Losey

out
ofi
ndme
Pr
ologue

Thedeci
sionwemakeinli
fecanaffectour
fut
uref
oreverandt
her
eisnoturni
ngback.
Thisismetodaycr
yingbecauseofabet
ray
al
thatIdi
dn'
tseecoming.
It
houghthewashappywit
hme, Isawal
lthe
si
gnsbutIchoset
oignor
edthem.
Ilookedatthediv
orcepapersoncel
asttime,
he
tookevery
thingweownedandIhav enowayof
disputi
ngthatheisapowerfulman,Il
ostmy
j
obbecauseofhi m,Ihavenothi
nginmyname
becausehemadesur ethatIsuff
erwit
houthi
m.
Myqual
i
ficat
ionar
enot
hingasl
ongashei
s
al
i
ve.
Theonlythingt
hatIhavei
smysonandy etI
havenothingmuchtofeedhi
m becausehi
s
fat
herstri
ppedever
ythi
ngawayfrom uswi
thout
gi
vi
ngcar
eabouthi
sownson.
Ididn'
tknowt hatImarr
iedahear tl
esshuman
untilt
womont hsago,Ididn'tknowthattheman
Ithoughtwasmysoul mat ewasmyown
downf all
,hestr
ippedmeof fevery
thingevent
he
l
astdi gni
tyIhad.
Mysoni
stheonl
ythi
ngthatkeepsmealiveat
t
hismoment
,hei
sinnocenti
nalloft
his.
Event hepeopl
eIthoughtar
emyfri
endshave
turnedthei
rbacksonmebecausetheyar
ealso
hisfri
ends,hei
stheonewi t
hmoneyIhave
nothing.
Ilookedatt
hefamil
ypor
trai
tont
hewal
lIcoul
d
feelmyheartf
all
int
hepit
sofmystomach.
Thi
shur
tsmorethananyt
hingi
nthi
swor
ld,
I
hav
enoonetoturnto.
Ipackthelastbagasmysonwassi t
ti
ngther
e
playi
ngwit
hhi stoys,
thethoughtofmenot
beingabl
et oprovi
deforhim br
eaksmyheart
.
Me:"Boyboylet
'sgo"hestoodupandItookt
he
sui
tcasethenwewal kedoutoft
heroom.
Ther
eismyexhusbandsi
tti
ngi
nacouch
si
ppi
nginoneofhi
sexpensi
vewhi
skey
.
Me:"Her
earethepaper
s"Isai
dplaci
ngthem i
n
thecoff
eet
able,hej
ustst
aredatuswit
hout
sayi
nganyt
hing.
Tshepo:"Youshouldbet hankfulIev
enlety
ou
takethoseclotheswi thy
ou,thisisapr
oofthat
youarenot hi
ngwi thoutme,Imadey ouandI
candestroyyouZi zipho"
Me:
"Andy
ouhav
epr
ovedy
ourpoi
nt"
Tshepo:
"Di
dyousaysomet
hing?
!"hesai
d
walki
ngtowar
dsmeandgrabbedmebymyhai
r
Junior:
"Letmommygo! "hesaidgr
abbi
nghi
s
l
eg, Tshepojustpushedhi
m andhefel
lont
he
groundandst art
edcryi
ng.
Tshepo:
"Di
dyousaysomet
hingZi
zi
pho?
"
Me:"
Pleaseletmego"heslappedmeacr
oss
t
hefaceIhol dmycheekhegrabbedmebymy
t
hroat"Pl
easestop"hej
ustsqueezemeti
ght
.
Ihearhi
m gr
oanandl
ett
ingmego,
Ifel
lont
he
ground.
Tshepo:"
Leavemyhouse!
"Iqui
ckl
ycompose
myselfandgrabmysonandthesui
tcaseIr
an
tothedoor.
Wewal kedtowardst heshel
tert
oshiel
d
oursel
v esbecauset herai
nwaspour i
ngonus,
ourclothesweresoaki ngwet,Juni
orwas
shi
v er
ing,Iundressedhim andputhim ondr
y
cl
othes.
Juni
or:"
Mom,I
'm hungr
y"If
eel
tear
sst
ingi
ngat
thebackofmyeyes.
Me:"
Let'
swai
tfort
herai
ntopast,Iwi
l
lgety
ou
somethi
ngt
oeatokay"henodsandIpul
lhi
m
tomyarmstokeephi
m warm.
Ist
il
lcan'
tbeli
eveTshepo,
myf i
rstl
ovei
sthe
onedoingthi
stomeandhi sson.
Ital
lstar
tedt
womont hsagowhenIfi
ndout
thathewascheat
ingonmewi thsomeonet
hat
Ithoughtwasmybestfri
end.
WhenIconf
ront
edhi
m abouti
t,hebeatmeup.
Thatwast
hef
ir
stt
imemyownhusbandl
ayi
ng
ahandonme.
Hest artedbr
ingingMpumi mysocalledbest
fri
endt othehouseandt heytr
eatedmelikea
servantifIdi
dn'tburgetothei
rdemandshewill
threatentomakeJuni orpayfori
torIwil
l
receiveabeatingfrom hi
m.
Ihadtodoev ery
thi
ngtheysayIshoulddoin
ordertopr
otectmysonandmy self,
Iwasglad
whenMpumi demandedadivorcebetweenme
andmyhusband, IwasgladthatIwil
lfi
nal
lybe
fr
eef r
om t
heabuseIwassubj ectedto.
Thedi
vor
cecamewi
thal
otofconsequences,
menothav ingahome, melosingmyjob
becauseIwor kedf
orhisfr
iend,mehavingl
ess
thanfi
vethousandsinmyaccountbecause
TshepofrozeanyotheraccountIhad.

Wespentmor ethanthir
tyminut
esi nthe
shel
terIwasstart
ingtogetworr
iedaboutmy
son,
it'
sv er
yrar
etof i
ndtaxi
especiall
yatthi
s
ti
meoft heday.
I
twasst
art
ingt
ogetdar
kout
side.
Me:"Babywehav etokeepwal king"Isai
dtaki
ng
hi
shand, thegar
agewas10mi nutesaway
at
leastitwasn'
trai
ningthathardany more.
Tenmi nutesl
aterwemanagset ogett ot he
garage,t
hestaresIgotwer etoomuchI '
m sure
peopleareaskingthemselveswhat'st hewi feof
thewellknownbusi nessty
coondoi ngher e,
l
ookingsot er
ri
blesomewer eevent aking
pict
uresandIknowIwi l
lbealloversoci al
medi
ainf
ew.
Ijustboughtsomefoodf
ormeandmyson,
thensomecof feet
oo.
Wewal kedoutaf
terfi
nishingourmeal ,
t her
eis
nowayt hatwearefi
ndingapl acetostayat
thi
sti
meandB&Bcostaf ort
unei nthi
sar eabut
Ican'
thavemysonsl eepout si
de,theclosest
B&Bit'
stwentyminut
esaway ,Ihavenophone
withme.
Isawt woguysapproachusIknowforsure
theyaregonnarobus,wit
heachsteptheytake
Ifeelmyheartpoundi
ng.
Guy1:"
Mysist
er,
wherear
eyougoi
ng?
"hesai
d
l
ookingatmysuit
case
Me:"NOwhere,I
'
mj ustwait
ingf
ormyfr
iendto
pickusup"Youhearmyv oi
cetr
embl
ingI'
m so
scared
Guy
2:"
Thi
sisnotasafeplacetost
andalone,
wecanwai
twit
hy ou"Iswall
owedcausethei
r
f
acesandclot
hestheywer
ewear
ing,
youcoul
d
t
ell
theyar
ehomeless.
Me:
"I
'mf
ine"
Guy1:
"Si
sterweknow,youarel
yi
ng.Sohow
aboutwedot hi
s,wewalkyout
owhereyou
wanttogo,andyougi
veussomecash"
Guy2:
"Ev
enifyour
efusewear
egonnat
aket
he
cashanyway
s"
Me:
"OkayIneedaB&B"Idon'
ttr
ustt
hem
Guy1:"Okaywewal
kyout
otheB&Bf
or10
t
igers"Inod.
Guy 2:
"Letmehelpyouwi
ththat
"het
ookthe
suit
caseIpickedupJuni
orbutt
heot
herone
stopsme
Guy 1:
"Youl ookexhausted,comeher entwana"
hesaidt akingJuniorfr
om mebutIdon' tlethi
m
"Idon'
thur tkids,
mysi bli
ngsarethereasonI
robpeopl eIwouldn'tdarehurtyourson"he
t
akesJuniorwhof
all
sasl
eeponhi
sshoul
der
i
mmediately
Godpleasebewi
thmer
ightnowcauseI
'
m
scar
ed
I
nser
t1

Zi
zi
pho
Thewal
ktot
heB&Bwasf
unni
ert
hanIt
hought
i
twoul
dbe.
Theseguy swerehi
lar
iousthei
rstori
eswere
veryfunnyandsomewer etoofunnytobeli
eveI
evenfoundmy sel
flet
ti
nglooseforgett
ingmy
horri
fyi
ngreal
it
y.
Mysonwasstil
lsoundlysl
eepi
ngont
heguy'
s
shoul
derwhi
chIfoundouthisnamei
sThuso
andtheot
heri
sSandile.
Thuso:
"Ausiwhat
'
syourst
oryv
ele"Il
ookedat
hi
m confused
Sandil
e:"
Youcan'tbewalki
ngaloneatthisti
me
ofthenight
,wit
haki dandaluggageifitwas
nothi
ng"theywerebothlooki
ngatme.
Thuso:"
Youknowt heysayi t
sbett
ertov ent
yourprobl
emstoast rangerbecausey ouwi l
l
neverseethem agai
n"onet hi
ngInoticedabout
thesetwoareverysmar tandIbel
ievet heyare
robbi
ngpeopleduetoci rcumst
ances.
Isi
ghandt ol
dthem aboutwhathappenedwi
th
myluxur
iousli
fe,t
helookont heirf
acewasj
ust
showi
ngt hatt
heyweredisgusting.
Thuso:"
IknewIsawy ousomewher e,Ialways
knewthattheguywast heguyisdisgusti
ngto
dothatonhi sownson, nooff
ensebuti twould
beunderstandabl
eifhedi dt
hattoy ouonly
becauseyouar enotrel
atedtohim buttohis
sonthat'
sdisgusti
ng"itwasevidentthatthey
werebothdisgustedbyTshepo'sact i
on.
Sandi
l
e:"
Tel
lmeabouti
t,guy
sli
kehi
m deser
ve
tobethoughtal
esson"Thusonoddedi
n
agreement
Me:"
Heisnotwort
hithonest
ly"t
heyjustl
ookat
eachot
herandshr
uggedthei
rshoulders.
Wecont i
nuechat t
ingonourwayt otheB&BI
didn'
tevenfeell
ikewebeenwal ki
ngf orl
ike
twentyminutesandsonwasst i
llsoundly
sleepi
ngonThuso' sshoul
derhelookedsot i
red.
Thuso:"
Weareher
e"hesai
daswewer
e
st
andingri
ghti
nfr
ontoft
heB&B.
Me:
"Thatwasqui
ck!
"
Sandile:
"Justadmitthatyouenjoy
edbeingwit
h
us,Sisigoinsideandcheckiftheyhav
ear oom
avai
lablewewi l
lwai
there"
Me:"
OkayIwil
lberi
ght"afewmi
nutesagoI
wassoscaredoft
hesebutnowIcanleav
emy
sonwit
hthem howir
onic.
Iwal
kedt
otheB&BIwasqui
ckl
yassi
stedandI
wasabl
etogetar
oom.
Iwalkedbackt
othem t
heywer
est
il
lst
andi
ng
ther
e.
Me:"Igoty ouandt hankyouguy sforevery
thi
ng
youdidt oday, i
fyouwereotherguy syou
wouldn'thav ebotheredIappreci
ateit
"Isaid
alr
eadyt akingouttwohundr edrandsoutofmy
wall
etandhandst oThusowhot akeitthenI
tookJuni orfrom hi
m
Sandil
e:"
Howaboutwehelpyoutomorrowfi
nd
aplacethati
saffor
dabl
eanddecent,
Iknowa
fewflat
sthatar
eprett
ygood"Ismi
ledand
qui
cklynod
Thuso:"
Ntwanat
hat'
sagreati
dea,j
ustt
ell
us
theti
met opi
ckyouguysup"t
heseguysarenot
thi
evesIsweart
heyaremyguardi
anangel
s
Me:
"I
stenokay
"
Sandi
l
e:"
Nakanj
ani
sist
az"Inod
Me:"Thanky
ouagai
nguy
s"Isai
dpul
l
ingt
he
sui
tcase
Thuso:
"NOpr
obl
em"
Me:
"Justbecar
eful
"theynod
Sandil
e:"
Nakanj
ani"Ismileandwal kedtowards
theentr
ancebeforeIenterIfeelsomeone
tappi
ngmyshoul deri
twasThuso, hetookout
thetwohundredsIgavehi m andplacediti
nmy
handleavi
ngmeconf used
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"
Thuso:
"Youaregonnaneedit
"Ishookmyhead
andtri
edtoshoveitbackt
ohishandbut
Sandi
lehel
dmyhand
Sandi
l
e:"
Takeitasal
oan,y
ouareinneedof
thi
smoneythenwhenyouareset
tl
edyouwil
l
payusback"
Me:
"Butwhatabouty
ouguy
s?"
Thuso:
"Wecanal
way
smakeapl
andon'
twor
ry
aboutus"Idi
dn'
tbel
i
evei
t.
Me:"
Idon'tknowwhattosay
,Ipr
omiseIwi
l
l
payyouback"theynodandwal
kedawayaf
ter
sayi
ngtheirgoodni
ght.

Iwashel
pedtoupst
air
stomyroom IputJuni
or
i
nbedafterheat
eandtookashoeer
.
Itookashowerthi
splacewaspr
ett
yadv
anced
foraR400thatIpai
d.
AfterItookashowerIt ookapen, handbook
andmyl aptopAtleastIsti
llhadthatstarted
planningf ortomorrow,Istartedl
ookingf or
avail
ablej obsmostoft hem wer ewaitressjobs
andt utors,ri
ghtnowIwoul dtakeanything
thereisnot imetobepi ckyIneedmoneycause
i
nt henextf ewmont hsIwillrunoutofwhatI
havei nmyaccounti fIdon'tgetajobsoon.
I
twasthelongestni
ghtbutIsl
eptf
orf
our
hour
satl
east.
Weatebreakf
astandJuni
orwasaskingalotof
quest
ionst
hatsomeIcouldn'
tanswerbuthe
wasanunderst
andingchi
l
d.
Wecheckedoutat9:55whenwewal kedout
theguy
'swereal
readybythegateIwil
lfor
ever
begrat
eful
forwhattheyaredoi
ngformer i
ght
now.
Me:
"Mor
ningguy
s"t
heyl
ookedcl
eant
oday
Thuso:
"Mor
ningZee"
Sandi
le:
"Ntwana!
"hesai
dfi
stbumpi
ngJuni
or
wholookedexcit
edtowhenhewasshowi
ng
hi
m howt ofi
stbump
Me:"
HaiboSandi
l
eyoudon'
tseeme"t
heyl
augh
l
oudly
Sandi
l
e:"
Sisi
Zeej
eal
ous,
mor
ning"
Me:
"Inol
ongerwantt
hatmor
ning"hel
aughed
Thuso:
"Juni
ory
ougonnachawt
hem l
adi
eswi
th
thosel
ooks"
Sandi
le:
"Sayt
hatagai
nTee"theyfistbumpI
j
ustshookmyheadt othei
rcr
aziness
Me:
"Wher
etor
ightnow?
"
Sandi
l
e:"
Yourbudget
!?"
Me:
"Atl
east1500-
2000"
henods
Sandil
e:"Iknowjustapl aceitisagreatpl
ace"
hesaidtakingJunior
'shandandThusodr agthe
sui
tcasewewal kedtenmi nutesawayfrom t
he
B&Bwewer ealr
eadyt here.
Theplacewasatwobedr oom apar
tment
,ful
ly
fur
nished,
ithadaki
tchenandaTVr oom wit
h
anLcouch.
Iwasasharingapar
tmentandR1650per
person,i
twasgood,Il
ovedthebedstheywer
e
notsingl
ebedbutathreequar
terbed.
Thelandl
ordwassounderstandi
ngshesai
d
Juni
orwasn'tgonnapayandIwil
lhavea
roommate,sowhichmeansit'
sgonnabethe
thr
eeofusIhopeshedoesn'
tmi
ndhav
ing
Juniorar
ound.
Theguyslef
tmeaf
terImanagedtogetapl
ace
Iowethosetwoal
ottheypr
omisedtocome
ever
yonceinawhi
le.
JuniorwaskindasadwhentheyleftbutnowI'
m
sureheforgotabouti
tcausehewaswat chi
ng
cart
oonswhi l
eIunpackedourcl
othes.
Ist
il
lhav
etobuygr
ocer
iesandpot
sAt
leastt
he
malli
snearby
.
Thedoorswi ngopentheshortestpersoni
nthe
wordwal ksi
normaybeI '
m exaggerati
ngwhen
Isayshei st
heshort
estinthewor l
dbutsheis
shortandshehasat err
ibl
esenseoff ashi
on,
shegav emeal ookt
hatwassoscar y.
Her
:"
Hel
l
o"herf
acewasn'
tfr
iendl
yatal
l
Me:
"Hi
"Isai
dav
oidi
ngey
econt
act
Her
:"
Youmustbemyr
oommat
e,I
'
m Kuhl
e
Mt
yeku"shei
sal
sot
oof
ormal
,i
ssheapast
or?
Me:
"Zi
zi
phoMokoena,ImeanMcelel
i"Isaid
wi
thwordsstuckonmythr
oatshechuckled,
f
aki
ngasmi l
e.
Kuhle:
"Mmhf
akesmi
l
e.Whyar
eyout
alki
ngl
i
ke
that
"
Me:"
Yourey
esar
escar
ingme"shebustoutof
l
aughter
Kuhl
e:"
IknewIwasugl
ybutnott
hatmuch"she
sai
dsti
lll
aughi
ngmaki
ngthi
ngsawkwardfor
me.
Me:
"Uh.
.Okay
"shef
rowns.
Kuhle:
"Youl
ookfami
li
ar"Icl
osedmyeyes
causeI'
m notr
eadyt
oexplai
nmy sel
fri
ghtnow
Me:
"I
..Ido?
"thatcameoutal
i
ttl
ebi
tlouder
Kuhl
e:"
OMG!YouareTshepoMokoena'
swi f
e,
youar
eall
oversoci
alsoisyoury
ourhusband"
Me:
"Ohokay
"Idon'
twantt
oent
ert
aint
het
opi
c
atal
l
.
Kuhl
e:"
Isi
ttr
uey oucheatedonhi
m? "I'
m not
sur
pri
sedheisdraggi
ngmynamet hroughthe
mudonsocialmediajusttomakehimselfa
vi
cti
m oraSaint
Me:
"Yeah"Isai
dshej
ustchuckl
ed
Kuhle:"
WellIdon'tbeli
eveyouheistheonewho
cheated"damnt hisgir
ltal
ksalotandherdeep
voi
cei sn'
thel
pingr i
ghtnow
Me:"YeahKuhlei
tiswhati
tisKuhle"shewas
abouttosaysomethi
ngelsethankGodJunior
walkedintosavemefrom t
his
Me:
"BoyBoy
"
Junior
:"
MommyI '
m hungr
y"Iswal
lowedcauseI
sti
l
lhaven'
tboughtanygr
oceri
es
Kuhl
e:"
Whatwoul
dyoul
i
ket
oeat
?"t
hisi
s
embarr
assi
ng
Juni
or:
"CanIpl
easehav
emuf
fi
nsandj
uice!
"
Kuhl
e:"
Comingri
ghtup"shesai
dlooki
ngatmeI
mouthed'
ThankYou'shenodsthenwalksout
.
Junior
:"
Mommy
"Iknowaquest
ioni
saboutt
o
fol
low
Me:
"YesJuni
or"
Juni
or:
"It
hinkdaddoesn'
tl
ovemeany
mor
e"
mythroatj
ustgoesdry
Me:"
Ofcour
sehel
ovesy
oubaby
"hej
ustshook
hi
shead
Junior
:"
Hepushedme,dadhur
tme"If
eel
tear
s
sti
ngont hebackofmyey
es.
Me:"I
twasami stakemybaby "Isai
dhuggi
ng
hi
m howdoy outellachil
dthatthei
rdad
doesn'
tcareaboutthem?IhateTshepowit
h
ever
yfibr
eofmybody .
Kuhlewalksi
nandhandJuni orhi
sfoodhe
walkedouttowatchhiscart
oons,Ij
ustl
etmy
tear
sflowKuhlequickl
yengulf
edmei nahug.
Me:"Ihat
ehim,Ihat
ehim"Isai
dhol
dont
oher
fordearl
if
e"Howcouldhedothatt
ohi
sown
son"
Kuhl
e:"
I'
m sosor
ry"shesai
dbrushi
ngmyback
af
terafewminutesIcal
m down.
Me:
"I
'm sor
ryaboutt
hat
"
Kuhl
e:"
It
'sokay,y
ourexhusbandi sabust
ard.
Hewasbr aggi
ngaboutleavi
ngy ouwit
hnothing
onsoci
al medi
a, heisahear
tlessdogandtrust
meeachdoghast hei
rownday s"
Me:
"Ij
ustneedt
ogetaj
obr
ightnow"
Kuhl
e:"Af
ri
endofmi
necanhookyouupwi
tha
wait
ressj
obIknowi
t'
snotmuchbuti
twi
ll
doin
themeantime"
Me:"
ThankyouIwoul dappreci
ateit
,meand
Juni
oraregoingtothemallsoon"sheseems
l
ikeshei
sthinkingaboutsomething
Kuhl
e:"
Ihav
eani
dea,
howar
eaboutwe
combineourgr
ocer
ies?Wecanusemypot
sto
cook,
itwil
lsav
eyoumoney?"
Me:"Areyouforreal
?"If
eelmyheartr
acing
causeIcouldreall
yusesomeextr
acashr i
ght
now, Juni
orwil
lneedanewschoolunif
orm.
Kuhl
e:"
YesforrealZi
zipho,
youcoul
duseal
lthe
hel
pyougetrightnow"Iatt
ackherwi
thahug
shegi
ggleswithherdeepvoice
Me:"Thankyousomuch"Godisr
eal
lywor
king
overti
met oassi
stmeint
hishar
dti
meofmy
l
if
e
Kuhl
e:"
it
'sokay
"
Me:"
Yhooyourv
oicei
ssodeep,
youdoswear
youareaman"
Kuhl
e:"
Don'
tst
artwi
thme"shesai
dlaughi
ng

Lat
eronwewentt
othemallandcameback,
Kuhl
evol
unt
eer
edtocook,
apparent
lyt
heother
gi
rlwholi
vestotheotherr
oom isnotback,
her
nameisKopanoMor eaccordi
ngtoKuhlesheis
al
soaniceperson.
Af
terdinnerIwashedt
hedishes,Juni
orwas
watchi
ngTVwi thKuhl
etheygetalongver
ywel
l
.
Theysuddenl
yyel
l
edmynameIqui
ckl
yrant
o
thet
hem
Kuhl
e:"
Look!
"Il
ookedatt
hescr
een
Jour nal
ist
:"TshepoMokoenawassai dtobe
attackedandr obbedleavi
nghishomet hi
s
afternoon,hisconditi
onisstil
lunknownatthe
momentandt hepoliceareaskforthe
communi t
yt ohelptof i
ndthepeoplewhoare
responsible..
."Iwasn'tst
il
lshocked
Kuhl
e:"
Goodr
iddancet
orubbi
sh"
I
nser
t2
Zi
zi
pho
Ihonestl
ydon'tknowhowt of
eelaboutTshepo
bei
ngi nhospit
al,
somepeoplewouldprobabl
y
becelebrat
ingbutI'
m not
.
That'snotthekindofapersonIam,Iwil
lnever
becel ebr
atesuchthi
ngsev ent
houghIdon't
l
oveTshepoany moreIj
usthopeheliv
esand
may besomedayhewoul dmendhis
rel
ationshi
pwithhisownson.
Thepeopl
ewhomuggedhi
m sur
elyscor
ed
somecash.
KuhleshookmeIlookedatherIst
il
lcan'
tget
overhershor
thei
ght
Kuhle:
"Ar
eyouokay?"Inodandwentbackto
thekit
chenshefol
l
owedme" Ai
n'tyou
supposedtobehappythatGoddealtwit
hhi
m,
Karmacamef orhi
m soquickl
y"Ishookmy
head
Me:"
I'
m nothappyKuhl
eheisJuni
or'
sfat
her
"
shel
ookedatmef orawhi
le
Kuhle:"
Isi
tbecauseoft
hatoryouarest
il
li
n
l
ovewi thhi
m"shesaidrai
singherey
ebr
ows
causingmetochokeinmysal i
va
Me:"OfcoursenotI'
m noti
nlovewithhim Kuhle,
Iwouldprobablybestupi
difIst
il
ll
ov edthatguy
aft
erallt
hemi ser
yhehadcausedmeandmy
son,GodknowsIhat ehimforevery
thingbut--
-"
shecutsmeof f
Kuhl e:"
Butnot hingstopfeeli
ngsor r
yforhim,if
hewant edt obeJuni or'
sfatherhewoul dhav e
beenonewhi ley ouguysaredi vorcedandhe
woul dn'thaveputhi ssoni nsuchsi tuat
ions,
Ziziphobei ngbl oodrelat
editdoesn' tmakehim
af atherbuthi sact i
ons,l
oveandsuppor twould
makehi m af atherunfort
unatelyIcan'tsayhe
knowsanyoft hose, soheisjustasper m
donor "thatalonel eavesabittertasteinmy
mout hbecauseIhav ebeent r
y i
ngt oprotect
Tshepo' simageonhi sson'
sey esbutJuni ori
s
oldhemi ghthav esomanygoodmemor iesof
them t
ogetherbuttheonethathepushedhim
tothefl
oorandbeatt hetr
apoutofmewi ll
stuckwit
hhimf oreveranditwi
ll
cloudthegood
ones.
Me:"ThankyouKuhle,i
t'
sjustthatIst
il
ldon'
t
understandwhatchangedwithhim overni
ght,
I
sl
eptwi thapri
nceandwokeupwi thadevil
.
Enoughabouthim Ihavesomanyt hi
ngsto
worryabout"shesmil
edatme
Kuhl
e:"
Youwon'tf
orgetev
ery
thi
ngovernight
j
ustgi
veitt
ime"Inodwehearthedooropens
Kuhl
ewenttocheckwhoitwas.
Shecamebackwi
thaguyIl
ookedathershe
j
ustl
aughed
Kuhle:
"Zi
zi
phot
hisi
sKopanoourr
oommat
e"I
choked
Me:"
What?!Ithoughtyousai
dit
'sagi
rl
"the
Kopanopersonsmi l
ed
Kopano:
"Iam agi
rl
"myey
eswi
dent
henmy
mout
hoohwhenIr
eal
i
zet
hatshei
sal
esbi
an
Me:
"Youar
elesbi
an?
"
Kopano:"
Yepit
'sni
cet
omeetyou,
Iwi
ll
goto
myr oom"shesmil
edt
henwi
nkedatmeand
walkedout
Kuhl
e:"
Youwi
l
lgetusedt
oher
"
Iwasdonecooki
ngweat
edi
nnerandwentt
o
sl
eep.

ThenextdayIwokeupfeel
i
ngallkindoftir
ed
butIhavetobossupandgolookforajoband
Kuhlewasgoingtohel
pmewi t
hlookingfora
schoolf
orJunior
,shewasr
eall
ybeinghelpful
andIappreci
atei
t.
"
Heardyoul
ookingf
oraj
ob"herv
oicest
art
led
meitwasKopano
Me:
"YeahIam"shel
ookedatmeint
ensel
yI
wasonlyi
nmytoweli
twasuncomfort
abl
e
Kopano:
"Icanhel
pyouwi
tht
hat
"Ir
aisedmy
eyebr
ows
Me:
"Hel
pme?How?
"shesmi
rked
Kopano:
"Myboyj
ustopenedar
est
aur
antand
theyar
eshor
tonstuf
f"
Me:
"Iwi
l
ldr
opmyCVt
hen"
Kopano:"
Let
'sj
ustgot
here"Inodandshe
walkedawaytol
etmefini
shwhatIwasdoing.

Wewal
kedafewminut
est
herest
aurantwas
r
eal
l
ycl
osetowher
ewewerestayi
ng.
IhadJuni
orwit
hmeandhewasbusyaski
nga
l
otofquest
ionsl
ikey
ourt
ypi
cal
kid.
Wegotther
eitwaspackedy
oucoul
dtel
lthe
pl
acej
ustopened.
Wewalkedtosomedoorther
ewasaguysi
tt
ing
t
her
e,goingt
hroughsomepaperwor
k.
Kopano:
"Luu"hebr
oughthisey
esupIguesshe
di
dn'tev
enhearuscomei n
Luu:
"Kopano"hesai
dlooki
ngatherthen
l
ooki
ngatmeandJr" Ohsorr
yhel
lo"
Me:"
Morning"Ididn'
tknowwhet
hertobefor
mal
wit
hhim ornot,hemightknowKopanobutI
'
m
her
eforajob
Kopano:
"Thisi
smybrotherLut
hando,
Luut hi
s
i
s..
"shelookedatmesheprobabl
yforgotmy
name
Me:
"Zi
zi
pho"
Kopano:
"YeahZi
zi
pho,sheiscur
rent
lyl
ooki
ng
foraj
obandIthoughtyoucoul
dgiveher
somethi
ng"
Luthando:
"Whywoul
daquali
fi
edlawyercome
tolookforaj
obinsuchapl
ace?"obvi
oushe
knowsmewhatwasIt hi
nki
nghalfofthi
stown
knowsme
Kopano:
"Youknowher
?"
Lut
hando:
"Shei
sTshepoMokoena'
sexwi
fe
whodoesn'
tknowher"
Kopano:
"Idon'
tknowher"ar
etheyser
iousl
y
tal
ki
ngaboutmeasi fI
'
m nothere
Lut
hando:"
Onl
yawait
ressj
obisav
ail
abl
eher
e
i
sthatgonnabef
inewit
hyou?
"
Me:
"Yes!
"Iqui
ckl
ysai
d
Lut
hando:
"Andt
heboy
?"Il
ookedatJuni
orwho
washoldi
ngont
omyarm
Me:
"Whatabouthi
m?"hechuckl
ed
Luthando:
"I
shealsol
ookingf
orajobt
oo?"I
mightbedesper
atebutIdon'
tl
ikei
twhen
peoplemockme
Me:
"Whatdoy
out
hink?
"
Lut
hando:"
I'
m aski
ngthatbecauseIwill
needa
wait
ressatthi
smomentsowhatar ey ougoi
ng
todowithyoursonwhil
eyouar eworki
ng"
Me:
"What
?!"
Luthando:
"Nev
ermi
ndIwi
l
lwat
chhi
mthi
s
once"
Me:
"Ar
eyouser
ious?Imea-
-"I
'
mjustshocked
Luthando:"
GettoworkZizi
phoandwewi l
llook
i
ntoy ourcont
ractl
ater
,fornowlet
'sseei
fy ou
canhandlethi
sjob"Inodandkissmyson's
cheek
Me:
"BegoodIl
ovey
ou"henods
Juni
or:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"
Luthandohandedmet heunif
orm andIwentto
thebathroom andchangedIl
ookedatmyselfi
n
themirror
Me:"
From weari
ngsuitsandgowntowear i
nga
wai
tressuni
form,Iguessapersongottado
whattheyhavetodo"Isighandwalkedout.

Lut
hando
Ihavebeenworki
ngsohardtobui
l
dthi
s
rest
aurantandi
tisf
inal
l
ytaki
ngof
f.
I
'
mj usthappywithhowevery
thingi
sgoingso
f
arandI'm gonnamakesurethatev
ery
thing
r
unssmoot h.
Zizi
pho'
ssonhavebeenpl
ayi
ngpeaceful
inthe
fl
oorIcoul
dseehimyawni
ngheispropably
ti
redoutandsl
eepy
Me:"
Okaybuddyl
et'
sputyoutosleep"hi
s
motherhav
ebeencomingtocheckuponhim
ev
erynowandthen.
Il
if
thim upandpl
acedhi
m ont
hecouchthen
coverhi
m wit
hathrowandwat
chhi
m sleep.
Myheartbr
eakstoseeachi
ldsleepi
ngwhi
chi
s
somet
hingIwil
lnev
erexper
iencetowat
chmy
ownki
dssleep.
Ihav
ebeenmar r
iedf
orsi
xyear
stoMeli
ssaand
Il
ovehersomuch,mywif
eismywholeworl
d
wehaveever
ythi
ngweneed,abi
ghome,money
andcar
sbutGoddepr
ivedofusofsomet
hing
wedesi
ret
ohavethemostachil
d.
Someoneclear
sthei
rthroati
t'
smyMel i
ssaI
coul
dseethesighti
nfrontofherbr
eaksher
hear
t.
Mel
i
ssa:
"Hey
"shesai
dwal
ki
ngi
n
Me:
"Heybabe"shel
ooksatt
heboyi
nthecouch
Melissa:
"Am Ilosi
ngyou?"Icl
osedmyey es
l
atelywehav ebeenfight
ingalotIguessthe
str
essoff i
ndingoutsheisinf
ert
il
eistaki
nga
tol
lonus
Me:"
Comeher e"shelaunchesher sel
finmy
armsandjustsob" I
'm sosorr
ybabe, IknowI
havebeenacti
ngoutofchar acterlat
elyandyou
don'
tdeser
veit,I
'm hereandyouar enotlosi
ng
me"shenodsagai nstmychestandIki ssher
onthefor
ehead.
Thedoorswi
ngsopenZi
zi
phowal
ksi
n
Zi
zipho:
"I
'm sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
oint
err
uptI
washeretocheckonmyson"shesai
dlooki
ng
al
lembarrassed
Me:
"I
t'
sokayhei
ssl
eepi
ngr
ightnow"
Zi
zi
pho:"
UhokayIwi
llcomebackl
ater
"she
qui
ckl
ywalkedt
othedoor
Melissa:
"I
t'
sherson?
"Iknowsheisaski
ngt
hat
becauseshewantsmet oexpl
ainmore.
Me:
"Sheisf
ri
endswit
hKopanosheneededher
j
obandIneededawait
ressi
mmedi at
ely
,soshe
waswit
hhersonIhadnochoice"
Meli
ssa:
"Okay,nextti
mesheshoul
dn'
tbr
ingher
sontoawor kplace"
Me:
"wer
eyouev
enl
i
steni
ngt
omekodwa
Mel
i
ssa?"
Meli
ssa:"
Iwasjustsay
ing,nowIcan'tevenhave
youherebecauseyouarebabysi
tt
ing"shesaid
sul
ki
ng
Me:"
Youwi
l
l hav
emeal
lyouwantathome"she
ki
ssedmyl
ips
Meli
ssa:"
Don'tbelatef
orsupper
,youmi
ghtl
ike
thedesser
t"shesaidbit
ingmyli
psandwal
ked
outcatwal
king,Isi
ghandgetbacktomywork

I'
m sor
ryf
ordisappear
ingwear
eal
lbusywi
th
examsguys♥
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
ke,
shar
eandcomment
I
nser
t3
Zi
zi
pho

NowIev enrespectwai
tr
essevenmore
becausethei
rjobshameisn'
teasyatal
l
.
Ijustwantedtogohomeandtakeal
ongbath
relaxIj
usthopeKuhl
emanagedtogetJuni
or
i
nt oaschool.
Thisjobishar
dtodoshamey ougetsomer ude
customerswhoarejustr
udefornoreason
somecompl ai
nforsmall
erthi
ngsbutthefi
rst
daywasn'tbadatal
lI'
mjustnotusedtothejob
butIwill
soongethangsonit.
Mycolleaguesaresogoodandhumblethey
wer
et eachingmealottoday
,Ir
eal
lyenj
oyed
wor
kingwi ththem.
Itwasfi
nall
ymyti
met oknockof fIwas
exhaust
edIwenttoLuthando'soff
iceand
knockedIdon'
twantt
omaket hesamemi st
ake
whenIgotinthef
ir
stti
mer uiningt
hemoment
hehadwi t
hhiswi
fe.
Hey el
l
edcomeinIwalkedi
nhewasnotev en
payi
ngatt
enti
ontowhowasatthedoor,hehad
Juni
oronhisl
aptheywerebot
hfocusi
ngont he
tabl
et
Juni
or:
"Nouncl
eLuuy
ouar
echeat
ing"
Lut
hando:
"ComeonJuni
ordon'
tbeababy
"he
sai
dastheycont
inuepl
ayi
ngwhat
evert
hey
werepl
ayi
ng
Juni
or:
"YesIwonIwon!
!"
Luthando:
"Uggh"hegroanedcompl ai
ning
causingmybabyt olaugh"Welldonebuddy"as
soonasJunior'
sey eslandedonmeher ant
o
meandt hrewhimselfinmyar msIpickedhim
up
Juni
or:
"MommyIwon"hesai
djoy
ful
Me: "
Youdid?Welldoneboyboy !
"Isai
dki
ssi
ng
hi
m al l
overhi
sface,hejustgi
ggledmaki
ngmy
heartsowarm,Ifeelatearescapi
ngmyeyeI
quickl
ywipedit
.
Me:
"MrMoor
e"Isai
dacknowl
edgi
nghi
m
Luthando:"
Yourshif
tisover,sowecango
thr
ought hecontr
act"Isatdown.
Me:
"OkayIguessIdi
dwel
lthen"
Lut
hando:
"Theot
herwor
ker
sar
epr
aisi
ngy
ou,
soIhav
enor
easont
onothi
rey
ou"
Me:"Thanky ou"hehandmethecontr
actIr
ead
thr
oughi tandbeingafor
merlawyerhel
psme,I
chokedwhenIsawmysal ar
y
Me:
"Waiti
sthishowmuchyoupayy
our
empl
oyees?"hechuckl
ed
Lut
hando:
"Yes"
Me:
"Thi
sist
oomuch!
"
Luthando:
"Myemployeeswor
khard,theyhav
e
famili
estofeedandt
heyhaveexpensestoo"
Me:
"Wow!
!Thanky
ousomuch"
Luthando:"
Don'
tworr
yabouti
t,nottoimpose
butsomedayIwoul dl
iket
oheary oursi
deof
thestory
"Iknewexactl
ywhathewast al
king
about
Me:
"May
besomeday
,nowIhav
etogo"
Luthando:
"Letmegi
vey
ouar
idehome"Il
ooked
athim
Me:
"Idon'
tl
iv
efarf
rom her
e"
Lut
hando:"
It
'sl
ateIinsi
standy
ouarewi
tha
chi
l
d"Ijustnodbecausehewasgonnai
nsi
st
more.
Ibi
dfarewellt
otheotherst
hemanagerwas
gonnabet heonel
ockingup,manager
sar
e
usual
lyareanight
marebutthisonewast
he
sweetest
.
Wegotint
othecaranddroveoffthecarwas
j
ustqui
et,
itwasn'
tuncomfor
table.
Hepul
l
edupt
omygat
e.
Me:"Thankyou"Isai
dopeni
ngthedoorand
wenttothebackandpickedupJuni
orwhowas
al
readysleepi
ng.
Luthando:
"Seey
outomor
row,
hopet
oseethe
youngmansoon"Inodandwal
kedi
n,hedr
ove
offwhenwewer ei
nsi
de.
IgottotheApar t
mentKuhleandKopanowere
watchi
ngaTV, Igreet
edthem andwentt
oput
theheavymani nbedt henwentbacktot
hem I
thr
ewmy sel
finthecouch.
Kuhl
e:"
Someoneseem exhaust
ed!
"
Me:
"Youhav
enoi
dea"
Kopano:
"Icookedy
ourf
oodi
sint
heov
en"Inod.
Me:"
Kopanot hankyouf orev
ery
thi
ngandy ou
t
ooKuhle,youguy sjustknewmey est
erdaybut
youareal
readygoingal lt
hewayoutjusttohel
p
me,Iappr
eciateitguys"
Kopano:
"Wegoty
ourback,
justr
elaxy
ouwi
l
lbe
fi
ne"
Kuhle:"
Andwegotyousomethi
ng"Ir
aisedmy
eyebrowsKuhl
ehadmeagi f
tbag
Me:
"Whati
sit
?"
Kopano:
"Justopenit
!?"Iopeneditmyey
es
widenandtearsfi
l
lthem quickl
y,I
'mr
eal
lyan
emot
ional
per
son
Me:
"Guy
s!OhmyGod"itwasJunior
'suni
for
mI
meanever
ythi
nghewi
l
lneedforschool
.
Kopano:"
Somebodyi
schoppi
ngoni
onsher
e"
shesaidwipi
nghert
ear
scausi
ngustol
augh
Me:
"Thi
smeansyougott
heschool
forhi
m,oh
myGodthanky
ousomuchguys"
Kuhl
e:"
Weknowy ouareinati
ghtcor
nerandwe
ar
ejusthel
pingyoubecauseweknowy ouwil
l
dothesamef orus"Inodwipi
ngmytears.
Thi
snewlif
eformei tseemsli
kei
t'
sgonnabe
bet
tert
hanIthoughti
twould.

Lut
hando
Babysi
tt
ingJuni
orwassogr
eati
tmademe
real
i
zethatIr
eal
lywantt
obeadad.
IjustwantmeandMel
issainagoodspacefi
rst
thenwecouldmaybel
ookintoot
heropt
ionsof
hav
ingachi
l
d.
Ir
eal
l
yhadagr eatdaywi
thJuniorheisso
smar
tonl
yifhedidn'
thav
eani diotasadad.
Thedr
ivet
othehouseseem t
obesol
ongI
want
edtobewit
hmywi feal
ready
.
Igothometheli
ght
swerestil
lonI'
mthi
rt
y
minutesl
atef
orourdi
nnerIhopeshewon'
tbe
mad.
Ipar
kedmycari
nthegar
ageandwentin,she
waslyi
ngont
hecouchwi
thherl
inger
ieshe
l
ookedsoamazi
ng.
Herbeaut
ysur
pri
sesmeev
ery
dayshel
ookedat
me.
Me:
"Heybabe"shesmi
l
ed
Meli
ssa:"
Yourf
oodisinthemicrowave,you
mightneedtowar
mi tup"shesaidsi
tti
ngup
st
raight
Me:
"I
'm sor
ryI
'
mlat
e,t
her
ewassomuchwor
k
t
odoIl
ostt
rackoft
ime"
Melissa:"
Iunder
standbabe"shekissedmy
cheek" Iwil
lgot
obed"shewal kedawayIsi
gh
Me:
"Mel
i
ssapl
ease"shel
ookedatme
Mel
i
ssa:"I'
mt r
yingtomendourmar
ri
agehere
t
heleastyoucouldhavedonei
stoarr
iveear
ly
t
hat
'sallIaskedfrom y
ou"
Me: "
Mywor ki
sdemandingbabe,IknowIsai
dI
willarr
iveearl
ybutyousawhowpackedt he
restaurantwastoday,
alotoft
hingsneededmy
attenti
on"
Meli
ssa:
"AndIdon'tneedyourat
tent
ion
Lut
hando?I'
my ourwifehere"
Me:"
Ipromi
set
odobet
ternextt
imebabeI
'
m
sor
ry"
Mel
issa:
"Okay
,goodni
ght"j
ustl
i
ket hatshe
wal
kedawayf r
om meIsighinf
rustrat
ionand
wal
kedtothekit
chenandatemyf ood.
Ij
ustwishshecoul
djustsi
tdownandt alkt
o
meIknowherinfer
ti
li
tyi
sfrust
rat
ingherbut
shedi
recti
ngal
lherfr
ustr
ati
ontothewr ong
per
son.
Iwenttobedandshewassl
eepi
ngorshewas
pret
endedtobeasl
eep.
Igotnextt
oherandhugherf
rom behi
nd
Me:"Ihat
eitwhenwefight
,Ij
ustmisshowwe
usedtobet woweeksago"shetur
nedaround
facedme
Melissa:
"I'
m sorr
yI'
mj ustscar edthatyouwil
l
l
eav emef orsomeoneel seLuu, everyman's
dream istohaveahousef ullofchil
drenandI
can'tgi
vey outhatLuu,I'
mj ustscaredthatone
oftheseday syouwillseemeasnotwoman
enoughf oryou"Ipull
hercl oser
Me:"
Iwon'
tleav
ey ouforanyoneel
seMelissa,
wehavebeenthroughalotduri
ngthesenine
year
sofbei
ngtogether,
Imadeapr omisetobe
wit
hyouthroughthi
ckandthinsixyear
sago
andI'
m st
il
lgonnakeepthatpromise"
Meli
ssa:"
I'
m sosor
ryIsnappedatyoul
i
kethat
"
shesai
dwr appi
ngherarmsaroundme"Il
ove
youLuthando"
Me:"
IloveyoutooMel i
ssaandIpr omisewewil
l
gett
hrought hi
stoget
her"shenods" Nowcan
yougivedaddysomesugarpl ease"shegi
ggl
ed
andgotont opofme,start
edkissingme.

Twoweeksl
ater
Zi
zi
pho
Worki
ngint
herestauranthadbeenreall
ygood
andJuni
ori
sal
soadapt i
ngpret
tywelltohi
s
newschool
healreadymadeaf ewfriends.
KopanoandKuhl
ehadbeenmor ethanj
ust
roommatest
ome, wehaveformedastr
ong
fri
endshi
pmorel
i
kesist
erhood.
Therest
aur
anti
sasuccessthepl
acei
sal
ways
packedsoi
t'
sal
waysbusyandwemakegood
ti
ps.
Todayhavebeenasuccessf
uldayunt
ilt
he
devi
lst
art
edtesti
ngmewhenTshepoand
Mpumi wal
kedin.
Tonywhoi
soneofourwai
terwentt
oat t
end
them,
Mpumisai
dsomethi
ngtohim andhe
comestome
Tony
:"Theywanty
out
oser
vet
hem"Iwi
dden
myeyes
Me:
"Youar
ejoki
ngr
ight
"heshookhi
sheadand
wal
kedaway.
Isi
ghandwal
kedt
othei
rtabl
e
Me:"
Iheardy
ourequestedme,
canIt
akey
our
or
der?"t
heybot
hsmi r
ked
Mpumi:
"OhheyZi
zipho,Idi
dn'
tev
enr
ecogni
ze
you,
youlooksol
owcl ass"
Tshepo:"Whatwereyouexpect
ingbabe,my
moneyi snolongerar
ound"Ibr
eathtry
ingso
hardforthem nott
oaffectme
Me:
"Ar
eyouguy
sor
der
ingorwhat
?"Isai
d
smi
l
ing
Tshepo:
"Wher
eismysonwheny
ouar
ebusy
ing
worki
nghere?
"
Me:
"Excuseme!
"hehassomener
ve
Mpumi :"
Youjustcouldn'
tacceptthatTshepo
doesn'twantyouany more,y
ouhav etosend
thugstoattach,
y ouaresobitt
erZizi
pho"Idon't
knowwhatcameov ermeItookt hebacketthat
hadiceandpour edonbot hofthem theybot
h
screamed
Me:"EvenwhenIhavenot
hingIsti
ll
makeyour
l
ivesmi ser
abl
e"Isai
dwit
htearsal
ready
str
eami ngdownmycheeks,Idon'
tknowwher
e
Luthandoappearedf
rom.
Lut
hando:
"MrMokoenapl
easel
eav
emy
r
est
aur
ant
"
Tshepo:
"Youshoul
dbef
ir
inghernot
--
"
Luthando:"
Idon'
tli
kerepeatingmysel
fpl
ease
l
eav e"Tshepocl
ickedhistongueandwal
ked
outwi t
hMpumi foll
owedhi m
Lut
hando:
"Zi
zi
phoi
nmyof f
iceri
ghtnow"he
sai
dwalki
ngaway,
IguessI
'm aboutt
olosemy
j
obIfol
lowedhi
m.
Lut
hando:
"Cl
oset
hedoor
!"Idi
dast
old
Lut
hando:
"Whatwast
hat
?"
Me:"
I'
m sor
rysir
"Isaidl
ookingdowncauseI
coul
dn'
tcontr
olmyt ear
sthatweref
all
i
ng.
Luthando:
"Lookatme"her oar
edatmeIquickl
y
snappedandl ookedathi
m eventhoughmy
vi
sionwasal itt
lebl
urr
ybecauseIhadtear
s
bli
ndingme.
Lut
hando:"
Whydoy ougi
vet
hem the
sat
isf
act
ionofseei
ngyoucr
y?"hesaidwal
ki
ng
towar
dsme" Areyouaweakli
ng?"Ishookmy
head"Ican'
theary
ou"hewasgetti
ngcloset
o
meitwasscar i
ngmeIbackedaway
Me:"
NOI'
m not
"IbackedawayIt
il
lthewal
l
bl
ockedme
Luthando:
"Thenwhyareyoucr
ying?"hewas
standinfr
ontofmejustafewinchesaway
fr
om me
Me:"
I'
m sorry"Idon'tevenknowwhyIam
apol
ogizingr
ightnow, hewipedmytear
susing
hi
sthumbwhi chstartl
edmeabitIdon'
tknow
whyIthoughthewasaboutt ohi
tmeor
something.
Luthando:"Breakdowni nfr
ontofhim agai
n,I
promisey ouIwi llsqueezeyourl
if
eoutofy ou,
doy ouunder stand"Iquickl
ynod"Nowgetback
towor k"Ili
terall
yranoutofhisoffi
cewhatwas
that?
I
nser
t4
Lut
hando

Iwatchedherr
unoutasfastasshecanI
chuckl
edwonderi
ngwhatreall
yhappenedwi
th
hermarri
age.
Ihat
eguysli
keTshepoheletgoofthegood
wif
ehehadjustf
orapussy,heisthereason
manareconsi
deredtr
ashandthefactthathe
wil
lmakehi
ssonsufferi
sjustpl
ainstupi
d.
Thepastweekhavebeengreatespeci
all
ywhen
i
tcomest omymar r
iageI
'mjustgl
adthat
Meli
ssaisworki
nghardtomakeourmar ri
age
workandI'
m happy
.
Ijustwanttosuggestthatweadoptachil
dbutI
feelli
keIwil
lbepressuringhersi
nceshej
ust
foundoutthatsheisinfert
il
it
yandIwanthert
o
ber eadyt
ohaveachi l
di nourhome.
AsmuchasI'
m pr
otect
iveofmywor ker
'sIt
hink
Ihav
escar
edZizi
phoalit
tl
ebitandIhaveto
apol
ogi
zet
oherbef
oreshet
hinkst
hewor
seof
me.
ThedoorswungopenMel
i
ssawal
kedi
nlooki
ng
al
lbeaut
if
ul.
Me:"
Hey!Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"Isai
d
st
andingupt
ohughert
henki
ssedher.
Meli
ssa:
"Justt
houghtIcoul
ddr opbyand
sur
pri
semyman, IhopeIdidn'tcat
chyouata
badti
me"shesaidsit
ti
ngont hecouch.
Me:"I
t'
sneverabadti
metoseeyou"Isaid
sit
ti
ngnexttoher
,shehadal
unchbox" Ihope
that
'sforme"
Mel
i
ssa:
"Yesmi
stert
hisi
sfory
ounooneel
se"
Me:
"Il
ovehowyouspoi
lmel
atel
y"It
ookt
hen
f
oodandstar
teddi
ggi
ng
Mel
i
ssa:
"Yourmom camet
oday
"Il
ookedather
Me:
"Whi
chone?
"
Mel
i
ssa:
"Yourbi
ologi
cal
mom"Icr
inged
Me:
"Whatdi
dshewant
?"
Meli
ssa:
"What'
sshealway
swant
s,y
our
f
orgi
veness"Ichuckl
ed
Me:"
Idon'
twantherapol
ogybecausei
tmeans
not
hingtome"
Meli
ssa:
"Babe,sheisyourmom andweal l
makemi st
akesinli
fe,can'tyoujusthearher
out
?"thi
sisonet r
aitIhateinMel i
ssa,sheis
motherTeresasheseesgoodi neveryone
Me:"
Idon'twantt
otal
kaboutt
his,
let
'sdr
opi
t
pl
ease"shesighandnods
Meli
ssa:
"OkayIwi
llrespecty
ourdecisi
on,now
canIgetsomeofthis"shesaidgetagri
pofmy
peni
sIgasped,mywomandoesshyawayf r
om
thef
actthatshel
ovessex
Me:"
Yourwishismycommand"Ileanedback
onthecouchasshehopsr
ightontopofme
andwestartki
ssi
ng,
sheunbott
onmyshi r
tand
Igr
abbedherass.
Thedoorbustopenwequi
ckl
yjumpedi
twas
Juni
orZi
zipho'
sson.
Me:"UhJuni
or"Mel
i
ssawasj
ustl
ooki
ngathi
m
annoyed
Mel
i
ssa:"
Begonekid!
"shesaidtoJuni
orand
t
hekidgotscar
edbecauseheranout.
Il
ookedathershockedbyherreact
ionhow
coul
dshebesomeant oachil
d,sheshrugged
hershoul
der
s
Meli
ssa:"
What?"I
'
m shockedshedoesn'
tsee
any
thingwrongwithwhatshej
ustdi
d
Me:
"Howcany
ousayt
hatt
oachi
l
d?"
Meli
ssa:"Hej
ustburgedherewithoutknocking,
seemslikehi
m andhismom cl earl
ydon'tknow
anyt
hingaboutknocking,
letal
oner espect
ing
someone'spri
vacy"
Me:"Mel
i
ssay ouj
ustscar
edaki
dandyou
act
ingasift
here'
snothi
ngwr
ong"sher
oll
sher
ey
es.
Melissa:
"I
'm notaboutt
of i
ghtwit
hyouov
er
such,can'
twej ustcont
inuewit
hwhatwewere
doing"
Me:
"WowMel
real
l
y?Unbel
i
evabl
e"
Melissa:"
Wellsuityour
selfbabe,
Iwil
lseey ou
athomeIl ovey ou"shetookherandkissedmy
cheekt henwalkedoutleavingmestunned.
Me: "
Uh..Wow..Thatwasint
eresting"Isaidto
my selfcausetheMeli
ssaIjustsawt ookmeby
surpri
sedImeanshe' sthesweetestper sonI
knowIdon' tevenknowwhatj usthappened.

Zi
zi
pho
AfterwhathappenedwithLuthandoIrantot
he
bathroom j
usttobreat
hcauset hatki
nda
scaredmeImeani tdi
dn'
tscarethatmuch.
If
inal
l
ygat
her
edmy
sel
ftoget
herandgotback
t
owork,thenKuhl
eandJuni
orpoppedupi
nthe
r
est
aurantthi
rt
yminut
es.
Juni
orwasstil
li
nhi
sunif
orm whichmeant
Kuhl
ejustpi
ckedhi
m upfr
om school
.
Hewassoexci tedtoseeLuthandobutafew
minutesl
aterhecamebackl ookingsadbut
whenIaskedhi m whathappenedhesaid
nothi
ngit
'sjustthatLut
handoisbusy.
Thent heyleftafewmi nut
eslaterIspott
ed
Luthando'swi f
eleavi
ngwhi chIdidn'
tsee
comingi n,Iwouldn'
thaveletJuniorgoi
ngther
e
di
sturbingthem.
Tony:"
Whyarey oul
ooki
ngatbossladyl
i
ke
that
"hestart
ledmeabitbecauseIwasreal
l
y
star
ingather
Me:
"Thewomani
sbeaut
if
ul"hel
ookedatme
wei
rdl
y
Tony:"
Don'
ttel
lmey
ouar
eint
owomen"I
chuckl
ed
Me:"
NOTonycomeon,
Iwasmarr
iedtoaman,
I
hav
echi
l
d,soIlov
emysel
fsomedick"
Tony
:"I
nthatcasehowaboutwehangout
sometime"
Me:"Li
kehangouthangout
"hesmir
ked,Tonyis
yourki
ndofmelani
nkingbutt
heboyisaplayer
Tony
:"Yeahl
i
kehangouthangout
"
Me:
"NOIwi
l
lpass"
Tony
:"ComeonZeedon'
tbel
i
ket
hat
"Ichuckl
ed
Me:"Comeonki ddogettowor k,
Ihavesome
tabl
estoattend"Isai
dthatalr
eadywal ki
ng
awayIdon'tdatemycolleaguesandit'
snotlike
I'
mlookingtodateanytimesoonI 'mjustgonna
havemy sel
fsomemet i
meandf ocusonmy
son.
Iwashav i
ngmybr
eakwhensomeonecl
ear
ed
thei
rthr
oat
Me:
"Boss"
Luthando:"
CanIsit
?"hesai
dlooki
ngatt
he
unoccupiedchai
ropposi
teme
Me:"
Uh..Sur
e..Imeany
es"hechuckl
edandsat
opposi
teme
Lut
hando:"
Iwanttoapol
ogizeforwhatMel
sai
d
toJuni
or"Il
ookedathi
m confused
Me:
"Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"
Lut
hando:
"Jrdi
dn'
ttel
lyou"Ishookmyhead
Me:"Hejustseem sadatt
heti
mewhat
happened?"hestr
etchedhi
shead
Luthando:
"Hewalkedi
nonusmakingout,
Melissaki
ndasnappedandt
oldhimtogetout.I
apologi
zeforhershegoi
ngt
hroughalotl
atel
y"
Me:"Don'
twor r
yabouti
t,I
'm sorr
yaboutthatI
wasn'tawareshewasintherewi t
hyou"hesigh
Iwashopi nghedoesn'
tseerightthr
oughme
causeI'
m notpleasedwi
thhowhi swi f
e
handledthesit
uati
on.
Lut
hando:
"Wher
eisher
ightnow?
"
Me:
"Home"
Lut
hando:
"LookZi
zi
pho,
Mel
is-
-"Ij
ustsnapped
Me:"
Isai
ddon'tworr
yaboutandy ourwif
e
mustn'
tworr
yaboutitei
thercauseIdoubt
Juni
orwil
lwanttocomeher eagai
n"hescoff
ed
Luthando:"
Ihopeitdoesn'
tcomet othatcauseI
real
lyli
kethekidandIalsowantt oapologi
ze
aboutthismorningIwasjusttr
yingtotoughen
youupIhopeIdi dn'
tscareyou"
Me:"
NOy oudi
dn'
t,
Iwi
llgetbacktowor
kmy
br
eakisover
"Isai
dal
readystandi
ngup
Lut
hando:
"Ar
eyoumadatme?
"
Me:"Whywoul dIbemadatyou,y
ouaremy
boss!"hechuckl
editseemsl
ikei
t'
shi
sfav
ori
te
thi
ng
Lut
hando:"
Theni
fyouar
enotmadatme,
let
'
s
befr
iends"
Me:
"Fr
iendswi
thy
ou?
"henods
Lut
hando:
"I
sthatapr
obl
em?
"
Me:"NObuti
tispr
ett
yobvi
ousthatyourwi
fe
doesn'
tl
ikemethatmuchsoIwouldn'
twantto
steponhert
oes"
Lut
hando:
"ComeonZi
zi
pho"
Me:
"Andy
ouaremyboss,Iwi
l
lgetbackt
omy
wor
know"Iwal
kedaway.
Iwouldn'
twanttobehi sfr
iend,
theguyisa
goodpersonbuthiswifeseem tobethet y
pe
whodoesn'tappr
eciateotherwomanar ound
herhusbandandIwi l
ltot
all
yrespectt
hat.
I
twast
imet
oknockof
fandIwasdogt
ir
ed.
Iwaswal
ki
ngtomyf
latwhenIhear
dsomeone
yel
l
ingmyname
"AusiZee"Iknewt
hatv
oicev
erywel
lIsmi
l
ed
befor
eIt ur
ned
Me:
"Thuso!
"
Thuso:
"Seemsli
kesomeoneisget
ti
ngthe
hangsofthi
ngs,comegi
vemeahug"Ilaughed
andhuggedhim hesmel
tni
ceandlookedcl
ean.
Me:
"I
'mt
ryi
nghey
,wher
eisSandi
l
e?"
Thuso:
"Hei
sar
ound,
howi
sthel
i
ttl
eman?
"
Me:
"Adj
ust
ingv
erywel
l
"hesmi
l
ed
Thuso:
"Howi
syourex?
"
Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"Il
ookedathi
m
Thuso:
"Imeanaf
tert
hebeat
ingher
ecei
ved"my
mouthhangedopenandmyeyes
Me:
"NOy
ouguy
sdi
dn'
t?
"
Thuso:
"Di
dn'
twhat
?"hehadt
hismi
schi
evous
smil
e
Me:"
OhmyGody ouguy
sdi
dit
,whydi
dn'
tI
t
hinkabouti
t?"
Thuso:"
Comeonitwasn'
tthatmuch,
nextt
ime
wewi l
lcri
ppl
ehi
m"
Me:"
NOt herewon'tbeanextt
imeandIdon'
t
l
ikethatyouguyswenttobeathi
m,youcoul
d
havebeenarrest
"
Thuso:
"Wel
lhedeservedi
tandi
fIhadt
odoi
t
agai
nIwould"Ij
ustshookmyhead
Me:
"Promi
seme,
youwon'
tdosomet
hingl
i
ke
t
hatagai
n"
Thuso:
"Fi
neIpr
omi
se"wewer
eri
ghtatmygat
e
now
Me:
"Sendmygr
eet
ingst
oSandi
l
e"
Thato:
"OkayIwi
l
l,nowgeti
n"Inodandgoti
n
aft
erwav i
ngmyhand
Thuso:
"Zee"hey
ell
ed
Me:
"Yeah"
Thuso:"
Everyt
hingwillbeokay,
justkeepyour
headup.Don'tlosethatsmil
eandt heonefor
yourhearti
snear "
Me:
"Whyar
eyoubei
ngwei
rdwhatar
eyou
t
alki
ngabout
?"
Thuso:
"Goodni
ght"Justl
iket
hathej
ogged
away,okayt
hatwasweird.
I
nser
t5
Lut
hando

WhatMeli
ssasaidtoJuniordi
dn'tsi
twellwi
th
meandthere'
sZizi
phowhosai dJuniorwon'
t
wantnot
hingtodowithmeev eragain,Iwas
st
art
ingt
ogetattachedtothatboy.
IguessthefactthatIdon'thav
eki dswithmy
wifeandJuniordoesn'thavehisfatheri
nhis
l
ifeki
ndagav emeani deaofmeandhi m
becomingwhatwedon' thaveforeachother
.
Idon'twanttogohomef orsomer easonIj
ust
want edt
obealoneorgetsomedr inksbut
that'
snotwhoIam, Idon'
tli
kegoingt obed
withoutf
ixi
ngthi
ngswithmywi f
et hat'
snot
howmar
ri
agei
ssupposedt
obe.
SoasmuchasIdon'twantt
obehomebutmy
marr
iagei
sev
eryt
hingtome.
WhenIgothomeMeli
ssawasonphonecal
l
,
shewaspaci
ngupanddown.
Mel:
"NOhecan'tfoundoutaboutanyoft
his!
"
shekeptqui
etIguesstheotherper
sonwasthe
onespeaki
ng
Mel:
"Ir
eal
lyhopethisstaysbetweenus"she
sai
ddroppingthecal
l,shetur
nedaroundand
fi
ndmest andi
ng,shebecamepal ebutqui
ckl
y
composedherself
Mel
:
"Heybabey
ouar
eback"
Me:"
YeahIam back,
arey
ouokay
?"shequi
ckl
y
nods
Mel
:
"Yeaht
hatwaswor
k"
Me:"
Ohokaycanyouf
ixmesomedr i
nkwhi
leI
shower
,meandyouhavet
otal
k"Isai
dthat
al
readywal
ki
ngaway
Mel:
"Luu!
"Iturned"I
'm sor
ryabouttoday
,work
i
sreall
yfrust
ratingf
ormeIdi dn'tmeant
otake
outmyf r
ustr
ationsonthewai t
resski
d"
Me:"
HernameisZizi
phoandIdon'tunder
stand
youMel,
youcryoutt
hatyouwantkidsbut
whenyouseeJuni
oryoujus.
..
"shecutsmeof f
Mel:
"Iknowthatwassomeanofme,Iwil
l
apol
ogizetohim andhi
smot
her
,I'
m sor
ry"
Me:"Melthi
sisnotyou,what'
sgoi
ngon?You
areacti
ngweirdlat
elyandyouthi
nkIdon'
t
noti
ce"shesighs
Mel :
"Thebout i
quei snotdoingsowel l
love,
I'
m
afrai
di tmi ghtgot obankruptcysoon.I '
m so
sorryt hatIdidn'ttel
l y
ouIjustthoughtforonce
Icouldhandl ethingsonmyownwi thoutyou,
yourf amilyalreadyt hi
nksI'
m spongi ngyouoff"
Ijustpul lhertomychest
Me:
"Idon'
tl
ikei
twheny
ouhi
det
hingsf
rom me
Meli
ssaandt
hist
hingofmyfamil
yI'
m overi
t,
youandmymom cangetalongbutI
'm not
r
eadytogobackt
here"
Mel:"
Youarenexti
nlineofthatthr
one
Luthando,i
twasalwayssomethingyouwant
ed
andy oucanst
il
lgetiti
fyo-
-"Iknewwhatshe
wasgonnasayt omeandIpushedherof fmy
chestgentl
y
Me:"Andmyparentsst
ri
ppedthatof
ffr
om me
becauseIf
elli
nlovewit
hyou,Idon'
twantt
hat
thr
onenortheti
tl
eofbeingPr
ince"
Mel
:
"Justcon-
"
Me:"
Idon'
twanttotal
kaboutt
his,l
etmegot
o
sl
eep"Iki
ssedherf
orehead"
Iloveyou"
Mel
:
"Il
ovey
ou"
Myf amil
yissomethi
ngI'
m notreadytof
aceI'
m
notreadytofor
giv
ethem soasfortheQueen
whichismymom shewi llhav
etostopcoming
tomyhouseasshepl eases.
AssoonasIhi
tthepi
ll
owIqui
ckl
ydozzedof
fI
guessIwast
ootir
ed.

Zi
zi
pho

"Theoneforyourhearti
snear "Idon'
tknowwhy
Thuso'
swor dskeptechoinginmymi ndthe
wholeni
ghtIcouldbarelysleep.
Iwasdraggi
ngtogetoutofbedbecausemy
bodywaslit
eral
l
yfai
l
ingme
Ifi
nal
l
ymanagedtowakeupIwokeJuni
orup,
hewassogr
umpynott ooj
oll
ytogot
oschool
l
ikehedi
donotherday
s
Junior
:"CanIski
pschool
today"Il
ookedathi
m
surpri
sedcauseJuni
orwouldneverwantt
o
ski
pschool
Me:
"Why
?"
Juni
or:
"Becausewehav
eadad'
spl
aydayandI
don'
thav
eadadt
ogowi
th"myhear
tsankt
o
mystomach
Me:"
It
'sokaygobacktosleepbabe"i
tisday
s
l
iket
heseIhateTshepoforleav
inghi
ssonlike
t
his.
IknockedonKopano'
sroom sheopenedup
nakedIjustr
oll
myeyes.
Kopano:
"Thisbet
terbei
mpor
tantIwasaboutt
o
havemyor gasm"
Me:
"Juni
orneedsababy
sit
ter
"
Kopano:
"I
'm busyt
odaycan'
tyout
akehi
mto
workwit
hy ou"
Me:
"NOIcan'
t"
Kopano:
"I
'm sor
ryZeeIcan'
t"
Me:"
It'
sokay,Ineedt
onot
if
yLuthandothatI
wi
llcomewithJuniort
owork,
pleasegi
veme
hi
snumber "
Shegav
emehi
snumberandIcal
l
edhi
m
Hisphonerangf
oraf
ewsecondst
henhe
answered
Luu:
"Hel
l
o"hesoundedsl
eepy
Me:
"Uhhey
,it
'sZi
zi
pho"
Luu:
"HeyZeecanIhel
pyou?
"hesai
dqui
ckl
y
Me:
"CanIcomewi
thJuni
ort
oday
?!"
Luu:
"Ofcour
seyoucan!
!Imean.
..Yes!
"he
seemsexcit
ed
Me:
"OkayThanky
ou!
"
Luu:"
ButifImayaskwhyi
shenotgoi
ngt
o
school?
!"Isi
gh
Me:"Appar
entl
ytheyhav
eapl
aydaywi
tht
hei
r
dads,soyeah"
Luu:"
CanIgowi thhim?"Ichokedinmysaliva"
I
knowy ouar
epr obablyst
il
lmadaboutMel '
s
sit
uati
onbutIjustwantJuniort
ohav efun,
I
maynotbehi sfatherandIwil
lnevertr
yto
repl
acehim,Ijustwanthimtoenjoythi
sday
l
i
keev
ery
oneel
se"t
hiswi
l
lsur
elycheerhi
m up
Me:
"Okay
!"
Luu:
"Youmeanokayokay
?!"Ichuckl
ed
Me:
"Yesyoucangowi
thhi
m asl
ongasy
our
wi
feisokaywi
thi
t"
Luu:
"Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hatIwi
l
lbet
her
ein10"
hehangedup
Me:"
okayt
hanky
ouIguess"Isai
dtomy
sel
f
andwentt
owokeupJunior
Me:
"Babywakeup,
youar
egoi
ngt
oschool
"
Juni
or:
"Butmom!
"
Me:"
UncleLuuisgoingwithy
ou"hequickl
y
j
umpedoutofbed" Yougottenminut
es"Isai
d
asherunstothebathroom
Hescreamedi
nex
cit
ementIhel
pedhi
m
shower.
Lut
handocamear
oundi
n10aspr
omi
sedand
wai
tedf
orusf
or20mi
nut
es.
Wef oundhim standi
ngnexttohiscar,
hewas
i
nsimpl esweatpantsandgolft-
shir
tpl
us
sneakershewasr eall
yreadytoplay
,hehel
ped
Juniorhopinthebackandst r
appedhimthen
cl
osedt hedoor
Me:
"Thanksf
ordoi
ngt
hisf
orhi
m"hesmi
l
ed
Luu:
"Tr
ustmeIwantt
odot hi
sandthi
syoung
mandeserv
esit
"hesai
dlooki
ngatJuni
or
Me:
"AndIappr
eci
atei
tasl
ongas-
-"
Luu:
"Mywi
fei
sfi
newi
thi
t"Ichuckl
ed
Me:"
Yeahtakecareofhi
m"henodsIwentt
o
Juni
orandkissedhi
sfor
ehead
Me:
"Hav
efunIl
ovey
ou"
Juni
or:
"Il
oveyout
oo"Icl
osedt
hedoorandsai
d
mygoodby et
oLut
hando
Luu:"
Zeepleaseconsi
derwhatIsai
d"Ichuckl
ed
thensmil
ed
Me:
"Theansweri
sst
il
lno!
"hel
aughedal
i
ttl
e
Luu:
"Wel
ltr
yingwon'
thur
tsoIwi
l
lkeept
ryi
ng"
Ij
ustshookmyheadandwal
kedaway
.

Therestaur
antwasnottoobusyandLuthando
sentafewpictur
esofJuni
orplay
ingar
ound
andav i
deo.
Itwarmedmyhear ttoseehim sohappy,
Luthandoreal
lypul
ledthr
oughf orhi
m andmeI
real
lyappr
eciatei
t.
Iwasonmylunchwhenahumanf
igur
est
ood
nextt
omytabl
e
Mel:
"CanIsit
?"Il
ookedather,
shei
sreal
l
y
beauti
ful
,Lut
handosurel
yknowhowtochoose
them
Me:
"Yesmam"shesatopposi
teme
Mel
:
"Zi
zi
phor
ight
?!"Inod
Me:
"Yes!
"shechuckl
edandsmi
l
ed
Mel:
"Youar
ebeauti
ful
"shesaidl
ooki
ngatme
upanddown,Idon'
tknowifshewasadmir
ing
meorjustt
ryi
ngtomakemef eelsosmal
l
Me:
"Thanks"
Mel:
"Ihav
etoapol
ogi
zet
oyou"Ir
aisedmy
ey
ebrow
Me:
"Hav
eto?
"shechuckl
ed
Mel:
"Ihavetoapologi
zet
oyoubecausemy
husbanddidn'
tli
kehowIspoket
oy oursonI
'
m
sorr
y"Ichuckl
ed
Me:
"Sonowt
hati
syouapol
ogi
zi
ng"
Mel
:
"Wel
l
"sheshr
uggedhershoul
der
s
Me:"Youar
efor
given,nowi fy
oudon'tmindI
havetogobacktowor k"Isai
dthatpacki
ngmy
thi
ngsandsmirkedatherbeforewalki
ngaway
I
nser
t6
Lut
hando

Thi
spl aydaywasev er
ythi
ngIwant ed,
itmade
mer eali
zehowmuchIwantt ohavekidsIdon'
t
careifthechil
drenar
enotbiologi
calminehut
butIwillbethei
rdad.
Juni
orwashav ingal
otsoff
unandheisr
eal
l
y
smartbecausewewonaboutthr
eemind
chal
lenginggamesandhewasworki
ngon
them l
ikeapro.
Iwi
shthi
sdaydi
dnotendbutunf
ort
unat
elyi
t
di
dandwehavetogoback.
Butbef
oregoi
ngbackwehadsomet hi
ngtoeat
andhewastel
li
ngmealotofstori
esabouthi
s
mommyandaf ewonesabouthisdad.
Youcoul
dtel
lhedoesmisshim butZi
ziphoi
s
managi
ngtoplaybot
hparent
sinhisli
fesheis
real
l
ydoi
nganamazingjobwiththi
sonehere.
Junior
:"
UncleLuuthankyoufortodayIreal
ly
hadanamazi ngti
me"wellIsti
l
lgetsurpri
sed
thatheissevenyear
sold
Me:"
Any
thi
ngforyoubuddy
"Isai
dmessi
nghi
s
hai
rhej
ustl
aughed
Wedrovetother estaurantZi
zi
phowasalr
eady
wai
ti
ngforus,wegotoutandJuni orr
antohi
s
mom hewast ell
inghim whathappenedIj
ust
l
ett
hem havet heircatchupsecti
on.
Afewmi
nut
esl
ateraknockcamet
hroughmy
door
.
Me:
"Comei
n"Zi
zi
phowal
kedi
n
Zee:"
HeyIjustwant
edtothanky ouf
ortodayI
haven'
tseenhimthi
shappy,thankyouso
much"
Me:"Thankyouforallowingmetogowi t
hhi m,I
real
l
yneededt hat"shejustsmi
ledandblinked
afewt ear
s"Doy ouneedahug? "shequickly
nodsandIwal kedtowardsherandpull
edheri n
myarms,
shewr
appedherar
msar
oundmy
t
orso.
Ihavenev
erreceiv
edahugliket hi
sbeforeit
wassowar m andgenui
nel
y,itgavemesense
ofcomfor
tandpeace, i
twaslikeshewast he
onecomfort
ingmenotmecomf or
tingher.
Me:"
Feel
ingbet
ternow?
"shenodsandpul
l
ed
awayfr
om mychest
Zee:"
Thatwast hemostcomf ort
inghugIever
recei
ved"shesaidl
ookingmei nmyey esasif
shewassear chi
ngforsomet hi
ng,tr
ustmethis
wasn'tasexualmomentorat tr
acti
onitwas
somet hi
ngelsesomethingIcan'
tputinwords.
Me:
"Icoul
dsayt
hesame"
Zee:"
Ifyougi
vesuchhugsmay
bewecoul
dbe
fr
iends"shesai
dlaughi
ng
Me:"OuchI
'm hur
t,y
ouwantt
obemyf ri
end
becauseofmyhugsnotmypersonal
i
ty,
youar
e
somean"
Zee:
"Welly
ourhugsi
tssomet
hingIcoul
duse"I
j
ustchuckl
ed
Me:
"Smoot
handbl
unt
"sher
oll
edherey
es
Zee:"
Iknow.Yourwif
ecameby
"Ir
aisedmy
eyebrow"Sheapol
ogized"
Me:
"Shedi
d?"
Zee:
"Yes,
yousureknowhowtochooset
hem"I
hopeshedoesn'
tbadmouthmywife
Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Zee:
"Imeanshei
sbeaut
if
ul"shesai
dshr
uggi
ng
hershoul
der
sIsi
gh
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Zee:"
Letmegoseey outomor
rowboss"she
sai
dwal ki
ngout
,leav
ingmestar
ingatanempt
y
spaceshewasstandingat
.
Me:"
Zizi
pho.
..Zi
zi
pho"Isai
dthr
owi
ngmy
sel
fin
acouch.
Zi
zi
pho

Afterhavi
ngachatwit
hLut handoIt
ookJunior
andwenthomehewasi nreall
ygoodspir
it
,it
's
thefir
stti
meseei
nghimt hishappysi
ncewe
mov edtothi
spl
acethat'
swhyIwaski ndof
emot i
onal
.
Kuhlewasn'
taroundsheisvi
sit
ingherfamil
y
forawhil
eit'
skindofbor
ingwit
houtheraround
andKopanoisalwayswit
hhergi r
lf
ri
endhaving
sexli
kerabbi
tsIwonderi
ftheydon'tgett
ir
ed.

Thef
oll
owi
ngday
Iwashappyt
hatIhaveadayoffandi
t'
smy
paydayt
oday
,myfir
stpayday.
Ipr
epar
edJuni
orandwalkedhi
mtoschoolas
al
wayshewassoexci
tedtoseehi
sfr
iends
especial
l
yafterwinni
ngmostgameswi
th
Luthandoyester
day.
Af
terdr
oppinghi
m of
fIwentt
othemal
lfor
gr
oceri
es.
Iwasmovi
ngaroundwhenIbumpedint
o
MpumiandTshepoIwasaboutt
otur
naround
whent
heynoti
cedme
Tshepo:
"Zi
zi
pho!
"It
urnedwi
thasmi
l
e
Me:
"MrMokoenaandMpumi
"
Tshepo:
"Ihav
ebeenmeani
ngt
otal
ktoy
ou"
Me:
"Okayaboutwhat
?"Isai
dwonder
ing
Tshepo:
"AboutJuni
orIneedt
oseemyson"
Me:"NOoneisstoppi
ngyouf
rom seei
ngy
our
son"Isai
dlooki
ngathimint
heeyes
Tshepo:
"Iwantf
ull
cust
odyofmyson"t
osayI
wasshockedwouldbeanunder
stat
ement
Me:
"Youdon'
tsay
"
Mpumi:"
Zizi
phoy
oudon'
twantthi
sgoingto
cour
t,y
ouknowwhowill
thecourtf
avor"
Me:
"AndwhomadeJuni
oranyofy
ourbusi
ness
Mpumi?"
Tshepo:
"Youdon'
ttal
ktoherl
i
ket
hat
!"
Me:"
Andwhatareyougoi
ngtodo?Hitme? "I
sai
dlooki
ngathi
m" Tr
ymeTshepoy ouwillsee
whoIam.AsforyouMpumiyouthinkyouwon
amill
i
onbucksbutnosweet
iekeephim causeI
knowsoonhewil
ldowhathedidtomet oy ou.
Ithinky ourli
vesaresobor ingwithoutme
becausey ouaresti
llmiserableseeingme
breat h"Iconti
nuedoingmyshoppi ng,ifTshepo
i
st hinkingofmessi ngwithmeagai nhehas
anot herthingcomingespeci al
lyi
fhet hinkshe
couldt akeJuniorawayf r
om met henhei s
buggi ngatawr ongt r
eeher e.
I
twastoodi
str
actedt
owatchwher
eIwas
goi
ngIbumpedint
osomeoneIf
ell
onmybum
t
hathur
ts
"
Arey
ouokay?"Il
ookedathi
mitwasanol
d
manwear
ingasui
t
Me:
"I
'm sor
rysi
rit
'sj
us-
-"hehel
pedmeup
Man:
"Youar
ehav
ingabadday
"Inod
Me:
"YesIam hav
ingabadday
"
"MyKingIhav
ebeenl
ookingfory
ou"sai
d
anot
hermalefi
gur
eappeari
ng
Man:
"Mbusowai
tformei
nthecar
"they
oung
mal
ehasbeadsonhiswr
ist
Mbuso:
"Wehavet
ogomyki ng"her
oar
edand
bur
pedsothemanisr
oyal
ty
King:
"Ihopetoseey
ouagainnt
okazi
"Ij
ustnod
causeIdidn'
tknowwhatt
osaytohim
Thewal
kedhi
m away
King:
"I
sither
?"Ihear
dhi
m sayast
heygeti
n
thecar.
I
nser
t7
Zi
zi
pho

It
'sbeenaweeksi
ncet
heencount
erwi
tht
he
ki
ng.
Tshepohasn'
tstoppedbother
ingmeonmy
soci
almediaIdecidedtoi
gnorehi
sthr
eat
becausehewasn'tgoingt
ogetmychil
dno
matterwhat
.
IwashopingtoseeThusoandSandil
etoday
butt
hosetwoy oucan'
tfi
ndthem unl
essthey
comelookingf
oryou.
Ideci
dedt
hatIwoul
dchi
l
lal
onel
i
stent
omusi
c
anddri
nksomewine.
Iwasget
ti
ngi
ntomyownzonewhenaknock
di
stur
bedme.
Me:
"CanIhel
pyou?"Isai
dassoonasIr
eali
ze
whowasbythedoorhejustwal
kedi
nwit
hout
say
ingany
thi
ng"
Whatt
hef
uck!
?"
Mbuso:
"Ar
eyout
alki
ngt
ome"Il
ookedathi
min
awe
Me:"I
sthereanyonewhojustbar
gedinmy
apart
mentuninvit
ed?Whatareyoudoinghere?
Areyoustalki
ngme?"hejustl
ookedatmet hen
shookhishead
Mbuso:"
Youaresof
ull
ofyoursel
fZizi
pho"he
sai
dthatwal
kedtot
hekit
chen.Waitdidhejust
cal
lmebymyname?If ol
l
owedhi m
Me:
"Howdoy
ouknowmyname?
"
Mbuso:"
Youareprett
ymuchf amousyoudon'
t
needanint
roduct
ion"Ij
ustr
olledmyeyes"
They
wil
lst
uckandnevergetbacktonormal"
Me:
"Whatareyoulooki
ngfor?Whyar
eyouher
e?
Howdi
dy ougetinthebui
l
ding?"
Mbuso:
"Whyar
eyousochat
ty"If
rowned
Me:
"Ineedy
out
oleav
emyhouse"hechuckl
ed
Mbuso:"
Whenar eyougoi
nghome?"Ilookedat
hi
m confusedcausel
astt
imeIcheckedIdidn'
t
haveahome.
Me:
"Home?
"
Mbuso:
"It
houghtIwasn'
tst
utt
eri
ng"
Me:"
WellIguessy
oudidn'
tgety
ourfact
s
st
rai
ghtbecauset
hisi
smyhome, Iwoul
dli
kei
t
i
fyouleave"
Mbuso:
"Don'
tworr
yI'
m onmyway "heki
ssed
mycheekIfr
ozeasIfeelt
hebackofmyhair
st
andi
ng"Keepwell
"helef
t
WTF.

Lut
hando

Asamany ourdr
eam i
stohav
emanybi
ologi
cal
chi
l
drenasasoccert
eam.
Wit
hmywi f
e'ssi
tuati
onIcan'
thav
et hatbutI
st
il
lwantt
obeaf athert
omanychildren.
TodayIfi
nall
ydecidedt
oaskhert
oconsi
der
otheropt
ionstohaveachi
l
d.
AtsomepointIneedabigf
amilyandIdon'
tsee
mysel
fgoingouttoimpr
egnat
esomeonewho' s
notMel
issa.
SotodayIdecidedtogoal
loutf
orusand
pr
eparedinnerforus.
Allt
houghi
twasn'tr
omanticcooki
ngadi
nner
forusi
tsathoughtt
hatcounts.
Mel
:
"It
'sni
ceseei
ngy
oucook"
Me:"
YouknowIhavet
ospoil
yousometi
mes"
shesmi
lesandsi
tdownIser
vedherdi
nner
Mel
:
"Thi
slooksdel
i
cious"
Me:
"Ihopeitt
astesasgoodasi
tlooks"she
t
ookherfi
rstbi
te.
Mel
:
"itt
ast
esbet
tert
hani
tlooks"
Me:
"I
'm gl
ad,
howi
sthebout
iquedoi
ngnow?
"
Mel:"
I'
m worki
ngonthingsandIgott
wonew
bigcl
ientssoIcan'
tcomplai
nandthe
rest
aurant?
"
Me:
"Iti
srunni
ngsmoot
hly
"shenodsIsuddenl
y
f
eelnerv
ous"Babe"
Mel
:
"Mmh"
Me:"
Ihavebeent
hinki
ngaboutsomet
hingand
i
fitwasn'
ti
mport
antIwasn'
tgonnaask"she
l
ooksatmeconfused
Mel
:
"Okayi
tsoundsser
ious"
Me:"Iknowwebeent hroughal otlat
elyandnot
onlyhasy oursituat
ionaf f
ectedy oubutour
mar ri
agetoo.Iknowy ouwantchi ldr
enandI
al
sodowi thmywhol elif
e.Howar eaboutwe
consideradopt i
ngachi ldorgetti
nga
surrogate?"shelooksatmebl ankly,t
hereis
deadsi l
encey oucouldhearaneedl edroppi
ng
Mel:
"Soy
ouwantanot
herwomant ocar
ryy
our
chi
l
dsomethi
ngt
hatIcannotdo?
"Isi
gh
Me:"Outoft
hisl
ongsentenceIjustsai
dyou
onl
yheardaboutsur
rogate,Ial
soment i
oned
adopti
ngyouknow"
Mel:
"I
'm notr
eadyt
ohav
eachi
l
dLut
hando"I
l
ookedather
Me:"
Notlongagoy ouwerereadytohaveachil
d
Meli
ssa,
y ouwantedachildandnowI'm gi
vi
ng
usachancetobepar ent
sandy ousayi
ngyou
ar
enotready"I'
m confused
Mel:
"Iwasreadyt
ohavemyownchi
l
dnott
o
r
aiseanotherwoman'
schi
l
d"
Me:"Thi
sisnotri
ght.Whataboutme?What
aboutwhatIwant?Whydoesev er
ythi
nghasto
beaboutyou?Notoncehav ey
oucompr omi
sed
fort
hismarri
age.Don'tyouthi
nkit
'saboutt
ime
youalsoconsi
dermyf eeli
ngs"
Mel
:
"Lut
handoy
ouj
us-
-"Icutherof
f
Me:
"Don'
tbetheonecry
ingwhenIcomeback
wi
thachil
dthat
'sminei
nthi
shouse"
Mel:
"Ar
eyousay i
ngyouaregonnaimpregnat
e
someoneelse?
"shesaidwit
htearsst
reaming
downhercheeks
Me:"
Wewi l
lj
usthavetofi
ndout"Igr
abmykey s
anddrov
eoffIfoundmyselfgoi
ngtoaplace
whereIt
houghtIwil
lnev
erbeatagain.

NextMor
ning
WhenIgothereIt
oldtheguar
dsnott
otel
l
any
onethatIwashere.
Icoul
dnotsleepthr
oughthenightIendedup
dri
nki
ngaf ewshotsofheadache,If
eelli
ke
Meli
ssaisbeingi
nconsi
deratewit
hthis
si
tuat
ion.
Itr
iedt
obethebesthusbandtoherandIlov
e
hermoret
hananythi
nginthi
sworldbuthere
sheisdeny
ingmeofonl
yonet
hingIev
eraskof
her
.
Iwokeupwi thaheavyheadacheIst
umbledmy
waytothediningroom,Icoul
dhearever
yone
chat
ti
ngast orm assoonasIappear
edthe
room wentsi
lent.
Mom: "Mbasa!"shesai
dlookingshocked"I
s
thatyou?"Il
ookedatherwithoutanyemotions
Idon'tknowwhyIcameher ebecauseI '
m not
readytofacethem.
Me:"I
'
m sorr
ytodisturbf
amil
ytime,Ij
ust
neededsomethi
ngt oeatIwi
lll
eave"Icoul
dsee
mymom f acechangingshei
shurtbymenot
acknowl
edgingher
Dad:
"Sonpl
ease"
Me:
"MamaI
'
m madaty
ou"shesmi
l
ed
Mom:"Idor
atherhaveyoumadatmet
hanf
or
younottof
eelanythi
ngforme"
Me:
"I
'm st
ayi
ngf
oraweek"
Unat
hi:
"Ar
eyouser
iousbr
o?"shesai
dsmi
l
ingI
nod.
Me:"I
'm notgonnapretendthatwhatyouguys
didtomedi dn'
thurtbutIdon'tknowwhotorun
toatthi
smoment ,
Ineedbot hmyparentsnot
KingandQueenoft hiskingdom"mymom
engulf
edmei nahug
Mom:
"Andweher
ebot
hofus"
Me:
"Wher
eismybr
other
?"
Dad:"
Doinghisduti
es"Ij
ustnodcauseI'
m
seri
ousl
ynother ef
oranythi
ngthantobeaway
fr
om Melissaforawhil
eandclearmyhead.
I
nser
t8
Lut
hando

Ikeptt
hinki
ngofMel
issaIcan'
tbel
i
eveshe
couldj
ustbethi
ssel
fi
shdoessheevenwantt
o
haveachil
dandherbei
ngi
nfer
ti
li
tywasan
escapegoat.
All
thewil
dthought
skeptri
ngi
nginmymi nd
howdidourmarri
agebecomeli
kethi
sjustf
ora
chi
ld.
Beinghereathomewassomehowpeacef ul
for
me, t
hesur r
oundi
ngbeauti
ful
naturegav
eme
peaceIfeltasenseofbel
onging.
Melissawasbl
owingmyphoneIwasj ustnever
notreadyt
osayany t
hingt
oher,sheprobably
thi
nkIwouldcheatonherbutt
hatsjustnotme.
MyphonebeepedIknewi
twasher
"Pl
easecomehome, sowecantal
kaboutt
his
babe"t
hiswasprobabl
ythe100t
hmessageshe
l
eftonmycell
phone.
Idecidedt
otakeheroutofhermiser
yand
text
edher"I'
m backathomeIwil
lbebacknext
week".
"
Whyareyoudoi
ngt
hist
oyour
sel
f?"It
urnedi
t
wasmydad
Me:
"Whatareyout
alki
ngabout
?"hesmi
l
edand
t
ookasitnextt
oyou.
Dad:"Doessheknowt hatsomedaythatyouwill
havet ocomehereandbewi t
hthechosenone
foryou?Doessheknowt hatshewi
llneverbe
thequeenofthi
skingdom wheny ouget
crownedasaking"Ilookathi m
Me:"DadIl
oveMel i
ssaandIdon'
twantt
obe
thenextki
ngcan'tmybrot
herbethecr
owned
one"heshookhishead
Dad:"Youknowwhywedi dn'
twantyoutobe
withheratfi
rst?"Ishookmyhead" becausewe
knewt haty
ouar egonnahur thersomeday ,you
aregonnalovet heonechosenf oryouand
that'
sgonnabr eakher,t
rustmeIbeent hrough
thatIhadtolearnthehardway ,It
houghtIwas
protect
ingyouf r
om makingt hesamemi stakes
Imade,wedidn'
tchooseanyofthi
sthethr
one
choseus.Wecouldtryt
obel i
keever
yoneel
se
butthet
rut
hiswear edi
ffer
ent"
Me:"
Whatdoyoumeant
haty
oubeent
hrough
t
his?
"hesi
gh
Dad:"Imeany ourmom i smysecondwi fe,I
didn'tli
stent omydadj ustl i
key ouandthatled
tobadconsequencesbutt hat'
sast oryf
or
anotherday ,thereisadifferentbetweenl ovi
ng
someoneandbei nginlovewi t
hsomeoneand
yousony oust i
lldon'
tknowt hediffer
ence"he
saidt hatst andingup"Ijustwanty outobe
happyI fy ouar ehappywi thy ourwi f
ethen
there'snot hingIcandobutr ememberwear e
diff
erent"wi t
hthatsaidhewal kedaway .
Leavingmewonderi
ngwhathappenedtohi
s
fi
rstwife?Whyheneverment
ionedt
hathewas
mar r
iedbefor
e?
Iwonderwhoi
smychosenone?I
sshenot
hing
l
ikeMeli
ssa?Whyam Ieventhi
nki
ngoft
hat
causeIwil
lnev
erbeaking.

Zi
zi
pho

Isl
eptthr
oughoutthenight
,theMbusoguyl
eft
mewithalotofquesti
onsandIdidn'
tev
enhow
hefi
ndoutwhereIli
ved?WhatdidhemeanI
havetogohome?
Somet
hingtel
l
smet
hatheknowsmor
ethanhe
wasl
ett
ingon.
Ihadt
ogot
owor
kandLut
handowasn'
tar
ound.
Meli
ssaev
encamear oundlookingforhi
mI
guesst
her
e'ssotroubleinparadiseandthat
'
s
noneofmybusiness.
Ar
oundmybr
eakIgotacal
lfr
om Lut
hando
Me:
"Boss"hel
aughed
Lut
hando:
"It
houghtwewer
efr
iends"
Me:
"NotachancewhatcanIdof
ory
ou?
"
Luthando:
"Ineedy outogetsomefil
esinmy
off
iceanddr opthem offwhereIam r
ightnow?
"
Me:
"What
?I'
m noty
ourer
randsboy
"hel
aughed
Luthando:"
PleaseZeeIneedt
hosepaper
sby
thi
safternoon"Isi
gh
Me:
"Fi
newher
ewi
l
lIf
indt
hem?
"
Lut
hando:
"Seconddr
aweri
nmyof
fi
ce"
Me:
"Okay
"
Luthando:
"Adr
iveri
swai
ti
ngf
ory
ouout
side"I
choked
Me:
"What
?"
Lut
hando:
"Thanky
ouby
e"unbel
i
evabl
e
Iwenttohi
sof
ficeandgott
hefi
lesi
ndeedt
he
dri
verwaswai
ti
ngformeoutsi
de.
Wedr
ovef
orl
i
keanhourunt
ilwer
eachedour
dest
inat
ion.
Me:
"Wher
ear
ewe?
"
Dr
iver
:"
Manzi
niKi
ngdom mam"wai
twhat
?
Wegotinsi
detheplacet
hisi
sacast
leora
pal
acewhat'
sgoingon?
Dri
ver:
"MyPri
nceher
eisy
ourguest
"myey
es
poppedout
Luu:
"Thankyou"t
hedri
verwal
kedaway"
Askno
questi
onhearnoli
es!
"Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
"Youar
eaPr
ince?
"
Luu:
"It
houghtIsai
dasknoquest
ions"
Me:
"AndIdi
d"
Luu:
"St
ubbornmuch, y
esIam aPri
ncenowgi
ve
memyf il
es"Ihandedhimthef
il
es
Me:
"Thi
splacei
sbeauti
ful
,Iwanty
out
ogi
ve
meatour"hewi
denhiseyes
Luu:
"NO!
"
Me:
"Pl
ease"hesi
gh
Luu:
"okaywhatdoy
ouwantt
oseef
ir
st?
"
Me:
"Thehouse"
Henodsandledthewaythehousewasverybi
g
andvi
ntage,
Ili
kedev
eryt
hingabouti
tunt
il
somet
hingcaughtmyeye
Me:
"Whoi
sthi
s?"
Luu:
"Wel
lthat
'
smygr
andpa"
Me:
"Huh?Noway
"
Luu:
"What
?"hel
ookedatmeconf
used
Me:
"Wher
eishenow?
"
Luu:
"Hedi
ed"Iwasget
ti
ngnumb
Me:
"Andt
hisone?
"
Luu:
"That
'shi
sbr
other
?"
Me:"
Andheisdeadt
oo"henodsIwasnow
br
eathi
ngheav
il
y
Luu:
"What
'swr
ong?
"
Me:
"NOIhav
etogo"Isai
drunni
ngout
Luu:
"Zi
zi
pho!
"Ir
anasf
astasIcoul
d.
I
tcan'
tbe!Noway
s!

Seey
outomorrowguy
sdon'
tfor
gett
oli
ke,
commentandshar
e
I
nser
t9
Lut
hando

Iranaft
erhershewasfastert
hanIthought,I
waswonder i
ngwhathappenedwithherafter
seeingmygrandpaandhisbrot
heronapi ctur
e
Iwasf
inal
l
yabl
etocat
chher
.
Zee:
"Pl
easel
etmego"shewasr
eal
l
ypani
cki
ng
Me:
"Heycal
m down,
what
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Zee:"
Ithi
nkI'
m gonnapassout"shesai
dthat
thenpassedoutonmeIsmi l
ed
Me:"Thankyouf
ortheheadsupcauseIwasn't
gonnabeabletocatchyou"Ipi
ckedherupin
bri
dalstyl
eandtookhertooneofourrooms.
Mom:
"What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Me:"
Shepassedout,pl
easecal
ladoct
or"she
l
ookedatme" Fi
necall
him"
Mom:"OkayIwil
lgogethi
m"shesai
dwal
ki
ng
awayIputherdown.
Shelookedpeacef
ul,
herdar
kski
nreal
l
ywasn'
t
doi
ngheranyjusti
ce.
Inev
ernoti
cedt
hatshewassohai
ry,
herf
ace
hadhai
r.
Hewal
kedi
nandl
ookedatmet
henl
ookedat
Zee
Mbuso:
"Mbasa"i
t'
sthef
ir
stt
imeI
'
m seei
nghi
m
si
nceIgother
e
Me:"
Mbuso"hefl
inchedabi
tandsatnextt
o
Zi
zi
phoplacedhi
shandonherfor
ehead
Mbuso:"
Sheisokay
,shejustpani
cked"Inod
causeIcoul
dseehim br
eathi
ngjustf
ine.
Zi
ziphosl
owl
yopenedhereyesandl
ooked
ar
oundthenherey
eslandedonMbuso
Zee:
"Mbuso"
Mbuso:
"Zi
zi
pho"shesmil
edIcoul
dn'
thel
pbut
f
eelsometypeofwaywhenshesmil
edathi
m
l
iket
hatIcl
earedmythr
oat.
Me:"
Youguysknoweachot
her
"shenodsher
ey
eshaven'
tlef
tMbuso
Mbuso:
"Iwi
l
lleavenow"hestoodupand
wal
kedoutwithoutl
ookatme.
Me:
"Idi
dn'
tthi
nky
ouknewmyf
ami
l
ythat
much"
Zee:
"Idon'
tknowy ourf
ami
l
yIj
ustknow
Mbuso"Ijustnod
Me:"
Someonewi ll
escorty
ououtwheny ou
l
eave"Isai
dstandingupIdon'tknowwhyI
'm
madthatsheknowsmybr ot
herandsheeven
l
ookedathimlikethat
Zee:
"Ai
n'
tyougonnaaskwhyIwasl
i
ket
hat
"
shesai
dwithabreaki
ngv
oice
Me:
"NO"
Zee:
"Whyar
eyoumadatme?
"shesai
dal
most
yel
li
ng
Me:
"I
'm notmadaty
ou"
Zee:
"Iwi
lll
eav
ethen"shesaidt
henputher
shoesshewasabouttowalkout
Me:"
I'
m sorr
y"shelookedatmewi t
houtsay
ing
any
thing"I
'
mj ustgoi
ngthroughphasesi
nmy
marri
age"
Zee:
"Doyouwantt
otal
kaboutit
?"Ismi
ledshe
st
aredatme"Arey
oujeal
ous?
"Ichoked
Me:
"What
?Aboutwhat
?"
Zee:
"Mbuso?
"Iswal
l
owed
Me:"
Ther
ewasjustsomet
hingaboutt
heway
youl
ookedathi
m"
Zee:
"Thatwasnotmyquest
ionbutokayt
hen"I
shookmyhead
Me:"Canyounotleav
ey etandtel
lmewhat
happenedwit
hy oubeforeyoupassedout
"her
facewentpal
eimmedi atel
y.

