▪KwaNt

uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t1•
••
.

"Il
oveyoudaddy!Youar emyher oeee!Iloveyou
daddy.Ohyeahh"myphoner ingsont opofit
's
l
ungsi fi
thasone.Irollovertotheot hersi
deto
tur
ni tof
f.Thati
smyal arm songbyt heway.I t
annoysmesomuch, Ihat ei
tInfactt hatiswhyi ti
s
usedasmyal ar
m song.Everymor ningitismy
motivati
ontogetupandswi t
chi toff.

Ihavet
extsf
rom mymot
her
.Tel
lmewhywasshe
awakeat3am?

She'
sinf
ormi
ngmeaboutaf ami
lymeet
ing.
Meeti
ngsmeeti
ngsmeet
ings!
That
'sal
ltheyknow.Ihat
egat
her
ings.Theywast
e
myt i
me.Mypeoplearen'
twhoI'
dchooseover
shoppingorsl
eepi
ng.Theybor
ethel
if
eoutofme.

Igetoutofbedandheadt ot
heen-suit
ebathroom.
Whoeversaidmoneycan'tbuyhappinesswas
probabl
yhighordrunk.I
maginetaki
ngapeewhi le
l
ookingdownatthecityofJohannesburgt
hrough
yourbathr
oom gl
asswall.Pr
icel
ess.

Ifl
ushandwal ktot hehandsinktowashmyhands.
Ineednewnai l
s.Iopent hecabinetandt akeoutmy
facetreatmentsandappl ythem.Apr oduct i
veday
aheadr equir
esabeaut if
ulface.Icouldneverdo
wellwithoutwithoutmyf aci
altreat
ment smyf ace
i
sf ul
lofbet r
ayal.Icouldmissonedayt oapply
theseandt heconsequencesmakesur etolastf
or4
mont hs.Idonott akemychancesIal waysmake
sureItakecar eofit.

Ihearmyphoneringi
ngfrom theot
hersi
de.I
tsnot
even10am yetwhatdoesthathumanbei
ngwant
f
rom me?If
ini
sht
reat
ingt
hef
aceandgot
otake
mycell
.

Itwasmom.Thi sbetterbenotaboutt
hefamil
y
gather
ing.Ical
lherback.Sheanswersonthe
secondring.
Meli
sa:"I
t'
snotevenpast10am butyouareal
ready
awayfrom yourphone"whathappenedt
ogreeti
ngs?
Me:"
Himommy.Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
"
Melissa:"
I'
m good.Canyoupleasebri
ng5Lofcup
cakeswhenyoucome.Maddywasgoi ngt obri
ng
them buthercarbrokedownshe'l
lar
ri
vel ate"t
ell
mewhatmakeshert hinkIwi
llar
ri
veearlyletal
one
aski
ngi fI
'm comi
ngatal l
!
Me:"Can'
tLucasandhi
swi f
ebri
ngt
hem?Oruncle
Robert
,he'
lll
ovet
oIknowcauseIam notsur
eifI
'
m
comingthi
swasshortnot
ice.
"
Meli
ssa:"
NoLexi
.Ifyouparti
cipatedonthefami
ly
gr
oupchatonWhatsApplikeeverybodyelseyou
woul
dknowthisi
sn'tshor
tnotice.Ineedyouhere
by1pm wear
ethehost
sIcan'
tgoaroundaski
ng
famil
ymemberst
orunerr
andsformeli
keIdon'
t
havemyownchil
dwhocandothatforme"
Me:"Butmom Lucasandhi
swi
fel
iveneara
baker
y"
Mel
li
sa:"
Sodoyou.Getup,getreadyandgoor
der
t
hecupcakesthengobuysnacksand
r
efr
eshments"
Me:"
OkSendmeal
ist
"
Mel
issa:"
I'
llsendi
tjustnow"

Sheendsthecal
l.Isi
ghanddr
agmyannoyedass
tot
hebathroom.

Itakeaqui ckshowerandl oti

onasf astasIcould
andt hengot othecloset.I
'
m alr
eadyl at
e.Ijustt
ake
thefirstcl
othesIlaymyeyeson.I tsSaturday,a
cloudyonesoIpi ckjeansandar oundneckt ee
andankl e-
strapheels.Idonotwearf l
atshoes,I'
d
ratherwalkbarefoott hant
oweart hem.Idonot
f
eelgoodinthem.Nomvelo,mybestf
ri
endisoneof
t
hepeoplethatdoesn'
tunder
standmydi
sfavorof
t
hoseshoes.

Speakingoft hatlit
tl
edevil.Shei sthepersonto
helpmebuyal lt
hethingsmymom i saboutorhave
sentalreadyint hatl
ist.If
ini
shdr essingupand
makemyf aceup.Justnat uralmakeup.Idon' t
wantmyauntMar ytomakecomment saboutmy
makeupt hroughoutt hegathering.We'renoteach
other'
sf avori
tes.Shel i
kesgivingoutordersandI'
m
nottheonet otakeordersEver ytime.

.
..
Meli
ssa:"
Nowt el
lme.Didyoudi
e?"Shesayswhen
MveloandIgetinhol
dinga10Lbucketofcupcakes.
ShehugsMvelofir
standthenme.
Me:"Ihadt
opayextraR100togett
hese.Why2
bucket
sanyway?Isthewhol
eofJo'
burgandCape
Towncominghere?"
Meli
ssa:"YourcousinWil
li
am iscomi
ngto
announcesomet hi
ngbigandyourfat
herhas
somethi
ngt otel
lthefami
lytoo"
Me:"
Ever
yyear
"Imumbl
eundermybr
eat
h.
Mel
issa:"
Mvelomydear
.I'
m gl
adyou'
reher
e.
How'swork?
"
Mvelo:"
Wor
kisgr
eat
.Il
ovewhatyoudi
dwi
tht
his
ki
tchen"
Melissa:"Ohyounoticed.Thankyoumybaby"she
saysgi vi
ngmeal ookt hat
'ssupposedtomakeme
guil
tybutitsnotworking.Igri
nandt akeasi
pofmy
dri
nkt hatIhavej
ustf i
xed.I'
m aginaholi
c
Me:"
Sowher
e'sever
yone?
"
Melissa:"Theyarecoming."Wehearlaughter
.It
s
them.Godf orgi
vemebutIdonotl i
kethesepeople.
Theyal lactli
kethey'
reaboveever
yone,evenGod.

AuntMar yist
heonetowal
kinfi
rst
.Whycouldn'
t
shejuststayi
nthel
oungewit
hherbrot
herandthe
other
s?
Shegreet
sandhugswit
hmymom.Mvel
ofol
lows
andshepauseandl
ooksatme.
Mary:
"Lookatyou.Sot
hinandpal
e.Doyoueat
?Or
sl
eepeven?"

Il
ookatmom.Sheshakesherhead.Isi
gh.
Me:"
I'
vebeengoingt
othegym."Ihaveneverseta
f
ooti
nthatsweatsmell
ingpl
ace.
Mar y:
"Andspendi
ngni
ghtslookingforajobright?
"
Itakeasiponmymugandnod.Shegr i
ns."Good"
shesaysandturnawaytoleave.Iscoffandrollmy
eyes.

Mel
issa:"
Don'
tmi
ndher
"
Me:"I
tssi
ckeni
ngmom.Shedoesn' tgett
ir
ed.How
i
sitanyofherconcer
nthatIam ski
nnyandpale?
"
Mvelo:"
Justignor
eher.Comelet'
sgoupstai
rsI
needatopfrom yourcl
othest
hisispassi
ngthe
chi
ll
iai
rthr
ough"
Mel
issa:"
Bequi
ck.Icoul
duseanext
rahandher
e"
Me:"
Wher
e'sGuguandZi
pho?
"
Mel
issa:"
Igavet
hem adayof
fLexi
."
Me:'
Okay.Noneedt
olookatmel
iket
hat
"

Wegoup.Iopenmywar
drobe.
Me:"
Youknow,If
eell
ikeMar
yhat
esmebecauseof
howIcameabout
"
Mvel
o:"
Thatwoul
dbest
upi
dofher
"
Me:"Shehasneverbeenni
cet omeeversi
nceI
wasakidbutIdidnotseeitt
henbutaft
ermom
t
oldmeaboutmyor igi
nali
dentit
yIst
art
edfeel
ing
Mary'
streat
mentwasmor eaboutwhoIam."
Mvel
o:"Yourpar
ent
sloveyouandt
hat
'sal
lthat
matt
ers"
Me:"
Ican'
tkeepupwi
thherbul
lyi
ng"
Ipul
loutaj
acketandgi
vei
ttoMvel
o.
Mvelo:"
Justbearwit
hherj
ustf
ort
oday.
"Inod."
I'
m
goi
nghomet omorrow"
Me:"Whatdoyouwantmet
odowi t
hmyl i
fe
tomorr
ow?Thisi
sthe7t
hweekendofyougoing
away"
Mvelo:"We'l
lgooutf
orbreakf
astandt
henI
'
lll
eave
l
ater
.I'm bui
ldi
ngahouseremember?"
Me:"
Yeah.Butt
hisi
stoomuch"

Shel
aughsandpul
lmeout
.

IhearLuc'
svoi
ce.Irusht
othelounge.Oureyes
meet.Irunt
ohisarms.Hepicksmeupandspi nme
around.
Lucas:"
Ekhetj
ougemi
s"
Me:"
Imi
ssedyout
oo.
"Heputmedown.
Lucas:"
Don'
tli
e.Youhaven'
tcal
ledmei
n2days"
Me:"IknowandI
'
m sor
ry.Heysis"Igr
eethi
swif
r.
Shegetsupandwehugtoothenshegoestothe
ki
tchen.
Me:" Andgr eet
ingst oeveryone.I'm sorryIjust
haven' tseenhi minawhi l
e."Theyal lgreetback.
Theyar edressedliketheyar egoi ngtoar oyal
function.Ever ypersonissi t
ti
ngnextt othei
rpar tner
.
DidIment ionIam t heonlysingle25yearol d
McVei gh?Nobodyi nthi
sf amilyhasmadei tt o23
withoutawi feorahusbandf ort hepast50year s.I
brokegener ati
onalmar ri
agebl essing.Possibly
becauseIhave" bl
ackbl ood"runni ngthroughmy
veins.
Lucas:"Comehelpmeoutbr aaithemeatout side.I
waswai ti
ngonLiam (Wi ll
'
sannoyi ngtwinbr ot
her)"
.
Him andIaretheblacksheepsoft hisfami ly.He
gotmar ri
edanddivorcedwi thi
nayear .Youcan
takethepigoutofmudbutyoucan' ttaket hemud
outofit.He'
sawomani zerandheshal lremai nthat
unti
lhef i
nds"t
heone" .Ifsuchr eal
lyexists.
Mvel
o:"
Iwi
llgohel
pint
heki
tchen"
Me:"
Comeon"
Luc:"
Themeatonl yneedst
wohands.Lethergo"
Mvelorol
lshereyesandwalksaway.

Theyusedt odatei
nhighschool
.Ionlyfoundabout
thatonourgraduat
ionday.Heboughtherapr esent
.
Andsai dhewasmakingupf ort
hepast.Ithought
theyjustl
ikedpi
cki
nguponeachot her.Li
ttl
edidI
know.

Luc:"
Yourfat
herdoesn'tl
ookhappy"hesaysaf
ter
weputmeatont hebraaist
and.It
akeaseatonthe
campchair
.
Me:"
Yeah.Heseemsdeepi
nhi
sthought
s"
Luc:"
Anyi
deawhatcoul
dbebot
her
inghi
m?"
Me:"
No.Ther
e'sonl
ywayt
ofi
ndout
;askhi
m"
Luc:"
Whenever
yonehasl
eft
"
Wet al
kedaboutever yt
hingandanything.Imissed
hi
m.Ever ythi
ngfeelsri
ghtaroundhim.He' smy
bestfr
iend.Lisa,
hiswifedidnotunderstandour
bondatf i
rstbutsheendedupadj ust
ingtoi t
.

Mom cameoutt
otellust
obr
ingi
nthemeat
.
Ever
yonehadar
ri
ved.

Weallseataroundthehugetabl
eandsaygrace
befor
ewedevour .Thi
ssightofl
ovebir
dsbei
ngall
overeachotherannoyst
hehelloutofme.
Br
it
ney:"
So,
Lexi
.Anyonei
mpor
tanti
nyourl
if
eyet
?"
Me:"HiBri
tney.Ihaven'
tseenyousi
nceyour
wedding.
"Lucclearshisthr
oat.
Br
it
ney:"
Real
ly?Feel
sli
keyest
erday.Sowhenar
e
weatt
endi
ngyours?"
Me:"
MyWhat
?"
Br
it
ney:"
Weddi
ngsi
ll
y"Il
augh.
Wi
ll
:"Honest
lyspeaki
ng.Haven'
tyouf
oundaman?
"
Me:"
Whatam Igonnadowithi
t?Peti
t?Takei
tfor
wal
ks?DoIf
eedit?Bathi
t?"
Mary:
"Youaretheonly25yearol
dsi
ngl
eMcVei
gh
doyoureal
iset
hat?"
Me:"Wasthi
sgatheri
ngaboutaski
ngmet hat?can
wefocusonthi
smout hwater
ingfoodandstop
aski
ngmequestions?"
Wi l
l:"Youneedsomeonet oli
veyourl i
fewi
th.You
donotwor k,
youl i
veinapent house,youshop
ever yday,
youtravel.Al
lofthoseexpensesare
takencar eofbythef amil
ybusiness.Youneeda
husband"
Me:"
Andhowist
hatanyofyourconcer
nbecause
t
hatmoneyi
sofmyshares?
"
Bri
tney:"
Iti
sbri
ngi
ngdownt hecompany.You
shouldbesavi
ngthi
smoneyt oinvestbutno.You
al
wayscheckintoexpensi
vehotel
severyweekend!"
Me:"Don'tyoudar
eraiseyourvoi
ceatme.Whyar
e
yi
uwat chingmyli
feanyway?Don'tyouhave
anyt
hingconcerni
ngmar r
iagetodo?"
Wil
l:"
Wef
oundyouaman"Isar
cast
ical
lyl
aughout
l
oud.
Me:"Ar
eyouondrugs?Mom?Dad?Youknew
aboutt
his?
"Thei
rst
aresi
nst
ant
lycr
eat
edknotsi
n
mystomach.
Mar
y:"
It
sfort
hebest
"
Me:"
Bestf
orwho?Whot
oldyouI
'
m at
tr
act
edt
o
menanyway?
"
Mel
issa:"
Areyougay?
"
Me:"
That
'snott
hepoi
ntmom.Idon'
twantaman!
Dad?
"
Mar cus:"Whatinthi
slif
ehaveyoueverdidwithout
protest?Youwer ebeggedtogot ovar
sit
y,youare
sti
llbeggedtoat t
endmeetingsconcerni
ngthe
familybusinesses.Now,you'
re25andnoteven
oncehaveweseenyourboyf r
iendorhear
dabout
him"I'm afr
aidtoeatthi
sfood.Ithasadangerous
drugoni t.
Me:"
Youpeopl
ear
eunbel
ievabl
e"
Wi
ll
:"I
fyoucannott
aket
hismanwehavef
oryou.
I'
m aski
ngyout omoveoutofthepenthouseand
uncleMarcusiscl
aimingbackhi
sshar es.Doyou
knowwhatt hatmeans?Nomont hl
yincomef or
you"
Me:"Iwouldratherliveonthestreet
st hantoletyou
peoplebull
yme. "Igulptherestofmygi ndown.
"Movingmeoutoft hepenthouseandconvi ncing
mydadt otakehi ssharesbackwon' tmaket hat
bastardchi
ldyour sWill
.Youshootbl anksgenius"

Hiswif
egasps.Igetupandheadout.Atleasthe
di
dnotsaytheywillt
akemycars.I
fIsell2.Iwil
l
haveenoughmoneyt opayr
entwhereverI'
m gonna
fi
ndaplace.

Me?Aman?Mar r
iage?Funny.Ineedaj
ob.Wher
e
canIf
indonei
nthisbi
gcountry?.
..
KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t2•
••
.
I'
m depr essed.That
'sallIcansay.It houghtIwoul d
wakeupt oanemai linvit
ingmet oani nterviewbut
myphonei sasdryasKal ahar ideser
t.Itri
ed
sendingoutmyCVovert heweekendaf terthat'Fi
nd
Lexiahusband' gat
hering.Ispentt hewhol eof
yesterdayonmyphonesear chingforpossi blework
vacancies.Mostofavai lablepost swer ewhatI '
m
notinterestedin.

GodknowsIneedaj
obasap.

Isi
gh.I'm sostressedIj
ustwanttosleepforthe
wholeyear .AndMvelobeingawayismaki ngthis
wholethingwor se.It
akemyphoneandt exther
wheni sshecomi ngback.She'
stheonlyf r
iendI
have.Andi nhardtimesli
ketheseIcouldreall
yuse
herpresence.

Oh.
..
She'
saCEOwher
eshewor
ksmaybeshecan
f
indmesomet
hing.It
extheragai
n.Shecal
ls
i
nstant
ly.
Me:"
Heypumpki
n"
Mvel
o:"
Howi
sdepr
essi
ongoi
ng?
"Shel
aughs.
Me:"
Ifi
ndi
tver
ydi
stur
bingt
hatt
hisamusesyou"
Mvelo:"
Whowouldn'
tbe?Mybestf
ri
endisfi
nal
ly
gonnaknowwhatreal
li
fei
s.I
'
mf l
att
ered"
Me:"
Ihavenocl
uehowt
osur
vivei
nreall
if
e!"
Mvelo:"
Yougonnal
earn.Soyouwantmet
ofi
nd
yousomethi
ngatwork?"
Me:"
Yeah.Whenar
eyoucomi
ngback?
"
Mvel
o:"
I'
m pr
epari
ngaswespeak.Iwi
llbeont
he
r
oadinanhour"
Me:"
Pleasedr
ivef
astImi
ssyou"
Mvelo:"
I'
vebeengoneforafewhourschi
llyourt
it
s.
CheckyouemailIj
ustsentyoui
nter
viewt
ips"
Me:"Wi
llt
hatr
equir
emet
oint
eractwi
thhuman
bei
ngs?
"Shesighs.
Mvelo:"I
fyou'
rereal
lyseri
ousaboutnotwanting
thatarr
angedhusbandforyou.Youbet t
erget
yoursel
fusedtothehumanspeci esbecausethati
s
everywherei
nwor kenvi
ronment"Igroan.
Me:"
Ihat
emyl
if
e!"
Mvel
o:"
Iloveyou.Letmef
ini
shupher
e"
Me:"
Thankyouf
orl
ovi
ngme.You'
ret
rul
yanAngel
.
Ar
eyougonnafi
ndmeajob?
"
Mvel
o:"
Iwi
llf
indt
hatoutt
hiseveni
ngwhenIar
ri
ve"
Me:"
Thankyou"
Mvel
o:"Nopenotyetcakes.And.
..
Ijustsentyou
emai
lsyoucansendyourcvt o.
"
Me:"
Asl
ongasi
tisnotcl
eani
ngj
obs"
Mvelo:"
BeggarsCan'
tbechooser
sAl
exi
sMcVei
gh"
Iam anatur
albornchooser
.
Me:"
Bye.Il
oveyou"
Mvel
o:"Of
courseyoudo.Il
oveyoumor
e"Il
augh
andhangup.
10yearsoffri
endship.Itallst
artedattherestr
ooms
whenshef oundwhitegi r
lsforcingt
heirst
inky
handsint
omyhai r.Ihaveal waysbeenaqui et
personsotookthatintoadvant ageandbulli
edme.
Mvelocamet hr
oughf orme.Eversi ncewe'vebeen
i
nseparabl
e.We'reli
terall
yeachot her'
sbreaths.

Mywhol eupbr ingi

ngIhaveal waysbeenmadet o
feelawfulaboutmyr ace.Myhai rwastoofluff
yto
bewhi t
eandmyski nwast oobrighttobeblack.I
haveneverf el
twelcomeanywher e.Whenfil
li
ngin
formsIalwayshadt ochooseblackuntilt
he8th
grade,t
hat'swhent he'Col
oured'columnwas
i
ntroduced.

Alltheremarkst
hatwer emadeaboutmemademe
prefermyownspaceandavoi dhumansatal lcost
s.
WhenIf ini
shedhighschoolIwashappyIam f inal
ly
goingtohidemyselfathomet il
leter
nit
y.Lit
tl
edidI
knowmypar ent
swer esendingmet ert
iar
y.Icri
ed
andt hr
eatenedt
okillmyselfeven.Mydadbegged
me, Inowknowi twasf ormyowngoodt ogoget
thatquali
fi
cationbutitjustdidn'tfeelri
ghtatthat
ti
me.I twasnotexci t
ingt hatIhadt ostartanewl i
fe,
i
nadi f
fer
entenvi r
onmentwi t
hdi f
ferentpeoplewho
willal
soquest i
onwhybot hmypar entsar ewhit
e
butmyhai rlookslikethis.I'
vehadi ttough.AndI
hatethatnowIhavet owor kandfacehumans
everysingl
eday!

SinceIwenttot
ert
iar
yIi
ntr
oducedmyselftowigs.
Theyli
ter
all
ysavedmypoorsoulf
rom annoyi
ng
questi
ons.

ThedooropenasIdr owndeepinmyt houghts.

Whatiftheonlyj
obsavail
ablearecleaningjobs?
Whatam Igoingtodo?Shest ar
esatmef orawhile
andgetsin.Shetossesherbagovertothecouch
andwalkstrai
ghttoopenthecurtai
ns.Thesunl i
ght
rushest
ost i
ngmypooreyes.
Mel
issa:"
Isthi
showyoulookforaj
ob?"Shepi
cks
upanempt ybot
tl
eofDr
ostdyhofwi
ne."Al
exi
s."
Me:"Iwasstressedokay"Idrankmysel ftosl
eep
l
astnight
.Iti
snoteasyt ogof rom herotozer
o.I
haveneverworkedadayi nmyl i
fe.Dadtookallmy
cardsonSaturday.I
'
m onlyleftwithmybankhar d
thathasmaybeaf ewthousandsi nit.
Meli
ssa:"
Youshoul
dbeoutt
her
eappl
yingf
orj
obs
notdr
inki
ng"
Me:" Whatkindofjobs?"Shesighsheavi
lyandpul l
offtheduvet.I'
m exposed.Shesignal
smet ogetup.
Ido.Shef i
xmybedwhi leIwatchandshesitson
topwhenshe' sdoneandpat sthespacenexttoher .
Isit
.Ifeell
ikethrowingup.Myheadi sheavy.Ineed
togoseeaDr .Withwhatmoneyt hough?
Meli
ssa:"Honeyli
sten.Yourfat
herandIaren't
al
waysgoi ngtobearound.Thedaywillcomeand
Godshallrememberusandt akeus.Whent hatday
comes.Wedonotwantt oleaveyouheretosuffer.
Uswantingyoutofindaj obisawayofusshowi ng
l
ove"
Me:"
Love?You'
rekicki
ngmeoutofthi
spl
acemom,
dadt
ookallmycards,he'
staki
ngmyshar
es.How
i
sthatanyt
hingcl
oset
olove?
"
Melissa:"Doyouknowhowmucht hisplacecost ?
"I
shakemyhead." Overa2mi l
li
onbutweboughti t
becauseyouwant edit.Youcannotbl ameusf or
al
waysgi vingyouwhatyouwant ,thatwast he
parentsinus.Lookwhati tdidtoyou?Youhave
neverwor ked,
youdon'tevenknowhowt ot urna
washingmachi neon,nott omentioncooki ng.
You'rerui
nedbaby.Weover spoi
ltyouandi t
'sabout
ti
mewef ixourmist
akeandputast optothat "I
couldfeelmycheeksgetwet .
Me:"
SoI
'
m goi
ngt
oli
veont
hest
reet
s?"
Meli
ssa:"No.Youhaveabout3mont hstobeher e.
Youwillnothavehel panymore.St
art
ingfrom now,
cl
eanthiswhol eplaceandthenbath,pr
intyourCV
andgol ookforajob.Doyouevenhaveone? "
Me:"Imadei
tonSatur
day"Myfi
rsteverCur
ri
cul
um
Vi
tae."
WherecanIl
ookforaj
ob?"
Meli
ssa:"Ever
ywhere.Woolwor
thsi
sal
ways
l
ooki
ngf orpacker
s"Ilaugh.
Me:"
Yeahni
ceone"
Mel
issa:"
Doyouhaveabet
terj
obi
nmi
nd?
"
Me:"
Iam apr
ofessi
onal
magazi
needi
tor
"
Mel
issa:"
Thengot
oever
ymagazi
necompanyout
t
her
e"
Me:"
Wher
ear
ethey?
"
Meli
ssa:"Mygoodness.There'
sint
ernetonyour
phone.Googl
edirect
ions.I
fyouhavenotf ounda
j
obin3mont hsthatWill
iam'smanwillcomeand
marryyou.Wehavenochoi cebutt
oagr ee"
Me:"
Thisisabouti
t?Puni
shmentf
ornotbei
ng
marr
ied?
"
Melissa:"St
artbyfol
dingthosecl
othes.Iwi
llst
op
bylatertoseehowyoucl eanedandhearabouthow
di
dyougoonj obhunt
ing"

Sheki
ssmycheekandst
andupt
oleave.

Iscr
eamedmyl
ungsoutsoonasshecl
osedt
he
door
.
.
..
Aft
erfol
dingmydi rt
yclot
hesIwascollect
ingfr
om
t
hef l
oor
.Ineatlypackedthem i
ntoabasketand
wenttothelaundryroom.

I'
m here.Idon'tevenknowwher etost
art
.Ileave
thebasketthereandgot othekit
chen.I
tisnotas
dir
tyjustafloorwithminorst
ains.

Isear
chfort
hecl
eaningequi
pment.If
indi
taft
er
openi
ngever
ycupboarddoorbef
oreme.Icando
thi
s.

Aft
eranhourIam doneandr
eadyt
ogof
indhow
doesamachinework.

Therear
elaundr
yplacesoutt
here,
ther
eisoneon
the2ndfl
oor.Whywouldn'
tIwantt
osupportal
ocal
busi
ness?

Igotomyroom totakeabi gbagandcomebackt o

packmymydi r
tylaundry.Thekitchenandthe
l
oungelookgood.Cleaningisn'
tsohardafter
allbut
Idon'
tseemyselfscrubbingfl
oorseveryday.

It
aket
hel
if
t.I
tsal
waysempt
yonweekdays.
Me:"Hel
lo"hebiteshiskotaandnods."Uhm, how
muchdoesi tcoststodolaundry?
"Hi sst
arei
s
uncomfort
able.Maybeifhewasn' tchewi
ngandhe
woreafit
ti
ngshi r
tthissightwouldn'
tbedist
urbi
ng.
Him:"
Ionlydolaundr
yforpeopl
ewholivei
nthi
s
bui
ldi
ng"wheredoIli
ve?Outofspace?
Me:"
Ili
veher
e.Onthepenthouse"heobser
vesme
andt
akesanot
herhugebit
eonhi skot
a.
Hi
m:"
Youar
eMar
cusMcVei
ghdaught
er?
"
Me:"
Yes"
Hi
m:"
Iexpect
edhert
obe.
..
"hecl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
.
Me:"Whi
te?NoI'
m notcomplet
elywhi
te.Howmuch
doyouchargef
oryourser
vice?
"
Him:"Pleaseputyourbagonthatscal
e"hepoints
atthefarendofthecounter
.Idoasperinst
ruct
ion.
"I
twillbeR150"
Me:"
Doyouhaveaspeedpoi
nt?
"

Heshakeshisheadandtakesanotherbi
te!I
'
m
annoyed."
OkletmeleavethesehereIwi
llgo
wit
hdrawmoney"
Him:"Youcanpayusi
ngEFT.Thedet
ail
sar
eri
ght
befor
eyou"

Hesaysandgetup.He'ssohuge.Hetakesmybag
andwalksi
ntoadoorthencl
osesitbehi
ndhim.

Idon'
twantt
olie,hi
skot
alookst
ast
y.If
ini
sh
payi
ngandwaitforhimt
ogetback.
Hi
m:"Idonotwashunder
wears"Ididnotevensee
hi
m getout
.Thekot
acaughtmyattenti
on.
Me:"
I'
m sor
ry.Thatmust
'vegot
tenther
ebymi
stake.
I
tscl
ean"henoddedandgavemer ecei
pt.
Hi
m:"
Youcancomegeti
taf
ter4pm"
Me:"
Wher
edi
dyoubuyt
hat
?"
Him:"Andyousayyoul
eaveher
e?"Heshakeshi
s
head."Gr
oundfl
oor
"
Me:"
Thanks"

Iseeavacancypostont
hewallasIwal
kout.He
needsanassist
ant
.Iwoul
dtakesuchaj
obifIhad
aguntomyhead.

Itaket
hestair
sdowntogetmysel
fthekotaand
takeali
ftbacktomywor
ld.WhataClassi
ckotathi
s
i
s.

Iputi
tinapl
ateandsi
tinf
rontofaTV.I
tsqui
te
t
astyi
fyouaskme.HowcomeIdi
dn'
tknowabout
t
hispl
ace?

I
tsnotl
ikeIknowmor
ethan5peoplewhol
ivei
n
t
hisbui
ldi
nganywayl
etal
oneshops.

Ifi
nisheat
ingandt
extt
hegirl
fr
iendabouthowf ar
i
ssheandt akeanapaf
tersherespondsthatshe'
s
near.

Iwil
lstar
tlooki
ngforajobtomorrowmorning.
Mondayisagoodst ar
ttodoanythingbutt
oday
i
sn'tt
hatMondaynotwhi leIj
usthear
dthatIhave3
monthstof i
ndajoborelseIwil
lhavetomarrya
st
ranger.

Iwoul
dst
abhi
sassonaf
ir
stdat
eandgot
ojai
l
once.
.
..
Myphoner
ings.Di
stur
bingmybeautysl
eep.Iam
deepi
nmysleepbutIcanheari
tki
llmyeardrums.I
ext
endmyhandtogetitont
opofthecoff
eetable.

Icheckthetimefi
rstbef
oreanswering.It
s3pm.It
doesn'
tfeelli
keIhavebeensleepi
ngf or4hour
sat
al
l.Ti
mef li
es.
Me:"
Heyboo"
Mvel
o:"
Pleasebuzzmei
n"
Me:"
Why?Don'
tyouhaveyourI
Dwi
thyou?
"
Mvel
o:"
NoI
'
m wi
th8someone"
Me:"
Whoi
sit
?"

Theli
nedied.Ibuzzheri
nandwai
t.Whocoul
dshe
possi
blybewith?

Igetupandpr
epar
esomet
hingt
odr
ink.
Acoupl
eofminut
eslat
er.Iheartheli
ftbeep.She
wal
ksoutf
oll
owedbyat axidr
iver,
Icantellbythe
wayhe'
sdr
essed.Ir
usht oher
.
Me:"
Didyourcarbreakdown?
"Ihugher."
Orwere
youmugged?"Shelooksatmeconf
used."
Hel
lo"I
sayt
othetaxidr
iver
.
Him:"Nkosazana"Heext
endshi
shandf
orahand
shakeandweshakehands.
Mvel
o:"Whywoul
dyouassumemycarbr
oke
down?"
Me:"Whywoul
dyoutakeataxi
then?I
'
m sor
rymy
br
otherhowmuchdoessheoweyou?"
Mvelo:"
Lexi"shewarns."Uhm..
.babethisi
syour
competi
torAlexisSabat
hileMcVeigh.Lexi
,thi
sis
myboyfriendNdunaMl angeni
"shesayswi thavery
widesmilethatIfeel
li
kewashingitoffwit
hpunch.
Me:"
NicetomeetyouSir
.Canwetal
k?"Ipul
lher
st
rai
ghtt
omybedr oom.Isl
am t
hedoorcl
osed.

Me:"
Whatt
hehel
l?
"Sheshr
ugs."
Youhavea
boyf
ri
end?
"
Mvel
o:"
YesIdo"
Me:"
Forhowl
ong?
"
Mvel
o:"
8mont
hs?
"
Me:"Ar
eyoukiddi
ngme?You'
vebeenl
yingt
ome
f
orthepast8months?
"
Mvelo:"
Idi
dn'twantyoutost
ressovermyf
ail
ed
rel
ati
onshi
pagain.Ineededt
obesureit
ssol
idfi
rst
befor
eItel
lyou"
Me:"Whatprovedi
tissol
id?
"Shehesit
antl
ywaved
upherlef
thand.Ther
e'sari
ng.She'
smar r
yinghi
m!
Godpleasesendyourangel
s,evenMari
aifyoucan.

Mybestfriendjustagreedtomarr
yaZulumant hat
i
swear i
ngomegasandal s,
Brent
wood,uzzi
teeand
aleat
herjacketinthi
sheatofJo'
burgsummer.
Mvelo:"
Ilovehim okay?Hemakesmehappyand
he'
slooki
ngf or
war dint
oknowi
ngyoubecausehe
knowsyou'reabiggestpar
tofmyli
fesotheleast
ypucandoi sbenice"
Me:"He'
sataxidr
iverr
ight
?"Shel
ooksatme
di
sappoi
nted.
Mvel
o:"
Herunsacarpent
erbusi
ness.Notal
lZul
u
mendri
vet
axisnorownsone"
Me:"
He'
swear
ingat
axir
ankuni
for
m"
Mvel o:"
It
snotat axirankunif
orm.MostZul
umen
prefertowearli
ket hat.
"Shedoesn'
tseeanythi
ng
wrongwi thherhorribl
echoiceinmen.She'
s
defendingthem.
Me:"
Whathappenedt
odat
ingeducat
edmen,
men
i
nsuit
s?"
Mvelo:" Lovedoesn' tgiveasinglecareLexi.When
youcomeacr osst heone,eventheuni ver
sefavors
you.Whot heyar eandwhatt heyaredoesn'thaveto
mat t
er.Asl ongast heyareeverythi
ngyou'vebeen
prayi
ngf orandvi ceversa.I'
m notexpecti
ngyout o
understandt hatasyetmyf ri
endbutoneday, t
hat
specialguywi l
lpopoutwher eyouleastexpectit
.
Youwi llfallinlovewi ththi
smanandt hewor l
d
won'tunder standbutt hatwon'tmat t
ertoyou
becausei twillallbemaki ngsensetoyou"
Ilookather
.She'
sinl
oveandnot
hingshal
lchange
that.
Me:"
Asl
ongasyou'
rehappy"Isay.
Mvel
o:"
Iknowyoudon'
tmeant
hat
"of
cour
seIdon'
t.
Me:"Couldn'
tyouat
leastgof
oraVendamanor
Malawian?Zulumenarethemostcompl
icat
ed
br
eedorsoI '
vehear
d"
Mvelo:"
Ndunai
sn'
tyourusualt
ypicalZul
uman"
shesaysaswefol
loweachotherbacktothe
l
ounge.

He'
srelaxed.HehasaremoteinhishandandSS4
i
splaying.Li
kethati
sn'
tenough.Hehashis
"
Uyawudl al
auWasaphu"shoesontopofmycof f
ee
t
abl
et hatIworkedsohardtomakeitshi
nethi
s
morni
ng.
Nduna:"
Yourhousei
sbeaut
if
ulSabat
hil
e"
Igi
veMvel
othel
ook.
Mvel
o:"
Shepr
efer
sLexibaby"
Nduna:"
IfIsai
d;RunSabat
hil
erun!Woul
dn'
tshe
r
un?"

Notat
ypi
calZul
umanshesai
d.
Me:"
I'
llgoor
dersomet
hingt
oeat
"
Nduna:"
Norawfi
shplease.Andyoushoul
dn'
teat
f
ishit
snotgoodf
oryourteet
hnkosazana"

Okayt
hat
'si
t.I
'
m out
.It
akemycarkeysandbag.
Me:"Feelathome"alt
houghhedi
dt hatwit
houtme
havi
ngtosayi t
.ButIhadtosayi
tjustfort
he
cul
ture.

Awhol
eShakawar
ri
ori
ntoourl
ives.I
'
m def
eat
ed.
..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪
•
••I
nser
t3•
••
.
TodayIwokeupanddeci
dedt ot
aket
hisser
iousl
y.
Ipri
ntedmycvandhi
ttheroad.

Spendingt heeveningwithMveloandherr ude

Ndunar eallyhel
ped.Ireal
izedonething;Ihaveno
cl
ueaboutr eall
if
e.Ndunat ookusdownt he
memor ylaneofhowhegr ewup.Ididn'
tknowt hat
peopleactuallygotobedhungr y.Hesaidthatwill
bemever ysooni fIdon'
tlookforaj
ob, t
hat'
show
harshhei s.Hehast hesecrazysuperst
iti
onshe
surpr
isedmeever ysecondheopenedhi smout h.

Theonlyfri
endl
yandsweetthi
nghesaidisthatwe
shouldhaveaschedul
eofwhoseesMvel owhen.
Alt
houghIknowIwi l
lgetr
obedbuti
tisthoughtf
ul
ofhim.

Whyar
erecept
ioni
stssor
ude?I
'
vesubmi
tt
edmy
CVto4companiesbutalr
eadyIf
eell
ikegi
vingup
becauset
hey'
vebeengivi
ngmehell
.

Myphoner i
ngsonceandaut omati
call
yanswers
andconnecttot
heBluetoot
h.Thisalwaysmakeme
answercal
lsIhavenointer
estinbutluckyt
odayit
i
sLucas.
Luc:"
Mybaby"
Me:"Heybestbr
oei
nthewor
ld.Howar
eyou
doi
ng?"
Luc:"
I'
m good.Tel
lmegi
rlwher
ear
eyou?
"
Me:"
Ont
her
oad.I
'
m sendi
ngoutmycv"
Luc:"
You'
rer
eal
lydoi
ngi
t?"
Me:"
Yup.
"
Luc:"
Okay.I
'
m her
eatyourpl
ace.Whatt
imewi
ll
youbeback?"
Me:"Iam dr
ivi
ngtothelastdr
opoff
,Iwil
lbet
her
e
i
n..
.45minutes.Don'
teatmyfoodpl
ease"
Luc:"
Youmeant
hepast
a?"
Me:"
Lucas!Orderi
tbefor
eIarr
ivebecauseIswear
t
oGodIwi l
l.
..
"helaughsandhangup.

Whatdoesdot
oabr
otherl
iket
his?

.
..
IgetinandI 'm hitbyafreshsmell
.Il
eftt
hisplacea
mess.Hecl eanedup.Whatwoul dIbewithouthim?
Iti
ssqueakycl ean.I
twasn'tthi
scl
eanyesterday
afterIcleaned.TheKi mberl
yboysboardi
ngschool
reall
ytrainhim well.

Lucas:"
Yousur
eashel
ltookyourt
ime"
Me:" Mi
d-daytr
aff
ic"Iputt
hepi
zzaboxont opof
thecounteranddri
nkdownhisjui
ce."
Ifeell
ike
dying"

Hepicksthepizzaboxupandl
eadst
hewayt
othe
l
ounge.Icastoffmyheels.
Lucas:"
Don'
tdi
eyet
"It
hrowmysel
font
hecouch.
Me:"Haveyoueverdrovear
oundJohannesburg
beggingthosemoodyuglyl
adi
esonfrontdesksto
takeyourcv?"
Lucas:"YesIhave.Ijustwasn'tdri
vingIhadtowait
30mi nutesf
orabusaf t
ersubmi t
ti
ngeachCVor
walktothenexthiri
ngpl ace.You'
reluckyhedidn'
t
takeyourcarsaway"
Me:"IsweartoGodIwoul dtel
lhi
m strai
ghtto
disownme."Hewasver yharshontraini
ngLucasto
a'man'butsomehowIt hi
nkithel
pedhi m.Hehas
hisownsuccessfulbusi
nessesandaf armthathe
j
ustbought.Heisexactl
ythemanf atherwas
tr
aini
nghimt obe.
Lucas:"I'
mjustpr oudyouwentoutther
eandtook
action.AndIwillcrossmyfi
ngersyougetajoband
disappointWi
llandhi smom"Ilaugh.
Me:"
Canoneunfamil
yaperson?Iwannaunf
ami
ly
t
hem whenIf
indajob"hel
aughs.
Lucas:"
Chi
ll
.Mmmht
hispi
zzai
sni
ce"
Me:"Thi
sismydailymeal
.Nowt
ellme,
whyar
en'
t
youatyourhouse?
"
Lucas:"
BecauseLisawoul
dpr
efert
oseel
essofme
aroundher
"Ilaugh.
Me:"
Isshepr
egnant
?"
Lucas:"It
hinkso.Shecri
edthewholedaywhenI
tol
dhershemustt est
.ShesaidI
'
mi ndi
rect
lysayi
ng
she'
sfat"
Me:"
Thebuni
sint
heoven!I
'
m gonnabeanaunt
"

Igetupanddance.Hei
ncr
easest
hevol
umeand
j
oinsme..
.

.
..
ItbeenaweeksinceIsentoutmycvsandnotonce
haveIbeeninvi
tedtoanint
ervi
ew.I
'
ml ef
twith2
mont hsand3weekstomoveoutthepenthouse.
Sigh.
Iam meetingwithmydadt odayatlunch.Ihaven'
t
spokentohim sincethedayhecamet otakemy
cards.AndIwoul dbelyi
ngifIsai
dIam looking
for
war dtothatl
unch.Iam notinamoodf orbeing
l
ectured.

OntheotherhandIhaveseenmybest i
eoncet
his
week.I
tisoff
ici
al.Idonotl
ikeNduna.I
twasalot
bet
terwhenIwasi nthedar
kaboutthewholet
hing.
Shewoulddisappearonl
yonweekends.

Myl
ifel
it
eral
lyr
evol
vesar
oundherandmypar
ent
s.
Wel
l,
notanymore.

Itakemyphoneandgeti nt
omyemai ls.Nothi
ng
rel
evant.Isighandputitbackdown.Thisjob
seekingstressiswei
ghingonme.Maybei fIknew
mor epeopleIwouldhavefoundonebynow.Ther e
arenovacanci esatMvelo'
ssoI'
m prett
ymuch
doomed.
Myal
arm goesoffasIposi
ti
onmyselfr
ightt
osl
eep.
Whydoesti
mef l
ysomuchr ecent
ly?

Ipr
epar
emyselffort
her
oadandt
aket
hel
if
tdown
whenI'
m done.

Ispotthef
atdudefrom thelaundrysit
ti
ngonthe
chai
rsbythepooleatinghiskota.Howhugedoes
hewannaget?Hi sstomachi shangingoutasusual.
Don'tmenhavebigclothestoaccommodat epot
bel
li
esorhejustdoesn'twanttowearf i
tt
ingcl
othes?

Heseesmestaringandwave.Iwaveback.Hegoes
backtohi
skotawithnocar
eintheworldandI
cont
inuewal
kingtomycar.

FuelmoneyisgonnabethereasonwhyIgobroke.
Justbydri
vingt
oMidrandandFourwaysyest
erday
myt anki
salmostempty.
Istopbythegarageandfi
llupthendriveto
waterf
all
.Mydaddoesn'tdolunchatpublicplaces.
Hisbuil
dinghasit
'sownspecialcafeontopand
thati
swher ehi
m andhishardwor ki
ngempl oyees
dine.

Thereisnoonel azyatMcVeighholdi
ngs.I
tsa
compet i
ti
on.EverybodywantstobeMarcus's
favori
teandrecognizedemployeeandIguess
that'
swhatkeepst hiscompanynumber1.

Ever
ywhereIgoIgett
hesameexactst
ares.I
tsl
i
ke
I
'm arar
ehumanbeing.

Me:"Yourpeople'
sstar
esaremakingmeso
uncomfort
able"shebri
ngshereyesupt
oseeme.
Shedoesal i
ttl
echant.
Buhle:"
Babygi
rl
.Lookatyou!Coul
dyoubl
ame
them?"
Me:"
Theyknowmet
her
e'snoneedt
ost
areatme
l
iket
hat
"
Buhl
e:"
You'r
eawalki
ngdollBar
bie"Il
augh.They
usedt
ocallmet
hatgrowi
ngup.
Me:"
Ohpl
ease.I
'
m her
eforl
unchwi
thmydad"
Buhl
e:"
Hemustbei
nof
fi
ce.Cof
fee?
"
Me:"
Not
hankyou.
"
Buhl
e:"SameoldAl
exi
s.Howi sj
obseeki
nggoing?
"
I
sthereanyonewhodoesn'
tknowabourt
his?
Me:"I
tsgoi
ngverywellt
hankyou.Ihave2
i
nter
viewsnextweek"
Buhl
e:"
That
'sgood.Al
lthebestmyl
ove"
Me:"Thankyou."Ifakeasmile."
Letmegobefore
I
'mlecturedaboutpunctual
it
y"welaughandhead
t
othelift.Ipr
essthecafefl
oorbecausehecoul
dbe
t
herealreadyforall
Iknow.

I
ndeedhe'
shereal
readybutl
ucki
lyhej
ustarr
ived.
Heunbut
tonshi
sblazerandt
akeaseat
.Igreetand
pul
lmychai
r.
Mar
cus:"
Youdr
oveal
lthi
swayi
nshor
ts?
"
Me:"
Yeahi
tshot
"
Marcus:"
Thi
sisapr
ofessi
onalenvi
ronmentLexi
.
Whatdoyouwantmyempl oyeest
othinkofyou?
"I
chuckl
e.
Me:"Icoul
dn'
tcar
elessreal
l
y.Iti
s33°
ctodayIdo
notwanttofi
ndmyselff
aint
ing"
Marcus:"
Youwi l
lnotsur
vivet
herealwor
ldwi
tht
his
st
inki
ngatti
tude.Doyouknowthat?"
Me:"
Peoplear
enotal
lowedt
ospeakt
hei
rmi
ndsi
n
t
hatworl
d?"
Mar
cus:"
Theyar
ebutnotever
yti
me"
Me:"Mmmh"hecal l
sthewait
ressandorder"t
he
usual
"thatisJacobscoff
ee.Nomat t
erhowhotit
canget,youwillf
indhi
m dri
nki
ngit.Typi
calwhit
e
man.
Wai
tr
ess:"
Whatwi
llyouhavemi
ssLexi
?"
Me:"
Blackr
osewi
tht
oni
cwat
erandasl
iceof
l
emon"
Marcus:"
Candi
ce.She'
l
lhaveanyt
hingnone
al
coholi
c"
Candi
ce:"YesSi
r"shesaysandf
lyaway.I
'
m
dumbfounded.
Marcus:"
Youar elooki
ngforajobyetdr i
nki
ng?If
youwantasophi sti
cat
edjobofwhi chIdon'
tknow
whereyouwillfi
ndwi t
houtexper
ience,youneedto
haveacleatsystem"
Me:"
Ihaven'
tdr
ankanyt
hingal
coholsi
nceTuesday
l
astweek"
Mar
cus:"
Keepi
tatt
hat
"

Ourdr
inksarri
ve.WethanktheladyandItakeasi
p
onmine.I
ttastesgood.Whatevert
hisf
lavori
s.
Me:"
Ist
hisaf
ri
endl
ylunch?
"
Mar
cus:"
Yes.And,
I'
mtaki
ng2ofyourcar
s"
Me:"
Why?Dadmycar
sar
e-"
Mar
cus:"
Idon'
twannaheari
t.Youwi
llnott
akej
ob
seeki
ngseriosl
yifyoust
il
lgett
othepar
kingl
otand
seethatyouhave3cars"
Me:"
Whati
sgoi
ngt
ochangei
fyout
aket
hem?
"
Mar
cus:"Yout
hinkbyt
aki
ngthem Imeantaking
t
hem home?OhnohoneyIam taki
ngthem backto
t
hedealer
"
Me:"
Dad"
Marcus:"
Yes.Yougott
ogr
owandf
igur
ethi
ngsout
onyourown"
Me:"Wellt
hisi
sn'tt
hewayofdoi ngit.What
happenedtosi
tti
ngaper sondownandt el
lthem
aboutamajorchangethat'saboutt
ot akeplacein
thei
rli
vesl
ikeanyotherparentwoulddo? "
Mar cus:"
You'r
enotthepersont obesatdown.I
tr
iedthatsomanyt i
mesbutyougetachancet o
saynowhenyou' redecentl
yaskedt odosomething.
Beingsoftonyouhast obemybi ggestmistake
overtheyearsandIregretit
.Ifyouwannakeept he
carsyouwi l
lhaveonlyoneweekt omoveoutoft he
penthouse.Youarenotal i
tt
legirlanymore,you
can'trunfr
om thesociet
yforeverjustbecause
you'
remixed.Thati
swhoyouar e,faceitbabyface
i
t.Cursethehel
loutofanyonewhot ri
estofeelthe
text
ureofyourhai
r,punchthem i
nthefaceifyou
have"
Me:"
It
'snoteasydaddyyouknowt
hat
"
Marcus:"Iwishyout
ookaft
eryourmother
.Shewas
suchafighter"Ii
mmedi
atel
ystopcr
ying.

Ihat
ethatwoman.Iresenther
.Sherepulseme.If
she'
ssti
llali
veIwoul
drunheroverwit
hmycari fI
sawher.Ifshe'
sdeadI'
dgoburnhergrave.

Whatki
ndofawomangi
vesherchi
ldaway?
Someti
mesIwi
shmommynevertol
dmeaboutt
hat
woman.

Mydadwashavi nganaf
fai
rwi
thher.Shewasone
ofhi
sbrightstudent
smydadsaid.Unfor
tunat
ely
shef
ellpregnant.
Onedaywhenmommywokeuponabeaut i
ful
Sundaytowaterherfl
owersbefor
eshegetsready
forchur
chshefoundapi cni
cbasketwi
thapresent
wrappedinapinkbabythrow.

Shelookedaroundandpickedmeup.Ther
ewasa
bi
rt
hcer t
if
icat
eunderneat
handanatalcar
d.

Shesaidshewalkedar
oundtr
yingtoseei
fther
e
wasanyonenearbywhocoul
dbet heonet
hat
droppedmeoffbutshesawno-one.

Mydadl i
vedhereinJoburgbythenandmy
mommywasi nStander
ton.Shesaidshecall
edhi
m
andtol
dhim aboutme.Het ol
dhertonottakeme
anywherehe'scoming.

Ar
rivinghomeheconfessedtohavebeenhavingan
af
fairandIwastheresul
tsofthataff
air
.My
mommybei ngthepersonthatsheisshesai
dshe
wasbrokenherhusbandhadbrokenthei
rvowsbut
shewashappyshewashavi ngagir
lchil
d.Shekept
meandr ai
sedmel i
keherown.Shelovesme.One
thi
ngmyZul umothercoul
dn'
tdo.

Ial
wayspr eacht oNomvel othatnomat t
erthe
ci
rcumstancesshemustnevert hrowherbaby
away.Whati fmymommywasawi ckedwoman
andkil
ledme?Mybabypi cturescouldtellIwasa
mixedbaby.Andi nthosedayst heseracesweren'
t
eachother
'sf avori
te.

Me:"
Idon'
twanttobeanyt
hingli
ket
hatwoman.
Whoisgoi
ngtofetcht
hecars?
"
Mar
cus:"
I'
m notsur
eyet
"
Me:"
Thanksf
ort
hel
unch"
Mar
cus:"
Wear
enotdone"
Me:"Ihaveajobtofi
nddad.I
'
m star
ti
ngatthi
sver
y
i
nstanttotr
ytogrowandfi
guret
hingsoutonmy
own.Haveal ovel
yday"
Ipaymybi
llandwal
kaway.

Irecei
veacal lasIdri
venotknowingwhereI
'
m
heading.I'
m cryi
ng.Iwantt
heuniverset
oswall
ow
meal ready.

Me:"
Hel
lo"
Cal
ler
:"Al
exi
sSabat
hil
eMcVei
gh?
"
Me:"
YeshowmayIhel
pyou?
"
Caller:"I
'm calli
ngf r
om Mashabacar pentr
y.We
woul dliketoi nvi
teyouf oranintervi
ewat2pm.
Apol ogiesforcal l
ingatsuchnot icebutour
recept i
onistjustresignedwithimmedi ateeff
ect
"
Me:"Uhm.
..
pleasesendmet
headdr
essandIwi
llbe
t
here"
Cal
ler
:"Wi
lldo.Goodl
uck"
Me:"
Thankyou"
Shehangup.Thankyout
hankyouLord.It
urnt
he
wheelanddr
ivest
rai
ghtt
omyplace.

Ical
lMveloasIar r
ivetomypl ace.I'
m onthecall
wit
hherasIr unaroundmycl osetlookingfor
cl
othesdecentenoughf oraninter
view.Noneofmy
cl
othesaresuit
able.Icomeacr ossat wopieceaunt
Maryboughtmet owearatherhusband' sunveil
i
ng.
Ihatetosayi
tbutt hi
swoul ddo.Isprayitandputit
on.Iundomyhai randcombi tout.Todayist hat
dayIwearmycr ownpr oudly.

IcallmommyasIdr ivetoFour
wayswher
ethe
i
ntervi
ewwi l
ltakepl
ace.Shewishesmel
uck.Al
l
thatIneed.

Iar
ri
vet
her
e.Igr
eett
hel
adyatt
hef
rontdesk.
Me:"
I'
m her
eforam i
nter
view"
Her
:"Pl
easewai
tther
e.MrCr
aigwi
llbewi
thyou
shor
tl
y"
Me:"
Thankyou"

Igoandt
akeaseat
.

Itakemyphoneoutandchatt oMvelo.She'st
ell
ing
met hatNdunasentalett
eryest
erday.Hemeans
business.Ihopehe'
snotplanni
ngonmaki ngmy
fr
iendqui therj
obandsendhertothebundusto
l
ookaf terhismom.

Ifeelagr
iponmyhai
r.Whoevert
hati
smustnot
testme!

Her
:"I
fonl
yyouwer
ebl
ackandt
his-
"

If
oundmysel
font
opofherpunchi
ngherf
aceout
.
Ifeelstr
onghandspul lmeup.Peopl eare
screaming.She'
scryi
ngont hefl
oor.Ihear
someoneshout" cal
lthepolice!
"Anotheris
shouting"Cal
lanambul ance!"

Iam cr
ying.Iam t
err
if
ied,
whatdi
dIj
ustdo?

Thepolicecomein.I
fthi
swasaboutrobber
yand
shooti
nginvol
vedtheywoul
d'vear
ri
ved4hours
l
ater.

Het
urnsmear
oundandcuf
fme.
Sergeant:"
Youhavear
ightt
oremai
nsi
lentma'
am"
OfcourseIdo.

AndIwil
lusemyri
ghtunti
lIdi
ecauseIhaveno
expl
anat
ionf
orwhatIj
ustdid.

Whydi
dshet
ouchmyhai
randsayt
hatt
hough?
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t4•
••
.
Ihearf
ootst
epsappr
oachi
ng.Idi
dn'
tsl
eepawi
nk.I
wanttogohome.Iwantmymommy.Andmostof
al
lIwanttodie!
!!

Andt henshortl
yapoliceoffi
cerappear
.Hehit
shis
batonagainstthesteelburgl
ar.Icl
enchmyteeth.
They'vedoingthi
ssinceIarri
vedhereandtosay
theleasti
tsprett
yannoying.
Poli
ceoff
icer
:"Al
exi
sMcVei gh?
"Inod.Ihaveno
st
rengt
htospeak.Iam hungryanddehydrat
ed.I
cr
iedal
lnight
.

Heunlocksandopen."You'r
efreetogo"ohthanks
heavens!Ipr
omisedGodIwi l
lnevereverdo
anythi
ngthatst
upideveragainIguessheheardme.
Ipi
ckmyheel
sandwal
koutbef
orehechangeshi
s
mind.

"Onyourleft
"heshout
sasIpasstheleftdoor.I
givehim aweaksmil
eandtur
ntoit.Iseemydad
sitt
ingdownreadi
nganewspaper
.Icalledhimlast
nighthedidn'
tpi
ckup.HowdidheknowI 'm her
e?
Ohwel l
..
.

Heseesme.Heputst
hepaperontheotherchai
r
andmeet
smehalfway.Isobi
nhischest.
Me:"
Idi
dn'
tmeant
o.Shest
art
edi
t"
Marcus:"
Iknowmyl
ove.Let
'sgohomeandwe'
l
l
t
alkaboutthi
s"

Thepol
iceof
fi
cerhandsmeagl
assofwat
er.I
dri
nki
tdownandthankhi
m.
Onourwayhomehekeepsgl anci
ngatme.Ihave
noenergyt
oenter
tai
naconversat
ionri
ghtnow.I
j
ustspentani
ghtinj
ailwi
thnofood,noshower
,no
cover
s.Onl
yaglassofwater
.

Iadj
ustmyseatbackandcl
osemyeyes.
Mar
cus:"
Doyouknowt hatyourchancesoff
indi
ng
aj
obhavejustdecr
eased?
"
Me:"
Shest
art
edi
t"
Mar
cus:"
WhenIsai
dyoushouldpunchthem i
nthe
f
aceIdi
dn'
tmeanputt
hem i
ntohospit
al"
Me:"Il
ostcont
rolokay?Allt
hepastscenar
iosj
ust
camefloodi
ngint
omymi ndandIlosti
t"He
chuckl
es.
Marcus:"
ImustsayI'
mi mpressedt
hough.I
'
ve
al
waysknownyouhadi tinyoubutnextt
imepl
ease
l
earntocont
rolyourt
emper"
Me:"Ther
e'l
lbenonextti
me.Iwillgobacktowigs.
Theysavemef r
om unnecessar
yinter
rogat
ionsand
drama"
Mar cus:"Applyatret
ail
s.Theydonottakecrimi
nal
recordsthatseriousl
y"hemustbekidding.That
placeiffullofhumans.
Me:"
Ret
aili
shar
dlabordad"
Marcus:"
Exactl
y!Haveyoueverdonesomet
hing
har
dinyourli
fe?"
Me:"
Ithoughtthi
swasaboutmefight
ingoutaway
t
oprovideformysel
fnott
rai
ningabouthar
dlabor
"
Mar
cus:"
Thedaysar
erunni
ngout
.Remembert
hat
"

Yeahr
ight
..
.

Shesquashesmeandcompl
aini
nmyearsoonas
wegetin.
Mel i
ssa:"
Shedeser
vedit
.Whot hehel
ldoesshe
thinksheist
ouchi
ngyourhair
?Icouldjustgoand
hitherwit
habatinthehead"
Marcus:"
Whoaslowdown.Wedon'twanther
t
hinki
ngitsokayt
ogoaroundbeat
ingever
yone"
Me:"
Idi
dexact
lywhatyout
oldmet
odo"
Mar
cus:"
Wel
lIdi
dn'
tthi
nkyouwoul
dreal
lydoi
t"
Mel
issa:"
Het
oldyout
obeatpeopl
eup?
"
Me:"
Yeah.Hesaidifsomeonetouchesmyhai rI
mustcur
sethehell
outofthem andpuncht hem i
n
t
hefacei
fIhaveto"shelooksatdaddisappoint
ed.
Mel
issa:"
Youamazemesomet
imes"
Marcus:"Iwasj
ustgivi
ngheral
if
eadvise,Ididn'
t
real
lyt
hinksomeonewouldwanttot
oucha25year
old'
shairImeanthat
'sabsur
dandpuredisrespect
"
Me:"
Wel
ltheydodaddy"
Marcus:"Ireal
lyIhadnoi dea.Letmegetbackt
o
workIwillyoumyl oveslater
"hekissesmycheek
andkissesmom' slips.

ForaslongasI '
vebeenhereI '
veneverseenor
heardthem fight.IknowtheydobutLucandIhave
neverwitnessedt hat.Andf
orthat,theyaremy
couplegoals.Theyhaveal wayspor tr
ayedlove
befor
eus.Theycal leachotherthesesweet
r
omant
icnamesandIf
indi
tver
ycut
e.

AsmuchasIhavewi tnessedsomuchl ove

betweenthet wo, i
thasneverchangedmyout l
ook
onrelati
onships.Iloveseeingot herpeoplel
ove
eachother,itjustdoesn'tseem l
ikemyboatt osail
.
Iam compl etelycoolwiththechoiceofspending
therestofmyl i
fealone,excepteveryonearound
meOf course.

Mvelowasbegi nningtogetmeandt henher

Brentwoodwear i
ngpr i
ncecharmingcamear ound
nowshewon' tpreachesabouthowbeaut i
fullovei
s
ateverychancesheget s.SheevensuggestedI
star
tlooki
ngtheot herday.I
magine!

Mel
issa:"
Imadeyoulunch.Babygoupst
air
sand
t
akeashowerIwil
lbemaki ngyouf
ood"

Il
eavet
hem snuggl
i
ngovereachot
her
.
Ineedt
osoakmyselfi
natubandwashof fal
lthe
di
rtImi
ghthavegoti
nthatcr
eepyst
inkycell
.

Iconnectmyphonetothechargerandgotothe
bathr
oom.EvenathomeIhaveanen- sui
te
bathr
oom.Advantagesofbei
ngtheonlygi
rl:you
getwhateveri
tist
hatyouask.

Imi
xallt
henecessarybat
hsal
tsandt
akeapee
whi
let
hetubfi
llup.

Istri
pnakedandgeti
ntothewat
ersoonastheyar
e
enough.Il
aylowandletmybodyabsorbt
he
bathsal
tsandthewar
mt hoft
hewater
.

Mom comesupaf ter10mi

nutest
ogi
vememy
f
ood.Ithankherandtakei
t.
Me:"
Ithi
nkIwi
llt
akeanapaf
ter
war
ds"
Melissa:"
Putonyourr omperokay?AndIwi l
lgetri
d
ofthese"shesayspi ckingupmycl othes."Theywi ll
for
everattractbadluck.YourfatherandIt r
yingt o
getthegirltodropchar gesbuthermot herisn't
hearingit
"
Me:"I
tsokay.Maybethi
sisoneofmyl essons
about"
therealwor
ld"
."Shechuckl
es.
Mel
issa:"
Don'
tbesi
ll
y"
Me:"
Forr
eal
.Doyout
hinkt
hey'
dst
il
lint
ervi
ewme?
"
Mel
issa:"Idoubt.She'
stheCOOandhermot
heri
s
t
heCEO. "Iletoutaheavysi
gh.
Me:"
Shemustt
eachherdaught
ersomemanner
s"
Meli
ssa:"
Ithi
nkyoushoul
dgoandapol
ogi
ze
per
sonall
y"
Me:"
Nothappeni
ng"
Melissa:"Forthesakeofpeaceandtosoft
enhert
o
dropt hechargeshoney.Li
feisr
eal
lytoughwi
tha
record"
Me:"
FineI
'
llgo"shesmi
lesandpi
nchesmycheek.
Mel
issa:"
That
'smygi
rl
"

Sheheadst
othedoorandqui
ckl
ytur
ns.
Meli
ssa:"
Cal
lMvelo,
shecameherecr
yingl
ast
ni
ght.Shemustbesi
ckworr
ied"
Me:"
Iwi
ll
."

Shenodsandwal kout.Itakemyf oodanddigin.I

l
ovemymot her'
scooki
ng.Iwi shshecooked
everyday.She'scur
rentl
yonl eaveandIwishIwas
herefullt
imebutIonlyspendweekendswi t
hthem.

Ifi
nal
lygetoutofthewat er.I
tispret
tymuch
exact
lyIneeded.Ifeelasgoodasnew.Iswi t
chon
myphoneandappl yl oti
on.Textmessagescomein
fl
oodi
ng.Idressupi nmyr omper.Mom boughti
ton
mybirthdayi
nFebr uary,i
thasat ai
leven.

Igeti
nbedandt
akemyphone.Igost
rai
ghtMvel
o'
s
text
s.She'
sreall
yworriedwhereversheis,
somany
text
sandmi ssedcal
ls.Iri
ngherupdr opbefor
eshe
answers.I
'
m outofair.

Shecal
lsi
mmedi
atel
ywi
thherof
fi
cephone.
Mvelo:"
Tel
lmeyou'
reokay"shesayssoonasI
answer.
Me:"
YeahI
'
m goodbabe.Howar
eyou?
"
Mvelo:"
Amess.Ineedtoseeyou.I'
veneverbeen
soscaredi
nmylif
e.Didn'
ttheyhar
m youinthat
pl
ace?"
Me:"
Not
heydi
dn'
t.Cal
m down"
Mvelo:"Ican'
t.Iknowher
,she'
sverydi
sregardi
ng
ofotherpeopleshethi
nksshebreat
hesflavour
ed
ai
rthatone"
Me:"Youwon'
tbel
ieveIhavet
ogoandapol
ogi
zet
o
her
"
Mvelo:"That'
smessedup.Ihatet
hatbi
tchbutI
secondt hatmaybei
twil
lgethert
odropthe
charges"Isigh.
Me:"
Yeahmaybe.Letmesl
eepIwi
llcal
lyoul
ater
"
Mvel
o:"
Pent
houseorpar
ent
shouse?
"
Me:"
Par
ent
shouse"
Mvel
o:"
OkayI
'
llseeyoul
ater
"
Me:"
Oksweet
s.Bye"
Mvel
o:"
Bye"

.
..
Thefoll
owi ngmor ni
ngwewakeupandhead
downstairsforbreakfast
.Mvelosleptover
.We
spentthewhol enighttal
kingaboutherPri
nce
charming.Shei sinl
oveandnobodycanconvi nce
herotherwise.

Heissendinghisunclesnextweekendforlobola
negoti
ati
ons.Heisprett
ymuchdet erminedtomake
Mvelohiswife.Sonextweekwe'reofftoKZN, New
Castl
e.I'
veonlybeenthereonceandI'm happy
we'r
egoingtherenextweek.
Noneoft heparentsareinsi
ght
.Theymustbeon
t
heThur sdaydailyprayer
.Weeatbreakf
astovera
l
ightconversat
ionandwegoupst ai
rstoprepar
efor
l
eaving.

Me:"Canyoupl
easedr
opmeoffatthehospit
al?I
can'
taff
ordt
odri
veanycarf
rom nowon.It
scostl
y"
Mvelo:"
Noprobl
em.Wecandoi tt
heot
herway
ar
oundeven.Iwi
llaskNdunat
opickmeupaft
er
work"
Me:"
Whatki
ndofcardoeshedr
ive?
"Shechuckl
es.
Mvel
o:"
BMW X6"
Me:"Mmmh.Atl
easthe'
snotdri
vingaToyota
cor
rol
a1990l
ikehisfel
lowbr
others"shel
aughs.
Mvel
o:"
Itol
dyouhe'
sdi
ff
erent
"
Me:"Heisasarr
ogantasthem.He'
snodi
ff
erent
.
Theyareal
lthesame"shehandsmeali
pst
ick.I
appl
yit
.
Mvelo:"
Youaretheveryf
ineonet
ojudgeZul
u
peopleSabat
hil
e"Il
augh.
Me:"Don'tevendarewoman.Bythewayhavingthi
s
l
itt
leZulubloodinmedoesnotmeanIshouldlook
pastthei
rflaws.Theyar
etheoppressi
vet
ri
beand
that
'sit
"
Mvelo:"Maybeyou'
reri
ght.Maybeyou'renot
.We
shouldvisi
tmygrandmaatNkandlaandyoushal l
expl
oretheZulucult
ureandit
'speoplemaybethen
you'
llseewhatki
ndofpeopletheyreall
yare"
Me:"
NewCast
lei
smyl
imi
t.I
'
dnevergof
urt
her
t
hanthat
."
Mvel
o:"
Wegonnagoanyway"

Herphoner
ings.Hersmi
lewi
dens.
Mvelo:"
Babakhe"wtf!
!!
!Thi
sNdunai
stryi
ngso
har
dt ostealmyfr
iendawayfr
om me.

It
akeourbagsandleadt
hewayout.Thepar
ent
s
dr
ivei
nasIlock.Il
eavet
hekeyhangi
ng.Ohmycar
i
shere,
dadmust'
vebeent
heonet
ofet
chi
tfr
om
t
hatcompany.

Ohshe'
sal
one.Sheget
sof
fthecar
.
Mel
issa:"
Atl
eastIf
oundyouher
eIwasdr
ivi
ngl
ike
acr
azywoman"
Me:"
Whatf
or?
"
Mel
issa:"
Tof
indyouguysher
e.Di
dyoueat
?"
Mvelo:"
Yeswedid.Washedthedishesweused
even"weusual
lydon'
tsoyeahit
'sanachi
evement
.
Meli
ssa:"Youdi
d?Yougi
rl
sar
egr
owi
ngup.Come
backhereaft
erwor
kokay"
Me:"
Mvel
ohaspl
answi
thherman"
Mvel
o:"
Icancancel
"
Meli
ssa:"What?Ohno.Gohavefun.Wecanspend
ti
met omor r
oweveni
ng,
that
'si
fyouandman
doesn'thavepl
ans"
Mvel
o:"
Thatsoundsgr
eat
.I'
l
lbr
ingt
hesnacks"
Me:"
Don'
tevenl
ookatmeI
'
m br
oke"
Melissa:"
Nobodyisl
ookingatyou.Gobefor
eyou'
re
l
ate.Lexi,
approacht
hatyoungladywit
hremorse
okay?"
Me:"
Yep"
Mel
issa:"
Alexi
s"
Me:"
Iwi
llmom st
opwor
ryi
ng"

Shesmi
lesandwaveusgoodbyeaswer
ever
se
out
..
.

.
..
Iopent
hedoorsl
owly.Thefi
rstt
hingmyeyes
comeacrossi
saleghangingfr
om asli
ng.

Thi
sisn'
ther
.
"Whathel
lar
eyoudoinghere?
"Ijump.Ididnot
heart
hedooropen.I
'
m st
il
lpuzzl
edbythisinj
ured
l
eg.
Me:"
I-
"
Woman:"Ar
eyouher
etofi
nishmydaught
er?Do
youseet
hedamageyoucaused?
"
Me:"
What
?No.I
'
m her
etoapol
ogi
ze"
Woman:" Wedonotwantyourf i
lt
hyapologyyou
crackhead.Youcankeepitforthetrai
lday.You
betterst
artgett
ingyour
sel
fpreparedforjai
lgir
lyor
toneverwor kagaini
nyourli
fe.Getthehelloutof
here"

Iwal
kpastherheadi
ngout.Idonotr
emember
doi
nganyt
hingtoherleg.
..

Idri
vetomyplace.It
houghtmyparent
swere
bl
uffi
ngaboutthehar
dshipoff
indi
ngajobwi
tha
cri
minalr
ecor
d.

Ij
ustr
eadsomescar
ythi
ngsher
eont
hei
nter
net
wri
ttenbypeoplewithr
ecor
ds.Iam afi
rstoffender
,
shouldn'
tthatgett
hecompani
estoreconsider?

Iar
ri
ve.Itaket
heli
ftandgetoffatt
he2ndf l
oor
.I
seealadycomingoutwit
hal aundr
ybasket.We
smil
eateachandIheadinsidethelaundr
y.

Uht
hevacancyposti
sst
il
lher
e.

I
sheal
wayseat
ingt
hist
hing?MyGod.
Me:"Greet
ings"henods.He'snotmuchat
alkerI
'
ve
concl
uded."Howareyou? "
Him:"I
'm good.Ihadnoel ect
rici
ty.Ij
ustputyour
clot
hesinthemachi ne.Ikeptyourunderwearsin
thebag"Ilaugh.Ikeepforget
tingtodoublecheck
whenbringingthelaundry.
Me:"I
'
m sorr
ythosearenewImust'
vepickedt
hem
upwit
hthoseclot
hes"henodsandfeastonhi
s
Russi
an.
Ir
ubmypal
mst
oget
her
.I'
m ner
vous.
Hi
m:"
Anyt
hingel
se?
"
Me:"
Nope.Keepwel
l"Iwal
kaway.Whatam Idoi
ng?

It
urnar
oundswi
ft
ly.
Me:"
Act
ual
lyyes.Haveyouf
oundanassi
stant
?"
Hi
m:"
Notyet
"
Me:"
Wher
ecanIsubmi
tmycv?
"
Hi
m:"
Youwantt
owor
kher
e?"
Me:"Yes"helaughs."
I'
m ser
ious"Iwal
ktot
hr
counter
."Look.
..
what'
syourname? "
Hi
m:"
Phi
lani
"
Me:"YesPhil
ani
.I'
minaver ytightspot
,myfather
cutmeoffandsaidIshouldlookf oraj
oborthey
fi
ndmeahusband.Andt henIwascal l
edf
oran
i
ntervi
ewonTuesday,thi
ngsgotoutofhandI
endedupinvol
vedinaphysicalfightwi
tht
heCOO
oft
hatcompanyandlai
dcharges.Youknowhowi
t
i
soutther
ewithacr
iminalr
ecord"
Phil
ani
:"I
tact
ual
lyisn't
.That'
sami norcri
me"he
openacanofcokeandgul psi
tdown." But
,youcan
workherewhi
leyoulookforajob.
"
Me:"Real
ly.Thankyout
hankyout
hankyou"I
squealar
ound.
Phi
lani
:"Her
e.Fi
llt
hisf
orm andthenhandmeyour
I
D,taxnumberandbankstatementi
fyouhavei
t
wit
hyou"
Me:"
It
'si
nmyphone.
"
Phi
lani:"
Youcanemai
li
t.
"Hewr
it
esdownt
heemai
l
andgiveitt
ome.

Isendt
hedocument
sandf
il
lthef
orm.
Me:"
WhatdoIdonow?
"
Phi
lani
:"Woul
dyoul
iket
ost
art
?"
Me:"
Yes.WhatdoIdo?
"
Phi
lani
:"Geti
n"
Me:"
Ohyes"

Iwal
ktot
hef
arendwher
etheent
rancei
s.
Phi
lani
:"Youcanst
artbuyput
ti
ngi
nthecl
othesa
gr
eenbasket"
Ist
areathi
m bl
ankl
y.
Me:"
Uhm..
.onel
it
tl
epr
obl
em,
Idon'
tknowhow
t
hosewor
k"
Hesi
ghs.
Phil
ani
:"Of
cour
seyoudon'
t"heget
supf
rom t
he
chai
r.
Me:"
Whatdoyoumeanofcourse?
"Isayf
oll
owi
ng
hi
mtowheret
hemachinesare.
Phil
ani
:"Youprobablyhadabout20maidsatyour
housedoingyourlaundr
y,makingyourbed,
runni
ng
youabathandmaki ngyoubreakfast
"
Me:"
Theywer
e3act
ual
ly"
Phi
lani
:"Samedi
ff
erence"
Me:"
Mysal
ary,
howmuchar
ewet
alki
ng?
"
Phi
lani
:"Whatdoest
hisbut
tondo?
"
Me:"
Idon'
tknow"
Phi
lani
:"It
houghtasmuch.Let
'sf
ocusatt
eachi
ng
youthi
ngsthatwil
lleadt
oyouget
ti
ngyoursal
ary.
"

Ihaveajob.Al
exisMcVei
gh,awholeempl
oyee.My
parent
saregonnabesoproud.Can'
twai
tto
di
sappointWil
landhi
sgoons..
.

▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t5•
••
.
TurnsoutPhil
anii
sver
ymuchofachat t
erbox.Thi
s
3daysI '
vebeenwit
hhi
m havebeenhil
ari
ous.He's
l
it
erall
yacomedianandwasverypat
ientwit
hme.
Itol
dmypar entsIfoundaj obanddi dn'tgetmuch
i
ntodet ai
ls.They'
reMcVei ghsIdoubtt heyconsider
myj obasaj ob.Theywer ehappyandcoul dn'
twait
tohearabouti tal
l.Pi
tythi
sweekendIcoul dn'
tbe
withthem.Ihadt odrivestraighttoNewCast l
eafter
workyest er
day.Ihatethef actthatweal soworkon
Saturdays.Ili
kehavingmyweekendst omysel f.

MrsNdunahadt
oleaveonFr
idayt
ost
artwi
tht
he
pr
epar
ati
ons.

Andsheoutdi
dhersel
f.Iwantt
ochowallt
hismeat
ri
ghtnow.Shesl
apsmyhandaway.Ilaugh.
Me:"
Ican'
thel
pmysel
f"
Mvel
o:"
Pleasebehave.
"
Me:"
Aret
heygonnaeatal
lthi
sfood?
"
Mvel
o:"
Whatdoyout
hink?
"

Omuhl
eget
sinr
unni
ng.
Omuhle:"Theyarecomi ng"shewhi spersi
n
exci
tement.She'
sMvel o'sli
tt
lesist
er.She's20and
shecouldtakeyoureyesouti fyouar enotcar
eful
she'
stoohyperfora20yearol d.
Me:"
OhmyGodwhatdowedonow?
"
Mvel
o:"
West
ayher
eunt
ilwear
ecal
led"

Ipeept
hrought
hewi
ndow.
Me:"
Ohmyfr
eakinGod.Theyar
egoingtofi
nish
t
hisf
oodf
orr
eal.Lookatt
hosestomachs"
Mvel
o:"
Theycoul
dseeyou"
Me:"Idoubt.Theyal
lhavegl
asseson.Idon'
tsee
Ndunathere"
Mvelo:"Themkhwenyanadoesn'
tcomet
othe
negoti
ationsdummy"
Me:"
Oh.Atl
easthi
speopl
ehavesenseoff
ashi
on"
Omuhle:"IthoughtIwastheonl
yonewhohada
probl
em withhissenseoffashi
on"Theyweresti
ll
notyett
ot herondavel
.Thosebell
iesmustbeheavy
ashel
l.
Mvelo:"WellIlovehim andhi
ssenseoff ashion.It
goeswellwi t
hmi ne.Youshouldseeuswal king
handinhand.Mei nmyf emalesuitandheelsand
thenhim onhisBr entwoodanduzzi vest
.Pri
celess"
wehadt urnedt olookather
.She'sislovest
ruck.
Me:"
Asl
ongast
her
e'l
lbeawhi
teweddi
ng"
Mvel
o:"
Ther
ewon'
tbe"

OmuhleandIscream.Wei
mmedi
atel
yst
opandget
of
fthecupboar
dwhenaunty.
Aunt
y:"
Yout
wohoodr
ats.Wher
e'syourr
espect
?"
Omuhle:"
We'
resor
ryaunt
y.Mvel
ojustt
oldust
her
e
won'
tbeawhiteweddi
ng"
Aunty:"
So?Getyourownmenandhaveyourown
whit
eweddings.Makeyoursel
vesusef
ulandgo
makeupt hebedwhereIwassleepi
ng"

Omuhl
egi
ggl
esandgoaway.
Aunt
y:"
Coconut
.Passmet
hesal
t"
Mvel
o:"
Hhaaunt
y.That
'sbabomkhul
u'sf
ood"
Aunty:"
Youwillmakehim anotherone.I
'm st
arvi
ng"
Igi
veherthesalt."
Let
'st
hankt hemanaboveyou
knowwhatsaltis.Gomakef i
reoutside"
Me:"
It
sal
readybeendone"
Aunty:"Thengoputmorewoods.Mvel
omakeme
tea.Don'tj
ustst
andther
eandwatchmeli
keyou'
ve
neverseenmebef or
e"

Iheadt
othedoor
.Mvel
o'smom get
sin,
shet
akes
myhand.
Dumi
sil
e:"
Whyar
en'
tyougi
rl
sready?
"
Aunt
y:"
Thatonemustputmorewoodsont
hef
ir
e
andMvel
oismakingmetea"
Dumi
sil
e:"
Nott
odayaunt
ypl
ease.Come"

Shepul
lsusbot
htoMvel
o'sbedr
oom.
Mvelo:"
Idon'
tevenknowwhyyouguyshadt
otel
l
her
"
Dumi
sil
e:"
Youknowyourf
atherl
oveshi
ssi
ster
"
Me:"HerandauntMar
yhaveaski
ll
tor
uin
ever
yone'
smood"welaugh.
Dumi sil
e:"
Thatol
dwit
ch.Igott
ogivei
ttoMel
issa
forbeingablet
oputupwit
hthatwoman'
s
shenanigans"
Me:"
It
snotli
keshehasachoi
ce.
"Mvel
olooksat
mesmitt
en."
What?"
Mvel
o:"
Youl
ookcrazi
lybeaut
ifuli
nthat"It
urn
ar
oundandl
ookatmyselfonthemi r
ror
.
Dumi
sil
e:"
Lookatyou.Mvel
odr
essupIneedt
o
t
akeapict
ure"
Mvel
o:"
I'
m soner
vous"
Me:"
You'
reboundt
obe"It
akeoutherdr
ess.
Dumisi
le:"
I'
llgogetOmuhl
e.Youruncl
emi
ght
cometocallyouinanyt
imenow"
Shewal ksout.Iassi
stMveloputonherdress.It
fi
tsherperfectl
y.Ndunadonechoseaver y
beauti
ful,
successfulandself
lesswomanher e.The
dressismaxi,samedesignasmi nebutdi
ff
erent
color
.Ithugsherperfect
ly.

We'
renowcr
yingl
ookingatourr
efl
ect
ionsi
nthe
mi
rr
or.Wehugti
ghtl
y.
Mvelo:"
Doyout
hinkI
'
m maki
ngagooddeci
sionby
get
ti
ngmarri
ed?
"
Me:"NobecauseI '
m gonnaseel i
ttl
eofyouwhen
you'r
emar r
iedbutinotherterms,yes.Youlovehim,
helovesyou.You'
rehappy.Andyou' resmar t
,I
knowyouwoul dn'
thaveagr eedtomar ryhi
mi fhe
didn'
tkeepyourpeaceintactandyou'resmar t
enoughtoletgowhenhest art
sinter
feri
ngwithit.
"
Shegigglesthr
oughthet earsandwehugagai n.
Omuhl
e:"
Okayl
ovebi
rdscheerup"wel
augh.
Mvel
o:"
Putonyourdr
essandst
opmeddl
ing"
Omuhl
e:"
IsawNduna'
scarout
side"
Mvel
o:"
Theyar
edr
ivi
ngi
t"
Me:"
Heshoul
d'vecamet
oo"

It
akepowderandpowderMvel
oup.
Dumisi
le:"I
tsti
me.Putt
hoset
hingsoveryour
shoul
ders.Lexir
emember,
noeyecontact"
Me:"
Not
ed"wel
augh.
Dumisi
le:"Letmequickl
ytakeapict
ure"wepose.
Theshuttercli
cksmorethanonceandthenuncl
e
Bhovapeepshi sheadinandwefoll
owhim.

Omuhl
ewalki
nginf
ront
,mebehi
ndherandMvel
oat
l
ast
.Wegettother
ondavel
.

Wesi
tonagr
assmat
tbyt
hedoor
.
UncleBhova:"Thesear
ethebeaut
if
ulf
lowerswe
haveinthishome.Whichoneamongstthem caught
yourson'seye?"
Themanget
supandwalkt
ous.Hecr
ouchebef
ore
Mvel
oandhandherat
owel
.
Man:"
Thi
sone"
Uncl
eBhova:"
Mvel
o,doyouknowt
hesepeopl
e?"
Mvel
o:"
Yebobaba"
Uncl
eBhova:"
Okayyoumayl
eave"

Wegetupandf
oll
oweachot
herout
.
Me:"
Haveyoumett
hem bef
ore?
"
Mvel
o:"
No.Theysawmei
npi
ctur
esIbel
ieve"
Me:"
Whathappensi
ftheychooset
hewr
ongone?
"
Mvel
o:"
Theygetf
inedbutt
hathar
dlyhappens"

Inod.Ther
e'sf
reshai
rint
heki
tchen.Wewar
m up
themeatanddishup.
Omuhl
e:"
Yourt
ri
ckwor
ked.Ther
icei
sst
il
lhot
"
Me:"
That
'sal
lIknowaboutcooki
ng"wel
augh.
Mvel
o:"Myoff
ersti
llst
ands.Youwi
llnotl
iveof
f
t
akeawayst
il
lthedayyoudie"
Me:"
Iwillvi
sityouever
yafter
noonwhenyou'r
e
marr
iedsothatItakenoteswhenyoucook"
Omuhle:"
Youmeant
otel
lmeyoucan'
tevencooka
boi
ledchi
cken?
"
Me:"
I'
venevert
ri
ed"

Weser
vedthepeopl
e.Thi
nki
ngthataf
terf
ini
shi
ng
of
fher
ewehavet odr
ivet
oJoburgmademewanna
cr
ymylungsout.

Wewasheddishesaf
ter
wards.Ti
memovesf
ast
er
whenyoudon'
twantitt
o.

Wel
iedont
hebedf
aci
ngt
hecei
li
ng.
Mvel
o:"
I'
m sol
azyt
odr
ive"
Me:"
Thatmakest
hebot
hofus"

Thedoorcr
eakopen.
Omuhle:"
I'
m goi
ngt
omi
ssyouguys"wesi
tup
st
rai
ght.
Me:"
Leavi
ngal
ready?
"
Omuhl
e:"
Yes.Ihaveanear
lyt
estt
omor
row"
Mvel
o:"Uhh.Goodluckbabe"weshar
eagr
ouphug.
Thecarhornhonksoutsi
de.
Omuhl e:"
That'
smycue.Dr
ivesafel
y.Il
oveyou
both"sheblowsuski
ssesbefor
esheclosesthe
door.
Mvel
o:"
Weshoul
dal
sogetgoi
ng"
Me:"
I'
m st
il
lenj
oyi
ngbei
ngher
e"
Mvel
o:"
Pleasest
opbei
ngababy.Let
'sgo"

Wepul
lourl
uggagetot
hecar.Weareusi
ngmine.
Wegobacki
nsidet
obidthepar
ent
sgoodbye.
Af
terourt
earygoodbyewefi
nal
lyhi
tther
oad.I
wi
shwewer en'
tleavi
ng.
..

.
..
Asusual.I'
mlateagain.Itakeabri
efshowerand
putonthenearestclot
hes.Imakecerealandtake
myphone.Igetont helif
t.Phil
anii
sgonnahaveme
forbr
eakfastt
oday.

Phi
lani
:"Punct
ual
it
ybabespunct
ual
it
y!"Hesaysas
Ist
epin.
Me:"
I'
m sor
ry.Idi
dn'
thearmyal
arm"
Phi
lani
:"I
'
vet
aken4l
oadsal
ready.Youoweme"
Me:"
OhyesIdo.Thankyou.You'
ret
hebest
"Igi
ve
hi
mthebowl
.
Phi
lani
:"Gogetusdecentbr
eakf
ast
"
Me:"
Bydecentyoumeankot
a?"
Phi
lani
:"No.Imeanyourki
ndofdecentbr
eakf
ast
"
Me:"
That
'st
hebestnewsI
'
vehear
dal
lday"
Phi
lani
:"I
ts07:
30"Ichuckl
e.
Me:"What
ever
"It
akehi
scar
d."
Youconsumeever
y
t
hingri
ght
?"
Phi
lani
:"Yes.Exceptbacon"
Me:"
Okay"

Ist
artof
fbychecki
ngift
hemachi
neswer
est
il
l
goi
ngonandthenleave.

Myphoner
ingsasIgetof
font
hegr
oundf
loor
.I
t
akeashut
tl
e.
Me:"
Mommy"
Meli
ssa:"
Ial
readyhat
ethei
deaofyouwor
kingi
fI
won'
tgettoseeyouonweekends"
Me:"
Weekendsar
ethebusi
estmyl
ove"
Mel
issa:"
Wear
ehavi
ngl
uncht
odayatLaur
a
gar
dens.Wi
llyoubeabl
etoj
oinus?
"
Me:"
Who'
s'us'
?"
Mel
issa:"
Me,
yourf
ather
,Li
saandLucas"
Me:"
I'
llseei
fmybossagreesofwhichIdoubthe
wi
ll
.Hi,2chi
ckenmayosandwiches,f
ri
esand
cr
eamedcoffeePl
ease"
Mel
issa:"
Areyouanassi
stant
?"
Me:"
Somet
hingl
iket
hat
.Lar
gecof
feepl
ease"
Mel
issa:"
What
'st
henameofyourcompany?
"
Me:"
It
s..
.i
tsHampt
ons"
Mel
issa:"
Oh.Neverhear
dofi
t"
Me:"Meneit
her
.I'
l
lcal
lyoul
atert
oinf
orm youi
fI
wi
llbeabl
etocomeornot"
Mel
issa:"
Okmybaby.Loveyou"
Me:"
Loveyoumor
e"

"
Sirpl
easepayuporIwil
lcal
lthepoli
ce.Asa
manageroft
hisst
oreIhavearightt
olaychar
ges
agai
nstyou"
Guy:"
Someonewi
llbeher
eshor
tl
ywi
thmywal
let
"
Manager
:"I
'
m notpl
ayi
ngwi
thyoumyguy.
"

Iwal
kovert
othei
rtabl
e.
Me:"Hi.Thetr
aff
icisinsane.Icoul
dn'
tfi
ndyour
wal
letIfoundthecardinstead.Morni
ngma'
am"
Manager
:"Ar
eyouhi
sassi
stant
?"
Me:"Uhm yesma'am.I
'm deeplysor
ryf
ort
he
i
nconveni
ence.I
t'
sallmyf aul
t"
Manager:"Gogetthespeedpoint"shesayst othe
wait
ress.Theguyislookingatmecr azy.Isendmy
eyesfaraway.Thewai t
resscomesbackwi t
ha
speedpoint.Ipayup.Theywalkaway.
Guy:"
Thankyousomuch.I
t'
shar
dbei
ngmyki
ndi
n
suchenvi
ronment
s."
Me:"
Iknowr
ight
."
Guy:"Pl
easej
otdownyourbanki
ngdet
ail
ssoIwi
ll
repl
aceyourmoney"
Me:"Noneedto.Idon'
tknowwhenwi l
lIbedown
andneedhel
p.Iwasdoingitoutofgoodness"
Guy:"Thankyou.Wherehaveyoubeen?Thatwhi t
e
l
adyal mostki
ll
edme.Ifi
twasn'tfort
hisbeauti
ful
l
adyI'dbebehindbarsaswespeak"hesayst ohis
assi
stantIassume.Myordergetscal
led.Il
eave
them t
of et
chit
.

It
akeashut
tl
eagai
nbackt
othebui
ldi
ng.

Phi
lani
:"Iwasaboutt
ocal
lthepol
ice"
Me:"
Ohpl
ease.Ibor
rowedR100"
Phi
lani
:"Isaw.Ourbossi
scomi
ngt
oday.Beni
ce"
Me:"
I'
mfor
everni
ce"
Phi
lani
:"Beext
rani
cebecausehei
sn'
t"
Me:"
I'
llj
usthi
dei
nthel
aundr
yroom"
Phil
ani:"Hewantstoseeyouandchecki
f
ever
ythingisst
il
lgoingongood.Mmmhthist
ast
es
good"
Me:"
Iknowri
ght
.So,
whatam Iexpect
edt
odo
whenhecomes?
"
Phi
lani
:"Givehi
m aCol
gat
esmi
leandof
ferhi
m
cof
fee.Blackone"
Me:"
Ist
heJacobshi
s?"
Phi
lani
:"Yesbaby.Wi
thonl
y2t
easpoonsofsugar
"
hei
ssowhi te.
Me:"
Onl
ysat
ansdr
inkt
hatcof
fee"
Phi
lani
:"He'
sabi
toft
hat
"

Wel
augh.Weeatoverasil
lyconver
sat
ion.It
ext
mom t
hatIcan'
tmakei
ttolunch.

Ireceiveatextfrom Mvel
othatshe'
staki
ngmeout
fordinnerl
ater.She'
sthebest.

Philaniexcuseshimself
.Istealhi
sfri
es.Iam
certai
nIhavegai nedafewpounds.Weeati nthi
s
place.Takeawaysaf t
ertakeaways.
"
Greet
ings"Ij
umpandal
mostspi
llmycof
fee.
Me:"
Real
ly?Ther
ewasnoneedt
othudt
hecount
er"
Hi
m:"Apologi
espr
incess.Iwoul
dlikeyoutocl
ean
mycl
othesgotme"heput shi
sbagont hescal
eand
r
emoveitbefor
eIcouldseewhatitcosts.
Me:"
Canyoupl
easeputt
hebagagai
n?"
Him:"
Maybeifyout
ookyourj
obser
iousl
yyou'
d
haveseenhowmuchitwei
ghs"
Me:"
Wel
lIwasst
il
llooki
ngf
orapen"
Him:"
Whyisn'
tyourpeni
nyourdeskwher
eyou
canseei
t?"
Me:"
Canyoupleaseputthebagt
her
eagai
nand
st
opact
ingal
lri
ghteous"

Hesmirksandplacei
tagai
n."
Okayyoucanmovei
t.
That
'l
lcostR200"
Hi
m:"
Str
ict
lySur
fformywhi t
eteesandthenOMO
f
ormycapsandjacket
s.Andmyclothescan'
tbe
mixedwithot
herpeopl
e's"SeewhyIcan'
tst
and
thi
skind?Sonowhisclothesmustbewashed
seper
atel
y?
Me:"
I'
m af
rai
dwedon'
tdot
hather
e"
Hi
m:"
CanIhavecof
fee?
"
Me:"
Thi
sisn'
tacof
feeshop"
Hi
m:"Sabathi
leMcVei
ghcanIpl
easehavecof
fee?
St
rongwit
h2sugarsplease"
Me:"
AsI
'
vesai
dthi
sisn'
t-
"ohGodno.Nonono!

Phi
lani
:"Si
r.You'
reher
eear
ly.
"
Him:"
YesIam.Ihavesomewheretogolat
er.Am I
gonnagetmycof
feeSabat
hil
e?"Igul
p.
Me:"
Yes.Uhm yessi
r.Comi
ngr
ightup"

Ist
ormtot
hekitchen.Myhandsfai
ltohol
dthe
ket
tl
est
eady.Ihopehedoesn'
tfi
reme.
Thewaterboi
lsquickerthanexpect
ed.Imakehi
s
coff
eeandgoback.He' snowi nbusyonthe
computer
.Yephe'swear ingt
hefamousshoesbut
thecar
vel
aones.
Me:"
Her
eyougoSi
r"
Hi
m:"
ThankyouSabat
hil
e"
Me:"
Alexi
s"
Him:"
OkSabathi
le.Ni
cetomeetyou.I
'
m
Bheki
sizwesamaNcube"what
evert
hehel
lthati
s.
Me:"
Likewi
se.I
'
m sor
ryabout
-"
Bheki
:"Pl
easegohel
pPhi
lani
"

Wi
thpl
easur
e.
Me:"
Whydi
dn'
tyout
ellmehe'
sbl
ack?
"
Phi
lani
:"Who?
"
Me:"
Ourboss!DoyouknowhowmeanwasIt
o
hi
m?"Helaughs
Phi
lani
:"Wow.Maybet
hat
'swhyhe'
sni
cet
oday.
Whywoul
dyouassumehe'
swhi
te?
"
Me:"
BecauseofJacobs.UghIwannaj
umpoutt
his
wi
ndow"
Phil
ani:"
Whot
oldyoubl
ackpeopl
edonotdr
ink
Jacobs?"
Me:"
It
stoobi
tt
erf
orourt
ast
ebuds"

"
Sabat
hil
e?"
Me:"
Whyt
hehel
ldi
dyout
ellhi
mthatname?
"
Phi
lani
:"I
tsonyourdocument
sgi
rl
y"
Bheki
:"Sabat
hil
e!"
Me:"
Comi
ng!
"

If
indhi
m hol
dinghi
sbot
hhandsbef
orechestwi
th
asmir
konhisface.
Bheki
:"Pl
easegetr
eadywe'
regoi
ngt
obuyt
he
equi
pment"
Me:"
Iam r
eady"
Bheki
:"Let
'sgot
hen"

Hel
eadst
hewayout
.
Bheki
:"EhhSabat
hil
e,canyoudr
ive?
"
Me:"
Wit
hal
lduer
espect
.Ipr
efert
heLexi
name"
Bheki
:"Wi
thal
lduerespect
.Thisi
smymout hand
myvoicesoIwil
lsaywhatIli
kewit
hit
.Sabathi
le"

It
soffi
cialIdonotl
i
kehi
m.Igetont
hepassenger
seat
.

Hetakesoutacanofplayandleanont
hecarand
dri
nksitslowl
yandpassi
onat
elyandgr
eet
s
everybodypassi
ngby.

Thi
sisonewei
rdper
son.Ineedt
hisj
obsoIwi
llbe
pat
ient
..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪
•
••I
nser
t6•
••
.
Hewal ksi
nwi t
htakeaways.Itakeaqui cksipf rom
mycupt ofinishallt
her emaini
ngcof f
ee-vodka.
Don'tjudgepl ease.Agirlneedstopl ugatl east
onceaweekeveni fitmeansst eali
ngherboss' s
hiddenvodkat hatshefoundcleaning.YesIcl eaned
yesterdayafter5hour satt hemallgetti
ngt he
equipment.Al thoughitisnotsomet hingI '
drather
dof ortherestofmyl i
febutIam get ti
ngt here.This
placeissqui kycleanthanI '
veeverseeni tsoI
guesst hat
'sgoodpr ogressonmycl eani ngski l
ls.
Bheki
:"SawubonaweSabat
hil
e"Isi
gh.
Me:"
GooddaySi
r"hesmi
rks.
Bheki
:"Food"hesayspl
aci
ngi
tont
opoft
he
count
er.
Me:"
Thankyou"
Bheki
:"Wher
eisPhi
l
ani
?"
Me:"
Hewentt
ogetsomet
hingsf
rom t
heshop.He
shoul
dbebackanyt
imef
rom now"
Bheki
:"Thi
spl
acel
ooksdi
ff
erentandsmel
lsni
ce"
Me:"Icl
eaned"hef
rownsl
ooki
ngar
oundandt
hen
get
sbackatme.
Bheki
:"I
tsgoodt
oknowyoucancl
eanwi
tht
hose
wizar
dnail
s"
Me:"
Yes"It
aket
het
akeaways."
Areyougonnabe
st
ayi
ng?"
Bheki
:"Yeahi
fIwantt
o"
Me:"
Okay.Pl
easemakeyour
sel
fathomeI
'
m busy
wi
thsomethi
ngher
e"
Bheki
:"Ihaveafewerrandst
orun.The2new
machineswillar
ri
veat6pm makesureyou'
reher
e"
Me:"
ButIknockof
fat5"
Bheki
:"Todayyou'
l
lknockof
fat6:
30.I
'
llpayf
ort
hat
hourandahalf"
Me:"
Fine"
Bheki
:"Haveagooddaymi
ss"yeahwhat
everget
l
ost.
Me:"Thankyousi
r.Youdotoo"Ihopeyour
untoa
ver
ybigmanandhebeat syourass.Hesmi
les.
Bheki
:"Thankyou"

Heturnsaroundtoleave.He'
snotweari
ngt
hose
shoestoday.Atl
easthe'sint
osneaker
s.

Ir
eachf
ormyphoneont
hechar
gerandcal
lMvel
o.
Mvel
o:"
Mybaby"
Me:"
Canyoupl
easecr
eat
epost
sther
e?Ineeda
j
ob"
Mvelo:"Whathasprincechar mingdonenow? "
She'ssoobsessedwi ththiski
ndi nawayt hatshe
founditamusingthatBhekimademest ayinthe
carfor30minutesstraightwaiti
ngf orhi
mt ofini
sh
updr i
nki
nghisPlayandt henf orcedmet odri
veand
keptcall
ingmethatsickname.
Me:"Ireal
lymissmyMvelonotthi
shopeless
romanticper
son"shel
aughs."Wel
lBhekitheboss
order
edmet oknockoffat6:
30soIdon'tthi
nkwe
canst
il
lmeet
"
Mvel
o:"Areyouki
ddi
ngme?Imissyou.We'
llhave
ourl
it
tl
epicni
catmyhouse.Doyouhavef
uel
money?"
Me:"
YouknowIdon'
t"
Mvel
o:"
I'
llef
tyou"
Me:"
Noj
ustuberme"
Mvel
o:"
Okaymyl
ove.Wi
ne?
"
Me:"
Myl i
fei
stoocompl
icat
edt
odr
inkwi
neIwant
somet
hingst
rong"
Mvel
o:"
You'
regoi
ngt
owor
ktomor
row"
Me:"
Mor
ereasonsf
orsomet
hingst
rong"
Mvelo:"
Igiveuponyouchi
ld..
.ohyourmom cal
led
shesaidyourphonei
sn'
tgoingthr
ough"
Me:"Iblockedhercal
ls.Theysayt
heywantto
comet omywor kplaceandyouknowIcan'tl
ett
hat
happen"
Mvel
o:"
Butshe'
sneverj
udgedyou"
Me:"
Dad,
auntMar
y,Wi
llandt
heWhi
tneywi
ll
"
Mvel
o:"
Soar
eyougoi
ngt
oavoi
dthem f
orever
?"
Me:"NobutI'
m pl
anni
ngonavoi
dingt
hem unt
ilI
haveenoughmoneytomoveout
."
Mvel
o:"Okaybabe.Letmegofi
resomeone.
Har
destpartofmyjob"Il
augh.
Me:"
I'
m sor
rysweet
ie.Yousi
gnedupf
ori
t"
Mvel
o:"
YesIdi
d.Bye"
Me:"
Seeya"

Ihangupandchuckl
e.
"
Someone'
sinl
ove"Ij
ump.
Me:"
Ohpl
ease.Lovei
sover
rat
ed"
Phi
lani
:"Noi
tsnot
.Youwoul
dn'
tbesmi
li
ngl
iket
hat
wit
houtaman"
Me:"WellIam becausemenaregoodf
ornot
hing
butdi
sappoint
menti nmybooks"
Phi
lani
:"What
'
shi
sname?
"
Me:"
Who?Ther
e'sr
eal
lynoman"
Phi
lani
:"Themanwhobr okeyourhear
t.Iwantt
o
payhim avi
sit
"Il
augh.
Me:"Anddowhat
?I'
m pr
ett
ysur
eyouwoul
dn'
thur
t
afl
y"
Phi
lani
:"Tr
uebutIcanbr
eaksomeone'
sneck"

Hetakesaseatnextt
ome."
Ithoughtyouwer
e
br
oke"
Me:"
Iam.Bossmanbr
oughtt
his"
Phi
lani
:"Don'
ttouchi
t!
"Ist
art
le.
Me:"
Why?
"
Phi
lani
:"I
tcoul
dbeabomb"Isi
gh.
Me:"
Real
lyPhi
lani
?Ial
mostf
ellof
fthechai
r"
Phi
lani
:"Iseehim onceamonthi
fGodremindshim
heownst hi
splace.Hedoesn'
tbr
ingnot
hingbuthi
s
ar
rogantself
."
Me:"
He'
snott
hatbadcomeon"
Phi
lani
:"I
'
veworkedforhimfor7yearsnow.This
pl
aceisstar
ti
ngtofeell
ikemine,
wellitwasunt
il
nowbecausehe'
sshowinglit
tlei
nter
est"
Me:"
Canwepl
easeeatnow?
"
Phi
lani
:"It
hinkhel
i
kesyou"Igag.
Me:"Eww.VeryewwIdon' tdat
eandevenifIwasI
wouldn'
tdat
eamant hatconsi
der
shonchosand
chi
ckenli
ckenaslunch"
Phil
ani:"Theremust '
vebeennoKFCwher ehewas.
It
'shisfavoritebutt
hisismeatwhocareswherei
s
i
tfrom? "Iraisemyhand.Hehuf fandt
akeoutthe
food.Heboughtspal et
tacr
emesodat i
nycans.
Godwhatpl anetist
hismanfrom?Whodr inks
greenfizzydr i
nks?
Me:"I'
l
ldownmyf oodwiththatf
lyi
ngf i
sh"Iti
s
"somethings"Phil
aniwenttobuy.He'sascorrupt
asIam butabi tbet
terbecauseIdoubthe'sever
stol
enthatvodka.
Phi
lani
:"You'
reungr
atef
ul"
Me:"
Iam notbutIwi
llnotdr
inkt
hist
hing.Ionl
y
dr
inkdi
etcokeal
coholt
hanks"

Hechuckl
esandpassmemy6car
rypack.Ismi
le
al
oneandkissi
t.
Me:"
Hell
omylove.Thi
sher
eismyt
ruel
oveand
whom I
'
dmarr
y"
Phi
lani
:"Godsaveyourchi
ld"
Me:"Iwassavedt
hehecr
eat
edt
hebr
ewer
sofany
al
cohol"

Hel aughsandweeat .He'

swear i
ngaf it
ti
ngshir
t
today.Iwashopingwe'llt
alkaboutgoingshopping
forfit
ti
ngclot
hestodaybuthewi llj
ustdefend
himselfwitht
hisshi
rtsowe' l
ltal
kwhenhehasone
ofthoset-shi
rt
son..
.

