WI

THPAI
NCOMESLOVE
.
.
01–6y
ear
s’back
ItwasNov ember15andIhadj ustgot t
enoutof
theexam room andmetupwi t
hmyt wobest
fri
endstal
kingaboutmyepi cpar tythatwas
goingtobehel datourhouse.Myf r
iendsAni ta
Ngubeni,Naledi MaqomaandIl iveinNaledi’s
homei nLaLuci a,sheinherit
edt hehousef rom
herlat
efather ;she’stherichesti nthesquad
andshewasdet erminedongi vingmet hebest
partyt
hatev erexi st
edint hewhol eofDur ban…
orsoshesay s.I’m noangel ,Ipar t
y,Idri
nk,I
smokeweedbutIam howev erasmar t
ypant s.
Anitai
stheangel i
nthegr oup, doesn’tdrinkor
smokebutshedoesgot opar t
ieswi thusaf ter
alotofbeggi ngofcauseandt hent here’sLedi;
Isther
eany t
hi ngshedoesn’ tdoorhasnot
done?She’shadherf ai
rshar eofoneni ght
stands, blesser s,dri
nks, smokesci gar ett
esand
weed, she’ sthatf ri
endmymom doesn’ tlike
muchbutt oler at
esherbecauseIl ov eherand
sheandIhav ebeenf riendssi ncewewer e5.
WemetAni t
awhenwewer e10, shemov edi nto
ournei ghbour hoodandshehadnof riendsso
Ledi andIbef riendedherandnowwear et he
threemusket eers.Iont heot herhandcannotbe
consi der edr i
chorpoor ,
mymom wor kshar dt o
givemet hel ifeIdeser ve.Mymot heri sa
Doct orandwegetal ongi nanor mal mot her
daught erway .Myf ri
endsandIst udyatDUT
cit
ycampus.Ist udyphot ographyandar ts, Ledi
i
sanact ressandAni taisdoi ngdanceasher
maj or;shei st hebestdancert herei s.Sheand
Ledi shar ecl assesev erynowandt hen.Wegot
toLedi ’scaranddr ov eof ft
oGat ewayt ost ock
upsomeboozewi t
ht hehelpofAni ta’s
boy fr
iendBonkewhom wewer emeet ingat
Gat eway .Wemetupwi t
hBonkeatt hepar king
l
otunder ground.Hi m andhi sgirl
friendshar eda
momentbef
orehi
m gr
eet
inguspr
oper
.
Hi
m:howar
eyouguy
s.Happybi
rt
hdayYay
a
Me:
thanks.Ot
her
wisewegoodandy
our
sel
f?
Him:al
sogood.Soi
sitonl
yboozey
ouguy
s
needor
?
Me:
we’
vegott
heweed
Ledi
:andecst
asy
Me:
Ledi
real
l
y?It
houghtIsai
dnoecst
asy
Ledi
:yeahwell
Iit
’sal
readybeenboughtandi
ts
comingtoni
ght
Me:
whatam Igoi
ngt
odowi
thy
ou?
!
shejustsmiled.Thelastti
meItookecstasyI
l
andedupi nhospitalfor3wholedaysandI
vowednev ertotakeitagai
n.Wellofcause
mom f oundoutandshewasn’ thappyabouti
t
atal
l butwegotov eritt
hankgod.
Hi
m:y
ouar
eonenaught
ygi
rlNal
edi
Her
:soI
’
vebeent
old
Ani:
canwejustgetwhatweher
eforguy
sI’
ve
gotmaj
orcr
amps
Me:
doest
hatmeany
ou’
l
lbesl
eepi
ngi
ntoni
ght
?
Hi
m:nobabey
oucan’
t
Ledi
:shewoul
dn’
tdar
edousl
i
ket
hat
Ani
:rel
axwoul
dyou.Al
lIneedi
say
oungnap
andthenI
’
m good
Hi
m:t
hat
’smygi
rl
Heki ssedt hesideofherheadandt henwe
walkedi nside.Thet wol ovebirdswer ewalki
ng
behinduswhi leLedi andIwer ewal kinghandi n
handl ookingl i
kethehot testlesbi
ans.Ledi i
s
yourt ypi
cal beautif
ul y
ellowbonewi th
expensi veweav e,bigass, ski
nnywai stand
beaut i
fulfashionsense.Iam notski nnyand
alsonotf at,I’
m asi ze30basi call
ywi thcurves,
myf riendssayI ’m anhourgl ass,I’
m notdar k
andI ’
m alsonotl ight,Ialsowearweav esbut
notonar egularbasi s,Ihavenatural longhair
andt henAni tai sy ourKel lyRowl and, dark
beaut y,beaut iful f
lawl essski n,shehascur ves
forday sandhasl egsf orday s.Ledi andIwer e
wear i
ngbl uej eanbum shor ts,longl ength
ri
ppeddeni mj acket , whitevest sandwhi t
e
superst arswhi l
eNi tawaswear ingbl ackj
eans,
whitev estandadeni mj acketwi thawhi t
e
superst ar.Ni t
adoesn’ twearshor tthings,she
prett
ymuchhat est hem.Weboughtenough
alcohol fort hewhol ey earandal otofmeatt oo
andt henwedr ov ehome.Af ewmi nut esl
ater
Bonke’ sf ri
endsr ockedupandNi tawentt otake
hernapupst airswhi lewepr epar edf orthepar t
y
andev erythingel se.Wewer en’ tmaki ngabr aai
attheendoft heday ,itwasapar tywi t
hbooze
andmeatanddr ugs.Whenwewer edonef i
xing
thehouseup, Ledi wentt olockt heot herrooms
thatwer en’tgoi ngt obeusedandwewentt o
getdr essedi nmyr oom, i
twasal readypast6
andpeopl ewer ear r i
ving.
Ledi
:wel
ookhot
!
Me:
don’
tweal
way
s?!
Her
:let
’st
akepi
ctur
es
Me:
Ithoughty
ou’
dnev
erask
Wewentt ostandbyt hemi rrorandst ar t
ed
takinglot sandlotsofpi ctures,shet ook
picturesofmeandIt ooksomeofherand
dozensofsel fi
es.Lediwaswear ingal oose
vest, bl
uej eanbum shor ts,andawhi teal l
-st
ar.I
waswear i
ngashor tblackj umpsui twi thlacey
edges, ithadlongsleev esandmyhai rwast ied
i
nal oosebunandIwaswear i
ngawhi te
platform heelswithblackdet ail
.Aswewer e
walki ngoutwebumpedi ntoNi t
awear ingacut e
shor twhi t
edress,wellitwassl i
ghtlyabov ethe
kneewhi chisquiteani mpr ov ementf rom herof
allpeopl e,sheti
edherhai rupneat l
yandwor ea
nav ywedge.
Me:
wellsomebodyi
sdef
ini
tel
yget
ti
ngl
aid
t
oni
ght
!
Ledi
:yeahshei
s.Youl
ookhot
!I’
m gl
ady
ou
f
inal
l
ysawt
hel
i
ght
Ni
ta:
scr
ewy
ouguy
s!
Me:sheswearstoo?Whoareyouandwhat
hav
ey oudonetoourfr
iend?
Shel
aughed.
Her
:youguy
sar
esoannoy
ing!
Me:
buty
oul
oveusst
il
l.Howar
ethecr
amps?
Her
:bet
teract
ual
l
y.Thepi
l
lswor
ked
Ledi
:tol
dyout
heywoul
d.Comel
et’
stake
pi
ctur
es
Ni
ta:
real
l
yguy
s
Me:
it’
smybi
rt
hday
Ipout
ed
Ni
ta:
itst
omor
rowdummy
Me:
sti
l
l.I
t’
smypar
ty
Ni
ta:
fine.Let
’st
aket
hem t
hen
Wegoti
nsi
demyr
oom andt
ookmor
epi
ctur
es.
Wewer eslayingonanot herl ev er.Whenwe
wer edonewewal kedoutandIl ockedandgav e
thekeyt oAni ta, Iknowt hatshe’ st heonl yone
thatwasn’ tgoingt ogetsl oshed.Whenwegot
downst air
sNi tawentt oherboy fri
endandmy
twinnieandIwentt ogetour sel vessomebooze,
themusi cwaspumpi ngandpeopl ewer e
danci ngandenj oy ingt hemsel ves.Ev er ytime
wepassedsomeonet heywoul dwi shmea
happybi rt
hdayorcompl imentmeont he
awesomepar ty.Mostpeopl et hatwer ethere
wer epeopl ewegot oschool wi thandsome
randomsIdi dnotknow.Igotmy selfabot tl
eof
hunter ’sgoldandwentoutt ot hepool area
l
eav ingLedi mi ngl ingwi tht hisot herguy .Iwent
tothest onersofcause.Mycl assmat eswhom I
smokewi thwer eal lchi l
lingt oget herwi thsome
gir
l I
’veonl yev erseenoncampus, thechi ck
wasf l
amesandt heseot hert woguy swhower e
i
nt hei rthi
rdy ear !Igr eetedev ery oneandsaton
thi
sot herguySi hl e’sl ap.
Hi
m:ofal
lthesepeopl
eyouchooseme
Me:
youknowIl
ovey
out
hemost
Ikissedhischeek.YouseeSi hleisthatfr
iend
that’
sdeepi nsi
det hefri
endzoneandnev er
comi ngout.He’sthatguypeopl eeventhi
nki s
gaybecauseofhowgoodhel ooks.Wemetat
thebeginningofthey earandwe’ v
ebeent ight
eversince,nottosayhe’ snevertr
iedhisl
uck
butheknowswe’ l
l nevergetanywhere.
At
hi:
yout
woshoul
djustdat
eal
ready
Chi
ck:
theynotani
tem?
Si
ya:
nope.He’
sdeepi
nthef
ri
endzone
Me:
I’
m sor
rywehav
en’
tmet
Isai
dtot
hegi
rl
Her
:Asemahl
eBess
Me:
asi
nAmahl
eandDamonBess’
sdaught
er?
Her
:yes.
Me:
nice.I
’
m Yandi
swaGxaba
Shenodded
Her
:Iknow.
Si
ya:
howcomey
ounev
ersai
dthatt
omewhen
wemet
Me:becauseyourpar
ent
smaybethei
shbut
Asemahle’
srunthi
sworl
ddude.
Tom:
mahnshegoty
ou!
Si
ya:
youcl
ear
lydon’
tknowwhoIam
Me:youareSi
yabongaNkohl
a,sonofSi
yanda
andZuki
saNkohla.NephewofSi
busi
soNdaba
andSageNdaba.Comeondudedon’ttr
ip
Her
:howdoy
ouguy
sknoweachot
her
?
Me:
hewasthef
ir
stguywhoev
ermackedon
meatDUT
Tom:
youmackedonher
?
Si
ya:
li
es!
At
hi:
it’
str
ue.Hej
ustcoul
dn’
thel
phi
msel
f
Her:
yourmom wouldbesodisappoi
nted.So
youtwonev
erdidanyt
hing?
Si
ya:
Igoti
ntoherpant
s
Me:
hemeanshe’
sst
il
ltr
yingt
o
Her
:what
’st
hedeal
?
Si
hle:wel
lmyfri
endoverher
ehasarule.She
doesn’
tdoguysfr
om hercampusbecauseit
wil
lcauseawkwardv
ibes
Her
:whyar
eyoul
i
kemyt
win?Hehast
hesame
r
ule
Si
ya:
yourtwi
n’
srul
esarescr
ewedupthou!
Wher
ewill
hemeetgir
lsi
fnotoncampus?
Her
:cl
ubsandot
herf
unct
ionsout
sideHowar
d
Tom:
heandYandi
needt
omeet
Tom,Si
hleandIwereinthesameclassand
thenAt
hiandSiyawereourseni
orsdoingthe
samecoursebutbecausewestoner
swe
becamefri
ends.Weallmetthi
syearbutyou
wouldswearI’veknownt hem forav erylong
ti
me.Tom sitsinfrontofSihleandIincl ass
andhejusthappenedt olikemeandmyar tand
Sihl
e,wemetonourf ir
stdayofschool during
breakti
me;hewassi t
ti
ngal oneandIf eltpity
forhi
m andsoIwentt otalktohim andwe’ ve
beenfri
endssince.ImetAt hiandSiy aonmy
fi
rstdayofschoolafterschoolwhenIwas
waiti
ngforthegir
lsbyt hegate.
At
hi:
thatboywi
lldi
eyoung.Sur
elyMamaBess
i
snothappywit
hhisli
fest
yle
Me:okokokenoughaboutyourbrot
her
.I’
mthe
bi
rt
hdaygi
rlher
e,y
a’l
lshoul
dbet al
ki
ngabout
me
Theyall l
aughedatme.Honest lyIwasj ustsi
ck
ofhearingaboutthisBessbrotherIknow
nothingabout.Wellact
uall
yit’
snott hatIdon’t
knowt heguybutt her
e’sl
it
eral
lynot hi
ngabout
him onsocialmediaandI’v
enev erseenthe
guy’spictur
esever.ImeantheBessesar ein
thespotli
ghtbutt
hei
rkidsaren’
t,Ihav
e
Asemahl eonmyFacebookbutIdi dn’
tthi
nk
thatshewasDamon’ sdaughterandit
’smyfir
st
ti
meseei ngherupclosesoyouunderstand
whyi twasashockmeet i
ngher.ImeanMi ss
Besswasatmypar t
y!
Sihl
e:t
hat
’st
heYandi
Iknow.At
tent
ionseeker
forday
s
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
comel
et’
sgodance.I
’
m hi
ghnow
At
hi:
sincewhenar
eyoual
i
ghtwei
ght
?
Me:sinceI
’
m dr
inki
ngandI
’
m onmyt
hir
dbot
tl
e
al
ready
Ipul
l
edSi
hle
Hi
m:nahgowi
thoutmemat
e
Her
:I’
l
lgowi
thy
ou
Me:
yougetawesomebyt
hemi
nut
e
Wewentt
othedancef
loorandwest
art
ed
dancing,shewasagooddancershocki ng
enough.Wewer et
hosegir
lsonthedancefl
oor
,
peoplehadt heirey
esonus.IthinksheandI
wil
l begoodf r
iendsift
hiswashowshewas
outsidecampus.Whenwewer et i
redwewent
tothebart odosomeshor ts.I
twasmy18t h
bir
thdaymeani ngIwasal l
owed.
“
Mel
odyIt
hinkt
hat
’senough”
Itur
nedt olookatt hepersontalkingandgood
Godhewasf lames.Hehadsuperdar khai r
,
smalleyesormydr unkey eswer edeceivingme
butthi
sguywasf lames.Hewaswear inga
l
eatherjacket,whi
tet -
shi
rt,bl
ackj oggersand
whitesneakers.Icouldn’
tseehim pr oper l
y
becausehewasst andingont heot hersideof
Asemahl eandhehadshadeson.Whot hehell
putsshadesoni nsideahouseatni ght?
Her
:Der
ri
ckI
’
m ol
denough
Hi
m: t
henstopbehavingl
ikeyounot
.Thi
s
massi
vedri
nkingneedstostop
Her
:I’
m sorr
ymybr ot
heri
sthi
srude.Yandi
swa
meetDerr
ickBess
Me:
hi
Iwav edmyhand.Hedidn’
trespond,
hej
ust
focusedonhi
ssisterwhowassuperdunk
Hi
m:l
et’
sgohome
Her
:wedi
dn’
tcomeher
etoget
herMel
o
Him:ei
thery
ougetupatfreewi
ll
orIpi
ckyouup
andputyouonmyshoulderandwal
koutwit
h
you
Me:
canIsaysomet
hing?
Icouldfeel
hisey
espier
ceonmyski nbehi
nd
thoseshadeshewaswearing.Ther
ewas
somet hi
ngint
imi
dat
ingabouthim.
Hi
m:t
alk
Me:Icantakey
oursi
sterupi
ntomyr
oom unt
il
shesober
sup
Her
:yes.Yandi
swawi
l
llookaf
terme
Hi
m:she’
sasdr
unkasy
ou
Her:y
es,
butt
hisi
sthei
rpl
acesoI
’
m saf
e.Ri
ght
Yandi
?
Inodded.Hel
ookedatmef
orawhi
l
e
Hi
m:i
fanyt
hinghappenst
oherIwon’
thesi
tat
e
t
ohur
tyou!
Inoddedcreepedout
.Whatwast hi
sguy’
sdeal
anyway?Iwassuddenlysoberandnothi
gh
anymore.
Me:
let
’sgochi
l
lout
side,
itshoti
nher
e
Her
:I’
m sor
ryonbehal
fofmybr
other
.Hecan
beanassatti
mes
Me:
it’
snobi
gdeal
Her
:don’
tlethi
mint
imi
dat
eyou.He’
sasof
ti
e
-
yeahr
ightasi
fIbuyt
hatshi
i
it-
Me:
sur
ehei
s.Let
’sj
ustgo
Wewal
kedoutt
otheguy
swewer
ewi
thbef
ore.
Si
hle:
buddyor
gani
seussomemeat
Me:
ther
e’st
hebr
aai
overt
her
emat
e
Ase:guesswhoj
ustmett
heMi
ght
yDer
ri
ck
Bess
At
hi:
noway
?You?
Hepoi
ntedatme.
Si
ya:
and?
Me:
he’
ster
ri
fyi
ng!
Theyal
ll
aughedatme
Si
ya:
that
’scausey
oudr
unkandhi
gh
Me:
Ithi
nkI
’
m sobernow
Theyall crackedupinlaughter
.Truststoner
sto
l
aughatev er
ythi
ng.Wespokef orawhi l
ebefor
e
meget tingupt ogogett hem t
hismeatt hey
askedf or.Igot2f ul
lpl
atesandtookthem to
wher ewewer eseatedandweal ldugin,mahn
themeatwaswel ldoneandittastedgoodtoo.
Afterchill
ingwi t
hmyni ggasIwenttofindmy
besti
eandIfoundhermakingoutwithsome
random guyf
rom school
,tr
ustLedi
tomakethe
mostofaparty.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
19]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
2-
Mel
o
Seeingt hatIwasn’ twi nningwit
hmysi sterwho
dri
nkst othepointofnor eturn,
Idecidedt ostay
atthispar ty.I
twasn’ tmyscenebutIwas
enjoyingmy sel
f.Theseki dssureknewhowt o
throwapar ty.Mysi sterwaschi l
lingwithSiya,
Athi,Yandiswaandagr oupofot herguysIdid
notknow, theyhadocur pipeinthemi ddleand
theyal sohaddr inks.Yandi swawasbeaut i
fulno
doubt ,ther ewasj ustsomet hingabouthert hat
madey ouwantt oknowherbutt her ewasal so
somet hingchi l
dishaboutherandIdon’ tdoki ds.
Iam Mel okuhleDer r
ickBess, sonofAmahl e
Ngesi BessandDamonBess.Iam t urning20
thisDecemberandl etmet akey out hrought he
l
ifeoft hegr eatAmahl eandDamonBess’ sson.
It
’snotaspr ettyasitl ooksy ouknowbutwe
deal any way .Iam al awst udentatUKZN
Howar d, thesamepl acewher emyf ather
studiedhi slawandobt ainedhi sdegr ee.Ididn’t
studyl awbecauseIwant edt obutbei ngt he
onlyboyamongstgi rls,Ihadnochoi cebecause
whoel sei sgoingt or unBESSwhenmyf ather
dies?Thesur nameBesscomeswi thdozensof
bur denssucht hatonmyI nstagram Iam
Mel okuhl eNgesi t
oav oidanymedi a
i
nt eractions.Mysi st
erwasnotal way saheav y
drinker ;shebecamet hisper sonaf terwel ost
ourgr andmot herBomi toat ragicdeat h.She
andgr andpaDani eldiedi nacarcr ashont heir
wayt oMt hathaaf terIyana’sbir
thdaydinner ,
theydiedont hespotandt hingshav en’
tbeen
thesamef ormemysi blingseversince.Mom
didn’
ttakei twel l
butt henwhocoul dbl ameher ?
Shelockedher selfupunt ilt
hefuneral.Itwas
verybadwi tnessinghergot hrought hat.The
restofmyl ifey ouwi l
lhearast i
megoesby .I
wentinsidet ochi l
lbyt hebarandmi nuteslater
Iwasj oi
nedbyanol df ri
end,Bonke.
Hi
m:heybuddy
Me:
heywhat
’sup?
Hi
m: Ishoul
dbeaski
ngyout
hat
.Yout
heone
wear
ingshadesi
ndoors
Me:
thesonofDamonBessneedst
okeepa
l
owprof
il
eatal
lti
mes
Hi
m:yourl
owpr of
il
ewil
lbet
her
easony
oudi
e
si
ngl
eandaloneasshol
e
Me:
hahahahow’
stheMr
s?
Hi
m:she’
sgr
eatact
ual
l
y.Annoy
ingatt
imesbut
great
.Whenisthemight
yMel
oget
ti
ngi
ntoa
seri
ousr
elat
ionshi
p?
Me:nowIknowyoudrunkwheny
oust
art
aski
ngmeshii
tli
ket
hat
Hechuckl
ed.
Hi
m:whati
sitwi
thy
ouandr
elat
ionshi
ps?
Me:l
ookattheli
feyoul
i
vingandtel
lmethat
your
eal
lyhappywit
hthewaythi
ngsare
BonkeandAnitahavebeentogetherforayear
nowandhehasnotoncehi tit
,IsayAnitahas
i
ssuesbutmyf ri
endher
eloveshert hewayshe
i
sandf unnyenough;
hehasnev ernotonce
cheat
edonher .
Hi
m:I
’
m happy
.I’
m wi
tht
hegi
rlofmydr
eams
Me:
andsex?
Hi
m:sexi
snott
hati
mpor
tanti
nar
elat
ionshi
p
Me:youonl
ysayi
ngthatbecausey
ounot
get
ti
ngany.Anywaythi
ngsareworki
ngf
ory
ou
t
hewaytheyar
ebuddy
,lett
hem wor
kformeas
t
heyar
e
Hi
m:Ir
estmycase.
Il
aughedathi m asher aisedhishandsupasa
si
gnofdef eat.Thisguywasr ar
et ofind;Ihope
Anit
aknewhowl uckyshewast ohav ehim.
BonkeandImetatacl ublastyearandwe’ ve
beenfri
endssi nce.Ili
ket okeepmyci r
clesmal l
meaningt hatIhav eaf ewf r
iendsandIdon’ tdo
soci
alnetwor ks, wellIhav eInstagram andmy
accountispr i
v at
e.Hav i
ngseenwhat ,
themedi a
hasputmypar entsthrough, Idecidedt oli
mi t
mycont actwi ththewor l
d.Myonl yrealfr
iends
arethepeopl eIgr ewupwi th;SiyabongaNkohl a,
LucasBess( mycousi nandpar tnerincr i
me)
andmysi bl i
ngsandot hercousi ns.Whi l
ewe
weredrinkingandt al
kingAni tacamet ous, well
herboyfri
end.
Her
:heybaby
Sheki
ssedhi
m onhi
scheek.Andt
henwav
ed
herhandatmeandIwav
edmi
neback
Hi
m:Melothi
sismygi
rl
fr
iendAni
ta;
Nit
athi
sis
Mel
okuhl
e
Her
:ni
cet
ofi
nal
l
ymeety
ouMel
okuhl
e
Shesai
dpul
l
ingherhandoutandIshooki
t
Me:
cal
lmeMel
o.Ev
ery
onedoes
Shesmi l
ed.Ani t
awasadar kbeauty,fl
awl ess
skinandal l.Shewasast rai
ghtup10andIdi d
notev enneedal coholi
nmysy stem tonot ice
that.Theylookedhappy ,f
orasplitsecondI
actuallywant edwhattheyhadtogetherbut
thenagai nitdisappear
edwheni ir
emi nded
my selfofthet hi
ngshewasn’tgetti
ngi nthe
rel
ationship.
Hi
m:what
’supbabe?
Her:Icametot
ell
youthatIam of
ftobed.
Theseheel
sareki
ll
ingme
Me:whydoyougirl
swearthoseany
way
s?I
meanthi
sisyourhouser
ight
?
Shenodded
Me:
whynotpar
tyi
nsneaker
sorsomet
hing
BKl
aughedandsodi
dshe
Her:t
heaimistolookgoodatal
lti
mes.I
n
schoolmygi
rlsandIhavearepandwewoul
d
l
iketomaint
ainitatal
lti
mes
Me:
gir
ls
Her:l
ookaty
ou.Youi
ndoor
sandy
ouwear
ing
shades
Hi
m:that
’sbecauset
hemightDer
ri
ckBess
want
sto…uhhm what’
sthewordagai
n?Keepa
l
owprofi
l
e
Her
:youMel
okuhl
eDer
ri
ckBess?
Me:
yousoundsur
pri
sed?
Her
:Iam act
ual
l
y.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Me:
Idon’
tunder
stand
Her
:yout
hatguy
Shecl
ickedherf
inger
str
yingt
othi
nkofawor
d
touse
Me:
richguy
?
Her
: notthewordIwaslookingforbuti
tal
so
works.Youthekindofguythatatt
endsser
ious
par
tiesandisal
way si
ntheVI Psecti
on
Me:Ihav
enoideawher
eyougoty
our
i
nfor
mation
Her
:Idon’
tmeanitl
i
kethatbutIhopey
ouget
mypoint
.Thi
sisahousepart
y
Hi
m:hahahahashehasy
oucor
ner
edbr
o
Ichuckled.Thisgi
rlwastoohippy
,inagood
way .Shelookedal
linnocentandwit
houtsi
n,I
didn’tunderst
andhowherandYandi swawere
evenf ri
ends.
Me: BKher
einvi
tedmet ocomeov erandI
fi
guredwhynot?!Iactual
lypr
ef erhousepart
ies
overcl
ubsbecauseathousepar ti
es’gi
rl
saren’
t
tr
yingsohardt
ogetl aidortr
yingt ogetni
ggas
buyt
hem al
cohol
Her
:wow.
Myv
ibr
atedi
nmypocket
.
Me:nott
ober udebutpointmetot
he
bat
hroom pl
ease,Ineedsomewher
equi
et
Justt
henthisYandi
swachi
ckappear
edand
camestr
aighttoAni
taf
oll
owedbymysist
er.
Her
:honeybubucanIhav
emyr
oom keypl
ease
Ani
tagav
eitt
oher
Ni
ta:
Yandi
pleaset
akeMel
otoaqui
eterpl
ace
Shelookedatmef r
om headtotoebefor e
respondingIcouldf ol
l
owt hem.Mysisterwas
supersloshed,shewasbl abbingandsay i
ng
thi
ngst hatmadenosenseatal l
.Yandiswawas
quietthi
swholet ime.Wegott othi
sroom and
sheopenedt hedoorandl edmysi st
ert obed.
Ther oom waspr ett
yactuall
ywithmirr
orcloset
.
Her
:wel
lthebat
hroom i
sov
ert
her
e
Shepoint
edatabr owndoor,
Ithankedherand
wentinsi
de.Myphonehadstoppedr i
ngi
ngby
theti
me.Itrangagai
nandItookit
.itwasmom
whichonlymademewor ry
/
/Me:
Boobi
e
Her
:honeywher
ear
eyou?
Me:
atapar
ty.What
’sup?
Her
:it
’sy
oursi
ster
.She’
satt
hehospi
tal
Me:whatdoyoumean?Mom whatar
eyou
t
alki
ngabout
?
Iyanaisengagedtothisguyshewentt oschool
withandshei s4mont hspregnant,shewor ks
atmom’ scompanyandshel ovesitthere.Her
futur
ehusbandi sanengineer.Iwashopi ngand
prayi
ngt hatmysist
erandherbabywer eok.
Thisisthelastt
hingthefamilyneeds.
Her:honeypleasejustcomet ot
hehospital
and
comewi thyoursist
erifyoucan.I
’vebeentr
ying
tocallherbutshehasn’tbeenansweri
ngher
phone
Me:
onmywaymom/
/
Iwaswor ri
edaboutI ya.Whenshewas18, we
l
ear ntthathermot herdi edwhi l
egi v i
ngbi r
thto
herandt hathermot hersor tofki ndofr aped
ourf ather .Shedi dn’
ttakei tsowel lshamebut
sher ecov eredwi t
ht i
meandt herightguyi nher
l
ife.Itdidki ndofputadentonherr elati
onship
withourpar entsbutev ent uallythingswor ked
outf ort hebet terbecausemom l ov edher
regardlessofhowshecameabout .Hav ing
hear dwhatmom anddadhav ebeent hrough
together , i
t’
st hereasonIf i
gur edr elationships
wer en’
tf orme.Mysur namei sabl essinganda
curse,itcar ri
esal otoff ri
endsandal otof
enemi est ooandIwoul dn’twantt oputany one
throught hat ,
henceIkeepal owpr ofil
eandst ay
awayf r om r elati
onships.Iwashedmyf aceand
thenwal kedoutoft hebat hroom.Yandi swa
wassi ttingont opoft hebed.
Her
:ev
ery
thi
ngok?
Me:
yeah.Ihav
etogo
Her
:yousur
eev
ery
thi
ng’
sok?
Me:j
ustlookaft
ermysist
erpl
ease.I
’
llcome
f
etchherinthemor
ning
Her
:rudemuch
Shesaidroll
ingherey esandopeni
ngthedoor
formeandt henshel ockedaft
erme.Ilefther
upstai
rsandr ushedtomycaranddr oveoffto
thehospit
al.WhenIgott heremom,dadand
Kungawower einthewaiti
ngroom l
ookingall
rest
less.
Me:
wher
e’sI
yana?i
sthebabyok?
Dad:wher
e’syoursi
ster?Idon’
tknow.It
ri
ed
cal
li
ngherbutIcoul
dn’treachher
Mom gotupt
ohugme.
Her
:you’
vebeendr
inki
ng
Me:
oneort
wobeer
s
Her
:youcoul
dhav
ebeenar
rest
edMel
okuhl
e!
-
her
ecomest
roubl
e-
Dad:
we’
l
ltal
kaboutt
hisathome
Me:
I’
m sl
eepi
ngatmyapar
tmentdad
Hi
m:don’
ttestmeDer
ri
ck
Dadonlyevercall
edmeDer r
ickwhenhewas
madwhi l
emom cal l
edmeMel okuhl
eand
spokeinXhosawhenshewasmad.Idi dn’t
underst
andwhyt heywerebei ngsodr amatic
becauseImadeher eal
ive.Iknewbet terthanto
arguesoIjustkeptqui
etandsatnextt oNgawo
Me:
she’
sgoi
ngt
obeok
Hi
m:t
hanks
Justt
henadoct
orwal
kedupt
ous.
Him:uhhm hel
loevery
one.Iam doct
orMishka.
Ihavej
ustsedatedyourdaught
erMrBess;she
shoul
dwakeupf i
ne
Me:
andt
hebaby
?
Hi
m:I
’
m sosor
ry.Thebabydi
dn’
tmakei
t
Dad:
whatdoy
oumean?
Him:shel
ostal
otofbl
oodMrBess.Ther
ewas
nothi
ngwecoul
ddotosavet
hebaby
Me:butwhatcoul
dhav
ecausedhert
omi
scar
ry.
Idon’
tunder
stand
Him:i
tcoul
dhav ebeenst
ressorot
hert
hings
suchasstr
enuousacti
vi
ti
es…
Mom:butwecamef oracheck-upjustl
ast
weekandyoutoldust
hatevery
t hi
ngwas
nor
malandinplace
Him:I’
m sor
ryMr
sBessbutt
her
ewasr
eal
l
y
nothi
ngIcoul
ddo
Ngawo:
canIseeher
?
Hesai
dsof
tl
ywi
thhi
svoi
cebr
eaki
ng.
Dr
:she’
ssl
eepi
ng
Dadgav
etheguythatscaryl
ookofhist
hat
’s
al
mostcompel
li
ngandt hedoct
oradded
“
pleasecomet
hisway
”
Helef
twithNgawoandIwasl ef
twithmy
par
ents.Mom j
ustsatdownfeel
inghopel
ess
anddadwenttositnextt
ohertocomforther
.
Her:
theyweredoi
ngsowell
,thebabywas
heal
thyandsowasshe.Whatwentwrong
Damon?
Shesai dinbetweent ears.Youseemymom
oncehadami scarri
ageont hey earmyBess
grandparentsdiedandshedi dn’ ttakeitsowel l
,
sheneededt herapytogett hrought hehor rorso
forherdaught ertogot hroughwhatshewent
through;itwashear tbreaking.Mom hasl ost
wayt oomanypeopl einherl i
fe, shehasl ost
parents,grandparents,steppar ent,herinlaws,
herunbor nbaby ,herbestFr i
end- I
yana’smom
andherhi ghschool fri
endAl exwhodi edgi vi
ng
bir
thtoherbabyandt heybot hnev ermadei t
.
soy ouseewhatImeanwhenIsayshehasl ost
alotofpeopl e?!Iapplaudthatwomanbecause
shei
sver
yst
rong.
Dad:
Iwi
shIcoul
danswery
ouBoobi
e.Ir
eal
l
y
do
Her
:Iy
anai
snotst
rongenought
ohandl
ethi
s
Damon
Hi
m:shhhh.Wewi
l
lhel
phergett
hrought
hisok?
Iwasj ustsit
ti
ngtherenotknowi ngwhatt
odo
orsay .Ij
ustwantedmysi stertobeok,mom
wasn’ tl
yi
ngaboutI yananotbeabletohandl
e
this,
Iyanaisthesameper sonwhowasonce
diagnosedwi t
hdepr essi
onafterfi
ndi
ngout
aboutherr ealmothersothiswasgoingtosli
p
herrightbackint
ot hatdarkphaseofherl
if
e.
Me:
weneedt
obest
rongf
orhermom
Ibr
ushedherback.Shegotoutofdad’
sar
ms.
Her
:andwher
ethehel
li
sAsemahl
e!Dammi
t!
Icoul
dn’
tbustmyt wi
n;IknowIwaswr ongbut
shewasgoingtobeindeepshii
tiftheyknew
whereshewas.It
’snotthatt
heparentsdi
dn’
t
wantust opar tyorany thingbutt heywant edus
totakei tdownanot ch.Not hingt hatwoul d
tai
ntt hef ami l
ynameorembar rassanyoft hem.
Aftergr andmaandgr andpaHl athi’sdeat h,
Mel odywasoncedi agnosedwi thal cohol
poisoni ngandf r
om t hereonmom anddadt old
ust ol ayof foft hebooze.Mysi steront heot her
handi sther ebel l
i
ousone, butasmuchasshe
canber ebell
ious, shedoesn’ tdr i
nkonschool
days, shedr i
nksheav i
lydur i
nghol idays.Wesat
atthehospi t
al until
wewer ecer taint hatIyana
wasok, welldadsuggest edt hatwecomev isit
hert omor r
owmor ning.Whenwegothome
every onewast oodr ainedt oar gue- thankgod-
weal lheadedt oourr oomsandIwentt opack
upAsemahl ethingst ochangef ort omor r
ow.I
wasn’ tgoi ngt ogowi t
ht hepar ent st othe
hospi tal,Iwasgoi ngt omakeupal iesot hatI
cant akeMahl e’sthingst oherbef orewehead
tothehospi t
al.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
20]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
3
Iwokeupt omyphoner ingingnonestop,I
checkedthescr eenanddoct orGxaba’
spicture
showedup, Ilookedatthet i
meandi twas6am.
Isl
eptat4am becauseIwast oobusycleaning
wit
hmyf riendsandmaki ngsurethatevery
one
wasgone.Iwashesi t
antt oanswerbutI
answeredany way
//”happybi
rthdaytoyou….Happybir
thdayto
you.HappybirthdaydearYandi
swa.Happy
birt
hdaytoyou.Howol dareyounow?...how
oldareyounow?Howol dareyounow?How
oldareyounow? ..
.hi
p-hi
phooray.Hi
p-hip
hoor
ay.
”
Me:
I’
m 16agai
n.Mor
ningDrGxaba
Her
:heywhathappenedt
obei
ngcal
l
edmom
Me:
whenhav
eIev
ercal
l
edy
out
hat
?
Her:
whatev
er.Mor
ningt
oyout
oobaby
,how
ar
ey ou?
Me:
hungov
erandhowar
eyou?
Her:y
ouknowIdon’
twantt
hist
hingofy
ou
dr
inki
ng!
Me:
real
l
ymom wedoi
ngt
his?Now?
Her:
whenarey
oucomi
nghome.Iknowy
ou
donewr
it
ing
Me:
I’
ll
bebacknextmont
hont
he15mom.
Her
:NoYandiswaIneedyoubackhome.Ihav
e
aconf
erenceIneedt
oatt
end
Me:thenl
eav
ethekeyatAni
ta’
shome,
I’
ll
fet
ch
i
tthere
Her
:noYandi
swawhyar
eyoubei
ngl
i
ket
his
Me:mom it
’smybirt
hday
.Canwedot
his
anot
hert
imeplease/
/
Mom t ri
edcal li
ngmeagai nbutIjustswi t
ched
myphoneof fandwokeupt opee.Mel odyBess
overher ewasst il
lsl
eeping.WhenIgotoutof
thebathr oom Iwentdownst air
stocur emy
hangov er.Ibumpedi nt
oBonkecar r
ying2bowl s
ofcereal headingoutthekitcheninnot hingbut
bri
efs.Hewasshockedt oseemeasmuchasI
wasshockedt oseehimt oo.TheguywashotI
havetoadmi t.Hehadt hoseRugbypl ay er
bodies,butt henagai
nt hisguyplayedr ugby
backinschool atDal
ei nKingWi l
li
amsTown-
EasternCape.
Me:
wel
lmor
ning.
Hi
m:mor
ning
Helookedembarr
assedandIcoul
dn’
thol
d
backthel
aught
er.
Hi
m:Ishoul
dgo
Me:
notsof
ast
Ipushedhi
minsi
det
heki
tchen.
Hi
m:what
?
Me:
sohowwasi
t?
Hi
m:howwaswhat
?
Me:Iknowy
oubr
okeAni
ta’
svi
rgi
nit
y.Howwas
i
t?
Hi
m:wear
esonotdi
scussi
ngt
his
Me:I’
mjustcuri
ous.Myf r
iendhasbeenavi
rgi
n
herwhol
elif
eandt hensuddenlyy
ourockup
andyoubreakher,
Iwantdet ai
l
s.Howdidyou
convi
nceher?
Hi
m:Idi
dn’
tconv
inceher
,sheconv
incedme
Me:
mmmmhIsee.
Hi
m:canIgonow?
!
Me:
Youst
il
lhav
en’
tanswer
edonequest
ion.
Howwasi
t?Ihopey
oudi
dn’
tscr
ewherbr
ains
out
Hi
m: Imadel
ovetoher
.Rel
ax.I
twasgr
eat
,the
wai
twasworthi
t
Me:Bonkei
fyoudarebounceIwi
l
lmur
dery
ou
wi
thmyownbar ehands
Hi
m:geeez
Me:
BonkeI
’
m ser
ious.
Hi
m:Il
oveAni
ta.Rel
ax
Me: t
hathadbetterbetr
ueorelseIwi
l
lsaw
yourbal
lstoget
herwithoutev
enbli
nki
ng
Hi
m:I
’
m outofher
e.Youar
ecr
eepy
!
Withthathewalkedoutlaughi
ng.JustasIwas
abouttotakeoutcoldwaterfr
om thefr
idge
therewasaknockont hedoor.Idrankthepil
ls
i
nmyhandandwentt oanswerthedoor.Before
mest oodthemosthandsomeguyIhav eever
seeninDurban.Hiscolognesmell
edfamili
ar
though,hewaswearingshades…itthencli
cked.
Mel
okuhl
eBess…
Me:
its6am.Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Hi
m:ar
en’
twer
ude?
Me:
Ilear
nfr
om t
hebest
Isaidsar
casti
cal
ly
.Iwal
kedt
othecupboar
dto
takeoutcer
eal.
Hi
m:I
’
m sor
ryf
ormybehav
iourl
astni
ght
Me:
yeahwhat
ever
!
Iturnedwi thmybowl andfoundhi m standi
ng
socl oset omet haty oucouldact uall
yhearmy
hear tbeat.thist
imehehadt akenhisshades
off.Hehadhi sfather ’seyest hat
’sforsure,t
hey
wer eper f
ectlyshapedandhi spupi l
swere
brown.Hewaswear ingav estwhi chshowed
offhi statt
oosonhi sonear m andanot heron
thesi deofhi schest .Theoneont hearm was
ti
nybi rdsandIcoul dn’ttell
whatt heonehi dden
byt hev estwas.Hesmel ledsodamngood.He
wascar ryi
nganov ernightbag.Het ooksome
cereal
from mybowlandputi
tinhi
smout
hand
thenwalkedawayfr
om me.
Hi
m:y
ouhav
egoodt
ast
eincer
eal
Ij
ustl
ookedathim.Whywast hi
sguyso
i
nti
midat
ing?Andthisi
scomingfrom someone
who’
snoteveninti
midat
edbyherlect
uresor
mom.
Me:
yoursi
steri
sinmyr
oom sl
eepi
ng
Hi
m:t
hengowakeherup.Idon’
thav
eal
lday
Me: youmustt hi
nkI’
m oneofthedozen
serv
antsatt heBessmansionhuh?Youcame
foryoursister
;yougowakeherup!Ifthi
sis
howy ouspeakt oyourserv
antsatt
heBess
resi
dence, t
henIfeelsor
ryfort
hem.Youdon’t
deservethem!
Helookedatmei nshock.Iwasmadt hathe
wouldtreatastrangerl
ikethat.Onethingabout
meisIhat esnobs.Naledimay beonebutshe
hasrespect.Ipouredcoldmilkandthensat
down, hewassti
lll
ooki
ngatme.Ipr ef
ermy
mil
ocer eal
withcol
dmi l
k.Helookedatmeone
mor eti
mebeforewalki
ngout,bumpinginto
Naledionhiswayout.Shecamet omeal l
smilesandcheckedthecoastfi
rstbef
ore
tal
king.
Her
:whot
hehel
lwast
hat
?
Me:
mor
ningt
oyout
oo
Her:
mor ni
nghoneyboo.Nowwhowast
hat
yumminess?
Shesai
dtaki
ngaspoonf
ull
ofmycer
eal
Me:
gety
ourowni
diot
Her
:nowwhywoul
dIdot
hat
?Hei
shotbyt
he
way
Me:
thati
sMel
okuhl
eBess.He’
sanasshol
e!
Her
:justt
hewayy
oul
i
ket
hem buddy
Me:what
?HellnoIwouldneverbewit
hthat
guyi
nami l
l
ionyear
s.Iwouldrat
herdi
ethanbe
wi
thhi
m
Her
:yep.Youli
kehim.Sowhati
sMrBess
doi
nghere?Atourplace?
Me:
tof
etchhi
ssi
ster
.
Her
:lastni
ghtwasthatepi
chuh?Tobegr
aced
byt
heBesst wi
ns!Wow!
Me:y
ousur
eknowhowt
ohostapar
tymy
f
ri
end
Her
:we!
Me:
sowhodi
dyouwi
nlastni
ght
?
Her
:hahahahaIdon’
tki
ssandt
ell
.
Shesai
dimi
tat
ingzi
ppi
nghermout
h
Me:
youknowy
ouwantt
ospi
l
l.I
shest
il
li
nyour
r
oom?
Her:heleftagesagosweeti
e.I
twassomeri
ch
boywho’ sintownfort
heweekendandhe
wantstohav eagoodtime.Heevenof
fer
edto
sponsortonight’
sdi
nnerpar
ty
Me:
no.wenotdoi
ngt
hat
Her
:tool
ate.HebookedusinatI
CCArena.
He’
saguyhereonbusinessandIwon’
tever
hav
etoseehim agai
n
Me:
Idon’
tknowwhyIl
ovey
oubutdammi
t!
Sheki
ssedmycheek.
Her
:justsaythanky
ouandt
ell
meI
’
mthebest
t
hat’
sev erl
i
ved.
Shesaidwalki
ngtothecupboar
dtomake
her
selfsomethi
ngtoeat
Me:
sohowol
dist
hisone?
Her
:28
Me:
car
?
Her
:Por
sche
Me:
nice.Wat
ch?
Her
:Rol
exbaby
.
Me:
sowhat
?Ishey
ournewbl
esser
?
Her
:fort
heweekend.Mywor
dhi
scol
ogne!
Me:
sowher
eishef
rom?
Her:he’
sfr
om LA.Hewor
ksi
nmar
ket
ingf
ora
l
iv
ing,he’
salway
sonther
oad
Me:
Isee.
“
whatdoy
ousee?
”
Ani
tawalkedi
nwear
ingar
obewi
thsuper
messyhair
.
Me:
nothing.sohowwasl
astni
ght
?Ort
his
mor
ning?Orboth
Her
:whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Ledi
:noway
!Nof
li
ppi
ngway
!
Ni
ta:
whatar
eyouguy
stal
ki
ngabout
?
Ledi
:youhadsex
Ni
ta:
what
?
Ledi
:it
’spr
ett
yobv
ious.Di
dyouguy
susea
condom?
Idon’
tknowhowNal edidoesitbutevenwhenI
l
ostmyv i
rgi
nit
ysheknew, Idi
dn’thav
et osay
anyt
hing,
shejustknew
Ni
ta:
howdoy
ouknow?
Ledi
:Ij
ustknow.det
ail
s
Ni
ta:
youguy
snev
ert
oldmet
hataDwast
hat
bi
g
Me:
that
’sbecausewedi
dn’
tknowBonke’
swas.
Ledi
:thebi
ggert
hebet
terbaby
.
Ni
ta:
itwassopai
nful
andthecondom wasn’
t
maki
ngthi
ngsanybet
ter
Me:y
eahwel l
wit
ht i
mey ouguysar
egoingto
l
osethecondom anditwil
lbet
hebestever
Her
:nextt
ime?I
’
m nev
erhav
ingsexagai
n!
LediandIl
ookedateachot
herandl
aughedour
assesoff
.
Her
:what
?
Me:
honeyt
hat
’swhatweal
lsai
daf
terourf
ir
st
t
ime.
Ledi
:wheny
oudost opusingthecondom
pl
easegooncontr
acepti
ves.Thelastt
hingwe
needisy
oufal
l
ingpregnant
Ni
ta:
Itol
dyouguy
s,I
’
m nev
erdoi
ngi
tagai
n
Me:
buty
ouenj
oyedi
t?
Shesmi
l
edandcov
eredherf
acewi
thherhands.
Ledi
:damnrightshedi
d.Ourl
i
ttl
ebi
rdyhas
fi
nal
lyl
eftt
henest.Welcomet
oHoeVill
e
Me:
noNal
edi
.Shewon’
tendupl
i
key
ou!
Andjustaswewerelaughi
ngandchatt
ingupa
stor
m, Mel
okuhl
eBess’scol
ognefi
ll
edthe
room.Hewalkedinemptyhanded.
Hi
m:mor
ning’
s
Ni
ta:
didy
ousl
eepher
e?
Hi
m: nope,
Icamethi
smorningt
obr
ingmy
si
stersomecl
othest
ochange
Ni
ta:
aren’
tyout
hesweet
est
.Hav
eyoumetmy
f
ri
ends?Thi
sisNal
edi
andt
hisi
sYandi
swa
Ledismi
ledandwavedandhewavedback
whil
eIfi
nishedupmycereal
.Ni
tagav
emea
star
e
Me:
weal
readymet
Her
:Ihopey
oupl
ayedni
ce
Me:
y oushoul
dbedi
rect
ingt
hatt
ohi
m.He’
s
t
herudeone
Ist
oodupandwenttowashmybowl
int
hesi
nk,
hewasst
andi
ngintheway.
Me:
excuseme
Hemov
edasi
de.
Me:
thanks.
Ledi
:soMrBess,
anygi
rl
fr
iend?
Hi
m:hahahauhhm whydoy
ouask?
Ledi
:answermef
ir
standt
henI
’
llanswery
ou
Hi
m:Idon’
tdor
elat
ionshi
ps.
Icoul
dfeel
hisey
espi
ercer
ightt
hroughmy
ski
n.
Ledi
:why
?
Hi
m:answermef
ir
standt
henI
’
llanswery
ou
Ichuckl
ed.Wast
hisguyf
orr
eal
?
Ledi
:yougotme.I
’
mjustcur
ioust
hat
’sal
l
.Now
why?
Hi
m:t
heyar
eawast
eoft
ime
Ni
ta:f
unnyfory
out osaythatbecauset
hat
’s
whatYandi
swaalsobeli
eves
Hi
m:Isee
Me:Ineversai
dtheywereawast
eofti
me.I
onl
ysaiddati
ngorscrewi
ngoncampuswasa
wasteofti
me
Hi
m:soy
oudon’
thav
eaboy
fri
end?
Ledi
:she’
sassi
ngl
east
hewor
d.Herl
ast
boyf
ri
end
Me:
hedoesnotneedt
oknowaboutmy
per
sonal
li
fe!Thanky
ouv
erymuch
Ledi
:buti
t’
sani
nter
est
ingst
ory
.
Me:
Nal
edi
No
Ni
ta:
let
sdr
opi
tLedi
please
Ledi
:fi
ne!
Sher ol
ledhereyes.Walkedoutandwenttomy
room towash.If oundAsemahleget
ting
dressed,herdresswasjustpl
ainbeauti
ful
.Thi
s
gir
lhadst yl
eforday s
Me:
lov
ethedr
ess
Her:
thanks.I
twasabi
rt
hdaypr
esentf
rom my
br
other
Me:
hehasgr
eatt
ast
e
Shesmi
l
ed.
Me: ev
ery
thi
ngok?Youl
ookl
i
key
ou’
vebeen
cr
ying
Her
:mysi
sterhadami
scar
ri
age
Me:
Iam sosor
ry.
Her:
yepsoam.Thanksf
orl
ett
ingmecr
ash
her
e,you’
reacool
chi
ck
Me:
thanky
ou.I
’
mreal
l
ysor
ryabouty
oursi
ster
Shesmi
l
edandnodded.
Her
:what
’sy
ournumber
?
Ical
ledi
toutf
orherandshepunchedi
tinher
phone.
Her
:thanks
Me:
youwel
come.
Her
:thi
sDecemberisourbi
rt
hdayandI
’
dli
ke
f
oryoutocomethrough
Me:
uhhhm t
hanky
ou
Her
:you’
reacool
chi
ck
Me:
yout
oo.I
’
dlov
etocome.
Her:wel
lI’
l
ltexty
oual
lthedet
ail
swhen
ever
ythi
nghasbeenfi
nali
sedok?
Me:
yeahsur
e.Thanks
Her
:Ishoul
dgoanddealwi
thwhyIwas
unr
eachabl
elastni
ght
Me:
sor
ry
Her
:it
’scool
.Ismybr
otherst
il
lher
e?
Me:
int
heki
tchendownst
air
s
Her:
awesome.ByYandi
swaIhopet
oseey
ou
soon
Me:
I’
m sur
eyouwi
l
l
Withthatshewalkedoutwi t
hhert hi
ngsand
headeddownst ai
rs.Itookmycl othesoffand
wenttoshowerf i
rstbef or
emaki ngmybed.
WhenIwasdoneIbr ushedmyt eethanddidt he
necessarythenwalkedt omyr oom, st
il
lnaked.
Melokuhlewalkedinpr essi
nghisphone
Hi
m:Iam sosor
ry
Me:
knockmuch?
Iqui
ckl
ytur
nedar
oundcov
eri
ngmyasset
s.He
thr
ewat owelatmeandIbentdowntopi
ckit
up,st
il
lnotl
ookingathi
m.Iwrappedi
tar
ound
mybodyandt hentur
nedtol
ookathim
Hi
m:ni
ceassandboobs
Me:
whatdoy
ouwant
?
Hi
m:If
orgotmyshades.
Me:
taket
hem andl
eav
e
Hescannedmyroom andwentt
othedr
essi
ng
t
abl
eandt ookt
hem.
Him:youneednotbeashamedofy
ourbody
,it
s
perf
ect
Me:
getoutpl
ease
Hewalkedoutwi
thanaughtysmil
e.MrBess
hadaveryni
cesmil
e.Iwenttol
ockmydooras
soonashegotout
.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
20]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
4-
Mel
o
IfYandiswadoesnothav et hebestbonergivi
ng
body ,t
henIdon’ tknowwhodoes!She’ sanhour
glass,curvesandal l.Herboobsar ethemost
pretti
estboobsIhav eev erseen!Everyt
hing
aboutheri sjustbeaut i
ful.Iwouldl
ov etotap
thatthat’sforsure.Igoti ntothedr
iver’
sseatall
smi l
est hi
nkingaboutt hegoodshowIj usthad.
Onet hingIdidn’tli
keaboutYandi swawasher
atti
tude.Itreal
lystinks.Shewasannoy i
ngi na
notsocut ewayev en.Ist art
edthecar,Iwas
drivi
ngmom’ sAst onMar ti
nwhichshedi dn’
t
driveany moreany way .
Ase:
how’
dyougethert
obor
rowy
out
hekey
s?
Me:
she’
svul
ner
abl
esoshe’
l
ldoany
thi
ngt
oget
meoutofherhai
r
Her
:luckyy
ou.Fav
our
it
echi
l
d
Me:youknowthat
’snott
rue.Sowhat
’sy
ourl
i
e
goi
ngtobethi
stime?
Her:t
ell
herIwassl
eepi
ngov
erataf
ri
end’
s
houseandmyphonewasoff
Me:
yout
hinkt
heygoi
ngt
obuyi
t?
Her
:daddywi
l
l.Heal
way
sdoes
Me:al
cohol
ist
her
easondadconf
iscat
edy
our
key
sMelody
Her
:pl
easenotnowDer
ri
ck.
Me:
youneedt
oqui
tthi
sexcessi
vedr
inki
ng
Her
:Ionl
ydr
inkoccasi
onal
l
y,chi
l
l
Me: y
ouknowt heparentsdon’
twantyou
dri
nkingatal
landI’
m start
edtoagreewi
th
them.
Her:
whenhaveIev
erdoneany
thi
ngst
upi
d
whendr
unk?
Me:
sti
l
lAsemahl
e.Tonei
tdown
Her
:Imakenopr
omi
ses.
Iparkedthecarandwegotof fandwenti
nside
thehospital.WeaskedforIy
ana’swardandthe
nursetol
dus.Wewal kedinandshewasf aci
ng
theothersideandtheparentsandNgawower e
sit
ti
ngther enotknowingwhattodo.
Us:
mor
nings
Mom gav eAsemahl eadeathstar
e.Shewasi n
tr
oublethat’
sforsure.Asemahlewalkedov erto
whereIyanawasf acingandshehuggedherso
ti
ght.Thesetwower ethebestoffr
iends,funny
enoughwhent heywer eli
tt
let
heydidn’tget
al
ongf orasingl
ebitandnowt heyinseparable.
Ase:
sisI
’
m sosor
ry
Shesaidwit
ht ears.I
yajustcri
edinherar
ms.I t
wasnotanicev iew,seei
ngmybi gsist
erl
ike
that
.I’
veneverlostachil
dbutIseehowpai nful
i
tisandIhopeandpr aythatInev
ergothrough
t
hat
.
Mom:wewi
l
lgett
hrought
hist
oget
herasa
f
amil
y
ShebrushedI
yana’
sback.Weal
lsatt
her
ein
si
lence.
Me:
whenar
etheydi
schar
gingher
?
IaskedKungawo,
wewer
ebot
hst
andi
ngbyt
he
window
Him:thedoct
orsai
dprobablyt
omorrow.Hest
il
l
needstomakesurethatev
eryt
hingi
sfine
Me:
I’
mreal
l
ysor
rymahn
Him:Ij
ustwi
shIcoul
dtakeherpai
nawayy
ou
know
Me:
yeahIknowbecauset
hat
’sexact
lyhowI
f
eel
.
Hi
m: shewasfinewhenshewentt obed.No
cr
amps, nonot
hingandthensuddenl
yinthe
middl
eofthenightshewakesupcryi
ngand
t
her
e’sbl
oodont
hebed.Ij
ustdon’
tunder
stand
Idon’tknowhowtocomf
ortsomeone,
especial
lyaman!
Me:everyt
hinghappensforareasonbro.sur
e
wedon’tknowwhatt hatr
easonisbutGod
doesn’
ttakeandnotgivebackblessi
ngsthat
are10xmor e
Him:whygetussoexci
tedfort
hisblessi
ngif
hewasplanni
ngontaki
ngitawayfrom ushuh?
Hasn’
tshebeenthr
oughenoughalr
eady ?
Iwast onguetied.I’m notamanofmanywor ds,
neverbeenev ensoatt hi
smomentIdi dnot
knowhowt ocomf or thi
m andt ellhimi t’
sgoing
tobeok.IknowIwasonl y5whenmy
grandparentsdiedbutIsawwhati tdidtomy
mom, theirdeathandherunbor nchi ld’sdeath.
Notapr ettysi
ght,not hi
ngany oneev ersai
dt o
hermadeherf eelanybet ter
;Ithinkifshedi dn’
t
havemeandmysi bli
ngs,shepr obabl ywould
havenev ergottenthrought hepai n.The
dif
ferencebetweenherandI yanai sthatI
yana
doesn’thaveanykidsandt hev eryfi
rstoneshe
wassupposedt ohav eisthesameoneshe’ s
l
ost.Idon’tknowhowshe’ llgetthroughthis
becausenobodybutherunder standsherpain.I
tur
nedt olookatmysi st
erwhowasi nbedwi t
h
myt win.Dadwasgone, probabl ywentto
handlesomebusi nessorsomet hi
ng.
I
ya:
Iwantt
ogohome.Whenar
etheyr
eleasi
ng
me?
Mom:
tomor
rowbaby
I
ya:whyaretheykeepi
ngmeher
e?Thebabyi
s
gone,
shouldn’
tIbeall
owedt
ogohomenow?
Ngawo:theydoct
orsai
dheneedstomakesur
e
t
hateveryt
hingwasfi
newi
thyoubefor
e
r
eleasi
ngy ou
I
ya:
Ifeel
fine.Ij
ustwantt
ogohome
Ase:
justonemor
edayYanaandy
ou’
l
lbehome
I
ya:
Idon’
tseet
heneedf
ormet
obeher
ewhen
ther
e’snot
hingt
hatr
equir
esmet obehere.My
babyisgoneandheorsheisnev
ercoming
back
Asel
ookedatmom def
eat
ed.
Mom: y
ourwombst
il
lneedstobecl
eaned
honeyt
oavoi
danyi
nfect
ions.
I
ya:
thenwhatar
etheywai
ti
ngf
or?Mom pl
ease
Her
:okbaby
.I’
l
lgogety
ourdoct
or
Wit
hthatmom wal
kedoutandl
efti
swi
thI
ya.I
wentt
ositwher
emom wassitt
ing.
Me:
heyy
ou
Her
:hi
.
Me:
I’
m sor
ry
Her:pl
easeDerri
ck.Notyout
oo.I
’vehear
d
enoughofthosetolastmeet
erni
ty
Ikeptqui
etnotknowi
ngwhatt
osay
.
Her
:any
thi
ngnew?
Me:
li
ke?
Her
:Idon’
tknow.agi
rlorsomethi
ng.Any
thi
ng
t
hatwil
lgetmymindofthi
s.pl
ease
Ase:
Imadeaf
ri
endl
astni
ght
I
ya:
yeah?Wher
e?
Ase:
somehousepar
tyIwentt
owi
thSi
ya
I
ya:
don’
tletmom heary
ou
JustthenMr sBesswal kedi nfol
lowedby
I
y ana’
sdoct or .Mom wasbeaut if
ul,shewasl ike
fi
newi ne.Shehasn’ tagedonesi nglebitand
thiswomanwas42, shel ookedy oungerthan
peopleinthei r30’s.Dadwas46andheal so
hadn’taged, Iwi shedtoacqui r
etheirgenesof
notaging.Butt henagainl ookatmysi bli
ngs,
theydon’tlookadayov er20; Melodystil
llooks
16andI yanal ooks18, appar entl
yIlooked18
tooandI ’
mt ur ning20.
Hi
m:y
ou’
reawake
I
ya:
Iwantt
ogohome
Hi
m:Ican’
tdi
schar
gey
ouj
usty
et
I
ya:myf
iancétol
dmeev
ery
thi
ng.Whenwi
l
lmy
wombbecleaned?
Hi
m:y
ouar
eschedul
edf
ort
odayat4
I
ya:
andhowl
ongwi
l
lthatt
ake?
Hi
m:nott
hatl
ong
Her:
thenwhycan’
tyoudi
schar
gemet
oday
l
ater
Hi
m: becauseaft
ert
heprocessy
ouwi
l
lneed
l
otsofsleepandmedicat
ion
Her:andist
hismedi
cat
iononl
yav
ail
abl
eint
his
hospit
al?
Hi
m:wecanwr
it
eapr
escr
ipt
ionl
ett
erb…
Her:
thenwri
temeaprescr
ipt
ionlet
ter.Idon’
t
wanttohav
etospendanot
hernighthere
Thedrlookedatmom andshenoddedandwit
h
thathescri
bbl
edsomethi
ngonmysi st
er’
s
notepadandhewalkedout
.If
eltsor
ryfort
he
poorguy
.
Mom:y
ouwi
l
lneedt
otakei
teasyf
ort
henext
f
ewdays
Her
:ifyoumeanmetaki
ngl
eav
efr
om wor
k
t
heny oumustbej
oki
ng
Mom:I’
m notgoi
ngt
oar
guewi
thy
ouont
his
I
yana
Iy
a: mom Iwi
l
lgocr
azysi
tt
ingi
nmyapar
tment
alone
Mom:
whosai
dthat
’swher
eyougoi
ng?
!
I
ya:
what
?
Mom:youarecomi
nghomeandi
t’
snotopen
f
ordi
scussi
on.
TheMr shasspoken.Iyanasatther
eandsul ked.
Weal l
knewbet t
erthantoarguewiththattone,
shewasn’tl
oudbutherv oicewasfir
m and
author
ati
ve.Therewasnousef ighti
ngwithMr s
Besswhenshewasl i
ket hat
.Anursecamei n
andtoldusthatI
yananeededt owashandt hat
wemaycomeandseeheragai nafter8am.
Mom suggestedwegooutf orbr
eakfastbut
Ngawosaidhewasn’ tgoinganywhereandso
welethim be.Wewentt oGateway;itwasn’
tfar
fr
om thehospital
.Mom parkedhercarandwe
wenttospur,theygotusatablefor4because
dadwasonhi sway .AsemahleandIwer e
si
tti
ngoppositemom.
Mom:
wher
ewer
eyoul
astni
ght
?
Ase:
Iwasatasl
eepov
er.ThoughtIt
ext
edy
ou
Mom: t
henwhywasy ourphoneoff
?Don’
t
phonegetanswer
edatasleepover
?
Ase:mybat
ter
ywasf
lat
.Ionl
ychar
gedi
tthi
s
morni
ng
Mom: youmustthi
nkI
’m st
upidhuh.I
’
m not
yourf
atherwhom y
oucanflapthoset
inyl
ashes
andexpecthi
mtobeli
eveyou
Ase:
bu.
.
Mom:
IthoughtIt
oldy
out
oqui
tal
cohol
ory
ou
mov
ebackhome
Ase:
what
?Youcan’
tdot
hat
Mom: youforgett
hatyourfatherandIpayfor
ever
ythi
ngy ouownMel ody
.Iwar nedyouwhat
wouldhappenifyoudi
dn’tstop.Wasn’tbei
ng
hospi
tal
isedenough?
Asemahl
eattemptedt
ogetupbutmom hel
d
herar
m andpull
edherbackt
oherseat
.
Mom: t
rythatagai
nandIwi
l
lsl
apt
heday
li
ght
s
outofyou
Justthendadjoinedus.–t
hankgod-normallyI
wouldstickupformyt wi
nbutnotthi
stime
around,MrsBesswasnott obemessedwi th.
Mom i snotst
ri
ctbutwheny oudi
srespecther,
sheshowsy ouflames.
Dad:
what
’sgoi
ngonher
e?
Heki
ssedhi
swi
fe’
scheek
Mom: y
ourdaught
erwasoutdr i
nki
nglastni
ght
.
That
’swhywecouldn’
treachherandher
br
otherknowswher
eshewas.
Idon’
tknowhowsheknewt
hat
Dad:
Mel
odyi
sthatt
rue?
Shelookeddown.Awaitercamet
otakeour
order
sandhewal kedaway.
Dad:seei
ngthaty
oucl
earl
ydon’tli
stentous,
youmov i
ngbackhomeunti
lyoulearntoli
sten
andobey.
Shedi
dn’
tar
gue,
shej
ustnoddedherhead.
Mom:
andunt
ilIseechange,
yourpar
tyi
sof
f!
Me:
what
?Mom y
oucan’
tdot
hat
!
Mom: may bei
twill
teachyoutel
lthetr
uthatall
ti
mes.Wenotst upi
d,weraisedyou.Weknow
all
y ourtr
icks,
howy oualwayscoverupforyour
twin.Youdi dt
hatevenwheny ouwerekids
Mel okuhl
e
Me:
mom pl
ease.I
’
m sor
ry
Shekeptqui
etandwentt
hroughherphone.
Me:
dad?
Hi
m:Ient
ernowher
e!
Justaswewer esi tt
ingli
ket hati
nsilencewith
onlyourparentsconv er
sing,Yandiswawalked
i
nwi t
hal adysl i
ghtlyolderthanherandt hey
l
ookedal i
ket oo.IfI’
m correct,i
t’
shermot her,
shelookedy oungt hou.Shewaswear i
nghigh-
ri
seskinnyjeanswi t
hanov ersi
zedcroptop,
shelookedpr ett
yi nitandherhai rwasuntied.I
watchedhermakeherwayt oatablewiththi
s
womanwat chedt hem taket hei
rseats.Thisgir
l
wasnotoutoft hi
swor l
dbeaut if
ulbutshewas
hel
labeautiful.
Mom:
Mel
okuhl
e
Shesai
dsnappi
ngherf
inger
sinf
rontofme
Me:
Ma
Her
:whatar
eyoul
ooki
ngatany
way
?
Shet
ri
edt
otur
nbutshecoul
dn’
tseewhoIwas
l
ooki
ngat
.
Me:
not
hingmom.Youwer
esay
ing?
Dad:nextweekI
’m goi
ngt
oasemi
nari
nJobur
g.
I
nter
estedincoming?
Me:
doIhav
eachoi
ce?
Mom: r
eal
ly
?Itwil
lbegoodfory
ou,
plusy
our
f
atheri
stheguestofhonour
Me:thent
her
e’snor
easonf
ormetogo,hecan
t
ell
menowwhathewi l
lbesay
ingt
her
e
Mom: hahahaver
yfunnySphen.Youar egoi
ng
any
way ,i
twil
lbeagreatopportuni
tyfor
l
earni
ngandy oucaninv
iteyourfri
ends
Me:
whyi
sn’
tithel
dher
e?
Dad:becauseal
ltheri
ghtpl
acesher
ewerefull
y
booked.Thenextonewil
lbehel
dherenexty
ear
though
Me:
Isee.
Ase:sowher
ear
eyouguy
sgoi
ngf
orhol
i
day
s
thi
syear
Dad:
weasawholef
amil
yar
egoi
ngt
o
wher
every
ouguy
swantust
ogo
Ase:
Iwantt
ogot
oNewOr
leans.
Mom:that
’swher
ewewentf orourhoneymoon
whenIwassti
l
lpregnantwi
thyouguys
Ase:andisitasawesomeasTheOr
igi
nal
s
pai
ntsitouttobe?
Mom: y
es,butvampir
es,
wer
ewol
vesand
wi
tchesdon’
texist
Weal
ll
aughed
Ase:I
’m notakidmom.Iknowthatthose
thi
ngsdon’texi
st.Imeantt
hef
esti
valsthey
host,
aretheyreal?
Dad:
yes,t
heyar
eandt heyar
ev er
yni
ce.I
t’
sa
gr
eatpl
acetobein.Melowhatdoyousay
?
Me:
Iwantt
ogot
oAmst
erdam.
Dad:
hahahasowhat
?Youcangethi
ghf
reel
y?
Me:
no.Ij
ustf
indt
hepl
acepr
ett
ythat
’sal
l
Mom: i
ttr
ulyi
sabeaut
if
ulpl
acewi
thi
tsmany
pl
acestoseeandal
l
Dad:
we’llv
oteoni
twhent
hewhol
efami
l
yis
t
ogether
Onet hingIlikeaboutmyf amilyist hatwedon’ t
dwel lonsomet hi ng, yougetmadandy ouget
ov eritbecausenoonebegsy ou, every one’sli
fe
cont i
nueswhet hery oumadornotsoi t
sbest
youst oppout i
ngandj oini
nont hef un.Yousee
myf ami lyhasthi st hi
ngwenor mal l
ydoev ery
December ,wepi ckahol i
daydest inationandgo
spendt hehol i
day st hereandcomebackaf ew
day sbef or
eChr istmasbecauset hat’saf amily
hol i
dayandIt imet obewi thlovedonesand
thenaf terChri
st mast heyl
etusgowher everwe
want .It’salwaysbeenl i
kethatev ersi ncehigh
school .Appar ent l
yi t’
swhatusedt ohappen
wi ththem andt hei rparent
sbef orewewer e
bor ntheypassedi tont ous.Onl yweonl yever
travel toplacesar oundSout hAf ri
cawi thour
ownsav edupcashandal it
tl
ebi text rafrom
t
hem.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
20]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
5
Somymom r ockedupi nf rontofourdoor
step…Asusual …shedi dn’tsayshewascomi ng
orwhat soev er,
onmybi rthdaysheal waystakes
meout .Ithoughtthisthingofher swoul dhav e
endedwi t
hmest udyingi nDur banandal lbut
nope, DrGxabadoesn’ trolel i
kethat.OfcauseI
washappyt oseeherev ent houghwehada
sessiont hismor ni
ngbutst il
l,Imissedherand
she’smymummydear est .Wewentoutt o
GatewaySpurf orbreakf astandt hewai t
ressled
ust
oat
abl
efort
wo.
Me:
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Her
:thanky
oubaby
,younotsobady
our
sel
f
Me:
ohcomeondon’
tbel
i
ket
hat
Her:
youknowIdon’
tli
ket
hesecr
opt
opsy
ou
wear
Me:
butmom j
eancov
ersmybel
l
y.Chi
l
l
Her
:fi
ne.Doy
ouknowt
hatguyov
ert
her
e?
Me:
whatguy
?
Her:t
heonet
hat’
shadhi
sey
eony
out
he
minut
ewewalkedin
OkIwassuddenl yworri
ed.Imeanwhati fi
t’
s
myex, theidi
otthatbrokemyhear taf
terbei
ng
togetherfor4years.It
urnedaroundtosearch
forsomeoneIcoul drecogniseandIwasmetby
Melokuhle’sgaze,hequickl
ylookedawaywhen
hesawmeseehi m.
Me:
ohhi
m
Her
:he’
scut
e
Me:
wear
esonotdoi
ngt
his
Her
:what
?
Me:youmymot
herandI
’
m notgoi
ngt
o
di
scussboy
swi
thyou
Her
:doy
ouatl
eastknowhi
m?
Me:
yes.Hewal
kedi
nonmenakedt
his
mor
ning
Herj
awdr
opped
Me: relax.Wedidn’tdoany thing,heandIdon’t
evenknoweachot herwel l
.Imethi m atmy
partylastnightandhe’ sajerk.Thismor ni
nghe
camet ofetchhissisteratourplaceandhe
happenedt ohaveforgottenhi sshadesonmy
dressingt abl
e.Sorelax
Her:
I’
vet
oldy
oucount
lesst
imest
ogowi
tha
bi
gtowel
whenyougoshower
Me:
yeahbutIdon’
tdoi
tany
waybecauseI
bel
ievei
nthi
sthi
ngcal
l
edknocki
ngwhi
chhe
di
dn’tdo
Her:st
il
l.Whet
hert
heroom isyoursornot
,
al
way swrapatowelar
oundy ourbody
.You
neverknowwhatmighthappen
Me:I’
m notmaki
nganypr
omi
sesbutI
’
llt
ryi
t
out
.
Her
:Idon’
tknowwhosechi
l
dyouar
eshame
Ismi
l
ed.
Me:
youknowexact
lywho.
Her
:what
ever
.
Ourwaitr
essbr oughtouror
dersandwest
art
ed
eat
ing.Iexcusedmy sel
ftogopeeandwhenI
gottothelooImetAsemahl e
Her
:heyy
ou.Youcl
eanuppr
ett
ywel
l
Me:heyy
ou.Thanks,
justt
rynakeepupwi
th
you
Her
:sowhodi
dyoucomeher
ewi
th?
Me:
mymom.You?
Her
:thewhol
efami
l
yexceptmysi
ster
Me:
howi
sshe?
Her
:notgood.Thi
sist
aki
ngat
oll
onher
Me:Icanonl
yimagi
ne.Agai
nI’
m sor
ryf
ory
our
l
oss
Her:nobi
ggi
e.Sowher
ear
eyouandy
ourmom
si
tt
ing?
Me:
act
ual
l
ynott
oof
arf
rom y
ouguy
s
Her
:howdoy
ouknowwher
ewesi
tt
ing?
Me:
Isawy
ourbr
other
Her
:sot
hat
’swhohe’
sbeenl
ooki
ngat
.
Me:
uhhhm ok…Ineedt
opee
Her
:thi
sconv
ersat
ioni
snotov
erMi
ssy
What’
sthedeal
?WhywasMel okuhl
e“looki
ng”
atme?He’sal
readyseenmenaked,whatmore
doeshewant?Ididmythi
ngandthenwalked
outandAsemahl
ewasst
il
lther
elooki
ng
admiri
ngher
sel
fint
hemi
rror
Me:
youst
il
lher
e
Her:Iwaswait
ingfory
ouactual
l
y.You’
ve
caughtmybrother
’sat
tent
ion
Me: y
eahwel
lhe’
stheonet
hatwal
kedi
nonme
nakedso
Her
:wai
twhat
?When?
Meandmybi
gmout
h.It
houghtsheknew
Me:
Ithoughty
ouknew
Her
:Iwantdet
ail
s
Me:t
herearenodetai
l
s.Hej
ustsai
dIhav
ea
ni
cebody,ni
ceboobsandni
ceass
Her
:mmmmh…
Me:
what
?
Her
:not
hing.
Me:
right
.Let
’sgetoutofher
ebef
ore
somebodycomesl
ooki
ngf
oroneofus
Shel
aughed.Shewouldlookatmeandj
ust
l
augh.Iwaskindofannoyedr
eal
ly
.
Her
:comel
etmei
ntr
oducey
out
omypar
ent
s
Me:
noway
!
Her
:yes,
way
.Come
Shepul ledmyar m anddraggedmet othei
r
table.Melokuhle’
sstarewasmaki ngmev er
y
uncomf ortabl
e,itwasn’taper
veylookbutit
wast hatinti
midatingscaryl
ookthatsent
electri
cimpulsestomybody .
Her:mom, dadthi
sismyf
ri
endYandiswa
Gxaba.Yandithi
sismymotherAmahleandmy
dadDamonBess
Me:
nicet
omeety
ou
Ishookt
hei
rhands
Them:
nicet
omeety
ou.
Ama:
youdon’
thappent
ober
elat
edt
oDr
Babal
waGxaba?
Me:
she’
smymot
her
.Howdoy
ouknowher
?
Her
:wemetatmyf
ri
end’
sfuner
alandagai
nat
aconf
erence
Ase:
she’
sact
ual
l
yher
ewi
thhermom
Ama:
wher
ear
eyouguy
ssi
tt
ing?
Ipoint
edtoourtableandsheaskedher
husbandtogetouttogoandgr eetmymom.I
fol
lowedri
ghtbehindher.Thetwogr eet
edeach
otherl
iket
heyweret hebestoffr
iends.
Mom:
howar
eyou?
Ama:I
’
m good.Mygodi
t’
sbeenf
orev
er,
you
l
ookamazi
ng
Mom:
thanky
ou.Notaswel
lasy
out
hough
Ama:hahahadon’
tfl
att
erme.I
’
m wi
thmy
fami
l
yov ert
her
e
Mom:
final
l
y,Igett
omeett
heot
herBess’
s
Ama:
sadl
y,oneoft
hem i
sinhospi
tal
Mom:
whathappened?Whi
chone?
Ama:
Iyana.shehadami
scar
ri
age
Mom:
I’
m sosor
ry.Howi
sshe?
Ama:
notgood
Mom:
Icanonl
yimagi
ne.
Shegotupandt heywentt ot heBesst able.I
j
ustsatt hereandl oggedont oFacebook.I
cameacr ossapi ct
ur eofmyexandI , hehad
taggedourcl osestmut ual f
ri
ends.He
capti
onedi tsomet hinglike“i
t’sbeenagr eat4
yearsYands.Wi shingy oual l
thebestwi t
hy ou
fo….happybi rt
hdayYands”Idi dn’tevenf i
nish
readingthecapt i
on, Iwentstraighttot he
comment s;i
twaspost edabout30mi nagoand
alr
eadyi thadov era100l i
kesandabout10
comment s.Whatpi ssedmeof fthemostwas
him publicl
ydisplayingthatheandIwer eov er
onf l
i
ppingFacebook!Iwentt hroughmyphone
andcal l
edhisf r
iend/ r
oommat e,l
asttimeI
checkedt heguydi dn’thaveaphonesot heonl y
personIcoul
dreachhi
m onwashi
sfr
iend
Thato.
/
/That
o:heyYandi
Me:
hi.CanIspeakt
oZuko?
Hi
m:buddyi
sev
ery
thi
ngok?
Me:
pleasej
ustgi
veZukot
hephone
Hi
m:uhhm okhol
don.
Ihear
dabi
tofcommuni
cat
ionandt
hen“
hel
l
o”
Me:
Zukowhatt
hehel
l
?
Hi
m:Yandsohmygosh.Heyhowar
eyou?
Me:Inevert
houghty
ouwoul dst
oopthi
slow!
Ser
iousl
y?Apubli
cannouncementt
hatyoufr
ee
now
Him:uhhm YandsIdon’
tknowwhaty
out
alki
ng
about
Me:
thepi
ctur
eonFacebookdammi
t.Remov
eit
!
Hi
m:i
t’
sonmyFacebook,
Idon’
tseewher
ethe
bi
gdeal
is
Me:
itmaybeonyourFacebookbutIam i
nit
.
r
emovei
tZuko.
Hi
m:f
inewhat
ever
.//
Idroppedt hecall
.Iwassomad.What
wit
chcr aftwast his?Imeant hi
sguyt aggedour
mut ual f
ri
endsbecauseheknewi twoul dmake
i
tswayt omesomehow.Idon’ trecallhati
ng
anyoneasmuchasIhat edhim atthattime.I
want ednot hingtodowi thhim andsohel pme
godwhenwegett oMt hathaIam goingt o
showhi mj usthowgoodIam doi ngwi t
houthi
m.
Iwant edt ogohomebutmom wast oobusy
chattingupast or
m withMr sBess, t
rust
mot herstodosuch.Ical l
edmypar tnerincri
me,
Naledi .
/
/Her
:mi
ssmeal
ready
Me:
fri
endl
ogont
oyourFacebooknow
Her
:why
?What
’swr
ong?
Me:
itsZuko!Het
aggedy
oui
napi
ctur
e.
Her
:okholdonletmef i
ndmytab.Whatdidhe
dof
riend?Youl
i
t er
all
yspit
ti
ngf
ir
erightnow
Me:
goshhemakesmesomad!
Her
:hedi
dwhat
?Thatasshol
e
Judgi
ngbyherr
esponse,
shesawt
hepi
ctur
e
Her:whatanasshole!Iam goingtochophis
bal
lsofIswear!Aft
erev er
ythi
nghe’sputyou
thr
ough,hegoesondoest hi
s?!Ican’
tbel
i
eve
youeverdat
edt hi
sguy .
Me:
youandmebot
hfr
iend
Her:atl
easty ouneverhadsexwit
hhim sothat
countsforsomething.He’
sabit
terexfr
iend
don’
tlethim spoi
lyourday
Me:Ij
ustwi
shhecoul
dleav
emet
hehel
lal
one
Nal
edi
Her
:honeyBooIneedyoutojustbr
eat
he.Take
adeepbreat
hinandl
etitout
Idi
dast
oldandIcoul
dfeel
mysel
fget
ti
ngcal
m.
Me:
thanks
Her
:I’
m al
way
sher
e.Iwi
l
ldeal
wit
hhi
m don’
t
wor
ry
Me:nahf
ri
endleti
tsl
i
de,
Idon’
twanthi
mto
knowhegott
ome
Her:yeahwellheneedstoknowthathegotto
you.Whathedi di
schildi
shAF!Justenj
oyyour
breakfastwi
thmommydear estandwe’l
ltal
k
properwheny ougethomeok?
Me:ar
ghifonl
y…thatonei
sbusychat
ti
ngupa
st
orm wi
thMrsBess
Her:
Amahl
eBess?Howdot
heyknoweach
ot
her?
Me:t
heymetatamutualf
ri
end’
sfuner
aland
t
henagai
nataconf
erence
Her:ohwow.Doest hi
smeant
hatyouand
Melokuhlecan’
tdat
e?Seei
ngt
haty
ourmother
’s
ar
ef r
iends?
Me:eveni
ftheywer
en’
tfr
iends.It
oldy
ou,
the
guyi
sanass
Her
:per
fectf
ory
ou
Me:
scr
ewy
ou!
her
:Il
ovey
ouhoneyboo
Me:Idon’
t.by
enow,shej
ustr
emember
edshe
cameherewithme
Shel
aughed.
Her
:youcr
azy
.Enj
oyok
Me:
Ilov
eyouhoneyboo/
/
Mom:
somebodyhasaboy
fri
end
Shesai
dsmi
l
ingl
i
keshehadj
ustsav
edady
ing
pat
ient
.
Me:
no.Iwast
alki
ngt
oNal
edi
Her
:oh
Herexpr
essi
onsuddenl
ychanged.
Her
:thatchi
l
disbadnews
Me:
yout
heonet
hatmademebef
ri
endher
t
hou
Her
:whenyouguyswere5.Idi
dn’
tthi
nkshe
woul
dtur
noutli
kethi
s
Me:l
osingherf
athermadeherl
i
ket
hismom.
Don’
tjudge
Her:
whatever
.Uhhm canIset
tl
ethebi
l
lory
ou
st
il
lwantsomethi
ngelse?
Me:
youcanset
tl
ethebi
l
l,Il
ostmyappet
it
e
Her
:soy
oudon’
twantadoggybag?
Me:
nope
Her
:ok.
Shewavedherhandtoourwai
tressandt
hegir
l
cameoverandtookawayourpl
atesandsai
d
shewouldbr
ingthebi
ll
inabit
.
Her
:sowher
edoy
ouwantt
ogoshoppi
ng?
Me:
youcanal
way
str
ansf
ermet
hecash
Isai
dsmi
l
ing
Her:
nicet
ry.Wear
egoi
ngt
obondwhet
hery
ou
l
ikei
tornot
Me:Idon’
tmi
ndasl
ongasby5we’
l
lbedone
bondi
ng
Her
:what
?Why
?
Me:myfri
endsar
etaki
ngmeoutf
ormy
bi
rt
hday
Her
:oht
hat
’sni
ceoft
hem.Wher
e?
Me:
somecl
ub
Her:
don’tyougett
ir
edoft
hiswhol
ecl
ubbi
ng
busi
ness?
Me:
nope,
Idi
dn’
tgett
het
imet
odur
ingt
hey
ear
mom
Her
:wher
eisy
ourgr
andmot
herwhenIneedher
Me:
backi
nMt
hat
ha
Isai
dsmi
l
ing.
Her:
heh,di
dyouknowt
haty
ourSol
ethui
s
pr
egnant
Solet
huismycousi n,she’
st hosecousi
nsyou
havenoideahowy outwoar erel
atedbut
becauseyourparentssayy oucousinst
henyou
automati
cal
lybecomet heircousin
Me:
Idi
dnotknow
Her:pr
epar
eforaLi
feOri
ent
ati
onlect
uref
rom
yourgr
annywhenyougobackhome
Me:JesusChri
st!Whyshoul
dIhav
etosuf
fer
al
lbecauseshedoesn’
tknowhowtousea
condom
Her
:anddoy
ouknow?
Me:
I’
m st
il
lav
irgi
nBabes
Her
:wit
hthel
if
est
yley
oul
eadi
ng.Idon’
tbuy
t
hatonesi
ngl
ebit
Me:
Imaypar
ty,
dri
nkbutIam st
il
lav
irgi
nmom
Youguysneedtounderst
andthatI’
ml y
ingf
or
herowngood,t
helastthi
ngIneedisher
pi
ctur
ingmehavingsex….Notagoodi magefor
amothert
ohave.Ont hereal
though,Il
ostmy
virgi
nitylastSept emberhol i
day s.Mebei nga
virgi
nwast hereasonZukoandIev enbr okeup.
Heagr eedt oendingt hingsal lbecauseI
woul dn’tsleepwi thhim.Heexpect edmet o
l
osemyv irgini
tythispastApr i
l holi
daysbutI
hadot herpl ans.You’ l
lheart hest oryproper
witht i
me.Ohandt hewhol e“ r
ule”ofmi neof
notscr ewingpeopl eIgot oschool with,and
alsoIdonotdat epeopl eIgot ot hesame
campuswi thforobv iousreasons.Myl i
feplans
didnoti ncludemel osingmyv i
rgini
tybef or
eI
turned18butl i
fehasaf unnyway ,Ithi
nkI
mi ghtaswel lhoear oundt hi
sDecember .Blame
Zuko!
Her
:ify
ousayso
Me:
youdon’
tbel
i
eveme
Her
:it
’ski
ndofnoteasyt
o
Me:I
’myourdaught
er,
yousupposet
otakemy
wor
dfori
tmom
Her
:okf
ine.I
sthatwhyy
ouandZukobr
okeup?
Me:
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Her:youandyourex,di
dyouguy
sbr
eakup
becauseyou’
reavir
gin?
Inodded
Her
:whatanasshol
e!
Me:
languagemom
Wewer ewal
kingoutofSpurandheadedt o
Legitwhi
l
echattingaboutthi
swhol ethi
ng,I
wasuncomfortabletal
kingaboutthi
swi t
hmy
mom soIchangedt hetopictoheranythi
ngbut
meandshef el
l f
oritbecausewewer enow
tal
ki
ngaboutschool.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
20]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
6-
Mel
o
SoIwasr ight,thatishermom…Iseewher e
shegetsev erythi
ngf rom, hermom wasa
l
ookerandt heyl ookedl ikecopi esofeachot her
.
Talkaboutdoppel ganger s.Therewas
somethingmesmer izingaboutYandi swa,
somethingabouthert hatmadey oust are.I
didn’
twantt oknowher , Iwasn’ tev
eni nterested
i
nherbutIdi dwantt obangt heday l
i
ghtsoutof
herandt hatwasgoi ngt ohappenatourpar ty
onewayort heot her.Sur eMr sBesssai di twas
cancel
led…f ornow.ButIknowwhi chbut tons
tostr
okeonmymom.Mom boughtI y aand
Ngawobr eakf astandt henweheadedbackt o
thehospital,seeingt hatmysi st
erwasgoi ng
homet odayIdi dn’treal l
yseeneedt obet here.I
madeupsomel i
eandt henheadedoutt omeet
upwithAt hi andSi ya, Ineededsomesani ty.
Theywer echi lli
ngatRoccoMama’ s
At
hi:
dudewhat
’supwi
thy
ourphone?
Si
ya:
beent
rynacal
lyousi
ncef
orev
er
Me:whyarey
a’l
lsoundi
ngl
i
ket
hatannoy
ing
gi
rl
fr
iend
Si
ya:
andy
ouwoul
dknowr
ight
?
Me:
scr
ewy
oubr
o.l
astni
ghtwasl
i
t
At
hi:
thosegi
rl
ssur
eknowhowt
othr
owapar
ty!
Si
ya:andyouscaredt
hebi
rt
hdaygi
rl
.madeher
gosobersametime
Weal
ll
aughed
Me:whatdoyoumeanIscar edthebi
rt
hdaygi
rl
?
whowasthebir
thdaygi
rlagain?
At
hi:
Yandi
swa!Shecal
l
edy
out
err
if
ying!
Si
ya:
whatdi
dyoudot
othegi
rl
?
Me:
not
hing
Ishr
ugged.Idi
dn’
tmeantoscar
eheroffbuti
f
anyt
hinghadhappenedt
omysistert
henI
wouldbet heonet oblame,mypar entswould
takeever
y t
hingoutonmeandt hatwast helast
thi
ngIneeded.Il ovemytwin,annoyingasshe
canbeatt imesbutsheandIar eone!What ever
happenstoher ,happenstomet oo,ifshehurt
s
thenIhurtandifshe’shappythensoam I .I
woulddiebef or
eIletanyt
hinghappent oher.
At
hi:
youknowwedon’
tbel
i
evey
ourassr
ight
Me:
may
beIt
hreat
enedher
Si
ya:
whatdoy
oumeanmay
be?
Me: t
oldheri
fsheletanythi
nghappent
omy
si
sterthenIwoul
dhur ther
At
hi:
Dude!No!
Me:
what
?
Athi
:Yandiswai
snotsomef l
oozydrunkar
d,
she’
sactuall
yaver
ysweetsmar tgir
lwho
wouldneverandImeanneverletanyonet
ake
advant
ageofsomeoneshecar esabout
Me:
sheonl
ymetmysi
sterl
astni
ght
.Idon’
t
thi
nkyoucancar
eaboutsomeoney
oudon’
t
know
Si
ya:shecan,
shedoesn’
tneedtoknowyou
l
ongenoughtocar
e.Lookatyourmom f
or
i
nstance
Me:
mymom doesn’
tdr
inkorsmokenori
sshe
r
ude
Athi
:she’l
lber
udet
oyouonl
yify
ouwer
erude
toherfi
rst
Me:whyar
eweeventalki
ngaboutt
hisgi
rl
?do
youguy
shaveat
hingforher
?
Siya:
inall
honest
y,Ioncedi
dbutsheputmein
thefri
endzoneonsomescreweduprul
eli
ke
yours
Athi
:whyyouget
ti
ngwor
kedany
way
?Ai
ntl
i
ke
youknowher
Me:Iwasatherpl
acejustt
hismorni
ngandshe
wasrudeAF!Iwantnot
hingtodowit
hher
Si
ya:
Iseewher
ethi
sisgoi
ng.Youl
i
keher
At
hi:
fli
p!Whydi
dn’
tIseei
tsooner
?
Me:
what
?No!FuckNo!
Siy
a:she’
sbeaut
if
ul,
hasabangi
ngbodyfor
daysandshe’
smoreorlessl
i
keyou.Youl
ike
her
Me:
she’
snot
hingl
i
keme
Athi
:okatl
eastadmi
tthatshehasabangi
ng
body
Me:
Isawhernakedact
ual
l
y
Si
ya:
noway
!
At
hi:
youki
ddi
ngr
ight
?
Me:
Iwi
sh.Herbodyi
sani
nst
antbonergi
ver
Si
ya:
pleasedon’
t“Mel
o”her
Myfriendscall
myst r
ategyofscrewingand
t
henbounci ngwit
houtcatchinganyfeeli
ngs,
t
he‘Mel o’
.Asyouguy sknowal r
eady,Idon’
tdo
r
elat
ionshipsandli
keIsaid,Idowantt obang
t
heday li
ghtsoutofherandI’m sor
rytosaythi
s
butIwi
l
lgetmywi
sh.
At
hi:
youdonotwantt
omaket
hatmi
stakebr
o.
Me:
why
?What
’ssodi
ff
erentabouther
?
Athi
: becausesheisourfr
iendandify
oudo
anythingstupi
dtoherthenwewi l
lbepay
ingfor
i
tfort herestofourl
i
ves,youknowhowgirl
s
are
Siy
a:At
hii
sri
ght
,gi
rl
sandgr
udges…notagood
combobro
Me:ormay beyouasshol
esarescaredt
hatI
mightact
uall
ywinherwhenyou’vebeentr
ying
t
obutnev ergotany
wherewit
hher
Theybothlookedateachotherandlaughedat
measi fIweretell
i
ngthem ajokewithouta
punchl
ine.Thei
rlaughwassosar casti
cand
annoyi
ng.
At
hi:
your
e….
Si
ya:
nobr
olethi
m be.Bestofl
uckMel
o
Me:
okwhatam Imi
ssi
ng?
Athi
:nothi
ng.y
ougoi
ngtobangt
heday
li
ght
s
outofherri
ght
?Goaheadbr
o
It
’sthewayhesai ditt
hatmademewor r
y.What
wasi taboutthi
sYandi swachi ckanyway?Why
weret heguyssodef ensiveoverher?We
continuedchatt
ingandeat i
ngandt henwesplit
thebillandwentt obuyaf ewi tems.Wewentto
Sportsceneandwhatdoy ouknow?webumped
i
ntoYandi swawi thhermot her.Thewayshe
j
umpedf ormyni ggasy ouwoul dhavesworn
thattheyweredat i
ng.Shej ustunderminedme.
Her
:guy
sthanky
ousomuchf
orcomi
ng
Si
ya:
youknowwewoul
dn’
tmi
ssi
tfort
hewor
ld
Me:
that
’sbecausey
oucr
ushi
ngonherhar
d
Shejustlookedatmeanddi dn’
tsayanything.
Geezwhat ’
swi t
htheatti
tude?I’
mj ustt
ryingto
fi
tinhereseeingthatI
’mt heonlyonewhogoes
toHowar dinthegroup.
At
hi:
don’
tmi
ndhi
m.Whoy
ouher
ewi
th?
Her
:mymom act
ual
l
y.Comemeether
Siy
a:i
sshestil
lhot?ImeanifIcan’
thavey
ou,
can’
tIatl
easthaveyourdoppel
ganger
Shelaughed,herlaughwasverycuteiswasli
ke
achil
d’slaugh.Hersmil
ewasj ustsomethi
ng
el
seandherey es,t
hewaytheygottinywhen
shelaughed.Shewasabeaut ynodoubt,a
nat
uralbeauty.Shewasn’tweari
nganymake
up,notevenlipsti
ck.
Her
:shutupi
diot
.
Shepul l
edthei
rarmsandheadedt othe
dir
ecti
onhermot herwasi n,hermom was
checkingoutsneakers.Talkaboutwomenwho
ref
uset ogrowold,butthenagainshe’sa
doctoringoodshape.
Her
:mom, meetmyfriendsSi
yaandAt
hiand
t
hei
rfr
iendMelokuhl
e
Ohwowsosheknowsmeaf
teral
l
?!
Mom:ni
cet
omeetyouboy
s.Yandi
swahast
old
mesomuchabouty
ou
Yandi
:ev
ent
oldherabouty
ourcr
ushonher
Si
ya
Wel
aughed
Si
ya:
nicet
omeety
ouDrGxaba.I
t’
sani
nnocent
cr
ush
Athi
:ni
cet
omeety ouDrG,we’
vehear
dal
ot
abouty
outoo.Goodthi
ngsonl
y
Mom:
Ihopeso.Younev
erknowwi
tht
hisone
Yandi:
geezmom real
lynow?Anywayhelpme
chooseaniceandexpensi
vesneakerguy
s
Mom:
your
eal
l
ywantt
osuckmedr
yhuh?
!
Athi
:don’
twor
ryDrG,
we’
l
lpi
ckhert
he
cheapest
Mom:
Ili
ket
hisone,
youshoul
dkeephi
m
Yandi
:don’
tfl
att
erhi
m mom,
he’
l
lst
artget
ti
ng
i
deas
Ideci
dedtocheckoutsneakersf
ormy
sel
f
seei
ngthatIwasanoutcast.
Mom:
Mel
okuhl
ewhatdoy
out
hink?
Me:
sor
ry,
about
?
Mom:
thi
sshoe
Shewascar
ryi
nganal
l
-whi
teai
rfor
ce
Me:
for
?
Yandi
:me
Me:
it’
sni
ce
Yandi
:tol
dyouhewasn’
tint
erest
ed.
Mom:y
oubei
ngr
ude.Idi
dn’
trai
sey
out
obe
r
ude
Yandi
:hest
art
edi
t.
Mom:ri
ghtIf
orgot
.Hewal
kedi
nony
ounaked.
Bi
gdeal
Shetol
dhermom? ??Whatthehel
l?Whot el
l
s
thei
rmom sucht
hings?Ev
enIdidn’tt
ell
my
mom orsi
ster
.Iwi
shedt
hegr
oundcouldopen
upandswall
owme.Iwasembar
rassedreal
l
y
Yandi
:mom!
Mom: shetol
dmeMel okuhle.Wheny ouguy
s
dodecidedtodosomethingaboutthese
feel
i
ngsy ouhav
eforeachot her
,useacondom
Thegent
sjustl
aughed.Whatwasupwi
tht
his
woman?
Me:
feel
i
ngs?
Yandi
:ther
ear
enofeel
i
ngsmom.Iwoul
dnev
er
doanythi
ngwi
thhi
m
Me:
samegoesher
eMi
ss
Her
:he’
sanasshol
emom.Ar
udeoneev
en
Mom: r
ii
ight
.Athi
,Si
ya,
tel
lmeI
’
m nott
heonl
y
oneseei
ngthis
At
hi:
Iref
uset
ogeti
nvol
ved
Siya:younglov
ei ssocut
e.Tal
kabouta
teenageloveaffai
r
Me: y
ouneedtoqui ttheweedy ousmoking
Siy
a,it
smessingwi thyourbr ains.DrGxaba,
yourdaught
erisprettyandal lbutsheandIwi l
l
neverbeanyt
hing.Wewi llnev erdoanything
andthat’
sapromise.She’sr udeandchi l
dish
Yandi
:touché.He’
stooar
rogantandt
oomuch
ofanasshole.
Me:
gladweagr
eeonsomet
hing
Hermom, Si
yaandAt
hil
ookedatusand
l
aughed.
Mom: l
ookatt
hem f
ightl
i
keamar
ri
edcoupl
e
al
ready
At
hi:
Icant
ell
thatt
heywi
l
lbeper
fectf
oreach
ot
her
Me:
ok.I
’
m outofher
e
Isaidgoingtowardsthecl
othi
ngsecti
onand
l
eftthem laughi
ng.Iwassoannoyed.AsifI
wouldeverbewi thsomeoneli
keher.She’
s
chil
dishandt hi
nksthewor
ldrevol
vesaround
her.Imeanshe’
snotevenal
lthatforChri
st
sake!Ipr
essedmyphoneandj ustroamed
aroundwhil
ewait
ingf
ortheguy s.
“
Mel
o”
Il
ookedupandbefor
emest oodagi
rlIonce
sl
eptwit
h.wel
lthi
soughtt
obeawkwar d.
Me:
Tany
a
Her
:howar
eyou?
Sheoff
eredt
ohugsoIgav
eheracol
doneand
brokei
tASAP.
Me:
I’
m goodandhowar
eyou?
Her
:I’
vehadbet
terday
s.Younev
ercal
l
edme?
Me:I’
m sor
ry,
I’
vej
ustbeenwayt
oobusywi
th
examsandall
Her
:buty
ounotbusynow
Me:I
’m act
uall
yher
eshoppi
ngf
orabi
rt
hday
gi
ftf
ormyf r
iend
Her
:oh
Me:
I’
m sor
ryInev
ercal
l
edy
ou
Wherewasmyt wi
nwhenIneededher?She
nor
mall
yrescuesmei
nthi
ssituat
ionsandt
alks
meoutofthem.
Her
:wel
lther
ear
eot
herway
syoucanmakeup
f
orit
Shewi nkedatme.Tany awasbeaut i
ful
,well
everygirl
Igetwithisbeauti
fulbutmypoi nt
hereisthatasmuchasshewasbeaut i
fuland
hadasmoki ngbody ,Iwasn’
tinterestedinher
.
I’
vehadmyf unwithherandnowi t ’
stimeto
mov eont othenextone.Idon’tbangagi rl
moret hanonce.
Me:I’
m sorr
ybutIdi
dtell
youupfr
ontt
hatI
wasn’
tlooki
ngforarel
ati
onshi
p
Her
:butMel
owehadsex
!
Me:coul
dyoukeepitdown.I
twasonce,
no
needtocat
chf
eeli
ngs
Her
:ist
hisy
ourt
hinghuh?Scr
ewandt
hen
l
eav
e?
Me:actual
l
yyeahiti
smyt
hingandI
’
m sor
ry
younotokwit
hit.
Her
:ty
pical
.Youjustl
i
keal
ltheot
herpr
ett
y
boy
soutthere!
Si
ya:
ever
ythi
ngokher
e?
Her
:yougay
?Howdi
dInotknowt
hat
?
Wasi
tmeorwasthi
sgi
rlbeaut
ywit
houtbr
ains?
Whywoul
dIscr
ewheri
fIweregay
?
Me:
excuseme?
Siy
a:wecousi
nsact
ual
l
ybutt
hanksf
ort
he
compli
ment
Shel
ookedatuspi
ssedAFandt
henshe
st
ormedoff
Me:compl
i
ment?Whenhasbei
ngcal
l
edgay
ev
erbeenacompl
i
ment?
Hi
m:meanswepr
ett
y!Whi
chonei
sshe?
Me:
thebestheadgi
ver
!
Hi
m:andwhatwast
hatabout
?
Me:
she’
smadcauseInev
ercal
l
ed
Hi
m:If
eel
sor
ryf
ory
ournextgi
rl
fr
iend.
Me:
that
’sbecauseIwon’
tev
erhav
eone
Him:st
il
lbro,ther
e’l
lcomeat i
mewhereyou’
ll
haveagir
lf
riendandt hegi
rl
fr
iendwi
l
lhav
et o
dealwi
thallofthi
s
Me:yeahwell
mysi st
ernor
mal
l
ytakescar
eof
t
heseconfr
ontat
ionsforme
Hi
m:y
ouar
eanass!
Me:
buty
oust
il
lcar
e.
Hi
m:what
ever
.Wher
etof
rom her
e?
Me:Idon’
tknow.Ther
e’st
hishandbagIsawat
Zar
awhichIknowMelodywilll
ove
Hi
m:I
’
m conv
incedy
ougay
.Let
’sgo
Me:
wher
e’sAt
hi?
Hi
m:chat
ti
ngwi
thYandi
swabyt
het
il
l,
we’
l
l
meethi
m out
side
Me:
that
’sst
unty
ouguy
spul
l
edwasnotf
unny
!
Him:ncoooohar
eyoupout
ingnow?Baby
needsahug?
Me:
fucky
ou!
Wewal kedoutlaughi
ngandAt hif
oll
owedus.