Zi
zi
pho

IdonotknowifI
'
ml osi
ngmymindorwhatbut
whywouldIseedeadpeopl
e.
Thethoughtofthem notbei
ngr
eal
butj
ust
ghost
sisjusttoomuchf orme.
Itr
ytobreathifnotIwi
l
lpani
cbef
oreIev
enI
answerLuthando.
Me: "
Iknowy ourgr
andfatherandhisbrother
,I
mett hem f
ewweeksago, therear
etheonewho
helpedmef i
ndapl acetost ayi
ntown,they
walkedwithmet henightTshepokickedusout ,
theymadesur eIwassaf ethatday"helooked
atmeasi fIwassomesor tofclawn
Luu:
"Zi
zi
phothosetwopeopl
ediedwhenIwas
ver
ymuchy oung,
whatyouaresayi
ngdoesn'
t
makesense"
Me:"Ibumpedint
oyourgr
andf
atheragai
nlast
week, het
oldmethatt
heoneformyheartis
nearIdon'
tknowwhathemeant"
Luu:
"OkayZeewhatdi
dtheysayt
hei
rnames
were"
Me:
"ThusoandSandi
l
e"heswal
l
owed
Luu:"
Thosearet
hei
rnames"If
eel
tear
sst
ingi
ng
atthebackofmyeyes
Me:"
Idon'
tunder
standanyoft
his,
whywouldI
seedeadpeopl
e?Whywouldtheyevenhel
pme?
Ithoughtghostseatpeopleorsomethi
ng"he
burstoutoflaught
er"Atleasty
oufoundhumor
i
nal loft
his"
Luu:"
Youseri
ouslyt
houghtghosteatpeopl
e"I
j
oinedhi
mi nlaught
er
Me:
"YesbutI
'
m wor
ri
ed"hesi
ghs
Luu:
"Myt
winbr
otherwi
l
lhel
pyouout
"Il
ooked
athi
m"Mbuso"
Me:
"Howcoul
dhepossi
blyhel
pmeout
?"
Luu:
"hei
saseer
"
Me:
"what
?"henods
Luu:
"Yeshesurelyknowswhat
'sgoi
ngonwith
youandmygr annies,
hemetyouforar
eason"
Me:
"Iwantt
ogohome"
"
That'
snotyourhomeIhav
ebeent
ell
i
ngy
ou"
Mbusosai
dwal ki
ngi
n
Me:
"Won'
tyoust
opt
alki
ngi
nri
ddl
es?It
oldy
ou
Idon'
thaveahome.Igr
ewupinanor
phanage
soify
ouar etell
i
ngmet
ogohomeyouare
bei
ngridi
culous.
Mbuso:
"Yourbl
oodi
sbl
ue"
Me: "
NOmybl oodisred,bl
oodisred"theyboth
l
ookedateachot herthenbur
stoutofl aught
er,
Icouldn'
thel
pbutnoticether
esembl ancesI
didn'
tseebefor
e.
Luu:"
Wai t
.Areyousayi
ngsheisr
oyal
ty?"he
saidasifhejustr
eali
zedwhatMbusosaidand
tookitseri
ousl
y
Mbuso:"
Yessheisroyalt
ybutshei
stheonly
onewhocanfindherwayhomeorherhome
wil
lfi
ndawayt oher"hestar
edatLut
handoand
nods
Luu:
"What
?!NO!"hesai
dlooki
ngatme,
hewas
pal
e.
Me:
"What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Them:
"NOTHI
NG!"t
heyy
ell
edi
nuni
sonmaki
ng
mejumpali
tt
le
Luu:
"Thi
sisridi
cul
ous.I
'
m goi
nghomet
omy
wif
e"hequicklywal
kedout
.
Me:"
What'swr
ongwithLut
hando,
andpl
ease
don'
tyel
l
"hechuckl
ed
Mbuso:"
Nothi
ng,Ij
usttol
dyousomethi
ng
seri
ousl
ikebei
ngroyal
ty"Il
ookedathi
m and
star
tedj
umpingaround
Me:"
OhmyGodI'
mr oy
alt
y!I
'
mroyal
ty"I
st
opped"
Happynow?Takemehome"
Mbuso:
"Sar
cast
icmuch.Youshoul
dbea
cl
own"Iwal
kedout.
I
nser
t10
Lut
hando

Thedr
ivetomyhousef
eltl
i
ket
hel
ongestdr
ive
ofmyli
fe.
Myli
fei
scompl i
catedasiti
sri
ghtnow,thi
swil
l
j
ustmakemat t
ersworseformywifeandIas
weareal
readygoingthr
oughalotasiti
s.
WhyZi
zi
pho?Outofal
lthepeopl
eint
hewor
ld.
Myphonebeepedi
twasat
extf
rom Mbuso
"
I'
mtakingherhomebutbr
oyoucan'
trunaway
f
rom t
his"
Ibangedt
hest
erl
i
ngt
aki
ngoutmyf
rust
rat
ion.
Me:
"Fucky
ouMbuso!
"Iscr
eamed.
AssoonasIpul
l
edov
erIr
ani
nsi
det
hehouse.
Me:
"Meli
ssa!
"Iyel
ledenter
ingt
hehouse
"
Meli
ssa"sheappearedonthestai
rsr
antohug
me
Mel:
"I
'm sosorryLuu"shesai
dki
ssi
ngmeal
l
ov
ermyf ace.
Me:"Iwannafuckyouri
ghtnow"shefr
ozefora
second.Iki
ssedherroughl
yandpushedher
againstt
hewall.
Ir
ippedof
fthedr
essshewaswear
ing.
Shewaswel
lexposedhery
ell
owt
highswer
ein
di
spl
ay.
It
urnedhersoshecoul
dgi
vemeherback.
Iunhookedherbr
aandbi
teherbackshe
moaned.
Mel :
"Luu!
"Ipulledherunder
weardownandpart
herlegsthenpul l
edherasscloset
omyf i
rm
standingdickandinsert
edit,
Ihadnoti
mef or
foreplaynottoday.
ShescreamedasIpumpedi
nsi
deher
,Igr
abbed
herhai
r.
Me:
"Ionl
ylov
eyou,
doy
ougett
hat
?"shenods
Mel:"
YesandIlov
eyoutoo"Iqui
ckl
ywenti
n
andoutfast
erandhar
derunti
lIr
eachedmy
orgasm.
Thewasthemostdr
ysexweev
erhadi
tmust
bepai
ntoher
.
Ifi
xedmysel
fandpi
ckedhert
ookhert
othe
bathr
oom.
If
ixedherabubbl
ebat
hshewasdeadqui
et.
Shegoti
nsi
det
hebat
htub.
Mel :
"Thatwasn'tyouLuu,youdofuckmebut
thisti
mey ouwer enotfuckme,itwasmor e
thant hat
,fucki
ngissupposedtobepleasure
andpai nyougav emeadr ysexitwaspainf
ul"I
closedmyey es
Me:"
I'
m sosor
ryMel
"Ihadnocomebackf
rom
t
hisone.
Mel
:
"Wereyoupuni
shi
ngmef
ornotwant
ingus
t
oadoptachi
ld"
Me:"
Ofcour
senotMelissa,
Ijustf
oughtwi
thmy
br
othert
hat
'sal
landaboutthechil
dthi
ngi
tcan
wai
t"shewi
denhereyes
Mel
:
"Whatchanged?
"
Me:
"Let
'swai
tunt
ily
ouar
ereadymyl
ove,
I
needourbabyt
ohav eahappymother
"Il
i
ed
causeIdowantachil
d,I
'm onl
ydel
ayi
ngt
he
adopti
onthi
ngbecauseIneedtofi
xmyhouse
aff
air
sbefor
eIbri
ngachild.
Mel
:
"Thanky
ouf
orunder
standi
ngbabe"I
smi
l
ed
Me:"
Iwil
ldoanyt
hingforyou"Iki
ssedher
f
oreheadandwalkedout.
Ifeel
li
keri
ghtnowI'minast
ati
onerypointI
havenodir
ecti
on,myli
fei
sslowl
ybecomi nga
messandIdon'tknowwhatt
odo, wheredoI
evenbegi
n?

Zi
zi
pho

Aswedrovehomeitwassoqui
ethewasn'
t
say
ingany
thi
ngei
ther.
Isatt
her
ewonder
ingwhoam I
?Howt
hehel
l
di
dIendupi
nanor
phanagei
fI'
mroy
alt
y?
Ihav
esomanyquest
ionsy
etnoanswer
s.
Mbuso:"Youar
eoverthi
nki
ng?"
hesaid
di
stur
bingmef r
om t
hetrai
loft
houghtsIhad.
Mbuso:
"Sodoyouev
enknowt
heor
phanage
yougr
ewup?"
Me:"Iwasmov edtomanyorphanagesasa
chil
dsoIdon'tevenrememberthefi
rst
orphanageIstay
edin"henodsthensmiled
Mbuso:
"Somygr anni
es?
"Il
ookedathi
m
conf
used"ThusoandSandi
l
e"
Me:
"Youmeant
heghost
swhataboutt
hem?
"
Mbuso:"
Youdoknowthattheyarest
il
lgonna
appear
"Iscr
eamedandhehi tt
hebrakes
makingmehitt
hedashboardwithmyforehead
Me:
"Ouch!
"
Mbuso:
"Whati
nthehel
l?whywoul
dyou
scr
eam l
i
kethat
?"isheki
ddingmeri
ghtnow
Me:
"Youtol
dmeaboutthem appear
ingagai
n"
hel
aughedjustgr
eat
Mbuso:
"It
houghty
oul
ovet
hem"
Me:
"Bef
oreIknewt
heywer
ehaunt
ingmeduh!
"
Mbuso:
"Arey
oual
way
sthi
sext
ra!
?Theyar
e
har
mless"
Me:
"Not
hingst
art
swi
thaGi
shar
mless"
Mbuso:
"Wow!
"
Me:"
Yeswow"hej ustl
ookedatmeand
cont
inuedr
ivi
ng.
Mbuso:
"Wearehere"Iqui
cklyj
umpedout"
Your
l
if
eisnotgonnabeeasyZi
ziphoIf
eell
i
keyou
ar
enottaki
ngthi
sseri
ousl
y"
Me: "Okaywhatdoy ouwantmet odo, cryand
telleveryonethatmyl i
feisamess.MbusoI '
m
stil
lcomi ngintermswi t
hwhatIj ustdiscovered
aboutmy sel
f.NotonlydidIdiscoverthatI'
m
from ar oyalf
ami l
ybutIalsoseeghost s.Iknow
youar et
ryi
ngtohelpher
ejustgi
vemet
imet
o
digestever
ythi
ng"
henods
Mbuso:
"OkayIunder
standhav
eagoodni
ght
"
Me:"
Goodni
ght
"Iwal
kedi
nsi
det
henhedr
ove
of
f.
Iopenedt
hedoorandwentt
ocheckonJuni
or
hewaspeacef
ulsl
eepi
nginKopano'
sar
ms.
Iwentt
omyr oom,
myeyeswi
denasIsaw
Thusosi
tt
ingonmybed
Me:
"Pl
easegoaway
"Isai
dst
eppi
ngback.
Thuso:
"Nowyouknowt
het
rut
h,Iwi
l
lnev
er
harmyouZizi
pho"
Me:
"Pl
easego,
nott
oni
ghtI
'
mti
red"
Thuso:
"Goaheadandsl
eep"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lhav
etot
akeof
fmycl
othes"
Thuso:
"I
'm har
mlessZizi
pho"Isighcausethi
s
i
snothowIhav epict
uredmyl i
fe,I
'm now
t
alki
ngt
oghost
.
Ibl
i
nkedaf
ewt
imeswhenInol
ongerseehi
m.

Lut
hando

Idon'
tknowhowI '
m gonnaf aceZizi
photoday
andIdon'tevenwanttogotowor kbutIhaveto
Ican'
tneglectmyrest
aurantthat
'smybaby
Mel
:"Youseem di
str
actedandyouar
eev
en
messingupyourbutt
ons"Isi
gh
Me:
"I
'mj
ustt
ir
ed"
Mel
:
"Wasy
ourf
ightwi
thy
ourbr
othert
hatbi
g?"
Me:"Yesi
twasmassiveIdon'
tev
enwantt
otal
k
aboutitr
ight
"shenods.
Howdidabecomeal
i
ar?Howl
ongwi
l
lIkeep
l
yi
ngtomywi f
e.
It
ookmybagandwal
kedout
.
Mbuso

MbasaakaLut
handoi
sonedi
ff
icul
tper
sont
o
deal
wit
h.
Heknewt hatMel
issaisnothischosenonebut
hedeci
dedt ost
aywi thherr
egardl
essl
yand
wentasfarasmar r
yingher.
Idon'
tev
enseet
hispl
ayi
ngoutwel
l
.
Unat
hi:
"Somethi
ngisbot
her
ingyoubhuti
"say
s
mysist
erdist
urbi
ngmefrom mythought
s.
Me:"
Nanacany
ouexcuseus"wewer
ehav
ing
br
eakfast
Unat
hi:
"OkayIwil
lhav
emybr
eakf
astbyt
he
pool
"shewalkedout
Mom:"
What'
swr
ongMbuso?
"shegav
emea
wor
ri
edlook
Me:"Mbasa'
schosenonei
shere"shegasped
andlookedatmydadwhojustshruggedhi
s
shoulder
s
Mom:
"Youknewanddi
dn'
tsayany
thi
ng"
Dad:
"Shedoesn'
tknowt
hatshei
sthechosen
one?
"
Mom:
"Whatdoy
oumean!
?"
Me:"Shedidn'
tknowthatshei
sapri
ncess,
she
doesn'tev
enknowt hatMbasai
sgonnabeher
husband"
Mom:
"Can'
tyouhel
pherf
indherf
ami
l
y?"
Me:"
Idon'tevenknowwhichKi ngdom she
bel
ongstomom andmygr andpahasbeenthe
onegui
dingherandknowi nghim, hewil
lbl
ock
mefrom doinganythi
ng,
wor separ ti
shehas
showhimselftoherasahumanf orm"
Dad:
"What
?!"Inod
Mom:
"Whoi
sshe?
"
Me:"Thegi
rlwhopassedouty
est
erday
"she
gaspedinshock
Mom:
"Wow"Icl
osedmyey
es
Me:
"Ther
eisapr
obl
em i
nal
loft
his"
Dad:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Me:
"Mbasai
smar
ri
ed"
Mom:
"May
behecoul
dbemar
ri
edt
obot
h"
Me:"NOmom, yourhist
oryisgonnar
epeati
tsel
f
onthem andIwon'tbeabletostopi
t"Mom
eyesqui
cklygetf
il
ledwithtear
s
Me:
"I
'm sor
ry"Dadbur
ieshi
sheadi
nhi
shands
I
nser
t11
Zi
zi
pho

Iwasn'
tlooki
ngf
orwar
dtowokeupt
omy
real
i
ty.
Bei
nganor
phandi
dn'
treal
bot
hermet
hat
muchbecauseIwastoldt
hatmypar
ent
sdi
ed
whenIwasthreemonthsol
d.
Ihav
eaccept
edthatbutnownotknowingt
hat
whatIhav
ebeentol
dmaynotbet rue
Idon'
tev
enknowt
hedeepestofmy
sel
f.
Wher
edoIev
enst
artl
ooki
ngf
ormyhome.
Ifel
tver
yti
redwhenIwokeup,
myl
i
fehad
changedsomuch.
Idr
aggedmy
sel
ftopr
epar
eJuni
orf
orschool
I
wasdone
Kopano:
"Heywhat
'sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
"
Me:
"I
'm okayI
'
mjustt
ir
edt
hat
'sal
l
"
Kopano:"
Youknowwhat ,Iwi
l
ltakecar
eof
Juni
orthewholeweek.Youseem real
l
yti
red"I
si
ghcauseIdon'twanttobeaburdentot
hem
morethanIal
readybeen
Me:
"Thanky
ouKopano"
Iwal
kedt
owor
kIwast
hel
astt
oar
ri
ve.
Luthandoarr
ivedri
ghtaf
terme,
hedi
dn'
tev
en
saygoodmor ningtohi
semploy
eesl
i
kehe
usuall
ydoes.
Her
eal
l
yseemedpal
eyest
erdaywhenhel
eft
.
Idecidedtodomyownwor
kit
'st
heal
lthi
ng
thatcoulddi
str
actme
Iwal
kedt
othet
abl
eandputdownt
hef
ood
Lady
:"I
'
m sorr
ybutthi
sisn'
twhatweordered"I
si
ghthisi
sthethi
rdorderI
'
m gett
ingwrong.
Me:
"I
'm sosor
rymam"
Lady:"
It
'sokaymydear
"thankGodshei
soneof
thegoodonescauseIcan'
taff
ordt
obeyel
led
attodayIam ati
cki
ngbomb.
Tonypul
l
edi
ntoacor
ner
.
Tony
:"Areyouokay?Thi
sist
het
hir
dor
dery
ou
ar
eget t
ingwrong"
Me:
"I
'mf
ine"heshookhi
shead
Tony
:"Takeabr
eak"Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
"Thebosswi
--
"
Tony
:"Iwi
l
lcov
ery ourtabl
esandal
sohandl
e
hi
m,getsomefreshairokay?
"Inod
Me:"
ThankyouTony "henodsIt
ookoffmy
apr
onandwal kedoutsi
dewhereweusual
l
y
hav
eourlunch.
Ij
ustsatt
her
eandbr
okedown,
Icoul
dn'
thol
d
backmytear
s.
Ineverf
eltsol
osti
nmyl i
fenotevenwhen
Tshepodumpedme, If
eelsoalone.
Ifelthandst
ouchi
ngbothmyshoul
der
s,hi
s
colognehitmynostr
il
s.
Itr
iedwi
pingmytear
stheyj
ustf
lewmor
eI
endedupsobbi
ng
Hecameinf
rontofmeandgavemeahugIjust
hol
dont
ohimtightt
henbawl
edmyeyesout
.
Luu:
"Leti
tal
lout
"hesai
dbr
ushi
ngmyhai
rand
myback
Me:
"I
thur
tssomuch"
Luu:
"Nobodytol
dy oul
i
fewasgonnabeeasy
Zee,i
t'
snotal
way ssweetsomet
imesi
tgott
a
hurt
"Ij
ustshookmyhead.
Idon'
tknowwhati
sitabouthi
shugst
hatgi
ves
measenseofcomfortandpeace.
Iwasfi
nal
l
yabl
etocal
m downandpul
l
edaway
fr
om hi
m
Me:
"I'
m sosor
ryabouty
ourshi
rt"Isai
dwi
ping
mytearshi
sshir
twaswetbecauseofmyt
ears.
Luu:
"Let
'snotwor
ryaboutt
heshi
rtr
ightnow,
l
et'
sworryaboutwhat
'sgoi
ngonwit
hy ou"I
si
gh
Me:"
Ever
ythi
ngi
sjustt
oomuchf
ormeIguess"
henods
Luu:
"Idon'
tev
enknowwhatt
osayr
ightnow.I
hopei
twor
ksoutf
ort
hebest
"
Me:
"Ihopesot
oo"t
hewast
hisqui
etmoment
Luu:
"Igotsomeicecr
eam inmyof
fi
cei
t
l
ight
ensupt hemood"Isi
gh
Me:"Idon'twantot
herempl
oyeesthinki
ngI'
m
specialordoi
nganythi
ngi
nappropri
atewit
hy ou
"hesmi led
Luu:
"Ev
ery
bodyknowst
hatI
'
m happi
l
ymar
ri
ed
Zee"
Me:
"Coul
dhavef
ool
edmeIwillgobackto
wor
k"Ist
oodupandwal
kedbackinsi
de

Lut
hando

If
eel
li
keZi
zi
phocoul
dreadr
ightt
hroughme.
Toseehercryli
kethatwastr
oubl
i
ngforme,I
thoughtIwasgonnatr
ykeepmydist
ancef
rom
herbutnoIsawmy
sel
fgoi
ngt
ohugher
.
Il
etherwal
kawayfr
om meandani
dea
suddenl
yhi
tsme.
Iquickl
ywalkedtomyoffi
ceandtookal
ookon
herCVZi zi
phoisaqual
i
fiedl
awyerandmy
fr
iendhasal awfi
rm.
Mbuso:"
Iwoul
dn'
tdoi
tifIwer
eyou"hesai
d
wal
kingin
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Mbuso:
"Heretostopyouf r
om doi
ngsomet
hing
st
upi
d"Ilookedathim annoyed
Me:
"Thi
sismyl
i
fest
opi
nter
fer
ing"hechuckl
ed
Mbuso:"
Iwilli
nter
fer
ebecausey ouarej
usta
boyinaman'sbody, youalwaysrunawayfr
om
yourpr
oblem.IfYouthinksendi
ngherawaywil
l
makeallthi
sdisappearyouaremorestupi
d
thanIt
hought"
Me:
"Okayper
fectguyhowabouty
oul
eav
emy
of
fi
ce"hechuckl
ed
Mbuso:
"Youcleardon'tknowshitaboutbeing
r
oyal
ty,t
hisisgonnacomebackandbi teyouin
t
heass"hewal kedoutIgroanedinfrust
rat
ionI
t
ookthefil
eIthrewitatthedoorithi
tsMelissa
i
ntheface.
Mel
:"
Whatt hefuck?Whywouldyouthr
owaf i
l
e
i
nmyf ace"shesaidhol
dingherf
aceandIhad
myeyeswi deopeninshock
Me:
"Di
dIhur
tyou?
"Isai
dwal
ki
ngt
owar
dsher
Mel:
"Yourbrot
herbumpedt
omeandIal
most
f
ell
theny ouhi
tmewi t
hafi
le"Isi
gh
Me:
"I
'm sosor
ry"
Mel
:
"Ar
eyouguy
sfi
ght
ingagai
n?"Inod.
ThankGodshewasn'
tbr
uisedorany
thi
ng.
Me:"
Can'ty
oucomebackl aterIhaveameet
ing
i
n20mi nutes?"shelookedatmel i
keIhada
peni
sonmyf orehead
Mel:
"Wow!
"shewalkedoutandIslammed
mysel
finachai
rthencl
osemyey es.
"Seemsli
keyouar
epi
ssi
ngof
fev
ery
onet
oday
"
Zizi
phosai
dwalki
ngi
n.
Me:
"I
'm noti
nthemood"shewalkedint
omy
mi
nifr
idgeandtookoutt
heicecream.
Zee:"
Itl
i
ghtenst
hemood"Ichuckledasshesi
ts
downonmycouchIt ookthespooninmy
drawerandwenttosi
tdownnexttoher.
West
art
eddi
ggi
ngi
n.
Zee:
"Whathappenedbet
weeny
ouandy
our
brot
her
?"Isi
gh
Me:"
Ihav
et omarrysomeoneel
se"Il
ookedat
herf
orareact
ion
Zee:
"Buty
ouhav
eawi
fe"
Me:"Thisonei
sthechosenonef
ormebymy
ancestors"
Zee:
"That
'shect
ic"
Me:
"Tr
ustmeIknow"shel
ooksatme
Zee:
"Shedoesn'
tknow!?doesshe?
"Iknewwho
shewastalki
ngabout.
Me:
"NOshedoesn'
t"shesi
gh
Zee:
"Justt
ellherbef
oresheheadsi
tfr
om
someoneelse"
Me:
"Idon'
tknowwher
etost
art
"shesi
gh
Zee:"Okayshemar r
iedyouknowi ngthatyou
werer oyal
tyandshewasacommoner ,she
knewt hatPr i
ncesmar r
ypr i
ncessesunlessthe
ancestorssayot her wi
se.Youguy sgrewupi n
thesameki ngdom y oubot hknewthelawsbut
youst i
llwentagai nstit
.Whatdi dyouguy sthink
i
twasgonnahappen?Youwer egonnalive
happilyeverandy ourpr i
ncesswi l
lnevershow
up?"Ikeptquietbecauseshewast el
li
ngmel i
ke
i
tis"AndIknowf orsurey ourfamil
ydidtellyou
thatshewasn' ttheonef oryoubutyoudecided
otherwise,Idon'tknowwhaty ouaregonnado
butgoodl
uck"
Me:"
OkayIknowImessedupnowpl easest
op
pour
ingsal
tinmywound"shechuckled
Zee:
"Fr
iendst
ell
li
kei
tis"Iwi
denmyey
es
Me:"
Sonowwearef
ri
ends?"Isai
dsmi
l
ingshe
l
aughedt
henhi
tmeinthechest.
Iwipedhersi
deofthemouthandsheputher
handonmyar m whil
eIwi
pedher.
Thedoorbur
stopenMel
i
ssawal
kedherey
es
wel
ledupwit
htears
Me:
"Mel
iti
snotwhaty
out
hink"
Mel:"
Thisi
syourmeet inghuh?Sheisthe
reasonyouchasedmeaway ,I
'm sor
ryI
dist
urbedyouIforgotmyphone"shet ookher
phoneandquicklywalkedout.
Me:"
Meli
ssa!
"shewasal
readygoneIlookedat
Zeewhoseemedtobemindingherbusi
ness
shel
ookedatme
Zee:
"I
fyourwifewalksinony ouinsuch
si
tuat
ion,don'
texpl
ainyourselfy
ouarejust
pouri
ngmor efuelt
othefir
eandgi vi
ngher
morereasontodoubt"shepantmyshoul der
andwalkedout.
I
nser
t12
Lut
hando

Somet
imesIcoul
dbei
mpul
siv
e.
Thedeci
sionofwanti
ngt
osendZizi
phoaway
wassoimpulsi
veIsawaneasywayout.
Mbusowasri
ghtIal
way
srunawayf
rom my
pr
oblems.
AndZizi
phogavei
tt omel
i
kei
tiswi
thout
sugar
coati
nganyt
hing.
Aftershelef
tmyof
fi
ceIcoul
dn'
thel
pbutt
hink
aboutthewaysher
ubbedmyarmswhenIwas
wipinghermout
hhowshebli
nkedsomany
ti
mesavoi
dingst
ari
ngatmewi
thherbr
own
eyes.
Thisi
swr ongamarri
edmancan'
tbethi
nki
ng
ofsuchthingswhenhi
swi
fej
ustwit
nessed
thatmoment .
Thelastt
hingIwantistohur
tMel
issa,
wehave
beentoget
herforyear
sIdon'
twanttol
oseher
.
Befor
edri
vinghomeItextmybrothert
omeet
meatsomebarIwantt oapol
ogizetohimf
or
thewayIspoketohi
m.
MbusoandIwer
einsepar
abl
egr
owingupwe
l
ookedmorei
dent
icalt
hanwedonow.
Ourdi
fferencesstar
tedwhenIst
art
eddati
ng
Meli
ssa,henev erhi
ditt
hathedoesnotl
i
keher
.
Iwashurtt
hatmyt
winbr
otherwasn'
t
suppor
ti
ngme.
WhenIar
riv
edatthebarhewast
her
e,Mbusoi
s
t
hepunctualone.
Me:
"Br
o"Isatnextt
ohi
m
Mbuso:
"Mbasa"doesheal
way
shav
etocal
lme
Mbasa
Me:"
CanIhavetheusual
"Isai
dtot
hebar
man
henodsandprepar
edmydr i
nk.
Mbuso:
"I
'm nottry
ingtocontr
oly
ou"hesai
d
br
eaki
ngthesilencebetweenus
Me:
"IknowIwoul
dn'tbeherei
fIthoughty
ou
wer
econtrol
l
ingme.Thisisdi
ff
icul
tformeI
wi
shIcouldj
ustt
radeplaceswit
hy ou"
Mbuso:
"Di
dyouj
ustsayy
ouwi
shy
oucoul
dbe
me?"hesai
damused
Me:
"DidI?
"webothburstoutofl
aught
er"
NOI
t
akethatbackIwoul
dn'
tlastadayi
nyourl
if
e"
Mbuso:
"Iknowy
ouwoul
dn'
t"
Me:"Idon'
tknowhowt odothi
sMbuso,Idon'
t
wanttohurtMelissashei
smywholeli
fe"he
chuckledandIknowwhat'
sgonnacomeoutof
t
hatmout
h
Mbuso:
"Whatmakesy
out
hinky
oul
ovehert
hat
much?"
Me:"
BecauseIst
ayedwi
thherf
ory
ear
sshehas
b-
-"hecut
smeof f
Mbuso:"Youar escaredtoloseherbecauseof
whatshebr ingsnotforwhoshei s.Youl ov eher
butyouar enotinlovewithher ,y ouseewhen
youlovesomebodyy ouar eonl yconcer ned
abouthowt heymakey ouf eelbutwheny ouare
i
nlovey ouar econcernedify oumaket hem f eel
whatyouf eel f
orthem.Iknowy ouar est uck
betweenahar dpl
aceandar ockbuty ouar eol
d
nowLut handoy ouhav etof acewhoy ouar e
andstopr unningbecausey ourl ifeisamess
anditwillsoongetmessy "Idon' tli
ket hel ook
onhisfacewhenhesay sthel astpar tIjust
gul
peddownmydr i
nk
Me:
"Thi
sisf
uckedupandI
'
m al
ostsoul
who
doesn'
tknowwhatt odo.Asifthatwasn't
enoughIsti
llhav
et of
aceMel whowal kedinon
meandZi zi
phoinapositi
onIwoul dn'
tli
keto
fi
ndmywi feonwi t
hanotherman"
Mbuso:"
Andshei
sstil
lgonnawalki
ntomoreof
thosemomentsi
fyoudon'tt
ell
herwhat
'sgoi
ng
on"
Me:
"Canyoutal
ktoy
ourancest
orsmanIneed
t
ime"hel
aughed
Mbuso:
"Theyhav
enot
imeespeci
all
yThuso"
Me:
"Thatonei
ssoneedy
,hel
ovesat
tent
ion"
Mbuso:
"Atl
easty
ouknow"Ij
ustshakemyhead
Me:
"Letmegoman.Hopet
odot
hisagai
n"
Mbuso: "
Iwouldlov
edthat
,seeyou"Iwalkedout
atleastther
eisonethi
ngthat
'spromisi
ng
that'
sar el
ati
onshi
pwit
hmybr other
.
WhenIgothometheli
ght
swer est
il
lonwhi
ch
meansMeli
ssai
sstil
lawake.
Iwalkedinshewassitt
ingonast
air
casewit
ha
bott
leofwhiskynextt
oherandaglassonher
hand,shestoodupassoonasshesawme
Mel:
"Heisfi
nall
yathomemustbenicetohave
amistr
ess"Ithoughtshewasdr
unkbutshei
s
st
il
lmuchsober .
Me:"
Ther
eisnot
hinggoi
ngonbet
weenmeand
her
"shel
aughed
Mel:
"Soy
ouaresayi
ngI
'
m cr
azycausewhatI
sawwasnot
hing"
Me:"
Meli
ssathatwasnot
hing,
Iwasjustwi
ping
somethi
ngonherfacet
hat'
sall
"shel
ookedat
me
Mel:"
Sincewhendomar ri
edmandot hoseacts,
thewayy oulookedatheryouneverl
ookedat
mel i
kethat.Wereyougonnakissheri
fIdidn'
t
walkin?"ThusoappearedbehindMeli
ssaI
becamepal e
Thuso:
"Sayy
esorIwi
l
lpushher
"Iswal
l
owed
Me:"Uhyes"shet
hrewthebott
leatmel
uck
enoughIwasabletododgeit
Mel
:
"Howcoul
dyou?
"shet
hrewt
hegl
assatme
Thuso:
"Tel
lhert
ost
opwithhercol
oredshi
t"I
shookmyheadhegotcl
osetoher
Me:"
Stopwi
thyourcol
oredshi
tMel
i
ssa"she
l
ookedatmeshocked
Thuso:"
Nowl eave?!
"IlookedatherIneverseen
hersohurt,herfacewasf ul
loft
earsIdoubt
shecouldseemepr operl
y"Isai
dleave"I
walkedtothedoorshesankont hefl
oorand
sobbedIquicklywalkedoutIcouldn'
tbarethe
si
ghtinfrontofme.
IgotinmycarIdi
dn'
tev
enknowwher
eIwas
going
"
Tot
hehospi
tal
"Ij
umpedt
henhi
tthebr
akes
Me:"
What'
swr ongwit
hyoupeopl
e?"Iscr
eamed
athi
m,hejustsmil
ed.
Sandi
l
e:"
Youbet
terdr
ivet
othehospi
tal
right
now"
Me:"
What'
sgoingtohappentomywif
e?What
wi
llhedotoher?
"Iyel
ledhegavemeadeat
h
st
areIqui
ckl
ycomposedmy sel
f
Sandil
e:"
That'
swhatIt hought
.Nothingi
sgonna
happentoy ourwife?Nowifyouknowwhat's
goodfory oudriv
e"hesaidcalml
yy etso
demandingIdr ove
Sandil
e:"
IfIwer
eyouIwoulddr
iverf
astert
han
thi
sbecausesheneedsyou"myheartstar
ts
beati
ngfaster
Me:
"Whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?"
Sandi
l
e:"
Toher?Wedi dnothi
ngtoher
.It
'sj
ust
somethi
ngthat
'sgonnamakey oudot
her i
ght
thi
ng"Idrov
easf astasIcan
Me:
"Youar
eonef
uckencr
azydeadpeopl
e"
Sandi
l
e:"
Sowehav
ehear
d"
Me:
"Mxm"
Iwasabl
etogett
othehospi
tal
fast
er.
Sandi
l
e:"
Gotowar d3r
oom 9"Inodandr
an
passt
herecept
ion.
WhenIgott
her
eshewaspaci
ngupanddown.
Youcoul
dtel
lshehadbeencr
ying.
Me:"
Zizi
pho"shenot
iced"
What'sgoi
ngon?
"she
bi
teherlowerl
ipt
rysohardnottocr
y.
Zee:
"Juni
orhe.
.he"shecoul
dn'
tev
enf
ini
shshe
j
ustsobsIpull
edhertome
Me:
"I
'm sosor
ry"myhear
tsankt
omyst
omach
"Youdotherightt
hingortheysuf
fert
he
consequences"avoicesai
dtomyear.
Theysur
egotmyat
tent
ion.
I
nser
t13
Zi
zi
pho
Ihonest
lydon'
tknowwhathappenedtoJuni
or
hewasfinewhenIgotbackfr
om work.
Thenlat
eronhefel
lasleepIhadhim scr
eam i
n
hi
ssleephewassoakingwetItri
edwakinghim
upbutnoluck.
Het
henwentsi
lentt
hat
'swhenwedr
ovehi
mto
t
hehospi
tal
wit
hKopano.
Hewasn'
tresponsi
vewhenwegothi
m her
e,i
f
any
thi
nghappenstohi
m Iwoul
ddie.
Kopanohadtodri
vebackhomeandLut
hando
ar
ri
vedmay beKopanocal
l
edhi
m her
e.
Thedoct
orswer
ether
ewi
thhi
mfort
hel
ongest
ti
me.
Me:"Theyar
etaki
ngtoolongwhatifsomethi
ng
seri
oushappenedtohi
m Luthando"Isai
dwit
h
tear
st hr
eat
eni
ngtofal
l
Luu:"
Youcan'
tthi
nkl
ikethatZi
zi
pho,Iknowhe
i
sfine.Tr
ustmeonthisone"ThankGodheis
her
ecauseIcoul
dbar
elykeepi
ttoget
her
.
Thereisnot
hingtor
tur
ousli
keseei
ngthe
doctor
sandnursesmov i
ngupanddown
updati
ngotherfami
li
esbutnooneiscomingt
o
you.
"
Juni
orMokoena"Iqui
ckl
yst
oodup.
Dr:
"Yoursonisdoingokaybutwecan'
tfi
nd
anythi
ngwrongwi t
hhim.Atthemomentwewi
l
l
runfewmor etest
sonhimt henhewil
lgo
home"
Me:"
Youmeanhej
ustpassedoutandt
her
eis
not
hingwr
ongwi
thhi
m"
Dr:"
Hedi dn'thaveanysi
gnsofpanicattackor
suffocat
ing, hi
sheart
beatisnor
mal andhewas
breathi
ngj ustfi
newheny ougothi
m here"
Luu:
"Canweseehi
m?"Thedoct
ornodsandl
ed
theway.
Hewassl
eepi
ngpeacef
ulGodwhat
's
happeni
ngwi
thmyson,
thedoct
orl
eftuswi
th
hi
m.
Iwal
kedcl
oset
ohi
sbedandt
ouchedhi
sface
Me:"
Mybaby"Il
ookedatLut
handowholooked
sopalewi
tht
earswell
i
nguponhiseyes.
Me:
"Heywhat
'
swr
ong"hequi
ckl
ywi
peshi
s
t
ear
s
Luu:
"Ineedt
odosomet hi
ng"Il
ookedathi
m"I
promisehewil
lbef
ine"
Me:
"Ifeell
i
key ouarehidi
ngsomet hi
ngf
rom
me"hewalksclosetome" Youar
ecrowdi
ng
me"Isaidtr
yingtobreath
Luu:"
Iwil
lbeback"heki
ssedmyf
oreheadand
walkedout.

Lut
hando
Asmuchast hi
sishar
dformeIhav
etodo
what
'sr
ight
.
Juni
ori
saninnocentsoul
Idon'
tunder
stand
whywouldt
heyinvol
vehiminmyprobl
ems.
Idrovehomewithaheav
yhear
tcauseI
honestl
ydon'
tknowwhat'
swai
ti
ngformeat
home.
Igoti
nshewasnoti
nthel
i
vingr
oom.
Iwenttoourroom shewasst
andi
ngbyt
he
windowlooki
ngoutside.
Me:"Hey "Isai
dasgentl
yasIcoul dshet ur
ned
shelookedatmewi t
houtsayingany t
hing
"MelissawhatIsaidearl
i
erhur ty
oumor ethan
anythingandIcan'tt
akeitback.Pleasebeliev
e
met hereisnothi
nggoingonbet weenmeand
Zizi
pho"
Mel
:
"Andwhyshoul
dIbel
i
evey
ou?Di
dyougo
t
oher?
"Isi
gh
Me:"Yesbecausehersoni
snotokay
,hei
sin
hospit
al"shechuckl
ed
Mel
:
"What
'sgoi
ngonLut
hando?
"
Me:"
Pleasesit
?"shesatonthecouchopposi
te
me"TheprincessI'
m supposedt
omarryhas
ar
ri
ved"
Mel
:
"What
?Lut
handoy
ouar
emyhusband"
Me:"
iknowMelbutinnocentpeopl
ear
egonna
suf
ferorev
enworse"
Mel:"
Idon'tcareLut
hando,
youthi
nkI'
m gonna
acceptthatmyhusbandwillmar
rysomeone
el
set hat
sbul l
shi
t!
"shescr
eamed
Me:
"I'
m sorr
ybuti
fIhav
etobecr
ownedKi
ngI
wi
ll
hav etomarr
ythem"
Mel:
"Thenyouwon'
tbeKi
ngifIcan'
tbeQueen!"
shestoodupshewaswal
kingoutwhenSandil
e
pushedhershef
ell
.
Tomaket
hemat
ter
swor
seIwasr
ightbehi
nd
her
Mel
:
"Di
dyouj
ustpushme?
"Sandi
l
elaughed
Me: "
Whywoul dIpushy ouMel i
ssa"Isai d
helpinghergetup" Mel issaI'mr oy al
tyandy ou
knewIwasr oyaltyf rom thegetgo.Youdi dn't
foundoutov ernightt hatIwasdest i
nedt o
mar ryapr incessatsomepoi ntofmyl ifebut
wei gnor edal loft hatbecausewewer einlove
webr okeal lther ulesj usttobet ogether,we
wer ebot hy oungandnai ve.I'
m notexpect i
ng
yout oacceptt hiseasi lybutt hetruthismyl ove
mydest inyhav ef inallycaughtupwi thusl i
keit
ornot .I'
m notgonnasugar coatt hingsy ou
knowi fImar rythepr i
ncessshewi ll
bemyf ir
st
wife,theQueen, hersonwi llbetheonenexti n
l
ine.It ri
edchoosi ngy out rustmeandi fIhad
super power sIwoul ddoi tagai nbutt histi
me
aroundmyhandsar et i
ed.GodknowsIl oveyou
andIhav esacr i
fi
cedmyl i
fejustf oryoubut
havey ouaskedy oursel fwhywecan' thavekids?
Ihaveyouaskedyour
selfwhyi sourmarr
iage
suddenl
yfal
li
ngapart
?.UnlessItakethe
pri
ncessasmywifenothingwillgori
ght
"she
shookherheadwitht
earsstreamingdown
Mel
:"
NOLuthandoIcan'
tacceptt
hat
.Wher
e
wassheal
lthi
sti
me?"
Me:"
I'
m sosor
ryt
hishur
tandt
hishur
tmet
oo
butwecanmakethiswor
k"
Mel:
"How?Byshar i
ngyou?Youknowt hat'
s
i
mpossibl
eIwillbesidel
inedi
neveryt
hingjust
becauseI
'm acommonerIhavenor oyalbl
ood
onmyv ei
ns"sheranoutIhopetheydon'tpush
herthi
sti
mear ound.

Zi
zi
pho

Ihav
ebeensit
ti
ngnextt
oJuni
orf
orhour
sand
hehasn'
twakeup.
AndLuthandohasn'
tshowedupwhatwasI
expect
ingtheguyhashi
sownlif
e.
Thusoappear
ednextt
oJuni
orandt
ouchedhi
s
for
ehead
Me:"
Whatarey
oudoing?"hedi
dn'
tanswerme
buthej
ustwal
kedout.
Ifol
lowedhim buthewaswal ki
ngwhytoof
astI
couldn'
tev
eny el
lhisnamebecauseIdoubt
anyonecouldseehim exceptme.
Hedisappearedintot
hinai
rIl
ookedaroundbut
Icoul
dn'tseehim any
wherewhenItur
nedI
bumpedi nt
osomeone.
IwonderwhydoIal
way
sbumpi
ntopeopl
e
"
May
bei
t'
sbecausey
oucl
amsy
"
Me:
"Di
dIsaythatoutl
oud"Il
ookedatthi
sguy
hewasstar
ingatmeandhewaswear i
nga
whi
tecoatwhichmeanthei
sadoctor.
Dr
:"
Yesy
oudi
d"
Me:
"I
'm sosor
ryDrDl
ami
ni"Isai
dlooki
ngathi
s
t
ag
Dr
:"
Cal
lmeMnqophi
soandy
ouar
e?"Inod
Me:
"Zi
zi
pho"henods
Dr
:"
IfIdi
dn'tknowbett
erIwoul
dsayy
ouwer
e
mysist
er"Ilaughed
Me:
"Why
?"heshr
ugged
Dr
:"
Youar
eherl
ookal
i
kei
t'
scr
eepy
"
"
Zizi
pho"i
twasLut
hando.
Me:
"I
twasnicemeet
ingy
ou"henodsIwal
ked
t
owardsLut
hando
Luu:
"Juniori
sawake"hi
seyeshav
en'
tl
eftDr
Dlaminiwhowaslooki
ngatus
Me:
"Let
'sgo"Idr
aggedhi
mtoJuni
or'
sroom

Mbuso
Iwokeupt
osomeonebangi
ngmydoor
.
Iwonderwhoitwasint
hemiddleofthenight
causeIwashavi
ngthemostpeacefulni
ght
Iopenedupt
hedoorshewal
kedi
n.
Me:
"Fuckwhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Mel:
"Youar
egonnamakesur
ethatyourbrother
doesn'
tmarr
ythesocal
l
edpr
incess"Ichuckl
ed
Me:
"Whywoul
dIdot
hatMel
i
ssa"
Mel
:
"BecauseIwi
l
ltel
lhi
m ev
ery
thi
ng"
Me:
"Youwoul
dn'
tdar
eMel
i
ssa"shel
aughed
Mel
:
"Tr
yme"Igr
abbedherar
m
Me:"Youknowwhatgoaheadandt ellhi
m,yes
hewi l
lhatemebuthewi llf
orgiv
emeI '
m hi
s
brother.Whatabouty ou?Doy outhinkheis
gonnaf or
giveyouforsleepingwithhisbrother
?
Doy outhinkhewi l
lbehappywhenIt ell
him
thatyouabortedmychi ld?Howaboutwhenhe
hearsabouty oursocall
edi nf
erti
li
ty
pr
obl
em? "
sheswal
l
owed"It
hinki
t'
sti
meIt
old
hi
m mysel
f"
Mel
:
"Mbusopl
easeIcan'
tl
oseLut
hando"
Me:"Yetyouhavenoprobl
em openi
ngy ourlegs
forhisbr
other
.LeavemyhouseMel i
ssa,
Luthandoisgonnamarryt
hatgir
landIwi l
l
makesur ehedoesnx!
"Ipushedheroutand
bangedthedoor

-
--
--
-
Wehav
ereached1kt
hanky
ouf
ort
hesuppor
t.
Pl
easekeepshar
ingt
hei
nser
tsandt
hepage.
I
nvi
tey
ourf
ri
ends
I
nser
t14
Lut
hando

Thi
sMel
i
ssasi
tuat
ionwaswei
ghi
ngmedown
onmeeventhoughIwasdownpl
ayi
ngi
tbuti
t'
s
real
l
yhar
dforme.
Ihavebeenwi t
hherforsolongandtothink
thatatsomepointIwil
lfal
ldeeplyi
nlovewit
h
Zizi
phoandshewi l
lj
ustbet hewomanIonce
mar r
ied,
thatal
onekil
lsmet othecore.
IknowI'
m slowl
ygett
ingfeel
ingsforZizi
pho
andIcan'
thelpbutf
eelguil
tthatI
'
mf alli
ngf
or
herwhentherei
smywi feinthepi
cture.
Aftert
hestari
ngcontestwit
hthedoctorZi
zi
pho
draggedmet oJuni
or'sroom,t
henursewas
donecheckinghi
m.
Nur se:
"Heisfi
neandreadyt
ogohome"she
saidlookingathim"Oneofy
ouhast
osignthe
dischargepapers"
Zee:"
Iwil
lgosi
gnt
hepaper
s"shef
oll
owedt
he
nurse.
IpackedJuni
or'
scl
othes,Ij
ustdon'
t
underst
andwhywouldthosetwopri
cksIcal
l
gr
andpascanuseJuni
ort
ogetwhat
evert
hey
want
.
Me:
"Ar
eyour
eadyt
ogohomebuddy
?"
Juni
or:
"YeahI
'mready
"helookedreal
l
yti
redI
wonderwhatdi
dthosetwocrazymandidto
hi
m
Zi
zi
phowal
kedi
naf
ewmi
nut
esl
ater
.
Me:"
ComeonIwi
l
ldr
ivey
ouhome"shel
ooked
atme
Zee:
"Ai
n'
tyousupposedt
obehome"
Me:"IwashomeIj
ustgother
edi
dn'
tI?
"she
shookherhead
Zee:
"Idon'
tli
kethi
s,i
t'
senoughthatyourwif
e
doesn'
tli
kemet hatmuch.Nowlet'
snotgiv
e
herareasontohateme"Ichuckl
ed
Me:"
Iguessshejusthast
ohatey
oufornow"I
pi
ckedupJuniorandshefol
l
owedme.
Wewal
kedt
owar
dst
her
ecept
ionandIsawt
he
doct
oragai
nhewasl
ooki
ngatZi
zi
phoagai
n
Me:
"Seemsl
iket
hedoctorhast
akenani
nter
est
ony
ou"Isai
dwhenstr
appingJuni
or
Zee:
"Andt
hat
'sapr
obl
em because?
"Ichuckl
ed
Me:"
Becauseyouar
eapr
incessandhei
sa
doct
or"shel
aughed
Zee:
"'
Youarecrazyanditwoul
dn'
thur
ttast
ing
thewater
sjustl
ikeyoudid"
Me:
"Don'
tst
artwi
thme"shel
aughed
Zee:
"Ihav
en'
tev
enst
art
edwi
thy
ou"
Me:
"Wel
lyouar
esochat
ty"
Zee:
"Lookatt
hepotcal
l
ingket
tl
ebl
ack"I
smil
ed
Me:"
Yousur
ehasananswerforev
ery
thi
ng"she
j
ustsmil
edandcl
osedherey
es
Zee:
"Wakemeupwhenwegethome"Inever
noti
cedt
hatshehast
hickandl
ongl
ashes,
she
r
eal
ishai
ryandmakesherski
nmor
ebeaut
if
ul.

Mbuso

Melissathr
eateni
ngmetot
ell
Mbasat hetrut
h
j
ustscaredmeIknowshewoul dn'
ttel
lhi
m
becauseshewi l
ll
osehi
mthat
'swhatshe
doesn'twant.
Anditscar
esmebecausemybr otherandIare
try
ingt
owor konourrel
ati
onshi
pandhe
foundi
ngoutthatIsl
eptherwoulddestroyt
hat
too.
Ihonestlydi
dn'
twanttosl
eepwit
hhiswifebut
thegirl
keptcomingontomeItur
nedherdown
somanyt i
mesunti
loneni
ghtIwasdrunkone
nightbecametwoandmor eni
ghtsaf
terthat
.
IwishIcouldhavetol
dhim backt
henbutI
couldn'
tbecausehelovedt
hegirl
andhewoul
d
bel
i
eveherovermeanyt
imesi
nceweal
ready
hav
efal
lenoutasafami
ly.
Idon'tknowwhatI'm goi
ngtodobutifhe
foundsoutithastobef r
om methanher
becauseshewoul dchangedever
ythi
ngand
makesher sel
fseem asav i
cti
minalloft
his,
that'
showmani pulat
iveshecoul
dbe.
Mom:"
Mbusoyoubeenplay
ingwi
tht
hatf
ood
andi
t'
sget
ti
ngcol
d"Isi
gh
Dad:
"What
'swr
ongwi
thy
out
hismor
ning?
"
Me:"Icoul
dn'
tsleepwell
"thatwaspartofthe
tr
uthcauseafterMeli
ssaleftIcoul
dbarel
y
sl
eep.
Unathi:
"Ormay besomethi
ngisbotheri
ngyou
andy ouhavetogetitoutofyourchest
"I
chokedandl ookedathershehadthisl
ookthat
i
flookskill
edIwouldprobablybedeadnow.
Me:"Not
hingi
sbother
ingme"shej
ustshook
herheadandgotup
Unat
hi:
"Excuseme"shewal
kedout
Mom:
"What
'sgoi
ngonwi
thher
?"
Me:"
Idon'
tknowl
etmegofoundout"Isai
d
st
andingupandf
oll
owedmysist
er.
Shewassi
tt
ingout
sidenearherf
lower
s
Unathi
:"
Thebackst
abbi
ngbr
otheri
sher
e"I
bl
inkedafew
Me:"
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"Isai
dact
ing
conf
used
Unathi
:
"Youarenotagoodactory
ouknow, how
doyousleepknowingy
oufuckedyourbr
other'
s
wif
e?huh?"Iswal
l
owed
Me:
"Inev
ermeantf
ori
ttohappen"
Unathi
:"
Andthat'
swhyyoukeptgoi
ngbackjust
becauseyoudidn'
tmeantosl
eepwithher
"
Me:
"Una-
-"Asl
apl
andedonmyf
ace
Unat
hi:
"Youdi
sgustmeMbusoandy
ouwi
l
ltel
l
ourbr
otherwhatyoudi
dorIwil
l
"shewal
ked
awaybumpingint
omyshoulder
.
Ihear
dast
onehi
tmeonmybackIknewi
twas
her
Me:
"Ouch"i
twaspainf
ulIt
urnedshewasabout
t
enfeetawayf
rom me
Unat
hi:
"Foraseery
oudi
sgustme"shepi
cked
anot
her
Iknewi
fIdi
dn'
trunf
orshewi
l
lsur
elyki
ckmy
ass.
Soi
twasar
unordi
emomentf
ormesoIr
an.

LI
THALETHUKI
NGDOM
Nar
rat
ed

Mnqophi
soDl
aminihasjustar
ri
vedathome
af
teral
ongni
ghtshi
ftatthehospi
tal
buthe
wasst
il
lspookedbyther
esembl
anceof
Zi
zi
photohissist
er.
Atsomepointhet
houghthewasseei
nghis
ownsist
erwhenhebumpedint
oheratthe
hospi
tal
.
Hetookashowert
hent
ri
edt
osl
eepbuthe
coul
dn'
t.
Hedeci
dedtogoandseehi
sfat
herwhowas
hav
ingbr
eakfast
.
Mnqo:
"Nal
edi
"hesai
daf
terseei
nghi
smot
her
.
QueenN:"
Iwi
l
lki
l
lyouI
'
myourmom"he
chuckl
ed
Mnqo:
"Wher
eisy
ourhusband?
"
KingK:
"I'
m her
ewhatdoy
ouwant
?"he
chuckl
ed
Mnqo:"
Iwanttot
alktoyouaboutsomethi
ng
ser
iousbuti
npri
vate"hi
smom lookedathi
m
Ki
ngK:
"CanwebeexcusedmyQueen"
Naledi
:"
Iwill
bri
ngy
ourbr
eakf
asttot
hegarden"
theywalkedtot
hegar
denandset
tl
edonthe
chair
s.
Ki
ngK:"What'
sthematt
erMnqophi
so"hesai
d
assoonastheyset
tl
eddown.
Mnqo:"Doyouhav
eachi l
doutsi
deyour
marri
agethatmom doesn'
tknowabout
?"he
chuckl
ed
Ki
ngK:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Mnqo:
"Ineedananswerdad"hi
sdadwas
t
aki
ngbyhi sson'
squest
ion
KingK:"
Iwoul
dnevercheatonyourmot herson,
adult
eryi
saseri
ouscri
mei nthi
skingdom"
Mnqo:"
Thenexpl ainthi
s"hehandedhi
sphone
tohi
sfather,
hest oleasnapofZizi
phowhi
le
shewasn'twatching.
Ki
ngK:
"Thi
sisEnt
le"hechuckl
ed
Mnqo:
"Wel
li
t'
snot
,that
'sagi
rlIbumpedi
ntoi
n
hospi
tal
hernameisZizi
pho"Naledi
wal
ked
towar
dsthem wi
ththei
rbreakf
ast
Naledi
:
"What
'sgoi
ngon,
youl
ookspooked
Khaya"
KingK:"LikeIshouldbe,I'
m aski
ngmy sel
fwhy
wouldast r
angerl
ooksomuchl ikeour
daughter"hehandedt hephonet ohiswi f
e,she
i
mmedi atel
ystart
edsweat i
ngandl eaned
againstthetabletobalancehersel
f
Ki
ngK:
"Nal
edi
?!
"theywer
ebot
hlooki
ngather
Nal
edi
:"
MyKing.
.I
..I
..
"Shef
aint
edwit
hout
f
ini
shi
ngwhatev
ershewasgoingt
osay.

Lut
hando
Aft
erdr oppi
ngZi
ziphooffyester
dayIcame
str
aighthomeandMel i
ssawasn' tevenathome
Idon'tknowwhereshemi ghthavewentItri
ed
cal
li
ngherbutherphonewassendi ngme
st
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
l
.
Ideci
dedtosl
eepint
heguestr
oom Idi
dn'
t
wanttofi
ghtwi
thher
.
Iwokeuptoaqui
ethouseIwassur
prisedto
seeMeli
ssa'
sof
fi
ceopenbecausei
tisalways
l
ocked.
Iwal
kedi
nev
ery
thi
ngwasi
npl
ace.
Isatonherchai
rIdeci
dedtol
ookint
oherfil
es
andseehowt hebouti
quewasdoi
ngsinceshe
complai
nedaboutit
.
AsIwaslooki
ngforthefi
nanci
alr
epor
tI
dr
oppedanotherf
il
eIpickedi
tupandopenedi
t.
IreadthroughitIfel
tli
ketheairwasbei
ng
suckedoutofmyl ungs,myeyeswerequickl
y
fi
ll
edwi t
ht ear
swhenIbr oughtmyeyesshe
wasstandingt her
eshocked.
Me:
"Why
?"Isai
dlooki
ngather
Mel
:
"Icanexpl
ainbabe"shewal
kedt
owar
ds
meandt
ri
edt
otouchmeIpushedherback.
Me:"
EXPLAIN?!EXPLAI
NWHAT
EXACTLY?EXPLAINTHATYOUFUCKENTI
ED
YOURTUBES!ANDYOUWEREFOOLI NGME
ALLALONG!"

-
--
--
--
Apologiesagai
nIwassobusyt
odayIcoul
dn'
t
evenfindachancet
otype
I
nser
t15
Lut
hando

Thi
sist
hebet
ray
alIwi
l
lnev
erbeabl
etof
orgi
ve.
IhavemyflawsandIknowI '
m notper
fect
,I
mayhavehur therwi
ththechosenonewif
e
thi
ngbutIdidn'
tli
etoherfort
woy ear
s.
I
tmay
bebeenhar
dtot
ell
hert
het
rut
hatf
ir
st
butIdi
danditwassomethi
ngshealreadyknew,
somethi
ngshewit
nessedbefor
eIknowi t
'snot
thesamewhenyouwatchithappeni
ngto
someoneel
se.
Ithurt
swheni thappenstoyoubutIcan'thelpi
t,
Ifeelli
keIdon'tknowthepersonImarri
ed, t
he
girlIf
ellf
orbackt heni
snottheonestandingin
frontofme.
Maybethi
sisthepri
ceI
'm payingformarr
ying
herev
enthoughitwasagainsttherul
es.
Igotnoonebutmy
sel
ftobl
ame
Mel
:"Icanexpl
ainal
loft
hisLut
hando"shesai
d
wi
pinghertear
s
Me:"
Youhadnineyear
st ot
ellmethaty
oudon't
wanttohaveki
dsbutthenyoukeptqui
etand
pr
etendedt
hatyouwerehappy.Yousol
dmea
dr
eam fory
earsMeli
ssawhy ?
"
Mel
:
"BecauseIdi
dn'
twantt
obri
ngachi
ldonl
y
f
ort
hem tobelef
tint
hecol
d,t
heywoul
dbe
seenashalfroyalt
yandwoul dnevergett
he
benefi
tsofbeingroyal
tyl
i
ket hekidsyouwoul
d
havewithyourchosenwife"Ichuckl
edcause
sheisbeingri
dicul
ousIwalkedclosetoher
Me:"Ormay bemyancest orswouldhav e
changedi fthisrighther
e"Isaidpoint
inginher
heart"Waspur emay betheywouldhav e
consideredy ouasoneoft heown.Theywoul d
haveev enmakey oumyonl ywif
e"she
swallowedbecausesheknowswhatI '
m sayi
ng
i
t'
struei thashappenedbef or
ewi t
hmyuncl e
andmanyot her s.
Mel:
"Il
ovey
ouLuuandIdon'
twantt
olose,
you
ar
emywhol el
i
fe"
Me:"
Youshoul
dhavet
houghtaboutt
hatbef
ore
youdi
dthi
s"Isai
dwal
kingout
.
Mel:
"Luupl
easedon'
tleaveli
ket
hismaybewe
coul
dmaket hi
spoly
gamyt hi
ngwork.I
'
m
wil
li
ngtoaccepty
ouhav i
nganot
herwif
e"I
shookmyhead
Me:"
Iwoul
dhavebeenbett
eri
fyoufeltl
i
ket hat
i
fyouwerenotal
readyi
nhotwat
ers"Ipackeda
f
ewofmycl ot
hes
Mel
:"
I'
m sosorr
y"shesai
dtr
yingt
ost
opme
f
rom packi
ng
Me:
"I'
m sorryt
ooMel "Iki
ssedherfor
ehead
t
henherlipsIpull
edherclosetomebyher
wai
stthenpulledawayfrom t
hekiss"What
f
uckedupi sIsti
ll
lov
ey ou"
It
ookmybagIwill
havetogohometodayandI
wi
llpi
ckmostofmythi
ngsinafewdays.

LI
THALETHUKI
NGDOM

Theki
ngwassi
tti
ngwat
chi
ngt
hedoct
or'
s
at
tendt
ohi
swife.
Hewaswonder
ingi
fthegi
rlt
hatMnqophi
so
showedt
hem washerdaught
erorsomet
hing.
Coulditbethathiswi
fehadachildthatshehad
beforetheygotmarri
edorcoulditbethather
wifecheatedonherbutthatwasimpossi bl
eto
hismindbecausehiswifehasonlybeen
pregnanttwice,
sheneverl
efthomef ortoolong
thatshecouldhavemanagedt ohideawhol e
pregnancy.
Hehadmor equest
ionst
hananswersbutonl
y
hi
sunconsciouswi
fewouldansweral
loft
hem.
Heknewthathi
swi f
ecoul
dn'thav
ereactedthat
onei
fshedidn'
tknowanyt
hingaboutthegir
l.
Thedoctorsaidthati
twasj ustpani
cattackit
wasnothingmajorindeedhiswi f
edidwakeup
i
nnotimej ustanhourafterthedoctorl
eft.
Khaya:
"Naledi
"hesaidwalki
ngclosetohiswif
e
sheswallowedshehadhopedt hatwasjusta
dream buti
twasjustareali
ty.
Nal
edi
:
"MyKi
ng"shesai
dwi
thashaki
ngv
oice
andtear
swellbui
l
dingupinherey
es,
her
husbandhel
dbothherhands
Khay
a:"
Tal
ktomebut
ter
fl
y"
Naledi
:
"I'
m sosorr
yIdi
dn'
tknowwhatel
seto
do"shesaidwit
htear
sstr
eamingdownher
cheeks
Khaya:
"Pl
easetel
lmewhat'
sgoi
ngon?Putme
outofmymi ser
ywhatar
eyouapol
ogi
zi
ngfor
?"
Nal
edi
:"
Icoul
dn'
tl
etmyownchi
l
dbeki
l
ledl
i
ke
anani
mal"
Khaya:
"Ki
l
ledbywho?Whatar
eyout
alki
ng
about?
"
Nal edi:
"WhenIwaspr egnantwi thMnqophisoI
foundoutt hati
twast winsIdidn'
tknowwhatt o
do, Ididn'twanttosacri
ficemyownchi ld.She
deser vedachancet oliveevenifit
'sf
araway
from her e.That'
swhyIkepti tawayfrom you
thatIwascar ry
ingtwinsbecauseIknewsoon
ev eryonewasgonnaf oundout,youfoll
owed
ther ulesandl istenedt oy ourfathersomuch.
That '
swhymybel l
ywast oobigwi thmyf irst
pregnancyi twasn' tjustonebutt wobabi es.On
thedayofgi vingbi r
thourseerwasn' taround
abecauset hebabi eswer eduei ntwomont hs
ti
me.Onl ythemi dwiveswer ether ebecause
youwer enotal lowedt obewi t
hmedur i
ngmy
bir
thandIhadt oconv i
ncet hem thatmybaby
deser v edachancet oliveaswoment hey
under st oodt hepai nIwasf eeling.Oneoft hem
offeredt otaket hebabyt oachur cht hati sf ar
awayf r om thiski ngdom.Idon' tknowwhyt he
ancest orsnev ershowedany t
hingt ot heseer
butI '
m gr ateful theydi dn't
.Ihadt olov emyown
daught erfrom af arnotknowi ngwher eshewas"
Theki ngwasst unnedbyhi swi fe'
sr ev elati
onhe
wasl ostofwor ds, f
ort hefi
rsttimehef eltlike
hef ailedhiswi feanddaught erwhohenev er
gotachancet omeet .
Nal
edi
:
"Iknowt
hisi
stoomuchf
ory
oubutI
won'tapol ogi
zef orprotecti
ngmyownchi ld,
shemi ghthat emef orsepar atingherf r
om us,
shewi l
l hatemef orrobbingherachancet o
growupi nahomef il
l
edwi thlov elikeour
chil
drenbutIhopesomedayshef orgi
vesme
forthat.Iwasj usttr
yingt oprot ectherandIdi d
trytofi
ndherbutIhadnol uck, themi dwif
ethat
helpeddi edalongt i
meago.Idi dn'tevenknow
wher etost ar
t"shewi pedhert ear s
Khaya:"
Whydi
dn'
tyousayany
thi
ngwheny
ou
werelooki
ngf
orher
?"
Naledi:
"Iwasgonnatel
lyouwhenIf
indher
,I
searchedever
ywhere.Al
lIhadwasanameI
gaveher "
Khaya:"
Shei sapr incessbutter
fl
y,shewas
boundt obebr oughthomenowt hatweknow
whereshei s.Wecoul dmay betrytof i
ndherand
buil
dar el
ationshipwi thherIknowi twon'
tbe
easybutweshoul dt r
y .I
'
m sosor r
yIfail
edyou
andy oudidar ightthingbecauseIwas
probabl
ygonnal etmydaught erbethesacrif
ice
ofthi
skingdom andi ftheancestor
swant edher
tobeasacr i
fi
cet her
eisnowayy ouwouldhav e
beenabletohideher .I
twasmeantt ohappen,
youdidsomet hi
ngIcoul dn'
tyouprotect
edour
chil
d"hesaidkissingherhandsandbur i
edhis
headonherst omach.
Shepl
acedherhandont
opofhi
shead
Naledi
:
"NOyoudi
dn'tf
ailmebutt
ercup.Ij
ust
hopesshef
indsi
tinherhear
tandforgi
veme"
Khay
a:"
Shewil
lfor
giv
ey oufornowwehaveto
fi
ndherandt
ell
thekidsabouther
"shenods
Nal
edi:
"Andknowingyourki
ds,
theywil
ll
oveher
andIhopesheisjustl
i
kethem t
oo"hesmil
ed
andj
oinedhertobed
Khaya:
"Idon'
tknowwhatIwoul
ddowi
thy
ou"
shechuckled
Nal
edi
:
"Youwoul
dpr
obabl
ydi
e"
Khay
a:"
Sof
ull
ofy
our
sel
f,Il
ovey
ou"
Nal
edi
:
"Il
ovey
ou"t
heycuddl
ed.

Mbuso

Iwasplanningt
ogoseemybr othertomorr
ow
buthecamehomehedi dn'
tseem fineandI
di
dn'twanttoaddmor
ebyt el
li
nghim aboutme
andhiswife.
Unat
hi:
"Yourbr
otheri
sher
e"shesai
dbust
ingi
n
meIsigh
Me:"
NotnowNathi,didyouseehowhelooks,
I
can'
taddt
hisontopofwhat ev
erisgoi
ngon
wit
hhim"shechuckled
Unathi:
"Whycan'
tyoujustforoncest
opbeing
self
ishandbethereforyourbrot
herMbuso.
Mbasai sgoi
ngthroughsomet hi
ngandhe
probablyf
eel
salone,heneedssomeonet otal
k
to.Thi
sisyourchancetocomecl
eanandmend
yourrel
ati
onshipwithhi
m"shebustoutoft
he
door.
Iknowhowmyf all
outhadaffect
edourown
si
sterandIknowrightshei
sgoingtocr
y
hersel
ftosl
eepifwedon'tf
ixthi
ngs.
Ideci
dedt
ogr
owapai
randf
acemybr
other
.
Iknockedonhi
sroom af
ewt
imesandhe
openedforme.
Me: "
HeybrocanIcomei
n"henodsandopened
thespaceformetocomein"
Areyouokay?And
pleasedon'
tli
e"
Mbasa:
"NOI'
m notokay ,mywi
fel
iedt
ome
sayi
ngshei
sinferti
li
tyonl
ytof
oundoutshe
ti
edhert
ubes"Ilookeddown
Me:
"Iknewshewasnotinf
ert
il
it
ybutIhadno
i
deasheti
eshert
ubes"hechuckled
Mbasa:
"Ofcour
sey
ouknewshewasn'
t
becauseyouwer
efucki
ngher"Iswal
l
owedhe
waslooki
ngatmedeadintheeyes
Me:"Youknew?ImeanIdi
dn'
tmeanf
ori
tto
happen"
Mbasa:
"I
'm notst
upi
d"
Me:"
Shewaspregnantwi
thmychi
l
dand
abor
tedi
t"hi
sfacewentr
ed
Mbasa:
"WowMbusopl
easel
eav
emyr
oom"
Me:
"Mbasapl
easeIdi
dn'
tmeant
ohur
tyou"
Mbasa:"AndyoudidhurtmeMbuso, y
ouaremy
brot
hery ouwer
esupposedt obet heonet o
l
ookoutf ormebuty ouwentandsl eptwith
Meli
ssa.YoubetrayedmeIdi dn'tthinkour
brot
herhoodmeantsol it
tl
etoy ou"t helookon
hi
sfacemademer eali
zehowmuchIhav ehurt
hi
m andIdon'tthi
nkhewi ll
forgivemeany ti
me
soon.Hesatdownont hefl
oornextt ohisbed
andplughisheadphonesonIl ookedathi m one
l
astti
me.
Il
eftwonderi
nghowcomeheknewaboutme
sl
eepingwit
hhiswi
feandst
il
lst
ayedwi
thher
.
Bonus
I
nser
t16
Lut
hando

Af
terhel
eftIt
ookt
imeandr
efl
ect
edonmyl
i
fe.
Ireal
i
zedthatIwaswithMel
issaandtoler
ated
herbull
shi
tbecauseIwasaf
raidofbeingal
one
si
nceIwasn'ti
ngoodt er
mswi t
hmyf amil
y.
Thefearofnothav
ingany
onei
swhatgott
ome
themost.
Idon'
tthi
nkafterIfoundoutabouthersleepi
ng
wit
hmyownbr otherIwasstil
li
nl ov
ewi t
hherI
wasjustscar
edofnotbei ngwithoutheraft
er
ni
ney ear
sofbeingt oget
her.
I
'm notevenmadatMbusoforsl
eepi
ngwit
h
herbutI'
m madatmeforl
ett
ingmysel
fbel
iev
e
t
hatshewasev
ery
thi
ngt
omeIcoul
dn'
tl
iv
e
wi
thouther
.
NowIjustneedt ofocusonmy sel
fandhelp
Zi
ziphofoundherf amil
y,t
henIwil
lleton,
on
what'
sgoingonbecauseatmomentshehasa
l
otonherpl at
esheneedst ofoundhersel
fand
whosher eall
yis.
Thedooropensi
twasmymot
herwi
thmy
fav
ori
tesnack
Mom:"Heypapa"Idon'tt
hinki
nourmot her'
s
eyesweev ergr
owup, wewill
alway
sbeki ds.
Sheplacedthesnackontopofthedresser
Me:"HeyMa"shesmil
ed,I'
m gl
adIcameback
homecauseit'
saboutt
imeImendt he
rel
ati
onshi
pwithmyparents.
Mom:
"Howareyoufeel
i
ng"shesai
dsi
tt
ingnext
t
omeIshruggedmyshoul
ders
Me:
"If
eelokay,I
'mfi
ll
i
ngforadivor
ce"t
her
e
wasali
tt
lebitofsi
l
enceandIknowshewas
slowl
yst
art
ingt
oacceptMel
i
ssaandwar
m up
toher
.
Mom: "
Idon'tknowt hei nsi
deofy our
rel
ationshi
pbuti fyouf eelli
key ouarenot
happyany mor e,I'
m glady ouareleavingi
nstead
ofstayinginat oxicrelati
onshipinthenameof
l
ov e.Somet i
meswehav etomakeadeci si
on
that'
sgonnabr eakourhear tsbutbringoursoul
thepeacei tneeds"Ismi l
edather
Me:
"Thanky
oumom"shenodsandst
oodup
Mom:
"Tr
ytoeatsomet
hing"shewal
kedout
.
Iateandcontactedmyl
awy ert
odraftme
divorcepaper
s,hewasshockedtofoundout
thatIwasdivorci
ngMel
issabutnotall
that
gli
ttersi
smadeofgold.
Myphonebeepedi
twasatextf
rom Zi
zi
pho,
it
wasapict
ureofabeach
"
Adayoflazi
ngaroundatt
hebeachwit
ha
f
ri
endandherson?"Iwassur
pri
sedbyt
hist
ext
Idon'
twanttoli
ebutitwassomet hi
ngIcoul
d
usetodayIsmil
edandr eaditt
hreet
imesto
makesureIreaditcor
rectl
y.
Me:"Dr
opyourl
ocat
ion"Itextedbackand
changedt
osomethi
ngt hatisbeachfr
iendl
y.
It
ookmycarkeysandanotherpairofcl
othes
wi
thmywall
etshedroppedherlocati
on.
Me:
"Onmyway
"shesentmeasmi
l
ingemoj
i
.
OnmywayoutIbumpedintoMbusoIdidn'
tsay
any
thi
ngwhenIappr
oachedthedoorIknewhe
wasst
il
ll
ooki
ngatmesoIt ur
ned.
Me:
"Favor
it
eplacet ohangaft
erschool
,bri
ng
t
heusualexceptforweed"henodsquickl
ywit
h
asmil
eonhi sface
Icont
inuedwit
hmyj ourneyanddr
ovet
othe
beachsingi
ngalongtosomemusic.
Ispot
tedthem shewasi
nherl
i
megr
eenf
ull
bodyswimwear.
I
treal
lydidnoj
usti
cetoherski
ntoneshewas
beaut
iful
Iqui
ckl
ysnappedoutofit
.
Zee:
"Heyyoumadeit"shegav
emeahugI
fr
ozeforasecondandhuggedherback.
Me:
"Lookaty
oul
ooki
ngal
lcut
eint
hisbi
ki
ni"
Zee:"
Lookatyouwit
hpacksandmuscl
esi
n
thatvest
"Il
aughedathercr
azi
ness
Me:"
Heybuddy
"Isai
dtoJuni
orwhogav
emea
badeye
Juni
or:
"ForasecondIt
houghty
oudi
dn'
tsee
me"
Me:"
I'
m sor
rybuddy
"IlookedatZi
ziphowho
wantedtol
aughatsul
kingJuni
orIshookmy
head
Zee:
"I
'm goingf
oraswi
m"shesai
drunni
ng
towar
dst hewater
.
Juni
or:
"Ial
sowantt
oswi
m"
Me:
"Let
'sj
oinmommyt
hen"hehel
dmyhand.
Westar
tedswi
mmingtoget
hertoapoi
ntI
st
art
edseei
nghowcut
ewewi ll
beasafamil
y.
Aft
erwewer
edonel
azingaroundt
hebeachwe
deci
dedt
ograbMcDonald'
s.
Webumpedintoaper
sonIdi
dn'
twantt
osee
nott
odayaf
tert
heamazi
ngti
meIhad.
Mel:
"Hey
"shesai
dlooki
ngatus,
wegr
eet
ed
back
Mel
:
"Luucanwet
alk?
"Zeel
ookedatme
Zee:
"Iwi
llgi
vey
ouguysspace"shet
ri
edt
aki
ng
Juni
orfr
om mebutIst
oppedher.
Me:"WhenIhavet
imenowI'm busy
,let'
sgo
guys"ZeegavemealookbutIwasn'tgoingt
o
ent
ertai
nitnowwewalkedaway.
Zee:
"What
'sgoi
ngondidyouguysf
ightagai
n?"
shesai
daswear esi
tt
ingdown.
Me:
"NOwear
edi
vor
cing"
Zee:
"Ohokay
"
Me:
"Sohowfarar
eyouwi
thl
ooki
ngf
ory
our
f
amil
y?"shesi
gh
Zee:
"Ihaven'tst
artedIdon'
tevenknowwher e
tostar
t?Whati ftheydon'
tevenlikeme?What
i
ftheygavemeawaybecauset heydidn'
twant
meandher eIam goi ngbacktowhereIwasn't
wanted?"Itookherhandstomi ne
Me:"
Stopassumi
ngt
heworseZizi
pho,t
ryt
obe
posi
ti
veandwhowoul
dn'
tl
ikeyou"shesmil
ed
Zee:
"IguessIwi
l
lfoundoutt
hen"
Me:
"Wel
lIwi
l
lhel
pyoupl
easedon'
tref
use"
Zee:"
Sor
rytodi
sappoi
nty
ou,
Iwoul
dappr
eci
ate
yourhel
p"
Ouror
dercameweat
eov
eral
i
ghtconv
ersat
ion.
Zee:
"Suchabummerthi
sdayhadt
ocometoan
end"shesai
dasmycarcametoastopi
nher
apart
mentcompl
ex.
Me:
"Wecandot
hisagai
n"
Zee:
"Wel
lwewill
see"shej
umpedoutoft
hecar
.
Ihel
pedherwi
ththesl
eepi
ngJuni
or.
Iwalkedheri
nsi
deandpl
acedJuni
oront
opof
thebed.
Shewalkedmeoutandwest
oodnextt
omycar
westar
edateachother
.
Zee:
"Youar
emar
ri
ed"shesai
dst
il
ll
ooki
ngat
me
Me:
"Youar
enotwr
ong"shechuckl
ed
Zee:"
Goodnight
"sheki
ssedmycheekand
walkedawayleavi
ngmewatchi
ngher
di
sappeartothecompl
ex.
Me:"
Youaretr
ulyt
hechosenone"Isai
dsmi
l
ing
bef
oredr
ivi
ngoff.

LI
THALETHUKI
NGDOM
Ever
ybodywassitti
nginthet
abl
efordi
nnerat
theDl
aminihousehold.
KhayaandNaledi
wer
epr
epar
edandr
eadyt
o
tel
lthei
rki
ds.
Ent
le:
"OkayWhyar
eyoual
lsoi
ntense?What
'
s
goi
ngon? "
Mnqo:
"Beat
sme"Khay
acl
ear
edhert
hroat
Khaya:
"Mnqophi
sothi
sisaboutthegi
rly
ou
showedus"heheldhi
swife'
shand
Ent
le:
"Whatgi
rl
?Isheget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?Fi
nal
l
y"
Mnqo:"
I'
m notget
ti
ngmarr
iedcany
ouj
ust
l
ist
en?Whatabouther
?"
Nal
edi:
"Thi
sisnoteasybutt
hatgi
rli
syourtwi
n
si
sterMnqophi
so"Hismouthimmediat
elywent
dr
y
Mnqo:
"What
?"hesai
dinahuskywhi
sper
Nal
edi
:"
Yesshei
syoursi
ster
,Ihadt
ogi
veher
awayj
ustt
oprot
ecther
"
Ent
le:
"I
'mlostguyswhatar
ey outal
ki
ngabout
?"
Mnqophisostar
tsnar
rat
ingtoherhowhemeet
Zi
zi
pho
Entl
e:"
Mom whatdoy
oumeany
ouhadt
o
prot
ect?"
Naledi:
"Backthenhavingtwinsasaroy al
ty,one
hadtobesacr if
icedforthi
skingdom especiall
y
agirlchil
d.SoIhadt ogiveherawayinor derfor
hertonott obekill
ed"shesaidwitht
ear sEntl
e
wentt ohughermom
Entl
e:"
I'
m sor
rymom, IwishIwashal
fthe
womany ouare.Don'
tcryAtl
easty
ouknownow
thatsheisal
i
veandokay "
Mnqo:"
Ent
leisri
ghtmom,wej
usthav
etof
ind
herandbr
ingherhome"
Entl
e:"
CanIseeher?"Herbr
otherhandedher
thephone"Zi
ziphoMokoenaismysi st
er?
"they
all
lookedather
Nal
edi
:
"Youknowher
?"
Ent
le:
"YesIhadpeopletel
li
ngmet
hatIl
ookl
i
ke
her
,Ifol
lowheronInstagr
am "
Khaya:
"OkayIt
hinki
twil
lbeeasyt
ofi
ndher
"
Entl
eclear
edherthr
oat
Ent
le:
"Mpumi
isdat
ingherexhusband"
Nal
edi
:
"What
?No!
"

-
--
--
Thankyoufor2kli
kespl
easekeepi
nvi
ti
ngy
our
fr
iendsandshar
ingthei
nser
ts
I
nser
t17
Zi
zi
pho

ThankGodIhadaweekendoffandy
est
erday
wasablustwi
thLut
handoIr
eall
yhadagood
one.
Idon'
twantt
odat
eamar
ri
edmanbecauseI
haveexper
iencedthis,
Iknowt hepai
nofl
osi
ng
someoneyoul ov
et oanotherwoman.
Buttherei
ssomethingthatkeepspushi
ngme
tohim andIdon'
tknowwhywhenIt hi
nkofhi
m
Ikeepsmili
ngandfeeldif
ferent
.
Idon'
twantt ofeelt
hiswaytowardshim
becauseIdon'twanttobeahomewr eckeras
muchast heyaredivorci
ngbutyoucouldsee
thatMeli
ssastil
llov
eshim andthewayshe
l
ookedatmewhenwebumpedi ntoher,she
wasfullofhateandanger.
Igotoutofbedandtookashowert
hen
prepar
edbreakf
astf
ormeandJuniorsi
ncewe
werealone.
Myphonebeepedi
twasapi
ctur
efr
om
Lut
hando.
Heact
uallyhadstolenapictur
eofmewhenI
waspl
ayingaroundt hebeach"Ican'
thel
pbut
admi
rethisbeaut
y "Ismiled
Me:"
Ohpl
easest
opgobackt
osl
eep"It
ext
ed
back
Hev
ideocal
l
edmeandIanswer
ed
Luu:
"Heyy
ou"
Me:
"Heyy
ousl
eptgood?
"hesmi
l
ed
Luu:"
WellIdi
dn'
tsl
eep,
meandMbusogot
drunkti
l
ldawn"
Me:
"Seemsl
i
key
ouguy
sar
einagoodpl
ace"
Luu:
"Wear
eget
ti
ngt
her
e"
Me:
"Wewi
l
ltal
klat
er"henods
Luu:
"Takecar
e"weendedt hecallIshookmy
headbecausethisguyhasawifeandachosen
wif
e,hereIam gett
ingmysel
finthemi ddl
eofi
t
al
l.
MyphonebeepedIopenedt
hemessageon
I
nst
agram
"
HeyZi
zi
pho,
I'
m sor
ryt
ojustdr
opony
oul
i
ke
this,mynamei sEnt
leDlaminifr
om
LITHALETHUKi ngdom andIbeliev
et hatweare
sisters,
Iknowthismessagemi ghtscareyou
butIwoul dli
ketomeetandt al
k.Herear emy
cont act
s"bynowmyhandswer eshakingIwas
pacingupanddown.
I
tbeepedagainitwasapictur
eofherIal
most
f
aintedIf
eltl
i
keIwasl ooki
ngatmyselfi
nthe
mirr
orbutourcomplexi
onweredif
fer
entsheis
mell
ow.
Il
oggedoutofmyaccountandcal ledKuhl
ebut
shedidn'
tpickupthenIt
riedKopanocauseI
wasav oi
dingcal
li
ngLuu,herphonewent
str
aightt
ov oi
cemail
.
Ideci
dedt
ocal
lhi
m hepi
ckedupont
hesecond
ri
ng
Luu:"
Don'
ttel
lmey
oumi ssmealr
eady"
my
breat
hwassoheavyanddeep"Zi
zi
phoarey
ou
okay"
Me:
"Pl
easecomeover
"that
'sal
lIcoul
dmanage
t
osayatthemoment
Luu:
"OkayI'
m onmywaypleasetrytobreath"I
heart
hingsshuf
fl
e"Justbr
eath,
fuck!"Ihear
hi
m saytheli
newentdead.
Junior:
"Mom ar eyouokay? "Ijustnodandt r
ied
tobreathIsatdownandJuni orwasr ubbi
ngmy
backtear skeptfal
li
ngfrom myey esIdon't
knowi fI'
ml i
kethisbecauseIwi llf
inall
yfound
whereIbel ong?May beforthef i
rstti
meIwi ll
notbemi st
reat
ed?May bef oroncei nmyl i
fe
thatvoidofnotknowi ngwhatl oveiswi l
lbe
fi
ll
ed?Whataboutt hemot her'slov eInevergot
toexperience?Thenor mal chil
dhoodIwas
robbedof ?
Juni
or:
"Mom pl
easedon'
tcr
y"hesai
dwi
ping
mytearswi
thhisl
it
tl
ehands
Aknockcamet
hrought
hedoormysonwentt
o
open
Luu:"
Heybuddywhereismommy?"hesai
d
walki
nginyoucoul
dhearhewasshortof
breat
hassoonashel ai
dhi
seyesonme,he
camet omerushi
ng
Luu:"
Heywhat swrong?
"Hesaidcuppi
ngmy
face"Youneedtobreat
hokay?Justbr
eat
h"I
breat
haf ewtimesheplacedmyheadonhis
l
apandbr ushedmyback.
Luu:
"Heybuddy,getmommysomewat er
"
Juni
orquickl
ywalkedt
otheki
tchenandcame
backwithaglassofwat
er"
Dri
nkt hi
s"Idrank
thewater.
Luu:
"Nowtal
ktomewhat '
swrong?Whatgot
youl
iket
his?
"Itookadeepbr
eath
Me:
"Someoner
eachedoutt
omeandsai
dshe
i
smysist
er"
Luu:
"Andy
oupani
cked?
"Inod"
It
'sokay
"
Me:
"Theywantt
omeetupandt
alk"
Luu:"
Andwhatdoy ouwantt odo?Iknowt hisis
ascar ythi
ngf ory ou,youar eusedt obeing
al
oneandt het houghtofhav i
ngsomeonewho
tr
ulylovesy ouscar esy ou.Yout hi
nktheymi ght
advantageofy ourv ulnerableselfli
keothersdid
fr
om y ourpast.Butnotev eryoneisouttoget
Zee,somear eher etost ay.Yespeoplelike
TshepoandMpumi messedupy ourli
feandt he
wayofseei ngt hings.Thef actthattheyreached
outtoy ousay sal ot"Isighreali
zingthatheis
ri
ghtaboutev er yt
hing.
Me:"OkayIwi
l
ltextherback"henodsIt
ookmy
phone
"Wecoul
dmeettodayar
ound11am i
fthat
's
okaywi
thyou"
Luu:
"Iwi
ll
babysi
tJuniorandi
fitget
stoomuch
fory
ouandyoufeeloverwhel
medbyev er
ythi
ng
I
'mjustacal
laway"Inod
Me:
"Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ngher
e"
Luu:"
Anyt
imeIwi l
lbeher
e"myphonebeeped
shesentmeal ocati
onofthepl
acewewere
goingtomeetat.
Me:"
Thi
siscreepy,
sheismydupl
i
cat
e"Isai
d
showi
ngthepict
uretohi
m
Luu:
"Whoathi
sisthemel
l
owv er
sionofyou"I
l
aughed"Getdr
essedIwi
l
ldr
opy ouoff
"
Me:
"Whatwi
l
lIwear
?"hechuckl
ed
Luu:
"Youlookgoodinanyt
hingZizi
pho"Ir
oll
ed
myey esandpickedsomet
hingtowear.
Lut
handodrov
emet otherest
aur
antandaswe
wereget
ti
ngclosemypalmsweresweati
ng
Luu:
"Heyy
ougotthi
s"Inodandj
umpedout
"Cal
lmewhenyouaredone"
Isl
owlywal
kst
otherest
aurantLut
handowas
watchi
ngmeInodathi
mt ogo,hedroveof
f.
Igoti
nsi
deIi
mmedi at
elysawher
,shel
ookedat
measIapproachedher
Me:
"Hey
,youmustbeEnt
le"shesmi
l
ed
Entl
e:"
Hey,pl
easesi
t"
Isatopposi
teher
"How
areyou?"
Me:"I
'm goodIguessconsider
ingt
hesi
tuat
ionI
coul
dbewor sehowarey ou?"shenods
Entl
e:"
I'
mjustgl
adyoucamesoI'
mf eeli
ng
good"webothstar
edateachot
herwithout
sayi
nganythi
ng
Me:"
Okaythisi
screepyIf
eel
li
keI
'
mlooki
ng
r
ightbackatme"
Entl
e:"
Tellmeabouti t
, y
ouaremydupl i
cate.I
'm
sorr
yifIcaughty ouoffguardwithev er
ythi
ng
butIreall
ywantedt otal
ktoy ou,Iknowy ou
haveal otofquesti
onsbutthosequest ionsonly
mom cananswert hem"Ifel
tal umpi nmy
thr
oatwhenshesai d'
mom' Inev ergotthat,
I
don'
tknowwhatamom i sinmyl ife.
Me:"
Soyouaresuggesti
ngthatImeetyour
whol
efamil
y?I'
m notreadyf
orthat
,itwaseven
har
dformet
ocomeher
e"
Entl
e:"
Iknow,
I'
m notsay
ingmeetthem any
ti
mesoonbutwheny ouarer
eady"Ijustnods
"Youhaveatwin"
Me:
"What
?"
Ent
le:
"Yesyoudohav
eat
win,
hedoesn'
tl
ook
any
thi
nglikeust
hou"
Me:
"Wher
eishenow?
"
Ent
le:
"Athome"If
eltt
ear
sthr
eat
eni
ngt
ofal
l
Me:
"SoIwast
heonl
yonewhowasabandoned"
Ent
le:
"NOZizi
pho,mom didn'
tabandonon
pur
pose"shesaidtouchi
ngmyhand
Me:"
Thenwhatdoyoucall
itabandoni
ngone
chi
l
dandkeepingt
heother?"
Entl
e:"
IwishIcouldtel
lyoueveryt
hingbutit'
s
bett
eryouhearitfrom ourpar
entsinsteadofa
thi
rdpart,bel
i
evemet heyloveyouanddi d
every
thingtoprot
ectyou"Ifel
tmyi ntest
ine
becomi
ngaknock
Me:"
Wel
ltheyhav
eagoodwayofshowi
ngt
hei
r
l
ove"
Entl
e:"
Youar eangryandhur
tIunder
standt
hat
butj
us--"Icuther
Me:
"Andy
ouar
epsy
choanal
ysi
ngme"
Ent
le:
"Justheart
hem out
"
Me:"NoEnt l
e,yourpar ent
srobbedmeof
everythingt heygav ey oubecauseofthem I
don'tev enknowwhatapar ent'
slovei
s,Ihavea
sonbutIdon' tevenknowwhatI '
m doingwit
h
him,Idon' tknowi fI'
m parenti
nghimr i
ghtor
j
ustr uininghi sli
fe"shewasl ookingatmewi th
tearsinherey es" Andnextt i
mey ouwantto
spendt i
mewi thmel etitbeabouty ounotyour
parents"Iwal kedoutf eel
ingli
keI'v
ebeen
stabbedi nahear tat housandtimes
LI
THALETHU

Ent
lecoul
dn'
tgetov
ert
hehur
tinhersi
ster
's
voi
ce.
Hert
earskeptfal
l
ingbecauseshenever
t
houghtZi
ziphodidn'
thaveanyonegr
owingup.
Shegothomeandever
yonewaswai
ti
ngonher
wit
htheupdat
eofhowevery
thi
ngwent
.
Nal
edi
:
"Ent
le"shesai
dassoonassheent
ered
t
hedoor
Khaya:
"What'
swrong?"shesatsl
ammed
her
selfonthecouchandshookherhead
Ent
le:
"Sheisbr
okenMa,shedoesn'
twant
any
thi
ngt odowit
hyouguys"
Naledi
:
"Idi
dn'
texpecthert
o,atleastIt
hought
shewouldtr
ytogettoknowy ou"
Ent
le:
"Ibel
i
eveshedoeswantt
oknowmebutI
hav
etokeepy ouof
fthet
opicwit
hher
"Nal
edi
nodsshedi
dn'
twanttoshowt hatsheishur
t
butshewashur
ti
ng,herdaughterhat
esher.
Nal
edi
:"Gor
estbabyandt
hanky
ouf
ormeet
ing
upwit
hher"
Entl
e:"
Don'
tworr
ymom shewi l
lcomearound.
Andshedoesthatthi
ngyoudowithyour
eyebr
owswheny ouspeak"Nal
edismil
edas
Entl
ewalkedaway
Khay a:
"Wewer eexpect
ingthat,Iknowyouar
e
hurti
ngbutshei syourdaughtershewill
come
around,letherbui
ldarelat
ionshipwit
hher
si
blingsandt henwewillsee"
Nal
edi
:"
WhataboutMpumi
?Yourchi
l
dwi
l
lbe
t
hedeathofmeKhaya"
Khaya:
"Iknowsheishar
dtodeal
wit
hbut
"
Naledi
cutheroff
Naledi
:
"Yourdaught
erisadevi
lKhay a,
shetr
ied
ki
ll
i
ngmebuti fshetri
esanyt
hingstupidwi
th
mydaughtershewil
lknowme.Pl easekeepher
i
ncheckbecauseIwi lldoitmyselfifyoudon't
andIwon' tbesonicet hi
stimear ound"she
walkedawayl eavi
ngKhay awor r
iedabouthi s
daughters.Mpumi i
sherf i
rstwif
e'schildthat
di
edgi vi
ngbirthtoher.Her ai
sedheral oneunti
l
Naledicamear oundbutMpumi didn'tl
ikeher
stepmothershebelievedthatherchildrenwil
l
stealherdadfrom hershewentt oof artoeven
tr
ykill
ingherwithpoison.
Nowhisdaught
eri
sdat
ingherot
herdaught
er'
s
exhusband.