.
..
"
Hel
lo.Ma'am?Hi"Itf
eltli
keadream unti
lIcameto
mysensesthati
tisn'
t.Someoneisactual
lyhere.
Iopenmyeyes.I
ndeedt
herei
s.Icl
earmyt
hroat
andtr
ytogetupbutmybodyfai
lsme.
Me:"
Uhm Hi
.Her
etodel
ivermachi
nes?
"
Man:"Uhm yes.I
'
m sor
rywe'
rel
atewehadabi
tof
cr
isi
s"

Whatdoeshemeanl
ate?Ifhe'
slat
ethenwhatti
me
i
sit
?Isearchf
ormyphone.WhendidPhil
anil
eave?

If
indanot
e.

'
Iputever
ythi
nginyourbag'
Ipul
lmybagf
rom
undermychair
.

If
indmyphone.Nonono!

Ther
ear
enumer
ousmi
ssedcal
lsf
rom Mvel
o.I
ts
cl
oset
o8pm.

Themancl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
.
Me:"
I'
m sor
ry.I
'
mjust
..
.pl
easecomei
n"

Hecal
lssomeone.
Man:"
Pleasesi
gnher
e"

Itakethecl
ipboardandsign.Iat
temptt
ogetup
againandthemi r
aclehappens,mybodylet
sme.

Iopentheburglarandtheywheelt
hem i
n.Theysay
thei
rgoodbyes.Ileanagai
nstt
hewallandli
stent
o
mypoundinghead.

Ifi
nal
lydeci
detotakemythi
ngsandlockthe
burgl
arguar
d.Ihearheel
scl
ickont
hefloor.She
att
acksmewi t
hhug.
Mvel
o:"
Iwassowor
ri
edsi
ckaboutyou"
Me:"
Gotdr
unkandpassedout
"
Mvel
o:"
Youwer
edr
inki
ngatwor
k?"
Me:"
Yes.
"
Mvel
o:"
Lexi
!"
Me:"
It
snotl
ikemybosswi
llf
indoutoranyt
hing"

Ipul
lherout
.
Mvel
o:"
Sti
ll
.Iti
snotal
lowed"
Me:"
Yesma'
am.I
twasj
ustt
hisonce"
Mvel
o:"
Wel
lIhopeso.
"

Shedoubl
echecksi
fIl
ockedandl
eadsmet
othe
l
if
t.
Me:"
Arewest
il
lgoi
ngt
oyourhouse?
"
Mvel
o:"Nowe'
regoi
ngtot
hepent
house.We'
l
lhave
di
nnerandt
henwatchamovi
e"
Me:"
Wit
hourphonesof
f?"
Mvel
o:"
Why?
"
Me:"
BecauseShaka'
swar
ri
orneverst
opscal
li
ng"
shel
aughs.
Mvel
o:"
That
'sf
unnybecausehecompl
ainsabout
t
hesamethi
ng"
Me:"Iwasher
efi
rstIhaveal
lther
ight
stocal
l
whenever
"
Mvel
o:"
AndI
'
m hi
sfi
ance"
Me:"
What
ever
"

Wear
ri
veatt
hepent
house.
Mvel
o:"
You'
rei
mpr
ovi
ng.I
tssocl
eani
nher
e"
Me:"
YesplusnowIknowhowt
ouset
hese
machi
nes"
Mvel
o:"
Theywer
enevercompl
icat
edyouwer
ejust
i
gnor
ant"
Me:"
Thanksf
orr
emi
ndi
ngme.Whatar
ewegonna
eat
?"
Mvel
o:"
Ifeell
i
kesomet
hinggr
easyandspi
cy"
Me:"
Ishal
lfor
everbebattl
edbyhowyouconsume
somuchfatbutnevergai
nanyweight"
Mvel
o:"
Thatmakest
hebot
hofushoney"
Me:"
NoIdogai
n"
Mvelo:"That
'sbecauseyoueatandsl
eepandyou
hat
est air
s"
Me:"
Wel
lexcusemef
ornott
ryi
ngt
ofai
nt"
Mvelo:"
Theyhavegr eati
mpacttr
ustme.Bri
ngthe
showersnacks"al
lthetime!Shel
aughsandrunto
myroom.

If
indheri
nherundi
es.
Me:"Canyoubet
heonet
obr
ingshowersnacks
nextt
ime?"
Mvel
o:"
No"
Me:"
Okay.Fet
cht
heshowerdr
inkandgl
asses
pl
easebecauseItookt
hem outt
hismor
ning"she
l
ooksatmedef eat
ed.
Me:"Don'tj
uststandther e.Go"shewavesher
middlefi
ngersintheair.Iwavemi nebackandpour
thesnackstothebowl .Istri
pnakedandwalktothe
bathr
oom.Iturnof ft
het apsandl i
ghtt
hecandl
es.

Shegetsi
nandpourt
hechampagnetoourglasses
andthenj
oinsmeonappl
yingourgot
oscrub.
Me:"
Imi
sssuchni
ght
syouknow"
Mvel
o:"MetooandNdunai
sgrant
ingmeasmany
asIwantbecausewear
eget
ti
ngmar r
iedsoon"
Me:"
Thatbr
eaksmyhear
t"
Mvel
o:"
Comeon.We'
l
lhaveourt
imebutnotas
muchasweusedt
o"
Me:"Can'
tIl
ike,movei
nwithyouguys?Ipr
omi
se
I
'l
lbeagoodki d"wel
augh.
Mvel
o:"
Youknowt
hathomei
swher
everIam"
Me:"
Idobabe.Youknowi
tbr
uisesmyegot
oadmi
t
thi
sbutI'
m happyabouthowtheShaka'swar r
ior
makesyouhappy.Andt oseethathe'
swill
ingto
l
oveyoufortherestofyourl
if
eisinsanel
ybeautif
ul
andI'
m happyforyou"shehugsme.
Mvel
o:"
Youdon'
tknowhowhappyam It
ohear
t
hat"
Me:"
Iloveyou"
Mvel
o:"
Iloveyoumor
e"

Wef i
nall
ysoakoursel vesonthewar m waterand
shetell
smeaboutherbedr oom experi
ments.Call
mecr azybutIlovehearingaboutthose.Iwantit
buttheprobl
em isthatitsfr
om menandIcoul d
neversurvi
vethoseartif
ici
alpenises.

Someti
mesIr egr
etnotgoinghomeonmyf i
rstyear
East
erhol
idays.Iwoul
dn'thavemett
hatvi
ll
ain.

Hefoundmepeaceful,t
rust
ingandi
nnocentand
deci
dedtoshakeal
lthatup.
Myveryfi
rstloveandprobabl
ythelastmadesur
eI
neverl
ookatment hesame.Whereverheishe
mustbecelebrat
ingbecausehesucceeded.

Youknowwhenyou' reyoungandnai ve.Seeing

beauti
fulintenti
onsineveryonewhoshowsyou
l
ove.Ifellforthatt
rap.Hewassosweet ,
caringand
Iconcludedhewast heloveofmyl i
fe.Ihadnever
seenhimi nourbui l
dingbeforeandIwasso
smitt
enwhenheaskedt obuymei cecr eam which
tur
nedoutt obeanicecr eam date.Wet alkedfor
hoursandki ll
edourselveswithicecream.

Thatwast hebeginni
ngofourlit
tl
eunion.Wedi
d
everyt
hingtoget
her.Hewaswor kingasachar
ted
accountant,
hehadhi sshi
ttoget
herwhichmade
him moreattr
acti
ve.

If
ellr
ealhar
dforhi
m.Ourr
elat
ionshi
pwasal
lbl
iss
unti
lSept emberthatyearwhenIwaspacki ngf or
ourmi nibaecati
oninDur ban.Ir
eceivedacallfrom
anumberIcoul dn'
treal
ize,shewascr yi
ng
hyst
ericallysayi
ngIkill
edherhusband.Ididn't
understandunt i
lshement i
oned:"I
fitwasn'
tforyou
homewr eckerandyourDur bantr
ipPaulwoul dsti
ll
beali
ve"

Iwasbr okentwice.Amankeptmei nthedar kand

thendi edleavingmet odealwi t
hmysel fandgui ltof
datingamar ri
edman.Upt othisdayIhaven' t
forgivenmysel fforhisdeath.Ihat
edt hef actthatI
am exact l
yl i
kemymot her.ThefactthatIdi dn't
knowandt hatIdidn'
tfal
lpregnantdoesn' tmakei t
okay.Igaveani nnocentwomansl eeplessni ghts.

I
fhewasn'tt
aki
ngmetoDurbanhe'dst
il
lbeal
ive.
Hel
efthi
swifeandt
hei
runbornbaby.

Ivowedtomyselft
oneverfalli
nlove.Ivowedtodi
e
alonebecausemenneverhavegoodi ntent
ions
whichmademehi resomeonetodoabackground
checkonNdunawi t
hmyl astmoneybecauseIcan'
t
l
etanythingli
ket
hathappentomyfri
endwho'sthe
biggestpar
tofmylif
e..
..

Thehousephoner
ings.
Me:"
Gogett
hat
"
Mvel
o:"
Itmustbeourf
ood"
Me:"
Per
fectt
imi
ngcauseI
'
m dyi
ng"

Sheget
soutandt
akeagown.

Igetoutt
ooandr emovethestopper
.Iputonthe
gownandt aket
hebowl,glassesandanempty
bott
leofchampagne.That'
sus.Wecoulddri
nk3
drumsinonenight.

Sher
unsi
n.
Me:"
What
'schasi
ngyou?
"
Mvel
o:"
It
snotourf
ood"
Me:"
Whoi
sitt
hen?
"Shebi
tesherupperl
ip.
Mvel
o:"
Bheki
"
Me:"
Tel
lmeyoudi
dn'
tgr
anthi
m access"
Mvel
o:"
Let
'sj
ustsayhe'
son10t
hfl
oornow"

Thel i
ftdi
ngs."
Ornot"sherunsbacktothebed
room.Hehasf lower
sinhishands.Holyghost
pleaseburnhim upr
ightnow!Heturnsaround
quickl
y.
Bheki:"
Ntombiemhlophepleaseexcusemefor
budginginsolat
e.Iseeyou'r
eeveninyourundi
es.
PleasegodressupI'
llbehere"
Me:"
Thi
sisagown"
Bheki
:"Anoutsi
dercannotseeyouinyoursl
eep
wearnkosazana.I
'
mi nabitofahur
rysopleaseput
cl
otheson"
Me:"
Oryoucoul
djustsaywhatyouneedwi
thout
l
ooki
ngandl
eave"
Bheki
:"Great
.Ibroughtyouthesefl
ower st ot
hank
youforstayi
ngupunt i
llat
eforthedeli
veryguys
andtotakethekeys.Youhaveadayof ftomorrow
youcangoandbuyyour sel
fsomethingni ce"
Me:"
Thankyou.I
'
llgof
etchkeysf
oryou"

Iwal
ktot
hebedr
oom.
Mvel
o:"
Whati
shesayi
ng?
"
Me:"
Thatt
hisi
sanunder
wear
."
Mvelo:"
Welli
tis.Thesear
etheki
ndsofr
obest
o
weartosexybae"
Me:"
OhGodit
'scont
agious"shelaughsandtosses
methebi
ggown.Iputi
tonandt akethekeys.

If
indhi
m st
il
lint
hesameposi
ti
on.
Me:"
Youcant
urnar
ound"hedoes.
Bheki
:"I
sitsnowi
ngi
nyourbedr
oom?
"
Me:"What
?Whywoul dyou.
..
"it
sthegown.Il
augh.
"
ThisiswhatIcoul
dfi
nd"Igi
vehimthekeys.
Bheki
:"Byebye"
Me:"
Thef
lower
s"
Bheki
:"Ohyeah"hehandst
hem over
.Theyl
ook
fr
eshfrom t
hegarden.
Me:"
Thankyou"

Thel
if
tcl
oses.

Mvelo:"
He'
ssoromanti
c.See?Zul
umenar
en'
tbad
atal
l.Ormeni
ngeneral
"

Iputt
hef l
owersonthecounterandpretendIdi
dn'
t
heart
hat."So.What
'sthest
orybehindthese
beaut
if
ulfreshfl
owers?"
Me:"AThankyouforstayi
nguplatefort
hedeli
ver
y
guys"west
areateachotherandbustoutl
aughi
ng.
Mvel
o:"
Ifonl
yheknewi
twasuni
ntent
ional
"
Me:"
Hedoesn'
tneedt
oknowt
hat
"

Thephoner
ingsagai
n.Igeti
t.I
t'
sourf
ood.
..

.
..
Thesunr
ayspoi
ntedst
rai
ghtt
omyski
ncausi
ng
metowakeup.

If
indanot
eandacar
dont
opont
hecabi
net
.

'
Gopamperyour
sel
f.I
t'
sbeenl
ong'
Ismi
leandget
up.If
ixt
hebed.

It
extmom af
ter
.

'
Mor
ningQueen.Lunch?
'
Andt
hent
extdaddy.Justagr
eet
ing.

Ihaven'
tseent
hem i
nawhileandImissthem so
muchbutpartofgr
owingupincl
udesbei
ngscarce
ri
ght?

Itakeaqui ckshower
.It
s9am I'
m al
readylat
e.I
neednewcl ot
hesand11am i
sn'
tagoodt i
met o
startshopping.Pl
usI
'mtaki
ngmycarwi thme
today.Imissher .

Iappl
ylit
tl
emakeupandheadf ort
hel
if
t.Ipassby
theworkplacet
ocheckonPhi
lani.

Iarr
iveongroundfl
oorandever
yonei
stal
king
aboutmissi
ngflower
s.

"
Whatat
err
ibl
eper
sont
hati
s.Mr
sKavi
nsky
wor
kedsohar
dgr
owi
ngherf
lower
s"

"
Whycoul
dn'
tthatt
hiefst
eal
theseugl
yones"

"
Thesecur
it
ymustcheckt
hef
oot
age"

"Theydi
d.Thet
hiefhadablackplast
icoverhi
s
headand9peoplecheckedinat10pm"

Suchacoi
ncidencet
hatBhekicameher
eat10wi
th
fr
eshf
lower
s.He'ssi
ckintheheadIswear
.

Ical
lMr
sNduna.
Mvelo:"
WhydoIst
il
lhavesomuchmoneyi
nthat
account
?"
Me:"
Zul
umenar
en'
tthatbadhuh?
"
Mvel
o:"
Whohavet
heyki
ll
ed?
"
Me:"
Thosef
lower
s!Hest
oleMr
sKavi
nsky'
s
f
lower
s"shel
aughs.
Mvelo:"
It
sthet
houghtt
hatcount
s.Whata
gent
leman"
Me:"
You'
repossessed.Thanksf
ort
hecar
dlooney"

Ihangupandt
extBheki
.

'
Real
ly?Doyouknowhowmuchshel
ovest
hose
f
lowers?
'

MyphonebeepsasIdr
iveout
.

'
Ionlyt
ook10,Il
eftt
hewhole5shemustst
op
bei
ngdramati
candself
ish'

Hedoesn'
tevenseeanyt
hingwr
ongwi
thi
t.
..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪
•
••I
nser
t7•
••
.
It
'sbeen3weeks.Myl if
eis.
..
Iwouldn'
tsaybestbut
I'
m happywithwhatI'mlear
ningeachdayont he
"Realworl
d".I
'm act
uall
yhappymypar ent
sdecided
Ishouldgetagli
mpseout si
demyusuall i
tt
leworl
d.

Igotmyfir
steversal
aryl
astweekandIst i
llhaven'
t
usedit
.Iwanttomoveoutoft hepent
housebef or
e
theduedate.ThemoneyIearnedisenought oget
meanapar tmentt
orentnextmonthwhenIgetpai d
agai
n.

Phil
aniandIwentf orshoppinglastweekFri
day.I
thanktheladythatj
ustmovedi n,hewasgoingto
givemehar dti
mewhenIt oldhi
m heshouldget
newcl ot
hes.Hehasahugecr ushonherapperant
ly.
Ithoughthewasgay.Iwasr eal
lysurpr
isedwhen
hetoldmehet hinkshelikessomeone.
Wehavenotseennorhear dfrom MrBhekisi nce
thedayafterhestoleMrsKavinsky'sflowers.
Nomveloi sstr
essedsheconvi ncedmet ocallhim
butfor
tunatel
yitwenttovoicemai l
.Icanseeshe
thi
nksIwi l
lsomehowf al
linl
ovewi ththisBhekiand
I'
vedecidedtoletherbe.

We'vebeengoi ngupanddownt hef l

eemar ket
buyingt hi
ngsf orherNqi bamasondo( Acer emony
thatisdoneaf terlobol anegotiations.Thebr ide
gift
sheri n-l
awswi t
hgr oceriesandbl ankets) .
Ndunai sprobablydyi ngofcancerbutdon' twanna
sayi t
.Umembesowi llbenextmont handt hent heir
weddi ngwi l
lbeinDecember .Idon' tunderst andt he
rush.Wher eam Igonnagetmoneyt osewdr esses
for3occasi onsinar ow?Theybet terfindmea
betterjobatleastbef oretheweddi ng.Ineedt olook
mybest ,t
hat'
llbemyweddi ngt oo.

Todayi
sMonday,
mydayof f
.Ilovethatpar
t.Il
ove
dayswher
ebynot
hingcangetbetweenmeandmy
sl
eep.ThoughMvelowil
lcomeduringlunch.We'
re
goi
ngtocheckoutherdresst
hatshe'
llbeweari
ng
ontheNqibamasondo.

Ndunai
sthr
il
ledt
hat
'l
lthey'
l
lbemat
chi
ng.

Irol
lovert
othesideandtakemyphone.Ihave4
hourstogetr
eady.Ihavetodothemostannoyi
ng
thi
nginthewholeenti
reworl
d:cleani
ng.

Thei
nter
com buzzes.Thatbet
terbenotsomeone
who'
sheret
ovisit
.

Igetupt
ocheckwhoi
sit
.

'
Didyousendmef
ood?
'It
extMvel
oasIwal
ktot
he
phone.
Me:"
Lexi
"
Per
son:"
HeyLexi
.Pl
easegr
antmeaccess"
Me:"
SisBuhl
e?"
Si
sBuhl
e:"
Yesopenup"

Ihaven'
tseenhersi
ncethatdayshecametotel
l
meshewi l
lnotbeworki
ngf ormeanymor
e:daddy'
s
order
s.

Ibuzzherinandflyar
oundpicki
ngthi
ngsup.
Maybemydadsenthert ocheckifI
'
m ablet
okeep
thi
splaceclean.I
t'
snott
hatbad.

Thel
iftdi
ngsandpar
ts.Shegi
vesmeahugesmi
le
andopensherar
ms.Ithrowmysel
fin.
Me:"
Imi
ssedyousomuch"
SisBuhl
e:"
NotmorethanIdi
d"shesqueezedme
onemoreti
mebeforelet
ti
nggo.
Me:"
Wher
ehaveyoubeen?
"
SisBuhl
e:"
CapeTown.Yourf
atherf
oundmeaj
ob
ther
e"
Me:"
He'ssucha.
..
"shewarns.Il
augh."
Forreal
.
Whywouldhesendyousofaraway.It
snotli
keI
woul
d'vedr
aggedyoubackheret
ocleanthi
splace"
SisBuhle:"
Right?ButI
'm her
eanywayIdeci
dedto
comeandseehowmybabyi sholdi
ngup.Icansee
thatyou'
regett
ingther
e"
Me:"
YesI
'
mtr
ying.I
canevenuset
hemachi
nesnow"
SisBuhl
e:"
I'
m pr
oudofyoumyl
ove.Goi
ng
anywher
etoday?
"
Me:"
Yeswi
thMvel
o.She'
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed"
Si
sBuhl
e:"
Getoutofher
e!"
Me:"Unbel
ievable,
isn'
tit
?Zul
uPr
incechar
ming
st
oleherheart"
Si
sBuhle:"
Ishoul
dgetadressready.Al
soagif
t.I
wi
llst
ayhereandtur
nthi
splaceupsidedown"
Me:"Youdon'
thavet
odot
hat
.Youcancomewi
th
us.I
t'
llbef
un"
SisBuhle:"
Gir
lie.Bathandf i
xyoursel
fandl
eave.I
seeyou'vebeencl eaningbutIknowther
ear
esome
corner
syoudi dn'ttouch"
Me:"
Youl
ovespoi
li
ngme"
Si
sBuhl
e:"
Iloveyout
hat
'swhy"
Me:"
I'
llor
derusbr
eakf
ast
"
Si
sBuhle:"
Imissedyourexpensivef
ood.I
st
ruggl
edwiththathousedel
iver
yapp"
Me:"
Ubereat
sorMrDf
ood"
Si
sBuhl
e:"
Theonewi
thawal
kingbur
ger
"wel
augh.
Me:"
That
'sMrDf
ood"
Si
sBuhl
e:"
Goawaypl
ease"

Ilaughandwalktomybedr
oom.Myphoner i
ngs.
It
'sMvelo.It
hrowmysel
fonthebedandanswer.
Me:"
Loveofmyl
if
e"
Mvel
o:"
Don'
teati
t!Idi
dn'
tsendi
t"
Me:"
What?.
..
ohthef
ood?NoIt
houghtwhoever
wasdownst
air
swassomeoneyousentt
odeli
ver
mefood"
Mvelo:"
Ial
mosthadst
roke.I
sthatt
her
eason
you'
reupearl
y?"
Me:"
No.Iwant
edt
ocl
ean"
Mvel
o:"
Okgood.Imi
ghtshowupear
ly"
Me:"
Okay.Ther
e'sSi
sBuhl
e"
Mvel
o:"
Giveme2hour
s"
Il
augh.We'reinsanel
yfondofher
.She'
sbeenmy
nannysincefr
om grade10whenauntyDorot
hy
died.SowhenImovedi nhere,
mydadsaidshewi
ll
comewi thme.

She'
sli
ter
all
ymysecondmom orol
dersi
ster
.
Me:"
Okay.Letmebat
handdomyf
ace"
Mvel
o:"
Byebabe"
Shehangup.Ilookmyr
efl
ect
iononthemi
rr
or.I
needtor
edomyhai r
.Myweavesar
egonnastar
t
fl
oati
ngsoon.

Ichanget
hel
inenandt
ideup.

*
**
Ididnotr
eal
izemyhott ubobsessi
onunti
lnowt hat
Mveloisher
ewai t
ingformetodressup.Ther
e'sno
ti
met odomyf aceanymore.

Mvel
o:"
Youl
ookhot
"
Me:"
Igeti
tyouwantust
ogobutr
eal
ly?
"
Mvelo:"
Lexi
.We'r
egoingfrom heretothedesigner
andthenbackhere.Andbesidesoversi
zedt-shi
rt
s
andheelsar
etheitthi
ngrecentl
y.Where'syour
mickeybag?"
Me:"
Inmycl
oset
?"
Mvel
o:"YupI
'
llgeti
t.Chooset
hehai
ryou'
re
wear
ing"
Me:"
Whi
te?
"
Mvelo:"Youknowever ycolorwasmadef orthat
beautif
ulface"Ichuckl
e.She'ssuchasmoot h
tal
ker.Shedisappearstothecloset.Iputon
foundati
onqui ckl
yandyepwe' rereadytogo.
Mvelo:"
Seemsl
ikebabaMl
angenii
scomi
ngwi
th
us"
Me:"
Iam sonoti
nthemoodt
obecal
ledSabat
hil
e
t
oday"
Mvel
o:"
Hewon'
t.Let
'sgo"

Si
sBuhl
ewasbor nfort
hist
hing.Shet
urnedi
t
ar
oundandi
tlooksasgoodasnew.

Shefi
nishedandbat
hedthenburi
edhersel
fonthe
couchandwatchedherwei
rdreal
it
ytvshows.
Shebl
atant
lyr
efusedt
ocomewi
thussowel
ether
be.
Me:"
Arewegonnaf
indyouher
e?"
Si
sBuhl
e:"Nope.Iam goi
ngt
omymot
her
'shouse
ar
ound3pm"
Mvel
o:"
Ohnowe'
l
lbebackbyt
hen"
Si
sBuhl
e:"
You'
l
lfi
ndmeher
ethen"
Me:"
Thankyouonceagai
nforst
oppi
ngby"
Si
sBuhl
e:"
Don'
tsweati
t"wel
aughandwal
ktot
he
l
if
t.

Mvel
o:"
Ndunai
sher
etof
etchus"
Me:"
Doesn'
thehavewor
ktodo?
"
Mvel
o:"
Hepr
obabl
ydoesn'
t"

Wegetoffatt
hegr
oundf
loor
.I'
l
lseePhi
lanionmy
wayback.
Myphonebeeps.

'
We'dli
ketoseeyoutoday'it
sfrom mymot
her
.Thi
s
changeseemstobeeffect
ingthem mor
e.

'
OkayI
'
llst
opbyl
ater
'Ir
espond.
Nduna:"
Mybeaut
if
ulbr
ideandherbeaut
if
ulbest
l
ady"
Me:"
Mai
dofhonor
"
Nduna:"
Right
.Howareyoudoi
ngtodaymai
dof
honor
?Ihaven'
tseenyoui
nawhil
e"
Me:"
I'
m goodhow'
syour
sel
f?"
Nduna:"Ver
ygood.Soareyoust
il
lgonnagoback
i
nsidetoputonpant
s?"
Mvel
o:"
No.She'
sdr
essed"
Nduna:"
Onl
ythet
-shi
rt
?"
Me:"
It
sat
-shi
rt
/dr
ess.Canwegeti
nthecar
?"
Nduna:"
Isi
t?I
t'
ssoni
cebei
ngawoman"heopened
t
hedoor
sforus.
Me:"
Thankyousir
.Nowtel
lmewhydoyouwanna
comewit
hus?"Iaskaswedri
veof
f.
Nduna:"BecauseIwantedt
ospendtimewit
hyou
myloves.I'
mt aki
ngyououtforl
unchaf
ter
wards"
Me:"Real
ly?Wher
e?KFCorhonchos?
"Mvel
obur
st
outl
aughi
ng.
Mvel
o:"
He'
snotBheki
"
Nduna:"Bheki
?"Helooksatmeont
her
ear
view
mir
ror."
Isthatsbar
i?"
Me:"
Ohpl
ease.He'
smyboss"
Nduna:"
Ican'
twai
tforyout
ofi
ndaman"
Me:"
I'
m notl
ooki
ng"
Nduna:"
WellIwi
lll
ookforyou.Idonotl
iket
his
t
hingofshar
ingmywife'
sattenti
on"
Me:"Yousignedupf
ort
his.Shecomeswi
tha
package"
Nduna:"
Averyannoyi
ngone.I
twoul
d'vebeen
bet
teri
fshehadachil
dnotyoumagogo"
Mvel
o:"
Baby!Youguys"
Me:"Iwishyougai
nafewext
rapounds3days
bef
oretheceremonysot
hatt
heshir
twon'
tfi
t"
Nduna:"
Noneedt obeevil
.Mvelotel
lsmeyouwant
ustopayforyourweddi
ngdresses"
Me:"
Yes.I
'
m br
oke"
Nduna:"
Tel
lmewhenyou'
vef
oundt
hedesi
gner
"I
smil
e.
Me:"
You'
resweet
.Youcant
akeust
oKFCno
pr
obl
em"
Nduna:"
I'
mtaki
ngyout
ochi
ckenl
ickenact
ual
ly"
Mvel
o:"
Noway!
"
Me:"
It
sni
ce"
Mvel
o:"
Areyouki
ddi
ngme?
"
Nduna:"
We'
l
lbuywi
ngs"
Mvel
o:"
Ipr
eferZi
ngerwi
ngs"
Me:"
Asl
ongasi
tismeat
"
Mvel
o:"
You'
reabet
rayer
"
Me:"
Thanks"

Ndunaputonmetr
o.He'snott
hatbadi
ndeedand
hehasn'
tcal
ledmebythatnamesoIguesswe'
re
good.
..

.
..
Ihatehowmuch" l
et'
sgrabadri
nk"al
waysturns
outtobeahugef reaki
nmess.Allwehadtodo
yesterdayisf
itt
heoutfi
ts,
grabl
unchandthen
comebackhome.Iwassosur pr
isedNdunalet'
s
Mvel odri
nkorevenknowssuchbeauti
fulpl
acesfor
classicpeopl
e.

Wenor eser
vati
onsbutweendedi
nsi
de.Hehas
connect
ionsapper
antl
y.

HereIam.Its9am andI'
m st
il
lint
hisbedl
ooki
ng
foranypossi
bleherot
ocomeandbat hmeand
carr
ymet owork.
Ihat
ethosel
ovebi
rds.Iheart
hel
if
tdi
ngs.
Me:"Ihopeyougotmehangovert reat
"Isaywith
myinsuffi
cientvoice.Myphonerings.Thebagis
acr
osst heroom.Whoevert hati
smi ghtl
iket
owait
abitbecauseI'm sti
llgat
her
ingmyst r
engthtoget
up.

Ihearaknock.
Me:"Comein"ohl
ookwhorememberedhehas
employeesandal
aundr
ybusi
ness."
Howdidyou
geti
n?"
Bheki
:"Ipr
essedpent
houseandt
het
hingmoved"
Me:"
Lies.Phi
lanit
oldyout
heaccesscode"
Bheki
:"You'
rel
atef
orwor
k"
Me:"
Iam.Mymom uhm.
..
"
Bheki
:"CanIbr
ingt
hel
aptophereandyouredoour
l
ogo.Upgradet
hewhol
ething.Iwantt
orenovat
e
thepl
ace"
Me:"Uhm noneedt odothat.I
'
llt
aketheshower
qui
cklythenI'
llbedowninami nut
e"Itr
yget t
ingup
butmycover stri
pme.Thishappenseveryti
me
i
nfrontofpeopleI'
drat
hernothavethem seeit.
Bheki
:"CanIwai
tint
hel
ounge?
"
Me:"
Yesyoucan"he'
ssopol
it
etoday.

Igetupaft
eral
it
tl
estr
uggl
etount
angl
etheduvet
.I
rushtot
heshower.

Icomebacktofi
ndmybedalreadymadeand
ther
e'shummi
ngfrom t
hecl
oset.Isl
owl
yopen.
Si
sBuhl
e:"
Hisweet
ie"
Me:"
Hey.You'
reher
eagai
n"
Si
sBuhl
e:"
Yes.Whyar
etheywi
thbl
ackheel
s?"
Me:"
Icamebackr
eal
lydr
unkl
astni
ghtI
'
m sor
ry"

Ipul
lbl
ackf
il
asneaker
s.Mykneeswi
lldef
ini
tel
y
nothandl
eheel
stoday.

Iputonadress.Anyt
hingti
ghtwi
llnotdo.Ineedal
l
thefr
eshai
rIcouldgettoday.
Me:"
Didyouf
indsomeonei
nthel
ounge?
"
Si
sBuhl
e:"
No.Whowasi
t?"
Me:"
Myboss.I
'
llseeyoul
ater
"
Si
sBuhl
e:"
Bye"

It
akemybagandmyphoneandwal
kout
.If
indhi
m
si
tt
ingont
hehi
ghchai
r.
Bheki:"
Ihopeyoudon'
tmi
ndIt
ookaseatand
pouredmyselfwat
er"
Me:"
Idon'
t.Wecango"
Bheki
:"Youcanwor
kfr
om her
e.Youdon'
tlook
okay"
Me:"
Ihadar
oughni
ght
"
Bheki
:"Yeaht
hat
'swhyyouhavet
owor
kfr
om
home.Justputyourpant
iesonandt
henhel
pme
pul
lthi
stoget
her"
Me:"
Youwantmet
obenaked?
"
Bheki
:"Notnakednakedbutputonyoursl
eepwear
"
Me:"
Pyj
amas"
Bheki
:"Yeaht
hat
"
Me:"
Isi
tpar
tofmyj
oboryou'
rej
ustaski
nga
f
avor
?"
Bheki
:"I
ts..
."heclearshist
hroatandchuckl
es."
I
cametoaskaf avor.Youwomenar egoodwitht
his
butIwil
lincludeiti
nyoursalary"
Me:"
Nowwe'
ret
alki
ng"
Bheki
:"Wi
llyouneveraskaf
avorf
rom me?
"
Me:"
Nope.Iknowhowt
ohandl
emybusi
ness"
Bheki
:"Youcouldneverbet
oosure.Yourt
aps
mightstar
tact
ingupandIspeci
ali
zeinthat
"
Me:"
Ihaveaper
sonalpl
umbert
hankyou"
Bheki
:"Let
'sgetdownt
owor
k"
Me:"
Wher
e'sPhi
lani
"
Bheki
:"Hel
pingt
heguyspack"
Me:"Di
dyouwakeupanddeci
dedt
oredot
he
pl
ace?"
Bheki
:"Yes.
"

It
aket
hel
apt
opandheadt
othel
oungear
ea.
Me:"
Why?
"
Bheki:"
It
saboutti
me.Ijustopenedt
hepl ace.I
neverputtoomucheff
ortbutitsmaki
ngt angibl
e
prof
it
.Soi t
sonl
ybestIshowi tsomelove"
Me:"Mmmh.So,
whatcol
orsshoul
dbei
ncl
udedon
yourl
ogo?
"
Bheki
:"Yel
lowandbl
ue?
"Il
augh.
Me:"
I'
m sor
rybutr
eal
ly?
"
Bheki:"
Don'tl
augh.Suggestt
hoseyouthinkaret
he
best"hepauses."
Knowwhat ?Justmakeityour
ownbaby.Dowhat everyouwanttodo.I'
l
lstopby
toseetheresul
ts"
Me:"
Youwi
llr
egr
ett
hat
"
Bheki
:"Iwon'
t"
Me:"
Whyar
eyousoni
cet
oday?
"
Bheki
:"BecauseIwantyout
ohel
pmeLexi
"
Me:"
Ohyouknowt
hatname?
"Hesmi
rks
Bheki
:"Ido.Andfrom nowonIvowt
onevercal
l
youbythatothername"
Me:"
Aht
hanksheavens"
Bheki
:"Haveal
ovel
ydayma'
am"
Me:"ThankyouSir
"hesmil
esandt ur
naway
headi
ngtotheli
ft
.Ipr
efert
hisdesper
atehi
m.

It
extMvel
o.Iwi
llneedheri
nput
..
.

.
..
Trustti
met ogofr
om 10am t
o5pm in4hours.Iam
notreall
ylooki
ngfor
wardint
oseei
ngmypar ents.I
feell
ikether
e'sameeti
ng,
theywoul
dallgi
veup
t
hei
rlef
tear
stoseewher
eIwor
k.

Iknewit
!He'shere.Hispr
esencecoul
donl
ymean
onethi
ng:nuisance.

Ipar
kbehindhiscar.Ughmom i
ssomethi
ngelse.
Whywoul dsheletmecomehereknowi
ngthatthi
s
devi
lisheret
oo.

Igetof
fwit
hgoodi
esIbought
.Iwon'
tevenbot
her
taki
ngthel
apt
op.Myst
aywon'tbel
onganyway.

Me:"
Greet
ings"
Melissa:"
Ist
hatmybaby?
"Sheshout
sfr
om t
he
ki
tchen.
Me:"
Yes"Il
aughandhugsdaddy.
Mar
cus:"
Didyouj
ustt
akeabat
h?"
Me:"
NoInat
ural
lysmel
lfr
esh"
Mar
cus:"
Yousur
edoes"
Me:"
Wher
e'sWi
ll
?"
Mar
cus:"
Upst
air
staki
ngabat
h."
Me:"
He'
ssl
eepi
ngover
?"
Mar
cus:"
Yes"
Mel
issa:"
Andhe'
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed"t
heexci
tement
i
nherface.
Me:"
Sof
ast
?"
Meli
ssa:"
Yes.AKi
ngal
waysneedsaqueenbaby"
shesayshuggi
ngme.
Me:"
That
'swhyhe'
sal
waysdi
vor
cing.
"
Mar
cus:"
Lexi
!"
Me:"
It
str
ue.Youknowi
tis.Wheni
sit
?"
Mel
issa:"
Ont
he30t
h"
Me:"I
twouldbever
ysel
fi
shofhi
mtoexpectmet
o
at
tendthi
sonetoo"
Mar
cus:"
Youcan'
tmi
ssaweddi
ng"
Me:"
It
shi
s3r
dweddi
ng.What
'ssospeci
alabout
i
t?"
Mel
issa:"
Alexi
syouwi
llat
tendt
heweddi
ng"
Me:"
Iwon'
t.I
'l
lsendhi
m agi
ft
.Not
hingt
ooext
reme
t
houghI
'm br
oke"
Mar
cus:"
Ithoughtyourj
obpai
dyouwel
l
"
Me:"
Yesf
ormyneedsdaddy"
Meli
ssa:"
Okay.Wedidnotcallyouher
etodi
scuss
Wil
l'
s3rdmarri
age.Yourf
atherandIhaveal
it
tl
e
somethi
ngforyou"
Me:"
Ithoughtnomor
egi
ft
s"
Marcus:"
Don'
tbesi
ll
y"hepi
cksapor
tabl
eboxf
rom
asi
deandhandsitt
ome.
Me:"
Whati
sit
?"Ichuckl
ener
vousl
y.
Mel
issa:"
Open"

Iopeni
t.I
tsmycarkeysandmycar
ds.
Me:"
Whatdoest
hismean?
"
Mar
cus:"
Whatdoyout
hinki
tmeans?
"
Me:"
You'
regi
vingi
tback?
"
Meli
ssa:"We'
veenduredsomuchpai nseeingyou
bei
ngaloneouttheretr
yingt
of i
gureever
ythi
ngout
onyourown.Whenwef oundoutyouworkat
l
aundry,wereal
izedyou'
reexactl
ywherewewanted
youtobe"
Me:"Mom. .
."Ihugher
."AndI'
m doingprett
yfi
ne
youguys.I'
m sogladyouthoughtofint
roduci
ngme
toreall
if
e"
Marcus:"
Nowyouknowhowi tgoesont
heot
her
si
deofthewor
ld.Youcancl
eaneven"
Me:"
YesIcan"

Wef
orm agr
ouphug.
Mar
cus:"
Youcancomebemyp.
a."
Me:"
Iam enj
oyi
ngmyj
ob"
Mel
issa:"
Iam pr
oudofyou"
Mar
cus:"
Wear
epr
oudofyou"
Me:"
Thankyoumyl
oves"
"
Justi
nti
me"

Wel
etgo.Isi
gh.
AuntMar
y:"
IthoughtI
'
dmi
ssyou"
Mel
issa:"
Wewer
en'
texpect
ingyou"
AuntyMary:"Ofcourseyouweren'
t.OhWher
ear
e
mymanner s.ThisisRonnie,
Lexi'
ssoont
obe
husband"
Us:"
What
?"
AuntMar
y:"
Yes.Iwi
llnotl
etyouhumi
li
ateus"
Me:"
Wellyoudraggedf
eet
"mom anddadl
ookat
mesurpr
ised.
Mel
issa:"
Whatdoyoumean?
"Igul
p.
Me:"
Iam seei
ngsomeone"
AuntMar
y:"
Youar
e?"
Me:"
Yes.
"
AuntMar
y:"
Myboypl
easegomakeyour
sel
f
somet
hingt
oeati
ntheki
tchen"

Iwannapuke!WhatdoesauntMar
ytakemef
or?A
manwhowear ssuchbigj
eans?Real
ly?
Mar
cus:"
So,
who'
sthel
uckyguy?
"Ohoh.
Me:"
Theluckyguy?
"If
akel
augh."
Iwoul
dn'
treal
ly
sayt
hat
"
AuntMar
y:"
We'
rewai
ti
ngont
hename!
"
Me:I
ts.
..
it
sBhekisamaNcube"
AuntMar
y:"
Whatonear
thi
sthat
?"
Me:"
Myboyf
ri
end"
Mel
issa:"
We'
dlovet
omeethi
m"
Me:"
No!Imeani
t'
sonl
ybeenf
oraf
ewweeks"
Marcus:"
That
'swhyweneedtoseehim.We'
l
lget
t
ojudgeifhe'
sper
fectf
oryouornot
"
AuntMar
y:"
Thi
sSat
urdaywi
lldo.Ever
yonewi
llbe
ar
ound"
Me:"
He'
saver
ybusyman.That
'st
ooshor
tnot
ice"
AuntMary:"I
fhedoesn'
tshowuponSat
urdayt
hen
you'
reget
tingmarr
iedtoRonni
e."
Meli
ssa:"
Thatwillnothappen.Loveplease
repr
imandyoursister.She'st
ooi
nvolvedinmy
daught
er'
sli
feit
ssi ckening"

Shesaysandpul
lmeout
side.Wel
ldonemommy.

Myphoner
ings.
Me:"
Igott
otaket
his"

ShenodsandIwal ktheoppositedi
rect
ion.Why
didn'tIt
hinkofPhil
anithough?Howam Igonna
explainthi
stoBheki?Hewi l
lprobabl
ylaughand
thinkI'
m crazy.
..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t8•
••
.
Ihat
eitwhenIneedsomeonesomuchandthey
don'
tanswer
.Doessheevenhaveanyi
deahow
muchIneedtotal
ktoher
?

"Lexi?Supperisready"mom saysaft
eratt
empti
ng
toopen.Ijustcameher eandlockedmyselfi
n.I
can'tstandauntMar yandherquesti
onsabout"
my
man" .I
t'sl
ikesheseesthroughme.

Me:"
Okay.Iwasbat
hingI
'
llber
ightt
her
eina
mi
nute"
Mel
issa:"
Okhur
ry.Idon'
twantyoudr
ivi
ngatni
ght
"
Me:"
Yesmom"

Ihearf oot
stepsfadeaway.Ilookthroughmy
pyjamadr esserandf i
ndar omper
.Thiswi l
ldo.Iput
i
ton.Thi sweatheriscrazy.WhenIar r
iveditwas
war m butnowwe' r
eJune.I '
m sogladthunder
foundmet hi
sside.Itget
sreall
ytraumatictobeat
t
hepent
house.Ican'
tst
andl
ight
eni
ng.

Ir
ingMvel
oagai
n.I
tgoest
ovoi
cemai
l.Ihat
ethi
s
l
if
e.

If
indever
yoneal
readyeat
ing.
AuntMar
y:"
You'
l
lneverchange"
Me:"
Whatsi
nhaveIcommi
tt
ednow?
"
Wi
ll
:"Ar
ri
vedl
atei
nthet
abl
e"
Me:"
Itol
dmom Iwi
l
lbel
ate"
Mar
cus:"
Kennet
hwi
lldr
iveyou.I
t'
slat
enow"
Me:"
I'
llbef
inedad"
Melissa:"
Notupfordi
scussi
on.Menarever
y
wickedthesedays.Cr
imerat
eisshoot
inghi
gh,
especial
lycart
heft
"
Me:"
Butyou'
rel
ett
ingamandr
iveme"
Mar
cus:"
I'
lldr
iveyout
hen"
Wi
ll
:"Wor
rynotuncl
e.Iwi
ll
"
Me:"Letmej
ustl
eavenow.I
tsj
ustaf
ewmi
nut
es
af
ter8"
Mel
issa:"
Lexino"

Igetupandrusht
otheki
tchen.It
aket
hebagt
hat
hasmyf ood.
Me:"FYIIdodrivefr
om myplacetoMvel
o'sat2am
sowor r
ynot.AndbesidesIwannapassbymy
boyf
riend'
splace"mom smil
ed.
Meli
ssa:"Whydi
dn'tyouj
ustsay?Butt
hatf
oodi
s
enoughfort
hebothofyou"
Me:"
Thankyoumyl
ove"
Marcus:"
Tel
lhi
m we'
rel
ooki
ngf
orwar
dtoseei
ng
hi
m"
Me:"Iwi
ll
"If
aintsmi
leandwal
koutwi
thmom and
dad.

Iputt
hebagont
hepassengerseat
.
Mar
cus:"
We'
repr
oudofyou"
Me:"
BecauseIhaveaman?
"
Meli
ssa:"
Whocaresaboutt
hat?Maryisgoing
t
hroughmenopause.Wewouldneverchooseaman
f
oryou"
Marcus:"Yourhappinesscomesfi
rstbaby.Aunt
MaryandWi llar
efighti
ngalosi
ngbattl
e.Iam
happythoughyouhaveamannow"Ishoul dn'thave
l
ied!
Me:"
Letmel
oveyouandl
eaveyou"

Wedoagr
ouphugandthenIgeti
ntomycar
.They
wat
chmedri
veaway.
..

.
..
Theint
ercom buzzes.He'
sear
ly.Igetof
fthehi
gh
chai
randbuzzhi min.

Myphoner
ingswhenIsi
tbackdown.
Me:"
Final
lyyour
emember
edIexi
st"
Mvelo:"I
'
m sorr
yhoney.Nduna'sbrot
her
sandt hei
r
wivesarri
vedunannouncedIhadtocookIdi
dn't
evenreali
zemyphonei sdeadunti
lnow"whatkind
ofpeoplearet
hose.
Me:"
OhI '
m sor
rylove.Ihopeyout
oldt
hem t
o
i
nfor
m younextti
me"
Mvelo:"
Isuredi
d.Idon'
tseemysel
fdoi
ngal
lthatI
di
dlastnight
.Ar
eyouokay?"
Me:"
No.Il
ied.Il
iedt
err
ibl
y."
Mvel
o:"
Towhoandwhy?
"
Me:"Myfamily.AuntMar
ybroughtasize32man
thatwear
ssize44pantsandsize15shoes,hewas
supposedtobemyhusbandunt i
lIl
iedandsaidI
haveaman. "
Mvel
o:"
Letmeguess?Theywantt
omeethi
m?"
Me:"
YesandguesswhoIsai
dthatmani
s"
Mvel
o:"
Phi
lani
"
Me:"Ishoul
d'vethoughtofhi
m.Bheki
"shel
aughs
andscreams."Ineedtorentamanthat
'l
lpl
ay
Bheki"
"
Am Idead?
"Myhear
tski
ppedabeat
.
Me:"
Uhm l
etmecal
lyoul
aterbabe"
Mvel
o:"
Who'
sther
e?"

Ihangupandturntofacet
heent
rance.Whydi
dn'
tI
heart
hist
hingbeep?
Me:"
Hi"
Bheki
:"Am It
heBhekiyou'
ret
alki
ngabout
?"
Me:"
Nope"
Bheki:"
Whydoyoul
ookl
ikeyouj
ustsawmamj
ij
i
then?
"
Me:"Andt
hat
'ssupposedt
obe?
"
Bheki
:"Ti
kol
oshe"
Me:"Idon'
tknowhowpeopl
elookwhenthey'
vej
ust
seenhim..
.orher
.Youmayt
akeaseat"
Bheki
:"Thankyou.Il
oveyourr
omper
"
Me:"
Thanks"
Bheki
:"Youl
ookli
kear
ealbunny.Youj
ustneedt
o
walkl
ikeonenow"
Me:"
You'
rej
oll
ytoday"
Bheki
:"I
tsabeaut
if
ulmorni
ng.Iat
emyf
avor
it
e
foodanddrankmycof
fee"
Me:"Ni
ce"Ipushthelapt
optohim.Hi
seyes
wander
soni tandthenhesmil
es.
Bheki
:"I
sthi
sit
?Di
dyoust
udygr
aphi
cdesi
gn?
"
Me:"
It
sat
alent
.Doyoul
ikei
t?"
Bheki
:"Il
ovei
t.I
tsnotdonet
hough,
isi
t?"
Me:"
Nopei
t'
snot
"
Bheki
:"Okay.Iwi
llmakepaymentbef
oret
heday
ends"
Me:"
Nonono.Youdon'
thavet
odothat
.Iwoul
d
al
sol
ikeyout
odosomethi
ngforme"
Bheki:"
Don'
ttel
lmeyou'
reaboutt
oaskmef
ora
favour"
Me:"
NoI '
m not
.You'
repayi
ngmebutnotwi
th
money"
Bheki:"
Swall
owyourpr
ideandaskfort
hatf
avour
becauseI'
m wil
li
ngt
opayyou.Wit
hmoney"
Me:"Idon'twantmoney.Ineedyout
oactl
ikemy
boyf
riend"hechuckl
es.
Bheki:"
Whywoul
dyouwantt
opl
ayyour
boyfr
iend?
"
Me:"
BecauseIdon'
tbei
nanar
rangedmar
ri
age"
Bheki
:"Wher
e'syourr
ealboyf
ri
end?
"
Me:"I
..
.webr
okeupamont
hago.Ar
eyougonna
hel
pme? "
Bheki
:"What
'si
nitf
orme?
"
Me:"
Areyouki
ddi
ngme?Iam r
emaki
ngyour
br
and"
Bheki
:"Iwil
lpayyouforthat
.Whatisgonnabemy
paymentforplayi
ngyourboyfr
iend?
"
Me:"Bheki
.Don'tpayme.Yourpaymentwi
llbeme
doi
ngthisforf
ree"
Bheki
:"NoIdon'
twantt
onotpayyou.
"OhmyGod.
Me:"
Whyar
eyoucompl
icat
ingt
hings?
"
Bheki
:"BecauseIwantyout
oaskmeni
cel
y"
Me:"Whati
snicert
hatt
hisappr
oach?Mypar
ent
s
wanttomeett
hisboyf
ri
endonSaturday"
Bheki:"
You'
vegot3dayst
ogetmet oagr
ee.Pl
ease
fi
nishuphere.Howmuchareyougoingt
ochar
ge
me? "
Me:"
Areyouf
orr
eal
?"Hesmi
rk.
Bheki:"
Yes.Textmeyourpr
ize.I
'
vegotameet
ing
torushto"

Heheadstot
heli
ft
.Itpart
s.Heget
sinandwaves
megoodbyebef
oreitcl
oses.Wow.
..

*
**
Fir
stthi
ngIdi
dthi
smorni
ngwassendt
hispr
oject
tothi
sbull
yofaman.

Hesenttheremaini
nghal
fofpayment
.Ican'
t
bel
ieveIhavetobeghi
mtobemypr et
end
boyf
ri
end.

Iam meet
ingwit
ht hepar
ents.Mycar sarr
ivedin
themorni
ng.Iwasdoingfi
ner eal
ly.Myfavori
te
waswithmesot hestr
esshadt oneddown.

Iam l
ate.Asusual
.Iknowmydadi
spi
ssed.
Me:"
Traf
fi
c!"
Mel
issa:"
Whatki
ndoft
raf
fi
cist
his?I
ts12:
40"
Me:"
Peopl
ear
egoi
ngt
ogetf
ood.Ni
cet
ie"
Marcus:"
It
soneoft
he100youboughtonmy
bi
rt
hday"
Me:"OhIneverfoundt
imet
oopent
hebox.Have
youguysorder
edyet?"
Mar
cus:"No.Wewannaor
derapl
att
er"Moncal
led
awai
terover
.
Me:"
Asl
ongasi
thasmeat
"
Mel
issa:"
Howaboutt
hisone?I
thaswi
ngs,
ribsor
st
eak,
gar
li
cbr
ead,
fri
esandsal
ad"
Me:"
Aren'
tther
eot
heropt
ionsi
nst
eadofgar
li
c
br
ead?"
Wai
ter
:"Ther
ear
ebunsandbr
iyani
"
Me:"
I'
llhavebr
iyanit
hanks"
Wai
ter
:"Bever
ages?
"
Mar
cus:"
Abot
tl
eofwi
nepl
ease"
Me:"
I'
llhaveagranadil
laj
uice"theybot
hlookatme.
"
Orachocolate-vani
ll
amilkshake"
Wait
er:"Comi
ng"hewal
ksaway.Theyarest
il
l
l
ookingatmecuri
ousl
yandI'
m notgoi
ngto
ent
ertai
nthem.
Me:"
SonowIcanshopl
ikecr
azy?
"
Mar
cus:"
Youdon'
tdr
inkanymor
e?"
Me:"
It
sWednesday.
"
Melissa:"
I'
mimpr essed.Wellyoucan'
tshopli
ke
crazy.Youwil
lreceiveyourmont hl
yal
lowancebut
youwi l
lhaveafinancialadvi
ser"
Me:"Idon'
tneedthat.Icanspendmymoneywi
sel
y.
Ihavebeendoingthatfor8weeksnow"
Marcus:"I
'
llgi
veyou2mont hstoseei
fyoureal
ly
can.I
fyouspenditfooli
shl
ythenthef
inanci
al
advi
seriscomingforyou"
Me:"
Yourgi
rll
ear
nedherl
esson.Wor
rynot
"
Meli
ssa:"
Soyouhaven'
tthoughtaboutbecomi
ng
daddy'
spa?"
Me:"
Havingajobasfancyasthati
severyone'
s
dr
eam butworki
ngforMarcusMcveighi
sn'tmy
dr
eam.Nooffense"
Mar
cus:"
Nonet
aken"wel
augh."
Your
eal
lyl
iket
hat
j
ob?
"
Me:"Ido.Mycol
leaguei
sgoodt
ome,
soi
smy
boss"
Mel
issa:"
Youcan'
twor
kther
eforyourwhol
eli
fe"
Me:"
Imightgetl
uckyandgetaj
ob.Some
empl
oyeemightl
ookpastmycri
minalr
ecor
d"
Marcus:"
Youwil
lgetajobbaby.Assaul
tcases
ar
en'tt
hatmuchofablockage"
Me:"
Youmi
ghtneverknow"
Mel
issa:"
Stopst
ressi
ng"

Ourfoodarri
ves.I
tlooksasgoodasitl
ooksonthe
cat
alogue.Wethankthewaiterandhel
eaves.
Me:"
Thi
siswor
thget
ti
ngf
atf
or"
Mel
issa:"
Icoul
dn'
tagr
eemor
e"

Wel
ookatdad.He'
sal
readydi
ggi
ngi
n.

Myphonebeeps.

"That'
smyl ocat
ionjustincaseyouwannacome
askmeni celybecauseifyouhir
esomeoneto
pretendtobemeIwi l
lsueyoufordef
ormat
ionof
character
"

I
sheki
ddi
ngme?
.
..
Myphoner i
ngsasIdr i
vetothislodge.Ihavenever
camet othispartofJo'
burg.I'
ver eadabouti
tinthe
newsabouti t'
scrimethatneverendsandpubsi n
everycorner.Andtheywerenott elli
ngl
iesI'
ve
passedmor ethan6i n30mi nutes.Andthislodge
seemsl i
kepubt oo.Somanycar s.Theycan'
tbe
guest'
sonly.

Ianswer
.
Me:"
Whyhaveyouabandonedme?
"
Phi
lani
:"YouknowI
'
m yourboss'
sri
ghthandman"
Me:"
Right
.If
orgot
.Haveyouknockedof
f?"
Phil
ani
:"Yesandi
nbed.Mydaystart
sat5
tomorr
ow.Thankstoyouf
orf
ini
shingthatpr
oject
i
nt i
me"
Me:"I
twasj ustaremakeofalogoPhi
lanit
her
e
wasnor easonfordel
ay.I
'
m sorryt
hough.You
shoul
d'vetol
dmet odragfeet
"
Phi
lani
:"Youshoul
dcomehel
pmei
nspect
"
Me:"
Ist
hatt
her
easonyou'
l
lwakeupat5?
"
Phi
lani
:"No.Pai
ntwi
llbedel
iver
edat6.
"
Me:"
Ohhok.Whatsof
tensaman'
shear
t?"
Phi
lani
:"Food.War
m homemadef
ood"
Me:"
Anyt
hingel
sebesi
def
ood"
Phi
lani
:"Al
coholandsoccerdat
es"
Me:"
Okayt
hanks.ByeI
'
llseeyout
omor
row"

Ihangupbefor
ehecomplai
nsaboutsomet
hing.I
getoutoft
hecarandheadi
nsi
de.
T
Iaskaroundift
heyknowsomeonecal l
edBheki.
Theysendmet oaver ytal
lscaryman.Itel
lhi
mI '
m
heretoseeBheki,hel
eadst heway.I
ndeedthere'
sa
verybeaut
if
ulplaceherethatsel
lsal
cohol.

Thescar
ymanpoi
ntsatBhekiamongstver
y
beaut
if
ulhal
fnakedwomen.Heseesmeandget
s
upsmili
ng.
Bheki
:"Youcame"
Me:"
YepIdi
d.Doyoul
iveher
e?"
Bheki
:"NobutIspendmostofmyt
imeher
e.Come"

If
oll
owhimt
hrought
hecor
ri
dor
.Hebet
ternotpi
mp
meout.

Heunl
ockst
hedoorandt
urnont
hel
ight
s.
Me:"
Ist
hisyourr
oom?
"
Bheki:"
No.Myboss'
s.Hewon'
tmi
ndt
hatI
'
m
borr
owingiff
orafewminut
es"
Me:"
Hemustbeani
ceboss"
Bheki
:"Hei
s."Hesi
tsdown.
Me:"Iwillgetst
rai
ghtt
ot hepoi
nt.I
tsgett
ingl
ate.I
am heretoaskyounicelytobemypr et
end
boyfr
iend"Igivehi
m aweaksmi l
e.
Bheki
:"Thi
sisn'
tni
ce"
Me:"
Bhekipl
ease"
Bheki
:"You'
rest
ompi
ngyourf
eetatme?
"
Me:"
No..
.Imean,
I'
m desper
atewhyar
eyougi
ving
mehardt
ime?"
Bheki
:"Becausei
ftabl
eswer
etur
nedyouwoul
dn'
t
evenwanttohearmeout"
Me:"
That
'snott
rue"
Bheki
:"Okay.
"Hepour
shi
msel
fjui
ce.
Me:"
So,
areyougonnadoi
t?"
Bheki:"Notuntilyoubecomeallr
omantic.Thisdr
y
humpi ngisn'
tsexy.Youcomi ngherewi
thno
flowersorboxofchocol at
es.Iwantsomething
tangibl
ethat'
llconvinceme"
Me:"
Youwantwar
m homemadef
ood?
"Hi
ssmi
le
wi
dens.Damn!
Bheki
:"Nowwe'
ret
alki
ng.
"
Me:"
When?
"
Bheki
:"Toni
ght
"hehasament
alpr
obl
em.
Me:"
It
s8pm"
Bheki
:"Per
fectt
imet
ocookf
or2"
Me:"
Andwherewil
lIbuyt
heingr
edi
ent
s?I
'
m 50
mi
nutesawayf
rom myhouse"
Bheki
:"Myboss'
ski
tchenhasal
mostever
ythi
ng.
Wecangocheckitout"Godpl
easesaveme!
Me:"Okay.Let
's.
..
Let
'schecki
tout
"heget
supand
headtothedoorontheleft
.

It
sapor tabl
ebeauti
fulki
tchen.Hehandsmet
he
apron.Iputiton.
Bheki
:"Shoul
dIstar
tchoppi
ngoni
on?Ther
e's
ever
ykindsofmeati
nhere"

Iputmybagonachai
randpl
aywi
thmyf
inger
s.
Me:"LookBheki
,Ican'
tcook.Icanonl
ydoeggsand
noodles"
Bheki
:"Spaghet
ti
?"
Me:"
Idon'
tknowhowt
ocooki
t"
Bheki
:"Okay.Gett
hatpotwi
thadot
"
Me:"
Youar
en'
tsur
pri
sed?
"
Bheki:"
It
snotlikeyoucan'tl
ear
n.Stoplooki
ngl
ike
awetchi ckenandpassmet hepot.Youcandothe
choppingsinceI'
mt heonecooki
ngnow.Takenote
ofeveryt
hingIdo."

Ichuckl
eandpasshi
mthepot
.
Me:"
Youcanhavet
heapr
on"
Bheki
:"That
'sfordramati
cpeopl
enkosazana.Men
l
ikemecooki ntheirwhi
teshi
rt
sandwalkout
wit
houtastain.Orangej
uiceormil
k?"
Me:"
Mil
k?"
Bheki
:"Yes.It
houghtyourf
atherwasaf
armer
"
Me:"YesbutI
'
veneverseenhi
m bei
ngone.Peopl
e
act
uall
ydri
nkmil
k?"
Bheki
:"Yeswedo"
Me:"
Don'
tyourbossmi
nd?
"
Bheki
:"He'
sver
yunder
standi
ng.Oryouwantwi
ne?
"
Me:"
Not
hanksI
'
llhavej
uice"

It
aket
heveggi
esandst
artchoppi
ng.
..
.

•
••
It
sbeenqui
teabusy3days.If
inal
lyaskedni
cel
y
enoughf
orBhekit
oagr
ee.

Wespentthispast3daysteachingoneanot her
aboutouri
nter
estsandeveryt
hingt hat
'snecessar
y
toknowaboutthepersonyou'r
ei nvol
vedwith.

Ihearpeopl
elaughi
ng.Thatmustbehim.Mvel
o
cameher et
o'fi
xmeup' Imustsayshepr
ett
ymuch
didexact
lyt
hat.
Itakeonel
astl
ookonthemir
ror
.Il
ookl
ikeI
'
m
goingoutwi
tht
hepresi
dent
.
Mvelo:"Youwil
lseefl
aws.Bheki
isher
e"shesays
huggingmefrom behi
nd.
Me:"
Thankyouf
ri
end"
Mvel
o:"
Anyt
hingf
ormymai
dofhonor
"

Shet
akesmyhand,
wewal
kout
.
Me:"
Wher
eishe?
"

"
Righther
e"

MyGodhel
pme.Whatonear
thi
shewear
ing!
Bheki
:"Youl
ookr
avi
shi
ng.
"
Me:"
Thankyou.Butsandal
sandanover
ral
ltoa
f
ormaldi
nner
?"
Bheki
:"Di
dn'
tyousaysomet
hingmust
ardand
whi
te?
"
Me:"
Idi
d"
Bheki
:"Di
dIf
ailt
ogett
hecol
orsr
ight
?"
Me:"
NobutBhekiIwasexpect
ingsomet
hing
f
ormal,
wetal
kedaboutt
his"
Bheki
:"YeswedidbutIdi
dn'
tsayIwi
llweart
hose
wanki
nkithi
ngs"
Me:"
Andwhati
sthatsupposedt
obe?
"
Mvel
o:"
Tightsui
ts"
Me:"Butover
all
s?Myauntwi
llnott
akeyou
ser
iousl
y"
Bheki
:"Wellmasiphumeki mi l
esosal
ukazi
somlungu( t
hatol
dwhi teladymustleavemealone)
.
Fir
stofallkuzomelengikwiti
zemina(I'
l
lhavet
o
speakgibberi
sh)topleaseher"
Mvel
o:"Okaycalm downguys.Lexit
heseover
ral
ls
ar
everytr
ending"
Me:"
Whomeet
sthei
rinl
awsi
nover
all
s"
Bheki
:"Me.Ar
ewest
il
ldr
ivi
ngorwear
etaki
ngan
uber
?"
Me:"
What
evert
hat
'l
lgetust
her
e"
Bheki
:"We'
l
lusemygr
andma'
sbr
oom t
ofl
y.l
et'
s
go"

Mvel
oshakesherheadasIat
temptt
ospeak.

.
..
Thedri
vetomypar
ent
'shousei
squi
et.Onl
y
Maskandii
smessi
ngwit
hmyeardr
ums.

ThankGodwe'
reher
e.Ihopof
ffi
rst
.
Bheki
:"Hel
lo?Doyouwantmet
ogetl
ostandend
uptoabutcherhouse?
"
Me:"
Wedon'
thaveabut
cherhouse"
Bheki
:"Ar
en'
twesupposedt
obewal
kinghandi
n
hand?
"
Me:"
No"
Bheki
:"Youknowmybedisver
ysof
t.Icoul
d
al
waysgobackt omypl
ace"

Isi
ghandwai
tforhi
m.Her
eachesmeandt
akes
myhand.

Thishousedoesn'
tlookl
iket
her
e'sdi
nner
anywhere.
Me:"
Mom!
"

Shawncomesr
unni
ngandbar
king.Bhekihi
des
away.
Bheki:"
Hheif
utsek"hekeepsbarki
ngatBheki.I
'
m
hol
dinginalaif
u."Hhai
boweSabat hi
leawukhuze
i
njayakho(stopyourdog)"Il
augh.
Me:"HisnameisShawn.Shawn,
thi
sisBheki
.St
op
bar
king"hest
opsandcomet ome.
Bheki
:"Whywoul
dyounameadogShawn?
"
Me:"
It
smydad'
s"Il
eadt
hewayt
othepor
ch
Bheki
:"Hecoul
d'venamedi
tSpot
iorsomet
hing"
Me:"
Thi
sisasubur
bandog"
Bheki
:"Sur
eashel
liti
s.I
tdoesn'
tevenunder
stand
fut
sek.
"
Me:"
Pleasebehavemyst
omachhur
ts"

Mel
issa:"
Iwasaboutt
ocal
lyou"
Me:"
Youdi
dn'
tsaywe'
l
leather
e"
Marcus:"
Isawthebeauti
fulst
arsshi
ningand
t
houghtthey'
dbeverybeauti
fult
oeatunder"
Me:"
Thatwasver
ythought
fulofyou"
AuntMar
y:"
Didyour
ideascoot
eronyourway
her
e?'
Me:"
Huh?
"ShepointsatBheki
."What
?No.Thisis
t
hemanwhoisbehindmysmi l
e.BhekiNcube"
Mel
issa:"
Wel
comet
otheMcVei
ghsBheki
"
Bheki
:"Thankyoumadam"t
heyshakehands.
Madam?
Mel
issa:"
Cal
lmeMel
issapl
ease"
Bheki
:"That
sagai
nstmycul
tur
ema'
am"
Marcus:"
Comeon.I
'
m Mar
cusandIam ver
yfi
ne
wi
thyoucall
ingmet
hat
.Howareyouson?"
Bheki
:"I
'
m goodsi
r,howar
eyou?
"
Mar
cus:"
I'
m gr
eat
.Justagi
ng"
Bheki:"
Nicehomeyouhavehere,alovel
yfamil
ytoo.
Imustsayyoudidagreatj
obraisi
ngt hi
sAngel
.I
neverknewsuchcl
othwascutforme.Awhol e
barbari
an"
Me:"
Stopi
t"
Meli
ssa:"Pl
easet
akeaseat
.Thef
oodi sgett
ing
col
d.Iprepar
edever
yki
ndofmeatjustincaseyou
haveal
lergi
es"
Bheki:"
Who?Me?That '
sforwhi
tepeopl
e..
."he
pause."I
'm sor
ry"mypar
entsl
augh.
Marcus:"Icoul
dn'
tagr
eemore.Ihaveablackfr
iend.
I
'veneverheardhi
m sayhi
skidshaveal
lergi
es"
Bheki
:"Exact
ly.Kwamai
mai
weeatbeefst
ew,
chi
cken,mutt
onandgoatal
li
nonepl
ateandwe
don'
tfal
lsi
ck.
"
AuntMar
y:"
SoLexiyouwentf
orabl
ackman?
"
Me:"
Yes"
Bheki:"
Igavehernochoice.I'
m averysmooth
tal
ker.Shewouldn'
tgivemeachancebecauseshe
wasscar edauntMarywilldi
sapprovebutIt
oldher
nottowor rywe'
l
lhandleher"he'
smessingupt he
scri
pt.Ipinchhi
m underthetabl
e
AuntMar
y:"
Handl
eme?
"
Bheki
:"Yes.We'
llf
indyouahusband"mom l
aughs.
"I
'
m kiddi
ng.Iboughtyout
his"het
akesoutasmall
envel
ope.
Me:"
Youdidn'
ttel
lmeyoubr
oughtaunt
y
somet
hing"
Bheki:"
I'
m amyst erymanmylove"heki ssesmy
cheek.Iswearmypar ent
swishwewer eget t
ing
marri
edt oday.I
'
veseenthesetypesofsmi les,t
he
sayIpassedmat ricandonmygr aduat
ionday.
Mar
cus:"
Wewannaknowwhat
'si
nsi
det
her
e"
AuntMary:"I
t'
sacheapgi f
tcar
d.Hecan'
teven
aff
ordtogetagiftcar
dwor t
hR500,wher
eoneart
h
doyouthinkhe'
llgetmoneytomarr
yLexi"she
pushesbacktheenvelope.
Bheki
:"Waphut
hel
wakent
ombiendal
a."(
Yourl
oss
ol
dlady)
Mar
cus:"
CanIspeakt
oyou?
"Hesayst
oauntMar
y.

Theygetupandwal
kaway.
Mel
issa:"
I'
mreall
ysor
ryaboutt
hisBheki
.She'
s
j
ust
...
She'
sher"
Bheki
:"Noneedt
oapol
ogi
zema'
am"
Me:"
YouAr
en'
tbot
her
ed?
"
Bheki
:"Ther
e'sal
wayssuchaper
soni
never
y
famil
ybaby"
Meli
ssa:"
She'
sjustembar
rassi
ngmychi
ld.
Desser
t?"
Bheki
:"Yesma'
am.Thankyou.Yourf
oodmakesme
wishIhadanext
rast
omach"
Mel
issa:"
You'
resuchaf
lat
ter
."

Shesaysandwal ksaway.Bheki
takesanot
her
pi
eceofchicken.
Bheki:"
Whatdotheyfeedt
hesechickens?Your
mom cancook.Ithi
nkIwil
llovepl
ayingyour
boyfr
iend"
Me:"
We'
rebr
eaki
ngupnextweek"
Bheki
:"Whysoear ly?Sabathi
ledon'
tbej
eal
ous.
Let
'sbetogetherforatl
east2weeksmoreIwanna
si
tonthistableandeatthismeat."
Me:"
No"
Bheki
:"Fi
ne,
I'
llhavet
hem goi
ngt
hroughourt
ext
s"
Me:"
Youwoul
dn'
tdar
e"
Bheki
:"Tr
yme"
Me:"Okayokay.Juststopwi
tht
hesweetnames
anddon'tki
ssmepl ease"
Bheki
:"Youl
acksenseofr
omance"
Ever
yonecomesback.Bhekit
akesmyhandand
ki
ssesit
.If
akeasmile
Meli
ssa:"
Youremindmeoftheol
dendays.Mar
cus
coul
dn'
tkeephishandsof
fme"
Bheki
:"Whokeepst
hei
rhandsoffthei
rtreasur
e?"I
al
mostdropmydesert
."Becar
efulbaby.You'r
eso
cl
umsy"

Hehel
psmewi
pemyhands.

Thepar
entsar
esmil
ingnonestopandt
heevi
launt
Maryi
sfocusi
ngonherfood.

Ij
ustwantt
hisni
ghtt
oendal
ready.
..
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t9•
••
.
Iregrett
hedayIl i
edabouthavingaboyf
ri
end.
Everyphonecallfrom myparentsendwi
th"send
myl ovetoBheki"i
tssoannoying.

Todaywe'r
egoingbackt
owork.I
tsbeenqui
tea
beaut
if
ulpeacef
ulweek,
notf
orPhil
anit
hough.

SisBuhleisbackful
lti
me.SoIhavever
yli
ttl
eto
worryabout.It
akemyphonefrom t
hebedsidet
abl
e.
Isti
llhave10moremi nut
est
ostayinbed.

Itextthel
oveofmyli
fegoodmor
ningandbr
owse
throughmysocial
net
works.

Iseeanemai
lnot
if
icat
ion.Icl
ickoni
t.

Theymustbeki
ddingme.Idialmymot
her
.Whyar
e
theMcVei
ghssoinconsi
der
ate?
Mel
issa:"
Baby"
Me:"butmom Idi
dsayIwon'
tbeabl
etoat
tendt
he
wedding"
Mel
issa:"
Yout
oldmenott
hef
ami
ly.
"
Me:"Iknowyouwer et
herewhentheymadethese.
Aprogram di
rect
or,
real
ly?Don'
tyouguyshi
re
someonetothatanymore?"
Meli
ssa:"
Itwi
llbeaveryi
nti
matethi
ngLexi
.I'
m
pr
ett
ysureMvel owoul
dn'
tmind"
Me:"Shewi
ll
.Thi
sisunf
airt
hough.Sendmyl
ovet
o
dad"
Mel
issa:"
Okaybaby.Bye"
Me:"
Bye"

Ihangupandgetupandheadt
othebat
hroom.

Itakeabriefbathandpr
eparemysel ff
orwork.Sis
Buhlegreetsfr
om theot
herside.ThatmeansI'm
abouttobel at
e.Ihavet
ovisi
tMvel owitha"
sorryI
can'
tcometoyourceremony"gi
ft
.Itsucks.Iwas
l
ookingf
orwadtoitbutwhogoesagainstkingWil
l.I
knowhedidthi
sdeli
berat
ely.

Me:"Isweart
oGodyouwi
lldi
efr
om t
hatcof
fee
oneday"
Si
sBuhle:"
Ineversayanyt
hingwhenyoudr
ink
bl
ackr
ose"Izipmyl i
ps.
Me:"
LetmegodowhatIgetpai
dfor
"
Si
sBuhle:"
Haveagreatdaymybaby.Ipackedyou
l
unch"shehandsi
tover.
Me:"
ThankyoubutI
'
m not15anymor
e.Iknowhow
t
obuylunch"
SisBuhle:"
Sor r
yIdi
dn'tgett
hememo"shesays
sarcast
ical
ly.Il
aughandgetonthel
if
t.

If
indPhi
lanidevour
ingonhi
sfamouskot
a.
Me:"
Soear
lyi
nthemor
ning?
"
Phi
lani
:"Wel
lgoodmor
ningt
oyoumypear
l.
"
Me:"Morni
ng.Thi
spl
acenowlooksl
ikeawor
k
pl
ace,ohhmy!Wegotacoff
eearea?
"
Phi
lani
:"Yes.I
sn'
tcool
?"
Me:"
Inevert
houghtofourbosst
obet
heexpr
esso
machi
nekindofper
son"
Philani:"He'
salotoft
hingstr
ustme."Heshoves
thekot atomei nabli
nkofaneyeandgotupl i
ke
he'sbei ngstr
uckbyli
ghteni
ng.It
urnaround
conf used.

Oh.Ichuckl
e.
Phi
lani
:"Mel
low"
Mel
:"Phi
lani
.HeyLex"
Me:"
Heyboo.
"
Mel:"I
'
m sogladyouguysareback.Youwon't
bel
ievewhatdidt
hatl
aundrymyf ri
endsuggest
ed
di
dt omyclot
hes.Ij
usthadtothrowital
laway"
Me:"
Ohmyt hat
'ster
ri
ble.I
'
m deepl
ysorr
y.We'r
e
nowbackandheretotakecar
eofyourcl
othesas
al
ways"
Mel:"
Thankyou.Thispl
acenowlooksheavenl
y.
Andthisadvancedt
echnol
ogyi
ssuperb"
Me:"Ri
ght?Ourcustomer
sinter
est
scomefir
st.
Thi
swillbeR250,youcanscantopayi
fyouwant"
shel
aughs.
Mel
:"Youguysar
eonyourownl
evel
.Isheokay?
"
Me:"
Who?Him?He'
sper
fect
lyf
ine.Hej
usthadt
oo
muchcof
fee"

Ist
eponhi
sshoe.Hej
umps.
Phi
lani
:"Yi
ni?
!"Hesnaps.
Me:"
Pleaset
aket
heset
othel
aundr
yroom"
Phi
lani
:"Uh.
..
haveagr
eatdayatwor
kMel
low"
Mel
:"Thanks.Yout
oo"hecar
ri
est
hebagaway.

If
ailt
ocont
ainmysel
fandcr
ackup.
Me:"
I'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
.It
hinkhehasacr
ushon
you"Iwhi
sper
.Shesnor
ts.
Mel
:"Ohpl
ease.Her
e'syourt
ip.Byesweet
s"
Me:"
Luckyday.Thankyou.Bye"

Shet
urnsandwal ksaway.Shehasabodytodiefor
.
I
t'
sli
keshecreatedhersel
f.Ii
nst
allt
hedat
aneeded
i
ntot
hecomput er.

Me:"
Areyoust
il
lal
i
vei
nther
e?"
Phi
lani
:"Leavemeal
one!
"

Il
aughandst ealhi
srussi
an.Ishoul
dgetondi
et.
Somanycer emoniesawait
smebutt hi
sthi
ngher
e
i
sirr
esi
sti
ble..
..

.
..
Myphoneri
ngsasIgeti
ntoMvel
o'sof
fi
ce.What
doeshewant
?
Me:"
Goodday"
Bheki
:"Yebonkosazana.Ar
eyouwel
l
?"
Me:"
YesI
'
m good.How'
syour
sel
f?"
Bheki
:"Iam ver
ygood.You'
renother
e"
Me:"Uhm yeah.Iwenttovisi
tmyfr
iendinhospi
tal
.
I
'l
lbebackwi t
hinthenext45minut
esthough"
Bheki
:"Good.Ber
eadyar
ound4pm I
'
mtaki
ngyou
out
"
Me:"
Areyouaski
ngmeort
ell
ingme?
"
Bheki
:"Don'
twearamakwai
kwai
"
Me:"Ican'
tgoanywherewit
hout
-"Imovethephone
offmyear.Mygoodness!Whoonearthdoeshe
thi
nkheis?

Sheat
tacksmewi
thahugf
rom behi
nd.
Mvel
o:"
Ihat
ehowmuchwe'
real
waysapar
tnow"
Me:"
We'
reget
ti
ngol
d"shel
etsgoandl
aughs.
Mvel
o:"
Didt
hatj
ustcomef
rom you?
"
Me:"
Yes.Why?Youl
ooksur
pri
sed"
Mvel
o:"Aren'
tyougonnabl
amei
tonNdunaor
somet
hing?"Ichuckl
e.
Me:"No.We'
re25.Ihavecomei nt
otermswiththe
f
actthatwecan'
talwaysstayl
ikedoves.ThoughI
wishwecould.
"
Mvel
o:"Uhhmyfri
end.Ipr
omiseyou,soonast
his
whol
ethingi
soverwe'r
egoingonvacati
on"
Me:"Youwil
lbepr
obabl
ybepr
egnantaf
teryour
honeymoon"
Mvel
o:"
Eww!
"
Me:"
Excuseyou!
"
Mvelo:"I
'm nowher
ereadyt
obesomeone'
smot
her
babes."
Me:"IfyousaysoMr sMlangeni
.Her
eismyI'
m
sorr
y.Wi l
lpi
ckedthesamedateasyour
sforhis
bori
ngweddi ngandchosemet obet
heprogr
am
dir
ector"
Mvelo:"
Whyi shesoevi
l?NowI'
m sad.I
'l
lfeel
i
ncomplete.Thatcer
emonywi
llnotbeanygood
wit
houtyoubymysi de"
Me:"Iknowbaby.I
'm sor
ry."Sheopenshergi
ft
basketandpul
loutchocolates.
Mvel
o:"
Ihat
eWi
llr
ightnow.
"
Me:"
Final
ly!
"

Wel
augh.
Mvel
o:"So.
..
where'
sbabaNcube?Haveyouseen
hi
m si
ncethatday?
"
Me:"You'r
egonnadi eyoungwi ththi
smat ch
making.EvenifIwasintodatingIwouldn'tdat
e
suchaman.Canyoubel i
evehet ol
dmet ogetready
by4."I'
mtakingyouout"not" canItakeyouout?"
He'stooarrogantf
ormyl i
king"
Mvelo:"
Ifi
nddomi
nancever
ysexy.Il
ikemymani
n
cont
rol"
Me:"
Wel
lhe'
snotmyman.Di
dyouf
indt
hatt
oast
er
f
ormommyinlaw?
"
Mvelo:"Ior
der
editandI
'mrunni
ngoutoft
ime.I
t
wi
llarri
vethedayaft
ert
heevent
."
Me:"
Asl
ongasi
twi
llgett
oher
."
Mvel
o:"YeahbutI'
dhavel
ovedf
ori
ttoar
ri
vewi
th
t
herestofthegi
ft
s"
Me:"Youwor
rytoomuch.Shewil
lst
il
lappr
eci
ate.
Let
'seat
.Mylunchi
salmostover
"
Mvel
o:"
Yout
ookanuber
?"
Me:"
Yep.Dr
ivi
ngcost
s.Iam st
il
lsavi
ng"
Mvel
o:"
Whatf
ornow?
"
Me:"
Movi
ngt
omyownpl
ace.
"
Mvelo:"
Hhai
bof
ri
end.Butyourdadgaveyouyour
t
hingsback"
Me:"Tr
ue.Buthowl
ongwi
lli
ttakeunt
ilhet
akesi
t
al
lbackagai
n?"
Mvel
o:"
Ohyeah.You'
rer
ight
.I'
m pr
oudofyou"
Me:"
Thankyoubabe.I
n6mont
hsIwi
llbemovi
ng
i
nint
omyownapar tment
"
Mvel
o:"
Orget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed"

Ihi
therwi
thanapki
n.
Me:"You'
resuchabor
e.Letmet
aket
hisdr
umst
ick
f
ortheroad"
Mvel
o:"
Thanksf
ort
hel
unch"
Me:"
Iwasj
ustdoi
ngmyj
ob.Nai
lthatpi
tch.
"She
whi
nes
Mvel
o:"
Shi
t!It
otal
lyf
orgotaboutt
hat
"
Me:"
Seeyourl
if
e?Youneed4PAs"
Mvelo:"
Ireal
lydo.Mi
ndyouSi
phet
oldmet
osetup
areminderbefor
eshelef
t"
Me:"Tel
lthem you'
regett
ingmar
ri
ed.They'
l
lgett
oo
exci
tedandnotpayattenti
ontof
ault
syoumay
make"
Mvelo:"
You'
renothel
ping.UseNduna'
spr
omo
codefordi
scount
"
Me:"
Her
idesuber
?Wow"
Mvel
o:"
Youneedt
ost
opt
aki
ngmymanf
or
gr
ant
ed"
Me:"
Thatdmdyel
lowhatdoesn'
tmakei
teasi
er"

Isayandr
ushoutl
aughi
ng.
..

.
..
Philanilef
trightaf
terIarr
ived.Ihat
etobet heone
tolockup.I tmeanst obetheonet oopeninthe
mor ning.Wakingupbef or
e8am i ssti
llt
ort
uretomy
soul.

Ideci
det
ocl
eanupaf
terkeepi
ngt
her
ecor
dsdown.

Wehavenewcl
eani
ngequi
pment
.

"I
'
m sor
ryI'
mlat
emadam.Mydaught erf
ellsi
ckand
coul
dn'
tfet
chmysonfr
om cr
eche.Ipromiseyouit
won'
thappenagai
n"
Me:"Pl
easecal
m down.
"Iwalktotheot
hersi
deand
of
ferheraseat
.She'
ssweat
ing."Di
dyoutakethe
st
air
s?"
Her
:"Yesmadam t
hel
if
twast
aki
ngt
ool
ong"
Me:"Cal
lmeLexipl
ease.Ar
eyouanempl
oyee
her
e?"
Her
:"Yes.I
'
mthecl
eaner
"
Me:"
Okaypleasewaither
e.Shoul
dIgetyou
somet
hingt
odr i
nk?
"
Her
:"Yesmychi
ld.Wat
erwi
llbef
ine"

Inodandgobackin.Igetwat
eroutoft
heminibar
fr
idgeandt
akeitt
oherthencomebacktocal
l
Bheki.
Bheki:"Nkosazana"howdoesheknowi
t'
sme?
"Sabathil
e?"
Me:"
Uhm hey.Sor
ryaboutt
hat
.Ther
e'sal
adyher
e"
Bheki
:"Mamzi
la?Sor
ryIf
orgott
oment
ion.She'
s
ourcl
eaner
.Itookyourideaofcr
eat
ingmorej
ob
oppor
tuni
ti
es.Pleaset
reatherwi
thr
espect
"
Me:"
Iwi
ll
"
Bheki
:"Thankyou"

Ibi
dhim goodbyeandgobackt oatt
endtheol
d
l
ady.Imustgetmyselff
amili
arwiththi
soff
ice
phone.If
eltr
eall
ysophi
sti
cated.
Me:"
Youmaycomei
nma.
"
Mamzi
la:"
Areyout
heboss?
"
Me:"
No.I
'm anempl
oyee.Ourbosscomesi
nonce
i
nawhil
e."
Mamzi
la:"
Hesoundedl
ikeaver
ygoodyoungman
ont
hephone"
Me:"Heisgood.Youmayputyourbagont
he
l
ocker,
theyel
lowdoor"

Shegoesin.I
tscl
oset
o4.It
aket
hephoneandcal
l
Bhekiagai
n.
Bheki
:"Youmi
ssme?
"
Me:"
Isshegoi
ngt
olockup?
"
Bheki:"
No.Ther
e'saguywho'
sempl
oyedt
odo
that
"
Me:"
ThatmeansIcanknockof
fint
henext30
mi
nutes?
"
Bheki
:"Evennowi
fyouwant
"
Me:"
Okayt
hanks"

Ihangup.Melwal
ksi
n.
Me:"
Ist
hel
if
twor
king?
"
Mel
:"Yes.It
aket
hest
air
sEver
ydayonmywayi
n"
Me:"
Oh.That
'sgr
eat
.Letmegetyouyourpar
cel
"

If
etchherbag.If
indherwi
thsomel
ady.

Ij
ustpi
ckmypur
seandmyphone.
Me:"Mama;I '
m knocki
ngoffnow.Shal
lyouneed
anythi
ngjustpickupthi
sphoneandpressthi
sli
tt
le
secondbutton"
Mamzila:"
Okaysi
sithankyou"isn'
twei
rdwhenan
el
deractssubmi
ssivetowardsyou?

Me:"
Her
e.Di
dIgi
veyout
her
ecei
pt?
"
Mel
:"Yesyoudi
d.Fr
iendpl
easehol
dher
e"
Me:"
Youlookfami
li
ar"Isaytothefr
iend.Sheget
s
of
fherphoneandt
akesof fhergl
asses.
Her
:"Ohyou.Townshi
phool
igan"
Me:"
Excuseme?
"
Mel
:"Pam!I
'
m sor
ryLexishe-
"
Pam:"I'
m what
?Thi
sist
hepi
eceofshi
tthat
at
tackedme!"
Me:"You'
react
ingl
ikethehooli
ganyou'r
eaccusi
ng
met oberi
ghtnowmi ssy.MelI
'
llseeyouar
ound
babes"
Pam bl
ocksmyway.
Pam:"
Youwannaf
ight
?"
Me:"
No.Pl
easemoveoutofmyway"
Pam:" Wit
hthisf
akehernowyout hi
nkyou'
rewhit
e?
BitchIwil
lbeatt
hishairoffthisdumbhead"she
tri
edtaki
ngmyweaveof f,Igrabbedherhandand
roughlypushedher.ShelandedonBhekicomi ngi
n.
Pam:"
Youf
ight
ing?Huh?I
'
llshowyout
oday"
Mel:"
Pam!Pam?St
opembar
rassi
ngyour
sel
f!I
'
m
sor
ryLexi
"
Bheki
:"What
'sgoi
ngon?
"Ican'
ttal
k.

Ij
ustl
eavet
hem al
lther
e.Iwannacrysobad.Ihat
e
peopl
ewhomesswithmypat i
ence.

Igett
omypl ace.Istr
ipdowneveryt
hingandget
i
ntotheshower.Ilett
hewaterhi
tmef rom t
hehead.
Istepouti
twhenI
'vecr
iedenough.Iwr
apatowel
aroundmybodyandanotheroneonmyhead.

Il
ookatmyref
lect
ionont
hemi
rr
or.Whyi
sbei
ng
mesohard?

Ihearmyphoner
ingi
ng.Whoevert
hati
smustj
ust
wait
.

Itakemylapt
opandjotdownthi
scrazyinci
dent
.
Aftersol
ongofnotbei
ngtort
uredaboutwhoIam,
shejusthadt
o.

Iheart
heli
ftdi
ngs.Ihearaknockont
hedoorj
ust
asIgetof
fthebed.
Me:"
Comei
n"

Istar
tl
ewhenIseehi
m."
Hi"hecl
ear
shi
sthr
oatand
tur
naway.
Bheki
:"I
'
m sor
ry"hecl
osest
hedoor
.If
oll
owhi
m.
Me:"
Isever
ythi
ngokay?
"
Bheki
:"Yes.It
houghtyouwer
edr
essed"
Me:"BhekiNcubecanyouseemyboobs?"He
r
eluctant
lyshakehi
shead."
Oranypr
ivat
epart
s?"
Bheki:"No.Butmyfat
hertaughtmethatonl
ymy
wifeIam all
owedtoseeinsleepwearorbat
hing
towels"Ichuckl
e.Hei
sn'
treall
ylooki
ngatme.
Me:"
Okay.Letmegoputonsomecl
othest
hen"

.
..
If
indhi
m st
il
lint
hesameposi
ti
onwhenIgetback.
Me:"
So.I
sthi
sasoci
alvi
sitor
?"Het
urns.If
rown.
Bheki
:"We'
regoi
ngout
,ar
en'
twe?
"
Me:"
Ididn'
tagreeont
hat
.That
snothowyouask
someoneout"
Bheki
:"Howdoesonegoabouti
t?"
Me:"
HiLexi
.Canwegoout
?"
Bheki
:"Soyoucansayno?Ar eyour
eadytogo?
Youneedthis.Tofor
getaboutl
oyamconj
wanawit
h
unmatchi
ngnai l
s"Il
augh.
Me:"
That
'sat
rend"
Bheki
:"Don'
tdoi
t.I
tsunat
tr
act
ive.Youshoul
d've
beatherup"
Me:"
Ican'
tgetmyhandsdi
rt
yovert
hatt
hing"
Bheki
:"Al
it
tl
esl
apwon'
thur
t"
Me:"
Letmewearshoest
henwe'
l
lgo"
Bheki
:"Noyou'
ref
ine.Let
'sgo"
Me:"
Liket
his?I
'
m notevenwear
ingabr
a"
Bheki:"
Reall
y?Youqualifyt
ogotoemhlangeni
(r
eed
dance)then.Justputt
hisonandwe'
regoodtogo"
Me:"Thi
sdressi
stool
ongBheki
.Ican'
tbel
ooki
ng
l
ikeaunt
yinpubl
ic"
Bheki
:"Thebeaut
if
ulaunt
y.Not
hingl
ikeMar
y"we
l
augh.
Me:"Yousti
llwon'
ttel
lmewhatwashergi
ft
?"He
shakeshi
shead.
Bheki
:"Havewebr
okenupyet
?"
Me:"
We'
l
lbr
eakupt
oday"

Wegetont
hel
if
t.
Bheki
:"Butt
hatchi
cken"
Me:"
I'
llgiveyoureci
pesandyou'
l
laskyourwi
fet
o
makeitforyou"
Bheki
:"You'
ret
hebest
"
Me:"
Soyouhaveawi
fe?
"

Hi
sphoner
ings.Het
akesi
t.

Hespeaksunt
ilwegeti
ntot
hecar
.

Wedr i
veof
f.He'
sstil
lonthephone,l
aughi
ngli
ke
nobody'
sbusi
ness.Iam nowgett
ingannoyed.
Ir
egr
etagr
eei
ngt
ocomewi
thhi
m.

Bheki
:"Thatwasmycousin.Hissui
tgotst
olen.
He'
sget t
ingmarr
iedonSatur
day"
Me:"
Andt
hat
sfunny?
"
Bheki
:"Yes.Whatwashethi
nki
ngfet
chi
ngi
tso
manydaysbeforetheweddi
ngday?Cer
emony
cur
secaughtupwi t
hhim"
Me:"
You'
ret
hewor
st"
Bheki
:"We'
reher
e"
Me:"
Her
ewher
e?"
Bheki
:"KwaMai
maisphal
alasami
."
Me:"
Andwhatar
ewedoi
ngher
e?"
Bheki
:"Eatsupper
"
Me:"
Idon'
tseeanysi
gnofar
est
aur
ant
"
Bheki:"
Youseeallt
heset
ents?Thesearet
he
restaur
ant
s.Choosemazi
khethel
e.Letmelookf
ora
placetopar
k"
Me:"OhmyGod.Thi splacei
sso..
."Ideci
detoshut
mymout h."
I'
m notgonnaeatanyt
hingfrom such
anenvi
ronment"
Bheki
:"GetoutofyourLexiper
sonaandgeti
nto
Sabat
hile.Sabat
hil
ewil
leat"
Me:"Shewon'
t.Pl
easegoi
nsi
deandbuywhat
ever
you'
rebuyi
ngandgetmeoutofher
e"
Bheki
:"Ther
ear
emybr
other
sher
e.Imi
ghtl
eave
ar
ound8pm"
Me:"
Areyouki
ddi
ngme?
"
Bheki
:"No.I
'l
lbeont
henavyt
enti
fyouchange
yourmind"

Hehopsout
.WhatwasIt
hinki
ng?

Ical
lMvel
o.Shepi
cksupont
hef
ir
str
ing.
Mvelo:"
Iwasaboutt
ocal
lyou.Di
dyougoont
he
dat
e?"
Me:"
Dat
eyousay?Mvel
oI'
m atmal
imal
i.I
'
m
expect
edtoeatf
oodthat'
scookedher
e.Doest
hat
soundli
keadatetoyou?
"
Mvel
o:"Theyservereal
lyni
cef
oodpl
usi
tst
he
t
houghtthatcount
s"
Me:"
Justpl
easecomef
etchmebef
oreIdi
e"
Mvelo:"
Ahhf
ri
endI'
m sosor
ry.NdunaandIar
e
goi
ngsomewherer
ightnow"
Me:"
Wow"

Ihangupandsi
gh.

Ijumpandalmostlosemyli
fewhenaverydi
rtyguy
knocksonthewindow.Il
ookforcoi
nsonthe
ashtr
ay.If
indafew.

Igul
pandr
olldownt
hewi
ndow.
Me:"
Hi"hel
aughs.Toomucht
omydi
scomf
ort
.
Hi
m:"
You'
recl
ose.Justal
it
tl
emor
est
eps.You'
re
ver
ycl
ose"
Me:"
What
?"
Hi
m:"Whattookyousol
ong?Theweat
heri
s
mesmer
izi
ng"

Hewalksawaywit
houtevenl
ooki
ngatt
hecoi
nsI
hadhandedout
.

Igetoutandl
ockt
hecarbef
oreanot
hercr
azyman
comes.

Ifi
ndBhekisi
tt
ingwithabunchofmeneat
ing,
tal
kingandl
aughing.

Someonepoint
satmydi
rect
ion.Het
urns.Oureyes
meet
,hegivesmeawarm smil
eandcall
smeover .
Bheki
:"Ever
yonet hi
sisSabat
hil
e.Sabat
hil
ethi
sis
ever
yone"Isitnextt
ohim.
Me:"
Whatki
ndofi
ntr
oist
hat
?"Iwhi
sper
.
Bheki
:"Thei
rnamesar
etool
ong.We'
dneedaweek"

Il
augh.I
tspret
tycl
eani
nsi
det
hismi
nir
est
aur
ant
.
Andthefoodsmell
sni
ce.

Theyarenowalllookingatme.Idon'
tknowwhatto
do.Ihopetheydon'taskmetoremovethehatso
theycanfeelmyhair.

Theladyservesmefoodinat
ray.Thi
sishow
MveloservesNduna.I
sthi
sawayofshowing
respect
?
Me:"
Thankyousi
si"
Her
:"I
naf
ewmont
hst
hiswi
llbeyou"Ichuckl
e.
Bheki
:"She'
smyaunt .Mydad'
ssist
er.Herandaunt
Maryshouldbekeptsepar
ateonourweddingor
el
seit
'l
lbeamess"
Me:"
What
?"
Bheki
:"What
?"

Hetakeshi
sphoneandwal
ksout
.Ourweddi
ng?I
needwater
..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t10•
••
.
Ihearsomeonecal
lmynamef r
om af
ar.Ij
ump
whenIfeelacol
dobjectagai
nstmyskin.
Me:"
Wtf
!"
Bheki
:"HheyiDon'
tsayt
hatt
ome"
Me:"
Fli
p.Whatt
imeisit
?Ishouldbeatwork.
Gr
eeti
ngsma"Igetup,
balanci
ngwithacouch.
Mamzi
la:"
Yebosi
si"
Bheki
:"I
tsyourdayof
f.I
tshal
fpast12i
nthenoon"
Me:"Whydoyoul
ookandsmel
lfr
esh?GodIf
eel
hor
ri
ble"
Bheki
:"I
'
m oldert
hanalcohol
.Ibr
oughtyouumama
tocl
eanforyousinceyourl
adycal
ledi
nsick"
Me:"
Nono.Youdon'thavet
odoanyt
hingmaI
'
ll
cl
eanup.Ij
ustneed-
"
Bheki
:"Ashower
,foodandr
est
"

Hetakesmyhandandleadmetomyr
oom.He
pushesmeinandcl
osesthedoor
.
Bheki
:"Shoul
dyourf
oodbespi
cy?
"
Me:"
Yespl
ease"

Myr oom l
ooksver ytidy.Iam prett
ysur eIdi
dnot
comei nherelastni ght.Thatwasawi ldassnight
.
Wewentt ot hatlodgeandt hingswentdown.Hi s
l
itt
lebrot
heri saf unbadi nfluence.Ihadfun,
al
thoughIf eell
ikemyheadi saboutt ofal
lof
fbut
i
tswor t
hit.Ihaven' thadsomuchf uninmonths.

Ideci
det
otakeashower
.Iti
smuchqui
cker
.I'
d
pr
obabl
ypassoutont
het
ubi
fIusei
t.

Iopentheblinds.Ihaven'
thadt hi
sviewinawhi l
e.I
al
waysj umpi nandoutoft hebathroom i
nthe
mornings.Jo'bur
gisstil
lbeauti
fulandattr
act
ive.I
ts
part
lyclouded.Thestreet
sar epret
tyemptythan
usual.

Ifini
shandwal kbacktomyr oom t
oapplylot
ion
anddr essup.Iputonasi mplesummerdr essthat
goesj ustabovetheknee.Si
sBuhl eisr
esponsibl
e
forsomuchdr essesinsi
ght.Iti
eadoekandwal k
outtot helounge.Ther
ewasnoMamzi laorBhekiin
sight.

Di
dIt
aket
hatl
ongi
nther
e?

Thel
if
tdi
ngs.
Me:"
DidIt
aket
ool
ongorshe'
sfast
?"
Bheki
:"I
twasn'
tdi
rt
y.I
twasj
ustbot
tl
es"
Me:"
Howmuchdi
dIact
ual
lyhavel
astni
ght
?"
Bheki:"Morethanyoucanhandle."Itakeoutthe
plat
esandgl asses."
I'
m notst
aying.Ihavea
meet i
ngwi t
hmybr other
s.I
fyouhappent ofeel
better
,pleasegocheckonPhilani.Ifoundhi
m day
dreamingwhi l
ehehadacust omeri nfr
ontofhim"I
chuckle.
Me:"
Dar
kski
nnedandt
all
?"
Bheki
:"Yeah"
Me:"
That
'shi
scr
ush"
Bheki
:"I
sn'
the.
..
?"Hedoest
hehangi
nghandt
hing.
Il
augh.
Me:"
No.
"
Bheki:"Okay.Eat
,dr
inkt
heseandwatcht
hese
senselessshowsyourspeci
esli
ke"
Me:"
Thankyou"
Bheki
:"CanIhavethi
s?Yes?Thankyou.Havea
gooddaynkosazana"het
akesadrumstickand
r
usht
othel
if
t.
Me:"
Whatar
epeopl
egoi
ngsay?
"
Bheki :"ThatI'
m eati
ng.Bye"thel i
ftclose.He's
crazy.Idi shupformyself.Whodr inksappl ej
uice?I
woul dn'tdareevenifitwasthel astbever ageon
earth.It akemyjuiceoutofthef ri
dgeandt akemy
platet ocampbef orethetvandwat cht hese
sensel essshowst hatmyspeci esl i
ke..
.

Imust
'vefal
lenasleepagain.Thepi l
lsar
etobl
ame.
Myphonestopsringing.I
tsalreadydark.WasI
sl
eepi
ngordead?I fit
sthi
sdar k,thatmeansi
ts
cl
oseto8pm.

It
akemyphone.Itsal
most8pm.Icallmom back.I
si
tupstr
aightandbr
acemysel
fforcomplai
nts.She
pi
cksup.
Meli
ssa:"Don'
teverdot
hatagai
n.Si
ncewhendon'
t
youtextmeforthewhol
eday?"
Me:"
I'
m sor
ry.Ihadaver
yroughni
ghtl
astni
ght
"
Meli
ssa:"
Youwentdr
inki
ngonaThursday?
"Now
t
hisismychancet
obreakthenews.
Me:"
I.
..
Ineededsomet
hingt
omakemef
acemy
mi
serabl
eloveli
fe"
Mel
issa:"
Ohbaby,
whathappened?
"
Me:"
BhekiandIfought
.Itgotrealbadhedeci
ded
wegoourseparat
eways"If akeasob.
Meli
ssa:"Shhhmyangel .Hehasnoideawhathe'
s
l
ost.DaddyandIar eonourwaytheretohave
supperwithyou.Shoul
dIgetyouicecream?Ugh
don'
tanswert hat
.We'r
ecomingwithwarm meals
andicecream okay"
Me:"
Okay.Byef
ornow"

Itakeadeepbreath.Feelsli
keIjustt
ookRickRoss
offmyshoulders.Igetupandr i
nsethedishesI
used.Ihi
deawayt hetakeaway.Bhekiseemst o
knoweveryplacethatsellsni
cefood.Thatchicken
andpastawast odieforIswear.Somepeopl ewere
bornfort
hiscookingthing.Iwi
shIwasamongst
t
hatpopul
ati
on.

IlogonWhat
sAppandcheckBheki'
slastseen,
a
fewminut
esagoi
tsays.Thatmeanshe'ssafeand
sound.

IgotoMvelo'
s,shecal
lsi
nthatinst
ant
.Our
connect
ionshal
lremai
nthi
sstrong.
Me:"
Iwasj
ustaboutt
otextyou"shel
aughs.
Mvel
o:"
Baby,
shesaysshewasaboutt
otextme.
"
Nduna:"She'
spr
obabl
ylyi
ng"heshout
sfr
om t
he
backgr
ound.
Me:"
Tel
lhi
mjeal
ousydoesn'
tlookgoodonhi
m.
Ar
eyouokaymyhun?"
Mvelo:"
Iam good.Iam happyyou'
rest
il
lal
ive.Your
i
nstastori
eswerewild,
wherewereyouandwi th
who?"
Me:"
Iwasi
nSowet
owi
thBhekiandhi
sfunpeopl
e"
Mvel
o:"
Noway!Yout
woar
epr
ett
ycl
oseon
par
ti
cul
ardays.
"
Me:"
Hewasmaki
ngupf
ort
aki
ngmet
othatpl
ace"
Mvel
o:"
Comeon.Theysel
lthebestt
ri
bei
ntown"
Me:"Andt
heirsoftpapbabes.Ifi
nishedthewhol
e
pl
ate.I
tsj
usttheenvir
onmentI'm notcomfor
tabl
e
wi
th"
Mvelo:"
Theyar
eusedt
oit
.Thosel
adi
esar
ever
y
cl
ean"
Me:"
Thepl
acet
heyl
ivei
nisn'
t"
Mvel
o:"
That
'spar
tof"
ther
ealwor
ld"getusedt
oit
"
Me:"
Hel
lno.Whenam Iseei
ngyou?
"
Mvel
o:"
OnSat
urday.I
'
llbel
eavi
ngont
henoon"
Me:"Ihat
eshortnot
icesMvel
o.Howmanyt
imes
shoul
dIremindyou?"
Mvel
o:"Wedi
scussedt
hiswhenwewentt
obuy
bl
anket
s."
Me:"
Ihaveaver
yfunct
ionalbr
ain.
"
Mvel
o:"
ThenIguessi
tsnotsof
unct
ionalaf
teral
l.
Don'
ttr
yandcausedramaaboutnot
hing.Idi
dtel
l
you,
Godismywi t
ness"
Me:"Iwoul
dknowifyoutoldme"thel
if
tchimes
andpart
s."
Babeletmecallyoubackl
ater
"Ihang
bef
oreshecoul
danswer.

Me:"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Bheki
:"Tof
etchmyhousekeysonyourhandbag"
Me:"Whi
chone?Youcan'tbeher
e,mypar
ent
sar
e
gonnabeher
eanyminute!"
Bheki
:"Youshoul
d'veanswer
edyourphone"

Ifacemyti
nyhandbagdown.Ever
ythi
ngcomesout
.
There'
snokeys.
Me:"
I'
lll
ookf
ort
hem.Pl
easegoI
'
llcal
lyouwhenI
f
indt
hem"
Bheki:"
Andwhenyousay'
go'
wher
ear
eyou
expecti
ngmetogo?"
Me:"
Yourpl
ace!JesusBhekimaybet
heyar
e
downst
air
s"
Bheki
:"AndIshoul
dbreaki
n?"Isi
ghandwal
kto
swit
chonthelif
tcct
v.
Me:"
See?Theyar
eher
e.Gohi
dei
nmyr
oom"
Bheki
:"Andwat
chpi
nkwal
ls?
"Ipushhi
m.
Me:"
Mywal
lsar
ewhi
te"
Bheki
:"Iwi
llsayIwasonmywayout
"
Me:"
No!
"
Bheki
:"I
'
m hungr
y"
Me:"
I'
llbr
ingyouf
ood"

Icl
oset
hedoorandl
ock.Whew!