Ont hewayt heyweregoingonandonabout
Yandiswaandhowt heylookforwardt
oour
weddingdaywhi chwi
llNEVERhappenandall
thatothercrappystuf
fpeoplesaytoannoyyou.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
20]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
7
Derri
ckMel okuhleBessi sanasshol e!Mywor d!
Howcansomeonesoar rogantandsel f-
cent r
ed
andsor udewal kont hesamegr oundIwal kon?
He’ssuchaj erk.Event hewor dJer kisan
underst
at ementforhim!Mywor dIhat ehim
andIhatemymom ev enmor eforthinki
ngt hatI
wouldev erhaveanysor tofrelati
onshipwi t
h
someonel i
kethat.Ihatezer ointerestonthat
guyandgoodgodpl easesomebodyki l
lmei fI
do.Mom dr ovemehomebef oreheadi ngback
toMthatha.Ididaskhert ost ayonemor eday
butworkawai ts.Iwentt oNal edi’
sr oom and
shewasn’ thomesoIwentt ocheckonAni t
a
andshewasi nbed, Igoti nandj oi
nedher .
Her
:heyhoneybubu
Me:
heymami
.Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
Her
:st
il
lsore.Idon’
tthi
nkIwantt
owakeup
t
oday…letal
onedoany t
hing
Me:wel
lsadl
yyouhav
etowakeupandwe
hav
etogooutwit
hthegi
rl
sandj
ustbe
beaut
if
ul
Her
:whenar
eweopeni
ngy
ourpresent
s
any
way?Whatdi
dmummygetyou?
Me:It
houghty
ouwouldneverask!Comel
et’
s
got
omyr oom,ev
ery
thi
ngisinthere
Lastnightpeopledidcomewi t
hgift
s,well
thosethatfelti
twouldber udetoattend
someone’sbi rt
hdaypart
ywi thoutagift
.Ithi
nkI
gotroundabout25- 30presentsoutofthe+-
150peopl ethatatt
endedmypar t
yandev enso,
that25+wasf r
om mostlymycl assmatesand
peoplethatknowmeout si
decampusandst uff
.
Her
:butIdon’
tfeel
li
keget
ti
ngupf
rom t
hisbed
t
hough
Me:ohwell
…thenwe’l
lj
ustsither
eandt
alk
abouty
oursexual
exper
iences
Her:nahf
am.I
’
m mor
eint
erest
edi
nyouand
Zuko.
Me:
pleasedon’
t!
Her
:noYandi
swalet
’st
alk.What
’st
hedeal
bet
weenyouguy
s?
Me:
ther
eisnodeal
,tr
ustme
Her
:ok,
then?
Me: thatidiotupl
oadedapi ctureofhim andI
today,li
terall
yputti
ngi touttherethatheandI
areov er
.Imeani fhewant sanewgi rl
fri
end,
whydoesn’ thefl
ippinggethi mselfonerather
thanmaki ngmet hebedper son?Andt henhe
hasthener vetosayt opeopl ethatIdumped
him andhedoesn’ tknowwhy
Her:
I’
m sorr
y.YouknowhowZukoi
sfr
iend.
Don’
tlethi
m gett
oyou
Me:
hepi ssedmeoffreal
lybadfri
endandt hen
t
her
e’salsothi
sassholeMelokuhl
ewhot hi
nks
t
heworldrevol
vesaroundhi
mj ustbecausehe
i
sDamonBess’ sson
Her
:whatdi
dhedo?
Me:
arghi
tdoesn’
tmat
terwhathedi
dbutl
ord
knowsIwil
lNEVERgetwi
thaguyl
i
ket
hat
.IfI
dofri
end,
pleaseki
l
lme!
Shej
ustlaughedatme.Iwasf
umi
ng,
that
’s
howpissedIwas
Her
:cal
m down.
Me:he’
ssoannoyi
ng.Thi
smor ni
nghewalked
i
nthehouseandstar
tedbar
kingorder
sasif
t
hiswerehi
splace
Her:
expl
ainst
hetensi
ont
hismor
ning.Sowhat
or
derwashebarki
ng?
Me:hetoldmetogowakehi ssist
erupandthat
hedidnothaveal
lday.Idon’
tknowhowy ou
guyscouldsayI
’mli
kehim whenIsweet,
kind,
RESpectf
ulandsonotrude.
Her:
fri
endcal
m down.Iapol
ogi
seonhi
sbehal
f.
Inowknowthatyouhatehi
sgut
s.
Mey
ouhav
enoi
dea.
Her
:fr
iendcanIasky
ousomet
hing?
Me:
yeahshoot
.
Her:I
’m aski
ngbecauseIl
ovey
ouandIcar
e
aboutyou
Me:
justAskNi
ta
Her
:doy
oust
il
ll
oveZuko?
Me:
what
?
Her:thel
astti
mey ouwerei
narelati
onshi
pwas
withhim.Theper
sonwhoev enbrokeyour
vi
rgini
tywashim.Forgi
vemeforaskingbutar
e
you?
Okthathithome!It
houghtofmyanswerclear
ly.
WasIstil
l i
nlov
ewitht
heassholet
hatbrokemy
hear
twithoutaguntohishead?
Her:
thi
ngisfriendevenaft
erhewastheasshe
wastoyou,youst i
l
lwentonandlethi
m beyour
vi
rgi
nbreaker.Mindyou,y
ousaidyouwereover
hi
m
Me:inall
honest
y,Ithi
nkIdostil
ll
ovehim ev
en
af
terevery
thi
ngthathashappenedbutIj
ust
don’tseemy sel
fwi thhim anymore.Thesex
wasgr eatandal lbutIneedsomechangei nmy
l
ife.Ican’
tkeepgoi ngincircl
eswi t
hhi m.He
screwsup, heapol ogisesandIt akehim back,
ourbreakupwasmyl aststraw.Asf orhi
m
beingmyv irginbreaker,Iwouldn’tl
etast ranger
breakmyv i
rgini
tyandIt hinkit’
sthesext hat
mademer eal i
sethatInev erwanttobewi th
him again
Her
:buty
ousai
ditwasgr
eat
Me: IknowwhatIsaidbutsti
llf
ri
end.Just
becausethesexisgreatdoesn’
tmeant hathe
i
sachangedper sonandhej ustkeepsshowing
met hathewil
lneverchange.He’sanassholei
n
hi
snat ure
Her
:youst
il
lhav
ethatconv
ersat
ionwher
eyou
t
wobrokeup?
Me:wouldIeverdel
eteit?it
’saconst
ant
r
eminderthatwheneverIthi
nkofgett
ingback
t
ogetherwit
hhim,Ireaditandgetoverhi
m
compl
etel
y
Her:
Isee.Let’
sgotoy ourroom,I
’
m cur
ioust
o
seewhatrandom peopleboughty
ou
Ilaughedatherandwewentt omyr oom.I
openedSi hle’
sgiftfirstandi twasanEr abyDJ
Zinhlewat ch.AndthenIopenedAt hi’soneand
hehadboughtmeav erycut eneckl
acesetwi th
earrings,wat chandbr acel
etwi thmynameoni t
.
Tom’ sgi f
twasanewocur pipe,
NitaandIj ust
crackedupi nlaught er,butitwascut ethough
becausei twaspur pleandi thadmyname
embeddedoni t
.Siyaboughtmeacut epairof
heelsIoncesai dIlikedatZar awhenheandI
wentwi ndowshoppi ngaf terschool.Iwas
gettingAni ta’
s,Bonke’ sandNal edi’
sgi f
ts
tonight.
Me:
Ithi
nkIhav
eseenenough
Her
:pl
easeopent
hisone,
I’
m cur
ious
Me:
whoi
sitf
rom?
Her
:Asemahl
eBess
Me:sheboughtmeagi
ft
?Butshedoesn’
tknow
me
Her:
Iguesssomepeopl
edon’
tneedt
oknow
youtol
ikeyou.
Me:
Iguessso
Iopenedi tanditwasasetbyTony &Guy( or
whatevert henamei s)
,therewasahai rdryer
,a
str
aightenerandacur li
ngiron.Wit
hanot e
i
nside.Thenot er ead“IknowIdon’ tknowy ou
butIhav eseeny ouar oundcampusandy ou
seem li
keagi r
lwithstyle.Youprobablydon’t
needthisbutIdi dn’tknowwhatt ogety ou.
Hopey oul ikei
t”.
Ni
ta:
wow!Il
i
keher
,let
sbef
ri
endher
Me:she’
sdoi
ngherlastyearei
therwaybutshe
di
dinvi
temetoherpartythi
sDecember8
Her
:ar
ghI
’
llbehomebyt
hen
Me:
can’
tyouatl
eastwai
tfort
hepar
tyt
hen
l
eav
est
rai
ghtaf
ter
?
Her:
sadl
yno.gr
annyi
scal
l
ingmet
other
ural
ar
eas
Me:
wel
lthat
’sdr
eadf
ul
Her
:Iknowr
ight
?!
Wecont
inuedchat
ti
ngandopeni
ngt
hegi
ft
s
t
oget
her
.
Her
:opent
hisone
Me:
whydon’
tyouopeni
t?
Her
:just
.
Itookthegif
tbagandcheckedthelit
tl
ecar don
i
tbutnothingwaswr i
tt
ensoIopenedi tand
therewasaboxwr appedi
npaperandont he
paperitwaswrit
ten“Fr
om DMB: 06……..”
Me:
whot
hehel
li
sDMB?
Her
:Idon’
tknow.openi
t
Me:
whati
fit
’sabomb?
Her
:whowoul
dwantt
oki
l
lyou?
Me:
Idon’
tknow
Ishr
ugged.
Her
:justopeni
t
Iopenedt
hegi
ftandi
twasi
ndeedabox
,abox
fr
om NWJ.
Her
:whoev
ert
heyar
e,t
heyhav
egr
eatt
ast
e!
Iopenedtheboxandi
thadthisbeaut
ifulneck
pi
ecewithmatchi
ngearr
ingsandbracelet
.
Me:
Iwonderwhoi
tis.
Her
:cal
lthenumberi
diotandf
indout
Idi
all
edthenumberandi
trangf
orawhi
l
e
becausei
twasanswered
/
/Per
son:
Mel
o’sphonehel
l
o?
Me:
uhhm hi
gh.I
’
m Yandi
swa,
mayIspeakt
o
DMBpl
ease
Her
:heyYandi
.Mybr
otheri
soutatt
hemoment
Me:
DMBi
sMel
okuhl
e?
Her
:yeah.I
t’
shi
sini
ti
als,
why
?
Me:heboughtmeabir
thdaypr
esent
.Byt
he
wayIsawyoursandIl
oveit
Her:
wel
lmypleasur
e,gl
ady
oul
ovedi
t.what
di
dmybrot
hergetyou?
Me:
agi
ftsetf
rom NWJ
Her
:ohwow!Iwonder
Me:pl
easetel
lhi
m Isai
dthanksbutnot
hanks.
Idon’
twanthi
sgif
t
Her
:what
?Why
?
Me:
heknowswhy
Her
:what
’sgoi
ngonbet
weeny
out
woany
way
?
Me:
not
hing
Her:
rii
i
ght.Hej
ustcamei
n,may
bey
oucant
ell
hi
my oursel
f
Me:
what
?NoI
…
Ididn’
tevenfi
nishmysentencewhenIwascut
offbyhis“Hel
lo”.Hi
shell
owassosexyy ou
wouldswearyouwer etal
kingtosomeoneel se.
Itwassoboldandconf i
dentanddareIsay,rich.
Don’taskhowav oi
cesoundsri
ch,i
tjustdoes.
Me:
thi
sisYandi
swa.
Hi
m:whatdoy
ouwant
?
Me:trustme,
Idi
dn’
twanttomaket
hiscal
lbut
cur
iosit
ygott
hebestofme.
Hi
m:wher
edi
dyouev
engetmynumber
?
Me:i
twasonthegi
ftyouboughtme.AnywayI
don’
twanty
ourgi
ft
.Youcanstopbytofetchi
t
Hi
m:y
ou’
reanungr
atef
ulbi
tchy
ouknowt
hat
?!
Me:
excuseme!
Him:whenast r
angerbuysyouagif
toutoft
he
goodnessofthei
rheart
,yousayt
hankyouand
nothi
ngelse.
Me:
wel
lthanky
oubutnot
hanks.Idon’
twanti
t!
Hi
m:sowhatmustcanhappennowhuh?
Me:Idon’tknow.howaboutyoucomeand
f
etchitandgiveitt
ooneofyourfl
oozi
es
Him:youmi
ghtaswellthr
owitint
hebi
nify
ou
hatei
tsomuch,Idon’
tcarewhaty
oudowit
hit
!
Me:
goscr
ewy
our
sel
f
Hi
m:goj
umpof
facl
i
ff!/
/
Cutthecal
l andslammedmyphoneont hebed.
Iwassomad!Whywast hisguy
sl i
kethi
s?He
wassochildishandarr
ogantforjackshi
it
.I
tookthegi
ftandwenttot hrowi
tinthebin
Ni
ta:
okandt
hen?
Shewentt
otakei
toutoft
het
rash
Her
:what
’sgot
teni
ntoy
ou?
Me:
DMBi
sDer
ri
ckMel
okuhl
eBess
Her:
fri
endhav
eyouanyi
deahowmucht
hisset
cost
s?
Me:
doIcar
e?
Sheshowedmeherphoneandt
hesetwas
R1500
Me:
so?
Her
:comeonYandi
don’
tbel
i
ket
his
Me:
hesai
dIcant
hrowi
tmos
Her
:andy
our
eal
l
ygoi
ngt
othr
owi
taway
?
Me:yes,
becausethat
’swher
ethi
ngsf
rom hi
m
andhimingener
albel
ong.
Her
:wow!y
ouar
esomet
hingel
sey
ouknow
t
hat
Me:
soI
’
vebeent
old.
JustthenNaledi
walkedi
twit
hdozensof
shoppingbagsandshethr
ewthem ont
hefl
oor
andjumpedonmybed.
Her
:hel
l
omybabi
es
Us:
hey
Her:whyar
en’
twehappy
?Isi
tst
il
ltheZuko
t
hing?
Ni
ta:
Iwi
sh.I
t’
stheMel
othi
ngnow
Her
:Mel
o?Mel
okuhl
e?
Me:
yeahhi
m
Her
:whatdi
dhedo?
Ni
ta:heboughtourungrat
eful
fri
endov
erher
ea
gi
ftsetf
rom NWJwor thR1500
Her
:andshedoesn’
twanti
tbecause?
Me:
he’
sanasshol
e!
Ni
ta:
onewhogi
vesgoodgi
ft
s
Her:i
fItur
neddowngiftsbecausemenwer e
asshol
eswe’dprobabl
ybebr okeAF,washing
wit
hcoldwatereverymorni
ngandchar gingour
phonesoncampusandI ’dbewalki
ngar ound
naked
Me:y
ouhav eatr
ustf
undandthousandsof
r
endslef
tfory
oubyyourdad
Her
:Iknowbutt
hat
’sinsur
ancehoney
.The
guy
sIgooutwit
htakecareofal
lmyneedsand
wantsandmymoneyst
aysunt
ouchedand
i
nvested
Me:
ohwow
Ni
ta:
youcansayt
hatagai
n
Her:
anyway
.Youarekeepi
ngt
hisgi
ftandy
ou
ar
eputt
ingi
tonfort
onight
Me:
NO
Them:
YES!
Itriedar guingbutt heywoul dclosetheirears
andmaket hat“l
alalalal
a”noi se.Talkabout
bei ngchi l
dish.Event ual
lyIgav eupandputi tin
mydr awerbecauseIwasnotwear i
ngany thing
from Mel okuhleBessev er!Ishowedt hem t he
thingsmom boughtf ormeandt hi
sv er
ynice
bagIhadseenatZar a.Nal edishowedusher
thingsherbl esserboughtf orherandboywer e
theyex pensi ve,Ienv i
edhershame.Lat eronwe
shower edandgotr eadyf ormybi r
thdaydinner .
Ev eryonewaswear ingblackandgol d.Mygi r
ls
andIwer ei nfor
mation.IhadaskedAsemahl e
tojoinusbutshecoul dn’tbutshesai dshe
wouldt akemeoutt henextday .Itwasthethr
ee
ofusandourot her5fri
endsf rom school;
Natasha, Zama,Lathi
tha,LiyabonaandEmel i
e.
Wehadagr eatt
imewi t
houtany onegetti
ng
sloshed.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
20]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
8-
Mel
o
Ifeell
ikeYandi
swawasputont hiseart
hto
makemyl i
femiser
abl
eIswear.Niggabe
havingrel
ati
onshi
pprobl
emsy etheaintev
eni
n
one.Ican'
tbeli
evesheofal
lpeopleoncehada
boyfr
iend,
Ifeelsor
ryf
orthepoorguy
.Aftert
he
l
itt
leshoppi
ngwedi dwewentt omycri
band
foundAsewi t
hLuinthekit
chen.
Ase:
wasaboutt
ime!
Me:
nahshutup.Heycuz
Weshoul
derbumpedeachother.Wel
eftAt
hii
n
t
ownandIcamehomewi thSiya.
Si
ya:
sowher
e'sLi
z
Luc:
she'
sst
il
lnoti
nter
est
edbr
o
Si
ya:
shewi
l
lbesomeday
Siy
ahasat hingforLizoratl
easti
t’
swhathe
andLizjokeabout.Idon'
tknowreal
lyandI
don'tcar
e.
Lu:
butf
ornowl
eti
tgo
Me:
Isawt
hisandt
houghty
oumi
ghtl
i
kei
t
Isai
dhandi
ngMel
odyt
heZar
apaperbag
Her
:whati
sit
?
Me:
openi
tandsee.Wher
e'sev
ery
one?
Ase:
int
hel
ounge
Iwentouttotheloungeandever
yonewasther
e
exceptI
yaandLi z
.Itwasthepar
ents,
Ngawo
toget
herwit
hAuntAmberandherhusband.I
greet
edeveryone.
Mom:
wher
ehav
eyoubeen?
Me:outwi
thSi
ya.He'
sint
heki
tchenbyt
heway
.
Where'
sLi
z?
Amb:
ont
hephoneout
side
Me:
howl
onghasshebeen?
St
u:anhour
Me:
anddadl
ett
hatbe…t
hat
’saf
ir
st
Dad:
it’
sherhusband.
Me:IbetyouandBoobi
eusedtotal
kforhour
s
andnobodymadeyoucutthecal
lshor
t
Theyl
ookedateachot
herandbl
ushed…geeez
Mom: tr
uebutt
heonesyout
alkt
oar
enoty
our
gi
rl
fr
iend,t
heyf
loozi
es
Me:
uhhhm…l
etmegocheckonYana
Ev eryonel aughedatme.Whatt hehell
?How
coul dmom putmybusi nessouttherefor
ev eryone?It ell
Mr sBessal mostev er
y t
hingby
theway ,whobet t
erthany ourparentsforadvi
ce?
Ifeel li
kedadwoul dkindofbeal l
judgemental
andf ather l
yandpr ettymuchl essofaf ri
end.
Wi ththatIl eftt
hem andwentt ofindmybi g
sisterandIf oundheri nherroom facingthe
otherdi rection,Ij
oinedherandcuddl edher
from behi nd.
Me:
hel
l
oagai
n
Her
:heyy
ou
Me:
howar
eyou?
Her
:am Isupposedt
oanswert
hatquest
ion?
Me:It
hinkt
hat'
showconversat
ionswork.The
ot
heroneasksaquest
ionandtheother
r
esponds…y
ouknowt
hatt
ypeoft
hing
Her
:ohr
ight
..
.uhhhm I
'
m ok,
howar
eyou?
Me:hav
inggi
rlpr
obl
emsy
ett
heyar
en’
tev
en
mi
ne
Shechuckl
edandt
urnedt
ofaceme.
Her
:whathappenednow?
Me:
remembert
hepar
tyIwentt
olastni
ght
?
Her
:theoneAt
hi&Si
yaf
orcedy
out
oat
tend?
Me:yeaht
hatone.Asewassupersl
oshedand
hi
gh
Her
:mom i
sgoi
ngt
oki
l
lher
Me:shedoesn'tknow…wel
lactual
lyshedoes
andIdon’tknowhow.Nowli
sten,sother
e's
chi
ck,hernameisYandi
swaGxabaa….
Her
:wher
e'sy
ourphonel
et'
sst
alkher
Me:
what
?NO!
Her
:comeon.Yousuckwi
thdescr
ipt
ions
Me:
noIdon’
t
Her
:yourdescr
ipti
onofagir
lis;
"she'
ssmoki
ng
hot
,hasanassf orday
sorboobsforday
s"
Me:fi
rst
ly,
Idon'
ttal
kli
ket
hat
.Secondl
ythat
'
s
nott
rue!
Shegav
emet
hat"
real
l
y"l
ook
Me:
fine!
Isearchedmypocket sandnot hing.Ithen
remember edImusthav elef titint hekitchen
togetherwi t
hmyshadesandkey s.Iwal kedout
andbumpedi ntomyt wintalkingonmyphone,
shehandedi ttomewi thoutsay ingwhot he
call
erwasonl ytofindoutitwasYandi swa- Ki
ll
menow!-Iwal kedinsi
deIy a'sr oom andsaton
thebedandspoket oher.Whot hehel lcall
sy ou
andinsul t
sy ouony ourphone?Yandi swawas
onecr azyb* t
chandIwoul dbedamnedt oever
bewi thsomeonet hatcrazy!Shemustt hi
nkthe
worldr evolv
esar oundherorsomet hi
ng.She
wasbei ngunnecessaril
yrude.Af terthecal lI
thr
ewmyphoneont
hebedandt
hrewmy
sel
f
back.
I
ya:
rel
ati
onshi
ppr
obl
ems?
Me:l
ikeneverbef
ore.Ihat
eher
!She'
san
ungr
atef
ulbit
ch.
Her
:who?
Me:
Yandi
swa
Her
:lemmeseeherpi
ctur
e
Me:
Idon'
thav
eit
Her
:Facebooki
diot
!
Me:
deact
ivat
edmyaccounty
ear
sago.
Shetookmyphoneandshegotont omy
Facebookandmademer eacti
vat
emyaccount
andthensear chher
.Wehad3mut ual
fri
ends;
Melody,AthiandSiya.Herpostswerepubli
c
butherpictur
esweren't,
youcouldonlysee
pi
cturesshewast aggedon, shehadover3000
fr
iends
Me:
ohwel
lsor
ry
Her
:cal
lMel
odyt
ocomewi
thherphone
Me:
real
l
y?
Her
:yes,
real
l
y!
Iwal
kedoutt
ocal
lAseandshecamewi
thme
toI
ya'
sroom.
Ase:
what
'st
hisabout
?
Iy
a:Iwanttostal
kMel o'
snewcr
ushandy
ou
areherFacebookfr
iend
Me:
newcr
ush?FuckNo!
Ase:
who'
sthecr
ush?
Me:
noone
I
ya:
yandi
swa
Wespokeatthesamet
ime.Theybot
hlooked
atmeandlaughed
Ase:
Iknewi
t!
Shet
ookoutherphoneandpagedt
hroughi
t
andpr obabl
yfoundherbecauseshegav eI
ya
thephone.Iwascur i
oussoIcheckedherout
withI
y aandBoyohBoy !Shewast hetypet
o
getover3000likesonherpict
ures.Shewas
realf
lamesnodoubt !
Ase:
thanksf
ort
hebag.Il
ovei
t
Me:
youwel
come
I
ya:
wher
e'smybag?
Me:
youhav
eaj
obandi
tpay
swel
ltoo
I
ya:
butst
il
l
Me:
Asehasbeencutof
ffi
nanci
all
y
I
ya:
what
?Why
?
Ase:
mom i
sjustbei
ngdr
amat
ic
I
ya:youknowIcan’
tspeakony
ourbehal
fify
ou
don’
ttel
lmeri
ght?
Ase:okfi
ne.SoIwenttoapart
ylastnightand
gotsl
oppydrunk,
apparent
lymom anddadhad
beentr
ynacallmebutIwasunreachable,
now
t
heymad
I
ya:
youknowy
ouneedt
oqui
tal
cohol
right
?
Ase:
it’
snotl
i
keIdr
inkonschool
day
smos
Iy
a:Iunderst
andt hatbhabhabutsti
l
l.Youwere
admit
tedintohospitalf
oralcohol
poisoni
ng.
Youwon’tbesol uckythisti
mearound
Aser
oll
edherey
es
Ase:
yes,
mummy
I
ya:
Ineedyoutopr
omi
semeAsemahl
e.No
moreal
cohol
Ase:
notev
enagl
assofwi
ne?
I
ya:
one!
Ase:
F*ckNO!I
’
m 20f
orChr
istsake
I
ya:
thenst
artact
ingl
i
kei
t.
Aseraisedherhandsupindef eatandI
yaandI
cont
inuedgoingthroughYandiswa’spi
ctur
es.
Shewasal lsor
tsofbeauti
fulnodoubt.
Me:
wai
tgoback
Her
:why
?
Me:
Iwantt
oseesomet
hing
ShewentbackandInoti
cedshehadt
hesame
bagIhadboughtmysist
er
Me:
you'
vegott
obeki
ddi
ngme
Them:
what
?
Me:
she'
scar
ryi
ngt
hesamebagIboughty
ou
I
twasapi ct
ureofheratI
CC,herbackgr
ound
gaveheraway.Asecametooursideandshe
peeked.
I
ya:
eveny
ourt
ast
eist
hesame
Ase:
youguy
sar
eamat
chmadei
nheav
en
“
whoi
s?”
Wealltur
nedandsawLi
zst
andi
ngbyt
hedoor
.
Igotuptohugher
.
Her
:justbecauseI
’
m notaBessdoesn’
tmeanI
appr
eci
atebei
ngexcl
uded
Ibr
oket
hehugandwewentt
osi
tdown.
Me:
wel
lther
e’st
hisgi
rl
Li
z:coul
dthi
smeany
ouf
inal
l
yhav
eagi
rl
fr
iend?
Ase:
wewi
sh.Hehasacr
ushonher
I
ya:
andt
hisonei
sbeaut
if
ul
Me:
all
thegi
rl
sIgetwi
thar
ebeaut
if
ul
Asemadecoughi
ngsoundsandt
heyal
l
l
aughed.
Me: scr
ewy ou!AsIwassay i
ng,hernameis
Yandiswaandshe’ sprett
yandal l
buther
att
it
udest i
nks!She’sabitchfr
om hellt
hatone
andshet hi
nksthewor ldrevol
vesaroundher
Ase:innor
mal peopl
elanguagesheisactual
l
y
theopposi
te.Iwaswithheryest
erdayandthi
s
morningandsheissuchasweetper son.But
becauseDerri
ckisDerr
ick,
shedoesn’tli
kehi
m.
Sayshewasr udeandthatheisannoying
I
ya:she’
sperfect
.Itwoul
dmakeaper
fect
weddingst
oryoneday
Me:what?FuckNo!Iwouldr
atherdi
ethanbe
wi
thherandshesaidthesame
Ase:
whendi
dyout
womeet
?
Me:atGatewayandshewaswit
hhermom who
al
sosaidthi
scrazyshi
i
tyouguy
saresayi
ng
andforoncesheandIagr
eedonusnever
happeni
ngever!
Li
z:y
oungl
ove.Soador
abl
e!
Me:
I’
m outofher
e!
Isaidtaki
ngmyphoneandl eavi
ngt hem to
discussmef urtherbecausethat’
swhatt hey
alwaysdowhent heygettogether.Iwenttojoi
n
everyoneelsewhowassi tt
inginthelounge
chatti
ngupast or m.SiyaandLucwer en’t
aroundsoI’m assumi ngtheywereatSi ya’
s
placeorsomet hing
Mom:
Ohmywor
dthatwascl
assi
c!Ist
il
l
cannotbel
i
eveshemadedadwasht
hecari
n
therai
n
Amb:Li
ll
yBesswasnotawomanonewant
ed
tomesswit
h
Me:Grammymadegr
andpawasht
hecari
nthe
r
ain?Why?
Dad:wel lt
here’sthisone-t
imedadcamehome
l
ateandhehadn’ tbeenanswer ingmom’ scal
ls
ri
ght,andtot opitalloffhewalkedonhernew
whit
er ugwi t
hmuddyf eet.Dadt r
iedto
apol
ogi seandexpl ainbutMom di dn’
twantto
hearjackshii
t .Shemadehi m washt hecari
n
therain
Me:
andgr
andpadi
dthat
?
Amb:ifhedi
dn’
tthenshewoul
dhav
elocked
hi
m out,i
twashi
schoicer
eal
ly
Me:
Grammywasabul
l
y
Dad:yeahandy
ourmot
herseemst
otaker
ight
af
terher
Mom:
what
?NOI
’
m not
hingl
i
keLi
l
ly
Dad: Amahleoncemademef l
yt oPEall
becauseherf atherandbr otherhadaf i
ght
.
Mindy ouPEi ssupercoldatt hataroundMay
andshedi dn’tbotherwar ni
ngmebyt hewayso
Irockedupi nshor t
sandt -
shirtandthenshe
suggestswegot ot hefl
ippingbeach.Hav eyou
anyideahowcol ditisatthebeachar ound
midnight?
Wewer
eal
li
nst
it
ched
Mom:
buti
twaswor
thi
t
Sheki
sseddad’
scheek
Him:hel
pmeunderst
andhowt
hatwasworthi
t?
youwerewear
ingy
ourni
cewar
m onesyanda
gownontop
Amb:y
ep,soundsl
i
kesomet
hingmom woul
d
hav
edone
Mom: Imissedhimthoughandwegott
ohav
e
sexi
nt hecarfort
hefi
rstt
ime
Me:
chi
l
dear
sint
her
oom woman!
Itwassuchmoment sItr
easuredwi thmyf amily
.
Moment swherewecouldsitt
oget herand
l
aughaboutany t
hingandever
y t
hingt oget
her
andjustbecaref
ree.I
yaandtheot hergirl
s
deci
dedt oj
oinusandjoi
ninont her eminisci
ng.
Mom: ther
e’st
hisoneti
meEli
zabethmademe
changemywhol eout
fi
tall
becauseI’
m afut
ure
MrsBessandDamonBess’ swif
ecouldnotbe
seenwearingsuch
Amb:
shewas8r
ight
?
Me:
Lizy
ouwer
emean.
Dad:It
houghtshelookedgood.Shewas
weari
ngsweatpants,
whi t
evestandasneaker
butmynieceoverherefel
titwastoosi
mplefor
afut
ureMr sBess
Me:
andy
oul
i
stenedt
oherandchanged?
Mom: sai
dshewasn’
tgoi
ngany
wher
ewi
thme
dr
essedli
kethat
Ase:ohwow.Ican’
tbel
i
evey
oudi
dthatt
oour
mother
Li
z:Il
ookedonpoi
ntsosheneededt
olookon
poi
ntto
Dad:inal
lfai
rness,shel
ookedhot
terwhenshe
changedheroutfi
t
I
ya:
dad!
Mom:
buthe’
sri
ghtt
hough.
Me:what’
stheworstthi
ngy
ou’
veev
erwent
t
hroughasaparent?
Amb:expl
aini
nghi
cki
es.Lizwasani
nqui
sit
ive
chi
l
d,Ihadtosayi
tal
ler
gies
Mom:Isai
dtoIyai
twasmosqui
tobi
tesand
t
henshesawthem onDamon
Me:t
hehel
lwer
eyoudoi
nggi
vi
ngaman
hi
cki
esmom?
Dad:
whatgoesoni
nthebedr
oom st
ayst
her
e
Ase:
youguy
sar
edi
sgust
ing!
Iy
a: aaahtherewast
hist
imewhenwewer e
driv
ingtoMt hat
hawit
hmom andthenyouguys
startedaski
ngmom aboutgay
sandlesbi
ans
Ase:
wewer
ecur
ious
Amb:ar
ghshamemahn.Thosear
ethewor
st.
Howdidyouexpl
aini
t?
Mom: Itol
dt hem thatinmyunder st
andingkids
areboughtatt hehospital
.Theykeptgoingon
andonabouthowt hei
rclassmatessaidit
wasn’tpossiblefortwowoment ohav ebabies
andallofthat.What ’
swor sei
sthatthese
si
tuati
onsnev erhappenedwhenDamonwas
around
Weal l l
aughedandcont i
nuedchat t
ingunt i
l
l
at eronweor deredpizzaandt henther est
headedt othei rhousesandl eftusalone
bonding, Ngawodi dn’tsl
eepatmycr ibofcause
andIwasf orcedt osleepatt hemansion.LikeI
said,thesemoment swer ethebest.Itfeltso
niceremi ni
scingandhear ingaboutt hethings
wedidaskids,
Iy anawaslaughi
ngandshewas
genui
nel
yhappy .Shedidn’
tfor
getwhatshe
wentthr
oughbutatt hatmomentitwasasif
shehadfor
gotten.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
20]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
9
Mybi r
thdaydi nnerwithmygirl
swasj ust
amazing.Af t
erI CCwewentt oourcribfora
sl
umberpar t
yi shtypeofthi
ng.Bonkecamet o
dropmygi ftof fandthenhelef
t.Thethingsmy
fr
iendsboughtmewer eallt
oobeautif
ul andI
l
ov edallofthem.Wewer einmyr oom wi t
h
snackswat chingamov i
ebutmost l
ychat t
ing
thanwat
chingthemov ie.Myphonerangandi
t
wasapriv
at enumber,Iwentouttothe
bathr
oom toansweritbecausethoseones
weremakingal otofnoise.
/
/Me:
hel
l
o?
Per
son:
heyYandi
swa
Icoul
dtel
lbyhi
svoi
cet
hati
twasZuko.
Me:
whatdoy
ouwant
?
Hi
m:YandsI
’
m sor
ry
Me:
forwhatexact
ly?
Hi
m:ev
ery
thi
ng
Me:
ok
Hi
m:comeonYandsdon’
tbel
i
ket
his
Me:andhowshoul
dIbeZukohuh?You
dumpedme
Hi
m: Idi
dn’tdumpyouYands,y
ousai dlet
’send
i
tandIsaiditwascool
sotechnical
l
yy ouended
t
hings
Me:
youbei
ngf
ucki
ngchi
l
dishr
ightnow
Hi
m:i
t’
sthet
rut
h
Me:
ist
hiswhyy
oucal
l
edme?
Hi
m:noIcal
l
edt
oapol
ogi
se
Me:
andy
oudi
dby
enow
Hi
m:Yandi
swawai
t…pl
ease
Me:
fine
Him: l
ook.I
’m sor
ryforever
ythi
ng.I’
m anass,
alwaysbeenoneandpr obablyal
wayswi l
lbe,
YandiswaIloveyouandImi ssyou.IknowI
screwedusupandy ou’ll
probabl
ynev erf
orgi
ve
mef orthethi
ngsI’
vedone.YandiswaImadea
hugemi st
akeandIwanty ouback.Ple….
Me:NoZukoIdon’twantt
ohearanyoft
his.
Youshoul
dhavetoldmethi
sabout6to7
monthsago.Nott
hisandnotnow
Hi
m:whyYandi
swa?
Me:
becauseZukot
hat
’swhenIneededt
ohear
i
tandnotnow.Youbr okemyhear twi
ththeway
youhandledthingsandIdon’tt
hinkIwanttogo
backtothat.Youmademef eell
essofa
womanal lbecauseIwouldn’
tlosemyv i
rgi
nit
y
whenyouwant edmet o
Hi
m:Yan…
Me: I
’m notdonet al
king.I
’vebeent ry
ingtoget
myl i
febacki norderallt
hismont handI ’
m st
il
l
try
ingtodosoev ennow.ZukoIf orgi
veyoufor
whaty oudonebuty ouandI ?thatwi l
lnever
happenagai n.Yesyoubr okemyv i
rgi
nit
ybut
that’
sasf arasitgoes.Wewi llneverbeagain,I
l
earntmyl esson
Hi
m:ouch.
Me: pl
easedon’
tevercal
lmeagain.YouandI
arenothi
ng;wewil
lneverbeany
thingmore
thanexes
Hi
m:oh…okt
hen.Happybi
rt
hday
.
Me:
thanky
ouandby
e//
Iwassi tt
ingonacl osedt oiletseat ,tears
startedr oll
ing, Idon’ tevenknowwhyIwas
cryingbutIwas.I twasact uallymyf i
rsttime
actuallytellinghi m st r
aightupt hatIwasdone
withhi m andt hatInev erwant edany thi
ngt odo
withhi m andIt hinkImeanti t
,Il ovedhi m and
allbutt hepai nhe’ sputmet hrough, okmay be
I’
m exagger at i
ngbutwheny oul oveaper sont o
thepoi ntofnor et urnit’
snoteasyt of orgiveand
forgett het hingst heyputy out hrough.WhenI
saidweshoul dendt hings,it’snotl ikeImeanti t;
Iexpect edhi mt obet heboy fri
endhe’ salway s
beenandt ellmet hatI’
m cr azyandt hathe
wasn’ tgoingt oal lowsuchnonsensef r
om me
butnope, nott hist i
mear ound, Iguesshewas
alsosi ckandt i
redoft hefight i
ngandev erything
else.Justt hi nkingaboutt heni ghtwebr okeup
broughtmor et ear sintomyey es.Ihear dt he
dooropenandcl ose, Ididn’tbot herl ookingup
becauset henwhoev ertheper sonwasi sgoi ng
toaskmequest i
onsandIwon’ tbeabl eto
answert
her
eal
reasonIwascr
ying.
“
ever
ythi
ngok?
”
Ofcausei twasNal edi
,Imeanwhoel secouldit
havebeen.Shecamet okneeli
nfrontofme
andmademel ookather.Nal
ediwast herethe
nightZukoandIbr okeupandshewentt hrough
thewholepai nwi t
hme.Ishookmyheadwi t
h
tearsstr
eami ngdown.shet ookatissueand
wipedmyt ears.
Her
:honeyboowhat
’swr
ong?
Me:
thatwasZuko
Her
:whatdi
dhewant
?
Me:
hewant
smebackIguess
Shekeptqui
etf
orawhil
e,al
mostl i
keshewas
thi
nki
ngofwhattosayf
rom hearonwards
Her:Li
stenZukomessedthingsup,he’
s
supposedtobecryi
ngandnoty ou.Hescr
ewed
thi
ngsupandnoty oumyfri
end.Hedoesn’t
deserv
ey ourt
ear
s;youweren’tgoi
ngtohave
sexbecausehecoul dn’twai t
.Youdi dnothing
wrongmyf riend, hedi d.Iwast herewheny ou
guysendedt hings, youcr i
edenoughbecause
ofhim.Don’ tlethi m dot hist oy ou, don’
tlethim
takey ou10st epsbackt owher ey ouoncewer e
7mont hsago.Ther e’sar easont hingswentt he
wayt heydid, i
fy ouandhi m ar emeantt obe
thentrustandbel i
ev et hatyouwi llbe.Godwi ll
fi
ndawayf ory out wot obe.Youspentso
mucht i
mer ebui ldingy ourselftobecomet his
womany ouar enow, don’tlethimt akey ouback,
he’snotwor t
hi t.youar egoi ngt omeett heman
ofyourdr eamsandhewi l
l l
ov ey oumor et han
you’v
eev erbeenl ovedbef ore.Ok?
Inoddedandsheki
ssedmyf
orehead.
Her
:Il
ovey
ousweetcheeks
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo.Thanky
ou
Her
:whatar
esi
ster
sfor
?
Ismi
l
edandsodi
dshe.
Her:comel et’
sgositwit
htheothersand
scream ourlungsoutwhensomeonedi esi
n
thatmov i
elikeanynormalgi
rlok?
Me:
ok
Iwashedmyf aceandwi pedi twi that owel then
wentbackt other oom wi thmyhandi nhers.
TrustNaledi t
ot r
eatmel ikeherbabybutIl oved
herany way.Ther oom wasdar kandonl ythetv
screenon, wewer ewat chi ngI nsidious, Il
i
ke
horrorsthatareconf usingandal soscar ybyt he
way ,notthosepr edictablet hingsl i
kef inal
destinati
onorwr ongt urn.I ’
m all aboutghost s
andst uff
.Iwassi t
ti
ngbet weenLedi andEmel i
e,
bothscar dycatsbyt heway .Af terthemov ie
endedt heywant edchapt ert woofi t
Me:weren’
tyouguy
sjustcr
yingandsuper
scar
ed?
Lat
hi:
sowhati
fitwewer
e?
Tash:i
twasani
cemov
ieok.Nowpl
ease,
chapt
er2
Ni
ta:
I’
ll
gor
efi
l
lthesnacks
Em:
I’
ll
joi
nyou
Me:
Iwonderwhaty
ouwannagossi
pabout
?
Em:IknowIl
ovet
ogossi
pbutnott
hatmuch
geez
Ledi
:ri
i
ight
.Webel
i
evey
ou
Theywentoutl
aughingandther
estofus
engagedi
naconversati
on.
Lat
hi:
soImetaguy
Me:
whenandwher
e?
Ledi
:what
’shi
snameandwher
edoeshewor
k?
Lat
hi:
he’
sast
udentatHowar
dyouguy
s
Ledi
:oh…
Lat
hi:
asIwassay
ing,
hisnameisDerr
ickNgesi
andhe’
sst
udyi
nglawdoinghi
sfi
nal
Me:
youmeanMel
okuhl
eBess?
Her
:hesai
dhi
ssur
namewasNgesi
and
not
hingaboutaBess
Wesearchedforhi
m onFacebookandfound
not
hingthenwetookthesear
chtoInst
agram
andther
ehewaswi thapri
vat
eaccount
Me:
fol
l
owhi
m
Ledi
:what
?NOI
’
m notdoi
ngt
hat
,youdoi
t
Me:hewon’
tacceptmyr
equesti
fit
’st
he
Der
ri
ckIt
hinki
tis
Ledi
:fi
ne
Shesenthi
m afol
l
owrequestandminut
eslater
shewasapprov
edbutni
ggadidn’
tfol
lowback,
Ledi
’
saccountwasal
sopri
vate
Tash:
whydi
dn’
thef
oll
owback?
Ledi
:becausel
i
kehi
m myaccounti
spr
ivat
e
Wewentt
hroughhi
spi
ctur
esanddar
eIsay
…H-
O-
T!
Lat
hi:
itshi
m
Me:
don’
tev
eni
nvesti
nhi
mfr
iend.Hedoesn’
t
dor
elat
ionshi
ps
Tash:
youknowt
hishow?
Me:hewasher
ethi
smor
ningt
ofet
chhi
ssi
ster
.
Theguyi
sanass
Lathi
:ahhhmahnandher
eIwast
hinki
ngI
fi
nall
ymetagoodone
Me:
sor
rybuddy
,youar
ewayt
oosweetf
orhi
m
Lat
hi:
buthewassweett
omewhenwe
bumpedint
oeachot
her
Me:
wher
e?
Lat
hi:
whenIwasgi
fthunt
ing.
Ledi:
wellt
ryt
hingsoutandseewher
ethi
ngs
takeyou
Me:It
otal
l
ydi
sagree;he’
l
lonl
ybr
eaky
ourhear
t.
Hescr
ewsandleaves
Tash:
whatdoeshi
ssi
sterhav
etosayabout
hi
m?
Me:
thathedoesn’
tdor
elat
ionshi
ps
Lat
hi:
buthe’
scuteandhehasanamazi
ng
voi
ceandIli
kehi
m
Ledi
:thengof
orhi
m butdon’
tsaywedi
dn’
t
warnyou
Ij
ustkeptqui et.Lat
hit
hai sav er
ysweetgirl,
mor eorlesslikeAnit
abutshe’ snotav i
rgi
n.
Herlastrelat
ionshipendedaboutay earago
andlatel
yshehasbeenf ocusi
ngonher sel
fand
tr
yingtorebuildherself
.Herlastboyf
riendslept
wit
hherbestf ri
endandnowt heydat
ing,men
canbev erytrashyifyouaskme.Sot hat ’
sjust
howLat hit
ha’slif
ehasbeen.
Tash:
Ist
il
lthi
nky
oushoul
dgi
vei
tashot
Lat
hi:
ayIdon’
tknow
Em:
whatdon’
tyouknow?
Ledi
:she’
sthi
nki
ngofgoi
ngoutwi
thDer
ri
ck
Bess
Ni
ta:
badi
deaf
ri
end
Ledi
:ev
enNi
tat
hinksi
t’
sabadi
dea
Ni
ta:he’
sfri
endswi thBonkeandBonkehas
t
oldmeal l
aboutt heguy,howhescr
ewsonly
wi
thoutanystri
ngs.TheguyhasNEVERbeenin
aseri
ousrelat
ionshipbef
ore
Tash:maybeLat
hicoul
dbet
heguy
sfi
rst
.You
neverknow
Nit
a:andyousureyouwanttobet heoneto
fi
ndthatout,
lookatwhathappenedtoYandi
…
nooffense
Me:nonetaken.Zukowasanoserious
r
elat
ionshi
pguyunt i
lIcameal
ong
Em: yeahbuty
ouwer
eavi
rgi
nsoy oucoul
dn’
t
real
l
yexpecthimt
obeapr
incecharmi
ngnow
Me:Iwasn’
tbutst
il
l,
fuckboy
sar
eneveragood
i
dea.Youdohimthewayhedoesyou
Ledi:Itaughtyouwel l
.Derr
ickdoesn’
twanta
relat
ionshipfri
end.Ibetyouhehasal i
stof
blockedcont act
sonhi sWhatsApporiChator
what everaswespeak
Lat
hi:Iappreci
ateevery
thingyouguysare
say
ingbutcanIpl easeputmyhandi nthefir
e
j
ustthisonceandgetbur ntonmyownsot hatI
act
uallyknowwhatI ’
mt al
kingabouti
nfuture
Me:
Irestmycase
Ili
ftedmyhandsupi ndefeat.Lat
hit
hai sthe
typet hathurt
sreal
lyhar
dwhenshehur t
s,she’s
thet ypethatevengoesasf arascutti
ngher sel
f
soy oucanunder st
andwhywesopr otect
ive.
Derrickisanassandhe’llonlypushhert othat
point.
Ledi
:fi
nel
ady
.Goodl
uck
Tash:l
et’
sjustwatchthemov i
eok.Every
one
backtoyourplacesandlet
’senj
oytherestof
thedayok?
IgotaWhat sApptextf
rom Asemahl
esayi
ng
shecan’tcometot owntomeetsocanIcome
overtoherhomeinstead,she’
l
lpayf
ormycab
orpetroli
fneedbeapparentl
yshewassortof
groundedinaway.Ididn’
tknowwhattosayso
Idi
dn’tr
espondandthegi
rlcal
l
edme.Iwentt
o
answeriti
nthet
oil
etagai
n.
/
/me:
hey
Her
:di
dIsaysomet
hingwr
ong?
Me:
Ican’
tcomet
oyourhouse
Her:
why?Icangetourdr
ivert
ocomeandf
etch
youdude
Me:
comeonAse
Her:pl
ease.I
t’
sbadenoughmypar
ent
sdon’
t
wantmet ogoanywher
eandnowyougoi
ngto
cancelonme?
Me:
mani
pul
ati
ondoesn’
twor
konme
Her
:I’
l
lmakesur
ethatDer
ri
cki
snotar
ound
It
houghtf
orasecond
Me:
okf
ine
Her
:your
eal
l
yhat
ehi
sgut
shuh?
Me:
may
bei
fhest
oppedbei
nganasst
henI
woul
dn’
t
Her
:comeoverandI
’
llt
ell
youal
labouthi
m and
whyhe’
sthewayhei
s
Me:
trustme,
Idon’
tcar
ewhyhe’
sli
ket
hat
Her
:youwi
l
lonewayoft
heot
her
Me:
IguessIdon’
thav
eachoi
ce
Her
:thanky
ousomuch.Mysi
steri
sgoi
ngt
o
l
oveyou!
Me:
I’
m scar
edal
ready
Her
:rel
ax.Bri
nganicebot
tl
eofwi
neony
our
way,
I’l
lref
undyou
Me:
sweetordr
y?
Her
:dr
yred
Me:
okcool
Her
:goodni
ght
Me:
night
//
Iwentbackt
omyr
oom.Iwonderwhati
sit
aboutDerri
ckBessandr elat
ionshi
ps.Ican’
tsay
Iwaslookingforwar
dtot omor r
ow,whatifI
bumpi nt
ohim?I ti
shishomeaf t
eral
l.We
watchedthemov iet
il
ltheendandt henwe
spokeabitbeforecal
li
ngi tanight
.Li
fewas
amazingforthatwhil
e.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
20]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
10-
Mel
o
IwaswokenupbyMr sBessjumpingontopof
mybedassheusedt obackwhenIwasaki d.
SeewhyIdon’
tli
kespendingtheni
ghtathome??
Shewakesmeupl i
kethi
salltheti
me,t
alk
aboutt
hoseannoyi
ngparentswhoaresti
ll
on
Inst
agram andtwit
terandFacebookohand
howcanIf orget
,snapchat.It
hinktheydon’
t
wantt ogr
oworsomet hingandt hethi
ngsthey
commentonourpi cturesorthepictur
esthey
postofus…l etmenotsaymuch!Any wayshe
keptjumpingupanddownonmybedt el
l
ingme
towakeup.
Me:
ha.
amom t
hisi
snotf
air
Her
:wakeywakey
Me:
I’
m up.Whatdoy
ouwant
?
Her:
that
’snowayt
otal
ktoy
ourmot
hernowi
s
i
t?
Shesaidsi
tt
ingont
opofme,
Iwasst
il
lunder
thebl
anket
s.
Me:
sor
rymom.What
’sup?
It
ookmyphoneandlookedattheti
me,itwas
j
ustaf
ter6.Ir
emov
edtheblanketovermyhead
Me:
Boobi
ewhatt
hehel
l
Her
:wakeup.Ij
ustgotbackf
rom aj
ogwi
th
Si
ya
Me:y
eahwel
lyouhav
eahusbandt
otel
lal
lof
t
hist
o
Her
:myhusbandi
sgoneonabusi
nesst
ri
p
Me:
itsSunday
…
Her:
Iknow.hehadt of
lytoNewYor k,
ther
e’s
somestuf
fthatneedshim ur
gent
ly
Me:
shamemahn
Her:
yeahshamemahn.Yout
hecl
osestt
hingt
o
hi
m soI’
mtell
i
ngyou
Ipul
l
edt
hebl
anketov
ermyheadagai
n
Me:
Idi
dn’
tsi
gnupf
ort
his
Her
:youdi
dwheny
oudeci
dedt
olookl
i
kehi
m
Shesaidpul
l
ingi
tof
fofme.Thi
swomany
ou
guys.
Her
:getupwegoi
ngt
ochur
ch
Me:
youst
il
ldot
hat
?
Her
:Iwi
l
lsl
apt
heday
li
ght
soutofy
ou
Il
aughedathowser
iousshesuddenwas.
Me:
Iwasj
oki
nggeez
.
Her
:Ihopey
oust
il
lgot
ochur
ch
Me:
li
keIhav
eachoi
ce
Her
:whydon’
tyout
eachy
ourt
wint
hatchur
ch
i
sactual
l
yathi
ng
Me:yeahwel
lmay
bei
fyougav
ehert
hings
backshewoul
dgo
Her:nahshest
il
lwoul
dn’
tgo.Mel
oI’
m wor
ri
ed
abouther
Isatuppr
oper
lyandshegoti
nbedwi
thmeand
l
eanedonmyshoulder
.
Me:Aseisgoi
ngt
obef
inemom.Shej
ust
needst
ime
Her
:it
’sbeen5monthsal
readyMel
o.Theywer
e
myparentsMel
o,Il
ostabigpar
tofmewhen
theydiedandIdon’ tunder standwhyshe’ s
behavinglikethis.I’
vet r
iedMel o,Itrul yhav e.I
don’tknowwhatt odoany mor e.She’ smy
daughterandIl ov eher ,
mepuni shingheri snot
becauseIhat eherorany thi
ngl i
ket hat .Ij
ust
wanthert ogrowupandseet hatt her e’smor e
toli
fethandr i
nki ngtil
l y
oupassoutort i
ll
you
l
andupi nhospital.It
’snotl i
keI ’m say i
ngIdon’ t
wanty ouguy sgoi ngoutandhav i
ngf unbutI
wouldappr eciat
ei tifyouguy stonedi tdowna
bit
.Andr ewalmostdi edbecauseoft hi s
dri
nking,thetruckdr iverthatdr ovei nt ohim
wasdr iv
ingundert heinfluenceandl ookwho
gothurtandl osthi sspinei nthepr ocess
Nothi
nghur tsmorethanamot her’ssil
entcry.
Thethingsweputourmot her’
st hrougharethe
worst.Mom andIarev erycl ose,mor ethanshe
i
swi t
ht herestofmysibl i
ngs; youcouldev en
goasf arassayingI
’
m herf avour i
techil
d,
anywayasmuchaswet al
kandsomet imes
havethosedeepconv ersations, i
twasmyf ir
st
ti
mehear i
ngherspeakl
iket
his.Iputmyarm
aroundherandki
ssedthesi
deofherf or
ehead.
Me: weal lheal dif
fer
entlymom.Weal lhaveour
owndi fferentcopingmechani smsandher s
happenst obeal cohol.She’
snotanaddictbutI
guesst hat’sjusthowshedeal swiththepain
mom.Let ’sgivehert i
meandmay beshe’
ll
eventuallyquitbecauseatt heendoftheday
youcan’ tforcesomeonet odosomethingthey
notreadyt odo
Her
:Iguessy
our
ight
.whendi
dyougr
owup?
Ichuckl
ed
Me:
mom r
eal
l
ynow?
Her:
onemi nuteyouaski
ngmeaboutgay sand
l
esbiansandthenextyouteachi
ngmehowt o
beapar ent
.Imeanreal
lynowDer r
ick?
Me:
comeonBoobi
edon’
tpl
ayl
i
ket
hat
.I’
m 20
r
emember
?
Her
:yougr
owt
obecomemor
eli
key
ourf
ather
byt
heday
Me:
I’
m not
hingl
i
kehi
m
Her:youareaphot
ocopyofhi
m.Youhi
s
doppelganger
Me:
samewayMel
odyi
syour
sri
ght
Her:
hahahahav
eryf
unnyMel
o.Let
’sgomake
br
eakfast
.
Me:
okgetoutl
etmewearsomet
hingpr
oper
Her
:honeytherei
snot
hingIhav
en’
tseeni
na
muchlar
gersize
Ilookedatherandlaughedsohar dandsodi d
she.Didmymom j ustdissmyD?guy swhere
didIgetthi
swoman?Youseei fIweretobein
ar el
ati
onshi
pitwouldhav etobewi thsomeone
l
ikemyf ir
stl
adyov erhere,she’
sallsort
sof
AWESOMEandy oucan’thelpbutloveher.
Me:
Mom whatt
hef
uck?NO!
Her
:what
?I’
veseeni
tal
lbabydon’
twor
ry
Me:
mygodwhi
chpl
anetdi
ddadgety
ou?
Her
:planetEart
hsomewher einUshakaMari
ne
wor
ldandt henagainataclubonFlor
idaand
t
henlateratBereapicknpay
Me:
Iknowt
hatst
oryal
readymom…geez
Her
:youasked
Iwaswear
ingbri
efs,
I’
m ahugefanandaneven
bi
ggerf
anofCalvi
nKlei
n.Igotupandtookout
ateei
nmywar dr
obeandpjaypants
Her
:tol
dyouI
’
veseenbet
ter
Itookasmal
lpi
ll
owont hechai
randt
hrewi
tat
herandshel
aughedandthr
ewoneback.
Me:
youmi
ghtaswel
lmakemybedMi
.Lady
Her
:iny
ourdr
eams!
Shesaidget
ti
ngof
fofmybedandsi
tt
ingatt
he
edge.
Me:
yousocr
uel
Her
:gobr
ushy
ourt
eet
handl
etsgo
Wit
hthatIwal
kedt omybathr
oom andwashed
myfaceandbrushedmyteethandthenwe
wal
kedout.
Me:
andwhatabouty
ourot
herki
ds?
Her
:theysl
eepi
ng
Me:
youf
oundmesl
eepi
ng
Her:
y eahbutIy
aneedst
her
estandMel
odyi
s
hel
pingherrest
Me:
tal
kaboutf
avour
it
ism
Shejustlaughedatmeanddr aggedmet oher
room totakeherphoneandt henweboth
walkeddownt othekitchen.Shemademedo
allt
hechoppingwhi l
eshemadeomel et
tesfor
everyone,whenshewasdoneshet ol
dmet ogo
waket hegir
lsup.IgottoIya’sroom and
knockedoncebef or
egoi ngin.
Ase:
everhear
dofknocki
ng
Me:yeahandIdid,
notmyf
aul
tyout
wower
e
busygossi
ping
I
ya:
mor
ningbr
other
.Howar
eyou?
Me:morni
ngsist
ers.I
’
m goodt
hanky
ouand
howar
ey ou?
I
ya:
wegr
eat
.Whyar
eyouupsoear
ly?
Me:
blamey
ourmot
her
Theybot
hlaughed.
Ase:
thankgody
ouhome
Me:andyouwonderwhyIdon’
tspendmy
weekendsher
e
I
ya:arghatl
easti
tgaveyoutwosomet
imet
o
bond.Sowhat’
sforbr
eakfast
?
Me:
fol
l
owmeandy
ou’
l
lsee
Ase: I
’
m hopingf
oraniceEngli
shbr
eakfast
.I’
m
tal
kingbeaconandeggs,f
reshl
ysqueezed
orangejui
ce
Iy
aandIlookedateachotherandwelaughed
ather
.Thisonet
hinksthi
sissomekindofhotel
orsomethi
ng.
Iy
a:wishful
thi
nkingsi
s.Mom woul
dn’
tdar
e,
especi
all
ywithdadaway
Ase:
dad’
sgone?
I
ya:
helef
tthi
smor
ningar
ound4.He’
sgonet
o
NYCit
y
Ase:
thi
sguy
.Howcomey
oudi
dn’
twakeme?
Me:
youwer
epr
obabl
ydeadasl
eepasusual
.
I
ya:
mor
ningBoobi
e
Sheki
ssedmom’
scheek
Ase:
mor
ningmom.Thi
ssmel
l
sgr
eat
Weallgat
her
edar
oundt
het
abl
eandt
ookour
seat
s
Mom:thanksbaby
.mor
nings.I
yapl
easebl
ess
t
hefood
I
y a:
maywepleasebowourheadsandpr ay.
Dearlor
dwecomebeforeyouthanki
ngy oufor
thefoodwear
eabouttorecei
veinyourname,
Amen.
Us:
Amen
I
ya:
thi
sreal
l
ylooksgoodmom
Mom:
andi
ttast
esj
ustasgood
I
ya:
sowhi
chser
vicear
eweat
tendi
ng?
Mom:Iwasthi
nki
ngthemor
ningandt
henl
ater
onwegoovertoAmber’
s
Ase:si
nceI
’m notal
lowedtogoout
,canmy
fr
iendcomeoverthi
safter
noon?
Me:
aren’
tyougoi
ngt
ochur
chwi
thus?
Ase:
Idon’
thav
eany
thi
ngchur
chwor
thyher
e.
Mom:
asl
ongast
hatf
ri
endi
snotaboy
Ase:
trustmei
t’
snotaboymom.
Mom:
finet
hen.
Weconti
nuedeat
ingandj
ustchat
ti
ngabout
r
andom st
uff
Mom:sohaveyouandNgawodeci
dedona
weddi
ngdat
e?
I
ya:
nahnoty et
.Idon’
tthi
nkIwantt
oget
mar
riedany
mor e
Me:
what
?
Mom:
why
?
I
y a:
Ilov
eNgawo, he’
sadr eam butIcan’
thel
p
butfeel
li
kewer ushingthings.Ifi
twasn’
tfor
thebaby,Idon’
tthinkwe’dev enbeengaged
mom
Ase:
butIt
houghty
oul
ovedhi
m?
Iya:Idolovehi
m butwhydoIf eelli
kehe’ snot
themanofmydr eams?Imeanhav ey ouseen
whatmom anddadhav e?Thel ovet heyshare
andt hewaytheylookateachot heralmostl i
ke
i
t’stheirf
ir
stti
memeet ing.Idon’thavet hat
withNgawo, welackthatconnect i
on
Ase:
andwhendi
dyour
eal
i
set
his?
I
ya:
Iguesslosi
ngthebabyhasgivenmeti
me
t
oactual
l
yre-ev
aluat
emyr el
ati
onshi
pwit
hhim
Mom:
ify
ousur
eabouty
ourdeci
siont
heny
ou
havemysupport.Att
heendoft hedayyou
don’
twanttogetint
oamar r
iagey ouar
e
uncer
tainof
.Imeanlovealoneisnotenought
o
makey oust
ayinarelat
ionship
Ase:butmom y
ouonetotal
k,you’
veonl
yev
er
beenwitht
womeninyourli
fe
Mom: andhav
ingbeenwi
thonl
yt womenIwas
l
uckyenoughtofi
ndmydream guyaf
termy
hear
tbreak
Me:mmmhIsee.Sowhat?Doest
hismeany
ou
goi
ngt
ogi
veNgawohislobol
aback?
I
ya:
ify
oucandot
hat
,theny
es.Iseenor
eason
t
onot
Mom: doesthi
smeant
haty
oubr
eaki
ngt
he
engagementoff
?
I
ya:
yes,
mom.
Mom: asaconcer
nedmotherIhav
etoask.
Don’
tyouthi
nkyoumakingpremat
ure
deci
si
onsbecauseofwhatyou’
vebeent
hrough?
ImeanIknowwhati t’sl
iket
ol oseachil
dand
wheny ou’v
ebeent hroughsuchy oubegin
quest
ioningever
ythingabouty ourr
elat
ionshi
p
wit
hyourpar t
ner,
youdon’ tevenknowwhet her
youguy saregoi
ngt ogetthroughthi
sst or
m or
not
I
ya:butit’
snot
hinglikethatmom.Ngawoi sa
goodguybutIcan’thelpbutfeelli
kethelove
I
’mreturni
ngtohimi s…what ’
sthewor d?.
..
.
l
it
tl
e?Imeant heguyl ovesmemor ethanIlov
e
hi
m, hehaseveryt
hingplannedoutf orusanI’
m
j
ustoucheasti
llgrowingandst i
l
ltryi
ngtofind
myselfaft
erever
ythi
ngt hathashappened
Me: mom i
fYanadoesn’twantt
omarryNgawo
anymorethenweshouldn’
ttr
yconv
inceher
other
wise.
Ase:
hahahaIal
way
sknewy
ousecr
etl
ydi
dn’
t
l
iket
heguy
Me:it
’snott
hatIdon’
tli
kehim butIf
eel
li
ke
he’
stoonerdyf
ormysi st
erandYanadeserv
es
aguywhochal lengeshermor et
hanshe
chal
lengesherself
.Yanaisli
keElenafrom The
VampireDiari
esandt henNgawoi sl
ikeStefan,
Stef
an’snevergetthegirl
!notev
er!
Ev
ery
onel
aughed.
Mom: whyam Inotsur
pri
sedyou’
dmakea
r
eferencetoVampi r
eDiar
ies?Your
eal
l
yar
e
yourfather
’sson.
Ijustsmi l
ed.Wecont i
nuedchat ti
ngandwhen
wewer edoneAsemahl eof fer
edt oclearthe
tableandt henshewashedt hedishes,itwas
shocki ngbutIguesssher eall
ywant edherl i
fe
back.Whenshewasdoneshecl eanedt he
kitchenandt henweleftandwentt ochur ch.
Afterchur chwedr ovestraighthomeandasI
waswal ki
ngintotheloungeIbumpedi nt oa
ver ybeaut i
fulper
sonwi t
hanunpl easant
attitude.Thishadt obeast artofabadj okeI
swear !
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
21]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
11
Ican’tsayIwasl ooki ngforwardt otoday .Ikept
hopingandpr ayi
ngt hatIdon’tbumpi nto
Derri
ckJer k-ass-
mi serabl
eMel okuhl
eBess!I
gotacal lfrom Asemahl earound7aski ngmet o
comeov erat8andt hatIshoul dnotbringt he
winebot tl
eany mor eonmywayt ohercriband
sheaskedmet ocar ryabiki
ni andstuffandsoI
wokeupandshower edandt henpr eparedt ogo
over.Anita, Lathi
thaandEmel iewer egoingt o
gotochur cht oattendt hemor ningservice
whil
et her estsaidt heywer egoi ngtostay
i
ndoor sandcookl unchandy ouknowNal edi
,
shewasgoingoutwit
hherMini
sterof
ever
ythi
ng.Wewereinherr
oom, meandher
andshewasprepar
inganoutf
it
.
Her
:howdoest
hisl
ook?
Shewaswear
ingashor
tdr
essandani
ce
st
il
ett
o
Me:
makesy
oul
ookl
i
kedesser
t
Her
:that
’st
hepoi
ntt
hough
Me:nof ri
end.I
fyougol ookingli
kethatthenhe
won’tbotherev
engoi ngallouttoimpressyou,
he’
llt
akey oustr
aighttoahot el
andgetr i
ghton
tobusiness
Her
:Iguessy
our
ight
.sowhatdoy
ousuggest
Itookoutapai
rofboyfr
iendj
eanswi
thwhi
te
vestandaleat
herj
acket
Me:
tryt
his
Her
:nowy
ouj
ustpl
ayi
ng
Me:
youl
i
ket
hisguyandy
ouwantt
oleav
ean
i
mpr
essi
onr
ight
?
Her
:whosai
dIl
i
kehi
m?
Me:
I’
m notst
upi
dnowam I
?
Her
:no.
Me:y ouneverspendthi
smucht i
mewi tht
hem
nordoy ougothroughsomucht roubl
eto
i
mpr ess.Sowhatisitaboutt
hisone?
Her:Idon’ tknowmyf riend.Ever
ythi
ngabout
hi
mi sj ustperfectandmakesmewanthi m.Out
ofalltheguy sInormal l
yhangwi t
h,heisthe
fi
rsttoev ertakecontrolinsexandalsorefuse
i
t
Me:
wel
lar
en’
tyouwei
rd
Her
:Idon’
texpecty
out
ounder
stand
Me:
I’
m ki
ddi
ngbabeIunder
standy
ouper
fect
ly.
Her:whenheaskedmet ocomeoutlastnight
hegavemeagoodni ghtki
ssandaboxof
chocol
ateandheaskedmeoutf orbr
eakfast.
Nosexnonot
hing
Me:wow.he’
sakeeper
.Doest
hismeany
ou’
re
i
nlove?
Her:t
oosoonhoneyboo.Pl
us,
Idon’
tdol
ong
di
stancer
elat
ionshi
ps
Me:t
akei
tthi
sway
.You’
l
lbev
isi
ti
ngLAev
ery
nowandt
hen
Her:arghIdon’tknowfr
iend.Whati
fhehasa
secretli
fehe’
sleadingi
nthestat
esandis
hidi
ngit?
Me:y
ouonlymethim Fr
idayfri
end.Don’
tbe
dr
amati
c,gett
oknowhimf ir
st
Her
:fi
ne.Uhhm howdoIl
ook?
Shet
urnedar
oundandImustsayshewas
fl
ames.
Me:youl
ookl
i
keakeepermyf
ri
end.Tot
al
f
lames
Shechuckl
ed
Her
:youj
ustpl
ayi
ng
Me:
nor
eal
l
ythoughf
ri
end.Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Her
:thanks.Whyam Isuddenl
yner
vous?
Me:
whowoul
dn’
tbe?
Her
:Iwantt
ocancel
Me:nowaysNaledi
.Youaregoi
ngtothat
br
eakf
astandyougoingt
oenjoyyour
self
!
Shenodded.
Her
:youl
ookgoodt
oobyt
heway
Me:
Ihav
eto.Whati
fIbumpi
ntoMr
sBess?
Her
:isshet
heonl
yoney
ouwor
ri
edabout
?
Me:
whoel
sewoul
dIbewor
ri
edabout
?
Her
:Idon’
tknow,
hersonmay
be?
Me:
Ijustdon’
twi
sht
obumpi
ntohi
mthat
’sal
l
.
Iwasweari
ngaloosewhitedr
esswi
thablue
suedewedgeandcarr
yingmynewbagmummy
boughtwi
thmyhairunti
edandanav
yblazer
.
Wet ookself
iesasusual andt henshecal l
ed
herguywhocamet ofetchusandt henwentt o
dropmeof fatt hemansi on.Itwasr eal l
ya
mansi onnoli
e, i
twast heemostbeaut if
ul
houseIhadev erseenbef ore!Irangthebuzzer
andthegateopened, they ardwassuperbi g
andthecarst hatwer epar kedi nthey ardwer e
j
ustsomet hi
ngel se.Whoknewt hatidiotliv
ed
i
nsuchabeaut i
ful house?Asemahl ecameout
wearingshortsandat ankt opwithfli
pf lops
andherhairhangi ngloosel y,
shehadl onghair.
Her
:heybaby
Shesai
dhuggi
ngme
Me:
heyy
ou.
Ibr
oket
hehug
Me:
dudey
ourhousei
sbeaut
if
ul!
Her:
thanks.Wai
tti
l
lyouseei
tinsi
de.Howar
e
you?
Shesai
dleadi
ngmei
nsi
de.
Me:
I’
m goodandhowar
eyou?
Her
:I’
m good.Wai
tist
hatmybag?
Me:
youhav
eabagl
i
ket
his?
Her
:mybr
otherboughti
tformey
est
erday
Me:
thesamecol
our
?
Her
:yeah.Comel
etmeshowy
ou
Sheledmeupst air
s,onthewayupont hewal l
waspi ct
uresofthefamil
y,f
rom whentheywer e
ki
dst onow, t
hei
rhousewasmagi cal
.Wegott o
herroom whichwasalsojustbeaut
if
ul!She
openedadoorwhi chledtoawalkinclosetand
shecameoutcar ryi
ngthesamebagasmi ne.
Me:
yourbr
otherhasgr
eatt
ast
e
Her
:It
aughthi
m wel
l
.
Me:
wher
eisev
ery
one?
Her:
dadisinNewYorkandtherestwentt
o
chur
ch.Youlookamazi
ngbytheway
Me:
thanky
ou.Yout
oo
Her:
yeahr
ight
.doyouwantt
ochi
l
lindoor
sor
youwantt
ogoswimming?
Me:youmademecar
ryabi
ki
ni.Wemi
ghtas
wel
l
.
It
ookmydr essof
frev
eal
i
ngmybl
ackhi
gh
waistbi
ki
ni
Her:
damngirl
!Iseewhatmybr
otherwas
t
alki
ngabout
Me:
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Her
:yourbodyi
sflamesandt
hathewoul
dli
ke
t
obangy ousomeday!
Me:
hahahawhat
?
Icoul
dn’
tbeli
evemyear
s.Melokuhl
ewant edt
o
bangme?What ?Myear
shadt obedeceiv
ing
meandev ensohewasdreamingbecauseI
wouldnev
erbanghim.
Her
:your
eal
l
ydon’
tli
kemybr
otherhuh?
Me:
may
bet
hedayhest
opsbei
nganass,
I’
ll
makeanexcept
ion
Shel aughedatmeandt henshetookoffher
thi
ngsandweheadeddownt al
ki
ngaboutmy
hatef orherbr
otherandwhatactual
l
yspiral
led
i
tall.Wegott othewaterandshegotinwhileI
j
ustsatatt heedge,notal
lofusarelucky
enought ohavesomewhi tei
nourbloodlikeher.
Her
:youknow,
he’
snotsuchabadper
son
Me: ofcausey
ouwoul
dsayt
hat
,yout
heguy
’s
si
ster
Her:
hecanbeanassatt i
mesbuttr
ustmehe
i
snotsuchabadguyYandi;youj
ustdon’
tknow
hi
m wel
loryou’
vecaughthimint
hemood
Me:i
sitsohar
dforhi
mt oact
ual
l
ypl
ayni
ce
wi
thpeopl
ehedoesn’
tknow?
Shechuckledandshegotoutoft
hewat
erand
satnextt
ome.
Her:hahahaIcan’
tspeakforhi
m onthatbutI
wil
ltel
lyouthi
s,mybrotherwasn’
tal
way ssuch
anass.Hewasav er
ysweetguybacki nhigh
schoolandhewaspr ettymuchev erygir
l’
s
dream boyf
ri
endandt henhi
sgi r
lf
riendcheated
onhim wit
hhisbestfriendt
henandf r
om there
onwardshe’sbeenplay i
nggir
lsandpr ett
y
mucht heassheisnow.
Me: sti
l
ldoesn’
texpl
ainhisatti
tudeAsemahle.I
gotoutofabadr el
ati
onshipnotsolongago
andy oudon’
tseemel ashi
ngoutorpl ay
ing
men.Yourbr ot
herneedstolearntobenicerto
str
angers.
Her :wel ostourgr andmotherandgr andfather
thisy eari naugustandasmycopi ng
mechani sm Iturnedtoalcohol ,
I’
mt al
king
heav ydr inki
ng.Wor sethany ourbirthdaytype
ofdr inking,atthi
sonepar tyIgotal cohol
poi soningbutt hatsti
lldi
dn’tstopmef rom
drinking.Mel ohasbeenwor riedaboutmeev er
sinceandhe’ sbeendoi nghisal lt
opr otectme.
Ev eni fi
tmeanshur ti
ngsomeoneel se’
s
feel i
ngsi ntheprocess.Idon’texpecty out o
understandhi
m oracceptt
hewayheis,
butI
j
ustfeltli
keIshoul
dtell
youwhyhewasthe
wayhewast oyouwhenIwasdrunkandal
soI
am sorryfort
hewayhespoketoyou
Justbecausepeopl elookliket heyhappyand
theyhaveitalldoesn’
tmeant hattheyactuall
y
arethewayt heylook.Ididr eadaboutMrand
Mr sHlat
hi’
stragicdeat hbutIdi dn’
tthi
nki t
affect
edtheirfamil
ythi sbad.Asemahl e’sstory
changedmywhol eper spectiveonherbr other
andherasawhol e.
Me:
I’
m sor
ryIdi
dn’
tknow.
Her:nobodybesi dest hefamilyknows.Wemay
seem li
kelifeisallr
osesandsweetandal lbut
i
tisn’
t.Derrickistheonl yguyamongstgi rl
sand
whateverterribl
ethingthathappenst ous,it
hit
shim har der.Li
ket heyearmysi st
erfound
outherreal mom diedwhi l
egivi
ngbirt
ht oher ,
Yanatooki tsobadt hatsheactuall
ytur
nedt o
drugstocopebutwi tht heri
ghtguyshepul led
t
hrough.Ofcauseherbei
ngi
nvol
vedi
nsuch
t
ookitstol
lonmybr ot
her
Iwasshockedhonest ly
.Imeanhow?TheBess
seemstobet hemostper fectf amil
yther
eis
outther
eonlytof i
ndoutt hattheydeali
ngwi t
h
such?Imeant hisi
shar dtot akeinhonestl
y.
Themor eshetoldmeaboutherf amil
y,t
he
moreIbegant ounderstandhert wi
n.Hewasn’t
anassbynatur ebutthat’
st hef r
ontheputup
sothatpeopl
el oseint
erestinhi m.
Me:
Iam sosor
ryt
oheart
hatMahl
e
Her:it
swaterundert
hebri
dge.Iwould
appreci
ateitt
houghi
fyoudidn’
ttell
anyone
aboutprett
ymuchevery
thi
ngI ’
vetol
dyouok?
Me:
myl
i
psar
eseal
ed.
Her:mybrotherli
kesyou,youshowedhi mt hat
youactual
lycareaboutotherpeople.He
doesn’
twantt oadmitthathelikesyouthough
becausethenitwouldruinhisrep.Heli
kesto
makepeopl ebel
ievehe’sajerksothathe
doesn’tgetcl
osetoanyoneandsot hatany
one
doesn’tgetcl
osetohi
m becausehef eel
sli
ke
peoplearesafert
hatway.Thelessheneedst o
worryandcareaboutotherpeopl
eout si
dehis
ci
rcl
e,thebetter
.
Me:
compl
i
cat
ed.
Her
:Iknowr
ight
.canIgety
ousomet
hingt
oeat
?
Me:
yeahsur
e
Shegotoutofthewateranddr iedhersel
fand
sodidIandthenwewenti nside.Shemadeus
chi
ckenwrapswithchipsont hesideandami ni
sal
adwithsomejuiceandt henwewentt ochi
l
l
i
ntheloungeandjusttal
kedaboutst uff.
Me:
soy
ou’
venev
erhadaboy
fri
end?
Her:Iwi
shbutno.IguessI
’
veneverseenthe
needforoneseei
ngthatmybr
otherplay
sthe
rol
eallt
oowell
Me:
don’
tyougethor
nyorsomet
hing?
Her
:hahahaonmyper
iods,
yesbutcomeon.
Aintl
i
key
ougoi
ngt
odi
eify
oudon’
tgetsex
ri
ght?
Me:
Iguess
Her
:howmanyguy
shav
eyoudat
ed?
Me: dat
ed?2, therestit
’sjustbeenfli
rt
ingand
chi
ld’splay.Sothere’
smyexr ight
,thecurr
ent
ex;heandIhav ebeenf l
i
rtmat esfor3years
unti
lwedeci dedt ooff
ici
alisethi
ngsonlyforus
toendt hisyear,afewday sbeforeour
anniver
sar y
.
Her
:ouch!Andt
heot
her
s?
Me:well
myf i
rstboy
friendwasingr ade9andit
wasfort
hesakeofdat ing,
didn’
tevenlast6
monthsandIwasalreadytir
edoftheguy .We
nev
erevenki
ssedever
Shel
aughed.
Me:mysecondonewedat edfr
om end
Decemberti
lendmarchthefol
l
owingyearand
hewasstudyi
nginQueensboysandtotopit
off
,hewasar ugbyplayersohewasnever
homeandhenev erhadtimesoIdumpedhim.
Andthenthethir
done, Idi
dn’tknowwewere
dati
ngunti
lhewi shedmeahappyanniver
sary
andIcal
leditqui
t sonthatsameday
Her
:ohmywor
dyousuck!
Me:Iknowri
ght
.I’
veneverhadpr
obl
emswi
th
dumpingguy
sexceptZuko
Her
:whatabouthi
m?
Ipagedthr
oughmyphonetot
helast
conver
sati
onwehadwhereheagr
eedtous
cal
li
ngitqui
ts.
Me:uhhm r
eadfr
om her
eto…you’
l
lseewher
eit
al
lends.MayIt
aket
hedishes?
Her
:yeahsur
ethanks.
WiththatItookthedishest
ot heki
tchen,
Ihad
atowel wrappedaroundmybodyandmyhai r
wasal lov
ertheplace.AsIwaswalkingoutof
t
hel oungeIwassuddenl yi
ntoxi
cat
ebya
f
amili
arcol
ogne,
oneIknewall
toowell
.Ididn’
t
wanttol
ookupbecauseIwasscar
eitmight
j
ustbehim.
Hi
m:soy
ouar
eMel
ody
’sguest
?
Mytoweldeci
deditwasti
metoshowMrBess
mybodyagainandthi
sti
metherewer
ethings
i
nmyhad, atl
eastIwaswear
ingabi
ki
nithis
t
imebutsti
ll
.Hechuckl
ed
Me:
ali
tt
lehel
p
Hi
m:al
i
ttl
epl
ease?
Hesaidwi
thasmir
konhisface.Icoul
dhear
noi
secomingf
rom t
heki
tchen-
kil
lmenow
pl
ease-
Me:
Der
ri
ckpl
ease
Helookedatmeforawhi
l
eandthent
ookt
he
di
sheswhil
eIpi
ckedmytowel
up
Hi
m: whydon’
tIhavemyphonewi
thmewhen
t
hingsl
iket
hishappen?
!
Hesaidl aughingwhi l
ewal kingt ot hekitchen
andjustt henhismom andsi sterappear ed.Mrs
Besswasbey ondbeaut iful andherbodyand
everyt
hingwasonf l
eek.Shewaswear ingar ed
belowthekneepenci l skirtwi thagol dzipin
fr
ont,nav yshirtandawhi tebl azerwi thNav y
heelsandawhi t
ehandbag.Shel ooked
amazingwi t
hherhai rt i
edupi naneatbun.
Iy
anawaswear i
ngabur gundybodyhuggi ng
dresswhi chwassl ight l
ybel owt hekneewi th
whiteheel sandawhi tebl azerwi thagol d
handbagandherbr ot herwor eanav ysuit,whit
e
sneakersandawhi teshi rtwi thar edbowt ie.
Talkaboutt hemat chingmot herandson.
Ama:
hel
l
o
I
ya:
Yandi
swa
Howdoessheknowmeguy
s??
?
Me:
uhhm hel
l
oMr
sBessandMi
ssBess
Theybot
hlaughed
Iy
a: cal
lmeI yanaplease.IknowyoubecauseI
actuall
ystalkedyou.Nicetomeetyoubythe
way ,I
’m Asemahle’
sbi gsist
er
Ok…cr
eepymuch.
Me:
uhhm, I
’m Yandiswabutyoual
readyknew
t
hat
.I’
m Asemahle’sfri
end.Howar
ey ou?
Ama:
wear
egoodbabyandhowar
eyou?
Me:
I’
m al
sogoodt
hanks.
Shewalkedt
otheloungeandYanawent
upst
air
sandsoIfoll
owedmamaBess.
Her
:wi
l
lyoubej
oini
ngusf
ordi
nner
?
Me:
uhhm di
nner
?
Ase:sayy
espl
ease.Shenev
ert
akesnof
oran
answer
Me:
uhhm
Ama:Ireal
l
ydon’
ttakenof
orananswer
sweet
ie
Me:
uhhm ok.Thanksf
ort
hei
nvi
te
Ama:good.Uhhm doy
ouhaveany
thingt
owear
ofwi
l
l y
ouneedsomethingt
owear?
Iwasaboutt
orespondwhenAsemahl
ecutme
off
Ase:shecamewear
ingbum short
smum,
tol
d
herweweregoi
ngtobeswimmi ng
Ama:Iknowwhatyoutr
yingtodo.Younot
goi
nganywher
e.Yourbr
otherwil
laccompany
Yandi
swatoherpl
acetogoandchange
Mel
o:whatnow?
Ama: youaccompanyi
ngYandiswatoherplace
tochangeandthenyou’l
lpassbyyoursi
ster’
s
placeandpackherabagwi t
hdecentchur
ch
wor t
hyclot
hes
Hi
m:y
es,
Ma’
am
Ama:
thenev
ery
thi
ngi
sset
tl
ed.
Andwiththatshegotupof
fthechairandwent
upthestai
rs.Thi
swomanandbar ki
ngorder
s.
AsemahleandIwentuptoherroom andI
changedintomydr esswhil
etal
kingaboutthe
conversat
ionshereadbetweenZukoandme
andboydi dshehatehim.Awhilelat
erDerri
ck
cameknocki ngandheaskedifIwasr eadyto
goandsowel eft
.-godpl
easekil
lmenow!–
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
21]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
12-
Mel
o
Ohmom t hough.Fatherforgi
veherforshe
knowsnotwhatshei sdoi ng.I
nmom’ sdefence,
ofeveryt
hingItellher,Ihaven’
ttol
dherabout
Yandiswabecauset henshewoul dasklot
sof
questi
onsandshewoul dplaymatchmakeand
assumet hatIwantherandshewoul d
encour agemet opur suehersono.shedoesn’ t
knowj ackshi itaboutYandi swa.Onal ighter
note, Yandi get shot t
erbyt hemi nute,
IknowI
sawhery esterdaybuti twasasi fIwasseei ng
herf orthef ir
stt ime.Howcansomeonel ook
thatgoodwi t
houtanyef f
ort?Imeanshehad
zeromakeupon, notev enl i
pst i
ckandherhai r
wasunt iedandhangi ngl oosebutshest il
l
l
ookedamazi ng, shel ookedl i
keshehadj ust
gottenoutofacommer ci
al forsomebeach
shootorwhat ev er.Ineededt ohitthat!When
shewal kedoutofmysi st er’sroom lookingall
kindsofni ce,Icoul dn’ thel pmy self
.Itri
ed
keepi ngt hecompl i
mentt omy selfbutthe
wor dshadal readyl ef tmymout h.
Me:
howt
hef
uckdoy
oual
way
slookt
hisgood?
!
Iputmyhandonmymouth.Asemahl
elaughed
atmehavi
nghear
dwhatIjustsai
d
Her
:excuseme?
Me:
Idon’
thav
eal
lday
.Let
’sgo
Ase:wellYandihereismyf l
atkey
,bri
ngmethe
cl
othesthatsti
llhavethei
rtagsonok?Andmy
shoes,Derr
ickknowswhi chshoesIl
ove
Me:wenotther
etopackupy
ourwhol
e
apar
tment
Ase:
rel
ax.Justbr
ingmeni
cet
hingsonl
y
Her
:Ibetal
lyourcl
othesar
eni
ce
Ase:
don’
tfl
att
ermeboo.
Theybothl
aughed.Ther
eitwas,t
hatl
aught
hat
di
dthingst
ome, i
tdidweir
dshii
ttome!
Me:
ify
ougi
rl
sar
edone?
!
Yandi
:seey
ouwhenIgetback
Ase:
Mel
obehav
e
Me:
excuseme?
Ase:
youhear
dme!
Ikeptquietandwewal kedout
.Shewassuper
quietandsoIletherbe.WegottothecarandI
unlockedthedoorsandshegotinthe
passengerseat
,Iwasdr
ivi
ngmom’
sBent
ley
.
Her
:ni
cewheel
s
Me:
theymom’
s.
Shenoddedandkeptqui
et.
Me:
youdon’
ttal
kmuchhuh?
Her
:younoteasyt
otal
kto
Me:I
’veseeny
ounaked,
Ithi
nkt
hat
’sani
ce
br
eaker
Her
:li
key
ousai
d,y
out
hink
Me:
whati
syourpr
obl
em?
Her
:Idon’
thav
eany
Me:
thenwhydoy
ouhat
emesomuch?
Her
:yout
hreat
enedt
ohur
tme
Me:Iwaslooki
ngoutformysi
ster
.Yousai
d
you’
drat
herdiethanbewit
hme
Her
:you’
reanass.
Me:
andy
ougott
hatf
rom?
Her
:yourat
ti
tudesai
dital
l
Me:
mmmh
Her
:hear
dyou’
dli
ket
obangmet
hough.
Ohwow!ar
ewer
eal
l
ydoi
ngt
his?
Me:It
hinky
ouwer
ebet
terwheny
oudi
dn’
ttal
k
much
Shechuckl
ed
Her
:I’
m cur
ious
Me:
ok?
Her:you’v
ebeennothi
ngbutajer
ktomeand
rudesincedayone.Whatmakesyout
hinky
ou
couldever“bang”me?
Me:becauseIwastaughtt
oafterwhatIwant
ataveryyoungageMissGxabaandIhappento
wantyourbody
Shel
ookedout
side.Whatwasitabouther
?She
smel
l
edsodamngoodbyt heway
Her
:wel
lkeepdr
eami
ngMrBess.Imeantwhat
Isai
daboutr
atherdy
ingt
hanbei
ngwi
thy
ou
Me:youi
nacarwit
hme.Ibetyounever
t
houghtt
hatwer
epossi
blebutl
ookatusnow
Her
:what
’sy
ourpl
anMel
okuhl
e?
Me:
don’
tcal
lmet
hat
Her
:what
?Mel
okuhl
e?
Me: j
ustdon’
t!Idon’
tseewhyyoushoul
d
change,youl
ookdecentenough
Her
:howqui
cky
ouar
etochanget
hesubj
ect
Me:
ist
her
eany
thi
ngy
ouwantaty
ourpl
ace?
Her
:jewel
l
ery
Me:
it’
snotsomef
ormal
dinnerr
elax
!
Her
:oh
Me: IbuyyouaR1500giftatNWJandyoust
il
l
goonandweart hesecheapMrPri
cethi
ngs
thatwil
lrui
nyourski
n
Her
:whosai
ditr
uinsmyski
n?
Me:
Iknowt
hatt
hosear
en’
thi
cki
es
Isaidpoi
nti
ngatherchest,shewaspi nkinthe
areawheretheheartofhernecklacesat.she
openedthemirroraboveherandshel ookedat
herchest
.Shelookedwor r
iedandscar edabit,
betshedidn’
tknowshehadar eacti
ont osuch.
Me:mysisterusedtohaveareact
iontooso
sheswi
tchedtor eal
jewel
l
erystor
esforher
neckpi
eces
Her:notal
lofuswer
efor
tunat
eenought
obe
Bess’s
Me:yeahbutyourmom i sadoctormeani
ng
youloadedbecauseyoucanaffordZar
a
handbagsandSportscenesneakers
Her:ar
eyoukeepi
ngt
absonmeandwher
eI
shop?
Me: Icoul
dn’thel
pbutnoti
cethebagyou
car
ry i
nglooksli
ketheoneIboughtf
ormy
si
steryesterday
Her
:mmmhIsee.
Shekeptqui
etandsodi
dI.Metr
owasonand
theywer
eplayi
ngmom’ssong
Her
:tur
nthatuppl
ease
Me:
uhhhm ok
Shestart
edsi
ngi
ngalong.Thewayshewas
caref
reewasj
ustbeaut
iful
.Af
tert
hesongwas
overItur
nedt
hevolumedown
Her:
IknowI
’
m at
err
ibl
esi
ngerbutIl
ovet
hat
song
Me:
Inot
iced.St
ayawayf
rom si
ngi
ngt
hough
Shelaughedandsodi dI.f
orthefi
rstt
imeI
thi
nksheandIwer eactual
lybondi
ngand
enj
oyingeachother’
scompany .WegottoLa
Luci
a,mysisterandIli
veinthesamecomplex
butdif
fer
entareas.
Her
:cany
ourf
ami
l
yadoptmeal
ready
?!
Me:
nah.Toomanygi
rl
sal
ready
Shel
aughed
Her
:geeez.
Wewal kedupandshefollowedbehindmeas
wemadeourwayt omysister’
sroom,thestai
rs
wer eexhausti
ng.Nowondershewast hat
skinnyandf i
t;i
tst
hesestair
s.Wegott oher
placeandherhousemat ewast her
eint he
ki
t chen.
Her
:Der
ri
ckMel
okuhl
eBess
Me:
MissScot
t
Mysisterl
i
vedwit
hAuntKaren’
sdaught
erLayl
a
Scott
,shewas19.WehuggedandthenIput
herdown.
Her:
wow.coul
ditbet
haty
ouf
inal
l
yhav
ea
gi
rl
fr
iend?
Us:
No!wenotdat
ing
Wespokeatt
hesamet
imeandLayl
aughedat
us.
Her
:coul
dhav
efool
edme.
Me:Yandi
swathi
sisLay
laScot
t;Lay
lat
hisi
s
Yandi
swaGxaba
Theyshookhands
Yandi
:ni
cet
omeety
ou
Lay
:li
kewi
se,Fortherecor
d,y
out
wowoul
d
makeagreatcouple
Me:i
t’
ll
nev
erhappencous.Sowhenar
eyou
goi
nghome?
Lay
:I’
mfl
yi
ngtoni
ghtact
ual
l
y.Mom anddad
hav
ebeenonmycase
Me:doest
hatmeany
ouwon’
tat
tendour
bi
rt
hdaypar
ty?
Lay
:youknowIwouldn’
tmi
ssi
tfort
hewor
ld!
Where’
syourt
win?
Me:grounded.Weactual
l
yher
etof
etchher
t
hings,wel
lfewofthem
Lay
:whathasshedonet
hist
ime?
Me:
dri
nki
ng.
Lay
:beent
ell
i
nghert
oqui
t
Me:she’
sasst
ubbor
nasbot
hherpar
ent
sthat
one.
Lay:mywor d!How’
sYana?How’
sthe
pregnancy
?
Me:Mahl
edi
dn’
ttel
lyou?Shel
ostt
hebaby
,last
ni
ght
Lay
:mywor
dI’
m sosor
ry
Me:
itsay
t.Any
wayl
et’
sgett
heset
hingsandgo
Lay
:itwasni
cemeet
ingy
ouYandi
swa
Yandi
:l
ikewi
se,
Lay
la
Andwi tht
hatwewentt omysi ster
’sroom
whichlookedlikeareplicaoftheoneathome.
Itwascleanshame, ift
her e’
sonethingyoucan
countonismysi st
erkeepingherroom and
closetascleanasshei s.
Yandi
:youguy
sar
ecousi
nshow?
Me: wenotreal
lycousi
nsassuch.Hermot her
marriedmyuncleAluncedo,
theyhavea
daughtert
ogethersosheandIarerel
ated
thr
oughhersister
Her
:oh.
..she’
spr
ett
y
Me:
yeah.Wel
lthat
’shercl
oset
,hav
efun
Her:
shesentbot
hofus.I
’
m notgoi
ngi
nther
e
al
one
Me:not
hing’
sgoi
ngt
obi
tey
ou…j
ustsoy
ou
know
Her
:st
il
l
Me:
whydoy
oual
way
shav
etobet
hisdi
ff
icul
t?
Her:
andwhydoy
oual
way
sbet
his
commandi
ng?
Me:
honest
lyIdon’
tknow…
Her:youknowDer
ri
ck,someti
mesyouneedto
belesscommandi
ngandaskmor einor
derf
or
thi
ngstogothewayyouwishfort
hem t
o
Me:
youmaki
ngnosense
Her:
respecti
satwo-
wayst
reet
;yougi
vei
tin
or
dertorecei
vei
t.
Me:
kindofl
i
kegoi
ngdownonsomeone
Her:
ift
hatexampl
ewor
ksbestf
ory
out
hen
sur
e
Shewentt omysister’
sclosetandsheopened
i
t,shewentinsi
deandswi t
chedtheli
ghton.
Herclosetwassoor gani
sed,I’
mt al
ki
ngcolour
coordi
nati
ontypething.
Me:shepr
efer
sitt
hewayshehadl
efti
t…j
ust
soy
ouknow
Her:andhowarewesupposedt
ofi
ndt
he
cl
othesshewants?
Iwentinsi
deandf
oundhergoingt
hrougha
hangerwit
hdrycl
eanedt
hings
Me:whenshesaidt
ags,It
hinkshemeant
cl
othest
hathav
enotyetbeenworn
Her
:fi
ne.Youl
ookf
ort
hem t
hen
Shesaidtur
ningtofaceme.Iwasst andi
ng
ri
ghtbehi
ndher ,
socloseyoucouldactuall
y
smellt
heloti
onsheputonherhair.Yandiswa
wasadorablyshort
,shestoppedr
ightbymy
shoul
dersandshewasi nheelsbytheway ;
i
magineifshewasi nfl
atsli
kewhenshewas
weari
ngabikiniear
li
eron.
Me:
youi
nthewayact
ual
l
y
Shelookedupatmeandmov edasi
de.Ipul
led
outar ackandf
oundthecl
othesatt
heback.I
don’tknowhowshethoughtwewouldfind
these.
Her
:andhowwer
ewesupposet
ofi
ndt
hose?
Me:that’
swhyyouherewi
thme.Mysi
ster
’s
cl
osetisacompli
cat
edon
Her
:Isee.
Me:thesuit
casesar
eint
hatdoor
.I’
l
lgof
etch
hershoes
Mostofmysi ster’
sclotheswer eimpor ted
things,awhol ecollecti
onf oracer tainseason.
Per ksofhav i
nganauntwho’ saf ashionbuy er
slashmodel ,
sheal soboughtmecl othes.Jen
waspr ett
ymucht hatfavouriteauntwhowas
unmar r
iedandl i
vedt heli
feoft ravelli
ng.And
thent herewasuncl eDami en’swifeAunt
Simmy ,shealsosentusdozensofcl othesand
accessor i
esatt heendofeachseason.You
coul dsaywewer espoi l
tbey ondmeasur e.
Uncl eDami en’sdanceacademywasdoi ng
great ,
hev i
siteditwhenev erhecoul d;Lay l
awas
ast udentther e.
Her
:whysomanycl
othes?
Me:
twoofouraunt
sar
efashi
onbuy
ers
Her
:yep,
yourmom canadoptmepl
ease
Ichuckl
ed
Me:
rii
i
ight
!
It
ookoutt
heshoeswhi
chIknowshewant
ed
andthenpul
l
edouthershoebagandputt
hem
i
nit.
Me:
youdone?
Her
:yeah.Wecango
Ioff
eredt otakethesuit
caseandshe
shocki
ngl ydidn’
tfi
ghtmeoni t
,sheletmetake
i
tandweheadedoutaf t
ersayi
ngourgoodbyes
toLayla.Iloadedthethi
ngsinthecarandwe
droveoff
Her
:somet
hingsbeenbot
her
ingme
Me:
what
?
Her
:Lat
hit
ha
Me:
who’
sthat
?
Her:
oneofmyfr
iends.Shestudi
esinthesame
campusasme,
say syouaskedforhernumber
Me:
sowhat
’sbot
her
ingy
ouaboutt
hat
?
Her:
she’
sagoodgi r
lDerr
ick,she’st
hoset
ype
ofgi
rl
sthatgeti
nitf
orthelongr un
Me:
andwhatt
ypeofgi
rlar
eyou?
Her:
wenottal
ki
ngaboutmeher
e.Pl
easej
ust
st
ayawayfr
om her
Me:
I’
ll
stayawayf
rom herononecondi
ti
on
Her
:andwhat
’st
hat
?
Me:
sleepwi
thme
Shecoughed,Icoul
dn’
thelpbutl
aughather
shame.Betshewasnev err
eadyfort
hatnow
wasshe?
Her
:excuseme?
Me: Idi
dn’tknowshewasyourfr
iendwhenI
approachedherandeveni
fIdid,
Idon’
tseewhy
thatbothersyou
Her
:itdoesn’
tbotherme;
Ijustdon’
twanty
ou
t
ohurtherthat
’sall
Me: ar
en’
tyout
hesweetestf
ri
end.Fr
iendoft
he
yearawar
dgoestoyou
Her
:Idon’
tgety
ou!
Me:
whatdon’
tyougetaboutme?
Her
:whydoy
ousl
eepwi
thgi
rl
s?
Me:
shoul
dIsl
eepwi
thguy
sinst
ead?
Her
:youknowwhatImeanDer
ri
ck.
Me: Ihaveneedsandonl
ygir
lscansati
sfythem.
Yourfriendi
sflames,
soareyoubythewaybut
i
fIcan’tgetyouthenImi
ghtaswellgetthe
nextbestthi
ng
Her
:yousuchanasshol
e
Me:yourfr
iendisint
erest
edi
nmeandI’
m
i
nter
estedinher.Idon’
tseewhyy
oushoul
d
i
nter
fereandtrysaveher.
Her
:shedoesn’
tneedy
oui
nherl
i
feMel
okuhl
e
Me:di
dshesayt
hat
?Di
dshesayshewant
sto
besav
ed?
Sheshookherhead
Her
:no
Me:
mypoi
ntexact
ly.Asaper
sony
oucanonl
y
sav
epeopl
ewhowantt
obesav
ed
Her
:wow.
WepassedbyMacDf orMcFlurry’
sandt henI
droveushome.Shewassuddenl ybacktonot
tal
kingtome, t
heicecr eam wasapi ece
offeri
ngbutnope;shewasn’ tfazed.Wasshe
madaboutmehi t
tingonherf riend?Why
though?Shemadei tcleart
hatshewasn’ t
i
nterestedinme.Yandi swaGxabawast oo
compl i
catedf
ormeshame!
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
21]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
13
Okmay beImi sj
udgedhi m abi t.St i
lldoesn’t
changehowIf eel abouthi mt hough.Comet o
thi
nkofi tt hi
swasact uall
ythef irsttimeheand
Ichill
edt ogetherwi thoutanyofust r
y i
ngt o
mur dertheot herwi thwor ds.Il oveLat hi
thabut
Iwoul dnev ersleepwi thMelokuhl ejusttosav e
herass, besides, shewant stogetbur ntonher
ownmos.Ont hewayIwasqui ett rappedbymy
ownt hought s,howdar eheev encomet othi
nk
thatIwoul dl
owermy selfli
ket hat?Iwasmad
thathewoul dev ensuggestt hat !DerrickBess
needst ol ear
nr espect .
Hi
m:I
’
m sor
ry
Soheknowswhatanapol
ogyi
s?
Me:
forwhatexact
ly?
Hi
m: ev
erythi
ng.Fr
om t
hever
yfi
rstt
imewemet
t
il
lnow,I’
m sorr
yYandi
swa
Il
ookedathi
m,hewaslooki
ngstrai
ghtahead.
Mygodhewasf l
ames.Heparkedthecari
n
fr
ontofMacDandthenhelookedatme.
Hi
m:McFl
urr
yasapeaceof
fer
ing?
Ijustl
ookedathim.Helookedsi
ncer
efort
he
veryfi
rstti
me,Iwastemptedtof
orgi
vehi
m but
Ifigur
edletmelethi
m suff
er.
Hi
m:ohkay
Hewal kedouttobuyt
hisicecr
eam andt
henhe
camebackwi thtwoofthem,hehandedmethe
other
.
Me:
thanks
Hi
m:doest
hatmeanI
’
mfor
giv
en?
Ikeptqui
et
Hi
m:guessnot
.
Wedr
oveof
f.
Hi
m:whi
chcour
sear
eyoust
udy
ing?
Me:
art
Hi
m:wel
lI’
m doi
ngl
awatHowar
d
Me:
Iknow
Hi
m:whatel
sedoy
ouknowaboutme?
Me:
not
hing.
Hi
m:ohkay
…sowhyar
t?
Me:
whyl
aw?
Hi
m:l
egacy
.Whyar
t?
Me:there’
sbeaut
yinevery
thing.I
’
vel
oved
pai
nti
ngsinceIwasalit
tl
echi l
dandf
rom t
her
e
onwardsmyobsessionmov edontot
aking
pi
ctures
Hi
m:whatki
ndofpi
ctur
es?
Me: anyki
nd.Imostlytakepicturesofmy
fr
iendsthough.OnedayI ’
m goingtoowna
studiowherebydozensofpeopl ewil
lcomet o
myst udi
otobuymyar tandseet heperson
behindthebeauti
fulcr
eations
Hewasqui etprobabl
yli
steni
ngtome,If
elt
embarrassed, I
’
m supposedtobemadatt hi
s
guybuther eIam tell
i
nghim aboutmydr
eams
andeverythingelse.
Me:
I’
m sor
ry.It
endt
obl
ab
Him:Idon’
tmi
nd.Il
ovel
i
steni
ngt
oyout
alk
anyway
Me:
o…kay
.Sohow’
slaw?
Hi
m:wet
alki
ngaboutmenow?
Me:
yes,
wear
eMrBess.
