwi
thyournegot
iat
ions?
Im wi
thBonol
oandshe'
sjustbeent
ell
ingmeabout
herli
fe.
Nol
o:t
hat
..
.ievenf
orgoti
t'
shappeni
ng.
Me:
what
?IsMzwakhehavi
ngsecondt
hought
s?
Nol
o:t
hatone.
..
he'ssohappy.Ont
opoft
hewor
ld.
Heactsl
ikenot
hingisgoi
ngon.
Me:
what
'
sgoi
ngon?
Nol
o:heaccusedmeofwitchcr
aftandhe'
shappy
t
hatwe'ret
radi
ti
onal
lyget
ti
ngmar ri
ednext
weekend.
Me:
butheapol
ogi
zed.
Nol
o:howcanIgetmar
ri
edtosomeonel
iket
hat
?
Whatwil
lheaccusemeofnext
?
Me:
thi
smanl
ovesyou.
Nol
o:yesandil
ovehi
m.Buti
mjustscar
edi
twon'
t
wor
k.
Me:nowit
'st
imeyouuseyouradvi
ce.Fol
lowyour
heart
.Whatmakesyouhappy?
Nol
o:hemakesmehappy.Mor
ethanI
'
veeverbeen.
Me:t
hereyouhaveyouranswer
.Youguysl oveeach
ot
herandanybodycanseethat.Youjusthaveto
si
thim downandtal
ktohim.Tellhi
m yourfear
s.
Nol
o:you'
rer
ight
.Imj
ustwor
ri
edf
ornot
hing.
Me:
wel
lim happymybi
gsi
steri
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
Nol
o:youar
ethemai
dofhonor
.Don'
tfor
gett
hat
.
Ne:ican'tbel
ievethi
sisus.Livi
ngourdr
eams.You
knowweusedt otal
kabouthowwear egoingtobe
eachother '
smai dofhonor?Howwewer egoingto
l
iveourbestl i
vesaccordingt
oourownr ul
es.No
onetell
inguswhatt odo?
Nolo:
yes.Besi
desmewhohast ol
ookovermy
shoul
derwhereverigo.Doyouknowt hatthe
Turki
shgogohasbl ockedmeeverywhere?Ican'
t
getajob.Shealwaysgivesbadref
erencesabout
me.Ievenresort
edt ogoingbackt
omedi ci
ne.
Me:ausiit
hinkthat
'sagoodt hi
ng.Wor kasa
doct
orandaf t
eryou'vesavedenoughmoneyyou
candoyourownt hing.Openarestaur
antandsee
howitgoes.Thatwomanwon' twinforeverokay?
Nol
o:you'
reri
ght
.Ihavethi
sint
ervi
ewt
omor
row.I
m
j
ustnotsurei
fiwil
lgett
hejob.
Me:you'
reget
ti
ngt
hatj
ob.You'
ret
hebestdoct
or
ever.
Nol
o:ofcour
seyouwer
egoi
ngt
osayt
hat
.
Me:imrooti
ngf oryou.Thisyearwon'tendwithout
youstart
ingthatrest
aurant.Speakoveritand
bel
ieveit
.Whatyousaywi thyourmouthshall
happen.Don'tdoubtyourself
.
Nol
o:iseeyournei
ghbori
srubbi
ngof
fgoodonyou.
Me:she'
sagoodper
sonandf
ri
end.Butyou'
ret
he
best.
Nol
o:il
oveyousi
s.
Me:
iloveyoumor e.Andim blessedt
ohaveyouas
mysister
.Im gr
ateful
.Yoursupportmeansal
otto
me.
Nol
o:i
m yoursi
ster
.It
'smydut
ytol
ookoutf
oryou.
Me:
anddon'thesi
tat
etoaskmef
orhel
p.Or
Mzwakhe.
Nol
o:no.You'
vealr
eadydoneenough.I'
l
lusemy
sal
aryandthemoneyigetfr
om renti
nmamelodi
.
Andidon'twantMzwakhe'
smoney.
Me:
wel
lhe'
sgoi
ngt
obeyourhusband.
Nolo:
don'
teventel
lyourhusbandaboutthi
s.He'
l
l
t
ellhi
m andhe'
llwanttodoeveryt
hing.Sono.

Bonol
o

Af
termydayoutwi
thKeatl
aret
siidrovebackhome.
If
oundMzwakhewatchi
ngtvtal
kingtoLwandle.
Me:
heyi
m back.Howwasyourday?
Mzwakhe:
good.Verygood.Butmyboywasvery
l
onel
yhere.It
hinkheneedsasist
ert
opl
aywith.
Me:
wasemol
laaker
e.What
'swi
tht
hisbabyt
alk?
Hi
m:iknowwhati
mt al
kingabout
.Whydon'
twejust
dot
hetestcoswebothknowyouarepr
egnant
?
Me:Lwandlei
snotevenayearyetandi
m al
so
l
ookingforaj
ob.
Him:what'
swrongwit
hthat?Weareget
ti
ngmarri
ed
andwear egoodpar
entstoLwandl
e.Sothi
sbaby
wil
lbefine.
Me:
aboutget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
..
canwet
alk?
Hi
m:okay.
Me:canwetalkaboutyouaccusi
ngme?Younever
evenapol
ogised.
Mzwakhe:
ithoughtwewer
eovert
hat
Me:
no.Iwantust
otal
kaboutever
ythi
ngandst
art
onacl
eanstat
e.
Mzwakhe:okayi
m sor
ry.Ishoul
dn'thaveaccused
you.Ishoul
dhavehandledthewholethi
ng
dif
fer
entl
y.Ipr
omiseyouitwil
lnothappenagain.
Me:Andwear
enotgoi
ngt
ohaveki
dsunt
ilt
henext
f
iveyear
s.
Mpendul
o:t
henihopet
hist
imeiscor
edt
wo.
Me:idi
datest.I
m notpr
egnant
.Andim notgoi
ngto
beastayhomemom.Ihaveani nt
ervi
ewt omor
row
andihopeigetthej
ob.
Mzwakhe:
youwi l
lgeti
t.Ever
ythi
ngdoesn'
tmatter
.
Whatmatt
ersiswear efi
nall
ygett
ingmarr
iedand
youbehappy.Iknowyouwi l
lbehappytogett
hat
job.
Me:
thankyou.
*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
02] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER24*

WhenIgothomet
heboyswer
ewat
chi
ngt
v.
Me:
wher
e'syourf
ather
?
Mnqobi
:i
ntheki
tchen.

Iwentt othekitchenandt herehewast alki

ngwith
Thandowhodi dn'tevenunder st
andat hing.Istood
thereandj ustl
ookedatt hem inawe.Myhusband
l
ovesourchi l
drenandt hat'
swhatmakeshi m more
amazi ng.Hedoeshavehi sfault
sbuthe' sagood
person.Thandowasl aughinghereandt hereand
he'dcheckont hepot .Shewassi tt
ingonherbaby
feedingchairdrinki
ngfrom herbottle.Shehas
grownsomuch.Soonshewi l
lbet hr
ee.Ithinknow
i
m donewithhavingchildr
en.Godhasbl essedme
whenIdidn'
tbel
ieve.Andf orthatithankhim.
Whichiswhyihadmyt ubestiedagain.Iwentback
tothel
ounge.Li
ndaniwasnowal one.
Me:
hey.Howar
eyou?
Li
ndani
:i
mfi
neandyou?
Me:how'
sther
apy?Wehaven'
treal
lyt
alkedsi
nceI
cameback.
Lindani:i
t'
sgoingwell.Thenextsessi
onwil
lbemy
l
astt heniwi l
lonl
ygooncei nawhi l
eunt
ilt
he
therapistsaysim good.
Me:
that
'sgood.Youwillgett
her
e.Youdoknow
t
hati
m hereforyour
ight?Meandyourfat
her
.
Li
ndani
:yeboma.Andt
hankyouf
ort
hat
.
Me:you'
rewelcome.Soareyougoi
ngtot
het
ri
pat
yourschoolori
t'
sonlyt
hegrade9'
s?
Li
ndani
:ever
yonei
sgoi
ng.
Me:
okay.I
m sur
eyoucan'
twai
t.
Li
ndani
:ihaven'
tpai
d..
.
Me:
aowbat
hong.Di
dn'
tyourf
atherpay?
Li
ndani
:idi
dn'
ttel
lhi
m.
Me:
youdon'
twantt
ogo?
Li
ndani
:ido.Ij
ustdi
dn'
twantt
obot
herhi
m.
Me: Li
ndaniyoucanneverbot herhi
m.He' syour
fatherandhewi lldoanythingforyou.Yourf ather
l
ovesyou.I fim nothereyoucant ellyourfatherif
youneedsomet hing.Don'tvescaredofaski ng.You
havet obefreear oundus.You'renotavisitorhere.
Thisisyourhome.Goandf etchthelett
ersoican
payf oryou.Aft
ert hatt
omor rowyouandyour
fatherwil
lgoandbuyt hethingsyouneedf oryour
tri
p.
Li
ndani
:youwi
lldoal
lthatf
orme?
Me:
yes.Goandt
aket
hel
ett
er.
Li
ndani
:t
hankyou.
Heranupstai
rs.A15yearolddoesn'thavetogo
t
hroughwhathe'sgoi
ngthrough.IfeelbadwhenI
t
hinkaboutwhathe'
sgoingthrough.Sincehecame
herehismotherhasn'tcont
act
edhi m.Idon'tblame
him whenhesaysshe' sdeadtohim.Shedoesn' t
eventrytomakeanef fortt
oshowt hatshecar es
forherson.IrememberonedayMpendul ocalled
herandwant edtotal
kaboutLindaniandhavinghi s
surnamechangedandshewasl it
erall
yshouting
andsaidshedoesn'tcarewhatwedowi t
hhi m.
Whatkindofmot herdoesthat
?
Mpendul
o:babyyou'
reback.
Me:yes.Beenbackforlong.Di
dn'
twanttodi
stur
b
daddyandhisprincess.Youwerehavi
ngalotof
funcookingandchatti
ng.
Li
ndani
:mom her
eist
her
elet
ter
.
Hejustcal
ledmemom fort
hefi
rstt
ime.I
m
emoti
onalbuti
m notgoi
ngtocr
y.
Mpendul
o:whati
sitabout
?
Li
ndani
:wear
egoi
ngt
oaschoolt
ri
p.Capet
own.
Mpendul
o:t
hat'
sgood.Goandopent
hatdr
awer
.I
havesomet
hingforyou.
Hewentt
oopent
hedr
awerandcamewi
thabi
ggi
ft
bag.
Mpendul
o:goon.Openi
t.
Heopenedi
tandj
umpedt
ohughi
sdad.
Li
ndani
:t
hankyoudad.
Mpendul
o:il
oveyoumyboy.
Li
ndani
:il
oveyout
oodad.
.
Mpendul
o:amannevercr
ies.
Me:
don'
tli
stent
ohi
m.Heal
socr
ies.
Li
ndani
:l
ol.
..
youknowmymot hernevert
oldmeshe
l
ovesme?Im happytohavepar
entswhocare.
Mpendulo:
anyt
hingf
oryoumyboy.Butmebuying
t
hisdoesn'
tmeanyoumustnegl
ectyourschool
work.
Henodded.Heboughtal
apt
opandcel
lphonef
or
hi
m.Hewassohappy.
Mpendul
o:iwi
llsett
hel
apt
opupf
oryou.
Me:
letmet
aket
hisgi
rlt
obed.
It
ryt
otakeherandshewakesupandst
art
scr
ying.
"
Papa"
Mpendul
o:t
heyar
emaki
ngyoucr
ypr
incess.
Me:
thesekidsar
einacr yi
ngmoodt
oday.Li
stent
o
t
heotheroneintheki
tchen.
Mpendul
o:i
tmustbethevegesmaki
nghim cr
y.You
knowLuandmeat.Ever
yfoodmusthavemeat.
Me:
youmadehi
mli
ket
his.
Hecanet
owher
ewewer
est
il
lcr
ying.
Me:
what
'
swr
ongLu?
Lu:
ayi
khoi
nyama.
Me:youdon'
thavetoeati
tever
yday.Wear
eall
goi
ngtoeattheveges.Wehavetoeatt
hem sowe
canbehealt
hyandgr owbi
g.
Lu:
no!
Hehithi
msel
font hef
loorandroll
ed.OhGod.Al
l
t
hisdramabecauseofvegetabl
es.
Me:babycometomommy.Ipr
omi
seyouwewi
ll
havemeattomorr
ow.
Lu:
iwanti
tnow.
Me:wedi
dn'
tbiyit
.Stopcr
yingpl
ease.Tomor
rowi
wi
llmakei
tforyou.
Lu:
youpr
omi
se?
Me:
ipr
omi
se.Come.
Hegotupandcamet ome.Iheldhim andhewas
sti
llcr
ying.Ir
ubbedhi
sbackuntilheslept
.Iwent
toputhimt obedandki
ssedhisheadandl ef
t.
Me:
allt
hatr
oll
ingf
ormeat
.
Mpendul o:hemustknowhecan' teatmeat
everyday.Hemustknowt hat.Youwi l
lseehim at
dinnerti
mehewi l
lcryagain.Whenyouwer en'
t
aroundhedi dthatandilethim be.Hewoul dcry
untilhestopped.Youshouldhavel ethim be.
Me:
ican'
ttakehi
m cr
yingl
iket
hat
.
Mpendul
o:he'
l
lbef
ine.
Theotherscamewi t
ht hei
rfoodandstart
edeati
ng.
Aft
ertheyweredonet heywentupstair
stodothei
r
homeworksandAyandawasf ol
lowi
ngthem ar
ound.
Thandowasst i
llgl
uedt oherfat
her'
sarms.She
didn'
twantt
ohearanyt
hing.Mpendul
o'sphone
rangandheputi
tonloudspeaker
.
Mpendul
o:Zol
ani
.Howar
eyou?
Zol
ani
:good.Ihavenewsf
oryou.
Mpendul
o:okay.
Zol
ani
:if
oundher
.Thewi
tch.
Mpendul
o:r
eal
ly?That
'sgoodt
hen.
Zolani
:whatshoul
dIdowi
thher
?Cal
lthepol
iceor
takecareofher?
Me:
whatdoyoumeant
akecar
eofher
?
Zol
ani:
imeankillher
.Thiswi
tchkil
ledyourchil
d
andburntyourhousewhichal
mostki l
ledyour
chi
ldr
en.Shedeservestobekil
led.
Mpendulo:
idon'
tcar
ewhatyoudot oher.Cal
lthe
pol
iceorki
llher
.Aslongasshepaysforwhatshe
di
d.
Ilookedathi
m.He'sunbeli
evabl
e!Howcanhesay
thatsocalml
y?Hetalksaboutki
ll
ingasi
fit
's
somet hi
ngeasy.
Mpendulo:okaydon'
tkil
lher.Mywife'
slookscoul
d
ki
llme.Makehersurferbeforeyoucal
lthepol
ice.
Zol
ani
:okay.Iwi
llkeepyouupdat
ed.
Mpendul
o:whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
iket
hat
?
Me:your
eal
lywoul
dhavel
ethi
m ki
llher
?
Mpendulo:
yes.Thatwomanhashur tus.Fi
rstshe
wantedtokil
lyouandourchil
dren.Thenshekil
led
ourchi
ld.Qhawewouldstil
lbehereifi
twasn'tf
or
her.Wewouldbehappywi t
hourboybutsheki l
led
hi
m.Sodon' tfeel
sor
ryforher
.
Me:
doesZol
anidot
heseki
ll
ingsonhi
sown?
Mpendul
o:hehaspeopl
ewor
kingf
orhi
m.
Me:andyou'r
eokaybeingfr
iendswithhi
m?Pl
ease
don'tl
ethiminf
luenceyoui
ntojoi
ninghi
mindoi
ng
thesethi
ngs.
Mpendulo:
babyrelax.Hewasagangst
erbackthen
butnotanymore.Hewasjustdoi
ngmet hi
sfavor
.
He'sagoodperson.
Me:
ihopeso.
Mpendul
o:pl
easedon'
twor
ryabouti
t.

AtnghtmeandMpendul
owerei
nbedjustt
alki
ng
andlaughi
ngwhenwehear
daknock.
Mpendul
o:l
etmeopen.
Hewentandopenedt
hedoorandLugoti
nrunni
ng
t
ome.Iopenedmyarmsforhim.
Lu:
mommycanwesl
eepher
e?
Me:
youdon'
twantt
osl
eepi
nyourr
oom?
Aya:
wear
escar
ed.
He'
sher
etoo.
Mpendul
o:don'
tmakenoi
se.Youwi
llwaket
hebaby.
Aya:
wewantt
opl
aywi
thher
.
Me:i
t'
slat
enow.Youwi
llpl
ayt
omor
row.Comel
ets
sl
eep.
Mpendul
o:iwillt
aket
hem backt
othei
rroom when
t
heyfal
lasleep.
Me:
theyar
esocut
e.
Mpendul
o:yougi
vebi
rt
htocut
ebabi
es.Lookat
t
hei
reyes.Mommy'seyes.
Me:
butIdon'
thavebi
geyes.
Mpendul
o:youdo.Andt
hatbi
gfor
ehead.
Me:
andyour
bighead.
Mpendul
o:butyoul
ovet
hisbi
ghead.
Me:
somuch.
Wef el
lasleepwi t
hthetwinst al
kingnonstop.Their
fatherevenf orgottot
aket hem tothei
rroom.Iwoke
upi nthemor ningandwentt omakebr eakfastand
theirlunchboxes.Af t
eriwasdoneiwokeAyaand
Luandgavet hem abath.Thenwentt obat hLisa
andgotherr eady.Theyallcamedownf orbreakfast
.
Aya:
mommywear
enotgoi
ngt
oschool
?
Me:
youar
e.Eatsomommycandr
iveyou.
Theywer esohappy.Af t
ertheyweredoneidrove
them t
oschoolandwentt omycompanyt ocheck
however yt
hingisgoing.WhenIar r
ivedt
her
ethe
team waspr epari
ngforameeting.Theywer
ei nt
he
boardroom prepari
ng.
Me:
goodmor
ning.
Bont
le:
bossl
ady.Sogoodt
oseeyout
oday.
Me:
goodt
oseeyout
oo.Iseeever
yonei
sbusyher
e.
Bob:yes.Wehaveameet ingtoday.Thi
swill
beour
fi
rstbiggestcl
ientf
ort
hisyearifwegetit
.
Me:t
hat'
sverygood.It
hinkyouguysdeser
vea
bonus.You'
vebeenworkingsohardanddoneso
well
.
Bontl
e:t
hankyou.It
houghtyouwer
ecomi
ngback
nextweek.
Me:yes.Ij
ustthoughtishouldcomeandseehow
thi
ngsaregoing.Anddon'tworry.Yourj
obsare
safe.Thi
ngswi l
lremai
nast heyare.Iwi
llj
ustbei
n
chargeofthefi
nancedepartment.
Bob:
okayt
hen.
Me:
letmegoandhavecof f
ee.Iwil
lsi
tinont
he
meeti
ng.Justpr
etendi
m nott
here.
Igotoutandwentt
otheki
tchenandmadecoffee.I
drankmycoff
eeandaft
erifi
nishediwenttot
he
bathr
oom.Idi
dmybusinessandf i
nishedt
hen
washedmyhands.
"
OhmyGodKea!Ican'
tbel
ievet
hisi
syou.
"
Me:
ohhi
.
Womam:
don'
tsayyou'
vef
orgot
tenme?
Me:
no.Imj
ustsur
pri
sedt
oseeyou.I
t'
sbeenso
l
ong.Howar
eyouNomsa?
Nomsa:
im ver
ygoodandyou?
Me:
im good.
Nomsa:
sohowar
ethi
ngswi
thRapul
a?
Me:
ohwear
enott
oget
heranymor
e.
Iknewshewasgoi
ngt
ofi
shf
orsomei
nfo.
Nomsa:
im sosor
ry.Whathappened?
Me:
thi
ngsj
ustdi
dn'
twor
kout
.
Nomsa:
ial
waysknewt
hatguywasnotgoodf
or
you.
Shewasr
ightaboutt
hat
.Ij
ustnoddedmyhead.
Nomsa:
ifonl
yTi
m wasal
ive.Thepoorguyl
oved
you.
Me:
whatwoul
dhappeni
fhewasal
ive?
Nomsa: i
m verysur
eyout
wowouldbetoget
her
.Im
sorr
yt hi
ngsendedwit
hyouandRapul
a.You
deservebett
er.
Me:
sodoyouwor
kher
e?
Nomsa:
nodear
.Im her
eforameet
ing.I
t'
sst
art
ing
i
n20minut
es.
Me:
letmenotkeepyout
hen.
Nomsa:argh10minuteswontkil
lanyone.Iseeyou
havearingonyourfi
nger.Youdon'
twastet i
me.
Yougetdivor
cedandalreadyar
emar ri
edagain.
Me:whatcanisay?Whenyouf
alli
nloveyoucan'
t
hel
pit.
Nomsa:
that
'
str
ue.Howl
onghaveyoubeenmar
ri
ed?
Me:
it
'
sgoingt
obeourf
if
thyearyeari
nthr
ee
mont
hs.
Nomsa:
mmh.Myt i
mei sup.I
m sur
eyouhavework
t
odo.Letmenotkeepyou.Youmightgeti
ntr
oubl
e
wit
hyourboss.
Ismil
edandnodded.Shewentoutmodel i
ng.Thi
s
woman!Shewi l
lneverchange.Igotoutandwentto
theboar
droom.Onmywayt heremyphoner ang.
It'
sMpendulo.
Me:
hel
lobaby.
Hi
m:st
handwasami
.How'
sever
ythi
nggoi
ng?
Me:
good.Wear
eaboutt
ohaveameet
ing.
Mpendul
o:ar
en'
tyoust
art
ingnextweek?
Me:iam.Ij
ustwantt
oseehowt
hingsar
egoi
ng.I
s
Thandoalr
ight
?
Him:yes.Ijustf
ini
shedgi
vingherabat
h.She'
snot
evencrying.
Me:
that
'sgoodbabe.
Hi
m:iwillcomeandfetchyouafteryourmeet
ing.
Wewil
ltakeanuber.Leavethecarkeyswit
hthe
r
ecept
ionist
.
Me:
okay.Il
oveyou.
Hi
m:il
oveyoumor
e.Seeyousoon.
Hedr
opped.Iwentt
oleavet
hekeyswi
tht
he
recept
ioni
standwentt
otheboar
droom.Theywer
e
abouttostar
t.
Bont
le:
youcanwelcomeever
yoneifyoul
ike.Then
meandt het
eam wil
ldot
hepresent
ati
on.
Me:
no.Youdoyourt
hing.Iwi
llj
ustsi
ther
e.
Thecl ient
sstart
edcomi nginandNomsawas
amongt hosepeople.Weallsatdownandt he
meet i
ngst art
ed.Theydidtheirrepr
esentat
ionand
afterthatthecli
entsaskedtheirquest
ionsand
everythingwasdone.Weonl yjusthadtowaitfor
theiranswer.Peoplestart
edleaving.
Me:
wel
ldoneguys.Thatwasagoodpr
esent
ati
on.
Bob:
thankyou.Ihavet
ogonow.Ihaveanot
her
meet
ingintown.
Me:
goodl
uck.
Il
eftandf
oundNomsaatr
ecept
ion.
Me:
hey.Di
dmyhusbandf
etcht
hecarkeys?
Recept
ioni
st:
yes.Hesai
dhe'
l
lbewai
ti
ngf
oryoui
n
t
hecar.
Me:
okay.Thankyou.
Iwentoutwi
thNomsawal
kingwi
thme.
Nomsa:
idi
dn'
tknowyouwor
kher
e.
Me:soyoudi
dn'
tdoresear
chaboutt
hecompany
you'
regoi
ngtobeworki
ngwit
h?
Nomsa:
im onl
yacoo.Theceohadsomeonedot
hat
.
Me:oh.Ij
ustcameheretoseehowthi
ngsaregoi
ng.
I
'vebeenonabr eakt
aki
ngcareofmykids.
Nomsa:
okay.You'
reanaccount
anther
e?Il
ast
hear
dyouwereworkingatNel
.
Me:
thi
sismycompany.
Nomsa:wow!Thegir
lswon'tbeli
evet
his.You've
donesowellf
oryoursel
f.Where'
syoursist
er?Mmh
uh!Bonol
o.
Me:
she'
sar
ound.
"
Mama"
Myli
tt
legi
rlcomest
omer
unni
ngandf
all
ing.I
l
augh.
Nomsa:
youhaveacut
ebaby.
Me:
thankyou
Ipi
ckherupandgot
othecar
.
Nomsa:
itwasni
cet
oseeyou.
Me:
yout
oo.Bye.
Myhusbandopenedt
hedoorf
ormeandwentt
o
hi
ssi
de.Hedroveus.
Me:
wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Hi
m:br
eakf
ast
.Iknowyoudi
dn'
teat
.
Me:
didsheeat
?
Hi
m:yes.Sohowwast
hemeet
ing?
Me:good.It
hinkt
heywi
llgett
hatt
ender
.Im pr
oud
ofmyt eam.
Hi
m:t
hat
'
sgoodbews.

Wegott
oar
est
aur
antandor
der
edbr
eakf
astand
at
e.
Me:
thi
sisabeaut
if
ulpl
ace.Howdi
dyouf
indi
t?
Hi
m:t
hisi
syourf
ri
end'
spl
ace.Ioncecameher
e
wi
thZol
ani
.
Me:oh.If
eell
ikeacake.Letmegoandor
der
.For
ever
yone.

Iwentt
othecount
erandordered.If
eltapresence
behi
ndme.Itur
nedandlookedattheperson.
Man:
sor
ryf
orst
art
li
ngyou.
Me:
areyouf
oll
owi
ngme?Isawyounotsol
ongago.
Man:
whywoul
dIdot
hat
?
Me:
idon'
tknow.
Man:
im her
efort
hesamet
hingasyou.Tobuyf
ood.
Me:sowhydidyoust
andbehi
ndmewhent
her
ear
e
ot
herti
ll
sher
e?
Man:idon'
tknow.
Somet
hingqui
cklyr
egi
ster
edinmymind.Ipai
dfor
mycakeandaskedtof
etchitl
ater
.
Me:
stopf
oll
owi
ngmear
ound.I
t'
scr
eepy.
Il
eftbef
orehecoul
danswerme.
Me:
babewecanl
eave
Hi
m:i
ssomet
hingwr
ong?
wher
ejst
hecake?
Me:
I'
l
lgeti
tlat
er.
Hegotupandpi
ckedThandoandwewent
toourcar
.
Wewer
edr
ivi
nghomenow.
Me:babe,
didyouseet
hatguyt
hatwasst
andi
ng
behi
ndme?
Hi
m:yes.That
'swhyyoul
ookedscar
ed
Me:yes.Hehasbeenf
ollowi
ngme.If i
rstsawhi
m
wheniwenttothecompanyandnowi nt he
r
estaurant
.It
hinkAmir
'smothersenthim.
Him:no.Maybeyou'
rejustscar
edandnow
you'
rel
ooki
ngfort
hingstomakesense.
Me:
let
'shopeso.
Hi
m:andt
henannyi
scomi
ngbackt
oday.
Me:okay.
Hi
m:idon'
twantust
owor
ryaboutt
heki
dswhenwe
ar
eatwor
k.
Me:
yeahIagr
ee.

Wegothomeanditwasver
yquiet.I
t'
ssodif
fer
ent
whentheki
dsar
eatschool
.Thehelperwasbusyi
n
t
hekit
chenandwewenttositi
nthesit
ti
ngroom.
Mpendul
o:youknowi t
'ssogoodjusttospendt
ime
wit
hmywi fe.Justenj
oyingeachother
.Il
oveyou
baby.
Me:
iloveyouKhoza.
Hemovedhisheadtomi neandwekissed.Thando
cri
edhi
tt
ingus.Welaughedather
.Hepi ckedherup
andki
ssedher.Shest
artedl
aughi
ng.Thischil
d!
Thando:
papa
Mpendul
o:youseesomeonei
sjeal
ous?
Thando:
papa
Mpendul
o:yesbaby.You'
rej
eal
ous.Yesyouar
e
Shel
aughed.Wewerenowal
llaughi
ng.Thi
swas
funt
oher.Wehear
daknock.
Me:
I'
l
lgoandopenfort
hatperson.Mpendul
o:t
ell
t
hem t
ogo.Theyar
edist
urbi
ngus.
Me:
lol
..
.

Mpendul
o

Iheardthr
eegunshot
samomentafterKhanyi
sil
e
wenttothedoor
.Myheadst
art
edspinni
ng.Iranto
thedoorandshewaslyi
ngi
napoolofblood.
Me:
babewakeup!Baby!Babypl
ease!
Shewasnotmovi
ngbutt
hepul
sewasst
il
lther
e.
Hel
per
:ihear
dguns.
..
Me:
pleaselookaf
terThando.I
mtaki
ngmywi
fet
o
t
hehospital
Icoul
dn'
twaitf
oranambul ance.Itwouldbetoo
l
atebythet
imeitarri
ves.Idrovet
oi nt
ercar
esil
ver
l
akes.WhenIgottheretheyadmittedher.
Me:
pleasesaveher
..
.
Isatandwai
tedunt
ilt
hedoct
orcame.
Me:
anynews?
Dr:
she'scri
ti
calbutst
abl
e.Wedon'tknowwhat
mighthappeni nt
henext24hour
s.Youhavebeen
hereforhours.Gohomeandrest
.
Me:
aft
eral
lthesehour
syouhavenot
hingt
otel
lme?
Dr:
sirwehavemanagedt osaveyourwi
fe.Wewi
ll
cal
lifsomet
hinghappens.
Ileft.I
twasuselessstayi
ngtherewit
hthatdoctor
tell
ingmethingsidon'tevenunderst
and.Igot
homeandt ookashowerandbur nedthebloody
clothesiwaswear i
ng.Icall
edherfat
herandlethi
m
knowwhatwasgoi ngon.

*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
02] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*
*
CHAPTER25*

Mpendul
o
Icouldn'tr
eallysleewi t
houtjustbei
ngwor r
ied
aboutmywi f
e.Shehasn' tmadeanypr ogressand
ontheot hersidet hekidsareaskingmewhent heir
mot heri
scomi ngback.Thet winsarealwayscr yi
ng
thi
nkingshel eftagainandshewon' tcomeback.
Herf at
heristheonewhoi sstr
ongint hi
s.The
personwhoshotherr eall
yisaprofessional.Noone
sawanyt hingandt hesecuri
ti
esdidn'tseehi m.
Mzwakhe:
manyouhavet
obest
rongf
oryourwi
fe.
Me:ishoul
dhavebel i
evedherwhenshet oldme
someguywasf ol
lowingher.Andithoughti
twas
j
ustacoincidencethattheywereatthesameplace
att
hesamet i
me.
Mzwakhe:
wher
elastdi
dsheseet
hisper
son?He
mi
ghtleadust
otheshoot
er.
Me:
atLer
ato'
srest
auranti
nPret
ori
aNort
h.She
t
houghti
twasthoseTurki
shpeopl
eandidi
dn'
t
bel
ieveher
!
Mzwakhe:
itmightbethem.EvenBonol
ohasbeen
r
ecei
vingstr
angecall
sinthemiddl
eofthenight.
MaybeKhanyisi
le'
sshooti
ngwasjustawarning.
Me:
thosepeopl
ewant
edt
oki
llher
.Thr
eebul
let
s!
Mzwakhe:
weshoul
dgetsecur
it
iesi
nherwar
d.
Mabutho:weallknowwhattheprobl
em i
sher
e.
Bonoloi
st heprobl
em.She'
stheonetheyar
e
l
ookingfor.Whydon'tyoul
ethergo?
Mzwakhe:
usoyahl
anya?Andwhyar
eyouput
ti
ng
your
sel
fint
his?
Mabutho:
Bonol
oisjustagi
rl
fr
iendandKhanyi
sil
eis
ourbr
other
'swi
fe.
Mzwakhe:it
houghtshewasn'taKhozawif
e
mater
ial
?Angit
hithat'
swhatyousaidwhenyou
ki
ckedheroutofherhouse?
Me:canwepleasestopfi
ghti
ng?Weareal
lwor r
ied
hereandnoonei satf
aul
t.Bonol
oissoongoingto
bemar r
iedi
nthisfami
lyandshe'
sthemotherof
ourli
tt
leboysoMabuthostopthi
sman.
Mabutho:iknewshewoul dbetroubl
ewhenshe
sl
eptwithhim befor
ebreaki
ngupwi tht
hepoorguy
fi
rst
.Who' stosayshewon'tcheatonhi
mtoo?
Inaspeedofal ightMzwakhewasal readyupand
slappedMabut ho.Ileftthem there.Idon'thaveto
dealwi t
ht his.Idr ovetot hehospitaltoseehow
everythi
ngi s.Luckilywheni gotthereitwasst i
ll
visi
ti
nghour s.Iwentt oherroom andt hatboywas
theretalking.Ilistenedtohi mt al
kingaboutt hei
r
chil
dhood.Thei rli
fetogetherandhowmuchhe
l
ovesher .Itwasr eal
lyannoyi ngme.Iwenti n.
Rapul
a:ohidi
dn'
tseeyout
her
e.
Me:nowyou'
veseenme.Getout
.Whatdoyout
hink
youaredoi
ng?
Rapula:i
m nother
et ofi
ghtwithyou.I
m her
eas
someonewhocar esforher
.2loveherandiwon'
t
everstop.Soihavetobeher eforher
.
Me:
yourt
imei
nherl
if
eisup.Acceptt
hat
.
Rapula:i
m notgoinganywhere.I
t'
sactual
lyyour
faul
tthatshe'
slyi
nghere.Ifi
t'
snotyoucheatingon
heri
t'
syourmi str
esstr
yingtokil
lher
.Yesiknow.
Sodon'
tactl
ikeyou'
reasai
nt.
Me:
getout
.
Rapula:
thet
ruthhur
tshuh?You'
rewor set
hanme.
Andifshediesnowthati
t'
syourfaul
t.Nxa!
Afterthathekissedhercheakandsaid"il
oveyou"
thenleft.Suchdisr
espect
!Thedoctorcameand
checkedonher .
Me:
howi
sshedoi
ng?
Dr:
she'
srespondingver
ywell
.She'
sbreathi
ngon
herownnow.Weevent ookofft
hemachines.Now
weonlywaitforhert
owakeup.
Me:
wil
lshebef
inewhenshewakesup?
Dr:
wit
hthewayshe'srecoveri
ngim ver
ysureshe
wil
lbefi
ne.Youhavenothingtoworryabout
.By
t
omorrowshewillbeup.
Me:
thankyou.
Itookachairandsatt
hereunt
ilvi
sit
inghour
swer
e
over.Iwentbackhomeanddecidedtogoto
Lerato'
shouse.If
oundherwit
hherhusband.
Chr
is:
hi.How'
syourwi
fedoi
ng?
Me:she'
sgett
ingther
e.Thedoct
ort
hinksshemi
ght
wakeupt omorr
ow.
Ler
ato:
that
'sver
ygood.
Me:yes.That'
swhyi m her
e.Ler
atoiwantedt
oask
i
ficangett hefoot
ageofyourrestaur
antont
heday
mywi fegotshot.
Chr
is:
why?I
smywi
fei
ntr
oubl
e?
Me:no.Notatal l.Thepersonwhomi ghtleadust o
theshoot erwasf ol
lowi
ngus.Hest art
edf oll
owi ng
herathercompany.Whenwef ottother estaurant
forbreakfastshesawhi m andconfrontedhi m and
hedeni edthathewasf oll
owingher.Wet hinkit's
someTur ki
shpeopl eaf
terhersi
sterandt heyshot
herasawar ning.Sowewantt oshowt hef ootage
tothepolice.
Ler
ato:ofcour
se.Anythi
ngtohelp.Letmegoand
cal
lthemanagerandlethim know.
Chri
s:no.Don'
tdothat
.Whatifthatguygott
ohi
m
andbribedhimint
owipingi
toffwhensomeone
startssuspect
ing?Wemustgotherewit
hout
anyoneknowi ng.Thenwemightf
indsomethi
ng.I
willgowithhim.
Ler
ato:
okay.Besaf
e.
Chr
is:
iloveyou.
Ler
ato:
iloveyou.

Wewenttomycar
.Idr
oveusandont
hewaywe
wer
etal
king.
Me:yourr
elat
ionshi
pwi
thyourwi
fei
ssogood.Hi
w
doyoudoit?
Chr
is:
it
'sal
otofwor
kman.Wewentt
hroughal
ott
o
bewhereweare.
Me:maybei t
'sbecauseIgotmar r
iedveryl
ate.I
seem tobedoingthewrongthings.I
'vehur
tthat
womansomuchandshef orgaveme.Sheal ways
beli
eveinus.
Chr
is:
youseet
hati
slove.
Me:
int
hef
ouryear
swe'
vebeenmar
ri
edshenever
hur
tme.I
mtheonl
yonewho'
sal
waysdoi
ngt
hat
.
Chr is:ihurtmywi f
ebeyondr ecogni tion.Oneofmy
excameandsai dshe' spregnantj ustaf terwe'
d
got t
enmar r
ied.Bef orewegotmar r
iedLer at
ogot
kidnappedandihadanaf fai
rwi ththatwoman.
Tur nedoutshegotpr egnantandsai dthechildis
mi ne.Ler atof oundoutont heni ghtofourweddi ng.
Shef elthurt.Want edt oleaveme.Al lt
hebadt hings
kepthappeni ng.Butwhatscar edmewaswhenshe
reallyl ef
t.Twoyear s.Thatwast hemostmi serabl
e
ti
meofmyl ife.Thenwef i
xedt hings.Ipr omised
mysel fidon'twantanyl i
fewithoutheranymor e.I
promi sedtochange.Iputwor kont ochangi nghowi
was.Ichanged.Formyf amily.Ihadt oorelsei
woul dhavel ostthel oveofmyl i
fe.Youhaveagood
wife.Someonewoul dn'thavest ayedwi thsomeone
whohas3ki dsbutshe' sstil
lher e.Dor ightbyher.
Letyouract ionsspeakandnotyourwor ds.Show
hert hatyouhavechanged.
Me:youknowt het
imethatthewomanihadan
af
fairwi
thkil
ledourson,
str
angl
edhimt odeathand
swit
chedoffthemachines.
..
iwasreal
lysureshe
wasgoingtol
eaveandneverlookback.Butshe
showedmehowmuchshel ovedme.Andt hi
s
happens.
Chri
s:i
t'
sgoodthatyouwantt
hepoli
cet
ohel
p.You
shoul
ddistanceyour
sel
ffr
om Zol
ani
.
Me:
don'
tyougetal
ongwi
thhi
m?
Chris:
itol
eratehispr esenceonlyforthesakeofmy
wife.Whoki dnapst heirownsisterandhaveher
abused?Yest heydidn'tknoweachot herbut
anyonecant el
lthattheyareofthesamebl ood.
Theylookal i
ke.Thatmani sdangerous.Becar eful
ofhim.Im notsayi ngst opbei
ngf ri
endswithhim.
Yesioncewor kedf orthemostfear edgangstersin
thecountrybutiwasj ustadoctorthere.Zolanikil
ls
people.
It
houghtaboutwhenhesai
dhewoul
dki
llLi
loca.
Chris:
iknowhecanfindthatguyinlessthana
weekbutbecareful
.Allt
hethingsthathe'sdoi
ng
foryouonedayhe'l
lexpectyoutopayhim back.
Me:
thankyoufort
elli
ngme.Mywif
etoldmenott
o
bet
ooclosetohim orhemi
ghti
nfl
uencemeandi
t
houghtshewasexagger
ati
ng.
Chr
is:
she'
sri
ght
.Ihopeyoul
ist
ent
oher
.

Wegott ot herestaurantbutunfor
tunatel
yther e
wasnof ootageofthatman.Hemi ghthave
temperedwi ththecamer asbeforehewenti n.
Drovebackhomeandi twasachaos.Ididn'tleave
thekidsher ebutIknowi t'
sthem becauseoft he
noise.Igetinandf indthetwinssit
ti
ngwi t
hThando
andNat ty.NattyandThandoar ecryingabdt he
boysar eeating.
Me:
whyar
etheycr
ying?
Aya:
theywantourf
ood.
Me:
whydon'
tyougi
vet
hem?
Lu:
no.Gogowi
llgi
vet
hem t
hei
rfood.
Mymom comeswi
thapl
ate.
Me:
mom idi
dn'
tknowyouar
eher
e.
Mom:iknewt
her
e'snoonehel
pingyouher
e.Soi
hadt
ocome.Howareyou?
Me:
imt
ryi
ngt
oli
ve.
Lu:
wher
e'smommy?
Heist
heonewhogi
vesmet r
oublealotcr
yingf
or
hi
smother
.He'
ssoat
tachedtoher.
Mom:
she'
sinhospi
tal
.
Aya:
she'
ssi
ck?
Me:
yes.Butshe'
l
lbebacksoon.Thedoct
orsai
d
t
hatshe'
sbett
er.
Lu:
canigowi
thyouandseeher
?
Me:
tomorrow.Nowi
nishyourf
ood.Mom wher
ear
e
t
heother
s?
Mom:doingt
heirhomewor ks.Im goingbackhome
tomor
row.Iwantedtoaski ficouldtakethetwi
ns
andThandowit
h.Sot hatyoudon' tstr
ugglewit
h
them.
Me:
okay.I
m goi
ngt
oli
edown.
Justasi
m aboutt
ocl
oset
hedoori
t'
spushed.Two
headspeaki
n.
Me:
comei
n.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Aya:
wear
eher
etol
iedown.
Il
augh.Theseki
dsar
esomet
hingel
se.Igeti
nto
bedwit
hthem.
Me:
youwantt
owat
cht
v?
Lu:
yes.Wewantt
osl
eepher
e.
Me:
okay.Don'
tmakenoi
se.
Aya:
youar
esadbaba?Don'
tbesad.Mommywi
ll
comehome.
Me:
im notsad.
Lu:
youar
e.Lookatyoureyes.Youhavet
ear
s
Lu:
daddymendon'
tcr
y.
Me:
im notcr
ying.
"
Koko.
"
ThedooropenedandLi
sacamei
n.
Li
sa:
dadimi
ssedyou.
Me:
imi
ssedmygi
rlt
oo.Comeandsl
eepwi
thus.
Li
sa:
howi
smom?
Me:
she'
sget
ti
ngbet
ter
.Tomor
rowwewi
llvi
sither
.
Li
sa:
ican'
twai
ttoseeher
.

BONOLO

Mpendul ojustcall
edandsaidKeatl
aretsiwokeup.I
l
efteverythi
ngt hatiwasdoinganddrovetothe
hospit
al.Im happyshe'sawake.WhenIgott her
ei
foundRapul astandingnexttot
hedoorofherwar d.
Me:Rapul
aobat
langf
a?
Rap:
emanyanat
lhe.I
mjusther
etocheckonher
.
Me:wel
lasyoucanseeherhusbandisi
nther
e.
Howmanyt i
mesmustitel
lyoutostayawayfr
om
her
?
Rap:
onl
yhercant
ellmet
hat
.
Me:she'
sal
readydonet
hatbutyoudon'
tseem t
o
geti
t.
Rap:
Bonoloyoudon'tgeti
tokay?Il
oveyoursi
ster
andiknowshelovesme.There'snodenyi
ngthat.
Me:i
fthatwassixyearsbackiwoul dbelieveit.
Lookatthem.Ifwhatyousaidwast rueitwoul dbe
youintherel
aughi
ngandsmi l
ingwiththeirkids.
Butbecauseofyourcri
minalwaysyour uinedit.
Nowacceptitandstopthi
s.Youseehowhappyshe
us?Ihopeyoudon'trui
nitforher.Heleavesandi
geti
ntotheward.
Me:
dumel
ang.
Kea:
hey.It
'sgoodt
oseeyou.I
tfeel
sli
keI
'
vebeen
goneforyear
s.
Me:itr
eal
lyf
eltl
ikei
t.
..
Keai
mreal
lysor
ryt
hatyou
got
..
.
Mpendul
o:babe!woul
dyouli
kemet
obuysomet
hing
f
oryou?Somet hingt
oeat
?
Rea:
yes.I
'
m sohungr
y.
Mpendul
o:okay.Bonol
ocanIt
alkt
oyou?
Kea:
babeyoucant
alkt
oherher
e.
Mpendul
o:okay.Bonol
othedoct
orsai
dwemustnot
t
alkt
oheraboutwhathappened.Shedoesn'
t
r
emember..soshemustrememberwhathappened
onherown.Itwi
llhappen.Andyou'r
enotatf
aul
t
okay?Youhavenothingtobesorr
yabout.
etmego
getyourf
oodbabe.
Het
ookt
heki
dswi
th.
Me:i
m sohappyyouwokeup.Im sur
eyourdadwil
l
behappytoseeyou.He'
sbeenhereeversi
nce.
Kea:heishappy.Hewasher
e.Hesai
dgewi
llcome
backlat
er.

Ithasbeenaweeksi nceKeat laret

siwas
discharged.Thi ngsar enotsowel lbecauseshe
refusest otalk.Soherandherhusbandhaven' t
beenexact lyget t
ingal ong.Andwhataddedt othe
fuelisthef actt hatKeat lar
etsiwantst ogot owork
event houghshe' snot100%r ecovered.Nowher
husbandhast akenheroutj usttoclearhermind
beforet heyleavef ortheirfamilyvacation.Hetook
hertot heroof topcar e.
Hi
m:ar
eyouf
ine?
Her
:yesi
m good.Thankyouf
ort
aki
ngmeout
.I
knowI
'
vebeenanag.I
m sor
ry.
Him:
areyougoi
ngt
otel
lmewhathappenedt
hat
day?
Her:okayIwi lltellyou.Thepersonwhoshotme
i
sn'ttheonewhowasf oll
owingme.It'
sThat
Turkishwoman' sgoon.Hesai dit
'sawar ni
ngfor
mysi stertotaket hem seri
ous.Babythosepeople
wil
lkillmysi ster.That'swhyIdidn'tt
ellher
.Idon'
t
wantt ostressher .Iwanthertofocusonher
weddi ngthenshewi l
ldecidewhattodo.
Hi
m:i
m sosor
ry.I
fiknewwhatt
odoaboutt
hisi
woul
d.
Her
:doyout
hinkZol
anicanhel
p?
Him:don'
ttal
kaboutt hatnameagain.Chri
swarned
meabouthi m.Hemi ghtmakemepayf orallt
he
favor
shedoesf orme.Orforcemetojoinhis
cri
minalacti
vit
ies.Turnsouthehasn'
tquit
.
Her:
yeahyou'
rer
ight
.Weshoul
dst
ayawayf
rom
hi
m.
Hi
m:imi
ssedyousomuchmywi
fe.Youknow
whenyouwer efightingforyourli
feisawmyl i
fe
almostendi
ng.iwoul dn'
tsurvi
vewi t
houtyou.I
t
showedmej usthowmuchyoumeant ome.Ilove
you.Ever
ydaymyl oveincreasesforyou.You'
remy
l
ifeKhanyi
sil
e.Thel oveofmyl if
e.
Her:
you'
llmakemecry.Thankyouforchoosingme.
Andipromisetobewit
hyouallthedaysofourl i
ves.
Youshowedmet ruel
ove.Andforthatiwi
llalways
l
oveyoubaby.
Hehel
dherhandsandki
ssedt
hem.
Voi
ce:
fancyseei
ngyouher
e.
Her
:hi
.It
'sgoodt
oseeyouagai
n.
Nomsa:
ihear
daboutyourshoot
ing.Sosor
ry.
Her
:wher
edi
dyouhearabouti
t?
Noma:hau!Emaphepheni
.Phel
awenayou'
reatop
busi
nesswomanandmar ri
edtoat
opbusinessman.
Her
:what
?
Noma:we'
rehappyyou'r
eali
vefri
end.Ki
dwawhy
di
dn'
tyousayukuthiyougotyoursel
famkhul
ibae?
Her
:nott
hatit'
sanyofyourbusi
ness.Butwhy
wouldIt
ellyou?
Nomsa:
we'
reyourf
ri
ends.
Her
:ohidi
dn'
tknow.I
fyou'
l
lexcuseus.Meandmy
Mkhul
ubaearebusy.
Noma:buthe'
snotbadforagr
andpaahame.He
l
ooks40orsomething.Youwoul
dn'
tmistakenhi
m
t
obe55.
Nomsa:
gir
lyoubet
terhel
pusgetcont
ract
s!
Him:l
adi
espl
easeexcuseus.Wear ehavi
nglunch
andyou'
redi
stur
bingus.Youbeingheredoesn'
tsi
t
wellwi
thmywifeabdidon'tl
ikei
twhenshe'supset
.
Noma:
byemkhul
ubae.
Keal
ookedatt
hem ast
heyl
eft
.
Her
:somet
hingswi
llneverchange.
Hi
m:youknowt
hem?
Her
:yeah.Wewer
efr
iendsi
nvar
sit
y.
Him:
ohtheonesyout
oldmeabout
.Tel
lmebabe.
Your
eal
lydon'
tmindmyage?
Her:youragedoesn'
tbot
herme.Peopl
ewil
lal
ways
tal
k.Let'
ssayitwasa55yearoldwomandatinga
34yearol dmantheywouldst
il
ltal
k.Soi
tdoesn'
t
botherme.Iloveyouandyoulovemesowhere'
s
theproblem?None.
Hi
m:im soluckytohaveyou.Butt
obehonest
f
ri
endslikethosear
enotgood.
Her:t
hat'
swhyidi st
ancedmysel f.SomePeopl eare
justnotmeanttobeinyourl i
fe.Allt
heydoi sdrag
youdown.Theyj udgeeverythingyoudoand
nothingyoudoiseverright
.Theywi llmakeyouf eel
l
ikeyou'renot
hingwithoutthem.Andt hat'
snottrue
atall
.

Aftert
heywer edonewit
hthei
rluncht
heywent
backhome.Keast art
edtogett
hingsr
eadyfor
tomorrow.Thekidswereonholi
daysotheywere
goingwiththem.
Li
sa:
mommywherear
ewegoi
ng?Ihopeyouar
e
notl
eavi
ngus.
Kea:
wear
egoi
ngonavacat
ion.I
t'
sschoolhol
idays
sowear
eal
lgoi
ngt
oget
her
.
Li
sa:r
eal
ly?Thankyoumommy.Youar
ethebest
!I
hopewe'
renotgoingtoNi
ger
ia.
Kea:
lolwhy
Li
sa:
idon'
twantLesedit
oseeme.Angi
thiyenashe
l
eftmethatt
ime.Wemustgosomewhere.
Kea:
you'
recr
azyyouknowt
hat
Li
sa:
im ser
iousmom.I fweseeherther
eshewi ll
wantt
of ol
lowus.Shemustalsogetboredwithout
meli
keididwithouther.Shemustpayfornotgoing
wi
thme.
Kea:
whymustshegowi
thyou?
Li
sa:
she'
smyfr
iend!Shemustgoever
ywher
ewi
th
meli
keyoudowit
hhermother.
Kea:
ommerekowena.Anywaydaddysai
dwear
e
goi
ngtoDubai
.
Li
ndani
:real
lyma?I
'
veneverbeent
her
e.Justr
ead
abouti
t.
Kea:
I'
veal
soneverbeent
her
ebuti
t'
sbeaut
if
ul.We
wil
lenj
oyourselves.Thenwegotothestates.We
cangotoDisneylandandvisi
tal
otofplaces.
Mnqobi:
mom you'
ret
hebest
.Ican'
twai
tforust
o
l
eave!
Kea:
youshoul
dthankdad.He'
stheonedoi
ngal
l
t
hisforus.
MpendulogotinwithThando.Thet
winswerenot
evenl
ist
ening.Theywerejustpl
ayi
ngthei
rgames.
Mpendul
o:andwhatdi
ddaddydo?
Mnqobi
:you'
ret
aki
ngusonvacat
ion.Thankyoudad.
Mpendul
o:t
winsar
eyouhappyf
orourvacat
ion?
Twi
ns:
yes/
no.
Mpendul
o:whynotAyanda?
Aya:
whowi
lll
ookaf
terourhouse?
Mpendul
o:gogowi
llbeher
e.Wear
eal
lgoi
ng.Even
mommy.
Aya:
okayi
fmommyi
sgoi
ngt
heni
m goi
ng.
Li
ndani
:whyar
eyout
womommy'
sboys?
Li
sa:
what'
swr ongwi
tht
hat
?Im al
soamommy'
s
gi
rl
..
.andadaddy'
sgi
rlt
oo.
Li
ndani
:t
hat
'swhywewi
lll
eaveyoubehi
nd.
Lisa:
mybagisalreadypacked.I
m goi
ng.Im not
sl
eepingt
onightoryoumightleaveme.Idon'tt
rust
youanymore.
Lu:
canwet
akeourt
oyswi
th?
Mnqobi
:youcanbuynewt
oyst
her
e.
Twi
ns:
yeesss!
Lu:
doyout
hinkwhenwegot
othepar
kssnakewi
ll
bi
teus?
Mnqobi
:no.Wehaveourbi
gbr
other
.Hewi
llpr
otect
us.
Aya:
yohil
ovehavi
ngabi
gbr
other
.Hecanpr
otect
us.
Li
sa:ial
sol
ovehavingabi
gbrot
her
.Butidon'
tli
ke
i
twhenyouallgooutandl
eaveme.
Li
ndani
:butThandoi
sher
ewi
thyou.
Li
sa:
no.Shedoesn'
tgoout
.She'
sbor
ing.
Thando:
Lisano.
Li
sa:
shesai
dmyname.
Theyl
aughedather
.
Lu:
Lu
Thando:
Luuu.Papal
u
Mpendulo:
mybabycant
alk.Youknowshe'
snot
bor
ing.
Kea:
babet
heyar
esocut
ehl
e
Mpendul
o:yeah.Godbl
esseduswi
thbeauti
fulki
ds.
Hey.
..
don'
tcry.Qhawei
shappywhereheis.He's
r
esti
nginpeace.
Kea:
you'
rer
ight
.

BONOLO
Me:
babel
ookatThando.She'
ssocut
e.
Mzwakhe:what
'ssocut
eabouthercr
ying?I
woul
dn'
tletmysonwalkther
e.Whatifthatgl
ass
br
eakandshefall
s?
Me:babethatgl
assf
loori
stoost
rong.
AndLi
sai
s
l
aughing.
Mzwakhe:thatcrazygir
l.Im sur
eshewaslaughi
ng
att
hebabycr ying.Idon'tknowwhoshetakesaf
ter
.
She'
scrazy.
Me:andfunnyt
oo.Andshet
alksal
otf
orsomeone
herage.
Mzwakhe:
act
ual
lyshei
sonanot
herl
evel
.
Me:
theyl
ookhappyandenj
oyi
ngt
hemsel
ves.
Mzwakhe:yeah.Lookatthet
wins.Theyar
ereally
happy.2j
usthopenothingwi
lleverendt
his
happi
nessforthem.Theydeservethi
shappiness.
Me:
whi
chi
swhyi
m goi
ngt
otakecar
eoft
het
hreat
.
Mzwakhe:
whatdoyoumean?
Me:i
m meeti
ngAmi
randhi
smot
her
.Iwantt
oput
anendtothi
s.
Mzwakhe:awuyindawo.Thosepeopl
ear
e
danger
ous.
Me:
Ami
risnotl
ikehi
sent
ir
efami
ly.Hi
smot
her
doesn'
tknowhe'sgoi
ngtobepresent
.Babeiknow
she'
sresponsi
blef
orKea'
sshooti
ng.
Mzwakhe:
ithoughtyoudon'
ttal
ktot
hisAmi
r
anymor
e?
Me:icall
edthei
rcompanyandscheduledameeti
ng
wit
hhi m andhi
smotheral
toget
her.Theydon'
t
knowit'
sme.
Mzwakhe:
im goi
ngwi
thyou.Ican'
tletyougoal
one.
Me:
imt
heonewhocausedal
lthi
s.Ihavet
ofi
xit
.
Mzwakhe:okaybutthatAmirbet
terkeephi
s
di
stance.Idon'
twanthim cl
osetomywi f
e.Ihope
heseesthisri
ng.
Me:
baber
elax.
Aft
erourlobol
onegot i
ationswewentt osignin
courtandhadthetradi
tionalweddingbeforeKea
l
eft.Nowmyhusbandcan' tstoptal
kingabouthow
wear enowmar r
ied.Hisphoner ang.
Mzwakhe:
hel
lo.Yes.Aowthat
'sgoodnewsnje?
Youknowwhat!?Ihopeyoudi
dn'tt
ellhert
hat!
Whatki
ndofpersonareyou?Forsevenyears
you'
vebeentr
yingandnowyou'reliket
his?Cal
m
downandjustkeepyourcool
.Im comingther
e.
Now!
Hehungupandsi
ghed.
Me:
what
'
swr
ong?
Mzwakhe:
it
'st
hati
diotMabut
ho.
Me:
real
lybabe?
Mzwakhe:
what
?Whatdoyouwantmet
osay?He'
s
ani
diot
.
Me:
whatdi
dhedo?
Mzwakhe:t
hey'
vebeenmarri
edfor8year
sand
t
ryi
ngforababyforsevenyear
s.Nowthatshe'
s
f
inal
lypr
egnanthethi
nksshecheat
ed.Whodoes
t
hat?Heshouldbehappybutnowhe'sfr
eaki
ngout
.
Me:youshouldgother
eandtal
ktohi
m bef
orehe
sayssomethi
ngstupi
dandlosehi
swif
e.
Mzwakhe:
yousti
llcar
eabouthi
m?Af
terwhathe
sai
daboutyou?
Me:
he'
sfami
ly.Andwhywoul
dIhat
ehi
m?Hewas
r
ight
.Iwasj
ustagi
rl
fr
iendt
oyou.
Mzwakhe:
ifigetther
eandheactsst
upi
dhewi l
l
knowme.Iwillt
eachhim al
essonhewi
llnever
for
geti
nhisli
fe.
Me:youloveyoursi
bli
ngshey?You'
reagood
br
other.
Mzwakhe:butsometaket
hatf
orgr
anted.Iwoul
d
under
standifi
twasKhanyobutMabuthoagrown
man?Heshoul dgr
owup.
Me:babemaybei tst r
essedhim.Youseewhatt hi
s
means?Mpendul ot heonethattheyal
waysr untois
nothereandt hefi
rstpersonhecall
sisyou.This
meanshel ooksupt oyou.It'
sagoodthingthatyou
al
ltrustoneanother.Goandt al
ktohim.Hemi ght
bewor ri
edfornothing.
Mzwakhe:
you'
reri
ght.LookatLwandl
eli
steni
ngt
o
us.Thi
sboywil
lgossip.
Me:it
hinkhewant
stogetoutofhi
scotbuthe
doesn'
tknowhowto.
Mzwakhe:
shamei
nganeyam.
Lwandl
e:mama
Heraisedhi
shandsupandwel
aughed.It
ookhi
m
outandsatonthebed.
Me:he'
ssoheavy.
Mzwakhe:
he'sgr
owi
ng.Inevert
houghthewoul
d
r
eachthi
sstage.
Me:i
mj ustt
hankf ult
hatyouwerewit
hmeal lthe
way.Iwouldn'thavesurvi
vedal
one.Him bei
ngsick
andmepani cking.Yi
ureal
lyhel
ped.
Mzwakhe:Il
oveyouBonol
oKhoza.
Me:
iloveyouMzwakheKhoza.