Ifi
xmysel
f.Ishouldchangemyaccesscode.Ican'
t
havet
hismanwal ki
nginandoutofhere.

Iactal
lexci
ted,
abi
toverexci
ted.
Marcus:"
Lookatt
hispl
ace.Youkeepmaki
ngme
pr
oud"
Me:"
Iknowr
ight
."Wehug.
Melissa:"
Love,shedi
dn'
tcleanthi
spl
ace.Iknow
mybabyl ikeIknowthebackofmyhand.She'l
l
neverscrubanyf l
oor
swithhernai
lsf
reshl
ydone"
Me:"
Mom!
"Wel
augh.
Mar
cus:"
Whocl
eanedup?
"
Me:"
Medaddy"Ihugmom."
Yousmel
lamazi
ng"
Meli
ssa:"
Thankyoumyl
ove.Daddyboughtmea
newfragr
ance"
Me:"
Youguys.WhenIgetmar
ri
edyou'
l
lbemy
ment
ors"
Mar
cus:"
Decl
ined.Takeoutt
hepl
ates.I
'
m st
arvi
ng"
Me:"
Wewi
lleatout
side"
Mel
issa:"
JustwhatIhadi
nmi
nd"
Me:"
Great
.I'
l
lgett
hepl
ates"
Itakeouteveryt
hingwe'
llneedandr
insedi
tthen
tookitout
sidetothebal
cony.
Mar
cus:"
Thi
svi
ewi
spr
icel
ess"
Me:"YouseethebeautyofJohannesbur
g.Youcan
seealmostever
ywhere"
Meli
ssa:"
Ifweweren'
tmar
ri
edIwoul
dhi
ntt
hatyou
shoul
dproposei
nsuchaplace"
Mar
cus:"
Ther
ear ealotofthi
ngswecandohere
myl
ove"t
heygiggleandkiss.Icl
earmyt
hroat
.
Me:"
I'
m st
il
lher
e"t
heyl
augh.
Mar
cus:"
How'
sthehear
tbr
eak?
"
Me:"Bett
er.Whatdowehaveher
e?"Iopent
he
cont
ainers.
Mar
cus:"
Thebestchi
ckenf
il
let
s"
Me:"
Itsembar
rassi
ngthatmymotheri
ssucha
gr
eatcookandIcanonlyfr
yeggs"
Marcus:"I
fvar
sitycouldn'tt
eachyouandlivi
ng
hereal
onedidn'tei
therthenthere'
snohopemy
pri
ncess.You'
realmost30.Let '
sjustsayi
tsagood
t
hingyoubr
okeupwi
thBheki
"
Me:"
Andwhyi
sthat
?"
Marcus:"
Blackmenl
ovehomeprepar
edmeal s.
Wouldyouhavebeenabl
etopr
eparehim st
eamed
br
eadandsugarbeans?"
Me:"Ther
earerest
aur
ant
sforar
eason"hel
aughs
andshakeshi
shead.
Mar
cus:"
Justst
ickt
oyourki
nd"
Mel
issa:"
Ist
il
lthi
nkhewasgoodf
orher
"
Marcus:"
Iagreebutshrwoul
dn'
thavesur
vived
bei
nghiswife"
Me:"Yeah,
Iguessitsgoodwe'
ret
hroughandnever
get
ti
ngbacktogether"
Meli
ssa:"Youjustbrokeup.What
everi
tist
hatyou
guysfoughtabout,youmightf
ixi
t"
Me:"Wewon't.EnoughaboutBheki
,haveyouguys
boughtout
fi
tsfortheweddi
ng?"
Meli
ssa:"
Wewi
lll
ooki
ntot
hecl
othesweal
ready
own"
Me:"
IknewIwasn'
ttheonl
yonenoti
nthemoodt
o
l
ookanygl
amorous"
Marcus:"
Youal
waysl
ookglamor
ous.Iam upt
oget
youanewsomethi
ngfort
heweddingi
fyouwanti
t"
Me:"
Real
ly?Icoul
dneversaynot
oanewdr
ess"
Mar
cus:"
Ononecondi
ti
on"her
ewego.
Me:"
Yes?
"
Marcus:"
Yout
akemyof
ferofbei
ngmyper
sonal
assi
stant
"
Me:"
DadI
-"
Marcus:"
Comeon.Idon'twantanyonewor
kingf
or
me.IneedsomeonethatItr
ust"
Me:"
Let
'ssayIwaswor
kingasanaudi
tor
.Who
woul
dworkforyou?
"
Marcus:"Noone.Butnowbabyyouar
en'
tan
audi
torsoI'
m aski
ngyoutobemyPAuntilyouf
ind
yourdream j
ob"
Me:"
I'
llt
hinkabouti
t"
Henods.Wecont i
nuet oeat
,insil
encenow.My
mom doesn'tseem l
ikeshewantstoint
ervenei
n
t
hismatterandIthi
nki t
sonl
yf ort
hebest.

Myphonebeeps.Ichecki
tout
.

'
Seei
ngthatyou'
vef
orgot
tenaboutme.I
sitsaf
eto
comeout?'

It
otal
lyf
orgotabouthi
m.Icl
earmyt
hroat
.
Me:"Letmet akethesei
ntomyfr
idge.IknowIwi
ll
needitfort
omor r
owevening"
Mar
cus:"
Shoul
dIgetyouachef
?"
Me:"
I'
dappr
eci
atet
hat
"
Mel
issa:"
Ichar
geR10000amont
h"
Me:"SinceI
'
mthegooddaught
erI
'
m sur
eIcanget
at
leasta30%di
scount
"
Mel
issa:"
20%"
Marcus:"
No.Iam agoodhusbandbutIpayal
lthe
100%"
Me:"
Yohchar
gedadf
orcooki
ng?
"
Mar
cus:"
Eversi
ncewegotmar
ri
ed"
Meli
ssa:"
Beasmar twoman"shewinksasIwalk
awaywiththecont
ainer
s.She'
sunbel
ievabl
ebut
smartf
orreal.

If
indhi
m sl
eepi
ngont
hebedwat
chi
ngmovi
eson
mylapt
op.
Me:"
Iseeyoumadeyour
sel
fcomf
ort
abl
e"
Bheki
:"Fi
nal
ly.I
sitchi
cken?
"
Me:"Isweart
oGodchi
ckensar
en'
tsaf
ear
ound
you"

Idi
shupf
orhi
m andservehi
m.Hesmi
leswhenI
gi
vehi
mthepl
ate.Ishr
ug.
Bheki
:"Dowehavet
opayi
nor
dert
osmi
lei
nthi
s
house?"
Me:"
Whyar
eyoul
iket
his?
"
Bheki
:"Li
kewhat
?Mmmht hist
astesni
ce.You
shoul
dspendmoretimewithyourmotherand
watchherar
oundtheki
tchen"
Me:"
Not
hankyou.I
'
m uni
nter
est
edi
ncooki
ng"
Bheki
:"Whati
syourhusbandgoi
ngt
oeat
?"
Me:"Hemusthaveenoughmoneyt
ogetusa
per
sonalchef
"

Iwal
koutbef
orehecoul
dopenhi
spi
ehol
e..
.

.
..
Thepar
entsstayeduntilver
ylate.Theyl
eftar
ound
11pm.Bhekiescaped.Hedidn'tevensaygoodbye.

TodayIwokeupver yfr
esh.Ivol
unteeredtofet
ch
Phil
anifr
om hi
splace.Hewasmor et hanhappyto
experi
encet
hisspecial
treat
ment.
Wegrabbedaver
yfancybr
eakf
astbef
orewe
act
ual
lywentt
owork.

Wef oundMamzi
laalr
eadyther
e.Shehadcl
eaned
al
ready.She'
smyst
eri
ous.

Sincewearri
vedI'
vebeenl
ist
eni
ngt
oPhi
lani
fantasi
zeaboutMel
.
Me:"Whydon'
tyoubui
ldupacourageandaskher
out
?Preachi
ngtomeallt
heset
hingswon'thel
pyou
wit
hanythi
ng"
Phi
lani
:"Doyouthi
nki
tst
hateasyt
oappr
oachsuch
abeauti
full
ady?
"
Me:"Thetruthi
sI'
m st
art
ingt
ogetannoyedwi
th
yourfant
asies"
Phi
lani
:"Fi
ne.I'
l
lbefri
endMamzi
lamaybeshe'
l
l
car
eenought oli
sten"
Me:"
Pleasedot
ryt
hat
.Di
dyoui
nst
allwi
ndows?
"
Phi
lani
:"That
'syourj
ob"

Het
akeshi
sempt
ycupandgoesi
ntot
heki
tchen.

"Greet
ings"bri
ngi
ngmyeyesupmyhear
tski
ppeda
bit
.Hesmi led.
Hi
m:"
Areyouokay?
"Igul
p.
Me:"
I.
..
uhm.
..
Iam okay.Sor
ry,
areyouokay?
"
Him:"YesI '
m good.I'm heretodeli
verthese,Ihope
i
tsther i
ghtorder.Mydr iver
sjustdroppedmeat
l
astmi nute.Sabathil
eMcVei ghright
?"Ist andup
andwal kouttohim.If eelhotfl
ushesal lovermy
body.Whatonear thishappeningtome?
Me:"
Yes"
Him:"Her
eisyourpar
cel
s.Pl
easesignhere"It
ake
thecl
ipboar
dandsign.Weaccident
all
ytouch
handswhenIhandbackthecl
ipboard.

Hesayshi
sgoodbyeandwal
ktowar
dst
hedoor
.I
fi
nall
ybr
eat
he.WasIhol
dingi
nmybr
eat
h?Jesus
helpme.

Ir
ushovert
otheot
hersi
deandt
akemyphoneout
.

"Ij
ustf
oundamenat
tr
act
ive.Let
'sf
lyt
oDur
ban.I
needcl
eansi
ng"

Iwai
timpat
ient
lyf
ort
her
esponse.

"That
'
spret
tynormal
.Fi
nal
lyyougonnagetl
aid.
Congrat
sfr
iend"-
Mvel
o

"
Isi
tBheki
?"-
Mvel
o

"No.Astr
anger.
"Irespond."
Stopmatchmaki
ng
BhekiandI.Hedoesn'tseemeli
ket
hatnordoI"
Ihearheel
scl
ickonthef
loor
.It
sladywal
kingi
n
rushi
ng.Shef
lashesmeasmi l
e.
Her
:"Hi
.McVei
gh?
"
Me:"
Yes"
Her:"
Myhusbandhappenedgohavef
orgot
tenhi
s
phonesomewher
e..
."shel
ooksar
ound.
Me:"Who'
syourhusbandmaam andwhatt
imedi
d
hecomearound?"
Her:"
SabeloNkosi.Hej ustl
eftIthink,
hewasher
e
todel
iversomethings.
..
ohher eitis.OhmyGodI
almostlostmybreath"
Me:"
Ohgr
eat
."
Her
:"Thankyou.Bye"sher
ushesoutagai
n.

"
Nevermi
nd.Theot
hergenderai
n'tshi
t"

It
extMveloandthr
owmyselfonmychai
randt
urn
i
taround.Di
sappoi
ntmenti
smen.
..
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t11•
••
Itisdaysl i
ketheset hatmakemewi shIwas
i
nvi sible.Thisgreeti
ng, huggingandkissing
busi nessi snotmyf avor i
te.McVeighsareaver y
dramat icfamil
ywheni tcomest oevents.Wedr ove
allthewayt oNesl prui
ttheybookedt heKwanyoni
l
odge.Andt hent heymakemel ookthebiggest
spenderi nhist
ory.Itsquiteabeaut i
6lodge.Ispent
myaf ternoonyest er
daywal ki
ngaroundtaking
pictures.

Iam shari
ngmyr oom wit
hBri
tney'
ssi
steri
nlaw.
She'
ssweetandhat eshumansasIdo.We're
al
mostt hesameagebutshehasadecentjoband
notl
ivi
ngof fherpar
ent
'smoney.

Shewalksinr
unni
ng.Shel
ockst
hedoorandl
eans
agai
nstit
.
Pear
l:"
Ohmywor
d!Yourf
ami
lyi
scr
azy.
"
Me:"
Tel
lmeabouti
t"
Pear
l:"
We'
ret
heonl
ypeopl
ewhoar
enotr
eady"
Me:"Weddi
ngsneverst
arti
nti
me.That
'st
he
cul
tur
e"
Pear
l:"
Notthi
sone.Thesoonbehusbandandwi f
e
aret
ooexcit
ed.He'
salr
eadydressed,
ever
ybody.
Foraprogr
ammedi r
ect
oryoushouldbeready"
Me:"WhatifIt
akei
ll
nessandyout
akeovermy
pl
ace?"Shechuckl
es.
Pear
l:"I
'drat
herswi
mi ntoariverf
ullofcr
ocodi
les"
shedisappeart
othebathroom.Isigh.

Itakeoutmymakebagandst ar
tapplyi ng.Iam
onlyexcit
edaboutmynewbeaut i
fuldr amat i
cdr ess.
Iti
sal ongtransparentsleeveblackdr esswi th
cryst
alsandsequi ns,mymom suggest edal lthat.I
t
hugsmeper fect
ly,i
tgoesj ustabovet heknees.I
wantedal ongonewi that ailbutthetailortoldme
nottowor r
yIcanhavet hebestofbot hwor lds.I
canact
ual
lyat
tacht
het
ailwhenwegot
orecept
ion.

Pear
lcomesoutasIdr
essup.
Pear
l:"
Icoul
deatyouupr
ightnow"wel
augh.
Me:"
Ididnotl
ikethesesleevesyest
erdaybut
l
ooki
ngatmyr efl
ecti
onrightnow,It
hinktheymake
t
hedressevenmor ebeauti
ful"
Pear
l:"
Butwhochoosesbl
ackast
hei
rtheme?
"
Me:"
Mycousi
n"welaugh."
Atl
eastt
heychose
mauvet
ogowithi
t.
"
Pear
l:"
Sti
ll
.Weddi
ngsshoul
dbebr
ight
."
Me:"
Iagr
ee.
"Al
oudknockst
art
ledus."
Whoi
sit
?"
Mel
issa:"
Iti
sme"

Ist
raponmymauveheel
sandheadt
oopenf
orher
.
Meli
ssa:"
ThankGodyou'
redr
essed.Youl
ook
beaut
if
ul"
Me:"
Thankyoumyl
ove"
Meli
ssa:"
Pear
l.Pl
easehur
ryhoney,
thesepeopl
e
ar
einnomoodf orwai
ti
ng"
Pearl
:"Al
mostdone"Igiggl
e.Shest
il
lhasatowel
on.Herhairi
sn'
tdr
ied,she'
snowhereneart
obeing
done.

Iwalkwi
thmymom out
.WemeetBr
it
neyi
nthe
hal
lway.
Br
it
ney:"
Come,
itsr
eal
lyr
udet
okeeppeopl
e
wai
ti
ng"
Me:"Am Inotgoi ngtostar
tattherecept
ion?"She
doesn'tanswerbutpull
smeunt ilwe'
reoutsi
de.We
st
opi nfrontof3guysinsui
ts,eachholdi
ngagl ass
ofwhat ever.
Brit
ney:"Gentl
emen.Thi si
smycousi nI'vebeen
preachingabout,Alexi
s"I'
m gonnakil
lthiswoman.
Thef i
rstoneextendshishandf orashake.I
hesit
ant l
ytakei
tin.
Hi
m:"
I'
m Dave,
nicet
ofi
nal
lymeetyou"
Me:"
Thankyou"Imoveont
othenextone.Het
akes
myhandandki
ssesi
t,Eww!

Igi
vehi
m abot
oxsmi
lej
ustt
oti
ckl
ehi
sfancy.
Him:"I
'
m Jack"Inodwit
hasmi l
e.Thelastonehad
l
ostint
eresti
nallt
hisi
ntr
oduct
ion,hewasonhis
phone.
Me:"SoIguesst
hisi
sit
.Ni
cet
oknowyou
gent
lemen"
Br
it
ney:"
Thi
sisMi
ke,
andhei
syourdat
e"
Me:"
Areyouki
ddi
ngme?
"
Dave:"
Mike,
getofft
hephone"Idoubthehear
dhi
m.
Jacksnat
chesthephoneof
fhishand.
Mi
ke:"
Wtf
!Br
ingbackmyphone"
Dave:"
Stopbei
nganasshol
e.Thi
sisAl
exi
s,your
dat
e"
Mi
ke:"
Ithoughtt
hiswasaweddi
ng,
nott
inder
"
Isnor
t.
Br
it
ney:"
Youbot
hmi
ghtl
iket
ogetadr
ink.Bye
l
ovi
es"t
heyal
lwalkawayleavi
ngusst ar
ingateach
f
orgood60secondsandwebur stouti
nlaught
er.
Me:"
Areyout
hebl
acksheepoft
hef
ami
lyt
oo?
"
Mike:"Ki
nda.Wannagrabthatdri
nkanddi
scuss
ourblacksheept
endenci
es?"Ilaugh.
Me:"Whynot?"Wewalktothedrinksarea.Idi
dnot
thi
nkthi
sblackandmauvewilll
ookt hi
sgood.This
decori
scrazi
lybeaut
if
ul,
I'
mjealous...

.
..
14:50pm.Iwantnot hi
ngbutmycomf ort
ablebed.I
don'tknowwhyi severyoneisinter
estedinthis
boringwackl ovestory,notevenlovestory.Iti
sjust
story.There'
snol ovehere,Willj
ustpickedthenext
desperateformar ri
agegirlandjustwentahead
becauset ohim,beingat rueMcVei ghmeansbei ng
mar ri
ed.Ihaven'
tspokent omydadandIdoubtI
will
.Hei stoofocusedonbei ngapr ouduncl etoday
andIshal lnotdi
sturbhim.
Idon'
tevenknowwher emycr azydatewent.He'
sa
breat
hoffreshai
r.At otalchatt
erboxbutal
soa
sweetgent
leman,justnoti nt
osettl
ingdownasI.

Iam t
akenoutofmycr
azyt
hought
sbyat
apont
he
shoul
der.I
tshi
m.
Me:"
Wher
edi
dyoudi
sappeart
o?"
Mike:"Isawt hi
shunandwenttochi
llwi
thherby
thepool.Wor stmi
stakeofmyl
if
e,wannagetoutof
here?"Ilaugh.
Me:"
Whathappened?Andwi
llwebeheadi
ngt
o?"
Mike:"
Johannesbur
g.Ihopeyoudi
dn'
tcomewi
th
yourcar"
Me:"
For
tunat
ely,
no.Let
'sgo"
Mi
ke:"
Real
ly?
"

Igetupandleadthewayout .Everyonei
slaughi
ng
andblushi
ngatthefakelovestory.Humansare
weir
dcreatuesIt
ellyou.
I
tfel
tli
kehour
sbef
orewecoul
dreachhi
scar
.
Me:"
Whywoul
dyoupar
ksof
araway?
"
Mi
ke:"
BecauseIwant
ednopr
obl
emsdr
ivi
ngout
"
Me:"
Youar
en'
taser
ialki
ll
er,
areyou?
"
Mi
ke:"
IfIwas.I
'
dst
artwi
thmybr
other
s"
Me:"Good.Myfatherwon'
trestunt
ilhef
indsmei
f
youeverthi
nkofsteal
ingme"
Mi
ke:"
Okay.Ar
eyougonnageti
nthecar
?"
Me:"Yes.Myf
atheri
saverypower
fulbusi
nessman
andhehasconnecti
ons"
Mi
ke:"
Ireal
lywoul
dn'
twantt
omesswi
tht
hat
"
Me:"
Yup"

Itakeof
fmyheel
sandadjustt
heseatt
oti
ltback.
"Wakememeaf t
eranhour"
Mi
ke:"
Okaymadam"
IsendSoulmateatextthatI
'm dr
ivi
ngt oJo' bur
g
withastr
angerthatmightbeaser i
alki
ller.Ihadto
taket
hisri
sk,l
ist
eningtothatbori
ngstor ywas
gonnacausemeal lsort
sofill
nesses..
.

.
..
Arrivi
ngi nJobur
gitwasalreadydar
k.Mike
suggest edwepassbyar estaur
antandgrab
takeawaysandt henbroughtmehome.Itwasqui
te
af unride.

Myphoner
ingsasecondIopenmyeyes.Iyawn
andr
eachf
orit
.Ohmysweet hear
t.
Me:"
Heybabe"
Mvel
o:"Isweart
oGodyest
erdaywast
hewor
stday
ofmyli
fe"
Me:"
Whathappened?
"
Mvelo:"
Ihadaceremonyandmybestfriendwasn't
nexttome.Idi
dnotenj
oythatdayatal
l.Imissed
youthewholet
ime"
Me:"Awwbaby.Iwasther
espi
ri
tual
ly.Iwasbor
ed
att
hatweddingt
oo.ButIf
oundafri
endwhomake
usescape"
Mvel
o:"
TellherIst
abanyt
hingt
hatget
stoocl
ose
t
oyou"Il
augh.
Me:"
It
sahe"
Mvel
o:"
What
?"
Me:"Yes.Hisbrother
sandmycousinsetusupt o
beeachot her
'sdatesbuti
ttur
nedoutwe'
rethe
sameper sonandwef ormedthi
sli
tt
lef
ri
endshi
p"
Mvel
o:"
Ishecut
e?"Thi
sgi
rl
.
Me:"
YouneedJesus.Wher
e'sNduna?
"
Mvel
o:"
He'
sher
e.Hear
ri
vedat3am dr
unk"
Me:"
Whatwi
llyourdadsay?
"
Mvel
o:"
Not
hing.We'
reengagedr
emember
"
Me:"
Ohhyes.If
orgot
"wel
augh.
Mvel
o:"
Sti
llnot
hingf
rom Bheki
?"
Me:"
Don'
tment
iont
hatst
upi
dman'
sname.Hewas
j
ustbluff
ingwhenhesai dhewillgivet
hatplacehi
s
ful
latt
enti
onnowhe' sbeengonef or3weeks!The
shi
twewentt hroughwiththesoapsuppli
ers,he
doesn'
teventryandcontactus"
Mvelo:"
Okcal
m down.Het
rust
syoubot
hwi
tht
hat
busi
ness"
Me:"
Nohe'
sst
upi
dandcar
eless"
Mvel
o:"
Doyoukeept
ryi
nghi
sphone?
"
Me:"
Itst
il
lgoesst
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
l"
Mvel
o:"
I'
m sur
ehehasabet
terexpl
anat
ion"
Me:"
Idon'tevenwannaheari
t.Iam handi
ngover
myresi
gnationl
ett
erassoonashisassgetsback"
shel
aughs.
Mvel
o:"
Youmi
sshi
m?"
Me:"
What
?No!
"Shel
aughs.
Mvel
o:"
Iseeyou.Letmegetupandpr
epar
ethi
s
manhotwaterandfood"
Me:"
Okaybaby.Sendmyl
ove"
Mvel
o:"
Iwi
llhun.Bye"
Me:"
Byo"

Ihangupandr ollovertogetdown.Iwal
ktothe
bathr
oom topeeandcomebackt ofixmybed.Iam
notdoinganylaundry,Iam t
ir
edandIam goingto
spendmydayi nmycouchf eedi
ngmyselfand
watchi
ngTV.

Isweepandthengotakeabri
efshower.Icleani
t
aft
erwar
ds.Si
sBuhleisver
ysensit
ivewheni t
comestothebathr
oom.Shehatesdirt
ybathrooms.
SoIalwaysmakesureit
sspotl
ess,shetaughtme
well
.

If
indmyphoner
ingi
ng.Ir
usht
oit
.Tr
oubl
e!
Me:"
Queen"
Meli
ssa:"Don'
tQueenmeAlexi
sMcVei
gh.Wher
e
ar
eyou? "Icl
earmythr
oat
.
Me:"
I'
minJo'
bur
g"
Mel
issa:"
Jo'
bur
gwher
e?"
Me:"
Mypl
acemommy.
"
Meli
ssa:"
Itoldyouther
ewillbeanot
herli
tt
le
cer
emonyt oday,wel
comingJean"ohcrap.
Me:"
OhdearGod.Itotal
lyfor
gotaboutthat.When
mybosscall
edandaskedmet orushhereIjustl
ost
mymindandlef
t.I
'
m sor r
y.TellWil
lI'
l
lvi
sitthem
andi
ntr
oducemyselfpropert
oJean"
Meli
ssa:"Youdrivemecrazy,
youknowthat
?
Coul
dn'tyoutextandt
ellusyou'
rel
eavi
ng?"
Me:"
Iwantedtobutmyphonedi
ed.Ij
ustswi
tched
i
tonI'
m sorr
y"
Meli
ssa:"
It
sokaybaby.Iwasworr
iedaboutyou,
I'
m
gl
adyou'r
esafe.We'
l
lseeyoutomorrow"
Me:"
Aren'
tyoucomi
ngbackt
oday?
"
Mel
issa:"
No.Letmegogetr
eady"
Me:"
Okay.Il
oveyou"
Mel
issa:"
Iloveyoumor
emyangel
"
Shehangsup.Iwantt
ocr y.IwashopingI'
l
lspend
theni
ghtwi
ththem,watchingmoviesorsomethi
ng.

ItextMikeifhehasanypl ansfort
heday.He
respondswi t
hno.Great.We'r
egoingtowalkaround
Jo'burgthewholedaytoday.Iwalktomyclosetto
pickthebestoutf
itf
ora29°par tl
ycloudSunday.

.
..
Thereisnohopef orthisguy.I
naperiodof5hour s
i
nt hi
smal l
,we'
vecrossedpathswit
h4di f
ferent
gi
rlfr
iendsofhis.Idon'
tunderst
andmenandI '
ll
neverwi l
l.Eachoneofthem suref
eelsl
iketheone,
i
fonlyt heyknew.
Mike:"
Canwegetsomet hi
ngt
oeatnow?Inevergo
f
orthislongwi
thoutf
ood"
Me:"
Whatdoest
hatmean?
"
Mike:"
ItmeansIam t
her
easonwhyubereat
sis
r
ich"
Me:"
Youeatever
y2hour
s?"
Mi
ke:"
1andahal
f.
"
Me:"
Whyar
en'
tyouf
att
hen?
"
Mike:"
It
sthePet
rogenes.Noonei
sfati
nthat
f
ami l
y"
Me:"
Youshoul
dthankt
hem"
Mike:"
Nope.Wher
ear
eweeat
ing?Idon'
teatsea
f
ood"
Me:"
Wecangot
oanyr
est
aur
antt
hatsel
lsni
ce
f
ood"
Mi
ke:"
Arewedoneshoppi
ng?
"
Me:"
YupI
'
mti
rednow"
Mike:"
Thenwe'l
lgrabMcDonal
d'sandthensome
hotwingsf
rom ei
therKFCorChi
ckenli
cken"I
chuckl
e.
Me:"
Youhavebl
ackf
ri
ends?
"
Mi
ke:"
Yes.Whydoyouask?
"
Me:"Yourfoodpreparat
ions.Noof f
ensebutno
whit
epersoneatsdumpl ings"it
swhatwebought
yest
erdayatthi
srestaurantthatdeal
swit
honly
Af
ri
cancui
sine.
Mike:"
Theyar
ethebestthi
ngthathasever
happenedt
ome.Myf r
iendsmom usedt opr
epar
e
them f
oruswhenwecamet ovisi
t,bl
iss"
Me:"Theyar
equi
teni
ce.I
twasmy3r
dti
me
consumingt
hem"
Mike:"
Youshouldeatt
hem moreoft
en.The
Magebarest
aurantsel
lsal
ltheni
cefoodi
nthe
world.
"
Me:"
Weshoul
dgoagai
n"
Mi
ke:"
Tomor
rowaf
terwor
k"
Me:"
Sosoon,
howaboutweekend?
"
Mi
ke:"Tomor
rowt
her
e'sbuf
fet
"
Me:"
Tempt
ing.IhopeIdon'
thavemuchwor
k"
Mi
ke:"
I'
llbewai
ti
ngf
oryourt
ext
"

Wegetint
othecaranddriveof
f.Heplayshis
count
rymusi
ct hatIl
ear
nedtotol
erat
eyesterday
onourwayhere.
WestopatChickenli
ckenfi
rstt
henMcDonal
d's.I
l
ikehowwej ustgotal
ong.I
tsli
kewe'
veknown
eachot
herforyears.

Myphoner i
ngsasweparki
ntothi
sbeaut
if
ul
par
kingspot.Whywoul
dthesecur
it
ycompanycal
l
me?
Me:"
Alexi
sspeaki
ng"
Call
er:"
Ma'am.Wehaveblockedyourcodeduet o
manywr ongcodeatt
empts.Wecaughtthesuspect
ri
ghtatthespotpl
easeuseyourcar
dont hereader
andcomedown"
Me:"
I'
m noti
nmypl
ace"
Cal
ler
:"Pl
easemeetusatourof
fi
ces"
Me:"
Okay.I'
m coming"Ihangup."
Igottor
ushto
somewhere.Someonewast r
yingt
obreaki
nint
o
myplace.I
'l
ltakeanuber
"
Mike:"
Areyouki
ddi
ngme?I
'
llt
akeyout
her
e.Wher
e
ar
ewegoi ng?
"
Me:"
Sandt
on.
"

Whocoulditbe?Andwhywoul
dtheybest
upi
d
aboutt
his?

.
..
.
Thelobbyi
sempt y.Ir
ingt
heattent
ionbel
l.Al ady
appearsaf
teracoupleofminut
esofimpatience.
Me:"
Hi.I
'
m Al
exi
sMcVei
gh"
Her:"OhHey.MrSwanepoeli swaiti
ngforyou
pleasegot hrough.Siryoucanwaitther
ebythe
couchonl yoneper soncangoin,canIgetyou
somet hi
ngt odrink?"
Mi
ke:"
Cof
feewi
llbef
ine.CanIeatonyourcouch?
"
Shechuckl
es.
Her:"
Yesyoumay"womenl
oset
hemsel
vesi
nhi
s
gazeIswear
.
It
urnt
othel
efthal
l
wayl
eadi
ngmet
othebi
gdoor
.

Iknockonceandgeti
n.
MrSwanepoel
:"Thatwasqui
ck"
Me:"
Iwasar
ound.
"
MrSwanepoel
:"Thesuspectwon'
tspeak.Hesays
hewantsyounotus.Wearewaiti
ngforyour
per
missi
ontocallt
hepoli
ce"
Me:"
CanIseehi
m?"
MrSwanepoel
:"Yeahsur
e.Pl
easef
oll
owme"

Hegetsupandleadt
hewayout.Heunlockswhat
hast
urnedoutt
obeadoor.Idi
dnotrecognizei
t
whenIcamein.

Wegeti
n.Ohmygoodness.Hesmi rksandshoves
awayt
hepuzzl
e.Theygi
vethem puzzles?
Bheki
:"Thi
spl
acei
stoohotumunt
uakasoze
akut
holeukuphumulai
lamabhunu"(
onecannever
getpeacewit
htheseboers)
Me:"
Bheki
sizwe"
Bheki
:"Sabat
hil
e"
Me:"Whywouldyoukeeppunchingt
hecodewhen
yousawthatt
hefir
stat
temptdidnotgot
hrough?
"
Bheki
:"Ithoughtyouwer
eupst
air
s.Whydi
dyou
changeitanyways"
Me:"
Sir
.Thisi
smyboss.I
'
m ver
ysor
ryf
ort
he
mi
sunderst
andi
ng"
MrSwanepoel
:"I
tsokay.We'
resor
ryMr
..
..
"
Bheki
:"MrBheki
"
MrSwanepoel
:"YesMrBheki
.Wewer
ejustdoi
ng
ourj
ob"

Hegestur
edforust
oleadt
hewayout
.Ibi
dhi
m
goodbyeandwepart
edways.
Bheki
:"Nkosiengcwel
ear
ewewal
kingorr
unni
ng?
"
Me:"
Iam ver
ybusyBheki
.Ishoul
dn'
tevenbeher
e"
Bheki
:"I
tsSunday"
Me:"
Busywomenar
ebusyever
yday.
"Mi
keget
sup
asweappr
oach.
Bheki
:"Uyakwazil
omfanawomlungu?"(
Doesthi
s
whit
eboyknowyou? "
)Iignor
ehisstupi
dsel
f.
Me:"
Itwasmyboss"
Mike:"
GooddaySi
r"heext
endshi
shand.Bhekij
ust
l
ooksatit
.
Bheki
:"Yahmf
ana"hepr
oceedsout
.
Me:"
He'
sment
aldi
stur
bed.Letmegot
alkt
ohi
m"
Mi
ke:"
I'
llwai
tforyoui
nthecar
"
Me:"
Okay"

If
indBhekil
eani
ngagai
nstapol
e.
Me:"
Whatwast
hat
?"
Bheki
:"Whatwaswhat
?"
Me:"
Notshaki
nghi
shand"
Bheki
:"Angisuyeumnganiwezi
nganemi
nawe
Sabat
hile"(
Iam notf
ri
endswithki
ds)
Me:"
Noyou'
rer
ude"
Bheki
:"Gogetyourbag.Ourcarwi
llbeher
eany
minut
ef r
om now"
Me:"
No.Idi
dn'
tcomeher
ewi
thyou"
Bheki:"
Awungi
tshel
e.Uyi
ninal
omfanawoml
ungu?"
(Tel
lmesomething,
whatareyout
ot hi
swhi
teboy?
)
Me:"
Hisnamei
sMi
ke!
"
Bheki
:"UMikeowomfanawoml
ungu,
gogetyour
bagplease.I
'
mtaki
ngyousomewher
e"
Me:"
ByeBheki
"

Iwal
kaway.I
shement
all
yokay?

Ifi
ndMi keonthepassengerseat
.Iwalkaroundt
o
thedr
iver'
s.Ist
artt
heengineanddriveoff
.
.
..
.
Tearsstream downasIstuffmymouthwith
popcorn.Iregretpi
cki
ngthismovi
e.It
houghtt
he
ti
tl
emeantawi ldoutnott
his!

Theint
ercom buzzes.Sol
ate?It
akemyphoneand
checkt
het i
me:21:50.

Ipauset
hemovi
eandmot
ionsl
owl
ytot
hespeaker
.
Me:"
Hel
lo?
"
"
Pleasel
etmei
n"
Iatt
empttot al
kbutdeci deagainsti
t.Ipunchthe
accesscodeandgobackt othecouchandr esume
themovie.Thel i
ftdings.Hehaschanged.He'sin
casualcl
othesandsmel lsgood.West areateach
foragood5mi nutes.Heclearshist
hroatand
surr
ender.
Bheki
:"Sawubona"
Me:"
Yebo"Ishi
ftmyat
tent
ionbackt
othemovi
e.
Bheki
:"Whatar
eyouwat
chi
ng?
"
Me:"
Wal
ktor
emember
"
Bheki
:"Mmmh"

Awkwar
dsi
lence.

Hecl
ear
shi
sthr
oatagai
n.
Bheki
:"I
'
m sor
ryf
ordi
sappear
ing"
Me:"
Ok"
Bheki
:"Gr
eat
.CanIj
oinyou?
"
Me:"
No.Gobackt
owher
eyouwer
e"
Bheki
:"Ther
e'snoyounoryourl
apt
opt
her
e"
Me:"
Pit
y"
Bheki
:"Lookatme"Ido."
Iwashome.Ihadaf
ew
thi
ngstotakecar
eof"
Me:"Andyoucoul
dn'
tsay?Howaboutaphonecal
l?
Text
?Apleasecal
lme?"
Bheki
:"Il
eftmyplacerushi
ng.Il
eftmyphones
behi
nd"he'sanot
hercaseofamar ri
edman.
Me:"
What
erverBheki
"
Bheki
:"Ungakushol
okhoki
mi"(
Donotsayt
hatt
o
me)
Me:"Whatdoyouwantmet osay?Youl
eftyour
phonesonpurposebecauseyouknewIwillcal
land
yourwif
ewil
lstartquest
ioni
ngyou"
Bheki
:"Why?I
tsnotl
ikewe'
redat
ingoranyt
hing"
he'
sri
ght.Whydi
dIevensaythat
?Shit!

Igul
pandgl
uemyeyesont
heTV.
Bheki:"Wewi l
lthoughbecauseIam her
etotel
lyou
ngiyakuthandaSabathil
e.I
tsbeenl
ong.Ihavetr
ied
tofindanypossi bler
easontonotl
oveyoubutther
e
i
sn'tntombemhl ophe.Youareever
ythi
ngIhave
beenlookingfori na
woman, besi
det
hefactt
hatyoucan'
tcookbutI
st
il
lwantyoutobeminesphal
aphal
a."Il
augh.
Me:"
You'
reki
ddi
ngr
ight
?"Hef
rowns.
Bheki:"
Ijustpour
edmyhear
toutandyout
hinkI
'
m
ki
dding?"
Me:"
Thatwasn'
tpour
ingyourhear
tout
"
Bheki
:"Whatwasi
t?"
Me:"
Justast
atement
."

I'
mi nver
yreveali
ngpyjamas.Hehasn'
tdonehi
s
stupi
dlookaway.Infacthi
sgazei
sdiggi
ngdeep
i
nt omyskinwithoutashame.
Me:"Yourf
athert
oldyoui
tsokayt
olookathal
f
nakedwomennow? "
Bheki
:"I
dlozil
ami l
ivumi
leukuthiwenauzoba
ngowamisot her
e'snosininlooki
ngatfut
ureMr
s
Ncube"
Me:"
I'
m yourempl
oyeeMrNcube"
Bheki
:"Manj
e?"(
So)
Me:"
Youcan'
taskmeoutandt
rytohavea
r
omanti
crel
ati
onshi
pwi
thme,i
tsagai
nstt
hel
aw"
Bheki
:"You'
ref
ir
edt
hen"
Me:"
No!
"
Bheki
:"Yes"
Me:"Idon'
tdat
emarr i
edmenBheki
.Inf
actIhat
e
seei
ngyoutheret
ell
ingmeyouloveme"
Bheki
:"Whosai
dI'
m mar
ri
ed?
"
Me:"Al
lZul
umenar
e"hechuckl
esandshakehi
s
head.
Bheki
:"Notmenkosazana.Ifyougi
vemeachance
Ipr
omiseyouIwil
lbeyour sandonlyyour
s"

Ihar
denmyf
ace.Ican'
taf
for
dtobl
ush.
Me:"
Iwantt
osl
eepnow"

Igetupandwal ktot
heli
ft
."GoodnightBheki
.Iwil
l
prayforyout oloset
hosefeel
ings"hewalksupup
me.Hi scologne!Lor
dJesus!He'stooclose,
Ican'
t
breat
hepr operl
y.
Bheki:"
Letmebe.IlovehowmuchImissedyou.I
thoughtaboutyouandyoursi
ll
ycompl
aint
s
everyday.Goodnightprincess.Onceagai
nI'm sor
ry
fordisappear
ingwithoutasay.IpromiseyouI'
ll
neverdot hat
,everagain.Youleftme80voicemail
messagesbyt heway.Itakeityoumissedmet oo"

Heextendshishandtopr esstheopeningbut ton.I

am exper
ienci
ngever ytypeoffeel
ingsrightnow.
Feeli
ngsthatIshoul
dn'tbefeeli
ng.Theli
f tparts,he
goesinandwaveal it
tlegoodbye.Thelif
tcl oseI
takeadeepbreath.

Outofal
lthemenI 'veturneddownmyhear tchoose
hi
m?Thisarr ogant
-stupi
dman?I t
shimthatitloves?
NoIcan'
tfallinl
ovewi t
haZul uman.Ir
efuse!

Il
eanagai
nstt
hewall
.Howdoyoust opyourhear
t
fr
om l
ovi
ngsomeoneitshoul
dn'
t?
...
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t12•
••
Iscream whenmyal armr ings.Whyi sthesunout ?
Idon'twantt ogot owor kcauser estassur edBheki
willshowupandIwi llnotknowhowt ofacehim,
notaf t
erourloveconf essi
ngsessi on,hi
sl ove
confession.Isnoozedt healar m andcont i
nuedmy
fakesleep.Myeyeskeptbl inking.Myphonebuzzes.
"Yourbossi sbreathi
ngf ir
e.YouBet tegetyourass
hereint i
me"at extfr
om Phi laniread.Fucki t!

Icli
mboutofbedandheadt ot akethequi ckest
showerinhistor
y.Whywoul dhebebr eathingfir
e?
Iti
sMondaymor ningforChr i
st'
ssake.I shet he
typetosulkwhent urneddown?I fsothenIwi ll
makehi sexi
stencet wiceashar d.Befor
eIknowi tI
am doneandr eadyt ogo.IwriteSisBuhl eanot e
apologi
zingforal
lthemess.It akebr eadand
cheeseandgetont helif
t.I
'
m ahotmess.Iwal kin,
I
catchthebadaur a.Iti
sgonnabeal ongday.

Bheki
:"You'
rel
ate"heshout
sfr
om t
heot
hersi
deof
t
hecount
er.Icheckt
het
ime.He'
scr
azy.
Me:"
It
s8:
30"
Bheki
:"30mi
nut
esl
ate.Weopenat8"
Me:"Iar
ri
veat8wheni
tsmyopeni
ngdaySi
r.
Todaywasn'
t"
Bheki
:"SitdownAl exi
sanddoyourj ob"Ismil
e.He
keepshisst r
aightugl
yface.I
sitwei
r dthatIf
ind
thi
smoodsexy?Iopent hechairandswi t
chonthe
computer.Ipunchmyl ogindetai
lsandgetupt o
makecof fee.

Phil
anihugsmef
rom behi
ndandwhi
sper"
I'
mready
toquit
"
Bheki:"Yeynina!Akusikhoemjolwenila.Mangifuna
ukuwot awotana,out"(heyyoutwo.Thisisn'ta
placeofromance.I fyouwantt obeallovereach
other.Getout)Philaniletgoofmeandr ushedback
towher ehecamef r
om.It ookmycupandwentt o
sitdown.Irecordedallthemoneyt hathascamei n.
Mondaysar et hebusiest,somuchmoneyi n45
minutes.Bhekiwasbusyont hecomputerdoi
ng
onlyLordknowswhatbuti tseemedpret
tyser
ious,
I
couldtel
lfr
om hisfaceexpressi
on.
Bheki
:"Weneed2boyst
hatwi
llwor
konMondays
andFri
days"
Me:"
Ok"
Bheki
:"I
ssueavacancyadver
t"
Me:"Onit
"sil
ence.Justpressi
ngoft
hekeyboar
d
makingsound."Whatisgoingon?
"Iaskaf
tera
goodtenminutes.
Bheki
:"Ar
eyoudonewi
thwhatIaskedyout
odo?
"
Me:"
YesSi
r.I
tsonyouremai
laswespeak"
Bheki
:"Thi
splaceclosesat5:30pm.Whomever
br
eaktheruleswil
lfaceseri
ousconsequences"

Hepil
ethepaper
st ogetherandwal
kst
owar
dthe
exi
tal
lthewayout.Irestmycase.
Me:"
He'
sgone!
"Ishoutl
aughi
ng.Phi
lanicomesout
.
Phi
lani
:"Thi
shumanbei
nghasi
ssues.Heshout
ed
atmeinf
rontoft
hel
oveofmyl
if
e.Canyoubel
ieve
that
?"
Me:"
What
?What
'swr
ongwi
thhi
m?"
Phil
ani:"He'sanass.Iam r eadyt ol eavet hisplace
i
fhewi lltreatmelikethat"he'sr eallyhur t.Myhear t
achedandst art
edget t
ingangr y."Thi spl ace
wouldn'tbewher eitistodayi fitwasn' tf orme.And
todayhehast hegut stocomeher e, cur singaround
andshoutatmel i
keaI '
ml it
tl
eki di nf rontof
customer s?NoIwi llnotstandt hat .Inf acttellhimI
quit
."
Me:"Phi
laniwai
t"Isaychasi
ngaf
terhi
m.Hedi
dnot
actl
ikeheheardme.

Istopwhenhegetsint
otheli
ft
.If
eell
ikecr
ying
now.Iwalkbacksl
owly.Ir
estont
hecounterbefor
e
Igetbehi
nditandsi
t.It
akemyphoneandt exthi
m.
"
Thispl
aceneedsyouPhi
lani
.Pl
easecomeback
whenyou'
vecalmeddown"
Ilogont ofacebookandt extMvelo.Wechatfora
whi l
ebeforeshelogsofftogot othemeeting.We
needani ghttodiscussherspecialweekend.She
toldmet opickaper f
ectone.Fri
dayisthewayt o
gosi nceBhekihasdecidedt obeamor on.Ican'
t
comei nl
ate.

Thedaydr ags.Laundr
ycomingi
nandoutmucht o
myannoyance.By5: 30Ipackmythi
ngs.Phi
lanidi
d
notrespondtoanyofmyt ext
soranswermycalls
atthat.

Thedrivetomyparent
shouseisfast
ert
hanusual
,I
am hungrysoIcoul
dn'
tbehappier
.
Meli
ssa:"
Youbeatusi
ntot
his!
"Shescr
eamsasI
ent
er.Icr
oucht
ohugher.
Me:"
Wer
eyougonnacomeover
?"
Mel
issa:"
Yes.Iwaswai
ti
ngf
oryourf
ather
"
Me:"
Imi
ssedhome.Thepent
housegetl
onel
y"
Mel
issa:"
Iknowr
ight
.Cassandr
apl
easef
ixmy
babyacheesybaconsandwich!
"Sheshout
s.
Someoneyell
s"Okay"f
rom t
hekitchen.
Me:"
Newhel
p?"
Melissa:"
Yes.It
wistedmyankleyest
erday,
justa
l
it
tleandyourfatherfor
biddenmetogoanywhere
nearthekit
chensohehi redher
.She'
sachef"
Me:"
I'
m sor
ryaboutt
heankl
e,l
etmesee".
Meli
ssa:"
Iwentt
otheDrt
hismor ni
ng.Nodamage"
It
ouchitt
oseeifi
t'
sswol
len,
justali
tt
le.
Me:"Onecoul
dnevertrustyoumom.Youl
ike
act
ingstr
ong"shechuckles.
Meli
ssa:"Youguyswor
ryt
oomuch.Di
dyour
br
othercallyou?
"
Me:"No.Ther
e'san035If
oundamissedcal
lof
though.I
twassobusyatwor
kIfor
gottocal
lit
back"
Meli
ssa:"I
twashi
m.Hewant
sust
opl
anababy
showerforKi
m"
Me:"Real
ly?Awesome.GodIam sooccupi
edI
evenfor
gotI'
m gonnabeanaunt
"theywerenotat
t
heweddi
ng.
Meli
ssa:"No!I
maginemeasagr andma.Wehaven't
hadalit
tl
ebabyinthi
shousesinceyou.IdoubtI
evenknowhowt ochangedi
aperanymore"
Me:"We'
llbechangi
ngdiapers?
"Isayr
ather
di
sgust
ed.Shenodslaughing."
Markmeabsent
ma'am"

Al
adyi
nchefuni
for
m hoverovermewi
thapl
ate.
Meli
ssa:"
Thatsmell
sniceCassandr
a"It
akethe
pl
ateandthankheraf
tershe'
ssaidt
hankyouto
mom.
Cassandr
a:"
Bever
agepr
efer
ence?
"
Me:"
Ist
her
ecr
anber
ryj
uice?
"
Cassandra:"
Yest her
ei s"herstari
ng!Mostl
yonmy
hair
.Probabl
ywonder i
ngwhyi tlooksli
kethi
s.I
tookoffthewigcomi nginofwhi chnowIdeeply
regr
et."I
-Iwi
llpouryouj ustnow"shesayswhenI
star
ebackannoyed.Isi ghasshewal ksaway.
Me:"
Mysavi
ngsar
enowenoughf
ormet
ofi
nda
pl
ace"
Meli
ssa:"Awhat
?What '
s-"dadhasthi
scrazythi
ng
ofhowli
ngwhenhegetsi nt
othehouse.Hefir
st
ki
ssmeandt hensnuggleupnexttomom.
Mar
cus:"
Imi
ssedyou"
Me:"Reall
y?Youdidn'
tseem l
ikeyouknewyouhad
adaughterinNesl
prui
t"
Mar cus:"FYIIcamei nt
oyourroom everyni
ghtt
o
saygoodni ghtbutI'
df i
ndyoudreamingand
drooling"Ilaugh."
Butstil
lki
ssedyour25yearol
d
l
ovel yforehead.Yourmotherismywi t
ness"
Meli
ssa:"
Doyoueverf
aceyourwrongswi
thout
poi
nti
ngmeawi t
nessofsomethi
ng?"
Marcus:"
You'
remypar t
nerincrime.Yousignedup
f
orthat"t
heygiggl
eanddadl ayshisheadonher
l
ap.Thistwoandthei
rforeverbl
oominglove.
Meli
ssa:"Lexiwassayingsomethi
ngbef or
eyou
camein"Dadout st
retchhishandandItakeaway
myplate.Ihavehim ali
tt
lemedium pi
eceofa
sandwi
ch.
Me:"Yeah.Ihavesavedupenought
ogetan
apar
tment"dadsitsupstr
aight
.
Mar
cus:"
Whati
swr
ongwi
tht
hepent
house?
"
Me:"Nothi
ng.Ij
ustwantt
odosomet
hingf
or
myself
"
Mel
issa:"
Haveyoust
art
edl
ooki
ng?
"
Me:"
YesIhave.It
hinkt
her
e'soneIl
ike"
Meli
ssa:"
Ihaveabadf
eel
ingaboutt
his.Wher
eis
i
t?"
Me:"
Hought
on"
Meli
ssa:"
Doesi
thavehotr
unni
ngwat
er?Abi
gtub?
I
sitsecur
e?"
Marcus:"I
sther
egar agesforyourcar
s?Which
securi
tycompanyist hatbui
ldi
ngunder?Doest
hei
r
l
iftworks?
"Jesuspleasedosaveme!
Me:"Ihavenotbeent
here.Iwast
hinki
ngofgoi
ng
t
hereafterwor
ktomorrow"
Mar
cus:"
Rent
,howmuchar
ewet
alki
ng?
"
Me:"
R5000"mom gaspsandshakeherheadno.
Mel
issa:"
Thati
sal
owcl
asspl
ace"
Me:"
It
snotmommy"
Marcus:"Ther
eisnodecentplacewit
hhotrunni
ng
water,
awor ki
ngli
ftandenoughsecuri
tyt
hatisso
cheap."
Me:"
Whataboutt
her
ealwor
ld?
"Theybot
hchuckl
e.
Mar
cus:"
Thatwor
ldi
sn'
tforyoul
ove"
Meli
ssa:"Whatyoul
earnedabouti
tisenough.You
don'
tneedtorentaR5000apartmentt
oprove
your
self
"
Me:"
I'
mti
redofbei
ngyourl
it
tl
egi
rl
.I'
m 25"
Marcus:"
You'
rea25li
tt
leofour
s.Wor
ksomemor e
andthenyoucanmovetoyourownpl
ace,
decent
pl
ace"
Meli
ssa:"Yes.Yourf
atheri
sri
ght
"Isi
ghsof
tl
y.
Theydisappointme.
Me:"
Letmegot
akeashower
"
Them:"
Areyousl
eepi
ngover
?"
Me:"
Iwi
shIwasbutI
'
m openi
ngt
omor
row"
Iheart
heweakOKsasIgoup.

Itakealonghotbat h.JustwhatIneeded.If eel

freshasIstepoutaf t
eraboutanhour ,Ipassedout
foracoupleofminut es.Fat
iguewaski l
li
ngme, now
I'
m abitbett
er.Ir
ecei veagreet
ingtextfrom Mike,I
greethi
m backandputt hephoneawayt oappl y
l
ot i
onandwearpyj amas.

IfindanothertextwhenIf i
nish,hi
mr emindi
ng
aboutthatrestaurant
.Ifeelbad,Iapologi
zefornot
givinghi
mf eedbackandt akemygownandgoout
tomeetmyl ovelyfamil
yagai n.
Me:"
Yourai
r-
condi
ti
oneri
sbr
okenIt
hink"
Marcus:"
NoIdecr
easedi
tonpur
pose.Yousmel
l
l
ovely"
Me:"
It
sthatbedt
imeper
fumemom boughtme"
Mel
issa:"
It
sst
il
lther
e?I
tsmel
lsr
eal
lyni
ce"
Me:"
Thankyou"

Ididnotr
ealizehowmucht i
mehadgone.Itwas
7:
30.Cassandr awal
kedinwithf
ood.WeateandI
packedmyt akeawayandleft
,aft
erahuge
argumentaboutdri
vingatni
ght.

Thi
splacejustget
ssoqui
etaf
ter8pm.I
tsl
ike
nobodyli
veshere.

Ar
rivi
ngupst
air
s.Iputmyfoodinthefri
dgeand
wenttosl
eepaft
erIsetupa5:30alar
m.

.
..
Ihearf
oot
stepsapproachi
ngcl
ose.Ibr
ingmyeyes
up.He'
spushingacart.
Sabel
o:"
Mor
ning"
Me:"Hey.
"Igetupandwalkovert
ohim.Itaket
he
cl
ipboar
dandsign."
Pleasewheel
thesei
nsidef
or
me.Myco-
wor
keri
snoti
n"
Sabel
o:"
Ofcour
se"
Me:"
Thankyou"Isayashewheelhi
scar
tout
.He
st
opsandtur
n.
Sabel
o:"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
hiseveni
ng?
"
Me:"
Keepi
ngmyselfasfarwayaspossi
blef
rom
marr
iedmen.Needsomethi
ng?"Hi
sheaddrops.He
meet
swithasmirkbackup.
Sabel
o:"
Right
.Iwant
edsomet
hingbutnevermi
nd"
Me:"
Haveagoodday"

Igobackt
omycomput
erandpl
aySol
it
air
e.

Wegoti nastar
ingcont
est
.His,t
enderandful
lof
regr
et.Mine,
boil
ingwit
hangerIcoul
dfeelt
ears
burnmyeyes.
Bheki:"
Wher
e'sPhi
lani
?"Hesaysaf
terhel
osest
he
bat
tle.
Me:"
Hequi
t"
Bheki
:"What
?"
Me:"Nobodywantstoworkforsomeoneungr
atef
ul
anddisr
espect
fulasyouareBhekiNcube"
Bheki
:"I
'
m sor
ryaboutyest
erday"
Me:"Wellyou'
resor
rytoawr ongperson.Howcoul
d
youshoutathim?Infr
ontofcustomersatthat
!"
Bheki:"
Iwas..
.I
'm goi
ngt
hroughsomet
hingsandI
-"
Icuthim of
f.
Me:"
Weal lar
eBheki
!Butyou'
llneverseeusgoi
ng
ar
oundshouti
ngatpeopl
e,especial
lypeopl
ewho
ar
ehelpf
ultous.
"
Bheki
:"I
'
m sor
ry.Iwasoutofl
ine"
Me:"
Damnri
ghtyouwer
e.Ial
soqui
t!Seehowyou
r
unthi
spl
acebyyour
sel
f"
Bheki
:"Lexi
..
."

Ipullmysel
fup.Iputmythi
ngsbackt
omybag.He
gri
psmyar m asIheadout.
Me:"Ifyouknowwhat'
sgoodf oryou,
youwilll
etgo
ofme.Goshavethishai
r,peopledonott
hinkwhen
theyhavehair
"Il
ooki
ngathisheadannoyed.
Bheki
:"I
'
m sor
ryokay.ImeantwhatIsai
dthat
ni
ght"
Me:"Tohel
lwiththat.You'
veshowedmewhyI
shoul
dkeepmysel fawayfrom you"Isnat
chmy
handoffhi
sgripandr untotheli
ft
.Iwasmadbut
nowIam furi
ous.

Ical
lmydad.If
ailt
ost
opt
hesobswhenhe
answer
s.
Mar
cus:"
What
'swr
ongbaby?Wher
ear
eyou?
"
Me:"
I'
m..
.i
stheof
ferst
il
lavai
labl
e?"
Marcus:"
Ofcour
seitismyl ove.Whatdidyourboss
do?Tellt
hatmother
fuckerIwillki
llhi
m!"
Me:"
He'
s.
..
he'
snott
reat
inguswel
l
"
Mar
cus:"
I'
m comi
ngt
her
eri
ghtnow.
"
Cametot
hinkofi
t.Inevert
oldt
hem Iwor
kfor
Bheki
.
Me:"
NoneeddaddyI
'
llbef
ine.Hej
ustl
eftanyway"
Mar
cus:"
Iam comi
nganyways.Il
oveyouokay"
Me:"
Iloveyout
oo"

Ihangupandki
ckmyheel
sof
f.Il
ayont
hecouch.

Imust'
vefal
lenasl
eep.Myphonewokeme.I
twas
Bheki
.Ianswerandkeepqui
et.
Bheki
:"I'
vespokent
oPhi
lani
.Iapol
ogi
zed.Pl
ease
l
etmei n"

Ihangupandgetupt ol
ethi
min.Igobackt
othe
couch.Ipaget
hroughmyphone.It
extmydadthatI
wasasleepwhenhecall
ed.
Bheki
:"Hi"Ilookathim andt
henbacktomyphone
andthenbackathi m.Iwanttol
augh.He'swear
ing
navyniketrackpantsandanadidashoodi
e.
Not
hingl
ikehi
m.
Bheki
:"Ishavedmyhai
r.Canwet
alknow?
"
Me:"
Soyougotint
othesal
onandt
oldt
hebar
ber
youwantMohawk?"
Bheki:"
Yes.AndIboughttheseatWoolwor
thsI
di
dn'tstealt
hem f
rom ugogowomlungu"
Me:"
You'
rever
yraci
st"hechuckl
es.
Bheki
:"Bl
ackpeopl
ear
eneverr
aci
st.Wenever
col
oni
sedanyone"
Isi
gh.WhydoIlovesuchafoolt
hough?"Ial
so
boughtyouFer
rer
oRocher
."Hehandedthem over
.
Me:"
Thankyou"
Bheki
:"Vul
ake"(
openi
t)
Me:"
What
?"
Bheki:" Ushokoledi
.Angi
kazengawudla
ngaphambi li
ningif
unanjeukuwuzwa"(The
chocol ates.I
'veneverat
eitbef
ore.Ij
ustwanta
tast
e)neverhaveIeverhear dthatbefore.Iopenit
andgi vehi m one,It
akeonetoo.Weeati nsil
ence.
Bheki
:"CanIhaveanot
herone?
"
Me:"
No.
"
Bheki
:"For
givemef ornotbei
ngni
ceyest
erday.
Phi
lanihasfor
givenmecauseIscoredhi
m adate
wit
hhiscrush."
Me:"Real
ly?That
ssosweetofyou.Ican'
timagi
ne
howmuchhe' sfl
oat
ingi
nhappiness"mymood
l
ightup.
Bheki
:"Heis.Hehuggedmeandki ssedmy
for
ehead"Ilaugh."
Let
'sgogetsomethi
ngt
oeat
"
Me:"
I'
m act
ual
lysl
eepy"
Bheki
:"Youcansl
eepwhi
leIr
ide"

Iputonmywi
g.
Bheki
:"Whydoyoual
waysweart
hat
?"
Me:"
BecauseIloveit.I
'
llgochange"Ichangedi
nto
j
eansandajacket.Theweatherhaschanged.
If
ind2ofmychocolat
esmissi
ng.Hi
scheeks
l
ookingl
ikeofachi
pmunk.

Iheadt
othel
if
t.

Me:"
Wher
e'syourcar
?"
Bheki
:"Here"hesayst
appi
ngabicycle.Il
augh.He
unhooksitfr
om thebi
kesr
acks."
Ithasahoot"
Me:"
Bheki
"
Bheki
:"Mama?
"
Me:"
Iam goi
ngback"
Bheki
:"BecauseIam r
idi
ngabi
cycl
e?"
Me:"
No.Becausewewon'
tfi
tint
his"
Bheki:"Wewi l
l.Come"Isigh.JesusIdonot
understandthisperson."
Almostfor got
"het
akesof
f
totheshopopposi t
eandcomesbackwi th2
hel
met s."Here"Itakeandfastenitup.Hecl
imbson
andIf ol
low.
Bheki
:"Don'
tbeaf
rai
dtohol
dont
ome.
"
Me:"Okay.
"Ihel
dont i
ght.He'
sacuddlebear.No
si
xpacks,j
ustatinynormalbel
lyofanat
tracti
ve
Zul
uman.

Iwouldrat
herdiethanadmi
ttoMvelothatIf
ell
hardfort
hisBrent
woodwearingshakawarri
or.He
honksatsomeguyswepassby.Il augh.
Bheki:"
Itol
dyou.Thi si
saspecial
bicycl
e
nkosazana"thatnkosazanat
hingmeltsmyhear
t.
"McDonald'
s? "
Me:"
Yespl
ease"

Iwasn'
tevenl
ooki
ngf
orwar
d.Myheadwasonhi
s
back.

Ihear"
Sirbi
cycl
esar
en'tal
lowedt
hissi
de"Igetmy
headuptosee.We'
reatthedri
vet
hrough.
Bheki
:"I
sn'
tthi
savehi
cle?I
'
dli
ke2l
argebi
gtast
y,
wi
thor
angej
uiceandcoke"
Lady:"
Pleasedot
hisagai
n.I
t'
llbeR160"
Bheki
:"OhIwilldoitagai
n.Youpr obabl
ywon'tbei
n,
so.
..
"hetakesoutacar d.Ifaceawayandlaugh.He
smell
snice.Shegivesust herecei
pt.
Me:"
You'
resoexcept
ionalBheki
Ncube"Isayaswe
t
akeouror
der.
Bheki
:"Am I
?"Hepar
ksatt
hepar
kingl
otbef
ore
McDonaldsdoor
.
Me:"
Whatar
ewedoi
ngnow?
"
Bheki
:"Get
ti
ngi
nsi
det
oeat
."
Me:"
BhekiNcube?"Helaughsandpul
lmetowar
ds
t
hedoor.Helooksathi
srefl
ect
ioni
nthegl
ass.
Bheki
:"Il
ookl
i
keJo'
bur
gboyst
odayneh?
"
Me:"
Yesyoudo"
Bheki
:"Thankyou"

Ispotat
abl
efort
woatt
hef
ardi
m cor
ner
.Ipul
lhi
m.
Wesett
ledownandhest
art
stel
li
ngmeabouthi
s
bi
cycl
e.
Bheki
:"I
tisspeci
alt
ome.I
'
veneverl
etanyoner
ide
i
t.
"
Me:"
Weal
lhavet
hatonet
hing"
Bheki:"
Trueandthenwehavepeopl
ewewantt o
sharethosespeci
alt
hingswi
th,
tomethathappens
tobeyou"
Me:"
Don'
tbecheesy"
Bheki
:"CanIki
ssyou?Justi
ncaseIdi
etoni
ght
"
Me:"Yeahsur
e"wel
eanoverandki
ss.Hi
sli
psar
e
sof
t.
Bheki
:"Lookatyoubl
ushi
ng.Thankyou"
Me:"
Mypl
easur
e"
Bheki:"Thesef
riesar
ecoldnow.
..
sorr
ysisi
,
ngisacelaungi
fudumezel
a"It
akethefr
iesaway
fr
om him.
Me:"He'
ski
ddi
ng.
"Thel
adyt
urnsback."
You'
re
suchtr
oubl
e"
Bheki
:"Howmanyt
roubl
esdoyouhave?
"
Me:"
Two"
Bheki
:"Congr
atulat
ions.Younowhavet
hree"he
poi
ntsathimself
.

He'
sstupi
dandIthi
nkthati
swhyIam f
all
ingfor
hi
m.Arewedati
ngnoworwhat?Whateveriti
sthat
i
shappeni
ng,Il
ovei
t..
..

▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t13•
••

Yetagain.Iam hereonmybed, f
eelinglikecrap.I
can'tmoveani nch,It
rustedthi
smanagai nand
wentoutdr i
nking,j
ustthe2ofust histime.Ihada
real
lygreatti
mebutnowIwi shIhadn' tagreedto
go.Myphonevi br
atessomewher einthebed, wi
th
allt
hestrengthinmeIsear chforitundert he
cover
sandGodhavemer
cyonme,
Ifi
ndi
t.

Ivi
ewt
het
het
extmessagef
rom mymot
her
.

Lexi
.Wearegoi
ngouttoday.Youneedt
odi
str
ess
myangel
.Bereadyby11am.Xoxo.

Igrowl
.It
s10:
15!Howfastam It
obedoneand
readyt
obefet
chedby11?

Nomommy.Ihaveater
ri
blehangover
.Let
'smakei
t
12pm.Pr
ett
ypl
ease?

Irespondandf eeltheburningur getour inate,God

mybodycan' tt
aket hi
stort
ure.Igetup, almosttri
p
overmypant st
hatIassumeIdi dn'tnotpul lthem
overmyf eet.Imovet hem offandr unt ot he
bathroom.Ipee, If
eelrel
ieftakeover .Isitinthat
sameposi t
ionforqui t
eawhi lejustthinkingabout
myl if
e, l
ikemostofusdoi nt
hisplace.Ihear
footsteps,Isi
ghinrel
iefwhenIhearSi sBuhl
e
hummi ng.Iwipemyselfandfl
ush.Ilookforremedy
pil
lsont hecabinet
.Idri
nkup,IlooklikeIj
ustcame
outoft hebushorIam af ami
lymemberofCr oods.

Me:"
Heysi
sBuhl
e"shest
art
le,
wel
augh.
Si
sBuhl
e:"
Ithoughtyouhadl
eftf
orwor
kal
ready.
"
Me:"
Iqui
t,Iwi
llwor
kformydadnow"
SisBuhle:"
Real
ly?Whathappeneddownt
her
e?I
thoughtyouwerehappy"
Me:"Iwas,it
sjust.
..
Idon'
tknow,
Imadeadecisi
on
whil
eIwasangr yandnowIcan'tcal
lmydadand
t
ellhi
mt hatsoI'
llj
ustgoaheadwit
hit.
"
Si
sBuhl
e:"
OhhIgeti
tnow"
Me:"
Yup.Letmegot
akeashower
,mymot
heri
s
t
aki
ngmeout "
SisBuhle:"
Youbet t
erdobecauseifsheseesyou
l
ikethisshe'
llassumeyou'r
egoingthrough
depressi
on"Wel augh.Sheknowshert oowel
l
.
Mymot
herar
ri
vesj
ustasIst
eppedi
ntot
heshower
.

Bythet
imeIfi
nishgett
ingr
eadyMeli
ssaMcVeigh
hascal
ledmetohurryupmorethan30ti
mes.

Sheget
sint
omyr oom asIt
akemybagtowal
kout
.
Ismi
le,
thepl
easedon'
tshoutatmesmi
le.
Me:"See?I
'
m done.Let'
sgo"Sherol
lshereyesand
wewalkout."
SisBuhle!Seeyout
omorrow.Ilove
you"
Si
sBuhl
e:"
Iloveyou!Haveagoodt
imemyl
oves"
Us:"
Thankyou"

Wegetont helif
tandItakeaf ewmi rr
orself
iesof
us.Shelookssimpleandbeaut if
ul.Sheneverdress
upli
kethis,sheli
kesdressesandheel sbutt
oday
shesett
ledforskinnyj
eans, whit
et eewithsome
modernpr i
nti
ngandsandal s,notforgett
ingshades.
Mydadwoul dgocrazyifhesawherl
ikethis,he'
d
askheronadate.Ideci
detosendhim apictureof
usaswedriveoff
.

Whatonearthi
sthi
s!Pl
easekeept
hemenaway
f
rom mywife.Whatawaytomakemyday.You
l
ookbeaut
if
ulmyhoneys.

Ichuckl
e.
Me:"DadsaysIshoul
dkeept
hemenawayf
rom
you"shel
aughs.
Meli
ssa:"
Tel
lhi
m Ionl
yhaveeyesf
orhi
m.Hemust
notworr
y"

It
exthi
m exact
lyt
hat
.
Me:"
Sot
odayyoudeci
dedweshoul
dgoout
?"
Mel
issa:"
Ofcour
se.Wehaven'
t,
inmont
hs.
"
Me:"
Youknowwhy?
"
Mel
issa:"
Why?
"
Me:"BecauseIwasalwaystheonetoi
nit
iat
ethe
outi
ngsandnowIam t her
esponsi
bleandthe
spendi
ngwi sel
yLexi
"
Shechuckl
es.
Melissa:"Tr
ueandIregretevertr
yingtointr
oduce
yout otheworl
dbecausei nthatprocessyou
stoppedbeingourl
it
tlegir
l"
Icoul
dsenseagl
impseofpai
ninhervoi
ce.
Me:"
Mom!Ihaven'
t.Ij
usthavebeenbusy"
Mel
issa:"
Youhar
dlyevencal
lbaby"
Me:"
Mymi
stake,
I'
m sor
ry.
"
Mel
issa:"
Whenl
astdi
dyousl
eepover
?"
Isi
gh.
Me:"
Iwi
llst
ayt
heweekendt
hist
ime.
"
Mel
issa:"
Whynott
oday?
"
Me:"
BecauseMveloiscomingover"Shemovedthe
meet
ingi
ntotodaybecauseapper
antlybyFr
iday
she'
dhavef
orgot
tensomethi
ngs.That
'sj
ustmy
best
iewi
thl
ousyexcusesf
orever
ythi
ng.
Mel
issa:"
Okay.Iwi
l
lcookyourf
avor
it
e"
Il
aughandper
khercheek.

Itakeoutmyphoneonceagai ntocheckifIhave
anymessages.None.Iplaceitbackt
omyt hi
ghs
andturnupthemusic.Ipulloutmyglassestoo.
Mom glancesatmeandsmi l
e.

Thedr
ivet
othespai
sfi
ll
edwi
thj
oyandl
aught
er.

Wearewel
comedwit
hloveandoff
eredchampagne
ast
heyoungl
adyl
eadsustochangingr
ooms.

Sti
llnonewmessagesonmyphoneormi
ssedcal
ls.
Iswitchi
tof
fandputiti
nmybag.
Meli
ssa:"
IsawBhekiwhenIwentt ofi
llupgas,and
t
hensawhi mi nthebui
ldi
ngspeaki
ngtoMr s
Kavi
nsky"shesaysaswel aydowntogetstart
ed
wit
hthewor ks.
Sohe' sali
vebuthasn'
tbot
her
edtotextorcal
l.
"Lexi
!"Ijump."
DidyouhearwhatIsai
d?"
Me:"
Y-yes.I
'
mjustt
hinki
ng"
Mel
issa:"
Youhaven'
twor
kedt
hingsout
?"
Ishakemyheadno.
Me:"Bhekii
scompli
cat
ed.Idon'
tthi
nksomeone
l
ikehim andmehaveachancetodate"
Mel
issa:"Butyout
wol ookedhappytogether
"Icl
ear
mythroatandmoanal it
tl
eastheladydealswith
t
hetensebackofmi ne.Shehasmagi chands.

Me:"Iwoul
dn'
treal
lysayhappy,
wej
ustgotal
ong
f
ine"
Mel
issa:"
Ifyousayso.HasMvel
otol
dyouhow
wastheceremony?"
Me:"Notf
ulldet
ail
s.That
'swhywe'
remeet
ing
t
onight
"
Meli
ssa:"
Don'tdr
inkt
oomuch.Iknowhowyou
bot
hgetaroundeachother
"
Il
augh.
Me:"Shehastogotoworkt
omorrowsowewon'
t.
We'
lltal
koveramovieandaboxofpi
zza"
Mel
issa:"
That
'sgood.I
'
m get
ti
ngsl
eepy"
Me:"
Met
oo"

West
ayqui
etandi
ndul
gei
ntot
hemoment
..
.

.
..
Thelunchisbr eat
htaki
ng.Thosefoodsprepar
ed
bef
oreoureyesar emyf avor
it
e.Whoevercameup
wit
htheideai sagenius.Thepl
aceisquit
epacked,
youwouldn'tsayitsWednesday.
Ifeelf
reshandawhol elotbett
erthanIdid2hours
ago.Mostpeopleherearecouples.Iwonderhow
l
ongt hey'
vebeentogether.Al
lofthem l
ookpret
ty
happy.
Mom l ooksatmeandt henbackatthecoupleIam
watching,theyl
ookprett
yyoungtobeina
r
elati
onship.Sheli
ft
sherglassofwine,Igaspwhen
t
hedi amondi nherf
ingercat
chestheli
ght.
Me:"
Isn'
tshet
ooyoungf
ort
hat
?"
Mel
issa:"
What
?"
Me:"
Mar
ri
age"
Mom l
ooksatt
hem andchuckl
es.
Meli
ssa:"Youknowbaby, whenyoufindt
heone
ever
ythingjustseemsri
ght.Howoldyouare,your
fi
nancialst
ateorwhateverdoesnotmatt
er.
"
Me:"
Isee"

Idon'
t.Whywouldonechoosetosharethei
rli
fe
wit
hsomeonefrom 20s.I
fIsawanyneedf or
marri
ageIwoul
dchoosetogetmar r
iedat40whenI
am donewithmyself
.Marri
agelimit
swhoar eand
whatyouwant.Ibetshecan'
tjustupandleave
wit
houttel
li
nghim.Marri
ageisjail
,ajai
ldr
essedas
havemadeitinl
ife.

Myphonevi br
ates.Ir
eachfori
t.If
eelabitof
di
sappoint
mentwhenIseeamessagef rom an
agentr
emindingmeaboutourmeet ingi
nanhourof
whichItot
all
yforgotabout
.
Me:"
Areyougonnacomewi
thmetotheapar
tment
vi
ewi
ng.Thi
swasanagentr
emindi
ngme"
Mel
issa:"
Yesof
cour
se"

Herphonerings.Shesmi
lesandIal
readyknowi
ts
herhusband..

Theytal
kli
ket
heydon'
tshareabed.Shetel
lshi
m
she'
sgoingwi
thmetoseetheapart
ment.Hergri
n
growsevenwi
derandt
henhangsup.
Mel
issa:"
Yourf
athersayssendhi
mtheaddr
ess.
He'sgonnameetust her
e"Idonotliket
hatideaat
allbutIsendhim anyway.Wefini
shupeat i
ngand
l
eavet heparadi
se.Mveloabusesmewi t
hwant i
ng
selfi
es.Ikeeponsendingherapictureofeveryt
hing
aroundme.

Whenwear ri
veatthegivenaddress,myf at
heri
s
al
readyther
ewaiti
ng.Wehugandheasksme
aboutwhatmybossdi dexactl
y.Itel
lthem aswe
headinsi
dethi
soldyetbeauti
fulbuil
ding.They
comfortme,i
fonl
yt heyknewthatmybossi sBheki
.

"
YoumustbeLexi
"saysaladyoutofnowher
e.She
f
lashesusabi
gbol
dsmile.
Her:"
Iam Camil
la.St
eph, youragentgothel
dup
somewheresosheaskedmet ohelpyou.Your
room i
sonthefi
rstfl
oor,unfort
unatel
ythelif
tis
temporar
il
youtsowe'llhavetotakethestai
rs"
Ilookatmydad.Hestaresatmebl ankandInod
towardsCami
ll
aandt hensheleadsthewayup.
Theirl
obbyi
sbeauti
ful.Gr
eywal l
s,whit
ecouches
andal i
tt
lebi
ttouchofredther
eandthere.The
port
rait
sonthewal lcompl
imentst
hestyle.Ij
ust
hopetheapartmentlooksasgoodasitdidonthe
pi
cturesorel
set hese2humanbeingswilleatme
al
ive.

Sheunl
ockst
heseconddooront
hel
eft
.
Camill
a:"Thisisit!Youcanputt hecar petoverif
youdonotl ikethewoodenf l
oor "whomeverl ived
heredidnotbelievemuchi ncleaning.Thewooden
fl
oorneedst endercare,t
hisonedoesn' tl
ooklikeit
gotit
'
sequi pmentoncei nawhi le.Shel eadsust o
what'
ssupposedt obeaki t
chen, 3peopl ecannot
beinthiskit
chen.Mydadopenst het apsand
cl
osest hem.Theyhaveabui l
tinst ove,washing
machineandadi shwasher.Nice.

Sheleadsustothebathr
oom.Ther
e'snot
ub.Onl
y
ashower.Theparent
shavenotsai
dawordandI
knowthat'
snotgood.
Thebedr
oom isn'
tasbigbutenough.I
thasawalk
i
ncloset
,it
salsosmall
butnottoosmall.Wego
backtot
helounge.
Cami
ll
a:"
So,
Whatdoyout
hink?
"
Me:"
I-
"mydadcut
smeof
f.
Mar cus:"I
tsugly"mom andIlooksathi m."What?
Lookatt hisfl
oor,dogoatsli
vehere?Whatabout
thewar drobeofabat hr
oom?Wher e'
sthetub?That
kit
chen, soti
ny.Thisisadollhouse.Tellwhomever
ownst hisplacethathe/sheshouldfi
xit.Yourl
if
t
doesn'tevenf unct
ion"
Cami
ll
a:"
Sirt
hisapar
tmenti
sthebi
ggestandon
hi
ghdemandinthi
swholeent
ir
ebuil
ding"
Marcus:"Thengiveitt
othosewhodemandi t
.My
daughterwil
lnotstayi
nsuchaplace.Thankyouf
or
yourti
me"

Hepul
lsusbot
hout
.
Me:"
Dad!Whatwast
hat
?"
Mar
cus:"
Youwi
llnotst
ayher
e"
Me:"
It
saf
for
dabl
e"
Meli
ssa:"
Andnotsecur
ed.Idi
dnotseeasecur
it
y
guar
datthegat
e"
Marcus:"Don'trusht
omoveout .St
ayi
nthe
penthouseuntilyouhaveenoughmoneyt
orenta
decentplace"
Me:"
WhenIf
indt
hatpl
aceI
'
llgoal
one"
Mar
cus:"
Finebyme"
Mom shr
ugs.Thesepeopl
e!

Ial
sodonotlikethepl
acebuttheyar
etoomuch.I
sendStephatextapol
ogizi
ngaboutmydad'
s
behavi
ortowardsCamil
la.
Marcus:"
Mom andIar
enowgoi
ngt
oRosebank.
Youwanttot
agalong?
"
Me:"
No,Ihavet
ogogetsomesnacks,
Mvel
ois
comi
ngover"
Mar
cus:"
Oh.Yougi
rl
shaveagoodt
ime"
Me:"
Thankyou.
"
Mel
issa:"
Takemycar
.You'
l
lbr
ingi
tonFr
iday"
Me:"Thankyou"wehugandpar
twaysi
ntot
he
car
s..
.

.
..
.
Peopl
earealwaysshopping.Ididnotexpectshops
tobesopackedatthi
stimeoft hemonth.

Icoul
dn'
thel
pmysel
f.Iboughtonl
y1bot
tl
eofwi
ne.

WhenIar r
ivedbackhomeIt ookabat handsli
dint
o
mypyj amas.Ideci dedt
ohidemyphoneaway
beforeIgocr azy.Thisi
swhyIhat el
ikingpeopl
e.
Str
essi ngoverwhyhavenott ext
edisnotmyki nd
ofstyle.If
eelforei
gnbeingmadatBhekif ornot
makinganymeanst ocont
actme.

6pm ont
hedott
hebestfr
iendmakesherwayi
n.
Wehugsoti
ghtl
y.Ipeepi
ntothepaper
bagi
nher
hand.Ther
eiswi
ne.Il
augh.
Me:"
Mom wasr
ight
"
Mvel
o:"
Whati
sgossi
pwi
thoutwi
ne?Ar
ewegonna
or
deri
n?"
Me:"
Yes.Yousmel
lheavenl
y"
Mvel
o:"
Thankyoubabe.Iboughtonef
oryout
oo"

Shetakesi
toutofherbagandwastenot
imebut
spr
ayitonmybodyasIt hankher
.

Itakeoutthesnacksandgl
asseswhi
lepi
cksa
movi ef
orus.Shechangesi
ntopyj
amasandwe
settl
eonthecouch.
Me:"
Star
tfr
om t
hebegi
nni
ng"

Shelaughsandstart
stal
king.Herf
acel
ight
supat
thementionofNduna'
sname.
Byt hetimeshef i
nishes,we'
reti
psyandlaughing
nonest op.Weor derfood,Ndunacall
sher,Il
eave
them totalkwhileIgopee.Icomeback,theyar e
sti
lltal
king.If
etchmor esnacksandasecondbot t
le
ofwi ne.ShehangsupwhenIsi tdownnexttoher .
Me:"Socall
ingeachot
heri
sthet
hingi
na
r
elat
ionshi
p? "
Mvelo:"
Yes.Imeanhowcanyounotcallort
ext
yourperson?Ndunachecksuponmeeverynow
andthen"
Me:"
Sinceyouagr
eedt
obehi
sgi
rl
fr
iend?
"
Mvel
o:"
Yes.Ar
eyouokay?
"
Me:"
Yeah,
whywoul
dyouask?I
'
mfi
ne"
If
akeachuckl
e.
Mvelo:"
Youjust
..
.you'
veneverbeeni
nter
est
edi
n
suchinf
ormati
on"
Me:"Ohno,
Iwasjustcur
ious.Seei
nghowmuch
Ndunaal
wayscal
lsyou"
Mvel
o:"
Mmmh"
Ourf
oodarri
ves.Weeatandt
hent
imef
orhert
o
l
eavecomes.
Me:"
Ithoughtyoudrovehere"Isaywhenshet
ell
s
meNdunai scomingtofet
chher .
Mvel
o:"
NobabeIr
equest
edanuber
"
Me:"
Oh"

Wegetonthel
if
theadi
ngdown.Wehugwhenwe
r
eachNduna'
scar.
Nduna:"
Youshoul
dcomevi
siti
sLexi
,shemi
sses
you"
Me:"
Ithoughtyou'
dneverask.Iwi
llcomesoon"
Nduna:"
Iam r
eadyt
oeatout
"Il
augh.
Me:"
Icancookyouknow"
Nduna:"
OkIcan'
twai
ttoeatf
orei
gnf
oods"
Ichuckl
e.
Mvel
o:"
It
sni
cet
oseeyout
wonott
ryi
ngt
oki
lleach
ot
her
"
Me:"
Helovesyou.NowI'm sur
esot
her
e'sno
r
easont
okillhi
m,atl
eastf
ornow"

Ismi
leatNdunaandbi
dthem goodbye.

IgaspwhenIfeelsomeonegripmyhand.Myface
changeswhenIseehis.Isnat
chmyhandoffand
headbackinsi
de.HeishotonmyheelsasIpr
ess
fort
heli
ftt
oopen.
Bheki:"
What '
swr ong?"IfIspeakr i
ghtnowi t'l
lbe
bad.Thelif
tparts,Iam hopi ngitclosesbeforehe
getsi
nbutwhyam Ist upidt oevenwi shofthat
becausehe'sstandingbesi demeandgoesi nfir
st
befor
eIdo.Iwasn' tthi
sangr ybeforehegother e
butnowt hathe'
sher e,Iwantt oslapt heshi
toutof
hi
m.

Bheki
:"Ar
eyougoi
ngtosaywhat
'swrongorshoul
d
If
oll
owyouaroundthewhol
eni
ght?
"
HesaysasIcl
eanupourmesswithMvelo.Iputt
he
di
shesi
ntoasinkandputmyr
ighthandonthehip.
Me:"Youhavesomenerveyouknowt hat
?You
spendthewhol
edayquietandyoucomeher eand
saythatt
ome?Itist
otal
lyunaccept
ableBheki
!"
Bheki
:"You'r
emadIdi
dn'
ttext
?"Hesmi
rks.He
fi
ndsitfunny.
Me:"
Areyouki
ddi
ngme?Yout
hinkt
hisi
sfunny?
"
Bheki:"
Nobutseeingashortper
sonangrysor
tis.
I'
m sorr
yIdi
dn'tt
ext,Idi
dnotwanttopr
essure
you."
Me:"
Pressur
eme?
"
Bheki:"
Yes.Ifyou'
rehi
tt
ingonabeautif
ulwoman,
youshouldgiveherti
met obreat
heandthi
nkabout
you,ofwhichIdidbutdi
dn'tt
urnoutgood"
Me:"
OhIthoughtwewer
eal
readyani
tem"Il
augh
atmyst
upidsel
f.
Bheki
:"How?Youdi
dn'
tagr
eet
obemywoman"
Me:"
Ofcour
seIdi
dyoudummy.Weki
ssed!
"
Hef
rowns.
Bheki:"
That'
sit?.
..
"hepause."Ifor
gotyou'r
ewhit
e.
Ithoughtyouguysdi dt
hatonlyinmovies.I
absolut
elyhadnoi deathataki
ssisallt
akestoseal
thedeal.Iam sor
ryfornottext
ing"
Me:"
Youar
est
upi
d"
Bheki
:"Ir
eadsomewheret
hatthat'
showyouguys
tel
lsapersonyoul
ovet
hem soIloveyout
oo"

Ifi
ndmysel
flaughi
ng.Whyismyhear
ttr
appedon
thi
sfool
.Hi
ssmi l
egrowsasheseesmelaugh.
Bheki:"
Comeher eyoubatt
erylowt eddy"hepicks
meupt osi
tont hecount
er.Hel ooksdownonmy
exposedthighs.Heclear
shist hroatandlooksat
myf ace."
Whywer eyouwearingt hi
soutside?
"
Me:"
Because-
"

Hepl
aceshi
scol
d,st
ronghandsonmyt
highs.I
gul
p.Ihaven'
tbeent
ouchedi
naver yl
ongti
me.Hi
s
l
efthandtr
avel
stocaressmycheekandtheot
her
onmyback.
Bheki:"
You'
resobeauti
ful
.Iwishyouknewthatand
st
oppedwear i
ngthathai
r"Ichuckl
ener
vousl
yas
hi
sfingersof
tl
ydrummedonmyback.
Me:"
Thankyou"
Bheki
:"CanIki
ssyounow?
"Inodshyl
y.

Hebr
ingshi
sfacecl
oserandourl
ipsmeet
.

Iti
snothingIexpect
ed.Youknowt hi
skindand
suchthi
ngs, heseemstoknowhisbusiness.I
wonderifhissexisal
sonice.
..
.whoaholditLexi
!

Iquickl
yshutmymi ndoffandfocusontheki
ss
thatissendi
ngallkindsoffeel
ingsi
ntomybody.I
hopeIam notkissinghim badl
y,ImeanIhaven'
t
kissedanyonei
nyear s.
Hol
yshi
tit
sof
fi
cial
!.
..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪
•
••I
nser
t14•
••

Ther i
ngi
ngsoundofmyphonedi stur
bedmy
beauti
fuldr
eam ofbuyi
ngmyselftheBMW M4.Thi
s
i
swhyIal waysputitonsi
lencebefor
eIsleep.
Peoplegetbor
edandcallyou,wit
houtanyvali
d
reasonwhy.

Inar
rowmyeyesast hel
ightpenetrat
emyeyes
shar
ply.I
tsunknownnumbers,Ianswer.
Me:"
Yes"
Voi
ce:"
Don'tt
ellmeyou'
ret
hegr
umpyt
ypei
nthe
morni
ng"Ichuckl
e.
Me:"Notreal
ly.Ij
ustdon'
tli
kepeopl
ewaki
ngmeup,
notyouthough.Didyouchangenumber
s?"
Mi
ke:"
Yes.Igotmuggedl
astni
ghtont
hepar
king
l
ot"
Me:"
I'
m sor
ry.Di
dn'
ttheyhar
m you?
"
Mi
ke:"
Justaf
ewsl
aps,
punchesandki
cks"
Me:"
Thatsoundst
err
ibl
e"
Mike:"
AhhI'
mfine.Itookthem asaman.Whatar
e
youdoingt
odayafterwork?"
Me:"
Iwi
llonl
ygobackt
owor
konMonday"
Mike:"Awesome.Thi
rst
y-Thur
sdayher
ewecome!
Getreadyby12inthenoonokay?"
Me:"
Aslongasyouwon'tf
orcemet
odr
inkeven
whenI'
vehadenough"
Mike:"
Iwi
lldonosucht hi
ng.Her
ecomesmyboss,
l
etmecallyoulat
er.Bye"
Me:"Bye"Ihangupandl ookatthetime.10am on
thedot.WellI
'm notsur
pri
sed,Isl
eptat3am after
Bhekilef
t.Hedecidedwewat chamovi eand
cuddledinthecouch.Iwasprett
yimpressedbyhi s
suggesti
on.Menar en'
tsomuchi nmovi es,
especial
lynotromcomsbuthepi ckedone.
Isendhim agoodmor ni
ngtextandgotorel
ease
mybl adderfrom t
hetort
ure.Ihearmyphone
ri
ngingasf i
llthet
ubwi t
hhotwat er
.Iwal
ktotakei
t.
Ismileandanswer .
Me:"
Hey"
Bheki
:"Hey.I
'
m sor
ryaboutnott
ext
ing,
Ijustcame
outoft
hemeet i
ng"
Me:"
It
'sokay"
Bheki
:"Ar
eyouokay?
"
Me:"
YeahI
'
m gr
eat
.Howar
eyou?
"
Bheki
:"Abi
tsl
eepybutI
'
m okay.Anypl
ansf
ort
he
day?"
Me:"
Yeah.Iam goi
ngoutwi
thMi
ke"
Bheki
:"Ubani
kel
oyo?
"(Who'
sthat
?)
Me:"
Myf
ri
end,
theoneIwaswi
tht
heot
herday"
Bheki
:"Wel
lyoucan'
tgooutwi
thhi
m"
Me:"
Andwhyi
sthat
?"
Bheki
:"Becausewehavepl
ans"
Me:"
Nowedon'
t"
Bheki
:"Wedonow.Getr
eady.I
'
llpi
ckyouupi
na
few"
Me:"
BhekiI
'
m not
-Hel
lo?
"Hehunguponme!

Itossthephoneont
hebedandgobackt
otakea
bath.

Imadethebedaf
tercomi
ngoutoft
hebat
hroom
anddr
essedup.

Ihearaknockont
hedoorasIputonmake-
up.
Me:"
It
'sopen"
Hepeepshi
sheadi
n."
Ohhey.Howdi
dyougeti
n?"
Mi
ke:"
Isawyourcode,
sor
ry.
"
Me:"
You'
reear
ly"
Mi
ke:"
Yeah.Iknockedof
fat11:
30.
"
Me:"
Okay.Youcansi
tont
hebed,
I'
m al
mostdone"
Mi
ke:"
Thankyou"

Ibeatmyf
aceupandi
n10mi
nut
esI
'
m doneand
readyt
ogo.
Mike:"
Youmi ghtconsi
derget
ti
ngaj
acket
.The
weatherwi
llchangesoon"
Me:"
It
sgonnar
uinmyout
fi
t"Iwhi
ne.
Mi
ke:"
I'
llcar
ryi
tforyou"

If
etchi
tandwemakeourwayout
.Isett
hel
ight
sto
goonat7andof
fat9.

Theli
ftdingsopenasIextendmyar mtopr esst
he
butt
on.Hiseyesgostrai
ghttoMike.Guil
tsuddenly
hi
tme.Icl earmythr
oattobreakt
hesilence.He
fi
nall
ylooksmyway.
Bheki
:"It
akei
tyou'
rer
eady"
Me:"
I-
MikeandIwer
eonourwayoutact
ual
ly.
"
Bheki
:"Wher
e'syourgi
rl
fr
iend?
"
Me:"
Huh?
"
Bheki
:"I
'
mtaki
ngt
ohi
m"
Oh.
..
Mi
ke:"
Idon'
thaveone"
Bheki:"
Welluset
histi
metogol ookforone
becauseri
ghtnowIam taki
ngMYgi rlf
ri
endout
.
Asambebaby"het ur
nstopressthebutton.
Mikelooksatme.Imime"I
'm sor
ry"hesi
lent
ly
chuckleandshakehi
shead.

Weal lgetinthel
if
t.Si
lenceuntilwegetoff.Bheki
reachhishandoutt oMike,hepointsatthejacket
whenMi keshowsconfusion.Hegivesittohim, I
saygoodbyet oMikeaswepar twaysheadingi nt
o
diff
erentcars.

Bhekisur
pri
singl
yopenst
hedoorf
orme.I
tst
he
l
astt
hingIexpect
edhi
mtodo,
especi
all
ynotnow.
It
hankhi
m andheclosethedoor
,Iappl
yalipgl
oss
ashewal
kstohisdoor.Thest
art
sthecar.
Bheki
:"Pl
easeputont
heseat
bel
t"

Ifast
enitandoffwego.Het ur
nsthest
ereoonand
aZuluradiostat
ioncomeson.Ist
areoutthe
window.Actuall
yIshoul
dstopbat
tli
nginmyhead,I
turnt
hevolumedown.
Me:"
Idonotappr
eci
atet
hewayyouspoket
omy
f
ri
end"
Heglancesatmeonceandl ookahead."
Iam
ser
iousBheki
.AndIleftwit
hyoubecauseIt
would'
veseem asdi
srespecti
fIi
nsist
edthatI
'
m
goi
ngoutwithMike"

Hetur
nshi
sradi
oupanddancet
othesongpl
ayi
ng.
It
urni
tdown.
Me:"
Bheki
"
Bheki
:"Yebomama"hesmi
rks.
Me:"
Didyouhearanywor
dIsai
d?"
Bheki
:"Ever
ysi
ngl
eone"
Me:"
Whyar
eyour
espondi
ngt
hen?
"
Bheki:"
Andsaywhatmyl ove?Yout ol
dmeyoudo
notli
kehowIt alkedtoyourpurpl
ehairfr
iendand
thatyou'r
ej ustherebecauseyoudidn'
twantto
seem disrespectful
.Whatwasmyanswer
supposedt obe? "
Me:"
Okaywoul
d'vedonei
t"
Bheki
:"Ok.Okayt
hen"

Ir
ollmyeyes.Hechuckl
es.
Bheki
:"I
'
m sor
ryt
hatI
'
llneverl
etyougooutwi
th
hi
m."
Me:"
I'
m 25"
Bheki
:"Ohcongr
atul
ati
ons.
"Hesayssar
cast
ical
l
y.
Me:"
You'
remyboyf
ri
end.Youhol
dnor
ight
sof
cont
rol
li
ngme"
Bheki
:"We'
l
lseeaboutt
hat
"
Me:"Forreal.I
fonourseconddaytoget
herthese
aretheissueswe'
realr
eadydeal
ingwiththenwe
shouldsitdownanddiscusshowarewegoi ngto
workthisout"
Bheki
:"Iagr
ee.Star
ti
ngof
fwi
thcut
ti
ngt
hatpur
ple
hai
roffourli
ves"
Me:"No.Wedon'
tmakesuchdeci
sions,
we
di
scuss"
Bheki
:"Hi
scasei sof
fdiscussi
on.Iam notgoingto
havemygirl
fri
endgoingoutwithmen, youtol
dme
youronl
yfri
endisNomvel o.Wheredidhecome
fr
om now?He'sevensingletomakemat ter
swor se.
He'swarmi
nghi swayintoyourheart
"
Me:"
Eww!Mi
kedoesnotdor
elat
ionshi
ps.Hef
ucks
ar
ound"
Bheki
:"Evenmor
edanger
ous.Venomous"
Me:"
You'
rebei
ngunr
easonabl
e"
Bheki
:"Okl
et'
sset
tl
ethi
s:You'
l
lonl
yhangoutwi
th
hi
minmypr
esence.
"Iscof
f."
Takei
torl
eavei
t"
Me:"
Iwi
llnotbecont
rol
led"
Bheki
:"Havei
tyourwayt
hen"

Heinsert
sthemaskandiCDandt
urnst
hevol
ume
upagain.

Hesingsalong,tot
all
yi gnoringmyexistence.Itake
outmyphoneandt extMvel o.Shetel
lsmeabout
theweddingdresshuntt hatshouldbeginthis
weekend.Ismileexcitedly,
Ishallal
sotellherabout
Bheki
.Orisittooearly?Byt helookoftoday,we'll
hardl
ymakei tto2mont hs.

Hepull
supinf
rontofKFCandswi
tchofftheradi
o
andexhal
e.Hesearchesf
orhi
swall
etandfindit
.
Me:"
Ist
hiswher
ewe'
regoi
ng?
"
Bheki:"
Yes.Let
'sgo"heun-
buckl
eandstepoutof
thecar.Dat
eaZul umanandyoushal
lseeyoursel
f
choosi
nghi
m overboozeandmusi
cwhi
lehet
akes
youtoKFC.

Itakemypur
seandhe'
sal
readyhol
dingt
hedoor
openforme.

Ist
epout
.Hecl
osest
hedoorandwewal
kinsi
de.

Eyesonusaswewal
kfor
war
dtot
hecount
er.
Bheki:"Unj
anisi
si.CanIhave2street
wise2wi
th
chips,boxmasterandcrushes"hetur
nstome.
"BerryorOreo?"
Me:"
Oreopl
ease"
Bheki
:"Or
eos"

Hepaysandwegot
ofi
ndat
abl
e.
Me:"
Arewegoi
ngt
oeather
e?"
Bheki
:"Wher
everyouwant
"
Me:"Wecangotomypl
ace"t
hest
aresmademe
uncomf
ortabl
e.
Bheki
:"Wecangot
omybr
other
'spl
ace.I
tsnear
by"
Me:"
That
'sok"

Theycal
loutouror
der
.Heget
supt
ofet
chi
t.

Doesheevenhavehi
sownpl
ace?I
'
m st
art
ingt
o
wonder
.

.
..
I
n15mi nut
eswear
ri
veathi
sbr
other
'spl
acei
n
Bal
four
.

Hemustbet hecl
eanestpersononear
th.I
'
venever
beentoaplacesospotl
essIam evenscar
edt
o
stepf
reel
yonthewhiteti
les.
Bheki
:"I
'
llgopl
acet
heseont
hepl
ates.Her
e'st
he
r
emot
e,youcanputonyourshows"Ichuckl
e.
Me:" Thankyou."It
akeof fmyheel sandputt hem
besidethecouch.Iplacedmyf eetcomf ort
abl
yon
thefurcarpet
.Hemustbegay, IdoubtaZul uman
wouldhavesuchast yl
e.Whi teeverythi
ng.Onlythe
tvandt hedecoderisdif
fetent.Iswitchitonand
browset hr
oughchannel s.Isett
leforBET.

Hegetsback.Myphonebeeps.Iviewtheemail
,i
ts
f
rom mydad' sfi
rm.Theyar
einvi
ti
ngmet oan
i
nter
view.Iputthephonebackdownandlookat
t
hisfullpl
atebefor
eme.Am Iexpect
edtoeatal
l
t
his?
Bheki
:"Doyouwantt
amat
isosi
?"(
Tomat
osauce)I
l
augh.
Me:"
Not
hankyou.Ipr
efermyf
ri
esl
iket
his"
Bheki
:"Iwasaski
ngf
ort
hemeat
"If
rown.
Me:"
Whodoest
hat
?"
Bheki:"
Bheki
sizweSamaNcube"hesayspr
oudly.
I
'm shook.Hemarinat
esonepi
ecewithmayonnai
se
andt
heot
herwi
tht
omat
osauce.Wow.

Weeati nsi
lence.Nottheawkwardone, t
he
comf or
tabl
ebeautif
ulsil
enceofglanci
ngateach
othernowandt henandexchangingsmiles.

Aftereat
ingwecleanup.Leavi
ngnoevi
denceofus
evereati
nghere.

Bheki:"
Wecanwat chamovi e"hesaysafterwe
fi
nishpacki
ngtheplatesbackt othewhitecabinets!
Jesuswhatisitwit
hwhi t
eever ythi
ngandt his
person.Onl
ythestove,fr
idgeandt hetopoft he
counteri
sgray.I
tsbeautifulbutheshouldn'thave
over-
whitet
hehouse.
Me:"
WecanusemyNet
fl
ixaccount
"
Bheki
:"Yi
nikel
eyo?
"
Me:"
It
samovi
eapp.That
'swher
eweal
wayswat
ch
movi
es"
Bheki
:"Youshoul
dbuyi
tforme"
Me:"Itseasy.Youdownloadtheapp,fi
lli
nyour
detai
ls,t
heyaskthegadgetthatyou'
lluse,youpi
ck
ei
therphoneandTV, phoneandt abl
et,l
aptoporal
l
ofit"
Bheki
:"Real
ly?Pl
easedownloadi
tforme"het
akes
outhi
stinyhuawei
.Ilaugh.
Me:"
JesusIshoul
dbuyyouaphone"
Bheki
:"Whati
swr
ongwi
tht
hisone?
"
Me:"
Not
hing.I
tsj
ustt
oomuchoutofyourl
eague"
Bheki
:"Whi
chonei
sbet
ter
?"
Me:"
Newsamsungs,
NewHuawei
sandI
Phones"
Bheki
:"Hhaingekengi
lungel
aphost
handwasami.I
wil
lonl
yhavesuchphoneswhenIgetmar r
ied"
Me:"
Thenwe'llhavet
ouseyourl
aptoptosi
gnup
onNetf
li
x.Todaywe'l
lusemyaccount
"
Bheki
:"Okay"het
urnedaway."
Gibel
a"(
hopon)
Me:"
What
?"
Bheki
:"Hoponml
ungu"
Me:"
Ihear
dyouatf
ir
stmuzul
u"hel
aughsandt
urn.
Bheki
:"Okay.Letmecar
ryyoui
nyourway"Ir
unf
or
mylif
eashebendst opi
ckmeup.

Isyncmyphonetot
heTVandsitdownwhi
leBheki
doeswhat
everwher
everi
nthi
splace.
Bheki
:"I
tsr
aini
ng"
Me:"
Iwaswonder
ingwhyam Iget
ti
ngcol
d"

Heclosesthebl
indsandt
urnontheheat
er.He
di
sappearsandcomebackwithathr
ow.

Hef
inal
lyt
akesof
fhi
ski
cks.
Me:"Wheredidyoubor
rowthosefeet?"Hel
aughs
andputtheri
ghtoneontopoftheother.
Bheki
:"Mymot
her
"
Me:"
Shehasver
ybeaut
if
ulf
eet
.It
sver
yunusualf
or
sonst
oinher
itt
hemot
her
'sf
eet
"
Bheki
:"Iam t
hel
uckyone"

Hesi tsdownnextt omeandpul lmeovert ol aymy

headonhi schest.Hi scolognegamei soutoft his
wor l
d.Ii nhalei
tandl osemysel fabit.Iwonderhow
doeshesmel ll
ikewhenhe' ssweaty,butIguessI '
l
l
findoutsoon.Andbei nghonestIhopehei nitiates
today, hereonhi sbr other'
scouch.Myi nnerbi tch
endur edt oomucht orturelastnightwhenheonl y
kissedme.Notgoi ngdownt hereoranything.Thi s
girlneedssomel oving, i
tsbeenawhi le,heneedst o
takedownt heweb.Iwonderi fhe'
scircumci sed?
Doesheevenknowhi sHI Vst at
us?Hedoesn' tlook
l
iket hetypet obot heraboutbot hofthat.
Bheki
:"Lexi
?"Ist
art
le.
Me:"
mmmh?
"
Bheki
:"I
'
m aski
ngi
fthi
sonei
sokay"Mani
nbl
ack.
Me:"
Yeahi
tsokay.Ihaven'
tseeni
t.
"
Bheki
:"Ar
eyouokay?
"
Me:"
Yes.Iam j
ustt
oof
ullandneedt
ounbut
ton
t
hisj
ean"
Bheki
:"Goaheadthen.
"Hekissesmyf
orehead.He
must'
veseenthati
nmovies.

.
..
.
Movi
esalwaysl
eadtoanap.Webot
hfel
lasl
eep.
Myphonebecametheal
arm.

Imoveoffcaref
ull
yfr
om hi
schest.I
twasmi
nut
es
af
ter6.Ianswermymother
'scal
l.
Me:"
Hey"
Meli
ssa:"
Lexi
,pl
easecomehome.I
tsur
gent
"she'
s
cr
ying.
Me:"
What
'swr
ongmommy?I
sdaddyokay?
"
Meli
ssa:"
Pleasejustcomehome"shehangsup.I
cal
lherback,shedoesn'tanswer
.Ical
lmyf
ather
,
hedoesn'
tanswert oo.
IshakeBhekisof
tl
yast
ear
sbui
ldupi
nmyeyes.He
openshiseyes.
Bheki
:"What
'swr
ong?
"
Me:"Idon'
tknow.Mymot
herj
ustcal
led.She'
s
cr
ying.I
'mleavi
ng"

Iputonmyshoesandmyj
acket
.
Bheki
:"Iwi
llt
akeyouhome"

Heput
sonhi
sshoest
oo.