Him: wel
l Ican’tsayIwasexcit
edt odoitat
fi
rstbutitgrewonme, ImeanwhenIpassed
mymat r
icIhadnopl anorwhatsoeverbutl
aw
camet omyr escue.
Me:there’
snosuchthingasnothavi
ngaplan,
whathav eyoual
waysseenyoursel
fdoi
ngback
wheny ouwereakid?
Him: I
’
veal waysseenmy sel
fsi
tt
ingi
nanoffi
ce
andbar ki
ngorders, hav
ingasupersexywi
feto
bri
ngmer andom lunchesaccompaniedby
greatoffi
cesexaf ter
Me:
ofcause.Whyam Inotsur
pri
sed?
Helaughed.Hi
slaughwasboldandsexy ,
ever
ythi
ngabouthim wassuddenl
yattract
ive
andmadey ouwanttoli
stentohim whenhe
spoke.
Hi
m:hahahawhat
?
Me:youli
kebar
kingorder
s.Ibet90%ofy
our
st
uffwoul
dhateyourguts
Him:Idon’
tmindasl
ongast
heygett
hewor
k
doneontime
Me:Isee.Sol
aw,wi
lli
ttakeyouwherey
ou
wanttobe?Whatam Iaski
ng,l
egacy
!
Hechuckl
ed
Him:IlovewhatI ’m doing,Imayseem li
keI
hateitbutIloveit.havingseenthethi
ngsmy
fat
herhasaccompl ished,i
t’smademewantt o
bejustli
kehi m.TheGODofbusi ness,butof
causehewoul dn’
tbewher ehei swit
houtmy
mom.Amanwi thadr eam deser
vesawoman
wit
hav i
sion
Me:
whosai
dthat
?
Him: Igoti
tfrom mydad.He’
sbeenonmycase
aboutf i
ndi
ngt her
ightwoman,wi
ththeri
ght
visi
onsot hatsheandIcanconquerthewor
ld
together
Me:andhaveyouf
oundheryetory
ouhopi
ngt
o
f
indherbet
weensomegir
l’
slegs
Hel
aughedatmeandpar
kedt
hecar
.
Hi
m:wher
e’st
hef
uni
nmet
ell
i
ng?
Hegotout.Iwaslef
tsoconfused.Whatdi
d
thatmean?Didt
hatmeanhe’sfoundherornot
?
ImeanIknownothingsol
idaboutthi
sguy.
Hi
m:y
oucomi
ng?
Hesaidshout i
ngfrom outsi
de.Igotoffthecar
andhelpedhi m wi
ththeotherbagandt henhe
l
ockedt hecar.Wewenti nsi
deandf oundhis
si
sterI
yai nthekit
chen.
Her:
tookyouguy
slongenough.Ihopehewas
goodtoyou
Ismi
l
ed
Me:hewasnotbad.Heev
enboughtmei
ce
cr
eam
Him:i
twasapeaceoffer
ingf
orbei
nganassto
heraf
tershet
ooksuchgoodcar
eofmysist
er
theot
herday
Her:
ncoooharen’
tyouasweetheart
.Soyou
canbuypeaceoff
eri
ngsf
orYandiswabutyou
can’
tdothesameforme…Ifeell
ikeyoudon’
t
l
ovemeany more
Hi
m:nott
hisagai
n
Her
:what?Fi
rsty
oubuyMel
anewbagand
nowthi
s?
Hi
m:j
eal
ousydoesn’
tsui
tyoubyt
heway
Her
:fi
newhat
ever
.
Hi
m:t
omor
rowwe’
l
lgoout
.Justy
ouandme
Shesmi
l
ed
Her
:andy
ou’
l
ltakemeshoppi
ng?
Hi
m:wi
thwhatmoney
?
Her:
Idon’
tknowBess.Makeapl
an,
youal
way
s
do
Helookedatherandtooksomebreadonher
pl
ateandranoutofthekit
chenwi
thAse’
sbags
Her
:Ihat
eyou
Shesai
dshout
ing
Hi
m:l
ovey
oumor
e
Heshout edback.Ij ustst oodther eandl aughed
atthem.Theywer ev erycut e,t
heymademe
wishIhadsi bl
ingsofmyown.Gr owi ngupas
theonl ychil
dwasnev erf un,Imeany eahsur e
beingspoi l
twithoutany onet obej ealousofy ou
andst uffisfunbutt hatwhol ethingofnot
havingpeopl etopl aywi thwasnev ernice,
havingt oleaveyoury ardj ustt
opl aywi t
hot her
kidswasnott hatni ce.Bloodr elationshipsar e
alway sthebesti nmyopi nion,
atl eastt hey
aren’tthatdeceivingast hesefriendswemake
t
odayar
e.
Her
:di
dhebehav
e?
Me:
yeshedi
d.He’
snotsuchabadguyaf
teral
l
Her:
trustme,
hei
sagoodguyi
nsomany
l
evel
s
Me:uhhm…Asemahl
etol
dmewhaty
ouwent
t
hrough,
I’
m sor
ry
Her
:it
sfi
ne.I
’
mfi
ne.Lov
eyourdr
essbyt
he
way
Me:
thanky
ou.Il
ovey
ourout
fi
ttoo
Shesmi l
ed.Andheadedouttothelounge,Mr
s
Besswasst andi
ngbythewindowal l
lovey
dovey,soundedl
ikeshewastalki
ngtoher
husband
Iya:theynevergetenoughofeachother
.You’
d
thinkafter20yearsofmarr
iagethey
’dbesick
andt ir
edalready
Me:
they
’vebeenmar
ri
edf
or20y
ear
s?
Her
:yepandtheyst
il
ll
oveeachot
herasi
fthey
f
ell
inlov
eyester
day
Me:
that
’scut
e.Iwantt
hat
Her:
weal l
wantit
.Ev
enAsemahlewho’snever
hadaboyfri
endwant
sthat
,whataboutyour
par
ents?
Me:
Idon’
tknowmydad
Her
:youmeanhedi
edorsomet
hing?
Me: ImeanI
’
venevermethi
m,l
astt
imeI
checkedhewasal
i
v e
Her
:ar
en’
tyouatl
eastcur
ioust
oknowhi
m?
Me: well
I’
veneverneededhi
m befor
e,mom
andgrannyhavealwaysplay
edhisrol
einmy
l
ifeall
toowell
Her
:butst
il
l,
isn’
tther
eany
thi
ngmi
ssi
ng?I
’
m
sor
ryt
opry
Me:noit
sok.There’
sneverbeenany
thi
ng
mi
ssingalt
houghIwouldli
ketomeethi
m some
day,
butthenIcan’
thelpbutfeel
li
keifhe
wantedtoknowmehewoul dhavedone
ever
ythi
nghecantofindme
Her
:I’
m sor
ry.
Me:
itsf
ine.Myl
i
fei
sact
ual
l
ybet
terof
f
Shenodded.
Ama:
Iseey
ouguy
sar
eback
Inodded
Ama:don’
tbeshyar
oundmesweet
ie,
I’
mthose
awesomemoms’
Icoul
dn’
thol
dbackhel
aught
erandsodi
d
Iy
ana
I
ya:
blowi
ngourownhor
nar
en’
twe?
Me:it
’snotabadt
hing.Al
i
ttl
econf
idenceai
nt
nev
erhurt
I
ya:
don’
tencour
ageherpl
ease.
Ama:
what
everYana.SoYandi
,anyboy
fri
end?
Me:
uhhm…Idon’
thav
eone
I
ya:
noway
!
Ama: suchabeaut
if
ulgi
rll
ikeyou?Howar
e
theseboysl
ett
ingyoupassthem by
?
Ismi
l
ed
Me:
I’
mjustnoti
nter
est
edi
nanyoft
hem Mah
I
ya:
mybr
otheri
sal
ooker
,whatabouthi
m?
Ama: nah.Yourbr
othermaybeal
ookerbuthe
changesgirl
sli
kehechangeshi
sunderpant
s
Me:
huh?
Ama:hahahamysonandIt al
k,Derr
ickdoesn’
t
dorel
ati
onshipsandI’v
eacceptedthat,
whichis
whyIdon’tevenwanttoencouragewhatIyana
i
ssaying.Thelastt
hingIneedismyson
br
eaki
ngsuchabeaut i
ful
lady
’sheart
Wel
lshe’
sasweetmom.
Iy
a:butmom Mel
ocouldusesomeonel
i
keher
,
sheseemsgoodenough
Ama: ever
ygi
rli
sanangel
wheny
ouf
ir
stmeet
them Yana
Me:hahahat
hati
strueMa.Youcan’
tjustt
rust
any
bodynowadays
I
ya:
reall
y?I’
mtr
yingt
oscor
eyoupoi
ntswi
th
mom here
Me:li
keyourmom said,Mel
omay bealooker
buthechangesgir
lsl
ikehechangessocksand
Iwouldneverbewit
hsomeonel i
kethat
.Ohand
heissorude
Ama:
whatdi
dhedo?
Me:
hedoesn’
thaveaver
ynicewayoft
alki
ng
t
opeopl
e,he’
stoocommanding
I
ya:
yept
hat
’smybr
other
Ama:
justl
i
kehi
sfat
her
.
Me: Icannev
erbewithsomeonewhojustl
oves
barkingor
dersal
lbecausehecanorhei
sable
to
I
ya:
wer
en’
tyoul
i
ket
hatmom?
Ama:Ical
l
edDaeint
oorder
,hewaski
ndofl
i
ke
hi
ssonbutIt
hinkMeloi
sworse
Therewassomet hi
ngaboutthisconver
sati
on
whichfel
tabituncomfort
able,i
tsoundedasif
Yanawasr oot
ingformetobewi thherbrot
her
andhermom wasal sodoingiti
nasl yway.The
l
astthi
ngIneedi saDerr
ickBesscompl i
cati
ng
myuncompl i
catedli
fet
hanky ouverymuch.
Hi
m:I
’
m notwor
set
handad
Itur
nedandMelowasstandingrightbehi
ndthe
couchIwassi
tt
ingon,
hest art
ledmeabi tI
won’tl
i
e
Ama:
whosai
dwewer
etal
ki
ngabouty
ou?
Hi
m: Iki
ndofheardalmostevery
thingy
ouguy s
weretal
ki
ngabout.She’snotl
yi
ngmom, she
wouldneverbewit
hmeandIwoul dnevergo
f
orsomeonel i
keher.She’
stoostubbor
nand
t
oomuchofapr i
ncessforme,andmyGodshe
doesnotknowhowt
osubmi
t!
Iy
aandAmahl el
aughedathim andhecame
aroundandsatr
ightnextt
ome.
Hi
m:noof
fensesweet
hear
t.
Me:
nonet
aken
Heputhi
sfeetontopofmeandIpushedt
hem
of
f,hel
ookedatmeandshookhi
shead.He
wasn’
tweari
ngshoessohedi
dn’
tstai
nmy
dr
ess.
Ama:
wher
e’sy
oursi
ster
?
Him:pr
obabl
yget
ti
ngdr
essed,
whatt
imey
ou
goi
ngther
e?
Ama:
5pm
I
ya:
wheni
sdadcomi
ngback?
Ama:
hesai
dhemi
ghtbebackWednesday
Hi
m:what
’st
hecr
isi
sany
way
?
Ama:someonei
ssuingthecompanyforl
ord
knowswhat
.Somelawyergibber
ish
I
ya:
howbadi
sit
?
Ama:nothi
ngyourf
athercan’
ttakecar
eof.By
theway,Dami
enandSimnikiwearemoving
backtoSA
I
ya:
noway
!
Ama:
Sim’
sal
readyboughtabout
ique
Hi
m:ar
etheygoi
ngt
oli
veatgr
andpa’
shouse?
I
ya:pret
tyobv
ious.Gr
anddadl
efti
ttouncl
e
Damien
Ama:
youknowt
oomuchf
ory
ourowngood
Hi
m:doest
hatmeannomor
edesi
gnercl
othes?
Ama:Ithi
nkso.I
t’
snotl
i
keshewon’
tbegoi
ng
ov
erseesever
ynowandthen
I
ya:
oht
hat
’sgood.
Ama:
youar
esuchspoi
l
tbr
ats
Hi
m:j
ustl
i
kebot
hourpar
ent
s.Lay
lasai
dhi
Ama:
she’
sst
il
lar
ound?
Hi
m:she’
sleav
ingt
oni
ght
Ama:
oht
ell
herIsai
dhey
.
Asemahl ef inal
lydeci dedt ojoinusandshewas
dressedsi mpl ebutel egant l
y.Shelooked
stunni ng!Wechi ll
edandspokeaboutany thing
andev erything,Ifeltathomeandnotl ikea
stranger .Iyana’shusbandj oinedusandhewas
toodul lf
orhershame, hewasj usttoomuchof
agoodguyandhedi dn’ttalkmuchormay be
that ’
sbecauseheandherhav erecentlylosta
baby ?ButI yawascopi ngmossoIdon’ tgeti t.
..
Ev entuallyitwast i
met ogo, I
yadrov eof fwi t
h
herf iancéandIdr ovewi thMr sBessandt he
twi ns;theyar guedaboutt hef r
ontchai rsuch
thatMr sBessf eltitbestthatDer r
ickdr i
v esand
shesi t
sint hef rontseat .I
twasf unnywat ching
thoset oogoateachot her.Themor et i
meI
spentwi ththisf ami l
y,themor eIwi shedIhad
siblingsofmyown.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
21]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
14-
Mel
o
Dinnerwentwel l
,Yandiswaf eltathomeorat
l
eastt hat ’
swhatitlookedl i
ke.Thef ami l
yliked
her,butt henagainwhocoul dbl amet hem? !She
wasact uall
yasweetper sonwhost oodbywhat
shesay s.Shewasanamazi ngsoul ,she’
snot
whoIt houghtshewasandmay beIwaski ndof
disrespectfultoher.Afterdinnerwedr oveoffto
myhome, Iwasn’tplanningonsl eepingat
homet onightsoIdr oppedthef am of fandwent
tomycarwi thYandiswaofcause, seeingthat
wel ivedint hesamenei ghbour hoodi twasonl y
fairItakehert oherplace.Wewer ei nmycar
dr
ivi
ngt
oLaLuci
a
Her
:yourf
ami
l
yisamazi
ng
Me:
tel
lmeabouti
t,t
heyseemedt
oli
key
ou
Sheblushedandl
ookedtheotherside.Ther
e
wasjustsomethi
ngaboutthi
sgirl
sitti
ngbeside
me,Iwantedtograbhert
henandt hereand
ki
ssherfordearl
ife…t
hat’
showbeaut if
ulshe
l
ooked.
Her
:thanky
ouIguess
Me:
younotsuchabi
tchaf
teral
l
Her
:oh…y
out
houghtIwasabi
tch?
Me:inawayy
es.ButIdon’
tthi
nky
ouar
e
any
mor e
Shechuckl
ed
Her
:youact
ual
l
ynotsuchanassaf
teral
l
Me:
yout
houghtIwasanass?
Her
:Isti
l
lthi
nky
ouar
ebuty
ounott
hatbi
gof
anass
Me:
youdon’
tknowmewel
lenought
ojudge
meli
ket
hat
Her:
Ispenthal
fthedaywi
thy
out
odayandy
ou
notwhatIt
houghtyouwer
e
Me:
andwhatdi
dyout
hinkIwas?
Her:i
tdoesn’
tmat
ter
.Myopi
nionofy
ouhas
changednow
Me:
what
-ev
er!
Wesati
nsi
l
enceasIdr
oveof
f
Me:
anyboy
fri
end?
Her
:Idon’
tdat
e
Me:t
here’
snosucht
hing.Whatdi
dmenev
er
dot
oy ou?
Her
:wer
eal
l
ygoi
ngt
her
e?
Me:
Ijustwantt
oknowwhoI
’
m dr
ivi
nghome
Her:mylastboyfr
iendbrokeupwithmeorI
brokei
toff,Idon’
tknowwhi chi
swhich,i
t
endedbecauseIwoul dn’
thavesexwit
hhim
Me:
howl
onghady
ouguy
sbeent
oget
her
?
Her:wel
loff
ici
all
ywewer egoi
ngtof
inishay
ear
t
ogetherbutwe’veknowneachot
herfor4
year
s
Me:i
fyou’
veknownhi
mthatl
ong,
whynothav
e
sexwi
thhi
m?
Her
:Iwasst
il
lav
irgi
n.Iwasn’
treadyf
orsex
Me:ouch!Soy
oust
arv
edt
hepoorguyf
ora
whol
ey ear
?
Her
:wheny
ouputi
tli
ket
hati
tjustsoundsbad
Me:
iti
sbad.Youcan’
tdot
hatt
oani
gga
Her
:ofcausey
ouwoul
dsayt
hat
.
Me:
I’
m nott
hisasshol
eyoumakemeoutt
obe
Her
:Iknow
Me:
huh?
Her
:anyway.Whatr
eal
lyti
ckedmeof fand
mademegonut swashim put
tingapict
ureof
heandIashisWhat
sApppr of
il
epict
ureand
thenaccompani
edi
twithast
atus“gi
rlyoudon’
t
evenknowallt
heb*
tchesIl
etgoforyou”
Me:that
’st
hatChr
isBr
ownandJami
eFoxx
songri
ght?
Her:
yes,butt
hat’
snotsomet
hingy
ousayt
o
someoneyouclai
mtolove
Me:
buti
twasj
ustast
atus
Her:whichmeantsomething.It
oldhi
mt ogoto
thoseb*tchesheletgof
ormeandI ’l
lgotot
he
niggasIletgoforhi
m
Ichuckled.Wasshef orreal
?Okbutt henagain
theguybehav edli
keaj er
k.Whowoul ddot hat
?
Whobr eaksupwi thsomeonebecauset hey
wouldn’tsleepwiththem?I ’
m nosai ntbutI
wouldn’tdot hattosomeone.Ifyoudon’ twant
tohavesexwi thmet hencool,I
’
llgeti t
elsewhere.Thi si
swhyIdon’ tdorelationshi
ps!
Me:
you’
resomet
hingel
sey
ouknowt
hat
?
Her
:okMrsmar
ty.Whatshoul
dIhav
edone?
Me:
fir
stl
y,y
ouendedt
hings,
nothi
m
Her
:Isai
dhecangoandher
espondedwi
th
“
cool”
Me: onl
ybecausey oupushedhi m away
Yandiswa.AnywayasIwassay i
ng,It
hinkyou
guyshadcommuni cati
onproblems.Hady ou
twospokeoft hesexi ssuet henyouguy swould
probablybesti
lltogether.Yougirl
shav ea
tendencyoffli
rt
ingandl eadingtheguyonand
whenhet hinkshe’llfi
nall
ygetsome, youbailon
him
Her
:Ihearyou.Any
wayI’
m overi
t,I
’
m goingt
o
meetaniceguywhenI
’m donewhoring
Me:
huh?
Her
:not
hing
Wewer ebyt
her obot
snottoofarf
rom her
pl
ace.Whatdidshemeanwhenshe’ sdone
whori
ng?Whydidshewantt owhoreinthefir
st
pl
ace?Ican’
tli
eIwasdisappoi
ntedreal
ly.I
’
m
nosaintbutthelastt
hingI’dwanti
sher
whori
ng, i
t’
snotagoodl i
feandshemi ghtj
ust
gethurtbydoingsuch.Ilookedathersqui
nti
ng
myey es
Her
:what
?
Me:
not
hing
Ishookmyheadandcont
inueddr
ivi
ng.Wegot
toherpl
aceandIpar
kedt
hecarandshegotoff
Her
:thanks
Me:
youwel
come
Shewalkedt
othegateandgotinandthen
wavedandIwavedbackthendrov
eoff.Onmy
waytothefl
atIgotacal
lfr
om Lat
hit
ha.It
ook
thecal
l
/
/Me:
hel
l
o?
Her
:uhhm hi
Mel
o
Me:
heyhowar
eyou?
Her
:I’
m goodandhowar
eyou?
Me:
I’
m goodt
hanks.TowhatdoIowet
hiscal
l
?
Her
:wel
lI’
m atmypl
aceandI
’
m superbor
ed
Me:
ok?WhatcanIdo?
Her
:canIcomeov
ert
oyourpl
acef
orav
isi
t
maybe?
Me: Lat
hit
hal ook,
I’
m nott heguyfory ou.I
’
ma
j
erkandIdon’ tdorelat
ionshipsandy ouseem
l
ikeanicegi r
lwhodoesser i
ousstuffwith
seri
ousguy s.Thelastt
hingIwantt odoi shur
t
you
Her
:what
?Wher
e’sal
lthi
scomi
ngf
rom?
Me:thi
siscomingfr
om agoodpl aceact
ual
ly.
SomeonecaresaboutyouandIhappentocare
aboutt
hatsomeone.Thelastthi
ngIwanttodo
i
stohurtthatper
sonbyhurti
ngyou
Her
:oh
Me:
I’
mreal
l
yso…/
/
Shecutt
hecal
lonme.Ohwel
lIwasj
ustt
ryi
ng
tobeni cetoher .Igott omypl aceandt hen
call
edmamaBesst ot ellherIar ri
v edhome
safelyandshesai dcool Ishoul dst aysaf eand
takecar eofmy self.Igotont opofmybedand
l
oggedi nonWhat sAppandl ookedt hroughmy
contactsandInot i
cedIhadYandi swaasa
contact,Icheckedherpr of i
lepictur eoutand
dareIsayshewasf l
ames.I twasapi ctureof
heratmycr ibwear i
ngabi kiniwi t
hast atus
sayingshehadanawesomeSunday .JustasI
waschi ll
ingliket hatat extcamet hroughf r
om
Lucassay i
ngweshoul dgooutwi thSi ya,Iwas
shockinglynoti nt hemoodt ogooutsoIst ayed
i
ndoor sf ortheni ght .ThenextdayIwokeup
andshower edt henwenti nt oBESS, Igotat ext
from dadaski ngmet ogoi nandj ustov ersee
thatthi
ngsgoaccor dingl
y .Idecidedt ohead
outtogogr absomel unchatar estaur antdown
theroad, Ifoundaboot handwai t
edf ormy
order.Thisgirlwal kedupt ome.
Her
:hel
l
o
Me:
hi
Il
ookedupatherandmanwasshef
lames!
Her
:mayIj
oiny
ou?
Me:
I’
m act
ual
l
ywai
ti
ngf
ormyor
der
Her:I
’
m notaski
ngyouout
,I’
mjustaski
ngt
osi
t
wit
hy out
hat’
sall
Ichuckl
ed,
shewasbei
ngf
orwar
d.
Her
:Ni
cewat
ch
Me:
thanky
ou
Her
:wher
ecanIgetonel
i
kei
t?
Me:
LAorNewYor
k
Her
:ri
chki
d…
Icouldn’
thol
dbackthelaugh.Shewasv ery
pret
ty,herbl
ackbodyhuggingdresssatver
y
wellonher,t
herewassomet hi
ngaboutherthat
madey ouwanttogettoknowhermor e
Me:
nahnotr
eal
l
y
Her
:what
every
ousay
“
MrNgesi
”
Sai
dsomeoneshout
ingbehi
ndt
hecount
er.
Me:
Ishoul
dgo
Her
:MrNgesi
?
Me:
sadl
y,y
es
Shesmi l
edreveali
ngadimple.Shewasso
adorabl
e,Yandiswawasacombi nat
ionof
beauti
fulandsexybutshe,
shewaspl ai
n
beauti
ful
.
Her
:wi
l
lIev
erseey
ouagai
nMrNgesi
?
Me:
Idon’
tknow.wi
l
lIseey
ou?
Her:
here’
smycar
dandy
oubet
heonet
o
deci
de
Me:
Kat
e
Isai
dreadi
ngfrom thecar d.Ithadhernumber
andsoci
almediadet ail
swi t
hnot hi
ngsoli
dto
goon.Shelookedver yyoung, al
mostasthou
shewas18ory ounger.Inoddedandwentt o
takemyor derandwal kedrightbackt othe
offi
ce.IknowIsai dIdon’tdor elati
onshi
psbut
goodGod!Busi nesswasn’ tashect icpl
usAunty
Siyahadev er
ythingundercont rol.HometimeI
headedov ert
ot heBessmansi onandwas
greetedbymyev ersobeaut i
fulbigsist
er.
Me:
heysi
s
Her
:heybr
other
,howar
eyou?
Me:
I’
m goodandhowar
eyou?
Her
:I’
m bor
ed.Imi
sswor
k
Me:
sadl
y,mom puty
ouonl
eav
e
Her
:for
cedl
eav
e
Me:
youneedi
t
Her
:I’
m per
fect
lyf
iner
eal
l
y
Me: nahfam.Ithi
nky ouj
usthi
dingbehindthat
smile.Losi
ngachildisnotsomethi
ngyouget
overjustli
ket
hat,youneedtodealwit
ht hepai
n
sis.I
fyoudon’
tdealwit
hitnow,
theni
t’
sgoing
tocatchupwit
hy ouatalat
erst
ageandtr
ust
mei twon’
tbenice
Her:
MeloIdon’
tknowhowt odeal wit
hthi
s.
I
’v
eneverl
ostachil
dbefore,
there’snomanual
onhowtohandl
ethesekindofthings
Me:youdon’tneedamanuali
nordertoknow
howt odealwit
hpai
n.Mom gotbythr
ough
ther
apy,tr
ythat
Her
:me?Ther
apy
?I’
mtoobl
ackf
orsucht
hings
Me:tr
yitoutandi
tmi
ghtj
ustbewhaty
ou’
ve
beenneedi
ng
Witht
hatIwalkedoutt
osearchthehouse,
MamaBessandmyt winwer
en’thome,Iwalked
backi
ntothekit
chentoYana
Me:wherear
etheot
heroccupant
soft
his
house?
Her
:mom dr
aggedMahl
etowor
ktoday
Me:
that
’ssoundsouch
Her
:Iknowr i
ght
.partofherpunishment,
she
get
stobemom’ sPAf ortherestoftheweeks
unt
ilmom seesshe’
s…what ’
sthewor d?
Me:
fitandr
esponsi
ble?
Her:
y es,r
esponsi
ble.Mahl
etol
dmeshegott
he
t
alklastnight
Me:
damn!
Her
:yep.Theyspenthoursatt
hepar
li
amentI
t
houghttheywouldnevercomeout
Wecallmom’sroom t
hepar
li
ament
.That’
s
wherey
ougetthepeptal
kandever
yotherki
nd
oft
alkr
eall
y.
Me:
howbadwasi
t?
Her
:shecameoutwi
thherey
esr
ed.Youcan
onl
yimagi
ne
Me:ei
shandMamaBesshasawayofmaki
ng
any
onecry
Her
:Idoubtoursi
sterwi
l
lev
ergetdr
unkagai
n
aft
erlastni
ght.Mom li
ter
all
ypour
edherheart
outtoher.Tol
dherwhyshewor ri
estheway
shedoesandwhyshe’ sthisov
erprot
ect
iveof
anyofusandal loft
hat
Me:damnsher
eal
l
ygoti
thuh?l
et’
shopeshe
l
ist
ened
Her
:tr
ustme,
shedi
d.
Me:
nice.
Il
edust
othel
ounget
aki
ngmyj
acketof
f.
Her
:heywhat
’st
his?
Shesai
dhol
dingapi
eceofpaper
Her
:who’
sKat
e?
Me:
Kat
e?
Her
:say
sri
ghther
e
Me:ohthat
’ssomegirl
Imetatt
her
est
aur
ant
downthestr
eetfr
om BESS
Her
:isshepr
ett
y?
Me:
she’
sfl
ames.
Her
:compar
edt
oYandi
swa?
Me: wecan’tcomparethetwo.Kateiswhite
meani ngt
here’
llbeafewasset sshe’
slacki
ng.
She’ssomesor tofaRihanna,she’
ssuper
skinnybutshehasav erynicebodyanda
dimpletoo
Her
:sowhatdoest
hismean?
Me:
itmeansnot
hing
Her
:wher
edoest
hisl
eav
eYandi
swa?
Me:Yandi
swahasmadei
tpr
ettycl
earthatshe
wi
ll
neverbewit
hmesissof
orgether
Her
:younev
erev
ent
ri
edher
Me:she’
snotmyty
pesi
s.She’
stoo…she’
stoo
i
ndependentf
orme
Her:
wow!andwhataboutKat
e?I
sshe
submissi
ve?
Me:
Iwoul
dn’
tknow.Ineedt
otr
yheroutf
ir
st
Her
:whycan’
tyouj
ustset
tl
eforonegi
rl
?
Me:
Ijustmi
ght
.Kat
eseemsl
i
keakeeper
Her
:real
l
ynow?
Me: I
’
llcal
lhertoni
ghtandI’
ll
takeheroutand
seewhatkindofgirlshei
s.Shedoesseem
dif
fer
entfrom whatI’
m usedtothou
Her
:Isee.
Me:
don’
tjudge.Youknowt
hisi
showIr
oll
Her
:Idon’
tseewhyy
oudon’
tgof
orYandi
swa
Me:she’
snotformeok!Anywayt
ell
mom Iwas
her
eok,I’
l
lseehert
omorrow
Her
:younotst
ayi
ng?
Me:
nope.Bysi
ssy
Itookmycarkeysandthecardonthetabl
eand
walkedoutsav
ingKat
e’sdetai
lsonmyphone
andthenwentint
omycaranddr ovet
omy
pl
ace.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
21]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
15
Lastnightwasamazi ng.TheBessf ami l
yis
amazingandev eryoneinit.Aft
erMel odropped
meof fIheadedstraighttomyr oom andhitthe
sack.Iwaswokenupy ourstr
ulyj
umpi ngont op
ofmybed.Idon’ tunderstandwhygr ownass
peoplewouldwakey ouupl i
ketheywakingupa
5-y
ear-old.
Me:
Nal
edi
whatdoy
ouwant
?
Her
:wakeuphoneyImi
ssy
ou!
Me:
goawayI
’
mti
red.
Her
:ohwel
l
.IguessIhav
etoeatt
hisl
i
ndt
chocol
ateal
one
Me:
okokokI
’
m up
SheknowshowmuchIl oveli
ndtandmagnums.
Thosearethefewt
hingsyoucanbribewit
hand
youwouldhavewonmyhear t
.Iuncovered
myselfandshewassit
ti
ngont opofstomach.
Me:
geti
nsi
de
Her
:thanky
oul
ady
.
Shesaidj
oini
ngmeunderthecover
sandshe
openeduptheboxofchocol
ate.
Me:
wel
l
?
Shej
ustsmi
l
edl
i
kear
etar
d.
Me:
det
ail
s
Her
:lastni
ghtwasamazi
ng!
Me:youlookl
i
kei
twasamazi
ng.What
happened?
Her
:wemadel
ove.
Me:
your
eal
l
yli
ket
hisonehuh?
Her :youhav enoi deaf r
iend.Lastni ghthet ook
met othisrestaurantout sideDur ban,therewas
onlyachefandawai t
erandj ustthet woofus.
Wespokeal lnightaboutany thi
ngand
ever y
thing.Nexty earhei smov ingtoSout h
AfricaDur ban.Notf ormebutbecausehe’ s
beenl ookingt ocomebackher eandst ay
per manent l
y.Any wayaf t
eral lthatwewentt o
thebeachandj ustsatther eandt alkedand
talkedandt alked.Lateronwewentt ot hehotel
hewasbookedi nandhewi nedanddi nedme
andt henwemadel ove,thesexwasmi nd
blowingmyf riendnonel ikeI ’
veev erhadbef ore.
He’ scomi ngbackagai nbegi nningDecember
andt histimear oundhe’ l
l stayforaweek
Me:
ohwowy
our
eal
l
ymadeani
mpr
essi
on
Her
:youknowIal
way
sdo
Me:
doest
hismeany
oucl
ear
ingt
her
ost
er?
Shenoddedsmi
l
ing.Thel
astt
imeIev
ersaw
Ledi t
hishappywasIdon’ tknow.Asmuchas
fri
endscanmakey ouhappy ,amancanmake
yousmi leinawaynof ri
endcanev ermakeyou
smi l
e.Iwashappyf orherandIwasalsoglad
thatshe’l
lstopsleepingwi t
hrandom manfrom
nowonwar ds.Iwasahappysi st
erandfr
iend
becauset hat’
swhatwear etoeachother
.I
kissedhercheekandhuggedhert i
ght
Her
:Ican’
tbr
eat
he
Me:
Idon’
tcar
e.I
’
m happyf
ory
ou
Shet
ri
edt
obr
eakf
reeandshef
inal
l
ydi
d.
Her
:youar
etr
yingt
oki
l
lmear
en’
tyou
Me:
thi
smeansy
ou’
l
lst
opwhor
ingar
ound
Her:t
hat
’si
fhepr
ovi
desandt
akescar
eofmy
ever
yneed
Me:
Nal
edi
!
Her
:Imakenopr
omi
ses
Me:
what
ever
Her
:sohowdi
dyourdaywi
tht
heBessgo?
Me:
itwasamazi
ng.Ihaddi
nnerwi
tht
hem
Her
:them orDer
ri
ck?
Me:
thef
ami
l
y.Theyar
esuchamazi
ngpeopl
e
Her:
theki
ndoff
ami
l
yyouwoul
dgetmar
ri
edt
o
r
ight
?
Me:
scr
ewy
ou!
Her:I
’mjoki
ng.Sohavey
ouchangedy
ourmi
nd
aboutYummyMel o?
Me:
nope.Okmay
beal
i
ttl
e
Her
:wi
l
lyoubanghi
m?
Me:
what
?No!
Her
:comeone.Justonce
Me:
heact
ual
l
ysai
dhewant
edt
obangme
Her:
Iknewit
.thewayhel
ookedaty
out
he
ot
herdaysai
dital
l
Me:
wow!
Her
:so?Wheni
sthebangdat
e?
Me:ther
eisnonebecauseIwoul
dn’
tbanghim.
I
t’
ll
ruint
herel
ati
onshipIhav
ewithhi
sfamil
y
Shel
ookedatmel i
keIwasment
all
yder
anged
andt
henlaughedsohard.
Her:howissleepingwit
hMelogoingt
orui
n
yourrel
ati
onshipwithhi
sfami
ly?Doyouwant
t
obanghi sfamilytoo?
Me:
screwyou.Besi
des,Lathi
thal
i
keshi
m and
t
her
e’sagi
rlcodeagai
nstthat
Her:y
oupeopl
eandgirl
codes.Der
ri
ckwant
sto
bangyouandnother
Me:
wellheknowswefri
endsandIwar
nedhi
m
t
ostayawayfr
om her
Her:nowt hatheknowsyouguysarefriends;he
mightjustbanghertogetyourat
tenti
onort o
gettoyou.Thatguyli
kesyouandhi seyessay
so
Me:
he’
sal
way
swear
ingshades,
whatmakes
y
out
hinkt
hat
?
Her:
asmuchasI ’
m awhore,
Isti
ll
knowwhena
manlikesagi
rl
.He’
sact
ionsalwaysgi
vehi
m
away
Me:
right
.let
’sgomakebr
eakf
ast
,I’
m st
arv
ing
Her
:justt
hinkabouti
tok?
Me:
fine.
Withthatwewenttomakebr eakfastandwhen
wewer edoneweat eandminuteslaterAni
ta
walkedinwit
hmessyhai r
,shehadt hatwhol
e“I
j
usthadsex”look.Butshedidn’
tlookhappy
ei
ther.
Ledi
:wel
lsomebodydi
dn’
tcomehomel
ast
ni
ght
Ni
ta:
notnowLedi
please.I
’
mti
red
Me:
breakf
ast
?
Ni
ta:
Ial
readyat
e
Ledi
:yepanddi
ckcanmakey
ousuperf
ull
Ni
ta:
arey
ouki
ddi
ngmer
ightnow
Ledi
:di
dn’
tIt
ell
youi
twasaddi
cti
ve?
Me:
comeonLedi
leti
tgo
Ni
tasatdownont
heki
tchencount
erchai
rs.
Ni
ta:
howwasy
ourl
unchdat
ewi
thAsemahl
e?
Me:itwasgr
eat
.Inf
ecti
tendedupbei
ngdi
nner
att
heDrAmber’
shouse
Nit
a:sowhat?Youl
i
kepar
toft
hef
ami
l
ynowor
somethi
ng?
Me:hahaha.Nopeitwasafr
iendl
yinv
iteand
MrsBessdoesn’
ttakenof
orananswer
Ledi
:soNi
ta,
howwasi
t?
Ni
ta:
pai
nful
Ledi
:i
twi
l
lgetbet
terwi
tht
ime.Tr
ustme
Ni
ta:
yeah
Me:
Ihopey
ouusi
ngpr
otect
ionNi
ta
Her
:Iam…wel
lweki
ndsofgotcar
ri
edaway
t
hismor
ningandwedi
dn’
t
Me:
mor
ningaf
terpi
l
l?
Ledi
:youneedt
ogooncont
racept
ivesbabe
Ni
ta:
he’
l
lbr
ingt
hepi
l
llat
eron.Rel
axguy
s
Ledi
:whycoul
dn’
tyouguy
sjustpassbyt
he
chemist
?
Me:
yeahwhydi
dn’
tya’
l
l?
Ni
ta:i
tsl
i
ppedourmi
ndsy
ouguy
s.Any
wayI
’
m
of
ftobed
Withthatshewal
kedoutandl
eftmeandLedi
speechless.
Ledi
:ohkay
!
Me:youcansayt
hatagai
n.What
’swi
tht
he
at
ti
tude?
Her:
Idon’
tknow.IwonderwhatBonkehas
donenow
Shet
ookoutherphonef
rom hergown
Me:
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Her
:fi
ndi
ngoutwhatBonkedi
dtooury
oung
Ni
ta
Me:
he’
scomi
ngov
erl
ateri
sn’
the?
Her
:so?
Sheputtheri
ngingphoneonl
oudspeakerand
awhil
elaterheanswered.
/
/Hi
m:Nal
edi
Her
:whatdi
dyoudot
oAni
ta?
Hi
m:whatdi
dshesayIdi
dtoher
?
Her:
don’
tpl
aysmar
twi
thmeBonke.Whatdi
d
youdo?
Hi
m:Idon’
thav
eti
mef
ort
hisNal
edi
Her:youdoknowthati
fIheari
tfr
om Nit
a
whateverIwoul
dhavedonetoyouwi
llbe
worse
Hi
m:whatcoul
dyoupossi
blydot
ome?
Me:
Buddywhat
’sgoi
ngon?
Hi
m:wegoti
ntoanar
gument
.
Her
:bef
oresexi
ngheroraf
ter
?
Hi
m:ify
oumustknow.i
thappenedaf
ter
.
Wher
eisNi
ta?
Me:she’
sinherr
oom.Whatdi
dyouar
gue
about
?
Hi
m:i
t’
sbet
weenmeandherok.
Her:goodGodifyoudar
ndidany
thi
ngtohurt
herIwil
lmurdery
ouBonke.Youwon’
tleav
e
thi
shouseali
ve
Hi
m:scr
ewy
ouNal
edi
//
Her
:di
dhej
ustdr
opt
hecal
lonme?
Me:
yeah.Comel
et’
sgot
oNi
ta,
sheneedsus
Wi t
hthatshetookherplat
eandwewentupt o
Anita’
sroom,weknockedbuttherewasno
responsesowel etour
selv
esinonlyt
of i
ndt
he
bedempt yandwat err
unni
nginthebathr
oom
sothat’
swher ewewentt olookf orherandwe
foundhersit
tingdownont heshowerwi t
hher
kneesupcryingast hewaterhitherheaddown
toherfeet
.Ledi gotinandclosedthetapandI
walkedinwit
habi gtowel
.
Me:
babywhat
’swr
ong?
Isaidhuggi
ngherwi
tht
hetowel
andtr
yingt
o
helphergetupwi
tht
hehel
pofLedi
Ledi
:honeywhatdi
dhedo?
Wewal kedoutoftheshower,shewasfreezi
ng
coldsoweopenedt heblanket
sforherand
thenwej oi
nedherinbedandcuddledher.
Her
:he’
sbeencheat
ingonme
Ledi
:I
’m sor
rywhat
?
Her
:wewer einbedtal
kingwhenhi
sphone
r
ang,hewashesitantt
oanswerbutt
heperson
waspersi
stent
.He’sbeensl
eepi
ngwit
hEmel i
e
Me:
whi
chEmel
i
e?
Her
:Emel
i
eLi
me.
Ledi
:thatbi
tch!
Me:howdidy
ouf
indoutt
heywer
esl
eepi
ng
t
ogether
?
IknowthatmaybeI
’m notsupposedtoaskbutI
rat
herhaveal
lthef
act
sbef or
eev er
ythi
ngel
se.
Her: hi
sphonewasl oudenough.shewas
askinghim whenhe’ scomingoverandcalli
ng
him“ baby”.Iaskedhim whatwasgoingonand
het oldmet hatthetwoofthem areexeswith
benef i
ts,
saidhedoesn’tloveher,
theyjust
screwoccasi onall
yandthat’
sit
Ledi
:ar
eyouf
ucki
ngki
ddi
ngme?
Me:
I’
m sosor
ryf
ri
end
Her
: howcoul
dIhav
enotseent
hiscomi
ng?
Am Istupi
dorbl
i
ndorbot
h?
Me:
no.t
heyj
usthi
ditt
hatwel
l
,younotst
upi
d
Her
:It
houghthel
ovedme
Me: mendoalotofthi
ngsthatmakeyou
questi
onthei
rlov
e.Ican’
tspeakuponthe
thi
ngshehasdonebuthedi dlov
eyou
Ledi:bull
shi
t!I
fhelov
edhert henhewouldhave
neversleptwit
hherfr
iend.Bonkeisanasshol
e
forthathedeserv
esev er
ythi
ngbadthat
’s
comi nghisway
Me:noLedidon’
tbeli
kethat
.That
’st
hel
ast
t
hingAni
taneedstohear
Wheny ougoingthr
oughsuchaperiod,t
helast
thi
ngy ouwantt ohearissomeonecursi
ngthe
persont hatdi
dyoudamage.IknowcauseI ’
ve
beenhur ttothi
spointAnit
awasinandallshe
neededwascomf ortandlove.
Her:Ij
ustdon’
tunderst
andwhyhewoulddo
thi
stome.DidInotlovehi
m enough?i
sit
becauseIdi
dn’
thavesexwithhim ont
ime
Me:i
t’
snoty ourf
aul
t.I
t’
shis.Hescr
ewedup
andnotyou.Youcan’
tfor
cey our
sel
ftohav
e
sexwit
hsomeonewheny ouknowy ounot
ready
.It
’syourv
irgi
nit
yatt
heendoft
heday
andnothis
Ledi:eveni
fyouhadsexwi thhi
m ear
li
eron,he
probablywouldhavecheat
edony ousti
l
l.Some
menj ustdon’
tgetenough,i
t’
scall
edbeing
greedy.Bonkeneverdeser
vedyoutobeginwit
h
ok.
Shejustkeptqui etandcriedevenmor e,
Ledi
andIjustcomf ortedheruntilshef el
l asl
eep
andwhenshewasf i
nall
ysleepingwewal ked
out.Lediwaspi ssed,sowasIbutNal ediwas
onami ssion.Shewasr eadytoki l
l.That’sthe
ki
ndoff ri
endIhav e,
herchilll
evelsar ealwaysa
negati
vewher eherf ri
endsandf amilyare
concerned.
Her
:thatbast
ard
Me:
Ican’
tbel
i
evehewoul
ddosuchat
hing
Her
:hedeser
vest
oroti
nhel
l
Me:
don’
tdoany
thi
ngwewi
l
lbot
hregr
et
Her
:andwhati
sthatmyf
ri
end?
Me:
don’
tki
l
lhi
m!
Her
:Imakenopr
omi
ses
Wewashedt
hedi
sheswhi
l
echat
ti
ngabout
st
uff
.
Me: t
heconver
sati
onwit
hIy
anaandseei
nghow
theyareassi
bli
ngsmademewanttoknowmy
dad
Her:
noYandiswa.Thatmanl
efty
ouandhe
nev
erlookedback
Me:Ijustwantt
oknowwhy
,whati
fIhav
e
si
bli
ngs
Her
:whati
fyoudon’
t?
Me:
woul
ditr
eal
l
ybet
hatbad?
Weputthedi
shesi
nthedryerandthenpoured
somewineandwenttotheloungewit
haplate
ofmeatandakni
fetocutit
.
Her
:Idon’
tunder
standwhyy
ouwantt
oknow
t
hebast
ard.Hel
eftf
orar
eason
Me:
areasonIwantt
oknow
Her
:atleastt
alkt
oyourmom fi
rst
.Remember
t
helastti
mewesearchedfort
heguywe
r
eachedadeadend
Me:
Iknow.whati
fthi
sti
meIgetl
ucky
?
Justt
hent
hebel
lrang.
Her
:I’
l
lgeti
t
Me:
noIwi
l
l
Her
:itcoul
dbeBonkesol
etme
Me:
younotgoi
ngt
ohi
m al
one
Her
:fi
nel
et’
sgo.
Shetookt heknif
eandshewalkedtothe
ki
tchen.Ont hewaywewer ear
guingaboutt
he
kni
fesituati
on.Iopenedt
hedoor.
Me:
whatdoy
ouwant
?
Hi
m:I
’
m her
eforAni
ta
Ledi
:hav
en’
tyoudoneenough?
Shesai
dpl
ayi
ngwi
tht
hekni
fei
nthehand
Hi
m:Ij
ustwantt
oexpl
ain
Imov
edasi
de
Hi
m:t
hanky
ou
Ledi
:there’
snot
hingt
oexplai
nBonke.You’
ve
beensleepi
ngwit
hourfr
iend
Hi
m:t
hisi
sbet
weenAni
taandI
Me:andEmeli
etoor
ight
?Imeanshe’
sjusty
our
f
uckbuddyr
ight?
Hi
m:I
’
m notdoi
ngt
hiswi
thy
ouguy
s.
Hesaidapproachi
ngt
hedoort
othest
air
sbut
Ledi
stoodinherway
Her
:younotgoinganywherenearher
.DidInot
t
ell
youthatyouwouldn’
tleav
ethishouseal
ive?
Him:whaty
ougoi
ngt
odohuh?st
abmewi
tha
kni
fe?
Her
:al
i
ttl
elessonai
ntnev
erhur
tnobody
Shesai
dpoi
ntt
hekni
fet
ohi
m
Hi
m:ohpl
ease
Me:
comeoneNal
edi
Him:l
ist
entoy
ourfr
iend.Webot
hknowy
ou
don’
thavet
hegut
s.
Her
:whydopeopl
eunder
est
imat
eme?
Hi
m:becauseweallknowy
ou’
dnev
erdoi
t.
t
akeyourbestshot
Hesaidopeni
nghisar
msandpat
ti
nghi
shear
t.
Ledi
shookherheadandsmi
l
ed
Hi
m:t
oldy
ou.Nowmov
e
Idon’tknowwhenorhowshereachedhi
spant
s
butthat’
swher
esheshovedtheknif
e.
Me:
Nal
edi
!
Bonkewasscr
eami
ngi
npai
n
Her
:tol
dhi
m nott
ounder
est
imat
eme!
Withthatshewenttothesinkt
owashher
hands.Iwasstuckinthemomentnotknowi
ng
whattodoorsay .Ni
tarockedupr
ubbi
ngher
eyes
Her
:what
’sgoi
ngon?What
’swi
tht
hen…
Shedi
dn’tevenfini
shherquest
ionwhenshe
sawBonkelayingonthefl
oorwithhi
shandson
thebl
oodyknif
e
Her
:ohmygodwhathappened?Somebodycal
l
anambul
ancepl
ease
Shesai
dkneel
i
ngi
nfr
ontofhi
m
Naledil
ookedatmeasi faski
ngifIwasr eal
ly
goi
ngt obet hatdumb.Searchedformyphone
butcouldn’tf
inditsoIr
ant otheloungeand
di
alledfortheambulancewhichar r
ivedaft
erit
s
sweetpr eci
oustime.Ni
tawentt othehospital
wit
hherboy f
ri
endandleftmewi thLedi.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
21]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
16-
Mel
o
NormallyI’m nott hisexci tedt ogetagi rl
’s
numberbutwi thKat ei twasdi ff
er ent,
it’
slikeI
j
ustcouldn’twai ttof i
nal lytalktoheraf tert he
l
ongdayI ’
vehadandt heweekendt hatI’
vehad.
Iwasact uall
yi nterestedi nt al
kingt oherand
heari
ngherv oi ceagai n, unliketheot hergirlsI
callf
orar andom hookup.Wai tcoul dIbe
fal
li
ngforher ?Ideci det oFaceTi meKat e,Iwas
boredandnot hingi nter estingwaspl ayi
ngont v
ohandIwassupert i
redf rom today .Isatont he
couchandl oggedi ntot heWi -
Fi andgotont o
FaceTimeandsear chedf orKat e’scontactand
founditthencal ledher
/
/Me:Heyyou.Si
nceyoudon’
tknowmyname,
i
tsDer
ri
ckbutyoucancal
lmeMel o
Her
:asi
nMar
shmal
l
ow?
Me:
no!asi
nMel
o
Her
:whyMel
o?
Me:i
tsshor
tformyname,
whi
chIwon’
ttel
lyou
sodon’
task
Her
:isi
tthatembar
rassi
ng?
Me:no.j
ustt
hatmom cal
l
smebyi
twhenshe’
s
madatme
Her:
butIwantt
ocal
lyoubymyownspeci
al
ni
ckname
Me:
whi
chi
s?
Her
:Mar
shmal
l
ow
Me:
cal
lmet
hatandI
’
llcal
lyouJel
l
ybean
Her
:hel
lNOI
’
m pr
ett
iert
hant
hoset
hings
Me:
thencomeupwi
thsomet
hingbet
ter
Her
:MrRol
ex
Me:
whyt
hat
?
Her
:thewat
chy
ouhadonwhenwemet
Me:okfai
renough.howaboutIcal
lyoubody
huggi
ng
Her
:younot
icedt
hedr
essIwaswear
ing?
Me:
onl
ybecausey
ounot
icedmef
ir
st…st
alker
Her
:ther
est
aur
antwasf
ull
ok
Me:
what
every
ousayMi
ssChat
ty
Her
:what
?
Me:Ical
l
edyouMisschatt
y.Yout
alkal
ot,
t
houghtyounev
erst
opping
Her
:what
?Not
hat
’snott
rue
Me:it
’snotabadt
hingbecausey
ouhav
eani
ce
voi
ce
Her
:hegi
vescompl
i
ment
s…owwow!
Me:
that
’scausey
ounotbor
ingsochi
l
lout
Her
:Lol
Iknowr
ight
?!
Me:
let
’snotgetcockynow
Her:HahahahaIknowthebor
ingpar
tdidnot
evenoncecrossyourmi
nd.Ohyeahyouki
ndof
coolt
ooMr
Me:hahaha..
.thankyoubutIknowI'm cool
.
Mostpeoplethinkt
hatI'
m coolBecauseI’
m so
cool
..
..
Her
:Feel
i
ngCockyar
en'
twe?
!
Me:
alway
s.Whatar
eyouupt
o?
Her
:Iam wat
chi
ngamov
ie.
..andwhatar
eyou
doi
ng?
Me:
Owhni
ce,
whi
chone.
..
!?I
’
m aboutt
ocook
Her
:ThePer
fectMat
ch.Youcancook?
Me:
whydoy
ousoundsosur
pri
sed?
Her:y
oudon’
tst
ri
kemeassomebodywho
cooks
Me:
youdon’
tst
ri
kemeasasuckerf
or
r
omancebuther
ewear
e
Her
:it
’sani
cemov
ie
Me:
what
’ssoni
ceabouti
t?
Her:
everyt
hing.Thewayhefal
l
sinlovewithher
andyetshe’
sget t
ingmar
ri
edtoanother
.It
’s
cut
e
Me:t
hati
smean.I
’
m st
art
ingt
oquest
iont
he
ki
ndofl
adyy
ouare
Her
:st
ickar
oundandy
ou’
l
lfi
ndout
Me:
younotengagedar
eyou?
Her
:I’
m onl
y18.Chi
l
l
Me:
sowhatcour
sear
eyoust
udy
ing?
Her
:I’
m st
udy
ingRadi
ogr
aphyatDUTRi
tson
Me:
nice.Beaut
yandbr
ains
Her:Ihopey
ouar
en’
tbur
ningany
thi
ngonmy
account
Me:
Ihav
en’
tev
enst
art
ed.Yout
oot
alkat
ivef
or
met
ocook
Her
:Iknewi
t.y
oucan’
tcook
Me:
sti
ckar
oundandy
ou’
l
lfi
ndout
Her
:ar
eyouf
li
rt
ingwi
thme?
Me:
arey
ouf
li
rt
ingwi
thme?
Her:t
ypi
cal
blackper
son.Answer
ingaquest
ion
wit
haquesti
on
Me:
whosai
dIwasbl
ack?
Her
:whosai
dyouwer
en’
t?
Me:
andy
ousayI
’
mthet
ypi
cal
blackher
e
Her
:ohwow!sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
oeat
t
oni
ght?
Me:
howaboutIhav
eyou
Her
:ohmygod!No!
Me:rel
axi
twasjustaj
oke.I
’
llor
derpi
zzaorgo
eatatmymom’shouse
Her
:somebodyi
samama’
sboy
Me:
y oucant el
lalotaboutamanj
udgi
ngby
t
herelat
ionshiphehaswithhi
smom
Her
:mmmmh….
Me:
yeah.Sohow’
syourmov
ie?
Her
:Ist
oppedwat
chi
ng.Thankst
oyou
Me:
Idon’
theary
oucompl
aini
ng
Her
:I’
m enj
oyi
ngy
ourcompany
Me:
I’
mfl
att
ered.Sowhat
’sy
ourf
ull
name?
Her
:it
sKat
eRomer
.
Me:
ist
haty
ourFacebooknamet
oo?
Her
:Ideact
ivat
edt
hatal
ongt
imeago
Me:
wowmet
oo.
Her
:youdon’
thav
etosayt
hatt
oimpr
essme
Me:
what ?Gi
rlpl
ease.Iknowy
oual
ready
i
mpressed
Her
:yout
oococky
Me:
hav
eyouwat
ch“
TheRev
enant
”?
Her
:what
’st
hat
?
Me:t
hemov iet
hatact
ual
l
ymadeLeonar
dowi
n
hi
sfi
rstOscar
Her:HahahahahaI’mlaughi
ngcauseI ’
m
thi
nki
ngofallthosejokesabouthim not
winni
nganOscar ..
.andnowt hatwehadalll
ost
hope,hesuddenlywinsone.Thatisj
ustsad
anddepressi
ng..
.itmustbeaGr eatmov i
e
Me:hahahawellyousil
ly
..
..yea,i
t'
stoonice.I
waswatchingli
kewithmyj awdroppedthe
whol
et i
me.Iknewhe'll
wini tsomeday,
it'
sjust
t
hathisti
met owinitwaslongov er
due
Her
:Exceptheal
mostdi
dnotwi
nitt
hou.
..
Me:
Didi
sbet
tert
hanal
mostt
hou
Her
:Lol
yeahy
our
ight
..
.
Me:
somi
ssnot
icedme
Her
:comeonar
ewer
eal
l
yst
il
lont
hat
?
Me:
Ican’
tdr
opi
t.apr
ett
yladyhi
tonme.
Nor
mal
l
yit
’st
heot
herwayr
ound
Her
:hahahahahahahaWhenlastdi
dIlaught
his
har
d‚youareenter
tai
ningy
ouknowt hat
Me: hahahalet’
sfaceit,
youcan'twinthe
cockinessgamewi thme, I
'm cockyi
nreall
i
fe.I
know, ri
ght
!?!Tooentert
aini
ng.Youfuntoo,
haven'tenj
oyedchatti
ngwi t
hsomeonel i
kethi
s
i
nages, peoplebeboringAF
Her:Hahahasweethear
tI’
m onl
ylet
ti
ngyouwi
n
becauseI’
m sl
eepynowandIhav ecl
asses
tomorrowmorning…schooli
sadrag
Her
:Asformebeingf un.
..i
tcomesnatural.I
wasbor
nliket
his.
..Ihavetostandoutfr
om
t
hesebori
ngpeopleyouassociateyour
selfwith
Me:Well
,I’
m sleepyt
ooact
uall
y,pr
ett
ysureI
gotsl
eepybeforeyoudi
dbutdidn'
twantt
oget
yousadwiththebadnews.
Her
:hahahait
’snotacompet
it
ionMrCocky
.
Pl
us,y
oustil
lhaven’
teat
en
Me:Iknowyoudon'
twantt
osl eepcozI
’mtoo
goodtobet
rue,
feel
sli
keadream tal
ki
ngtome
al
ready
Her
:ohwow!
Me:staywithmeunti
lIf
ini
shmaki
nga
sandwichatleast
?
Her
:nowy
ouj
ustbei
ngacr
ybaby
Iputt
hephoneandspeakerandswi
tchedt
o
cal
lmodewhil
eIprepar
edmysandwi ch
Her
: awar
ningwoul
dhav
ebeenmuchmuch
bet
ter
Me:
ohI
’
m sor
ry.Idi
dn’
tthi
nky
ouwoul
dmi
nd
Her:
oneminut
ewefaceti
mingandt
henext
youswi
tcht
oaudi
o,notf
air
Me:
I’
m sor
ry
Her
:what
ever
.Sowhatar
eyoumaki
ng?
Me:
hot
dogs.Wantsome?
Her
:sor
ry,
I’
m st
il
lful
l
Me:f
rom t
hel
unchy
ouat
ear
ound12.Qui
t
t
ri
ppi
ng
Her
:ar
eyoual
way
sli
ket
his?
Me:
how?
Her
:cr
azy
Me:
youbr
ingoutt
hecr
azyi
nme
Her
:owhwow
Me:
donemaki
ngmysuper
.
Her
:fi
nal
l
y
Me:
yeah.Youcangot
obednow
Her
:yousuck!
Me:
Goodni
ght
..
..
Her
:Goodni
ghtCocky
Me:
goodni
ghtMi
ssCocky
//
Thecal
llef
tmeinaver
ygoodmood.Thet i
me
wasonl
ypast7andshewascall
ingi
tanight?I
guessr
adiogr
aphyi
sabit
chhuh?Anywayafter
thecal
lIdeci
dedtohittheshower,
asIwas
aboutt
oshowert her
ewasaknockont hedoor
.
IwenttogogetitanditwasSiyaandLucas
withpi
zzaandsomebooze.
Me:
real
l
yguy
s
Luc:
yourr
ibsar
enotat
tr
act
ive.Goputat
-shi
rt
on
Theypushedmeoutoft
heway
.
Me:Ithi
nkt
her
e’sal
awagai
nstt
hissor
tof
t
hing
Si
ya:
whatt
hingi
sthat
?Vi
si
ti
ngaf
ri
end
Me:no.r
ocki
ngupunannouncedataguy
’s
pl
ace.WhatI
fIhadagir
lover
?
Si
ya:
wel
ldoy
ouhav
eoneov
er?
Iwasdef
eat
ed.Ishookmyhead
Luc:i
fyouhadone,
youwoul
dn’
thav
e
answeredt
hedoor
Si
ya:
ory
ouwoul
dhav
eanswer
edwi
thaboner
Me:screwyouguy
s!CanIatl
eastgotakea
showerandmeetyouguy
sinthelounge?
Luc:
justasl
ongasy
oucov
ert
hoser
ibsup
Me:thi
siswhata6packactual
l
ylooksl
i
ke
cousi
n.Buty
ouwouldn’
tknow
Si
yaandIl
aughedathi
m.
Hi
m:scr
ewy
ouBess!
Wi t
ht hatIwalkedupt omyr oom t
oshowerand
wearcomf ycl
ot hes.WhenIwasdoneIwentt o
j
oint hem andt heywereplay i
ngFifa.They
cameov ertomypl acetoflippingplayFIFA?I
hitthem atthebackoft heirheads
Them:
whatt
hef
uck?
Me:
youcomeov
ert
omyhouset
opl
ayFI
FA?
Luc:
yougott
hebestTV
Si
ya:
Iseenot
hingwr
ongwi
tht
hat
Me: ofcauseyouwoul
dn’
t.beentel
li
ngya’l
l
assestomov eoutofy
a’l
lparent
s’house
Siy
a:whywast
emoneywhent
heyl
i
vei
nthe
sametownasyou
Me:unt
ilt
hen,
youcr
ashher
eri
ght
?thi
sisnota
hot
el
Luc:
itl
ooksl
i
keone.Gr
ababeerandj
oinus
It
ookabeerandjoi
nedt
hem.Iloggedon
WhatsAppandst
art
edaconversat
ionwi
th
Yandi
swa,Iwasbor
edandKatewasnotonli
ne.
*
/me:
Heyt
her
e
Her
:uhhm hi
?
Herresponsesweren’tsoquickanditwas
annoyi
ng,I’
m afasttexterandafastresponder
soIdon’tl
iketobekeptwai ti
ngwhenIdon’ t
keeppeoplewait
ing
Me:don’ttel
lmey ounev
ersav
edmynumber
?
Toblockitatleast
Her
:uhhm nott
ober
udebutwho’
sthi
s?
Me:
MrDMB
Her
:Mel
okuhl
e?
Me:
theoneandonl
y
Her
:whyar
eyout
ext
ingme?
Me:becauseI’m boredandyou’
reonl
i
ne.Why
dopeopletextotherpeopl
e?
Her:
sorryIj
ustwasn’
texpect
ingat
extf
rom
youthat
’sal
l
Me:l
ikeIsai
d,Iwasbor
edandy
ou’
reonl
i
ne.
Whatareyouupto?
Her
:cl
eani
ngact
ual
l
y
Me:
att
hist
ime?
Her
:ther
ewasanacci
dent
Me:
ify
ouki
l
ledsomeoneIdon’
twantt
oknow
Her
:what
?No!okmay
beNal
edi
kil
l
edsomeone
Me:
whatdoy
oumean?
Her
:Nal
edi
stabbedBonkei
nthebal
l
s
Me:
Bonke?
Her
:Ani
ta’
sboy
fri
end
Me:
what
?Nof
ucki
ngway
s.Why
?
Her
:he’
sbeensl
eepi
ngwi
thourot
herf
ri
end
Emel
ie
Me:
howmanyf
ri
endsdoy
ouhav
e?
Her:
about7.Any
wayyoumissi
ngt
hepoi
nt.
Coul
dshegetarr
est
edfort
hat?
Me:well
ifhepressedchar
gesbutshewoul
dbe
gr
antedbai
l.Theguyisnotdeadr
ight
?
Her
:yeahbuthecannev
erhav
eki
ds…
Me:
yourf
ri
endi
shar
d-cor
e!She’
saG
Her
:hepr
ovokedher
Me:whatdi
dhedo?Imeannobodydeser
vest
o
gett
hei
rbal
lsst
abbed
Her
:hehur
tAni
ta!
Me:
youv
irgi
nsar
ecompl
i
cat
edIswear
!
Her
:yeahwhat
ever
.Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Me:
I’
m chi
l
li
ngwi
thSi
yaandmycousi
nLucas
Her
:tel
lem Isayhi
Me:ohwow.qui
ckr
esponse,
doest
hatmean
youdone?
Her
:I’
vebeendoneactual
l
y,y
ouj
ustnott
he
onl
ypersonI
’m chat
ti
ngto
Me:
ohwow.r
eal
nice
Her
:what
?
Me:
it’
sli
kerol
esar
erev
ersedandI
’
m suddenl
y
t
heniceoneher
e
Her
:di
dIhur
tyourf
eel
i
ngs?Doy
ouwantahug?
Me:
sar
casm l
ookst
err
ibl
eony
oubyt
heway
Her
:ri
ghtbackaty
ouMel
okuhl
e
Me:
coul
dyoupl
easest
opcal
l
ingmet
hat
!
Her
:knowingt
hati
tannoy
syougi
vesmej
oyi
n
myheart
Me:
ifIdi
dn’
tknowanybet
terIwoul
dsayy
ou
wantme
Her
:goodt
hingy
ouknowbet
ter
Me:
whyar
eyousomeant
ome?
Her
:I’
m sor
ry,
thi
sisj
usthowIam…notani
ce
per
son
Me:myfami
l
ywoul
ddi
sagr
ee,
evenIwoul
d
di
sagr
ee
Her
:oh?
Me:
whatgamear
eyoupl
ayi
ngat
?
Her
:ther
eisnogame
Me:yeaht
her
eis.Thi
ngsarebet
terforyou
whenwe…Idon’
tknow,ateachother’
sthr
oat
s?
Her:
whyarey
oubei
ngsoemot
ional
?I’
mjust
pl
ayi
ngwit
hyouMel
o.
Me:
coul
dhav
efool
edme
Her
:I’
m sor
ry.Let
’sst
artov
er
Me:
howaboutl
unch?Tomor
row
Her
:anydaybutt
omor
row
Me:
why
?
Her
:Ihav
eaj
obi
nter
view
Me:
ohwowt
hat
’sgr
eat
.Whatki
ndofj
ob?
Her
:tophot
ogr
aphapar
tyt
hisSat
urday
Me:
Ihopey
ougett
hej
ob
Her
:met
wo.Fi
nger
scr
ossed
Me:
finger
scr
ossed.
Her:any
way.We’l
ltal
kagai
ntomor
row,
it’
s
beenalongday
Me:
goodni
ghtt
hen
Her
:ni
ght
yni
ghtMel
okuhl
e//
Il
oggedout .MaybeYandiswaandIcanbe
goodf r
iendsaf
teral
l.She’
snotsuchabad
person.Theguyswer est
il
lpl
ayi
ngtheirmatch
andIwassupert i
redsoIcall
editanight,I
prayedforYayatogetthatj
obbefor
esl eepi
ng.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
22]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
17
Welly est
erdaywasunexpect ed.ImeanIknew
Naledi wascapablebuttogof ortheballs
though?Myf ri
endisaGnodoubt !IguessZuko
wasl uckybecauseheandherar ekindof
fri
endsorel seshewouldhav edonet hesame
tohim orev enworse,butanywayt heir
fri
endshipendedwhenZukoandIendedt hings.
Bonkewasf inebutIbetyouhe’llnevercheat
again.Anitawasnott al
kingtoanyofusand
noneofuscar edreal
ly,
wellitsnotli
keIdidnot
carebutIwast oobusywor r
iedaboutmy
i
ntervi
ewt omor rowandmaki ngsuremy
port
foli
ospeaksv olumesf orme.Myi nterview
wasat12pm meani ngIhadmor ethanenough
ti
met opr epareandmakesur ethatever yt
hing
wasA- Okay !Iwentt oshowerandt henwentt o
myclosett opickoutanout f
it,
Iwentwi than
over
sizedl ightjerseyandapenci lskir
twi t
h
pi
nkheel s.Myout fitwasnudepi nkjersey,
whit
eski rtapi nkhandbag.Iwasn’ tpl
anni ngon
ty
ingmyhai rf
ort heinter
view.WhenIcameout
ofmycl osetIwasmetbyNal edigoingt hr
ough
mypor tf
ol i
osit t
ingont opofmybed.
Her
:youneedt
oenl
arget
hispi
ctur
e
I
twasapict
ureofhersi
deofherf
ace,i
twas
bl
ackandwhit
e,i
twasabeauti
ful
pict
ure
Me:wel
lit
’syousoi
fyouwantt
oenl
argei
tyou
cangoahead
Her
:comeone,
lov
emef
oronce
Me:
youknowIl
ovey
oual
way
s
Her
:ri
ght
.soar
eyour
eady
?
Me:thi
sismyf
ir
str
eal
jobi
nter
view…Idon’
t
knowdude
Her
:youar
egoi
ngt
oknockt
hem dead
Me:
theywantmef
orapar
ty
Her
:whatki
ndofpar
ty?
Me:kiddi
espar
tyIt
hink;
Idi
dn’
tgetmuch
det
ail
sreal
ly
Her
:Ihopei
t’
snotascheme
Me:comeone,i
twashookedupbymyl
ect
urer
sochi
ll
honeyboo
Her
:fi
ne…what
ever
.Goodl
uckmyhoney
Me:
thanky
oububu.Hav
eyouhear
dfr
om Ani
ta?
Her:
she’
sbeenl
ockedupi
nherr
oom si
ncel
ast
ni
ght
Me:
youhav
etoapol
ogi
se
Her
:Idi
dheraf
avour
.Sheshoul
dbet
hanki
ng
me
Me:no.y
oukil
l
edal
lhopesofBonkeev
er
hav
ingki
dsdude
Her
:that
’l
lteachhi
mtonev
ermesswi
thmy
f
ri
endagain
Me:comeondon’
tbeev
ilnowLedi
.Apol
ogi
se
t
othem bot
h
Her
:Idon’
tev
enunder
standwhyAni
tai
smad
t
hough
Me:
whydon’
tyougoaskherandf
indout
Her
:gr
eat
.Real
great
.
Justaswewerechat
ti
ngli
kethatmyphone
rangandmi
ssyjumpedfori
t.
Her
:whywoul
dbeMel
ocal
l
ingy
ou?
Me:
Idon’
tknow.canIhav
emyphonepl
ease?
Itwasst
il
li
nherhandandt
hisgi
rlanswer
edi
t
andputhi
m onspeaker
/
/her
:Yandi
swa’
sphonehel
l
o?
Hi
m:uhhhm hi
.MayIspeakt
oYay
apl
ease
Her:
petnamesal
ready
.Ar
en’
tyouf
orwar
dMr
Bess
Me:
Nal
edi
comeon
ShegavememyphoneandIr
emov
edi
tfr
om
speaker
.
Me:
sor
ryaboutt
hat
Hi
m:noneedt
oapol
ogi
se
Me:
sot
owhatdoIowet
hepl
easur
e?
Hi
m:Ical
l
edt
owi
shy
oul
uckont
oday
Me:
aren’
tyousweet
…
Hi
m:Ihav
emyday
s.Don’
tgetusedt
oit
Me:
trustmeIwasn’
tpl
anni
ngt
o.Howar
eyou?
Hi
m:hungov
er.Howar
eyou?
Me:
I’
m gr
eat
.It
’si
nthemi
ddl
eoft
heweek
Him:rememberIt
oldy
out
heguy
srockedup
unannounced
Me:
ohy
eah…whataboutwor
k?
Hi
m:Ij
ustgott
otheof
fi
cebyt
heway
Me:
Isee….
Hi
m: anyway
.Ishoul
dgo,
byeYay
aandknock
em dead
Me:
Yay
a?That
’saf
ir
st
Hi
m:what
?Youhat
eit
?
Me:
nobodyhasev
ercal
l
edmet
hat
Hi
m:t
henI
’
llbet
hef
ir
standl
ast
Me:
byeMel
oandenj
oyy
ourday
Hi
m:enj
oyy
our
stooandknockem dead
Me:
wil
ltr
y//
Her
:“Yay
a”
Me:
whyar
eyoust
il
lher
eagai
n?
Isai
dhi
tt
ingherwi
thapi
l
low
Her
:youl
i
kehi
m!
Me:
what
?No!
Her:
yeah.Youdoandi
tsokf
ri
end,
Idon’
t
bl
amey ou
Me:
what
?No
Her
:youwer
eli
ter
all
ybl
ushi
ngandal
lfl
i
rtat
ious
Me:y
ouar
eseei
ngy
ourownt
hings.Mel
oisa
f
ri
end
Her
:real
l
ynow?
Shegavemet hatunconvi
ncedlook…we’ve
beenfr
iendsf
orsol ong,y
ou’dt
hinksheknows
mebynow.Ifeel nothi
ngforMelokuhl
eBess
Me:
yes,
real
l
y.He’
snotmyt
ype
Her
:sexyandmy
ster
iousi
snoty
ourt
ype?
Me:
he’
snotmy
ster
ious.He’
sal
ookert
hat
’sal
l
Her
:ri
ght….hav
eity
ourway
.Igotacal
lfr
om
MrPorsche
Me:
whati
sMrPor
sche’
snameany
way
?
Her
:hi
snamei
sReeceWi
ther
Me:
nice…sowhatwast
hecal
labout
?
Her
:justchecki
nguponmeandhowIwokeup,
heaskedaboutmyplansf
ort
hedayandpr
ett
y
muchallofthat
Me:
he’
sakeeper
Her:heaskedmet
ofl
yov
ert
hisweekendi
fI’
m
notbusy
Iscr
eamedi
nexci
tementandsodi
dshe
Me:Il
i
ter
all
yhavenowor
ds.Thi
sguyi
sreal
l
y
t
akenbyyouhuh?
Her:
yout hi
nkIwouldf
lyt
oLAal
one?Nahf
am
whatifhekidnapsme
Me:
soy
ounotgoi
ng?
Her:
nope.I
fhewant
stoseemeagai
nhewi
l
l
cometome
Me:
youar
esomet
hingel
sey
ouknowt
hat
Her
:peopl
ear
ecr
eepyoutt
her
e
Me:
finedon’
tgobabe
Her
:butt
heshoppi
ngmyf
ri
end
Me:
Igi
veup!Comel
et’
sgomakebr
eakf
ast
Her
:bet
tery
etl
et’
sgoeatout
.It
’sawhi
l
e
Iscreamedandwebot hstartedjumpingupand
downont hebedexcited.Afterallthatmadness
Iaccompani edhertoherr oom t owashandI
pickedoutanout fi
tforherandf r
om ther
eon
wewentt ogetdressedinmyr oom andwet ook
dozensofpi ct
uresandt henweheaded
downst air
s.Nit
awasi ntheki tchenmaking
somet hingtoeat.
Me:
mor
ning
Shekeptqui
etanddi
dn’
tsayj
ackshi
i
t.Ledi
walkedoutl
eavi
ngmewithamoodyNit
a
Me:Idon’
tknowwhatIdi dtoyoubutthis?Thi
s
whol
eattit
udeyougivi
ngmer i
ghtnow,itwon’
t
getyouanywheresweethear
t.LediandIare
goi
ngoutforbreakf
asti
ncasey ouwouldli
ket
o
j
oinus
Her:
youdon’tgeti
tdoy
ou?Youst
oodt
her
e
anddidnot
hing
Me: excuseme!Icannotbeli
evethatyouar e
goingt ostandt
hereanddefendhim afterhe
hascheat edonyouwithyourownf ri
end.How
darey ouchoosesomeassholeov eryourown
fr
iendAni t
a?
Her:
I’
m notchoosi
nganyoneher
eYandi
swa.
YouandNaledihadnori
ghttoev
enget
your
sel
vesinvol
ved
Ichuckl
edindisbel
ief
.Shewashi ghon
somethi
ngright?Imeanwasn’ tshetheone
cryi
ngonmychestj ustyest
erdaymor ni
ngand
heresheisnowactingli
keabi tch.
Me: wow.Iknewthatthepowerofdi
ckwas
str
ong.Butthi
s?Ididn’
tthi
nki
twouldmakeyou
thi
scrazyshame.By eAnit
a
Wi
tht
hatIwal
kedoutt
oani
mpat
ientNal
edi
whohasbeenhooti
ngfort
hepastf
ewmi nutes
Iwaswi
thAnit
a.Iopenedt
hedoorandgotin.
Me:
real
l
yNal
edi
?
Her
:what
?
Me:
let
’sj
ustgo
Her
:andt
hen?What
’swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Me:uAni
tazi
mzaent
lokoi
sper
mssozeuve(the
sper
mshavegonest
rai
ghtt
oherheadIswear!
)
Naledi
’
slaughwasthatannoyi
nglaughthat
madey ouwantt
oslapthedayli
ghtsoutofher,
especi
all
ywhenyounotinthemoodf ori
t.she
l
ookedatmeandl aughedagai
nbeforestart
ing
thecar
.
Her
:whathast
hepoorki
ddone?
Me:
shemadcausewei
nter
venedy
est
erday
Her:wasn’
tshet
heonebusycr
yingbecauseof
herasshol
eofaman
Me:
mypoi
ntexact
ly.Sowher
ear
eweeat
ing?
Her:
Wi mpy…i
t’
sbeenawhi
l
esi
nceIhadt
hei
r
br
eakfast
Me:
awesomet
hen.Yourt
urnt
opayt
hough
Her
:Iknow.chi
l
l
Weal way stookt urnsi npay i
ngt hebil
lwhenwe
wentoutr athert hant hatwhol espli
tti
ngit
business,youf indt hatallofyouar ecarryi
ng
cardsbecausecar r yi
ngcashi snotsaf eso
thi
ngswer ejustbet terthisway .Wehadour
breakfastandi twasni ce.Afterallt
hatwewent
windowshoppi ngt obuyt i
meandt henlunch
ti
meNal ediwentt odr opmeof fbythi
sot her
restaurantformyi ntervi
ew.Iwasear l
yand
suddenl ynervous.Thel adyIwasmeet ingcame
dressedupf ormal, I
’mt al
kingsui t
sandal l.
Her
:hel
l
o.I
’
m Thembi
Mbi
ra
Me:
Yandi
swaGxaba
Weshookhands.
Her
:fi
nal
l
y,af
acet
othename
Me:
excuseme?
Her:
Anelehasbeengoi
ngonandon.Shesay
s
youoneofthebesti
nhercl
ass
Me: t
hankyouIguess.ButI
’
lll
etmypor
tfol
i
o
speakfori
tsel
f
Shesmi
l
ed.
Her:
Ithi
nkIlikeyoualr
eady.I’
m star
ving,can
weorderfi
rstandthendiscussevery
thing
pr
oper
Me:
yeahsur
e
Shecalledupawai t
ressandshet ookour
ordersthenwentbackt ohavet hem prepar
ed.
Mr sMbirawashostinga21st/ graduat
ionpart
y
forherdaughterandshewant edmet ocaptur
e
everyt
hingfortheday.Wegott oknoweach
otherli
tt
lebeforet
hef oodcame.
Her
:sohowmuchdoy
ouchar
geperhour
?
Me:thi
sisact
uall
ymyf i
rstrealj
obei
thert
han
assi
gnmentsandschoolstuff
Her:
what?Noway!Yourport
fol
i
oisi
mpr
essi
ve!
Youdoi
ngyour2ndyearr
ight
?
Me:
nof
ir
stact
ual
l
y.
Her
: wow.anyseei
nghowgoody ourworkis,
workoutapri
ceandwe’l
ltakei
tfrom t
here.I
j
ustwantperf
ecti
onformydaughter
Me:
youcanbetonMr
sMbi
ra
Her
:cal
lmeThembi
please
Me:
Ican’
t.Youol
denought
obemymom Mah
Her
:fi
net
henMr
sMbi
rai
tis
Thewai
tr
esscamet
ocheckonus
Her
:wi
l
lyoubehav
ingany
thi
ngel
se?
Ishookmyhead
Me:
not
hanksI
’
mful
l
Her
:we’
l
ljusthav
ethebi
l
lthanks
Thewai
tr
essnoddedandthenwal
kedout.As
weweresi
tt
ingt
alki
ngwit
hMr sMbir
a,Melo
wal kedinwithhishandont hisBEAUTIFUL
(pleasenotet hewor dincapitall
ett
ersbecause
shewasoutoft hi
swor ldki
ndofbeaut i
ful!)
l
ady ’
swaist.Theylookedper fectIt
ogether,I
waski ndofjeal
ousf orasplitsecondbutIwas
alsogl adbecauset henthi
smeanthewi llget
thei deaofhim bangingmeoutofhi shead.
Her
:Yandi
?
Me:
sor
ry.Youwer
esay
ing?
Her:
Iwassay
ingwewilldi
scussev
ery
thi
ng
el
seovert
hephoneok?
Me:
thanky
ouMr
sMbi
ra.Thanky
ousomuch
Her:canIkeept
his?Iwantt
oshowmy
daughter
Me:
yeahy
oucankeepi
tMah.
Her:
mydaughteri
sgoingtol
oveyourst
uff
.Ar
e
youbusyFr
iday
?BecauseIwoul
dli
ketobook
youfort
hewholeweekend
Me:
I’
m notbusy
Her:gr
eat
.Any
wayi
twasapl
easur
emeet
ing
you
Me:
li
kewi
se.Andt
hanksagai
n
Her
:thanky
ourl
ect
urer
Andwi t
hthatshegotupandl ef
t.Youknowt hat
feel
ingy ougetwheny ou’veachi eved
somet hinggr eatandy ouj ustwantt oshoutor
j
umpupanddownbutnowy ou’
reinpubl icand
youdon’ twantt olookr etarded?Wel lthatwas
me.Iwant edt oscr eam andcel ebrateandgo
getdrunkandhi gh.AsMr sMbi rawaswal king
putsheandMel ogr eetedeachot herandt hen
shelef t
.Whyam Inotsur prisedt heyknoweach
other?She’ srichandhei sDamonBess’ schi l
d.
Ibety ouheandherdaught erwentt oschool
togetherorsomet hing.IcalledLedi onmyway
outbutDer r
ickf el
titbestt oleavet hegirlhe
waswi t
htoat tendt ome.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
22]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
18-
Mel
o
SoBonkei snotsuchasai ntafterall?!Iwon’ t
l
ieIwasnotexpect ingthat, Imeanwet alk
aboutal mostev erythi
ng, howcoul dhenotbr ag
aboutscr ewing?Hi sgirlandIai ntev enf ri
ends
forthatmat ter.It
’sfunnyhowt heseni ggas
alwayssayI ’
m adi ckwhent heygoi ngar ound
doingfarwor se.I’
m assbutev enIwoul dnev er
cheatonmygi rlwithherf r
iend,that’sjust
wrongi nsomanyl evel
s.Igotupwi thabi tofa
hangov erdidmymor ni
ngr out i
neandheadedt o
theoffi
ce.WhenIgott her eIcalledYay atowi sh
herluck,Idon’ tknowwhyIcal l
edhercausewe
notfri
endsorwhat soever.Af t
ert hecal lIgota
textfr
om Kat easki ngmeoutf orlunchandI
coul
dn’
tsayno.shecamet oworkt
of et
chme
andwewenttotherest
aurantdowntheroad
wherewehadmety est
erday.
Me:
youl
ovet
hispl
acehuh?
Her:
it’
snott
hatIl
oveitbutbecauseyouhav
e
t
ogetbacktoworkinanhourandst uf
f,I
f
igur
ed
Me:
Isee
Wewal kedi njusttalkingrandomly.Il
ether
wal kinfrontandmahnt hisgir
lwasonanot her
l
ev el.SomeCassi ety peofishifyouknowwhat
Imean.Wewer estoodt herewaiti
ngfora
wai t
ertogetusat able,aswewer ewaitinglike
thatmyey esl andedont heeversobeautiful
Yandi swaGxabasi tt
ingacr osstheroom, she
quicklylookedawaywhenshesawmel ookat
her.Thewai terfi
nall
ygotusat ableandwe
wentt osi tdown.
Her
:Ihopey
oudon’
tmi
ndbutIdi
dmyr
esear
ch
onyou
Me:
andwhatdi
dyouf
ind?
Her
:thaty
oudon’
texi
st.
Me:
whatdoy
oumeanIdon’
texi
st.
Her
:whoar
eyou?
Me:
Itol
dyou,
Der
ri
ckNgesi
Her
:yousur
eyounotDer
ri
ckBess?
Me:
ist
hisani
nter
rogat
ionoral
unchdat
e?
Her
:sot
hisi
sadat
e?
Me:
ify
ouwantI
ttobet
henIdon’
tseewhynot
Shechuckl
ed.Shewasall
kindsofbeaut
if
ult
his
gi
rl
.IsawMr sMbir
awalkovertomytabl
e.
Her
:Der
ri
ckhi
Me:
heyMa,
howar
eyou?
Her
:I’
m good.I
t’
sbeenages
Me:
Iknowr i
ght
.Mathi
sisKat
e,Kat
ethi
sismy
mot
her’
sfr
iendMrsMbir
a
Kat
e:ni
cet
omeety
ouMah
Her:
li
kewise.YoungBessIexpecttoseeyou
atmydaughter
’sgraduat
ionpar
tythi
sSaturday
Me:
woul
dn’
tmi
ssi
tfort
hewor
ldMa
Her
:remi
ndy
ourmom ok
Me:
wil
ldo.
Her
:by
ebaby
,seey
out
hen
Me:
byeMa
Wi
tht
hatshewal
kedaway
.
Her
:YoungBess?
Me:
pleasedon’
t
Her
:why
’dy
oul
i
eabouty
oursur
name?
Me:Idi
dn’tl
i
ei fyout
hinkabouti
t,Ij
ustgav
e
youhal
fthetruth
Her
:ri
ght
Me:oktomakeupf ormyl
i
e,bemydat
etot
he
21stt
hisSat
urday
Her
:what
?
Me:
please
JustthenYandi
swawal
kedov
er,
shewason
thephone.
Me:
excuseme
Isai
dwalki
ngupt
oher.shedroppedt
hecal
l
whenshesawmestandinfr
ontofher
Me:t
houghty
ousai
dyouhadani
nter
viewat
l
unchti
me
Her
:itshal
fpastal
readyandi
fmemor
yser
ves
merightl
unchisat12
Me:
yourpoi
nt?
Her
:mypointi
sthatIj
ustgotoutofmy
meeti
ngwitht
hewomany ouweregreet
inga
f
ewmi nut
esago
Me:
soyoudi
dseemebutyouwer
ejustgoi
ng
t
opassmebyjustl
i
ket
hat
Her
:youwithsomeoneMel
okuhl
eIdidn’
twant
t
ober udeorgi
vehert
hewrongi
mpressi
on
Me:ohwowYandi
swa.Any
waydi
dyougett
he
j
ob?
Shesmi l
edandnodded.Idon’
tknowwhat
cameov ermebutnextthi
ngIknewitIwas
huggingherandspi
nni
ngheraroundin
excit
ement.Iqui
ckl
yputherdownandfixed
my sel
fandsodidshe
Me:
congr
ats
Her
:thanksMel
o
Ther
ewasabi
tofawkwar
dsi
l
encebet
weenus.
Her
:uhhhm Ishoul
dgo.Nal
edi
justgother
e
Me:
whenar
ewecel
ebr
ati
ng?
Her
:joi
nust
oni
ght
,7atCubana
Me:
seey
out
her
e
Her
:by
eMel
okuhl
e
Me:
byeYay
a
Wit
hthatshewal
kedoutandIr
etur
nedt
omy
t
able.
Kat
e:she’
spr
ett
y
Me:
yeahshei
s
Her
:shey
ourgi
rl
fr
iend?
Me:
what
?No!
Her:
coul
dhavefool
edme.Thewayy
ouj
umped
whenyousawher
Me:
she’
smysi
ster
’sf
ri
end.Jeal
ous?
Her
:what
?NO!
Me:
coul
dhav
efool
edme
Her
:wel
lI’
m not
Me:
itsokt
oadmi
titKat
e.
Her
:admi
twhat
?
Me:
thaty
oul
i
keme
Her
:af
terev
ery
thi
ngI
’
vehear
dabouty
ou
Me:whathappenedt
oinnocentunt
ilpr
oven
gui
l
ty
Her
:nowomancoul
dev
erchangey
ou
Me:
andy
ougott
hatbasedonwhat
?
Her
:Iknowpeoplet
hatknowy
ouDer
ri
ckBess.
Bi
ggestpl
ayeri
nDurban
Me:onewhoiscur
rent
lyl
ooki
ngf
oraser
ious
r
elat
ionshi
p
Shelookedatmeinshock.Honest
lyIwas
shockedmysel
freal
l
y.Imeanwher edi
dthat
comef r
om?
Her
:si
ncewhen?
Me:si
nceImetyou.You’
reacool
ladyKat
eand
Iwoul
dli
ketoknowy oumoreonamore
per
sonal
lev
el
Her
:ar
eyouhi
tt
ingonme?
Me:
canwebeser
iousj
ustt
hisonce?
!
Her:
youcaughtmeoffguar
dDerri
ck.HowdoI
knowI’
m notgoi
ngt
obepar toft
hestat
ist
ics?
Me:becausei
fIwantedyouaspar
tofthe
st
ati
sti
csIwouldn’
tevenbeher
eri
ghtnow.
Yourcl
otheswoul
dbeal
lov
ert
hef
loori
nmy
apar
tment
Her
:I….uhhhm….
Me:
all
I’
m aski
ngf
ori
sachanceKat
e.
Thel astt imeIev erdi dthi
swhol ethingwas
backi nhi ghschool withthegirlt
hatcheat edon
mewi thaf r
iendofmi ne.Isuckedatmacki ng
ongi rl
s, Idon’ tevenknowwhyIwasmacki ng
onKat e.Yandi swai scool andallbutnowshei s
fri
endswi thmysi st erandmyf amilyli
kesher
andal lthatwhi chmeansi twi
llneverwor kout
seeingt hati fIwer et oscrewupt heywi l
ltake
hersideandganguponme.Kat eisagr eat
chick,yourt y picalideaofawi f
emat eri
alandall
thatandIt hinkt hisi sthekindofper sonwho
willbet heonet oteachmehowt ol oveandbe
i
nar el
at ionshi p.
Her
:Idon’
tknowwhatt
osay
Me:
justsayy
es.Sayy
ou’
l
lbewi
thme
Shenodded
Me:
so?
??
Her:l
et’
sgi
veitat
ry.Buti
fyoudar
et ur
noutto
bewhatevery
onesaysyouareIwi
llbegone
youngBess
Me: aslongasy ou’ll
teachmeandbemygui de
i
nt hiswholerelati
onshipthingthenfi
nebyme.
Justdon’tgiv
euponmequi ck,I
’m abitr
usty
ont hi
swholer elat
ionshi
pt hingandplease
nevertrytochangemeok
Her
:ter
msandcondi
ti
onsal
ready
Ichuckl
ed
Me:
I’
m al
awst
udent
.Thi
sishowwedot
hings
Her
:nodoubtt
her
e
Ilaughed.Weconti
nuedtalki
ngandj ustgetti
ng
toknowmor eandmoreabouteachot her.She
toldmeaboutherpastrelati
onshipandt hingsI
neededt oknowanddoi ntherelati
onship.
Thingsshewoul dt
oler
ateandt hingsshe
wouldn’t.seemi nglyrel
ati
onshipsar e
complicatedandt heynotallfunandgamesasI
thought.Theyar eaf ullt
imejob.Wespent2
hoursjustget t
ingt oknoweachot her.Iwas
broughtbackt or eali
tybyacal lf
rom myf ather
tel
li
ngmeaboutt heshi i
tIneededt odobackat
theoffi
ce, whichmeantIhadt ocutourni ce
ti
meshor tandr eturntoBESS.Kat ewasj usta
wonder f
ul soul.Thedayendedev entuall
yandit
wast i
met ogohome.Ibumpedi nt oauntSiya
onmywayout .
Her
:heyKi
ddo
Me:
comeonaunt
y.Real
l
ynow?
Her:y
ou’l
lal
waysbekiddotome.Sowher
e
wereyouduri
nglunch?Icamet
ocheckupon
youandyouweren’tt
here?
Me:
Iwasoutwi
tht
hisgi
rl
Her
:tel
lmemor
e
Me:
nahf
am wenotdoi
ngt
hat
.Youmybest
f
ri
end’
smom
Her
:yeahso?
Me:noauntySi
ya.Any
waywhenar
eyouguy
s
get
ti
ngSiyaafl
at?
Her
:hedoesn’
twantone.Hi
sfat
herandIhav
e
t
ri
edbutnope
Me:
why
?
Her
:hesay
shehasn’
tfoundt
heper
fectoney
et
Me:
orhe’
sjustscar
edt
oli
veal
one
Shel
aughed
Her
:may
bet
hat
.Younev
erknowwi
tht
hatone
Me:wel
lther
e’sanapart
mentav
ail
abl
eint
hat
compl
exMahleandIliv
ein
Her
:youshoul
dtel
lhi
m abouti
t.
Iopenedhercardoorf
orher
.
Her
:thanky
ou
Me:
youwel
come.I
’
llt
ell
him abouti
t
Her
:isy
ourmom home?
Me:Idon’
tknow.shehasatendencyofcomi
ng
backl
atenowthatdadisn’
tar
ound
Her:she’
sprobabl
ycat
chi
nguponwork.I
t’
sthe
onl
yt hi
ngthatpr
obabl
ydi
str
act
sherf
rom
missinghi
mt oomuch
Me:
right
…
Her:heyIwi
l
lhi
tyou.Yourmom l
ovesy
our
f
ather
Me:
Idi
dn’
tsayany
thi
ng!
Her
:yourey
esDer
ri
ck
Me:
byaunt
y
Her
:by
ehoney
Iclosedherdoorandthenwenttomycarand
drovehome.No- onewasintheki
tchenbuty ou
couldhearnoisecomingfr
om thelounge.I
fol
lowedthenoiseandsawaf aceIhav en’
t
seeninawhi l
e.AuntyJenwasbackandsowas
dad.
Me:
hel
l
o’s
Jen:l
ookwho’
sher
eandmor
ehandsomet
han
ever
Shesai
dget
ti
ngup.
Her
:comegi
vemeahug
Iwal
kedov
ert
ohugher
.
Me:whydi
dn’
tyousayy
out
ell
mey
ouwer
e
comi
ngback?
Her
:theni
twoul
dn’
tbeasur
pri
se.
Me:
right
.
Iwentt
ogreetdadandthensatdownand
j
oinedi
nontheconver
sation.
Mom:
wil
lyouev
erset
tl
edown?
Jen:
noway
sbuddy
.ButIam seei
ngt
hisguy
Dad:Jenandguys.Asemahl
emybabypl
ease
don’
ttur
noutli
kethisone
Ase:
butshe’
ssocool
andcar
efr
ee.Unt
iedand
al
l
Jen:
exact
ly.Mar
ri
ageai
ntf
orev
ery
body
Mom:
Jenni
ferO’
Connory
ouwi
l
lnev
erchange
Jen:
Iseenoreasont
oo.Whenwast
hel
ast
ti
mey ouev
ersawJonas?
Dad:
lastweekIt
hink…why
?Youst
il
li
nter
est
ed
i
nhim?
Jen:nopebuthe’
sst
il
li
nter
estedi
nme.He’ s
beenaskingmetogooutwithhi
mf ordr
inks
whenIgotback
Mom:
letmeguess.Younotgoi
ng?
Jen:nope.Noway
s.Any
wayMel
o,anygi
rlI
needtoknowabout?
Ismi
l
ed
Mom:
youhav
eagi
rl
fr
iend?
Ase:any
onebutmyt
win.Hei
sincapabl
eof
feel
i
ngs
Jen:
yeahbutl
ookathi
m bl
ushi
ng.Ther
eisa
gi
rl
Me: ifyouguy
smustknow.it
snew, asi
n
str
aightoutoftheboxki
ndofnew.Imether
yesterday
Ase:andal
readyy
ouguy
sar
edat
ing.Whati
f
she’
sapsycho?
Me:IgrewupwithAuntJenasmyaunt
.It
hinkI
handl
epsycho’
s
Every
onecoul
dn’
thol
dbackt
hel
aught
er.Jen
thr
ewapill
owatme.
Her
:shutup!
I
ya:
whataboutYandi
swa?
Dad:
who’
sYandi
swa?
Me:
Asemahl
e’
sfr
iend
I
ya:
andy
ourson’
scr
ush.
Me:what
?No.Yandi
swaisMel
ody
’sf
ri
end
meani
ngshe’
soffl
imi
ts
Ase:
glady
ouknowt
hat
.It
aughty
ouwel
l
Dad:what
ever.Sowhenar
ewemeet
ingt
his
gi
rl
fr
iendofyours?
Me:nev
er!Youguysaret
oocrazy
,any
waymom
t
hisSat
urdayi
sLinda’
spart
y
Mom:
ohr
ight
…
Me:yeah.Ibumpedi
ntohermom andshesai
d
youbett
erbether
e
Her
:ofcauseIwi
l
l.I
’
mtheguestspeaker
Ase:
youl
i
e!
Dad:
that
’sni
ce.What
’sgoi
ngon?
Mom:
it’
sa21st
/gr
aduat
ionpar
tyhoney
Dad:
ohr
ightt
heoney
ouwer
etal
ki
ngabout
Mom:
yest
hatone.
Jen:
doy
ouev
enknowwhaty
ougoi
ngt
osay
?
Mom:
real
l
yJenni
fer
?!
Me:
sor
ryt
ober
udebutIhav
etogetgoi
ng.I
pr
omi
sedaf
ri
endsomet
hing
Ase:
whatf
ri
end?
Dad:
yeahwhatf
ri
end?
Me:
youguy
sar
esonosy
.Af
ri
endgotaj
ob
Mom:ni
ceone.Tell
him wesai
dcongr
atzand
wel
cometotherealwor
ld
Me:
Iwi
l
ltel
lher
.Asewantt
ocome?
Ase:
doesshehav
eaname?
Me:
byeguy
s.
Ase:
Idowantt
ocome.Mom pl
ease
Mom:
nope
Me:
I’
ll
keepaney
eonherIpr
omi
se
Jen:l
etthekidsgohav
efun.I
tshol
iday
sfor
Chri
stsake.Nobodyst
oppedyoufr
om goi
ng
out!
Mom l
ookedatusbot
h.
Her
:fi
nebuti
fshedar
e
Me:Ipromi
seshewon’
tdoany
thi
ng!Gochange
f
astfast
Asewentupt
oherr
oom t
ogetdr
essed.
Mom:
andy
oubr
ingherbackhomeaf
ter
Me:
yes,
ma’
am
Jen:si
ncewhenareyouthisupt
ight
?Damon
aren’
tyousexi
ngherenough?
Me:
kiddi
eear
s
Jen:
ohpl
ease.Dae,
answer
s
Dad:
Mel
odydoesn’
tknowwhent
ost
op
Jen:so?She’
s20.Atleastshe’snotsleeping
aroundli
keki
dsherage.Thest ri
ctery
ouar eon
them wil
lbet
hedeathofy ou!Letherhav eas
muchf unasyourpar
entsletyouwheny ou
wereherage
Mom:
real
l
yJenni
fer
?
Jen:y
es,r
eal
l
y.Nobodygr
oundedyou.Nobody
tol
dyounott
ogoout,i
twasally
ourdeci
sions
tomake.Don’
ttr
ytur
nherint
oyoubecause
she’
snot.Bet
heparentBomiwast
oy ou
Justt
henAsewalkedi
nalldressedup,skinny
j
eans,whi
tevest
,whi
tesneakersandleather
j
acketi
nherarm.
Her
:ready
Me:
byeguy
s
Jen:
enj
oyy
our
sel
vesok
Wi t
ht hatwewal kedouttot hecar.Ontheway
tomypl aceshewasbusyaski ngmewhot he
my steri
ousf r
iendi sandwhomygi r
lf
ri
endis
andwhet hershewasgoi ngt obetheretoo.I
didn’
tansweranyofherquest i
ons.Wegott o
mypl aceandIt ookaqui ckshowerand
changedi ntojeansat -shir
twi t
hsneakersand
thenweheadedoutt oCubana.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
22]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
19
Idon’tunderstandwhyMel okuhl
ewoul ddot hat
tomedur ingthepeopl eandinfr
ontofhislunch
date.Imeanwhat ’
sthegirl
goingtothi
nk
shame?Buthedi dkindofmakemef eelspecial
forthatmoment ,
almostli
kehefeltsomething
forme.Iwon’ tli
eIenjoyedthemomentsuch
thatIwalkedoutsmi li
ngandgotinsideLedi’
s
car.
Her
:It
akei
tyougott
hej
ob
Ismi
l
edandnodded.
Her:sowhenandwher
ear
ewegoi
ngt
o
cel
ebrat
e?
Me:
7Cubana
Her
:goi
ngbi
gar
en’
twenow…
Me:
whynot?AnywayIj
ustbumpedi
nto
Mel
okuhl
eandhewasexcit
edandhepi
cked
meupandspunmearound
Her
:Iknewt
hatbi
gsmi
l
ewasn’
tonl
ybecause
oft
hejob
Me:
what
?
Her
:youl
i
ket
hisguy
Me:
No!hewasj
ustbei
ngaf
ri
end
Her
:yeahy
oudo
Me:hewaswitht
hisbreat
h-t
aki
nggi
rl
.Imean
outoft
hiswor
ldbeaut
iful
fri
end
Her
:andy
out
hinky
oucan’
ttakehi
mfr
om her
?
Me:
what
?
Her:besides,
isn’tt
histhesameguywho
doesn’tdorel
ationshi
ps?ImeanifthisisMel
o
thensurelyheprobablywantsonethingfr
om
thegir
l…whywoul dhebebusypickingyouup
i
nthepresenceofhisgi
rl
fr
iend?What
’she
goi
ngtogainfrom t
hat?
Naledikindofmadesense.I fthatgi r
lwashi
s
gi
rl
friend,thenhewoul dn’
thav edonewhathe
di
d.Butt henagainhei sMelokuhl eBess,
he
doeswhathewant sandnotcar eabout
anybodyi ntheprocess,well
may behecares
aboutmeIdon’ tknowaboutt her est
.
Me:ar
ghwhat
everf
ri
end,Idon’
tcarewhatheis
doi
ngwit
hher
.Ij
ustwanttogethight
onight
.
Her
:ecst
asy
?
Me:
NEVER!
Her
:justt
hisoncef
ri
end
Me:
noNal
edi
!
Her:f
ine.Weediti
s,Idoubti
tsal
l
owedat
Cubanathough
Me:
sowher
edoy
ousuggestwesmokei
t?
Her
:smokeathomeandgogetwast
edatCu
Me:
great
.Lemmecal
lsomef
ri
ends
Her
:justaf
ewcl
osef
ri
ends!
Me:
yes,
mommy
.
WiththatIsentabr oadcastt oSiy a,
At hi,Sihle
andMel o.Theyal l
respondedandsai dt hey
wouldbet here.WegothomeandNi t
awasn’ t
aroundthehouseorl etmesaywedi dn’ tsee
heranywheref r
om t heloungeal lthewayt ot he
back,nobodycheckedherr oom; nott hatwe
di
dn’tcarebutwef eelli
keshe’ sanungr ateful
bi
tch!Wewentt oshoweri noursepar at erooms
andthenwentt ochi lli
ntheloungewat chingt v
andmost lytalkingaboutst uff.Awhi lelaterwe
heardsomet alkingcomi ngfrom t hepassage
andawhi lelaterwesawNi tawi t
hBonke, the
guywasl imping.Seemi ngl
yLedi gothim good.
Hi
m:l
adi
es
Noneofusresponded.Wej
ustl
ookedatt
hem
andbackatthetv
.
Hi
m:Nal
edi
aren’
tyougoi
ngt
oapol
ogi
se?
Her:Iwoul
dexceptIwouldn’
tmeani
tsoI
r
athernot…youunder
standri
ght
?
Hi
m:y
our
eal
l
yar
eev
ilhuh?
!