*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
03] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER26*
BONOLO
Idrivetotheplacewher eiwil
lbemeet ingAmirand
hismot her.Ichoseapublicplace.Icannevertr
ust
thatwoman.Idr i
vethereandarrivej
ustinti
me.But
unfortunat
elyIhavet owaitf
ort hosetwotoarr
ive.
Finall
ytheyar r
iveandlookaround.Theydon'tknow
i
t'smet hattheyaremeet i
ng.Iraisemyhandand
themot herisdumbst r
uck.She'ssurpri
sedtosee
me.Theycomet owhereim si
t t
ing.
Ami
r:ar
eyout
heonewear
emeet
ing?
Me:
yes.Iknowyouwer
ethi
nki
ngt
hisi
sabusi
ness
meet
ing.
A.
mom:
whatdi
dyoucal
lusher
efor
?
Me:ithi
nkwebot
hknowwhyIcal
ledyou.Youcana
seat.
Ami
r:
it
'sgoodt
oseeyou.I
t'
sbeenl
ong.
Ismi
leandnod.
A.
mom:
youdi
dn'
tcal
lusher
etosmi
leatusr
ight
?
Me:you'
rer
ight
.Amiriknowwhatidi
dtoyoui
sbad.
Andiam sorr
y.Iwaswrong.
Ami
r:it
houghtwe'
vemovedonf
rom t
hat
?
Me:notatall
.Imayhavemovedonbuti
tseemsl
ike
yourfamil
yhasn'
t.
Ami
r:
whatdoesmyf
ami
lyhavet
odowi
tht
his?
Me:yourmot herisst
il
langr
yoverwhathappened.
Mast ayawayf rom myfamil
y.Comi
ngaftermy
famil
ywi l
lnotmakemecomebackt oyourson.
Yourthreat
swi l
lnotworkonme.
Ami
r:
whatt
hreat
s?
Me:yourmotherthr
eat
enedmesayi ngishouldlieto
youandsayt hevabythatIwaspregnantwi
thi s
yoursorshewouldkil
lme.Ihadtor unandhide
becauseshehadpeopl elooki
ngf
orme.Asi fthat'
s
notenoughjustafewweeksbackshesent
someonetoshootmysi st
er.
A.
mom:
what
!?
Me:ohyesiknowi twasyou.Unfort
unatel
yforyou
shedidn'
tdie.Shemayhavebeeni nacomabut
she'
sperfectl
yfine.Stopgoi
ngaf t
erherandface
medirect
ly.Im notscaredofyounkoko.Tryyour
st
untsagai
nandisweart
her
ewi
llbehel
ltopay.
Youdon'
tknowme.
A.mom:youmademysonaf oolandthoughtyou
arest
il
lgoingt
opayf
ori
t.Iwon'tst
opuntilyouand
yourf
amilypay.
Me:if
eelsosor
ryf
oryouAmi
rtohaveamot
herl
ike
t
his.
A.mom:ohmanyourdearAmi
risn'
tasi
nnocentas
youthi
nk.
Ami
r:
mom!
A.mom:what?Di
dyoutel
lheryouhadawomanat
homewaiti
ngforyouwhi
leyouwereaboutt
omar
ry
her?Goon.Tel
lher.
Il
ookedathi
m andhel
ookeddown.
A.mom:youbett
erwatchyoursel
f.Youhaveacut
e
baby.Somet
hingmighthappentohim.
Myphoner
ang.
Me:hel
lo.Yes.
..
thankyou.Iwi
lldef
ini
tel
yrepor
tfor
dut
yonMonday.Thankyou.
.
..
A.mom:andtel
lyoursi
stert
obecaref
ul.Imi
ghtj
ust
payheravisi
tandfini
shherthi
sti
me.
Me:idon'
thavet
imet
odealwi
tht
his.Ihavet
ogo
andcelebr
atemynewjob.
A.
mom:
yougotaj
ob?
Me:ohyes.Yout
houghtgi
vingabadref
erence
aboutmewouldworkalways?Nott
hist
ime.
A.mom:enj
oythi
sli
ttl
ehappinesswhi
leitst
illl
ast
s.
Youwil
lneverbehappyforaslongasim al
ive.
Me:bel
ievemeyoudon'
twannat
akemeon.Justt
ry
andyouwi l
lknowme.
Amir
:Bonolowhere'
sthatsweetwomaniknow?
Whendidyoutur
nt othi
s?
Me:idon'
tknow.Maybesinceyourmotherwanted
t
okillmeandmysister.Anywayhaveagoodday.
Andknowt hi
s,
don'
ttr
ysomet hi
ngthatyou'
regoing
t
oregret.
Af
terthatiwentbackhome.WhenIarr
ivedt
here
werecarsoutsi
deandiknewhisbr
otherswer
ehere.
Igoti
nandgr
eet
edt
hem.
Mzwakhe:
babewewer
ejustwai
ti
ngf
oryou.
Me:
ohokay.
Mzwakhe:
wearegoi
ngoutsoIwant
edt
owai
tsoi
canl
eaveLwandl
e.
Me:
okaybaby.Havef
un.
Mabutho:
MaKhozadi
dyouheart
hati
m goi
ngt
obe
af
ather?
Me:
yes.Congr
atul
ati
ons.
Mabut
ho:
mani
can'
tbel
ievei
t'
shappeni
ng.
Mzwakhe:
we'
releavi
ngnowbaby.Iwi
llseeyou
whenicomeback.

Icl
eanar oundthehousewhileLwandleisst
il
l
sl
eeping.Iknowhe'l
lwantmyat tent
ionwhenhe
wakesup.If i
nishcl
eani
ngthenst ar
tbaki
ng.My
motherinlawaskedmet obakef orherassheis
comingont heweekend.Shelovessconesandi
knowialwayshavet obakeforherwhenshevisit
s.
Whil
eim stil
lbusybaki
ngifeelhandstouchi
ngme
onmyl egs.Howdidheknowwher et
of i
ndme?I
l
efthi
m sleepingi
nthelounge.
Me:
mybabyyouareup.Di
dyoumi
ssmommy
t
oday?Cosimi
ssedmyboy.
Iki
sshi
m andhegi
ggl
es
Me:
ohyoumi
ssedme?Il
oveyoumybaby.
mcaa

Iputthepotsont hest oveandstar

tcookingwhi l
ei
bakeont heotherside.Igowi t
hmyboyt ot he
l
oungeandt akehi sfeedinghighchai
r.Igivehim
hi
sfor mulaandcont inuewithwhatiwasdoi ng.As
i
mt akingoutthefirstbatchofsconesmyphone
ri
ngs.It'
sMpendul o.What '
sgoingon?
Me:
hel
lo.
Mpe:
hey.Sor
ryi
fim di
stur
bingyou.
Me:
noyou'
renot
.
Ml
e:howar
eyou?
Me:
im goodandyou?
Mpe: good.Ical
ledaboutyoursi
ster.Canyou
pleasetryandtalktoher?Shecan'tstopcr
yingand
idon'tknowwhatt odo
Me:
whathappened?
Mpe:not
hingbad.I
'
vet
ri
edbutshewon'
tst
op
cr
ying.
Me:okay.WecanFaceTi
meandI
'
llt
ryandt
alkt
o
her
.Areyouback?
Mpe:
yes.Wear
ri
vedyest
erday.
Hecut
sthecal
landweFaceTi
me.
Me:
Keat
lar
etsiwhyar
eyoucr
ying?
Kea:
im pr
egnantagai
n.
Mpendul
o:you'
repr
egnant
!?
Me:i
sthatwhyyouar
ecr
ying?It
houghtsomeone
di
ed.
Kea:
youdon'
tunder
stand.Myl
if
eisover
.If
eell
i
ke
i
m ababymakingmachine!
Me:ohsor
rybutdon'
tfeel
li
kethat
.Imeanyoucan
af
fordt
otakecareoft
hatbaby.Youhaveyour
husbandt
ohel
pandhe'
l
ltakecar
eofyouandt
hat
baby.
Kea:
howdi
dthi
shappen?Iwasoncont
racept
ives!
Me:t
heset
hingshappenokay?Youshoul
dbehappy
now.
Kea:
butIal
waysf
eel
li
kecr
ying.
Me:youknowwhat?Comeandvi
sitmet
omor
row.
Theother
sareal
socoming.
Kea:
youalwaysknowhowtocal
m medown.Il
ove
youokay?Il
oveyousomuch.
Me:
iloveyout
oo.Nowst
opcr
ying.
Kea:
im hur
tokay?Thi
smeansiwon'
tgobackt
o
workanyti
mesoon.
Me:yourcompanywontrun.Itwi
llalwaysbethere.
Youcangobackafteryougivebi
r t
h.It
'snotl
ike
someonewillf
ir
eyou.
Kea:iguessyouar
eri
ght
.
Me:
yesiam.Seeyout
omor
row.
KEATLARETSI

Wear enowbackfrom ourholiday.Ir

eall
yhadf
un
wit
hmyl it
tl
efami
ly.If
eltloved.Myhusband
spoi
lednesomuch.Ican'tevenexpl ai
n.
Mpendul
o:babeI
'
llbei
nthest
udyi
fyouneedme.
Me:
pleaset
ellOr
ati
let
ohur
rywi
tht
hati
cecr
eam.
Mpendul
o:i
t'
sthel
astt
imeyou'
rehavi
ngi
cecr
eam
Me:
it
'
snotgoi
ngt
omaket
hebabysi
ckhawu.
Mpendul
o:mybabywi
llbecd.
Me:
okaydaddy.Wehearyou.
Mpendul
o:ngi
yak'
thandanehmami
?
Me:
namingi
yak'
thanda.
HeleavesandOrat
il
earr
iveswithouricecream.He
waswi t
husonourvacat
ion.Iaskedhismot heri
f
hecouldjoi
nusandsheagreed.Ilovethi
sboy.
Eversi
nceimethim myloveforhi
m keepsgr owi
ng.
Or
a:ar
eyouf
ine?
Me:
yes.I
m goi
ngt
omi
ssyou.
Ora:
iwi
llmi
ssyout
oo.Ihadf
unspendi
ngt
imewi
th
you.
Me:met oo.Butdon'
tworry.Nextholi
dayskaJunei
wil
lfet
chyou.Ican'tbel
ieveyou'r
eleavi
ng
t
omor r
ow.
Or
a:il
oveyou.
Ne:
iloveyout
oo.AndThandowi
llcr
ywhenyou
l
eave.
Or
a:doyout
hinkishoul
dgowi
thher
?
Me:
andshewi
llal
socr
yifshedoesn'
tseeher
mommyanddaddy.
Or
a:aahshedoesn'
tknowwhatshewant
s
Me:
lol
.Let
'seatouri
cecr
eam bef
orei
tmel
ts.

Aft
erdinnerweallwenttoourrooms.Iwenttotake
ashowerandgotr eadyforbed.Thedooropened.
Mpendulocamei nandproceededtothebat
hroom.
Ihear
dt heshowerrunni
ngsoiconcludedhe'
s
showeri
ng.Ifi
nishedputt
ingl
oti
onthenputonmy
si
lkPJs.Igotunderthecover
s.SoonMpendulo
camebackandst art
edtoputlot
iononhi
sbody.I
gotupandwentt ostandbehi
ndhim.
Me:
babei
m sor
ry.
Mpendul
o:sor
ry?
Me:yeah.Forbl
amingyouf
ormebei
ngpr
egnant
.I
shouldn'
thavesai
dthat
.
Mpendul
o:ihadf
orgot
tenaboutt
hat
.Comeher
e.
Isatonhi
slap.
Mpendul
o:whatididn'
tli
keisyoucryi
ng.Itwasasi
f
someonedied.Idon'
tli
keitwhenyoucry.You
scar
edme.
Me:i
m sorr
y.I
t'
sjustt
hati
m scar
ed.Idon'tknow
whatwil
lhappen.Whati
fthi
sbabydiestoo?
Mpendul o:st
handwasami ourbabydidn'
tdie.There
wasnot hingwr ongwit
hhim.Hewaski ll
ed.This
onewillli
ve.It'
sagoodt hi
ngthatmurdererwas
deni
edbai l.She'sgoi
ngtoroti
njail
.Noonewi lldo
anyt
hingt oourbaby.
Me:
whataboutt
hepeopl
ewhoshotme?
Mpendul
o:don'
twor
ryaboutt
hat
.It
'st
akencar
eof
.
Me:
ihopeyoudi
dn'
taskf
orzol
ani
'
shel
p.
Mpendul
o:no.Canwegot
obednow
Me:
mmh.
Mpendul
o:comeletssl
eep.Wehaveabusyday
t
omorrow.We'vebeeninvi
tedt
oagal
adinner
.
Me:
real
ly?Wher
eisi
t?
Mpendulo:
aroundPr
etori
aWest .Don'
tworr
y.You
boughtcl
othesonourvacati
on.I'
m sur
eyouwill
fi
ndsomethingtowear.Andpicksomethi
ngforme
too.
Me:okaybaby.Butwon'tyoubet
ir
edwhenyou
comebackf r
om Rustenburg?
Mpendul
o:l
oveidr
ivef
rom her
etokznandst
il
lnot
f
eelt
ir
ed.What'
s+-2hour
s?
Me:
ifyousayso.
Mpendul
o:l
etmet el
lyousomethi
ng.Icanseethat
youar
esti
llscar
edofsomething.I
m promi
singyou
now.Not hingwi l
leverhappent oyouasl ongasi m
here.Iwilltakecareofyou.Iwi l
lprotectyou.Ij
ust
wantyout obeli
eveinme.Iwi llprotectyoufrom
anything.Iwon'tletanyonetouchyou.
Me:wel
libel
ievet
hat
.ButwhathappenswhenIgo
outwit
houtyou?
Mpendul
o:st
handwasamiasi
yekel
ent
o.Youwon'
t
goanywherewit
houtmeknowi
ngwhereyouar
e.
Me:
iloveyousomuch.Goodni
ght
.
Mpendul
o:goodni
ghtmami
.
Isnuggl
edcl
osert
ohi
m ashehel
dme.

Thef
oll
owi
ngday

WhenIwokeuphewasal r
eadygone.Helef
tanot e
thathetooktheki
dswi t
h.Whichmeansim al
lalone
here.It
ookashowerandcl eanedmybedroom then
drovetoNolo'spl
ace.Igot
thereandt
heguardbat
thegateopenedforme.iwentinsi
deandicoul
dn't
seeher.
Me:Bonol
oar
eyouher
e?
"
Yes!I
m comi
ng."
Me:
im hungr
y.Whatdi
dyoumake?
Nolo:you'
rel
uckyicookedaverybigbr
eakfastj
ust
beforeMzwakheleft
.Orelseyou'
dstar
tslavi
ngin
thatkit
chennow.
Me:
thankGod.
Nol
o:youlooksobeauti
ful
.Iseeyouhadagood
t
imeont hevacat
ion.
Me:verygoodti
me.Ienjoyedspendingt
imewit
hmy
husbandandkids.Itwassogood.SometimesI
eventhinksomethi
ngbadwi l
lhappen.
Nol
o:enj
oyyourl
ifeandstopbeingnegati
ve.
Not
hingwil
lhappen.Yourhusbandlovesyou.
Me:
iknow.Letmegogett
hatf
ood.
Nolo:
don'tt
ouchthesconesinthebl
uebucket
.
Takefrom t
hecontai
nersifyouwant
.
Me:
whynott
heonesi
nthebucket
?
Nol
o:t
heyar
eforMa.She'
sonherwayher
e.
Me:
okay.
Iser
vemysel
fandgobackt
othel
ounge.
Nol
o:sowher
e'sThando?
Me:
she'
salwayswi
thherf
athert
hatone.Theyt
ook
Or
ati
lehome.
Nol
o:whydi
dn'
tyougowi
tht
hem?
Me:
nekel
api
le.
Nol
o:Keat
lar
etsiobuamaka.Godi
ragal
ang?
Me:okayidon'twanttoseemystepmot
her
.And
peoplet
alkthere.Youknowthi
s.
Nolo:
tlogelagoiti
rangwanakea.She'syourfather
's
wifeandshe' snotgoinganywhere.Justputef
fort
i
ntoyourr elat
ionshi
pwi t
hher.
Lekat l
hemma.O
kaselatl
hegelwikesepe.
Me:idon'
that
eherbutij
ustcan'
tconnectwi
thher
.
Iwi
shmymot herwasali
ve.
Nol
o:andyout
hinkshe'
staki
ngyourmot
her
'spl
ace.
Me:yeah.She'
sagoodper
sonbutIcan'tcometo
t
ermswi thherbei
ngmymother
'sr
eplacement.
Ever
yti
meIt
ryif
eel
li
kei
m bet
rayi
ngmymot
her
.
Nolo:
takei
tst
epbystep.I
m sureyourmother
wouldbehappyt
hatyourfatherhasf
ound
someonewhomakeshi m happy.
Me:
maybeyouar
eri
ght
.
Nol
o:iknowiam.
Me:okayI
'l
lgi
veherachance.Whydoyoual
ways
havetoberi
ght?
Nolo:
im yoursi
ster
.Whowi
ll
tel
lyour
ightf
rom
wrongifidon't
?
Me:
mmh.Thi
sfoodi
sdel
ici
ous!
Nol
o:yest
erdayIwentt
omeetAmi
randhi
smot
her
.
Me:
real
lyBonol
o?Ar
en'
tyouscar
edoft
hem?
Nolo:
no.Herli
fei
sinmyhandsandshedoesn't
evenknowit.Onewrongmovef
rom nowoni t
s
overf
orher
.Letmeshowyousomething.I
'
llbeback
j
ustnow.
Shewentupst
air
sandcamebackwi
thaf
il
e.
Nol
o:idi
dn'
tevenshowmyhusbandt
his.I
'
m
showingyoubecauseit r
ustyoumor ewithmylif
e.
I'
llgi
veyoucopiesandyou'l
lhidethem whereno
onewi l
lfi
ndthem.Ifsomethinghappenstomeyou
takethem tot
hepoliceandthepeopleinvol
ved.
Me:
thatsoundsdanger
ous.
Nol
o:i
mjustsayi
ngj
usti
ncase.
Me:
huh!Bonol
owher
edi
dyougett
his?
Nolo:
iover
hear
dt hat
womant al
kingandigott
he
i
nformati
oninheroff
ice.Shedoesn'
tknowihavei
t.
Me:oi
tl
hokomel
e.Youdon'
tknowwhenshewi
ll
st
ri
ke.
Nolo:
anywayst
heot herl
adi
esar
enotcomi
ng
anymore.Soi
t'
sjustmeandyouhere.

At2myhusbandcalledandsaidimustgetr
eady.
Nolosai
dshewasalsogoingasMzwakhe'sdate.
Wewentt ogetr
eadyatahotelt
hatmyhusband
booked.
Me:
wow.Thi
sdr
essi
sbeaut
if
ul.
Nol
o:egot
shwanagor
e.
Me:iknowidon'
tli
kemakeupbutl
ookatt
hisf
ace!
Andthehair
.
Nol
o:i
t'
stimetogonow.Theeventi
sjusther
eat
t
hehit
el.Let
'sgo.
"Sur
pri
se!"Ilookedback.ItwasNdoni .Igotupand
wenttohugher .Wewentt owher etheeventissaid
tobe.Weopenedt hedoorandwenti n.Light
s
wenton.Istoppedwher eiwas.Thepl acewas
beauti
ful
.Lookedl i
keaweddi ngvenue.Lindani
appearedwithflowersonhishands.Hegavet hem
tome.
Li
nda:
let
'sgomom.
Iwasnowconf used.Ilookbehi ndmeandBonol o
wasn' ttger
eanymor e.Wewent i
nandnyf amilywas
there.EvenOr ati
le.I
sn'thesupposedt obein
Rust enburg?Ilookedatf rontandmyhusbandwas
therelookinghandsome.Isweari m gobnacry.He
appr oachedussmi l
ing.Her eall
ylookedgood.His
velvetlapelvertoli
vegr eentuxedowi t
hawhi teshir
t
fi
thim soper fectl
y.Hisheadahavedandal i
ttl
ebit
ofbigwhit
ebeard.Maki
nghi
m mor
esexy.Il
ove
thathedoesn'
tcuti
t.
Mpendul
o:wel
comet
oourvowsr
enewal
sbaby.
Oooh.MyGod.Ilovemyhusband!Il ookaround
andmyfatherisheret
oowithmyst epmot her.
Mpendul
ohol dsmyhandsandgoeswi thmet osit
down.Mabuthoisthemc.Trustthem togivehim
themci
ngjob.Buthe'sdoi
ngagr eatjob.He'seven
morehappy.Idon'
tknow.Dif
ferent.
Mabutho:
nowit
'st
imefort
hereasonwear
eher
e.
Therealr
easonweareher
e.
Hegivesthemi ct
oMpenduloandhestandsup
hol
dingmyhand.West andi
nfr
ontoft
hepeopl
e.
Andim nervousasifi
t'
smyweddingday.
Mpendul o:
fi
rstl
ythankyoueveryoneforcomingto
celebratewithus.Thankyouf oryoursupport
.We
reall
yappr eciat
eit.Andtomywi fe,
ijustwantto
sayt hankyou.Fi veyearslat
er.Adaybef oreour
anniversary.Istandhereinfr
ontofyouasahappy
man.I m ahappymanbecauseofyou.Becauseof
everythingthatyouar et
ome.You' r
eeverythi
ngi
everwant edi nawomanandmor e.Youmakeme
wantt obeagoodman.Youpushmet obeagood
man.Agoodf athert oourki ds.Tobeagood
husband.Inevert houghtwewoul dbeher e.That
wewoul dreacht histime.Butwear eher e.Abd
that'sbecauseyoudi dn'tgiveuponme.You
believedinourl oveandputef fortintous.Wear eal l
thatwear ebecauseofyou.It hankyouf orthat.
Thankyouf orlovingmeevenwhenIdi dn' tdeser ve
tobel oved.Thankyouf orgivingmet hisbeaut i
f ul
fami l
y.Youar ether easoni ml ovi ng.Iloveyouso
muchmywi fe.Noamountofwor dscanexpl ain
howi mfeeli
ngher ei nsi
demyhear t
.Youar ear eal
gem.Apr eciousdi amondi nmyl ife.Ipromi sethati
willloveyouf orasl ongaswel ive.Idon' twantt o
sayt il
ldeathdousapar tbecauseiwantust olive
l
ongandexper i
encet hi
slovet hatyougi vememor e.
Mabutho:
beauti
fulspeecht
here.Thi
sisbeautiful
.
Youmakeusbel i
evemor ei
nlove.It'
sveryrareto
seemybrothercryi
ngbutithi
nkit'
ssafetosayhe
get
semotionalwhenhet al
ksabouttheloveforhis
wif
e.Nowit'
stimef orMaKhozatosaysomet hing
al
so.
Hehabdst hemict
ome.Ibr eathei
nandout.Ididn'
t
expectthistobehappening.I
m notevenpr
epared.
Soiwilljustsaywhatevercomestomyheart.
Me: uh. .
.(
ilaugh.Ir eallydon'tknowwhatt osay.A
tearf all
.)Iwasn' texpectingt hi
s.Idi dn'tevenknow
thiswasgoi ngt ohappen.I tcameasasur pri
se.But
imr eal l
yhappy.Thankyouever yonef orcomi ngto
celebr atewithus.I treallymeansal ot.Itshowswe
havepeopl ewhol oveandsuppor tus.Andt omy
husband.Thankyouf orthi
ssur prise.Im amazed.I
didn'texpectt hisbuther ewear e.Iam happy.Iam
happyt obeher e.Tobest andi ngher ewi thyou.I
m
happyt obedoi ngt hisl i
fethingwi t
hyou.Iwoul dn't
chooseanyoneel se.Iwoul dchooseyouoverand
over .Youmaki ngl i
vingwor thi t.Thef i
rsttimewe
metyoushowedt hatyoucar e.Iwasi nabadspace
ididn' teventhinkiwoul dsur vi
ve.Butyoudi dn'
t
giveuponme.Youopenedt hedoort oyourheart
andwai t
edpat i
ent l
yf orme.Youmaynotknowi t
butyoubei ngt heremadei tpossi bleformet oget
throughever yt
hi ng.Irememberonedayiwasgoi ng
throughsomet hingandyousai d"whateveritis,
you
aregoi ngtobef i
ne."Rightther eiknewiwasgoi ng
tobef ine.Imadei therebecauseofyou.Wemay
havehadourpr oblems,obstaclest hatwefaced.But
wesur vivedbecauseoft hest rengththatwehave
toget her.Becauseofhowst rongourl oveisf or
eachot her.Il oveyouMrKhoza.Youmakel i
fe
wonder ful.Youmakei teasyt oloveyou.Youmake
l
ovi ngyoueasy.Il ovehowyoucar eformeandour
fami ly.Hiwyout akecareofus.Il ovethatnomat ter
whatwegot hroughyour eassur emet hatwewi llbe
fi
ne.Ipr omi set obeagoodwi fenott rytobet he
best .Becauset omeyouar et hebesthusbandever .
Andiwoul dn' tchangeanyt hing.Ipr omisethatiwi ll
alwaysbebyyoursi de.Iwi l
lloveyouf orever.
Igavet
hemi
cback.Myhusbandhuggedme.
Mabutho:bafoweknowyoul oveyourwifeandall
.
Butyouwi l
lhaveyourtimetohavehertoyoursel
f.
Butfornowt akeyourseat
s.Thesepeopleyousee
her
ear eheretocelebr
atewit
hyouandt heyhavea
l
ottosay.
Thepeopl
elaughed.Webr
okeof
fthehugand
Mpenduloki
ssedme.God!Ibethebl
ockedwhat
Mabuthosai
doutofhi
sears.Mydadusherefor
God'
ssake!
Mpendul
o:haydon'
tlookatmel
iket
hat
.Ihear
dyou.
Heheldmyhandaswewentbackt oourseat
s.
Peopl
elaughed.Whatamanihave!
Mabut
ho:nowtheirfr
iendswouldli
ketosay
somet
hing.Zwelibafoiskhat
hisakho.
Zweli:greeti
ngseveryone.Whatabeaut ifuldayt his
i
s.Icanbett hateveryoneher eagr
eeswi thme.
Bafo,naweMaKhoza.Congr atul
ati
onsknget ti
ngto
your5t hyearofmar riage.Noteveryoneget shere.
Whatyouar ei
sanexampl eofamar r
iaget hat
works.You' resett
inganexampl et
ot hosewhowi ll
comeaf teryou.I
m happyt hatyou'restil
lgoi ng
str
ong.Ir ememberthef ir
sttimeyoumether .I
knewyouhadf oundyourwi fe.Youcoul dn'tst op
tal
kingabouther .Youevent ookadayof ffrom
workanddi daajobt hatwasnotyour sj ustsoyou
canseeheragai n.Iknewshehadcapt uredyour
heart.Thewayyout alkedabouthershowedt hat
youreall
ylovedher.Shechangedyou.Nowyou' rea
husbandbecauseofher .Iknowt herearehardships
i
nmar ri
ages.Wefacethingsaswego.Don' tlet
them breakyou.Takeitasal essonandlearnfrom
i
t.Letitbuil
dyou.Mayyourmar riagebemore
strongerthanbef
ore.Iwishyouwel l
.Mayyoube
mor ehappyandbef rui
tfulandmul ti
plyi
n
everythi
ngyoudo.
Mpendul
o:babet
hisoneshoul
dhavebeenapast
or.
Hewhi speredtome.Icont ainedmysel f
.Iwasn' t
aboutt olaugh.Ourf ri
endsandf amilyandour
parent stal
kedandgaveusadvi ce.Thespeecht hat
mademeshedt earswasmygr andmot her.She
remi ndsmesomuchofmymot her.Theyl ook
exact l
ythesame.WheneverIl ookatmymom' s
picturesit'
sli
kegr andmotherinheryoung
age....
Shegotof fherchairandcamet othet ablewe
wer esitt
ingonwi thherwal ki
ngst ick.Shesi gnaled
formet ostandnextt oher.Ihuggedherandshe
kissedmeonkycheek.Ohhowil oveher .
Grandma:
mygr anddaught
er,
I
'm ver
yproudofyou.
Yourmotherwouldbeproudofyou.Iknowyou'
re
goi ngt obegoodevenf rom her e.Youwer eraised
wel l.Yourf atherdi dagoodj obwi thyou.Andi m
happy.Amar riagei sagoodt hing.Buti talsohas
i
t'spr obl em.Pr ay.Pr ayf oryourmar r
iage.Youwi l
l
nevergowr ongwi t
hGod. TrustinGodAnd
ever ythingwi llgowel l
.Anddon' tbescar edt oask
elder sforadvi ce.Yourmot herinlawi st her efor
you.Yourmot heri sther eforyou.Tal ktot hem if
youar egoi ngt hroughsomet hi
ng.Youhaveyour
sisters.Thosear et hepeopl eyout alkto.don' tleta
thirdpar tyinyourmar r
iage.I t'
sbetweenyouand
yourhusband.Yesyougetadvi cesbutt hi s
mar ri
agei sbet weenyout wo.Cont inuet or espect
andhonorhi m asyouhavebeen.Godwi llblessyou
all.Thel ovet hatyout woshar ewillgrowmor ethan
ever .Mysonpl easet akecar eofher .Youknowt hat
She' sver yimpor tanttome.Iwoul dn'twantt ohear
compl aintsf r
om her .Itrustedyouwi thher .Even
nowgoi ngf orwar di sti
lltrustyouwi t
hher .Ilove
youRudoandwi shyoual lthebest .
Wehugged.Af
tert
hatshewentbackt
oherseat
.
Mabut
ho:
thankyouf
oral
lthespeech.Webel
ieve
theyaregoingtousethoseadvi
cesgoingforward.
Wehopet hatitwil
lbui
ldandstr
engthenyou.Now
i
t'sti
met oeatdri
nkandbehappy.You'rewelcome
toeatanythingt
hatyouwant.Youcanhaveas
muchasyouwant .Andthankyouforcomingto
celebr
atewithusandthefamil
y.

Waiter
sstartedser
vingusfoodanddri
nks.Mybaby
rantowherewewer esit
ti
ng.Imissedher
.Ihaven'
t
seenherallday.
Thando:
mommyImi
ssedyou.
Me:
imi
ssedyout
oo.Comeandeat
.
Thando:
food?I
m hungr
y.
Me:
okay.Si
ther
e.
Thando:
mmbaa.
Shekissedmycheekthenki
ssedherdaddyandate
fr
om hisplat
e.I
t'
sof
fi
cial
.Mybabylovesherdaddy
morethanme.
Me:
nanaosakgot
lhel
apapaneh
Thando:
huh
Mpendul
o:ungangcol
isiubaba.
Thando:
yebomommy.
Mmh.
Me:
pleasef
eedher
.
Thando:
icaneatonmyown.
Thi
soneeversi
nceshestar
tedt
alki
ngshe'
stoo
much.Mybabyhasgrown.
Thando:babawhenmommygetanewbabywi
llyou
st
il
lpickme?
Me:
wher
edi
dyouheart
hat
?
Shesmi
lespoi
nti
ngatherdad.
Mpendul
o:I
'
llpi
ckyoual
lthet
ime.
Thando:
okay.Youcanpi
ckmenow.
Mpendul
o:okaybutsi
tst
il
l.
Shesmi
ledhappy.Aft
ert
heceremonywewentt o
ourr
ooms.Myhusbandhadbookedforourguest
s
andwewil
lleavei
nthemorni
ng.
Mpendul
o:babewoul
dyoul
iket
oadoptLi
ndani
?
Me:
youmeanl
ikehavehi
mlegal
lyasmi
ne?Babe
t
hatwoul
dbegood!
Mpendul
o:iknowhi
smotherdoesn'
tevencar
e
abouthi
m.Andt hi
swi
llmakehim happy.
Me:
haveyout
alkedt
ohi
m abouti
t?
Mpendul
o:no.Wewi
lldoi
ttoget
her
.
Me:
okay.I
'
dbehonor
edt
obehi
smot
her
.
Mpendul
o:il
oveyouKhanyi
sil
e.
Me:
iloveyout
oo.

*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
03] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER27*

Nt
ombi
Mabut
ho:
babycomel
etst
alk.
Me:
ithoughtweal
readyt
alked?
Mabut
ho:
ital
kandyoul
ist
ened.Iwantust
otal
k.
Me:
tal
ksot
hatyoucanaccusememor
e?No
t
hanks.
That '
sthethingwi t
hhim.He' sal waysther i
ghtone.
Whenevert here'
sapr oblem imt heonewho' s
wrong.I t
'salwaysbeenl i
ket hat.Evenwhenwe
wer edati
ng.ImetMabut howheniwas13.Hi s
fatherwasbusi nesspartnerswi thmyf atherandhis
fatherwouldsomet i
mescomewi thhim atour
houset omeetwi thmyf ather.That '
showwegott o
knoweachot her.West arteddat ingwheniwas16
andhewas21.Wedat edunt ilIwas25andgot
mar ri
edat26.Eversi ncewest arteddati
ngt hey'
ve
neverbeeni ssuesofcheat ing.Soiwassomehow
hurtwhenhesai dicheatedonhi m andfell
pregnant.Justbecauset hedoct orsaidhi ssperm
counti sl
owdi dn'tmeant hatwewontf allpregnant
.
Ibelievedthatonedaywewer egonnahaveachi l
d
ofourown.Andnowt hatwehaveheaccusemeof
thi
s.Aft
erfouryearsoftryi
ngweagr eedtoaddopt
.
Weadopt edaboy.He'sfouryearsoldnow.Even
thoughwehadadopt edwest i
llwishedtohavea
chil
dofourownbl ood.
Mabutho:
thenhowarewegoingtosol
vet
hingscos
icanseethatt
her
e'sst
il
lpr
oblemsher
e?
Me:youdon' tseeit
.You'r
etheonewho' swr ong
here.Whatmadeyout oaccusemei nthefi
rstpl
ace?
Thedoct ordidn'
tsaythatyou'r
eunabletohavekids.
Hej ustsai
di twoul
dbedi ff
icul
t.Butyouthensayi
cheated.
Mabutho:whatdi
dyouwantmet
othi
nkwhenmen
cal
lyou?
Me:that
'sthesamer easonyouaccusedKhanyi
sil
e
ofcheati
ngevent houghshewasn't
.Aren'
twomen
all
owedt ohavebusinesswithmen?Sobecause
youdobusi nesswithwomenihavet osayyouare
cheati
ng?
Mabut
ho:
youknowI
'
dnevercheatonyou!
Me:
andI
'
dcheat
?haveievergi
venyouanyr
easont
o
t
hinkso?
Mabut
ho:
..
..
Me: yest
erdayyouwentandgotdrunkwit
hyour
brotherssayingyou'
recel
ebr
ati
ng.Whatwer
eyou
celebrat
ingifthechi
ldi
snotyours?
Mabut ho:i
m sorr
y.Iknowiwaswr ong.It
ake
responsibi
li
tyformyact i
ons.Iknowyou'dnever
cheatonme.Iwasj ustoverwhelmedandsurpri
sed.
That'
sal l
.Imreall
ysorry.Pl
easeforgiveme.
Me:if
orgi
veyou.Butihopet
hisi
sthel
astt
imewe
t
alkaboutthi
s.
Mabutho:ngi
yakt
hembi
sasthandwasami
.Ngeke
kwenzakalef
uthi
.Ngi
yafunga.
Me:
kul
ungi
leke.
Mabut ho:
ngizokubonamangbuyaokay?Unga
sebenzikakhulu.Weshouldgetahel per.Uzokusi
za
ngemsebenziyal aphakhaya.Youstil
lhaveyourjob
andyoucan' tcomehomet odoinghousechores.
Don'tbelate.I'
l
lsendadr i
vertopickyouup.
Iyakt
handai ndodayakho.
Me:
uthandwayi
mi.
Heki
ssedmyf
oreheadandpi
ckedSbani
set
huup
andl
eft
.

Khanyisi
leandMpendul
o'sanniver
sarywasa
success.Ever
ythi
ngwentwell
.Iadmiretheirl
ove.
Theirl
oveissobeaut
if
ulandstrong.Ifeelsomeone
j
umpi ngonmeandiknowSbani set
huisher e.
Me:
boyst
op.I
m st
il
lsl
eepi
ng.
Sbani
:iwantt
osl
eepher
e.
Mabut
ho:
babebr
eakf
asti
nbed.
Me:
thankyoubaby.
Sbani
:t
hankyoudaddy.
Mabut
ho:
thi
sboy.Getof
fmommyandeat
.
Hegetsupandj umpsont hebed.He'ssucha
happychi
ld.Igethimtositandwestarteat
ing.
Whil
eeati
nginot i
cethatMabuthostoppedeati
ng.
Me:
whyar
en'
tyoueat
ing?
Mabut ho:
imjustthinki
ngabouthowl uckyIam to
haveyoui nmyl i
fe.Aft
ereverythingthatwe'
vebeen
throughsomeonewoul dhaveleft.Youknewitwas
goingtobedi f
fi
culttohavechildrenbutyoustayed.
Thatshowsj usthowmuchyoul oveme.Ipromi sei
willl
oveyouandshowappr eciationtoyouforthe
restofourli
ves.
Me:
you'
reagoodman.Andi
won'
tleave.
Mabutho:i
m happyt
oheart
hat
.Anddon'
twor
ry
aboutcooki
ng.
Me:
butyourbr
other
sar
ecomi
ng.
Mabutho:
you'
repr
egnant.Theirwi
vesar
enot
di
sabl
ed.Theywil
lcook.Idon'
twantmywif
e
sl
avi
ngaround.
Me:
babecooki
ngwon' tki
llme.Iwil
ljustcookwi
th
t
hem.It
'snotl
ikeiwi
llpi
ckheavythi
ngs.
Mabut
ho:
idon'
tcar
e.Youshoul
djustsotandr
elax
wena.

Nowhi
sbr
other
sandt
hei
rwi
veshadst
art
ed
arri
ving.I
t'
snowaf ullhouse.Thekidsar
erunni
ng
aroundplayingandthemenar estarti
ngt
obraai
.Us
thewomenar ei
ntheki t
chencooking.
Mabutho:
don'
tfor
getwhatisai
d.Don'
tli
ftheavy
t
hings.
Me:
babei
mjustcooki
ng.Not
hinghect
ic.
Mabut
ho:
you'
repr
egnant
.Sowehavet
obecar
eful
.
Mpendul
oshout
edf
rom out
side.
Mpendulo:
heywena!Wear ewait
ingf
orthatmeat
.
Mywi f
eisalsopregnantbutshe'
scooki
ng.Andi
alsodon'
twantanythinghappeni
ngtomybabies
butshe'
scooking.Leavethewomenandcomewi th
thatmeat.

Mabut
ho:
shoutwhenyouneedme.
Me:
babei
mfi
ne.
Heki
ssedmycheekandl
eft
.
Ndoni
:youl
adiesar
esosecr
eti
ve.You'
repr
egnant
andwedidn'
tknow.
Kea:
nooneknew.Ionl
ymysi
ster
.
Nol
o:andionl
ygottofi
ndoutbecauseherhusband
cal
ledmeasshewascr yi
ngli
kesomeonediedand
hedidn'
tknowwhattodo.Orel
seI'
dbeinthedark.
Me:wellyourhusbandsknewcosyouknowhowmy
husbandis.Hecouldn'
twaitt
otel
lthem.He'
sso
happy.
Set
hu:
youdeser
vet
his.Butj
ustber
eadyf
orl
abor
pai
ns.
Li
sa:
mommywhat
'sl
aborpai
ns?
Nol
o:Li
sawhendi
dyougether
e?
Li
sa:
maicamet
odr
inkwat
er.Buticanst
ay.
Kea:
goandpl
aywi
thot
her
s.El
der
sar
ebusyher
e.
Li
sa:
okaymommy.Canial
sohavei
cecr
eam?
Pl
ease.
Me:
checki
nthef
ri
dge.
Shetookt
wocontai
ner
sandtooksever
alspoons.I
knowshewassentbyhersi
bli
bgsher
e.
Li
sa:
thankyouma.
Me:
whosentyou?
wil
lyouf
ini
sht
hat
?
Lisa:
it
'sf
ormeandNat
ty.Wewi
llf
ini
shi
t.I
t'
shot
today.
Me:
heeLi
sa.Lengane.Go.
Shel
eft
.
Kea:
she'salotofwork.Wit
hLesedihereyoubet
ter
packawayallthesnacksandicecream.Thosetwo
aretr
oublewhentheyaretogether
.Seenowshe'
s
l
yingaboutNatty.
Set
hu:
that
'showshei
s.
Phumla:
soNt ombidoyouhavecr
avi
ngsormor
ning
si
cknesses?
Me:
notyet
.
Bongi
:yousti
llhavealott
ogot
hrough.Nott
o
menti
onlaborpains.
Kea:
guyscanwechanget
het
opi
c?I
m al
ready
scar
edoflaborpai
ns.
Bongi
:butyou'
vedonei
tbef
ore.
Kea:
tr
ipl
etsar
eal
ot.Howwi
llipush3babi
esout
?
Bongi
:goodl
uckyoh.
Nol
o:canwest
opwi
tht
hist
opi
c?You'
rescar
ingher
.
Kea:
I'
l
lbef
ine.
Nol
o:st
il
l.Let
'scookorwewi
llneverf
ini
sh.
Set
hu:butt
hewayyou'
regi
vingbi
rth..
.whysomany
ki
ds?Iknowyoucanaff
ordthem buthaa.
Ndoni
:don'
tli
stent
oher
.Ki
dsar
eabl
essi
ng.
Nol
o:sowenaSet
huhowmanyki
dsdoyouhave?
Set
hu:
3andi
m done.
Nolo:
Goodf
oryou.youhavenori
ghtt
ojudge.I
t'
s
notherf
aul
tthatshegi
vesbir
tht
onotonlyone
chi
ld.
Sethu:
thenwhathappenswhenherhappenswhen
herhusbanddi
sappearsagai
n?
Nolo:
that
'snoneofyourbusi
ness.Whotol
dyouhe
wil
ldi
sappear?Besi
des,Shedoesn'
tcomecryi
ngt
o
you.Whoareyoutojudge?
Bongi
:l
adi
esl
etsnotf
ight
.
Nolo:ij
ustwant edtoputitouttherethatshedon'
t
doanythingf orKeatl
aret
si.Shedon'tbuypampers
forherkidssoshe' snotenti
tl
edt osayanythi
ng
aboutherbei ngpregnant.Shecangetpr egnantt
en
ti
mesandt hat'
sfine.Soiwon'tstandhereand
watchyouj udgeher .
Set
hu:shehasamout
htospeakf
orher
sel
f.
Nolo:iknowthat.Sethuyou'r
ejudgement al.Ever
si
nceimetyouyou' vebeenlikethat
.Youbet t
er
changeoryouwi l
lknowwhoiam wheni tcomest o
mysi ster
.Shemaybequi etbutiwon'tkeepqui et.I
don'twanttohearanyt hi
ngaboutheral waysbei ng
pregnantunlessyou'retheonewhoi mpr egnated
her.
Set
hu:iwasj
ustvoi
cingoutmyopi
nion.
Nol
o:andyouropi
niondoesn'
tmat
ter
.It
'sj
ustan
opi
nion.
Me:ladi
esl
et'
scl
oset
hist
opi
canddowhatwear
e
her
ef or
.
Icoul
dseethatt
hist
opicwasgoingtoofar.I
t
wouldmakepeoplef
ight
.Khanyi
sil
eisqui
et.She
doesn' tspeakt hatmuch.Lucki lyBonol oisher e.
Shewoul dn'tletanyonespeakagai nsthersi st
er.
That'swhyshewasdef endingherl ikethat.Il i
ke
thei
rr elationship.Theyar et oocloseandl ookout
foreachot her.Iwi shihadar elat
ionshipliket hat
withmysi sters.It'
sbeaut if
ultowat ch.And
Sethu. .
.that '
sanot hercase.Shesayswhat ever
comest omi nd.Wear eusedt oher .Ifyoudon' t
knowheryou' l
lalwaysf eel off
ended.It hinkSi ya
i
nstilledt hismanneri nhercosshewasn' tlikethi
s
atfi
r st.Hi smanner sarerubbingof fonher .We
cookedever ythingt hatwewer esupposedt oand
tooki ttot hetabl e.Icouldseet hatKhanyi silewas
hurt.Hermi ndwasn' thereanymor e.
Me:Khanyi
sil
ecanit
alkt
oyou?
Wewentbackt
otheki
tchen.
Me:im sor
ryaboutwhathappened.Set
hudoesn'
t
watchwhatshesaysandsomet imesshejust
speaksoutofturn.
Kea:i
t'
sfi
ne.I
m sur
eshedi
dn'
tmeant
oof
fendme.
Me:
iknowyou'
rehur
t.I
m sor
ry.Iwi
llt
alkt
oher
.
Whatshesai
dwasn'
tri
ght
.Let
'sgoj
oint
heot
her
s.
Wewentoutsi
deandever
ythi
ngwasgoi
ngwel
land
Wer
ehavingagoodti
me.

Nar
rat
ed
Astheywer
eeat
ingandl
aughi
nghavi
ngagood
t
ime.
Mpendul
o:ur
ight
?
Kea:
yeah.
Mpendul
o:you'
resoqui
et.
Kea:
ahi
t'
snot
hing.
Si
ya:
ohKhanyo.Idi
dn'
tknowyouwer
ecomi
ng.
Khanyo:hel
loever
yone.I
m sohungr
y!Icameatt
he
ri
ghtti
me.Ramayan
Mabut
ho:
takeaseat
.
Khanyo:
everyonethi
sisWandi
le.Andwandi
let
hese
ar
emybr othersandthei
rwi
ves.
Si
ya:
nicemeet
ingyouWandi
le.Sot
ellus,
whati
s
Wandi
let
oyou?
Khanyo:
myboyf
ri
end.
Bongani
:boywhat
?Angi
zwanga?
Khanyo:
meandhi
m ar
edat
ing.
Mabut
ho:Mf
anaphumal
akwami
.
Nt
ombi
:babet
hat
'sabi
thar
sh.
Shaka:
Wandi
lesowhatdoyoudo?
Wandi
le:
im ami
newor
ker
.
Si
ya:
minewor
ker
?
Mpendul
o:wi
llyoubeabl
etot
akecar
eofoursi
ster
?
Muzi
:i
fyoul
oveoursi
steryouwi
llwai
tforherunt
il
shei
s30.
Mpendul
o:yes.
Sethu:
haybo!Yourwif
ewasn'teven30.You'r
e21
yearsol
dert
hanher.LetKhanyodate.She'
s26and
hasadegree.Whatmor edoyouwant ?
Everyonekeptqui
etandl
ookeddown.Thingisthey
al
lrespectMpenduloast
heolderbr
otherandtheir
l
eader
.SoSet
huspeaki
ngl
iket
hatshockedt
hem.
Si
ya:Set
hu!Sincewhendoyout
alkt
omyel
der
br
otherl
ikethat?
Set
hu:
im sor
ry.Idi
dn'
tmeant
o.
Kea:Set
hu...
Kel api
lekawena.I fyouhave
somethingagainstmej usttel
lmeandst op
pret
endingtol i
keme.Whatdoihavet odowi th
Khanyodat i
ng?Di dyouhavet omaket omakean
examplebyme?It hinkI'
vebeent ooquietf
ortoo
l
ong.Let'ssolvethismatteronceandf oral
l.
Set
hu:ihavenot
hingagai
nstyou.
Kea:no.It
'snotthef i
rstti
me.WhenIwasandmy
husbandwasn' taroundyouj udgedmeandt hought
iwouldn'tnot
ice.Andt odayyoudiditagain.You
sai
dial waysfallpregnantandsaidi
tasi fit
'sabad
thi
ng.What '
swr ongwi thyou?Andnowi t'
smyage.
Whathaveidonet oyou?
Set
hu:Khanyisi
lei
mr eal
lysorr
yf orsayi
ngalloft
hat
.
Nawebabaomkhul ungiyaxolisaforukukhuluma
nawengaleyandlel
a.Kwakungeyinxoso
yami.
imreal
lysorr
yKhanyisil
e.
Kea:
babeyou'
l
lfi
ndmei
nthecar
.
Mpendul
o:hl
alaphansiKhanyi
sil
e.Noonei
sgoi
ng
anywher
ehere.
Nol
o:iseeyouf
orgotwhatwet
alkedaboutSet
hu.I
..
Mzwakhe:Thandi
wet
hat
'senough!
Thandi
wei
sBonol
o'smar
it
alname.
Mpendulo:Iseesomeofyou' vefor
gott
enwhoiam.
Nowyout hinkyoucant al
ktomeanyhowyoul i
ke.I
hopeit
'sthefir
standthelasttime.Andwena
Khanyoihopeyouhaven' tdoneanythi
ngstupidyet
.
Wandil
ewhatar eyourintent
ionswithoursi
ster?
Wandi
le:
iloveyoursi
ster.Iseeafutur
ewi t
hher
.
Get
ti
ngmar ri
edandbuildaf ami
lytogether
.
Mzwakhe:howmuchdoyouear
nandar
eyouan
under
groundwor
ker?
Wandi
le:
iear
nenoughtotakecareofmysel
fand
myfamil
y.Andno,
im notanundergr
oundworker
.
Mpendulo:Ihopet hatmoneywi l
lbeenoughtotake
careofher.Idon'twanttoseehercryingoryou
abusi
ngher .Treatmysisterr
ight.I
m givi
ngyouthe
benefi
toft
hedoubther
e.Provethatyou'
rer
ightfor
her.Onewrongmoveiwil
ldealwit
hyoumysel f
.
Khanyo:
ngi
yabongabut
i.Thankyousomuch.
Mpendul
o:nowlet'
seat.AndWandi
le,
got
oschool
.
Doacourserel
atedto
KEATLARETSI

Wecamebackhomef r
om Ntombi'
splaceandiwas
actuall
ygett
ingboredbeingther
e.Thatlame
apologyfr
om Sethu..
.Iknowshedidn'
tmeanit.I
don'tknowwhatisherpr obl
em wit
hme.Idon'tcar
e
anyway.
Mpendul
o:babewhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Hej
ustcameoutoft
heshower
.
Me:
imj
ustsendi
ngmygr
andmot
her
'smoney.
Mpendulo:
ohsheaskedformoney?Whydi
dn'tyou
t
ellme?Iwouldhavesenti
tbef
orewewentto
Mabutho'
splace.
Me:
no.I
t'
sthemoneyt
hatIsendf
orhermont
hly.
Mpendulo:t
akingcareofyourgrandmother.
..
not
manydot hat.You'r
eagoodwoman.Ever ymonth
yousendhergr oceri
esandmoneyont op.Ihope
ourki
dstakeyourgoodhear t.
Me:imjustdoi
ngwhatican.Thingsarever
y
expensi
veinZim andidon'twanthert
ostr
uggl
e
whenshewant ssomething.
Mpendul
o:howmanyuncl
esdoyouhave?
Me:
it
'
sthr
ee.Thenf
ouraunt
ies.
Mpendul
o:andyourcousi
ns?Ar
etheywor
king?
Me:
somear
ewor
king.Andsomear
est
il
linschool
.
Mpendul
o:t
hat
'sni
ce.
Me:babedoyoureal
lyagr
eewi
thWandi
leand
Khanyo'
srel
ati
onshi
p?
Mpendul
o:yes.
Me:
babeiknowyou.
Mpendul
o:okay.Idon'
twantherdat
ingbutwhat
canido?
Me:
babeshe'
sgr
own.She'
swor
king,
shenever
di
sappointedyouandthisisherfi
rstrel
ati
onshi
p.
Justletherbe.Howwillshel
earnifyouarethis
str
ictwithher?I
m sur
eWandi l
eisagoodguy.
Mpendulo:
okay.Iwi
llgi
vet
hem mybl
essi
ngs.Buti
f
hehurther
..
.
Me:
let
'snott
hinkl
iket
hat
.
Mpendul
o:okay.

Inthemor ni
ngiwokeupanddidmyhygiene
processthenwentdownst
air
s.If
oundKhanyo
cooking.
Me:
itsmel
lsni
cei
nher
eandi
m sohungr
y.
Khanyo:
you'
rer
ightont
ime.I
m aboutt
odi
sh.
Me:
howar
eyou?
Khanyo:
im good.I
m happy.
Me:
icansee.Letmej
ustgoandsi
tdown.
Itookaseatatthetabl
eandKhanyobroughtt
he
food.Soontherewasnoise.Whi
chmeansthekids
werecomingf orbr
eakf
ast.
Li
nda:
goodmor
ningmom.
Heki
ssedmycheekandt
ookhi
sseat
.
MnqobiandLi
sa:
goodmor
ningmommy.
Theyki
ssedmycheekandhuggedme.
Me:
goodmor
ning.
If
eltl
i
ttl
ehandsonmyeyes.
Me:
Luyanda.
Theyl
aughed.Hetookof
fhi
shandsandhi
sdad
washoldi
nghim.
Aya:
igotyoumommy.Yaay!
Hesatonmyl
ap.
Aya:
goodmor
ningmommy.
Me:goodmor
ningmyboy.Luucomeher
e.Howar
e
you
Luu:
im goodmommy.Wear
egoi
ngt
oschoolt
oday.
Aya:
whenar
ewegoi
ngt
obi
gschool
?
Mpendul
o:wel
l,
soonyou'
l
lbegoi
ngt
obi
gschool
.
Luu:
youseesi
si?Wear
ejoi
ningyoui
nbi
gschool
soon.
Li
sa:don'
twor
ry.Iwi
lll
ookaf
teryou.I
m yourbi
g
si
ster.
Thando:
daddyi
m hungr
y.
Me:
tl
ayakwanonana.
Thando:
..
..
Me:
wozaThando.
Shecamerunni
ng.Thi
schil
d.Shebabyki
ssedme
andhol
dontomynecklooki
nginmyeyes.
Thando:
iloveyoumommy.
Me:
aaah.
.il
oveyout
oo.
Mpendul
o:goodmor ningever
yone.Let
'seatbef
ore
you'
rel
ateforschool.
Thando:
iwantt
ogot
oschoolmommy.
Me:
andl
eavemommyal
one?
Thando:
iwantt
ogowi
thLi
sa.
Me:
sisLi
sawi
llbebacksoonandpl
aywi
thyou.Me
andyouwi
llpl
ayt
oget
herokay?
Thando:
okay.Daddycanigowi
thyout
owor
k?
Mpendul
o:i
t'
smyl astdayatwor
ktoday.Theniwi
ll
t
akeyoueverywherewithme.
Thando:
iwantt
ogowi
thyou.
Mpendul
o:okaydon'
tcr
y.Iwi
llgowi
thyou.

Wefi
nishedeat
ingandMpendul
owast
aki
ngt
he
ki
dst
oschool.
Me:
haveagooddayguys.
Them:
bye.
Mpendul
omovedhisheadt
omesohecanki
ssme.
Thandohi
thi
sfacescr
eami
ng.
Thando:
mbaamommy.
Welaughed.Iki
ssedherandtheyl
eft
.Icleanedmy
bedr
oom andthebathroom t
henwenttositinthe
l
ounge.Ideci
dedtocallmystepmot
her.I
tr anga
fewti
mesandshepi ckedup.
Mom:
dumel
aKeat
lar
etsi
.
Me:
dumel
angmama.Lekae?
Mom:keteng.Otsogi
lej
wangl
ebanal
e
mokgwenyana?
Me:
ret
sogi
lesent
le.
Mom:
rr
agogayo.LeOr
ati
leoset
seai
lesekol
ong.
Me:
no.Iwant
edt
otal
ktoyou.
Mom:
okay.Ihopenot
hingi
swr
ong?
Wel
lidon'
tbl
ameherf
orsayi
ngthat.I'
venever
r
eal
lymadeanef
for
ttocal
landcallher.
Me:
no.Ever
ythi
ngi
sal
ri
ght
.Ij
ustwant
edust
otal
k.
Mom:
okay.
Me:im sorr
yfornotaccept
ingyouasmymot her
andfornotmakingthingseasyforyou.I
'
dli
keusto
star
tafresh.
Mom: i
t'
salr
ight.I
'dalsolikethat
.Iknowimi ghtnot
beyourbiol
ogicalmot herbutjustknowim hereas
amot heri
fyouneedanyt hi
ng.Im nothereto
repl
aceyourmot herandi m notheretotakeyour
fat
herfrom you.Yourf
atherl
ovesyouandt
hatwi
ll
neverchange.
Me:
iknow.Ihopewecanst
il
lbui
ldar
elat
ionshi
p.
Mom:
I'
dlovet
hataswel
l.
Me:
that
'sgood.Haveagoodday.
Mom:
yout
oo.
Icutthecallandjustcont
inuedwat chi
ngtvas
therewasnothingtodo.Idecidedt ocooklunch.I
fi
nishedcookingandputfoodi nthecont ai
nersfor
myhusband.Iwentupst ai
rst otakemycarkeys.I
tookthem andwentbacktot hekitchen.Ifound
Mpendul oandThandoeatingt hefoodfrom the
container
s.
Me:
iwasaboutt
obr
ingt
hatf
oodt
oyouatyour
wor
k.
Mpendulo:
ifi
nishedear
lyf
inal
isi
ngthi
ngs.Soi
thoughtwhynotcomeandspendt i
mewithmywif
e?
Thisfoodi
sdelici
ous.
Me:
letmet
akei
ttol
oungesowecaneatt
oget
her
.
Thando:
nomommy.I
t'
sourf
ood.
Me:
ihavemi
ne.Whatdi
dyoudot
odaynana?
Thando:Ihel
peddaddywi
thhi
swor
k.Daddysai
d
i
m agenius.
Me:
geni
usyamebat
hong.
Thando:
whatar
eyousayi
ngmommy?
Me:isai
dyou'
remygeni
us.Doyouknowwhata
geniusi
s?
Thando:
acl
everper
sonl
ikeme.
Me:
mmh.
Wetookt
hef oodt
otheloungeandat
ewatchi
ngtv.
Myphoneranganditwasanunknownnumber.
Me:
hel
lo.
Voi
ce:
hi.I
sthi
sKea?
Me:
yes.Kebual
emang?
Voi
ce:
it
'sDef
ne.
Me:
Def
ne?Who'
sthat
?
Voi
ce:Ami
r'
smot
her
.Ihaveapr
oposalf
oryou.
Me:
proposal
?Leavemeal
onehl
e.Nevercal
lme
agai
n!
Def
ne:
notsof
ast
..
Didyouknowt
hatAgnesi
sout
onbai
l?
Me:
stopsayi
ngt
hingsyouknownot
hingabout
.
Defne:i
fyouhelpmegetsomethi
ngfr
om your
si
sterIwil
lhel
pyougetalawyert
hatwil
lwi
nthe
caseforoyu.
Idr
oppedt
hecal
landbl
ockedhernumber
.
Mpendul
o:what
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:Amir
'smothersai
dAgnesgotbai
l.Andweknew
not
hingabouti
t.
Mpendul
o:she'
slyi
ng.Wewoul
dknow.
Me:shewantsmetogethersomethingf
rom Bonol
o
t
henshewillgetmeagoodl awyer
.Doesshethi
nk
i
m stupi
d?Ialr
eadyhavealawyer!
Mpendul
o:Cal
m down.Whatdoesshewantf
rom
Bonol
o?
Me:
idon'
tknow.
Mpendul
o:si
ncewhendowekeepsecr
etsf
rom
eachot
her
?
Me:
im nothi
dinganyt
hing.
Mpendul
o:icanseet
hatyouar
e.Whati
sit
?Imi
ght
hel
pyou.
Me: okay.Ithinkshewant smetostealinformati
on
from Bonol o.Im notselli
ngmysisterout.This
i
nf ormationcouldgett hatwomani ntr
ouble.So
Bonol otoldhertol eaveheraloneorshewi llgi
ve
theinformat i
ont othepeoplewhoar elookingforit
.
Mpendul
o:yoursi
steri
sdanger
ous.Howdi
dsheget
i
t?
Me:i
nthatwoman'soff
ice.Don'
ttel
lanyoneabout
t
his.I
fthatwomanfi
ndsoutiknowwher ethe
i
nformati
onis.
.
Mpendul
o:Khanyi
sil
e!You'
real
soi
nvol
vedi
nthi
s?
Me:t
hisi
smysi st
erwearetal
kingabout
.If
somethi
nghappenstoheriwi
llgivet
hat
i
nfor
mationt
otheowner.
Mpendul
o:wher
ear
eyoukeepi
ngi
t?
Me:
somewher
esaf
e.
Mpendulo:
bythatyoumeaninourhouse?Doyou
r
eal
izethedangeryou'
reput
ti
ngourchil
dren!
?
Me:
don'
tshout
.
Mpendul
ogoandt
aket
hati
nfor
mat
ion.
Me:
ican'
t.
Mpendul o:hey!Iwasn' taskingyou.Goandt akei t
.If
thatwoman' speopl ecomeandshootyouagai n
whatdoyout hi
nkwi llhappent ous?Ourchildren?
Me?Howwi llwesur vive?Khanyi si
lei
fyouknew
howi twaswhenyouwer eshotyouwoul dn'
tbe
doingt hi
s.Icouldn'tsl eeporeat.Iwasalwayssad.
IloveyouKhanyi si
leandl osi
ngyouwi l
ldestroyme.
Iwon' tsur
vive.Whatwi l
lbeofourf ami
ly?Didyou
thinkaboutt hebabiesyou' r
ecarryi
ng?Ifyoudon't
car eaboutust henthi nkaboutthebabies.
Me:i
m sorr
y.Butpl
easedon'
ttel
lMzwakheaboutit
.
Idon'
twanthimtofi
ghtwit
hher.Ipr
omisedtokeep
qui
etaboutit
.
Mpendul
o:nevermi
nd.Don'
tbot
herwi
tht
hat
i
nfor
mati
onanymor e.
Me:
okay.Iwi
llgoandgeti
t.