.
..
.
Thedrivet
omyparent'
shousei
ssi
lent
.AndIwoul
d
belyi
ngifIsai
dImindit
.

Bheki
:"I
'
llst
ayher
eunt
ilyout
ellmewhati
sgoi
ng
on"
Me:"
Youcanl
eave.I
'
llbef
ine"
Bheki
:"Iam notl
eavi
ng.
"Heki
ssesmycheek
bef
oreIhopout .

IputmyfingeronthereaderandIgot hrough.
Therear
e2unf amili
arcarsparkedbehindmydad'
s.
Isayali
tt
leprayerasIwalktot hef
rontdoor.

Ifi
ndmom i nt
hekitchen.Shedoesn'
tseeme.I
caref
ull
ytouchherarm.Shet ur
nsmyway.
Me:"
What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Meli
ssa:"
Idon'
twannal
oseyouLexi
"shest
art
s
cr
ying.
Me:"Whosaidanythi
ngaboutl
osi
ngmemom? "I
am nowalsocr
ying.Wehugforminut
esunt
ilshe
fi
nall
ycal
msdown.
Mel
issa:"
Theyar
eher
etocl
aim youback"
Me:"
What
?Wher
e'sdad?
"

Shepoi
ntsatt
hel
ounge.Iheadst
rai
ghtt
her
e.He'
s
wi
thpeopl
e.Hedoesn'
tlooksohappyhi
msel
f.
Me:"
Goodeveni
ng"mydadget
supandr
ushest
o
me.

Heput
shi
shandsonmyshoul
der
s.
Mar
cus:"
Baby"
Me:"
What'
sgoingon?Whyi smommycrying?What
di
dyoudotoher?"Iam f
ail
ingt
ocomposemyself
.
Marcus:"Yourmother
-yourmot
heri
sheret
oclai
m
youback"het ur
nsandlookatt
hepeopl
esi
tti
ngon
thecouch.

Iseet
hemanandanol derver
sionofAlexi
s
Sabat
hil
eMcVei
gh.Ishakemyheadsl owly.
Mar
cus:"
Lexi
"
Me:"
Nodaddy.No!
"

Isnat
chmyhandawayf
rom hi
m andIr
unupst
air
s.
Iremembert
hatBhekii
soutsi
dewait
ing.It
urnback,
passi
ngmydadlikeheisn'
tcal
li
ngmynamecr yi
ng.

Ihopon.
Me:"Pl
easedr
ive.Takemeaway,
farawayf
rom t
his
house"
Bheki
:"What
'sgoi
ngon?
"

Il
eanmyheadont
hedashboar
dandhi
titacoupl
e
oft
imeswit
hmyfi
stasIscr
eam.Hest
art
sthecar
anddr
iveof
f.

Thener
veoft
hatwoman!Thener
ve!
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t15•
••

Bheki
:"Atsomepoi
ntyou'
l
lhavet
ost
opcr
yingand
startt
ell
ingmewhat '
swrong"wedr ovebacktohi
s
brother
'splace.Itol
dhim Idon'
twanttobewher e
mypar entswoul dfi
ndme.Hemademecof fee
whenwear ri
ved.Icurl
edupont hecouchandcr i
ed
unti
lmycof feegotcoldwhileBhekisatonachair
beforeme.

Iwishtherewassomet
hingtoact
ual
lysayt
ohi
m.I
couldn'
ttal
k.Myvoi
cefai
ledme.
Bheki:"Sthandwasami Iam aboutt
olosemymi nd.
Ican'
tj ustsi
thereandwatchyoul i
kethi
s.You
needt osaysomet hi
ng"heextendshishandtotake
thecupi ntohishands."
Iam worri
edAlexi
s!"

Ist
art
le."
I'
m sor
ry.Pl
easesaysomet
hingpl
ease"

It
akethet
issueandblowmynose.It
akeadeep
si
ghandsitupstr
aight
,bot
hmykneesinbet
ween
Bheki
'
s.
Me:"
Theyhadanaf
fai
rwi
thmyf
ather
,hewasher
l
ecturer.Iwasther esultsofmyf ather'sinfi
deli
ty, I
guessshecoul dn'
tst andami xedbabyorshehat ed
mebecauseofhowIcameIdon' tknow. "Hewi pes
myt earsashisclenchhi sjaw."Shewentt omy
parent'
shouseandl eftmeatt hedoor .Whenmy
mom wentt oattendt hedoorbel l,shef oundal ittle
babyinherdoor st
epandt hatwasme.Myf ather
confessedhissins, '
Itreall
ydidn'thur tmuch.Iwas
sofocusedonmygi ftwr appedinpi nk'mymot her
sai
dwhent heytoldmeaboutwhoIr eall
yam.So,
she'sback,toclai
m me"Ichuckl e." Clai
m me.Li ke
somesor tofproper t
y,after25year s? "Istartcrying
again.Heplacebot hhi shandsonmyt highs.
Bheki:"Heyheyhey,li
sten.Youcan'tletthat
patheti
cwomanr ui
nyourni ghtokay?She' sapiece
ofshitandnotwor t
hyourbeaut i
fult
ear s.Iknow
you'recryi
ngprobablybecauseyou'reangr ybut
pleasecalm down,you'
rescaringmeandwor ryi
ng
mewhenyoucr y.Idon'twanttoseeyoucr y"
Me:"
Ican'
thel
pit
"
Bheki
:"I
'
llmakeyouanot
hercupofcof
feeand
makeyoupastaandanytoppi
ngofyourchoi
ce"
If
indmysel
flaughi
ng."
I'
m agreatcookmiss
McVei
gh.Unli
kesomeoneIcan'tpoi
ntafi
ngerat
"
Me:"
Isi
t?Soisyourbrot
hergoi
ngt
obeokaywi
th
yout
aki
ngoverhiski
tchen?
"
Bheki:"
Ofcour
se.Whywoul
dn'
thebe?I
tsj
usta
ki
tchen"
Me:"
Andhi
sfood"
Bheki
:"Icanal
waysr
epl
acei
t.He'
snotgr
eedy"
Me:"
Wher
edoeshel
ive?
"
Bheki
:"Rust
ernburg.Letmegomaket
hatcof
fee.
Takethi
sthi
ngof f
."
Me:"
Ouch!
"Hel
et'
sgoandl
augh.
Bheki
:"I
'
m sor
ry.Doesn'
titcomeouti
nonepul
l?
"
Me:"No.
"It
akei
toff
."Jesusyougonnapul
lmy
scal
puponeday"
Bheki
:"Imi
ght
,becauseIdon'
tunder
standwhyyou
weari
t"
Hedi
sappear
stot
heki
tchenbeforeIcananswer
.I
l
ookf
ormyphoneunderthef
leece,not
hing.
Me:"
Didyouseemyphone?
"
Bheki
:"Ont
heTVst
and"
Me:"
Thankyou"
Bheki
:"You'
rewelcome"Ichuckl
e.He'
sni
cet
ome,
I
shoul
dalwayscry.

Igetupandt akeit
.Hecomesinwith2cupsof
coff
ee.Heputt hem ont
hesmallr
oundtabl
ebesi
de
thecouch.Isitdownandswi
tchonmyphone.He
handsmemycup.
Me:"
Thankyou"
Bheki
:"Mushroom sauce,
per
iper
isauceorj
ust
normalpast
asauce? "
Me:"
Adr
opofper
iandnor
malpast
asauce"
Bheki
:"Mi
nceorChi
ckenst
ri
ps?
"
Me:"
Str
ipswi
lldo"
Bheki
:"Okaybaby.
"Heswi
tchont
heTVandl
eave
thel
oungeagain.

Messagescomei n,i
nnumbers.Theyaref
rom t
he
par
ents.It
extthem t
hatI
'
mf i
ne,textMvel
ogood
ni
ghtandswitchoffmyphone.

Isett
lesomerandom tvshowthatwaswatchi
ng
butnotpayi
ngattent
ionasmymi ndwanderedoff
tothatwoman.25years,onl
ytodayshesawitfi
tto
comeupher eand"cl
aim me"

Iam angry.No,notbecauseshegavemeaway.I
act
uallyappreci
ateherforthat
,hadi
tbeen
someoneel seshe'
dhaveki l
ledmeorworse.Igrew
upexperienci
ngreallovefr
om bothmyparents.
Theyloveunconditi
onall
y.

Iam angr
ythatshecamet
o"cl
aim meback"
She'
snother
etot
ryandexpl
ainanyt
hingt
omeor
tr
ytohavearel
ati
onshi
pwithmef i
rst.Whoupsand
l
eavewithastr
angerj
ustbecausei
tist hei
r
biol
ogi
calmot
her?Shehadnor emorseatall.She
l
ookedatmewi t
hnosurpri
seorwhat soever.

Bhekithrowshi
msel
font
hecouchbesi
deme.It
urn
tohi
m.Thear omahi
tsmynost
ri
ls.Hegi
vesmethe
bowl.Ithankhi
m.
Bheki
:"Beencal
li
ngyouf
ort
hepast5mi
nut
es"
Me:"I
'mthi
nki
ngaboutt
hatwoman.Shehadno
r
egreti
nhereyes.
"
Bheki
:"She'
sevi
l,
that
swhy.
"
Me:"
Atl
eastyougetthi
s.Imeanhecould'
vegiven
metomydadbutstil
lkepti
ncontact
.Shenever
l
ovedme,whyissheherenow?"
Bheki
:"Hertyr
eprobabl
ykeptpunchi
ng,hermother
suggestedshegoestoasangoma.Shedidand
thenthesangomatoldheri
t'
sbecauseshegave
youawayandt henshedeci
dedtolookforyou"
Me:"
She'
sal
waysknownwher
eIam.Myf
atheri
sa
ver
ywellknownbusi
nessmanandthecar
sIsaw
out
side,
shemightbeinbusi
nesst
oo"
Bheki
:"Soyou'
l
lnevereverf
orgi
veher
?"
Me:"
No.Idonotneedawoman.Shecangot
ohel
l
f
oral
lIcar
e"
Bheki
:"Let
'sf
orgetaboutherandeat
"Ismi
le.
Me:"
You'
rer
eal
lyagoodcook.Thi
stast
esni
ce"
Het
akesmyhandandki
ssesi
t.
..

*
**
IwashopingIwil
lgetsomesteamyhotsext
o
rel
ievemystr
ess.Igotnone.None!

Weshar edabed.IwaswearinghistrunkthatItook
offinthemiddl
eofthenight
,itwasuncomf ort
able.
Noteventhewar mthofmybut twokehim up.Even
thi
smor ni
ng,hereali
zedIwasnaked.Hej ust
smiledandbabykissedmeandwentt orunmea
bath.Iam worr
ied.
Heget
sinwithaf
oschinipl
ast
icasIst
epoutof
t
hebat
hroom.Hesmil
esandhugsme.
Bheki
:"Imi
ssedyou"
Me:"
Wher
ear
eyouf
rom?
"
Bheki
:"Themall.Iwenttogetyoucosmet
icsand
cl
othessinceyoudon'twannabefound"
Me:"Thankyou.Ar
en'
tyousupposedt
obeat
work?"
Bheki
:"Iam butIdeci
dedt
otakeadayof
fandt
ake
youout"
Me:"
Youl
ikegoi
ngout
,don'
tyou?
"
Bheki
:"Haveparentseverboughtyousomethi
ng
you'
velongedfor,f
orsolong?"Ifr
ownandnod.
"Youcouldn'
tmaintai
nthehappinessofgoi
ngout
andshowi tof
fri
ght ?
"
Me:"
Yes"
Bheki:"
That
showIfeelwit
hyoubabe.Ijustwantt
o
takeyouever
ywher
e.Letpeopl
eseethatyou'
re
mi
nenow"Il
augh.
Me:"
You'
resocheesyf
oraZul
uguy"
Bheki
:"WhatdidZul
uguyseverdi
dtoyouSabat
hil
e
McVeigh"t
here'
ssomethi
ngabouthowhecal
lsmy
nameandsurname.Itj
ustsendsshi
ver
sdownmy
spi
ne.
Me:"Not
hing.Theyar
ejustsomet
hingel
sef
ormy
l
iki
ng"

Herai
sehisbr owandof f
ermeabodyl oti
on.It
ake
i
tandstarrapplyi
ng.Hiseyesdon'
tmoveaway
fr
om mybar enakedbody.Hesitsonthebedand
keeponlooking.Iam get
ti
nguncomfortabl
e.
Me:"
Ifeyescoul
deatsomeoneup.I
'
dbel
onggone"
hel
aughs.
Bheki
:"You'
ret
oobeaut
if
ult
onotwat
ch.
"
Me:"
Whatdi
dyoubuy?Ishoul
ddr
ymyunder
wear
"

It
aket
hepl
ast
icandt
akeoutcl
othes.Hebought
meadress,
pant
s,t
ee,
sandal
s,br
asandpant
ies.I
l
augh.
Me:"
Howdoyouknowt
hesewi
llf
it
?"
Bheki:"I
'm aver
ysmar
tguy.Canyoupl
easewear
thatdress?"
Me:"What?Ar
eyout
aki
ngmet
oMal
imal
iagai
n?"
Helaughs.
Bheki
:"I
tsKwamayemayebaby"
Me:"
Samet
hing"
Bheki
:"I
tsnot.Letmebat h.Orderusbr
eakf
ast
"he
headstothebathroom door.
Me:"
WhatcanIor
der
?"
Bheki:"Anythi
ng,withKFC"IthoughtPhi l
aniwas
bluf
fi
ngwhenhesai dt
hismani sobsessedwi t
h
KFC.Inodashegoesi n.Iputont hedress.Idonot
l
ikesummerdr essbutIam wi l
lingtocompr omise.I
fi
tperfectl
yintoitandswingar ound.Iputonshoes
andclearupt heroom thentakemyphoneand
swit
chi ton.
Messagesagain.Mypar
entscal
ledMvel
o,It
exther
thatI
'm goodanddot
hesamet omom anddad.
Theyarebeggingmetocomehome,Iwil
lgother
e
i
nt henoon.

Iorderbr
eakfast.Myphoner i
ngsasIputi
taway.
It
smydad.Ihesi tat
etoanswerbutanswer
anyways.Idon'tsayanyt
hing.
Marcus:"
We'r
einMor
ningsidemedicl
ini
c.Your
motherhadanast
hmaattack.
"Hesays.Hisvoi
ce
sodown.
Me:"
OkI
'
m comi
ng"

Ihangup.
Me:"
Bheki
.Iam r
equest
inganuber
.Mymot
heri
s
si
ck"
Bheki
:"Geti
n"what
?No
Me:"
I'
llcal
lyouwhenIgett
her
e.Bye"
Bheki
:"Sabat
hil
e"
Itakemybagandwal
koutoft
her
oom.Iseehi
scar
keys,wel
l.
..
.

.
..
.
Arri
vingatt
hehospi
talIpar
kandcal
lmydad
aski
ngwher ear
ethey.Hedir
ect
sme.

It
ellthenurseonthef
rontdeskthatI
'
m her
efor
Melissashegrant
smeaccessi n.

If
indmydadsit
ti
ngonthechairnextt
othebed.
Mom'sl
ipscur
veforasmil
e.Ican'
thelpt
hetear
s.
Me:"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
ous?
"Icr
ushherwi
tha
hug.
Meli
ssa:"
Ican'
tbeart
het
houghtofl
osi
ngyou
baby"
Me:"
Mom you'
l
lneverl
oseme"
Mel
issa:"
IloveyouAl
exi
s"
Me:"Il
oveyoumore.Neverl
ett
hatwomanget
i
nsideourhome.
"Ibri
ngmyheadupt odad."
Ever
dad"
Mar
cus:"
Done.Ever
"

Mom bri
ngsmecl
oseandki
ssmycheekasshe
cr
ies.
Melissa:"You'rethebestt hingt
hathasever
happenedt ome.Idon' tknowwhatIwoul ddowit
h
mysel fifIeverlostyou.Ican'tevenstomacht
he
thought.Pr omisemenot hingwil
lchangewhenyou
fi
nallyletherintoyourlife"
Me:"
Mom.You'
remymot her
.Idonotknowt
hat
womanandIam notwi
ll
ingto"
Meli
ssa:"
Yourf
athert
hinksyoushoul
d"Il
ookat
hi
m.
Mar
cus:"
Justhearheroutbaby"
Me:"
No!Jesusdad.Howcanyouevensuggest
t
hat!
"
Mar
cus:"
Cal
m down.Shehasnoki
ds,
you'
ret
he-
"
Me:"
Aft
er25year
s?No.Hel
lno.
"
Mar
cus:"
Shewasyoung"
Me:"
Excuseme?
"
Mar
cus:"
Tryt
obei
nhershoes"
Me:"WelldadI'vet
ri
edsomanyti
mesbutIwouldn'
t
havegonef orsomanyyear
s.Mom I
'
llseeyoul
ater
"

Ihugandki
ssher
.

Shewasyoung?Bul
l!

▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t16•
••

Thecont
ractwasdel
iver
edt
omypl
aceonFr
iday.I
f
ounditi
nmymai lboxSat
urdaymor
ningwhenI
f
inal
lywentbackt
here.

ThismorningKell
y,whom Ihavenoi deawhat'
sher
rol
einthiscompanymadesi gnaf ewpaperwork
andthenshowedmet omyof f
icethathadmy
i
nit
ial
sint hedoorandabouquetoff l
owersanda
notewishingmeaver ygoodfi
rstdayatworkfrom
mymot her.

Aft
ershel
eftIl
ookedar
oundandf i
nal
lyset
tl
ed
down.Anhourl
atermydadar
rives.
Mar
cus:Doyoul
ikei
t?
Me:Il
ovei
t.Mom di
dapr
ett
ygoodj
ob.
Mar
cus:Unf
ort
unat
elyi
twasme.
Me:Oh?Welldone.I
tsbeauti
ful
.Iwaswor ri
edall
thewayheret
hatIhaveredoeverythi
ngbecause
yourl
astpaandIhadaver ydif
fer
enttast
eofstyl
e.
Mar
cus:I
'
m gl
adyoul i
keit
.Iwasn'
texpect
ingyou
t
oshowupdressedl
ikethat
.
Me:Mom helped.Iwaslegi
tgoi
ngt
owearsandal
s,
t
eeandskinnyjeans.Ihavet
obuyawhol
enew
wardr
obeforwork.
Mar
cus:Mycar
dsar
ereadyt
obeused.
Il
augh.
Me:That'
sverygener
ousMrMcVei
ghbutminet
oo
haven'
tbeenusedinawhi
lesot
hey'
dlovet
he
opport
unit
y.
Hechuckl
es
Marcus:Iam hur
t.Anymomentf rom nowyour
emailandphonewillst
artwor
king.
Me:HowdoIanswer
?
Mar
cus:anyhowyoul
ike.Lunchi
sonmet
oday.
Me:Of
cour
se.
Heheadst
owar
dst
heexi
t.
Mar
cus:Haveagr
eatday.Il
oveyou.
Me:Il
oveyoumor
e.
Hewalksout
.Ispi
nthechairar
ound,myphone
r
ingsf
rom mybag.It
akeitoutandanswer
.
Me:Bestf
ri
end
Mvel
o:Soul
mat
e.Howi
syourf
ir
stdaygoi
ng?
Me:Pr
ett
ygoodthankyou.Ij
ustdon'
tthi
nkI'
m
r
eadytobeansweri
ngcall
sever
ynowandt hen.
Mvel
o:Wel
lpr
epar
eyour
sel
fhoney.
Me:Ihat
eithere.Whenar
eyouact
ual
lygoi
ngt
obe
f
ree?Wereall
yneedtotal
k.
Mvel
o:Lunch.Icandr
ivet
her
e.

Apper
antl
yeveryweekendshewi l
lbedri
vingt
o
KZNwithhubbytobe.Ijustdon'
tgeti
t.
Me:That
'l
lbegr
eat
.Ihaveal
ott
otel
lyou.
Mvel
o:Okaymyl
ove.I
'
llseeyoul
atert
hen,
bepol
it
e
t
opeople.
Il
augh
Me:I
ftheydeser
vei
tIwi
llbe.
Thet
elephoner
ang.
Mvel
o:Bye
Me:Byebabe.
Iputi
tasi
deandpi
ckt
het
elephoneup."
Hel
lo"
Cal
ler
:Mor
ning.I
sthi
sMrMcVei
gh'
sof
fi
ce?
Me:Yesi
tis.HowmayIhel
pyou?
Cal
ler:You'
respeaki
ngt
oJean.MayIspeakt
ohi
m
i
fhe'snotbusy?
Me:Pl
easehol
d.

Ical
ldad'
sof
fi
ce.
Mar
cus:Baby
Me:Jeani
sont
hel
i
ne
Mar
cus:Okay.Putheron.

Isenthercal
lthr
ough.Thi
sismucheasi
ert
hanI
t
hought
.

Bhekical
ls,wetal
kforsometi
me.He'ssucha
br
eathoff r
eshair
.He'sbui
ltwi
thal
lcharact
ers.

IsaymygoodbyewhenKel
lywal
ksi
n.
Kell
y:Cel
lphonesarenotal
loweddur
ingworkhour
s.
I'
vebeenwat chi
ngyoufort
hepasthour.Di
dyou
evencheckyouremails?
Me:Uhm.
..
no.
Kell
y:Thatcl
earlystat
esthatyoudi
dn'tgot
hrough
yourcontr
actthoroughly,
becausei
fyoudidyoh
wouldknowthatyou' r
esupposedtocheckyour
emailever
y5mi nutes.

Shecomesovermysi
deandcl
ickont
heemai
l.
Ther
eare25newemail
s.
Kel
ly:See?MissMcVeighIunder
standthatMr
MarcusisyourdadbutIwil
lnott
olerat
esuch
behavi
our
.Putyourphoneawayandf
ocusonyour
j
ob.
Me:Myapol
ogi
es.Iwi
ll
.

Iputmyphoneonsi l
entandputi
tbacktomybag
andreadt
heemails.Somanyappointment
s.
Doesn'
thegetbor
edofmeet i
ngupwi t
hpeopl
e?

.
..
Mydadgavemehi scardwhenItol
dhim Iwi
llnot
bedoingl
unchwithhi
m anymor
e.Hewasmeet i
ng
acl
ientawayanywaysohedidnotsul
k.

Me:Whydoyoul
ooksopl
umy?Ar
en'
tyoupr
egnant
?
Mvel
o:Me?Pr
egnant
?Godwoul
dfal
ldown.

Wel
aughandhug.
Mvel
o:Youl
ookgoodi
nfor
mal
.Ial
mostcoul
dn'
t
r
ecogni
zeyou.
Me:Yeahr
ight
.

Wegetonthel
if
tgoi
ngt
other
oofwher
ewe'
l
lbe
havi
ngl
unch.

Wefindatabl
e.Everyonei
nthisbui
ldi
ngisfl
ashy
andalsodr
unkards.Mostt
ableshavecockt
ail
s.

Weor
dert
hem t
oo.
Mvel
o:I
'
m sot
ir
edofwor
king.
Me:Met
oo
Mvel
o:Comeon.Youj
ustst
art
ed.
Me:Iknowbutt
hatKel
lywomani
stoost
ri
ct.
Mvel
o:Youal
readyhaveabossf
rom hel
l?
Me:Notreall
ybutIcanfeel
thatwe'
renotgonnabe
eachot
her'sfavor
it
es.
Mvel
o:Justdoyourj
obandf
orgetabouther
.
Me:Iwi
llbabe.

Ourdr
inksar
ri
ve.Wet
hankt
hel
ady.
Me:Thewomanwhogavebi
rt
htomeshowedup
onThursday.
Shechokesont
hecockt
ail
.
Mvel
o:What
?
Me:Yep.Tocl
aim meback.
There'
ssomet
hingaboutt
hatCLAI
M wor
dthat
workedmeup.
Mvel
o:Whatar
eyou?Acar
?Ist
hatal
lshesai
d?
Me:Idi
dn'tevenwantt
ohearanyt
hingmoreshe
hadtosay.Whenmydadsaidshe'sbackt
oclai
m
meIjustl
ostitandl
eft
.
Mvel
o:Wow.Shehassuchanerve,herapproach
wasoutoft
heway.Shecan'
tbegonef orsolong
andcometosayshe'
sbackt
oclaim you.
Me:It
snott
hatshecamebackbecauseshewant
ed
t
o,shecan'
thavechi
ldr
enwhi
chmeansshe
woul
dn'
thavecamebackt
o"cl
aim me"
Mvel
o:Mostpr
obabl
y.WowI
'
m boi
li
ng
Me:Iam t
ooandmydadhadtomakeitwor
seby
sayi
ngshedi
dwhatshedi
dbecauseshewas
young.
Mvelo:She'sbeenyoungal lt
heseyear s?Hemust
notplayli
kethat.Thiswomanshoul d'vecameher
e
andshowedsomer emorseatleastbeforet
hey
bombar dyouwiththatcl
aimr ubbish.
Me:Thankyouf
ri
end.Thankyou.
Mvelo:It
hinkyoushoul
dact
ual
lyt
alkt
oherwhen
shecomesar oundagai
n.
Me:Iwantt
obutIam af
rai
dIwi
lll
osei
t.
Mvel
o:Justt
ryt
oremai
ncal
m andspeakt
oher
.
Me:I'
m notpr
omisinganyt
hing.Enoughabouther
,I
havesomethi
ngelsetotel
lyou.
If
ailt
ocont
ainmysmi
le.
Mvel
o:Whati
sit
?
Me:So.
..
Imadeahugedeci
sionofdi
tchi
ng
si
ngl
eness.
Shegasps.
Mvel
o:What'
shisname?
Isheloaded?Haveyou
hadsexyet
?Ishecut
e?Tal
l?Short
?Dar-
Me:Jesus!Woul
dyoupl
easesl
owdown?I
tsBheki
.
Mvel
o:Noway!Mmh-mmhIrefuse!Ther
e'snoway
i
nhellmybestf
ri
endcoul
ddat
eaZul uman.No
way!
Me:Wel
lIam.

Itakeasipofmycocktail
.Ourf
oodarr
ives,
shest
il
l
hasn'tt
akenhereyesoffme.It
akeabit
eonmy
burger.
Mvel
o:Ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
osayyou'
reki
ddi
ng?
Me:Why?
Mvel
o:Lexiyougonnaneedmor
ethanj
ustsayi
t
f
ormetobel i
eveyou.
Me:Fr
iend!Iam ser
ious.Ver
yser
ious.
It
akeoutmyphoneandcal
lhi
m.Iputhi
m on
l
oudspeaker
.
Bheki
:Mama
Me:Hey.Ar
eyouatwor
k?
Bheki
:Yesbutnotr
eal
lyworki
ngj
ustspi
nni
ng
ar
oundonmychai r
,missi
ngyou.

Mvel
ochuckl
esal
it
tl
e.
Me:Imi
ssyout
oo.
Bheki
:CanIbeyourchauf
feurt
hisweek?
Me:St
art
ingf
rom t
omor
rowmor
ning.
Bheki
:Iwashopi
ngyou'
l
lsayt
hiseveni
ng.
Me:Youcancomet
othepent
housel
ater
.
Bheki
:Fi
nebyme.Uh. .
.babyl
etmecal
lyoul
ater
,
enj
oythelast4hour
sofyourduty
Me:Thanksl
ove.Bye
Hehangsup.
Mvel
o:Howbi
gishi
sthi
ng?
Me:Nomvel
o!

Ihi
therhand,
shegi
ggl
es.
Me:Ihaven'
tseeni
t
Mvel
o:Ohmyyoushoul
dgetsomesoon.
Me:Hedoesn'
tmaket
hemove.
Mvel
o:Thenmakei
t!I
tst
he21stcent
urydear
.
Me:Idon'
twannacomeacr
ossasasexf
reakor
anyt
hing.
Mvel
o:Thenyouwi
llnevergetr
idoft
hatweb.
Il
augh.
Me:Iwil
ltol
erat
eandnur
semywebunt
ilhemakes
t
hefir
stmove.
Mvel
o:Wel
llet
'sdr
inkt
othespi
derweb
Sher
aisehergl
ass.Ir
aisemi
ne.
Me:Tot
hespi
derweb

Wel
aughanddr
inkup.
..

.
..
Peopleareusual
lynevert
oohappyt
oknockof fon
thei
rfi
rstdaybutIwas.4:
30onthedotIpackedmy
bagsandwentt obidmydadgoodbyeandleft
.

Idr
ovestr
aightt
oMorningsi
de,
shewassti
llt
her
e.
TheDrssai
dshewasn'tstr
ongenought
oget
di
schar
ged.

Mel
issa:Lookatyou!
ShesayswhenIwal
kin.Imodelf
orherasshe
l
aughs.
Me:Whenar
etheydi
schar
gingyou?Weneedt
ogo
shoppi
ng.
Mel
issa:I
'
llpr
obabl
ybedi
schar
gedbyt
hen.How
wasit
?
Me:I
twasgood,
besi
deKel
ly.She'
scheeky.
Meli
ssa:That
'sKel
lyf
oryou.Don'
tmindher
,justdo
yourj
obandyoushallnotgeti
ntr
oublewi
thher.
Me:Iwi
llt
rymybest
.
Mel
issa:That
'smygi
rl
.

Iputt
hegoodi
esonhercabi
netandsi
tdown.
Me:Don'tyouthi
nkweshouldtal
ktot
hatwoman?
Youknow, askherwhatshewant
sbecauseI
'
m
pret
tysureit
snotme.
Mel
issa:I
sthatwhatyour
eal
lywant
?
Me:Idon'
tknowbutIfeell
ikesheneedst
obe
hear
dandthenshedisappearsagai
n.
Mel
issa:Idoubt
.Shesai
dshewant
syouback.
Me:Whenyougetdi
schar
gedweshoul
dgethol
dof
her
.
Mel
issa:Asl
ongasyou'
rer
eadyt
ofaceher
.

Inod.Wetal
kaboutmanyot
herthi
ngsunt
ilt
hesun
goesdownandvisi
ti
nghour
sareover
.

Idr
ivet
omypl
ace.Bhekical
l
s,It
ellhi
mthatI
'
m on
myway.

Ipassbyt
her
est
aur
antandgetust
akeaways.

Ist
art
lewhenIseeamanl
eani
ngagai
nstmycar
.
Me:Excuseme.
Herol
lshi
seyest
omydi
rect
ion.Ial
mostspl
itmy
t
akeaways.
Hi
m:Geti
nthecar
.

Thedoorofabl
ackcarpar
kednextt
omi
neopen.
Hi
m:Geti
n!

Itr
ytorunawaybuthegr absmeandshovemeinto
thecar
.Iscream f
orhel
p,heshut
sthedoorcl
osed
andIhearthedoorsl
ock.

If
eelast
ingonmyar
m andt
henl
ight
sout
..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t17•
••

IgaspasIopenmyeyes, feel
slikeIhadn'
tbeen
breat
hing.Isi
tuprightandlookaround.I'
minbed.I
rememberget t
ingi
ntothatcar,Ipani
candgetof f
thebedandr ushtothewindow, al
lIseeisper
fect
greenfi
eldsandalakenotsof arfrom her
e.Where
am I?

Iwal
ktot
hedoor
.Itopensbef
oreIr
eachi
t,Ipause.
Apeti
tetal
lwomani nheel
s,navysui
tpant
s,awhi
te
bl
ouseandglasses.Shefl
ashesmeasmi l
eand
cl
osethedoor.
Her
:Mynamei
nOni
ka.Pl
easesi
tont
hebed.
Me:Whoar
eyou?
Oni
ka:Oni
ka
Me:Whatdoyoudo?Whyam Iher
e?
Oni
ka:You'
llgetexpl
anat
ionsl
ater
,fornowplease
si
tonthebed,Iwanttochecki
fyou'reokay.
Me:No.Iwantt
oleave.
Onika:Youwouldn'tgethometr
ustme.Justsi
ton
thebed,theoverdoseofdrugmightcause
complicati
ons.

Igoandsi
taf
terast
ari
ngcont
est
.

Shechecksmeoutandgivemepi l
ls.Iputthem
undermytongueandspi
tthem outaftersheleaves.
Igoovert
hewindowagaintochecki
fIwoul
dn'
tbe
i
njur
edifIj
umpedout.Iwould.

Igotot
hedooragai
n.It
ryt
oopenbutit
slocked.I
sear
chmypocketsf
ormyphone.If
indi
t,t
hankGod!

Isi
tdownbesidet
hebedandswi
tchi
ton.Iwai
tfor
i
ttocat
chsignal
.

Itshowst
henosignalsi
gn.Ibegi
ntopani
c,r
eal
it
y
kicksi
n.I
'
m ki
dnapped

Thedoorswi
ngsopen.
..

*
**
BHEKI
Thel
adyatrecept
ionkeepsgl anci
ngatme.Ikeep
myeyesonmyphoneasIt ryLexif
orthe200th
ti
me.I
tst
il
lgoesstraighttovoicemail
,concer
nfil
ls
meupeachtimeIt r
yt oreachher.

Mvel
owalksinf
oll
owedbyt
hegi
rlwhom Iassume
i
sherpa.Ist
andupandwal
ktot
hem.
Me:Nomvel
o
Shet
urnst
omydi
rect
ion.
Me:CanIt
alkt
oyou?
Mvel
o:Sor
rydoyouhaveanappoi
ntment
?
Me:NoIdon'
t.
Mvel o:Pl
easeleaveyourdetai
lswit
hmypashe'l
l
callyouandsetupameet i
ng.Ihaveameeti
ngin
thenext20mi nutesandIreall
yneedtogoand
prepare.

Shewal
ksaway.If
oll
owher
.
Me:Ij
ustneedt
oknowi
fyou'
vehear
dfr
om
Sabat
hil
ethepast2days?
Shet
urnsandl
ookatmerat
hersur
pri
sed.Sj
egul
ps
andt
akeadeepbreat
h.
Mvel
o:Pleasef
orgi
veme.Pl
easecomet
hiswayt
o
myoff
ice.

If
oll
owherunt
ilwegeti
ntoherof
fi
ce.Sheof
fer
s
mewater
.
Mvelo:Ihaveonl
yanhourl
efttogoopenami
ssi
ng
per
soncase.We'resi
ckwor
ried.
Me:It
houghyou'
dknowwher
eshei
s.
Mvel
o:I'
m sor
ryBhekiIdon'
t.Iwashopi
ngshe'
s
wi
thyou,nowthatyou'
reher
eIam nowmor e
worr
ied.
Me:Letmenothol
dyouup.Thankyou.
Mvel
o:I
tsokay.

Il
eavetheof
fi
cewi
thaheavyhear
t.Wher
ecoul
d
shebe?
Igeti
ntot
hecar
.
Qophel
ani
:Anyt
hing?
Me:No.Takemet
oherpl
aceagai
n.
Qophelani
:Idon'
tunderst
andwhyar eyouso
worr
ied,she'
sri
ch.She'
spr obabl
youtther
einNew
Yor
kt aki
ngpict
uresundertheEif
felt
ower.
Me:Shewassupposedt
omeetmet
hatni
ght
.
Qophel
ani
:Andthenshedeci
dedt
ocal
lherr
eal
boyf
ri
endandtheyfl
ewaway.
Me:Giveyourmout
habr
eakbef
oreyougeta
punch.
Qophel
ani
:I'
mjustsayi
ng.

Het
urnsupt
hevol
ume.

Iam j
ustpr
ayi
ngshe'
ssaf
ewher
evershei
s..
.
*
**
ALEXI
S

Awomani nmai
duniform getsin.Sheal
sosmil
es
atmeandheadtotheli
tt
letablenexttot
hesi
ngle
couchandpl
acethetr
ayoff ood.
Her
:I'
m Dor
is.You'
rever
ybeaut
if
ul.
Ther
e'ssomet
hingoddaboutt
heseki
dnapper
s.
Me:Doyouhavesi
gnalar
oundher
e?
Dori
s:Yeswedobutyourphonehast
obe
regi
ster
ed.
Me:Pleaseregi
stt
hisonef
ormeIneedt
omakea
phonecall
.
Dor
is:Madam wi
lldot
hatf
oryou.
Me:I
sitherwhot
ookme?
Dor
is:Pl
easeeatbef
oreyourf
oodget
scol
d.
Me:Ineedt
oshower
.
Dor
is:I
'
llbr
ingyouf
resht
owel
s.
Shewal ksout.Iam exper
iencingheadachenow,
I'
vebeent r
yingnottocrybuteachmi nutethat
passesI'm drowninginworry.Icoul
dbekill
edor
putint
osext raff
icki
ng.

Ineedtoescape.Iwoul drat
herfallanddiethanto
besexslaved.Thi swindowcan' tbeopened,thi
sis
wheretheykeept heirvict
ims.Ikickitacoupleof
ti
mebuti tdoesn' tbreak,Iputthefoodont hebed
andthrowt het ableagainstthewindow.Thet abl
e
l
egbreaks.I '
m wet ,ofmyt earsandsweat .Iam
thr
owingever ythingatt hebloodywi ndowbutnot
evenat i
nycr acki sformed.Igodownonmyknees
andcry.GodIknowIhaven' tbeengoodbutpl ease
makeami r
acl eforme. ..

*
**
MARCUS
Me:Okaypul
lupi
nthatgat
e.It
hinkt
hisi
sit
.
Max:Sirthisnei
ghbor
hoodi
sunf
ami
li
arwi
thour
usualvi
sits.
Me:I
fyouhearagungoof
fcal
lforbackup.
Max:
Whatar
eweevendoi
ngher
e?
Me:Maxmydaught
eri
smi
ssi
ng!
Max:
Shewoul
dn'
tpossi
blybeher
e.
Me:Justst
ayher
eandwai
tforagun.

Ist
epoutofthecarandheadi
n.Isi
gnatt
hegat
e
andthesecur
it
yaccompanymeinsi
de.

Boni
siwe:WhatDi
egoI
'
m wor
king
Secur
it
y:Youhaveavi
sit
orma'
am.
Shebr
ingshereyesup,
theymeetmi
ne.
Boni
siwe:Okyoucanl
eaveus.
Thesecur
it
yheadoutandcl
oset
hedoor
.
Me:Howsi
ckcanyoube?
Boni
siwe:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutMar
cus?
Me:Iknowyout
ookLexi
.
Boni
siwe:So?Whatar
eyougonnadoabouti
t?
Me:Ar
eyoucr
azy?
Boni
siwe:No.I'
mjustt
aki
ngmychi
ldbackt
owher
e
shebelongs.
Me:Bonisi
weIam warni
ngyou.Youcommi
tt
eda
cr
ime,Icangetyouar
rest
edfort
hat.
Bonisi
we:GoaheadMarcusbemyguest
.Idi
ditf
or
herowngoodforChr
ist
'ssake!
Me:Howisholdi
ngsomeonehost
ageanyt
hingf
or
t
heirowngood?
Bonisi
we:I
'mi ntoshippingofill
egalgoods,Ideal
wit
hdanger ouspeopl e,
Iowet hem 50mi l
li
on.Iam
fai
li
ngtopayt hem sincemybusi nessesare
col
lapsi
ng.Mysi stersoldmeout ,shegavet hem
mybackgr oundi nf
ormat i
ontheydugdeepunt i
l
theydiscover
edIhaveadaughterandyouknow
howt hosemenwor k,
they'
l
ltakeheri
nexchangeof
thedeptandyouandyourangelicwif
ecan'
tkeep
hersafesoIam.
Me:Whotol
dyouIcan'
tkeepmyownchi
ldsafe?
Bri
ngbackmydaught
erandgobackt
owhatever
youcamefr
om!
Bonisiwe:Wellthat
'l
lcostyouallyourl
ivesbecause
they'
llki
llanyt
hingtogettoAlexis.I
nmysi deIhave
menwhoar ewil
li
ngtodieforher.
Me:Icangett
hem t
oo.Getup,
we'
regoi
ngt
otake
her
.
Bonisi
we:She'
sinMal
awiMar
cus.GetoutIwantt
o
work.
Me:Doyouknowhowmuchmywi
fei
ssuf
fer
ing
r
ightnow?
Bonisi
we:I'
llpaythi
smoneyandbringyourchi
ld
backMarcus!Iam notgonnast
artnowtowantto
beamot hertothatgir
l.
Me:You'
readi
rt
ydevi
l.
Boni
siwe:That
'sr
ight
.Getout
.

Iturnonmyheelandwal kout.If
indMaxsmoki
ng
outsidethecar.Ihoponatt
hebackandcal
lmy
fi
nancialladyKimberl
ey.
Me:Ki
m
Ki
m:Mar
cus.
Me:Ineed50mi
ll
ion.Asap.
Ki
m:There'
snoasapwi
thj
ustahugeamountof
money.
Me:Wellt
her
ehast
obeKi
m.Ineedi
tbynext
Monday.
Ki
m:Mar
cus.
Me:MakeawayKi
m!

Ihangup.At
extmessagecomest
hrough.

'
Doyouf
indher
?'
Isi
ghandclenchmyj aw.Losi
ngLexi
woul
dbr
eak
herandshe'
llneverr
ecover
..
.

*
**
ALEXI
S

Ispentt
hewholedaysleepingandwakingupto
fi
ndoutI'
m st
il
lint
hisplace.Lear
ningt
hatitwas2
dayslat
erki
ll
edmeevenmor e.

Igetof
fthebedandgositonthecouch.Iplay
musiconmyphone.I'
veheardveryter
ri
blestori
es
aboutwomengetti
ngabduct
edandneverf ound.
Looki
ngatthispl
acethr
oughthewindowisenough
toknowthere'
snohopeofbei
ngfound.

Ismellast
rongcol
ogne.I
'
vesmelledi
tbef
ore.I
tur
n,shepoint
satt
hebed,thegi
rl
sinmaidclot
hes
geti
nwithshoppingbagsoffamousbr
ands.She'
s
notonl
ycruel
,she'scr
azytoo.

Thegir
lwal
kout
.Gi
rl
syoungenought
obest
il
lat
school
.
Me:You'
resi
ck.
Her:Doyoul
ovet
her
oom oryouwantadi
ff
erent
one?
Me:WomanIwantt
ogohomet
omypar
ent
s!
Her:Iam yourmot
her
.You'
rewher
eyou'
re
supposedtobe!
Me:No!Whereveryouar
eisn'
twhereIbel
ong.I
bel
ongathomewi thmymotherandmydad.
Ist
artcr
ying.Thesi
ghtofhermademever
yangr
y.
Her:Lit
tl
egi
rl
,Idon'
twannabeyourmot her
.The
onlythi
ngIneedfr
om youisyoureggs,
maybe2of
them.Youowemeat leastt
hatmuchforrui
ningmy
l
ife.
Me:What
?
Her:Iwantyoureggs!Iwanttohavechi
ldr
ent
hen
youcangobackt oyourparents.
Me:OhmyGod.I '
m sogl
adyougavemetomy
mother
,whatki
ndofadir
tydevi
lar
eyou?
Shechuckl
es.
Her:Funnycauseyourfat
hersaidthesamething.
Youhaveunt i
lnextmorni
ngtothunkaboutthi
s.
TheDrwi l
lcomeher ei
nthemorningtogiveyou
medsf orf
erti
li
zat
ion.

Sheheadst
othedoor
.
Me:Myf
atheri
sgonnaki
llyou!
Her:Hedoesn'
thavet
hegut
s.St
opcr
yingyou'
re
di
sgusti
ngme.
Me:Fuckyou,fuckyouwoman.You'
l
lhavetokil
l
mefir
stbefor
eyoudoanythi
ngtome, doyouhear
me?

Herpal
m madecont
actwi
thmycheek.
Her:Youungr
atef
ull
it
tl
ebrat
,Icould'
veki
ll
edyou
andgaveyoutoastr
angerbutri
skedmylif
eand
bi
rt
hedyou!

Shepi
nmeagai
nstt
hecouchandst
rangl
eme.
Her:Youwer
enotneeded!Youcameandr
uinedme.
YouowemeSabathil
e!Youfucki
ngoweme!

Hert
eardr
opsonmycheekasIgaspf
orai
r.
..
▪KwaNt
uthu▪
•
••I
nser
t18•
••
[
MVELO]

Hegetsi
nholdingatray.Heplacesitonthe
bedsi
deheadboardcabinetandsitnextt
omylegs.
Nduna:Youhavet
oeat
.
Ibl
ewmynose.
Me:I
'
m nothungr
y.
Nduna:Ofcour
seyou'r
enot.InevereatbecauseI'
m
hungr
yIalwayseatbecauseIhaveto.Rightnow
youhavetoeat
.

Hepicksmeupandwalkwi
thmet
otheensui
te
bat
hroom.Hemakesmewashmyhandsandthen
pul
lsmebacktobed.
Me:Youmadet
his?
Nduna:YesIdi
dandi
ttast
esgood.
OhJesus.Thismanonlyknowshowtomaketea
andapplybut
teronbr
ead.Gri
ll
edchi
ckenandgr
avy
arenotwhathe'
dbeabletodo.

Itakeal
eapoff ai
thandtaket
hefood.I
tsmel
ls
reall
yni
ce.Ishoul
dgivehimthat
.

Itast
ethegravy,
notbad.Iposi
ti
onmyself
comfort
abl
yandst ar
teati
ng.Ir
egretbi
ti
ngthi
s
drumsti
ck.
Me:OhmyGodbabedi
dyoupoural
lthechi
ll
iesi
n
her
e?

Ir
ant
othebat
hroom t
odr
inkwat
er.
Me:OhJesus.
Nduna:I
'
llgetyouj
uice!
Heshout
sfr
om t
heot
hersi
de.
Me:Uhhhh.
..
myt
onguei
sbur
ning!

Myphoner
ings.Ir
ushbackt
otakei
t.
Me:Tel
lyouyou'
vef
oundone.
Lel
e:YesIdid.Ij
ustf
orwardedyout
hei
remai
l
addr
ess.Theyarethebesti
ntown.
Me:ThankyouLel
e.
Lel
e:Don'
tst
resst
oomuch,
theywi
llf
indher
.
Me:I
'
m hopi
ngsoLel
e,I
'
m hopi
ngso.
Ihangup.Thebabewal
ksi
nwi
thaj
ugofj
uice.
Nduna:Thi
sshoul
ddot
het
ri
ck.
Me:Iseeyou'
vef
oundanewl
overandyouwantt
o
getr
idofme.
Hechuckl
esandpourmej
uice.
Nduna:Noti
nami
ll
ionyear
s.

Weki
ss.
Nduna:Don'
tyougetbor
ed?
Me:Ofwhat
?
Nduna:Si
lencei
nthi
shouse
Me:Wehaveawhol
esoundsyst
em babe
Nduna:I
tsst
art
ingtoboremebutifyoudon'
tmind
t
hesil
encehhaichaakunanki
ngasthandwasami.

Ichuckl
eandt
akeasi
pofmyj
uice.
Me:Letmegomakeusbr
eakf
ast
.
Nduna:I
'
llpackt
hismeatwi
thme.Mycousi
nswi
ll
l
oveit
.
Me:YouguysneedJesus.

Hel
aughsandweheadout.
..

*
**
[
MARCUS]

If
indherdressi
ngup.Iwi
peof
fthesweatandt
ake
of
ftherunners.
Me:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Shegl
ancesatmeonceandgot
ohervani
ty.
Me:Melissayouar
einnost
atet
obel
eavi
ngt
he
house.
Shet
urnst
ofacemydi
rect
ion.
Mel
issa:Wel
lsi
tt
ingher
ewi
llnotbr
ingmychi
ld
homeMar
cus.
Me:Sowher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Mel
issa:I
'
m goi
ngt
ofi
ndher
.
Shesayscal
mlyandgobackt
omaki
ngherf
ace.

It
akemyphoneandwal
kout
.

Thephoner
ingsf
orawhi
le.
Ki
m:Mar
cus
Me:Tel
lmeyou'
rewor
kingoni
t
Kim:Iam butt
hingsaren'tl
ooki
ngsogood,
they
needalsoyourwife'
ssignat
ure.
Me:Thencutandpast
eitKi
mber
ley!
Ki
m:Thatwi
llbr
ingust
roubl
e.
Me:Ki
mjustdowhatyouhavet
odo.
Ki
m:Fi
nebutj
ustknowwemi
ghtgot
ojai
lfort
his.
Me:Justdoi
t.
Ihangupandgobacki
nsi
det
otakeashower
..
.

*
**
[
BHEKI
]

Qophel
ani
:Ii
it
'sBoxer
'sbi
rt
hdaycel
ebr
ati
on!
!!

Iopenmyeyesf
uri
ousl
y.
Me:What
'st
hemat
terwi
thyou?
Qophel
ani
:Wakeup.
Me:Getout
.
Qophel
ani
:Wehaveyourgi
rl
fr
iendt
olookf
or,
remember
?

Iregr
etinvi
ti
nghi
m over
.He'
smyl
it
tl
ebr
other
,my
onlybrot
her.
Me:Youshoul
dgobackt
ores.
Qaphel
ani
:Ngekeukubonel
okho.

Hewalksout.Il
ookf
ormyphoneandtur
niton,
hopef
ultof
indSabat
hil
e'
stext
sorvoi
cemai
ls.None.

Thatwomanwoul
dn'
tpossi
blyabducther
,woul
d
she?

Whydidn'
tIt
hinkoft
hat
?Thi
shasherwr
it
tenal
l
overi
t.
Me:Qophel
anibr
ingmyl
apt
op!
Qophel
ani
:Ngibusy!
Thiski
d.Icl
imboutofbedandheadoutt othe
l
ounge.Ifi
ndhim wat
chingcart
oonsont hel
aptop.I
takei
tandsitonachai
rbesidethecouch.

IsendDer
ri
ckanemai
landgof
orashower
..
.
*
**
ALEXI
S

Ifeelsomeoneshakemelight
ly.Imumbl
eandpul l
theduvet.I
tissnat
chedawayf r
om mevi
olent
ly.I
j
umpupt omyf eet
.

Ir
eal
izemysur
roundi
ngsandIbegi
ntopani
c.
Boni
siwe:Takehert
othewhi
ter
oom.
Oni
ka:Butshe'
snotpr
otest
ing.
Boni
siwe:Iknowshewi
ll
.
Oni
ka:Boni
-
Boni
siwe:Shutup!Kai
rogett
heguyst
otakehert
o
thewhit
eroom.

Theguyscomeinandmyfeetfai
ltomove.They
dragmeout.It
ryt
ofi
ghtbutIam notwi
nning.
Wearri
vei
nthisroom.Thel
ight
scomeon,
its
i
ndeedawhit
er oom.

Theyputmeinthesi
ngl
ebedandcuffmeintoit.
Onikacomest
omeandt ur
nonabrightl
ightover
myhead.
Oni
ka:Iwi
llmaket
hisasf
astaspossi
ble.
Me:Pl
ease.
..
Onika:Youjustneedtocooper
ateifyouwannago
homehoney.Thi sinj
ect
ionneedsyout orel
ax.I
f
youdon'ti
fitwon'tworkandyou'
llstayherefor
ever
.
Staycalm okay.

Ihearfoot
stepsappr
oach,
hercol
ognef
eel
smy
nostr
il
s.
Boni
siwe:Oni
ka
Oni
ka:BonigetoutIam t
ryi
ngt
owor
kher
e.
Boni
siwe:Changeofpl
ans.Iwanthert
obemy
sur
rogat
e.
Oni
ka&I
:What
!
Man:Taki
nghereggsandpl
ant
ingthem i
nto
someoneelsewi
llt
aket
oomuchtime.
Oni
ka:Wedi
dn'
tagr
eeont
his.
Man:Wepaidyousoyouhavenobusi
ness
pr
otest
ing.
Oni
ka:Thi
sisi
nsane,
I'
m notdoi
ngt
his.
Bonisi
we:Youdon'
thavemuchofachoi
ce.Her
e's
thenewmedici
neforfer
ti
li
zat
ion.

Sheshoul
d'vej
ustki
ll
edme.
..

*
**
[
BHEKI
]

Der
ri
ckagr
eedt
omeetupwi
thme.
HechosethesecludedbarandIunderst
and.Idr
ive
i
ntot
hebar ,
itseemspackedforaplacesofaraway
f
rom peopl
e.

ImanagedtoleaveQophel
anibehi
nd.Hecanbea
chappi
esatti
mes.

Myphonerings,
Iputi
tonvibrat
eandheadin.I
scanther
oom unti
lmyeyeslandonDerr
ick.Iwal
k
tohi
m.
Me:Der
ri
ck.
Herai
seshi
seyesandgi
vemeasmi l
ebef
ore
ext
endi
nghi
shandforahandshake.
Der
ri
ck:Howar
eyouSi
r?
Il
augh.
Me:Ohpl
ease.Howar
eyouhol
dingup?
Der
ri
ck:Ki
ndofgood.Mywi
feandIar
eexpect
ing.
Me:Wowcongr
atul
ati
onsman.
Theser
verbr
ingsus2beer
sandgl
asses.
Der
ri
ck:Thankyou.Ihopeyoust
il
ldr
ink.
Me:No,
notanymor
e.Ist
opped.
Der
ri
ck:Sor
ryman.
Me:I
'
llhavej
uice,
appl
ejui
ce.
Lady:Weonl
ycokeandwat
ert
hati
snotal
cohol
.
Me:Cokewi
llbef
ine.

Shewal
ksaway.
Der
ri
ck:Pl
easet
ellmeyou'
recomi
ngbackt
owor
k.
Me:ImightbutI
'
m nother
efort
hat.Ineedyour
hel
p.It
hinkmygirl
fr
iendi
ski
dnapped,byherlong
l
ostmother.
Der
ri
ck:Andwher
edoIj
umpi
n?
Me:Ineedyout
oorgani
zeapr
ivat
esquadt
hat
'l
l
t
akewithmetotakeher
.
Der
ri
ck:Doyouknowwher
eshei
s?
Me:NonotyetbutI
'
llf
indoutt
oni
ght
.
Der
ri
ck:Iwi
llhel
pyou,
underonecondi
ti
on.
Me:Yes?
Derr
ick:Youcomebackt
owor
k.Thest
ati
onneeds
youman.
Me:Iwi
ll
.
Mycokearr
ives.Wegeti
ntohowt
hingshavebeen
si
nceIqui
t.

Myphoner
ingsagai
n.Iexcusemysel
ftot
akei
t.
Me:Mzi
lankat
ha
Baba:Wehavebeent ryi
ngt
ogethol
dofyousi
nce
l
astnightBheki
sizwe
Me:Myphonewasdead.
Baba:MaNgemagavebi
rt
h.Youshoul
dcomehome.
Me:Okwamanjengi
bambeki
lebaba(
I'
m cur
rent
ly
busy)soIwon'
tbeabl
etocome.
Baba:I
tsaboy.Wecan'
tper
for
mther
it
ualwi
thout
you.
Me:Pl
easemakei
tnextweekend.Ishoul
dgo

Ihangupbef
orehecanr
espond.

Ist
areatmywall
paperwhichi
sAl
exi
sforqui
tea
whil
eandtakeadeepbreat
h.

Igobackt
othet
abl
e.Ical
lfort
hewai
ter
.
Me:CanIpl
easehaveHei
neken.
Der
ri
ckf
rownsatme.
Der
ri
ck:Thoughtyouqui
t
Me:6packaf
ter2year
swon'
thur
t.

Myphoneri
ngsagai
n.Mangema'
snamepopsup.I
decl
inet
hecal
landswi
tchi
toff.
..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪
•
••I
nser
t19•
••
(
2weeksl
ater
)

[
BHEKI
]

2fail
edatt
emptstosaveAlexis.14sleepl
essni
ght
s
tr
yingtofi
gureoutawayforward.Goingbackto
workwasoneoft hewaysforward.Ihadtobeinor
el
set hi
scasewasdullandjusttakenasoneofthe
manycasesofmi ssi
ngwomen.

Igreett
heladi
esonthefrontdeskandpr
oceedin.I
fi
ndDerrickonhi
sfeetl
ookingli
kehe'
sgoingout.
Der
ri
ck:Justt
hemanIwant
edt
osee.
Me:What
'sup?
Der
ri
ck:Ij
ustgotalead.Shewastranspor
tedt
o
Zi
m onThursday,
foolsusedherr
ealID.
Me:Ar
eyousur
e?
Derr
ick:I'
m averycert
ainmanNcube.Youjust
needtogetust hatper
mi tf
orust
ocrosst
hat
motherfucki
ngboarder.
Me:Iwi
ll
Der
ri
ck:Asi
nyesterdaybecauseI
'
m pr
ett
ysur
eZi
m
i
sn'
tthei
rof
fi
cial
stop.
Me:I'
l
lgetonitri
ghtnow.I
nt hemeant
imego
at
tendtothatSowetocabl
ethief
.
Derr
ick:Real
lyBheki
?Thatmanshi
tt
edhimsel
f
yest
erday,doyouwantmetodieoft
hatsmell
?
Il
augh.
Me:Hecl
eanedhi
msel
fup

Iheadout
.
Cel
e:Capt
ain.
Me:Cel
e
Cele:Ithi
nkIhavenewevi
denceont
heshoot
ing
thattookplacei
nbree.
Me:Okl
etmemakecof
feef
ir
st

Igot
otheki
tchen.
..

*
**
[
ALEXI
S]

It'
ssocrazyhowonyourf i
rstdayatwor k,youhave
l
unchwi thyourbestf
ri
end,oncallwithyour
boyfri
end,af
terworkyougovisityourmot herand
thenyouplanonmeet i
ngyourboyf r
iend,you
decidetogogetfoodfir
stbutthenyounevermake
i
thomebecauset hewomanwhocar ri
edyou
abductsyou.

NowI'm her
e,todayi
sthedayoft heplantat
ion.She
can'
thavekidssosher ememberedshewasonce
l
eftababygirlonsomeone'shousedoor .She
tr
acedbackandunt i
lshefoundthisbabygirlwhom
sheclai
msoweherandshoul dr
epayherby
car
ryi
ngherachi
ld.Cr
azyi
sn'
t?

3weeksagoI '
m suresomeonewoul d'veseenme
andwishedtheyhadmyl i
fenotknowingastor
m
wasbrewingforme.Ihavesur r
enderedandgavein.
It
snotli
kefi
ght i
ng,cr
yingandbeggingwast ohel
p
mewithanything.

IwasdruggedandIwokeupinthisnewplace.A
beachhouse.Isawthi
schai
randcamet ositand
l
ookatthewaves.Theyaresofr
ee,Iwi
shIwas
them.

Istar
tl
ewhensomeonewavest
hei
rhandbef
oremy
eyes.
Oni
ka:Daydr
eami
ng?
Ichuckl
e.
Me:Iwannabet
hosewaves.
Shebl
inksl
azi
lyandmassagemyshoul
der
.
Oni
ka:Ever
ythi
ngwi
llbeokay.

OnikaandIhavedevelopedagoodr elat
ionship
overthe2weeks.She'sagoodper sonandIcan' t
cruci
fyherforBoni
siwe'
ssins.Shetoldmeshe
rai
sedherandpaidherfeessoi twashar dand
i
mpossi bl
etosaynot oher
.Iunderstood,itf
elt
goodt ohavesomeoneasherar ound.

Me:Myl
if
ewon'
tbet
hesameaf
tert
hist
rustme.
Oni
ka:Youst
resst
oomuch.

Thedoorpushopen.Thedevi
lher
sel
fwal
ksi
n.
Apper
antl
yOni kahast
oinj
ectmeandgi
vemepil
ls
i
nherpresence.
Boni
siwe:The3Dr
sfrom Fr
ancewil
llandi
naf
ew
hour
sandweshallgetdowntobusi
ness.
Shesaysexci
tedl
y.
Boni
siwe:Dor
awi
llbeher
ewi
thf
oodyoucani
nject
her
.
Oni
ka:Shehast
oeatf
ir
st
Boni
siwe:We'
re30mi
nut
esl
ate.
YeahIshoul
d'vebeeni
nject
edat9am.
Oni
ka:Youwer
elat
e.
Boni
siwe:I
tsnotl
ikeshe'
sgonnadi
e!
Oni
ka:Tr
uebuti
twi
llef
fectt
hepl
ant
ati
on.
Boni
siwe:Dor
a!
Shest
ormsout
.

Igetupandheadt
othebed.
Oni
ka:Youdonewat
chi
ngt
hewaves?
Me:I
'
llwat
cht
hem af
tert
aki
ngt
hei
nject
ion.
Oni
ka:Ok.Letmegogeti
t.

Inodandl
ayonmybackont
hebed.
..
*
**
[
MARCUS]

Ichecktheti
me.He's25minuteslat
e.Iam losing
mypat i
ence.Ir
inghi
m up,hedoesn'
tanswer .Ical
l
thewait
ertobri
ngmet hebil
l.Hewalksin.Isigh.
Bheki
:Thi
ngsar
epr
ett
ycr
azyatt
hest
ati
on.I
'
m
sor
ry.
Me:Iwasaboutt
odr
ivet
her
e.
Bheki
:Notagoodt
hought
.
Thewai
tr
esswal
ksupt
ous.
Me:Nevermi
nd.I
'
dli
keadoubl
eshotofwhi
skey.
Bheki
:Justwat
erwi
thl
emon.
If
rown.Hechuckl
es.
Bheki
:I'
m ondutyMrMcVei
gh.Wi
thbur
gerand
chi
ps,noket
chup.
Thewai
tr
essnodsandwal
ksaway.
Me:Anygoodnews?
Bheki
:Yesandal
it
tl
ecompr
omi
singsi
tuat
ion
Me:Tal
k.
Bheki
:Wegonnaneedyourwi
fet
oseducet
hat
husbandofBoni
siwe.
Me:You'
reoutofl
ine.
Bheki
:That
'st
hequi
ckestwayt
oreacht
oAl
exi
s.
Me:Bheki
Bheki
:MrMcVei
ghtheyhavet
akenheracrossthe
boader
.Thef
urt
hersheget
s,t
heharderi
twillbet
o
fi
ndher.
Me:Fi
ne!I
'
llspeakt
oher
.
Bheki
:thankyou.
Me:Ar
eyoust
il
linl
ovewi
thmydaught
er?
Bheki
:Icar
eabouther
.

Hecal
lst
hewai
tr
esst
omakehi
m at
akeaway.
Bheki
:I'
l
lbewai
ti
ngf
oryourcal
l.
Inod.Hepays,
upsandl
eaves.

MelissafoundoutIwasgonnagi vet
hat50mi ll
ion
toBoni si
wethenshesuggestedwegot ot hepolice
andr eportAl
exismissi
ng.Tooursur
prise3days
l
aterBhekivisit
edourhousealongwit
hadet ecti
ve
forquestioni
ng,si
ncethenhe'
sbeenint ouch.

It
aket
hel
astsi
ponmygl
assandcal
lMel
issa.
..

*
**
[
MELI
SSA]

Myphoner
ingsf
rom t
hebedasIappl
ylot
ion.I
gr
oanandwalkt
oit
.Ihopei
tssomegoodnews.
Me:Hubby.
Mar
cus:Heymyl
ove.Ar
eyouathome?
Me:Yeah.Doyouneedsomet
hing?
Mar
cus:I
'
m comi
ng.Want
edt
omakesur
eyou'
re
t
her
e.
Me:I
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Mar
cus:Yesandno.ByeIl
oveyou.
Me:Il
oveyou.

Ihangupandgot
othecl
oset
.

"
MrsMcVei
gh?
"OhMvel
o.
Me:I
nthecl
osetbaby.
Sheget
sin.
Mvel
o:Iam bui
ldi
ngt
hissi
zei
nmynewhome.
Wel
aughandhug.
Me:Wel
lyoudeser
vei
thoney.Howar
eyou?
Mvel
o:Sur
vivi
ng.Howar
eyou?
Me:Al
sosur
vivi
ng.Ar
eweat
tendi
ngt
hepr
ayer
t
oday?
Mvel
o:Weshoul
d.Pr
ayergi
vesf
ait
h.
Me:Yeahi
tdoes.Bl
ueorpi
nk?
Iaskaboutt
hedr
esses.
Mvel
o:Bl
ue
Me:Thanks.How'
sNduna?
Mvel
o:He'
sfi
nej
ustst
ressedt
hatI
'
m st
ressed.
Me:Uhhpoort
hing.

"
Honey"
Me:Cl
oset
!
Mvelo:Ohmygodi
sthatyourcol
ognecol
lect
ion?
I
'mjealous.
Me:Youcant
aket
heoneyoul
ove.
Mvel
o:Real
ly?
Me:Yesbaby.Letmegoat
tendt
othi
sman.

Iheadout
.Idoubtshehear
dthel
astpar
t.If
ind
Mar
cussi
tt
ingont
hebedeat
ing.
Me:Hungr
ythatmuch?
Mar
cus:I
'
m st
arvi
ng.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Ismi
le.
Me:Thankyou.
Mar
cus:Al
exi
scr
ossedt
hebor
der
.
Me:Towher
e?
Marcus:Zi
mbabweandweneedyourhel
ptof
ind
wheresheis.
Me:Huh?
Marcus:Bonisiwe'shusband.I
'
m aski
ngyout
o
seduceBonisiwe'shusband.
Hesayswi
thoutevenl
ooki
ngatme.
Me:Whaat
?
Mar
cus:I
tst
heonl
ywaywemi
ghtgetherl
ocat
ion.
Me:How?I'm gonnafuckhim andsuddenlyhe'l
l
si
ng?Areyououtofyourmi nd?HeknowsI '
m your
wi
fehe'
llgetsuspici
ousifIgetcl
ose!JesusMar c.
Mar
cus:Shi
t.

"
I'
lldoi
t"webot
hlookherdi
rect
ion.
Mvel
o:Hedoesn'
tknowme.SoI
'
lldoi
t.
Me:Honeynowe'
l
lfi
ndanot
herway.
Mvel
o:We'
l
ltr
ythi
sonef
ir
st.
Mar
cus:Ndunawon'
tal
lowt
hat
.
Mvel
o:Who'
sgonnat
ellhi
m?
Il
ookatMar
cusandshakemyhead.
Mvelo:Iinsi
st!I
tsmyfri
endthatisoutt
her
efeel
ing
hel
pless.Thisisthel
eastIcoul
ddo!
Marcus:Ok.Justseduci
ngthenwedrughi
m,take
hi
mi nandthenwepuncht heanswer
soutofhim.
Isi
ghi
nrel
ief
.
Me:Gr
eatt
hen.
Mar
cus:Letmegocal
lBheki
.
Heupsandl
eave.
Me:Babyar
eyousur
e?
Mvel
o:100%.

Ibr
inghercl
oseandwehug.
Me:Thankyousomuch.

Shesqueezesme.
..

*
**
[
ALEXI
S]

Ihearawhi
sper.Myheartbeat
sfast
,whi
sper
sin
thedar
karenevergood.

Iscr
eam whenIf
eelat
ouchbutmymout
his
cl
osedquickl
ywi
thahand.
"
Shhhi
tsme"
Oni
ka?Imoveherhandof
f.
Me:Whyar
eyouwhi
sper
ing?
Onika:Becausewedon'twannawakethi
swhole
house.Inafewminutesshitwi
llgodowngetup.
Me:What
'sgoi
ngon?
Oni
ka:I
'
m get
ti
ngyououtofher
e.
Me:Why?Ial
readyhavet
hatman'
ssper
minmy
egg.

Sher
oughl
ypul
lsmeup.
Onika:I
tsei
theryougoi
nyoursleepwearoryou
putsomeclotheson.Wedon'
thaveti
me!

Shegoesovert
hewi
ndowwhi
leIdr
essup.
Me:Howarewegonnagetoutofher
e?It
hought
yousai
dther
ewer
eguards.
Oni
ka:Ther
ear
ebutt
heydon'
tcheckt
runks.
Me:Youdon'
thavet
oputyourl
if
eindangerf
orme.
Oni
ka:IknowbutI
'
m doi
ngi
tanyway.

Herphoner
ings.Shepi
cksi
tup.
Onika:We'
recomi
ng.
..
.what
?Shi
t!Whatar
ewe
gonnado?Nonono.

Shehangsup.
Oni
ka:Lexiwehavet
ojump.
Me:What
?
Onika:BoniknowsI'
mtr
yingt
ogetyououtofhere.
She'l
lkil
lusboth.OhmyGodwhatwasIthi
nking!

If
reeze.Shecomesandsl apsmebacktoreal
it
y.
Shegoest olockthedoorandcomesbacktopul
l
metowar dsthewindow.Bull
etscomer
aini
ngin.
Sheopenst hewindow
Oni
ka:Jump!
Me:Oni
kaI
'
m scar
edofhei
ght
s!
Ihol
dont
othef
ramewi
thmyeyescl
osed.
Oni
ka:Youwannadi
e?HuhLexi
?Jump!
Agunwi t
hadi f
fer
entbanggoesof
fandt
he
shoot
ingstops.
Me:I
'
m gonnapeemysel
f.

"
Oni
kai
tsus!Openup"

Shesi
ghsi
nrel
iefandpul
lsmedown.Igaspand
cat
chmybreat
h,myheartbeat
ingoutmychest
.

Sheopenst
hedoorf
ullofbul
lethol
esand2men
wit
hgunswalki
n.
Man1:Let
'sgo.
Oni
ka:Al
exi
swedon'
thavet
hewhol
eday!

If
inal
lycomebackt
omysensesandst
umbl
e
t
owar
dst
hem.

Ikeepgaggingaswepassbodi
esl
ayi
ngont
he
groundal
lthewaytot
hegate.

Wef i
nal
lygettot
hecar.Wehoponandthecar
dr
ivesoff
.Onikakeepsrubbi
ngmybackasIcr
y.
Me:Ineedsomet
hingt
ocl
eanoutt
hissper
m of
fof
me!
Onika:You'
reon3monthspreventi
on.Al
lthose
i
njecti
onswererepl
acedwit
hwat er
.Iwasn'tabout
t
or uinanot
herwoman'sl
if
e.Thatsperm won'twor
k.
Me:Whathappenedt
oher
?
Oni
ka:Pr
obabl
ydead.Ohwe'
reher
e.
Me:Howl
onghaveyoubeenpl
anni
ngont
his?
Onika:Si
nceaf
ewhour
sago.I
thappenswebot
h
knowsomeonewhocar
esaboutyou.
Wegetof
fatt
heai
rpor
t.Wher
ear
ewe?

*
**
[
NARRATED]

Mvel
opopsherheadi
n.
Mvel
o:Ar
eyoucomi
ngt
obed?
Nduna:Notyet
.

Hisphoneri
ngs.Hequi
ckl
ytakesi
toutand
answers.
Nduna:Yes?
Ntokozo:Boss?We'
reaboutt
oboar
d.Thegi
rli
s
safeandunharmed.
Nduna:Goodwor
kboys.

Hehangsup.
Nduna:ShallIhearyoutal
kaboutgoi
ngtoseduce
menI'
llki
llyou.Yourfr
iendisonthef
li
ghtback
home.
Mvel
o:Wha-what
?

Hewal
kspastherheadi
ngt
othei
rbedr
oom.Mvel
o
r
unsaf
terhi
m...

*
**
[
BHEKI
]

Myphoner i
ngs.Isighandrol
lovert
otakei
t.My
mothernevercal
ls.Whati
sitaboutt
odayandthi
s
l
ate?
Me:Mashobane
Mother:Awukazewabatshel
alababant
ubakho
ukuthiunomndeni?(
Haveyounevertol
dyour
peoplethatyouhaveafamil
y?"
Me:Abant
ubaphima?(
Whi
chpeopl
e?)
Mother
:Egedenil
endluyakhomar nBhekisi
zwe!
Si
milel
ainganeiyagodol
a.(Atyourhouse'sgat
e.
We'
restandi
nghere,thebabyisfeel
ingcold)
Isi
tupr
ight
.She'
sgott
obeshi
tt
ingme!
Me:Nenzaniegedenil
akwaminezi
ngane?(
Whatar
e
youdoi
ngatmygat ewit
hchi
ldr
en?"
Mother:Si
let
heumkakhonenganeyakho.Angi
thi
awufuniukubuyaekhaya.(
Webroughtyouyour
wif
eandchi l
dsinceyoudon'
twannacomehome)

Fuck.Ihangupandcal
lDambayit
olett
hem i
n.

Ir
ecei
veat
extf
rom Der
ri
ck.

"Al
exi
shasbeenfound.Wedraggedfeet
.She'ssaf
e
andsound.Wehavebeencal
ledbytheZim poli
ce.
Wewillgowai
tbytheair
por
t.
"

ThankyouGod.Iputbot
hhandsonmyf
aceand
exhal
e.Ineedt
otakemymotherandt
hiswoman
andherbabybackhomeasi
nnow.

Idressupandtakemycarkeysandl
eavet
he
apartment
..
..
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t20•
••
BHEKI

It
ookmycupofcoffeeandexi
tedt
heki
tchen.
Derr
ickpul
ledmet
omyof fi
ce.
Der
ri
ck:Nkabi
ndei
sher
e.
Me:Whatdoeshewant
?
Der
ri
ck:Toseei
fyou'
reont
her
ightpat
h.
Me:I'
veonl
ybeenheref
or3weeks.Whatmassi
ve
changei
sexpect
ed?
Der
ri
ck:Youknowhe'
snothappyaboutyourr
etur
n.
Thedoorswingsopen.He'l
lneverst
opweari
ngli
ke
thecapt
ainofsoldi
ers.Asi
mpletuxcoul
dn'
tcoul
d
begoodbuthelikesbeingknownhe'sast
ati
on
commander.
Nkabi
nde:Der
ri
ckI
'
dli
kesomecof
fee.
Der
ri
ck:Weonl
yhaver
ooi
bos.
Nkabi
nde:I
tsf
ine.

Derr
icknodsandleavet
heoffi
ce.Nkabindewal
ks
ar
oundt ouchi
ngeachandever
ythi
ng,toomuchto
myirri
tat
ion.
Me:TowhatdoIowet
hispl
easur
esi
r?
Nkabi
nde:Whyar
eyouback?
Me:Whatdoyoumeanwhyam Iback?
Nkabi
nde:Iknowwhenyoul
eftyouwant
ednot
hing
t
odowi t
hthispl
ace.
Me:Thi
ngschange.
Nkabinde:Youcamebackandonlybeenfocusing
onthemi ssi
nggir
lcase,
obl
ivi
oustothe5mur der
cases.
It
akeadeepbr
eat
h.
Me:Thedetect
ivesar
edoi
ngt
hebestt
heycanwi
th
t
hosecases.
Nkabinde:Yousti
llhaveti
metoquit.If
igur
edyou
abusedyourposit
iont of
indyourl
overbutIdon'
t
thi
nkyou'rest
il
lstrongandcapabl
e.
Me:Wel
lIam.
Nkabinde:Thenl
eavet
hegir
lcase.Mat
habaand
Derr
ickwillt
akecar
eofit
.
Me:It
sabi gcase.Tohavethatwomant
ransf
err
ed
her
ewi l
lneedmet obeinvol
ved.
Nkabi
nde:
Me:Asyouwish.I
'
vegotsomewor
ktodosoi
f
you'
l
lexcuseme.
Nkabi
nde:Yeah.
Hewal
kst
othedoorandt
urnst
olookatme.
Nkabi
nde:I
'
llbewat
chi
ngyouNcube.I
'
llbeher
efor
t
hewholeday

Ij
uststar
eathi
m.Heshoul
dbeatament
al
i
nsti
tut
ion.

Myphoneri
ngs.Mymot herneverknowswhento
qui
t.Idr
opt
hecallandswitchonmycomput er
..
.

*
**
MVELO

YesterdayIgottoseeanot hersideofNduna.The
scarysideofhim.If ai
ltoli
etohi m If
oundmyself
tel
li
nghi m aboutseducingthatman.Hedi dnot
shoutoranyt hi
ngbuthi sbodylanguagesaidalot
ofthingsandhi ssi
lencewasl oud.Iknewbetter
thantogoaheadwi ththeplanofseducingthatman.
OnSatur
daysheusual
lymakesmebr eakfastbut
whenIwokeuphewasnowher ei
nsight.Imade
br
eakf
astandtr
iedt
ocallhi
m buthedidn'
tpickup.

Igetuptorinsetheplat
eandt
hecupt
hatIat
eon.I
hearfoot
steps.Ifeel
rel
ief
.
Me:Heybabe
Nduna:It
houghtyou'
dbeatyourf
ri
end'
shouse.
Me:No.I
'
llbat
handl
eaveat12.Imadebr
eakf
ast
.
Nduna:Iat
eatNqaba'
spl
ace.Ineedt
oshower
.

Hewal
ksof
ftot
hepassage.Isi
ghandf
oll
owhi
m.
Me:Isai
dI'
m sor
ry.
Isaycl
osi
ngt
hebedr
oom doorbehi
ndme.
Nduna:Ihear
dyou
Me:Idon'
twantyout
ohearme.Iwantyout
o
f
orgi
veme.
Nduna:Ok.
Me:Nduna
Nduna:Nomvel
o
Me:Howdi
dyouknowwher
eshei
s?
Nduna:Cel
lphonet
racki
ng.
Me:Thepol
icedi
dthatbutt
heydi
dn'
tfi
ndher
l
ocati
on.
Nduna:Wellpr
ivat
einvest
igat
orsaren'
tasst
upi
das
poli
ce.Theyl
ookedforthenewarri
valsandwe
foundher.

Heget
sint
othebat
hroom.He'
smaki
ngnosense.
Me:You'
renotmaki
ngsense.
Nduna:It
houghtyou'
dbehappyyourf
ri
endi
sback.
Me:Iam butal
soconcer
nedhowyouf
oundher
.
Nduna:Ij
ustexpl
ained.
Me:I
tsnotmaki
ngsense.
Nduna:Notmyf
aul
tmyl
ove.Canyoupl
easeget
meaf
resht
owel
?

Inodandgoout
..
.

*
**
ALEXI
S

Itfeltlikeadream wakingupwher eIf el

tsaf
eand
prot ected.It
oldmypar entseveryt
hingwhenI
arrived.TheDrar r
ivedthismor ni
ngtocheckmeup
andgi vememedi cati
ont ofl
ushoutt hesermen.

Ichecktheti
mewhenIcomeoutofthebathr
oom.It
wasalreadythenoon,
2pm.It
akeoutmypyjamas
andputthem on.Mommywalksinwit
hfood.
Me:Mmnhf
ood!Iam st
arvi
ng.
Meli
ssa:I'
vealwaysknownIrai
sedast
ronggi
rlbut
Idi
dn'texpectyout
obethisstr
ong.
Me:Curli
ngupi nbedandthrowingyourselfapit
y
par
tycanonl ysendsyoustr
aighttodepressi
onand
Iam notreadytosendmyselfint
othatdarkplace.
Sheput
sthet
raydownandhugsme.
Mel
issa:Iam sopr
oudofyou.
Me:Thankyou.
Meli
ssa:AndIl
oveyousomuch.Thatwomanwi
ll
payfort
his.
Me:Lett
hel
awpl
ayi
tspar
t.
Shechuckl
es.
Mel
issa:Ij
ustwannapuni
shhersopai
nful
ly.
Me:Don'tl
etthatwickedwi
tcht
urnyoui
nto
anyt
hingotherthanagoodwoman.
Mel
issa:I
'
m angr
y.
Me:Met
oobutwecan'
tletangercont
rolus,
r
emember?

Shechuckl
esasshewi
peshert
ear
s.
Me:Let
'
sgowat
chamovi
e.
Mel
issa:I
'
dlovet
hat
.Yourdadhasanewcol
lect
ion.
Me:Wher
eisheanyways?
Mel
issa:Outt
opl
aygol
f.Youknowhowhedeal
s
wi
thhisanger
.

Inodandhol
dbot
hherhands.
Me:Ijustwannaf orgetaboutthismom.Iwanna
putitbehindmeandmoveonwi t
hmyl if
e.Iam
scaredofhavingmymi ndlockedupi nadarkplace
thatImightneverr ecoverfrom.Ihavecriedenough
aboutit,nowIwanti tt
ocountasoneoft hethi
ngs
thatmademest ronger.Ialsoneedyouanddadt o
getoverit,I
'
m her einonepi ece.Boniandher
husbandar einjail
.Thatshoul dbeenought omake
usallfeelbett
er.

Shenodsandwehugagai
n.Ireal
lywantt
omove
onfr
om thi
sasqui
ckl
yaspossibl
e..
.
*
**
BHEKI

TodaywasthelongestdayI
'veeverhad.Exactlyat
5pm It
urnedof
fthelight
sandleftt
heoffice.Idrove
tomyhouseinWat er
fall
.

Bono:Let
'sthankyourmot
her
.Whatdi
dthi
shouse
everdotoyou?
Ichuckl
eandputmyhandont
her
eader
.
Me:I
tsl
onel
y.
Bono:Ihopewe'l
lseeyoumor
eof
tennowsi
nce
ther
e'speopl
einit
.
Ir
aisemybr
ow.
Me:Nottoosureaboutthat
.Gohomebef
oreyour
wi
fedivorcesyouagai
n.

Wel
augh.
Bono:I
twasgoodt
oseeyouSkhul
u.
Me:Li
kewi
seman.

Idrivei
nallt
hewayuntilIparkbefor
emygate.Iget
offandheadinsi
de.Iam welcomedbythear
omaof
steamedbread,mypoorelectr
ici
ty.

Me:Mashobane
Shebr
ingshereyesupandsmi
le.
Mot
her
:Mzi
lankat
ha.Lookatyou.Don'
tyoueat
?
Me:Always.Myj
eansar
eti
ght
,whi
chmeansI
'
m
gai
ning.
Mother:Youl
ookski
nnyt
ome.Icookedyour
f
avori
te.
Ipeepovert
hepotshe'
sst
ir
ri
ng.Beans.
Me:Mmmhni
ce
Mot
her
:I'
m sur
eyouhaven'
thadi
tinawhi
le.
Me:Ihadi
tlastweekact
ual
lybutI
'
mjustgl
adI
'
m
gonnahaveyour
s.
Shesmi
les,
proudsmi
le.
Me:I
'
m seei
ngsomeone.
Hersmi
lef
adesaway.
Mot
her
:What
?
Me:Yes.Iam seei
ngsomeoneandyoubei
ngher
e
wi
llcausemet r
oubles.
Mot
her
:Isn'
ttooear
ly?
Me:Idi
dwhatyouwant
edmet
odonowIam doi
ng
whatIwantt
odo.
Mother
:ButBhekiIwashopi
ngthebi
rt
hoft
hechi
ld
wi
llsor
tfor
m abondbetweenyoutwo!
Me:Noi
twon't.Tomeshe'
smyKhusel
o'swifeand
t
hat'
swhatshe'l
lbef
orasl
ongasIam al
ive.
Mot
her
:Whataboutyourchi
ld?
Tear
swer
efor
mingi
nhereyes.
Me:It
snotmine.St
opt
ryi
ngt
of or
ceherdownmy
t
hroat
.Youguyspromi
sedme!Youpromisedt
hatI
canspreadmywingsaft
erIful
fi
llt
hatwish.I
s
comingherewi
thheryouri
deaoflett
ingmebe?
Mot
her
:We'
ret
ryi
ngBheki
.
Me:Noma.St
op,
it'
l
lneverhappen.Gi
veup.
Mother
:YouknowIwon'
tdot
hatandyouwi
llnot
t
akeisi
thembu.
Herf
acechangesf
rom sadt
ohar
d.
Mot
her
:Youwon'
t.Youneedt
odumpt
hatgi
rl
.
Me:Iwil
lnoteverli
keort
oler
atet
hatwomanand
youknowmemot her!
Mot her
:AJohannesbur
ggirl
?Doessheevenknow
howt ofet
chwaterfr
om ther
iver
?Huh?Doyou
knowhowhel pf
ulMaNgemahasbeent ousall
theseyear
s?
Me:Shewi
lll
ear
n.
Mother:Bhekisi
zwe.Yourf
atherisnotwel
l,
youar e
i
nchar geofthathomenowast heheir,
ever
ything
deci
sionyoumakemustbenef i
tusall
.Youcan't
bri
ngusawomanwhowearpant sandwearthose
deadpeoplehair.
Me:Bereadyby8t
omor
row.Qophel
aniwi
lldr
ive
youhome.
It
akemycarkeys.IseeMaNgemaleaningbythe
wallsepar
ati
ngt
hekit
chenandt
hesitt
ingroom.
Mot
her
:You'
l
lleavewi
thoutseei
ngyourchi
ld?
Me:I
'
llseehi
m whenhe'
s3mont
hs.
Mot
her
:Bheki
!

Iheadout
..
.

*
**
ALEXI
S

JustasIcl
osemyeyesmymot
herknocks.
Meli
ssa:Ar
eyouasl
eepbaby?Someonei
sher
eto
seeyou.
Whoseespeopl
ethi
slat
e?Icl
imboutofbedt
o
open.
If
reezewhenmyeyesmeethi
s.
Mel
issa:Uhm capt
ainNcubei
sher
etoseeyou.
Bheki
:Yes.I
'
m sor
ryt
odi
stur
byoursl
eep.
Me:I
tsokay.Youcancomei
n.
Mel
issa:CanIdi
shupf
oryou?Wej
ustat
e.
Bheki
:I'
dlovet
hatMr
sMcVei
gh.

Mymothersmi
lesandgoesaway.Il
etBhekii
nand
cl
oset
hedoor.
Me:Youl
iedt
omypar
ent
s?
Bheki
:Aboutwhat
?
Me:Bei
ngadet
ect
ive.
Bheki
:No.Iwentbackt
owor
ktomakei
teasi
ert
o
fi
ndyou.
Me:What
?
Bheki
:Yes.Iwasacaptai
nandIam nowagai
n.I
am gl
adyou'r
eback.Ial
mostwentcrazy.
Me:Thankst
othoseguys.
Bheki
:Theyar
emyher
os.CanIgetahug?

Ichuckl
eandthrowmysel
fathi
m.It
ryt
oki
sshi
m
buthelooksaway.
Bheki
:Wecan'
tdot
hati
nyourf
ather
'shouse.
Me:Noonei
swat
chi
ng.
Bheki
:Yourmot
hercanwal
kinonus.
Il
augh.
Me:Soyoudi
dn'
ttel
lthem wewer
edat
ing?
Bheki
:NoIdi
dn'
ttel
lthem wewer
ebackt
oget
her
.
Il
augh.
Me:HuhGodIf or
got
.Ikeptthi
nki
ngofyouand
ever
ythi
ngseemedbearabl
e.
Bheki
:We'
reeachot
her
'speaceofmi
nd.

Weuntangl
ewhenwehearfootst
eps.Sheknocks
onceandcomei
n.Sheput
st hetr
ayont hevani
ty
andl
eavesaf
tersayi
nggoodni
ght
.

Heseatsonthesi
ngl
ecouchandsi
ghs.Ipul
lthe
vani
tychai
randsi
tbefor
ehi
m.
Bheki
:Ihavesomet
hingt
otel
lyou.
Ismi
lener
vousl
y.
Me:Okay.
Bheki
:It
'sgonnabr
eakyourhear
t.
Me:Ok
Isayandgul
p.Het
akesmyhandsi
ntohi
sand
ki
ssesthem.
Bheki
:Il
oveyou.IknowIhaven' tdonemuchto
pr
ovethatbutIdo.Everydecisi
onyouwil
ltake
af
terIt
ellyout
his,Iwi
llrespecti
t.
Me:You'
rescar
ingme.
Bheki
:Ihavea3weeksol
dbaby.
It
ryt
osnat
chof
fmyhandsbuthehol
dst
hem t
ight
.
Bheki
:Li
stent
ome
Hesaysf
ir
mly.Iwantt
ocr
y.
Bheki
:Myf
atherhad2wi
ves.
Me:Don'
tst
artwi
tht
hatcr
ap.
Bheki:Iwarnedyouaboutthosewords.List
ento
me.Myot hermotherhadasonbuthepassedona
weekbef orehismarri
age.Somyfathermademe
choosebet weentaki
ngoverthechi
eftancyand
marryingher-
Me:What
?
Hehol
dsmest
il
l.I
'
m cr
yingnow.
Bheki:Ichosemarryi
ngherandimpregnateher,
fulf
il
lmydad'srequestsoIcanhavemynor mallif
e
andgett omarrysomeonethatIl
ove.Butshe'
snot
mywi fe,Imarr
iedherforhi
m andIcutti
esafter
that.
Ishakemyheadacoupl
eti
mes.
Me:No.Youneedt
oleave.
Bheki
:Iwouldn'
thavesurvivedbei
ngthenextchi
ef.
Iwoul
dn'thavel
ivedmyl i
fethewayIwanted.I
havedreamsAlexis,
bigdreamsmar r
yingmy
brother
'swifeandgi vingherachil
dseemedokayat
thatti
mebutIr egretteditthef
ir
stdayIsawyou
behindthatcounter.IneverthoughtI
'
dmeeta
womanI '
dlovetoapoi ntwher
eIwanttomarryher
.
Sabathil
eI-
Me:St
op!Justst
op!Letgoofme.It
ryt
ofi
ghthi
m
of
fbutheholdsmeinsi
dehisar
ms.
Me:Bheki
sizweNcubeI
'm gonnascr
eam.Letgoof
me,l
eavemyparent'
shouseandneverevert
ryt
o
t
alkt
ome.
Bheki
:Il
oveyou.Iknowt
hisdoesn'
tmakesenset
o
youbutI
'm hopi
ngsomedayitwil
l.

Heki
ssesmyf
oreheadandl
et'
sgoandheadst
o
t
hedoor.
Me:Whycoul
dn'
tyout
ellmeal
lthi
swhi
le?
Het
urns.
Bheki
:Icoul
dn'
t.Iwant
edt
obutIj
ustcoul
dn'
t.I
'
m
sor
ry.
Me:Wher
edi
dyouf
indt
hecour
agenow?
Bheki
:Idon'
tknow.Goodni
ght
.I'
m sor
ry.

Hewal
ksout
.

Icol
lapseont
hecouchandst ar
eint
ospaceas
tear
spourdown.Hedidn'
teveninsi
stonstayi
ng
andletmeshoutathi
m.Igetupandr unoutto
him..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t21•
••
[
Amont
hlat
er]

Single.Si
ngle.Single.Single.Ienjoyeditwhil
eit
l
asted.Lessonl earnt,l
ifehasgoneon.Iam happy.I
am backt omyol dlifeofAl exisMcVei gh.Boni
siwe
andherhusbandar est il
linjai
lserving30years.
Mar cus'
slawyer smadesur eofit.Ihave99
problemsandamanai n'
tone.I '
mj ustgladBheki
andIbr
okeupbef
oreweevent
ookt
hist
oof
ar.

Iam sti
llmydad'sPA.Igotmyf i
rstsalaryonFr i
day,
MveloandIwentt ospendi tataresortinMagal i
es.
Wecamebackgl owi ng,Iam spendingeverymi nute
wit
hmyf r
iendbecausei nthenext2weeksshewi l
l
belegal
lyNduna's, Iam happyforherbutapar tof
mei shurt
ingIwillnotgettoseeherasIpl ease.

'
Howi
shangovert
reat
ingyou?I
'
m dyi
ng'

Il
aughandcal
lher
,af
terIcheckwher
ethemi
ght
y
Kel
lyi
s.
Mvel
o:Gi
rlpl
easehel
pme.
Shegr
oans.Igi
ggl
e.
Me:Getwat
erwi
thl
emon.Theysayi
thel
ps.
Mvelo:Whydi
dIl
etyouconvi
ncemet
odr
inkt
hat
shi
t
Me:Youwant
edt
oobvi
ousl
y.
Mvel
o:Ihat
eyour
ightnow.
..
ohno.Bhekii
sher
e.
Me:Bhekiwho?
Mvel
o:Theoneandonl
y.Byebabe.
Me:Wai
tdon'
thangup
Mvel
o:Bye.

Shehangsup.Wow.Thewor
kphoner
ings.
Me:MarcusMcVei
gh'
sof
fi
ce.Al
exi
sspeaki
ng,
how
mayIhelpyou?
Call
er:I
tsPhenyoZi
thaspeaki
ng.I
sMrMcVei
gh
avai
labl
e.
Me:Hei
s.Pl
easehol
d.

IbuzzMrMcVei
gh.
Me:PhenyoZi
thaont
hel
ine.
Mar
cus:Puthi
mthr
ough.
Me:YesSi
r.
Iputhimt hroughandgomakemysel fsomecof f
ee.
Ifi
ndamagazi ne.Ist
eali
tandrunbacktomy
off
ice.Ineedani deaofhowmydr esswil
lbe.I
haven'tf
oundt heonethatIl
ikesofarandIhave
only4hour stosendthedesignIwanttotai
lor
.

.
..
Il
ovehowqui ckmydaysare.Aft
erlunchIj
ustbli
nk
andthem boom i
tsknockof
fti
me, myfavor
it
etime
oft
heday.

Ipassbyt hetail
orformeasurementsanddrivet
o
theshoppingcentertogetsomegr ocer
ies,
breakfastt
obespeci fi
c.Ist
il
lcan'
tcookandIam
offi
cial
lyunbothered.

Ifi
ndMi
keont
hel
obbywhenImakemywayi
n.We
hug.
Me:Whatani
cesur
pri
se.
Mi
ke:Iknowr
ight
.Letmecar
ryt
hisf
oryou.
Me:Thanks.

Wegetont
hel
if
tandIpunchmycode.
Me:Magal
ieswasever
ythi
ngagi
rlneeded.
Mike:I
'm her
etohearal
labouti
t.I
'
m crossi
ng
f
ingersyoufoundyourpr
incechar
ming.
Me:Unfort
unatel
yIdi
dnotbecauseIwasn'tl
ooking
foronebutIdi
dfindf
unofwhichIwenttherefor
.
Thankyou.
Mi
ke:Your
eal
lywannabe30andal
one?
Me:Iwon'
tbet
hef
ir
stone.

Hel
aughs.Wegetof
fandher
unst
othef
ri
dge.
Mi
ke:Whyi
sn'
tther
eal
coholi
nthi
sfr
idge?
Me:Becausemymot
herdoesn'
tappr
ove.
Mike:Ther
e'ssomethingcal
ledhi
dingLexi
.Buy
boozeandfuckinghideit
.
Il
augh.
Me:You'
resuchadr
unkar
d.Ther
e'swi
nei
nthe
l
owercabinet
s.
Mike:Wine?I
'
drat
herdr
inkmyownpee.You'
reout
offood.
Me:Eggsandnoodl
eswi
llbemysuppert
oni
ght
.
Mike:OhJesussendyourangel
stor
escuet
his
chi
ld.Let
'sgogetf
ood.
Me:Ubereat
sandMrDf
oodandSpazaeat
s.
Mi
ke:Andwhati
sSpazaeat
s?
Me:I
tsdel
iver
y.I
t'
sNt
andoDuma'
s.Womanpower
.
Mi
ke:Who'
sthatsupposedt
obe?
Me:Getoutofhere.Sojustgetint
ooneofthose
appsandjustor
derfood.Iwillbetaki
ngabath.

It
akemybagandheadt
omybedr
oom.
Me:NoAf
ri
cancui
sinepl
ease!
Ishout
.
Mi
ke:Tool
ate.

Isi
ghandstr
ipal
lthewaytothebathr
oom.Ibath
l
ongenoughunti
lIheart
helif
tchi
mes.Igeti
ntomy
pyj
amasandgobackt oMike.
Me:Whatdowehaveher
e?
Iopent
hebag.
Me:MmmhIhaven' thadt
hisinmonths.I
'
m not
evensur
eifIcanusethechopst
icks.
Mi
ke:Luckyf
oryout
her
e'sf
orksher
e.

It
urnont
het
vandwedevouri
n.

.
..
Theupanddowni scrazyi
nt hemor ni
ng.Mikesl
ept
overandhedidn'tsethi
salarm andIdidnothear
minewheni twentoffsoherewear e.Tryi
ngtoeat
breakf
astanddressupatthesamet ime.Mydad
keepsbuzzi
ngmyphone.
Ior
derhi
m cof
fee.
Me:WowIhat eyouMicheal
.Ifyoudi
dn'
tsuggest
weplaythatf
reaki
nggamewewoul dbeatwork
r
ightnow.
Isayaf
tert
hel
if
tcl
oses,
taki
ngusdown.
Mi
ke:Howf
astasl
eepwer
eyout
omi
ssyoural
arm?
Me:I
fIsl
eepaf
ter12Idonothearanyt
hing.
Mi
ke:Mybad.Ij
usthopewedon'
tgetf
ir
edt
oday.

Ichuckl
e.Fi
nal
lywer
eacht
hegr
oundf
loor
.
Me:Goodl
uck.
Mi
ke:Toyout
oo.

Wepar
ttoourcar
s.

Me:I'
m sosososorr
y.Ihadar
unni
ngst
omachI
onl
ysleptar
ound3am.
Mar
cus:Whydi
dn'
tyoucal
lme?Howi
sitnow?
Me:Abi
tbet
ter
.Di
dtheydel
iveryourcof
fee?
Marcus:Yest
heydi
d.Youshoul
dgoseeaDrand
t
akeadayof f
.
Me:Noneed.I
'
llj
ustt
akesomepi
ll
sIboughtonmy
wayher
eandI'l
lbefi
ne.
Mar
cus:Ar
eyousur
e?
Me:Cer
tai
n.
Hekissesmyfor
eheadandheadtohi
sof
fi
ce.It
ake
adeepbreat
handheadint
omi ne.

'
I
'm saf
e'It
extMi
ke.

'
Mor ni
ngmyl ove.Wannashar ewhatBheki
wanted?'It
extthesoulmateandcheckMr
McVeigh'sappoint
ment sfort
hedayandapprove
somet hensendhim hisschedul
e.It
extthe
mommyandi nform herI'
l
lbehavi
ngsupperwith
them t
onight
.
'
Mor
ningsoulmat
e.Hecametoinvest
igate.Oneof
t
heworker
swascaughtinact
ionapperantl
y.
I
magi
ne'Irol
lmyeyes.

'
Whycoul
dn'
thesendadet
ect
ive.He'
sdramat
ic.
Whenar
eyouleavi
ngf
orhome?'Ir
espond.

'
Tomorrowevening.Iam t
oot
ir
edt
odr i
ve.Nduna'
s
br
otherwi
llonl
ybef reet
omor
roweveni
ng'

'
Okaybabe.Hopi
ngt
oseeyoubef
oreyoul
eave'
Iam sadnow.Fr
om tomorrowonwar
dsi
sthe
begi
nningofmynightmar
e.

'
Act
ual
lyIam i
nvi
ti
ngyouf
ordi
nnert
oni
ght
'Ismi
le.

'
Iwi
llbet
her
e'IhearKel
ly'
slaught
er.'
Tal
klat
er.The
devili
sher
e'Ipr
esssendandt
ossmyphoneont
he
drawer.

Istartsendi
ngoutemai
lsandmaki
ngappoi
ntment
s
forthenextday.

Befor
eIknowi t
,thedayisoverandI'
m drivi
ngto
Mvelo'
s.Iboughtwineduri
nglunch,i
tsreall
y
i
mpol i
tet
oshowupatpeopl e'shousesempt y
handed.Myphoner i
ngs,Iputontheearpi
eceand
answer.
Me:Mommy.
Mel
issa:Whyam Ionl
yhear
ingf
rom yourdad?
Me:BecauseIwasscar
edyou'
l
lshoutatme.
Melissa:Youbett
erdr
iveher
eaftert
hatdinnert
o
col
lectyourfood.Myfri
dgedoesn'
thavespace.
Me:Mom!
Mel
issa:Wewi
llbeasl
eepar
ound10pm.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry.Iwi
llcome.
Mel
issa:Youbet
terorel
seyourf
oodwi
llspoi
l.

Shehangsup.Sodr
amati
c.Isigninatthegateand
dri
vein.Thi
scompl
exl
ooksnice.Ishouldgeta
quotat
ion.

Iparkandreachf orthebagofwi neatthebackand

thengetoff.Ir
ingthebell.Thi
sthingisannoyi
ng.
Whost i
lli
nstal
lstheseding-dongthi
ngs?

Sheopenst
hedoorandat
tacksmewi
thahug.
Mvel
o:Imi
ssedyou.
Me:Wher
e'sShakaZul
u?

Shehi
tsmepl
ayf
ull
yandwel
augh.
Mvel
o:He'
sbat
hing.He'
sfr
om t
hegym.
Me:I
shi
ssui
ttoot
ight
?
Mvel
o:Yes.
Me:Whatwashet
hinki
ngst
uff
inghi
msel
fupwi
th
cowheads.
Mvel
o:Hemustnothearyousayt
hat
.
Ichuckl
eandpl
acet
hewi
neont
het
abl
e.
Nduna:I
fit
snotAl
exi
s!
Me:HeyChi
ef.Ihear
dyournamemeanschi
ef.
Nduna:Whot
oldyout
hat
?
Me:Phi
lani
.Shouldwegetworr
iedt
hatyouwil
l
showupwithoutyoursui
tont
heweddingday?
Nduna:huh?
Me:Thatbel
ly.I
twon'
tfi
tont
hatsui
t.
Nduna:I
'
llgof
itanot
herone.
Mvel
o:Icur
set
hedayyoueversawi
ntl
oko.
Nduna:I
ntl
okodi
dnot
hing.Youcookl
otsoff
ood.
Me:2weeksofeat
ingcl
eanmi
ghtmakeadi
ff
erent
.
Nduna:Asl
ongast
hatdoesn'
tmeanIshoul
deat
r
abbitf
ood.
Me:Sal
adsar
en'
trabbi
tfood.
Nduna:Myni
ece'
srabbi
teatsal
ads.
Me:That
sdoesn'
tnecessar
il
ymeani
tsr
abbi
tfood.
Mvel
o:Goodl
uckf
ri
end.

Shedi
sappear
stot
heki
tchen.
Nduna:I
syourt
radi
ti
onalat
ti
rer
eady?
Me:Mvel
owi
llt
akecar
eoft
hat
.
Nduna:Canyouevendance?
Me:Iwil
lsur
pri
seyou.Justkeepyoureyesopen
t
hatday.
Nduna:Iwi
llbewear
ingspecks.
Il
augh.
Me:Yesyoushoul
d.

Het
ouchest
hewi
ne.
Nduna:Youbot
hloveal
cohol
.
Me:Wedon'
t.Ij
ustbr
oughtt
hisasagi
ft
.
Nduna:Real
ly?Thankyou.I
'
llkeepi
t.

Hetakesi
tandwal
kst
othei
rbedr
oom.Iwasj
ust
sayi
ng!

Myphoner
ings.
Me:Lexispeaki
ng.
Mike:HeyLexi
tsme.I
'm ar
rest
ed.Yourboyf
ri
end
ar
restedme.Canyoupl
easetel
lhimtoletmego?
Me:Whatdi
dhesayhe'
sar
rest
ingyouf
or?
Mi
ke:Ihavenoi
dea.
Me:Okl
etmecal
lhi
m.

Ihangup.
Me:Mvel
o.Doyoust
il
lhaveBheki
'
snumber
s?
Mvel
o:It
hinkIdo.
It
akeherphone.
..

*
**
BHEKI

Myphoneri
ngs.Icancel
thecal
landpr
oceedt
othe
whi
teboy'
scel
l.
Me:Haveyoudoneyourcal
l?
Mi
ke:Iwi
llsueyouf
orwr
ongl
yar
rest
ingme.
Me:Di
dI?Youhadcocai
nei
nyourcar
.
Mi
ke:What
?Idi
dn'
t
!
Me:I
fyoukeeppasti
ngyoursel
fli
keapri
cotj
am t
o
Al
exi
syouwillhavecocai
neinyourcar
.
Mi
ke:What
?
Me:Yes.Staythehel
lawayf r
om herorelseyouwi
ll
havecocai
neandever ydangerousdrugandyou
wil
lbeconvict
ed.I
'm sur
eyouwoul dn'tr
iskgoi
ngt
o
j
ail
.
Mi
ke:You'
reasi
ckbast
ard.
Me:Yourchoi
ce.

Iwhist
leandwalkaway.Ineedani
cel
onghot
shower.I
tsbeenalongday..
..
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t22•
••

Iarri
veatthest
ationandI '
mt ol
dt owait.Isi
tdown
andr eadt
henewspapert opasstime.Peopl ecome
i
nandoutt ocerti
fy.Ikeepglanci
ngatmywat ch,
I'
m gonnabelateforwor kagaintoday.Itextdad
thatthest
omachbugi shereagain.HeinsistsIgo
totheDrandbringthel et
tert
omor row,somuch
work.

9am onthedott
hedevil
'
ssonwal
ksin.Thepol
ice
onthefr
ontdeskaskshimt
opassbyandhepoi nt
s
atme.Bhekinodsandwal
kst
owar
dsme.
Bheki
:Mor
ningmi
ss.
Me:Mor
ning.I
'
m her
etogetmyf
ri
end.
Bheki
:Il
ethi
m gol
astni
ght
.
Mi
kemustbeki
ddi
ngme!Whydi
dn'
thecal
lme?
Me:Ohok.