Her:Ithoughtyouwoul
dsti
llbei
nhospit
alor
wit
hy oursidechi
ck…Ican’
tkeepupreal
ly
Him:youmayhav
ecaughtmeoffguardbut
bestbel
i
evet
hati
twasyourf
ir
standlast
Her:Ani
tacont
rol
yourman.Ohwait
,hedoesn’
t
countasamanany mor
e…seei
ngthathe’
s
i
nfert
il
enowandshit
Hi
m:Nal
edi
I’
m war
ningy
ou!
Ni
ta:
youknowhowshei
s.Leti
tgo
Me:youknowwhatAni
ta…act
ual
l
ynev
ermi
nd.
Hav
ef un
Nit
alookedatmeandshookherheadbef or
e
hel
pingherboy
fri
endupt hestai
rs.I
twas
act
uall
yafunnysightsuchthatwedidn’
teven
wai tforthem t
odi sappearbeforelaughingat
thet wo.Wecr ackedupsomej okesaboutwhat
j
usthappenedandt henawhi l
el ateraswewer e
stil
lwat chi
ngwhatwasont hedoor bellr
ang.
Wewer ehesitanttoanswersowewental l
“rock-paper-
scissors”oneachot herandshe
beatmet oitsoIwentt ogett hedoor .Befor
e
mest oodEmel i
e.
Her
:heyf
ri
end
Me:
Ani
tai
sinherr
oom
Isaidwalkingout.I
’m notscar
edtov oiceout
myf eel
i
ngsbutAni tamadei tpr
ettycleart
hatit
wasnoneofourbusi nessandthatitwouldbe
bestwedi dn’tgeti
nvolvedi
nherbusiness.Em
fol
lowedaf terme.
Her
:Yandi
pleasel
etmeexpl
ain
Me:
youowemenot
hing.Expl
aint
oAni
ta
Ledi
:whoi
sit
?
JustasIwasaboutt
orespondEm r
ockedup
behi
ndme
Ledi
:what
?Ar
eyouguy
shav
ingat
hreesome?
Ihi
ther
Her
:what
?Ij
ustwannaknowt
hat
’sal
l
…
Em:
hel
l
otoy
out
ooLedi
Her:mh…Anitaandy ourboyf
riendorfuckbuddy
orwhatev
erareupstairsi
nNita’sroom…Idon’t
thi
nkyou’
llbeget
ti
nganyt oni
ght
Icoul
dn’tholdbackmylaugh.Thi
sgir
lwassi
ck
Iswear.Idon’tev
enunderst
andhowsheandI
arest
il
l f
ri
endswhenshe’sli
kethi
s.Shei
s
CRAZY!
Em:
No.Ij
ustcamet
oseeAni
ta
Wejustkeptqui
etandfocusedonthet
vwe
wer
ewat chi
ngbeforesheint
err
upt
ed.Shewent
upt
hest ai
rstoNit
a’sr
oom.
Ledi
:I’
m ki
ndofcur
iousast
owhat
’sgoi
ngt
o
happenupther
e
Il
aughed
Me:
dudeNo!
Her
:Ij
ustwannahav
eitoncamer
athat
’sal
l
Me:
Ledi
No!l
et’
sgogetdr
essedany
way
!
Her
:butIwantdr
ama
Shepr etendedtocryandIj ustl
aughedather .I
don’ tl
ikedrama,entert
aini
ngasi tisbutI’
m not
af anofi t
.Ithi
nkIhadenoughofi twhenIwas
withZukosonowI ’
mj ustachil
ledperson.We
wentupst ai
rstoherroom andsmoked2j oi
nts
thenwegotdr essedandhi tt
hest reet
sof
Dur ban.DareIsaywel ookedhotandIwas
readyt ogetwasted.Wegott oCuandt heguys
wer ealreadyther
eexceptMel oandAse.
Si
hle:
congr
atzmyhoney
Hesaidspinni
ngmearound.Heputmedown
andkissedmyfor
eheadandwentonandon
abouthowhappyhewasf ormeandhowproud
hewas.Iwassohighit
’snotev
enfunny
.I
wasn’ teveni nthemoodf orbooze,Ijust
want edt odanceandbehappy .Allt
heguy s
congr atul
at edmeandwer ehappyf orme.Si y
a
boughtar oundofshot sandweal lhadt ot
ake
onewhet herwewant edtoornot .Li
fewasj ust
perfect.Iwentt othedancefloortodanceand
thi
sguyj oinedmeanddancedwi thme, Idon’t
evenknowwhot heguywas, Iwasjustthereto
enjoymy self.IsawMel oandAseappr oachour
tableandIwentbackt othet abl
etogr eett
hem.
Asecongr at ulat
edme.
Her
:ar
eyoudr
unk?
Ishookmyhead.
Me:
justhi
gh
Ase:
wher
e’smor
e?
Me:
int
hecar
.JustaskLedi
Mel
o:y
ounotsmoki
ngweed
Me:
weedi
shar
mlessMel
okuhl
e
Hi
m:I
’
vebeent
ell
i
ngy
out
ost
opcal
l
ingmet
hat
!
Me:
orwhat
?
Hi
m:don’
ttestmeYay
a
Me:
youneedt
oli
veal
i
ttl
e.
Ipul
l
edhi
shandt
hrought
hecr
owd
Hi
m:wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?
Me:tothedancef
loor
.Youl
ookl
i
key
oucan
dance
Hi
m:y
eahwel
lIdon’
t
Me:
stopbei
nganupt
ightassj
ustt
hisonce.
Istarteddancingandhedancedal ong.We
mademagi c,
Iwashi ghyesbutdamnwe
dancedsoper fect
lyt oget
her
, Ifel
tli
keIwasin
somemusi cvi
deo.Itwasmyf i
rstt
imeseei
ng
Mel oletlooseandj ustbe,Iwaspr oudof
my selfforbri
ngingt hatsi
deoutofhi m.Aft
er
thesongwewentt ot hebar,hesuggestedwe
gogr abdr i
nks.
Hi
m:Idi
dn’
tknowy
oucoul
dmov
eli
ket
hat
?!
Me:Idi
dn’
tknowy
ouhadt
hati
nyou.Youwas
onf
ire
Hi
m:wemakef
ir
esweet
ie.
Asweweretal
ki
ngli
kethattheguyIwas
danci
ngwi
thearl
i
eronwalkedovertous.
Guy:howabouty
oucomeshowmet
hose
dancemovesoutsi
de?
Me:
excuseme
Mel
o:excusey
ou?
Him:andwhoareyou?Shewaswithmebef or
e
youcamealongwhit
eboy.St
ickt
oy ourki
nd
Mel
o:don’
ttestmepl
ease
Hi
m:whaty
ougoi
ngt
odoaboutwhi
tey
Hesai
dshovi
ngMel
o.Icoul
dseet
heangeri
n
hi
seyest
hatshi
i
twasaboutt
ogodown.
Me:Idon’tknowy
ouandy
oudon’
tknowmeso
pl
easejustgo.
Hi
m:t
hisbi
tch!Al
lyouXhosa’
sar
ethesame.I
alsohav
emoney ,Icanbutyouadri
nktoi
f
that’
swhati
ttakestogetyouint
obed
Melothr
ewapunchatt heguyandhef el
l t
othe
fl
oorandthenhegotont opoft
henigga.The
hi
ghnesswassuddenlyturnedi
ntosoberness.I
tr
iedpul
li
ngMeloofft
heguyandbynowal l
eyeswereonus.
Me:
Mel
okuhl
ePl
ease!
Ishoutedandhestoppedwhenhenot i
cedt
he
guybleedi
ngheavi
l
y .Hegotoffhi
m andwal
ked
awayf r
om meandIf ol
lowedhimtothemal
e
toi
let
s
Hi
m:y
ounotsupposedt
obeher
e
Me: y
eahwell
youal
mostki
l
ledsomeone
becauseofme
Him:Ihat
eguy swhoinsul
tXhosawomenand
cal
lthem shi
i
ttheynot.Mymom isXhosa
Hewaswashi
nghishand.It
ookt
issues,niggas
comi
ngi
nthetoi
l
etweregivi
ngmef unnylooks
butIdi
dn’
tcar
e.Ihel
pedhi
m wi
thhi
shand.
Hi
m:r
elaxwoul
dyou.Myhandi
sfi
ne
Me:
yourknuckl
esar
ebr
uisedbr
uh
Him:becar
eful
Yay
a,Imi
ghtj
ustt
hinky
oucar
e
aboutme
Me:ohandwewoul
dn’
twantt
hatnowwoul
d
we
Me:
nowewoul
dn’
t.y
ounotf
orme
Hi
m:andy
ounotf
orme
Me:
per
fect
.Thenweunder
standeachot
her
Hi
m:l
oudandcl
ear
Iwi
pedhi
shandandhewi
ncedal
i
ttl
e
Me:
I’
m sor
ry
Hi
m:i
t’
sokay
.
Il
ookedupandhi m andoureyesmet
.Heput
hi
suninj
uredhandbehindmyneckandpulled
meinforakiss.Hi
sl i
psweresocol
dfrom the
beerhehaddr ankearl
ieron,theystil
lhadthat
taste.Theyweresoftandjustallt
hingsniceor
may beIwasjusthighalloveragain.Ibrokethe
kissandmov edback.
Me:
uhhhm Ishoul
dgobackt
other
est
Hi
m:y
eahy
oushoul
d
Wit
hthatIwal
kedoutandheadedtothet
abl
e
andafewminutesl
aterhej
oinedus.
Si
ya:wher
edidyouguy
sdisappeart
o?Di
dyou
guysseewhowasfi
ghti
ng?
Melolookedathisknuckl es.Thi
ngswer ejust
awkwardbet weenusall ofasudden.Iwas
suddenl
yi nthemoodt ogetdr unk.Thekiss
washeav enlynodoubtbuti tshoul
dn’thave
happened.Itwasami stake!
At
hi:
don’
ttel
lmey
ouwer
etheonef
ight
ing
Ase:
tal
kaboutkeepi
ngal
owpr
ofi
l
eJer
k
Hi
m: Weshoul
dleav
e.I
tsl
ateandIhav
eto
wakeup
Ledi
:i
tsonl
ypast8dude!St
ayal
i
ttl
e
Hi
m:Ihav
ewor
k.Sor
ry
Ase:comeonDerri
ck.Just30mor
emi
nut
es,
Yandital
ktohi
m pl
ease
Icouldbarel
ylookattheguy .Idrownedmy sel
f
i
nt hebott
leIwasdrinki
ng,itwasabot t
leof
brutalf
rui
t,i
twasoneLedi’s…t hat’
swhatshe
dri
nkswhenshedoesn’ twannabesl oshed.
Hi
m:30mor
emi
nut
esandt
hat
’si
t
Si
ya:
sowhathappened?Why
’dy
ouhi
ttheguy
?
Ase:
Yandi
wher
ewer
eyou?
Wel
ookedateachot
her
.
Me:
huh?
Melo:t
hatguymadesomestupi
dcomment
aboutXhosawomenandIt
ookoffense
Ledi
:Ihopeyouki
l
ledhi
m.Hedoesn’
tdeser
ve
towalkonthi
s
Theot
her
slaughed
Mel
o:y
eahi
t’
sov
ernow.
Ase:
ify
ourpar
ent
sdar
efi
ndoutaboutt
his
Mel
o:t
heywon’
t.Rel
ax
Wekeptexchangi nggl ancesateachot her.
Therewasj ustalotofawkwar dnessbet ween
him andI.itwassobadt hathewal kedoutt o
withhisphonet omakeacal l orsomet hing.I
wasj ustreadytogohomesoIsuggest edthat
thi
sbeourl astroundf ortheni ght,Isounded
l
ikeapar typooperbutIdi dn’tcare.Ijust
want edtobeawayf rom Mel okuhl eBess.We
gotout si
deandhewast al
kingont hephone
andy oucoul dtellbythecall thathewast alki
ng
toagi r
l.Wepassedhi m andwentt othecar ,I
waitedwi thMahl eandshet oldmeaboutt his
gir
lherbr otherhasstar t
edseei ngsincetoday .
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
22]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
20-
Mel
o
Theki sswasanhonestmi st
ake!Itwasaspar e
ofthemomentt hi
ngandi twasnev ermeantt o
happeni nthefirstplace.Ihaveagi rl
fri
endand
shewoul dnotbehappyi fshef oundoutabout
thi
sandt hat
’sthelastthingIneedr i
ghtnow.
Myf ir
strealrel
at i
onshipinal ongt i
meandIgo
onandscr ewitup!Justgr eat!Thekisswas
amazi ngIwon’tl i
ebuti thappenedatt hewr ong
ti
me!Hadi thappenedear l
iermay beIwoul dn’
t
feelsobadabouti tandI ’
dact uall
ypursueYay a
butnowI ’
m withsomeoneandIneedt opr ove
tohert hatIam inthis100%.Thewayt hings
wereawkwar dbet weenYay aandmeatt he
tabl
eIj ustneededt ogetawayf r
om herand
whobet t
ertogetawayt ot hantocallmynew
bae?
!Shedi
dn’
thesi
tat
etopi
ckup.
//Me:Iwashopingyounotoneoft
hose"
Idon'
t
call
/t
exthi
mf i
rst"t
ypeofgi
rl
s
Her
:wel
lhel
l
otoy
out
ooDee
Me:
heybabe,
howar
eyou?
Her
:I’
m goodandhowar
eyou?
Me:
I’
m ok.Imi
ssy
ou
Her
:youhadl
unchwi
thmet
oday
Me:
itwasn’
tenough.Iwantt
oseey
ou;
Iwant
t
obewithyou
Her
:toosoon
Me:Idi
dn’
tsayIwantt
ohav
esexwi
thy
ouchi
l
l
l
ady
Her
:soy
oudon’
twi
sht
ohav
esexwi
thme?
Me:Iwouldlovet
ov er
ymuchbutIdon’ twant
tor
ushanythingj
ustyet.Fornow, Ij
ustwantto
benextt
oy ouandbreathyourair,watchyou
whenyousleepandjustbeiny ourpresence
Her:
areyouok?Ar
eyoucat
chi
ngaf
everor
somethi
ng?
Me:
what
?FuckNO!why
?
Her
:youal
ll
oveydov
eyandshi
i
t
Me:
ouch!
Her:
I’
m sorr
y.Iact
ual
l
ymi
ssy
ourcompanyi
n
al
lhonest
y
Me:
aren’
tyousl
eepi
ngear
lyt
oday
?
Her
:ar
en’
tyoucooki
ngt
oday
?
Me:howaboutIcomeeataty
ourpl
ace?Wai
t….
Canyouevencook?
Her
:doIl
ookl
i
keIcan’
tcook?
Me:yeahact
ual
l
y.Youl
ookl
i
key
oudon’
tcook
atal
l
Shegiggl
ed, herlaughwasthemostcut est
thi
ngI’
veev erheard!Icoul
dlist
entoitallday
ever
yday !Isawmysi st
erwalki
ngoutwi t
hYay a
andtherestoft hecrewbehindthem.Yayaand
Iexchangedgl
ances,IcouldhearKateoverthe
phonebutmymai nfocuswasont hegir
l
walki
ngwi t
hmysistergoingtomycar .They
stoodoutsi
deandcontinuedchatt
ingabout
whatever.
Her
:Deey
oust
il
lther
e?
Me:
I’
m sor
ry,
youwer
esay
ing?
Her:
Iwassayi
ng,howabouty
oucomeov
er
andfi
ndoutf
oryoursel
f?
Me:
ist
hatani
nvi
tat
iont
oyourpl
ace?
Her
:may
be….May
benot
Me:I
’l
ltaket
hatasamaybe.Textmey
our
addr
essandI’
ll
bether
einanhour
Her
:Ican’
twai
t
Me:
met
oobabe.By
efornow
Her
:by
e//
Af
terdroppi
ngthecall
,Iwal
kedovert
omy
si
sterandYayaoffwhi
chYayalef
tAsewhen
shesawmeappr oach.Icouldn’
thel pbutfeel
badaboutthekissandt heconv ersati
onIjust
had.Sheseemedmadatmef orlordknows
what.Iunl
ockedthedoor sandmysi stergoti
n
hersideandIwentinmi ne.Istartedthecarand
droveoff
.
Her
:whatdi
dyoudo?
Me:
excuseme?
Her
: don’
tplaydumbwit
hme.Youthi
nkIdi
dn’
t
not
icethetensi
onbet
weenyouandYandi
swa?
WhatdidyoudoDerri
ck?
Me:whyyoualwaysgott
oassumeIdi
d
somet
hingwrong?
Her:t
hat’
sbecauseyounormall
ydosomet
hing
wrong.Youar
et hecauseoft
hetensi
on
Melokuhl
e!
Me: Idi
dnothi
ngbutdef
endherfr
om the
assholeshewasdanci
ngwit
hfrom earl
i
eron
Her
:seemsl
i
ket
her
e’smor
etot
hest
oryt
han
y
oul
ett
ingon
Me:
li
ke?
Her
:Isawy outwowal
kingoutoft
het
oil
ets.
Whathappenedint
her
e?
Me:
not
hing.shej
ustnur
sedmyhandt
hat
’sal
l
Her
:real
l
ynowMel
o?
Me:
whatdoy
ouwantf
rom meAsemahl
e?
Her
:thet
rut
hthat
’sal
l
Me:youwantt
hetrut
h?Yandi
swaandIki
ssed!
Ther
eyouhaveit
!
Mysisteri
spersist
entli
kehermot
herand
f
atheranditssuperannoyi
ng!
Her:
whywoul
dyouki
ssher
?youhav
ea
gi
rl
fr
iend!
Me:uhhm aki
ssinvol
vest
wopar t
iesAsemahl
e,
i
thappenswhenbothpart
ieswantitt
ooccur
ok?Iki
ssedherandsheki
ssedmeback
Her
:andi
tdi
dn’
toccurt
oyout
haty
ouhav
ea
gi
rl
fr
iendandy
oumi
ghtbel
eadi
ngYandi
swaon?
Me:
itwasami st
akeandsheandIbot
hagr
eed
i
twi
llnev
erhappenagai
n
Her
:doy
ouhav
efeel
i
ngsf
orYandi
swa?
Me:
excuseme?
Her
:ohI
’m sor
ry.WasInotl
oudenough?DO
YOUHAVEFEELINGSFORYANDI SWA?
Me:
Idon’
thav
etoanswert
his
Her:
OhMyGod!Youhav ef
eeli
ngsforher
.
you’
vehadfeeli
ngsforherf
orawhi l
enowbut
youneededthekisstoconf
ir
mi t!whydi
dn’
tI
seethi
sbefore?
!
Me:
Idon’
tknowwhaty
out
alki
ngabout
!
Her:
whyareyouwi
thKat
eify
oui
nlov
ewi
th
anot
herDer
ri
ck?
Me:
thi
sconv
ersat
ioni
sov
er!
Her
:No!Noi
tsnotDer
ri
ck.
Me:
IDON’
THAVEFEELI
NGSFORYANDI
SWA!
Canwepl
easej
ustdr
opi
t!
Her
:Derr
ickwhyar
eyoustr
ingi
ngKat
eal
ong?
Whatgameareyoupl
ayi
ngat?
Me:
I’
m notpl
ayi
nganygame!
Her:
yes,youare.YouwithKat
ebecausey ou
hopi
ngthatshewi l
lhel
pyougetoverYandiswa
Me:Idon’
tknowhowy oucameaboutyour
concl
usi
on,buti
t’
snottr
ue.If
eel
nothi
ngfor
Yandi
swa
Her
:Ihopeso.Fory
oursakeandf
orKat
e’s!
Withthatshekeptqui etandl ookedoutside
l
eavingmei ndeept hought s.Thekissmayhav e
confi
rmedmyf eelingsf orYandiswabuti t
doesn’tchangeany t
hing.Ihav eagirl
fri
endand
Ican’thurtherl
iket his.I’
vealreadypromised
herIwouldbeabet termanandt hatIwoul ddo
ri
ghtbyherandt hat’sexact l
ywhatIwantt odo.
Beagoodguyf orher .thekisswasami stake,
yesitmademef eelsomet ypeofwayabout
Yayabutitwasami stakeanditwill
never
happenagain!Wegott omyhomeandIpar ked
thecarandaccompani edmysi st
erin,
whenwe
gotinmom andI y
awer en’thome.Dadwas
sit
ti
ngaloneintheli
vi
ngr oom worki
ngasusual.
Me:
wher
ear
ethel
adi
es?
Hi
m:wel
lJennif
erisint
ownwhi
chmeanst
hey
ar
eoutt
opaintthetownred
Ase:
mom t
oo?
Him:y
ep,ev
enyourmom.Howwaswhat
ever
youki
dswentt
o?
Ase:wel
lYandi
swawill
bethephot
ogr
apherf
or
theMbir
a’sgr
aduat
ionpar
ty
Dad:
Yandi
swa?
Me:
Asemahl
e’
sfr
iend,
DrGxaba’
sdaught
er
Hi
m:ohr
ight
,her
…
Ase:y
ep.Youmissedhert
hisSunday
,shewas
her
efordi
nner
Him:thi
sgi
rlmusthav
emadeani
mpr
essi
on
huh?
Ase:y
eahshedi
d,mom say
ssher
emi
ndsher
ofher
sel
f
Hi
m:Ishoul
dmeett
hisgi
rl
.
Ase:
you’
l
lmeethert
hisSat
urdaydaddy
Me:
Ishoul
dgo
Hi
m:wher
eto?Ar
en’
tyousl
eepi
ngov
er?
Me: sor
rydad,nott
odayIal
readymadepl
ansI
cannotcancel
Him:shebet
terbespeci
alf
ory
out
obai
lon
yourf
amil
y
Me:
trustmedad,
shei
s
Hi
m:f
ine.Besaf
e
Me:
byedad.
Isaidwalki
ngoutleavi
ngMahlesnuggl
ing
hersel
fnexttodad.Thatonewasalwaysacry
baby.Icall
edKateonmywayoutoft heyard
andtoldherIwasonmyway .Igottoherpl ace
andcall
edhert ocomeandopenf orme.Kat e
l
ivedinacommuneopposi teDUTRi t
son
campusi nasingleroom, perksofbei ngsmar tI
guess.Wewenti nherr oom andi twasneatand
didnotlookl
ikeast udent’
sr oom, wellexcept
thesi
nglebedt hatwasi nthecorner .
Her
:it
’snotmuchb…
Shedi dn’
tevenfinishhersent encewhenI
pi
nnedheront hecl oseddoorandki ssedher
passionatel
y,sherespondedal ltoowel l
.We
broket heki
ssaftersomet i
me.Yay a’skisswas
magical andKate’swasnor mal ,itfel
tli
keIwas
ki
ssingoneoft hoser andom chicksIbang.
Her
:andwhatwast
hat
?
Me:
I’
vehadacr
appyday
Her
:hahahawantt
otal
kabouti
t?
Me:
Irat
hernot
.
Shet
ookmyhandandIf
li
nchedabi
t.
Her
:I’
m sor
ry.Wai
twhathappenedt
oyourhand?
Me:
canwenott
alkabouti
tpl
ease
Her:canwetal
kabouti
tpl
ease?What
happened?
Me:
Idon’tknowi
fIt
oldy
oubutmyf
ri
endgota
j
obtoday
Her
:theonewemetear
li
er?
Me:yesher.sosheinvi
tedusoutf
orsome
dr
inkstocelebr
atehergett
ingt
hej
obandall
Wewer esit
ti
ngont opofherbedandshewas
l
isteni
ngt omeat t
entiv
ely
.Itwasactual
l
ycute
reall
y,shekeptnoddingtoconfi
rmthatIhadal
l
herattenti
on.
Me: sowedancedandt henwentt ochi
ll
atthe
bar,thi
sdrunkguywal ksuptoheraskingher
foradancei noutsi
deandbei ngtheguyIam I
trydefendi
ngher,theguyinsult
sherandcalls
herat ypi
calXhosawho’saftermymoneyand
stuffandhesaidawhol elotofbullwhi
chmade
mehithim becausehehadnor i
ghtt
oinsul
tmy
f
ri
endlikethatandItookof
fensebecausemy
motherisXhosa
Her:yourfri
endisveryluckyt
ohaveyouasa
fr
iend.Imeant odefendherli
kethat
.I’
m pr
oud
ofyouf orst
icki
ngupf orthedef
encel
ess
Me:
I’
m al
awy
er,
it’
swhatIdo
Her:hahahalet
’snotgetcockyDee.Sowher
eis
yourfr
iend?Shesafe?
Me:
I’
dli
ketot
hinkso,
shewenthomewi
thher
r
oommate
Her
:wel
lcal
lherandseei
fshegothomesaf
ely
Il
ookedatherhopi ngshewouldsayshewas
j
okingorsomet hi
ngalongthoselinesbutnope,
shewasserious.Shegav emet hatlook,you
knowtheonet hatsays‘doasIsay ’l
ook?Yeah
wellIt
ookoutmyphoneandshegotupand
headedtoherpotswhi l
eImadet hecal l
and
guesswhat?Itrangandwentt ov oi
cemail
meaningshewaspr obablyignori
ngmycall
sso
Il
eftheravoi
cemai l
sayingt ocal
lmewhenshe
gotthi
sorsendmeat exttell
ingmeshewas
homesafeandt hendroppedt hecal
l
.Igotand
wenttohugherf r
om behind,shewasbusy
di
shingupforus.
Me:
thi
slooksy
ummy
Her
:it
’sasgoodasi
tlooks.Sowhatdi
dyour
f
ri
endsay?
Me:
she’
snotanswer
ingsoIl
eftherav
oicemai
l
Her:shouldn’
tyoubeworr
ied?Whatift
hatguy
fol
l
owedherhomeorsomet hing?i
t’
snotsaf
e
outinthesestreet
sDee
Me:
thenwhatdoy
oupr
oposeIdobabe?
Her:callheragainorcallherr
oommat ejustt
o
besur e.Thelastthi
ngyouwanti stowakeup
toaheadl i
nesay i
ngthatsheismi ssi
ngorshe
wasf ounddeadi naditch.Gir
lsarenotsafeout
ther
eDee
Me:
wher
edi
dIgety
ou?
Her
:fr
om heav
en.Nogocal
l
Shesaidpeckingmeont heli
psandt hen
cont
inuedwithwhatshewasdoi ng.Iasked
Athi
forNaledi
’snumberandt hencall
edher,
shepickedupaftersometi
me.
/
/her
:Hel
l
o?
Me:
Nal
edi
Hi,
itsMel
okuhl
e
Her
:hel
l
oMel
o,t
owhatdoIowet
hepl
easur
e?
Me:j
ustwant
edtomakesur
eyouguy
sgot
homesafet
hat’
sal
l
Her
:youcoul
dhav
ecal
l
edYay
afort
hat
Me:Icoul
dhavebutherphoner
ingsandgoes
tovoi
cemail
,Ij
ustwantedt
omakesureyou
guy
swer eokthat
’sal
l
Her
:wear
emor
ethanok.ThanksMel
o
Me:
okt
hen.By
eNal
edi
Her
:it
sLedi
.By
eMel
o//
Ther e’ssomet hingscar yaboutNal edi.May be
i
t’swhatIhear dshedi dt oBonkeorsomet hing
butt here’sjustsomet hingt hatscar esmeabout
her,she’ sintimidati
ng.Af terthecal lKatecame
withourpl atesandwesatdownandat e.Her
foodwasasgoodasi tlookedy ouwoul dswear
shewast ryi
ngt omakeani mpressi onandshe
waswi nningbecauseIwasi mpr essed.When
wewer edoneeat i
ngsheandIwashedt he
dishesanddr i
edt hem t henwewentt ochil
l on
herbedandcuddl edwhi letalki
ngaboutst uff.
Shewasasweetgi rlandIwoul dbeani di
ott o
breakherhear t.Shefell asleepfirstandI
wat chedhersl eep,shewast oocut ef orwor ds.
Igotheri nsi
det hecov ersandt ookmycl othes
offthenj oinedheri nbed.Wedi dn’tdoany thing
butsl eepandIwasokwi ththat,itwasunusual
formebutImadedo.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
22]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
21
SoMel okuhleisdatingt hegirlIsawhi m wit
h
today?Iknewi t!whywoul dheki ssmeknowi ng
thathe’sseei ngsomeone?Theki sschanges
ev er
ything.Iwassor tofmadathi m butI
most lymadatmy selfforbeingt hatstupi
d.Why
didIkisshi m back?WhatwasIhopi ngtogain
from itanyway ?Hecal l
edmewhenLedi andI
gothomebutIst rai
ghtofi gnoredhi scall
s,
whatdi dhewantf rom memay be?Ledi walked
i
nawhi l
elaterandt hrewher selfonmybed.
Her
:Ij
ustgotacal
lfr
om Mel
o
Me:
wher
edi
dhegety
ournumber
?
Her
:Idi
dn’
task…any
wayhewascal
l
ingt
o
makesur
ewehomesaf
e
Me:
that
’sni
ceofhi
m.
Isai
dwalkingtomyclosett
aki
ngmycl
othes
offl
ayerbylay
er.Shefol
l
owedme.
Her
:whathappenedt
oni
ght
?
Me:
whatdoy
oumean?
Her
:I’
m notst
upi
d.Inoti
cedt
hetension
bet
weenyouguysaftert
hewhol
efightinci
dent
Me:
Idon’
tknowwhaty
out
alki
ngaboutNal
edi
Her:whenyouandMel ol
eftt
hetableya’
ll
were
ongoodspeakingter
msandt hensuddenl
yyou
comebackact i
ngall
awkward…whathappened?
Didhehurtyou?
Me:
what
?NO!
Her
:thenwhyar
eyoui
gnor
inghi
scal
l
s
Sheaskedwavingmyphoneinmyf ace.She
knowsmypattern…j
ustgreat
!Naledii
sone
obser
vantper
sonsoitsbestIj
usttel
lher
becauseonewayort
heot
hershe’
sgonnaf
ind
out.
Me:heki
ssedmei
nthet
oil
etandIki
ssedhi
m
back
Shescr
eamedandst
art
edj
umpi
ngupand
downall
exci
ted.
Her:sot
hismeansthathei
snotdat
ingthegi
rl
yousawhim wi
thandthaty
outwoactuall
y
mightbesomethi
ng
Me:no!i
twasjustakiss.Besi
des,
hehasa
gi
rl
fr
iendandweagr eedthati
twasamist
ake
anditwi
ll
neverhappenagain
Her
:WHAT?
??
Me:
what
?
Isai
dwal
ki
ngbackt
omyr
oom wear
ingmy
pjay
s.
Her
:youguy
ski
ssed.Howwasi
t?
Me:
itwasnor
mal
.Itwasaki
sst
her
e’snot
hing
t
oitr
eal
l
y
Her
:li
ar!Youl
i
kehi
mfr
iend
Me:evenifIdo,
itdoesn’
tmat
ternow.Hehasa
gi
rl
fr
iend
Iwon’ tli
eIreall
ywashurttohearthathehasa
gir
lf
riend.Imeanwer en’
twehi t
ti
ngitoff
?Ai nt
l
ikeIwaspl ayi
nghardtogetoranythi
ngbut
seeingt hosesidesofhi
m Ineversawearli
eron
weresl owlymaki ngmefal
lforhim.Am Icrazy
forfalli
ngfortheguy?Whynowany way?Ithink
Ineedadest r
uctioni
nmyl i
fe.
Her:Melokissedyouknowingv erywel lhehas
agir
lfr
iend.WhydoIgett hefeeli
ngt hathe’s
wit
hthisgirlf
orthesakeofbeingwi th
someoneorbecausey ou’
vepointeditoutt o
hi
m somanyt i
mest hatyouweren’tinterest
ed
i
nhimt hathedecidedt ost
opchasi ng?
Me:butLediIwasn’tplayi
nghardtoget.I
honest
lywasn’
tinterestedi
ntheguybefore
unti
lheapol
ogisedandst art
edshowingme
si
desofhi
m Inev
erknewexi
sted
Her:whaty oudofrom hereoni sall
onyou
babygirl
.y oucaneit
hertell
him howy oufeel
abouthim orkeepittoyourselfbutImustsay
thi
s,nothingeatsyouuplikethewor dsyou
neversaid…
Wewerenowsit
ti
ngontopofmybedwi
thmy
headonherl
apandherpl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhai
r.
Me:
Iheary
ou…
Her
:sohonest
ly…howwast
heki
ss?
Me:i
twasmagicalbruh!Iwishedi
twoul
dnev
er
st
op.Imeani
fhiskissisthatgood
Her
:thenhi
ssexmustbeev
enbet
ter
Il
aughed.Li
keNaledihadtotakeitt
her
ey ou
guys?Whywasthisgirll
i
kethis?Oneminute
wehavingahear
ttohear tmomentandthenext
she’
sbeingl
iket
his?
Me:
yeahwel
lIguessI
’
llnev
erknownow…
Her
:ify
ouwant
edt
oknowy
ouwoul
dknow!
Me:
yeahwhat
ever
.
Isaidgettingundert hecoversandshej oined
me.Myphoner angandZukowascal li
ng,well
hiscontactwassav edas“ asshol
e”.Icuthis
callbutniggadi dn’
tgi veupsucht hatIeven
switchedmyphoneof f
.Therewasaknockon
mydoor ,Ledi andIl ookedateachot herbefor
e
answer i
ngf ortheper sontocomei n.Anita
walkedinl ookinglikeamess.
Ledi
:canwehel
pyou?
Ni
ta:
canIcomei
n?
Me:
youal
readyi
nsomi
ghtaswel
l
…
Her
:guy
sI’
m sor
ry
Ij
ustnodded.
Ledi
:sor
ryf
orwhatexact
ly?Cany
oubeabi
t
morespeci
fi
c
Her
:Iscr
ewedupy
ouguy
sandIknowt
hatnow.
Bonkei
snotwhoIt
houghthewas
Ledi
:whatdi
dhedonow?
Her
:Emel
i
eispr
egnant
!
Ledi
:tel
lherwesai
dcongr
atz
InudgedLedi
undert
hebl
anket
s
Ledi
:what
?
Me:
No!
Ledi:NOYandiswa!Anit
aher egavemegr i
eff
or
sti
ckingmynosei nherbusinessandnowshe’s
suddenlycomet ocryonwhoseshoul der
?Nah
fam itdoesn’
tworkli
kethat!Ani
tasweeti
ego
backt oyourl
impingboyfr
iendbecauseyou
l
ovehi m morethanyourfr
iendswhowoul ddo
anythingfory
ou
Me:
NONal
edi
.Ni
tacomesi
tdownbaby
.
ShewasintearsandIjustcoul
dn’
thelpbutfeel
sorr
yforher
,shedidn’
tdeservet
his!Menreall
y
aretr
ashshame!Whosl eepswit
hy ourf
ri
end
andt hengoesonandmakest hem pr egnant ?
Bonkedeser vedwhatLedi didt ohisl ying
cheatingass!Igotoutoft hecov ersandwent
tocomf orther ,Ledi wasn’ tfazedatal l byher
tearsthist imear ound.Idi dn’ tknowwhatt osay
toherr eallybecausel et’sber ealisti
c, youcan’ t
giveadv icei nasi t
uat i
ony ou’ venev erbeen
beforebecausewhatexper iencear ey ou
speakinguponr eally?Al lIcoul dt ellherwas
thatev erythingwasgoi ngt obeok, that’sallI
couldev enut t
ert oher .onet hi ngy oumust
knowi st hatshev aluesf riendshi pmor ethan
rel
ationshipssowheny ougoonandchoosea
manov erf ri
endshi py ou’llbeony ourown
shouldt hatmanhur ty ouespeci all
yifshehad
tri
edt ohel py ouandy out hr ewherhel pbackon
herface.Ledi gotupoutofmycov ersand
walkedoutofmyr oom.Ni taf el lasleepf i
rstand
Ituckedheri nt henswi t
chedmyphoneon
beforecal l
ingi tani ght, t
hef ollowi ngmor ni
ngI
waswokenupbyaphonecal l fr
om Mel okuhle.
/
/Me:
what
?
Hi
m:i
sthathowweanswert
hephonenow?
Me:whenyoukissmeknowi
ngwellenoughy
ou
haveagi
rl
fr
iend,y
est
hat’
sexact
lyhowthe
phonei
sanswered
Him:Idon’
tunder
standwhyyoumadatme
becauseyouki
ssedmeback,youwant
edt
he
ki
ssasmuchasIwant edit
Me:hadIknownyouhadagirl
fri
endt
hentrust
meitwouldhavenev
erhappenedint
hefi
rst
pl
aceMelokuhl
e
Hi
m:Ical
ledy
oubecauseyoudi
dn’
tgetbackt
o
mycal
lsandt
ext
sYandiswa
Me:yeahwellLedi
tol
dyouwearr
ivedhome
saf
ely.Whatmoredoyouwant
?
Him:t
oapol ogi
se.Ishouldhaveneverki
ssed
youYaya,Idon’
tregretki
ssi
ngy outhoubutI
shoul
dn’thaveandforthatI’
m sor
ry
Me:
ok.By
eMel
okuhl
e
Hi
m:Yay
awai
t.Pl
ease.
Ikeptqui
et.Thisconv
ersat
ionwasgoing
ter
ri
blyandIjustwantedi
ttoendal
ready!
Hi
m:y
oust
il
lther
e?
Me:
yes
Him:thankyou.Idon’
tknowwhyIkissedyou
honestl
ybutIdon’tr
egretki
ssi
ngyoubecause
i
tmademer eal
isethatIhav
efeel
i
ngsf ory
ou
Ichuckl
ed.
Him: Iknowyoudon’tbelievemeandI ’
m ok
withthatbutIj
ustthoughty oushouldknow
that.AsmuchasIwoul dl iket
obewi thy oubut
Ican’t,y
oumysister’sf
ri
endandmyf ami l
y
l
ikesy ouandIwouldnev erforgi
vemy selfifI
hurtyouinanywaylikeI’
vedonewi thKat e.
Me:Itwasj
ustaki
ssMel
okuhl
e,i
tdi
dn’
tmean
any
thing
Hi
m: cany
ouhonestl
ylookmei nt
heey
eand
t
ell
mey oudi
dn’
tfeelanyt
hing?
Me:i
tdoesn’
tmat
terwhatIf
eltMel
okuhl
e,I
washi
ghandwhat’
sdoneisdone
Hi
m:oh
Me:
canIgobackt
osl
eepnow?
Hi
m:by
eYandi
swa!/
/
Ilookedatmyscr eenandt hecallhadbeen
ended…Idon’ tunder
standwhyMel okuhle
woul dcallmeatpast6t otellmeallofthis.hi
s
call wasunnecessaryreall
y.Imeanwhatdi dhe
thinkwoul dhappen?Weki ssandsuddenl yI’
m
i
nl ov ewithhim andIwantar elati
onshipwith
him?I tdoesn’tgothatway !Itr
iedsleepi
ngbutI
coul dn’
tsleepanymoresoIwentt oLedi ’
sroom
andknockedbutshedi dn’
trespondwhi ch
meantshewaspr obablystil
lsl
eeping.Itri
ed
openi ngthedoorandi twasn’tlockedsoI
wal kedinandsher eall
ywassl eeping.Igot
undert hecov er
sbehindherandcuddl edher,I
neededahug.
Her
:it
’sst
il
lear
ly.Whatar
eyoudoi
ngup?
Shesaidinasleepyt
ir
edv
oicewi
thoutev
en
tur
ningtolookatme.
Me:
Ineedahug.
Shetur
nedandfacedmet
henwr
appedher
armsaroundme.
Her
:what
’swr
ong?Whathappened?
Shecouldbar
elyopenherey
esbutsheopened
them andl
ookedatme.
Me:
Ijustgotacal
lfr
om Mel
okuhl
e
Her
:say
ing?
Me: say
shehasf eeli
ngsforme…hedoesn’ t
regr
etkissingmeohandt hathecan’ tdateme
becauseI’m cl
osetohisfamilyandthathe
wouldnev erbeabl
etof or
givehimselfifhehur
t
met hewayhehur thi
scur r
entgirl
fr
iend
Lediwassmil
ingheari
ngallofthisandreal
l
y?I
don’
tseeexci
tingaboutal
lofthisbecauseit
’s
notexci
ti
ngatall
!
Her
:Idon’
tknowwhatmor eyouwant.That
manisyour
s,youj
ustneedtotakehi
m
Me:Ican’
t.Heisnotminetot
akeLedi
.Hehas
agir
lf
ri
end,thel
astthi
ngIwanti
stobethose
gi
rl
sthatwreckrel
ati
onshi
ps
Her:whydoweal waysblamet hegirl
wheni t’
s
themant hatapproachesthegirlknowingvery
wellt
hathehasagi r
lf
ri
end?Mel omety oufi
rst
soinall
honest l
yhewasy our
sf i
rstbeforehe
washers
Icoul
dn’
thel
pbutl
aughatherl
ogi
c.SeewhyI
l
oveher?shei
sabl
etomakemef eelbet
ter
.
Her
:ther
e’st
hatl
aughIl
ovesomuch.
Me:
Soy
ouandAni
ta?
Her
:whataboutus?
Me:
youknowwhatImean
Her:arghI’
m notgoi
ngtopr
etendthatI
’m okay
wit
ht hewayshehandledt
hings.Shedi
dn’t
wantust ogetinv
olv
edandnowt hatt
here’
sa
babyint
hepi
ctur
eshesuddenlywantsust
obe
i
nvolv
ed?Nahfam i
tdon’
tworkli
kethat
Me:
butsheapol
ogi
sed
Her:herapologymeansnot hingtome.Anita
needsusonl ywheni tsui
tsher.whatki
ndof
fr
iendisthat?Lethergrowupt hewayshe
wantstogr owup,letherhandlehershi
itt
he
wayshewant stohandleitbheyps
Me:
ohLedi
Her
:NOYandi
swa!Let
’ssl
eepI
’
m st
il
lsl
eepy
Itr
iedconv i
ncingherbutmyf r
iendwasn’ t
heari
ngjackshi i
tsucht hatIevengav eup.We
fel
lasl
eepandwokeupt oanEnglishbr eakfast
madebyNi t
a,ofcauseNal edi
didn’teatitshe
madeher selfcereal.AnywayIgotacal l
f r
om
MrsMbi r
aaski ngmet ocomet oherhouse
Fri
dayandt akesome“ squadgoals”pi cturesof
herdaughterandsomef r
iendsforthe21ston
Satur
day.Iwasgoi ngtomake+- R5000f rom al
l
ofthi
swhi chwasgoi ngintomysav ingsf ormy
gall
ery.Yesmypl anwast obuyanopenspace
whenI ’minmyf i
nalyearandthenhandl e
everythi
ngproperduri
ngholidays.Af t
er
breakfastIshoweredandwentt ot owntobuy
fi
l
mf ormycamer awithNalediandsome
pri
ntingpaperandallthatot
herst uffwit
h
moneymom sentme.
Me:
soIgotat
extwi
thmyf
ather
’snumber
Her
:youwentt
hroughwi
thi
t?
Me:
Itol
dyouI
’
m cur
ious
Her
:whati
fhei
snotwhaty
ouhopi
ngf
or
Me:
Idon’
tev
enknowwhatI
’
m hopi
ngf
or
Her
:doesy
ourmom knowy
oul
ooki
ngf
ort
he
guy
?
Me:
ofcauseshedoesn’
t
Her
:whi
chmeansi
t’
sabadi
dea
Me:
howi
sfi
ndi
ngmyf
atherabadi
dea?
Her
:wear
etal
ki
ngaboutamanwhonev
er
bot
her
edt
obei
nyourl
i
feYandi
swa!
Me:
cany
ouj
ustsuppor
tmeont
hispl
ease
Her
:Idon’
twanty
out
ogetdi
sappoi
nted
Me:y
ou’l
lgett
osayy
out
oldmesoaf
tert
he
whol
ethi
ng
Wewerewal kingaroundPav
il
ionmal
li
n
West
vil
le.Thischickbumpedint
omemaking
medropmypaperbagsandherschool bagi
n
t
heprocess
Ledi
:wat
chwher
eyougoi
ng
Her
:I’
m sosor
ry
Me:
yeahmet
oo
Wewer epi cki
ngupt hethi
ngsont hefl
oorand
thenwel ookedateachot herandthenwe
headedsepar ateway s.Therewassomet hi
ng
aboutthegi r
l,Idon’tknowwhati twasabout
herbuttherewasj ustsomet hi
ngabouther
eyesalmostl i
keI ’
veseent hem somewhere.
Ledi
:youok?
Me:
yeahI
’
mfi
ne
Her
:thesesnobsneedt
owat
chwher
ethey
goi
ng
Me:
itwasami
stakef
ri
end
Her
:st
il
ldoesn’
texcusewhatshedi
dthough
Shewasast udentatDurbangi r
lshi
gh,she
l
ookedl i
keshewasi ngr ade9or10.Ledi cal
ls
DGHki dssnobsbecauseoft heEngl
ishand
pret
tymucht heschool.Shepr ett
ymuchhat es
theki
dsf ornoparti
cularreason.Wecont i
nued
walki
ngandheadedt ohercaranddr oveback
home.Ont hewaywewer esingi
ngalongto
Lemonadet healbum.
.
.
<3
[
10/
07,
20:
22]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
22-
Mel
o(Edi
tedandcont
inued)
Wasgoi ngtohav ebreakfastwi
thhermom so
wewokeupear lyandst uf
fandthenIheadedto
myplacet ochangequi ckl
ybeforeheadingt
o
work,Iwasabi tlat
ebutdaddi dn’tmakeafuss
outofit
.duri
ngl unchIwentt ohisoff
ice.
Me:
MrBess
Hi
m:heyson.What
’sup?
Me:
hav
eyoueat
en?
Hi
m: y
ourmom sai
dshe’
sonherwayher
e…
wantt
ograbl
unch?
Me:
nah…hav
efunwi
thmom
Hi
m:son.What
’swr
ong?Youcanal
way
stal
kto
me
Iwenti
nandsatont
hecouchandhej
oinedme.
Idon’tregretki
ssingYandi swabutnowIf eel
guil
tybecausei tf
eelslikeI’m stri
ngingKat e
along.Ili
keKate,she’sagoodgi rl
andal lbut
there’
ssomet hingaboutYay athatkeeps
drawingmet oher.Ididn’
twantt ocal lherthis
mor ni
ngbutIdi dany waybecauseIwant edto
hearthesoundofherv oi
ce.IthinkI ’
m conf used
ast owhoIr eal
lywantt obewi th.Ifeel l
ikeif
YandiswaandIgoti ntoar el
ationshipnow, it
j
ustwoul dn’tworkoutbecausesheandIdon’ t
seem readyt obewi thotherinaway .LikeIjust
don’tknow.
Hi
m:Der
ri
ck?
Hesai
dwav
inghi
shandi
nfr
ontofmyey
es.
Me:
yes?
Hi
m:whati
sit
?what
’sbot
her
ingy
ou?
Me:
womendad!
Hi
m:nowthere’
ssomet
hingInev
ert
houghtI
woul
dhearyousay
Hechuckledandsodi
dI.ImeanevenInever
thoughtI
’
dsaythi
sbutlookatmeall
str
essed
outandshii
t.
Me:
sot
her
e’st
hisgi
rlr
ight
,namei
sYandi
swa
Him:theoney ouandMel
odywer
etal
ki
ng
aboutlastni
ght?
Me: yes,her.Yandi swaandImetatherpar ty
l
astweekFr iday,itwasherbi r
thday .SoIf ound
herandMel takingshot satthebarsoIpl ayed
ov erprotectivebr other,l
ongst or yshor tIwas
rudet oher.t hef oll
owingdaywhi chwas
Sat urdayIwentt of et
chMel andIwasst il
l
pret tymuchr udetoherbutdamndadshei s
fl
ames!ev eryt imewemeetwear eal waysat
eachot her’st hroatssayingst ufft oannoyt he
othery ouknow.soSundayaf terchur chI
bumpedi ntoherathomeshewasl ookingall
fi
nei nabi kini andal l
thatbutt hat ’
snott he
poi nt.Any waymom sentust of etchAse’ s
clot hesatherpl aceandf orYay at ogoweara
properdressandsowespentt hatdayt ogether
andIapol ogised.Dadit’
sasifIf allforherev er
y
ti
meIseeherandt hat’
sthelastt hingIwant
ri
ghtnow.I ’m notreadyforherjusty et.But
anywaysheandIwer ecoolwitheachot her
unti
llastnight.Iki
ssedherwhi chki ndof
compl i
catedt hi
ngsbecauseI ’
vej uststarted
dati
ngt hi
ssweetgi r
lnamedKat e.
Helookedatmeandsmi l
ed.Idon’
tknowwhy
thi
smanwassmi l
ingbecauseIam conf
used
andIneedfat
her
lyadvi
ce!
Him:doyoulikeKat
eory
oudat
ingherf
ort
he
sakeofdat
ing?
Me:Ili
keherdad,she’ssweetandshe’spr
etty
muchev er
ythi
ng.She’
sliketheper
fectgi
rl
fr
iend.
Andthenthere’
sYandiswawhoi sj
ustli
kemom,
she’
ssweetandchallengingandpret
tymuch
i
nter
esti
ngt oknow
Hi
m:y
ouandYandi
swaki
ssedr
ight
?
Me:
Kat
eandIki
ssedt
oobuti
twasdi
ff
erent
.It
wasn’tt
hesamedad, theki
sswi thYay
awas
magicalandtheonewithKateseemedl i
keI
waskissingsomerandom gi
rl.howisthat
possi
ble?
Hi
m:it
slov
e.Thi
scr
azyl
i
ttl
ethi
ngcal
l
edi
s
magi
cal
Me:
Idon’
tknowdad
Him:i
t’
spret
tycl
earthaty
ouinlov
ewith
Yandi
swabutyouscaredtoal
l
owy our
sel
ftobe
themanforher
Me:
I’
m conf
used
Him:whenImety ourmotherIwasdati
ngt his
gir
lnamedJade.Shewassweetandal latfi
rst
butthenshesleptwi t
hbothmyf ri
ends,Andrew
andJonas,Itr
iedt oputitbehi
ndmebuty ou
cannevergetov ersuch.IhadItal
lpl
annedout ,
IwasgoingtomakeJadepayf orwhatshe’s
donebutthemor eti
meIspentwi t
hAmahl ethe
moreIlosti
nterestinmaki ngJadepay,Amahle
mademewantt obeabet terman,abett
er
versionofmy selfandt hat’
swhatIbecame…a
betterv ersionofmy self.Wher eI
’m goingwith
thi
s, oneoft hisgirl
smakesy ouwantt obea
betterman, Idon’twhichoneoft hetwoi ti
sbut
Iknowy ouknowandy ouar ewil
li
ngtochange
forher .witht hatbeingsai d,Ithi
nkyouknow
whoy ouwantt obewi thbuty oualsoscar ed
becausechangei sscar yoni t
sown, youscared
thatshe’ llmakey ouwantt ochangewi thout
youev enseei ngi t
Iguesshewasr
ight
.
Me:
Iguessy
our
ight
Hi
m: Isuckatgi
vi
ngadv
icebutIhopeImadea
l
it
tl
esense
Me:
youmadeal
otofsensedad.Thanks
Hi
m:dotalktoy
ourmom aboutthi
s,she’
s
muchbet
teratt
hispar
ent
ingt
hingthanIam
Icoul
dn’
thol
dbackt
hel
aught
er.
Hi
m:what
?It
’st
rue.Sheknowst
hispar
ent
ing
t
hingwayt
oowel
l
Me:yes,dad.Fort
her ecor
d…youthebestdad
asoncanhav e.Watchingyouandmom
t
ogetherhastaughtmemor et
hanyouknow
Hi
m:I
’
m gl
adt
oheart
hatson
Me:
yeah
Therewasaknock, youcouldtellbytheone
knockandt henanent r
ancethati twasmom
becauseonlysheknocksl i
ket hatondad’ sdoor.
ThelovelyMrsBesswal kedinl ookingeverso
beauti
fulandclassyinhercream sleeveless
kneelengthcoatandacr eam dr esswhichhung
onherbodyal ltoowellandherhai rti
edbacki n
aneatbunwi thhergoldhighli
ght satthetip
showing,herred-bot
tom heelswer enudepi nk
matchingherhandbag.
Her
:myt
wof
avour
it
emeni
nthewhol
ewi
de
wor
ld
Dad:
heyhoney
Dadmetherhal
fwayandkissedherchi
ckand
t
ookthef
oodoutofherhandandthenshe
wal
kedovert
ohugme.
Me:
heymom
Her:howareyouguy
s?Mel
ohowwast
he
cel
ebrat
ion?
Shesai
dsi
tt
ingdownandweal
lsatdownaf
ter
.
Me:
itwentgr
eatmom
Mom openedt hefoodandf i
xeditupf
orall
threeofus,appar
entlyshehadboughtenough
formet oo,sai
dshewentt ocheckmeinmy
officeandshecouldn’
tfi
ndme.
Dad:
Yoursonhaswomenpr
obl
ems
Mom:I
’m sor
rydi
dyousay“
women”
?asi
n
mor
ethanone?
Me:
geezmom…r
eal
l
y?
Her:nothingi
syouref
ertoyourf
li
ngsasgi
rl
s
orchickssoI’
m ki
ndofshockedt
ohearyousay
“
women”
Dad:
hahahacomeonBoobiedon’
tbeliket
hat
,
t
hisi
sactual
l
yser
ious.Hemightj
ustbeinl
ove
Me:woahdadl
et’
snotgetaheadofour
sel
ves
her
e.
Mom:
cansomebodyf
eel
mei
nal
ready
?!
Itol
dherwhat’
sbeengoingonf
rom t
hevery
begi
nningti
l
lyest
erdayandt
hephonecal
lthi
s
morning.
Mom: Idon’tunderstandt heconfusionbecause
i
t’sprettyclearthatyou’reinl
ov ewithYandiswa.
Don’tgivemet hatlook.Youarewi ththisKate
gir
l f
oral l
thewr ongr easonsbabyandy ounot
beingwi thYandiswai salsoforallthewr ong
reasons.Justbecauseshe’ sfri
endswi ththe
familydoesn’tmeanwewoul dn’tli
key ouguys
tobeat hi
ng.Imeanshe’ sagr eatgirl
Dad:
buty
ouandhershar
eacl
anname
Mom:
yes,
butshar
ingacl
annamedoesn’
t
al
way smeany ourelat
ed.It
’sjustacl
anname,
wepr obablyshareanancest orbutt
hat’
sasfar
asitgoesbabe.Pl us,Meloiscolour
edandit’
s
hismom t hat’
sblackandnothi sfat
hersohe’
s
safetobewi thher
Me:
hmmmm
Mom: youlikeKatebecausey oufeelli
keshe
mightjustteachyoual
l t
het hi
ngsy ouwantto
knowaboutbei nginarelat
ionshipbutwhat
aboutYandiswa?Diditoccurt oyouthatshe
toomightjustbetheri
ghtgi rl
foryou?Think
aboutitMelo.I’
m nott
ryingtoconv i
nceyou
herebutit’
sprett
yobviouswhat ’
sgoingonhere
Me:
may
bey
our
ight
Dad:t
oldyoushewasbet
teratt
hispar
ent
ing
t
hingthanIam
Weal
ll
aughed
Mom: y
ou’dthi
nkaf
ter20y
ear
syou’
dlear
nta
t
hingortwo
Dad:
Itr
yok
Me:he’
sactual
l
ythebestdadt
her
eisshame…
he’
stry
ing
Mom:hahahahhat
hat
’sagoodone.I
’
m pr
oud
ofy
oumyl ove
Shesai dki
ssi ngdadont hecheek.Iwat chedas
thesetwol ov ebirdsbet hebestpar entsthey
canbet ome.Wecont inuedchat tingabout
stuffandrelationships, theywer etell
ingme
aboutthethi ngsthey ’
vehadt ogot hr
ough
beforereachingt hispoi nttheyar eat.My
parentshav ebeent ogetherf ormor ethan20
yearsbutthespar kwasst i
l
lthere,theywer en’
t
ti
redofeachot heratal l,itwasbeaut ifulwhat
theyhadgoi ngonandIwant editmy self
.I
cravedforit.
Mom:well
lunchwasgr
eatbutt
hatcompany
won’
truni
tsel
f
Dad:
ButYanai
sther
e
Me:
ok…Ishoul
dgi
vey
ouguy
syourspace
Mom hi
tmepl
ayf
ull
yont
heshoul
der
.
Her
:hey
!Cl
eant
hatmi
ndupsi
l
ly
Dad:
yeahr
espectDer
ri
ck
Ilaughedatt hem andwal kedoutt omyof fi
ce.
Knowi ngmypar ents,t
heywer eprobablygoing
tohav east eamysession.Igott omyof fi
ceand
didwhatIgotpai dfor,whent hedayendedI
wentt ocheckondadbuthi soffi
cewasl ocked
soIaskedhi sPAandt ur
nsouthel eftwit
h
Mom ear l
i
eron.Idroveov ert oYandi
swa’s
place,sheandIneededt ohav easer i
oustalk
aboutpr ett
ymuchev erything.Igotthereand
thedoorwasopenedbyAni ta.
Her
:Der
ri
ck
Me:
heyNi
ta.Howar
eyou?
Her
:pl
easecomei
n
Shesai
dmov
ingasi
def
ormet
ogeti
n.
Her
:I’
m okandhowar
eyou?
Me:
I’
m good.Uhhm i
sYay
aar
ound?
Her
:yay
a?
Me:
Yandi
swa
“
Mel
o”
Asof
tunf
amil
iarv
oicesai
dbehi
ndme.It
urned
t
oseewhoitwas.
Me:
Lat
hit
ha?
Her
:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Nit
a:he’
shereforYandi
swa.She’
snother
e
act
uall
y,shewenttoPavawit
hNaledi
Lat
hi:
whatdoy
ouwantf
rom Yandi
swa?
Me: weki
ndoff
ri
ends.
..Anyi
deawhenshe’
l
lbe
back?
Isai
daski
ngNi
ta
Lat
hi:
youcanl
eav
eheramessagewi
thus
Ni
ta:
she’
ssupposedt
obebackal
ready
;she
wentt
obuyequipmentforhercam.
..buty
ou
wel
cometowaitforher
Lat
hit
hagavemeaquesti
oni
nglookasifIdi
d
somethi
ngwrongt
oherorsomethi
ngl
ikethat
.
Me:
uhm I
’
llseehert
omor
rowi
nst
ead
Nit
a:y
ousur
e?She’spr
obabl
yonherway
.
Lemmecal
lherandaskher
Me:
itsok.Justt
ell
herIwasher
eok?
Ni
ta:
wil
ldo.
Me:
byeguy
s
Isai
dwal
ki
ngout
“
Mel
owai
t”
Itur
nedandLathi
thawasonceagai nbehi
nd
me…Godmustbeki ddi
ngmer i
ghtmow.The
l
astthi
ngIwanttodot odayi
sbreaktwohear t
s
andLathi
thai
sputti
ngmei nthatposi
ti
onright
now.
Me:
yes,
Lat
hit
ha
Her
:whatdi
dIev
erdot
oyou?
Me:
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Her:youtoldmesomeonecloset oyoucar
ed
aboutmeandt hatyoucoul
dn’tbewithmeand
al
lthatotherBS.Wereyout
alkingabout
Yandiswa?Didsheputyouupt odumpingme?
Me:dumpi
ngy
ou?Ithi
nky
ouneedtobewi
th
someonei
nor
dert
odumpt hem…
Her
:youknowwhatImean
Me:
act
ual
l
yIdon’
t…
Her:Meloyouapproachedmefir
standy ou
askedformynumberandt hensuddenlyyou
gi
vemet hecoldshoulder
…Idon’tunderst
and
Me:
li
keIsai
d.Idon’
twantt
ohur
tyouLat
hit
ha
Her
:howwi
l
lyouhur
tmeDer
ri
ck?
Me:whenItookyournumberIhadoneplanin
mind,
fuckandthenbouncebecausethat
’st
he
ki
ndofguyIam ok.Iscr
ewandl eav
e.Idon’
tdo
seri
ousrel
ati
onshi
psandyouseem l
i
keanice
gir
landIdon’
twanttohur
tyousoitwasbestI
j
uststayawayfrom y
ou
Her:NO!youwrong.Youl
yi
ng!Yandiswaput
youtothi
s.shewantsyouthat
’swhy.She’
s
j
ealousofwhatyouandIcouldhave
Me:
I’
m notent
ert
aini
ngt
his.goodby
eLat
hit
ha
Isai
dwal ki
ngt
omycarandshecameont
ome
andpinnedmetoi
ttr
yingt
okissme.
“
Your
eal
l
yar
esomet
hingel
sey
ouknowt
hat
?!”
-Kil
lmenowpl ease!-Lat
hibrokethenotsoreal
kissseei
ngthatshewast heonef or
cingiti
n
thefir
stpl
ace.Yandiswawalkedawayandwent
i
nsidethehouseleavingmewi thLat
hithaand
Ledi.
Ledi
:you’
ver
eal
l
ydonei
tthi
sti
me.
Shewal
kedawayandl
eftmest
andi
ngther
e
wit
hLat
hit
hawhoseemedpl
easedwit
hwhat
wasgoi
ngonbefor
eher
.
Me:
stayawayf
rom me!
Iwal
kedbackinsi
det
hehouseandl
eftLathi
tha
st
andi
ngther
eandwenttolookf
orYandiswa.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
22]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
23
Henev erl
istens!Hej ustdoesn’tli
stenatal
l!I
askedhi mt ostayawayf rom myf ri
endbut
nope, hejusthast ogetf r
eepussywhenev erhe
can!Idon’ tunderstandhim Iswearandj ustthi
s
mor ni
nghewasconf essi
nghisf eeli
ngsand
thenhegoesonandki ssesmyf r
iend.How
stupiddoeshet hinkIam?Mel okuhleisan
asshol
eandheshal lforeverbeone.That ’
sthe
onlyt
hinghe’sgoodatany way.Ist
ormedi nsi
de
thehouseandwentst raighttomyr oom.Icould
hearNitacal
lmealongwi thLedibutIdidn’
t
wanttohearanythi
ng.Iwassomad.Igoti n
andclosedthedoor,Ledi andNitawalkedin
ri
ghtafter
.
Me:t
oactual
lythi
nkthathemeantwhathesai
d
t
hismor
ning!I’
m suchanidi
ot!
Ledi
:cany
ouatl
easthearhi
m out
?
Ni
ta:
what
’swr
ong?Whathappened?
Ledi
:heki
ssedLat
hit
ha.Yandi
cal
m down
Shesai
dhol
dingmebyshoul
der
sandbr
ushi
ng
myarms.
Ledi
:j
ustbr
eat
heok
Ii
nhaledandthenexhaledsl
owly.Justt
hen
Melokuhl
ebargedin.Idon’
tknowwhyIwas
madr eal
l
ybecausehei snotmineandhewill
neverbemine.Icanneverbewithsomeoneas
sel
f-
cent
redashi
m.
Hi
m:Yay
apl
easehearmeout
Me:
getoutMel
okuhl
e!
Hi
m: Yandi
swaI
’
m notgoi
ngany
wher
ewi
thout
t
alki
ngtoyou
Me:
Mel
okuhl
ejustl
eav
e
Ledi
:dudecomebackwhenshe’
slesspi
ssed…
pl
ease
Hi
m:Yandi
swapl
ease.Youowemet
hismuch
Me:excuseme?Iowey ouwhat
?Mel okuhley ou
confessedyourfeel
i
ngst omejustthi
smor ning
andtheny outur
naroundandkissmyf riendi n
fr
ontofourhousebyt hewayandy ouhav et he
nerv
et otell
meIowey ou?Leav
eMel okuhle!
Him: Idon’
tknowwhyIt houghtIcouldbeciv
il
withy ouj
ustthi
sonce.Idon’ tknowwhyI
thoughtyouandIcoul dtalkl
ikeadultsf
oronce.
Justonce!Idon’tknowwhatIneedt odofor
youtoseet hatI
’m notthisassholeyouthi
nkI
am.
Me:youar
eanasshol
eMel
okuhl
e.That
’sal
l
youknowany
way
Him:Idon’
tknowwhaty
ouexpectofme.It
ry
tobeagoodpersonf
oryoubecauseIl
ovey
ou
Yandi
swa!
Me: ohplease.Thr
owingawor d,youknow
nothingofaroundwon’tmakemechangehowI
feelaboutyouMelokuhle.Conti
nuebeingt
his
self
-centr
edassholeyouar ebecauset
hat’
sall
youknowhowt obeany way
Ni
ta:
Mel
oIt
hinky
oushoul
dleav
e
Ledi
:comeon.Let
’sgi
veherspaceMel
o
Him:Idi
dn’
tev
enki
ssherNal
edi
.Shecame
ontome
Ledi
:youguy
swi
l
ltal
kwhenshe’
slesspi
ssed
ok.
Withthathegav
eupandwalkedoutwithLedi
.
Forthefi
rstt
imeIact
ual
l
yheardasinceri
tyi
n
t
hesoundofhisvoiceandabitofdefeatt
oo.
Ni
tapul
ledmeinherar msandIstayedther
e
f
orthel
ongestbeforel
ett
inggo.
Ni
ta:
whati
fhei
stel
l
ingt
het
rut
h?
Wewer
esi
tt
ingont
opoft
hebedatt
heedge
Me:youandIbot
hknowhecannev
erl
etaski
rt
passhi
m by
Her:butYandiswaheseemedsincere.Youmay
havenotbeenl ooki
ngathi
m butIwasandthat
guyreall
ylovesyouandheistr
ying
Me:
Nit
apl
ease
“
she’
sri
ght
”
Naledisai
dwal
ki
ngi
nandcl
osi
ngt
hedoor
behindher
Ledi
:hedi
dn’
tki
ssher
,sheki
ssedhi
m
Me:
aki
ssi
sat
wo-
wayst
reet
Ledi
:Iknowhehasaterri
bler
epandal
lbuthe
di
dn’
tkissLat
hit
haback.Shecameont
ohim
andnottheot
herwayroundYandi
swa.He’
s
tr
yingandhe’
sdoi
ngitfory
ou,don’
tpushhi
m
away
Ididn’twantt
ohearanythi
ngfrom t
hem.Ledi
l
ikesMel oformeandshewoul dsayany
thing
toscor epoi
ntsforhi
m.Ineededtobeal
onef or
alit
tle.Awhil
elatert
her
ewasaknockont he
door
Ledi
:comei
n
Lat
hit
hawal
kedi
nlooki
ngev
ersoi
nnocent
.
Lat
hi:
fri
endar
eyouok?
Ledi
:fr
iend?Heht
hisgi
rl
.
Nal
edi
stoodupandwentupt
oher
Ledi
:a“f
ri
end”doesn’
tdowhaty
oudi
d.Af
ri
end
l
ist
ens!
Lat
hi:
Idon’
tknowwhatiti
syouthi
nkIdidor
whatMelot
oldyoubutIdi
dn’
tdoanyt
hing.He
cameontome
Ledi
:weallknowyouwant
edMel
okuhl
eand
whenwet r
iedst
oppi
ngyou,y
ouwant
edhi
m
morethanever
Lat
hi:
whydidyoustopmehuh?sot hathecan
bewit
hYandiswa?Meloappr
oachedmef ir
st
Ledi:
GoodLor dI’
m goingt
ohitthischi
ld!If
Melokuhl
ewant edtobewithyou,hewoul dbe
hereri
ghtnow…wi thyoubuthedoesn’twant
youLathi
tha!Accepti
tandgetov eri
t
Ihadnof
ighti
nme.Especi
all
ywher
eamani
s
i
nvolv
ed!
Ni
ta:
guy
scomeon.Let
’sbeadul
tsaboutt
his
Me:youcanhav ehi
m Lat
hitha.Youwanthim
sobadl
yright
?he’sall
yoursnowi fy
oualldon’
t
mindIwouldli
ketobelef
talone!
Ledi:y
ouheardher.getoutandi
fyoueverset
foothereagai
n…youdon’twanttoknowwhat
will
happen
Lat
hi:
youdon’
tscar
emeNal
edi
Me:
guy
spl
easej
ustgetout
!Al
lofy
ougetout
!
Isaidshout ingandev eryonewal kedoutqui etl
y
withoutsay ingany t
hingt ot heot her.IfLathitha
want st obel ieveinget tingbur ntf i
rsttoknow
nottopl aywi thf i
re,thenshecanhav eati t.I’
m
donewi thherandwi thMel okuhl e!Iwentt o
taket hatnicel ongwar m bat handcameout
rel
ax edandst ressf r
ee, afterIgoti nundert he
cover sandf ellasleepal mosti nstantly.Ihad
thi
swei rddr eam…wel lmor elikeawetdr eam.I
washav i
ngmi ndbl owi ngsexwi t
hMel okuhle…
howconv enientseei ngt hatheandIexchanged
alotofwor dst odaysot hisdr eam wasj ustun-
needed.I twast helastt hingIneededi nmyl i
fe
andatt hismoment .IwokeupwhenIwas
aboutt ocum.Iwokeupsweat ingprof usel
y .
Whatt hehel l wast hatabout ?Icannotbe
havingsexual dreamsaboutt hisguy !Aknock
cameonmydoor .
Me:
comei
n
Lediwalkedi
nwit
hat r
ayoffood.Myfr
iend
l
ovedmeshame, evenaft
erever
ythi
ngshewas
sti
l
lniceandsweettome.
Her
:youneedt
oeatLady
Me:
thanky
ou
Shesatont
opoft
hebed.
Her
:ar
eyouok?Yousweat
ing
Me:
Ihadawetdr
eam aboutMel
okuhl
e
Shel
ookedatmeandshest
art
edl
aughi
ngl
i
ke
cr
azy
.
Her
:youwhat
???
Me:
it’
snotf
unny
Her
:tr
ustmei
tis.Youguysdeci
det
ohave
makeupsexi
ny ourdr
eams.Howcool
ist
hat
???
Me:
youar
egoi
ngt
ogetoutofmyr
oom
Her
:andhereIwasworr
iedaboutmyfri
end
onl
ytofi
ndoutshe’
shavingsexi
nherdreams.
Howwasi t
?
Me:
itwasadr
eam Nal
edi
Her:
yeahso?Howloudwer
eyoumoani
ng?Di
d
youorgasm?I
’
m cur
ious
Me:itwasmind-
blowi
ngmyfr
iend.Ihad
multi
pleor
gasmsandIwokeupwhenIwas
abouttocum
Naledistart
edl aughingatmeagai nandI
couldn’thel
pbutl aughmy sel
f.Imeanitwas
crazyreall
yseei ngthatafewhour swewer e
arguingandt henawhi l
elaterI’
m suddenl
y
havingwetdr eams…i twassupermessedup
Her
:hel
ooksl
i
kehegi
vesmi
nd-
blowi
ngsex!
Webot
hlaughedandst
art
edeat
ing.
Her
:hedi
dn’
tki
ssher
.Sheki
ssedhi
m
Me:
itdoesn’
tmat
terany
mor
e
Her:
y ouprosecut
ingtheguyf
oracr
imehe
di
dn’tevencommi tYandi
swa
Me:
Iknowy
oumeanwel
lfr
iendbutI
’
m done
wit
hMel okuhleBess.Hehasagirl
fri
endandy
et
hegoesar oundkissi
ngothergi
rl
s.HowdoI
knowhewon’ tdomet hewayhedoeshis
curr
entgir
lfr
iendhuh?
Her:there’
sonlyonewayt ofi
ndout .Besides
that,
thebeautyoflove,youdon’tknowwhat
youget t
ingyoursel
finandthat
’sokaybecause
wheny oucomeout ,youcomeoutadi f
ferent
personwi t
hmuchmor eexperi
encet hanwhen
yougoti n.
Icoul
dn’targuewi t
hher .shewasr i
ght
.I’l
lnever
knowwhatMel okuhlei
scapabl eofunlessand
onlyi
fitsohappenst hatIgi v
ehim achance
butatthesamet i
mei t
’sar i
skbecauseoft he
ki
ndofper sonhei sandIdon’ tt
hinkIwantt o
bewithsomeonel i
kethat .
.
.
>>FastFor
war
dtoFr
iday
Mel ohasbeent ryi
ngt oreachmebutI ’vebeen
i
gnor i
nghi m since.Asf orLat hit
haandI …we
arepeopl ewhohappent ogot hesame
univ ersi
tyandt hat’sthat.TodayIr ecei
v eda
textwi thmyf at her’
scont actdet ai
l
sfrom aMan
namedTr evorwhoappar ent l
ywor kedwi t
hhim
att hisothercompany .I
’
v ebeencont empl ati
ng
tocal lhim becauseIdon’ tknowwhatt oexpect
from t heguyr eally
.SoIcal ledt heoneper sonI
cancountont ogi vemet hebestadv i
ce.Mom…
i
tr angf orawhi l
ebef oreitwasanswer ed.
/
/Her
:Mybaby
Me:
heyMa,
howar
eyou?
Her
:I’
m goodNanaandhowar
eyou?
Me:
I’m goodMa…soI
’
vebeensear
chi
ngf
or
myfat
her
Her
:oh?
Me:
afr
iendofhi
ssentmehi
snumbert
oday
Her
:hav
eyoucal
l
edi
t?
Me:
no.Iwant
edt
otal
ktoy
ouf
ir
st
Her:babyIcan’tt
ell
youwhattodo.Ifyouwant
tomeethimt henI’
m okaywi
ththatbutjustbe
car
efulok?
Me:
Iwi
l
lMah
Her:
wit
hevery
thi
ngthati
sgoi
ngonlatel
y
pl
easedon’
tmeetthi
sguyal
one,
itcoul
dbea
tr
ap
Me:
Iwi
l
lbegowi
thSi
yaMah
Her:ohokayt
hat’
sbet
ter
.HoneyIhav
etoget
backtowork,
tel
lmehowitgoesok?
Me:
wil
ldo.By
emom
Her
:By
ebaby
.Il
ovey
ou/
/
Afterthecallwi
thmom Iwenttoshowerto
preparefortoday.WhenIwasdonewashingI
l
otionedmybodyandt henworelowcutbl
ue
j
eans, al
lwhiteair
max,whit
evestandalong
cardiganthenwenttograbafr
uitandheaded
toMr sMbi r
a’shouse.I
twasbeyondtheword
beauti
ful
!Thiswomanhadmoneyf orday
sby
thel
ooksoft hi
ngs.Sheshowedmearoundand
sheint
roducedmet oherdaught
er.
Li
nda:mom showedmeyourpor
tfol
i
oandi
t
speaksv
olumesbabe!
Me:
thanky
ou
Her
:howol
dar
eyou?
Me:
I’
m 18.Congr
atzongr
aduat
ing
Her
:thanky
ou.Comewi
thme
Sheledmet ootherplacesofthehouseand
showedmewher etotakepictur
esandwhi ch
roomshav ethebestl i
ghti
ngandpr ett
ymuch
everyt
hingelse.Peoplestar
tedcomi ngin,
apparentl
ytheywer egoingtohav eafamily
dinnertodayandt hentomorrowisthebirt
hday .
Iwenthomear ound3pm andIwassupert ir
ed
butthepaywaswor t
hitsoIhadnocompl ai
nts.
ThenextdayIwokeupsuperear l
yandheaded
toherplaceagain.Itookdozensofpi ct
uresof
herandherf ami l
y,shehadhi r
edavideogr
apher
tooforherthingy.AsIwasbusywal ki
ngaround
captur
ingever ytom-dick-
andharr
yIsaw
Melokuhlesoci al
isi
ngwi t
hsomepeopl eand
sadl
yhesawmeseehi m andheheadedmy
way.
Hi
m:Yandi
swa
Me:
Mel
okuhl
enotnow
Him:when?I
’v
ebeencal
l
ingy
oubuty
oudon’
t
answermycal
ls
Me:
Mel
okuhl
epl
easenother
eandnotnow.
Hi
m: whyYandi
swa?Justt
ell
whenandI
’
llbe
t
here
Justt
henLi
ndacameov
ert
ous.
Her
:Der
ri
cky
oucame
TheyhuggedandIdeci dedtoVani
shwhi l
ethey
conver
sedandwenti nsidethel
ounge.AsIwas
busycapt
uringever
ymomentIsawt hegirlI
bumpedintoatthemal ltheot
herday.She
wal
kedov
ert
ome.
Her
:I’
mreal
l
ysor
ryaboutt
heot
herday
Me:
itsokhoney
.Thi
ngshappen
Her
:soy
out
heonewhot
ookt
hepi
ctur
esher
e?
Me:
hihi
yesIdi
d
Her
:that
’sawesome.Theyar
ebeaut
if
ul
Me:t
hankyou.Ar
eyoui
nany
wayr
elat
edt
o
Mi
ssParty
?
Her
:she’
smycousi
nact
ual
l
y
Me:
wow.
Her
:hermot
heri
smyf
ather
’sy
oungersi
ster
Justaswewer etal
kingIfeltsomeonegr
abmy
arm.Itur
nedandMel okuhlewasbehindme.
Thisguydoesn’
tgiv
euphuh?
Her
:Mel
o
Hi
m:heyl
i
ttl
eone.MayIst
eal
herf
or5mi
nut
es
Her
:youcanhav
eher
Shesai
dleavi
ngmewi t
ht hi
sguy.Wewer
ein
thel
oungeanditwassortofempty
Hi
m:nowcanwet
alk?
Me:what
’st
her
etot
alkabout
?Wher
e’sKat
e
any
way?
Hi
m:soci
ali
sing.Comewi
thme
Me:
NO!
Hi
m:Yandiswacanyoust
opbeingst
ubbor
n
j
ustt
hisonceandcomewithme!
Il
ookedar
oundandt
henhepul
ledmeintowhat
l
ooksli
keanof
fi
ceandhel
ockedthedoor
behi
ndus.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
23]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
24-
Mel
o
Yandi swahasbeenav oidingmesi ncet he
Lathithaissueofwhi chIf eelli
keshewas
maki ngabi gdealoutofnot hing.Igetwhati t
l
ookedl i
kebuti twasn’ t
.Lat hithahasbeen
tryi
ngt ocont actmesi ncet heincidentgoi ngon
andonabouthowmuchsheenj oy edtheki ss
offwhi chitwasn’ tevencl oset obei ngon.I ’v
e
blockedherev erywhereshecanpossi blyreach
butshedoesn’ tknowwhent oqui tthatandI ’m
reall
yst arti
ngtogetpi ssedbyherchi l
dishact s.
Katehasbeengoodt omebutmyhear t
belongedt oYayawhoj ustwasn’ ttalkingtome.
SaturdayIpi ckedKat eupatherpl aceandwent
totheMbi raresidencewher eev ery t
hingwason
point,thesepeopl ereallygoov erboar d…but
thenagai nwhocanbl amet hem?Themom i sa
reti
redRadi ographerandt hedadi sa
successf ulbusinessmanwi t
hast ri
ngof
compani es.Ineededt ot alktoYandi swa,Ican’ t
l
eavel
ikethi
s!Ijustcan’
t!Shel
ookedatme
wi
thherbeauti
fulnotsobigeyes.
Her
:tal
k!
Me:
YandiswaIdidnotkissLat
hit
ha.Sheki
ssed
meandIdidn’
trespond
Her
:it
’sdoesn’
tmat
terany
mor
eMel
okuhl
e
Me:
ofcausei
tdoes,
whyel
sewoul
dyoui
gnor
e
me?
Her
:Mel
okuhl
eIdon’
tgetpaidt
ogobackand
f
ort
hwit
hyouovernot
hing.mayIgodomyjob?
Me:I’
l
lpayyouwhat
evertheypay
ingy
ouwith
i
nter
esti
fIhavet
ojustaslongaswegett
otalk
Her
:aboutwhatMel
okuhl
e?
Me:Iknowyoufeelt
hesamewayIf eel
about
youYandi
swa!Stopfi
ght
ingt
hisal
ready
Her
:youhav
eagi
rl
fr
iendMel
okuhl
e!
Me:
butI
’
minl
ovewi
thy
ou!
Her
:youknownot
hingaboutl
oveMel
okuhl
e.
Youwouldn’
tknowi
tev
eni
fitsl
appedy
oui
n
thef
ace
Ichuckledindi
sbel
i
ef.Wassheser
iousl
ygoi
ng
tobelikethi
s?
Me:
Idi
dn’
tcomeher
etoar
guewi
thy
ou.
Her
:thendon’
t.l
eav
emethefuckal
one
Mel
okuhle!St
ayawayf
rom me!
Me: noti
nami ll
iony ear
sYandiswa!Iknowy ou
fel
ttheconnectionwhenweki ssed,Iknowy ou
havefeeli
ngsformeasmuchasIhav efeel
ings
foryouandt hi
slit
tl
eactwon’tgetyou
anywhere.Itwi
llonlybri
ngbothofusmi ser
y.I
meantev er
ywor dwhenIcalledyout hat
morning.YouarewhoIwantt obewi th
Her
:whataboutKat
e?
Me:justsaythewordandI’
l
lendt
hingswi
thher
Yandiswa.Pleasej
ustgi
vemeachanceto
prov
emy sel
ftoyou
Shel
ookedatmeal
mostasi
flooki
ngf
oraway
outoft hi
ssit
uation.Ican’
tbeli
evethatI’
m
actuall
ybeggingsomeonet obeina
rel
ationshi
pwi t
hme.Whati shappeningtome?
Ift
hisiswhaty oupeopl ecal
ll
ove,theniti
s
harderthanIthought.
Her:Melokuhl eKateisherebecauseofyou,the
l
astthingy ouwantt odoist obreakupwithher
hereandev enso,howcer t
ainam Ithaty
ou
wouldn’tdomet hewayy oudidher?howam I
surethaty ouwon’tgobehindmybackandki ss
someoneel se?Howsur eIam thatyouwon’t
confessy ourfeel
ingstosomeoneel seli
keyou
doingtoKat enow?
WhydoesYandi swahav
etocompl
i
cat
ethi
ngs
unnecessar
il
y??
?
Me:that
’st
hebeautyofit
.webothdon’
tknow
whatiti
swegett
ingoursel
vesi
nto
Her:I
’m sor
ryMelokuhl
ebutI’
m notr
eadyto
buil
dmyhappinessont opofanot
hergi
rl
’s
tear
s.
Withthatsheheadedt othedoorandwal ked
outonme.Idon’ tunderstandwhysheisbeing
l
ikethis!she’
ssodi f
fi
cult
.Iwalkedoutand
wenttof i
ndKateandIf oundhersocial
isi
ng
andpeopl eseemedt oli
keher.Ihuggedher
fr
om behi ndandkissedhercheek.
Her
:heyst
ranger
.Wher
edi
dyour
unof
fto?
Me:t
oansweraphonecal
lbaby
.I’
mreadyt
o
l
eav
e,ar
eyou?
Her
:butt
hepar
tyhasn’
tev
enst
art
ed
Me:
wecanmakeourown
Isai
dgr
abbi
ngherassandshegi
ggl
ed
Her
:wearei
npubli
cDer
ri
ck.Whati
fyour
par
ent
ssawthat
?
Me:
lett
hem see.Socanwego?
Her
:onl
yifwe’
l
lcomebackl
ateron
Me:
real
l
ybabe?
!
Iaskedsar
cast
ical
l
y.Ineededt
ogetawayf
rom
Yandi
swa!Ij
ustneededt
obeawayf r
om her
andKatewasmakingthi
sdi
ff
icul
t.
Her:
yes.Weher
efory
ourf
ri
endandsheneeds
youher
e
Me:
finewe’
l
lcomebackt
hen
Wewal kedtomycarhandi nhand, Ispott
ed
Yandi swaandshej ustlookedaway .Wegott o
mycarandIdr ovestraightt omypl ace.Iwas
somadatherIneededsext oeraseheroutof
mymi nd.Wegott omyapar t
mentandIpi nned
Kateont hedoorandki ssedherf ordearlifeas
myhandmadei tswaydownt oherass, she
didn’
tf ightmeorwhat soev er,
shegav einl i
keI
want edhert o.BeforeIknewi twewer ebot h
nakedandIwaspoundi ngonherhar dunt i
lshe
came, Itookust omybedr oom andwentati t
againt henpul l
edout.Wewer ebothont hef l
oor
tr
y i
ngt ocat chourbreat hs.Icuddledher…
somet hingIneverdobyt heway .
Her
:whatwast
hatabout
?
Shesai
dinbet
weenheav
ybr
eat
hs
Me:
Ihadacr
appyday
Her
:tal
ktome
Me:
itswor
kbabedon’
twor
ryi
t.
shel
ookedupandki
ssedmet
henwest
ayed
l
iket
hatforawhi
l
e.
Me:
don’
ttel
lmey
ousl
eepi
ng
Her
:hav
eyouev
erhadsexwi
thy
ou?
Ichuckl
ed
Me:IwishIcoul
dsayy
esbutnope…nev
erdi
d.
Comelet’
sgowash
Her
:5mor
emi
nut
espl
ease
Me:y
ousai
dweshoul
dgobackl
adysowake
up
Her
:fi
ne!
Wegotupandwenttoshower,wehadanother
st
eamysessi
onbef
orewashingproper
lyand
thenwentt ogetdressedi
nwhatwewer e
wearing.Wedr ovebacktothe21standtheday
wentwel l
,mom kill
edherspeechandaft
erthat
ItookKat ehomeandIwentt osleepatt
he
BessMansi on.Thefoll
owingdayIwokeupand
shower edthenheadeddownstai
rsweari
ng
short
sandav est.
Me:
mor
ningFami
l
y
I
ntheki
tchenwasMom andmysi
ster
s.
Them:
hel
l
o…
Me:
wher
e’sdad?
Mom:
sti
l
lsl
eepi
ng
Me:
Iwonderwhaty
oudi
dtohi
m
Isai
dgivi
ngheranaught
ysmil
eandever
yone
l
aughed,shet
hrewmewi t
haswabandIcaught
i
tlaughi
ng
Mom:Mel
okuhl
eIwi
l
lsmackt
heday
li
ght
sout
ofy
ou
Yana:
wenotkidsany
moremom.Weknow
whatyouguy
sdobehindt
hosedoor
s
YanaandIf
istbumpedl
aughi
nghar
d
Me:
onsomebabymaki
ngt
ipsoear
lyi
nthe
mor
ningmom
Mom:
heht
heseki
ds!Iam outofher
e
Shesai
dwalki
ngtowardsthestai
rslaughi
ng.
Wewer eal
li
nsti
chesoflaught
er.Ihadthebest
fami
lyEVER!
Ase:youandYandi
swadi
sappear
edf
orawhi
l
e
yest
erday
…
Me:
yeahso?
I
ya:
what
’sgoi
ngonbet
weeny
out
wo?
Ase:t
heyki
ssedthatni
ghtwewentt
ocel
ebr
ate
Yandi
swagett
ingajob
Me:
uyaphapha!(
yousof
orwar
d!)
I
ya:howdoInotknowal
lthi
s?whywasInot
t
old?
Me:becauseitwi
ll
neverhappenagai
n.I
’
m
donewithYandi
swa!
AseandI
yal
ookedateachot
herandbackat
me.
I
ya:
whatdi
dshedot
oyou?
Me:
Idon’
twantt
otal
kabouti
t
Igotmy
sel
fabot
tl
eofwat
erf
rom t
hef
ri
dge
Ase:
ist
hisaboutt
heki
sst
heot
herday
?
Me:
Isai
dIdon’
twantt
otal
kabouti
tGeeez!
Igotst or
medout .Itookmykey sont hekey
rackanddr ov et
olordknowswher e.Ineededt o
breathe.Idon’ tunderstandwhyI’
ml i
kethis
whenIhadt hebestsexev erj
ustyest er
day .
Yandiswaneedst ogetoutofmyhead.If ound
my selfparkedi nfrontofmyapar t
ment .Itook
mykey sandwentupt hestai
rs,
IfoundLat hitha
standingbyt hedoor…
Me:
howdi
dyouknowwher
eIl
i
ve?
Her
:Ihav
emyway
s.Ar
eyougoi
ngt
oletmei
n?
Me:
whatdoy
ouwant
?
Her
:toapol
ogi
set
oyou
Me:
ok…apol
ogi
set
hen
Her
:ar
en’
tyougoi
ngt
oletmei
n?
Me:
Lat
hit
hawhatexact
lyar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Shegr abbedthekeyf r
om myhandandopened
mydoor .Ihadnoar gumenti nmesoIl etherbe.
Shewal kedinandIwal kedinaf terher.Shewas
wearingbum shor tsandacr opt opwi tha
sandal.Inevernot i
cedhowhotshel ookedunt i
l
Isawherf rom behi ndanddar eIsayt hev i
ew
wasi mmacul ate!Iclosedt hedoorandshe
pinnedmeont hedoorandki ssedme, I
respondedt hi
st i
mear ound.Thi siswhatshe
want smospl usYandi swai soutoft hepi ctur
e
soImi ghtaswel l
hav eatit.Iledhert ot he
room whilekissingherandt akinghercl othes
offwhileshet ookmi neof f.Ithrewheront he
bedandonet hi
ngledt oanot
her.Whenwe
weredoneIwentt odisposeofthecondom and
showeredthenwentbackt otheroom wit
ha
towelwrappedaroundmywai st.
Her
:thatwasAMAZI
NG!
Me:
yeahi
twas
Her
:don’
ttel
lmey
oushower
edwi
thoutme
Me:Lathi
thaItol
dy ouwhatki
ndofguyIam
andI’
m cert
ainyourfri
endsdi
dtoo
Her
:butwej
usthadsex!
Me:Iknowandt
hatwasi
t….sex…Ihav
ea
gi
rl
fr
iend
Her
:isi
tYandi
swa?
Me:
I’
m donewi
thy
ourf
ri
enddude
Her:
Ithoughtyousai
dyoudi
dn’
tdo
r
elat
ionshi
ps?
Me:IknowwhatIsai
dbutnowI
’
mtr
yingt
otur
n
ov
eranewleaf
Her:
youshouldhavet
houghtof“
her
”bef
ore
youkissedmebackDerr
ick
Shegotupandwor eherthi
ngs.Ithi
nkshewas
madandhur ttoobutIwasn’ tf
azedreall
y,Ijust
wantedhergone.Iwenti ntomycl osetand
woremybr iefsandshor t
sthenheadedt ot he
ki
tchenwher emyphonepr obablyi
s.Isearched
andsearchedbutcoul dn’
tfindit
.Iwentbackt o
myr oom andIf ounditonthedresser,i
fhowi t
gotthereIalsodon’tknow.Lathit
hawas
dressed.
Her
:Kat
ecal
l
ed
Me:
youdi
dn’
tansweri
tdi
dyou?
Her
:doesi
tmat
teri
fIdi
d?
Shesaidwi thsomeatti
tudeandt henwalked
out.Lat
hithawasreall
ytesti
ngmypat ienceI
swear.Itookmyphoneandcheckedmycal l
l
ogsandr eal
lyKat
edidcallandthecallwas
answered.Itri
edcall
i
ngherbutherphone
wouldringandgot ovoicemail
,Ikeptcall
ing
until
itsentmest rai
ghttovoicemai l
.Itookout
at-shir
tandwor eitandwor eshoesandheaded
outtomycaranddr ovestraighttoherplace.I
gotthereandknockedbutnot hing.Ical
ledher
butwentst rai
ghttovoicemail.Ibangedont he
doorunt i
lIheardthekeyturn.Myhear tstar
ted
raci
ngr eal
lyfastbecauseIdidn’tknowwhatt o
expectfrom her.Iwasscared!Sheopenedt he
door
Me:
BabyIcanex…
Bef
oreIcoul
dev
enf
ini
shshesl
appedme
Me:
Kat
epl
ea…
Shesl
appedmeagai
non
Her
:Inev
erwantt
oseey
ouagai
nDer
ri
ck!
Me:
whatdi
dLat
hit
hasayt
oyou?
Her
:Der
ri
ckl
eav
e!
Me:
Kat
eI’
m notgoi
ngany
wher
eunt
ily
out
alk
t
ome
Shetr
iedcl
osi
ngt
hedoorbutIst
oppedi
twi
th
myfoot.
Me:Kat
ePl
ease.What
everLat
hit
hat
oldy
ou,
it’
s
al
ie!
Her
:soy
oudi
dn’
tsl
eepwi
thher
?
Me:NO!whywoul
dIsl
eepwi
thherKat
e.Il
ove
you
Shewal
kedinsi
deandIfoll
owedbehindherand
shet
ookherphoneandpagedthrough
somet
hingandthenshetur
nedherphoneto
me.
Her
:whywouldshebenakedony ourmessed
upbedDer
ri
ckifnot
hinghappened?
-Iam goi
ngtokil
lthatbi
tchIswear!-Shesent
Kateapictur
eofhernakedwi t
hmyphone.I
knewshewasmessedupbutt hi
s,thi
sis
anotherl
evelofmadness!
Me:
Kat
eIcanexpl
ain
Her
:youwer
enev
err
eadyf
orar
elat
ionshi
p
Derr
ickandyouneverwi
ll
be.YouandIar
e
done!Yougotwhatyouwant
edright
?pl
ease
l
eave
Me:
Kat
ePl
ease
Her
:GETOUTDer
ri
ck!
Me:
Lathi
thai
scr
azyandshewoul
ddoany
thi
ng
t
ogetwit
hme
Her:ohsoy ouguysdidn’
thavesex?Thi
sisnot
yourroom andthosesheetsbehi
ndherarenot
yoursri
ght
?
Me:
Kat
ecomeon
Her
:let
’sgot
oyourhouseDer
ri
ckandsee
Me:
fine!Isl
eptwi
thherandI
’
m sor
ry
Her:
y ouar
eincapabl eofbeinginaser i
ous
r
elat
ionshi
p.Idon’tknowwhyIt houghtI’
dbe
t
heonet ochangey ou.Ithasn’tevenbeena
weekandalreadyy ou’v
echeatedonme? !I
t
houghtpeoplewer emaki ngupst or
iesabout
youbutyouractuall
ywor sethanthestoriesI
’
ve
hear
d.LeaveDerr
ickandlosemynumberand
anyt
hingandever
y t
hingy
oucoul
devercontact
meon, I
’l
ldot
hesame!
Shesai dopeningthedoorformeandt henshe
l
ookedaway .Ihatet
hatIhurther
,Ihatemy sel
f
andIhat eLathit
haevenmor e!Myfi
rst
relat
ionshi
pandIgoonandscr ewitup…Ireall
y
am whatev eryonesaysIam shame.Iwalkedto
mycaranddr ovetomyplace.Ineededtobe
aloneandneededadr i
nk.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
23]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
25
ItwasaMondayandIhav en’thear dfrom
Mel okuhleev ersi
nceandImustsayI ’m gl ad
he’sf i
nall
yof fmyback.SoIf inal l
ygather edup
thecour aget ocallmydadandaskedt omeet
him andt urnsoutt heguyr esidesar ound
Durban.IaskedSi yat oaccompanymei ncase
i
t ’
sascam orwhat soev er…y oucannev erbe
toosaf enowaday swi thev erythingthat’sgoing
on.Wegott otheSpurar ound10am andI
askedmyf r
iendtosi tinthet abl ebehindusi n
caseofanyf unnybusi ness.Ispot t
edhim, wellI
hadseenhi spr of
il
epi ctureonWhat sAppsohe
wasn’ tthathardtonot i
cer eall
y .Iwalkedupt o
thet abl
e.
Me:
Hi,
I’
m Yandi
swaGxaba
Isai
dpull
ingoutmyhandt
ohi
m andhest
ood
upandresponded
Hi
m:Hi
.I’
m ThandoBashe
Imustsay
,Iact
ual
l
ysawwhatmymom sawi n
hi
m,theguywasalookershamepl
ushegav
e
methesebeauti
fuley
esaft
erall
.Ilookl
ikemy
mom yes,
buttherearet
hosefeaturesf
rom hi
m.
Wesatdown
Me:
Unj
ani
?(howar
eyou?
)
Hi
m:Fi
neandy
ou?
Me:
I'
m good.
Awaitresscamet
ot akeourorderbutIwasn’
t
upforeati
ngsoIaskedforaglassofwaterand
heorderedamealthenshelef
tus.
Me:Idon’
tknowhowt
heset
hingsar
edoneso
you’
l
lfor
giv
eme
Hi
m:whatt
hings?
Me:thi
swholething.I
’
llgetst
rai
ghttothepoi
nt.
Uyamaziu-
BabalwaGxabawaseMt hat
ha?(Do
youknowBabalwaGxabaf rom Mthat
ha?)
Hi
m:uhhm…YesIknowher
.
Me:
I'
m herdaught
er...
Hi
m:Ohok,
rightnowIdon'
tknowwhatt
osay
.
Me:
Whyi
sthat
?
Hi
m:Idon'
tknow.
Me:Didy
ouknowyouhaveadaught
ert
hatj
ust
t
urned18ont
he15tht
hismonth
Him:Neverthoughtabouti
treal
l
y.t
oomuch
happenedthen.
Me:earl
y1996Shef el
lpr
egnantwit
hme...
Gavebirt
hinNovember,y
ouguy shadabl
ast
onValenti
nesIassume
Hi
m:YesI
'
m awar
eoft
hat
.
Me:
Nowwhat
?
Hi
m: Toomuchhappenedt
hatIdon'
treal
l
y
wanttogeti
nto.
Hi
m:Whatdoumeannowwhat
?
Me:
Nicet
omeety
oubyt
heway
...
Me:Imeanyouknowmenow...Youknow
aboutmyexi
stence.Nowwhat
?
Hi
m:Ohhr
eal
l
y?Youj
ustmetmeImi
ghtnotbe
whatuhopi
ngf
ori
naf
ather
.
Me:
What
'st
hatsupposedt
omean?
Him:Justastat
ement.Asforyourquest
ion,I
j
ustheardfr
om youjustnow,y
oudon'treal
ly
expectananswerastowhatnow!Doy ou?
Me:
Oh...Soagr
eet
hatI
'
myourdaught
er?
Hi
m:Tshi
n,uy
andi
test
erkant
i?(
soy
out
est
ing
me?)
Me: NoI’
m not.Ij
ustwantt
oknowthatyou
acknowledgeandacceptmeasyourdaught
er.
Am Iwrongforwantingt
oknowwhomyFat her
i
s?
Thisguywasslowlypissi
ngmeof f.Just
becauseIsear
chedforhim,doesn’tmeanI
needhim…Ijustwantedtoknowt hekindof
personheisandthat
’sthat.
Hi
m: I
fyounotsurei
fI'
myourf
athert
henwhat
makesyouthi
nkthatIam?
Hi
m:Andwhatdoesy
ourmom sayaboutal
l
t
his?
Me:
SheknowsI
’
m meet
ingupwi
thy
ou
Him:Iknowwehadsomet hingwi
thBabes
whichneverendedver
ywel lduet
ointer
fer
ence
ofourparent
s.Butaft
erwardsIdon'
tknow
whathappened.
Hi
m:howdouknowaboutme?Whosenty
ou
t
omeifshenev
ersenty
ou?
Me:Nott osoundr udeoranythi
ngli
kethatbut
It
’sf
unnyt hatyouwantanswer sfr
om mey et
younotwi l
li
ngtoanswermi ne.Mymom t ol
d
mey ourname, surnameandt haty
ouinthe
agri
cult
urebusiness.Sono-onesentmet oyou.
Iwasjustcuriousastowhoy ouare
Him:Ialwayshav eproblemswhenkidsstar
t
nothavingrespectforthei
rel
der
s.AnywayI'
m
boundtoaskquest i
onsbecausethisisa
matterthatIwouldexpectyourmothert
o
handle.
Me:
I'
m sor
ryy
ouf
eel
disr
espect
ed
Isai
dsar
casti
cal
l
y.Sur
elyhedoesn’
tthi
nkI’
l
l
apol
ogi
sefort
hewayIspeaktohimifhe’
snot
wil
li
ngt
ospeaktomeliketheel
derheis
Me:r
espectisatwo-wayst
reetbytheway,you
gi
vei
tinordert
or ecei
vei
t…I’
mj ustsay
ing
Hi
m: Ineedal
ltheanswer
stothequesti
ons
t
hatIhave,t
ogetclar
it
ybefor
eIcanstart
t
alki
ng.
Him:Formet odothat,
youhav etoanswermy
quest
ionsbecauseIdon'twanttocauseany
badvibesbet
weeny ouandy ourmom because
ofme.
Me:Mymom andIar ever
yclose.Butshe'
s
al
readydeal
i
ngwithtoomuchbaggaget hatI
don'
twanttost
ressheroutbybri
ngingyouup
j
ustyet.
Hi
m:I
'
mli
steni
ng.
..
..
.
Hi
m:Ok
Hi
m:Sothi
squestofl
ooki
ngf
oruThando,
tel
l
memoreabouti
t.
Me: Mymom t oldmel i
ttl
eabouty ouawhi le
back.Tol dmemydad' snamei sThandoBashe
andhe' sf rom Tabankul u.Ididn'treallylook
muchi ntoi tbackt hen; IguessIwasn' tr eall
y
i
nt oitassuchcausemyf amilymadesur ethatI
nev erfeelf atherl
ess.Butt hemor eIgr ewupI
felttheneedofwant i
ngt oknowy ou...Iguess
beingat eengott hebestofmecausei t
’snot
ri
ghtnotknowi ngyour2ndf ami l
y .Sol asty earI
star t
edsear chingbutnev ergotany wher eand
soIputi tonhol dtofocusonr at hermuchmor e
i
mpor tantt hingssuchasmybooksandot her
per sonal f
ami l
ymat ters.Thisy earIf i
gur edI
shoul dtryagai nandsoIf oundal inktoy ou
whi chisMrTr evor'
semai landt her estiswhat
i
tisnow.You' r
eahar dmant of i
ndMrBashe!
Hi
m:Hehehe.
..
Hi
m:Andnowhowdouf
eel
wheny
ouhav
e
f
oundThandoBashe?
Me:
Not
hingwowabouti
treal
l
y...
Mywat ercameal
ongwit
hhi sfood.Iwasso
annoyedbythi
sman;i
twasasi fI’mtal
ki
ngt o
someonewhonevercont
ributedjackshi
iti
n
makingme.
Hi
m:Ohhhokke.
Me:Howoldar
eyou?ar
eyoumar
ri
ed?Doy
ou
hav
ekids?
Hi
m: Lot
softhem.Notmarr
ied.3ki
ds.St
il
l
l
ooki
ngf oraj
ob.Toest
abl
i
shmyowncompany
i
nfact.
Me:
Goodl
uck.
Him: Lasty
earItr
iedworkingforcompany
cal
ledKohwabuti tnev
erwor kedout.I
'
m
pursuingmini
str
yaswel l
.Gotacalli
ng.
Ilookedathimtryi
ngt ohol
dbackl aught
er.