Iwashur tthatiwasn'tthi
nkingaboutmysel f.The
painedlookonmyhusband' sf ace.Ithur
tme.I t
brokemyhear t.Maybeiwassel f
ishbynottell
ing
him aboutit.Iopenedthesafeandt ookthe
document s.Iwentbackt othel oungeandgave
them tohim.Her eadt
hem.Il ookedathim ashe
wassweat ing.
Me:
what
'
swr
ong?
Mpendul
o:doyour
eal
lyknowwhatyoursi
sterput
youi
nto?Doyouknowhowdangerousthi
sfamilyi
s?
Me:
no.Idi
dn'
treadt
hem.
Mpendul
o:khavet
ogi
vethi
sinf
ormat
iont
othi
s
mansohecandealwi
tht
hiswomanonceandfor
al
l.
Me:
babyi
nnocentpeopl
ewi
llbehur
ther
e.Ami
r
wi
ll
..
.
Mpendul
o:t
hesameAmirwhowasmaki
ngyour
si
steraf
ool?Hehadawomanbacki
nTurkeywhi
le
hewant edt
omarryBonol
o.Theyareal
lcrooks.I
m
call
ingChri
ssohecancontactt
hisman.Heknows
him.
Me:
ist
hisgoi
ngt
oputmei
ntr
oubl
e?
Mpendul
o:iwon'
tdoanyt
hingt
hat
wil
lputyoui
n
t
roubl
e.
Hecal
ledChr
isandhesai
dhe'
scomi
ng.
Mpendulo:
babydon'
twor
ry.Your
sist
erwont
havet
odeal
witht
hatf
amil
yanymore.
shewillbesaf
e.
Chr
isappear
edandsatont
hecouch.
Chr
is:
icameassoonasyoucal
led.I
tsounded
ur
gent.
Mpendulo:
thatgangst
eryouwer
ewor
kingf
ori
she
st
il
linSout
hAf ri
ca?
Chris:
youcall
edmefort
hat
?It
oldyouIdon'
twor
k
forhim anymore.
Mpendul
o:ihavei
nfor
mat
ionf
orhi
m.
Chri
s:he'
sinLondon.He'
salwayst
ravel
ingar
ound
theworl
d.Don'
tinvol
veyour
selfwi
thMafiasi
twon'
t
endwel
l.
Mpendul
o:myfami
lyi
sindangersoihavet
odot
his.
Sowhywereyouworki
ngforhi
m?
Chris:hiswifewasshotandtheysaidshewon't
survive.Heaskedmet ohelpsavehiswife.Idi
dan
operat i
ononherandt r
eatedherunti
lshesurvi
ded.
Butt heirbabydi
dn'tmakeit
.He'sagoodman.He
savedmydaught erwhenherbiologi
calf
ather
ki
dnappedher .
Ir
emembert
hatst
ory.Ler
atot
oldmeabouti
t.
Chri
s:butt
hosewhodoubl
ecr
osshi
m don'
tli
vet
o
tel
lthetal
e.
Mpendul
ogavehi
mthef
il
eandhest
art
edr
eadi
ng.
Chr
is:
what
!?I
sthi
sinf
ormat
ionl
egi
t?
Mpendul
o:idon'
tknow.
Me:i
tis.There'
sal
soadvdvi
deoi
nthei
nvel
opebut
Idi
dn'twatchit
.
Chri
s:t
hesepeopl
ear
edanger
ous!
wher
edi
dyouget
thi
sinfor
mati
on?
Me:mysi st
ertol
dmet okeepi
tsaf
eforherand
shouldanythi
nghappentoherimustt
akeitt
othe
personinquesti
on.NowDefnewantsi
t.
Chri
s:howdi
dyoursi
stergeti
nvol
vedwi
tht
hese
peopl
e?
Mpendul
o:shewasgoi
ngt
omar
ryt
hatwoman'
s
son.
Chri
s:Ami
r?(
inodded)Thatguyi
smarr
ied.Hemust
havebeenusi
nghertogetsomethi
ng.
Mpendul
o:howdoyouknowt
hesepeopl
e?
Chris:
thatf
amil
ywasMrPspar tner
s.Theyarealso
i
nt hemaf i
aworl
d.Verydangerous.Look,iwil
lcal
l
Mrpandaskt omeet .They'
vebeenlooki
ngf ort
he
personwhowasr esponsibl
eforthi
sbutnever
foundhim.Keeptheinfor
mat i
onsafeunti
lhe
agreesforameeti
ng.
Me:
ihopet
hati
fheagr
eesmyhusbandwon'
thave
t
ogoLondon.
Chr
is:
ihavet
ogowi
thhi
m.Sot
hathecanexpl
ain.
Ibr
eat
houtl
oud.Ist
oodup.Myt
ear
swer
eaboutt
o
f
all
.Mpendul
ohel
dmyar
m bef
oreIcoul
dleave.
Mpendul
o:babeihavet
odot
hisf
orus.Not
hingwi
ll
happent
ome.
Me:whatwillhappeni
fsomethi
nghappenstoyou?
Wil
lihavetor ai
se9ki
dsalone?Whatift
hist
ime
t
hewor sthappens?
Mpendulo:ihavetodothisforustohavepeacein
ourli
ves.Sthandwasamiipromisenothi
ngwill
happen.babynothi
ngwillhappen.Chri
syouwi l
l
cal
lmeandt el
lmewhatthemansays.
Chr
is:
sur
e.Letmel
eave.
Iwentupstai
rstoourr
oom andwenttowashmy
face.If
elthi
shandsar
oundmywai st
.
Mpendul
o:pl
easedon'
tst
ress.
Me:
thi
sal
wayshappenswheni
m pr
egnant
.
Mpendul
o:t
hist
imei
t'
sdi
ff
erent
.Not
hingwi
ll
happent
ome.
Thatdaywemadel ovelikeitwasthelastday.I
t
wasjustl
ikethelasttimehedi sappeared.Buti
chosetot
r usthi
m.Tr ustthathewillcomeback.
Andthathewasdoi
ngthi
sforourf
ami
ly.Ibel
ieved
t
hathewouldcomeback.

*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
03] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER28*

KEATLARETSI
Ithasbeenaweekandhe' snotbackyet .Even
thoughhecal
lsist
il
lfearhim notcomingback.He
saidhe'
scomingbacktodaybuthe' sst
illnotsayi
ng
anythi
ng.Hewassupposedt obeher ethreehours
ago.
Li
sa:
mommydaddywi
llcomebackt
oday.Don'
t
worr
y.
Me:
yes.You'
rer
ight
.
Li
sa:
youknowmamayouar
emybestf
ri
end?
Me:
babyit
houghtLesedii
syourbestf
ri
end.
Lisa:
sheis.Butnotal
ways.Butyou.
..
youaremy
bestfri
endallt
hetime.That
'swhyil
oveyoumore
thaneveryone.
Me:
evenmor
ethanLuyandaandAyanda?
Li
sa:nomommy. .no!Thosetwoar
emybestbest
fr
iends.Butil
oveyoumor e.
Me:
okay.Youdeser
veat
reat
.
Li
sa:
canihaveyouri
cecr
eam andcake?
Me:
mmh.Let
'sgoandt
akei
t.
Li
sa:
iwantabi
gsl
ice.
Me:
mmhwena.
..
isi
tyoueat
ingmycake?
Li
sa:
okaymommy.I m sor
ryIwon'
teati
tagai
n
wi
thoutaski
ngyou.
Me:i
mj ustj
oking.Youcantakeitanyti
me.But
don'
ttel
lthetwinsortheywil
lfi
nishi
tforyou.
Li
sa:
ipr
omi
se.
Wet
ookt
hecakeandi
cecr
eam andwentbackt
o
t
hel
ounge.
Voi
ce:
whatar
emygi
rl
seat
ing?
Li
sa:
daddyyou'
reback!Imi
ssedyousomuch.
Sheranupst
air
s.Tocal
lhersi
bli
ngsit
hink.Iiwent
andhuggedhim.
Mpendul
o:it
oldyouiwi
llcomeback.
Me:i
m ver
yhappy.Iwascount
ingt
hedaysunt
ilyou
comebackhome.Imissedyou.
Mpendul
o:notasmuchasImi
ssedyoumywi
fe.
Lu:
dadi
sback.
Lu,
Lisaandayar
ant
ohughi
m.
Mpendulo:
imi
ssedyousomuch.Wher
ear
ethe
ot
hers?
Li
sa:t
hebigboysar
edoi
nghomewor
ksandThando
i
ssleepi
ng.
Me:
ihopenoonewi
llwakeherup.I
mti
redof
r
unni
ngaft
erher
.
Mpendul
o:wasshegi
vingyoupr
obl
ems?
Me:no.I
mjustti
redofrunni
ngafterher
.She'
s
al
waysrunni
ngont hestai
rsit
hinkweshouldputa
gat
eorshewillf
all
.
"
Mommy"
OhGodshe'sup.Ithi
nki
mtaki
ngthem tomy
motherinl
awthesecomi
nghol
idays.Ican'
tdeal
anymore.
Me:
daddyi
sback.Babedealwi
thher
.I'
l
lbei
nour
r
oom.
Mpendul
o:it
houghtshewassl
eepi
ngandiwi
llhave
someti
mewi thmywife.
Thando:
imi
ssedyousomuchdaddy.
Shest
art
edwalking/
runni
ngont
hest
air
sandt
hrew
her
sel
ftoherdaddy.
Mpendulo:
Lisaf
oandcal
lyourbr
other
s.I
mtaki
ng
youguysout.
Me:
haveani
cet
ime.
Mpendul
o:ar
en'
tyouj
oini
ngus?
Me:
iwantt
osl
eep.Ihaven'
tbeensl
eepi
ngwel
l
.
Mpendul
o:okay.Seeyoul
ater
.

.
..
.
Iwokeupfrom mynaptomyphoner i
ngi
ng.The
housei
squiet
.ThatmeansthatMpendul
oandt he
ki
dsarenotbackyet
.Ianswermyphone.It
'sSne.
Whatdoesshewant?
Me:
hel
lo.
Sne:
hi.Howar
eyou?
Me:
imf
ineandyou?
Meandherdon'
treal
lyt
alkunl
essi
t'
saboutMnqobi
.
Sne:
im good.
Shesoundssohappy.
Sne:
iwaswonderi
ngi
fMnqobicoul
dcomet
hissi
de
maybeforaweek.
Me:
why?School
sjustopened.
Sne:it
houghtmaybeyou'
dhavealottodealwi
th.
Withwhat'
sgoingonandever
ythi
ng.Iwouldn'
t
wantmychi
ldexposedt
osuchenvi
ronment
.
Me:nohe'
sfi
ne.
Sne:
okaydar
li
ng.
Shecutt
hecal
l.Si
ncewhenam idar
li
ngt
oher
?
Whatmadeherhappyt
oday?
Icheckmymessagesandt
her
e'samessagef
rom
Sethu.
"Let
'smeetatLit
tl
estar
.Therest
aur
antnear
Brookl
ynmall.Seeyouthen.
"

Idon'tevenknowt hi srest
aur ant.Isearchont he
i
nternetandi m surprisedi
t'
sLer ato's.Wow.These
arethetypesoff ri
endsoneshoul dkeep.Shewor ks
andhasachai nofr estaur
ant s.She'sreallydoing
wellforhersel
f.Iwashmyf aceandgetr eadyto
l
eave.Iputt helocationont hegps.Idr i
vet hereand
l
ookf orher.Thef i
rstoneiseei sPhuml a.Allof
them arehere.Igreetandsi t.Bonol olooksatme
l
ikeshe'sanalyzingme.
Me:
whyar
eyoual
llooki
ngatme?
Set
hu:
areyouf
ine?
Herofallpeopleaski
ngi
fiam f
ine?Idi
dn'
ttakeher
asthecaringtype.
Me:
yes.Whywoul
dn'
tIbe?
Ndoni
:haveyoubeenonFacebookorTwi
tt
er?
Me:
youknowidon'
tuset
hoset
hingsmostoft
he
t
ime.What'
sgoi
ngon?
Shegavemeherphone.
Ndoni
:evenonI
nst
agr
am.

BUSI
NESSWOMANMARRI
EDTOASUGERDADDY
I
NARELATIONSHI
PAMANOLDENOUGHTOBE
HERFATHER
I
SITLOVEORABOUTMONEY?
Thesewer
ethethi
ngstheywer
esayi
ngaboutme.
Bonol
ogavemeanewspaper.I
thadapictur
eofme
wit
hMpenduloandal
somewi t
hRapula.
Thecapt
ionwas"
Wasshecheat
ingont
hepoorguy
wi
tht
hesugardaddy?
"

Mpendul oKhoza, a55year soldmanmar ri

edt oa
34yearol dwoman.I t'
ssai dt hatthey'vebeen
mar r
iedfor5year s.Goi ngt osix.Isitreal l
yabout
l
oveorshemar ri
edhi mf ormoney?I tiswel l-
known
thatKhozai sat opbusi nessmanwhoi sf i
lt
hyr i
ch.
Coul ditbet hatKeat laretsiisint hisforthemoney?
Thi swoul dn'tbeasur priseasweknowt hatshe
waswi thRapul aMol etsaneabusi nessmanwho
alsohashi smoney.Al sowi t
ht helecturershe
dat edbacki nUni versityi twast hesamet hing.After
hedi edhel eftallhismoneyandest atet oher .
A
sour cecloset othem r eveal edt hi
s"Thi swomani s
afterhismoney.Not hingel se.Iwasi na
relati
onshi pwi thhi mf or3year sbutnotoncedi dhe
everment ionanyt hingaboutmar r
iage.Butshe
cameandi nkesst hansi xmont hstheygot married.
It'
sl i
keshehasahol donhi m.Somet hingyoucan
neverbr eakf reef rom.I fitwasn' tforherme, hi
m
andourbabywoul dbel ivingourhappyl i
fenow?
Keat lar
etsiKhozast ophol dingt hepoormanback.
I
t'
sonl
yamat
teroft
imebef
orehel
eavesyou.
"
Thesourcedi
dnotwanttobedi
scl
osed.Coul
ditbe
thatshe'
susi
ngwit
chcr
aftont
heman? "

That
'swhatthear
ti
clesai
d.Ther
e'sonl
yoneper son
whocouldsaythi
s.Thi
siswhySnecalled.Butwhy
di
dshesoundsohappy?
Me:
aft
eral
ltheseyear
sthey'
reonl
ytal
kingabout
t
heagethi
ngnow?
Nol
o:l
eavet
hem.Theyhavenot
hingbet
tert
odo.
Ndoni
:t
heywr
it
eanyt
hingj
ustf
orast
ory.
Me:
thi
sismynamebei
ngdamaged.
Set
hu:
ithi
nkyoushoul
dsayt
hesi
deofyourst
ory.
Phuml
a:no.Leti
tcooldown.
Ntombi:
noways.Herreput
ati
onisdamagedi m
t
elli
ngyou.Shemustdosomet hi
ngaboutt
his.
Me:ionl
yhaveoneper soni
nmi nd.Ican'
theli
edto
me.Didshehavetopaintmeli
keabadper son?Im
notawitch.I
nfactshe'sawi
tch!
Bongi:
ifi
t'
sthatwomanofthecatthenshe'
sreal
l
y
dangerous.Noneofwhatshesai
distrue.
Me:
ineedsomet
hingst
rong.
Nol
o:Keat
lar
etsiyoudon'
tdr
ink.Andyou'
re
pr
egnant
!
Me:
ri
ghtnowiwi
shiwasn'
t.
Ifeelli
kecryingri
ghtnow.I m cursed.Justwhenwe
weref i
nall
yhappyt hishappens.AlsotheTi mthing,
i
di
dn'ttakehi smoney.It r
ansfer
redeverythingtohis
parents.Ididn'
tevenor deranyt
hingtoeat .That'
s
j
usthowhur tifel
t.Idrovebackhomeandif ound
hi
mi nthelounge.
Me:
wher
ear
etheki
ds?
Mpendul
o:t
heyar
eatMabut
ho'
spl
ace.

Hegr
abbedmyhandasiwasaboutt
oleave.
Me:
what
?
Mpendul
o:si
tdownandl
et'
stal
k.
Me:
imt
ir
edoft
alki
ng.
Mpendul
o:i
m sor
ry.
Me:
forhowl
ongar
eyougoi
ngt
obesor
ry?
Mpendulo:I
'
m sor r
yt hatthi
swomani scoming
backt
obeat hor
ni nourl i
ves.Butasf
orthebaby
thi
ngshe'sl
ying.Ididn'thaveababywithher.
Me:
andt
hat
'
ssupposedt
omakemehappy?
Mpendul
o:i
m sor
ry.
Me:youl i
edtome.yòuknewher .Youwereina
rel
ationshipwi
thher.3years.Whydi
dn'
tyoujust
tel
lme?Andwhenyouwer einMozambique,
how
didtheyfindyou?
Mpendul
o:Khany.
.
Me:
no.
idon'
twantt
ohearanyexcuses.Iwantt
he
t
rut
h.
Mpendulo:
ireall
ydon'tknowwhatyouwantmet o
say.Arewegoi ngtofightbecauseofthiswoman
again?I
mr eall
ytryingtogetridofobstacl
esonour
waybutyou'retakingmeback.Thi siswhatshe
wants.Iwasneveri nar el
ati
onshi
pwi t
hher .If
ir
st
metherthet i
meiwasl ost
!
Me:
onceagai
nI'
vebeenmadeaf
ool
.
Mpendul
o:you'
renotaf
ool
.
Me: iam.Nowi m beingcall
edawi tch.Myf aceisall
overt hetabloids.Newspaper sar
ehavingaf iel
d
daywi t
hme.Nott otalkaboutsocialmedia.Imthis
witcht hatcamebet weenamanandhi sfami l
y.I
'm
seenasagol ddigger.Meagol ddigger
?I'venever
evenaskedyouf ormoney.Ihavemyown.Anyt hi
ng
thatyiubuyf irmei t
'sfrom yourownaccor d.Iwork
formymoney.
Mpendul
o:t
hist
hingwi
ll
blowover
.
Me:don'
ttel
lmethati
twil
lbl
owover
.Imi
ghtl
ose
cl
ient
sbecauseofthi
s.
Mpendul
o:iwi
llt
akecar
eoft
his.
Me:l
ikeyoutookcar
eofitwhenshetr
iedt
oki
llme
andmyki dsorwhenshekil
ledmyson?
Myphonehasbeenri
ngingnonstop.Journal
ist
sare
aski
ngformysi
deofthestory.Muzisai
dimustnot
commentonanystor
y.Ichosetobeli
eveinhim as
mylawyer.
Mpendul
o:ar
ewegoi
ngbackt
her
e?
Me:whenIwaswithRapul
aineverwentt
hrough
dr
amal i
kethi
s.Hemighthavemademeaf oolbuti
di
dn'tf
aceanydrama.
Mpendulo:
idon'
twantt
oheart
hatnamei
nthi
s
house.
!
Helookedpi
ssed.Angry.Idon'
tcar
e.Hemust
knowhowifeelri
ghtnow.
Me:iact
uall
yregretget
ti
ngmar r
iedtoyou.Idon'
t
knowwhatiwast hi
nki
ng.Youli
edtomef rom t
he
star
tofthi
ngs.Ishouldhaveseenthatasasign.
Mpendul
o:doyour
eal
lyr
egr
etget
ti
ngmar
ri
edt
ome?
Me:
whatmor
ear
eyouhi
ding?
Mpendul
o:i
m nothi
dinganyt
hing.

Ican'
tstandhimr ightnow.Ilef
thi
m wher ehewas
andwentbackt omycar .Idr
ovearounduntili
foundmyselfatmycompany.Igotst aresasiwent
i
nbutidi dn'
tcare.Thisismycompanyandnoone
cantel
lmeanyt hing.Isatonmychai r.Iwas
supposedt ouset hisoffi
cebef oreIdiscoverediam
pregnant.Isatthereandt houghtaboutwher ei
start
ed.Howf arI'
vecome.Al ltgehar dwor kI'
veput
forthi
scompanyt obeasuccess.Andnowsome
j
ealouswomanwant storui
ni tall
.Im notgoingto
all
owi t
.Iswitchof fmyphoneandj ustsiti
nsilence.
Bythet i
meil eaveit'
sdar koutsideandever yone
hasalreadyleft.Igotintomycaranddr ovehome.
Wheniar ri
vedif oundMpendul ositti
ngi nour
bedroom.
Mpendulo:
isthi
stheti
metocomehome?Theki
ds
evenf
ellasl
eepwaiti
ngforyou.
Me:
pleasegi
vemeabr
eak.I
mti
red.
Mpendulo:Khanyisileimt ir
edofyoudi srespecti
ng
me.Mebei nggent lewi thyoudoesnotmeaniam
stupi
d.Showmer espect .Whenisaysi tdownand
l
etstalkďoexact l
yt hat.Nowi t'
sli
keican' tl
eadmy
famil
y.Im alwayst hewr ongonei nthi
shouse.Yesi
domakemi stakesandi m wor ki
ngonf ixingthat
butgi
vemet herespectt hatideserveasyour
husband.Justl i
keir espectyou.
Me:
..
.
Mpendulo:
itol
dyouidon' twanttohearyourex's
nameinthishousebuteverytimewhensomet hi
ng
goeswrongyoucompar emewi t
hhim.Doyoust i
ll
wanthi
m?Whydon' tyoupackyourthingsandgot o
hi
m?You' r
ealwaystalki
ngabouthimi t
'sstar
ti
ngt o
geti
nmyner ves!Nxa!Ifyouregr
etbeingmar r
iedto
mewhyar eyoustil
lhere?

Al
lthi
sti
meIdidn'tsayanyt
hing.Ij
ustl
ookedat
hi
m sayi
ngal
lthesethingst
hathurtme.
Mpendul o:i
fyoureal
lyregretbeingher ewithmeyou
knowt hewayout .Imt i
redoflivingasi fi
mf orci
ng
yout obeher e.I
fyouwantt oleaveyou' rewelcome
toleave.Ifyounotleavingyouwi l
ljoi
nmei nbed.

Iputthecarkeysont hedressingtableandwentto
thebathroom.Igotundert heshowerandj ustl
et
thehotwat erhitme.Icri
edi nsidetheshower.I
cri
edf oreveryt
hingthatI'
vebeengoi ngthrough.
Afteriwasdoneiwentt obed.It houghthe'
dbe
asl
eepbynow.Igotundert
hecover
sandputmy
headonhi
schest.
Me:i
m slr
ry.I
m sorr
yfordi
srespect
ingyou.I
m spr
ry.
Ipr
omiseim notgoingt
oment i
onhisnameagain.
Imreal
lysorr
y.

Hei gnoredme.Iendedupgivinguptryi
ngtot al
kto
hi
m.I nthemor ni
nghewasal readyupwhenIwoke
up.Igotr eadyf
orwork.Aft
eriwentdownst ai
rsfor
breakfast.MmeMaggi epurhelperwasalr
eadyup.
Me:
mor
ningmme.
Maggie:morni
ngmychild.Yourbreakf
asti
sinthe
oven.Yourhusbandhasalreadyt
akenthekidsto
school.
Me:
okay.Thankyoumme.
Iatemybreakfastt
hendroveofft
owork.Justl
ike
yester
daypeoplewerel
ookingatme.Ist
oppedand
l
ookedateveryone.
Me:
issomet
hingwr
ong?
Noonesai
danyt
hing.
Me:t
hengettowor
kinst
eadofst
ari
ngatme.Do
whatipayyouf
or.
Iproceededt omyof f
ice.Istar
tedget t
ingt hi
ngs
readyforthemeet ingst hatihavetoday.I ml osing
cli
entsandt hat'
sver ybadf orbusiness.Myt eam
thatisi
nchar geoft hecompanyr eall
ydi dagr eat
j
obbutj ustthisonescandalhast urnedt hings
upsidedown.Myf i
rstmeet i
ngcameandi tdidn'tgo
real
lywell.Theclientist er
minati
ngt heircont r
act.
Thesamegoesf orthesecondone.Nowi mi nmy
thi
rdmeet ingfortheday.
Cl
ient
:t
hisscandalhaspai
ntedt
hiscompanybadl
y.
Me:exactl
y.It'sjustascandal .Notsomet hingthat'
s
tr
ue.Iassur eyout hiswillbeoversoon.Thisi sjust
someonet ryingt oruinmebecauseoft heirown
agenda.Myl awyershaveadvi cedmenott o
commentonwhat '
sgoi ngonunt i
lfur
thernotice.
Everyt
hingwi l
lbeexpl ainedthen.Ipr
omiseyout hi
s
wil
lnotnterferewi thanyt hi
ng.Im ontopofi t
.And
youknowwhatt hiscompanyi scapableof.
Cl
ient
:iwi
llgetbackt
oyou.
Me:
thankyou.
Ishakehi shandandhel eaves.Usual l
yget ti
ng
backt oyoumeansqui ettheopposi te.Ther e'
sno
guarant eeforaposi t
iveoutcome.Fi rstdayback
andi m alreadyt i
red.Ifim nothavi ngzoom
meet ingswi ththeRust enbur gbr anchi t'
sthisside.I
didn'
tevengett imet oor derlunch.Af termyl ast
zoom meet ingidr ovetoPr etori
aNor th.Afterthe
l
ongdayI 'vehadideser veaf ul
lplateofpapand
beefst ew.Ormaybedumpl ingsandchi ckenstew.I
don'tknow.Butigett oRose' srestaur antandor der
papandbeefst ew.Ist arteating.Iwasr eall
yhungr y.
Ihearacl ickandiknowsomeonej usttooka
pict
ur eandi m goi ngtobet hest oryoft heday.Ipay
andl eave.Iwi shicoul djusttellthesi deofmyst ory
buticannotdot hat.Mydadcal l
edwhi l
eiwason
myway.
Dad:
howar
eyou?
Me:
dadt
hingsar
efal
li
ngapar
t.
Dad:
areyoudr
ivi
ng?
Me:
yesbutwecant
alk.I
m connect
edt
oBl
uet
oot
h.
Dad:iknowyoumustbecryi
ngnow.Don'
tworr
y.
Thingswil
lworkout
.Iwi
llal
sogoandcheckon
thi
ngsonyourcompanythissi
de.
Me:
dadidon'
twantt
obot
heryou.
Dad:you'
remychi l
dandiwantt odot hisf
oryou.I
knowiknownot hingaboutrunni
ngabusi nessl
ike
yoursbutiwil
lgoandseehowever ythingisgoi
ng.I
knowyou'r
enotcopingwi
ththi
s.Just
takeadeep
breathandrel
ax.
Me:t
hankbyoudad.Youknowhowt
ocal
m me
down.
Dad:
that
'
swhatf
ather
sar
efor
.
Me:
okaydad.Haveagoodday.
Dad:
yout
oo.
Igothomeandj ustsatabiti
nthecar.Ididn'
teven
real
izet
hatiendedupf al
li
ngasleepinthecar.I
wasevensurpri
sedt ofi
ndmysel fi
nmybedr oom
wheniheardnaknock.
Li
ndani
:mom ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?
Me:
imf
ine.
Li
ndani:
wear eaboutt
ohavesupper
.Wear
e
wait
ingforyou.
Me:
wow.Di
disl
eept
hatl
ong?
Li
ndani
:dadhasalr
eadycooked.Hesai
dimust
comeandcallyou.
Me:
im comi
ng.
Iwashedmyf
aceandwenttojointhem.Mpendul
o
st
oodupandopenedt
hechairforme.
Me:
heyguys.
Theyallanswer edcheer f
ull
y.Weateandafterwe
weredoneIwentbackt omyr oom whi
letheother
s
remainedwat chingtv.Itwasn'
tyet8,
whichisthe
kidsbedti
me.IwasonFacebookchecki ngwhat
theyweresayi ngaboutme.Isawt hatpict
urewhen
iwasinPr etori
aNor th.Nowit'
sabouthowieatand
mywei gght.Reallynow?
"Stoptor
turi
ngyour sel
fwit
hwhatpeopl
esayabout
youonsoci almedia.Theywon'
tst
optal
king.You
justhavetoignor
et hem "
Me:idon'
tknowwhatieverdi
dtohert
odeser
ve
thi
s.Todayilostt
hreeofmybiggestcl
ients.Nott
o
mentionyest
erday.She'
sdest
royi
ngever ythi
ngi
workedhardfor.Whydidshehavetotarnishmy
namel i
kethi
s?
Mpendulo:hertr
ialst
art
ssoon.Thenaft
ert
hatwe
canhaveapr essconfer
enceandtel
loursi
deoft
he
stor
y.
Me:whathurtsisthatI'
mtheonewho' sl osingher
e.
Noneofwhatshesai dist
rue.Ididn'tknowabout
al
lthebusinessesyouhave.Ididn'tdat eyou
becauseofwhatyouhave.Asf orTim' sthingsi
tr
ansfer
redeverythi
nghegavet omet ohi sparents.
Idon'
tevenknowwher eshegetsal lofthis
i
nformati
on.
Mpendul
o:comeher
e.
Igotof
fbedandwentt
ohi
m.Hehuggedme.He
hel
dmet i
ght
ly.
Me:
im sor
ryaboutwhathappenedyest
erday.
Mpendulo:
itmustnothappenagain.Doyouknow
howitsoundsformetohearyout alki
ngaboutyour
exl
ikethat
?It'
sli
keim secondchoicetoyou.
are
yougoi
ngt
ocompar
eusal
lthet
ime?Pl
ease.I
t
mustst
op.
Me:
itwon'
thappenagai
n
Mpendul
o:t
hat
'swhatyousai
dlastt
ime.
Me:I'
velearntmyl esson.Ithurtshavi
ngyoumadat
me.Youdi dn'tevenholdmel astni
ghtandwhenI
tr
iedtal
kingtoyouyoui gnoredme.Icr i
edmysel
fto
sl
eep.
Mpendul
o:if
orgi
veyou.I
m sor
ryt
hatyouwer
ehur
t.
Me:
thankyou.Di
dyougetmeoutoft
hecar
?
Mpendul
o:yes.Ihear
dyourcardr
ivi
nginandwas
sur
pri
sedwhenyouwer enotcomingout.Wheni
wentt
ocheckyouhadal r
eadyfal
lenasl
eep.
Me:Ifeell
ikedi
ggi
ngahol eandburymyself.Now
everywher
eigopeoplet
akepi ct
uresofne.Canyou
beli
evesomeonetookapictureofmeandi sbusy
bodyshami ngmeonsoci
al media?Whathasmy
weightgottodowit
hanything?
Mpendul
o:not
hingi
swr
ongwi
thyourbody.Jeal
ous
peopl
edothat.
Me:
but
..
Mpendul
o:no.Shh.
Hecutmeoffwi
thaki
ss.Hepi
ckedneandputme
ont
gebed.
Mpendul
o:imi
ssedyou.
Me:
aahimi
ssedyousomuch.
Hewast
rai
li
ngki
ssesf
rom myneckt
omyf
ace.
Mpendul
o:heybaby.You'
resobeaut
if
ul.
Hekeptdoingt
hatwhisperi
ngsweetnothings.Af
ter
thatwemadelove.Weconnected.Foramomenti t
wasjustt
hetwoofusandnowor ri
es.Icansaythat
imanagedtosleeppeacef
ull
y.

Mpendul
o:hey.
Me:
hi.
Mpendul
o:howar
eyoubeaut
if
ul?
Me:
good.Ver
ygood.Andhowar
eyou?
Mpendul
o:i
m wi
tht
hel
oveofmyl
if
eandshe'
s
smili
ngatme,
i
m happy.Someonedidsomethi
ng
foryout
osmil
eli
kethis.Who'
sthatper
son?
Me:
youknowexact
lywhot
hatper
soni
s.Andhe
mademehappy.
Mpendulo:
mmh.Mor
ethanyourhusbandmakes
youhappy?
Me:
yes.
..
Mpendul
o:huh!Hewena.
..
mmh.
.
Hestart
edtickl
ingme.igotupandranfr
om thebed.
Heranaftermeuntiligott
uredandrantot
he
bat
hroom wherehegotme.Iwasl aughi
ngsohard.
Mpendul
o:i
t'
sgoodt
oseeyoul
aughi
ng.
Me:
youmakemel
augh.
Mpendul
o:l
et'
stakeashower
.Imt
aki
ngyout
owor
k
t
oday.
Inodded.Heheldmyhandandwegoti ntothe
shower.Afterwefi
nishedshower i
ngwegotr eady
forwork.Iwenttothekidsr oom andthetwinswere
notintheroom.Thandoj ustfini
shedbeingbathed
andisgetti
ngdressed.Imi ssedher.Idi
dn'tseeher
yest
erday.Mybaby.
Me:
hel
lobaby.
Thando:
alomama
Me:
mmeyoucanr
estt
oday.I
mtaki
ngherwi
thme
t
owork.
Maggi
e:won'
tshegi
veyout
roubl
e?
Me:no.Herf
atherwi
llbet
her
e.Youcanj
usthavea
dayoff.
Maggi
e:t
hankyou.
Idressedherandwentout .Herf
atherwasdone.
Wedr ovetomywor kpl
ace.Peopledon'tgett
ir
ed.
Todayichosetoignorethem andjustmindmyown
business.
Mpendul o:
yousee?Don' tpayattenti
ont ot
hem and
youwi l
lbefine.Todayiwi l
lhandleallyour
meetingsandyoumygi rlswil
lsitinhereandhave
fun.Thenafterthatiwil
lcomeandf etchyou.I
m
taki
ngmygi rlsoutforsomef reshair.
Me:
okay.Thankyouf
ordoi
ngt
hisf
orne.
Mpendul
o:nowim goi
ngtot
hef
ir
stmeet
ing.Iwi
ll
sendbr
eakfastf
oryou.
Me:goodl
uck.He'
severyt
hingt
hatyouneedt
o
knowaboutthecl
ient
s.
Mpendul
o:don'
twor
ry.Ever
ythi
ngwi
llbef
ine.
Heleftandigitthroughsomewor kwit
hThando
pl
ayingwithhert oys.Thedel iver
yguycamewi t
h
ourbreakf
astandil ayaf l
eecedownandmeand
mybabyst art
edeat i
ng.Thenanot herdel
iver
ywi t
h
fl
owersandchocol ates.Mmh. "Relaxandjustrest.I
wil
lhandleeverything.Don'twor ry.Haveagood
daywithmybabi est her
e.Iloveyou"
Aahh.Whatdi
didot
odeser
veamanl
iket
his?

Ispentmydaygoi ngthroughpaper
wor
kandjust
seeingwhatiti
sthatcanbedone.Iwasonacall
whenBont l
ecamei nwithanewspaper
.If
ini
shed
withthecal
landattendedtoher.
Me:
Thandost
opt
hat
.
Shewascl
imbi
ngonBont
le.
Bont
le:
aggi
t'
sfi
ne.She'
sgr
ownhey.
Me:andgivi
ngmehell.Ngwanaogautlwe.She
movesaroundthehouseandthest
air
s.Oneday
she'
sgoingtof
all
.
Bont
le:
that
'
showki
dsar
e.Ibr
oughtyout
his
newspaper
.
Me:
ahl
eavei
ther
e.
Bont
le:
don'
twor
ry.I
t'
sgoodnews.Letmel
eaveyou
tor
ead.
Ir
eadthear
ti
cleaft
ershel
eft
.Wow.Inevert
hought
Rapul
awoulddothis.

*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
03] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER29*
aft
erif
ini
shedr
eadingthenewspaperBongani
cameintomyoff
ice.Thedoorwasnotclose.

Bongani
:MamKhozahowar
eyou?
Me:
im goodandyou?
Bongani
:i
m good.I
m her
etof
etchyou.Come
Thandol
wethu.
Sherantohim.Idon' tknowwhyshealwayst hink
Bonganiisherfather.Hisvoi
cei
sdiff
erent.Buti
knowifherfatherwer etocomeinher
eshewoul d
runtohim.SiyabongaandBonganiaret heones
wholookexact l
ylikemyhusband.Thedi f
ferenceis
thei
rbodysize.
Me:
whyar
eyouf
etchi
ngme?
Bongani
:themedi
aisal
lovert
hispl
ace.Baf
osent
metofetchyoucoshe'
snotdonewithhi
smeeti
ngs.
Me:
ithoughtt
hatar
ti
cleaboutRapul
ahel
ped.
Bongani:Rapul
a!Rapulafut
hi?Whenar eyougoing
tostoptalki
ngaboutthi
sguy?St optal
kingabout
him.Ifihearhi
snameagai n..
..
Let'
sgo.
Wegotouti
fthebui
ldi
ngandi
ndeedt
hemedi
awas
al
lover
.
Me:canwepleasegopastHat
fi
eldf
est
ivalst
reet
?I
wanttobuysomethi
ng.
Bongani
:okay.
Wegotoutt
hrought
hebackandwentt ohiscar.Igot
t
obreathewhenwel ef
t.Wegottofest
ivalandi
wentt
obuywhatiwant edtobuy.
Bongani
:i
sthatwhatyouwer
ebuyi
ng?
Me:yeah.She'st
heonl
yoneiknowwhosel
ls
ar
oundher e.Iwascr
avi
ngi
t.
Hetookthet
wopocket
softhebrownsoi
lthati
boughtandt
hrewt
hem out
sidet
hewindow.
Bongani
:nxa!
Me:
why.
.
Bongani
:gi
vebi
rt
hf i
rstt
henyoucaneatyourt
hings
i
npeace.Iwon'
tsitandwatchwhil
eyoucause
damagetomybrother'
sbabies.
Mnx.Iwasr
eal
lycr
avi
ngt
hatsoi
l.Anywaywedr
ove
tohisplacefir
standiwai t
eunt i
lhecameback.He
camebackwi t
hababygi rlandstrippedherint he
carseatattheback.Ididn'tevennot i
cethatthere
weret wocarseats.Wegott omypl aceandhet ook
thekidsinwithhim.Thet winswer ewatchingtv
withLisa.Thesethreeareinseparable.
Bongani
:Li
sat
akeyoursi
bli
ngsandgowat
cht
vin
yourr
oom.
Li
sa:
babawho'
sthi
sbaby?
Bongani
:yourl
it
tl
esi
ster
.Takehert
oo.
Theywentupt
hest
air
sandij
ustst
oodt
her
e
surpr
ised.
Me:
whosebabyi
sthat
?
Bongani
:Khanyi
sil
eiam.
.
Me:
what
?
Bongani:shehasnowheret
ogo.Hermot
heri
s
deadandyouwi l
lhavet
otakeheri
n.
Me:
whyme?
Bongani
:it
hinkwebot
hknowwhat
'sgoi
ngonher
e.
Iwi
llseeyou.
Me:you'
renotgoi
nganywher
e.Taket
hatbabywi
th
you.Idon'
twantherher
e!
Bongani
:soyouwanthert
ost
ayouti
nthest
reet
s?
Me:idon'
tknowwhatyouwi
lldowi
thherbutiwant
heroutofhere!

NARRATED.

Mpendulocamebackhomeassoonashef i
nished
wit
hthemeeti
ngs.HefoundBonganigonesohe
hadtocal
lhi
mt oknowwhatwashappening.
Mpendul
o:wher
edi
dyougett
hebaby?
Bongani:atyourlover
'spl
ace.Thatwomani s
dangerous.Shefooledusbyt hatbabyshebr ought
thatti
meknowi ngthatshewasr eall
yhidi
ngyour
baby.Shewant edyout of
ightwithyourwife.She
call
edmet ofetchher.Justasiwasaboutl eave
somewhi temancamei nandshother .Ij
usttook
thebabyandt hedocument sshegavemeandl ef
t.
Sheknewthatshewasgoingtojai
landshe'
dhave
noonetotakecar
eofthebaby.Thedocumentsar
e
i
nherbackpack.
Mpendul
o:t
hisi
samess!Thi
sti
meKhanyi
sil
ewi
ll
r
eal
lyl
eaveme!
Bongani :bafoyou' r
etheheadofyourf amily.Don't
all
owhert oleave.Don'tlethertoevenentertain
thatidea.Ifshel eavesi
t'l
lbetheendofyourf amil
y.
Yourf amilywillcomecr umblingdown.Sodo
what everitt
akesf oehert ostay.Dowhateverbut
don'tletherleave.
Mpendul
o:I
'
veneverbeenscar
edl
ikeiam r
ight
now.
Bongani
:t
alkt
oher
.Shemi
ghtunder
stand
Mpendul
o:shap.
Hewentupstai
rsandhear
dthekidscr
ying.He
st
art
edt
here.ThebabyandThandowerecrying.
Li
sa:
theywer
efi
ght
ingf
ort
oys.
Mpendul
o:comeThando.
Thando:
shet
ookmyt
oys.
Mpendul
o:it
oldyouyoushoul
dlear
ntoshar
eokay?
Shenodded.
Mpendul
o:st
opcr
ying.
Hegotoutandwentt
ohi
sroom.
Mpendul
o:Khanyi
sil
e!whatar
eyoudoi
ng!
?
Heshout
edhi
tt
ingherhand.Thepi
ll
sfel
lont
he
f
loor
.
Mpendulo:
doyouthi
nkki
ll
ingyour
sel
fwi
llchange
t
hings!
?Whyareyoudoi
ngt hi
s?

Kea
Idon'tknowwhatiwast hi
nking.Ij
ustf
oundmysel
f
taki
ngal lt
hosepi
ll
s.Idon'
tknowwhatwouldhave
happenedi fhedi
dn'
tcomei nti
me.Iwipemytear
s
andgeti nt
obed.
Mpendulo:
im sor
ry.Idi
dn'
tknowaboutt
hechi
ld.
Bonganical
ledmeandt ol
dmewhatwas
happeni
ng.
Icoul
dn'
tanswerhi
m.Il
ookedathi
m andhi
seyes
werered.Isawthekid.She'
salmostThando'
sage.
Shelooksexactl
yli
keher.Ifyoudon'
tknowyou
coul
dsayt heyaret
wi ns.
Mpendul
o:l
et'
stal
kaboutt
his.
Me:iknowf orsur
eificheatediwouldbeoutof
herealr
eady.Iwouldbehumi li
ated.Youwouldn'
t
for
giveme.Nowimustacceptyourchi ld?Idon'
t
wanttolie.Idon'
twantthatchil
dhere.
Mpendulo:
ican'
tabandonmychil
d.Hermot
heri
s
dead.Whowillt
akecareofher
?
Me:thankGodshe'sdead.Iwil
lrest
.Hermother
ter
rori
sedmeandnowyou' r
erubbingi
tinthatyou
werebusysleepi
ngaroundouttherewhil
eiwai t
ed?
Youevenbroughtachild.Thi
sisbeyondme.
Mpendul
o:idi
dn'
tmeanf
ort
hist
ohappen.
Me:i
m sorr
ybutIcan'
tacceptyourbaby.Takecar
e
ofheryour
sel
f.Andpl
easegivemespace.Ihavet o
cl
earmyheadanddecidewhatiwant .
Mpendul
o:ar
eyougoi
ngt
odi
vor
ceme?
Me:
ist
hatwhatyouwant
?
Mpendul
o:ofcour
senot
.
Me:
iml
eavi
ng.
Mpendulo:
you'r
enotgoi nganywhere.Wewi l
lstay
hereandfi
ndasol ut
iononhowwewi l
lrai
seour
ki
dsandourf amil
y.Inthismarri
agewesai din
goodandbadt i
mes.Nowt hatwe'r
efacing
probl
emsyouwantt oleave?Thatisnothappeni ng.
Il
oveyouandi m notgoingtoletyouleave.
Me:
soyou'
regoi
ngt
ofor
cemet
ost
ayher
e.
Mpendul
o:i
fihavet
o.
Hewentoutaf tersayi ngt hat
.Ichangedf rom the
cl
ot hesiwaswear i
ng.Iwentdownst airst ocook.I
madepapandchi ckenf eetandmal a.Af teriwas
doneiwentt ocheckont hekidsandt heywer efi
ne.
Igavet hem theirfoodandat emi ne.Il eftforthe
othersint hemicr owave.Af t
eridecidedt odomy
wor k.Ifocusedont hat.Ihadal otofwor kt odo.I
couldn'tletmyteam doi talone.Imj ustgr at
eful
Mpendul omanagedt oconvi ncethosecl ientsto
stay.Afterthaticheckedonhowever ythingis
goingwi thmypr operti
es.Ever yt
hingwasgoi ngwell
andi washappyaboutt hat
.Afterigavethekidsa
bath.Idon'tknowwhereMpendul owent .Helef
t
withThandoandhi sotherchi
ld.Fordinneri
orderedpizzaandaft
erthatiwentstraightt
obed.I
wokeupwhensomeonewasshaki ngme.
Me:
keeng?
Mpendul
o:youwer
enotwaki
ngupandit
hought
..
.
Me:t
hatikil
ledmysel
f?Iwon'tdot
hat.Idon'
teven
knowwhatiwast hi
nki
ng.Iwouldhavekil
led
myselfandwhatwouldthatsol
ve?
Mpendul
o:t
hat
'sgood.

Iwentbacktosleep.Ididn'
twantt ohavechitchat
s.
Thefol
lowingdayiwokeupl at
e.Itookashower
andwenttohavebr eakfast
.Afterilookedformy
babyandshewasnoti nthehouse.Theot hers
al
readylef
tforschoolsoithoughtshewent
somewherewi t
hherf at
her.
"Ihavetorunt
otheof
fi
ce.Canyoupl
easel
ook
afterher
?"
Me:.
..
.
Mpendul
o:ipr
omi
seiwontbel
ate.

Het ookhi skeysandr ushedout .Ilookedatt hese

twoandt heywer ewet .Wer etheypl ayingwi t
h
wat er?Ipi ckedt hem andwentt ogi vet hem abar h.
Af teriwasdoneidr ovet oTheGr ove.Ther ewas
not hi ngicoul ddo.Thebabyhadnocl othes.I twas
al otofwor kwal kingf r
om shopt oshopwi thtwo
babi es.Iboughtcl othesf orherandt hingst hat
babi esuse.Whenwegothomeiputever ythingi n
i
tspl acet henwentt osi tattheback.I twasaver y
hotday.Isatt hereunt ilthebabi esf ellasleept ired
from pl aying.Ipl acedt hem onaf leeceanddi dmy
wor konmyl aptop.Ithoughtaboutwhati m goi ng
todo.Am ir eallygoingt ot akecar eoft hisbaby?I
hat ei tsmot her .Im angr yatt hefather .Sowhatani
goi ngt odo?Hermot herandf at
herhur tmeal ot.
Ever ytimeIseeheriwi l
lthinkofwhatt heydi d.I
don' tt hinkimr eall
ydest i
nedf orapeacef ulli
fe.I t
's
probl em af t
erpr oblem.Whenit ryt ofixt his
somet hingel sehappens.I t'sli
kei m cur sed.
.
..
..
..
..
.

Me:Ineedspace.
Mpendul
o:whatspace?
Me:ineedt
imet
othi
nk.I
m goi
nghomet
omor
row.
Mpendul
o:whyar
eyougoi
nghome?
Me:
aowbathong.I
mjustvi
sit
ing.I
t'
sdad'
sbi
rt
hday
onThur
sday.
Mpendul
o:howl
ongwi
llyoubegone?
Me:idon'tknow.Iwoul
dtaket
hekidswi
thbutt
hey
haveschoolsoiwil
lgowit
hThandoandthet
wins.
Mpendul
o:Sphesi
hleyena?You'
rel
eavi
ngher
?
Me:ofcour
senot.Whowillshebewithher
e?.Uou
di
dn'
teventel
lmehername.Youj ustdumpedher
wi
thmewi t
houtevent
ell
ingmehername.
Mpendulo:sor
ry.Iknowthisisalottotakeinbut
pleasefi
ndinyourhearttoforgi
veme.Idi dnot
knowt hi
ngswoul dtur
noutlikethi
s.Ihurtyouand
that'
snotsomethingthatyoucanjusthealfrom.
Everyti
meyout r
ytomoveonsomet hingcomes
backtorefr
eshthatwound.Iam r
eal
lysorr
y.I
fi
couldiwouldmakealloft
hisgoaway.Butican'
t.I
canonlytel
lyouthati
m sorr
yandtrytomake
thi
ngsright
.
Me:i
t'
st oolat
efort
hat.Achil
disalreadyhereand
ther
e'snowayyoucanmakeherdi sappear.Andi
can'
tmakeyouchoosebet weenmeandyourchi l
d.
Justli
keiwouldneverexpectsomeonet odothatto
mecosI '
dchoosemychildanyday.Goodni ght.

Mpendul
o

Tgeweekendcameandhecal l
edhiswi f
easkingif
hecouldfet
chherandt hekids.Shet ol
dhimt hat
shewoulddrivebackintheafternoon.Sointhe
after
noonhewaitedfirherandt herewasnosi gnof
hercomingback.Het ri
edcall
ingandshewasnot
picki
ngup.Heevenr esort
edtocal l
inghisf
atherin
l
aw.That'swhenhehear dthatshewoul dn'
tbeabl e
tocomeback.
Fil
:i
t'
sraini
ngbadlyher
esoshewontbecomi
ng
backtoday.She'
l
lwaitfort
her
aint
ostopmaybe
shemi ghtcometomorr
oworTuesday.

Hewasdef eated.I
nhismindthatwasherwayof
l
eaving.Heknewt hati
twasapossi bi
li
ty.He
st
artedpanicki
ngwhenacarar r
ivedonMonday
wit
ht hetwi
nandSphesi hl
e.
"
Mamai
ssi
ckandgogoi
staki
ngcar
eofher
."
That'
swhatt heysai dwhenheaskedt hem.Amont h
andshedi dnotcomeback.Hehandl edeverything
athercompany.Juggl ingthreecompani esat
once,youwil
lneverknowhowhedi dthatwit
ht he
wayhewasst ressed.Heevencal ledhisfat
hert o
helphim gototgeBogat su'
sandapol ogi
seforwhat
happened.Hisuncl escameandt heytookat r
ipt o
theNor t
hWestpr ovince.Theyarrivedther
eand
stat
edwhatt heywer etherefor.
MrBogatsu:whatdoyoumeanmydaughterisnot
athermari
talhouse?
Shelef
ther
ewithherchil
dren
amonthago!Andyou' r
eonl
ycomingnow?
Khozauncl
e:weareverysor
ry.Theywerehavi
ng
pr
oblemsintheirmar
ri
age.Wet houghtmaybeshe
wasjustcl
eari
ngherhead.
MrBogatsu:shehasn'
tcal
ledmei naweek.
Probl
emsyoumeant hechil
dthathemadeoutsi
de
hismarr
iage?Igaveyoumychildwit
hhopesthat
youwoulddobet t
erbyherbutyouhurther
.So
whatareyougoingtodonowt hatthi
ngsarel
ike
thi
s?
Muzi:
wewillf
orher
.Weapologi
zeforever
ything
t
hathappened.I
twasnevermybrot
her'
sintenti
on
f
orthi
stohappen.
MrBogat su:doesn'
thehaveamout htospeakfor
himself
?It houghtyouwereagoodmanbutIwas
fool
ingmysel f.Anot
herthi
ng,i
fyoudon' tf
indmy
chil
dneversetyourf oother
e.Don'tcallus.Onl
ymy
grandchi
ldrencanbutwenaidon' twantt oseeyou
unti
lyouf i
ndmychi ld.

Si
ncethatdayt
heydi
dn'tst
opl
ooking.Theyl
ooked
al
lovert
hecountr
ybutcoul
dn'
tfi
ndher.
Mont
hsl
atert
her
ewasst
il
lnosi
gnofher
.
Li
sa:
daddywhatwouldyounamet
hebabbi
eswhen
mommygi vesbi
rt
h?
Mpendul
o:doyoumi
ssher
?
Li
sa:yes.Whenisshecomingback?Yousai
daft
er
shehasgivenbir
thbuti
t'
sbeenal ongti
menow.
TodayisChri
stmasandshe'snothere.
Mpendul
o:shewi
llcome.
Li
sa:
iboughtherapresent
.Iwil
lgi
veherwhenshe
comesback.Ihavet
wopr esent
sforher
.
Mpendul
o:come.I
t'
sti
mef
orl
unch.
Li
sa:
butwewentt
ochur
chever
yChr
ist
maswi
th
mama.
Mpendul
o:wewi
llgot
omor
row.

Theywentwher
etheot
her
swer
esi
tt
ing.
Mpendul
o:wher
eisyourwi
feMzwakhe?
Mzwakhe:
shehaderandst
or unbefor
ecomi
ngher
e.
She'
sonherway.Letmecallheragai
n.
Mpendul
o:okay.
Si
ya:
kant
isi
dlani
ni?
Mzwakhe:
ijustcal
ledmywi
fe.Shesai
dshe'
l
lcome
backt
omorrow.
Mabut
ho:
aft
erwewai
tedal
lthi
sti
me?
Mzwakhe:
itol
dhertocomeback.Shesoundedof
f
andcoul
dn'
twaitt
ocutthecal
l.
soshe'
sonherway.
Si
ya:whywouldshehaveer
andstorunon
Chr
istmas?She'
suptosomethi
ng.
Mzwakhe:
stopbei
ngcr
azy.
Siya:okay.Lookatitl
iket
his.Khanyi
sil
eandBonol
o
can'tgoadaywi thouttal
kingtoeachotherand
todayshehaswr ands?Whydi dn'
tshedothem
yesterday?
Mzwakhe:
haywena.Stopt
alki
ngnonsense.We
post
ponedourweddi
ngbecauseshelef
t.
"
Daddy!
"
Theyalll
ookedatthepassageandsawThando.
Sherantoherfatherandhecaughther.Ever
yone
wasstunnedatthis.Event
heothercameoutofthe
ki
tchen.
Mpendul
o:wher
e'smommy?
Shepoint
edatthepassage.Bonol
oappeared
hol
dingtwobabiesandKeatl
aret
sianot
herone.
Mzwakhe:
youknewaboutt
his?
Nolo:
no.Shecal
ledmel astni
ghtt
obri
ngtheki
dsto
seeherandicouldn'
tsoihadtogoandconvi
nce
hertocomeback.
Mabut
ho:
wher
ewer
eyoual
lthi
sti
me?
Mpendul
o:pl
easest
opwit
hthi
sint
err
ogat
ion.Let
's
eat
.Iwil
ltal
ktomywif
elat
er.
Kea:
I'
l
lgoputt
heki
dsdown.
Nol
o:l
et'
sgo.
Mpendul
o:I
'
llgowi
thher
.Gi
vet
hem t
ome.
Keal
eftf
ir
standputt
hebabyt
hatshehadonbed.
Kea:
youcanputt
hem onbedandgoback.I
'
llbe
her
e.
Mpendul
o:comeandj
oinus.
Kea:
idon'
tfeell
ikeacr
owd.
Mpendul
o:t
hisi
syourf
ami
ly,
notacr
owd.Let
'sgo.

Keat
lar
etsi

Iwenttojoi
ntheot
hersf
orl
unch.Theyallkept
l
ookingatmeandtri
edmaki
ngsmal lt
alksbuti
wasn'tt
here.
Bongani
:sowher
ewer
eyou?
Iexhal
edf
ir
st.
Me:
iwasi
nli
mpopowi
thRap.
.
Shaka:
Rapul
aagai
n?
Si
ya:
your
anbackt
othati
diot
!?
Me:bathong.Stopint
err
ogatingme.You'r
enotmy
husbandssol eavemealone.Nott
hatit
'sanyof
yourbusinessbutIwasstayingwi
thRapelangmy
cousin'
sexwi f
e.Iknewt hatnoonewouldlook
ther
esot hat
'swhyIwentt oher.Ever
ytimeIgo
somewher ey'
allaregoingtoassumeim wit
h
Rapula.Canyouj ustf
oroncestoptal
kingabout
him!?
Mabutho:
youj
ustdi
sappear
edwit
houttel
li
ng
anyonesowhatdoyouwantust
othinkaboutt
hat
?
Me: yousur prisemeyouknowt hat?Yourbr other
disappear edforawhol eyearandyoudi dnot
interr
ogat ehim.I nsteadyouaccusedmeof
cheat i
ng.Hewentbackagai ntothesamewoman
hewascheat ingonmewi thandyousai dnot hi
ng.
Nowt here'sachi ldbutidon' tseeyoui nter r
ogat i
ng
him.Il eavej usttocl earmyheadandt hef i
rstthing
yousayi sRapul at hi
sandt hat.Themot heroft he
childwhoi shereal mostki l
ledmyki dsbybur ni
ng
thehousewi tht hem insideandst rangledmysont o
deat handnoonesai danythingaboutt hat .Doyou
evenknowwhatIwentt hrough?Howiam r i
ghtni w?
Allyoucar eabouti syourbr other.Soletmebe.I
didn'twantt ocomebackher e.Icameher ebecause
ithoughtofwhatmyki dsmustbegoi ngt hrough.
I
m nothungr
yanymor
e!

Iwi
pedmyhandsandst
oodup.
Bongani
:wearesorryfornotbeingconsi
der
ate.We
ar
esorryforever
ythi
ngt hatyou'
regoi
ngthr
ough.
Me:youseemecr yi
ngher
eandt hi
nkt
hisi
saj oke.
I
t'
snot.You'
reallal
waysr
ightandimthewrongone.
Okaylet
'sdothi
s.Tour
Si
ya:
Khanyi
sil
esi
yacol
isa
Me:
it
'
stool
atef
ort
hat
.
Mpendul
o:Khanyi
sil
esi
tdownandeat
.Si
tdown.
It
ookt
wost
epsandhet
alkedagai
n.
Mpendul
o:Khanyi
sil
e!Comebackher
e!
Iwentbacksl
owl
y.
Mpendul
o:si
tdownandl
et'
seat
.
Itookmyseatandat ewiththem.Theywereall
chatt
ingandlaughingandeat i
ngwhil
eIwasjust
eati
ngquiet
ly.Aft
erwef i
nishediwantedt
ohelp
wi
ththedishesbutPhumlasai
dishoul
djustrel
ax.I
wentt
olookf ormyboys.If
oundt
hetwinsplayi
ng
wi
thotherkids.
Me:
Ayanda.
Luu:
Ayamommyi
scal
li
ngus.Let
'sgo.
Theyr
ant
ome.Myboyshavegr
own.
Aya:
mommywhydoyoual waysleaveusandgo
wit
hThandoonl
y?Youdon'
tloveus?
Me:iloveyouallsomuch.Mommywassi ckand
hadtogost ayatthehospit
alsot
hatshecanget
well
.Andihadt otakeThandobecauseshe'
syoung
andshewoul dcryeveryday.
Luu:
youseedaddywasr
ight
.
Aya:
butSphesi
hlei
syoungt
ooandshecr
ies
ever
yday.
Me:icoul
dn'tt
akecar
eofherandThandowi
tht
he
ot
herbabies.
Aya:
okaymommy.I
'
m happyyou'
reback.Don'
t
l
eaveagai
n.
Me:
iwon'
t.
Luu:
let
'sgot
akeherpr
esent
.
Aya:
wehavetwopresent
sf oryou.Onef
or
Chri
stmasandf
oryourbi
rthday.
Me:youwillgi
vemel
ater
.Let
'sgoseeyourl
it
tl
e
br
others.
Theyranandlef
tmebehind.Iwenttotheroom t
he
babi
esar ei
nandLisawasalsother
e.Thandowas
al
soont hebedwit
hSphesihl
e.Thandolovesto
sl
eepwiththebabi
es.
Li
sa:
mommyt hebabiesar
ebeauti
ful
.Ihopeyouare
notl
eavi
ngagai
n.Thandogetoff
.Youknowt hese
babi
es.
Thando:
theylovesl
eepi
ngwi
thme.Theydon'
tcr
y
unti
lil
eavethem.
Me:
im notl
eavi
ng.

Il
etthem be.Iwenttosi
tbythebalconyofmy
bedr
oom.Iopenedt hesl
idi
ngdoorandl ett
heai
r
hi
tme.Isatt her
ethewholeday.Bonolosentmea
messagethatt
heyareleaving.Whenthebabies
wokeupihadtobreastfeedthem.It
'salotofwork
whenitcomestothi
s.Theot heronewil
lbecryi
ng
whi
leIfeedt
heother
.
Mpendul
o:wefi
xedthei
rcot
s.I
si tf
ineift
heysl
eep
i
nthenurser
yoryouwantthem here?
Me:
it
'
sfi
ne.Theycansl
eepi
nthenur
ser
y.
Mpendul
o:si
ther
e.Iwi
llgoandputt
hem t
osl
eep.
Hetookthem andi wentt
othebathroom.Igotinto
theshower.Ever
ythingwassti
llt
hesame.No
changewhatsoever.Whil
eIwasshower i
ngif el
ta
handtouchme.Iturnedandlooked.Idi
dn'tknow
whattosay.
Mpendul
o:shh.
Heputhisfi
ngeronmyl i
psandt
ookt hewashi
ng
t
owel.Hestart
edbathi
ngme.Hekissedmy
f
oreheadthenhuggedme.
Mpendul
o:pl
easedon'
teverl
eaveagai
n.Not
hing
wasevert
hesamewi t
houtyou.
Me:
ihavet
ogobackt
othe.
..
Mpendul
o:pl
ease.
Me:I
'
mjustgoi
ngt
othehot
elt
ogetmyst
uffand
si
gnout
.
Mpendul
o:iwi
lldr
iveyou.
Wefi
nishedshower
ingandwentt
ogetdressed.I
t
ookmyhandbagandwentdownstai
rs.
Luu:
you'
rel
eavi
ngagai
n.
Hest
art
edcr
ying.Iwentandhuggedhi
m.
Me:boyi
m notl
eaving.I
mj ustgoi
ngt
ofet
cht
he
babi
esstuf
fandtheircl
othes.
Luu:
iwantt
ogowi
thyou.
Me:il
eftt
hebabi
essl
eepi
ngsoiwontl
eaveokay?I
wi
llbeback.
Luu:
okay.Iwi
llgi
veyouyourgi
ftwhenIcomeback.
Me:
iloveyou.
Luu:
iloveyout
oo
Il
eft
.If
oundMpendulointhecar
.Hedr
oveof
f.I
putt
hegpstot
hehotel.Igott
her
eandt
ookmy
stuff
.Ihadn'
tunpackedit.Wedrovebackhome.
Thet wi
nswerehappyt oseeme.Theygavememy
gift
sandsleptaf
terireadthebedti
mestoryf
or
them.
Me:
babe.
..
um wher
e'sLi
ndaniandMnqobi
?
Mpendulo:t
hey'reinDurban.Allt
hekidswentthere.
Li
sa,Sphesihleandthetwinsremainedbecausei
di
dn'twantt obeleftal
oneonChr i
stmas.They'
llbe
backont he30th.
Me:
okay.
Itwassuddenl ysilent.Noonet alking.Justus
l
ooki ngateachot her.Imovedmyheadcl oserto
his.Ipeckedhi sli
ps.Theyst i
llsmel ledt
hesame.
Justaswef i
rstmet .Iwant edt omovebackbuthe
capturedmyl ips.West artedki ssingasi fwewer e
hungr yf
oroneanot her.Imi ssedhi m.Hist ouch.
Hisgentleness.Hisbr eath.Ever ythingabouthim.I
smi l
edafterourkiss.
Mpendul
o:howol
dar
ethet
ri
plet
s?
Me:thr
eemonths.They'
repr
emature..I
encounter
edsomeproblems.Ial
mostlostt
hem but
byGod'
sgr
acet
heymadei
t.
Mpendul
o:whydi
dn'
tyoucomehome?
Me:iwant
edt ocl
earmyhead.Inadi ff
erent
envi
ronment.Whereiwouldnothavestress.And
Qhawedyingalsocontri
but
edtoit.Idi
dn'twant
whathappenedthelastt
imetohappenagai n.
Mpendul
o:butyoucoul
dhavetoldmewher
eyou
wer
egoing.DoyouhateSphesihl
e?
Me: idon'
that
eher.I
t'
sjustthatwhathermot herdi
d
sti
llcomesbacktomeandif earf
ormyki ds.iwoul
d
neverhateachil
dwhohasnosi n.Shedidn't
chooset ocomeinthi
swor l
dt hewayshedi d.