Mbuso

Af
teryest
erdayni
ghtIcoul
dreal
lysaythat
MbasaandIaretr
yingtobui
ldourrel
ati
onshi
p.
Wegotsodrunkyest
erdayandmom wasev
en
amusedandhappyatthesameti
me.
Unat
hiwast
heonewhot
ookust
obed.
Lut
handojustt
ext
edmeandsai dt
hathei
s
comingov
erwithZizi
phoandJuni
or.
Me:
"Mom!
"Iy
ell
ed
Mom: "
Whatdi
dIsayabouty
ell
i
ngi
nthi
s
house?"
Me:"
Lut
handoiscomingoverwi
thhi
schosen
wi
feandherson,hegavemeaninst
ruct
iont
o
t
ell
nottoactwei
rdtryt
obenormal"
Mom:
"Iactnor
mal
"
Dad:
"NOy
oudon'
t
"
Mom:
"Fi
neIwi
l
lactnor
mal
"
Unathi
:"
Who'
sthatwi
thMbasa?
"shesai
d
walki
ngin
Mom:
"Myf
utur
edaught
eri
nlaw"
Unat
hi:
"Damnshei
sbeaut
if
ul"Ichuckl
ed
Me:
"Actnor
mal
peopl
e!"t
heyl
aughedandsat
downqui
etl
y"Nowy
ouar
eal
lawkwar
d"
Dad:"
Mbusowhatdoyouwantustodo?"he
whisper
edLut
handowal
kedinwit
hthem.
Mbasa:
"Fami
l
y"
Mom:
"Hey
,youmustbeZi
zi
pho?
"shesmi
l
ed
Zee:
"YesMyQueen"mom chuckl
ed
Mom:
"JustMa"shenods
Dad:"
Ntokazini
cet
omeetyouagain?
"herey
es
widenIguessshedi
dn'
tnot
icehi
m
Zee:
"Youar
eLut
hando'
sdad?
"
Dad:
"Yeswel
comet
oourhome"
Zee:
"Thanky
ou"
Unat
hi:
"I
'mtheol
dersi
ster
"shehuggedherno
onei
sextrali
keUnat
hi.
They
oungmanwentt
osi
tonmydad'
slap
Zee:
"Juni
or!
"
Dad:
"Lethi
m beIguessI
'
m hi
sfav
ori
te"
Mbasa:
"I
ny ourdr
eams"weal
ll
aughedand
set
tl
eddown, t
heser
vant
scamewithourf
ood
andwedishedup
Me:"
SoJuni
orwasbor
nont
he25t
hMay
?"They
al
ll
ookedatme.
Zee:
"Yeshowdi
dy ouknow?"Ishr
uggedmy
shoul
ders"
ohnevermind"
Mom:
"OhmyGodhe---
"Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
Me:"
Yesweshar ebi
rt
hday
swi
thhi
m"Mom and
Dadlookedateachot
her
Zee:
"Ohr
eal
l
y?"
Mbasa:"
Yessowearet
ri
plets"nowI
under
standwhyZi
zi
phoisthechosenonef
or
Mbasa

-
--
HappySundayl
et'
snotf
orgett
oshar
ethepage

I
nser
t18
Zi
zi
pho

Ireal
l
yhadapeacef ulni
ghtonLut
hando's
home, hedi
dn'twanttol
eavemealonebecause
oftheemotionalst
ateIwasatwit
hJunior.
Hisfamil
yissowel
comingandtheyaregood
people,
nowIunder
standwereLuthandogothi
s
goodheart.
Juni
orref
usedt
ospendanighti
nthesame
room wi
thhewassocl
ingyt
othekingdon'
task
mewhy .
IwokeupandtookashowerwhenIgotoutof
thebat
hroom t
hequeenent
eredt
heroom
Queen:
"I'
m sorr
yIhavebeenknocki
ngf
ora
whil
e"sheisreal
lybeaut
if
ulandwit
habeaut
if
ul
hear
ttoo
Me:"I
t'
sokayMa, pl
easecomei n"sheplaced
thefoodonmydr esser
, Iwassurpr
isedthat
shecooksforherownf amilyot
herQueens
barel
ytouchthepots.
Queen:
"Howdi
dyousl
eep?
"
Me:"
Isl
eptokay,
IhopeJuni
orwasn'
t
t
roubl
esome"shechuckl
ed
Queen:
"Thatonei sasweet
hear
t"Inod"
Ihear
d
youareaprincess"
Me:
"Lut
handoandhi
sbi
gmout
h"shel
aughed
Queen:
"Youaretr
ulybeauti
ful
,your
emi
ndme
ofmyhighschoolfr
iend"
Me:"
Ifshei
saQueentoot
henshemi
ghtbet
he
womanwhogavebir
thtomeandgav
eme
away"
Queen:
"Pl
easesi
t"shesai
dpant
ingaspace
nextt
oherIsat"
Areyouangr
ythatshegav
e
y
ou?
"Inodf
eel
i
ngt
hel
umpont
hroat
Me:"I
'm angrythatshegav emeawayand
conti
nuedl i
vi
ngherl avi
shlyli
fewhileIsuff
erin
thecold,youknowwhatpai nsmei sthefact
thatshekepttheot herchi
ldandgav emeaway ?
Whyme? "shewi pedthetearsthatkeptfal
li
ng
from myey es
Queen:"Iknowithur t
sr i
ghtnowandI
understandwhyshegav eyouawaybuti t
's
real
lynotplacetotell,howabouty ouhearher
out?The' Why'questionwill
f i
nall
ybeanswer ed.
Theangery ouaref eeli
ngisjustifi
edbutiti
snot
goodf oryou.Theonl ywayt hatitwil
lgoaway
i
tswheny oudecidet ofacey ourparent
s"she
wasnowhuggi ngme
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Queen:
"Weareheref
oryou,l
ett
ingpeopl
ebe
t
hereforyoui
tdoesnotmeanthatyouare
weakortheywi
llt
akeadvant
ageofyou.Some
ofusarej
ustther
ealones"Inoddedwewer
e
di
stur
bedbytheknock
Luu:
"Heyi
tsmecanIcomei
n"
Queen:
"NOsheisnotr
eadyunlessy
ouwantt
o
geti
ton"Iwi
ddenmyey esandmouth
Luu:
"Ar
rgmom!Iwil
lbei
ntheki
tchen"hel
eft
shej
ustlaughed
Queen:"
IhopeIdi
dnotcockbl
ocky
ou"I
swall
owed
Me:"
Wearenotdati
ng,hei
smar
ri
ed"she
shr
uggedhershoul
der
s
Queen:"
Mmhokay.Getdr
essIal
readybat
hed
Juni
or"shewal
kedout
,di
dshejust.
.Ij
ust
l
aughed
TheQueenandKingwenttoatt
endsome
meetingonthev
il
lagehal
lwi
thJuni
orwhowas
suddenlycl
i
ngyt
ot hem.
Iwasj
ustl
eftwi
thMbuso,
LuuandUnat
hi.
Unat
hi:
"Soy
ouwer
emar
ri
edt
oTshepo?
"
Luu:
"Unat
hiy
ouar
ejustnosy
"
Unathi
:
"I'
mjustget
ti
ngt
oknowher
"Ij
ust
chuckl
ed
Luu:
"Youwil
lgett
oknowherlat
eroncauseme
andZizi
phoaregoi
ngforast
rol
lar
oundthe
ki
ngdom"Mbusowassooquiet
Me:
"Wear
e?"henods
Luu:
"Br
oar
eyouokay
?"
Mbuso:
"Wewi
l
ltal
kabouti
tlat
eron"
Luu:"
Okay,
Zeelet'
sgo"het
ookmyhandwe
walkedtot
hejeep.
Asweweredri
vi
ngIcoul
dn'thel
pbutadmir
e
thi
spl
acei
thadbeaut
if
ulvall
eysandf
iel
ds.
Thecarst
oppedIl
ookedatLuu.
Luu:
"ComeI'
mtakingyoutomyfavor
it
epl
ace"
wewalkedunt
ilwereachedabi
grock
Me:"
Ist
hisyourf
avor
it
eplace?"henods"
how
doyougetontopoft
herock?"hecli
mbedand
hel
pedmeclimb
Me:"
Thi
sisabeautif
ulv
iew"youcoul
dseet
he
whol
ekingdom andi
tsval
ley
s
Luu:
"YeahIcan'
tbel
i
eveIwi
l
lrul
ethi
swhol
e
ki
ngdom someday"
Me:
"I
t'
sscar
y"
Luu:
"Atl
eastmychosenwifei
ssmar
twoman"I
swal
lowedIfel
tal
it
tlebi
tjeal
ous
Me:"
Youmetheral
ready
?"henods"
Ihav
eto
go"
Luu:
"Wej
ustgother
e.Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"
Me:
"I'
m goingtomeetmyf ami
lyri
ghtnow
maybeIwillmeetmychosenhusband"I
j
umpedof ftherockIf
ell
"Ouchfuckenst
upi
d
r
ock"
Luu:
"Zi
zi
phoar
eyouokay
?"hesai
dhel
pingme
up
Me:"
I'
m doi
ngjustf
ine!I
nfactI
'
m gr
eat
.Ouch"I
sai
dfeel
ingthepai
nonmyankl e
Luu:"
OkaycomeonIwi
l
lat
tendt
othatankl
e"I
chuckled
Me:"
NOIwillgot
othecl
i
nict
omor
row,
right
nowI'
m goi
nghome"
Luu:
"Whyar
eyoumad?
"
Me:"
Let'
sgo"heshookhisbi
gheadwhichI
di
dn'
tfoundatt
ract
iveatt
hemoment.
Wedrov
etothepalacei
nsi
l
encehekept
st
eal
i
ngglancesatme.
Aswegotther
ehisparent
swerear
oundI
l
eapedev
enmor eIr
efusedhi
m hel
pingme
Queen:
"Zi
zi
phowhathappened?
"Il
ookedatLuu
Me:
"Asky
ourson"
Luu:
"Whyme?Shej
umpedof
fther
ockandf
ell
"
Ichuckl
edandshookmyhead
Me:"
Hepushedmeof
fther
ock"hechokedon
hi
ssali
va
Luu:"
Zizipho!
"hi
sparentswer
elooki
ngathi
m
forexplanati
on"
Idon'tknowwhysheisl
yi
ng"
Me:
"Ouch!
"her
oll
edhi
sey
es"
I'
m swel
l
ing"
Queen:"
WenaMbasa!
!Comeher
eZi
zi
phoIwi
l
l
hel
py ouwi
tht
hat
"
Hi
smotherat
tendedtomyankl
ewhi
chwasn'
t
ev
ent
hatmuchpai nf
ul.
Queen:
"Hedi
dnotpushdi
dhe?
"Ishookmy
head
Me:
"NOhewoul
dn'
tdot
hat
"
Queen:
"Don'
twor r
yhewillbeintr
oublewi
thhi
s
dadandIwon'ttel
l t
haty
ouwer elyi
nghe
deser
vesitf
orlett
ingyoufal
l"Il
aughed
Me:
"It
hinkI
'mfal
li
ngforhi
m"di
dIj
ustsayt
hat
t
ohismother?I
'
m stupi
d
Queen:
"That
'sagoodthi
ng.
..Imean.Ohmy
GodIhavetogo"shequi
ckl
yr ushedoutoft
he
room.
Thatwasawkwar
dIdeci
dedt
ocal
lEnt
le.

LI
THALETHUKI
NGDOM

Entlewaswatchi
ngamovi
ei nherroom when
herphonefr
om anumbershecouldn't
recogni
zedsheanswer
edthenkeptquiet
Zee:
"Heyi
t'
sZi
zi
pho"
Entl
e:"
Zizi
phohey
"shesai
dqui
ckl
ysi
tt
ingup
str
aight
Zee:
"Howar
eyou"
Ent
le:
"I
'm goodhowar
eyou?
"
Zee:
"I'
m good,
Iwantt
oapol
ogi
zef
ort
hatday
"
Entl
esmi l
ed
Ent
le:
"NOi
t'
sokay
,I'
mjustgl
ady
our
eached
out
"
Zee:"
Iwaswonder
ingi
fIcouldcomether
e
tomorrowt
omeetthem "sheimmedi
atel
y
stoodup
Ent
le:
"What
?!Ofcour
se"
Zee:"
Pleasedon'tt
ellt
hem anyt
hing,Ij
ustwant
toknowt hetr
uth.Idon'
twantthem prepar
inga
speechtosaytome"shequi ckl
ynods
Ent
le:
"OkayIwon'
t,
Ipr
omi
se"
Zee:
"Thanky
ou,
seey
out
omor
row"
Ent
le:
"Seey
out
omor
row,
Goodni
ght
"
Zee:
"Goodnight"Zi
ziphohangedupl
eav
ing
Entl
esmili
ngt ohersel
f.
Ent
le:
"Thanky
ouGod"shesai
dtoher
sel
f.
Mor ni
ngcameandEnt lewakeupsoear
ly
preparedbreakf
astshewasnerv
ousbuthappy
forherparentsatt
hesamet i
me.
Shenoti
cedt heguardsaboutt
hevisi
tor
sso
theywon'tkeepthem wai
ti
ng,Nal
ediwalkedi
n
andsmiled.
Nal
edi:
"Whatdi
dyoudowi
thmyEnt
le?
"she
l
aughed
Ent
le:
"Wegotv
isi
tor
s?"
Naledi
:
"We?"shesai
drai
singaney
ebr
ow.
Khayawal
kedin
Khay
a:"
Twocarsj
ustpul
l
edinourdr
iveway
,
what
'sgoi
ngon?"
Ent
lebi
teherl
owerl
ip
Ent
le:
"Zi
zi
phoi
sher
e"
Parent
s:"
What
?!"t
het
winbr
otherj
ustst
ood
ther
etoo.
Thebellr
angandthepar
ent
slookedateach
other
,Ent
lewentt
oopenthedoor.
Zi
zi
phowaswi
thLut
handoandJuni
or.
Ent
le:
"Pl
easecomein"Zi
ziphowast
ooner
vous
shewastappi
ngherfoot
.
Ent
lel
edt
hewayandt
heyf
oll
owedher
.
Entle:"
Mom andDad,thi
sisZizi
phoandZee
thesear eourpar
ent
s"Zizi
phonodsasshe
didn'tknowwhattosaytothem att
hemoment
.
Shel
ookedathert
winbr
otherandsmi
l
ed
Zee:
"Nicetomeetyouall
,thi
sisLut
hando"she
wasclutchedont
oLuthando'
shand.
Nal
edi
:
"Pl
easesi
t"shesai
dwi
thahuskyv
oice.
Theyal
lsatdown,t
her
ewasanawkwar
d
momentforasecond.
Mnqo:"Ni
cet
oseey ouagain"Lut
handolooked
athim,hement
all
yslappedhimselff
orbeing
stupi
d.
Zee:
"I
t'sni
cetoseey
ouagai
n"Nal
edi
sighshe
hadglassyey
es
Naledi
:
"Zi
zi
phoIknowy ouareher
ebecause
youhavesomemanyquest i
onsaboutwhyIget
youupandIunder
standthatyoumighthat
e
me"
Zee:
"YouarewrongInev
erhatedanyone,Ijust
wanttoknowwhyy oudi
dit?
Didyouev erthi
nk
ofmewheny ouli
vedthi
slavi
shl
yli
feofy ours"
Naledi:
"Ther eisnodayt hatIdidn'
tthinkofy ou,
Itri
edev enl ookingforyoubutIhadnol uck.I
gavey ouawayj usttoprotectyoufrom being
thesacrificeoft hi
sKingdom, yourfatherdid
notany t
hi ngabouty oupleasedon'that ehi
m or
holdany thingagainst.Icouldnotli
veknowi ng
thatIgav ey ouupt obekill
ed.Icouldn'tdo
i
t"shesaidwi t
ht earsEntl
ewentt oherandhol d
herhand" Idon'texpectyoutounder standme
orforgivemecauseIhav enoi deaofhowy our
chil
dhood"
Zee:"Youknowhowmychi ldhoodwas?Iwas
mov edfrom orphanagetoor phanage?Atthe
ageoff i
fteenIwaskickedoutoft heorphanage
becauset heysaidIwasol dtherearesomekids
whoneededt hatbedIslept.Ihadtosleepon
thest reetsbecauseIhadnowher et ogo.Fora
yearIhadt osleepont hest r
eet swi t
ht hef ear
thatsomeonewi llcomer apeme, kil
lmeor
kidnapme.Ihadt ocheckdi rtybi nsf orfood
j
ustsoIhadt oeat .Oneni ghtIbumpedi nt oan
angel whot urnedmyl ifetoani ght mar emyso
calledexhusband, whov erballyabusedmeand
madesur ethatIknewt hatIam whoIbecame
becauseofhi m.Isoont urnedt obei nghi s
punchi ngbag.Ihadnoonet opr otectme, you
thinkgi vi
ngmeawaywaspr ot ectingmebut
yougav emet ot hewol ftof eedont ome.I
stay edinanabusedmar r
iagebecauseIt hought
i
twasnor malforahusbandt odowhatmyown
husbanddi dtome.HowwasIsupposedt o
knowany thingwhenIhav enomot hertot each
meaboutmar riage?Adadt osetst raightaman
whoabuseshi sowndaught er? Abr otherto
protectme?Asi st
ert obet her ef orme?You
robbedmeofal lthat.Ifyoul ett hem ki l
lmeI
woul dn'thavewentt hroughal l ofthat "Naledi
andEnt
lecoul
dn'
thol
dbackt
hei
rtear
s.
Khay a:
"Don'tsayt hatZizipho,Iknowwecan't
takeawayt hepai nbutwear ewill
i
ngtomakei t
upf orallthosey ears,y
ouhav eachil
dnow
pleasel ethim gettoknowus.Yourmot her
l
ov esy ouandIl ov eyou,yoursibli
ngsareher
e
andt heyl oveyou.Wear enotaskingforyouto
forgetev eryt
hingthathashappenedt oyoubut
wear easki ngy out ol
etusbet her
eforyou
throughy ourheal i
ngpr ocess"
Zee:"
All
Ineededwast obeloved,
that
'sal
lI
everl
ongedfor"shesai
dthatandbrokedown.
I
nser
t19
LI
THALETHUKI
NGDOM

ThemoodhaschangedevenLuthandodi
dn'
t
knowt
hatZi
zi
phohadi tt
hishar
dinherli
fe.
Apar
tofhi
m wasbr
eaki
ngbecauset
hepai
n
Zizi
phof
elti
tssomet
hinghedi
dn'
tevenbegi
n
toimagi
neshewentt
hroughshemaskeditv
ery
well
.
Naledi
couldn'thelpbutcrybecauseitseems
l
ikehertr
yingtopr otectherchil
dmadeitworse
toherdaughter'
slife,shesuffer
edgr
eatlyi
nher
andshewasn' tthereforher,shewasallal
one.
Mnqof el
tguil
tthathi
smot herchosetogi
vehis
sist
erawayinsteadofhi
m, hefeltl
ikeasmale
chil
dhewoul dhavesurv
ivedthewor l
dbett
er
thanhissi
ster.
Hebeli
evedf
emalechi
ldwasmor
eeasyto
at
tackonandeasi
lyt
akenadv
ant
ageof
.
Khayafel
tli
keaf
ail
ure,
hef
ail
edhi
swi
feand
chi
ldr
en.
I
fonl
yhechangedthelawofsacrif
ice
i
mmediatel
ywhenhebecamet hekinghi
swif
e
woul
dn'
thavebeeninaposi
ti
onshewasi n
whenshechosetogi
veawayZiziphoand
Zi
ziphowoul
d'v
ehadt
hechi
l
dhoodherot
her
si
bli
ngshad.
All
y oucoul
dhearwasZi
zipho'
spai
nfulsoband
Naledideci
dedt
otakeachanceandsatnextto
her.
Sheslowl
ypull
edherforahug,shewas
prepar
edforr
eject
ionbutZi
zi
phowentall
in
i
nstead.
Shesobbedtoapoi
ntthathertwi
nbr
other
coul
dn'
ttakehewal
kedoutside.
Khayafoundhimsel
fshr
eddingatear
,itpai
ned
hi
mt oseethetwowomenhel ovescryi
ngso
muchbuthewashappyt hatZi
zi
phowasl ett
ing
Naledi
comforther.
Nal
edi
:"
I'
m sosor
ry"shesai
dasshewas
br
ushi
ngZizi
phowhowassl owl
ycal
mingdown
Zi
zi
pho:"
Ithurt
ssomuch"fort
hefi
rstshewas
l
ett
ingherpasthur
theri
nst
eadofacti
ngstr
ong.
Shewaslett
ingherpasthur
t,shewasall
owi
ng
her
sel
ftofeelthepai
nshewentt hr
ough.
Naledi:
"I
t'
sokay,j
ustl
etital
lout"Nal
edi
said
wipingherdaught
er'
stearsfort
hefir
stt
ime.
Entl
e:"
Youarenotalonenow"shesai
dsi
tt
ing
nexttohersi
stert
oo.
Lut
handowal
kedoutt
ofoundMnqophi
sowho
hadhi
sheadbur
iedi
nhishead.
Luupl
acedhishandonhisshoul
derandMnqo
qui
ckl
ywipedhistear
sbuthewastoolat
e.
Luu:
"I
t'
sokayman, af
tert
hatheart
breaki
ng
momentIfoundmy sel
fintear
stooanditmust
beworseforyou.Youshar
edthewomb"
Mnqo:
"Howi sshest
il
lst
andi
ngaf
teral
lshehas
beent
hrough?"
Luu:
"Iguesssheisstr
ongert
hant
hebothofus
combined"theybot
hwalkedi
nsi
dethel
adi
es
havefi
nall
ycalmeddown
Luu:"
Heyfeel
i
ngbett
er?
"hesai
dlooki
ngat
Zizi
phoandshenods
Zee:"Idon'thateyouf orwhatyoudidbecauseif
youdi dn'
tchooset osav emeJuni orwouldn'
tbe
hereandhei sonlythatmat t
erstome, heisthe
reasonIt ookitallandsurvi
ved.Idon'twantto
forcear elat
ionshi
pwi t
hyou,yesIwanttoknow
youbutIwoul dappr eci
atei
tifyouletmedo
thi
ngsi nmyownpace"
Naledi:
"Ofcour
sewewi l
l r
espectyourwish"she
couldn'
tbeli
eveitt
hatZi
ziphowasr eal
lysaying
al
lthatshewassay ingr
ightatthatmoment
Khaya:
"Howabouty oustayher
e?"Zi
zi
pho
l
ookedathim" Iknowy ouar
enotdoi
ngwell
fi
nanci
all
yandy oudon'twantt
oaskforhel
p.
Wewi l
lgi
veyout hespaceyouneedandwhil
e
youfoundyourownf eet"
Zee:
"CanIt
hinkabouti
t?"
Nal
edi
:
"Yesofcour
se,
wheny
ouar
ereadyy
ou
wi
l
ltel
lus"shenods
Ent
le:
"CanIwar
mthef
oodnow?
"
Juni
or:
"Youlookl
i
kemymom"hesaidlooki
ng
atEnt
lehehasbeenqui
ett
hewhol
etime,Entl
e
smil
edathim.
Ent
le:
"Meandy ourmom ar
esi
ster
s,sot
hat
makesmey ouraunt"
Juni
or:
"OkayI
'
m hungr
yaunt
,canIpl
easehav
e
somefood?"
Ent
le:
"Okay
,let
'sgomakey ousomefood"t
hey
wal
kedtothekitchenhandinhand
Nal
edi
:
"Youaredoi
ngagr
eatj
obwi
thhi
m?"
Zi
zi
phosmil
ed
Zee:
"Yout
hinkso?
"
Khay
a:"
Hei
swel
lmanner
edt
hatsay
sal
ot"
Zee:
"Thanky
ou"
Mnqo:
"Sohowdoy
ouknoweachot
her
?"he
askedl
ooki
ngatLuuandZee.
Zee:
"Hei
smybossandmyf
ri
endt
oo"
Naledi
:
"Ithi
nkIknowyoufr
om somewher
e,ai
n'
t
youaprincefr
om Manzi
niKi
ngdom"
Luu:
"YesIam"
Ent
lecamebackwit
hfoodandt
heser
vant
s
werehel
pingher
.
Theyatebrunchandi
twasn'
tasawkwar
dthey
allt
houghti
twouldbebutZi
zi
phowaski
nda
reser
ved.
I
twast
imet
ogobackt
oManzi
niKi
ngdom f
or
t
hem
Ent
le:
"Hopet
oseey
ousoon"shesmi
l
ed
Zee:
"Def
ini
tel
y"
Juni
or:"
Idon'
twantt
ogo"t
heyal
ll
ookedathi
m
shocked
Zee:
"Juni
orwehav
etogoIpr
omi
sewewi
l
l
comebackagai
n"hej
ustshookhi
sheadand
tear
sfor
medonhisey
es
Naledi
:
"HecanstayIknowt
hisisst
il
lnewt
o
youbutheisconnect
edher
e,tomor
rowyouwi
l
l
pickhi
m up"shesi
gh
Zee:
"OhmyGod, hei
sgonnabethedeat
hofme,
Ij
ustdon'
twanthimtobot
heryou"
Juni
or:
"Ipr
omi seIwon'
tcauset
roubl
eIswear
"
hesai
dr ai
singhispi
nkyswearf
inger
Zee:"
Wow.Ineverseensuch,
tomorrowIwi
llbe
fet
chingy
ouli
tt
lemannost ori
es"hequi
ckl
y
nods
Junior
:"
AuntEntl
ecanIhav
esomecooki
es"
Zizi
pholaughed
Entl
e:"
Ofcour
se"shewenttohugZi
zi
pho"
Iwi
l
l
seeyoutomorr
owIloveyou"
Zi
zipho:"
Seey
outomorr
owIl
ovey
out
oo"she
wentinsi
dewit
hJuni
or
Nal
edi
:
"Thanky
ouf
orhear
ingmeout
"
Zee:"
It
'ssomethingwebothneeded"they
huggedandZiziphohuggedhi
sbr ot
herand
fat
herthenlef
t.
Nal
edi
:
"Ican'
tbel
i
evei
t'
sher
"
Khaya:
"Youbett
erbeli
eveitbutt
erfl
ysheishere
andshehasaf or
giv
ingheartjustli
keyou,she
hasmor eofy
ourquali
tiesandThankGodf or
gi
vingusachancetobei nherlif
e"
Naledi
:"
Ifeell
ikeI
'm dreami
ng,l
et'
sgobewi
th
ourgrandson"shesaidsmil
ing.

Lut
hando

Idi
dn'
tknowt
hatZi
zi
phowassost
rong,
she
morest
rongt
hanIam.
Iknowwhymyancest
orchoseherf
orme,
they
knewshewoul
dmakeastrongQueenf
ort
his
ki
ngdom.
I'
m gladshewasf i
nall
yabl
etomeetherfami
ly
andrealiset
heangershehadharbor
edinher
foryearsbutIknowitwon'
tal
lgoawayshewill
needsomet herapy.
Wedrovehomewi
thhercomplai
ningabout
howmuchJuni
ori
squickl
ytogetusedto
peopl
e.
Whenwegothomemymom wasalready
wai
ti
ngf
orus,shewaswor
ri
edaboutZizi
pho.
Mom:
"Youguy
sar
eback?Howdi
ditgo?
"
Zee:
"I
twentwel
landJuni
orst
ayedbehi
nd"she
smil
ed
Luu:
"Canwet
alk?
"Isai
dlooki
ngatZi
zi
pho
Zee:
"Sur
e"Il
edt
hewayt
othegar
den
Luu:
"Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngaboutev
ery
thi
ng?
"she
si
gh
Zee:
"If
eel
soexposedandnaked,
Inev
erbeen
abletoputmyf eel
ingsoutthereti
l
ltoday.And
I'
m gladshedidn'
tgivemeupf orself
ishreason
orsomet hi
ng.Shewaspr otect
ingmeandI
can'tbl
ameherf orall
thathashappenedt ome.
Idon'twanttoholdgrudgesandIwantt obuil
d
arelati
onshi
pwi t
hmypar entsandsibli
ngs"
Me:"
Youbeenthroughalotandhonestl
yI
wouldn'
tev
ensurviv
ehalfofthet
hingsyou
werethr
ough"shesmil
ed
Zee:
"Idon'
tknowhowI
'
m st
il
lst
andi
ngei
ther
"
Me:"
That
'swhyI'
m gl
adthatIwi
ll
ber
uli
ngt
his
Ki
ngdom wi
thyou"shel
aughed
Zee:
"Yousuchajoker"shesai
dsti
lll
aughing
butstoppedwhensher eal
i
zedIwasn'
tlaughi
ng
"Waitwhatdi
dyoujustsay?"
Me: "
Youaremychosenwi feZizi
pho,Ij
ust
didn'
thavethecouragetotel
lyou.Thereason
youwer eseeingmygrandf
athersit
sbecause
youar edest
inedtorul
ethi
swithme.Itried
runni
ngawayfrom al
lthi
sbutatsomepoi
nt
theybri
ngustoget
her.AndI
'm doner
unni
ng
awayfrom i
tal
l"
Zee:
"Youar
enotj
oki
ng?
"Ishookmyhead
Me:"
NOI'm not"shej
ustkeptqui
et"
Say
somethi
ngplease"
Zee:
"Whyme?
"
Me:
"Whynoty
ou?
"sheshookherhead
Zee:
"WowIneedwat
erhai
bo"shesai
dthatand
rani
nsi
de
Myphonebeeped"
Youarenotget
ti
ngadi
vor
ce
Luu,
overmydeadbody
!"t
hatwasMeli
ssa
Me:"
IguessIwi
llbeawi
dowthen"It
ext
edher
backthener
veofthi
swoman
"
Arey
out
hreat
eni
ngt
oki
l
lme?
"
Me:
"Fi
gur
es!
"
I
nser
t20
Zi
zi
pho

I
tistruewhent
heysaybi
gthi
ngscomei
nsmal
l
packages.
Neverhav
eIthoughtTshepoput
ti
ngmewhat
heputmet hr
oughwil
llandmeheresomeday
.
TosayIwasshockedwi
thLuthando'
s
rev
elat
ionwoul
dbeanunderst
atement.
Ineverev
ensuspect
edt
hatIwi
l
lev
erbehi
s
chosenone.
WithMel
i
ssahati
ngmefornoreason,
Idonot
knowwhatshewoul
dbedoingnow.
Idon'
tknowhowt hi
ssituat
ionmakesmef eel,
I
mighthavefeeli
ngsforLuthandobuthest i
ll
muchmar ri
edtoMel i
ssaandshewi ll
pr obabl
y
thi
nkI'
mt hereasonLuthandoisdiv
orcingher.
Idi
dn'tneedwat
erIj
ustneedt
orunawayand
getsomeai r
.
Luu:
"Zizi
phoopent hedoorweneedtot
alk
aboutthi
s"yesIdidruntother
oom Iwasusi
ng
andlockedmy sel
fup.
Me:
"Whatdoy
ouwant
?"
Luu:"Tot alkIsaidt
hatalr
eady"Ifeelsostupi
d
thatIfeltjealousofmyselfbutIdon'
tblame
my selfIdidn'tknowthathewast al
ki
ngabout
me.
Iwenttoopent
hedoorhel
ookedatmel
i
keI
wascrazy
Me:
"What
?"
Luu:
"Li
keseri
ousl
y?Di
dyoureal
lyj
ustr
un
away?"Ishr
uggedmyshoul
ders
Me:"
Youj
ustdroppedahugebombonmeWhat
di
dyouexpectmetodo?"
Luu:"
Iexpectedy
out
otal
ktomeaboutt
hisnot
run"Ichuckl
ed
Me:
"Say
ssomeonet
hatdi
dn'
thav
ethebal
l
sto
t
ell
mewhatwasgoi
ngon"hel
ookedatme
Luu:"
Youthinki
twasthatsi
mple,Ihadal
i
fe
thatIpl
annedformysel
fnotthi
s"
Me:"
Arey ousayi
ngthatI
'
mt hereasony
ouar
e
her
e!?"Ican'
tbel
iev
ehimr i
ghtnow
Luu:
"Thatcameoutwr
ongI
'
m sor
ry"
Me:"NOLuuy oudon'tgett ofuckupand
apologizethenthat'
sit.Imy sel
fdidn'teven
knowt hatIwassomef uckenprincess,your
ancestorsledmet oy ou,nottheot herway
round.Wi t
hthatatti
tudey ouwi l
lrunthis
Kingdom downandIwon' trunaki ngdom wit
ha
weakling"heswallowed
Luu:
"I
'm notaweakl
i
ng"
Me:
"Thenpr
ovei
t"
Luu:"
Lookify
out hinkI'
m weakt
hat'
syour
opini
onanditdoesn'taff
ectmeinanyway
.I
havenothi
ngtopr ovetoyou"
Me:
"Exact
ly"
Luu:
"Wel
lnowt hatwear
einthesamepage.
Canwetalkaboutthematt
erathand?
"
Me:"Iam yourchosenone,t
hereisnot
hingIcan
doabouti t.IknowwearenotgonnabeQueen
andKi ngany t
imesoonwegottimetofigur
e
thi
ngsout "henods
Luu:
"Iagr
eewit
hyou,Iknowthatmyl
i
feisn'
ti
n
agoodspaceri
ghtnow.TrustmeIwi
l
lfi
x
ever
ythi
ngal
li
nduet i
me"
Me:
"Igoty
ou"
Luu:"
I'
m gladIhavey ouher
e,It
hinkyoushould
taketi
mef rom work.Iknowyouwanttobe
i
ndependentbutwehav esomuchi nourpl
ate.
EvenMel i
ssaisstr
essingmeoutshei sfi
ghti
ng
thedivor
ce"
Me:"Iwil
ltaket
heoff
ert
oli
veathomewit
hmy
family
.Younevert
oldmewhyyouguysar
e
div
orcing"hesi
gh
Luu:"Melisjustnott hewomanIt houghtshe
was.Shel iedaboutbei nginf
erti
li
tywhenshe
actuall
yti
edhert ubes.Shesleptwithmy
brotherandgotpr egnantf
orhimt henabort
ed
thepregnancy .WhenIf oundaboutt heaf
fai
rI
keptittomy selfthatIknewbecauseIl ov
edher
andIst ay
ed"Il ookedathim
Me:
"Doy
oust
il
ll
oveher
?"
Luu:"NOIdon'tl
oveher,Idon'tevenhateher
shedoesn'tdeserv
eanyf eel
ingsf r
om me"he
placedhi
shandont opofmine" Idon'
tknow
whatIfeelforyoubutiti
ssomet hi
ngsopure"
Me:
"If
eel
li
ket
hisl
i
fei
snotgonnabeeasy
"
Luu:
"Ij
ustwantyout
opromiseonet
hing,when
thet
hingsgett
ough,
thetoughwewil
lgo"Inod
Me:
"Ipr
omi se"Ipl
acedmyhandontopofhi
s,
f
ort
hefirstti
meIf el
tli
kewewer
econnect
ed
Luu:
"Thi
sscar
esme"
Me:
"Met
oo"
Luu:
"I
twi
llal
lwor
kout
"hepl
acedhi
sfor
ehead
onmine.

Mbuso

Thiswasn'
tgonnabeaneasyJourneyf
orthese
twobuttheirl
oveseem t
obest
ronganditwil
l
conquerevery
thi
ng.
IhavebeenhavingheadachesandI'
vebeen
theserecur
ri
ngdreamsaboutJuniordr
owning
i
nhi sownbloodandIcouldnotsavehi
m.
Ihavebeentry
ingtoconnectwit
hmyancest or
s
withthi
sdream buttheMokoenaancest
orsare
bli
ndingmewheni tcomestohim si
ncehisone
ofthem.
Dad:
"Mbuso!
"mydadyel
latmebecauseI
basi
cal
l
yzonedoutonhi
m.
Me:
"I
'm sor
ry"
Dad:
"Sonsomethingi
sbotheri
ngy
ou,
tal
ktome
andgett
ingwor
riednow"Isigh
Me:"
Ican'
tseeJuni
or'
sfut
ureandIkeepon
hav
ingthesedr
eamsabouthim dr
owningi
nhi
s
ownblood"hel
ookedatmeshocked
Dad:
"Hav
eyouconsul
tedaboutt
his?
"Inod
Me:
"I
'm bl
inded,
theMokoena'
sar
ebl
i
ndi
ngme
f
rom t
his"
Dad:"
Howcoul dtheydothi
swheny ouare
tr
yingtofi
gureoutwhatcouldbepossi
ble
dangerousforJuni
or"
Me:"Iwil
lonlybeabletohel
pifweclaim him as
oursandhi sfat
herwil
lfi
ghtt
his.ButJuniori
s
thefutur
eoft hi
sKingdom wehavetofigureout
whatiswr onghim"
Dad:
"Iknowson.Iknowson"hesai
din
fr
ust
rati
on
Me:
"Ihav
etof
igur
ethi
sout
"
Dad:
"DoesLut
handoknowaboutal
loft
his?
"
Me:"
NO,Ihav en'
tsai
danythi
ngtohi
m.Idon'
t
wanttoscarehim.Onlyt
heyhavetoknownow
i
sthatLuthandohastogiveJuni
orour
sur
name"henods
Dad:
"Okayt
hen"

Lut
hando

Aft
erspendingsomet i
meIdecidedtopay
Meli
ssaalitt
levi
sitbecauseIt
hinkshewi
ll
becomeat horni
nmyl i
fe.
I'
m happyt
hatZi
ziphoi
saccept
ingherdest
iny
andhavethegut
st ost
ayt
ruetosheisandnot
runawayli
keIdi
d.
I
'
m sl
owlyfal
l
ingf
orherandt
hef
eel
i
ngsar
e
j
ustt
oostr
ong.
Ipull
edovert
omyol dhouseIwalkedi
nsi
deI
foundhersi
tt
ingonsofasi
ppingonherwi
ne.
Me:"Ni
celi
feprobl
emshuh?"shej
umpedI
guessshedidn'
tevenhearmewal
kingi
n.
Mel:"
Ar eyout
ryi
ngt
oki
l
lmeorsomet
hing?
"I
chuckled
Me:"
Itwouldhav
ebeeneasyt
odoi
twhydi
dn'
tI
t
hinkofthat"
Mel
:
"Youdon'
thav
ethegut
s"
Me: "
Keept el
l
ingyourselft
hatMelissa,Imean
whatdoy outhi
nkthisis?Youscrewedmyown
brotherandy ouhavethenevertof i
ghtthi
s
divorce.Whoknowshowmanyguy syou
screwedwhi l
emar r
iedt ome?Isur el
yneedto
gettested"
Mel:
"LuthandoIgi
venupmywholeli
fe,
you
can'
tjustleav
emel i
ket
hat
"Ishookmyhead
Me:
"NOMel
i
ssay
ouhadnol
i
febef
oremeIdi
d
youaf avourandt ooky ououtoft hatli
feyou
wer eli
vi
ngandy ousur elydon'twantust ogo
there.I
fanyonehasgi venuphi sli
feforyou,it'
s
me.Soy oubett
ersi gnthosedi vor
cepaper s
andy ougettokeepev eryt
hingy ouhaveright
nowi fnotyoumi ghtloseall ofthi
s"shewal ked
closetome
Mel:
"Pleasedon'tdot
hist
ous"shewr
apped
herarmsar oundmyneckandki
ssmeIpushed
her
Me:"Pleasedon'tembarrassy
ourself,
nowIwi l
l
l
eav eyout owhateveryouweredoing.Please
sl
eepwi thy ouroneeyeopensomeonemi ght
snatchy ourneck"Iwal
kedoutleavingher
stunned.

-
--
--
-
For
givemeIknowi
t'
sshor
tguy
sbutt
odayI
'
m
j
ustnotokay
.
Iwi
l
lmakei
tupt
oyout
omor
row

I
nser
t21
Zi
zi
pho

It
'sfunnyhowsomeonecouldsayI
'm easil
y
accepti
ngthi
sbutwhat
'stheuseofrunning
awayf r
om somethi
ngy
ouknowsomedayi twi
l
l
caughtupwithyou.
SoImightaswellasacceptmydest
inyand
fi
gur
ethingsoutr
ightnow.
Ithi
nkTshepol eav
ingmewasablessi
ngin
di
sguised,hi
ml eavi
ngmegavemeachanceat
l
ife,I
'm nol
ongeracagedbi
rdit
'st
imeto
spreadmywi ngs.
Hegavemeachancetofi
ndmy
sel
fandmeet
t
hepeopl
ewhobelongedt
omyworl
d.
Thepersonwhoinventedt
he"
Therei
sli
ghtat
theendofthet
unnel"quot
ewasreal
l
ysmart.
Asmuchast herei
ssti
llal
ongwaytogobut
beingf
reedfr
om Tshepoandhi
sabusewasa
stepcl
osetothatl
i
ght.
Lut
handolef
tsaidhewasgoi ngt
otal
kto
Meli
ssaandIlethi
m becauseatt
heendoft
he
dayhehastofaceher.
Hismotherwalkedi
nwhi
l
eIwasl
ooki
ngat
Juni
or'
spict
ures
Queen:
"Youmi
sshi
m?"Ismi
l
ed
Me:
"Neverbeensepar
atedfr
om hi
m ev
ersi
nce
hewasborn"shechuckl
ed
Queen:
"Theygr
owsof
astbuty
ouwi
l
lbeokay
"
Me:
"Idon'
tunder
standhowhecoul
dgetuset
o
myfamil
ysoquickl
y"
Queen:
"Heisroyal
tyandconnect
edtohisroot
s
sohewill
quickl
yadapttothem,youcanactli
ke
youdidn'tf
eelhomewhenyougott
here,
you
didf
eel connect
edt
othem"shewasn'
tly
ing
Me:"Idi
df eel
connectedt
othem,especi
all
y
QueenNal ediwhenshehuggedIfel
tdif
fer
ent
"
I
'm notreadytocall
hermom
Queen:
"Thosear
eyourpeopl
e,Ij
ustwant
edt
o
seehowy ouwer
edoing"
Me:"I
'
m okaythankyou,
youknewIwashi
s
chosendi
dn'tyou?
"shesmil
ed
Queen: "Weal lknewbutwewer en'
tgoingtosay
any t
hinguntil hewasr eadyto"shesi gh"Iknow
yout hinkyouknowLut handobuty oudon't.
Luthandoi sv erygentletothosehel ovesbut
thereisar uthlesssidet ohim andwhenhe
l
ov eshel ovest oodeepbei nghi schosenone
won'tbeeasy "IswallowedcauseIdon' t
under standwhatshej ustsaid.
Me:
"Whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutMa"shesmi
l
e
Queen:
"I
'm say
inghel
ovesy
ou,
hewi
l
lshow
youal
lhi
ssideseventherut
hlesssideofhi
m
buthewi
llneverber
uthl
esstoy ou"
Me:"
It
'sl
ikey
ouar
espeaki
ngaf
orei
gn
l
anguage"
Queen:
"Yougotti
me, y
ouwi
ll
knowhim.
Goodni
ght"sheki
ssedmyfor
eheadandwal
ked
outl
eavingmestunned.
Isighandgotundert hecov erstri
edtosl
eep
butthatwasast rugglebecauseIkeptthinki
ng
abouthi smother '
swor d,Luthandocan'
t
possiblyberuthlessIsoonsl eptbutIwas
wokenupbyaf eelingthatsomeonewas
standingoverme, Iqui
cklyturnedonthelamp
nexttomybed.
Hewassi
tt
ingonachai
rthatwasf
aci
ngt
he
bed.
Me:
"Youscaredme"Isai
drel
i
evedaf
ter
r
eal
i
zingitwashim
Luu:
"I
'm sor
ryIdi
dn'
tmeant
o"Isi
gh
Me:"Whatareyoudoi
ngher
e?Whyar
eyou
si
tt
inginthedark?
"
Luu:
"Iwasher
etot
alkt
oyouandy
ouwer
e
sl
eeping"
Me:
"Andy
oudeci
dedt
ost
aybecause?
"he
smi
l
ed
Luu:
"BecauseIwantedt
owat
chy
ousl
eep"I
guessit
'smyturntosmil
e
Me:"
Nowthatyouhavewatchedmegot
o
sl
eep"hewal
kedcloset
othebed
Luu:"
Notwithoutdoi
ngt hi
s"hegotcl
osetomy
faceIcoul
df eel
hisbreathhi
tt
ingmyface.
Hisli
pscoll
i
dedwithmine,
hesl
owlyki
ssedme
i
twaspassionat
e,fi
ll
edwit
hemoti
ons,i
twas
nothi
ngIfel
tbef
ore.
Hi
sli
pswerever
ysof
tli
keababy
'sl
i
psIcoul
d
ki
sst
hem al
lday
.
Hesl
owl
ypushedmet
oli
edownonmyback,
hegotont opofme,wemadeaney econtacthe
wassearchingmysoulIcoul
dn'
tfoundanythi
ng
rut
hlessabouthi
m,hismothermustbewrong.
Hisli
psmetmi neagai
nandt hi
sti
mehe
devouredonmylipsIwrappedmylegsonhi
s
waistIwascaughtupinthi
smoment .
Hi
shandswer
eroami
ngaroundmybody
,he
wentt
omyearandbi
tei
tImoaned.
Luu:
"Goodni
ght"hestoodupandqui
ckl
ywal
ked
away,Igr
oanedinfr
ustrat
ion.
Me:"
Arr
gSat
an!
"Isai
dthr
owi
ngt
hepi
l
latt
he
door
.

Lut
hando

Aftert
hemomentwit
hZi
zi
phoIwentst
rai
ghtt
o
takeashowert
ogetmyer
ect
iondown.
Thewayshemoanedwaspar
aly
zingf
orme.
AssoonasIhi
tthepi
l
lowsl
eept
ookov
er.
Themorni
ngcameIwakeupanddecidedt
ogo
seeMbusoinst
eadofgoi
ngt
otheki
tchen.
Ifoundhi
mlookingout
sidehi
sbal
conyhe
seemedsopreoccupi
edbymanythought
s.
Me:"Br
o"Isaidst
andi
ngnextt
ohi
m henodsi
n
acknowledgement
Mbuso:
"Mbasa"
Me:"
What '
sgoingonwit
hy ou?Youbarelysee
usaretheancestor
smakingy ouworkover
ti
me?"hechuckledatl
eastthat'
ssomething
Mbuso:
"I
t'
ssomet
hingl
i
ket
hat
"
Me:"
Youbecomel
iket
hiswheny
ouhav
eno
cont
rol
wit
hwhat'
sgoi
ngon"
Mbuso:"
Youknowmev er
ywell.It
hinkJuni
or
shoul
dtakeoursur
name"Isi
gh
Me:"
Ihavetotal
ktohi
smotherfi
rst.Theyar
e
j
ustgett
ingtoknowuswhat
'stherush?"
Mbuso:
"I
tcan'
twai
tMbasa"Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
"Youbet
tert
ell
mewhat
'sgoi
ngonMbuso"
Mbuso:"Hei
sthefutur
eofthi
sKingdom and
thesoonert
hebett
eryouknowthat.Andwe
bothknowthatheisaprot
ect
or"
Me:
"Fi
neIwil
ltal
ktohi
smot hertoday"henods
"
Whoisyourchosenpr
incess"helaughed
Mbuso:"
Sheisnotapri
ncess,
shei
snotr
oyal
ty"
Iscof
fedlooki
ngathi
m
Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Mbuso:
"Imeanshei
sacommoner
"
Me:"youar
eal
l
owedt
omar
ryacommonerand
I
'm not"
Mbuso:
"Ar
eyoucompl
aini
ng?"
Me:
"NOI
'
m notI
'
mjustwonder
ingwhyi
sthat
?"
Mbuso:
"Becauseshei
sthedaught
eroft
hesoi
l
"
If
rowned
Me:
"Nowy
ouar
espeaki
ngaf
orei
gnl
anguage"
Mbuso:"Youwillnotunder
stand,youknow
Tshepoisgonnaf ighty
ouwheni tcomesto
Juni
or"Ishruggedmyshoul ders
Me:
"Okay
"hesi
ghandshookhi
shead.
Themai dsbroughtt hefoodinMbuso'sroom,
weat ethereandIt oldhi
m aboutMelissa
fi
ghtingthedivorcehejustlaughedandsaid
"That'
sfunny"thatwasmyr eacti
onwhenIsaw
hertexttheotherday .
Ispendt hewholemor ningwi
thhi
m andIcal
l
ed
therestaurantsuper
visortof
oundouti
f
everyt
hingwasgoi ngf i
neandhepromi
sed
everyt
hingwasr unni
ngsmoot hl
y.
Ideci
dedtofi
nal
lygoseethewomanwhoi
s
sl
owlycreepi
ngherwaytomyhear
t
Zee:
"Ohl
ookwhoi
tis?
"shesai
dfr
owni
ngshe
l
ookedcut
e
Me:
"Youmi
ssedme"shel
aughed
Zee:
"Youwi
sh!"Iwal
kedcl
oset
oher"
Stayaway
fr
om me"Il
aughed
Me:"
Comehere!"Isai
dpulli
nghercl
oset
ome
"Hey
"Isai
dlookingathereyesandmyhandon
herwai
st
Zee:
"Hey
"someonecl ear
edt hei
rthr
oati
twas
Meli
ssa,
Zizi
photri
edt owiggleherwayf
rom
mebutIgrabbedontoher
Me:"
Icouldn'
tst
opt
hinki
ngabouty
oul
ast
ni
ght"shegavemebeggi
ngeyes
Zee:
"Luuplease"Melissawasjuststandi
ng
ther
elooki
ngatus, mom walkedi nfol
lowedby
mybr ot
hertheylookedli
ketheyjustsawa
ghost
Mbuso:"
Sazesaf
athi
naesi
ngenabant
u,hey
Mel
issa"Il
etgoofZi
zi
pho
Mel
:
"Iknewt
her
ewasnochosenwi
feher
e,y
ou
ar
edi
vor
cingmebecauseoft
hishoe"
Mom:
"Mel
i
ssa"
Mel:
"Shutupyouhypocri
te,
sheisjusta
commonerjustli
kemeandy ouwelcomeher
wit
hopenar ms"Ichuckl
edandshookmyhead
Mbuso:
"Andyouaret
alki
ngtowhosemom l
i
ke
t
hat?I
nwhosehouse?"sheswal
lowedas
Mbusowalkedcl
osetoher
Zee:
"Don'
thi
therpl
ease!
"shescr
eamedIpul
l
ed
hert
omychest
Me:
"Heycal
m down,
hewi
l
lnev
erdot
hat
.
Mbuso"
Mbuso:
"Leav
ethi
shouser
ightnow"
Mel:"
Youmightt
hinktheyli
keyouhunbutwhen
hischosenwi
fecomesar oundtheywil
ldr
op
youli
keahotpotato"shesaidl
ookingat
Zizi
pho
Mom:
"Youar
ejustdi
ckmi
ti
zedbyt
het
wins
Meli
ssaandnoneoft hem want sy
ou,ifIwer
e
youIwouldtaketheli
t t
ledi
gnit
yIhaveandwalk
away"shequickl
ywal kedoutIwonderwhat
wasshedoingher e.
Me:
"Heyar
eyouokay
?"shenods
Mbuso:
"I
'm sor
ryi
fIscar
edy
ou,
int
hishouse
wedon'
thitwomen"
Zee:
"I
'm sor
ryi
t'
sjust
..
."
Me:
"Don'tapologi
zeweunderstand.Nowlet
'
s
gogetJunior"shenodsandItookherhandwe
wal
kedout .

MOKOENA'
SHOUSE

Itwasatni
ght,
TshepoandMpumi wer
e
sleepi
ngaf
teralongni
ghtofsex.
Theywer
eli
vingt
hei
rbestl
i
ve,Mpumi
has
fi
nal
lymett
hemanofherdreams.
Amanthatcoul
daf
for
dthel
i
fest
ylebutatwhat
cost
?
Theybothjumpedupwhensomeonepoureda
backetofwateront
hem di
stur
bingt
hei
r
peaceful
night.
Tshepo:
"Whatt
hehel
l
?"t
heywer
ebot
hnaked
Man1:
"Si
tthef
uckdown"
Mpumi:
"Pl
easedon'
thur
tus,
youcant
ake
ev
ery
thi
ngy ouwant
?"
Man2:
"I
fweweredoingabreaki
nwhywoul d
wewakeyouup,soarey
ougonnasitorshould
wemakeyou"hesai
dpoint
ingagunatMpumi .
Theybothsatdownandtheywereshi
ver
ing
becausetheywer
enakeditandwet.
Man2:
"Smalldi
ckyougother
e"hesai
dpoi
nti
ng
agunatTshepo'
sdick.
I
nser
t22
Zi
zi
pho
Mel i
ssaisnott akingthisdivorcethi
nglyi
nglow
andIsur el
ydi dn'twanttobecaughtup
betweent hecr ossfir
esoft heirdi
vorcebutit
's
toolateandaf t
ershewi tnessedwhatshe
witnessed,inhermi ndshebel ievesthatI
'
mt he
reasonLut handoi sdivorci
nghernotr eal
i
zing
thatwheny ouarepoi nti
ngaf i
ngerthreeother
fi
ngersar epointingri
ghtbackaty ou.
Ireal
l
ydof eel
badf orherbutther
eisnothi
ngI
candobecauseev enifIdi
dn'twantLut
hando
orfal
lforhi
mt hi
swasgonnahappent oher.
Iwonderifshedidn'
tmessupt hingsforher
wit
hLut hando,
howwoul dIf
eel aboutbeingin
apolygamymar ri
ageIdon'
tevenwantt ot hi
nk
aboutit
.
Wewenttofet
chJuniorbutIdeci
dedtospend
ani
ghther
esoLuthandoleftwit
houtus.
Wewer
ebusyhav
ingdi
nner
,theDl
ami
ni'
sar
e
goodpeopleIcan'
thel
pbutwonderhowwoul
d
Ihav
eturnedoutifIwasr
aisedbyt
hem.
Nal
edi
:"
Areyouokay
?"shesai
ddi
stur
bingme
f
rom mythought
s
Me:"YesI
'
mf ine"shenodsnottr
yingtopush
thi
ngsfur
therbecauseshebeli
evesthatshei
s
sti
l
loneggshel l
swithme
Mnqo:
"Sothepri
nce?"hesai
daft
ercleari
nghi
s
t
hroat
,ishebei
ngapr ot
ecti
vebr
other?And
whydoesitf
eelgood?
Me:"Whatabouthi
m?"Iaskedact
ingdumb
becauseIknewwhathewasonabout .
Mnqo:
"I
shey
ourboy
fri
end?
"
Me:"Mor
eli
keachosenhusband"MrDl
amini
chokedonhi
sfoodwhil
ehiswifej
ustl
aughat
hi
m
Khay
a:"
What?Thatboyi
sn'
tal
l
owedher
eunt
il
hedori
ghtbyyou"
Naledi:
"Comeon, Butt
ercuptheseerj
ust
confir
medt hatherchosenhusbandisnear
yester
dayandbesi desZiphoisanadul
t"
Khay
a:"NOButt
erf
lywejustf
oundherandwe
ar
estil
lget
ti
ngtoknowher,wecan'
tbe
marr
yingherof
fsosoon"
Me:"MeandLuthandoarenotget
ti
ngmar r
ied
anyti
mesoon, soyouhaveti
me"henodswhatI
noti
cedabouthim hel
ovesbei
ngloved.
Nal
edi:
"Besi
deswehavet
osti
ll
hav
etoper
for
m
awelcomeceremonyf
orher
"
Me:"I
sthatreal
l
ynecessar
y?"t
hiswi
l
lsur
edr
aw
unnecessar
yattent
ionf
orme
Entl
e:"
Yes,ourancestor
shavetorecogni
zeyou
andprotectyoutheycanall
dothatifyouar
e
i
ntroducedtothem,wear er
oyal
tywehav e
enemiesandt heyat
tackusspi
ri
tuall
y"
Me:"
OhokayandIal
sowantt
otel
lyout
hatI
hav
edeci
dedtomovein"
Nal
edi
:
"Ar
eyouser
ious?
"sheaskedsmi
l
ing
Me:"
YesI'
m sur
ebutJuni
orhasaschool
to
at
tend"
Mnqo:
"Don'
twor
ryIwi
l
ltakecar
eoft
hat
"
Me:"
Ijustwantt
otr
ytobui
l
dar
elat
ionshi
pwi
th
you"
Khaya:
"Andyouwill
notr
egreti
t"Inodbecause
Iwantyoutoreal
l
ygettoknowme.
Naledi
:
" Si
ncewearegoi
ngtostartonacl
ean
sl
atehowaboutwet el
lheraboutyour
daughter"hesi
gh
Khaya:
"Youhav
eanot
hersi
sterf
rom myf
ir
st
wif
e"
Me:
"Wher
eisshenow?
"hescof
fed
Naledi
:"
Probabl
yrol
li
ngar
oundony
ourex
husband'
ssheets"
Me:
"Whatar
eyout
alki
ng?
"
Khaya:
"Nompumelel
oDlamini
isyoursi
ster
"I
feel
li
ketheai
rinmylungshavebeensucked
Me:
"Mpumi
ismysi
ster
?"t
hatcameoutasa
whi
sper
Ent
le:
"Yesshei
soursi
ster
"
Me:
"NOsisterofmi
newoul dhav
edonethatt
o
me"Isai
dthinki
ngabouthowshetr
eat
edme
Naledi
:"
I'
m sor
ryKhay
abutMpumi
ist
hedev
il
's
agent,
shewasbornevil
"
Me:"
Wow"t
hat
'sall
Ijustsai
dcauseIcan'
t
bel
i
evemyownsist
erputmet hr
oughsomuch.
Khaya:
"I
'm sosorr
yforwhatsheputy
ou
thr
ougha---
"Icuthi
m off
Me:"Youdon'thavetoapologi
zeforher,it
'snot
yourfaultt
hatsheisthepersonsheis.Sheis
theonei nthewronganddon'tworr
yt hatwil
l
notaffectourr
elati
onshi
pinanyway"henods
Khay
a:"
Thanky
ou"
Idon'
tknowevenknowhowtofeelri
ghtnow,
Mpumi andTshepoar
eli
keacurseIcan'
tseem
togetr
idof.

MOKOENA'
SHOUSE

Tshepocoul
n'
thel
pbutf
eelhi
segobei
ng
cr
ashedbywhatthemansai
dabouthi
sego.
Mpumiwasshi
ver
ingwi
thf
earofbei
ngki
l
ledby
t
hetwoman
Man2:
"Howdoy ousl
eepknowingy
ouhavea
di
sabi
l
ity
?"hesaidst
il
lpoi
nti
ngagunonhi
s
di
ck
Tshepo:
"Whatdoyouwant?
"hesai
dmor
e
annoyedthanbei
ngscar
ed
Man1:"
Not
hing"t
heybot
hlookedathi
mthey
l
aughed
Man2:
"YouknowIhat
emanl
i
key
ouTshepo"
Man1:"
Andwomanl i
keyouMpumi deservea
bul
leti
nthevagi
na"hesai
drunninghispistol
bet
weenherbreastt
oherstomach, shewas
shi
veri
ng"BOOM!"Mpumiscreamedi nfear
Man2:
"Thi
sisgonnabef
un"
Man1:"
Seeyouaround"heki
ssedMpumi
'
s
f
oreheadandtheyl
eft.

THEFOLLOWI
NGMORNI
NG
Lut
hando

Wakinguptoahousewi
thoutZi
ziphoi
sso
depr
essi
ngIwasslowl
ygetti
ngusedtoher
bei
ngaround.
Ist
il
lhavetotel
lheraboutJuni
ort
aki
ngmy
sur
nameandhopef ull
yshewill
under
standwhy
i
tisnecessar
yforhimtotakemysurname.
Iwal
kedoutoft
hebat
hroom andf
oundoneof
t
hemai
dspl
aci
ngf
oodi
nmydr
esser
.
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"shet
urned
Maid:
"I'
m sorr
ymypr i
nceIwasj
ustbr
ingi
ng
youbreakfast
"Ir
aisedmyeyebr
ows
Me:"
Idon'
teatabreakf
asti
nmyroom,pl
ease
l
eaveIwanttodr
essup"shenodsandwal
ked
out
.
Ij
oinedev
ery
onei
ndi
ningr
oom.
Mom:"
Youar
esuchinthemoodtoday
"shesai
d
l
ooki
ngatmebecauseIdi
dnotgr
eetwhenI
wal
kedin
Me:
"Si
ncewhendot
hemai
dsbr
ingf
oodt
omy
r
oom?"
Mom:
"Wethoughty
ouwer
enotcomi
ngdown
f
orbr
eakf
ast"
Mbusowal
kedi
nlooki
ngal
lsor
toft
ir
ed
Mom:"What
'swr
ongwit
hthetwoofyou?"I
shr
uggedmyshoul
der
sbecausenot
hingwas
wr
ongwi
thme.
Mbuso:"
Idi
dn'
tsleepmuchl
astni
ght
"oneof
ourguar
dswalkedin
Guard:
"Yourhi
ghnesswehav
epeopl
eatt
he
gat
edemandi ngtoseey
ou"
Dad:
"Whoar
ethey
?"
Guar
d:"
Johnsonf
ami
l
y"
Me:"
Thedevi
li
srealt
esti
ngme"Isai
dst
andi
ng
upIhearmymom yel
li
ngmyname.
Me:
"What
'sgoi
ngonher
e?"Isai
dappr
oachi
ng
t
hegat
e,myeyesl
andonher.
Mel:
"Wehaveev
eryri
ghtt
obehereI'
mthe
daught
eri
nlawofthi
shome"Il
aughed
Me:"
Nowy
ouar
eget
ti
ngt
oobi
gfory
ourpant
s
!"
MrJ:"
Wej ustwanttodiscussyourmarr
iage
i
ssuesinceyoucan'tsolv
ey ourpr
obl
ems,
f
amili
esneedt ogetinvol
ve"Ishookmyheadin
di
sbel
i
ef.
Me:"
It'seitheryourleav eony ourownort he
guardswi llmakey ou, asfory oucomeher e"I
sai
dl ookingatMel issawhoj ustfol
dedher
armsacr ossherchest ,Ishookmyheadand
wentf orthegunont heguardswai st
,Ishot
ri
ghtinf r
ontofherf eeteveryonescreamed
Mom:
"Mbasacal
m down"shesai
dscr
eami
ng
Me:"Thenextonemighthityourleg,
nowcome
here"sheslowlywal
kedt owardsmeIpul
led
herbythewaistandpressedmyhandonher
waistbone
Mel
:
"Luuy
ouar
ehur
ti
ngme"shesai
dint
ear
s
Me:"Doesithurts?"shenods"Good, nowl i
sten
tome, yousignthedivorcepapersory ouwill
buryeachoneoft hem ev er
yweek"Iwhi spered
tohershequi ckl
ynods" Goodgir
l,nowl eave
myhouse"Isai dletti
nghergomyey eslanded
onZiziphowhowasst andingnottoof arf
rom
mygat
e,shequi
ckl
ywal
kedt
othecar
.
Me:"
Shit
!"Ir
antowardst
hecarbutIwast
oo
l
atethecarhaddrov
eoff.
Mbuso:
"Iwi
l
ldr
ivey
ou"Hesai
dget
ti
ngi
nthe
carwi
thme
I
nser
t23
Lut
hando

Iunderesti
matedMel
issa,
Iwant edt
ogivehera
cl
eandi vor
ceandIwaswill
ingtogiv
eher
every
thingbutnowsheisforci
ngmet opl
ay
dir
ty.
Idon'twantt
or emoveherf
rom t
hepict
urenot
thatIcan'
tbecauseIoncel
ovedherandIdi
dn'
t
hateherbutshehaspushedmylimit
sand
pressedthebutton.
Onecouldsayt
hatIwasn'
tsupposet
othr
eat
en
heroractt
hatwayi
nfrontofherf
amil
y
becauseifsomet hi
nghappensIwi
llbehel
d
accountablefori
tbutt
hatissomethi
ngIcan
takecareofnotbecauseI'
m apri
nceandIthi
nk
I
'm untouchable.
AsforZi
zi
phoshewasn'tsupposedtoseethat
,
shemustbethi
nki
ngthewor seaboutme,t
hat'
s
whyIneedtocl
eart
hingsupwi t
hher.
If
eltl
i
keMbusowasdr
ivi
ngtoosl
owbecause
weseemedt
obenotcat
chingupt
othem.
Me:
"Cany
oudr
ivef
ast
er"
Mbuso:"
I'
mli
ter
all
yfl
yi
ngr
ightnowMbasa"I
j
ustshookmyhead.
Thecarshewasi npul
l
edoverandwealso
stoppedbutsheremai
nedi
nthecarsoIwalked
tocarandknockedonthewi
ndowitrol
l
ed
down
Me:
"Canwet
alk?
"shel
ookedatmeandopened
t
hedoor
Zee:
"Whatwast
hat
?"shesai
dlooki
ngst
rai
ght
i
ntomyey es
Me:"
Somethi
ngyouwer
enotsupposetosee"
shel
ookedatmeIcoul
dn'
treadheremot
ions
atal
l
Zee:
"Wer
eyougoi
ngt
oki
l
lher
?"
Me:
"I
fitdist
urbsmypeaceofmi ndt
heni
t'
snot
wor
thli
ving"sheshookherhead
Zee:
"Youarer
uthl
essMbasa,ar
ey oucapabl
e
ofki
ll
ingaper
son?"Il
ookedatherIwonder
whyshewasn'tgi
vi
ngawayheremot i
ons
Me:"Dependswhoisaski
ng,
Ili
kehowy
ou
soundwheny ousayMbasathou"
Zee:
"Don'
tchanget
hesubj
ecther
e"
Me:"AndI'm notchangi
ngt hesubject
,Meli
ssa
i
sst ar
tingtorubmeof fthewr ongwayandI
hatethat,soifi
tmeanst hatmyl if
ewil
lbe
peacefulwhenshei sdead, guesswhat?
"she
shr
uggedhershoul
der
s
Zee:
"Shehast
odi
e"
Me:"
Exactl
y,I
'm notki
l
lerZi
ziphoI'
mjusta
pr
oblem sol
ver.DoIscareyou?"
Zee:
"NOy
oudon'
t"shesai
dlooki
ngatme
Me:"
Ilov
eyou"Isai
dbr
ushi
nghercheekshe
swal
lowed
Zee:
"What
?"Iranmyf
ingeronherl
i
psshe
cl
osedhereyes
Me:"Il
oveyou,openy
ourey
es"sheopenedher
ey
esandl ookedatme
Zee:
"Ilovey
ou"shepull
edmyf
aceforaki
ss
andkissedmeIlovehowshei
snotapushover
Mbuso: "
Okaydon'
tmakeuswatchpornl
i
ve"I
chuckledforamomentIev
enforgotwewer
e
notalone
Zee:
"HeyMbuso"
Mbuso:"HeyZee,areyouguysdoneherecause
I
'mfuckenhungr y?Thosepeopl
edist
urbedmy
br
eakfast"Ichuckl
edbecauseIwashungrytoo.
Zi
ziphowentt
ospeakwi
tht
hedr
iverandhe
dr
ov eof
f
Zee:
"Let
'sgoaf
terthaty
ouwi
lldr
ivemet otown
topi
ckupmyst uf
f"Inodwegoti
nt hecarand
drov
eoff.
Me:"
Nowt hatweareal
lhere,
Zizi
phowehav
e
somethi
ngtotel
lyou"Mbusofrowned
Mbuso:
"Wedo?
"
Me:
"Yes"Zi
zi
phol
ookedatus
Zee:
"Whati
sthatIhav
etobet
old?
"
Me:"I
t'
saboutJunior
,fewmont hsbefor
eJunior
wasbornmyf atherwasbelievedt ohav
ea
brai
ntumorandhewasgoi ngt odiebutonthe
dayJuniorwasbornitrai
nheav i
l
yandthere
wasal i
ghtni
ngthatstr
uckthreet imesafew
secondsbef
oreJuni
orwasbor
nan-
--
"shecut
meof f
Zee:
"Waithowdoy ouknowsomuchdet ai
l
s
aboutJuni
or'
sbi
rt
h? "shewassur
pri
sed
Mbuso: "Juni
or'
sbi rt
hsav edourfatherfrom
death, hewasonhi sdeat hbedbutt he
foll
owi ngmor ninghewokeupf ineasi fnothing
hadhappenedt ohim asi fhewasnev ersick.At
thattimeIwasn' tmuchconnect edwi thmygi ft
,
soourbackt henseercameandt oldust hatthe
protectorofthisKi ngdom wasbor n.Weal l
didn'tunderstandwhathewast al
kingabout
becausenoonehadgi venbirt
hunt i
lIlai
dmy
eyesonJuni orIknewi twashi m"shel ookedat
usasi fwej ustgr ewhor nsonourf oreheads
Zee:
"Sowhatdoesal
lthi
smean?
"
Me:
"I
tmeanst hatJuni
ori
sbi
ologi
cala
Mokoenabutspir
it
ualhei
saNdlovu"
Zee:
"Soy
ourancest
orscl
aimedmysonbef
ore
hewasbor
n"wenod"
Ain'
ttheyf
uckedupand
gr
eedy
,whodoest
hat
?"
Me:"
Myancestor
sIguess"shesi
ghandsank
backonhersi
t
Mbuso:
"Andhehast
otakeoursur
name"
Zee:
"What?Andy
outhi
nkTshepoandhi
s
fami
lywil
lal
lowt
hat
?"
Me:"
Wewi l
lhavetot
alkt
othem becauset
hat
hastohappensoon"
Zee:
"Wear
enotmar
ri
edy
ett
hou"
Mbuso:
"Tr
ustusi
t'
sfort
hebestZi
zi
pho"
Zee:
"Wow,howdi
dmyl
i
fegether
e?so
compli
cat
ed"
Me:"Iknowthi
siscompli
cat
edbutithastobe
done"shejustnodsandl
ookout
sidethe
window
Zee:"
IsthatwhyJuni
orwassocl
i
ngytot
he
King?Becausehesavedhi
m?"wenod
Me:
"Yest
hat
'swhy
"shenods
Zee:
"I
fJuniorhast
obeaNdl ovuthenfineI
knowbettert
hantofi
ghtyourancest
orsbutit'
s
notgonnabeeasy.Mokoena'
sarediff
icultt
o
dealwit
h"
Me:
"Wewi
l
ldeal
wit
hthat
"shenods
Zee:
"Goodl
uck"webot
hchuckl
edandl
ookedat
eachother

LI
THALETHUKI
NGDOM

Zizi
phohaslef
tfortowntofet
chherst
uffand
soontheyweregoingtodoherwel
come
ceremonyasaprincess.
Naledi
wasov ert hemoonbecauseher
daughterwasslowl yl
ett
ingheri
nsowas
Khayaanythi
ngt hatmadeherwifemadehi
m
happythat'
showmuchhel ov
edhim.
Mnqophi
sowentt
oworkandEntl
ewaswor
king
f
rom home,
shewaspsy
chol
ogist
.
Theparent
scoul
dn'
tbemoreproudt
hatal
l
thei
rchi
ldr
enhadachi
evedal
ot.
Nal
edi
:
"Ishoul
dthankGodforal
loft
his"she
wassi
tt
ingwit
hherhusband
Khaya:
"Yesweshoul
d,Iwasthinki
ngofbuy
ing
Zi
ziphoacarasgi
ftf
orherceremony"
Nal
edi
:"
That'
sthoughtI'
m st
il
lwonder
ingwhat
t
ogetherbutitshoul
dbesomething
meani
ngful
"
Khay
a:"
Yougott
imet
othi
nkabouti
t"
Nal
edi
:
"Doy
out
hinkMpumi
wil
laccepther
?"he
si
gh
Khaya:
"Mpumi di
dn'tacceptyouashermot
her
soIdoubtshewoul dacceptthewomanshe
tookamanf r
om, shebar el
yhasastabl
e
rel
ati
onshi
pwithherot hersi
bli
ngs"
Nal
edi:
"Idon'
tunderst
andt
hewaysheis"t
he
f
rontdooropeneditwasMpumiandTshepo
t
heyhadal uggages
Khay
a:"
Mpumi
whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Mpumi:
"Thi
swasmyhomel astt
imeIchecked"
shesai
dpull
i
ngherl
uggagein
Nal
edi
:
"Somanyl
uggages?
"
Mpumi:"
Nott
hatit'
sanyofyourbusinessNaledi
butmeandmyf i
ancewillbestayi
ngherefora
coupl
eofweeks"herf
atherlookedather
Khay
a:"
Youarenotdoi
ngt
hisi
nmyhouse
Nompumelel
o"
Mpumi:"Thi
sisal
somymother
'shousetoo,
you
havenor i
ghtt
okickmeout
"Naledi
just
chuckl
ed
Khay
a:"
Whathappenedt
owher
eyouwer
e
st
ayi
ng?"
Mpumi
:
"Not
hinghappenedI
'
mjusther
eto
i
ntroducemyfi
ancetomyfamilyt
hat'
sal
ldad"
astheywerest
il
ltal
ki
ngZi
ziphowalkedi
nwith
herluggage
Tshepo:
"Zi
zi
pho"hesai
dlooki
ngathi
sexwi
fe
Mpumi
:
"Whati
sshedoi
ngher
e?"
Naledi
:"
Heyyouar
eback"shesai
dwal
ki
ngt
o
herdaught
er
Mpumi
:
"Whyi
ssheher
e?"
Zee:
"Thi
sismyhomeNompumel
elo"shesai
d
l
ooki
ngatherandTshepo
Tshepo:
"What
?"t
hatcameoutasshock
I
nser
t24
Zi
zi
pho

Thedri
vetomycomplexwasf un,
Mbusoand
Mbasakeptt
ell
i
ngmet heircrazychi
l
dhood
st
ori
esseemsli
ketheyreall
yhadanamazing
chi
l
dhood.
Theapar
tmentwasemptybutIhavel
etKopano
andKuhl
eknowthatIwasl
eaving.
Butourf r
iendshi
pwon'tendherecausethey
havebeent hereformesoI'm pl
anningtoinvi
te
them formywel comeceremonywhi chI'
m not
readyforbutmyf amil
yisexci
tedaboutitwhich
i
sr el
ievi
ngf ormetohavepeoplewhoar e
genuinel
yhappyaboutdoingsomet hingforme.
Afterpackingmystuf
fLuthandodr
ovestr
aight
tother est
aurantt
ocheckafewthi
ngsIwas
happybecauseIwasgonnasaygoodby eto
them thosepeoplewel
comedmewi thopen
arms.
Aft
ersay i
ngmygoodby eswhichwer e
saddeni
ngt othem wedr ovestr
aighttomynew
homewi ththehopet hatl
if
ehadst oredallt
he
goodthingsformet herebutIwaswr ong
becauseIjustcamef acetofacewi t
ht hel
ast
peopl
eIwant
edt
osee
Mpumi :
"Sheisanewmai d"shesai
dlaughi
ng
butnoonel aughnotev
enherboy f
ri
end"I
wouldn'
tputthatpassyou"Isi
gh
Me:"Yourwordsusedtoaffectmesomuch
Mpumi ,t
othinkweusedt obefri
endsI'
m
ashamedofmy sel
fIsur
elyhavenotast
ewhen
choosingfr
iends"
Mpumi:
"Soy
ouarecl
aimi
ngthatyouarea
Dl
amini
?Youar
esuchaleachZizi
pho"
Khay
a:"
Stopi
tNompumel
elo"shechuckl
ed
Mpumi :
"WhyIam notsur
prised,
y oual
way sput
every
oneelsebef
oreme.Nowy ouareputting
thi
simpostorwhoclai
mst obey ourdaughter
"
Naledi:
"Ihadenoughofthi
s,Mpumi
ifyouar
e
vi
siti
ngwi thy
ourfiancet
henyouwi
l
lusean
out
sideguesshouse"
Me:
"Hei
sal
sost
ayi
ngher
e?"Iaskedsur
pri
sed
andlooki
ngatt
hemanwhousedt
omy
husband
Mpumi:
"Heismyv i
sit
ornoty
our
s"Ij
ustshook
myhead,Lut
handoandMbusocameinwith
moreofmythings
Luu:
"What
'sgoi
ngon?
"hesai
dcl
oset
omyear
Me:
"Appar
ent
lyshei
smysi
ster
"
Luu:"
ohwellt
hatsucks"Tshepowasl
ooki
ngat
us,Juni
orcamefrom upstai
rs
Juni
or:
"Uncl
eLuu"hesai
djumpi
ngonhi
m
Luu:
"Heybuddy"hesaidpi
cki
nghi
m uphe
di
dn'
tevenacknowledgehi
sdad
Tshepo:
"Juni
or"hesai
dlooki
ngathissonwho
wasmuchcomf or
tabl
eonLuthando'
sarms
Juni
or:
"Iwantt
oshowy ousomet
hingImade
uncl
eLuu"LuulookedatmeandIshruggedmy
shoul
ders
Luu:
"Howabouty
ousayhi
toy
ourdadf
ir
stt
hen
y
ouwi
l
lshowwhat
every
oumade"
Juni
or:
"Heydad,
canwegonow?"t
hatwascol
d
Ij
ustgaveLuuanodtogowi
thhi
m
Me:"
Iwill
unpackmyt hi
ngs,Mbusocanyou
hel
pmewi t
hthesebags"henodsandhel
ped
mewi t
hmybags.
Ihonestl
ydon'
tknowhowIf eel
aboutli
vi
ng
underthesameroom wi
ththosetwoandI
knowtheywill
tryandmakemyl i
femiserabl
e.
Naledi
:
"Don'
tunpackt
hatt
hemai
dswi
l
ldoi
t"
shesaidwal
kingin
Me:
"Howl
ongar
etheyst
ayi
ng?
"shesi
gh
Nal
edi
:
"Idon'tev
enwantt
ogeti
nvol
ved,
how
ar
eyoufeel
ing"
Me:"Idon'
tknowImeanst ayingwit
hthem af
ter
theexperi
enceIhavewit
ht hem Ij
ustdon'
t
thi
nkIcanstaywiththem bothforl
ong"she
nods
Naledi:
"Iknowt heydi
dhorr
ibl
ethi
ngsbutt
hey
don'twon'ttouchasingl
ehairony
outhist
imeI
promise"
Me:"Thankyouforallt
his"Isai
dhuggi
ngher
unexpectedl
yshefrozeforasecondandthen
huggedmeback
Nal
edi:
"Yourfutur
ehusbandi
swaiti
ngf
ory
ou
downst
airs"Ichuckl
edwewalkeddown
If
oundLut
handoandMbusosi
tt
ingwi
thMr
Dl
amini
Luu:
"Wewer ewait
ingfory
ousoyoucoul
dwal
k
usout"hesaidst
andingupIsmi
l
ed
Mbuso:
"I
twasni
cemeet
ingy
ouMr
&Mr
s
Dl
amini
"
Khay
a:"
Wewillseeyouagai
nyoungmen"t
hey
nodandIwal
kedthem out
.
Luu:"
Areyousurethati
t'
sokayf
oryout
ostay
here?Wi
ll
y oubefi
ne?"Ipl
acedmyhandonhi
s
f
ace
Me:
"Don'
twor
ryIwi
l
lbef
ineandIhav
emy
f
amil
ywithme"
Mbuso: "
Justbecaref
ulIdon'
ttr
ustthem
especial
lyt
hegirl
shehasadar ksoulandher
auraisheavy"
Me:"
IpromiseyouIwi
llbecareful
,youguy
s
don'
tworryaboutat
hing"IhuggedMbusot hen
wenttoMbasa
Luu:
"Il
ovey
ou"hesai
dki
ssi
ngme
Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"heki
ssedf
orehead
Luu:
"Iwill
cal
lyouwhenIgethome"Ihugged
hi
mt ighthav
ingcl
osetomeissoaddict
ive.
Iwal
kedbacki
nsi
deaf
tert
heydr
oveof
f
Tshepo:
"Zi
zi
pho!
"It
urnedt
olookathi
m
Me:
"CanIhel
pyou?
"
Tshepo:
"Youar
enowt
urni
ngmyownson
agai
nstme"Ir
oll
edmyey
es
Me:
"Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"
Tshepo:
"Youintr
oducedhi
mtoyourboyf
riends
andyouhavet hener
vetobeki
ssi
nghim here"I
neverl
aughedsohardinmyli
fe
Me:"Lookwhosetalki
ngt
hesameguywhoisi
n
mypar ent
'shouseandpl
ayi
nghousewi
thmy
si
ster.Youstayoutofmybusi
ness"
Tshepo:
"Ist
il
ll
ovey
oupl
easegi
vemeanot
her
chance"
Me:
"Somethi
ngiswrongwit
hyou"Isai
d
wal
kingawayfr
om hi
m buther
oughlygrabbed
myarm
Tshepo:
"Youli
stent
ome---
"Iy
ankedmyar
m
fr
om him andsl
appedhi
m sohar
d
Me:
"Youl
i
stentomeTshepo,youdon'
tgetto
t
ouchmeli
kethatort
hatwi
ll
bet hel
astyoudo
i
nyourmi
serabl
eli
fe"
Mpumi:"Her
ey ouaret
ryi
ngtofor
cey our
sel
fto
amant hatdoesn'
twantyoul
il
sis"shesaid
appear
ing
Me:"
NObigsi
syourmanseem t ol
i
kehisbr
ead
but
ter
edbot
hsides"Isai
dthatwal
kingi
nsi
de.

Mbuso

Thedrivehomewast ooquietf
ormyl i
kingi
t
waspr et
tyobvi
ousthatMbasadidn'tl
i
kethe
i
deaofZi zi
phobei
ngt her
ewiththosetwo
around.
Me:"Zi
zi
phoi
sgonnabef
ine"heshookhi
s
head
Mbasa:
"Nobruhthel
astt
imeZi
zi
phowaswi
th
t
hoseshebrokedown"
Me:"
Whenwasthat?Mont
hsago?Doyouthi
nk
shei
ssti
l
ltheper
sonshewasmonthsback?
"
hesi
ghandshookhi
shead
Mbasa:
"Ij
ustwor
ryabouther
"
Me:"Whichisunderst
andabl
ebecauseyoul
ove
herbutsheisonest r
ongpersonnow.Now
abouttheissueathand"
Mbasa:"
Aft
erhowJunioract
edI'
m nowsure
t
hattheguyisgonnaf
ightme.Thewayhewas
l
ooki
ngatmeandZi zi
phowasalarming"
Me:"
Youthoughtt
hatwasalar
ming,di
dyousee
howthegir
lwaslooki
ngatus?"hel
aughed
Mbasa:
"Thoset
wosur
elydon'
tknowus"
Me:"Whydidn'
tyout
ell
methatZi
zi
phohasa
beauti
ful
sist
erandadoubl
e"
Mbasa:
"Ent
le?NoMbusostayawayf
rom her
.
Youhaveachosenwi
fe"Il
aughed
Me:"
Iwasn'
tsayi
ngany t
hingl
iket
hatIwasj
ust
admir
abl
eGod'screat
ion"heshookhi
shead
Mbasa:
"That
'swhyMel
i
ssaseducedy
ou,
you
ar
esuchapl
ayer
"
Me:
"Wel
lI'
m not
"wel
aughed
Mbasa:
"Sothoset
worantothepal
acet
hinki
ng
wewon'tbeablet
oter
ror
izet
hem"
Me:"
Ithoughttheywer egoingt
or ecogni
zeour
voi
cesespeciall
yy our
safteral
lyoubrokethe
man'segowheny ousaidhehasasmal l
dick"
Mbasa:
"Iwasn'
tl
yi
ngt
hough"Ishookmyhead
Me:
"Idon'
tev
enknowwhyIagr
eedgoi
ngt
her
e
wi
thyou"
Mbasa:"
Becausey
oulov
eme"welaughedIhi
t
t
hebrakewhenIreal
i
zether
ewassomeonein
f
rontofourcar
Mbasa:"
Whatt hehel
l?Whywoul dshejust
standi
nfrontofthecarl
i
ket hat
?"wewal ked
outshewasf aci
ngtheotheronegivi
ngusher
back
Me:
"Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
ocommi
tsui
cide?
"she
di
dn'
ttur
n
Mbasa:"I
fyouwantt
odieatl
eastl
ookatwher
e
yourdeathi
scomingfr
om"shetur
nedand
smil
ed
Me:
"Youhav
eadeathwish,arey
outr
yingt
o
makemeawi dowwi
thoutevenmar
ryi
ngme?"
Her
:"
Justi
magi
ne"Mbasaj
ustgav
emet
he
WTFlook
Me:
"Geti
nthecar
"sheshookherheadandgot
i
nsi
dethecar
Mbasa:
"Expl
ain"hesai
ddr
amat
ic
Me:"
Chosenwif
e"her
aisedhi
sey
ebr
owsIj
ust
l
efthi
mthere
Mbasa:
"Wai
t.
.Achosen.
..
huh"
I
nser
t25
Zi
zi
pho
ThenerveofTshepohehasal
i
vertotel
lme
thathesti
l
llov
esmewhenheissti
l
l wit
h
Mpumi .
Tshepoi sawast
eofsperm andegghonest
ly
hethinkshecanputmethroughwhatheput
met hrought
henexpectf
orthingst
obethe
same.
I'
m sur
ehei smi
ssingsomet
hingi
nhi
sbr
ainI
can'
tbeli
evehi
mr i
ghtnow.
Idecidedtowal kt
omyr oom andcal m down
becauseIwassomadi fhet hinksthatI
'mthat
Zizi
phowhowasapushov erthenhehas
anotherthingcomingIcan'tbeli
evehetri
edto
puthisfi
lthyhandsonme.
Mnqo:
"What
'sgoi
ngon?
"hesai
dwal
ki
ngi
n
Me:
"Myexhusbandi
sher
ewi
thy
oursi
ster
?"
Mnqo:"Whatar
eyoutal
kingabout
?"heasked
confusedhewasatworkwhenallt
his
happened
Me:"
Hei
sher
eandseemsl
i
kehei
sher
eto
st
ay"
Mnqo:"That
'sbul
l
shit
"hesaidwal
ki
ngoutandI
foll
owedhim"Dad!!
"heyel
l
edascendi
ngthe
stai
rs
Me:
"Mnqophi
socal
m down"
Mnqo:
"Don'tf
uckent
ell
met
ocal
m down,
Dad!
"
Nal
ediappear
ed
Naledi:
"Mnqophisowhat'
swrong?Icoul
dhear
youy el
li
ngallthewayfr
om myroom what'
s
goi
ngon? "Khayaal
soappear
ed
Mnqo:"
Justt
hepersonIwantt
osee.Howdo
youl
etsuchthi
ngshappen?Whatki
ndofaKi
ng
arey
ou?"hewasfuming
Khay
a:"
Whatar
eyout
alki
ng?
"
Mnqo:"
Howcany ouletthemanwhoputyour
daught
erthr
oughshitstayhere?Thesameman
whoturnedyourdaughtertoapunchi
ngbag?
Thesamemanwhobrokey
ourowndaught
er,
howdoyoul
ethi
m st
ayher
ewithus?
"
Khay
a:"
Mpumi
is-
-"hecuthi
m of
f
Mnqo: "
Don'teventell
meaboutt hatone,you
havebeensol enientwheni tcomest oher.We
understandthatyouaretry i
ngt oshowhert hat
youloveherandweunder standthatshel ost
hermot herbuttherearekidsl i
keheroutt here
whogr ewupwi thoutmot her sbuttheyare
behaving,t
heymadesomet hingoutoft heir
l
ives.Stopusingthatexcusewi t
hus, your
grandsonwasl eftint
hest reetbyt hesame
many oual l
owedi nourdoor s"
Ent
le:
"Mnqophisoisri
ghtdad,y
oudon'
twantt
o
l
oseZiziphoj
ustbecauseyouwantt
oenter
tai
n
Mpumi'snonsense"hescoff
ed
Mpumi
:"
Iknewyouallhat
edme,youaret
urni
ng
myownfat
heragai
nstme"shesaidwal
ki
ngin
Mnqo:
"Iwantt
hatmanoutoft
hishouse
Nompumelel
o"her
oar
edathi
m butMpumi
did
notf
li
nch.
Mpumi
:
"Thi
sismyf
ather
'shousenoty
our
s"
Mnqo:
"Dad"hesai
dlooki
ngatKhay
a
Khay
a:"
Nompumel
elot
ell
yourf
iancet
oleav
e"
Mpumi
:
"Ifhel
eav
esI
'
m al
sol
eav
ing"
Mnqo:"
Whocaresyouhaven'
tbeenheref
or
year
s"shel
ookedatherf
ather
,herf
ather
l
ookedatme
Khay
a:"That
'suptoyouMpumibutTshepo
mustleavet
hishousebef
oret
heendoft oday
"
Mpumi:"Thi
si sallyourfaul
tZi
zipho,whycan'
t
youunderstandt hatTshepodoesn'tl
oveyou
anymore,nowy ouareturni
ngmyownf at
her
agai
nstme"It hinkshef or
get
sthattheman
gavemel i
fetoo
Me:"Youar
edel
usi
onalMpumi,
y outhi
nk
Tshepolov
esyounohedoesn'
t"shestor
med
out
Mnqo:"
wowdadwow"hesai
dlooki
ngathi
s
f
ather
Khaya:
"Mnqophi
soI
'
mjustt
ryi
ngt
omai
ntai
n
peace"
Entl
e:"
Atwhoseexpense?Zi
zi
pho'
speaceof
mind?"
Naledi:
"Weunder
standthatyoulov
ey our
chil
drenver
ymuchbutMpumi isoutoforder
hereandtherei
snothi
ngy oucandot ochange
that
"
Khaya:
"I
'm sor
rymychi
ld"hesaidl
ooki
ngatme
Ij
ustshruggedmyshoulder
scauseIdon'tev
en
knowwhatt osay
,heal
readylookdef
eated
Me:
"I
t'
sokay
"
Khay
a:"
NOi t
'snotIshoul
dn'
thav
eev
enl
ett
he
manstayhere"
Me:
"Youwer
ejustt
ryi
ngt
omakey
ourdaught
er
happyIunder
stand"hescof
fedasi
fIj
usthi
t
thener
ve
Khaya:
"Andyouaremydaught
ertooZizi
phoI'
m
sorr
yIdidn'
tconsi
dery
ourf
eel
ingsinall
ofthi
s"
Inod
Me:
"If
orgi
vey
ou"
Mnqo:
"Iwi
l
lgol
i
edown"hesai
dthatwal
ki
ng
away
Khay
a:"Mnqophi
so!
"buthedi
dn'
tev
ent
urnhe
wasreal
lymad
Ent
le:
"Hehasev
eryr
ightt
obemadaty
ou"she
wal
kedawaytoo
Me:
"Iwi
l
lgol
i
edownt
oo"Isai
dleav
ingt
hem

Lut
hando

Whodoeswhatt
hisgi
rlj
ustdi
d?ImeanIknow
sheisspeci
ali
nsomewaybutthatwasabit
dramati
cwaytoappearev
enMbusoisext
raso
theywil
lmakequi
teamatch.
Igotint
hecarwit
hthem shewassi
tti
ngatthe
backwhil
eIsitwi
thMbusointhef
rontIkept
l
ookingather
.
Her
:"
Doyouwantt
osaysomet
hing?
"Ishr
ugged
myshoul
der
s
Me:"IwaswonderingifMbusoi
sgonnat el
lme
yournameorshoul dIaskyoumysel
f?"she
nodsandl ookedoutsi
dethewi
ndow
"Unbel
iev
able,Mbusodoesshehasaname? "
hechuckled
Mbuso:
"Shedoes,
Lindi
wei
shername"
Me:
"Nowi
tmakessense"shel
ookedatme
Myphonebeepedi
twasamessagef
rom
Zi
zi
phoIsmil
edbefor
eopeni
ngi
t
"
Youar
esoaddi
cti
ve,
Imi
ssy
ou"
Me:"
Imissyou,oneoftheseday
sI'
m gonna
ki
dnapyou"Irepl
iedt
oherIcan'
tbel
iev
ethatI
havefal
l
enforhersodeeply.
Zee:
"Cal
lmewheny
ougethome"
Mbuso:
"Zi
zi
phohasy
oubyy
ourbal
l
s"Ij
ust
shookmyhead
Thegi
rldi
dn'
ttal
kmuchIdon'tknowIdon'
t
knowi
fsheisnatur
alqui
etorbeingher
sel
f.
Me:
"Wher
ear
eyouf
rom Li
ndi
we?
"
Li
ndy:
"Ar
oundyourki
ngdom,
thepr
otect
ori
sin
tr
oubl
e"Il
ookedatMbuso
Mbuso:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Lindy:
"I
t'
sabat t
leofwhosegonnahav ehi
m,if
theMokoena'scan'thavehimt heNdlovu'
scan'
t
havehim eit
herthi
sbat t
lemightleadtohi
s
death,heisaspecialchi
ldifhediesthe
kingdom wil
lsuff
ergreatl
y"Ifeelmyheart
pounding
Me:
"Whati
sshet
alki
ngaboutMbuso?
"
Mbuso:"Ihavebeenhavi
ngdreamsabout
Juniordrowningi
nhisownbloodbutIcan'
t
readhisfutur
eandhisancest
orsar
eblocki
ng
me"
Li
ndy
:"Onl
yyoucansav
ehi
m"
Me:
"How?
"Isai
dlooki
ngather

JOHNSON'
SHOUSE

Theycouldn'tbel
ievethatthei
rdaughterfai
l
ed
tokeeptheirmeal t
icketbecauseLuthandodid
ever
ythi
ngf orthem.
MrJ:"Whatdidyoudotot
hatMel
i
ssa?Hecan'
t
shootyoufornothi
ng"
Mel
:
"Dadwear
ejustf
aci
ngmar
it
alpr
obl
ems
t
hat
'sal
l
"
MrsJ:"
Youcoul
dn'
tevenkeepaman,theonl y
t
hingyouhadtodowastogivehi
m chi
ldren.He
wouldhav
enochoicebutt
ostaywit
hy ou"
Mel:
"Thatdi
dn'thappenmom andnowhei s
di
vorci
ngme, heiswill
i
ngtoki
llmejustt
ofree
hi
mselffrom me"
MrsJ:"
NOdaughterofmi newi l
lhaveafail
ed
marri
age,tomorr
owwear egoingt oMakhosi
andhewi l
lmakesur et
hatprincecomesback
toyou,hewill
for
geteverythi
ngt hathas
happened"shequickl
ynodsbecauseshewas
wil
li
ngtodoany t
hingtobewi thLuthandoagai
n
Mel:
"Ipr
omi
seIwon'
tdi
sappoi
nty
out
hist
ime
ar
oundmom"
Mr
sJ:
"Youbet
ternotMel
i
ssa"
I
nser
t26-
Sponsor
edf
rom Pr
etor
ia
Zi
zi
pho
IsawTshepoli
vingbutMpumi didnotatl
eastI
gotonedevi
ltodealbecauseIcoul
dn'twi
ththe
bothoft
hem.
Icoul
dtel
lthatMpumiwasn'thappyabouther
socall
edfi
anceli
vi
ngbuttherewasnothingshe
coul
ddo.
Isur
elyunder
standIunder
standKhaya,he
l
oveshisdaughterandhewashopingthatshe
haschangedbutitseemsl
ikeshewasbor nthe
waysheis.
Ireal
l
yappreci
atehav
ingMnqophi so,
theway
hedefendedmewasj ustsounexpectedand
comfort
ing.
Igotavi
deocal
lfr
om Lut
handol
i
kehe
promi
sed
Me:
"Hey
"
Luu:"
HeyIjustgothome"hewast ry
ingt
o
smilebutyoucouldtel
lsomethi
ngwas
botheri
nghim anditdi
dn'
tsi
twellwi
thme
Me:
"Tal
ktome"hesi
ghandr
anhi
shandonhi
s
f
aceroughl
y
Luu:
"Wher
eisJuni
or?
"
Me:"
Here"Ishowedthepeacefulsleepi
ng
Juni
oronthescreenIhearhisbreathchange
l
ikehewashol di
ngsomebr eat
h
Luu:
"Il
ovey
ouguy
s"
Me:"Weloveyoupleasebeokay,
ify
ouwantt
o
tal
kaboutitj
ustknowI'
m her
e"hesmil
ed
genuinel
ythi
sti
me
Luu:
"Tal
ktomor
rowt
hen"Inodandhehanged
up.
Iwonderwhat
'sgoi
ngonwi
thhi
m,heseemed
bother
edbutI
'
m notgoi
ngt
opushhewil
lonl
y
tel
lmewhenheisready
.
WhenIwokeupJuni
orwasn'tnextt
omeas
usual
l
yhewentt
ohisgrandpa'
sroom.
Ij
oinedev
ery
onet
ohav
ebr
eakf
astwi
th
ev
ery
onebutonl
yMpumi
wast
her
eandmai
ds.
Me:"
Mor ni
ng"Iwasactual
l
ytal
kingtomaids
nother,t
heyall
greet
edbackexceptforherof
course
Mpumi
:
"Whyar
eyouher
e?"Il
ookedather
Me:
"Toeatbreakf
astIt
hink"Isai
dshr
uggi
ng
myshoul
ders.
Mpumi :
"Don'
tactstupid,y
ouknowverywel
l
whatI'
mt al
kingabout.Whatdoyouwanthere?
"
Il
ookedather ,Mpumi isr
eal
l
ynotokayIdon'
t
knowwhatpl anetdoessheli
vesi
nherhead,
shereal
lyneedstocomebackt oeart
h
Me:"Idon'
tneedany thingI'
m herebecause
apparentl
ythisismyhomeasmuchasi tyours.
TrustmeIdi dn'twanttobey oursist
erinthi
s
l
ifet
imenotaf tereverythi
ngy oudidbutthi
sis
l
ifeandthewor l
dissosmal l.Ify
ouhateonme
becauseofTshepo, heisnotwor t
hitIdon't
evenwanthi m anymor e"
Mpumi :
"Andyouthi
nkIhateyoubecauseofa
man,IcouldhavegotanymanIwant "Il
ooked
atherstunnedbywhatshejustsai
d.
Me:
"Thenwhydoy
ouhat
eNompumel
elo?
"
Mpumi :"
Becausey oulookl ikeyourst upid
mot herandsi ster!Yout hinkIdi dn'tknowwho
youwer ethefirsttimeIl ai
dmyey esony ou.I
knewwhoy ouwer eallalong.Ihat et hem so
muchandwhenIcausedy oupai nitwas
pleasurableseei ngy ousuf fergav eme
satisfacti
onbecausei tfeltlikeever y
thingIdid
toy ou,theyfeltit"tosayIwasshockedwoul d
beanunder statement
Me:
"Whydoy
ouhat
ethem?
"
Mpumi :
"Ihat
ethem becausemymot herdied
j
ustbecauseshehadt ocomear oundbethe
Queen,sheisther
easonI 'm motherl
essand
shealsotookmyownf atherawayfrom me"I
don'
tknowwhatshei st alki
ngaboutbecause
hermot
herwasr
oyal
tyshewasaQueen.
Me:"Youarejustsi
ckNompumelelothat
'sal
li
n
yourhead,youmadescenari
osthatdon'
texi
st,I
don'
tbeli
evey ouareev
il
,youj
ustneedhelp
that
'sal
l"
Mpumi:"
I'
M NOTCRAZY!I'M NOTCRAZY.Ijust
hat
eallofyouandyouareallgonnapay
"she
sai
dthatandwalkedaway.
I'
m notapsy chol
ogistbutIknowMpumi might
beev ilbutsomethingissurelynotokaywithher
.
Iwoul dsayshehasdaddyi ssuesbutKhaya
l
ov eshersomuchy oucouldjusttel
lbytheway
hel ookedathery ester
day,thedefeati
nhis
eyeswhenhesawt hewayMpumi was
behav i
ng.

Mbuso
Aft
erarr
ivi
ngl
atewi
thLindi
wey est
erday
,she
hadtosl
eepinanancest
ralhunti
nourhome
bef
oreIi
nfor
m myf
ami
l
yabouther
.
Necessar
yrit
ualswil
lbedoneforhert
obewill
welcomedinthi
shome, t
heceremonydoesn'
t
meansheof f
ici
all
ymywifebutrat
heraseerof
t
hisfamil
ytoo.
Juni
orissuei
sweighi
ngdownonmybr other
that
'swhyIdi
dn'
twanttotel
lhi
m abouti
t.
Hehadf
ormedastr
ongbondwit
hJuni
orso
t
hisi
scl
osetohomewit
hhim.
Ij
oinedev
eryonei
nthedinni
ngr oom Il
ookedat
Mbasahelookedbet
tert
hany ester
day.
Me:
"Royal
s"t
heyal
ll
ookedatmeandbustout
ofl
augh
Mbasa: "
That'
sclassi
cbroh,where'
sLi--
"he
quicklycomposedhimselfr
eali
singthatmy
familydoesn'
tknowabouther.
Me:
"Mom andDadIhav
esomet
hingt
otel
lyou"
Dad:
"Soundser
ious,
didy
oumakesomeone
pr
egnant
?"
Me:
"Somethi
ngl
iket
hat
"mymom gav
emet
hat
Iwi
l
lkil
lyoul
ookyou
Mom:
"Youwouldn'
tdar
e"mybr
otherl
aughed,
mysi
sterwal
kedin
Unat
hi:
"Whoi
sthegi
rli
nthehunt
?"
Mbasa:"
Ishuu"hesai
dlaughi
ngwhil
emy
par
entslookedatmeforexpl
anat
ion
Me:"Shei
sthatsomet
hingt
hatIhadt
otel
lyou
about"
Dad:
"Tal
kMbuso!"Isi
ghIwoul
dbef
reakedout
i
fitwasjustar
andom gi
rl
Mbuso:
"HernameisLindi
we,
shei
smychosen
wi
fe"
theybothgasped
Mom: "
Shoul
dn'
therpar
ent
sandthei
rseerbr
ing
herhere?
Whati
sshedoingint
hehunt?
"
Me:"
No,sheisaseerhersel
f.Sheisnotr
oyalt
y
shewasbornahealerandmygr andmother
choseherf
orme"
Unat
hi:
"Final
lyyout
woar eget
ti
ngmar
ri
edno
morebitchesli
keMeli
ssa"
Mom:
"LanguageUnat
hi!
"
Dad:
"What
'st
henextst
ep?
"
Me:"Wewil
linf
orm herpar
entsthatsheisher
e,
theyknewaboutevery
thi
ngbeforeshewas
born,t
henarit
ualwil
lbeperf
ormedf orher
.For
nowshewillst
ayinthehuntandnoonei s
all
owedtogothereUnathi
"
Mom:"
Theny
oushoul
dtaket
hef
oodt
oher
t
hen"
Me:
"Notev
enmei
sal
l
owedi
nthathunt
"
Mbasa:
"Won'
tshest
arv
ethou?
"Ishookmy
head
Me:
"Noshewon'
t"
Dad:
"Ineverseensucheversi
nceIwasbor
n,
whowillperf
orm herr
it
ual"
Me:"
Mygrandmotherandherhusbandar
et her
e
wit
hher,t
heywil
lbedothatthenshewil
lcome
outtot
heroyal
housewhenshei sdone"
Unathi:
"Wow"Il
ookedather"NOdon'
tlookat
mel i
kethatIdi
dn'
tent
erthehuntIwasjust
passingwhenIsawher,Iswear
"Inod
IknowwhenLi
ndi
weisdonewi t
hherr
it
ual
we
wil
ldeal
wit
hJuni
orsi
tuat
ion.

JOHNSON'
SHOUSE

MrsJohnsonwassett oherdaught
ertoawi t
ch
doctorbecauseshewaswill
ingt
odoany thi
ng
tokeepthecomf or
tabl
eli
feshewasli
ving.
Al
ltheyhavenowit
'sthankst
othei
rsoni
nlaw
whodidevery
thi
ngforthem.
Theywer
edoingthi
satnightsothatnoone
coul
dseebecauseaft
erall
that
'swhenthe
wi
tchesdot
hei
rwor
k.
Shehadsetanalarmfor00:00exactl
ybutshe
wokeupthir
tyminutesl
atershequickl
ywake
upthat
'swhenshesawashadowst anding
behi
ndhercurt
ainshewalkedcloserbutit
seemedtobeoutsideandthendisappeared.
Thenshenot iceditwasjustapersonr
efl
ect
ed
byast r
eetli
ghtt hat
'swhytheshadowwas
thereandpeopl eweresti
llmovi
ngupanddown
i
nt heneighborhood
Shequi
ckl
ywalkedt
oMel
i
ssa'
sroom andshe
coul
dn'
tfi
ndher.
Shewenttoanout
sidef
latl
ooki
ngf
orhershe
openedt
hedoor
MrsJ:"
Melissa!"shesaidcr
y i
ngandscreami
ng,
sherantowar dsherdaughterwhowashanging
fr
om theroof" NOMelissa,
Pet e!
"shescr
eamed
herhusband'sname.
Mr
J:"
OhMyGod,
Mel
i
ssa!
"hesai
dhel
pinghi
s
wi
fewit
hli
ft
ingherupandt
heymanagedt
ocut
t
herope
MrsJ:
"Meli
ssawakeupbabe!
Wakeup"Shesai
d
gent
lyhi
tt
ingherf
ace"NO!NO!Mel
i
ssa!"
I
sthi
stheendofMel
i
ssaJohnson-
Ndl
ovu?