Thi sguycl
aimstohav eacal
li
ngy etheis
talkingt
ohisdaughterli
ket
his?Idon’tknow
whichGodhei
shopi
ngtoser
vebutmayt
he
goodlor
dbewit
hhiminhi
squest
.
Me:
Hopeal
lgoeswel
lfory
ouMrBashe
Me:
Sowhi
choneam i
?
Hi
m:y
ouar
e4i
ntot
al
Ikepttryingtopi
cturet
hisguystandi
ngi
nfront
ofacr owdandpr eachi
ngaboutfamil
ybutI
couldn’tgetanyt
hingbecauset
hatwouldbe
hypocriti
calofhi
mi nsomanyway s.
Me: Mom tol
dmet hatwhenherf amilywentt
o
yourhomet or epor
tthatyouhadmadeher
pregnant,
yourf ami
lydeniedyouhav i
ngmade
herpregnant.Yourfamil
ymademymom seem
l
ikesomel oosewhor e.Excusethelanguage
Him:l
ikeIsai
d.Thi
sisnott
heconv
ersat
ionI
shoul
dbehavingwit
hyou
Me:
why
?
Him:t
hisi
snotthet
imenorpl
acet
obegoi
ng
downmemorylane
Me:Whydidyoudenymaki
ngmymot her
pr
egnantwhenyouknowver
ywel
lthatyoudi
d
i
t?
Him:Myfat
hermademedenyit.myparent
s
werever
ystr
ictandIwoul
dhav
elostev
eryt
hing
hadIsai
dyesIdidit
Me:ok.whathappenedwheny ouwer
en’
t
dependentont
hem anymore?Whydidyout
ry
tocontactmymom agai
naf t
er?
Him:l
ook.Idon’
tknowwhaty
ouar
etr
yingt
o
gai
noutofallt
his
Me:I’mj ustachildlooki
ngf oranswers.Idon’
t
understandwhyagr ownassmanwhoknewhe
hasachi lddidnotdoany t
hingtotryandget
contactwi t
htheirchil
dwhent heywereableto.
ImeanYouf ini
sheduni ver
sityandyouwer eno
l
ongerdependentony ourparentsbutsti
lly
ou
di
dn’tdoany t
hingtoreachoutt ome
Iwasnowpissedt
othecor
e.Thi
smanwas
bei
ngchi
ldi
sh.
Hi
m: li
keIsai
dbefor
e.Idon’
trespondwel
lto
di
srespect
ful
kids
Me:andIdon’
trespondwel
ltodi
srespect
ful
adul
ts.
Hechuckl
edi
ndi
sbel
i
ef.
Me: look,Idi
dn'tcontactyoubecauseIwant
anythingfrom youbecausehonest lyIam
sortedinalll
evelsoflife.Ijustwant edtoknow
thekindofmany ouar eMrBasheandIcan’ t
sayI ’
mi mpressed,Ifeelsor r
yf orthepeople
thatwi l
lsi
tinyourcongr egationandl ist
ento
whatev erhypocrisythaty ouwi ll
bepr eachi
ng.
Sorryforwast i
ngy ourtimeI ’
llneverbotheryou
again.By e
.
Itookmybagandwal kedouthol
dingback
tears.Iwassopi ssedtothatpoi
nt.Thi
sman
wasmaki ngmesomet hi
ngI’
m not.I
’m av
ery
respectfulpersonbuthewasmaki ngme
somet hi
ngel se.Si
yaranbehindmeandhe
openedthecarandIgotinandj
ustcr
ied.He
gotinhi
ssideandbrushedmyback.
Hi
m:whathappenedi
nther
e?
Icoul
dn’
tev
ent
alk,
that
’showmadIwas.
Me:
pleasej
ustt
akemehome
Him:Yandi
swapl
easet
ell
mewhathedi
dto
you
Me:Idon’
tknowwhatIwast
hinki
ngmeet
ing
hi
m!MygodIam somad!
hebr
ushedmyback
Hi
m:Yandi
cal
m down.j
ustbr
eat
heok
Icouldfeelmyl ungsclosingup,Icoul
dn’t
breathe,l
etalonetalk.Ithi
nkIwashav i
nga
panicattack.Siyadidn’
taskanyquest i
ons,he
drovemest r
aighttohospital
andIwas
attendedto.Idon’tknowwhenIpassedoutbut
whenIwokeupIwasi nahospit
al bedwithLedi
,
Nita,Si
hleandSi yasitt
ingnextt
ome.
Ledi
:thankgody
ou’
reawake.
Si
hle:
youscar
edus!
Me:
guy
sI’
mfi
ne
Ni
ta:
whathappened?
Si
ya:
docsay
sshehadapani
cat
tack
Ledi
:whatdi
dthatsper
m donorsayt
oyou?
Me:I’
l
ltel
lyoual
labouti
tlat
eron.Fornow,
I
wanttogohome
Siy
a:docwant
stokeepy
ouov
erni
ghtt
omake
sureyouok
Me:I
’
mfi
neSi
ya.Thanksf
orev
ery
thi
ngmy
f
ri
end
Si
ya:
whatar
efr
iendsf
or?
!
Ismiledfai
ntl
y.Icoul
dn’tstopthi
nkingabout
theconversat
ionIhadwi t
ht hesperm donor,
yesthat’
sexactl
ywhathei st omebecausea
fat
herwoul dnevert
alktohisdaughterthatway
ormay beIwatchwayt oomucht el
evi
sion.The
Doccamet ocheckuponmeandt urnsoutI
wasoksoIaskedhi mt ogohomebuthe
refused,saidhewant stomakesureIdon’ t
hav eanotherepisode.Lateronmyf ri
endsl eft
andIwasy etagainst uckinmyownt hought s.
Themedswer ekickinginmakingmef eel
drowsy .Il
ookedatt het i
meandi twasonl y
after12pm…howl ongwasIoutkant i?I
decidedt ogetonWhat sAppandanswer
people’stexts.Myphoner angandIanswer edit.
i
twasmom.
/
/Her
:thankgoodnessy
ouok.
Me:
heymom…
Her
:Si
yat
oldmey
ouhadapani
cat
tack
Me:
I’
m okmom
Her
:whatdi
dhesayt
oyou?
Me:nothi
ngyoudi
dn’
twarnmeabout
.
Appar
entl
yhehasacall
i
ngandwil
lpr
obabl
y
pur
suemi ni
str
y
Shel
aughedathowsar
cast
icIwas
Her
:nowt
hat
’saser
viceIwoul
dli
ket
oat
tend
Me:
Iknowr
ight
Her
:butar
eyouok?
Me:I’
ll
befinemom.I ’
m atpeaceknowi
ngthe
ki
ndofpersonhei s.Hemayhav enotsaiditi
n
manywordst hathedoesn’twantmebutInev er
neededhi
mi nthef i
rstpl
ace.Mylif
eisbett
er
off
Her
:ohbaby
.I’
m sor
ry
Me:it
sokmom.Real l
yiti
s.Heh,hewasouchea
goi
ngonandonabouthowhe’ ssupposedtobe
hav
ingtheconv
ersati
onwithyouandnotme.
Sayshehasaproblem wi
thdi
srespect
ful
kids
Her
:imagi
ne!Doesn’
theknowthatr
especti
sa
t
wo-waystr
eet,
yougivet
orecei
veit
Me:
that
’sexact
lywhatIsai
dtohi
m
Ihear
dthedooropen,
Ilookedupandwasmet
byMel
okuhl
eBess…-
whati
shedoi
ngher
e?-
Me:
mom…Ihav
etogo
Her
:okbaby
.I’
l
lcheckupony
oul
ater
Me:canyoucal
lthi
shospi
tal
andt
ell
them t
o
di
schar
gemealready
Shel
aughed
Her
:it
’sj
ustone-
nightbaby
.Youwon’
tdi
e
Idon’tl
ikehospit
als.Ther
e’sjustsomet
hing
creepyaboutthem asawhol e.Theymakemy
bl
oodr ace.
Me:
byemom
Her
:by
ebaby
.Il
ovey
ou
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo/
/
Hewal
kedov
ert
omybed…-
Godhel
pme!–
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
23]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
26-
Mel
o
Evenwi t
hat er
ribl
ehangov erlif
eneededt ogo
on.Igott oworkonsome“ Don’tfuckwithme”
ti
p.Iburiedmyselfinapi l
eofuncl osedcases
unti
l I
twaslunchtime, wellunti
lAsemahle
walkedinallhi
ppywi thlunch.Iwasi nnomood
forherandherlecturesreallybutIhadno
choicereall
y.
Her
:Heyt
winny
Me:
ify
ouher
etogi
vemeal
ect
ure,
sav
eit
Her
:what
’swr
ongwi
thy
ou?Ij
ustbr
oughty
ou
l
uncht
hat’
sal
l
Shesai
dclear
ingmytabl
eandmovingsome
fi
l
esoutofthewayt
oputourfoodonthetabl
e.
Me:
I’
m sor
ry
Her
:roughni
ght
?
Me:
youhav
enoi
dea
Her
:whathappened?
Shehandedmemyt
akeawayandaf
orkand
shet
ookhers
Me:
Kat
ebr
okeupwi
thme…
Her
:what
?Why
?
Me:
Lat
hit
hahappened
Her
:who’
sLat
hit
ha?
Me:amistake.Wehadsexandshesentnude
pi
ctur
estoKat e.Li
kewhatt
hef
uck?
Her
:youki
ddi
ngmer
ight
?!
Me:
Iwi
sh.Pl
easedon’
tlect
ureme
Her:
Ihav
enoi
ntent
ionsto.It
smenli
keyou
t
hatremi
ndmewhyI’m bet
terof
fsi
ngl
eanda
vi
rgi
n
Me:
bet
terst
ayl
i
ket
hat
.
Her
:any
way
.Ourbi
rt
hdayi
sbackon
Me:
great
Her
:Ineedal
i
stofpeopl
eyouwantt
oinv
ite
Me:
youknowal
lmypeopl
e
Ishrugged.Iwasreal
l
ynotinthemoodtobe
discussingthi
sbutmysist
erwastr
yingt
o
cheermeupandt hel
eastIcoul
ddowasto
parti
cipate
Her:
yesbutIwashopingt
haty
ouhadnew
namestoaddtothel
ist…l
i
keKateorYay
a
Me:
Idon’
twantanyoft
hem t
her
e
Her:sadl
y,Yayai
smyfri
endandshewi
llmos
defbetherefort
hewhol
eweekendbyt
heway
Me:
ser
iousl
yMel
ody
Isai
droll
i
ngmyey es.Well
nothingIdoorsay
wasgoingtochangehermind.Yandiswawas
comingeit
herwayanditdi
dn’tmatterwhatI
sai
d.
Her
:yes.
Wecont i
nuedeat inglunchandchat t
ingabout
myf l
opsoft hispastweekend, shewas
l
aughingatme, whichwasn’ thelpi
ngwi tht
he
si
tuati
onatal lbutheyy ounotbl ackifyoudon’
t
l
aughdur i
ngsuchsi t
uationsright?Iwalkedher
outandIwasi namuchl ight
ermood.WhenI
gottomyof ficemyphonehadj uststopped
ri
nging,
itrangagai nandIanswer edit.i
twas
Si
ya.
/
/Me:
Hel
l
o
Hi
m:y
oubusy
?
Me:
notr
eal
l
y.Why
?
Hi
m:Yandi
swai
sinhospi
tal
Mymindki
ndofwentbl
ankf
orasecond.What
di
dhemeanYandi
swawasinHospi
tal
?
Hi
m:Mel
oar
eyoust
il
lther
e?
Me:
uhhhm…y
eah
Hi
m:di
dyouhearme?
Me:
yeah.Whi
chhospi
tal
?
Hi
m:t
heoney
ourauntusedt
owor
kin.
Me:
whathappenedt
oher
?
Hi
m:shehadapani
cat
tack
Me:
whatcausedi
t?
Hi
m: shemetwi thherfat
hertodayandthings
wentsouth.Justgoseeherwheny oucanok.if
t
herewasev eratimeYandiswaneededy ou
Melo,i
twouldbenow.St opplayi
nggamesand
j
ustbethereforhertr
uly
Me:
sur
e
Him:I’
m seriousMelo.Yandi
swaisnotoneof
yourfl
oozi
esandi fyoureall
ywanttogetwit
h
heryouwillhavetodothingsbythebook!No
short
cuts,
nogamesorwhat soever
Me:
Iheary
ou
Hi
m:by
e//
Siya’scalllef
tmespeechl ess.Imeanwhyt he
l
ect ure?Thel astthi
ngI ’
dev erdoi shur t
Yandi swapur posefully.I’
m humanand
i
mper fect,
Imakemi stakesbutIam abl eto
admi ttomymi stakesandt ryt ofixthem.
Hear i
ngt hatYay awasi nhospi talwast heworst
andhear i
ngthatherf atherwast hereasonshe
wasi nt herewasj ustsomet hingel se.Idon’
t
knowt heguybuthewasgoi ngtogetwhati s
meantf orhim andt hat’sapr omi se.Itookmy
wallet,phoneandcarkey st henheadedout .On
thewayoutIbumpedi ntothebi gbosshi mself.
Hi
m:son
Me:
dad
Hi
m:Iwasjustonmywayt
oseey
ou.Wher
e
ar
eyougoi
ng?
Me:Yandi
swai
sinhospi
tal
andIhav
etogosee
her
Him:
nosonyoucan’
t.Atleastnotnow,Ineed
yout
oat
tendameeti
ngf ormei nChest
er
Me:
nodadYay
aneedsme
Him:Iknowyouli
kethi
sgir
landallbutsonI
needyou.Youcangotoheraft
er.Iwouldn’
task
youtoifi
twasn’
timpor
tant
Me:
fine.
Him:
thanks.Checkyourmai
lIsentyouan
emai
lbri
efi
ngy ouaboutt
hemeetingyougoi
ng
to
Me:
sur
e
Hi
m:Iwil
lmakei
tupt
oyousonandt
hat
’sa
pr
omise
Ididn’
trespondt
ohim.Iwal kedoutreadi
ngthe
emai l
hehadsentme.Iwaski ndofmadt obe
honestbecausethi
swasj ustnotfair
.Iwentt
o
Chesterandthemeeti
ngt ooklongerthan
expectedandwhenitwasf inall
yoverIdr
oveto
thehospital
.WhenIwalkedi nherr
oom she
wasont hephonewi thhermot her.Ididn’tknow
whet hertowalkinanyf ur
therseeingt hatthe
l
astt imewespoket hi
ngsdidn’tgoaspl anned.I
washel lanervoustooandIdi dn’
tknowwhatt o
expectf r
om her.sheseemedsur pri
sedt osee
me, soSi y
adidn’tt
ellherIwascomi ng?I
walkedupt ohersi
deoft hebed
Her
:Mel
okuhl
ewhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Me:
Siy
acal
l
edme…
Her
:ofcausehedi
d.I
’
mfi
ne.Youcanl
eav
e
Me:
I’
m notgoi
ngany
wher
eYandi
swa
Shel
ookedatmeal
mostshocked.
Me:
het
oldmey
ouhadapani
cat
tack
Her
:ofcausehedi
d.
Me:canwepleasebehav
eli
keadul
tsj
ustt
his
once?
!Whathappened?Whatdi
dhedotoyou?
Her
:not
hing
Isatdown
Me: y
oucanei t
hert
alktomeandt ell
mewhat
happenedorIcansither
ealldayti
llvi
sit
ing
hoursareoverandevenso,
Ihav ethepowerto
stayevenl
onger
Her:ohri
ght
…yourf
ami
l
yownsashar
eoft
he
hospit
al
Shesaidr
olli
nghereyes.Shewasst
il
las
beaut
if
uleveninahospital
bed.
Me:
whathappened?
Her
:Ihadapani
cat
tack…
Me:
Iknowt
hatmuch.Whatdi
dhesayt
oyou?
Her
:not
hingnew
Me:
Yandi
swapl
ease
Her:
Whatar ey
oudoinghereMel okuhl
e?And
don’
ttel
lmeSiyacal
ledyou,youhadachoice
toei
thercomehereornot.Where’sKat
e?
Me:I’
m her
ebecauseIcareabouty
ou
Yandi
swa.I’
m her
ebecauseIwasworr
ied
aboutyouandIam sickandt i
redofpl
ayi
ng
gameswi t
hyou.Webot hknowhowwef eel
abouteachotherbutherewear epl
ayi
ng
gamesandt r
yingveryhardtodenywhatwe
bothfeelf
ort
heot herandtomet hat
’sj
ust
chi
ldi
shandwon’ tgetusanywhere.

Her
:Wher
eisKat
e?
Me:ifyoumustknow,it
’sov
erbetweenus.She
cal
l
edi tqui
tsaft
erLat
hit
hasentherapi
ctureof
her
selfnakedinmyroom
Her:
soyousl
eptwi
thherev
enaf
terIaskedy
ou
nott
o?
Me:
whatwasItodoYandi
swa?Youpushed
metoherwheny
oufl
atl
yrej
ect
edme
Her
:sowhat?Youthoughtsl
eepi
ngwit
hher
wasgoi
ngtowhat?Makemewanty ou?He….
Icutheroffbyki
ssingher,
shefoughtmeat
fi
rstbutshegavein.Thi
skisswasdiff
erent
fr
om theonewehadt heot herday .I
twaslike
wewer espeakingallt
hethi ngswewant edt o
saytoeachotherbutdidn’tsay .Igotontopof
herandt heki
ssgotreall
yint ense,Icoul
dfeel
myshaf tgohard.Ibr
oket heki ssandlooked
deepintohereyes.Shelookedatmeand
smil
edbi ti
ngherlowerli
pinav erysexyway .
Her
:uhhhm….
Ichuckl
ed.Andshemovedasi
deandl
etmei
n
nexttoher
,wecuddl
ed.
Her
:so…
Me:
so….
..
Her
:youandLat
hit
ha
Me:
don’
tst
art
ShelaughedandIt
ickl
edhermaki
ngherl
augh
evenharder
Her
:okokI
’
m sor
ry
Shesai
dinbet
weenl
aughs…shet
ri
edt
ocat
ch
herbreat
handshef i
nall
ydid.Iwashappytobe
i
nthismomentwi thher.wewereinawor l
dof
ourownf ort
hefi
rstti
mei nwhateverti
me.We
werebothhappyandint hemoment .
Her
:Ihav
etoask
Me:
pleasedon’
trui
nthi
s
Her
:Ihav
eto…I
’
m cur
ious
Me:ifwetal
kaboutt
hist
henwenev
ert
alk
abouti
tagai
n
Shehel
doutherpi
nki
e
Her
:pi
nki
eswear
Wepi
nki
eswor
e.
Me:
Ican’
tbel
i
evet
his.
Her
:youwantust
obeat
hingdon’
tyou?
Me:
arey
oubl
ackmai
l
ingmei
ntoar
elat
ionshi
p?
Ichuckl
ed
Her
:ifi
twor
ks,
whynot
?
Me:
heh
Her:heystopignori
ngme.Iwantt
oknow
everyt
hingthatwentdownbet
weenyou,
Lathi
thaandKat e.
Me: wellKateandIdisappear edforal it
tlewhi
le
Saturdayandwehadsex ,i
twasn’tt hatwow
real
lybutIneededsomet hingtogetmymi nd
offofyou.Isleptatmyhomet hatdayand
Sundaymor ni
ngmysi stersannoy edmeand
whenIgott omypl aceIf oundLat hithaoutsi
de
mydoor step…didy outellherwher eIlive?
Her
:NO!whywoul
dI?
Ishr
ugged.
Me: any
way,shedidn’
twantt
ol eav
eandIwas
sti
l
lmadaty ouandshewast heresoonethi
ng
l
edt oanot
herandwehadsex.Whenwewer e
doneIpull
edaMel oonherbutshewasn’t
abouttohavethatsotur
nsoutKatehadcall
ed
andsheanswer
edmyphone…
Her
:Shedi
dwhat
?Your
eal
l
ypi
ssedherof
fhuh?
Me: IguessIdid.Anywhoshegav ememy
phoneandIcheckedmycal l l
ogsonlytofind
outshehadanswer edKat e’
scallandasi fthat
wasnotenough, It
riedcalli
ngKatewho
wouldn’ttakemycal lsatallsoIwentov erto
seeherandshewasMAD!Asi nbreathi
ngf ir
e
MAD.Sosheshowedmeherphoneandt urns
outLathit
hahadsenthernudesf r
om myr oom
andt hemessybedbehi ndherwasenough
proof
Shel
aughedatme,
theki
ndofannoy
ingl
augh.
Me:
real
l
y?!
Her:
shereal
l
yplayedy
ouhuh?
!Iwar
nedy
out
o
pl
ayfarf
rom her
Me:
yeahwel
ll
essonl
ear
ntMi
ssGxaba
Sheki
ssedmycheekst
il
ll
aughi
ng.
Her
:sor
ryboo
Me:enoughaboutmydr
ama.Tel
lmeabout
your
s
Her
:whataboutmi
ne?
Me:
youandy
ourdad
Her
:wel
lthemanhasacal
l
ing
Shesai
dlaughi
ngandIcoul
dn’
thel
pbutl
augh
too
Me:
youaPK?
!
Her:HEY!He’
snotmyf
ather
.He’
sasper
m
donorok!
Me:Ican’
tbel i
eveI
’m dat
ingaPK.Doesthat
meanI’m goingtohavetoaskforhi
sbl
essing
t
ogooutwi t
hy ou?
Isai
dlaughingandsodi
dshe,
shehi
tmy
shoul
derplayful
l
y
Her
:hei
snotmyf
ather
!Whosai
dwedat
ing
any
way?
Me:
whosai
dwenot
?
Shej
ustsmi
l
ed.
Her:anyway …SoasIwassay i
ng,itwasmyf ir
st
ti
memeet i
nghi mtoday.Theguydeni edme
whenmymom’ sfamilywenttohishomet o
reportt
hepr egnancy,
nowt hatIaskhim he
sayshisfathermadehi m denythepregnancyor
elsehewoul dhavebeencutof fordisownedor
whatever.
Me:
youki
ddi
ngmer
ight
?
Youcouldtel
lthatthi
ski
ndofhurthereven
thoughshedidn’
twanttoshowit.Imeanwho
wouldn’
tbehurttoheart
hatthei
rfatherwas
thi
skindofasshole?!
Her:Iwi
sh.Any way ,
Iaskedhim whyhenev er
tr
iedtocontactmeal lt
hesey earsbuthedi
dn’t
haveananswer ,hekeptgoingonandonabout
howhehasapr oblem wit
hdisrespectf
ulki
ds
andallt
hat.Theguyi severyt
hingmom saidhe
wasandev enwor se.IknewwhatIwasget ting
i
ntobutIkepthopi ngandpray i
ngthathe
doesn’tt
urnoutt
obewhatmom hadsai
dhe
wasy ouknow.Ihadt
hatl
i
ttl
ehope
Ihuggedhert i
ghtasshel aidonmychest .She
conti
nuedt ot ell
mewhathappenedandt he
thi
ngshesai dt oherandt het hingshemade
hersayt ohim.If eltmychestget t
ingwet .She
wascr yi
ng.Butwhocoul dbl ameher ?theguy
real
lyhurtherf eeli
ngs.Shedi dn’tneedhi m but
shefelttheneedt oreachoutt ohim, t
hel east
hecouldhav edonewast omeetherhal fway ,
l
ikethepast orhecl aimst obe.Somuchf or
someonewhohadacal li
ng.HeandIneededt o
haveal i
ttl
echat .Ihat edthathewoul dmake
hercry,hedidn’tdeser vehert ears.Ev enIdi dn’
t
deservehert earsandsheandIknoweach
otherl
ongert hanheandherknoweachot her
.I
waskindofpi ssedr eall
ybutmygi r
l neededme.
Sheneededmecal m.Ikeptqui etandbr ushed
herbackasshel ai
donmychest .Idon’tknow
whenshef el
l asl
eepbutshewassl eeping
peacefull
yonmychestont hatt inyhospi talbed.
Icouldn’
tresisttaki
ngapictur
eofher.shewas
themostador ablet
hingever
.AsIwasbusy
taki
ngpicturesl i
kethatmyphonerang,i
twas
MrBess.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
23]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
27
Somyboy fr
iendisthesonoft hemostpower f
ul
mani nthecountry…Idon’tknowhowIf eel
aboutthathonestly
.It
’sexciti
ngbecausehe’ sa
diff
erentpersonwhereIam concer nedand
anothertootherpeople.Basical
lyhe’sthetype
that’
sandassholet oeveryoneelsebutmeso
whywoul dn’
tIbeexcited?!Itisscarytoo
becauseofhispast,
hispastisnotshadybut
toomuchi sunsol
vedandIdon’ tknowifIam
mentall
yreadytobefight
inggirl
sleftr
ightand
centr
ebecauseofhim.Butt henagainwhoev er
i
s,ri
ght?Iwaswokenupbyhi sringi
ngphone.
Hi
m:whatnow?
!
Hemumbled.Hetookit
,tr
yingveryhar
dnott o
wakemeup.I’
m notaheavysleeperassuch
pl
usIwasinahospit
albedwithmyboy fr
iend,
meani
nganyonecanwalkinanymi nut
e.
/
/Hi
m:dad
Hi
sphonewasabi
tloud.
Dad:
sonhowdi
dthemeet
inggo?
Hi
m:canwet al
kaboutt
hiswhenIgethome?
Wel
li
fIgethome
Dad:
wher
ear
eyou?
Hi
m:It
oldy
ouI
’
dgoseeYay
a
Dad:
Ihopey
ouat
tendedt
hatmeet
ingDer
ri
ck!
Hi
m:Idi
d.Wewi
l
ltal
kwhenIseey
oudad.
By
e//
Ilookedupathi
m andhetri
edf
aki
ngasmi
l
e
thenhekissedmyfor
ehead.
Hi
m:di
dIwakey
ou?
Me:
yourphonesor
tofdi
d
Hi
m:I
’
m sor
ry
Hesai dkissingmeagai nont hefor
ehead, I
smiled.Mel owasact ual
lyasweetper son
behindev erything,Iwasslowl yseei
ngsi desof
him Ididn’tevenknowexi sted.Butthenagain
peoplear edifferentwhent heyareina
rel
ationshipwi thyou.Ther ewasaknockont he
door.
Hi
m:expect
ingany
one?
Me:
no…Comei
n
Helookedatmeasi fIr
uinedamoment
,Ij
ust
smil
edathiminnocentl
y.Siy
awal
kedi
nwit
ha
paperbagfr
om RoccoMamas.
Si
ya:
wel
lyout
wol
ookcosy
Mel
o:ohshutup.
Siya:
bet
tert
hankmeYandi
becauseifi
twer
en’
t
formethi
sasswoul
dn’
tbeher
er i
ghtnow
Me:
wel
lthanky
oumyf
ri
end.Comeher
e
Isai
dt r
yingt
ogetoutofMel
o’sar
msbuthe
wouldn’
tletme.
Hi
m:I
’m notl
ett
ingy
ououtofmyar msf
ory
ou
t
ohuganothermaninmypresence
Icouldn’thelpbutl aughatt hatbutMrseemed
seri
ous.Don’ ttellmehe’ soneoft hose
ter
rit
orialniggas? !There’
ssomet hingsexy
aboutter r
it
orialguy s.Beingt err
itoriali
swhen
someonei syour sandj ealousyi swhena
personi snoty ours.Idon’ tknowi fI ’
m maki
ng
sensebutt hat ’
showIseet hings.Itwasv ery
cute.Siyajustlaughedathi mt oo.
Si
ya:
Idi
dn’
tknowyoucouldbej
eal
ous.Idi
dn’
t
ev
enthi
nki
twaspossi
ble
Him:Iai
ntjealous,I’
mt er
ri
tori
al.She’smine
nowandIai ntlet
tinghergo,notev entohug
you.Ya’
l
lcandot hatwhenI’m gone
Icouldn’
thel
pbutblush.Li
kewhywasMelol
ike
thi
sallofasudden?
!Itwassupercut
eofhi
m.I
don’tknowhimli
kethissoall
thi
swasnewfor
me.
Siy
a:heh….Lookatyouquot
ingandshi
i
t.I
nevert
houghtI’
dli
vetoseet
heday
Weal ll
aughed.Theset wower
emyf av
esno
doubt,Il
ov edthem wit
hall
Iwas.Whoneedsa
fat
herwheny ougottheset
wohuh?Siyagav
e
met hebagoff oodandMel ol
etmeoutofhi
s
armstot akethefood.
Si
ya:becauseIdi
dn’
tknowy
ou’
dbeher
eI
boughtone
Me:
thei
rfoodi
sal
otf
oroneper
son
Melogotuptr
yingt ogetoutofbedandIgave
hi
m adeathst
ar e.Siy
acouldn’
tholdbackhi
s
l
eft
.
Si
ya:
geeeez…
Mel
o:butbabet
hisbedi
snotbi
genough
Me:
yes,
iti
s
Ipout
ed.
Mel
o:ar
en’
tyout
hecut
est
.Si
yai
sn’
tshecut
e?
Siy
a:ifthisi
showy ouguysaregoi
ngtobethen
Ishouldleav
e.IthinkIl
ikedyouguysbet
ter
wheny ouwer ef
ireandwat er
Webot hjustcrackedupinlaughter.Siyawas
si
tti
ngont hechaironmysi deoft hebed.Just
aswewer elaughi
ngandchat ti
nglikethat
.
Nalediwalkedinwithfood…whyar ethese
peoplealway scar
ryi
ngfoodt ocomeseeme?I
meanIl ovefoodbutthisistoomuchev enfor
me.
Ledi
:hel
l
oMel
o.
Mel
o:heyLedi
Ledi:
Iseeyouf
inal
l
ycamet
oyoursenses…
bothofyou
Si
ya:
all
thankst
ome
Ledi
:whatdi
dyoudo?
Shegav
ehi
mthatquest
ioni
ngl
ook
Me:
hesentMel
oher
e…
Melo:andlikeanidi
otIj
umpedatt
he
opportuni
ty.She’
sbeenshut
ti
ngmeoutf
orway
toolongthi
sone
Me:
forgoodr
eason
Them:
nameone
Weal lcr
ackedupinlaughter
,Idon’tthinkany
ofthem wereexpect
ingthattoo.Askmewhat
contentmenti
sandI’l
lshowy ouapi ctureofmy
squad.
Me:
real
l
y?Al
lofy
ouatt
hesamet
ime
Mel
o:gr
eatmi
ndst
hinkal
i
ke
Ledi
:soy
ouwer
esay
ing?
Me:
yourpastmynana
Isai
dtouchi
nghischeek.Hefakedasmile,
I
knewverywell
thatwewer egoi
ngtotal
kabout
thi
swhenwewer ealone.
Siya:ooooh…andhispasti
stheworst
.Areyou
readytobefight
inggi
rl
slef
tri
ghtandcent
re
becauseofhim?
Siyawasput ti
ngmeont hespot.Wheret ofrom
heredependedonmyr esponse,myr esponse
couldeithermakeorbreakthisrel
ationship
beforeitevengoesfar
.Ihadt othinkmy
responset hr
oughinordernottoof f
endany one.
Thiskindofconversat
ionwasmeantt obehad
byjusthim andI.
Me:
yes,Iam.What
’sarel
ati
onshi
pwi
thouta
f
ewspeedbumpsontheway?
Helookedatmeandsmi l
ed.Inal
lhonest
yI
wasn’
treadybutwhoeverreal
lyi
s?Iwaswil
l
ing
t
ocrossthebridgewhenwegotthere.
Ledi
:ncooohI
’
m sopr
oudofmybaby
.Ir
aised
herwell
Me:
what
?!Ex
cusey
ou!
Ledi
:Melosheisthewomansheisbecauseof
mesowheny oupaylobol
a,don’
tfor
gettogi
ve
meaf i
nder
’sfee
Si
ya:
no.thefinder
’sf
eecomestome!I
’
mthe
onet
hatbroughtthem t
oget
her
Ledi
:andI
’
llbet
her
easont
heyst
ayt
oget
her
dummy
MeloandIlookedateachot herandthenback
atthem andjustwentunderthecovers.These
twodon’tstopwhentheystart.I
twasf unny
real
lyandIlovedthem bot
h.
“
Therear
eot herpat
ient
sint
hishospi
tal
.Keep
i
tdownplease.”
Thedoorcl
osed.Weallcr
ackedupinlaught
er,
MeloandIgotoutoft
hecoversandlaughedat
theset
wo.
Mel
o:whowast
hat
?
Ledi
:someuglyassnur
sewhoprobabl
ygotthe
j
obforsleepi
ngwit
hthedi
rect
ororsomet
hing
Si
ya:
doy
ouev
err
unoutofi
nsul
ts?
Me:
nope!Babe
Si
ya:ofcauseshedoesn’
t.Idon’
tev
enknow
whyIasked
Mel
o:y
esboo…
Me:can’
tyoupul
lsomest
ri
ngsandgetmeout
ofher
e
Ipout
ed
Him:i
thasn’
tev
enbeenadayandal
readyy
ou
usi
ngme? !
Me:whynot?Ihatehospi
tal
s.Theycr
eepy,
not
hinggoodevercomesoutofahospit
al
Hi
m:ki
dsar
ebor
ninhospi
tal
Me:Iknow.butki
dsal
sodieinhospit
alsorget
di
sabi
li
ti
esbecauseofnegl
i
gentnursesand
doct
ors
Hi
m:huh?
!
Me:thi
nkabouti
t,hadournursesbeenali
tt
le
ni
cerandcari
ngtowardspregnantper
sons;
ki
dswouldn’
thavecertai
ndisabi
li
ti
es
Hel ookedatmef orami nut
epr obabl ytryi
ngto
processwhatIj ustsaid.Nursesar esupposed
tobeni cetowardspat i
entsandl ess
j
udgement al
.Nursesar esupposedt obecar i
ng
towardspat i
ents,I’
m nottry
ingtor i
di culeany
nursesbuti t
’si
ny ourjobdescr i
pti
ont ocare
aboutpat i
entsthatwayt heymakei toutaliveof
thathospital
.Yes, maybeforsomepeopl eit’
s
thei
rtimebutsomeoft hem thei
rtimei scut
shortbecauseoft hisnegli
gence.
Hi
m:mmmmh…
Me:myauntisanurseandweoncehadt
his
conv
ersati
on,
she’
stheonethatmademe
awareofsuch
Hi
m:l
etmegowor
kmymagi
c…
Hegotupoutoft
hebed.
Si
ya:
andt
hen?Wher
eto?
Me:
noneofy
ourbusi
ness
Ledi
:ohhhsoi
t’
sli
ket
hisnow
Ij
ustsmi
ledandnodded.Hewalkedoutand
l
eftmewithNal
ediandSiyawhowereprobabl
y
goi
ngtogri
ll
mealive…
Ledi
:so….YouandDer
ri
ckhuh
Si
ya:
whoknewi
twaspossi
ble?
Me:
guy
scomeon
Ledi
:I
’m act
uall
ygladmyfri
end.Imeany
oul
i
ke
hi
m andhelikesyouback
Siy
a:l
ikei
sanunderstatement.Mel
olov es
Yandi
swa.HedatedKat etol
earntobeagood
manforYandi
swa…speaki ngofKate,howare
youokwit
hbeinginar el
ati
onshi
pwi t
h
someonewho’
sal r
eadyinone?
Me:
heandKat
ear
eov
er
Ledi
:what
?Why
?Wasi
tyoubei
ngsi
ck?
Me:
Iwi
sh…butnope.Lat
hit
hahappened
Si
ya:
lat
hit
ha?Thatf
ri
endofy
our
s?
Inodded
Ledi
:whatdi
dshedo?
Me:theysl
eptt
oget
herandLat
hisentKat
e
pi
ctures
Thei
rjawsdr
oppedt
othef
loor
.
Me:
Iknow.
Siya:
evenIdon’
tknowt
hat
.Howcomey
ou
foundoutbef
oreme?
Me:
real
l
y?That
’swhyy
ourj
awi
sont
hef
loor
?
Ledi
:thatbi
….t
ch!
Justt
henMel
owal
kedi
n.
Him:y
ourdischar
gepaper
sar
esi
gnedsowe
cangoMissy
Iopenedmyar mssmi
l
ingl
i
kea5-
year
-ol
d
wait
ingforsweet
s.
Me:
comeher
e
Ledi
:what
?Youcomi
nghome
Shesai
dexci
ted
Mel
o:no.she’
scomi
ngwi
thme
Ledi
:i
nyourwi
l
destdr
eamsbr
other
Mel
o:babechoose
Me:
ali
tt
lehel
pher
eSi
ya
Siya:
tobefai
r,y
ouj ustgotoutofhospi
tal
and
youneedextr
aattenti
onandIseenoonef itt
er
thanmyfri
endDerri
ckov erhere
Hesmi
l
edandt
heyf
istbumped
Me:noooothat
’snotbei
ngfair
.Babe,
rememberyousaidyouwouldmeetwithy
our
dadlat
eron
Hi
m: wecangot
oget
her
.Youknowmyf
ami
l
y
l
ovesyou
Ledi
:what
?NO!y
ounotmeet
ingt
hei
n-l
awsj
ust
yet
.Na.
ah!
Si
ya:andtheywi
l
ltakeext
racar
eofy
ouatt
he
Mansion
Ledi
: i
fyoul
eavewit
hMeloj
ustknowy
ounev
er
gett
inganyf
avoursfr
om me
Me:
that
’snotf
air
!
Mel
o:y
oubei
ngunf
airLedi
Ledi
:yourchoi
cef
ri
end
Il
ookedatLedipout
ingbutshel
ookedt
he
ot
herwayinst
ead.
Her
:Iai
ntMel
o,t
hatwon’
twor
konme
Si
ya:
wel
lthi
sjustgott
ough
Melo:
fineNal
ediyouwin.CanIatl
eastcome
dr
opheroffatyourpl
acethen?
Her
:fi
ne.
Igotoutofthebedwhil
eMelopackedupwhatI
waseating,
Ifixedt
hebedandasIwasbusy
l
i
ket
hatmydoct
orwal
kedi
n.
Dr
:Mi
ssGxaba
Me:
thatwoul
dbeme
Dr
: t
akeiteasyf
ort
henextfewdaysandgetas
muchrestaspossi
bleandstayawayf
rom
st
ressf
ulthi
ngsok?
!
Mel
o:don’
twor
rydoc
Ledi
:I
’l
lmakesur
eofi
t
Dr:t
akethi
stot
hephar
macyandt
hey
’l
lgi
ve
youthose
Me:
thanky
oudoc
Melot ookthepr
escript
ionl
etterformeand
withthatweallwalkedout,
Ledi showedmethe
nursethathadwalkedinearl
iertell
i
ngthem t
o
keepitdown.
Me:
oky
ouwer
e
Mel
o:don’
tencour
ageher
Me:
butbabel
ookather
,shedoesn’
tdeser
vet
o
wor
kher
e.
Ledi
:sheshoul
dbeworki
nginacl
i
nic,
somewhereint
hevi
l
lagesev
en
Si
ya:ar
ey oul
iket
hisevenwi
thy
ourboy
fri
end?
Well
that’
sify
ouhav eone
Me:
sheshocki
ngl
ydoes
Ledi:Ineversai
dweweredating.Hehas
potenti
alok.andyesIam t
hisbit
cheveninhi
s
presence
Siy
a:myfri
endyouwil
lhavet
otakeYandiasfar
aspossi
blefr
om t
hisonebef
oreshecor
rupts
her
Me:
we’
vebeenf
ri
endssi
ncewewer
e5…
Melo:andthel
astt
hingIwanttodoisgeton
herbedside…t
hisoneisali
tt
lecookoo
Icouldn’
tholdbackt
helaught
er,
Ledi
lookedat
him andcli
ckedhert
ongue
Ledi
:I
’m gl
ady
ouknow,
thatwayy
ouwon’
tdar
e
messwi
thmyf
ri
end
Si
ya:
howi
sBonkeany
way
?
Hesai
dlaughi
ng
Ledi
:youshoul
daskAni
tat
hat
.Ipl
ayedmypar
t
butIdi
dn’
tkeepup
Me:asfarasweknowhewi
l
lnev
erbeabl
eto
hav
ekids
Mel
o:OUCH!
Ledi
:ser
veshi
mri
ght
Mel
o:r
emi
ndmeNEVERt
ocheatony
ou
Si
ya:
evenI
’
llr
emi
ndy
oubr
o.t
hisgi
rlcr
azy
!
Wegott othecars;Melo’s,Siya’
sandLedi ’sand
IgotinwithMelowhi l
ether estgotintheircars
andthenwel ef
tthehospi talwit
heachofus
headedindif
ferentdir
ections.Ont hewayt o
whereverIwasbusyf i
xingmyhai r,i
twasa
messandahal f,itgavemeawayt hatIwasi n
hospit
al…wellonewoul dgoasf arasthinkingI
gotl
aidsoIhadt
ofi
xit
.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
23]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
28-
Mel
o
Ikeptst
ealinggl
ancesatherasshefixedher
“messedup”hair.Ismil
edtomyselft
hinking
j
usthowl uckyIwasshewasf i
nal
lymi ne.We
wereli
steni
ngtomusi c.
Me:
babe
Her
:mmmh
Me:youdon’
tmindifwegopastBESS,
ther
e’s
somestuf
fIneedtotakei
nmyoffi
ce
Shelookedatme,wel
lIcoul
dfeel
herey
es
pi
ercethroughmyski
n.
Her:i
thasn’
tev
enbeen24hour
syetand
al
readyyouwantt
oshowmeofftoyour
col
leagues
Ichuckl
edi
ndi
sbel
i
ef.
Me:
excusey
ou?
Her
:ImeanIdon’
tmi
ndt
heat
tent
ionbutcome
onbabe
Me:Iknewy
ouwereful
lofy
oursel
fbutt
his,
t
hisi
ssomelev
elst
ypeofshii
t
Shel
aughed
Her
:I’
m ki
ddi
ng.Geeeez
Me:
Iknow…geeeez
Her:
youwouldthi
nkthatt
hisat
ti
tudewoul
d
endnowthatwedati
ng
Me:No!whatf
or?It’
swhatkeptourr
elat
ionshi
p
bur
ningi
nthefi
rstpl
ace
Her
:wedi
dn’
thav
ear
elat
ionshi
p
Me:
what
every
ouchooset
ocal
li
t
Her:
MyGOD!Kut
heni
unj
e?(
Whyar
eyoul
i
ke
t
his?)
Me:
howam I
?
Her
:anass.
Me:OUCH!You’
dthinkt
hei
nsul
tswoul
dst
op
nowthatwedat
ing
Her
:unt
ilIseesomechange,
they
’l
lkeepr
oll
i
ng
i
nyoungBess
Me:
don’
t.
Her
:what
?
Me:
don’
tcal
lmey
oungBess
Her:y
oudon’
twantmet ocal
lyouMelokuhl
e
andnowyoudon’twantmetocall
youyoung
Bess?What
’syourpr
oblem?
Me:onl
ymom getst
ocallm Mel
okuhl
eand
ev
enso,whenI
’vedonesomethi
ngwrongand
theyoungBesst hi
ng…that
’swhatmydad’s
businessassoci
atescal
lmeandy ouarenot
eit
herofthement i
onedper
sonssostickto
MeloorDer r
ick
Shel
ookedatmef
ort
hel
ongest
.
Her
:Mel
okuhl
eiti
s.
Shegotoutoft
hecarandIgotoutt
oo.
Me:
youdon’
tli
stenhuh?
Sheflashedmet hatcut
esmi l
eofher s.She
walkedov ertomysi deofthecarandwe
headedi nsideBESSwhi lechatti
ng.Yay awas
thefi
r stgi rlIhaveeverwalkedinthosedoors
with,eithert hanmysi st
ersormom soy oucan
i
magi net hest ar
esIwasget ti
ng.
Her:Nope!Youmyboy f
ri
endandIgett ocal
l
youwhatev erIfeel
li
kecal
li
ngy ou.Youdon’
t
hearmest oppingyouwheny oucallmeYaya
Me:that
’scauseIt
houghty
oul
i
kemecal
l
ing
youYaya
Her:almostev eryYandiswaIknowi
scal
l
ed
that
.Ifit
’snotYay a,i
tsYandi
.Comeupwith
somet hi
ngoriginalyoungBess
Me:
asi
fyoucal
l
ingmeMel
okuhl
eisor
igi
nal
?
Her
:noneofy
ourf
ri
endscal
lyoubyi
t.i
ts
per
sonal
Me:
noneofy
ourf
ri
endscal
lyouYay
a
Her
:youdon’
tknowt
hat
Il
ookedatheri nawe.Shei salway sreadywi t
h
ananswer .Howdoesshedoi t?it’
snotr ocket
scienceorany thingbuti tiskindofcr eepyand
crazyinaway .Shel ookedatmeandsmi l
ed,
hersmi l
ewast oocut ef orwor ds.Theelev ator
stoppedandIl ookedatherandshookmyhead.
Wewal kedoutoft heelevatorintothelastf loor
ofthebuildingandt herewer eaf ewpeopl e
aroundincludingt hef l
oor’snosyr ecepti
oni st.
Patri
cia
Pat
:MrBessJnry
ouback
Me:
hiPat
ri
cia,
youst
il
lher
e
Shenot i
cedYandiswabehindmeandher
welcomingsmileturnedint
oafrown,Iwasso
confusedandlostbyt hi
sbehav
iourofher
s.
Yay
a:hey
Shesai
dwav i
ngherhandatPatwhoj
ust
l
ookedatherbehi
ndhergl
assesandgav
eher
themostcol
dest“
hi”
.
Pat:herear
eyourmessagesandyourf
ather
tol
dy outomeethi
m atthehouse
Me:
thanksPat
ri
cia
Itookthemessagesandwal kedtomyof f
ice
withYay awalkingrightbehi
ndme.I ’
m notbig
onintroduct
ionsmuchespeci al
lyi
nt hework
pl
ace, Il
iket
ober espectedatallt
imes.My
businessoutsideBESSi smybusi nessonly.We
walkedintomyof f
iceandIclosedthedoor
behindher.
Her
:yourr
ecept
ioni
st…
Me: she’snor
mallyni
ce…sheprobabl
ysensed
yourstinki
ngatt
it
udeatadist
ance
Shel
aughedatme.
Her:youmustbedumbert
hanIt
hought
.That
gi
rlhasathi
ngforyou
Il
aughedatherandwal
kedov
ert
omydesk
Me: Patri
ciadoesn’
thaveathi
ngforme,it
’smy
fi
rsttimebr i
ngi
ngagirl
totheoff
iceei
therthan
mysi ster
sormom whoi sknownbyev er
yBESS
empl oyee
Her
:I’
mthef
ir
stgir
ltoevermakei
tto
Mel
okuhl
eDerr
ickBess’
soff
ice
Shesai
dsoundi
ngf
lat
ter
edandt
ryi
ngt
ohi
dea
smil
e
Me:
don’
ttel
lmey
oubl
ushi
ng
Her
:Iam not
.I’
mjustshockedt
hat
’sal
l…so
whyhasn’
tanygir
lev
erbeenuphere?
Me:
becauseI
’
venev
erpi
ckedupanygi
rlf
rom
t
hehospi
tal
eit
hert
hany
ou
Iwasbusypackingupmyt hi
ngsasshewent
ar
oundtheoffi
celooki
ngforwhatev
ershewas
l
ooki
ngforonmyshel ves.
Her
:thi
siscut
e
Me:
whati
s?
Her
:thi
s…l
ook
Ilookedupandshewasholdingapictur
eof
mom wi t
hmeandmysi bli
ngswhenwewer e
young.Thepict
urewascapturedbydadwhen
wewentf orhol
iday
stoNewYor k
Me:
oht
hanks
Her
:whenwast
his?y
ouwer
eacut
eki
d
Me:Iwas5.Whatdoy
oumeanIwascut
e?
Whataboutnow?
Her
:whataboutnow?
Me:real
l
y?Yougoi ngt
opl
ayt
hisgamewi
thme?
Tel
lmeI’m hot
ternow
Shel
aughedatme
Her
:andgi
vey
ouregoaboost
?Not
hanky
ou
Me:
what
ever
.Putt
hati
nit
spl
aceandl
etsgo
Ihadmybaginmyhandandwasst
andi
ngby
thedoorwai
ti
ngonher
.
Her
:butIwasn’
tdonel
ooki
ng
Me:youcanlooksomeothert
ime.Nal
ediseta
cur
fewforyouandIdon’
twantyoutomissit
Shelaughedandwal
kedovert
ome.Shest
ood
i
nfrontofmeandwhisper
ed
“
Idon’
thav
eacur
few”
Thenshewalkedout,
Ispankedhersexyr
ound
fi
rm assandshet
urnedandlookedatmein
shockandasmile
Her
:whatt
hehel
l
?
Me:
what
?
Her
:why
’dy
oudot
hat
?
Me:
don’
tactl
i
key
oudi
dn’
tli
kei
tnow.
Isai
dpul
li
ngherbythewaistwaswalki
ngwith
hert
otheelev
ator
s,Patwassti
ll
inherdesk.
Me:
ByePat
Iwhi
sper
edtoher“saybyetoPat”
,Shel
ooked
atmewit
hthat“
arey oucr
azy?”l
ook.
Her
:andi
funi
(Idon’
twantt
o)
Shewhi
sper
edsoPatdoesn’
thearher
Pat
:By
eMrBess
Wewal
kedaway
.
Her
:yousee?
Me:
seewhat
?
Her
:shedoesn’
tli
keme
Me:
nott
hisagai
n.
Her
:whyel
sewoul
dshesayby
etoonl
yyou?
Me:
causey
oudi
dn’
tsayby
etoher
Her
:what
ever“
MrBessJnr
”
Shesaidi
mit
ati
ngPat’
svoiceaswewai
tedf
or
theel
evat
ort
oreachourf
loor.
Me:
don’
ttestmeYay
a.
Her
:orwhat
?
Me:y
oudon’twantt
oknow.al
otgoesdowni
n
anel
evat
or
Igaveherasmugwhi l
egrabbi
nghert
ightass
i
nt hem j
eansandshegiggl
ed.
Her
:st
opi
t
Shewasi nf rontofmesopeopl edi dn’tseeme
grabit.I’m akinkyguy,almostGi deonCr oss
(fr
om t he‘Crossfir
e’seri
esnov els, Baredtoy ou,
thatmani sabusi nessGODandasexGODt oo
andIonl ydr eam ofbecomi nglikehi m…wel lmy
fatherismor eorlessli
kehim buty ougetmy
point)leveltypeofkinky.Theel ev atorstopped
andwegoti n,itwasempt yandIsmi l
edt o
my self.Thet hi
ngsIwoul ddot ot hisgirlinthis
elevatorgoodGod!Iwai tedfort hedoor st o
cl
osebefor
epinni
ngheragai nstt
hemirr
orand
ki
ssi
ngher,somethi
ngI’v
ebeenwant i
ngtodo
si
nceIsawhertoday,sherespondedver
ywell
.
Wefeltt
heli
ftst
oppingwiththewarni
ngsound
andwequickl
ystopped.Thedoorsopenedand
somewomenwal kedin.Ihidmybonerwithmy
bagandYandigi
ggled.
Them:
MrBess
Me:
hel
l
oladi
es
Wewer eont he5thfl
oor.Theycont inuedwith
theirconversat
ionwhileYandi andIkept
steali
ngglancesateach, glancesofnot hi
ngbut
l
ustf oreachother.IwantedhersobadandI
want edustopi ckupwher ewel eftoffwhenwe
gott otheparkingbutsadlyitwasn’tthe
under gr
oundpar ki
ng…West oppedatt he
groundf l
oorandev ery
onewal kedoutwi t
hout
sayingany t
hingtoeachot her,Isai
dmy
goodby estosecurit
yandunl ockedt hecar.We
bothgoti nandwel ookedateachot herand
smi
l
ed.
Me:
Dammi
t!
Her
:what
?
Me:
not
hing.l
et’
sjustgo
Her
:whati
sit
?
Me:Iwantt
ostri
pyourcl
othesof
fandsexy
ou
l
ikenev
erbefor
e
Shelookedatmeinshockandsheputherhand
onhermouth.Hereyesweresoseduct
iveand
sexywhichonl
ymademecr aveforher
.
Her
:Mel
okuhl
e!
Me:
youaskeddi
dn’
tyou?
Her
:butIdi
dn’
texpectananswerl
i
ket
hat
Me:
yeahwel
l
…
Il
ookedatheroncebef
orest
art
ingt
heengi
ne
anddri
vi
ngoff.
Her
:yout
aki
ngmet
othephar
macyr
ight
?
Me:Ial
mostf
orgot
…okcool
that
’swher
ewe
goi
ng
Her
:howcoul
dyouf
orgett
hat
?
Me:uhhhhm…Idon’
tknow,maybebecausewe
al
mosthadsexafewmi nut
esago
Her:Iwasn’
tgoi
ngt
ohav
esexwi
thy
oui
nan
el
evator
Me:
thati
supf
ordi
scussi
on
Her
:noi
tsnot
.it
’snev
ergoi
ngt
ohappen!
Me:we’
l
ljusthav
et owaitandsee.Youneedt
o
l
ear
ntoleaveali
ttl
eyoungGxaba
Her
:ohwow…
ShekeptquietandsangalongtosomeTay lor
swiftt
hatwasplayi
ngont heradi
o,sty
le.I
cal
ledEli
zabethmycousin,sheworkedata
pharmacy.
/
/Me:
Liz
Her
:heyDer
ri
ck…what
’sup?
Me:
youwor
king?
Her
:di
dyouseet
het
ime?
Me:
it’
sjustaf
ter3
Her
:exact
ly.Myshi
fti
sov
er
Me:
fine….
Her
:whatdi
dyouwant
?
Me:
weneedmedi
cat
ion
Her
:youandwho?
Me:
doesi
tmat
ter
Her
:I’
m notbuy
ingy
oumor
ningaf
terpi
l
lsagai
n
Der
ri
ck
Me:what
?No!Yandiswahasapr escr
ipt
ion
l
ett
erf
rom adoct
or.Plus,
thatwasonetime!
Her
:readmet
hemedsandl
etmesear
chf
or
t
hem
Ir
emov
edt
hephonef
rom myear
.
Me:
babepl
easer
eadt
hemedi
cat
ionnamesf
or
me
Her
:hav
eyouseent
hisper
son’
shandwr
it
ing?
Me:
trypl
ease
Shelookedatt
hel
ett
erbutst
il
lnol
uck.She
shookherhead
Me:
fine
Iputt
hephoneonmyearagai
n
Me:wecan’
treadt
hisper
son’
shandwr
it
ing
dude
Her
:takeapi
ctur
eofi
tthenandsendi
ttome
Me:
wil
ldo.ThanksLi
z
Her
:what
ever
.By
eDer
ri
ck
Me:
byecuz/
/
Igav
eYay
amyphone.
Me:pl
easet
akeapi
ctur
eoft
hel
ett
erandsend
i
ttoLi
z
Myphonewasal
readyonWhat
sApponLi
z’
s
cont
actr
eadyt
otakeapi
ctur
e.
Her
:ok…
Shedi
dast
old
Her
:done.
Me:
great
,canIhav
emyphoneback
Her
:wai
t
Me:
whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Her
:whatar
eyouwor
ri
edabout
?
Me:ever
ythi
ngact
uall
y.Youmightseethi
ngs
youdon’
tli
keandthenyou’
l
lhatemef ort
hem
Her
:I’
l
ltakemychances
Me:
fine.Sui
tyour
sel
fthen
Iheardcamer asoundsandthentherewasa
senseofr el
i
ef.ForasecondIthoughtshewas
readi
ngmyWhat sAppchatsorgoingthrough
mypictures.
Her
:youhav
ethel
atesti
Phoneandy
out
hinkI
ai
ntgoi
ntakepi
ctur
eswi
thi
t?
Me:
thatbet
terbeal
lyoudoi
ngYandi
swa
Her:l
ety
ourguar
ddown.t
hisi
syourphoneand
Iknowbett
er
Idecidednott orespondt ot hatpiece.That
commentcamewi t
hal otofhi ddenf eeli
ngs
behindit.Nobodyt ouchesmyphone, notev en
Asemahl e.Ihaveal ottohi deonmyphone,
stuffIhavenoty etclearedandi tsonl ynowt hat
I’
m getti
ngintoaser iousr elati
onshipandwi ll
deleteeveryt
hingwhenIgett hechancet o.I
havegi r
lsIwasf li
rt
ingwi t
h, Ihavenudesf rom
dozensofchi cksandal ltheset hi
ngsneedme
tositdownanddel eteandbl ockpeopl e.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
23]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
29
Undernor mal ci
rcumst ancest heconv ersati
on
wei ndirectl
yhadwoul dbot hermebutt hen
againIsor tofknowt heper sonhei sandwhatI
havesi gnedupf orbybecomi nghi sgirlfri
end,
goingt hroughhi sphonewoul dbesi gningmy
deathf ormi fsuchexi sts.Iwoul dhav emor e
thanjustapani cattack, i
twoul dast raightoff
deathwar r
antybecauseIknowf oraf actt hatI
woul dcomeacr ossal otofthingst hatIasa
gir
lfri
endwoul dneverr ecoverf r
om whi chin
turnwoul dmakemel ookathi mi nawhol enew
wayf rom thewayIseehi m now.
“
Babey
ouok?
”
Iwasdi stur
bedbyhi m whenhehadstoppedby
therobots,Ididn’
tnoti
ceIwaslostinthought
s
unti
lher emindedmewewer esti
ll
driv
ing
together.
Me:
yeahI
’
mfi
ne
Ihadevenstoppedtaki
ngthepi
ctur
esIwas
taki
ngbythenwithhisphonei
nmyhand
Hi
m:y
ousur
e?
Me:
yes,
babeI
’
m sur
e
Helookedatmef orawhi
lebefor
etherobot
s
openedforhi
m andthenhedroveof
f.
Hi
m:needmet
ounl
ockt
hatf
ory
ou?
Me:no…notr
eall
y,y
ou’
ll
justsendmethe
pi
ctur
eswhenyougetachancetook
Isai
dki
ssi
nghi
scheekandf
aki
ngasmi
l
e.
Hi
m:Yay
a
Me:
Kuhl
e
Hi
m:no!of
fal
lthi
ngsy
ougof
orKuhl
e
Me:
yout
oldmet
oqui
tcal
l
ingy
ouMel
okuhl
e.
Him:Ihavetwonamesbabeandy
oucanuse
oneofthetwoorMelo
Me:youhaveseri
ousissuesIswear.Anyway
youthat
’snotwhaty
ouwant edtotalktome
about
Him:ri
ght
…nev ermi
nd,we’
llhav
ethi
s
conver
sat
ionsomeotherdaywhenwebot
h
si
tti
ngdownok?
Me:
uhhhmm…ok.i
fyousayso
Hepar kedinfrontofthepharmacyandwe
wentoutoft hecarandIgav ehim hi
sphone
backbef or
ewal ki
ngintogether
,hi
ml etti
ngme
walkinfrontofhim ofcause.Weheaded
str
aighttothedispensaryandhewascal ledto
thetablebythisbeautif
ulski
nnywhitelady
whom I ’
m assumingishiscousinEli
zabeth,he
call
edmet ogoalongwi thhi
m andsoIdi d.
Her:
don’
tgetusedt
othi
s.y
oudon’
thav
e
shar
esher
e
Hi
m:butIhav
eacousi
nher
e
Her
:yout
hef
ri
end…Yandi
swai
sit
?
Shesaidsmi
li
ngandpulli
ngoutherl
efthand
wit
har i
ngfi
ngeronit
.Ismil
edandnoddedwi t
h
aconfusedl
ook,howdidsheknowme?
Her:
I’
m Eli
zabethStone.Iknowy oubecause
t
hisotherweekendmycousi n’
sandIstal
ked
youonFacebookandI nstagram andImustsay
youareevenprett
ieri
nper son
Ofcauseshest al
kedme.Whyam Inot
surpri
sed?Seemsl ikeal otofpeoplethatknow
Melomayhav estalkedmyFacebookaccount
forsomer eason…di dthismeant hatMelowas
real
lyint
omeandwasn’ ttri
pping?ImeanIam
fl
atter
edifthatisthecase.El i
zabethwasn’tat
theSundayl unchthatSundaymamaBesshad
i
nv i
tedbecauseherhusbanddeci dedtotake
herawayonar omant i
cweekend.
Me:i
tisapleasur
etof
inal
lymeety
ou.Beaut
if
ul
r
ingbythewayandbeauti
ful
ownertoo
Hi
m:real
l
y?That
’st
hebesty
oucoul
dcomeup
wi
th?
Me:
what
?
Li
z:don’
tmi
ndhi
m.He’
sli
ket
hiswi
thev
ery
one
Shesai
drol
l
ingherey
esathi
m
Her:
anyway,
canIhav
ethel
ett
er,
medi
cal
aid
andyouri
d
Isear
chedforthethi
ngsinmybagandIgav
e
them t
oherandshest ar
tedcl
i
cki
ngawayon
thecomputeri
nfrontofher
Her
:yout
hedaught
erofdoct
orBabal
wa?
Me:
hihi
yesIam
Him:ohGod!Whyam Inotsur
pri
sedy
ouknow
hermom?
Her
:Imethermom whenIaccompani
edy
our
mom t
oAlexi
s’f
uner
aldummy
Hi
m:I
’
m sur
eyoudi
d.
Her
:youf
orgett
hatIam ol
dert
hany
ouhuh?
Hi
m:y
ouf
orgett
hatIam notbot
her
edatal
l
Her
:keepy
ourf
ri
endi
ncheckYandi
swa
Wit
hthatshewentt
othebacktopri
ntt
hesl
i
p’s
Iwoul
dbesigni
nginor
dertotaket
hemeds.
Hi
m:I
’
llmakesur
eyoudowhent
het
imei
sri
ght
Hesai
dsqueezi
ngmyass
Me:
stopt
hat
!Yousodi
rt
ymi
nded!
Hi
m:don’
tactsosur
pri
sedMi
ssy
Me:
I’
m notbutcont
rol
your
sel
f
Hi
m:y
ouki
ndofmaki
ngi
thar
dto
Hesaidwithasmugandjustt henLizcame
backandshetol
dmehowt ot akethe
medicati
onandwhentotakei tandthentol
d
mewher etosi
gnandaft
ert hatwesai dour
goodbyesandheadedt
ot hecar .
Hi
m:youwi
l
lhav
etogetusedt
omeper
ving
ov
ery
ou.
Me:
doIhav
eachoi
ce?
Hi
m:y
ouei
therper
veov
ermet
ooorl
etme
per
vei
npeacemi
ssy
Ismiledtomy self.Atleasthewasn’ thi
ding
howhewasl ust ingov ermeandIki ndofl i
ked
that
.Ienjoyedt hatmyboy f
ri
endwasgi v
ingme
thi
skindofat tent i
onandst il
lmanaget oshow
mel oveatthesamet i
mewi thjustasinglelook.
Derri
ckdidn’thav et otell
mel ov edmebecause
hiseyesdidt hatf orhim.Hel ookedatmei na
wayIdon’ tt
hi nkany oneev erhasbef or
e,wel l
whenhewasn’ tpervingofcause.
Hi
m:cany
oudr
ive?
Me:
whatdoy
out
hink?
Him:youdon’
tlookl
i
key
oucan,
henceI
’
m
aski
ng
Me:
wel
lyeah,
Icandr
ive
Hi
m:whot
aughty
ou?
Me:
myuncl
e
Hi
m:doy
ouhav
eal
i
cence?
Me:
Ijustt
urned18af
ewday
sago
Him:t
ypical
Xhosa’
s…Iaskyouonet hi
ngand
youanswerwit
hthemostir
rel
evantanswer
Hesai
drol
l
inghi
sey
esatme,
Ipunchedhi
m
pl
ayf
ull
y
Me:t
hatmeansyoualsodot
hesameseei
ng
t
hatyouhal
fofwhatIam
Hi
m:act
ual
l
yIam 70%whi
teand30%Xhosa
Me:
real
l
ynow?
!
Hi
m:yeah.Iam l
i
ter
all
yaspl
i
timageofmydad,
hi
scomplexi
onandall
Me:
youhav
eyourmot
her
’sf
eat
ures
Him:al
it
tl
ebutAsemahl
etookthem al
l
.Canwe
gobacktowhatweweret
alki
ngaboutbef
ore
thi
swhol
eXhosathi
ng
Me:toansweryou,
NoIdon’
thav
eal
i
cencebut
Idohavealear
ners
Hi
m:whenar
eyoupl
anni
ngonmaki
ngy
our
l
i
cence?
Me:I’
l
lprobabl
ybookt
otaket
het
estwhenI
’
m
backhome
Hi
m:andwhenwi
l
lthatbe?
Me:I’
mleavi
ngDur
banont
he15t
hIt
hink…I
’
m
st
il
lundeci
ded
Hi
m:whydon’
tyoubookher
e?
Me:
I’
m scar
edofDur
bant
raf
fi
c
Hi
m:andy
out
hinkdr
ivi
ngi
nMt
hat
hai
sbet
ter
?
Me:Ifeel
li
keify
oucandr
ivei
nMt
hat
hat
hen
youcandriv
eanywher
e
Him:Mt
hat
hawi
l
lbesuperbusyt
hist
imeoft
he
year
Me:
Iknow…
Hi
m:doasy
ouwi
shMi
ss…comel
et’
sgoi
n
I
twasonlythenthatInoti
cedwehadj ust
par
kedi
nsidethemansi onyard.Sohewas
di
str
act
ingmewi ththi
sconv ersat
ionbecause
heknewver
ywellt
hatIwasnotgoi
ngt
oagr
ee
tocomi
ngwithhi
m her
e.
Me:
you’
reasl
yfoxy
ouknowt
hat
Hi
m:Iknewyouwoul
dn’
twantt
ocomeher
e;I
di
dwhatneededt
obedone
Me:
what
ever
Wegotoutoft hecarandhetooksomefi
leout
ofhisbaginthebootandthenweheaded
i
nside.MrsBesswasbusycookingupastor
m
si
ngingalong.
Hi
m:heymom
Hesai
dki
ssi
ngheront
hecheek
Me:
hiMr
sBess
Her
:whatasur
pri
se.Howar
eyouYandi
?
Me:
I’
m goodMaandhowar
eyou?
Her:I
’
m gr
eat.Whydi
dn’
tyout
ell
mey
ouwer
e
br
ingi
ngYandiswaov
er?
Hi
m:i
twasaspar
eoft
hemomentt
hingy
,
besi
desI
’mj
usther
etodr
opt
hisandt
henIt
ake
herhome
Her
:wel
lthat
’sni
ceofy
ou
Hi
m:mom don’
tst
artpl
ease
Thiswomanwasal way sbeauti
fulanddressed
tokil
l.Shel ookedli
keshehadj ustgothome
becauseshewasst i
ll
inherclassyreddress
wit
hanapr onov erheroutfi
tandsleeperson
herfeet,hairloosel
yhangingov erhershoul
ders.
Shewasj ustbeauti
ful,
shewasgoal s!
Her:f
ine.Yourf
atheri
sint
hel
oungewi
thy
our
si
ster
Hi
m:whi
chone?
Her
:Asemahl
e,I
yanawentoutwi
thNgawo
Hi
m:wher
edot
heyst
andany
way
?
Her:youwil
lhav
et oaskhert
hat.Lastt
imeI
checkedshewantedtoendthi
ngs
Hi
m:Ihopeshegoest
hroughwi
thi
t,t
heguyi
s
t
oobor
ingf
orher
Her:
rememberNgawoisthereasonI
yanai
s
whereshei
stoday
,hecameintoherl
if
ewhen
shewasdrowni
nga….
Him: shedoesn’towet heguyany t
hing,y
ou
can’
tst aywithsomeoneal lbecauseyoufeel
l
ikeyouowet hem yourli
fe.Imeanmom come
onyouandIbot hknowt hatthere’
snolove
ther
e.Youdon’ tcomeoutoft hefr
iendzone
successfull
y.Mostrelati
onshipsli
kethatnev
er
real
lylastanyway
Her:andy ouwouldknowr i
ght?Honeyhel
p
yourselftosomethi
ngtodrinkint
hefri
dgeor
somet hingtosnackon.Sor
rymysoni snoti
nto
thatwhol ehospi
tal
it
ythi
ng
Hi
m:shehasat
onoff
oodi
nthecarmom
Hesai
drol
l
inghi
sey
es.
Her
:thegl
assesar
eint
hatcupboar
dsweet
ie
Shesai
dpoi
nti
ngacupboar
dont
heuppershel
f.
Me:
thanky
ouMah
Istuckmyt ongueoutatMeloandwenttoget
theglass,
washedi tandpour
edmyselfsome
j
uice.
Him:any
wayletmegogivethi
stodad.I
’
m sur
e
youwanttoseeyourf
ri
end
Her:l
astti
meIcheckedyoutwocoul
dn’
tst
and
eachother…howi
sitthaty
outworodei
nthe
samecar ?
Him:shehadapanicatt
acktodayandshe
neededmetofetchher
.wellSiy
awaskindof
busysoheaskedmet ogofetchheri
nstead
I
’m gl
adheli
ed.Iwasn’
treadyt
obepl
ayi
ng
daught
eri
nlawtoMr sBessyoh!
Her
:shamemahn,
arey
ouok?whatcausedi
t?
Me:
I’
mfi
net
hanky
ou
Hi
m:she’
sfi
ne.Boypr
obl
emsmom
Her
:what
?Youdon’
thav
eaboy
fri
end
Me:real
lyMelokuhl
e?!Ihadameet
ingwi
thmy
f
atheranditdi
dn’tgowell
Her
:I’
m sosor
rybaby
.Comeher
e
Shesai
dopeni
ngherarmswideforme.Thi
s
womanwasGodly.Shewassolovi
ngand
mother
ly
Hi
m:what
?NO!
Ist
oodupandwentt ohugMr sBessandher
hugwassosoot hi
ngandcalming,itwasthat
mother
lyhugthatassur
edyout hatever
ythi
ng
wasgoingtobeok.shemadememi ssmy
mother
.Shebrokethehugafterawhi l
e.
Her:
hewi
l
lbepuni
shedf
orwhat
everhedi
dok
baby.
Isowantedtocryr
ightnow.Thiswasjustwhat
Ineeded.Att
hatmomentreali
tyhitmehard,I
neededtogohomeandbewi t
hmymom.I
neededherki
ndwords,herwarm motherl
yhug
andtojustcr
yaboutwhatIexperi
encedtoday
.
Hi
m:ok…y
ouwi
l
lfi
ndmei
nthel
ounge
Mr
sBesswasr
ubbi
ngmyshoul
der
s.
Me:
thanky
ou.Ineededt
hat
Her:youwelcome.Lookify oueverwanttotalk
oryoujustneedsomemot herl
yloveandadvice,
Iam hereok.Iknowhowmuchi tsuckstobe
farf
rom homeandnothav ethatmotherf
igure
ther
ewheny ouneedthem themostanda
phonecallneverreal
l
yfil
l
st hatvoi
d.Myhome
i
salway sopenbaby
Me:
thanky
ousomuchMa
Her:pl
us,
yourmot
hersai
dtokeepaney
eon
you
Shesaidgraci
ngmewi t
hhereversobeaut
if
ul
smileandIsmil
edback.Ofcausemymom
wouldaskMr sBesst
okeepaney eonme,it
’s
soherplussheadmir
esthiswomansoit’
sonly
fi
tt
ing.
Me:
ofcauseshewoul
dsayt
hat
.
Justt
henAsewal
kedi
nal
lhappy
.
Her
:Si
yacal
l
edmeear
li
er.Howar
eyouhol
ding
up?
Shesai
dpull
ingmeinf
orahugwhi
l
ehermom
wentbackt
ohercooki
ng.
Me:
I’
m okt
hanky
ou
Shebr
oket
hehug.
Her
:hadsomebodynott
akenawaymykey
sI
woul
dhavest
oppedbytoseeyou
Mom:
hahahani
cet
ryMi
ssy
.
Ase:youandDer
ri
cki
nthesamecarwithout
murderi
ngeachot
her
…howdidthathappen?
Mom:
thati
sar
eal
l
ygoodquest
ion
Me:
Siy
athr
eat
enedhi
m
Mom:
ofcause
Theybothl
aughed.Justt
henIy
anawal
kedi
n
andthr
ewhersel
finhermother
’sar
ms.
Mom:
thatbad?
Shesai
dbr
ushi
ngherback.
Asemahl
esuggest
edwesi
tont
hehi
ghchai
rs.
Ase:
whathappened?
I
yagotoutofhermot
her
’sembr
aceanddr
ied
herey
es.
I
ya:i
t’
sover.Igav
ehim hi
sri
ngbackandi
t
wasn’
teasyatall
.Hedi
dn’tmakei
teasymom.
Mom:
buthoneybr
eakupsar
enev
ereasy
.
Iyawenttogethersel
fsomewater.If
eltso
awkwar dbecausenoneoft
hishadanythingto
dowi t
hme.Shedr anksomewaterandt urned
tolookatus.
I
ya:
heyYandi
…I’
m sor
ryy
ouhadt
owi
tnessme
l
i
kethi
s
Me:i
tsok.I
’m actuall
ysor
ryy
ougoi
ngt
hrough
whatyougoi
ngt hrough
Mom:
sowhatr
eal
l
yhappened?Ihopey
ouguy
s
di
dn’
tmeetatar
est
aur
ant
Iya:I’
m nott hatinsensi t
ivemom.Wemetathi s
apar tment ,wehadl unchandaf t
erlunchIt old
himt hatt herewasnoeasywayofdoi ngt hisso
Ihandedhi m hi sr i
ng.Heaskedwhati tmeant
andIt oldhi mt hatIcoul dn’tdothisany mor e,
I
couldn’ tkeepl yingt omy selfandt ohim mom.
Ngawoi sagr eatf riend, hei smor eofaf ri
end
thanhei sal ov ertome.IguessIal way sknew
thatandal way sf eltt hatwaybutl osi
ngt he
babyhi tt henai lont heheadandmademe
reali
set hatI ’
llnev erbeashappyasIwantt obe,
there’sal way sgoi ngt obet hatvoidthathe
can’tf i
ll
.Iwantwhaty ouanddadshar eandI
feellikeIwon’ tgeti twi thNgawo.I ’
vealway s
feltli
ket hatandIt oldhi m allofthisandhedi d
nott akei twel l
,thewayhebeggedme.Hewas
ev encr yingsay ingt hathowcoul dIdot histo
him, saidi t
’sbadenoughhehadj ustlosthis
babyandnowt his.itwasj ustpainfulmom
Shewi
pedhert
ear
saway
.Asewal
kedupt
oher
andpul
l
edheri
nforahug.
Ase:youdidwhaty ouneededt odo.Itwouldn’
t
havebeenf aironanyofy ouguystostayi
na
deadrelat
ionship.Yout r
iedtolovehim wi
th
yourall
buty oucoul dn’
tandt hat
’sokbecause
youonlyhuman.Don’ tbeatyoursel
fupaboutit
ok?!
shenodded.
Wecont i
nuedchat ti
ngandcomf orti
ngI yana
unt i
lshewasl aughingandokwi ththesituati
on.
Ilovedhowt heydidn’
tdwel lont hiswhol esad
emot ionthing.I’
m notsay i
ngt heygotov er
thingsquickbutt heydidn’tstayint hatsad
momentf oral ongperi
odoft i
me, l
ifewenton
forthem andIr eali
sedt hatthiswasj ust
beaut i
ful
.Itwasgoodt hatt heywer ethesekind
ofpeopl ebecauset henMel omi ghtj ustbethis
kindofper sont oo.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
23]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
30-
Mel
o
Ilef
tmom andYay aint hekit
chent obond,I
knowmom l i
kesherbutIwanthert omor ethan
l
ikeher.Iwanthertoembr aceherasher
daughterthatwayshewon’ tbesoj udgeywhen
Iint
roduceYandiswaasmygi rl
fr
iendtoher.I
gottotheloungeandmysi sterwasunderdad’ s
arm watchingwhateveronthatwaspl ayi
ngon
tv.
Me:
hel
l
odad,
Mahl
e
Dad:
youf
inal
l
ydeci
dedt
oshowup
Her
:heybr
o.di
dyouhearaboutYandi
?
Me:
yes,
andshe’
sint
heki
tchenwi
thmom by
t
heway
Her
:youj
oki
ngr
ight
Shesaidj
umpi
ngof
funderdad’
sar
min
exci
tement
Me:
goandseef
ory
our
sel
f.
Shewalkedoutinahappi
ermood.SonotIwas
l
eftwi
thjustdad.
Hi
m:sowhati
sitaboutt
his“
Yandi
”?
Me: Itol
dyoudad,she’
sdi
ff
erentfr
om t
he
othersandthat
’snotwhyI
’
m here.Pat
ri
ciasai
d
yousummonedme
Him: Idi
dn’
tsummonyou,
Ijustsai
dmeetme
here.Iwantt
oknowhowthemeet i
ngwent
Me:yourfr
iendgav
emeahardtime;hedi
dn’
t
wanttodealwit
hmebutev
entual
lyhecame
ar
ound
Him:t
hat
’swhatIl
i
ket
ohear
!It
aughty
ouwel
l
son
Me:ri
ght
…Iwasn’
ther
etost
aysoI
’
m goi
ngt
o
headout
Him:tel
lmeaboutthisgi
rl
.oneminuteyou
wanttobewithherandthenextyoudon’tand
thensuddenl
yyouleavi
ngworkearl
ytogov isi
t
her
Me:It
hinkmyact
ionsspeakf
ort
hemsel
ves
f
ather
Hi
m:wher
edoest
hatl
eav
eKat
e?
Me:webr
okeup,
wel
lshebr
oket
hingsof
fwi
th
me
Hi
m:whatdi
dyoudo?
Me:
Isl
eptwi
tht
hisot
herchi
ck
Him:areyouthatunabletokeepi
tinyourpant
s
Derr
ick?Whatisitwit
hy ouandpussy
?
Me:i
twasYandi swaok!shehadmademeso
madthatIneededtoret
ali
atedad
Hi
m:andy
oucoul
dn’
thi
tapunchi
ngbagandgo
shootsomehoopslikeanysaneper
son?Di
d
youatleastuseacondom?
Shi
ii
t!!
!Ididn’
tuseacondom wi thKate.Ijust
hopeandpr aythatshegotthemor ningafter
pi
ll
,thelastthi
ngIwanti sarepeti
ti
onofwhat
mom anddadwentt hroughwithIyana’
smom.I
don’
twantt oputYandiswaisthatsituat
ion.
Hi
m:NODer
ri
ck!Dammi
t!
Me:r
elaxdadIusedi
tok.i
tsKat
ethatIdi
dn’
t
usei
twith
Her
anhi
shandt
hroughhi
shai
rfr
ust
rat
ed.
Hi
m:ar
eyour
eadyt
obeaf
atherDer
ri
ck?
Me:
what
?No!Ist
il
lhav
egr
aduat
ion
Hi
m: t
henwhatt
hef*
ckareyouthinki
nggoing
ar
oundhavi
ngsexwi
thoutacondom huh?
Hewasnowshout
ing;
wel
lthankgodt
hewal
l
s
wer
esoundpr
oof.
Me:
itwasaonceof
fthi
ngandi
twasami
stake
Hi
m: y
oubetterhopeandpraythatshe’
snot
pr
egnantDer
rick.Ir
eal
lydon’
tknowwhatgoes
onint
hatheadofy our
s
Me:
dadpl
ease!
Him:i
t’
syourli
fe.Doasyoupl
ease,
that
’swhat
youandyoursi
sterhav
ealway
sdoneany way
Withthathedownedhi sscotchandhewal ked
outtothestudy.Ij
ustsatdownandt hought
aboutthepossibi
li
tyofKat ebeingpr egnant
withmychild.Shehat esmesoshewoul d
probablyt
erminatethatchil
d.Idiall
edher
numberbutshewoul dn’tpi
ckup, Icall
edher
usingthehousephoneandsheanswer edafter
somet ime.
/
/Her
:hel
l
o?
Me:
Kat
epl
easedon’
thangup.
Her
:whatdoy
ouwant
?
Me:
didy
ouev
erbuyt
hemor
ningaf
terpi
l
l?
Shekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
ebef
orer
espondi
ng.
Her
:noIdi
dn’
t.shi
i
t!!Youdi
dn’
tremi
ndme
Me:
itsl
i
ppedmymi
nd
Her
:whati
fI’
m pr
egnant
?
Me:
let
’snotgetaheadofour
sel
ves
Her
:yeahy
ouprobabl
yri
ght
.Ihadal
readyhad
myperi
odany
waywhenwehadsex
Me:
sowesaf
eri
ght
?!
Her
:Ihopeso
Me:
Kat
eI’
m s….
Her
:don’
tok.j
ustdon’
tDer
ri
ck!
Me:
Kat
epl
ease
Her:youpromisesai
dy ouwoul dn’
thur tme
Derri
ck,y
ousaidyouwoul dneverhurtme
i
ntenti
onall
y.Youbeggedmet ogivey oua
chanceDerri
cknottheot herwayround.But
thenwhatwasIexpect i
ngf rom af*
ckboyr i
ght
?
thi
sisyourstyl
eanyway .Nobodycanchange
youbutIjusthopeall
oft hiswaswor thit
.have
ani
cel
i
feandpl
easedon’
tev
ercal
lme!/
/
Ihadr eal
lyscr ewedup.Ihat emy selfbecauseI
conv incedKat etoletherguarddownandl et
mei n, Imadeherbel i
evethatshecoul dbemy
sal
v at i
on…wel lIthoughtshewoul dbebutl if
e
hasaf unnywayr ight?ImeanIr eall
ydidnot
hurtKat eint enti
onally
,thelastthingIwant ed
wasf orthingst ogot hiswaybuti nt hemi dstof
i
tall Iam gl adIendedupwi tht hegirlI’
vebeen
want ingforav erylongt i
me.Iwal kedoutt ot he
ki
tchenandt hegirl
swer ehavingacosy
conv ersati
on, I
yanawasback.Shel ookedl ike
shehadbeencr yi
ng, t
hat’showwel lIknowmy
si
ster .
Her
:heydadj
uni
or
Shesai
dgi
vi
ngmeat
ighthug.
Me:
hel
l
osi
ster
Isai
dpushi
ngherof
fofmeandshel aughed,I
waslef
tsmell
i
ngofhersweetscent
.Justgreat
!
Her
:I’
vemi
ssedy
ou
Me: I
’dlov
etosayI’
vemissedyoutoobut
you’vel
eftmesmelli
ngl
ikeyou,gi
vingmel ess
reasontomissyou.What’
smygi r
lf
riendgoing
tosaywhenIrockupatherplacesmel l
ingli
ke
anotherwoman?
Every
onei nther
oom cr ackedupinl
aughter
.I
wasn’ttr
yingtofl
atterYandiorwhat
soeverbut
bythelooksofthingsImanagedt ofl
att
erher.
I
ya:shebet
terknowt
haty
ouhav
easi
ster
,two
oft
hem
Mom:
andamot
hert
oo
Me:she’
l
lknownow.Ij
usthopeshe’
snott
he
j
eal
oustype
Isai
drol
l
ingmyey
es
Ase:
yeahhopef
ull
y
Me:
Yandi
Yay
a:y
es
Me: t
ell
mey ouwouldn’
tfr
eakandthr
owafiti
f
yourboyfr
iendcamehomesmel li
ngofanot
her
womanei therthany
ou?Behonest
Mom: whowoul
dn’
tfr
eak?Imeanwhohadt
he
audaci
tyt
ogett
hatcl
osetomyman
Me:
dadhasasi
stermom
Mom:
andIknowt
heper
fumesheuses
Me:soyoumeant
otel
lmet hatmygi
rl
fr
iend
shoul
dknowhowal
lofyouguyssmel
l?
Ase:
yes!
Me:
thi
squest
ionwasdi
rect
edt
oYandi
swaby
t
heway.
Iy
a:youalway
spicki
ngonher
.I’
mreal
l
y
conv
incedyouli
keher
Ase:thesetwoar
ewat
erandI
ce!Theywoul
d
neverhappen
Yay
a:t
oanswery
ouMel
okuhl
e.
Mymom andsi
bli
ngswent“
ooooh”
.Bett
hey
di
dn’
texpectYandi
swat
ocal
lmeMel
okuhl
e.
Ase:
sheev
encal
l
syouMel
okuhl
e…wow!
I
ya:
evenI
’
m notal
l
owedt
ocal
lyouMel
okuhl
e!
Me: shedoesn’
tli
sten.That
’sj
usthowmuch
shehatesmeandI ’mf or
cedtodri
vehert
oher
placebytheway
Mom j
ustl
aughedatus.
Yaya:asIwassayi
ng.Iwouldt
hrowafi
t;I
meanmymancomi nghomesmel l
i
ngof
anotherwomanmeanshe’sbeenbusywi
th
anotherwomantothatext
ent
Me:
eveni
fhehassi
bli
ngs?
Ase:
wellyouhaven’
tint
roducedust
oherso
howisshesupposedtoknow?
Yaya:Asemahl
eisri
ght.Imeanthenhecan
cheatandgetawaywit
hi tbycl
aimi
ngit
’shi
s
si
stersormom
Mom:
goodpoi
nt
Me:ri
ght
.any
wayweshoul
dgo,
it’
sget
ti
ngl
ate
andIhav
ealotofwor
ktodo
Mom: Ikeeptell
ingyourf
athernott
oov
erwor
k
you.Wenev ergettoseeyou
I
ya:mom thati
scodef
or“
I’
m goi
ngt
ovi
sitmy
gi
rl
fr
iendsobyenow”
Weal l
justl
aughed.I
yaj
usthadt
ohuh?
!I
pushedherandwentovertomom
Mom:youareol
denoughMelo,it
sokto
ment
ionyougoi
ngtoyourgi
rl
fr
iendok?
Me:
I’
m notgoi
ngt
oanswert
hat
.
Ipul
l
edheri
nforaki
ssont
hecheek.
Me:by
emom, Iwi
l
lseey
out
omor
rowIt
hink
andby
efami
l
y
Yay
a:by
eguy
s
Shehuggedmymom andAsewal kedYandiswa
outwhileIwait
edinthecar
.Ihoot
edforthem
tofi
nishquickandYayacamerunni
ngtothe
car
Me:
Iwi
l
lleav
eyourassher
e
Her
:woul
dn’
tyoul
ovet
hat
Me:
what
ever
!
Her
:whywoul
dyouputmei
nthespotl
i
ket
hat
?
Whatt
hehel
lMel
o?
Ichuckl
ed.Shewassocut
ebusyboi
l
ingup
overnot
hing.
Her
:it
’snotf
unny
!
Me:
yousocut
e
Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongueandr
oll
edherey
es.
Me:
yousosexywheny
oudot
hat
!
Shej
ustpr
essedherphoneandi
gnor
edme
Me:
don’
ttel
lmey
oumad?
!
Her
:nope.I
’
mjusti
gnor
ingy
ourasst
hat
’sal
l
Me:any
way.Wher
edoy
ouwantt
ohav
eour
f
ir
stdat
e?
Her:
Ithoughty
oudidn’
tof
fermef
oodbecause
Ihavefoodi
nyourcar?
Me:Iwassav
ingy
ourappet
it
eforourdat
e
dummy!
Her:I
’
mreal
l
yst
art
ingt
ohav
emydoubt
sabout
you
Me:
don’
t.sowher
eshoul
dweeat
?
Her
:I’
m nott
hathungr
y
Me:buty
ouneedt
otakey
ourmedsandIam
hungr
y
Shesmi l
ed.Whatisitwi
thy ourgirl
sandbei ng
fl
atter
edbythemostunr omant i
cwei rdstuf
f
ever?Imeanit’scr
azyhowmeani nglessthi
ngs
makey ouguy ssmil
eorblush.Youar ejust
creepycreat
ures.
Her:l
et’
sjustgotoGat
eway
,it
scl
osert
obot
h
ourpl
acesany way
Me:
great
.Wher
etot
her
e?
Her
:Ipi
ckedamal
l
,nowy
oupi
ckt
henextone
Me:ify
oudon’tpickaspotnow,
youwi
l
lpayt
he
bi
l
l.Sopickaplace
Her
:yousuchabul
l
y.Mi
mmo’
swi
l
ldo
Me:
great
.
Idroveofftogatewaywhileli
steni
ngtothat
calmi
ngmusi c,Icoul
dn’tstopthi
nkingabout
theconversat
ionwithmydadandt he
possi
bil
it
yofKat ebeingpregnant.
Her
:Mel
oyouok?
Me:
what
?
Her:I
’
vebeental
kingtoyouf
ort
hepast5
minut
esbutnoluck.Youok?
Me:
Ihadunpr
otect
edsexwi
thKat
e
Ididn’
twanttostartourrelati
onshipwi t
hme
keepingt
hingsfrom her.Ididn’
twantt obet hat
guywhodoesn’ ttal
ktohispar tneraboutthi
ngs
untilt
hey
’vepi
ledupandIj ustcan’tkeepthem
i
nany
mor
esot
hiswast
hewayt
ogo.
Her
:ok….wher
ear
eyougoi
ngwi
tht
his?
Me:shedidn’
tgett
hemor
ningaf
terpi
l
l.We
bot
hforgottobuyi
t
Shekeptqui
et.Hersi
l
encewasdeaf
eni
ngr
eal
l
y.
Me:
pleasesaysomet
hing
Her
:soIshoul
dexpectpr
egnancyi
nthel
ong
r
un?
Me:
may
be….May
benot
Her:
didyouatl
eastuseacondom wi
th
Lat
hit
ha?
Me:
yes!
Her:y
ouandKat
ehappenedbef
oremesoI
guessIhav
enochoi
ce
Iparkedthecarandwewenti
nandwere
al
locatedtoatabl
efort
wo.Thi
swasbother
ing
herinawaybutshedidn’
twantt
osayi
t.
Me:
Iknowi
tsbot
her
ingy
ou.Pl
easet
ell
me
whaty
out
hinki
ng
Her
:Idon’
tknowi
fIshoul
d
Me: t
hereasonItoldyouaboutKateisbecause
Idon’twantustoleavethi
ngsunresolv
edand
waitfort
hem topil
eupt oapointthatwecan’t
holdthem i
nanymor e.Iwantustobeopenwi t
h
eachotherYandi
swa.
Shenodded.
Me:
sopl
easet
ell
mewhaty
out
hinki
ng
Isai
dtouchi
ngherhand.
Her:IguessIknewt hatatsomepoi ntinour
rel
ati
onshipthiswouldcome, giv
eny ourpast
andallbutpleaseremembert hatIam human
andIcanonl ytakesomuch.Ir eall
yli
keyou
MeloandIwantt oseeusgof arbutthatwill
requi
rethebot hofus.Youhav eastri
ngofgi r
ls
i
ny ourpastthatIam notreadytofacebutneed
toprepareforbecauseIam inar el
ati
onship
withyou.Ican’tl
ieIam scaredbutIam will
ing
Me: Iknowt hatmypastwi llal
waysbea
problem i
nourr elati
onshi
pbecauseofhow
messedupi tisbutIam hopi ngIcangetr i
dof
al
l ofthem byt heendoft hisweek.Thi ngs
won’tbeeasy ;
Iknowbutpl easebearwi thme.
Pleasestay.Inot icedyouhav eatendencyt o
pushpeopleawaywhent hey’v
ewr ongedy ou,
pl
easedon’ tdot hatwithme.Pleaselet ’
stal
k
aboutsomet hi
ngwheni tsbother
ingy ousot hat
wecangeti toutoft hewayandmov eon.
YandiswaIl ovey ouandIr eall
ywantt omake
uswor k.
IknowIsai dwor dssimil
artotheset oKat ebut
YandiswaisnotKat e,I’
m notgett
ingi ntoa
rel
ationshi
phopingt olear
nhowt ol ovef orthe
nextgirl
.I’
m gett
ingintoarelat
ionshipwi thher
hopingt ol
earnhowt oloveherthewayshe
deservestobelov edandshouldbel oved.I
wantt oloveherformeandf orher self.Iwant
tolovepartsofhershehat esandev er ypartof
hershel ov
es.Ijustwantust owor k.We
orderedourf oodandwai tedf oritwhi letalking
aboutus, whatwecant ol er
at einar el
ationshi p
andwhatwecan’ t
,li
kesanddi sl
ikes, wewer e
prett
ymuchget t i
ngt oknoweachot herina
mor eper sonal l
ev el.Shewast heonl ychi l
d,she
wascl oset ohermom butmost lyher
grandmot her,shehasdozensofcousi ns,she
has3aunt sand1uncl e,shecur rent l
yliveswi th
hermom wheni nMt hathabutshev isit
sher
grannyev eryday ,hercl osestcousi ni sstudy ing
Account ingi nNMMU, andpr et tymuchal lthat
otherdeepst uff.Timef lewandbef or eweknew
i
t,itwasj ustaf ter7andt her estaur antwas
preparingt oclose.Wewentt obuyMcFl urryat
MacDbef oregoi ngt odr opherof fatherpl ace.
Wegott oherpl aceandIpar kedt hecarandwe
continuedchat t
ingt il
l i
twaspast10, weki ssed
andt henshegotof fwi t
hherf oodandMeds.I
waitedf orhert ogeti nsidet hehouseandcl ose
thedoorbef oredr ivi
ngof fbackt omypl ace.I
sleptahappymanknowi ngjusthowi nlov eI
waswit
hthegi
rlofmydr
eams.Themot
herof
myfut
ureki
ds.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
23]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
31
Theproblem withdat i
ngAmahl eandDamon
Bess’
ssoni sthaty oudon’tknowwhatt obuy
himforhisbirt
hdaybecausewhat ev
ergi f
tyou
canthi
nkof ,hepr obabl
yhasal ready.Naledi
andIhavebeenr oami ngaroundGat ewayf or
thepast2hour stryingtogetthisguyt he
perf
ectgift
.Thisist hesameguywhoboughta
R1500NWJsety ethedidn’tevenknowmeso
whateverIgethim woul dhavetobewi thi
nthat
range.It
’sbeentwoweekssi ncewest art
ed
dati
ngandhehasbeent oogoodtome, almost
unbeliev
ableact
uall
y;hehasbeenper fect,not
thatI’
m complai
ningbecausehet reat
edmel i
ke
aqueen.I twashisbi
rthdaythisweekendandi t
wasThur sdayandIsti
llhadn’tgot
tenthe
perfectgif
t.
Ledi
:we’
vebeenher
ef ortwodamnhour
s
Yandi
swa.Pi
cksomethingalr
eady
Wewer
eatEdgar
slooki
ngatwat
ches.
Me:Ican’
tjustpi
ckany
thi
ngLedi
,i
thast
obe
per
fect
Her
:youwantt
heper
fectgi
ft
?
Me:
that
’swhatwe’
vebeenl
ooki
ngf
ort
hepast
t
wohours
Her:gi
vehim sex.He’
sal
readygonet
woweeks
wit
houtit
Me:Idon’
twantsomethi
ngcli
ché.I’
m pret
ty
sur
ehegetssexonhisbir
thdayeveryyear
Her
:notf
rom hi
sgi
rl
fr
iendt
hough.
Ikeptqui
etandthoughtf
orasecond,
Nal
edi
gavemeani dea.
Her
:Iknowt
hatsmi
l
e
Me:
comel
etsgo
Isai
dpul
l
ingherhanddr
aggi
nghert
ocot
tonon.
Her
:wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
Me:
you’
l
lsee!Let
’sgo
Wewenttocott
ononandheadedst r
aightt
o
thel
i
ngeri
esect
ion.Il
ookedt
hroughbutIsti
ll
coul
dn’
tfi
ndwhatIwant
Her
:whatar
eyoul
ooki
ngf
or?
Me:
Iwantt
heper
fectmat
chi
ngunder
wearset
Her
:soy
ougoi
ngt
osexhi
mtosl
eep…r
ight
?
Shesaidwiththewi destsmil
eever,
ify
ouknow
thatsmil
ea5-y ear
-oldputsonwhenshe’s
abouttogetcandyorherf avour
it
efood….Wel
l
thatwasNaledi.
Me:Idi
dn’
tsayt
hat
.Let
’sgot
oMusgr
ave
pl
ease
Her
:youar
egoi
ngt
obuymepet
rol
Iswear
!
Me:
fineeeee!
Wewal kedouttothepar ki
nglottohercar,she
andIdroveofftoMusgr ave.Wewentst r
aight
toWoolli
esli
ngerieshopandt heyhadexact l
y
whatIwanted.Iwantedt obeassexyas
BeyoncéonPar t
it
ion,IwantedtogiveMeloa
showonhi sbi
rthday…onehewoul dnever
for
get.Whenwewer edonewewentt owimpy
tobuysomethingtoeat, i
twasjustaft
er12pm.
Her
:lunchi
sony
ou
Me:
obv
iousl
y!
Isai
drol
l
ingmyey
esather
Her
:sodoesMrBessgi
vey
oucash?
??
Me:
toosoonLedi
!Wayt
oosoon
Her
:sohehasn’
tgi
veny
oucash?
Me:
doesi
tmat
ter
?
Her
:yesact
ual
l
y.
Me:fi
ne.Yeshesentmemoneyt
odaywhenI
t
oldhimyouandIweregoi
ngout
Her
:soy
ougetagi
rl
fr
iendal
l
owance
Me:
geeeeezNal
edi
!
Awai t
resscametot akeourordersandthen
sheleft
.Immedi
at el
yaftersheleftmyphone
rang,i
twasbae.IlookedatLedi andsmil
ed,
sheroll
edhereyes.
/
/Hi
m:af
ter
noonbeaut
if
ul
Me:
heyhandsome
Hi
m:howar
eyou?How’
syourdaysof
ar?
Me:i
tsgoodact
uall
y,Ledi
andIareat
Musgr
avewimpy.How’syourday
?
Him:cr
avi
ngy
ourpr
esence…Iam r
eadyt
oqui
t
now
Me:
aaahi
sitt
hatbad?
Hi
m: y
ouhav enoidea.I
’vebeenworki
ngwit
h
myfatheronthi
sbigcase,weworkedthr
ough
l
unch…I’m soti
red
Me:
I’
ll
comeov
ert
oni
ghtok?
Hi
m:r
eal
l
y?
Me:
yeah,
I’
ll
comegi
vey
ouamassageok
Hi
m:andy
ouwonderwhyIl
ovey
ou?
Igi
ggl
edl
i
keat
eenagerheadov
erheel
s.
Him:r
ight
…I ’
l
l comef et
chyouafterwor
kok?oh
anduhhm tomor r
owl at
eronther
e’saprepar
ty
atmyhome, familyandfri
ends
Me:
letmeguess….Ineedt
odr
essup?
Hi
m: hahahay
ep…buty
ouhav
eal
lther
ight
dr
essessochil
l
Me:
yoh!
Him:rel
ax.Any
wayenj
oyt
her
estofy
ourday
Yaya
Me:
enj
oyt
her
estofy
our
s.Ki
sses
Hi
m:ki
sses/
/
Ledi
lookedatmeandshookherhead.
Me:
what
?
Her
:youl
ovehi
m!
Me:
may
be
Isai
dbl
ushi
ngandpl
ayi
ngwi
tht
hest
rawi
nmy
dri
nk
Her
:whyhav
en’
tyout
oldhi
m?
Me:
Ifeel
li
kei
t’
stoosoon
Her
:buthet
ell
syoual
lthet
ime
Me:
andi
t’
spr
emat
ureofhi
m.
Her
:so?
Me:
comeonLedi
youknowwhatImean
Her
:noIdon’
tact
ual
l
y
Me:IloveMel
obutiti
stoosooninour
r
elat
ionshi
ptobeexchangi
ng“Il
oveyou’
s”.
Her
:samewayi
t’
stoosoont
obehav
ingsex?
Me: Inev
ersai
dit
’st
oosoonf
ori
t…hehasn’
t
i
nit
iatedit
Her
:hav
eyou?
Me:manyt
imes.Butnot
hing,
hej
ustdoesn’
t
wantt
o
Her:
ncoooht
hat
’ssosweetofhi
m,he’
sbei
nga
gent
leman
Me:
yeahIguess…any
way
….
“Ihear
dyoudati
ngMel
onow.wast
haty
our
planal
lal
ong”
Iwascutof fbyLathit
ha.Herecomest he
dramat hatcomeswi thdati
ngMel okuhle,
I’
m
shockeditcamer athersoonerthanitwas
expected.Imeanwenotpubl i
caspersaybut
wear eacoupl eandyoucant el
l f
rom a
dist
ancet hatwearepr et
tymuchi nlove.
Ledi
:wasrui
ningt
heguy
’sf
ir
str
elat
ionshi
pnot
enough?
Lat
hi:
Iwasn’
ttal
ki
ngt
oyou,
Iwast
alki
ngt
o
Yandi
swa
Me: noact
uall
yitwasnevermyplan,
buti
twas
his.Hecametoy outogett
omeandImustsay
yougaveitupeasiert
hanexpect
ed
Lat
hi:
ist
hatwhaty
out
ell
your
sel
ftosl
eepat
ni
ght
Me:no.butIknowmyboy f
ri
endandIknowthat
hewasnev eri
nter
est
edinyoutobegi
nwit
hand
hewasnev ergoi
ngtobeforasl
ongasI’
m
avai
l
able
Ledil
ookedatmei naweandalsowithasmi
l
e,
shewaslikeaproudmotherwatchi
ngher
daught
erscori
ngallt
hegoals.
Lat
hi:
youdon’
tknowmehuh
Me:
Idoact
ual
l
ybutbyal
lmeanst
ryme
Lathi
:hewil
lscr
ewitup,youknowheal
way
s
doesjustl
i
kehedidwithKate
Me:thatwasall
onmeact
uall
y.YouseeI
pi
ssedhim of
fandl
i
keanynormalper
sonhe
neededtobl
owoffsomest eam andy
ouwer
e
avai
labl
e…needIcont
inue
Icouldseeherboi li
ng,shelookedatmeonce
andstormedof f.Iwasn’tasconf i
dentwi th
whatIwassay i
ngbutIdi dn’
twantt ogi v
eher
thesati
sfact
ion.Shemanagedt oscareKat eof f
butI’
m notKate, nottosayIfightformenor
anythi
ngbutnowIal readyknowt hewhol est ory
ofhowt heyevencamet osleept ogethersoI
wasabi tateasebuti fthi
swashowt hegi r
ls
he’sbeenwithar egoingtobet owar dsmet hen
heandIwer egoi ngtohav eproblems.Idi dn’t
signupforthisatall.
Ledi
:ok…whowasthatandwhathav
eyoudone
tomybestf
ri
end?