Mpendul
o:butt
oleave?
Youcouldhavestayedand
wewouldhavedealtwi
thever
ythi
ngtogether
.
Me:i
m sor
ryokay?Butbei
ngherewas
over
whelmingandsuff
ocat
ingme.
Mpendul
o:t
heimportantt
hingi
syou'
rebacknow
andyouwil
lneverl
eave.
Hesai
ditasi
fhewant
edmet
over
if
ythat
.
Mpendulo:
Notalksaboutseparati
onsordi
vor
ce.
Wewillf
ixthi
ngs.Wewi l
lbefine.Iknowwewil
l.
Me:
didisayanyt
hingaboutt
hat
?
Mpendulo:
withthewayyourf
atherisangr
yatme
anyt
hingispossibl
e.Di
dyoucallhi
m?
Me:no.Iwi
llcallhi
mtomorr
ow.Im sorr
yf or
speaki
ngli
ket hati
nfr
ontofyourbr
others.
Mpendulo:i
t'
sfi
ne.Youwer ej
ustsayingwhat'sin
yourheart
.Bottl
ingi
tupwoul dcausemor edamage.
It
'sgoodthatyousaidit.Theyunderstand.Andthey
apologi
seforeveryt
hing.Forallt
hehear t
achethey
caused.
Me:iwasn' ttryi
ngt odisr
espectthem.It'
sjustthat
everyti
meever ythi
nggoeswr ongimt oblame.
Especiall
yMabut hoandShaka.They'realways
expecti
ngmet odosomet hi
ngwr ong.Youlwftme
andtheki dsal one.Theyaccusedmeof
cheati
ng,kickedmeoutofher el
ikeadog.
Threat
enedt ot akemyki dsfr
om me.Bei ngtoldthat
theyknewt hatiwasn'taKhozawi f
emat eri
al.
That'
slikesayi ngI '
m notgoodenoughf oryou.Now
thatyoucheatedandbroughtachildhomet heyar
e
quietasifyoudidagoodthing.Idon'
tseeanyone
comi ngheretoshi
utatyoulikeiwasshoutedat.
Whyar etheynotki
ckingyouout ?I
sitbecausethi
s
i
syourhouse?
Mpe:
youknowt
hisi
sourhouse.
Me:welliwast oldtoleavebecauset hisisyour
house.Doest her ul
esonl yapplyt omebecauseI '
m
awoman?Iwast ol
dthatt heydon'ttolerate
cheati
ngi nthisfamilybutbecausei t
'sdonebyone
ofthei
rownt heycant ol
eratei t
.Ifel
tlikean
outsi
der.Itshowedt hather eiwi l
lneverr eal
lybe
accepted.AndI '
mf inewitht hat.I
t'
slife.Iwil
ljust
havetobest rong.That '
swhatial waysdoanyway.
I'
m str
ong.Al wayshavebeen.Event hisiwi l
l
survi
veit.Soyeah.Iguesst hat'spartofmyl i
fe.
Mpe:
sthandwasami
i..
.
Me:whathappenedhashappened.Wecannot
changei
t.
Mpendulo:
iwillt
alktot
hem.Ipr
omisei
twon'
t
happenagain.Iwil
lmakesur
eofit
.
Me:
mmh.Goodni
ght
.
Mpe:
uyaphi
?
Me:
I'
l
lbesl
eepi
ngi
nther
oom nextt
othenur
ser
y.
Mpe:what
'swr
ongnow?Whynotsl
eepi
nour
bedr
oom?
Me:
Ijustwantt
othi
nk.Justbeal
onef
oramomwnt
.
Mpe:you'
vebeenal
oneallt
hesemonths.Cometo
bed.Howwi l
lwefi
xthi
ngswithyousl
eepingi
na
di
ffer
entroom?
Me:
doyour
eal
lyt
hinkt
hingswi
lleverbet
hesame?
Mpe:yes.We'
vebeenherebef
ore.Andwesurvi
ved
ever
yprobl
em we'
vefaved.Wewillbef
ine.
Me:idon'
tbeli
evethatanymore.I'
vebeenthr
ougha
l
ot.Al
ltheprobl
emsweal waysf aceI'
mtheone
whoalwaysgetshurt.Whati
sitwi t
hme?Am iever
goi
ngtocatchabreak?
Mpe:
I'
mreal
lysor
ry.Iknowicausedal
loft
his.
Me:
goodni
ght
.
Igoti
nbedandl
ookedatt
heot
hersi
de.
*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
04] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER30*

I
nthemorningiwokeupandf
reshenupt henwent
t
omakebr eakf
ast
.Whil
eIwassti
llcooki
ng
Mpendul
ocameandheldmef r
om theback.
Me:
mor
ningbabe.
Mpendul
o:goodmorni
ng.Thi
splacef
eel
sdi
ff
erent
t
oday.I
tshowsthatmommyi shome.
"
Goodmor
ningmommyanddaddy."
Me:
goodmor
ning.Di
dyouguyssl
eepwel
l?
Aya:
yes.
Me:good.I
'm maki
ngbr
eakfast.Goandsi
tdown.I
wi
llbri
ngthefoodwhenim done.
Theyalll
eftbutThandodi
dn'
twantt
oleaveand
Sphesihl
ewasonhert ai
lmeani
ngshewasn't
l
eavingeit
her.
Me:
comebi
ggi
rl
.
Ipi
ckedThandoupandki
ssedher
.
Me:
sitt
her
e.
Ishowedherthebunkstoolandgaveheramuf
fi
n.I
pickedSphesi
hleanddi
dthesame.Shevomit
edon
me.
Me:
ohmyGod!
Mpendul
o:I
'
llgocl
eanherup.
Me:i
t'
sfi
ne.Iwi
llt
akecar
eofi
t.Youcancl
eant
he
t
il
es
Iwentt
obat
hherandshewasspl
ashi
ngt
hewat
er.
Me:
don'
tdot
hat
.
Sphe:
areyoumymom?
Me:
icanbeyourmom.
Sphe:
iwantyout
obemymom.
Me:
okayi
m yourmom t
hen.Wher
edoesi
thur
t?
Shetocuhedherst
omach.Ibrushedherstomach
whil
eshelookedatme.If
ini
shedanddr essedher
.
Mpendul
o:you'
redone.
Me:yeah.It
hinkshehasast
omachache.Shesays
herstomachhurt.
Mpendul
o:ihavet
otakehert
othehospi
tal
.
Me:r
elax.Igavehermedi
cineandwar
m wat
erwil
l
al
sohelp.She'l
lbefi
neandrunni
ngar
oundsoon.
Mpendul
o:ihavet
omakesur
e.Whati
fsheget
s
wor
se?
Me:iknowtheset
hings.EvenThandoexper
iencei
t
sometimes.
Mpendul
o:st
il
l.Ihavet
omakesure.Whati
fmy
chi
ldget
swor sewhil
eicoul
dhavedonesomet
hing.
Me:
okay.Youcant
akeyour"
chi
ld"t
othehospi
tal
.
Mpendul
o:idi
dn'
tmeani
tli
ke t
hat
.
Me:
it
'
sfi
ne.
Takehert
othehospi
tal
.
If
ini
shedwi
ththebreakf
astandwentt
ocal
lthe
ot
hersandweate.

Me:
dumel
angpapa.
Hekeptqui
et.If
inal
lyfoundthecouraget
ocal
lhi
m.
Ihear
dsomeshuf fl
ingonhisside.
Me:
papacanyouhearme?
Dad:yes.Wher
ehaveyoubeenal
lthi
stime?Not
evenaphonecallt
oletmeknowthatyou'
ref
ine.
Me:iwasinl
impopowi
thRapel
ang.I
m sor
ryf
ornot
t
ell
ingyou.
Dad:i
t'
sbeenal
mostayearwit
houtseei
ngyou.Doi
havetodi
esothatyoucancomeandseeme?
Me:
papasabuayaal
ohl
e.Wal
wal
a?
Dad:
im notsi
ck.Butwhyont
atl
het
siyana
ngwanake?
Me:
dadst
opwor
ryi
ng.Kamosoket
lagol
ebona.
Dad:
ret
labonakawena.
Me:
papat
lhe.
Dad:aosi
ameyanong?Isthatmanmistr
eat
ingyou?
Itol
dyouyoucanalwayscomeback.Youhavea
homeandaf at
herwholovesyou.
Me:
he'
snotmi
str
eat
ingme.Ever
ythi
ngi
sgood.
Dad:t
hat
'
sgoodthen.Comewithmygr
andki
ds.I
t'
s
beenawhil
esi
nceIsawt hem.
Me:okaypapa.Iwil
lcomewit
hthem.I
m sur
ethey
al
somi ssyou.Bye.Retl
abuwakamoso.

Af
tertal
kingt
odadifeltbad.He'
stheoneper
son
whoisalwaysther
eformenomat terwhat
.
Me:
Lisagoandopent
hedoor
.
Li
sa:
mamaI
mti
red.Whati
ftheyki
dnapme?
Me:you'r
ejustl
azy.Goandopen.Andt
omor
rowwe
ar
egoi ngtoRustenbur
g.
Li
sa:
yes!
Shewenttoopent
hedoordanci
ng.Shelovesgoi
ng
toRust
enbur
gbecauset
heyplayonthestreet
s.
"
Andt
hen?Whyar
eyousi
tt
ingal
one?
"bonol
o
"
It
'snot
hing."
Me
Shet
akesaseatnextt
ome.
"Heact
sasi
fidon'
tli
kehi
schi
ld.Asi
fiwi
llki
ll
her.
"me
Shel
ooksatmeasi
ftosayimustcont
inue.
"Thi
smor ni
ngshevomi t
edonmewhenIpi ckedher
up.Iwenttobathherandiaskedifshewasf i
ne.
Shehadast omachache.Igavehermedicine.Itol
d
him shewil
lbefi
ne.Youshouldhaveseent heway
helookedatme.Heevencal l
edherhis"child".
Whatam idoinghere?"
me
"
I'
m sur
eit
'snott
hatdeep."
Bonol
o
"Youcan'
tsaythat.You'
renottheonehewas
l
ookingat.Helookedatmelikeihaddone
somethi
ngwr ong."Me
"
Talktohi
m.Tellhi
mtotalkabouthi
sfear
sand
whatheexpect
sofyou.
"bonol
o
"Wher
ewil
lital
ktohi
mfr
om?Hel ef
tint
hemor ni
ng
andhe'
snotbackyet
.Whati
staki
ngsolongatthe
hospi
tal
?"me
"
Don'
tstar
tsuspect
inghi
m.Ther
e'snooneel
se.
"
Bonol
o
"Iwasn'
tevent
her
e.Anywayt
omor
rowi
m goi
ng
home."Me
'
"Youshoul
d.Yourdadwaswor r
iedaboutyou.I
m
gett
ingmar
riedendofJanuar
y."
"
Didn'
tyougetmar
ri
edkaSept
ember
?"me
"Wi
thoutmymaidofhonour?Icoul
dn'
tgetmar
ri
ed
unt
ilwefoundyou.
"bonol
o
Inodandj
ustl
ookedatmyphone.
"Anyway..
.Thingsar
egoingwellwithyour
propert
iesandthecompanies.I
t'
sgoingwell
even
aftert
hatscandalwi
tht
hemedi a."
bonolo
"
Huh?Mpendul
otol
dyou?
"
"No.Idon'ttr
ustanyonewithyourassetsand
everyt
hingyouownokay?Af t
erwhathappened
withRapulaiwillal
wayslookoutforyou.Iknow
Mpendul oisnotli
keRapulabutplease.
..
don'
tever
giveamanshar esf r
om yourcompany.Evenifi
t'
s
notaman.That '
swhyIdi dn'tt
aket he10%you
wantedt ogiveme.Yourmot herwor kedveryhar
d
foryoutojustgivethi
ngsoutf orfree.These
businesseswillsust
ainyoui nf ut
ureevenwhen
you'r
enol ongerworking."Bonol o
"Thankyousomuch.Youknow, youaretheonly
personItrustsomuchinmyli
fe.Mostpeopl
ehave
betrayedmebutnotyou.You'
veonl
ybeenf i
ghti
ng
mybat tl
eswi t
hme.Youareanangeli
nmyl i
fe."Me
"
Youaremyl i
tt
lesi
sterandasabi
gsi
sterihavet
o
l
ookaf
teryou."
bonol
o
Ihuggedher
.Ievenshedsomet
ear
s.Idon'
tknow
whereiwoul
dbewi t
houther
.
"
Stopcr
ying.Iwoul
dli
ket
oseemybabi
esnow.
"
Wegotupandwentt
othenur
ser
y.
"
Theset
wower
eher
eal
lthi
sti
me?
"
Me:t
heycan'
tgetenoughoft
hebabi
es.Theyeven
wantedt
osleepherel
astni
ght.
Bonol
o:i
mtaki
ngonewi
thme.
Aya:
no!MommyyoucankeepLwandl
epl
ease.
Welaughed.Wespentourdaywi
thBonol
o.Myday
wasgoodandamazing.Mpendul
ocamebackat
6pm.
Mpendul
o:sawubona.
Me:
hi.Howdi
ditgoatt
hehospi
tal
?
Mpendul
o:good.Theyj
ustgavememedi ci
nesthen
aft
ert
hatwewentt ovi
sitZwel
i.Hemovedthi
sside
twomonthsago.
Me:okay.Seemsl
ikeyouhadagoodt
ime.Howwas
Thando?
Mpendul
o:shewasf
ine.
Me:okay.Thi
ngi
ssheusedtocrywhenRapel angs
ki
dstookherwit
hwhentheywenttoplay.Shewas
al
waysonmyhi p.I
t'
sgoodthatshedi
dn'tcrh.
Mpendul
o:shewoul
dn'
tcr
ywi
thherdaddy.Howar
e
t
heboys?
Me:theyar
egood.Theywer
esl
eepi
ngt
hewhol
e
day.Iwon'
tsl
eeptoni
ght
Mpendul
o:ungakhat
hazeki
.Ift
heywakeupiwi l
l
l
ookaft
erthem.Youhavetorest.Getenoughsl
eep.
Me:
sowher
ear
eSphe'
smedi
cines?
Mpendul
o:her
e.
Inoddedandj
ustl
ookedathi
m.
Me:I'
dli
ket
oaskyousomethi
ngandpl
easebe
honest
.Doyout
hinkIhat
eSphe?
Mpendul
o:wher
eist
hatcomi
ngf
rom?
Me:justbehonestpl
ease.Thel
ookyougavemein
themor ni
ngsaidsomethi
ng.Asifiwant
edtoki
ll
her.Likepoi
sonher.
Mpendul
o:iknowyouwoul
dneverdot
hat
.
Me:themedicineigaveher ,
i
t'
sthesameast heone
i
nyourhand.Butaf terihadgivenheri twaslikei
wast r
yingtodosomet hi
ngbadt oher.Youlooked
atmel i
keim guil
ty.Iknowshe' syourchi l
dbutdid
youhavet odothat?I fiwantedtokillherdon'
tyou
thi
nkIwoul dhavef i
rstkil
ledLisa,
Mnqobiand?I 've
onlybeengoodt othem.
Mpendulo:
thi
sisdi
fferent.Icheat
edandihadher.
Youhatedhermother.It
'sonlynatur
alt
hatibehave
l
iket
hat.
Me:
youal
sohat
edhermot
her
.
Mpendul
o:i
t'
sdi
ff
erent
.She'
smychi
ld.
Me:whatam ievendoinghereifyoudon'
ttrustme?
Don'
tworry.Iwil
lnevert
ouchyourchildagain.For
al
lweknowyoumi ghtbethinki
ngit
'smyfaultthat
shewasvomi t
ing.Howwi l
lshestayhereifyou
Mpendul
o:youknowi
t'
snotl
i
ket
hat
!Wher
ear
eyou
goi
ngnow?
Me:im goi
ngt
ocheckonourchi
ldr
en.Theonesyou
don'
tevenknowthei
rnames?Yourfoodi
sinthe
oven.

.
..
.
Earl
ymor ni
ngiwokeupgotreadytoleave.Ibat
hed
thekidsandpackedcl
othesf
orthem.Iwentbackto
myr oom t
otakemybag.
Mpendul
o:you'
real
lpacked.Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
im goi
ngt
oRust
enbur
g
Mpendul
o:soever
yti
mewehaveanar
gument
you'
regoi
ngt
ogot
oRust
enbur
g?
Me:
im vi
sit
mydad.I
sitokayi
fIgowi
thyourchi
ld?
Mpendul
o:whyar
eyousayi
ngi
tli
ket
hat
?
Me:
imjustsayi
ngwhatyousai
d.Iwoul
dn'
twantt
o
i
mpose.
Mpendul
o:youcangowi
thher
.Isi
tfi
nei
figowi
th
you?
Me:
im notr
unni
ngaway.Don'
tyouhavet
obeat
wor
k?
Mpendul
o:no.Iwi
lldr
ivewi
thyou.Letmej
ustget
r
eady.

Aft
erhewasdonewedr ovet
oRust enburg.The
j
ourneyseemedabitl
ongwit
honl ythekidstal
k.
Whenwegott oRust
enburgt
ownwest oppedther
e.
Mpendulowentt
obuysomething.Thetwins
wantedt
ogowi t
hhim.
Me:
boysbecar
efulont
her
oad.
"
Keat
lar
etsikewenao?
"
Me:
yeah.
..kewenamang?Oh!Kar
abo!Kel
engkesa
gobone?
Kar
abo:
oiphi
tl
hil
eaker
e.
Me:Cashaneel
etshwer esent
leneh?Kegor
eidon'
t
evenknowwhenlastisawyou.
Karabo:whatcanisay?Sowenaonnakae?Ionce
readsomet hi
ngaboutyoubei
ngagol ddi
ggerof
somesor t.Andiwasli
keno.That'
snothowiknow
youlike.Asyouknowyourcousin.Shesai
dit'
s
Satan'sagentst
ryi
ngtodragyoudown.
Whatil
ikeaboutmycousinisshemayjudgebut
she'
sagoodperson.Shelovesi
twhenshesees
someonedoingwel
lfort
hemselves.

Me:
thesej
ournal
ist
swrit
eanyt
hingj
ustf
orast
ory.
KennakoSil
verl
akesgol
fest
ate.
Karabo:
InPret
ori
a?You'
redoi
nggoodforyour
sel
f.
Yourcousi
nnevertel
lsmeaboutt
hesethi
ngs.
Me:
youknowhowshei
s.Iwi
llsendhermyaddr
ess.
Youguysshoul
dvi
sitwi
thyourki
ds.
Kar
abo:
iwi
llhavet
odr
agher
.
Wel
aughed.
Kar
abo:
aret
hoseyourki
ds?
Me:yeah.Ther
e'st
woatthebackt
hent
hesel
it
tl
e
t
hreeandmi ssyontuef
ront
.
Li
sa:
mamai
t'
smi
ssLi
saKhoza.
Kar
abo:
nicet
omeetyoumi
ssKhoza.
Li
sa:
andmymom i
sMr
skhoza.
Wel
aughed.Di
dshehavet
osayt
hatmar
a?
Karabo:
youhavet
alkat
iveoneher
e.Iwi
llt
ell
Regomodit
swethatisawyou.Haveagoodday.
Me:
yout
oo.I
twasni
ceseei
ngyouaf
tersuchal
ong
t
ime.
Hel
eft
.Mpendul
ocamebackwi
tht
heboys.
Mpendulo:
let
'sdr
ivet
oWat er
fal
lmal
l.Idi
dn'
tfi
nd
anyshopiwaslooki
ngforhere.
Me:
ohwhi
chshopdi
dyouwant
?
Mpendul
o:iwant
edtobuycl
othessi
ncewe'l
lbe
her
efort
hreedaysandidi
dn'
tpackanyt
hing.
Me:youdon'
thavet
ost
ayi
fyoudon'
twantt
o.Iwi
ll
comeback.
Mpendul
o:no.Thi
swayiwi
llbeabl
etospendt
ime
wi
thyou.
Me:
okay.
Mpendul
o:andi
m sor
ryaboutever
ythi
ng.
Me:
we'
l
ltal
klat
er.
Whenwegott
owater
fal
lmallt
heyal
lgotout
l
eavi
ngmewit
hthetr
ipl
ets.

Wegothomeanddadwasbusywi thhisgarden.
He'sveryol dnowbuthewi l
lneverstopwat er
ing
hi
sf l
ower s.Hedi dn'
tevenseeusar ri
vethewayhe
wasf ocusedonhi sflowers.Heonlynot i
cedwhen
Ayandar ant ohim.Wewenti nandutwasaf ull
house.Somef acesidi dn'
tknowt hem.Iwentt ohug
myf ather.Ireall
ymi ssedhim.I'
venevergonesuch
alongt i
mewi thoutseeinghim.
Dad:
mybabyi
shome.
Far
ai:
uncl
ethat
'snotababy.She'
sagr
ownwoman.
Laught
erer
upt
ed.
Li
sa:mkhul
uwher
e'sOr
ati
le?
Dad:
you'
l
lfi
ndhi
minhi
sroom.
Li
sa:
imi
ssedyoumkhul
u.
Dad:
comeher
e.
Hehuggedt hem all
andt heywenttolookforOrat
il
e.
Iwasintroducedtothepeoplethatididn'
tknow.My
stepbrot
hers.Theywer evisi
ti
ngjustfort
oday.Dad
saidmeandhi m shouldtakeadrive.Hedrove
aroundtheneighbourhood
Dad:
howar
eyou?
Me:
imf
inepapa.Ther
e'snot
hingt
owor
ryabout
.
Dad:
isyourhusbandtr
eatingyouri
ght
?Di
dyour
un
awaybecauseofhisotherchi
ld?
Me:nodad.Everyt
hingwasjustt
oomuchf orme.
Seei
ngthatchil
dbroughtbackever
ythi
ng.Her
motherbur
ningourhouseandherstrangl
ing
Qhawet
odeat
h..
.
Thecarscreechedandst
opped.Isawt
hatwe
arr
ivedathome.
Dad:
shedi
dal
lthat
?
Me:yes.sheevenwant
edt
oki
llmymot
heri
nlaw
butfai
led.
Dad:idon'tli
kewhatthi
smani smakingyougo
thr
ough.It hinki
t'
stimeihaveatal
kwithhi
m.If
he'
sj ustgoingtoplaywi
thyouthenyoushoul
d
comehome.
Me:
dadil
ovehi
m andhe'
sagoodman.
Dad:
butheshoul
dknowthathecan'
tjustpl
aymy
babyandgetawaywi
thi
t.
Me:
dadpl
ease.
Dad:
nomor
erunni
ngaway.

Mpendul
o
MrBogat su.Thi sman.I'veneverseenangr y.Today
i
st hef irsttimeI 'veseenangr y.Aft
erhecameback
from hi sdrivewi thmywi feheaskedt otalktome.
Het alkedabouthowiwasbadt ohischil
dandt hati
shoul dchangemywaysbef oreIloseher.He's
ri
ght .Ifidon' tstophur t
ingheronedayshewi l
l
l
eaveandnevercomeback.Whi chiswhyf rom now
oni m bur yingt heoldmet hatdidthingswithout
thinkingabouther .
Me:
myl
ove.Ar
eyousl
eepi
ngal
ready?
Kea:
no.Iwasj
ustwai
ti
ngf
oryou
Me:
sincewecamebackyou'
vebeensohappy.
Kea:
imjusthappyt
hatyouandpapat
alkedand
fi
xedthi
ngsyouknow?
Me:mmh.Andt hankyouforfor
givi
ngmef or
everyt
hingI
'veputyout
hrough.Comehere.Iwant
ustopray.TothankGodthatweareher
e.Topr ay
thatheprot
ectsandgui
deus.Come.
Icl
osedmyeyesandhel
dherhands.
Me:
Godt
hankyou.Thankyouf
orever
ythi
ng.Iknow
idon' tusuall
ypr ay.Idon' tknowwhenl astiprayed.
Butt odayIcomet othankyouf orever ything.Thank
youf orlif
e.Forpr otectionandt heblessings.Father
iprayf ormyf ami ly.Mymar r
iage.Iam sor r
ythati
haveputmywi f
et hroughal otofpain.For giveme.
Hel pmet obeachangedper son.Mayyou
strengthenmeandmywi fe.Thankyouf orthi
s
wonder f
ulwifeyou' vegi venme.Iknowi t'
snot
alwaysgoi ngt obegood.Ipr ayt hatyoubewi thus
throughoutt heobst aclesandal sothegoodt i
mes.
Mayyougi veuspeace.Ipr aythatourhousebe
fi
ll
edwi t
hloveandj oy.Andl augh.Pr otectusaswe
areaboutt osl eepi nJesusnameamen.
Kea:
amen
Icaughtherwipi
nghert
ear
saf
terpr
ayer
.Shewas
smili
ngatthesameti
me.
Me:
comeandsl
eep.
Kea:
osur
egor
eoshap?Si
ya.
..
Me:canwenott
alkaboutt
hatidi
ot?Iwi
lldealwi
th
hi
mt omor
row.Nowijustwanttocuddl
ewi t
hmy
wi
fe.
Afteraverylongt imetodayif ellasleepinpeace.
Mywi fehasf orgi
venmeandmyf ami l
yishappy.
Whatmor ecouldamanaskf or?Thef oll
owingdayi
wokeupandt ookashower .Iwentt ocheckonmy
l
ittl
eboys.Samkel ohasLungel o'shandi nhisand
theyarecooing.Sabel oissleepingwi thhismout ha
bitopen.Ismi l
e.Agai n,myboyst ookaf t
erme.But
Sabelohashi smot her'sbi
geyesandLungel oher
nose.Iplaywi t
ht hem unti
ltheurnannycomest o
takethem .Ileavei mmediately.Siyahasbeen
blowingupmycel lphonesincel astnightthatIeven
hadt oswitchoffmyphone.Whenigott her
ei
foundhim sleepingont hesof a.
Me:
what
'
sgoi
ngon?
Si
ya:
Set
hul
eft
.
Me:
lef
t?Whatdoyoumean?
Siya:
packedeveryt
hingthatbel
ongstoherandthe
ki
dsandl ef
t.If
ounddi vor
cepapersontopofthe
bed.
Me:
whathappened?Haveyoucal
ledher
?
Siya:
yes.Shetoldmetocont
actherl
awyer.Ifi
t'
s
aboutthekidsthenwe'
l
lworkoutaschedule.Her
e.
Hegavemeanot
e.
"Si
yabonga,ifyouar er eadi ngthisthenitmeansI '
m
gone.Don'tevent rytocal lmebecauseIwon' t
answeryourcal ls.Wewi l
lcommuni catethrough
ourlawyers.Itri
ed.Bel ievemeIr eallytri
ed.Buti
sawt hati
mj ustf orci
ngt hings.Idon'twantust olie
toeachother .Thingswer enotwor ki
ngoutbet ween
us.Ihopeyouwi llbeabl et oloveherj ustli
kei
l
ovedyou.Nowyou' r
ef reet ogoandbewi t
hher .I
wishyouthebest .

Set
hu.
"
Me:
whoi
sshe?
Si
ya:I
sabel
la.
Me:again?ThesameI sabel
lawhobrokeyourhear
t
andleftyouforanot
herman?Leftyouatthealt
ar?
Si
ya:
yes.It
ri
edapol
ogi
zingbuti
tdi
dn'
twor
k.
Me:
andyouexpecthert
ofor
giveyou?Don'
tyou
l
earn?Didn'
tyoul
ear
nfr
om me,
hiwial
mostl
ost
Khanyi
sil
e?
Si
ya:
iknow.I
sabel
laget
sme.
Me:
yourwi
fe?
Si
ya:Il
ovehermor ethanI'
veeverl
ovedany
woman.ButIsabel
lagetsme.Sheknowsmer eal
ly
wel
l.Wearejustfr
iends.
Me:don'
tletyourwif
eleavej
ustbecauseof
somethi
ngst upi
d.Talkt
oherandseeifyoucan'
t
fi
xthi
ngs.
Siya:idon'tthi
nkshewillagreetocomeback.I
knowI '
vemessedup.Pl easecallherf
orme.She
sti
llhast ocomeandf et
chherr emaini
ngt hi
ngs.Soi
call
edyouher etobegherf ormesoicanapol ogise.
Im wi l
li
ngt ostopwhatI
'm doingwithIsabel
la.
Me:youhadaper f
ectmarr
iagebutjustr
uinedi
tfor
asil
lyfr
iendshi
p.Thisi
sthelastt
imeIhelpyou.I
can'
tkeephelpi
ngyouaboutthesamet hi
ng.
Si
ya:
that
'
shercar
.
Me:
let
'shopeshewi
lll
ist
en.
"
Hi.
"
Me:MaSibi
ya.It
'sgoodtoseeyou.Pl
easesi
tdown
andlet
stal
k..
.ihear
dthatyoulef
t.
Set
hu:yourbr
otheri
sst
il
linl
ovewi
thhi
sex.What
wasisupposedtodo?
Siya:
myloveimreal
lysorry.Iwil
lstopthi
s
fr
iendshi
pihavewit
hI sabell
a.Ican'
tloseyou.Il
ove
youmor ethananyt
hinginthiswor l
d.
Sethu:butyoudidn'tst
opallthi
stime.Mostofthe
ti
mewhenyou' r
ewi thhershewoul dansweryour
phone.Shecal l
edmest upi
dbecauseapparentl
y
you'r
egoi ngtoleavemef orher.
Siya:
sthandwasam youknowiwoul
dneverl
eave
you.Ngiyakt
handa.
Set
hu:
namifuthingiyak't
handabutIf
eell
ikei
m
al
onei
nthi
sr el
ationship.
Me:youcantleaveyourhomej ustbecauseofsome
i
diot.Yourhusbandwant syouwithhim andyour
ki
ds.Iknowyouwi l
lfaceprobl
emsont hewaybut
sol
vet hem i
nsteadofrunni
ng.Communi cat
ion.I
t'
s
veryimportant
.Bet ransparent
.Siyatalktothat
womanandputheri nherplace.Cutherof fyourl
if
e.
Yourwifeshoul dbeyourbestf ri
end.Howdoyou
becomef r
iendswi thanext hatdisr
espectsyour
wife?Don'
tyouseet hatbylett
ingheransweryour
phoneyou'reletti
ngherhumi li
ateyourwife?Ifthe
tableswer
et urnedyouknowyouwoul dfreakout
here.Sopleasest opthis.I
m goingtoleaveyout o
tal
k.Wherear ethekids?
Set
hu:
int
hecar
.
Me:
iwi
llt
aket
hem wi
thmesoyoucant
alk.

SETHU

Growingupialwayshadt obegf orwhatiwant edor

needed.Ihadt owatchmymot herlovemysi bli
ngs
morethanshel ovesme.Iendedupgi vi
ngup
becauseitwasn'tworki
ngatall.Notthatshedi dn'
t
l
oveme, shedidbutnotli
keshel ovedmysi bli
ngs.
WheneverIbroughtitupshe'dsayi m exaggerati
ng.
Thatshelovesusall.Reasonformymot hertonot
l
ovemel i
kemysi bl
ingsit
hinkmaybeit'
sbecausei
wasnotanobi di
entchildmaybe.Nowt hati
m 30i
sti
llhavetofi
ghttobeloved?Notanymore.I
've
decidedtolovemyselfmore.I
fidon'
tlovemyself
fi
rstthenwhowi l
l?

Siya:
haveyouhadanythi
ngt
oeat
?Canicookf
or
you?Here'
ssomewat er.
Me:
isai
dimf
ine.
Si
ya:
ihavet
otakeyout
othedoct
or.
Me:
no!
Si
ya:
oh.Pleasecomehome.Ipr
omi
seyounomor
e
I
sabel
la.
Me:unti
lwhen?Wheneveryourexcomesbackyou
pushmet otheback.I
mtir
edofusf i
ght
ingbecause
ofher.
Siya:t
hencomehomeandwecanf ixt
hings.I
m
reall
ysorr
y.Iwi
llapol
ogi
seever
ydayi
fthat'
swhati
t
takes.
Me:
let
'ssayicomebackbutt
her
e'snochange.
Whatt
hen?
Siya:
youknow,
inal
lthi
ngsim scaredoflosi
ngyou.
Myl i
fewoul
dnotbethesamewi thoutyou.Wit
h
youheremylif
eiscomplet
e.

Ireall
ythoughtSiyawoul dbemysanct uary.I
actuall
yfeltcompletel
yloveforthefirstt
imebyhim.
Hemademehappy.Buteversi ncet hiswoman
retur
nedf r
om wher evershewast hi
ngsst arted
crumbl i
ng.Iknowhesai dtheyarejustf r
iendsbut
anythingcanhappen.Thenhest art
edcomi nghome
l
ateandheranswer inghisphone.Itjustmade
everythi
ngwor se.

Siya:
iknowyoudoubtmyint
enti
ons.Iwi
lll
etmy
acti
onsspeakfort
hemsel
ves.
Me:justt
ellmeifyou'
reinl
ovewithher.You'
ref
ree
tobewithher.Iwon'
tstopyou.Iwontsett
lef
or
secondbest.
Igotupandwentt othetoi
let
.Ipeed.I
'
vebeen
peei
ngal ot.Inoti
cedbloodspotsonmyunder wear.
Ipanicked.I'
vealr
eadygoneonmyper i
ods.Iputon
apadj ustincase.Iexi
tedthebathr
oom.Iwaseven
cryi
ng.
Me:
takemet
othedoct
or.
Si
ya:
you'
recr
ying.What
'swr
ong?
Me:
idon'
tknow.I
m bl
eedi
ng.Buti
t'
snott
oomuch.
Suya:
areyousur
eit
'snotyourper
iod?
Me:
no.
Si
ya:
let
'sgo.Doyouf
eel
anypai
n?
Me:
no.Buti
m scar
ed.
Si
ya:
let
'sgo.
Wegoti
ntohi
scarandhedr
ovetothehospi
tal
.We
wait
edf
orourt
urnt
henwenti
n.IheldSi
ya'
shand
t
ight
.
Si
ya:
I'
m notgoi
nganywher
e.I
m her
ewi
thyou.
Wewenti
nandij
ustst
oodbyt
hedoor
.
Me:l
et'
swai
tforanot
herdoct
ororgot
oanot
her
hospi
tal
.
Si
ya:
why?
whati
fyougetwor
se?
Il
ookedathi
m

Me:
youwantyourext
oknowmyprivat
ematt
ers?
Whydi
dn'
tyoutel
lmeshe'
sadoct
orhere!
?
Siya:
babycalm down.Ididn'
tevenknowshe'sa
doctor
.Please.Let'
shearwhat'
swrongwithyou
andthat'
sit.We'l
lleaveandgoonwithourli
ves
withyoufineandhealthy.
Ne:Bonol
owor
ksher
e.Can'
twecal
lher
?
I
sabel
la:
youmeandoct orKhoza?She'
sof
ftoday.
Youcantakeyourseat
s.
Wesatdownandij
ustl
ookedather
.Shehadasl
y
smi
rk.
Si
ya:
myl
ove.Cal
m down.
I
sabel
la:
mmh.Sowhatseemst
obet
hepr
obl
em?
Ikeptqui
etandmyhusbandgavemeal
ook.
Me:i
m bleedi
ng.Idon'
tknowwhat'
swr
ongbecause
I
'veal
readygoneonmyper i
ods.
I
sabel
la:
whenl
ast
?
Me:
letmecheck.
Il
ookedatt
hecal
endarappidi
dn'
tti
ckf
orl
ast
month.
Me:idon'
tknowwhat'
shappeni
ng.Idi
dn'
tgetmy
per
iodslastmont
h..
.
I
sabel
la:
youshoul
dbecar
efulwi
tht
heset
hings.
Me:areyousayi
ngi
m car
eless?Doyouseewhyi
di
dn'twantt
obehere?
Si
ya:
drwhatdoyout
hinki
swr
ongwi
thher
?
Isabel
la:
well
,i
tcoul
dbespot t
ing.Ormaybei
t'
s
pregnancy.That
'spossi
bleal
so.Liedownonthat
bedandl et
ssee.
Im can'
tbepregnant
.Idon'
twantanot
herbaby.She
didherthi
ngs.
I
sabel
la:
you'
resi
xmont
hspr
egnant
.Iwasr
ight
.
Si
ya:she'
spregnant
!?Aah.Thankyousomuchmy
l
ove.You'vej
ustmademeahappymani nt
hewor
ld.
Soonhewaskissi
ng.It
hinkhefor
gotthatwe'
rei
na
doct
or'
s.Shecl
ear
edherthroat
.Hestopped.I
smil
ed.
Si
ya:
sot
hebl
eedi
ngwon'
taf
fectherandt
hebaby?
Isabel
la:Wecallthisi
mplantati
onbleedi
ng.
Implantati
onbleedingisacommoncauseof
spotti
ngear l
yoni npregnancy.I
mplantat
ion
bleedi
nghappenswhent hefer
ti
li
zedeggattaches
totheuterineli
ning.Thi
scant ri
ggerafewdaysof
l
ightbleedingorspotti
ng.
Si
ya:
soyoucant
reati
t?
I
sabell
a:i
m sir
eshehasagynae.Youcanconsul t
wit
hthem.Butdon'
tli
ftheavyt
hings.Getenough
r
est.That
'sver
yimport
ant.
Si
ya:
thankyou.
I
sabel
la:
it
'smyj
ob.
Me:youmaybeadoctorher
ebutpl
ease.I
tdoesn'
t
gi
veyouther
ightt
oinsul
tme.Don'
teveranswer
myhusband'sphone.Andst
opf
li
rt
ingwi
thhi
min
mypresence.Goodbye.
Ilef
ttheoff
icei
nahurry.Ididn'twanttobet
here
anymore.Iwait
edout
sideatt heparkingl
otf
oemy
husband.Hecamebackaf terawhi l
e.Heunl
ocked
thecarandwegotinandhedr oveoff.
Me:
whatwer
eyoudoi
ngt
her
e?
Siya:iwast
ell
ingherthatourfr
iendshi
pisover.I
don'twantt
odot hi
ngst hathur
tyou.Siphoset
hui
l
oveyousomuch.I '
ddoanyt hi
ngt omakeyou
happy.Whenyouar ehappyiam happy.
Me:okay.Canwegopasthome?Iwantt
ofet
chmy
bags.
Helookedatmeandsmi led.Iret
urnedt hesmi l
e.
Homei si
nMamel odibutourhousei sinSilverl
ake
gol
festat
e.Allhi
sbrothersstaythere.Idon'tknow
whytheydeci
dedtostayatt hesamepl ace.
Siya:
nextt
imeyouleaveiwil
lfet
chyouinani
nstant
.
Doyouknowyouwer et
ort
uri
ngmebecauseIdidn't
sl
eepnexttoyou?You'r
eli
keadr ugt
hatim
addict
edto.
Il
ovethisman.Andiknowhelovesmet oo.Iwil
l
workongett
ingthesedoubt
sihaveoutofmymi nd.
That'
swhatIhavetodo.Wepackoutsidethegat
e
athomeandiseeki dsr
unni
ngaround.Thi
smeans
mysibli
ngsarehome.
Si
ya:
whatdi
dyout
ellyourmom?
Me:itol
dheryou'r
egoi
ngawayonbusi
nessesandi
couldn'
tst
ayaloneal
lthatt
ime.
Si
ya:
lol
.Comeher
e.
Wel
aughed.Heki
ssedmel
ikei
t'
sbeenawhi
le.
Si
ya:
don'
teverl
eaveme.
..
Hewasspeaki ngthrought hekiss.Imovedback
andlookedathim.Icanseet hathedidn'
tsl
eep.His
eyesar er
ed.Mustbef rom cryi
ng.Wegotoutt he
carandwenti nt
otheyar d.Wegoti nsi
dethehouse
andgr eet
ed.Iwentupthest air
sbutmymom
stoppedme.
Mom:ithoughtmysoni
nlawwasgoi
ngawayon
busi
nessandyouweregoingt
ost
aywit
husfora
whi
le.
Me:mom youknowhecan'
tstaywi
thoutmefora
whil
esohedecidedt
ocancelhi
smeetingsj
ustunt
il
icanbeablet
ogowithhi
m.
Mom:
that
'sgr
eat
.
Si
ya:
iwi
llwai
tint
hecar
.
Mom:no.Si
tdown.Si phoset
hucomehere.Wehave
somet
hingimportanttotal
kabout
.I'
vebeencal
li
ng
youal
lmorning.
Me:
mybat
ter
ydi
ed.
Jabu:
soasmom said.Ther
e'ssomet
hingi
mpor
tant
wehavetot
alkabout.
Il
ookedaroundt her
oom andever
yonehadthi
s
seri
ousfaces.Isawamanwhokeptl ooki
ngatme.
Isatdown.
Me:
mom ar
eyour
emar
ryi
ng?
Mom:babyyourememberit
oldyouyourfat
her
wentmissi
ngbefor
eyouwereborn?
(inodded)wel
l
he'
sbacknow.
Me:oht
hisi
shi
m.Howdi
dtheyf
indhi
m af
ter30
year
s?
I
'vealwayssuspect
edthatmymot
herl
iedandi
wantedthetr
uthtoday.
Mom:
ili
ed.
Jabu:mamayoudi dn'tl
ie!Youjustwant
edto
prot
ectherfrom beinghur t
.There'
snouse
sugarcoat
ingthetruth.Shemustknowwhat r
eal
l
y
happenedtoday.
Il
ookedatt
hemancal
ledmyf
atherandhel
ooked
down.
Me:
what
'
sgoi
ngon?
Phi
ndil
e:dadt
ellherwhathappened.Mom youhave
not
hingtosay.He'st
hecauseoft hi
s.
Dad:iam sor
rythatyougrewupwithoutme.I
shouldhavebeenthereforyou.
..
Jabu:
you'
renotsayi
ngwhatwewantt
ohear
.Why
di
dyouleave?
Mom:seeingashedoesn'
twanttotal
kiwi
ll
.Ididn'
t
wantt
ot el
lyout
hisbecauseyou'
dthi
nkimlyi
ng
becauset herear ealwayst wosidest oast ory.Me
andyourf at
herwer egood.Ever ythingwasgood.
Wewer eahappyf ami ly.Butthingssuddenl y
changed.If ellpr egnantwi t
hyouSet hu.Andwe
wer ehappyabouti t.Weevenagr eedt ogi veyout he
nameSi phoset hu.Ourgi ft
.Thedoct orshadsai di
won' thaveanymor eki dsbutyoucameal ongand
wewer ehavi ngabouti t.Yourf at
hercamet o
joburgf orwor k.That '
swhatheal wayssai d.Then
aftertwosmont hshecameback.Iwi l
lneverf orget
thatday.Whenhegothomewef ought .Hesai dhe
doesn' twantanymor eki ds.Thattwowasenough.
Het oldmet oabor tyou.Icr i
edal otthatday.We
foughtabouti t .Irefusedt ohaveanabor tion.I
knowyoual wayssayil oveyourbr otherandsi ster
mor ethanyou.Butil oveal lnychildrent hesame.I
wasst ri
ctwi thyoubecauseiwant edyout ot urnout
tobet hiswomanyouar e.Af t
erisaididon' twant
anabor ti
onhesai di t
'sbet t
erthathel eaves.The
foll
owi ngdaywheniwokeuphewasgone.Iwai ted
andwai tedandt woyear spassed.Wewer e
struggling.That '
swhenideci dedtomovef r
om PE
tomamel odi.Ibui ltashackf r
om themoneyigot
fr
om wor kingasadomest i
cwor ker.iworkedfor
somewhi t
ewoman.Ever ydayIwoul dtakethetrai
n.
Onedayibumpedi ntoyourfatherandheaskedme
i
fihadanabor t
ionornot .Itol
dhi m no.Iasked
whenhewaspl anningoncomi ngbackhome.A
womanwi thtwochi l
drenappear ed.Oneaboutyour
ageandanot heryounger .Thereisawt hattell
ing
met oabor twasanexcuse.Hewant edtogoandbe
wit
hhi sloverinpeace.It oldhimt hathei s
welcomet ocomeandseehi schi l
drenbutinfront
ofthatwomanhet oldmest r
aightthathedoesn't
knowme.Andl eft
.Thenyoust artedbeingsick.I
l
ookedf orhim agai nanddi dn'
tfindhim.Wewent
backhomeandhi sf amilydidacer emonyf oryou.
Wecamebackher e.SincethenI '
veneverseent his
manunt ilt
oday.
Me:why?Allt
hist
imeIt
houghtyouwer
emissi
ng
andhopingyouwoul
dbefound.Kant
iyoul
eft
becauseofme.Youdi
dn'
twantme.Whydidyou
notwantme?
Dad:iam sor
ry.I
twasst
upi
dofmet
obehavel
ike
t
hat.
Me:
you'
rer
ight
.Thatwasst
upi
dofyou.
Si
ya:
babeyoudon'
tspeakt
oyourf
atherl
iket
hat
.
Cal
m down.
Me:no!He'snotmyfather
.Het oldmom tokil
lme.
Hedoesn'tdeservet
obecalledaf at
her.Wherewas
hewhenmymot herwasstruggli
ng?Wher ewashe
whenmymot herhadtoworkhar dsowecaneat ?
Whilehewasbusywi thhi
sot herfamil
y.Mymother
wasamot herandaf at
hertome.
Dad:iknowiwaswrongandI'
dli
ketor
ect
if
ymy
mist
akes.Iwoul
dli
ketofi
xthi
ngs.
Jabu:
byt
hatyoumeanwemustf
orgi
veyouand
youcomebackher
e?
Dad:
..
..
Phi
ndi
le:
thati
snothappeni
ng.Youhavenopl
ace
her
e.
Dad:ididn'
tsayiwantt
ocomebackher
e.Iwantto
apol
ogiseandhavearel
ati
onshi
pwi
thmychil
dren.
Jabu:youknewwher
ewewer
e.Whynow?30year
s
l
ater?
Dad:imr eal
lysor
rymychildr
en.I
'
dl i
ketoaskf
or
for
givenessfrom youandyourmother.
Phindi
le:westruggl
edwi t
houtyou.Ourmot hertook
ustoschoolwithherhardwor kwhileyoushould
havebeenhelpingher.Ihopeyouar enotplanni
ng
oncomi ngbackher ebecausethishousewasbui l
t
wit
hhersweat .Shesawi tfi
ttotakeustoschool
andwebui l
titforhernotyou.Wedon' twantyou
here.
Dad:I
'
m dying.AndI
'dli
keallmychi
ldr
ent
oknow
eachother
.Ihavecancer.
Me:ihopet
hatcancerdoesn'
tspr
eadt
ous.
Si
ya:
Siphoset
hu!
Me:mamaican'
tbeher
ewi
tht
hismanar
ound.I
'
m
l
eavi
ng.
Iwenttotakemybagsandpushedt
hem t
othecar
.
Iwentbacktothehouse.
Me:mamaiwil
lcal
lyou.Wehavet
otal
kabout
somethi
ng.
Mom:
what
'swr
ong?
Me:
imf
ine.Wewi
llt
alk.Il
oveyoumom.
Mom:
iloveyout
oo.
Si
ya:
haveagoodday.

Me:ican'tbel
ievemyf at
herwantedmymotherto
abortme.Her eall
ydidn'
twantme.Allt
hist
imeI
prayedforhimt ocomeback.Siyawhat'
swrong?
Si
ya:
iknowyourf
ather
.
Me:
he'
snotmy.
..
wai
t.youknowhi
m?
Si
ya:
he'
sIsabel
la'
sfat
her
.
Me:
youmeanyourex?
Si
ya:
yes.
Me:itgetswor
se!Idon'
twanttomeetanyofhis
chi
ldren.Imfi
newithmybrotherandsi
ster
.It
's
al
waysbeenus.
Siya:
iknowhe'swr ongbutwhydon'tyougivehi
ma
chance?Thiscancermi ghtki
llhi
m.Whatthen?
Won'tyouregretnotgivi
nghim achance?
Me:no!Hedidn'
twantme.Idon'
twanthi
mt oo.Iwi
ll
l
ive.Whydoeshewantmenow?He' snoteven
sorry.Hecamebackbecausehe'
sdyi
ng.
Si
ya:
yozuhavet
ofor
givehi
m.
Me:youdon'tknowwhatimf eeli
ng.Yougr ewup
wit
hbothyourpar ent
sandt heylovedyou.So
pl
ease.Idon'twanttotal
kabouthi m.Andplease
don'
tfor
cemet omeethim andhi schi
ldr
en.
Iwenttosl
eep.Ican'
tbestr
essi
ngaboutmybaby
andanoldmanwhodeci dedtoabondonhi
s
chi
ldr
en.

*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
04] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER31*

Mpendul
o
I
'
m onmywaybackf r
om f
etchi
ngt
heki
ds.They
j
ustl
andedf
rom Dur
ban.
Me:
ihaveasur
pri
sef
oryou.
Mnqobi
:whati
sitdad?
Li
ndani
:i
smom back?
Me:
whyar
eyousayi
ngt
hat
?
Mnqobi
:becauset
hatwoul
dbet
hebestgi
ftever
!
Li
ndani
:andyou'
resmi
li
ng.
Me:
okay.She'
sback.Wi
thyourl
it
tl
ebr
other
s.
Mnqobi:andyousai
dnot
hing.Iwoul
dhavecome
backl
ongt i
meago!
Me:
shecan'
twai
ttoseeyout
wo.Shemi
ssedyou.
Li
ndani
:wemi
ssedhert
oo.

Idr
ovehomeandwhenwegott her
eSiyawasther
e.
Iwonderhowt
hingswentwi
thhim andhi
swif
e.
Si
ya:
whatdoyouf
eedt
heseki
ds?They'
reso
chubby.Al
loft
hem.
Me:
itmustbeal
ltheporr
idget
heirmot
herf
eeds
t
hem.Howdiditgowithyourwif
e?
Siya:wefi
xedthi
ngs.Butpr
obl
emsf
oll
owme
everywhereigo.
Me:
yinimanj
e?
Siya:Set huwasnotf eel
ingwell.Whenwegott othe
hospi t
alwef oundthatIsabell
aisadoct orther eand
shehadt oattendtous.Thattoowasapr oblem for
mywi fe.Thenwewentt oMamel oditofetchher
things.Thenwhenwegott hereherfatherwhol ef
t
hermot herwhenshewaspr egnantwithherwas
there.Hewant st
of i
xthingswithhischildren.Turns
outhedi dn'
twantSethu.Het oldhermot hert o
abor ther.Justbecausehewasl eavi
ngherf or
anot herwoman.
Me:
thi
smani
sal
otofwor
kmos.
Siya:guesswhot
hef
atheri
s?MrMemel
a.I
sabel
la'
s
father.
Me:It
houghtSi
phoset
hui
saSi
biya?
Si
ya:
that'
shermother
'ssur
name.Herf
atheri
sMr
Memela.NowbecauseIknewhi
m she'
smadatme.
Why?Idon'tknow.
Me:
she'
l
lbefine.Wedon'
twantanyt
hinghappeni
ng
t
oourbaby.

Ever
ychi
ldi
nthef
ami
lybel
ongst
oal
lofus.

Me:youmustbehappyt
obeafat
heronceagai
n.
I
t'
sgoingt
obeal ongni
nemont
hs.
Si
ya:
she'ssixmonthsnow.Idon'tknowhowwe
di
dn'
tnotice.Shegai
nedweightbutshedoesn'
t
l
ookpregnant.
"
Youdon'
tsayt
hatt
oapr
egnantwoman."
Si
ya:
pretendli
keyoudi
dn'
thearme.Andpl
ease.
Don'
ttel
lher.
Kea:
im her
etot
aket
heset
hreef
ort
hei
rbat
h.
Si
ya:
I'
m al
sol
eavi
ng.Il
eftmywi
feal
one.
Kea:
I'
l
lgett
heki
dsf
oryou.Li
ndanicomeandt
ake
Sabel
o.

Af
terSiyaleavesif
oll
owbehindmywif
e.Mnqobii
s
si
tt
ingnexttotheboysbasi
ns.He'
ssmil
ingwhen
weebterthenurser
y.
Mnqobi
:mommyt
heyar
ebeaut
if
ul.
Kea:
justl
ikeyou.
Mnqobi
:i
m goi
ngt
osi
ther
ewhi
leaunt
ybat
hes
t
hem.
Byauntyhemeanst
henanny.Wenowhavethr
ee
nanni
es.Wehaveal
otofchi
ldr
enandneedal
lthe
hel
pwecanget.
Me:babet
her
e'ssomet
hingiwantt
otal
ktoyou
about.
Kea:
okay.I
m comi
ng.
Isatont
hebedi
nourr
oom.
Kea:
im her
e.
Me:ihavet
ogotocapet
ownonbusi
ness.IWas
wonderi
ngi
fyoucoul
dcomewi
thme.
Kea:
whataboutt
heki
ds?I
'
veneverbeenawayf
rom
t
hem.
Me:theywi
llbef
ine.Ij
ustwanttospendti
mewit
h
you.Justt
hetwoofus.I'
vemissedyou.AndI
'
dlike
tospendeachchanceigetwit
hyou.
Kea:
okay.I
'
dlovet
hatt
oo.Whenar
ewel
eavi
ng?
Me:secondweekofJanuary.Taket
hiscar
d.Buy
whateveryout
hinkwewillneed.
Kea:
okay.
Me:
uset
hatmoney.Don'
tjustsayokay.
She'sthoseicantakecareofmyselfwomen.The
i
ndependentones.It
'sgoodbutI'
dlovetoseeher
spendingthi
smoney.It'
sours.Iwakeupnthe
morningtoworksoicantakecareofherandthe
chi
ldren.
Kea:
ipr
omi
seiwi
llusei
t.
Me:don'
tfor
gett
obuyswi
msui
tsneh?
Kea:
ahbabeigai
nedal
otofwei
ght
.It
hinkishoul
d
j
oinagym.
Me:you'r
everybeaut
if
ul.I
fyoul
osethi
swei
ght
howwillit
ouchyouli
kethismhh..
.
Ipul
lhertome.Shet
ri
edmovi
ngawaybutIhel
d
hert
ight
ly.
Kea:
ahbabyihavet
ocook.
Me:
thehel
perwi
llcook.Ri
ghtnowineedmywi
fe.

Wejustl
ayonbedtalki
ng.Ir
eall
ydidmi ssher.I
mustadmitt
hatsometi
mesI'dgetscaredthi
nking
t
hatshe'
dnevercomeback.Butnowshe' sback.
Andiwil
ldomyalltotr
eatgerr
ightthi
st i
me.

I
t'
snowatni ghtandwe'
rer
eadytol
eave.Anot
her
t
hing,iwasn'
tusedtot
hesedat
ethi
ngsbutwithher
I
'
ml earni
ng.
Li
ndani:
mamawher
ear
eyougoi
ng?Youl
ook
beaut
if
ul.
Me:
I'
m goi
ngoutwi
thdad.
Li
ndani
:t
hat
'swhyhe'
slooki
ngt
hisgood.Letme
t
akepi
ctur
es.Dadcomeon.
Lol
.Weposedf
oraf
ewpi
ctur
est
hengotr
eadyt
o
l
eave.
Aya:
mommyyou'
rel
eavi
ngagai
n.
Me:
no.Ipr
omi
seyouiwi
llbeback.
Luu:
no!You'
rel
eavi
ngus.
Me:no.Okaylook.Meanddaddyaregoingout.
Daddywillmakesuret
hatidon'
tleaveokay?
i
pr
omi se.
Luu:
okaydaddywill
makesur
ethen.Youwi
llr
ead
usbedti
mestory?
Me:t
omor
row.Il
oveyouandI
'
m neverl
eavi
ngyou
agai
n.
Aya:
okay.
Theyhugmeandipi ckedandki ssedt
hem.Myki
ds
arehur
t.Theythoughtimleavingagai
n.Buti
m
happythati
ntheendt heycalmeddown.

Thef
oll
owi
ngdaywhenwewokeupi
twassocol
d.
Wet
ookashowerandcamebackt
obed.
Mpendul
o:l
etmeswi
tchont
heheat
er.
"
Knockknock"
Iwenttoopenandthecr
echecameinrunni
ng.So
earl
y.I
t'
sthet
winsandThandoandSphe.Iwent
backtobed.
Luu:
mommyyoucameback.
Me:
itol
dyoui
m notgoi
nganywher
e.Comegi
veme
aki
ss.

Theyal
lcamet
othebedandki
ssedme.
Mpendul
o:makespacef
orme.Comebi
ggi
rl
.
Thandowenttoherdad.Hewasnolongersl
eepi
ng.
Hisheadwasleaningontheheadboar
d.Iwas
holdi
ngSphe.Shelookedsl
eepy.
Me:
whowoket
heset
woup?
Twi
ns:
it
'sus.
Me:
no.Don'
tdot
hatagai
n.Looknowt
heyar
e
sl
eepi
ngagai
n.
Thando:
notmemommy.
Luu:mom wewakeupearl
yal
lthet
ime.Sowecan
watchcar
toonsbef
oregoi
ngt
oschool.
Me:
okay.
Theyl
ookedateachot
herandl
aughed.
Twi
ns:
wel
oveyoumommy.
Me:il
oveyout
oo.Youst
il
lhaven'
tgi
venmemy
pr
esents.
Lu:
youmakeusf
orget
.Letmef
etcht
hem.
Aya:
im comi
ngt
oo.
Mpendul o:t
heyaresohappy.Ihaven'tseenthem
l
ikethisinal ongti
me.Thankyouf orbeinghere.
Andf orgivi
ngmeal lt
hesekids.Iwasj ustal
onely
soulstayingaloneinabi
ghousebutt hemomentI
gotyoui tal
lchanged.
Thando:
daddywhati
slonel
y?
Mpendul
o:i
t'
swhenyouhavenoonet
otal
ktoand
you'
real
waysbor
ed.
Il
aughedathi
sexpl
anat
ion.
Thando:
mommywer
eyoul
onel
ywer
ewewer
e
st
aying?
Me:
no.Butimi
sseddaddyandever
yoneher
e.Why?
Thando:
malomeTshir
elet
soalwayssai dyou'
re
l
onelysoyoumustgooutwithhi m.Butiknowyou
werenotl
onel
ybecauseyousai dnoihavemybaby
tokeepmecompany.Thatmeansi mt heonewho
wasmakingsureyou'
renotbored.
Me:
wabuat
lhe
She'
sexact
lyl
ikeLi
sa.Tel
li
ngherfat
herever
ythi
ng.
She'
ssayi
ngallt
hesethi
ngslooki
ngathim.
Mpendul
o:t
henwhatel
se?
Tgando:
isai
dno.Mymommyal waysplaywi
thme.
Andmalomesaidhecanj
oinus.Daddydoyoul
ove
mommy?
If
eltl
ikeput
ti
ngasel
otapeonhermout
hcosiknew
whereshewasgoi
ng.
Mpendul
o:yes.Al
ot.
Thando:
mal
omeTshi
rel
etsonayeut
heIl
oveyou
Kea.
Me:
who'
sKea?
Thando:
it
'syoumommy!
Mpendul
o:andwhatdi
dmommysay?
Thando:shesai
didon'tl
oveyou.Butshet
oldhim
shelovesyouonlydaddy.Soshedoesn'
tloveme?
Mpendul
o:shel
ovesyou.
Thando:
youwantmet
otot
ellyousomet
hingagai
n?
Mpendul
o:yesbi
ggi
rl
.
Thet
winscamebacksmi
li
ng.
Aya:
closeyoureyes.NaweThando.
Wecl
osedt
hem.
Lu:
open.
Welookedatt
hem.Theygaveusourgift
s.They
gavemeourfamil
ypict
ureandat-
shir
twiththat
pi
ctur
eon.Thenihadneckl
aceswit
htheirf
aces.
Thandohadasetofdol
lsandt
easetandahouse.
Me:
whohel
pedyouchooset
his?
Lu:
daddyandaunt
yKhanyo.
Me:
thankyou.I
t'
sbeaut
if
ul.
Thando:t
hanks.Il
ovei
t.Daddyyou'
regoi
ngt
odr
ink
teawit
hmeneh?
Mpendul
o:youwi
lldr
inkwi
thSphe.
Thando:
yout
oodaddy.
Mpendul
o:okay.
Thando:
iwant
edt
osaysomet
hing.
Mpendul
o:whati
sit
?
Thando: t
heauntywher eistayedboughtmet oysso
iplayedwi t
hmommy.Whenicr i
edanddi dn'
twant
togopl aywiththeothersmal omeTshi r
elet
sosaid
im abrat.Hedidn'twantmet ost aywit
hmommy.I
don'tli
kehim.Mymommyr efused.Shesaidim her
bestfri
endsoshewi l
lplaywithmeever yt i
me.
Thenaunt ytoldhi
mt ost ayawayf rom mommy.
Mpendul
o:oht
hat
'sgood.You'
reagoodgi
rl
.Don'
t
youwantt
osl
eep?
Thando:
no.Iwantt
opl
aywi
thmyhouseanddol
ls.
Shegotof
fandsatont hecar
petandst
arted
pl
ayi
ng.Welaughed.Thisoneissomet
hingelse.