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fyouareal
soi
nter
estedt
osponsoraninsert
pl
easeDM me,
thesuppor
twi
llbeappreci
ated

I
nser
t27-Sponsor
edbyMemor
yAndr
ea
Amanda

Lut
hando
Iwaswokenupbymyphoner i
ngi
ng,Idon'
t
under
standpeoplewhocal
lyousoearl
yinthe
morni
ngandt hi
sbett
erbei
mpor t
ant
.
Irol
l
edovertotakemyphone,Ipl
acediti
nmy
earwit
houtevenlooki
ngatt
hescreen.
"
Hel
l
opl
easedon'
thangup"
Me:"OhyesIwil
lhangup"Isaidthatal
ready
hangingupI'
mt i
redoftheJohnson'
sifit
'snot
Meli
ssait'
shermot herwholov
esluxuri
ouslif
e
shecannotaff
ord.
Nowt heyareli
ket
headarkcloudovermyhead
becausetheyarel
osi
ngthei
rmealti
cketand
theycan'
taffor
dtodothat
.
It
ri
edtosleepbutsomeonebustt
hedoorof
myroom whywouldsomeoneentermyroom
wi
thoutmypermissi
on
Me:"
CanIgetsomepeacef ulsl
eepplease?
!!
"I
sai
dgroaningandlookedatmyparentswho
j
ustenter
edmyr oom
Dad:
"Si
tupMbasa"Igr
oanedandsatup
st
rai
ght
Me:
"Thi
sbet
terbei
mpor
tant
,what
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Dad:
"Mel
i
ssadi
edl
astni
ght
?"
Me:"
What
?"t
heyl
ookedatmewi
thpi
tyi
nthei
r
ey
es
Dad:
"I
'm sosor
ryson"hesai
dsi
tt
ingnextt
ome
Me:
"Whathappenedt
oher
?"
Mom:"Shecommit
tedsui
cide,Iknowy ougonna
bl
amey our
sel
fbutnoneofitwasy ourfaul
t"I
j
ustshookmyheadandstoodup
Dad:
"Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"hesai
dasIdr
ess
up
Me:"Todowhat'
sexpect
edofme, payr
espect
toherfami
lyandpl
anherfuner
alasshewas
sti
l
lmywi f
e"
Mom:
"Don'
tdot
hatLut
hando"Il
ookedather
Me:"Whatdoyouexpectmetodo?Cry
becauseshewasself
ishandki
ll
edhersel
f.Li
fe
i
slif
ewecan'tdet
erminewhat'
sgonnahappen
tomor r
ow.Shet ookherownl i
febecauseshe
thoughtthewor l
dowedherl oyalty,t
hewor l
d
owesusnoshi t
.Thebestt hingshecoul dhave
donei stoacceptherreali
tyandt r
ytof i
nd
herself
.Yesithurtsthatshediedbecauseshe
i
shumanbutshet ookherl i
fejustbecauseshe
couldn'tl
ieonthebedshemadef orhersel
f.
NowI 'm goi
ngtopl anherfuneral asitismy
dutyasherhusband"t heybot hlookedatmeI
don'tknowwhatt heyexpect edmet odo, y
esI
l
ov edMel i
ssaandherdeat hhur ts,shewas
oncemywhol ewor ldbutthatdoesn' tmeanI
shouldweepandgetdepr essedbecauseshe
died.
Mom:"
Areyousureyouar eokay?Imeanyou
l
ovedMeli
ssai
twoul dn'
tbewr ongf
oryouto
r
eactt
oherdeath"Isigh
Me:"
I'
m suremom,thanky ousomuchfor
worr
yingaboutme"theygav emeahugand
pr
omisedtopaythei
rr espectst
oMel
issa'
s
f
ami
l
ylat
eron.
Itext
edZizi
phothatI'
m goingtoseeherlat
er
onbutIdidn'
ttel
lherthatMeli
ssahasdiedIwil
l
tel
linper
son.
Idrovestr
aighttoherhome, i
twasal
ready
packedtheresident
sfrom thear
eawere
al
readytheretopaytheirr
espect
sandmour n
wit
ht hem.
Iwalkedi
nsi
dethehouseIcoul
dev
ery
one'
s
st
aresburni
ngonmyskin.
Assoonasent eredt hehouse,hermot herwas
si
tti
ngonamat tr
essandacandl ewasnextt o
her,ever
ypairofey eswaslookingatmewhenI
enteredthehouseIsatdownnextt oherdad
whoseemeddi st
raughtbythepassi ngofher
daughterIdi
dn'tevenknowwhatt osayIwi shI
waitedformypar ents.
Me:"I
'm sosor
ryaboutMel
issa,my
condol
encesMrJohnson"helookedatme
MrJ:
"NOyouar eheret
oconfi
rmthatshei
s
r
eall
ydead,
youmustbehappyt hatyouar
ea
f
reemannow"hewast al
ki
ngonal ownot
e
moreli
kewhisperi
ng
Me:"NOy ouar ewrongI '
m herebecauseshe
wasmywi fe,I'
m heretomour nwithyouand
payforherf uneral
,Idoubtyouhadf uneral
pol
icies"Iwasn'trubbinganysaltonhiswound
buthewasbei ngdisrespect
fulheswallowed
andkeptqui etImusthav ehitthenervether
e.
Hermotherkeptl
ooki
ngatmeIknowsheis
l
ookingforsomeonet
oblameandI'
mthe
t
argethere.
Ital
kedtoMeli
ssa'ssistertofoundouti
fthey
needanythi
ng,sheaskedf ormoneyfor
grocer
iesandItransf
eredittoher.

Zi
zi
pho
Iwokeupandr
eadLut
hando'
smessage.
Iam reall
ylookingf
orwar
dtobei
ngwi
thhi
m
today
, hopeful
lyhetel
l
smewhat'
sbot
heri
ng
him.
Ihaven'
tseenMpumisinceyest
erdayI
'
m not
evensureifshei
sst
il
laround.
Ent
lewal
kedt
omeandsatnextt
ome.
Me:
"Aglassofwi
neinthemor ni
ngcanonl
y
meanonethi
ng"sherol
ledhereyes.
Ent
le:
"I
'mi
nlov
e"Il
aughedandl
ookedather
.
Me:
"Youar
eser
ious?
"shewasn'
tl
aughi
ng
Ent
le:
"Yes!I
'
m ser
ious"
Me:
"Okayt
hatbot
her
syoubecause?
"shesi
gh
Ent
le:
"Becauset
heper
soni
sn'
troy
alt
y"
Me:
"Nowt
hat
'sapr
obl
em"If
eel
badf
orher
Entle:
"I
twassupposedt
obefunbutmebei
ng
stupidIfel
li
nlov
eandIdon'
tthi
nkmeandhi
m
ar
eint
hesameboat
"
Me:"I
fy oucamelooki
ngforanadvi
seonme
thenyouar ei
nthewrongplacemntasekhaya,
I
havebeeni nj
ustonerel
ati
onshi
pandi tf
ail
ed"
shereleasedahugebreat
h
Entl
e:"
Ijusthav
etoendthi
ngswi
thhi
m,i
t'
s
usel
ess"wewer edi
stur
bedbyal
oudscr
eam
Me:
"What
'sgoi
ngon!
?"Isai
dst
andi
ngup
Entl
e:"
Let'
sgofoundout"wer
aninsi
dethe
housethenoi
sewascomi ngf
rom myroom,my
heartst
art
edbeatfast
,wewalkedi
nsi
dethe
room.
Me:
"Juni
or!
"IscreamedassoonasIsawhi
m
wi
thsomuchbl oodfr
om hi
smouthandnose.
Me:"
Juni
or!"Isai
dwit
htearsal
readyscr
eaming
downmycheeks, mychestwasclosi
nginI
coul
dn'
tbreath
Nal
edi
:
"Wear
etaki
nghi
mtot
hehospi
tal
,wher
e
i
sthefuckendamncar?"shescr
eamedmyson
wasinmyl ap,
thebl
oodkeptcomingoutofhi
s
nose.
Nal
edi
:
"Zi
phost
andupwehav
etogo"
"
Heisnotgoi
ngtothehospi
tal
"sai
dagir
l
wal
ki
nginIdon'
tev
enknowwhoshei s
Ent
le:
"Whoar
eyou?Howdidyougeti
n?"she
wal
kednextt
omeandtouchedJuni
or'
sface
Her
:"
Gett
hepr
otect
ort
ohi
shome"
Naledi
:
"I'
m sor
ryy
oungl
adyweneedt
--
"shecut
heroff
Her:
"YouneedtolistentomeZiziphooryour
sonisgoingtodieinyourhandsbeforeyou
evengettothathospit
al"t
hatri
ghttheremade
mest andupIcan'tl
osemysonIwoul ddied.
Me:
"Pl
easet
akeust
otheManzi
niKi
ngdom"
Khay
a:"
Butt
hat
'snothi
shome"
Me:
"Justt
akeust
her
e,canwegon-
--
"thegi
rl
wasn'
tther
eany
mor
e
Ent
le:
"Iknewshedi
dn'
tuseadoor
"
Naledi:
"I
'm comingwithyou"InodKhayatook
Juniorwegoti nthecarIhaveneverbeenso
scaredinmywhol el
if
e.
Myf amilydeci
dedtocomewi thmet hedrivet
o
Manz ini
Kingdom seemedt obet helongest
,
Junior'
spulsewasgetti
ngweaker ,
myhear t
wasi nmyst omachIcouldn'tstopthetears
causeIdi dnotknowwhat'sgoingonwi thmy
son.
Wefi
nall
ygott
otheManzi
niKingdom t
hegat
e
wasopenedi
mmediat
elyf
orus.
Wequi
ckl
yhoppedoutKhay
ahadJuni
ori
nhi
s
ar
ms.
Mbusorantowar
dsusandl
ookedatJuni
or,
his
f
amilyf
oll
owed.
Mbuso:
"Thi
sisnotgood!Weneedt
ogethi
mto
t
hehuntnow!"hesai
dtaki
ngJuniorfr
om Khay
a
"
Ever
yonegetinsi
dethehouse,
Zizi
phocome
wi
thme"Ifol
lowedhi
m.
Wegotnextt
othehunthepl
acedhi
m down
Mbuso:
"Let
'sgo"Il
ookedathi
mishecr
azy
?
Me:
"Wecan'
tl
eav
emysonher
e"hel
ookedat
me
Mbuso:"
Trustmeplease"Inodandwalkedwi
th
hi
m,IlookedbackJuniorwasn'
tther
eanymor
e.
Lut
handoenter
edaft
erusandIl
it
eral
lyrant
o
hi
m hecaughtmeint
oahugIjustcri
ed
Luu:
"I
t'
sokay"hetookmet
ositdown,
Iwasi
n
hi
sarmsev er
yonewasqui
et.
Luthandokeptt
appi
nghisfeet
,thesi
l
entwas
ter
rori
zingmeevenmore.
Me:"NOIcan'ttaket
hisanymor
e"Isai
d
standingupall
ofasuddenitst
art
edrai
ning
andlighti
ngfol
lowedli
kethr
eeti
mes,i
twas
deaf
eni
ng.
Il
ookedatMbusowhoj
ustbur
iedhi
sheadon
hi
shand
Me:
"Mbuso!"Isai
dwithtear
salr
eadybl
i
nding
myvi
sion"NO!Junior
!"Iscr
eamedandranto
t
hehunt.

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--
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fyouwantt
osponsort
hel
asti
nser
tfort
oday
.
Pl
easeDM
I
nser
t28-
Sponsor
edbyDi
neoAnder
son

Nar
rat
ed
Zizi
phorantothehunty
ell
i
ngherson'
sname,
tear
swer er
unningfr
eel
yonherf
aceblur
ri
ng
hervisi
on.
Ther
ainwaspour
ingonher
,herl
egswer
e
gett
ingweakwi
thev
eryst
epshegotcl
oset
o
thehunt
.
Shegoti
nsi
dethehunt
,thegi
rlshesawwas
ther
ewit
hJuni
or.
Helookedli
kehewassl
eepi
ngpeacef
ulbuthe
wasn'
tsleepi
ng.
Zizi
pho:"
Juni
orpl
easewakeupboy,
Mommyi
s
here"shesai
dkneel
ingnextt
ohi
sson.
Thepai
nwast
oomuchf
orhert
ohandl
e.
Zizi
pho:"
Juni
orpl
easestopwit
hy ourgamesI
knowy oucanhearme"shesobbedpainful
Li
ndi
west
oodupandsatnextt
oher
.
Li
ndy:"
I'
m sor
ryi
twastool
atet
ohelphim"she
shookherheadwhi
let
ouchi
ngthecol
dpale
Juni
or
Zi
zipho:"
Iknowheisnotdead,heisjust
sl
eeping.Babypl
easewokeupIpr omisetono
l
ongerforceyoutoeatveggi
es,IpromiseIwi
l
l
l
etyouhaveicecream anyt
imey ouwant
,just
wakeuppleasebabe"shesaidshaki
ngJunior
's
bodyandcryi
ng
Lindy:"
Ihav enowor dstoev encomf ortyou
ri
ghtnow, Idonotknowwhaty ougoi ngt hr
ough.
Yoursonwascaughtbet weent hetwowor lds
andi tgotoutofhand.It houghtwecoul dsave
him butitwast oolatetodoany thi
ngf orhim.
EvenLut handot r
iedbutitseemsl i
kei tdidn't
wor k.I
'm sosorrythatyouhav etogot hr
ough
this"Zizi
phoquicklystandupandl eftthehunt
cryingshecouldn'thandlethepain
Lut
hando:
"I
'm sosorr
y"hesaidt
ryi
ngt
o
comfor
therbutZizi
phoyankedhi
shand
Zizi
pho:"
Thisisyourfamily'
sfaul
tiftheydidnot
clai
m mysonast hei
rownhewoul dn'tbedead
ri
ghtnow.Iwantt odonot hingwit
hy ouand
yourfamil
y.IwantmysonLut handoIwant
Juniorher
e"shesai dsobbinghit
ti
nghi schest
Luthandoholdontohertighthewashol di
ng
backhisowntear
s,Juni
orhadbecomeahuge
partofhi
sli
fe,
hewasl i
keasontohi
m.
Asifallthesuf
fer
ingshewentthroughi
nli
fe
wasnotenoughGoddeci detotaketheonl
y
thi
ngt hatmadesenseinherl
if
e,theonl
ythi
ng
thatkepthergoi
ng.
Juni
orwast her
easonsheenduredallt
hepain
andl
iveditwasallj
ustforhi
m butnowall
that
wastakenawayfrom her
ItwasbreakingTheDl amini
'sandTheNdl ovu's
toseeZizipholikethat,
Mbusof el
tli
kehef ai
led
hisownf amilyandkingdom hedidn'
tknow
whatwasnextf orthi
sKingdom causeitwas
saidthatJunior
'sdeathwilll
eadtogreat
suffer
ingoftheKi ngdom.

Mbuso
Ineverfeltsodefeatedinmylif
e,watchi
ngmy
ownbr otherbreakdownl i
kemadef eell
i
kea
fai
lur
eIdon' tunderstandwhyTshepoand
Sandil
edi dn'
tprotectJuni
or.
Ziziphowastor
napartIcoul
dn'
tevenfaceher
ri
ghtnow, myancest
orsaresel
fi
shIdon'tget
al
l ofthi
s.
Theybr
oughtZi
zi
phoher
ejustt
odot
hist
oher
.
Iwalkedinsi
demyhouseIchuckl
edwhenIsaw
them si
tt
ingint
hecouch
Me:
"Yougotsomener
ves"Isai
dwi
pingmy
t
ear
s
Thuso:
"Wedi
dn'
tdot
his"Ichuckl
ed
Me:"Itdoesn'tmat
teryoul
etital
lhappenri
ght
undery ournosesall
youcareaboutisyour
fuckenKi ngdom"
Sandi
l
e:"
Mbusoyouneedtocal
m down,
we
knowwef ai
l
edy
ouandy ouhav
eeveryr
ightt
o
beangr
yatus"It
ookav
aseandt
hrewagai
nst
thewal
l
.
Me: "
Youneedt oleave,infactwhydon'ty
ou
restinpeaceli
keot herpeoplebecauseyou
fail
edatdoingsomet hingthatyouweremeant
tobedoi ngwhichispr ot
ectingoneofyour
own"t heyshooktheirfuckenbigasshead
Thuso:
"WearesorrybutJunior
'sdeathi
s
somethi
ngwecouldn'tprev
ent"they
di
sappearedIj
ustgroanedinagony
Lindi
we:
"Heyhey
"shesai
dhol
dingmesi
nkon
thefl
oor
Me:
"If
ail
edt
hem!
"
Lindi
we: "
LookatmeMbuso"shesai dhol di
ng
myf acet henwipedmyt ears"Youdidn'
tfai
l
them, wear eseersnotGod.Goddeci dedto
takeJuni orasitwashi sti
me.Heal l
owedt his
tohappenf orareason.Yesi thur
tsbutwe
couldn'tstopfate.Iknowt hi
sistoomuchf or
youandy ourf amilytohandleandI '
m notgonna
sayitwillheal.Losingsomeonei t'
shardthat
wounddoesn' theal,youj
ustlearntoli
vewith
pai
nt hat'
sal l
.I'
m notgonnasaybest r
ong
becauset hat'
simpossi bl
erightnow.Thereare
norightwor dst ocomf or
tsomeonewhoj ust
l
ostt hei
rlovedonesbecauset hat'
sapainthat
i
stoomucht ohandl e"Il
ookedatherand
ki
ssedhert henqui cklypull
edaway
Me:
"I
'm sosor
ry"shegi
ggl
ed
Li
ndiwe:
"I
t'
sokaycomehere"shesai
dopeni
ng
herarmsIgoti
nandhuggedhertooti
ght
.

Lut
hando

Havey oueverfel
tli
keyourworl
djustcoll
apsed
ri
ghtinfrontofyourey
esthat
'showIf eelr
ight
nowandIdon' tevenknowhowt ocomf or
t
Zizi
pho.
Shei
sangr
yandhur
ti
ng,
Juni
orwasherwhol
e
worl
d
Losi
nghim soyoungandunexpect
edl
yis
pai
nful
,Ihavef
ormedagreatbondhim.
Hewasl i
keasont omeIl ovedhim whol
e
hear
tedl
y,Il
ookedatZiziphowhowasi nfut
il
e
posi
ti
onandcurledup,herheadwasonher
mother'
slapshekeptbrushingherhai
r.
Zizi
phohadherhandsgrabbi
ngonherownt-
shir
twhi
letear
skeptfal
l
ingfreel
yonherf
ace.
Ent
lewasi
nherf
ather
'schestcr
yingandmy
mom wasi
nmyfather
'sarms.
Unat
hiwassi
tt
ingnextt
omeandherheadwas
onmyshoul
der.
Lindiwewalkedi
nIguessshei
snowal l
owedto
wal kinther
oyal
mainortheci
rcumst
anceis
forcinghert
o.
Li
ndi
we:
"Thepeopl
efr
om t
hemor
guear
eher
e
topickupJuni
or"Zi
zi
phojustscr
eamedin
agonyIwishshecoul
dletmecomf or
ther
.
Inodshewal
kedoutIl
ookedatZi
zi
pho'
sfat
her
.
Khay
a:"
Let
'sgo"Ist
oodupandev
ery
onedi
d
Thepeopl
efr
om t
hemor
guewer
eshowed
wher
ehisbodywas.
Theycameoutwit
hhi
m onast
ret
chercov
ered
i
nawhi t
ecl
oth.
Myheartf
eltl
ikei
twasonmykneesIcouldn'
t
evenst
andproper
ly,
Itr
iedhol
dingbackmy
tear
sbutt
heybetr
ayedme.
Zizi
pho:"
Pleasestop!"shesaidandslowl
y
walki
ngtot hest
retcher,sheslowl
yremoved
theclot
hfrom Junior'
sface.
Hert
ear
skeptf
all
i
ngshet
ouchedhi
sli
tt
lepal
e
f
ace
Zizi
pho:
"I
'm sosor
rybaby,I
'
m sosor
ry"she
saidki
ssi
nghim onhisfor
eheadwhi
lehert
ear
s
f
ellonhi
m,thi
swast
hemosthear
tbr
eaki
ng
t
hingIev
erseeni
nmyli
fe.
Theytookhi
m awayshesankont
hefloorwi
th
herhandsonhermouthmuff
li
ngherpai
nful
sobs.
Iqui
ckl
yrushedt
oherandshehuggedmeso
ti
ght
Zi
zi
pho:
"I
thurtsLuu,
whydidGodtakemyson?
Whyhi
m? "shesai
dinbet
weenhersobs
Me:"IknowI
'm sosor
rybabeI
'
m sosor
ry"she
shookherhead
Zizi
pho:"
Didn'tIsuff
erenough?Whatdi dIdoto
Godf orhi
mt ohatemesomuch? Iwantmyson!
Please!
"IjustletmytearsfallcauseIdidnot
knowwhatt osaytoherIwi shIhadpower sto
takeawayt hepainshewasf eel
ingandbr i
ng
backJuniorbutnowIcan' tdot hatforher
.
Herf
atherhel
pedmegetheri
nsidethehouse,
shewasgivenwat
ersomemedicati
onshe
qui
ckl
ydoseof
ftosl
eep.
Iwalkedoutsi
det
ogetmy sel
fsomefreshai
r
somet appedmyshoul
derIquickl
ywi
pedmy
tear
s
Dad:"
I'
m sosor
ryson"Ij
ustl
ett
hem f
all
freel
y
hejusthol
dsme

-
--
-
Iknowit
'sshor
tbutIt
hinkI
'
m comi
ngdown
withf
lu.
I
'm gr
eat
fultothosewhokeepsponsor
ingt
he
i
nsert
s,y
oursupportisv
eryhel
pful
guys Thankyousomuch
I
nser
t29
Lut
hando

Iwat
chedhersl
eepshel
ookedsobeaut
if
uland
peacef
ul.
Idon'
tev
enwanthert
owakeupt
othi
shur
tful
moment.
Ever
ythi
ngdoesn'
tmakesenseJuni
orwasa
happysoul
andhewasi ngoodheal
th,
hisdeat
h
hashurtmetothecor
eanditwassosudden.
I
'vej
umpedhurdl
es,wentt
hroughhell
andback
butnot
hingcompar
estowhatI'
mf eel
ingr
ight
now.
I
t'
sahardpil
ltoswal
l
owbutIwon'
tcr
ywi
thmy
headbowedlow.
Yeshisdeathhashur
tmeal otasIwasst
art
ing
toseehim asasonIneverhad,
nowIhave
gai
nedanangel wi
thJunior
Me:
"Not hi
ngmakessenset omeri
ghtnowand
t
here'sabsolut
elynothi
ngIcandoorsayt hat
wi
lltakeawayt hepainbutIpr
omiseyouthatI
wi
llbey ourstr
ength"Iki
ssedherf
orehead,she
wasamess, abeautif
ulmess.
"
Haven'
tIsuf
fer
edenough?
"herwor
dskept
r
ingi
ngi
nmyhead.
Ij
ustwantt
oholdherandtell
herevery
thingis
goi
ngtobeokaybutthat
'snotenough,nothi
ng
i
satthi
smoment .
Alothasbeentakenawayfrom her,shehave
suff
eredandwentthroughsomuchpai nbutI
oughttorest
oreher
,Imaygi veherbeaut
iful
chi
ldrenbutt
heywil
lneverreplaceourl
it
tl
e
champ.
Shehasbeensl eepi
ngsinceyest
erday,shewas
fl
ushing,
herfacewasbecomi ngpaleandcold,
thepainshewasgoi ngt
hroughwaswr itt
enon
herface.
Me:"
Zee"Isaidshakingherabi
tbutshedidn'
t
bar
ge,Ist
artedpanicki
ngIfel
tli
keashape
swordwaspi er
cingthr
oughmyheart,Ican'
t
l
osehertoo.
Me:
"Babe,
Zizi
phoWakeup!
"Inev
erscr
eamed
somuchi
nmyl
i
fe.
Thedoorbustopenev
ery
onewal
ksi
n
Mom:"
Luthandowhat
'sgoi
ngon?
"thetear
s
wer
ealr
eadyfall
i
ngfr
eelyi
nmyface.
Me: "
Shewon'
twakeupMa, don'
tdothi
sZizi
pho
pleasewakeup"hert
winst
eppedinIgavehi
m
thespace
Ent
le:
"Mnqophi
sowhat
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Mnqo:"
Herheart
beatisfi
nebutwhatIdon't
under
standi
swhyshei ssopaleandcold"he
l
ookedatherconfused
Mbuso:
"Shewant
stodi
e"ev
ery
onegasped.
Me:"
Whatdoy oumean?Dosomet
hingMbuso
don'
tjustst
andther
e"
Li
ndi
we:"Calm down,Juniori
sstoppi
ngher
fr
om cr
ossingov er"Ikneel
edinfr
ontofher
andt
ookherhand.
Me:
"Madl
ami
ni,
Maj
ama,
Zizi
kazi
.Iknowy
ou
arescarredandhur ti
ng,y
ouhav elostyourwill
toli
vebutdon' tj
ustgiveupevenJuni ordoesn'
t
wantt ogiveupsodowe.Don' tputusthrough
painthatismor ethanwealreadyfeeli
ngplease
comebackt ous"Ikeptholdi
ngherhandswi t
h
thehopet hatshewi l
lwakeup

Zi
zi
pho

Howdidwegether
e?Thi
sissupposedt
obe
t
hehappi
estmomentofmyli
fe.
Ihavefoundhomeandmyhear thasfoundits
homewi thLut
handobutwit
hinthespl
itsecond
I'
m backtothedar
kestcor
ner.
Il
ostmysonandIdon'
twantt
oseet
hewor
ld
wi
thoutJuni
or.
Juniorgavemesomuchtoli
veforwhenI
thoughtIhadnot
hingt
oli
vef
or.
ThepainistoomuchIdon'twanttowakeup
andfacemynewr eal
i
ty,
Iwanttodiebecausei
f
Idon'
tdieinthismomentthenIwil
lhaveto
wakeupandf acet
heworldwit
houthim.
IfIwasn'
tacowardIwasgoingtokill
my sel
f
becauseIwon'tbeabl
etoli
vewithoutseei
ng
hismischi
evoussmil
e,Ij
ustwanttoholdhim
andkisshi
m.
Ifeel
li
ghterandmyhear
tisatpeace,
mysoul
is
ateasy.
Il
ookar
oundIdon'
tev
enr
ecogni
zewher
eIam.
IseeJuniorr
untowar
dsmeIqui
ckl
yrant
ohi
m
andpickedhi
m up.
Iembr
acedhi
mtoat
ighthugf
ort
hel
ongest
ti
me.
Me:"Mybabyyouareali
ve"Isaidki
ssi
nghim al
l
overhi
sface,
myt ear
scouldn'tst
oprunni
ng
downmyf ace
Juni
or:
"Mommydon'
tcr
y,bi
ggi
rl
sdon'
tcr
y"he
sai
dwipingmyt
ear
s
Me:"
Justdon'
tleav
emeagainIt
houghtIl
ost
youfor
ever"heshookhi
sheadandpl
acedboth
t
inyhandsonmyf ace
Junior:"
Mommyy ouareonlyseei
ngme
becausey ouwanttodie.Idon'
twantyout odie
Iwanty outobehappymom.IknowIhav elef
t
youtoosoonbutIwi llf
oreverbewit
hy ouin
spir
it.Iwil
lbeyourangelandprot
ectyouf r
om
everythi
ng"Ishookmyhead
Me:
"Idon'
twantt
oli
vewi
thouty
ou"hesmi
l
ed
Junior
:"
Andyouwon' t
,youwi llbecarryi
ngme
i
nsideyourhear
tandIwi l
lbebesi dey ou,i
fy ou
dieuncl
eLuuwon' tbeabletohandl ethepai n
oflosi
ngusbothandhewi llki
llhi
msel f
,doy ou
wanthimtodie?"Ishookmyhead" Hewi l
ltake
careofyouandbey ourstrength,helovesyou
mommyandy ouwi l
lhavechi l
drenwithhim and
Iwi
ll
bether
etoo"heki
ssedmyl
i
psandt
urned
ar
ound
Me:"Wher
eareyougoi
ng?
"Itri
edfol
lowinghi
m
butIcoul
dn'
thetur
nedal
ightwasshinni
ng
overhi
shead
Junior:
"I
'm happyher
e,nowgobackhomeand
behappyt oo,Ilov
eyousomuchmom"he
di
sappear edandItri
edtoscreamedforhim but
i
nsteadIgaspedt henopenedmyey estosee
Luthandowhowaskneel ingnextt
ome, itwas
evi
dentt hathehasbeencryi
nghehadhi shead
onmyhands
Me:"
Hey"Isai
dtouchi
nghi
sheadhequi
ckl
y
l
ookedup
Luu:
"Zi
zi
pho"hesai
dbefor
eattacki
ngmewi
th
ahug,Ij
ustl
etmytear
sfal
lfr
eely
Me:"
I'
m sosorr
y,i
thur
tssomuchLut hando"I
sai
dinbetweenmytearshol
dingont
ohi mtight
Luu:
"Iknowbabe,
pleasedon'
tapol
ogi
ze.I
'
m
heref
oryou"Inodst
il
lcr
yingIwasf
inal
l
yabl
e
tocal
m down
Luu:
"Iwi
l
lletev
ery
oneknowt
haty
ouar
efi
ne"I
shookmyhead
Me: "
I'
m scar
edt obeal one,Ifeel l
ikeI'
m gonna
overthi
nkandhur tmy self
,Juniorj ustl
eftme
l
ikethatLuuandI 'm scaredtof acet heworl
d
withouthim.Ikeepseei nghisbl oodyfaceand
askmy selfi
fhesuf f
ered, t
hisist oomuchf or
me"henodsandgeti nbedwi thme.
Luu:"Iwil
lj
ustsendat extthen,
doy
ouwant
anythingtoeat"IshookmyheadIcan'
t
stomachany thi
nghel ookedatme
Me:
"Notnowpl
ease"henodsandsentat
ext
.
Ireal
lywantedtobealoneandtheyunder
stood
thatIdon'
tknowhowI 'm goi
ngtol
ivewit
hout
mysonandi thurt
stoknowthatIwon'
tevenbe
abletohol
dhi m agai
n
If
eel
tear
sfal
l
ingf
rom myey
esIj
ustcl
osed
them buttheykeepf
all
i
ngt
hisi
sthewor
sepai
n
Ieverfel
t.
If
eltLut
hando'
shandswi
pingmyt
ear
she
ki
ssedmyf or
ehead.

Thef
oll
owi
ngday

Mbuso

Aspertr
adit
iontheMokoenaf amil
yhadtobe
i
nformedaboutJunior
'sdeat
handev er
yone
wassit
ti
nginthelounge,t
hetensi
onwasv er
y
thi
ckyoucouldactual
l
ycutitwit
htheknif
e.
Theonl
ythi
ngthatyoucoul
dwer eTshepo'
s
sni
ff
seventhoughheisapieceoftr
ashbutthe
pai
noflosi
ngachil
dit'
stoomuch
MrsMokoenaandMrMokoenawer
ewi
tht
hei
r
sonwi
thtwoofhisuncl
es
MrsM: "
Whyarebeingcall
edhereinst
eadofher
house?"Idon'
tli
keheralr
eadyInow
understandwhyTshepogotawaywi t
h
ever
ythinghedidtoZi
zipho.
MrM:"
Andourgrandsoni
sgoingt
obebur
iedat
ourgr
avey
ard"Naledi
chuckl
ed
Naledi:
"Yourgr
andson?Thesamegr andson
youletyoursonkickoutonthest
reets,y
ouare
t
alkingaboutthatgrandson?
"
MrsM:
"I
fyourdaught
erdidn'
tsl
eepar
oundt
hat
woul
dn'
thavehappened"
Khaya:"
Youaregoingtoshowsomer espect
MrsMokoena, wearemourningourgrandson
here.I
nsteadofshadi
ngmydaughterwhoj ust
l
ostachi l
dhowaboutwef oundasoluti
onto
thi
s"somebodysaidit
.
Tshepo:
"Mysonisgoi
ngtobeburiedathome
andthat
'sf
inal
l
y"Mnqophi
solaughed
Mnqo:
"Nowy
ouknowy
ouhav
eson?Juni
ori
s
gonnabeburiedonhermot her
'shouse.Yesit
's
underst
andablet
hatyoudon'twanthimtobe
buri
edhereinManzinibuty
ouwon' tfi
ghtthi
s"
Mbasa:
"I
sthatokayMbuso"
Me:
"Yesit
'sokay
"Tshepol
ookedatMbasaasi
f
hewantstomurderhi
m.
Tshepo:
"YoujustmetJuniorandy oualready
thi
nkyouhavesomecl ai
msov erhim,Juniori
s
aMokoena"whenIt houghtwewer egetti
ng
somewherethedickl
etdecidetodot hisjust
great
.
Zizi
pho:"
Ihavesitt
ingherel
ist
eningtoallofyou.
Juniori
smysonhei sgoingtobebur i
edwher e
Iwanthimt obebur i
edandifyouhav ea
problem wi
ththatthendon'
tattendhisfuner
al
soJuniorisgoingtobeburiedinLITHALETHU"
Tshepo:
"Buth-
-"Zi
zi
phocutherof
f
Zi
zi
pho:
"It
houghtIwascl
ear
"
I
nser
t30
Zi
zi
pho

Wi
thJuni
orIhav
elostahugepar
tofme.
Idon'tevenknowifoneeverheal
overadeat
h
oftheirownchil
d,i
tcutsdeep.
Themomenty
out
hinkoft
hem t
ear
sfal
lfr
eel
y.
Youmissev erylit
tl
ethi
ngaboutthem,the
thi
ngsthatusedt oannoyyouaboutthem t
hey
becomet hethingsyoumissthemostabout
them.
Thepaincutsdeepwheny oulookatt hei
r
pi
ctur
esandy oust ar
tbeli
evi
ngt hatsomeonei s
gonnajustwakey ouupandt ell
yout hati
t'sa
namebuti nall
honestyit
'syourliv
ing
ni
ghtmarey ouarenotdreamingit'
sy ourreal
i
ty.
Idon'
tknowi
fIwil
leverhealf
rom al
lthi
spai
n
GodknowsIneedstr
ength.
Ij
ustwokenupnott
hatIsl
eepmuch, myphone
beepedi
twasamessagefrom Lut
hando
"IwishIhadwor dstoenlighteny ouragonybut
somet i
meswor dsarejustnotenough.Youar e
l
uckyt hatyougott ogivebir t
ht oanangel.Your
l
itt
lemanwasbey ondspeci al,hisbeaming
smileandt hejoyhespr eadi tssomet hi
ngwe
will
nev erf
orget.Ijustwantt or emindyouthat
youarenotal one,Iwillbey ourstrengthdur
ing
thi
sdar kseason.LeanonmeIl oveyouso
much"Ihav ebeenget t
ingtextmessagesf r
om
him si
nceI'm athomeandheonl ycomesher e
duri
ngt hedayt henleavesatni ght.
Hismessagearecomfort
ingtheykeepme
goingI
'
m grat
efult
hatIhavehim.
Tshepoal
sodoescomeher
ebutwedon'
ttal
kI
havenot
hingt
osaytohi
m.
Heisj
usther
etobur
yourson,hehasbeen
t
ryi
ngtogett
omebutIseri
ouslydon'
tneed
hi
mt ocomf
orthi
m Ihav
eLut
handowhohas
beendoi
ngt
hatforme.
Kuhl
eandKopanoar r
ivedy est
erdaytheyhav
e
beenhelpi
ngar
oundtheki t
chenIr eal
ly
appr
eciatet
hesupporttheyareshowingme.
I
tsnotever
ydayy
ougett
ohav
esuchf
ri
ends
l
i
kethese.
Myparent
shav ebeensosupport
ivei
nfactt
he
whol
efamilyexceptf
orMpumi whoseemed
nott
obebot her
edbyanyofthi
s.
Lut
hando'
sfamil
yisal
waysher
eyouwould
sweart
hatJuni
orwasthei
rowngr
andson.
Wi
tht
hesuppor
tI'
m get
ti
ngt
hepai
nisbear
abl
e.
Tshepo'
sparent
sonlycameoncenott
hatit
bother
smebutt heywer
ethesamepeopl
ewho
werefi
ghti
ngforJuni
ortobebur
iedwi
ththe
Mokoena'
s.
Aknockcamet
hroughIt
ell
theper
sont
ocome,
Ent
leandmymot hercameinwithf
ood,t
hey
hav
ewat chi
ngmeeatf ort
hepassthr
eeday
s
Lut
hando'sorder
s.
Ent
le:
"I
t'st
hatti
me"IsighI
'm nothungrybutI
'
m
j
ustgoingtoeatjustt
ogetthem outofmyback.
Iat
emyfoodi
nsil
entandt
heyj
ustsatt
her
eto
makesur
eIat
e.
Me:"
Thankyou"Isai
daf
tereat
ingt
heysmi
l
ed
Ent
lelef
tther
oom
Mom:
"Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"
Me:"
Somedaysarebet
tert
hantheot
herday
s"
shenodsandshewasaboutt
owalkout
Me:
"Mom!
"shef
rozeandqui
ckl
ytur
ned
Mom:"
Didyouj
ustcal
lmeMom?
"shesai
dwi
th
t
ear
swelli
ngupinherey
es.
It
'st
hef i
rstt
imeI'
m cal
li
nghermom nott hatI
washoldingsomet
hingagainstherbutIwas
j
ustnotreadyandsheisplayi
ngthismother
r
olesogoodsof
ar.
Me:
"YesIhopeId-
-"shecut
smeof
f
Mom:"Ofcoursenot,youdon'
tknowhowmuch
i
tmeansf ormetoheary oucallmemom"she
sai
dhuggingmeIj ustbrokedown"Iknowit
hur
tssweetybutI'
m herenow, mommyi sher
e"
Me:"
Ithur
tsmom,ithur
tssomuch"she
br
ushedmyhairandmademesitdown.
WesatforawhileIdon'
tknowwhatshewas
doi
ngonmyhai rbutitmademefeelbet
teri
t
wassoothi
ng.
Mom: "
IknowIhav en'tbeent her
ebutIpr omi seI
wil
lmakei tupforalltheyearsImi ssed.Iknow
whatyouar efeel
i
ngev enthoughy oucame
backtomebutIf eltthesamepai nwhenIhad
togiv
ey ou.Thewor separtIhadnoonet o
comfortmei twasasecr et.Therewi l
lbet i
mes
whereyoumi sshim somuchi fyouf eell
ike
cry
ingpleasecry,cr
y i
nghel psyour el
easeall
t
hepai
ndon'
tactst
rong"shesai
dbef
oregi
ve
meaki
ssontheli
ps"Il
oveyousomuch"
Me:"
Thankyouf
orbei
ngher
e,Il
ovey
out
oo"
shestoodup
Mom:"
Iwil
lgohel
pint
heki
tchen"Inodandshe
wal
kedout
.
Il
ookedatmysel
fint
hemi r
rorIcan'
tbel
i
eve
shewasact
uall
ybrai
dingmethebantuknot
s.
Luthandoandhi
sfami
lyar
riv
edlateronhe
checkeduponmebeforeanythi
ng.
Tomorr
owit'
sthefuner
alsot
odayt
heywer
e
sl
aught
eri
ngthecow.
Iwasn'
treadyt
osaymygoodby
etomyson.
Par
entsarenotsupposedt
obebur yi
ngthei
r
chi
l
dren,i
tshoul
dthechil
drenbur
yingthei
r
par
ents.
Li
ndiwewasher esi
tt
ingnexttomeshewas
beauti
ful
ladyandyoucantell
shehasa
beaut
if
ulhear
t.
Iwassit
ti
ngi
namat
tressmour
ningi
tisf
eltnot
soreal
.
Li
ndiwe:
"Youarest
rongZi
zi
pho"Il
ookedather
shedoesn'
ttal
kmuch
Me:
"Idoubtt
hat
"shesmi
l
ed
Li
ndi
we:
"Tr
ustmeyouarest
rongan-
-"Mpumi
wal
kedi
nmakingherst
opwhatshewassayi
ng.
Mpumi :
"Lookatyou,youknewyourchil
dwas
dyi
ngdidn'tyou?
"Ilookedatherwit
htears
well
ingupinmyey esIknowshei sgota
chancetokickmeatmyl owest
Me:"
Justl
eav
emeal
oneNompumel
elo"she
l
aughed
Mpumi:"
Youknewt hatbratwasdy i
ngt hat'
s
whyyoucameher ebecausey ouwoul dn'
t
af
fordhisf
uneral
,nowy oumustbet hri
ll
edthat
heisgonnagetburi
edpr oper
ly"If
eltli
ke
someonewasact
uall
yst
abbi
ngmei
nthehear
t
andt
wisti
ngt
heknif
e
Li
ndiwe:
"Iwanty
out
oleav
ethi
sroom now"she
sai
dhuggingme
Mpumi :
"NOI'm notgoinganywhere,
whatar
e
yougoingtodo? "aslaplandedonherf
aceme
andLi
ndi webroughtourey esupt
oseewho
wasslappingher
Dad:
"Ihear
denoughofyournonsense
Nompumelelo"shehadherhandonhercheek
shewasshocksowasI .
Dad:"
Ihavel
etyoudoasy oupleaseinmy
houseandthatendsheretoday
"hepulleda
sjambokandstart
edhither,
shetri
edrunni
ngt
o
thedoori
twaslocked
Me:"Dad!
!"hedidn'
tevenhearmehecontinued
hi
tti
nghershewasscr eamingforhi
mt ostop
buthedidn'thecont
inuedhi
tti
ngher.
Weheadpeopl
ebangi
ngt
hedoorLi
ndi
wer
an
toopent
hedoor
,ev
ery
onegoti
nandst
opped
him.
Mpumiwascurl
edupont
hefl
oorcr
yingwhi
l
e
hewasst
il
lfumi
ngwit
hanger
Dad:"
Ndizokubul
alaNompumelel
ouyandi
va(I
wil
lki
lly
ouNompumel el
o,doy
ouhearme? "
Mom:"Whathappened?"hej
ustshookhi
shead
andcametokneelinfr
ontofme,hewentfr
om
anangryt
oasof tf
ace.
Dad:"
I'
m sosorr
yZipho"hesaidopeni
nghis
ar
msf orme,Ithr
ewmy selfandcri
ed"I
t'
sokay
pr
incess"hesai
dbrushingmyback.
Hest
oodupandwenttoroughl
ypull
Nompumel
eloup,
shecouldbar
elyst
andup.
Dad:"
Younottheonlypersonwhosemot her
diedandtr
ustmenoneoft hoseki
dsactl i
ke
you.It
ri
ednott obehar
dony oubutyouf or
ced
myhand.Iwanty outogotot hepoli
cestati
on
ri
ghtnowandr epor
tmef orassaultIdon'
tcareI
wil
leatfr
eef ood,
freebedandf r
ee
accommodat iont
henbeouti nfewmonthsand
Iwil
lbeatyouagain.Iwantyoutoleav
ethis
houseri
ghtnow"shewascr y
ing,mydadlether
goshefellshecouldbarel
ystand.
Mom: "
Pleasehelpherupandfi
xherabat
hthen
gethertobed"themaidshel
pedherup
Luu:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"hewashol
dingmyf
ace
wit
hbothofhi
shand
Me:
"YesI
'
mfi
ne"
Luu:
"I
'm sor
ryaboutt
hat
"heki
ssedmy
for
ehead.
Mom:"
Iwil
lgot
alkt
oyourf
ather
"Inodandshe
wal
kedout
.
Entl
e:"
Showi
soverl
eavepeopl
e"shesaidto
thepeopl
ewhowerest
andingbythedoor.

-
--
-
Thatsabonusi
nsertf
rom me,i
fanyonewant
s
tosponsort
henextbonusi
nser
t,pl
easedoDM
me
I
nser
t31
Zi
zi
pho

Thefai
thf
uldayhascome,iti
sthedayI
'
m
l
ayi
ngmyf ir
stlov
etorest
,Juni
orwasmyfi
rst
l
ove,myonet r
uelov
e.
Idon'
tknowhowthi
sdaywil
lgobutIknowfor
sureI
'
m notr
eadytosaymyfi
nal
lygoodbyest
o
myson.
Themorni
nghasbeendr
aggi
ngIdi
dn'
tev
en
wantt
owakeupbutIhadto.
Thepal acewaspackedIdidn'
tunderst
and
becausenoneoft hesepeopl
eknewJuni orbut
mom tol dmethataslongasiti
shappeni ngi
n
thepalaceexceptthevi
ll
agerst
oallcome.
Youwoul dswearthati
twastheking'
sfuner
al
andifitwasuptomei twasgoingtobeasmall
funer
al wi
thfami
lyandfri
ends.
Theweat
herwasnott
oogooditl
ookedli
kei
t
wasgoi
ngtorai
n,t
hecl
oudsweredark.
IwasreadywhenLut
handowal
kedi
nhi
sal
l
bl
acksuit
.
Luu:
"Your
eady
?"Il
ookedathi
m andwonder
howhedoesit
Justyester
dayhewasbury
inghi
sexwi
fe,
Iwas
surpr
isedthatshedi
ed.
Imeanshecoul dhav
est ar
tedanewl i
fe
wit
houtLut handobutIcan'
tjudgeherIdidn'
t
understandthedeepestofthelov
eshehadf or
Luthando.
Me:"
Idon'
tknowifIam,Iguesswewi
l
lfound
out
"Isai
dafteradeepsi
ghItook.
Luu:
"Ican'
thel
pbutadmi
rey
ourst
rengt
h"
Me:"Idon'
tknowLuuy ouhav ebeenmy
str
engthinalloft
hisIdon'tt
hinkIwoul
dhav
e
beenabletogetthroughthesedays"
Luu:"
AsIsai dIwi l
lbeher ealway s,thi
sisthe
hardestdayforus, hewasourchamp, he
bri
ghtenedev eryawakeni ngmomentf orus.I
t'
s
hardtolethim gobutt histoowi llbepass.
Therewillbeday swher ewewi l
lmi sshim and
crybuttherewillalsobeday swewi l
lthi
nk
aboutallt
hecr azymemor i
esofhi m andwewi ll
l
aughabouti t"Ilovehowher ef
ert oJunioras
hi
sown.
Me:
"Thanky
ouforbei
ngher
e"t
hedooropens
Mnqophi
sowal
kedin
Mnqo:"
Guy shejustar
ri
ved"myhear
tsankto
mystomach" Ifyouwantt
oseehim pl
ease
come"Ijustsatonmybedashewal ksout
.
Luu:
"Heyi
t'
sokayifyoudon'
twantt
oseehi
m"
hesaidsi
tt
ingnextt
ome
Me:"
It
'senought hatIsawhimthedayhedied,I
don'
twantt oclosemyey esandt
hefi
rst
memor yofhimi swhenhei si
nhi
scoffi
n,Ican'
t
seehi
ml ikethat"
Luu:"
Iunder
stand,
let
'sgobet her
eastradit
ion
requi
resustobewewon' tseehim"Inodand
wewal kedt
ot her
ondavelhi
scoffinwasin.
Icoul
df eelmyheartteari
ngapartt
hishast
obe
thesmal l
estcof
fi
nIev erseeni
nmyl if
eI
coul
dn'tstopmyt ear
s.
Thefuneralwasthenproceededonthe
communi tyhal
l
,Ihadtositinbet
weenTshepo
andLuthando.
Thiswasheart
breaki
ngf
ormenowi twas
fi
nall
ysinki
ngi
nthatmyli
tt
lechampisgone
for
ever.
Thefactt
hathehassomanycousi
nshedi
dnot
gett
hechancetomeetwasj
usttoomuch.
Ibr
okedownwhenhi
scousi
nsanghi
ma
goodby
esong,Icoul
dn'
tev
enhol
dbackt
he
tear
sanymor
e.
Oneofhiscousi
nreadhisobi
tuar
y,t
heshor
test
obi
tuar
ythatIhavehear
d.
Thenitwasmyt ur
ntospeakaboutmyson,
Luthandohel
pedmetothepodium.
Me: "
UhIdon' tevenknowwher etobegi nIwr ote
aspeechf ort hi
sbutitfeel
swr ongf ormet o
evenr ead.Iwasgoi ngtotal
kaboutal l t
he
moment swehadbutI '
m goingt otalkabout
mat hsi nstead.Ther eareinfi
nitenumber s
between0- 1justliket
hosenumber sy ougav e
meani nf i
nite, y
ougav emeaf oreverJuni or.In
theshor tyear sthatweregivent oyout oliv
e
youl eftaf oot pri
ntinourli
ves.I'
m hur tandsad
thatIwon' tgett oseeyougr owf rom bei nga
boyt oaman.Iwon' tbeabletocel ebr ateyour
graduat ion.Iwon' tbeabletowat chy ouf al
lin
l
ov e.Iwon' twal kyoudonethei sle.Iwon' tbe
ablet oseey ouhol dyourbabyf ort hef i
rstti
me
becausey oul eftmesosoon.Ir emembert he
dayy oudi edIaskedmy selfwhyy oubutt oday
asI '
m st andi ngher eI '
m aski ngmy selfifnot
yout henwho?Nopar entshoul dbegoi ng
throughwhatI '
m goi ngt hr oughr i
ghtnow.God
hasar easont ochoosey oumay bey ouwer e
toogoodf ort hiswor ld.Whenheav encal lsand
angel sdot heirjobswest arttoquest i
onGod
l
ikewecoul dt akehispar tbutIbel i
ev ethatGod
nev ergivey ouabur dent haty ouwon' tbeabl e
tocar ry.Yesi thur t
st haty oul eftmeandIwi ll
nev erseey ouagai nbutl i
key ousai dIwi llcarry
youi nmyhear tforever .Resti npeacechampI
l
ov ey ousomuch"Iwi pedmyt earsbef or e
goingt ot akemysi tLut handoputhi sar m
aroundmeIj ustl ettear sf al
l ashepul l
t ohi s
chest .
Wewentt
othecemet
eryandIwat
chedhi
s
cof
fi
ngodownwit
hpartofme.
Myt
ear
skeptf
all
i
ngashi
scof
fi
ngoesdown
Me:"
Juni
or"Iwhi
sper
edasi
ttouchest
he
gr
ound.
Thatwasi
sitmysonwasgone,Idon'
tev
en
knowhowwill
Ist
artt
hisl
i
fewit
houthim.

Thefol
lowingdayaf
tert
hef
uner
alwewashed
Juni
orsclothes.
Mpumiwassti
l
lher
eIguessmom beggeddad
nott
oki
ckherout
.
Shehasn'tsai
danythingaftert
hebeat
ingshe
recei
ved,
shewasj ustquietandmostofthe
ti
meshel ookedherselfi
nherroom.
"Yourson'sf
uner
al wasbeauti
fulandyouar
e
onest r
ongyounglady"saidawomanwhower e
helpi
nguswi t
hwashingt hecl
othesand
blankets.
Me:"Thankyou"i
twasi
ndeedabeauti
ful
funer
al
al
lthankstomytwinbr
other
,Ent
leandThe
Ndl
ovut
wins.
Weweref i
nishedwit
hwashi
nghiscl
othesandI
hadtocookf ort
hepeopl
eappar
entl
yIhaveto
dothechorestodayi
t'
str
adi
ti
ondon'taskme
why.
Atl
eastIhadKuhle,
Lindi
weandKopanohel
ping
mecookingforthefamil
ymemberswhowere
onl
yleft
.
Kopanowasl
ooki
ngatmybr
other
'sbut
tashe
passesby
.
Me:
"Kopano"Kuhl
eandLi
ndi
wel
aughed
Kopano:"
Hisassi
shel
lafi
ne,
Idon'
tknowev
enI
wouldli
ckit
,smacki
torbi
tei
t"
Kuhle:
"Iknewit
!Youar
enotl
esbi
an"Kopano
rol
l
edhi seyes
Me:
"Hei
sof
fli
mit
s"
Kopano:
"Howabouty
oursi
ster
?"
Li
ndi
we:
"Youwanty
ourhandsf
ull
huh?"
Me:"
Sheisstrai
ghtandoffl
i
mits"theylaughed
al
itt
lebecausewecan'tbel
oudI'm gladthey
ar
eheretheymaket hi
ngsbear
ablef orme.
Atl
eastnowIwasal
l
owedt
osi
twi
thev
ery
one.
TheNdl ovu'
shavel
eftl
aterduri
ngthedaybut
Li
ndiwest ayed,
wewereformingagreat
fr
iendshipshehasbeenthereforme.
Dad:
"Wher
eisMpumi
?"
Ent
le:
"Lastt
imeIcheckedshewasi
nherr
oom"
Dad:"Si
ndypl
easegether
"hesai
dtooneofthe
serv
antsshequickl
ynodswewereal
lsi
tt
ingin
thetabl
efordi
nner.
Si
ndywal
kedi
nfol
l
owedbyt
hest
il
ll
impi
ng
Mpumi
Dad:"
Wearehavingdi
nnerandther
ulesi
nthi
s
housest
il
lappl
i
es"shechuckl
ed
Mpumi:"
Orwhatar
ey ougoi
ngtodo?"whoashe
st
il
lhasanat
ti
tudeshehasali
verIgi
veherthat
.
Dad:"
Don'
ttestmypat
ienceNompumel
elo"she
satdown
Mpumi:
"HaveyoueverwonderwhyIhat
eyou
somuch?"shesai
dlooki
ngstrai
ghtt
omy
mother
'seyes
Mom:
"Yout
ell
me"shechuckl
ed
Mpumi:"
Yousur
elydon'
tknowt
heper
sony
ou
marr
ied"
Dad:
"Nompumel
elo!
"
Mpumi:
"NOKhayai
t'
saboutt
imeev
ery
one
knowst
hereal
youKhaya"
Dad:"
Nompumel
eloIwon'
tst
andf
ory
our
nonsensei
nmyhouse"
Mpumi :
"Orwhataregoingtodo?Beatmeup?
Themeny ouall
prai
sesomuchi sthereason
I
'mlikethi
s.Dadhowabouty outel
lthem about
howy outurnedmetoy ourwife.Howy ou
tur
nedmei nt
oyoursexslavewheny ourmom
died.Tel
lthem t
hem daddydear
est
!"weal
l
l
ookedathi minshock,Icoul
dn'
tev
enreadhi
s
face.
Mom:
"Youdi
dwhat
?!"

-
--
I
fyouwantt
osponsorabonusi
nser
tpl
ease
i
nboxme
I
nser
t32
Zi
zi
pho

Theroom wassosi
lent
,thetensi
onsot
hick
youcoul
dcutitwi
thaknife.
Theat
mospheremademeshi
vert
hisi
s
somet
hingsoemot
ional
.
Mpumi
isl
ooki
ngatusshei
snotbl
i
nki
ng.
Mydadi
sjustst
ari
ngwi
thoutanyemot
ionsf
or
asecondIthoughthewasundersome
hy
pnosis.
Theshockinmymot her
'sf
aceyouwouldswear
thatsomeonewassucki
ngoxygenoutofher
body.
Mysi
bli
ngswer
ejustasshockaswear
e.
Mom:"Iaskedyouaquesti
onKhaya"she
managedt osayyoucoul
dseehereyesshi
ning
wi
thtears.
Dadst
oodupandf
ixedhi
sshi
rthewasabout
towal
kedout
Mom:
"Khay
asaysomet
hing"hel
ookedatmom
Dad:
"Somet
hingl
i
kewhat
?"
Ent
le:
"Def
endy
our
sel
fdad!
"heshookhi
shead
Dad:"
Defendmy self
?Doesn'tthatmakesme
evenmor eguil
ty?Igotnot
hingtohidehereand
Iwon'tstandheredefendmy sel
fasifI
'm gui
l
ty.
I'
m goingforari
de"hesaidthatthenwalked
out
.
Mom sankonherchai
rtear
sfal
l
ingf
reel
y.
Me:"
Mom f
oll
owy ourhusband"t
heyal
ll
ooked
atmeasi
fIjustgr
ewapeni sonmyhead
Mpumi:
"Heisr
unningawayfrom thetr
uth"I
shookmyheadindisbel
i
efanddisgust
Me:"
Youdon'
tseewhat
'sr
eal
l
yhappeni
ng
her
e?"
Mnqo:
"Whatar
eyouonabout
?Whydi
dn'
the
def
endhi
mself
?"
Me:"Becauseoft hesamewayy ouar eacti
ng
r
ightnow.Youj ustlookedathi m asi fhewasa
monst erandy oual r
eadypi ckedasi debyj ust
t
hel ookony ourf aces.Injustaspl i
tsecond
mom y oubeliev edsomeonewhot ri
edt okill
youov ersomeonewhol elovedy ouef f
ort
lessly
.
I
tdidnotmat terwhatdadwoul dhav esai
dt o
you.AndMpumi i
sjustobsessedwi thherown
f
ather,sheissi ck.Myf atherisinnocentunt i
lhe
i
spr ovenguil
ty."Iknowsomewomenwoul d
probablysayI'
mt r
ashf ordefendi
nghi
m but
youareonlysay ingthatuntil
ithit
shome,unt
il
someaccusey ourfathersandbr ot
her
sthen
thatmakesy ouahy pocri
te.
Mpumi :
"YouthinkIwoul
dmakeupsomet hing
l
ikethi
sjustbecauseI
'm obsessedwit
hmy
fat
her.Thatmandidtheunthinkabl
eandy
ou
aredefendi
nghim"
Me: "
Iwoul dn'tputitpassy ou.Ifher eal
ly
sexual abusedy out henwhydi dn'
ty oureport
him.Whyhat ehi swi f
einsteadoft hemanwho
abusedy ou?Doesi tmakessenset oyouthat
yout ri
edt okillmom insteadofhim?Youar e
mani pulati
veNompumel el
o, y
out hink
everythingwi l
lgoy ourownwayev eryti
me.You
areanunst able,t
wistedpsy cho"shet ri
ed
slappingmebutLi ndiwest oppedherbyhol di
ng
herhand.
Mpumi
:
"Don'
ttouchme!
"shescr
eamed
Me:
"If
eelsor
ryfory
ouMpumi
"Iwal
kedout
l
eav
ingthem st
andi
ngt
her
e
Mom:"
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?Youar
emour
ning
Zi
pho"
Me:"Todosomet hingyouf ai
ledtodomot her
thatssupport
ingmyownf ather,
nowl etmego
supportdadandleav eyouwi thyour
stepdaughter
,whoknowsshemi ghttr
ytokil
l
youagain"Igotinsideoneoft hecarsand
droveoff.
Ical
l
edhim buthedi
dn'
tpi
ckup,Idrov
earound
aski
ngunti
lonegoodsamari
tanshowedme
whereshewas.
If
oundhim si
tt
ingnearari
verhequi
ckl
ywi
ped
hi
stear
swhenhenot icedme
Dad:"Whatar
ey oudoi
ngher
e?"hesaidwit
ha
huskyvoi
cethatseemedt
obebr eaki
ngdown.
Isatnextt
ohi
m hehadhi
sfeetonwat
er.
Me:
"I
'm sor
ry"heshookhi
shead
Dad:"
Ifai
ledZi
zipho,Ial
waysthoughtthatIwas
thebestdadinthewor l
dbutMpumi provedme
wrong.Igaveherallt
helovei
nthewor ld,It
ri
ed
tomakesur et
hatshedoesnotf eell
i
keshe
doesn'
thaveamom"heshookhi shead" Doy ou
knowwhatIdidf orheronmom'splayday sat
school
?"
Me:
"NOwhatdi
dyoudo?
"hechuckl
edt
hen
smi
l
ed
Dad:"Iwor
eadressandsomemakeup,people
thoughtIwashi
lar
iousbutIwasdoi
ngi
tallf
or
mybabygi r
l"
Me:"Wow"Isai
dsmil
i
ngandadmiri
ngtheman
nexttomeIwishhewasinmyli
fewhenIwas
growingupbutI
'
m gr
eat
fulhei
snow.
Dad:"
Idon'
tknowwhywoul dsheaccusedmeof
suchasini
sterthi
ng.Il
oveall
ofy ouandI
woulddoany t
hingtopr
otectyou.Ican'
thel
p
butwonderwher
edi
dIgowr
ongwi
thher
"
Me:"
Youdidn'
tgowr ong,y
oudidthebesty ou
coul
dforherdad.Wedon'twhysheturnedout
thewayshedidbutit'
snotyourf
aul
t.Please
don'
tbl
amey oursel
f"
Dad:"
Howisyourmom?"andheisworr
ied
aboutmom eveni
nthi
ssi
tuat
ion,
heissel
fless
andagoodhusband.
Me:
"Idon'
tknowbutl
et'
sfocusony
ou"
Dad:
"Noshei syourmom andshei sprobabl
y
worr
ied.Justsendherat extt
ell
i
ngherI '
mfi
ne
andyouarealsofine"Inoddedandtextedmom.
Me:"
I'
m sosorr
yaboutt
his,
Idon'
tknowwhat
hasgott
enint
oMpumi "
Dad:"
Idon'twanttogiv
euponher,
shei
smy
daughterbutIdon'
tknowwhatt
odoanymor
e"
Me:
"It
hinkMpumi
isobsessedwi
thy
ou"
Dad:
"What
?"hi
sey
espoppedoutIcan'
thel
pbut
not
icehowhi
sey
esl
ookl
i
kemi
ne
Me:"Thi
nkaboutit.Mpumi changedaftery
ou
tookawi f
e,shecouldn'
tacceptherasamot her
shewentasf arastryi
ngtoki llher
.Shecouldn'
t
standseeingyouloveher.I'm nota
psychol
ogistbutMpumi isn'tokaydad.Noone
i
nt hei
rri
ghtmindwoul ddoal lthethi
ngsshe
did"heroughl
ybrushedhi sface
Dad:
"Canadi
sor
derbei
nher
it
?"
Me:
"Yes,
why
?"heshookhi
shead
Dad:
"Let
'sgohome"Iknowheishidi
ng
somethi
ngfrom mebutIwon'
tfor
ceanyt
hing
onhi
m.
Hest
oodupandputonhi
sshoet
henhel
ped
mestandup.
Wegoti
ndi
ff
erentcar
shewasf
oll
owi
ngme.
Wegothomemom st
oodupassoonasshe
sawuswal
ki
ngi
n.
Mom:"
I'
m sosor
ry"shesai
dhuggi
ngdadI
smi
led
Dad:
"I
t'
sokay
,wher
eisshe?
"
Ent
le:
"Sheisi
nherr
oom"henodsandset
tl
ed
onthecouch.
Dad:"
Entl
eyouareapsy chologi
str
ight
?"she
nodslooki
ngathim confused"I
syoursist
er
stabl
einthehead?
"
Entl
e:"
Iwoul
dn'
tknowIneedt
olooki
ntoher
casetoknowthatdad"
Dad:"Ent
lejustalookathercant
ell
youa
thousandthings"
Entl
e:"
NO!Mpumi i
sev i
lthat'
sal
lIcoul
dsay
shemi ghtbesickbutnot her
apywouldcl
eanse
herdarkheartdad"henods
Dad:
"I
thurt
stodot hi
sbutifIhav
et ogether
i
ntoaloonbinsobeitcauseIdon'tbel
iev
eshe
i
sevil
sheissickandsheneedshel p"
Mnqo:
"i
fyoubel
i
evet
hat
'sgoi
ngt
ohel
pthendo
i
t"

Lut
hando

Idon'
tknowwhybutt
heJohnson'
shascal
l
eda
meeti
ngwithmyfami
ly.
Ij
usthadafeel
i
ngthatwhatev
eri
tist
hatt
hey
cal
ledusher
eforIwon'
tl
ikeit
.
Wewer
eal
lset
tl
edi
nthei
rhouse.
MrJ:
"Wearegladt
hatyoucameaf tersucha
shor
tnot
ice"myparent
sjustnodded
MrsJ:"
Youareal
lwonderingwhyy ouar ehere.
Asweal l
knowthatmydaught erdiedwhilesti
ll
marri
edtoyourson,hehast omarryhersister
ashiscul
tur
erequir
es"Iburstoutoflaughter
Mbuso:
"Yi
Fil
m"hesai
djoi
ningme
Me:"I
'
m sor
rybutt
hatwassof
unny,
youshoul
d
tr
ycomedy"Isai
dwipi
ngmytear
sandtr
yingt
o
breat
h.
Mom: "WhatMrsJohnsoni
str
uebutyour
daughterwasn'
troy
alt
yandwenolonger
pract
icesuchcul
turei
nthi
ski
ngdom"
MrJ:
"Mydaught
erdiedbecauseofy
ourson
t
hat'
sthel
easthecoulddo"
Me:
"Ar
eyousel
l
ingy
ourdaught
ert
ous?
"
Mr
sJ:
"Nowear
eno-
"Icutherof
f
Me:"Youar ejustl
eaches.Youj ustburi
edy our
daughterfewday sagoandy ouar eal
ready
tr
yingtoreplaceher.I'
m notev engoingto
entert
ainthis.Meli
ssaisn'
tev endecomposed
yetyouar eheresuchnonsense.Iwasdi vorci
ng
herIowey ouguysnothing.Ican'tbel
ieveyou
j
ustwast edourt i
mef orsuch"
Dad:"
Youwat
chalotofmov
ies.Wewi
l
lleav
e
you"wewal
kedout
Mom:
"Thatwasent
ert
aini
ng"
Mbuso:
"Tel
lmeaboutit
,yousur
eknowhowt
o
choset
hem i
nlawsbro"hesai
dlaughi
ng
Me:
"Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hem r
ightnow"
Wedr
oveof
findi
sbel
i
ef.

-
--
--
--
--
--
--
--
I
'
m backandt
hanky
ouf
oral
lthesuppor
t.
I
fyouwantt
osponsorani
nser
tpl
ease
messageme
I
nser
t33
Zi
zi
pho

ThisMpumi dr
amaorwhat ev
eriti
swas
drai
ning,
sherefusedgett
inghel
panddeci
ded
togobacktoliv
ewi thTshepo.
I
t'
sbeenamont
hsi
nceshel
eftandt
odaymy
f
amil
yisper
for
mingacl
eansi
ngcer
emonyf
or
me.
Ihavet
osaythatlosi
ngal ovedonei
sthe
worsepai
nful
thi
ngev er
,thatpai
nisforev
eryou
don'
theal
youjusthavetoacceptevery
thing.
Andluckyf
ormeIhavemyfamilyandfr
iends
thathav
ebeensuppor
ti
vet
hroughital
l
.
Lut
handohasbeenmaki
ngsur
ethathehol
ds
myhandthroughi
tal
l
.
Thecer
emonyi
spackedmor
ethant
hef
uner
al.
Iwascalledtother
ondavel
aftert
akingabat
h,
theyhadtoapplymywholebodywi t
h
i
ny ongo(
bil
e)andIhadtodri
nkonetoo
I
twasn'
tagr
eatex
per
iencebuti
thadt
obe
done
Aftert
hatIwasal
lowedtogositwithmy
fr
iends,t
heywer
edrinki
ngalcohol
Iwas
al
lowedtodri
nkbutIdecidednott
odrink.
SomeandKuhlewatchedUnat
hi,
Lindi
we,
Ent
le
andKopanodr
inki
ng.
Unat
hi:
"Af
terallthiswedeserv
esomev acat
ion"
shesai
dafterbur pi
ngIcoul
dtell
thatt
he
al
coholwasalreadykicki
ngin.
Kopano:
"Wel
lthat
'snoti
nmybudget
"
Me:"
That'
smakesthetwoofus"Entl
elaughedI
r
eall
ycan'
tgetusedt
ohowshel ooksli
keme
i
t'
screepy
Entl
e:"Saysaprincessf
rom oneoft
her
ichest
famil
ies"Ichuckled
Me:"
Wel
lthatst
il
ldoesn'
tchangeat
hing,
Ist
il
l
hav
esomucht odo"
Kuhl
e:"
Justl
osenupZee"meandKopanobur
st
outofl
aught
er
Kopano:"
Lookwhoist
alki
ng?A25y
earol
d
vi
rgi
n,howaboutyoul
osenupmzal
wane"I
coul
dn'thel
pbutl
augh
Li
ndi
we:
"Shei
sawhat
?"
Me: "
Sheisavir
gin,shedoesn'
tdri
nkalcohol
.
That'sagoodthi
ngatl eastwewil
lhaveacare
takerdur
ingourcrazydrunknight
s"Kuhle
frowned
Kuhl
e:"
Whosai
dIwi
l
lbegoi
ngwi
thy
out
othe
cl
ubs"
Unathi
:
"LosenupKuhleyouwon' tbeget t
ing
dr
unk,youwi l
lbeourdr
iverandlookaf t
erus"
wealll
aughedatKuhle'
sf aci
alexpressi
onit
wasjustgreattoseet
hegi r
lsgett
ingalongso
well
.
Mpumi
wal
kedt
owar
dsuswi
thTshepo
Entl
e:"GodIhatet
heset
wo"shesai
dbef
ore
theyreachedus.
Mpumi
:
"Gi
rl
s"shesai
dassoonast
heygott
o
us.
Weal
lgr
eet
edher
,Tshepo'
sey
eswer
est
il
lon
me.
Kopano:
"Canwehel
pyou?
"shechuckl
ed
Mpumi:
"Inot
icedt
hati
t'
sagi
rl
'
spar
tysocanI
j
oin"
Entl
e:"
Ofcour
sebutwhatabouthi
misheagi
rl
too?
"Tshepoclear
edhert
hroat
Tshepo:
"Canwet
alk?
"Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
ows
Me:"
Areyoutal
ki
ngtome? "henodsIlookedat
Mpumi whowasn'
tpay
ingmuchat tent
ionto
hi
m shewasactual
l
yfi
ll
ingherglass.
Me:
"I
'm busyTshepo"
Tshepo:
"I
twil
l beshor
tIpr
omise"Idi
dn'
twant
total
ktohim butIwasal
socuri
ousaboutwhat
hewasgoingt osay.
Me:
"Fi
ne"
Unathi
:
"Ifhet
ri
esany
thi
ngstupi
dwear
e
watchi
ng"Ist
oodupandfol
l
owedhim.
Wewereabitf
arawayfr
om t
hegi
rl
sbutt
hey
coul
dst
il
lseewhat
'sgoi
ngon.
Me:
"Whatdoy
ouwantt
otal
kabout
?"
Tshepo:
"Youar
ebeaut
if
ul"Iwant
edt
olaugh
butIdi
dn't
Me:
"Tel
lmesomet
hingIdon'
tknowal
ready
"
Tshepo:"
Zizi
phoIwantt
oapol
ogi
zef
orwhatI
di
dt oyou"Ichuckl
ed
Me:
"Idon'
tneedy
ourapol
ogyTshepo
Mokoena"
Tshepo:
"IknowbutIj
ustwanty
outoknowt
hat
I
'mreall
ysorry
"Idon'
tbel
i
evehim
Me:
"OkaynowIknowcanIgo?
"
Tshepo:
"Themanyouarewi
thheisnotwho
youthi
nkheis.Hei
sdanger
ous"Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
"Ohr
eal
l
y?"
Tshepo:
"YesIknowy
ouwon'
tbel
i
evemebuthe
t
ri
edki
l
li
ngme"
Me:
"Whywoul
dhedot
hat
?"
Tshepo:
"Maybeit
'sbecausehecoul
dst
il
lsee
thaty
ousti
ll
loveme"
Me:"
Wellyouarehi l
ari
ousrightnowTshepo, I
l
ovehim notyou.Idon'teventhinkIeverloved
youtobeginwith.AndifLuthandot r
iedkil
li
ng
youwelli
tsbecausey oupokedasnakei nit
s
hol
ethenitbit
ey ou.Iwouldappr eci
atei
tifyou
l
eavemeal oneTshepo.Youmadey ourown
bednowlieonit"
Tshepo:
"Al
lIneedi
sasecondchanceZi
zi
pho"
Me:"Idon'
tknowwhi chworl
ddoy oul
iv
einbut
youneedtosnapoutofi tr
eall
ysoon.I
'
ma
pri
ncessIcan'tbewithsomecommoner .
Luthandoismychosenhusband.Iwonderwhat
wouldMpumi sayt
ohearyousaysuch"
Tshepo:
"Idon'
tl
oveherIonl
ylov
eyou"
"Andshel
ovesmenotyou"sai
dhi
svoi
ce
behi
ndIsmil
edandt
urned.
Tshepo:
"St
ayoutoft
his,
Zizi
phoi
smywi
fe!
"
Me:
"Wasy
ourwi
fe"heshookhi
shead
Luu:
"Okaythati
senough,
Iwanty
out
ost
ay
awayfrom mywife"
Tshepo:
"Orwhat
?"Lut
handoj
ustchuckl
ed
Luu:
"iguesswewil
lfoundout
,wannago?
"he
sai
dlookingatmeInod.
Het
ookmyhandandwewal
kedawayt
ohi
scar
Me:"
I'
m sor
ryIknowIshoul
dn'
thavet
alkedt
o
hi
m"hesmi l
edandshookhishead
Luu:
"Don'tdothatpleaseifanyt
hingtal
ki
ngto
hi
m will
gi v
ey outheclosureyoudeserv
e"I
l
ookedathi m
Me:
"I
sitt
rueyout
ri
edt
oki
l
lhi
m"hel
ookedat
meforawhil
e
Luu:"
IfIwant
edtoki
ll
him hewoul
dbedead
sthandwasam"Isi
gh
Me:
"Idon'
tl
iket
hei
deaofy
ouki
l
li
ngsomeone"
Luu:
"Let
'sf
orgett
hat
,howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"
Me:"Feeli
ngokaybutIst
il
lhav
eawelcoming
ceremonyi nf
ewweeksandIhaveanint
ervi
ew
i
nt hreedaystocome.SoIhaveal
otinmy
plateri
ghtnow"
Luu:"Knowi
ngyou, youwi l
lbeabl
etopullthese
off
.Youhav eli
kefiv egirlstohel
pwit
hy our
ceremonyandst uffsoy ouhavenot
hingto
wor r
yabout"hewasr ightIknowthegir
lswill
hel
pmewi t
hev ery
t hingIneed.
Me:
"Andthankf orpul
l
ingsomest
ri
ngsf
orme
wi
ththi
sinter
view"
Luu:
"It
oldy
ouI
'
m her
efory
ou"
Me:
"That
swhyIloveyou"hesmil
edt
ryi
ngso
muchtohidet
hathewasblushi
ng
Luu:
"Il
oveyou,nowgobackt
othegi
rl
sIwil
l
seeyou"Inodandhepul
ledmecl
osetohi
m by
mywaist.
Ourl
i
pscol
l
ided,
hisot
herhandf
oundi
tswayt
o
myti
gh.
Itmovedupanddown,unt
ili
treachedmy
coochi
eIhol
dmybr eat
hforasecond.
Hesl
owlymovedhi
shandtomyunder
wear
t
hensl
owlymadeit
swaytomycli
tandrubbed
i
tupanddown.
Iclut
chedonhisar
m asmymuscleswer
e
start
ingt
otenseuponhi
stouch.
Someoneknockedonhi
swi
ndowIj
umped.
Luu:"
WTF??"hesai
dinfrustr
ation"
Don'twor
ry
thesewi
ndowsaretai
nted"Isighinrel
i
efthi
s
wasgoingtobeembarrassed.
Her
oll
edhi
swindowdownaf
terwemanaged
t
ocomposeour
selv
es.
Luu:
"Whatdoy
ouwantUnat
hi?
"
Unathi
:
"DidIcockblockorsomethi
ng?The
el
dersarelooki
ngforyouZizi
phowehaveto
ser
vepeople"
Me:"
OhmygoshIfor
gotaboutthat
.Iwil
lsee
youl
ater
"Isai
dki
ssi
nghi
slipthengotoutof
t
hecar.
Unat
hi:
"Ican'
tbel
i
eveyouwereaboutt
ohav e
sexi
nthecar"shewasali
tt
lebi
tloudbecause
shewast i
psy
Me:"
Canyoublameme?Shhwear e
appr
oachi
ngthehouse"shenodsl
aughi
ngwe
goti
nsi
dethehouse.
Weprepar
edthef
oodforev
ery
onewi
tht
hehel
p
ofsomevi
ll
agegi
rl
s.
Themi
nut
ewewer
edonemyf
eetwer
ehur
ti
ng.
Kuhl
e:"
Inev
erserv
edsomanypeopleinmyl
i
fe"
shesai
dthrowi
ngher
sel
finacouch.
Mom wal
kedi
nfol
l
owedbyLut
hando'
smot
her
.
Mom: "Youguyswillbeusingtheguesthouse,
youralcohol
isstoredthere.Idon'twantyou
anywherenearthoseboy s"shesai dpoi
nti
ngat
Luthando,Mbuso,myt winandt heirf
ri
endswho
weresitti
ngbythehuntdr i
nkingalcohol
Li
ndi
we:
"Ev
enus?
"shesai
dpoi
nti
ngatherand
me
Queen:
"Yesev
eny
out
wo"
Lindiwe:
"That
'snotfai
rIpromisedMbusosome
tonight
"Ichokedthegir
lisdrunk.
Mom:"
Well
heisnotget
ti
ngany
thi
ng,wewillbe
wat
chi
ng"t
heywalkedl
eavi
ngt
hegir
lsexci
ted
Me:
"Whyar
eyouexci
ted?
"theyl
ookedatme
Unat
hi:
"Gi
rlt
hatwasagoaheadt
odo
somethi
ngwitht
hoseboy
s"
Me:
"Youguy
sar
ecr
azy
"theyl
aughed.
Wemov
edt
otheguesthouseandset
tl
edt
her
e.
Me:"
Entl
eyouneedt
oslowdown"shewas
goi
ngtoohardonal
cohol
i
c.
Theykeptdr
inki
ngunti
lIwasf
eel
i
ngasl
eepI
deci
dedtogot obed.

Thef
oll
owi
ngmor
ning.
IwokeupandthehousewasamessIdecided
tocl
eanthenIwi
ll
checkonthegi
rl
slat
eron.
ItookthedustbinoutandIsawKopanocoming
outofthehousewher etheboyswer
esleepi
ng
atthenmybr otherf
oll
owedher.
Hepi
nnedheragai
nstt
hewal
landt
heyki
ssed.
Ij
ustwal
kedi
nsi
deaf
ewmi
nut
esl
aterKopano
goti
n.
Shestart
ledwhenshesawme,
wel
ookedat
eachother.
Kopano:
"Asknoquest
ionhearnol
i
es"Ishook
myheadassheranaway .
IhopeIwon'tbecaughtbet
weenthecrossf
ir
es
wit
hthiscauseI'
mv er
ysureitwon'
ttur
nout
good.
Ideci
dedtogocl
eanint
hebathr
oom whenI
foundEnt
levomi
ti
ng,
shefl
ushedthet
oil
et.
Me:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"shel
ookedatmet
hennod
Entl
e:"
Alcohol
doest
hist
ome"shesai
dwi
ping
hermout h
Me:
"Ar
eyousur
e?"
Entl
e:"
Isai
dI '
mfi
ne"shesnappedIj
ustl
ooked
ather"I
'm sosor
ry"shesai
dwitht
ear
s
str
eamingdownherf ace
Me:
"Heywhat
'
swr
ong?
"
Ent
le:
"I
'm pr
egnantZi
zipho"shesai
dcr
ying
moreandsitt
ingonthetoil
et
Me:
"What
?"
Ent
le:
"Mypar
ent
swi
l
lki
l
lme"
Me:
"Ent
le"Isai
dtaki
ngheri
ntoahug.
I
nser
t34
Zi
zi
pho

Idon'
tknowwhatsgoi
ngtohappentoEnt
le
becausemom anddadwon'
tli
kethi
satal
l.
Shehasbeencr
yinginmyarmsIdon'
tev
en
knowhowtocomf or
theratt
hismoment
.
Unathi
:
"Isev
ery
thingokay
?"shesai dst
andi
ng
bythedoorl
ookingatusIjustshookmyhead.
Me:"
Pleasegi
veusamoment
"shenodsand
cl
osedthedoor.
Ent
lef
inal
l
ywasabl
etocal
m downIgav
eher
wat
er.
Me:
"Feel
i
ngbet
ter
?"shesl
owl
ynods
Ent
le:
"Idon'
tknowwhatI'
m goi
ngt
otell
mom
anddad,I'
m soscar
ed"y
oucouldt
ell
inher
bodyl
anguageshewasf
reaki
ngout
.
Me:"
Youwillt
ellt
hem whenyouareready
,I
knowtheywil
lbeangrybuti
twil
lpass.Wewil
l
fi
gur
ethisouttoget
her
"
Ent
le:
"Thanky
ouf
orbei
ngher
e"Iwi
pedher
e
Me:
"Sist
ersar
efort
hat
,nowlet'
swashyour
f
ace"shenodsandwashedherface.
Wej
oinedot
herswhoweredr
inki
ngahangov
er
r
emedy,t
heyl
ookedl
ikeamess.
Unat
hi:
"Youguy
sar
eokay
?"
Me:"Yeswear efi
ne"shenodsIlikehowthese
gir
lsaretheydon'
tforceyoutotalki
fyoucry
theycrywithyouunti
lyouarereadytotel
lthem
what'sgoingon.
Me:
"SoKuhl
edidyourf
ri
endtellwhatshedi
d?"
t
heyal
ll
ookedatKopanoforanswered
Kopano:
"Don'
tl
ookatmel
i
ket
hat
"
Me:
"Shesl
eptwi
thmybr
othersomuchf
or
bei
ngalesbi
an"Kuhl
edramati
cal
lycl
appedher
handswhi
leother
sgaspedonshock.
Kuhl
e:"
Itol
dyout
hisonei
sst
rai
ght
"ev
ery
one
l
aughed
Kopano:
"Ther
eissomet
hingcal
l
edbi
sexual
"
Me:
"Wel
lkeepl
yi
ngt
oyour
sel
f"
Istar
tedpr
epari
ngbr
eakfastf
ort
hem whi
l
e
theywentt
ocleant
herooms.
Me:"
Entl
e"shewassi
tt
ingr
ightopposi
teme
qui
etl
y
Ent
le:
"Mmmh"Isi
gh
Me:"
Don'tovert
hinkandyouknowstressi
ngi
s
notgoodforyou"shesi
ghandlookedatme
Ent
le:
"Iwasj
ustthi
nkingabouthowrecklessit
wasofmet odr
inkthatmuchlastni
ght,Iwill
hav
etoseeadoct orsoon"
Me:
"Icangowi
thy
oui
fyouwant
"shenods
Ent
le:
"Ir
eal
l
yappr
eci
atet
hat
"
Me:"
Let
'sgety
ouf
edt
henwhatdoy
ouf
eel
li
ke
hav
ing?
"
Ent
le:"
Anythi
ngwi
thouteggs"shesai
dsmi
l
ingI
j
ustlaughed
Me:
"Idon'
tunder
standhowy
ouar
eexact
lyl
i
ke
me"
Ent
le:
"Wear
ejustl
i
keourmom t
rustme"we
l
aughed.
Afterhavi
ngbreakf
astt
hegi
rlswentt
ocl
eant
o
themai nhousewhil
eIj
ustr
elax.
Thedooropenedi
twasLut
handosneaki
ngi
n.
Me:"
Youknowy
ouar
enotsupposet
obeher
e"
hesmir
ked
Luu:
"Il
ovebreaki
ngther
ules"hesai
dsi
tt
ingon
theopposi
tecouch.
Me:"
Isee"heexaminedmywholebodyIwas
weari
ngaseethroughni
ghtdr
essitwasver
y
shor
t
Isl
owl
ypartmythi
ghsexposi
ngmysel
ftohi
m
heswal
lowed,
myhandwer ebot
hinmythi
ghs.
Luu:"
Don'
tstop"hesai
dwhi
l
eunbut
toni
nghi
s
col
larbut
ton.
Itookoffmythongwehav en'tbr
eaktheeye
contact
,It
hrewitathi
m het ookandsnif
fedi
t
whilecl
osi
nghiseyesIbecamer edinan
i
nstant.
HeopenedhiseyesIwassti
l
llooki
ngathi
m
andIwasstart
ingt
othi
nkthatthi
swasa
star
ingcont
est
.
Iopenedmylegsev
enf ur
therf
orhim,Ipl
aced
eachlegont
hearmrestofthecouchwhil
eI
l
eanedback.
Luu:
"Touchy our
sel
f"hesai
dst
ari
ngatmy
coochi
eintensel
y.
Isl
owl
ybr
ushedmyf
ingeragai
nstmycl
i
tand
myot
herhandwentt
osqueezemyboobs
Luu:
"Fuck!
!"hegr
oanedasIgodeepinsi
de
myselfwit
hmyf i
nger
sandsqueezi
ngmy
boobs.
Mymoansdr ovehi
m cr
azy,hekneeledi
nfr
ont
ofmeandt ookmyfi
ngersthatwereinmy
coochi
eint
ohismouththenlickt
hem.
Idon'
tknowifI
'm apsy
chopat
hforf
indi
ngwhat
hejustdi
dsexyandsuchatur
non.
Hepull
edtoanedgeofthecoucht
henIfelthi
s
f
ingerbr
ushi
ngcl
itwhi
lekissi
ngmyinner
t
highs.
Ifel
thisl
ipsincont
actwit
hmyf
oldsandhi
s
tonguegoingthr
oughthem.
Hist
ongueswir
linmycl
i
twhi
l
eheeat
smel
i
ke
Iwashi
slastmeal.
Me:"Mbasa!
"Imoanedinpleasurewhile
pushinghi
sheadfur
therdeepinside.
Mymuscl esstar
tedtot
enseupwhenhi s
fi
ngersfi
ndsitswaytomyholeswhi l
ehis
tonguewerefocusedonmyclitIdon'
tknow
howhei smulti
-t
aski
ngbuti
tisdrivi
ngmet o
theedge.
I
tfel
tli
keall
mybodyner
veshadcongr
egat
ed
i
nmycl i
t.
Icoul
dfeel
mytoescur
li
ngIcoul
dexpl
oreat
anymoment.
Me:"MbasaI'
m"wi t
houtevenfi
nishi
ngwhatI
wasabouttosayIexplodedalloverhi
sface,
thepeethatf
eltli
keali
quidhadmadei tsway
outofmybodyl i
keawat er
fal
landIwas
shaki
nguncontrol
labl
e.
Hebroughthi sfaceuphiswasshini
ngandhe
wascov erinli
quidal
loverhi
sfaceevenhi
s
bear
d,thejuiceIwasreleasi
nghaven'
tst
opped
i
twasst il
lpouri
ngoutofme.
Hel
ookedatmet
hensmi
rkedGodIwasso
embar
rassed.
Luu:"
Ili
kethi
ssi
deofyou"IturnedredIdon'
t
evenknowhowt or
espondtot hat"
Iwil
ltake
careofthi
swherei
sthebathroom"
Me:"
Wear
edone"t
hatsmi
rkedcameback
agai
n
Luu:
"Wewil
lfi
nisht
hisinmyhousenother
e",
hewalkedt
othebathroom
Me:
"Ar
ggIhat
ehi
m"Imumbl
ed
Luu:
"Ihear
dthatIloveyoutoobabe"Isi
ghIsti
l
l
can'
tbeli
evewhatjusthappened,
didhejust
madesquirtj
ustl
ikethat?
Tshepocoul
dn'
tev
enmakemesqui
rtwi
thhi
s
di
ck.
Ineedt
ocl
eant
hemessIj
ustmade.
Heappearedfrom t
hebathroom Il
ookedathi
s
di
ckpri
ntthatwasshowingperfect
lyi
twastoo
hugeIcouldfeel
mycli
tv i
brati
ngIswall
owed
whi
l
epr
essi
ngmyt
highst
oget
her
.
Luu:
"Iwi
l
lkeept
his"
hesai
dput
ti
ngmyt
hongi
n
hi
spocket
Me:"why"hewalkedcl
osetomeandIwasst
il
l
si
tt
inginthesameposit
ion.
Luu:
"Il
ovey
ou"hesai
dthatt
hengav
emea
l
ongkiss
Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"hewi
nkedatmet
henwal
kedout
.
Ist
oodupthel
iqui
dgushedoutofmycoochi
e
anddr
ippi
ngdownmylegs.
Me:"Whatt
heactualfuck?
"Isai
dquickl
y
walki
ngtothebathr
oom Ican'
tbel
i
ev ehedi
d
t
histome.