Me:ifI’
m goingtobedeali
ngwithoneof
Melokuhle’spastt
henI’
l
lhavetostepoutofmy
shel
landl earnhowtohandl
ethesepeople
Her
:yousuchabadass.Iam soproudofy
ou;
I
meanIdi
dn’tev
enhavetosayat hi
ng
Me:
don’
tgetusedt
oitt
hough
Her:
whynow?Iam prett
ysurethatther
eisa
l
otwher
ethatcamefrom.Youar edati
ng
Dur
ban’
shott
estel
i
giblebachel
orandhe’sonl
y
20
Me:
real
l
yNal
edi
?!
Her
:yesreal
ly
.Buti
fy ouf
eell
ikeal
loft
hisi
s
t
oomucht henyoucanalway
sbackdown, t
his
wasnotwhatyousignedupf
orattheendof
t
heday
Me: i
t’
snott hatIwanttotapoutorwhat
ever
butIdon’tknowi ft
hisist
heli
feIwanttoli
ve
foraslongasIam wi thhi
m.
Her:youhandl
edLathi
thal
ikeaprot
hat’
sfor
sureandyouwill
keephandli
ngther
estl
ikea
pro
Me:
Mel
oneedst
ogett
hesegi
rl
sincheck
Her:
andhewil
l,i
fhehasn’
tal
ready
.Cuttheguy
somesl
ackok.sowhatist
hereasonforhi
s
hoephaseany
way
?Weal
lhoef
orar
eason.
Me:
he’ssist
ert
oldmeoner
easonbuthet
old
meanother
Her
:whatdi
dhi
ssi
stersay
?
Me:
thathewashur
tinhi
ghschool
Her
:andwhatdi
dhet
ell
you?
Me: i
nhi sfi
rstyearhemadet hi sgirlpregnant,
whenshewas4mont hsshel ostthebaby .I
’m
thefi
rstpersonhe’ severtol
dt histo.Thegi rl
commi ttedsuicide,t
heonegir lheev erloved,so
from t
her eonhev owedtohimsel fthathe
wouldn’tgetattachedtoanygi rlanymor e,he
wasn’treadyfort hebabybuthewasst il
l
heart
brokenwhenshemi scarri
edt heirbaby
Her:andyoumeantotel
lmethathisparent
sor
thegir
l’
sparent
sdon’
tknowt
her ealr
easonshe
kil
l
edhersel
f?
Me:
nope,
onl
yheknows
Her
:shameman.Whocoul
dbl
amehi
mfor
hoei
ngar
ound
Me:
Iguess
Melotoldmet hislastSundaywhenwewer e
chil
l
ingathisplace,wehadahear ttoheart
momentwher eweshar edper sonalthings
abouteachotherandIal sotoldhi m aboutmy
ex.I
tallmadesenset omewhyhel i
v edtheli
fe
heliv
ed,hewasscar edthatthesamet hing
mighthappenagai nifhegotat tachedt o
someone.InoticedMel oloveseasi l
y.
Her
:wow!
Me:
Iknowf
ri
end.
Her
:howl
onghav
eyouknown?
Me:si
nceSunday
.I’
vebeencont
empl
ati
ng
t
ell
i
ngy ou
Her:
youknowIwoul
dnev
erj
udgeorbr
ingt
his
up
Me:
Iknowbutst
il
l,
hetol
dmet hi
sandasked
menott
otel
lany
onebutIfeel
li
keIneededt
o
of
fl
oadonsomeone
Her:t
hat
’swhatI
’m her
efor,
fory
out
oof f
load
onme.Iknowit’
snoteasyknowi
ngt
hisabout
yourmanbabe
Me:yeah.Enoughaboutmyboy f
ri
end’
ssad
depr
essingpast.Hav
ey ouboughtsomet
hingt
o
weartothepart
ySaturday?
Her
:it
’saboatpar
ty.Abi
ki
niwi
l
ldo
Lat
eroni
twi
l
lmov
etot
hecl
ubi
diot
!
Her
:real
l
y?Idi
dn’
tknow
Me:
ofcausey
oudi
dn’
t
Her
:notal
lofusar edatingt
hebirt
hdayboyand
f
ri
endswithhissist
er.Howisthi
swholethi
ng
wor
kingoutforyouguy sanyway
?
Me:
whatt
hing?
Her
:keepi
ngt
hisf
rom hi
sfami
l
y?
Me:
wenotr
eadyt
olett
hem i
nont
his
Her
:whathappenswhent
heyf
indout
?
Me:Idon’
tknow.wel
ovet
hisgamewepl
ayi
ng
ar
oundthem
Her
:andy
oudon’
tthi
nkany
onehasnot
iced?
Ishookmyhead
Me:thosepeoplearen’
tthetypethatl
etst
hings
go…theyattenditASAP.Ift
heyknewwewer e
dat
ing,someonewoul dhavealr
eadysaid
somethingbynow
Her:
mmmmhIsee.Whi leyouguysweretal
ki
ng,
youment
ionedsomet
hingaboutdressi
ngup
Me:t
omor
rowthere’
ssomesor
tofpr
e-par
tyat
hi
shomeandIneedtodr
essup
Her:whyar
ewestil
lsi
tt
inghereandnot
shoppi
ngfort
heperf
ectdress?
Me:
becausef
ri
endIhav
eat
onofdr
esses
Her
:chur
chdresses.Youneedtoleavean
i
mpressi
on.Whatifheint
roducesyou?
Ichuckl
ed
Me:nah,Melowouldneverdothat
.Heknows
i
t’
stoosoonandI’m notreadyt
obeknownas
hi
sgir
lfr
iendj
ustyet
Her
:hi
sfat
herdat
edhiswif
ef ort
woyear
sand
t
henpr
oposed…Idoubtpat
iencei
sinhi
sgenes
Me:
nah,
he’
snoti
ntr
oduci
ngmeany
timesoon.
Isaidsett
li
ngthebil
landwewal kedout.To
l
ookf oradress…wecoul dn’
tfi
ndonesoI
suggestedwegot oGatewayorPav i
l
ion.We
stoppedforpetr
olbefor
egoingtogateway.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
23]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
32-
Mel
o
Thingsbet weenushav ebeengr eatbetweenus,
evenper f
ecti fthere’
ssuch.t hi sweekendIgot
toopenupt oheraboutt her eal reasonIam
becamet heper sonIbecamebef oreherand
shedi dn’tjudgeorany thingl iket hat,i
nstead
sheunder stoodmeandmadedowi t
h
everything.Wehav en’thadsex; Iwantt odo
thingsr i
ghtbyher .Iwantt obet hemanIf ailed
tobewi thKat e.Iclearedt hewhol erosterfor
her ,
Iblockedev erygi r
ls’ numberanddel eted
everynudeI ’
v eev erreceiv edf rom anygi r
l.We
wer ehappyandt hat’showIwant edt hi
ngst o
staybet weenus, wewer eabl et ospendt he
nightjustt al
kingandt aki ngpi ctur eswithout
sex.Yes!Mel okuhl eBesscanact uall
ysur viv
e
withoutsexandI ’m okwi tht hewayt hingsar e.
Somay beIl iedaboutwor kingt hroughl unch, I
actuallymanagedt ot rackherf at herdownandI
wasmeet i
nghi mi nabi t.Iaskedhecomet o
BESS, Pat ri
ciabr oughthi mt omyof fi
ce.
Hi
m:Der
ri
ckBess,
nicet
omeety
ouagai
n
Me:
Ican’
treal
l
ysayt
hef
eel
i
ngi
smut
ual
.
IthoughtherdadwassomeoneIdi dnotknow
butthemanwasact uall
yLi nda’
suncl e,
my
fri
endwhohada21stbi r
thday/graduati
onpart
y
thatweekend.Wel lyeaht hatwast hemant hat
wasmygi rl
fr
iend’sfather.Iwouldn’tsaywe
knoweachot herreall
ybutheandIhav emet
throughmyf atherandt hroughLinda’smom.He
andherdon’ treal
lygetalonghencehewasn’ t
athisniece’
sgr aduati
onpar t
y.
Hi
m:sowhyam Iher
e
Me:
tot
alkabouty
ourdaught
er
Hi
m:whataboutSi
no?
Sinot
handoishisdaughter
,thegi
rlYandi
swa
wastalki
ngtoatthepartywhenIaskedto
speaktoherinpri
vate.
Me:
real
l
y?I
sSi
noy
ouronl
ydaught
er?
Him:ofcauseshe’
snotbutshe’
stheonl
yone
youknow
Me:whataboutYandi
swa?Doesn’tshecount
asyourdaught
er?Ori
sitbecauseyoumade
herwhenyouweresti
ll
inuniver
sit
y?
Hi
m:wher
edoy
ougett
hisi
nfor
mat
ion?
Me: doesi
tmatt
er?Yandi
swahadapanic
att
ackbecauseofyouandIdon’
tli
keseei
ng
herhurt
Hi
m:wher
ear
eyouget
ti
ngatDer
ri
ck?
Me:
how’
smi
nist
rygoi
ng?
Hi
m:i
t’
sgoi
ngok,
whydoy
ouask?
Me:dot
herestoft
hepastor
sknowthatyou
deni
edy
ourowndaughter
,notoncebutt
wice
Hi
m:Idi
dn’
tdenyher
Me:thenwhatdoyoucal
lwhatyoudi
d?You
hadanopport
unit
ytomakethi
ngsri
ghtbyher
buty
oudidn’
t,why?
Hi
m:Idon’
thav
etol
i
stent
othi
s
Me:
ther
ewi
l
lcomeat
imei
nyourl
i
fewher
e
youwillneedherandshewon’tneedyou.I
suggestyoumaket hi
ngsri
ghtwithherbef
ore
i
t’st
oolate,shehasaforgi
vi
ngheartbynatur
e
Hi
m:whatdoest
hishav
etodowi
thy
ouany
way
?
Me: she’smygi rl
friendandIcar eabouther .i
f
youwer enotherf atherwewoul dpr obablybe
havingadi f
fer entconv ersat i
ont hantheonewe
arecur r
ent l
yhav ingr ightnow.butbecauseI
l
ov eherandcar eaboutherandIwantwhati s
bestforher ,Iam act ual l
yaskingy out omake
thi
ngsr ightwi thher ;justbecauseIam aski ng
yout omaket hingsr ightt hatdoesn’ tmeanI ’
m
sayingtrypl ay i
ngdaddybecausei t’
sal i
ttl
et oo
l
atebutal l I
’m say i
ngi sthatast hemanofGod
youcl ai
mt obe, dot hingsr i
ght.thelastthing
youneedi st hingsgoi ngbadl yforyouall
becausey oucoul dn’tl ety ourpridedownand
dor i
ghtbyy ourdaught er.Youcango, wedone
here
Hel
ookedatmeoncebef
oreget
ti
ngupf
rom
thechai
ropposi
temeandl eavi
ng.Icouldhave
handl
edthi
ngsdiff
erentl
ybutIhandledt hem i
n
amannermom woul dhav ehandledthem, t
hat’
s
howshehandledherfatherinlawany way.
WhenhewasgoneIcont inuedwithwhatIgot
paidtodoandthenlat
eronIwenthomef ir
st,
weneededtodiscussthisbirt
hdaything.When
Igothomemom wasi nt heloungewithher
husbandsi
tti
ngcosywat chingtv
.
Me:
MrandMr
sBess
Theyt
urned.
Mom:
heybaby
,howar
eyou?
Iwentt
oki
sshercheekandwentt
osi
tdown
Dad:
heyson.
Me:
gott
hepl
acet
oyour
sel
ves?
Mom chuckl
ed
Her:
actuall
yyeswedo,I
yanagotanapar
tment
andyourtwini
shel
pinghermovein
Me:I’
m surpr
isedy
ounott
her
e…wai
t,dad’
s
her
esoi tmakessense
Dad:
heh!Iwi
l
lki
cky
ouboy
Mom: thi
sgir
l y
ouwit
hismaki
ngy
ou
di
srespect
fulasofl
ate
Me:
whatgi
rl
?
Mom: don’
tpl
aydumbwi
thme.Sowhendowe
gett
omeether?
Me:ther
eisnoher.stopbeingnosy
.Any
waylet
meleaveyouguystowhat every
outwower
e
doi
ngbeforeIi
nter
rupted
Mom anddadbot
hlaughed.
Mom:hehyazi
wenaMel
okuhl
e(y
ouknowwhat
Mel
okuhl
e)…
Sheshookherhead
Dad:
yoursoni
ssi
l
ly.Your
uinedhi
m
Mom:
what
?No!y
oudi
d.
Dad:
whatdi
dIdo?
Me:
youguysarenotal
one.Justar
emi
nder
.
Mom whatt
imeist
hist
hingtomorr
ow?
Mom:
6pm shar
p,don’
tbel
ate
Me:
Imakenopr
omi
ses
Isaidr
oll
i
ngmyey
es.I
t’
snotev
ensomet
hing
big
Dad:Ibumpedi
ntoBashet
oday
…sai
dhewas
t
heretoseeyou
Me:
ohy
ea…
Hi
m:about
?
Me:
not
hingBESSr
elat
ed
Hi
m:ohok.
Mom:isYandi
swaf
reet
omor
row?I
’
dli
kehert
o
comeover
Me:
whati
sitwi
thy
ouandherany
way
?
Her
:hermot
hert
oldmet
okeepaney
eonher
t
hat’
sall
Me:
right
…ofcauseshedi
d
Mom:
whatdi
dsheev
erdot
oyou?
Me:not
hing.Any
wayIshoul
dgo.Tel
lMahl
eto
cal
lmewhenshegetsback
Dad:
didy
out
rycal
l
ingher
?
Me:
count
lesst
imesbutshe’
snotanswer
ing.
Mom:
we’
l
ltel
lher
Me:bef
oreoraf
tery
out
woar
edonet
aki
ng
eachot
herdown
IsaidsingingChrisBrownsTakey oudownand
doingthedanci ngtogowi thi
twhi l
el aughi
ngat
them.Mom gotupandst art
edchasi ngme
aroundt helounge,dadjustsattherelaughi
ng
atus.Mom andIpl ayedli
kekidsandi twas
verymuchf unfora40-somethingy earoldand
a20-year -
old.
Her
:I’
m goi
ngt
ogety
ou
Me:
geezmom Iwasonl
yjoki
ng….
Maybenot
,webothknowy
ouguy
sgetdownt
o
i
tar
oundthi
shouse
Isai
dlaughingontheothersi
deoftheroom
andheont heother.Shej
ustsatdownand
l
aughedreallyhar
d.
Mom:
I’
m def
eat
ed.Damondosomet
hing
Dad:
webot
hknowhe’
sri
ghthoney
Dadsai
dki
ssi
ngmom’
scheek,
shenudgedhi
m
Hi
m:OUCH!geezwoman
Mom: ser
vesyouri
ght.Der
ri
cki
sachil
dandhe
doesnotneedtoknowourbusi
ness
Me: butIal
readyknowyourbusi
ness.It
’sa
goodt hi
ngthatyouguy
shav en’
tlostt
hatspar
k
i
ny ourmarriage,
keepi
tup
Isaidtakingmyt hi
ngsandwal kingoutwitha
bigsmi l
e.Mypar ent
sweregoal s,thei
rmarriage
wasadr eam,itwasperf
ect.Theywer eperfect
foreachot her
.Theyfoughtbutt henextday
theywoul dwakeupi namuchdi ff
erentmood
thanlastnight’
sandIwantedthat
,Ican’t
i
magi nestayingmadatmywomanf ordays.I
gotintomycaranddr ovetoYandiswa’splace,
I
gottothegat eandcal
ledhert
oopenandt henI
drovein.IknockedonthedoorandNi taopened
forme.
Her
:Hel
l
oMel
o
Me:
heyNi
ta,
howar
eyou?
Her
:I’
m goodandhowar
eyou?
Me:
alsogood,
wher
eist
hisgi
rl
?
Her
:inherr
oom orLedi
’
sIdon’
tknow
Me:okthanks,
smel
l
’sgood,
whatar
eyou
cooki
ng?
Her
:MacandTuna
Me:
whati
sitt
hat
’ssmel
l
ingt
hisgood?
Her
:it
’st
het
una.Comesee
Sheopenedthepotformeandshewasri
ght,
it
wasthetunaandithadpepper
sini
tandot
her
t
hings.Shecl
osedi
t
Me:
looksgood.Letmegot
othi
soneey
Her
:sur
e
Iwal
kedupt
oYandi
’
sroom andknocked
“comein”….Shesaidfr
om t
heot
hersi
deoft
he
door.Iopenedandshewaswear
ingar
obe
Me:
ser
iousl
y?
Her
:Ij
ustf
ini
shedshower
ingwheny
oucal
l
ed
Me:y
ouknowy
oucoul
dhav
eshower
edatmy
pl
ace
Isai
dpul
l
inghercl
oset
omebyherwai
st
Her
:IknowbutIpr
efermi
neany
way
Iki
ssedher
“
geeezgetar
oom”
Webot
hbroket
heki
ssandLedi
wasst
andi
ng
byt
hedoor
Me:
wei
niti
diot
.Ev
erhear
dofknocki
ng?
Her:I
’l
lknockwhenIstoppay
ingt
hebi
l
lsi
nthi
s
house.Fri
endIneedyourl
apt
op
Yay
a:i
nthedr
aweratt
hebot
tom
Ledi
:thanky
ou.Don’
tdoany
thi
ngIwoul
dn’
tdo
Shesai
dgi
ggl
i
ngwhi
l
ewal
ki
ngout
.
Me:Ledir
eal
l
yneedstolear
nhowt
oknock.
Whatifwewerehav
ingsex?
Her
:thenshewoul
dseey
ourt
inyD*
Shesai
dlaughi
ng,
Isqueezedherass
Me:webot
hknowthati
sn’
ttr
ue.I
fitwasyou
woul
dn’
tst
aret
hewayyoudowhenI ’
m naked
Her
:I’
m nor
mal
l
yadmi
ri
ngt
hepackst
hat
’sal
l
Me:r
ight
…sur
eyouar
e.Getdr
essedandl
ets
go
Her
:fi
nedaddy
Il
ethergoandspankedherasswhi l
eshe
walkedt
ohercl
osettogogetdressed.She
cameoutweari
nglow-cutbl
ackjeans,bl
ack
t
ightvestshowingof
fherperf
ectfigur
eand
waistandwhiteAdi
dassneakers.
Me:
youl
ookcut
e
Her
:real
l
y?
Me:nonotreal
l
y.Wearaj
acketont
opi
t’
sabi
t
chi
l
lyout
side
Her
:youar
eincapabl
eofgi
vi
ngacompl
i
ment
Me:youdon’tneedone.Youal
wayslook
beaut
if
ulandifIcompli
mentedyouonadai
l
y,
I
’drunoutofcompli
ment s
Sheblushed.Andwentt
owearanudecar di
gan
andcamebackwi t
hanov er
nightbagand
handedittome
Her
:thanky
ou
Me:what
ever
.Ar
en’tyouspendi
ngt
he
af
ter
noonatmyplacetomorr
ow?
Her
:sot
hatyourst
alker
scaneachhav
eagoat
me?NothankyouI
’m good
Ichuckl
ed
Me:
andt henMi
ssSassypant
s?What
’swi
th
t
heatt
it
ude?
Her
:let
’sj
ustgoal
ready
Shesaidpulli
ngmyarmtoLedi’
sroom andl
i
ke
Ledishedidn’
tknock,
shej
ustopenedand
walkedin
Yay
a:honeyI
’
m gone,
seey
out
omor
row
Her
:hav
efun.
Shesaidfi
xatedonthescreeninfrontofher,
wewalkedoutandheadeddown.wegott othe
carandIunlockedt
hedoor ssoshecoul dgeti
n
andwedrov etomyplace.Iopenedt hedoor
andwewal kedinswit
chi
ngt heli
ghtson,itwas
aft
er6anyway .
Me:
shoul
dwecookoror
der
?
Isai
dgoi
ngupt
hest
air
stoputherbagand
mine
Her
:I’
l
lcooksomet
hingwhi
l
eyoushowerok?
Me:
okbabe.
Itookmyclot
hesoffandtookani
cerefreshi
ng
showerandthenwhenIwasdoneIwor eboxers
andwentdownt oYaya,
Ihuggedherf
rom
behindandki
ssedherneck.
Me:
whatar
eyoumaki
ng?
Her:bol
oroni
,somet
hingqui
ck.Pl
easegr
atet
he
cheeseforme
Me:andyoucoul
dn’taskmetost
iror
somethi
ng…anyt
hingbutgr
ate
Her
:nope,
grat
ingi
sfi
nef
ory
ou
Ist
artedgrat
ingandtol
dheraboutmyday ,
l
eavingoutthepartwher
eIsawherdadand
shetoldmeabouthersandthestuntLat
hit
ha
pul
led.
Me:
I’
m sor
ry
Her
:it
sok.Icanhandl
eher
Me:
andy
ouhandl
edhergood
WhenIwasdoneshespr eadthecheeseover
thebolor
oniandinserti
tint heovent
henwe
wenttochil
linthelounget owatchtv
.Iwas
l
ayingontopofherwhi lesheplayedwit
hmy
hair
.Therewasaknockont hedoori
nthe
middleofourchat
Me:
whowant
swhatnow?
!
Her
:it
’sy
ourpl
ace,
gocheck
Igotupt
ogoanswert
hedoorandbef
oreme
wasAsemahl
e.
Her
:heybr
other
Me:
real
l
y?Att
hist
imeAsemahl
e
Her
:ar
en’
tyougoi
ngt
oinv
itemei
n?
Me:
no!whatdoy
ouwant
?
Her
:whoevert
hisgi
rly
ouhi
dingi
s,shebet
ter
bewor
thit
Me:
Iwi
l
lcal
lyout
omor
rowok?
Her
:fi
ne
Shesai dr oll
ingherey esatme.Wi ththatshe
turnedar oundandwal kedaway .IknowI ’m
rudeormeanorwhat everbutsheandt herest
oft hefami lywill
knowaboutYay awhent he
ti
mei sri
ght .fornow, theymustchi ll
.Iwent
backt oYay aandt oldheritwasmyt win.Lat
er
thatnightweat eandwashedt hedishes
togetherandt henwentt omyr oom wher eshe
gav emet heBESTmassageev er.Wel li
twas
myf i
rstev erandi twasamazi ng, i
fthiswas
whati twasl i
kehav ingagirl
fri
endt henIwant
tokeepher ,
Iplant okeepherf orgood!Af ter
mymassageIwentdownonherandt henwe
cuddledandf el
lasleep.Lif
ewasAMAZI NGnow
thatYay awasmi ne!
.
.
<3
[
10/
07,
20:
23]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
33-18S
Iwokeupwi thMelo’
sar
mst ightl
ywr apped
aroundme.Iwat chedhi
ml ookal l
sortsofHOT
withhispartedl
ipsandhi
sper fectl
yshaped
l
ashes, yeshehadbeauti
full
ongl ashes.Eveni
n
hi
ssl eephewaspossessiveofme, i
twastoo
cuteifyouaskme.
“
qui
tst
ari
ng…i
tscr
eepy
”
Hesai
dmur
mur
ingi
nhi
ssupersexysl
eepy
voi
ce
Me:
Ican’
thel
pit
Hi
m:gi
mmeaki
ss
Hesai
dpouting.Mywor
dthi
smanwasdr
eamy
i
nalll
evel
s!
Me:
eeeuwy
ouhav
en’
tev
enbr
ushedy
ourt
eet
h
Hi
m: Idi
dn’
tsayst
ickyourtonguei
nmymout h.
Ij
ustsai
dgivemeakiss,pouti
ngbytheway
Icl
i
ckedmyt
ongue
Me:
younev
ert
akeabr
eakhuh?
Hi
m:f
rom?
Me:bei
ngsi
l
ly.Youal
way
sreadywi
thacome
back
Him:whendati
ngyouIhavet
obeprepar
edf
or
anyt
hing…am Iget
ti
ngt
hiski
ssornot
?
Iatt
emptedt
oturnbuthejusthel
dmetight
er
ref
rai
ningmefr
om gi
vinghim myback
Me:
letgoofme
Hi
m:don’
ttel
lmey
oumad?
Me:
nope,
butl
etgoofme
Hi
m:y
ousocut
ewheny
oupout
ing
Hesaidwithasmir
konhi sf
ace,Icoul
dn’thel
p
butbl
ush.Hedidever
ythi
ngeff
ortl
essl
y,simpl
e
meani
nglesswordscomingfr
om hismout h
mademebl ush,howdidhedoit?it
’snotr
ocket
sciencethat
’sforsur
e.Whatwasitabout
Mel okuhl
ethatgavemebutter
fl
iesinmy
stomach?
Me:
shutup
Him:l
ookatyoublushi
ng.Ev
eni
fIsai
dscr
ew
you,
you’
dsti
l
l bl
ush
Me:
don’
ttr
ymeMel
okuhl
eBess!
Hi
m:y
oudon’
tli
stenhuh?
!
Ishookmyheadwit
hasmirk.Hefli
ppedus
overandhewasontopofme,Icoul
dlit
eral
l
y
feelhi
ser
ectDagai
nstmypelvi
cbone.
Hi
m:y
ouf
eel
that
?
Me:
nope.Whati
sit
?
Hi
m:t
hat
’spar
adi
se.
Icr
ackedupi
nlaught
er
Me:
youcal
lyourD*
ckpar
adi
se?
Isai
dst
il
ll
aughi
ng
Hi
m: no!butt
oyoui
twi
l
lbet
hedayy
ougeta
t
asteofit
Me:
Iwoul
dn’
tcountoni
t
Hi
m:don’
ttestmeYandi
swa
Iwasaboutt orespondwhenhest artedkissi
ng
me,hi ski
ssdidthingstomenohumanshoul d
beallowedt odo.Imeanaki ssl
ikethathadto
beil
legal.Iwaswetj ustfr
om hi
skiss.We
ki
ssedf orawhileandt henhewentdownt omy
neck
Hi
m:st
il
ldon’
twantt
oki
ssme
Me:
shutupandj
ustdoy
ourt
hing
Iwassohor nyit’
snotev enfunny.Ican’t
remembert helastti
meIev erhadsex!He
chuckl
edandcont i
nuedkissingmet henhe
tookmyt -
shir
t-wellhi
st-shi
t-offofmeandt hen
hewentont osuckonmyboobs.Eachki ss
mademecr avehim, i
tmademewanthi m mor e
andmor ebutMel okuhlewaspat i
ent,hewas
taki
nghissweetprecioust
imewithme.Ikept
l
etti
ngoutslightmoanshereandthere,hewent
ondownt omyst omachandf i
nal
lyreachedmy
verywetlacepanti
es.Hechuckl
ed
Hi
m:somebodyseemsr
eady
Iflushed.Thel ooki nhi
sey es,thathungert hey
por t
rayedonlymademewanthi mt hrobbing
deepi nsideofme.Het ookmypant iesof f
slowlyt henthrewt hem somewher ei ntheroom.
Hewentont ost i
ckonef i
ngerandIf l
inched-
it’
s
beenmont hsok? !-hesuckedonmycl itwhil
e
rubbingi twit
hhi sthumbandhi sindexf i
nger
goingi nandout .Icouldfeel myor gasm bui l
d
up, myt oescur l
i
ngwhi l
eIcl angedont othe
sheet sbiti
ngmyl owerli
p.
Me:
M-E-
L-O
Iscr
eamedhisnameasIor gasmed,hecame
upandki
ssedme.Igr abbedonhi shairwhi
le
ki
ssi
nghim back,
Iwant edhiminsideofmebut
hewasn’
tbudgingatall
.TypicalMelokuhl
e.He
br
oket
heki
ssandsmi
l
ed
Him:I
’m goi
ngt
obel
atef
orwor
k,comel
et’
sgo
andshower
Il
ookedathi
m withthat“
arey
ouser
ious?
”look
buthewasn’
tfazedatall
.
Me:
what
?
Him:i
tsfi
neI’
l
lgoshoweraloneandt henyou
cancomedropthekeyatwor korI
’l
lfetchi
f
whenIcomefetchyou…it
’sreal
lyuptoy ou
Hegotof fme.Mel okuhl ejustmademecum
buthewasn’ tdoingany thi
ngabouti t?whatis
wrongwi ththisguy ?Hedi dn’
tev enwaitformy
response,hewal kedtohi sbathroom andl eft
met hereonhi skingsi zebedl ostf orwords.I
decidedtogetupbecausecl earl
yhemeant
business.Iheadedt ot hebat hroom andhewas
standingbyt hesinkbr ushinghi steeth,It
ook
myt oothbrushandj oinedhi m.Iwasnakedand
hewasst i
l
l i
nhisboxer s.Whenhewasdone, he
tookthem of fandwenti nsidetheshowerand
turnedthetapon,whenIwasf i
nishedIgot
i
nsi det
ojoinhim.hecan’tj
ustteasemewith
hisDandl eavemehanging.It
smeani fyouask
me!Ihuggedhi mfrom behi
nd
Hi
m:whatabouty
ourhai
r?
Me:
whatabouti
t?
Hi
m:wonti
tshr
inkorsomet
hing?
Me:
Idon’
tcar
e
Ij
ustnoddedanddidn’
tsayany t
hing.Myhands
madetheirwaydowntohi sDwhilehewashed,
hewasn’tpayi
nganyattenti
ontome.hedidn’t
event
urntolookatme, Icoul
dfeelhisDor
shoul
dIsay“paradi
se”gethardbythesecond
asIpl
ayedwithit
Him:don’
tst
artsomet
hingy
ouwon’
tfi
nish
Yandi
swa
Me:
whosai
dIwon’
tfi
nishi
t?
Ikeptst
roki
nghim andhet
urnedar
oundwi
th
thatl
ookofhunger
.
Hi
m:y
ouar
epl
ayi
ngwi
thf
ir
e
Me:
no,
I’
m pl
ayi
ngwi
thpar
adi
se
Hi
m:y
ousur
eyouwantt
odot
his?
Me:whatdoy
oumeanam Isure?Youcan’
tjust
t
easemeMelokuhl
eandnotgi
vemet hi
s
Isaidwithmyhandsti
ll
playi
ngwi
thi
t.I
grabbedmyassandpickedmeupandpinned
meagai nstt
heshowerti
les
Hi
m:Yandi
swaar
eyousur
e?
Me:
yes,
Mel
okuhl
e
Hekissedmeandt
ri
edt
oinser
thi
msel
f,I
f
li
nched
Him:Idon’
twanttohurty
ou.Ist
il
lneedy
ou
abl
etowalkinthoseheel
stoni
ght
Hewasserious.Hewashard,buthewasn’
t
gi
vingmethisDthatev
erygir
lkeepscoming
backfor
.
Hi
m:Yay
alookatme
Iwaspout
ing,
Iwasn’
thappyatal
l
.
Him:comeondon’
tfr
own.Whenthet
imei
s
r
ightwewil
lhav
elot
sofsexok?somucht
hat
youwil
lhat
eme
Iwasstil
lpout
ing.Heki
ssedmebutIdi
dn’
t
respond
Hi
m:I
’m outofopt
ions.Whatdoy
ouwantme
t
odo?
Me:
whywon’
tyouhav
esexwi
thme
Heputmedown.
Him:whatmakesy
out
hinkIdon’
twantt
ohav
e
sexwit
hyou?
Me: becauseIam standi
nginfr
ontofyou
nakedbuty oudon’tdoanyt
hingabouti
t,yougo
downonmeal mostev er
yti
meIspendt henight
herebutstil
lnot
hing
Hi
m:or
alsexi
sst
il
lsexYay
a
Ishookmyhead
Me:
Idon’
tjustwantor
alMel
okuhl
e
Him:yout
hinkIdon’
twanttohavesexwit
hy ou?
Yandi
swaI’
vebeenwantingtohavesexwit
h
youfr
om t
hemi nut
eIwalkedinonyounakedin
yourr
oom onthe16thofNovember.
Me:thenwhyhaven’
twehadanysex,
we’
ve
beendati
ngfort
woweeks’now
Him:exactl
y ,
we’veonl
ybeendat i
ngfort wo
weeksandIdon’ twanttorushyouinto
anyt
hing.IloveyouYandiswaandIdon’ twant
ustohavet hoserel
ati
onshipswhereit
sonl y
aboutsexandnot hi
ngelse.Younotar andom
gi
rlYandiswaandIdon’twanttotreatyoulike
one.Thatpussyisspecialandi
tdeservestobe
tr
eatedli
keaqueen
Icoul
dn’
thelpbutblush.Onl
yMel
okuhl
ewoul
d
complementavagina.
Him:there’
sthatsmi
l
eIl
ovesomuch.Ihat
e
seei
ngy oufrown
Me:
okIwon’
tfr
own
Hi
m:y
oupr
omi
se?
Me:
Ipr
omi
se
Hi
m:pi
nki
eswear
Hesai
dholdinguphispi
nki
efingerandIl ocked
minei
ntohi
sandt henwebrokeit.heplant eda
ki
ssonmyl i
psleavi
ngmesmi l
inglikeani diot
.
Hi
m:sowhatwi
l
lyoubedoi
ngt
oday
?
Me:Idon’
tknowreal
l
y,LediandIwi
llpr
obabl
y
goshoppi
ngfort
heperfectgi
ftf
ory
ou
Hi
m: Ial
readyhav
et heper
fectgi
ftandshe’
s
st
andingri
ghtinf
rontofme
Igi
ggl
edl
i
kea5-
year
-ol
d.
Me:
qui
tit
.st
opmaki
ngmef
eel
all
sor
tsofway
Him:y
oumygi
rl
.yousupposet
ofeel
all
sor
ts
ofways
Me:l
et’
sgetouther
ebef
orey
ougeti
ntr
oubl
e
f
orbei
nglat
e
Hi
m:I
’
mtheboss’
sson
Me:
sti
l
ldoesn’
tgi
vey
out
her
ight
Hi
m:f
ine.Let
’sgetoutt
hen
Wegotoutoft heshowerandhet ookabi g
towelandwipedmet henhewipedhi mselfand
webot hwalkedoutoft her
oom naked.Iwas
completel
yfreearoundMelokuhle;hedidsee
mybodyev enbef or
ewest art
eddat i
ngnow.I
tookhisphoneandt ooksomesel fi
esonhi s
nicemirr
oront hewallandhecamet ostand
ri
ghtbehindmeandmademet akesomemor e.
Me:
youar
egoi
ngt
obel
ate
Hi
m: thenputsomet
hingonandst
op
di
str
actingme
Irol
ledmyeyesandwentt owrapat owel
aroundmybodywhi l
ehewentt osearchfor
bri
efstowear.Icoul
dn’
tresi
sttaki
ngpict
ures
ofhim,hehadahotbodyandIwasa
photogr
aphersoitwasonlyfi
tt
ingthatIt
ake
pi
ctur
es
Hi
m:st
opt
aki
ngpi
ctur
esofme
Me:
yougoingtol
ovet
hem whenI
’
m donewi
th
t
hem Iswear
Hi
m:t
heybet
terst
ayhi
dden
Me:
butIneedsomeoft
hem f
ormypor
tfol
i
o
Hi
m:I
’
m notappear
ingnakedony
ourpor
tfol
i
o
Me:ofcauseyouwon’
tbenaked,
you’
re
weari
ngbri
efsandt
hepict
ureswon’
tbethat
cl
earyouknow
Hi
m:Iwantt
oseet
hem f
ir
st
Me:
fine…r
elaxwoul
dyou!
Heshookhisheadandwenti nhisclosetto
sear
chforsomethi
ngt owear,Ideci
dedt ohead
downtomakeuscer ealsandthenIwentup
wit
hthebowlstohisroom.Hehat esbringi
ng
bowlsuptohisr
oom buthe’scomet olivewith
i
tbecauseIdon’
tli
sten.Iputt
hebowel sont he
smallt
ableinthemiddleofhi
sroom andthen
madethebed, whenIwasdoneIloti
onedmy
body,
hewal kedindressedi
nagreyperfect
ly
fi
tt
edsuitwithadarkgreyti
eandawhi t
eshirt
.I
wasli
teral
lydrool
ingoverhi
m.
Hi
m:y
oudr
ool
i
ng
Icl
osedmymout
h.
Me:
whatdoy
ouexpectwheny
oul
ookl
i
ket
his?
!
Hi
m:i
t’
snotf
ory
ouMi
ssy
!
Me:
thenwhoi
sitf
or?Pat
ri
cia
Isaidtry
ingtospi
tehim buthedi
dn’tgi
vemea
chance,hefl
atlyi
gnoredmeandspokeof
somet hi
ngelsewhil
eIfini
shedupandgot
dressedIaloosel
yhangingpinkdr
essanda
sandal.
Hi
m: mom sai
difIbumpedi
ntoy
ouIshoul
d
i
nvi
teyouoverfordi
nner
Me:butI
’
m alr
eadygoi
ngwi
thy
ou.How’
sthi
s
goi
ngtoworkout?
Hi
m:l
eav
ethatt
ome
Hesai dwithhi sfacenotgivi
ngawayany thi
ng.
Hewassi t
tingonanot t
omani nhisr oom eati
ng
ourfav our
it
ecer eal,Iwenttositont heot
her
oneandat emi ne.Whenwewer ebothdoneI
packedupmyt hingswhilehewentt owashour
dishes.Yes, Idon’tl
eaveanythinginhisplace,
notev enatoot hbrushoranear ri
ng.WhenIwas
doneIheadeddownwi t
hallhisthingsandI
foundhi mtal ki
ngont hephone.
Hi
m:st
ayawayf
rom her
!
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
23]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
34-
Mel
o
Yayasul kingov ersexisv erycutei fyouaskme.
It
’snott hatIdon’twantt ohav eanywi t
hher
j
usty etbutdadt oldmet osl owt hingsdown
withthisonei fIwantt okeepher ,Iaskedhi m
foradvicet hi
sonet i
meandheoncet oldme
thatsomegi r
lsar ewor t
ht hewai tandYay ai
s
worththewai t.Idon’twantt oforcet hiswhole
thi
ng, y
esIcr av eherbutIwantt odot hings
ri
ght.WhatLat hit
hadi dwaschi ldish!Yes, I
call
edherandshei stheoneIwast alki
ngto
overthephone.
“
Readyt
ogo?
”
Sai
dYayawi
tht
hemostador
abletoneanda
smil
est
andi
ngbyt
hebot
tom ofthest
air
s.
Me:
yeah,
let
’sgo
Iwenttotaket
hethi
ngsf
rom herhandandt
hen
shelockedupandwewal
keddownt omycar.
Her
:whatt
imear
eyoucomi
ngoutt
oday
?
Me: i
t’
sahal
f-
dayact
ual
l
y.I
’
llbeoutat2pm and
thenyouar
egoingt
ocomehelpmepickan
outf
it
Her
:buty
oudr
essupni
cel
yal
lony
ourown
Me: IknowbutIwantt
oseei
fyoucandr
ess
yourmanup…
Isai
drubbi
ngherhand
Her
:uhhhhm….We’
l
lsee
Me:t
hati
snotconv
inci
ngatal
l
…shoul
dIbe
wor
ri
ed?
Her
:yeahy
oushoul
d
Shesai
dlaughi
ng
Me:
Ihav
eal
otIneedt
oteachy
ou!
WegottoherplaceandIst
oppedri
ghtout
side,
Iwasn’
tlat
eforworkorany
thi
ngli
kethat
.
Me:
ber
eadywhenIgetoutofwor
k
Her
:asinbedressedf
ort
heoccasi
onort
ogo
t
oyourplace
Me:youknowwhatImean.I
’
llcal
lyouwhenI
l
eavetheoff
icesot
haty
oudressedwhenIget
her
e
Her
:fi
ne
Shesai
drol
l
ingherey
es.
Her
:seey
oul
atert
hen
Shekissedmycheekandat t
emptedopening
thecarbuti
twaslocked,Ican’thelpbutf
eel
l
ikesomethi
ngwasbot heringher.IknowIdon’
t
knowherthatwel
lbutIthinkIwoul dknow
whensomet hi
ngwasbot heri
ngmi ne.
Me:
isev
ery
thi
ngok?
Her
:yes,
why
?
Me:
youseem abi
tqui
etandt
hat
’sunl
i
key
ou
Her:
nothi
ng’
sbot
her
ingme.y
ougoi
ngt
obe
l
ateforwor
k
Me:Irat
herbelat
eforworkt
hen.Tellme
what’
sbother
ingyou?I
sitst
il
lthesexthi
ng?
Sheshookherhead.
Me:
thenwhati
sit
?
Her
:Ihear
dyout
alki
ngont
hephoneear
li
er
Ofcause.Whyam Inotsur
pri
sed?
Me:
howmuchdi
dyouhear
?
Her
:youtel
l
ingwhoev
ert
ost
ayawayf
rom
whoever
Ichuckled.Shepout
ed,thi
sonewasdefi
nit
ely
l
ikemymom.shej ustdoesn’
tli
kebei
ngkepti
n
thedark.
Me: Iwastalki
ngtoLat
hitha.Idon’
tli
kewhat
shedid,shewasaone-nightstandandt hat
’sas
farasitgoes.Shehadnor i
ghttoconfrontyou
Her:t
hisi
smylif
enowMelokuhl
e.Theseare
theki
ndsofpeopl
eI’
l
lpr
obabl
ybedealingwit
h
atti
mes
Me:peopl
eyoudon’
thavet
odealwit
h
Yandi
swa.Youdi
dn’
tsi
gnupforsomegi
rl
dr
ama,
youj
ustgoti
ntoar
elat
ionshi
pwi
thme.
Her:getti
ngintoar
elati
onshi
pwi
thy
oucomes
wit
ht heseperksMelokuhl
e
Me: noitdoesn’t.l
ooknoneofmyf li
ngshav e
everbotheredany oneI’
m wi t
hort heyseeme
withbecauset heyunderstoodwhatt heywere
getti
nginto.Lathit
haismessedup, Idon’tknow
whatherpr oblem isbutIwillhandleher.t
he
l
astt hi
ngIneedi sy ouhavingt ofi
ghtoffthese
gi
rlsIhadf l
ingswi t
h.it
’snotf ai
rony ou.
Shenodded.Iputmyhandbehindherneckand
pull
edheri
nforakiss,
sherespondedtoit
.she
brokei
taft
erawhile
Her
:yougoi
ngt
obel
ate
Me:
butar
ewegoodt
hou?
Shesmil
edandnodded,
hersmil
eseemed
genui
nemaki
ngmesmi l
etoo.
Her:Mel
okuhleIl
oveyouandIam wil
l
ingto
f
ightof
fallt
hesegir
lsi
fIhavet
ojustaslongas
I
’
m wi
thy
ou
Didshejusttel
lmeshelovesme???Am I
hear
ingthingsordi
dYandiswaGxabajustsay
shelov
esme?Ismi ledandlookedather
Her
:whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
i
ket
hat
?
Me:
youj
ustsai
dyoul
ovemef
ort
hef
ir
stt
ime
Her
:yourpoi
nt?
Me:
real
l
y?Your
eall
ydon’
tknowhowt
ost
ayi
n
t
hemomentdoyou?
Her
: l
i
keyou,
Ihaveat
hingf
orr
uini
ngt
he
per
fectmoment
Me:Idon’tr
uinsuchcut
eromant
icmoment
s.
YouaretheworstMafaku!
Shesmi
l
ed
Me:
whyar
eyousmi
l
ing?
Her
:youcal
l
edmebymycl
anname
Shesai
dwit
hthewi
destsmi
l
e.Whatisi
twit
h
yougi
rl
sandbei
ngcal
l
edbyyourcl
anname?
what’
ssoexcit
ingaboutt
hewhol
ethi
ng?Iam
soconfusedbyreal
l
y.
Me:uhhhm Iwon’
tevengeti
ntodetai
lwithy
ou
ont
his.Byebaby,
I’
ll
seeyouafterwork.
Iki
ssedheront
hel
i
psandt
henunl
ockedt
he
door
Her
:enj
oyy
ourday
Me:
yout
oo
ShegotoffandIdroveofftowor k.Tur
nsdad’s
meetingshavebeenoutsideoftheoffi
cethe
wholeoftodaywhichmeantIwoul donlybe
seemingthi
sevening.Igotavisi
tfrom mytwin.
Her
:hel
l
oMel
o
Me:
heyt
winny
,howar
eyou?
Her
:whowast
hegi
rly
ouwer
ewi
thl
astni
ght
?
Me:
manI
’
m goodt
oot
hanks
Her
:ohpl
easedon’
tpl
aywi
thme.whoi
sshe?
Me:
Idon’
tknowwhatorwhoy
out
alki
ngabout
Her
:isi
tKat
e?
Me:
Itol
dyoushedumpedme
Her
:thenwhoi
sshe?Justgiv
emeanameand
asur
nameoranydet
ailIcanuse
Me:
usef
orwhat
?
Her
:Facebook
Me:al
lyouneedtoknowist
hatsheisbeaut
if
ul
wi
ththewordbeaut
if
uli
nboldandincapi
tal
l
ett
ersbytheway
Her
:doIknowher
?
Me:
wher
e’st
hef
uni
ntel
l
ingy
ou?
Her
:comeonMel
opl
ease
Me:
sowhenar
eyouget
ti
ngaboy
fri
end?
Her:soyoureal
l
ynotgoi
ngt
otel
lmeany
thi
ng
abouther?
Ishookmyheadwi
thasmirk,
Iknowthatme
smirki
ngwoul
donl
yannoyherandi
tworked
Her:
fine!Idon’
thav
eaboy
fri
endandIdon’
t
wantone
Me:
why
?
Her
:youy our
sel
ftol
dmenev
ertodat
ethese
boy
s,theymightj
ustbel
i
keyou
Icoul
dn’
thel
pbutl
aughatt
hat
.
Me:ouch!andher
eIam t
ryi
ngt
ochangef
ort
he
bet
ter
Her
:thi
sgi
rli
sworki
ngmir
acl
esIswear
.Even
Godwasunabl
etoworkt
heseki
ndsofmir
acl
es
onyouMel
o
Me:
whatcanIsay
,lov
echangespeopl
e
Her
:di
dyouj
ustsay“
lov
e”?
Shesai
dquot
ingt
hewor
dinai
rquot
es
Me:
what
ever
Her:I
’
m proudactual
l
y.Despit
eever
ythi
ngbut
I’
m gl
adyoufinal
l
yhav eagir
lyoul
oveand
seemstoloveyoubackjudgi
ngbyhowhappy
youarelatel
y.I
’mreall
yhappyf oryoubr other
andIhopey ouguystreateachot herwelland
mywor dIPRAYt hatyouguy sstayt oget
her.
Don’tmessthisup,Idon’tcar
ewhopi ssesy ou
offorsayswhatjustdon’tmesst hisoneup
Melo
Me:geeez,
youmakei
tsoundl
i
keI
’
m somesor
t
ofscr
ewup
Her
:rel
ati
onshi
p-wi
seyouarebutI
’m gi
vi
ngy
ou
t
hebenefi
tofthedoubtwi
ththi
sone.
Inodded.Sher eall
ywaspr oudofmeandhappy
formewhi chmeantIwasdoi nggoodandwi t
h
thewayYay awas, Ithinki
t’ssafetosayIhad
thi
swhol erel
ationshipthi
ngfiguredoutaft
erall
andIwasper formingwel lati
t.Wecontinuedto
tal
kf orawhil
eandt henIaccompaniedherto
hercar.Yes,t
hepar entshadgi v
enherallofher
keysandshewasbackt obeingindependent
again.
.
.
*
***
Lat
eraf
terwor
k**
**
Ileftworklatert hanIshoul dhav e,BESS
decidedtot hrowmeasur prisepr e-part
y .After
thepartyatwor kIwentt ogoandf etchYay aat
herplaceandt henwedr ov eof ftomi ne.Wegot
tomypl aceandbot htookashowert henwe
changedi ntoourout fi
tsfort hef ami l
yand
fri
endsthinghel datthemansi on.Shewas
wear i
ngabl ackkneel engthopendr esst hat
hadsomet hingl i
keachoker -it
’sact ual
lypr etti
er
thanitsounds-wi thapairofr edheel s.Iwor ea
blackfit
tedsui twi t
har edbowt ieandbl ackr ed
bottom formal shoes.Ihadj ustf ini
shedt y
ing
myshoel aceswhenshewal kedoutoft he
bathroom wi thhercl eanmakeupandherhai r
ti
edupi nakni tbunatt het opofherhead.I
l
ookedatherf rom headt ot oe, Iwasl i
terally
drooli
ngov erhowgoodshel ooked.
Her
:uhhm howdoIl
ook?
Icouldseeherli
psmov i
ngbutmymi ndwason
howhotshel ooked,mycousinwasgoi ngtohi
t
onhernodoubt .Ifnothimthenmyfriends,
wel
l
businessassoci
ateswer egoi
ngtohitonheral
l
night.Ihadt
odosomet hi
ngabouthow
STUNNI NGshel ooked.
Her
:Mel
o?
Me:
yes,
babe?
Her
:howdoIl
ook?
Hercamerawassi t
ti
ngont hebednextt
ome.
shehastaughtmeat hi
ngort woaboutt
aking
theperf
ectpi
ctur
e.Shewasst andi
nginfr
ontof
themirr
oradmiri
nghowgoodshel ooked.And
dareIsayshewasperfect
ion!
Me:
youl
ookbeaut
if
ul
Thewor dsj
ustsli
ppedri
ghtoutofmymout h.I
tookhercameraandtookpictur
esofher,she
star
tedposi
ngformeasIshower edherwit
h
compliment
sleftri
ghtandcentr
e.
Her
:come,
yourt
urnnow
Me:
usemyphone
Her
:af
terIt
akeaf
ewwi
thmycamer
a
Therewasnof i
ghti
ngwithher,Ialway sl
ether
winanyway.Il
ethertakethepicturesandshe
mademeposeev er
ynowandt hen, i
twastir
ing
butIdi
ditanywaycompl ai
ningev ery2seconds.
Me:
wegoi
ngt
obel
ate
Her
:youtheguestofhonour
,youandy
ourt
win
soyoual
l
owedt obe
Ichuckl edandf l
ashedherasmi l
ewhi chshe
captured.Shet ookaf ewshortswi thmyphone
andt henwet ookaf ewmor et ogetherbefore
l
eav i
ngt hef
lat.I
twas10t o6al ready.Idrove
offtomypar ent’splace.Igotinthey ardand
parkedmycar ,
thest r
eetwaspackedwi t
hnice
carswhi chmeantt hiswasn’tani nti
mat e
gathering.TrustMr sBesst ogoal l
out.Igotout
ofthecarandwentt oopenherdoorf orher
t
henputmyar
m upf
orhert
ohookherar
mint
o
mine
Her
:whatabouty
ourmom?
Me:
whatabouther
?
Shelookedatmeconfused.Wewalkedinand
greet
edaf ewbusi
nessassoci
atesandthenI
wenttofindmyparent
sbutbumpedi nt
oIyaon
myway .
Her
:Heyhandsome
Shesai
dhuggi
ngmemaki
ngmel
etgoofYay
a
Me:
hel
l
osi
ster
.
Ibr
oket
hehug
Me:
howar
eyou?
Sherespondedl
ooki
ngatt
heev
ersobeaut
if
ul
Yayanexttome.
Her:
I’m good.Yay
ayoul
ookBEAUTI
FUL!How
ar
ey ou?
Yay
a:t
hanky
ou,
I’
m goodt
hanksandhowar
e
y
ou?Youl
ookj
ustasbeaut
if
ulbyt
heway
Her
:thanks.
Me:
anyi
deawher
ethepar
ent
sar
e?
I
ya:
theybypool
mingl
i
ng.Why
?
Ijustlookedatherandt ookYaya’
shandinto
mi neandl eftI
yastandi
ngthere.Wewalkedout
tot hepool andspott
edthem t
alkingt
oLinda’
s
mom.
Me:
mom,
dad,
MrsMbi
ra
Mom:
heybaby
,heyYandi
Mr
sMbi
ra:
heyDer
ri
ck
Theybot
hkissedmeont
hecheek,
thenbot
h
greet
edYandi
swa
Dad:
son,
Yandi
swa
Webot
hshookhi
shand.
Me:mom, dadandMrsMbir
ameetmy
gi
rl
fr
iendYandi
swaGxaba
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
24]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
35-#Unedi
tt
ed
Anor malgir
lf
riendwoul dbeexcitedtobe
i
ntr oducedtot heparentsbutnotYandiswa
Gx aba.Iwasn’tfazed, t
heintr
owasal i
ttl
etoo
soon.Coul dn’
thehav ebeenal i
tt
lebi
tpat i
ent?I
wasst unnedifyouaskme, Ir
eall
ydidn’texpect
thatt ohappen.Itsonlybeentwoweeks!
Ama:soyouther
easonhehasn’
tbeensl
eepi
ng
homelat
ely
If
akedashysmil
e.Thiswasoverwhel
mingfor
me.Mel
oshouldnothavedonethat
,ali
tt
le
war
ningwoul
dhav
ebeenmuchappr
eci
ated.
Dad:
I’
m gl
adhef
inal
l
ycamet
ohi
ssense
Hi
m:geezdad
MrsMbi
ra:
she’
sawonder
ful
gir
lthi
sone,
keep
her
Hi
m:Ipl
antodonot hi
ngl
ess.Uhhm guy
smay
wepl
easebeexcused
Mom:
I’
m gl
ady
out
woar
eat
hingbyt
heway
Shesaidwi
ththatchar
mingsmi
le,Ir
etur
neda
col
done.Hereall
ytookmebysurpri
se.We
walkedi
nsi
dethehouseandwebumpedi nt
o
Ase
Ase:
andwher
ear
eyout
woof
ftohandi
nhand?
Sheaskedwi
tht
hatsmi
l
eofher
sthatsay
sal
ot.
Hi
m:wewi
l
lbebacki
n5mi
nut
esMel
Her
:uhhm ok
Ij
ustsmil
edatherandwal
kedbehi
ndMel
oto
whereIam assumi
ngwashi
sroom,wewal
ked
upthestai
rsandheadedtothesecondr
oom
andbythelooksoft
hingsIwasright
,wewer
e
i
nhisroom.
Him:Iknowy oumad.ButYandi
swaIhadt
oo,
I
coul
dn’tkeeppret
endi
nganymore
Ilookedathi
mt emptedt osl
aphim butalso
temptedtopi
nhi m onthedoorandkisshi m.i
ts
cutebutit
sscarybecauseitsbadenought hat
hismom adoresmeandnowt hi
s?real
ly
?That
womani sasweetheart,butt
hisist
oomuch.
Hi
m:pleasesaysomething.yel
latmeorsl
ap
meorsomething.j
ustanythi
ng
Il
ookedathi
mforsomet
ime.
Me:
ali
tt
leheadsupmay
be?
Hi
m: Iknowy oudon’
tbel
iev
emebutIdidn’
t
pl
ant hi
s,Iwasn’
tpl
anni
ngwhatIdidoutt
here,
i
tjusthappenedok?andIam sor
ry
Me:it
snotthatIhat
ewhatyoudidbutMel
oI
wasn’
tready,
we’veonl
ybeentoget
herf
or2
weeks
Hi
m:so?Yandi
swadoy
ounotbel
i
evei
nus?
Me:
what
?
Him: y
oukeepremindi
ngmethatwe’
veonly
beentogetherf
ort
woweeksasifyouhav
e
otherplans
Me:Idon’
thaveotherplansMelo,y
ouyoursel
f
sai
dyouwantedtot akethi
ngsslowandthat’
s
howIwouldli
kethingstobe.Sl
ow
Him:sowhatexactl
yar eyousayi
ngYandi
swa
becauseIam soconfusedri
ghtnow
Me:thelastt
hingIwantedwast oarguewith
youMelo.What sdoneisdonealr
eady,next
ti
mepleasejustkeepthingsatareasonabl
e
pace
Henodded,hisnodwasn’tasassuri
ngthoughit
wasalmostasifhewasscar edorworri
ed
aboutsomethi
ng.Icuppedhisfaceandlooked
deepint
ohiseyes
Me: looki ntr
oducingmewontmakest ay,
waitingf ormont hst ohav esexwontmakeme
stayei t
her .Mypoi ntisIam wi t
hy oubecauseI
wantt obewi t
hyouandnotbecauseof
everythingy ounot .IloveyouMel okuhl
efor
whoy ouar eandnotwhoy outr
ytobe.I
under standt hatyouwantt odothings
di
f f
erent l
ywi thmebutsomet hi
ngswontwor k
asy ouwi shtheywoul dok?
Henodded.Ipul
l
edhisf
aceintomineand
ki
ssedhi
scuteli
psandhelookedatmeand
smil
ed.
Him:Iheary
ou.Yousai
dsomet
hingaboutnot
havi
ngtowait
Hesai
dgr
abbi
ngmyass
Me:
heypeopl
ear
ewai
ti
ngony
ou
Hi
m:l
ett
hem wai
t
Hesaidr
oll
i
ngmydressupandpi
cki
ngmeup,I
coul
dn’
thel
pbutgi
ggl
easheledmetohi
sbed
Me:
thedoor
Isaidinbet weent hekissbutMel owasn’ t
hear i
ngme.Ipul ledawayf rom t heki ssandhe
l
ookedatmeal mostannoy edandhegotof f
andwentt ocloset hedoor .Yeswewer egoing
tohav esexunderhi spar entsroof .Hecame
backandheki ssedmepassi onatelywhi l
e
takingmydr essof fgent l
yaspossi ble,t
heway
het ouchedmewasasi fhewashandl i
nga
deli
catef l
ower .Eachki sssentchi l
lsdownmy
spineandeacht ouchdi dt hingst ome.Ist il
l
don’tknowhowhedi ditbutDAMN!Hewenton
totakemyunder wearof fandt henwentont o
takemybr aof fandt henst uckhi sfingerinand
outwhi lekissingme.Whenhewasdoneandhe
wassur ethatIwaswetenoughhet ookouta
condom andsl ippedi tont hent riedinserti
ng
himsel fbuttonol uck,hel ookedatme
Hi
m:shoul
dIst
op?
Ishookmyhead
Het ri
edagai nbutst il
lnothi ng,hetookt he
condom of fandt r
iedinser ti
nghi mselfagai n,i
t
wassopai nful hewant edt ost opbutIwasnot
havingt hat .I
’vebeenwant i
ngt hismanf ora
everyl ongt imenowandIwasf i
nall
yget t
ing
him, mycooki eneededt ost opact i
ngl i
keabr at!
Iwast heper sistentonemor ethanhewas,
event uall
yhesucceededanddar eIsayI
screamedashewenti n,lucki l
yhislipswer e
smashedi ntomi netor efr
ai nmef r
om maki ng
noise.Whatst art
edof fpainf ulendedupi n
pleasur e,Icamebef orehepul ledout ,
het ooka
towel andwi pedusbot hcl ean.Hecameback
andl aidbesi demewhi l
er estinghisheadonhi s
handandwat chingme.hesmi l
edatmepl ayed
withmywel l
shapedey ebrows.Hechuckl ed.
Me:
what
?
Hi
m:not
hing
Hesai
dwi
thasmi
l
e.
Me:
what
?
Hi
m:i
didn’
tthi
nky
ouhadi
tiny
ou
Me:
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Hegotupandst art
edget t
ingdr essed.You
knowMel oisabouttosaysomet hingsi
llywhen
hekeepsl aughi
ngandnotr eall
ysay i
ngwhat
he’sthinki
ngofsayingreall
y .Hewasal ready
standingbythebathroom door .
Him:y
ouwentf
rom keyhol
etot
hegr
eathol
e
ofKi
mber
ly
Ihadnor esponse,hewasi nst i
tchesof
l
aught erandsowasI , howdi dhecomeupwi th
thesebombs?Mel okuhl ewasgoi ngstr
aightto
hellnodet ourorwhat soev er!Idon’
tthi
nkIhav e
metany onesill
i
erthanhewas.Thi sguyjust
keptdr oppingthesebombs.Igotupandl ooked
formyunder wearandt henwor emydr ess,I
hadnor esponseforMel okuhle.Iwastir
ed
actuall
y .Hecamebackandhewor ehissuit
andshoes, yeswegotcar riedaway ;
Ifi
xedmy
hairintothewayi twasbef oreMel ohappened
andhefi
xedhis.Melor
eall
ytoremeupandit
wasonl
yoner ound.Whenwewer edone
get
ti
ngdressedwewalkedoutandheaded
downst
air
s.WemetAseont heway
Her
:wher
edi
dyouguy
sdi
sappearof
fto?
Wel
ookedateachot
herandsmi
l
ed.
Ase:
Itakei
tweongoodt
erms?
Sheaskedwi
thasmil
e,welookedateachot
her
andnoddedl
i
keli
tt
leki
ds.
Hi
m:nowi
fyoudon’
tmi
nd
Me:
Ilov
eyourdr
essbyt
heway
.
Her
:thanky
ou,
Ilov
eyour
s.Youy
our
sel
flook
amazing
Me:
thanky
ou,
Ihadt
omakeani
mpr
essi
on
Isai
dey
eingMel
o
Him:
uhhhm seemi
ngl
yI’
m notneededher
e.
Seeyouar
ound
Hesai
dki
ssi
ngmycheekandt
henhewal
ked
awayf
rom us
Her :
okwhatam Imi ssi
ng?YouandMelohat
ed
eachot hersgutsj
ustlastweekandnowhe’
s
kissi
ngy ourcheek?Didthedevi
ltakea
vacationorsomet hi
ng?
Il
ookedatherandl
aughed
Me:
what?No!i
twasal
lanact
,it
sbeenanact
f
ort
hepastt
woweeks
Her
:huh?
Me:t
odayheint
roducedmet oyourmom,
dad
andMrsMbir
aashisgirl
fr
iend
Her:waitsoy
out hegi
rlt
hatwasathi
spl
ace
yest
erdayorthatni
ghtIwentt
oseehi
m?
Inoddedwithasmi
l
e.Shel
ookedatmewi
th
thewidestsmi
le
Her
:soI
yawasr
ightal
lal
ong?
Il
ookedawaywi
thasmi
l
e
Her
:youguy
sar
esosl
y!
Sheplay
ful
l
yhi
tmyshoul
derandwebot
h
l
aughed
Me: Iwantedtotelly
oubutatt hesameti
meI
didn’
twantt otel
lyoujustyet
,Iwaswait
ingon
yourbrothertosharethenewswi t
hyouguys
Her
:ar
ght
hatonedoesn’
tshar
e
Shesai
drol
l
ingherey
es
Me: wel
lIwasn’tr
eady,Ist
il
lwasn’tr
eadyfor
today’
sint
roducti
onbutithappenedandther
es
nothi
ngIcouldhavedoneabouti t
Isai
dshr
uggi
ng
Her
:that
’smybr
other
,ful
lofsur
pri
ses
Me:
I’
m st
art
ingt
oseet
hat
Her
:butar
eyouhappywi
thhi
m?
Me:
yesIam
Isaidwitht
hemostwidestsmi
le.Iwashappy
withmyman, t
hiswasli
kether
elati
onshi
pI’
ve
onlyeverwi
shedfor
.Thi
slif
eIwasl i
vi
ngwas
l
i
feI
’veonlyev
erseeni
nmov
iesorr
eadabouti
t
i
nbooks.Iwascont
ent
.
Her:aaaahI’
m sohappyforyou.I
’m gl
adyou
happywi t
hmybr ot
her,I
’
m notgoingtotr
yand
convinceyouofanyt
hingbutIcanseesome
changeinhim.Youthechangehe’sbeen
needinginhi
sli
fe
Shesai dsmi li
ngandIsmi ledback.I ’m glad
thatIwaschangi ngMel o,scar ybutexci t
ingt oo.
Wecont i
nuedchat tingandt henweheaded
down, theirfat
herandmot hermadeaspeech
andwi shedt heirchil
drena“ happybi r
thday ”and
thentheycutsomecakeandpeopl emi ngled.I
waschi ll
ingwi t
hhi ssister
sandLi ndabecause
theywer et heonlypeopl eIknewohandLi nda’s
cousinsister.Linda’scousinsi sterandwer ein
thekit
chenpour ingdrinksf ortheot hergirl
s
Me:
Inev
ergoty
ourname
Her
:it
sSi
not
handoBashe,
youar
e?
Me:
Yandi
swaGxaba.Wai
t,Bashe?
Iwasconf
used.
Me:Idon’
tmeant
obef
orwar
dbutwhoi
syour
f
ather
?
Her
:ThandoBashe…why
?
“
whatar
eyout
wol
ookal
i
kest
alki
ngabout
?”
Melosaidhuggingmefrom behi
ndandkissi
ng
mycheek.IlookedatherandNO!wedidnot
l
ookal i
ke,wemayhaveaf ewresembl
ances
butthat’
sasfarasi
tgoes.HerThandocant
possibl
ybemyThando, wecantpossi
blyshar
e
afather.
Us:
wedon’
tlookal
i
ke
Wesai
datt
hesamet
ime,
Mel
ojustl
aughedat
us
Hi
m:r
ii
ii
ght
…readyt
oleav
e?
Me:
alr
eady
?
Hi
m:y
oust
il
lwantt
ost
ay
Inodded
Hi
m:30mor
emi
nut
esandwel
eav
e
Me:
don’
tyoul
i
kebei
nghome?
Hi
m:Il
ovebei
nghome,
butIl
ovebei
ngwi
thy
ou
ev
enmore
Hesai
dkissi
ngmycheek,Si
nocoughed
si
gnal
l
ingherpr
esencei
ntheroom
Hi
m:cl
osey
ourey
eswena
Her
:what
ever
.I’
l
lbeout
side
Me:
WEwi
l
lbeout
side
Isaidt
aki
ngt
heotherdri
nksandl
efthi
m
standi
ngt
her
eandfoll
owedSino
Me:pl
easet
akemynumber
,If
eel
li
keweneed
t
otalk
Her
:uhhm whenIgett
omyphonet
hen
Me:
great
.
Wegott ot
hegirl
sandgavethem t
hei
rdr
inks
thenweconti
nuedtal
ki
ngaboutsomegir
lstuf
f.
After30mi
nutesonthedotMelocameandsat
ont
opofme
I
ya:
rubi
tinMel
o
Hi
m:ai
ntmyf
aul
tyourassi
ssi
ngl
e
Me:
andIdi
dn’
tsi
gnupf
ort
his,
getupof
fme
Him:NOPE!I
’
llgetupwheny
ouhav
esai
dyour
goodby
es
Irol
l
edmyey esandthegirl
slaughed,i
nst
ead
ofsavingmet heyl
aughingatme…ouch!Isaid
mygoodby estothem andthehegotupas
promised.Wewentt ofi
ndhisparentstosay
ourgoodbyes.
Mom:
youguy
sar
eleav
ingal
ready
?
Him:yeah,she’
sti
redmom sheneedsher
beaut
ysleep
Dad:
rii
i
ight.Any
wayhappybi
rthdayagai
nson
andwewi l
lseeyouatbr
eakf
ast
Hi
m:br
eakf
ast
?
Mom:
yeahbr
eakf
astat8am shar
p
Hi
m:huh?what
?!
Dad:
noget
ti
ngoutoft
hisone
Hi
m:f
ine
Mom:
yout
ooYandi
swa
Il
ookedather
,It
hinkshockwaswr
it
tenal
lov
er
myface
Her:
don’
tlookatmel
i
ket
hat
.Weexpectt
osee
youtoot
omorrow
Me:
yesMa
Shepull
edmeinforahugandwhi spered“t
ake
car
eofhim pl
ease”t
henshebr oket
hehugand
smiledmaki
ngmesmi leri
ghtbackather.We
sai
dourgoodbyestohisparent
sandthenwe
walkedoutt
ohiscaranddroveofft
ohi spl
ace.
.
.
<3
Guy
sIam sor
ryt
hisi
sonl
ycomi
ngnow,
Ionl
y
gottomylaptoptodaylateandIhadt owaitfor
i
ttochargebeforeIcouldtypeaninsert
.Iam
sodrai
ned,thenextonewi l
lcomet omorrow.I
am sor
ryforthei
nconveniences.
[10/
07,
20:
24]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
36-
Mel
o
Wegott omypl aceandweheadedupwi th
Yayast ri
ppingherclothesofflay erbylayerasI
walkedbehi ndherpickingthem up.Yay aisa
cl
eanper sonandI ’
m aneatf reak, shelikesto
dothingst hatwil
lannoyme.l ikebr i
ngingf ood
uptot her oom orl
eavingclothesl yi
ngar ound
j
usttogett omeort omakemet al
k.Thet hings
wedobecauseoft hesegirl
fri
ends.Wegott o
myr oom andshewasal r
eadyl eftwit
hherbr a
andunder wearwi t
hherhai runtied-wellshe
unt
iedi ttheminutewegott othecar -.
Her
:canIgetamassagebef
orewesl
eep?
Me:
thatt
ir
ed?
Her
:heel
sar
enochi
l
d’spl
aybabe.
Me:
Itol
dyout
ogowi
tht
hel
esshi
ghones
Her
:Nal
edi
sor
tofwar
nedmei
fIcanputi
tthat
way
Me:
war
nedy
ouaboutwhat
?
Her:shesaidwhatify
ouint
roducedmet oy
our
parent
s,Ineededtomakeanev er
last
ing
appearance
Il
ookedatherandj
ustchuckl
ed.Wasshe
ser
ious?
Me:myparentshavemetyoubef
oreona
numberofoccasi
onsYaya
Her
:yes,
butnotasy
ourgi
rl
fr
iend
Me:
right
…Ineedashower
Isai
dtakingmyclot
hesof
fandwewentto
showertoget
her
.Wehadasteamysessi
on
whichwef i
nishedintheroom.Sexwi thYaya
wasAMAZI NG!Howcoul dIeverleavethat
?
Shewasf l
exibletoowhichwasanext raplus.
Bythetimewewer edonewewer ebot h
breat
hingheavilyanddrai
ned.Ipull
edhertomy
chestandkissedherforehead.
Her
:youar
easexaddi
ct!
Me:
say
stheper
sonwhowasj
ustont
opofme
Shehi
tmeonmychest
Her
:doy
ouev
ernothav
eananswer
?
Me:
nope!
Her
:ofcausenot
.whyam Iev
enaski
ng?
!
Shesai
dyawni
ng.
Me:
let
ssl
eepbabe
ShenoddedandIpull
edtheblanketupoverus
andwefell
asleepi
nstant
ly.Iwokeupto
someoneplay
ingwit
hmyf ace,ifyouknowthat
thi
ngbabi
esdot ot
heirmom whenshe’ s
sl
eepi
ngbyputt
ingthei
rti
nyhandsall
overt
he
mom’sface,
wellt
hat’
swhatYandiswawas
doi
ng.
Her
:wakeup
It
ri
edopeni
ngmyey
es.
Me:
howar
eyouupt
hisear
ly?
Isai
dopeni
ngmyey
esy
awni
ng.
Her
:ther
e’sbr
eakf
astwi
thy
ourpar
ent
sat8so
l
et’
sgoshower
Me:
whatt
imei
sit
?
Ir
eall
ydi
dn’twantt
owakeupbutifIdi
dn’
t,
Mrs
Besswasgoingtor
ockupatmyplaceand…
well
youknowhowmot her
scanget.
Her
:it
squar
terpast6.Sol
et’
sgowash
Me:l
etmecal
lherf
ir
st,don’
tevenknowwher
e
wehavi
ngt
hisbr
eakfastofher
s
Shehandedmemyphoneonhersi
deofthe
tabl
e,Idi
all
edmom’
snumberandi
trangf
ora
whi
l
ebef
oresheanswer
ed.
/
/Me:
mor
ningmom
Her
:mor
ningbaby
,howar
eyou?
Me:
goodandy
our
sel
f?
Her
:I’
m gr
eat
.so…y
ouandYandi
swa
Me:
whataboutmeandYandi
swa?
Yay
alookedatme
Her
:howl
ong?
Me:
twoweeksagowhenshewashospi
tal
i
zed
Her
:andy
ouonl
ytol
dusy
est
erday
…
Me:itwasunplannedmom pl
usy
out
oldmet
o
br
ingmygirl
fri
end
Her
:Iexpect
edKat
eorsomeone
Me:
Itol
dyouKat
edumpedme
Her:y
eahbutIt
houghty
ouguy
shadpat
ched
t
hingsup…youknow
Me:
nahmom wedi
dn’
t.
Her:I
’m gl
adt
hough.Yandi
swaisagoodchi
l
d,
sheremindsmeofmy sel
fwhenIwasar
ound
herage
Me: al
lri
ght.l
et’
shavethi
sconv er
sat
ionsome
otherti
memom.weneedt oshowerandgo
fetchhersomeclothesatherpl
ace
Her
:sl
eepov
ersal
ready
?Youguy
smov
efast
Me:
mom don’
tok.pl
easej
ustdon’
t
Her
:what
?I’
mjustsay
ing.Mel
o
Me:
mom
Her:
treatt
hatchi
l
dwel
l
,shewi
l
ltakey
ou
pl
aces
Me:
hahahaI
’
m al
readygoi
ngpl
aces
Her
:yout
hinky
ourf
athergott
owher
ehei
s
nowbyhi
mself
?
Me:
ofcausenot
Her
:exactl
y.Onedayyou’l
lrememberthi
s,me
t
ell
i
ngy outotr
eatherr
ightbecauseatsome
poi
nti
nyourl
i
fei
twi
l
lpayof
f
Me:t
hanksmom.sot
hereal
reasonIcal
led
wastoaskwher
ewehav
ingthi
sbreakf
ast
Her
:her
eathome
Me:
real
l
ymom?
Her
:yes.Wehav
ingbr
eakf
asther
eathome
Me:
yes,
ma’
am.By
efornow
Her
:by
ebaby
.Happybi
rt
hday
Me:
yeaht
hanks,
yout
oo/
/
Shel aughedatmemaki ngmel aughtooandwe
droppedt hecall
.Ineverknowwhatt osaywhen
someonesay shappybi r
thdayt
ome, say i
ng
thanksf eel
sli
kecheat i
ngandsoIsayy out oo
toav oidanyawkwar dness.WhenIwasdone
tal
kingt omom webot hgotupt oshowerand
thenwhenwewer edoneIwor eshortsandat -
shir
twi thsneaker
sthenshet ookhert hingsand
webot hwenttoherplace.Iparkedinsidethe
yardandwewenti nside.Wegott oherr oom
andshewentt
ohercl
osett
opi
ckout
somethi
ng
Her
:wi
l
ljeansbef
ine?
Me:
hav
eyouseent
hesunout
side?
Her
:Idon’
tknowwhatt
owear
Me:j
ustwearasummerdress.It
’snot
hing
f
ormalchi
l
l,pl
easenoneedforheel
s
Her
:what
ever
!
Shecameoutwear ingacutepi
nkdress,
ithel
d
herupperbodytoowellandwasopenand
l
oosefrom thewaistdownitwasn’
tshor
tnor
wasitlong.I
twasper f
ect
.Sheworeitwi
tha
ni
cesandal
Her
:howdoIl
ook?
Me:
li
keal
i
ttl
epr
incess
Shecli
ckedhert
onguel
ooki
ngal
lki
ndsof
ador
able.
Her
:what
ever
.
Me:
let
’sgowoman!
Her
:ok,
waitasecondt
her
e’ssomet
hingIneed
t
ogetfi
rst
.
Shewal
kedbackint
ohercl
osetandshecame
backwi
thapaperbag,
shesatontopofme
Her
:her
eyougo.Happybi
rt
hday
Ilookedatherindisbeli
ef.Itol
dherIdidn’t
wantapr esent
,especial
lyonef r
om her.thelast
thingIwantishergoingal l
outandspendi ng
herhardearnedmoney ,
she’sstil
laf
irstyear
studentf
orChristsake!
Her
:openi
t
Itookitandlookedi nsideandf oundamar oon
boxwr i
ttenCartierinit
ali
cswhi chmeantitwas
expensive,whateverwasi nsidehadtohav e
costheral ot
.Itookt heboxoutandsheputt he
paperbagnextt ous.Iopenedi tandithada
watchwi thmyi nit
ialsembeddedont hebel tof
i
tandont hestainlesssteelpartoft
hewat chat
t
heback.Il
ookedather
Her
:doy
oul
i
kei
t?
Me:
IthoughtIt
oldy
ounogi
ft
s
Her:
cany
ouj
ustsayt
hanky
ouandscol
dme
l
ater
Shesai
dpout
ingmaki
ngi
timpossi
blef
ormet
o
evenbemadather
.
Me:
thanky
oubaby
Isai
dki
ssi
ngheront
hel
i
ps.Shebr
okei
t
Her
:happybi
rt
hdayMel
o
Me:
thanky
oubabe.
Her
:ok.l
et’
sgonow
Shesaidat
tempti
ngt
ogetoffofmebutIdidn’
t
l
ether,myhandswer
esupport
ingherassas
shesatontopofme
Her
:wegoi
ngt
obel
ate
Me:
so?
Ipul
li
ngherontopofmeandt
henf
li
ppi
ngus
oversoIwasontopofher
.
Me:
ali
tt
lequi
cki
ewoul
dn’
thur
tnowwoul
dit
Shegi
ggl
edasImademywaydownt
oherneck
l
eavi
ngtr
ail
sofki
sses
Her
:itwoul
dact
ual
l
y,par
adi
secomesatacost
Istoppedandlookedatherandlaughed.My
egowentf r
om a10t oa100.Nothingbeats
heari
ngthatyourDishuge,evenifshedidn’
t
putinmanywor dsbutthati
shmakest heEgo
goup.
Me:
youar
esomet
hingel
se.
Iconti
nuedwi thwhatIstart
edmakingher
moanandcal lmyname.wedi dn’
tmakelove,
wef *
cked,reall
ygoodev en.ShecameandI
camer i
ghtaf t
erher.shegotupandwenttothe
bathr
oom andf ol
lowedher,weneededt
oget
cl
eanedupbef oreweleft
.Whenwewer edone
wit
hev er
ythingIaskedhert ohel
pmeputmy
newwat
chonandt
henwel
eft
.
Me:remi
ndmetopassbythepharmacy
,we
don’
twanty
ouget
ti
ngpregnantnow
Her
:mymom woul
dki
l
lme!
Me:
andwedon’
twantt
hat
.Ist
il
lneedy
oui
n
myl
ife
Shesmi l
edandbr ushedmyhandov ert
hegear .
Wegott othephar macyandboughthert he
mor ningafterpi l
l,shedranki tandt henwel eft
formyhome.Br eakfastwi t
ht hef ami l
ywas
nice, i
twasawesomeasusual .UncleDami en
andhi swifeandt heir10-year-oldwer eback
from t hestat es.Mom anddadboughtuscar s,
meaBMW i 8andAsear edmi ni cooper;the
l
at est.Asel ov edmi nicooper sandIl oved
spor tscars.I yaboughtmeaRol exandt her est
oft hegi f
tswer eamazi ngaswel l.Ourpar t
ywas
startingat6pm andt henl ateronwewer e
hitti
ngt hecl ub.Yay aandIl eftandheadedt o
mypl acet odr opt hesegiftsof f.Whenwewer e
donewewentt owatchmovi
esandofcausewe
arguedaboutwhatweweregoi
ngtowatchand
whowaspay ing.
Her
:it
’sy
ourbi
rt
hday
.Youcan’
tbepay
ing.
Me:
wenotar
gui
ngov
ert
hisYandi
swa!
Isai
dgi
vi
ngt
hel
adymycar
d
Yay
a:si
sipl
easet
akemi
ne
Shesai
dgivi
ngtheladyhercar
d.Thel
ady
l
ookedatbothofusandlaughed
Her:y
ouguy sar
esocut
e,howl
onghav
eyou
beentoget
her?
Yay
alookedatmeexpect
ingmer
espond.
Me:
aver
ylongt
ime.t
hanksf
ort
hecompl
i
ment
.
Shegav emethespeedpointt
oinsertmypin
anditsaidi
twasincor
rect
,whenIlookedatthe
car
di twasYaya’
s
Me:
real
l
yYandi
swa?
Shesmi
l
edandnoddedt
aki
ngt
hespeedpoi
nt
f
rom myhandt
oinputherpi
n
Me:
youwi
n;canIhav
emybankcar
d?
Her
:lat
erok
Shesai dkissi
ngmycheek.Thel adygaveus
ourticketsandpopcornwithslushi
esandthen
wewentt owatchthismov i
eofhers.I
twasnot
sobadIguess.Whenwewer edonewewent
shoppingandf rom t
hereonweheadedt omy
place.Itwasonlythenthatshegavememy
card.
Me:
nev
erdot
hatagai
n
Her
:tr
ymakeme
Me:
don’
ttestmeYandi
swa
Her
:yousocut
ewheny
out
ryandactmadat
me
Icli
ckedmyt ongue.It
ookmyshoesoffandgot
ontopofthebedl ayi
ngwithmystomach,Iwas
ti
red.Theti
mewasal i
ttl
eaft
er4pm.If
elther
si
tont opofmyassandl i
eontopofme.
Her
:Mel
o
Me:
mhm
Her
:ar
eyoumadatme?
Me:
nope,
whywoul
dI?
Her
:becauseIkepty
ourcar
d
Me:
ncooooh,
I’
m notmadaty
ouok
Her
:ok
Shesoundedsocut
e,l
i
keakideven.Idon’
t
knowwhenorhowIfel
lasl
eepbutIwaswoken
upbyYaya.
Her
:wegoi
ngt
obel
ate…agai
n
Me:
can’
twecancel
?I’
mti
red
Her
:andhaveAsemahl
eonmycasebl
ami
ng
me?nothankyou!
Igotupanddr aggedmyfeettothebathroom
tofr
eshenup.WhenIwasdoneIgotbackt o
theroom andshewaswear i
ngasexybl ackand
whit
ebiki
ni t
opwi t
hahighwaistbiki
nibottom,
shel ookedchowabl
e.Istoodther
eandadmired
herfrom behindasshelookedather
sel
fint
he
mirror.Theseboysweregoingtowantsomeof
thatnodoubt .
Me:
tel
lmey
ouwear
ingabeachcl
othov
ert
hat
Her
:why
?
Me: I
’
m notgoinganywher
ewithy
oudr essed
l
ikethatYandi
swa.Theseboy
swillbeperving
overyou!
Shet
urnedar
oundandsmi
l
ed.
Her:sowhati
ftheyper
ve?I
’
llbewi
thy
ou
t
hroughout
Shecameandstoodinfrontofme,shewas
weari
ngawhitewit
hblackstri
peswedge.She
cuppedmyface.
Her:
theycanper
veal
ltheywant
,yout
heonl
y
onewhoseatt
enti
onI
’
m after
Me:
andy
ougoti
t
Her
:I’
dli
ket
okeepi
tthatwayt
oo.
Ijustl
ookedatherandl
etherbe.Ipeckedher
l
ipsandwenttogetdressedandpackedupa
bag,Iwasn’
tplanni
ngonstar
ti
ngheref i
rst
.
Me:bet
terpackupthethi
ngsyougoi
ngtowear
att
heclub,weonl
ygoingtocomeheret
osleep.
Her
:yes,
daddy
Shesai
dr ol
l
ingherey
es.t
odaywasgoi ngt
obe
adaytoremember.nomorerandom sexonmy
bi
rt
hday:O
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
24]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
37
Wedr oveofftotheharbourwherewewoul dbe
meet i
ngevery
oneandt heboat.Imustsay
ther
ewer en’
tasmanypeopl easIhadexpected
torockup.May betheyweresti
llcomingorwe
weremeet i
ngthem attheclub,
Idon’tknow.He
switchedofft
heengine.
Hi
m:weher
e
Me:
youdon’
tsoundsoexci
ted
Hi
m:ther
e’snothi
ngwowaboutt
hisr
eal
l
y,al
lof
t
hisi
smysi st
er’
sthi
ng
Me:
whatdi
dyouwant
?
Hi
m:t
hecl
ub
Me:
andwegoi
ngt
her
elat
eron.Cheerup
Hi
m:myconcer
nisy
ouact
ual
l
y
Me:
Me?why
?
Him:someofthegir
lsI
’
vehadfli
ngswit
h
befor
ewhoarefri
endswit
hAsemahlearegoi
ng
tobeheret
oni
ghtandatthecl
ub
Me:
I’
m abi
ggi
rl
,Icant
akecar
eofmy
sel
f
Isai
drubbinghishandov
ert
hegearbuthewas
sti
ll
unassured.
Hi
m:theyaregoi
ngtodothi
ngsorsayt
hings
t
hatmightmakeyouhat
eme
Me:not
hingt
heysayordocoul
dev
ermakeme
hat
eyouMelokuhl
e
Itouchedhi
sfaceandmadehimlookatme,
thi
swhol et
imehewaslooki
ngdown.
Me:Il
oveyouMel okuhl
eandIdon’tcar
ehow
manyrandom chi
cksIcrosspathswit
h.they
ar
eyourpastandIam yourpresent
Hi
m:It
hinky
oumeanf
utur
e
Hesai
dwi
thasmi
l
efor
mingonhi
scut
eli
ps.
Me:
fut
ure?
Him:f
orgetIsaidanyt
hing.Comelet’
sgohav e
somefunandi fanyboydaretri
esthei
rluckon
youYandi
swaIwon’ thesit
ate
Me:
Iknow
Isaidr ol
li
ngmyey es.Thisi sthesameguywho
punchedsomeonef orinsul ti
ngmeatt hecl ub
soIdon’ tdoubtt hatonesi nglebit.Hepl ant eda
kissonmyl ipsbef oreunlocki ngthedoor s.We
gotoutandt heai rfrom thebeachwasnotso
cold,itwasact uallycool.Wewenti nont he
boatandhel edmet othisr oom downt hest ai
rs
toputourbagsandf orwhenIgett ir
edoft he
crowd…t hosetypeoft hi
ngs.Wewal kedout
andheshowedmear oundt heboat ,awhi l
e
l
at erpeoplegotonandi twast imet opar ty.I
waswear ingawedget hatmat chedmybi kini
andhewaswear i
ngshor tsandat -shi
rtwi tha
sandal .Wewentt ochi l
lbyt hepool whereour
fr
iendswer esit
ti
ng, thisboatwasbi ggert hani t
l
ooked.
Ase:
thepowercoupl
efi
nal
l
ydeci
dest
ojoi
nus
Iwassit
ti
ngontopofhi
slapwhi
l
ether
estsat
onthei
rchai
rs.
Mel
o:shutup.
Luc:
soy
out
her
easonhe’
sbeenagoodboy
l
atel
y
Me:
whatdi
dIdo?
Mel
o:don’
tst
art
.Don’
tmi
ndhi
m babe
Hesai
dki
ssi
ngmycheek
Luc:
wellmycousi nov
erherehaslosthisgame.
Hedoesn’tlooki
nanothergir
l’
sdi
recti
on,he
can’
tevencompl i
mentanothergi
rlandri
ght
nowhehasagi r
lonhi
slapandnotsomewher e
makingout.Whathaveyoudonet ohim?
Il
ookedatMeloexpecti
nghimtor
espond.I
meanIdon’
trecal
ltel
li
nghimtodowhatLuc
sayshe’
sbeendoinglat
ely
.
Melo:atsomepointy
ougetti
red…butI
wouldn’
texpecty
outounder
stand
Si
ya:
beabi
tmor
especi
fi
cpl
ease
Mel
o:y
ougett
ir
edoft
her
andom hookupsand
ever
ythi
ngt
heycomewi
th.y
ougott
ogr
owup
atsomepoi
nt
Il
ookedathi
m andsmi
l
ed.Hehasr
eal
l
ygr
own
Ase:
lookaty
oubl
ushi
ng.Comel
et’
sgodance
Me:
we’
l
lgowhenI
’
m al
i
ttl
eti
psy
Isai
dsippi
ngonmydr i
nk.Iwasdri
nki
ng
hunt
er’
sgoldandAsewasdr i
nki
ngacockt
ail
whil
eLediwasdri
nki
nghuntersdr
y.
Ledi
:shehasaboyf
riendnow;chancesar
eshe
won’
tevengett
ipsy
.Let’sl
eav
eher
Me:
real
l
yLedi
Ledi
:yep.ComeMahl
elet
sgohav
efun
Shesai
dpul
l
ingMahl
e’
shandt
ogoanddance
Mel
o:y
ousur
eyoudon’
twantt
ogo?
Hesai
dinmyear
.
Me:Iwantt
ohav
eaf
ewdr
inksbef
oreIcanl
et
go
Hi
m:don’
tletgot
oomuchok
Me:
yes,
daddy
Isaidrol
li
ngmyey es.Justt
henmyst oner
fr
iendsfrom school cametoourt
ablewith
weed…j ustwhatI’
v ebeenwanti
ng.Icouldn’
t
hidemyexcitement .
Si
ya:yousuchastoner
.Justseei
ngan
ocur
pipeexci
tesy
ourass.
Me:whatcanIsay
,it
’st
hebestt
hingsi
nce
sl
i
cedbread
IcouldfeelMel
o’sey
espi er
cethr
oughmyskin,
Ididn’
tevenwanttolookathim.Iqui
ckl
ygot
offofhim andwhentositonthechai
rnextt
o
his.
Si
hle:
andt
hisi
swhywegetal
ong
Hesaidli
ghti
ngitupwi t
hmyhel pofcause.I ’
ll
pickweedoveralcoholanyday!Baedidn’tlook
l
ikehewasast oner.Judgingbyhisf
ace, it
’s
safetosayhewasnotaf anatall
.West art
ed
puff
ingwhil
echat
ti
ngaboutr
andom t
hings.I
off
eredMelosomebuthesai
dnosoIgav ethe
pi
pet oSi
ya.
Me:
whydoy
ouhat
eweed?
Hi
m:whosai
dIhat
eweed?
Me:
yout
heonl
yonenotsmoki
ngi
t
Hi
m:thel
astthi
ngIwantt
odoi
stogethi
gh
wi
thmygir
lf
ri
end
Me:ifyoudon’
tgethi
ghwi t
hme,
thenwhodo
youplantogethi
ghwith?
Hi
m:t
heguy
s.I
tjustf
eel
swei
rdYandi
swa
Me:
o…k
Ipuf
fedsomemoreandblewiti
ntoMelo’sf
ace,
Ij
ustwantedt
oannoyhi
m.theguyslaughed
Si
ya:
youl
uckyyouhisgi
rl
fri
endot
her
wisehe
woul
dhav
ereacteddi
ff
erent
lytot
hat
Me:whatwoul
dyouhav
edonei
fitwer
e
somebodyel
se?
Hi
m:not
hing,
he’
sjustf
ool
i
ngar
ound
Agirl
cametoourtabl
eandsatont
opof
Melo’
slap…sot
hisiswhathewast
alki
ngabout
huh?!
Her
:longt
imenoseeMel
o
Melo:getof
fofmeCelest
e.Can’
tyouseemy
gi
rl
fri
endsit
ti
ngnextt
ome? !
Hesaidpushi
ngherof
fofhi
m butmi
ssywasn’
t
hav
inganyofthat
Si
ya:
cel
est
eleav
e.
Her:ohcomeon,weal
lknowMeloi
sincapabl
e
ofdati
ng.She’
safl
i
ngl
ikeal
loft
hem
Il
ookedatthi
sgirlandchuckl
ed.Shetr
iedto
squeezeher
selfbetweenMeloandIandIlet
herbe.I
’mtoohightobearguingwit
hsomel ow
l
ifebi
tchanyway.
Mel
o:Cel
est
edon’
ttestme.l
eav
e!
Her
oar
ed,
star
tl
ingmeandher
.It
hinki
t’
sthe
weedt
hatgotmest
art
ledl
i
ket
hat
.
Her
:whathappenedt
oyou?
Him:Imetsomeone,
youshoul
dtr
yit
.nowi
f
youdon’
tmind
Thegir
lgotupandlookedathi minshock,he
sli
dri
ghtnextt
ome.shewal kedawaywithher
tai
lbet
weenherlegs.If
eltsorryf
orherreal
ly
.
Me:
youdi
dn’
thav
etober
ude
Hi
m:no,
shedi
dn’
thav
etodowhatshedi
d.
Si
hle:
whatj
usthappened?
Luc:
Melojustsentawayf
reepussy
.SeewhatI
mean,Yay
ay ouchangedt
heguy
Ij
ustshr
uggedandsmokedsomeweed.
Mel
o:f
ormygi
rl
fr
iendy
oupr
ett
ycal
m
Tom:i
t’
stheweed.Ifshewasn’
thighshewoul
d
hav
egoneall
ratchetonthepoorgir
l
Si
ya:hahahabegl
adshe’st
hischi
ll
edey
.Ledi
’
s
at
ti
tudemayhaverubbedoffonher
Me:
hahahav
eryf
unny
.I’
m goi
ngt
odancewi
th
t
hegir
ls.
Igotupandki
ssedMel
owhopul l
edmetohis
l
apand“smooched”meinf
rontofhi
sfr
iends
Luc:
sti
l
lher
eguy
s
Si
ya:
fryuswear
eyoureggs
Icouldn’
thelpbutl
aughatthat .Hecomesup
wit
ht hemostwei r
destt
hings.Mel ol
ookedat
mei nmyey esandthenhesmi l
ed.Hi
slookwas
i
ntimidat
ing,al
mostli
kethefirstti
meImethim
atmypar ty
.
Me:
what
?
Hi
m:i
fany
onet
ouchesy
ou,
it’
l
lbet
hei
rfuner
al
Hesai
dwi
thast
rai
ghtf
ace
Me:
don’
twor
ry.
HeletgoofmeandIwentt othegir
ls,wewere
danci
ngt ogetherandj
ustbei
nggir
lshaving
harmlessfun.Aswewer ebusydancingl
ike
t
hatsomeoney
ankedAse’
sar
mroughl
y
Ledi
:thehel
li
syourpr
obl
em
Hi
m:I
’
m danci
ngwi
thher
Ase:
Khay
aletgoofmey
ouhur
ti
ngme
Hi
m:comeonMahl
edon’
tbel
i
ket
hat
Me:shesaidl
ethergodude,
ify
ouknowwhat
’s
goodfory
ou
Thi
sKhayaguyseemedf
amil
i
ar,hepr
obabl
y
at
tendedt
hesamecampusasus.
Hi
m: Ij
ustwantt
odancewi
thmycl
assmat
e.I
s
t
hatsowrong?
Ledi
slappedhi
m.
Ledi
:shedoesn’
twantt
odancewi
thy
ounow
l
eave.
“
ist
her
eapr
obl
em her
e?”
Mel
owasbehindme,hisbol
dvoice,hiscol
ogne,
t
heygavehi
m away.Whendi
dheev engether
e?
Ohri
ght
,fr
om wher
ewewer edancingy oucan
act
ual
l
yspotusf
rom t
het
abl
ewewer
esi
tt
ing
i
n.
Me:
ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
nebabe
Hi
m:Asemahl
ear
eyouok?
Shewasr
ubbi
ngherwr
ist
.
Ase:
yeahI
’
mfi
ne
Khay
a:comeonAse,
justonedance
Mel
o:di
dthi
sguyhur
tyou?
Hesaidgrabbi
nghissi
ster
shandandshewas
pi
nkonherwr i
st-
Herecomestroubl
e-.Yel
l
ow
bonesbrui
seeasi
ly
.
Melo:whathappenedt
oyourar
m?Di
dhedo
t
his?
Ase:
MeloI’
mfi
ne,
noneedt
ocauseascene.
Khay
aleav
e.
Shelookedatmewithpleadi
ngeyes.It
urnedt
o
Meloandcuppedhi
sf acetolookatme,
AsemahleandIbot
hknowwhatMel ois
capabl
eofandwealsoknowthatt
hispart
y
wouldcometoanendnowifwedon’tgetMel
o
i
ncheck.
Me:Mahl
eisfineok,i
twasal
i
ttl
e
mi
sunder
standingbabe
Hi
m:mysister’
swri
stispi
nk,wher
e’st
he
mi
sunder
standingi
nthatYandi
swa
Herai
sedhi
svoi
ceatmeandIj
ustl
ookedat
hi
m.
Ase:Mel
oI’
mf i
ne,he’
smycl
assmat
eandhe’
s
ali
tt
ledr
unkok.l
etitgo
Isti
l
ldi
dn’tunderst
andwhyhewoul dshoutat
me.Iam nottheonewhobr ui
sedhi
ssi
ster
mos.Iwentbackt othetabl
ewhilet
heysortout
whatev
er.Isatdownandpour edmysel
fagl ass
ofJamesonanddownedi tdownatonego,all
theguyswerelookingatme.
Luc:
isev
ery
thi
ngok?
Inodded.TheJamesonwaswor
kingwonder
s
onmyt
hroat
,itwasbur
ning.
Si
ya:
whatdi
dMel
odo?
Ipour
edmy sel
fashotofv
odkaandnowIwas
morecal
m.Mel ocametositnextt
omeand
tookmyhandbutIpull
edi
tawayf r
om hi
m.
Si
ya:
whatdi
dyoudo?
Mel
o:not
hing.Yay
aI’
m sor
ry
Hesaidlookingatme….hecont i
nued“ Idi
dn’t
meant osnapaty ou”Idi
dn’tr
espond.Ijust
pouredmy sel
fanothergl
assofJamesonand
thi
stimeIdidn’tdri
nkitl
i
keashot ,
thisthing
wasst r
ong.Howdi dpeopledri
nkthis?
Hi
m:Yay
apl
ease
Me:t
hisisthesamet hi
ngyoudidtomewhen
wefi
rstmet,yousnappedatme.Ididn’
tinvi
te
Khay
aov er
,Ididn’
taskhimtoyankyoursist
ers
ar
m Melokuhle,i
twasnotme.
Hi
m:I
’
m sor
rykal
okuYay
a
Heat
tempt
edt
otouchme
Me:
don’
ttouchmeMel
okuhl
e
Iwasn’tshouti
ngorcausingascenef oranyof
us,ourfri
endscouldn’tev
enhearwhatIwas
sayi
ng.It’
sgoodt hathewouldprotecthissi
ster
butitshouldn’
tcomeatmyexpense, Ishoul
dn’t
havetobet heonet opayforwhateverhappens
tohernow.selfishasthatmaysoundbuti t’
s
tr
ue.
Me:
Ionl
ysteppedi
nbecausey
oursi
sterasked
metoMel
okuhle
Hi
m:xol
okal
okuYay
a(I
’
mreal
l
ysor
ryYay
a)
Hel ookedsocutepleading,howcoul dIstay
madhuh?hewassosi ncereandsoador abl
e.I
kepttryi
ngtobemadbutIcoul dn’
t.It
hinkIwas
drunktoonow.hetookmygl assfrom myhand
andhecameandst oodinf rontofmeand
pull
edmeup…y epIwasdr unkbecauseI
stumbledonhim.
Hi
m:ar
en’
tyout
hecut
est
Me:
shutup
Hi
m:comel
etsgo
Me:
atl
eastl
etmef
ini
shmygl
ass
Hi
m: nope.Let
’sgo.Guy
swe’
l
lmeety
ouatt
he
cl
ub
Withthatwewal kedar oundt hecr owdand
madei ttother oom hehadshowedmewhen
weent eredtheboat .Iwentt opeef i
rstandthen
changedmybi kiniintomysupersexyl i
ngeri
e.I
wasdr unkbutIwasabl etobest eadyandgo
thr
oughwi t
hmypl anf ortonight.Iloosenedup
myhai randputonsomedar kredl i
pstick,wore
redheelsandwor ebl acklingeri
e.Il ookedsexy
evenifIsaysomy self,Iwasgoi ngt obehi s
Beyoncét onight!Igotoutoft hebat hroom
wheremyphonewasconnect edt osome
speakersplay i
ngDanceForYoubyBey oncé
andstoodbyt hedoormaki ngasexypose.Hi s
j
awdr opped, ImustsayIwasi mpr essedwi t
h
myself
.Hewassit
ti
ngontheedgeofthebed
watchi
ngme.hesmil
edandshookhishead.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
24]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
38–Mel
o
Wasn’tshej ustmadatmeaf ewmi nutesago
anddrunkt oo?t hisgi
rlneverseizestoamaze
me.Iwasl ooki ngatherwi t
hmyj awliteral
l
yon
thefl
oor,shel ookedsodamnsexy !Igotan
i
nstantbonerbyj ustl
ookingather ,may bethe
Jamesonwasal soplayi
ngar ole…Idon’ tknow
butshewasdamnsexyi nthatblackl acewith
redheel
s, herlookwasmor eorl esslike
Beyoncéont hev i
deoofpar t
it
ionwi thherhair
hanginglose.Ift
hiswashowmybi r
thdaysfrom
hereonwer egoingtobet hencanIbeborn
everydayoft heyear
?!Thiswasprobablythe
bestgif
tI’v
eev ergott
enonmybi rt
hday.Forget
therandom sex ,
thi
swaspar adi
se.Ismil
edand
shookmyhead.Howdi dInotknowshecoul d
dance,Idon’tmeanclubdancing…?Imeant his
kindofdancing.She“dancedforme”good.
Whenshewasdoneshecamet ositontopof
meandwr appedherarmsar oundmyneck.
Her
:happybi
rt
hdayMel
okuhl
e
If
li
ppedusov
erandmadeherl
i
eont
hebed.
Me:
wher
ethehel
ldi
dyoul
ear
ntomov
eli
ke
t
hat
?
Shesmi
rked
Her
:Ij
ustcan.
Shepull
edmei nforakiss,herki sswashungr
y.
Itwasn’
tyoursl
owt y
picalkiss,thatwasthe
kindofki
ssthatwassay i
ng“ f*
ckmehar d”and
that’sexact l
ywhatIwasgoi ngt odo.AsIwas
kissingherIwasundr essingher .herboobs
wer enowf ree, Iwentdownt osuckont hem
andshel etoutsl ightmoanswhi lemyhand
madei tswaydownt oherunder wearwher eI
sli
dmyhandi nandst art
edr ubbingherhar d,
shewaswetal r
eadybutIdi dn’ tj
ustwanther
wet .Ikeptf i
nger i
ngherunt ilshewasaboutt o
cum t henIst oppedandl ookedupatherwi tha
smi rk.Itookherunder wearandev ery
thingel se
offofherandst ri
ppedmy selfnakedwi thher
helpt henIt ookacondom andsl ippeditonand
wenti nwi thoutwar ni
ngmaki ngherscr eam.I
don’ tevenknowhowmanyr oundswehadbutI
knowwehadal otofsex.Webot hpassedout
withheront opofme.It hinkt healcohol hada
handi nushav ingsomuchsex.Iwasbr ushi ng
herhai rasshesl eptont opofmej ustadmi r
ing
thisf r
eakofmi ne.I’m gladshewasaf reakf or
me, Iwaspr oudt hatIunl eashedheri nnerf reak.
Me:
Yay
a?