Hesmirkal
it
tl
eandwal
ksaway.It
akemybagand
l
eave.

ItrytoreachMi keonmywaytot heDrbuti

tkeeps
takingmest r
aighttovoi
cemai
l.

IgettotheDr,myluckydayi ti
sempt y.Iconsul
t
anddrivetoMike'
splace.Iknockforaf ewtimes
unti
lheopens.Hemakest heboredfaceheal ways
makest opeopl
ehedoesn' twannasee.
Me:I
sitsaf
etocomei
n?
Mi
ke:Whyar
eyouher
e?
Me:BecauseIam wor
ri
edaboutyou.
Heshi
ft
s,maki
ngspacef
ormet
ogeti
n.Hecl
oses
t
hedoor.
Mike:Doyouwantt
hatpsychopat
htoar
restme
again?
Me:Whatdi
dhesaysyoudi
d?
Mike:Ibecamefr
iendswi
thyou.Iwasarr
est
edfor
bei
ngf r
iendswi
thyouandthr
eatenedt
ostop.
Me:What
?
Mike:Yes.Hesai
dhe'
llpl
antdr
ugsi
nmycari
fI
don'
tstayawayfr
om you.
Iscof
f.Wowthi
smother
fuckerdoesnotknowme.I
takeapl
ateoff
oodandheadtothedoor.
Mi
ke:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:Tof
ixthis.Whothehelldoeshethi
nkheis?Get
r
eadywhil
eI '
m gonewe'
regoingtofest
ivalmal
l
whenIr
eturn.Peaceof
fer
ing.
Hesmiles.Ismi
lebackandwalkout.BhekiNcube
i
scrazy.Heisdangert
othecommuni ty.Heis
abusi
nghispowerforhi
spersonalaff
airs.St
upi
d
man.

Ical
lMveloandtellheraboutt
hesadnews.She
fi
ndsitf
unny.Ihanguponher .

Pol
iceman:Di
dyouf
orgetsomet
hingmi
ss?
Me:Yes.I
sthecapt
aini
n?
Pol
iceman:Yesbutnotseei
nganyone.
Me:Wel
lIneedt
oseehi
m asi
nnow.
Pol
iceman:I
'
m af
rai
dyoucan'
t.
Me:ManofGodar eyouli
steni
ngt
ome?Iwantt
o
seeBhekiNcuber
ightnow!

Peopl
estopandl ookatme.Idon'
tcare,
I'
m now
evenangr
ier.Ij
ustwannachopoffBheki'
shead.
Wehaven'tspokenorseeneachothersi
ncethat
ni
ght
.Hedonest
eponmyt
oet
oday.

Thepolicemanpi
cksupt
hephoneandi
nfor
m hi
m
thatsomeonei
sheret
oseehi
m.Hehangsup.
Pol
iceman:Lef
t3r
ddoor
.
Me:Thankyou.

If
ixmysel
fandcl
ickmyst
il
ett
osaway.

Iknockonceandpusht
hedoor
.He'
sgl
uedt
othe
computer
.
Me:Whatt
hehel
lBheki
?
Her
aisehi
seyes.
Bheki
:Excuseyou?
Me:Whatt
hehel
l?Whydi
dyouar
restMi
ke?
Bheki
:Becausehewasbr
eaki
ngt
hel
aw.
Me:Whi
chl
aw?
Bheki
:Tr
espassi
ng
Me:Wher
e?Yourhouse?
Bheki
:Mypr
oper
tyyes.
Me:Doyouknowwecanr eportyout
oyourbosses
f
orwasti
ngthest
atesr
esources?
Hechuckl
es.
Bheki
:Whatdi
dIwast
e?Thebenchhesaton?
Si
ncewhendoeshesl
eepoveratyourpl
ace?
Me:Whydoyoucar
e!
Bheki
:Becauseyousai
dyouneededti
metobe
al
one.Ift
hatboycansl
eepoveri
tscl
eart
hathe'
s
comingforyou.
Me:Bheki si
zwe.Thisi smyl i
fenotours.IfIf
eell
ike
datingandf uckingMikeIwi l
l.Idonotbelongtoyou.
Shoul dn'
tyoubesomewher est al
kingyourwif
e?If
youevercr osst hel
ineIwil
ltellmyf at
herandyou
willlosethi
sjobandt hatl
aundr yandyouwi l
l
starvetodeathcauseI 'dt
ellhimtomakesur e
you'reneverhiredanywhere.Doyouhearme?
Hel
ooksatmewi
thoutbl
inki
ng.
Bheki
:We'
redoneher
e.
Hesaysdeepl
y.
Me:Hopef
ull
ywear
e.LeaveMi
ket
hehel
lal
one.

Hegoesbacktohi
scomput
er.It
urnonmyheel
s
andheadout
.

Itakeadeepbreat
handfanthetear
sback.Why
can'thej
ustl
eavemealone!Icomposemysel
fand
walkawaywithmyheadheldhigh.

.
..
Spendi
ngthedaywit
hMikemadeupf ormyl
it
tl
e
cr
yingsessi
onint
hemorni
ng.Ienjoyedmysel
f.
WhenIgothomeIwentstr
aightt
obed.

Event
houghIf
eel
li
keIwashi
tbyat
ruckt
his
morni
ngbutat
leastI
'
m ear
ly.It
akedad'
scof
feet
o
t
hisof
fice.
Mar
cus:Lookwho'
sear
lyt
oday.
Me:Ineedpr
omot
ion.
Mar
cus:Yourmot
herandIwer
etal
kingaboutt
hat
.
Il
augh.
Me:Thatwasaj
oke.
Marcus:Welli
tsnot.Manypeoplear
ealways
i
nterest
edi
nknowi ngaboutourcompany,ournew
arr
angementsandal l
.SoIfi
guredwehaveyouher e,
howaboutwecr eateourownlit
tl
emagazi
net hat
wil
lbepubli
shedevery2mont hs.
Me:What
?

It
akeseat
.
Mar cus:Yesbaby.You'
regoodatwhatyoudo.And
thatwillt
akeustothehighestlevel
.Takeallt
he
ti
meyouneedt othi
nkaboutit.Youwillhaveyour
ownt eam of5people.
Me:Dad!Idon'
tevenhavet
othi
nkaboutt
his.
Hesmi
les.
Marcus:Thenyoubett
erst
artbr
ainst
ormi
ngthe
nameoft hemagazi
necauseIam goingt
oinf
orm
myteam aboutit
.
Me:You'r
ethebestdadi
nthewor
ld.Iseewhat
you'
redoingt
hough.
Hel
aughed.
Marcus:Thi
sisi
nnocent
.Whenyoufi
ndyour
dr
eam jobatFor
bes,GQorwher
everI
'dsetyouf
ree.
Me:Il
oveyou.
Mar
cus:YouknowIl
oveyoumor
e.
Me:Haveagoodday.I
'
llseeyouatl
unch.I
tsonme.
Mar
cus:Il
ovet
hesoundoft
hat
.

Ismi
leandgetupt
oleave.Awhol
efr
eaki
n
magazi
ne!
IscreamedsoonasIgottomyof fice.Idancedand
call
edMvelo.Shel
eftyest
erday.IonlyhaveMi ket
o
keepmesane.Itel
lherthegoodnews.
Me:What
'supwi
tht
her
edf
ace?
Mvel
o:Zul
ufacescr
ub.
Me:I
sn'
tit
chy?
Mvel
o:Nodummy.Whenyoucomeaunt
ywi
llf
orce
yout
oappl
yit
.
Me:I
'
m sonotr
eadyt
oseeher
.
Wel
augh.
Mvelo:ThegoodnewsisI
'm notdoi
nganyt
hing.I
wi
llbeeati
ng,bat
hing,
cal
lyouandNdunaand
sl
eep.
Me:Iwannabeyou.
Mvel
o:Haveyouhear
dfr
om Bheki
?
Me:No.Ishoul
dn'
tbehear
ingf
rom hi
m.
Mvel
o:Hel
ovesyou.
Me:Andhowwoul
dyouknowt
hat
?
Mvelo:Ij
ustknow.It
hinkwhatyousai
dtohi
m
yest
erdaywasabitharsh.
Me:Har
shhow?Hear r
est
edmyfri
endoverhi
s
st
upi
djeal
ousy.Ihadt
oputhi
minhisl
ane.
Mvel
o:Yout
hreat
enedhi
m!
Me:Heneedst
ost
ayawayf
rom meandmyl
if
e.
Mvel
o:You'r
esuchadevi
l.So,
areyouandMi
ke
r
eall
yfr
iends?
Me:WowNomvel
o.
Mvel
o:I'
m aski
ng.YouhidBhekiandsai
dyouwer
e
j
ustget
ti
ngalongfine.
Me:MikeandIaref
riends.Shal
lweupgr
ade,
you'
l
l
bethefi
rstper
sont
oknowmybabe.
Mvel
o:I
sther
eapossi
bil
it
y?
Me:No.Iof
fi
cial
lywantnot
hingt
odowi
thmenat
t
hispoi
nt.
Mvel
o:Okaybabe.I
fyousayso.Ican'
twai
tforyou
t
ocome.
Me:Ri
ghtaf
tert
hebabyshowerIwi
lldr
ivet
her
e.
Mvelo:UghIfor
gotabouti
t.Ishoul
dsendyou
moneyt obuyagif
tbutIsawast r
oll
eratSome
i
nstashop.I'
l
lchecki
tout.
Me:Soonwe'
l
lbebuyi
ngyoust
rol
ler
s.
Mvel
o:EwwohmyGodno
Il
augh.
Me:Uhm hel
lo?You'
reaboutt
ogetmar
ri
ed.
Mvel
o:Thatdoesn'
tmeanIshoul
dpopbabi
es.
Me:Ndunawi
llwantal
it
tl
ehi
m ont
hehoneymoon.
Mvel
o:Cont
racept
iveswer
emadef
orsuchr
easons.

Shet
akesasi
ponagl
ass.
Me:I
sthatwi
ne?
Mvel
o:No
Me:Mvel
o.Ndunasai
dwe'
redr
unkar
ds.
Mvelo:I
naworl
df ul
lofmen.Womenneedt
ost
ay
t
ispytobet
oler
atethosemen.
Me:Ament
othat
.Iwi
shyoucant
ellt
hatt
oKel
ly.
Thedooropens.Speaki
ngoft
hedevi
l.If
ocuson
mycomputer.
Kel
ly:Heresheis.Al
exi
sthi
sisLebo.Andshe
wouldlovetohaveawordwithyou.
Me:HiLebo.
Shewavesal
it
tl
e.Kel
lywal
ksout
.
Lebo:I
'
m sur
eyou'
veseenmear
ound.
Ihaven'
tbutIsmi
leandnod.
Lebo:Areyoufr
eearoundl
unch?Iam hopingwe
coul
dt al
koveragl
assofwineandst
irfry.
What
?
Me:Uh.
..
Ipr
omi
sedmydadt
hatIwi
llhavei
twi
th
hi
m.
Lebo:Evenbet
ter
.It
saboutt
hemagazi
ne.
Me:Oh.Nopr
obl
em t
hen.
Lebo:I
'
llseeyout
hen.
Me:Ok.
Shewal
ksout
.Igetupandheadt
odad'
sof
fi
ce.

Ist
opwhenIhearshout
ing.I
t'
sKel
ly.
Kel
ly:
Don'
ttestmeMar
cus
Mar
cus:Woul
dyoupl
easel
oweryourvoi
ce?
Kel
ly:
No!Si
nceshecameback.Iam ver
yinvi
sibl
e
t
oyou.
Marcus:It
oldyout
hatdaywasami
stake.Iwas
goi
ngthroughalot
.
Kel
ly:
Iwi
shyou'
dhavesatt
hatwhenyourbal
ls
wer
edeepwit
hinme.

Whatt
hehel
l?
Mar
cus:Getout
.
Kel
ly:I
tsei
therwecont
inuewi
tht
hisoryourwi
fe
wil
lfi
ndoutaboutt
his.
Ihearf
oot
stepsappr
oachi
ng.Ir
unbackt
omy
of
fi
ce.

Ican'
tbel
ievethi
s.Whatonearthi
swr ongwi
thmen?
Ican'
tbel
ievedadwentandsleptwit
ht hi
swoman.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t23•
••

Hegrabsmyar m andpullsmebackt
ohisoffi
ce
andshut
sthedoor .Iexhal
eandhol
dthefi
leIhad
i
nmyhandcl osetomychest .
Marcus:Pri
ncess,Idon'
tknowwhati
sgoingon
wi
thyout hesedaysbutwecan'
tworkli
kethi
s?
Whatisgoingon?
Me:Not hi
ng.Iam doi
ngal ott
hisweekdad.
Bringi
ngamagazi nei
ntoli
feisnotajoke.I
'
m sorr
y
i
fyouar ecatchi
ngadiff
erentvibe,
I'
mjustbusy
that'
sall
.
It
ryt
osmilet
oaddonmyconvinci
ngst
atement
.
Henodsandhol
dthet
hedooropen.
Mar
cus:Wi
llyoubebusydur
ingl
unch?
Me:I
'
llsee.
Mar
cus:Okay.Il
oveyou.
Me:Loveyout
oo.

Heper
ksmycheekandI
'
m out
.

Themagazi nei deawassuccessf ul.Thisweekhas

beenaboutmeandmyt eam tryingt oput
everythi
ngtoget her.We'
retryi
ngt ogetan
aff
ordablecamer amanandcheappr i
nti
ng
machi nesdeals.Ourbudgeti sabi ttoot i
ght
,Kell
y
wasagai nstt
hei deasoIwoul dn'tbesosur pri
sedif
shet ol
dthefinancet eam t
ogi veust his.

Imovedoutofmyol
dof f
icet
oanewonet hatMike
hel
pedmecleanupcauseitwasaf
reaki
ngstorage
butyouwouldn'
ttel
lnow.Advant
agesofhavi
ng
goodfri
ends,heboughtmeaportr
aitf
orthewal
l
andpaidfort
hecarpenter
.Mydeskistodief
or.

If
indThabiandKatewait
ingformeint
heof
fi
ce.I
pl
acethefi
leonthedeskinf
rontoft
hem.
Me:Thesear
eMrMcVei gh'
sideasofwhatourf
ir
st
i
ssueshoul
dfocuson.
Thabi
:Asl
ongasi
twon'
thaveust
ravel
li
ng.
Me:Iwil
lspeakt
oKel
lyaboutt
hecarandpet
rol
car
didea.
Kate:Ithi
nkweshoul dj
ustletKell
ybef ornow.
She'ssoagainstt
hisshe'dcallanot
hermeet i
ngand
convincetheboar
dt hecompanydoesn' thave
enoughmoneyf orthismagazinething.
Me:You'
rer
ight
.I'
l
lspeakt
oDani
nst
ead.
Thabi
:Per
fect
.
Me:Andthi
sisi
t.Wear
emeeti
ngagai
nlat
ert
o
chooseanaf
for
dabl
ephot
ogr
apher
.
Kat
e:Nopr
obl
em.

Theygetupandl
eave.Ipl
uginmyear
phonesand
gl
uemyselft
omycomput er.

Ij
ustseeawomanstandingontheot
hersi
deofmy
desk.Ir
emovet
heearphones.
Me:Hi
.
Kel
ly:
Givet
hem t
ome.
Me:What
?
Kel
ly:
Theearphones.Theyarwprohi
bit
edi
nthi
s
bui
ldi
ng.Al
exi
syouf ai
ltofol
lowanyrul
esar
ound
her
e!
Me:Wel lt
hatwasnoti
nmycontr
act.I
'
m sorr
yI
misseditwhenyoutol
dmeaboutthedosand
donts.HowcanIhelpyou?
Kell
y:Marcustel
lsmeyou'r
eleavingonFr
idayfor
yourfr
iend'
sweddi ngi
nKZN.Iwouldli
keyouto
submitafullr
eportonhowfarareyouwit
hthis
magazi
ne.
Me:Okay.
Kel
ly:
Wit
hasampl
eofyourcoverpage.
Me:Wehaven'
tdeci
dedyet
.
Kell
y:Thendeci
debecausenextweekMonday
we'r
egoingonholi
daysandbyt henIneedt
ohave
submitt
edthesamplet
ot heboard.

Shesmi
rks.Iwannapunchi
tof
fherugl
yhoef
ace.
Me:Okay.Ther
epor
twi
llbeonyourdeskFr
iday
morni
ng.
Kel
ly:
I'
dlovet
hat
.

"
Sur
pri
-"

Il
ookovert
othedoor
.Iseemymot
her
.
Mel
issa:Idi
dn'
tknowyouhadcompany.
Kel
ly:
Mel
issa.I
tswor
khour
s.
Meli
ssa:Of
course.Notschoolhour
sthatmeansI
'm
al
lowedtobri
ngmybabyandmyhusbandf ood.
Kel
ly:
Alexi
sisbusy.
Melissa:I
'mjusther
etodr opthi
soffandgot omy
husband.YouknowI '
vefiguredI'
l
lbri
nghiml unch
andhi sdesser
tever
yday.Itdoesn'
tseem hoe-i
shto
fuckyourownhusbandi nhisoffi
ce.
..
closeears
Lexi!

Ist
artl
eandclosethem f
orreal
.I'
veneverheardmy
mothertal
kli
kethatbef
ore.Kel
lyrunsout.Ir
emove
myfingersfr
om myears.
Me:Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Mel
issa:Adul
tst
aff
.Ar
eyouhungr
y?
Me:Mom
Mel
issa:Iwi
llst
abyourf
ather
.Justknowt
hat
.
Me:OhLor
dJesusno.
Meli
ssa:Howcoul
dhedothi
stome?Heroutofal
l
peopl
e?WhenhetoldmeIswearIwant
edt
opull
of
fmyhai
r.
Me:Youwannagr
abadr
ink?

She'
scryi
ngnow.Idon'tknowwhatt odo.Igetup
andhugher.Daddycomesi n.Iputt
hescissor
sin
theopenbefor
eIleavet
hem alone..
.

.
..
Everygi
rlneedsaMikeinherl
if
e.Hecalledmeto
dri
vestr
aighttohi
splacebef
oreIknockedoff
.

Ifoundhi
m cooki
ng.I'
vebeensitt
ingher
ewitha
bottl
eofwi
newatchinghim cook.We'
vedit
chedthe
pi
mpmyr i
deonthekitchentab.
Mi
ke:GuesswhoIbumpedi
ntot
hismor
ning.
Me:Car
li
e?Lebo?Angel
?Gr
ace?Tasha?
Mike:Thankyouforr
emi
ndi
ngmet
hatI
'
ma
whoreman.No,Bheki
.
Me:Mxm.
Mi
ke:Hef
inedmef
ordr
ivi
ngwi
thoutaseat
bel
t.
Me:Iwi
llki
llt
hatman
Mi
ke:No.Hedidi
ttogetareact
ionf
rom you.
Wher
edoeshiswif
estayanyway?
Me:Idon'tknowandIdon'
tcar
eandIdon'
twanna
tal
kaboutBheki.He'
sanol
dchapt
erthatI
'
ve
burned.
Mi
ke:Readyt
odat
esomeoneel
se?
Me:No.Iam notcutoutf ort
hist
hing.I
'
llj
ust
cont
inuemyalonelifeplusnowIhavemydr eam
j
ob.Lif
eisperf
ect,Iseri
ouslydonotneedaman.
Mi
ke:Lovei
sabeaut
if
ult
hingLexi
.
Me:Noitsnot.Peopl
ejusthurteachother,
that
'sal
l
i
tsabout:makesomeonef eelspeci
al,
lovedand
wantedandthendropamar ri
agebombont hem.
Loveisafucki
ngjokeMike.
Mike:Yeahwi
thjustor
dinar
ypeopl
e.Whenyouf
ind
t
heone?Everyt
hingchanges.
Il
ookathi
m.
Me:Whatdi
dyoudot
omyMi
ke?
Mi
ke:Iknowi
tsoundscr
azybutI
'
minl
ove.

Il
augh.Imustbedr
eami
ng!
Me:What
?Who?You?I
nlove?Wi
thwhoMi
cheal
?
Mi
ke:Tasha.

Igaspandscr
eam.
Me:Congr
atul
ati
onsTasha!
Iscr
eam.Hel
aughsshyl
y.
Mi
ke:I
t'
scr
azy.
Me:Haveyout
oldher
?
Mi
ke:No.Idon'
tknowhowt
odoi
t.
Me:Okayokayokaydon'
tpani
c.Di
shupandt
he
l
essonswil
lst
artwhenweeat.
Hesmi
lesandnods.Myphoner
ings.
Me:Heymyboo
Phi
lani
:Don'
tyoudar
e.Howar
eyou?
Me:FineandbusyandI
'm sor
rybutIhaven'
t
abandonedyou.Howar
eyou?
Phil
ani
:Don'
tsweatnanaI
'
vebeenbusymysel
f.I
needahugefavor
.
Me:Shoot
.
Phil
ani
:I'
m goingtopaylobol
aforMelthi
sweekend.
Asyouknow, Ihavealit
tl
ecar,i
tbr
okedownandI
knowI'
m outoflinebutIwaswonderi
ngifyou
coul
dborrowmeyourcar .
Me:You'
reget
tingmar ri
ed?WowPhil
aniI
'
m so
happyf
oryou.Of cour
seyoucanhavemycar.You
cancomegetittomorrow.
Phi
lani:ThankyousomuchLexi
.Thankyout
hank
youthankyou.Mncwaa!
Ilaughandwet
alkal
it
tl
emor
ebef
orewesayour
goodbyes.
Il
ookatMikesmili
ngtohisphone.I
fMi
kecoul
dfal
l
i
nlovet
henther
e'shopeformetoo.

*
2daysl
ater
*
Ihavebeendoi ngeverythi
ngallatonce.Fet
chi
ng
mydr ess,wri
tingtherepor
t,comingupwi t
han
i
mpr essivecoverpage.Icouldn'
tleavet
hismorni
ng
becauset her
ewasj ustsomucht odo!

Ihavereceivedt housandsofmessagesfrom Mvelo

andNdunat hreateni
ngtonevertal
kmeagai nifI
don'
tarri
ve.Mom l ef
tthismorni
ngandIcr i
ed
becausethatshoul d'vebeenmegoingtheretobe
wit
hmyf r
iend.NowIwon' tevengett
oseeher
l
eaveherpar ent
'shome.

8pm onthedotIdr
iveoutheadi
ngt
oKZN,
rel
ying
onMveloasmyGPS. ..
.
..
Whati
sthi
spl
ace?Ical
lMvel
o.
Me:Iseri
ousl
ycannotbel
ieveyouNomvel
o.Youl
et
medrivemybabyhere?
Iam fumi
ng.Howcouldshedothist
ome.She
knewheri
n-l
awsli
veatthebundusbutl
etmel
end
Phil
animyj
eep!
Mvelo:Fr
ienditshal
fpast5am,
youshoul
d'vebeen
her
eyesterday.Thecer
emonyisbegi
nni
ngat9am.
Shesayscalmly.She'
sonlyconcernedabouthow
l
ateIam, wel
lIwouldn'
tbelat
eifshegavemer i
ght
dir
ect
ions.It
akeadeepbreath,l
ikeitornotIhave
todri
vemybabyher e.
Me:Howf
ari
sitf
rom her
e?
Iam beyondhur
tthatIam goi
ngt
omakesucha
majorcompromise.
Mvelo:10t
o15mi nut
es.Whenyouseeashoppul
l
over
,Iwil
lsendsomeonetofet
chyou.
It
ossthephoneont heotherseatanddri
veintot
he
gr
avelroad.Thi
splaceisugly.Howdopeople
managet ol
iveher
e?Ileftt
het ownabout20
minut
esago.Iwouldn'tsur
viveadayhere.

Everythi
nglooksli
keashophere.Ical lMvel oagai
n.
Idon'tknowwhatt hismanf
edher .Myf riend
wouldn'tl
ookt wi
ceonaZuluman, herfant asyhas
alwaysbeenmar ryingawhi
teperson.Li vinginan
estatenothere.

Me:Cowswal
krandoml
yar
ound?
Isaysoonasshepi
cksup.
Mvel
o:YesSabat
hil
e.Cowsarenor
malher
eWhy
di
dsheagreet
omar r
yhimthough.
Me:Ohwai
t,It
hinkt
heyar
echasi
ngme.
Ispeedup.Ihearherl
augh.
Mvelo:Justst
opal
ready.You'
reher
e.Canyousee
us?
Ilookaround.Iseegoat
sanddogs.Aretheyf
ri
ends?
Ithoughttheywereenemiesbecauset
hegoat
neverretur
nedthedogsmoneyorsomet hi
ngl
ike
that.
Me:Ionl
yseegoat
sanddogs
Isay.
Mvel
o:Tur
nlef
t.
It
urn.
Me:Iseeagr
oupofpeopl
eundert
het
ree.

Whoont
hei
rri
ghtst
ateofmi
ndsl
eepsunderat
ree?
Mvel
o:Thati
sus.Youcanpar
kther
e.

Hol
ymot
herofGodi
t'
sreal
lyt
hem!

Ipar
kandr
eachf
ormyf
lopsatt
hebackseat
.

Me:Whyonear
thar
eyousl
eepi
ngout
side?
Iaskl
ookingoverthei
rlazyt
ir
edasses.Theyl
augh.
Nothi
ngisfunny.
Mvel
o:You'
rehere!Cr
ouchandgi
vemeahug.Iam
sopr
oudofyou,youdroveal
oneal
lthi
sway.
Shesaysopeni
ngherar
ms.
Me:Not hanksI
'
llpass.Justexpl
ainwhyyouar
e
st
reetadult
s.
Isaylookingaround.Ther
e'sahomest
eadthathas
carsalloverandsmokesteamingoutofgr
ass
houses.Iassumet hati
sNduna'shome.WellI
expectedittobemadeofmudandugl ybutits
beauti
ful.

Mvelo:I
tscust
om.Makotif
ir
stlyst
ayher
eunt
il
umgcagcoandIwil
lgoinafterwe'
ref
rom
esi
gcawini
.
Sheexpl
ains.
Me:Ohh.Haveyoueat
en?
Idon'
tseeanysi
gnsofbr
eakf
ast
.
Mvel
o:Yesweatemeat
.We'
rewai
ti
ngf
orpr
oper
br
eakf
astnow.

It
uckmysel
fnextt
oher
.Imi
ssedher
Mvel
o:Didyoufi
ndanymenonyourwayher
e?She
mustbekiddi
ngme.Me:Youwantmetodat
eand
marr
yaZul umantoo?
Sher
aiseherbr
ows.
Mvelo:Sabat
hil
eyou'
rever
yZul
uifyouhaven'
t
not
iced.
Shesaysr
oll
ingherowleyes.
Me:Yestr
uebutIam ver
ycluel
essaboutbei
ngone
plust
heyhavepr
ovenmer i
ghttobenothi
ngbut
tr
oubl
esoexcuseme.TheyarenotmycupofCiroc.
Thegirl
slaugh.Mveloisgl
owing.Thatr
edt
hingher
auntpaint
edherwithreal
lyworks.

"
Sani
bonanibant
ubasemzini
"Ist
art
le.Wheredi
d
t
heycomefrom?Theyplacet
wobigbucketsbef
ore
us."Thi
sisteaandj
uice.Thegi
rl
sar
ecomi
ngwi
th
cups,sugarandmil
k"hesays.
Mvel
oisnol
ongervi
sibl
enextt
ome.
Me:Thankyou.
Isaysi
ncenoneofthesel
adi
esher
ehavevoi
ces.
Theynodandwalkoff.

Thegi r
lsindeedcomewit
hwhattheywer
e
expectedtocomewi t
h.It
hankt
hem agai
nthen
theyleave.

Inudget
heundert
hebl
anketMvel
o.
Me:Don'
ttel
lmeIcameal
lthi
swayt
othankpeopl
e.
Shegi
ggl
es.
Mvel
o:That
'swhati
mpel
esi
does.
Inolongerwanttobeon3t hen.Theguyscome
backagainwi t
h2bucket s,
theladi
esfol
lowwith2
cratesful
lofbread.Dotheyownabakery?The
otherladi
esfoll
owwi t
hahugesaucepanI 'veever
l
aidmyeyeson.

"
Umkhongiwillcomet
oseeuMakotir
ightaf
teryou
f
ini
sheat
ing"hesayshumbl
yandtheywalkoff.

Aquantum par
kbehi
ndmycar .TheZuluclanget
s
of
f.IpeelMvel
ooff
.Me:Yourauntishere.
Igi
ggl
e.
Mvelo:It
houghtshehadapr
obl
em wi
thherknee.
shesaysbored.
Me:It
oldyoui
twasal
lanact
.
She'
saver
ydr
amat
ici
ndi
vidual
.She'
sli
mpi
ng.

Aunty:We'
rer
ightont
ime.Whyhaven'
tyoumade
fi
re?
Nogreet
ingsnonot
hing.Aunt
y:Wenacoconut
.Get
thewoodsovert
her
e,youseethi
sfi
rei
sdying
down.
That'
ssupposedtobeme.AndIhopeshedoesn'
t
real
lyt
hinkIwil
lhol
dawoodwithmybearhands.
Mvel
o:Zevi
leandyourcr
ewmaket
hef
ir
e.
Myassi
ssaved.
Aunt
y:You'r
enotevensupposedt
obet
alki
ngwena
Nomvelo.
Shesayscheeky.Whyi
ssheevenher
e.

Igetupandt
ryt
ohel
pmysel
fwi
thj
uice.

"Uphuzaumilemuntuwasemzini?Uyazi
ngizokuhl
awuli
samina?
"(You'r
estandingand
dri
nking.DoyouknowIcanfineyou?)

Iquicklyt
urn.Hegivesmeal azysmile.He'
s
dressedinrankunifor
m, exactl
ythewayNdunaand
everyZulumandoes.Br entwood, st
ri
ppeduzzit
ee,
adidascapandsandal s.The:"Uyawudlalau
What aphu"shoes.
Me:I
'
m sor
ryIwast
oot
hir
sty.
Isayt
ryi
ngt
osavemysel
f.Hesmi
lesandnods.
Hi
m:Ar
eyout
hemai
dofhonor
?
Inod.
Him:Good.Youwi
llbet
heonemakingbreakfastf
or
yoursi
deandwhenyou'
redonepl
easetellMakoti
tocal
lme.
Hesaysandtakewhatseemslikeaphoneoutof
hi
spocket
.OhMyGodIf ai
ltoholdmysel
fIl
augh.
Herai
sehiseyesandl
ookatme.
Hi
m:I
tcal
lsever
yonef
rom anywher
e.
Eveni
fso.Iwoul
dneverbuythat
.Taxidr
iver
sli
kei
t.
Theyar
ethemostst
ingypeopleaft
erXhosamen.
Me:Isee.

"Bafotheyneedyout her
e"saystheguywho
broughtusjuice.Whyam Isti
llst
andi
nghere?I
l
eavet hem t
alking.Thef
ir
eisready,t
hepaniseven
ontop.
Mvel
owavesatme.Igot
oher
.
Mvel
o:Isawhowyoul
ookedathi
m.
Shesayswi
thsmi
rk.
Me:Andhowdi
dIlookathi
m?Don'
tevendar
esayI
f
indhi
m at
tr
act
ive.

It
houghtt
hisdemonofmat
chmaki
ngmedi
ed.
Mvel
o:Yousmi
ledathi
m.
Me:YesIdidbecausehesaidhe'
sgoingt
ofi
neme.
Ihadtobenice.You'
rewasti
ngmyti
meIam
supposedt
obemaki ngfood.

Il
eaveherther
elaughi
ng.Il
ookathi
m walki
ng
away.Ther
e'ssomethi
ngabouthi
mthatIcan'
t
qui
teputmyf i
ngeron..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪
•
••I
nser
t24•
••
Iwashonest l
yhopingthefir
stroundoftheweddi ng
wil
lbeinapl acemorelikealodgebutnope.Wear e
hereatthebackofNduna' shome.Theset ti
ngi s
beauti
ful.Iwasdoubt f
ulwhent heystar
ted
decorat
ingbutnow;i tisthemostbeaut i
fulthing
I'
veeverseen.I ti
sDecember ,t
hesuni sboilinghot,
weneedai rcondi
ti
oningbutthat'
sjustmebei ng
wishf
ul.

MveloandIar
einsi
deal i
tt
let
ent
.Iam doingher
makeup.Shekeepstaki
ngdeepbreat
hs,shitmust
bescary.
Me:Woul
dyoust
opbei
ngner
vous?
Mvel
o:Ican'
t.Ineedatl
eastonegl
assofwi
ne.
Me:Wher
ear
eyougonnageti
t?Keepst
il
l.

Ipl
ugi
ntheeyel
ashes.
Mvel
o:Idon'
tknowLexi
!ButIneedi
t.
Me:Keepyourvoi
cedown.

We'
redonewi
thhermakeup.
Me:Allyouneedri
ghtnowistoputonthi
sbeaut
if
ul
dr
essandt heni
nthenexthouryouwil
lbeMrs
Nduna.
Mvel
o:I
tsr
eal
lyhappeni
ng.
Me:Yesfr
iend.You'
reget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.Ohnoyou
gonnar
uinyourmakeup.
Mvel
o:Iwi
shmom washer
e.
Hermotherdidn'
tcome.Apperantl
ymot
hersdonot
at
tendweddingsthissi
de.Iwouldbeamessifmy
motherdi
dn'thavetobether
eonmyweddingday.
"
Gir
ls?
"
That
'smymot
her
.Wehug,
shegoesont
ohug
Mvel
o.
Meli
ssa:Thebut
ter
fl
ies?Trustmetheywil
lvani
sh
soon.It
shal
fpast8pleasedressup.Mvel
o,don'
t
crybaby.
Me:Youcanst
il
lwal
kaway.
Mel
issa:Lexi
!
Mvel
olaughs.
Me:See?I
tcheer
edherup.
Mvel
o:Pl
easehel
pmeputonmydr
ess.
Meli
ssa:Nopr
obl
em.Thest
aresI
'
m get
ti
ngar
e
i
nsane.
Wel
augh.
Mvel
o:I
'
m sor
ryt
hey'
l
lgetusedt
oyou.

Wedr essup.5mi nutest o9weal lleavetothe

venue.Wear ehandedwat erandfansbef or
ewe
enter.Thoughtful
.Meandot her3ladies,
Mvelo's
cousinswemovet ositinthef r
ont.Eachwing
belongst othecertai
nsi de.It
spercentbecause
auntyt ol
dmemenwi llbehitti
ngonusbutIdon' t
seethechancesoft hathappeni ngnowsi ncethey'
l
l
beont heothersi
de.
Softheart
edmusicplayson.Ndunawal ksdownt he
ai
slewithhispeopl
e,theyleavehi
m ont heal
tarand
si
tsdown.Af t
erashortwhi l
eadiff
erentsongplays.
Igetup,onlyme.Thi
sshoul dbefeeli
ngoddbuti t
s
not.MveloandSboniso,herbrot
herfrom her
babomkhuluwalkdownhandi nhand.
Herf
athercouldn'
tcomet oobutthebabomkhul
us
di
d.ShepickedSbot obet heonewhowalksher
downtheaisl
e.Thedr ess!Iwannascr
eam!

It
sat ouchofwhiteandAf r
icanpat t
ernsputi
nso
perf
ect.Thehair
dresserdidthethingsther
ebythe
head,nottofor
getmydol lupskil
ls.She'san
Afri
canbarbi
e.Ican'thol
dt hesedamnt ears.

Isitdownwhenshei sgi
ventoherShakaZul
u
war r
ior
.Helooksbeaut
if
ul.Hel
ooksnothi
ngli
ke
theleat
herweari
ngNduna.

Thepast
oruni
test
hem,
theyexchangevows,
rings
anditsover.Wearenowheadi ngtoEsigcawi
ni,
I
wascr ossi
ngfi
ngersthatt
histimeoftheday
doesn'tcomebutherewear e!

"Uxolonkosazana.Ukhohlweiphoneyakho
esit
ulweni"(
Excusemel ady.Youforgotyourphone
onachai r
)hesaysgr abbi
ngmyhand.I tstheuzzi
wearingmanagai n,hehaschangedt omoreuzzi
clot
hes.
Me:Thankyou.
Hi
m:Idi
dn'
tgetyourname.
Me:Nei
therdi
dI.Al
exi
s.
Heext
endshi
shand.
Hi
m:Nqaba.
Weshakehands.
Nqaba:I
'
mlookingf
orwardtoseeyouesigcawini
.I
widenmyeyes.Hesmil
es,wit
hhiseyes.Istar
tl
e
whenmom call
smyname.Myhandi ssti
lli
nhis.
Me:Ibet
tergo.
Nqaba:Of
cour
se.

It
akemyphoneandgot
omom.
Mel
issa:Di
dyouj
ustsmi
leatt
hatman?
Me:Shoul
dn'
tI?
Mel
issa:Youshoul
dbutt
hatwasaf
li
rt
yshysmi
le.
Me:OhmyGod!

Iwalkawayf r
om her.Iwai
tforZevi
lef
ini
sh
dressi
ngupsoshecanhel pmeputonmybeads.I
wraptheisgegearoundandputonawhi t
evest
.
Mom getsin.
Mel
issa:Mvel
o'smom sai
dyoushoul
dwearboob
t
ubes.
Me:Andshowof
fourst
omachs?
Mel
issa:Yes.
Me:I
'
m notwear
ingt
hat
.
Mel
issa:Youar
e.Her
e,hur
ry.Wedon'
thaveal
lday.
Zevi
le:Come,
we'
l
lspendaboutanhourt
her
eso
youcanoutonaj
acketaf
ter
wards.
Me:Anhourshowi
ngof
fmyst
omach?That
'sal
ot.
Zevil
elaughsandhelpmefi
nishmyl ook.Iputon
thebloodyboobtubeandgotoMvel o'
stent.She'
s
allr
eadywithisi
dwabaandeveryt
hingthatis
hanging.
Me:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Mvel
o:Thankyou.Ihopeyoust
il
lremembert
he
st
eps.
Me:We'
l
lsee.
Aunt
y:Hhai
bo!

Irushout
.Ical
lMikewhil
eIwai
tforeveryonet
o
comeout.Ical
lPhil
aniaf
ter
war
dsandt henIsend
dadsomeselfi
es.

Theladi
escomeoutsi
ngi
ng.I
'
mjustgonnast
and
att
heback..
.
.
..
Ri
ghtnowIwantnot
hingt
odowit
hbei
ngawake,
let
al
onedri
ving.I
'
mful
landI
'mt
ir
edandsl
eepy.

Thesunj
ustset.Mysidei
sreadyt
oleave.Il
ookf
or
mom unt
ilIf
indheri
nhercar.
Me:CanIpl
easer
idewi
thyou?Ican'
tdr
ivei
nthi
s
st
ate.
Mel
issa:Whataboutyourcar
?
Me:I
'
llaskoneoft
heboyst
odr
ivei
tforme.
Mel
issa:Okay.
Me:Thanks.Letmegosaygoodbyet
oMvel
o.

Iwalktothehouseshe'
sin.It
sanewhouse,a4
room.Iknockandgetin.If
indhert
alki
ngwith
NqabaandNduna.Nqabaget supandleavesthe
room.
Nduna:Mai
dofhonor
.
Me:Idi
dn'
tevengett
imet
opar
ti
cipat
easone.
Nduna:Butever
yoneknowsyou'
re.
Me:Yeahr
ight
.Soi
tsof
fi
cial
.Congr
atul
ati
onsmy
peopl
e.
Nduna:Don'
tcr
y.It
oldyouyoucanmovei
nwi
thus.
Wel
augh.
Me:Of
cour
se.BabeI
'
mleavi
ng.
Mvel
o:Thatsucks.
Me:Youbet
terbat
handsleep.Iheardyouraunt
sayi
ngyou'
l
lwakeupat4am tomor r
ow.
Nduna:Notmywi
fe.She'
sti
red.
Mvel
o:Hehasnoideawhatheissaying.Thankyou
f
ri
end,youbei
ngheremadeeveryt
hingbearabl
e.I
l
oveyou.
Me:Il
oveyoumor
eandI
'
m gonnami
ssyou.

Wehug.At
allguyt
hatl
ooksl
ikeNdunaget
sin.
Hi
m:Baf
o.Wegonnaneedanext
racarf
ort
hei
n-
l
aws.
Mvel
o:Wer
en'
tther
eenoughcar
s?
Hi
m:Ther ewasbuteachcarleftwit
h7people.The
el
derscan'tt
ravel
wit
hdrunkards.MrsMcVeighhas
l
eftwit
hthefemaleel
ders,
themal esar
esti
llhere.
Mvel
osi
ghs.Mom l
eft
?OhmyGodI
'
m gonnadi
e.
Nduna:Wher
e'sNqaba?
Hi
m:Hel
eft
.Youknowhi
m.
Nduna:Howdoeshel
eavewi
thoutmaki
ngsur
e
ever
ythi
ngi
sokay?
Thedooropensagai
n.I
tsNqaba.Hel
ookssour
.
Nqaba:Who'
stheowneroft
hemeser
ati
?
Me:Me
Nqaba:You'
repar
kedbehi
ndmycar
.Ineedt
ogo
out
.
Nduna:Nqabaweneedcar
s.
Nqaba:AndIneedt
oleave.
Nduna:Smakadel
eft
.Ther
e'snoneedf
oryout
o
l
eave.
Nqaba:I'
llcal
ltheboyst
obri
ng3quantums.Ihope
theywil
lbeenough.Makoti
,I
'l
lseeyoutomor
row.
Lady,af
teryou.
Me:Byelove.Ndunapleasetr
eatmyper
songood
orI
'
llcomeandt akeherback.
Theyl
augh.
Nduna:Yesma'
am.

Iwalkoutf
oll
owedbyNqaba.Igett omycar ,
Ilook
foranener
gyboaster
.I'
m gonnaneed5oft hem.
Thecarinf
rontofmefli
ckli
ghts.UghIf
orgot.

Irever
seoutandof fIgo.Eyesf
ulloftear
s,I'
m
gonnamisshersomuch.Nqaba' scarkeepst i
ll
behindmeuntilwepar twaysonthetarroad.I
ts
beenagoodday. .
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t25•
••

WhenIpassbyt hepa'
soff
iceIseeawoman
behi
ndthedesk.Thatwasquick.Iknock,
shebr
ings
herheadupandsmi l
e.
Me:Hi
.
Her
:Hel
lo.YoumustbeLexi
,comei
n.
Me:I
ndeedIam.
Her
:I'
m Jean.
Me:Ni
cet
omeetyouJean.
Jean:Gi
rlyouwerebornfort
his.Ever
ythi
ngwasi
n
pl
aceandcl eart
ounderst
and.
Me:Ididn'
twantanot
herper
sont
ofi
ndt
hemess
t
hatIfound.I
sMrMcVei ghi
n?
Jean:Yesbuthewi
llbeouti
n15mi
nut
es.
Me:I
'
llbebr
ief
.Itwasni
cet
omeetyou.
Jean:Li
kewi
se.

Ismileandwalkout
.Iknockandt
hedooropens.I
star
tl
eal i
tt
le.
Mar
cus:Iwasj
ustonmywayoutt
oyourof
fi
ce.Get
i
n.
Me:IpassedbyJean'
sof
fi
ce.
Marcus:Ohyou'
vemether
?Suchal
ovel
yyoung
l
ady.
Me:I
ndeed.
Il
aughwhenInot
icet
henewpi
ctur
efr
ameaddi
ti
on.
Mar
cus:Icoul
dn'
thel
pmysel
f.Youl
ookedbeaut
if
ul.

I
tismypi
ctur
eint
het
radi
ti
onalat
ti
re.
Me:Thankyou.Doyouhavegoodnewsf
orme?
Mar
cus:Yes.Theyl
ovedi
t!

Hepunchest
heai
randspi
nar
ound.
Marcus:Idon'tknowwhatgaveyouanideat
o
makeyourselfthecoverpagebuti
twor
ked.
Me:Whew!Iwannacr
y.
Mar
cus:Comeher
e.

Wehug.Someoneclear
st heirt
hroat
,wel
etgoand
l
ookatt
hedoor.Thedevilstoodther
einapeach
women'
ssuit
.
Mar
cus:Kel
ly,
justi
nti
me.Whydon'
tyout
ellAl
exi
s
t
hebestnews?
Kel
ly:
We'
l
lincr
easeyourbudget
.
Iscr
eam andhugdad.
Me:Iseewhatyou'
redoi
ngbutok.Thankyouso
much.
Marcus:You'
dbesur
pri
sedifIt
oldyout
heboard
deci
dedyougetmoreofwhatyouhadbeengi
ven.
I'
m pr
oudofyou.
Me:Met
oo.Thankyou.Lunchi
sonme.
Mar
cus:Asl
ongaswe'
l
lgot
oadi
ff
erentr
est
aur
ant
.
Me:I
'
llmaker
eser
vat
ions.
Mar
cus:Okaymyl
ove.

HekissesmycheekandIwal
kout
.Wher
edi
dKel
ly
go?

Thevict
orywal kisnoticedbyeveryoneIcome
acrosswithinthehallway.Ikeepbowingtothe
congrat
ulati
onsuntilIgettomyof fi
ce.It
ext
mommyandt hencallthemakoti.
Mvel
o:Hey.
Me:Ar
eyousl
eepi
ng?Tel
lmeyou'
renot
.
Mvelo:Iam.Motheri
nlawf
orcedmebacki
ntobed,
Isl
eptaround2am.Iam si
ckeven.
Me:Awwmypoorbaby.Youshoul
dleavef
oryour
honeymoonal
ready.
Mvel
o:Thati
s4weeksago.Howdi
ditgo?
Me:Igoti
t!
Mvelo:Yes!Iknewi
t.Di
dyour
ecor
dthel
ookon
devi
l'
sface?
Me:Iwi
llgot
hroughthecct
vfoot
ageoff
rom Fr
iday.
Iwi
shIwastheretowit
nessit
.
Shel
aughs.
Mvel
o:Congr
atul
ati
onsmyl
ove.Iam pr
oudofyou
andIl
oveyou.
Me:Thanksbabe.Youbet
tergobackt
osl
eep.I
'
ll
cal
lyoulat
er.
Mvel
o:Byesweet
s.

Ihangupandgetbackt owor k.Weneedt ohaveAt

l
east4arti
clesbyThur sdaysot hatwhenwecome
backnextyearwewon' thavet ost ar
tfrom scr
atch.
ThabiandKat eareouthuntingf oryoungbusiness
woment ofeatureonourf i
rstissue.Mvelowi l
lbe
oneofthem, shejustdoesn'tknowi tyet.

*
**
Yesterdaywasal ong-beauti
fulMonday.I tismy
favouri
teMondayoft hem al
l.TodayIar ri
vedear l
y
togost ealthefootage.Lunchwi thdadyest erday
wasi ncredi
ble.Wewentoutagai ni ntheevening
withmom t ocelebrate.Wi l
landhismot herare
comingt hisweekendf orChri
stmashol idays.Truth
betold:Idon'twantt hem anywher earoundmebut
i
tiswhati tis.Kim'sbabyshowerwi llbesomet hing
i
ntimate.I'm gl
adwe' refinal
lydonepl anningit
.

Isti
ckinmyhar ddri
veanddownl oadthe
boardroom Fr
idayf
ootageandwal koutbef
ore
Lobstercomesbackfrom col
lect
ingallt
he
cupcakesatthecaf
eteri
a.

Igetbackt omyof ficeandpouranot hercupof

coffee.Ifi
ndarti
clesfrom Thabiandpi ct
uresfr
om
Kate,she'squi
teagoodphot ographer.Ismil
e,my
team issoli
d.Iemai lt
hem tonotgooutt oday,we'
l
l
spendt hedayputtingthesepiecestogetherint
oa
magazi ne.
Ireceivepict
uresfrom Mvelowear
ingadoekanda
blanketoverhershoulder
s.Icomplimenther.We
chatandIwor kunti
lmynosecatchesuponascent
thatusedt oi
ntoxicat
eme.Ibringmyeyesupt o
meethi s.He'
sr eal
lyst
andinginmyoffi
cerightnow.
Me:Everhear
dofknocki
ng?
Bheki
:Idi
dknockbutyourf
athert
oldmet
ogeti
n.
Me:Ri
ght
.HowmayIhel
pyou?
Bheki
:Icamet
osayhi
.
Me:Wel
lHi
.
Bheki
:Hi
.

West
areateachot
her
.Hecl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
.
Bheki
:Whenar
eyouf
ree?Iwantt
otakeyououtso
wecantal
k.
Me:I
sthatar
equestoryou'
ret
ell
ingme?
Bheki
:Iti
sar
equest
.Pl
ease.
Me:I
'
mfr
eeat11:
45.
Hegl
ancesathi
swr
istwat
ch.
Bheki
:That
'sanhouraway.CanIwai
tforyou?
Me:I
fyouwant
.
Bheki
:Ido.Iwi
llwai
tinmycar
.Thankyou.

Het
urnsandwal
kst
othedoor
.
Me:Youcanwaither
e.Ther
eiscof
feeandbi
scui
ts.
Youcansor
tyoursel
fout
.
Bheki
:Thankyou.

Inod.Idon'
tli
kethi
slit
tl
esadchil
dhim.He's
makingmef eelgui
lt
y,Idon'
tknowofwhat.Iget
backtomycomput erashehelpshimsel
foutther
e
bythesnackarea.

Ti
mej ustgottosnai
lmode.He'
swat
chingmewor
k.
Doesn'thehavethi
ngst
odoi nhi
sof
fi
ce?
Myphoneri
ngsasIat
tempttoaskBhekii
fhe
shoul
dn'
tbeatwor
k.I
tisunknownnumbers.
Me:Al
exi
sMcVei
gh.
Voice:Ntombemhl ophe.Pl
easeexcusemyi ll
manner snkosazana.Iwasindesperateneedof
yourdigit
ssoIaskedNdunat ost
ealthem forme.I
t
i
sNqabaspeaki ng, wemetattheweddi ng.
Myinsi
dest
urn.Il
ookatBheki
,he'
sonhi
sphone.
Whew!
Me:Hi
.Nopr
obl
em,
howar
eyou?
Nqaba:I
'
m good.Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m gr
eatt
hanks.
Nqaba:Iwant
edt
oaski
fyouwentwel
lthatday.
Me:YesIdi
d.Ibel
ieveyoudi
dtoo.
Nqaba:I
'
m gl
adnkosazana.Iwasn'tgoi
ngver
yfar
butt
oansweryourquest
ion,yesIwentwel
l.
Hi
sdeepvoi
cesentchi
ll
sdownmyst
omach.
Me:That
'sgood.
Bhekil
ooksmyway.OhGod.
Nqaba:I
'
m cal
li
ngf
rom mycel
lbyt
heway.

Il
augh.
Me:Of
cour
seyouar
e.
Nqaba:Neverl
aughati
t.Letmenotkeepyou.Have
agooddayahead.
Me:Youdot
oo.Thanksf
ort
hecal
l.
Nqaba:At
housandmor
ewi
llf
oll
ow.
Idon'
tknowwhatishappeni
ngwi
thmebutIl
ove
thesoundoft
hat
.
Me:Looki
ngf
orwar
dtot
hat
.Bye.

Ihangup.Ohholymot
herofJesus!Ij
ustf
li
rt
ed
wit
hamani nfr
ontofBheki
!
Me:It
hinkweshoul
dgograbsomethi
ngt
oeat
.I'
m
hungr
yandquart
ert
o12istoofar
.
Bheki
:Okay.HowwasKZN?
Me:I
twasgr
eat
.Real
lyf
un.
Bheki
:Mmmh.Whodi
dyoumeet
?
Me:Imetal
otofpeopl
e.

Henods.Thewayuptotherest
aurantisqui
et.We
ordersoonaswesi
tdown.Ourbeveragescome
fi
rst.
Me:So,
youwant
edt
otal
k.
Bheki
:Yeah.Imi
ssyou.
Me:Imi
ssyout
oo.
Bheki
:Thencomeback.
Me:Towhat
?Someone'
shusband?No.
Bheki
:Iam notLexi
.
Me:Soyoukeepsaying!Yourf
amilywi
llnotaccept
me.Idon'
twanttoputmyselft
hrought
hat.What
happenswhenyourfat
hersayssheshouldhavea
secondbaby?Whatwil
lbecomeofmebei ngwitha
manthati
sminebutnotreall
yminebecausehe
hast
otakecar
eofhisbrother'
shouseonthesi
de?
Bheki
:Thatwillnothappenst
handwasamiI
pr
omise.Please.
Me:You'
reaski
ngfortoomuchBheki
.Ial
wayst
ry
t
ounderst
andthisbutIcan'
t.
Bheki:I
tsyouthatIl
ove.Ifeelemptywithoutyou.
GodknowsIdon' twantthatwoman, shewasj usta
duty.Myf ami
lywil
lacceptyouandloveyouasIdo.
Justpleasegi
vemeanot herchance.Idon'twanna
l
oseyou.
Me:Idon'
tknowBheki,Ireall
ydon'
tknowwhat
's
ri
ghtandwhat'
snot.Idoloveyoubutthi
s
arr
angementdoesn'
tsitwellwit
hme.
Bheki
:Justpr
etendi
tdoesn'
texi
st.
Isi
gh.Asifi
twast
hateasy.Hi
sphonerings,hel
ets
goofmyhandandanswer.Hespeaksshortl
yand
hangup.
Bheki
:It
swor
k.CanIcal
lyoul
ater
?
Me:Yeahsur
e.
Heget
supandgi
vemehi
scar
d.
Bheki
:Il
oveyou.
Heki
ssesmycheekandof
fhegoes.

HowwillIl
ivetoseehischil
dwi
thanotherwoman
andpr
etenditdoesn'
texist
?Myheartwil
lneverl
et
meacceptthis,
ever.
..
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t26•
••

Bhekiindeedcal
ledandcamet opickmeupt ogo
havedinneratsomerest
aurantthathelabel
edas
hisfavori
tei
ntown.Theyserveallki
ndsoffood,
I
can'tbegi
ntoimagineworkthei
rwor ker
sgo
through.

Todayal
lwe'
refocusi
ngonwithmyteam i
sedi
ti
ng.
Mybabyismaturi
ngandI'
m overt
hemoon.Ikeep
glancingatt hewallclock,Idi
dn'
teatbr
eakfast
againt oday.Isl
eepl ate,
wakeupwi t
henought i
me
ti
met obat h,getreadyandgot owork.Iam ver
y
i
mpat ientforlunch.Igetupt ogeta100thcupof
coffee.
Kat
e:Thati
sunheal
thy
Me:Ican'
thel
pitI
'
m hungr
y.
Thabi
:Metoo.Inol
ongergetti
metoeatbreakf
ast
.
PlusI
'
m notafanofdonutsinthel
obby.
Me:Met
oo!Jesus.
Kat
e:Wel
lIdo.
Shedigsi
ntoherbagandcomesbackwi
thal
unch
box.
Kate:I
'
ddiewi t
houtbreakfast
.Whenmyofficei
s
readyIwi
llhaveami crowaveandfoodsst
ashedup
i
nmycupboar d.

Welaugh.It
aket
helunchboxandt
ake2sl
icesand
passi
tontoThabi
.
Me:Youshoul
dteachmehowt
omaket
hese.
Kate:Youcan'
t?Gi
rlIl
ovemyf
oodni
ceandst
yli
sh.
Justpickaday.

She'stheghetto-
nerdcolour
ed.Iam veryjeal
ousof
howshewear sherhair
.Everydayshehasa
di
fferentst
yle.IwishIhadthatconf
idence.
Me:Whatareyouguysdoingt
hisweekend?Fr
iday
tobepreci
se.Iwashopi
ngwedosomet hi
ng
anywaysbeforeweal
lgohome.
Thabi
:Yesbossbae!
Il
augh.
Me:Thi
shar
dwor
kneedst
obecel
ebr
ated.
Kate:Wegonnabathandputonourpyjamasat6,
star
tcookingwhi
lewesiponwineandpouringour
heartsout
.Iknowweallhaveboyf
ri
endproblems-
Thabi
:Gi
rl
fr
iend
Wel
augh.
Kat
e:Yes.OrGi
rl
fr
iendpr
obl
ems.Weadvi
seeach
other,
eat,
watchmovies,
brai
deachot
her
.I'
m not
real
lyafanofcrowdedpl
aces.

Sheadj
ust
shergl
asses.Me:
Thati
sfi
nebyme.
Thabi
:Met
oo.10mi
nut
est
olunch.Yay!

Myphonebeeps.Ivi
ewtheWhat
sAppt
ext
.Iam
gonnaneedanewphone,64gi
g.

'
Youlookbeaut
if
ulmyl ove.Imi
ssyouevenmor
e
whenIseeyourpict
ures'

Isendandr
eadmom'
stext
,remi
ndi
ngmet
opass
byhomelat
er.

Weusetheremai
ning10mi nut
estojustt
alkabout
ever
yoneatt
heoff
ice.Thenewgirlseemsnice,
we
deci
dewemustmakeherf eelwel
come.
.
..
Thedaywentbyfast.I
tendedwi
thmerecei
ving
fl
owersf
rom Bheki
.Hecall
edmeandwespokeal l
thewaytot
hemal l
togetmom afewt
hingsandall
thewayher
e.

Wear etr
yingtof
ixthi
ngsIguess.Idon'tknowwhat
ki
ndofmi racl
eIam hopi
ngforthat'
l
lmaket he
si
tuati
onofhiswifeandchi
lddisappearbutIam
wil
li
ngitdoesandourrel
ati
onshipsomehowwor ks.

Mom isnowher ei
nsight
.Ipackt
hegrocer
iesin
thei
rrespect
fulpl
acesandmakecornfl
akes.Iki
ck
offmyheelsandsitdownandeat.

Thequeenwal
ksi
n.
Mel
issa:I
ts5:
40pm.
Me:Yeah
Mel
issa:Whyar
eyoueat
ingt
hat
?
Me:Justbecause.
..
I'
m snacki
ng.
Shesi
ghs.
Mel
issa:Howar
eyouMi
sssnack?

Shet
akesoutpl
atesanddi
shup.
Me:Iam per
fect
.Howi
syoumyl
ady?
Mel
issa:Iam good.
Me:Wher
eisyourhel
pingl
adi
es?
Mel
issa:Onhol
idays.
Me:Mmmh.
Mel
issa:Whenar
eyougonnacome?
Me:Chr
ist
maseve.
Mel
issa:What
?Why?Mvel
oisn'
tevenher
e!
Me:Iknowmom.Thegirlmi
ghtbedatingand
needstospendal
it
tl
eti
mewithit
'sboyfr
iend.
Mel
issa:OhJesus.Whenar
ewemeet
inghi
mthen?
Me:Soon.
Mel
issa:Il
ikedi
twhenyouwer
esi
ngl
e.
Me:Youdi
d?Youshoul
d'vef
oughtMar
ythen.
Mel
issa:Idi
d!
Me:Okayokay.Anot
herthi
ng;Iwi
llar
ri
veSatur
day
morning.Thegi
rl
sIworkwit
handIhaveplanson
Fr
iday.
Mel
issa:Asl
ongasever
ythi
ngwi
llgoaccor
dingl
y.
Me:I
twi
llt
rustme.

Dadwal ksinandgoestohiswife.Theyki
ssand
smileateachotherl
ikehedidn'
tcheatonherwi
th
thatdevil
.
Mar
cus:Idi
dn'
tseeyout
odayatwor
k.
Me:That'
sbecauseI'
m notyourpaanymor
eMr
McVeigh.ButIdi
dseeyougoingint
oyouroff
icei
n
t
hemor ning.
Mar
cus:Anddi
dn'
tcomet
ogr
eetme?
Me:DaddyIcal
ledyouandwespokef
or30
mi
nutes.
Mar
cus:St
il
l.
Me:Ishoul
dgetyouguysagr
andchi
ld.
Them:We'
dlovet
hat
!
Jesus.Eww!
Me:I
'm ki
ddi
ng.Lor
dJesus!What
'st
hosef
aces?
WhatwouldIdowit
hachil
d?I'
m achi
ldmysel
f.
Mar
cus:I
t'
dbeour
s.
Me:Maybenextofnextyear
.
Mel
issa:We'
l
lbehol
dingyoui
ntot
hat
.

Il
augh.Theyhaveagr
andchi
ldontheway.They
mustconvi
nceLucast
ocomel i
vewit
hthem.

Mom serveus.Weprayandeat
.Theystar
twit
h
thei
rlovest
ori
es.Myfat
heri
sagoodloverbutt
he
cheati
ngdemonseemst oal
waysover
powerhim
somehow.
..

.
..
Thepoli
cesirendi
stur
bsmef r
om mypileof
thought
s.Il
ookattherearvi
ewmirror
,theyar
e
fl
icki
ngli
ghtatme.Great!

Ipullup.Iam nowgoingtobeanhourl ate.Dad

mustnott al
ktomeforthenext2mont hs.Why
woul dn'thewakemeup?Isl eptathomeandnowI
regretitbecauseI
'
m neverthislat
ewhenI '
m atmy
place.

Ij
umpwhenIseeaf i
gureinmywindow.Bheki
?
Ser
iousl
y?Isl
idemywindowdown.
Bheki
:Morni
ngma'
am.Pl
easest
epoutoft
he
vehi
cle.
Me:Why?
Bheki
:Iwannahugyouf
ir
stbef
oreIchar
geyouf
or
speedi
ngi
na60km/
hzone.
Me:I
'
mlat
e.
Bheki
:Nowyouwannaputyourli
feandl
ivesof
ot
hercit
izens?Pl
easest
epout
.
Me:wowBheki
.

Ist
epout
.
Bheki
:Li
censepl
ease.
Ir
eachformypurseandt
akei
tout
.Hewr
it
esme
myti
cketandhugsme.
Me:Ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Bheki
:I'
mjustt
ryi
ngt
omakeSouthAfri
caabett
er
pl
acebaby.Haveagr
eatdayatwor
k.Il
oveyou.

Igeti
nmycaranddr
iveof
f.Whatawayt
obegi
n
myday.

.
..
Kel
ly:
Idi
dn'
tknow10am wast
het
imet
oar
ri
veat
work.
Shej
usthadt
obet
hef
ir
stper
sonIseewhenIget
i
n.
Me:I
'
mfr
om t
heDr
.
Kel
ly:
Coul
dn'
tyoucal
landl
etsomeoneknow?
Me:Itsl
ippedmymi
ndI
'
m sor
ry.Theheadachei
s
ver
ybad.
Kel
ly:
Dr'
snot
e?
Me:Her
e.

Igi
veherandwalkontotheli
ft
.Idon'
tknowwhat
we'
ddowi t
houtDrs.Ij
ustwentt
otheDr,i
twasthe
onl
ythi
ngtosaveme.

Igett
omyof
fi
ceandexhal
e.
Thabi
:Yohyourgr
annyi
ssoannoyi
ng.
Me:Iknowr
ight
.
Kat
e:What'
supwi t
hherandt
hisst
inki
ngat
ti
tude?
Shehonest
lybor
esme.
Me:Shehasat
hingagai
nstever
yoneapper
ant
ly.
Thabi
:Sheneedsahi
ding.
Kat
e:Aser
iousone.
Me:Nonono.Nohi
dingpl
ease.

Imakecof
feeandsi
tdownt
owor
k.

It
ellThabiandKat
etogohavel
unchIwi
llf
ini
shup.

Iencryptt
hefil
esaft
erwards.Tomor
rowIam not
cominghere.Ihearaknock.
Me:I
tsopen!
Pr
eci
ousourr
ecept
ioni
stget
sin.
Pr
eci
ous:I
'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ogethol
dofyourphone.
Me:Iunconnect
edi
tsor
ry.
Pr
eci
ous:Ther
e'sal
adyher
etoseeyou.
Me:Al
ady?Youcansendheri
n.
Pr
eci
ous:Ok.

Shewal
ksout.Minut
esl
aterwhenIsweep.Aknock
comest
hrough.
Me:Comei
n.

Preci
ouswalksinfi
rstfol
lowedbyawomanI '
ve
neverseenbefor
e.Sheisdr essedlikethewomenI
sawatMvelo'swedding:dress,tekkies,
doekanda
cape.
Me:Thanks
Pr
eci
ous:I
'
mjustonecal
laway.
Me:Of
cour
sel
ove.

Sheheadsout
.
Me:Youmayt
akeaseat
.
Isaytothewoman.Shel
ooksyoungert
hanshe'
s
dressed.
Me:I
'
m Lexi
.ThoughIbel
ieveyouknowme.

Imeanshewoul
dn'
tbeher
eifshedi
dn'
t.
Her
:Iam Mangema.GuguNcube.
Me:HowcanIhel
pyouGugu?
Gugu:Byst
opr
uini
ngyourl
if
e.
Me:Idon'
tfol
low
Gugu:Bheki
.
Yeahr
ight
.
Gugu:Youar enothingclosetowhathi sparents
mayconsi derawi f
e.Theywi l
lstopatnothingto
makesur eyouar enotwiththeirson.Iwast aken
fr
om myf at
her'
shomet ogocont i
nuebeingawi fe
toamant hati
snolongerthere.Iagreedbecausei t
s
eit
heryout aket
hechi ef
'sordersoryouar e
banished.KwaNcubei snopl aceforali
tt
lebeaut i
ful
womanl ikeyou.Bhekilovesyouyesbuthewoul d
neverbeabl etopr ot
ectyouf r
om hispeopl e,Iknow
youmi ghtlovehimt oobutsaveyour selfwhi l
eyou
sti
llhavetime.Bhekithinkshehast hisfiguredout
buthedoesn' t.Hismot herhassentmeher etol i
ve
withhim, Bhekidoesn'twannabechi ef,
f orhis
fathertoall
owt hathehast obewi t
hme.Nowt el
l
mewher edoest hatputyou?Ar eyougoi ngtost and
that?
Me:Di
dshesendyouher
etot
ellmeal
lthi
s?
Shebal
lsme.
Me:Hi
smot
her
!Di
dshe?
Gugu:Ofcoursenot.IcameherebecauseIcare.I
don'
twanttowat chyougetyoursel
fint
ot hi
sand
rui
nyourli
fe.Butifyouthi
nkmaybeI '
mjusttrying
togetr
idofyou.Goahead, we'l
lmeetattheforest
at4am t
ogetwoodt ocookforonl
yLordknows
who.

Shegotupandlef
t.Il
ookaroundatnot
hing,
tryi
ng
tohol
dthet
earsfr
om fal
li
ng..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t27•
••

Myphoner ings.Itakei
tandputitonsilent
.Ihave
beendoi ngnothingbutcryi
ngandwal kingaround
thisplacelikeamadwoman.Ihar dlysl
eptlast
night.Idranksleepingpi
ll
stof
inallygetsomesl eep.
Gugu' swordskeptechoinginmyhead.Howdi d
sheknowwhoam I ?Wher
eIwork?

Ireall
ywishIhadener gytospeaktoBhekiright
now.IcallMvelo,wet al
kforawhileandhangup.I
don'tmenti
onanyt hi
ngaboutmycr azyrelat
ionshi
p
thathasa3rdper son.Thisi
showi tsgonnabe?
Haveanof fi
cial3rdpersoninourunion!

Idon'
tknowwhatt obeli
eve.Di
dGugucomet ome
wit
hgoodi nt
enti
onsorbad?Iwoul dneverknow
unti
lIspeakBheki
.He'sbeencall
ingmesi ncef
rom
l
astnight
.Ist uckathiscel
lphonenumber,or
maybenot .Letmej ustf
orgetheeverexi
stedand
moveonwi t
hmyl if
e.Itdoesn'
tmatteri
fGuguwas
ther
etopushmeawaysoshecanhavehi mi n
peace,ei
therwayhe' l
lhavehim.

Idel
etehisnumberandgot ot akeabath.Asmuch
asIhavethatli
tt
lehopethatthismightworkout,
it
real
lydoesn'
tmatternow.Bhekikeepschoosingto
bewi t
hherthantobechief.

Istar
tl
e,scream,sl
ipandfallonmybuttwhenIget
outofthebathroom andfi
ndamansitti
ngonmy
bed.Myt oweli
sstil
lint
act
,good.Hehelpsmeget
onmyf eet.
Me:Howdi
dyouevengeti
n?
Isaysnat
chi
ngmyhandof
fhi
s.
Bheki
:Secur
it
yletmeup.Whyar
en'
tyout
aki
ngmy
cal
ls?
Me:Whyar
eyoucal
li
ngme?
Bheki
:Al
exi
s.It
houghtwewer
ewor
kingt
hingsout
.
Me:WewereBheki
,unt
ilGuguar
ri
vedher
eandyou
di
dn'
tevent
ellme.
Hetri
est
ospeakbutshut
shi
smout
handcl
osehi
s
eyes.
Bheki
:Iwasgonnat
ellyou.
Me:When?Huh?WhenBheki
?
Bheki:AssoonasIfoundt hecour
ageto.It
snot
easytogotoyourgirl
fr
iendandtel
lheryour
brot
her'swi
feisher
e.
Me:Whati
sshedoi
ngher
e?
Bheki
:Idon'
tknow.Howdi
dyouknowshe'
sher
e?
Me:Shepai
dmeavi
sityest
erdayatwor
k.
Bheki
:What
?
Me:Yes!Youli
edtomeBheki.Yourfat
hermade
youchoosebetweenbei
ngchiefandbei
ngwi t
hher
andyouchosebeingwit
hheronbehalfofyour
brot
her
,thatmeanssheisyourwif
e!Unti
lfor
ever
.
Bheki
:That
'snonsenseandyouknowi
t.
Me:Thenwhyi
ssheher
e?
Bheki
:Idon'
tknowandIdon'
tcar
e!
Me:It
'sbecauseyourmot
hersentherher
e.I
tswho
t
heythinkiscapabl
eandgoodenoughtobeyour
wif
e.
Bheki:Whatmyparent
st hi
nkdoesn'
tmat t
erAl
exi
s.
Iti
syouthatIl
ove,sheisinmyhousenotwi t
hme
whereIli
ve.Myfat
hertoldmeafterIgether
pregnant
,myjobwouldbedoneandIhel dhimint
o
that.
Me:Unt
ilyouhavefi
xedthi
smess,Iam done.I
don'
twannabepartofal
lthi
suncer
tai
ntyBheki
.
Bheki
:Lexipl
ease.
Het
akesmyhandandl
ooki
ntomyeyescr
ying.
Me:I'm alotBheki.Takingmet oyourpar
ents
wouldneedyout ol earnhowt omanupbef or
eyour
parents.Ican'
tevenf et
chwood!Someonel i
keme
needsast rongmant ot akehertopeopl
eli
keyour
parents.Goandt eachyour sel
ftost
andforyoursel
f
orelseleaveandneverl ookbackbecauseUntilyou
knowhowt osaynot oyourf
ather
,you&Idon't
haveafut
ure.Ireal
lywannabewithyoubutnotli
ke
thi
s.Notl
iket
his.

Ipul
lmyhandawayandwal ktot
hecloset
.Ileanon
thedooraft
erIcl
oseandtakeadeepbreath.Icr
ied
enoughlastni
ght
,I'
m notgoi
ngtotor
turemyself
ri
ghtnow...
.

*
**
BHEKI

Ipushthedoor
sapart.If
indheri
nthel
ounge
breastf
eedi
ngthebaby.Shecover
sher
selfand
l
ookatme.
Me:Caretoexpl
ainwhyyouwentt
oAl
exi
s?You
haver
uinedmylife!
Gugu:Asmuchasyou' r
eabouttor
uinher
s?Don'
t
l
etlovemakeyouself
ishBheki
.Thatwoman
deservesamanwit
hnobaggage.
Me:Shewasst
art
ingt
ounder
stand!
Gugu:Underst
andingwhat?Thatoncei nawhil
e
you'
l
lhavetosleepwit
hmet ofoolyourfat
hert
hat
you'
retaki
ngcareofyourbrother
'shouse?Comeon.
Me:Youdon'
tunder
stand.Il
oveher
.
Gugu:IalsolovedKhusel
obutIhadtoshar e
countl
essnightswit
hyoujustbecauseIhadt odoit
foryourparent
s!YouknowverywellAlexi
swi l
lnot
survi
veinthathome.
Me:Shewon'
tevenst
ayt
her
e.
Shel
aughs.
Gugu:NowIbelievelovemakesyoumenst upi
d.
Likehel
lyourmotherwouldagr ee.Shewoul dwant
herther
etotor
tureheruntilsheleavesyou.Letthe
poorgir
lgoBheki,shedoesn'tdeserveal
lthathell
yourfamil
ywil
lputherthrough.
Me:Whydoyoucar
e?
Gugu:Becauseifi
twasn'
tforyourvindict
ive
par
entsIwouldbehereinJo'bur
glivingmybestli
fe
Bheki
sizwe!Iwoul
dhavemadesomet hi
ngoutof
myself!Ishoul d'
vegonetouniver
sitythatver
y
sameyeart heydeci dednobecauseKhusel ohad
pai
dlobol aforme.Youandyoursi bl
ingsaren't
nothi
ngbutacur set
oeverywoman' slif
e.Yousee
thi
sbaby?Gi venachance?Iwoul dthrowitallthe
waydownf rom thebalconybecauseitisnothing
butaremi nderofhowr uinedmylifeis!

Sheiscryi
ng.Sheputi tasideandwalkout
.The
babystart
scryingtoo.Isitdownonthecouch
opposi
teandl ookatitcrywhil
eIrockmybody
backandf or
thcryi
ngt oo..
.

*
**
ALEXI
S

Iwentouttohavelunch.I
gnoredeverycalland
everyt
ext.Ij
ustneedapolit
ewayt otellKel
lyt
o
fuckof
f.Thiscamelhasapr obl
em withmenot
beingt
here.Noyouthwantst oexchangehugsand
havemeaninglessconversat
ionswit
hol
dagehome
sharehol
ders.TheChrist
maspar t
ywasthei
ridea,
theymustenjoyitandnotbotherus.

Idrivetoaparkaftermy2hourl unch.Ibuyice
cream andsitonthebenchandwat chbir
dsfly
aroundwi t
hf r
eedom,kidsroll
ingont hegrass
l
aughi ngwithnosinglecareinthewor l
d.Iwishto
belitt
leagainandclueless.

Col
dhandscovermyeyes.Isi
gh.
Me:Yourhandsar
ever
ycol
d.Howdi
dyouf
indme?
Hel
aughsandr
emoveshi
shands.
Mi
ke:Fi
ndmyphonesweet
ie.
Hesl
idescl
osetomeandt
akest
hespoonanddi
g
i
ntomyicecream.
Me:Ishoul
ddel
etet
hatt
hing.
Mi
ke:Toor
iskyhoneyno.
Me:butyou'
reabusi
ngi
t.
Mi
ke:Thel
awsays:I
fyoucan'treachaf
ri
endfor
mor
ethan3hour
s,getwor
ried.Iwasworri
ed.
Me:Amen!
Mi
ke:What
'sgoi
ngonwi
thyou?
Me:Not
hing.
Mi
ke:Yourf
acej
ustbet
rayedyou.Outwi
thi
t.
Isi
ghandsni
ff
le.
Me:Don'
tjudgemeokay
Mi
ke:I
'
m hur
t.Howcanyouevensayt
hat
?
Me:Justi
ncase.SeeBhekiandIwer
etr
yingt
ofi
x
t
hings.
Hedoesn'
tlooksur
pri
sed.
Mi
ke:Andt
henwhathappened?
Me:Thewomanhemar ri
edforhi
sbrothercamet o
theoff
iceyester
day.Shetol
dmeal otofthings
aboutBheki'
shome.ThingsIwouldn'
twantt obe
partof
.Shement ionedt
hatherandBhekiwer enot
aonceof ft
hing,i
tsgonnakeephappening.
Mi
ke:Andwher
edoest
hatl
eaveyou?
Me:That '
swhatsheasked.Sheal soment ionedthat
Bhekidoesn'thaveful
lcontr
olofthesituationandI
sawt hatt
hismor ni
ng.Bhekiisonlyfocusedon
l
ovi ngmeandkeepi ngmear oundbuthewon' t
standupt ohisparent
s.Theyhavesomuchpower
overhim.SoIt ol
dhim weshoul dstopuntilhefi
xes
this.
Mi
ke:I
'
m sor
ryl
ove.
Me:I
tsokay.I
tsl
if
e,wel
iveandwel
ear
n.
Mi
ke:Let
'sgogr
abadr
ink.
Me:Badi
dea.Amovi
ewoul
ddo.
Mi
ke:Okf
ine.Amovi
eiti
sthen.

Ismi
le.Wegetupandgot
oourcar
s.

Amongstthemissedcal
lsIf
ind,2oft
hem ar
e
Nqaba'
s.Hemuststayawayf r
om me.Hei
s
pr
obablymarr
iedandhave5kids.
It
extMvel
othedramamyl i
fehast
urnedt
oface
whenwearri
veattheci
nema..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t28•
••

Theladiesnightwasr eal
lygreatlastnight
.I
speciali
zedi
nchoppi ng,i
tswhatIdobest .Kateand
Thabi di
dtheirmagicont hepots.Ventingand
cryi
ngmyeyesouti sexactlywhatIneededt o
numbmypoorhear t.Wet alked,cri
ed,ate,dr
ank
wine,tal
kedandcriedevenmor e.

IwishIdidn'thavetowakeupear l
ytodaybutI
promisedmom Iwi l
lmanagesoIhadt omanage.I
l
efttheladiestherebecauseitwould'
vebeenreal
ly
rudetotellpeopletoleaveat6justbecauseyouar
e.
Mymot heri
sanearlyworm.If oundherupand
cleani
ng.Imademysel fbreakf
astwhileIwaitedfor
thedecopeople.Theyhavear r
ivedandI'm happyI
havesomet hi
ngtobebusywi t
h.AuntMar yandher
annoyingkidsareabouttoarri
veanymi nutefrom
now.Iam sonoti nthemoodf orthem.

Me:Thisi
sperf
ect
.Youguysar
ereal
lygoodat
whatyoudo.
Guy:Thenpl
easer
ateus.
Hehandsmeat abl
et.Igi
vethem 10/
10.They
deserveit
.Theymi xedbabypinkandblueso
perfecti
tsli
kethecolorsweremadeforeachot her
.
ItextBuhle'
sbakeryremindi
ngthem thatwehave
only2hour stotheshowersotheybetterdel
ivert
he
cake.

WhenIwalkthedecorat
orsbacktothei
rcari
nthe
fr
ont,
Iseepeopl
ethroughthesl
idi
ngdoor.
Punct
ualt
hatmuch?
Thereisnocari nsi
ght .Greatlistener
s.Ibidthe
guysgoodbyeandheadbacki nside.Igreet
everyoneIcomeacr osswi thunt ilIcl
imbupt he
stai
rs.Cat er
ingconfi
rms.Ever ythingisgoing
smoot hly.Istr
ipmycl othesof fandgeti ntothe
shower .Iam outaft
erawhi l
e.Iputononl ythe
underwear sandmakemyf ace.

Myphoner i
ngs.Whowant
stor
uinmybeaut
if
ul
Sat
urday!

Ireachf
orit
.Iti
sunknownnumber
s,Ianswerand
notsayanyt
hing.
Voi
ce:Lexi
?
Me:Yes?
Voi
ce:I
tsme.Wher
e'syourvacuum?
Me:Ughno.Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hat
,someonewi
ll
cometocl
eanup.
Thabi
:Wewi
llcl
ean.Wher
eisi
t?
Me:Theseconddooraf
tert
hebat
hroom.
Thabi
:Cool
.Howi
sitgoi
ngt
her
e?
Me:Pret
tyf
inet
hanks.Whyar
eyouevenupso
ear
ly?
Thabi
:Hunger
.Bye
Il
augh.
Me:Bye.

Iputt
hephonedownandcont
inueput
ti
ngonmake
up.Atextcomest
hrough.

GOODMORNINGNDLOVUKAZI
.IHAVEBEEN
TRYI
NGTOREACHYOUONYOURCELLBUTI
HAVENOTHADANYLUCK.ISEVERYTHI
NGOKAY?

Onl
yaZulumanfrom Nduna'svil
lagecant
ext
someonei
ncapi
tall
ett
ers.Ishakemyheadsmi l
ing.
Ihavebeenignori
nghiscal
ls.Iseewher
ehei
s
goingandIdon'twannagothere.

HiNqaba.Everyt
hingi
sokay.Ihavebeenbusywi
th
work.Thankyouforyourconcer
n.

Ithi
nkofput t
ingasmil
eyf aceatt
heendbutdeci de
Iagaisnti
tsincehewon'tseeit
.Ipresssendand
setmyf ace.Imoveupfrom themirrorandputona
robeandgodownst ai
rs.Imeetmom ont hel
ounge.
Mel
issa:LucasandLi
saar
eont
hei
rway.
Me:Awesome.Soi
sthecake!
Mel
issa:Thedecoi
stodi
efor
.
Me:Iknowr
ight
.It
oldyou.
Mel
issa:Wel
lwel
lwel
l.
Me:Wher
e'sdaddy?
Mel
issa:Somewher
eout
sidewi
thPet
er.
Me:Uncl
ePet
eri
sher
e?
Meli
ssa:Of
cour
se.I
tsDecember
,al
ltheMcVei
ghs
ar
ehere.
Me:Letmegogr
eett
hem.
Mel
issa:Iwi
llbeupst
air
sget
ti
ngr
eady.

IsendMvel
omyfacebeatpi
ctur
eonmywayt
o
greett
heel
der
s.

Iam dizzyofhugsandai rki

ssesasIf
ini
shgreet
ing.
Thecakear r
ives,
Itel
lthem wheret
oputitandgo
backinsidet
ochange.

Me:Thel
adyoft
hemomenti sher
e.Mayweal
lsi
t
downandbequi
etpl
ease?Thankyou.

"Sur
pri
ii
ii
se!
!!
!"Sher
unsbacktoLucbef
oreher
brai
nreal
izei
tsus.Welaugh.
Me:Youcan'
trunawayf
rom us.
Li
sa:Ohmygoodnessar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osendmet
o
ear
lyl
abor
?
Il
aughandhugher
.
Me:Nobaby.Aunt
yissor
ryokaymyl
it
tl
epumpki
n.

Mom br
ingst
hesl
ing.Sheputi
ton.
Me:Don'
tcr
ypl
ease.
Li
sa:Thankyousomuch.
Me:Thankyourl
ovi
nghusbandf
ir
st.Hemadet
his,
wejusthel
ped.
Shet
urnstoLuc,t
heyhugandkiss.Wecl
ap.Love
i
sbeauti
fulwhenpor
trayedr
ight
.

Ileadt hem tot

hei
rtabl
eandthef unbegins.Weask
hert hebabyshowerquesti
ons,wepl aythegames,
eatt hecakeandthenthemaincour seisserved.By
thet i
mei tcomestoanendI'm drunk.Idi
sappear
allthewayt omyroom tosl
eepi toff.
..
.
..
I'
m wokenupbynoi seofpeopl eshoutingateach
other
.Iti
sdar kandr aining.Igetup,closethe
windowsandt urnont helights.Theshoutingissti
ll
goingon.Iputonaj acketandwal kout.I
tsnot
comingfrom downst airsbuther einoneoft he
rooms.Itiscomingf rom Wi ll
'
sr oom.Thedoor
opens,hiswifestor
msout .ShepushesLi am offher
wayont hestair
case.
Li
am:Tr
oubl
einpar
adi
se?
Me:Looksl
ikei
t.
Li
am:Nowomancaneverst andWill
'sst
inki
ng
at
ti
tude.Unt
ilhef
ixesthatabouthi
mself
,he'
llkeep
di
vorci
ngandmar ryi
ngagain.
Me:Heshoul
dn'
thearyousayt
hat
.
Li
am:Heknowsitt
oo.Ther
e'ssomeoneout
side
her
etoseeyou.
Me:Who?
Li
am:Ifor
gothi
sname.CanIbor
rowyournavy
gown?
Me:YesLiam butr
etur
nitt
omyr
oom whenyou'
re
donewit
hit.
Li
am:Of
cour
se.

Hewalksintomyr oom whi

leIgot
omeetthe
unknownperson.Ilookar
oundbutnooneisher
e.I
headbackinsi
de.
Li
am:Out
sidet
hegat
e.
Me:Whydi
dn'
tyouj
ustsayt
hatatf
ir
st?
Li
am:If
orgot
.

Isi
ghandgot oweartherai
ncoatandboots.The
el
dersdon'tevenknowweexi st
.Theyarei
nt he
l
oungebef or
et hefi
repl
aceaskingLucandLisa
quest
ions.Idon'twi
shtobethem ri
ghtnow.

Ifi
ndBhekiNcubei
nsidethecar.Itakeoffthecoat
andhopin.Westar
eateachot her,
hel eansoverto
ki
ssme,Ilethi
m.Imissedhim, Imissedthetaste
ofst
imoroli
nhisli
ps,Imissedhowhi
ski
ssesar
e
al
waystenderandheart
felt
.

Itakeofft
heboat sandcl
imbonhi
m.Weconti
nue
tokissunti
lItakemyhanddowntohi
str
ouser
s.He
breaksthekissandgri
psmyhandaway.
Bheki
:Lexi
Me:Pl
ease.
Bheki
:Notl
iket
his.
Me:I
'
m notavi
rgi
n,yout
hatr
ight
?
Henods.
Bheki
:Notl
iket
his.Imi
ssyou.
Isi
gh.Heki
ssesmycol
lar
bone.
Bheki
:AndIl
oveyou.Iam goi
ngt
odoeverythi
ngi
n
mypowertomakemyhomebear abl
eforyou.
Ismi
le.
Bheki
:Pl
easeki
ssmeagai
n.
Heputsbot
hhi
shandsonmybut
tandweki
ss
agai
n.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t29•
••

GUGU

Finall
ywe'regoinghome.Al thoughl i
fehereiseasy
butitisnotasbear abl
easitisathome.Bei ng
aroundeverythi
ngt hatIwouldhavehadi tnotbeen
fortheNcubepeopl ewasreall
ytorture.Seeing
womenmyagedr ivebeautif
ulcarsandbewhot hey
wantt obereall
ybr okemyhear teacht i
meIsaw
them.

Iputmysuitcaseasideandsi tdownt obreastfeed

Zwelet
hu.ItextBhekithatwear eready.Hehas
beenstayi
ngoveratLexi '
s,Idon'tknowifmyf ear
oftheNcubesgotbet t
erofmeorwhatbutIf eelfor
her
.IwishIhadawaytohelpBheki,
mysel
fandher
tof
reeawayfrom t
heevi
lgr
ipofhispar
ent
s.

Myphoner
ings.Icl
earmyt
hroatandanswer
.
Me:Mot
her
.
Makhumalo:MamakaZwe.Whati
sitt
hatIhear
aboutyoucomi
ngback?
Me:Becausei
tsChr
ist
masnextweekma.
Makhumal o:Hhaisukawena.St aytherewi t
hyour
husbandandyourchi ld.Bhekiwon'tbeof fduri
ng
thehol
idaysuntilthe2ndofJanuar y.Ifyouleave
him,ar
eyoul eavinghimt obewi t
ht hatskank?
Me:Of
cour
senotma.She'
sol
dnews.
Makhumal
o:St
ayther
eandl
ookaft
eryourman.
Wherei
she?Puthi
m ont
hephone.
Me:He'
sdownst
air
s.Letmet
aket
hephonet
ohi
m.

Iputheronhol
dandcal
lBheki
.Heanswer
swi
thi
n
aminute.
Bheki
:Hel
lo
Me:Shewant
stospeakt
oyou.

Iemer
get
hecal
lsandt
heyt
alk.

Cant
hiswomandi
eal
ready?
...

*
**
ALEXI
S

Bhekigetsoffthecallandcomesbacktobed.We
havethiscr
azyt endencyofjustl
ooki
ngateach
otherandsmi l
e.
Bheki
:Weshoul
dwakeupandgogetf
ood.
Me:Yesweshoul
dbutIj
ustneedanap.
Bheki
:You'
resol
azy.
Myphonebeeps.Thatbett
erbenotNqaba.Ihave
bl
ockedhim on4ofhi
snumber s.Iam havi
nga
bl
issf
ulweekandIcan'
tlethi
mr ui
nthatforme.

Honeywe'r
ecomingt
ohavebr eakf
astt
her
e.
Cr
oissant
sstuf
fedwi
thcheeseandbacon?

Ij
umpoutofbed.
Me:Mypar
ent
sar
ecomi
ng!
Bheki
:It
oldyou.

Hej umpsupandr eachf

orhi scl
otheswhileIr
un
aroundlikeaheadl
esschicken.Icoll
ectt
herubber
wrappers,ifmymom canknowI 'm havi
ngsexshe'
ll
neverletmeheartheendofi t
.
Bheki
:Ifyourf
atherf
indsmeher
e.He'
sgonnaki
ll
me.
Me:Hewon'
t.
Hetakeshisphoneandheadoutwi t
hmebehi nd.
Hedoesn'tl
iketheideaofsleepi
ngher ebecauseof
suchsit
uati
onsbutwecan' talwaysinvadehis
brot
her'
splace.Idon'tf
eelcomfort
able.

Ipr
esst
hebut
tonf
orhi
m andt
akemyki
ss.
Bheki
:Iwi
llseeyouwhenIr
etur
nfr
om home.
Oucht
her
e'st
hat
!
Me:When?
Bheki
:Canyounotmakethatf
aceplease?Iwill
dr
ivebackt
omorroweveni
ngafterIhaverest
ed.
Me:Ok.Tr
avelsaf
e.
Bheki
:Il
oveyou.
Hebr
ingsmecl
osert
ohi
m.
Me:Il
oveyout
oo.
Heki
ssesmyf
orehead.
Bheki
:Iwi
llcal
lyoul
ater
.
Me:Okay.
Ihughim.Theli
ftdoor
spar t
,Il
etgoandhegoesin
andwavesalowgoodbye.Everytimeheleavesi
t
feel
sli
keI'
l
lneverseehim agai
n.

Icl
eanupi nthemeanti
me.Ievengettobathand
change.Theyarr
ivewhenIam justaboutt
omake
myselfbreakf
ast
.
Me:It
houghtyouwer
enotcomi
nganymor
e.
Meli
ssa:It
sholi
days.Thewai
ti
ngi
s10xmor
e.How
ar
eyou, wemissedyou.
Ihugeachoft
hem andt
akeoutpl
ates.
Me:Imi
ssedyout
oo.
Marcus:Babyatsomepointyou'
l
lhavet
otol
erat
e
bei
ngaroundyourrel
ati
ves.
Me:24,25,26unt
ilnewyearIwi
llbear
oundt
hem.I
neededthi
soneweektomyself.
Mel
issa:Thi
sti
mear
oundwear
egoi
ngt
oBr
it
ney'
s
f
orachange.
Me:OhGodsaveus.
Mar
cus:It
houghtyou'
dbehappywe'
renothost
s.
Me:uh-uh.Br
it
neyi
sawor stcook.Shewil
lfeedus
seafoodorevenworset
hoseChi nesef
oods.
Theyl
augh.
Meli
ssa:Whati
swrongwit
hmykids!Lucassaid
thesamethi
ng.Weaskedhert
oprepar
ethingsthat
ever
yoneeat
s.
Me:I
'
llbr
ingal
unchbox,
justi
ncase.

Dadrai
seabrowatme.Ihol
dboththei
rhandsand
cl
osemyeyes.Wesaygraceandst
arteat
ing.

.
..
Aft
ermypar ent
sleftIdr
ovet oMi
kes.NowI'
m her
e
wait
ingforhimtocomer escueme.Ikeept
ryi
nghis
phonetonoavail.
Hecal
lsbackasIam aboutt
odr
iveof
f.
Me:Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
oki
llme?
Mi
ke:Sor
ryt
hist
hingwasdead.Ar
eyoust
il
lher
e?
Me:Yes.
Mi
ke:OkI
'
llcal
lthem t
oletyoui
n.
Me:Yourcompl
exsucksbr
oe.
Mi
ke:I
tscal
ledsaf
ety!
Me:Saf
etymyass.

Hehangsup.Aft
eracoupleofminut
esI
'mleti
n.I
par
katvi
sit
or'
sparki
nglotandgetmyti
cket
.

Ifl
yinandfr
eezewhenIseeawomanst andi
ng
behindt
hecount
erinonl
yherbr
alet
te.Icl
earmy
thr
oatandcl
osethedoor
.
Me:Hi
.
Shehuf
fsandr
oll
shereyes
Her
:Everhear
dofknocki
ng?
Me:Yeah.Sor
ry.

Igooutandknock.Mi
keopenst
hedoor
.
Mi
ke:Hey!
Wehug.

Hepull
smyhandtotheki
tchenar
ea.I
'
m avoi
ding
eyecont
actwi
tht
hiswoman.
Mi
ke:Thi
sismybestf
ri
end-
Her:Al
exi
sMcVei
gh.Iknowher
;weknoweach
ot
her.
Me:Isweart
oGodI
'
veneversawyouanywher
e.
Her
:It
sanor
m.Youassaul
tedmeyouhoodr
at!
Mi
ke:Whoa.What
?Sweet
ieI
'
vegott
ogetyouhome.
Her
:What
?Becauseofher
.
Mike:No.BecauseIdon'twannaseeyoubot
h
f
ighti
ng.Pleasegodressup.
Sheslamstheknif
eagai
nstt
hecount
erandshake
herl
it
tleassaway.
Me:wt
f!I
sthi
sTasha?

Imi
me.
Mi
ke:Hel
lno.Iwonherf
rom t
hecl
ub.
Hemi
mesback.
Me:OhmyGodyou'
resuchanasshol
e.

Shecomesback.Shest
opsMi
kewhenhet
ri
est
o
wal
kherout
.
Her
:Iknowmywayhomeasshol
e.

Shesl
amst
hedoorbehi
ndher
.
Me:Whatt
hehel
lMi
ke.You'
recheat
ingonTasha?
Mike:Tashadoesn'
twannabewi
thmecauseI
'
ma
hoe.
Me:Andyoudi
dn'
twannapr
ovei
ttohert
hatyou'
re
not
?
Mike:Iam aproudhoeAlexi
s.Il
oveheryesbutt
hat
doesn'tmeanIwillst
opbei
ngahoe.Ibreat
he
hoeness.I
'm aproudhoeman.
Me:Iam sodi
sappoi
ntedi
nyou.
Mi
ke:Youar
en'
tthef
ir
stone.Hungr
y?
Me:NoMi
ke!Whywon'
tyouchangef
orher
?
Mi
ke:Becausemymi
ndhasn'
ttol
dmet
o.
Me:WowMi
ke.
Mike:Howar
ethi
ngsgoi
ngwi
thyourpsychopat
h
captai
n?
Me:Ever
ythi
ngseemsgoodf
ornow.
Mi
ke:how'
sthesex?Iknowyou'
vedonei
t.
Me:Whati
fwehave?I
tsgr
eat
.
Mi
ke:I
sheci
rcumci
sed?
Me:Mi
cheal
!
Hel
aughs.
Mi
ke:I
'
m aski
ng.I
'
m concer
nedaboutyourheal
th.
Me:Wel
lhei
sandwear
eusi
ngacondom.
Mike:Wemustthr
owhim apart
y.Mostofmybl
ack
f
ri
ends,Zul
uaren'
tci
rcumci
sed.
Me:Hei sandhissexi
sgood.Iwasexpect
ingt
he
worstbutheisgood.
Mi
ke:Mi
nusonepr
obl
em.
Me:YesIguess.

Ireceiveatextfr
om hi
m sayi
ngtheyar
enotl
eavi
ng
anymor e.Ismil
e.ThatmeansIgett
ospendt
herest
ofthisdaywi t
hhim.
Mi
ke:Ihat
ethi
ssi
ght
.
Me:Don'
tbejealous.Youwer
esmil
ingatyour
phonenotsolongagoandIwashappyforyou.
Mike:Ihat
eBheki
.Iwi
shhecoul
dgeteat
enbya
gi
antbear.
Igaspandl
augh.
Me:Whatdi
dheeverdot
oyou?
Mi
ke:Hearr
est
edme!NowIhatehi
sdickf
or
maki
ngyoufor
getheputmei
nacellf
ornot
hing.
Me:Butheapol
ogi
zed.
Mike:'Sor
rymfanawoml
ungu'
isnotanapol
ogy
si
ster.He'
sful
lofit
.
Me:Leavemymanal
one.
Mi
ke:Heavenopent
hegat
esandt
akeme.Myman?
Whatt
hehell
!
Me:Mi
kest
opi
t.
Mike:Let
'sgotoTasha's.You'
llt
ellherhowmuchI
can'
tbreathewi
thouther.Imissher.
Me:Whycan'
tyout
ellheryour
sel
f?
Mike:Al
exisyourpsychoboyf
ri
endar
rest
edmef
or
nothi
ng.Youoweme, l
et'
sgo.

.
..
Wearri
veatTasha'
s.It
akehimt her
eandbeghert
o
l
ethi
mi nunt
ilshegi
vesin.Il
eavethem t
her
eand
gost
ayinthecar.
IcallMvelo.Shet
ell
smeaboutherChr
ist
mas
recipeandhowmuchshewishitwasnextyear
already.
Me:Uhm babe.CanIcal
lyouback?Ther
e'sacal
l
comi
ngthrough.
Mvel
o:I
fit
sBhekiemer
get
hecal
ls.
Ianswerandemer
get
hem.
Me:Hey
Bheki
:Canwemeet
?
Me:Wher
ear
eyou?
Bheki
:Atmyhouse.
Me:Youwantmet
ocomet
her
e?
Bheki
:No.We'
l
lmeetsomewher
e,ar
est
aur
ant
maybe.
Me:Tel
lmewhi
choneandI
'
llcome.
Bheki
:Ok.
Hehangsup.
Mvel
o:I
smeorhesoundsdown?
Me:Hedoes.Ihaveabadf
eel
ingaboutt
his
meet
ing.
Mvel
o:Tel
lmehowi
tgoes.
Me:Iwi
llbabe.Bye.
Mvel
o:Byehun.

.
..
Anhourl
aterwemeetatMcDonal
d'snearmypl
ace.
Thel
ookonhisfacescar
esme.Ihopinandgr
eet
hi
m.
Bheki
:Ior
der
edusf
ood.
Me:I
'
m nothungr
y.What
'sup?
Hi
seyesdr
op.
Bheki
:Mypar
ent
sar
ecomi
ngher
eforChr
ist
mas.
Me:Thatmeansyouwon'
tbeabl
etoseeme.
Bheki
:Yesbutt
hisi
sgonnabet
hel
astt
imet
hey
evertel
lmewhattodo.I'
m aski
ngyout
opl
ease
bearwithmethi
sjustoneweekandIpr
omi
sewhen
Iret
urnIwil
lbeal
lyours.
Me:What
everi
ttakes.
Bheki
:Thankyouf
orunder
standi
ng.Il
oveyou
Sabat
hil
e.
Me:Iwi
llbel
ievet
hataf
teroneweek.
Bheki
:Wewillcal
landt
exteverymi
nut
e.Pl
ease
spendtheni
ghtatmyplacetoni
ght
.
Me:Iwi
ll
.
Bheki
:Imi
ghtbedi
sownedf
ort
hisbutyou'
rewor
th
i
t.
Inod.Hewi
pesmyt
ear
swi
thhi
sthumb.
Bheki
:I'
m gonnaf
ixt
his.Ipr
omi
se.
Me:Ok.

Hepullmet
owardshi
schest
.Iwi
sht
odaywast
he
dayhewasfr
ee.
...
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t30•
••

Jinglebells!Ji
nglebel
ls!IhateChrist
mas.
Christmasi seati
ngfoodpr eparedbymom.Her
foodhasmagi ctoalwaysmakemehat eChr
ist
mas
alit
tleless.TodayIwillhateitevenmore.

It
sbeen2dayssi nceIsawBheki.Iam tr
yingtonot
dwellmuchonoursi tuati
onbutitgetshardi
nsome
hours.Ij
ustfeell
ikecryi
ngandgi vi
ngup.Irespond
totext
s,wishhim amer r
yChrist
mast ooandt henI
respondtoeverybodyelsebef
oreIclimboutofbed.

Imakemybedandcleanuptheent
ir
eroom.Ihave
got
tenpr
ett
ygoodatthi
s.Thel
ookonmom'sface
whenshegetsi
nconfi
rmsit
.
Meli
ssa:Wow.Iact
ual
lycameher
etomakeyour
bed.
Me:WowI
'
m hur
t.
Idr
amat
ical
lyhol
dmychest
.Shel
aughs.
Meli
ssa:Let
'sgoeat
.Weshoul
dleavear
ound9or
10am.
Me:I
sitpancakest
oppedwi
thcr
eam andber
ri
es?
Meli
ssa:I
t'
sanewr eci
pe.Notreal
lynewbuti
ts
di
ff
erentf
rim whatweusual
lyeatonChri
stmas
morni
ngs.

Wef
inddadaboutt
ocomeup.
Mar
cus:Li
saandt
hebabyar
eimpat
ient
.
Me:If
orgott
heyar
eher
e.
Ilaughandrushtothediningar
ea.Ihugherf
rom
behindandkisshercheek.Wowt hi
stabl
eisf
ullof
everyt
hing.
Me:Howar
eyoubabi
es?
Li
sa:Wear
efi
ne.Someonekeepsmeawakeal
l
ni
ghtwi
thmovement
s.
Me:That
'sagoodsi
gnr
ight
?
Lucas:Yesi
tis.
Mar
cus:So,
youwantt
hegendert
obeasur
pri
se?
Luc:Yes.Mom ar
eyousur
eyouwantust
oeatat
Bri
tney'
s?
Mel
issa:Youwil
leatcauset
heywi
llser
vet
he
mealsat1pm t
o2pm.
Mar
cus:Getmyl
unchboxr
eady.

Welaughandholdhandst opray.Thepr ayert

akes
l
ongerthanusual
,thesmelloffreshtoastkeeps
t
ingl
ingmynose.Iforgotmyphoneupst air
s.Mom
wouldfr
eakatmeifIwentt ogetit,
shallBhekior
MveloorMikecal
ltheywil
lhavet ocallmeagain
l
ater
.

Westartpil
ingourplat
esupsuggesti
ngbaby
names.Idonotwantt obeLisari
ghtnow.Thelook
onmypar entsfacesays:We'r
eaboutt
oinvade
yourl
ivesli
keneverbefore!
Theyaresoinlovewi
tht
hei
deaofhavi
nga
grandchi
ld.
..

.
..
Thetraff
icheadi
ngtoBr i
tney'
shousekil
lsme.
Whenwear r
ive,
AuntMar ysendsmeandLi am to
gogetmor erefr
eshmentsfrom t
hemall.Theserich
people'
splacesarealwaysfarawayfr
om mal l
s.
Lucki
lyforusthere'
salit
tl
eshoppingcenternotso
faraway.Wegeti nhiscaranddri
veaway.
Liam:Ihopeit
snotpackedcausei
fiti
sIwi
llnot
evenbothergoi
ngin.
Me:Doyouwantyourmot
hert
oki
llus?
Li
am:Thiswasj ustawayofgetti
ngr i
dofus.
Br
itneyknewfrom Oct
oberthatshewi l
lbehosti
ng.
Whywoul dn'
tshehaveenoughrefreshments?
Me:Youthi
nk?Wellt
hat
'sgoodcauseIal
sodon'
t
wannabearoundt
hem.
Li
am:Theyar
eal
lsosel
fri
ght
eous.Theyt
reat
mar r
iagemorei
mportantt
hatitact
uall
yi s.They
shouldletusmarr
youtofourownwi l
l.Theykeep
divor
cingandmarryi
ngagainbecausetheyget
mar r
iedfort
hesakeofbei
ngmar ri
ed.Itsucks.
Me:Itt
otal
lydoes.Onedaytheywillr
eali
zether
e's
changeingenerat
ions.Our
sneedspeopleto
choosecaref
ull
ywhot heymarry,
before25yearsof
ageyou'
resti
llyoungandvery-

IsweartoGodt
hatmanstandi
ngtherewith2
womenseatedbesi
dehi
mi sBhekiNcube.Aswe
getcl
oseramancomesoutandhandshi m ababy.

Whatisthat
?Iturntolookwhenwepasst hem.
Ther
e'ssmokecomi ngwithi
nthem.Theyallbow
down.Couldthatbehischil
d?Andhisparent
sand
hi
swife?Henevertoldmehel i
veshere.

Li
am:Lexi
!
Me:Yes!
Isnap.
Li
am:Ar
eyouokay?
Me:I
'
mfi
ne.Howf
arar
ewe?
Li
am:5mi
nut
es.
Me:Okay.
Li
am:Ar
eyousur
eyou'
reokay?
Me:YesLi
am I
'
mfi
ne.
Li
am:Oknoneedt
oshout
.