Ent
le
I
twasint heaf
ter
noonwhenmeandZizi
pho
drovet
othedoctorI
'm gl
adt
hatshei
sact
ual
ly
doingt
hisforme.
Wewer esi
tt
inginthewait
ingroom,wait
ingfor
ourturntobecalledIwastappingmyfeetand
Zizi
phowashol dingmyhanditwasalitt
lebit
calming.
Nur
se:"
Entl
eDlami
ni!
"mynamewascal
l
edout
westoodupandwentinsi
de
Thedoct
orwasaf
emal
ethatcal
m medowna
l
it
tl
ebit
Iwasinst
ruct
edt
ogetont
opoft
hebedf
oran
ul
tr
asound.
Sheappl
i
edacol
dgel
onme.
Dr:
"Youaresevenweekspregnantt
her
e'smuch
toseebuthereist
heheart
beat"
Me:
"Wher
e?"
Dr:
"Ri
ghtt
here"shesai
dpoint
ingatt
hescr
een
i
twasjustasmalldotbl
imp.
Thesoundbecamemor el
oudwhenshewas
movi
ngt hemoni
torar
ound.
Zi
zi
pho:
"That
'sonel
oudhear
tbeat
"shesai
d
smil
i
ng.
Me:
"Yeah,
isev
ery
thi
ngokaywi
tht
hebaby
"
Dr:
"Youhav ealcoholi
ny oursystem, t
hereare
l
otofconsequencesf orsuchy oucoul dhave
miscarr
ied"Ifeltmyheartsinktomyst omach"I
wil
lgiv
ey ousomedi cati
onandpl easestay
awayfrom alcoholbecausey ourbabycouldbe
br
aindamage"Iqui cklynod.
Iwasgi
vensomemedicat
ionandt hel
istoft
he
thi
ngst
oeatsi
nceIdr
unky est
erday.
Ipr
ayt
hisdoesnotaf
fectmybabyi
nanyway
.
Weboughtthet
hingst
henZi
zi
phodr
ove
st
rai
ghthome
Ihadtomeetupwi t
htheguywhoi
s
responsi
blef
ort
hispregnancy
.
Idon'
tknowhowhei
sgoingtotakethesenews
Iknowforhi
mthi
swasabouthavingfun.
Hedoesn'
tl
ovemeI
'
mjustoneofhi
sgi
rl
s.
WhenIgott
other
est
aur
anthewasal
ready
t
here.
Ipul
ledthechai
rtosi
tdownandhel
ooked
goodli
kealways
Me:
"HeyLor
enzo"hel
ookedatme
Lor
e:"
Ent
le,
howar
eyou?
"Isi
ght
Me:
"I
'm pregnantt
hat
'showIam"hel
ookedat
methenlaughed.
Lor
e:"
Stopshi
tti
ngmeEnt
le"It
ookoutt
he
pi
ctur
esfrom t
hescan
Me:"
Her eI
'
m pregnantLorenzo"heshookhi
s
headlooki
ngatthepict
ures
Lore:
"Idon'
twantt
hisbaby
,thiswassupposed
tobef unnotsomebabymakingsessi
ons"
Me:"Andyouthi
nkIwantedt
obepr egnant?No
I
'm notecst
ati
caboutt
hispr
egnancyeither"
Lor
e:"
Thent
ermi
nat
eit
"Il
ookedathi
min
di
sbel
ief
Me:
"Got
ohel
lLorenzo"Isai
dtaki
ngmybagthe
t
ear
swerebl
i
ndingmyv isi
onasIwal
kedout
.
IgotanUberonmywayhomeIcoul
dn'
tst
op
cry
ing.
Idon'tknowwhat '
sworsethatIhavetot
ell
my
parentsthatI
'
m pregnantorthefactt
hat
Lorenzodoesn'twanttobepartofthi
sbaby'
s
l
ife.
I
nser
t35
Ent
le

Idon'
tknowwhyam Icr yingri
ghtnowIshoul
d
haveknownbettert
hataguyl i
keLorenzowho
i
snotintorel
ati
onshipwouldn'
twantachil
dbut
IguessIhadexpectati
ons.
AsmuchasIl
ovehi
m butIwon'
tl
ethi
m dot
hat
t
ome.
WhenIgothomeIdidnotwantmyparentsto
seemecryingl
iket
hissoIusedt
hebackdoor
i
ntothehouse.
It
ookmycl
othesof
fandt
ookal
ongbat
h.
Myt
earskeptfl
owingasIimagi
nethelookin
mymother
'seyeswhenItel
lherI
'm pr
egnant,
t
hedi
sappoint
mentandhurtinmyfather
'sf
ace.
Ist
ayedi
nthebat
htubunt
ilt
hewat
erwascol
d.
Iputonmypyj
amasandtookthescansoft
his
babyinsi
demefr
om ahandbag.
Il
ookatmystomachandlookedatthepi
ctur
es
Ican'
tbel
i
evether
e'sahumaninsi
demeright
now.
Ishouldbehappylikemostwomenbewhen
theyfoundoutthattheyarepregnantbutI'
m
nothappyIjustcan'tbehappyconsideri
ngmy
sit
uati
onIjustcan'
tbeatal l
.
Aknockcamethr
oughIqui
ckl
yhidet
he
pi
ctur
esundermypi
ll
owthenwipedmyt
ear
s
andsatdown.
Me:
"Comei
n"thedooropensmysi
sterwal
ksi
n
wi
thatr
ayonherhand
Zi
pho:
"Youwerecry
ingandt
hatmeanst
hings
di
dn'
tgowell
"Ishookmyhead
Me:"
HesaidImustter
minat
ethepr
egnancy
"
sheputt
hetraydown.
Zipho:
"Youar
enotthi
nki
ngaboutdoi
ngi
tar
e
you?"Iqui
ckl
yshookmyhead
Me:"
Ofcoursenot,Imaynotbeecstati
cabout
t
hispregnancybutIj
ustcan'
taborti
teit
her
t
hat'
sagainstmymor al
sandbelief
s"shenods
Zipho:"
It
'sokayIunder
stand.Iknowy oulov
e
thisguybutyouhavetoputy oursel
ffi
rst
"
Me:"
Iunder
standthatmeandhim ar
enoti
nthe
sameboatbutthi
sishischi
l
d,howcoul
dhetel
l
met
oki
l
lhi
sownchi
l
d?"
Zipho:
"Becausethat'
sjustwhohei s.Youcan't
forcehimtobeint hi
sbaby 'sl
if
eifhedoesn't
wanttobe.Don'tbeaty oursel
fupforabastard
l
ikehim heisnotwor t
hi t
"Inodandwi pedmy
tears.
Me:"
Thankyouforbei
nghere.Idon'
tknowwhat
coul
dhavehappenedify
ouwer enot"she
smil
edandpull
edmei nforahug
Zi
pho:"I
'
m her
eli
lsi
s.Nowl
et'
sfeedy
out
his
fr
uitsal
ad"
Me:"
I'
m notr
eal
lyhungr
y"sher
aisedher
ey
ebrow"okayIwil
leat
"
Zipho:
"Youhavetotel
lmom anddad,nott
hat
I
'm put
tingyouunderpressur
ebutt
hesooner
thebetter
"Isi
gh
Myphonestar
tsri
ngi
ngi
twasLor
enzoI
cancel
edt
hecall
.
Zi
pho:
"Andt
hen?
"
Me:"
Idon'
twanttotal
ktohim,heisnotwort
hit
angi
thi
"shel
aughedcausingmetosmi l
e"Il
ove
yousomuchsis"shestoppedl
aughi
ngand
l
ookedatme
Zi
pho:
"Il
oveyout
oobabysi
s"shesai
d
emoti
onal
lyt
henki
ssedmyfor
ehead.
Me:
"I
'm gl
ady
ouar
eher
e"
Zipho:
"Youwi
l
lmakemecr yEnt
le,
I'm gl
adyou
foundme.HowaboutIsl
eepheretoni
ght?"I
smiled
Me:
"Iwoul
dlov
ethat
"shenodsandgotup
Zi
pho:
"Letmegetmypj
'
sthen"Inodandshe
wal
kedout.
IhopeIwakeuptomor
rowwi
ththecourageof
faci
ngmyparent
sasmuchasI'
m scar
edbut
theydeser
vet
oknow.
Zi
zi
pho
LastnightIsl
epti
nEnt
le'
sroom wewat
ched
mov i
es.
I
twassadseeinghercryli
kethatanditi
s
of
fi
cial
l
ythatIdon'
tl
ikethejer
kthatgother
pr
egnant.
Shewassleepi
nginawei
rdposi
ti
onIwonderi
f
shewasn'
tinpai
n.
Iwokeupandwashedmyf acesoIcoul
dlookit
somequest
ionnai
resf
rom myint
ervi
ewthat'
s
i
ntwodaysfrom now.
Aknockcamet
hroughIi
nst
ruct
edt
heper
son
t
ocomei n.
Mom wal
kedandsi
ghedwhenshesawme.
Me:"
Heywhat
'
swr
ongmom?
"sheshookher
head
Mom:"
Youwer
enoti
nyourr
oom soIpani
cked"
Ismi
l
ed
Me:"
I'
mfi
neI'
m sor
ryIdi
dn'
ttel
lyouIwas
sl
eepi
ngher
e"
Mom: "
Don'tbesil
ly
,it
'sgoodtoseet he
rel
ati
onshi
py ouareformingwithy oursi
bli
ngs"
shesaidcuppingmyf acethenkissedmy
for
ehead"Whyar eyouawakesoear ly?
"
Me:"
Iwasjustl
ooki
ngatsomeofthese"Isai
d
poi
nti
ngatthescr
eenofmylapt
op
Mom: "
Well
babyasmuchasy ouhav etoget
ever
ythi
ngcor
rectbutdon'tf
orgett
oshowt he
real
youwhil
eanswering,don'
timpressthem
toomuch"Ismil
ed
Me:
"Thanky
ouf
ort
headv
ice"
Mom:"Youwi
l
lnai
li
t"herey
eslandedonEnt
le
shef
rowned"
what'
swrongwit
hher ?
"
Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Mom:"Ent
leonl
ysleepsi
nthatposi
ti
onwhen
shei
ssadorhurt"
Me:"Idon'
tknowthen"Il
iedbecauseIwant
Entl
et obetheonetel
li
ngthem what'
sgoi
ngon
notme.
Mom:
"Justsayy
ouwon'
ttel
lme"Ichuckl
ed
Me:
"Wel
l
...
"Ishr
uggedmyshoul
der
s
Mom:"
Gobackt
osl
eep"shesai
dthatt
hen
wal
kedout
Idi
dn'
tgobackt
osl
eepi
nst
eadIt
ookashower
.
Ent
lewokeupanhourlat
ersherantot
he
bat
hroom andt
hrewupIjustsi
gh.
Me:
"Dr
inkt
his"shet
ookt
hegl
assanddr
ank.
Ent
le:
"Thanky
ou"
Me:"
Let'
sgojoi
nt hefami
ly"shenodsandwe
wenttothedi
ningroom t
ojointhefami
ly
.
Dad:"
Myt wopr
incesses"hesai
dassoonaswe
appeared.
I
twasmom,
mybr
otherandMpumi
.
I
twasstr
anget
hatshehav
en'
tcausedany
t
roubl
e.
Us:
"Mor
ning"wesatdownandstart
eddi
ggi
ng
onourf
oodov eral
i
ghtconv
ersati
on.
Mom:"
Entl
eyouhav
ebeenquit
ethewholeti
me,
ar
eyouokay?
"shefakedasmi
leandnods
Ent
le:
"I
'mf
ine"Mpumi
chuckl
ed.
Mpumi
:
"Ar
eyousur
e?"shesai
dwi
thasmi
rked
Me:
"Ent
le"Isai
dlooki
ngather
Ent
le:
"Dad..
.Mom..Thereissomethi
ngIwant
tot
ellyou"t
heybothlookedatherwit
hcuri
osi
ty
andIsqueezedherhandunderthetabl
e.
Mom:
"What
'swr
ongEnt
le?
"herey
eswel
lup
wi
tht
ear
s
Ent
le:
"I
'm.
.I
..
.I
'
m..
."
shewasshi
ver
ing
Mpumi:"
Shei
spr
egnant
"shesai
dwi
thsomuch
pr
ide.
Them:"
What?
"theshocki
nthei
rface,
Ent
lej
ust
wheeped.
Mpumi:
"Yesyourmi
ghtypri
ncessi
spr
egnant
"I
shookmyheadindi
sbeli
ef
Me:"
What
'swr
ongwi
thy
ou?
"Iaskedl
ooki
ngat
her
.
Dad:
"Ent
le!I
sthi
str
ue?
"hewasf
umi
ng
Ent
le:
"I
twasanhonestmi
stake"
Dad:"
Ami st
ake!"hebangedthetablemakingus
j
ump" Yougotoutoft hi
shouse,wenttothat
boy'
shouseandundr essedeachother.You
openedyourlegswidelyf
orhimI'
m sureand
youtel
lusthatwasanhonestmi stake?!
"
Mom:"
Youarepregnant
?Doyouknowwhatyou
j
ustdi
dEnt
le?Thedisgr
acey
ouaregoi
ngto
be?
"
Ent
le:
"I
'm sosor
ry"
shewassobbi
ng
Dad:
"Youar
eapr
incess,
youshoul
dbean
exampletothegirl
sbutyouchosetobea
disappoi
ntment.Ineedt
ogetoutofher
ebefor
e
Ikil
lyouMbalentl
e"hewassti
l
lsit
ti
ngdown
Mom:
"whoi
she?
"
Ent
le:
"Lor
enzo"
Dad:
"Hedoesn'
thaveasurname?
!!
"Inev
ersee
hi
m soangryei
thert
hantheti
mehebeat
Mpumi
Ent
le:
"Radr
iguez"mom cl
appedherhandsonce
Mom:"
Hei swhi
tetoo!
"mydadj
ustst
oodup
andl
eftt
hetabl
einfur
y.
Me:
"Whatki
ndofper
sonar
eyouMpumi
?"
Mpumi:"
Don'
tyoudar
einv
olvemeinyour
pr
oblemsbecausemi
ssholi
ert
hanthoui
s
pr
egnanther
e"
Me:"
NOy ouaret
heonewhoi
sinvol
ving
your
sel
finourpr
obl
ems.Weareyoursi
ster
whydoesseei
ngusmiser
abl
egiv
esy ou
pl
easure.I'
m sur
eitgi
vesyoutheorgasm
Tshepodepriveyoufr
om r
eaching"shecl
icked
hertongue.
Mom:"
Stopi
tyoutwo.Wecan'
tdeal
wit
hEnt
le
andy
ouatthesametime"
Me: "I
'm sor rymom butmysi sterisnota
disgracet oany one.Yesshei swr ongfor
get t
ingpr egnant ,youexpect edal otfr
om heras
thepr incessbuti thappenedshei spregnant.I
knownopr i
ncewi l
lwantt omar ryherbutwho
cares.Awoman' ssuccessi snotmeasur edby
beingmar ried.Iknowshei swr ongandI 'm abit
disappoi ntedonherbutEnt l
ehasnochosen
princef orher ,
I'm certai
ny ouguy swer egoing
toar rangeapr incetomar r
yher ,shewasgoi ng
tobei nal ovelessmar r
iage.
Ifanyt
hingshedidherselfafavorbygett
ing
pregnantmaybeshewi llfoundsomeonewho
actual
lydeser
vesher,whowi l
ll
oveherandher
baby.I'
m notdi
srespect
ingy oumom andi t
's
wit
hinyourr
ight
stobemad, bedi
sappointedon
herbutdon'
tuse"bazot
hini
abantu"syndrome
pl
ease"
Mom:"
Ineedtogetoutofher
e"shest
oodup
andwal
kedoutonus.
Mpumi:"
Thatwasfun-i
shtowatch"shesai
d
wit
hasmi l
ethenwalkedoutIj
ustshookmy
head.
Mnqo:
"Di
dyouseeadoct
or?"t
hosear
ethef
ir
st
wor
dshesaidsi
ncet
hisi
ssue
Ent
le:
"Uh.
.Yes"henods
Mnqo:"
Congr
atsIguess"hesai
dthenwal
ked
outhewasal
sodisappoint
ed
Entl
e:"
Idisappoi
ntedever
yoneZizi
pho,di
dyou
seehowmypar entsl
ookedatmeandmy
brot
hertoo?"shesaidburyi
ngherheadonher
hands
Me:
"I
t'
sokay
"Isai
dbr
ushi
ngherback.
-
--
--
--
--
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ness.I
fyouwantt
osponsor
pl
easesendmeamessage
I
nser
t36-Sponsor
edbyNomondeMahl
angu

Ent
le
I
thasbeenexact
lyt
woday ssi
ncemypar
ent
s
f
oundoutaboutmypregnancy
.
Theybar
elyt
alkt
omebutIunder
standt
hem.
Ihavebeent
heper
fectdaught
ergr
owi
ngup
unli
keMpumi.
Ihavealwaysbeentheobedi
entone,t
he
expect
ationweresohighandIdi
sappoint
edbut
Zizi
phoissoamaz i
ngandsupporti
ve.
Iwasgoi
ngtot
heoffi
cet
odayIhadt
wocl
i
ent
s
ear
lyi
nthemor
ning.
Ical
l
edthefl
oristt
odel
iv
erfl
ower
stoZizi
pho
si
nceIwil
lbeleavi
ngear
lyf
orwor
ktoday.
Ij
ustwantt
owishhergoodl
uckshehasan
i
nter
viewar
ound10.
Lorenzohasbeenbl
owingmyphoneof
fthe
hookandIdecidedt
oignor
ehi
m.
I'
mj ustnotabouttoent
ertai
nhim af
terwhathe
saidandI'm sur
eheisjustchecki
ngifIwent
aheadandabor tedmybaby .
Ipackedmyst
uffandl
eftmyr
oom Ibumped
i
ntoMpumi
Ididn'
tsayany
thi
ngt
ohernotaf
terwhatshe
did.
Mpumi:
"Pr
egnancysui
tsy
ou"shesai
dwi
tha
smi
le
Me:"
Iknow"Isai
dgrabbi
nganappl
eand
exi
stedt
hekit
chen
"
Wher
edoy
out
hinky
ouar
egoi
ngwi
thout
eati
ngbr
eakf
astMbal
ent
le"If
rozei
twasmy
dad.
Me:"
I.
.Iwil
lgrabbr
eakf
astonmywayt owork"I
sai
dlookingdownIhaven'
tbeenabletol
ook
himintheeyesaft
erwhathappened.
Dad:"Ther
ei sfoodi
nthi
shouseEntle"Idi
dnot
wantt oarguewithhi
m anditmeantsomethi
ng
thathedidn'twantmetostarv
e
Me:"
Iwi
lleat
"Isatdownandoneofourmai
ds
di
shedupforme.
Hesatopposi
temeandweat
einsi
l
ence.
Dad:"
Howar ey
ouf eel
i
ng?
"Ichokedi
nmyfood
hequickl
ycamet omeandhel
pedmedri
nkmy
j
uice,hewasbrushi
ngmyback.
Idon'tknowwhyIf
eltemot
ional
l
ywhenhewas
doingthatt
ome.
Dad:
"Dr
inkmor
e"Idr
ankmor
eofmyj
uice
Me:
"Thanky
ou"Isai
daf
terIf
eltokayhewi
ped
mytear
sIdi
dn'
tev
enr
eal
i
zet
hatIwassl
owl
y
t
ear
ingup.
Dad:"Pri
ncesst hisishardforme, I'
m so
disappointediny ouEntle,
youshoul dhav e
knownbet ter
.Whathappenedt ousing
protect
ion? "Ij
ustlookeddownIdon' tknow
howt oanswert hat"ButIl
ovey ou,youaremy
chil
dandt hatbabyy ouarecarryi
ngismy
grandchild,Iwil
lhavet oacceptitbutgiveus
ti
me"Iqui ckl
ynod
Me:"
Iunderst
anddad,
thanky
ousomuch"Isai
d
qui
ckl
yattacki
nghi
m wit
hahug.
Dad:"
Ilov
eyousomuch"hesai
dki
ssi
ngmy
for
ehead
Me:
"Il
oveyoutoodad"Il
ethi
m goandf
ini
shed
upmybreakf
ast.
Il
eftf
orworkfeel
i
ngbetterandIwi
shmom wi
l
l
beonboar
dl i
kedadbutIknowshewil
lbet
hat
womanlovesherchi
l
dren.
Igott
omyof
fi
ceandset
tl
edonmyt
abl
e.
Ireadt
hecaseaboutt
henewcl
i
entt
hatwi
l
lbe
comingonMonday.
Thedoorbur
stopent
hel
astper
sonIwant
edt
o
seecamein.
"
Itr
iedstoppi
nghim mam"myassi
stantsai
d
f
oll
owingLorenzo.
Me:
"I
t'
sokaySisanda"shenodsandwal
kedout
"
MayIhel
py ou?"
Lor
e:"
Youhav
ebeeni
gnor
ingmycal
l
s"
Me:"Tel
lmesomet
hingIdon'
tknow"Isaid
settl
i
ngonmychai
randlookedatthefi
leIwas
readi
ng.
Lore:
"Iwanttotalkaboutyourpregnancy.I
wanttoapologizeforwhatIsaidEntle,
you
caughtmeof fguard"Ichuckl
ed
Me:"
Don'
twor
ryaboutthepr
egnancy
.Ial
ready
abor
tedl
i
keyouorder
edmet o"
Lore:"
Iknowthat
'snott
rue"hewasn'tsur
eof
hi
msel fyoucoul
dhearinhisvoi
cethathe
couldn'
tbeli
evewhathewassayinghimself
.
Me:"Lorenzoyoutol
dmet hatIshould
ter
mi natethebabyandIdi
d.Shouldn'ty
oube
happyt hatIdi
dwhatyouaskedmet o?"
he
shookhi shead
Lore:
"I'
mt aki
ngyoutoadoctor,
Iknowyou
wouldn'tdosuchthi
ng.IwaswrongandIhur
t
youbywhatIsai dbutpl
easeforgi
vemeI'
m
sor
r y
"
Me:"
Iwantyoutol
eavemyof f
icer
ightnow!
"I
sai
dopeningt
hedoorforhi
m, hel
ookedatme
i
ndisbel
i
ef.
Lore:
"I
'm sor
ry"hewal
kedoutIj
ustshookmy
head.
I
fhethinkshecanj ustsayIshoul
dgetridof
thi
sbabythenthinkhewi l
lj
ustapologi
zethen
hehasanotherthingcoming.
Kopano
Ihavebeenchil
li
ngwit
hMonica,meandher
havebeenfr
iendswit
hbenefi
tsforaboutay
ear
nowithasn'
tbeenanythi
ngexcl
usive.
Sheisver
ywil
dandl
oud,
shegi
veszer
ofucks
aboutany
thi
ng.
Sheli
vesf
ortodaynotwor
ryi
ngaboutwhatt
he
tomorr
owmightbri
ng.
Monica:
"Kopano!
!"shesai
ddi
stur
bingmef
rom
mythoughts
Me:
"Huh?
!"shel
ookedatme
Monica:
"Youdi
dn'
thearat
hingIj
ustsai
dto
you"
Me:"
Whatwasitt
haty
ousai
d?"sheshookher
headindi
sbel
i
ef.
Monoca:
"What'
swrongwit
hyou?Youareact
ing
wei
rdlat
ely
"Isi
gheversi
nceIsl
eptwi
th
Mnqophi
so,
hehasbeeni
nvadi
ngmymi
nd.
Hi
sdeepstrokes,
thewayhehel
dmyneck
f
ir
mlyorchokingme.
Thewayhespankedmyassandthewayhe
pul
ledmebymyhair,
hisr
oughsexit
'sj
ust
somethi
ngt
hathasbeeni
nmymi ndlat
ely
Monica:
"Youaredoingitagai
nKopano.Okay
that
'si
tI'
mleaving.Ican'
thavey
ouzoningout
onmeev ery
time"shesaidpacki
ngherthi
ngs
Me:
"Mocomeon,
I'
m sor
ryi
t'
sjustwor
k"
Monica:
"Andshet
hinksI
'
m stupi
d"shewal
ked
outt
henbangedthedoorIsi
gh.
Kuhl
e:"
Andthenyourgi
rl
fr
iendalmostpushed
medownt hest
air
s.Whatwr ongwi
thher"she
sai
dwalki
ngin
Me:
"Wef
ought
"shenods
Kuhl
e:"
I'
m goi
ngtoachurchservi
cedoyou
wantcome,maybetheholyspi
ri
twit
hhelpyou
wi
tht
heconf
usi
onofy
oursexual
i
ty"Ichuckl
ed
Me:
"Yout
hinkso?
"shenods
Kuhl
e:"
Yes"
Me:
"Nah"shel
aughedandgoti
nsi
deherr
oom.
Hepromisedtocal
lmebuthehasn'
tthi
swas
f
rust
rat
ingforme.

Zi
zi
pho
Iwokeupv
eryner
vousbecauseoft
hei
nter
view.
Ireceiv
edamessagef rom Luthandowi
shi
ng
megoodl uckandflowersfrom Entl
ewhi
chwas
reall
yanicegest
urefrom her.
Ihavebeenworr
iedaboutherbutIt
hinkshei
s
taki
ngourpar
entsreact
ionj
ustfi
neand
underst
andst
hem.
Theinter
viewtookpl
aceat10shar
pandIwas
sur
prisedthatwhenLut
handomenti
onedhi
s
fri
endhewastal
ki
ngaboutamaninhisf
if
ti
esI
thoughti
twasgoi
ngt
obeay oungfi
nemanin
hisage.
Il
eftt
heirboardroom r
eli
efedbecauseIgot
ev
eryt
hingrightIbel
i
evesoat l
east.
Ihear
dsomeonecal
l
ingmynamei
twasMr
Zondohi
msel
f
Mr
Z:"
MissDl
ami
ni"
Me:
"MrZondo"hesmi
l
edal
i
ttl
ebi
t
MrZ:
"I
'm gladIcaughty
ou,Iwaswonderi
ng
whencany oustartwor
kingwi
thus?
"Ilookedat
hi
m confused
Me:
"What
?"
Mr
Z:"
Thej
obi
syour
s"
Me:"What?!
!Ij
ustgotint
ervi
ewedafewminut
es
agoandy ouareal
readygiv
ingmethisj
ob"he
shookhishead
Mr
Z:"
Myboar
dmember
swer
eimpr
essedby
y
ouandy
ounai
l
edt
hisi
nter
view"
Me:"UhThankyouMrZondobutwaitIhopey
ou
arenotgivi
ngmethisj
obbecausey
ouknow
thepersonwhorecommendedme"
Mr:"NoI'
m gi
vingyouthi
sjobbecauseyou
deservei
t.Youwont heposit
ionfai
randsquare.
Trustmeifyoudidn'
tdeservethi
sjobIwouldn'
t
hi
rey ouevenyouwer eafamilymember.Idon'
t
mixbusinesswithpl
easure
Andasf ory
ouIhav eseenyouincourtand
havi
ngyouinourteam wouldbeagoodv al
ue
asIbeli
eveinyouandtrustyou"Il
ookedathim
i
ndisbeli
efforasecondIthoughtIwasn'
t
hear
inghimr i
ght
Me:"
ThankyousomuchMrZondoIpr omise
youwon'
tregr
ett
his"Inev
erf
eltsoexci
ted
MrZ:
"SeeyouonMonday
"Iqui
ckl
ynodmyhead
hewalkedaway
-
--
--
-
Ican'
tty
peanyl
ongerI
'
m sosl
eepyguy
s.
Seey outomorrow,pl
easedon'
tfor
gett
o
sponsorinser
tsyoursuppor
twouldbe
appreci
ated
I
nser
t37
Zi
zi
pho

Iwassuperexcit
edafterget
ti
ngthejobandI
wil
lfor
ev erbegr
atef
ultoLut
handoforpull
i
ng
thestr
ingsforme.
Il
eftthefi
rmt omeetupwit
hLuthando,
hehas
beencomplainingt
hathedoesn'
tseemuchof
met heseday
sbuthesawmet wodaysago.
Ihaven'
ttol
dhimthegoodnewsy
etandIknow
heisgoingtobehappyf
orme.
Ican'
twaittotel
lmyparentsandsi
bli
ngst
his
wil
ldefi
nit
elychangemylif
e.
Ij
ustwishJuniorwasheretowitnesshermom
sohappyIcouldgiv
emyl astbreathj
usttohol
d
hi
m onelastti
mebutIcan'tchangewhathad
happenedIknowhei ssur
elyl
ookingdownon
meandsopr oudofme.
Hewant
edmet ol
iv
emyl
i
feandbehappy
t
hat
'swhatIwi
l
ldo.
Igott
other
est
aur
antandLuuwasi
nhi
sof
fi
ce
Assoonashi
sey
esl
andedonmehesmi
l
ed
andst
oodup.
Me:
"Hey
"Isai
dhuggi
nghi
m
Luu:
"Hey.GodImissedy ousomuchit
sbeen
ages"hesai
dsnif
fingmeandholdingmeti
ght,
heisbeingababyrightnow.
Me:
"Imissedy
out
oobabe"hel
et'
smegoand
wesatdown.
Luu:
"Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"hesai
dlooki
ngatme.
Me:
"Thanky
ouandy
oul
ookhandsome
y
our
sel
f"hesmi
l
ed.
Luu:
"Sohowdi
dev
ery
thi
ngi
tgo?
"
Me:
"Wel
l.
..I
'
m backtothef
iel
dagai
n"Isai
d
smi
l
ingIcoul
dn'
thidemyexci
tement
.
Luu:
"I
'm sopr
oudofyou,
youdeser
veal
lthi
s
happi
nessandmore"hesai
dhuggi
ngme
Me:"ThankyousomuchLuuIwoul dn'
thav
egot
thi
sopportuni
tyi
fitwasn'
tfory
ou"heshookhi
s
headandcuppedmyf ace
Luu:
"NOSweetheart
,yougotthatjobbecause
youdeser
veditandtheyknowy ouaregoodat
whatyoudo.It
'sal
lbecauseofyounotme"he
ki
ssedmyf or
ehead
Me:
"Ir
eal
l
ycan'
twai
ttost
artwor
kingagai
n"
Luu:"
Igoty
ousomethi
ng"Il
ookedathim he
stoodupandwentt
oopenadr awert
hent ooka
box.
Me:
"Whati
sthi
s?"Iaskedashehandedmet
he
box
Luu:
"Openi
t"Ismi
l
edandopent
hebox
Me:"
OhmyGodLuu, thi
sisbeaut
iful
"itwasa
di
amondsil
verneckl
aceandearr
ingstheywere
st
unning
Luu:
"Youl
i
kei
t"
Me:
"Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?Il
ovei
t.OhmyGod"
Luu:
"Let'
sputiton"hesai
dhelpi
ngmeputiton
"Thi
sfit
sy ouperf
ectl
y"i
treal
l
ydidIl
ovedi
t
Me:
"Thanky
ousomuch"
Luu:
"Justdoonet
hing,
don'
ttakei
tof
f"Iqui
ckl
y
nod
Me:
"Ipr
omi
se"
Luu:
"Thankyou"Tonybr
oughtusfoodwe
star
teddiggi
nginandhi
sphonerang.
Heansweredi
t,t
heywer
etal
ki
ngabout
busi
ness.
Luu:"
I'
m sorr
yaboutthat
,thatwasoneofthe
potent
ialbuyer
s,I
'
m sell
i
ngt hebout
ique"
Me:
"What
?Why
?"hel
ookedatme
Luu:
"Ihav
enoonetorunitanymoreandi
t'
snot
thet
ypeofbusi
nessI
'
mi nto"Ishookmyhead
Me:
"Thengi
vei
ttoMel
'
ssi
ster
"
Luu:
"What
?!"
Me:"Youboughtt hatbouti
queforMelissa,i
t
washer snoty our
s.Andf r
om whatIhear d
Melissal ovedhersistersomuch.Don'tyou
thi
nki t'
sf ai
rthatyougiveitt
oherthansel l
i
ng
i
t"hel ookedatmel i
kehewast hinki
ngabout
somet hing.
Luu:"
Youhav
eahear
tmadeofgol
dZi
zi
pho,
I'
m
soluckyt
ohavey
ou"
Me:
"Wel
lIdon'
tknowaboutt
hat
"Isai
dsmi
l
ing
Luu:
"Tel
lyouwhatIwi
l
lcontacthersi
sterIj
ust
hopeherparent
swon'
tleechher
"
Me:
"Thanky
ouf
ordoi
ngt
hat
"heki
ssedme
Luu:
"NOt
hanky
oubabe"
Ispendthewhol
eaf
ter
noonwi
thhi
m bef
ore
goinghome.

Ent
le
Aft
eratt
endi
ngmysecondclientIwant
edto
l
eavetheoff
iceforawhi
lej
usttogetoutoft
hat
depr
essi
ngenv i
ronment
.
Somecaseswit
har
ejustt
oomuchf
orust
o
prof
essi
onal
s.
Idr
oveoutoft
heof
fi
cet
oanear
byMcDonal
d'
s.
Isatdownandorder
edtheBi
gMacIhav
ebeen
cravi
ngthewhol
eday.
Iwasabouttol
eav
ewhenheset
tl
edont
he
chai
rnextt
ome.
Me:
"Ar
eyouf
oll
owi
ngme?
"hesi
gh
Lor
e:"
Ijustwanty
out
oli
stent
ome"
Me:
"Whyshoul
dILor
enzo?
"hel
ookedatme
Lore:
"Ij
ustwanttoapologi
zeEntle.I
underst
andthatyouarehurtbymyr eact
ionI
j
ustgotscaredokay.I
'
m notev enreadyt
o
sett
ledownandnowdr oppingabombabouta
babyscaredme"
Me:"Andyout hinkIwasn'tscaredwhenIf ound
out.Idon'
tbelieveashi tyouaresay i
ngri
ght
nowandwhyt hesuddenchangeofhear t
.What
i
fthisisall
anact ,youar ejusttr
yingtotr
ickme
j
ustsoy oucoul dpoisonmeorsomet hi
ngjust
togetridofthisbaby "heswal l
owedashi seyes
poppedout
Lore:
"YouthinkI'
m capableofsuch?"youcoul
d
hearthehurtinhisvoicebutIdi
dn'tcar
e
becausehehur tmet oo
Me:"
Iwoul
dn'tputi
tpassy
ou,y
outoldmeto
getr
idoft
hisbabyandnowyousuddenl
ywant
t
obei
nvol
ved"
henods
Lore:
"Iunderst
andIwillgiv
ey out
hespacey
ou
need,thelastt
hingIwantisforyoutol
oset
he
babybecauseI '
m st
ressingyouout"
Me:
"Iwoul
dappr
eci
atet
hat
"
Lor
e:"
Iwi
l
l l
eav
enow,t
akecar
eofy
our
sel
fand
hi
m"hestoodandwal
kedout
.
Hi
m?Sohet
hinksi
t'
saboyIwat
chedhi
m
Me:
"Lor
enzo!
"Iy
ell
edathi
m het
urnedar
ound
Me:"
Ineedmoneyf
ormysecondmeal
"he
l
ookedatmeinawe"What
?"
Lor
e:"
Uhnot
hing"hetookouthi
swal
letand
gav
emeR500" Isthatokay
?"It
ookt
hemoney
Me:
"By
e"Isai
dwal
ki
ngaway
.
Nott
hatIdi
dn'
thavemoneybuti
t'
snot
hing
compar
edtowhathedi
d.
Igoti
nsi
demycarsomeoneknockedonmy
wi
ndowi
twashi
m
Me:
"Whatdoy
ouwant
?"
Lor
e:"
Youar
edr
ivi
ngy
our
sel
f?"Il
ookedathi
m
wei
rdl
y
Me:
"Yes"
Lor
e:"
Ithoughtpr
egn-
-"Icuthi
m of
f
Me:"
Don'
twor
ryabouti
t.By
eLor
enzo"Idr
ove
of
f.
Igothomesot ir
edI'
mjustsevenweeks
pregnantandIgett
ir
edouteasil
ythi
sisgoi
ng
tobeal ongpr
egnancy.
Mnqo:
"Youl
ookdogt
ir
ed"Ismi
l
ed
Me:
"Longdaybr
uh"
Mnqo:
"Wel
lIknowt
hose.Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"
Me:"
Eit
herthanmor ni
ngsi
cknessI
'
mfi
ne"he
nods"I
sZiziphobackyet
?"
Mnqo:
"NOshewi
l
lbebackl
ateron,
shewentt
o
Manz
ini
Kingdom"Inod
Me:
"Wenawher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"
Mnqo:"
SomewhereIwil
lseeyoulat
er"Ij
ust
hopeheisnotgoi
ngtoseeKopano.
Mnqophisoisafutureki
nghehasachosen
wi
feforhim andifoneofthem cat
chf
eel
ingsi
t
won'
tendwel l
.
Igott
omyr
oom t
hent
ookashower
.
Iwasr
eadi
nganov
elwhenmymom camei
n.
Mom:"IthoughtIshoul
dbri
ngsomeofthese"i
t
wassomepi ll
s"Theyhelpwi
thmor
ning
si
ckness"
Me:
"Thanky
oumom"shesmi
l
edandsatnex
t
t
ome
Mom:
"I
'm sor
ry"Ishookmyhead
Me:"
Mom don'
t,y
ouactedli
keanypar
ent
woul
d"sheshookherhead
Mom: "Ishouldn'
thavesaidsuchwor ds.That
waswr ongofme.Ijustwantwhat '
sbestf or
youEnt leandfoundingoutthaty
ouwer e
pregnantwasj usthardforme.Youar ejust24
yearsol d,
youarestil
lmyl i
tt
legi
rl
"
Me: "
Iknowmom andI '
m sor
rythatI
disappoi
ntedyou.Idi
dn'
twanttogetpregnant
butmybabyi salr
eadyhereandther
eisnothing
Icando"
Mom:
"Sohowl
ongar
eyou?
"
Me:"Twomont
hs"shesmi
l
edandhel
dmy
hands
Mom: "Wewillsupportyou,Ican'
tbeli
evet
hat
I'
m goingtobeagr andparentbecauseofyou.I
exceptedyourbrothert
obet heonebri
ngi
ng
babiesfi
rst
"Ilaughedshehuggedme
Asmuchastheywer
eangr
yIknewt
hey
coul
dn'
tbemadatmefor
ever
.
NowIcanhav
easmoot
hpr
egnancywi
thmy
whol
efami
l
ysuppor
ti
ngme.
AsforLorenzoIdon'
tknowit
'sbesti
fhestays
awayfrom mebecauseIsti
l
ldon'tt
rusthi
m and
hecan'
tblameme.

Kopano
Mnqophi
sofi
nall
ycal
ledy
ester
day
,appar
ent
ly
hehasbeenbusywit
hwork.
Monicawassti
l
lnott
alki
ngtomeItr
iedcal
l
ing
herbutshei
sn'
tpi
cki
ngup,shei
sn'
tanswer
ing
mytexts.
Mnqophi
sowascomingovert
odayandi
twoul
d
goodtoj
ustchi
l
lwi
thhim.
Al
thoughIwasneverbecauselastt
imeIwas
dr
ankthist
imeI'
m sobersoit'
snotthesame.
Aknockcamet
hroughandIopenedt
hedoor
.
Hi
smelani
nski
nsuit
shi
m,hehadabot
tl
eof
wi
nei
nhishandandapl
ast
ic
Me:
"Heycomei
n"henodsandcamei
n
Mnqo:
"Ni
cepl
acey
ougother
e"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"
Mnqo:
"Ar
eyouokay
,youl
ookner
vous"Icl
ear
ed
mythr
oat
Me:
"NOI
'
m not
"heset
tl
edont
hecouch
Mnqo:"
Boughtsometakeaways"hewas
get
ti
ngcomfortabl
ethatwasarel
ieff
orme.
Me:"
Thankyou"Isatnextt
ohi
m,heput
shi
s
ar
m aroundmyshoulders.
Mnqo:
"Rel
ax"hesai
dbiti
ngmyeart
hatsent
shi
ver
sdownmyspi ne.
Hishandwasmov i
ngupanddownmyt
high
unti
li
treachedmycoochi
e.
Mnqo:
"Ar
ey ouokay
?"Inodhol
dingmybr
eat
h
"
wordsKopano"
Me:
"YeahI
'
m okay
"hi
sli
pscamei
ncont
actwi
th
myneckandhebi
tesi
twhilehi
sotherhand
movetomyneckandsqueezedi
tti
ght.
Hi
sfi
ngerwasmov
ingi
nci
rcl
esonmycl
i
t.
Hepul l
edmet ositont
opofhim andourli
ps
kissedIcoul
dn'
thelpbutgr
indonhim Icould
feelhi
sdickgett
inghar
derandharderagainst
hispants.
Her
ippedmyunder
wearof
fIwasshocked.
Hef
li
ppedusov
erIwasunderhi
m.
Het
ookof
fmycl
othesIwasl
eftnakedandhe
t
ookof
fhi
s.
Icoul
dfeel
thatIwassoakingwetdownt
her
e
andheputhiscondom on.
Thenhestar
tedr
ubbi
nghimsel
fagai
nstmycl
i
t
thatal
onedr
ovemecrazy
.
Hehithisdickagai
nstmycl
itImoanedl
oudl
y
I
'm sur
et hatt
hewholecomplexhear
dme.
Hecont
inuedhi
tt
inghi
sdi
ckonmeandr
ubbi
ng
hi
sfi
nger
sonmycoochi
eIar
chedmyback.
Icouldfeel
awav
eofor
gasm hi
tt
ingmebuthe
stopped.
Hepositi
onedhi
mthenheinser
tedhi
mselfhe
pushedaboutf
ourt
imesforhi
mt obeful
l
yin,
hegroaned.
Mnqo:
"Youar
eti
ght
"hepushedal
i
ttl
ebi
tmore
f
urt
herandst
art
edsl
owl
ymov i
ngi
nandoutof
me.
Hishandwasgr
abbi
ngsot
ightonmyass
squeezi
ngi
t.
Wemadeeyecont
acthi
ssl
owdeepst
rokes
hadt
hebestofme
Mnqo:"Don'tf
all
forme"hesaidthatt
henhi ti
t
hardIcouldli
ter
all
yfeel
him hi
tt
ingagainstmy
womb, hi
shandwassqueezi ngmybut twayto
ti
ght.
Iexpl
odedbef
orehi
m hef
oll
owedsui
t.
-
--
--
--
-
Don'
tfor
gettocomment,li
keandshare.Al
soi
f
youwanttosponsorabonusi
nsertt
oday
messageme
I
nser
t38
Bonus

Zi
zi
pho
MeandLuulostt
rackoft
imeIwasr
eal
l
y
enj
oyi
ngbei
ngwithhim.
Hebri
ngsthebestoutofme,weendedup
goi
ngforshoppi
ngIneededtoupgr
ademy
war
drobesinceIwi
llbegoi
ngbacktowor
k.
Ididn'tknowwhattochooseheendedup
takingmet oMel'
sbouti
queIdidn'
tl
iket
he
staresweweregetti
ng.
Buthonest
lyt
her
ewasnot
hingt
heycoul
ddoor
say.
MeandLut
handodidn'
tchoosetobetoget
her,
wear
edisr
espect
inganyone,
fat
ebroughtus
t
oget
her
.
SopeoplewhoknewMel issaar
estil
lgoingto
giv
emenast ystar
esnotknowingthereali
tyof
ourthi
srel
ati
onshi
pbutwear enotgoingto
explai
nour
selvestoany
one.
Luu:
"Doy
ouwantt
oleav
e?"Ishookmyhead
Me:"
Thecl
othesarebeauti
ful
here"Isai
d
pi
cki
ngafewblazerswit
htheirpant
s.
Luu:
"Snecany
ouhel
pherwit
hfi
tt
ing"shenods
andaskedmetof
oll
owher.
Thegi
rlkeptgi
vi
ngmenast
yst
aresIdi
dn'
t
mindher.
Sne:
"Hewil
lnev
erloveyouli
keshel
oved
Meli
ssa,
themanjustlosthi
swif
eandyouar
e
al
readyputt
ingyourcl
awsonhi
m"Ismi
l
ed
l
ookingathercl
uelesssel
f.
Me:
"Andt
hatbot
her
syoubecause?
"
Sne:
"Iwasj
ustgi
vi
ngy
ouheadsup"
Me:"
Wellt
hanky
oumissknow-i
t-
all
"shecl
i
cked
hert
ongueandl
eftmeIj
ustshookmyhead.
WhenIgotoutoft
hefit
ti
ngr
oom shewas
say
ingsomethi
ngtoLuu.
Me:"
I'
m doneandI'
mt aki
ngal
loft
hese"
Lut
handotookouthiscar
dbutIst
oppedhi
m
Me:"
Iwil
lpay"Ij
ustwant
edt
oshowt
hisgi
rlI
canpayformysel
f.
Shel
ookedatmeasIpressedmypi nIbetshe
washopi
ngthatmycar
ddeclinesbuti
tdidn'
t.
Me:
"ThankyouSne,seey
ouar
ound"Isai
dthat
aswewalkedout.
Luu:
"Andt
hen"Il
aughed
Me:"
Shehastolear
nhowt
omi ndherown
busi
nessandIneedmymoneymist
er"he
l
aughed
Luu'
"
Buty
our
efusedwhenIof
fer
edt
opay
"
Me:"I
twasjustt
ogetunderherski
n"he
chuckl
ed.
Luu:
"Iwi
l
l payy
out
hen"wegoti
nsi
det
hecar
andhedrovemehome.
Luu:
"HowaboutIt
akey
ououtt
omor
rowl
i
ke
havedi
nner
"
Me:
"Li
kegoonadat
e"henods
Luu:
"Yesl
i
kegoonadat
e"
Me:
"Iwoul
dlov
ethat
"Isai
dpecki
nghi
sli
p
Luu:"
Iwi
ll
seeyoutomor
rowthenandIwi
ll
send
al
lthedet
ail
sint
hemorni
ng"Inodweshar
eda
ki
ss
Me:
"Il
ovey
ou"
Luu:
"Il
oveyou"Igotoutoft
hecarhewat
ched
megotinsi
dethendroveoff
.
Everyonewasalr
eadysi
tt
ingondi
ningr
oom
gett
ingreadyt
oeat.
Iqui
cklywenttoputmycl
othest
henwentt
o
j
ointhefamil
y.
Me:
"Fami
l
y"Isai
dgr
eet
ingt
hem
Dad:
"Thatwasonel
ongi
nter
view"wel
aughed
Mom:
"Howdi
ditgobaby
?"
Mpumi:
"I
'm sur
et heywon'
tevencal
lherback"
oneoft
heseday sIwil
lbeatherupsohelpme
Lor
d
Me:"
Thi
sisget
ti
ngoldNompumelel
oplease
gr
owupandmyi nt
ervi
ewwentsowell
"
Dad:"
That
'sgoodbabyIhopet
heycal
lyouback
soon"
Me:"
Therei
snoneedfort
hatbecauseIal
ready
gott
hejobandI
'
m star
ti
ngMonday"Ent l
e
j
umpedonmescr
eami
ng
Mom:
"Ar
eyouser
ious?
"shesai
dsmi
l
ingInod
Dad:
"I
'm sopr
oudofy
oumybaby
"theyhugged
me.
Mnqo:"
Ican'
twai
ttoat
tendyourf
ir
stcase"he
sai
dsqueezi
ngmycheeksandhuggedmeIj ust
l
aughed.
Thedev i
lwasjustannoyedbythisli
tt
lehypered
momentbutIcoul dcarelessbecausemy
parentsarehappyformeandmysi bl
ingsare
overthemoon.
Mom:"
Thi
scal
lsf
oracel
ebrat
ion"sheor
der
ed
Si
ndi
ourmai
dtocomewithchampagne.
Dad:"
Ifyoucoul
djustcleansey ourheart
Nompumel el
oandbel ikeyoursibli
ngs.Look
howtheysupporteachot herandcelebrat
e
eachother'
ssuccesses"
Mpumi
:
"Iwon'
tpl
ayhappyf
ami
l
ywi
tht
hem"
Dad:"
Theni
fyouar
enotf amil
y,youar
enot
supposedt
obehere"shelookedathi
m
shocked
Mpumi:"
Dad?Ar
eyouki
cki
ngmeout
?"shesai
d
i
ndisbel
ief
Dad:"
IhaditwithyouNompumel el
o,it
'sabout
ti
mey ouleavethi
spalace.Ihavebeenpat i
ent
withyouthi
nkingthatyouwouldchangebutno
i
nsteadyougetwor seev er
yday.Youare
becomingmor eenvious.Wecan'tstaywith
snakethatmightbit
eusi ntheend"shequickl
y
stoodup
Mpumi
:
"Youwi
l
lregr
ett
his!
"shewal
kedout
Mom: "
Butt
ercupar
eyousur
eaboutt
his?Shei
s
yourchi
ld"
Dad:"
Yessheismychildbutshedoesn'twant
tobemychi l
d.Soshemustgo, nowlet
'sfor
get
aboutherandcel
ebrat
eourprincessmoment "
Kopano
Iknowexact
lywhathemeantwhenhesai
dhe
doesn'
twantmetofal
lforhi
m.
What'
sgoi
ngonbetweenusi t
'sj
ustano
st
ri
ngsatt
achedr
elat
ionshi
pnothi
ngmore.
Idon'
tknowwhat '
swr ongwithmeevenaft
er
whathesaidthatIcan'thel
pbutt
hinkofhi
m
thewholeday
.
Idream abouthi
mt ouchi
ngmeIev enwakeup
wetfrom all
thedreamsitisget
ti
ngoutof
control
,hi
ssexissoaddictiv
e.
Idon'
tev
enwantMonicat
ocomebackwhen
thi
ngsar
eli
kest
his.
Shewashur
tbyt
hewayIwasact
ingandnow
I
'm ev
enwor
seshewi
l
lbemorehurt.
Ijusthopeshestay
sawayfornowt
osav
eme
thetroubl
eofly
ingtoher
.
"
Kopano!
"Kuhl
eyel
l
edatme
Me:"
OhmyGod"Iwaspouri
ngaglassofj
uices
i
twasoverf
loat
ingt
hej
uicewasall
overt
he
f
loor
Kuhl
e:"
Whatswrongwi
thyou?
"shesai
dtaki
ng
amopt henwi
pedthef
loor
.
Me:
"I
t'
snot
hing"sheshookherhead
Kuhle:"
Itcan'
tbenothi
ngKopano,youwer
e
dist
ractedandoneofthesedaysyouwil
lbur
n
ourflat
.Ithastobesomethi
ng"Isi
ghthenwent
tositdownshej oi
nedme
Kuhle:"
Nowspiti
tout.What'
swr
ongwithyou?"
Iknowsheisn'
tgoingtogiv
eupunt
ilshedigs
thetrut
houtofme.
Me:
"I
t'
sMnqophi
so"shel
ookedatme
Kuhl
e:"
Thi
sshoul
dbei
nter
est
ing"Isi
gh
Me:
"Idon'
tknowhowIf
eel
abouthi
m"
Kuhl
e:"
Howdoeshef
eel
abouty
ou?
"
Me:
"Het
oldmenott
ofal
lforhi
m"shechuckl
ed
Kuhle:
"Sothisguyli
ter
all
ytol
dy outhathe
doesn'
tseeaf utur
ewithyoubuty ouaresti
l
l
busyquestioni
ngyoursel
fabouthowy oufeel
abouthim"Ilookedatherconfused
Me:"
Hedi
dn'
tsayt
hat
"shechuckl
edandl
ooked
atme
Kuhl
e:"
Youar
ej ustafuckbuddytohim Kopano
andhetol
dyout onotfal
lforhi
m buti
tseems
l
ikeyouar
edoingt heopposi
te"
Me:
"I
'm notf
all
i
ngf
orhi
m"Am I
?
Kuhl
e:"Keeplyi
ngtoyoursel
f,endthisbefor
eit
endsintears.Don'
tsetyour
selfupfora
hear
rbreakwal kawayit
ssti
llear
ly"Iburi
edmy
headinmyhands.

Ent
le
Iwokeupt
oanot
herdayofl
otsofworkt
odo
andIwasf
eel
i
ngnauseousIdr
ankthepi
l
lst
hat
mymom gav
eme.
Mybr
otherwal
kedi
ntheki
tchenandl
ookedat
me
Mnqo:
"Iseemom gav
eyout
hepi
l
ls"
Me:
"Youar
etheonewhogav
eher
"henods
Mnqo:"Yest
heydohel
pwit
hmor ni
ngsickness"
hecanbesuchadoctorwebar
elygetsickwit
h
hi
m around
Me:"
Thanky
oubruhyoudon'thowmuch
t
roubl
eyouj
ustsav
edmef rom"helaughed
Mnqo:
"Igoty
ouandmyni
ece"sohet
hinksi
t'
s
agi
rl
Me:"
Iwi
ll
seeyoulat
erI
'
mrunni
ngl
ate"I
gr
abbedmycarkeys
Mom: "
NOy oungladyyouarenotdr
ivi
ng
yourselfanymorethedri
veri
swaiti
ngfory
ou
outside"
Me:
"What
?Butmom"sheshr
uggedher
shoul
der
s
Mom:"I
tsnotupfordi
scussion,
Iloveyou"I
gr
oanedandwalkedaway" Isai
dIloveyou
Mbal
entl
e"Ismil
ed
Me:
"Il
ovey
out
oomom"
I
ndeedt
hedr
iverwaswai
ti
ngf
orme.
Igott
omybui l
dassoonasSisandamy
assi
stantsawmesherushedt
ome
Si
sa:
"Thecol
oredguyi
syourof
fi
ceagai
n"
Me:"
Nextti
mecall
thesecur
it
yonhi
m"she
nods"Andgoodmorni
ng"
Si
sa:
"Mor
ning"shesai
dsmi
li
ngIwal
kedt
omy
of
fi
cehewassitti
ngonmychai
r
Me:"
IthinkIwi
ll
fil
ear
est
rai
ningor
deragai
nst
youLorenzo"
Lore:
"Ij
ustbroughty
oubreakfast
"Ir
aisedmy
eyebr
ow" I
t'
ssealedbutIcaneatwit
hy oui
fyou
thi
nkI'mtry
ingtopoisonyou"
Me:"
Whathappenedt
oyougi
vi
ngmespace?
"
hesi
gh
Lor
e:"
Ijustwanttobei
nmybaby
'sl
i
fepl
ease
j
ustmeetmehal fway"
Me:"
Thenstopact
ingl
i
keast
alkeror
somethi
ng"
Lore:
"I
fyoudi
dn'
tbl
ockmeIwoul
dn'
tbeact
ing
l
ikeone"
Me:
"Andwhosef
aul
tist
hat
?"hesi
gh
Lor
e:"I
'm sor
ryEntl
e.Ij
ustwantanot
herchance
wit
hy ou.Idon'
twantmychildtoberai
sedbya
si
ngleparent"t
hisr
ighther
ecaughtmeby
sur
prise
Me:
"What
?"
Lor
e:"
Iwantust
obeexcl
usi
ve"Ichuckl
ed
Me:"
Idon'
tdat
emenwi thki
ds"her
aisedhi
s
ey
ebrowinconfusi
on.
Lor
e:"
What
?"
Me:
"Youhear
dme"
Lor
e:"
ButIdon'
thav
eki
ds"Igasped
Me:"
Whataboutt
hisone?
"Isai
dpoi
nti
ngmy
bel
l
y
Lor
e:"
That
'sgoi
ngt
obeourbaby
,whatt
he
hel
l
?"
Me:"
Sti
lldoesn'
tchanget
hef
actt
hatyouarea
f
atherandIdon'tdat
emenwit
hkids"hest
ood
t
heredumbf ounded
Lor
e:"
WTF?
"

-
--
--
Goodni
ghtmypeopledon'
tforgetmy1kand
al
sodon'tf
orgett
ocomment ,
likeandshar
e
I
nser
t39
Lut
hando
Hav
ey oueverfel
tthatyouhav
ef i
nal
l
yfound
t
hepiecethatwasmi ssi
ngtofi
l
lyouup.
Thatsexactl
yhowIf eelwheni
tcomesto
Zi
zipho,shebroughthappi
nessandl
ighti
nmy
l
if
e.
Shedoesn'
thav
etodomuchf
ormet
olov
eher
Il
ovehersi
mpli
cit
y.
Idon'
teverwantt
ochangethewomanshei
s,I
j
ustlov
eherthewaysheis.
TodayIwasmeeti
ngwithMi
chel
lewhoisMel'
s
si
sterandt
henl
atermeetmybabyfordi
nner
.
Mypar
entssupport
edwhatZi
ziphosai
dabout
gi
vi
ngthebout
iquetoMi
chell
e.
Theycoul
dn'
tst
optel
l
ingmeabouthowl
uckyI
am t
ohavesomeoneli
keher
.
Mbuso:"
Don'tdr
inkanythi
ngoreatany
thi
ngt
hat
sheoff
ers"hesaidIgaspedi
nshockhe
l
aughed
Me:"
Arey ouser
ious?
Didyouseesomet
hing?
"
heburstoutofl
aughter
.
Mbuso:
"No.
..Imeanherfamil
ywantedy
outo
marr
yhernotsolongago,whoknowswhat
t
heymightsendhertofeedyou"
Me:"Youf r
eaki
ngoutman.Andwear emeeting
atarestaurant
"Ididn'
tunderstandwhyhe
founditfunnythatIwasfreakedoutbywhathe
said
Mbuso:"
Youshoul
dseey
ourf
acer
ightnow"he
sai
dlaughi
ng
Me:
"Youar
esuchapr
icky
azi
!"hel
aughedand
wal
kedout
.
It
ookmycarkey
sandwentt
omeetupwi
thher
.
Shear
ri
vedaf
ewmi
nut
esaf
termeandsat
down
Mi
chel
l
e:"
Hey
"shei
syoungert
hanMel
i
ssa
Me:
"Heyhowar
eyouMi
chel
l
e?"
Mi
chel
l
e:"
I'
m goodhowar
eyou?
"
Me:"I
'
m okay ,Iwil
lcuttothechasesoasy ou
knowt hatyoursisterownedaboutiqueand
nowt hatshei snomor e.Thebout
iquewil
lneed
someonet or un"shelookedatmei nconf
usion
"someoner ecommendedy ouandIthoughtwhy
not?"
Michel
le:
"Youareser
ious?
"Inod"OhMyGod,
Luuthanky ousomuch"shesai
dtry
ingt
ohug
mebutIst oppedher
Me:"
I'
m sorr
ymyarmiski
ndaofpai
nful
not
hing
per
sonal"Il
i
edwhatMbusosai
dmademe
par
anoidsonoonecanblame
Michel
l
e:I
t'
sokayIpr
omi
seIwon'
tdi
sappoi
nt
you"
Me:"
Thebout
iquewi
llbeunderyournameso
don'
twor
ryyoudon'
thavetopromiseany
thi
ng
tome"
Mi
chel
l
e:"
OhIsee.Thanky
ouagai
n"Inodand
handedhert
hepaper
sshesi
gned.
Me:
"That'
sall
thebouti
queisof
fi
cial
l
yandit
wasniceseei
ngyou"Isai
dpacki
ngmythings
Michel
l
e:"
Likewi
se"Iset
tl
edt
hebi
l
lforhert
o
or
deranythi
ngshewants.
Ij
usthopetheJohnsonswi
l
lbeoutofmyhai
r
af
tert
his.
Now Ihav
eadat
etol
ookf
orwar
dto.

Kopano
Ideci
dedtocal
lMoni
cawit
hthehopest
hatshe
wil
lanswermycal
l
sbutshedi
dn'
t.
IsighandtookashowerIwi
llbeworki
nga
nightshi
ftbei
nganursei
sexhaust
ing.
Goodt
hingi
sIdon'
twor
kint
hesamehospi
tal
wit
hMnqophi
so.
Ihav
etoendt
hingswi
thhi
m,It
ext
edhi
mthat
wehavet
otal
khet
oldmet
omeethi
m atsome
hot
el.
Ihonestl
ydidn'
tl
ikethei
deaofmeet
inghi
min
ahotelbutIhadto.
Icoul
dhaveendedthi
ngsovert
hephonebutI
can'
tdothathewon'
ttakemeseri
ousatal
l
.
Idr
essedupinaboy
ishwayanddr
ovet
othe
l
ocati
onhesentmetomeethi
m.
I
twasact
ual
l
yani
cef
ancyhot
el.
Iwasshowedther
oom hewasinandwhenI
gott
hereIt
ext
edhimtoopenup.
Heopenedformeandl
ookedatmet
hen
chuckl
ed.
Mnqo:
"Youl
ook.
..Good"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"Isai
dwal
ki
ngi
n
Mnqo:
"Needadri
nk?
"Inodhepour
edmea
gl
assofwine.
Ireal
i
zedt hatheisawinelov
er,
hehandedme
theglassIgulpeditdownIwasner
vous
Mnqo:
"Ohhkaywhat
supwi
thyou?
"Hesai
d
l
ooki
ngatmeIclear
edmythr
oat
Me:"
Uh..It
hinki
t'
sbesti
fwest
oporend
whatev
erthatwasgoi
ngonbet
weenus"
Mnqo:
"Reason?"hesai
dthatandsi
ppedonhi
s
gl
assofwinelookingatme
Me:"Becauselikeitornotoneofuswi ll
cat ch
feel
ingstheywill
gethurtbecausetheot her
personwon'tbeont hesameboat "helookedat
met henwalkedtot hewindowandst oodt her
e,
hewat chedthewav eswithoutsay
ingany t
hing
Mnqo:"Wel
lthatpersonisn'
tme.Idon'
tcat
ch
feel
i
ngsandmyi ntentionswit
hyouwerecl
ear"
hesaidnotevenlookingatme
Me:"
Welli
fyousaysot henI
'mtheonewhoi s
goi
ngtocatchfeeli
ngsandIwon'
tsetup
mysel
fforaheartbr
eak"hetur
nedandlooked
atme
Mnqo:
"Welli
fyouareprot
ect
ingy
ourf
eel
i
ngs
t
hatokayIunder
stand"
Me:"That'
sallIwantedtosay"henodsIknew
thatthi
smeantl i
tt
letohim butI
'm hurtt
hathe
doesn'tevencarethatIj
ustendedthingswit
h
him.
Ist
oodupandwentf
oradoorbuti
twasl
ocked
Me:
"Cany
ouopenup?
"hel
ookedatme
Mnqo:
"Youar
ehur
tai
n'
tyou?
"
Me:"
NOI '
m nothurtMnqophi
so,meandyou
werefucki
ngthat
'sall
"hechuckl
edandwal
ked
cl
osetome
Mnqo:"
Ohreal
l
y?"hesai
dhewaswayt oocl
ose
tomeIcoul
dn'
tmov eIwasr
est
ri
ctedbythe
door
.
Me:"
Justopent
hedoor
"Idi
dn'
tl
iket
hathewas
cr
owdingme
Mnqo: "
Thekeyi
sov erther
e"hesai
dwithhi
s
eyeslooki
ngstr
aighttomineandhisf
inger
point
ingatthet
able.
HisopenedmyzipupIwaswear
ingat
racksui
t
andsportbr
aunder
neat
h
Wewerelooki
ngateachother
,hemov
edhi
s
handar
oundmybellybut
ton.
Hetookoffmyjackett
henunti
edmyshoe
l
acesthentookoffmyshoes.
Mnqo:"
Youwantt hi
stoend?"hesai
dpinchi
ng
mynippl
esIclosedmyey esi
twaspainf
ulbut
pl
easantatt
hesamet i
me.
Hemovedhishandt
omyt
rackpant
sand
r
emovedthem.
Iwasal
ll
eftwi
thmyunder
wearandspor
tbr
a.
Hetookmyhandandl edmetobedIwantedto
t
ell
himt ostopbutmybodywasover
poweri
ng
mymi nd,i
twasrespondi
ngt
ohist
ouch.
Mnqo:"
Iwantyoutoli
edownandpl aywi
th
your
sel
f"Il
ookedathim shocked
Me:"
What
?"het
ookoutadi
l
domyey
espopped
out
Mnqo:"
Iwon'
tbefor
cingyoutodoany
thi
ngy ou
don'
twant
.Youcanleaveify
ouwanttoorget
ontopoft
hebed"Il
ookedatme.
Igotont
opoft
hebedandl
i
eddown.
Hetookoffmybraandundi
esIwaslef
tnaked,
hetookof
fhist
-shi
rthewaslef
twi
thhist
rack
pants
Hetur
nedonthedi
ldoi
tvibr
atedI'
m usedt
o
t
hisbutnomanhaseveruseditonme.
Her
ani
tagai
nstmyr
ibcageIj
umpedal
i
ttl
ebi
t
Mnqo:
"Holdst
il
l"hesai
dwi
thhi
shandhol
ding
mywaistdown.
Hestar
tedmovi
ngitagai
ntobot
hni
ppl
esi
n
ci
rcl
estheywer
egett
inghar
d.
Hemov edital
lthewayfrom i
nbetweenmy
ni
pplesal
lthewaydownt omycoochi eIarched
mybackgrabbingontothesheet
stightIcould
hol
dstil
li
twasel ect
ri
fyi
ng.
Heopenedmyl
egswi
derandr
ubbedi
tagai
nst
mycli
t.
ImoanedlouderImuff
ledmymoanswithmy
handbecausetheywer
egett
ingl
ouder
.
Myhandmov
edt
omybr
eastandsqueezedi
t.
Mnqo:"
Goodgir
l"hegr
oanedasmyjui
ces
st
art
edflowi
ngoutofmycoochi
e.
Hethr
ewt
hedil
doonthefl
oorhet
ookand
pul
l
edmelegst
ohisshoul
der
s.
Hewenti
nwi
thhi
stongueandl
i
ckedmecl
ean.
Hepul
l
edhi
spant
sdownandf
li
ppedov
er.
Iwasly
ingonmystomach,
itwaschestdown
andassint
heai
r.
Hef
il
ledmyv
agi
naupandpr
essedmywai
st
downmorewit
hhisonehandandt
heot
her
pul
ledmyhai
rtowar
dshi
m.
Hest
art
edmovingandhi
tt
ingi
thar
dtoapoi
nt
t
hatasqui
rt
edall
overt
hebed.
Heconti
nuedhitt
ingunti
lIcoul
dfeel
myl egs
t
henheexploded,hegroanedandmov edasi
de
t
ocatchhisbreat
h
Mnqo:"Let
'sgety oucleanedup"heki
ssedmy
for
eheadbef orepicki
ngmeupi ntoabri
dal
sty
leIcouldn'tf
eel mylegs.
Iwassupposedtobeendingt
hingswit
hhi
m
notendupherenotf
eeli
ngmyl egs.

Zi
zi
pho
IwaswithEntl
ehelpi
ngmeprepareformy
di
nnerwithLut
handoandshewast el
li
ngme
aboutwhathappenedwi
thLer
enzoIcouldn't
hel
pbutlaughhowcouldshetel
l
st heguythat
shedoesn'tdat
emanwhohaski dswhil
esheis
theonehav i
nghisbabyitdidnotmakesense
anditwashilar
iousIfeelsor
ryforthepoorguy
buthekindadeservesit.
Ent
le:
"Don'
tfor
gett
oshav
e"Il
aughedather
Me:
"I
t'
sjustdi
nnerEnt
le"
Entl
e:"
Youmaynev erknowwhatmi ghthappen
andweart hi
srednumber "shesai
dplaci
ngmy
matchingundergarment snextt
omybl acksil
ky
shortdresswhichhadsmal lst
ri
pes.
Me:
"If
eel
li
ket
hisdr
essi
stoosexy
"
Ent
le:
"NOt
hisdressisj
ustfine.Andbesi
desit
wil
lmakei
thardforhimtotakehiseyesoffyou.
Nowtakeashowerwej usthavetwohours"
Itookashowerandendedupshavingli
keEnt
le
saidweneverknowwhatmighthappen.
Shehel
pedmestyledmyAfroandbr
aideda
l
ongponyt
ail
Ilov
edt hel
ook.
Entl
e:"
Ineedt
ogetpi ct
uresoft
hislookandyou
gi
rli
t'
saboutti
mey ougobackt oInstagr
am"
Sheisextr
abutIf
eltbeautif
ult
hismoment
deservet
obecaptured.
Wewentoutt
otakepi
ctur
esbef
oreLuuar
ri
ved.
Hear
ri
vedaf
ewmi
nut
esl
aterhewasneat
.
Hehadgr eyvi
ntagepant
s,awhit
eshirtt
hathe
didn'
tful
lybut
tonandablackbl
azerthen
toppedtheoutfi
twi
thawhiteai
rf
orceandwhit
e
socks.
Entl
e:"
Damnhei scl
ean.It
oldyouyouwer enot
toosexy,hel
ooksli
kethetypet
hatpinsyou
agai
nstthewall
"shesnuggl
emewi thherelbow.
Luu:
"Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul"hesai
dlooki
ngatme
Me:
"Thanky
ou.Youl
ookgoodt
oo"
Luu:
"Readyt
ogo?
"
Ent
le:
"Notwi
thoutt
aki
ngpi
ctur
esf
ir
st"Ir
oll
ed
myeyes
Luu:
"Ofcour
se"
Wetookmorepi
ctur
est
hanexpectedIdi
dn'
t
knowLut
handowassophot
ogenic.
Wel eftaf
tert
akingpict
urestheywer
ebeaut
if
ul
Idon'twanttoli
e,theycoul
dmakeamagazine
cover.
Wedrov
etotheplacehewastaki
ngwi
thsof
t
musi
candl
ightconver
sat
ions.
Wepar
kedourcarandhechuckl
ed
Me:
"What
?"
Luu:
"Lookatthat
"Il
ookedwher
ehewas
l
ooki
ngi twasKopanoandmybrot
her
.
Me:"
Theyar
eseri
ousl
ysleepi
ngtoget
herI
t
houghti
twasaonceoffthi
ng"
Luu:
"Wel
lIf
eel
sor
ryf
ormycousi
n"Il
ookedat
hi
m
Me:
"Why
?"
Luu:
"Nothi
ng,l
et'
sgoandmindourbusiness"
heopenedthedoorformeIl
ookedatthoseI
j
ustshookmyhead.
Het
ookmyhandandwewenti
nthi
shot
el.
I
thadar
est
aur
antandbari
twasbeaut
if
ul.
Wewal
kedi
nandwasshowedourt
abl
e.
Me:
"Thi
splacei
sbeaut
if
ul"Il
i
kedt
hef
actt
hat
i
twasnearabeach.
Luu:
"I
'm gl
ady
oul
ikei
t,Ibookedforani
ghtI
hopeyoudon'
tmi
nd"hedidn'
ttel
lmethat
Me:
"ButIdi
dn'
tbr
ingany
thi
ng"
Luu:
"That
'ssor
ted"Inod
Me:
"OkayIhav
etocal
lhome"
Luu:
"That
'ssor
tedt
oo"Il
aughed.
Me:"
Youaresosneaky.Iwouldl
ovetospenda
ni
ghther
ewi t
hyou"Idon'twanttol
ieIwas
ner
vousbecausei
twouldbeaf i
rstt
imeto
spendawhol
eni
ghtt
oget
heri
nonebed.
Ourf
oodcamet
hisi
swhatIneeded
Luu:"
Youknowst
ayi
ngawayf
rom y
oui
t'
sso
hard"
Me:
"Iknowi
tishar
dformet
oo"hesmi
l
ed
Luu:"
SoIwast hi
nkinghowaboutwemov edi
n
toget
herIknowy oumaysayit'
stoosoonbut
babewewi l
llear
nst uf
feachot
herwhenweli
ve
toget
her"
Me:
"Butmyparent
sjustf
oundmeIdon'
twant
t
obreakthei
rhear
tsandleav
e"
Luu:"
Iunder
standmylovebutwecanvi
sitt
hem
onweekendsandwecanspendhol i
day
swith
them"Ikeptquietf
orawhi
le.
Me:
"Okayt
henwhencanwemov
eint
oget
her
"
Luu:
"Let
'sf
oundahousef
ir
stbecauseIdon'
t
wantustoli
vei
nmyoldhouse"Inod
Me:
"Okayt
henwewi
l
lst
artl
ooki
ngf
orahouse
af
termycer
emony
"henodswhi
l
esmi
l
ing.
Luu:
"ThankyouMadlamini
"wefi
nishedoffour
foodandIcoul
dn'tst
omachanyt
hinganymor eI
wasfullsowedidn'
teatel
sewewentt oour
room.
Hehel
pedmetakeof
fmyshoesandIt
urnedhe
hel
pedmewi
thmydress.
Iwasonlyl
eftwi
thmyunder
garment
s, he
unhookedmybraandt
hrewitont
hefloor.
Hepul
ledmecl
oset
ohi
m myasswasagai
nst
hi
scock.
Icouldfeelhi
sbreat
hhi
tt
ingmyneckIshi
ver
ed
hekissedthebackofmyneck.
Hi
shandsmovedtomybr
east
sandsqueezed
t
hem It
il
tedmyheadt
ohi
sshoul
der
.
Hishandt
rail
edhiswayt
omycooki
eandgot
undermythong.
Hi
sfi
ngerf
il
ledmyf
older
sandf
oundmycl
i
t
t
henmov edincir
clesIcl
utchedonhisarm,
whenthefr
ict
ionbetweenmycl i
tandhisfi
nger
i
ntensi
fi
ed.
Igri
ndagainsthi
sdickwi
thmyassashi
s
fi
ngersdi
dwonder sonmycooki
e.
Hest
oppedwhenhef
eltmybodyt
enseup.
Itur
nedaroundwest
aredateachot
herandour
l
ipscol
li
ded.
Theki
ssedi
ntensi
fi
edwhenIunbut
tonhi
sshi
rt
.
HepickedmeandIwr
appedmyl
egsar
oundhi
s
wai
st.
Hewal
kedust
obedandsl
owl
ypl
acemei
nbed.
Luu:"
Ilov
eyousomuch"hesai
dlooki
ngatme
asifIwassometr
easur
ehejustf
ound.
Att
hismomentIknewhelov
edmorethan
any
thi
nghedi
dn'thav
etosaymuch.
Me:
"Il
ovey
ouMbasa"hebi
temyneckandwent
t
osuckonmybr
easts.
Myunder
wearwassoaki
ngwetandashe
t
rai
l
eddowntomyundiesthent
ooki
toff
.
Hepl
acedonelegonhi
sshoul
derandhi
sli
ps
camei
ncontactwi
thmyfol
ds.
Histongueswi
rl
edonmycl
i
tandashi
sot
her
handsqueezedmyboob
Me:"
Mbasa"Iscr
eamedashet
easesmeby
bi
ti
ngmyclit
.
Hishandgrabbedmyt
highti
ghtl
ymybody
coul
dn'tt
akeitany
moreIsweari
tfel
tall
nerves
congr
egatedonmycli
t,hest
oppedbeforeI
coul
dexplode.
Heturnedmeandbendov
erf
orhi
m,hebi
temy
ass.
Ial
mostscr
eamedwhenhistonguemoved
fr
om myanalt
omycli
t,Igr
abbedthesheet
s.
Iexpl
odeashemuffl
edf
rom behi
ndwhi
l
ehe
squeezedmyass.
Hef
li
ppedandpul
l
edmet
otheedgeoft
hebed.
Hepul
ledmetotheedgeofthebedandpul
l
ed
hi
spantsdownwit
hhisunderwear
.
Me:"
NO!"Isai
dasIsawhowhugei
twas"
Hai
bo
i
zongenaphi
?"hechuckl
ed
Me:
"Di
dyouenlar
ge?AreyouVenda?"don'
tki
l
l
meIhear
dthatVendapeopl
earegif
teddown
t
her
esoishe.
Luu:
"Babe!
"hesai
dlaughi
ngt
henr
ubbed
hi
mselfagai
nstmycli
t.
Het
ri
edt
oent
ermeaf
ewt
imesandf
ail
ed.
Luu:
"Ar
eyouav
irgi
n?"
Me:"Ipushedaheadoutofmyvagi
na"he
pushedaf ewti
mesagainandhewashalfway
thr
oughi twaspai
nful
.
Ihadmynai
l
sdi
ggeddeeponhisback,
he
sl
ammedonmewithoutawar
ning.
Me:
"Lor
dJesus"hewasal
li
n
Luu:"
Thethundert
hatwil
lst
ri
keyou.Howcan
youcallt
hemanabov ewhenyouaredoi
ng
such"Igi
ggledhestar
tedmovi
ngslowl
yand
gentl
yyetdeepl
y.
Thepai
nwasstar
tingt
odi
sappearand
pl
easur
eki
ckedit
.
Luu:
"Fuck!
"hesai
dgrabbi
ngonmyt hi
ghsand
moveasImeethi sst
rokeshal
fway
.
It
easedhi
m bygr
abbi
ngonhi
sfi
tbut
t
Luu:
"Zizi
pho!
"hemovedfast
eronmeIcoul
d
feel
him onmylungsIswear
.
Mymuscl
escont
rastandt
enseupasmyspi
ne
shi
ver
.
Luu:
"Wai
tforme!
"
Me:
"NOIcan'
t"Il
etgoandhef
oll
owedsui
t.
Westay
edi
nthesameposi
ti
oncat
chi
ngour
br
eat
hs
Me:
"Youar
esohugeIswearmyhol
eisami
ne
r
ightnow"hebustoutofl
aught
erandpul
l
edme
t
ohischest.
Luu:
"Youar
ecr
azy
"heki
ssedmyf
orehead

-
--
--
--
--
Ifeel
li
ket
hist
helongestandi
ntensei
nser
tI
ty
pedmywholeli
fe.
Don'
tfor
gett
ocommentandt
osponsoran
i
nser
tmessageme
I
nser
t40
Zi
zi
pho

Isl
eptpeacefuli
nhi
sar
msi tf
eltdif
fer
entI
neverf
eltany
t hi
ngl
i
ket
hisbefore.
Wehadsext i
l
lmidnightIwasdogti
redbutI
r
eal
lyenj
oyedhim nothi
ngmatter
edwhenwe
wer
etogether
.
I
flosi
ngTshepobroughtmesomuch
happi
nesst
henitwaswor t
hit
.
I
fyouwantt
her ai
nbowy ouhavet
odealwit
h
t
herai
nIneverunderst
oodthi
squotet
il
lthi
s
moment.
Amomentwher eIreal
izedthatIhadtodeal
wit
htherai
ninordertofindmyf ami
ly
,fr
iends
andLut
hando.
Therewerepai
nfulmoment
sinmyli
fewher
eI
thoughtIwoul
dn'
tsur
viv
ebutIdi
d.
Nowiti
smytimetogett
herai
nbowandmyli
fe
i
sslowl
yget
ti
ngtoget
hert
urni
ngthewayI
al
waysi
magine.
Isl
owl yopenedmyey esandLut handowasn'
t
nexttomeIsatupt ofoundhim withatowel
wrappedar oundhiswaistandwat erwas
dri
ppingonhi sabs.
Ibi
temyl
owerl
i
psenj
oyi
ngt
hesi
ghti
nfr
ontof
me.
Luu:
"Youaredr
ool
ingasi
fyoudidn'
thav
eme
thewholeni
ght
"Ismil
edandshookmyhead
Me:"
Iwasn'
tdrool
ingIwasj
ustadmi
ri
ngGod'
s
cr
eati
on"hechuckled
Aknockcamet
oourdoorandi
twasr
oom
ser
vice
Me:
"Geti
nthebat
hroom"hel
ookedatme
Luu:
"Why
?"Iqui
ckl
yst
oodupmycooki
ewason
fi
re
Me:
"That
'sal
adybr
ingi
ngourbr
eakf
ast
"
Luu:
"So!
?"
Me:"Youarejusti
nat owel
,doyouwanthert
o
seewhatIeat ?
"helaughedasIpushedhi
mto
thebathr
oom Ican'thaveawomanseeingal
l
thatanddroolovermyman
Iwor
emygownandwentt
oopent
hedoor
Lady:"
Goodmor ni
ngmam, I
'
m herefory
our
breakf
ast"shewaspushi
ngthefood.
Me:
"Thanky
ousomuch"shenods
Lady
:"t
hedel
i
ver
yfory
ourhusbandi
sher
etoo"
Me:
"Del
i
very
?"shenodsandwal
kedoutIcl
osed
t
hedoor.
Luu:
"I
sitsaf
etocomeout
?"Il
aughedandhe
cameout.
Me:
"Di
dyouor
dersomet
hing?
"
Luu:
"Yeahf
rom t
hephar
macy
"
Me:
"What
'st
hat
?"
Luu:
"Mor
ningaf
terpi
l
l"myey
eswi
den
Me:"
Shoot!That
'ssot
hought
ful
ofy
ou,
thank
youbaby"
Luu:
"Nopr
obl
em!
"heki
ssedmyf
orehead
Me:
"Letmeshowert
henwewi
l
leat
"
Iqui
ckl
ygr
abt
het
oil
etr
iesandwentt
oshower
.
Iscr
eamedwhenIsawsomet
hingonmyf
inger
Me:
"Lut
hando!Luu!
"
Luu:
"What
'swr
ong?Ar
eyouokay
?
"hesai
dqui
ckl
yget
ti
ngi
n
Me:"
Whati
sthi
s?"Isai
dwi
tht
ear
sscr
eami
ng
downmyface.
Luu:
"Ar
ing"
Me:
"Whyi
sitonmyf
inger
"Isai
dlooki
ngati
t
Luu:
"BecauseIaskedy
out
omar
ryme"
Me:
"Huh?
"Il
ookedathi
m conf
used
Luu:
"Onourthi
rdroundy
est
erdayandy
ousai
d
yesyouwil
lmarry
"
Me:
"Youwer
eser
ious?
"henods
Luu:
"YesIdon'
tpl
aywi
thsucht
hings"
Me:"
Andtheri
ng?"Iaskedst
il
lnotbel
i
evi
ng
whatIwasseei
ng
Luu:
"Iputonwhi
l
eyouwer
easl
eep"
Me:
"Whopr
oposesdur
ingsex?
"hechuckl
ed
Luu:
"Me!Iknowi t'
snotthemostr omanticthi
ng
butIhavenodoubt sIwanttospendt herestof
mylif
ewi t
hyou.Andourpar ent
swi l
lnev
er
al
lowust ostaytogetherwit
houtdoingallt
he
ri
ghtthi
ngs.Soar eyousurey ouwanttomar r
y
mebecauseasl ongasy ouarereadyIam?"
Me:
"Iwil
lmar
ryy
ouLuuandIalsowanttobe
wi
thyoumywhol
eli
fe"Isai
dki
ssi
nghim
Luu:
"Thankyoufort
rust
ingmet obetheman
youwanttospendtherestofy
ourli
fewit
h"
Me:"OhmyGodarey
ousur
eaboutt
his?
"he
cuppedmyface
Luu:
"TrustmeInev erbeensosur
ewi
th
anyt
hinglikeIam r
ightnow"Inod
Me:"
ThenI '
mreadywheny ouar
e"hesmi
l
ed
andkissedmyforehead.
Hewat
chedmeshowerIcoul
dn'
tbel
i
evet
hat
hej
ustaskedmet
omar
ryhi
m andIsai
dyes.
I
'mreadyt
ost artanewl
i
fewi
thhi
m hopi
ngi
t
wi
ll
allbebl
issful.

Ent
le

Thepil
lsthatmom gav
ewer
ewor ki
ngl
i
ke
magicthev omi
ti
ngint
hemorni
ngwasslowl
y
st
opping.
OnweekendsIdon'
twor
ksoIhadnot
hing
muchtodo.
I
twasbori
ngsi
nceZi
zi
phodi
dn'
tcomehome
l
astni
ght
.
Andmypar
ent
swentt
oameet
ingt
hismor
ning.
Wellmybr
otheri
sjustaghostl
ikeal
waysyou
onl
yseehi
m whenhewant syoutoseehi
m.
Ideci
dedt
omeetupwi
thLor
enzoIhonest
ly
don'
twantar
elat
ionshi
pwi
thhi
m att
he
moment.
Idon'twanthimt obewit
hmebecausehef
eel
s
obli
gatedjustbecauseI
'
m pr
egnantnot
becausehel ovesme.
SinceIwasn'
tal
l
owedtodri
vehewasgoingt
o
pi
ckmeupIonl yal
l
owedthatbecausemy
parent
swerenotar
ound.
Aft
erhear
ri
vedIwentt
ohi
scarout
sideour
gat
e.
Lor
e:"
Ist
hisy
ourhouse?
"Ir
oll
edmyey
es
Me:
"Hi
Lorenzo,andyesthi
sismyhouse.Can
wegonow?"Ididn'
twantmyparent
sarri
vi
ng
wi
thhi
m here,
hedroveoff.
Lor
e:"
I'
m sor
ryhey
,howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"
Me:"
I'
m okayIcan'
tcompl
ainandhowar
e
you?
"hesmi l
ed
Lor
e:"
I'
m good,
thanky
ouf
ordoi
ngt
hisf
orme"
Ij
ustnodandl
ookedout
sidet
hewi ndowI
di
dn'
tknowwhereweweregoing.
Whenwer eachedourdest
inat
ionhepul
l
edov
er
andgotoutofthecar.
Lor
e:"
Comel
et'
sgo"hesai
dtaki
ngmyhand.
Me:
"Wher
earewe?
"itwasahugemansionand
t
her
eweresomanycarsonadri
verway
Lor
e:"
Myhouse"Ist
opped
Me:
"Yourhouse?
"whywoul
dn'
thetel
lmet
hat
hewasbri
ngingmetohi
shouse.
Lor
e:"
Rel
axEnt
le"Iwasn'
tsur
eaboutanyoft
his
heseemedner
voustoo.
Wewalkedtowar
dst
hehouset
her
ewasso
muchnoisecomi
ngf
rom i
t.
Me:"
Howmanypeoplear
einther
e?"Isai
d
l
ooki
ngatmysel
fIwasdressupdecentatl
east
.
Lor
e:"
About25It
hink"Ial
mostf
aint
ed
Me:"Takemehome"Isai dturni
ngaroundand
walkedtowardsthecarbutitwastoolat
e
causetwoladieswereapproachi
ngthehouse
comingtowardsme.
Lor
e:"
I'
m sostupi
dIshoul
dn'
thavebroughty
ou
her
ewithoutaski
ngyoufi
rst
"Idon'
tknowhow
hi
smindwor kssometi
mes.
Lady
1:"
Lor
enzo"shesai
dlooki
ngatmesmi
l
ing
Ij
ustfr
owned.
Lady
2:"
HeyI
'
m Mi
racl
eandt
hisi
smywi
feLol
a"
huh?
Lor
e:"
Sor
ryguy
swewer
ejustl
eav
ing"
Lol
a:"
Youdon'
twanttomissfamil
ylunch
Lor
enzo"hecur
sedunderhi
sbreath
Lore:
"Ent
lecan-
--
"Icuthi
m offwearehere
becauseofhisst
upidi
tyIdon'
tact
uall
yknow
howhi smindworks
Me:
"I
t'
sokaywecangoi
n,I
'
m Ent
lebyt
heway
ni
cetomeetyou"t
heysmi
l
edandwewal
ked
i
nsidet
hehouse.
Whenwewal
kedi
nthehouseaguywas
st
andi
ngbyt
hest
air
slooki
ngatus.
Guy:
"Heyev
ery
body,
Lor
enzobr
oughtagi
rl
"he
sai
dyell
i
ngwhatt
hehel
l?
"Hedid?"t
hevoi
cesont
heot
hersi
desai
d
soundingsur
pri
sed
Lor
e:"
Thatwasn'
tnecessar
yPhiko"wewalked
tot
hegardenthehousewasbreathtaki
ng.
Whenwegotther
eever
ybodywaslooki
ngon
ourwayort
obespeci
fi
ctheywer
elookingat
me.
Lol
aandMiracl
ewenttosi
tdownl
eav
ingme
andLor
enzostandi
ng.
Lor
e:"
Ever
yonet
hisi
sEnt
le.
..
.Mygi
rl
fr
iend"LOL
Idi
dn'
tknowIwashi
sgir
lf
ri
end.
Lor
e:"
AndEnt
let
hisi
smyf
ami
l
y"t
heyst
art
ed
greet
ingmeandi
ntr
oducingt
hemsel
vesIcoul
d
barel
ykeepupwi
ththei
rnames.
Therewastoomanyoft
hem whointr
oduced
themsel
vesashi
sfat
her
sIdidn'
tunderst
anda
thi
ng.
Ther
ewasonegaycoupl
e,t
wol
esbi
ancoupl
es.
Ionl
yrememberedaboutfi
venamesappar
entl
y
al
lofthem ar
emarr
iedexceptt
hedoucheI
'm
wit
h.
Wef
inal
l
ysatdownandt
heywer
eact
ual
l
yni
ce.
Ray:
"SoEnt
lewher
earey ouf
rom?
"thatwas
Lor
enzo'
sbiol
ogi
calf
ather
Me:
"Li
thal
ethuKi
ngdom"henods
Lwandl
e:"
That
'ssoundsl
i
ker
oyal
ty"t
hatwas
Lor
enzo'
smom
Me:"
Iti
sroy
alt
y"Lorenzol
ookedatme,
hedi
dn'
t
knowIwasroyal
tyorapri
ncess
Leo:
"Youar
epr
incess?
"Inod
Lor
e:"
Okayenoughaboutquest
ioni
ngmy
gi
rl
fr
iend"
Phi
ko:"
Thisi
sunbel
i
evabl
ey ouactual
l
yhav
ea
gi
rl
fr
iend,
wow"ever
ybodylaughed.
Theywer
eact
ual
l
yni
cepeopl
ebutwei
rdf
ami
l
y.
Iengagedi
nfewconv
ersat
ionsbecauset
hey
weremakingsur
eIwasn'
tl
eftout.
Lore:"
Areyousur
eyouarefull
?"Iwasn'
tbutI
couldn'
tembarr
assmysel
flikethat
.
Me:
"YeahI
'
mfi
ne"
Lwandl
e:"
Whyar
eyouaski
nghert
hat
?"
Lore:
"Becauseshei
spregnant
"thet
abl
ewent
si
lentandalley
eswereonhim
Ray
:"Shei
spr
egnant
?"
Lor
e:"
Yesandi
t'
smybaby
"
Lwandl
e:"
Kidscanyoupl
easeexcuseus"
Lor
enzo'
ssibli
ngsst
oodupandleftt
hetabl
e.
Ludwe:
"Youar
eroyal
tyr
ight?"Iquickl
ynodI
don'
tknowwhyI'
m sonervousrightnow
Siwe:"
Doy ourpar
ent
sknow? "t
hatwas
Lorenzo'
sauntwhosrisLudwe'
swife.
Me:
"Yest
heyknow"shenods
Lwandle:
"Wehavetopaydamagesandthef
act
thatshe'
sroy
alt
yit
'
sgoingtocostus"
Lor
e:"
Don'twor
ryaboutthatIwi
l
lpayt
hem
mysel
f"howcouldtheybesocoolt
hathe
i
mpregnatedme
Ray:
"Okayt
henandEnt
lewewi
l
lneedt
otal
kto
yourpar
ent
s"Inod
Ludwe:
"Andifthi
sboygi
vey ouanyproblem
youtel
lus"Ismir
kedl
ookingatLorenzowho
shookhisheadformenottosayany t
hing.
Me:
"Het
oldmet
oabor
tthi
schi
l
d"
Them:
"Hedi
dwhat
?!"
Lor
e:"
Youar
esoev
il
"
Me:
"Iknow"hest
oodupandhi sf
ather
s
f
oll
owedhim wi
thhi
sgrandpas.
Me:
"Wher
ear
etheygoi
ng?
"
Lwandle:
"Toteachhi
m al
esson"Inodand
i
nstantl
yregr
etsayi
ngany
thingbutther
ewas
noturni
ngback.
Leocamet ofet
chmeandIjoinedthem,Idon'
t
under
standhowt heyar
eal
lrel
atedbutal
lI
knowistheyarefamil
y.
Lorenzocamebacklateronholdi
ngonhisri
b
cageandhissibl
i
ngswer ejustl
aughi
ngathi
m
hecouldbarel
ywalk.
Me:"
Arey
ouokay ?"henodsandIhel
pedhi
mto
si
tdown"I
'm sosorry
"hechuckl
ed
Lore:"
Ideservedi
tandI'm sosor
rythatIonce
tol
dy out oabor
tourbaby.Thatwasselfi
shand
chil
dishofme.Iwanty outoknowthatIwillbe
therethroughoutt
hispregnancy
.Iknowwedi d
nothav ethebestr
elat
ionshi
pbutIwantust o
tr
ynotbecauseyouarepregnant.Iwantust
o
tr
ybecauseIdofeelsomethi
ngf oryouandI
l
ikeyoualotIdon'
tknowifthat'
slovebutIl
ove
havi
ngyouaroundme"Iwasspeechl ess
Me:"
Okaybutweneedt
otakethi
ngssl
ow"he
nodsandpul
ledmeinf
orakissweki
ssed.
Phi
ko:
"Inev
ert
houghtIwoul
dseet
hisday
.
Mir
acl
esdohappen"
Lorenzoj
ustshookhi
sheadIwonderwhatdo
theydotohim.

Kopano
Thedri
vetomyplacewasqui
ethavenot
hing
butr
egrett
owhathastr
anspi
redbet
weenme
andhim
Iwasl
ooki
ngoutsi
det
hewi
ndowt
hewhol
e
dri
vet
omyplace.
Idi
dn'
twantt
ocr
ybecausewhathappenedwas
myf
aul
tIshoul
dhav
elef
tbutIdeci
dedt
ost
ay.
Thecarcamet
oast
opandIwasaboutt
ohop
out
.
Mnqo: "
I'
m sorry"Ilookedathi m" Ishouldn't
havetouchedy ou.Ishouldhav erespect edyour
feel
ingsandl ety ougoi fanyt
hinghur ti
ngy ouis
thelastthingIwantt odo.I'
m sosor r
yi ftel
li
ng
thatIwon'tfallfory ouhurt
sy oubutIr ather
hurtyouwi ththet rutht
hancomf ortyouwi t
h
l
ies"thi
swasahar dpi l
ltoswallowbecauseI
havereallyfal
lenf orhim
Me:
"Iappr
eci
atey
ourhonest
y"henods
Mnqo:"See.
..
."
hest
oppedasi
fsomet
hing
caughthiseye
Me:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"
Mnqo:
"uhI
'
mfine.
.Iwi
l
lseey
ouar
ound"Inod
andbi
dmyfar
ewell
.
Ibumpedi
ntosomeoneIl
ookedup
"
Hey
"
Me:
"whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"Isai
dst
unned.

-
--
--
I
fyouwantt
osponsort
henexti
nser
tinboxme.
Don'
tfor
gett
oli
ke,
commentandshar
e.
I
nser
t41
Kopano

Iwasstunnedtof
indherher
ebecauseshehad
beeni
gnoringmethewholeti
me.
Shei
sthel
astper
sonwhoIexpect
edt
osee.
Idon'
tknowhowt
ofeel
aboutherbei
ngher
e.
Ihavealotonmyplateri
ghtnowbutt
heleastI
candoistomakethingsri
ghtandbehonest
wit
hher.
Shedeservest
het
rut
hnotmehi
dingt
hings
fr
om her.
Iaskedhert
ocomei
nsi
dewi
thmeandshe
agreed.
Wesatdownsi
l
enceengul
fedt
hewhol
eroom.
Thesil
encewasreal
l
ydeaf eni
ngmemay beit
's
becausewehaveneverbeeninthi
ssi
tuat
ion
befor
e.
Monica:"
What '
swr ongwithyou?Youhave
becomet hi
sper sonIdon'tknow"Isi
ghinregr
et
thi
sgirl
hasbeenmynumberonesuppor ter
thr
oughoutt hey earofknowingherandshe
doesn'
tdeservet hisbet
rayal
.
Me:"
Iknowl at
elyIhav
ebeenacti
ngoutof
char
acterandImadey ouf
eell
ikeIdi
dn'
tcar
e.
I
t'
sbecauseIhav
ebeenunf ai
thf
ul"sheshi
ft
ed
f
rom myholdandlookedatme
Moni
ca:
"What
?"
Me:"IknowIshouldhavebeenhonestwithyou
fr
om thebeginni
ng,yeswewer enever
excl
usivebutIdocareaboutyou"sheshook
herheadindisbel
i
efwithtear
sstreamingdown
herface.
Monica:"St
opi
twit
hy oursorr
yspeechKopano.
Ithoughtyouwer
ebet t
erthanthat.Aft
er
everyt
hingwebeenthroughandy oujusther
e
tel
li
ngmet hat
.It
houghty oulovedmeKopano"
Me:"
MoI '
m confused,
Ididn'
tmeanforanyof
t
histohappenthewayi tdi
d"shewi
pedher
t
ears
Monica:
"Howmanyt
imesdi
dyousl
eepwi
th
her
?"
Me:"
Manyt i
mes,It
houghti
twasaonceof
t
hingbutIcoul
dhelpmyselfIkeptgoi
ngback
t
ohim.Ididn'
tmeantohurtyouinanyway"
Moni
ca:"
Him?It
'saguyKopano!Youar
enot
j
ustacheat
erbutafr
eaki
ngli
etoo.Youfel
lfor
hi
m di
dn'ty
ou?"Ijustl
ookedatherbecauseI
di
dn'
twanttohurtherfur
ther"
Somuchf or
bei
ngalesbi
an"
Me:"
Mocanwet alkaboutt
hispl
easeatl
east
don'
tleav
eli
ket
his"Isai
dasshestoodup
Moni ca:"
Thet i
met otalktomewast hef i
rst
ti
meIaskedy ouwhat'sgoingonbutyouchose
toli
et ome.Youkeptgoi ngbacktohimf or
mor e.It
'sokayweal lchoosewhowi l
lbreakour
heartsandIchosey oubutIdidn'
texpecty out
o
hurtmet hi
smuch.Ihopehedoesn' tdowhat
youj ustdidtomebecauseoneIknowf orsure
i
swhatgoesar oundcomesar ound"
Me:"Monica!
"Butsheranoutcr
yingIj
ustsank
ont hecouchwit
htear
sstreami
ngdownmy
face.
Herwordscamel i
keawav ei
nmymi ndIdidn'
t
wantt
ohur therbutGodknowsIlovehim Ilov
e
MnqophisoandIlongforhi
stouchonlyhi
m.
Kuhl
e:"
Heyhey
,what
swrong?
"Idon'
tev
en
knowwhenshecamein
Ij
ustl
etmyt ear
sfal
landshewr
appedher
ar
msar oundme.
Me:
"Idi
dn'
tmeant
ohur
ther
"
Kuhl
e:"
It
'sokayIknow"shesai
dbr
ushi
ngmy
back
Me:"
Ilov
ehi
m"Iwhi
sper
edt
omy
sel
fbutshe
hear
dme
Kuhle:
"Iknowy oulovehim butI'
m notgoingto
sugarcoatany thi
ngforyou.Moni calov
esy ou
butyoudon' tlove.Youlov ehi
m buthedoesn't
l
ovey ou.Thi siskarmaforwhaty oudidandit
seemsl i
kei tcameear l
yf oryou.Nowy ouhave
atasteofy ourownmedi cineyouknowhow
Monicaf eel
s"
Il
ookedatherbef
orestandi
ngupandwentt o
l
ockmy sel
fupshewasn'thel
pingbutshei
sthe
ty
petel
lsyouli
kei
tis.
Mbuso
Iwaswokeupbymyphoner
ingi
ngof
fthehook.
I
twasMnqophi
so,wehav
efor
medagr
eat
f
ri
endshi
pwi
thhim.
Appar
entlyheisi
nthematt
erofdeat
h
si
tuat
ionsthat
'swhyhewokemeup.
Isawhim pullov
eraf
terafewmi
nut
eshe
cal
ledmet hatwasqui
ck.
Hesmel
tli
keabr
ewer
y,y
oucoul
dseehebar
ely
sl
ept
Me:
"Wer
ey oudr
inki
ngall
night
?"hel
ookedat
meandthr
ewhimselfonmycouch
Mnqo:"I
'
m adoctor"Il
aughedapparentl
y
doct
orsarealwaysdrunkbecauseoftheirl
i
ne
ofwork,i
tst
raumatizi
ngsometimes.
Me:
"Thi
sbetterbei
mport
antbecauseyouwoke
meupfrom mybeautysl
eep"hechuckl
ed
Mnqo:
"Asafutur
ekingisitpossi
blet
omar r
ya
commoner
"Ilookedathim wit
heyebrows
Me:"
Areyout
hinki
ngofmar
ryi
ngmycousi
n"he
l
aughedandshookhi
shead
Mnqo:"
NOI'
m notmarry
ingy
ourcousi
n,now
answermyquest
ion?
"
Me:"I
fthatpersonisyourchosenwif
ey oucould
marrythem.It'
snotamustt hatyoumar r
yint
o
roy
altyit
'suptoyourancestorswhotheysee
sui
tableforyou"henods
Mnqo:
"Wellt
heset
hingsseem compl
i
cat
edt
o
me"Il
aughed
Me:"
Areyousur
eyouarenotf
all
i
ngf
orKopano"
hesmil
edandshookhi
shead
Mnqo:"Beli
evemeI '
m notfal
l
ingforher,shei
s
beauti
fulandallt
hatbutI'
m notf
all
ingforher.I
don'
twantt ocomplicat
emyl i
fei
magi neme
fal
li
ngforherthenBOOM mychosenwi fe
showsup"
Me:"
Thenwhyt
hesequest
ions"Isai
dwi
thmy
ey
ebrowsfr
owned
Mnqo:"I
t'
sjustt
hatI
..
.Nev
ermi
nd"hesai
d
shaki
nghishead
Me:
"Okayyoushoul
dst
opshaggi
ngmycousi
n"
hel
aughed
Mnqo:
"That
'snotgoi
ngt
ohappen"
Me:
"It
houghty
ousai
dyouguy
sst
opped"
Mnqo:
"Yeswedidbutshewi
l
lcomebackandI
won'
tstopher
"
Me:
"Shel
ovesy
ou"
Mnqo:
"AndIdon'
t"
Me:
"Youar
eev
ilMnqophi
so"heshookhi
shead
Mnqo: "
Kopanoisanoldwomani fshedeci
des
thatshewantsme, whoam ItostopGod'
swill
"
Irol
ledmyey esi
ndisbel
ief"
Doy ouhaveany
hangoverremedies"
Me:
"Iwi
l
lmakey
ouone"
Mnqo:
"That
'swhyIl
ovey
ou"hebl
ewmeaki
ss
l
aughi
ng
Me:
"Fucky
ou"Iwal
kedt
otheki
tchen
Mnqo:
"Youhav
eani
cebut
t"hesai
dawi
nki
ng
atme
Me:"
Areyouchecki
ngmeout ?"hesmi
rkedwe
bur
stoutofl
aughterhecoul
dbestupi
d
someti
mes.
Me:"Whydon'
tyouconsulty
ourseeraboutyour
chosenonesi
nceitworr
ies"hej
ustlaughed
Mnqo:"Thatoneisgett
ingol
dheshouldgi
vehis
dut
iestosomeoneel se.Hecoul
dbarel
ykeep
upwithwhat'sgoingoninourki
ngdom"
Me:
"That
'snotgoodt
hough"
Mnqo:
"IknowIknow"hesaidt
hendr
ankhi
s
smoot
hie"Thi
stast
eter
ri
ble"
Me:
"Iknowr
ight
"
Ent
le
Il
eftLor
enzo'shouseal
i
ttl
ebi
tlat
ert
hanI
ant
ici
pated.
Hi
sfamil
yisacrazybunchbuttheyal
sohav
e
t
hisaur
athatdemandrespect
.
Lorenzo'
ssisterwastheonedri
vingmehome
si
nceLor enzowasn'ti
nacondit
iontodr
ive
aft
erthebeatingherecei
vedhernameis
Leonell
a.
Shei
sthemostbeaut
ifuloft
hem al
l
,it
sthe
ty
pethatwal
ksi
ntheroom andyouwantto
hi
deyourmanimmediatel
y.
Icoul
dn'thel
pbutnoti
cehowclingyher
husbandwast oherandIunder
stand.
Me:
"Il
i
key
ourcont
act
s"shechuckl
ed
Leo:
"Thanky
oubuti
t'
smyey
es"
Me:
"NOwayt
heyar
ebeaut
if
ul"Icoul
dn'
tbel
i
eve
i
thowcanabl
ackper
sonhav
egr
eeney
es,
she
l
aughed.
Leo:
"Thankyousohowdi dyoumanageto
makemybr otherf
allf
oryoubecauset
heman
i
sawomani zer"Il
aughed
Me:"
Suchar eput
ation,Idon'
tknowhonest
lyour
r
elat
ionshi
pjuststart
ed.Iwasoneofhisgir
ls"
Leo:
"Wel
ltr
ustmehei
ssmi
tt
enbyy
ou"Ij
ust
nod
Me:
"Thanky
ouf
ort
her
ide"
Leo:
"Beaut
if
ulhouse.Iwi
l
lseey
ou"Igoti
nsi
de
andshedroveoff
.
Mom:"Pr
egnantwomenai
n'
tsupposet
obeout
t
il
lthi
sti
me"Iwantedt
orol
lmyeyes
Me:
"I
twon'
thappenagai
n"
Mom:"
Wedon' twantthebabybeingaff
ect
edby
t
hespi
rit
sthatroam aroundatni
ght"
Me:
"Yousuchamamabearsomet
imes"when
wewer
etal
ki
ngZi
zi
phogoti
n.
Me:"
Youleaveforadayandy
oucomeback
gl
owing"shelaughed
Zipho:"
Whenyourmant
reat
syougood,
youj
ust
can'thel
pbutgl
ow"
Me:
"I
'm happyf
oryouandIal
sohavesomuch
t
otel
lyou"weforgott
hatmom washer
enext
t
ous
Mom:"I
t'
ssogoodseeingy
ourdaught
ers
get
ti
ngalongt
hisway"wesmil
edandhugged
her
.
Mybrotherwal
kedinheseemsrat
herdist
urbed
hehadpapersi
nhishand,hewasfol
lowedby
Lut
hando,whoquickl
yrushedt
oZi
zipho.
Zi
pho:
"What
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Lut
hando:"
Hlal
aphant
sist
handwasam"hesai
d
shesatdownlooki
ngal
lconf
used.
Dadcamei
nandsatdownnextt
omom Isat
nextt
omybr
other
Mom:"Youarescar
inguswhat
'sgoi
ngDl
ami
ni"
shesai
dlooki
ngatmydad.
Mnqo:"WhenJuni ordi
ed,youguysdeclaredhis
deathasnat ur
alcausesbutLuthandodidn't
wanttobelievesuch.Hethoughthisdeathwas
sosuddenandi tdidn'
tsi
twellwithhi
m.He
beggedmet oaskoneofourclini
cal
techni
cianstoperfor
m anautopsyonhi m andI
did"
Zipho:
"NO!
"sheshookherwithtearsstr
eami
ng
downhercheeksIal
socouldn'tcontai
nmy
tearst
oo
Luu:
"I
'm sosorrysthandwasam butourchamp
wasmur dered"shescreamedi
nagonyt hi
sis
l
ikewear eexperi
encinghi
sdeathagain.