Shewassl eepingpeaceful
l
y.It
ookmyphone
andlookedatt heti
meandi twasjustafter10,
wewer esupposedt obeattheclubbuti tdi
dn’
t
matterbecausemypar tywasrighthere.Igot
heroffofmeasgent l
easIcouldandt henI
woremybr i
efsandcleanedupal i
tt
le,
Ihada
dozenmi ssedcall
sandsodi dshe.Igotbackto
Siy
a.
//
Me: mygirl
fr
iendisher
ewit
hmeandy ou
busyleav
ingmemor emi
ssedcal
l
sthanshe
would.Whatdoy ouwant?
Him:wheredidyouguy
sdisappearof
fto?bot
h
yourphoneshav
ebeenringi
ngunanswered
Me:
thenmay
bey
oushoul
dlear
ntot
akeahi
nt
t
hen
Him:
scr
ewy
ou!WeatCubana,
youguy
s
comi
ng?
Me:
probabl
y,I
’
llhearwhatYay
asay
s
Hi
m:sher
eal
l
yhasy
oubyt
hebal
l
s!
Hesai
dlaughi
ng
Me:you’
l
lunder
standwheny
ouhav
eagi
rl
fr
iend
ofy
ourown.
Hi
m:r
ight
…By
eMel
o//
Iwentbackt ot
her oom andshewasst i
ll
sl
eeping, Icoul
dn’tresistt
akingpi
ctur esofher.
I’
mt hatkindofboy fri
endwhot akesr andom
pict
uresofhi sgir
lfr
iendbecauseshe’ st hat
beauti
ful.Igotdressedandki ssedherf orehead
andwentt ocheckwhatwasgoi ngonupst ai
rs
becauset hemusi cwasst il
lbooming.Ther e
werestil
l peopl
edanci nganddr i
nkingand
havi
ngf un.Iheadedbackt otheroom andYay a
wasn’tont hebedany more,Iwenttocheckon
herinthebat hr
oom andshewast hrowingup.
Me:
howdoy
ouf
eel
?
Shewassi
tt
ingbyt
het
oil
etseat
.
Her
:Iam nev
erdr
inki
ngagai
n!
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
shamemahn
Her
:If
eel
ter
ri
ble.
Shesatdownandpout
ed.It
ookapi
ctur
eofher
Her
:youbet
terdel
etet
hatMel
okuhl
e
Shet
hrewupagain.It
ookaglassandgother
somewaterandgaveitt
oherlaughi
ngather
.
Me:
yousocut
eyouknowt
hat
Her
:scr
ewy
ou
Me:
youdi
d,al
otoft
imesev
en
Shet
hrewt
hewat
eronme
Me:
geeeezYandi
swa!
Her
:thatwi
l
lteachy
ounott
omesswi
thme.
Shegotupandwentt
ogether
sel
fcl
eanedup
bythesi
nk
Me:
noapol
ogy
?
Her
:itwasn’
tami
stake.
Shebr
ushedhert
eet
handwal
kedi
ntot
he
showerwhenshewasdone.It ookmycl othes
offandwentt ojoinher,itwasani nnocent
shower .Webot hgotoutandwi pedour sel
v es,
l
otionedourbodi esandt hengotdr essed.She
woreabl uelowcutj ean, whit
ev estcr optop
butonlyshowedherbel lybutton,adeni mj acket
andnav ysuedeheel swhi chshemademet ie.I
worenav yjoggers,bl
ackt -shi
rt,denimj acket
andblackt imberlands.Wewer eonf leekthat
muchIcansay .Itookourbagsandweheaded
outtot hecarwi thbothourphonesi nherhand.
Idroveust oCubanaandcal l
edSi yawhot ol d
uswher etheywer esitt
ingandweheadedov er
totheirtable.
Ase:
Iwassur
eyouguy
swer
en’
tcomi
ng
Me:whywoul
dn’
twecome?Thi
swasmyi
dea
af
teral
l
Ledi
:sowher
ewer
eyouguy
sany
way
?
Il
ookedatYay
ator
espond
Yay
a:noneofy
ourbusi
ness.
Shesai
dtaki
ngacanofcoke.
Ase:
aren’
tyoudr
inki
ngany
mor
e?
Me:
TheJamesonshedr
ankgothergood
Isai
dlaughingatherandshegavemeadeath
star
einreturn.Imout
hed“sor
ry”
,shej
ustr
oll
ed
hereyes.
Ase:
yousur
eit
’sj
ustt
heJameson?
Shesai
dwinki
ngatYaya.Mypoorbabywas
di
sgust
edbythesi
ghtofalcohol
.Iwhi
sper
ed
Me:
wecanal
way
sgohome
Her
:noi
tsok,
I’
ll
bef
ine
Me:
yousur
e?
Her
:I’
l
lbef
inebabe.Asel
etsgodance
Me:
takecar
eofeachot
her
Yay
a:wewi
l
lify
oul
etus.
Wit
hthattheywalkedawayleav
inguswit
hLedi
andNi
ta.Nitadi
dn’tcometotheboatpar
ty
becausesheget
swat
ersi
ck.
Ledi
:sowher
edi
dyouguy
sdi
sappeart
o?
Me:
asYay
asai
d,noneofy
ourbusi
ness.
Isaidsi
ppingonaglassofHennessy.From
wherewewer esit
ti
ngyoucouldseeherandmy
si
sterastheyownedthedancefl
oor.Nit
aand
Ledideci
dedtoleaveusandgojointhei
r
fr
iends.
Si
ya:
isAni
tast
il
ldat
ingt
hatdude?
Me:
nott
hatIknowof
f…why
?
Luc:
hehasacr
ush
Siya:i
t’
snotacr
ush.Ij
ustt
hinkshe’
spr
ett
y
that’
sall
Me:howlonghaveyouknownherf
ory
out
o
onl
ynoti
cethatnowagai
n?
Luc:t
hatisagoodquest
ion.Si
yawhatdoy
ou
havetosaytothat
?
Si
ya:
bot
hofy
ouar
eret
ards.For
getIsai
d
any
thi
ng
Me:from whatI
’v
egathered,
shei
saser
ious
r
elat
ionshi
pkindofpersoney
Luc:y
ouknowhowBonkeisaboutherdude.
Despi
teev
ery
thi
ngthat
’shappened,
hedoesn’
t
wantanymannearher
Me:
Luci
sri
ght
.
Si
ya:
Icant
akeBonke
Me:confi
dentaren’
twe?IfyouwantherIt
hink
youshoul
dgof orher…attheendoft
hedayi t
’s
notuptoBonke,it
’suptoher
Siy
a:we’v
ebeenfl
i
rti
ngandshe’
sbeen
thr
owingsomeser
iousvi
besatani
gga
Luc:
andy
oust
il
lhav
en’
ttappedt
hat
?
Me:
notev
erygi
rli
sfort
appi
ngcousi
n!
Aswewer esi
tti
ngchatti
ngli
kethatwewere
j
oinedbymycousins,AuntAnathi
’
stwins
(AsakheandAsange)andUncleAlu’
sson,
Alungi
l
e.Wegreet
edeachot
her.Andt
heysat
downandboughtmoreal
cohol
.
Me:
wher
ear
ethegi
rl
fr
iends?
Asange:
wit
hyoursi
sterandt
hei
rfr
iends.
Asakhe:
howisi
tpossi
blet
hatyouofal
lpeopl
e
doesnothav
eagir
lsit
ti
ngonyourl
ap
Luc:hehasagi
rl
fr
iendnowandshe’
sdanci
ng
wit
hMel ody
Alu:
excusemewhat?Der
ri
ckMel
okuhl
eBess
hasagirl
fr
iend?
??
Me:
shutup!
Asange:
whoknewi
twaspossi
ble?
Me:
blameher
,she’
sdi
ff
erentguy
s
Luc:
ncoooooh….Wi
mp!
Me:
shutup!
Alu:
ifyoucanhaveagi
rl
fri
endthent
her
e’sst
il
l
hopeforpoorol
dLucoverher
e.
Hesai
dpat
ti
nghi
sback
Luc:
shutup!
Awhilelat
ert
hegi
rl
scamet
ojoi
nusandmi
ne
satontopofme.
Asakhe:
sot
hisi
sher
?
Inodded
Yay
a:whataboutme?
Heshookhi
shead.
Asange:
youbeaut
if
ult
hat
’sal
l
.
Me:baethesearemycousi
ns,Asange,
Asakhe
andAlungi
le.Guy
sthi
sisYandi
swa,my
gi
rl
fr
iend
Her
:ni
cet
omeety
oual
l
Sheshooktheirhands.Thenightwentwel
lwit
h
ever
yonegett
ingalongandnot roubl
e.Welef
t
thecl
ubaround3am.Whenwegothomewe
headedst
rai
ghtt obed.Thenextmor ni
ng,
we
wokeuparound10, onlybecausemyphonehad
beenri
nging.Icheckedt
hescr
eenandi
twas
Asange.
/
/Me:
dudewhat
?
Hi
m:l
et’
shav
ebr
eakf
ast
!
Me:
youcal
l
edmef
ort
hat
?
Hi
m:duh!
Me:
isn’
titl
atef
orbr
eakf
astnow?
Him:dudeit
spast10.Justwashandcomet
o
Gateway,
bri
ngtheMrsalong
Me:
fine./
/
Bytheti
meIwasdonet al
ki
ngshewasawake
andpressi
ngherphone.
Me:
wegott
owash
Her
:whatf
or?
Me:t
hetwi
nsi
nvi
tedusf
orbr
eakf
astat
Gat
eway
Her
:doIhav
etocome?
Me:
I’
m pr
ett
ysureLuhleandLondekaar
egoi
ng
t
obether
e.Don’
tbelazynow
Her
:I’
m notl
azy
,I’
mti
redt
hat
’sal
l
Me:don’
tbel
ikethat
.WhenwecomebackI
’
ll
besuret
ogiv
ey ouamassageok?
Her
:youdon’
tknowhowt
o
Me:
hav
eIev
ergi
veny
ouone?
Sheshookherhead
Me:
exact
ly.
Iki
ssedherf
oreheadandgotoutoft
hecov
ers.
Me:l
et’
sgoandwash.I
twi
l
lbef
unandy
ou
won’
tregr
eti
t
Her
:fi
nest
opt
ryi
ngt
oconv
incemenow
Wewentt oshowertogetherandgotoutand
woresimple.Whenwewer edoneget t
ing
dressedweheadedtoGat ewayandt heywere
atRoccomamas.Aft ert
hebr eakfastt
urned
i
ntolunchwewenttot hebeach, Ushakatobe
exactandweplay
edthosewatergames.We
hadlotsoff
un.Aft
eral
lthef
unwehadYay a
andIheadedtomyplaceandIgaveherthe
massageofherli
fe
Her
:Ihadmydoubt
s
Me:
youdon’
thav
ethem any
mor
e?
Sheshookherhead.
Her
:youar
ebet
tert
hanIhadexpect
ed
Shewaslayi
ngwithherst
omachbetweenmy
l
egsasIwassitt
ingontopofherassbutnot
real
l
ysit
ti
ngbecausemykneeswer e
suppor
ti
ngme.
Me: neverdoubtmeagai
nMi ssy
.I’
mthebestat
thesethings.Justl
i
keI
’
mt hebestboy
fri
end
EVER
Her
:let
’snotgetaheadofour
sel
vespl
ease
Me:whynot?it
’sfun.It
houghty
oul
ovedi
t
whenIgetcocky
Her
:Ihavemydays,t
odayi
snotoneoft
hem.
I
tsSi
ya’sbi
rt
hdayl
et’
scal
lhi
m
Me:
weseei
nghi
mtoni
ght
Her:he’
smyf r
iendandIcan’
tnotwishhima
happybir
thday
.Wegoi ngtosi
ngforhim
Me:
youcan’
tsi
ng
Her
:so?St
opki
l
li
ngmyv
ibe!
Shet ookmyphoneandwentt oSi ya’scontact
andmademesi ngwi thherthatbor inghappy
bir
thdaysong.Siyawasi nstitchesofl aughter
thi
swhol eti
measwesangf orhi m.Lat eron
around4weshower edandpr epar edt ogoto
Siya’spar
tywhichwasobv i
ousl yatacl ubtoget
drunk.TodayYayaandIpr omi sedeachot her
thatwewer en’
tdri
nking,yester daywast ooepic
sot oni
ghtwasjustachill
edni ghtf orbothofus.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
24]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
39
Imi ssedhome, imissedmymom andi missed
mygr annyt oo.Iwasgl adtobehomebutnot
sogl adt obeawayf rom myguy .Heandi gr
ew
strongerbyt hedayandsodi doursex- game.
Youcangoasf arascal l
ingusaddi ct
s, we'v
e
donei tANYWHEREdoabl e!Ilov edmyMel oand
icouldntwai tforholidaystoendal ready .Mom
andi dr ov eof ftoHillcrestTownshi pwher emy
grandmal ived.Thehousewasntr eall
ypacked, i
greetedSi si whowascooki ngsupperwi thher
favoritesl abofchocol ateandt hengreet edmy
l
itt
lecousi nsi nt heloungebef oregoingt o
granny 'sr oom.Shewassi t
tingpr essi
ngher
phonepr obabl yreadingamessageor
somet hing...younev erreal
lyknowwi thher .
Me:
Heygr
anny
Ibentdownt
ohughert
ightandshehuggedme
ti
ghter
.
Her
:Yandi
!Howar
eyoumybaby
?
Shesai
dki
ssi
ngme.
Me:
i'
m goodgr
anny
,howar
eyou?
Her:
im good.Howsschool
?HowsDur
ban?Di
d
youpass?
Trusthert
obombardyouwit
hal otof
questi
onsatt
hesamet i
me.Isatdownnextto
herontopofthequeensi
zebedinthemiddl
e
oftheroom.
Me:school
isamazi
ng,
ihadthi
sgigtotake
pi
ctur
esatthi
sot
hergr
aduat
ionpart
yjustl
ast
month
Her:t
hat
sgr
eat
,wher
ear
ethepi
ctur
es?Letme
see
Me:
i'
ll
showy
out
omor
row,
theyonmycamer
a
andi
tisi
nthecaratt
hemoment
.
Icantgiv
emygr annymycamer a,t
hereare
somenudeshotsi nther
e;ther
esshotsofMelo,
meandbot hofust oget
hersoNOgr annymust
waitti
l
limovethem tomyl apt
op.
Her
:okmybaby
.
Si
sibr
oughtherfoodandgrannysuggest
edwe
gotot
hel oungei
nst
ead.Theywalkedoutand
l
eftmediall
ingMel
o'snumber.
/
/hi
m:mi
ssmeal
ready
?
Me:
whenhav
einev
ernot
?
Hi
m:y
ouaddi
ctedt
ome
Me:
dontf
lat
tery
our
sel
fSphen
Hi
m:r
eal
l
y?Your
eal
l
ygoi
ngt
ocal
lmet
hat
?
Sphenisachar
acterf
rom Tangl
ed,i
ts
somethi
nghismom usedtocallhi
m whenhe
wasakid.Hehatesmecalli
nghimthat.
Me:
thatwi
l
lteachy
ounott
omesswi
thme
Hi
m:what
ever
.Youhome?
Me:yesi
'
m home,
itsact
ual
l
yther
easonwhyi
cal
l
ed
Hi
m:i
taughty
ouwel
l
Me:
what
?No!It
aughty
ouwel
li
diot
!
Hi
m: what
evermakesy
ousl
eepatni
ght
.Hows
gr
anny?
Me:shewant
stoseepi
ctur
esf
rom t
he21st
but
..
..
Hi
m: ohshi
i
it.
..i
tol
dyout
odel
etet
hose
pi
ctur
es
Me:wetookt
hem t
hismor
ningi
diot
!Wher
e
wasigoi
ngtogett
heti
me?
Hi
m:ont
hebusmay
be?Youcanbesodumbat
t
imes
Me:webackatthei
nsul
tsnow?Thi
s
r
elat
ionshi
pist
oxi
c
Hi
m:y
ousor
ight
.Wear
ebadf
oreachot
her
Me:
sowebot
hagr
ee?Weshoul
dcal
li
tqui
ts
Hi
m:mosdef
inet
ely
.Wedone
Me:
weov
er
Hecrackedupinl
aught
erandsodi
di.Wehad
ourti
meswherewewouldbethi
scrazy
.I
suddenl
ymissedhi
m somuch.
Hi
m:i
missy
oucr
azy
pant
s
Me:
andi
missy
ou
Hi
m:whenar
eyoucomi
ngback?
Me:nexty
earJanuar
y..
.i'
l
lknowwheni
getmy
r
esult
s
Hi
m:Januar
yist
ooof
ar
Me:say
stheper
songoi
ngt
oAmst
erdam f
or
hi
sholi
day
s
Hi
m:i
askedy
ouami
l
li
ont
imest
ocomewi
th
Me:
andi
tol
dyouami
l
li
ont
imest
hati
coul
dnt
Hi
m:y
eahy
eahi
knowganny
'schi
l
dandal
l
...
j
ustcomebacksoon
Me:imakenopr
omi
sesbuti
wil
ltr
ycomeback
ear
ly
Hi
m:notassur
ingbuti
'
llt
akewhat
everi
canget
Me:
ihav
etogo.Il
ovey
ouok
Hi
m:i
lov
eyout
oo.
Ikeptqui
etandsodi
dhe.
Hi
m:dr
opt
hecal
lkal
oku
Me:
whydonty
ou?
Hi
m:becausei
mtheonet
hatcal
l
edy
ou
Me:exact
ly,
youcal
l
edmenott
heot
her
way
ar
oundMel o
Hi
m:wer
eal
l
ydoi
ngt
hishuh?
Me:
seemsl
i
kei
t.
Hi
m:i
fidr
opt
hecal
l
,you'
l
lcal
lmeandshout
Me:
ok,
bye/
/
Knowi
nghi
m hewaspr
obabl
ygoi
ngt
ocal
lme
agai
nt oshoutatmefordroppi
ngthecall
just
l
ikethat.Andj
ustasiwaswai t
ingl
iket
hat,my
phonerangagainanditwashim.
/
/Me:
heyy
ou
Hi
m:i
m nev
ergoi
ngt
ocal
lyouagai
n
Me:
youcal
ledmetot
ell
mey
ounev
ercal
l
ing
meagai
n?Real
l
y?
Him:
nowt
hati
thi
nkabouti
t.
..i
tsact
ual
l
y
dumb
Me:i
tscut
e.I
tst
hesel
i
ttl
ethi
ngst
hatmakeme
f
all
foryou
Hi
m:wei
rdbutok.
..
Me:hahahari
ight.Mel
oihav
etogoeatand
cat
chupwi t
hf amil
y
Hi
m:buti
dontwanty
out
o
Me:
youdonthav
emuchofachoi
ceher
e
Hi
m:y
eahi
guess.By
enow
Me:
byebae/
/
Iwalkedoutoft heroom smi l
ing.Hehadt hat
eff
ectonme, maki ngmesmi lewi t
houtev en
tr
ying.Myboy f
rienddidwonder st omeno
doubt,beithewasar oundornot .Igottothe
l
oungeandconv ersedwiththef amily.I
twas
goodt obehomet hatmuchi cansay .After
suppermom andi droveofftoFer nhil
lmy
home.Ont hewayshewasaski ngmeabout
schoolandMel o.,shesti
ldidntknowMel oandi
weredating.
Me:
hei
sst
il
lanassi
fthati
swhaty
ouaski
ng
Her
:onet
haty
oul
ove
Me:
what
?
Her
:igotacallf
rom Amahl
eBessaski
ngme
t
hatyoujoi
nthem f
orholi
days
Me:
whenwast
hat
?
Her
:aboutaweekago.
..so?
Me:
so?
Her
:you18now,
iwontbemad.Iknowy
ouand
Melokuhl
ear edati
ngim notstupidbutbaby
pl
easedontf or
getthereasony ouevenin
Dur
banok? !Datehim butdontforgett
hatyou
wentther
et oobtai
nyourdegree.
Il
ookedather.It
sshocki
ngthatmom was
gi
vingmet hi
stal
k,di
dMrsBesst elherabout
Meloandi?Nahshewouldntdaretellmom.
Sheissupposedtobemyothermom i nDurban.
Her:dontgi
vemet
hatl
ook.Butpl
easebaby
,
schoolfi
rst
Me:
yessmom
Her
:let
sneverhav
ethi
sconv
ersat
ionagai
n.I
ts
wei
rdandawkward
Me:
yout
ell
i
ngme.
Wegothomeandsheparkedt
hecar
,it
ookmy
bagsandweheadedi
nsi
de.
[10/
07,
20:
24]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
40-Mel
o
Al othashappenedi noneweek, t
hei paidher
backt hemoneysheusedt obuymeawat ch
andy oucani maginehowt hatwent .Shecame
tot heof ficeandputi tonmydesk, that sthe
stubbor ngi rl
fri
endi hav e.Thatsamedayshe
metupwi thhersister,yessheandSi not hando
wer esi st ersandt heyseemedf ondofeach
other ,af ewday sf r
om t hereshet oldmeshe
bumpedi ntoMrBashewhoof feredt ot akeher
outt ol uncht oapologi seforhisbehav i
ourbut
myYay adi dntacceptt heapol ogy ;itri
ed
conv inci nghert obutnopesher efusedandi
didntpushanyf ur
ther,shewoul df orgivehim
whenshewasr eadyt oany way .Shewasgone. .
.
Justl iket hatandi wasonl ygoi ngt oseeheri n
Januar yorsoshesay s.IknowhowDUTi s,
whati ftheyst r
ikeandt henschool startsin
Febr uar y?Icantnotseeherf orthatl ongnow,
i
tsnotf air.Shii
it!Herbei ngawayt hatl ong
meantnosex!Howwasi goingtosurvi
vea
mont hwi t
houtsex?Notjustanysex,butsex
from her.Thi
sisbad!Reallybad!Iwasatmy
placesupposedt obewat chi
ngtvbutmyey es
wer egluedontomywal l
paperwhi chwasmy
l
ov elygir
lf
ri
endsleepi
ng.Asi wasbusylostin
themoment ,myphonerangandi twasher.
/
/Me:
youdontgett
ir
edofmehuh?
Her
: y
ourmot
hert
oldmi
net
haty
ouandi
wer
e
dat
ing
Ichuckl
ed.Mom woul
dnev
er!
Me:nahf
am notAmahl
e.Thi
nkofsomebody
el
se
Her
:ifi
twasnther
,thenwho?
Me:idontknowbuti
tdef
inet
elywasnotMr
s
Bess.
Her
:butMrsBesscal
l
edmom andaskedher
t
hatij
oiny
ouguysforyourt
ri
p
Me:
shedi
dwhat
???
Whyam i ev enact
ingsurpr
ised?Ofcausemom
woul ddothat.Herlat
emotherinlawoncedi
d
that.Seeminglymom wasgr owingupto
becomel i
kemyl ategrandmaBess, ev
endad
saidthatandDami entoo.
Her:
nowt
ell
met
hatshei
snott
heonewho
t
oldmymom
Me: l
ook,iknowmymot herandbel i
evewheni
tel
lyouthis.Shewoul dnevertellyourmom,
may besheaskedy ourmom thaty oujoinus,
thatiam posit
iveshedi dbuttrustmewheni
tel
lyouthatshedi dntsnit
chony ou.Shes
supposedt obey oursecondmom, remember?
Shekeptqui
etf
orawhi
l
eandsodi
di,
itt
henhi
t
me..
.
Me:
doesLathi
thahappent
ohav
eyour
mot
her
'snumber?
Her
:ofcause.I
ncasesofemer
genci
es.Why
?
Me:
doi
alway
shav
etospel
li
toutf
ory
ou.
..i
snt
i
tobv
ious
Her
:shewoul
dntgot
hatf
ar
Me:
wannabet
?
Her
:your
eal
l
ythi
nkshet
oldmom?
Me:checky
ourmom'
sphoneandgetbackt
o
me
Shehuf
fed
Her
:forhersakei
real
l
yhopey
ouwr
ong
Ichuckl
ed
Me:why
?Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odot
oher
?Cani
wat
ch?
Her
:scr
ewy
ouMel
okuhl
e
Me:
youknowi
wantt
o,sobadev
en
Her
:sadl
yyouwont
Me:Yandiswaimissyoudammit
!Imissf
*cki
ng
youti
lthemorni
ng.Imissgoi
ngdownonyou.
Yeses!
Ireal
lydidmissher.Yesi sawherthismorni
ng,
yesi dr
oppedheroffatt hebusstat
ionbutit
didntchangethefactthatimissedher.
..and
herpalace.
Her
:st
opi
t.
Me:
wai
t.
..
.ar
eyoubl
ushi
ng?
Hersowhati
fiam?
Me:ofcauseyouar
e.Dontyoumi
ssme?Dont
youmissbei
nginparadi
se?
Her:y
ouknowi
do.
..gomast
urbat
etomy
nudes
Me:im nott
hatdesper
atenow.I
'
llwai
tti
l
l
Januar
y
Her
:wai
t.
..y
oudont
?
Me:
hel
lno!That
sdi
sgust
ing.
Her
:andgoi
ngdownonsomeonei
snt
?
Me:t
hatsdif
fer
entandyouknowi
t!
Mast
urbat
ingisforl
oser
swhodontgetany
Her:youwontbegett
inganyforawhol
emont
h,
doesntthatmakey
oual oser
?
Me:
whosai
diwontgetany
?
Her
:Mel
okuhl
eify
oudar
e
Me:
chi
l
lwoman
Her
:Der
ri
cki
m ser
ious
Me:
isai
dchi
l
lYandi
swageez.Il
ovey
ou
Her
:tel
lthatt
owhoev
ery
ou'
l
lbescr
ewi
ngi
n
myabsence
Me:
ok.Il
ovey
ou
Her
:by
e!/
/
Shedi
dntevenwaitf
ormyr esponse.Shecoul
d
besodramati
cwhenshewant edto.Mygosh
youwomen!Ideci
dedtoletherbe, it
ext
edher
onwhatsappandsheshockinglyr
esponded.
Thenextdayiwokeupandwenttov
isi
tthe
fami
ly.Wehadanicebr
eakf
ast,
Aseandi
washedthedi
shes.
Her
:wit
hYandi
swagone,doest
hismeanwe'
l
l
beseei
ngal
otofy
ouhere?
Me:probabl
y.
..di
dmom t
ell
Yandi
swa'
smom
aboutus?
Her
:nott
hati
knowof
.Shewoul
dnev
er
Me:
Yay
aref
usest
obel
i
eveme
Her
:sheshoul
daskhermom.
Me:yeah.
..di
dmom tel
lyouthatshecal
l
ed
Yay
a'smom andaskedthatYayagoeson
hol
i
daywithus?
Her
:iwast
her
ewhenshemadet
hecal
l
Me:
ali
tt
leheadsupmay
be
Her:whatfor?Mom likesYandiswa,
not
becauseyouguy saredatingoranyt
hing.
..i
askedherifYandicouldjoinusandshethought
i
twasagr eatidea
Me:andnoneofy
a'l
lthoughtoft
alki
ngt
ome
abouti
t?
Her
:whatf
or?
Me:
isherbei
ngmygi
rl
fr
iendenoughr
eason
may
be?
Her
:yousodr
amat
ic
Shesai
dhandi
ngmet
hel
astdi
sht
opack.
Me:youshoul
dgetaboy
fri
endal
ready
,you
st
art
ingtoannoyme
Her:
andhavi
ngaboy
fri
endmeansi
'
llannoy
youless?
Me:
he'
l
lkeepy
oupr
eoccupi
ed
Her
:ri
ght
Sherol
l
edhereyesandwalkedt
othel
ounge,
i
fol
l
owedri
ghtbehi
ndher.
Me:
sohowl
ongi
sthi
str
ip?
Dad:
meani
ng?
Me:
howl
ongwi
l
lbegone?
Mom:
why
?
Ase:
thi
sisabout"
Yay
a"
Me:
shutup!
Mom:
ithoughty
ouwer
elooki
ngf
orwar
dtot
his
t
ri
p
Me:
wheni
didnthav
eagi
rl
fr
iend.
..
Mom:yourf
atheri
sst
ayi
ngaweek,
youcan
comebackwit
hhim
Dad:
twoweekshoney
.Icantspendchr
ist
mas
al
onenow
Me:howlongwer
eyouguy
spl
anni
ngon
st
ayi
ng?
Ase:amonth.
..duh!Ai
ntl
i
ket
her
esany
thi
ngwe
rushi
ngbackt
o
Me:
right
..
.
Mom:yougoi
ngt
obef
ine.
..y
ou'
l
lgett
obond
wi
thus
Shesai
dfaki
ngawi
desmi
l
e
Me:
exci
ti
ng
Ifakedacheer .Imagi nebeingawayf rom your
futur
ef orawhol emont h?!Thesepeopl ewer e
crazy.Weconv ersedandpl annedactivi
ti
esf or
thetri
p, wewer eleavingtonight.Yayatext
ed
meonWhat sappandconf i
rmedt hatitwas
Lathit
hawhot oldhermom aboutus, sheev en
sentherapi ctureprobablyhopi ngYaya'smom
wouldbr eakusuporsomet hing..
.idontknow
whatshet hinkst hatone.
.
.
♥

[10/
07,
20:
24]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
41
SoIaskedmom andshet oldmet hati twas
Lathi t
hawhot oldheraboutMel oandme, Itold
mom howMel oandIbecameacoupl eseei ng
thatt helastt i
mewespokeofMel oandI ,Isai d
I’
dr atherdiet hanbewi thhi m whichwas
dramat i
cofmenowt hatIt hinkabouti t.Itold
mom abouthowLat hithaandIst oppedbei ng
fri
endsandt het hingsshe’ sdonet oruinMel o’s
l
ifei nawayandi nourcat chupsessi onIal so
toldheraboutMrBashe’ sapology .Iwoul dsay
dad, butthatmani snof athertome.ohandI
alsot oldheraboutmysi sterwhohappenst o
hav et wobr others, SinoandIgotal ongl ikemac
andcheese, shewasi nMat r
icact uall
yat
Dur bangi r
lshi gh,shewas16y earsol dandshe
hadt wobr others,Chr istianandChr i
stopher ,
her
fatherwasengagedt oawhi tewoman.The
twinswer e10y earsol d.Mom adv isedmet hatI
forgivehim, i
twast her i
ghtt hi
ngt odo…wel l
accor dingtoherandMel o.Yest erdayni ghtI
deci dedtomov e“our ”pi ct
urest omyl apt opi na
folderstoredi nanot herfolderandanot her
folderi
ni t
, basicallyt hefoldercont ainingnudes
neededt obehi dden.Theonl ypicturesl efton
mycamer awer epet typi
ct ures,pictur esmeant
formypor tfol
ioandt hegraduat ionpi ctures.We
wentt ohav ebr eakf astov eratmy
grandmot her ’
shouseandmyuncl ewast here,
heandIwer elikef atheranddaught er,together
withmycousi nAwonkewhowas6y earsol der
thanme.br eakf astwasv er yniceandaf ter
breakfast,WonkeandIwentt ot ownt oshop
andbegi r
ls.Wel lalsotocat chupwi theach
other.Myst ubbor nboy fri
endsentmet he
moneyi tcostmet ogethi mt hewat ch….Agai n
thi
smor ni
ng.It ri
edcal li
nghi m buthewasn’ t
reachable,hewasonaf li
ghtt oAmst erdam.
Uncledr oppedusof fatCircusTr i
angl eandwe
headedi nsidechat ting.
Her:
buthowisDurban?Mi
ssyl
ooksBeaut
if
ul,
sheIfl
our
ishi
ng!
Igi
ggl
ed.
Me:
Dur
bani
sDur
ban
Her:ohno!y
ouarenotgoi
ngtotel
lmet
hat
cr
ap!Youdon’tgi
ggl
eandsay“Dur
bani
s
Durban”
Me:
what
?It
’sj
ustasIsayi
tmos.
Her
:andI
’
m wear
ingpi
nkshoesr
ight
?
Shewasact
ual
l
ywear
ingbl
ackandwhi
tev
ans.
Me:
fine.I
’
llt
ell
youwhenwesi
tt
ingdown
Her
:nope.Tel
lmenow
Me: geeez!Sot here’
sthisguy*
Isaidwi t
ht he
mostbi ggestsmi l
es*namei sMelokuhle, he
andIhav ebeendat i
ngfor3weeksnow.Imet
hi
m atmybi r
thdaypar tyandhewasst raightof
GORGE!Wel lhewasal sorudetomesowe
di
dn’tgetalongatal l,t
henextdayhewal kedin
onmenakedi nmyr oom andtheothertimeat
hi
shomehi ssi st
erandIwer ewearingbikini
s,
myt owel f
ellexposingmei nabiki
ni.Theguyi s
cockyandar rogantohandhowcanIf orget…
he’
sar
ichki
d
Her
:soundsi
nter
est
ing
Me:
hegotaBMW i
8forhi
sbi
rt
hdaybyt
heway
Her
:youki
ddi
ngme!
Ishowedherpict
ures.Wewer
elooki
ngar
ound
atspor
tscene
Her
:ist
hishi
m?
Shesai
dshowingapi
ctur
eofMeloinawel
l
fi
tt
edsuitonhi
swayt
owor kathi
sapar
tment
.I
nodded
Her:
dudeheisf
lames!howoldishe?Doeshe
maybehaveabr
otheroradad….I’
m nott
hat
pi
ckyreal
l
y
Il
aughedatherasshedr
ool
edov
erMel
o
Me:hisfat
heri
smarr
iedandno,hei
stheonl
y
son.Pl
us,youhav
eaboyfr
iend
Shewasnowgoi
ngt
hroughmypi
ctur
es;
Idi
dn’
t
mindr
eal
ly.
Her
:bor
ing.Wai
tist
hisAmahl
eBess?
Shesai
dshowi
ngmeapi
ctur
eofMel
owi
thhi
s
mom onhi
sbir
thday
.
Me:
yes,
iti
sshe’
shi
smom
Her:
yourboyf
ri
endisDamonBess’
sson?Gi
rl
you’
vehi
tthej
ackpot!
Me:
what
?Nomahn
Her:whateveryousay.Al
lI’
m say
ingi
sthat
you’vehi
tthejackpot
.Canweswapboy f
riends
please?
Webot
hlaughed
Me: Idi
dn’
tknowhowmuchImi ssedy ourcr
azy
ass.Andno!wecannotswapboyfr
iends.
Her:
fine.Ihavetoask,
withaguyli
ket
his…
don’
tgirl
sgiveyoudeathstar
es?
Me:I
’mlit
eral
lyar
gui
ngwi
thhi
s…what
’st
he
wor
d?..
.fl
ings
Her
:ofcause,
pret
tyboy
sal
way
scomewi
th
baggage
Me:tr
uethatbuthehandlesitandsodoI.at
t
heendoft hedayIdatedhim knowi
ngverywel
l
whathi
spastlookedli
ke
Her
:ncooohy
oungl
ovei
ssoador
abl
e
Me:
what
ever
.Tel
lmeaboutSoso
Herboyfr
iendisacop,he’
s3year
solderthan
herandthey’
vebeenatthi
ssi
ncelastyear
.He’s
agreatguy.Shesmil
ed
Her:hei
samazing,Ikeepwai
ti
ngforhimt
obe
ajer
korsomethingbutnope,
nothi
ng.hei
san
angelbr
uh
Me:
whi
chi
sagoodt
hing
Her:ofcause,wedoarguethoughli
keany
normalcouple.Thi
soneti
mehescol dedmef or
taki
ngat axi
whenIcouldhavejustcal
ledhi
m
Il
aughedather
Her
:I’
m notusedt
othi
s
Me:
ncoooht
hati
ssocut
eofhi
m
Her
:yohha.aheneedstochil
l.I
’
vebeent
aki
ng
t
axi
’seversi
ncemyZingisadays
Me:heisacop,
it’
shisjobt oworr
yabouty
ou.
Especi
all
ywi
tht
het axi
v i
olenceandal
l
Her
:what
everIcant
akecar
eofmy
sel
f
Me:
rii
i
ght
…
Her
:whenwast
his?y
ouguy
slookhot
Itwasapictur
eofustakenbyoneofour
fri
endsatthecl
ubonSiya’sbi
rt
hday
,Iwas
sit
ti
ngonhi sl
ap….
..asusualJ
Me:t
hatwaslastweekSundayatt
hecl
ub,
it
wasoneofourfr
iend’
sbi
rthday
Her
:youguy
sseem t
ogooutal
ot
Me:
hahahahay
eahwedoey
Shesai
dthatshowi
ngmeapi
ctur
eofusont
he
boat
.
Me:
wai
tletmeseet
hat
Her
:it
’sy
ourphonedude!
Shehandedi
ttome,shewasonmyWhat sApp
i
magesanditwasapict
ureIhadnotseen.It
wasacutepi
ctur
ethatmuchIcansay.Ismil
ed
Her
:ok…canIhav
ethephonenow
Me:
jeal
ousymakesy
ounast
y.
Isaidgivi
nghermyphoneandshest uckher
tongueoutatme.Wecont inuedlookingar ound
andt henwewalkedoutandwentt oLegit.Isaw
someol dhighschoolclassmatesandwe
huggedandst ufft
henheadeddi fferentway s.
WhileWonkeandIwer elookingatsome
clot
hesmyphoner angandshehandedi ttome,
i
twasmyMel o.
/
/Me:
heybaby
Hi
m:missedcal
l
sezi
ngakaYay
a?(
somany
mi
ssedcall
s)
Me:
I’
ll
nev
ergetusedt
oyouspeaki
ngXhosa
Hi
m:Isoundsexyr
ight
?Iknow
Me:
Itakei
tyouj
ustl
anded?
Hi
m:y
es,
babewej
ustdi
d
Me:
howwasy
ourt
ri
p?
Hi
m: t
ir
ing.Ij
ustwantt
oshowerandsl
eep.
Whatareyoudoing?
Me:I’
mintownwi
thmycousi
nwi
ndow
shoppi
ng
Hi
m:atl
easty
ou’
l
luset
hemoney
Me:whichisthereasonIcal
led.Mel
okuhl
eI
boughtyouthatwatchbecauseIwantedt
obuy
i
tforyou
Him:Yay
aI’
mtoot
ir
edt
oev
enar
gueaboutt
his
now
Me: wedon’
tevenhavetoar
gueabouti
t
Melokuhl
e,I
’
llt
ransf
erthemoneybackt
oyour
account
Him:takei
tasaChri
stmaspr
esentorahappy
bel
atedgif
torsomet
hing
Me:
no.
Hi
m:doyouhav
etobest
ubbor
nabout
ev
ery
thi
ng?
Me:doyouhav
etobest
ubbor
nabout
ev
eryt
hing?
Hi
m:ser
iousl
y?
Me:Ihaveanidea;
howwouldyouf
eeli
fIpai
d
youbackfort
heNWJgiftsety
ouboughtmeon
mybirt
hday
Hi
m:i
twasagi
ftYandi
swa
Me:
andsowast
hewat
ch
Him:a2pointsomet
hingwat
ch?Real
l
y
Yandi
swa?!
Me:
a1poi
ntsomet
hingsetMel
okuhl
e!
Hi
m:you’
reast
udent
,youcan’
tbespendi
ngso
muchmoneyonme
Ihadnocomeback
Hi
m:Iappr
eci
atey
ourgi
ft
,Ir
eal
l
ydobabeand
thankyouf orit.it
shol i
daysandIam pretty
surethatyouwon’ treal
lybewor ki
ngmuch
therei
nMt hat hasopl easejustkeepthemoney
andbuywhat ev eryouwantt obuyyourselfthi
s
holi
dayrathert hanjust“window-shopping”.Buy
newl i
nger
iet owearf ormenextt i
meIsee
you…any t
hingbabe
Me:
youwon’
tlett
hisgohuh?
Him:I
’
my ourboy
fri
endandI
’
m al
l
owedt
ospoi
l
youever
ynowandt hen
Me:
fine.
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ouok?
!
Me:
Ilov
eyout
oo
Him:sayhi
toWonkeandenj
oyy
ourhol
i
day
s
ok?
Me:
wil
ldo,
thanksandenj
oyy
ourhol
i
day
stoo
Hi
m:by
enow
Me:
bye/
/
Wonke:youguy
sar
eser
iousl
yar
gui
ngabout
money?
Inodded.Comet othi
nkofit,
it’
sall
weever
arguedabout.Meloli
kesspendingmoney,
he
throwsmoneyatev er
ythi
ngIhappentoli
keand
usesmebei ngastudentasanexcuse.
Me:becauseIam astudent,Iam notal
lowedt
o
gethi
m expensi
vegift
sorspendmypocket
moneyofsomething.i
t’sannoyi
ngr eal
l
y.
Her
:it
’scut
ethou
Me:
trustmei
t’
snot
.
Weboughtaf ewt hi
ngsatLegi tandt henwe
wenttowindowshopatMrpr i
ce,wegott ot he
earr
ingandnecklacesecti
onandIj ustlaughed.
Fi
rstl
y,Melowouldprobablykil
l mef orev en
bei
ngatMrPr ice,hehatestheshop, say stheir
cl
othesarecheapandt heygetr ui
nedwi t
hj ust
onewash.Eversincehimi nthepictureIshop
atLegit
,Spot
scene,TheFixandot her“bet t
er”
shops.
Her
:what
?
Me:
Mel
owoul
dmur
dermef
orev
enbei
ngher
e
Her
:what
?Why
?
Me: hehat
esthi
splace,
sayst
hei
rcl
othesar
e
cheapandgetrui
nedeasil
y
Her
:wel
lhehasapoi
nt
Me:
buti
tsaf
for
dabl
ecuz
Her
:ofcausei
tis.
Me:soonmybirt
hdayheboughtmeanecklace
set
;ear
ri
ngs,
neckl
aceandbracel
etf
rom NWJ
Her
:youl
i
e!
Sheputherhandonhermout
h
Me: soIcallhi
m andtel
lhim Idon’twanti t
,well
i
t’snotthatIdidn’
twanti
tbutbecausei twas
from him andheandIweren’treall
y“fr
iends”at
thet i
me,hetoldmet ot
hrowi torsomet hing,he
ev entol
dmeIshoul dbegratefulbecauset hi
s
necklacewouldn’tgi
vemeanyr ashli
ket he
onesI
’
m usedt
ofr
om MrPr
ice
Shel
aughedatme
Her
:youguy
shav
ebeent
hroughal
othuh
Me:y
ouhav
enoi
dea!heandIwer
eli
kewat
er
andi
ce
Her
:butnotany
mor
ewhi
chi
sagoodt
hingnow
Me: wehaveourday
s.You’
llf
orgi
veme, Il
ove
t
alkingaboutmyboyf
ri
end.Heisl
iter
all
ymy
f
av ouri
tet
op
Okmay bet omyf r
iendsbecauseIknowt hat
theywoul dneverdoany t
hingt ojeopardi
semy
rel
ationshipwithMel osoI’m comf or
tabl
e.
Therewasat i
mewher eMr sBessgav emea
tal
kaboutt ell
i
ngf ri
endsev er y
thingand
anythinggoingoni ny ourrelati
onshipbecause
fri
endsnowaday sarenott obet r
usted.She
wentont ot el
lmeabouthowI yanacameabout,
herbestf ri
endseducedherhusbandwhowas
herboy fr
iendthenandhadsexwi t
hhim, wel
lhe
wasdrugged,shetri
ckedhim byputti
ngon
Ama’sperfumetohav esexwi t
hMrBess.Afew
monthslaterAyawaspr egnantwit
hYanabut
Amabeingt hegoodheartedpersonshei
sshe
for
gaveAy abutthei
rfri
endshipwasnevert
he
sameany more.
Her
:don’
tweallenj
oytal
ki
ngaboutt
hem?I
meanwhat’
slov
ewi t
houtal
it
tl
ebaeobsessi
on
Webothl aughed.Shewasri
ght.Idon’
t
under
standpeopl ewhoar
en’tali
ttl
eobsessed
wit
htheirboyfri
end’
sshame!
Me:
exact
ly.
Wewentt opayf orthethi
ngsshehadbought
andt henwewentt ohavelunchatWimpy.We
gotat ablefortwoandsatdownandpl acedour
orders.West art
edcatchinguponprett
ymuch
everythi
ng,wet ookdozensofpictur
eswithmy
phoneandher s.Il
eftmycamer awit
hgrannyin
Hill
crest.Whenourdat ewasov erwecaughta
taxihome, homebei nggranny’
shouseofcause.
Mycamer ahadlotsofpictur
esofthefami
lyall
ofasudden,butthenagainwhatwasI
expecti
ngreal
ly
?Mom andIheadedt oFer
nhil
l
around7pm.Wegothomeandswi t
chedonthe
tv,Iwasbusychatt
ingwithSinoonWhatsApp.
Shewasasweet heartt
hatchild.
*
*Her
:sodadt
oldmom abouty
ou
Me:
whatdoy
oumean?
Her
:Imeanexpectacal
lfr
om mom
Me:
uhhm ok…
Her
:she’
spr
ett
ycool
shamesodon’
tpani
c
Me:I’
dsayI’
l
lbethejudgebutthere’
snoway
I
’m meet
ingheroranyt
hingl
ikethat
Her:
comeondon’
tbel
i
ket
hat
,yout
wowi
l
lget
al
ongjustf
ine
Me:
real
l
ynow?
!
Her:
trustme.she’
l
lpr
obabl
yinv
itey
ouov
erf
or
di
nner
Me:andIwon’
tat
tend.I
’
m nott
rynapl
ayno
happyf
amil
y
Her:
there’
snojusti
fyi
ngdad’sacti
on’st
owards
youbutpleasef
orgi
vehim Yaya,heregr
ets
whathedid
Me:
goodf
orhi
m
Her
:comeonYay
ayounott
hatper
son.
Me: canIjustbegi v
enti
me, thismanf l
at l
y
deniedme, pai
nt edmymom asahoewhenhe
knewv er
ywel lthathewast heonl yguywho’ s
everhadsexwi thherandt henhewasf inal
ly
abletostandonhi sownt wof eet,hedoesn’ t
eventrytocontactmeorwhat soev erandwhen
wef i
nall
ydomeethebehav eslikeajer k.No
off
enseorany thingbutIdon’tneedy ourfather
Her
:Ihearyou.Butj
ustknowt
hatmom i
s
not
hingl
ikehim
Me:
Imakenopr
omi
sesbutIwi
l
lhearherout
Her
:gr
eat
.By
efornowIhav
etogo
Me:
bye*
*
Thiswholeti
meIwaschat t
ingonWhat sApp
withSi
nomom wasmaki ngsmal lt
alkwithme
aboutevery
thi
ngthat
’shappenedthi
syearand
theconver
sati
onIwashav i
ngwithSino
Her
:it
’sal
lupt
oyoubaby
Me:comeonmom,
whatdoy
out
hinkIshoul
d
do
Her
:whaty
ourhear
tfeel
syoushoul
ddobaby
.
Me:youknowIhatei
twheny
ousaythat.So
howarethi
ngswit
hDr…what
’shi
ssurname
agai
n?
Her
:Drnoneofy
ourbusi
ness.Ther
eisnot
hing
goi
ngonther
e
Me:
comeonmom
Her
:butbabyt
her
e’sr
eal
l
ynot
hingt
otel
l
Me:
okf
inedon’
tshar
e…I
’
m cur
ious
Her
:of
?
Me: y
ouknowhowy ounormal
l
yrockupi
n
Durbanasi
fit
snextdoor,
whatwoul
dhappeni
f
youbumpedintoMrBashe?
Her
:not
hing
Me:y
oumeant ot
ell
met hatseei
nghi
m
woul
dn’
tspar
kanyt
hing?
Her
:itwoul
dn’
tspar
kany
thi
ng.I
’
m ov
ert
heguy
.
Me:
notev
enanger
?
Her
:notev
enanger
.
Inodded
Her
:thequest
ionsy
ouask
Me:
Ijustwantt
oknow.Imeanyouguy
snev
er
r
eal
l
ycalledi
tqui
tsorany
thi
ng
Her:yes,
buthisacti
onscal
l
editqui
tsf
orus.
hadhebeenmanenoughmay beI’
dhavea
di
ffer
entresponse
Me:ok…sowhatnowt
hathewant
stobei
nmy
l
if
e?
Her:
thenhecanbei
nyourl
i
fei
fyouwanthi
m
i
nitbaby.
Me:
whatabouti
nyourl
i
fe?
Her
:myl
i
fei
sbet
terof
ftr
ustme
Me:
Iseet
hat
.Yougl
owi
ng
Her
:what
?!Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Me:Idon’
tknow,
youli
ght
erandmor
erel
axed
andpret
tymuchhappy
Her:becauseli
fei
str
eat
ingmewel
l
.Thi
sthi
ng
cal
l
edpr ayergoesal
ongway
Me:
ofcausei
tdoes
Isaidhol dingbackl aught er
.ReasonI ’m
l
aughi ngi sbecauset her e’
sat i
meAni t
aonce
l
iedaboutgoi ngt ochur chonlyf orhertogoand
screwBonke.I twasf unnyr eall
ybecauseLedi
andIkeptmaki ngf unofherandhowshehad
been“ pray i
ng”al l
night .itwasf unnierthen.Her
andBonkear en’tbackt oget herbutNi t
ai susi
ng
himf orsex
Her
:whyar
eyoul
aughi
ng?
Me:notlaughi
ngmom, j
ustt
hinki
ngabout
somethingmyfriendsandIj
okeabout.
Speaki
ngofwhi chIneedtocallt
hem,i
t’
sbeen
awhile
Her
:youl
i
vewi
tht
hesepeopl
e
Me:
sor
rybutnewsnev
erendmom.
Isaidwal
ki
ngt
omyr
oom t
oconf
erencecal
lthe
gir
ls.
/
/Me:
howar
eyoumyl
ovi
es?
Ledi
:Imi
ssy
ouguy
sal
ready
Me:
Wher
e’sNi
ta?
Ni
ta:
I’
m home,
Igother
etoday
Me:
wel
lwemi
ssy
out
oo
Ni
ta:
yeahwemi
ssy
out
oohoney
Me:
aren’
tyougoi
ngt
othatguyf
orhol
i
day
s?
Ledi
:hel
lNO!hei
scomi
ngher
etomor
row
Me:
pleasekeepof
ftheki
tchencount
ersand
t
abl
eswhereweeaton
Ni
ta:
yeahLedi
please
Ledi
:Imakenopr
omi
ses.I
’
llj
i
kthepl
acesok?
!
Me:
don’
tuset
hem atal
lLedi
.Youhav
ear
oom
Ni
ta:
mom t
hinksI
’
m pr
egnant
Me:
excusemewhat
?
Ledi
:noway
s
Ni
ta:
that
’sex
act
lywhatIt
oldher
Me:
youandBonkeusedpr
otect
ionr
ight
?
Ni
ta:
ofcause
Ledi
:whataboutt
hatday
…?
Ni
ta:
wai
twhatday
?
Me:whenyoucamebackfrom Bonkecr
ying,
whenyouf
oundoutabouthim andEmil
i
a
Ni
ta:
shi
i
t!
Ledi
:expl
ainst
heamountofsexy
ou’
vebeen
hav
ing
Me:
Nit
ayouok?
Ni
ta:
whati
fI’
m pr
egnant
?
Ledi
:thent
hatbabywi
l
lhav
ethecool
estAunt
s
ever
Me:
takeat
estf
ri
endandt
akei
tfr
om t
her
e
Ni
ta:
mot
her
sknowt
heset
hings
Ledi
:butt
hist
imeshei
swr
ongbabe.Let
’sbe
posi
ti
ve
Ni
ta:Ihopeso.Ican’
taf
for
dt ohav
eababyy
oh!
ababywouldmeanmequi tt
ingdanci
ng
Me:wedon’
tknowi
fyoupr
egnantornot
.Let
’s
notj
umpint
oconcl
usi
onsj
ustyet
Ledi
:Yandi
isr
ight
.
Weshi
ft
edthetopi
candspokeofothert
hings
i
nst
eadunt
ilwesai
dourgoodbyes/
/
Ifel
tsorr
yforNit
a.Asforme,Melosuggest
edI
getonthepil
lorthei
nject
ionandIwentwit
h
thepil
lwhi chmeantj oini
ngt hegy m because
thepil
lhassi deeffects,l
ikegainingwei ghtor
havingbiggerboobsorsomet hi
ngal ongt hose
l
ines.IwasonMi nesse, Itookitat8am ev ery
mor ni
ng,itwasn’teasybutIhadt oandi talso
helpedwithmyper i
odpai ns.Wehadn’ tstopped
usingthecondom aspersaybutt herewer e
thosetimeswheni nwasunav ailabl
elikeint he
showeroratt heoffi
ceorcl ub,rathersafet han
sorry.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
24]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
42–Mel
o
Amst
erdam wentaspl
anned,
dadandIcame
backaf tert woweeksaspl anned.Imustsayi t
wasgoodt obeback.Yay aandIspoke
everyday ,calledeachot heronadai l
yandwe
didn’tgett ir
edofeachot her
.Ohdi dIment i
on
thatshepassedal lofhersubject swi th75and
abov e?Yes, shepassedwi thcum l aude.I
passedal lmysubj ects,notwithcum l audet hou.
SheandIwoul dexchangepi cturesev er
y day
evenandi twasgr eat.Wedi dt hist hingwher e
wewoul dsendeachot herapictur eoft heot her
everymor ningjustt or emindthem ofwhatt hey
mi ssing, thiswasgoi ngt ogoonunt ilwesee
eachot heragai nandImustsayherpi ctures
wer et orturous.I ’
dgetahar donj ustbyseei ng
her ,
ev eryt imeshesentmeanudey ouwoul d
sweari twasmyf i
rsttimeseei ngherbody .It
wassoper fect.Herboobs, mywor d!Howcoul d
someonel ookt hatgood?Icamebackt hi s
afternoon; Iwasatt heBessmansi on.Iwokeup
andcheckedmyt extsandanameIhav en’t
seeni nageshadsentmeapi ctur e,i
twasf rom
Kat
e.I
twasapi ct
ureoftwopr
egnancyt
est
s
bot
hposi
ti
ve.Ical
ledhersameti
me.
/
/Me:
Kat
e
Her
:hi
Me:
Ijustsawy
ourmessagenow
Her
:yep
Me:
wher
ear
eyounow?canwet
alk?
Her
:I’
m atr
es.
Me:
canIcomeov
er?
Her
:sur
e
Shewascr
ying,
judgi
ngbyt
hesoundofher
voi
ce.
Me:
bet
her
ein30mi
n//
Shejustcutthecal
lonme.Thiswast hel
ast
thi
ngIneededr i
ghtnow,YayaandIwerehappy
tothatl
evelofhappi
nessandnowt hi
s?she
wasgoingtodumpmest rai
ghtup.It
ookmy
phone,wall
etandcarkeysanddroveofft
o
Katesres.Igott hereafteranhourbecauseof
fest
ivetr
affic,Iparkedmycarandl ockeditthen
wenttoKat e’sroom, Iknockedandshe
answeredaf terawhi l
e.Shehadpuf fyeyes
almostli
keshehadbeencr yi
ngforsomet ime.I
pull
edhertomychest ,i
tfeltl
ikeIwascheat i
ng
onmygi rl
fri
endbutKat eneededme.Icl osed
thedoorbehi ndme.shebr okethehug.
Me:
howf
arar
eyou?
Her
:Idon’
tknow,
amont
handsomeweek’
s
maybe
Me:Sowhatwegoi
ngt
odonow?
Her
:Idon’
tknow
Me:
Let
'sgot
othedoct
orKat
e
Wewer esit
ti
ngonherbed,wel
lIwasatthe
edgeofitandshewassit
ti
nginthecor
ner
star
ri
ngintoai
rspace.
Her:
CanIjustpr
ocesst
hisfi
rstthenthenwe’l
l
t
alkaboutt
herestt
omorrow.Itookthetestt
his
mor
ning.
..
Theti
mewasjustaf
ter2pm,
wear
ri
vedi
nSA
thi
smorni
ngar
ound10am.
Me:
ohcool
.
Iburiedmyf acei
nmyhands.Thiswasr eal
l
y
thelastthi
ngsheandIbothneeded,shehad
school t
ofini
shandIst
il
lhadmyar t
icl
esand
stuf
ft odo.Wesatther
einsi
lence
Her
:Thi
sisf
reaki
ngmeout
Me:
It'
sal
sof
reaki
ngmeout
Her
:pl
easej
ustl
eav
e.Iwantt
obeal
one
Me:
Kat
ecomeon
Her:Derri
ckpl
easej
ustleav
e.we’
llt
alkabout
t
hislateronort
omorrow,Ij
ustwanttobealone
r
ightnow
Me:pl
easedon’
tmakeanyhast
ydeci
sions
wi
thoutt
alki
ngt
omef i
rst
.
Her
:sur
e.
Igotupandheadedf orthedoorandsodi dshe,
shewai tedformet owal koutbef orelocki ng
thedoorbehi ndme.Whathav eIputmy sel fint
o?
Whatam Igoi ngtodowi thababy ?Yandi swai s
notl i
kemymom, shewoul dn’
tbesof orgiv i
ng
aboutt hesit
uationev ent houghi thappened
bef oreherandI .we’ veoncespokeoft hisand
shet oldmef l
atoutt hatshewasn’ tcutoutf or
babymamadr ama, saidshewaswayt ooy oung
forbabymamadr amasot hi
s,thiswasgoi ngt o
bet heendofusnodoubt .Igotintomycarand
drov eof ftomypl ace.Ineededt odosome
thinking.Ineededadr i
nk.Ineededsex!Igott o
myapar tmentandpour edmy selfsomescot ch
andwentt oseatint heloungeandbl astedmy
stereo.Ihadadoz enmi ssedcal lsfrom Yay a,
mom, dadandAsebutmost lyfrom Yay abutI
didn’tpi ckupanyoft heircall
s,Yay adidn’tgi ve
upofcause.Thi swasal otforme.Idr owned
mysor rowsi nsomescot ch.
.
.
-
Kat
e
Howcoul dIhav ebeensost upid?Whosl eeps
withsomeonewi t
houtusi ngacondom?Whoi s
sodumbenough?t otopi tof fthefatherisMel o
Besst hepl ay er.Mom wasgoi ngt okil
lmeno
doubt!Af t
erMel oleft
,myf ri
endSanel ewhom I
sentapi ctur eoft hesamet estt ocameov erto
myr oom.Thef i
rstthi
ngshedi dwashugme
ti
ghtlywhi chonl ymademecr yharder.Mom di d
notneedt hi s, r
easonIsaymom i sbecauseas
muchasMel ohast hemeans, thebaby
wouldn’ tbehi st otakecar eof ,itwouldbemy
responsi bil
ityandi twoul dhol dmebackf r
om
school .It’
sbadenought hatI ’
m onl ydoingmy
fi
rstyeargoi ngt odomysecondt hisyearand
thenther e’smyl it
tl
ebr otheri napr i
vateschool
whoi sal somom’ sresponsi bi l
ityalonesot his
babywasunneededbaggage.Mom i sal ectur
e
andshepay s25%ofmyf eesv i
asubsi dybut
event hatshe’ sst i
llpayingsomet hingandshe’ s
struggl
i
ngasi ti
s.Thiswasj
ustbad.Sanel
e
tookmet othebedandwesatdown.shet ook
myhandsi ntohers.
Her
:di
dyout
ell
Mel
o?
Inodded
Her
:andwhatdi
dhesay
?
Me: wedi
dn’
treal
lyhav eahear
ttoheart
conver
sat
ionaboutthis,hewasasstr
essedasI
am.Hehasagi r
lf
riendnowandt hi
sisthel
ast
thi
ngheneeds
Her
:ei
therway
,thi
sishi
schi
l
d
Me:Iknowbutit
’sachi
l
dIdonotwant
,itcame
att
hewr ongt
ime
Her
:sowhatar
eyousuggest
ing?
Me:
Ican’
tkeept
hisbaby
!
Her:
Katearey
ousureaboutthi
s?Iunder
stand
younotr
eadyforababybutabor
ti
on?
Me:
Sanel
eIcan’
tkeept
hisbaby
;Iwoul
dn’
tbe
abl
etogetoverthedi
sappoi
ntmentonmy
mom’sface.Thi
swouldkil
lmygrandmot
her
Sanel
e
Her
:Katebot
hthesepeopl
elov
eyou,
atsome
poi
ntt
heywil
lfor
giv
eyou
Me:Ican’tdot
hist
othem Sanel
e,y
ouhav
eto
under
stand
Her:
Iunderstandbabe,can’
ty ouatl
eastsl
eep
andthinkaboutthi
sproperl
ybeforeyoumakea
deci
sionyou’l
lendupregret
tingforl
i
fe
Isi
ghed.
Her:
justthinkaboutt hi
sproperbabe,
Iknow
youscaredt odisappointy
ourmom butbabe
i
maginet hedisappointmentyouwouldgetf
rom
heri
fyouabor ted
Shehadapoi ntbutIwasn’
tfr
om Dur
ban
ori
ginal
l
y,myf amil
yisfr
om Kokst
ad,
mom
cameher ef
orwor kandIcameheret
ostudy
andgetmydegr ee.Howwouldthi
sevenwork?
Itri
edt osleepbutwi thnoluck,
Icoul
dn’tstop
thi
nkingaboutt hispregnancy.i
twaspast8
now, sti
llcouldn’tsleepandstil
lnowordfrom
Melo, Ican’tsayIwasn’ tworri
edabouthim but
hewasn’ tmypr oblem.JustasIwasi nbedl i
ke
that,Igotacal lfrom Melo.
/
/Hi
m:hey
Me:
hi
Hi
m:y
oust
il
lawake?
Me:
Ican’
tsl
eep
Hi
m: Maybeit'
sbecauseyouthi
nki
ngofal
otof
t
hings.Li
stent
omusi c.I
thel
psabit
Me:HowcanInotov er
thi
nk?Andy
ou,youj
ust
seem chi
ll
edwit
hev ery
thi
ng.Howam It
heonl
y
onepanicki
nghereDerri
ck?
Him: Youri
ght,
Iseem chil
ledbutI'
m act
ual
l
y
not.HavingusbothPanickingwon'
thelp
Me:
I’
m notr
eadyf
orababy
Isaidwit
htearsfl
owingtomypi l
l
ow, j
ustthe
thoughtoft
hismademecr y,Icannotimagine
havingababy.I
’m onl
ytur
ning18t hi
syearsoa
babyisaNONO!
Me:Whatwi
l
lIsayt
omymom?Howwi
l
lIev
en
t
ell
her
?
Him: Let
'sfir
stbe100%surethatyoupregnant
fi
rstandf orhowmanyweekst henwe'l
lfi
gurei
t
out.
..
...l
et'
snotthi
nkaboutthatyet
..
..
Me:Botht
est
sarepositi
veandappar
entl
ythey
arev
erymuchaccurat
e..
.whatar
ethechances
ofmenotbei
ngpregnant?
Him:Geeeez,
Idon'
tknow.That
'
swhatI
'
mtr
yna
f
igur
eout
Me:
I’
m scar
ed
Hi
m: I
'm al
soscar
edKat
e,butwe'
l
lgett
hrough
t
his.
..
Me:
ist
hatapr
omi
se?
Hi
m:Yes,
ofcausei
tis.
..
..
.
Me:youcan’
tbemakingsuchpr
omi
sesDer
ri
ck,
youhaveagi
rlf
ri
end
Hi
m:canwef
ocusont
hemat
terathandpl
ease
Me:
Youdor
eal
i
zeI
’
mfr
om Kokst
adr
ight
..
.
Hi
m:YeaIdo,
and.
..
?
Me:
Howwoul
dthi
swor
kout
?
Hi
m:Thebabyort
hissuddenr
elat
ionshi
p?
Me:
Bot
h
Him: Ummmh, Idon'
thav eev er
ythingfigured
outyet .Butmybesthopesar etotrymaki ngit
work.Itcanbey ouschool i
ngpar ttime,and
gett
ingagoodpay i
ngjob, I’
l
lgivey ouacart o
maket rav
ell
i
ngeasiersot hatdistancewon’ tbe
anissue.Idon’tknowy etKate.Idon’ thave
everythingfi
gur
edout.
Me:
Goodni
ght
Hi
m:Goodni
ght
//
It
hinkt
hepr
egnancyhor
moneswer
eal
so
playi
ngar ol
einmymoodswi ngs.Iwas
annoyedbyhimr eal
ly.Idecidedtotryandcat
ch
uponsomesl eepbutnothing,t
heonet imeI
actual
lyneededthesleepitwasnowher etobe
found.Thi
ssuckedr eal
ly.
.
.
-
Mel
o
Iwasn’
tdrunk,
Icoul
dn’tbri
ngmy sel
fto.my
phonewouldn’
tst
opringi
ng.ItwasYay a.I
fi
nal
lydeci
dedtoanswerhercall
,I’
veav oi
ded
herl
ongenoughanyway .
//Her:
Mel okuhlewhatthehell
?Hav eyouany
i
deahowwor r
iedI
’vebeen?Eveny ourmom
call
edmeaski ngabouty ou.Whywer en’
tyou
answeringyourphone?I sever
ythi
ngok?
Me:
ever
ythi
ngi
sfi
neYay
a.Iwassl
eepi
ng
Her
:youl
ying,
younott
hatdeepofasl
eeper
Mel
okuhl
e
Me:
right
.
Her:
Whatam Imissi
ng?Di
dIdosomet
hing?
whatisi
texact
lyMel
okuhl
e?
-
Kat
eispr
egnantt
hat
’swhaty
oumi
ssi
ng-
Me:
it’
snot
hing,
Ijustmi
ssy
out
hat
’sal
l
Her:andI’
m supposedtobeli
evet
hati
t’
syou
missingmethat’
smaki ngy
ouallgr
umpyand
nottaki
ngyourmot her
scal
ls?
Me:
it’
sbeenal
ongdaybabe.Howar
eyou?
Her
:I’
mfi
ne
Me:
I’
m al
sogoodt
hanky
ouf
oraski
ng
Her
:youshut
ti
ngmeoutandIdon’
tunder
stand
why
Me:
I’
m notshut
ti
ngy
ouout
.Whywoul
dIdo
t
hat
?
Her
:Idon’
tknow,
that’
sexact
lywhatI
’
mtr
ying
t
ounderst
andMelokuhl
e
Me:
I’
m sor
ryy
ouf
eel
thatway
Her
:ok.goodni
ght
Me:
hai
boYay
a
Her:i
t’
snopointtr
yingt
ohaveaconver
sat
ion
wit
hsomeonewhodoesn’ twantt
otal
ktoyou
Melokuhl
e.I
tsucks
Me:
I’
m sor
ry
Her
:sur
e
Me:
I’
m backi
nDur
ban
Her
:gr
eat
Me:
coul
dyousoundal
i
ttl
eexci
tedpl
ease
Her
:forwhat
?Younotexci
tedt
obet
alki
ngt
o
me
Me:
youknowIl
ovet
alki
ngt
oyou
Her
:goodni
ghtMel
o//
Shedr oppedt
hecal
lonmej ustl
iket
hat
.She
wasmadatme, asmuchasIwasi nnomood
tobeghershewasmygi rl
fri
endandIst
anda
greatchancet
oloseheroverthi
ssogat
hered
al
lmyst r
engthanddial
ledhernumberand
cal
ledher.shewashesitantt
oanswermycal l
;I
knowheral l
toowel
l.Shewaspr obabl
y
watchi
ngherphoneasmypi ct
urewasflashi
ng
onherscreen.Ev
entual
lysheanswered.
/
/Her
:What
?
Me:
babepl
ease
Her
:whati
sitMel
okuhl
e?
Me:
I’
m sor
ry
Her
:whati
sitMel
okuhl
e?What
’sbot
her
ingy
ou?
Me:i
t’
snot
hingbabe,
Ijusthadabaddayt
hat
’s
al
l
Her
:youst
il
ll
yi
ngt
omeMel
okuhl
e!
-
howdi
dsheknow?
Me:Iwantt
otel
lyoubutj
ustnotknowok,
pl
easej
usttr
ustmeonthi
s
Her
:whywon’
tyout
ell
menowMel
okuhl
e?
Me:
it’
snotsomet
hingt
obesai
dov
ert
he
phoneYay
a,Ineedy
out
ounder
stand
Her
:cal
lmewheny
our
eadyt
otel
lmewhatt
his
i
sMelokuhl
e//
Yandiswacouldbesodi f
ficultfornot hi
ngwhen
shewant edtoy eses!Ideci dedt oletherbeand
tr
ygetsomesl eepIhadonel astdr i
nkbefore
hit
tingthesacandIsl eptli
keababy .Thenext
dayIwokeupt oscr eenshot sfrom Kat e,i
twas
screenshotsaboutAbor t
ion, costsandal l
.I
call
edher .
/
/Me:
mor
ning
Her
:mor
ning
Me:
arey
our
eadyt
otal
ktoday
?
Her
:yes.I
’
llcomet
oyourpl
ace
Me:
whatt
ime?
Her
:ar
ound10.
Me:
sur
e
Her
:by
e//
Icheckedmyphoneandt herewasnot hi
ng
from Yaya.It
extedherbutnot hing,
sheblue
ti
ckedme.Ical l
edherbutnot hing.per
sonallyI
thinkshewasbei ngchil
dish!Iwenttoshower
andwentt ogobuyf ood,myf ridgewasempt y
.I
camebackbef ore10, awhilelatert
herewasa
knockonmydoorandi twasKat e.Shelooked
beautif
ul.Il
etherin.
Me:
canImakey
ousomet
hingt
oeat
?
Her
:I’
m nothungr
y
Me:
youhav
etoeatsomet
hing
Her
:Ihadanappl
eonmywayher
e
Me:
sur
e.
Ideci
dedtomakeussandwiches.WhenIwas
doneIwenttoputt
hepl
atesintheloungewi
th
gl
assesofjui
ce.
Her
:not
hanks.
Idi
dn’
trespond.
Me:
Abor
ti
on?
Her
:whatot
heropt
iondowehav
eMel
o?
Me:
keepi
ngi
tmay
be.
Her
:thati
snotanopt
ionDer
ri
ck.
Me:
okfi
ne.Whenar
ewegoi
ngt
othehospi
tal
t
oenqui
ret
hen?
Her:Sanel
eandIwentther
ethismorni
ngand
fr
om whatwegotitwassaidthat9weeksand
belowthepil
li
sR1000andthesurgi
cal
procedur
eisR1375.
..
Me:butyoudoy
out
hinki
t'
sbeenmor
ethan9
weeks?
Her
:Idoubti
t,i
t’
spr
obabl
y6weeks
Me:whi
chhospi
taldi
dyougot
o?i
tbet
ternot
bet
hoseshadypl
aces
Her
:wewentt
oMar
ieSt
opes
Me:
Iwoul
dpr
efery
ougot
oahospi
tal
Her
:Idon’
thav
emoneyf
orahospi
tal
Me:I’
l
l gi
veyouthemoneyt
hen.Justgot
oa
hospi
talandfi
ndoutwhatt
heysay
Her
:cool
.
Me:
doy
ouneedmet
her
e?
Her:
nope.Sanel
ewilldothi
swi
thme,
thi
s
pr
egnancychangesnothi
ng
Me:KateIam sor
ry.Idon’tknowwhatmoreI
needt
osayt oyou.Iscrewedup,Iknowandno
amountofI’
m sorr
ieswillfi
xthi
ngsorundot
he
pai
nI’
vecausedyou
Her:
what’
sdonei
sdoneMel
o.Let
’smov
eon,
youhav
e
Me:
Kat
epl
ease
Her:l
ook,I
’
llgobookanappoi
ntmentandget
backatyou
Witht hatshestoodupandheadedf ort
he
kit
chen, shedidn’
teventouchhersandwichor
anything.Idi
dn’twantlovebackoranyt
hingli
ke
that,IjustwantedherandItobeongoodt erms
forthesakeofpeace.Iwentt ocloset hedoor
behindherandwentbackt othelounget oeat
ofwhichIdi dn’thav eanappet i
te.Ineeded
Yandiswaher ewi thme.It ookmycarkey s,
phoneandwal lett henheadedt omycarl ocking
thedoorbehi ndme.Ical l
eddadandt oldhimI
wouldn’tbeav ail
abl ef orworkthewhol eofthi
s
week, i
twasonaMondaybyt heway .Myt r
ip
washeadedt oMt hat ha,y
esIwasgoi ngt osee
her.Ineededher , Ineededt oseeher ,talktoher,
feelhertouchandj ustbeinsi
deofher .Icall
ed
herbutshewasi gnor ingmycal l
s,Ikeptt ry
ing
butstil
lnothing.Idi dn’tgi
veupunt i
lshe
answered.
/
/Her
:whatdoy
ouwant
?
Me:
Yay
aI’
m sor
ry
Her
:forwhatMel
okuhl
ehuh?
Me:ever
ythi
ng…l
i
sten,
Iwi
l
ltel
lyouev
ery
thi
ng
whenIseeyou
Her
:whycan’
tyouj
ustt
ell
met
het
rut
h
Melokuhl
ehuh?oram Inotwor t
hyofit?I
thoughtwewer eateam her e.YouandIwer e
supposedt ohaveatruthf
ul honestr
elati
onshi
p
butIdon’tseethathappening.
Shewasonl oudspeakerasIwasdri
ving.The
tri
pfr
om DurbantoKokstadwasthelongest,
thestopandgo’swereadrag.Iwaspastthe
tol
lgatesandheadedtoShepston
Me:Yandi
swaIwill
explaineveryt
hingt
oyou
whenIseeyouok.pleasejustcal
m down
Her:youmakingmewor ryMelokuhle,y
ougot o
Amsterdam andcomebacknotanswer i
ngy our
phonethewholedayandst il
lexpectmet obe
coolandcalm wit
hy ourbehaviour
.Your eal
ly
makingithardnottothinkofthewor st
Me: i
fyoui
mplyi
ngthatI
’
vecheatedony ou
Yandiswapl
easegeti
toutofyourmind
becauseIwoul
dneverdothatt
oy ou
Her
:younotgi
vi
ngmemuchofachoi ceher
e
Mel
okuhl
e.Whatam Isupposedt
othi
nk?
Itookmyphonef rom t hephonest andbuti t
fell
…justgr eat!Itriedpi ckingi tupandwhenI
hadf i
nallygrabbedi tacarwasal ready
swer vi
ngi ntome.Idon’ tknowhoworwhat
happenedbutnextt hingIknewi t; i
twasl i
ght s
outforme, wellnotr eall
yl i
ght soutaspersay
becauseIcoul dhearal otofnoi seandmyhead
pounding.It ri
edt ogetupbutmyheadwast oo
heavyandsor e.Mi nut esl aterIhear d
ambul ancenoi sesandpol i
cesi rens.Justgr eat,
anacci dentwasj ustwhatIneedednowofal l
times?!Idon’ tknowwhenIl ostconsci ousbut
whenIwokeupIwasi nwhatseemedl ikean
ambul anceont hei nsideandt woguy saski ng
met osomequest i
onsIcoul dn’tr eall
yanswer .
Itcl
ickedt ome, Iwast alkingt oYandi swa,
wher ethehel lwasmyphone?Iaskedt heguy s
wher emyphonewas.Iwasn’ tbadl yhur tor
shouldIsayIdi dn’tf eelli
keIwasbadl yhur t,my
headhur tandsodi dmyl egbutt hatwasj ust
abouti t
.Ididn’tneedahospi tal.Ineededt oget
t
omygi
rl
fr
iend.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
24]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
43
Onemi nut
eyout al
kingtosomeoneandt he
nextyouhearglassesshatt
eri
ng,Idon'
tknow
howthatsoundst oyoubutitsuredoesn'
t
soundtoogoodt ome.Somet hinghad
happenedtohim.
Me:
Mel
o??
?
Hedidn'tr
espond.Ikeptcall
ingouthi
sname
butsti
l
lnothing.Mymi ndstart
edwander
ingt
o
aplaceitshouldn'
t.I
fhediedhisdeat
hwould
beonmyhands.Ishouldn'
thavebeenargui
ng
wit
hhiminthef
ir
stplacebutnayehejust
makesmesomad!Whatwassobadt hathe
coul
dn'
ttel
lmeoverthephonehuh?
"
Yandi
sway
int
oni
"(
whati
sit
?)
Iwasbroughtbacktoeart
hbymom pi cki
ngup
mynowbr okenphone..
.well
itwasn'ti
npieces
butmyscreenprotect
orhadcrackedbadly.
..
j
ustgreat
!Ithi
nkshecamet ocheckonme
becauseofthei
mpactofmyphonehi t
ti
ngher
ti
l
es.
Me:
Ihav
etogobackt
oDur
ban.
Isai
dwal
ki
ngt
omyr
oom andshef
oll
owed
behi
ndme
Her
:what
?Why
?
Icoul
df eelt
earsthr
eateningtocomeout ,
my
eyeswer eburni
ngwithtears.I
fsomethi
ngbad
happenedtohi mI’
dnev erfor
givemysel
f.Itook
outmysui t
caseandputi tonmybedwi thout
r
espondi
ngtomom.Al
lIknewwasthatmy
manneededme,i
t'
smyfaul
the'
sev
eni nt
his.
Her
:Yandi
swababypl
easet
alkt
ome
Me:
Ithi
nkMel
ohasj
ustbeeni
nanacci
dent
Sheputherhandsonhermout hshowingshock
withabi toff
ear.Ididn'
tmindher,Ij
uststar
ted
packing.Ineededt obeinDurbanASAP!She
stoppedmeandpul l
edmet oherchestand
that'
swhenIl etthetearswin;Al
i
ciaKeyssaidit
herself
,thesetearsalwayswin.
Me:
it'
sal
lmyf
aul
tmama.Whati
fIki
l
ledhi
m?
Shejustkeptqui
etandbrushedmybackasI
sobbedonherchest.If
eltreal
l
ybad.
Anhourl aterIwasonapl anetoDur ban,my
clot
heswoul dbecomi ngbackwithNitawhoby
thewayr eall
ywaspr egnantandlet'
ssayit
wasn'tasjoy f
ul aswehadmadei toutt obet
he
l
asttimewehadspokenov erthephone.She
wascr yi
ngsay ingthathermom was
disappointedandt hatshewoul dl oseherspot
ov eratDav i
l
yDanceAcademy ..
.wei rdnamef or
adanceschool butitwasacombi nationof
Dav i
dandLilyBess' snames, Dami ennamedi t
thatt ohonourhi sparents.3hour slaterIwas
l
andi nginDur ban.Irequest edanuberandi nno
ti
mei twasher e,Irushedtot hehospi t
alsti
l
l
tryingtogethol dofMel obutnot hing.Iwentto
stAugust inbuthewasn' tt here.Icalledhis
sister,Iwashopi ngandpr ay i
ngsheknew
somet hi
ng.
/
/Her
:heyYay
a
Me:
Mahl
ehav
eyouspokent
oMel
o?
Her:notsi
ncey
est
erdayIt
hink.Whywhat
'
s
wrong?
Me:
hav
eyouspokent
oyourf
atheratl
east
?
Her
:Yay
ayouscar
ingme.What
'swr
ong?
Me:Idon'
tthi
nk.Awhil
ebackIwast al
ki
ngto
hi
m andthenthenextt
hingIdon'
tknowwhat
happened.Asemahl
eI'
m scar
ed.
Her
:Yay
abr
eat
heok.Iam sur
ehei
sfi
ne
Howcouldshebet
hiscal
m?Acal
lcame
t
hroughonmyphone.
Me:
Ihav
etogo;
Ihav
eacal
lcomi
ngt
hrough
Her
:okcool
.By
e//
I
twasanunsav
ednumber
.Ianswer
edi
tscar
ed
oft
hewor
st.
/
/Me:
Hel
l
o?
Per
son:
hi,
youspeaki
ngt
oThabo
Me:
ok?
Hi
m:r
ight
.Ist
hisYandi
swa?
Me:
yes
Hi
m: uhhhm Ipi
ckedupthisphoneandi
t'
s
wr
it
tentocallyournumberifl
ost
Me:
uhhm whatphonei
sthat
?
Ineededt
obecer
tai
n!
Hi
m: i
t'
sthelatesti
Phone,i
t'
sgreyi
ncolourand
i
thasapictureofasleepi
nggir
lasit
's
wal
lpaper
Me:
Thabowher
ear
eyoucal
l
ingmef
rom?
Hi
m:Por
tShepst
on.
Me:uhhm mayIaskwher
eyoupi
ckedt
he
phoneup?
Hi
m:ther
ewasanaccidentaf
ewhour
sago,
I
f
oundthephoneont
hegrass
Me:
uhhm ok.I'
m onmywayt
here.Pl
easesend
mealocat
ionIcanmeety
ouat.
Hi
m:sur
e//
Hecutthecall.Iwasdefeat
ed.Whatki
ndof
hospi
taldoesn'tal
ertt
heparent
sofapati
ent
thatj
ustgotinhuh?Icall
edSiyawhocameto
pickmeupr i
ghtaway .
Hi
m:whathappened?
Iwasaboutt
orespondwhenmyphoner
ang
andi
twasAsemahl
e.
/
/Me:
Mahl
e
Her:Derri
ckhasbeenadmi tt
edtoShepst
on
hospit
al.Idi
dn'tgetal
lthedet
ail
sbutmom and
Iareonaf li
ghtbacktoSouthAfri
caaswe
speak
Me:
thanksf
orl
ett
ingmeknow
Her
:sur
e//
Hervoicewasbreaki
ngl
i
kesomeonewhowas
hol
dingbacktear
s.
Hi
m:ev
ery
thi
ngok?
Ishookmyhead.Not
hingaboutt
hiswasok.
Me:
he'
sinShepst
onhospi
tal
.
Hi
m:sur
e
Hedidn'
taskanyfurt
herquestions;
itwas
alr
eadypast5pm.Wegott othehospital
an
hourandahalfl
aterandwef oundhisfat
her
ther
e.Hewassitt
ingintherecepti
onwaiti
ng
room.Ihadt extedThatt omeetmeatt he
hospitali
nsteadandheagr eed, hegav emet he
phonewhosescr eenpr otect orwasasbadas
mineandIt hankedhi m.Siy aandIgr eetedMr
Besswhot oldust hatDer r
ickwasn' tbadly
i
njured.Hehadaheadi nj
ury, spr ainedleganda
brokenar m whi cht omesoundedpr ettybad.
Heaskedt hattheyt ransferhi ssont oDurban's
besthospi t
al andt heydi djustt hat …per ksof
beingDamonBess’ sson.Wegott othehospi t
al
hisAuntwor ksinandhewasal locat edar oom.
Thel astti
mewespokewasbacki nShepst on
whenwewer egr eetingeachot herandt hatwas
asf arasitgoes.Mel owassl eepi ng,seemi ngl
y
thedr ugstheygav ehi m knockedhi mr i
ghtout.
Siyadecidedt obr eakt heice.
Hi
m:di
dtheyt
ell
youwhathappened?
Bess:Theysayatrucksmashedintot
hisother
carwhichswervedint
ohismakinghim hi
ta
polewithhi
ssideofthecar
.Apparent
lyitwasa
ter
ribl
eacci
dent.
Hi
m:damn.
Bess:
yepDamn.He’
sgoi
ngt
obeokYandi
swa.
Ijustnodded.Ididn’tr
eallyneedassur ance,
Mel oisafighteranywaybutwhatmypr oblem
wasi sthathadInotbeenar guingwithhi mi n
thefir
stplace,hewoul dn’tbeheretoday .Itwas
around7pm whent hedoct orcamet ot ellus
thathewasawakeandwecoul dgoi nandsee
him.Ilit
erall
yrantohisr oom andjumpedon
him.
Hi
m:Iseewhowoul
dbesitt
ingont
hemat
tress
ont
hefl
oori
fIwasdead.
Ihi
thi
m pl
ayf
ull
y
Me:
youscar
edme
“
Wegl
ady
ou’
reawakeson”
Weweredi
stur
bedbyMrBess’ sv
oicewhi
ch
wasasbol
dasMelo’s.It
ri
edtobreakt
hehug
buty
oungBesswasn’tl
ett
inggoofmygri
p.
Me:
Hay
iMel
o
Hi
m:I
’
m notl
ett
ingy
ougo.Joi
nmei
nBed
Hewhi
sper
edi
nmyear
Siya:
ift
hisi
showyouguy
sar egoi
ngtobe,
thendadandImi
ghtaswell
leaveyouguy
stoi
t
Wel
aughedandsodi
dMrBess.
Bess:
theymi
ssedeachot
her
,it
sal
l
owed
Igi
ggl
edinembarrassment
.Igotont
opoft
he
bednextt
ohi
m andhesnuggledmewi t
hhi
s
fr
eearm,t
heotheronehadcementonit
Si
ya:
aren’
tyouhur
ti
nghi
m?
Hi
m:nahI
’
m good.Ij
ustwantt
ogetoutoft
his
pl
ace
Dad:
whati
sitwi
thy
oupeopl
eandhospi
tal
s?
Melo:well
you’
veneverbeeni
nonesoy
ou
wouldn’
tunder
stand
Dad:
right
…Yourmom andsi
sterar
eont
hei
r
way
Mel
o:i
t’
sreal
l
ynott
hatbaddad.Theydon’
t
hav
etof
lyher
e;I
’
m get
ti
ngoutt
oni
ghtany
way
Me:
say
swho?
Mel
o:me.I
’
m si
ckofbei
ngher
e.Iwantmybed
Si
ya:
ithasn’
tev
enbeenaday
.Rel
ax!
Dad:younotgoi
nganywhereunti
lthedoct
or
di
schargesyouMel
o.Atleastst
ayfortheweek
Mel
o:noway
sdad.Iwi
l
lgomad!
Me:
woul
dithur
t!
Mel
o:Yay
awi
l
ltakecar
eofme…how’
sthat
?
Il
ookedupathi
m andhehadaser
iouspl
ace.
Dad:youknowy ourmotherwoul
dn’thavethat
.
Let’
sjustherewhatthedoct
orsay
sf i
rstand
thenwe’l
ltakei
tfrom t
here
Iwatchedthi
stwogobackandf or
thandbot h
ofthem werej
ustasstubbor
nastheot her
,I
fi
nall
ysawwher ehegothisst
ubbornness
fr
om…ohandhi smom too.
Mel
o:f
ine.Aday
Me:
3day
s’max
Dad:
yes,Yandi
swai
sri
ght
.youneedt
orecov
er
pr
operl
y!
Si
ya:
Itot
all
yagr
eewi
tht
hem
Hewascor
ner
ed.
Hi
m:f
ine.
Dad:I
’l
ltal
ktoyourdoct
orandseehowbadl
y
i
njur
edy ouar
eandwe’ l
ltakei
tfr
om t
her
e
Hi
m:mom hasr
eal
l
yrui
nedy
ou
Hesaidr oll
i
nghi seyes.Thedoctorcameinto
tel
lusthatv isit
inghourswereov er
.Hewasnot
sohappywi t
hmesl eepingwit
hthepat i
entbut
thi
sstupidpat ienthadithiswayornowayatal l
.
Drgaveupandl etmesl eeponthebedwi t
hhim
fort
her estoft henight.Iwokeupbef or
ehim
andwenthomet owash.WhenIcameback2
hourslaterhewaswi thhismom andsi st
ers.
MrsBessgav emeabi ghugwhenshesawme
walkinther estf ol
l
owed
Mel
o:wher
edi
dyoudi
sappearof
fto?
Me:
Ihadt
ogoshowerandchangemycl
othes
Iki
ssedhi
scheekbuthepul
l
edmei
nforar
eal
ki
ss
Mom:
Ahem.Mot
heri
nther
oom.
Webr
okei
t.
Ase:t
hey’
vemi
ssedeachot
hermom…l
i
key
ou
anddad
I
ya:
yep…y
ounotonet
otal
k
Mom: ohshutup!Ispoket
oyourdoctorandhe
sai
dy ouwi l
lbeouttomorr
owlat
erandy ou
cominghomesoImakesur eyourecover
accordingl
y.
Mel
o:y
ouki
ddi
ngmer
ight
?
Mom:youei
therstayher
eandrecov
erory
ou
comer
ecoverathome.Yourchoi
ce
Mel
o:t
hisi
snotf
air
.
Ase:
youknowshe’
simpossi
blebr
uh
I
ya:
yepsoj
ustgi
vei
n
Hel
ookedatme
Hi
m:I
’
m sur
eyoual
sohav
esomet
hingt
oadd
Ishookmyhead.Wehadmeani ngl
ess
conver
sati
onunti
lev
eryoneel
selef
tandIwas
l
eftwit
hjusthi
m.Hisphonerang.
/
/Hi
m:hel
l
o
….
.
Hi
m:l
i
stenI
’
minhospi
tal
att
hemoment
……
Hi
m:Iwasi
nacaracci
dent
.not
hingser
ious
….
Hi
m:I
’
mfi
neKat
e.Fr
idaymor
ning?
….
.
Him:I’
l
ltal
ktoAsemahl
eandshe’
l
lgi
vey
oumy
card
…
Hi
m:by
e//
Helookedatmepr obablytry
ingt
or eadmy
expressi
onbutIwasn’ tabouttoactli
kea
j
ealousgirl
fr
iend.Ikeptquiet.
Hi
m:pl
easecomeseather
e
Hesaidpatt
ingont hebed.Idi
dast ol
dand
wenttoseatwhereheaskedmet o.hetookmy
handi
ntohis,hehadaser i
ousface.Mymi nd
l
it
eral
l
ywentt obeingdumpedf orKate.She’
s
HOT!Iwouldn’tbl
amehi m;shewasf l
amesno
doubt
.
Hi
m:Yay
aKat
eispr
egnant
Ikeptquiet.Iremember edaconv ersati
onwe
oncehadabouthi m pregnanting( ifsuchawor d
exist
s)someoneandhowi twoul dbet heendof
usbecauseIam notcutoutf orbabymama
drama.Oknotev erybabymamabr i
ngsabout
dramabutIdon’ tthinkIwoul dbest rong
enoughtopl aystepmom, Ilov eki dsandal l
but
atthi
spoi ntinmyl i
feIam notr eadyf orthat,
I
’m wayt
ooy
oung.Ipul
l
edmyhandawayf
rom
hi
s.
Hi
m:pl
easej
usthearmeout
.
I
tfel
tli
keaspearhadj
ustpi
ercedr
ighti
ntomy
hear
t.I
thur
tsomuch.
Him:i
twasbef
oreyouandIhappenedYay
aI
swear
.Andtot
opitoffshe’
snotkeepi
ngi
t
Ididn’thearwhat everhesaidaftertheaborti
ng
par t
.Whatdi dthismeanr eall
y?Whywoul dthey
decideonabor t
ion?It’
swr ong.Thechil
dhasno
sin.Theyar etheonest hatcommi tt
edthesi n.
Abor ti
oninmyey esisjustwrongnomat terthe
reasons,it’
sjustwr ong.Thebabydeser veslife.
Ipulledmyhandf rom hisandhel etgoofhi s
grip.
.
.
<3
[
10/
07,
20:
24]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
44–Mel
o
Asi fthingscoul dn’tbewor semyst upi di njuri
es
startedact i
ngup…j ustgr eat!Mygi rlf
riendhad
walkedoutonme.Shedi dn’tsayany thing, she
j
ustl eftmesi ttingont hatbedasi fshehear d
mesayImur deredsomeone.Cal l meanass
butshewasbei ngunreasonabl e, Ineededher
andshewaspul li
ngsuchst unt sonme.Kat e
hashermi ndmadeupaboutabor tingand
there’snor easoni ngwi thheront his.Igeti t,
shedoesn’ twantt odisappoi ntthepeopl eshe
l
ov esandt hent here’
st heschool thingbutIcan
takecar eofher ,Mrs.Besswon’ tbehappy
abouti tthat’
sf orsurebutshewi llunder stand
andl andahel pinghand.Ical ledYay abuther
phonewentst raighttov oicemai l.Idon’ tknow
howmanyv oicemai l
messagesIl ef therbef ore
giv
ingup.It
ri
edgett
ingsomesl eepbutnothi
ng
soItext
edmyt wi
ntocomev i
sitme,andshe
cameatlunchti
mewi t
hlunch.
Her
:sowher
eist
hef
utur
eMr
s.Bess?
Me:
She’
sgone
Her
:di
dyouguy
sfi
ght
?
Me:don’
tscoldmef orwhatI
’m abouttotel
l
you,t
helastt
hingIneedisanAmahl eBess
r
ightnow
Her
:itwi
l
ldependonwhaty
ouhav
etosay
Me:
Kat
eispr
egnant
Shecouldn’
thi
dehershock.Shewasaboutto
speakwhenIcont
inued…“she’
sabort
ingi
tthi
s
Fri
day”
Her
:What
?Der
ri
ckar
eyouser
ious?
Inodded
Me:I’
vetr
iedget
ti
nghertokeepitbutshe
doesn’
twanttohearanyoft
hat,
hermi ndi
s
madeuponabor
ti
ngi
t
Her
:it
’sy
ourbabyt
ooMel
okuhl
e
Me:
buti
t’
sherwomb
Her:YesesMelokuhlehowcoul dyoubeso
carel
ess?Everheardofthisthi
ngcall
eda
condom?Whendi dt hi
sev enhappenhuh?Did
youthinkofYayawheny ouwer escr
ewingyour
exwithoutacondom Mel okuhl
e?Youcanbe
suchanassholeyeses!
Andtheremyt wingoesbeingallmom onme
whenIaskedherni cel
ynottobe.Shewasmad
andIdon’tevenunderstandwhyshewasmad.
She’
snott hepregnantonehereandshe’
sbusy
thr
owingtantrums.
Me:
mayIspeaknow?
Shenodded.
Me:fi
rstofal
l,
ithappenedbeforeYandi
swa
andIstar
teddati
ng,thatdayatLu’
spartywhen
KateandIhaddisappeared…wellatl
eastt
hat’
s
whenIthinki
thappened.Youmakei
tsound
l
ikeIaskedfort
hisAsemahle.
Her :
youdidwheny oufl
i
ppinhadsexwi t
houta
condom.Whatdi dyouexpectofithuh?A
celebrat
orygi
ftorauni
cornmay be?Youknow
theconsequencesMelokuhl
e
Me:youdon’
tneedt
oshout
;Icanheary
ou
per
fect
ly
Her
:soi
sthi
swhyYandi
swal
eft
?
Inodded
Her
:doy
oubl
ameher
?CauseIdon’
t.
Me: Melodycouldy
oupl easejustt
hisoncebe
mysi st
erandnotbemom.IknowIscr ewedup
ok,Iknow.AndifIcouldturnbacktimeI
promisey ouIwoul
dbutIcan’t,mybacki s
againstthewall
here.
Her
:okokfi
ne.I
’m sor
ry,
Ican’
thelpbutt
hink
ofMom’sr
eacti
ontothewholesi
tuati
on
Me:
yeahwel
lI’
m al
readyov
eri
tseei
ngt
haty
ou
pl
ayedherr
olesodamnwel
l
Shehi
tmeonmyi
njur
edshoul
der
.
Me:
OUCH!
Her:sowhat?Youj
ustgoi
ngt
olethergo
t
hroughwithit
?
Me:
doIhav
eachoi
cer
eal
l
y?
Her
:yes,
conv
incehernott
ogot
hroughwi
thi
t
Me:
whatabouthereducat
ion?
Her:
sheshoul
dhavethoughti
fthatwhenshe
hadsexwi
thoutacondom
Me:
comeonMel
Her :mybacki sagainstthewalltooMel o.I
reall
ydon’tknowwhatt odoorsayi nthi
s
situati
on.Ican’thel
py ououtwi t
ht hi
sonebr o
andev enifIwer etotalktoYayaf oryou,what
aret hechancesofget ti
ngthrought oher?She’
s
disappointedMel o,
youwer ereckless
Shewasr
ight
.Ij
ustnodded
Me: t
hisst
aysbet
weenusMel.Please!Not
evenIyacanknowseei
ngwhatshewent
thr
ough
Her:
youhav emywor d.Thelastt
hingIwoul
d
wanttoshareisyouagreei
ngt oy
ourex
abor
tingyourchi
l
d
Me:
yoursar
casm i
schar
mingt
win.
Her:
Ijustwasn’
texpect
ingthi
sMelook.Thi
sis
abombok!Andy oucan’tconv
incehert
okeep
i
t?
Ishookmyhead.I ’v
etriedok.I’
vebeggedher
countl
esst i
mesbutshedoesn’ twantt ohear
anythi
ng.Ididn’
tbegherbecauseIwantt he
babyorany thi
ngbutIbeggedherbecause
aborti
onisdangerousandi tmaycomewi th
complicati
onsinfutur
e,complicati
onsshemay
neverrecoverfr
om andIdon’twantt hatforher.
I’
m notreadyforachil
dmy selfbutifit
salready
herethenIdon’tseewhynott akeresponsibil
i
ty
fori
t?IjustwishYandiswacoul dunderst
and, I
knowshe’
snotr
eadyf
orsuchbutIneedher
.
.
.
-
Asemahl
e
Seeingmyt wi nhurtingwaspr obabl yt hemost
painful thingI ’
veexper ienced, wel lapar tfr
om
havingt olosemygr andpar entsandt het ime
Yanal ostherbaby ,youneedt ounder st and;I’
ve
neverexper iencedboy fri
endhear tbreakbef ore
butI’m pr ettysur eitwasaspai nful ast hi
s.I
want edt opul l
himt omychestandt ell hi
mt hat
everythi ngwasgoi ngt obeok.It hinkhi smai n
concer nwasYay a,mybr ot herhasl ov edbef ore
buthe’ snev erbeenat t
achedashewast oYay a.
Hel i
v edf orher ,asmuchast heirrelat ionship
wasnewbutmybr ot herlov edhert hatmuch.
Lovel iket hatI’veonl yeverseeni tf rom mom
anddadsot histhingoft heirswasj ust
beaut ifultomeandi tmademecr av ef orlove…
speaki ngofl ove,Imetaguybacki n
Amsterdam.He’sfrom SouthAfri
cat
ooandhe
wasthereforholi
daysaswel l
,hewas24and
hewasaBusi nessAnalyst.
Me:
yourl
i
fei
sdepr
essi
ngbr
uh
Hi
m:t
ell
meabouti
t.
Me:
soImett
hisguy
Helookedatmeandchuckl ed.Trustmy
brothertolaugh,hi
slaughwasannoy ingand
i
rri
tating.Butthenagainwhocoul dblamehim
forl
aughi ng?Henev erthoughthewoul dl
iveto
seet hedaywher eIactuall
yutterthosewords.
Hi
m:i
sher
eal
?
Me:
thef
uck?Ofcausehe’
sreal
Hi
m:Imeancanany
oneel
seseehi
m ei
ther
t
hanyout
winny
Ir
oll
edmyey
es.
Me:
ok.Iam outofher
e
Hi
m:r
elaxI
’
mjoki
ng.Soy
ouwer
esay
ing
Me:hi
snameisSeanandheisajuni
or
Busi
nessAnal
ystatsomecompanyi
nJobur
g
Hi
m: yourf
irstr
elat
ionshi
pandi
t’
sal
ong
di
stanceone?
Hesai
dinthemostir
ri
tat
ingsar
casti
ctone.As
muchasIhatei
tbuthehadapoint.
Me:
shoul
dIl
eav
e?
Hi
m: y
ouknowI'
mjustpul
li
ngyourl
egSi
s.So
t
ell
meareyouguysdat
ingorwhat?
Me:
Idon'tknow.
..Iguessy
oucoul
dsayt
hat
.
Hei
nti
midatesmeRi ck
Him:ncoooahsomeonei
sinl
ove.That
'
sso
cute
Me:
ser
iousl
y
Him:y
es,
ser
iousl
y.Sowhenwi
l
lyout
wohook
up?
Hesaidgivi
ngmet hatnaught
ysmi
l
eofhi
s..
.he
wastal
kingaboutsex.
Me:
youknowv
erywel
lIwon'
tdot
hat
Hi
m:y
ouwantt
ohav
eki
dssomedayr
ight
?
Me:
someday
..
.yes
Him:yeahwellyouhavesexinor dertobeabl e
tohaveachil
dMel ody.Asyourbr ot
herI’l
ltel
l
youthis,
sexisthebestthi
ngEv er,wellwit
hthe
ri
ghtpersonofcause.Anyway,don'trushinto
anyt
hingok.
Me:
isy
ougi
vi
ngmer
elat
ionshi
padv
ice?
Webot
hlaughed.
Hi
m:ofcause.IfIdon'
t,whowil
l
?Youmyonl
y
t
winher
eandt helastt
hingIwanti
syou
maki
ngdecisi
onsy ou’
l
llat
err
egret
Me:
arewesti
l
ltal
ki
ngaboutmeher
eorwe’
ve
movedont
oyou?
Hechuckled.Thist
hingwasreal
l
ystressing
hi
m outeyandIf el
tsorr
yformybrot
her .We
cont
inuedtalki
ngwithmetell
i
nghim aboutmy
boyf
riendandhewashappyf orme.When
vi
sit
inghourswereov erIdecidedtopayYayaa
vi
sit
.NotonbehalfofMel obutbecauseI
wantedhertoseereason.Igott oherpl
aceand
sheopenedformeandIdr ov
ei nt
heyard.I
wentinsi
deandshel ookedl i
keshehadbeen
cryi
ng.Ij
ustpul
ledherinf orahugandledusto
acouchinthelounge.Shebr okeoutofmy
arms.
Me:
howar
eyou?
Her
:good
Me:
Mel
otol
dme…
Her
:whatdot
hinkIshoul
ddo?
Me: Ican’
ttel
lyouwhatt odobuti fIwerey ouI
wouldhearhim out .Hedidn’
tsendmeher eby
thewaybutIf eel l
i
key oubeingunr easonable
herebecausehedi dn’
tcheatony ou, i
t
happenedbefor eyoucamei nt hepi ct
ureandif
thi
swi l
lbetheendofy ouguy sthent helov
e
yout hi
nkyouhadf ormybrotherisnotas
str
ongasy out hinkofithavebeen
Callmejudgyorwhat
everbutiti
swhatitisok.
i
fyoulovesomeone,suchthi
ngswouldn’tbr
eak
you.Theywouldmakeyoustronger
.
Her
:Idon’
tknowwhaty
oui
mpl
yi
ngbutIl
ove
Mel
okuhle
Me: yougoti nt
othisrelati
onshipwithbothfeet
knowingv erywellthatsuchthingsmaycome
upint helongrun,exceptthistimeitcameup
soonert hanexpected.Mypoi nthereisthatyou
knewhi spastbuty oust i
l
ldatedhim anyway .I
knowf orsurethatitsoncecr ossedyourmi nd
thathemi ghthaveababysomewher ebutitsti
ll
didn’
tst opyoufrom beingwithhim because
youlov ehim
Shenodded
Me:whereisthatl
ovenowt hatheneedsyou?