Itakeoutmyphoneandcal
lhi
m.I
tgoest
o
voicemai
l.If
eelhot
.

WhenLiam pul
lsupattheparki
nglotIspotthe
r
estr
ooms.Ihopoutandr unther
e.Igetinanddri
nk
wat
erandsuppresstheurgetocrybutwhynot ?I
l
etoutagroanoneafteranot
her.

Li
am:I
'
llbeher
e.
Heshoutsf
rom i
nside.Isat
isf
ymysel fwi
thcryi
ng.
Mymakeupi sr
uined.Itakeatissueandcleant
he
mascar
ablackt
rail
s.

Me:Let
'
sgo.
Li
am:Feelbet
ter
?
Me:Abi
t.
Li
am:Gr
eat
.

Wegot oChecker
sandbuyt
hedr
inks.It
snot
packedsoi
naf ewminut
eswear
eout .
Liam:It
hinkweshoul
dgr
abzi
ngerwi
ngsf
ort
he
road.
Me:Ineedsomet
hingst
rong.
Li
am:Openoneoft
hebot
tl
eswebought
.

Ir
eachforabot
tl
eofwi
ne.Iclosemyeyesand
dr
inkup.Webuythewi
ngsviathedr
ivet
hrough
andheadback.
Li
am:Wi
ngsdealwi
thboypr
obl
emsbet
ter
.
Il
augh.Ijustwantt
hiswi
net
oki
cki
nbef
orewe
passbythathouse.
Me:I
sn'
tther
eadi
ff
erentr
out
ewecanuse?
Li
am:Wast
hathi
m?
Me:Yes.I
tscompl
icat
ed.
Li
am:Sur
eashel
liti
s.Whatwer
etheydoi
ngt
her
e?
Me:Iam ascl
uel
essasyou.
Li
am:Thi
srout
etakesal
it
tl
elongerbutl
et'
stakei
t.
Me:Thanks.

Thebott
leisfi
nishedwhenwegett
ot hehouse.She
i
nvit
edherrichyoungandmarr
iedf
riends.There'
s
somethi
ngaboutyoungmarri
edpeoplethatdoesn't
si
twellwit
hme.
Cat
herine:Alexis.Lookatyou.Yourhusbandus
def
ini
telytr
eatingyougood.Youar ebeautif
ul.
That
'si
tri
ghtt
here!Theyar
eal
waysassumi
ng
ever
yonei
smar r
ied.
Me:St
il
lnotmar
ri
ed.
Theygasp.
Mol
ly:Whatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or?
Me:Aman.Ican'
tmar
rymysel
f.
Cat
her
ine:Youmustgooutmor
eof
ten.
Me:Iwi
ll
.Howmuchwasyourr
ing?I
tssobeaut
if
ul.
Shesmi lesandlookati
t.Ifyouwanttoshif
t
attent
ionfrom your
sel
fjustaskaboutthei
rout
fi
tor
theirr
ing.
Cather
ine:ahundr
edt
housandmaybe.Ican'
treal
ly
remember .
Moll
y:Myengagementr
ingwas80000andt
his
onewas200000.
SoIfIcoul
dst
ealboththeirr
ingsI
'
dwalkawaywi
th
somuchmoney?Interest
ing.Where'
smom?I'
m
hungry.
Ileavethem therestil
ldi
scussingtheirr
ings.Il
ook
formom butf indanotherbottl
eofr edwineinst
ead.
Itakeittoasecr etspotanddrinkmysor rowsdown.
Myheadi sspinningnow, j
ustwhatIneeded.Ikeep
collect
ingthebot t
lesofwineuntilIdeci
detostop.

Li
am f
indsmei
nmycar
.
Li
am:You'
rer
eal
lywast
ed.Come,
lunchi
sready.
Me:Idon'
twantf
ood.
Li
am:Youhavet
oeat
.

Heopensthedoorandpullmeout
.Weargueal
lthe
waytotheback.Sheout
didher
sel
fwi
th
decor
ati
ons.Wesitdown.
Will
:Youguysar
eal
waysl
atef
orever
ythi
ng,
aren'
t
you?
Li
am:Pr
oudl
yso.Maywesaygr
ace?
Weal
lhol
dhands.
Li
am:Heavenl
yfat
herwet
hankyouf
ort
hisday.We
thankyouforthi
sfood,wehopeit
sdel
ici
ousasit
l
ooks,mayyoumakeMcVei ghsst
opobsessi
ng
aboutmarri
age.MerryChri
stmasandHappy
Birt
hdayJesus.Weloveyou.Amen.

He'sdefi
nit
elygoi
ngtohellforthisprayer
.Wedish
up.Itsmell
sniceandsurpri
singlytastegoodt
oo.I
takeapict
ureandsendittoMvel o.

Mymi
ndt
ravel
sbackt
oBheki
.Ideci
det
otexthi
m..
.

*
**
BHEKI

Zwel
ethufi
nal
lyfal
l
sasleep.It
akehi
mt ot
hecri
bin
thel
oungewherebabaandmamaar eseat
ed.
Makhumal
o:See?Wast
hatt
oohar
d?
Me:No.
Ncube:Ihopet
hiscl
eansi
ngwasthebegi
nni
ngofa
beaut
if
ulbondbetweenyout
wo.
Makhumal
o:Ofcour
seiti
sbaba.Al
lthati
slef
tisf
or
youandMaNgemat obondt
hesame.
Me:That
'swhatIdon'
tget
.Whatbond?
Ncube:Tobui
ldahomendodana.
Me:Whosehome?Isn'
tthisKhusel
o'swi
fe?Why
am Iexpect
edt
obebuil
dingbondsandhomeswith
mybr ot
her'
swi
fe?Whataboutmyhome?
Makhumal
o:Nott
hisagai
n.
Ncube:Thesooneryouacceptt
hatyoucan'
tli
vea
nor
mallif
ethatyoudesi
re,t
hebett
er.

Hebal
ancedwi
thhi
swal
kingst
ickt
ogetup.
Me:MaybeI'
m donebei
ngcont
rol
ledbyyoubot
h.I
am si
ckandti
redofi
t.
Het
urnsandl
ookatme.
Ncube:Youar
eti
redofbei
ngaNcube?
Me:Yes.Iam t
ir
edt
obeyourson.Iam t
ir
edof
bei
ngblackmail
edt
odoanyt
hing.
Makhumal
o:Bheki
sizwe!
Me:Iam t ir
edofyoushovi ngKhuselo'sli
fedown
myt hroat.Igetityoulovedhim, youonly
acknowl edgedmyexi stenceafterhediedbutIwil
l
neverbeKhusel o.Iam notfi
tenought obethenext
rulerofthevill
age;Ican'tbewithhiswi f
e.Ihavea
l
ife!Ihaveawoman.Mywomant hatIl
ove,my
skinnyjeanswear i
nggirl
fri
endthatIwoul dl
oveto
mar ryonedaybutwhowoul dloveandmar r
yaman
thathast wolives?Youhaver uinedmyl ifei
ts
enoughandi tendshere!
Ncube:Taket
hosewor
dsback!
Bheki
:No.
Makhumal
o:Bhekit
hisi
syourf
atheryou'
ret
alki
ng
t
o.
Me:Idoubtit.Myownpar
entswoul
dwantwhat
's
bestforme.Lett
hepoorwomangoandfet
chher
l
ife.Iwil
lrai
seZweonmyown.
Ncube:Hehasl
osthi
smi
nd.Thevi
ll
ageneedsa
r
uler
.
Me:I'
m notgonnabeit!Ihaverespect
edyou
enoughandyou'vedonenothingbutusedthati
nto
advant
age.

Myphoner
ings.It
akei
tout
.It
sAl
exi
s.Ianswer
.
Me:Sabat
hil
e.
Shegi
ggl
es.
Lexi
:I'
m out
side.
Me:Out
sidewhat
?
Lexi
:Yourbeaut
if
ulhouse.
Me:Haveyoubeendr
inki
ng?

Theli
nedies.Il
eavet
hewi
ckedpar
ent
slooki
ngat
eachother
.

Shei
sindeedher
esi
tt
ingonhercar
'st
runk.She
smi
leswhensheseesme.She'
sal
socr
ying.
Lexi
:Themostbeaut
if
ulmanonear
th.
Me:Haveyoubeendr
inki
ng?
Lexi:
Yes.Ihavepr
oblems.Whatwer
eyoudoi
ng
hereear
li
er?Wasthatyourki
d?
If
rown.
Me:I
twascl
eansi
ng.
Lexi
:Di
dyousl
eepwi
thher
?
Me:No.
Lexi
:Li
ar!Whywoul
dyoucl
eanseanyt
hingt
hen?
Me:BecauseIneverwel
comedhi
m.CanIt
akeyou
home?
Lexi
:Why?Youdon' twantmommyanddaddyt o
seeyouwithyourhalfbl
ackgi
rl
fr
iend?Buymet he
capethensothatIcanbethei
rbestideaofawife.
Buymeaf reaki
ndoekorlongski
rtsanddresses.
Letgoofme!
Iputheri
nsi
dethecarandwalkaroundt
othe
dri
ver'
sdoor
.ShegetsoutasIgetin.
Me:Al
exi
sI'
m notpl
ayi
ngwi
thyou.
Lexi
:Takemeinther
erightnowandl etmetel
lyour
motherandfat
hert
heycan' tchooseyouawi f
e.
You'
reagrownassmanf orChrist
'ssake,
youlove
meandyouneedt otel
lthem.
Me:Idi
d.Nowgeti
n!
Lexi
:No!Iwantt
o..
.ohmyGodIf
eell
ikeI
'
m gonna
besick.

Sherushestot
heothersi
deoft
heroadandt
hrow
up.Ical
lGugutobr
ingmewater.
Lexi
:FuckyouBr
it
neywi
thyourchi
ll
ichi
cken!

Il
augh.Iam l
ooki
ngforwardtoseei
ngherdr
unki
n
ourhome,cur
singatourchi
ldr
en..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪
•
••I
nser
t31•
••

[
4mont
hsl
ater
]

Mypersonalcel
lphoneringswhi
leIam oncal
lwith
aWesterncapebusinessmanthatI'
vebeentr
ying
t
oreachforthepast2mont hs.

Him:AreyoubusyMi
ssMcVei
gh,
per
hapswecan
schedul
e.
Me:Nonono.I
'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
.
Him:Great
.Iam ver
yfasci
natedthataveryyoung
l
adyasyouhaschosent otakeint
eresti
nbusiness
peopl
e'
sdailyl
ives.
Me:Thankyou.Ij
ustfeel
li
ketheworl
dneedsto
knowthatyouhavel
ivesout
sidet
hoseexpensi
ve
sui
ts.
Hel
aughs.
Hi
m:Of
cour
sewedo.Iwi
llbewai
ti
ngont
hedat
eof
t
heshootandt
hei
nter
view.
Whew!Ineedsomeai
r!
Me:ThankyouMrHarri
s.Iwi
llemai
lal
lthedet
ail
s
t
oyourpa.Thankyousomuch.
Hi
m:Haveal
ovel
ydayMi
ssMcVei
gh.
Me:Isur
ewi
ll
.Thankyou.Youhaveagr
eatonet
oo.

Ihangup.Keepi
tdownLexi
.Keepi
tdown.Ican'
t!

Iscr
eam.Kat
eandThabigeti
nrunni
ng.
Me:We'
ref
lyi
ngt
oCapeTown.
Kat
e:Nof
ucki
ngway!
Me:Yes!

Theycomeovermydeskt
odoagr
ouphug.
Me:Wear
emaki
ngi
tladi
es.
Thabi
:LookatGod.
Kat
e:Webet
terdel
ivert
hesenewst
oWi
llashotas
t
heyare.
Me:Howcoul
dwenot
.Let
'sgo.

Mar cusMcVei ghdecidedtor esi

gninJanuar y,wit
h
i
mmedi at
eeffect.Talki
ngabouthe' sold,
hewant s
torestandstuf f
.Ifoundoutthef ol
lowingmont h
thatitwasallanexcuse.Hi m andhiswi f
edeci ded
toexploreAfri
ca, wasti
ngthemoneywewor khar d
for.OnlyGodknowswhent heywi l
lbeback.Sowe
arealllef
ttodeal wit
hWi l
li
am andKel l
y.Theymade
sureLiam doesn'tbecomet heceoher e,t
heyt ook
himt othebranchi nDurbanthatWi l
lwasi n.

DadfoundhisPAanotherjobsomewhereelse.Wi
ll
camewithhisst
upid;f
ullofher
sel
fLor
raine.I
knockonceatherdoor
.
Lor
rai
ne:He'
sbusy.
Me:Schedul
eusf
orwhenhe'
sfr
ee.
Lor
rai
ne:Monday.
Me:Sad.Tel
lhi
m wegotHar
ri
s.
Shebust
shergum bubbl
eandnods.

Kate:Shei
rr
it
atesme.Ij
ustcan'
tdealwi
thher
.I
can't
.

Shesaysaswewal
kaway.
Me:At
leastwe'
l
lseet
hem al
lagai
nonMonday.
Thabi
:Incl
udi
ngyou.
Me:Yes.
Kat
e:I
'
m al
sof
lyi
ngt
oKwaZul
utoday.
Thabi
:Isowantal
overr
ightnow.Youguysmake
mejeal
ous.
Me:Youdumpedawomant
hatl
ovedyou.
Thabi:Shebor
edme.Iwantanexciti
nglover.
Someonewhomakesi teasytobewiththem.
Someonewhodoesn'tj
ustfeedmeloveal lt
heti
me
butfeedsmeallt
hebenefi
tsofbei
ngloved.Okuhle
onl
yfocusedonlovi
ngme.Weonl ywentoutonce.
Whowannabei nthatsi
ckr
elat
ionshi
p?
Kat
e:Notme.
Me:Ewwmetoo.Butyoucoul
d'vet
aughtherhow
t
onotgi
vel
oveonly.
Thabi
:It
ri
ed!She'
sst
ubbor
n.Sonotmyt
ype.

She'ssochoosy.Si
ncemyr el
ationshipbecame
stablewemadear r
angementsofmegoi ngtohis
houseeveryFri
day.Icanseemyf riendsallIwant
mi d-
weekbutweekendsarehis.Mikehasf inal
ly
accepted.Mvel
oshowednopr oblem atall
.

Wepartwaystoourrespecti
veof f
ices.Theyshar
e
anoff
iceanddoesn'
tseem tomi nd.Ipackmy
thi
ngsandwaitf
or4o'clock.Iusether emai
ning30
minut
estocheckmyemai ls.

.
..
If
indTashaandMikei
nvadi
ngmyplace.Yest
hey
ar
ebacktoget
heragai
n,f
ort
he200t
ht i
me.
Mike:Wet
houghtwecoul
dcomeseeyoubef
ore
youwentt
oyourhome.
Me:HiTasha.
Tasha:Hey.Ihopeyoudon'
tmi
ndImadej
uice.
Me:Idomi
nd.Wher
edi
dyougett
hiscr
azyguy?
.
Tasha:Heycameunannouncedi
nmypl
ace.
Mike:Uhm Hif
am.Itsmybir
thdaynextweekend.
Canyouaskyourpsychoboyfr
iendt
oborrowus
younextweekend?
Me:Hesaysno.IgotHar
ri
s.
Mi
ke:What
!Comeher
e.

Wehug.
Mi
ke:We'
dgocel
ebr
ate.
Me:We'
l
lcel
ebr
ateaf
tert
hei
nter
view.
Mi
ke:Awesome.Letusbounce.
Me:Tashababes.Thanksf
orcomi
ngt
oseemef
or
5minutes.
Shesmi
lesandwehug.

Iwal
kthem t
otheli
ft
.Ichecki
fBhekihadrepl
iedt
o
mymessages.Hehasn'
t.Hemustbehavinga
hect
icdayt
oday.

Igototakeabathandpack.Asi tget
sdar ker
,I
dri
vetohishouse.Myphoner i
ngs.Iputthe
earpi
ecethatBhekiboughtmeforsafet
y!He'sfined
mef orspeedi
ngandbr eaki
ngallt
heroadr ul
es.I
am asstrai
ghtasar ul
ernow.Ianswer.
Me:Heybabe.
Mvel
o:Haveyoul
eft
?
Me:YeahIj
ustdi
d.Needsomet
hing?
Mvel
o:Yesyou.Weneedt
otal
k.
Me:You'
rescar
ingme.
Mvel
o:Pl
easedr
iveher
e.
Me:Ok.

Itakeaut
urn.Whatdoessheneedt
otal
kabout
now?Iam pr
ayi
ngthatmandidnothi
ther
.

Iinfor
m BhekithatI
'
m gonnaarr
ivel
atewhenIget
toMvel o'
s.If
indhercooki
ng,
thi
shusbandli
fe
kindsofsucks.
Mvel
o:Thatwasqui
ck.
Me:Iwasont
her
oad.
Mvel
o:Wi
ne?
Me:No.Justt
ellmewhatweneedt
otal
kabout
.
Mvel
o:I
tneedsagl
assofwi
ne.Si
tdown.

Ihaveafeel
ingI
'
m notgonnal
iket
his.It
akeaseat
,
shehandsmeagl assofwi
neandsit
sdowntoo.
Shelooksatmeforawhil
e.
Mvel
o:Ther
eisnoeasywayt
osayt
his.
Me:Ar
eyoupr
egnant
?
Mvel
o:No!Jesus.I
'
m movi
ngt
oKZN.

Ichuckl
eandt
akeasi
p.Shekeepsherst
rai
ght
.
Me:Why?
Mvel
o:BecauseNduna'
swor
ktr
ansf
err
edhi
mther
e.
Me:Whataboutyourl
if
eher
e?
Mvel
o:Iaskedf
orat
ransf
eratwor
ktoo.
Me:Thatmeansyou'
veknownf
or2mont
hst
hat
you'
rel
eavi
ng.
Shenods.Wow.Whathast
hisf
ri
endshi
pbecome?
Mvel
o:I
'
m sor
ry.
Me:I
tsf
ine.Gowel
l.

Igetup.
Mvel
o:Al
exi
swai
t.
Me:Imeani
t.Haveagr
eatt
imeandl
if
ewi
thyour
husband.
Mvelo:Lexiwe'
reol
d.Idon'
tevengett
oseeyouon
weekendsanymore.Therear
wpeopleweputfi
rst
now.
Me:I'veneverputBhekif
irstbef
oreyou.Iagr
eedt
o
hisarrangementbecauseIdon'tgett
oyouseeyou.
IfIseeyouitisaluckycharm.
Mvel
o:Don'
tcr
ypl
ease.
Me:Idon'
twanttobuti
treall
yhurt
stoseeyou
sl
ippi
ngthr
oughmyf i
ngers.I
tsevenworset
hatI
can'
tdoanythi
ngabouti
t.

Istorm outwi
thherf
ollowi
ngmecal
li
ngmyname.I
getintomycaranddriveoff
..
.

*
**
MVELO

Iwat
chhercarf
adeaway.Ndunahugsmef
rom
behi
nd.
Nduna:Shewi
llcomear
ound.

If
reeawayf
rom hi
m andgobacki
nsi
decr
ying.
Nduna:Baby
Me:No!
Nduna:You'
remar
ri
ed.She'
snot
.Thosef
ri
endshi
ps
t
endtodieatsomepoi
nt.
Me:That '
sthethi
ng.Thi
sisn'
tjustf
ri
endshi
p.Itis
sist
erhood.Il
oveherandthatl
ookIjustsawonher
facemeansshe' shur
ti
ngandmi ghtgetacarcrash!
Ihurtmybest f
ri
end!

Itakemyphoneandcal
lBheki
.Hedoesn'
tpi
ckup.I
takemycarkeys.
Nduna:wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:ToLexiNduna.
Hebr
usheshi
sfaceandt
aket
hekeys.
Nduna:I
'
lldr
iveyou.

*
**
BHEKI

Ifi
ndacarparkedbeforemygate.It
akeoutmygun
andparkbehi
ndit.Igetoutandgotoknockatt
he
window.I
tsMveloandherhusband.
Me:I
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Mvel
o:Pl
easeletusi
n.We'
vebeenher
efor2hour
s.
Shewon'
ttal
ktome.

Inodandopenthegate.Theydri
vei
nandIf ol
low.
Thehousei
sdark.Itur
nont heli
ght
s.She'
scur l
ing
uponthecouchcryi
ng.Mvelorunstoher
.
Mvel
o:BabeI
'
m sor
ry.
Lexi
:LeaveMvel
o.Whyar
en'
tyouont
hepl
anet
o
KZN?
Mvel
o:Iam sor
ryf
ornott
ell
ingyouont
ime.
Lexi
:Ther
e'snothi
ngthatyougonnasayandmake
somethi
ngbetteraboutthi
s.You'
rechoosi
ngaman
overme!Howlonghashebeenher e?Ayear?And
nowhe'sgreat
erthanallofus?
Nduna:Youguysar
eold.Youwon'talwaysbe
wrappedar
oundeachother
'sf
ingers.Just
-
Them:Shutup!

Il
ookathi
m.Whyi
sheevenmeddl
ing?
Me:Let
'
sgi
vet
hem somespace.
Lexi
:Whati
fheget
sther
eandki
ll
syou?
Nduna:What
?Pl
easet
alkt
oyourwoman.
Me:Mvelosayshorr
ibl
ethi
ngsaboutmebutI '
ve
nevertol
dyoutotal
ktoher.Justl
ett
hem shoutat
eachother.WhydoyouevenwantMvelotogot o
Durban?
Weheadt
othebar
.
Nduna:Becauseshehast
olear
ntol
ivewi
thout
Lexi
.
Me:Why?She'
sherbest
fri
end.
Nduna:Sowhat
'sgonnahappen?Wegonnabe
nei
ghbours?
Me:I
fthat
'
swhatwi
llmaket
hem happy.
Nduna:Bakushayengepentiwena.Unakhoukudla
l
akwakho?Ngi l
ambil
e.(You'vebeenhitwi
than
under
wear.Doyouhavef oodhere?I'
m hungry)

Hewander
sof
f.Idonotl
iket
hisdude.
..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t32•
••

BHEKI

Ret
urni
ngf
rom t
hemal
lIf
indherst
il
linbed.Seems
l
ikeshewokeup,
cleanedandwentbackt
obed.
Me:Ngi
buyi
le.(
I'
m back)
Shesi
tsupr
ightandst
areatme.
Me:Let
sgomakebr
eakf
ast
.
Ismil
etosoft
enherup.Herar
gumentwi
thMvel
o
didnotr
eachasol
uti
on.Ndunadi
dnothel
pby
meddli
ng.

Wegett ot
hekit
chensi
lent
ly.Imaket
oastand
cheese.Weeati
nsil
ence.
Me:I
'm gonnabeoffonMonday.Ar
eyougonna
comebackhereaft
erwork?
Lexi
:Yeah.NextweekendIwillcomeonSundayso
Mondaywi l
lmakeupf orSat
urday.
Me:Goi
ngsomewher
e?
Lexi
:Yes.I
tsMi
ke'
sbi
rt
hday.
Me:Ok.
Lexi
:Justl
iket
hat
?
Me:Yes.
Shesmi
lessur
pri
sed.
Lexi
:Ok.Wow.Ar
eyousur
e?
Me:YesI
'
m sur
e.
Lexi
:GodIloveyou.Thatwasmet
ryi
ngyouout
.
Unbeli
evabl
e.
Me:Whatyouwannadot
oday?
Lexi
:Uhm,
movi
es?
Me:Soundsl
ikef
unbutno.Howaboutf
est
ivalmal
l?
Pl
aygames?
Lexi
:Nopr
obl
em.Letmer
inset
heseandgobat
h.
Myphonerings.Istareati
t.Ihaven'
tspokenor
seenheri
n4mont hs.Whatcouldshepossibl
ywant
?
Me:Ok.Letmet
aket
his.

Iwal
kawayt othepoolsi
deandwaitf
orhert
ocal
l
agai
n.Shecall
sinst
antl
yandIanswer.
Me:Mashobane.
Makhumal
o:Heneedst
otal
ktoyou.
Hervoi
cei
ssodownandhuskyl
ikeshe'
sbeen
cr
ying.
Me:Who?
Ibr
ingmyselfbackt
oear
th.Theonl
yhe,
shecoul
d
betal
kingabouti
smyfat
her.
Me:Puthi
m ont
hephone.
Makhumal o:Facetoface.Yourfatheril
lBhekisizwe.
Hehasbeeni llf
or3mont hs,thi
ngsar enotget t
ing
anybett
er.Hecan'tspeak,doesn'teat,heordered
nottobetakent ot
hehospi t
al.Hekeepsment i
oning
you.Youneedt ocomehome.
Me:I
-
Thel
inedi
es.Icallherback,
itgoestovoi
cemail
.
Whywouldn'
ttheyletmeknowhe' ssickf
rom t
he
st
art
?

Iheadbacki
nsi
de.
*
**
ALEXI
S

'
Youcan'ti
gnoremycal
lsf
oreverAl
exi
s.Weneedt
o
t
alkaboutt
his!
'

Thenerveofthi
swomanf orputt
inganexcl
amation
mark.Itosst
hedamnphoneawayandappl ylot
ion.
Bhekiwalksi
n,hedoesn'
tlookgood.
Me:I
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Heshakeshi
sheadandopenst
hecl
oset
.
Bheki
:Ineedt
ogohome.
Me:Home?
Bheki
:Myf
atheri
snotwel
landheneedsme.

Het
akesouthi
str
avelbagandputi
njust3j
acket
s.
Me:You'
rel
eavi
ngnow?
Bheki
:Yes.
Me:I
'
m comi
ngwi
thyou.
Bheki
:No.
Hezi
pshi
sbagcl
osedandcomest
oki
ssme.
Bheki
:I'
l
lcal
lyou.

What
?If
reezeonmyf
eetandwat
chhi
m wal
kout
.

Af
ter5minutesofmyconfusi
on.Igooverthe
wi
ndowandseehi scardr
iveawayfrom t
hegate.
Whatthehel
lisgoi
ngon?

It
akemyphonecal
lhi
m.
Bheki
:Babe.
Me:Don'
tbabeme.Youcan'
tdr
ivei
nthatst
ate!
Bheki
:I'
l
lpassbyUJandt
akeQophel
ani
.He'
l
lbe
theonedri
ving.
Me:Whycan'
tIcomewi
th?
Bheki
:Idon'
twantt
oupsethi
m.Pl
easeunder
stand.
Ikeepqui
etf
orawhi
le.
Me:Ido.
Bheki
:Thankyou.Il
oveyou.
Me:Il
oveyou.

Ihangupandt
akeadeepbr
eat
hasIhol
dbackt
he
tear
s.

'
Doyoust
il
lwannat
alk?HowaboutPar
kvi
ew
hot
el?
'

Isendt
oMvel
o..
.

*
**
MVELO

Hegetsi
npanti
ng.It
akemycarkeysandwal
k
t
owardshim.
Nduna:Goi
ngsomewher
e?
Me:Yep.Par
kvi
ewhot
el,
Lexiwant
sust
otal
kfi
nal
ly.
Nduna:Don'
twehaveanyt
hingi
mpor
tantt
odo?
Me:Nott
hatIknowof
.Iwi
llbebackbef
oret
hesun
set
s.
Nduna:YouandLexiar
ebadforeachother
'sli
ves.
Whyisthissuchabi
gdealt
oher?You'r
ef r
iends!
Me:Youwoul
dn'
tunder
stand.

Iki
sshi
m andwal
ktot
hegar
age.
..

Onmywayshet extsmet her

oom number .WhenI
gett
hereIf
indherstandi
ngneartheTVwi tha
remot
einherhand.Shedoesn'tevennot
iceme.
Me:Hey.
Shet
urnsmyway.
Lexi
:Hey.Canyoubeli
evethi
s?Boni
siwe'
slawyeri
s
aski
ngformedicalpar
ole.
Me:What?Theymustbecr
azy.Di
dyourl
awyercal
l
youaboutt
his?
Lexi
:No.Pr
obabl
ycal
ledmypar
ent
s.

Sheswi
tchesof
fthet
v.
Lexi
:Just
icesyst
em i
ssuchajoke.Thatwoman
coul
dbefakingsi
cknessf
orChri
st'
ssake!
Me:Cal
m downpl
ease.
Lexi
:Ineedt
ocal
lmom.

Shewantstocr
y.I
fhermom answer st
hatcal
lshe'
l
l
breakdown,
Ican'
tlett
hathappen,
notbef
orewe
tal
k.
Me:Letmecal
lher
.
Lexi
:Ineedsomeai
r.
Inod.Shewalkst
othewindowwhil
eIr
ingMr
s
McVeighup.Shedoesn'
tpi
ckup.
Me:She'
snotpi
cki
ngup.
Lexi
:I'
dbedamnedi fIevercrossedpathswit
ht hat
woman.I'dri
pherapartwiththesehands.She
rui
nedmyl i
fe!Myownmot her,
doingthatshi
ttome?
Iwil
lneverr
ecoverf
rom thatfact.Ever
!
Me:Comeher
e.

Wehug.Il ethercr
yunt i
lIcryt
oo.Itmustbereal
ly
hardforher.Iknowshet endst
oactst r
ongbutI
knowt hi
shitsherrandomlyatnightanditwi
ll
happenunt i
lshedies.

Aft
erwecoolof
f.Weor
dersomesnacksanddr
inks
andlayont
hebed.
Me:Iwi
shsomeoneunder
stoodourf
ri
endshi
p.
Shel
ooksatmeandsmi
le.
Lexi
:Ido.
Wel
augh.
Me:I
'
m caughti
nbet
ween.
Lexi
:Youshoul
dn'
tbe.Iam hur
tthatyoudi
dnott
ell
mei
nti
me.
Me:Iwasscaredyou'
l
lbesadandsayal
lthatyou
sai
dyest
erday.
Lexi
:Youknowmebet
tert
hananyoneMvel
o,you
coul
d'vet
ext
edi
t.
Me:Iwasscar edokay.Ithonest
lyf eel
slikeI'
m
choosinghim, theLondonschol arshipthatyou
turneddownbecauseofme.Thatwssamaj or
sacrif
ice.Youhavesacrifi
cedal otforusLexi and
formet otellyouthatI
'm goingawaywi thaman
fel
twr ong.
Lexi
:Youwer
esi
ck.Yout
hinkyouoweme?
Me:Yeah.
Lexi
:Idi
dthatoutofl
ove.Andmecausi
ngascene
wasnotaboutthat
,Ij
ustcan'
tbeart
het
houghtof
notseei
ngyouformonths.
Me:Wecanvisi
teachot
heronweekends.
..
ohno,
Bheki
.Wewi
llmakeaway.
Lexi
:Ndunawasri
ght.We'
rer
eal
lyoldandwe
shoul
dlear
ntoadj
usttosomechanges.
Me:Heannoysmetobehonest
.Thewayhesai
dit
,
i
twasn'
tagenui
neadvi
ce.
Shel
aughs.
Lexi
:Ofcour
seitwasn'
tbuthewasright
.IguessI'
ll
havetogetovermysel
f.I
'
m sorr
yforeveryt
hingI
sai
d.Ishoul
dalsoapol
ogizet
oNduna.
Me:Il
oveyou.
Lexi
:Il
oveyoumor
e.

Wedoal
it
tl
etoastandgul
pdownourl
emont
wist
.
Lexi
:Bhekiwenthome.
Me:When?
Lexi:
Today.Hi
sfat
heri
sil
l.Icoul
dfeelt
roubl
e
brewing.
Me:Whatki
ndoft
roubl
e?
Lexi
:If
eell
ikewe'
regonnabr
eakupagai
n.
Me:Coul
dyoustopbeingnegat
ive?Eatyourchi
ps.
Bhekiwi
llcomebackt
oyouandkissyouandt el
l
youhel
ovesyou.
Shel
aughs.
Lexi
:OkDrl
ove.
Me:Yesma'
am.

Sheshakesherheadl
aughi
ng.
..

*
**
BHEKI

Asthesunsets.Wemakedri
vei
ntot
heNcubes.
Ther
e'sawhit
ef l
agatt
hegat
e.Hemustber
eal
ly
si
ck.
Me:Gopar
kbef
orehi
shouse.
Qophel
ani
:Whyam Isoscar
ed?
Me:Met
oo.
Wegetoutofthecar
.Heremainsbehi
ndtaki
ngour
bags.Iwashmyhandsatthedoorandwalki
n.
Me:Ma?
Makhumalo:Ngi
yeza!Sheshout
sfrom t
hebedr
oom.
Iwalkupanddownunt i
lshecomesout.Wehug
bri
efl
y.Shei
scryi
ng.
Makhumal
o:We'
rel
osi
nghi
m Bheki
.
Me:Hewi
llnot
.

Iwalkin.He'
sdi
sappeari
ngonthebed.Ist
andby
thedoorandwatchhim.Tear
sfal
lout.Hecoughs.
Ncube:Bheki
sizwe
Me:Baba.
Ncube:I
ndodaayi
khal
i.
(amandoesn'
tcr
y)
Me:I
'
m not
.
Ncube:Thet i
mehascomef orme.Yourgrandf
ather
i
st aki
ngmeawayt obewit
hthem.Youand
Qophelaniwil
lbelef
ttor
unthishome.Ihad
acceptedthatyouwil
lmarr
yyourJohannesbur
g
womanbutf atehasitthatwhenyourauntBadani le
fledhome,shewaspr egnant.Shegavebi rthtoa
babygirl
,Bonisi
we.Bonisiwei si
njail,
sick.Sick
becauseherdaughterissleepingwithherr el
ati
ve,
theancestor
sarefi
ght i
ngher .Bhekisi
zwepl ease
tellmesheisnotpregnantwher eversheis

Igodownonmybut
t.If
eel
sick.
..
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t33•
••

BHEKI

Idon'
tknowwhattodo.Idon'tknowwhattof eel
.I
havebeenlyi
nghereonthi
sbedst ar
ingattheroof,
Iwasabletodozeofff
oranhourandt henIjust
coul
dn'
tsleepanymoreunt
ilnow.
Myphonehasbeenr i
nginginmyjacket'
spocket .I
knowi t
sher .Sheisprobabl
ywonderingwhyam I
nottaki
nghercal l
s.Someonewi l
lhavetoexplainto
herandt hatcannotbeme.Howwi l
lIbeableto
l
ookherandt heeyeandt el
lherwe'
rebloodrelated?
Whatar ewegonnado?Howar ewegonnagetr i
dof
thememor i
eswe'vecreatedsi
ncewemet ?

Thedooropens.Thel
ightst
ingsmyeyes.Ishi
eld
thel
ightwi
thmyhand.Thedoorcloses.
Me:Isai
dnooneshoul
ddi
stur
bme.
Gugu:Wellyouneedt
ogetupandadressthe100s
ofpeopl
eont hetr
eet
ohearaboutyourf
ather
's
heal
th.
Me:Dotheynotknowhe'
ssi
ck?Ihaveal
ott
odo
Gugu.
Gugu:SodoweBheki
!Getupandbat
handgot
her
e.
Me:No.
Gugu:Wear eallworr
iedaboutt
hechi
efbutwest
il
l
doourjobs.Suckitupandgetup.
Me:Getout
.
Gugu:Godpleasehel
pthi
sman.Peopl
ear
wwai
ti
ng
out
sideBheki.
Me:Tel
lQophel
anit
ogoaddr
esst
hem.

Shewal ksout
.Igetupandwalkar
oundi
nci
rcl
es.I
scratchmyheadashardasIcan.Ipi
nmyfi
sts
againstthewal
landIgrowl
..
.

*
**
ALEXI
S

"
Alexi
s"
Me:What
!
Isnapandt
urnt
ofacet
hedoorway.
Kat
e:Whoachi
ll
.Ibr
oughtt
her
epor
t.
Me:Puti
tovert
her
e.
Kat
e:Ar
eyouokay?
Me:Ineedt
obeal
oneKat
e.
Kate:Okgi
vemeacal lwhenyou'
redoneproof
readi
ng.Wi
llneedst
hisbefor
ethedayends.
Me:Cl
oset
hedooronyourwayout
.

Igobackint
ost ar
ingoutthewi ndow.Itakemy
phoneandcallhim agai
n.Itgoestovoicemail
thi
s
ti
mearound.
Me:Bhekisi
zweNcubedonottr
yme.Didyour
fat
hertel
lyoutonott
akemycall
s?Areyou
rej
oici
ngwithyourwi
fet
hati
sn'
tyourwif
e?Cal
lme
back!

Angr
yisanunder stat
ement.Iam f
umi ng,whatis
sohardabouttext
ingsomeoneandl etthem know
howyouwent ?Hehasal otofexpl
anat i
ontodo.

"
Andwhyar
en'
tyouonyourdesk?
"
Isweart
oGodI
'
m gonnaki
ll
somebodyt
oday.It
urn
mychai
rar
ound.
Me:BecauseIam si
tt
ingher
e.
Kel
ly:
Alexi
s
Me:YesKel
lyhowcanIhel
pyou?
Kell
y:Iwantt
oknowhowyougott heapprovall
etter
t
ogetR30000f r
om thefi
rmsaccounttobook
fl
ight
sand5st arhot
elincapet
ownar eyoushit
ting
me?
Me:Di
dyouj
ustcur
seMi
ssKel
ly?
Kel
ly:
Iaskedyouaquest
iondammi
t!
Me:Iwentt
other
ightpeopl
eandaskedf
ori
t.
Kel
ly:
Iam t
heonewhoi
ssuest
hose.Tel
lmehow
di
dyougetyour
s?
Me:BecauseIaskedi tasyourtoyboyHolk.You
j
ustsawyourl over'
ssignat
ure,youdidn'
tbotherto
r
eadyouj ustapproved.Iwonderhowmuchmor e
moneythathewant syou'
veapproved.Butdon't
worr
yI'
llgettherightpeopl
etocheckhowmuchof
t
heMcVei ghsmoneyyou' vechowed.
Shegul
ps.
Me:Nowifyoudon'
tmi
nd.I
'
dli
ket
ogetbacki
nto
st
ari
ngoutthewi
ndow.
Kel
ly:
Thi
sisn'
tover
.
Me:Of
cour
sei
tsnot
.

Igetupandtaketherepor
tKatebrought
.Shewalks
out.Isi
ghandlockthedoor.It
akeaseatonthe
couchandread.

ItaketoWi l
l'
soff
iceaft
erwards.Ifi
ndhim onthe
call
.IservehimthebestsmileIhaveandputt he
fi
leonhisdeskandr unoutbeforeheeventri
esto
stopmeandmakemeengagei naconversati
onI'
m
unint
erestedin.

Ipassbyt hecanteent
ogetsandwiches.Idi
dn'
teat
l
astnightandt hi
smorning.Thi
ngsthatmanputus
thr
ough.Af t
erful
l4mont hsofever
yday
communi cati
on,hegoeshomeandt henboom he'
s
unr
eachabl
e.

Ifindamessagenot i
fi
cationf rom hi m.Fi nallyhe
remember edIexi t.Iviewi t.Itsabi tlong.Imake
cof feeandset tl
edownonmychai randr eadi t:
Goodmor ningAl exi s.Iknowyou' remadandIdon' t
blameyou.Fr om t hef i
rstdayIl ai dmyeyesonyou,
Isawt hewomanIam wi l
li
ngt ospendt her estof
myl if
ewi th.RememberwhenIdi sappear edaf ter
webecamecl ose?WhenIr etur nedIt oldyouIwas
athomet of ixaf ewt hings, Iwast her etot ellmy
mot herIam notgonnabechi efandf ort hem t o
promi semet hatGuguwasmyonl ydut yandi twas
aonceof f.Iwant edt obewi thyoucl eanly.Iwas
readyt ofightf orus, t
herei snot hingIwoul dn' thave
donef orus, eveni fitmeantcut tingt ieswi thmy
par ent sforeverbecauseyout aughtmet ost andup
formysel f,youmademeabl etost opt hecont roll
ing
andbul l
yingf rom t hem.Iam cr ying, Iam t orn, I
don' tknowwhatt odoorsay.Ihavebeenher ei n
thisr oom st ar i
ngi ntoawal lhopi ngsomeonei s
goingshakemeandt ellmet owakeupI '
m havi nga
baddr eam.Boni
siweisadaught
erofDanisi
we
Ncube, myfat
her'
sli
tt
lesi
ster
.Bonisi
weandIare
cousinsandthatmakesyoumyni ece.Al
exi
sI'
m so
sorr
y...

From whenIread:Iwasreadytofi
ghtforus.I
star
tedcryi
ng.Iknewitwasheadingtobreakupbut
di
dnott hi
nkthi
swouldbear eason.Iwipemyf ace
andItakemybagandheadout .
..

*
**
BHEKI

Gugugetsinwit
h2bl azer
s.Sheisready.Idon'
t
knowhowshedoest hisbutIneedherstrengt
h
ri
ghtnow.Aft
erhoursofherbeggingmet ogoout
ther
eandaddressthosepeople,
shehasmade
them f
oodandservedthem dr
inks.
Gugu:Navyorbl
ack?
Me:Navy.
Shehandsitover
.Iputitonandtakemyphoneout
tochecki
fLexihasresponded.Idon'
tknowwhat
kindofr
esponseI'
m expecti
ngbutI'
m hopi
ngshe
sayssomethi
ng.

GuguandIheadoutt ot het r
eer i
ghtoutsidet he
gate.Theyallri
sewhenweappr oach.Igreetthem
andaskGugut oopenwi t
hpr ayer.Shemakesi t
shor tandever
ybodysitsdown.Ikeepst andingon
myf eet,myfather
'srespect i
vechai ri
stheonl y
optionandit'
sagainstthel awt heputmybut tinit
.
Me:Ehh.Goodaf t
ernoonever yone.Iam verysorr
y
tokeepyouallwaiti
ngf orsolong.Asal lofyou
knowthatmyf atherisi
ll,
thingsgetabi thecti
c
i
nsidethesegates.Atthismomentwe' r
et r
usti
ngon
theLord.AstheNcubeswe' r
easkingyout oplease
helpusprayforhisrecovery.Thingsare..
.

Iheardmother'
scry.Everybodygetsuponthei
rfeet
.
Iseeguar
dsr unint
ohi shouse.Theycomeout
holdi
ngbl
ackf l
ags,everybodygoesonthei
rknees
andbowt
hei
rheads.He'
sgone.
..
.

*
**
ALEXI
S

Ihavebeensit
ti
ngherefort
hepast45minut
esand
Iam l
osingmypati
ence.Twopoli
cemenappear
fr
om nowhere.
PM1:
Alexi
s?
Me:Yes?
PM2:
Fol
lowus.

It
akemybagandf oll
owt hem unt
ilwegeti
ntot
he
si
ckpeoplearea.Theyletmeinandpointather
.
She'
saloneinthisward.Great
.
Me:Canyougi
veussomespace?
PM1:
We'
l
lbewat
chi
ngyouovert
hewi
ndow.
Inod.Theycl
oset
hedooront
hei
rwayout
.
Shesmi
les.
Me:Youmakemesi
ckyouknowt
hat
?
Boni
siwe:Thenwhyar
eyouher
e?
Me:Whati
syoursur
name?
Bonisi
we:Ow?Youwannadi
tchyourdad'
s?I
'
m
fl
att
ered.
Me:Justsayi
t!
Boni
siwe:Mymotherneverdi
dmej ust
iceofl
etti
ng
meknowwhomyf at
herissoI'
vebeenaMat habela,
wher
eshemarri
ed.
Me:What
'sher
s?
Boni
siwe:She'
saNcubebutshedoesn'
tli
ket
hat
much.Herpeoplear
en'
therf
avour
it
e.

Iwal
kawayf
rom her
.It
str
ue.
Boni
siwe:Whatdi
dyourdaddydot
hatmakesyou
wannareuni
tewit
hme?
Me:Mydaddi
dnothi
ngyoupsychopat
h!Youdi
d!
Yourui
nedmyl
if
eBonisi
weNcube.
Boni
siwe:Asmuchasyour
uinedmi
ne?
Me:Idi dnottel
lyoutogoanddat eamar r
iedman!
Ifyouhadbeenal i
tt
lewomanwi t
hmor al
sI
wouldn'thavebeenconceivedbutyoubroughtme
here,yougavemeaway, whycouldn'
tyoueven
havet hedecencytotel
lmydadwhoyour eall
ywer
e?
Bonisi
we:Donotj
udgemeAl
exi
s.Youyour
sel
fhad
yourownli
tt
leaf
fai
rwit
hamarr
iedman.
Me:HowwouldIhaveescapedt
hosegenes?Ihave
beenseei
ngamanBonisiwe,ANcubeman.

Shechokesonherspi
t.
Boni
siwe:Ar
eyoupr
egnant
?

Imightbe.Thi
stopst
hel
istofwor
stt
hingst
hat
haveeverhappenedt
ome.
Me:Iwi
llneverf
orgi
veyouf
ort
his.
Boni
siwe:Sabat
hil
ewai
t!

Ir
unout
..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t34•
••

Myalarm goesof
fat8am.It
urni
tof
fandswi
tch
f
rom fl
ightmodeandcal
lKat
e.
Kat
e:Pl
easet
ellmeyou'
reonyourway.
Me:I
'
m notcomi
ng.
Kat
e:What!
?Willi
sbreat
hingf
ir
e.Hewant
sthat
R30000backLexi.
Me:Tel
lhi
m weusedi
t.
Kat
e:Alexisareyouhear
ingme?I'
m sayi
nghe
wantsitback.Hedoesn'
tcar
ethatweusedi
t.He-
wants-
it-
back!
Me:I
'
llcal
lhi
m.
Kat
e:Pl
easedo.Thabipl
easel
ockt
hesaf
e.

Ihangupandgetoutofbed.Igotothebathr
oom
fi
rstandgot
otheloungetocallmydad.Ipunchhi
s
numbersandsendthecal
lthr
ough.Itr
ings.
Mar
cus:Ar
eyouokay?
Me:YesI
'
m good.Howar
eyou?
Hesi
ghsi
nrel
ief
.
Marcus:Okgood.I
'
m okay.Youneveruset
he
housephone.
Me:I
'
m outofai
rt
ime.Wi
lli
sgi
vingmet
ought
ime.
Mar
cus:Whathashedonenow?
Me:RememberMrHar
ri
s?
Mar
cus:Yes.
Me:Heagr eedthatweinter
viewhim butincape
town.Ir
equestedR30000f rom t
hefirm account
anditwasapproved,Ididn'
tusemysi gnature.Now
thatt
heyknowt hati
twasmewhowant edi tther
e's
chaos,Wil
lwantsitback.
Mar
cus:Whosesi
gnat
uredi
dyouuse?
Me:Someguyint
heof f
ice.IknewKel
lywoul
dn'
t
appr
ovei
fIusedmine.Pleasetal
ktot
hem.
Marcus:I
tsil
legalt
odothatLexi.Theyhaveevery
r
ighttowantitback.Iwi
llt
alkt
ot hem,don'
teverdo
t
hatagain.
Me:Iwasdesper
ateI
'm sor
ry.Thankyou.Pl
ease
gi
vemom thephone.
Mar
cus:She'
satt
hepool
.
Me:Soear
ly?I
sn'
tcol
dther
e?
Mar
cus:Heat
edpool
.
Me:Ohh.Whenar
eyoucomi
ngback?
Mar
cus:Whenmybankaccountr
unsdr
y.
Wel
augh.
Me:Thatmeansyouar
enotcomi
ngback.
Mar
cus:Wewi
llj
ustnotsoon.
Me:Okay.Enj
oy.Il
oveyou.
Mar
cus:Wel
oveyoumor
e.
Ihangup.Ileanmyheadbackonthecouch.Itake
myphonet ocheckt
ime.Igett
otakeabath.
..

Iti
snotaspackedasIt hought
.Infacti
tsempt y,
j
ust3peopleinfrontofme.Myturntoregi
ster
comes,Ir
egisterandgobacktomyseat .Iplugin
myearphonest opassti
me.

Itr
ings.Itshim.Istareatitunti
litst
opsri
ngi
ng.
Whatar ewegoi ngtosayt oeachot her
?Iam si
tt
ing
hereinthischairhopingthatmyemot i
onsdonot
getbetterofmeIam notgoi ngtolethi
m makemy
dayhardert hanitalr
eadyis.

Ihearavoi
cel
ikeMvel
o'sspeaki
ng.It
urn,
oureyes
meet.
Mvel
o:Ther
eshei
s.Thankyou.
Igetupt
omeetherhal
fway.
Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?Ar
eyouokay?
Mvel
o:Canwet
alkout
sidepl
ease?
Shepul
lsmeal
lthewayout
.
Mvel
o:Li
ker
eal
lynow?
Me:What
?
Mvelo:Notanswer
ingyourcal
ls,
ignor
ingmyt
ext
s,
yourphoneoff.
Me:Di
dyoual
souset
hatcr
appyappt
ofi
ndme?
Mvelo:Whatdi
dyouwantmet
odo!Whyar
eyou
her
e?Ar eyousi
ck?
Me:No.

Iheadt
othebenchandsi
t.Shef
oll
owsme.
Mvel
o:What
'swr
ongbabe?Shesi
tsandhugme.
Me:Ever
ythi
ngi
swr
ongMvel
o.

Igot
omessagesandviewBheki'
smessageand
gi
veher
.Iwi
pemyt ear
squickl
ywhenIseepeopl
e
appr
oachi
ng.Shegasps.
Mvel
o:Pl
easet
ellhe'
ski
ddi
ng.
Me:He'
snot.Iwenttovi
sitBonisi
wetofi
ndout
.It
s
t
rue,Mvel
oIdon'
tknowwhatt odo.I'
m goi
ng
t
hroughhel
l,
Icouldn'
tsl
eep,I-
Mvel
o:Yout
hinkyou'
repr
egnant
Ibur
ymyheadi
nmyhands.
Me:Yes.
Mvel
o:OhmyGod.Thi
sisbad.

"Al
exi
sMcVei
gh"Ir
aisemyheadup.I
twast
he
secr
etar
y.
Her
:You'
renext
.
Me:Pl
easecomewi
thme.

Weheadinsi
de.TheDrasksafewquest
ionsbefor
e
hedi
rect
smet othebed.Heappl
iedt
hegeland
movedthetr
ansducerar
oundmyabdomen.Ican't
l
ookatt
hescr
een.Iam scar
edandshaki
ng.
Dr
:Thecoasti
scl
ear
.
Mvel
o:Oht
hankyouLor
d.
Shesqueezesmyhand.
Dr:Wouldyouli
ketodofamil
yplanning?Icant
ake
yourbloodsamplesandf
indoutwhichoneisgood
foryou.
Me:Noneed.
Mvel
o:Lexi
.
Me:Iwi
llcomewheni
t'
snecessar
y.
Dr
:Mydoori
sal
waysopen.Takecar
eMi
ss
McVei
gh.
Me:ThanksDr
.

Wewal
kout
.
Mvel
o:He'
scal
li
ng.
Me:Pl
easet
ellhi
mtonevercal
lmeagai
n.
Shedoes.Idr
inkwat
erandwewal
kout
.
Mvel
o:Ar
eyouokay?
Me:No.I
'
m notgood.Ineedj
ustami
nut
e.

Igeti
nmycarandhugt hest
eer
ingandcr
y.Mvel
o
opensthedooraf
tersomet
ime.
Mvel
o:Move.I
'
lldr
ive.
Me:Iwannagogetmyst
uffathi
spl
ace.
Mvel
o:Thenwe'
l
lgo.
Me:Whataboutyourcar
?
Mvel
o:Itext
edKhubonit
ofet
chi
t.Il
eftt
hekeys
wi
ththesecret
ary.

Imovet
otheot
hersi
de.Shehopsi
nandst
artt
he
car
.
Mvel
o:Seat
bel
tonpl
ease.
If
ast
eni
tandwedr
iveof
f.
Me:Ican'
tst
opcr
ying.
Mvel
o:Cryal
lyouwantbaby.Leti
tal
loutYouwant
i
cecream?
Me:No.

Sheturnsupthevolumeandl
ett
heai
rinasshe
i
ncreasesthespeed..
.

*
**
It
sbeen4days.Iwi shIcouldsayI '
m getti
ngbet ter
.
I'
m worse.Wil
lhasn'
tmadei tanybetterforme.I
paidbackthemoneyf r
om myownpocket .Arguing
withhim wasnotworthmyt ime.We'refl
yingt o
CapeTownl at
erandIr eal
lywi shwewer eont he
planeri
ghtnow.Everyt
hingar oundmei nthisplace
remindsmeofhim.Ishoul dn'
tbutImi sshim so
much.

Mvel
oandMikehavebeenthesupport
ivef
ri
ends
t
hatt
heyar
ebutther
e'sonl
yonethingthat
'l
lmake
mef eelbett
er:I
tisseeinghim,f
orthel
astt
ime.Not
sayanythingbutjustseehim.Ihavest
opped
myselffrom cal
li
nghi m somanyti
mes.Hereal
ly
stoppedcalli
ngandt hatshat
ter
edmypoorheart
.

Myhousephoner
ings.Ipi
cki
tup.
Me:Al
exi
s.
Voi
ce:Mor
ningma'
am.Ther
eisapar
celf
oryou
her
e,ar
eyouhome?
What
?Coul
dIpossi
blyt
akemyhousephoneaway
wi
thmeanywher
e?
Voi
ce:UhhI
'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
.CanIbr
ingi
tup?
Me:Of
cour
se.

Ihangupandputawayt hebottl
esofwine.It
snot
even10am butI'
m alreadyonmy3r d.I
thelpsme
dealwit
hmyl i
febetter.Ilookatmyselfonthe
microwaveandgot ost andbytheli
ft.I
tdingsopen,
Itakemyparcelandsi gnandbi dhi
m goodbye.Igo
overthecount
erandopeni t.I
tis3bottl
esofwine
andasi
ngl
elil
yandanote:Iknownot
hingwi
ll
makei
tbet
terbutt
hiswi
llt
ry.

Ifeelt
earsbur
nmyeyes.It aket
heflowerandsmel l
i
t.Itsmell
sofAxe,whatcouldbeworsethanthis.I
putitasi
deandtakeoutthebott
leofwine.He
boughtitl
astmonthandhiditaway.Hesaidwe' l
l
openitthedayhepropose.Whyishedoingthisto
me?

Thel
if
tchi
mes.It
urnt
ofi
ndMi
kewi
thabouquet
.
Mi
ke:Mor
ningsunshi
ne.Wi
ne?I
'
m sot
hir
sty.
Hecomestome, ki
ssesmyf
oreheadandgi
veme
t
hefl
owers.Il
augh.
Me:Ar
eyoushaggi
ngsomeoneataf
lor
alshop?
Mi
ke:No.I
'
m bei
ngagent
leman.
Me:Thankyou.
Mike:Wher
earet
hesefr
om?GodI'vebeendyingt
o
t
astethi
sBeckyr
edwine.I
twasl
imitededi
ti
onand
costanar
m andal
eg.
Me:Bhekisentt
hem.
Mi
ke:Excuseme?
Me:Yes.
Mi
ke:Wow.Sal
tinaf
reshwound.
Me:Tel
lmeabouti
t.HappyBi
rt
hday.
Mi
ke:Your
emember
ed.Thankyou.
Igi
vehi
m al
azysmi
le.
Me:Wecanhaveanearlycel
ebr
ationsi
nceIwon'
t
beher
elater
.AndyoucanhavethatBeckyr
edwine
asoneofyourgi
ft
s.
Mi
ke:Ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Me:YesIam.

Heat
tacksmewi
thahug.
Mike:comelet
'scuddl
eint
hecouchanddr
inkal
l
t
hewi neint
hishouse.
Me:Ineedt
osl
eep.I
'
vedr
ank2bot
tl
esal
readyand
I
'
mjustt
ispy.Danger
Mi
ke:Your
eal
lyneedt
osl
eep.That
'snotgoodatal
l.

Heaccompanymet
omybedr
oom andhel
pmeget
i
nbed.
Mi
ke:I
'
llgogetust
hekot
asdownst
air
s.
Me:Icoul
ddowi
thsuch.
Hesmi l
esandwal kout.IclosemyeyesandallI
seeisuslaughingbythepoolchall
engingeach
otherabouteati
nglemons.Wewer efi
nallyst
art
ing
tounderstandeachother.Wewereinlove.Wewere
buil
dingast abl
erel
ati
onship.

ThisisallonBonisi
we.Sheshoul dn'thavegivenme
away.Iwoul dknowmyr oots,Iwould'veknownt hat
Ncubepeopl earemypeopl e.Iwouldn'thavefall
en
foramant hati
smywhat everthathei s.Mylif
e
wouldn'tbesuchaconfusioni fshetook
responsibi
lit
yofheract
ions.Iwouldn'tbeinthis
bedcrying!
Mi
ke:Lexi
.
Me:Leavemeal
one!
Igetup.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry
Mi
ke:Bhekii
sher
e.
If
rown.
Mi
ke:Icoul
dn'
tfi
ghthi
m of
fthel
if
tI'
m sor
ry.
Me:Lethi
min.
Mi
ke:Ar
eyousur
e?
Inodandwalkt owar
dsthewindow.Iwishmydad
hadneveragreedtoi
ntr
oducemet otherealwor
ld.I
wouldn'
thavemethim.IcursethedayIsawthat
post
erofajobvacancy.

Hecl
earshist
hroatandcl
osesthedoor
.Iwantt
o
t
urnandlookathi
m butIdon'
thavet
hepower.
Bheki
:Ijustwant
edtoseeyou.Seei
fyou'
reokay.
From t
hedeepbottom ofmyhear
tI'
mreal
lysorr
y
baby.Iwi shtherewasawayt oundoal lthis.Iknow
i
tshard, i
tsgonnat aket i
met oforgetaboutt hi sbut
wewi l
lbef ine.Iwentt oprisonyest erdayt oask
Bonisi
wesomequest ions.Aunt yisst i
llalive, aft
er
myf at
her '
sbur i
alyouwi llhavet ocomehomeso
wecanper formthecl eansingandapol ogi zet othe
ancestors.I'
m movi ngbackhomef ulltime.Iam
taki
ngt hechair,t
her e'snor easonf ormet or un
awayfr om itanymor e.Onceagai n,Iam r eall
ysor ry.
Takecar eofyour self.I..
.Il
oveyouandyouknowI
do.Idon'tevenknowwhatt odowi tht hisloveso
I'
mjustgonnakeepi ther eunt i
lmer cycomesand
savemef rom mysel f.

Iheart
hedooropenandcl
oseagai
n.Isobsi
lentl
y.I
covermymouthwithmyhandsasIgetl
ouder.
..
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t35•
••
*
6mont
hsl
ater
*

Iswingmychai raround.Whatagooddayt hisis.

Paydayhast urnedt obemyf avori
teday.The
noti
ficati
onoft hemoneyi njustmakesmewanna
wakeupandheadst raightt othemal lnothere.The
magazi nekeepssel li
ngl ikehotpi e, weissuedour
4thone2weeksagoandi tdidn'tl
astl onginthe
shel
ves, apparentl
ypeopl ear ever ymuchi nterested
aboutwhathappensi nt hebusi nesswor l
d.We' ve
madei tevenmor einteresting, wedonotonl y
i
nterviewthem aboutt heirbusi nessl i
fe.Weshow
i
nterestaboutt hei
rlivesof ftheofficeandt uxedos
andtheyar ealwayshappyt oshar ewi thus.

"CanIcomei n?"OhandIhaveaPAnow.Car los,

thesweetestguyever.He'
saprofessi
onal.Ididnot
knowpeopl earepassi
onat
eforbeingpersonal
assist
ant
s.Idonotseemyselflookingfor
war dto
plansomeone'sdaybuthedoes,sobeaut i
ful
ly.
Me:Yespl
ease.
Hegetsinwi
thapaper
bag.Isi
gh.Doest
hisman
evergi
veup?
Car
los:Thi
sjustar
ri
ved.
Me:Icoul
dn'
tcar
elesshonest
ly.Justt
ossi
taway.
Car
los:Areyoucrazy?Ther
e'sanot
e.I
'
dreadi
tbut
i
tswrit
teninZul
u.
Me:Justteari
tapar
tandtel
lthesecur
it
ytonever
l
etthatr
estaur
antpeopl
einanymore.
Car
los:Ok.Letmeeatt
hisi
nthemeant
ime.
Me:I
'
m outofher
e.

Itakemybagandmyphoneandwewal kout.He
goestohisof
fi
ceandIheadtothel
if
t.I
tpar
ts.Mr
andMr sMcVeighst
epoutandhugme.
Me:Doyouhaveameet
ingher
e?
Mar
cus:Nowe'
reher
etoeatl
unch.I
tspayday
r
emember.
Mel
issa:Andwethoughtyoumi
ghtl
iket
obuyus
t
hatfri
edchi
ckenplat
ter
.
Mar
cus:Notf
orget
ti
ngabot
tl
eofwi
ne.
Me:Ok.Hereoryouwannapi
ckadi
ff
erent
r
estaur
ant?
Mar
cus:Her
e.

Ipresst hebut tononthel i

ftandwewai t
.This
coupleislivingt hei
rbestlif
e.Newlygrandparents.
Theyinvadet heirki
dspr i
vacyasmuchast hey
wantandwear elet
ti
ngt hem becausewelovet hem.
Iusedt hattimet heywer eawayt ogetaplaceand
buyit.Ihaven' tmovedi nbutIwi l
lsoonwhenI '
ve
i
nformedt hem.Andr i
ghtnowi sthegoodt i
met o
i
nformt hem.

Wef indat abl

eatt hefarend.Mycolleaguesare
sti
llscaredofhim sohi di
ngherewillsave
everyone'sday.Weor derthefamouspl at
teranda
j
ugoft ropicali
slandjuice.Suchami xt
ureof
goodness.I tl
it
eral
lygivemeor gasm.
Mar
cus:Wemi
ssedyou.
Me:Thankyou.Imi
ssedyout
oo.
Iwaswi
tht
hem t
hedaybef
oreyest
erday.
Mel
issa:Andwel
oveyou.
Me:Ar
eyougi
vingmeupf
oradopt
ion?
Theyl
augh.
Meli
ssa:Myonlygirl
?Iwouldnever.We'
resopr
oud
ofyou.Ever
ythi
ngyou'vebecome,wenevert
hought
youwerecapable.
Igasp.
Marcus:I
tstr
ue.Youneverwant
edtodoanyt
hing
Lexi
.Soallt
hisyouar
e,soamazingt
osee.
Ichuckl
e.Iam f
lat
ter
ed.
Me:I
'
mjustgl
adyou'
repr
oudofme.
Mel
issa:Cheer
s.
Us:Cheer
s.
Me:Iboughtanapar
tment
.
Them:What
?
Me:Yeep.Whenwoul
dyoul
i
ket
ogoseei
t?
Mar
cus:Whenyouknockof
f?
Me:Per
fect
.

Ourfoodcomes.IkeepmysmileonasIdigin.Ido
notevenwantt
oent er
tai
nthel
ookonthei
rfaces..
.

.
..
Finall
ythedayends.Ihavenopl ansexcepttaki
ng
theparentstotheapartment.Thecomplexisnewly
buil
tsoI '
m hoppingthatwi
llbeenoughtokeept hei
r
mout hsshut.Securi
tyisi
ncheck,notmykindof
securit
ybutenought osati
sfythem.IgotoThabi
andKat etotel
lthem I'
mleavingandthenbackto
Carlos.
Me:Whatar
ewedoi
ngf
ir
stt
hingt
omor
row?
Car
los:We'r
edri
vingtoSandt
oncit
ytomeet
Nonhlanhl
aKhumalo.TheownerofLuckydayhai
r
sal
on.
Me:Lovel
y.Thankyou.Don'
tbel
ate.
Car
los:Excuseyou?
Il
augh.He'
sneverl
ate.
Me:Iwi
llnotbel
ate.
Car
los:Of
cour
seyouwi
llnotbecauseIwor
kedso
har
dtogetherti
me.
Me:Lockup.
Car
los:Iwi
ll
.

Iwal
kaway.

Myphoneri
ngsasIar
ri
veatt
hecompl
ex.Ipar
k
andanswer
.
Me:Heyst
ranger
.
Jake:Imi
ssyou.
Me:Imi
ssyout
oo.
Jake:Ihavewine,
moviesandlasagnethatmy
motherjustbr
oughther
e.Ican'
teatital
one.
Isnor
t.
Me:Iwi
llcome.
Jake:Awesome.Letmegoandfi
nishof
fmywor
k.
CallwhenIhavet
of et
chyou.
Me:Iwi
lldo.Seeyoul
ater
.
Jake:Bye.

Inthemi dstofgr i
evingmydeceasedr elati
onship.I
dedicatedmysel ftowor k.Iworkedhar derthan
before,Ihunteddownever ybusi nessmani nt own,
Jakebei ngoneoft hem.Aweekaf t
erouri ntervi
ew,
hebr oughtmef lower s.Westartedgoi ngout ,of
whichwasgoodf ormyhear tbreak.Icoul dn'tbear
stayingathomeandt hinkaboutBheki .Afterthe
cleansingIchangedmynumber s.Sot hismant ook
careofmef or3mont hsbeforewest arteddat i
ng.
He'sbeenpat ient,sweetandl oving.Iwoul dn'tsayI
l
ovehi m butwehaveagoodt hinggoi ngon.

Ical
ltheparent
s.Theysayt
heyar
eint
her
ecept
ion.
Igothereandfetcht
hem.
Mar
cus:So2peopl
eperbl
ock?
Me:No4.
Mel
issa:I
tisbeaut
if
ul.Goodchoi
ce.
Marcus:Honeyyoucan'
tsaysucht
hingsbef
orewe
seetheact
ualapart
ment.
Me:I
tisnewdad.
Heshr
ugshi
sshoul
der
s.
Mar
cus:Justsayi
ng.

Ipuncht
hemaincodeatt
hebl
ockbur
glargat
eand
wetaket
hest
airsup.
Mar
cus:Whydi
dyouchooseanupperone?
Me:I
twasavai
labl
e.
Mar
cus:Mhhh

He'
ssodi
sappr
ovi
ngofever
ythi
ng!
Wer
eachmydoorandIunl
ock.Mom gasps.
Mel
issa:Thi
sissobeaut
if
ulbaby.
Me:Thankyou.
MarcusMcVei ghisnowhereinsight.Mom andI
expl
orethekit
chen,nottoobignort oosmall
.
There'
salr
eadyacount erwi
thbuiltinstoveanda
ti
nyroundsink.Thecabinet
sareal soready.
Mel
issa:Whenar
eyoumovi
ngi
n?
Me:Af
terweputi
nfur
nit
ure.
Mel
issa:We?
Me:YouandI
.
Shel
aughs.
Mel
issa:It
houghtt
her
ewasaman.
Me:Nomathereisn'
t.Let
sgot
othebedr
ooms.The
ensui
tei
ssobeauti
ful.
Mel
issa:Theyal
waysar
e.

I
tsqui
tespaci
ous.Wef
inddadi
nther
e.
Marcus:I
tssobi
g.Weshoul
dbui
ldyouawal
kin
cl
oset.
Me:Iwast
hinki
ngoft
hat
.
Mar
cus:Youwi
lll
etushel
pyoudecor
ate?
Me:Yes.

Thelookont
hei
rfacesi
ssopr
icel
ess.Myphone
ri
ngs.
Me:Ineedt
otaket
his.

Il
eavet
hem di
scussi
ngt
hewal
lcol
or.
Me:Heybaby.
Mvel
o:Love.Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m goodhowar
eyou?
Mvel
o:Iam goodandj
ustsawt
henews.
Me:She'
sget
ti
ngr
eleased,
isn'
tshe?
Mvel
o:Shei
s
Me:Somuchf
orj
ust
ice.
Mvel
o:Iknowr
ight
.Whenar
eyoumovi
ngt
othe
newhive?
Me:I'
mthinki
ngnextmont
h.Iam her
ewi
tht
he
par
ents.
Mvel
o:Whatdi
dtheysay?
Me:Ididnotgi
vet
hem achanceofsayi
nganything.
Mom lovesi
tandIt
hinkdaddoestoobuthe'
sjust
hi
m.
Wel
augh.
Mvelo:He'
sver
yhar
d.Letmegofi
nishupcooki
ng.
Nguqukoandhiswi
fear
ehere.
Me:Sendmyl
ove.
Mvel
o:Iwi
llbabe.I
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
.
Me:Okay.

Ihangup.Bonisi
wehasbeent ryi
ngtocontactme
overthemonths.Icannotfinditi
nmyhear tto
for
giveher
.Hearingthatshe'sgett
ingouti
swhatI
didnotwanttohearatal
l.Shemyst er
iously
becamebetteraf
tert
hecleansing.Ial
somether
motherther
e,wegotalongjustfi
neevenbef or
ewe
wereintr
oducedtoeachother.Wecal leachot
her
sometimes.

Amessagecomesin:Yourmotheri
scomi
ngoutof
j
ailandShe'
sget
ti
ngdivor
ced.

I
tsf
rom her
.Isi
ghandr
espond:Ij
usthear
d.That
's
api
ty.

Thei
rrelat
ionshi
pisn'
tqui
ter
osy.Boni
siwei
sbad
oneveryone'sbook.
Igobackt
othepar
ent
sandt
ellt
hem i
tst
imet
o
l
eave.

Wepartwaysonthefr
eeway.Idr
ivet
omyplace
f
ir
st.Ibat
handpackmysleepwearandanout
fi
tfor
t
omor r
ow.Ical
lJaket
hatI
'
mr eadyandwai
t.
Af
ter30mi
nut
est
hecarar
ri
ves.Wel
eave.
..

Itt
akesanother30mi nut
est oarr
iveathispl
ace.I
changeintomypyj amasashewar msupt he
l
asagne.Icomebackandf indhim di
shingup.He
hasthi
swei rdthi
ngoflovingdimlight
sandl i
ghtup
twocandles.Iti
sromanticifi
tisdoneonceina
whil
enott hi
s.
Jake:Howwaswor
k?
Me:Wor
kwasf
ine.Howwasyour
s?
Jake:Busyandannoyi
ng.Mypartner'
swifei
s
pregnantsoI
'mtaki
ngcareofeveryt
hing.
Me:He'
l
lret
urnt
hef
avorsomeday.
Jake:Whenyou'
repr
egnantI
'
llhi
resomeonet
ohel
p
hi
m out.
WhenI
'
m pr
egnant
?Icl
earmyt
hroat
.
Me:That
'st
hought
ful
.Tel
lhi
m youneedsomeone
t
ohelpyouout.
Jake:Hewon'
tbudge.Doyoumi
ndmeet
ingmy
mother?
Ichuckl
ener
vousl
y.Myphoner
ings,
savi
ngme.
Me:Excuseme.

It
akei
t,Idonotr
ecogni
zet
hesenumber
s.Ianswer
.
Me:Hel
lo
Voi
ce:Pl
easedon'
thangup.
Isi
gh.
Me:HowcanIhel
pyou?
Bonisi
we:Ineedaplacet
ostay.Justf
orafewdays
Alexi
s.Iknowthi
sistoomuchtoaskbutIhaveno
one.
Shesoundssodesper
ateandl
ikeshe'
scr
ying.I
feelnot
hingf
orher
.
Bonisi
we:Lexi?IknowIwr ongedyoubutIwillnot
beletoutunlesstheyknowwher eI
'm goi
ng.My
accountsarefrozenandmyhusbandsol dhis
house.
Me:I
'
llbookyouahot
el.
Bonisiwe:Nonono.Ineedahome, they'
l
lneedyou
tosi
gnanagr eementt
hatIwil
lbeunderyour
supervisi
on.IknowIdon'
tdeservet
hatbutIam
beggingyou.

Imovet hephoneof ft
heearandletoutatrembli
ng
breath.Iam notl
ikeher,
Iconsi
derotherpeopl
e.I
putthephonebackon.
Me:DoIneedt
ocomet
othepr
isonort
hey'
l
lcome
wi
thyou?
Ihearhersi
ghi
nrel
i
ef.
Boni
siwe:Youneedt
ocomeher
e.Thank-

Ihangup.Andgetof
fthechai
r.
Jake:Ar
eyouokay?

Her
unsaf
terme.
Me:I
'
m okay!Ineedsomet
imeal
one.

Ishutt
hebedr
oom dooronhi
sface.
..
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t36•
••

Aft
ermymeet ingwit
hNonhl anhl
aKhumal oJake'
s
dri
verdrivestomypar ent
'shouse.Arr
ivi
ngthereI
fi
ndt hem swimming.10o'
clockinthemorningmy
parentsareinapool.
Me:Real
lyyouguys?
Mel
issa:I
tspar
tofexer
cisi
ng.
Me:Isee.

Theycomeout
.At
leastt
heyst
il
lcar
eaboutmy
exi
stence.
Mar
cus:Shoul
dn'
tyoubeatwor
k?
Me:IshouldbebutIwasonanint
ervi
ewsoI
passedbyherecauset
here'
ssomethi
ngI
'dl
ikeus
todiscuss.
Mel
issa:Soundsser
ious.Come,
haveyoueat
en?
Me:Yesbuti
fyougonnaof
fermef
oodyespl
ease.

Shel aughs.She'
sgenuinelyhappy.Mydadsur e
knowshowt omakei tuptohiswoman.Ibetshe
sti
llremember shecheatedonherwi t
hthatostr
ich
Kelly.Wegettothekitchen,shetakeoutscones
andor angejui
ce,per
fect.Wesitaroundthecounter
.
Mel
issa:St
opf
li
ppi
ngyourhai
r.
Mar
cus:I
tst
oowet
.
Mel
issa:At
owel
isont
hechai
rbehi
ndyou.
Mar
cus:Sor
rywedi
dn'
tseei
t.
Sher
oll
shereyes.
Mel
issa:Whatdi
dyouwantt
otal
kabout
?
Me:Boni
siwe.She'
sget
ti
ngr
eleased.
Mel
issa:What
?
Dadcl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
.
Us:Youknew?
Mar
cus:Yes.Idi
dn'
twannar
uinyourmoods.
Me:Wel
lshecal
ledmel
astni
ght
.Sheaskedmef
or
apl
acet
ostay.
Mar
cus:She'
sanut
head.
Mom eyeshi
m andt
hent
urnt
ome.
Mel
issa:Whatdi
dyousay?
Me:Iagr
eedbutIam her
etomakesur
eifyouguys
ar
ecoolwit
hthatsi
ncewe'l
lbeatt
hepent
house.
Mar cus:TheonethatIbought?Iam hopi
ngyou'
re
nottalki
ngaboutit
.Whywoul dyouevenagree?
Thiswomanal mostr ui
nedyourli
febeyondr
epair
Alexis!Where'
sherfell
owcrookhusband?
Me:She'
sget
ti
ngdi
vor
ced.Heraccount
sar
efr
ozen.
Mar
cus:Goodr
iddancet
obadr
ubbi
sh.
Mel
issa:Mar
cus!Ar
eyousur
eaboutagr
eei
ng?
Me:Idon'
tknow.Iam doi
ngwhatf
eel
sri
ghtatt
his
moment.
Mar
cus:Feel
sri
ght
?Ar
eyouondr
ugs?
Me:Dadplease.I
fyoudi
sagr
eej
ustsaysost
op
shout
ing.
Mar
cus:Iam di
sagr
eei
ng.
Me:Mom?
Meli
ssa:Iam sayi
ngl
et'
sgetherafl
attost
ayat
.
She'
sinneedandwecanaf f
ordtohelpher
.
Marcus:I
tsnotonl
ythedaught
erunderthe
i
nfl
uenceofadangeroussubst
ancebuthermot
her
t
oo.Whyar ewebri
ngingheri
ntoourl
ives?
Mel
issa:Youbr
oughtherf
ir
st.Atl
eastAl
exi
shad
t
hedecencytol
etusknow.
Ouch.Het
ri
est
ospeakbutst
opsandf
oldhi
sar
ms.
Meli
ssa:We'l
llookf
orafl
atf
orherwhi
leshestays
i
nthepenthouseandyoucancomehereifyou'
ll
be
uncomfor
tabl
et obear
oundher
.
Me:Thankyou.
Marcus:Ihopenobodycomest
omewhenshe
br
ingsyoubothtroubl
e.

Heget
sof
fthechai
randl
eaves.
Meli
ssa:Don'
tmi
ndhi
m.Di
dshesaywhenshe'
s
comingout?
Me:Apper
antl
yther
e'ssomepaper
wor
kinvol
ved.I
havet
osignashernewguardi
an.
Meli
ssa:Ok.Let
'spr
ayshedoesn'
tmakeusr
egr
et
t
his.
Me:Areyousureyouwannagetinvol
ved?No
pr
essure.Icanhandl
eital
lbymyself
.
Meli
ssa:YesIam sur
e.Yourf
atherhasmoney
enoughtorentheraf
lati
nSandtoncit
y.

Inodandwecont
inueeat
ingi
nsi
lence.
..
.

Thef i
rstt
hingIseewhengett otheoff
icei
sKel
l
y's
face.WhyisPreciousnotatherdesk?
Me:Goodday.
Kell
y:Hi
.I'
mlooki
ngforast
apl
er,
minebr
okeandI
can'
tfi
ndPreci
ous'
s.
Me:Maybeshe-
Pr
eci
ous:Mi
ssAl
exi
s,Mi
ssKel
ly.
Kel
ly:
Hii
i!I
'
mlooki
ngf
orast
apl
er.
Kel
ly:
Itsnextt
othepc
Kel
ly:
Ohh.Imustgetmyeyeschecked.
Shesmi
lesandgoesaway.Il
ookatPr
eci
ous.
Preci
ous:Shewasheretolookfort
hefi
let
hatWil
l
tol
dmet omail
.It
hinkther
e'str
oublei
nparadi
se.
Me:Toughl
uck.
Pr
eci
ous:Iwasatyourof
fi
cet
odel
iveryourpar
cel
.
Me:Fr
om?
Preci
ous:Secr
etadmirer
.Iwishahadsomeoneso
const
ant.4months,ever
ydayther
e'sapar
cel
.
Me:Youcanhavet
hosepar
cel
scauseIr
eal
lydo
notwantt
hem.
Pr
eci
ous:Ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Me:Yes.

Icl
ocki
nandheadt
othel
if
t.

IgreetCarl
osandgoon.If i
ndabunchofl oll
ies.
Thesearedef i
nitelynotf
rom Nqaba.Ipul
lthecard,
i
tsfrom Jake.Ismi leandpi
ckthem uptosmel l.I
takethem t
omyt i
nytabl
enexttothewindow.
Thesearen'tgoinghome.

Ifeelhot.Iunbut
tontheblouseandturnontheai
r-
con.Isitdown.IcallCar
losin.Herushin.
Car
los:What
'swr
ong?
Me:Wat
erpl
ease.

Heget
sitf
rom t
hef
ri
dge.Idr
inkup.
Me:Ineedt
oseeaDr
.Mycarkeysar
eont
hebag.
Car
los:Shoul
dn'
twecal
lanambul
ance?
Me:No.Pl
easedr
ivemet
omyDr
.

Iputhi
saddressonthegps.Heholdsmybagand
takemyhand.Itrytoremainasst
rongaspossible
unti
lwegett
ot hecar.Myphoneri
ngs.Idecl
inethe
call
.If
eelmybreathrunni
ngshort
.
Me:Car
los.
..
speedup.
Car
los:Hol
dint
her
e.Dr
inkwat
erpl
ease.

Wegett
her
e.Thel
astt
hingIr
ememberi
shi
m
get
ti
ngmeoutoft
hecar.
..

.
..
"
Alexi
s!"Ist
art
leandcough.
"Don'tmoveyougoingtohur tyourself
"Il
ook
around.I'
mt hehospi
tal
.Ican'treal
lyseethefaceof
themani nawhi t
ecoat.Ihaveanoxygenmaskon.
Het urnsandputthefi
leonthet able.Headj
uststhe
bed.Ir
emovet hemask.Hest
aresatmewit
hhi
s
browsrai
sed.Ilookawayt
othewindow.

Thesunthatispenet
rat
ingthewindowi
sthe
morningsun.Thi
smeansI '
vebeenoutf
ormore
than10hours.
Nqaba:Sawbona.
Me:Hi
Nqaba:Doyouknowwher
eyouar
e?
Me:Hospi
tal
.
Nqaba:You'r
eatt
hesurger
y.Thepl
acei
sext
ended.
Weadmi tsomepati
ent
s.
Me:What
?Wher
e'smyf
ri
end?
Nqaba:Who?Anzur
i?Hesol
dthepl
ace.
Me:Andyouwor
kfort
henewowner
?
Hesmi
rksandcl
iphi
spenonhi
scoat
.
Nqaba:Toozul
utobeaDrandanowner
?
Me:Ineedt
ogett
owor
k.
Nqaba:I'm afr
aidyoucan'
t.Ist
il
lneedt
okeepyou
hereatleastunti
ltomorr
ow.Youhadananxiety
att
ack.Iwillneedyoutotakeatl
east2weeksof
f
work.
Me:No.
Nqaba:I
'l
lbebackaft
er30minut
es.Anur
sewi
ll
cometakeyoutothebat
hroom.

Hewalksout.Isearchformybag.Itisnowheret
o
befound.Adooropens.Anur sewalksin.She
ser
vesmeabeaut i
fulsmil
e.
Nur
se:Mor
ning.Howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Me:Ver
ymuchbet
ter
.
Nurse:Okl
etmet
aket
heseof
f.I
tsgonnahur
ta
l
it
tl
e.

Shetakesmyhandandr emovedt
heneedl
e
passi
ngthedr
ipin.If
li
nch.
Nur
se:Done.Nowwegonnawal
ktot
hebat
hroom.
Nodi
zzi
nessr
ight
?
Me:No.
Nurse:Gr
eat.Let
'sgo.Yourmom br
oughtyouyour
sl
eepwear.
Me:Mypar
ent
sknowI
'
m her
e?
Nurse:Yes.Theyspentt
heni
ghthere.DrZungu
camet hi
smor ni
ngandaskedthem t
ogohome.

Inodandwewal kt
othebathroom.Al lmybat hing
mat eri
alishere.Thisf
eelsli
kethet i
meBoni si
we
kidnappedme.If el
tmychestget t
ingt i
ght,Iholdon
tot hewal landr unout
.Ibumpi ntoNqabaont he
passage.Het riestoholdmebutIescapef rom his
grip, herunsaf t
ermeshout i
ngmyname.The
passageseemsendl ess.Ipanicevenf urt
her.Iam
cryingnow.Hegr absmyar m.
Nqaba:Wai
t!Jesusyougonnahur
tyour
sel
f.
Me:Letgoofme!
If
ighthi
m of
f.Hi
sgr
ipt
ight
ens.
Me:Iwannagohome!Iwannaseei
fIam r
eal
lyat
Anzur
i'
s.
Nqaba:Al
exi
s.
Me:Letmegopl ease,Ipr
omiseIwil
lnotsayawor
d
toanyone.I
'
ll
-I'
l
ljustpret
endthi
s,t
hisnever
happened.
Hef
rownsandl
etgoofmyar
m.
Nqaba:Iwoul
dn'
thur
tyou.I
'
m sor
ry.Wecangoout
.

Heleadsthewayandturntot
her
ight
.Thecorr
idor
l
eadsust othef
ront
.Therear
eot
herpat
ient
sfall
ing
t
heline.Ist
op.
Me:CanIpl
easehavemyphone?
Het
urns.
Nqaba:I
tsont
hecabi
neti
nyourwar
d.CanIt
ake
youback?
Me:Pl
ease.
Nqaba:Nal
ediI
'
llbeback.
Agirl
popsherheadoutf
rom undert
her
ecept
ion
desk.
Nal
edi
:Ok.

Thisplaceisnothi
ngl i
keitwas6monthsagowhen
Icameher e.Howsi ckisAnzur
i?Whycoul
dn'
thelet
meknowhe' smovingandnowt hi
ssurger
yhasmy
secretadmirerworkingonit
.

Nurse:Iwasscar
edyoudi
dn'
tgett
hebat
hroom
r
ight.
Nqaba:Pl
easegiveher
,herphoneandt
hengobe
wit
hherinthebathr
oom.

Ifor
ceasmileandwal ki
ntot heward.It
akemy
phoneandswitchiton.Missedcall
snotif
icat
ions
comeinfl
ooding,mostfrom Jake.Ical
lhim.He
mustbesickworri
edaboutme.
Itr
ingsunanswered.Ihangupandgot pWhatsApp
totexthi
m.Ifindtonsofmessagesf rom hi
mtell
ing
met othrowawayf l
owersthatjustcameintomy
off
ice.Ical
lhi
m backagain,itr
ingsunanswered.I
hearnoisefr
om thepassage.

That'
shisvoi
ce.Ir
untoopenthedoor
.Hebeat
sme
i
ntoit
.Het hr
owsthebl
azerdownandhugsmefor
dearl
ife.
Jake:It
houghtIhadl
ostyou.I
'
m sor
ryIgott
hatt
ip
offl
ate.
Ibr
eakt
hehug.
Me:Whati
sgoi
ngon?Ar
etheyt
her
easonI
'
m si
ck?
Jake:Icanexpl
ainbabyj
ustnotnow.
Me:Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?Expl
ain!

Nqabaandsecur
it
yguar
dsar
est
andi
ngont
hedoor
l
ookingatus.
Jake:Noti
nfr
ontofpeopl
e.
Me:Canyougi
veussomespace?
Nqaba:t
hey'
l
lbeout
side.

Inod.Theywal
kout
.Igetbackt
oJake.
Me:So?
Jake:Myexgi
rl
fr
iendsentt
hose.
Me:excuseme?
Jake:Yes.
Me:Howdi
dyouknow?
Jake:Becauseshecamet omyoffi
cet
otel
lmet
o
takeherbackbecauseyou'r
edead.
Me:Howdi dsheevenknowwhoam Iandwher
eI
work?Letal
onemyf avor
it
efl
ower
s!
Jake:Shehackedint
omyphoneinthemorni
ngI
thinkbecauseIf
oundherwai
ti
ngformeatmywork
placeinthemorni
ng.
Imoveawayf
rom hi
m.
Jake:I
'
m sor
ry
Me:Ineedt
obeal
one.
Jake:Babe.
..
Me:Imeani
t!Jake.Pl
ease.
Jake:Il
oveyou.

Hepi
ckshi
sbl
azerupandwal
kout
.Isi
tont
hebed
andr
unmyhandsonmyhair
.

Myphoneri
ngs.Icheckwhoi
tis.I
tsBoni
siwe,
not
nowpl
ease.

Iswi
tchi
tof
fandgot
otakeashower
..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t37•
••
Mypar entscamet oseeme.Mom andherdr ama,
shewascr yinglikeIam dead.Iaskedt hem tobring
memyl aptopsot hatIcanworkfrom her e.Iam not
l
ookingf or
war dtothenextslotofvi
siti
nghour s.
EveryoneknowsI '
m here,
I'
vebeenr eceiving
fl
ower s.Iwi sheveryonecanjustsendf lowersand
notshowupher e.

Finall
yits2pm.Onl yf
ewhoursl ef
tunt
ilt
heni ght,
I
willsl
eepandwakeupt omorr
owandl eave.Iput
myl aptopasideandlaydown.JakeandIar en't
speaking,herefusedtotel
lmethenameofhi sex.I
wantt olaychargesagai
nsther.ShemustknowI '
m
notat oytopoison.

Iheadt
hedooropen.Iopenmyeyesmydadand
Nomvel
owalkin.Igetupandhugsher
.
Me:Whatar
edoi
ngher
e?
Mvel
o:Toseeyou.Di
dyout
hinkyoucanhi
det
hat
you'
resi
ck?
Me:Nqabat
oldyou.
Mvel
o:Of
cour
sehedi
d.

Dadwavesatme.Il
augh.
Me:DadIseeyouever
yday.
Marcus:Youweren'
tthi
shappywhenIcameback
f
rom Tanzani
a.Worstofal
lri
ghtnowIhavef
ood.
Me:Iwashappyandt
hankyouf
ort
hef
ood.Wher
e
i
smom?
Mar
cus:Athomemaki
ngyoumor
eheal
thyf
ood.
Me:Thi
sisheal
thyf
ood?
Mar
cus:YesbutIboughtyouchi
ckenf
il
lett
omake
i
twort
hyourwhil
e.

Wel
augh.
Me:Iwon'
tbeher
etor
escueyouwhenmom f
inds
out
.
It
urnt
oMvel
o.Ihugheragai
n.
Mvel
o:Imi
ssedyousomuch.
Me:Met
oo.Ndunaal
lowedyout
ocome?
Mvel
o:Soeasy.He'
sher
ebutwi
thNqaba.
Me:Wowam Igonnadi
e?
Shel
aughs.
Mvel
o:Maybe.

Thedooropensagai
n.Nqabawalksi
nwit
hpapers
onhi
shand.He'snotweari
nghi
scoatnow.Who
wear
saf or
malshir
t,at
ie,
Brent
woodandcarvel
a?
Nqaba:Yourbl
oodresul
tsar
ebackmi
ssMcVei
gh.
Canyougiveussomespace?
Me:I
tsokayyoucansayi
tinf
rontoft
hem.

Hel
ooksatMvel
othenatmydad.
Nqaba:Youwer
eexposedtopoison,Matelvery
f
atalandyouwer
eluckyyourbodyreact
edf asttoi
t.
Mar
cus:What
?Wher
e?Wher
edi
dyougoyest
erday?
Me:Sandt
on,
home,
rest
aur
antandt
henwor
k.
Mvel
o:I
sther
esomeoneatwor
kyou'
renoti
ngood
t
ermswit
h?
Me:No.Imust
'vebeenexposedt
oitatt
hat
r
estaur
ant
.
Nqaba:Di
dyousni
ffanyt
hing?
Me:Yesaf
lower
.
Marcus:What
'st
hename?I
'
llsuet
hem ofever
y
centt
heyhave.
He'
stur
ningr
edandt
hat
'snotgood.
Me:DadIfoundafl
owerontopofatabl
ewhil
eI
wai
tedformyorder
.Therest
aur
anthadnot
hingt
o
dowit
hit.

Heputsdownthepaper
bagandleavestheroom.I
l
ookatNqaba.He'
sstar
ingatme.Mveloclear
sher
t
hroat
.
Mvel
o:Doessheneedt
ogetmor
emedi
calat
tent
ion
or
?
Nqaba:Yes.I
'l
ltr
ansf
ert
oahospi
talt
omakesur
e
she'
sreal
lyokay.
Mvel
o:When.
Nqaba:Now.
Het
akesmyf
il
eandwr
it
es.
Nqaba:Youcantakeherfil
etot
herecept
iontoget
astampthenshe'
llbereadywhenyougetback.

Shetakesi
tandleaves.Ireachformybagandt
ake
outmyclot
hes.He'ssti
llstandi
ngher
e.
Me:CanIdr
essup?
Nqaba:Noneedt
ober
ude.Howar
eyouf
eel
ing?
Me:Okay.If
eelver
yfi
ne.
Nqaba:Ok.Ourpr
ivat
ecarwi
llt
akeyout
her
e.
Me:Thanks.
Het
ri
est
ospeak.
Me:No.
Hewalksout.Isli
deint
omyj eansandat ee.Ikeep
t
hesli
ppers.Mvelocomesbackandwel eave.She
l
eaveswit
hme, Ndunafol
lowsusbehind.

*
**
It
sbeenaweek.Iwantnot hi
ngtodowi t
hthis
stayi
ngathomenonsense.Mvel oleft3daysago
whenshewassat isf
iedthatI'
m okaynow.Mydad
wentasfarashiri
ngbodyguar dsformecause
apperant
lyIcan'
tbetrusted.

Iam happythattodayIgett ogoout .Ihatewhere

I'
m goingbutitmeansgoi ngoutsoI '
m goi
ng.Jake
offer
edtotakemet her e,Ishould'
vebeengonean
houragobutI '
m st
illherewai t
ingforhim.He
promisedtotakemet othepolicestati
ontolay
chargeswhenI '
ve"compl etel
yhealed".Iam hol
ding
himintothat
.
Myphonebeeps.I
tsKat
e.Igr
antheraccess.Ical
l
Jakei
nthemeanti
me.
Jake:MyloveI
'm sosor
rythi
ngsgotabi
text
reme
atwork.Ihadt
otakecareofi
t.
Me:Soyouar
en'
tcomi
ng?
Jake:Iam butl
ater
.
Me:OkI
'
llj
ustgoonmyownI
'
llseeyoul
ater
.
Jake:I
'
m sor
ryokay?
Me:I
tsokay.

Ihangup.I
tsnotokay!
Thi
sist
he2ndt
imeshe'
sst
oodmeup.

Kat
ecomesoutoft
hel
if
t.
Me:I
sthataMacDonal
dint
ervi
ew?
Kat
e:Yes.Icamet
ocol
lectyoursi
gnat
ure.
Me:Whathappenedt
oel
ect
roni
cs?
.
Kat e:Ij
ustneededanexcusetogetoutoft
he
off
ice!Willisnoti
nthemoodtodayandyouknow
howheget s.
Me:Godhedeser
vesaPhDf
orbei
nganasshol
e.
I
'm sor
ry.
Kat
e:Nopr
obl
em baby.
Me:Haveyoueaten?Ihavealotofj
unkfoodin
her
ethatIdon'
teatanymore.Mommy'sorder
s.
Kat
e:Letmehel
pmysel
f.
Me:Iam l
eavi
ng.Goi
ngt
otheDr
.
Kat
e:I
'
llseeyouwhenyoucomebackt
owor
k.
Me:Cheer
s.

Itakemyphoneandmybagandof fIgo.Ii
nfor
m
theguar dst
hatIwannagotot
heDr ,
theydri
veme
there.Theperksofbei
ngt
heonlygi
rl.

Ishould'
vebr
oughtKat
ewit
hme.Idonotwantt
o
beinthesamespaceasNqaba.
Iregi
sterandgoi
nwhenmyt
urncomes.Igr
eethi
m
andsitdown.Hesmi
les.
Nqaba:Hi
.Youl
ookf
resh.
Me:If
eelf
resh.IhopeIwi
llgohomewi
thal
ett
er
gr
anti
ngmet ogobacktowork.
Nqaba:Of
cour
se.Let
'sst
artbychecki
ngyourvi
tal
s.
Pl
easegetont
hebedandt akeofft
hejacket
.

Idoasperinst
ructi
on.Hecomesandchecksmeup.
Iam backi
nachai raf
ter10minut
es.He'
sjot
ti
ng
downwhatI'm assumingismylet
tert
ogobackto
work.

Hegi
vesmebackmyf
il
e.
Nqaba:Nomor emedi
cat
ion.Pl
easefi
nishof
fthe
r
emai ni
ngoneathomeandallshal
lbegood.And
t
hisisyourl
ett
er.
Me:Thankyou.
It
akeitandgetupandheadtothedoor.Ist
art
leas
heshutsthedoorcl
oseaf
terIopeni
t.
Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Nqaba:Weneedt
otal
k.
Me:Tal
k.
Nqaba:Howl
ongar
eyougonnadot
his?
Me:Dowhat
?
Nqaba:Thati
snotwhoIam.Iwasr ai
sedtorespect
women.Ihavetr
iedeveryt
hingt
oshowyouhow
muchIcareandreal
lyloveyoubutal
lyoudois
shutmeout.
Me:Canyoumoveof
fthedoorpl
ease?
Nqaba:No.Iwil
lmoveoffaf
teryout
ellmeyou
di
dn'tf
eelwhatfel
twhenwehadsex.
Me:I
twasmi
stake!
Nqaba:mistakeshappenonceortwice,
morethan
thati
tisnolongeramist
ake.Youknowexactl
ywhat
you'r
edoing.
Me:I
'
m donet
alki
ng.Move!
Nqaba:Iknowyoufeelsomethi
ngformebutyou'
re
scar
edtoletyour
sel
ffeeli
t.Whatareyouaf
rai
dof?

Hest epscl
oser.There'
snogapbet weenus,hi
s
col
ognei srushi
ngthroughmyvei nsdowntomy
heartmakingitbeatf
ast er
.I'
m st
ari
ngathischest
.
He'stall
.Basketbal
lplayertal
lorI
'mjustamidget
.
Nqaba:Whywon'
tyoul
etyour
sel
ffeel
?
Me:Idon'
twantt
ofeel
Nqaba.AndIwantyout
o
st
optryi
ngsohardt
omakemef eel
.
Nqaba:Ican'
t.I
'
vet
ri
ed.Ican'
t.

Si
lence.
Nqaba:Jake.Doyouf
eel
forhi
m?
If
indmysel
fshaki
ngmyhead.
Nqaba:Doyouf
eel
thi
swhenhet
ouchesyou?
Her
unshi
sfi
ngeronmycol
larbone,
Itakeadeep
tr
emblingbreathandshakemyhead.I
'
ml i
ter
all
y
underhypnosis.Ihat
ethi
smuchpowerhehasover
myemot ions.Thisi
swhyIdonotwanttobeclose
tohi
m!
Nqaba:Thenwhyar
eyouwi
thhi
m!
Di
dhejustshoutatme?Hemovesof
fthedoorand
wal
ktohisdesk.
Nqaba:AnswermeSabat
hil
e.
Hesayscal
mly.
Me:Donotcal lmethatandI'
m donewit
hthi
s
conversati
on.Don'
teversendanyt
hingt
omyoff
ice
everagain.
Het
urns.
Nqaba:I
sthatwhatyour
eal
lywant
?
Me:Yes.That
'swhatIr
eal
lywant
.
Nqaba:Ok.

Iopenthedoorandwal
koutanddonotevenl
ook
back.
..
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t38•
••

Aknockcomest
hrough.Canpeopl
est
ayt
hehel
l
awayfr
om myof
fice!
Me:Comei
n!

Istoptypi
ngonmyl
apt
op.I
tsWi
ll
,hepeepshi
s
headin.
Wi
ll
:Ar
eyoust
il
lokay?
Me:YesI
'
m good.
Wil
l:I
fyouf
eelanybi
tofbei
ngunwel
l,
justcal
lmy
of
fi
ce.
Me:Iwi
ll
.

Hesmi
lesandcl
osest
hedoor.Igetbackint
o
t
ypi
nganemailt
obusi
nessmen.Anotherknock,
I
haveenduredenoughknocksf
ort
heday.If
eel
unwellr
ightnow.
Me:Geti
n.
Car
los:Someonei
sher
eforyou.
Me:Who?
Car
los:Amal
e
Myhear
tski
psabi
t.Igetupandheadout
.

It
sJake.Mypacesl owsdownwhenoureyesmeet.
Apar tofmeisdisappoi
ntedi
tshi
m.He'
sthel
ast
personIexpect
edt ocomehere.
Me:Let
'
sgoi
n.Car
losdon'
tal
lowanyonei
n.
Car
los:Yesma'
am.

It
urnonmyheel
stof
acehi
m.
Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Jake:Youar
en'
ttal
kingmycal
ls.
Me:Di
dn'
tthatsendamessaget
hatIdon'
twanna
t
alk?
Jake:Whydoyounotwantt
otal
k?
Me:Youchoselastnight
.AndnowIhavenot
hingt
o
tal
ktoyouabout.Iwil
lhuntt
hatbi
tchdownmysel
f
nowthatIhaveherface.
Jake:Lastni
ght
?Ichosewhat
?
Me:Yourf at
e.Youdeniedtogivemeanamewhen
wehadl unch,onFridayyoucouldn'
ttakemet othe
Drbecausewhat ?Youwer ebusyatwor k?WellI
didn'
tknowshe'swor kandthenlastnightyouwent
toherhouseandf uckedheragain!
Jake:BabeI
-
Me:Shutup!
!!Justshutt
hehel
lupJake.

Itakemyphoneandshowhi m hi
spor
nography.He
bl
inksrapi
dlyandwipeshi
smouth.If
oldmyar ms
andwalktothewindow.
Jake:Icanexpl
ain.
Me:Expl
ain.
Jake:Shemust'vedruggedme.Ibrokeupwi t
h
Messi8mont hsagobecauseIdidn'tl
oveher
anymore.SuddenlywhenI'm wi
thherIlosecont
rol
andthenwantnot hi
ngtodowi t
hherthenextday.
Shedrugsme.
It
urnagai
n.
Me:Icoul
dn'
tcar
elessJake.We'
redone.
Jake:Al
exi
s.
Me:Eit
heryoul
eaveonyourf
reewi
ll
orI
'
llhave
secur
it
ydragyouout
.

Hepresshi
sli
pstoget
herandwalkout.Sobs
escapemymouth,Icovermysel
fwit
hmyhand..
.

.
..
Idrovetomypar ent'
shouseaf t
erworkyesterday.I
spentthenightther
e.Icouldn'
tbeonmyownandI
couldn'
thaveaskedMi ketocomekeepme
companybecauseTashai spregnantandrequires
massiveattent
ion.
Thi
smor ningIdr
ovetoSuncit
yaft
erchecki
nginif
Boni
siwehasbeenreleasedornot
.Shestopped
cal
li
ng,Iguessshegaveup.

Iam senttotheprosecutorsofficetostatemy
business.Hesendsmet oanot herladywhereI
signedthepapersasBoni si
we' soffici
alguar
dian
forthenext6mont hs.Iam trustingmygutwi tht
his
decisi
onIhopeIdonotr egreti
t .
Lady:Andwe'r
edone.I
'l
lgetyouawardent
otake
herout.Youmaywaitf
orheroutsi
de.
Me:Thankyou.

Ipi
ckmybagupandwal
kout
.

Isi
tbyt
hebenchesout
side,
aguar
dcomest
ome
Him:Gooddaynkosazana.Ar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or
someone?
Me:Yes.
Hi
m:Bei
ngr
eleased?
Me:Yes.
Him:Theyuseasepar
ategat
e.Youcangowai
tin
yourcar
.
Me:Oht
hankyou.
Hi
m:You'
rewel
come.

Ismi leandgetandheadt owar dst hegat e.It

squi t
e
adist ance.BythetimeIgett omycar ,Iam
sweat ingandveryt i
red.Iopent hedoorandgeti n.I
adjustmyseatdownandchatt oMvel o.Ishouldbe
vi
siti
ngt hem soonbutnowIam amot her-
sit
tersoI
can't.Theirhouseisbeaut ifulandbi g,theyhosteda
housewar ming,i
nvitedallt heirfri
ends, weal lfi
t.
NqabaandIwer etheonl ysi ngles,that '
swher ethi
s
madnessbegan, withjustl ambcur ryt hatIkept
askinghi mt ocook.Itstartedast hef i
naltooltoget
overmyhear tbr
eakbutIf oundmysel fwant i
ng
mor eandmor eanddevel opi ngpower fulfeeli
ngsin
aweek, he'
sasshadyasBheki ,noment i
onof
fami lyorpast .Justf ocusingonthepr esent.I
detachedmysel fbef or
eIwenti ntoodeep, itwas
easybecauseIdi dn'tgettoseehim atal l
.Inever
event ol
dMvel oabouti tbecauseIwaspr eparedto
puti tallbehindme.Seei nghimt hatdayandagai n
onFr i
day, he'sbeenst uckonmymi ndlikeatattoo.
Iwi shwhatIf eelf orhimiswhatIf eelforJake.
Althoughhecomeswi thancrazyexbuti t
s
somet hingfixable, howdoyouf ixashadyZul uman
thatpr obablyhasawi fethatwearsacapest ashed
somewher einthebundus?

Ical
lCar
los.He'
sbeenqui
et.
Car
los:MissMcVei
gh'
sof
fi
ce,
Car
losspeaki
nghow
mayIhelpyou?
Me:I
tsme.How'
sever
ythi
nggoi
ngt
her
e?
Car
los:Smoothl
y.I'
veatt
endedallyourmeet
ings,
Wil
lisnicet
oday,Jakehascal
lednumeroustimes.
Me:Gr
eat
.Nopar
celagai
n?
Car
los:No.
Me:Canyousendt
hecar
dst
omyaddr
ess?
Car
los:Excuseme?
Me:Youhear
dmeCar
los.Youkeptt
hem saf
eri
ght
?
Carl
os:Ofcour
se.Alt
houghIcan'
treadmostof
them butt
heylookedromant
ict
othrowaway.

Abellr
ingsl
oudl
y.Il
ookoutthewindow.Iseet
he
gat
eopening.Myhear
tbeat
sf ast
er.
Car
los:Whatwast
hat
?Wher
ear
eyou?
Iswal
low,
mymout
hissuddenl
ydr
y.Mypal
msar
e
sweat
y.
Me:I
'
llcal
lyoubackaf
terami
nut
e.

Iadjustmyseatbackup.Ireachforabott
leof
wateranddri
nk.Itakeadeepbreathandgetout.
She'sheadi
ngtomycar .I
tstheonlycarhere
anywaysoshef i
guredit
sme.
Iam shaki
ngmylegtoeaseupt
heanxi
etyI
'
m
cur
rentl
yfaci
ng.Whyisshet
aki
ngt
oolongtor
each
me?