-
--
--
-
Pleasel
ike,
commentandshar e ify
ouwant
tosponsorourbonusi
nser
tinboxme
I
nser
t42
Lut
hando

Thisi
shardformetooapartofmewishthat
l
etthi
ngsbehowt heywer
ebutIcoul
dn'
tI
const
ant
lykeptdr
eamingofmychamp.
Atfi
rstIj
ustt
houghtImi
ssedhi
m butnoi
t
changedwhenIsawdrowni
nginhi
sownblood.
Inev
erbeli
evedthathedi
ednatur
all
ybutther
e
wassomethingthatmadenosensethataboy
soheal
thyjustdi
edinamannerli
kethat.
Yestheancest
orswerebat
tl
ingbutthey
coul
dn'
thavekil
ledhi
minsuchacr uelmanner
.
Iwantedt
otell
Zizi
phobutheremot
ional
didn'
t
al
lowmet o,
shewasbrokenandhermental
heal
thwil
lal
waysbemypr i
ori
ty.
Juni
or'
sdeat
hbrokeherandt
hishasshut
ter
ed
heri
ntopi
eces.
Shewasst
art
ingt
oacceptt
hatheisgonebut
thi
sisl
i
keawoundhasbeenstabbedyetagai
n.
Shehasbeenonmychestev ersi
nceItol
dher
thatJuni
orwasmur
deredandmyt -shi
rtwas
becomingwetwi
thhertear
s.
Noonewant edtobreakthesi
lencet
hathas
engul
fedtheroom,theonlyt
hingyoucoul
d
hearwerehersni
ff
ingandEntle'
s
MrsD:
"Whatar
ey ousay
ingMnqophi
so?
"she
sai
dwipi
nghertears
Mnqo:"
InJunior'
sbloodwef oundatraceof
poi
son,whichcausedt hesev er
ebleedingand
swel
li
ngtot hebrai
nbutt hepoisondidn'tki
l
l
hi
m"Ilookedathi m andclenchedmyj aws
Me:"
ift
hepoi
sondi
dn'
tki
l
lhi
mthenwhatki
l
led
hi
m?"
Mnqo:"
Thisishar
d..UhJuni
orwasstr
angl
edto
deat
h"Zizi
phostoodupandranoutsobbi
ng
pai
nful
Ent
le:
"Zi
zi
pho!
"shesai
dst
andupbutIst
opped
her
MrsD:"
Ihopeyourdaughterdi
dn'
tdothi
s
becauseI
fnotIwillki
l
lhermysel
f"shesaid
l
ookingatherhusbandwhoseemeddef eat
ed
andlostf
orwords.
Ist
oodupandwentt
olookf
ormyf
iance.
Igotonherroom shewascur l
edupnextt oher
bed,shehadkneeswr appedaroundbyher
arms,herf
acesburiedont opoftheknees,she
wassobbingrocki
ngbackandf or
thitwastrul
y
heartbr
eaki
ngtoseeherl i
kethat.
Isatnextt
oherandpulledhert
omeshedidn'
t
prot
estshejustcr
iedholdi
ngont
omever
yt i
ght
.
If
eltmytear
sroll
i
ngdownmycheeksIqui
ckl
y
wi
pedthem,ithur
tst
hatJuni
orwaski
l
ledandi
t
hur
tst
oseehi
smot
herl
i
ket
his.
Forthef
ir
stt
imeIdidn'
tknowwhattosayt
o
her,
nowordscoul
dcomf or
theratt
hismoment
.
Shewasf
inal
lyabl
etocal
m downandgoti
n
bet
weenmylegs.
Zee:
"Ididn'tknowt hatNompumel elohatedso
much.Ican' tfat
hom t hef
actthatmyownbl ood
coul
dber esponsibleformyson'sdeath,shei
s
mysister.Shewant edmetoletmygui dedown
andIdid,shebr okeLuuandshewon"shehad
herheadonchestIki ssedherforehead
Me:"
Idon'
twantt
ogot oconclusi
onsandsay
i
t'
sherbutshei
stheonlyonewhohasamot i
ve,
t
rustmewhoevertookourson'sl
if
ewil
lpay"we
i
nter
twi
nedourfi
ngers.
Zee:
"Theyneedtopay"shesaidlookingatme
i
ntheey es,
somethingaboutherlookmademe
shi
vershewasn'
tthesweetZi zi
phoIknowbut
ei
therwayIwil
ll
ov eeachsidethatsheshows
t
ome
Me:"
Idon'
tknowhowwewi
l
ldot
hisbutwewi
l
l
f
igur
eitout
,toget
her
"
Zee:"
Together,
yourmot
heroncesai
dyouwer
e
rut
hless,i
sthattr
ue?
"Iwonderwhatmademy
mom t el
lhert
hat.
Me:"NOI'
m notr
uthl
essI'
m ali
ttl
ebitr
ough
sometimes,doy
ouknowhowt ohandl
eagun?
"
sheshookherhead"I
'mtaki
ngy outoa
shooti
ngranget
hisSatur
day"
Zee:
"Iwoul
dlov
ethat
"shesnuggl
edcl
oset
o
me.
Someoneneedst
opayf
orwhathappenedt
o
Juni
or.

Kopano
I
twascl
eart
hatMonicadoesn'
twantanythi
ng
t
odowit
handeventhouithurt
sbutIthi
nkit'
s
fort
hebestshedoesn'
tdeser
vewhatIdi
dto
her.
ItookmyphoneandMnqophi sohasupl
oadeda
fewpictur
esofhimthenoneofZizi
phoshewas
sleepi
ngthecapti
onwas"Youarethest
rongest
personIknow".
Iknewsomethi
nghappenedwit
hhersoI
i
mmediatel
ycal
ledbutshedi
dn'
tpi
ckup.
Shesentamessaget
hatshewi
l
lcal
lsome
othert
ime.
Ihaven'
ttal
kedt
oKuhl
esi
nceshecal
l
eda
spadeaspade.
Myphonev
ibr
atedi
twasat
extf
rom Mnqo
"IneedyouIknowyousaidy
oucan'
tdot
hisbut
Iwouldappreci
atei
tify
oucome"
Iswallowedthi
sguydoesn'
tl
ovemeIknow
exactl
ywhathemeanswhenhesay sheneeds
me, heneedstorel
easesomesteam.
Idecidedt
oignorethetextmessagebutI
couldn'
tsi
tst
il
lIkeptlookingonmycellphone
hopinghedocallortextagainbuthedi
dn'
t.
It
ookmyphoneandt
ext
edhi
mtosendmea
l
ocat
ion.
Iref
reshenedandt
ookmybagaf
terhesentme
atalocati
ontomeetat
.
IknowI '
m goi
ngtoregr
ett
hisbutIwi
l
lcr
oss
thatbr
idgelat
eron.
Igott
othel
ocat
ioni
twasmor
eofaf
iel
d.
Hehadabott
leofCor
onai
nhi
shandwhi
l
e
smoki
ngci
garet
te
Me:"Ar
eyouokay?"hewassi
tt
ingont
opoft
he
bonnetofhi
scar
.
Mnqo:"
Idon'
tknowt
hankyouforcomi
ng"he
sai
dthatandthr
ewhi
scigar
ett
edown.
Me:
"What
sgoi
ngon?
"
Mnqo:
"Juni
orwaski
l
ledandI
'
m sur
eMpumi
did
i
t"myheartsanktomyst
omach,myhear
tis
breaki
ngf
orZizi
phoandt
hatl
i
ttl
ewasli
kea
nephewtome.
Me:"
Whywoul dshedothattoherownsi
ster?"
hegulpeddownhisbeerandthr
ewthebottl
e.
Mnqo:"
Becausesheisatwi
stedpsy
choti
cbi
tch
Ihat
ehersomuch"hesaidthatt
henjumped
downfrom t
hebonnet.
Hequickl
ypickedmeupandpl
acedmeont op
thebonnet
,catchi
ngmeof
fguar
dthatIal
most
screamed.
Mnqo:
"Ar
eyouokay?"Iqui
ckl
ynodhestoodi
n
bet
weenmylegsandgavemehisback.
Ipl
acedmylegsonhi
sshoul
der
sandpl
ayed
wit
hhisf
ade.
Me:
"Whyam Iher
eMnqophi
so?
"
Mnqo:"
Don'twor
ryIdi
dn'
tcal
lyouher
eforsexI
j
ustneededsomecompany"
Me:"Isee"west
ayedl
iket
hatIdon'
twantto
thi
nkt omuchaboutt
hismomentletmejust
enj
oyi t.

Zi
zi
pho
Nev
erhaveIev
ert
houghtt
hatJuni
orwas
murder
ed.
Ifeel
li
keI'
mlosinghi
m all
overagai
n,t
hisi
s
somethi
ngthatIwil
lnev
erbeabletohealf
rom.
Idi
dn'
tthi
nkhatedmesomuchandt hehat
e
wassostrongt
hatsheki
l
ledherownnephew.
Idon'
tknowwhat'
shappeni
ngtomeI'm
supposedtobebawl
i
ngmyey esoutbut
somethingi
nmekeepstel
li
ngmetonotcry
.
YesIdi
dcrywhenIfoundoutt
hatmysonwas
ki
ll
edbutr
ightnowIfeel
li
keIhav
enotear
slef
t
i
nmet ocr
y .
Lut
handoendedupspendi
ngani
ghther
ewi
th
mewi
thmypar
ent
sper
missi
onofcour
se.
Wecan'tsl
eeptogetheri
nsidether
oyal
house
aswearenotmar r
iedyetthat'
swhywewere
sl
eepi
ngintheguesshouse.
Icoul
dn'
tsl
eept
hewhol
eni
ghtIkeptt
ossi
ng.
Ideci
dedtowakeupandgotdr
essedi
nmy
tr
acksui
ts.
Iwentt
oabasementandtookabasebal
lbat
thendr
ovet
othecemeter
y.
IwalkedtoJuni
or'
sgravei
twas2am I
'm
supposedtobescaredofgr
avey
ardbutI'
m not
.
Ikneel
edi
nfr
ontofhi
sgr
avemyt
ear
sjust
str
eameddownmyeyes
Me:"I'
m sosorr
yboy,Icouldn'
tprot
ectyouI'
m
sosor r
ythatIf
ail
edyou...
I"t
hewor dsj
ust
stuckedinmymout hIjustscreamedtolett
he
painout.
Iwentbackt
othecaranddr
ovet
omy
dest
inat
ion.
Theli
ghtswer
eonIt
ookmybatandgotoutof
thecar
.
At
leastIknowmywaysinthi
shousesoi
t
wasn'
thardtogeti
nsi
de.
Iwasabouttoopent
hedoorandgeti
nwhen
someonegrabbedmefr
om behi
ndandcl
osed
mymouth.

Mbuso
Ij
ustwokeupf
rom mysl
eepIdon'
tknowwhy
butmyhear
twasheav
y.
Li
ndi
wewassl
eepi
ngpeacef
uli
nmyar
ms.
Igent
lymov
edherasi
deandwentoutf
orsome
ai
r.
Me:"Somet
hingi
snotr
ight
"Isai
dbr
ushi
ngmy
head.
"Areyouokay
?"Iqui
ckl
ytur
nedi
twasLi
ndi
weI
sighed
Me:
"I
'mf
ineIj
ustneededsomeai
r"shenods
Li
ndi
we:
"What
'st
hatsmel
l
?"shesai
dsni
ff
ing
Me:"
Ithi
nksomethi
ngisburning"ev
ery
onei
s
sl
eepi
ngwhattheheckisgoingon
Li
ndi
we:"
Mbuso!"shescr
eamedIl
ookedwher
e
shewaslooki
ng.
Me:"
Whatt
hehel
l
?"t
heancest
ral
huntwasi
n
f
lames.
Li
ndiwe:
"What
sgoingon?
"wer ant
oitand
ever
yonewasalr
eadyout
,theguar
ds,t
hemai
ds
andmyparent
s.
Me:"
Someonei
spl
ayi
ngwi
thf
ir
e"Isai
dto
myself
.

-
--
--
--
--
Iknowt hi
si nsertwil
l r
each1ksoonandy ouare
supposedt ogetasecondi nsertbutyouguys
arenotfair,pl
easegol i
kethepostIsharedand
wet akethegi r
lto1.3kt henwegett womor e
i
nser t
s.Please oncewer eachthetarget
whichis1kIwi l
lstar
tt ypi
ngtheinsert
s
I
nser
t43
Zi
zi
pho

Thi
spersondraggedmeoutofthehouseItr
ied
toscr
eam andkickbuthewast
oostrongfor
me.
Ithi
nkMpumiandTshepohadt
henoi
se
becauset
hel
i
ghttur
nedon.
ThepersonletmegoIt
urnedt
ofacehi
m Iwas
ali
tt
lebitscar
ed.
Me:"
WhattheheckLut
hando?Youscar
edme"
youcoul
dseehewasn'tpl
easedwit
hwhatwas
happeni
ng,
hecl
ear
lyl
ookedpi
ssed.
Luu:
"Zi
zi
phowhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Me:
"I
sn'
ti
ttooobv
ious,
howdi
dyouf
indme?
"
Luu:"
Youaremyf i
anceZizi
phoitwasn'thardto
fi
ndy ouanddon'
tgivemet hatt
rap"I
swall
owedcausehel ookedangry"Areyou
tr
yingtogetyour
selfi
ntotr
ouble?"Ikeptqui
et
Luu:
"Getint
hecar
!"Iqui
ckl
yjumpedi
nthecar
andsett
ledont
hepassangerssi
thef
oll
owed
me
Me:
"Mycar
?"
Luu:
"Someonewi
l
lpi
cki
tup"Isatt
her
eandhe
drov
eoff.
Hedidn'
tsayanythingIkeptsteal
i
ngglanci
ng
athi
m buthedidn'tevenlookatmehiseyes
wereontheroadthewhol eti
me.
Me:"
I'
m sor
ry"hel
ookedatmebef
orehepul
l
ed
ov
eratthesideoft
heroad"
Idi
dn'
twantt
o
makey ouangr
y ,
allIwanti sjusti
cef ormyson.
Juni
orhasdecay edalreadywhi l
eMpumi isher
e
pl
ayinghappyfamili
esasi fshedi dn'tki
l
lher
nephew"Isai
dwi thtearsthreateningtofall
he
si
ghandcuppedmyf ace.
Luu:
"Igetthaty ouwantJust iceforJuniorbut
babewegott odot hissmar tandclean,Idon't
wantusact i
ngoutofangerwewi ll
messt hi
ngs
upandbesi dest hatIdon'
twanty ougetti
nginto
tr
ouble"hewi pedmyt ear
sasInod" Whatwer e
yougoingtodowi thabat ?"Ichuckled
Me:
"BeatMpumi
up"hechuckl
ed
Luu:"
Comeher e"Ihoppedont opofhim he
pul
ledthesital i
tt
lebackwards" Il
oveyouso
muchIdon' twanty oudoingthingsyouare
goingtoregretatsomepoi nt
"
Me:"
Iknowthatbutthethoughtoft
hem gett
ing
awaywithi
tjustscar
esme, wecan'tprovet
hat
Nompumelelodidit
,ther
eisnotphysi
call
y
ev
idencet
hatl
i
nkshert
oJuni
or"hesi
gh
Luu:
"Iwil
l.
..
."hedi
dn'
tfinishashewas
di
sturbedbyhisphoneringingf
rom hi
spocket
hetookitandanswered.
Theper
sonontheothersidesai
dsomet
hingI
coul
dseehi
sfacechanging
Luu:
"Wear
eonourway
"heendedt
hef
orphone
cal
l
Me:"
What
'sgoi
ngon?"Isai
dgett
ingoffhi
mI
di
dn'
twai
ttobetol
dbecauseofhisr
eacti
on
Luu:"
Theancest
ral
huthasbur
neddownt
o
ashesinmyhouse"
Me:
"What
?Whathappened?
"
Luu:
"Idon'
tknowwhathappenedbutweneed
togethomesoon"hesai
dalreadyst
art
ingt
he
engi
ne.
Me:"Idon'
tl
ikethi
sIfeell
ikesomeonei
soutt
o
getus"heplacedhishandonmyt hi
gh
Luu:
"Seemsl
i
kei
t"
Wedr ov
estrai
ghttohi
shouseev er
yonewas
standingoutsi
de,t
hefi
redepart
mentwasthere
andt heparamedi
cswerethere.
Wequi ckl
yjumpedoutoft
hecarwe
approachedthefami
l
y,Mbusometushal
fway
thr
ough
Me:"
Didanyonegeti
njured"hequi
ckl
yshook
hi
sheadthatwasarelief
Luu:
"Whathappened?"Mbusol
ookedr
ather
di
str
aughtthanworri
ed
Mbuso:"Idon'
tknowwhathappenedIj
ustwoke
uptoit,
Iam aseerIshoul
dhaveseenthi
s
coming"
Luu:
"YouarenotGodei
ther
"hesai
dtr
yingt
o
comforthi
sbrot
her
Me:
"Iwi
llcheckonMa"that
'swhatIcal
l
edhi
s
mot
her,
henodsIl ef
tthem.
Me:
"Ma"shet
urnedandIqui
ckl
yhuggedher
Ma:
"Zi
phowher
eisMbasa?
"
Me:
"Wi
thMbuso,
whatcausedt
hef
ir
e?"
Ma:"Wearesti
llwai
ti
ngtohearfr
om thefi
re
depart
mentbutIdon'tt
hinkt
heywil
lfound
anyt
hing"Il
ookedatherconf
used
Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Ma:"
Ithi
nkthi
sisaspi
ri
tual
thi
ngandi
t'
soutt
o
dest
royus"
Me:"
Thatsoundsscar
yI'm sor
ry"shenodsI
l
ookedaroundIsawLindi
west andingal
oneshe
waslooki
ngatthehutshedidn'
tevenseeme
Me:"
Arey
ouokay
?"shej
umpedandcl
ear
edher
t
hroat
Li
ndi
we:"I
'mfine,I
'
mjustt
ryi
ngtofi
gureout
whathappened,whydi
deit
herofussawit
coming,
ImeanMbusoandMe"Isi gh
Me:
"Don'
tbeaty
our
sel
fup,
thequeent
hinki
t'
sa
spi
ri
tual
thi
ng"shecl
ear
edhert
hroat
Li
ndiwe:
"NoIdon'
tthi
nksoifitwasspir
it
ual
we
wouldhaveseeni
tcoming"Ishruggedmy
shoul
ders
Me:
"Let
'sgoi
nsi
de"

Kopano

Wespentalotoft
imetogetheri
twasgett
ing
dar
kerwhenhedrovemet omyapartment
compl
ex.
Hewal
kedmet
omakesur
eIwassaf
e.
Iopenedmydoorandt
urnedt
olookhi
m
Me:
"Iwi
l
lseey
ouar
ound"henods
Mnqo:"
Thanky
ouf
ort
oday
"Inodwel
ookedat
eachot
her
Ourl
i
pscol
l
idedandhepushedmei
nsi
det
hen
pi
ckedmeup
"
Kopanoi
sthat
..
..
"wequickl
yst
oppedItur
ned
t
ofi
ndKuhlest
andingt
herel
ooki
ngatus.
Kuhl
e:"
Idi
dn'
tmeant
odi
stur
byouguy
s"she
sai
dlooki
ngatus
Me:"
It
'sokay
,let
'sgot
omyr
oom"Isai
dlooki
ng
atMnqo
Mnqo:"
UhIthi
nkIshoul
djustl
eav
e"heseemed
uncomfor
tabl
e
Kuhl
e:"
That
'sr
ight,yesgoooooo"Ilookedather
sur
pri
sedMnqoj ustshookhishead.
Mnqo: "
Iwi
llseeyou"hepull
edmetoaki
ss,he
deepenedthekissandgrabbedmyassi
nthe
processImoanedandhel et'
smego.
Mnqo:"
Iwil
lseeyouar
oundKuhl
e"hesmir
ked
Kuhl
ejustr
oll
edherey
esandhewalkedout
.
Kuhl
e:"
Qui
teashowyougaveme,snoggi
ng
wit
hyourboy
fri
endi
nfr
ontofme"shesaidwi
th
herey
ebr
owr
aised
Me:
"What'
swithyouandthesuddendi
sli
kef
or
Mnqophi
so?"shechuckl
ed
Kuhle:
"Medi
sli
ki
nghi
mthat
'sabi
text
remebutI
hatethef
actt
hathei
spl
ayi
ngyouKopano"I
shookmyhead
Me:
"Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat'
syourpl
ace"shel
ookedat
meandshookherhead
Kuhl
e:"
Kopanonotsol
ongagotheguystr
aight
uptol
dy out
hathewasn'
tint
oyoubuty
oukeep
goi
ngbacktohim,hewil
lhur
tyou"
Me:"
That
'smybusi
nesst
owor
ryaboutt
hatnot
your
sKuhle"
Kuhle:
"I
'
mtr
yingt
obey
ourf
ri
endan-
-"Icuther
off
Me:"
Thenbemyfri
endnotmymotherI'
m an
adul
tIknowwhatI
'
m get
ti
ngmyselfi
nto"
Kuhl
e:"
Youar
esur
elynotact
ingl
i
keanadul
t
r
ightnowbutateenager,i
t'
sokayt
houghIwi
l
l
mindthebusi
nessthatpaysme"
Me:"
Good"Iwentt
omyr
oom andsl
ammedt
he
door
Kuhl
e:"
That
'sanadul
tsomat
ured"shey
ell
ed.
Idon'
tknowwhatgoti
ntoher,
shereal
l
yhasno
ri
ghtget
ti
ngi
ntomybusinessli
ket
hat.
Shehasnor
ightt
odi
sli
keMnqophi
soatal
l
.
Myphonebeepedi
twasat
extf
rom hi
m
"
Thankyoufortoday
,Ir
eall
yenjoy
edspending
t
imewit
hy ou"Ismil
edandtext
edhim back
"
Hopet
hatwasn'
tthel
astt
ime"
"
Ift
hat
'swhaty
ouwant
"Ismi
l
edandbi
temyl
i
p.

Mbuso

Thepar
amedi
csandf
ir
efi
ght
ershav
elef
tI
knewtheywouldn'
tfoundany
thi
ngt
hatmi
ght
havecausedt
hef i
re.
Ever
ythi
nghasbur
neddowntoashes,
Icoul
dn'
t
gofoundmybonesasthesur
facewasst
il
lhot
.
Wehavebeensi
tt
ingher
enot
hingwasbei
ng
sai
dandther
oom wassoqui
et.
Dad:
"Thi
sisdist
urbi
ng,
nof
ir
ewoul
djustbr
eak
outl
i
kethat"
Lindi
we:"
Ithi
nksomeonest ar
tedt
hefir
e
becauseifi
twasspiri
tual
wewoul dhavesense
i
t"IsighbecauseIdon'
twanttosayanythi
ng
thatmaynotev enbetr
ue.
Mbasa:
"It
hinki
t'
sbestweal
lgetsomerest
t
henwewi l
lseethewayf
orwar
dinthe
morni
ng"
Me:
"Mbasai
sright
"ev
ery
onel
eftt
othei
rrooms
l
eav
ingmewithMbasa
Mbasa:
"Don'
tbeaty
our
sel
fup"Isi
ghand
l
ookedatme
Me:
"Thi
sisn'
tri
ght
"
Mbasa:"
Whenwasthelastti
meThusoand
Sandi
l
eshowedthemselvestoy
ou"
Me:
"ThedayJuni
ordi
ed"hel
ookedatme
Mbasa: "
Don'tyouthi
nkthat
'sst
rangethosetwo
nevermi ssachancetoshowoff,theyar
e
al
way sev er
ywhere"Il
ookedathim,hechuckl
ed
i
ndi sbel
iefandanger
Me:
"Someonei
sbl
i
ndi
ngmeandmyancest
ors"

-
--
--
-
Anotheri
nser
tcomingupl
ateron,
youar
efr
ee
tosponsorj
usti
nboxme
I
nser
t44
Kopano
Itr
iedavoi
dingKuhl
eatallcostshei
ssticki
ng
hernoseint
omybusi nessalotl
atel
yIdon'tl
ike
i
tatall
.
MnqophisoandIhav ebeenchatt
ingalotl
atel
y
I
'm star
ti
ngtobeli
evethatheisnotsomuchof
adickheadasIthoughthewas.
TodayIhavei
nvit
edhi
mforl
unchsi
ncehei
s
notworki
ngI'
m al
sofr
ee.
Hewashesit
antatf
ir
stItol
dhi
mitwasano
st
ri
ngat
tachedhefi
nall
ygavei
n.
WellI
'
mjustagir
lwhoist
ryi
ngtoshoother
shot
sbecauseIr
eal
lyl
ovetheguy
.
Atl
eastKuhl
eisn'
taroundwewi
l
lenj
oy
our
sel
vesinpeace.
Aknockcamethr
oughIqui
ckl
ywenttoopen
thedoori
twashi
m hel
ookedgoodandsmelt
good
Me:
"Heycomei
n"hef
oll
owedmei
n
Mnqo:
"Hel
l
o"hehadabot
tl
eofwi
nei
nhi
shand.
Me:
"Makeyoursel
fcomfort
abl
e"hesatdownon
t
hecouch,
Idishedupforus.
Mnqo:"Youar
eagoodcook,thi
stastesso
good"Hesaidcl
osinghi
sey
eswhi l
echewing
helookedsoper
fect
Me:
"Thanky
ou"weat
eov
eral
i
teconv
ersat
ion
Mnqo:
"Sohowar
eyouLut
hando'
scousi
n?"
Me:"
Uhokay
..
.Somymom andhi
smot
herar
e
si
bli
ngs"
Mnqo:"
Sothatmakesy
our
oyal
ty"Il
aughedand
shookmyhead
Me:
"NOwear
enotr
oyal
ty"henods
Mnqo:
"SoLut
hando'
smom i
sn'
troy
alt
y"
Me:
"NOshei snotroy
alt
y,sheisjustmarri
edto
r
oyalt
ybecausetheNdlovuancestorschoseher
f
orthei
rson"
Mnqo:"
Ohitmakessense"thedoorswings
openKuhl
ewalkedi
n,Ijustrol
lmyeyes.
Shej
ustgreet
susandwentt oherr
oom t
hen
comesbackwithherweekendbag
Me:"
Wherear
eyougoi
ng?
"shel
ookedatme
sur
pri
sed
Kuhl
e:"
Home"shesai
dthatwal
ki
ngout
Me:
"Kuhl
e!!
"
Kuhl
e:"
What
?!"
Me:"Ihat
eitwhenwef
ightwear
efr
iends"she
chuckled
Kuhle:
"NOwearenotfi
ghti
ngKopano,Iwas
tr
yingtobeagoodfri
endtoyouandIhave
beenagoodfri
end.Unti
lhecamearound"
Me:"
Hehasnot
hingt
odowi
tht
his,
Ilov
ehi
ma
l
ot"
Kuhle:
"Thenthatmakesy
ouaclown"shesai
d
thatandwalkedawayIsi
ghandgotbacki
nside.
Mnqo:
"I
syourf
ri
endokay
?"Il
ookedathi
m
"
what?
"
Me:
"Not
hing,
shei
sfi
ne"
Mnqo:
"Seemsl
i
keshedoesn'
tl
ikeme"Isi
gh
Me:
"Yeahshedoesn'
tl
ikey
ou"hesmi
rked
"
What?"
Mnqo:
"Sheisthef
ir
stwomanwhodoesn'
tfal
l
onmyfeet"t
hatof
fendedmeal
it
tl
ebit
Me:
"Ohr
eal
l
y?"
Mnqo:
"I
t'
sthet
rut
h"hesai
dthatsmi
l
ing
Me:
"Youar
esof
ull
ofy
our
sel
f"
Mnqo:
"Ohr
eal
l
y"hesai
dlaughi
ng
Me:
"Yesy
ouar
e"
Mnqo:
"Ihaveheardt
hatbef
ore,
whi
chmov
iedo
youwanttowatch"
Me:
"TheMi
dni
ghtsun"henodsandputi
ton.
Mbuso

Idon'
tknowwhoisfucki
ngwit
hmyf amil
yli
ke
thi
sanditshowst
hattheymeanbusi
ness.
Thef
actthatt
heyarebl
indi
ngmyancest
ors
andmeintheprocessi
sjustwor
se.
Theywil
lstr
ikemyf
ami
l
yandt
her
ewon'
tbe
anyt
hingIcoul
ddo.
If
eelusel
esst
hatt
her
e'sany
thi
ngt
hatIcoul
d
dori
ghtnow.
Iwokeupandwentst r
aighttothehutt
hathas
turnedi
ntoashesIj
usthelpbutfeel
my
stomachtiedi
ntoknot
s.
Ilookedf
ormybonesandIcoul
dn'
tfi
ndanyof
them.
"
Whatar
eyoul
ooki
ngf
or?
"itwasmymot
her
Me:
"Mybones"Isai
dwi
thacr
acki
ngv
oice
Mom:"
Mbuso!"Il
ookedather"
youwon'
tfi
nd
any
thi
ngson"
Me:"
What'
sgoi
ngonMa?Whatiti
sthi
s?"she
qui
ckl
ycametomeandhuggedme
Mom:"
It
'sokayson,i
t'
sokay
"shesai
dbr
ushi
ng
mybackwithherhand
Me:"
Ilostconnect
ionwi
thmygi
ft
"thatcame
outaswhisper
Mom: "
Iknowthatthisishardfory oubutcryi
ng
papawon'thelpus.Weneedt of acet hi
swith
ourheadshelduphigh.Iknowt het houghtof
younotbeingabletoconnectwi thyour
ancest
orsandgiftscaresyouandi t
'sscar
ing
all
ofusbutwecan' tjustsi
taroundweepi ngno
wehav etofi
gurethi
sout "shewasr i
ght
Me:"
Iwi
l
lgot
oaheal
tof
oundoutwhat
'sgoi
ng
on?
"
Mom:"Okayasky
ourbr
othert
ocomewi
thy
ou"I
shookmyhead
Me:"
Lindiwehasthesamegif
tasmesoi twil
l
bewiseifItakewit
hme,shewil
lunder
standit
bet
ter"shenods
Mom:"
Okaythent
histoowi
ll
pass"Inodand
wal
kedtomyroom If
oundLi
ndi
wecomi ngout
oft
hebathr
oom
Li
ndi
we:"Sthandwasam areyouokay?"Isi
gh
"t
hat
'sstupidofmet oaskyouthataf
terwhat
j
usthappened,I'
m sorr
y"
Me:"
NOit'
sokayar
eyouf
reet
hisaf
ter
noon?
"
shel
ookedatme
Li
ndi
we:
"Yeswhy
?"
Me:"
I'
m goi
ngtoseeuMakhosi
,Iwoul
dli
kei
tif
youcamewithme"shesmil
ed
Lindi
we:
"Iwi
l
lgowi
thy
ou"shesai
dthatcomi
ng
tohugme
Me:
"Thanky
ouf orbeingher
ewit
hme,fory
ou
t
osacri
fi
ceyourli
fejustt
obeherewi
thmeand
myf
ami
l
yitmeansal
ot"
Li
ndi
we:"
Iwoul
dn'
tbeany
wher
eel
se,
Ilov
eyou
somuch"
Me:"Il
oveyou"Iki
ssedhert
her
eissomethi
ng
aboutthatj
ustgiv
esmesenseofhopeand
peace

Zi
zi
pho

I
'm abouttostar
tworkingtomor
rowandther
e's
alotgoingoninmylifeIhopedon'
tmessupon
myf i
rstdayatwork.
Luthandowasn'
tokayy
oucoul
dseei
tinhi
s
face.
Thefearoftheunknownwasslowl
ycreepi
ngin
ont
ohim hewast ryi
ngtoohar
dtohidei
tbuthe
wasfail
ingdismal
ly.
Ical
l
edmypar
ent
stol
ett
hem knowwhat
's
goi
ngonIdi
dn'
twanttoscaret
hem si
ncewe
sl
epti
nmyhousethentheywakeupwithoutus.
Me: "
I'm heref oryou"Isaidkissi
nghischeek"
I
wil
l beher ef oryouasy ouhav ebeenforme.I
knowy ouar escar edbuty ouaretr
yingt
ohidei
t.
I'
my ourfianceIcanseei tri
ghtthr
oughyoubut
Ineedy out oknowy ouarenotalone,on
heav ieststormsIwi llberightbyyoursi
demy
l
ov e"hebl inkedaf ewt i
mes
Luu:
"Thankyousomuch"Ihuggedhi
mti
ghthe
buri
edhisheadonmyneck.
Me:"Ever
ythi
ngwil
lbefi
ne,
wewillal
lfi
gur
eit
out"hesighandwelai
donourbackwithmy
arm underhi
shead.
Hestar
edatt
hecei
l
ingt
henl
ookedatmebi
ti
ng
hi
sli
p
Me:
"What
?"
Luu:
"IknowwhatI
'
m goi
ngtoaskyouit
'shar
d
buti
t'
sgoingt
ohelpuswit
hever
ythi
ng"
Me:
"Whati
sit
?"Isai
danxi
ousl
y
Luu:"
Iwantyoutot
akemethroughal
lthe
eventsoft
hedayJuni
ordi
ed"Iimmediat
elyf
elt
alumpi nmythr
oat
Me:"
Idon'
twanttogobackt
othatday
Lut
hando"hesatupst
rai
ght
Luu:
"Iknowsthandwasam buti
t'
st heonlyway
tofi
gureoutwhathappenedtoJunior"Ishook
myheadwi t
ht ear
s"OkayokayI
'm sorry"he
sai
dhuggingme
Luu:
"I
'm sosor
ry"heki
ssedmyf
oreheadIwas
fi
nal
lyablet
ocalm down
Me:
"OkayIwi
l
ltel
lyou"
Luu:
"Youdon'
thav
eto"Ishookmyhead
Me:"
Yousaidi
tmighthel
pus"henodshe
qui
ckl
ystoodupandlockedt
hedoor.
Me:
"Whyar
eyoul
ocki
ng?
"
Luu:
"Becauset
hisi
sapr
ivat
econv
ersat
ion"I
nodandcl
osedmyey
es
Me:"
Uhokay .
.Sot hedayJuniorIwassi t
ti
ng
wit
hEntlebyt hepoolwhenwehadashar p
scr
eam..We...wewentt oinvesti
gatewhatwas
goi
ngont hat
'swhenwef oundJuniorinmy
mom'sarmshewasbl eedingfrom hismouth
andnose..
.I.
."Ifel
thi
sarmsar oundme
Luu:
"it
'sokay
,youaresayi
ngtheQueenwas
theonewhohadhimi nherar
ms"Iquickl
ynod
"Goonwhathappenednext?"
Me:"ThenIwentt
okneel
nextt
ohim..Li
ndi
we
appearedandsai
dweshoul
dbringhi
m her
enot
thehospit
al"
Luu:
"Di
dshesaywhynott
hehospi
tal
?"
Me:
"Hewasgoi
ngt
odi
e"
Luu:
"Andhedi
edany
way
"Icoul
dfeel
hisbr
eat
h
changi
ng
Me:
"What
'sgoi
ngonLut
hando?
"
Luu:"
What'
sgoi
ngonher
eisJuni
orwas
str
angledt
odeat
h!Hewasst
rangl
edtodeat
h!"
Me:
"Iknowt
hatLut
handowhyar
eyouso
wor
kedup?"
Luu:"
Becausetheev entssurr
oundingJunior'
s
deathareconfusing.IfMpumi ki
l
ledJuniorthen
whydi dLi
ndiwesummony outotheroyalhouse
whensheknewt hatJuniorwasalreadydead?
Unless"hesaidlookingasifhewast hi
nking
aboutsomething
Me:
"Unl
esswhat
?"hel
ookedatme

-
--
--
Thatwasthelasti
nser
ttoday.Youarefreet
o
sponsorourt
hirdi
nser
tfortodayj
ustinboxme
I
nser
t45
Mbuso
Onthewayt
oseetheheal
erLi
ndi
wewasqui
et,
shewasi
ndeept
houghts.
Shehadhereyesoutsi
dethewindowandher
l
efthandonhercheekthentheotheronewas
ri
ghtonmyhand.
Idi
dn'
twanttodist
urbherthoughtsbecauseI
wasalsodeeponmyownt houghtswonderi
ng
what'
sgoingon,
what'st
her easonforThuso
andSandi
letodi
sappearl
ikethat.
Apar
tofmelikeahugepar
tofmewantust
o
bemi
stakent
hatsomeonei
soutt
ogetus.
Becausei
tisascar
ythi
ngt
ofeart
heunknown.
Me:
"Whatar
eyout
hinki
ngabout
?"shesi
gh
Lindiwe:"
Ihat
eitwhenIdon'
thav
econt
rolof
things,If
eell
ikeI
'
ml osi
ngmymindasi
tis"I
ti
ght enmygriponherhand
Me:
"Iknowhowthi
sfeels,
I'
m sorr
yI'
m putt
ing
somuchburdenonyou"sheshookherhead
Lindi
we:"
Youar enotput
ti
nganybur denonme
Mbuso, I
'
m doingthi
sbecauseIwantt oIwi
l
l
alwaysbehereforyou"InodIcan'
thelpbut
feelbl
essedtohaveherrightnow.
Iknowmyf ami l
yissuppor
ti
veofmebutthey
don'
tunderstandthegif
tIhaveandLi
ndi
we
doessoitfeelsgoodtohavesomeonewho
under
standsme.
Thepl
acewasn'
tfarbutwehadtoparkourcar
somewher
ethenwalkadist
ancetogettohi
s
hut
.
Wegott ot
het
hehutwehadt
otakeof
four
shoes.
Hewasbusychanti
ngandbur
pinghe
i
nst
ruct
edustositdownonastrawmat
.
Wesatdownhebur nedi
mpephot
henpl
acea
pl
atei
nfrom ofus.
Itookt
hemoneyandplacei
tont
heplat
eIdon'
t
knowwhatot
herscal
li
tbutwesayi
ts
"
Ukukhany
isa"
.
Hetookhisbonesandbl
ewsomeairont
hem
t
heninst
ructedmetodothesameIdi
d.
Heshookt hebagandthr
ewthem onast
raw
matinfrontofhi
m andst
art
edburpi
ngand
chant
ing.
Makhosi:
"Inkosanail
aphaKubauci
ngaukuba
abadal
abakwaNdl ovubaval
iwe(
Thepri
nceis
herebecausey outhi
nktheNdl
ovuancest
ors
havebeenbl i
nded)"
Me:"
ThokozaGogo"t
hat
'swhatwesayi
n
agr
eement
Makhosi:"
Ewekunj al
oMf anawam, abaphantsi
bakwaNdlovubav ali
we.Kuf i
keil
ifuelinyama
kusapholwakhokway eli
zakutshabalali
sa(I
tis
tr
ue,yourancestorshavebeenbl inded.There's
adarkcloudovery ourfamilyandi twill
destr
oy)"IknewIwoul dn'tgetast rai
ghtanswer
butoursuspici
onhasbeenconf irmedi ndeed
someonei
soutt
ogetus,
wehav
eanenemy
.
Lindi
we:"I
sther
eanythi
ngwecandot ofi
ght
back"Makhosil
ookedatherint
ensel
ytoapoi
nt
thatshebecameuncomfort
able
Makhosi
:
"AwuyenaowakwaNdl
ovuwena(
You
ar
enotaNdlov
u) "
Li
ndi
we:
"Iam-
--
"Icutherof
f
Me:"
Iapol
ogi
zef
orherMakhosi
"heshookhi
s
head
Makhosi:"
Izint
ozizobanzimamf anawam
especial
l
yf oryourbrotherbuty
ouhav etohave
fai
th.Golookf oryourbonestheydidnotburn"
Me:"
Ist
hereanyt
hingIcoul
ddotof
ort
his
per
sontonotharm mybrot
her
?"
Makhosi:
"Youmeanpeople,
noevery
thingwe
r
evealit
selft
oyouwhenthetimeisr
ight"Iwas
j
usttast
ingthewat
ersIknewhewasn' tgoi
ng
t
osayany thi
ngmorethanwhathesaid.
Wewer efi
nishedwi
tht
heconsul
tati
oneven
thoughi
twasn'tmuchhel
pful
butitwas
somethi
ng.
Li
ndi
we:
"Thi
swasusel
ess,
thi
sguytookthe
moneyf
ornothi
ng,
hedi
dn'
thel
patall
"Isigh
Me:"Ther
e'snothingmuchhecoul dhavedone
wit
ht hi
ssituat
ion,hecan'
tconnectwit
hmy
ancestor
sbecauset heyar
eblinded"
Li
ndi
we:
"Well
whydidn'
thet
ell
ust
heper
son
whoi
sdoingthi
s"
Me:"
Becausehecan'
tseethepersonei
ther,
I
don'
twanttotal
kaboutt
hisanymore"i
t's
fr
ustr
atingt
ohavemorequesti
onsthan
answers.

Lut
hando

Idon'
tknowi
fmymi
ndi
srunni
ngwi
l
dor
somet
hingbutIknowforsur
eifMpumi
didn'
t
ki
ll
Juni
orthenLindi
wedid.
ShewasthelastpersontobewithJuni
or,
I
hopeI'
m wrongbecausemybr ot
herlov
esthat
gi
rlt
odeath,youcouldjustseei
t.
Zizi
phowaslooki
ngatmewaiti
ngformet
o
expl
ainev
ery
thingIj
ustsai
dtoher
.
I
t'
shar dt
otel
lhermysuspi
cionortheor
y
becausesheal
sofor
medagr eatf
ri
endship
wit
hLindi
we.
Zi
zi
pho:
"Unl
esswhatMbasa!
?"
Me:
"Unl
essLi
ndi
weki
l
ledJuni
or"shel
aughed
Zizi
pho:"
That'
sthedumpestthi
ngI
'v
eheardyou
sayeversincewemetsthandwasam"shesai
d
stil
ll
aughingbutIdi
dn'
t
Me:
"I
'm ser
iousZi
zi
pho!
"shest
oppedl
aughi
ng
Zizi
pho:
"Whaty
ouar
esayi
ngdoesn'
tmake
senseMbuso?Whywoul
dLindi
weki
llJuni
or
whenshedoesn'tevenknowhim?Whatwould
shegainbydoingthat
?Theonlyper
sonwho
ki
ll
edJuniori
sMpumi "IshookmyheadIknow
i
twill
behardconv i
nci
ngher.
Me:"
Okayfr
om whatIknowMpumi i
spsy
chot
ic,
psy
choti
cpeopl
edon'thar
m ki
ds"
Zi
zipho:
"Ar
eyoudefendingherri
ghtnow?Si
nce
whenareyouapsychologistLut
hando?
"
Me:"NOI '
m notdef
endingher,
ev er
yoneisa
suspectherewearel ooki
ngatthelastpeopl
e
whower ewi t
hJuniorandthepeoplewhohada
motive"shechuckl
ed
Zizi
pho:"
Nowy ouaregoingtosaymymom isa
suspecttoo.OkayifyousayLindi
wekil
ledmy
sonexplainthepoisonthatwasonfoundinhi
s
blood"
Me:"
ThatIcannotexpl
ainbutt
ell
mewhyare
youdef
endingLindi
wesomuch"shel
ookedat
meindisbel
ief
Zi
zi
pho:
"Li
ndi
weisfami
lyandmyf r
iendt
ooshe
woul
dn'
tdosuch,
shehasnoreason"
Me:"I
tseemslikeyouforgotthatMpumi was
onceyourbestfri
endandTshepowasy our
husband,l
ookatwhatt heydidtoyou"Idi
dn'
t
wanttousethisbutIhadt o
Zizi
pho:
"Youdon'
twanttogother
eMbasa"she
saidwit
htear
sgli
steni
nginherey
es
Me:
"I
t'
sthet
rut
h"
Zi
zi
pho:
"I
'mleav
ing"shest
oodupandqui
ckl
y
wal
kedout
Idon'
tknowhowthatescal
atedsoqui
ckl
ybutI
knowmygutisneverwrong.

Ithasbeenhour ssi
nceZizi
pholef
tangr
yIt
ri
ed
call
ingherbutshewasn'tansweri
ngmycal
l
sI
decidedtoletherbe.
I
twasdi
nnert
ime,
wewer
eal
lgat
her
edont
he
t
abl
e.
Imadesur
eIsitopposi
teLi
ndi
wetodayIdon'
t
knowwhybutIneedtoobser
veher
.
Me:"Mom,Iwanttoasksomethi
ngwhyi s
Zizi
phonotst
ayi
ngherewithussincesheismy
chosenwif
e?"ever
yonel
ookedatme
Mom:"
Becausey
ouar
enotmar
ri
edt
ohery
et"I
nod
Me:"OkayIunderst
andt hatnooffenseLi
ndi
we
butwhyisshest ayi
ngher ewit
hus? "she
chokedonherf oodandMbusol ookedatmeI
shruggedmyshoul der
s.
Mbuso:
"Becauset
hat
'sadi
ff
erentst
oryf
rom
your
s"
Me:
"Dif
fer
enthowbecauseyouar
eal
sonot
mar
riedsoIdon'
tunder
stand"
Dad:
"OkayMbasa,Li
ndi
wei sseert
ooherand
Mbusohavetostayt
ogether"
Me:
"Shareabedroom whi
letheyarenot
mar
ried?
"thetabl
ebecamequi et"Wel
lIguess
i
tmakessensewhyt hehutburntdown"
Mbuso:
"Ar
eyousay
ingt
hisi
smyf
aul
t?"
Me: "
NOI '
mj usttelli
ngy out hatyouar enot
doingt hi
ngsright.Youonl ymetherf ami l
yonce,
webar elyknownot hi
ngaboutherf amily
.Ever
sinceshear ri
vedy ouhav ebeendi str
actedyou
can'tfuncti
onwel l.Yourgi fthasalway sbeen
yourpr i
debuti tseemsl ikenowi tdoesn't
mat ter
.Yesbr otherifwesuf ferrememberi t
'
s
ony ouev er
ythingit'
sy ourf ault
"heclenchedhis
fi
st
Dad:
"STOPI
T!"Ijustst
oodupandl
eftt
het
abl
e
whil
emymom y ell
smyname.
Me:
"Shit
!"Icursedundermybreathreal
i
zing
t
hatIfLi
ndiwei sdoi
ngsomethingtomyf amil
y
t
henIjustaler
tedherthatI
'
m ontoher.
Me:
"I
'm sost
upi
d!"
Twoweeksl
ater
Kopano

Thi
ngsbet
weenMnqophi
soandIwer
est
il
lthe
same.
Wearestil
lsl
eepingtoget
herandI'
mf al
l
ing
deepl
yforhim buthi
m ontheothersi
dehejust
enj
oyssexwithme.
TodayI'
m worki
ngamor
ningshi
ftandI
'
m not
readyf
orwork.
Myf ri
endshi
pwithKuhlei t
'snotthesame
anymor eIdon'
tunderstandwhyshehat es
MnqosomuchIwi shshecouldj ustunderst
and
thatIlovehi
m andsuppor tmet henifIgethurt
Iwill
learnfr
om thatmistakemy self
.
Idragmysel
ftot
hebat
hroom andt
ooka
shower.
WhenIwasdoneIwentbackt
omyr
oom t
o
l
oti
onmybody.
It
ookthetoil
etr
ybagandtookmylot
iont
hen
myeyeslandedonasealedpackoft
amponsI
swal
l
owed.
Iwentt
oKuhl
e'
sroom andIdi
dn'
tev
enknock
Kuhl
e:"
Andwhoi
schasi
ngy
ou?
"shesai
d
l
ooki
ngatme.
Me:"
UhhowlonghasitbeensinceZi
zi
pho'
s
cl
eansi
ngcer
emony?"shelookedatmeweir
dly
Kuhl
e:"
Aboutsi
xwhy
?"
Me:
"Andhowlonghav
eitbeensi
nceImet
Mnqophi
sohere?
"
Kuhle:"
I'
m noty ourcalendary
ouknow.It
'sbeen
fourweeks"myheadst art
edspi
nni
ng"Areyou
okay?"Iquicklynodandwentbackt omyr oom,
Ilookedatmycal endarIwassupposedt
ohav e
myper iodthreeweeksago
Me:
"GodNo!
"Isai
dsi
nki
ngont
hef
loorwi
th
t
ear
s.

-
--
-
Don'
twor
ryguy
sIwi l
ltypeasmanyinser
tsasI
cant
omakeupf oral
lthedaysIwasn'
tpost
ing

I
nser
t46
Mbuso

Idon'
tknowwhatgoti ntomybrotherIknowwe
areal
lconfusedaboutwhat'
sgoingonbuthe
hasnorighttosayevery
thi
ngismyf aultand
blameLindi
we.
Icoul
dseethatLi
ndi
wewashur
tbywhatmy
brot
hersai
d.
Thetabl
ewasengulf
edwit
hsilent
,Idon't
under
standt
hesuddent
hisli
kemybr otherhas
forLindi
weandhowIdot
hingsi
t'
snoneofhi
s
business.
Mom:"Apar
tofwhatMbasasaidwastrueli
keit
ornot
.Youweren'
tsupposetoshar
ea
bedr
oom wi
thLindi
weuntil
sheisabri
deinthi
s
home"
Dad:
"Andweshoul
dn'
thav
elett
hathappen,
it'
s
al
lonus"
Idon'
tthi
nktheyunderstandwhatIf
eeltowar
ds
Li
ndiweandar it
ualwasdoneforher,t
he
ancest
orsrecognizeherasoneofus.
Weallr
esi
detoourbedr
oomsandLi
ndi
wewas
awf
ull
yqui
et.
Me:
"Ar
ey ouokay?
"shesi
ghandwipedher
t
ear
sIdidn'
tevennot
icet
hatshewascry
ing.
Me:
"BabeI
'
m sosor
ryaboutt
hat
"
Li
ndiwe:
"Ifeel
li
keyourbr
otheri
squesti
oni
ng
myident
itysomehowdidIdosomething
wrong?
"Ishookmyheadandqui
ckl
yengul
fed
heri
nmyar ms.
Me:"
NObabe,Mbasaisl
i
ket
hatwhenhehasno
cont
rol
overt
hings"
Li
ndiwe:"Idon'
tthi
nkt
hat'
sitatall
,yourbr
other
neverl
ikedme"IsighIdon'twanttobecaught
bet
weenherandmybr other.
Me:"
Let'
sjustrel
axweareal
lst
ressedher
e,we
can'
tbefight
ingeachot
herweneedeachother
"
shechuckled
Lindi
we:"
Tel
lthatt
oyourbr
other
"shewal
kedt
o
thebathr
oom Isi
gh.

Zi
zi
pho

I
t'
sbeent
woweekssi
nceIst
art
edwor
kingand
mycowor
ker
sar
egoodpeople.
Theyr
eal
l
ydowor
kasat
eam ev
ery
thi
ngi
s
goi
ngsmoot
hlyatwor
k.
Butmyper sonall
i
feisamessit'
sbeentwo
weekssincemeandLut handohadafal
loutI
'm
notdoi
ngwel lImisshi
m somuchbutIdidn'
t
l
ikehowheaccusedLi ndi
we.
ThisweekendLorenzoi
scomi ngtopay
damagesf ori
mpregnat
ingEntl
eandmy
parentswerej
usthappythatheisbei
nga
responsi
bleman.
Ent
le'
sbel
l
yisst
art
ingt
oshowshel
ookscut
e.
Ent
le:
"Youmi
sshi
m don'
tyou?
"Il
ookedather
Me:
"Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"
Ent
le:
"Don'
tactdumbZi
zi
pho,
ify
oumi
sshi
m
whydon'ty
outexthi
m?"
Me:
"NOhowcouldyouheaccuseLi
ndi
weli
ke
t
hat
"sheshookherheadandl
ookedatme
Ent
le:
"Thesamey ouar
eaccusing
Nompumelelo"Il
ookedather
Me:
"Ent
leIhav
eev
eryr
easont
oaccuseMpumi
"
Entle:
"Andhedoesn' thav ereasont oaccuse
Lindiwe?Di dy ouev enl istentor easonofwhy
hesai dwhathesai daboutLi ndi weory oujust
j
umpedi nt
odef endingLi ndiwej ustbecause
shei sy ourfr
iend?Lut handoi sy ourf i
ance
Zizi
phoy ouli
st ent oeachot herwhenone
speakandr easonwi theachot her .Hehasbeen
theref oryouony ourwor set i
mes, hecriedwith
youandl aughedwi thy ou.Andt hent hemi nut
e
hesay ssomet hi ngabouty ourf ri
endy oumet
fewsecondsago, y
ouj umpandt akehersi de.
Whataboutal l thosemoment shehasbeenon
yoursi dedidy ouj ustf or gotaboutev erysingl
e
ofthem? "Iswal lowedwi thtear sgl ist
eningin
myey esassoonasIr ealizethatInev ergave
him achancet oexpl ainbutIj ustj umpedt he
gun.
Entl
e:"
I'
myoursi
sterandI
'
m notgoi
ngtol
iet
o
you,youar
ethewrongoneher
e.Lut
hando
mightbeneedi
ngy ouandhereyouar
etur
ning
hi
sbackonhi mjustli
ket
hat"Iqui
ckl
yst
oodup
andputonmyshoes.
Iwasaboutt
ogetoutoft
hedoorwhenIr
an
backt
oherandki
ssedhercheek
Me:
"Thanky
ouIl
ovey
ou"shegi
ggl
ed
Entl
e:"
Ilovey
outoo,justgety
ourmanback"I
ranpassingmyparents
Mom:"
Arey
ouokay
?"sheyell
edIputmyt
humb
upassi
gnt
hatI
'
mf i
neshelaughed.
Idrov
et otheManzi
niKi
ngdom andIbumped
i
ntoLindiweshewastal
ki
ngtosomeoneon
phonecall
Li
ndi
we:
"Don'
tworr
yIgotthi
s"shetur
nedand
smil
edt
henendedherphonecal
l"HeyZee"
Me:"
HeyI
'
mlooki
ngf
orLut
hando,
ishei
n!?
"she
nods
Li
ndi
we:
"It
hinkso,
Iwi
l
lseey
ou"shequi
ckl
y
wal
kedaway
.
Ij
ustcont
inuedwi
thwhatIcameher
efor
Ma:
"Zi
pho"shesai
dthr
il
led
Me:
"Hel
l
oMa,
arey
ouokay
?"shesi
gh
Ma:"Ev
eryt
hingisamessmychil
dwewi l
ltal
k
aboutever
ythi
nglat
eron.Gof
indhi
m hewi l
lbe
happytoseeyou"Iqui
ckl
ynodandwalkedto
hi
sroom Iknocked
Luu:"
Comei n!"Islowlyopenedthedoor ,hewas
standingbyt hewi ndownotev enlookingwho
j
ustcamei n"Youcanputt hefoodont opoft he
dresserthenl eave"hethoughtIwasoneoft he
maidssi ncewhendoesheeati nhisroom.
Me:"
Sincewhendoy
oueati
nyourr
oom"he
qui
ckl
yt ur
ned
Luu:
"Babe!
"Ismi
l
edandwentt
oat
tackhi
m
wit
hthehug.
Me:
"I
'm sor
ry"hepi
ckedmeupIwr
appedmy
l
egsonhi
swai
st.
Luu:"
Itdoesn'
tmat
teryouar
eherenow"he
walkedwithmetohisbedandgent
lypl
acedme
onmyback.
Wel
ookedateachot
herandsmi
l
ed.
Me:
"Imi
ssedy
ou"
Luu:
"Imissedyout
oo"hesai
dthenkissedmeI
wouldlovesomemakeupsexrightnowbutwe
needtotalk.
Imoanedandpul
ledawayf
rom t
heki
sst
hen
satuphesati
nfr
ontofme.
Me:"
I'
m sosorr
ythatIleftwit
houtli
steni
ngto
youthati
snothowthingswor kbetweenus.I
j
ustwanttoknowwhyy outhinkshedidit
?"he
didi
t.
Luu:
"Idon'
tunder
standt
hepoisonpart
.Ithi
nk
Li
ndi
wei sanenemyandhasmanagedt o
manipul
atemyancestor
sthenbli
ndedthen.
YesImi ghtbewr ongaboutherbutt henagai n
myguti stel l
i
ngmeanot herst ory.Lindiwe
arrivedt henJuni ordi ed.IfJuni orwasal r
eady
deadi ny ourhouseandt herewasnot hingshe
coul ddot osav ehimt henwhydi dshesummon
himt ot her oyalhousewhi lesheknewhewas
alreadydeadi fy our ecallyout oldthatwheny ou
tookhi mt ot hecarhi spul sewasweakbut
there.Whati fsheknewt hatJuni orwoul d
sur vi
v et hepoi sonanddeci dedt of i
nishhim of f
.
Ev ersi nceshear ri
vedSandi l
eandThuso
disappear ed.Notal lthatMbusohasl ost
connect i
onwi thhi sgi f
tev ersincehest arted
sleepi ngwi t
hher .Wedon' tevenknowmuch
abouther , ourancest orshav en'tev enconf ir
m
thatshei sMbuso' schosenwi f e.Whoknows
whatshedi dint hoseday sshespenti nthehut "
Iswal lowedbecausewhathej ustsai dwas
mout hf ul
Me:
"Youcoul
dber
ightbutwhataboutt
he
poison"somehowIf eelalumpinmythroatI
can'ttakeanot
herbetrayal
,whydoesev
eryone
nearmeendupbet r
ay i
ngmei nthewor
se
possibleway
Luu:
"Theonl
ywayt
ofoundouti
sifweconf
ront
Mpumi "
Me:
"Mpumi
wil
lnev
ersayshedi
dit
"
Luu:
"Wewi
l
lseeaboutt
hat
"thatsentmechi
l
ls
Me:
"Idon'
tl
iket
hesoundoft
hat
"hepul
l
edme
t
ohisarms
Luu:
"Tr
ustme"
Me:
"It
rusty
ou"heki
ssedmyf
orehead

Kopano

Iwassit
ti
nginthebathroom i
nfrontoffour
posi
ti
vetest
sitisconfi
rmedthatI'
mi ndeed
pr
egnant
.
Ihavecal
l
edMnqotocomeIhearhimtalki
ng
wit
hsomeonei
ntheli
vi
ngroom Iknewitwas
Kuhl
e.
Ihopeshedoesn'
tsayany
thi
ngt
omakehi
m
l
eaveoroff
endhim.
Iquickl
yst
andupandwal
kedoutoft
he
bathroom.
Mnqowasst andi
ngi
nfrontofher
,ther
ewas
bar
elyanyspacebet
weenthem.
Helookedatherasifshewassomet
ypeof
t
reasure,
helookedatheri
nawayhenever
l
ookedatme.
Kuhl
ehadherhandsfol
dedacr
ossherchest
shewasl
ookingathi
m deadi
ntheeye.
Thesi
ghtal
onegavemechestpai
nsIcl
ear
ed
mythr
oatKuhl
elookedatme.
Kuhl
e:"
keepy
ourboy
fri
endi
nchecknx!
"she
sai
dthatandwal
kedt
oherr
oom.
Me:"Whathappened?
"heshr
uggedhi
s
shoulder
s
Mnqo:"Not
hing,y
oudi
dn'
tsoundokaywhat
happened?
"Isigh
Me:"
Canwet
alki
nmyr
oom?
"heshookhi
s
head
Mnqo:"
What'
sgoi
ngon? "Itookt
hepregnancy
t
estsoutofmypockethelookedati
t
Me:"
I'
m pr
egnant"hel
ookedatmethenthe
pr
egnancytestt
henmystomach,
hestretched
hi
shead
Mnqo:
"Howf
arar
eyou?
"
Me:"
Ify
ougoingtosayImustabor
tthenI
'
m not
doi
ngit
"hechuckl
edandsatdown
Mnqo:"Youthi
nkIwil
laskyoutokil
lmyown
chi
ld,
notallofusaredi
ckheads.Iknewt
hat
youwer epr
egnantbef
oreyouevenknew"
Me:"What?Youimpr
egnat
edmeonpur
pose"he
shookhishead
Mnqo:"I
'
m notsel
fi
shKopano,Isawhowy our
ni
ppleshavebecomedarkert
hannormal,
y our
nosehasgrownandlast
lyIam doct
or"
Me:
"Sowhatnow?
"
Mnqo:"
Youar
egoingt obeamot herofmychil
d,
wewill
co-
parent
.RightnowIjustneedtocome
cl
eantomyparents"hesai
dthatandlookedon
Kuhl
e'
sdoorormay beI'
mjustparanoi
d.

-
--
--
-
Iwi
l
lbedr
oppi
nganot
heri
nser
tlat
eron
I
nser
t47
Zi
zi
pho

Thet
houghtofLi
ndi
webei
ngt
her
easonJuni
or
di
edkil
l
sme,shehasseenhowdi
ff
icul
thi
s
deat
hwasf
orme, howitbr
okeme.
Shewascomf
ort
ingmeonmywor
seday
s.
Ifshei
sreal
l
yr esponsi
blef
orhi
sdeat
hthen
shemoreevilandtwist
edthanMpumi
.
Myheartdoesn'
twantt
obeli
evethatshecoul
d
becapabl
eofsuchbutwhatLuthandohasbeen
say
ingmakessense.
Mymi ndhasbeenalsobestuckinthatphone
shewasmakingbutIcouldn'
tevenhearher
becauseIwasintherushtofi
xthi
ngswi t
h
Luthando.
"
Don'
twor
ryIgott
his"herwordskeptpl
ayi
ngi
n
myheadl
i
keabrokenrecord.
Ikeptwonderi
ngwhosheis?andwhatwasshe
tal
kingaboutwhenshesai
dthat
?Whowasshe
tal
kingabout?
Luu:
"Youar
est
ressi
ngagai
n?"Isi
ghl
ooki
ngat
hi
m.
Me:"I
t'
sjustthati
fLindi
weisreal
lyr
esponsibl
e
forwhat'
shappening,shei
snotworkingaloneI
headhertalki
ngtosomeonet el
li
ngthem she
haseveryt
hingundercontr
ol"
Luu:
"Whatel
sedi
dshesay
?"Ishr
uggedmy
shoul
der
s
Me:
"Shenot
icedmet
henendedt
hecal
l
"
Luu:
"Andt
hati
sgi
vi
ngusmor
esuspi
cion"
Me:"Hav
ey out
oldMbusot
his?
"hequi
ckl
y
shookhishead
Luu:
"IfIt
ellmybrotheraboutthi
s,hewon't
easi
lybeli
eveheisinlovewithLi
ndiwe.Ial
so
don'
twantt of
ightwithhim andwhatifI'
m
wrongaboutthis"
Me:"Iunderst
andthati
fLi
ndiweisresponsibl
e
foreveryt
hingshewil
lbeexposedanditwi l
l
breakMbusoher eall
ydoesloveher"hestood
upandputonhi
sshoes.
Me:
"Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"
Luu:
"TomakeLindiwebeli
evethatI'
m notont
o
heraboutwhat
'sgoingon,comewi t
hme"he
sai
dstret
chi
nghishandt omeIt ookit
.
Me:"Huhohokay"wewalkedtowardsMbuso's
house,yesMbusohasahouseint heyar
deven
Mbasahasal andher
ebecausetheycouldn'
t
buil
dahouseherewhil
ehedidn'tstaywi
thhis
famil
y.
Weknockedt
hedooropenedi
twasMbuso.
Luu:
"Canwecomei
n?"hemods
Mbuso:"
Yeahsure"hewaspleasedtosee
MbasaIguessit
'sbecauseofwhathesaidto
Li
ndiwe,LuuwasrightMbusowouldn'
tbel
iev
e
anyt
hingsai
dagainstLi
ndiwe.
Wesatont hecouchhi
shousewasr
eal
l
y
beaut
if
ul.
Mbuso:
"I
t'
sni
cet
oseey
ouZee"
Me:
"I
'm gl
adt
oseey
ou"Li
ndi
wewasn'
ti
nsi
ght
Luu:
"I
sLi
ndi
wear
ound?
"Mbusochuckl
ed
Mbuso:
"Why?Doy ouwanttoinsultheragai
n
andbl
ameusf orever
ythi
ngthatisgoingwrong
her
e?"Mbasashookhishead
Luu:
"NOt
hat'
swhyI'
m her
eIwantt
oapol
ogi
ze"
Li
ndi
weappearsf
rom t
hebedr
ooms.
Icoul
dfeelmyhear
tbeat
ingfastI
'
mtr
yingso
hardnott
ojumponherri
ghtnow.
Li
ndiwe:
"Heyguy
s"shesai
dsmi
l
ingwegr
eet
ed
back
Mbuso:"
Myl ov
esitMbasahassomethingt
o
saytous"shelookedatMbasaandsatdown
nextt
oMbusoopposi teme
Luu:
"Lindi
weIjustwantt
oapologizefor
ever
ythingIsai
dtoyoutheotherdayIdidn'
t
meanany thi
ngIsai
d.ThatdayIarguedwith
Zi
ziphoIwasfr
ustratedandy ouguysbecame
vi
cti
msofmyf rust
ration"hesoundedso
si
ncereandshesmi l
ed
Li
ndiwe:
"It
'sokayIunder st
and,
I'
m gl
adthaty
ou
guysfi
xedthings"Icouldseeshebel
iev
ed
ever
ythi
nghesai dafterhemadesurehe
soundssosincere.
Luu:
"MbusoI
'
m sosor
rybr
uh"
Mbuso:"I
t'
sokayweallhav
ethosedaysI
'
m gl
ad
youreal
izedthaty
ouwerewrongand
apol
ogized"Mbasanods
Li
ndi
we:
"Iwaspr
epar
ingl
unch,
youguy
scan
st
ay?
"
Me:
"IthoughtSundayl
unchar
eforwhol
e
f
amily
"sheswal l
owed
Li
ndi
we:"Iwasjustt
ryi
ngt
ospoilmyhusband"
moreli
kedist
ancinghi
mfrom hi
sfami
lysucha
bi
tch
Luu:
"That
'sniceI
'
m gl
admybr
otherhasyouas
hi
schosenone"theybot
hsmi
l
edifIstayany
l
ongerIwill
puke.
Me:"Iwishwecouldstaybutwearejoini
ngthe
f
ami lyi
t'
sat r
adi
ti
on.Youguy scanstaythou
I
'm suretheywil
lunderst
and"shenods
Luu:
"Wewi
l
lseey
ouguy
slat
er"
Mbuso:
"Seeyouguys,
thanky
oubr
o"henods
andwewalkedout.
Me:
"Thatbi
tch!
"hi
sey
espopped
Luu:
"Younev
erswear
"
Me:"
Shei
sasnake,
don'
tyouseewhatshei
s
t
ryi
ngtodo?
"
Luu:
"Iknowbabe,thi
sist
her
easonweneedt
o
seeMpumi "Inod.

Kopano
Mnqophi sol
eftandhegavemecl
earl
y
i
nstruct
ionsthattomor
rowhei
staki
ngmet
oa
gynecol
ogist
.
Icoul
dn'
tgett
heimageofhowhewaslooki
ng
atKuhl
ebutIwasbei
ngparanoi
dher
e.
I
'
mthemotherofhi
schi
ldhewi
l
lev
ent
ual
l
yfal
l
f
ormeandbewithme.
Me:"Youaregoingt
obethemostbeaut
if
ul
pr
incess"Isai
dbrushi
ngmybel
ly.
Eventhoughthatthispr
egnancywasn'
tplanned,
I
'm gl
adIam pregnantMnqowi ll
soonreali
ze
thatmeandhi m aremeanttobetoget
herthat
i
swhyIf ell
pregnantforhi
m.
Iwassit
ti
ngi
nthecouchl
ookingatsomebaby
cl
othesi
nmyphonetheyseem pr
ett
yador
able.
Kuhl
e:"
Whyareyousmi
l
ingal
one?
"Ichuckl
ed
andl
ookedather
Me:
"BecauseI
'
m pr
egnant
"herey
esbecame
wi
derandy
oucoul
dseet
heshocki
nherey
es
Kuhl
e:"
Youar
epr
egnant
?"Inod
Me:
"Yes"
Kuhl
e:"
Uhwowokayhowdoy
ouf
eel
abouti
t?"
shesai
dsi
tt
ingnextt
ome
Me:"
I'
m okayhonest
ly,
ther
e'snot
hingt
obe
doneandMnqophisoisbei
ngsupporti
ve"
Kuhl
e:"
Ohr
eal
l
y"shesai
drai
singherey
ebr
ows.
Me:"
Yes, y
ouwerewrongabouthi
m Kuhl
e.He
i
sagr eatguyandhei
swill
i
ngtobeaf at
hert
o
ourbaby"shesmil
ed
Kuhle:
"Idon'
twantt
obustyourbubblesoift
he
guymakesy ouhappythenIwil
lsuppor
tyoubut
thatdoesn'
tmeanIshouldl
ikehim.Aslongas
heiswi l
l
ingtost
epupandsuppor ty
ou"
Me:"ThankyouKay
"shenodsandf
ocusedon
herphone.
West
art
edwat
chi
ngTVandshest
oodupshe
l
eftherphone.
Iqui
cklyt
ookanditwaseasyt
oknowher
patt
ernwefr
iendsaf
teral
l
.
Il
ookedthr
oughitt
her
ewasnothi
ngint
erest
ing
ot
herthanscr
ipt
sandquot
esf
rom theBi
ble.
Herpi
ctur
eswer
ejustf
ewofherandour
f
ri
ends.
Whatsappther
ewasnot hi
nginter
est
ingother
thanchur
chgroupsandallthepeopl
eIalr
eady
knowIquickl
ylockedi
t.
Iwasr
eli
evedt
hatnot
hingconnect
edherwi
th
Mnqo.
Shecameandsatnextt
omeherphonebeeped
shesmil
ed.
Kuhl
e:"
Zeeisi
nvi
ti
ngusnextweekend,ther
e'sa
fami
lypay
ingdamagesf
orEntl
e'
spr egnancy"
Me:"
What?
!Ent
lei
spr
egnant
?"sher
aisedher
ey
ebrows
Kuhle:
"Yesshei
spr
egnanty
oudi
dn'
tknow?
"I
shookmyhead
Me:
"NOIdi
dn'
t"
Kuhl
e:"
Entl
etol
dusinourwhat
sappgroup,well
i
t'
snotli
keyouwouldknowyouaretoofocused
onyourboyf
ri
end.Soyeahwearei
nvit
ed"
Me:"
Whyar ey ouli
kethi
s?Doyouperhapswant
Mnqof ory
our sel
fordoyouguyshav
ea
past
?"shelaughed
Kuhl
e:"Whatdoyout
akemefor
?ifhewasthe
l
astmanonear t
hIwoul
dst
aysi
nglefor
ever
"
Me:"
Thenwhydoy
ouhat
ehi
m?"sheshookhi
s
head
Kuhl
e:"
Hat
eisast
rongwor
d.Ij
ustdon'
tl
iket
he
guy"
Me:
"Youdon'
thav
eapastwi
thhi
m?"
Kuhl
e:"
Whatpossi
blepastcoul
dIhav
ewi
tht
hat
j
erk?
"shesai
dcooll
y
Me:
"Hei
snotaj
erk!
"
Kuhle:
"Okay
"shest
oodupandwal
kedt
oher
room.

Mbuso
I
'm gladt
hatMbasahasapologi
zedt
ousIhat
e
but
tingheadswi
thmybrother
Soaslongaseveryt
hingi
sokaybet
weenhi
m
andLi
ndiweI'
m happy.
Mymot herwasn'
tpleasedwit
husnotspending
Sundaylunchwit
hthem, shewasmor
ehur t
thananythi
ng.
Li
ndiwe:"
Idon'tunder
standwhyyourmom
actedl
ikethatImeanweal soneedsomeal
one
ti
me"
Me:
"NotonSunday
s"sher
oll
edherey
es
Lindi
we:
"If
eelli
keyourfamil
ydoesn'tl
i
keme
thatmuchfi
rsti
twasy ourbr
othernowit'
syour
mom"
Me:
"Butmybrotherapologizedt
ous,mymom
i
swithi
nherr
ightstofeelthatway"
Lindi
we:"
Yourmothershouldunder
standthat
youareagrownmany ouwill
needtostartyour
ownf ami
lynotwi
neanddi newiththem al
lthe
ti
me"Ishookmyheadi ndi
sbeli
ef
Me: "
Mypar entswillal
waysbemyparents
Lindiwe,theywil
lalwayscomefi
rstandIthi
nk
youshoul drespectthatandt
hei
rrul
estoo"I
thinkthatcaughtheroffguar
d
Li
ndi
we:
"Mbuso!
"
Me:"NoLindiwewewer einthewr ongher
eand
i
nthi shousewer espectoureldersify
our
parentsdidn'
tteachyouthatthenIwi l
lgl
adl
y
dot hatf
orthem"sheswal lowedImi ghtl
ove
herbutthatdoesn'tmeanIwi l
l al
l
owsuch
Li
ndiwe:"
I'
m sorr
yIdidn'
tmeantomakeyou
upsetordisr
especty
ourparent
sIj
ustwant
ed
t
ohav
esomet
imewi
thy
ou"
Me:"I
fyouwantsometimewit
hmet hen
chooseanydaynotSunday
s"shenods
Li
ndi
we:
"Under
stoodI
'
m sor
ryagai
n"
Me: "
Nowl et'
sdi
scusssomethingseri
ous,si
nce
youar emychooseone.Youdoknowt hatour
ancestorsareconnect
ed?"Idon'
tknowwhy
didn'
tIthinkoft
hisbefor
e
Li
ndi
we:
"YesIknowt
hat
"
Me:
"Soifmyancest
orsarebl
indedI'
m al
l
owed
t
oconnectwi
thyoursandconsultt
hem r
ight
?"
Li
ndi
we:
"What
?"Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
ow
Me:
"what
'swr
ong?
"
Lindi
we:
"Nothi
ngbuti
t'
sbecauseMakhosi
sai
d
youwerebli
ndedtoo"
Me: "
I'
m bl
i
ndedtoconsultmyancest
ors,
he
didn'
tsayyourstoomaybeifIt
ryt
oconsult
yoursImightgetsomeanswers"
Li
ndi
we:
"uhokay
"

-
--
--
-
Guyssi
ncewehadaheav ystor
ml astweekit
dest
royedel
ect
ri
cit
ywires,cabl
esandpol eswe
don'
thaveel
ect
rici
tyy
etbutIhav emanagedt o
char
gemyphonei nasolarinourneighbors.
Soi
t'
shar
dtopostf
ory
ou
I
nser
t48
Lut
hando

Ihat
efeel
ingthi
spower l
ess,notonlyisLi
ndiwe
amurdersheisav edi
ti
vewitch,sheistr
yingto
keepmybrotherawayfrom myf amil
yandIf eel
l
ikeshei
splanningsomething.
Ilookedatmybabywhoi
speacef
ulsl
eepi
ngon
thepassengersi
t.
Sheisti
redev
eryt
hingi
sdrai
ningher
,shei
s
tr
yingt
obestrongbutt
hisi
sasensit
ivematt
er.
Somebodywetrust
edmightberesponsi
blef
or
ourson'
sdeat
hthat'
saheavyt
hing.
IhopeMbusoseeswhatki
ndofaperson
Li
ndiwei
sreali
ssoonbecausei
fnotweare
doomed.
Isoft
lyshookmyf
ianceshesl
owl
yopenedher
eyes.
Me:"Weareher
ebabe"sher
ubbedherey
esand
si
gh" I
t'
sokayi
fyoudon'
twannagoi
n"she
shookherhead
Zizi
pho:
"Lastt
imeIwasher eIwasreadyto
murdersomeoneIev enfor
gotall
theworse
memor i
esthathappenedinthi
shouse"Ihel
d
herhand
Me:"Youcanwai
ther
ewhi
l
eIgoi
n"sheshook
herhead
Zi
zi
pho:
"Iwi
l
lgowi
thy
ou"
Me:"Areyousur
e?Imean.
."shegav
ean
assurancesmil
e
Zi
zipho:
"Let
'sgo!
"wegotoutofthecarand
walkedt
owar dst
hehouse,shecl
enchedmore
onmyhandwhenweappr oachedt
hef r
ontdoor
Il
ookedather
Me:
"Br
eat
h"shenodsandIr
angt
hebel
l
.
Afewmi nut
esthedooropenedshewas
shockedtoseeus.
Mpumi:
"Zi
zi
pho"shesai
dlooki
ngatherfort
he
f
ir
stt
imeshewasn'tgi
vi
ngheramurderous
l
ook.
Zizi
pho:"
Mpumi "t
hatcameouti
napl
aceof
fearbutshekepti
ttoget
her
.
Mpumi :
"Uhcomein"Zi
zi
phosighbefor
ewegot
i
n,shelookedar
oundIwasobservi
ng
ever
ythi
ngshedoesbecauseIdi
dn'twanther
t
obeuncomf
ort
abl
e.
Wesatdownandsi l
enceengul
fedtheroom
Mpumi keptt
appi
ngherfeetonthefl
oor
Tshepowasnowher ei
nsightthat
'sgood.
Mpumi:"
Sowhat'
sgoingonhere?Whatar
eyou
guysdoi
ngher
e?"thatwasact
uall
yni
cecoming
fr
om her
.
Me:
"Weneedy
ourhel
p"shechuckl
ed
Mpumi :
"WhatcanIpossi
blyhel
pyouwith?Me
hel
pingyou?"shesai
dlaughi
ngZizi
pho
chuckl
ed
Zi
zi
pho:
"Act
ual
lyweareher
etosav
eyourass
Mpumisodon'
tbecocky
"
Mpumi
:
"Sav
emyassf
rom whatexact
ly?
"
Me:"Thewordhasi tt
haty
oukill
edJunior
,did
youknowt hatJuni
orwaspoisoned?"she
gaspedinshockfrom myski
llofreadi
ngpeople
shewasn'tshocked,t
hebodylanguagesaidi
t
al
l
,thechangei
nherbr
eat
h.
Mpumi:
"What
?Yout
hinkIki
l
ledJuni
orIwoul
d
nev
erdothat
"
Zi
zipho:
"Sayssomeonewhotri
edtopoi
sonher
st
epmother,poi
sonit
syourt
hing"wedi
dn'
t
wanttorevealt
hestr
angl
i
ngpart.
Mpumi:
"IknowI
'
m at
err
ibl
eper
sonbutI
'
m not
achi
l
dkill
er"
Zizi
pho:
"Youwil
lexpl
aint
hatt
othepol
i
cet
hen"
sheshookherhead
Mpumi:
"Iswearonmymother
'sgr
aveIdi
dn't
ki
l
lJuni
or,Idi
dn'
tpoi
sonhi
m"shesaidcr
ying
Zi
zi
pho:
"Idon'
tbel
i
evey
ou"
Mpumi :
"Iwasn'
teventher
ewhenJuni
ordi
ed
Zi
zipho,rememberTshepopi
ckedmeupthe
ni
ghtbef or
e"Zi
zi
pholookedatme
Me:"Okaythenwebel
i
evey
ou"shequi
ckl
y
huggedZizipho
Mpumi:
"IswearIdi
dn'
tdoit
"Zi
zi
phowas
dumbf
oundedshedidn'
tknowwhatt
odo
Zi
zipho:
"Uhokay
"shesai
dwi
ggl
i
ngher
sel
f
fr
om her
Mpumi:"
I'
m sor
ry"Tshepowal
kedhewas
sur
pri
sedtoseeus
Tshepo:"
What'
sgoingonher
e?Mpumi areyou
okay?"shequi
ckl
ynodsandwipedhertear
s
Mpumi
:
"I'
mfi
nebabe"
Tshepo:"
Thenwhywereyoucryi
ngdi
dtheyhur
t
you?"shequi
ckl
yshookherhead
Mpumi :
"NoNot heydidn'
tdoanyt
hingt
ome,
meandZi zi
phowerejustmaki
ngpeaceabout
ever
ythingthathappenedbet
weenusIjustgot
emotional"whyisshelyi
ngtohi
m butI
'
m glad
sheislying?
Zi
zi
pho:"
Uhy est
hat'
sitwewi
ll
leavenow"I
l
ookedatherconf
usedshewenttoMpumiand
huggedher
Me:"
Haveagr eataf
ternoon"hel
ookedatus
dumbfoundedwewal kedout
Me:
"What
'sgoi
ngon?
"Isai
daswegoti
nsi
de
t
hecar
Zizi
pho:
"Mpumidi
dn'
tki
llJuniorbutsheknows
somethi
ngTshepogoti
nbef oreshecouldsay
i
t"
Me:"
That
'swhyshoul
dshel
i
edt
ohi
m"she
nods
Zizi
pho:
"WeneedtogetMpumitosaywhat
ever
sheknowsandI'
m scar
edofthetr
uth"

Mbuso
Itr
iedconnecti
ngwi thLi
ndi
we'sancestorsbutI
couldn'
tthatdi
dn'tmakesenseatallIcan'tbe
bl
indedfrom bothsidessomet
hingisgoingon
hereandIdon'tl
ikeit.
Lindi
wealsoseemedconfusedIdecidedt ogo
forawal
kj ustt
ocl
earmyheadIdi dn'tknow
whereIwasgoingbutIf
oundmy selfinfrontof
Makhosi
'shut.
Agi
rlwal
kedt
omeandt
ouchedmyshoul
der
.
Gi
rl
:"
Arey
ouokay
?"Il
ookedather
Me:
"I
'm okayi
sMakhosi
in?
"sheshookher
Gi
rl
:"
Unfortunat
elyheisnother
e,hehasan
emergencytoattend"Inod
Me:
"ThankyounowIwi
l
lleav
e"Isai
dthat
wal
kingaway
"
Mnt
ungwa"It
urnedi
twast
hesamegi
rl
Me:
"Howdoy
ouknowme?
"
Gi
rl
:"
Ever
yoneknowsy
ou"
Me:
"That
'snott
rue"shechuckl
ed
Gi
rl
:"
Iwouldsuggestthaty
ouwai
tforMakhosi
"
Il
ookedatherconfused
Me:
"Why
?"
Gir
l:
"Becausenoteveryt
hinginy
ourli
feisbl
ack
andwhi t
e,nowIwillat
tendmydutiespl
ease
waitforMakhosiyouwer esummonedherefor
areason"Inodandwat chedherwalkawaythen
Idecidedtofol
l
owher
Me:"
Idi
dn'
tcat
chy
ourname?
"shet
urned
ar
ound
Gi
rl
:"
What
?"
Me:
"What
'sy
ourname?
"shel
ookedatmef
ora
whi
l
e
Gi
rl
:"
Lindi
we"Il
ookedather
Me:"
What?Whatdoyoumeany
ouar
eLi
ndi
we?
"
shel
ookedatmeconfused
Gi
rl
:"
Whatki
ndofaquest
ioni
sthat
?"
Me:
"Myf
iance'
snamei
sLi
ndi
we"
Gi
rl
:"
Peopledoshar
enames"shesaidthat
wal
kingawayIl
ookedatherunt
ilshe
di
sappear
ed
Me:"Li
ndi
we?
"Idon'
tknowwhyhershar
inga
namewi t
hmyfi
ancegavemeanunsett
li
ng
feel
i
ng.
Ideci
dedtol
eavebecausewaiti
ngforMakhosi
wasdriv
ingmecrazyIkeptt
hinki
ngaboutthi
s
gir
l.
Idr
ovebackhomesomet
hingwast
ell
i
ngmet
o
gobackbutIdi
dn'
t.
IgothomeLindiwemyf i
ancetomakethi
ngs
cl
earwasont hesexiestli
ngeri
eshepr
epared
dinnerandev
erythi
ngf orus.
Me:
"Hey
"Isai
dkissingherandl
ookedar
ound
"
Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul"shesmiled
Li
ndiwe:"
Doyouwanttoeatdi
nnerf
ir
stor
desser
t"shesai
dcar
essi
ngherexposedt
high
Me:"
Dessertwoul
ddorightnow"Isai
dki
ssi
ng
hert
henpickedherup.
Shewrappedherl
egsar
oundmywai
standwe
wal
kedtoourroom.
Igentl
eplacedherontopofthebedandr
ipped
offherl
ingeri
emybodywasheat i
ngupIl
onged
forherIcoul
dn'tev
encontr
olmyself
.
Isqueezedherbr
eakf
astt
heywer
eaper
fectf
it
formyhand.
Shehel
pedmeoutofmyt
-shi
rtandt
rouser
s.
Me:
"Iwanty
ousobad?
"Isai
dheav
il
ybr
eat
hing
Li
ndi
we:"Iknow"shesai
dsmashi
ngherl
i
ps
agai
nstmine.
Igoti
nbet
weenherthighsandr
anmyfi
ngerin
hercl
i
tshewasdr
ippingwetshewasr
eadyfor
me.
"
Don'tdoi
t"t
hatgi
rl
'
svoi
ceechoedi
nmyearI
f
roze
Li
ndi
we:
"Babe!Mbuso!
"Il
ookedher
Me:
"Huh?
"
Li
ndiwe:
"Il
ovey
ou"hear
inghersayt
hatputme
backint
hezonewewereat.
Thatwasitweendedupmaki
ngl
ovet
hrough
outtheni
ght

Thef
oll
owi
ngday
Zi
zi
pho

Ihadt
owakeupandgot owor
ktodayItri
edt
o
cal
lMpumibutherphonewasoffIknew
somet
hingwasoff.
Ihadsomuchwor ktodothi
swasmyfi
rstcase
i
nt hi
scompanyIhav etomakesur
eev
erythi
ng
goesrightandInai
li
t.
SoIhavetofor
getal
it
tlebi
taboutmy
probl
emsbackathomesot hatIcoul
d
concent
rat
eonmywor k.
Tr
evor
:"
It
'st
imet
oknockof
fZee"hesai
dhei
s
oneofmycol
l
eagues
Me:
"Ihav
esomuchwor
ktodo"
Trev
or:
"Youdidn'tgoforl
uncht
ooy
ouneed
somerest"Ichuckled
Me:"
Don'
tworr
yaboutmeIwi
l
lbef
ine"henods
andl
eftmetowork.
It
oldLuthandothatIwaswor
kingti
ll
lat
ehe
waspleasedbuthehadnochoice.
Atl
eastIwasdri
vi
ngmy
sel
ftowor
khewon'
t
havetopickmeup.
Ideci
dedtoknockof
fat9Ibi
dfar
ewel
ltothe
secur
it
yandwalkedt
omycarthenunl
ockedi
t.
Igoti
nandsomeonegotont
hepassengersi
t.
Me:
"Whatthehell
getoutofmycar
!"but
i
nst
eadthepersonpoi
ntedagunatme
"
Dri
ve!
"
Me:
"Li
ndi
we?
!!
"shewashi
dingherf
aceundera
bal
acl
avaanddr
essedl
i
keaman
Li
ndi
we:"Dri
veZizi
phoorIwi
llbl
owyourbr
ains"
Il
ookedaroundbutIcoul
dn'
tseeanyoft
he
guar
dsthatfol
lowsmet owor
k
Li
ndiwe:
"Lookforyourguar
dsprincesst
heyar
e
nother
e,theyaredead,nowdr
ive"Iknewshe
meantbusinessIdrov
e
Me:
"Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?
"
Li
ndi
we:
"Don'
twor
ryaboutt
hatpr
incess"
Me:"Whyar
eyoudoingt
his?"myheartwas
poundi
ngIcoul
dfeelmytearst
hreat
eningt
o
fal
l
Li
ndi
we:
"Youwi
l
lsoonknow"
Me:"
Whydidyoukil
lmyson!
"shel
aughedshe
wasn'
tthesweetLi
ndi
weImet
Li
ndiwe:
"St
opaski
ngstupidquest
ionsand
dr
ive"wedrov
etotheoutski
rt
softhetown
wherewechangedcar
sandabandonedmi ne.
Al
lal
ongtherewasacarfol
lowingusshei
snot
al
onether
e'sabsol
utel
ynot
hingIcoul
ddo.
Me:
"Youwi
l
lpayf
ort
hisLi
ndi
we!
!"shel
aughed.
Wepulledoveratanexcludedcabi
nitwasver
y
f
arfrom townitwasi
nt hemiddleofsome
t
rees.
Thet woguy sshewaswi t
hdr aggedmei nsi
de
thecabinasshef oll
owedusandwi ggl
ed
my selff
rom them andwentstrai
ghttoLindi
we
thenpunchedherr epeat
edlytheypull
edme
from her,shewasbleedi
ngf r
om thenose
Li
ndi
we:
"Psy
chot
icbi
tch"shesl
appedme
Me:
"WhenIgetoutofher
eIwi
l
lki
l
lyouIswear
onJuni
or'
sgr
ave"
Lindi
we:"
Takeheraway
"theydr
aggedmet oa
room andshov
edmeont hefl
oort
henlooked
thedoor.
Ihear
dsomeonesni
ff
ingIbr
oughtmyey
esI
gasped
Me:"OhmyGodMpumi !!
"Isai
dgetti
ngclosert
o
hershewaschainedonasteelbedshewas
ter
ri
blybr
uised
Me:"
Whathappened?Whatar
eyoudoi
nghere?"
Isai
dwit
htearsstr
eamingdownmyface,
she
l
ookedatmeandbr okedown.
Idon'
tknowwhyIquickl
yhuggedheri
f
anyt
hingIshoul
dbehappytoseeherl
iket
his
butI'
m hur
tinst
ead.
Me:"I
t'
sokay"Ihear
dsomeonecl
appi
ngt
hei
r
handsItur
ned
Tshepo:
"Thi
sisanicer euni
onsi
ster
s
comfort
ingeachother"nowordscouldexplai
n
howIwasf eel
ing,
Lindiwewasstandi
ngr i
ght
nexttohim.
Li
ndiwe:
"Bi
gbrotherIwoul
dli
ketostaybutI
havetoheadbacktoManzini
Kingdom"
Tshepo:
"Okaytakecareofy
oursel
fbabysis"he
ki
ssedherforeheadshesmir
kedatmet hen
walkedout
.
Br
other
?Si
ster
?.
I
nser
t49
Lut
hando

Icoul
dn'tsl
eepIkepttossingandtur
ningunt
il3
am Iguessit
'sbecauseZiziphodi
dn'
tcall
when
shepromised.
Itr
iedcall
i
ngherbutherphonet
ookmest
rai
ght
tovoicemail
.
Apartofmeknewthatshemustbet
ir
edaf
ter
wor
kingaft
erhour
s.
Ideci
dedtowakeupandgotomysist
er'
sroom
Iknowthi
sisgoi
ngtopi
sshert
othecorebutI
needherhel
p.
Iknockedaf
ewt
imesunt
ilIsawt
hel
i
ght
s
f
li
cki
ngwhi
chwasasi
gnt
ocomei
n.
SoIdi
dshewascov
eredundert
hebl
anket
sI
si
gh
Me:"
Unat
hi"shekeptqui
et"
UNATHI
!"she
gr
oanedandpeekherheadout
Unathi
:"
Areyouawi
tch?Whyar
eyouawakeat
thi
stime?"
Me:
"IneedEnt
le'
snumber"shel
ookedatme
wi
thhereyebr
owf r
owned
Unat
hi:
"Why
?"
Me:"
BecauseIcan'
tgetahol
dofmyf
iance"she
si
gh
Unat
hi:
"Whynotcal
lhert
win!
?"Isi
gh
Me:"Becausehei
satwor knotathome"she
handedmehercellphone.
Imadeacal
lfr
om herphoneshegavemea
l
ookIknewshewantedmet ogetoutbutIsat
onherbedi
nst
ead.
Ent
le'
sphoner
angaf
ewt
imesbef
oreshe
pi
ckeditup
Ent
le:
"Hel
l
o"shesoundedsl
eepy
Me:"HeyEnt
lei
t'
sLuucanIspeakt
oyour
si
ster?"
Entl
e:"
What?Zizi
phoiswi
thyout
hou"Icoul
d
feelmyheartpoundi
ngsohar
dagai
nstmy
chest
Me:"Whatdoy oumeanshei
swit
hme?"Unat
hi
satupstr
aightandl
ookedatmewit
ha
questi
oni
nglook.
Ent
le:
"Shedidn'
tcomebacksowef
igur
edshe
waswithyou"
Me:"Youfigur
e?Youdi
dn'tbot
herchecki
ngif
shewasr eall
ywi
thme"angerwasan
underst
atementtowhatIwasfeel
ingri
ghtnow.
Entl
e:"
What'
sgoi
ngonLuthando?"Icoul
dfeel
thepanici
nherv
oiceIj
usthungup
Unat
hi:
"Mbasa"Il
ookedather
Me:
"Zi
ziphodi
dn'
tgohomeandherf
ami
l
y
t
houghtshewasher
ewithme"
Unat
hi:
"Doyouthi
nksomet
hinghappenedt
o
her
"Ishootheral
ook
Me:"
Iwi
ll
gol
ookf
orher
"Isai
dget
ti
ngoutof
herr
oom.
Iputonmyt
racksui
tsonandwentt
oMbuso'
s
house.
Iknockedf
orthelongestt
imeIwasaboutt
o
l
eavewhent hedooropened.
Li
ndiwe:
"Mbasa!Whatareyoudoi
ngher
e?"I
guessshewassurpr
isedtoseemether
eint
hat
ti
meoft heni
ght
Me:
"Wher
eisMbuso?
"
Li
ndi
we:
"Sl
eepi
ng"t
hatwaswei
rdMbusoi
san
awol
Me:
"Cany
ouwakehi
m up?
"shenodsand
di
sappear
edi
nthebedr
oom.
Fewmoment
slat
ershecamebackwi
thhi
m.
Helookedsosl
eepyanddisor
ient
edhekept
st
umblingashewalkedt
owardsthedoor
.
Mbuso:"
Mbasa?Whyareyouawakeatthis
t
ime?"Il
ookedathi
m hewasevenyawning
Me:
"Cany
oucomewi
thme?
"
Mbuso:"
Comewi
thyou?MbasaI'
m sot
ir
edand
whatcoul
dbemorei
mport
antthanmysleep?
"
Me:
"Zi
zi
phoi
smi
ssi
ng"
Li
ndiwe:"
Ziziphoiswhat ?"shesaidtoo
surpr
isedformyl ikingandmybr otherwasn'
t
evenpayingattentionhehadhi seyesclosed
andleanedagai nstthewall,Li
ndi
wel ookedat
hi
m andsi gh.
Li
ndiwe:"
I'
m sorr
yabouthi
m, heoverdoseon
sl
eepingpil
lsIguesswhat
'sgoingonwi t
hhi
m
andhisgif
tit'
stoomuchforhim"Ijustnodt
hen
l
eft
.
Idon'
tknowwhat'sgoingonwi
thhi
m but
ther
e'ssomet
hinggoingon.
Butf
ir
stIneedt
ofi
ndZi
zi
phoshei
swhat
's
i
mportant
.
Idrovetoherworkplace,apar
ttimewi shed
thatshedozedoffwhilesti
l
lworki
ngbutIknew
somet hi
ngbeyondthathasoccurred.
WhenIarri
vedther
ewerepol
i
ce,ambulance
andj
ournal
ist
sIcouldf
eelmyhear
tdroppingt
o
myknees.
Irantowardst
het
apet
hatsur
roundedoneof
theroyal
cars.
Apol
i
ceof
fi
cerst
oppedme
Pol
i
ce:
"Thi
sisacr
imescenesi
r"
Me:"
WhathappenedI'
mlookingf
ormyfiance
andthatcarbel
ongst
oherfamil
y"hel
ookedat
me
Poli
ce:
"Idon'
tthi
nkyourfi
anceistheresi
rbutI
wouldl
iketotakeyourst
atementdownt hat
coul
dhelplookforyourf
iance"Ishookmyhead
Me:"
I'
m notgoingt
othepol
i
cest
ati
onIneedt
o
f
indher"Isai
dwalki
ngaway.
"
Pri
nceMbasa!
"
Me:
"Whatthef
uck?
"Isai
dtur
ningt
olookatt
he
j
our
nal
ist
Her:
"I
sitt
ruet
haty
oursoont
obewi
fewas
abduct
ed"
Me:
"Nocomment"Isai
dwal
ki
ngandmor
e
j
our
nal
ist
sappr
oachedme
"
Sir
!"t
heywer
eall
busyf
lashi
ngcamer
asonmy
f
aceIhadnowheret
ogo
"
Hesai
dnocomment"theyal
ltur
nedt
omydad
whowaswi
tht
heguards
Theguar
dsescor
tedusunt
ilwewer
eint
hecar
.
Me:
"Whendi
dwebecomepubl
i
cfi
gur
es?
"Isai
d
l
ooki
ngatmyf
ather
Dad:
"Idon'
tknow"
Me:
"I
'm cal
l
ingFox"heshootmeal
ook
Dad:"
Ofcoursenotwealreadyhavethemedia
al
loverandsnif
fi
ngaround,wewi l
lhandl
ethi
s
caselegal
l
y"heemphasizedthelegal
lypar
t
Me:"
Ineverbeentheonetodothingsl
egal
ly
andit
'smywi f
ewear etal
ki
ngaboutheresoI'
m
notgambli
ngwi t
hherli
feri
ghtnow"
Dad:
"Mbasa"hewar
ned
Me:
"Don'
tdot
hat
"hesi
gh
Dad:
"What
'sgoi
ngonwit
hyourbr
other
?"I
shr
uggedmyshoul
der
s
Me:
"Noneofmybusi
ness"

Zi
zi
pho
Icoul
dbar
elycat
chanysl
eepIcr
iedt
il
lI
coul
dn'
ti
thur
tstothi
nkt
hatJuni
orwaski
l
led
byhi
sownfather
.
Ial
waysknewt
hatTshepowasanabuserbut
neveri
nmywil
destdr
eam di
dIt
hinkhewasa
murder.
Heisamonsternoonei
nthei
rri
ghtmi
ndwoul
d
ki
l
lhisownson.
Idon'
tknowwhyt heyar
edoi
ngthi
sbutfor
them t
okil
lJuni
orther
emustbeareason.
Itr
iedt
othi
nkhowLi ndi
wei
sTsheposi
ster
howcomedon'tIknowanyoft
his.
Mpumi hasbeencomfor
tingmethewholenight
,
Ineverthoughtwewi
l
leverbei
nthisposi
ti
on
butherewear e.
Fort
hefi
rstt
imeshewasn'
thear
tl
esstowar
ds
meIcri
edinherl
apti
l
lIhadnotear
sleft
.
Asmuchasshewasbr ui
sedbutshewasmor
e
concer
nedaboutme.
Forsomereasonhav
ingherher
emadeal
lof
thi
sbear
able.
Itwas4am wewerealr
eadyawake,
shewas
chai
nedandIwasn'
t.
Me:"Whyar
etheykeepi
ngy
ouher
e?"she
chuckl
ed
Mpumi:
"I
t'
sbecauseIknowt
oomuch"Ir
aised
myeyebr
ows
Me:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Mpumi :
"If
oundoutthatLi
ndiweandTshepo
wererel
atedandtheyarebl
indi
ngNdlovuand
ourancestor
s"
Me:
"Our
stoo!Whyt
hough?
"
Mpumi :
"ThatIdon'
tknowbutwhatIknowis
Tshepo'
spar ent
sarealsoi
nvol
vedi
nalloft
his"
Ij
ustnod, t
heMokoena'ski
ll
edmyson.
Me:
"Weneedt
ogetoutofher
e"
Mpumi
:
"Howt
her
eisnowayoutofher
e
Zi
zi
pho"
FEW HOURSLATER
ThedoorswagopenedTshepowal
kedi
n.
Tshepo:
"Goodmor
ningsunshi
ne"hesai
d
smil
ingatmeIdi
dn'
tanswerhim.
Tshepo:
"Wel
lIguessy
ouhadar
oughni
ght
"
Me:"
Tshepohowdoy outhinkisgoingtoend
fory
oubecausei fyouthi
nkit'
sallgoi
ngtoend
wellf
oryoutheny ouhaveanotherthi
ng
coming"heslappedmeacr osstheface
Mpumi
:
"Tshepo!
"
Tshepo:
"It
'stool at
etopl
ayt
hecari
ngbigsi
ster
Mpumi ,
Iseey ouhavegr
ownapai
rZizi
pho"I
chuckl
edst i
l
l holdi
ngont
omycheek
Me:"
I'
m sur
etheyar
ebi
ggert
hany
our
s"he
l
aughed
Tshepo:
"Ohreal
l
ywewil
lseeaboutt
hat
!"he
sai
droughl
ypull
ingmeup.
Mpumi
:
"Tshepopl
easest
op"shesai
dcr
ying
Me:
"I
t'
sokayMpumi
"sheshookherhead.
Tshepodraggedmet
othedoorMpumi
was
busybegginghi
m.
Wegott
oanot herr
oom i
thadonlyamattr
ess
myhear
tst
artedpoundi
nghard,heshov
edme
t
othematt
ress
Tshepo:"
Soy out
hinky
ouhav
esomebal
l
s
now!?"Ikeptqui
et
Tshepo:
"Iwi
llshowyouthatI
'
mt hemanhere
andyouwill
alwaysbethatgi
rlIhadpower
over
"
Me:
"Whatar
eyougoi
ngtodome?
"myv
oice
wasfai
l
ingmei
twasshaki
ng
Tshepo:
"Meandyouaregoi
ngtor
ecandl
eour
l
ovesunshi
ne"hesai
dunbuckl
i
nghisbel
t
Me:"
NonopleaseTshepo"Isai
dst
andi
ngup
buthequi
ckl
ygrabbedmeandshovedmeback
t
othemat
tressandpi
nnedmedown
Me:"Pl
easedon'
tdot
his"Isai
dwi
tht
ear
s
al
readybli
ndi
ngmyvisi
on
Tshepo:
"ShhIknowy ouaregoi
ngtoenjoythis.
Beagoodgi r
lnow"hesaidbrushi
ngmyt high
thenfor
ceful
kissedme,thi
sisanight
mar ethis
can'
tbehappeningtome.