KatehashermindmadeupaboutAbor t
ingthe
chi
ldandthere’
sli
ter
all
ynothi
ngMelocoul ddo
abouti
there.Heneedsy ouYaya
Her
:howam Isupposedt
obet
her
eforhi
m?
I’
venev
erbeeni
nthi
ssit
uat
ionbef
ore.Idon’
t
knowhowtohandl
esuch
Me: nowisn’
tthatthebeautyofitallhuuh?
You’vebothneverbeeninthissit
uationbefore
butyoucanbot hwalkthroughittogether.I
knowy oulovemybr ot
herandIknowhel oves
you.Youknowhet oldmehowhecameabout
tobei nanacci
dent
Shef
lushedi
nembar
rassment
.
Me: Iknowy ouguyswer efi
ghti
ngov erhi
m not
tel
li
ngy out hisoverthephone.Asinjur
edashe
was, youknowwhohewaswor ri
edabout?You
Yaya.hedi dn’tcareabouthisi
njur
ies;al
lhe
knewi sthatheneededt ogettoyoudespite
everythi
ngbecausehel ovesyouYandiswa.
Somet hi
ngl ikethi
sisnotsomet hi
ngt obetold
overthephone
Shenodded.Forthef
ir
stti
meIwast heone
wit
htheadviceandYayawasthespeechl
ess
one…crazytur
nofeventsi
fyouaskme.
Her
:Iheary
ou
Me:
thatguyl
ovesy
oudude
Her
:hahahay
ou’vetol
dmemor
ethanenough
t
olastmefor
everbabe
Mybr otherandYay awer eamat chmadein
heavenandIwoul dhateforthistobetheend
ofthem.Pl usIloveYay aandIthinkshewould
maket heper fectsi
steri
nlaw_…Wecont inued
chatt
ing,ItoldheraboutSeanandshewas
happyforme.Sheaskedmet odropheroffat
thehospitalatMel oandIdidjustthatt
henI
drovehome.
.
.
-
Mel
o
Iwaswokenupbymyphonef eeli
ngtheneedt o
goandpee, asmuchofastr
uggleitwasget t
ing
offthebedIfoundawaytodoitmy sel
f.I
refuset
olookweak.Isawhersleepi
ngont he
chai
rlooki
ngbeautif
ulasusual
.Ihatet
hatIput
herinthi
ssit
uati
onbutIwasgladshewasher e
becausethenitmeantshewaswill
ingt
ohear
meout .It
ri
edgetti
ngoffwit
houtal
armingher
andIsucceeded,Iwenttot
helooandwhenI
camebackshewasawake.
Her
:forasecondIt
houghty
ouwer
edead
Me: hahahahaver
yfunnyYaya.i
twi
l
ltakemore
thanThis-Iwav
edmyf reear
mt omyinj
ured
side-t
okillme
Her
:howar
eyout
hou?
Me:I
’
m deal
i
ng…Ican’
twai
ttogetoutoft
his
pl
ace
Her
:ofcause.ButImeantt
heKat
ethi
ng
Me:Idon’
tknowhonestly
.She’
sgoingthr
ough
wi
thitandther
e’snot
hingIcandoabouti
t
Her:youdor eal
i
sethatsomedaythi
swil
lall
comebackt ohauntyou,youwil
lhat
eyoursel
f
fornottr
yinghardenoughtost
opher.
Me:Iknowbabe.TrustmeIknowandthelast
t
hingIwanti
stoliv
ewi t
hregr
etsf
ortherestof
mylif
e
Her:t
ryreasonwithKate.Thechi
ldsheis
car
ryi
ngisy oursasmuchasi ti
shers.Thi
sis
notherdecisi
onalone
Me:I’
vetri
edYaya.Ireall
yhavebutshetol
dme
abouthowshedoesn’ twantt
odisappoi
nther
motherwhoisstruggli
ngalr
eadywithher,
her
brot
herandgrandmot her
.Ababyisjust
baggageshedoesn’tneed…
Her:evensobabe,
itwon’
tbeherbaggaget
o
takecareof
.Imeanyouhavethemeanstotake
careofthechi
l
d
Me:tryconv
inci
ngheral
loft
hatbabe.I
’
vetr
ied
andfail
eddi
smally
.Shej
ustdoesn’
twantt
his
chi
ld
Shenoddedsl
owl
y.Wewer ebothl
ayi
nginbed
wit
hheronmychest.Idi
dn’
tthi
nkshewould
st
andbymebuthereshewasconvinci
ngmet o
convi
ncemyext okeepourbaby…ifshewas
notanot
herv
ersionofmom thenIdon’tknow
whowas.Idi
dn’tdeser
veheratall
!
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
24]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
45
SometimesIsur prisedmy self
.Whatkindof
i
diotwouldconv i
ncet heirboyfr
iendtoconv i
nce
hi
sext okeept heirchildhuh?Me.That ’
swho.
I
’m suchanidiot.Hopef ull
ymyi diot
nesspay s
offsomeday.Mel okuhl ehadbet terputar i
ngon
myf i
ngersomedayf orbei ngsuchanamazi ng
gi
rlf
ri
end.Ideserv eitev enifIsaysomy sel
f.
BaeandIspendt her estoft henightchatti
ng
aboutourhol i
daysandhowmuchwemi ssed
eachot her,
suchapi tywecoul dn’
tshoweach
otherj usthowmuchbutassoonast hat
cementcomesof fbestbel i
ev ewewon’ tsleep…
whichwi l
lbe6weekst o8from now.Sucks
ri
ght ?Buti t
’sallf
ort hebest.Itookanubert o
mypl acetogoandwashup, asIwascomi ng
outofy ardabouttor equestanuber ,acar
pull
edupi nf r
ontoft heyard.Ok…t hedoor
openedandy ouwon’ tguesswhor ockedupout
ofit.Itwasmyex…t heonet hatbr okemyhear t
?
Rememberhi m?Theguyt hatbr okeupwi thme
becauseIwoul dn’tlosemyv i
rgini
tytohim.The
sameguywhopost edapi ctureofusandt ol
d
thewhol ewor l
dthathewassi nglenowandhe
wasr eadytomi ngleinmyexpensebyt heway .
Yes, youguessedi t
,itwasmyasshol eofand
ex;Zuko.Hecameov ert
omeandat t
empt edto
hugmebutIj ustlookedathi m.
LasttimeIsawhim;t
hingsdi
dn’tgosowell
ey.
Iactuall
ymethi
mt hi
spasthol
idaysandy
ou
wouldn’
tguesswhathappened.Thi
swashow
ourconver
sati
onwent
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
ZukoandIwer etalkingabouthissuicide
thoughtsthispasty earandhowt hebi gcity
wasj usttaki
ngitstollonhim.Hewas
depressednodoubt .Wehadmost l
ybeen
tal
kingabouthisWhat sAppstatusesandhow
depressingtheywer et or
ead.Hewasn’ thappy
andi tki
ndofbot heredmenol i
e,Icaredabout
despiteourpast,Istill
cared.
Me:Youknowhowt omakepeopl ehappy.
Ther
e’smoretoyouthanthat.Don’
tlet
depr
essi
oncloudwhoy outrul
yare
Him:Iknowbutwho'
sgoi
ngt
osav
emewhenI
needsaving?
Me:
youhav
efr
iends,
fami
l
y
Him:YouknowIbot
tl
emyemot i
ons,
Icango
outt
hereandmakepeopl
ehappyandcome
backhomeandwhenI'
m aloneIstar
tthi
nki
ng
aboutmyprobl
emsandfeelli
kenottal
ki
ngto
anyoneandtur
nof
fmyphone.
Me:
Zuko
Hi
m:Thi
sisnott
het
imeandpl
acef
oral
lthi
s.
Me: Whenistheti
meandwher eistheplace?
I’
m notbei
ngcockyorany thi
ngbutIthinkI’m
theonepersonyouseem tobewi ll
i
ngt o
actual
l
ytalkbecauseIunderstandyou.Allof
you.Alotmayhav echangedkodwaI ’
llal
way s
behereforyou.Ithi
nkIoncetoldyoutoput
youremoti
onsinasong
Hi
m:I
'
llbeokman,
don'
tmakei
tabi
ggi
e.
Me: I
tsal
waysbeenabiggie.Idon’
twanty out
o
drowninyouremot
ions.Knowingy ou,y
ouhave
someonewhoi swi
ll
ingtobet her
ef oryou
Him:
It’
sjustaphaseYandi
swachi
l
lyourt
it
s
down
Me:
Stopbei
nganass!Kaneneawuqhel
anga
ukwazi
wakangakayint
ombi(ohr
ighthowcoul
d
Ifor
get
,younotusedtobei
ngknownthiswel
l
byagir
l)
IknewZukol
i
kethebackofmyhandbut
someti
meshedi
dthingst
hatsur
pri
sedev
en
me.
Hi
m:Nawest
opbei
ngt
ooser
ious.
Me:Ican’
t.Thi
sisseri
oust
shi
i
!OkI
’
lll
ety
oube,
ononeconditi
onthou
Hi
m:Yes?
Me:Puty ouremot i
onsinasong.Feel
depressed?Wr i
te.Feel
sad?Writ
e.Feelhappy
?
Writ
e.Iwanty outoputthi
sinyourmusic.
Hi
m: Ayay
!Captai
n.Let
’sgot
omycr
ib,
thi
s
pl
aceiscrowded
Me:
what
?No.
Hi
m:comeonYandspl
easej
ustcomet
hrough
t
othecr
ib
Me:Lolnoways.I
’
m her
emoswi
thy
ou,
ist
hat
notenough?
Hi
m:pl
easeYandi
Me:getl
aiduni
ntent
ional
l
y?Not
hanks
Him:Lol
whatdoy
oumeanuni
ntent
ional
l
y?
Dude.
Me:
Lolyouknowexactl
ywhatImean.Youand
mebehi
ndcloseddoor
s..
.lookatt
hedayIl
ost
myvi
rgi
nit
y
Him:Lolt
hatwasuni
ntent
ional
,tomor
row
doesn'
thavet
obe
Me:
Nooooooht
hanksI
’
m good
Hi
m:Yands,
pleasecomet
hru
Me:
I’
m sor
rybutnoway
sdude
Him:Youknowwehav en'
thadt
imetobe
toget
herandbondagai
n,tomor
rowcanbet
hat
day..
.Youandmeagain
Me:
Pleadi
ngdoesn’
tsui
tyou.Besi
deswe
bondi
ngnow
Hi
m:HahahaIknowr
ight
,itsucks
Me:
Youdon’
thav
etobegnj
e..
.
Hi
m:Ido,
whenIreal
lywantsomethi
ng.And
t
hati
syoutobewit
hmet omorrow
Me:
Excepti
twon’
thappen
Hi
m:Yay
apl
ease
Me:
sor
rybr
uh
Hi
m:Whywon'
tyoucome?
Me:
Youknowexact
lywhy
..
.
Hi
m:Becausey
oudon'
twantt
ogetl
aid?That
'
s
i
t?
Me:
No.
..causeIhav
eaboy
fri
end
Hi
m:Youhav
eaboy
fri
end?
Heaskedsoundingshockedwhichonly
annoyedmer eal
l
ybecausemyMel oisonmy
Inst
agram andhewasmycurrentprof
il
epi
ctur
e
onWhat sApp.Okt hepi
cturelookedl
ikeithad
beendownl oadedsoIdon’tblamehimf or
thi
nki
ngi twassomecel ebri
tycrushbecause
Melolookedt hepartey
.
Me:
mxm!
Hi
m:f
ine
Wehadanot herconv ersat
ionunt ilwedecided
tocalli
taday ,t
hatdaywedi dn’tchaton
WhatsApporwhat soever,
hei gnoredmyt exts
andIlethim bebecauseIr eall
ydi dn’
tneedhim
i
nmyl ifeandhim maki ngmef eelbadfornot
wanti
ngt ogot ohishomewi thhim.Iwokeup
tothi
stextafterhavingrej
ectedgoi ngtosleep
overathisplace
“f
unny,
Iheardt
hemostsur pr
isi
ngnews, that
youhadaboyfr
iendwhi chIalwayssuspect ed.
..
Sowhil
eIwasbei ngignoredall
thosemont hs
youwerebusywithyournewf ormedloveand
nowevery
thi
ngmakessense.Thel eastyou
coul
dhavedonewasgi vemeaheadsupy ou
knowbutheyt hi
ngshaveafunnywayof
comi ngout.Youhavealif
eofy ourownandI
don'treal
lyblameyou.Ihopey'
allarest
il
l
togetherandpushing,
he'snotbadthou.IsawI
pict
ur eofyoutwo”
NowIknowIshoul dn’thav ebeensoci ali
zing
withmyexseei ngthatIhav eanewboy fri
end
andal lbuthewantedt ocleartheai rand
apologizeforpr
ettymuchev er
ythingandlikea
foolIagreedtomeetupwi thhim overlunch.
From thereonwedev elopedsomesor tof
fri
endshiporatleastthat ’
swhati tseemedl i
ke
tomeunt i
lthet
extandt henhebl ockedmeon
What sApp…howchi ldishcanoneber i
ght?
*
***
***
***
***
***
***
*
Soy
eaht
hatwast
hel
astt
imeIhear
dfr
om hi
m.
Him:Yandi
Iam sor
ryf
ort
hewayt
hingswent
betweenus
Me:
I’
m ov
eri
tZuko.What
’sdonei
sdone
Hi
m:Yandi
pleasej
usthearmeout
Me: noZukoy ouhearmeout .It
oldy ouIhada
boyfri
end,you’veseent hatIhav eaboy fri
end
butyoust i
llpl
ay edy ourselfforaf ool and
pret
endedt hati twasmebei ngcr azymeas
usual.Idon’tblamey our eal
lybecausemay beI
havemadey ouf eelthatway .Thiscy cleofours
andst uf
f,youscr ewup, apologize,andIl etyou
ri
ghtbacki ntomyl if
e.It’
sbeent hatwayandi t
sti
ll
wast hatwaybutI ’m donewi thitZuko.I t
s
drai
ningforme.y ouhav ealifeinJobur gandI
haveal i
fehere, letsrespecteachot herplease
Hi
m:Yandi
Ican’
tlety
ougo.Youmycoconut
,
al
way
shaveandalwayswi
llbe
Ichuckl
edi
ndi
sbel
i
ef.Wast
hisguyhear
ing
himself
?
Me: was,pasttense.Youhaveagirlfr
iend
whom y ou’v
ebeenf l
ashingonInstagram and
yourWhat sAppZuko, she’
syourcoconutnow
andnotme
Hi
m: canwenottal
kabouther.Yandi youknow
Il
oveyouandIneverstopped,
I’
ll
nev erstop.I
waschil
dishandst
upidandimmat ure,I’
ve
gr
ownupnowandIsweart oyouthingswi l
lbe
di
ff
erentt
histi
mearound.Nomor epai n.
Me:funnyy oushoul dsaythatbecausethereis
nothi
st imearound.Ididn’tunderst
andthe
emotionalpainyouputmet hroughbutit
s
seemedt opayof f.Iguessit
’struewhent hey
sayWi t
hPai nComesLov ebecausetheguyI
am withnowwi l
l neverhurtmet hewayy oudid.
Iai
ntev enmadany more,I
’mj usti
rr
it
atedby
youandIwantt ol eave
Hi
m:sot
hat
’si
t,y
ou’
vegi
venuponusj
ustl
i
ke
t
hat
Me:Zukofocusonyourgi
rl
fr
iend,
it’
sthebest
t
hingyou’
l
leverdo.
Hi
m:Yandi
Iwon’
tgi
veuponus
Me:wellt
henbestofl
uckwit
hthat
.Whi
ley
ou
busynotgi
vi
ngup,Ishoul
dgoandseemy
boy
fri
end.He’
spr
obabl
ypani
cki
ng
Hi
m:y
ouenj
oyi
ngt
hishuh?
Me:
notr
eal
l
y,i
t’
sjustpat
het
ic
Isaidwi t
hashr ugthenrequest edanuber
whichcamei nlessthant womi nutes.Igoton
andaskedhedr opmeof fatthehospi t
al.He
wasget t
ingdischar
gedt odayandhewasgoi ng
tohishome, Asewasf etchi
nghi m.Igott othe
hospitalandMr .wasalreadypackedwai ti
ngon
hissisterandme…Ihuggedhi m andweshar ed
akiss
Hi
m:y
ou’
vebeengonef
orav
eryl
ongt
ime
Me:
onmywayoutIr
ani
ntoZuko
Hi
m:t
heex-
boy
fri
endt
hatl
i
vesi
nJobur
g?
Me:
yephi
m,hewasbusyconf
essi
nghi
s
f
eel
i
ngsandst
uff
Hi
m: Ihopey
oudi
dn’
tent
ert
ainhi
mthi
sti
me
ar
ound
MeloknowsImetupwi thhi
mt hi
spast
Decemberandhewasnotsohappyabouti t
,he
di
dn’ttalktomef orhoursbuthefi
nall
ygavein,
bythet i
meIwentt obedheandIwer eongood
speakingtermsbutheaskedt hatInever
enter
tainhim agai
n, hewasanexandheshoul d
staythere.Wedidn’tneedtobefri
ends.
Me: Ididn’
tbabe.Hecorner
edmeleavi
ngno
opti
onbutt oli
stentohi
scrap,
busyaski
ngme
forstupidl
ovebackasifIwouldev
ergetback
togetheragai
nwi t
hhim
Hesmi
l
ed.
Hi
m:that
’smygi
rl
.Yousoador
abl
ewheny
ou
mad
Me:I’
m notmad,
I’
mir
ri
tat
edbywhatIhadt
o
endur
ebabe
Iki
ssedt
hesi
deofmyhead.
Hi
m:sor
rybabe.
Justt
henAsewal
kedi
nwi
thhi
spr
escr
ipt
ion
andherpur
set
hatl
ookedl
i
kemi
nei
nherhand.
Her:
don’
tyoutwogetti
redofeachot
her
.You
sl
epther
ewit
hhim ever
ydayYay a
Il
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed
Him:y
ou’
l
lunder
standwheny
oust
arthav
ing
sex
Icoul
dn’
thel
pbutl
augh.Myboyfr
iendwas
alway
sreadywi
thananswer
;itwasannoy
ingi
f
youaskme.
Her
:don’
ttel
lmey
out
wohav
ebeenhav
ingsex
i
nthehospit
al
Shesai
dlooki
ngdi
sgust
ed.
Him: i
fIdidn’
thav
ethesestupi
dthi
ngsonmy
arm andlegthenwewouldhave.I
t’
sprobabl
y
theonlyplacewehaven’
texper
imented
Ihi
thi
suni
njur
edar
m.
Hi
m:OUCH!
Ase:
thanky
ou.Idi
dn’
tnotneedt
oknowt
hat
Melo.NowIneedt
ocountwher
eIseatoreati
n
yourfl
at
Welookedateachot
herandhefl
ashedmethat
naught
ysmil
eofhisthatwasamajort
urnon
formebytheway.
Her:
ohwow!Justwowy
ouguy
s.Yout
woar
e
addi
cts
Me:
it’
sal
lhi
m
Hi
m:sexi
samut
ual
thi
nghoney
.
Ase:canwej
ustl
eav
ebef
orey
ouguy
sgetany
i
deas.
Shesai dwalki
ngout.It
ookhisbagbutmy
stubbornboy f
ri
endwhom Ilovedearl
ywasn’t
havingthat
, hecar
ri
edhisownbag.Hi scarwas
i
nf orrepai
rs,i
twasn’tt
hatbadreal
lybutlucky
hi
m hehadt hei8t
ogowi t
h.Whenhegoti nan
accidenthewasdr i
vi
nghisAstonMar t
in.We
gottoAse’scarandshedr oveofft
oherhome
withus.Ont hewaywewer ebusypickingon
Aseaboutherhavi
ngaboyfri
endandher
rel
ati
onshi
pbeingalongdi
stanceone.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
24]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
46–Mel
o
AsmuchIwasn’ thappyt hatIwouldbest ayi
ng
atthemansi onbecausei tmeantmom wi llbe
all
upi nmyf ace24/ 7,
IwasgladthatIwas
l
eav i
ngt hehospital.Wegothomeandt he
famil
ywasal l
there, mom wasprepari
ng
somet hi
ngt oeat,itsmeltheav
enly.Shewasa
goodcooknodoubtbutshewasnot hing
compar edtodad, whobar el
ycookedf orus.
Yayahel pedmei nsideandshehelpedmesi ton
thecouch, Iwasi npai nbutIwasnotaboutt o
givet hem r easont osendmebacki ntot hathell
holeandhav eev eryoneoft hem t reatingme
l
ikeababywhocan’ tdoany thingforhi msel f.
Mygoodl ookswer estil
l t
herebutnowIhad
scarsher eandt her e.Thatacci dentscr ewed
meup, Iwasl iterallyatt hewr ongpl aceatt he
wr ongt ime.Myl ov eforYandi swaGxabawi llbe
thedeat hofmeIswear ,ifshewasn’ tmadat
met henIwoul dn’thav ebeendr ivi
ngt oMt hatha
i
nt hef i
rstpl ace…okmay beIwoul dhav ebeen
butnotont hatday .Nextt i
meIwon’ tbeso
l
ucky .Shedi dapol ogizef orbeingmadandshe
alsoapol ogi zedf orbei ngi nthissituat i
on, she
blamedher sel ffori tbutIt oldheri twasn’ ther
faultbecauseIbel i
ev ethatifsomet hingi s
meantt ohappent hent here’snost oppi ngi t
,
event houghsomeofy oumayar gueandsay
thatnot hingi swr i
ttenonst onebutwecan’ t
changer eal ity.Ifwecoul dthendeat hwoul dn’t
exist.Any wayshehel pedmesi tdownandI
pul
l
edheront
omyl
ap.
Her:
comeonMel
o.Respecty
ourpar
ent
s
pl
ease
Me:hav
eyouanyi
deahowmuchIhav
emi
ssed
youYay
a
Isai
dkissinghercheek.Thiscementneededto
getoffal
ready.Ineededmydamnar mi nthi
s
si
tuat
ions.Shegotof fmeandwhoam It ofi
ght
whenIhav eonewor kingar
m.
Her
:I’
l
lgoseei
fyourmot
herneedshel
p
Me:
seri
ousl
y?Idi
dn’
tbr
ingy
ouher
eformy
mot
herYandi
swa
Her
:youdi
dn’
tbr
ingmeher
eatal
l
Shesaidlaughi
ngandwalkingaway.Thi
sgirl
.
Alwaysreadywithananswer.Mybi
gsister
walkedi
nandki ssedmycheekthensatnextto
me.
Her
:howar
eyou?
Me:
copi
ng.Thi
sshi
i
thur
tsl
i
keamot
h..
“l
anguage!
”thatwasdad’
svoi
ce.Ir
oll
edmy
eyes.
Dad:hady
oustay
edi
nthehospi
tal
li
key
ou
shoul
dhave….
Me:spar
emet hel
ect
uredadpl
ease.Thatpl
ace
gi
vesmecreeps
I
ya:theni
tsti
meyoustoppedwatchi
ngt
hose
hor
rormovies…woul
dn’
tyouagree?
Me:
ser
iousl
yguy
s.
Iy
a:y
eah…ser
iousl
y.Sowhenar
etheses
comi
ngoff
?
Me:
don’
tknow…butIwantt
henof
fal
ready
Dad:
toughl
uckson
Me:
aren’
tyousupposedt
obeatwor
k?
Dad:
nah,f
igur
edyouwerecomi
ngbackandI
di
dn’
twanttomisst
his…
Me:
misswhat
?
Hi
m:y
ouwhi
ningl
i
keal
i
ttl
ebaby
.
HeandYanabot
hlaughedatme.
Me:
onedayi
sone-
daydad.
Hi
m:ncoooohar
en’
tyout
hecut
estt
hing
Ithrewapi l
lowathim andhecaughti tlaughing.
IpushedI yawhojustlaughedatmeev en
harder.Theycoul
dbesoannoy i
ngwhent hey
want edtoo.Youcouldev engoasf arassay i
ng
Ihatedt hem…wellatthatmoment , Il
ovemy
fami l
y.Iendeduplaughingmy sel
f.
“comeonsharethejoke”Asewalkedinwi
thher
phoneinherhand.Thi
sthingofher’
shavi
nga
boyfr
iendwasgoingtobet r
oubl
eIcanalr
eady
seeit
!
Dad:wej
ustmaki
ngfunofy
ourbr
other
.He’
s
whini
ngl
i
keali
ttl
ebaby
Me:I’
m not
!Thisi
spainf
uldad;
Iwasi
nan
acci
dent3daysagook!
Ase:
2andahal
ftwi
n.Hady
oust
a….
Me:
ha.
a…don’
tst
artwi
thme
I
ya:wher
ewereyouofftoany
way
?Youwer
e
pi
ckedupinOr
ibipl
aza
Ase:
hewasgoi
ngt
ogetl
aid
Il
ookedatherwi
tht
hat“
ser
iousl
y”l
ook
Her:
don’
tlookatmel
i
ket
hat
.YouknowI
’
m
r
ight
!
Me:
thanksAsemahl
e
Her
:youwel
come
Dad:andy
oucoul
dn’
twai
tforhert
ocomeback
maybe?
Me:she’
sly
ing.Yay
awasmadatmeandI
wantedt
ofixthi
ngs
I
ya:
whatdi
dyoudo?
Me:
noneofy
ourbusi
ness
Dad:
thi
sgi
rlhasy
oubyt
hebal
l
shuh?
Me:
Ithoughtwewer
emi
ndi
ngourl
anguage
Dad:
Idi
dn’
tswear
Me:
ther
e’sst
il
lki
ddi
eear
sar
oundher
e
Dad:
who’
saki
dher
e?
Me:y
ourpr
eci
ousdaughter
.Ibetshedoesn’
t
ev
enknowhowtheyshaped.
Isaidl
aughi
ngandsodidI
ya.Shet
hrewa
pil
l
owatmeannoy ed…Kar
mai sab*t
ch…
Ase:
what
everDer
ri
ck
Dad:
youst
il
lav
irgi
nhoney
?
Hesai
dlooki
ngshockedandsowashistone
whi
chonlymadeYanaandIlaughv
eryhard
Ase:
whydoy
ousoundshocked?
Him: probablybecausey ou’
reararebreed.I
nev erwantt oimagi neyouguyshav i
ngsex, no
fatherev erwant stobutwhenI yafel
lpregnant
i
tmademewonderabouty ou…Ilostallhope
ony oubei ngav i
rgi
n…andt henthere’
sthe
l
ifest yl
ey oulead…y oucan’tbl
amemebaby
Icoul
dn’thel
pmysel
f.Iwasi
nsti
tches.Dad
wasthrowingsomuchshadeonhisli
tt
le
pri
ncess.
Ase:
niceonedad.I
’
llsl
eepwit
hthenextguyI
meetjustt
omakeyouproud
Me:
Iwi
l
lmur
dery
ou!
Dad:youknowIdidn’
tmeani tlikethat.I
’
m glad
yousti
llavi
rgi
nbaby,st
ayl i
ket hat
.Theseboy s
aren’
tgood.Lookaty
ourbr otherforinst
ance.
Hadhebeenagoodboy f r
iendthenhewoul dn’t
besit
tingonmycouchlikehei snow
Me:seri
ousl
ydad?Whyarewesuddenlyt
alki
ng
aboutme?youwerebet
terof
fthr
owingshade
atMelody
Iya:y
ou’
reat y
pical
exampl
eofabadboy .You
theperf
ectexampleofwhyoursi
stershould
stayawayfrom boys
Me:yeahwel
lyouhavetoki
ssadozenfr
ogs
bef
oreyoufi
ndyourpr
incechar
mingnow
Dad:whichshewon’
t.Shedoesn’
tneedapri
nce
charmi
ngwhenshehasaki ngtodoever
ythi
ng
forher
I
ya:
doest hatmeany
oudon’
twanthert
oget
mar
ried?
Dad:i
fitwereuptome,noneofyouguyswoul
d
getmarri
ed.Theseboy
softodaydon’
tknow
howtotreatawomanr i
ght
“t
hat’sri
ghtbaby.Derr
ickt
akedownsome
notes”mom saidwalkingi
nwithatrayof
snacksandYay awalki
ngbehindherwit
hdri
nks
onat ray
.Theyputthem onthetabl
e.
Mom: t
heythinkthatal
lgi
rl
swantismoneyand
t
hat’
sit
.Girl
sneedmor et
hanthat
,theyneed
l
ove,at
tent
ion,yourti
me,suppor
t…andawhol e
l
otmore
Me:butmom t
hat
’swhatI’
m doi
ngf
orYay
a…
babecomet
omyr escuepl
ease
Shesmi
l
edshowi
ngof
fherper
fectwhi
tet
eet
h.
Yay
a:he’
sagoodguy
Me:
I’
mtheper
fectguy
.
I
ya:
ifyouwere,
youwoul
dn’
tbel
i
ket
his…scar
f
aceandall
Mom:
whatam Imi
ssi
ng?
Ase:hewasdr i
vi
ngtoMthat
hawhenhegoti
n
anaccidentt
oapologi
ze
Yayalookeddownandsippedonherdri
nk…
AsemahleandIyanat
hou!SometimesIj
ust
wishIcouldductt
apethei
rmouths.
Mom:why?Whatdi
dyoudo?Yandi
swawhat
di
dhedo?
Il
ookedatYay a.Shehadt othi
nkofal i
e.The
l
astthingIwantisthem knowingaboutthe
pregnancyandtheupcomi ngaborti
on.Mom
wouldskinmeal i
ve.Thewayshe’ semphasized
usingacondom duringsex,tel
li
ngherKateis
pregnantwasdefini
tel
yano- goarea.
Yay
a:heuuhmm.Hewasn’
tanswer
ingmycal
l
s
Mom:
why
?
Yaya:i
twasami sunder
standi
ng.Givenhis
hist
oryandall
,i
t’
skindofhardtojustassume
thathewasdoingsomethingimportant
…y ou
knowt hatt
ypeofthi
ng
Phew!Ni
cesav
e.Iwi
nkedather
.
Me:andt hi
siswhyIdi
dn’ttel
lyouguysabout
myrelat
ionshi
pwithYandiswa.Youli
keto
meddle
Mom:
Iwasn’
tmeddl
i
ng
Iy
a:butyouki
ndofweremom.Whatt heyar
gue
abouti
sreal
lynotanyofourbusi
ness.
Mom:ok.I
’m sorr
y,i
twon’thappenagai
n.I
t’
s
j
ustt
hatIdon’twantyouhurt
ingthi
schi
ldMelo.
Shei
soneofaki nd
Me:andIknowt
hatmom whichi
swhyI
woul
dn’tdar
edr
eam ofhur
ti
ngher
.Il
oveher
mom
Idon’
tthi
nkmom hasev
erhear
dmesayIl
ove
agi
rl
.Youcani
maginet
hel
ookonherf
aceand
t
herestoft
hef
amil
y.
I
ya:somebodyi
sgr
owi
ngup.20sui
tsy
oul
i
ttl
e
one
Me:shutupandpassmemydr
inkpl
ease.I
t’
sa
l
it
tl
etoohotinher
e
Dad:
ofcausei
twoul
d.Youj
ustdecl
aredout
l
ovethaty
ou’
rei
nlov
e
Me:youguysaremaki
ngmygi
rl
fr
iendner
vous.
Pl
easestopal
ready
KnowingYaya,herpal
mswer eprobabl
y
sweati
ng.Iknowmygi r
l.Shemaybeanar ti
st
butsheisnotafanofbeingputonthespot.
Herphonerangandsheaskedt obeexcused.
Me:
seewhatImean.
Mom:
she’
l
lbef
ine.Your
eal
l
ylov
eher
..
.?
Me:youhavenoideamom.I
’
m goi
ngt
omar
ry
hersomeday,
justwat
ch
Dad:
I’
m pr
oudofy
ouson
Mom:
soam Ibaby
I
ya:
youguy
sar
ethemostwei
rdestpar
ent
s.
Shesai dsi ppingonherdr i
nk.Shewasr i
ght
though, conv ersationswi thourparent swer en’
t
l
ikeanyot herchi ld-parentconversat i
on,they
weredi fferent.Itwasl i
key ouchattingwi t
hy our
fri
ends, i
ttooky ear stobuildthiskindof
rel
at i
onshipwi ththem.Theonl ytimet heyt urn
ony ouandbecomel ikeanyt y
picalpar entis
wheny ouf orcet hem t obe.Screwupandy ou
willseet heirtruecol ors.
Iy
a:sowhatwer
eyouandYandi
swat
alki
ng
about
?
Mom:
noneofanyofy
a’l
l
sbusi
ness
Me:
shoul
dIbewor
ri
ed?
Her
:ist
her
ear
easony
oushoul
d?
Me:
real
l
ymom?
Yayawal
kedi
nandsatdown,shewassit
ti
ng
nextt
oAsemahl
eonathreeseat
ercouchwit
h
mom.
Me:
sowhatwer
eyouandImom t
alki
ngabout
?
Yay
a:noneofy
ourbusi
ness
Mom:
mar
ryt
hisonebaby
.Shei
sper
fect
Weal llaughed.Mom wassomet hingelse,i
t’s
nosur prisethatsheandYay agotal ongso
well…theywer eprett
ymucht hesame, att
it
ude
andal l
…wel lnot100%t hesamebuty ougetmy
point,t
hei rpersonal
iti
eswer esi mil
ar.ButYay a
wasn’tasst r
ongasmymom, nowomanwas
asst r
onghear tedasmymot herwas, t
his
womanhasbeent hroughhel landbackok.She
wasmol estedbyhernannyasachi l
dunt i
lshe
was7, shewal kedinonherf irstboyfri
end
havingsexwi thsomeonewhom t hedudehad
cl
aimedwasnot hi
ngbutaf r
iendandt henshe
l
aterfoundoutsheandt hedudewer eactuall
y
cousins, herbestfri
endsl eptwithherboy fr
iend
thenandf el
l pregnantwi t
hI y
abutl ookather
today ,shef or gav eAy af orwhatshedi dand
theybecamef r i
endsagai n,shewast heonly
onewhosur viv edinapl anecr ashwi thmy
grandpar ent s, shehadami scarri
ageandshei s
stil
lstandi ng…Icoul dgoonandonaboutmy
howgr eatofawomanshei sandhowIonl y
prayt hatYay at urnedoutl i
keher .Wehada
greatchatandev eryonewasenj oying
themsel v es.Mom of f
eredYay at osl eepov er
butref usedherof f ersoshewasdr i
v ent
oher
placebyoneoft hedr i
vers.Inallhonest yI
wasn’ tcomf or tablewi thhersl eepingi nthatbig
houseal one, Ledi andAni tawer en’tbacky et
andt hent here’st hisasshol eofanexofher ’
s
who’si nt own…not hinggoodev ercomesout
from suchbutIt rusther ,shewoul dn’tdome
l
iket hat.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
24]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
47
KnowingDer ri
ckMel okuhleBesshewas
probablywor ri
edt hatIwasmeet ingupwi t
h
Zuko.Ont hewayhomehekeptcal li
ngme
everytwomi nutes,itwasannoy ingifyouask
me.Inev ertookhi mf ortheinsecuret ypebut
herehewasact i
ngi nsecureov ernot hi
ng, I
didn’
twantZuko, IwasDONEwi t
htheguy .My
l
ittl
esisterwassl eepi ngov er,
Iaskedt hedr i
ver
thatwepassbyt heBasher esidencesot hatwe
canpickherup.I twasal r
eadyl ate,
wel lar ound
8pm.TheBess' sdi dn'twantt oleaveey .
..they
areagr eatfami l
yandy oucan' tnotlov et hem
YOH!Wepar kedandIgotof fandwenti nsi de
theyard,myhear tstar t
edpoundi ng,i'v
enev er
beenherebef or
e.Igottothedoorandmy
palmsstartedsweatingl
ike,Iwassuddenlyhot
.
Iknockedandav er
ycutecolouredboyopened
thedoor,theyhadabeaut i
fulhouse,
probabl
ya
fourbedr
oom homeormay be5,itwasa
beauti
fulhome.Hegr eet
edmewi thacute
smile.
Hi
m:i
'
m Chr
ist
ian.
..
Me:
i'
m Yandi
swa.
..wher
e'sSi
no?
Hi
m:i
nherr
oom.Comewai
tforhert
hissi
de.
Ifol
lowedhim asheledthewayt owhat
seemedl i
kethelounge.Hi
slookali
kewas
watchingTValone.
Me:
wher
ear
eyourpar
ent
s?
Hi
m:mom anddadareint
hei
rroom.Thi
sismy
t
winChr
ist
opher
,i'
l
lgocal
lSi
no.
Me:
cool
.Ni
cet
omeety
ouChr
ist
opher
.
Hi
m:sur
e.
Christopherdidn’tseem soni cewhilehist wi
n
wasanangel ,bubbl yandjustasweet heart.
BasicallyChri
stianwast heAsemahl eand
ChristopherwasDer ri
ckbetweent hetwo, all
grumpyandst uff.Chr i
sti
anhaddi sappeared
downt hehall
.Abeaut i
fulol
dwhi tewoman, well
shedi dn'tl
ookthatol dreall
ybuty ougett he
point.Shelookedl ikeshenev ergavebirth,she
wasbeaut i
fulandski nnyandj ustmodel l
ooking.
Mustbet hefutureMr s.
Her
:Hell
o,Idi
dn'
tknowwehadcompany
.I'
m
Car
oli
ne,youar
e?
Yougott
aunder
stand,
Ilooknot
hingl
i
ke
Thando!
Me:
Yandi
swaGxaba
Her
:myhusband'
sdaught
er?
Justt
henSi
nocamet
omyr
escue.
Her
:heyy
ouher
e.Whydi
dn'
tyout
extme?
Me:
Idi
dact
ual
l
y..
.checky
ourphone
Shel
ookedati
tandsmi
l
edi
nembar
rassment
.
Me:
see.
Shenodded.
Si
no:
mom i
'
llbebackt
omor
rowok.
.
Car:wait
.Yandi
swacoul
dyoupl
easecome
overfordi
nnert
omorr
ow
Ilookedatherabouttoref
useheri
nvit
e.I
'm
reall
ynotmentall
yreadytopl
ayhappyfamil
y
withthemanwhodeni edmymot heral
l
becausehecouldn'tst
anduptohisfat
her.
me:
i.
..
.uhmmm
Car:
pleaseYandi
swa.
..atl
eastt
hinkabouti
t
andgetbacktome
Me:cool.Uhhm,goodni
ght
,itwasnicemeet
ing
youguys.Youhaveabeauti
fulhome.
Isai
dwal
ki
ngoutwi
thSi
no.
Her
:wel
lthatseemedawkwar
d!
Webot
hshar
edal
augh.I
twasawkwar
dey
.We
gotinsidet hecarandIdi rectedthedrivertomy
place.Ont hewayshewast ell
i
ngmeabouther
brothers.Iwasr ight
,Chri
stopherwast he
Derrickoft het woandChr isti
anwast he
Asemahl e.Sino’sothernamewasChr isti
naand
theboy ’sot hernameswer eHlumeloand
Hlumi sa,Chr i
stianwasHl umeloandt heother
onewasHl umi sa.Wegott omypl ace,he
waitedf orust ogeti nsi
det heyar
dbef ore
drivi
ngof f…Mr sBess’sstri
ctorders.
Sino:
youar
egoi
ngt
omar
ryof
ftot
hebest
famil
yEVER
Me:
whosai
dI’
m goi
ngt
ogetmar
ri
edt
oDer
ri
ck?
Her
:I’
m not5
Shesai
dthatpar
twithal
i
ttl
ebi
tofat
ti
tude,
I
j
ustl
aughedather.
Me:
ofcausey
ounot
…
Her
:youl
ovehi
m?
Me:
hahawenothav
ingt
hisconv
ersat
ion
Shewasaboutt
orespondwhenmyphone
st
art
edri
ngi
ng…
Me:
Ihav
etot
aket
his
Ihandedhert
hekeywhi
l
eIanswer
edmyphone
/
/Me:
Ijustgothome
Hi
m:wher
ewer
eyou?
Me:
Iwentt
ofet
chSi
nof
ir
st
Her
:Heybr
oin-
law
-
sheshout
edf
orMel
otohear
,hechuckl
ed
Me:
nowdoy
oubel
i
eveme
Hi
m:t
ell
herIsai
dheysi
ssyi
nlaw
Me:
hesay
sheysi
ssyi
nlaw
-
shesmi
l
edaswewal
kedi
nsi
det
hehouse
Hi
m:sowhatar
eyout
wogoi
ngt
ogetupt
o?
Me:watchmov i
esanddogir
lyt
hings…Idon’
t
knowreal
ly
;I’
veneverhadt
obondwi t
h
someoneherage.Whatdoyoudowi t
hahigh
school
kid?
Hel
aughedatme
Hi
m:y
ouki
ddi
ngr
ight
?
Me:
noser
iousl
yIhav
enoi
dea
Hi
m: she’
s2orthr
eey
earsy
oungerthanyou.
Whatwereyoudoi
ngwhenyouwereherage?
Me:
smoki
ngweed…
Hi
m:don’
tcor
ruptt
hechi
l
dYandi
swa
Me:honest
lybabe.WhenIwasherageIwas
smoki
ngweedandget ti
nghi
gh
Him: wellIwoul
dsuggestmov
ieswit
hnormal
non-alcohol
icbever
ages,
meni
’sandpedi
’
s…
thatsortofthi
ng
Me:
yesdad
Isai
drol
l
ingmyey
es
Hi
m: don’
trol
lyourey
esatme…Iknowy
ou
al
readybabe
Me:
whatev
er.Hermot
heri
nvi
tedmef
ordi
nner
t
omorr
ow
Hi
m:ar
eyougoi
ng?
Me:
Idon’
tknow…shoul
dI?
Him:It
hinkyoushould,t
heyarey
ourother
fami
lyattheendofthedayandyoucan’t
puni
shyoursibl
i
ngsf orwhaty
ourfat
herdid19
year
sagobabe.
Me:
Idon’
tknowMel
o.
It
ookadeepbr
eat
hinandt
henl
eti
tout
.
Him: mygrandmot herSinobomi wasadopt ed
bytheNdal o’swhenshewasbor n.Shemether
biol
ogicalmot herwhenshewas16, shewas
madatherf orleavingheratthehospital.She
resentedhermot herfornotrai
singher,shewas
angryatherf orsomet hingshehaddone16
yearsback.Sowhenshehadf i
nall
yforgav eher
andwasr eadyt oact uall
yspendsomet i
me
withherbiologicalmot herNosi
hle,Nosihlewas
ki
ll
edbyt hewi feofSino’sbiologicalfather
.
Wher eI
’m goingwi t
ht hisisthatli
feisshor t
.
Peoplemakemi stakes,yeswedon’ t
underst
andwhyt heydi dthethingst heydidbut
whengivent hechancet oforgi
vet hem and
mov epastwhat ’sdone, weoughtt ot akethat
chancebecausey ounev erknowwhent hat
personmightl eavethi
sear th
Ikeptqui
etnotknowingwhattosay
.Hemade
sensenodoubtbutIdidn’
tknowwhetherornot
Iwasreadytoforgi
veandforget
.
Him:I’
m notsayingforgi
veandf or
get,
allI’
m
sayi
ngistakebabyst eps.Attheendoftheday
Romewasn’ tbuil
tinoneday .Gotothedinner
andseewher eitgoesfrom ther
e
Ismil
edtomy sel
fthi
nki
ngjusthowsmar tmy
boyf
ri
endis.Iwasal uckywomant ohavea
boyf
ri
end,father,
brot
her,suppor
ter,
advi
sor
andever
ything.MelowasEVERYTHI NGa
boyf
ri
endshoul dbeandmor e.Iknowit
’sonl
y
been2mont hsandafewweeksbuti fanyt
hing
ourrel
ati
onshi
phastaughtmei sthatit’
snot
abouttheamountofti
mey ou’v
eknowna
personfort
hem tobeyoureveryt
hing.
Me:
thanky
ou
Hi
m:f
or?
Me: everythi
ng.Ir
eallydon’
tknowwhereI
wouldbewi t
houtyoui nmylif
e.I
t’
sonlybeen
twomont hsbutIfeelli
keyouchangi
ngme.y ou
groomingmei nway sInevert
houghtwere
possible
Hechuckl
ed
Hi
m:gospendt
imewi
thy
oursi
ster
,we’
l
lchat
onWhat
sAppok
Me:
tel
lmey
oul
ovemef
ir
st
Hi
m:Il
ovey
ouYandi
swaCat
alay
aGxaba
Me:
Cat
alay
a?
Hi
m:i
t’
saf
lower
,av
erybeaut
if
ulr
areone.
That
’sy
ourEngl
i
shnamef
rom nowon
Ibl
ushed
Hi
m:itwi
l
lbeyournamewhenwegetmar
ri
ed…
mi
ghtaswel
lbe
Icoul
dn’
thel
pbutgi
ggl
e
Me:
ok…Il
ovey
ouMel
okuhl
e.By
enow
Hi
m:by
ebabe/
/
Iwentt ot
heloungeal
lsmil
es.Si
nowas
watchingamov i
eanditl
ookedli
kei
twasi
nthe
middlealr
eady
Her
:coul
dn’
twai
tfory
oubusybei
ngi
nlov
e
Me:
geeeez
…real
l
ynow?
!
Her
:yes,
real
l
y.Lookaty
ousmi
l
ingl
i
kear
etar
d
now
Me:
uhhm ok…CanIgety
ousnacks?Any
thi
ng
t
oeat?
Her
:snackswi
l
ldo
Me:
any
thi
ngt
odr
ink?
Her
:I’
l
ldr
inkwhat
every
oudr
inki
ng
Me:hahahahver
yfunnyl
it
tleone.Iwi
l
lbe
hav
ingwinesopicksomethingel
se
Her
:fi
ne…doy
ouhav
eFant
agr
ape?
Me:
it’
smyf
ave
Her
:awesome.I
’
llhav
ethat
Iwenttot hekitchenandpour edusdr inksand
pouredsnacksi nabowl thentookthet hingsto
thel
ounge.I ’
vebeencr av
ingagoodgl assof
winesincehome.Theonl yti
mesIev erdr ank
backinMt hathawaswhenmyf r
iendsandImet
upatspurorpanar ott
is.I
nmymom’ sey esI ’
m
anangel whoknow’ snothingaboutalcohol or
weedorany thingbadandIl i
ketokeepi tthat
way.
Her
:whodoy
oul
i
vewi
th?
Me:
twoofmyf
ri
ends
Her
:isn’
titchaot
ic?Imeandon’
tyouguy
sfi
ght
?
Me:wedobutweablet
osor
toutour
di
ff
erencespr
oper
ly
Her
:whosebongi
sthat
?
Shesai
dpointi
ngatt
hebongcl
osedi
nthet
v
st
andglassdoors
Me:thati
sour
s.Whatdoy
ouknowabout
bongs?
Her
:Iwasn’
tbor
nyest
erday
.Myf
ri
endsandI
smokeweed
Me:
doy
ourpar
ent
sknow?
Her:I
’
m aPK…whatar et
hechancesoft
hem
knowing?Mom woul
dmurdermewi t
hherbar
e
hands
Me:
sowhendoy
ousmoke?
Her:
atsl
eepover
satmyfri
end’
splacesor
whenweatt
endSatur
daycl
asses
Me:
andDer
ri
cksai
dIshoul
dn’
tcor
rupty
ou
Isai
dtomy sel
flaughi
ngi
ndisbel
ief
…yep,
PK’
s
aret
hetotalopposi
teoft
hei
rparent
s.Wel
l
mostofthem.
Me:
arey
ouav
irgi
n?
Sheshookherhead.
Me:
what
?!
Her
:ithappenedatt
hisot
herpar
tyl
asty
ear
…
Me:whatwasy
ourr
elat
ionshi
pwi
tht
heguy
Si
no?
Her
:hewassomeguyf
rom Dur
banboy
shi
gh.I
t
j
usthappened
Me:
didy
ouatl
eastusepr
otect
ion?
Her:I’
m notstupi
dYaya.weusedacondom,
thelastt
hingIneedisababyatthi
sage.My
parentswoulddisownme
Me:inall
honest
yy oushouldn’
thavelostyour
vi
rgi
nit
ytosomer andom str
anger.Agir
l’
s
vi
rgi
nit
yissomethingsacred
Her:andboy’si
sn’tri
ght?Idon’tgetwhywe
supposedtokeepour selv
esf ormarr
iagewhil
e
theygettohoearoundf oraslongast heyl
i
ke…
thescri
ptur
ewasn’ tmeantforusladiesonl
y,i
t
wasmeantf orbothgender s
Ijustnodded.Thi swasonedebat eIwascl earl
y
notgoi ngt owi nsoImi ghtaswel ldropit
bef oreitgoesf ar
.Mysi sterwaswel l
spoken,
shewasnotaf rai
dt ospeakhermi ndand
honest lythatwor r
iedme.i t
’sagoodt hi
ngbutit
canal sobeabadt hing.Wecont i
nuedchat ti
ng
get ti
ngt oknoweachot her,It
oldherabout
my selfandhowI ’mt heonl ychil
dwi thadozen
cousi nsbacki nEast ernCape.Ilef ther
wat chinganot hermov ie,Iwassl eepysoI
deci dedtocal li
tani ght.Igotacal lfrom
Asemahl easkingmet ogooutwi thher
tomor r
ow, shewant edt ogoshoppi ngandhav e
agi rl’
sdayoutwi t
haf ellowgirlcloset oherage
eitherthanI yaandIt oldherIwasdown.Imean
ther e’
snot hi
ngbet terdowi thNal edinothere.
Ther estofmysquadf r om DUTandIwer en’tas
closeasbef or e,
thedr amabet weenLat hitha
andIandAni taandEmel iakindofbr okeusup
i
nawayandIdi dn’tr eallymi nd.Ical ledDer ri
ck
bef oresl eeping, wespokef orawhi leandt henI
gotundert hecov ersandwechat tedon
What sAppunt i
lSinoj oinedmei nbed.Shegot
i
nandwecal leditani ght.thenextdayIwoke
upt obr eakfastinbed, afterbreakf astwel ita
j
oi ntandsmokedi ttoget herbef oregoi ngt o
shower .Iact uall
yt oldhi m aboutSi noandhe
didn’ tbel i
eveme, sowhi l
ewewer esmoki ngI
tookaf ewgoodpi ctureswi thmycamer a…t hey
act uall
ycameoutbet t
ert hanIt hought .
Becauseofmypassi onf orphot ogr aphy, my
room waswhi teandi tandi thadt hebestv i
ew
i
nt hewhol ehouset hankst oLedi.Myr oom
l
ookedl ikeoneoft hoser oom y ouwoul df i
ndon
thoser oom décormagazi nes, myr oom col ours
wer emost l
ywhi te, char coal andnudepi nkher e
andt herewhi l
emybat hroom waswhi t
eand
tur
quoi
sewithalit
tl
eblack.Si
nocoul
dn’tshut
upaboutourhouse,sheevenaskedt
ol i
vewit
h
meuntil
myf ri
endscamebackbutallthatwas
uptoherparent
s.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
25]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
48–Mel
o
Yayawashav i
ngdi nneratherparentshouse
l
atertoday,herstepmom i nvitedherovercause
shewant edtomeether .Atfi
rstYayawasn'tup
forthewholefami l
yt hi
ngybutaf t
eralotof
conv i
nci
ng,shewentaheadwi thi
t.Tomorrow
Katewasmeet i
ngupwi thAsemahl esoshecan
giveKatemycr editcard.It
'stheonlycardIhad
withmeonmywayt oYay a.Ioptedshegoes
forthesuct i
onr atherthant hepil
l,Ifeeli
t'
s
saferandl essriskier
.Whati fshebleedsto
deat hbytakingt hepillbecauseIhear dthatone
bleedsal otwhenusi ngtheabor ti
onpi l
l
.Igota
callfrom Kate.Ianswer editsamet i
me, Iwas
sitt
inginmyr oom any way .
/
/Me:
hey
Her
:hi
Me:
howar
eyou?
Her
:I'
m okIguess.
..howar
eyou?
Me:
i'
m get
ti
ngt
her
e
Her:
Sowhatwedoi
ngaboutt
hiswhol
e
abor
tiont
hingy
?
Me:Youshoul
dgobookf
ort
het
hingy
.Ist
he
booki
nghal
fpri
ceor
?
Itwaski
ndofhardtoactual
lyment
ionwhati
tis
shewasgoingtodohere.Imeanshewas
gett
ingr
idofourbabyasifInev
ermatt
eredt
o
herforonesinglebi
t.Iwasn'twit
hitandIdoubt
Ieverwould,Ihadmyr egretsbef
oreitwas
evendone.ShouldIbef eeli
ngli
kethi
s?YesI'
m
notreadyforachil
dbutabor ti
onisabitdr
asti
c
evenforme.
Her:Nope,youpaywhenyougoanddothe
thi
ngy..
.Theful
lamount
.Youcal
l,
bookan
appoint
mentandthengother
ewitht
hemoney
i
nf ul
l
Me:Ayt,
youshouldpr
obabl
ybookt
omorr
ow.
Melodywil
lmeetupwit
hyouandgi
vey
oumy
car
d
Her
:ThenI’
l
lcallt
hem i
nthemorningbecause
t
heyperf
orm abor
ti
onsinthemorningonl
y
Me:
Ayt
..
..
Yousur
eyouwantt
odot
his.
..
?
Her
:Thi
scr
eepsmeoutbutI
t’
ssomet
hingI
hav
etodot
hou..
.
Me:Wealwaysgotopt
ions,t
her
e'snosuch
t
hingas'
have'
.Wechoset o'
hav
e'
Her
:Butthi
sIhav
eto.
..y
ouknowt
her
easons
whyIcan’
tkeepi
t
Me:Thechoiceisally
ours,j
ustknowy oucan
out
growdisappoint
ment,butnotregret
.Aslong
asyouknowy ougoingtobef i
newiththe
out
come.
Her:
Thisi
sthel
astt
hingIneedf
rom y
our
ight
now..
.
Me:
What
?
Her
:Youmakingmefeelgui
l
tyaboutt
his
bef
oreI
’
veevenwentthr
oughwithi
t
Me:NoI'
m not
,I'
m maki
ngyouawar
eofwhat
youwantt
ogot hr
uwit
h,i
t’
smydutyto.
Her
:Ser
iousl
y.
..
Me:
Yeeep,
youwant
edt
ogot
hroughi
tbl
i
nd?
Her:Canyouj
uststop.Mel
owenottoget
her
anymore,y
oudon’towemeanyt
hing.Sol
et’
s
stoptal
ki
ngaboutthi
s
Me: NahIt hi nki t
'sbet terifwet al
kabouti t
,it
's
aboutt imey ougr owupKat eandhandl esome
stuff.Ther easonwhyy ourmum t r
eatsy oul i
ke
achi l
di sthi s...Youactl i
key ounotol denough
tohandl ether ealwor l
d.Youknowwhati sthe
fi
rstt hi
ngy ougett oldwheny ouaboutt ogot o
manhood. ..?andi t'ssomet hingy oucomeback
andl ivebywheny ouol d."Lookatwhatt hey
goingt odot oy ou, payat tention.Youmi ght
wantt oknowl aterorgetaskedabouti t."
simpl ymeansdon' tgot hroughsomet hing
scarywi t
houtl ooki ngandl earning.Becausei f
youdon' tl
ooky oumi ghtcomeoutoft hat
withoutl earni ngany thing,mostl i
kelytor epeat
ti
llyoudo.I '
mt el
li
ngy out hisbecauseIcar e
abouty ou,andInev ertoldt hatany one.ButI
l
ostal otofpeopl eIcar eaboutbecauseIdi dn't
saywhatneededt obesai d.
Her:
Whyareyouonl
ysayi
ngall
thisnow?Why
di
dn’ty
ousayt
hiswhenIwasatyourfl
att
he
ot
herday?
Shesni
ff
edi
nbet
ween.Shewascr
ying
Me:I
'm sor
ryKat
e..
.,
Ijustdi
dn'
tthi
nkofi
tthat
t
ime.Andyoulef
tinahurry
Her
:Ican'
tdot
hiswi
thy
ouDer
ri
ck
Me:f
ine.Asemahl
ewill
cal
lyouint
heafter
noon
t
oday.
..yougoi
ngther
etomorr
owright
?
Her:yes.Can'
tyouj
ustsendt
hemoneyt
omy
account?
Me:i
t'l
lrefl
ectlateronyouraccount.Justt
ake
mycreditcard,you'l
lgiv
eittomysi st
erorYaya
wheny oudonewi t
hit.I
'dbewit
hy oubutI'
m on
bedrestforthenextcoupleofweeks
Her
:Iunder
stand.Myf
ri
endwi
l
lbet
her
ewi
th
meanyway.
Me:
oh.
..Kat
eI'
m sor
ry
Her
:yeah.
..Met
oo
Me:
Ihopeal
lgoeswel
l
Her
:met
oo.By
eDer
ri
ck.
//
Shedroppedthecall
onmeanddi dn'
tevenwait
formetorespond.
..ty
pical.Iguessthi
sishow
thi
ngswill
beasofnow, orwewon' tevental
k..
.
whoknowswhatt hefutureholdsforus?I
call
edAsemahleandshecameaf t
erawhile.
Her
:what
'sup?
Me:Itextedy
ouKat
e'snumberandpl
easet
ake
mycreditcar
dfr
om mywall
et
Her
:whydon'
tyousendhercash?
Me:weusediff
erentaccount
s,i
twi
l
lref
lect
l
ateri
nheraccount.
Her
:ofcause.Wher
e'sy
ourwal
l
et?
Me:
fir
stdr
awer
Thewasachestofdrawer
sinmyroom
opposi
temybed.Shewenttoi
tandlooked
thr
oughitandcameoutwi
thmywallet.
Her:whywoul
dyoukeepy
ourwal
l
etwi
thy
our
underwear
?
Me:
becausei
t'
ssaf
ert
her
e
Isai
drol
l
ingmyey
e.
Her
:o.
..
k
Shegavememywall
etandIsear
chedf
ormy
car
dthengav
eitt
oher.
Me:
pleasegi
vehermycar
danddon'
tsayshi
i
t
t
oheraboutany
thi
ng
Her
:whatcoul
dIpossi
blesayt
oher
?
Me: you?There'
slikeadozenthi
ngsIcould
thi
nkof .Youarel
ikeyourparent
s,younot
scaredtospeaky ourmindabout.Andpl
ease
meetherbef oreyougotoYandiswa.
Her
:nowyougoi
ngt
odi
ctat
ehowIhandl
eyour
women?
Me:
Yandi
swamightjustconv
inceKat
etokeep
t
hechi
l
d,Iknowher
Her
:yousai
dityour
sel
f.Kat
ehashermi
nd
madeupwit
ht hi
s.Whyareyouwor
ri
ed,
thought
y
oudi
dn'
twantaki
d?
Me:Idon'
tbutIf
igur
ed,
it'
sal
readyher
esoI
mi
ghtaswell.
Her
:i'
l
lnev
erunder
standy
oubr
other
.
Me:y
oudon’
thavet
osweet
ie.Pl
easedon’
tgo
wi
ldwit
hmycard
Her
:Imakenopr
omi
sesbr
other
Shet ookmycar dandwalkedoutlaughing.
Knowi ngAsemahleshewaspr obablygoingto
suckmedr yandshopti
llshedrops.Isaidmy
prayers.IwentbackonWhat sAppchatti
ngwith
mygi rl
fri
end.SheandAsewer ehavinglunch
today.Afterawhil
eIwenttowashandt hen
mademywaydownst ai
rs…itwasast ruggl
e
real
ly,Imetupwi t
hmom comi ngoutofher
room
Her
:youknowy
ousupposedt
obei
nbedr
ight
Shesai
dhel
pingmegodownt
hest
air
s
Me:
howam Isupposedt
ogetbet
tersi
tt
ingi
n
bedal
lday
?
Her:andhowdoy
ouexpectt
oheal
get
ti
ngout
ofbed?
Me:
I’
m notachi
l
dmom
Her
:tomey ouare.Youshoul
dmovet
ooneof
t
heroomsdownst ai
rs,t
obemuchsaf
er.What
i
fyoufel
lonthestair
s?
Me:
mom r
eal
l
y?
Her:yes,r
eal
l
y.Yougoingt
osleepi
noneofthe
spareroomsunti
ltheyr
emovethecementf
rom
yourleg.
Iwasaboutt
orespondwhenshecutme
Her
:it
’snotopenfordiscussi
onMelokuhle.The
l
astt
hingweneedi syouget t
ingmoreinj
ure
t
hanyouarealready.
Me:
yes,
mom
Wegottothel
oungeandshehel
pedmeseat
downbefor
ehandi
ngmetheremote.
Her
:sowhatar
eyougoi
ngt
oeat
?
Me:
what
every
oueat
ingmom
Her
:cer
eal
iti
s
Me:
Ithoughty
ouwer
emaki
ngr
eal
breakf
ast
?
I
yawal
kedi
n.
I
ya:mor
nings…Wher
e’sMel
ody
?She’
snoti
n
herr
oom
Me:
shewentt
omeetupwi
thYay
a
Mom: i
sn’
titabitt
oearl
y?I
tsonl
y10am.Di
d
sheatl
easteatsomethi
ng?
Me:theymeeti
ngupforbreakf
astandthen
goi
ngshoppingorsomethi
ng…Idon’tknow
mom
I
ya:
ok…sowhatar
eweeat
ingf
orbr
eakf
ast
?
Me:i
sitmeoryou’v
ebecomeaper
manent
r
esi
dentoft
hishousehol
d?
Shehi
tmewi
thapi
l
lowwhi
l
emom wal
kedout
.
Her
:thi
sismyhomeasmuchasi
tsy
our
s
Me:y
eahbuty
ouhav
eapl
aceofy
ourown
now…
Her
:whati
syourpr
obl
em?
Me:nothi
ng…ify
ouwer eaty
ourownpl
aceyou
wouldn’
tbeworr
iedaboutMel
odyandwhatshe
get
supt o
Sherol
ledhereyesandgr abbedt
heremote
fr
om met henchangedthechannelandputon
keepi
ngupwi t
htheKar dashi
ansorsomething…
all
Isawwasoneoft heKardashi
ansist
ers
Me:
you’
vewat
chedt
hist
hingal
readyI
yana
Her
:IknowandIwantt
orepeati
tagai
n
Me:
youl
uckyIcan’
tgetup…
Her
:andIpl
ant
omaket
hemostoutoft
his
t
ime.
Iy
anawasannoy
ingwhenshewant
edt o.
somet
imesyouwoul
dswearIwasolderand
shewasyounger.Iletherbeandjustpr
essed
myphone,shest ar
tedchannelhoppi
nghoping
togetmyattenti
onbutIdidn’
twanttoenter
tai
n
her
.mom wal kedin.
Mom:
Iyasomeonei
sher
etoseey
ou
JustthenNgawowalkedin…thankGOD!He
greet
ed,Iy
ajustl
ookedathi
m blankl
y.
I
ya:
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Hi
m:canwet
alkpr
ivat
ely
?
Mom:
I’
ll
gof
ini
shupbr
eakf
ast
Shewal
kedout
I
ya:
noy
oucant
alki
nfr
ontofmybr
other
.
Thedudel ookedter
ribl
e.Iseethei
rbreakup
l
eftahugehol einsi
deofhim, nonethatcanbe
repai
red.Hewasev enskinny.Itwassadr eal
l
y.
Hi
m:I
’
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lyou
Her
:whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Hi
m:Ij
ustwant
edt
oseey
out
hat
’sal
l
Her
:whyKungawo?
Me:
Yanapl
easegot
alkt
otheguyout
side…
Shegav
emeadeat
hst
are.
Me:
pleaseYana
Shewashesi t
antbutsheaskedt hattheywal k
outtotalkbythepool.Theybot
hwal kedoutt o
tal
k.Icall
edmom andaskedshepassmet he
remote,shedidtellmenottomov efrom the
couchsoshemi ghtaswell
.Shegav emet he
remotebeforegoingbacktothekitchen.Aftera
whil
eIyaandNgawowal kedin,
shewal kedhi m
outandcamebackandsatnextt omeandput
herheadonmyshoul der
.
Me:
what
’swr
ong?
Her
:hismom di
edandherf
uner
ali
sthi
s
Sat
urday
Shesai
dwi
thherv
oicebr
eaki
ng
Me:
howi
shehol
dingup?
Sheshr
ugged.
Her
:shewasal
ltheyhadDer
ri
ck
Ngawohadasi sterdoi
ngMat ri
ct hi
sy ear.I
pull
edmysi steri
nf oracuddle,shewashur t
ing
poorthing.Sheandheralmostmot herinlaw
hadagoodr el
ati
onshipgoingonsoi t’
sonl yfai
r
thatshebesad.Ngawo’ smom wasnott hose
monst eri
nlawt y
peofmomst omysi ster.Il
et
hercryonmychest .
.
.
-
Asemahl
e
Ical
ledupKatetheminut
eIgoti
ntownandshe
answeredaf
terawhil
e.
/
/Me:
hit
hisi
sAsemahl
e,Der
ri
ck’
ssi
ster
Her
:ohhey
….
Me:
wher
ear
eyou?
Her
:I’
m atRes
Me:
pleasecat
chat
axi
tot
own
Her
:okI
’
m onmyway
//
Idroppedt hecal landthencal l
edYay awhosaid
shewashi ghandwoul dcomei ntownwhent he
highnessst art
st owearof f,Icouldn’
thelpbut
l
aughather …sheandmybr otherwerejustt
he
perfectmat chIswear .Thest onerandMr
serious…Igotacal lf
rom Kat etell
ingmeshe
wasonat axi toWestst reetandwher eshould
shegetof f,ItoldherletsmeetatMacD…I
want edtheirwat ermelonMcFi zz.Iwentther
e
andboughti tthenwaitedf orhertocome.She
walkedinaf ter10mi nutesorso.
Her
:hey
Me:
hi.Pl
easeseat
Shet
ookaseat
.
Me:canIgetyouanyt
hingtoeat
?Ihear
d
pr
egnantpeopl
elovefood…
Sheshookherhead.
Her
:Ij
ustat
e
Me:webothknowthat
’snottr
ueKat
e;my
brot
herwoul
dkil
lmeifIl
etyougowit
hout
buyi
ngyousomethi
ngtoeat
Her
:I’
m noty
ourbr
other
’spr
obl
em
Me:i
fyouwer
en’tt
henyouwoul
dn’
tbeusi
ng
hi
smoneytogetanabor
ti
on
Excusemef
ort
heat
ti
tudebutshest
art
edi
t.
Me:
sowhatcanIgety
out
oeat
?
Her
:any
thi
ngi
sfi
ne
Me:youpregnant
,I’
m pret
tysur
eyouhav
e
somethi
ngy oucr
aving
Her
:abi
gmacwi
l
ldowi
thcoke
Me:
wast
hatsohar
d?
Igotupandwentt
oordert
hef
oodf
orherand
thencamebackwi
thi
t.
Me:
sowhyar
eyousodet
ermi
nedt
ogetr
idof
t
hebaby
?
Her
:Ij
usthav
eto
Me:
ther
e’snosucht
hing
Her :
notall
ofuswer efort
unateenought obe
bornwithasilv
erspooninourmout hs.Icannot
affordachil
d,myf ami
lycannotaffordtofeed
andextramout h.Mom’ssalaryi
snotenought o
takecareofme, mybrother,
mygr andmot her
andherself
.
Inodded
Her:Iknowy outhinkI’
m meanforwanti
ngto
getri
doft hi
sbabybuti t
’ssomethi
ngIneedto
do.Ijustcan’tdi
sappoi
ntmymot herl
i
kethis.
shewoul ddisownmef orthi
s
Me: y
ouwerefor
tunateenought
osleepwit
h
DamonBess’ssonthough.Youdon’
thav
eto
rai
sethechi
l
dKate
Her
:andwhataboutschool
?
Me:
mypar
ent
scanpayf
ory
oureducat
ion
Her
:woul
dn’
titbecheapert
ogetr
idoft
hechi
l
d
thantoactual
l
yhav
eyouandy
ourf
ami
l
y
cater
ingtomyever
yneed?
Ishrugged.Myphonebeepedi
ndi
cat
inga
messagef rom Yay
asayi
ngshewasonherway
totown
Me: anyway,I
’
m nother et
oplaynoDrPhil
.I
don’tknowyoursituat
ion,y
ouhaveyour
reasonsandy ourmindseemsmadeupal r
eady
soImi ghtaswellj
ustgiveyouther
easonwe
here.
Ipagedthroughmywall
etandgaveheragol
d
card.It
oldherthepi
nandshewrotei
tdown.
Her
:thanky
ou.I
’
llbr
ingi
tbackst
rai
ghtaf
ter
t
omor r
ow
Me:
sowhenar
eyoudoi
ngt
hist
hing?
Her
:tomor
rowmor
ning
Me:
wher
e?
Her
:Mar
ieSt
opes
Me:
isi
tsaf
e?
Her
:soI
’
vehear
d
Me:
arey
ousur
eaboutt
hisKat
e?
Her
:Ij
usthav
etoAsemahl
e
Inodded.
Me:
ok.enj
oyy
ourf
oodandt
her
estofy
ourday
.
Itookmybagandwal kedoutwhil
easki ngYaya
aboutherwher eaboutsandshewol dmeshe
wasal mosttheresoIwentt owindowshopat
Sportscenewhi l
ewaitingf
orher.Whenshewas
fi
nall
yint own,shecalledmeandIt ol
dhert o
getoffatSportscene.Wehuggedandt henwe
wentt ograbbreakfastatSpuropposi
te.
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
25]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
49
Iwasstil
labithighbutIwasst abl
e…oratleast
Ithi
nkIwas.Ical l
edanuberforSinowhodidn’t
wanttoleav
e…Ial sodidn’
twanthertoleave,
sheandIgotal ongall
toowell.Aft
ershewas
goneItookat axitoWeststr
eetbecausethat’
s
whereIwasmeet i
ngAsemahle.Shewasat
Sport
scenebusyl ooki
ngatsneakers.
Me:
younev
erst
ruckmeasasneakerchi
ck
Shewaswear ingasandal,adr
essandal eat
her
j
acket.Iontheot herhandwaswear i
ngblue
ri
ppedboy f
riendjeans,nudepi
nkleather
converse,
whi t
ev estandanudepinklong
sl
eevecardigan.
Her
:agi
rlcan’
tal
way
sbei
nheel
snow
Me:goodpoint
.Sowhatki
ndofsneakery
ou
l
ooki
ngfor?
Her
:not
hingt
oday
.Iwasj
ustwai
ti
ngf
ory
ou
t
hat’
sal
l
Me:
wel
lthenl
et’
sgoeat
.I’
m hungr
yAF!
Her:
yougoi
ngtohav
etoqui
tweedey
,my
br
otheri
snotaf
anofit
Me:I
’
m notgoi
ngtoquitweedbecause
Mel
okuhl
eisnotafan…I’
ll
needabetterr
eason
t
hanthat
Her
:yousost
ubbor
n…l
i
kehi
m
Me:
that
’swhyheandIgetal
ongsowel
l
.
Wewer eatSpursi
tti
nginatabl
efortwo.I
or
deredwingsforstar
ter
s.Iwasver
yhungry,
weedwasplayingit
sparttooi
nmyhunger.
Her
:ri
ght
….
Me:
sohow’
sKat
e?
Her
:she’
suhhmm…nothandl
i
ngt
hingswel
l
Me:Ist
il
ldon’tgetwhyshewoul dgothrough
wi
thsomethingliket
his.Thebabydidn’
tdo
any
thi
ngwr
ongt
oany
one
Her:t
rustmeMeloandIhavetri
edtoget
thr
oughtoherbutshehashermindmadeup.
Shement i
onedsomethi
ngabouthowthechi
l
d
wouldbebaggagetoherfami
ly
Me:
thebabyhastwopar
ent
s.Shedoesn’
thav
e
t
okeepi
tafterbi
rt
h
Her:
mypointexact
ly.Ar
ghthi
sisnotanyofour
busi
nesssol
et’
sletthi
ngsbe.Thepar
entsofi
t
cametoanagreement
Inodded.Ishouldbehappyt hatmyboy f
riendis
nothavingachildwi t
hanot herwomanbutI ’
m
not.I
fKatekeptt hebaby ,t
hent heywoul dn’ t
havetohav earelati
onshipaspersaybutnow
theyhavesomet hingt obondov ershoul dt hey
meetlaterinl
if
e.ImeanKat ewillneedDer ri
ck
emotional
lyandIdon’ tthi
nkIwi llbeabl eto
standthat.Whatiflateri
nlifetheyr eali
zet hat
theymadeami stakeandt henonet hingleads
toanotherandtheydeci detohav eababy ?
Wher ewouldthatleav eme?Mel ocaresabout
KateandIknowv erywel lt
hathewi llbethere
forheremotionall
y, Katemayt rypushhi m away
butIknowmyMel o,he’spersist
entanddoes
whatpleaseshim.Ay earf
rom noworaf ew
mont hsdownt helineoneoft hem wi l
lregret
getti
ngridofthebaby .Whathappenswhen
Katecan’tgetpregnantwhenshewant st oget
pregnant?She’l
lblameMel ofornottryi
nghar d
enoughtost opherf rom goingthroughwi ththe
aborti
on.
“
Yandi
sway
ourphone”
Iwasbr
oughtbackt
oreal
it
ybyAsemahle.The
weedwasmakingmeparanoi
dIswear
!
Me:
yes
Her
:yourphone
Il
ookedatt
hescr
eenandi
twasmybestf
ri
end.
Ianswer
ed
/
/Her
:myf
avor
it
eper
soni
nthewhol
ewor
ld
Me:
heyLedi
Her
:OUCH!Wher
e’st
heexci
tement
?Wher
e’s
t
helov
e?
Il
aughed
Me:
heybaby
.Howar
eyou?Mywor
dImi
ssy
ou
Her
:nowy
ouj
ustsoundf
ake,
tonei
tdowna
not
ch
Me:
nowy
ouj
ustannoy
ing
Her
:Ij
ustgott
oDur
ban.Youhome?
Me:nope,I
’m outhav
ingbr
eakf
astwi
th
Asemahle
Her:
bondingwit
hthesi
steri
nlawIsee.CanI
j
oinyouguys?
Me:Idon’tseewhynot
.Lemmeaskher
.Ledi
is
aski
ngifshecanjoi
nus?
Asemahl
egav
emeasmi
l
ebef
oresay
ingy
es
Me:youcanj
oinusbabe.Wer
en’
tyoucomi
ng
backwit
hAni
ta?
Her
:she’
scomi
ngbackwhenweopen
Me:
ohokaycool
.WeatSpuronWestst
reet
Her
:onmyway
.By
e
Me:
bye/
/
Ledi doesn’tknowaboutKat ebei ngpregnant
andabor ti
ngt hebaby .Asmuchasshemeans
wel l
butIdon’ tneedhert ryi
ngt oconv i
nceme
thatI’m maki ngami stakebyst ayingwithMelo
afterthisonei ncident.Knowi nghershewi l
l
probabl ytellmet hatthisisthef i
rstofmany
andIdon’ tneedt hatinmyl if
e.Asmuchasshe
i
sf ormyr elati
onshipwi thMel o,she’ssti
ll
abit
doubt fulofMel oandhi sint
entions…hispast
doesn’ treall
ysitwell withher,especial
lywith
thest untLat hit
hapul l
edwi t
hKat e.
Me:seei
ngthatLedii
sonherwayhere,
canwe
notmenti
ontheKatethi
ngy
.Shedoesn’
tknow
andI’
dli
ketokeepitatt
hat
Her
:why
?
Me:Leditendst
obejudgment
alandov
er
pr
otect
iveandmotherl
y…
Her
:thenmyl
i
psar
eseal
ed
Me:
thanky
ou.
Ase:
arey
ouok?
Me:
yeahI
’
mfi
nebabe
Her
:yousur
e?
Me:
yeahI
’
m sur
e,i
t’
stheweedt
hat
’sal
l
Sheshookherheadandl
aughedatme.Just
thenLediwal
kedin,
Iwav
edmyhandatherand
shewalkedover
Her
:it
’sgoi
ngt
omakey
oucr
azy
Me:
yepbutIai
ntqui
tt
ingany
timesoon.
Ledi
:whatar
ewet
alki
ng.Hel
l
obeaut
if
ulpeopl
e
Shesai
dki
ssi
ngourcheeksandt
hent
aki
ngher
seat
Me:
thatIdosomeofmybestwor
kwhenI
’
m
hi
gh
Her
:youki
ddi
ngmer
ight
?
Ledi
:she’stel
li
ngthetr
uth,
it’
sweir
dbutit
worksforher.AnywayIam st
arv
ing.Hav
ey ou
guysorderedyet?
Wehadwi ngsont het abl
ewithourdr i
nks.I
don’tjusttakepictures,Ial
sopaint…wel lwhen
I’
m highandIam t hebestpai nt
erthereis…
whenI ’m highofcausebutei therthanthat,my
painti
ngsar enor mal anddullwit
houtany
emot i
onorst or
yt otell
.IguessI’
m mor eint
o
myemot ionsandf eelingswhenI ’
m underthe
i
nfluencer atherthanIam whenI ’m completel
y
sober.I’
m awei r
dbei ng.
Ase:
notr
eal
l
y,wewer
ewai
ti
ngf
ory
ou
Me:
andy
out
ookf
orev
erbyt
heway
Ledi
:andt
henwhat
’swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
Ase:
shesmokedweedbef
orecomi
ngher
e
Me:
thatwasi
nthemor
ning
Ledi
:i
t’
sst
il
lmor
ning
Me:
Imeanar
ound8am,
itsaf
ter10now
Ledi
:what
every
ousmokedi
sst
rongey
.
Ourwai terfi
nall
ycameov erandtookour
orders,Iorderedri
bs,chi
ps,oni
onringsand
wings.Ledi or
deredthesamewhi l
eAsewent
forchickenandasal ad…explai
nswhyshehad
akill
erbody .
Ledi:
youasaladgi
rl
…whatam Iaski
ng…of
causeyouar
e
Ase:
Idon’
tli
keeat
ingf
atsbef
ore1…t
hat
’sj
ust
howIam
Me:wow…SoMel
otol
dmey
ouhav
ea
boy
fri
end
Ledi
:fi
nal
ly!Doest
hatmeany
our
eadyt
obr
eak
yourvi
rgi
nit
y?
Me:
shej
ustmett
heguyLedi
.Sodet
ail
s
Ase:
thatbr
otherofmi
necannotkeephi
s
mouthshutt
oyou!Ibety
ouknowal
lthef
ami
l
y
secr
ets
Weal llaughed.Shewasr i
ghtt
hough,Melo
couldn’tnottel
lmethings,bei
tint
ent
ionalor
unintenti
onal…it
sallt
hesame.Hel ov
es
sharingthingswithme
Ledi
:i
t’
scal
l
edpussypowerbabe.I
twor
ks
wonder
s
Ase:r
ight…Any way,
noIam notl
osi
ngmy
vi
rgi
nit
yanytimesoon.Imettheguybacki
n
Amsterdam andwehi ti
tof
f,hel
i
vesinJobur
g
andheisagr eatguy…
Ledi
:yourfi
rstr
ealr
elat
ionshi
pandy
ougof
ora
l
ongdistanceone?
Me:
I’
minal
ongdi
stance
Ase:onl
ywheny oui
nMthatha…y
oudon’
treal
l
y
countbecausey
ouareher
e80%oftheyear
Ledi
:exact
ly.Sohow’
sthi
sgoi
ngt
owor
kout
?
Ase:
wel
ltodayhecal
l
edmet
ell
i
ngmeabouta
possi
bil
i
tyofhim movi
ngtoDurban…theyjust
needtofi
nal
izethedealf
ir
standthenhe’
ll
be
herei
n2mont hs’t
ime
Me:
youmustbeexci
ted
Ase:Idon’tknow…Idon’tev enknowi fI’
m
readyforar el
ati
onshi
p.Likethethi
ngsy ou
guysgot hroughandstuffscareme,Idon’ t
thi
nkI’
dbest r
ongenoughf orthoserelat
ionshi
p
probl
emsandt hedramat heycomewi t
h
Me:i
fyoul
i
kehi
m andhel
ikesy
ouback,
the
pr
obl
emsanddr
amawon’tmatt
er
Ledi
:someone’
sbecomeanexpectindat
ing…
WethankGodforMelokuhl
eBess!
Wealll
aughed.Naledi
coul
dbedramati
cwhen
shewantedto.Imeanwasthatr
eal
lynecessar
y
Me:shutup!Whatabouty
ou?Wher
e’sMr
.
Por
sche?
Shetookadeepbr
eat
hinandt
henout
…she
smil
ed
Ledi
:Mr.Por
scheismovingt
oSA.He’l
lhandle
hi
sbusi
nessfrom t
hissi
deandv
isi
tthestates
ever
ynowandt hen
Me:
youki
ddi
ngme
Shewasal lsmi l
es.Myf riendwasi nlov ewith
thisguy.Whowoul dhavet hought ?Iwashappy
forher,Iwashappyt hatshewashappy .We
cont i
nuedchat ti
ngaboutboy s,shoesand
fashion.Aswewer ebusychat ti
ngIgotat ext
from myl ecturertell
i
ngmet hatt hisotherhot
shotst r
eetar t
istfrom JoburgnamedTay l
or
Mei er…myf avor i
tearti
stbyt heway …t he
reasonIam ev endoingt hecour seIam doi ng
hasaskedt ofeaturemyar ti
nhi sexhi biti
on
takingplacenextweekSat urday.Ilit
eral l
y
screamed.
Ase:
andt
hen?
Igavehermyphone.AndherandLedi
bot
h
readthemessage
Her
:“Ij
ustgotof
fthephonewi
thMr
.Tay
lor
Meier
’sassi
stantandshetoldmet hathewoul
d
l
iketofeat
uresomeofy ourpiecesonhis
exhi
bit
ionnextweekSaturday…y ougame?”
Shewasreadi
ngt
hetextoutl
oud.Ledi
scr
eamedwhenshewasdoner eadi
ng
Her
:whoi
sTay
lorMei
eragai
n?
Ledi
:Mi
ssy
’sf
avor
it
ear
ti
st
Me:onlythebestAr ti
stthat’
severwalkedon
t
hisearth!He’sbeenev erywher
earoundt he
worl
d;hisartissoldeverywhere!Heismy
r
easonf ortaki
ngupar t.Andhewasn’ tto
f
eatur
emywor k.Fl
ip!
Ase:
congr
atz
Ledi
:ofcauseI
’
myourdat
efort
heexhi
bit
ion
Me:
Ihav
eaboy
fri
end
Ase:
whoi
sonbedr
estf
ort
henest6weeks
Thethoughtofgoi
ngtoanexhi
bit
ionwi
thout
Melosucked.Iwoul
dn’
tsayhewasanart
personbuthehadagr eateyeandIwoul dhave
l
ov edtohavehimr ightnexttome.t hi
swasa
greatopportuni
tyf ormet ogrowbecauset hen
mywor kwouldpr obabl ymakeitswayt othe
stateswhichmeanmool aandrecognit
ionfrom
allovertheworld.Iwasexci tedandscar ed.I
tookmyphonef rom t hetabletocallmylectur
er,
i
t’sthesamel ecturerwhohookedmeupwi th
the21stbirt
hdaygi g.Sheanswer ed.
/
/Her
:It
akei
tyougame?
Me:
hel
lyeah!Wher
e’smyi
nvi
tat
ion?
Her
:Iemai
l
edi
ttoy
ousweet
ie
Me:
how’
dyoupul
lthi
soneof
f?
Her:Ireceiv
edanemai lsayingthathewas
hosti
nganexhi bi
ti
onthiscomi ngnextweekend
andhewant stohelpay oungar ti
streachthei
r
dreamsbyshowcasi ngtheirartathisexhi
biti
on
soIsenthi my ourport
folioandher esponded
today…soemai lmeanot herportfol
i
owi t
h
someofy ourstufff
rom ov ertheholi
days
Me:
whatki
ndt
hou?
Her:yourbestwor
k.Idon’
tmeanpai nt
ings;
I
meany ourbestpi
ctur
esyoucaptur
ed…bei t
fr
iendsorfamil
yorwhatever
.Justyourbest
pi
eces
Me:uhhhm okI
’l
lemai
li
ttoy
ouwhenIgett
o
mypc.Thankyousomuch
Her:don’
tthankmejustyet
.Thankmeby
accepti
nghisschol
arshi
p
Me:
wai
twhat
?
Her:yougetascholar
shiptogofini
shyour
studi
esoverseas,
everyt
hingwil
lbesort
edfor
you.All
youneedt odoissignandthenyou’
l
lbe
off
Me:
uhhm Idon’
tknowwhatt
osay
Her
:sl
eeponitok.Fornow,enj
oywhatevery
ou
wer
edoingandsendmet hesepict
ures
Me:
wil
ldo.Agai
nthanky
ouf
orconsi
der
ingme
Her:
y ouoneofmybeststudentsYandi
swaand
t
hisisagreatoppor
tuni
tyforyou
Me:
thanky
ousomuch.
Her
:hav
eagr
eatdaynow.By
e
Me:
thanks,
yout
oo.By
e//
Ihadmi xedemoti
ons.Idi
dn’
tknowwhet herto
scream orcr
yorwhat…itwasexciti
ngnewsbut
wheredidthisl
eaveMeloandIifIgostudyin
thestat
es?
Ledi
:i
sev
ery
thi
ngok?
Me:t
heexhi
bit
ioncomeswi
thaschol
arshi
pto
st
udyabr
oad…
.
.
<3
[10/
07,
20:
25]Wadz
:*WI
THPAI
NCOMES
LOVE*
.
.
FI
NALE-50–Mel
o
Finall
y,breakfastwasser ved,Iyadidn’teat.She
wentt ohel poutherexwi thhismot her ’
s
funeralarrangement s…wel lIsuggestedt hat
shehel pssincesheandt hatwomangotal ong
alltoowel landmom backedmeup.Wewer e
sitt
ingthereint helounge,j
ustmeandmymom
bondingify oucancal li
tthat.Dadwasatwor k,
menl ikehim don’ttakeholidays.Awhi l
elater
AuntJencamei n,didn’
tevenknowshewasi n
town.Youcannev erkeepupwi t
hthatoneey .
Shegr eetedusal l
Her
:Idi
dn’
tknowy
ouwer
ethi
sbad
Me:I
’
m onbedr estf
or6fl
ippingweeks’
dude.
Howam Isupposedtosur
vive?
Mom:
yousur
viv
ingnow,
aren’
tyou?
Jen:t
hekiddoesn’
tmeant
hat
…atl
easti
t’
sst
il
l
funct
ioni
ng
Me:sher
espect
smom anddadtoodamnmuch.
Shewoul
dneveragr
eet
oitundert
hei
rroof
Jen:OUCH!Your
eal
l
ygoty
our
sel
fanAmahl
e
here
Me:
tel
lmeabouti
t
Mom:
it’
sagoodt
hing!
Jen:what
ever
…younev
erknewhowt
oli
ve
anyway
Mom:whytheshade?I
’
mf r
iendswi
thy
ou
ar
en’
tI?t
hatcount
sasli
vi
ng
Jen:youhaveapoi
nt.Ahhhbutmyf
ri
endyou
haveli
vedey…rememberwhenyoubeatt
he
shi
itoutofAya?
Shesaidlaughing.TrustAuntJentomakef un
outofsuch,Ayadi edandJenandherwer en’t
buddi
esev enthout heysharedabesti
e.I
twas
weir
dreallybuttheynev ergotal
ong
Mom: Iwaspissedokay
.Besi
des,
it’
swr
ongt
o
speakil
loft
hedead
Jen:Iai
ntspeaki
ngillofAya,I
’mjustl
aughing
athowImi ssedseei
ngy oubeattheshi
itoutof
herbecausemybr ot
herdecidedhewast i
redof
bei
ngabletowalkonhi sown
Jen’
sbrot
her
, akaDad’sBestfri
endAndr ewhad
anacci
dentyearsbackanditruinedhisspinal
cordmaki
nghi m getanart
if
ici
alone.Asmuch
asthespi
nalcordisdoingit
sjob,he’
sstill
not
abl
etodootherthingshewasabl etoo.
Mom: i
twasnotachoi
ce.Any
waywhatbr
ings
youher
e?
Jen:
myexf*
ckbuddyhasanexhi
bit
ionnext
weeksoI
’
m her
etoatt
endthat
Mom:
whi
chone?Ther
e’st
oomanyoft
hem?
Jen:
Tayl
orMeier
.From Joburg,t
hest
reetar
ti
st
andnowtheworl
d’sbestart
ist
Me: y
ouknowTay l
orMei
er?Whatam Iev
en
aski
ng?Ofcauseyouknowtheguy.My
gi
rlf
ri
endworshi
pshim!
Jen: hesentmeticketstohi
sexhi bit
ion,he’l
lbe
featuri
ngoneluckystudent’
spicturesandt hat
l
uckyst udentget
sanoppor tunit
yt ostudy
abroad.Didyourgirl
fr
iendsendinherpor t
foli
o?
ThisweekMondaywast helastdaytosendi tin.
Me:Idon’tev
ent hi
nksheknew.Toomuchhas
happenedthi
spastholi
day.Sowherecanone
buytheti
ckets?
Jen:pr
obabl
yoncomputi
cket
…Idon’
tknow
real
l
y,t
heyweredel
i
ver
edtomyplacetheot
her
day
Mom:
woaht
iger
…sl
owdown.YouonBedr
est
Me:mom Ihav
etogo;
Ihav
etot
akeYay
ato
meethi
m
Mom:
youhav
en’
theal
edpr
oper
lyMel
okuhl
e!
Jen:comeonAmahl edon’
tbeaspoil
spor
t.Let
thekidsbe.I
’
llhooky
ouupwitht
icket
s
Me:
Icoul
dki
ssy
our
ightnow
Mom:
younothav
ingy
ourownchi
l
dreni
sreal
l
y
st
art
ingt
ogett
ome!
Jen:
it’
sjustgoi
ngt
obef
oral
i
ttl
ewhi
l
e
Mom: Derr
ickbrokeaboneok.That’
swhyi tis
sti
l
lpai nf
ulforhimtostandorwal
k,ifthe
doctorsaysheshouldbeonbedr estthenhe
should.Hisinj
uri
esaren’tj
ustmi
nor,theyare
seri
ousJenni f
er
Me:mom comeon.I’m not5,
youcan’
tkeep
di
ctat
ingwhatIcanandcannotdo
Her:
youundermyroofnowandyoudoasIsay
.
Younotgoi
ngtoJoburgunt
ily
oual
lbet
ter
Wit
hthatshewalkedoutandlef
tmewi t
hJen
whojustshr
ugged.Idon’
tunder
standwhy
mom wasbeingli
kethisal
lofasudden.
.
.
-
Amahl
e
Manymi
ghtt
hinkI
’
mthewor
stmom r
ightnow
butIalmostl ostmysonaf ewday sago.I ’ve
l
ostwayt oomanypeopl ei nmyl ifeandI ’m not
readytoaddhi mt ot hatl istt oo.Yes, he’ sjust
goingtoanexhi biti
onwhi chwi llbef oradayor
twoandt hencomeback, Igett hat,butwhati f
somet hinghappensonhi swayt hereoronhi s
waybackhuh?Thenwhat ?Mypar entsdi edi na
carcrash, mygr andpar ent sal sodi edi nacar
crash,Ialmostl ostmysont ot hesame, thelast
thi
ngIwanti st his.Fly ingoni tsowni sal sonot
safe.Aftermyi n-l
awsdi edi napl anecr ashi t
washar df ormet of l
yagai n, Ikepthav i
ng
fl
ashbacksofwhent hepl anewentdown, t
he
scream f r
om Li ll
yi nther est room, myf atherin
l
awt elli
ngmet ohol donandt hatev erything
wasgoi ngt obef inewhenr eal l
ynot hingwas
goingtobef inebecausehe’ snother et oday ,
I
l
ostmychi l
dt hatday .Not hi ngi smor escar i
ng
thanami scarriage, i
nmycaset hisisbot h
fi
gurativelyandl iterallybecauseIst illhav ethe
scarwher et hatpi eceofmet alwentt hroughon
myst omach.I t’
saconst antr eminderoft heday
Ilostmyi n-lawsandchi ldIdi dn’
tev enknow
wasgr owi ngi nsideofme.I tsbeeny earsbut
I’
m st i
llnotov erit,yesIdof lybutitdoesn’ t
meanI ’
m ov erev erythingt hathappened.Ev en
drivi
ngoni tsowni sst i
llat r
aumat icexper ience
formesono.Ican’ thav eMel ogoingany wher e
untilhei sf ull
yr ecover ed.Al lmylifeI’veliv
ed
formyki dsbecauseI ’vecomet olear nthatlif
e
i
st ooshor t.I’mt hisov erpr otect
ivebor ing
mom becauseI ’m scar edt oloset hem, I
’m
scaredt hatifIwer etol oseanyoft hem, Idoubt
I’
dev erf unct i
onagai n.Iwasi nmyr oom
standi ngbyt hebal conywhenIf eltsomeone
touchmyshoul derandwi peawayat earf r
om
mycheeks.Idi dn’tev enknowIwascr y
ing.It
wasJen
Her
:whatwer
eyout
hinki
ngabout
?
Me: ever
ythi
ngthat
’shappenedint
hepast
years.ThepainmyfamilyandIhav
eendur
ed
overtheyears
Her:youscaredt
hatMelowilldiet
hesameway
yourparent
sandy ourgr
andparent
sdied
Inoddedi
nvol
unt
ary
.
Me:Ial
mostl
osthi
m Jen.Ican’
timagi
nel
osi
ng
mysontooaf
teral
lthepeopl
eI’
velost
Shepul
l
edmei
nforahug.Iwasnowi
ntear
s
Her:younotgoingtol
osehim Babe.I
tsokto
worry,i
tsoktobescaredbutMeloisnotgoing
anywhereanyt i
mesoon.Iwill
bether
etomake
surethathetakesi
teasy.Andwewi l
lbeback
str
aightaft
ertheexhi
bit
ion.
Igotoutofherar
ms
Her:Iunderst
andy ourpain;Iwasther
ethrough
i
tall.Yourchi
ldr
enhav ebecomemychi l
dren
andIwoul dneverputthem inharm’sway.Let
Melogowi thmet ot heexhibi
ti
onandIswear
onmyl ifet
hatnothingwillhappentohi
m.
Please
It
rust
edJenwi
tht
heki
ds,
shewasl
i
kea
secondmot hertothem andknowingher,
she
meantev eryword.Yes,shewasabitleni
enton
them butshewasst i
llmother
lyanddidwhat
wasbestf orthem.Inodded.
Me:
pleaseJen.
Her
:Ipr
omi
se.Besi
des,
hehast
hatgi
rlr
ight
?
Me:
yes…
Her
:ifYayar
eall
yisli
key
outhenyoucanbest
bel
i
evethatyourbabywi
l
lbewell
takencar
eoff.
Ismi l
edt hi
nki ngaboutwhatanamazi ngper son
thatchildwas.NowIknowshewasn’ tall
i
nnocentbutshewasagoodper son.Mel owas
notat roubledchi l
daspersaybuthehasbeen
throughal ot,whenIf oundoutaboutmy
parentsIwaswi thhim, heheldhi mselftogether
forme, heonl ycr i
edont hedayoft heirfuneral.
Mel oandIhav ealwaysbeenbuddi es…i fIcan
uset hatwor d, Iknowt hingsabouthi m evenhi s
fatherdoesn’ tknow, li
kehi mlosingtheonegi rl
heev erreallylov edtosui ci
de.Ididn’
tt hi
nk
Mel ocouldfindl
ov eaf
terherbutli
feprov edus
otherwise.ThepainMelohasbeent hr
oughwas
notf ornothi
ng,i
tcamewi thLove.Yandiswai s
l
ov e.AndIhopeandpr ayev erydaythatthey
endupt oget
herandhopef ul
lynotfacesomeof
thechal l
engesIfacedwithmyhusband.
Me:
thatchi
l
disabl
essi
ng
Jen:y
oursmil
esaysital
l
.Comel
et’
sgot
ell
Melothegoodnews.
Wewalkedoutofmyr
oom i
namuchl
i
ght
er
mood.
.
.
-
Mel
o
ThankstoAuntJen,mom wasokwi thme
goingtoJoburgwit
hhernextweek.Asf orYaya,
Iwantedthi
stobeasur pr
ise.Mysistercame
backandturnsoutthattheyhadl ot
soff unwi
th
Lediwhorockedupatt hei
rbr eakf
ast/l
unch
thi
ngy.Yay acal l
edmeaf terthedi nnerwit
hher
newlyf oundedf ami
lyandshesl eptthere
apparent l
y.I
twasFr i
dayandKat ewasgoi ngto
Mariest opes.Iwokeupner vousasi fI’
mt he
onewho’ sgoingtospreadmyl egsi nfr
ontof
somedoct orandhav ethem suckt heli
fe
growingi nsi
deofme.Ical l
edherbutshe
wouldn’tansweranyofmycal ls,Ineededt o
knowi fshewasokornot .EventuallyIgaveup
andtriedt osleepbutIcouldn’tsoIgoton
WhatsAppandhadsomechat swi thafew
people.Igotacal lf
rom Yay a.
/
/Me:
mor
ningbeaut
if
ul
Her
:mor
ningsexy
.Howar
eyou?
Me:
ner
vous…howar
eyou?
Her
:I’
m ok….Hav
eyoucal
l
edKat
e?
Me:she’
snotanswer
ingmycall
s…probably
t
hinksI
’l
ltr
yandconvi
ncehernott
ogot hr
ough
wi
thit
Her
:I’
m sor
ryy
ougoi
ngt
hrought
his
Me:
I’
m abi
gboy
.theset
hingshappen
Her
:Iguess
Me:
sowhat
’sbot
her
ingy
ou?
Her
:not
hing’
sbot
her
ingme
Me:
don’
tli
etome.howwast
hedi
nner
?
Her
:itwentgr
eatact
ual
l
y.Hi
swi
fei
san
amazingwoman
Me:
whatabouthi
m?
Shecl
i
ckedhert
ongue
Me:
whati
sit
?
Her:het
oldmet okeepmydist
ancefrom you.
Saysyounotr
ightformeandthatIshoul
dget
wit
hsomeonef r
om thechur
ch
Me:
andwhatdi
dyousay
?
Her:
Ilosti
t.Tol
dhi
m hecan’
tjustrockupi
nmy
l
if
eandt hi
nkhe’
sgoingt
oplayfatheronme
whenhehasn’
tdonethatfor19y
ear
s.I
basi
cal
l
ytol
dhim wheretogetof
f
Me:
soy
out
hinkI
’
mri
ghtf
ory
ou?
Her:
ofcausey
ouar
e.Iwoul
dn’
tbewi
thy
oui
f
youwer
en’t
If
eltmycheeksgett
ingr
ed.Thi
sgi
rlwas
makingmeblush.
Me:
rii
i
ght
Her
:babe
Me:
yeah
Her
:ifyouwereof
fer
edabetterj
obsomewher
e
out
sideSout
hAfri
ca,woul
dyoutakei
t?
Me:mywhol eli
feisher
e.There’
sal otI
’
dhav e
toconsi
derfi
rstbutIt
hinkIwouldtakeit
.It
’san
opport
uni
tytogrow…butmygi rlwouldhaveto
bebymysi de
Her
:butshehasschool
Me:
wecangetheraschool
ther
e…i
t’
sno
pr
obl
em mos
Her
:Iheary
ou
Me:
whydoy
ouask?
Her:nahit
snothi
ng.Myfri
endsandIwer ejust
chat
tingaboutwhatwoul
dhappeni fyourl
eft
SA,wherewoulditl
eaveourr
elat
ionship
Me: i
t’
snotaboutt hedistance,it
’saboutt
wo
peoplewhol oveeachot her.Ify
ouandIar e
meantf oreachother,
notev endist
ancecan
standinthewayofwhati smeantt obe
Her
:okIheary
oubabe
Me:
yousur
eyouok?
Her:ofcause,I
’
mj ustwor
kedupbutwhatmy
f
athersaidthat
’sall
Me:
I’
m sor
ry
Her:i
tsokbabe.Any
wayl
etmegoandwash…I
wil
lseeyoulat
eronok
Me:
okbabe.By
e//
WiththatIdroppedthecall
andcont inued
chatt
ingwithpeopleonWhat sApp.Awhi l
elater
mysi st
ercamei nmyr oom chatti
ng.Shewas
goingtomeetKat ewhowasgoi ngtogiv eher
mycar daft
er.Iheadedtotheloungeaf ter
washingandt ur
nedont heTV, Yanawal kedin.
Me:
howy
ouf
eel
i
ng?
Her
:li
keabusr
anov
erme.
Me:
I’
m sor
ry
Her
:it
sok
Me:
sohowar
ethepl
ans?
Her:ev
ery
thi
ngissor
ted;
hedi
dn’
treal
l
yneed
myhelpmuch.Todaywegoi
nggr
ocery
shoppi
ng
Me:
Yana
Her
:yes
Me: woul
dyout
wogetbackt
oget
hergi
vent
he
chance?
Her
:Idon’
tknow.Att
hispointt
her
e’snot
ell
i
ng.
I
’mjustwor
ri
edabouthi
mt hat’
sal
l
Me:
butt
heguyl
ovesy
ou
Her:andI’
m notinl
ovewi
thhi
m.Ijustcar
e
abouthim;Ithi
nkIwaswi
thhi
m becausehe
savedmey ouknow.Hewasther
ewhenI
thoughtIhadnoone
Me:
event
houghy
ouhadus
Her:yes,
Idi
dbuty
ourmotherdidn’
tdi
egivi
ng
bi
rthtoyou,
shedi
dn’
tseduceyourfat
her
becauseshewasj
eal
ousofherbestfri
end
Me:
yes,
butabeaut
if
ult
hangcameoutofi
tal
l
.
Shesmi
l
ed
Her
:Iguess
Me:youareoursi
sterdespi
teev
eryt
hingt
hat
happenedi
nthepast.Wait,
what’
sal
lthi
sgott
o
dowithyouandNgawo?
Shel
aughedandsodi
d…j
ustt
henmom wal
ked
i
nfumi
ng.
Yana:
andt
hen?
Her
:wher
e’sAsemahl
e?
Me:
shewentt
ofet
chsomet
hingi
ntown…why
?
Mom: andthatsomet
hinghappenstobeat
Mari
estopesright
?Derri
cki
sy oursi
ster
pr
egnant?
Shi
i
it!
.
.
<3
Meetyouguyswhenwereach400l
i
kes.Il
ove
youal
l
.Thejour
neyhasbeenamazi
ng.