Nar
rat
ed

Mabut
ho:
andwena.
..
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Si
ya:
iwasjustchecki
ngi
fmywi
fehasn'
tsentany
message.
Theyl
aughedathi
m.
Si
ya:
what
?
Bongani
:youar
ewhi
pped.Youwi
llf
indherathome.
Stopdoi
ngthat
.
Si
ya:
whati
fsheneedsme?
Mpendul
o:st
opt
hat
.She'
sfi
ne.Wenaj
ustenj
oyour
t
imehere.
Si
ya:
doyouknowshet
hrewawayt
hepi
ll
sshegot
fr
om thehospi
talj
ustbecauseI
sabel
lawast
he
doct
or?
Mzwakhe:
iwoul
ddot
hesame.Yourexcoul
d
poi
sonher
.
Mpendul
o:notj
ustanex.Hersi
ster
Muzi
:what
!?How?
Si
ya:
thefathercheat
edandl ef
thisfamil
yback
emakhaya.TurnsoutIsabel
la'
sfat
herisherf
ather
.
Nowshe'sevenblamingme.Aywomen.
Bongani
:butwhatmat
ter
sisyou'
real
lhappy.
Mabut
ho:
andever
ythi
ngi
sgoi
ngwel
l
.
Mpendul
o:yahf
orachange.Excuseme.
Heanswer
edhi
sphone.
Mpendul
o:baby.Ur
ight
?
.
..
.
Mpendul
o:yahyouknowhowt
heyar
e.They'
l
l
al
waysbeidiot
s.
.
..
..
Mpendul
o:don'
tfor
get.Nogi
vingt
heguar
dsahar
d
t
ime.I
t'
sforyoursafet
y.
.
..
Mpendul
o:okay.Youl
ovet
hef
lower
s?
.
..
Mpendul
o:t
hat
'sgoodke.Enj
oyyourday.Il
oveyou
ne?
.
..
.
Si
ya:
andwhatdi
dyousayaboutme?
Mpendulo:
phumaki
m wena.Whenmywi
fecal
lsi
answer
.
Zwel
i
:I'
veneverseenyout
hishappy.
Mpendul
o:mywif
emakesmehappy.Event
hough
t
here'
ssomeidi
otswhot
ryt
hei
rluckonher
.
Zwel
i
:idi
ots?
Mpendul
o:yes.Somef
ooli
npol
okwanewast
ryi
ng
hi
sluckwithher.
Mzwakhe:
howdoyouknow?
Mpendulo:
Thando.Shet
oldmeever
ythi
ngt
hatwas
happeni
ngthere.
Theyl
aughed.
Si
ya:she'
sexact
lyl
ikeLi
sa.
Mpendul
o:youknowwhatshesaid?Shesaidshe
wasmakingsurehermommyi snotbored.Then
t
hatboysaidhelovesmywif
e.Mywi f
e!
Mabut
ho:
hemustbeki
ckedt
hatone.
Mpendulo:t
henhehadt henervetosaymychi ldisa
brat
.Hewast ryi
ngallthi
ngstogetridofhersohe
coul
dtryhismoves.Butyamii nganeyala.
Someti
mesIdon' tbel
ieveit
'shertal
king.Tyet
hings
shesays!Shewasaski ngnewhyhermot her
doesn'
tloveher.
Zwel
i
:yourchi
ldi
sfunny.Whywoul
dsheaskt
hat
?
Mpendul
o:Khanyi
sil
etol
dthati
diott
hatsheonly
l
ovesmeandit hi
nkmybabybecamej ealous.
Mabut ho:
icanpictureheraski
ngal
lthese
questi
ons.Becar efulofher
.Onewrongmove
i
t'
stroubleforyou.
Mpendul
o:i
mjusthappyt
heyar
eback.Ihadmi
ssed
t
hem.
Muzi:
iknowyou'r
eoldert
hanmebutIhavetosay
t
his.Youputhert
hroughalot
.Youhur
ther.
Mpendul
o:iknow.She'
st hemostunder
standi
ng
womanI'veevermet.I
fitwassomeoneshewould
havel
eft
.Butsheforgaveme.
Muzi
:ihopeyouar
enotgoi
ngt
oputhert
hrough
t
hatagain.
Zwel
i
:Muziisri
ght
.Treatyourwi
fer
ight
.Yesno
onei
sper
fectbutj
usttr
y.
Mpendul
o:yeah.Iwil
lspendtherestofmyli
fe
t
ryi
ngtobeabet terman.Andyouguys, t
hankyou
f
ornotgi
vinguponme.Il oveyouguys.
Siya:
youarest
art
ingnow.Hayi
hayi
.Dadmusthear
aboutthi
s.
Theyal
llookedathi
m.Hewasl
aughi
ngsohar
d..
Zwel
i:
what'
swrongwit
hthi
scl
ownkant
i?Oneday
you'
l
ldieofl
aughi
ng.
Bongani
:wel
oveyout
oo.What
?Im answer
ingf
or
youallbecauseyoudon'
twantt
osayi
t.Youshoul
d
bethankingme.
Mzwakhe:
anot
hercl
oudmadoda.
Mpendul
o:hecoul
dbeaclownbutnotl
iket
hisone.
Si
yayou'
rearealcl
own.

KEATLARETSI

Myhusbandgott wobodyguar dsforme.Idon' t

knowwhyt houghbecauset here'
snoonewhoi s
afterme.ImeanMrPt ookcareoftheTur kish
fami l
yandLi locaisdead.Sonoonewoul dbeof
dangertome.I neveryshopt hatigot otheyare
alwaysbehi ndme.Butt heydonotmakei tobvious
thattheyar efoll
owingme.Sonoonecannot i
ce.I
wasbuyi ngcl othesforthekids.Thesethreegrow
asi fsomeonei swat eri
ngthem.Atl eastLisaiswith
meandshecanhel pmecar r
ysomet hings.Ihadt o
begt hetwinst ostaybehindbecauseIknowt hey
woul dber unningallover.Nowwear edonewi ththe
kidsclothesandist artbuyingformyhusband.I fi
don'tdoitwhowi l
l?Somet imesimustdoi teven
thoughhedoesi thimself.Ibuyhi m afewtshirts
andshi r
ts.Iknowwhathepr eferssoit'
seasy.I
evenputsomej eansandt racksuit
s.Pretor
ia
weatherisunpr edi
ctable.Soyoual wayshavet obe
prepared.Afterourshoppi ngwegot orocco
mamast oeatsomet hing.Ithasbeenal ongday.
Me:
whatwoul
dyoul
iket
ohave?
Li
sa:iwantabi
cycl
emom.Justl
ikeMnqobi
.
Me:whydi
dn'
tyout
ellmewhi
lewewer
est
il
l
shoppi
ng?
Li
sa:
ifor
got
.
Me:wewil
lgeti
tbefor
ewegohome.Nowwhatar
e
yougoi
ngtoorder
?
Li
sa:
iwantaburgerandfri
es.Theot
herscanhave
pi
zzaathome.Ipromiseiwontsayanyt
hing.
Me:haaLisayouknowyou'r
elyi
ng.Themoment
weentert
hegateyou'
llbescr
eamingt
hatyouhada
bur
ger.
Li
sa:idon'
tknowwhyidot
hat
.Okayihavet
oeat
butyouwi
llbuymor
eandiwi
lleatagai
nathome
wit
htheot
hers.
Me:
iknewi
t.
Li
sa:
iloveyoumommy.I'm happyyou'r
eback.I'
ll
al
waysdoshoppingwit
hyou.BhutiLindaniand
Mnqobialwaysl
eaveme.Nowiwi l
lalwaysgoout
wi
thyou.
Me:
iloveyout
oo.
"
Wow.Ican'
tbel
ieveI
'
m seei
ngyouaf
teral
lthi
s
t
ime!
"
Ifi
nishedorder
ingandl
ookedatt
hisonet
aki
nga
chairwit
houtbeingi
nvi
ted.
Me:
hiAnel
isa.I
t'
sbeenl
ongi
ndeed.
Ane:
youhavebeaut
if
ulki
ds.I
sthi
syour
stoo?
Me:
whoel
se'
s?Yeahshe'
smi
ne.
Ane:butificountcorr
ect
lyyou'vebeenmarri
edf
or
over5ifnotalmostsixyears.Sothisonel
ooksway
tooolderthanthat.
Me:
thatdoesn'
tconcer
nyou.
Li
sa:
bhut
iLi
ndanii
scal
li
ngmommy.
Themomentianswer edt
hetwinsscreamedonthe
phone.Icoul
dn'
tevenhearwhattheyweresayi
ng.
Me:
heywhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Twi
ns:
wemi
ssyou.
Me:
im comi
nghomeokay?
Mnqobi
:wher
ear
eyoumama?
Me:
im att
hemal
l.It
hought
..
.
Li
ndani
:hemeantwhi
chshop?
Me:
we'
reatRoccomama.
Li
ndani
:okay.
Igavet
hephonebackt
oLi
sa.
Me:
doyoumi
nd?Wewer
eaboutt
ohavel
unch.
Li
sa:l
etmej oinyou.OhGodican'
tgetoverhow
beaut
ifulyourbabi
esare.
Li
sa:
theyar
ebeaut
if
ull
ikeme.
"
Mommywear
eher
e!"
That
'sLuyandascr
eami
ng.
Me:
whydi
dyouf
oll
owus?
Luu:si
esLisayouweregoi
ngt
orobus.Youeat
hereandathomealso.
Mnqobi:
iknewyouwoul
ddot
his!Nowwecanal
l
eatt
ogether
.
Me:
wher
eisdad?
Mnqobi:
hedi
dn'
tcomeback.Wecamewit
hthe
dr
iver
.Bhut
iLi
ndanii
sor
deri
ngforus.
Ane:yohf
ri
end!Youhavealotofchi
ldr
e.10!I
fit
wasmeiwouldn'tst
ayfort
hatshame.
Me:t
hankGodi
m notyou.Il
ovemyki
dsj
ustast
hey
ar
e.
Ane:butIcan'
tjudgeyou.Imeanyougavebi
rt
hli
ke
thr
eeorf ourt
imes.Andtheotherar
eyour
husband's.Soit
'sunder
standabl
e.
Me:Aneli
sayouknowtoomuch.Didyourcl
ient
updat
eyouonmyl if
e?BecauseIknowshewas
envi
ousofme.Shewouldhavelovedtobet
heone
i
nmypl ace.
Ane:
whatcl
ientar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Me:Lil
oca.Whatwereyoutryi
ngtodo?Iseeyou'
re
anenemyofhappiness.Youdon'tl
oveseei
ng
peopl
ehappyhuh?You'reexactl
yli
ket
hosefri
ends
ofyour
s.
Ane:
iwant
edtotel
lyou.Buti
didn'
tknowwher
eto
st
art
.She'
sdeadanyway.
Me:
somustisympathi
zewit
hyout hatyoul
ost
money?You'r
eagoodl
awyer.I
m sureyouwil
lget
morecl
ient
s.
Ane:
mmh.Sohow'syoursi
ster
?Ihear
dyouar
e
marr
iedt
obr
other
s.
Me:t
hankyouforj
oiningusbutpl
easeexcuseus
now.Itwasni
ceseeingyou.
Ane:
li
kewi
se.

Wegotthefood.Wedidn'
teatt
her
eanymore.We
t
ookithome.Butnotaft
erbuyi
ngt
hebicycl
e.When
wegothomemyhusbandwasback.Hewas
wat
chingtvwit
hThandoandSphe.
Mpendulo:
babyyou'
reback.Howwasyour
shoppi
ng?
Me:i
twasgood.I
mjustt
ir
ed.
whyar
etheset
wo
l
yingdown?
Mpendulo:t
heysai
dtheywantt owat
chtvproperl
y.
Ievenhavetowatchcartoons.Whenichangethe
channelSphesaysi
m disturbi
ngt
hem.Nowt hey
endedupsleepi
nghere.
Ihear
dat
inyl
augh.
Me:
aret
heyr
eal
lysl
eepi
ng?Someonei
slaughi
ng.
Mpendul
o:Li
sai
sfi
nishi
ngt
hef
oodi
ntheki
tchen.
Them:
nonono.
Theygotupandr
ant
otheki
tchen.Wel
aughed.
Me:
theset
woar
enaught
y.
Mpendulo:mamaandbabahavear ri
ved.They'l
lbe
st
ayingwithSi
yabuttheyareonthei
rwayher e.
Theycan'twai
ttoseetheset
hreechamps.
Me:ohmyGod!Di
dyout
ellt
hem i
m back.Theyar
e
goi
ngtohat
eme.
Mpendul
o:hai
bowhywoul
dtheyhat
eyou?
Me:
iranaway.It
hink.
..
Mpendul
o:t
hatmustbet
hem.Goandopenf
ort
hem.
Me:
pleaset
ellt
hem i
m nother
e!I
'
llbei
nourr
oom.
Mpendulo:Khanyi
sil
egoandopenfort
hem.They
arenotmadatyou.Infactt
heyar
emadatmecosi
causedallt
hismess.Sonowgoandopen.
Iwasevenshakingwheniwentt othedoor.I
countedf
rom 1to3t henopened.Iwel
comedt hem
i
nandf ol
lowedbehindthem.Ireal
lywantedto
l
eavebutthatwouldber udeofme.Wegreetedand
welcomedthem.
Ma:i
t'
sgoodtoseeyoumydaught
er.I
m gl
adt
hat
you'
reback.
Dad:
yes.Nowallt
hat'
sleftisforusi
stogoekhaya
anddoaceremonyforlezingane.
Theytal
kedunt
ilmaaskedtobeexcusedand
askedmetofol
lowher.Whatal
if
esaver.
Nar
rat
ed

Dad:howi
sever
ythi
ng?Haveyout
wot
alked?
Mpendul
o:ever
ythi
ngi
swel
lbaba.We'
vet
alkedand
shef
orgaveme.
Dad:shef
orgaveyou?Sowhatareyougoingtodo
aboutwhathappenedtomakesurei
tdoesn't
happenagain?
Mpendulo:dadyouknowI 'dnevercheatonmywi f
e.
Ever
ythi
ngt hathappenedinAngolawasami st
ake.
Iwasnotmysel f.Iwasn'
tint
her i
ghtstat
eofmind.
Dad:
yesbutther
e'sachi
ldasaresul
tofthat
.Do
youknowthatshewil
lal
wayssuspectyou?
28cont

Mpendulo:t
henhowdoireassureherthatiwil
l
neverputhert
hrought
hatagain?I
'vedoneallthati
can.Ij
ustwantustobehappy.
Baba:
thenshowherwi
thyouract
ions.Doyouhear
t
henoisecomi
ngf
rom t
heki
tchen?Whatdoest
hat
mean?
Mpendul
o:t
heki
dsar
ehappy
Bava:exactl
y.Thel astt i
meIwasher eitwasn'tl
ike
thi
s.Itwasver yquiet.Butnowsuddenl yyourwif e
camebackandt hi
ngschanged.Ther e'speaceand
happiness.Doyouseewhatt hiswomanuscapabl e
of?Shebr i
ngshappi nessi ntot hi
shouse.And
that
'sveryrare.Ifyouf i
ndawomanl ikethathold
ontoher .Treatherlikeaqueen.Gi vehert hesame
happinessthatshegi vesyou.Begr ateful
.Itmakes
mehappyt oseeyousmi li
nglikethis.Andi m pr
oud
ofthemant hatyouar e.
Mpendul
o:t
hankyoubaba.
Luu:
daddywher
ear
etheboys?
Mpendul
o:wi
thmommy.
Luu:
iwant
edt
oeatmybur
gerwi
tht
hem.
Theyl
aughed.
Dad:
Luyandat
heyar
etooyoungt
oeatbur
ger
s.Go
andeat
.
Luu:
ohokay.Doyouwantt
oeatMkhul
u?We
boughtal
otoffood.
Mpendul
o:andwhataboutme?
Luu:daddyyoudon'
tgi
vememeatever ydayokay?
Mkhulugi vesmehi
smeatallt
heti
me.Butt odayI
wil
lgiveyoumeatbecauseyou'
renott
elli
ngmet o
eatvegetables.
Thel
it
tl
eboylookedsoseri
ous.Hewentbackt
o
wher
etheot
herkidswere.

Kea'
sphonerangandMpendulotooki
tasshehad
l
efti
tonthet
able.Hewenttoansweri
tawayfrom
wherehi
sfat
herwas.Hepressedyesandl
ist
ened.
Voi
ce:Keat
lar
etsif
inal
ly!Igotyournumberf
rom
Rapel
ang.
Mpendul
o:.
Voice:
okay.Sinceyoydon'
twanttoanswerletme
tal
k.Iknowyoual r
eadysaidther
e'snootherman
foryoubesidesyourhusbandbutcomeon.You
knowiloveyouandcanmakeyoumor ehappythan
hedoes.Justgi vemeachancet oprovemyself.I
m
i
nPr etor
ia.Canwemeett omorrow?I '
l
lsenda
messagewi ththedetai
ls.Pleaseanswerme.It
doesn'tmatterwhatyousay.I m notevenscar
edof
thathusbandofyours.Justanswerme.

Hecutthecallandwentupstairs.Whenhewas
aboutt
oent erhisroom t
hephonebeeped."
Cometo
thehot
el.Iwillsendthel
ocat
ion.Ihavet
oseeyou."
Hesentt helocati
ontohi sphoneanddel et
edthe
messageandphonecal l.Hegavet hephonetoLisa
togivehermot her.Hetookhi scarkeysanddrove
off.Thewayhi scarwasspeedi ngontheroadit
wasl i
kehehasanemer gencytoattend.Hegotto
thathotelandwentst r
aighttotheroom.He
knockedr oughl
yunt i
lTshirel
etsoopenedforhi
m.
Mpendul
o:boywher
edoyougett
hener
vet
ocal
lmy
wi
fe?
Tshi
re:
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Mpendul
o:Keatl
aret
si.Ri
ngabel
l?I
m her
etowar
n
youf
orthelastti
me.Leaveheral
one.
Tshire:
orwhat?Areyouaf
raidt
hatshe'
sgoingto
fal
lforme?Isthatwhyyouareheretot
hreatenme?
Doiintimi
dateyouthatmuch?
Mpendul o:boyl i
stenhere.Im notscar edofanyt hing.
Iknowmywi feandt rusther.Shewi llneverf al
lfor
someoneasst upidasyou.Iknowsheal r eady
rejectedyou.I '
m nother ecosi mi nti
mi datedor
anyt hi
ng.I m heret ostopthi
sdi srespectfulmanner
youhaveofcal li
ngsomeone' swifeandt ell
ingher
howyouf eelanddemandi ngt omeether .I'
m going
tot eachyoual essont hatyou'l
lneversetf ooti
n
Pret or
iaagai n.Whatki ndofaf oolareyout odri
ve
allthewayf rom Limpopot ogaut engf orsomeone
youwi l
lneverhave?
Tshi
re:
dar
etouchmeandI
'
llhaveyouar
rest
ed.

Mpenduloslappedhimt hatheevenfel
lonthebed.
Hestar
tedhitti
nghim andeverytimeTshir
etri
edto
bl
ockfi
stshewoul dhi thi
m onotherpl
aces.Then
hepi
ckedhim andhi tagainstt
hewallt
henpicked
hi
m againandst r
angledhim.
Mpendulo:
thi
sisnot
hing!Nextt
imeIwon'
tbet
his
easyonyounxa!Nowdel et
emywife'
snumber
s
andnevercal
lher
.

Af
tert
hathedr
ovebackhome.

*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
04] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER32*

BONOLO

I
t'
shere.Mybigday.Myweddingday.Inever
t
houghtthiswoul
dbeme.Ithoughtthesamet hi
ng
t
hathappenedwithAmirwouldhappen.Post
poning
t
heweddi ngwhenit
'sj
ustafewdaysaway.Iknow
we'
vealreadysi
gnedathomeaffai
rsandhadt he
t
radi
ti
onalweddi
ngbutt
hisf
eel
sgood.
Mama:
ohmychi ld.I
m soproudofyou.I'
m pr
oud
t
obecal
ledyourmother.Mydaughteri
sgetti
ng
mar
ri
ed.Wet hankGodfort
his.
Kea:br
idet
obe.Ihaveamessageforyouf
rom t
he
groom!Aagyouaresobeaut
if
ul!
Me:
thankyou.Whatdi
dhesay?
Kea:
hesentyouavi
deo.Her
e.
Mama:Keat
lar
etsi
itol
dyout
okeepherphoneof
f.
Kea:mamamyhusbandcal l
edandaskedmet ogi
ve
Bonoloherphonecoshergr
oom sentamessage
forher
.

It
ooki
tandwat
chedt
hevi
deo.
"Mylove.Myet er
nallove.Thisisi t
.Todayi sour
moment .Thankyouf orchoosingme.Thankyouf or
agreei
ngt omar ryme.Ourl i
ves,ourf oreverbegin
today.Ican'twaittoseeyou.Il oveyou.Andi m
happyt hattodaywewi llsayido.Ican' twaitforall
themoment sthatwewi llcr
eatet ogether.Don'tbe
l
ate.Oriwillbeworri
ed.Il
oveyouMr
sKhoza.
Foreverandalways."
Ah.Thi
svi
deo!Iseei
t'
shi
sint
ent
iont
omakeme
cr
y.
Kea:
you'
ret
hemostbeaut i
fulbr
ide.Yourdadi
s
wait
ingf
oryouout
side.Let'
sgo.
Me:
ist
hisr
eal
lyhappeni
ngorI
'
m dr
eami
ng?
Kea:
noi
t'
sreal
.
Mama:
let
'sgo.

Wellihavef i
vebr i
desmaids.Itwasr eal
lyabigfight
whenIchosebr idesmaidsbecausemycousi ns
want edtobebr idesmaidst oo.Myhusband
blat
antlytol
dmet hatmybr idemai dswillbehis
brotherswivesbecausehi sbr othersarehis
groomsmen.Theweddi ngwashel datmypl ace.We
haveabeaut ifulbackyardthati sjustoppositethe
l
ake.Soisai dwhywast emoneywhenwecanhave
theweddi ngther e.Musi
cst artedpl ayi
ngandmy
dadhuggedme.Iwassoemot i
onal.Myf at
her
l
ookedveryhappy.Ir
ememberiwasadisobedi
ent
chi
ldgr
owingup.Nowi m gr
ownandchanged.Andi
canseehowpr oudheisofme.
Papa:I
'
m proudofyou.IknowI '
vealreadysaidthi
s
onyourtradit
ionalweddingbutdon'tforget
.Getti
ng
marri
edtot hi
smandoesnotmeanwehave
abandonedyou.Onal egae.Don'
tfeelli
keyou'reno
l
ongeraBogat su.Youalwayswil
lbe.Youwi ll
al
waysbemyl it
tl
ebabygirl
.Takecar eofyoursel
f
andyourfami l
y.Iloveyou.
Heki ssedmyf oreheadandt ookouthi s
handker chiefandwi pedat earthatf
ell.OhhowI
l
ovemyf ather.Iwoul dn'
taskf orabet t
erfather
.He
i
st hebest .West artedwalkingtotheweddi ng
receptionandt hekidsappear ed.Natty,Sphe,
Thandoandmyl ittl
eboy.Lwandl ewasi nf r
ontand
walkingsof ast.Hel ookedsohandsomei nhis
beaut i
fultail
ormadesui t.Myl i
ttl
eman.Wi t
hhis
curlyhairfalli
ngoneachsi deofhisface.He
reachedwher ehi sfatheranduncl eswer estandi
ng
andopenedhi sar ms.Si yapickedhim upandhe
puthi sheadonhi sshoulder.Thegirl
swer e
thr
owingpetalsonthewaygoingtowherethe
pastorwasstandi
ng.Ifel
tsoemoti
onal.If
eltl
ikei
wouldcry.I
'
m happy.ThisiswhatI
'veal
ways
wanted.AndtodayI'
m doingi
t.

NARRATED

Ast
hebr
ideappear
edt
hegr
oom st
art
edt
orel
ax.
Past
or:
whogi
vesawayt
hebr
ide?
MrBogat
su:Ido.Khozat
lhokomel
angwanake
monna.I
'
mt r
usti
ngyouwithher
.
MzwakhenoddedandMrBogatsuwentt
osi
tdown.
Thepastorof
fi
ciat
edt
heweddi
ngandthebr
ideand
groom sai
dthei
rvows.
Bonolo:babe.
..
myl ove,Ireal
lycan'tbeli
evethisis
us.ButI'
m happyt hati
m doingthiswithnooneel se
butyou.Ipromiset ol
oveyoul i
keyoual waysdo.I
wil
lbeagoodwi f
et oyouandmot hertoourchi l
d.I
wil
lloveandcaref oryou.MayGodbl essust osee
evenmor eyearsthatwecaneveri magi ne.Mayhe
giveusst r
engthtoover comeanyt hingt hatwilltry
tostandonourway.Yout aughtmet hatwi t
hlove
wecanover comeanyt hing.You' veshowedmet hat
i
t'spossibl
e.AndI 'm gr atefulforyou.Tohaveyou
asmyl ifepartner
.Someonewhowi llalwaysbeby
mysi de.Someonewhowi l
lcar eandl ookoutf or
me.Someonewhowi llbet her
eal ways.Ipr omi seto
bethereinheal t
handi nsi ckness.Ingoodt imes
andeveni nbadt imes.Unt ildeathdousapar t
.
Sheputt
her
ingonhi
sfi
nger
.
Mzwakhe:Mybeaut if
ulwoman.Themostbeaut i
ful
womani nt hewor ld.Thel oveofmyl ife.Ican'
t
containmysel ft
oday.Iam sohappy.Ml rehappy
thanwor dscaneverexpl ain.Seeingyouwal kdown
theaislej ustshowedmet hatt hi
sisit.The
beginningofourf orever.Thebegi nningof
somet hingbeaut if
ulthatwi llcomeoutofouruni on.
Somet hingmovedi nme.Igott oseeanangel
comi ngt owardsme.Anangelt hati
syou.I '
m happy
thatwear estandingher ei nfrontofeveryoneto
offi
ciateourl ove.Thel ovet hatyougiveme.Ihad
l
onggi venupi nfindingtheonet hatmyhear tbeats
for.Ihadnohope.Butt hatoneday.Justt hatdayi
metyouiknewt hatihadf oundmyet ernallove.I
knewt hatihadf oundmymi ssi
ngr i
b.Ipr omiseto
l
oveyoul i
keyou' veneverbeenl oved.Iwi lll
oveand
cherishyouandal lourmemor i
es.Iwilltakecareof
youandourki ds.Iwi l
lbewi t
hyoual ways.Eveni n
ouraf t
erl
if
e.Ipr omi setobet hereinheal t
handi n
sickness.Ingoodt imesandeveni nbadt i
mes.I n
everysinglethingt hatwewi l
lfaceiwi l
lbebyyour
side.
Thenheputt
her
ingonherf
inger.
Pastor
:beaut
if
ulvows.Inowpronounceyou
husbandandwi fe.Ever
yoneMrsandMrsKhoza!
Youmaynowki ssyourbri
de.
Theyki
ssedandcheer
edf
ort
hem.
Theweddi
ngwentwel
landever
yonewashappy.

SETHU

Everbeeni
nasi
tuat
ionwher
eyouar
ehappyand
allofasuddensomeonedi sr
uptyourpeace?That'
s
thelif
eIm curr
ent
lyli
vingr
ightnow.Lastni
ghtI
gavebi r
thtoourl
it
tl
esunshineMusawenkosi.My
husbanddoesn'tevenwanttoleavethehouse.He'
s
sohappy.
Si
ya:
baby.Ican'
tbel
ieveourboyi
sher
e.
Me:
met
oo.I
'
m donehavi
ngki
ds.3i
senough.
Si
ya:
twol
eftt
henwe'
l
lbedone.
"
Goodmor
ning.Ihear
dyougavebi
rt
h"
Me:
mamar
eal
ly?Di
dyouhavet
ocomewi
thhi
m?
Mama:idi
dn'
tcomewithhim.Imethi
m ont
he
cor
ri
dor
.Hesaidhi
sdaught
erworksher
eandhe'
s
doi
nghi
str
eatment
shere.
Me:pl
easestayawayf
rom me.Idon'
twantyou
her
e.Leave.I
'
vebeenf
inewit
houtyoufor30year
s.
Mr
:can'
twet
alkl
ikeadul
ts?Wi
thoutshout
ing?
Me:
babepl
easet
ellt
hismant
oleave.Idon'
twant
t
oseehi
m.
It
urnedt
otheot
hersi
deandj
ustcl
osedmyeyes
andcri
ed.Theangert hatihadofgr owi
ngup
wit
houtmyf athercameback.Ihadnof at
her.While
hewasoutt her eplayi
ngfathert
oot her
s.Idon't
thi
nkiwilleverforgivehi
m.Hehur tme.Mymot her
i
stheonlypar entihave.Nooneel se.
Siya:si
rithi
nkyoushouldl
eave.You'
reupset
ti
ng
herandthat'
snotgood.
Mr:what
'sisi
twithyouandmydaught
ers?You
j
umpfrom onetoanother
!
Mama:Funanihamba.Youhavenor ighttosay
that.Whosef aulti
sitthathe'sdat
edsi st
ers?Ifyou
hadbeenagoodf atherli
keyouputyour sel
ftobe
youwoul dn'thaverunf r
om yourchil
dren.Ifi
t'
sme
thatyoudidnotwantt henyouwoul dhavedoneal l
youcouldt ohavear el
ati
onshipwit
hyourchi l
dren.
Andnowyouwantt obl amemysoni nlaw?It'
st oo
l
atef ort
hat.Nowpl easel eaveusi
npeace.Ĺ
Ihear
dfoot
stepsandhewasnol
ongeri
nther
oom.
Me:thatmanmuststayawayf
rom me.Idon'
twant
hi
m anywherenearmeormyfamil
y.
Si
ya:
cal
m down.
KEATLARETSI

I'
m backatwor kandicansayiam enj oyingit.Iam
real
lythankf ulformyhusbandand00Bonol o.They
madesur ethatallmybusi nessesdon' tfallapart.
Todayiknockedof fearl
ybecauseiam goi ngout
withLer at
o.Itsherbestf riend/sist
erinlawbaby
shower .Iknowmostoft het i
meiam wi thBonol oor
thewivesbutLer atoisalsooneofmycl osestf ri
end.
Withhericanj ustbef r
eeandiknowshewi l
lnot
j
udgeme.Whenigethomei t
'sachaos.Toysal l
overint heloungeandt het r
iplet
sar eont hefloor.
Eversincet heyst art
edcr awlingit'
smor ewor k.
Theycr awltomeandismi l
eandki ssthem.I
missedmybabi es.
Me:
Ayandagoandcal
lyourbr
otherandpackyour
t
oys.
Aya:
howwaswor
k?
Me:
itwasgood.Howwasschool
?
Aya:idon'
tli
keschool
.
Me:
what
'
swr
ongmyboy?Someonebul
lyi
ngyou?
Aya:mommyi t
'sbor
ing.I
'mNotinthesamecl
assas
Luyanda.Iwantt
obei nhi
sclass.
Me:I
'
m sorr
yokay?Iwil
ltalkt
oyourt
eacherand
aski
ftheycanputyoui
nt hesamecl
ass.
Henoddedhappy.Iwentupst ai
rsandt
ooka
shower.Idressedi
nalongwhi t
esummerdress
andsandles.Iwentandknockedonthesr
udy.
Mpendul
o:comei
n.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ulmywi
fe.
Wherear
eyougoing?
Me:babeit
oldyouI
'
m goi
ngt
oababyshowerwi
th
Ler
ato.
Mpendul
o:oh.Havef
un.Don'
twor
ryaboutt
heki
ds.
Iwi
lll
ookaftert
hem.
Me:
you'
ret
hevest
.Il
oveyou.
Mpendul
o:il
oveyoumor
e.Comeandgi
vememy
ki
ss.
Iki
ssedhi
m andhuggedhi
m.
Me:
don'
tmi
ssmet
oomuch.
Mpendul
o:no.Don'
tmi
ssmet
oomuch.

He'
sri
ght
.I'
m socl
i
ngyt
ohi
mthesedays.

Me:
ahdon'
tst
art
.Iwon'
tmi
ssyou.
Mpendulo:
mmh.Gonow.I
m goi
ngt
oswi
tchof
fmy
phone.
Me:
okay.Okay.Imi
ssyoual
ready.
Mpendul
o:Tomor
rowsaf
terwor
kIwi l
ltakeyouout
.
Thenwecanspendmoreti
metoget
her.
Me:
okayl
etmegobef
oreI
mlat
e.
It
ookmyt hi
ngsandwenttoLer
ato'
shouse.We
weregoi
ngtousehercar
.

MPENDULO
mywi fewentoutandi t'smyni ghtwi tht het wol itt
le
girl
s.ThandoandSphe.Li sai ssl eepi ngoverat
Chris.If ini
shedput t
ingt heirsnacksi nt hepl ate
thenheadt othebedr oom.Theyar einmybedr oom
wat chi ngcartoonsont heirmot her '
sl aptop.I t's
around6soyeaht hat '
st her easont heyar enot
sleepi ng.Idomywor kwhi letheyar epl ayingand
eating.Mostoft hetimeiwor kfrom home.AsI '
m
doingmywor ktheset wof allasleep.Icl osemy
l
apt opandt aket hem al lt otheirr oom.Icl osei tand
l
eave.Ther easonI 'm wor kingevenaf terwor kis
becausesoonI '
l
lber eti
ring.Ij ustwantt ost ayat
home.Restandhaveagoodt imewi t
hmyf ami l
y.
NoI 'm notdi eng.Idon' thavesomechr oni c
diseases.I t'
sjustt hatihavewor kedhar dal lmyl if
e.
Icanaf f
ordanyt hingiwant .Sot hatmyf ami l
ycan
bet akencar eof.Sot hatmychi ldrenwi llnotbegf or
anyt hing.Itaket hepl atebackt ot heki tchent hengo
andcheckont heot hers.Thet winsar esl eepi ng
witht heirheadsont opofMnqobi .Thet hreeof
them shar ear oom.ThenLi sashar eswi ththegi r
ls
andLi ndanihashi sownr oom.Thet winspr efer
shar ingabedwi thMnqobir at
hert hanhavi ng
bunkedbeds.Itakeapict
ureandsendi tt
omywi f
e.
Shelovestaki
ngpict
uresofthekids.I
'
m sureshe'
l
l
besmili
ngwhensheseesi t.Iknockandgetint
o
Li
ndani'
sroom.He'splayi
nghisgames.
Me:ar
eyoudonewi
thyourhomewor
ks?
Lindani
:yesbaba.I
'm evendonest
udyi
ng.Iknow
that'
swhyyou'rehere.
Il
augh.Ial
wayscheckonhi
sschoolwork.He'
sin
matr
icsoiwanthimtodowellsohecangotoany
uni
versi
tyofhi
schoi
ce.
Me:
sohowar
eyou?
Li
ndani
:I
'
m good.
Me:
real
lygood?
Lindani
:yesbaba.Iknowyouwor
ryaboutme.But
I'
mf i
ne.TherapyhelpedmeandI
'm goodnow.
I
t'
sbeenayearsi
ncehef
ini
shedhi
ssessi
ons.
Me:
sodoyoumi
ssyourmot
her
..
.yourgr
andpar
ent
s?
Li
ndani
:whyar
eyouaski
ng?Doyouwantt
otake
meback?
Me:takeyouback?No!I'
m happywi
thhavi
ngal
lmy
chi
ldrenunderoneroof
.
Lindani:
babamymot herisher e.Khanyisil
e.She
maynotbemybi ologicalmot herbutthesef ew
yearsI'
vebeenher eshe' sbeenmor eofamot her
thanicansayaboutmybi ologi calmother.She
l
ovesmel ikeI
'm herown.Shedoesn' tt
reatus
diff
erentl
y.Toherwear eequal .Wear eallher
chil
dren.Mybi ol
ogicalmot herwoul dtreatherstep
chil
drenlikeherownandt reatmel i
keast ranger
.
Soiwi l
lnevermissanyonel iket hat
.
Me:okay.Ihearyou.Sowhatdoyouwantt
ostudy
nextyearandwhichuniver
sit
ydoyouwanttogot
o?
Lindani
:I
'
m sti
lldeci
dingwhi
chuni
ver
sit
yiwantbut
I'
l
lstudyarchi
tectur
e.
Me:
youcant
akeagapyearunt
ilyou'
resur
e.
Li
nďani
:t
here'
ssti
llt
imet odeci
deonuniver
sit
ies.
SoyouarenotangrythatIwanttodoar
chit
ecture?
Me:
whywoul
dIbe?
Li
ndani
:myf
ri
end'
sfat
heri
sangr
ybecausemy
f
ri
enddoesn'
twantt
ost
udybusi
ness.
Me:I'
m notangry.Youhavetodowhatmakesyou
happyorelseyoumi ghtf
ail
.Ifi
t'
sarchi
tect
urethen
youcandoi t
.Juststudyhardandmakemeand
yourmotherproud.Butmostlydoitf
oryoursel
f.
Haveagoodni ghtneh?
Li
ndani
:goodni
ghtdad.

Iwentt ot het r
ipletsroom andtheywer esound
asleep.Icl osedt hedoorandwentbackt omyr oom.
Istoppedonmyt r
acks.Therestoodt hemost
beaut i
fulangelI '
veevermet .Wit
hhersmoot hskin.
Iknowsheal wayscompl ainthatshehasgai ned
wei ght
.Fr om size38t o40.Yesilistent othese
thingswhenshet el
lsmet hesethings.Butshe' sso
beaut i
ful.Evenl ookingatherr i
ghtnowif eelmy
bloodr unni ng.Whydi dImeetherl ate?
Kea:
loveidi
dn'
tseeyout
her
e.
Me:
Iwasadmi
ri
ngwhatGodme.
Kea:
andwhati
sthat
?
Me:
anangelst
andi
ngi
nfr
ontofme.

Shewant edtoputinanightdressbutIgotholdof
i
tandt hrewitaway.Ihel
dherf r
om behind.She
smeltofhershowergel.Shejustfi
nished
showering.
Me:
howwasyourni
ghtout
?
Kea:
itwasgood.Ihadf
un.
Me:
imi
ssedyou.
Kea:
andnowi
m back.
Me:
mmh
Kea:
aahaah

I'
m ki
ssingherneck.It
'shersensi ti
vespot.She
tur
nst olookatmeandki ssesme.I '
m happyathow
shehaschangedf r
om t hatshywomaninetyear s
back.Whoa!Iloveitwhenshe' slikethi
s.Whenshe
i
niti
ateourlovemaking.I'
m nott heonlyonewho's
i
ncont rol
.Here'
ssomet hing:ineverthoughtsex
woul devermakeagr ownmanl i
kemecr y.Butmy
wifeheredoest hattome.I naswi ftmytshir
tisof
f.
Thenif eelherunbucklemybel t.Thenmyt r
ouser
falldown.I'
m alreadyhard.Igetoutofthem and
pickhertot hebedandwemakel ove.Lovemaking
withherisal waysdiff
erent.If
eelrenewedevery
ti
me.

Wakingupinthemorni
ngitakeashowerthengo
out
.Judgingbythenoi
seicantel
ltheyar
ealli
nthe
nur
sery.
Me:
guysgetr
eady.
Lu:daddytodaywear
enotgoi
ngt
oschool
.Andwe
arehavingapart
y.

Hest ar
tsdancingwithhistwin.Iknowt
heonly
reasontheyarethi
shappyi t'
sbecauseofcakeand
nyama.Thosear etheirf
avori
te.

Me:
yeswear
ehavi
ngapar
ty.I
m goi
ngt
ofet
cht
he
cakeandiwantmyt
woboyst
ogowi
thme.
Aya:
yeeesss!
Theyj
umpedupanddown.
Kea:
goodmor
ningbabe.
Me:
goodmor
ning.Ar
eyoumanagi
ngal
one?
Kea:mmeMaggi
ewashel
pingme.NowI
'
mjust
dressi
ngt
hem.
Me:
doyouwantsomet
hingf
rom t
own?
Kea:
no.It
hinkwehaveever
ythi
ng.

Ipi
ckupSabel
o.Hegi
ggl
eswhenIst
artpl
ayi
ng
wit
hhim.
Kea:
babewhydiidyoutakehi
m?Youknowhe'
l
lcr
y
whenyouleaveandthesetwowi
llal
socr
y.
Itr
ytoputhim downandhedoesn'twanttosit
.I
makehimliedownont hebedandrunout.Ican
hearhi
m cr
yingasiexitt
hedoor.Iopenthecarand
thetwi
nsandThandoandSphegeti n.Idri
veto
Pret
ori
aNorthtofet
chthecake.Todaythetwi
ns
ar
e6year
ssowear
ehavi
ngami
nipar
tyf
ort
hem.

*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
04] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER33*

Keat
lar
etsi

Myhusbandhasbeengonef orafewhour snow.He

i
snotcomi ngback.Itr
ytocallhi
m buthedoesn't
answermycal ls.I
'm st
art
ingtogetworriednow.I
decidetojustwait
.Everyt
hingisreadyforthe
tri
pletspar
tyeventhephotographerishereandthe
fami l
yishere.
Nolo:don'
twor
ry.Hemi
ghtbeonhi
sway.You
knowhowquesar e.
Me:
ther
e'snot
hingaboutaqueueher
e.Icanf
eeli
t.
Hewasj ustgoi
ngt
ofet
chthecakeandcomeback.
Butit
'sbeenafewhour
s.Whati
fsomethi
ng
happened?
Mzwakhe:
whi
chshopdi
dtheygot
osoicangoand
checkont
hem?
Me:
theywe.
.
Nol
o:t
heyar
eher
e.
Me:f
inal
ly.Iwasget
ti
ngworr
ied.BabyIwas
st
art
ingtogetworri
ednow.
Hej
ustsatont
hecouchandkeptqui
et.
Me:what'
sgoingon?Where'
sThando?What
happenedtoyourhand?
Mpendul
o:somethi
nghappenedwhi
lewewer
e
f
etchi
ngthecake?
Me:Thandookae?Wher
e'smybaby!
?
Mpendul
o:she'
satt
hehospi
tal
.Muzii
swi
thher
.
Me:that
'swhyhel
eft
..
.Butwhathappenedt
omy
baby?
Mpendul
o:cal
m down.She'
l
lbef
ine.
Me:
whi
chhospi
tali
sshei
n?Ineedt
oseemybaby.
Mpendulo:cal
m downpl
ease?That'
swhyicame
back.Justtomakesur
efir
stthatyoudon'
tfr
eak
out.
Isi
tdown.Mybabyi
sinhospi
tal
!I'
m shaki
ng.I
can'
tsi
tst
il
l.
Mpendul o:somemanwant edtokidnapher .Lucki
lyi
waswal kingcl oswlywit
ht hem.Inot i
cedwhatwas
happeningi ntime.Hespr ayedsomet hingonher
faceandgr abbedher.Iwasf astenought ocatchup
wi t
hhim bef orehereachedt hecar.Soitookher
from hi
m.That '
swhenhest abbedmeonmyar m
andr anaway.Buti gotthenumberpl ate.Thepoli
ce
arelooki
ngf orhim aswespeak.
Me:
how'
sshe?
Mpendul
o:shepassedoutaf
terwhathappened.The
doct
orswerebusywithher
.Butshe'
sfine.Let
'sgo.
If
oll
owedbehindhim.Wegoti
ntot
hecarandhe
dr
ovetothehospi
tal
.
Me:
issher
eal
lyf
ine?
Mpendul
o:I
'
m sor
ry.
Me:
forwhat
?
Mpendulo:
foralloft
his.Idon'
tknowwhatiwould
havedoneifthatmansucceededi nt
aki
ngher.
Me:hedidn'
t.That
'swhatmat
ter
s.Nowwef
ocuson
herget
ti
ngwel l
.
Mpendulo:t
hosefewminut
esshepassedoutIfel
t
l
ikeever
ythi
ngaroundmewasspinni
ng.Idon'
t
knowwhatwouldhavehappened.
Me:she'salr
eadybeenthr
oughsomuch.Nowt hi
s.I
wishicouldjusthi
deherfrom t
hetr
oublesofthi
s
world.Canonepersonhavesuchbadluck?MaybeI
shouldcleansemysel
fattheocean.Al
lthesebad
thi
ngskeephappeningtomyf amil
y.
Mpendul
o:don'
ttal
kli
kethat
.Ourbabywillbefi
ne.
Youwil
lsee.Thedoctorwasjustwai
ti
ngforherto
wakeup.Andifshe'
snotunderanydangerwecan
l
eavewit
hher .
Thedrivewasqui
etwit
honlymysni
ff
s.Whenwe
arr
ivedwewenttoherwar
dandshewasbup.She
wastal
kingwit
hMuzi .Iwi
pedmyt ear
s.Idi
dn'
t
wanthertoseethatiwascryi
ng.
Thando:
mommy.Youar
eher
etot
akeme,
Muzi:
thedoct
orsai
dwecanleavewi
thher
.He'
l
lbe
backwitht
hedocstosi
gn.
Me:
howar
eyoumyl
ove?
Thando:
I'
mfi
nemommy.Takeme.
Sheopenedherarms.Ipickedherandj
ustwrapped
myhandsar oundher
.Icouldn'
thel
pbutcry.We
al
mostlosther.
Me:
mommyl
ovesyouokay?
Thando:
iloveyout
oo.
Thedoct
orcameandwesi
gnedt
henl
eft
.
Thando:
ist
hebadmangobe?
Me:
yes.hewon'
tcomeback.Thepol
icewi
llgethi
m.

Mybabymusthavebeenscared.Ican'
timagi
ne
whatshewasgoi
ngthrough.
Muzi
:ican'
tbel
ievet
hishappenedagai
n.Itcan'
tbe
aci
nci
dence.Thesepeopl
ewantsomething.
Me:um whatdoyoumeanagai
n?Di
dithappen
bef
ore?
Mpendul
o:yeerrMuzinawe!Isaidwear
enotgoi
ng
t
otal
kaboutt hiseverbutnowlook.
Mui
:iwasn'
tthi
nki
ng.
Me:thi
sisnott
hef
ir
stt
imesomet
hingl
iket
his
happened?
Mpendulo:
no.Atfir
stwhenyouweremissingthey
ki
dnappedKhanyo.Andwehadt olookforherand
youaswell.Ieventhoughtt
heyt
ookyou.
Me:
whatdot
hesepeopl
ewant
?
Mpendul
o:we'
l
lseeyouathomeMuzi
.
Justli
ket
hat
!Hei
gnor
edme.Wegoti
nthecarand
l
eft.
Me:
whatdot
heywant
?
Mpendul
o:iwi
llt
akecar
eoft
his.Don'
tst
ress
your
sel
f.
Me:
ideser
vetoknowifmyfamil
y'sl
if
eisdanger
.
Whati
fsomet
hinghappenstoyou?Whatwil
lbeof
meandtheki
ds?
Mpendulo:
thi
sisbeyondmycontr
ol!Theywantmy
chi
ld.Sowhatdoidowi t
hthat
?Ican'
tgiveanyone
mychild.
Me:
theywantyourchi
ld?
Mpendulo:yes.It
hinkt
hatguythoughtThandoi
s
Sphesi
hle.She'smychildandshe'
snotgoing
anywhere.
Me:
atl
eastt
hepol
icewi
lll
ookf
ort
hatper
son.
Mpendul
o:about
that
.Idi
dn'
ti
nvol
vet
hepol
ice.
Me:
aow.Di
dn'
tyousayt
hepol
icear
ewor
kingont
his?
Mpendul
o:idi
dn'
twantt
owor
ryyou.I
'
mhandl
ingi
t
mysel
f.

Whatnow?He'sal
soaliar?Andwhydot hese
peopl
ewantSphe?Idecidedt
olet
itgo.Mybabyi
s
saf
enow.Whenwegothomeshewast
hef
ir
stt
o
j
umpoutoft
hecarandr ani
nsi
de.
Me:
doyout
hinkweshoul
dst
opt
hispar
ty?
Mpendul
o:no.Theki
dsar
ehappy.Let
'sgoonwi
thi
t.

Wewentinandever
yonewasj
ustsi
tt
ingmaybe
wai
ti
ngforus.
Muzi
:ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
nenow.Wecanal
lcheerup.

Thepar tywentonevent houghIhadal otonmy

mind.Theki dshadf unandthat'
sallthatmat t
ers.
Wecl earedeverythingandcleanedbef oreeveryone
l
eft.Afterweallgotr eadyforbediwentt otakea
showerandgoti ntomysl eepwear.Iwentt ocheck
i
fallthedoor swer elockedandWi ndowscl osed.
Mpendul
o:everyt
hingi
slocked.Noonei
sgoi
ngt
o
ent
eri
nher e.
Me:doyout
hinkI'
m par
anoi
dfort
hinki
ngt
hat
somethi
ngwil
lhappenagai
n?
Mpendulo:
you'r
enot.AsisaidI
'
m goi
ngtotake
careoft
his.Let
'sgotothebedr
oom.Iwantusto
tal
k.
Isighed.Thisi
sprovingt
obehardforme.Ithought
iwasgoi ngtotakeSpheandThandotodaycarebut
notanymor e.Whatifmybabi
esgetabduct
ed?I'd
die.Wegoti nt
obed.
Mpendulo:t
omor
rowI
'
m goi
nghome.Ihavet
ofi
x
t
hisproblem.
Me:
whyar
eyougoi
nghome?
Mpendul
o:totalkt
omyf at
hersothatwecangot
o
Mozambiqueandpaydamagesf orSpheanddoal
l
t
herit
ual
ssot hatal
loft
hiscanstop.
Me:
ithoughthermot
hergaveyoupar
ent
alr
ight
s.
Mpendul
o:shedidbutherf
ami
lywoul
dst
il
lwant
metodorightbyher.
Me:
whatdoest
hatmean?
Mpendulo:
itmeanst
hatsi
ncemeandhermot her
werenotmarri
edihavetodosomer i
tualsforSphe
andiwil
lhearwhatt
heysayabouthowt heydo
thi
ngswhenIgett
her
e.Thenwecanal
lli
ve
peacef
ull
y.
Me:t
hisfeelsli
kehist
oryisrepeatingi
tsel
f.If
eel
l
ikei
ml osingyout oheragain.Evenfr
om thegrave
she'
ssti
lltroubl
ingme.
Mpendulo:
sthandwasamidon'ttakeitl
ikethat
.I'
m
j
ustgoingtheret
odowhatI'm supposedt odofor
ourbabythencomeback.Ipromi se.
Me:
whati
f..
.
Mpendul
o:not
hingwi
llhappen.Comehere.You
knowI'
dgowithyoui
fyoudi dn'
thavet
obeher e
wit
htheki
ds.
Me:
agg.Iwoul
dn'
tgoeveni
fther
ewer
enoki
ds.

It
urnt
heot
hersi
deandshutmyeyes.
Mpendul
o:ngi
sakhul
umanawenj
est
handwa.
Ididn'
trepl
y.Ij
ustkeptqui
etunt
iligel
lasl
eep.
WhenIwokeupt hesunwasoutandonmyf ace.I
tr
iedgetti
ngupbuticouldn'
t.
Mpendul
o:mor
ning.
Me:
mor
ning.
Mpendul
o:wedi
dn'
tfi
nisht
alki
ng.
Me:
ithoughtwedi
d.
Mpendul
o:canwespendt hedayt
oget
her?I
m
l
eavi
ngat2andiwon' tcomebackher
e.Iwi
llgo
st
rai
ghtt
oMozambi que.
Me:
oh.
Mpendul
o:yes.Andidon'
tknowhowmanydaysi
wi
llt
akethere.
Me:ihavet
ogot
owor
k.
Igotofft
hebedandwentt othebathroom.Wheni
wasaboutt oclosehet ouchedthedoor.Il
etgoand
wenttoshower .Hejuststoodbyt hedoorlooki
ngat
me.Iwasevenst art
ingtogetirr
it
ated.Weare
al
waysdoi ngthis.Everyti
mehel eavesmeher e
andihavet ot
akei tall
.Ididn'
thearhim movingi
j
ustfel
thim hugme.
Mpendul
o:babyipr
omiseyouiwillbebacksoon.I
t
won'
tevenbeawhol eweek.Justtrustme.Iwoul
d
neverl
iet
oyou.
Me:
okay.I
fyousayso.
Mpendul
o:pl
easetakeadayof
f.I
'
dlovet
ospend
t
imewithmywi f
e.
Me:
okay.
Mpendulo:
lookatme.Iknowyou'
renotconvi
nced
t
hatI'
m notcomingbackbuthavefai
thi
nme.
Me:whati
fshe'snotdeadandt
hisi
sherwayof
l
uri
ngyoutoher?Whenyougetther
eshedoes
somethi
ngtoyou?
Mpendulo:
babel
et'ssayshe'salive.I
fshetri
es
somethi
ngshewillneverwin.It
'syou.Itwi
llalways
beyou.Nooneelse.You'r
et heloveofmylife.Il
ove
yousomuch.
Me:il
oveyout
oo.Losingyouwouldbr
eakme.I
hopenothi
ngwil
lhappentoyou.
Mpendul
o:not
hingwi
llhappen.

Af
terourshowerwespentt
hedayt
oget
her
.The
kidswenttoschoolsoi
twasonl
ymeandhim and
thetr
ipl
ets,
SpheandThando.Att
wohehadto
l
eave.
Mpendul
o:anddon'
tbest
ubbor
n.Don'
tgi
vet
he
guar
dsahar dt
ime.
Me:
am ist
ubbor
n?
Mpendul
o:youknowhowyouare.Whereveryougo
out,
gowit
hthem.Theyar
eher
et opr
otectyouand
theki
ds.
Me:
okay.Ot
samayesent
e.
Mpendul
o:don'
tbesad.I
'
m comi
ngback.
Ihuggedhim.Iwatchedashedisappear
edthr
ough
theai
rpor
t.Itwaspainfulf
ormetowatchhi
m go
butIhadtotakeitl
ikeanadul
t.

NARRATED

I
t'
sbeenthreedaysandMpenduloal
wayscall
ed
t
hefamil
yjusttolett
hem knowhowever
ythi
ngis
goi
ng.Keatl
aret
siwouldalwayscheckherphone
whenevershehearsasoundt hinkingmaybei
t'
sher
husband.She'
ssit
ti
nginar estaurantwai
ti
ngfor
herorder
.Shecamet ogetlunch.She'sona
l
unchbreakandthi
sisthetimet hatshegetst
orest
.
Voi
ce:
it
'sni
cet
oseeyouher
e.
Kea:
ohhi
.Idi
dn'
tknowyoucomet
hissi
de.
Tshir
e:j
ustbusi
nesst
hatbr
oughtmeher
e.Sohow
areyou?
Kea:
I'
m good.
Tshi
re:
that
'sbett
er.It
houghtmaybet
hewhi
teguy
woul
dhaveki l
ledyoubynow.
Me:
whatwhi
teguy?
Tshi
re:
yourhusband.
Me:
whosai
dhe'
swhi
te?Andwhywoul
dheki
llme?
Tshir
e:ar
et swemoyona.
sowhatar
eyoudoi
ng
aft
eryouleavethi
spl
ace?
Me:
I'
m goi
ngbackt
omyof
fi
ce.
Tshi
re:iwashopi
ngwecanspendabi
toft
ime
t
oget
her
.
Kea:Tshi
rel
etsoIhaveaman.
Ithoughtyouhad
al
readyacceptedt
hat.
Tshi
rel
etso:
thatmanisnotgoodf
oryou.
Whati
fone
dayhehitsyou?He'
sviol
ent.
Kea:idon'
tknowwhatyou'
ret
alki
ngabout
.
Tshir
e:ioncesentyouamessageaski ngtomeet
andhegotyourphoneandsawi t
.Hecamet omy
hotelr
oom andat t
ackedme. Lef
tmewi t
habr oken
arm.Ihadt oputacastonit.Buttel
lhi
mt hatnext
ti
mehewon' tbesolucky.
Kea:
byeTshi
re.I
twasni
ceseei
ngyou.
Tshi
re:
iwon'
tgi
veuponyou.

Shegotupandt ookherorder
.Peopl
ewerest
ari
ng.
Shedidn'
tli
ketheatt
enti
on.Whenshegottoher
off
iceshecall
edherhusband.
Mpendul
o:I
'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lyou.
Kea:
myphonewasonsi
lent
.Iwasi
nameet
ing.
Mpendulo:oh.Wi t
hthatboy?Bat
hi
ubani
..
.Tshirel
etso.
Kea:
how.
.oht
heguar
ds.Dot
heyr
epor
tever
ythi
ngi
donow?
Mpendulo:
theyhavet
o.I
'
m doi
ngt
hisf
oryour
saf
ety.
Kea:
didyour
eal
lyat
tackhi
m?
Mpendul
o:hedeser
vedeverybeati
nghegot.He'
l
l
l
earnt
oleaveyoualone.Ihavegoodnews.
Tomorr
owI '
m comi
ngback.
Kea:
that
'sgr
eatnews!Theki
dswer
easki
ngwhen
youwouldbeback.
Mpendul
o:iknowt
hat
'snott
rue.Youj
ustmi
ssed
me.
Kea:ohpl
ease.
Mpendul
o:haveagoodday.Iwi
llcal
lwhenyouget
home.
Me:
okay.
Todaymyhusbandi scomingbackandicannot
waittoknockof fatwork.Iam count
ingdownt he
hoursevent houghnowi t'
slunchti
me.Iknow
ther
e'ssti
llmoret i
met ogobutican'twait
.Iheara
knockatthedoorsoiahoutf ort
hatpersontocome
i
n.
Voice:Ibr
oughtyoulunch.Aker
eyouref
usedtogo
outwithmesoit houghtwecanhaveourdat
ein
here.
Me:
whatdat
ear
eyout
alki
ngabout
?I'
m amar
ri
ed
woman!
Tshi
re:
soiwoul
dhaveachancei
fyouwer
enot
marr
ied?
Me:Tshi r
eletsoIdon'
tloveyou.Whenwil
lyouget
that?Evenifiwer esi
nglemeandyouwer enot
goingtodat e.Idon'
tloveyou.Nowpl
easeleave.I
havewor ktodo.
Tshi
re:goon.Doyourwor
k.Iwi
llj
ustwat
cht
ou.
Me:bat
hongbamodimo.Kengokar
eontsika
di
tsebeyana?Gakegorat
i.Nt
swel
ekamonyako!
Hestar
tedwalki
ngtowherei
wassit
ti
ngandiwas
st
art
ingtogetscar
ed.Hewasnowcl
osert
ome.
Tshir
e:youmeanyoudon'tf
eelt
his?Iknowyoucan
feelt
hisconnect
ionwehave.
Me:
ther
e'snoconnect
ionher
e.
Myphoner
angandiqui
ckl
yanswer
ed.
Me:
pleasecomet
omy.
..
Hegr
abbedmyphone.
Tshi
re:t
here'
snoneedfort
hat
.Wear
ejustgoi
ngt
o
havelunch.I
sitt
hathar
d?
Me:
Getawayf
rom me.
Tshi
re:
I'
m notgoingtoharm youbabe.Ij
ustcan'
t
cont
rolt
hisloveihaveforyou.
Ne:
myhusbandi
sonhi
sway.I
ffi
ndsyouher
e
Hehel
dmywr
istandi
thur
tabi
t.
Me:
stopt
ouchi
ngme!
I
tfel
londeafear
s.Iwasnowbeyondscar
ed.He
pi
nnedmyhandst
omyback.

NARRATED
"
Hel
p!"
Shewasshouti
ngaskingforhel
pbecausesheno
l
ongerhadthest
rengtht
of i
ghthi
m.Hepushedher
onthedeskandstar
tedki
ssingher
.
Kea:
please.
..
do.
..
don'
tdot
his.
..
Tshi
re:
you'
remine!Youbel
ongtome.Ipr
omi
sei
t
wil
lnothur
t.I
twil
lbeoversoon.

Hecont i
nuedki
ssingherandjustashewasabout
toputupherdressshekickedhim andmanagedt
o
getoutofhishol
d.Sherantothedoorbuthewas
fastenoughtocat
chher.
Kea:
pleasei
m beggi
ngyou.Don'
tdot
his.
Tshir
e:t
here'
snoneedtofi
ghtt
his.Webot
hwant
thi
s.Ipromiseiwon'
thur
tyou.
"
MrsKhozai
sever
ythi
ngal
ri
ght
?"
Kea:
hel
p!
Heputhi
shandonhermout
h.
Thedoorwaski
ckeddownandheranout.The
secur
it
iesr
anaf
terhi
m whi
let
heguardsattended
toKea.
Guar
s:ar
eyoual
ri
ght
?Ar
eyouhur
t?
Kea:
iwantt
ogohome.
Guard:
youcant
akehert
othecarwhi
leIpackher
t
hings.
Hehel pedherbalancewithhisshowerandwal ked
hertot hecar.Shewascryingandnowever yone
wasoutoft hei
roff
iceswatchi
ng.Whenthey
reachedt heparki
nglott
heywai t
edfort
heot her
guard.Hecamewi thherhandbagrunni
ng.Het ook
thecarkeysandunl ockedthecarthendroveoffto
herplace.
Guard:gooddaysir
.MrKhozasai
dwemustcal
lyou
i
fthere'ssomet
hingur
gent.
Mzwakhe:
yes.He'
sonhi
swayback.I
sther
e
somet
hingyouwant
ed?
Guar
d:somet
hinghappened.Mr
sKhoza.
.
Mzwakhe:
whati
sit
?Issomet
hingwr
ong?
Guard:someonetr
iedtofor
cethemsel
fonher
.
Lucki
lywewer earoundt
hebuildi
ngsowewere
abl
et ogettoherphonebefor
ehecould.
..
Mzwakhe:
wher
ear
eyounow?How'
sshe?
Guard:she'
scrying.Wearetakingherhome.That
bustardwascaught .Soiwantedtoknowifwehave
tocallthepol
iceorwhat?
Mzwakhe:
don'tcal
lthepoli
ce.Iwil
lsendyouan
addr
essandhemustbet akenther
e.Iwil
lmeetyou
atMrKhoza'
splace.