Mbuso
Iwokeupfeel
i
ngall
kindsoft
ir
edIdon'
tknow
what'
swrongwit
hme.
Mybodycoul
dbar
elycar
rymet
othebat
hroom.
IwashedmyfaceandIcheckedthet
imeont
he
wal
litwas11:
30inthemorning
Me:"
WTF"Isl
eptsoear
lyy
est
erdayar
ound6pm
howcoul
dIwakeupsolat
e.
Iwalkedtotheroyal
mainhouseIwasso
hungryIneededthei
rful
l
ybreakf
ast
.
WhenIcamei
nsi
dethemaindoormysi
ster
waswit
hmymotherandLi
ndi
we.
Mymom l
ookedatmeandshookherhead.
Me:"Mor
ning"onl
ythenLi
ndi
weandUnat
hi
not
icedme.
Mysist
erchar
gedt omeandslappedmeso
har
dthatIal
mostf el
lLi
ndi
wegaspedinshock
mymom justlookedatmeblankl
y.
Me:
"Whatt
heheckUnat
hi?
"
Unat
hi:
"NOwhatt
heheckMbuso"
Me:
"Whatdi
dIdo?
"Isai
dlooki
ngal
lconf
used
Unat
hi:
"Youmeanwhatdi
dn'ty
oudo,Mbasa
wentt
oy ouf
orhel
pandy oubl
unt
lyr
efusedt
o
hel
phim"Iwassti
l
lconf
used
Me:
"Forhel
p?Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"
Unathi
:"
Wownowhei sacti
ngdumbj
ustgr
eat
"I
neverseenmysi
stersoangr
y
Me:"Okaymom andLi
ndiwedoyouhav eany
i
deaofwhatsheistal
kingabout
?"mom just
stoodupandwalkedoutthenmysist
er
foll
owedherIl
ookedatLi
ndiweforananswer
Li
ndi
we:
"Youdon'
trememberany
thi
ngdoy
ou?
"
Me:"
Shoul
dIberememberi
ngsomethi
ng,
pl
easetel
lmewhat'
sgoi
ngon?"shesi
gh
Li
ndiwe:"
Yourbrot
hercamearound3i
nthe
morningandaskedyoutohel
phimlookf
or
Zi
zipho"
Me:
"Lookf
orZi
zi
pho?
"
Li
ndi
we:"
SomeonetookZi
zi
phoi
tisal
lov
ert
he
newsandsoci
almedi
a"
Me:
"What
?"Isai
dsti
llconf
usedcauseIdon'
t
r
ememberanyofthi
s.
Li
ndi
we:
"What
'sgoi
ngonwi
thy
ou?
"
Me:"Idon'
tknowhav
eyouseenmyphone?
"she
shookherhead.
Iwentl
ooki
ngf
ormymom andf
oundheri
nthe
gar
den
Me:"
Mom IswearIdon'
tknowwhat
'sgoi
ngon
wi
thme.Iwouldneverr
efuset
ohel
pmy
br
otheri
nsuchti
mes"shesigh
Mom: "Thenwhydidyou?
"howdoIexpl
ainto
herthatIdon'
trememberany
thi
ngwit
houther
doubti
ngme.
Me:"
Iwil
lexpl
ainev
ery
thi
ngtoyoulat
erbutI
hav
et oknowwheremybrot
heris?
"
Mom:"
Heiswi
thy
ourf
athert
heyar
emeet
ing
t
heFox"
Me:"
What
?"shenodsIqui
ckl
ygr
abbedmycar
key
sandtookanappl
e.
Idrovetoapl
aceIt
houghtIwi
l
lnev
ergoagai
n
Iparkedmycar.
Thesecuri
tygav
emeahar dti
mebecausemy
brot
hergaveanorderf
ornoonet
obeletin.
Iwalkedi
ntothem l
ooki
ngatt
hecomput
er
scr
eeninfrontoft
hem.
Mybrot
her
'seyeslandedonme, hesi
gnal
for
metocomecloserIdidn'
tl
iket
helookhehad.
Iwal
kedt
othem andl
ookedatscr
een.
Me:
"Whati
sthi
s?"
Mbasa:
"Ishoul
dbeaski
ngy
out
hatquest
ion"
Me:
"Idon'
tknowanyoft
his"
Mbasa:
"Wher
eisy
ourphone?
"
Me:
"Idon'
tknow"hechuckl
ed
Mbasa:
"Okay
"apunchedf
oll
owedt
hatl
andi
ng
i
nmystomach
Me:
"Mbasawhatt
hehel
l
?"
Mbasa:
"Wher
eisy
ourf
ucki
ngcel
l
phone?
"
I
nser
t50
Mbuso
Nothi
ngmadesenseri
ghtnowcausethel
ast
thi
ngIrememberi
t'
swhenIwenttobedand
aft
eri
t'
sblur
ry.
Asf
ormyphoneIdon'
tev
enknowwher
eiti
s.
Foritt
odisappeartheni
tpi
nstothesame
towerthatZi
zi
pho'sphoneandcarwasfound
i
tscrazy.
MbasawasFuriousandf ormetorefusetogo
wit
hhimthentohimf oundingoutt
his,i
tjust
gavehi
m moresuspicion.
Someonei
stry
ingtopi
nthi
sonmeandbyt
he
l
ooksofi
t,t
hepersoni
ssucceedi
ng.
Myownbr
otherhadagunpoi
ntedr
ighti
ntomy
head.
Nothi
ngscaresmeli
ket heLut
handoI'
m
l
ookingatr
ightnow,hehasnohearthewoul
d
bl
owmybr ainsandburymer i
ghtnow.
Dad:"
OkayMbasayouneedt
ocal
m down"he
chuckledandl
ower
edhi
sgunIr
eleaseasi
ghof
rel
ief
Me:"MbasaIdon'
tknowwhat'
sgoingonher
e
butIcanassur
eyouIhavenot
hingtodowit
hit
"
Mbasa:
"Okay
.Fox?
!!
!!
"hey
ell
edsheappear
ed
Fox:
"Di
dsomeonecallme?Ohheypri
nce
char
ming"shesai
dlooki
ngatmeIshookmy
head
Mbasa:"Canyoutr
ackLindi
we'scel
lphoneand
checkallt
helocat
ionst
hatitpi
ns.Hackiti
fyou
haveto.Checkwhoshecall
sandwhoshe
messages"
Me:
"What
?!!
"
Mbasa:
"Don'
ttestme!
"Iswal
l
owed
Me:"
Mbasay ouaccusedmet hennowi
t'
smy
wi
fe?"hebustoutoflaught
er
Mbasa:
"Wi
fe?Si
ncewhen?I
fyoudon'
twantt
o
beheret henl eave.Eversinceshear r
ivedy ou
don'tt
hinkatal l.Sheappear sJuniordies,our
ancestorsgetbl inded,youloseyourgift,
Zizi
phodi sappear sandy ousuddenlysuf f
er
fr
om amnesi a.Whot hehel lhadeasyaccesst o
yourphone?HuhMbuso? "Ifeell
i
kemywor ldi
s
scramblingforami nute
Me:"Youar
ejustt
ryi
ngt
omakeLi
ndi
weabad
per
son"
Fox:
"Lovepor
ti
oni
swor
kingov
ert
imel
ana"she
sai
dlaughi
ng
Me:"Shutupf ox.Youdon'tevenknowLindiwe
l
ikethat.Ican'tsi
ther
eandl ist
eny out
alkbad
aboutLindiwe"Isaidwalkingtothedoorbutt
he
guardsblockedmeIt urnedt ol
ookatMbasa
whohadhi shandsbur i
edi nhispocket
s.
Mbasa:
"Ican'
tl
etyougoandruntothatbi
tcht
o
t
ell
herthatweareont
oherli
kethat
"
Me:
"Youcan'
tkeepmeher
eMbasa"he
chuckl
ed
Mbasa:"
YesIcanbr o,guards!"theywal
ked
cl
osetome" Takehi m andlockhi mint
he
fr
eezermaybet hatwil
lmakehi m comebackt
o
hi
ssenses"Ilookedathi m shocked
Me:
"What
?!"t
heguardsquickl
ygrabbedme
"
Dadyoucan'
tlethi
m dothattome"
Dad:
"Mbasahei
syourbr
other
"
Mbasa:
"Don'
tdot
hatIthi
nkit
'saboutt
imey ou
al
sogoandbewithyourwif
e.Takehim away?"
Me:"Ican'
tbeli
eveIsharedawombwitha
hurtl
essbastar
dl i
keyou"Isai
dasIwasbei
ng
draggedtothefreezer
.
Theyshovedmei
nsi
deandl
ockedi
tIbanged
thedoor
.
Me:
"Getmeoutofher
e,Fuck!
"Iscr
eamed.
Tomakematt
erswor
seIwasonl
yinmyv
est
andj
ogger
s.
Ihat
ethi
ssi
deofMbasaIwi
l
lnev
erf
orgi
vehi
m.
AstimegoesonIfeltmyt
oesandfinger
s
gett
ingnumbthecoldwassurel
ybecoming
eff
ecti
veIwasstar
ti
ngtoshiv
er.

Zi
zi
pho
Hehadhi
sbodypressedagainstmeashe
r
eapedt
heski
rtIwaswearing.
Itr
iedfi
ghti
nghi
m of
fbuthi
m bei
ngagy
m
fr
eakingIdi
dn'
tst
andachance.
Heshovedhistongueinsi
demymout
hfor
cef
ul
t
oapointthatIgagged.
MyTear
skeptf
all
i
ngashet
oremyunder
wear
.
Heshov edhisfi
ngerdeepinsidemyv aginaI
scr
eamedasher oughl
yshov edt hem i
nandout
ofmyv aginaitwassopainfultherewas
not
hingpleasurabl
ewithwhathewasdoi ngto
me.
Icoul
dn'
tfi
ghtnomoreitwasusel
esshehad
morestr
engththanme.
All
Icoulddowast ocr
ybecausethemanI
oncethoughtl
ovedmewasdoi ngthemost
uni
maginablet
hingtome.
Her
oughl
ypar
tedmyl
egsIj
ustsobbed.
Hedroppedhi
sunderwearhi
spenisstoodt
here
Icoul
donegettur
nedonbyv i
olat
ingsomeone.
Thedoorswi
ngsopenLi
ndi
west
oodt
her
e.
Li
ndi
we:
"Getof
fher
!"Tshepoj
umpedal
i
ttl
e.
Tshepo:
"Whatthef
uckLi
ndi
we?Gi
vemea
minutet
ofini
shher
e"
Li
ndi
we:"
NOIsaidgetoffher
"hequi
ckl
yst
ood
upandworehi
spants.
Tshepo:"
Don'
tev
ent hi
nkyouareluckywewill
fi
nishwhatwestar
ted"hewalkedoutIcur
led
my sel
fupinamatt
ressandjustsobbed.
Idon'
tknowwhatIdi
dtoGodf
orhi
mtohat
e
met
hismuch.
Aft
erever
ythi
ngthatIhavebeent
hroughthen
thi
shappenstomeI '
m sur
enotoneofhis
fav
ori
tepeopl
e.
If
eel
someonet ouchi
ngmyf aceIcoul
dn'
topen
myeyesbecauseitmightbehi
m.
"I
'
m sosorry"i
twasMpumiIj
ustcr
iedhar
der
shesatnexttomeandpul
l
edmet oherar
ms.
Mpumi:
"Wewi
ll
getoutofher
e"shesai
d
br
ashi
ngmyback.
Shest
il
lhadachai
nIdon'
tknowhowshegot
her
e.
Idon'
tknowifIwill
getoutofhereIsqueezed
theneckl
acethatLuthandogavemeandI
dri
ft
edtothedayhegav ei
ttomeIwasatmy
happi
estbuti
tonlyseemst hathappi
nessnever
l
astforme.
Ikeptt
hinki
ngaboutal
lthebeaut
if
ulIhadwi
th
hi
mitwast heonlythi
ngthatkeptmeaway
fr
om whatIjustwentthr
ough.

Lut
hando
Bef
oreIbecameasuccessfulbusi
nessmanI
st
art
edasal i
tt
legangst
erinthehoodIhadto
makeendmeet sforMeli
ssaandIsinceIwasn'
t
i
ngoodtermswi t
hmyf amil
y.
AndInev
erhi
dthatsi
deofmef r
om t
hem Ihad
tor
obafewbanksandshops.
ThatshowImetfoxtheyar
esti
l
lrunni
ngthe
gangandarei
ntoarmsdeali
ngandalotof
thi
ngs.
Iknewt
heywoul
dbeabl
etohel
pwi
tht
his.
Ican'
tbeli
evehowmybr
otherhasbeenbl
i
nded
byLindi
we.
Icoul
dfeel
thatZi
ziphowasn'
tal
ri
ghtwherev
er
shewasbutIneededtofocust
ofindher
sooner
.
Fox:
"ThisLi
ndiwehasbeencommuni cat
ing
wit
hal otofpeopl
e,itseemsliket
hereisa
squadinvol
vednotjusther"shesai
dlooking
i
ntoherlaptop
Me:
"Gi
vemenamesf
oxy
"
Fox:
"Mostoft
hesepeoplear
eMokoena'
sdo
youknowthem?"Ichuckl
edandshookmyhead
Me:"Theycouldn'
tj
ustletherbehappyhuh.
OkaySt i
l
lowithyourcrewIneedy outogoto
theMokoena'sandshootev eryt
hingt
hatgetsi
n
yourwayev enifi
t'
saf l
y.IneedMrMokoena
andMr sMokoenai nthiswarehousebytheend
ofthisday"
Stil
l
o:"
Oni
nitbossman"hesai
dal
readyonhi
s
feet
Me:
"OkayMaxany
thi
ng"
Max:
"Ihav
elocat
edt
heneckl
ace"It
appedhi
s
shoul
der
Me:
"Goodwor
k.Let
'
sgot
owor
kboy
s"
Dad:"
Don'
tyout
hinky
oushoul
dletpol
i
ce
handl
eall
ofthi
sson"
Me:"Thankyouforbei
ngheredadbutletmedo
thi
sthebestwayIknowhow.Juststaywith
yoursonandgethim outoft
hatfr
eezerbef
ore
hedies"Isai
dtaki
ngmygun.
Wedrovei
nthr
eeSUV'
swedon'
tknowwhat
awai
tsusbutI
'
mreadyt
oki
l
lanyonewhoi
sin
myway.
Foxwasbusyonl
i
cki
ngonherl
oll
i
pop.
Fox:
"Whywoul
dthesepeopl
emesswi
thy
ou?
"
Me: "
BecauseI '
m ni
ce"I'
m st
il
lwonder
inghow
Lindi
wei srelat
edtotheMokoena'swhatwas
themot i
vef oral
lofthi
s.
Thedr
ivef
eltl
i
ket
hel
ongestdr
iveofmyl
i
fe.
TheDl
ami
ni'
skeptbl
owi
ngmyphonebutIhad
not
imetogetbackatt
hem t
heymustbe
wor
ri
edsickbutIt
oldt
hem t
ogotomyhouse.
Wepackedal
i
ttl
ebi
tawayf
rom t
hecabi
n.
Me:
"Okayguystheaim her
ei snottodi
ebuthi
t
t
hem wit
hevery
thingwegot "theyal
lnod.
Fox:"
OkayIneedf i
vemani nthefrontgateand
anotherfouratt
hebackoft hecabin.Then
otherssett
leontheside.Remembernott odie"
theyallnodandwalkedtotheirposit
ion.
Iwasl
eftwi
thFoxandMaxt
hecoupl
e.
Me:
"OkayIwi
l
lgoi
nsi
det
het
wol
ovebi
rds,
you
wi
ll
coverme"
Fox:
"Gotitnowl
etthef
unbegi
n"wewal
kedon
theothersi
deoft
hecabin.
Iunder
esti
matedTshepobuthi
smi
stakewas
tounder
esti
mateme.
Wehadtheshoot
ingbr
eaki
ngoutf
rom t
he
ot
hersi
debutwemanagedtogeti
nsi
dethe
cabi
n.
MyeyeslandedonTshepoandLi
ndi
wewho
wer
etryi
ngtorun.
Lindi
wetr
iedtorunbutIshotr
ightnextt
oher
feetshef
roze.
Me:
"Cococowher
ear
eyougoi
ngsweet
hear
t?"
Fox:
"Wel
lthet
woidi
otswhatwereyou
thi
nki
ng?
"MypunchlandedonTshepowhof
ell
Me:
"YoumesswiththewrongpersonMokoena,
MaxandFoxhandlethi
sIwil
lfi
ndmygirl
"
Max:
"Thi
sshoul
dbef
un"Iwal
kedt
other
oom.
Isl
owl
yopenedt
hedooront
hef
ir
str
oom t
her
e
wasnoone.
Iwentt
othenextoneIwassur
pri
sedt
osee
Mpumiwit
hher.
Theywer
epeacef
ulhol
dingont
oeachot
her
sl
eepi
ng.
Thesi
ghtoft
hem t
iedmyst
omachi
ntoknot
s.
Zi
zi
pho'
scl
otheswer
eri
ppedof
f.
Igent
lysquadi
nfrontoft
hem andshook
Mpumi shequi
ckl
yjumped
Me:
"Heyheycal
m down"shequi
ckl
ynodwi
th
t
ear
sgli
steni
nginherey
es.
Ipi
ckedupZiziphof
rom herl
apshequi
ckl
y
openedhereyes.
Me:
"It
'sokaynowI
'm her
e"shequi
ckl
ygr
abbed
ont
ightontomeandsobbedpainf
ul.
Ical
l
edoneofmyguy
stohel
pwi
thMpumi
.
Hersobscutt
hroughmyhear
tIhopenothi
ng
happenedt
oherbecauseIwi
l
lneverf
orgi
ve
myself
.
Wemanagedtogett
hem tothecarshewas
cl
utchi
ngont
omefordearli
fe.
Fox:
"Wear
etaki
ngthosetwotothewarehouse,
wewill
wai
tfory
ourorder
s"Inodfornowmy
f
ir
stpr
ior
it
yismyf
iance.
Myphonebeepedi
twasSt
il
lo
"
Wegott
hepar
cel
saf
eandsound"
Mokoena'
syoupokedasnakei
nitsholeand
t
heconsequenceswon'
tbepl
easantatal
l.
Il
ookedatZi
zi
phowhowasonmyl
apIbr
ushed
heraf
ro.
Me:
"Youar
esaf
enow"

I
nser
t51
Zi
zi
pho

Isl
owlyopenedmyey esandlookedat
surr
oundi
ngt heonlythi
ngIrememberi sbeing
cl
utchtoLuthandonotwantingtolethim goI
hopeIwasn'tdreamingaboutalloft
his.
Thesmel
lofmedici
nequickl
yhi
tmynoseI
i
mmediat
elyknowthatI
'
mi nhospi
tal
.
Il
ookedatLut
handowhohadhi
sheadonmy
l
apwithhi
seyesclosed.
Thet
earsquickl
yfel
lfr
om myey
esal
otof
emot
ionsengulf
edme.
Hequi
ckl
yopenedhi
sey
esandcamet
osi
tnext
t
ome.
Ij
ustsobi
nhi sar
msIdon'tknowifhedidn'
t
arr
ivei
nti
met osavemewhatwoul dTshepo
donetomehewoul dhav
epr obabl
yfi
nished
whathestar
ted.
Iwasfinal
l
yabl
etocal
m downhehav
en'
tsai
d
anyt
hingtome.
Heki
ssedmyf
oreheadIknewIwassaf
ewi
th
hi
m.
Luu:
"I
'm sor
ry"hesai
daf
tert
hel
ongestsi
l
enceI
l
ookedathim.
Me:
"What
?why
?"
Luu:
"BecauseIf
ail
edy ouIshoul
dhave
prot
ectedyouan-
-"Icuthi
m offbef
orehesay
s
morenonsense.
Me:"
StopitLut
hando,
noneofuswouldhav
e
knownwhat'sgoi
ngon.I
fanyt
hingy
ou
prot
ectedmeandbroughtmehome"henods
andsigh
Luu:
"Il
ovey
ousomuch"
Me:"
Hetri
edt
orapemeLut
hando"hecl
oses
hi
seyes
Luu:
"IknowbabeIknow,
trustmehewi
l
lpayf
or
whathedidtoyou"
Me:
"Thanky
ouf
orev
ery
thi
ng"hel
ooksatme
Luu:
"Il
i
vef
ory
ou,
that
'smyj
ob"
Me:
"How'
sMpumi
?"Hesi
gh
Luu:
"Sheisokaybutbruised,
shei
swor
ri
edsi
ck
aboutyou"hesai
dlookingatme.
Me:"Shetri
edprotect
ingmeagai nstTshepo,
Shemadesur eIwasokaythroughoutthenight
Ispentther
e.Ithoughtshehatedme"hesmi l
ed
andshookhi shead.
Luu:
"Notf
rom whatIsawwhenIgott
her
e"I
nod
Me:
"Whydi
dyoubr
ingmeher
e?"
Luu:
"Youpassedoutonmeandbecame
unconscious"Inodwejustsatt
her
ein
comfortablesi
lence.
Me:"
Ithi
nkIwi l
lneedtoseeat herapi
st,Ican'
t
pr
etendthatnothinghappened, Tshepov i
olat
ed
meandi fIactl
ikenothi
nghappenedi twill
af
fectourrel
ati
onshipinthelongr un.Idon't
wantanythi
ngaf f
ecti
ngourrelationshi
pnow"
Helookedatmewi t
hadmi r
ation
Luu:
"Youaresost
rongZizi
phoandcancomet
o
yoursessi
onswi
thyou?
"Iquickl
ynod
Me:
"Iwoul
dlov
ethatt
hanky
ou"henods
"
Wher
ear
ethey
?"Hel
ookedatme
Luu:
"Somewher
e"
Me:"
What'
sgoingt
ohappent
othem?
Arey
ou
goi
ngtoki
llt
hem?"
Luu:
"Doyouwantt
omeki
l
lthem?
"Isi
ghand
l
ookedathim.
Me:
"Theyki
l
ledourson"
Luu:
"Thatanswer
sme"hesai
dki
ssi
ngmy
for
ehead.
IknowI
'
m notaki
l
lerbutt
heyt
ookJuni
orf
rom
me.
Iguessaneyeforaney
ereal
l
ydoesmakest
he
worldgoround.

Mbuso

Iwokeupal
i
ttl
edi
sor
ient
edandIwasoutof
t
hef
reezer
.
Iwashalfnakedandi
twasal
i
ttl
ebi
tdar
k
out
side.
Iwascoveredwitht
hreebl
anketsIdon'tknow
wholeavesthei
rtwi
nonfreezerl
ett
ingthem
fr
eezetodeathIguessMbasaisreall
yanev i
l
twi
n.
Irol
ledoutofthebedandt her
ewasapai rof
pantsandt-shi
rtr
ightontopofthecouchIput
them onthenwalkedout.
Iwaswel comedbyFoxandMaxmaki ngouton
thecouch,Foxwasgri
ndingonhi
m,thesetwo
arethemostweirdcoupl
eIevermet
.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatt
heydi
dn'
tev
enl
ookedat
me.
Me:
"Hel
l
o!"Iy
ell
ed
Max:"
Weheardyouknow"hesaidst
il
lbi
ti
ng
Fox'
sneckandgrabbi
ngherass
Me:
"Getar
oom"
Fox:
"Hel
loKi
tt
yisawake"shesai
dmov i
ngaway
fr
om Maxwhohadahar danddidn'
tbot
hert
o
hi
dethatwasdist
urbi
ng.
Me:"Wher
eisev
ery
one?
"Isai
dsi
tt
ingont
he
couch
Luu:
"wear
ehere"Hewaswi
thZi
zi
phoandher
bi
gsist
erMpumi.
Mbuso:"
Zizi
pho!
!"Isai
dqui
cklygoi
ngtohugher
shehuggedmeback" Whathappened?
"Isai
d
aft
erl
ett
inghergo
Zizi
pho:"
Youwil
lsee"thatwascol
dshehel
d
Luthando'
shandshelookeddif
fer
ent
.
Luu:
"Let
'sf
oundoutdearbr
other"hesai
dwith
themostevi
lsmi
rkIcouldf
eeltheairl
eavi
ng
mylungs.
FoxandMaxmadet hei
rwayt
othebaseand
wefoll
owedaf
tert
hem.
MyeyeslandedonLi
ndi
weandt
heMokoena'
s
t
iedonchair
s
Me: "
Lindi
we!
?"Isaidgoi
ngtoherbutStil
l
o
blockedmywayIl ookedatLuthandoand
chargedtohi
m butIhitthefl
oorinst
eadhe
l
aughed.
Luu:
"Don'
ttestme"Zi
ziphowal
kedoverto
Li
ndi
weandsl appedherhar
dIgaspedinshock.
Zizi
pho:"
Itol
dyouIwasgoingt
okill
youwhenI
getout.LookwhohasthepowernowLindi
we"
shesaidslappi
ngheragai
n.
Me:"
Whati
sshetal
ki
ngabout?"Isai
dlooki
ngat
Lut
handowhoj
ustchuckl
ed.
Luu:
"Fi
gur
es"Ishookmyhead
Me: "
Not hat'
snotpossi
bleshewoul
dn'tdothat
.
Lindi
we? "Isaidwal
kingtowar
dsherwithmy
heartonmyknees" Tellmeit'
snott
rue"Isai
d
touchingherface.
Lindi
we:"
MbusoMbusoy ouar
esonaivebabe
sometimesIdidn'
thavetousebl
ackmagicon
youbecauseitissoeasytomani
pulat
eyou"I
slowl
yletgoofherface
Me:
"What
?"Thatcameoutasawhi
sper
Luu:
"Gethi
m outofher
e"
Me:
"No!Iwantt
oknowwhy
"
MrMokoena:
"Thi
sisaboutr
evenge"
Luu:
"Rev
engef
orwhat
?"
MrM: "Thatthr onedoesn'tbelongtot heNdlovu
clanitisaMokoenat hronebutj ustbecause
yourstupidgr eatgrandfatherwasgr eedhe
kil
ledmyf atherandmygr eatgr andfatherj
ust
togetthet hrone.Allwewant edwasf orour
thronetocomebackt oust hat'
sall"Mbasa
chuckled
Me:
"Noyougotallt
hef
actswrongher
eMr
Mokoenabecauset
het
hronealway
sbeenour
s.
Yourgreatgr andfatheristheonewhobl i
nded
ourfamilyandt ookt hethronebefore,hegot
ki
ll
edbecausehewasanev il
onei nallt
ha.That
wasy ourplant hi
st i
met oo.Isthat'
swhyy ou
bl
indedmyancest orsyetagain?"Iasked
l
ookingatLi ndiwe.
Luu:
"Andunf
ort
unat
elyt
hatbl
i
ndi
nggamewi
l
l
endtoday
"
Me:"Thet hronewasonl ygoingtothe
Mokoena' saf t
erourgenerati
on,Juniorwast he
nextkingi nallandyourgreatgrandf
at herand
yourfatherknewt hatbuttheycouldn'tjustwai
t
forthepower .Theyusedev ilt
ogetthet hr
one
beforetime"
Zi
zipho:
"Tshepoyouki
l
ledy
oursonj
ustf
ora
st
upidthrone?"
Tshepo:
"What
?!!
"Heaskedshocked
Zi
zipho:
"Youar
eevilandyouwi
ll
payf
or
ev
er y
thi
ngyoueverdidtomeandmyson"
Tshepo:
"Ididn'
tkil
lJuni
orIswearZiziphoIonl
y
wentwit
ht heplanbecausemydadt oldmethat
nowthatJuniorisnolongeral
ivet
het hronewil
l
notgototheMokoena' sandifwedot hi
sIwil
l
betheki
ng"Zi zi
pholaughed
Zizi
pho:
"Soyourpar
ent
sandsist
erki
ll
edyour
sonthenuseyoutogetwhatt
heywant"Tshepo
l
ookedathisparent
swhohadthei
rheads
hangeddown
Tshepo:
"Youki
ll
edmyson?"Hesai
dlooki
ngat
hi
sparentswit
hhist
ear
srunni
ngdownhisface
Mr
.M:
"Son"
Tshepo:
"Whypapa?
"Hesai
dscr
eami
ng
Mrs.M:"
Becausethet hr
onewasn'tgoi
ngto
comet ousev eni
fhewasar ound.TheNdl
ovu's
al
readyclai
medhi m asthei
rs.I
t'
snotli
keyou
caredaboutthatbr
at!"
Me:"
Theyclai
medhi
m becauset
heysawr
ight
t
hroughyou!"
Tshepo:
"HewasmysonMom"hewhi
sper
ed
andstar
tedsobbi
ng.
Me:"
SoItakei
tyouar
enotev
enLindi
we"Isai
d
l
ookingatt
hewomanIlov
ewithsomuch
hat
red.
Li
ndiwe:"
I'
m Masego"myhandf indi
tswayto
herneckandsqueezeditunt
ilshecoul
dn'
t
breat
heIletgoandgroanedinagonywhil
eshe
coughs.
Ihaveneverbeenthi
shurtmywholel
i
feitwas
l
ikesomeonewasl it
eral
l
ystabbi
ngmyheart
andtwist
ingtheknif
eonit.
I
thurtsthatIr
eall
ylovedhi
m andLut
handowas
r
ightall
alongIjustdi
dn'
tseeit
.
Zi
zipho:"Yout ookawayt hemostpr eci
ousthi
ng
awayf rom me, myson.Sonowy ouwil
lpaythe
pri
ceandy ouwi ll
nevergetthatthr
one.AndI
wil
lalsot aket hemostpreciousthi
ngaway
fr
om y oual l
,that'
syourl
ives"Lindi
weor
Masegowhat
evershei
slaughed.
Masego: "Youarebluffing,
youdon'thav
et he
guts"Zizi
phoqui ckl
yt ookagunfrom
Luthando'swaistandshotMrMokoenar i
ghtin
theheadt heyallscreamedexceptTshepowho
wasst i
llcryi
ng.
Zizi
pho:
"Youwer
esaying?"Shesaidlooki
ngat
Masegodeadlyi
ntheeyes.Luthandowasalso
shockedbywhatj
usthappened.
Masego:"
Papa!"Shesai
dcry
ingandtr
yingto
br
eakfreefrom t
hechai
rbutshecoul
dn't"
What
di
dyoudo, Papa?"
MrsM:
"Papawakeup!Iwi
l
lki
l
lyoubi
tch"
Zi
zi
pholaughed
Zizi
pho:
"Bl
ahBlah!Pleasepouracidinherface
andmakesur eitdoesn'tt
ouchherey esthen
makeherlookather selfi
nthemirror.Shewil
l
begforyoutokill
her"shesai dl
ookingatMrs
Mokoenawhol ookedt err
if
ied.
Luu:
"Zi
zi
phodon'
t--
"shetur
nedandl
ookedat
hi
m hequickl
ycl
osedhismouth.
Zizi
pho:"
Andasf orLindiweorMasegoor
whateverSheis.Pleaseelectr
oshockherwit
ha
towelcover
ingherf acethenpourwateronher
facewhil
eatitthenki l
lher"t
hiswasa
gruesomethingshesoundsohear tl
essri
ght
now.
Fox:
"DamnIl
i
keher
"ofcour
se
Zizi
pho:
"AndyouTsheposi ncey outhi
nky ou
aremanandy ourmanhoodmat terssomuch
howaboutwet akethataway .Ineedthreemen
whowant st
ohav eniceti
me"
Us:
"What
?!!
"Weaskedi
nuni
son
Tshepo:
"Zi
zi
phopl
ease"
Zizi
pho:
"Ineedthem t
oni
ghtIwantthem t
o
enjoyt
hemselvesthewholenight
"shesai
dand
handedthegunt oLut
handothenwalkedout
.
Luu:"
Uhguysdowhatshejusttol
dyoutodo.A
cleanj
obFoxy"shenodswhilesmi
li
ngIswear
tohersucht
hingsbri
ngorgasms.
Il
ookedatherf
ort
hel
astt
imeandshookmy
head
Me:
"I
twasni
ceknowi
ngy
ou"
Masego:
"Mbusopl
ease"Ichuckl
edandwal
ked
out
I
nser
t52
Zi
zi
pho

Igotint
hecarwi
tht
ear
sst
reami
ngdownmy
cheeks.
Igr
oanedinfrust
rat
ionIf
eelsomeonetouchi
ng
myshoulderItur
nedandlookedatt
hem.
I
twasMpumi
shel
ookedscar
ed
Mpumi
:
"Shoul
dIgetLut
handof
ory
ou?
"I
qui
cklynodsherantowardsthehousel
eav
ing
mef eel
i
ngallemoti
onalIdon'
tknowwhatI
tur
nedinto.
Thesepeopl
emademel i
kethi
stheyt
urnedme
i
ntosomeheart
lessper
son.
IseeLuthandor
unni
ngtowar
dsthecarit
'sl
i
ke
myt ear
swasopenedfr
om atankt
heyjustf
all
harder.
Hel
ookedatmeandpul
l
edmei
ntohi
sar
ms.
Idon'tunderst
andhowonecoul dl ovesodeeply,
hispresenceengulfedmewi t
hpeace
somet i
mesIf eell
i
kehei smyhear tinhuman
form andthatscaresmebecauseIdon' tthink
onecoul dbeabletoliv
ewithouttheirheart
s
whichmeansIwoul dn'
tbeabletol i
vewithout
him.
Luu:
"What
'swr
ongsthandwasam?
"Hesai
d
l
ooki
ngatmeafterIcal
meddown.
Me:
"I
'm ev
ilLut
handoIdon'
tthi
nkIdeser
vea
manwi
thagoodhear
tli
key
ou"hechuckl
ed
Luu:
"Whydoy
out
hinky
ouar
eev
ilZi
zi
pho?
"
Me: "
WhatIjustdi
dthereIkill
edMrMokoenai n
coldbloodandIfeelnoremor se.Iinst
ruct
ed
threeotherpeopl
etobeki l
l
edi nat hemost
gruesomeMbasa"Isaidf eeli
ngal umpi nmy
throat.
Luu:"Ziziphoy ouareangr yandy ouhav eev ery
ri
ghtt obeangr y.Thosepeopl etorment edy ou
andr obbedy ouofy ourteenagey ears.You
wer esubj ect
edt otheirabusef oryearsand
whent heycoul dn'
tabusey ouany mor et hey
tookawaywhaty oulovewithy ourwhol eheart.
Nowt heyunleashedsomet hinginy out hatno
onewasexpect i
ngtoseebuty ouaret he
sweet estpersonIknowandIl ovey ouev en
afterseei ngthatbecauseI '
m notasai ntei t
her.
Don'
tevert
hinkt
hatyoudon'
tdeser
vemeagain
i
fanyt
hingyoudeser
veall
mylove"youseewhy
Il
ovehi
m somuch.
Me:"
Thanky ouf
orbeinghereformeIdon't
knowhowIwoul deverrepayf
orthi
sloveIhope
whatI'
m aboutt
oasky ouisenough"hel
ooked
atmewi t
hquesti
oni
ngey es
Luu:
"Whati
sit"hei
snervousal
lofasuddenI
hopeIdon'
tsoundstupi
d
Me:"Marr
ymeinthreeweeksI'mreadytobe
yourwif
enow"thesil
encewasdeaf eni
ngfor
mehewasl ooki
ngatmebl ankl
y.
Luu:"Iwil
lsendmyunclesi
ntwodays"hesai
d
crackingint
oabiggestsmi
leIhav
eseen"Babe
areyousur e?"
Me:"
YesIam sur
eandifyoudon'
tmarryme
nowyouwil
lbeintr
oubl
e"helaughed
Luu:
"Int
roubl
ereal
lynow?Forwhat?"Isuddenl
y
feel
sonervousfr
om all
ofthi
s"Babe?"Ilooked
athi
m.
It
ookhishandandpl
acedi
nmybel
l
ythen
l
ookedathim.
Me:"Becausein32weeksyouwi
ll
bewel
comi
ng
yourfi
rstchi
ld"hel
ookedatme
Luu:
"What?
"Thatcameoutasahuskywhi
sper
andhisey
esstar
tedglist
eni
ngwi
tht
ears"
I'
m
gonnabeafat
her?"Inod
Me:
"Yesbabewewi
l
lbepar
ent
s"hel
etshi
s
t
ear
sf al
l
.
Iunderstandwhyheiscr
yingt
hisisal
lheever
wantedt obeafat
herandnowthisisact
ual
l
y
happening.
I'
m notaski
nghimt omarrymenowbecause
I'
m scaredt
obei ntr
oublewit
hmyparentsno
I'
m aski
ngtobehi swif
ebecauseI
'mreadyto
befull
yhis,
I'
mr eadytoshar
emylifewi
thhim
andgivehim al
lthel
ovehedeserv
es.
Luu:
"ThankYousomuchZizi
phoformaki
ngan
honestmanoutofme.Yougavemelovet
hatI
di
dn'
tknowexistedandforthatI'
m greatul
.
Nowy ouareal
sogivi
ngmewhatIal way s
desi
redwithmywholeheartthankyouso
much"hesaidki
ssingmeall overmyf aceI
gi
ggledli
keachil
d.
Me:
"OkayMrNdlovuwear
esohungr
y"he
smi
l
edl ooki
ngatme.
Luu:"
Let'
sgoandf eedyoumypeopl e.Thi
s
meansy ouarefourweeks"Inod"Butwecan'
t
hidethi
sfrom yourpar
entsbabeIhav et
odo
theri
ghtthingandpaydamages"Isigh
Me:"
Iknowthat.Can'
ttheybecombi
ned?
"He
si
ghedandbrushedmyhand.
Luu:
"Letmetal
ktomydadf
ir
st"Inod"
Ihav
e
somethingt
otel
lyou"
Me:
"Whati
sit
?"
Luu:"
Iaskedmydadtogiv
eusfiv
ey ear
sto
enjoyourmarr
iaget
henaft
ert
hatIcansiti
n
thatthr
one"
Me:
"Di
dheagr
ee?
"Heshookhi
shead
Luu:
"Hegav
emet hreeyear
shi
sexcusewashe
i
soldnowandcan'tdoallt
her
esponsi
bil
i
ty"I
l
aughed
Me:
"I
t'
sbet
tert
hannot
hingr
ight
"
Luu:"YeahI'
m gl
adheat l
eastconsi
der
ed"I
smiled"WowI '
m gonnabeaf ather
"hesai
d
smili
ngIloveseeinghimthishappyhe
deservesitIl
ovehim somuch
Luu:
"Il
ovey
out
oobabe"
Me:
"Di
dIsayt
hatoutl
oud"henodswhi
l
e
smi
l
ing
Luu:
"Yesy
oudi
d"her
eal
l
ydoesl
i
vef
orme.

Mbuso

Mbasal
eftMpumi
her
esoIhadt
odr
iveher
home.
Shewassoquietandshel
ookeddi
ff
erentf
rom
theMpumiIf
ir
stmet .
Myheartwasheav yIcoul
dn'tbel
i
evewhat
Masegoandherfami lydi
dtous,myheartwas
tor
napartIdon'
tthinkIwil
leverr
ecov
erfrom
all
ofthi
s.
Il
ovedherdeepl
ynotknowi
ngt
hatshewas
usi
ngblackmagiconme.
Shestr
ippedmeof
ftaki
ngawaymygi
ftand
bur
ningmyhut.
"Mbuso!Mbuso!
"Ihi
tthebr
akesandIcoul
d
heart
hecarwheelsst
ret
chi
ngunti
lthecar
cometoahult.
Il
ookedatMpumiwhowaspant
ingnextt
ome
andl
ookedter
ri
fi
ed.
Me:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"Shel
ookedatme
Mpumi
:
"Ify
ouar
etr
yingt
ocommi
tsui
cide
pl
easedoi
taf
tery
oudr
oppedmeof
f"Isi
gh
Me:
"I
'm sor
ryi
t'
sjustt
hat
..
.nev
ermi
nd"
Mpumi:
"It
'sj
ustt
hatyouar
eeasi
l
ydi
str
act
ed
Mbuso"Il
ookedather
Me:
"Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"Shesi
gh
Mpumi :"
Youf ellinlov
eandt hatdistractedy ou,
youwer etoof ocusedt omakeev ery t
hingwor k
betweeny ouandhert oapoi ntthaty ouf orget
thereasony out wower ebr oughttoget her .If
youf ocusedont hatyouwoul dhav eseent hat
i
snotr ealLindi webuty ouneglectedy our
responsibili
tiesasaseery oudidev eryt
hi ng
wrongwi t
hhert oapoi ntthatyoul osty ourgi ft
i
nt hepr ocess.Andnowy ouar edist r
act ed
againbecausey ouarehear tbrokenandy ou
won' tbeablet of ocusonget ti
ngy ourl i
feand
giftback"Ilookedather
Me:"
YouhavenoideaofwhatI
'
m goi
ngt
hrough
r
ightnow"shechuckl
ed
Mpumi:"
Real
lynow?Iwaskidnappedbymy
boyf
ri
endandhebeatmeupt ot heplump.He
al
mostrapedZizi
phoinfr
ontmeandy ousayI
don'
tknowwhaty ouar
egoingthrough"
Me:
"I
t'
snotl
i
key
ouar
easai
nt"shel
ookedat
me
Mpumi:"
RightsoIdeser
vedwhathappened,
t
hanks"shegotoutofthecar
Me:
"Mpumi
!"Isai
dgett
ingoutoft
hecar
f
oll
owi
ngher"Geti
nthecar"
Mpumi
:
"Don'
twor
ryIwi
l
lcal
lanUber
"Isi
gh
Me:
"I
fanythinghappenstoyout
henIwi
l
lbe
r
esponsi
ble"shelookedatme
Mpumi
:
"Yeahr
ightnot
hingwi
l
lhappent
ome"
Me:"
WellMpumiIdon'
tcareaboutyoubut
Mbasawouldki
l
lmei fsomethinghappensto
youandIl
ovemylif
ev er
ymuch"shel ookedat
meandwentbacktothecar,Isighwomenand
dr
ama.
Shewassi
tt
ingi
nthebackthi
sti
meIguessshe
di
dn'
twantt
ositany
wherenearme.
Idr
oveof
finsi
l
enceshedozedof
ftosl
eep.
Shedoesn'
tlookl
ikeshei
scapabl
eofcausi
ng
har
mt oanyone.
Comingtot
hinkofitshedi
dlookal
i
ttl
ebi
tli
ke
Ent
leandZi
zipho.
Idon'tknowwhyI
'
m anal
ysi
ngheri
tmustbe
boredom.
Mpumi:"
Whydoyoukeepst
eal
i
nggl
ancesat
me"Ichuckl
ed
Me:"It
houghtyouwer
esl
eepi
ng,
what
happenedtoyou?"
Mpumi:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"Isi
ghandpul
l
ed
ov
er.
Me:
"Whydoyouhat
eyourf
ami
l
y"shesqui
rmed
i
ndi
scomfor
t
Mpumi:
"Idon'
that
emyf amil
y"shesai
dthat
andl
ookedoutsi
dethewindow.
Me:
"Okay
"Isai
dst
art
ingt
hecaragai
n.
Mpumi
:
"Iti
sal
ongst
ory
"
Me:"Wehaveathreehour
sdr
ive"Iguesshavi
ng
herandtal
kingt
osomeonedi
st r
actedmef r
om
myr eal
i
ty.
Mpumi :
"Okaydriveandli
stent hen"Ichuckled
andstart
eddr i
ving"WhenIgr ewupi twasonl y
meandmyf at
her,Mom died.Myf atherbecame
mywhol ewor l
duntilNal
edi camei ntoourli
v es.
Ifel
thim sl
ippedawayhewasn' tgivi
ngmet he
sameat t
entionanymore.Ist artedtalki
ngtomy
doll
sbecausei nmymi ndIwasnegl ect
edby
myf at
her.Unti
lonedayIhear dmydol lt
alking
backtomeIw- -
-"
Me:"
Adol
ldi
dwhat
?"Shel
ookedatme"
I'
m
sor
ry"
Mpumi
:
"Iwassur
pri
sedandt
err
if
iedatt
he
samet ime.Butasday swentbyIst ar ted
engagi ngi ntoconv ersati
onwi thherIcal ledher
Sidney .Day sbecamey earsshewoul dt ellme
howmydadl oveshi snewf ami l
yt hanme.
That '
showIst artedhat i
ngNal edi andmeand
Sidneyst artedtopl ott ogetr idofhert hat '
s
whenIpoi sonedherbutshedi dn' tdi e.I
becamear ebell
ioust eengi rl.WhenIwasdoi ng
myf irsty earImetTshepowest ar teddat ingwe
graduat edt oget her.Ev enthoughSi dneyt hedol l
wasnol ongert herebutherv oicewasal way sin
myhead.Thr eey earsaf terwegr aduat ed
Tshepost artedbeingdi f
ferentt henIf oundout
thathet ookZi ziphoi n.Shewasonl y17or18I
feltsorryf orher .Webecamecl oseIhel ped
withschool andev er yt
hingwebecamebest
fri
end.ButTshepowasst i
llactingst rangel yhe
didn'twantmet ospendni ght sathi spl ace
any mor e, hedidn'tlikemewi thher .Iwasn' t
all
owedt ospendt imewi thheral onet henone
dayIf oundt hem ki ssingIf eltbet r ay ed.That 's
whenmyhat redf orherstartedandhemar ried
her .Ididn'tknowwhatt odo.Si dneycameback
agai n,IlovedTshepoIcoul dn' tlethim gosoI
keptsl eepingwi t
hhim Iguesshegotbor ed
withZi ziphosi nceshewasachi ld.Hest arted
beat ingherupi fshequest i
onshi m.Wespent
night sinhi splacewi t
hherar ound.Whenshe
l
ef tshewr otemeanot etell
ingmeshedi dn't
knowt hatTshepoandmewer edat i
ngback
then.Tshepot oldherwewer ecousi nandhe
l
ov edher .Iconfrontedhi m buthepai nted
Ziziphor edaboutev erythi
ngandIbel ievedhi m.
Ther estoft hestoryy ouknowi t"thiswasa
heav yst ory.
Me:"
SoSidneysti
l
ltal
kstoy
ou?
"Shesl
owl
y
nods"Ev
erheardofDID?
"
Mpumi
:
"YeswhenIstar
tedatt
endi
ngt
her
apy
f
ewweeksago"Il
ookedather
Me:
"Youar
eat
tendi
ngt
her
apy
?"
Mpumi:
"YesbecauseI
'
m wi
ll
ingtotur
nmyli
fe
ar
oundIhopemyf ami
lywi
l
lforgi
vemefor
ev
eryt
hing"
Me:
"Theyar
ey ourfamil
yitwon'
tbeeasybut
t
heywil
lfor
giv
ey ou"shenods
Mpumi
:
"Thanks,
sowhat
'snextf
ory
ou?
"Isi
gh
Me:"
Focusongett
ingmyli
feandgi
ftback"she
smil
ed,i
tstar
tedr
aini
nghar
ditl
ookedli
kea
heav
ystorm
Mpumi
:
"Pul
lov
er"Idi
d
Me:
"Wecan'
tdr
ivet
hroughsuchst
orm"
Mpumi:
"I
tseemsl
i
kei
t'
snotgonnapass
any
timesoon"
Me:"
Shi
tthereisaguesthousejustaheadofus
l
et'
sdri
vethere"wedrovether
e.
"I
'
m sorr
yweonl
yhav
eoner
oom l
eftwi
tht
wo
beds"
Mpumi
:
"Thatsucks"
Me:
"ComeonNompumel
eloy
ouar
enotev
en
mytype"
Mpumi:
"Ouch!
!"Welookedateachot
herand
bur
stoutofl
aught
er.
Mpumi
:
"wewi
l
ltakei
t"wewer
ewentt
oour
r
oom.
Mpumi:
"Got
othebat
hroom Iwanttochange"I
nodaf
teraf
ewminutesshecal
ledoutmy
nameShewasdoneandonthebed.
Me:"Nowcovery
ourhead"shedidIt
ookof
fmy
cl
othesandgotonmybedt oo.
Mpumi
:
"I'
m sor
ryaboutwhathappenedt
oyou"
Me:"
It
'sokayandIwil
ll
iv
e"shenods"
And
Mpumi Youareagoodpersony
ouarej
ust
suf
feri
ngfrom adi
sor
der"
Mpumi
:
"Thanksgoodni
ght
"
Me:
"Goodni
ght
"wi
thi
nfewmi
nut
esshewasout
.
It
ext
edMbasaaboutev
ery
thi
ngIl
ookedatherI
hopeherf
amil
ybecomeopenmi
ndedand
suppor
ther
.
I
nser
t53
Mbuso

Icoul
dn'
tsl
eepIkeptt
ossi
ngandt ur
ning,
Ikept
thi
nki
ngaboutal
lthet
imesIspentwit
hLindi
we.
Idon'tt
hinkIwil
leverr
ecov
erfr
om whatshe
didtomeIl ovedhermoret
hanli
feit
sel
fand
nowonl ythati
slef
tinmyhear
tit'
shatr
edand
pain.
Ican'
tbel
i
evethatanot
herhumanbei
ngcando
whatshedidt
ome.
IlookedontheotherbedandMpumiwas
peacefulsl
eepi
ngIdecidedt
ogotothebal
cony
beforeIwakeherupwi t
hmytossi
ngand
turni
ng.
It
ookapackofci
gar
ett
esandwal
kedoutt
o
t
hebal
cony
.
Therai
nwasst i
ll
heav
il
yrai
ningt
heskyhad
dar
kerclouds.
Il
itmyci
gar
ett
esandstar
tedsmoki
ngitwas
di
str
essi
ngf
ormesinceIdon'
ti
fI'
m goi
ngor
comingi
nmyli
feri
ghtnow.
"
Thatt
hingcausecancer
"It
urnedandf
ound
Mpumileani
ngonthedoorweari
ngmyt-shi
rt
.
Me:
"Ai
n'
tthatt
-shi
rtwet
?"
Mpumi:
"Notanymor
ewhyareyousmoki
ng?"I
l
ookedathershecl
ear
eddi
dn'
tli
kesmoki
ng.
Me:
"I
'm distr
essi
ng"shetookt
heci
gar
ett
efrom
meandt hrewitontherai
nandwal
kedback
i
nsi
de.
Me:"
Whatt
hehel
lNompumel
elo?
"Isai
d
f
rust
rat
ed.
Mpumi:
"Thatt
hingwon'
tsolveany
thi
ng"she
seemedfr
ustr
atedmorethanme
Me:
"I
thel
psmef
orgetmypr
obl
em"
Mpumi:"
Doesitmaket
hem goaway
?"Shewas
ov
erreacti
ng.
Me:"Gobacktosl
eep"Isaidt
hatwal
kingt
othe
bal
conytoli
ghtanotherci
gar
ett
esbutIwastoo
l
atebecauseshegrabbedthewhol
epackand
thr
ewitaway
Me:"
Whatthefuck"Shej
ustl
ooki
ngatmeand
sai
dnot
hingthenwalkedi
nsi
de.
Iwal
kedbackinandputmyt
rouser
sonI
l
ookedather
.
Me:
"Myt-
shi
rtpl
ease"shet
ooki
tof
fandt
hrew
i
tatme.
Shewasl
eftwi
thherthongonl
ynobraI
swal
l
owedshedidn'
tseem t
ocare.
Mpumi
:
"Yousuchabi
tch"
Me:
"Whatdi
dyouj
ustsay
?"Isai
dwal
ki
ng
t
owardsher
.
Mpumi:
"Onl
yabi
tchr
unsawayf
rom t
hei
r
pr
obl
ems"
Me:
"Fucky
ou"shechuckl
ed
Mpumi:
"I
ttakestwoy ouknow"shewascl
ear
ly
t
esti
ngmypat i
ents.
Me:
"Doy
ouwantt
ovol
unt
eer
?"Shesmi
rked
Mpumi:
"I
twouldbelikeI
'
mf ucki
ngyoursist
er
not
hanks"Ichuckl
edandpushedhertothebed.
Igotont
opofherandgotcl
oset
oherf
ace
Me:
"Youdon'
tgett
otal
ktomel
i
ket
hat
"
Mpumi
:"
Orwhat
?"sheaskedl
ooki
ngst
rai
ght
i
ntomyeyes
Me:"
OrIwil
lfucky
ou"Iseeherf
acef
lushand
sheswal
lowed.
Mpumi
:
"Getof
fme"
Me:
"Orwhat
?"Shesmi
rked
Mpumi
:
"OrIwi
l
lfucky
ouback"t
hatcaughtme
of
fguar
dIf
oundmydi
ckr
eact
ingt
oit"
Nowget
of
fme"
Islowlygotof
fofherIcoul
dn'
tev
enhi
demy
erecti
on.
Mpumi:
"Coldshowerwil
lhel
pyouwi
tht
hat
"she
sai
dpoi
ntingatmydick.
Ij
ustshookmyheadandwentt
orunacol
d
shower.
Me:
"Shit
"Isaidascol
dwaterhitmyski
naft
era
f
ewmi nutesIwasdownIswitchedt
owarm-hot
wat
er.
Ifel
thandsr
unni
ngonmybackIknewi
twas
her.
Me:"Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"Isai
dtur
ningt
olook
ather
Mpumi:"
Taki
ngashowerwi
thy
ou"sher
anher
handsonmyshoul
der.
Ourl
i
pscol
l
idedandIr
anmyhandsonherback.
Ipushedhertot
hewal
landIcoul
dfeel
mysel
f
gett
ingreal
l
yhard.
Ipi
ckedherupandwal
kedoutoft
heshower
wit
hher.
Iplacedherononeoft
hebeds,
sheopenedher
eyesandlooki
ngatme.
Noonesai
dany
thi
ngwej
ustst
aredateach
ot
her
.
Mpumi
:
"Thi
smi
ghtbet
hewor
semi
stake"
Me:"
Iknow"Isai
drunni
ngmyfingeronhercl
i
t
shecl
osedhereyesandmoaned.
Ourbodi
esmov
edi
nsy
ncaswewer
eki
ssi
ng.
Shehadherl
egswr
appedar
oundmywai
st.
Shewassoaki
ngwetandherhandmov
edto
mycraf
tandgavemeahandjobshewasgood
ati
tIgr
oaned.
Me:
"Fuck"Iwi
del
yopenedherl
egsasshe
t
ensedup.
Ipul
ledmyfingeroutandr
ubbedmycockon
hercli
tshemoaned.
Ii
nser
tedmy
sel
fonhershedi
ggedhernai
l
son
myback.
Me:"
Youaretight"Isai
dpushi
ngmysel
fal
itt
le
bi
tfur
therIcouldfeelherv
agi
nawal
lssot
ight
onme.
Isl
owlymovedonhersheopenedherey
esand
l
ookedint
omine.
Itwashar
dtobreakthest
areasshemetmy
str
okeshal
fway
,thi
swasintense.
Shegrabbedt
ightonmeasherbodybecame
tense.
Me:"Leti
tgo"afewsecondslat
erherorgasm
hi
tmyabdomi nalt
henIfoll
owedpull
ingoutand
col
lapsedonthebednexttoher.
Wewerebot
hpant
ingheav
il
ytr
yingt
ocat
chour
br
eat
hewasamission.
Me:
"Okayt
hatwasi
ntense"shechuckl
ed
Mpumi
:
"Itshoul
dn'
thav
ehappened"
Me:"
Iknow,
let
'sgety
oucl
eanedup"Isai
d
pi
cki
ngherup.
Mpumi:
"Sowher
etof
rom her
e"wewer
eint
he
shower
.
Me:
"Idon'
tknow"shesi
gh
Mpumi:"
Howabouty oul
ookf
ortherealLindi
we
maybesheistheanswert
oal
lyourproblems
shemighthel
pyou"shewasr
ight
Me:"
Youar eri
ghtt
henfrom t
hereIwi
ll
see
what'
sgoingtohappen"shenodsandhanded
meat owel.
Mpumi
:
"Yeahnowwashmyback"Ichuckl
ed
Me:
"Youar
esobossy
"shel
aughed
Mpumi:
"Iknow"Iwashedherbackasi
nter
est
ed
andIst
artedl
aughi
ng.
Mpumi:
"What
'swr
ong?i
smybut
ttoosmal
l
?"I
cr
ackedmore
Me:"
Nomar nMpumi,
it'
sjustwehaveabir
th
markont hesamespot"Isai
dtouchi
ngnextt
o
herl
eftshoulder
Mpumi:
"Nomybi
rt
hmarkisnott
her
e"shesai
d
wal
ki
ngtothemi
rr
orandl
ookedati
t
Me:
"May
bey
ouhav
etwo"sheshookherhead
Mpumi
:
"It
'smyf
ir
stt
imeseei
ngt
hisone"
Me:"
Let'sgotobed"Isai
dshewal
kedt
othe
bedIlookedatherbi
rthmar
k.
Tomorr
owIhavetodr
ivest
rai
ghtt
oMakhosi
andf
indther
ealLi
ndi
we.

Thr
eeday
slat
er
Lut
hando
IwasthehappiestmanonEart
hbecauseGod
havefi
nall
yansweredmypray
ersI
'mfinal
l
y
gonnabeaf at
herandmarr
ythewomanIl ov
e
wholeheart
edl
y .
Ihaven'
ttol
dmyfamilyyeti
twashardtokeep
myhappiestawaybutIhadtobecauseMbuso
wasn'ti
nagoodspacesoIf el
tli
keIneededt
o
bethereforhi
m.
Todaywasawelcomi
ngceremonyforPr
incess
Zi
ziphoandshewasr
eal
lyhappyabouti
t.
I
naweekt
imeI
'
m sendi
ngmyuncl
est
oher
f
ami
ly
.
Shewill
tradit
ional
l
ybeaNdl ovubr i
det henthe
nextt
hree-weekswet i
etheknotbutf i
rstIneed
total
ktomydadaboutt hepregnancyIonl y
tol
dhim aboutthelobol
ahewast hr
il
ledabout
i
tandweal readysentalett
ertotheDl amini'
s.
Dad:
"Son?
"Ismi
l
ed
Me:
"Mnt
ungwa"hel
ookedatmeIonl
ycal
lhi
m
Mnt
ungwawhenI
'
m happy
.
Dad:
"Il
oveseei
ngat
leastoneofmysonshappy
,
Whatisi
tthaty
ouwanttotalkabout
?"
Me:
"Zi
zi
phoi
spr
egnant
"hesmi
l
eswi
del
y
Dad:"
Mntungwathat
'st
hegoodnewswe
haven'
thavear
oundthi
spal
aceinalongest
ti
mecongratul
ati
onsmyboy"hesoundsso
proudandhappy.
Me:
"SoIwaswonderi
ngi
fwecouldcombi
ne
t
henegot
iat
ionswi
thdamages"
hequi
ckl
ynods
Dad:
"Yesandt
hat
'st
her
ightt
hingt
odoson"I
nod.
Me:"
Thankyou,MeandMbusoar egoi
ngto
meetMakhosithenwewil
lcat
chupwi t
hyou
guy
sattheceremony"henodsandstoodup.
Hedoeshi
sjol
l
ydanceIl
aughedandwentt
o
mybrot
her
.
Me:
"Heybr
o"
Mbuso:"Hey
"heclear
edhi
sthr
oat"
I'
m sor
ryf
or
ho-
-"Icuthi
m of
f
Me:
"Mbusoyouar
ebrot
herandIfor
giv
e.You
wer
einlov
enoneoft
hisisy
ourfaul
t"
Mbuso:
"ThankYoubr
o"webr
ohugged.
Ont hewaytoMakhosiIt
oldhim about
Zizi
pho'
spregnancyhewasreal
lyhappyabout
beinganuncl
e.
Wegotther
eyoucoul
dtel
lthathesuddenl
ygot
ner
vous.
Me:"
I'
m her
eforyou,y
ounott
hatr
ight
?"henods
andwewalkedtothehut
.
Wet
ookof
fourshoesandgoti
n.
Makhosi
:
"Ki
ngandSeer
"wesatdownont
he
st
rawmat
Makhosi
:"
Iknewy ouguyswerecomi
ngthisi
s
goi
ngtobequickandshort"t
hankGodIcan'
t
bel
ateforZi
zipho'
sceremony
Weplacedthemoneyonhi
splat
ehest
art
ed
chant
ingandbl
owinghi
sbones.
Makhosi
:"
Mbusoyouneedacleansing
cer
emonytogetr
idofal
lthedarkestt
hatgi
rl
l
eftonyou"
Mbuso:
"Thokozaandwhataboutmygi
ft
"
Makhosi
:"
Yourancest
orswil
lgi
vey
oubacky
our
gi
ftwhenthet
imeisright
"
Mbuso:
"AndLi
ndiwe?
"Ilookedathi
m conf
used
agi
rlwal
kedinandsatnexttoMakhosi
.
Mbuso:
"Li
ndi
we"shel
ookedupt
oMbuso
Me:
"What
?"
Makhosi:
"MyKingthi
sist
herealLindi
we,
the
onethatwaschosenfory
ourbrother"
Me:"
Uh.
.wow.
.Ican'
ttr
ustany
thi
ngcal
l
ed
Li
ndi
weinthi
seart
h"
Makhosi
:
"Wearesor
ryforwhathappenedwit
h
yourf
amil
yandyoudon'
thavetoworryabout
any
thi
nganymorebecauseherancest
orsdon'
t
wantMbusoasherhusbandanymore"
Mbuso:
"What
?Why
?"ThankGodIsai
dsi
l
ent
ly.
Makhosi:
"Becausey ouarenolongerpurefor
thei
rdaughter.Theyareangr
yandbel i
evethat
youwill
neverbeagoodhusbandf orher
especi
all
yafterwhaty oudi
dthreedaysago"he
l
ookedatmeandIl ookedathimf oranswers
Li
ndiwe:"
Iwill
guardyout
hroughy ourspi
ri
tual
cl
eansingthat'
sit
.Youar
enol ongermeantfor
me"justli
kethatshewal
kedout.
Makhosi:
"Aboutyourcl
eansi
ng,wewi
ll
cometo
thepal
aceat6i nthemorni
ng"wenodandour
consul
tat
ionwasdone.
Wegoti
nthecarandIl
ookedathi
m.
Me:"
Speakup"Isai
dlooki
ngathi
m deadi
nthe
ey
es
Mbuso:
"Don'
tbemadokay
?"
Me:
"Fi
ne!
!"Isai
dloudl
y
Mbuso:
"Buty
ouar
emad"hesai
dwi
thapuppy
f
ace
Me:
"Mbusomar
n"Isai
dlaughi
ng
Mbuso:"
Iki
ndasl
eptwi
thMpumi
thatday
"I
gasped
Me:
"What
?!Youki
nda?
"
Mbuso:
"ImeanIsleptwi
thher
"thi
scoul
dn'
tget
anywhatIdon'
tknow
Me:
"Wow!
"
Mbuso:
"I
'm gl
adIsl
eptwi
thher
"Il
ookedathi
m
conf
used
Me:
"Why
?"
Mbuso:"
BecauseIcan' ttr
ustanyt
hingcal
led
Li
ndiweinthisearthtoo.Sayi
nghernamej ust
l
eavesabittertast
einmymouhsoI '
m gl
adher
ancest
orsnol ongerwantsmef orher"
Me:"Youar
eokayri
ght
?"HenodsandIsmi
l
ed
"
Fine.CanIasky
ousomethi
ng?"
Mbuso:
"Okay
"hel
ookedatme
Me:"
Didsexwit
hMpumimeanmor ethanaone
ni
ghtstand?
"Heswal
l
owedthatanswersme
Mbuso:
"Don'
tl
ookatmel
i
ket
hat
"
Me:
"I
fyoul
i
kehert
hengof
ori
t"
Mbuso:"Imeanshei sagoodfriendIhavebeen
tal
ki
ngt oherforthepassthr
eeday ssheis
real
lysuppor
tivebutI'
m notl
ookingfora
rel
ati
onshipfornowandwhati fIsti
ll
havea
chosenwifesomewher e?"
Me:
"Whati
fyoudon'
t?
"Hechuckl
ed
Mbuso:
"Let
'sgot
othecer
emony
"
I
nser
t54
Zi
zi
pho
Theceremonywasasuccessever
ythi
ngwas
doneaccor
dingl
yandIwasreal
l
yhappy .
Allt
hevil
lagerswereherecel
ebr
ati
ngwithusI
di
dn'tt
hinkany t
hingthati
twoul
dbethi
s
packedandi tf
eltli
kehome.
Fort
hefi
rstt
imeIfel
tli
keIbel
onged
SomewhereIf
inal
l
yfi
tinandIwasaDlami
ni.
Ilookedatbot hofmysisterswhower e
chat t
ingandlaughi
ngasmuchasi twashardto
believethatMpumi i
schangingwear eall
givi
ng
herachanceev enMom isworkingontheir
relati
onshipandthatmakesmydadsohappy
sincehei smuchofaf amilyman.
AndMpumi hasbeenhelpi
ngmepr eparefor
theceremonyandforthefi
rstti
mei ny ear
si t
fel
tli
ketheMpumi Ifi
rstmetisslowlycomi ng
backandthatmakesmehappyev enthoughI
can'
tletmygutdowneasi l
ybutshei sslowly
winni
ngmyhear tagai
n.
Il
ookedatKuhleandKopanowhower esi
tt
ing
wit
hUnathi
,Icoul
dsensethethi
cktensi
on
bet
weenthem Iwonderwhat'
swrongwitht
hem.
Unat
hicamet
osi
tnextt
omeIl
ookedather
Unat
hi:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"
Me:"
I'
m goodandar
eyouokay
?"Shesmi
l
ed
andnod.
Unathi:
"YouknowZeeIhav enev erseenMbasa
sohappyhewoul dal way spretendt hathei s
happybuthewasn' tbutnowIseehow
genuinelyheiswithy ou.Yourpr esencei nhis
l
ifemadehi m abetterv er
sionofhi mself.My
brother
snev erhadacl oserelati
onshi pbutev er
seey oucamei ntoourf ami l
y,theyhav ebeen
ti
edonahi p.Forthefirstmypar entsarehappy
toseet hem li
kethat.Youar eli
keagl uet hat
holdsourf amil
ytoget herandt hanky ouso
much"i t'
sthefir
sttimeIseehert hi
semot i
onal
andshei smaki ngmeemot ional t
oo.
Me:"Youguy saremyfamilyandalway str
eated
melikeonebef oreIwaswithyourbrother,
I
l
ovehi m somuchy ouknow"shesmi ledand
huggedmeIsomet imesforgett
hatshei sthe
el
destchi l
d.
Unathi
:
"Nowl et
'smakeatoastt
oanew
j
ourney"shesaidhandi
ngmeagl assof
champagne
Me:
"Doy
ouwantt
oki
l
lyourni
eceornephew?
"
Unathi
:"
What
?!!
"Shesai
dwit
hherli
pshangi
ng
open"Youar
epre-
--
"Iqui
ckl
ycov
eredher
mouth
Me:
"Shh"shenodsandsmi
l
ed
Unathi
:
"OhmygodI'm sohappyf
orLut
hando
thi
sissomet
hinghealwayswant
ed.Wow"
Me:
"YeahIj
ustwantt
omakehi
m happy
"
Unat
hi:"
Andyouarehi
shappinessgi
rl
"we
cont
inuedchat
ti
ngIwasgladthatmyin-
laws
l
ovemesomuchandacceptmef
orme.
Kuhl
e:"
Hey"eversi
nceshegotherewehaven'
t
sai
dmucht oeachotherandIcoul
dseeshe
wasn'
tokay.
Me:
"Heygi
rl
fr
iend,
arey
ouokay
?"Shesi
gh
Kuhl
e:"
I'
m okay
"Iknowshe'
sly
ing
Me:"Tal
ktomeKuhle,I
'
m here"shelookedat
meandbl i
nkedhert
earsawayIquickl
y
engulf
edherint
oahug.
Thisgirlhavebeent hereformesincetheday
shemetmeandIf eel badthatIhavebeentoo
busywi thmyl i
feIbarelyhangoutwi t
hher
any more,thefactt
hatsheseemst obegoing
throughalotandIhav enoi deawhathasbeen
happeningi nherli
feitmakesmet heworse
fri
endev er.
Me:
"I
t'
sokayI
'
m sor
ry"Isai
dwi
pinghert
ear
s
Kuhl
e:"
Uht
hanks"
Me:
"Doy
ouwantt
otal
kabouti
t"shenods
Kuhle:
"Iknowthisisnotmypl acetosayt hi
s
butiti
saf f
ecti
ngme, Kopanoi spregnantand
yourtwinisthefather
"whatt hehel lmyparent
s
aregoingtomur derus,al
lthreeofusar egoi
ng
tohavebabiesinthesamey ear .
Me:"WowIdon'tknowwhatt
osaybutI
'
mj ust
concernedaboutyou,
howi
sthi
saff
ect
ingyou"
shesigh
Kuhle:"
Whent her elati
onshipstartedyour
brotherwascl eart oKopanot hathewant ed
nothingbutj ustf un.Obv iouslyKopanowas
heartbrokenIt oldhert ojustendt hi
ngswi t
h
hi
m butshedi dn'titledtopr egnancy.Your
brotherisstilltherebecauseshei spr egnant
andwant stobeaf at
her.NowKopanoi sbusy
accusingmeofwant ingyourbr ot
herformy sel
f,
shehasbecomet hispersonwhoi sobsessive
abouty ourbr other .Yourbrotherisalsonot
maki ngthingseasyf ormenx! "Ilookedat
Kopanowhowassi
tti
ngwi t
hmybrot
herand
smil
ingnonest
opt
hisisn'
tgoi
ngt
oendwell
.
Me:"Whatdoyoumeanhei
snotmaki
ngt
hings
easyforyou?
"Shesi
ghi
nannoy
ance
Kuhl e:"
It
'sli
keheisstalkingme, heis
every whereIam.Heev enwentt omywor k
placet oaskmehowKopanowasdoi ng
knowi ngv er
ywellheannoy stheshitoutofme.
Idon' tunderst
andhim andhei scausingme
unnecessar yhatefr
om myr oommat ewhois
myf ri
end.Hewentasf arasliki
ngallmy
picturesongr am"shesai dfrustr
atedIlooked
atmybr otherIdi
dn'
tfindhi m asapsy chounti
l
now.
Me:
"Iwi
l
ltal
ktohi
m okay
"shenods
Kuhl
e:"
Thankyoupl
easedoIdon'
twantKopano
goi
ngallpsy
choonme"Inod.
Theev
eningwentbyLut
handowasbusywit
h
myfat
herIdon'
tknowwhatwer
etheytal
ki
ng
aboutbuti
twasser
iousandIcoul
donl
yguess
whatitwas.
Iwalkedt
owardsMnqoandKopanowhower
e
tal
ki
ngaboutsomet
hingser
iousIcl
ear
edmy
thr
oat
Kopano:
"Zee"shesaidsmili
ngsomet
hingabout
haschangedormay beit
'showshehasbeen
tr
eati
ngKuhlethat
'sbuggingme.
Me:
"Hey
,canIst
eal
mybr
otherf
orami
nut
e?"
Kopano:
"Ofcour
seZee"Irai
sedmyey
ebr
ows
andshesmiledt
henwalkedaway
Me:"
Andt
hen?
"Isai
dlooki
ngatt
hei
dioti
nfr
ont
ofme.
Mnqo:"
It
'snot
hing"Il
aughedf
eel
i
ngal
lsor
tsof
anger
Me:"Idon'
tcar
eaboutthatMnqophi
sobutthe
onlythi
ngIwon'tl
ety
oudoi si
nvolv
ingKuhl
ein
yourshit
"
Mnqo:"
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"Hei
sact
ing
conf
used
Me:"
Didyouknowthatyourgi
rlf
ri
endismaki
ng
Kuhl
e'sl
i
femiser
ableallt
hankstoyou"Hi
sface
qui
ckl
ychangetobeingworri
ed
Mnqo:
"What
?"
Me:"YougotKopanopr egnantMnqophiso
knowi ngverywel lt
haty ouarenoti
ntoher.Now
shehasal l
thi
si deathatyouandherwi l
lbethi
s
perfectfamily
.Andy oustal
kingKuhl
eisjust
crossingtheline,youwentasf arasli
ki
ngall
herpicturesonI nstagr
am andofcourse
Kopanoseest hatdumbass"
Mnqo:"
I'
m notst
alki
ngherZi
zi
pho"hesai
d
f
rust
rated
Me:
"Theni
fnotwhatar
eyoudoi
ngt
ell
me?
"
Mnqo:
"Kuhl
ehat
esmygutandbar el
ygiv
esme
t
imeinaday.Whatam Isupposedtodo?"
Me:
"What
?"
Mnqo:"Il
ikeheri
t'
slikeIshoul
dbear oundher
allt
hetime.Sheistheonlygir
lthatchal
lenges
meandt ellmetofuckoff.Shedoesn'tf
allat
myf i
tli
keKopanodoes.Shei sdiff
erent
,her
smilei
sjustperf
ect,thewaythatshechewsher
foodit
'sdif
fer
ent"
Me:
"NoNoNoandNo"t
hisai
n'
thappeni
ng
Mnqo:
"It
hinkshei
stheon-
--
"
Me:"
Shutthefuckup,doy ouknowt
hemess
youj
ustcausedforyourself
"
Mnqo:"Ididn'tknowokayandIwishIl
et
Kopanogot hatdayIwishIcoul
dtur
n
everyt
hingar oundbutt
hat'
smybabyi nher
bell
y"
Me:
"Thi
sisj
ustwow"Isai
dwal
ki
ngaway
Mnqo:
"Zi
zi
pho"Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
"Ican'
thel
pyouwi
tht
hisoney
ouhav
eto
fi
gureitoutony ourown.Kopanodoesn'
t
deserv
et hi
sbutmostofal lKuhl
eiswayt oo
goodforallthi
s.Theyarefri
endsforcr
yingout
l
oud"
Mnqo:"
Youar
erightandI'
m notaski
ngyouto
hel
pmebutallI
'
m askingyouistosuppor
tme"
Isi
ghedandwal
kedbackt ohim.
Me:"
Ilov
eyoupl
easet
ryt
osol
vet
his"henods
andhuggedme.
Idon'
tknowwhat'
sgoingtohappenbutoneof
thegi
rl
swil
lbehurt
,thi
sisamess.

Mbuso
Zi
zipho'
scer
emonywasbeaut
if
ulandmy
br
otherwassohappyt
obebyherside.
TheDlamini
'
sreal
l
ywentall
outforthei
r
daught
erandever
ythi
ngwasfi
nall
yfall
i
ngi
nto
pl
ace.
Il
ookedatZi
zi
phoandMnqophi
sowhoseem t
o
bedi
scussi
ngsomethi
ngi
mport
ant
.
Iwassit
ti
ngbymysel
fsi
ncemybrotherwas
cal
ledbyMrDlami
nit
odiscussaf
ewt hi
ngs
wit
hhim
"
Idon'
tl
ikei
twheny
ouov
ert
hink"It
urnedt
o
f
indMpumi.
Ireal
lyappreci
atehowshehasbeenaf r
iendI
neededlatelyi
t'
sli
kesheunder
standswhatI'
m
goingthrough.
Me:"
Heyyoulookstunni
ng"shewasi
naXhosa
out
fi
tshelookedbeauti
ful
init
.
Mpumi:
"Thanky
ou,
howar
eyouf
eel
i
ng?
"I
si
ghed
Me:
"Imett
her
eal
Lindi
we"shel
ookedatme
Mpumi
:
"Whathappened?
"
Me:
"Herancest
orsdon'
twantmeasasoni
n-
l
awanymore"
Mpumi
:
"I'
m sor
ry"Il
ookedatherandsmi
l
ed
Me:"Don'
tbeI'm gl
adt
heydon'twantmecause
Idon'twantanyt
hingr
emindi
ngmeofLindiwe"
shesigh
Mpumi
:
"Rememberwha-
--
"Ichuckl
ed
Me:"
IknowIknowIhav
etof
aceev
ery
thi
ngand
Iam"shel
aughed
Mpumi
:
"Fi
net
hen"
Me:
"Howi
syourf
ami
l
y?"Shesmi
l
ed
Mpumi :
"Theyar
esupporti
veevenmyst ep-
mom
i
swor ki
ngonourr el
ati
onshi
p,Idon'
tknowhow
Inev
ersawt hatsheissuchagoodwoman"
Me:"Sydneyremember!
"Shelaughedtoapoi
nt
thatshewasf al
l
ingof
fherchairIt
ri
edtohel
p
herbutinst
eadwebothf el
lof
fthechair
.
Mpumi
:
"Youar
eheav
y"If
ell
ont
opofher
Me:
"Andy
ouar
etoocl
umsyt
obeapr
incess"
Mpumi :
"Say
sabl
indedseer
"webot hl
aughed
i
t'
sfunnyhowwear eabl
etolaughabout
ever
ythi
ngwearegoingt
hrough.
Someonecl
ear
edthei
rthr
oatIdon'
tknowi
fwe
for
gett
hatwewer
einapublicpl
ace.
Iqui
ckl
yhel
pedMpumi
upwhoseem t
err
if
ied
Me:
"Dad"helookedatusyoucoul
dseei
twas
t
aki
ngeveryt
hinginhi
m nottol
augh
Dad:
"Uhdon'
tmi
ndmej
ustwat
chi
ng"t
hisguy
.
Mpumi
:
"Uhhhseey
ouMbuso,
byeMrNdl
ovu"
Me:"Youhavegrassal
lovery
oul
etmehel
p
you"Isai
dcleani
ngherupmydadwassti
l
l
standi
ngri
ghtnexttous.
Mpumi
:
"Thanks"shequi
ckl
ywal
kedaway
Me:
"Dad!
!"
Dad:"
Youhavegrassal
lovery
ouletmehel
p
you"hesai
dimit
atingmeandlaughi
ng
Me:
"St
opi
tdad"
Dad:
"Thatwasent
ert
aini
ng"hesai
dlaughi
ng
Me:
"OkayI
'
mleav
ing"Isai
dwal
ki
ngaway
Dad:
"Nowwhatdi
dIdo"hesai
dfol
l
owi
ngme
Me:
"St
opf
oll
owi
ngme"hel
aughed
Dad:
"Thisi
sgonnabeint
erest
ing"Ijustr
an
awayfrom hi
mthatmadehiml aughevenmor
e,
mydadi ssomet
hingel
sesomet imes.
I
nser
t56
Zi
zi
pho

Ifel
tli
kethiswasanewj ourneyformeIhav e
beenthroughthewor sethingsinli
feandcr i
eda
ri
veroftearsbutthr
oughal lthatIfi
nall
yfound
onepersonwhoshowedmet hatthroughthe
hardestst
ormsi nmyl i
fe,hewi l
lholdmyhand
andtellmeit'
sokay.
Onewouldsaymyl
i
fei
samov
iebutf
ormei
t
wasreal
.
I
'm grateful
tohav efoundapersonthatl
iv
esfor
me, t
hat '
sarar
et hingandIwil
lholdontoi
tfor
t
her estofmylife.
Mnqophisotransferredmoneyintomyaccount
sothatIcouldtakeKuhleout,notthatI
'm
complai
ningbutIt houghtIt
oldhim notto
i
nvolvemei nhisshit.
Andhi sreasonwast hatKuhledeser
vesome
airandbeawayf r
om Kopanof orali
tt
lebit
sinceshei sacti
ngupt hatwasthoughtf
ulof
him consideri
ngthefactthati
twashisfault
thatthi
ngsar eli
kethisbetweenthetwowomen.
Aft
erseeingthatcommentfr
om Kopanocal
li
ng
mesisterinl
awandonlycompliment
ingmeI
j
ustcuttheli
vebecauseIwasn'
tabouttost
ir
andentert
aindramaonmylive.
Me:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"Isai
dlooki
ngatKuhl
eaf
ter
cut
ti
ngof
fmyl
i
veshesi
gh
Kuhl
e:"
Honestl
yitdoesn'
tbot
hermeany more
soyeahI'
mfine"Ismil
edandkissedhercheek.
Me:"
Howaboutyoucomewi thmeandli
vewith
myfamilyf
orawhil
ejustbeawayf
rom hery
ou
know"shesi
ghedagai
n
Kuhle:"Iwoul dlovetobeawayf r
om herbutI
don'tthinkcomi ngtoyourhomewher eyour
brot
heral soli
v eisagoodi dea.I
twil
l make
thi
ngswor seshewi l
lprobablygotothepalace
andt el
l yourwhol efamilythatshei
spr egnant
thenmov ei njusttokeepmeawayf rom him"
Me:"
CanIaskyousomethi
ng?
"Shenods"
Do
youl
ikehi
m?"Shechuckl
ed
Kuhl
e:"
Mnqophiso?
"Inod"NoIdon'
tl
ikehi
m,
hesuff
ocatesmeandmakesithardf
ormet o
br
eatheeveryt
imeheisar
ound"
Me:"Okayy
oul
i
kehi
m"shel
aughedandIst
are
ather
Kuhl
e:"
Youareser
ious?
"Shesai
dwi
thaf
rown
onherface
Me:"Youhav enoreasontohatehim buthere
youar ehati
nghisgutstothecore,hi
spresence
suffocat
esy ou.Onl
ythi
ngI '
m sayi
ngiswe
showourl oveforpeopl
ediffer
entl
ysomay be
youar ehati
ngonhim becausey ouli
kehim"she
cracked
Kuhl
e:"
YouwatchingHighSchoolmoviestoo
much,thi
sisnotamov iewheretwopeople
hat
eeachotherthenendupfall
ingdeeplyi
n
l
ovewitheachother
.Idon'
tli
kehim peri
od!!
"I
l
aughed
Me:
"Don'
tbedef
ensi
veabouti
tthen!
"
Kuhl
e:"
Wel
li
t'
supset
ti
ng!
Thi
sisal
lhi
sfaul
t"
Me:"Noit'
syourf
aul
tKuhle,myf r
iendyougave
youropini
ononamat tert
hatdoesn'tconcer
n
you.Youshouldhav
eletKopanomakeherOwn
mistakebutyoudi
dn't
.Itmighthavebeen
comi
ngfrom agoodpl
acef
rom y
oubutshe
di
dn'
tseeitl
i
kethat
"shegr
oaned
Kuhle:
"IknowIj ustt
houghtIwasbei ng
pr
otective.Yourbrotherkeptpokingmeit
'sl
i
ke
helovest oseeallfi
estyonhimi tgiv
eshi
m
pl
easure"
Me:
"Wel
lIt
alkedt
ohi
m"shecl
ear
shert
hroat
.
Kuhl
e:"
Heki
ssedme"Ichokedonmyj
uice
Me:
"What
?"
Kuhl
e:"
Heisdr i
vi
ngmecr azy,
Ithoughtyoutol
d
himtostopdraggi
ngmei ntotheirmessbut
twohourslat
erhecornersmet henkisst
heshit
outofme.Whot hehelldoest
hat ?"
Me:"
Forsomeonewhowaski
ssedbyt
heguy
shehat
esyousoundt
oocal
m"
Kuhl
e:"
Beingangryabouti twon'
thelpyour
br
otherisalway
sdoingt heopposit
e, soImight
aswellbracemysel
f"Iraisedmyey ebrows
Me:
"Yougoi
ngt
olethi
m ki
ssy
ou?
"
"
Whoiskissi
ngwho?
"Wet
urnedt
olookatherI
j
ustsi
gh
Me:
"Kopano"
Kopano:
"Thi
sisni
ceit
'sashameIwasn'
t
i
nvit
ed"Il
ookedatKuhl
ewhojustshr
uggedher
shoul
ders
Me:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Kopano:
"I
'm her
etohav
elunchwi
thmyf
ri
ends"
Kuhle:
"It
hinkIshoul
dgo"shesai
dtaki
ngher
handbag
Kopano:
"Nonodon'
tl
eav
ebecauseofme"
Me:
"Wewer
ejustl
eav
ingany
way
s"
Kuhle:
"I
t'
sokayZizi
phoyoucanspendt
imewi
th
hersheisyourf
ri
endtoo"
Kopano:"
Youmeansi
steri
n-l
aw?
"Kuhl
e
chuckl
ed
Kuhl
e:"
Showust
her
ing"okayt
hisi
staki
nga
dr
amatictur
n
Kopano:
"What
?"Shesai
dconf
used
Kuhle:
"ImeanifZizi
phoisyoursist
erin-l
aw
thenyoumustbemar r
iedtoherbrothersowe
wanttoseethering"Kuhlei
ssuchacal m
personbutri
ghtnowshewasn' tshewasf edup
Me:
"Okaygi
rl
scal
m down"
Kopano:
"Justst
ayawayf
rom hi
m"
Me:
"Hai
ke!
"Isai
dsi
ppi
ngonmyj
uice
Kuhle:
"Okay
, IguessonSundayI'm notgoi
ngt o
church"welookedatherconfusedshenev er
misseschurchthisoneandwhatdoeschur ch
havetodowi ththi
s
Me:
"What
?Why
?"
Kuhle:
"Becausethroughoutt
heSundayIwi
ll
be
fucki
ngMnqophi so,giv
ehim howhewant
sit
.
AndwhenI 'm donewithhi
m hecannowcome
backtoyouwi f
eyifhewi ll
evenwantt ocome
back"myjawsdr oppedbecauseI '
mt r
yingto
regi
sterwhatshejustsaidthewholesceneof
whatshejustsaidisjustsomethingIdon'twant
toeverheari
nmyl i
fe,herandfucki
ng?No.
Kopano:"Whatdidy oujustsay?"Shesaid
walki
ngcl osetoher ,alley
eswer eonusIdon't
wanttobet r
endingf orallt
hewr ongreasonsI
canalreadyimagi nealltheheadlinesand
capti
onsoft hissituati
onher e.
Kuhle:
"I
'
m sayi
ngI
'm goi
ngtot
akeyourbaby
daddyKopanoandnowy ouwi
l
lhav
ear eason
tohateme!"
Me:"
OkayCutit!Wear
einapubl
i
cpl
acei
ncase
youdidn'
tnot
ice!
"
Kopano:
"Hewoul
dnev
erdat
esomeonel
i
ke
you"
Kuhle:
"Thenwhyareyousothreat
enedbymei
f
that
'swhatyouthi
nk"shewalkedawaybut
qui
ckl
ycamebackt
ous
Me:
"Her
ewego!
"Iwhi
sper
edt
omy
sel
f
Kuhle:
"OhKopanopl easeaskhi m howi twas
whenhewasr unninghishandonwai stwhen
hekissedme, howdi dhefeel whenhehadme
pinnedagainstt hewallwit
hmyar msabov emy
headlockedbyhi s.I
ttookhimt wosecondsof
ki
ssingmet ogi vehi
m aboner .Zizi
phoIwi ll
waitforyouint hecar"whoi sshe?Causet hat'
s
notmysweetf riendKuhleIaskedmy selfas
shewal kedtot heentrancel
eav i
ngmewi t
h
Kopanowhol ookedl i
keshej ustsawaghost .
Me:
"UhKopanowhat
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Kopano:
"Youl
ethersayt
hatal
ltomeZi
zi
pho"I
l
ookedatherconf
used
Me:"
Youst
art
edal
loft
his,
whydi
dyouev
en
comeher
e?"
Kopano:
"What?Sonowy
ouar
etaki
ngher
si
de?"Ichuckl
ed
Me:"Don'
tbl
ameany onef
orthi
s.Keepyoursel
f
checkedbecauseI
'
m notsweetli
keKuhle"she
chuckl
ed
Kopano:"
Sonowyouhaveabackbonej
ust
becauseyouar
eapri
ncess!
"
Me:"LookKopanoI '
m notdoingthi
swi t
hyou
becauseIhavesomedi gni
tytomaintai
n.Tryto
beagoodgi r
l andtakecareofmyni eceor
nephewbecausei fyoukeepgoingthiswayy ou
mightvomitthatbabyinsteadofgi
v i
ngbirt
h"I
tookmyhandbagandl eft.
Kuhlewassit
ti
ngont hebackandIj oi
nedher
wehadt woguardsafterwhathappened
happenedmyf ami
lydoesn'twantmet ogo
anywaywit
houtprotecti
on.
Notonl
ydoIhavet
woguar
dst
her
ear
efour
ot
hersi
ntheSUV.
Shehadherheadleani
ngbackont
hesi
ther
eyeswer
eclosed
Me:
"Heysav
age!
"Shechuckl
edandl
ookedat
me
Kuhl
e:"
I'
m sor
ryaboutt
hat
"Isi
gh
Me: "
It'
sokay,wear epi
cki
ngyourclot
hesnot
discussion.Andthiswi
llmakeyourmissi
onof
fuckingmybr otheronaSundayverypossi
ble"
Kuhl
e:"
Pleasest
opi
t!
"Shesai
dlaughi
ng
Me:"
Ihatetheposi
ti
ony
ouguy
sar
eput
ti
ngme
i
n,Imisstheoldus"
Kuhl
e:"
Iknowbutthi
ngscan'
tal
way
stur
nout
thewaywewantthem t
obabes"
Wedrovetoherplaceandpi
ckedhercl
othes
andal
lthatshei
sgoingtoneed
Wedr
ovet
othepal
aceov
eral
i
teconv
ersat
ion
Mnqophi
sosawusIaskedSi
ndyourhel
pert
o
showKuhl
eaguestr
oom.
Mnqo:
"Thebags?
"
Me:
"Whataboutt
hebags?
"
Mnqo:
"What
'sgoi
ngon?
"Isi
gh
Me:"Yourgi
rlf
ri
endhappened,
sheshowedi n
therest
aurantandst
artedsay
ingt
hings.Alot
happenedsoKuhlewillst
ayheref
orawhile"
Mnqo:
"Shei
snotmygi
rl
fr
iendZi
zi
pho"Ir
oll
my
ey
es
Me:"Whydon'
tyout
ell
hert
hatbecauseshe
t
hinksshe'
syourwi
fe"
Mnqo:"
OkayIWi
l
lsor
tthatoutl
aterbuti
sKuhl
e
okay
?"
Me:"Theonl
ythi
ngyoushoul
dbeconcer
ned
aboutit
syourbabymama,whydi
dyoukissher
"
Mnqo:
"Toseeifsheli
kesme,
Ididn'
tfor
cet
he
ki
ssIpromi
se"Ishookmyhead
Me:
"And?
"
Mnqo:
"Shedoesl
i
keme"
Me:
"Youwoul
dknowt
hatbecause?
"
Mnqo:"
Becauseshedi
dn'tpushmebutshe
r
espondedtotheki
ss"okaythat
'snews
Me:"
Justf
ixyouraff
air
sandst
ayawayf
rom
Kuhl
enowt hatshe'
shere!
"
Mnqo:
"Nowy
ouar
easki
ngf
ort
hei
mpossi
ble"
Me:
"Mnqophi
soDl
ami
ni!
"
Mnqo:
"Okayf
ine!Iwi
l
ltr
ykeepi
ngmydi
stance"
Me:
"Good!
"
Iwentt
ojoinKuhl
eandhel
pedherunpack,
I
j
ustwonderhowwill
thi
sendbecausei
tgiv
es
mechil
ls.

Mbuso
I
thasbeent
woday
ssi
ncet
hecl
eansi
ngwas
per
for
med.
AsmuchasIdi
dn'
twantt
obenearLi
ndi
wei
t
hadtobedoneshehadt
ohel
pmewi
th
cl
eansi
ng.
Theytol
dmet hatmyancestorswerenotsay
ing
anyt
hingconcerningthegi
ftsoitcoul
dbe
possi
blethatIwon'tgeti
tback.
Thethoughtal
oneleav
esmeshat
ter
edbutI
canonlyhopefort
hebest
.
Ihadather
apysessionandMpumi
accompani
edmet henwedeci
dedtogr
abl
unch
aft
er.
Mpumi :
"Youwi
ll
getyourgi
ftback"shesaid
l
ookingatmeshereal
lydoesmaket hi
ngs
bet
terformesheissoeasytotalkto.
Me:
"Ihopesoenoughaboutt
hesadst
uff
"
Mpumi:"Wel
li
fnott
hesadst
ufft
henwhat
?"I
chuckl
ed
Me:
"I
cecr
eam andmov
iesl
ateron"
Mpumi
:
"Ihav
etopr
epar
eformydat
e!"
shesai
d
smi
l
ingIswearIhadast
roke
Me:
"Huh?I
..
.mea.
..
Imeandat
e?"
Mpumi:"YeahMeandmyst ep-mom arehavi
ng
adatetonight
.Somet i
meal onegett
ingtoknow
eachotherandgoskating,
bowl i
ngallt
hat"I
feel
li
kesomeonej ustpour
edsomewat eron
mywhol ebodybecauseIwassor el
i
eved
Me:
"Thatsoundf
un!
"
Mpumi:
"YeahI
'
m gl
adsheisdoi
ngall
thi
sfor
meyouknow"shesai
dlooki
ngsad
Me:"IknowMpumi ,Iknowyouwi shyoulether
i
nbackt henbutthere'
ssti
ll
timey oucanenjoy
al
lthosemot heranddaughtert
hingswithher.
Whatmat t
ersi
sshef or
gaveyouandi sworking
onyourr el
ati
onshi
p"
Mpumi:
"Yeaht
hanky
ou"shesai
dlooki
ngatme
i
ntheeye
Me:
"Forwhat
?"Thatcameoutasahusky
whi
sper
Mpumi :
"Forbei
ngher
eandnotjudgef
ormy
past
,ithelpsal
otanditmeanst
heworldt
o
me"
Me:
"Asl
ongasy
oust
ay"
Mpumi:"
Ipr
omi
sey
out
ost
ay"Iki
ssedher
f
orehead
Me:"
Thenwear
egood"shenodswhi
l
est
il
l
l
ooki
ngatme
Mpumi
:
"Thi
sisnotwr
ong,
right
?"
Me:"
Noit'
snot"Ipushedthest
randofhair
behi
ndherear,ourl
ipsl
ockedkissi
ngherfel
t
ri
ghtanddi
ff
erentIpull
edaway
Mpumi
:
"I'
m sor
ry"Idon'
tknowwhatshet
hinks
Me:
"Ipul
ledawaybecauseIwasenjoy
ingi
ttoo
much"Icoul
dseeherbeingr
eli
eved
Mpumi:
"OhIthoughtImadeyouuncomf
ort
abl
e
orsomet
hing"webothsmil
ed
Me:
"I
tcoul
dbeany
thi
ngbutt
hat
"
Mpumi
:
"Al
ri
ghtt
hen"
Idroppedherof
fatt
hepal
aceanddr
oveback
athome.
AssoonasIl ookedatthepi
ctur
eswet ook
togetherIpostedone"Sunshi
ne"that
'swhatI
callherbecauseshedoesbr i
ght
enmydayand
givesmehope.
Itookanapunt i
lIf
eltsomeonepushi ngmy
headunderthewaterIcouldn'tbar
elybreat
he,
I
tr
iedpushedmyheadoutoft hewaterbutI
could,
thenIfeelmysoulleavingmybody .
Iwokeuppanti
ngitwasj
ustani
ght
mareIwas
soaki
ngwetIdon'
tknowi
fitwasmysweator
water
.
Me:
"Fuck"Isai
dcal
mingmy
sel
fdown.
Igotupandwentt
odr
inksomewat
er.
Igoti
nsi
demyr
oom t
henchanget
hewet
cl
otheswhenIbr
oughtmyey esupIcoul
dsee
hi
m sit
ti
ngontheedgeofmybed, hegr
ewa
l
it
tl
ebitthant
helastt
imeIsawhim
Me:
"Juni
or!
"Hebr
oughthi
sey
esup.
I
nser
t55
Lut
hando

Itwasni
ceseeingZizi
phosohappyy oucould
seehowhappyshewasdur i
ngherceremony
andthebestpartIwastheret
owitnessthe
happi
estmomentofherl i
fe.
Iwasnervouswhenherf at
hercall
edmeasi de
butMrDlaminiwantswhat'sbestf
orhis
chi
ldr
enhegavemeagoaheadt omar ryhi
s
daught
erandwaswi ll
ingtohaveust hi
s
weekendtopaylobolaforherandthatwasa
musictomyears.
IseeMbusor
unni
ngt
owar
dsmeandIwas
st
unned
Me:"
Whoar
eyour
unni
ngf
rom?
"Hel
ooked
behi
nd
Mbuso:
"Yourf
ather
"Ir
aisedmyey
ebr
owsi
n
conf
usi
on
Me:
"Why
?"
Mbuso:"
Heki
ndasawmeont
opofMpumi
"I
gasped
Me:
"Hesawy
out
wohav
ingsex?
"Hel
aughed
Mbuso:"
Nowefel
lofft
hechai
randyourdad
appear
edatt
heworsemoment"Il
aughed
Me:
"AndI'
m surehemadeMpumi
shyand
embar
rassed"
Mbuso:
"Youhav
enoi
dea"
Me:
"That
'scr
azy
,sowhat
'st
hedeal
wit
hyou
t
wo?"
Mbuso:
"Wear
efr
iends.
..
fornow"Inod
Me:"Don'
tpr
eventy
oursel
ffr
om bei
nghappy
becauseofhowthi
ngsendedwithLi
ndi
we"he
si
gh
Mbuso:"
YouknowmeandMpumi gotother
apy
sessi
onstoget
herIgott
oher
sandshegoesto
mine"
Me:
"What
?!"Iwassosur
pri
sed
Mbuso:"
Yeahit
'sl
ikeI'
m get
ti
ngt
oknowher
t
hroughall
thosesessi
ons"Ismi
l
ed
Me:
"Wel
lI'
m gl
adshei
sbei
ngt
her
efory
ou"
Mbuso:
"Her
eisy
ourf at
her
"hesai
drol
l
inghi
s
ey
esasdadapproachesus
Dad:
"I
fitai
n'
tmyt wofav
our
it
epeopl
e"webot
h
gr
oanedinfrust
rat
ion
Mbuso:
"Daddon'
tst
art
"
Dad:"
WhatdidIdonow?Mbasapl
easetal
kto
yourbrot
her
"Ishr
uggedmyshoul
ders
Mbuso:
"Okaydadt
her
eisnot
hinggoi
ngon
bet
weenmeandMpumi wear
ejustf
ri
endsso
pl
easest
op"Dadl
aughed
Dad:
"Okaybutshei
shot
"
Us:
"JesusDad"hel
aughed
Dad:"Imeanyouguy
sareblessedt
obetappi
ng
thoseasses"t
hat
'swhysometimesIwi
shI
couldsel
lmydad
Mbuso:"
Let
'sgoMbasa"wel
efthi
m wi
tht
he
bi
ggestsmi
rkever
Me:"Canyoubel
iev
eyourf
athert
hou?
"He
shookhishead
Mbuso:
"Hei
scrazy
"wewentt oj
oinMnqophi
so
whoseemedtobelostonhi
sthought
s
Me:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"Isai
dtappi
nghi
sshoul
der
s
Mnqo:
"Imessedup"hesai
drunni
nghi
shandon
t
heface
Mbuso:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Mnqo:
"I
'mi
ntoKuhl
e"weal
lwentsi
l
ent
.
Me:"
That
'sKopano'
sfr
iendandr
oommat
e"he
si
gh
Mnqo:
"Iknowt
hatandt hat'
swhyIsayImessed
upi
t'
sli
keshel
ivesrentfreeonmymi nd"
Mbuso:
"That
'sr
eal
l
ymessedup"
Mnqo:
"That
'snotev
ent
heworsepart
"webot h
l
ookedathi
mt ogoon"
IgotKopanopregnant
"
Mbuso:"Damnit
!KopanoisourcousinMnqo
andifyouaregoi
ngtohurtherl
ikethat
,it
's
fuckedup"Mnqosighedi
nfrust
rati
on
Mnqo:
"Idon'
twanttohurtherbutwhatifKuhl
e
i
smychosenwi fewhatdoIdot henbecause
t
herei
snor unni
ngawayf r
om that"
Me:"
Wowther
eisnorunni
ngawayfr
om t
hisif
Kuhl
eisy
ourchosenonet
henyouar
escrewed"
Mbuso:
"Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
"
Mnqo:
"Ist
il
ldon'
tknow"
Me:"Wel
lthat
'sl
i
fef
ory
ouandIf
eel
sor
ryf
or
you"hesi
ghed.