Finall
y!Iopenthebackseatdoorf
orher.Sheget
sin.
Icloseandgetintooanddr i
veoff
.Ishould'
ve
askedt hosebi
gment odriveme.Thi
sisgonnabea
l
ongdr ive.

.
..
Me:Thi
siswher
ewel
ive.
Isaywhenweappr oachthel
ift
.Wegetin.I
changedtheaccesstousefi
ngerpr
int
sforsaf
ety
purposes.

Wegettot
hepent
house.West
epout
.I'
m now
cal
mer.
Me:Heyguys.
Them:Hey.
Me:Thi
sisLunganiandSteven,yourbodyguar
ds,
t
hisi
sMartha,yourhel
p.GuysthisisBonisi
we.
Theyexchangegr
eet
ings.Weheadont
othe
bedr
oom.
Me:Yourbedr oom.Tomor rowmor ningI'l
lgo
shopping,writ
edownyoursi zesandyourst yl
e.
Thatont opofthebedi syourcel
lphonet hatyou
shouldneverswi t
chof f
.Youcant akeabat h,t
here
arefreshpyj
amasi nthecl
oset,t
hebat hroom inthe
dooropposite.You'l
lfi
ndeveryt
hingint here.I
'm
l
eaving,Iam goingtomypar ent'
shouse.I '
llbeback
l
ater.
Iheadt
othedoor
.
Boni
siwe:Al
exi
s.
Ist
opbutdon'
ttur
n.
Boni
siwe:Iknowt
hisi
sn'
teasy.Thankyou.
Me:Don'
tmakemer
egr
eti
t.
Boni
siwe:Iwon'
t.
Me:I
'
llseeyoul
ater
.

Il
eave.

.
..
Iam cryi
ngonmywayhome.Iam goi ngt hrough
emot i
onsrightnow.Idon'
tknowwhet herI '
m stupid
oragoodper son.Sheal
mostruinedmylif efor
Christ
'ssake!Whyam Ihelpi
ngher ?Thevoi ceat
thebackofmyheadkeepssayi ngshe'smymot her
,
yesshei sbutdoessheseemeasherdaught er?All
thosemeant hingsshesaidt
omear esti
llechoing
i
nmyhead..

Imakeauturnanddr i
vetoMcDonal
d'sandthento
Mike'
sworkplace.Ineedtobewi
thsomeI '
m gonna
l
aughwit
h.Mydadwoul dmakethematterworseif
heseesmecrying.

Hewel
comesmewi
thawar
m hug.
Me:Yousmel
ldi
ff
erent
lyni
ce.
Mike:Uhhthankyou.I
twasagi
ftf
rom my
col
league.
Me:Femal
e?
Mi
ke:Gay.I
sthi
sMcf
east
?
Me:Yes.Gay?
Mi
ke:Yes.How'
sJake?
Me:He'
sgood.Webr
okeupt
hough.
Mike:What?Why?It
houghty'
al
lhadsomet
hing
goodgoingon.
Me:Wedi
dbutIj
ustdi
dn'
tfeelus.
Mike:Youneedt
ogetoverBheki
.Real
lyyouneed
t
o.
Me:Howmanytimesshoul
dItellyouI
'
m overt
hat
man.I
tdi
sgust
smet oeventhi
nkourskinst
ouched.
Mike:Thenwhydon'
tyouf
eelJake?He'
sagoodor
soyou'vesai
d.
Me:Hei
sbutnotmygoodguy.
Mike:Gi
veyoursel
fti
met
hist
imear
ound.Dat
e
someoneyoulove.
Me:I
'
llt
ry.How'
sTasha?
Mike:Pr
egnantandannoyi
nganddr amat
icashel
lI
j
ustwanthertogivebi
rt
halready.

Il
augh.
Me:Just3mont
hsl
eft
.
Heshakeshi
sheadanddevourhi
sbur
ger
.

.
..
Igett
omyplacear ound10pm.StevenandLungani
gohome.Ipourmysel fagl
assofwineandheadto
mybedroom.Itakeabat hf
ir
st.It
akemylapt
opand
geti
nbed.

"
Ahhh!St
op!Pl
easest
op!Somebodyhel
pme!
"
Ijumpoutofbedandr untoherroom.She'sst
il
l
screaming.It
urnontheli
ghts,
herhandsareonher
neck,she'
ssweati
ng.Iam scaredtogetcl
osebut
she'sstr
uggli
ng.
Me:Boni
siwe!Wakeup!
Shedoesn'thearme.Igetcl
oserandshakeher
hardenoughtojumpuponherf eet,
scaringme
evenmore.She'spant
ing,t
earsarerol
li
ngdownher
cheeks,
she'srubbi
ngherneckwithherlefthand.
Bonisi
we:I
'm sorr
y.Idi
dn'
tmeant
owakeyou,
I
usuall
ysl
eepwi t
htheli
ght
son.
Me:Iwasn'
tasl
eep.Dr
inksomewat
er,
leavet
he
l
ight
son.
Boni
siwe:Thankyou.

Iwal
kout.Ithr
owmysel font
hebed,
I'
vegota
bi
ggerpr
oblem thanIt
hought
...
▪KwaNt
uthu▪
•
••I
nser
t39•
••

Igetreadyforwor k.Byhismer cyIwasabl etohear

myal arm.Icouldbar el
ysleep, Bonisiwekept
havinghernightmar es.TodayIpl anonf i
ndingher
agoodt herapistaft
erIinform mypar ent
sthatI
fetchedher.Icannotdealwi tht hatIdealtwit
h,I
am sleepyasi ti
s.Ineedbi oplus,play,mofaya,
reboostandever yt
hingelset hatwillkeepme
awakeandener geti
c.Ihearaknock.
Me:I
'
m comi
ng.
Ipi
ckupmyhandbagandl
apt
op'
sandheadout
.
Me:Lungani
,mor
ning.
Lungani
:Mr
sMcVei
ghi
sher
e.
Me:Oht
hanks.
Iemergefrom t
hepassage.Boni
siwei
sbusyont
he
ki
tchenarea.Mart
haissit
ti
ngdown,whati
sgoi
ng
onhere?
Me:Mor
ning.
Them:Mor
ning.
Mel
issa:Canwet
alk?
Me:I'
m onmywaytowork,wecantal
koveracup
ofcof
feeint
hecof
feeshopdownst
air
s.
Mel
issa:Let
'sgot
hen.
Me:Mar
tha.
..
Mar
tha:Shei
nsi
sted.
Boni
siwe:Icancookf
ormysel
f.
Me:IknowbutIhi
redher
.
Bonisi
we:Ij
ustneededsomet
hingt
odo.Don'
tyou
haveagarden?
Me:No.Guys,
cal
lmeshal
lther
ebeanypr
obl
ems.

Wetaket
heli
ft
.Wegett othecof
feeshop,weorder
andt
akeaseat.Igl
anceatmywat ch,
sti
llhavel
it
tl
e
ti
me.
Me:Iwasgonnacomehomeaf
terwor
ktol
etyou
know.
Mel
issa:I
'
m nother
eaboutt
hat
.Ar
eyouokay?
Me:I
'
m good.How'
syour
sel
f?
Meli
ssa:I
'm good.SomeonenamedJakecal
ledt
he
houseyest
erday.
Iswal
lowspi
t.
Me:Whatdi
dhesayhewant
s?
Mel
issa:Yourhandi
nmar
ri
age.Ar
eyouseei
nghi
m?
Isureknowhowt
opi
ckt
hem.It
akeasi
pofmy
coff
ee.
Me:Iwas.Webr
okeup.
Mel
issa:Whewt
hankGod.He'
sPhi
li
p'sson.
Me:OhmyGod.
Mel
issa:Yourdadcoul
dn'
tevensl
eep.

Phili
pwasoncehiredt
oassassinat
emyf ather
yearsago.Healmostl
osthi
sli
fe,Phil
iphasbeen
jai
ledeversi
nce.
Me:I
'
llcal
lhi
mlat
er.Whatdi
dyousayt
oJaket
hen?
Meli
ssa:Wetoldhimtor
etur
nwi
thyoui
fhewanna
di
scusssuchthings.
Me:He'
sreal
lyoutofhi
smi
nd.I
'
llcal
lhi
m.
Mel
issa:Howi
sshe?
Me:Who?Boni
siwe?
Shenods.
Me:Ir
eal
lydon'
tknow.Shehasapr
obl
em wi
th
sl
eepi
ng.
Mel
issa:Sheshoul
dseesomeone.
Me:Yeah.I
'
lll
ookf
oravai
labl
ether
api
stst
oday.
Mel
issa:Okbaby.I
'
m pr
oudofyou.

Shesqueezesmyhand.Ismi
le.
Meli
ssa:Got
owor
k,I
'
llgobackupst
air
stot
alkt
o
her
.
Me:Ok.Il
oveyou.
Meli
ssa:Il
oveyoumor e.Haveagooddayatwor
k.
Don'
tletWil
lrui
nyourday.
Il
augh.
Me:He'
sni
cet
hesedays.

Igetupandl
eave.

.
..
I'
m 5minutesl
ate.Icl
ockinandgreetPr
ecious.I
prayal
lthewaytomyof fi
cethatIdonotbumpi nt
o
Will
.

It
akeadeepbr
eat
hwhenIgett
omyof
fi
ce.
Car
los:Hewasher
e3mi
nut
esago.
Me:I
shesour
?
Carl
os:Nopehecametocongr
atul
ateyouandyour
team f
orseal
ingt
heLi
ber
tydeal
.
Me:what
!
Car
los:Lear
ntor
eadyouremai
ls.
Me:Ihadar
eal
lypr
oduct
ivedayyest
erdayIdi
dn'
t
gett
imetogot
hroughmyemai
ls.Whosef
lower
s
aret
hese?
Car
los:Ohyour
s.Theycamewi
tht
his.

Het
akesoutapaper
bagf
rom hi
ssi
de.
Me:Whoar
etheyf
rom?
Car
los:MrandMr
sNcube.
If
rown.It
aket
hepaper
bag.
Me:Youcankeept
hef
lower
s.Don'
tsni
fft
hem,
just
i
ncase.
Car
los:Thankyou.Di
dyougett
hecar
ds?
Me:No.
Car
los:Gr
eat
.Her
etheyar
e,If
orgott
osendt
hem.
Me:You'
resof
ir
ed.
Car
los:Espr
esso?
Me:Yespl
ease.
Car
los:You'
ret
hebestbossever
!
Me:You'
rest
il
lfi
red!

Icl
osethedoor.It
ossmybagsovert hecouchand
goforwhat
'sinsi
dethepaper
bag.Icomebackwi t
h
acard.

MrandMr sNcubewoul
dli
keforyoutojoi
nthem
ont
heirspeci
alday,
cel
ebr
ati
nglove.
..
.

Iputitdownandreachf
or.
..
camera?Ohinst
ax,nice.
There'
salotofcar
dsheret
hatI'
m notgonnaread.
Myphoner i
ngs,i
tgogo.
Me:Ol
dlady.
Granny:Heynt
ombiyam.Ij
ustr
ecei
vedan
i
nvitat
ion.
Me:Met
oo.
Gr
anny:Ar
eweat
tendi
ng?
Me:Iam t
hinki
ngofi
t.
Gr
anny:Youdon'
thavet
oifyoudon'
twant
.
Me:Iwantt
o.
Gr
anny:Okaykemyl
oveI
'
llseeyout
hen.Cal
lme.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:Iwi
ll
,Ipr
omi
se.Letmegett
owor
k.
Gr
anny:haveani
cedaybaby.
Me:OhIf
etchedBoni
siwe.
Gr
anny:What
!Ar
eyououtofyourmi
nd?
Me:No.I
tjustf
eltr
ightt
odo.
Granny:Ohdearchi
l
dBoni
siwehaspr
obl
ems
remaini
nggood.
Me:I
'
llt
akemyr
isks.
Granny:Shal
lshedosomet
hing,
donothesi
tat
eto
callt
hepoli
ce.
Me:Iwi
ll
.Byebye.
Gr
anny:Bye.
..
taki
ngthatrot
tengir
lin.DearLor
d
pr
otectmygrandchi
ldfr
om thatwickedwoman.
Ichuckleandhangsup.Sot heyaregett
ingmarri
ed
forrealnow.She'sjumpedfrom beinghisbrot
her
's
wifetooffici
all
yhis.Ir
ecei
veat ext
,fr
om Mvelo.
She'stell
ingmeaboutani nvit
ati
on.Thisisgonna
befunt hen.

Car
loscomesinwi
thmyespr
essoandcar
dsf
rom
Nqaba'
sgif
ts.
Car
los:Wedon'
thaveabusydayt
oday.
Me:JustwhatIneed.Getusl
unchf
rom Ki
ki'
stoday.
Carl
os:Andpeopl
ewonderwhyam Ial
wayshappy
togotowork.

Hesqui
rmsandrunout
.It
akeaseatandst
art
r
eadi
ngthecar
ds.

Ihearl
aught
erf
rom out
side.Wi
ll
'
sfaceshowupi
n
mydoor.
Wi
ll
:Heysi
s.It
houghtweshoul
dcel
ebr
ate.
Si
s?
Me:Now?
Wi
ll
:Yes.Orar
eyoubusy?
Me:Absol
utel
ynot
.Geezi
sther
eal
cohol
?
Wi
ll
:Spar
kli
ngwi
ne.
Me:Br
ingi
tin!

KateandThabicomeineachholdingabot
tl
eof
sparkl
ingwi
neandglasses.Il
augh.
Me:Justt
hef
ourofus?
Wi
ll
:Car
losi
sfet
chi
ngt
hesnacks.
Me:Kel
lyi
sgonnaf
ir
eus.
Kat
e:Honeywenol
ongerhaveaKel
lyi
nthi
s
company.
Me:What
?
Wil
l:You'vebeengoneforsolongLexi
.She'sf
ir
ed
andarrestedforst
eal
ingmil
li
onsfrom t
his
company.
Me:Tol
dyousheai
n'tnogood.
Will
:AndIlookedi
ntohercl
oset
.If
oundt
he
skel
etons.

Thabi
handedusgl
asses.
Wi
ll
:Tot
hebestTeam i
nthi
sent
ir
ecompany.
Us:Tous.

Wer
aiseourgl
assesanddr
inkup.
Me:Icanf
eelt
hegoodaur
aofKel
ly'
sabsence
ki
cki
ngin.
Wi
ll
:And.
..
Hehol
dsKat
e'shand,
Kat
esmi
lesshyl
y.
Wi
ll
:Babe.
Ichokeonwi
ne.Somebodypl
easedi
al911!
Wi
ll
:Somebodypl
easegethersomewat
er.
Me:Idonotneedwat
er.Ineedt
oknowf
orhow
l
ong!
Kat
e:5mont
hs?
Me:You'
recheat
ingonyourwi
fe?
Wi
ll
:Iwas2mont
hst
henIdi
vor
cedher
.
Me:Youneedhel
pWi
ll
.
Wi
ll
:Igotone.Ri
ghther
ebesi
deme.We'
reget
ti
ng
mar
ri
ed.
Shewavesherhandi
ntheai
r.Thabii
spar
alyzedon
thecouch.
Me:I
'
m notcomi
ng.
Wi
ll
:Lexi
.
Me:I
'
llsendyoua6setofmugs.

WhewIt
akeaseat
.
Me:Congrat
ulat
ionsbyt
heway.Wher
e'sCar
losand
snacks.
Kate:Whenyou'
redonedi
gest
ingcome
congrat
ulat
eme.
Wi
ll
:We'
l
lbeatmyof
fi
cei
nthemeant
ime,
kissi
ng.
Theyl
aughandt
akeonebot
tl
eofwi
neandl
eaves.I
l
ookatThabi
.
Thabi
:Pi
nchme.
Me:Shebr i
ngsoutt
hebesti
nhim.I'veneverseen
him sohappyandsofr
ee.Wi
lldoesn'tki
daround,
ever!
Thabi
:Wor
kisgonbabesoi
mpr
essi
vet
hesedays.
Me:Gi
rldonotment
ioni
t.Bhekii
sget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
Thabi
:You'
dbet
ooi
fyoudon'
tignor
eNqaba.
Me:Iam scared.Ican'
treal
lyt
hrowmysel fathi
m,I
needtoatl
eastdosomebackgr oundcheckonhim.
Thabi
:Whati
sMvel
osayi
ng?
Me:Shedoesn'
tknowhimthatwell
that
'st
het
hing!
Nqabai
sasealedbott
lef
rom 1860.
Thabi
:Thenf
ucki
ngbr
eaki
t!
Me:Ican'
t.Enoughabouthi
m.
Thabi
:Isuggestyouspeakt
ohi
m,j
usthearhi
m out
.
Me:No.Ij
ustbr
okeupwi
thJake.Ineedabr
eak.

Sheput
sherhandsupandgetup.
Thabi
:Seewhoourf
ir
sti
nter
vieweei
ssowecan
gett
owork.
Me:Nowt
hat
'
swhatIneedt
odo.

Shewinksandwalkout
.It
urnonmypc.She
comesbackrunni
ng.
Thabi
:He'
sher
e!
Me:Who?
Thabi
:Bheki
.
Me:What
?Tel
lhi
mI'
m nother
e.

Shewal
ksoutandcomesbacki
n.
Thabi
:Tool
ate.
Sheclosesthedoor.I
'm sonotinthemoodforhi
s
facebutIsmil
eanywaywhenheget sinf
oll
owedby
Gugupushingastroll
er.Sheisdif
fer
entf
rom t
he
womanIsawmont hsago.She'samodernbeauti
ful
woman.

Igivethem awar
m welcomeandoff
ert
hem aseat
.
IcallCarl
ostobr
ingi
nsomethingt
odri
nk.
Bheki
:Wear
en'
tlong.Wej
ustcamebyt
osayhi
.
Me:WellHi
.Ifoundt
hiswhenIar
ri
vedher
e.
Congr
atul
ati
ons.
Them:Thankyou.
Me:Youl
iveher
enow?
IaskGugu.
Gugu:Yes.Fi
nal
lyt
ookchar
geofmyownl
if
e.
Me:I
'
m gl
ad.Iseet
hel
it
tl
eonei
sgr
own.
Gugu:Hei
sandqui
tehandy.
Me:Ar
en'
ttheyal
l
Wel
augh.Car
loscomesi
nwi
thdr
inks.
Car
los:DrZungui
sher
eforyou.
Now?Howwi
llIshoutathi
m!
Me:I
she?Pl
easesendhi
min.
Bheki
:Adoct
or?Ar
eyouokay?
Me:Iam per
fect
lyf
ine.
Thisi
sawkwar d.Ismil
e,thedoorpushesopen.
NqabayethuZunguwalksi n,
notwear i
nga
Brent
woodorhi sfamouscar vel
at odaybuta
sweatpantandacasualteeandf lops,yesfl
ops!

Headjust
shi
sgl
assesandputt
heZar
abagonmy
desk.
Nqaba:Sani
bonani
.Idi
dn'
tknowyouhadcompany.
Me:Ohi
tsokay.Thi
sisBhekiandhi
swi
feandt
hei
r
ki
d.
Nqaba:Wel
lhel
o.Ibr
oughtyout
his.
Me:Wor
k?
Nqaba:I
'
m of
f.
Me:How?
Nqaba:Ther
ear
e4Dr
sint
hatsur
ger
y.
Me:That
'si
nter
est
ing.BhekiandGuguareget
ti
ng
marr
iedandI'
minvit
ed,soisMveloandNduna.
Nqaba:Congr
atul
ati
onsyoubot
h.
Gugu:Thankyou.
Nqabacomesovert
omeandmassagesmy
shoul
der
s.
Nqaba:Won'
tyouopent
hebag?
Me:Behavewe'
vegotcompany.
Heget
shi
shandsof
f.
Nqaba:Sor
ry.
Bheki
:It
sokay.Iguessweshoul
dleavenow.
Me:Thanksf
orst
oppi
ngby.
Iwal
kthem t
othedoor
.Ishuti
tandsi
gh.
Nqaba:Whatwer
etheyevendoi
ngher
e!
Me:Toseeme.Wher
ehaveyoubeen?
Nqaba:Atmypl
ace.
Me:Soyoudon'
ttakecal
lswhenyou'
reatyour
pl
ace?Orwhat
,youhaveawife?
Hef
rowns.
Nqaba:Wifeyanimanj
e.Di
dn'
tyout
ellmet
oleave
youalone?
Me:Andyoudi
d?
Nqaba:YeahIt
ri
ed.Iam her
ear
en'
tI?
Me:Idon'
tcar
e!Wher
ewer
eyout
hepast2days?
Nqaba:Bengi
sendl
iningi
phekaubhontshi
sinojeqe.
(
Iwasathomecooki ngbeansandsteamedbr ead)

Hesi
tsonmychai
r.
Me:Nqabayoucan'
tjustbethere,
showingmeyou
l
ovemeandt henIt
ellyoutostopandyoustop!
Nqaba:Ar
ewepr
egnant
?
Me:I
'
m ser
ious!
Nqaba:ThixowasemoriaIhearyou.Butwhatdi
d
youexpectmetodo?You'vebeenignori
ngmeand
I'
vebeeninyourassl
ikeawhitelady'
ssnoopy
puppy.
Me:BecauseIdon'
tknowifIshoul
dletyoui
nornot
.
Youseethatmanthatj
ustwalkedouthe-
Nqaba:Hehadt hatgir
lashiswif
ebutnotreal
lyhi
s
wife.Idonothaveawi f
e,achi
ldoracrazyex
girl
fr
iend.Ij
usthaveapuppynamedmat hambo
thatyouknowandt hat'
sit
.
Hewalksupt
ome.Heputhi
shandsonmy
shoul
der
s.
Nqaba:Ihaveaveryl i
tt
leappetit
eforwomen,I
wouldn'tbeper
suadingyoui fIhadawifeora
gir
lfr
iend.Ngi
yakut
handaSabat hil
eandIam will
ing
tomendal lt
hat'
sbrokeninsideofyou,j
ustl
etmei n.
Giveme3mont hsprobati
ont oprovemysel
f.Iwil
l
provetoyouthatI'
mt hepiecethat'
sbeenmissi
ng.
Me:Ar eyougonnat
ellmewhydi
dn'
tyout
akemy
cal
llastnight
?
Hesi
ghs.
Nqaba:Ilef
titi
nt hechar
geri
ntheloungeandwent
tosl
eep,Ialways.Nooneevercal
lsmeatni ghtbut
asoftodayIwillsleepwi
thi
tundermypill
ow.
Il
augh.
Me:Soundsl
ikeapl
an.
Nqaba:Doest
hist
hingsui
tme?
Hepoi
ntsathi
spant
s.
Me:Yesi
tdoes.
Nqaba:Mvel
oboughti
tforme.If
eelf
unny.
Me:You'
veneverwor
nitbef
ore?
Nqaba:Yes.Idon'tevenl
ookatt
hesethi
ngs.I
zint
o
zokugymal ezi(
theyaref
orgyming)
Me:Notr
eal
ly.Theyar
eforl
azydays.
Nqaba:Iworeitt
onotembarr
assyoui
nfr
ontof
yourcol
leagueswit
hBrent
wood.
Il
augh.
Me:Youlooksnackyini
ttrustmeIwouldn'
tbe
embarr
assed.Idon'
tunderst
andt hef
ussyourki
nd
hasoveri
tbutitf
it
sy'al
lperfect
ly.
Nqaba:Huht
hankyouI
'
llneverweart
hist
hing.
..
.

Istar
eathi m ashekeepsonbl abberi
ngabouthow
crazyandl ess-manlyisi ttowearasweat pant
.He'
s
soimperfect l
yperfect.Iam j ustgonnaclosemy
eyesandt aket hi
srisk,ifitfail
s,thenIwi
lltakea
breakfr
om menbecauseunl i
keJake,Iactuall
y
havesomet hi
ngstrongIf eelforhim.

It
ipt
oemywayupt ohislips.Heser
vesmet he
mostbeaut
if
ulsmi
leIdiscoverhehasasi
lvertoot
h!

Wekiss.Hemakesmef eelt
hingsI'
veneverfel
t
bef
ore,hemustbet hedangerouspersontobewit
h.
Idonotwanttofeelli
kethi
sinapr esenceofaman.
Webreakitof
fafteracoupleofseconds.
Nqaba:I
sthisoneoftheki
sseswe'veshar
edori
ts
asignat
ureofseal
ingourhusband-
wif
edeal?
.
What
?Ichuckl
eshyl
y.
Me:I
tsasi
gnat
uret
oseal
thedeal
.
Nqaba:Yes!
Hesit
sonmydeskandpullsmecl oser
,hel
ooks
deepi
ntomyeyes,
Iam st
aringback.
Nqaba:Ngyabonga.
Ican'
treadhi
sfaceexpr
essi
onbuthesounds
emoti
onal.
Me:Mypl
easur
e.
Itcomesoutasawhi sper.Hehugsmetender
ly.I
am crossi
ngmyf i
ngersforthebestt
ocomeoutof
thisdeci
sion.
..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t40•
••
Ilovethehoneymoonphase.DrZunguhasbeen
seeingmeatever ychanceheget s, i
nt hemor ning
beforehegoest owor k,atnightwhenheknocksof f
.
Itsbeenqui teaj oyfulweek.Iam t ir
edofsms' s.My
contracthasonl y100andi tisfi
nishedduet o
texti
ngt hedayweseal edthedeal .Heboughtmea
coat,thezar abaghadacoati nit
,mat chingoneof
his.He'slikeacut el i
tt
lebaby, he'
sal waysal lover
meandIcan' tgetenough.Hedoesn' tgot omy
placebecausehi smkhul uwoul dwakeupf rom his
graveandst abhi m withaspeari fheeversawhi m
goingt omydad' splace.Hedoesn' tcar ethathe
boughti tforme, tohimi tismydad' s.Boni siwei s
seeingashr i
nk,theni ghtmar esarestilltherebut
I'
m hopi ngtheywi llvanishsoon.

Car
loscomesi
n.
Car
los:Di
dyouor
deraphone?
Me:Yes.
Car
los:Butyouj
ustupgr
adedl
astmont
h.
Me:I
tsf
orNqaba.
Car
los:Hi
sbr
oke?
Me:No.Hehast
hoseti
nynoki
aphonesandIwant
ustoFaceTi
meandt
alkonWhatsApp.
Car
los:Renovat
eyourmangi
rl
.
Wel
augh.
Me:I
'
llgi
veyoual
if
t.
Car
los:Letmegopackmyst
ufft
hen.
Me:Youbet
ter
.

Fri
daysareshor
tandf un.Icl
ipt
oget
heral
lthe
papersoft
he2inter
viewswe'vedonesofarand
headtoWill
'
soffi
ce.Iknock.
Wi
ll
:Justasec!Okcomei
n.
Ught
heset
woar
egonnamakemesi
ckIswear
.
Me:Ewwewweww!
Wi
ll
:What
?
Me:Wer
eyouhavi
ngsex?
Kat
e:No!
Me:Youwere.Jesus.Her
e'st
hei
nter
views,
yourp.
a.
i
snotonherdesk.
Wil
l:Ohshewenthome.I
'
llgot
hrought
hem onmy
own.
Me:Super
.
Wi
ll
:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngonSunday?
Me:Notsur
e.Needsomet
hing?
Wi
ll
:Ther
e'sagat
her
ing.
Me:Ial
waysfor
gett
oopent
heWhat
sAppgr
oup
chat
.I'
l
lcome.
Wi
ll
:Thanks.
Me:Kat
e,don'
tfor
gett
oedi
tthepi
ctur
es.
Kat
e:I
'
m oni
t.
Me:Okbyet
henl
ovebi
rds.I
'
m knocki
ngof
f.
Wi
ll
:Haveagr
eatweekend.
Me:Thankyou.Youdot
oo.

.
..
Secr
etar
y:Hehasnopat
ient
.
ShesaysasIt
ryt
otakeaseat
.
Me:Oht
hanks.
Igetupandheadt ohisoff
ice.Iknockandwait,I
hearmoaning.Hemustbef uckingkiddingme.Itr
y
toopenbutit
sl ocked.Ibangthedoor .Hecat
ches
mebeforeIfallasIattempttopusht hedoorwith
mywholebody.He' slaugh.
Me:Letgoofme!
Hecl
osest
hedoor
.St
il
llaughi
ng.
Me:Yout
hinkt
hisi
sfunny?
Nqaba:No.Sawbonamawezi
ngane.
Oknotnowgenius.I'
m notgonnamel
t.Notnow.
NowthatInoti
cedthetoothIcan'
tmi
ssit
,itmakes
hi
ssmileevenmorebeautiful
.

Hepr
essespl
ayonhi
spor
n.
Me:Whati
fIr
anawayandgotsmashedbyacar
?
Nqaba:Iknewyouwoul
dn'
t.
Me:Andhowwoul
dyouknow?
Nqaba:Because.
..
Ijustknow.Comeher
e.
Hel
eansandki
ssesme.
Me:Imi
ssedyou.
Nqaba:Ical
ledyou10mi
nut
esagobutyoudi
dn'
t
pi
ckup.
Me:Ohi
tsi
nmybag.Ar
en'
tyouhungr
y?
Nqaba:For
?
Me:Food.
Nqaba:Myf
oodorj
ustf
oodi
ngener
al.
Me:Nqabayet
huZungupl
ease.Notnow.I
'
mtal
king
aboutpapandst
eak.
Nqaba:Oh.I
'
m hungr
yifyouar
e.
Me:Idon'
tli
kei
twhenyoucur
veyourl
ips.
Heki
ssesmyshoul
der
.
Nqaba:I
'
m sor
ry.
Me:You'
rewat
chi
ngpor
nnowyou'
rehor
ny.
Nqaba:Itdoesn'
thavethateff
ectonme.Youdo.
Yourscentalonesendssignal
stomybody.

Igoandl ockthedoor .He'

sshi r
tlesswhenIreturn.
Hepicksmeupandweki ss.Hepl acesmeont he
couchandunbut tonmybl ouse,unhookmybr all
ete
andkissesmef r
om theneckdown.Ihel phim pul l
uptheskirt.Hesmilesatmynakedbody, suddenl yI
am shy.Hecur seunderhi sbreathwhenheput shi s
handundermypant ies.He'sgent l
yandIcan'
thel p
butmoan.
Nqaba:Imi
ssedyou.
Me:Imi
ssedyout
oo.
Weconti
nuetokissandIgaspwhenhefi
nal l
y
i
nser
tshimsel
f.He'
sgoingslowl
yandgently.We'
re
maki
nglove,f
ir
stti
measacoupleanditfeelsgood.
Nqaba:Ngi
yakut
handa.
Hewhi
sper
s.
Me:Il
oveyoumor
e.
Heget soffandsit.Hepul l
smeup.Ihat ethispar
t.I
cl
imbont opofhim andst artgr
indi
ng.Swingingmy
hipinalldir
ect
ions,hisleftgri
ponmyl ef
tbut t
cheekandhi sri
ghtst r
okingmybackIam gonna
spitoutsomesecr ets.

Iholdontohimti
ghtasIreachmycl i
max.I
i
ncreasemypacetobr i
nghim closertohi
s.He'
s
breaki
ngmybonesr i
ghtnowandt hat
'sagoodsi
gn.
Her el
easeshi
mselfandburyhisfacebetweenmy
boobs.
Me:I
'
mfeel
ingcol
d.
Nqaba:I
tsr
aini
ng.
Igetof
fhi
m andl
ooki
ntomybagandt
akeoutmy
si
nustowel
.
Nqaba:Iwasstil
lthi
nki
ngaboutwher
ear
ewe
gonnagetthat
.
Me:Icamepr
epar
ed.
Hel
aughsandgoest
othebi
ntot
akeof
fther
ubber
andcomesbacktocl
eanhimsel
f.Heput
sonhis
bri
efsandgoest
ohisdesk,
hepi
cksupthephone.
Nqaba:Oli
via,pleaseor
derme2cupsofl arge
cof
fee.Onebl ack,onewit
hpowderedmilkand
cl
ose.I'
m nolongertaki
nganypati
ents.

Het
urnst
ome.
Nqaba:Whatwoul
dyoul
iket
oeat
?
Me:Anyt
hing.
Nqaba:Ther
e'sNandosacr
osst
hest
reet
.
Me:I
tsf
ine.
Nqaba:Li
v?Andful
lchi
ckenatNandos,
chi
ps,
buns
andgreensal
ad.

Heput
sitdownandt
akeoutaf
leecef
rom hi
sshel
f.
Me:Amen
Nqaba:Isl
eepher
esomet
imes.
Het
urnst
heheat
eronandwecuddl
eont
hecouch.
Nqaba:Thi
sfeel
sli
keadr
eam.
Me:Doesi
t?
Nqaba:Yes.Pr
omi
seyouwon'
tleaveme.
Me:Doyouhaveawi
feathome?
Hechuckl
es.
Nqaba:No.
Me:Ar
eyougonnabeatmeup?
Nqaba:Never
.
Me:Asl
ongasyouwi
llt
reatmewel
l
.Iwi
llst
ay.
Nqaba:Doyour
eal
lyl
oveme?
Me:Ido.
Nqaba:Idon'
tbel
ieveyou.
Me:Idonotbel
ieveitt
oobuti
tstr
ue.Il
oveyou.
Eversi
nceweIleftDur
banI'
vebeenthi
nki
ngabout
youeveryni
ght
.
Nqaba:Thenwhywer
eyougi
vingmehar
dti
me?
Me:Iwasscar
edofget
ti
ngmyhear
tbr
oken.
Nqaba:I
'
m nothi
m.
Me:IknowbutIj
ustcoul
dn'
thel
pit
.

"
Iknowshe'
sher
e,hercari
sout
side!
"

Ij
umpup.
Me:That
'sJake.
Nqaba:Hemustnott
ryt
otestme.
Hedressesupandheadt othedoor
.Igetbackt
o
thef
leece.Hefl
iesinsoonasNqabaopensthe
door
.Hehol dshim bef
orehetr
iest
oslapme.
Nqaba:Youwantt
obeatsomebodyboy?
Jake:Letgoofme!I
'
m her
etospeakt
omy
gi
rlf
ri
end.
Nqaba:Youspeakwi
thhands?Gogetsomef
resh
ai
rLexi.
Me:Nol
ethi
m go
Nqaba:Isai
dgogetsomef
reshai
r.Ngi
saf
una
ukukhul
umanal
endoda.(
Iwantt
ohaveawor
dwi
th
thi
sman).NowLexi
!

Ist
art
leandr
unt
owar
dst
hedoor
..
.

*
**
NQABA

Il
etgoofhi
m andl
ockt
hedoor
.
Me:Ar
eyoudonel
ivi
ng?
Jake:Fuckyou.I
'
m nother
eforyou.
Me:Youbeatwomenup?
Jake:That
'snoneofyourbusi
ness.
Isl
aphi
m,hef
all
s.
Me:Getupyoudr unkard.I'
m gonnat ellyouthis
onl
yonce, i
fIeverhavetotellyouagai nI '
l
lputa
bul
letinyourhead.Gotit
?Don' teverfollowher
again,
whenyouseeher ,
walkt heopposi tedir
ecti
on.
Gohomenow.
Jake:Whot
hehel
ldoyout
hinkyouar
e?
Me:You'r
ebleedi
ng.Consul
tati
onroom isthe
seconddoor
,waitformethereI'
l
ltakecareofthat
.

Iunl
ockandhest
umbl
esout
.It
akemyphoneand
cal
lNduna.
Nduna:Gwabi
ni.
Me:Howdi
dJakeknowLexii
sher
e?
Nduna:Hedi
d?
Me:Yes!
Nduna:I
'
llcont
actt
heseboys.Theyar
ecar
eless.
Me:Tellt
hem theyarefi
red.Getpeopl
ewho'
l
l
pr
otectheratallcost
s.
Nduna:Consi
derthatdone.Ij
ustgotar
epor
tthat
Boni
siweisout.
Me:Ser
iousl
yyouneedt
ofi
ret
hosebast
ards.
Wherei
sshe?
Nduna:Hohoho.Lexi
'
shouse,
Lexi
isherguar
dian.
Me:That
'si
mpossi
ble.
Nduna:Ver
ypossi
ble.
Sheget
sin.
Me:I
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
.
Ihangup.Ihugher
.
Me:I'
m sor
ry.DoesMr
sMcVei
ghcookf
oryou
ever
yeveni
ng?
Lexi
:No,
Ieatherf
oodonl
ywhenIgot
ovi
sit
.
Me:Di
dn'
tyousayyourmot
heri
swi
thyou?
Lexi
:Ohno.That
'smyot
hermot
her
,Ihave2moms.
Me:Real
ly?Pol
ygamy?
Lexi
:No.Mybiol
ogi
calmot
herandmynon
biol
ogi
calmot
her.
Me:Oh.
Lexi
:Yeah.I
tscompl
icat
ed.I
'
m sor
ryaboutJake.
Me:He'
l
lneverbot
heryou.
Lexi
:Iwi
sh.

Iki
ssher.Afteral
lthetroubleIwentthroughtoget
heroutofthatwoman'swi ckedi
ntent
ions.Shetook
heri
n?She'ssuchal it
tl
ei nnocentsweethear
t.That
womani snottobet r
usted, atal
l.
..

*
10i
nser
tst
oto*
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t41•
••

Iam wokenupbysoftt
ouchonmycheek.Ismi
le.
Theref
lect
ionoft
hesuninthemi
rr
orbl
indsme.
Me:Whatt
imei
sit
?
Nqaba:Quar
tert
o9.Br
eakf
asti
sready.
Me:UhhIhat
ewaki
ngup.
Nqaba:Youdon'
thavet
o.Icanbr
ingi
ther
e.
Me:No,
noneed.

Irol
loutofbed.He'
sst
ari
ngatmeasIwal
ktot
he
bathr
oom.Heget si
naft
erme.
Me:Youwannawat
chmepee?
Nqaba:Yes.Icanbor
rowyoumygym t
rouser
.
Me:I
tsnotagym t
rouser
.
Nqaba:Okwhat
everi
tis.Icanbor
rowyou.
Me:Thankyou.Andat
shi
rt
.
Nqaba:Ther
e'sapl
ent
yoft
hoset
ochoosef
rom.
Me:Ineedt
otakeashowerf
ir
st.
Nqaba:Si
zodl
ani
ni?I
'
m dyi
ngher
e.
Me:I'
l
lbequi
ckIpr
omi
se.Oryoucangoahead
wi
thoutme.
Nqaba:I
'
llsi
ther
eandwat
cht
hanks.

Ishower
,asqui
ckl
yyaspossi
bleunt
ilhedeci
dest
o
j
oinmeandwedoal lt
hesweetst
uff
,kissi
ng,
giggli
ng,scrubbingeachot her
'sback,himt el
li
ng
mehowmuchhel ovesme, mecryi
ngbecausei t
s
toomuch.Andi tfeel
stoogoodt obetrue,howIam
comf ort
ablewi t
hhim, i
tssomet hi
ngthathasnever
happenedbef or
e.I'
m alwaysnotcomf ortable
enoughar oundpeopl eIam withbuthim, it
sa
diff
erentstory.

Aft
eranhourwegetoutoft heshowerandtake
another30minutestol
oti
onanddressup.Ical
l
Lungaonourwayt othekit
chen.I
tsaonebedroom
fl
at,
tinyki
tchenenoughforhi
m andmewhenIvi si
t.
Lunga:Mi
ssMcVei
gh
Me:HiLunga.I
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Lunga:Yesever
ythi
ngi
sper
fect
.
Me:Ok.Gi
vemeacal
l.
..
Lunga:Shallanythi
nghappen.Wewi ll
,weordered
pi
zzaandnowwe' r
ewatchi
ngmovi es.Shedidn't
haveanynightmar esl
astni
ght.Justenjoyyoursel
f
whereveryouar e.
Me:That
'sgr
eat
.I'
l
lcal
lyouagai
nlat
er.

Ihangup.
Me:Thi
spl
acei
ssopor
tabl
e.
Nqaba:Thankyou.Jui
ce?
Me:Nocof
fee.
Iwonderwhychoset
ost
ayher
e.
Nqaba:Ask.
Me:Mmh?Askwhat
?
Nqaba:WhydoIst
ayher
e.
Ichuckl
e.Doesher
eadmi
nds?
Nqaba:Don'
tactsur
pri
sed.Iti
swhateveryoneasks
soiknowyouwannaaskt oo,Icanseet
heway
youreyesar
escanni
ngit.
Me:Tel
lmewhy.
Nqaba:BecauseIdon'
twantvi
sit
ors.
Me:Vi
sit
ors?
Nqaba:Yes.Idon'
twantpeoplecomingover
.Ifyou
don'
tli
keitt
henIwillbuyabiggerone.
Me:Il
ovei
t.I
tisper
fect
.
Nqaba:Don'
tyouwantspacet
odoyoga?
Il
augh.
Me:NoIdon'
tdomuchoft
hat
.
Nqaba:Sthandwasam look,Iam 33andIam not
marri
edandIdonothaveki ds.Looki
ngatyouIsee
someonet hatI
'm gonnagr
owol dwit
h,Ineedto
knowifyou'resur
eaboutthi
s.Ifyou'
rei
nitfort
he
l
ongrun.
Me:Iam sur
eandIam.
Nqaba:Nopr
essur
e.
Me:Iam sur
e.Soyouwantki
ds?
Nqaba:Yeahsomeday.
Inodandf
ocusonmypl
ate.Ki
dsar
eaver
yscar
y
topi
c.
Me:Soshoul
dwet
ellMvel
oandNduna?
Nqaba:It
oldNdunat
hedayweseal
edt
hedeal
.
Me:Mvel
oisgonnagetmadatme.
Nqaba:It
oldhi
m nott
otel
lher
.
Me:Iwi
llvi
deocal
lherl
ater
.Iboughtyouaphone.
Hechokesonhi
sfood.Ihandhi
m agl
assofj
uice.
Nqaba:Youwhat
?
Me:Iboughtyouaphone.
Nqaba:Howmuchdi
ditcost
?
Me:Igoti
toncont
ract
.
Nqaba:Howmuch?
Me:R460amont
h.
Nqaba:Forhowl
ong?
Me:24mont
hs.What'
supwithal
lthesequesti
ons.
Wecannowfacet
imeandchatonWhat sApp.
Nqaba:Thankyou.You'
ret
hebest
.
Het
akesmyhandandki
ssesi
t.
*
**Aweekl
ater
***

Ididn'
tgetti
met oseemymant hi
sweek.I'vehad
backtobackmeet i
ngsandhewasal soverybusyat
thesurger
y.TodayIam planni
ngonspendingthe
dayhereandt henl
atergotomyparentshouse.

Bonisi
wei sgoodnow.ShecleanswhenMar tha
cooks,shehasmadeal it
tl
eflowergardenont he
bal
cony.Iputonmypyj amasaf terbat
hing.My
phoneringsasIpickupmyl aptop.
Me:Baby.
Nqaba:Awuuyangi
thambi
sa(
you'
remaki
ngmea
sof
ti
e)
Me:Whati
sitt
hatyouneveroppose.Howar
eyou?
Nqaba:I
'
m notokay.Ineedt
oseeyou.
Me:Ipr
omi sedmyempl
oyeest
hatIwi
llst
ayat
hometoday.
Nqaba:I
'
llj
ustt
akeahugandaki
ssandt
henl
eave.
Me:Okcome.
Nqaba:Ngyabonga.
Ichuckl
e.He'
sthankf
ulofever
ythi
ng.

Ihangupandputonar
obe.I
tscol
d.
Me:Mor
ning.
Them:Mor
ning.
Me:I
'
llgogetcof
feedownst
air
s.
Lunga:Icangeti
tforyou.
Me:NoIneedt
ost
ret
chabi
t.

Ismi l
eandthel i
ftcl
oses.Igetdownst
airsand
ordermycof fee.Isi
tdownandmi susethei
r
unlimit
edWi-Fi.Idownloadmakeupandhai r
tutori
alsunt
ilIsmellAxe.Ir
aisemyeyesandImeet
his,God!
Me:Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
ohavemyhear
tst
op?
Bheki
:Sor
ry,
Idi
dn'
tmeant
oscar
eyou.CanIsi
t?
Me:YeahbutI
'
m wai
ti
ngf
orsomeone.
Bheki
:Boyf
ri
end?
Me:Yes.
Bheki
:Ohh.Iwant
edt
oapol
ogi
ze.
Me:For
?
Bheki
:Gugu,t
hingstookadiff
erentdi
recti
on,she
wastheref
ormewhenbabapassedon, she
suppor
tedmeaf t
erourbreakupandthenonedayI
wokeupandIwasi nlovewit
hher.
Me:I
'
m happyf
oryou.I
tswhatyour
eal
lydeser
ve.
Bheki
:Ar
en'
tyoumadatme?
Me:Jesusno.Iam gl
adyou'vemovedonwecanal l
nowforgetweeverdi
dwhatwedi d.Wear eboth
wit
hpeopleweloveandtheyloveusback.Ijust
wannaburyourpastandneverberemindedofit.
Henods.
Bheki
:Youwi
llal
waysbespeci
alt
ome.
Ismi
le.
Me:Iknow.
Iext
endmyhandt
osqueezehi
s.
Bheki
:CanIgetahug?
Me:Sur
e.

Wegetupandhug.IseeNqabacomingin.Our
eyesmeet,
hefr
ownsandturnaway.Il
etgoof
Bhekiandt
akemyphoneandruntowardsthedoor
.
Me:Nqaba!
Hedoesn'
ttur
n.Shi
t!
Me:l
etmeexpl
ain!
Heget
sinhi
scaranddr
iveof
f.Dammi
t!

Icallhi
m.Hedecli
nest
hecal
l.Ir
ushbacki
nand
taketheli
ftup.
Mar
tha:Justi
nti
mef
orbeefst
ew.
Me:Lat
erMar
tha.Anyoneseenmycarkeys?
Boni
siwe:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:I
'
llbebackaf
teranhouror2.
Boni
siwe:Butyoupr
omi
sedt
ospendt
hedayher
e.
Me:Iknow!Butther
e'ssomet
hingIneedt
otake
car
eof.I'
m sor
ry.

Thel
if
tcl
oses.
..

*
**
NQABA

Igettomyplaceandheadstr
aightt
omybedr
oom.
Itakesl
eepi
ngpil
lsandlayonthebed.
..

*
**
ALEXI
S

Aft
er30minutesIar
ri
veathi
splace.Iknock,
no
answer
.Ipushthedoori
topens.Ical
lhisnameand
cl
osethedoor
.Bot
hhi
sphonesar
eont
opoft
he
couchwhi
chmeanshe'
sher
e.

Iwalkt
othebedroom.He'ssl
eepi
ng.Icl
imbonand
shakehi
m.He'snotrespondi
ng.
Me:Nqaba?
Iseeanempt ybottl
eofsleepingpil
lsont hesi
de
tabl
e.Ishakehim harderhe'
sstil
lnotresponding.
Mymi ndisgoingcrazy.Iam cryi
ngscr eaminghis
name.Ipullmyphoneoutanddai lmyi nsur
ance
emergencynumber .
Me:HicanIpl
easehaveanambul
ance?
Oper
ator
:Youraddr
esspl
ease.
Idon'tevenknowwheream I.Ij
umpoutofthebed
str
aighttohisdr
awers.Il
ookforanypossi
blemai
ls
butthere'
snothi
ng.
"
Lexi
?"
It
urn.OhmyGodhe'
sokay.
Me:Uhm,
I'
m sor
ry.CanIcal
lyouagai
n.
Oper
ater
:Ma'
am I
'
m-

Ihangupandr
unt
ohi
m.
Nqaba:Whyar
eyoucr
ying?
Me:Because.
..
youwoul
dn'
twakeup.It
houghtyou.
..
Il
ookatt
hepi
ll
s.
Nqaba:Iwant
edt
osl
eepi
tof
f.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry.
Nqaba:Whatwasi
t?
Me:Ani
nnocenthug.Heaskedf
ori
tandIagr
eed,
mymist
ake.
Nqaba:Shoul
dIwor
ryabouthi
m?
Me:Ewwno.He'
smy.
..
It
akeadeepbr
eat
handt
ellhi
mthewhol
est
ory.

Nqaba:Shi
t.
Me:Yeah.Sonoyoudon'
thavet
owor
ryabouthi
m.
Nqaba:Ineedsomet
hingt
odownt
hisi
nfor
mat
ion.
Hepul
lsmet
otheki
tchen.
Nqaba:I
'
m sor
ryyouhadt
ogot
hroughal
lthat
.
Heki
ssesmyforeheadbef
oreheopenst
hef
ri
dge
andt
akesoutpol
ony.
Me:Doyouhavewi
nei
nthi
shouse.
Nqaba:I
tsfi
nished.Ihaven'
tdonemuchgr
ocer
y
shoppi
ngthi
smont h.
Me:Butyouhavepol
ony.
Nqaba:YesIdo.
Me:SoIwasr
ight
.
Hel
aughs.

MveloandNdunadonotbuyi tsoSimi ,Nguquko's

wif
eboughti tforher2yearolddaught er.She
complainedthatsomeonewaseat ingi t
.Andt hen
onenightItastediti
nhisli
pshedeni edandsai di
t
wasavi ennasoher ewear et
odaywi thhi sfr
idge
shortofeveryt
hingbutpolonycauset here's
numer
ous3kgs.
Nqaba:Nowthatyou'
remygi
rl
fr
iend,
ismysecr
et
saf
ewi t
hyou?
Me:Yes.Sohowdi
ditst
art
?
Nqaba:What
?
Me:Theaddi
cti
on.
Nqaba:Onmy4t hyear.Idi
dn'
thavet
imetocookso
i
twast heeasi
estt
hingtocookandeat.
Me:Nowyoucan'
tst
op.
Nqaba:Yes.Andl
oll
ipops.
Me:NowIknowhowt
oapol
ogi
ze.
Nqaba:Don'
tpushi
tmi
ss.

Hehugsme.He'
ssuchahugger
.
Me:Wher
e'st
hatmanImetatMvel
o'sweddi
ng?
Hechuckl
es.
Nqaba:He'
sher
ehol
dingyoui
ntohi
sar
ms.
Me:He'
snothar
dcor
e.Hedoesn'
tfur
rowhi
sbr
ows.
Nqaba:You'l
lnevereverseethatcausehe'
sinl
ove
withyou.Youbri
ngoutt hi
ssofti
e.SinceImetyou
I'
vebeenagoodboy, onlyfocusi
ngonget t
ingyou
andkeepingyousafe.
Me:Am Il
uckyorwhat
?
Nqaba:I
tsmewho'
slucky.I
'
vef
inal
lymetsomeone
whomakesmewannabegoodanddor ightby
t
hem.Youwereri
ght
,Ididownt
hosetaxis.
Me:Di
down?
Nqaba:Yes.Isoldthem andboughtthesurger
yso
thatIcangetyou.IconvincedAnzur
itosel
litt
ome.
Iknewonedayyou' dcomebutyouwer et
akingtoo
l
ongsoIhadt ocomeupwi thapl
an.
It
ri
edt
ofr
eeawayf
rom hi
m.Hehol
dsmet
ight
er.
Me:Letgoofme.
Nqaba:Ipai
dhert
osendt
hosef
lower
sandhave
sexwit
hJake.
Me:Nqabal
etgoofme!
Nqaba:No.Idon'
twantar
elat
ionshi
pbui
ltonl
ies.
Me:Welliti
sbuil
tonli
esi
fyoupoisonedme, pai
d
someonet osl
eepwit
hmyboyfr
iendsot hatwecan
breakup.Howsicki
sthat
!
Nqaba:Idi
ditbecauseIl
oveyou.
He'
scal
m.
Me:Fuckt
hatandf
uckyouNqaba.You'
resi
cki
n
t
hehead!
Nqaba:Sonowyoudon'
tlovemenow?
Me:Idobuthowsi
ckofyout
odoal
lthat
!
Nqaba:BecauseIwoul d'
vekil
ledhim!Itwasei
ther
thatorIki
llhim.Iwasdonewat chingyoubewith
someoneyoudon' tevenlovewhileIwait
edforyou.
Trustmeifyouwer einmyshoesyou' dhavedone
thesamet hing.
Me:No!

Hel
etsgoofme.Iheadf
ort
hedoor
.
Nqaba:I
'
llgetyousomeonet
odr
iveyouhome.
Me:I
'
m done.
Nqaba:Okay.

Hesitsdownandeathi
spol
ony.Thedoordoesn'
t
happen.
Me:Wher
ear
ethekeys?
Nqaba:Si
tdownandwaitforsomeonet
odr
iveyou
home.Youcan'
tdr
ivewhil
ecrying.
Me:Yousi
ckbast
ardI
'
m gonnacal
lthepol
ice.
Nqaba:Youl
eftyourphonei
nthebedr
oom.

It
akeadeepbr
eat
handheadbackt
othebedr
oom.

He'
sbehi
ndme.Hehugsmef
rom behi
nd.
Nqaba:Ther
e'snothi
ngIwoul dn'
tdof
oryou.I
'
dki
ll
f
oryou,Ihavekil
ledforyou.
Hesmoot
hlyr
unshi
shanddownmyst
omach.I
hol
dit
.
Me:Letgo.
Nqaba:AndIwoul
ddoitanyti
me.Whenyou'
ve
cal
meddownI '
l
lbeint
hekitchen.
Me:Whyareyouusi
ngyourt
ouchasaweapont
o
cal
m me?
Nqaba:I
sitwor
king?
Me:Ihat
eyou.

Het ur
nsmearoundandki
ssesmeandpushesme
tothewal
l.Hehol
dmyhandsagai nstitandki
ssme
fr
om myneck,goi
ngdownwhi l
ehisfreehand
explor
emybreast
.Il
etoutaninvol
untarymoan.He
goesdowninsi
demypantiesandfingerme.
Nqaba:Openyoureyes.
Me:No.
Nqaba:OpenyoureyesLexi
.
Ido.Heki
ssesmeandst
ops.
Nqaba:Doyoul
oveme?
Me:Mmm.
Nqaba:Angi
kuzwa.(
Ican'
thearyou)
He'
snotst
oppi
ng.
Me:Yes!
Nqaba:Yeswho?
Me:YesNqaba.
Nqaba:YesNqabawhatSabat
hil
e?
Ihat
ethi
sman.I
'
m cr
ying.
Me:YesNqabaIl
oveyou.

Het
akehi
shandoutandhugsme.
..
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t42•
••

Iwakeup.He'sholdi
ngmetightl
ikeI'
descapeor
anyt
hing.Icar
eful
lyt
akehi
sar m of
fandrolloutof
bed.Igopeeandcomebackt
odr
essup.Iwat
ch
hi
m afterdr
essi
ngup.
Nqaba:Thati
sver
yrude.
Ist
art
le.
Me:Sor
ry.I
'
mleavi
ng.
Hesi
tsupr
ight
.
Nqaba:Whatt
imei
sit
?
Me:7pm.
Nqaba:I
'
lldr
iveyou.
Me:I
'
m goi
ngt
omypar
ent
'shouse.
Nqaba:Ok.
Ismi
le.Heget
soutofbedanddr
essesup.
Me:Youdon'
thavet
odr
iveme.I
'
llbef
ine.
Nqaba:I
'
m wal
kingyout
oyourcar
.
Hemakesmel
ookathi
m.
Nqaba:Il
oveyou.
Me:Il
oveyout
oo.
Hewal
ksmet
omycar
.
Nqaba:Don'
tspeedokay.
Me:Iwon'
t.
Nqaba:I
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
.
Me:I
'
llbewai
ti
ngf
oryourcal
l.

Weki
ssandof
fIgo.

.
..
Mel
issa:Ha!It
houghtI
'
d!neverseeyouagai
n.
Me:Andwhyi
sthat
?
Wehug.
Mel
issa:Ihaven'
tseenyoui
n5days.
Me:I
nper
son.
Shel
aughs.IFaceTi
meherever
yday.
Mel
issa:What
ever
.Ar
eyouhungr
y?Ceci
li
acan
pr
epar
eyousomet
hing,
we'
veal
readyeat
en.
Newpersoneverytimebecauset
heyalwaysf
ind
t
hei
rworkersprofessi
onalj
obsathot
elsor
r
est
aurants.
Me:I
'dl
ovesomethi
nghonest
ly.I
'
m ver
yhungr
y.
Andsomet
hingt
odrinkt
oo.
Mel
issa:Ar
eyouokay?
Me:I
'
llbef
ine.Wher
e'sdad?
Mel
issa:Att
hegym.
Me:What
?
Mel
issa:Yes.Ol
dagei
sn'
tsogoodt
ohi
m.

Wel
augh.
Me:I
'
llgocheckonhi
m.
Mel
issa:I
'
llj
oinyousoon.

It
aket
hestair
sup.Ifailt
oholdi
twhenIseehi
m.
He'
sonthefastestmode.He'
sser
ious!
Mar
cus:LaughallyouwantbutI
'
llbet
hesexi
est
manonearthnextweek.
Me:Nextweek?I
ttakesmont
hst
obui
ldasexy
bodydaddy.
Marcus:Mi
newil
ltake2weeks.Wher
ehaveyou
been?Wemissedyou.

Heget
sofft
hemachi
neandgr
absat
owelanddab
hi
ssweat
yface.
Me:Beenbusyatwor
kIhar
dlyf
oundt
imet
odo
anyt
hing.
Mar
cus:If
eell
ikeyou'
ref
ocusi
ngt
oomuchonyour
mot
her.
Me:Dadcomeon.Mom al
wayshasherphonei
n
handt
hat'
swhywealwaystal
k.
Mar
cus:ImeanBoni
siwe.
Me:Oh.Nowe'
rej
ustr
oommat
es.Not
hingmor
e.
Mar
cus:Il
oveyou,
youknowt
hat
?
Me:Of
cour
seIdo.
Marcus:AndI'
m usedt
obei
ngoneoft hei
mport
ant
t
hingsinyourl
if
e.Whenyoudon'
ttakemycal
lsor
makeanymeanst ocal
lmeIgetworri
ed.
Ionlymissedoneofhiscal
l.WhenIcall
edhi
m
back,hedidn'
tanswerbutwhatcanIsay.
Me:I
'
m sorry.You'
l
lal
waysbet
hei
mpor
tantt
hing
i
nmyl i
fe.

Ihughi
m.Mom get
sin.
Meli
ssa:Yourf
oodisr
eady.Honeyyouneeda
showerthenwecandi
scussthecol
orofthe
apar
tment.We'
rest
art
ingsometimenextweek.
Me:Yay!I
'
m soexci
ted.Ar
emypaj
amascl
ean?
Mel
issa:Yesmadam.
Il
aughast
hesar
casm.
Mar
cus:Ar
eyoust
ayi
ngover
?
Me:Yes.
Mar
cus:Letmegot
aket
hatshower
.
Theyki
ssonhi swayout.Hall
elujah.Wehead
downst
airs.Ifi
ndmissedcal
lsfrom Nqaba.Iputit
ondonotdi st
urbandenjoymysel fwit
hmymot her.
He'
sthelastpersonIwannatal
kt or i
ghtnow.
..

.
..
Anightwithmyparentsalwaystur
ntoagameni ght
.
Weplayedboardgamesunt i
l3am.RightnowIhave
nointent
ionsofwaki
ngupbutI '
m hungry.I
tsway
past10am andI'
m sur
prisedmom didn'
twakeme
togoeat.

It
akemyphonef
rom t
hechar
ger
,andcal
lLungani
.
Lunga:Goodmor
ning.
Me:Hey.Ever
ythi
ngokay?
Lunga:Yesever
ythi
ngi
sfi
ne.Youneedt
ost
op
worryi
ng.
Me:Ican'
thel
pit
.Haveyouguyseat
en?
Lunga:Mar
thai
smaki
ngbr
eakf
astr
ightnow.
Me:Ok.I
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
.
Lunga:Nopr
obl
em.
Me:Canyoupl
easehangup?

I'
vegotanincomingcal
l.She'
spr
obabl
ygonna
shoutatme.Ianswer.
Me:Heybabe.
Mvel
o:Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme!
Me:Iwast
ir
edandi
tdi
edi
nmybag.I
'
m sor
ry.
Mvel
o:I
'
vebeensowor
ri
ed.Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m good.Howi
syour
sel
f?
Mvel
o:I
'
m..
.
Shel
et'
soutat
rembl
ingbr
eat
handsni
ff
les.Isi
tup
st
rai
ght
.
Me:Whatdi
dhedo?
Mvel
o:He.
..
.
Shest
art
scr
ying.
Me:Nomvel
otal
k!Whatdi
dhedo?Wher
ear
eyou?
Mvel
o:I
nthebat
hroom.
Me:Whatdi
dhedo?Tal
ktomeandst
opcr
ying
pl
ease.
"
BabeI
'
m sor
ry.Pl
easeopent
hedoor
"
Mvel
o:Goaway!
Me:Cal
lthepol
ice!Orshoul
dIcal
lthem?Nowt
ell
mewhatdidhedo.
Mvel
o:Hegotmepr
egnant
.

Shesobs.Iscr
atchmyhead.Real
ly?
Me:Yougonnahaveababy?
Mvel
o:Whydoyousoundl
ikeyou'
resmi
li
ng?
Me:I'
m not
.Thatdouchebag!Ican'
tbel
ievehi
m
r
ightnow.

Il
aughsi
lent
ly.OhmyGodwe'
rehavi
ngababy!
Mvel
o:CanIcomest
aywi
thyou?
Me:Of
cour
semyl
ove.Of
cour
se.
Mvel
o:Thankyou.
Me:St
opcr
ying.Il
oveyou.
Mvel
o:Il
oveyout
oo.
Me:Ihaveal
ott
oaskyouwhenyougether
e.
Mvel
o:Ok.I
'
llbet
her
ebef
oret
hedayends.
Me:Ok.Bye
Mvel
o:Bye.

Isthi
sthebeginningofdr ama?Ifshe'
scomi ngher
e,
whataboutwor k?Isighandsi tatt
hecornerofmy
bedandreadtextsfrom Nqaba.Ican'tresi
stthe
urgetocal
lhim.Ilovehi m butIcan'
tseem t
o
processwhathesai d.Iactual
lyneedanswers.
Heanswer
saf
tersomet
ime.
Nqaba:Sawubona.
Me:Hi
.
Si
lence.
Nqaba:I
'
m gl
adyou'
reokay.
Me:Iam.Whatdi
dyoumeanaboutki
ll
ingf
orme?
Nqaba:Howi
syourdaygoi
ng?
Me:Nqaba.
Nqaba:Babe?
Me:Whatdi
dyoumean?
Nqaba:Ar
eyouenj
oyi
ngbei
nghome?
Me:I
fyoudonotanswermeyou'
l
lneverhearf
rom
meeveragai
n.
Isaycal
mlybutI
'
m boi
li
ngi
nsi
de.
Nqaba:I
fIhadanyi
deawhatyou'
ret
alki
ngabout
.
I
'danswer.
Me:Doyouwantmei
nyourl
if
e?
Nqaba:Of
cour
seIdo.
Me:Thenanswerme!
Nqaba:Imeantt
hatIcar
eaboutyou.
Me:Whodi
dyouki
ll
?
Nqaba:Humans.
Me:Humans?
Nqaba:Cor
rect
.
Me:St
opplayi
nggameswit
hmeNqabayet
huand
t
ellmewhathumansdi
dyouki
ll
?
Nqaba:Badhumans.
Icl
enchmyf
ist
s.
Me:I
tsoverNqaba.Doyouhearme?I
tsover
!

Ihangup.Iam hyper
vent
il
ati
ng.It
akeoffmy
pyj
amatopandwal ktoopenthewindow.He'
s
gonnabethedeathofme.

Him andNdunaareli
keMveloandI .Ift
here'
s
someonewhoknowst hismanwel l
,itshi
m.But
knowingNdunahe'dneveransweranyofmy
questi
ons.Isi
tdownonchairandtiltmyheadback.
*
**
I
tsbeen4weeksandI '
m doi
ngpr
ett
ygoodwi
thout
amaninmyspace.Henevercall
edort
ext
edand
t
hat'
sexact
lywhatIneeded.

Izipmyl uggageandputi tdown.We' r

eheadi ngto
KZN, Bheki'
swedding.Mvel ohasbeenher eever
since.AndNdunai slett
ingher ,I
'm sti
llst
ruggli
ngto
acceptthatNdunaisl et
tinghi swif
ebe500kms
awayf rom hi
m.BonisiweandIar en'thappening.
I'
vebeent ryi
ngtoatleastspend10mi nutesinher
presence.Mveloisalwayst hebestpersont osave
awkwar dmoment s,she'sbeenspendi ngt imewith
her.

Sheget
sinwi
thourdr
esses.
Mvel
o:Damnt
hequeue!
Me:Att
het
ail
or?
Mvel
o:No.Atdebonai
rs.
Oh.Welovepizza.She'
s3mont hsbutt
here'
sno
bump.Wewentf orthefi
rstul
tr
asoundlastweek.
We'r
ereal
lyhavinganadditi
onalmember.
Me:Weshoul
dgetgoi
ng.
Mvel
o:Yep.

Ipul
lboththesuit
caseswhil
eshetookthedr
esses.
Webi dBonisi
wegoodbye.Sheisn'
tal
lowedt
oleave
theprovi
ncesoshecan'tcome.Ihi
red4more
guards.If
eell
ikeshe'
sgonnaescapeatanychance
shegets.

.
..
.
Whent hesunset
,wedriveint
oKwaNcube.There'
s
atentandcarsoutsi
de.Ineedtosl
eep.Ipar
kand
t
heycomehel puswi t
hthebags.

Wepassedbyt heshoppingcent
reandboughtfood.
Mvel
ohast hi
sMakot ii
nher.Theyshowustothe
r
oom we'
llbeusing,j
ustthe2ofus.Super
!
It
hrowmysel
fint
hebed.
Mvel
o:I'
m def
ini
tel
ynotsl
eepi
ng.Notaf
terIsmel
t
smoki
ngmeat.
Me:Br
ingmesomewhenf
indi
t.
Mvel
o:I
magi
ne.

Shel
aughsandwal
ksout
.

Itakeof
fmyshoesandposit
ionmysel
fri
ght
.Ihear
thedooropeni
ng.Ir
aisemyhead.
Bheki
:Hi
.Sor
ryIhadnoi
deayouwer
esl
eepi
ng.
Me:I
'
m aboutt
oo.Howar
eyou?
Bheki
:I'
m good.Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m good.
Bheki
:Thanksf
orcomi
ng.
Me:Iwoul
dn'
thavemi
ssedi
tfort
hewor
ld.
Bheki
:Yeahr
ight
.Youdi
dn'
tbr
ingdat
es?
Me:NopebutNdunawi
llar
ri
vet
omor
row.
Bheki
:Yourboyf
ri
endcancomet
oo.
Me:Webr
okeup.
Bheki
:Oh.I
'
m sor
ry.
Me:I
tscool
.It
ssohoti
nthi
spl
ace.
Bheki
:Decemberi
sver
yhott
hissi
de.Wannat
akea
walk?
Me:Wher
eto?
Bheki
:Tot
het
reewi
thf
reshai
r.
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkthat
'sagoodi
deawithever
yone
her
e.They'
l
lprobabl
yhavesomeideasi
fwel eave
onourown.
Bheki
:Wewon'
tbeonourown.Mvel
oiscomi
ngt
oo.
Me:Ok.Let
'sgot
hen.
Bheki
:Getyourbat
hingmat
eri
al.Wemi
ghtpassby
theri
ver
.
Me:Hel
lno.JesusI
'
m nott
ryi
ngt
ogeteat
enby
snakest
her
e.
Bheki
:Aisuka.I
'
llgoi
nfor
mtheguar
dst
o
accompanyus.
Me:Awyou'
real
soscar
ed.
Bheki:No.I
'
m gonnabethechi
efsoonsowemight
neverknowwhenam Igonnagetassassi
nat
ed.

Hel
aughs.Il
aught
oo.
Me:I
'
llbeget
ti
ngmybat
hingmat
eri
alsol
ong.

Henodsandwal
kout
.Myphonebeeps.It
akei
tout
ofmybag.

'
We'
l
lseeyout
omor
row'

I
tsf
rom Nduna.Who'
swe?I
'
m sonoti
nthemood
f
orNqaba'
sface.
'
Ifyoueverbr
ingyourst
ickl
egsher
eI'
l
lgetyou
arr
ested'

IsendtoNqabaandgetmybathi
ngmater
ialand
Mvelo'
s.Ali
tt
leboycomesandcal
lme.

Weheadawayt othebush.Ikeepsayi
ngalit
tl
e
prayert
hatal
ionoranyt
hingdangerousdoesn'
t
comeoutofthishugegr
ass..
..

▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t43•
••
Iam sot i
red!Ineedagoodsl eep.Wespentthe
nightpeeli
ng,wel lIwasthepeelercauseI'
m not
reall
ygoodatcooki ng.Mvelokeptdeli
ver
ingthose
carrot
sandpot atoes.Idon'
tunderst
andwhyt here
i
sn'tcater
ing.Ther eare4kitchensandallofthose
wereandst il
lfullofcookingpeople.
Wej
ustsl
eptanhouragoandher
ewear
e,upagai
n.
Me:Ihat
eithear
.
Mvelo:Iwannagohomer
ightaf
tert
hisweddi
ng.
Thatwasslaver
y.
Me:PlusImi
ssyourmom.Wehaveal
ott
otal
k
about
.
Mvel
o:DoIneedt
oknowabouti
t?
Me:Nope.

Ipl
ugi
ntheket
tl
eandt
akeoutourbat
hingt
owel
s.
Mvel
o:Isther
esomet
hinggoi
ngonbet
weenyou
andNqaba?
Me:Iendedi
t.
Shesi
tsupr
ight
.
Mvel
o:Andyoudi
dn'
ttel
lme?
Me:I
twasnotser
ious.
Mvel
o:I
fyou'
ret
her
easonhewentbackt
oJo'
bur
g
t
heni
tis!
Me:It
scompl
icat
edMvel
o.He'
snotokayi
nthe
head.
Mvel
o:I
'
mli
steni
ng.

Isi
tonat
hecouchandf
oldmyl
egs.
Me:Itstartedwhenwewer eatyourhouse.Iwas
doingitjusttogetoverBhekibutIf oundmyself
doingitforme.If el
lforhim,itseemedtoearlyto
moveonsoIcuthi m offwhenIwentbackt o
Johannesbur g.He'snotgoodf ormeMvel o,Il
ose
myselfinhi spresence.IbecomesomeoneIcannot
recognize.
Mvel
o:That
'swhyyouendedt
hings?
Me:No.HeboughtJake'sgir
lfr
iendtosendt hose
fl
owers,hesayshehadtocomeupwi thaplan.
Howsi ckist
hat?Li
kethatwasn'tenoughhepai d
hert
osl eepwit
hhim!Hesayshe' skil
ledformeand
won'
tletmeknowwhoheki l
led.
Mvel
o:Iknewi
t!
Me:Knewwhat
?
Mvel
o:Thathehadsomet
hingt
odowi
thyoubei
ng
r
escuedfr
om yourmot
her
.OhmyGod
Me:Wait
.Rescuedf
rom mymot
her
?No,
Oni
ka
savedme.
Mvelo:Theyprobabl
ypaidher.He'
srighthedidki
ll
foryou,butwhathappenedthenhefelli
nlovewit
h
you?I'
vealwayssensedthattheyar
emor et
han
whattheychoosetoshow.
Me:Idon'
tunder
stand.
Mvelo:Yourfathercameupwi t
haplant hatyour
mom shouldgoseduceBoni siwe'
shusband.I
vol
unteeredtodo.Iwenthomeandt hent he
fol
lowingnighthetoldmeyouwer eonyourway
homeandt hatshallheeverhearmetalkabout
seduci
ngmen.He' sgonnaki
llme.It
hinkhemeant
i
t.
Me:Whatam Ihear
ing?
Mvelo:I
'
mjustput
ti
ngt
hepi
ecest
oget
herandt
hey
f
iti
nsowell
.
Me:Sohe'
sknownmef
rom t
hen?
Mvel
o:Hewast
her
eformyl
obol
anegot
iat
ions.
Me:Ineversawhi
m.
Mvel
o:Hewast
her
e.Hewast
hel
eadi
ngnegot
iat
or.
Me:I
'
llber
ightback.
Mvel
o:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:Youshoul
dbat
h.

Itakemyphoneandwal kout
.Il
ookforaquiet
placebutthere'
snone.Iseet
hetoi
let
.Iheadther
e,
I'
m notgoinginther
e,asnakecoul
dcomeoutof
thatseat.Ist
andasideandcal
lNqaba.Hepicksup
ont hefi
rstri
ng.
Me:I
'm gonnaaskyouquest
ionsandIdar
eyout
o
l
iet
ome.
Nqaba:Ngi
lal
ele.(
I'
mli
steni
ng)
Me:Howl
onghaveyouknownme?
Nqaba:Longenough.
Me:Whendi
dyouknowyoul
ikeme?
Nqaba:WhenIf
ir
stsawyou.
Me:When?
Nqaba:Mvel
o'sl
obol
anegot
iat
ions.
Me:Tel
lmeaboutZi
mbabwe.
Nqaba:I
tswher
eyouwer
ekept
.
Me:Howdoyouknowt
hat
?
Nqaba:BecauseNdunacall
edinthemiddl
eofthe
ni
ghtandtoldmeyouwer eabductedsoImadea
pl
an.
Me:Howdi
dyouknowwher
ewasI
?
Nqaba:Iknowpeopl
ewhoknowpeopl
e.Imade
cal
lst
hat'showwefoundyou.
Me:Andyouki
ll
edpeopl
e?
Nqaba:Idi
dn'
tpul
lthet
ri
ggerbutIgaveor
der
s.
Me:Soyousavedmeandallofasuddenyoufeel
l
ikeyouownme?Youfeelent
it
led?Li
keIshoul
dbe
wit
hyouandnobodyel
se?
Nqaba:Yazi nLexi .I'm get tingt iredofyouandyour
games.Makeupyourmi ndandchoosewhet her
youwannabewi thmeornot .I'
m doi ngever ythi
ng
I'
veneverdonebef ore.Idonotchangef oranyone
butIdi dforyou, Idonotanswersuchquest ionsbut
Iam answer ingyour s.Yout hinkIst art
edl ovingyou
aft
erthat ?Ilikedyout hef irstdayIsawbutNduna
putmeoutofi t.Ist ayedawaybecausei tseemed
chil
disht obef riendsanddat ef riends,whenhet ol
d
met ohel phimt rackyoudownhet oldmeIcango
aheadandhi tonhi swi fe'sbestf ri
end.Idi dit
becauseIwant edyousaf enotbecauseofhi sgo
ahead.Mygutwoul dn'tletmej ustst opcar i
ng
aboutyou.Ihadt omakesur eyou' reokayal lthe
ti
me.Iwasabl et or esistwhatIf eltforyout henbut
Icouldn'tafterDur ban.Ij ustcoul dn'tbecauseLexi I
knewt hatyoul ovedmeandIsawi twhenIdr opped
youof fattheai rpor t.I'
veseeni tever yti
meIl ook
i
ntoyoureyesandr ightnowyou' refocusingonme
kil
li
ngf oryou, youdon' tcar ewhyIdi dit
.I'm doing
everythingthatIdobecauseIl oveyoubutyou' r
e
oldenought odeci dewhet heryouwantt hisornot .
I'
m donet ryi
ng.
Thel
inedi
es.
"
Lexi
?"
Isni
ff
leandwipeof
fmyt
ear
sbef
oreIt
urnand
f
orceasmil
e.
Bheki
:Ar
eyouokay?
Me:YesI
'
mfi
ne.Wor
kst
uff
.Ineededaqui
etpl
ace.
Bheki:There'
salotofemptyr
oomsi nt
hebighouse.
Youshoul d'
vewentther
e.Aunt
yjustar
ri
vedshe'
s
l
ookingf oryou.
Me:Letmegot
alkt
oher
.
Bheki
:Ihearyouwer
epeel
ingi
ntheki
tchen.
Me:I
ndeedwewer
e.Yourmom f
etchedus.
Bheki
:She'
ssuchadr
amaqueen.I
'
m sor
ry.
Me:Nahdon'
twor
ry.
Hegl
ancesathi
swat
ch.
Bheki
:Ibet
tergogetr
eady.
Me:Met
oo.Haven'
tevenbat
hedyet
.
Bheki
:I'
l
lseeyoul
ater
.
Me:Idoubt
.You'
l
lbewi
thyourwi
fel
ater
.
Hechuckl
es.
Bheki
:I'
l
lseeyoul
aterbef
oreyoul
eave.
Me:Gogetr
eady.

Iopent
hedoor
.If
indMvel
oandgogol
aughi
ng.
Mvel
o:Shecant
ell
thatI
'
m pr
egnant
.
Me:Real
ly?
Gr
anny:Yes.Ihaveeyesol
denought
oseet
hat
.
Me:I
'
m neverbuyi
ngapr
egnancyt
est
.
Wel
aughandIhugt
heol
dlady.
Me:Ar
eyouwel
l?
Granny:Iam good.It
houghtyouwerepl
ayi
ng
gameswi thmewhenyousai dyou'
l
lbehere.
Me:Whywoul
dIt
hough.AndIboughtyouadr
ess.
Gr
anny:Al
il
il
il
i.
..
.
Mvel
o:I
tsbeaut
if
ull
ikeyou.

Shegetsupanddance.Soener
getic.Ipourwat
er
onabat hi
ngbasi
nwhil
eMvelotakesoutgogo's
dress.

Insuchanenvi
ronment.We'
regonnahavet
owear
natur
almakeuporelsewe'
lldr
awoursel
ves
unnecessar
yat
tent
ion.

Wegetready.Ever
yoneel
seisdonebutus.The
yardisf
il
li
ngupeachandeverysecond.Theysur
e
arefamoushere.
Mvel
o:Ohhe'
sher
e.
Me:I
sthatasmi
le?
Mvel
o:No.
Me:Youpoort
hing.Let
'sgo.
Wetakeourclut
chesandgot
omeetNduna.My
phonebeeps.I
tsmom.

'
Howiseveryt
hinggoing?Isti
lldon'
tunder
stand
whyyouhavetotort
ureyourselfl
iket
hat'

Ichuckl
e.
'
Ever
ythingi
sf i
neandI
'
m nott
ort
uri
ngmysel
f.I
l
ovebeinghere'

Thelookswe' r
egett
ingasweheadt otheredX5.I
cannotwai tunti
lwe'
rether
ecauseIcanfeelmy
kneeskissi
ngeachot her
:stagef
ri
ght.Ndunahops
out,Nguqukofoll
ows.
Mvel
o:Wher
eisNqaba?
Nduna:hel
lot
oyout
oo.Imi
ssedyou.
Heki
ssesher
.Il
ooki
nsi
det
hecar
,ther
e'snoone.
Mvel
o:Imi
ssedyout
oo.Nqabai
sn'
tcomi
ng.
Nduna:Heisondut
yandbesidewhywoul
dhe
come?Nguqukoisher
ecausehegotani
nvit
easa
fel
lowcapt
ain.
Mvel
o:Ohh.
Me:l
et'
sgobef
oreourseat
sar
etaken.
Nguquko:Ther
eisn'
treal
lyt
hather
e.Yousi
t
ever
ywhere.
Me:Oh.Ihadnoi
dea,
eit
herwayl
et'
sgo.
Nguquko:Si
ncewebot
hdonothavedat
es.Pl
ease
bemydat e.
Hebowsdr
amat
ical
ly.Wel
augh.
Me:Wi
thpl
easur
e.

Hetakesmyhandandwewal ktothetent.Seems
l
ikeNguqukohadnoi deawhathewast alkingabout
.
Wehaveat abl
ewithournames,wet i
ckedour
namesatt heentr
anceandwewer egivenanumber .
I'
vegottogiveitt
othem,thisi
sbeautif
ul.Iam
gett
ingreall
yuncomfort
ablebytheweirdl ooksI'
m
gett
ingandsomepeopl ewhispert
oeachot herand
poi
ntatme.Iguesst
heyknow.
Me:Di
dyoubr
ingyourgl
asses?
Iwhi
sper
.
Mvel
o:No.What
'sup?
Me:Thel
ooks.
Nduna:Scr
ewt
hem.
Hesaysal
it
tl
eloud.
Me:Pl
easedon'
t.
Nduna:I
fyouseeonepersonst
ari
ngatyou.Tel
lme
I
'l
lgopunchthem r
ighti
nthef
ace.
Wegi ggleont hel ow.We'reaskedtobowourheads
asthePr incesoont obechiefmakeshiswayi n.
Theysayhi spraisesthatIdon'tunder
standhalfof
.
We'refreedt olookupagai n.
Nduna:He'
sner
vous.
Nguquko:Whowoul
dn'
tbener
voust
hinki
ngof
committ
inghi
msel
ftoawoman.
Me:Excuseyou.
Nguquko:Noof
fensebutyou'
redevi
ls.
Mvel
o:Whydoyoumar
ryust
hen?
Nguquko:Becausewel
oveyou.
Me:Ncoat
hat
'ssweet
.

"
Shhhhh!
!"
Ooops.Ihi
demyselfwit
hmycl utch.Thel
eastI
needisBhekit
hinki
ngIam di
srespecti
nghi
s
speci
almoment.

We'ret ol
dtostanduptowel comet hebride.We
standup.Theysayherpr aises.Shehaspr aises,I
didn'tknowwomenhadt hose...
.ohit
sclannames.
Herdr essscr
eamsr oyal
ty,sodoesherf ace.Iturn
tolookatBheki,he'
stappinghisf ootandcracking
hisleftfi
nger
s,he'
sreall
yner vous.Oureyesmeet .

"Yougonnabefi
ne"Imime.Hesmilesandnods.
Someoneclear
sthei
rthr
oat.I
tshi
smot her
,Iqui
ckl
y
t
urnawayt
olookatt
hebr
ide.

Shef i
nall
ygetstothefront.Theprogr
am dir
ector
takesusdownt hehistoryofthei
rrel
ati
onshi
pand
thatthi
sisthei
rsecondweddi ng,what'
sdif
ferent
nowi sthatl
oveisinvolved.

It
stimet
oexchangevows.Bhekii
stheonet
ost
art
.
Idri
nkwater
,Ndunal
ooksatme.
Bheki
:Ineverthoughtwe'ddot hisonedaybuther e
weare,l
ookingatyousoont obeof fi
ciall
ymywi fe.
Idon'
thavemanywor dsbecauseI 'vealreadytol
d
youeveryt
hingbutI'
m gonnat ellyouthisoneagai n.
You'
rethebestthingthatI
'veeverhadi nmyl i
feand
Il
oveyou.

Thecrowdcheer
s.Igetapokeont
heshoul
der
.I
tur
n.
Hi
m:I
'
m gonnaneedyout
oleave.
Me:Excuseme.
Hi
m:You'
renotwel
comeher
e.
Hegri
psmyar m har
shly.Isqui
rm.Ndunajumpson
hi
m andpuncheshim,ont heot
hertabl
etheyar
e
dr
agginggogoout.
Theoldmanont heent
rancei sshout
ing."
You'
re
notwelcomehereDani
sile!Youandyour
descendant
sarenotwelcomei nmyfather'
s
grounds!
"
Bheki
:Leavet
hem al
one!
Themenholdi
nggogol
etgo.Ndunapunchedt
hat
oneaway.
Oldman:Whatareyoudoi
ng?Taket
hem out
!Bheki
:
Babomncanest
op!
Oldman:ShutupBheki si
zwe.Youruineveryt
hing!
Howcanyoul etheri
nwhileshehasn'
tcleansedus
forf
all
ingpregnantforacommoner!Shemadeusa
l
aughingstock!
Gogo:Soyoukeeptel
li
ngeveryone!You'r
easor r
y
excuseofamanMandl enkosi
.Yourgreedtobethe
chiefhasyour
uini
ngmynephewsweddi ng.Take
t
hisol
drackt
othedungeon!

Theol
dmanl
aughs.
Bheki
:Di
dyounotheart
hepr
incess!

Thementakehi
m away.Bhekiwhi
sper
stot
he
di
rect
orandhel
eaves.
Dir
ector
:Thechiefhassomet hingtotakecareof.
Hesaysyoucanhel pyourselveswithref
reshments
andthepeopleintheli
stt
ospeakaboutourl ovel
y
coupl
emustgetr eady.We'r
esor ryf
orthe
i
nconvenience.

Nduna:Let
'sgo.
Mvelo:Nobaby.Bhekii
sgonnabehear
tbr
okeni
f
weleave.
Nguquko:Justtast
ethecakeal
ready.Thi
swas
madefrom heaven.
I'
m st
il
lnoti
ngoodst
atet
ocommuni
cat
e.Whatj
ust
happened?

.
..
.
Againstalloddstheweddi
ngresumedandt hefun
thatfol
lowedweendedupf or
getti
ngaboutthat
l
itt
leincident
.Ourti
metoheadbackt oourhomes
came.Iwentt osaygoodbyet
ogr andmaand
everybodyelseImetthi
sti
me.IlookedforBheki
butdidn'tfi
ndhim.
Me:Ar
ewedrivi
ngtoal odge?Icannotspendmor
e
t
hananhourontheroad.
Mvel
o:Wear
e.
Nduna:It
hought
-
Mvel
o:We'
ret
ir
ed.
Nguquko:Iwi
lldr
ivehomet
omyl
ovel
ywi
fe.
Nduna:Mvel
o
Me:Youguyscango.Iwil
lst
ayatt
hel
odgeand
dr
ivet
oNewCast l
einthemorni
ng.
Mvel
o:I
'
m st
ayi
ngwi
thyou.
Nduna:Babewehave2car
sher
e.
Mvel
o:I
'
llt
akeat
axit
omor
rowmor
ning.
Nduna:Let
'sgot
othatl
odge.

Nguqukotakest
hecart
heycamewi
thandweget
i
nmi ne.

Wedr ivet othelodge.45mi nutesaway.Thewai t

ing
atthef rontdeskmakesmewannascr eam.Final l
y
theyhandusourkeys.Iki ssMvel ogoodni ghtand
wegoi ntoourdi ff
erentr
ooms.Iconnectmyphone
ont hechar gerandheadt othebathroom.If i
llthe
tubandgeti n.Whataday.NowIcanl oveNqaba
withoutanygui l
t.Hiswordsreplayinmyhead, he
soundedl i
kehewascr yi
ngatsomepar ts.Iwr apa
towelaf ter
war dsandgot omyphone.Ibuyai r ti
me
andcal lhim.

Heanswer
sandsaynot
hing.
Me:Il
oveyouandIwannabewi
thyou.
Nqaba:Wer
eyouwaiti
ngforhi
mtogetmarri
edso
youcanbesur
ethatyouwanttomoveon?
Me:No.
Nqaba:Idon'
twantt
opl
aygameswi
thyou.
Me:Wewon'
t.Ir
eal
lymeani
t.
Nqaba:Let
'sgi
veyouaweekandseei
fyoust
il
lfeel
t
hesame.
Me:Nqaba.
Nqaba:Goodni
ghtnkosazana..

Hehangsup.Isi
ghandgetinsidet
hecover
sli
ke
t
hatandcl
osemyeyes.Ireall
ymeanit.
..
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t44•
••

"
Her
ewego.Her
ewegoagai
nandnowyou'
re
tel
li
ngmethatshei
sjustafri
end,t
hat
'swhyshe's
cal
li
ngyouat3o'cl
ockinthemorni
ng.Ican'
ttake
thi
snomore,ohhh.
..
"Istar
tl
e.
Me:What
'swrongwi
thyou.Iwasget
ti
ngt
omy
f
avor
it
epart
.
Mike:WellIwast
ir
edofshouti
ngli
keacr
azy
person.Doyouhavesugarher
e?
Me:It
hinkt
her
eis.
Boni
siwe:I
tsf
ini
shed.Iusedi
tont
hest
eamed
br
ead.
Me:Let
'
sgogetit
.Mom isgonnaf
reakoutifshe
get
shereandf
indoutshecan'
tmaketea.
Boni
siwe:I
'
llgot
aket
hecl
othesoutoft
hedr
yer
.
Shedi
sappear
s.
Mi
ke:Thatdi
dn'
tcomeoutr
ight
.
Me:What
?
Mi
ke:Thement
ionofyourmot
her
.
Me:Oh.Let
'sgo.
Mi
ke:Lexi
.

It
akemypur
seandheadt
othel
if
t.Hef
oll
owsme.

Mi
ke:Youhavet
ocuthersomesl
ack.
If
ast
enmyseat
bel
t.
Me:Doyourememberwhenyout
oldmet
oal
low
mysel
ftof
alli
nlove?
Wedr
iveof
f.
Mi
ke:Yeah.
Me:Idi
d.Theout
come?Hor
ri
ble.
Mi
ke:Andyourpoi
nti
s?
Me:I
'
m nevert
aki
nganyt
hingyousay.
Mi
ke:Whydi
dyoubr
ingherher
ethen?
Me:Becausesheneededmyhel
p.
Mi
ke:At
leastt
ryt
oent
ert
ainaconver
sat
ionwi
thher
.
Me:Wedot
alk.Wej
ustdonothavemucht
otal
k
aboutt
hat
'
sit
.
Mike:I
'
vebeenheresi
nceSundayandallI
'veseen
i
syoul i
steni
ngt
oheadphonesi
nherpresence.
Isi
gh.
Me:Ij
usthaveal
otgoi
ngonr
ightnow.
Mi
ke:Tr
ytomakeherwel
comeat
least
.
Me:Mi
kepl
ease.Havi
ngherst
ayi
ngatmypl acei
s
wel
comi
ng.It
rul
ydonotoweheranyt
hing.
Mi
ke:Don'
tyout
hinksher
egr
eti
t?
Me:Shedoesn'
t.Let
'sdr
opt
hispl
ease.
Mi
ke:Ok.Wannat
alkaboutNqaba?
Me:He'snott
aki
ngmycal
ls,
Idrovebyhispl
ace
whenIcamebackhewasn'
tther
e.Ical
ledhi
swork
yest
erdayt
heysai
dhe'
snoti
n.
Mi
ke:Doyoul
ovehi
m?
Me:IdobutIthi
nkhe'
ski
ndboff
edupwithme.He
sai
dhe'
sgivi
ngmeaweekt obesur
ethatIr
eall
y
wannabewithhim.
Mi
ke:Doyour
eal
lywannabewi
thhi
m?
Me:Yes.

Hel
ooksatmeandsmi
les.
Mike:Thenlookf
oryourmanbaby.For
everi
sn'
t
pr
omi sed.

Hi
sphoner
ings.
Mi
ke:Baby.
..
okayI
'
m comi
ng.
Hehangsup.
Mike:I'
vegottogohome.Thatsoundedl
ike
f
orgiveness.
Me:Butwhydoyoucheat
?
Mike:I
tsahabi
tthatI
'
mtr
yingt
ofi
ghtt
rustmebut
i
tshard.
Me:Tryharder!Shehasal
it
tl
ebaby,
shedoesn'
t
deser
veallthi
s.
Mi
ke:Iknow.I
'
mtr
yingt
obeabet
terman.
Me:That
'swhatshedeser
ves.

Wedr i
vetohi
splace.Idrophim of
fanddr
iveaway
aft
erwarni
nghimtonott el
lTashahewasatmy
pl
ace.Ican'
tbeknownf orkeepi
ngacheat
erinti
me
ofneed.

Istar
tof
fatthemal
landdri
vetoNqaba'spl
ace.I
knockunt
ilt
heguywholi
vesnextdoorcomesout.
Hi
m:Hi
.
Me:Hi
.Di
dIwakeyou?I
'
m sor
ryf
ormaki
ngnoi
se.
I
..
.
Hi
m:I
tsokay.Hehasn'
tbeenher
esi
nceThur
sday.
Me:Oht
hankyou.
Hi
m:You'
rewel
come.

Ibidhim goodbyeandleave.I
fIdr
ivetosurgery
ri
ghtnowI '
llbelat
e.Myparentsar
egonnaar ri
ve
anyti
mesoon.Icl i
ckonNduna'scontactandputon
anear
piece.Thi
siswei
rd.
Nduna:I
'
m gonnawi
nlot
to.Babei
tsLexi
!
Il
augh.
Me:Youmi
ght
.Howar
eyou?
Nduna:I
'
m goodAl
exi
s,howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m good,
I'
m good.Haveyouhear
dfr
om Nqaba?
Nduna:No,
hisphonei
sn'
tgoi
ngt
hrough.
Me:Coul
dyouknowwher
ehei
s?
Nduna:No.Ical
ledhi
smot
herbuthe'
snothome.
Me:Okt
hankyou.

Ihangup.Wherecouldhepossi
blybe?I
'
m get
ti
ng
worri
ednow.Ical
lthesurger
y.
Mf
undo:DrZungu'
sof
fi
ce,
goodmor
ning.
Me:Mor
ning,
isDrZungui
n?
Mfundo:Unf
ort
unatel
ynobutDrJohnsoni
s
st
andinginf
orhim.Icant
ransf
eryou.
Me:Ohno.Ist
ri
ctl
yneedDrZungu.Whenwi
llhebe
back?
Mf
undo:Ihavenoi
deama'
am.
Me:Okt
hanks.

Ihangup.

.
..
.
Ifi
ndmyparent
salr
eadyar
ri
ved.Weexchange
hugsandmom hel
psmeunpack.
Mel
issa:Soar
eyouhost
ingf
orChr
ist
mas?
Me:What
?Noti
n5year
stocome.
Marcus:Noonewantst
ohostt
hisyearsoIguess
ever
yonewil
lspendChr
ist
masatthei
rplace.
Me:Notme.I
'
llbehome.
Meli
ssa:It
hinkweshoul
djustdot
hatr
oadt
ri
p
ear
li
er.
Me:Roadt
ri
p?
Mar
cus:Yesyourmot
herandIwer
ethi
nkingwe'
ll
gof
oraroadtri
pasafamil
yonnewyear'
seve.
Me:Thatwoul
dbesomuchf
un.Whenar
ewegoi
ng
now?
Meli
ssa:Areyouokaywi
thspendi
ngChr
ist
mas
awayfrom home?
Me:Absol
utel
y.
Marcus:Thenweshoul
dgot
hisweekend.I
sitokay
wi
thyoubot h?
Me:I
'
min.
Mel
issa:Weneedt
oshop
Mar
cus:Badi
dea.We'
l
lshopont
heway.
Me:I
'
m sogonnaenj
oymysel
f.

Wedoagr
ouphug.Someonecl
ear
sthei
rthr
oat
.We
l
etgo.
Boni
siwe:Goodmor
ning
Them:Mor
ning.
Meli
ssa:Ipeepedt
hroughyourpot
.Thesmel
l,
I
coul
dn'
tholdmyself
.
Boni
siwe:I
tsokay.
Mar
cus:I
'
llgogetsomef
reshai
r.
Bonisi
we:I'
m gonnapr
epar
ethef
ood.Lexi
sai
dyou
usuall
yeatoutsi
de.
Mel
issa:Yeswedo.I
'
llhel
pyou.
Me:Letmegof
ixt
heshel
ter
.Thesuni
snotni
ce
outt
here.

Ipouragl
assofj
uice.Bonisi
weseemssurpr
ised.
Sheaskedmyparentstocomeover,
Iguesswe'll
fi
ndoutsoonwhy.

Me:Ineedal
it
tl
ehel
pher
e.
He'
sdeepi
nhi
sthought
s.Idoubtheevenhear
dme.
Me:Dad.
Mar
cus:Mmmh?
Me:Ineedhel
poverher
e.
Mar
cus:Oh

Heget
supandhel
psmeopent
heshel
ter
.
Me:Whyar
eyouavoi
dingBoni
siwesomuch?
Isayaf
terwesi
tdown.
Mar
cus:Whydoyousayt
hat
?
Me:Becauseyouavoi
dbei
ngi
nthesamespaceas
herever
yti
me.
Marcus:Ican'
tst
andher
.It
oler
ateherf
oryour
sake.
Me:That
'sal
l?
Hef
rowns.
Mar
cus:Whatdoyoumean?
Me:Imeani
sthatal
l?
Mar
cus:Yest
hat
'sal
l.
Theyemer gefrom i
nsi
de.Igetuptohel
pthem
prepar
ethet abl
e.Wesitandpraybefor
ewedishup.
We'resi
lent,
awkwar dsi
lence.

Herfoodt ast
esreall
ynice.She'sagoodcookI '
ve
concludedbecauseherf oodalwaysleavesmeand
theguar dswanti
ngmor e.Mar t
hahadt ogohome
soIpai dherandsheleft.Imissher
;sheknewkept
Bonisiweentert
ainednotthatLungaandSt even
can'
tbutshedi ditbet
ter.
Bonisi
we:YouknowIwast
ryi
ngmyl
uckwhenI
askedyoutocome.
Mel
issa:Wear
enotl
iket
hat
Boni
siwe:You'r
enotliket
hat.Ijustwant
edtothank
youforlet
ti
ngyourdaughterstaywithme.Iknowit
wasn'taneasydeci
sionbutthankyou.
Mel
issa:Shedi
ditoutofl
ove.

Iclearmythr
oati
nvol
unt
ari
ly.Shel
ooksatmeand
thenbackatmom.
Bonisiwe:Myaccountsareunfrozen.Iam gonna
l
ookf oranewplace.ByThur sdayI '
dbeout.Ijust
wannat hankyouLexiforkeepingmeunderyour
roofandmakingsur eIhadever ythi
ngIneeded,the
ther
apistandall
.I'
mr eal
lygrat
ef ul.
Mar cus:Thati
sgoodnews.NowIcansleepwel
lat
nightknowingyouaren'
tther
etr
yingt
ostr
angl
emy
chil
d.
Me:Dad!
Mel
issa:Mar
cus!
Marcus:I
tst
hetr
uth.Ineverwant
edyouhere
Boni
siweandfr
ankly.Iwi
shyouwereleavi
ngtoday!

Het
ossesthenapki
nont
het
abl
eandst
ormsi
nsi
de.
Mom f
oll
owshim.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry.
Boni
siwe:I
tsokay.Iunder
stand.
Me:Youdon'
thavet
omoveout
.
Boni
siwe:Iwantt
o.Icanseet
hatI
'
minvadi
ngyour
space.You'
reneverher
e.
Me:That
'sbecauseIhavet
hingst
odo.
Boni
siwe:Noyou'
reavoi
dingme.
Me:I
'
m not
.
Bonisi
we:Iwasn'tbor
nyesterday.Thewayyou
i
nstantl
ystoplaughi
ngwhenIgeti nwhenyou're
wit
hyourfriendsexpl
ainseveryt
hing.Youdon'
t
wantmeher e.
Me:I
fIdi
dn'
twantyouher
eyouwoul
dn'
tbeher
e.
Boni
siwe:Thenwhyar
eyout
reat
ingmel
esst
hana
mother.
Me:Becauseyou'
renot
!

It
akeadeepbr
eat
h.
Me:Youknowsi nceyou'
vebeenhereI'vebeen
expecti
ngthi
sonethingwheneverIsawyou.
WheneverIwalkedinfr
om workandf i
ndyouina
couch.I'
dexpectt
ohearthosewordsbutyou've
never.I
fyoudonotseeanythi
ngwr ongwithwhat
youdidt
henIr
eal
lyhavenot
hingt
odi
scusswi
th
you.
Boni
siwe:Howmanyt
imesyouwantmet
o
apol
ogize?
Me:You'veneverapol
ogi
zed.Andyouknowwhat ?
It
sokay.Youdon'thavet
obecausewhenyoul eave
heret
hat'l
lbetheendofi
tall
.Myli
fewil
lresume
l
ikeyouneverexist
ed.
Boni
siwe:Lexi
.
Me:Thanksf
ort
hef
ood.

Igetupandheadi
n.Mypar
ent
sar esi
tt
ingint
he
ki
tchendri
nki
ngwi
ne.Wer
en'
ttheyshouti
ngateach
otherj
ustnow?

It
akemyphoneandf
indamessagef
rom Mvel
o.

'
Nqabai
sathi
spl
ace.Hej
ustcal
ledNduna'
Ifeelarel
ief
.It
rytocal
lhim buti
tgoestovoi
cemai
l
.
Igot omybedroom,Ipackmyover ni
ghtbagand
putonsneakers.
Mel
issa:Whoa!Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:Todegr
ademysel
fbef
oreaman.Wi
shmel
uck.
Mar
cus:Whatman?
Me:Yoursoni
nlaw.
Them:Jake?
Me:No.NqabaZungu.

Dadchokesont
hewi
ne.
Me:Sor
ry.
Thel
if
tcl
oses.
..
.

*
**
NQABA
Mybur
nerphoner
ingsi
nmyl
eftpocket
.
Me:Yes.
Mar
cus:Yousonofabi
tch.
Me:WhathaveIdone?
Mar
cus:Youshaggi
ngmydaught
er?
Me:Youwokemeupf orthat?AndIdidn'
tknow
she'
syourdaught
erunt
ilIf
elli
nlovewit
hher.
Mar
cus:Di
dn'
tshet
ellyouherl
astname?
Me:No.
Marcus:Breakupwi
thher
.Youhearme?I'
m not
gonnahaveyouasmysoni nl
aw.Mychi
ldcan'
tbe
wit
hat hug.
Me:Daught
ersmar
ryt
hei
rfat
her
s.ByeMar
c.
Mar
cus:I
'
m gonnaki
llyou.
Me:Imightdoitf
ir
st.Yourpar
celsjustl
anded.
Sendyourboystogogetthem beforeBhekiCel
e
get
ssuspici
ous.
Ihangup.

"
NqabaIknowyou'
reher
e"

Igetupandopen.She'
snotwear
ingawi
g.If
ind
myselfsmi
li
ng.
Lexi
:CanIcomei
n?
Me:Yes.

Ihugherandcl
oset
hedoor
.
Me:Imi
ssedyou.
Lexi:Whywer
en'
tyout
aki
ngmycal
ls?Iwasgoi
ng
crazy.
Me:Whot
oldyouI
'
m her
e?
Lexi
:Mvel
o.

Shehugsmeagai
ncr
yingnow.
Lexi
:don'
teverdot
hat
.Youst
ressedmeout
.Il
ove
you.
Me:Iwon'
t.AndI
'
m sor
ry.Il
oveyoumor
e.

Shel
etsgo.
Lexi
:Iboughtyoupyj
amas.
Me:What
?Why?
Lexi
:Towearonourl
azydays.
Me:Hawngekest handwasam.Lezozi ntoezabant u
abagulayoesbhedlel
aait hi
nazinsi zwa.(Never .
Thoset hi
ngsareforsickpeopleatt hehospi t
alnot
us)hawnegown?( Andt hegown? )Nedlozi
l
ingangiji
kel
amal i
ngangibonangi gqokel eli
jazi
l
amacoconut .(
Myancest orswoul dt ur
nt heirbacks
onmei ftheysawmewear i
ngthis)

Shel
aughs.
Lexi
:Iknowonedayyouwi
llneedt
hem.
Me:Angeke!(
Iwon'
t)
Sheleavesmestandi
ngthereandheadtot
he
bedroom j
umpi
ng.Isshereal
lyhappyt
oseeme?I
missedher
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t45•
••

*
**7mont
hsl
ater
***
Mynewt i
tleisGodmot herofaverycut e
goddaught erAnat hiPri
scil
laMlangeni.Noone
stoodupagai nstNqabawhennami ngherPr isci
l
la
becauset hepar entsjustgrewhearteyeswhenhe
saidit
.Shei s6weeksol dnow, i
ttookallthepower
i
nt hewor ldNqabat oevenholdher,hisbeli
efsgo
againstholdinginfants,Ihadtoemot i
onally
blackmailhim aboutwhatwi l
lhedowhenwehave
ours,hefellri
ghtintomyt r
apandagr eed.

Sof
arsogood.TheNcubesdemandeddemages,
mydadpai dt hem inasnap.Uncl eBhekiandAunt ie
Guguar eexpect ing, t
heyar ehappyandIam happy
fort hem.Mi kei sget t
ingmar ried,Phi l
anigot
mar ri
edi nMaysodi dWi l
landKat e.Thepast
mont hshavebeenqui tebusyandf ast.Somuch
happi nessar oundme.Gogovi sitsanyt i
meshe
want s,shelovesmymot herbutwhat 'stherenotto
l
oveaboutt hatwoman?Boni siwei sbr i
ngingher
busi nessbackt oit'sfeet,wet alksomet i
mes.Jake
i
smar r
iedtoo!Hei nvitedmebutIwast oobusyt o
attendsoonMondayhesentourmagazi nean
i
nvi tet ohisnewhome, we'r
emor et hangl adt
ogo,
we' vet akeni nterestinbusi nessmen' shouset our
s.
Ourl asti ssueever yonekeptt alkingaboutMzwakhe
Mbongel i
'shousesowenowgonnahavehouse
tour soneachi ssue.