Theycutthecall
.Mzwakhethoughtofhi
swi febut
hecouldn'
tcal
lherbecauseshewasatwor k.He
drovetohisbr
other
'shouseandwentinsi
de.He
foundKeastari
ngatspacewithMam Aggierubbing
herback.
Mzwakhe:
mahowi
sshe?
Mam: she'
sbeenzonedout
.Ithi
nkshe'
sst
il
lin
shock.Imadehersugarwat
er.
Mzwakhe:
it
'sokayma.Khanyi
sil
e.

Shedidn'
trespond.Shejustst
aredatspacewi
th
tear
sfall
ingonherface.
Mzwakhe:yourhusbandwillbeheresoon.Hehas
l
andedandhe'sdri
vingherenow.Wear egoingto
takecar
eofthi
s.Thatbastardwil
lnevermesswith
anywomaneveragai n.Hewillwi
shhewasdead.

ThedooropenedandMabut
hoandShakacamei
n.
Bongani
:baf
owhydi dyoucal
lusher
e?I
sther
e
somethi
ngwr ong?
Mzwakhe:l
et'
sgoandtalkout
side.Mamapl
ease
makesureshe'sal
ri
ght
.

Theywentout
sidet
owher
etheguar
dswer
e.
Mzwakhe:
didyoudowhatit
oldyou?
Guar
d1:
yessi
r.He'
satt
hatpl
ace.
Mzwakhe:
okay.
Shaka:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
Mzwakhe:somebast
ardt
ri
edt
ofor
cehi
msel
fon
Khanyi
sil
e.
Mabut
ho:
what
!?
Mzwakhe:
yes.NowIwantust odealwi
thhi
m.
WhenI'
m donewithhi
m he'
llknownott
omesswi th
anywomaninthisworl
d.Thisworl
ddoesn'
tneed
menli
kehim.
Guard2:
anotherthi
ng..
.hewasfol
lowingher
yest
erdayalso.Shetol
dhimtostayawaybuthe
waspersist
entunti
lwet ol
dhi
mt oleave.
Shaka:
thi
sbast
ardmessedwi t
hthewrongf
amil
y.
Let
'sgoandteachhim al
essonnow!Nxa.What
ki
ndofmandoesn'tknowthatnomeansno?
Mzwakhe:
dri
vebehi
ndt
heguar
ds.I
'
m comi
ngnow.
Theylef
taft
erthat.Hewai
tedj
ustunt
ilMpendul
o
arr
ivedandhefil
ledhimi
nonwhatwasgoi ngon.
Aft
erthathelef
t.
Mpendul
o:baby.
Shel
ookedathi
m andgotoffthebedandrant
o
hi
m.Sheheldhi
mt i
ghtandstart
edcryi
ng.
Mpendulo:
shhh.I'
m here.Ever
ythi
ngwi
llbealr
ight
.
Wewillgett
hroughthis.I
m her
e.Comeandlie
down.
Kea:
pleasedon'
tleaveme.
Mpendul
o:ipr
omi
seyou.Sl
eep.I
'
llbeher
ewhen
youwakeup.

Shegoti nt obedwi t
hhim snuggl edtohim.Shehel d
ont i
ghtunt ilshefel
lasl
eep.Buti twasadif
ferent
stor yforMpendul o.Hedi dn'tsleep.Hewasup
thinkingt hewhol enight
.Unt ilt
heweehour s.Mat t
er
off actist hathecouldn'
tr eall
ysleep.Hiswifekept
onhavi ngni ghtmaresbecauseofwhathappened.
Hehadt ost ayupandwat chafterher.I
nthe
mor ni
nghewokeupandwentt oprepar
eabat hfor
her .Hewokeherupandshewentt othebathroom.
Mpendul
o:l
etmehel
pyou.
Kea:
I'
l
lmanage.Canibeal
one?
Mpendul
o:I
'm notgoi
nganywher e.I
'
m her
eforyou.
RememberwhenIsaidiwi l
lalwaysbeher
e?Thisis
meshowingthattoyou.Iwillhel
pyougothr
ough
t
his.Weareinthi
stogether
.
Kea:
doyouthi
nki
t'
smyf
aul
t?I
fidi
dn'
tlethi
mint
o
myoffi
ce.
..
Mpendul
o:i
t'
snobody'
sfaul
tbuthi
s.Whathedi
d
washisconni
vingways.

Theyshower edandfini
shedthengotdr
essedand
aftersomeconvinci
ngshefinall
ywentt
ojoint
he
othersforbr
eakfast
.
Sphe:mommyImi
ssedyou.Whyyoudi
dn'
teatwi
th
uslastni
ght
?
Kea:
mommywassi
ck.Butshe'
sbet
ternow.
Sphe:
youdon'
twantt
oeat
?
Kea:
iwi
lleat
.
Mpendul
o:cont
inueeat
ing.Mommyi
snotf
eel
ing
wel
l.Shewi
lleati
nherr
oom okay?
Li
sa:
okaymom getwel
l.
Shenoddedandwentbackt
oherr
oom.
Mpendul
o:here'
syourf
ood.Pl
easeeatsoyoucan
best
rong.Icall
edBonol
otocome.She'sonher
way.
Kea:
hepaint
edyouast
hismonst
erandevensai
d
onedayyouwil
lhi
tme.
Mpendul
o:bast
ard.That
'swhathei
s.
Kea:iwassoscared.It
houghthewasgoi
ngto.
..he
changed.Idi
dn'tknowthatper
son.Hewas
dif
ferent
.
Mpendul
o:heyhey.I
t'
sal
ri
ght
.
Kea:
didt
heyar
resthi
m?
Mpendulo:no.Jai
list
ooeasyforpeopleli
kehim.
He'
llgotojailt
odayandtomor
rowt heyrel
easehim.
Peopleli
kehim deser
vewaymor ethanjai
l.He'
s
goi
ngt owishhenevermetyou.
Af
tert
hathewentoutt
her
oom andHemadeacal
l.
Mpendul
o:Mzwakhe.
Mzwakhe:
yeboMkhat
hini
.
Mpendul
o:kuhambanj
hanil
apho.
Mzwakhe:baf
oungayif
akikul
enki
nga.Ngi
zo
bhekananayomi
na,ShakanoMabutho.
Mpendulo:ngi
ngayf
aki?Usangenewena?Umkami
l
oophathekeyokabilanamanjhewenauthi
ngi
ngayfaki!
Mzwakhe:
ngyaxol
isabafo.Er
hsi
zohlanganakhona
kwaNgcoboke.Lomgulukuduul
apho.
Mpendul
o:kul
ungi
leke.

Hecutt
hecal
landwentbacki
nsi
de.
Mpendul
o:baby.
..
baby
Kea:
mmh
Mpendul
o:ngyokbonamangbuyaneh?Usendl
eleni
usi
swakhouzohl al
anawe.
Kea:
mmh.
Mpendul
o:ngi
yak'
thanda.
Kea:
iloveyout
oo.
Mpendul
o:cal
lifyouneedsomet
hing.

Hebentdownandki ssedher
.Hetookhi
sjacket
andcarkeysandlef
t.HedrovetoMamelodiand
uponhisarr
ivalhef
oundhisbrot
herswai
ti
ngf or
hi
m.
Mpendul
o:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Si
ya:
ihear
dwhathappened.
..
Mpendulo:
ngi
theufunanil
ana?Whodidyoul
eave
yourwif
eandnewbornbabywith?Youknowidon'
t
wantyougett
ingi
nvolvedi
ntheset
hings.
Si
ya:
yebobaf
o.
Mpendul
o:t
hisi
sthel
astt
imeyoucomeher
e.Uphi
uNgcobo?
Mzwakhe:
kunenki
ngabaf
o.
Mpendul
o:yi
nimanj
e?
Shaka:
lomgul
ukuduakekhol
ana.UNgcobo
wamyekelaahamba.
Mpendul
o:Ngcobo!Ngcobo!
Ngcobo:
yiniumsi
ndokangaka.
Mpendul
o:uphil
oyamf
ana?
Ngcobo:
heescaped.
Mabutho:kanj
alonj
e?Thatbastardwast
ort
ured.
Hecouldn'
thaveescapedonhisown!Doyouknow
t
hathe'sadangertowomenoutt her
e?
Ngcobo:il
eftyouguyswi t
hthekeysandever
ythi
ng.
Itwasyourresponsibi
li
tyt
omakesur ehedoesn'
t
escape.Whydi dn'
tyouputguar
dsaroundhere?
Mpendul
o:Ngcobowe'
vebeenworki
ngtoget
herf
or
aver
ylongti
me.I'
dhatet
othinkt
hatyou'
ddoubl
e
cr
ossme.
Ngcobo:Minanawesi
phumakudeMkhathi
ni.I
'
d
neverdothatt
oyou.I
'
llhavemyboysl
ookoutfor
hi
m.Ngi nawe.
Mpendul
o:sur
e.

Theyal
lgeti
ntot
hei
rcar
sanddr
iveof
f.

*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
05] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER34*

AtKeat
lar
etsi
'
shouse

Bonol
o:l
etmegoandcook.You'
vebeensl
eepi
ng
thewhol
eti
me.
Kea:
I'
mfi
ne.
Bonolo:
okay.Atl
eastcomeandsi
tint
hel
ounge
whil
eIcook.Come.
Shegotupandal
mostf
ell
.
Bonol
o:haveyouhadanyt
hingt
oeat
?
Shet
ouchedherf
orehead.
Bonol
o:you'
rebur
ningupandyoureyesar
ered.
Kea:
ihaveaheadache.
Bonol
o:sor
ry.Iwi
llbr
inggr
andpaf
oryou.Let
'sgo.
Theywentt
otheloungeandBonol
omadea
sandwi
chforher
.
Bonol
o:eatf
ir
stt
henyoucandr
inkt
hegr
andpa.
Kea:
thanks.
Bonol
o:sot
ellme.Wher
edidyoumeett
hatguy?
Whywasheatyouroffi
ce?
Kea:
yout
hinkical
ledhi
m?
Bonol
o:ofcour
senot
.Ij
ustwantt
ounder
standt
his.
Kea:he'sRapelangscousin.Imethi
m whil
eiwas
ther
e.Neampat lakamogana.Icoul dseegore
somet hinggaser i
ghtkayena.Imeaneveryt
imei
tol
dhim il ovemyhusbandandIam mar ri
edhe
woul
dchange.Hewouldbeangry.Evenshout
edat
mychil
dwhenshedidn'
twanttogopl ayi
ngwi
th
ot
herki
ds.
Bonol
o:he'
scr
azy.Whodoest
hat
?
Kea:
I'
mjusthappyt
hatiwasal
wayswithmybaby.
Whoknowswhathecouldhavedone?
Bonolo:
I'
mj usthappyyoulef
tthatpl
aceint
ime.
Befor
ehecoul dshowhi st
ruecolour
s.Don'
twor
ry.
He'
llr
otinjail
.
Kea:
theydi
dn'
tcal
lthepol
ice.
Bonol
o:what
!?Theyj
ustl
ethi
m go?
Kea:Mpendul
osai
dyenaandyourhusbandwi
ll
t
akecareofit
.
Bonolo:
haveyounot
icedsomet
hingaboutyour
husband?
Jea:
li
kewhat
?
Bonolo:idon'
tknowman.Somet hingof
fmaybe.
Somet i
mesMzwakheact ssomehow.Doyouthink
thei
rwor kisl
egit?Iknowtheyowncompaniesand
thefami l
ybusinessbutIdon'
tknowmaan.Idon't
thi
nkit
'st
hatonl
y.Andnowt
heydon'
tinvol
vet
he
poli
cei
nthis.
Kea:
gwatshwana.Thepol
icewoul
dhavejustsai
d
hedi
dn'
tdoanythingsot
heycan'
tarr
esthi
m.
Bonolo:
yeahsot
heydeci
dedt
otaket
hel
awi
nto
thei
rhands.
Kea:
yout
hinkt
heyar
ecr
imi
nal
s?
Bonol
o:idi
dn'
tsaythi
ssothatyoucanst
artf
ight
ing
wit
hyourhusband.Iknowyou.
Kea:
iwon'
tdot
hat.Tshi
rel
etsosaidsomethi
ng.Are
Mpendul
oisamonsterandonedayhe' sgoi
ngto
hi
tme.Areheatt
ackedhim unt
ilhebrokehi
shand.
Bonolo:
ihopeyoudon'tbel
ievethat
.Mpendulo
wouldneverdosomethingliket
hattoyou.Thatguy
wouldsayanythi
ngjusttogetyou.
Kea:
idon'
tbel
ievehi
m.
Bonolo:
itdoesn'
tlookl
ikeyoumeani t.
..
your
husbandwoul dneverhityouokay?
...
um letmego
andcheckont hepots.Yeah!
Mpendul
o:sawubonaBonol
o..
Bonol
o:hi
.
Shewentt
otheki
tchen.
Mpendul
o:i
t'
sgoodt
oseet
hatyou'
reoutofbed.
Kea:
um yeah.
Mpendul
o:sowhatwasyoursi
stert
alki
ngabout
?

Kea:oht
hat.Shewasj ustassuri
ngmenotto
bel
ievewhatTshi
rel
etsosaidaboutyou.Nott
hatI
bel
ievehi
m.Iknowyou' r
enotlikethat
.
Mpendulo:
mmh.Heescapedf
rom wher
etheyhad
kepthi
m.
Kea:asi
nyoudon'tknowwhereheis?Ohmy!Thi
s
personi
sdangerousthanIt
hought
.Whati
fhegoes
aft
ertheki
dsatschool?
Mpendul
o:hewon'
tdot
hat
.Wehavepeopl
elooki
ng
f
orhim.
Me:Ihavet
oaskmycousi
ntohel
p.
Mpendul
o:yourcousi
n?
Kea:
yes.Pul
e.Hewi
llhel
plookf
orhi
m.
Bonol
o:di
dihearyoucor rectl
y?Don'tdothat
.You
knowhewi l
lwantsomet hinginret
urn.Besi
des
yenal
eRapelangar ebackt oget
her.Doyouthink
Rapel
angwi l
llethi
m hel
pyouagai nsthercousin?
Kea:
whatdoyouwantmet
odo?
Mpendul
o:don'
twor
ryyour
sel
faboutt
his.
Bonol
o:anddon'
ttr
yandcal
lPul
e.Hemi
ghtt
ell
Rapel
angandshewarnshim.
Mpendul
o:she'
sri
ght
.Ri
ghtnowwear
elooki
ngf
or
i
nfor
mati
onabouthim.
Kea:
whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odowhenyouf
indhi
m?
Mpendulo:
tel
lMzwakhet
ocomet
othest
udywhen
hear
rives.
Kea:
hedi
dn'
tanswerme.Whati
fhe'
sgoi
ngt
oki
ll
hi
m?
Bonol
o:i
tdoesn'
tmatter
.Hedeser
vesi
t.St
op
worr
yingaboutt
his.
Kea:
whati
fheget
sar
rest
ed?
Bonol o:
stopcryi
ngaboutt hi
s.Youhavet obe
strongandnott hiscrybaby.Yes.I fidon' tt
ellyou
whowi l
l?I'
m sorr
ybuti t
'sthetruth.Andnol eaving!
Ifi
thappenst hattheydosomet hingtohi m idon' t
wantt ohearyousayyou' r
eleaving.Becauseiknow
thatswhatyou' r
egoingt odo.Youcan' tjustleave
everyt i
mesomet hingthatyoudon' tagr eewi th
happens.Yousi tdownwi thyourhusbandandt alk
i
tout .Everyt
hinghedoesi sforyou.Foryoursaf ety.
Sodon' tquesti
onhi m onhowhe' sgoi ngt ohandl e
thi
s.Ihopeyouar eli
steningtowhatI '
m sayi ng.
Kea:
ihearyou.Doyouthi
nkI'm abadwif
e?Every
t
imesomet hi
nghappensireactqui
ckl
yandfeell
ike
j
udgi
nghi m.
Bonol
o:i
t'
sgoodt
hatyounoti
cedi
tyour
sel
f.Now
youknowyouhavet
of i
xit
.
Shej
ustnodded.
Mzwakhe:
hiKhanyi
sil
e.Unj
ani
?
Kea:
I'
mfi
neandyou?
Mzwakhe:
haysi
yazama.
Kea:
why?I
ssomet
hingwr
ong?
Mzwakhe:
angazi
.
Kea:
oh.
..
yourbr
othersai
dyoumustj
oinhi
mint
he
st
udy.
Af
tert
hather
ushedout
.
Kea:oshap?
BONOLO:
yeah.
Kea:
whatdi
dhedo?
Bonol
o:he'
sfreaki
ngmeoutwi t
hbabytal
ks.He
saysI
m pregnantandican'
thavet
hatnow.
Kea:
why?
Bonol
o:i
thasn'
tevenbeenayearsi
nceist
art
ed
worki
ng.
Kea:
I'
m sur
eyouwi
llmanage.

Mpendulocomesdownl
ooki
ngasi
fsomet
hingbad
happened.
Mpendul
o:st
handwasami
ther
e'ssomet
hingineed
t
otel
lyou.
Kea:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
Mpendulo:
ijustr
ecei
vedacal
lfr
om youruncl
e.I
t'
s
yourf
ather
..
.
Kea:
whati
sit
?
Mpendul
o:hepassedon.Wit
hyourst
epmot
her
.
Theywer
ei nanacci
dent.

MPENDULO
Thingsarer eall
ynotwor kingatall.WhenIt r
ytof i
x
thi
ssomet hingel sehapl ens.NowI '
m dri
vingto
Nor t
hWest .Khanyi si
lehasn'tcri
edeversinceIt ol
d
herwhat'shappeni ng.Shej uststaresint
ospace.
ButIcanseet hatshe' sbroken.Herandherf ather
wer ever
ycl ose.Thebondt hatshehadwi thher
fatherwasver yst rong.Whenwear ri
veshe'sthe
fi
rsttogetoutoft hecar .Igetthekidsout.
Me:
Lindanimakesur
etheydon'
tgot
oof
ar.
Li
ndani
:okaybaba
Icoul
dhearacrywhenIgoti
n.Ilookedever
ywher
e
andicoul
dn'
tfi
ndmywife.Iwentupstai
rsandshe
wasinOrat
il
e'
sroom.
Me:
babypl
ease.You'
l
lmakehi
m cr
ymor
e.
Kea:
mydadi
sgone.Whodoihavei
nthi
swor
ld?
Mydadwasal
waysther
eforme.
Me:yousti
llhaveme.Yourf ami l
y.Youruncl
esand
aunti
es.Babyyourbrotherneedsyout obestrong
forhim.Bestrongforyourbr ot
her.I
fyoucryli
ke
thi
swhatdoyout hi
nkhewi lldo?He'ssoyoungand
you'r
etheonehel ooksupto.
Kea:
thi
shurt
.Myf atherdi
dn'
thavet
odi
ejustyet
.
Hissonisst
il
lyoung.
"
Ifnothi
mt henwho?Whodi dyouwanttodi
e?It
washisti
me.I'm sor
rybutwhatyou'
resayi
ngisnot
makingsense.Goddecideswhototakeonhisown
t
ime.Wedonotquest ionthat
."
That
'st
hest
upi
dcousi
nwhohasnof
il
ter
.
Me:
wenaphumal
a.I
fyouhavenot
hingbet
tert
o
sayjustshutyourmout
h.Can'
tyouseet
hatshe'
s
hurt
?
Mannono:
iket
lepel
err
a.Thi
sisnotyourhouse.You
won'
tki
ckmeout .
I
sshedrunkperhaps?Whotal
ksli
kethisata
f
uneral
?I'
veneverseensomeonewho'ssostupi
d
l
ikeher
.
Me:i
fieverhearyout al
kingt
hatrubi
shagainiwi
ll
ki
ckyououtofher e.Canyougetoutofhereandgo
dosomethingwithyourtime?Likehel
pingwit
h
cooki
ngorsomet hing?
Mannono:
iwasn'
thereforyou.I
'm her
etocal
l
Or
ati
le.Hi
sbrot
hershavearri
ved.
Shel
eftaf
tercl
icki
nghert
ongue.
Me:babygoandli
edowninyourr
oom.Youraunt
y
i
scomi ngandshewi
llbewi
thyouwhi
leIhel
p
ar
oundhere.

Ihel
dherhandandwentt
oherr
oom wi
thher
.
Me:
iwi
lll
etyourauntknowyou'
reher
ewhenshe
ar
ri
ves.Andyoursist
ersar
eonthewaysoyou
won'
tbealonehereokay?Il
oveyou.
Ikissedherf oreheadandwentout .Ihat etol eave
heralonebutihavet o.Nothingi shappeni ngher e.
Soihavet ost artdoingsomet hingort here'l
lbea
delay.Ihaven'tseenanyf ami l
ymemberar riving
becauseappar entl
yt heyleavef arfrom her eand
sti
llhavetomaybel ookfortranspor t.Theonl yone
whol ivesaroundher eisBonol o'sfatherandnaye
he'snotaroundatt hemoment .Onlyhermot heris
theonewho' saroundandonherwayher e.Bonol o'
s
fat
herwasi nLi mpopowhenhecal l
edme.So
BonoloandMzwakhewentt of etchhi m.Isee
Bonolo'smot herasiexi tther oom.
Me:
gooddayma.She'
sinherr
oom.
B.
mom:
kal
ebogamokgwenyana.
Ipr
oceededt
othel
oungeandifi
ndOrat
il
esi
tt
ing
wit
hsomemeniassumearehisbrot
her
s.
Me:
sani
bonani
.
Guy:
dumela.Thesear
emybrot
hers.Vuyo,
ThembaniandMogomotsi
.NnakeNare.
Me:
okay.Wecanl eavenowandf etchthem f
rom
t
hehospit
al.Butl
etmej ustgetsomethingqui
ckl
y.
Iwentbackt
omywi f
e'sroom.Shewasj
ustsi
tt
ing
onthebedwit
hheraunt.
Me:babewear egoi
ngt
othehospit
alt
ofet
chyour
parents.Pleasegi
vemethedet
ail
saboutt
hei
r
funeralcover.
Kea:idon'
tknowwher
ehekeptever
ythi
ng.
Aunt
y:assoonasheruncl
egetsher
ehewil
lgi
ve
t
hem toyou.Heknowswhereever
ythi
ngi
s.
Me:okay.Whatdowedonow?Doiwai
tforyour
uncl
e?
Aunty:
Keatl
aret
siagaoi
tsipi
nyasaf
e?Okanna
walebell
amoyona.
Shenoddedandwenttosomer
oom whichisl
ikea
study.Shecamebackwi
tht
hepaper
s.Itookt
hem
andleft.
Me:Orat
il
eyoucangotot
hecot
tage.Li
ndanii
s
t
herewit
htheot
hers.
Nar
e:wi
llyoubef
inewi
tht
hem?
Henodded.
Me:
he'
l
lbef
ine.He'
susedt
othem.
Welefttheyard.Peopl
ewerestar
ti
ngtoarr
ive.
Rapula'
sfatheraskedt
ogowi t
hus.Icoul
dn'tsay
no.Theoldmanwashi sbestf
ri
end.
Me:aboutyourmother
,i
sshealsogoingtobeburi
ed
ar
oundher eoryou'
dprefert
otakehertoherhome?
Nar
e:we'
l
lbur
yherher
e.I
twi
llsaveusal
otofwor
k.
R.f
ather
:hewoul
dhavelovedf
orhi
swifet
obe
buri
edheresoyou'
redoi
ngagoodthi
ng.
Me:idon'tknowwher et hi
shospi
tali
ssowhenwe
gettotownpl easedirectme.Whil
eatitpleasecal
l
thesefuneralpalourpeople.Sot
hattheycanfetch
thebodies.
Wear r
ivedatJobShimankaneTabanehospi tal
.
That'
swher etheypassedon.Dideverypaperwork
andthef uner
alpal
ourpeoplecame.Idrovebehind
them j
ustsoicanf i
nali
seeveryt
hingandjustwait
fort
hedayoft hefuneral
.Doingthisi
salotofwork.
Movingupanddowngoi ngplaces.ButI
'ddo
anyt
hingf
ormywi f
e.Wegott
her
eandwenti
nsi
de
todoever
ythi
ng.
Man:thef
uner
alplanthathewaspayingfori
sa
packageofacof
fi
nt hatcostsR10000,f
oodandan
amountofR20000.Al sotr
anspor
t.
Me:
oh.Canweseet
hecasket
s?
Theyshowedust
hebookl
et.
Me:
okay.We'
dli
ket
hiscasket
.Forbot
hoft
hem.
Vuyo:
that
'sver
yexpensi
ve.
Man:
siryouwi
llhavet
opayal
otofmoneyf
ort
hat
,
l
etal
onetwo.
Me:noprobl
em.Gett hem t
hoset
wo.Iwi l
lpay.
Thankyouforever
ything.Wewil
lletyouknow
aboutever
ythi
ngelse.
R.dad:whatyou'
redoingisver
ygood.You'rea
goodman.I '
m suremyf r
iendwil
lresti
npeace
knowingthathelefthi
sdaughteri
ngoodhands.
Il
ookedathi
m.It
houghtmaybehe'
dhat
eme.
Me:
I'
mjustdoi
ngwhatihavet
o.Mywi
fei
sreal
ly
notcopi
ngsoihavet
omakesur
eever
ythi
ngr
uns
smoothl
y.
R.
dad:holdontoher
.She'
saver
ygoodwoman.
Andshe'sluckyt
ohaveyou.

Whenwegott otheBogat suresidencet heyardwas

full
.Itwasf ul
lofpeopl eandsomeoft hem ididn't
knowt hem.Buti tisexpectedf ortheyar dtobef ul
l
becausei t
'saf uneraloftwofami li
es.Sobot h
fami l
iesar ehere.Proceedinginif i
ndmybr others
sitt
ingwi thithermen.Igr eetthem andgot othe
cottage.Ihavet ocheckont heki ds.Ican'tj
ustlet
Lindanit akecar eofthem alone.
Me:
wher
ear
etheki
ds?
Li
ndani
:MakaSbanit
ookt
hem.
Me:
okay.Nir
ightni
na?
Li
ndani
:yebobaba.
Me:
cal
lmei
fyouneedanyt
hing.
Ayanda:
wher
e'smommy?Iwantt
oseeher
.
Me:mommyisnotf
eel
ingf
ine.She'
ssl
eepi
ngnow.
Don'
tcr
y.Come.

Ayandahasbecomesoat t
achedtohismot her
.
Luyandawast heonewhowasmor eclosetoher.
Butnowal loft
hem areatt
achedt
oher .Eversi
nce
shecamebacki ft
heydon'
tseehertheystart
thi
nkingsheleftagai
n.

Me:don'
tcr
yokay?Whenmommywakesupiwi
ll
comeandcallyou.
Henoddedandiwentout
.

NARRATED

DAYBEFORETHEFUNERAL

i
twasint
heeveningwhentheycalledt
oletthem
knowt
hattheyar
eaboutt
or each.Peopl
estarted
si
ngingwitheachpersonhol
dingali
tcandl
e.
MaKhozahasbeenbyKeat l
aretsi
'
ssi
deasshe
coul
dn'tst
opcryi
ng.
Bonol
o:t
heher
sei
sher
e.
Mannono:
Keat
lar
etsigot
otheot
herr
oom andst
ay
t
here.
Nol
o:why?
Mannono:she'
spr egnantandshe'
snotsupposedto
seethecoff
in.Event omorr
owshe'snotsupposed
togotothecemet ery.
Nolo:
whotol
dyout
hatr
ubi
shyou'
respewi
ngoutof
yourmout
h?
Mannono:I
'm hel
pingherher
e.Gar
ebat
leat
shol
e
ser
athane.
Nol
o:whot
oldyoushe'
spr
egnant
?
Mannono:
thewayshegivesbirt
hiwouldn'
tbe
sur
pri
sedi
fshe'
spregnant.Thatmanismakingher
ababymakingmachi
nef orsur
e.
Nolo:
fi
rst
lyst
opt
alki
ngrubi
shbeforeImakeyou.I
f
someonemustnotbeherei
tshouldbeyou.I
fihear
youtalkshi
tagainiwil
ldealwit
hyou.Ser at
haneke
banabagagobabasenangl eborre.Dealwit
hthat
befor
ecomi ngheretoj
udgeKeat l
aretsi
.Shecan
takecareofherki
dsunlikeyou.Nowgetoutofher e!
B.mom: Bonolo!Akoemenyanat
lhemma.Thi
sisa
funer
al.Don'tdothis.
Nolo:mamaKeaishur t
ingandMannonoistaki
ng
advantageoft
hat.Sheknowsthatshewontanswer
her.That'
swhyshe'sacti
ngli
kethi
s.
B.
mom:
justl
etherbe.

Mannonolef
tfur
ious.Peoplegather
edast
wo
casket
swerebei
ngbr oughtin.

DAYOFTHEFUNERAL

KEATLARETSI

inevert
houghtt
hiswoul
dbeme.Bur
yingmyf
ather
.
Mytearscan'tstopfal
li
ng.Peoplekeepongoingto
t
hef r
ontt
ot alkabouthim.I'
m payi
ngattent
iont
o
t
hat.I'
mjustaskingmyselfhiwiam goingtogoon
wit
hlif
e.
Farai
:Rudol
et'
sgo.I
t'
sti
met
osayyourl
astwor
ds
tohim.
Me:
gowi
thoutme.
Far
ai:
youhavet
odot
his.
Aunt
:comeKeat
lar
etsi
.

Igetupandfol
lowher.Ifeelnumb.Theygi
vemea
micbuteveryt
imeiopenmymout hnowordcomes
out.Igi
vethemict
oFar aiandgobacktomyseat
.

Itsi
nksinthatmyfatheri
sgonet hemomentweget
i
nt hecarstogotothecemetery.I'
m anorphan.I
havenopar ent
s.Wegetthereandt heydo
everythi
ngandaft
erthatwegobackhome.I t'
s
busyast heyar
eservingpeopl
e.Igot omyr oom
andl ayonmybed.
*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
05] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER35*

*
KEATLARETSI
*

Iwokeupundermyhusband' sar
ms.Ist ar
edathim.
I'
m gratef
ulfort
hisman.Ifi
twasnotf orhi
m idon'
t
thi
nkiwoul dhavebeenabletogothroughmy
father
'sdeath.I
twasveryhardbuthemade
everyt
hingbearable.I
'
m bl
essedwithagoodone.I
tookhishandof fandheopenedhiseyes.
Mpe:
wher
ear
eyougoi
ngsoear
ly?
Me:
bat
hroom.
Mpe:
comebackf
ast
.Iwantt
ocuddl
ewi
thyou.
Iki
ssedhischeekandwenttot
hebat
hroom.Idid
nybusinesst
henrunwaterf
ormyshower.Thedoor
opened.
Mpe:whydi
dn'
tyout
ellmeyouwer
egoi
ngt
otakea
shower?
Hetookoffhi
sclot
hesandwenti
n.Isi
ghedand
j
oined.Wetookashowert
henwenttogetdr
essed.
Mpe:
whyshowersoear
ly?
Me:don'tt
ellmeyouf or
got
?TodayLi
ndanii
s
get
tinghisresul
ts.Soiwantt
obether
ewhenhe
get
st hem.
Hehuggedme.
Mpe:wit
heverythingyou'vebeengoingthr
oughyou
sti
llr
emember edthisday.You'r
eagoodmot her
.I
appreci
ateeveryt
hingyoudof orourfamil
y.
Me:
iloveyou.
Mpe:
iloveyouMr
sKhoza.
Ihel
dhishandandwewenttoLindani
'sroom.We
knockedandheopenedf
orus.Helookedtir
ed.
Mpe:
didyousl
eep?
Heshookhi
shead.
Mpe:it
oldyout
hatt
heycanevensendt
hesmsat
5am.Wecouldhavegonet
ogetanewspaperf
or
you.
Li
ndani
:noi
t'
sal
most5now.I
'
llwai
tfort
hesms.
Shame.Mypoorbabywaspanicki
ng.Hewas
movingar
oundthehouse.Whenhisphonebeeped
herantoi
t.Hesmil
ed.Iknewhe'
ddowel l
.
Me:
and?
Li
ndani
:igot5As.
Mpe:
that
'sgood!Wear
epr
oudofyou.
Me:
congr
atul
ati
ons.
Li
ndani
:i
m happybutiwant
ed8As.
Me:
I'
m ver
ypr
oudofyou.Yourhar
dwor
kpai
dof
f.
Mpe:
yes.Andwi
tht
hoser
esul
tsyoucangot
oany
uni
ver
sit
yyouwant
.
Me: youandyourdadwil
lgoabdfetchyour
statementabdiwil
lcookafeastf
oryou.Wear
e
celebrat
ingt
oday.

Hehuggedme.Isawhi m wi
pinghistear
saft
erthe
hug.Hestar
tedcr
ying.Hi
sfatherhuggedhi
m and
rubbedhi
sback.
Lindani
:t
hankyouforeveryt
hing.I
fitwasn'
tforyou
twomaybeIwoul dn'
tbehere.You'r
ethereasoni
turnedoutt
obethispersonthatIam.Iloveyou.
Mpe:wel
oveyoutoookay?Nowgoandt akea
showert
henwe'
llf
etchyourst
atement
.
Me:youknowwhat ?It
hinkiwil
lnotcook.Weare
goingtoeatout.Chooseanyplaceofyourchoi
ce
andwe'llgothere.Thi
sisyourday.Youcanhave
anythi
ng.
Hewentt
othebat
hroom.Mpendul
ohuggedme.
Mpe:
thankyou.
Ther
ewasnoneedt
oexpl
ain.Iknowwhyhewas
thankingme.Af tert
heyleftibathedSpheand
Thandowhi l
eLisawast akingashower.The
nanni eswerebusywi ththet r
ipl
ets.Theniwentto
Oratil
eandMnqobi sroom.Or ati
lewi l
lst
aywithus
andat t
endschoolhere.He'llbeingrade11.My
brotherhasgr own.Hechoset ostaywi t
hme.Nare
want edt ot
akehim buthechoset ostayhere.
Me:
boyswakeup.Ti
met
obat
h.
Or
ati
le:
it
'sst
il
lear
ly.
Mnqobi
:mommyj
ust30mi
nut
espl
ease.
Me:idi
dn'
ttel
lyoutopl
aygamesal
lni
ght.doyou
wanttost
aywhi l
eever
yonei
sgoi
ngout?
Mnqobi
:wear
egoi
ngout
!?
Or
ati
le:
okaywear
eupnow.
Theyr antotheshower.Theseboys.Iwenttothe
twins.Theysleepal
onenow.Butmostoft heti
me
whenwewakeupwef i
ndthem inei
therofthei
r
brothersroom.Orinthegir
lsroom.Theychange
theserooms.
Twi
ns:
goodmor
ningmommy.
Me:
mor
ning.Comeher
e.Howar
eyou?
Twi
ns:
wear
egood.
Mxm.Il
aughed.
Me:
let
'sgobat
h.Wear
egoi
ngout
.
Twi
ns:
loveyoumommy.
Me:
loveyout
oo.Nowgi
vememyki
sses.
Theykissmeandif ol
lowthem tothebathr
oom.I
star
tedbathi
ngt hem andfi
nished.Weallgotr
eady
andwai t
ed.Iheardacarparkandt heycamein.
Li
ndanigavemehi sstat
ement.
Li
ndani:mom don'tyout hi
nktheyrobbedme?I
meanl ookatGeogr aphyigot79.Then77for
Afr
ikaansand76f orl i
fesci
ences.Icoul
dhave
got
tenAsi neverything.
Me:especi
all
yonthat79.Butst
il
l.Youdi
d
except
ional
lywel
l.
Mpe:we'
vebookedwher ehewant sustogo.At11
weareleavi
ng.Wearest i
llwai
ti
ngforSphamandla.
Theyhaven'
tstar
tedhandingoutstat
ementsathi
s
school
.
Hewentupst
air
s.If
oll
owedhi
m.
Mpe:
sthandwasaam ur
ightngempel
a?Li
ker
eal
ly
r
eal
lygood?
Me:
yesi
mfi
ne.
Mpe:okay.I
t'
sjustt
hatyou'
vebeendi
stant
.Ican
getapsychologi
stf
oryouifyouwant
.
Me:I
'mfine.Yesist
il
lmi
ssmyf
atheral
otbuti
m
f
ine.I
tiswhatiti
s.
Hebentdownt
oki
ssme.Iputmyar
msar
oundhi
s
neck.
Mpe:
canimakel
ovet
omywi
fe?
Ismil
ednodding.Wehaven'tbeenint
imat
esince
l
astyearwhenmyf atherpassedaway.He'
sbeen
sopati
entwit
hmesi ncethen.Ifel
tmydressfal
lto
thef
loor
.
Mpe:
you'
resobeaut
if
ul.
Hi
shandswereallovermybodycar essingmybody.
Heuncl
ippedmybraandi tf
ollowedthedr ess.He
pi
ckedmeupandputmeont hebed.Het ookof f
hi
sclot
hesandboxer.Iswal
lowedhar d.Hecamei n
bet
weenmylegs.Hecont
inuedtoki
ssmet
henif
elt
hi
shandst
akeoffmyunderwear
.
Mpe:
lookatme.
Iopenedmyeyesandl ookedathi
m.Hiseyeswer
e
fullofl
oveandt
hereiknewthatheismyli
fe.I
fl
inchedwhenifel
thi
m getin.
Mpe:
I'
l
lbegent
le.
Hesai
dthatst
il
lgoi
ngin.It
'sbeenawhi l
esoif
elt
somepai
n.Anditdoesn'
thelpthathe'
sbig.
Mpe:
rel
axokay?Iwi
llmovesl
owl
yunt
ilyouadj
ust
.
Hest ar
tedmovi ngslowlybuticoul
dstil
lfeelt
he
pain.Hecontinuedwi t
hhisthrust
sunti
listart
ed
feeli
ngthepleasure.Heputhisarmsunder neat
h
met henuppedhi space.Imadesur enottomake
noiseeventhoughj twashard.
Mpe:
youar
esoper
fect
!

Afterafewt hrust
sicamehar dandhefol
lowedsui
t.
Wewentf oranotherroundandthi
sti
mehewas
fast.Icoul
dn'tcontai
nmymoansanymor e.
Thankfull
yourr oom i
ssoundproof.Iwascalli
nghis
nameandsayi ngsomethingthatidi
dn'teven
understand.Icamehar dbuthedidn'tst
op.Afteri
fel
thi
sseedscomi ngintome.
Mpe:imi
ssedyousomuchmywi
fe.
Me:
imi
ssedyout
oo.
Mpe:
andI'
m st
il
lgoingtoshowyouhowmuchi
mi
ssedyou.Westil
lhave2hourst
ogo.
Me:
mmh.

*
***
**

Whenwecamebackhomeiwentst r
aighttobed.
MpendulotookSphamandlahome.That'sMuzi'
s
son.Iwassleepi
ngwithmythreebabyboyswhen
myphoner ang.Theywer
eevenupandpl ayi
ngwit
h
eachother
.
Me:
hel
lo.
Voi
ce:
hel
lo.Keapl
easecanyoudosomet
hingf
or
me?
I
twasRapel
ang
Me:
okay.Howcanihel
pyou?
Rapel
ang:
pleaset
ellyourhusbandtoletmycousi
n
go.Hecal
ledmescar edsayingtheyaregoi
ngto
ki
llhi
m.
Shesoundedl
ikeshewascr
ying.
Me:idon'tknowanyt
hingaboutthat
.Myhusband
waslookingforhi
m buthevanishedint
othi
nai
r.Do
youknowwhyhewasl ooki
ngf
orhim?Yourcousi
n
tr
iedtorapeme.
Rapel
ang:
pleaseKeatlar
etsi
!Hedi
dn'
tdoitdidhe?
Hecall
edmescar edtodayandsai
dtheyfoundhim!
I
fyouevercared.
..
ihelpedyouwit
haplacetostay.
Pl
easedothisforme.
Wow.Idi
dn'
tknowI
'
dhavet
orepayt
hat
.
Me:myhusbandisnotakil
ler
.Butyouknowwhat?
I
ftheyr
eall
yfoundhimthenhe'sgoingt
ojai
l.What
i
fhecomesbackandt hi
stimehesucceeds?
Rapel
ang:
buthedi
dn'
trapeyou!Pl
easeI
'
m beggi
ng
you.
Me:
im sor
ry.
Icutthecal
l.Hi
wdareshesaythat
?Heshouldgo
tojai
landI'
m notgoi
ngtospar
ehimjustbecause
he'
shercousin!
Li
sa:
mom canisl
eepwi
thyou?
Ipr
omi
seiwi
llbe
qui
et.
Me:
okay.
Shelookedatme.Iknewsomethi
ngwascomi
ng.
Ther
e'snowaythischil
dcankeepqui
et.
Li
sa:
whydoes.
..
Me:
yousai
dtouwi
llkeepqui
et.
Lisa:
ijustwantt
ochatwi
thmymommy.Youhave
tochatwi t
hme.
Me:
okayLi
sakhanya.Whatdoyouwant
?
Li
sa:
whenam igoi
ngt
oUni
ver
sit
yli
kebhut
iLi
ndani
?
Me:whenyou'
redonewit
hhighschool
.Ifyoust
udy
har
dyouwi l
lgotouni
ver
sit
y.
Li
sa:
whenam iget
ti
ngal
apt
op?
Me:
whenyou'
rei
nhi
ghschool
.
Li
sa:
iwanti
tnowpl
ease.
Me:you'
l
lgeti
tnextyear
.Sl
eepandst
opmaki
ng
noi
se.
Sheki
ssedmeandsmi
led.
Li
sa:
iloveyou.
Me:
iloveyout
oo.
Kids!Butt
hisoneistoomuch.Itwasnowatnight
.
Myhusbandwasn' tcomingback.Weevenhad
dinnerandwenttosleep.Iwokeupfr
om someone
touchingme.
Mpe:
gobackt
osl
eep.
Me:
whatt
imei
sit
?
Mpe:
11pm
Me:
wher
ewer
eyou?
Mpe:
sleep.We'
l
ltal
ktomor
row.
Me:
didyouki
llHi
m?
Mpe:sl
eep.Wewil
ltal
ktomor
row.Whoar
eyou
event
alki
ngabout
?
Me: Tshi
rel
etso.Rapelangcal
ledcr
yingaski
ngme
tostopyouf r
om ki
ll
inghim.Iknowyou'r
enota
kil
ler
.ButIjustwantyoutotel
lme.
Mpe:
ididn'
tkil
lHim butIt
aughthi
m al
esson.He'
s
i
npol
icecustodynow.
It
urnedandat
tackedhi
m wi
thahug.
Mpe:
hey.Hewon'
tevert
ryanyt
hing.You'
resaf
e.
Me: ij
ust..
.i
fyouhadkil
ledhi
m andyougot oj
aili
wouldn'ttakei
t.Iwoul
dbeleftal
one.You'
real
li
have.Iloveyousomuch.
Mpe:you'r
emyl i
fe.Iwouldn'
twanttoleaveyou.
Ngi
yak't
handa.Iwouldn'
tdosomet hi
ngt hatwoul
d
makeyouandourchi ldr
entobeleftal
one.

*
NARRATED*

Muzi
:ihopewewon'
thavet
ocomebackt
othi
s
i
ssue.Yourwi
fehasbeent
hroughal
ot.
Mpe:yeah.Andifsheweretof
indoutthatial
most
ki
ll
edthatbastar
dshe'dbeangrywi
thme.I magine
i
fihadkill
edhim.She'
dleavemeforrealthi
stime.
Muzi:no.Justbegl
adyoucamebacktoyour
senses.Nowyourwi f
ecanl
ivepeacef
ull
y.
Kea:
goodmor
ning.
Shesai
dwi
pinghert
ear
s.Shet
ookabot
tl
eofwat
er
andl
eft
.
Muzi
:whatdi
dyoudo?
Mpe:doesi
tmeanI
'
mresponsi
bleever
yti
meshe
cr
ies?
Muzi
:what
'
swr
ongwi
thher
?
Mpe:thatbastardscousi
n..
.t
heonewhohel pedher
wit
hapl acetostay.She'
sbeencall
ingand
shout
ingandbl amingherforwhat
'shappening.
Muzi
:whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
osol
vet
his?
Mpe:it
oldhert
oblockhernumber
.Butkuyaf
ana.
Theymightmeetandshestar
tsswear
ingather
.
Muzi
:iwi
llt
akecar
eofi
t.
Mpe:canyoubeli
eveshetol
dhert
ogetoveri
t
becausenot
hinghappened?
Muzi:
don'tst
ressaboutt
his.Iwi
llsorti
tout.Goand
tal
ktoyourwife.Youwil
lfi
ndmei nthestudy.Iwant
ustodiscusssomethi
ng.

Mpe:
babewhywer
eyoucr
ying?
Kea:
shetol
dPul
eandnowhe'
sangr
yandsaysi
mustdropt
hechar
ges.
Mpe:
that
'snothappeni
ng.
Kea:
ican'
tbel
ieveievent
houghtofaski
ngf
orhi
s
hel
p.Ihavet
ogohome.
Mpe:
why?Di
dsomet
hinghappen?
Kea:Pul
ehasmadehi mselfabossinmyf ather
's
house.Hehasmovedi n.Pul
eismani pul
ati
ve.He
mightchangethetit
ledeedtohisname.Ididn't
workhardjustforhi
mt ocomeandgetever ythi
ng.
Myf at
herlef
tthathouseforOrati
le.
Mpe:
whogavehimthekey?Whywouldtheyl
ethi
m
moveinwhent
heyknowthetypeofper
sonhejs?
Kea:Idon'
tknow.Myuncl
ecal
ledaskingmeifitol
d
Puleandhiswif
etomoveint
omyf ather'
shouse.
Mpe:thi
sguyisst
art
ingt
obet
oomuchwor
k.We
wi
llgotomor
row.
Kea:
youdon'
thavet
ocomewi
thme.
Mpe:
iam goingwi
thyou.It
oldyouiwi
llbewi
thyou
i
neveryt
hingyougothr
ough.
Kea:t
hethingisidon'
tknowwhowi lllookaft
ert
he
house.There'
l
lbenoonest ayingthere.And
cri
minalsmightbreaki
nandst ealthings.Iwoul
d
renti
toutbutwher ewi
lliputever
ything?
Mpe:
isn'
tther
esomeonet
hatyout
rustwhocan
st
ayther
e?
Kea:
myaunt shavetheirownhomesandionl ytrust
myuncles.Andtheycan'tjustleavet
heirhousesso
t
hattheycanlookaftermyf ather'
shouse.
Mpe:
don'
tyoumaybehavecousi
nsyout
rust
?
Kea:
no.Idon'
ttr
ustanyofmycousi
nsf
rom my
f
ather
'ssi
de.
Mpe:
don'
tst
ressaboutt
his.Wewi
llseewhatt
odo.

AtRust
enbur
g
Thef
oll
owi
ngday

Whent
heyar
ri
vedt
heyf
oundcar
spar
kedout
side.
Kea:
whatar
ethesecar
sdoi
ngher
e?
Mpe:
let
'sgeti
nandf
indout
.
Theywentinandthereweremansi
tt
inginthe
l
oungetalki
ngloudl
y.Rapel
angwascookingi
nthe
ki
tchen.
Mpe:
gent
lemen.
Pul
e:youdon'
tknock.Youj
ustgeti
nli
keyou'
re
get
ti
ngintoatoi
let
.
Mpe:
I'
m nother
etof
ight
.Icomepeacef
ull
y.
Pul
e:sowhatdoyouwant
?
Mpe:
ishoul
dbeaski
ngyout
hatquest
ion.Andwho
ar
ethesepeopl
e?
Pul
e:t
hat
'snoneofyourbusi
ness.
Mpe:i
t'
smybusi
nesswheni
tinvolvesmywif
e.Who
gaveyout
heri
ghtt
odoasyoupl easei
nthi
shouse?
Pule:
justbecauseyou'
remarr
iedt
othatnai
ve
cousi
nofmi nei
tdoesn'
tmeanyouhaveasayher
e.
Mpe:andI'
m her
etotel
lyoutogetoutofher
e.
Wheredi
dyougetthehousekeys?Andwhat'swi
th
t
hecaroutsi
de?Whatisitdoi
ngoutsi
de?
Pul
e:monnatl
heakeoemepel
e.Aowaga
Bogat
suwena?
Mpe: I
'
m notgoingtoletyoudoasyoupl easehere.
Don'tyouhaveyourownhouse?Ihadt ol eavemy
wor ktocomeherebecauseyou' r
estressingmy
wife.Nowiwantyout obeoutofher ebyt omorrow.
Thisisnotyourhouse.Mywi f
edi dn'
twor khardjust
foryoutocomeandt akeeverythingj
ustl i
kethat!
Shebui l
tthi
shouseforherfat
her .
Pul
e:t
hisi
saf
ami
lyhouseandyouhavenosay.
Mpe:
can'
tyouwor
kforyourownt
hings?Now
here'
swhatisgoi
ngtohappen.You'
regoingtokick
thesepeopl
eoutandst
artpacki
ngyourthings.
You'r
enotwelcomeher
e.
Pul
e:i
am notgoi
nganywher
e.
Guy:mymanyouwil
lfi
ndusatthecompany.Then
wewillvi
ewi
twhenyoucome.
Mpe:
um whatcompanyar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Guy:BM const
ruct
ion.I
t'
sonsal
eandwe'
re
i
nterest
edinbuyi
ng.
Mpe:
who'
ssel
li
ngi
t?
Guy:MrBogatsuher
eisr
epresent
ingMrsKhoza.So
weareinter
estedi
nbuyi
ng.That'
swhatwewere
negoti
ati
ng.
Mpe:
oh.Iam MrKhoza.Andidi
dn'
tknowmywi
fe
wassel
li
nghercompany.
Pul
e:manmeandyouaregoingt
ohaveprobl
emsi
f
youi
nter
fer
ewi
thmyplans.I
'
m warni
ngyou.
Mpe:andI'
m warni
ngyout ostopallt
hisr
ubbi
sh.
Mywi f
eisnotsell
inganyt
hing.Gentl
emenyoumay
l
eave.Thi
sscammerdoesn' townBM constr
ucti
on
andhe'snotr
epr
esent
ingmywi
fe.She'
snotsel
li
ng
thecompany.
Guy:
butwe.
..
Mpe:
that
'sal
l.Youcanl
eavenow.
Theygotupandt
ookt
hei
rst
uffandl
eft
.
"
Babeever
ythi
nghasbeen.
..
."
Pul
e:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Kea:
bat
hong!Kefogaef
a.Ishoul
dbeaski
ngyou
t
hesamething.
Pul
e:t
her
e'snoonest
ayi
ngher
esowhycan'
tist
ay
her
e?
Mpe:di
dyoutell
himt osell
yourcompany?Those
menwhojustleftwereheretosi
gnthedealof
buyi
ngBM construct
ion.
Pul
e:thi
smanwil
ltakeever
ythi
ngandleaveyou
br
oke.Rapul
awaswaymor ebettert
hanhim!
Kea:
yoh!WhatdoesRapulahavetodowiththi
s!?
Whot ol
dyouI
'm sel
li
ngmycompany?Eveni fiwas
sel
li
ngwhywouldIasktsotsiyagotshwanale
wenatorepresentme?St
optryi
ngt
ocontrol
ever
ythi
ng!Getoutofmyfat
her'
shouse!Whogave
youthekeys?
Pul
e:youruncl
e.Yourf
ather
'st
hingsar
eint
he
st
oreroom.
Kea:
you'
rel
yingman!Youliedt
ohim andsai
dit
old
yout
ostayhere!You'
vebeenstayi
ngheref
or
monthsandiknewnothi
ng!
Pul
e:ar
eyouturni
ngonmebecauseoft
hisst
upi
d
manofyours?
Kea:I'
m nottur
ningonanyone.Ijustdon'twantyou
here.Leave!Youtookallt
hepict
uresdownand
changedhowever ythi
ngwas.Getoutl fhere!
Mpe:atr
uckiswait
ingout
sidet
omoveyourt
hings.
Packyourt
hings.
Pule:
youaregoi
ngtoregr
ett
hisKeat
lar
etsi
!You'
re
notaBogatsuanymor
ebutyou'r
efi
ghti
ngfor
Bogatsut
hings!
Kea:
iwouldunderst
andifi
twasOr at
il
efi
ghti
ngf
or
t
hishousebutyou!?You'
renotst
ayingher
e!
Pule:
wewillsee.Andst
opshout
ing.I
'
mtr
yingt
o
concent
rat
eher e.
Kea:
I'
m notl
eavi
ngt
hispl
aceunt
ilhe'
sout
.
Mpe:
I'
l
lbeback.
Hewentoutt
hehouseandl
eftt
het
wocousi
ns
ar
gui
ng.
Pul
e:ar
ewegoi
ngt
oletanout
sidermakeusf
ight
?
Kea:he'
smyhusband,
notanout
sider
.Hasennake
ri
lengobemahlal
elanna.

Shedi
dn'
tseehi
m buthesl
appedher
.
Pul
e:i
won'tbedi
srespectedbyyou.Getoutofher
e!
Thi
sisnotyourmother'
shouse.
Mpe:packever
ythi
ngintot
heboxesandtakethem
out
.Don'tl
eaveanythi
ngthatbel
ongst
othisdog.
Pul
e:ar
eyout
alki
ngaboutme?
Mpe:yebomgodoyi.Iseeyour hi
nkyoucanwalkal
l
overherheadbecauseshe'sawoman.That '
snot
goingtohappen.You'
releavi
ngthispl
ace!
Rapel
ang:
Keat
lar
etsiigaveyouapl
acet
ostay
whenhewasshowingyouf l
amesandnowyoudo
t
his?
Kea:i
fiknewyouwoul dholditagainstmeiwoul dn'
t
havebot her
edcomingtoyou.Yout wodidn'teven
caretoletmeknowt hatyou'
restayinghere.My
fat
herwoul dn'
tal
lowthi
sifhewasal i
ve!
Rapel
ang:
sowher
edoyouexpectust
ogo?
Mpe:
doesn'
thehaveahouse?
Kea:
didyouknowhewasconni
vingbehi
ndmyback
t
osellmycompany?
Rapel
ang:
..
..
Kea:
wow
Mpe:youruncl
eiscomi
ng.He'
l
lseewhatt
odowi
th
t
hissit
uati
on.
Kea:youli
keactingasifyou'
reinchargeof
ever
ything.Fi
rstitwasyoursist
ersayingmy
companyi safami l
ycompanyandshecando
anyt
hingshewant snowit'
syou.Ihopeyou're
happyaboutthis.I'
m goi
ngt ofi
reherbecausei
knowyou'
rei
nthi
stoget
her
.
Mpe:
uri
ghtKhanyi
sil
e?
Kea:
ihaveaheadache.
Mpe:
hlal
aphant
singi
kut
hat
hel
eamanzi
.
Pul
e:t
hat'
swhatyou'
regoodat
.Runningar
oundfor
her
.Whydoyout hi
nkRapulal
efther
?Sheorder
ed
hi
m around.
Kea:
didyouseemedoi
ngthat?Youhaveal
ott
o
sayabouthi
m.wer
eyoutwoincahoot
stost
eal
fr
om me?
Pul
e:nxa.St
opbei
ngst
upi
d.
Kea:you'
ret
hestupi
done.Di
dyout
hinkyouwer
e
goi
ngt oget
awaywit
hthi
s?

Her
aisedhi
shandbutMpendul
osawhi
m qui
ckl
y.
Mpe:notwi
thmywi
fe.You'
vegonet
oof
arnow.Get
out
.
Hedr
aggedhi
m outevent
houghhewasf
ight
ing.
Mpe:
wai
tforyourt
hingst
her
e.

*
KEATLARETSI
*

Afteruncl earri
vedhet al
kedt ousandal sot oldPule
nott odowhathedi d.Ijusthopehe'snotgoi ngto
tr
yhi stricksagain.Nowwear eonlyleftwi t
ht he
tr
oubl eofl ookingforsomeonet olookafterthe
house.Myuncl ewillkeeponchecki ng.Nt at
e
Mol etsanet oo.Eveni nmycompanyihadt ot el
l
Rubbent oneverl etPuleinsidethepremi sesagai n.
Andt hatt heymustkeepaneyeonMannono.

*
BONOLO*
Nowwear ei nKZN.I t
'sgogo'sbi r
thdaysowehad
t
ogot oHervi l
lage.Thewayt heyloveher !Theyar
d
i
sfullandit'
sonlyf ami l
y.Ididn'tbeli
evei twhenI
Mzwakhet ol
dmet hatshe'snothi sfather's
mother,
buthisgr andmot her'
syoungsi ster.She
r
aisedhisfatherandt heirsiblingsafterhersist
er
died.Afterthebiol
ogicalgr
andmot herpassedshe
volunteeredtotakecareofthem.That '
swhyt hey
l
oveherl i
kethi
s.Shedoeshavechi l
drenofherown
andgr andchil
dren.That'
swhyt hisyardisful
l.We
havebeencooki ngsi
ncemor ning.Cookingfor
hundredsofpeopl ehere.I'
m evenstarti
ngtof eel
dizzy.
Kea:si
tdown.Wewi
llf
ini
shher
eorel
seyouwi
llf
all
.
Me:I
'
vebeenst
andi
ngsi
ncemor
ning.Evenmyf
eet
hur
t.
Kea:
ist
hebabyal
ri
ght
?
Me:
yeah.
Bongi
:t
alkwhi
lei
t'
sst
il
lear
lyi
fsomet
hingi
swr
ong.
Me:
no.I
'
mfi
ne.
Voi
ce:
greet
ingsl
adi
es.
Wer epl
iedtohi
m andheaskedf
ormor
etr
adi
ti
onal
beerforthemenoutsi
de.
Man:sowho'
sthi
s?
Set
hu:Thandi
we.
Man:
Thandi
wewakuphi
?Ohusi
siwakhoKhanyi
sil
e?
Kea:
yeah.

Icoul
dseeKeadoesn'
tli
ket
hisman.Iwonder
what'
sthest
ory.
Ndoni
:yohSi
zweuThandi
wei sMzwakhe'
swi
fe.I
hopeyougetr
idoft
hatsmil
e.
Si
zwe:ngenzenimanj
he?
Mpumi:
she'
soffli
mit
s.Fir
sti
twasKhanyisil
enow
i
t'
sThandiwe.Hayi
bo.St
opwhatyou'
redoing.I
t
won'
tendwellf
oryou.
Si
zwe:hayangi
hambeke.Kwakuhl
eukukbona
Thandi
weomuhle.
Ndoni
:Si
zweyoubet
terst
opbef
oreIcal
lShaka
her
e.
Si
zwe:
bye.

Hel
eft
.
Ndoni
:makesurehe'
sawayfrom you.What
'she
event
hinki
ng?You'
rehi
ssist
erinlaw!
Me:
cal
m downNdoni
.
Ndoni:
no.Ihadtotellhi
m of
f.Orhewoul
dn'
tst
op
chasi
ngafteryou.That'
showheis.
Me:I
'm goi
ngt
oli
edown.Wakemeupwhenyou'
re
done.

Iwentt
omyr oom andiwassurpr
isedwhenSi
zwe
waswalki
ngbesi
desme.What '
swr ongwi
tht
his
man?
Me:
whyar
eyouf
oll
owi
ngme?
Sizwe:
rel
ax.Iwon'
tdoanyt
hingt
oyou.Ij
ustwant
total
k.
Me:
youbetterl
eavei
fyouknowwhat
'sgoodf
oryou.
Bef
oreical
lmyhusband.
Igotint
omyr oom andlockedi
t.Icall
edmy
husbandthenlayonthebed.Iunlockedwheni
heardaknock.
Mzwakhe:
areyoual
ri
ght
?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.I
'
mjustf
eel
ingdi
zzyandt
ir
ed.
Mzwakhe:
didyoueat
?
Ishookmyhead.
Me:iwil
leatwheneveryoneeat
.Ij
ustwantt
osl
eep.
ButI'
m scaredofbei
ngalone.
32cont

Mzwakhe:
scar
edofwhat
?
Me:Si
zwewasaski
ngmequest
ionsandwhenI
cameher
ehewasfoll
owi
ngme.Idon'
tknowwhy.
Mzwakhe:
thati
diot
!Laydown.Iwi
llbr
ingyouf
ood
t
hental
ktohim.
Me:
iwasn'
ttel
li
ngyout
hissoyoucanf
ightt
hough.
Mzwakhe:
Thandi
wengiyal
walana?Ihavet oprot
ect
youf
rom t
hatl
unati
c.Thi
sisal
launtZinzi
le'sdoi
ng.
Shehasst
art
edagain.
Me:
whydoessheal
waysdot
his?
Mzwakhe:
she'
sbi
tt
er.Iwi
llsol
vet
his.Don'
twor
ry.
Me:i
ssomethi
ngwrongwit
hhim?Hedoesn'
tlook
f
ine.Iknowhescar
edmebutmaybeyoushould
r
eachouttohim.Fi
ndoutwhat
'sgoi
ngon?
Mzwakhe:
andyouseewhyif el
linl
ovewit
hyou?
You'
reaki
ndperson.Beaut
if
uli
nsideout
.
Ismi
led.
Mzwakhe:
lal
ake.Whenweareaboutt
oeatiwi
ll
sendsomeonetocal
lyou.

*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
05] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER36*

Keat
lar
etsi
Me:
babel
ookathowt
heyar
etal
kingasi
fthey
makesense.
Mpe:theyunder
standeachother
.Butil
ovet
hei
r
bond.Wemakebeaut i
fulbabi
eshuh?
Me:mmh.Butdot
heyal
lhavet
olookl
ikeyou?Not
evenonel
ooki
ngl
ikeme?
Mpe:
wel
lthenextonewi
lll
ookl
ikeyou.
Me:
that'
sifwehaveanotherone.Ial
mostdi
edwith
t
hesethree.Andican'
tbel
ievet
heyareayearanda
f
ewmont hsold.
Mpe:yeah.Andt heyaregood.Ther
e'snothi
ngt
o
worr
yabout .They'vegrowntobesostrongfor
pr
emat urebabies.
Me:putthenannycam down.Thesedaysyou'
re
alwayswatchingthem.Ievenendupthi
nki
ng
ther
e'ssomethingwrong.
Mpe:yesther
e'ssomething.Butdon'
tfr
eakout
.
There'
ssomeoneaf t
erthisfamil
ybutdon'
tworr
y.
I
mt akingcar
eofit.
Me:
itr
ustyou.Youal
wayst
akecar
eofus.
Mpe:
int
hatcasepl
easedon'
tgoouti
fI'
m nott
her
e.
I
t'
sri
sky.
Me:t
odayI
'
m goi
ngt
oLi
sa'
sdance.Soyouwi
llal
so
come?
Mpe:t
het
winshavesoccer
.Thedr
iverandaguar
d
wi
llgowi
thyou.
Me:okay.Doyouthi
nkmaybePulesentpeopl
eto
comeandt err
ori
zeus?Don'
tfor
gethe'
sangrythat
weinterf
eredwit
hhispl
ans.
Mpe:noi
t'
snothim.Pleasedon'
tgoanywhere
wi
thoutt
heguard.Idon'twantt
oloseyouagai
n.
Me:idon'
twantt
oloseyout
oo.Andipr
omi
set
o
neverl
eaveyou.
Mpe:
I'
m happyt
oheart
hat
.
Iki
ssedhi
m.
Me:
iloveyouMkhat
hini
.
Hesmiled.Whydoesitmakehim happyt
obecall
ed
byhi
scl anname?Idon'
tknow.Hewassmi l
ing
fr
om ear.Iwasevenget
ti
ngshy.
Me:
what
?
Mpe:
not
hing.I
'
mjustadmi
ri
ngmybeaut
if
ulwi
fe.
Umuhl
eyezwa?
Me:
ngi
yabonga.
Mpe:
ihaveasur
pri
sef
oryou.Butyou'
l
lgeti
tlat
er.
Me:
thesedaysI
'
m get
ti
ngsur
pri
sed.
Mpe:
gobef
oreLi
sacomes.
Iknowhowimpat
ientthatgi
rli
s.She'
sal
ready
wait
ingi
nthel
ounge.ThandoandSphearewithher
.
Me:
andt
heset
wo?
Sphe:
wear
egoi
ngdanci
ng.
Il
augh.
Li
sa:
theyar
egoi
ngt
ocheerf
orme.
Me:
yohl
et'
sgo.
Weal lgotothecaranddrivet oherdanceclasses.I
seetheotherkidsal
readydr essedandready.Even
thei
rparentsareher
e.Lisagoeswher eshe'
s
supposedtodressupandt heguardfoll
owsher .I
holdtheothertwoastheywantt ofol
lowher.
Thando:
mommywewantt
ogo.
Me:
she'
scomi
ngback.
Voi
ce:
hi.I
sthi
sseatt
aken?
Me:
no.
Guy:
ahl
etmesi
ther
e.Howar
eyou?I
'
m John.
Me:I
'
m goodandyou?I
'
m Keat
lar
etsi
.Ni
cet
omeet
youJohn.
John:
I'
m good.Ni
cetomeetyout
oo.It
akei
tyou'
re
heref
oryourdaught
er?
Me:
yeah.Shej
ustwentt
ochange.
John:
okay.
Thi
sJohncantal
k.hekeptonaski
ngquest
ions.
Li
sacamebacktous.
Li
sa:
mommycheerf
ormeandt
akevi
deos.
Me:
okaygo.Theywi
llst
artbef
oreyou.
Li
sa:
yout
wo.I
'
m count
ingonyou.
Thi
schil
discr
azy.Real
lycr
azy.Sher
anbackt
othe
st
age.
John:
sot
hat
'syourdaught
er.
Me:
mm.
Theguar
dwassi
tt
ingnextt
omeandhel
ookedat
me.
Me:
whi
chonei
syourdaught
ert
her
e?
John:
theoneinyellow.Shedoesn'tl
ikei
twhenI
comeher ebutidoitanyway.Justtoshowhermy
support
.Meandhermot hersepar
atedsoshe'
s
badmouthingmet oher.
Me:
oh.Sor
ryaboutt
hat
.
Thegi
rl
sstartedcheeri
ng.Wow.Thesekidsdance
sowell
.Theydoitwithpassi
on.It
ookvideosas
madam wanted.Johntookoutchi
psandwant edt
o
gi
vetoThandoandSphe.
Si
mon:
Her
e.
Simonisourdri
ver.Hegavet hem chi
psbefor
ethey
coul
dacceptJohn's.IsmiledatJohnand
concent
rat
edont hedancer s.Aft
ertheyweredone
weclappedfort
hem.I naswi f
tspeedThando
al
readyhadSpheandr unningtothestage.OhGod.
Inevert
houghtt
hiswoul
dhappen.
Si
mon:
sit
.Iwi
llf
etcht
hem.
Hef
oll
owedt
hem.
John:
youhavebeaut
if
ulki
ds.
Me:
thanks.
Theycamebackl
aughi
ng.
Me:
babyyoudon'
tgot
othest
ageokay?
Sphe:
iwantt
odance.
Me:youmustj
oinf
ir
stt
henyoucanbeal
lowed.Si
t
down.
Wewai tedforLisaandl
eftwhenshear
ri
ved.Aswe
wereleavingisawsomeonepassandmyeyes
i
tchedforamoment .
Si
mon:Keayoudon'
tjustt
alkwi
thanyone.Yourl
if
e
i
sindanger
.
Me:
iwasj
ustmaki
ngaconver
sat
ion.
Si
mon:thatmanhadnodaught
ert
her
e.Hewasj
ust
l
yingt
ogetyourat
tent
ion.
Guard:
takeever
ythi
ngoutofyourhandbag.Justdo
asisay.
Idi
dthatandhet
ooki
t.
Guar
d:youseet
his?Hebuggedi
tandhe'
sli
steni
ng
t
oeverythi
ngwe'
resayi
ngnow.

Hebrokethel
it
tl
edevi
ceandt
hrewi
tawaywi
tht
he
handbag.

Me:
whydi
dyout
hrowt
hebagt
hen.
Simon:
maybetherearest
il
lmore.Peopl
eare
danger
ous.Don'
tjustbef
ri
endl
yt oever
yone.

Yoh.NowI
'mthankf
ulmyki
dsdi
dnott
aket
hose
chi
ps.Wedr
ovetothemal
l

Simon:
got oanyshopandbuycl
othesandaskt
o
changethereandgetr
idoft
heonesyou'r
ewear
ing.
Idi
dnotaskanyt
hing.Idi
dashesai
dthendr
ove
home.

Me:
dumel
angmama.
MmeMaggi
e:dumel
angwanake.Ot
hot
sisent
le?
Me:
eyamama.Nebal
eyangbashi
mane?
MmeMaggie:nebasiame.Ntsebat
shameka.Mme
yanongbar
obetsigebafet
sagoja.
Me:okaymama.Okannawai khut
sakamoso.
Maybeoyegaef orbeke.Osatshwenyega.Ot
la
f
it
lhelammerekowagool et
eng.
MmeMaggi
e:gosi
amege.
Me:youdoal otf
orus.Wewoul
dn'
tsur
viveal
lthese
ki
dswithoutyou.
Shesmi
led.
Me:
thedr
iverwi
lldr
iveyout
omor
row.

Wear
egoi
nghomet
omor
rowsoi
t'
sonl
yfai
rthat
shegieshomeandbewi t
hherfamily.I
'l
lalwaysbe
grat
efulforher.Fr
om myf ir
stki
dsunt i
lnowshe's
beenhereabdt herehaven'
tbeenanypr oblems.
Andiwi l
lkeepheruntilshefeel
sthatshe'sready
forr
etir
ement .

.
..
..
..

Thef oll
owingdayever yonel ef
tforDur ban.Idon' t
knowwhywewer egoi ngbutmyhusbandj ustsaid
everyonehast obet here.Butiknowmostoft he
ti
mei fwear eallgoi ngt henitmeanssomet hing
seriousmustbegoi ngon.Wear ri
vedandt herewas
chaoswhenwegott her e.Shakawasr eadyt okil
l
hismot her.Idon' tevenknowwhatt ocallhercosi t
turnedoutt hatshei sn'
thi smother.Ievenwentt o
ourhousebecauseicoul dn'
tdealwi thallt
henoi se
thatwasgoi ngont here.Andeveni fistayediknow
iwoul dbenur singmyf eeli
ngsrightnow.Aunt y
Zinzil
eisalsot her eatt hehouse.Soideci dedt o
comeher ewi t
ht het ri
pletsandj ustspendmyt i
me
alone.Ievenorderedapi zzaandwatchedtv.But
thatdidnotlastlong.Thedooropenedandmy
husbandbuggedi n.Helookedangr
y.Het ookthe
remoteandswi tchedofft het
vandstoodinfrontof
me.
Mpe:
whydi
dyoucomeher
ewi
thoutt
ell
ingme?
Me:idi
dn'
tknowihadt
orepor
tfi
rstbef
orecomi
ng
her
e.
Mpe:don'
tgi
vemet hat
!Itol
dyouther
e'ssomeone
outbayi
ngforusbutyouleavi
ngwit
houttheguard.
Andwhenmypar entsaskwheremywifeisandi
don'
tknowwheresheis?Howdoyout hinkthey'
l
l
seemel i
ke?
Me:
I'
m sor
ry.
Mpe:how'syoursorr
ygoingtohel
p?Sometimes
youdon'tt
hink!Whatift
hosepeopl
eknewyouare
her
eandcamef oryou?Canyoujustf
oroncest
op
doi
ngsomet hingwit
houtthi
nki
ng?
Me:
sonowidot
hingswi
thoutt
hinki
ng?
Mpe:
whatdoyouwantmet
othi
nkwhenyouj
ustup
andcomeher
ewi
thoutl
ett
ingmeknow?
Me: ohI'
m sorryicamewi t
houtasking.Youdon't
knowwhatigot hroughathome.Youraunti s
alwaysonmycaset el
li
ngmehowI '
m notgoodfor
you.She'sevenr ecr
uit
edyourotherauntstobe
againstme.Soyouwantmet ostaythereandtake
allheri
nsults?Ihavefeeli
ngs.If
eelhurt.
Mpe:yoursi
steri
sther
enje.Whydi
dn'
tyouj
ustgo
andstaywit
hherandleavethem?
Me:whathappenswhenshe'
snott
her
e?Ihavet
o
st
andformyself!
Me:thenwhydidn'
tyoucal
lmeandt el
lme?You
shouldhavewait
edunti
ligotback.
Me:ohishouldhavewai tedandt ookalltheir
comment saboutmeandhowbadiam f oryou?Let
them comparemet othewi fethattheywant edyou
tohave?Icouldn'
tjuststaythereandl etthem have
funinsul
ti
ngmeandl aughingatmewhi l
ebody
shamingme.I nfactI'
m notgoingback.I 'l
lstayher
e.
Hereidon'thavetoli
stent opeopletel
lingmehow
fatiam.Ihadenoughoft hatwheniwasyoung.So
j
ustl
etmebe.Youcangoback.Iwi l
lst
ayher
eunt
il
i
t'
saft
ernoon.Youcancal
ltheguar
dhere.
Mpe:
andwhydi
dn'
tyout
ellmeal
loft
hat
?
Me:ican'
ttel
lyouever
ythi
ngthatyourauntdoes
becauseiknowyouwi l
lfi
ghtandshe'
llbl
ameme.
ThenI'l
lbethewrongoneandseem likeI'
mtryi
ng
tosetyouapart.
Mpe:
lockup.I
'
llt
aket
heki
dst
othecar
.
Hetooktheki
dstot
hecar
.It
ookacontainerand
putther
emaini
ngpi
zzat
hendisposedt
heboxand
l
eft.
Me:
howdi
dyouknowI
'
m her
e?
Mpe:
iusedt
heapp.
Ikeptqui
etunt
ilwegothome.Wegoti
nsi
det
he
houseandwepassedtoourroom.
Me:
I'
mtaki
nganap.
Mpe:
dur
ingt
heday?
Me:
ihavenot
hingt
odo.
Mpe:
youcanhel
pwi
thcooki
ngorgoandsi
twi
th
yoursi
ster
s.
Me:
idon'
tfeell
ikegoi
ngout
side.
Mpe:Khanyi si
leiwonthaveyoustayinghereall
depressedjustbecauseofsomest upidwoman.
Come.I '
m notgoingtoletZi
ndil
eruinyourweek.
Youwi l
lenjoyyoursel
fjustl
ikeyoualwaysdowhen
wecomeher e.Shehasherhousewher eshecando
hernonsense.Nother e.
Me:
okay.
Heopenedhi
sar
ms.Iwentandhuggedhi
m.
Mpe:il
oveyousomuchandi t
'smydutytomake
makesur ethatyou'r
eal wayssaf
e.Evenfrom my
famil
y.I
m goi ngtotakecareofthi
sZinzi
lethi
ng.
Youwon' ti
solateyourselfi
nyourhome.Thisis
yourhomeandZi nzi
lehasherhousesoshewont
actl
ikethewomanoft hi
shouse.
Me:
iloveyout
oo.Al
ot.
Mpe:
iknow.Ever
ydayyoushowmehowmuchyou
l
oveme.You'r
eawonderfulper
sonandpeopl
etry
t
otakeadvant
ageoft
hat.Andthatwi
fet
heyfound
forme, shecangohangher
self
.Ihaveonl
yone
personwor t
hyofbei
ngmywi f
eandshe'sst
andi
ng
i
nf rontofme.

Hebenthi
sheadandwekissed.Hedeepenedt
he
ki
ssandimoanedthenwestopped.
Mpe:
let
'sgo.
Me:
wherear
etheki
ds?Ihaven'
tseent
hem si
nce
mor
ning.
Mpe:
youwillseethem l
ater
.Theywent
tot
hevi
ll
age
wi
thBonganitofetchgogo.
Me:
alloft
hem?
Mpe: no.Justt
hetwi
ns.ThandoandSpheyouknow
howt heyare.Theyarepl
ayingsomewher
earound
thisyard.Li
saandMnqobiarewitht
henei
ghbors
kids.
Me:iwonderhowLi
ndanii
sset
tl
ingi
ninadi
ff
erent
pl
ace.
Mpe:
stopworr
yingaboutanol
dman.He'
l
lbef
ine.
You'
l
lseehi
mt omorrow.
Me:
wonthemi
sscl
asses?
Mpe:no.Thi
sweeki
sjustf
oror
ient
ati
on.Sohe'
l
lbe
f
ine.
Me:
okay.
Mpe:
babear
eyoupr
egnant
?
Me:
pleasedon'
tst
art
.Idon'
twantanymor
eki
ds.
Mpe:
butwhatwoul
dyoudoi
fyouwer
epr
egnant
?
Me:l
et'
snottalkaboutt
hat
.I'
m notpr
egnant
.I'
m on
cont
racept
ivesyouknowthat.
Mpe:
buti
tdi
dn'
twor
kwi
thThando.
Me:babeiswearifI'
m pregnantiwi
llnottal
ktoyou
for
ntyewholeyear.Praythati
t'
snottrue.Whydo
youwantsomanychi l
dren?
Mpe:
whynot
?Mygr
andmot
herhad12.
Me:
andyouhavet
en!
Mpe:
iwouldl
ikeustotr
yforthel
astti
meyouknow?
Pl
easest
opusingthecont
racept
ive?Pl
ease.
Me:
you'
rest
ressi
ngmenow.Let
sjustgo.
Mpe:
butwear
egoj
ngt
ohavet
hatbaby.
Me:
I'
m notsayi
nganyt
hing.
Mpe:
andpl
easedon'tpi
ckheavyt
hings.We
woul
dn'
twantourbabyhur
twouldwe?
Me:
doyouknowsomet
hingidon'
t?
Mpe:t
hisbabyI'
m goi
ngtospoi
lit
.Don'
twor
ry.I
'
ll
beherethewholeway.Wegott
his.
Me:you'
reget
ti
ngmewor
ri
ed.Idon'
twantt
obe
pr
egnant.

Ilef
thim ont hestai
rs.Iwentout
sidet
ocheck
wheret heotherswere.Godwhyme?AuntZi nzi
le
wast here.Ican'
tstandthi
swoman.Idon'twantto
l
ie.Itookaseatt hatwasnexttoPhumla.
Zi
nzi
le:
ther
e'ssomeonesi
tt
ingt
her
e.
Me:
ohidi
dn'
tknow.
Ma:
comeandsi
ther
e.
Zi
nzi
le:
that
'sYi
banat
hi'
sseat
.
Ma:t
akeyourYibanat
hiandleavewi
thher
.What'
s
shedoi
nghere?Wher edoyouwantmydaughteri
n
Lawtosit
?SitdownKhanyisil
e.
I
flookscanki
llI
'
dbedeadnow.
Mpe:
Zinzi
lewhogaveyout
her
ightt
oinsul
tmywi
fe?
Zi
nzi
le:
didshesayidi
dthat
?
Mpe:andwhatdoesherbodyhavet odowi thyou?
Whyar eyoubodyshami ngherandi nsult
ingher ?I'
ll
saythisforthelasttime.Ifyoudon' twantt obe
herecontinuedoingwhatyou' redoing.Iwon' thave
mywi fefeelbadf orcomi ngt oherhome.Nowyou
bett
eratchwhatyousayt oherbecauseyouwi l
lget
onmywr ongside.Youhaveyourownhouse.Why
don't
youbebosyt heretoyourchi ldren?Andt ake
thi
sstupidYibanat hiofyour soutoft hi
syar d.I
alr
eadyhaveawi fethatil ove.It
houghtt hiswas
supposedt obef amilyonly!What '
sshedoi ngher e?
Ibett
erfindhergonewhenIcomeback.Nxa!
Aft
ert
hatheleft
.Icoul
dfeel
Zinzi
le'
seyesonme.I
l
ookedatherandshewasangry.
Zi
nzi
le:Yi
banat
hil
et'
sgo.Wenayouar
enotsui
tabl
e
fort hisfamil
y.Al
lyouknowi sgivi
ngbirthtoalotof
children.That'
sallyou'
l
leverbegoodat .You'
ll
neverbegoodenoughf orMpendulo.That'
swhy
he'llalwayscheatonyou.Idon'tevenknowwhat
you' redoingwit
hamanol denoughtobeyour
father !I
fiwereyouiwoul dbeashamedofmysel f.
Ma:Zinzi
lel
eave.Takeyourthi
ngsandnevercome
back.Ican'
tbel
ieveistoodupforyouwhenyour
brot
hersaidyoumustneversetfoother
euntilyou
l
earnsomemanner s.Nowleavemyyard.

I'
veseenmasoangr y.Shewasbeyondangry.Aunt
Zinzi
lewenttothehousethencamebackwi t
hher
l
uggage.Shet ookYi
banathiandtheyl
eft
.Idon't
hateherbutshehatesme.Idon'tknowwhatI've
donetoher.
Nol
o:Kea.
Me:
mmh.Youar
ecr
ying.What
'swr
ong?
Nol
o:mybabi
es.Ihavecr
amps.
Me:
okay.Rel
ax.We'
l
ltakeyout
othehospi
tal
.
Ma:goandcal
lMzwakhe.Wemustt
akehert
othe
hospi
tal
.
Me:
I'
m her
e.Ever
ythi
ngwi
llbef
ine.
Ma:
let
'sgot
othecar
.

Igotupandhel pedhert owal k.Shewascr yingand

shaki ng.Mzwakhewasal readyst art
ingthecar .He
openedandwegoti n.Shewasscr eamingal lthe
wayt othehospi tal
.Neant l
homol apelo.It
remi ndedmeoft hepainiwentt hroughwi t
ht he
tri
plets.Idon'twantt ogot hrought hatagain.Thank
GodI '
m onaf iveyear scont r
aceptiveoriwoul dbe
pregnantwi tht hewaymyhusbandwant sanot her
chil
d.Thenur sescamet of etchherandwentt ot he
wardwi thher.Wecoul dhearherscr eami ngatt he
nurses.Isawt henur segetoutofherwar d.She
waspassi ngwi thoutsayinganyt hing.
Me:
nur
sepl
easet
ellussomet
hing.
Nurse:
it
'snott
imeyet
.Andt
hedoct
orwi
llcome
checkher.
Me:
wher
e'st
hedoct
or?
Nurse:don'
taskmethat.Thedoctorwontstop
everyt
hingandat
tendtoyoursi
ster.Justbepati
ent
.
Me:youdon'
thavet
obet
hisr
ude.Ij
ustwant
edt
o
know!
Nur
se:
rel
axl
ikeever
yoneel
seandst
opbei
ngst
upi
d.
Shelef
taf
tersayi
ngt
hat
.Wasitnecessary?Iwent
tot
hewardandBonolowasmovingaroundthe
ward.
Nol
o:Keapl
easet
ellt
hem t
otaket
hesebabi
esout
.
I
'minlai
n.
Me:
ever
ythi
ngwi
llbef
ine.
Nol
o:idon'
twantanymor
eki
ds.I
'
m dyi
ngher
e.
Mzwakhe:
babecal
m down.
Didhej
ustsaythat?Doesheevenknowt
hepai
n
she'
sgoi
ngthrough?Ilookedathi
m.
Mzwakhe:
okaysorry.Tel
lhert
oli
edownont
hebed.
Maybeshe'
llbef
ine.
Nol
o:getout
!Don'
tcomebackher
ewi
thoutt
he
doct
or!
Her
anoutoft
hewar
dandwewer
enowal
one.
Me:
li
eont
hebed.
Nolo:
ifidi
epl
easetakecareofmykids.Pl
ease.I
knowyou'l
lbeagoodmot hert
othem.
Me:don'
ttal
klikethat.You'r
egoingt
obef i
ne.
You'
vedonet hisbefore.Youcandoitagai
n.You
wil
lsee.Thedoct or'
scomi ng.
Nol
o:pl
easest
ay.Iwantyout
ohol
dmyhand.
Pl
ease.
Me:
I'
m notgoi
nganywher
e.
Dr
:she'
scl
ose.
Me:
I'
m comi
ngokay?I
'
llbeher
eal
lthewaywi
thyou.
Iwentoutt
othewai
ti
ngr
oom.
Me:
um di
dyoubr
ingt
hebabybag?
Mzwakhe:
no.Shegavebi
rt
hal
ready!
?
Me:no.Butthedoct
orsai
dshe'
sal
mostr
eady.
Pl
easefetchit.
Henoddedandleft.Idi
dn'
tknowMzwakhei
sthi
s
scar
ed.Icoul
dlaughathim.
Ma:
howi
sshe?
Me:
she'
sinpai
n.Butshe'
l
lbef
ine.I
'
m goi
ngbacki
n.
Dr
:she'
sreadynow.Ma'
am pl
easest
epout
.
Me:
shewant
smeher
e.I
'
llst
ay.
Dr
:ar
eyousur
e..
Me:
yes.

Thescreamingt hatshewasdoi ng.Ievenshed

sometears.Afterawhi l
et hefir
stbabycameand
weheardal i
ttl
ecr y.Thent hesecondonecame.
Theydideverythingandt hedrsmi led.Thenurse
wenttobaththebabi esthenbr oughtthem back.
Thedoctorwentout .Myt earscouldn'tstopf
alli
ng.
Me:
you'
ref
ine.Yousee?
Nol
o:wher
ear
emybabi
es?
Me:t
heyareher
e.Theyar
efi
neandheal
thyt
oo.
Beaut
if
ulgi
rl
s.
"
Congr
atul
ati
onsmommy.
"
Il
ookedatthedoorandthefamil
ywashere.
igave1
babytoBonoloandtheothert
oMzwakhe.He
coul
dn'tst
opsmili
ng.
Mzwakhe:
babel
ookatt
hei
rli
tt
lehands.
Nolo:
theyar
ebeaut
if
ul.Thankyouf
orbei
ngher
e
Kea.
Me:
it
'
snot
hing.I
'
mjusthappyt
hatyou'
real
lfi
ne.
Dr
:whatar
ethei
rnames?
Mzwakhe:
dadwi
llnamet
hem.Ihavet
oaskhi
m.
Dr
:okay.I
'
llcomebackl
ater
.

Af
tert
hefamil
yleftNol
otookanap.Whenshe
wokeupshecall
edme.
Nol
o:hey.
Me:
ohyou'
reup.Howar
eyouf
eel
ingnow?
Nol
o:I
'
mfi
ne.Justal
it
tl
epai
n.
Me:
okay.Yourhusbandwentt
obuyyouf
ood.
Nol
o:oshap?
Me:
ishoul
dbeaski
ngyout
hat
.
Nol
o:mosadiol
eombori
let
hata.I
fiwasnoti
npai
n
iwoul
dhaveshownherf
lames.
Me:
let'
snott
alkabouther.Weshouldjustbehappy
t
hatthebabi
esarehere.Motheroft
hree.
Nol
o:I
'
m nothavi
ngki
dsagai
n.
Me:youscar
edme.Thewayyouwer
esayi
ngyou'
re
goi
ngtodie.
Nol
o:if
eltl
ikei
t.Thatpai
n!I
'
m goodwi
tht
hree.How
di
dyoudomanage?
Me:whatcoul
dihavedone?
Nol
o:you'
rest
rong.
Me:icalleddad.Theywant
edtocomebutt
hey
current
lynotathome.Butassoonast
heyareback
theywillvisi
t.
Nol
o:okay.Di
dthedoct
orsaywhenhe'
l
ldi
schar
ge
me?
Me:
no.ButI
'
m sur
ehe'
l
ltel
lyou.
Mzwakhe:
ibr
oughtf
ood.
Mpe:
baveyou'
vebeenher
eal
lday.Let
'sl
eavenow.
Me:
okay.Or
obal
esebt
leokay?
It
ookmyphoneandwel
eft
.
Mpe:
aren'
tyout
ir
ed?
Me:
iam.
Mpe:
theyhavebeaut
if
ulbabi
esne?
Me:
yeah.
Mpe:
aren'
tyouhappy?
Me:
iknowwheret
hisi
sgoi
ng.We'
l
lvi
sitt
hebabi
es
t
opi
cin5year
s.
Mpe:
I'
l
lbeamadal
athen.
Me:babeyou'
ret
urni
ng60thisyearbuti
fitooka60
year
soldmanandputhim heretheywouldsay
you'
reyonger
.
Mpe:
ist
hatacompl
imentmywi
fe?
Me:somet
hingl
iket
hat
.I'
veneverseenasexy
handsome60yearsol
dlikeyou.
Il
ookedathim andt
hesmi
leonhisfacecoul
dn'
tbe
missed.Hehel
dmyhandandkissedit
.
Mpe:
ican'
tbeli
eveimthi
sol
d.Ot
her60year
sol
ds
ar
egreatgrandf
ather
snow.
Me:
yourt
urnwi
llcome.
Mpe:
you'
regoi
ngt
obeagoodgr
andma.
Il
aughed.I
'
mtooyoungt
obeagr
andmot
her
bat
hong.

Whenwegothomeit ookashowerandt hendid

whatI
'vebeendreadi
ngt odo.EversinceMpendul o
st
art
edhispregnancytalkist
art
edbei ngnervous.
Soiboughtahpt.Iwaitedafewmi nutesforthetest
.
"
What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Me:
um whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Mpe:
thi
sisourr
oom.Whyar
eyoumovi
ngar
ound?
Me:
it
'
snot
hing.
Il
ookedatthet
imeandst
aredatt
hest
ick.Idon'
t
bel
ievet
his!
Mpe:
uri
ght
?
Hecamet
ost
andbehi
ndmeandt
ookt
hest
ick.
Mpe:
we'
l
lbef
ine.
Me:we'l
lbef i
ne?Doyouthi
nkiam goi
ngtobefi
ne?
Thrtri
plet
sarenoteventwoandalr
eadyI
'm
pregnant?I'
m onacontr
acept
ivef
orGod'
ssake!
Howdi dthishappen?HowdidyouknowI
'm
pregnant?
Mpe:
thatdoesn'
tmat
ter
.Whatmat
ter
sist
hisbaby.
Me:I'
m goingt
obeal
aughi
ngst
ock.Somany
chi
ldren.
Iwi
pedat
ear
.
Me:nowonderauntZinzi
lesai
dI'
mfatandgi
ving
bi
rt
hisallI
'
lleverbegoodat.
OhGod!Idon' tknowwhatI'
m goingt
odo.Idon't
thi
nkiwi l
levengetoutoft
hisroom.Ifeell
ike
everyoneknowsandiwast heonlyoneinthedar
k.
Mpe:
let
'sgo.I
t'
sdi
nnert
ime.
Me:
ifeell
ikeever
yoneknows.
Mpe:t
heydon'
tknow.Eveni
ftheydi
dther
e's
not
hingwrongwit
hthat.
Me:pl
easedon'
ttel
lanyone.Ist
il
lhavet
odeci
de
whatI'
m goi
ngtodo.
Mpe:
yinil
eyo?Whatdeci
sionar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Me:howI
'm goi
ngtodothi
s.OhGodt heyar
egoi
ng
t
ojudgeme.RememberhowSet hujudgedme
wheniwaspregnantwi
tht
hetri
plet
s?
Mpe:
noonewi
llj
udgeyou.
Me:idon'
tthi
nkI'
llst
ayi
nPr
etor
ia.Manypeopl
e
knowmet here.
Mpe:
youwantt
orunawayagai
n?I
sthati
t?
Me:
no.iwast
hinki
ngicanst
ayher
e.Atourpl
ace.
Nooneknowsmehere.
Mpe:I
'm notgoi
ngtospend9mont
hswithoutyou
agai
n.Let'
sgo.Gogowaslooki
ngf
oryou.
Icoul
dseethatiwontwin.Iputonadoekandwe
wenttoj
oineveryone.

*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
05] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER37*

Gogo:
hel
lomychi
ld.Idi
dnotseeyouwhenIar
ri
ved.
Me:
dumel
akoko.Iwasatt
hehospi
tal
.
Gogo:
okaykul
ungi
leke.Wamuhl
enganeyami
.
Me:
ngi
yabongagogo.
Gogo:
ikuphat
henj
anii
ngane?
Me:
angzwangagogo?
Gogo:
awungi
shoi
ngane.
Ever
yonel
ookedatme.Looksl
iket
heyknow.
Me:
kahl
egogo.
Ma:si
tdowndear
.Lett
heothersbr
ingt
hef
oodher
e.
Youmustnotpi
ckheavyt
hings.
Ismi l
edandsatdown.Thankgotitwasnot
everyonearoundt
hetabl
e.Theotherwiveswentt
o
fet
cht hef
ood.
Ma:
howf
arar
eyou?
Me:
idon'
tknow.Ihaven'
tbeent
othedoct
or.
Ma:
tomor
rowwewi
llgot
oget
her
.
Mpe:
mamaI
'
mtaki
nghermysel
f.
Ma:
I'
m al
sogoi
ngwi
thyou.
Baba:youcanallgotogether
.Wecan' twaitt
omeet
ourgrandchil
d.I
'm happythatal
lmychi l
drenar
e
hereunderthesamer oofandallhappy.

Theycamewi tht
hef oodthenwestartedeating.
Everyonewashàppyandchat ti
ng.Af
terwef inished
eati
ngitooktheki
dsandwentt ogivet hem abat h.I
star
tedwitht
hetri
pletsandthenputthem intheir
cot
s.Thenwentt
obat
hSphe,
Nat
tyandThando.
Me:
Sphewhati
sthi
s?
Sphe:
i
t'smyf
eet
.
Me:
iknowt
hat
.Whyi
sitdi
rt
y?
Nat
ty:
wewer
epl
ayi
ngout
side.
Thando:
mommyNat
tysai
dwemustt
akeourshoes
off
.
Me:al
lofyoumustnevert
akeyourshoesof
fwhen
you'
reoutsi
deokay?
Sphe:
yesmommy.Youwi
llgi
veussweet
s?
Me:
tomor
row.
Nat
ty:
okay.Butiwanti
cecr
eam.
Me:anyt
hingyouwant
.Asl
ongasyouwearyour
shoes.
Theystar
tedpl ayi
ngwi t
hthewat er
.Iknowonce
theyst
arttheywon' tst
op.Itookthem outandgot
them r
eadyf orbed.Aft
eritookthem tobed.It
hen
wenttoourbedr oom.
Mpe:
letmegi
veyouamassage.
Me:
okay.Whi
leatt
hatcanyout
ellmehowgogo,
mamaandbabaknowaboutthepregnancy?
Mpe:
mom suspect
edandt
oldmet
henit
oldgogo.
Me:
thenwhydi
dshesayi
t'
saboy?
mpe:it
oldherI
'
dli
kethebabyt
obeagi
rlbutshe
want
sittobeaboy.
Me:if
eelli
keI
'
m notdesti
nedtowor
k.Ever
yti
meI
gobacktoworkif
allpr
egnant
.
Mpe:youhavepeopl
ewhowor kforyou.I
'vealso
r
eti
red.I
'm al
waysaroundyou.Sothat
'sbett
er.
Me:
okay.Goodni
ght
.
Mpe:
goodni
ghtst
handwasami
.

Theweekwentbyver yfast.Nowwewer ebackin

Pretoria.Bei
ngbackwasgood.Il ovedt haticoul
d
bei nmyownhousewi thoutthi
nkingthatsomeone
willjudgeme.Idi dn'
tquitatworkbutiwasgoi ngto.
Onl yafterI
'dfi
nishedwithmycont ractsthatiwas
responsi
blefor
.Thi
sotherdaywhenIwasworki
ng
Johnshowedup.Iwasscar edbutidi
dn'
twantt
o
showi t
.Iremai
nedcal
m.
Me:
hi.
John:
hel
lo.Idi
dn'
tknowyouwor
kher
e.
Me:
qui
tpl
ayi
ngJohn.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
John:
okay.Yougotme.I
'
m her
eforyou.
Me:
why?Soyoucanabductmeorsomet
hing?
John:Iknowyourguar
dssawthatbugiputonyou.
WhichiswhyI'
m heret
oexpl
ain.

Itookmyphoneanddial
edtheguar
d'snumber
.He
snatchedi
tandswi
tchedi
toff
.
John:
I'
m nother
etohur
tyou.You'
ret
oopr
eci
oust
o
metodot hat
.
Me:pr
eci
ous?Pl
easel
eavebef
oremyhusbandget
s
her
e.He'
sonhisway.
John:
ohyou'remarri
ed.Anywaythatdoesn'
tmat
ter
.
Aboutthatt
hatbug.PuleBogat
susentme.He
want
edmetofol
lowyouaroundandget
i
nfor
mat
ionhecanuseagainstyou.

John:butwhenIsawyouichangedmymindafteri
star
tedtal
kingwi
thyouandihadalr
eadyputt
he
bugonyou.
Me:okaynowgoandt el
lPul
ethathecancomeand
askforthati
nfor
mat
ionhimsel
f.I
'l
lbewai
ti
ngfor
him.
"
Khanyi
sil
eyoucal
l
ed.
"
Me:yeah.Pl
easegethi
m out
.Don'
tcomebackher
e
againJohn.Youcagoandtel
lPul
etost
op
whateverpl
anhehas.
Theguar dtol
dhimt ol
eave.Iknowhewasl yi
ng.He
wasn'tsentbyPule.He'
supt osomething.He
wantstodestructmewiththePulething.Sothat
whenIl etmyguarddownhest ri
kes.Ipackmy
thi
ngsandgohome.

Me:
heybabe.Howwasyourday?
Mpe:
soso.Howwasyour
s?
Me:i
tst
art
edver
ywel
l.ThenJohncamet
omy
of
fi
ce.
Mpe:
John?
Me:
yes.Themanf
rom Li
sa'
sdance.
Mpe:
ohyeah.
Me:
hesaidPul
esenthi
m.Buticoul
dseehe'
slyi
ng.
He'
suptosomethi
ng.
Mpe:Tshir
elet
sowasr el
eased.Theysai
dther
e's
notenoughevidence.
Me:iknewthatwouldhappen.That
'showi
tiswi
th
SAjusti
cesystem.Theywanttoseeadeadbody
bef
oretheytakeact
ion.
Mpe:let
'sgot
othepol
icest
ati
onandmakea
r
estr
aini
ngorder
.

Thi
nki
ngaboutthatbast
ardbeingoutwasgetti
ng
tome.Whati
fthisti
meher eal
lyrapessomeone?
NDONI

EversincewecamebackI '
vebeeni solatingmysel f
.
Idon'twanttoseepeopl ewhoar egoi ngt ojust
feel
sorryforme.Whatt hatwomandi dtomewi l
l
alwaysbei nmymi nd.Iwi l
lneverf orgetit.She
changedmyl ifeforever.Idon' tknowwhatt odo.I
feelli
keI'
m uselessandi t'
sal lbecauseofher .She
playedGodwi thmyl i
fe.Shakadi dever ythingand
threat
enedherbuti tdidn'twor k.Shesai dshe
doesn'tknowwher et hesangomaputt hatcloth
withmybl ood.Whati fmybl oodi swor ki
ngf or
someonenow?I 'veneverhat edaper sonl i
keibate
her.
Shaka:
hel
lobabe.Howwasyourday?
Me:
fi
ne.
Shaka:you'
renotupevennow?You'
vebeen
sl
eepingallday?
Me:
pleasel
eave.Iwantt
obeal
one.
Shaka:
youwi
lll
oseyourj
obi
fyoucont
inuel
iket
his.
Me:
isn'
tthatwhatyouwant
?Angi
thiyoudon'
twant
metowor k.
Shaka:
that
'snott
rue.Anywayar
etheki
dsback?
Didyouhaveanythi
ngtoeat?
Me:
I'
m nothungr
y.Theki
dsar
eint
het
vroom.
Shaka:
didt
heyeat
?
Me:
Yoh!Icookedforyourki
ds!Nowcanyoust
op
maki
ngnoise?I'
mt r
yingtot
hinkher
e.
Shaka:
myki
ds.
..
.Ndoniwher
e'st
hatcomi
ngf
rom
now?
Me: yes.Iwi l
lneverbethesame.Andit'
sthat
woman' sfault.Idon'
tknowwhatiwast hi
nki
ng
stayingint hatyardbecausesincet
hefi
rstt
imei
setf ootthereicouldseethatshe'
sevi
l
.
Shaka:
ngiyaxol
isa.IknowI'
m al
sot
oblameforthis.
I
'vecausedyoupain.Icheat
edandevenbr
ohght
theki
dshere.Idon'tknowhowyoumustbefeel
ing.
Me:ofcour
se.That
'swhyyouwentoutther
eand
paidanot
herwomantosleepwi
thyou.Idon'tbl
ame
you.Youwantedki
dsandicoul
dn'
tgiveyou.That'
s
f
ate.Youcan'
tchangei
t.I
'
veaccept
edi
t.
Shaka:
sthandwasami
ungakhul
umikanj
alo.
Me:
whatel
secanisay?I
t'
str
ue.I
'
m cur
sed.
Shaka:
iwon'
trestunt
ilwef
indasol
uti
on.
.

Ididn'
tanswerhim.Itur
nedtot
heot
hersi
de.If
elt
theblanketbei
ngtakenoff
.
Shaka:you'
rebur
ningup.Letmef
ixacol
dshower
foryou.
Me:
I'
veal
readyshower
ed.
Shaka:
iwantyoutocooldown.Didyoureal
izehow
hotyou'
re?Thecol
dshowerwillhel
pyou.
Hewentt otheshowert hencamebackandcar r
ied
met othebathroom.Heopent heshowertapthen
l
eftme.Af t
erifini
shedigotdressedinadr essand
fl
ops.Iwentdownst ai
rsandhewaswar mingupthe
food.Isatonthehighchairbyt hecounterandj
ust
l
ookedathi m.Hecamet ostandinfrontofmeand
heldmywai st.
Shaka:
iloveyouNdoniyami
.
Me:
iloveyoumor
e.
Hekissedmeandwentbackt
othef
ood.Het
ooki
t
outandgavememine.
Me:
thanks.
Shaka:we'
renotget
ti
ngoutofher
eunt
ilyouf
ini
sh
thatf
ood.Youlostwei
ght
.
Me:
isi
tbad?
Shaka:
yes.Butyoust
il
llooksobeaut
if
ul.Andt
hat
smil
eissti
llt
here.
Ismi
led.
Shaka:
youaregoi
ngt
obef
ineokay?I
fyouneedme
I
'l
lbeinthest
udy.
Me:okay.Don'
tfor
gett
omor
row'
smyf
ri
end'
s
wedding.
Shaka:
fr
iend?Youdi
dn'
ttel
lmeaboutt
hat
.
Me:
ithoughtidi
d.
Shaka:
andidi
dn'
tevenknowyouhavef
ri
ends
out
sidet
hef
ami
ly.
Me:shewasmyonlyfr
iendsincehighschoolbut
shemovedtoover
seasbutweneverl ostcont
act
.
Nowshe'sget
ti
ngmarriedi
njoburg.ButI'l
l
underst
andi
fyoucan'
tmakei t
.
Shaka:
no.We'
l
lgot
oget
her
.

Thefol
lowi
ngdayigotreadyfort
hewedding.Aft
er
iwasdoneiwenttotheboysroom andt
heirf
ather
washelpi
ngthem getdr
essed.
Nkazi
mul
o:mamawher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Me:
toaweddi
ng.
Nkanyezi
:youanddaddyar
eget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
Me:meanddaddyareal
readymar
ri
ed.Wear
e
goi
ngtomyfri
end'
swedding.
Nkanyezi
:ohiwant
edt
obeaf
lowerboy.
Shaka:
youwillbeaf
lowerboywhenyouraunt
y
get
smar r
ied.
Nkanyezi
:okay.I
can'
twai
ttoeatcakeatt
he
weddi
ng.
Me:behavewhenwegetther
eokay?Don'
tbeal
l
overthepl
ace.Wedon'
twantyoutogetl
ost
.
Nkazi
mulo:
idon'
twantt
ogetl
ostbecauseiwont
seeyouagai
n.
Me:
mmh.Il
oveyoual
l.
Nkanyezi
:wel
oveyout
oo.
Af
tert
heyweredonewelef
ttoJoburg.Thevenue
wassobeaut
if
ul.Event
hepeopl
ethere.
Me:
it
'
sbeaut
if
ulneh?
Shaka:
mmh.
Hedidn'
tshowanyinter
est
.Icoul
dseehejust
camebecauseiwantedtocome.Wewereshownt
o
ourseat
s.
Lady:
otherkidsar
esi
tt
ingt
her
e.Yourboyscango
andsitther
e.
Shaka:
they'
l
lbef
ineher
e.
Thel
adynoddedandlef
t.Theweddingst
artedand
i
twasabeauti
fulcer
emony.Myfri
endlookedso
beaut
if
ulinherdr
ess.Event
hei
rvowswer
e
beaut
if
ul.
Shaka:whenisthi
sweddi
ngendi
ng?Wecoul
dbeat
homespendi ngourt
imedoi
ngsomet
hing
producti
ve.
Me:
ipr
omi
sewewi
lll
eaveaf
terit
alk
t
othebr
ide.
Shaka:wearenoteat
ingher
e.Thekidswi
lleatt
he
cakethati
sathome.Wecanaf for
dit.
Me:canyoupl
easekeepqui
et?Peopl
ear
est
ari
ngat
us.
Theweddi ngproceededandaft
ertheyweredone
thebridethankedpeopl
eforcomingtheniwentt
o
greether.
Me:
it
'
sbeenawhi
le.Congr
atul
ati
ons.
Anel
e:t
hankyou.Andthanksforcomi
ng.I
appr
eciat
eit
.AndI'
m sorryicoul
dn'
tmakeitt
oyour
weddi
ng.
Me:iunder
stand.I
twasabeaut
if
ulweddi
ngand
youlooki
ngsobeauti
ful
.
Anel
e:t
hankyou.
Me:
ijustcamet
osaybye.Wear
eleavi
ngnow.
Anel
e:can'
tyoust
ayandeatpl
ease?
Me:mymotheri
nlawj
ustcal
ledt
osayshe'
sjust
l
andedsowehavetogo.
Anel
e:t
hankyouf
orcomi
ng.
Thegroom camet
owher
ewewer
e.Iknewhi
m
fr
om school.
Zuko:
heywhereareyourunni
ngto?Ohi
sthatt
he
i
diotwhoboughtSihl
eschi
ldr
en?
Il
ookedatt
hisguyconf
used.
.
Zuko:
itwasni
ceseeingyouanyways.Tel
lthatguy
wewantoursist
er'
schil
drenbackorhel
lwillbr
eak
l
oose.

Idi
dn'
tanswerhi
m.IwenttoShakaabdweleft
.
Whenwegothoneiwentupstai
rst
ochange.Iwent
downst
air
stowarmthefood.
Shaka:
uri
ght
?
Me:
doyouknowt
hegr
oom?
Shaka:
noidon'
tknowt
hosepeopl
e.
Me:oh.Hesaidhewant shi
ssister
'schi
ldr
enthat
youbought.Ifiknewshe'
srel
atedtothem i
wouldn'
thavebot her
edgoi
ngthere.Iwasso
embarrassed.
Shaka:hemustj ustgotohell
.There'
snochil
dthat
hewi l
lgethere.Ihaveful
lcustodyofthet
wins.
There'
snopr oofthatipai
dher.
Me:
nowI
'
minvol
ved.
Shaka:
ididn'
tbuythesekids.Iwoncustodyoft
hem.
Wheredidthatfr
iendofyoursgetyournumber?
Aft
eral
most20year ssher esur
facesandwantsto
beyourfr
iendagain?Youmustst ayawayfrom her
.
Me: youdon'
thavetoaskme.Icouldseebyt heway
shewant edmet ost
ayandeatthatsomethingwas
off.Shewantedtokeepmeuntilherhusbandgot
there.
Shaka:
ifshecall
sagainyoumustgi
vemeyour
phone.Iwil
ltel
lherof
f.Shecl
ear
lydoesn'
tknow
me.Act
ual
lygi
vemehernumber
.
Me:
why?
Shaka:
iwanthert
ogivemeherhusband'
snumber
.
Iwanttosol
vethi
sonceandf
orall
.
Me:I
'm notgoi
ngt
oinvol
vemysel
fint
his.Youwi
ll
handl
eitasyousai
d.

Keat
lar
etsi

Thisthi
ngwi
thTshirel
etsowasr eal
lyget
ti
ngtome.
Ithi
nkiwasevenstart
ingtolosemymi nd.Ever
y
ti
meiwouldalwaysbej umpy.
Mpe:
areyouf
ine?
Me:
I'
mfi
ne.Justt
ir
ed.
Mpe:
doyoust
il
lthi
nkyouseeTshi
rel
etso?
Me:I
'
m notcr
azyman.Isawhim.Doyout
hinki
woul
dmaket hatup?Doil
ookcr
azyt
oyou?
Mpe:
no.I
'
m sor
ry.Thandi
wei
sher
e?
Me:oh?Youbroughtherheresot
hatshecan
convincemethatI'
m cr
azyandneedhelp?I
'
m not
goingtoanypsychi
atri
chospi
tal
.
Bonolo:
Keayouneedhelp.Wedontwantyout o
l
oset hi
sbaby.Don'
tfor
getthatyoual
mostfel
lon
thestai
rsj
usttheot
herday.Youseethingst
hatar
e
notther
e.
Me:I
'
m 4monthspregnantf
orGod'
ssake.I
'
m not
goi
ngtocr
azypeoplehospi
tal
!
Bonol
o:ithi
nkyou'
vebeenthr
oughal ot
.Youneed
tot
alktoapsychol
ogi
standgethelp.An
ambulancei
soutsi
dewait
ingforyou.
Me:didyouevenhavet ocallanambul ance?Bonolo
ithoughtmeandyouwer etight
.Ithoughtyoucould
doanythingforme.It'
salwaysbeenyouandme.
Butnowyou' relet
ti
ngotherpeoplegetbet weenus.
Ihopeyouwi llbeablet
oliveknowingt hatyou
brokeourbond.IswearBonol oifigooutt hatdoor
youwi l
lneverseeme.Allofyou.
Mpe:
don'
ttal
kli
ket
hat
.Wear edoi
ngthisf
oryou.
Youwal
karoundwi
thakni
fe!Whatifonedayyou
hurtt
hekids?Doyouthi
nkitmakesmehappyto
seeyouli
kethis!
?Youwil
lthankmeoneday.
Me:ihopeyouwi l
lbeabl etolivewit
hyour sel
ves.
.If
Tshirel
etsocomesf ormej ustknowt hati
t'
sy'al
l
faul
t.Iwillneverforgetthi
s.You'rej
ustgoingtolet
megoandbet reatedlikeI
'm crazy?
Mpe:thi
sisf
orthebest.Wewantyoutobefi
ne.
Eventhechi
ldr
enfearyoubecauseofwhati
s
happeni
ng.

Me:
it
'
sfi
ne.Ihearyou.
Mpendulocametohugme.Idi dn'
tret
urnthehug.I
washurt.Howcantheybel
ievethatI'
m cr
azy?Doi
l
ookcrazytothem?Dad.WhereareyouwhenI
needyou?Whydi dyoul
eavemei nthisworl
dalone?
Mpe:
let
'sgo.
Me:
iwantt
otal
ktomybr
otherf
ir
st.
Mpe:
you'
l
lmaket
hishar
d.Doyouwanthi
mtocr
y?
Me:pl
ease.Ihavet
otal
ktohi
m.Justdot
hisone
t
hingforme.
Mpe:
okay.Let
'sgo.
Wewenttohi
sroom.
.Ther
ehewaswr
it
inghi
s
homewor
k.
Me:
Orat
il
e.
Hel
ookedatmeandputhi
spendown.
Me:
icamet
osaybyet
oyou.
Ora:
isitt
rueyou'
regoingt
ocr
azypeopl
ehospi
tal
becauseyou'
recrazy?

I
tmusthavebeenMnqobiwhot
oldhi
mt hat.
Becauseheover
hear
dmeandhisdadtal
kingonce.
Me:no.Buti
m goi
ngsomewheref
orawhi l
e.Iwill
comebackforyou.Youknowiwi
llneverl
eaveyou
ri
ght?
Or
a:yes.
Me:
iloveyou.Takecar
eofyour
sel
f.
Or
a:il
oveyout
oo.I
'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssyou.
Hewasevencr
ying.Ibr
ushedhi
sbackunt
ilhe
calmeddown.Iwentoutandil ookedbackatt he
house.Iwasgoi ngt
omi ssmychi l
dren.Goingaday
withoutseei
ngthem wasbad.Ithoughtabouthiw
thetri
plet
sweregoingtocope.IlookedatBonolo
andMpendul o.Theyhadthi
spityont hei
rfaces.
l
Mpe:
wewil
lal
waysvi
sityouunt
ilyou'
ref
itenough
t
ocomehome.
Me:
sonowI
'
m unf
it
?
Mxm.Hewant edtosaysomethingbutigotintot
he
carandkeptquiet
.Im eventr
eatedlikeasick
person.Iwat
chedast hecardisappearedandi
couldn'
tseeaplaceioncecall
edahomeanymor e.

Idon'
tknowhowif ellasl
eepbutiwassur pr
ised
wheniwokeupi nabed.Il ookedaroundandthere
wasnowi ndow.Insidewasabedandat abl
eanda
cupboardforcl
othes.Igotupandwentt ocheck.
Myclotheswerealreadyputt here.
Voice:
it
'sti
mefordi
nnernow.Theywil
ltel
lyouhow
everyt
hingwor
ksaroundhere.Fol
lowme.
Iputonmybi ghoodi eandf oll
owedher .She
i
nt r
oducedmet oal lthepeopl ether e.Mostoft hem
youcoul dseet hatt heyar ecr azy.Ther ewasno
needt oevenask.Ist oodont hel inet ogetf ood.A
tearfell.Notsol ongagoIcoul deatanyt hi ngt hati
want ed.Nowican' teveneatwhaticr ave.Inever
thoughtl if
ecoul dtur noutl i
ket his.Ir egr etgoi ngt o
Polokwane.That 'swher eal loft hisst ar ted.
Tshireletso'sobsessi on.Nowhef ollowedme
everywher eandt hosear oundmeendedupt hinking
I'
m cr azy.Idon' thaveaphonet oevencal landhear
howmychi l
drenar e.Thef ollowi ngdaywhenIwake
upt heyt el
lmet hatiwon' thavevi sitor sf ort wo
weekssot haticanset tl
ei n.Iwon' tevent alkt omy
kids.Icoul dn’tevengetachancet ocal lmychi ldr
en.
Thepsychi atr
icf aci l
it
ywascr eepy.I twas
somehowscar yt ome.Af terget tingmyf oodIwent
tositbymysel f
.Idi dn’twantt obewi thpeopl e.I
justwant edt osi tonmyownandr eflectonwhat s
happeni ng.
Voi
ce:
hi.CanIj
oinyou?
Me:
Iwoul
dli
ket
obeal
one.
Lady:Ipr
omi
seIwi
llnotbot
heryou.Iwi
llj
ustkeep
quiet
.
Me:
okayyoucansi
t.
Shelookedatmeasshewaseat i
ng.Icouldn’
thel
p
butjustanal
yseher
.Shedi
dn’
tlookcrazytome.
Shelookedli
kesomeonewhowasgoi ngthrougha
l
ot.Likesomethi
ngwasgoi
ngonwi thher.
Me:
im Keat
lar
etsi
.
Lady:Mel
ody.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Me:
appar
ent
lyi
m cr
azy.
Mel
:cr
azy?Youdon’
tlookcr
azyt
ome.
Me:im notcrazy.Butmyfami
lyt
hinksIam.Worst
ofital
lmyhusbandbel i
evest
hatim cr
azy.Andwhy
areyouher e?
Mel :
well,
myuncl ekil
ledmygr andfat
herandI
wi t
nesseditandwast raumat i
zedaf t
ert hat.WhenI
toldthefamilyaboutittheydidn’tbel
ieveme.The
traumast ar
tedgett
ingwor seandIcoul dn’tcope
anymor e.ThenIstart
edt herapy.Iwasaboutt oget
mar ri
ed.Thenmyuncl epaidmypsychol ogistto
saythatIhavetogot oapsychi atri
stbecauseIwas
notmyselfandhavet ogethelp.Ihavebeenher e
foral
mostayear .Butluckil
yiml eavingnextmonth.
Myf i
ancémadesur ethatIgetoutofher e.
Whateverhappensi nherejusthangi nthere.I
fyou
arenotstrongyouwi l
lnotsurvive.Thesepeople
whoar ereall
ycrazywillt
raumat i
zeyou.Justbe
caref
ulandnotgetonanyone’ sbadsi de.
Me:whyi
sitt
hattheydon’
tal
lowvi
sit
orsf
ort
he
f
ir
sttwoweeks?
Mel:
that’
swhyIsai dyouhavet obest
rong.For
yourchil
dthatyouarecarr
ying.Youwillonlyget
vi
sit
orsthefir
sttwoweeksthenaf t
erthattheywil
l
saynomor evisi
tor
sbecauset heywil
ldist
urbyour
heal
ingprocessandyouwi l
lneverseeanyoneunt i
l
youleavethi
splace.
Me:t
hat
’snotgood.I
sthi
spl
acel
egalori
tst
hosef
ly
byni
ghts?
Mel:
Ihaveal
readysaidalot
.Someonecoul
dbe
l
ist
eningormaybetherei
sacamerahere.
Inoddedandcont
inuedeat
ing.Atl
eastt
hei
rfood
t
ast
edgood.

*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
06] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER 38*

Nar
rat
ed

Zwel
i
:sohowi
syourwi
fedoi
ng?
Mpe:Idon’tknowman.Theysaidsheisfi
ne.I
coul
dn’tseeher.Theysai
dfort
hefi
rstt
woweeks
vi
sit
ingisnotall
owed.
Zweli:
whatsthat?Pat
ient
sshoul
dbeal l
owed
visi
torssot
hattheycanseefamil
iarf
acesand
recoverqui
ckly.
Mpe:
twoweekswi
llmovebyver
yfast
.What
worriesmei
sthefactt
hatshewassosad.Shewas
brokenman.Idon’
tthi
nkshewil
leverf
orgi
veme
forthis.
Zweli
:
youweredoi
ngwhati
sgoodf
orher
.Shewi
ll
soonreal
izei
t.
Mpe:Ihopeyouarer
ightman.Icantli
vewithouther
.
Ij
usthopethatwasonlyhur
ttal
king.BecauseI
wontsurvi
veit
.
Zwel
i:
stopst
ressi
ngaboutt
his.Yourwi
fewi
llbe
fi
neandcomehomesoon.
Mpe:
yeah.Thanksf
ort
hecal
l
.Ther
esanot
hercal
l
comi
ng.
Hecutt
hecal
lthenanswer
edt
heonet
hatwas
comi
ng.
Mpe:
hel
lo.
Voi
ce:
hel
lo.I
tsFar
ai.
Mpe:
oh.Howar
eyou?
Farai
:i
m notgood.Whydi
dyout
akemysi
stert
o
thathel
lhol
e?
Mpe:
howdi
dyouknowabout
…
Farai:
shecall
edmef rom someone’
sphone.She
soundedscared.Youknowshei snotcr
azyman.
Pleasegoandf etchher.Gowi t
hthepol
ice.Sheis
notsafeinthatplace.Whenshesawt hi
ngsdi dyou
eventrytol
ookf orothersolut
ions?
Mpe:
thi
swast
hebet
tersol
uti
on.
Far
ai:
i
thasbeenaweekandyouhaven’
tvi
sit
edher
.
Mpe:t
heysai
dvi
sit
orswi
llbeal
lowedaf
tert
wo
weeks.
Farai
:t
henwhywasJohnallowedther
e?howdi
dhe
manipulat
ehi
swayinther
ebecauseshesayshe
gotinther
edi
sgui
sedasadoctor?Doyouseehow
sheisnotsaf
e?
Mpe:John!
Farai
:t
hat’
swhatIsai
d.Pleasegoandfet
chher
.Im
taki
ngthenextpl
ane.WhenIgetther
ewearegoing
toZim.Gogowantsherhome.Shesaysther
eis
someonewhowi l
lhelpher.
Mpe:
im goi
ngt
ofet
chherr
ightnow.
Het ookhiscarkeysandr antohiscar.Hedroveoff
whilecall
ingthepolice.Hewaspani ckingbecause
thatplaceistoofarandanyt hi
ngmi ghthappen
whilehe’sdri
vingthere.Hewasl ikefl
yingonthe
road.Whenhegott hereitdidnottakelongunti
lthe
poli
cear r
ive.
Mpe:
im her
etof
etchmywi
fe.Keat
lar
etsikhoza.
Man:
Keatlaret
sikhoza?Letmecheckherf
oryou.
Ohhere.Didn’
therhusbandfet
chher?Her
eitsays
Mpendulokhozafetchedher
.
Mpe:woul
dIbeher
eifIwer
etheonewhof
etched
her
?
Man:si
rIdon’
tknowwhol
ethergobutt
hat
’swhati
t
sayshere.
Mpe:i
m notl
eavingthi
splacewithoutmywif
e.You
l
etamangeti nheretotakeherbutyousai
dIcant
seeherbef
oretwoweeksi sover.I
sthi
showyou
work?Somethi
ngf i
shyisgoi
ngonher e.
Poli
ce:
let
st urnthi
splaceupsi
dedown.Wear enot
l
eavingwithouther.Other
sgoandcheckdownt he
roadandar oundtheyard.Goaroundt
hisar
ea.
Mpe:
didJohnpayyousot
hathecangether
?Is
t
hati
t?
Man:
Idon’
tknowwhatyouar
etal
kingabout
.
Mpe:letmet ellyousomet hi
ng.Iwor kedasasol di
er.
Ihadaposi t
ion.Ahi ghpositi
onint hear my.Iknow
peoplefrom highpl acesIknowpeopl ewhocan
destr
oyt hisplaceofyour sinami nut e.Asforthat
Johnofyour sIal readyhavehi m.That ’showIknow
thatmywi feisst i
llhere.Youbettergivehertome
ri
ghtthisinstantifyouval uethi
splace!
Themanst
art
edshaki
ng.
Man:
Ijustwor
kint
headmi
nIdon’
tknowanyt
hing.
Askt
hedoctor
s.
Mpe:
ifIdon’
tfi
ndherher
e…youbet
terpr
ayt
hatIdo.
Hel
eftt
herecept
ionandwentt
ocheckr
oom by
r
oom.Hecouldn’
tfi
ndher
.
Mpe:
khanyi
sil
e!khanyi
sil
e!
Woman:
siryouar
emaki
ngnoi
se.Thi
sisa.
.
Mpe:
hey!
iwantmywi
feandyouar
etel
li
ngmeshi
t!
Pol
ice:
ther
eisadoort
hatwontopenher
e.Over
her
e.
Herantowherethepol
iceof
fi
cerwas.Hedidn’
t
wai
t.Hejustki
ckedt
hedooranditopened.
Mpe:
khanyi
sil
e!Khanyi
sil
evuka.Ngi
yaxol
isa.
Kea:
youcame…
Mpe:yes.Im her
etot
akeyouhome.I
m sor
ryabout
ever
ything.Wearegoi
nghome.
Hepi
ckedherupandlef
ttheroom.Hewentst
rai
ght
t
ohiscarandputhi
swifeinsi
dethecar
.
Mpe:
her
e.Havesomewat
er.
Kea:
….
Mpe:
please.
Hehel
pedherdr
inkwat
ert
hendr
oveof
f.Onhi
s
wayhemadeacall
.
Mpe:Iwantjohndead.Butaf
terhetal
ks.AndIwant
thatpl
aceburntdown.Thisi
sthelastf
avorIwi
ll
everaskyou.
Thenhecutt
hecal
landl
ookedathi
swi
fe.I
njusta
weekshehasl ostabi tofweight.Heblamed
himselfforallofthis.Heblamedhi msel
fbecauseif
hedidn’tsuggestt hatshegoestot hatl
oonybin
thi
swoul dn’thavehappened.Hegothomeand
parkedthecart henhel pedhertogetout.Theywent
i
nsideandever yonewast here.
Bonolo:Keai
m sor
ry.Idi
dn’
tknowt
hiswoul
d
happen.
Shekeptqui
etnotanswer
ing.
Mpe:
woul
dyoul
ikesomet
hingt
oeat
?
Shelookedatthem allandwenttotheirroom.She
tookoffhercl
othesandwentt oshower .Aftershe
wasdoneshet ookouthersui t
caseandst arted
packi
ngherclothes.Shefini
shedandwentt othe
kidsroom.Shepackedt hetr
ipl
etsclothesthen
pushedthebagt oherroom.Inallofthistheywere
l
ookingather.Shethenwentdownst ai
rs.
Kea:
um wher
ear
etheki
ds?
Mpe:
theyar
eatschool
.Osamkel
obayadl
alae
pl
ayr
oom.
Shet
urnedar
ound.
Mpe:
whywer
eyoupacki
ng?
Kea:
im sur
eFar
aial
readycal
ledyou.I
m goi
ngt
o
Zi
mbabwe.
Bonolo:
canIat
leastgowi
thyou?JustsoIwi
llknow
thatyouar
esafe.
Kea:Iwi l
lwil
lbemoresaf ewi t
hmygr andmot her
thanIam her ewhereIam notwant ed.Asforwena
Bonol o.Myownsi st
er.Ithoughtyou’
dhavemy
back.Butno.It ol
dyouTshi rel
etsowasf ol
lowing
me.It oldyouIwasseei nghim.Hecamei nthat
place.Tonighttheyweregoingt oki
dnapme.Ihope
yout woar ehappywithwhati shappening.
Shewentt
olookf
ort
het
ri
plet
s.
Muzi
:ubukekaazwi
lebuhl
ungu.
Mpe:youthinkIdidn’
tseethat
?Andimtheonewho
causedallofthat
.Shepleadedwit
hmenottosend
hertothatplacebutIi
nsist
ed.Andnowimlosi
ng
her.
Shaka:
Ithi
nkyoushoul
dgi
vehert
ime.Shewi
llnot
l
eaveyou.She’
sjusthur
t.
Mpe:
whatwasIgoingt
odoi
fIar
ri
vedt
her
elat
e
andt
heytookher
?
Hesi
ghedhol
dinghi
shead.