TheparentshavemetNqaba, atamal laf

terI
convi
ncedhi mt odr
ivemet ogetcosmeti
cs
becausehisfamousgr andpawil
lstabhimt odeath
i
fheeverst epshisfoott
omyf ather
'shousewhile
hehasn'tpaidlobol
aforme.Thet hi
ngsthatcan't
bedonebecauseofhi
sgrandpathatwi
llst
abhi
m
ar
enumerous.It
sannoyi
ngreall
y.

Myphoner
ingsasIheadt
oWi
ll
'
sof
fi
ce.I
tsmom.
Me:Myl
ove.
Mel
issa:Heybaby.Ij
ustsawyourcal
l.
Me:I
tsokay.Howar
eyou?
Meli
ssa:YesIam fi
ne.Canyoutryhar
deron
convi
ncingDrZungutohavedinnerwi
thus
tomorr
owevening?
Me:I
'
m notpr
omi
singanyt
hing.
Mel
issa:Tel
lhi
mit
smybi
rt
hday.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:OkayIwi
ll
.Letmecal
lyoubackl
ater
.
Mel
issa:Yourdadsayshi
.
Me:Sendmyl
ovet
ohi
m.
Mel
issa:Iwi
llbaby.Bye.
Me:Bye.
Ihangupandgr
eetSnazo,
thenewpa.
Snazo:He'
swi
thMr
sMcVei
gh.
Me:Pl
easet
ellhi
mI'
m her
e.
Shenodsandcal
lhi
m
Snazo:Youcangoi
n.
Me:Thankyou.

Ipusht
hedooropen.
Me:I
fyougetpr
egnantwegonnanamet
hatbaby
Of
fi
ce.
Theyl
augh.Theyar
esoi
nsepar
abl
e.
Kat
e:Ibr
oughtt
her
epor
t.
Me:Isee.Ibr
oughtt
hist
oo,
Ineedyoursi
gnat
ure
andthestamp.We'
regoi
ngtoSandhur
st.
Kat
e:Shoot
!If
orgot
,letmegol
ookf
ort
heper
fect
l
enses.
Sher
unsout
.
Me:Wi
ll
iam!
Wi
ll
:What
?
Me:St
opdi
str
act
ingherpl
ease.
Wi
ll
:Idon'
t.
Me:Whyi
ssheher
e?Don'
tyoual
lshar
eabed?
Wi
ll
:Wedo.Youwoul
dn'
tunder
stand.
Me:Igi
veup.

Hesi
gns,
stampsandgi
vemet
hepaper
sback.
Me:Wepr
obabl
ygonnaspendt
hewhol
edayt
her
e.
Wi
ll
:Keept
heboysof
fmywoman.
Me:Yessi
r!

Hel
aughsandwi
shesusl
uck.Il
eave.
Where'
sCarl
osanyway?Ipackmythingsandl
eave.
IsendKat
etheaddressandIdr
ivet
here.
.
..
Thewifegi
vesusawar m wel
comeandservesus
cockt
ail
saswewaitforJaketocomeat
tendtous.
Shelooksner
vous.
Me:Wear
enotTVpeopl
e.Rel
ax.
Shel
aughsner
vousl
y.
Tammy:IknowIknow.Ij ustcan'
thel
pit
.Whati
f
thecl
eanerdi
dn'tcl
eanthoroughl
yandpeopl
e
zoom i
nandfindmistakes?
Me:OhmyGodcal
m down.Thatwi
llnothappen.
Tammy:Mor
edr
inks?
Me:Yespl
ease.Thesetast
eheavenl
yyoushoul
d
shar
ether
ecipeifi
tsnotasecr
et.
Tammy:Of
cour
senot
!I'
l
lwr
it
eitdownf
oryou.

Shewal
ksaway.Kat
etakesasi
p.
Kat
e:Doessheknow?
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkso.Shewoul
dn'
tbesoni
ce.Thi
s
housei
str
ulybeaut
if
ul.
Kat
e:I
tcoul
d'vebeenyour
s.
Me:Ohpl
ease.
Kat
e:Don'
tyouwannat
urnbackt
het
ime?
Me:No.I
'
m goodwher
eI'
m atbabet
rustme.
Kate:He'
susi
ngaspellonyou.He'
sat
otal
opposit
eofwhatyou'
dgofor.
Me:That
'swhatmakeshi
m speci
al.

Jake:Gooddaygoodpeopl
e.
Us:Hi
!
Thatcameoutal
it
tl
etooloud.Heshakesourhands
andsitonhi
ssi
ngl
eredfancychai
r.
Jake:Shal
lwest
art
?
Me:YesSi
r.Yourwi
fei
sasweet
hear
t.
Jake:Iknowr
ight
.
Shecomesbackwi
thmor
ecockt
ail
s.
Me:Thankyouboo.
Tammy:Pl
easur
e.
Shegoest
ost
andbehi
ndJakeandmassageshi
m.
Tammy:Whenar
ewest
art
ing?
Jake:Ri
ghtnow.

Kat
eget
supandsethercamer
aonst
andby.
Me:Let
'sstar
twit
ht hi
sbeauti
full
ounge.Iwanna
knowaboutthepaint,
chai
rs,
couches,fl
owersand
eever
ythi
ngelseinhere.
Tammyt akesashakydeepbr
eat
handsi
tsonher
husband'
slap.Socut
e.
Tammy:Uhm babe,
let
'sst
artwi
tht
heki
tchen.
Kate:Awesome!Butwedon'thavemuchti
me.Lexi
yougonnatakethedi
ff
erentwingwit
heit
herof
them.
Tammy:Iguessmyt
eam wi
l
lbewi
nni
ng.Let
'sgo
Lexi
.
Jake:I
'l
ltakeLexiwi
thmesincewhat'
sinherhand
arequesti
onsforme.I'
l
lbeansweri
ngthem onthe
tour
.
Tammy:Ok.I
'
m gonnami
ssyou.

Hehugshercloseandt
heykiss.Somuchl
ove
ar
oundhere.Myphonebeeps.

"
Sawbonamamawezi
nganeImi
ssyou"

WellIam notrespondingt
othis.Het
hinkshecan
notseemel astnightwhenhewassupposedtoand
thentextmeonlyt wi
ce?He'snotsor
ry.
Me:Shal
lwe?
Jake:Of
cour
se.

Byt
het
imewef
ini
shInol
ongerwannabeher
e.
There'
sgivingsomeoneat ouri
nyourhouseand
thenther
e'sbraggi
ng.Jakebraggedi
tboredme.

I
'
mjustgl
adwe'
redone.
..

*
**
NQABA

Ibi
dmyl astpatientgoodbyeandr el
axesont he
chai
r.Ihateitwhenthisplaceispacked.Idon't
appr
eciatethesediff
erentfacesIseeeveryday.

"
MrMcVei
ghi
sher
eforyousi
r"

Shesayswi t
hherheadhalfi
n.Isignforhertolet
hi
mi n.Il
ookformymi cr
ophonei nmydr awers.He
makeshiswayi nwit
hasmi r
konhi sface,nowI
woul
dr at
herseemypat i
ent'
sfacesthanhis.He
si
tshimselfdown.
Mar
cus:I
sthatami
c?
Me:Yes.If
igur
edyoudon'
thearmewel
lwhenI
speakt
oyouonmynor malvoi
ce.

It
urnonmyspeaker
.
Mar
cus:St
oppl
ayi
nghar
dtogetf
orf
uckssake!
Me:Chr
ist
'ssakewoul
d'vesof
tenedmeup.
Mar
cus:Justcomebackal
ready.Youknowyou'
re
t
hemastermind.Weareal
lstuck.
Me:Maybei
tsaboutt
imeyouallqui
tol
dmen.How
ol
dareyouall
?50butyoust
il
lwannabeinvol
vedi
n
phar
maceut
ical
s?Comeon.
Marcus:That
'showweearnmoney.Thesef
ri
cki
n
companiesdonotbr
ingenoughmoneyZunguyou
knowthat.
Me:Idon'tbecauseImakeR3000anhourand
that
'senoughforamanwho'sreadyt
osett
ledown
andfinal
lyhaveafamil
y.
Mar
cus:Wi
thmydaught
er?
Hescoffs."
Lexiisnotmarr
iagetype.Letalonea
fami
ly!Shelovesandval
uesherf i
gur emorethan
anyt
hing.Justwakeupfrom thatf
airytal
eand
comebackt owor k"

Ii
ncr
easet
hevol
umeandpatmymi
c.
Me:IAM NOT.CANYOUPLEASEGETUPAND
LEAVEMYOFFI CE?
Marcus:We'
llbewaiti
ngforyou.Iknowyouwillnot
beenoughwiththatR3000perhour.Yourappeti
te
forweal
thi
shuge.
Me:GETOUT.

Heget
supandleaves.Ipackmyt
hingsand
pr
epar
etol
eave.
.
..
.
Mynewpl ace!Suchawar m beauti
fulhome.Mom
out
didhersel
fwiththedeco.Ifel
linl
ovethe
momentIsawi taft
ertheyfi
nished.Nqabawouldn'
t
sl
eepatthepenthousesoIhadt omovei nhere
beforeIevenwantedto.Hesaidhefeel
sli
kemy
dadiswat chi
ngus.Idon'
tknowwhat '
swrongwit
h
thesemenbecauseBhekidi dn'
tli
kemuchthei
dea
ofspendingtheni
ghtthere.

Ithrowmybagont hecouchandchanget o
pyjamas.Ihavepyj amasfordays,wint
eralways
hasmebuyi ngpyjamasever yti
meIgototheshops.
Nqaba' saresti
llher
eevent houghheneverwears
them buttheyar eherej
ustincasehechangeshis
mind.If i
xmysel fasandwich,myfri
dgeisnowalso
apol onyfactor
y.

Isett
lei
nf r
ontoftheTVbutdon'tpayattenti
on
becauseMveloandIaretexti
ng.She'syearni
ngfor
sexbutthere'
salotofweekslef
tti
llshecanhave
some.

.
..
"
Lexi
?"I
'
m shook.Iopenmyeyes,
thet
visst
il
l
bl
abber
ing.
Nqaba:Hey.Whyar
eyousl
eepi
ngont
hecouch?
Me:Imust
'vef
all
enasl
eep.Whendi
dyouar
ri
ve?
Ther
e'sasmel
loff
reshl
ycookedf
ood.
Nqaba:Justnow.Ibr
oughtf
ood.Ar
eyouokay?
Me:Yeah.Whyar
eyouwhi
sper
ing?
Hechuckl
es.Andletoutasigh.Heget
supandput
hi
shandsinhisj
acketpockets.He'
snothi
msel
f.I
si
tupr
ight
.
Me:Ar
eyouokay?
Nqaba:No.Mykneesar
ewobbl
yandmypal
msar
e
sweaty.

Het
akesadeepbr
eat
handl
ookst
heot
herdi
rect
ion.
Nqaba:Doyoumi
ndhavi
ngmysur
name?
Me:Huh?
Nqaba:Ngi
thi
awuf
uninaukubaowakaZungu?
Me:You'
respeaki
ngi
nri
ddl
es.
Nqaba:BabewhatImeani
s.Doyoumindhavi
ng
mysurname,ki
ds,weshar
eli
fet
oget
herfor
ever
.
Il
augh.Hel
aughs.
Me:It
hinkIgetyou.Godyou'
resot
err
ibl
eatt
his.
Nqaba:Doyouwantt
o?
Igetupandhol
dbot
hhi
ssweat
yandt
rembl
ing
hands.
Me:YesI
'
llmar
ryyouNqabayet
hu.
Nqaba:Ngi
yabongast
handwasami
.
Het
akesaboxoutofhi
spocket
.
Nqaba:Shi
tThi
sishar
dert
hanIt
hought
.
Me:Ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?Your
eal
lypr
oposi
ng?
I'
m shakingnow.Thi
sher
ebef
oremyeyesi
saver
y
beauti
fulri
ng.
Nqaba:YesIam.Pl
easedon'
tcr
y.Lexi
noI
'
m al
so
ner
vous.
Me:Wai
twai
t.
Iwipemyt ear
s.Ir
ichf
ormyphoneandst
art
recor
ding.
Me:Okpopt
hequest
ion.
Nqaba:What
?
Me:Weneedt
ocapt
uret
hismoment
.Forourki
ds.
Nqaba:Wegonnahaveki
ds?
Me:Yes,l
it
tl
eBrent
woodwear
ingki
dswi
thunr
uly
hai
rift
heytakemygenes.

Hegoesdownonbot
hknees.
Nqaba:Sabat
hil
eAl
exi
sMcVei
gh.Woul
dyoupl
ease
bemywi f
e?
Me:Yes!
!!
!
Hesl
idi
tin.I
tfi
ts!
!!

Ikneelt
ooandwehug.I '
m cryi
ng,
wi t
hal
lthehar
d
ti
meI '
vegi
venandsti
llgivi
nghim,he'
sseenme
worthtobehi
sli
fepartner.
Me:Il
oveyousomuch.
Nqaba:Il
oveyousomuchandsogl
adyou'
rei
nmy
l
if
e.

Wegetup.Herunstothebat
hroom.Ir
ushaf
terhi
m.
He'
speei
ng.Ichuckl
e.
Nqaba:Eingidingaudokotel
a.Ngagcinaukusaba
kanjengenkathingibonauti
koloshewhenIwas14.
(IneedaDr.Thel astti
meIwast hi
sscar
edinmy
l
ifewaswhenIsawazombi e.)Yesesmyknees
needmet orest.
Me:Comel
et'
seatandsl
eep.

Hef
ini
sheswashi
nghi
shands.Hesmi
lesandpi
cks
meupheadi
ngbackt
othel
ounge.

AuntMaryi
sthefi
rstonet
oreceivethi
svi
deoaf
ter
It
ellmypar
entst
omor r
owatdinner.
..
▪KwaNt
uthu▪
•
••I
nser
t46•
••

Hemightaswellj
ustmovei
nbecausehespends
hi
senti
redayshere.
Me:Whatki
ndofaCEOt
hati
sal
waysf
ree?
Will
:Anadvancedone.Heat
tendsmeet
ingson
skype.
Me:Advancedi
ndeed.
Wi
ll
:Pl
ansf
orl
unch?
Me:Notany.
Wil
l:Ok.Canwegot ot
hemal
l?Ihavenoi
deawhat
t
obuyf orMel
issa.
Me:Met
oohonest
ly.
Wi
ll
:Let
'sgetheracar
.
Me:Real
ly?
Wil
l:Yeah,
shehasn'
tboughtacari
n3year
sIt
hink
anewonewi l
ldo.
Me:Per
fect
.
Wi
ll
:Seeyoui
nanhour
.
Me:Cool
.

Hewalksout
.It
sreal
lyhardtogetagi
ftf
or
someonewhohaseverythingandwor
se;Pi
cky.

If
ini
shedi
ti
ngandmakemysel
fcof
fee.Car
losget
s
i
n.
Car
los:Someone'
sher
eforyou.
Me:Lett
hem i
n.
Car
los:ok.

What '
sthatsuppr
essedlaught
erexpressi
on.My
mout hhangsopenwhenhewal ksin.Inever
preparedmyselff
orthi
s.Heputsthef l
owersand
thepaperbagontopofmydesk.
Me:Hi
It
shi
ghpitched.Hesmi
lesandt
akeaboxoutoft
he
gownpocket.
Nqaba:Youf
orgotyourr
ing.
Il
ookatmyf
inger
.
Me:Jesust
hankyoubaby.I
'
m notusedt
osuch
t
hings.

Ievenf
orgotIowni t
.Inf
actIfor
gotIagreedtobe
someone'
swi f
e.Isli
deiti
n.Iseerel
iefinhi
seyes,
nowweaddr essthedresscode.Heturnsaround
andwavestherobe.
Nqaba:Il
ookl
ikeamadman,
right
?
Hel
aughs.
Me:Noyoul
ookgood.
Iki
sshi
sli
ps.
Nqaba:If
eelf
unny.
Il
augh.
Me:Whydi
dyouweart
hem?
Nqaba:Becauseyou'r
esoont obemywi fe,
you'
ll
nowhavepowert oforcemei nt
othem soIdeci
ded
towearthem wi
ll
ingl
y.Ibroughtyoufood.
Me:Thankyoul
ove.

It
akei
tout
,wesi
tonthecouchandweeat.Tr
ust
mymantowearpyj
amasinpubli
cbutIl
ovehim as
cr
azyashei
s.
Nqaba:Haveyout
oldyourmom?
Me:Nowegonnat
ellt
hem t
oni
ght
.
Nqaba:Toni
ght
?
Me:Yes.Wet
alkedabouti
tyest
erday.
Nqaba:Wedi
d?
Me:YesNqabawedi
d.
Hebl
inksaf
ewt
imes.
Nqaba:Iagr
eed?
Me:Yes.
Nqaba:I
syourdadgonnabet
her
e?
Me:Yes.I
t'
smom'
sbi
rt
hdaydi
nner
.
Hescr
atcheshi
shead.
Nqaba:Whatabouthi
sfr
iends?
Me:Uncl
eSbophoandhi
swi
femi
ghtcomeIdon'
t
knowaboutt
herest
.
Nqaba:I
shebl
ack?
Me:Yesandf
ri
endl
y.
Nqaba:Ok.

Het
akesmyhandandki
ssesi
t.

.
..
Wehadt ouset heMcVei
ghcardtogetatl
eastthe
carkeyswhil
et heypr
ocessedthepur
chase.We
accompani
edi twit
hsomef l
owersandchocolate.

Nqabaisl
ooki
ngatmeasIgetdr
essed.If
oundhi
m
st
il
lher
ewhenIgotback.
Nqaba:Youl
ookgr
eat
.
Me:Real
ly?I
sn'
tthesl
itt
oomuch?
Nqaba:Forme,noit
snotbutitisforthestr
ange
menthat'
llbet
her
edr ool
ingoveryourthi
ghs.Iam
notpl
anningonpunchinganyonetonight
.

Igrabthebl
ackdressandsli
dei
ntoi
t.I
tsbeen2
hoursofmegetti
ngreadyIknowhe'
spissedbut
won'tsayathi
ng.

Westar
toffatt
hegaragetofi
llthetank.Hegets
i
nsi
detogetussnacks.Thedriveisquiet
,justt
high
r
ubbi
ng,handholdi
ngandkissing.Iam enjoyi
ngit.

Nqaba:Am Igonnagetpai
dorwhat
?
Hesaysaf
terwear
ri
veatt
heMcVei
ghs.
Me:Forwhat
?
Nqaba:Ukubaur
ingboy.
Il
ookatmyhandandl
augh.If
orgoti
tagai
n.
Me:YesOf
cour
seyougonnagetpai
d.

Iki
sshi
m.
Me:Myheadi
sfail
ingtogett
hisi
n.Ineverthought
thi
smomentwi
llevercomeinmylif
e,Iam yetto
adj
ust
.
Nqaba:Iunder
stand.
Me:St
opbei
ngsad.
Nqaba:Ican'
thel
pit
.
Me:Il
oveyouwhenyou'
rebei
ngababy.
Nqaba:Don'
ttel
lanyone.Iam ahar
dcor
e.

Hesayswi
thal
it
tl
esmi
let
hatmakesmyhai
rs
st
and.

Wehopout
.IspotauntMar
y'scar
.Mom!
Me:Mybi
tt
eraunti
sher
e.Don'
tmi
ndanyt
hingshe
says.
Nqaba:Asl
ongasshewon'
tcommentaboutmy
r
ace.
Me:Shewi
ll
.
Nqaba:It
snottoolat
etotur
nback,
youcant
ellyour
motherIcoul
dn'tmakei
t.
Me:No.CanIhavet
hatj
acket
?It
sreal
lyhot
Nqaba:Hhai
boLexi
.Thatwoul
dbedi
srespect
fulof
me.
Me:Mydaddoesn'
tbel
ievei
nthat
.Rel
ax.
Nqaba:St
opconvi
nci
ngme.Let
'sgo.

Hetakesmyhandandweheadi
n.Kat
erushest
o
usandhugsme.
Kat
e:Yourpeopl
ear
etoomuchf
orme.HiNqaba.
Nqaba:Hel
lo.
Me:Wher
eisBr
it
ney?
Kat
e:Somewher
esnuggl
edupi
nherhusband'
s
ar
ms.Yourauntt
ookWi
llandt
heyvani
shed.
Me:Letmef i
ndmom andt
henwe'
l
lfi
ndaspotf
or
our
selves.
Nqaba:If
orgott
hegi
fti
nmycar
.I'
l
lgogeti
t.
Me:Ok.I
'
llgof
indmom.

*
**
NQABA

Iwalkout.Idonotwanttobehere.Spendi
ngmore
thananhouri nSbophoandMarcus'scompany
won'tbepleasant
.

Iunl
ockthecarandtakeoutt
hegi
ftbag.It
urnt
o
Sbophoaft
erclosi
ng.
Sbopho:You'
reaver
ybr
aveman.
Me:SawbonanaweNgwane.
Sbopho:Doyouhavegoodnewsf
orme?
Me:Yes.I
'
m get
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
Sbopho:Don'
tfuckwi
thmeZungu.
Me:Ok.

Hegr
ipsmyar
m asIat
temptt
owal
kaway.
Me:Don'
tst
art
.Notatmygi
rl
fr
iendshome.
Hel
etsgo.
Sbopho:Wedon'twannaplayhideandseekwit
h
youNqaba.Youdonotfalli
nlove,wakeupfr
om
thatdamnfai
ryt
ale!
Me:That'swhatMar cusMcVeighinstal
ledi
nme,
tur
nsoutIdof alli
nloveandkar machosehis
daughtertobetheoneIf al
linl
ovewit
h.Iam done
wit
hthatlif
e,Ihaverepaidyouallf
orthat
sponsorshipnowI'm done!

IrushinbeforeIl
oseitandburst
.13yearsser
ving
thesebastar
ds,Ir
epaidthemoneytheypaidmy
feeswithandgavethem more.Iam donebei
ng
t
hei
rpuppet
.

Ibumpi
ntoMar
cusonmywayi
nfol
lowedbyLexi
.
Mar
cus:Wewer
eonourwayt
ogetyou.
Lexihol
dsme.
Lexi
:Ar
eyouokay?
Me:YeahI
'
mfi
ne.
Sbophowal
ksi
n.Lexil
ooksathi
m andt
henpul
ls
meaway.

MrsMcVeighi
st hef
irstonetogreetandhugme.
Thi
swesternl
if
e.Motherinlawsdonotdot he
huggi
ngbackhome,infactyouavoidsoci
alcont
act
wit
hthem.
Mr
sMcVei
gh:Iam sohappyt
ofi
nal
lymeetyou.
Me:Li
kewi
sema.
Lexi
:Ever
yonet
hisisNqaba,myboyf
ri
end.Baby
thi
sis,
AuntMary,
Kate,Wil
l,
AuntZet
hu,Br
it
neyand
Mat
thews.
Me:Goodeveni
ng.
Them:Hel
lo.
AuntMar
y:Iknowyou.
Me:Met
oo.
AuntMary:Lexi
,youhaveahor
ri
blechoicei
nmen.
Thi
sboyoncemuggedme.Whydon' tyoudat
emen
wit
htangi
blecareer
s?
Lexi
:He'
saDr
.
AuntMar
y:Wher
edi
dyoubuyyourqual
if
icat
ion?
Me:EWi
ts.
Meli
ssa:Marypl
easedonotr
uinmybi
rt
hdaydi
nner
.
Youmayt akeaseat
.

Wesitdown.Theyprayandthebestpar
tofl
if
e
comes,di
shi
ngup.Iam unfamil
iarwi
thmostoft
he
foodsoIj
uststi
cktowhatIknow.
Lexi
:Uhm f
ami
ly,
mom sor
ryt
omomentbut
..
.
Shewavesherhandintheair
.Everyone'
sfork
drops,
Marcuschokesonhisfood.Lexii
slaughi
ng.
AuntMar
y:Fi
nal
ly!Thankyout
hugboy.
Marcus:Ineedt
ogetwi
nef
ort
his,
Nqabacanyou
comehelpme.
Me:Yeahsur
e.

Iwi
pemymout
handf
oll
owhi
m.

Weheadtot
hekit
chen.Het
urnsandpushme
agai
nstt
hewal
lwit
hhisel
bowonmyt hroat
.
Mar
cus:Yousonofabi
tch.
Ipushhi
m of
f.
Mar
cus:It
oldyout
oleaveher
.
Me:Idonott
akeor
der
sfr
om youMcVei
gh.
Marcus:You'
ref
orci
ngmyhandt ol
etherknowt
he
r
ealyou.Youthi
nkshe'
l
lloveyouaf
tert
hat?
Me:Tryandwe'l
lseewho'l
lwinbecauseIwil
ltel
l
herwhoyouareandwhatyoudo.I magi
nelosi
ng
youroneandonl
ydaughter,t
ragi
c.
Mar
cus:Youwoul
dn'
tdar
e.
Me:Woul
dn'
tI?Tr
ymeMar
cus,
tryme.Wher
e'st
he
wi
ne?

Hestormsout.That
'st
hethingaboutpeople,
when
youstopdanci
ngtothei
rtunetheygocrazy..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t47•
••

It
sr eall
yhappening.It
sterr
ifyi
ng.5weeksagoI
agreedt omar r
yamanandt odayhe'sbringi
ng
l
obol a,Iam goingtocommi tmylif
etoaman.I
nevert houghtsomeonewoul dseemeandt hi
nkI'
m
fi
tenought obehiswifeandactuall
ywi f
eme.My
dadi sn'tr
eall
yhappythatI'
mr eal
lyheadingto
mar ri
age.Parentsdonotknowwhatt heywant.I
glanceatmywr istwatch.Ihavebeengoi
ngupand
doingabsolut
elynothing.Iam j
ustner
vous.Istand
overthewindowandwat chtreemovelef
ttoright,
thiswindi
sf r
ustrat
ingme.Thecl ocki
sti
cking.

Mvel
oget
sin.
Mvel
o:Takeaseatandbr
eat
he.
Me:Ican'
t.They'
rel
ate.
Mvel
o:Lobol
asar
eli
ket
his.Somet
hingal
waysgot
t
ogowr ong.
Me:Whati
fhechangedhi
smi
nd?
Shel
aughs.
Mvel
o:Justseatdownandbr
eat
he!
Me:I
'
m gonnacal
lhi
m.
Mvel
o:Thei
rphonesar
en'
tgoi
ngt
hrough.
Me:Maybesomet
hinghappenedt
othem.
Mvelo:Not
hinghappenedt
othem.Theyareont
he
way.Shoul
dIfixyousomethi
ngtodownthener
ves?
Me:NoMvel
o.Iwannaseet
heZungusatmygat
e.

Iam get
ti
ngemot
ional
.Isi
tdownonthechairand
takeadeepbr
eat
h.Whatam Igonnadoi
ftheydon't
showupatall
?Myphonerings.Ij
umpupandgr ab
i
t.It
shim.
Me:Hey
Nqaba:Wefor
gotthel
ivestockper
mitathome.I
'
m
sor
ry.Whati
sthepinf
ort heAbsacard?
Me:Wher
ear
eyou?
Nqaba:Mandel
asquar
e.
Me:Nqaba
Hechuckl
es.
Nqaba:Ar
eyouner
vous?
Me:I
'
m dyi
ng!
Nqaba:Theymustbeatyourgat
enow.

Ihearcowsmowi
ng.
Me:Whatdi
dyoumeanbyl
ivest
ockper
mit
?
Nqaba:Wecoul
dn'
tgopastVol
krustwi
thoutper
mit
.
Me:Babeweagr
eedonmoney.
Nqaba:Ther
eisbutIcoul
dn'
tsel
lther
est
.
Me:Yousai
dther
ewon'
tbel
ivecowsl
astni
ght
.
Nqaba:Il
oveyou.
Me:Il
oveyoumor
e.
Nqaba:Letmegetadr
ink.I
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
.
Me:Okay.
Nqaba:Takeadeepbr
eat
h.
Ido.
Me:Tal
klat
er.

Ihangup.Whew!
Mvel
ohugsme.Icr
yinhershoul
der
.
Me:It
houghthechangedhi
smi
nd.
Mvel
o:Hewoul
dn'
t.Hel
ovesyoukhal
athil
akhe.
Ilaughandwel etgo.Nqaba'syoungerbr othercall
s
met hat.Wemet2weeksagowhenhecamet osee
Nqaba.He' sfr
iendlyt hanhelooks.Hecompl ai
ned
abouthungeraf tersayinghemi sseshismot her'
s
beefst ew.Ihadt omakeapl an.Mi kedeli
veredthat
stewf rom Kwat hemar est
aurant
.I'vebeenreading
recipesbutt heout comesar enevergoodbecausei f
i
tsnotbur ned,thet astebudscan'thandlethetast
e.
Me:NowI
'
m cr
ossi
ngf
inger
sdaddoesn'
trui
nthi
s
f
orme.
Mvelo:Hewon't.Puf
fyourface,
theywi
llcal
lyou
anyt
imefrom nowon.I'
llgocheckonmydeser t
.
Me:Br
ingmeAnat
hi.
Mvel
o:Ok.

Ipuf
fmyf
acei
nthemeant
ime.
..

*
**
NQABA

Hecomesbackfr
om theresrrooms.Het
akesa
seatacr
ossmeandchuckles.
Me:Yi
ni?(
What
?)
Mbuzo:You'
rer
eal
lydoi
ngt
his?
Me:I
ni?(
What
?)
Mbuzo:Lovi
ngsomeoneandwant
ingt
omar
ryher
.
Me:Yeah.

It
akeasi
pofmycof
fee.
Mbuzo:What
'sspeci
alabouther
?
Me:Ever
ythi
ng.
Mbuzo:Shecan'
tcook,youbr
okeupwit
hLindif
or
Pam becauseLi
ndicoul
dn'
tcookandcl
ean.
Me:Thatwasmydefini
ti
onofagoodwoman.A
womanIthoughtwasbestt
oli
vewit
hMa.
Mbuzo:Nowyoudon'
tcar
e?
Me:Yes.I
'
m mar
ryi
ngLexif
ormysel
f,notmaorany
ofyou.
Mbuzo:You'
ret
hef
ir
stbor
n.Thewomanyoumar
ry
i
sforyouandma.
Me:Wel
lI'
l
lcr
ownoneofyout
otakemypl
ace.
Mbuzo:I'
m gl
adyoufinall
ysawgoodnessi
n
marr
iage.Mangubowillbehappyt
ohavesomeone
t
ochangeherintaki
ngcar eofumah.
Me:Yeah.

Ourfoodarri
ves.Ichecki
fNdunahast
ext
ed.He
hasn'
t.Thoseoldmenmustbegivingt
hem hel
l.
..
.

*
**
ALEXI
S

Igett
omyr oom andt
akeadeepbr
eat
h.Mom and
Mvelolaugh.
Me:Myi
nsi
desar
etur
ning.
Meli
ssa:Here.Dri
nksomewat er
.Ifyoufeell
iket
his
att
henegotiati
onsyou'
redef
init
elydyi
ngonyour
weddingday.
Mvelo:Pl
easetel
lher
.Iwasn'
tthi
sner
vousonmy
negoti
ati
ons.
Me:I'
m gett
ingmarri
edMvelo.Ijustkneltbefor
emy
i
nlaws,noddedwhenNdunasai dtheyfinall
yhavea
wifet
hatwillcookf
prthem!
Mvel
o:Hewasj
ustpul
li
ngyourl
egr
elax.
Me:That
'swhati
sexpect
edofme.
Meli
ssa:Ever yonecancookandtheymeasure
ever
ythingright.Whenthedaycomes,we'l
lskype
anddirectyouhow t omakewhateveryou'
re
making.

Shemakesi tsoundsoeasy.Il
aydownnextto
Anathi.Theyl
eavemet oser
vethel
ivecows
bri
ngingpeople.Iknowmydadcan'twai
tfort
hist
o
beoversohecanbur nmefort
hesecows.
.
..
I
sn'
tthecoupl
esupposedt
oseeeachot
heraf
ter
t
henegoti
ati
ons?

Ifi
nishput
tingonpyjamasandgodownstair
st o
passmygr ati
tudet
ouncleSbophof
orrepresenti
ng
us.
Sbopho:Soear
ly?
HesayswhenIwal
kin.
Me:I
ts8pm.
Sbopho:That
'sear
ly.
Ichuckl
eandsi
tnextt
odaddydear
est
.
Me:Iwantedtothankyouf
orcomi
ng.I
treal
ly
meansalot.Idon'
tknowhowwewould'
vehandl
ed
t
hiswit
houtyou.
Sbopho:We'
ref
ami
l
ydol
ly.
Me:YeahIknow.
Sbopho:You'
renowsomeone'
sbr
idet
obe.You
knowwhatdoesthatmean?
Me:Ido.
Sbopho:Younowhavesomeoneyourepor
ttoyour
ever
ymove.Youchoseaverydemandingt
ri
be.I
hopeyouknowthat
.
Me:Ido.
Idon'
twannahavesuchaconver
sat
ionwi
tht
hem.
Me:Letmegosl
eep.I
tsbeenal
ongday.
.
Igetup.
Mar
cus:Youst
il
lhavet
imet
ochangeyourmi
nd.
Me:Aboutwhat
?
Mar
cus:Mar
ryi
nghi
m.
Me:Dad
Heshr
ugs.
Mar
cus:Justsayi
ng.
Me:Goodni
ghtol
dmen.
Them:Goodni
ghtbaby.
Il
eave.
..

.
..
Iwokeupearlyt
hismorningandpreparedtogo
meetupwithNqabainSandton.Helovesit.We
spokeunt
ill
atel
astni
ght.Hemanagedt ocal
m me
downbecauseIwasmadhedi dn'
tcomet oseeme.

Iwaitf
orhim atthecafe.Iam surpr
isedhei
sn't
herebecausehewasr ushingmesayi nghe'
s
l
eavinghisplace.Ior
dercoffeeandchatwithMvel
o.
Wechatunt i
lNqabaZunguar r
ives,
looki
ngli
kemy
tr
ueZuluhusbandt obe.Heleansovert oki
ssme
andsit
sdown.
Nqaba:Tr
aff
ic.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Me:Thankyou.

Iam wear
ingadr
ess.He'
sneverseenmewear
ing
one.
Nqaba:Soyou'
reof
fi
cial
lyMr
sZungut
obe
Me:YesIam.

Hesmi
lesshyl
yandkeepspl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhand.
Nqaba:Thewayever
yonearoundi
ssur
pri
sedby
t
his.They'
remaki
ngmenervous.
Me:Met
oo.Ihat
eit
Nqaba:Umunt
uozothinywerenywer
enjefr
om now
onngizomf
akaunyawo.(I
fanyonesaysanythi
ng
fr
om nowonI'
llki
ckthem"

Il
augh.
Me:I
'
m opposi
ng.
Nqaba:You'
l
lsee.Wear
eher
etoshop.
Me:Real
ly?
Nqaba:Yes.Mor
edr
essesandski
rt
s.
Me:Whydr
essesandski
rt
s?
Her
aisehi
sbr
ows.
Nqaba:Becauseusuwumakot
iwakwaZungu.
Me:Nqaba.
Nqaba:Wearegoinghomesoon.Youneedtoown
dr
essesandskirt
sbecauseomakot
iabal
if
aki
i
bhulukwe.(
Wivesdonotwearpant
s)
Iforgott
hatpar
t.Inowhave2pr
obl
emsabout
goingtohishome.
Me:If
orgot
.Wheni
ssoon?
Nqaba:Whenyougett
ime.
Me:I
'
mfr
eenextweekend.
Nqaba:Thenwe'
l
lgo.Whatdi
dyoudot
hecows?
Me:Dadtookt
hem t
oSt
ander
ton.Hewasso
annoyed.

Wel
augh.
Nqaba:Ubabadi
dn'
tagr
eeonsel
li
ngal
lthecows.
I
'm sor
ry.
Me:I
tsokaymyl
ove.
Nqaba:Thankyouf
oragr
eei
ngt
obemywi
feAl
exi
s.
Me:I
tsmypl
easur
ebabe.Il
oveyou
Nqaba:Il
oveyoumor
ethananyt
hing.

"
Nqabayet
hu!
"Ijumpandspi
llt
hecof
feeal
lover
t
hetabl
e.I
sn'
tsheever
ywher
e!
Pam:Idon'tknowwhatIdidnotdori
ghtbutIknow
shedidn'
tdohalfofi
tbecauseshe'
snothi
ngbuta
stupi
dhoodr at
.
She'
scr
ying.Shel
ooksmi
ser
abl
e.
Nqabagr
absmyhandandpul
lmeup.
Nqaba:Let
'sgo.
Pam bl
ockshi
m.
Pam:Youl eavewit
houtawor dandthenayearl
ater
you'
repayinglobol
aforsomeoneelse?Howcould
youdothistome.Iwaitedforyou.Ist
il
lam.
Il
ookatNqaba.Heshakeshi
shead.Iwi
thdr
awmy
hand.
Nqaba:Canyounotdot
hisher
e?
Pam:Why?Whyar
eyouhur
ti
ngmesomuch?
Nqaba:I
'
llcal
lyourmot
her
.

Idon'
tevenknowwhyam Ist
il
lher
e.Iwal
kaway.
Nqabafoll
owsaft
erme.
Nqaba:Weusedt
odat
e.She'
sondr
ugs.
Me:Yout
oldherwewoul
dbeher
e?
Nqaba:of
cour
senot
.St
handwasamil
ist
en.

Hegr
ipsmyar
m.West
op.
Nqaba:Shecomestothatcaf
eever
ymor
ningt
o
meetherdeal
er.I
'
m sorr
yaboutt
hat.
Me:I
'
m hungr
y.

Ifreemysel
ffrom hi
sgr
ipandheadt
oanot
her
restaur
ant
..
..
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t48•
••

Islam mybootandheadf
ort
hefrontdoor.He
stopsme.Il
ookathim.Hesi
ghs.Helooksdrai
ned.
Nqaba:Canwepl
easegot
omypl
ace.
Me:No.Iwannagohomeandl
iedown.
Nqaba:It
hinkweneedt
oaddr
esst
his.
Me:Di
dyouknowmet
hen?
Nqaba:When?
Me:Whenshehadmear
rest
ed?
Nqaba:Who?
Me:Thatwoman!Di
dyouknowme!
Nqaba:No.Idi
dn'
t.
Me:Soyou'
rest
il
lwi
thher
?
Nqaba:No.
Me:Shesaidshe'swait
ingf oryou.Youl
eftwit
hout
aword.Shesti
llhashope.Whyar eyoumaking
someonefeell
iketheysti
llhaveachancewithyou?
Nqaba:I
'
m sor
ry.Idi
dwhatIt
houghtwasbestt
hen.
Idon'
twannaf
ight.
Me:Met
oo.
Nqaba:Nowcanwepl
easegohome?
Me:Hopi
n.
Nqaba:I
'
m dr
ivi
ng.

Igi
vehimt
hekeys.Hewalkswi
thmet
oopent
he
doorf
orme.Wedri
veoff
.
Nqaba:Whydi
dshegetyouar
rest
ed?
Isnor
t.
Me:Shet
ouchedmyhai
randIsl
appedher
.
Hel
aughs.
Nqaba:Hawnkosi
yamiuPam wabant
u.(
PoorPam)
Me:Iwasf
rust
rat
ed.Mydadhadcutdownmy
al
lowanceandt
heyt
oldmet
olookf
oraj
ob.
Nqaba:Youshoul
d'vel
ookedf
orme.I
'
dhavebeen
yourbl
esser
.
Ichuckl
eandadj
ustmyseatback.
Me:Whydi
dyoul
eaveher
?
Nqaba:Idi
dn'
tl
oveher
.Nothowmuchshewant
ed
meto.
Me:Youshoul
d'vet
oldher
.
Nqaba:Idi
d,manytimesbutshewoul
dn'
taccepti
t
soIhadtoleavel
ikethat
.
Me:Whyme?
Nqaba:Idon'tknowSabat hi
le.Iaskedmyselfthat
ever
ynight.Youf eell
ikewhattheycallasoulmate.
I'
veneverwantedt ochangemywaysf oranyone
butIdi
df oryou.You'r
especialtome.

Het
akesmyhandandki
ssesi
t.
Nqaba:IneverknewIam abletocr
yuntilImetyou.
Youbri
ngoutt herealNqabayet
huZungu.I'
veli
ved
tobethi
stakenononsenseki ndofguy, fearedfor
exi
sti
ngandknowi ngacer t
ainpeople,neverlaughs
andholddownaconver sati
onf ormorethan10
minut
esbutyou'vechangedal lthat
.Wor stofallI
hadatemper,Iwasat i
ckingbomb.Ican' tt
hank
youenoughforagreei
ngt obei nmyl i
fe.
He'
sgotgl
assyeyes.He'
ssuchacut
ebi
gbaby.
Me:Pul
lover
.
Hel
ooksatmewi
thaf
rownandpul
lsover
.
Me:Come.
Ihopout.Hedoest
oovi
amydoor
.Iwr
apmyshor
t
sel
faroundhi
m.
Me:There'snobett
erfeel
ingi
nthi
swor l
dfor
someoneyoul ovetobethemsel
vesaroundyou.I
am gladyoucanopenupt ome.We'r
epar t
nersfor
l
ife.
Nqaba:Si
zobani
ninengane?(
Whenar
ewegonna
haveababy?)
Yeshe'srandom li
kethat
.Imovemyheadfr
om hi
s
chestandtil
titt
olookathim.Hesmi
les.
Me:Youhaveal
it
tl
edi
mpl
eonyourchi
n.
Nqaba:DoI
?
Me:Yes.I
t'
ssot
iny.
Nqaba:Shoul
dthebabyi
nher
iti
t?
Me:Yesi
tcan.
Nqaba:Nextyearor3year
stocome?
Me:Whydon'
twest
artt
ryi
ngsooner
?
Nqaba:Wheni
sthat
?
Me:30mi
nut
es.
Nqaba:BabeI
'
m ser
ious.
Me:Met
oo.Wecant
hrowoutal
lthosecondoms
now.
Nqaba:Myheadi
sspinni
ng.Youscar
emewhen
youagreet
oanyt
hing.
Il
augh.
Me:Why?I
sn'
tthatwhatyouwant
?
Nqaba:I
tisbutyouusedt
ochal
lengeme.
Heki
ssesmyf
orehead.
Nqaba:Let
'sgopar
kther
eandor
derf
ood.
Me:Nol
et'
sgo.Iwannacook.
Nqaba:No!
Me:Yes!
Nqaba:I
'
llbedeadbyt
het
imeyouf
ini
sh.
Me:I
'
llmakeyout
henonosandwi
ch.
Nqaba:Okke.

Wehopi
nanddr
iveaway.
..

*
***
Iam ti
red.Iwantt odri
nkpil
lsthatwillknockmeout
unti
ltomorrowmor ni
ng.Mom woul dn'tl
etmesleep,
webakedunt il3am thi
smorning.320Ls.Thef uss
ofmemar r
yingtoNqabai sannoying.Sheadvised
thatwedrivebyt hemallandbuygr oceries.
Howdoyouevenbuygr ocer
iesf
orpeopleyoudo
notknow?Nqabadoesn'
tmakeitbet
terbysayi
ng
'
anythi
ngisf
ine'
Me:Dot
heyeatpi
ckl
es?
Mvelo:Nobutyoucanbuyi
tforyour
sel
f.Goget
yeast
s.
Me:For
?DoIneedt
odomor
ebaki
ng?
Mvel
o:Yes.St
eamedbr
ead.
Me:Ican'
tmaket
hatt
hing.
Mvel
o:Takei
t!

Isigh.Nqabahasdit
chedmewi
thsomeofthe
grocery.I
'
mlefther
etogett
hel
it
tl
ethi
ngs.
Me:Whataboutbr
eakf
ast
?
Mvelo:Justgetl
otsofpol
onybecauseyouknow
yourperson.
Me:Al
readyboughtt
hat
.
Mvel
o:Eggsandmar
gar
ine.Don'
tfor
gett
eabags
andmi
lk,
powder
edmi
lk.
Me:Iboughtl
iqui
d.
Mvel
o:I
tsokaybutbuypowdernow.

Anat
hicr
ies.
Me:I
'
llcal
lyoul
aterwhenwear
ri
ve.
Mvel
o:Okwel
oveyou.
Me:Il
oveyoumor
e.

Ihangupandgetever
ythi
ngelset
hatIt
hinki
s
neededandgot
ocheckout .

Ineedaspecialteachert
oteachmehowt obea
goodmodernmakot i
.MostofallIneedaper
sonal
tr
ainerf
orcooking.

If
indhim st
andi
ngwi
thMbuzoout
sidet
hecar
.I
gr
eetthem.
Mbuzo:Ar
eyougoodmakot
i?
Me:I
'
m good.Howar
eyou?
Mbuzo:I
'
m gr
eat
.Idi
dn'
texpectt
oseeyout
his
soon.
Me:Her
eIam.
Mbuzo:Howdoyoul
ikeourt
own?
Me:I
tssmal
landeasy.Icancomeonmyownnext
t
ime.
Nqabarai
seshi
sbr
ows.Ihi
thi
m pl
ayf
ull
y.He
l
aughs.
Nqaba:Iknowyouwon'
tcomeal
one.
Mbuzo:Don'
tdi
scour
ageher
.Makot
i,I
'
llseeyoual
l
t
omorrow.
Me:Okgowel
l.

Theyf
ini
shput
ti
ngt hepl
ast
icsint
heboot.Iwal
kto
mydoorandhopin.Nqabafol
lowsaf
terawhil
e.
Me:Doesn'
thel
ivewi
thyou?
Nqaba:Hedoes.He'
sgoi
ngt
ohi
swi
fe.
Me:Oh.

Idon'
tgeti
tthough.
Me:Howf
arar
ewe?
Nqaba:30mi
nut
es.
Me:Iwannat
akeanap.
Nqaba:Youraer
opl
anepi
ll
owi
sont
heboot
.

That
'ssupposedt
obemyneckpi
ll
ow.
Me:I
'
llmanage.

Iadj
ustmyseatabi
tlowerandcl
osemyeyes.

.
..
Iam wokenupbynoi
seofli
ttl
echi
ldr
enscreaming.
Iopenmyeyes.We'
reher
e,thi
sismanykids.I
di
dn'tbri
ngenoughgoodi
esforsomanyl
it
tl
e
people.Nqabaopensmydoor.
Nqaba:We'
reher
e.
Me:Thatwasqui
ck.
Nqaba:Come,
youneedt
orest
.
Me:Whataboutt
hegr
ocer
ies?
Nqaba:They'
l
lcomet
akei
t.

Igetoffandheadinsi
dethehousewe'
reparkedin.
There'
s1mai nhouseandrondavel
sandfl
ats.They
al
llooknew.

Thisfl
atsmel lsnew.Freshcement .I
t'
sprett
ybig,
enought oaccommodat et hequeenbed,3pi ece
wardrobe,atinycomput ertabl
e,couch,t
vstand
andal aundrybasket.There'sst
il
lspacelef
t.I
wonderwhoseti tupforhim.

Iputmyt
inybagont
hechai
rbel
owt
hebedand
andt
akeof
fmyshoes.It
hrowmysel
font
hebed.
It
ssocomf
y!

Mybloodcell
smustber
ejoi
cingtol
aydown.
Nqabawalksinwi
thmy2luggage.
Nqaba:I
sitcomf
ort
abl
e?
Me:Yes.
Ayoungmanwal ksi
n.Hel
ooksl
ikeNqabaand
Mbuzo,t
allast
heyare.
Hi
m:Sani
bona.
Nqaba:What
'
sther
ush?Whyar
eyousot
all
?
Hehugshi
minandbr
usheshi
shead.
Hi
m:Ican'
tst
opgr
owi
ng.
Nqaba:Howt
allar
eyougonnabewhenyou'
re18?
What
?Nqabal
aughs.
Nqaba:he'
s16.ThisisMbuzo'
sfi
rstbor
n.Bahl
e
t
hisisMam Sabathi
le.
Bahl
e:ni
cet
ofi
nal
lymeetyou.
Me:Li
kewi
se.

Weshakehands.
Bahl
e:Mkhul
uisher
e.
Nqaba'
sfacechanges.
Nqaba:Getsomer
est
.I'
l
lcomewi
thhotwat
er.
Me:Ok.

Theywalkout.Ist
ri
pnakedandwr
apat owel
aroundme.Icli
mbonthebedandtextmom,Mike,
Mveloanddad.Aknockcomesthr
ough.
Me:Comei
n.

Awomanget sin.She'
sdressedl
ikeal
ltheot
her
womenI '
veseenhere.Thecape,
Idonot
under
standit
.
Her
:Yehheni
.Ul
ele?
Shel
aughs.Ij
umpof
fthebed.
Me:Shoul
dn'
tI?
Her
:Yourmamazal
asar
ecomi
ngt
oseeyou.
Me:No.
Her:Yebont
ombi
.Putonsomecl
othes,
you'
rer
eal
ly
beauti
ful
.
Me:Thankyou.
Her
:Oh,
ngi
nguMangubo.(
Iam Mangubo)
Me:Al
exi
s.
Shel
aughs.
Mangubo:Ai
bo,si
zokubi
zangomaMal
vei
gh.(
We'
l
l
cal
lyoumaMalvei
gh)
Me:I
t'
sMcVeigh.Andyoudon'
thavet
o,Idon'
t
mi
ndbeingcal
ledbymyname.
Mangubo:Theywi
llcal
lyoumaMal
vei
gh.Letmego
pr
eparefort
omorr
ow.
Me:What
'shappeni
ng?
Mangubo:I
tsSat
urday,
Sabbat
h.We'
reNazar
eths.
Me:Oh.
Mangubo:I
'
llseeyoul
ater
.
Me:okay.

Shewalksout.Ichangeintothedr
essIwas
weari
ng,aj
acketandadoek.Thi siswomanabuse.
I
tstoohotforallt
hesethings.

Isitonthechairandwaitforthem.Alit
tl
eboyget
s
i
nandl ayagr assmatabi tf
arfrom t
hebed.He
walksout.Myphoner ings,t
hedooropensasI
reachfori
t.Iputitonsil
entandsitbackdown.
Ol
dwoman:Angi
kazengi
kuzwe!Uqhwakel
eemzi
ni?
Notsool
d:Awukahl
esi
si.Sawubonanganeyam.
Igetup.
Me:Yeboma.
Notsool
d:Ther
e'samatbehi
ndyou.
Itur
nandseei
t.It
akei
tandl
ayi
tthensi
t.Theysi
t
too.
Ol
dwoman:Hhaii
mikhubayoNqaba.
Shecl
apsherhands.Monst
eri
nlawone.
Notsoold:Weareyourmother
s.Iam MaNkosi
Nqaba'
sstepmotherandthi
sisMaNgubane
Nqaba'
suncle'
swif
e.Nqaba'smotheri
snotwel
lso
we'
rehereonherbehal
f.
MaNgubane:Doyouknowwhatt
hatmeans?
Me:No
Mangubane:I
tmeansshedr
inksmedi
cat
ionat7am
i
nthemorningand-

Mankosist
opsher
.
Mankosi
:Wewel
comeyouKwaZungu.Wel ooki
ng
for
wardt
oknowyouandteachyoual
lthatyou
needt
oknowaboutt
hishome.
Me:Thankyou.
MaNkosi
:Ifyouneedt
oaskanyt
hing,
justbuzzme.
Shet
akesoutapi
eceofpaperandpl
acei
tdown.
Me:Iwi
ll
.
Thel
it
tl
eboyget
sinagai
nandaskf
orMaNgubane.
MaNgubane:Let
'smeett
omor
rowmor
ning.

Shel
eaves.If
inal
lybr
eat
he.
MaNkosi
:Youcansi
tonachai
r.
Ichuckl
e.
Me:Iwoul
dn'
tri
ski
t.
Shenar
rowshereyes.
MaNkosi
:ThankyouSabathi
le.Thi
sisgonnabet
he
f
ir
sti
n12yearsthatNqabasleepsathome.
Me:Heneversl
eepsher
e?
Mankosi:No.Thisfl
athadt obebui l
taft
erthe
negot
iati
ons.He'sneverbotheredtobuil
dhi msel
fa
househere.JustknowIappr eciat
eyourpresence
i
nhislif
e.Maybeyou' l
lconvincehim bet
tertomend
hi
srelat
ionshi
pwi t
hhisf at
her.I'
veacceptedthat
him andIwil
lneverconnectbuthi
sfather
,he
breaksever
ytimewhenhet al
ksabouthowclose
theyusedtobebeforeIcamei nt
othepict
ure.
Me:Iwi
llt
ry.
Shesmi
les.
MaNkosi
:I'
l
lseeyout
omor
rowaf
terchur
ch.

Nqabawal ksi
n.MaNkosiget
supandbi dme
goodbye.Nqabadoesn'
tevenacknowledgeher
.He
thr
owshi msel
fonthebedandgrunt.
Nqaba:Coul
dn'
ttheycomeatl
eastt
omor
row?
Me:I
tsokay.
Nqaba:Mam MaNgubanei
stoof
orwar
d.Di
dn'
the
menti
onumakaboy?
Me:Wasshesupposedt
o?
Nqaba:Sheal
waysment
ioni
ttome.
Me:Shedi
dn'
t.What
'sherdeal
?
Nqaba:Weusedt
odat
e.Shef
ellpr
egnantandsai
d
t
hechi
ldi
smi
ne.
Hel
aughs.
Nqaba:MaNgubaneagr
eedi
twasmi
newhent
hey
camewithi
t.
Me:Whydi
dyoudenyi
t?
Nqaba:Becausewewer
en'
tact
ive.Mat
hamboi
s
missi
ng.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry.Si
ncewhen?
Nqaba:Theysayhewasher
einthemor
ning.
Maybehe'soutt
oseehisgi
rl
fr
iend.

Igetupandt
aket
hepi
eceofpaper
.
Me:Youl
ookl
esswor
ri
ed.
Nqaba:Youwantmet
ocr
y?
Me:Yes.Yourbabyi
smi
ssi
ng.
Nqaba:Mkhul
uisnear
byhe'
l
l-
Me:St
abyou.
Hel
aughsandnod.
Nqaba:Wehaven'
tki
ssedi
n..
.1hourand30
minut
es.
Me:You'
recount
ing?
Nqaba:No.Wozal
a.(
Comeher
e)
Ishakemyheadandruntot
hecouch.Iknowt
hat
smug.Iswi
tchonthet.
v.
Me:Thi
sroom smel
l
snew.
Nqaba:I
tis.
Me:Wher
edoyouusual
lysl
eepwhenyou'
rehome?
Hesi
tupr
ight
.
Nqaba:Lodge.Shet
oldyoudi
dn'
tshe?
Me:Shemeantnohar
m.
Nqaba:Shedi
d.Whati
fIt
oldyout
heopposi
te?
Me:I
twoul
dn'
tmat
ter
.
Nqaba:I
twoul
d.Sheal
sot
oldyouaboutbaba.
Me:Doyouwannashar
ewhathappened?
Hel
iesonhi
sback.
Nqaba:NobutI
'
llt
ellyou.

It
akeoffthej
acketandgoli
enexttohim andr
est
myheadonhi schest
.Hishear
tisbeat
ingtoof
ast
.I
donotl
ikethi
sbutIdowanttoknow...
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••I
nser
t49•
••

Iwokeupat4am perMvelo'
sinstr
ucti
on.Ionl
ydid
becauseit
sspri
ngandat4am there'
salr
eadysome
l
ight.Imadepor
ridgeandt
ea.

IputNqaba'
sonat rayandwalktot
hefl
at.I
tscl
ose
to6am.Ihadtokeepitinthest
ovel
ongenoughto
besureiti
sready.

If
indhi
m dr
essi
ngup.
Nqaba:Pl
easet
ellmet
hati
snotcookedf
ood.
Me:I
tis.
Thelookonhi
sfacei
snotexci
tementt
hatI
expect
ed.
Nqaba:I
sther
eanyl
eft
?
Me:Yaa
Nqaba:Shi
t!Let
sgo.Putt
hatdown.Mamkhul
uis
gonnamurderyou.

Ir
unbehindhi
m.Why?Am Inotsupposedt
ocook?
Mangubanecomesf
lyi
ngourdi
rect
ion.
Mangubane:Wehwehweh!
Sheputherhandsoverherhear
dandcontinue
screami
ng.Nqabatr
iestoshushherbutshe'
snot
havingi
t.
Mangubane:Nenzaniemzi
nikaMbube?Nqaba
ni
ngenzani
?(WhathaveyoudoneatMbube'shome?
Nqabawhatareyoudoingtome?"
Nqaba:Shehadnoi
deamamkhul
u.
Mangubane:Wetol
dherweareNazaret
hsmar
n!Ey
wenantombazane,
areyouher
etoki
llus?

Ever
yoneemer
gesf
rom t
hei
rhouses.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry.
Mangubane:Gori
ghtnowandgetr
idoft
hathot
wat
erandporri
dge!

Irushtotheki
tchenwi
tht
ear
srunni
ngdownmy
face.Mangubogetsi
naft
erme.
Mangubo:Sor
rysi
si.Letmehel
pyou.
Me:t
hankyou.

Wecar
ri
edt
hepotout
.
Mangubo:Wai
t.Letmegetmyphone.
Weputthepotdownandsherushest
oherhouse
andcomesback.Wepicki
tupandwalk.
Weareheadi
ngtothebackgat
e.Ther
e'sal
it
tl
eli
ttl
e
ont
heothersi
de.I
'
m hopingwedonotgeti
ntoit
.

Mangubo:Her
eisf
ine.
Weputitdown.Myhandsarealr
eadyachi
ng.Thi
s
poti
sbi
gandver ymuchheavy.Shegl
ancesatme
andl
aughs.
Me:What
?
Mangubo:Neverl
ethergett
oyou.She'
sabul
ly.
Me:Shedoesn'
tli
keme.
Mangubo:Shedoesn'tl
ikeanyoneandfr
ankl
y,
nobodyl
ikesher.I
tsagoodt hi
ngshedoesn'
thave
asonorelsehiswifewouldli
veinabur
ninghell
.
Ext
rahot.
Me:Shescar
esme.
Mangubo:Ij
ustwi
shmawaswel
l
.She'
ssucha
goodwoman.
Me:What'
swrongwit
hher
?Nqabadi
dn'
tseem l
ike
hewant
stoshare.
Shel
ayshercapedownandt
akeoutabl
ackpl
ast
ic
fr
om herboobi
es.
Mangubo:Si
t.
Me:Her
e?
Mangubo:Yes.Thepor
ri
dgei
sget
ti
ngcol
d.
Shet
akesoutspoonsf
rom t
hepl
ast
ic.Il
augh.
Me:Noyoudi
dn'
t.
Mangubo:Doyoupr
eferi
twi
thmar
gar
ineorpeanut
but
ter
?
Me:Ieati
thowever
.
Il
ookaroundforasnakeoranyti
nyanimalthat
mightmunchonmypoorbut tandthensi
t.The
gr
assisn'
tci
vilt
omeei t
herbutI'
l
lhandl
eit.
Wedi
ginaf
terput
ti
ngsugaronoursi
des.
Me:Ar
etheynotgonnahaveapr
obl
em?
Mangubo:I
fyout
ellthem weat
eit.Iusedt
odoital
l
t
heti
me.Ihadaapl acebyther
iver.I
'dgot
her
eand
cookmyownf
oodunt
ilIgotcaught
.
Shel
aughs.
Me:You'
resosi
ll
y.
Mangubo:Hhai
sukaIwasn'
tusedt
othi
sli
feofcol
d
f
ood.
Me:Idon'tknowhowIwi l
lsurvi
vewi
thoutacupof
cof
fee.Letalonebat
hingwit
hcoldwater
.
Mangubo:Whenyouwantt
obat
h,t
alkt
ome.I
'
ma
womanwi t
haplan.
Me:Ismel
lcor
rupt
ion.

Wel
augh.
Mangubo:Wewer
etal
kingaboutma.
Me:Mmmhyes.
Mangubo:Shecan'
twalknort
alk.I
nfactshe'
snon
f
uncti
onal.Ibat
hher
,feedher
,andeverythi
ngel
se.
Me:That
's.
..
whycoul
dn'
thej
ustt
ellme.
Mangubo:Pr
obabl
yashamed.
Me:Shedi
dn'
tmakeher
sel
fsi
ck.
Mangubo:Yeahbutst
il
l.
Me:Ishoul
dgoseeher
.
Mangubo:She'
l
lbedel
ight
ed.
Me:I
sn'
tst
ressf
ult
owor
kandal
sot
akecar
eofher
?
Mangubo:Idonotwor k.Ihavemydegr eehangi
ng
overmyloungebutit'
sneverwor ked.Shegotr
eall
y
si
ck,str
oke,r
ightaf
terIgotmar r
iedwhichwasthe
sameyearIfini
shedmycour se.Ihadt obeawife
andtakecareofmymot heri
nlaw.
Me:Coul
dn'
ttheygetanur
se?
Mangubo:Whowoul d'
vepai
dit?Mbuzohadmoney
enoughtofeedusandpayforherDr
s
appoi
ntments.
Me:Nqaba?
Mangubo:Nqabahadlefthome4yearsbef
ore.He
di
dn'
tputhisdegr
eeintouse.Hesor
tofgaveupon
l
if
e.
Hedi dn'
tmentionthatlastnightwhenhet oldme
abouthim andhi sf
ather.Apper ant
lyhef ounda
woman, stoppedpayingf orNqabaatuni versityto
mar r
yher.Hehadt owor k,heendedupf aili
nghi s
3rdyear,hegotintoil
legalthingstomakeal ivi
ng
forhimselfunt
ilhefi
nishedhi sstudies.Hesai dhe
wast aki
ngofhi smotherandhi ssi
blingswitht hat
l
itt
lemoney.

Thewomanl eft
,hisfatherfinall
ycamebackhome
causehehaddi tchedhi smot herandthenlater
foundMaNkosi .Theirrelat
ionshipwasnever
repaired.Iaskedhim whyi shel ett
ingMaNkosi
actuallythi
nkherar r
ivalwast hecauseoftheirf
ued.
Hej ustsighedandchangedt hesubjectandI
decidedt olethi
m be.
Me:Soyougaveuponyour
stoo?
Mangubo:No.SheneededmeSabat
hil
e.
Shechuckl
esbutt
her
e'spai
nref
lect
ingi
nherf
ace.
She'
scryi
ng.
Mangubo:Andt
henhersont
hankedmewi
th
anot
herwoman.IswearIfeltl
ikeIwasgonnahave
astr
okewhenhetoldhe'
st aki
ngasecondwife.
Me:Whoa.What
?
Mangubo:Af
tergi
vinghi
m al
lmyt
imet
ohi
m and
hi
sfamil
y.
Me:Youshoul
d'vel
efthi
m
Mangubo:Idi
d.
If
urr
owmybr
ows.Shel
aughs.
Mangubo:I'
m her
eformaandmykidsbutwe
endedalongti
meago.Ihaveamanthatl
ovesme.
Me:Andhe'
sokaywi
thyoubei
ngmar
ri
ed?
Mangubo:Yes.Don'tt
ellNqabathough.Nobody
knows.Iam happyyou'
rehere,al
thoughI'
l
lseeyou
on4occasionsayearbutI'm gl
adtohaveasister
.
Ismi
leandr
ubhershoul
der
.
Me:I
'
m gl
adwegetal
ongf
ine.

"
You'
recor
rupt
ingLexinow"
Wet
urnt
ofi
ndMbuzo.
Me:Hi
.Thi
swasmyi
dea.
Mbuzo:Iknowi
twasn'
t.Icamet
ochecki
fyou'
re
okay.
Mangubo:Wear
efi
ne.Whyar
eyouback?
Hegl
ancesatmeandt
henbackather
.
Mbuzo:Ipr
omi
sedBahl
eI'
l
ltakehi
mtohi
ssoccer
match.
Mangubo:GodIforgot.Mfazilet
'sgoIwokeupat
4am perMvel
o'si
nst r
uct
ion.Ionlydidbecauseit
s
spr
ingandat4am there'
salreadysomel i
ght.I
madeporri
dgeandt ea.

IputNqaba'
sonat rayandwalktot
hefl
at.I
tscl
ose
to6am.Ihadtokeepitinthest
ovel
ongenoughto
besureiti
sready.

If
indhi
m dr
essi
ngup.
Nqaba:Pl
easet
ellmet
hati
snotcookedf
ood.
Me:I
tis.
Thelookonhi
sfacei
snotexci
tementt
hatI
expect
ed.
Nqaba:I
sther
eanyl
eft
?
Me:Yaa
Nqaba:Shi
t!Let
sgo.Putt
hatdown.Mamkhul
uis
gonnamurderyou.

Ir
unbehindhi
m.Why?Am Inotsupposedt
ocook?
Mangubanecomesf
lyi
ngourdi
rect
ion.
Mangubane:Wehwehweh!
Sheputherhandsoverherhear
dandcontinue
screami
ng.Nqabatr
iestoshushherbutshe'
snot
havingi
t.
Mangubane:Nenzaniemzi
nikaMbube?Nqaba
ni
ngenzani
?(WhathaveyoudoneatMbube'shome?
Nqabawhatareyoudoingtome?"
Nqaba:Shehadnoi
deamamkhul
u.
Mangubane:Wetol
dherweareNazaret
hsmar
n!Ey
wenantombazane,
areyouher
etoki
llus?

Ever
yoneemer
gesf
rom t
hei
rhouses.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry.
Mangubane:Gori
ghtnowandgetr
idoft
hathot
wat
erandporri
dge!

Irushtotheki
tchenwi
tht
ear
srunni
ngdownmy
face.Mangubogetsi
naft
erme.
Mangubo:Sor
rysi
si.Letmehel
pyou.
Me:t
hankyou.

Wecar
ri
edt
hepotout
.
Mangubo:Wai
t.Letmegetmyphone.
Weputthepotdownandsherushest
oherhouse
andcomesback.Wepicki
tupandwalk.
Weareheadi
ngtothebackgat
e.Ther
e'sal
it
tl
eli
ttl
e
ont
heothersi
de.I
'
m hopingwedonotgeti
ntoit
.

Mangubo:Her
eisf
ine.
Weputitdown.Myhandsarealr
eadyachi
ng.Thi
s
poti
sbi
gandver ymuchheavy.Shegl
ancesatme
andl
aughs.
Me:What
?
Mangubo:Neverl
ethergett
oyou.She'
sabul
ly.
Me:Shedoesn'
tli
keme.
Mangubo:Shedoesn'tl
ikeanyoneandfr
ankl
y,
nobodyl
ikesher.I
tsagoodt hi
ngshedoesn'
thave
asonorelsehiswifewouldli
veinabur
ninghell
.
Ext
rahot.
Me:Shescar
esme.
Mangubo:Ij
ustwi
shmawaswel
l
.She'
ssucha
goodwoman.
Me:What'
swrongwit
hher
?Nqabadi
dn'
tseem l
ike
hewant
stoshare.
Shel
ayshercapedownandt
akeoutabl
ackpl
ast
ic
fr
om herboobi
es.
Mangubo:Si
t.
Me:Her
e?
Mangubo:Yes.Thepor
ri
dgei
sget
ti
ngcol
d.
Shet
akesoutspoonsf
rom t
hepl
ast
ic.Il
augh.
Me:Noyoudi
dn'
t.
Mangubo:Doyoupr
eferi
twi
thmar
gar
ineorpeanut
but
ter
?
Me:Ieati
thowever
.
Il
ookaroundforasnakeoranyti
nyanimalthat
mightmunchonmypoorbut tandthensi
t.The
gr
assisn'
tci
vilt
omeei t
herbutI'
l
lhandl
eit.
Wedi
ginaf
terput
ti
ngsugaronoursi
des.
Me:Ar
etheynotgonnahaveapr
obl
em?
Mangubo:I
fyout
ellthem weat
eit.Iusedt
odoital
l
t
heti
me.Ihadaapl acebyther
iver.I
'dgot
her
eand
cookmyownf
oodunt
ilIgotcaught
.
Shel
aughs.
Me:You'
resosi
ll
y.
Mangubo:Hhai
sukaIwasn'
tusedt
othi
sli
feofcol
d
f
ood.
Me:Idon'tknowhowIwi l
lsurvi
vewi
thoutacupof
cof
fee.Letalonebat
hingwit
hcoldwater
.
Mangubo:Whenyouwantt
obat
h,t
alkt
ome.I
'
ma
womanwi t
haplan.
Me:Ismel
lcor
rupt
ion.

Wel
augh.
Mangubo:Wewer
etal
kingaboutma.
Me:Mmmhyes.
Mangubo:Shecan'
twalknort
alk.I
nfactshe'
snon
f
uncti
onal.Ibat
hher
,feedher
,andeverythi
ngel
se.
Me:That
's.
..
whycoul
dn'
thej
ustt
ellme.
Mangubo:Pr
obabl
yashamed.
Me:Shedi
dn'
tmakeher
sel
fsi
ck.
Mangubo:Yeahbutst
il
l.
Me:Ishoul
dgoseeher
.
Mangubo:She'
l
lbedel
ight
ed.
Me:I
sn'
tst
ressf
ult
owor
kandal
sot
akecar
eofher
?
Mangubo:Idonotwor k.Ihavemydegr eehangi
ng
overmyloungebutit'
sneverwor ked.Shegotr
eall
y
si
ck,str
oke,r
ightaf
terIgotmar r
iedwhichwasthe
sameyearIfini
shedmycour se.Ihadt obeawife
andtakecareofmymot heri
nlaw.
Me:Coul
dn'
ttheygetanur
se?
Mangubo:Whowoul d'
vepai
dit?Mbuzohadmoney
enoughtofeedusandpayforherDr
s
appoi
ntments.
Me:Nqaba?
Mangubo:Nqabahadlefthome4yearsbef
ore.He
di
dn'
tputhisdegr
eeintouse.Hesor
tofgaveupon
l
if
e.
Hedi dn'
tmentionthatlastnightwhenhet oldme
abouthim andhi sf
ather.Apper ant
lyhef ounda
woman, stoppedpayingf orNqabaatuni versityto
mar r
yher.Hehadt owor k,heendedupf aili
nghi s
3rdyear,hegotintoil
legalthingstomakeal ivi
ng
forhimselfunt
ilhefi
nishedhi sstudies.Hesai dhe
wast aki
ngofhi smotherandhi ssi
blingswitht hat
l
itt
lemoney.

Thewomanl eft
,hisfatherfinall
ycamebackhome
causehehaddi tchedhi smot herandthenlater
foundMaNkosi .Theirrelat
ionshipwasnever
repaired.Iaskedhim whyi shel ett
ingMaNkosi
actuallythi
nkherar r
ivalwast hecauseoftheirf
ued.
Hej ustsighedandchangedt hesubjectandI
decidedt olethi
m be.
Me:Soyougaveuponyour
stoo?
Mangubo:No.SheneededmeSabat
hil
e.
Shechuckl
esbutt
her
e'spai
nref
lect
ingi
nherf
ace.
She'
scryi
ng.
Mangubo:Andt
henhersont
hankedmewi
th
anot
herwoman.IswearIfeltl
ikeIwasgonnahave
astr
okewhenhetoldhe'
st aki
ngasecondwife.
Me:Whoa.What
?
Mangubo:Af
tergi
vinghi
m al
lmyt
imet
ohi
m and
hi
sfamil
y.
Me:Youshoul
d'vel
efthi
m
Mangubo:Idi
d.
If
urr
owmybr
ows.Shel
aughs.
Mangubo:I'
m her
eformaandmykidsbutwe
endedalongti
meago.Ihaveamanthatl
ovesme.
Me:Andhe'
sokaywi
thyoubei
ngmar
ri
ed?
Mangubo:Yes.Don'tt
ellNqabathough.Nobody
knows.Iam happyyou'
rehere,al
thoughI'
l
lseeyou
on4occasionsayearbutI'm gl
adtohaveasister
.
Ismi
leandr
ubhershoul
der
.
Me:I
'
m gl
adwegetal
ongf
ine.

"
You'
recor
rupt
ingLexinow"
Wet
urnt
ofi
ndMbuzo.
Me:Hi
.Thi
swasmyi
dea.
Mbuzo:Iknowi
twasn'
t.Icamet
ochecki
fyou'
re
okay.
Mangubo:Wear
efi
ne.Whyar
eyouback?
Hegl
ancesatmeandt
henbackather
.
Mbuzo:Ipr
omi
sedBahl
eI'
l
ltakehi
mtohi
ssoccer
match.
Mangubo:GodIf
orgot
.Mf
azil
et'
sgo.
Me:Whataboutt
hepot
?
Mangubo:We'
l
lleavei
ther
e.I
tisacur
senow.

Wewal
kbackhome.

.
..
Hesmi
leswhenheseesme.
Nqaba:Imi
ssedyou.
He'
scl
eaned.I
tsmel
lsgood.
Me:Youshoul
d'vecamet
ogetme.
Weki
ss.
Nqaba:Idi
dn'
twantt
odi
stur
byoureat
ing.
Il
augh.
Me:Wedi
dn'
teati
t.
Nqaba:Ordon'
tyoul
ikeyourpor
ri
dgehowever
?
Il
augh.
Me:Youshoul
dst
opbei
ngast
alker
.
Nqaba:Ican'
thel
pit
.TheWat
ercanwi
llar
ri
vesoon.
Me:Ther
e'snot
aps?
Nqaba:Nol
ovet
her
eisn'
t.Webuywat
er.
Me:Ok.Letmer
estsi
ncet
odayi
sal
azyday.
Nqaba:I
'
llgogetyousomef
rui
tsont
hef
orest
.
Me:Di
dyouf
indmat
hambo?
Nqaba:No.I
'
llal
sol
ookf
orhi
m.
Me:Takeyourphonewi
thyou.
Hechuckl
es.
Nqaba:I
'
llseeyousoon.

Hekissesmycheekandwal ksout
.Itakeof
fthe
doekandcli
mbintobed.Icallmom t
oinfor
m her
aboutthei
nci
dent
.

.
..
Yesterdaywasqui
teaday.Westar
tedcooki
ng
around6pm.Icoul
dneversurvi
veonconsuming
coldfoodfort
hewholeday.

Thismorni
ngwewerewokenupbyMangubane
tel
li
ngNqabat
otakehert
otown.Whogoestot
own
at5am?

It
oldNqabatogo.Hewantedtocry,
hehat
esbei
ng
di
stur
bedfr
om hisbeaut
ysleep..
Shecall
edanhourlat
erandsai
dshewantsbeans,I
shoul
dfetchwoodtocookit
.Mangubocame
thr
oughforme,shesentt
heboystofet
chuswood.
WhenNqabaandMangubanecamebackwewer e
alr
eadydonecooki
ng.

Ipl
acedhi
str
ayont
hecof
feet
abl
e.
Nqaba:Let
'sgogetbr
eakf
asti
ntown.
Me:Wecooked.Andt
hatwoul
dbecr
azy.
Nqaba:Ineedexpr
essoandbacon.
Me:Mamkhul
uwouldf
li
pifwewentt
oeat
br
eakf
asti
ntown.
Nqaba:Shewouldn'
t.Shecanwalkoveranyonebut
notmywi f
e.Shehasthist
hingofthi
nki
ngshe
ownsthishome.
Me:Justl
etherbe.
Nqaba:Never
.
Me:Iwannaseeyourmot
her
.
Hel
ooksatmebl
ankl
y.
Me:Mangubot
oldme.
Hesi
ghs.We'r
eleavi
ngtodayortomorrowmorni
ng.
Whenam IgonnaseeherifIdon'
tseehert
oday?
Nqaba:I
'
llt
akeyouwhenyou'
redonechangi
ng.
Me:I
'
m changed.
Nqaba:Youwannagot
otowndr
essi
ngl
iket
hat
?
Me:Yeah.What
'swr
ongwi
thmydr
ess?
Nqaba:Not hi
ng.Ij
ustthoughtmaybeyouwannado
youreyebrows,wearthatyel
lowti
ghtdr
essor
something.
Me:No.
Her
aiseshi
sbr
ows.
Nqaba:Okay.Let
'sgoseemat
hen.

Icheckmysel
fonthemir
rori
fmydoeki
sst
il
lin
placeandwewal
kout.
Igetmor
ener
vousaswegetcl
oser
.

Allt
hesehousesdonotonlysmellnewinsidebut
t
hef ur
nitur
eisal
sonew.Wegett oherbedroom.It
i
sspot l
essandsmell
sasfresh.Mangubodoes
real
lyoutdoher
sel
f.Nqabapull
sachairforme.
Me:Theysai
dI'
m notal
lowedt
osi
tonachai
r.
Nqaba:Mahdoesn'
tmi
nd.

Shesmi
les.Iguesst
hat
'sappr
oval
.It
akeaseat
.
Me:Sawubonama.Iam Al
exi
s.
Nqaba:She'
sbeaut
if
uli
sn'
tshe?
Shesmi
lesandnods.
Nqaba:Il
oveher
.Sheagr
eedt
ohavebabi
es.
Hereyeswi
deni
nsur
pri
se.Wel
augh.
Me:Am Imaki
ngami
stake?
Shenodssmi
li
ng.Il
augh.
Me:Iknowr
ight
?
Theyl
ookl
ikeher
.Mamasboys.
Nqaba:I
'
m nott
hatbad.
Sherai
sesherbrows.Ohthat'
swher
ehegotitf
rom.
I
tseemsmor el
ikeahabitthananexpr
essi
on.
Me:Youar
ebad.
Nqaba:Wewi
llhavebeaut
if
ulbabi
es.
Me:Tr
uebuthowwi
llt
heybehave?
Nqaba:Iam at
ruesweet
hear
t.

Shel
aughs.
Me:That
'sano.
Nqaba:Youwi
llseeonourchi
ld.
Hi
sphoner
ings.
Nqaba:You'
l
lfi
ndmeout
side.
Inod.Hewalksout
.Wesi
tther
einsi
lence.Just
exchangi
ngsmil
es.
Me:Il oveyourson.It rulydo.Thankyouf or
bringi
nghi mi ntot hiswor l
d.Hehashi sissuesbut
theyar eeverythingIcanhandl e.Hecamet opay
l
obol awhileyouhaven' tevenmetme, Iknowyou
somehowhaddoubt .I'
mf rom Jo'
burg,bornand
rai
sedt here.Ihavenoi deahowt hi
ngswor karound
here.Iwoul dtwi stmyankl ei
fIhadt oputona20L
bucketi nmyhead, l
etalonestarti
ngaf ir
e.Igrewup
withtechnologyal laroundme.Iwi llt
rytobethe
bestdaught erinlawIcanbe.Ij ustwantt oknowif
wehaveyourbl essings.

Shesmil
esandnods.Sheopensherhand.Ipl
ace
mineonher
s.
Me:Thankyou.

Mangubowal
ksi
n.
Mangubo:Youhave2daught
ersnow.Shel
ikesyou.
Shedoesn'
tletpeopl
ecomet
hatcl
osetoher.
Me:Youdon'
tknowhowhappyam I
.
"
Mam Lexibabai
scr
ying"
Us:Why?

Ir
ushout
.
Me:Wher
eishe?
Bahl
e:Hi
shouse.

Iheadther
e.If
indhi
m huggi
ngadog.I
ts
mathambo.
Nqaba:It
houghtIhadl
ostyou.
Isi
tnextt
ohi
m.
Me:Youf
oundhi
m.
Heputi
tdown.
Nqaba:Yes.
Me:Andyou'
recr
ying.
Nqaba:No.
Iwi
pehi
sfaceandl
augh.
Me:HiMathambo.Youbet
ternotgomi
ssi
ngagai
n
orel
sedaddywil
lbesad.
Hewi
ggl
eshi
stai
l.
Nqaba:Thi
sismommy.

Mangubowal
ksi
npushi
ngNqaba'
smother,
f
oll
owedbyMbuzo,
MaNgubane,
MaNkosi,
andki
ds.
Nqaba:andt
hen?
Mbuzo:Di
dwemi
sst
heshow?
Nqaba:Whatshow?
Mbuzo:Youcr
ying.

Il
augh.
Me:Unf
ort
unat
elyyoudi
d.
Theyal
lsi
ghi
ndi
sappoi
ntment
.
Nqaba:Leavemaandgetout
.

Theylaughandwalkout
.Iwheel
mat
oNqabaand
swit
chont het
v..
.
▪KwaNt
uthu▪

•
••LASTCHAPTER•
••

It
sbeen3weekssi ncewecamebackf rom Vryhei
d.
Asmuchaswesaywehaven' tmovedintogether
butwehavebecausewespendeachandever y
nighttogether.Ei
theratmyplaceorhis.The
Ml angeni
sar efai
lingtogetovermycookingona
Sat ur
dayincident
.Mvel obri
ngsitupeverytimewe
speak.Itwassosadwhenwel ef
t.Ij
ustgot
attachedtoMangubo.

Imi
ssedher
.Shedi
dn'
tevenhaveWhat
sApp,
her
reasonbei
ng'Idon'
thavepeopl
etotext'Imadeher
downloadi
t.Wevideocallal
mosteveryday.She'
s
suchasweetsoul.

Ourconver
sat
ionsar
ealwaysl
ongbecauseshe
al
wayshavesomecoffeet
ospil
l.

Todayi sgonnabeal ongday.Iwokeupandwent

tovisi
tmypar ents.Ihaven'tspentqual i
tytimewith
them inawhi l
e,mom compl ai
nsever yday.
Husbandsuggest edIgoseet hem, Iwoul dhave
gonet omorrow.Saturdaysar eourday.He' salways
tootir
eddur i
ngtheweeksowel azyar oundon
Saturday,andthenbepr oducti
veonSunday.We
wentt ochurchlastweek.Hekeptwhi sper i
ngthi
ngs.
Comment i
ngaboutt hepast or
sshoesand
everybodyelse'
sanyt hingthathedoesn' tget.

MveloandManguboar emygoogle.Ijustf
ini
shed
cooki
ngbeefst
ew.Manguboi sthefi
rstpersonto
everwinMvel
o'shear
t.TheSkypewasf unbecause
theyar ebothcrazyt
heykeptcr
acki
ngjokesher
e
andt here,
screamingatmeforputt
ingt
oomuchof
anythingandt henmakefunofme.

Dadpour
sagl
assofwat
erandputi
tnearhi
spl
ate.
Mel
issa:Let
'spr
ay.
Dadt
akesherhand.
Me:Wepr
ayt
wot
imesnow?
Mar
cus:We-
Hel
aughs.
Mel
issa:Ol
dage.

Theyaregonnatastesomethi
ngcookedbymef or
thefi
rstt
imeinthei
rli
ves.Per
hapstheyt
hinkt
hey
aregonnadie.
Me:I
twon'
tgi
veyouast
omachbug.
Mar
cus:whew!
Mel
issa:If
eell
ikeI
'
m onf
earf
act
or.
Me:Mom!

Wel
augh.
Me:I
'
m hur
t.Let
'seat
.

Istar
teati
ng.Theyfoll
ow.Iseethei
rli
pscurving.I
knowr i
ght
,Idideveryt
hingthosemastercookers
tol
dme.Ther e'
snowayt hi
swouldhavetastedbad.
Mar
cus:Mmmh.Wow
Mel
issa:Thi
sisamazi
ngbaby.
Marcus:Whycoul
dn'
tyoucookf
orusal
lthese
year
s?
Me:Wehadachef
.
Mel
issa:Youdi
dn'
thaveoneatt
hepent
house.
Me:Youbr
oughtmef
oodever
yti
me.
Marcus:You'
repr
epar
ingyour
sel
ftobet
hatboy'
s
sl
ave.
Me:Canweeatpl
ease.
Mar
cus:Doyouevenl
ovehi
m?
Iputmyf
orkdown.
Me:Idodad.Ido.Whydoyoual
waysaskmet
hat
?
Mar
cus:Ij
ustwannabesur
e
Me:Sur
eofwhat
?I'
m engagedt
othisguy.Why
woul
dIbewit
hsomeoneIdonotlove?
Mar
cus:Money,
maybe?
Me:Money?
Mar
cus:Yeah.He'
sloaded.
Me:Yout
hinkver
ylowofmeMrMcVei
gh.
Melissa:That'
swhatmydadusedtoaskmeabout
him.Honeywhenyou' r
einl
ovewit
hsomeoneyou
carelessaboutwhatt
heyhave.
Me:Thankyoumyl
ove.
Marcus:I
'
mjustaconcernedfat
her.Howwelldo
youknowhim?Whatifhe'sacri
minal?I
nvol
vedin
someshadydeal
ings.
Me:Asl
ongast
hatdoesn'
tef
fectusi
nanyway
t
henI'
m good.Menar
eneverper
fect
,youar
en'
ttoo.
I
'
m sureofthat
.
Mar
cus:What
?
Me:You'reabusinessman.There'
snowayoneart
h
you'
relegi
t.Icoul
d'vecamewit
hhim butyoumake
him uncomfort
able.
Marcus:HeknowsIwi
llseer
ightt
hroughhi
mthat
he'
sacr i
minal
.
Me:I
sitbecausehe'
sbl
ack?
Mar
cus:What
?No!
Me:Woul
dyouaskal
lthesequest
ionandassume
he'
sabadguyi
fhewaswhi t
e?
Marcus:That
'sabsurdAlexi
s.Asyourfat
herIam
al
lowedtohaveconcerns.Ididn'
tli
ket
hatJake
ei
ther
.Ili
kedBheki.
Mel
issa:Leti
tgoMar
cus.BabyI
'
m sor
ry.
Me:He'
shur
ti
ngmemom.
Mel
issa:I
'
m sor
ry.Mar
cusapol
ogi
zet
othechi
ld.
Mar
cus:I
'
m sor
ryIwas-
Mel
issa:Apol
ogi
zedecent
lypl
ease.
Me:It
houghtyouwant
edmet
ogetmar
ri
ed.
Mar
cus:Idi
dn'
tthi
nki
t'
llbehi
m.
Il
augh.What
'swr
ongwi
thhi
m.
Me:Wel
lI'
m sor
rydaddy.
Marcus:Ihadaccept
edt
hatyouwon'
tgetmar
ri
ed
anyway.
Meli
ssa:You'r
egonnabet
her easonweneversee
heragai
naftersheget
smarr
ied.
Mar
cus:I
'
m bei
nghonest
!

Il
augh.
Me:I
'
llgogetdeser
t.
Mel
issa:Pl
easebr
ingmemyf
avor
it
ebowl
.
Me:Iwi
ll
.

Icol
lectourpl
atesandgot
othekitchen.Mom'
s
desert
shavesomanynamest hatIendup
forgett
ingbutIneverforgethowgoodtheyt
ast
e.
Thisonei smyf avor
it
e.Ithasbiscui
tcr
umbsand
cream andthere'snot
hingIlovemorethant
hati
n
myl if
e.

Ihearnoi
secomi ngfrom t
helobby.Ir
ushthere.
Thisi
sthelastpersonIexpect
edtoseeher e.She'
s
shouti
ngbutIcan'thearathi
ngshe'sdrunk.She
noti
cesme.
Boni
siwe:You'
reaboutt
ogetmar
ri
edandyounever
sawitfi
ttol
etmeknow?
Me:It
ri
ed.Youneverpi
ckedup.
Bonisi
we:Li
es!Di
dtheyconvi
nceyout
onotl
etme
know?
Me:No.
Boni
siwe:Iknowt
hisconni
vingsat
andi
d.Mar
cus,
I
wantmybabyback.
Mar
cus:Takeher
.
Boni
siwe:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?Comebackher
e
andt
ellmewhatdi
dyoudowit
hthel
obol
amoney.
Ther
e'ssupposedtobeinkomokamamai
nthat
moneyandt hatbel
ongstome.
Mar
cus:Unf
ortunat
elyyou'
renotconsi
der
edt
hat
.
Nowpl
easeleavemyhouse.
Bonisi
we:Wher e'
syourpathet
icwi
fe?Tel
lher
thanksforbabysi
tt
ingformebutIwantmybaby
now.

Il
eavetodi
shupdeser
tformom andI.Dadcan
dealwi
thhi
ssi
dechi
ckalone.Heknowsherbet
ter
.

If
indmom ni
bbl
ingoni
cecr
eam.
Mel
issa:Thesear
ethebest
.
Me:Ther
e'sBoni
siwe.
Meli
ssa:Iopenedt
hegat
eforherhaven'
ttheyki
ll
ed
eachother
?
Me:No.She'
sher
eforl
obol
amoney.
Mel
issa:Isentheratextandanemailt
ell
ingher
t
hattherearepeopl
ecomi ngbutsheneverrepl
ied
orshowup.
Me:Idi
dcal
lhert
oo.Acoupl
eoft
imes.
Meli
ssa:Thatmeanswearenotatf
aul
t.Shecan
bi
teoffherboyf
ri
end'
shead.
Ihol
dherhand.
Me:Icoul
dneverdoi
tthewayyoudo.
Mel i
ssa:I
t'
syouthatIl
ovemor ethananyt
hing.I
boughtyousomet oo.Doyour ememberhowyou
usedt ocr
yfort
haticecream boywhenyouwer e
l
it
tle?
Ichuckl
e.
Me:Yesandyouwi
llal
wayspr
omi
set
ogeti
tforme
t
henextday.
Shel
aughs.
Meli
ssa:Your
eact
edt
ocoldfoods.Ij
ustcoul
dn'
t
gi
veyouicecr
eamscar
elessl
y.
Me:You'
veal
waysbeenspoi
li
ngme.
Mel
issa:You'
remyli
tt
legir
l.IknewIwaslosi
ngyou
t
hedayyoul ef
tusatyourplaceandsai
dyou'
re
goi
ngt
ooursoni
nlaw.
Il
augh.
Me:Weweren'tevenongoodt
erms.Iwasgoi
ng
t
heret
ofi
xthings.
Meli
ssa:That
'swhyIdonotquest
ioni
fyoulove
hi
m.You'renott
hepersont
oevertryf
ixanyt
hing
wi
thanyone.
Me:Everyt
hingf
eel
sri
ghtt
odowi
thhi
m.Thatj
ob
asked?
Mel
issa:Yeah,
whatabouti
t?!
Me:I
tsf
ormysi
sterwi
fe.
Mel
issa:Theonewhol
ooksaf
teryourmot
heri
nlaw?
Me:Yeah.
Meli
ssa:Yourdadsai
dther
eisavail
ablespace.You
shoul
dgot oHRonMondayandgi vethem herCV.
Me:Idon'
thavei
t.Iwanti
ttobeasur
pri
se.
Mel
issa:Tel
lGwent
ocl
oset
hepostt
hen.
"FuckyouMarcus!Yout
ookadvant
ageofme.Iwas
19forChri
st'
ssakeyouoldhag!
"

Mel
issa:That
'st
hepoolsi
decal
li
ngus.
Me:Ihaven'
tswam i
nawhi
le.
Mel
issa:Sai
ntpl
easebr
inguscockt
ail
s!
Sai
nt:Comi
ngr
ightup!

Newwor keragai
n.She'
sobsessedwithtv.You'
d
swearshe'snother
e.Wetakeourdesert
swi t
hus.
Bonisi
weandherbabydaddycankilleachotherin
peacenow...

.
..
"Whywereyounott akingmycal ls"i
sthefi
rstt
hing
IgotwhenIfinal
lycall
edhi m back.Iputmyphone
andsil
entwhenIar r
ivedbecauseIknewhewi l
l
keeponcall
ingandIwi l
lendupnotgi vi
ngmy
parent
senoughtime.
Iputonmyslippersandwal
kout
.He'
shereoutsi
de.
10pm,hedrovefrom hi
spl
acet
oherebecausehe
can'
tsl
eep.

HeopensthedoorformeandIhopi n.Hewal
ks
aroundtohissi
de.He'
sgetti
ngobsessedwi
th
pyjamas.I
tsthegownthathasnohope.
Iseenasalspr
aysandpai
nrel
iefpi
ll
s.
Me:Youar
esi
ck?
Nqaba:Yes.I
'
m comi
ngdownwi
thf
lu.
Me:Somuchmedi
cat
ion.
Nqaba:Idon'
tknowwhathel
ps.Ican'
tremember
t
helastti
meIwassick.
Me:Uhhmypoorbaby.I
'
m sor
ry,
yougonnabe
bet
ter
.
Nqaba:When?
Me:I
nthemor
ning.
Hel
ooksatmef
orawhi
leandsmi
les.
Nqaba:Imi
ssedyou.
Me:Andyoucoul
dn'
tsl
eep.
Nqaba:Yes.I
tssoaddi
cti
vesl
eepi
ngnextt
oyou.
Me:Wel
lyoubet
tergetusedt
oit
.
Hef
rowns.
Nqaba:Why?
Me:I
'
vebeenthi
nki
ng.Ithoughtwe'
ddiscusst
his
t
omorrowbutwemightaswelldi
scussitnow.
Nqaba:Yourdaddoesn'
tli
kei
tthatwespendever
y
ni
ghttoget
her?
Me:No.Hedoesn'
tmakesuchcal
ls.Let
'sgof
ora
dr
ive.
Nqaba:No.Tel
lmewhyshoul
dIgetusedt
oit
..
.
Het
akesabr
iefpause.
Nqaba:Ar
eyoubr
eaki
ngupwi
thme?
Me:You'
vegotwor
stscenar
iosi
nyourheadbabe.I
wantt
oexchangeMangubo.
Nqaba:exchange?
Me:Yeah.Lookaf
terma,
lethercomeher
etowor
k.
Nqaba:Whoawhoawhoa.Thati
snothappeni
ng
Me:Shedeservesherbigbreak.Yourbr
other
's
secondwifeworks,
she'sl
ivi
nghowshewant s.
Thembisi
leal
sodeservesthat.
Nqaba:Whataboutyou,
yourf
ami
lyandwor
k?
Me:Myfami
lyknewt
hiswoul
dcome.Iwi
llwor
k
f
rom t
her
e.
Nqaba:Hawngekest
handwasami
.
Me:Nqaba
Nqaba:NoSabathi
le.You'
remywi fe,notma'
s.And
besi
des,I
'
vetr
ieddoingthatbefor
e, gotmaanurse
butManguboref
used.She'sfi
ne.
Me:She'
snot
.

Hest
art
sthecar
.
Me:We'
rest
il
ltal
king.
Nqaba:Wearedone.Youar
enotgoi
ngt
ost
ayi
n
Vr
yheid.Endofdi
scussi
on.
Me:Ar
eyouaf
rai
dIwon'
tbeabl
etot
reatyourmom
wi
thcare?
Nqaba:No.Idonotwantyout
ogot
her
e.Mamkhul
u,
andeveryt
hingel
se.Nomarn.
Me:Iwi
llt
reatherver
ywel
l.Ipr
omi
se.
Nqaba:No.
Me:Nqabapl
ease.
Nqaba:Let
'sgogr
absomet
hingt
oeat
.
Me:You'
renotchangi
ngt
het
opi
c
Nqaba:Iwantl
otoff
ri
esandf
rui
tchut
neywi
ngs.
Me:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
her
e.Goal
one.

It
ryt
oopent
hedoorbuti
tisl
ocked.
Me:Opent
hisdoor
.
Nqaba:Fast
enyourseatbel
t.
Me:I'
m notgoi
ngwher
eeveryou'
regoi
ngt
o.I
wannagohomeandsleep.
Nqaba:Baby.
Me:No.Opent
hisdoor
,now!

Iheart
heunlocki
ngsound.Iopenandwal
kwi
thout
l
ookingback.
..

.
..
.
*
5daysl
ater
*

Wehaven' tseenorspokentoeachotheral
lthese
days.I'
vebeenwor ki
ngfrom home,r
eject
edhis
cal
ls.Ihavetogetmyway.

Ist
art
lewhenmom peel
sof
ftheduvet
.
Me:What
'shappeni
ng?
Mel
issa:Iboughtyout
est
s.
Me:Whatt
est
s?
Mel
issa:Pr
egnancyt
est
s.
Me:Mom pl
ease.Whatt
imei
sit
?
Mel
issa:9am.Getup.
Me:Youwokeupandwentt
ogetpr
egnancyt
est
s?
Mel
issa:Yes.I
'
m wor
ri
edaboutyou.

Winehasmademet hr
owup2t i
mesinar owthis
week.Myperi
odsareaweekl
atebutIdon'twanna
f
acethat
.It
sscary.
Me:Okl
etmepr
epar
emysel
f
Mel
issa:20seconds

Isi
ghandstr
etch.Ir
olloutofbedandtakethetest
.
Mom handsmeal i
tt
lemeasurecup.Ichuckle.
Me:Youcamepr
epar
ed,
didn'
tyou?
Mel
issa:Gr
annyexci
tement
.
Me:I
tcoul
dbeaf
alseal
arm.
Meli
ssa:No.Younevert
hrowupunl essyoueat
nect
ari
nesofwhichyoudidn'
teatsot her
ecoul
dbe
ali
tt
leZuluPri
nce/
pri
ncessinther
e.
Me:Myhear
tisbeat
ingoutofi
t'
sri
bcage.
Mel
issa:I
'
llbeher
ewai
ti
ng.

Igeti
ntot
hebat
hroom.
Me:Geti
n.

Ipeeont hecupandgi
vei
ttoher
.Shel
aughs
nervousl
y.
Mel
issa:I
'
m scar
edt
oonow.
Me:Doi
t.

Ikeepsti
llontopofthetoil
etseat
.Shedi psi
ton
theuri
neandhol di
tinherhand.Itakethecupand
pourtheurinei
ntothetoi
letandfl
ush.Ileanagai
nst
thewall
.
Me:Whatdoesi
tsay?
Mel
issa:Bepat
ient
.
Me:Ican'
t.Whati
fI'
m pr
egnant
?
Mel
issa:Youar
egoi
ngt
obeamot
her
.
Me:Whatki
ndofamot
her
?
Mel
issa:I
'
m sayi
ngyou'
repr
egnant
.3weeks!

Shej
umpsonherf
eetandhugme.
Mel
issa:You'
regonnabeaper
fectmot
her
!
Idi
dn'
tthi
nkt
hist
hrough.
Me:Whati
fIdon'
tlovei
t?
Shel
etsgoofme.Shegazesdeepi
ntomyeyes.
Melissa:You'
renother
.You'r
ehavingababywith
yoursoont obehusband.Youhaveme,yourfat
her,
Mvelo,Nqabaandeveryoneelsewhocaresabout
you.Wewi llwal
kthi
sjourneywit
hyouandmakei t
worthit.
Me:I
'
mjustscar
ed.
Shecar
essesmycheekandwi
pemyt
ear
s.
Mel
issa:Il
oveyou.
Me:Il
oveyoumor
e.
Meli
ssa:Whi
chr
oom wi
llbeper
fectf
ort
henur
ser
y
her
e?
Il
augh.
Me:i
t'
sonl
y3weeks.
Meli
ssa:Yes!Enoughtimetocreateabeaut
if
ulone.
OooohI'
m soexcited!Thankyoulord!

Shepul
lsmeout
.Iwonderi
fNqabawi
llbehappy.
..

.
..
.
I'
m wokenupbymyphoner i
ngi
ng.It
shim.Ihave
beencall
inghi
mt hewholedaybuthewasn't
picki
ngup.Igotdepr
essedandsleptt
hroughout
theday.
Me:Mmmh?
Nqaba:CanIf
etchyou?
Me:Hel
loNqabahowar
eyou?
Nqaba:I
'
mfi
neSabat
hil
e.I
'
m out
side.
Me:Okst
ayt
her
e.
Nqaba:Mamawezi
nganeweneedt
otal
k.
Me:Idon'
twannat
alk.
Nqaba:Okwewon'tt
alk.We'l
ljustst
areateach
ot
her.Ihaveasur
pri
seforyou.

Ihangupandchangeint
oj eansandahoodi
e.
ther
e'schi
ll
iai
rcomi
ngthroughthewindow.

It
akemyphoneanddecl
inehi
scal
l.

Me:I
'
m goi
ngt
oseeNqabaout
side.I
sdadback?
Meli
ssa:Yeshe'
supstai
rst
aki
ngashower
.Ar
eyou
goi
ngtospil
lthebeanst
ohubby?
UghIfor
got
!Mom laughs.Ir
unupst
air
stogett
he
pr
egnancyt
estandthenbackdown.
Me:Seeyoul
ater
.Tel
ldad.
Meli
ssa:I
'
llt
ellhi
m atni
ghtsot
hathewi
llf
ainti
n
hi
sbed.

Wel
aughandIwal
kout
.

If
indhi
mlooki
ngatthefl
owers.Iopent
hedoorf
or
mysel
fandhopin.Heget
sinafterawhi
le.

Hesmi
rksandst
art
sthecar
.
Nqaba:I
'
llbr
ingyoubackl
ater
.

Ifast
enmybel
tandconnectmyphonet
oBl
uet
oot
h
andstar
tpl
ayi
ngmusic.

He'
sdanci
ngt
oit
.He'
sinaj
oll
ymood.
Me:Shemi
ght
'vegi
venyour
ealf
un.
Nqaba:Who?
Me:Whoeveryouwer
ewi
thwhenIcal
ledyou.
Nqaba:Ohh.
Me:Wow.
Nqaba:Wew.
Me:Nqaba.
Nqaba:Yebomama.
Me:Whywer
en'
tyout
aki
ngmycal
ls?
Nqaba:Iwasdr
ivi
ngbabyI
'
m sor
ry.
Me:Whati
fIhadanemer
gency?
Nqaba:Di
dyou?
Me:Yes!
Nqaba:I
'
mreal
lysor
ry.Idi
dn'
tevenheari
t.

Hepul
lsupinfr
ontoft
hegatewri
tt
enManzi
ni.
We'
resti
lli
nthenei
ghbor
hood.
Me:Yourr
elat
ives?
Nqaba:Yes.
Hepressest
her
emot
eandt
hegat
esl
idest
othe
si
de.

I
'
vealwaysl
ovedt hi
shouse.Iwi
shmydadcan
r
ebui
ldhisl
iket
his.

Iam obsessedwi
thgl
assaswal
ls.

Il
aughwhenIseet
her
egi
str
ati
onoft
hecarwe
par
kbehi
nd.I
tsmyName.

Ihearul
ulat
ion.Manguboappear
swavingawhit
e
cl
othinherhand.Iscr
eam andhopoutoft
hecar.

Wehugandl
aughl
i
kei
diot
s.
Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Mangubo:Ihear
dyouwantmet
ospr
eadmywi
ngs
soher
eIam baby!
Me:Hel
l!Wai
t.
..
wher
e'sma?
Mangubo:She'
sinsi
de.Let
'sgomeether
.
Nqaba:Youdr
oppedt
his.
..

Hehast
het
esti
nhi
shand.He'
slooki
ngup.
Mangubo:Whati
sit
?
Me:I
tsapr
egnancyt
est
.
Mangubo:I
shecr
ying?
Me:Yes.
Mangubo:l
etmegogetmyphone.

Sher
ushest
othehouse.Iwal
ktohubbyandhug
hi
m.Hesobs,t
hisi
sawkward.Whyishecryi
ng?

Hegoesdownonhi
skneesandki
ssesmyst
omach.
Nqaba:I
'
m goi
ngtobeaperfectf
athert
oyou.Iwil
l
al
waysputyoufi
rst
.St
handwasam ngyabonga.
Me:I
tsmypl
easur
ebabe.Stopcryi
ngyou'
re
maki
ngmecryandthat
'snotgoodfort
hebaby.
Nqaba:CanIbeyourmi
dwi
fe?
Il
augh.
Me:Yesyoucan.
Nqaba:Let
'sgot
ellma.

Ihel
phi
m upandwewal
kinsi
de.
Nqaba:Thi
sisyourhouseanyway.Andoutsi
dei
s
yourcar
.
Hesayscar
elessl
y.
Me:Whyar
eyousayi
ngi
tli
kei
tsnot
hing?
Nqaba:Doyoul
ikei
t?
Me:Il
oveitbabe!Thankyou.OhmyGodIl
oveyou.
CanIt
estdrivemycar?
Nqaba:Yes.Lat
er.
Nothi
ngcould'
veprepar
edusforwhatwef
indi
nthe
ki
tchen.She'
ssl
ici
nglemons.
Ma:Tequi
laanyone?

She'
sst
andingonherfeet
.She'sspeaki
ng.She
l
aughs,
probabl
yatoursurpr
isedfaces.

Ma:Hheiyou'dwrinkl
einadayi
fyouletmenuse
you.I
'
llexpl
ainnextmonthwhenI'
vesett
leddown.

Shetakesaseatonthehighchai
randt
akesasi
p
onhertequi
la.Shegr
unts.

Thi
sist
oomuchf
oroneday.
..
.