KEA
WhenFaraiarr
ivedhesl
eptabi
tthenhesai
dwe
coul
dleave.
Me:
wil
lyoubeabl
etodr
ivet
otheai
rpor
t?
Farai
:yourhusbandwilldr
ive.Keast
opthi
sthi
ngof
alwaysignori
ngyourhusbandwhenyougot hr
ough
thi
ngs.Inmar r
iageyousitdownandtal
k.
Me:
it
shi
sfaul
tIwentt
othatpl
ace.
Farai
:anyonewoul
dhavedonewhathedi d.You
cantblamehimforwantingt
ohelp.Youhavetotal
k
tohim andfi
xthi
ngs.Iwontgowithpeoplewhoare
crosswitheachot
her.Idon’
twanttensi
ononour
way.Please.
Me:
whati
sshedoi
ngher
ewi
thabag?
Far
ai:
shesgoingwi t
hus.Youknowyouwil
lneed
her
.Yoursi
sterlovesyousostopbei
nghar
donher.
Iputmyhandbagonthesitthenwentbacki
nside.I
fir
stwentt
ocheckonthekids.Theywerewat
ching
tv.
Me:
babies.Comehere.Iwanttotal
ktoyou.
..
mom
i
sgoingsomewhere.Ipromiseiwil
lbebackokay?
Lu:
you'
rel
eavi
ngagai
n.Iwantt
ogowi
thyou.
Me:youcan't.Youhavetogotoschool.Ipromise
nextweekI '
m comingback.Mommyi snotf eel
ing
wellsoshehast ogotoadoctorwhowi llhelpher
.I
wil
lcallever
yday.
Thando:
whyar
eyoul
eavi
ngme?
Me:iwoul
dgowi
thyoual
lbutyouhavet
ogot
o
school
.
Thando:
iwi
llmi
ssyoumom.
Sphe:
met
oo.
Me:
iloveyoual
l.
Li
sa:
wewi
llmi
ssyoumom.
Ihuggedthem al
l.Iwi
pedAya'
stear
s.Iknewhe
wouldcry.Hegrewmor ecl
oset
omeandal ways
wantstobewithme.
Me:
ipromi
seiwil
lcal
lyou.I
'm notl
eavi
ngf
ora
l
ongti
me.Iwi
llbebacksoon.
Aya:
okay.
Hehuggedmeagai
n.
Aya:
iloveyou.
Me:
iloveyout
oo.

Igotupandf
oundMpendul
owai
ti
ngf
ormei
nthe
l
ounge.
Mpe:
howdi
dtheyt
akei
t?
Me:
theyar
esad.Ayandawascr
ying.
Mpe:
theywi
llbef
ine.We'
l
lbebacksoon.
Me:yeah.I
'm sorryf
orblamingyouf orwhat
happened.I
t'
sj ustt
hatIthoughtyouofallpeopl
e
wouldstandbyme.Buti t'
sfine.Youthoughtyou
weredoingther i
ghtthi
ng.
Mpe:
I'
mreal
lysor
ry.Ishoul
dhavebel
ievedyou.
Me:i
t'
sfi
ne.Let
'sj
ustl
eavei
tbehi
ndusandmove
on.
Hel
etgoofhi
sluggageandhuggedme.
Mpe:il
oveyou.Andipr
omi
set
hiswi
llneverhappen
agai
n.
Me:
let
'sgo.
Mpe:
iloveyouKhanyi
sil
e.
Me:
iloveyouKhoza.
Mpe:Let
'sgobef
orewemi
ssourf
li
ght
.
Wewentt
othecarandigoti
ntot
hebackseat
.
Me:
hi.
Bonol
o:hel
lo.Oshap?
Me:
yeah
Bonol
o:I
'
m sor
ry.
Me:
it
'
sfi
ne.Iunder
standyouwer
ewor
ri
ed.
Bonol
o:nowdoihavemysi
sterback?
Me:
ofcour
se.
Sheat
tackedmewi
thahug.
Bonol
o:t
hankyou.

SETHU

I'
vej ustcomebackf rom fetchi
ngmyki dsfrom
school .I
fmyhusbandcomesbackf rom wor kl
ate
i
mt heonewhof et
chesthem af terwork.Asidrive
i
nIseeanot hercar.Idon'tknowwhot hiscar
belongst o.Ipar
kandt heki dsruninsode.Iopen
thedoorandgoi n.Ifi
ndIsabel l
aholdingmybaby.
I'
mr eallybeingt
ested.Irusht oherandt akemy
baby.
Me:
whogaveyouper
missi
ont
ohol
dmybaby!
?
Wholetyoui
nher
e?
I
sabel
la:
youdon'
thavet
obeli
kethat
.Iwonthar
m
mynephew.Thenannyl
etmein.
Me:
whatdoyouwanther
e?
I
sabel
la:
icamet
otal
ktoyou.Ourf
atherwant
sto
t
alkt
oyou.
Me:ourfat
her?Ohnowhe'sourfather
.He'sbeen
yourfat
herfor30year
s.Notmine.Henevereven
boughtmeonet hi
ng.Hetol
dmymot hert
oabort
me.Sodon'ttel
lmeaboutthatbastar
d.
Isabel
la:
thi
sisyourf
atherandhe'
ssi
ckf
orGod'
s
sake!
Me:al
lthi
sti
mehewasf i
nebutnowthathe'ssi
ck
hewantstobeaf at
her.Gobackandtel
lhi
mt hati
sai
dno.Idon'tcar
ewhathappenstohim.I'
vebeen
fi
newithmysibli
ngsandmymot herf
or30year s.
Sohim bei
nginmyl i
fewil
lnotmakeadiff
erence.
I
sabel
la:
soyoudon'
tcar
ewhathappenst
ohi
m?
He'
syourfat
her
!
Me:hedidn'
tcarewhatwoul dhappentome.Het ol
d
mymot herinfrontofyourmothert
hathedoesn'
t
us.Sonowhedoes?Idon' tknowhimtoo.Idon'
t
haveafather.
Isabel
la:
Set
huyouwil
lregrett
his.Wheni
t'
stool
ate
andyouneedyourf
ather..
.
Me:idi
dn'
tneedhi
mfor30year
s.Whywoul
dIst
art
now?Leavemyhouse.
Isabel
la:Ihopeyouchangeyourmind.Your
husbandhasmynumber .Youwi l
lcal
lmewhen
you'r
er eadytotalkt
oourfat
her.Maybeitwon'
tbe
toolatebyt hen.
Me:I
sabel
last
ayawayfr
om myhusband.Ar
eyou
usi
ngyourfat
hert
ogetcl
oset
ohim?
Isabel
la:
sisyourhusbandlovesme.I
fiwanthimi
canhavehi mjustli
kethat
.Sodon'tt
hinki
t'
sover
.
Me:idon'
tfi
ghtforaman.Youcanaskhim.It
old
hi
m hecancomet oyoui
fthat
'swhathewant
s.
Andwhatdidhedo?Hest ayedher
e.Sowhatlove
ar
eyout al
kingabout?
I
sabel
la:
anywayI
'
mleavi
ng.Thi
nkaboutwhatisai
d.
Shestrutherwayout .Icouldn'
thelpbutj ustst
are
ather.She'
sadoct or.I'
mjustamer eselftaught
fashi
ondesigneratBongi '
sshop.Herf at
hertook
hertoamedi calschoolwhileididn'tgotoschool.I
didn'
tquali
fyforabur sar
y.Idon'tknowwhysi ncei
hadgoodr esult
s.Ift
hatsocal l
edf atherhadbeen
ther
ef ormemaybehewoul dhavet akenmet o
school.Andnowshecomesher eandt al
ksasifi
owet hem.Idon'towethem anythi
ng.Itdoesn'
t
makeadi ffer
encewhetherhe'sali
veordead.My
l
ifewillst
il
lgoon.Withorwithouthim.
Si
ya:
babeI
'
m home.Howwasyourday?
Me:
fi
ne.
Si
ya:
what
'swr
ongmyl
ove?
Me:
not
hing.
Si
ya:
itdoesn'
tlookl
iket
hat
.
Me:
Isabel
lawasher
e.
Si
ya:
whatdi
dshewant
?
Me:shewasaski ngmet otalktoherfather
.Shewas
actual
lydemandi ngthatital
kt ohi
m asi fi
t'
smy
faultt
hathe'
ssi ck.Aft
eralltheseyears.Heonly
remember sthathehasachi l
dwhenhe' ssick.That
meansi fhewasn' tsi
ckIwoul dhaveneverknown
abouthim.Ithurts.Ial
wayst houghtabouttheday
hewoul dcomeback.Onl ytofindouthedidn'twant
me.Hedeni edmymot herinf r
ontofhislover.We
suf
feredwi
thouthi
m.Whi
lehewasli
ving
comfort
abl
y.She'
sadoct
orandwhatam i?
Siya:
kodwaSethuyouappl
iedatschoolandnext
yearyouwil
lbestudyi
ng.
Me:it
'
snotaboutt hat.It
'sabouthimtakingcar eof
meandmysi blingsl i
kehedi dwit
hhisot herf ami l
y.
Doyouknowhowi tfeel
stogobedwi t
houteat ing?
Howi ti
st onotgot oschoolbecauseyourmot her
didn'
tcomebackf rom wor kwithwashingpowder
towashyouruni f
orm?Doyouknowhowi tfeelst o
begfrom yourneighbor swhi l
eyourfat
heri sal ive
andlivi
nghisbestl if
e?Thi siswhyidon'twanthi m
i
nmyl i
fe.Iwil
lstil
l l
ivewithouthi
m andmakei t.It
's
notli
kehim beingi nmyl if
ewi l
lmakeadi fference.
Siya:
I'
m sor
ry.Idi
dn'
tknowyouf
eltl
iket
hat
.Come
here.
Idi
dn'
tevenf
eelmyt
ear
sfal
li
ng.Hewi
pedt
hem
andhuggedme.
Siya:noonewillf
orceyoutot
alkt
ohim.Ifyoudon'
t
wantt oi
t'
syourdecisi
on.Noonewil
lfor
ceyou.Not
evenIsabel
la.
Me:
doyoul
oveher
?
Siya:
look, it
houghtil ovedherbackt hen.Andiwas
evenr eadyt omar ryher.Wewer eyoungbackt hen.
Butyouknowwhatir eali
zed?Ireali
zedthatit
wouldn' thavewor kedout .Iam gr
atefult
hatshel ef
t
meatt healtarbecauset hatwouldhavebeent he
biggestmi stakeofmyl i
fe.You'
retheoneil oveand
ipromi seyout hatwillneverchange.
Me:t
henwhydidshesayshecangetyouatany
t
imeshewants?Please.I
fit
'shert
hatyouwantj
ust
t
ellmenow.
Siya:
youdon'
thavetoworr
yyour
selfabouther
.It
's
youthatiwant
.Ineedyouinmyl
ife.Mylif
eis
completewi
thyou.
Me:
iloveyou.
Si
ya:
howdi
dsheknowwher
eyoust
ay?
Me:if
oundherhol
dingMusawhenIar
ri
vedher
e.
Shesaidt
henannyletheri
n.
Siya:
wher
edi
dshegett
headdr
ess?She'
sgoi
ngt
oo
farnow.
Me:ij
ustwantt
olivemyl
if
einpeacewi
thoutt
hem
bot
heringme.I
sthatt
oomuchtoask?
Siya:youshoul
dnotwor
ryyour
sel
faboutthi
s.Ifyou
don'twanttotal
ktot
hatmanyoujusti
gnorethem.
Me:you'
rer
ight
.Thi
nki
ngaboutt
hiswi
llj
ustgi
ve
meaheadache.

KEATLARETSI

Fi
nall
ywear
rivedatmygrandma'splace.The
momentmygr andmot
hersawthecarshesmi l
ed.
Hersmil
emademet oalsosmil
e.Ihuggedher.
Gr
anny:
don'
trunoryouwi
llf
allandhar
mthebaby.
Me:
imi
ssedyoukoko.
Gr
anny:t
hankyouGod.Mygr
anddaught
eri
shome
af
teraveryl
ongti
me.Whodidyoucomewith?
Me:
Far
ai,
myhusbandandmysi
ster
.
Gr
anny:
andt
heki
ds?
Me:icamewitht
heyoungones.Theol
derones
haveschool
.
Gr
anny:
okay.Comeandsi
twi
thyourgr
andmot
her
.
Nol
o:hel
lokoko.
Granny:
mygr andchi
ld.Wel
come.Youandyour
si
sterdon'
tcomeher eanymore.Hi
wlonghasi
t
been?
Shesayshuggi
ngher
.
Nol
o:wear
eher
enowkoko.
Gr
anny:
Tendai
!
Al
it
tl
eboycamer
unni
ngaf
tershecal
led.
Granny:goandbr i
ngchai
rs.Youseeyourcousi
ns
arehere?Afteryoucomebackyoumustgoandcal l
yourmot her
.Tellhert
heyareher
e.
Iknowkokot ol
deveryonethatI
'm coming.Nowthi
s
yardwillbef
ullofpeopl
e.ButI'
m notcomplai
ning.
It
'sal
llove.
Gr
anny:
youruncl
eisonhiswayf
rom Har
are.The
ot
her
swillal
socome.Si
tdown.
Byt hatshemeanswemustsi tonthereedmat .
Womendon' tsi
tonchair
s.Wesi tdown.Chai r
sar e
formen.That '
swhatmygr annyalwaystellme.My
husbandandFar aicomewi t
ht heki
ds.
Samkel ois
wiggling.Hewant stowalkonhi sown.Hi sfather
putshi m downandher unstokokoandf allonher.
Shepi ckshim.Hel ooksatherandlaughs.Then
kissher .Ncooah.
Gogo:
theseboyshavegrown.Whereareyourki
ds
Bonol
o?Whydi dn'
tyoubri
ngthem wi
th?
Nol
o:mamat
ookt
hem.Sowhodoyoust
aywi
th
her
e?
Granny:
youruncleandhi
swi
fe.Tendai
'smother.
Shewentt ot
hefarm.Shewi
llbebacksoon.Tendai
wil
lgofetchher.
Tendaicomesbackwit
haki dandthechai
rs.He
l
eavesthekidandrunoutoftheyar
d.Maybehe's
goi
ngt othef
arm.
Me:
Samkel
ono.
He'
sbusypushingthepoorboy.Hedoesn'
twant
hi
mt osi
tonhisgranny'
slap.Lungel
oandSabel
o
si
tnexttoher
.Lungel
otakestheli
tt
lebaby'
shand
si
tnexttohi
m.Samkelocan'tst
optouchingkoko
andlooki
ngather.
Me:
Samkel
o.
Hest
art
slaughi
ng.
Me:
Samkel
o.Lookathowhei
slaughi
ng.
Gogo:
he'
shappytobehere.Nextt
imeyoushoul
d
al
lcomewit
hallofyourchi
ldr
en.
Ismileasthebabiesareplayi
ngwithkoko.My
auntycamebackf rom thefar
m andcookedastorm.
Sheforcedmet oservemyhusband.Accor di
ngto
herishoul
ddoi teveryday.
Mpe:t
hankyouf
ort
hef
oodbaby.Youcangoand
eat
.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry.Mygr
andmot
heriswat
chi
ngme.She
won'
tal
lowmetoeatwi
thyou.
Mpe:
iunder
stand.I
t'
sjustaf
ewdays.

Iwentbackt
osi
twi
tht
hewomen.Wespentour
t
imetoget
heraf
tereat
ingthenwentt
osl
eep.I
nthe
middl
eoftheni
ghtIwikeuppanti
ng.
Mpe:
babewhat
'swr
ong?
Me:Johnwasher
e.Isawhi
m whi
leiwassl
eepi
ng.
Mpe:Johni
snothere.Tomor
rowisSunday.I'
m
sur
ewewi l
lgethel
ponwhateveri
shappening.
Comehere.

Imovedt
ohim andhuggedhim.Hehel
dmeand
ki
ssedmyfor
ehead.Helookedatme.
Mpe:
youwi
llbef
ine.Thi
swi
llpass.

Ilookedathim.Ithoughti
twasonl ymegoi ng
throughthi
s.Buthim al
so.Hisfacehadpai n.Hi
s
eyesshowedt hoseofsomeonewhof eltmypain.A
tearfel
lonhiseye.Iwipeditandkissedhim.

Me:
iloveyou.
Mpe:Il
oveyoumor
e.How'
sourbaby?
Me:he'
sfi
ne.Doyout
hinki
t'
saboyagai
n?Iwanta
gi
rl
.
Mpe:
ial
sowantababygi
rl
.Daddy'
sgi
rl
.
Me:
whatdoyout
hinkweshoul
dnameher
?
Mpe:
ifi
t'
sagi
rli
twi
llbeGabr
iel
la.
Me:
youwanthert
obenamedaf
teryou?
Mpe:
yes.Thi
sisourl
astbaby.Daddy'
sgi
rl
.
Me:
iseeshe'
sgoi
ngt
obespoi
led.
Mpe:iwil
ltakehereverywhereigo.Iwi
lldo
anythi
ngformyki ds.Andthere'
l
lbenoexcept
iont
o
thi
sgirl
.
Me:you'
ret
hebestf
atheri
nthewhol
ewor
ld.

West ayedupt al
king.Thathel
pedwit
ht he
ni
ghtmar es.Idon'
tevenknowhowif ellasl
eep.I
wokeupi nt hemor ningt
owhisper
s.I
twasmy
husbandandourt hr eeboys.
Me:
whatar
eyouboyspl
anni
ng?
Mpe:shouldwet
ellmommy?Yeahit
hinknot
.It
's
oursecret
.
Me:
mmh.Howar
eyou?
Mpe:
wearegoodbaby.Goandshowert
henwecan
goj
oint
hefamil
y.

Itookashowerandgotr eady.Iputonmydr ess

andadoekt henwewentt ojoineveryone.Asisai
d
thedini
ngroom wasfull
.Theyallgreetedmeand
tal
kedabouthowhappyt heywer etoseeme.Even
reci
tedclannames.Evensaidmymot herwas
happythatI'
m home.Butiwasneverr eadyf
orwhat
happenednext.
Vi
mbai:
it
'sgoodtohaveever
yonehome.Final
ly.
Rudoyoucamehome.Youal mostki
ll
edour
gr
andmotherwit
hstr
ess.
Me:
grannyal
waysvi
sit
smeatmypl
ace.
Vimbai
:mustbenicehey.Onlyher
,yourfavor
it
e
uncl
eandthebelovedFaraiknowwher eyoustay.
What
'sshet
ryi
ngt
odowi
tht
his?

Me:iinvi
tedever
yonetomyweddi ngandvow
renewal.Evenpr
ovidedtr
anspor
tbutyoudidn'
t
come.I t
'snotmyfault
.
Vi
mbai :
howcoul
dwecome?Youactl
ikeyouhavei
t
al
l.You'
remi
ghty.
Me:
act
ual
lywhat
'syourpr
obl
em wi
thme?
Vimbai
:ihavenopr oblem wit
hyou.Theonl yt
hingi
haveaproblem wit
hist hi
sbrotherofyours.So
si
ncehe'syourbrotheriti
nvolvesyouautomatical
ly.
Far
ai:
Vimbaist
opwi
thyournonsense.
Vimbai
:i
t'
snotnonsense.Mymot herl
ovedyou
morethanshelovedme.Shetossedmet obe
rai
sedbygrannybecauseofyou.Astolenbast
ard!
Aunt
y:Vi
mbai
!
Vimbai
:yesmom.Yout houghtyourli
eswouldnot
getout
?Wel lt
odayI'mtel
li
ngital
l.Mymotherher
e
waspregnantatthesametimeasyourmot her
Rudo.Shegavebi r
thadaybeforeyourmot
her.
Theywer ebothi nSA.Yourmot herwaski nd
heartedsoshehadhersi stermovedt oSout hAf rica
soshecanhavepr opertreat ment.Mymot hergave
herbabyawayf oradopt ionaf t
eryourmot hergave
birt
h.Shegavebi r
thtot winsandmyevi lmot her
stoleone.Thebabyboy.Yest hat'
syouFar ai.
Luckilyyoulookedl i
keyourmot hersot hatwasa
bonuscost heyl ookedl i
keeachot her.That '
swhy
yout woareinsepar ablewhent ogether.Youshar ed
awomb.Thi swomani sevil.Shegaveherbaby
awaybecausehehadal bini
sm.Whodoest hat ?So
yeah.Yourpar entsaredeaddearbr other.It'sapi ty
youmi ssedoutonar el
ationshipwi t
hyourf at her.
Hewasagoodman.Mayhi ssoulrestinpeace.

Wow.Dr amafoll
owsmeever ywhereigo.Now
what'
sthis?Am igoingtoeverleaveapeacefull
if
e.
Idon'
tthinkt
here'
saf amil
yli
kemi ne.Mineisful
lof
dramaandsur pr
ises.

*
TOBECONTI
NUED*
[
07/06,19:
06] :*STORYOFMY
LI
FE:KEATLARETSI
*

*
CHAPTER39*

Aftertheconfessi
onfrom Vi
mbaimygr andmother
faint
ed.Shewasr ushedtothehospi
tal
.Icouldn'
t
stopcr yi
ng.Iwenttomyroom andcri
edt her
e.
Far
ai:
canit
alkt
oher
?
Idi
dn'
tnot
icet
hathewasal
soher
e.
Mpe:
I'
l
lbeout
sidewi
tht
heki
ds.
Far
ai:
I'
m sor
ry.
Me:
youhavenot
hingt
obesor
ryabout
.Youdi
dn'
t
doanyt
hing.
Far
ai:
ican'
tbel
ieveyou'
remyt
win.I
tfeel
ssur
real
.
Me:
howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Far
ai:
hur
t.Angry.Whydi
dshedothis?Icoul
dhave
hadachancetohavearel
ati
onshi
pwithourfat
her
.
Yesheraisedmef orali
ttl
ewhilebutiwouldhave
fel
tdi
ff
erentknowingthatihadaf at
her.Andnow
he'
snomor e.Whatam isupposedtodonow?
Me:auntyi
ssoevi
l.Andnowgr
andmai
sinhospi
tal
becauseofher
.
Far
ai:
shewi
llbef
ine.
Helookedatmeandwi
pedat
eart
hatf
ellonmy
eyes.Ihuggedhi
m.
Far
ai:
stopcr
yingpl
ease.I
'
llbef
ine.
Me:
canwegoandcheckonkoko?
Far
ai:
stayandl
ookaf
tert
heki
ds.I
'
llbef
ineokay?
Hekissedmyforeheadsmi
li
ng.Ihuggedhi
m agai
n.
If
eltl
ikenotl
ett
inggo.

.
..
..

Mygrandmot
herrecover
edfrom herfai
nti
ng.But
shewasnoti
nagoodst ateatal
l.Fi
ndingoutabout
whataunt
ydi
dreall
ybrokeher.Whywoul dasist
er
dot hatt ohersi ster?Butshewi l
lgett her e.What
shewasmor ewor r
iedabouti swher eher
grandchi l
dis.Ipr omi sedt ohelpl ookf orhi m.I'
ve
alreadyst artedwi tht hepr ocess.Al so,Far aiis
helping.Wel ltheper sont hatkokosai dcanhel pme
i
sapast or.Ithoughti twasgoi ngt obet hose
peopl ewhot ellyouwhathappensi nyourl ifeand
who' sr esponsi blef oral lt
hesuf feringinyourl i
fe
andhowyourf uturei slookingbutt hat'snoti t
.The
manj ustpr ayedf ormeandt oldmet hatal lwillbe
wel l
.Mygr andmot herr eall
yt r
ustedhi m soiwasat
ease.Thoseni ght mar es,inolongerhavet hem.I
don'tevenseeTshi r
el etsoanymor e.ButI 'm st
ill
scar edwheneverIgoout .Iclosedmyl aptopand
wentoutofmyr oom.I '
vebeenwor ki
ngf rom home
sincewecameback.Ther ewasal ott odosoi
decidedt ohel p.Ihearsomevoi cesi nt helounge
talki
ng.Iguesst hebr othershavear r
ivedandt hey
arehavi ngoneoft heirendl essmeet i
ngs.Iheara
cardr ivingof f.ThatmustbeFar ai .
Mabutho:
andwhatdoeshehavetodowiththi
s
meet
ing?Sibongabaphant
sil
andodayakhe
yamf
ounel
a.
Muzi
:t
hishast
odowi
thhi
ssist
ersoiunder
stand
whyhewantst
obei
nvol
ved.
Shaka:
ist
abane?Doesheknowhowtohol
dagun?
He'
sadoct or
.Hemustfocusont
hat
.
Mabut
ho:
uqi
nisi
lebaf
o.
Af
tert
hatShakaandMabut
hol
augh.

Wow.I'veal
waysknownShakai shomophobic.He's
al
waysshowedit.Imeanheevenmadef unofFar ai
abouthowhewillnothaveki
ds.NotMabuthotoo.

Siya:
butili
kethatguy.Unenqondoand
uhlakani
phil
e.Didyouhearhi
sideas?
Bonga:
ther
e'snot
hingwr
ongaboutbei
nggay.
Mabut
ho:
he'
srubbi
ngof
fonyout
oo?
Mzwakhe:doyouknowhowmanyt i
mesthesame
gayyou'
remakingfunofmadesur
ethathi
ssist
er
doesnotl
eaveyourbrot
her
?Wouldwebehereifit
wasn'tforhi
m?Ubaf ongabeafayidepressi
on
manj eumfaziwakheamshiyi
le.ThesameFar ai
helpedKhanyowithherstudi
es.Butyou'r
emaking
funofhim.
Shaka:
waqal
akeumot
ivat
ionalspeakerbaf
ethu.
Muzi:canwetalkaboutwhywear eher
e?WenaSiya
wear ecount
ingyououtofthisone.Youknow
you'r
enotsupposedtobehol dingguns.You'
l
lsee
toitt
hatthekidsandourwivesar esaf
e.Noguns
foryouandBongani.Theguar dswil
lbewithyou.
Mabut
ho:ihaven'
tdonet
hisi
nawhi
le.I
'
llhavef
un
doi
ngthi
s.
Mzwakhe:
anddon'
thavetoomuchf
unandendup
f
orget
ti
ngwhatyourj
obis.

Ifel
tahandgr
abmef r
om theback.Ilookedbehind
andsawmyhusband.Iwastonguetied.Ididn'
t
knowwhattosay.Wewentallt
hewayt oour
bedroom.
Mpe:
sincewhendoyoueavesdr
oponpeopl
e'
s
conver
sat
ions?
Me:
erh.
..
Mped:
Khul
umaphel
a.
Me:
idi
dn'tmeanto.Iwasjustpassi
ngandihear
d
t
hem t
alki
ngaboutFar
ai.
Mpe:
andyoudeci
dedt
oli
sten?
Me:isai
dididn'
tmeant o.Yourbrot
hersare
homophobic.Whydot heymakef unofgays?They
al
waysmakeFar aiuncomf or
tabl
ewheneverhe's
her
e.
Mpe:
Iwi
llt
alkt
othem.
Me:idon'
tli
kei
t.Gaysar
eal
sopeopl
ejustl
iket
hem.
Mpe:
ngit
hebgizokhul
umanabo.NowI'
m going
somewhere.Wantmetobr
ingyousomet
hing?
Me:
youcanbr
ingmeacar
rotcake.
Mpe:
wehavecakei
nthef
ri
dge.
Me:
theki
dsf
ini
shedi
t.
Mpe:
okay.Ngi
yak'
thanda.
Me:
namingi
yak'
thanda.
Mpe:
uyabonamanj
eungenzani
?
Me:
babeyourbr
other
sar
ewai
ti
ngf
oryou.
Mpe:
lett
hem wai
t.Ineedmywi
fe.

Soonourcl
othesweref
lyi
ngandhehadmeonthe
bedpant
ingunderhi
m.Hegroanedashecame.
Mpe:
ngi
yabongamakaLi
ndani
.

Hekissedmysweat yforeheadandr ushedt

ot he
bat
hroom.Iheardt
heshowerr unningandafterthat
hecamebackandl oti
onedt hendressedinabl ack
j
ean,leopar
dpri
nttshirtandapanamahat .
Mpe:
ngi
zokbonamang'
buya.

Justl
iket
hat
?He'
sgoi
ngt
oleavemel
iket
his?

Me:
you'
rel
eavi
ngmel
iket
his?
Mpe:
I'
l
lmakei
tupt
oyout
oni
ght
.Bye.
Me:
wow.

Heclosedt hedoor.Icouldn'tbeli
evet
hatheleft
.I
wenttotakeashowerandmadet hebed.Ifhe
thi
nksI'
lll
etitgojustlikethatthenhehasanother
thi
ngcomi ng.Igotot hekitchenandLindanii
s
cooki
ng.Wowt hat
'saf ir
st.
Me:
you'
recooki
ngt
oday.
Lindani:
yes.I
'
m herej
ustf
ort
hisweekendsoihave
tospoilmymot her
.
Me:
mmh.Ican'
twai
ttot
ast
ethatf
ood.

NARRATED

Far
aigoti
ntot
hehouseaf
teracardr
oppedhi
m.
Ri
ckus:what
'sgoi
ngon?Youdi
dn'
tfet
chmef
rom
t
heairpor
tandnowyou'r
eshot
.
Far
ai:
i
t'
sal
ongst
ory.
Ri
ckus:
wehavet
ime.
Farai
:iwentwit
hmybr othersi
nlawtohavethat
pl
acewher eKeawasatcl oseddown.MeandMuzi
gotshot.Theplacehadsomecr i
minal
sinvol
ved
butit
'
sshutdownnow.
Ri
ckus:
youal
sohadagun!
?
Farai
:
no.Iwast
hei
rdr
iver
.Someonei
scomi
ngt
o
tr
eatme.
Ri
ckus:
you'
rel
osi
ngsomuchbl
ood.
Voi
ce:
hel
lo.I
'
m her
etot
reathi
swound.
Rickusgotupandwentt
otheki
tchen.Heonl
y
camebackwhenthemansaidhe'
sdone.
Man:
I'
vetakenoutt
hebul
let
.Justmakesur
ethat
het
akeshismeds.
Ri
ckus:
thankyou.
Hewal
kedhi
m outandcl
osedt
hedoor
.
Ri
ckus:
sowhathappenedi
nZimbabwe?Youasked
metocomeherebecauseyou'
regoi
ngt
obelong.
Farai
:
youknowiwant
edust
ogot
oget
herbutyou
ref
used.
Ri
ckus:
anddealwi
thyourhomophobi
cpar
ent
s?
Far
ai:
youdon'
thavet
owor
ryaboutt
hem anymor
e.
Het
oldhi
m ever
ythi
ngt
hathappenedi
nZi
mbabwe.
Ri
ckus:
thi
nki
ngabouthowyoutwower
ecl
osei
t
makessenset
hatyou'
ret
wins.
Far
ai:
comeher
e.I
'
vemi
ssedyou.
Ri
ckus:
imi
ssedyout
oo.

Hehel
dhi
m.

Far
ai:
don'
ttel
lKeat
hatI
'
m shot
.
Rickus:
wel
ljustmakesur
ethet
winsandLi
sadon'
t
seeyou.Theyareher
e.
Far
ai:
whendi
dtheygether
e?
Rickus:
thedri
verdr
oppedt
hem.Luuhasbeen
askingwhereyouare.
Far
ai:
don'
tletthem i
ntoourbedroom.I'
m goi
ngt
o
sl
eep.Li
sami ghtt
ellhermom ifsheseesme.
Ri
ckus:I
'
llbr
ingyourf
oodwhenI
'
m donecooki
ng.
Far
ai:
okay
Hegotupandwentt ohi
sroom.Hefoundthet
wins
sl
eepingi
nhisbed.Hemadespaceforhi
mselfand
sl
ept.Hewokeupwhenheheardlaughi
ng.
Far
ai:
whyar
eyounotsl
eepi
ng?
Aya:
wewantt
opl
aywi
thyoumal
ume.
Far
ai:
l
etmesleep.Goandplaywit
huncl
eRickusor
Li
sa.WhenIwakeupiwil
ltakeyouhome.
Lu:
no.Wear
esl
eepi
ngher
e.
Far
ai:
okay.WhenIwakeupiwi
llpl
aywi
thyou.
Lu:
okay.
Aya:
malumewhyi
syourar
mli
ket
hat
?Di
dyouhur
t
your
sel
f?
Lu:
didt
heyhi
tyou?
Far
ai:
ifel
l.
Theyl
aughed.
Lu:
mal
umeyouar
enotst
rong.That
'swhyyouf
ell
?
Far
ai:
iam st
rong.Iwasj
ustsi
ck.
Aya:
okay.Youwi
llbef
ineokay?

Theyki
ssedhi
m andr
anoutoft
her
oom.

.
..
..
..

Lindanicookedverydeli
ciousfoodf orme.Ir
eall
y
didn'
ttrusthi
m butifoundmysel fgoingbackto
dishup.Ispentthedaywi thhi
mt el
li
ngmehow
everyt
hingisgoingandcat chi
ngup.
Mpe:
mawakhengi
buyi
le.
Me:
oht
hat
'
sgr
eathey.
Mpe:it
houghtyou'
dbehappy.
Me:
yeahIam happy.
Mpe:
rememberisai
dI'
dmakei
tupt
oyoubef
oreI
l
eft
?
Me:oht
hat
.Itcanwait
.I'
m spendingt
imewi
th
Li
ndani
.Hewenttofet
chourdr i
nks.
Mpe:
I'
m sur
eyoucandi
tchhi
m.
Me:he'
sonl
yhomefort
heweekendsoihavet
ouse
t
histi
mewithhi
m.
Mpe:howishefet
chingthedri
nkswhenIsawhim
out
side?Areyouangryaboutt
hismorni
ng?I
'm
sor
ry.
Me"
psshi
m notangr
y.
Mpe:
okay.Movesoicanj
oinyou.

Imadespacef
orhi
m.
Me:
wher
e'sFar
ai?
Mpe:
he'
satPr
etor
iaWest.Why?
Me:ical
ledandhe'
snotanswer
ing.Iwant
edt
ofi
nd
outhowt heki
dsar
e.
Mpe:
theki
dsar
efi
ne.How'
sli
tt
leGabr
iel
lat
reat
ing
yout
oday?
Yeaht
hedoct
orconf
irmedthati
t'
sagirl
.Sowear e
goi
ngtonameheraf
terhi
m.Gabriel
lef
rom Gabr
iel
.
Myhusbandi
ssohappy.
Mpe:
onl
ytwoweeksandshewi
llbeher
e.
Me:whatdoyout
hinkaboutapr
egnancybat
h
phot
oshoot?
Mpe:
wecananor malphot
oshootaswehavedone
wi
thourki
ds.Butnott
hosebathwhatwhat
.
Me:butbabe.It
rustBongi
.Sheknowsherwor
k.I
t'
s
goi
ngt obebeauti
ful
.
Mpe:ononecondi
ti
on.Ther
emustnotbemen
t
here.
Me:
wel
lmymanwi
llbet
her
e.
Mpe:
mmh.Uf
unangi
bekhonakant
i?
Me:
aow.You'
rethef
ather
.Youhavet
obet
her
e.So
I
'dl
ikemyhusbandt
obet her
e.
Mpe:okay.Butiwon'
thavet
obei
nthebat
hwhat
whatri
ght?
Me:
ial
sodon'
tknow.I
t'
smyf
ir
stt
imedoi
ngi
t.
Mpe:
okay.I
sitsaf
e?
Me:
ver
ysaf
e.
Mpe:
theni
t'
sfi
ne.

Therewasaknockonthedoor
.Hegotupandwent
togetthedoor
.Whenhecamebackhi
sfacehad
changed.
Mpe:
wheni
stheshoot
?
Me:
thi
scomi
ngweekend.
Mpe:
that
'sbetter
.Maybet
hisper
sonwhoj
ust
ar
ri
vedwillhavelef
t.
Me:
kemang?
Mpe:i
t'
smycousin.Idon'
twanthi
m her
ebutwhat
canido?Not
hing.
Me:
why.
.
"
Sani
bona.
"
Il
ookedatmyhusbandandhewasn'
teven
i
nter
est
edi
nanswer
ingt
heman
Mpe:
howl
ongar
eyoust
ayi
ngher
e?
Man:
canyour
elax?Iam nother
eforyourgi
rl
fr
iend.
Gi
rl
fr
iend,
huh?
Man:
ijustcamet
ogr
eetyou.I
'
mrent
ingahot
el
r
oom.
Mpe:
howdi
dyouknowt
hispl
ace?
Man:wearef
ami
lysohowcomeidon'
tknowwher
e
youstay?
Mpe:
whatdoyour
eal
lywant
?
Man:
youknowwhatiwant
.
Mpe:
leave.Idon'
toweyouanyt
hing.
Me:
babeit
hinksomet
hingi
swr
ongwi
thourbaby.
Mpe:
areyouf
eel
inganypai
n?
Me:
yesi
thur
tssobad.It
hinkt
hebabyi
scomi
ng.
Mpe:
west
il
ltwoweekst
ogo.
Me:
please.Idon'
twantt
olosemybaby.Takemet
o
t
hehospital
.
Hegotupandpi
ckmeup.
Mpe:
aah.
Il
ookedathi
m andhewascr
ying.
Mpe:
you'
rebl
eedi
ng.
Heranoutofthehouseandmyhear
tbeatf
ast
becauseoff
ear.

NARRATED

Herushedhertothehospi
talver
yscared.Theylost
thei
rbabyboyandnowt hi
s?Itwouldkil
lhiswif
e.
Shewouldn'
thandlei
tift
heylostthi
sonetoo.
Mpe:
hel
p!someonehel
p!
Thenur sescamer unningaf terandtookherandput
heront hestret
cher .Hewant edtofoll
owthem but
theytoldhimt owai toutside.Hesatbyt hewait
ing
areaandcoul dn'tstopcr yi
ng.Hecal l
edtheparent
s
toletthem know.Thencal ledhisbrother
s.The
waiti
ngwaski l
li
nghi m.Hef eltl
iket
hedoctorswere
taki
nglong.Adoct
orcamet
ohi
m andhequi
ckl
y
stoodup.
Dr:
wehavetoquickl
yperf
orm ac-
sessi
on.Oneof
t
hem mightnotmakeit
.
Mpe:
howi
smywi
fe?
Dr:
wearest
il
lbusywi
thher
.Weneedyout
osi
gn
somepaper
s.
Shaka:
baf
owear
eher
e.
Mpe:whateveryoudodoct
or.Makesureyousave
mywi f
e.Idon'tcar
eift
hebabydoesn'
tmakeit.I
wantmywi feali
ve
Dr
:we'
l
ldoourbestt
osavet
hem al
l.
Hefol
lowedthedoct
orandsignedt
hepaper
sthen
wentbackt
ot hewai
ti
ngroom.
Mzwakhe:
whathappened?
Mpe: ever
ythi
ngwasfineandwewer etal
kingand
l
aughi ng.Thenkwafi
kauMt handeni
.Iwastalki
ng
tohim andshestart
edfeel
ingpainandstart
ed
bleeding.
Muzi:
I'
m surehemusthavedonesomethi
ng.We
cannevertr
ustanyoneassoci
atedwi
thhi
m.
Mpe:andnowoneofthem mi
ghtnotmakei
t.What
wi
llhappeni
fmywifedoesn'
tmakeit
?
Shaka:
don'
ttal
kli
ket
hat
.I'
m sur
eshewi
llmakei
t.
Muzi
:what
'
shappeni
ng?Whyar
ethedoct
orsgoi
ng
t
hatsi
dewithher
?

Helookedupandsawt hem pushi

ngt
hebedwi
th
hi
swi f
e.Tear
srol
led.
Mzwakhe:isn'
tther
esomethi
ngwecando?Maybe
cal
lherfr
iend.Theoneshegoest
ochurchwi
th
someti
mes.
Mpe:
icandoanyt
hing.Ij
ustwantmywi
fet
obef
ine.
Het
ookhi
sphoneoutandcal
ledChr
is.
Chr
is:
Mpendul
o.How'
sever
ythi
nggoi
ng?
Mpe:t
hingsar
enotgood.Mywi
feishavi
ngac-
sessi
onandtheysayshemi
ghtnotmakeit
.
Chr
is:
eish.I
'
m sor
ryman.I
'
m st
il
linNi
ger
iawi
thmy
f
amil
y.ButIcanaskmymot hertot
alkt
othepast
or
f
rom ourchur
ch.Best
rong.Yourwi
fewil
lbeal
ri
ght.
Mpe:
yes.Thatwoul
dbever
yhel
pful
.I'
dappr
eci
ate
i
t.
Chr
is:
mymothersaysshewil
lcal
lthepastor
.I'
m
sur
ehewi
llcomethere.Hest
aysinIrene.
Mpe:
thankyouman.
Chri
s:mymotheristal
kingtothepastornow.We
wil
lalsopr
ayforyourwi f
efrom her
e.
Mpe:
thankyouf
oral
wayscomi
ngt
hroughf
orme.
Chr
is:you'
rel
ikemybr
other
.Soanyt
hingyouneed
j
usttellme.
Mpe:
okay.I
'
lll
etyouknowhowever
ythi
nggoes.

Soont hepastorandhi swifecall

ed.Theyprayed
withthem.Prayi ngtoGodt osaveboththemot her
andthechild.Theypr ayedforGodt obreat
hlif
einto
them.Togivet hem thestrengt
ht oover
comewhat
theyaregoingt hrough.
Pastor:
yourwi
fewil
lbefi
ne.Shewi
llover
comet
his.
Bothherandthebaby.Godiswi
tht
hem.Hewill
healthem.Amen.
Mpe:
amen.
Past
or:
whenyourwif
eisawakecallt
hisnumber
agai
n.Wewouldli
ketopr
ayforherandthebaby.
Tomorr
owwewi l
lcometothehospit
al.
Mpe:
thankyousomuch.

Af
terhecutt
hecal
lthedoct
orcamet
othem.
Dr:
ihavegoodnews.Wemanagedt
osavet
hem
bot
h.
Mpe:
thankyoudoct
or.Thankyou.
Dr:
youcangoandseet
hebaby.Yourwi
fei
s
sl
eepi
ng.

Thef
ouroft
hem wentt
owher
ethebabywaskept
.
Nurse:
ijustf
ini
shedbat
hingher
.Youhaveast
rong
baby.She'safi
ght.
Shaka:
she'
saKhoza.Theyar
eal
lst
rong.
Mzwakhe:
whenwi
llshebemovedt
ohermot
her
's
war
d?
Nurse:
maybeintheaft
ernoon.Thedoctorjusthas
tocheckher
.She'sabi
gbaby.Soi t
'sactuall
ya
goodthi
ng.
Mzwakhe:
isn'
tshesupposedt
obei
nani
ncubat
or
si
nceshe'
spremature?
Nurse:noshe'snotpremat
ure.Thi
sisherexactdat
e
t
obebor n.Hermother'
sdoctormusthavemadea
mistake.
Mpe:
canihol
dher
?
Nurse:
ofcour
se.Pr
esst
hatt
hingi
fsomet
hing
happens.
Muzi
:t
hankyou.
Nur
se:
thedoct
orwi
llcomeher
esoon.

Shelef
t.Mpendul
ocouldn'tst
oplooki
ngathi
sbaby
gi
rl
.Hisli
tt
leGabr
iel
le.Atearfel
l.
Mpe:i
can'
tbel
ieveyouar
eher
e.Mybaby.Dadl
oves
you.
Shaka:
congr
atul
ati
onsbaf
o.
Mpe:
thanks.Ican'tevencel
ebr
atef
ull
ybecausemy
wi
fei
sst i
llnotf
ine.
Muzi
:she'
soutofdangersot
her
e'smor
ehope.
.
..
.
Evenaftervisi
ti
nghour swer
eoverMpendulonever
l
eft.Hi
sbr other
sleftbuther
emainedbehi
nd.When
i
twasvi si
tinghoursagainhewenttohi
swife'
s
ward.Shewasawake.
Mpe:
howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Kea:
it
'sst
il
lpai
nful
.How'
sourbaby?
Mpe:she'
ssobeaut
if
ul.Andbi
g.Thedoct
ori
s
br
ingingher
.
Kea:
ican'
twai
ttoseeher
.Wer
eyoucr
ying?
Mpe:wealmostl
ostyou.Thedoct
orsdidn'
tknow
whotosavebetweenyouandourbabygi r
l.Ical
l
ed
Chr
is.Thent
hepastorsfr
om t
hatchurchyou
al
waysgotoprayedforyouandtheysai
dyouwil
l
bot
hmakeit
.Eventhoughihadli
tt
lehopeihol
d
ont
othei
rpr
omi set
hatyouwil
lmakeit.
Kea:
Godi
sgood.
Mpe:
ineverthoughtiwouldsayt
hisonedaybut
God'
sreal
lygood.Heshowedupi ntheERforyou
t
oday.Iwi
llneverfor
getthi
sday.
Nur
se:
her
e'syourgi
rl
.Congr
atul
ati
onsmommy.
Dr
:what
'shername?
Mpe:st
handwasaam doyouhaveanot
hernamef
or
her
?
Kea:
Real
eboga.Wet
hankGodf
orsavi
ngus.
Mle:
it
'
sabeautifulname.Gabr
iel
leReal
eboga
KhweziKhoza.
Dr
:okay.
Mpe:
howl
ongar
etheygoi
ngt
obeher
e?
Dr:j
ustaweek.Buti
t'
lldependont
hemot
her
's
recover
y.
Nur
se:
her
e.Youcanhol
dyourbabymommy.
Shegavehert
ohert
ohermot
herandl
eftwi
tht
he
doct
or.
Mpe:
letmecal
lthepast
or.

Whenhegotintheaft
ernoonhef
oundt
heki
dsi
n
t
hetvroom wat
chingtv.
Mpe:
wher
ear
etheot
hert
hree?
Li
ndani
:t
heyar
esl
eepi
ng.How'
smom?
Mpe:
she'
sfi
ne.
Mnqobi
:wheni
sshecomi
ngback?
Mpe:
soon.Letmeshowyouguysherpi
ctur
eswi
th
t
hebaby.
Hesatdownandwentt
hroughal
lthepi
ctur
eshe
t
ook.
Sphe:
i
sthi
smybabysi
ster
?
Mpe:
yes.
Sphe:
iloveher
.
Thando:
namiil
oveher
.Shehasbr
ownhai
r.
Heki ssedtheircheeksandwenttocheckont he
tr
ipl
et s.Theyweresoundasleep.Hekissedthem
andwentt ohisroom tot
akeashower.Whenhe
wasatt hehospit
alShakawenttobuyat -shi
rtf
or
him becauset heonehehadonhadbl oodoni t.

.
..
..
..
.

It
'sexactl
y9mont hsafterI
'
vegivenbirt
h.Mybaby
i
sgr owing.Shei
salsochubby, j
ustl
ikehowher
si
sterwas.Herfatherdoesn'
tcareaboutthat
.He
didn'
tli
ewhenhesai dit'
salit
tl
ehim.She'sal
ways
i
nhi sarms.Heevent akeshertoworksometimes.
Yeahhewentbackt owork.
Me:wewon'
tleaveanyt
imesooni
fyoukeepst
ari
ng
ather
.
Hedoesthi
sallt
heti
me.Hel
ooksi
ntohereyesand
shest
art
slaughi
ng.
Mpe:
youcan'
tbl
ameme.Idi
dn'
tsayshemusthave
youreyes.Yougaveherbeaut
if
uleyes.Yourbi
g
beauti
fuleyesar
etheonesinoti
cedfir
st.
Me:
stopbei
ngobsessedwi
thmyeyest
u.Let
'sgo.
Mpe:
haynaweumuhl
eyazi
Me:
ngi
yabonga
Mpe:
asambe.
Whenwegetoutt here'ssomuchnoi se.Event he
secur i
tiesarelooki ngatmyyar d.Thesebr others
l
ikemaki ngnoi sewhent heyar et oget her.
Accor dingtot hem t hisisacel ebr ation.Ndonii s
pregnant .That'swhatt henoi sei sal labout .Af ter
theyf oundt hesangomat heygott ot her ootof
what everwasst andi nginherwayt henwentt o
anot hertradit
ionalheal ert ocleanseher .They' ve
beent ryingforababyandNowshe' s8mont hsand
threeweeksal ong.She' scl oset ogivingbi rth.If i
nd
thi
sf unny.I '
vebeenl aughi ngathowshe' sbeen
tel
lingherhusbandt ost opmaki ngnoi se.She' snot
l
ikingt heattention.Weal lgeti ntoourcar aand
drivetot heairport.
Li
sa:
wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Mpe:
don'
tst
art
.
Li
sa:
butI
'
mjustaski
ng.
Mpe:
iknow.Butdon'
ttal
ktoomuch.
Li
sa:
butidon'
ttal
ktoomuch.
Mpe:
youdo.
Li
sa:
mpm.Tel
lhi
m idon'
t.Mp
Me:
tl
ogel
amonyanawame.Shedoesn'
ttal
ktoo
much.
Li
sa:youseemom get
sme?Ionl
yaski
mpor
tant
questi
ons.
Mpe:
you'
resmar
tneh?
Li
sa:
li
kemyaunt
yKhanyo.
Mpe:
whot
oldyout
hat
?
Li
sa:
shedi
d.Shesai
dI'
mli
keher
.That
'swhyI
'
m so
smar
t.

Wegottot
heair
por
tandboardedthej
et.Af
ter
maybe2hour
swearri
vedatShakaint
ernat
ional
air
port.Carswerewaiti
ngforus.Theydroveus
home.Thent hef
oll
owingdaywewoul dhavea
celebr
ation.Whenwear ri
vedt heot
her
sweresit
ting
i
nt helounge.Wealljoi
nedt hem.Asusualt
hekids
rantohigt hei
rgr
andparents.
Dad:
iwantt
ohol
dmyl
it
tl
egi
rlandboynow.Getof
f.
Nkazi
mul
o:butmkhul
uweal
sowantt
osi
twi
thyou.
Dad:
yesyoucan.Butnotont
opofme.Iwantt
o
hol
dthem.
Luu:
butmkhul
utheot
heronei
stoobi
g.She'
sfat
.
Mpe:don'
tcal
lyoursi
sterf
at.Youwer
eal
sof
atl
ike
t
his.Youandyourbrot
her.
Aya:
no!Iwasnot
.
Li
sa:
yesyouwer
efatandiusedt
opi
ckyout
wo.
Lu:
butnowI
'
m notf
at.
Li
sa:yes.Becauseimakeyouwalkal
ot.Youl
ove
bei
ngwi thmeeverywhereigo.
Lesedi
:andNat
tyi
sal
sof
at.Thandot
oo.
Li
sa:
theyeatal
ot.
Lesedii
sal
soher
e.Li
sawantedhert
ocomewi
th
usandherpar
ent
sagreed.

Lesedi
:evenLet
hui
sfat
.

Theki
dsl
aughed.
Li
sa:
youseemkhul
umyf
ri
endal
sot
alksal
ot?
Ma:
justl
ikeyou.

Wel
efttheki
dsargui
ngaboutwhotalksalot.Iwent
t
ochangeaswewer eaboutt
opeelthingsf
or
t
omorr
ow.Ifoundmyhusbandsit
ti
ngi nourroom.
Me:
areyoual
ri
ght
?
Iopenedt
hecl
osetandt
ookadr
ess.
Mpe:
mrPer
eir
apassedaway.
Me:oh.I
m sor
ry.Iknowhowmuchyoucar
edabout
hi
m.
Mpe:
yeah.

Hel
ookedhur
tbyt
his.Iunder
standhowhemustbe
f
eel
ing.

Mpe:iwasthi
nki
ngofgoi
ngt
ohi
sfuner
al.I
t'
sthi
s
weekend.
Me:
oh.
Mpe:I
'
mjustgoi
ngonf
ri
dayt
hencomebackr
ight
af
tert
hef
uneral
.
Me:
okay.
Mpe:iknowitdoesn'tsitwellwit
hyou.ButIhavet
o
goandpaymyl astrespect.Sphesi
hleal
sohasto
sayhergoodbyest ohergrandfather
.
Me:
kegout
lwi
le.Idon'
thaveapr
obl
emwi
thi
t.
Mpe:
Khanyi
sil
e!Uyaphimanj
e?
Me:
ihavet
ohel
ptheot
her
s.
Mpe:
webot
hknowyou'
rer
unni
ngawayf
rom t
his
conver
sat
ion.
Me:
whatdoyouwantmetosay?Webot
hknowt
hat
i
fiwer
etosaynoyouwoul
dstil
lgo.
Mpe:I
t'
sthel
easticoul
ddo.I
fitwasn'
tforhi
m
maybeIwoul
dbedead.
Me:goandpayyourlastr
espects.Idon'
tcare.
AnywaythepersonIhadapr oblem wi
thisdead,
his
daught
er.Nothim.
Mpe:
soyou'
regl
adt
hatshe'
sdead?
Me:yes.Oryouwantmet olietoyou?Ifshewas
al
ivemaybeallourchil
drenwouldbedeadal ong
withme.Ifyoubri
ngusanot herAgnesthist
imeI
wil
lleaveandnevercomeback.Iwi l
lleaveyouto
conti
nuewithyourAnges's.
Mpe:
didisayI
'
dbr
inganot
herwomani
ntoour
home?
Me:whoknows?Idon'
twanttocountonsomeone
andendupbeingdi
sappoi
nted.
Mpe:soyout
hinkt
hatI
'
m goi
ngt
odi
sappoi
ntyou
oneday?
Me:
..
.
Mpe:Iwon'
tgot
hen.
Me:
idon'
twantyout
obl
amemeoneday.
Mpe:
comeher
e..
.
Isatnextt
ohi
m.
Mpe:Iwoulddoanythi
ngforyou.I'
dki
llanyt
hingor
anyonethatt
hreat
ensyourli
fe.Sothi
sisnothing.
Me:
didyoukil
lJohn?I
sthatwhyFar
aihadawound
onhi
sshoulder
?
Mpe:yes.Butwhenwegotther
ehewasal r
eady
deadthenthepeopl
ether
estart
edshoot
ingatus.
Me:
oh.
Mpe:don'tdoubtourlove.Iwon'thurtyou.Youar e
myl i
fe.WithoutyouI'
m nothi
ng.Whatipr omised
youbackt heniwillst
icktoit
.Iknowihavehur tyou
i
nt hepast.ButyouknowI 'm doi
ngmybestt o
changethat .I
fsomethingdoesn'tsi
twel lwit
hyoui
won'tdoit.Iwantyout obehappy.Don' teverfor
get
that.
Me:I
'
m sor
ryfordoubt
ingyou.Ipr
omi
seiwi
llt
ry
anddobet
ter
.
Mpe:
iknow.
Icuddl
edupt
ohi
m.
Mpe:doyouthi
nktheywi
llneedyoufort
henext
t
hir
tyminutes?Iwastosleepnextt
oyou.Justt
o
f
eelyoucloset
ome.

Ithi
nkmyhusband' sl
oveist
oomuchnow.Even
nowt hathetemporar
il
ywentbacktoworkhe
al
wayscal l
severyhour.Hewantsmenexttohi
m.
Hisphonebeeps.
Mpe:gogoisher
e.Si
yasaysshe'slookingforus.
Tomorrowisabigday.Let'
sgoandgr eether.
what
didyoufeedher
?Thefirstt
hingsheaskedSiyaisto
tel
lmetocomewi t
hyou.
Me:
someonei
sjeal
ous.
Mpe:
asl
ongasyoudon'
tlovehermor
ethanyoudo
me.
Il
aughed.Wewentout
sideandt
her
ewer
elot
sof
peopl
e.
Me:
wowsomanypeopl
e.
Mpe: ShakaandNdoniar eattheirpl
acenow.They
don'tknowwhat '
sgoingonher e.Tomor rowit'
stheir
tr
aditionalwedding.It
'sasurprisesincetheydidn't
haveat r
adit
ionalwedding.Soweveatt wobi r
ds
withonest onebyal socelebr
atingtheirpregnancy.
Gogo:
mychi
ldcomeher
e.
Iwentt
osi
tnextt
oher
.
Gogo:
you'
resobeaut
if
ulandsmi
li
ng
I
tmeanshe'
sdoi
ngagoodj
ob.
Mpe:uyabonanawegogongi
yakwazi
ukumphat
ha
kahl
e.
Me:
howar
eyougogo?
Gogo:
I'
m good.Pl
easemakemet
eamychi
ld.Come
wit
hthi
sone'sbot
tle.
Shewascar
ryi
ngLet
hu.Iwentt
omakehert
ea.
Me:
Set
hucanihaveLet
hu'
sbot
tl
e?
Set
hu:
ithoughthewassl
eepi
ng.
Me:
he'
swi
thgogo.
Set
hu:
okay.Checki
nthatbowl
.
It
ooki
tandwentback
Theywer echatt
ingandlaughi
ngwi
thmyhusband.
Igavehertheteaandthebottl
e.
Gogo:
I'
m happyt
oseeyou.Ihopeyouwi
llcome
homet
hisDecember
.
Il
ookedatMpendul
oandhesmi
led.Iknowhe
al
readysai
dyes.
Me:
yesgogowewi
llcome.
Youshouldhaveseenabi
gsmi
leonmyhusband
face.Hewashappyshame.
Mpe:gogopl
easest
opf eedi
ngmywi f
ewhateveri
t
i
sthatyougi
vetoher.Shelovesyousomuch.
Me:
butyousai
dit
'smewhof
eedshert
hings.
Wel
aughed.
Gogo:
she'
sahumbl
eandr
espect
fulwoman.I
t
doesn'
ttakemucht olikeher.Il
ovedherthefir
st
dayyoutol dmeabouther .Icanseeyourlove
l
asti
ngforet er
nit
y.That'swhyIgavehermyname.
Khanyi
sile.She'
sbrightenedyourli
fe.

Wow.Ididn'
tknowKhanyi
sil
eishername.I
'
m
honour
edtohavehername.
Mpe:iknowgogo.She'
sbroughtt
heli
ghtt
hatwas
missi
nginmyl i
feandnothi
ngmatter
sanymore.
Onlyherandourfamil
y.Il
oveyouKhanyi
sil
eKhoza.
Me:
iloveyout
ooMkhat
hini
.

Andt his,t
hiswast hestor
yofourli
fe.Ourlove
stor
y.I twasn'teasybuthereweare.Wentt hr
ough
chal
lengesandover camethem t
ogether.Andwe
arestil
lgoingt omakesurethatwegot hrough
everythingtogetherasoneandwithlove.