TWODAYSLATER
Kopano

Mnqophisowastaki
ngmet
oadoct
or'
s
appoi
ntmentt
oday.
ThingsbetweenmeandKuhl ewereworseand
atthismomentIdon'tcareaboutherIdon'
t
understandhowshecan'tjustbehappyforme
sheisjustjeal
ousandbit
terthatshehasno
one.
Mnqotext
edmethathei
sout
sideandI
gr
abbedmypur
se.
Igoti
nsi
det
hecarandki
ssedhi
scheek
Me:
"Goodmor
ning"hel
ookedatme
Mnqo:"
Mor
ning"hedr
oveof
fhewasawf
ull
y
qui
et.
Thedoct
orcal
l
edusi
nandIhadt
ochange.
Dr:
"Thi
sisgonnabecol
d"shesai
dbef
ore
smeari
ngagel onmybel
ly
.
Shest
art
edmov
ingt
hescanandIlookedat
Mnqowhowasl
ooki
ngatthescr
een
Mnqo:
"That'
sal
oudhear
tbeat
"hesai
dsmi
l
ingI
smi
ledtoo
Dr
:"YeahDrDseemslikey
ougotyour
sel
fsome
warri
orher
e"Idi
dn'
tl
ikehowshewastal
kingt
o
hi
m
Me:"
Thankstomeri
ghtbaby
?"Isai
dlooki
ngat
hi
m,heclear
edhi
sthroat
Mnqo:"Uhyeah,
pleasepri
ntthoseoutf
orme
Zoe"shenodsandwal kedout.
Idr
essedupandwewentt
oherof
fi
ce.
Zoe:
"Ev
ery
thi
ngi
snor
mal
wit
hyourbabyasa
doctorMnqophi
soy
ouknowi
tiscr
uci
alf
orher
torest"
Mnqo:
"Okayt
hanksZoe"wownowt
heyar
ein
f
ir
stnamebasis.
Wewal
kedoutandgott
othecart
hendr
oveof
f.
Me:"
Let
'sgr
abl
uncht
oget
her
"her
aisedhi
s
ey
ebrows
Mnqo:"KopanoIt hi
nky ouaref
orget
ti
ngwhat
t
hisi
s.Wear ej
ustpar entst
oourbabynotina
r
elat
ionshipifyouarehungrywewi l
lj
usthave
t
oordert akeout"Ichuckled
Me:"
That'
swhyy
ouwer
efi
l
ter
ingwi
tht
hat
doct
orri
ght?
"
Mnqo:
"Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"
Me:"Don'
tyouseethatIl
oveyouandwear e
havingababytoget
herMnqophiso"Isai
d
touchi
nghisar
m hesigh
Mnqo:
"OkayKopanoI
'
m notdoi
ngt
hiswi
thy
ou"
hesai
dst
oppi
ngt
hecar
.
Me:"
Whatar eyounotdoingwit
hmeMnqo?
Huh?"Ibangedthedashboar
d
Mnqo:
"Whatt
hehel
lKopano?
!!
"
Me:"
I'
m sor
rybabyi
t'
sjustt
hatyoufr
ust
rat
eme
someti
mes"Isai
dsnuggli
nginhisar
ms
Mnqo:
"Let'
sjustdr
iveyouhome"Ismi
l
edand
hest
artedthecaragai
n.
Wegoti
ntomyapar
tmentcompl
ex.
Mnqo:
"Yourf
oodwi
l
lar
ri
vesoon"Ismi
l
ed
Me:"
That'
swhyIl
ovey
ou"Iper
kedhi
sli
psand
gotoutoft
hecar
.
Igoti
nsi
detheapar
tmentt
hankGodKuhl
e
wasn'
tar
ound.
Thefoodar
ri
vedafewminuteslat
erIt
ooka
pi
ctur
eandpostedi
tonI
nstagram.
"
Wheny
ourmanf
eedsy
ouandy
ourbaby
"
wi
thi
nfewmi
nut
esi
thadsomanyl
i
kes.
Inot
icedt
hatZi
ziphowasli
veIwatchedherl
iv
e
shewaswithKuhleatsomefancyr
estaur
ant
.
"
Youknowt heseneckl
aceslooksogoodonus"
t
heyboughtmat chi
ngneckl
ace.
Kuhl
e:"
Thanky ouZeefort
hisIreal
l
yneeded
someair"Ichuckl
edandscreamedin
fr
ust
rati
on.
Ideci
dedt
ocommentonherl
i
ve
"Looki
ngnicesi
steri
nlaw"shewasbusy
readi
ngcomment soutloudandr
epl
yi
ngto
questi
onsandcompliments
Zee:
"Youl
ooknicesisteri
n-l
aw?"sheaskedand
l
ookedatKuhl
e" Thanks"sheendedtheliv
e.
Me:"Kuhleyouarereallyt esti
ngme! !
!Zizi
phois
mysi st
erin-
lawnoty our s"Iwentt hr
oughher
I
nstagram shejustpost edpi ctur
eswithZizi
pho
andMnqophi soli
kedt hepi ct
uresheeven
commented"
Yougi
rl
slookst
unni
ng"whi
l
ehe
sai
dnot
hingt
omypost
Me:
"Kuhl
eKuhl
eKuhl
e"Isai
dtappi
ngmyf
eet
.

•
•••
•••
•
SHORTIKNOW BABESI
'
M SLEEPY
I
nser
t57
Mbuso

Helookedatmethensmi
lehewal
kedt
ome
andhuggedmeitfel
tsowar
m andr
eal
.
Iwasn'
tsur
eifIwasst
il
ldr
eami
ngort
hiswas
real
.
Me:
"Heybuddy
"hel
ookedatme
Junior
:"
It
'sokayuncl
eMbuso,
thi
sisr
eal
I'
m
here"
Me:
"Whydi
dyoudr
ownmei
nwat
er?
"He
l
aughed
Juni
or:
"Bei
ngaNdl ovui
tmeansgr
and
entr
ances"
Ilaughed
Me:
"Wemi
ssy
oubuddyespeci
all
yyourmot
her
"
Juni
or:
"Imi
sshert
oobutI
'
m atpeacenowand
shei
shappy"
Me:"
Ify
ouareatpeacet
henwhatar
eyoudoi
ng
her
e?"Hesi
tsonmybed
Junior
:"
I'
m notr
eal
l
yher ebuty
oucanseeme
becauseyouhaveyourgif
t"
Me:
"What
?"
Junior:
"I
'm her
espi r
it
ual butnotphysical
l
y,I'
m
herebecauseev eryseerhasaspi ri
tual
guardi
anandIwi l
lbey ours"Il
ookedathi m
confused
Me:
"SoIhav
emygi
ftback?
"
Junior:
"Yesandpl
easeguar
ditwi
thyourli
fe
thi
st i
mebecausether
earenothi
rdchancesin
t
his"
Me:
"Sowhatnow?
"
Juni
or:"
Forsomeonewhohashisgi
ftbacky
ou
don'
tlookthr
il
led"Ichuckl
ed
Me:
"Tr
ustmeIam butI
'
m wor
ri
edwhati
fI
messupagai
n"
Juni
or:
"Andwhati fyoudon't,
St opwor
rying
abouttomorrow.I
ft heyknewy ouwerenot
worthgett
ingthi
st heywouldn'
thavegivenit
backtoyoubuttheyt rusty
ouandbel i
eveinyou,
yougotthi
s"
Me:
"Wowokayt
hanky
ou"hesmi
l
ed
Juni
or:
"Iwi
l
ltakemyl
eav
enow"Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
"Don'
tyouat
leastwantt
oseeyourpar
ent
s,
t
heymissyouJunior
"heshookhi
shead
Juni
or:
"Iknowt heydobuttheyhav
en'
thealed
fr
om everyt
hingseeingmenowwi l
ldi
stur
bt hei
r
heal
i
ngpr ocesstheywil
lseemewhent hetime
i
sri
ght
"
Me:"
Iwillsendmyr egar
dst
hen"hechuckl
ed
anddisappeared.
ItookmyphoneandIwasabouttotextMpumi
butIremember
edthatshehasdi
nnerwithher
Mom.
Iwashappyt
hatIgotmygi
ftbackandi
tjust
fel
tri
ght
.
Iwal
kedtot
hemai
nhouseandf
oundmyf
ami
l
y
seat
ed.
Dad:
"Her
ecomesl
overboy
"mybr
otherl
aughed
Mom:
"What
?!"Shesai
dlooki
ngatme
Me:"Don'
tlookatmeIdon'tknowwhat'
syour
husbandistal
kingabout
"Isaidj
oini
ngt
hetabl
e
Dad:
"Don'
twor
rymyqueent
hat
'sourpi
l
lowt
alk
fort
oni
ght"
Unat
hi:
"It
hinkwehear
denough"t
heyl
aughed.
Me:
"Igotsomegr
eatnews!
"
Dad:
"Di
dyoupr
opose?
"Ir
oll
edmyey
es
Me:
"Nodad,
Igotmygi
ftback!
"
Them:
"What
?!"Theysai
dinuni
son
Me:
"Wel
lmyspi
ri
tual
guar
dianbr
oughti
tback
t
ome"
Dad:
"Who?
"
Me:"
Juni
or"Isai
dlooki
ngatMbasawhoqui
ckl
y
l
ookedatme
Mom:
"Wowt
hat
'sgr
eatnews"
Mbasa:"
Excuseme"hequickl
ywalkedout
Juni
orwasrightt
heyhav
en'theal
edfrom l
osi
ng
hi
m,Ilookedatmydadhenods.
If
oll
owedmybrot
herhewassi
tt
ingout
sideon
mom'sgar
den.
Me:
"I
'm sor
ry"hequi
ckl
ywi
pedhi
stear
s
Mbasa:
"i
t'
sokayIj
ustmi
sshi
m somuch"
Me:"Andhemi ssesy
out oobutheisnotready
toconnectwit
hy ouyetashefeel
slikei
twill
dist
urbyourheali
ngprocess"
Mbasa:
"I
fanythi
ngthatwoul
dmakeushappy
,
knowi
ngthatheisokay"
"IguessIwaswrong"Juni
orsay
ssi
tt
ingnex
tto
him Mbasaqui
cklyhugshi
m
Mbasa:"Imissedy
oubuddy"i
t'
sthef
ir
stt
ime
seei
nghi m soemoti
onal
Iwal
kedawaygi
ving
them space.

Kopano

Iwokeupf
eel
i
ngal
lki
ndsofemot
ions.
Iwasangr
yatKuhl
efort
hinki
ngt
hatshecoul
d
j
ustwazzl
eherwayi
ntoMnqo.
Thedisr
espectshegav
emey est
erdayand
humil
i
atingmeinpubli
cli
ket
hat.
AsforZizi
phochoosingherovermeIfeelso
betr
ayedI'
mt heonecarr
yingherbr
other'
schil
d
notKuhle,
shethreat
enedmel i
keIwasnot hi
ng
toheratall
.
SheeventookKuhl
etoli
vei
nherhomenear
Mnqoandt omethat'
spr
ett
yobvi
ouswhose
si
deissheon.
Ibar
elysl
eptl
astnightal
lthescenari
osof
Kuhl
eandMnqoki ssingkeptpl
ayinginmyhead.
Icr
iedt
hroughouttheni
ghtIwashur
tthat
Mnqowoulddothistous.
Iwokeupt oarumbli
ngstomachIwashungr yI
wantedtotextMnqotobringmebr eakf
astbutI
coul
dn'tIwasangryathi
mf orcheati
ngonme.
Iwenttothekitchentopreparesomecerealbut
Iwasdist
ur bedbyal oudknockIdragged
myselft
ot hedooritwasMnqohehadapaper
bagonhishandasi fheknewIwashungr y.
Me:
"Hel
l
o"
Mnqo:
"Meandyouneedt
otalk"hesai
dmaki
ng
hi
swayinandset
tl
edonthecouch
Me:
"Okay
"Isai
dsi
tt
ingdown
Mnqo:"
What
'sy
ourpr
obl
em?
"Il
ookedathi
m
conf
used
Me:
"Whatpr
obl
em?
"
Mnqo: "Don'tactstupidKopano, Iwanty outo
getthisst r
aightmeandy ouar enotdat i
ng,we
werej usthav i
ngandunf ortunatelythefunwe
werehav i
ngputust othi
ssi t
uationr i
ghtwhich
appar entl
yisconf usingyouorgi vingyouideas.
Wear ejustconnect edbyourbabynot hing
mor e.Wewi l
l nev
erbet ogetherbecauseIdon' t
l
ov ey ou"byt heti
mehef i
nishest earswere
runningdownmycheeks
Me:
"Don'
tsayt
hatpl
ease"
Mnqo:"
NoKopanoIwascl earwit
hy ouf
rom t
he
begi
nningandnot
hinghaschanged.Idi
dn'
t
wanttohurty
ouandI'm sor
rybutsuchi
sli
fe
somet
hingsar
ejustnotmeantt
obe"
Me:"Iwant
edtoendt
hingswi
thyoubuty
ou
seducedmethatMnqo"hesi
ghed
Mnqo:"AndforthatI'
m sorr
yitwaswr ong.Af t
er
thatIgaveyouachancet owalkawayandt old
youIrespectyourdecisi
onbuty oustay
ed
Kopanoknowi ngverywellIf
eltnothi
ngfory ou
andthatsti
llhasn'
tchanged"
Me:
"I
sthat
'swhyy
ouki
ssedKuhl
e?"
Mnqo:
"Don'
tbringheri
ntot
his"If
eltmyhear
t
br
eaki
ntopieces
Me:
"Nowy
ouar
edef
endi
ngherwow"
Mnqo:"I
'
m notdefendinganyonehere.I
f
anyt
hingI'
mt r
yingtobether
ef oryoubuty
our
behavi
ourispushingever
yoneaway "
Me:"Shei
smyf
ri
endMnqophi
so"heshookhi
s
head.
Mnqo:
"Youdon'
ttr
eaty
ourf
ri
endst
hewayy
ou
havebeendoingKopano.RememberIowey ou
noloyalt
yIknowthi
shashbutit
'sbecauseyou
don'
tknowy ourpl
aceinone'
sli
fe.Iwouldsay
Kuhleistheonewhoowesy oul
oy al
tybut
honestl
yspeaki
ngwithmykindyoudon't
choose"
Me:
"Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?!"
Mnqo:
"Not
hingthatconcer
ny ousothi
si sme
t
ell
i
ngyouKopanowear enotdati
ng,l
et'
sjust
f
ocusonthatbabythat'
sit
"Iwipedmyt ear
s
Me:"Okaytheni
t'
saboutti
meyourparent
s
knowt hatwearehavi
ngachi
ldt
ogetherand
knowingthem t
heywil
lwantt
hei
rgrandchil
d
growingupasaDl ami
ni"
Mnqo:
"Wel
lokayt
hen"Ichuckl
ed
Me:"OhdearMnqophisoyourchi
ldwil
lonl
ybea
Dlamini
ifIam oneandift
hat'
snotthecase
thenfor
getit
"helookedathi
mi ndi
sbeli
ef
Mnqo:
"Youar
ejoki
ngr
ight
?!"Ismi
l
ed
Me:"
It'
sei
therthatory
ouwil
lnev
erseey
our
pr
eciouschi
ld"heshookhi
shead
Mnqo:
"I
'm notmar
ryi
ngy
ouKopano"
Me:"
Okayt
henforgetaboutthi
schil
d"hestood
upandwal
kedclosetomet henlookedatme.
Mnqo:"Youcl
earl
ydon'
tknowany t
hingabout
royal
ty,
youcan'
tkeepthatchil
dawayfrom me
evenifyoudo,mybabywillf
oundwill
findhi
s
wayhome"
Me:
"Wewi
l
lseeaboutt
hat
"hechuckl
ed
Mnqo: "
Don'
tstartawaryouwon'tbeabl
eto
fi
nish"hesai
dt hatthent
ouchedmybell
ythen
squaddownandki ssedi
t"Il
oveyousomuch"
Me:"
Thi
sisascl
oseyouwillev
ergetneart
his
baby
"henodsandwalkedout.
Iset
tl
eddownont
hecoucht
hisi
snotgoi
ngt
o
beeasy.
Nar
rat
ed
Mnqophisodr
ovehomefeel
i
ngangry
,hemight
notl
oveKopanobuthel
oveshi
sbabywhol
e
hear
tedl
y.
Heneededtotel
lhi
spar
entsabouthi
schi
l
d
bef
oreKopanodosomethi
ngstupi
d.
Hegothomeandwentstr
aightt
oZizipho's
room,shei
stheonl
yper
sonthatunderstands
him.
Hedidn'
tknockhej
ustpushedt
hedooronl
yto
f
indKuhlenotZi
zi
pho.
Theystar
edateachotherwit
houtsayi
ng
anyt
hing,
Mnqophisoclear
edhisthr
oat.
Mnqo:
"Sor
ryIwasj
ustl
ooki
ngf
ormysi
ster
"
Kuhle:
"Hi
Mnqophi
sohowar
eyou?
"Hel
ooked
ather
Mnqo:
"Sor
ry,
Hel
l
oI'
m goodhowar
eyou?
"
Kuhl
e:"
I'
m good,
Zizi
phoi
sn'
ther
eshewentout
"
henods
Mnqo:
"Thanks"hesai
dnotknowi
ngi
fheshoul
d
j
ustl
eaveorwhat.
Kuhl
e:"
Somethi
ngi
sbot
her
ingy
ou"shesai
d
l
ooki
ngathim
Mnqo:
"What
?"
Kuhle:
"Youlookdi
str
ess,
youwannat
alkabout
i
t?"Helookedatherconf
used
Mnqo:
"It
houghty
ouhat
edme"
Kuhl
e:"Okay
"shesai
dwalki
ngoutt
othe
pool
sideMnqofoll
owedher
Mnqo:
"Okayfi
ne,
Kopanoisdr
ivi
ngmecrazy
shewant
stotakemychil
dawayfrom me"she
l
ookedathi
m
Kuhl
e:"
Andy
ouwi
l
lnotal
l
owt
hat
?"
Mnqo:
"Ofcour
seIwon'
t,
shewant
smet
omar
ry
her
"
Kuhle:
"Wel
lyouwi
l
ldowhat '
sbestf
ory
ourchi
l
d
evenifi
tmeansmarr
yingher"
Mnqo:
"That
'snotgoi
ngt
ohappen"
Kuhle:
"Youdon' twantyourchildsuff
eri
ng
becauseofy ou,Kopanowi l
lblamethatchi
ldf
or
ever
y t
hing.I
t'
snoteasyonhert oloveyouwhi
le
youdon't.Andy oucan'
tjustleaveheral
one
whatifshehar msherselforthebaby"
Mnqo:"Ihav
epeoplewat chi
ngher ,andIneedto
tal
ktomypar entsaboutevery
thing"shenods
"Kuhl
eIwantt oapologi
zeforkissi
ngIshouldn'
t
havedonethat"
Kuhle:
"Wel
li
ttakestwototango,
Ishoul
dn'
t
haveall
owedthattohappen"
Mnqo:
"I
'm sor
ryIdr
aggedy
oui
ntomymess"
Kuhl
e:"
Suchi
sli
fe,j
ustt
alkt
oyourpar
ent
sand
gety
ourli
fet
ogether
"
Mnqo:
"Thanky
ou"
Theybothknowthatt
heyfeel
somethi
ngf
or
eachotherbutt
heti
mingwaswrong.
I
nser
t58
Zi
zi
pho

Luthandocal
ledmehesoundedsodistr
ess
overthephone,i
t'
sli
kesomet
hingwaswr ong
withhimyoucouldheari
tonhi
sv oi
ce.
Het
oldmetogothereaft
erwor
kbutIdeci
ded
t
ogotother
est
aurantduri
ngmylunchbr
eak.
Idon'
tknowwhyIwassoner
vousbutany
way
s
Iwasnervous.
Iparkednextt
ohiscarandwalkedi
nsideI
greetedfewofmyexcoll
eagueswhower e
real
lyfussi
ngovermeandLuthandobeing
engagedandhowmyl if
echangeinthepast
twoy ears.
Il
eftt
hem t
her
eandwentt
omyf
iance'
sof
fi
ce.
Thedoorwasopened,
hehadhisbackonhi
s
doorandt
il
tedhi
sheadontheside.
Hedidn'
tevenhearmecomei
nIpl
acedmy
handbagonhiscouch.
Me:"
Pennyfory
ourdeepthoughts"hebr
ought
hi
sredeyesupnowI'm worr
ied.
Luu:
"Theywoul
dcostyouadoorsthandwa"he
sai
dpulli
ngmetositontopofhi
m andkissed
myneck
Me:"Thedoori
sopenedyouknow"Isai
dashi
s
handswereroami
ngaroundmyt hi
ghs.
Luu:
"I
t'
snotlikewearedoi
ngsomethi
ngnast
y"
hesai
dwi thasmirkandher
eIwashopingwe
weregoingtohavesomenastyt
imedon't
bl
ame, bl
amehi sbaby
.
Me:
"Youar
esost
ingyy
ouknow"
Luu:
"Andst
opusi
ngmef
orsex"Il
aughedso
hard
Me:"
It
'syourbaby
"hef
rownedl
i
kehewas
di
sgusted
Luu:
"Babydoesn'
tsoundr
ightatal
l
"Ij
ust
l
aughed
Me:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"Isai
dbr
ushi
nghi
sbear
d
Luu:
"Nowthatyouareher
eIf
eel
ali
tt
lebet
ter
"I
ki
ssedhi
sforehead
Me:
"Youwantt
otal
kabouti
t?"Henods
Luu:"
Comelet'
ssi
tonthecouch"hepul
l
edme
tothecouchandwesatdone
Luu:
"Mbusogothi
sgi
ftback"
Me:
"That
'sgr
eatnewsbabe"henods
Luu:
"Yeahi
tis"
Me:
"Buty
oudon'
tl
ookt
hri
l
led"hesi
gh
Luu:
"Iam happyst
handwamor
ethanany
thi
ng"
Me:
"WhydoIst
il
lsenseabutt
hough"
Luu:
"BecauseJuni
ori
shi
sguar
dian"
Me:
"What
?"ThatcameoutasawhisperasI
f
eelal
umpinmyt hr
oatandmyeyeswelli
ngup
Luu:"YesandIknowexactl
yhowy oufeel
"I
honestlydidn'
tknowwhatIwasfeel
ingbutI
j
ustcoul dn'
tstopmytear
sbecauseImissed
him somuch, hisdeat
hwil
lfor
everl
eaveahuge
scaronmyhear t.
Me:
"Buthow?
"
Luu:
"Juni
orwasaNdlovubyspir
itandhear
tit
wasboundforhi
mt obeapower f
ulancest
ors
andaplayahugerol
li
nourli
ves"hewipedmy
tear
sandboughtmetohischest
Me:
"Imi
sshi
m andIwantt
oseehi
m"
Luu:
"Iknowandyouwil
lseewhentheti
meis
ri
ght
, hei
ssogrownandheisworr
iedaboutus
"
Me:
"Ij
ustwantt
oseemyson"
Luu:
"Okaybabecal
m downy
ouwi
l
lseehi
m and
that
'suptohi
m butIdon'
twantyoutost
art
acti
ngoutbecauseyouwanttoseehi
m"I
underst
andhim andhi
sconcer
n
Me:"
Iwon'
tIpr
omisebecauseIhavey
ouand
ourbabyt
oworryaboutnowtoo"
Luu:
"Okaythen,l
et'
shaveyouguysfed"
honest
lyspeaki
ngIcan'tbepati
entbecauseI
real
l
yneedt oseehim andImisshim alotbutI
j
ustneedtobepat i
ent.

Mbuso

Nothi
ngwasexci
ti
ngasgetti
ngmygif
tback
andever
ythi
ngwassuddenl
ystar
ti
ngt
oget
toget
her
.
Itwasthefoll
owi ngdaywhenIwasmeet i
ng
Mpumi forbreakfastandIhaven'
ttol
dher
aboutmygi f
ty etandIthoughti
twouldbea
goodi
deat
otel
lherf
acet
oface.
Igotont herest
aurantf
ir
standwaitedforher
toarr
ived,l
ikealwaysshelookedbeaut
iful
.
Me:"Goodmor
ning"Isai
dhuggi
nghershe
huggedmebackIhelpedhersi
t.
Mpumi:
"Goodmor
ning,
youl
ookhappywhat
'
s
goi
ngon?"
Me:
"Can'
tyouguess?
"Shechuckl
ed
Mpumi:"
Alwaysbeent
err
ibl
ewi
tht
hoseki
ndof
games"Ichuckl
ed
Me:"Yourguyoverheregothi
sgif
tback,
how
aboutthat?
"Shesmi l
edlooki
ngatme
Mpumi:
"It
oldy
ouev er
ythi
ngwil
lbebet
terand
l
ookati
tnow,I'
m sohappyfory
ou"
Me:"
Thankyouf
orencour
agingmetohave
hopewhenIwant
edtogiveup"shehel
dmy
hand
Mpumi
:
"Li
keIt
oldy
ouIwi
l
lal
way
sbeher
efor
y
ou"
Me:"Let
'sor
dersomethingtoeat"wecall
eda
wait
erthenorderourbreakf
ast"Sotel
lme
aboutyourdatewit
hy ourmother"
Mpumi:
"I
twasgr
eatandf
unnyt
hingi
swehav
e
somanythi
ngsi
ncommon"
Me:"
I'
m gl
adtohearthat
"someoneclear
edthei
r
t
hroatIl
ookedup"canwehelpyou?
"Mpumi
l
ookedatmeconfusedandIwasalsoconfused
Man1:"
MissDl
amini,
I'm det
ecti
veDavi
sand
thi
sismypart
nerdetect
iveLondon,
canwe
haveawordwit
hyou? "
Me:
"I
'm sor
rybutwear
ehav
ingabr
eakf
ast
"
Dav
is:
"Wel
lthatcanwai
t"Mpumi
chuckl
ed
Mpumi
:
"Iam underar
restorwhat
?"
London:
"Nobutt
h--
-"
Mpumi:"
Ifthat
snotthecaseIwoul
dli
ketohav
e
mybreakfasti
npeaceandIwill
cont
acty
ou
my
sel
f"Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
hisi
sabout
Dav
is:
"Her
eismycar
d"t
heyl
eft
Me:
"Doy
ouwantt
otel
lmewhat
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Mpumi :
"Thesedetect
ivesar
einvest
igat
ing
Tshepo'
sdisappearanceandhisparent
s"I
chokedonmybeacon
Me:
"Andhowlonghav
ey ouknownaboutt
his,
whydi
dn'
tyousayanyt
hing?
"Shesi
gh
Mpumi:
"BecauseIt
rustyouguysandIbeli
eved
acl
eanjobwasdonenothingwill
tracebackto
myfamil
y,andtheonl
ythingIhavetodoisget
t
hem of
fmyback"
Me:
"Howar
ewegoi
ngt
odot
hat
?"
Mpumi
:
"Iwi
l
lneedy
ourhel
p"
Me:
"I
'ml
i
steni
ng"

Nar
rat
ed
Mnqophi sodeci
dedtosithi
sparent
sdownand
tel
lthem aboutKopano'
spregnancy
,hedidt
hat
becausehewant edtocomecleanbefor
e
everyt
hingblewsuponhisface.
Theywer enott hr
il
ledaboutevery
thi
ngbutt hey
knewt hattheyhadt ounderst
andtheirchi
l
dr en
astheypr omisednottodowhatt hesociety
beli
evesthatitisri
ghtontheirchi
ldr
en.
ButMnqophi
sodidn'
tsayanythi
ngabout
Kopanowant
inghimtomar r
yherandkeepi
ng
hi
schil
dawayfrom hi
m.
Heneededt
osol v
ethi
sonhi
sowni
twashi
s
ownmessafteral
l.
Hedrovet
oKopano'spl
aceandknockedather
door
,sheopened.
Kopano:"
Lookatwhatthewi
ndbl
ewonmy
door"shesai
dsmil
ing
Mnqo:
"Canwet
alk?
"Hesai
dal
readywal
ki
ngi
n.
Kopano:
"Sur
e"
Mnqo:"
Kopanodoyoureal
l
ywantustobe
t
ogether
?"Shel
ookedathi
m conf
used
Kopano:
"Andy
out
hinkIwoul
dbedoi
ngal
lthi
s
j
ustforf
un"
Mnqo:
"WhoknowsKopanobecausenotsolong
youwer
ealesbi
an,
wereyounotdoingthatf
or
f
un?"
Kopano:
"Iwasoneunt
ilImety
ou"
Me:
"OkayIwi
l
lmar
ryy
ou"
Kopano:
"What
?!"Shesai
dconf
used
Mnqo:"
I'
m gi
vi
ngy
ouwhaty
ouwantandIwi
l
l
marr
yyou"
Kopano:
"Idon'
tbeli
eveyou"het
ookoutar
ing
boxandplaceditnextt
oher
Mnqo:"Doyoubelievemenow? "Shewas
shockedandhappyt hatev
ery
thingshewant
ed
wasfinal
lyhappening.
Kopano:
"YesIwil
lmar
ryy ou"Mnqot
ookt
he
ri
ngandputitonherf
inger.
Mnqo:
"Good,
nowpacky
ourst
uff
"
Kopano:
"Wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?
"shesmi
l
ed
Mnqo:
"Myapar
tmenti
ntown"
Kopano:
"I
'm mov
ingi
nwi
thy
ou?
"
Mnqo:
"Yes"shehuggedhi
m andki
ssedhi
m
Kopano:
"Iknewy
ouwoul
dcomear
oundbabe,
I
l
oveyou"
I
nser
t59
Lut
hando

MbusoandMpumical
l
edt el
l
ingmeIhavet
o
meett
hem i
twasamatterofemer
gency
.
Idon'
tknowwhati
tist
hatt
heycal
l
edmef
or.
ButIr
eal
lyhadt
orushhomebecauseIf
eltl
ike
i
tissomethi
ngi
mport
antandMbusowouldn't
j
ustcallmeint
hatst
ateandsayi
twasan
emergencywhi
lei
twasn'
t.
Me:
"What'
sup?"Assai
dassoonasIgoti
n
Mbuso'
shouse.
Mbuso:
"Theboysar
estarti
ngtosnif
faround
wi
ththeMokoena'
sdisappear
ances"Ibl
ankl
y
st
aredathi
m
Me:"
Okay
,whyaredet
ecti
veDavi
sandLondon
cr
awli
ngoutoft
hei
rholenow?"
Mbuso:
"Beat
sme"
Me:"OkayMpumit
heyar
easki
ngy
ou
questi
ons?
"Shenods
Mpumi:
"YesandIt
oldt
hem ev
ery
thi
ngt
her
e's
t
otel
l"
Me:
"Goodjobwor
kwit
hthem whi
l
eFoxand
Maxtakecar
eofi
t"
Mbuso:
"Wel
lIt
hinkweshoul
djustl
ett
hem di
g"
Isi
gh
Me:"Ofcoursewearedoi
ngt
hatbutwedon'
t
havetoletourguar
ddownbecausewemight
regr
etit
"
Mpumi :
"Okayr
etr
aceevery
thingthathappened
thatdayandmakesurenotrailwi
lll
eadyou
guystothesedi
sappear
ances"Ismiled
Me:
"Morereasontol
i
key
ouf
ormybr
other
"
Mbusochuckled
Mbuso:
"Sheismytype,Ishoul
dtakeherona
pr
operdatedon'
tyouthi
nk?"Inod
Me:"
Yeahyouguy
swouldmakedupl
icat
esof
mybabieswi
thZi
ziphowhi
chmeanscute
babi
es"
Mbuso:
"Youknowhowgoodourgenesar
e"
Mpumi
:"
Youguysknowt
hatI
'
m st
il
lher
eri
ght
?"
Webot
hlaughed
Mbuso:
"Weknowsweet
hear
t"sher
oll
edher
ey
es
Me:"
OkayMpumi
sti
ckt
othatpl
anandhandl
eit
l
ikeapro"
Mpumi:"
Okaythenandpl
easedon'
ttel
lmy
si
stery
etaboutthi
s,wewoul
dn'
twanttost
ress
her
"Ishookmyhead
Me:"I'
m sor
rysist
erin-
lawbutwedon'thi
de
thi
ngsf r
om eachother,t
herei
snoroom for
secretsi
nourrelat
ionshi
p.Eveni
fit
'sagood
l
ie"shesmilesandnods
Mpumi:
"Wel
lIguessal
ear
ntat
hingort
wo
f
rom y
ou"
Me:
"Youwil
llear
nmor eIhavetogoguysand
t
hankyoufortheheadsIwil
ltal
ktoFoxand
Maxbefor
etheendoft oday
"
Il
eftthem ify
ouwouldhav etol
dmet hatI
wouldtrustMpumi t
woy earsagoIwouldhave
probablyl
aughedinyourfacebutnowsheis
partofthefamil
yandweal lgetal
ongverywel
l.
Ther
e'sal
soMbusowhosesl
owl
yfal
l
ingf
orher
anddoesn'
twantt
oadmi
tity
et.
Iwentt
omyfather
'sof
fi
ceandknockedhe
yel
l
edformetocomein
Dad:
"Si
ncewhendoy
ouknock?
"
Me:"Si
ncet
hedayIwalkedinonyouandMom
havi
ngsex,Iwast
raumati
zedforl
if
e"he
chuckl
ed.
Dad:
"Thatt
aughty
out
oknock,
whatdoy
ou
wantMbasa?"
Me:"I
'mjusther
etofoundouti
fever
ythi
ngis
goingwellf
ortheweekendIwantev
eryt
hingto
runsmooth"hesighed
Dad:
"YesMbasa,youhav
ebeenaski
ngmet he
samethingthewhol
eweek.Meandyouruncl
es
gott
his"Inod
Me:
"Andpl
easer
emembert
--
"
Dad:"
Topaywhat
everpri
cetheyaskfor
becauseZi
zi
phoi
swor t
heverypennyinyour
bankaccount"hesaidf
ini
shi
ngmystat
ement
"I
sthereanyt
hingelsey
ouwantMbasa
becauseyouhavetoldmethi
sfort
he47tht
ime
thi
sweek"
Me:
"I
'mj
ustner
vouspl
easeunder
stand"
Dad:"
Idounderst
andandthat
'swhyI'
m maki
ng
sureI'
minvol
vedint
hesel
obolanegoti
ati
ons
becauseIknowyoulov
ethatgir
lmorethanl
if
e
i
tself
"
Me:"
ThankyouDad"hel
ookedatmef
ort
he
l
ongestt
ime.
Dad:"
Not hanky ouforgivi
ngourrel
ationshipa
chanceandst eppingupt obethemany ouare
today,y
ouandy ourbrothermakesmepr oud
witheachdayt hatpasses.Wemi ghthav ehad
ourdif
ferencesinthepastbuty ouguysar e
nowwor kingwel lt
ogethertomakesur ethat
thi
sKingdom pr osper
s.NowIknowt hatthis
l
andwi l
lforeverbeingoodhands"
Me:"Andt hat
'sbecausewehav eyouandMom,
thankyouf orbei
ngsuppor t
ivethr
ough
everyt
hing,IknowthatIdon'tsaythi
salotbutI
l
ov eyousomuchdadandy ouhav ebeenthe
bestdadt ome"Isaidalreadyhugginghi
m
Dad:
"AndIknowy
ouar
egoi
ngt
obeagr
eatdad
andhusband"
Me:"
Howaboutsomewhiskey
?"Henodsand
pour
edsomewhiskeyf
orus
"
Apar
tywi
thoutme"mybr
othersai
dwal
ki
ngi
n.
Me:"It
houghty
ouwer
est
il
lwi
thMpumi
,has
shelef
tyet
?"
Mbuso:
"Noyourmot
herhappened,
shest
ole
herf
rom me"
Dad:"
Wellt
hat'
syourmotherforyou,nowt hat
youareher
eIwast el
l
ingyourbrotherhow
proudIam oft
hebothofyou"
Mbuso:
"Ihear
dev
ery
thi
ngdadandIl
ovey
ou
t
oo,
cany
oupoursomewhi
skeyf
ormet
oo?
"
Dad:"Youguysareplanni
ngtof
ini
shmy
whiskeytoday"welaughed.
Wemi ghthavehadourfal
loutsint
hepastbut
theset
woar ethebestt
wowi ngsmenIhave
had.
AndIdon'
trememberthel
astt
imewehadsuch
gr
eatj
ustthethr
eeofus.
Welat
erondecidedt
obraaijustt
hethreeofus
andMom isgoi
ngtokil
lusifshefoundoutthat
weatesomemeatwithouther.

Kuhl
e
Wit
hKopanoact
ingallcr
azyIhav
ebeen
st
ayi
ngi
nthepalace.
Andhonest
lyst
ayi
ngherehasbeenmor
e
miser
abl
ethaniti
sint
hatapar
tmentwi
th
Kopano.
Mnqophi
soissuf
focat
ingme,ImeanIt
houghtI
hat
edthi
sguywit
hmywhol ehear
t.
Unt
ilt
hatki
sshappened,
ithasbeenst
uckon
mymindallt
hist
ime.
Ithoughtbynowevery
thi
ngwoul
dhaveset
tl
ed
downbuti nst
eadi
t'
sgett
ingwor
se.
NowIunder
standwhyKopanoi
sint
oxi
cat
edby
t
hisguy
.
Imeanonewouldlookatmeasanhy pocr
it
e
whohatedtheguyforherf
ri
endandnowwants
theguytoo.
NoIdon'
twanthi
m butIdof
eel
somet
hingf
or
hi
m.
Ideci
dedtogohomet
odayandgetawayf
rom
al
lofthi
s.
"
Yougoi
ngsomewher
e?"Ij
umpedal
i
ttl
ebi
t
Me:"
Mnqophi
soy
ouscar
edme,
whatar
eyou
doi
ngher
e?"
Mnqo:
"I
'm her
etot
ell
yout
hatl
unchi
sready
"
Me:
"Iknowt
hat
!"
Mnqo:
"Whoasor
ry!
"Isi
gh
Me:"
Ineedtofini
shpacki
ngcany
oul
eav
e
now?"Helookedatme
Mnqo:
"Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"
Me:
"Home"
Mnqo:"ButKuhl
etomor
rowi
tsZi
zi
pho's
negoti
ati
onsandyouar
egoi
ngtoleav
eaday
befor
eherbigday"
Me:
"Ican'
tbeher
eanyl
ongorIwi
l
llosemy
mi
nd"
Mnqo:
"Whyi
sthat
?"Hesai
dwal
ki
ngcl
oset
o
me
Me:
"Don'
twal
kcl
oset
ome,
youar
ecr
owdi
ng
me"
Mnqo:
"OkayI
'
m sor
ry"myphonebeepedi
twas
noti
fi
cati
onfr
om I
nst
agram,Ideci
dedt
ovi
ew
them hopi
nghewoul
dleave.
Theywerepictur
esofhim andKopanoshewas
showingherengagementring,
Ilookedathi
m
thenbacktothepict
ures.
Icoul
dfil
lmyhear
tbeat
ingsofastIf
eltl
i
keI
wasgoingtor
unoutofmybreath
Mnqo:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"Iqui
ckl
ynod
Me:"
SoIheardy
oupr
oposed,
congr
atul
ati
ons"I
sai
dsmil
ing
Mnqo:
"Iwasgoi
ngt
otel
lyou"
Me:"Why?Thi
shasnothi
ngt
odowit
hme
Mnqophiso,
I'
m gl
adyoudoi
ngwhat
'sbestf
or
yourchi
l
d"
Mnqo:
"Pl
easedon'
tbeli
kethi
s"hesai
dtr
yingt
o
hol
dmyhandbutIyankedhim
Me:
"I
fany
thi
ngIunder
standIr
eal
l
ydo"
Mnqo:
"Noy
oudon'
tunder
standany
thi
ng,
you
ar
ejustj
umpi
ngi
ntoconcl
usi
on"
Me:"Whyexpl
aini
ngthi
stomei ssoimpor
tant
toyouMnqophiso?!
Huh!?
"Idon'
tknowwhyI
snapped
Mnqo:
"Becauseyouar
emychosenonedamn!
Youar
emychosenoneKuhle"Hesai
dand
movedinaspeedofli
ght
eni
ng.
Hewascl
oset
omeandourli
pscol
li
dedIcoul
d
feel
myey
esburni
ngwi
tht
ear
sIpushedhi
m
away
Me:
"Ihat
eyou!
"
Mnqo:"
Youcoul
dfeel
anyt
hingel
sef
ormebut
hat
eisn'
toneoft
hem!"
Me:"Gobewi t
hyourfi
anceandchi
l
d,leaveme
al
one!"Isai
dthatandtookmybagthenwal ked
outIcouldhearhi
my el
li
ngmynamef rom afar
.
Igoti
ntot
heuberandi
tdr
ovet
otheai
rpor
t
"BECAUSEYOUAREMYCHOSENDAMN!YOU
AREMYCHOSENONEKUHLE"Hi swords
pl
ayedl
i
keabr okenrecordi
nmyear
sIcoul
dn'
t
st
opmyt ear
sfrom f
all
ing.
I
nser
t60
Zi
zi
pho

Every
thingwasreadyfort
omorrowIwas
sl
ightl
yanxiousabouti
tbutmostofi
tallIwas
happythatI'
mf i
nal
lygoi
ngtobehiswif
e
tr
adit
ional.
WhenIgothomefr
om workIwast
ir
edbutI
neededt
ocheckafewt
hings.
Ineededeveryt
hingtogowellonmytothe
ki
tchenIsawMnqophi sosi
tti
ngonthecouch
dri
nkingawhiskingandIal
readyf
oundout
abouthisengagementtoKopano.
Idon'
tknowwhyhepr oposedtoherwhenthe
wholefami
lyhasbeentoldthathi
schosenone
i
sKuhl
e.
Thedayhet oldtheparent
saboutKopano's
pregnancytheyhadtoconsultourseerbecause
theywantedtoknowi fKopanowashi schosen
oneandt hat'
swhenwewer etol
dthathis
chosenonei sKuhle.
Theparentswerenothappyabouti
tnot
becausetheydon'
tli
keKuhleorsomethi
ng
becauseheimpregnatedherf
ri
end.
Me:"Youdon'
tl
ookli
keamanwhoj ustgot
engagedtome"Isai
dsit
ti
ngnexttohi
m, he
wasdr owni
nghi
mselfi
nalcohol
.
Mnqo:
"Kuhl
elef
t"Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
"Whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?"Heshookhi
shead
Mnqo:
"It
oldhert
het
rut
h"
Me:
"That
'ssoni
ceofy
ou"
Mnqo:
"IknowI'
m notper
fectokay
,I'
mfarfr
om
t
hatbutever
yoneneedstostopacti
ngl
iket
hey
aresaints.YesKopanowasat err
ibl
emistakeI
madebutmybabyi sn'
t.Imightnotwantthe
mot herbutformychil
dIwoul ddoanyt
hing"he
burpedhewasr eall
ydrunk
Me:
"I
sthat'
swhyy
ouaskedhert
omar
ryy
ou?
"
Hechuckl
ed
Mnqo:
"Nonotatal
l
"hesai
dsmi
l
ing
Me:
"Thenwhy
?What
'sy
ourgamepl
an?
"
Mnqo:
"Relaxt
winny
, r
estbr
uh"hesai
dstanding
upandstumbli
nghiswayupthestai
rsIshook
myhead.
Itookoutmyphoneandcal
l
edKuhl
eitr
ang
unanswered.
Isi
ghandcheckedevery
thi
ngitwasper f
ectt
he
tr
adi
tionbeerwasbr
ewingsowellIdidn'
tI
wouldbeabletopul
li
toffhonest
ly.
Sof
ornowi
t'
sawai
ti
nggami
ngf
ort
omor
row.
Ichangedi
ntomypy
jamasandhi
tthepi
l
low.
Thefoll
owingmorni
ngIhadtowakeupatf our
andtookaquickshower
,thefi
rstt
hingIdi
d
whenIwokeupwast ocallKuhl
ebutitst
il
ltook
mestraightt
othevoi
ce.
Iwasal itt
ledi
sappoi nt
edthatshewasn' tgoi
ng
tobeher eforthisdaywebeent al
ki
ngabout
butIthenunder stoodthatshejustfoundthat
theguyt hati
ssupposedt obehersoul mat ei
s
mar r
yingsomeonewhowasonceherbest
fri
endandr oommat e.
Idecidedtofocusonthi
sdayandmakesur
e
thatevery
thi
ngr unssmoot
hly
.
Mysi
ster
sandIar
ebusyi
ntheki
tchencooki
ng
f
ort
hisday.
Mybrot
herandmycousi
nswer
ebusy
sl
aught
eri
nggoat
sandmovi
ngupanddown.
Eventhoughhewasn'tokayhewast
ryi
ngt
o
keepeveryt
hingi
ntr
ack.
Assoonasweweredonei
ntheki
tchenwe
wentt
obathanddr
essup.
Aswewer edr
essingupwehearpeopl
eyell
ing
out
sideourgirl
stheywerebusycal
l
ingourclan
names,IseeMbusoandhi sfat
hert
henafew
el
dersIdidn'
tknowIguesstheywerehi
suncl es.
Theystoodtheref
orwhatseemsl
i
kean
et
erni
tyIlookedatmyaunt
Me:
"Whenar
etheyl
ett
ingt
hem i
n?"
Aunt:
"Theywil
ll
etthem i
n"shehasbeensay
ing
thatf
orthepasthour
Me:
"i
t'
shotoutt
her
e"
Mpumi :"
LookatMbusoi
ssweating"Meand
Entl
elookedather"
What?"Sheaskedl
ooki
ng
confused
Ent
le:
"Outofal
lthosesev
enmeny
ouchose
Mbuso,whyisthat?"
Mpumi
:
"What
?Not
hing.
.uht
heyar
elet
ti
ngt
hem
i
n"shesai
dchangi
ngt
hesubj
ect
Me:
"Fi
nal
l
y"
Aunt:
"Fi
nishdressingupgi
rl
s"wefi
nishedup
thent
hir
tymi nuteslat
erMom cameintofet
ch
us.
Wehadt owalkt
otherondav
elwher
ethe
negot
iat
ionswer
eheld.
Wesatdowni
nast
rawmat
.
Uncle:
"Whichonei
sy ourbr
other
!?"Heaskt
he
Ndlovu'
sandMbasa'sdadwasqui cktopoi
nt
meoutsi nceheal
readyknowsallofus
Uncl
e:"
MaDl
ami
nidoy
out
hesepeopl
e?"
Me:
"EweTat
a"Isai
dnoddi
ng
Uncl
e:"
Yougir
lsmaygo"westoodupandwe
wentbackt
othemainhouse.
Ikeptt
appi
ngmyf ootIwasreal
lynerv
ousandI
hopemydadbecomesr easonabl
ewheni t
comestothebr
idalpri
cebutthefactt
hatI
'm
pr
egnantwi
l
lcostt
heNdl
ovu'
smor
e.
Afterwhatseemsf or
everMom walksinand
nodasaconf ir
mationthatev
erythi
ngwentwell
everyonest
artalul
ati
ngIfeelasenseofrel
i
ef.
MyphonebeepedandIqui
ckl
ychecked
"
Youaretr
adit
ional
l
yMrsNdlovu"i
twasat
ext
f
rom myhusbandyesmyhusband
"
Ithasar
ingoni
nit
,il
ovey
ou"
"Il
oveyoutooseey
oui
nafew"Ismil
edandput
myphonedownasIhadtodi
shupforhi
m and
hisfami
ly
.
Ev
ery
thi
ngwasof
fi
cial
l
yIwasnowaNdl
ovu.

Kuhl
e

Yester
daymyfli
ghtwascancel
l
edduet
o
techni
cal
probl
ems.
Ireal
l
ywantedtogohomebutIj
ustcoul
dn'
t
takeabusyi
t'
sli
keanei
ght
eenhours.
Iendedbookingmyselfsomehotel
becauseI
couldn'
tgobacktothepalace.
Iwokeuptoafewmi ssedcal
lsfr
om Zi
zi
pho
I'
m sur
eherbr
otheraskedhertocal
lme.
Ireal
l
ywant edtobether
eforthi
sdayforher
butIjustcoul
dn'
tIhopesheunderst
andsme.
Iwroteheramessageofcongrat
ulati
onsafter
seei
ngtheart
icl
esonsocial
medi a"The
handsomePri
ncemar r
ysthelonglostPri
ncess"
mediaarevul
tur
esli
kewhatkindofat i
tl
eis
that
.
Sherepl
i
edt
hatshei
shappyt
ohearf
rom me
shewaswor
ri
ed.
Il
oggedont
omyFacebookIhadt
housandsof
messagesf
rom Mnqophi
so.
Thi
sguyi
scr
azyandmani
pul
ati
vehet
hinksI
wi
l
ljustbel
i
evewhathet
oldme.
Iwaswal
ki
ngoutwhenIbumpedi
ntosomeone
Me:
"I
'm sor
ry"
"
it
'sokay
"Il
ookedathi
m annoy
ed
Me:"
Howdi
dyouknowIwasher
e?"Hel
ooked
atme
Mnqo:
"Kuhl
ewehav
etot
alkaboutt
his"
Me:"
What'
sther
etot
alkaboutMnqophi
so?
"He
l
ookedatme
Mnqo:
"I
fyoucoul
djustl
i
stent
omef
oronce"I
si
gh
Me:"
OkayI
'ml
ist
eni
ng"becausecl
ear
lyhe
wasn'
tgoi
ngt
oleav
emeal one
Mnqo:"
Iknowt
hatyoudon'tbel
i
evebutIlov
e
you,
Iknowyoufeelsomet
hingforme.That
ki
ssmeantmorethanyouwanteditt
o"
Me:
"Idon'
tremembert
hatki
ss!
"
Mnqo:"Webot
hknowyoudoremember
ever
ythi
ng,
noonewoul
deverbeabl
etofor
get
i
t"
Me:
"Idi
d"
Mnqo:"
Isthatwhyevery
timeI'
m closetoyou
yousuddenlycan'
tbr
eathehuh?Isthatwhyyou
r
eacttomyt ouch?WhydoIsuffocateyouso
much?"
Me:
"Youclear
lydon'
tknowwhaty
ouwant
Mnqophi
so"
Mnqo:"Thepr obl
em i sy oucl earlydon'
tknow
myplanandst opact inglikey oudoKuhl e,y
ou
knowwhatl ikeitornoty ouar eminetohave
becauseI'my oursoul mat e.YesKopano
si
tuati
oni sconfusingy our ightnowbuti t'
s
whatforthebesti nt hemeant ime.IknowI
l
ooklikeaconf usedandl osthumanbei ngbut
I'
m not.I'
mjustaf atherwor riedabouthischil
d,
all
thi
si sformychi ld'ssaf ety"Ilookedathim
Me:
"I
fI'
myour
stohav
etheny
ouwi
l
lhav
e,now
l
eav
e"
Mnqo:
"Fi
ne"Isi
ghasIwat
chhi
m wal
kaway
.
Me:"
Child'
ssaf
ety
,sot
hismeansohmy
goodness"
I
nser
t61
Kuhl
e

Mymi ndwast
ell
i
ngmet oletgoandlethi
m
l
eavebutmyheartwasscr
eamingformetorun
af
terhim.
Itt
ookmet hi
rt
ysecondsandIwasaf terhi
m
alr
eady,Iknowthisisstupi
dandIwill
livemy
wholebeingcall
edahy pocri
teandgetti
ngal
l
thejudgementsinthewor l
d.
Ifol
lowedhimtot
herecept
ionandhewas
abouttogetonhi
scarbuthesawmeand
stopped.
Me:
"Youcoul
dusesomecompanyy
oul
ook
mi
serabl
e"hel
ookedathi
m.
Ifeell
ikealotofpeoplehav
ebeenjudgi
nghis
decisi
onsinsteadofsuppor
ti
nghi
mi ncl
udi
ng
meandhei samessr i
ghtnow.
Mnqo:
"It
houghty
oudon'
twanther
e"
Me:
"Wel
lIchangedmymindandI'
m her
e,l
et'
s
goi
nsi
deorwouldyoupr
eferwegoforadri
ve"
Mnqo:"Howaboutacuddl
e?"Inev
ercuddl
i
ng
befor
ebutIwasn'
taboutt
oembar r
assmysel
f
l
ikethat.
Me:
"Hotchocol
ateandmov
ies"henodsandwe
wal
kedbackinsi
de
Mnqo:"
Thankyou"hesai
dgett
ingcomf
ortabl
e
onthecouch,
Igavehi
m afl
eeceandsatnext
tohi
m hechuckl
ed
Me:
"What
?"
Mnqo:
"Younev
ercuddl
edbef
orei
sn'
ti
t?"If
eel
awav
eofembar
rassmentwashesov
erme
Me:
"I
sitt
hatobv
ious?
"Henods"
I'
m sor
ryi
t'
s
j
us-
-"
Mnqo: "
Heydon'tdothat
,it
'sokayy our
i
nnocencemakesmewantt obet hisbett
er
person,comeletmeshowy ou"Inodandhe
l
eanedov ert
hear mr
estandpar tedhislegs
thenmadesitinbetweenhislegsandpl aced
myheadonhi schest
Mnqo:
"Comf
ort
abl
e?"Inod
Me:
"Andy
ou?
"
Mnqo:"Yesandchooseanicemovi
e"Inodand
chose'Fi
veFeetApart
'wesati
nsil
enceand
watchedthemovieIhadsomanyquesti
onsbut
Idon'
twanttorui
nthismomentforusatthe
samet i
meIneedanswers.
Me:
"Doyourpar
ent
sknowwhyyougotengaged
t
oher?"Hewasstr
oki
ngmyhai
r
Mnqo:"Mydadknowsandhebel ievesthat
everyt
hingwillworkoutthewayIpl annedtoas
formymot hershei sverysenti
ment al
,she
wouldplaymamahenandt rytofoundasi l
ver
l
iningofthewhol esit
uati
onbutwebot hknow
withKopanot hat'
sit'
simpossibl
e,sheisjust
usingthebabyt ocli
mbt heladderandt okeep
mei nherclawsy ouknow"
Me:"
SowheredoIstandi
nal
loft
his?
"He
ki
ssedmyforehead
Mnqo:"
Youarethegi
rlIl
ove,someoneIf
eell
ike
wit
hallt
hismessyousti
llunder
standmebutI
don'
twanttot
akeadvantageofyouatal
li
t'
sj--
"
Me:"Youarenottakingadvant ageofme, Iknow
t
hisisgoingtobet helongestf ourmonthsof
yourli
febuti
t'
stheonl yway .Iadmireyouf or
wantingtoputyourchildfi
rstev eni
tmeant
l
osingsomeoney oul ove"
Mnqo:
"Apar
tofmehadhopet
haty
ouwi
l
l
under
standbuthonest
lymychi
l
dcomesf
ir
stI
don'
twanttoli
etoyou"
Me:
"Iunderst
and.Howdowedot
his?DoIwai
t
f
ort
hef ourmonths?"
Mnqo:"I
fitwasuptomeIwoul dsaynoIdon' t
wantthatbuttheengagementhastolooklegi
t
andIdon'twantyouincrossf
ir
esifanythi
ng
goeswrong"
Idon'
tknowifGodisagai
nstmeorwhat
,how
coul
dmyf i
rstki
ssandmyf i
rsthav
esomuch
baggagewit
hhim
Mnqo:
"Iwasy
ourf
ir
stki
ss?
"Whatt
hef
uck
Me:
"What
?"
Mnqo:
"Yousai
dIwasyourf
ir
stki
ss"hesai
d
wi
thasmirkonhi
sface
Me:
"Isai
dthatoutl
oud?
"henods
Mnqo:
"Il
ovey
ou"Il
ookedathi
m,hewas
l
ooki
ngatme
Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo"ourl
i
pscol
l
idedandIwas
l
yi
ngontopofhi
m.
Hegent
lyranhisf
inger
sonmybackIshi
vered,
nomanhasev ert
ouchedme,
thi
sfel
tfor
eignto
mybody.
Idon'tknowhowhef l
ippedmeIwasunderhi
m,
I'
m achur chgi
rlIshouldbestoppi
ngt
his
beforeitgoesanyfurtherbutmybody
screamedsomet hingdiffer
ent
.
Iwasvul
nerabl
etohi
stouchandmybody
l
ongedforhist
ouch.
HenibblesonmyneckIfeel
myunder
wear
becomingwetandhisbul
gewaspoki
ngme
agai
nstmyst omach.
Hesl
i
deshishandundermybr
aandmassage
mybr
eastamoanescapedmymouth.
Hesqueezeditandpinchedmynippl
esi
twas
painf
ulbutpl
easur
ingIdon'tknowi
fImake
sense.
Hetookofmyt-
shi
rtandbr
aIwasexposedt
o
hi
m, nomenev
ersawmenakedbefore.
HelookedatmeforsomereasonIwas
comfort
abl
ewit
hhisstar
e.
Mnqo: "Perf
ecti
on"howdoy ouguysanswer
sucht hingsdur
ingsuchmoment sbecauseI
couldn'tsayanythi
nginst
eadIfl
ashedredwi
th
blushi
ng.
HesuckedonmyboobsIcoul
dn'
tcont
rol
my
moans.
Itookoffhi
st-
shir
tIwasoutofcont
rol
mybody
contr
oll
edmymi nd.
Thenextt
hingIsawwer
ethecl
othesf
lyi
ng
acr
osstheroom
Hewaslef
tinhi
sunder
wearandIwasl
efton
myundi
es.
Hesl
i
desmyundi
esonthesi
deandst
art
r
ubbi
ngmycl
i
tImoaned.
Mnqo:"Youar
ewet"Ijustmoanedasi nser
this
fi
ngeronme,itwasuncomf or
tablebutashe
star
tmov i
ngi
t,t
hepleasurestar
tedkicki
ngin.
Ididn'tknowwhattodowit
hmy sel
fIstart
ed
diggingmynailsonhi
sback,i
t'
sli
kethatgave
him mot i
vat
ionandhest
art
edmov i
nghi sfi
nger
faster.
Ev
eryner
veonmybodycongest
edonmycl
i
t.
I
twasl
i
keawav
eofur
inehi
tmesohar
d
Me:"
Mnqophi
so.
..
.St
op.
..
Iwantt
opee"Isai
d
t
ryi
ngtohol
dit
Mnqo:"
Thenpee"hesai
dst
il
lmov
inghi
sfi
nger
agai
nstmycli
t
Me:"
MnqopleaseI--
--
"Ididn'
tevenf
ini
shIl
eti
t
go,t
hisi
sembarassi
ngIf el
ttear
sst
ingint
he
backofmyeyes,hegroaned.
Mnqo:
"Baby
"Ij
ustcr
y"Di
dIhur
tyou?
"Hesai
d
wi
thpani
conhisvoi
ce
Me:"
IpeedMnqophi so,
Itol
dyout
ost
opand
youdidn'
t"hechuckl
ed
Mnqo:
"Noy
oudi
dn'
tpee,
youj
usthady
ourf
ir
st
or
gasm"
Me:
"What
?"
Mnqo:"
Ithappenswhenyouareenj
oyingt
he
pl
easur
ey ouarerecei
vi
ng,
it'
snotbad"apar
tof
mewasr eli
eved
Me:
"Oh"t
hat
'sal
lImanagedt
osay
Mnqo:
"Let
'scl
eany
ouup"Il
ookedathi
m
Me:
"It
houghtwewer
egoi
ngt
o--
"
Mnqo:
"Nonotl
i
ket
his"
Me:
"ButI
'
mready
"hesmi
l
ed
Mnqo:"Iknowbabebuty
oukeptyour
selffor
thi
slongbecauseyouwant
editt
obespeci al
andyouwant edt
owaitf
ormarri
agethat'
swhat
youget"
Me:
"Whati
fIdon'
twantt
owai
tany
mor
e"
Mnqo:"
Hai
boKuhl
e"hesai
dandwej
ust
l
aughed
HestoodupIsawhi
sbulgesohar
dagai
nsthi
s
under
wear,
iti
sbigi
twi
ll
destr
oymyvagi
na.
Iswall
owedtothesightinfr
ontofmeandI
couldf
eelmyvaginagettingallt
ickl
ed,
mycl
i
t
thr
obbingandI
'
m get t
ingwet .
Okayi
t'
sokayI
'
m goi
ngt
ohel
lfort
his.
Hechuckl
edbef
orepi
cki
ngmeupandwewent
t
othebathr
oom.

Twoday
slat
er
Kopano
Myli
fewasfi
nal
l
yget
ti
ngt
oget
herj
ustl
i
keI
want
editt
obe.
Iknowi
twaswr
ongofmet
otr
yandf
orcehi
m
t
oMar
rymebuti
twasal
lfort
hebest
.
NowI '
m engagedtothemanIl
ove,notonlyis
hethemanIl ovebuthei
sthenextki
nginline
andthatmeansIwi l
lbet
heQueenandr una
ki
ngdom alonghissi
de.
Ididn'
tknowgett
ingpr
egnantwoul
dbri
ngme
everythi
ngIwant
edandevenmoreinasil
ver
platt
er.
Iguessthisbabyi
sablessi
ndisgui
seeven
thoughIfeell
ikeI
'
mt enmont
hspregnantwhen
I'
m onl
yfivemonths.
Iwokeuptoasmel
lofeggsandbeaconIknew
Mnqophi
sowasmakingmesomebr eakf
ast.
Ihat
ethatheisworki
ngni
ghtshif
tsandwe
can'
tshareabedtoget
her
,If
reshenupand
wenttojoi
nhim.
Me:"
Goodmorni
ng"Isai
dhuggi
nghi
mfr
om
behi
ndhet
urns
Mnqo:"Goodmorni
ng"hesai
dhuggi
ngmeback
andthesquadinfr
ontofme"Goodmor
ning
pri
ncess"hesai
dkissi
ngmybell
y
Mnqo:
"Youguysmustbehungry,
letmedi
shup
f
oryou"hesai
ddishi
ngupforus.
Me:"
SoIwasthi
nki
ngwejustgot
ohome
af
fai
rsandsi
gn"hel
ookedatme
Mnqo:"WellasmuchasIwouldli
ketodothat
butinmywor ldi
tdoesn'
tworkl
i
kethat,
asa
pri
nceandfutureKi
ngImusthaveabiggrand
wedding.I
'
m notanordinar
yper
son"
Me:
"ButIwantt
obey
ourwi
feMnqo"hesmi
l
ed
Mnqo:"
AndIknowthat,
wej ustgotengaged
hunny
.Andasroyal
tyIhavetradi
ti
onstofol
low
andanywayswhat'
stherush?"Isi
gh
Me:"
Idon'
twantmychi
l
dbor
noutofwedl
ock"
hesmil
ed
Mnqo:
"I
nthatcasehowaboutIpayf
ort
he
damagesandwhent hechil
di sbor
n,shewil
l
takemysur nameandwewi ll
getmarri
edaft
er
twomont hs,Imeandon'
tyouwantaper f
ect
weddingthatwil
lbethecoverofever
y
magazine"Ismil
ed
Me:
"Idowantt
hat
"
Mnqo:"
Welli
nthatcaseyouwi l
lneedtolook
sexyf
orital
landtwomont hsafteryougave
bir
thwi
llbeperf
ect"t
hisi
st hedream weddi
ngI
al
wayswanted
Me:
"Thankyouf
orchoosi
ngmeasy
ourwi
fe"
hel
ookedatme
Mnqo:"
Youknowf at
eisfat
e,wecan'
tfi
ght
agai
nsti
t.It
hinki
nthenexttwoweekswewil
l
arr
angeever
ythi
ngwithy
ourf ami
l
y"
Me:
"That
'sf
inewi
thme"
Aknockcamethr
oughIdi
dn'
tknowt
hatwehad
anyvi
sit
ors.
Mnqo:"
That'
sZizipho"Il
ookedathi
m,Idon'
t
wantZi
ziphohere.
Hestoodupandwentt
oopent
hedoor
,she
camein.
Zi
zi
pho:
"HeyKopano"shesai
dsmi
l
ing
Me:
"Hi
,whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Zi
zipho:"
Ithoughtweshoul
dgopamper
our
selvesandwear ebothmother
stobe.And
wehav esomucht al
kabout"Il
ookedatherI
di
dn'tknowshewaspr egnant
Me:"Idon'
twantt
ogoany wherewithyou
Zizi
pho,notsol
ongagoyout ookKuhle'
sside
andnowy ouexpectust
obeal lBesti
esagain"
shesigh
Zizi
pho:"
That'
swhyI'
m here,i
t'
sbecauseIdon'
t
wantbadbloodbetweenus.Mybr ot
her'
slove
l
ifeisnoneofmybusinessandhechoset o
marryyou,wewil
lbefamilysoonandour
chil
drenwil
lbecousi
ns.IchosenooneIwas
j
usttr
yingtodiff
usethesit
uat
ionKopano.You
guy
sar ebothmyf r
iendssoIj
ustcan'
tspli
t
mysel
finhalves"Isigh
Me:"Fi
neZizi
phobutonethingyoushoul
dknow
yourbrot
herl
ov esmenotthatl
i
ttl
etramp
Kuhle"Mnqoclearedhi
sthr
oat
Mnqo:"Okayladi
esjustt
ryt
ohavefuntoday
,I
wil
lgorest"hekissedmyfor
eheadandwentto
ourroom
Me:"I
'm onl
ydoingthisforhim notyou,
other
wiseIcarelessaboutthisfri
endshi
p"she
chuckl
ed
Zi
zipho:
"Yousoundsoevi
lri
ghtnow,
let
'sgo
Kopano"shesai
dsmili
ng
Me:
"Mxm!
"It
ookmybagandwel
eft
.
I
nser
t62
Zi
zi
pho
Twoweeksl
ater
Ihavebeenenjoy
ingbeingaNdlov
uwifeand
honestl
yit
'sj
ustthebestthi
ngt
hatcoul
dhave
happenedtome.
I
fIdi
dn'
tmeetLut
handoal
otoft
hingswoul
d
bedi
ff
erent
.
Iwoul
dn'
thavebeenabl
etof i
ndmyr
eal
ident
it
y,
meetmyparent
sandsibl
ings.
Whoknowswhatwoul
dhav
ehappenedt
ome.
ButGodhadotherpl
ansandImetthemost
wonderf
ulman,whochangedmyli
fe
complet
ely
.
Inev
erknewwhatbei
ngi
nlov
eisunt
ilImet
hi
m.
ThebabyI
'm car
ryi
ngwillhavethebestfather
i
ntheworl
dbecausewi t
ht heshortestt
imet hat
Lut
handoandJuniorspenttogether,mybaby
boydi
dn'
thavethevoidofnothav ingafat
heri n
hi
sli
fe.
I
fanythi
nghedi
dmor
ethanwhatTshepoi
n
Juni
or'
sli
fe.
Speaki
ngofJuniorhestealhasn'
tshowed
hi
mselftomeandIdon' tknowwhyhehasn' t
I
'm st
art
ingt
ot hi
nkthathelovesLuthando
morethanhelovesme.
I
'
m kiddi
ngIknowmor
ethanany
onemor
echi
l
d
l
ovedme.
Itri
eddoi ngmydut i
esasawi f
ebutmymot her
i
n-lawi sn'
thavinganyofthatbecauseI'm
pregnantandmyhusbandt hi
nksI'
m sickI'
m
notallowedt odoany t
hing,soUnathiandMa
decidedt otakeitupthemselvest
opr eparemy
foodandal lapparentl
ywheny oucarryi
nga
pri
nceorpr incessyoubecomeev eryone's
targettheycouldpoisony ou.
Sothat'
swhyLut
handodoesn'
tall
owanymai
d
makingmyfoodi
t'
seit
herhim orhi
sfami
l
yonl
y.
Luu:
"Iwi
shy
oucoul
dst
aypr
egnantf
orev
er"I
l
aughed
Me:"
Ilookl
i
keahippoatj
ustf
ourmont
hs
pr
egnantsono"
Luu:
"NoIt
hinky
oul
ookl
i
keamot
hert
obe"
Me:
"Youar
ethesweet
est
"heki
ssedmycheek
Luu:
"AndIl
i
kehowy
oudemandsexl
atel
y"Ihi
t
hi
schest
Me:
"Ar
eyoucompl
aini
ng?
"
Luu:"
Notatal
lmylovebuttakei
teasyonme
I'
m somebody'
sson"Ichuckl
ed
Me:
"HowdoIl
ook?
"Hesmi
l
ed
Luu:
"Li
kemywi
fe,
beaut
if
ul"
Me:
"Goodl
etmegoI
'
m al
readyl
ate"
Luu:
"Youar
etaki
ngadr
iverr
ight
"Ir
oll
edmy
eyes
Me:
"Asi
fIhav
eachoi
ce"
Luu:
"Enj
oymyl
ove,I
'm goi
ngt
othecounci
l
lor
andcommitmeet
ingwithmydad"
Me:
"GoaheadmyKi ng"helookedatmewitha
l
ookIdi
dn'
tlikeatthemomentI '
mlat
eal
ready
"
Don'
teventhinkaboutit"
Luu:
"Youknowhowsexythatsoundswheny
ou
aresayi
ngit
,howaboutaqui
ckie"hesai
d
ki
ssingmyneck.
Me:
"Babyst
opIdon'twanttokeepmysi
ster
s
wai
ti
ng"hegroanedcausi
ngmet ol
augh
Luu:
"Fi
net
hisi
snotov
ert
hou"
Me:
"Youcanbetoni
t"Igav
ehi
m aki
ss.
Thedri
verwasal
readywai
ti
ngf
ormeandgoti
n
wedroveoff
.
Mpumi i
nvi
tedmeandEnt leforl
unch,coming
tothi
nkofitweneverhadsomequal i
tyti
me
toget
herassist
erseversi
nceshecameback
home.
Igottot
herest
aurantandmysi
ster
swer
e
al
readywai
ti
ngforme.
Ent
le:
"Youandbei
ngl
ate?
"Ichuckl
ed
Me:"
Hell
oguys,someofushavetoperfor
m
wi
feyduti
es"t
heylaughedandIsatdown
Mpumi:
"Gody
out
woar
esopr
egnant
"we
l
aughed
Ent
le:
"Andit
'snoteasycar
ryi
nganev
idenceof
hav
ingsex"welaugh
Me:"
Atleasty
ouhavejustt
womonthsandI
hav
ef i
vemonthst
il
lthi
sonecomes"
Mpumi
:
"Bet
tery
ouguy
sthanme"
Me:
"Don'
tyouwantki
ds?
"Shesmi
l
ed
Mpumi
:
"Idowantki
dsbutpr
egnancyscar
es
me"
Ent
le:
"I
fdi
ckdoesn'
tscarey
outhenyouare
sur
ereadybi
gsis"t
hisonei
sanotherbr
eed
Me:
"Let
'sor
derI
'
m hungr
y"weor
der
edourf
ood
Mpumi
:
"Sowheni
sthebi
gday
?"Isi
gh
Me:"
Iwanttof ocusongivi
ngbi
rthf
ir
stt
henthe
weddingwi
llfoll
ow,other
wisei
nmycaseit
s
j
ustformal
i
ties"shenods
Mpumi
:
"I'
m pl
anni
ngt
hatweddi
ng"
Ent
le:
"Thenyouar
ealsoplanningmine"she
sai
dfl
ashingherl
efthandwitharock
Us:
"Getout
!"Shel
aughed
Ent
le:
"YesLor
enzopr
oposed"
Mpumi:
"Wowcongratsbabeifyouwer
en't
pr
egnantIwasgonnaordersochampagne"
Me:
"Congr
atul
ati
onsbabe"
Entl
e:"
SoMpumi whatabouty
ou,
any
mor
e
speci
al?"Shesmi
ledokay.
Mpumi:
"That
'st
hereasonyouguy
sareher
e,I
'm
seei
ngsomeoneandit'
sst
il
lnew,wemadeit
of
fi
cial
justf
ewday
sback"
Me:
"Okaywhoi
she?
"Shecl
ear
ed
Mpumi:
"Yourbr
otheri
nlawandpl
easedon'
tbe
madZeeIdidn'
tmeanforal
loft
hist
ohappen"I
l
ookedather
Me:
"Whoawhywoul
dIbemad?
"
Entl
e:"
Youareseei
ngMbuso!
"Shesai
d
soundingsosur
pri
sed.
Mpumi:
"YesI'
m seei
nghi
m, ZeeIdon'tknowI
meanheisyourbrot
heri
nlawdatingy oursi
ster
,
howdoesthatmakesyoufeel
?"Isigh
Me:"Aslongasy ouguysareinl
oveandsolidI
havenopr obl
em, Ij
ustdon'
twanttobecaught
betweenthetwoofy ou.Soifhemakesy ou
happyyouar efr
eetodatehim mntase"she
smiled
Mpumi
:
"Thanky
ouZi
pho"
Ent
le:
"I
'm gl
adwear
eher
enow,
closeasev
er"
weal
lsmi
l
ed
Mpumi
:
"Tosi
ster
hood"
Us:
"Tosi
ster
hood"
Nothi
ngfeelsbettert
hanthi
s,havi
ngthebest
rel
ati
onshi
pwi t
hy oursi
ster
sit
'sgr
eatandyou
gotbestfr
iendsforli
fe.
Mpumi:
"I
sn'tt
hatMnqophi
so'
sbabymama?
"
Shesai
dlooki
ngontheentr
ance
Me:
"Wel
lthat
'sher
"
Entl
e:"
Imi
ssthef
unKopano,nott
heonewho
for
cespeopl
etomar
ryher"
Mpumi:"
Mypoorbrot
heri
sintr
oubl
eher
e"
Kopanoappr
oachedourt
abl
e
Ent
le:
"Her
eshecomes"
Kopano:
"TheDl
aminisi
ster
s,whydidn'
tIgetan
i
nvit
etojoi
nyouguys"wejustl
ookedather
Ent
le:
"i
t'
sDl
ami
nipr
incesses"shechuckl
ed
Kopano:"
Well I
'm gonnabeaQueen, youguy s
aresopregnant.Mpumi ain'
tyouafrai
dthat
youryoungersist
ersarepregnantbefor
ey ou.I
meany oumi ghtbeinfer
ti
leforal
lweknow"
Me:
"St
opi
tKopano"
Mpumi:"
It'
sokayZee,Imeanpeopl
ewhoar e
miser
ableinli
fear
ealwaystr
yingt
omake
ever
yonemi ser
abl
etoo"Kopanotr
iedsay
ing
somethi
ng
Ent
le:
"Leav
eusal
onemyQueen"shesai
d
sar
casti
cal
ly
Me:"
Theonl
yQueenIknowi
smymot
hert
hou"
shewal
kedaway
Ent
le:
"Iwonderwhatdr
ugdoesshesmokes"
Mpumi:"
Tel
lmeabouti
t"wecont
inuedhav
ing
ourl
unch.

Nar
rat
ed
Kuhl
ewastr
yingt
okeepherdist
ancefr
om
Mnqophi
soaspossi
bleasshecanbuti
twas
har
dreal
l
yhardonbothofthem.
Buttheyknewtheycan'
taffor
dtoslipupand
haveKopanofindi
ngoutthattheengagement
wasjusttemporar
y.
Mnqophisohadfinal
l
ypaiddamagesto
Kopano'sfami
lyandtheyseem t
obeadecent
andreasonabl
efamil
yhecouldn'
tunder
stand
howtheycouldhavemadesomeonel i
ke
Kopano.
Nowitwasguarant
eedt
hatt
hechil
dwillcar
ry
hi
ssurnamebutwhenshei
ssti
l
linher
mother
'sbel
l
ynothi
ngwasguar
anteed.
Mnqophi
sowill
evenfakewor
kingni
ghtshi
ft
s
j
ustt
oavoidshari
ngabedwit
hKopano.
Asadoctorhehadanapar
tmentinsi
dethe
hospi
tal
resi
dencesoi
twasn'
teasyforKopano
t
ofindanythi
ngsuspici
ous,t
hat'
swherehe
wouldspendhissupposedl
ynightshi
ft
sat
.
Hi
ssister
skepti
ntouchwi
thKuhl
ejustt
okeep
hi
m ateasy.
Hewasafrai
dthatKuhlewasgoingtogett i
red
ofwai
ti
ngforhim butshewassurethatthei
r
l
ovewasstrong,shewasn'
tgoi
ngt ogiveon
hi
m shetr
ustedhim.
Aknockcamet hroughtoKuhl
e'
sdoor
,shehas
beenstay
ingatanapar t
mentt
hatt
heDlami
ni'
s
werepayi
ngitforher.
Kuhl
ewentt
oopent
hedoorandf
oundNal
edi
out
side
Kuhl
e:"
MyQueen"
Naledi
:"
Iwil
lsl
apyou"Mnqohadnochoi cebut
tofi
nall
ytel
lhi
smot heraboutev eryt
hing
becauseKopanohasst ar
tedtalkingtothe
Mediaaboutherengagementt ot heDlamini
Pri
nceandbeingthemot herofhi schil
d.
Kuhl
e:"
MaI'
m sor
ry,
pleasecomei
n"shesai
d
wit
hbothoft
hem l
aughing
Nal
edi
:
"Howar
eyoubaby
?"Shesi
gh
Kuhl
e:"
Imi
sshi
m"
Naledi
:"
Andhedoesl ovey ou,y ouknowmyson
i
samessandhehasmadeal otofmi stakes
butthi
sonehasbeent hewor seoft hem al l
at
thesamet i
meIhav enev erseenhi m so
commi tt
edt omakingthingsr ight.WithMnqoi t
alwaysbeenabouthi m, hehasbeensel f
ishso
manyt i
mesbutnowev ersi ncehi schildcamei t
tothepicture,hei
stryi
ngt obesel fl
essandput
whathel ovesmostbef orehimsel f
,heiswi l
li
ng
todoany thingtohaveyouandt hatchil
di nhis
l
ife"Kuhlesmi l
ed
Kuhl
e:"
Whydi
dtheychoosehi
mforme?
"
Naledi
:
"Becauseyouaret
hegoodnesshe
neededtochangehisways"
Kuhl
e:"
I'
m notper
fect
"Nal
edi
chuckl
ed
Naledi
:
"Nobodyi
s,y
ouhav
eagoodhear
tand
youaregenui
ne"
Kuhle:
"Theyar
eblessedtohav
ey ouasa
motherandheis---
"all
ofasuddenbull
etsf
lew
i
nsidetheroom.
Theybothscreamedandt
ri
edt
ohi
deunt
ilt
he
shoot
ingdieddown
Kuhl
e:"
Ma, ar
eyouokay
?"Shesai
dcr
awl i
ngt
o
her"
Ma!!"Shescr
eamedasshesawbloodon
her
Kuhle:
"Mayouarehurt
"shesai
dwi t
htears
str
eamingdownhercheeks"I
t'
sokayIwillcal
l
forhel
p"shesai
dlooki
ngforherandcall
edan
ambulance.
Naledit
ri
edt
osaysomet
hingt
oKuhl
ebutshe
couldn'
t
Kuhl
e:"
Mapleasedon'
ttal
k"shesaidpr
essi
ng
herwoundtoputsomepressure"
Madon't
cl
oseyoureyespl
ease,
Mama! !Ma"shesai
d
hol
dingont
oher
.

•
•••
•••
•
Pl
easecommentguy
sat
least50comment
s
I
nser
t63
Zi
zi
pho

Itwasagr eatdayandIenjoyedt hedaywit

hmy
sist
erseventhoughKopanot riedtorui
nitbut
shejustdidn'
tsucceedbecauseMpumi isa
greatspacenowshedoesn' tletanyonegetint
o
herhead.
Iguesstherapysessi
onsarereal
lyworki
ngf
or
herandIwassur pri
sedthatMbusoeven
att
endswi t
hher,thei
rrel
ati
onshi
pseemsprett
y
i
ntense.
Iwasreal
l
yhappyfort
hem,bot
hofthem
deser
vehappi
nessmaybet
heyaregoingt
ofi
x
eachot
heraf
tert
heybeent
hrough.
Iwasgetti
nginbedwhenIr ecei
vedafr
ant
ic
cal
lfrom mybrothertel
li
ngmet ogotothe
house,hedi
dn'tsaynothingmuch,hedi
dn'
tsay
whyIshouldbegoi ngthere.
I
tfel
tli
ket
hel
ongestdr
iveofmyl
i
feIwas
pani
cki
ng
Me:
"Babypl
easedr
ivef
ast
er"
Luu:
"I'
mliter
all
yon140babeIcan'
tdri
veany
fast
erwithyouandmybabyinthiscar
,I'
m
putt
ingyourli
feinj
eopar
dyasiti
s"Isi
ghthi
s
oneandhi sbaby
Mbuso:"RelaxZizipho, wehavetogett her
ein
onepieceandwedon' tevenknowwhat
happenedy et"al
sot hisonewant edt ocome
becausehei ssuret hatifsomethingbad
happenedMpumi willneedhim,ifitwasany
dayIwouldf i
ndt hiscut eandal
lbutr ightnowI
j
ustcan't.
Lut
handofi
nal
l
ygotustothehospi
tal
aft
er
whatseemedl
ikeanet
erni
ty.
Me:"
I'
mlooki
ngformybrot
her
"ther
ecept
ioni
st
l
ookedatmelikeI
'
m cr
azy
Rec:
"AndIshoul
dprophecywhoy
ourbr
otheri
s
?"Okaytheatt
it
ude
Luu:"
It
'seit
heryoudon'
twanttowor
khere
anymor eoryoucl
earl
ydon'
tknowwhoy ou
tal
ki
ngt o,weneedtoseeDrDlami
ni"she
chuckled
Rec:"
Heisbusynowanditseemslikeyoudon'
t
haveanyappointment
swi
thhim so"she
shruggedhershoul
der
sohmyGod
Mbuso:"Okaylady
,thi
sishissist
erZi
zipho
DlaminiandherhusbandLuthandoNdlovu, I
'
m
thebrot
herinlawMbusoNdl ovu.Wear ethe
royal
ti
esandthisisamatterofemergency "she
gasped
Rec:
"Thet
wohandsomePr
incesf
rom Manzi
ni
Ki
ngdom,
ohmyGodI
'
m sor
ry"
Luu:
"Wedon'tcare,
nowwhereisDrDl
ami
ni?
"
Okaythatwasrudebutweneedhel
p
Rec:"
Thi
rdfl
oorthat
'swherey
ouar egoi
ngto
fi
ndhim,I
'm sosorr
yfo-
-"wedidn'
tevenl
ethi
m
fi
nish
Wet ookanelevatorandwhenwegotther
e,
ther
ewasawai tingroom,myfat
herwassitt
ing
onthechairandhadhi sf
acebur
iedonhis
hands.
Mysi ster
swerebot
hcurl
edupinachai
r
holdingeachot
her,
Icoul
dfeel
myheartata
rapidrateandmyeyeswel
li
ngup.
Me:"Wher
eisMom? "Theyquickl
ylookedatme,
Icoul
dseethatbot
hofmysi ster
swer ecr
ying
andnowIjustcoul
dn'
tholdi
tin.
Dad:
"Zi
zi
pho"hesai
dwal
ki
ngt
ome
Mom:
"Dadwher
emymot
her
,wher
eisshe?
Whathappenedt
oher
?"
Dad:
"Somethingbadhappenedtoyourmother
sweethear
t,shewasshotandyourfr
iendKuhl
e
wasalsoshottheyar
-"
Me:
"What
?!!
"Nowmyt
ear
sbet
ray
edme
Dad:
"Theyarebothi
ntheatr
e,wehaven'
thear
d
anyt
hingfr
om thedoct
ors,y
ourbr
otherj
ust
wenttocheckwhat'
sgoingon"
Luu:
"Whendi
dthi
shappen?
"
Dad:"
Af ewhour
sago"IjusthuggedmydadI
j
ustcan'tl
osemymom Ij ustf
oundherIsti
l
l
needmymot herandKuhleismybestfr
iendI
j
ustcan'tl
oseherei
ther
.Whowoul dwanttoki
ll
them t
hou?
Lut
handosatnextt
omeandputmyheadon
hi
schestandMbusosatnextt
oMpumiwhi
l
e
Ent
lesi
tsnextt
omydad.
Weal
lsatt
her
einsi
l
enceandt
hemoodhas
neverbeensourl
i
ket
hiswhenwear
eal
li
none
room.
Mybrot
hercameouthelookedl
i
keamesswe
al
ll
ookedathi
mforanswers
Dad:
"Howar
ethey
?"Hesi
gh
Mnqo: "
Thebul l
etdi
dn'thi
tanyvi
talor
ganson
KuhleandMom shet ookthemostofthe
bul
lets,shewasshotf ourti
mes.I
tdoesn'
tlook
goodatal ldad"hesaidwit
hhisvoi
cebreaking.
Mpumi:"
Sheisgoingtobeokayr
ight
?"Shesai
d
wi
thtearsal
readythr
eat
eni
ngtofall
.
Mnqo:"
Excuseme"hesai
dqui
ckl
ywal
ki
ngaway
,
If
oll
owedhim.
Hegoti
ntohi
soff
icet
henbangedt
hedoor
whi
legr
oani
ng.
Iqui
ckl
yrushedtohi
m andpull
edhimtomy
armshejustbr
okedownIalsojoi
nedhi
m,we
satont
hef l
oor
Dad:"
YourMom i
safi
ght
ershewil
lpul
l
thr
ough"wedi
dn'
tev
enhearhi
m comein
Me:
"Wecan'
tl
oseherdad,
Ist
il
lneedmy
mot
her
,weneedhershehast
obeokay"
Dad: "Let'
sjoinothers,youguysneedtobe
strongf orherandy oursibli
ngs,I
'
m notsayi
ng
don' tcrybuthav efait
h.Iknowthisi
smor ehar
d
tot hebot hofy ouast hetwoofthem meansa
greatdeal t
ot hebothofy ou"wewentbackto
mysi bli
ngs.
Lut
handohadEnt
leonhi
sarms,hewas
comfor
ti
ngherwhi
leMbusocomfor
tedMpumi
.
Mnqo:"
Iwil
lgetsomecoffeeandtea"hesai
d
wal
kingaway,t
hatwasjustanexcuseforhi
m
t
ogoandbeal one.
Heisreal
lydevastatednotonl
yisourmother
f
ighti
ngforherli
febuthischosenoneisalso
l
yingunconsci
ousi nthi
sbed.
Af
terf
orev
eradoct
orcameoutandcal
l
edus.
.
Ent
le:
"Howi
sMom?
"
Dr:
"Sheisi
ncr i
ticalcondit
ionbutst abl
e,we
havemanagedt or emov ethebulletsbutthey
di
dhitherli
verandcl osetoherhear t
.Wear e
sti
l
lwonderinghowshei sstil
lali
v e.Nowit'
sall
awaiti
nggameandt heotherpatientwashi ton
herabdominalluckil
yforheritdidn'tcauseany
damagestoherwomboranyor gansandshe
sti
l
lunconsciousbutshei salreadyshowi ng
si
gnsofwaki ngup"
Dad:
"Thanky
ouDoc"shenodsandwal
ked
away.
Mnqo:
"Weneedt
ofi
ndoutwhathappened"
Dad:"
Wewilldot
hatbutfornowthem bei
ng
okayshoul
dbeaprior
it
y"weallagreed
"
Therearejournal
i
stout
sidethebui
ldi
ng,can
youboystakeofthem"saidLut
hando'smother
walki
ngin,Lut
handoandMbusowal kedout.
Ki
ng:
"Howar
etheyKhay
a?"
Dad:
"Kuhl
eisokaybutmywi
fei
sst
il
lnotoutof
thewoods"
Queen:
"Nal
edi
isaf
ight
ershewi
l
lpul
lthr
ough"
Dad:
"Ent
leandZi
zi
phoy
ouguy
sneedt
orest
"
Us:
"No!
"
Mnqo:"Dadisri
ght, y
oudon'thavetogohome.
Youcangot omyapar t
menthereinthehospi
tal
andrestther
e,it'
sjustfewminutesawayfr
om
her
eandi fanythi
ngchangeswi thMom or
Kuhl
ewewi l
lcallyou"welookedathi
m
Queen:"
Gir
ls,y
ourmotherwouldn'
twant
anyt
hinghappeningt
ohergrandchi
ldr
ennow
gotorestokay"webothnod
Wewal kedoutwef
indMbusoandLut
hando
out
side.
Luu:
"Thi
swasnocowboyhi
t,i
twast
act
ical
"
Mbuso:"
Weneedt
ofindt
hebastar
d,whodi
d
t
his"Icl
ear
edmyt
hroatt
heyt
urned
Me:"
Wearegoi
ngt
oresti
nmybr
other
'spl
ace"
Luucametome
Luu:"
Yourmot
herwil
lbef
inebaby"Inod"
Iwil
l
waitwit
hthef
amil
y,ar
eyougoingtobeokay
?"
Me:
"Yes,
justcal
lme"Iki
ssedhi
m.
Luu:
"Il
ovey
ouZi
zi
pho"
Me:
"Il
ovey
out
ooMbasa"
Mbuso:
"Let
'swal
ktot
heapar
tment
"
Theywalkedusinandmadesureweweresaf
e,
i
st hi
showourlif
eisgoi
ngtobenow?Look
overourshoul
ders?

Kuhl
e
Iwokeupt oasmel
lofmedi
cineandawhi
te
room,IknewIwasi
nahospit
alroom.
Ever
ythi
ngt
hathappenedcamet
omel
i
kea
wave.
Ipani
ckedandst
art
edscr
eami
ng
Me:
"Ma!
"Mnqoqui
ckl
yrushedt
ome
Mnqo:
"Heyheyit
'sokay
,cal
m down"hesai
d
t
ouchi
ngmyf ace
Me:
"Wher
eisshe?I
ssheokay
?"
Mnqo:"Sheisgonnabefi
ne,
pleasecal
m down
babe"Ibreat
hetryi
ngt
ocalm down
Me:"
WhathappenedMnqophi
sowhyam l
yi
ngi
n
ahospi
tal
bed?"Hesi
gh
Mnqo:"
Youwer
eshotbabe"Il
ookedathi
m
conf
used
Me:
"NoIwasn'
tshot
,yourmot
herwast
heone
whowasshotnotme"
Mnqo: "Babeyouwer eshot
,youjustdi
dn'
tfeel
l
ikey ouwer eshotbecauseofyouradr
enal
ine
rush.That'swhyyouwer eablet
ohelpmymom
event houghyouwer eshot"
Me:
"I
'm sor
ry"hel
ookedatme
Mnqo:
"Nothi
sisn'
tyourf
aul
tKuhleandI
pr
omisey
ouwewi l
lfi
ndwhoeverdidthi
s"
Me:"
Every
thi
nghappenedsofast,
theatt
ack
camefrom t
hebui
ldi
ngopposit
emywi ndow"
Mnqo:
"Anddi
dyouseeany
thi
ng"Isi
gh
Me:"
Thepi
stol
wasa9.
8Cal
abarpi
stol
,ahand
gun"
Mnqo:
"Howdoy
out
hat
?"
Me:
"BecauseIsawt
heper
sonwhoshotus"

•
•••
••
Agoodmor
ningshoti
nser
tpl
easedon'
tfor
get
t
ocomment.
I
nser
t63-SeasonFi
nal
e
Nar
rat
ed

Mnqophi
sodi
dn'
twantt
oaskwhoshott
hem
becausedeepdownhealreadyknewthe
answerormay behewasjustafr
aidt
hathewi
l
l
gettheanswerhealr
eadythoughtof
.
Andthenal
lthathashappenedt
ohi
smot
her
andKuhlewashisfaul
t.
Hehadsomanyquest ionsonhisheadstar
ti
ng
withwhatift
henightt
hatshecamet ohi
shotel
room t
oendt hi
ngsheall
owedhertogo,would
anyofthesethi
ngshappeni
ngtohisli
febe
happeni
ng?
Whydidn'
theletgobecausehefel
tnothi
ngfor
herandst
il
lfeel
snothi
ngforherti
l
lthi
sday.
Didtheideaoffucki
ngt
helesbi
ani
sm outofher
boosthi
sego?Ordi dheli
kethewayshewas
sosubmi ssi
ve?Ormaybeitwasal
lthe
att
enti
onshegav ehim.
Hehadnoonet oblamebuthi
msel
f,his
sel
fi
shnesshasledtosomebl
oodsplatt
er.
Not
hingt
err
if
iedhi
mli
ket
het
houghtofl
osi
ng
hi
smotherbecauseofhi
swr
ongdeci
sionhe
made.
Kuhl
e:"
Mnqophiso!
"Shesai
dpul
li
nghim away
fr
om t
hetr
ailofthought
shewashav
ing
Mnqo:
"Huh?
!"Shesi
gh
Kuhl
e:"
Didyouhearanyt
hingIj
ustsai
dtoyou?
"
Hesighedbecausehebarel
yhear
dnothi
ng
Mnqo:
"I
'm sosor
rywhatdi
dyousay
?"
Kuhl
e:"
Nev
ermi
nd"hesi
ghed
Mnqo:
"Don'
tbel
i
ket
hatpl
ease,
I'
m sor
ry"
Kuhle:"NoMnqophisoIjusttol
dyouwhoal most
kil
l
edmeandy ourmotherbutyouwer en'
t
l
isteningatall
li
keitdoesn'
tmat t
erthatyour
mot herisf
ighti
ngforherli
feandI'mlyingi
n
thi
shospi t
albed"
Mnqo:"Youcan'
tsaythattomeKuhle, no
matterhowangryyouareatme.I'mlikethi
s
becauseIbl
amemy sel
fforwhathappened,I
knowdeepdownt hatonlyonepersonwouldtr
y
tokil
lyou.Andt hi
shitwasf oryounotmymom,
asitgoesi nwarit'
sallaboutdecepti
onandmy
motherwast henecessaryevilt
hathadgoti
n
theway .I'
m sorr
ythatIputy ouherei
nthi
s
hospit
al bed"hesaidstandingup
Kuhl
e:"
Mnqophiso!
"Hejustwal
kedoutwi
thout
l
ooki
ngather,shesigh.
Thelastt
hingsheneedsr
ightnowi
sfort
hem
tof
ight.
Shecl
osedherey
esandt
ri
edf
all
i
ngasl
eep.
Thedoctorcametocheckhershewasgoingt
o
stayov
ernightanddi
schar
geherthef
oll
owing
day.
Thesli
ght
lyopeni
twasMnqophi
soshel
ooked
athi
m
Mnqo:
"I'
m sosorr
yforbehaviourear
li
eronI
'
m
j
ustst
ressedoutandIdon'tknowwhattodo"
shesi
ghed
Kuhl
e:"
Comeher
e"het
ookof
fhi
sshoesand
goti
nbedwit
hher
Mnqo:"
Ialwaysthoughtt
hessbedwer
etoo
smal
l"theychuckl
ed
Kuhle:
"Youwerewrong.Sti
ll
nochangewi
th
yourmot her
"heshookhishead
Mnqo:
"HowdoItel
lmyfat
hert
hatmybaby
mamaisther
easonhi
swifei
shal
fdead?"
Kuhle:"
Thesamewayy ouar esayingi
tri
ght
now, yourf
amil
ydeserv
et oknowwhat
happenedandifyouareafraidtheywi
llbl
ame
you,theywon'
ttheyhaveseenhowKopanoi s"
hesigh
Mnqo:"Youareright
,Ij
ustwantt
oknowwhy
shediditbecausether
e'snowayshef
oundout
theengagementwasf ake"
Kuhle:
"I
fanythingKopanoi
ssmartshemi ght
havethi
sfigureditt
hat'
swhysheplannedthi
s
hi
tonme"
Mnqo:"
Wecan'tcal
lthepol
icey
etbecause
t
here'
ssur
elynoevidencet
hatl
inkshert
othi
s
f
ornow"
Kuhle:"
Justt
ell
yourf
ami
l
yfi
rstandy
ouwi
l
l
takeitfr
om t
here"
"
Tel
luswhat
!?"Khay
asai
dst
andi
ngbyt
hedoor
wi
thot
her
sbehindhim
Theyallwal
kedinfol
l
owi
ngeachotherexcept
forEnt
leandZizi
phowhi
chwerest
ill
resti
ng.
Ndl
ovu'
sandDlamini
'
swereal
lther
e,
Mnqophi
socl
earedhi
sthr
oat.
Mnqo: "Pl
easesit
"therewasatwoseatcouch
andt wochairssotheyweresevensotheyt
ri
ed
thebesttof i
tinandthetwi
nsremained
standing.
Luu:
"Youl
ookner
vousMnqowhat
'sgoi
ngon?
"
Mnqo:"
Kuhlesawthepersonwhowas
r
esponsibl
eforshoot
ing"t
heroom wer
en'
t
si
l
entf
orasecond.
Khay
a:"
Kuhl
e?"Hesai
dlooki
ngather
Kuhl
e:"
Itwasajani
torf
rom t
heapar
tmentme
andKopanoshared"
Mbuso:
"Aj
ani
torandwhywoul
dheshooty
ou?
"
Mnqo:
"Pr
obablyhi
redhi
tmanbyKopano"The
Ndl
ovu'
sgasped
Unat
hi:
"Whywoul
dKopanodot
hat
?"
Kuhle:
"Becauseherbabydaddyismychosen
husband,becausesheisobsessedwi
thhi
m"
Unathichuckl
ed
Unathi
:"
Ormaybeyouar
ejustaccusingherso
thatt
hecompeti
ti
onwil
lbeeli
minated"
Luu:
"Unat
hi!
"Ev
ery
onewasshocked
Kuhle:
"I
t'
sokayLuthando,I'
m notaccusi
ngher
fornoreasonormay bethatmightalsobet
he
reasontoo.Okaymisssmar tpantst
ellmethi
s
whywoul dajani
torthatIbarel
ytal
kedtotr
yto
ki
llme.Andsurpr
isi
nglythej
ani
torandKopano
gotal
ongverywelli
ftheywerenotbest
ies.Me
andKopanohadaf al
loutthenal
lofsuddenI
haveabull
etl
aunchedinmyabdomi nal
.Or
maybeshejustwantednocompet i
ti
ontoo"she
sai
dlooki
ngatUnathi
Unathi
:"
Foronlyweknowthetwowereli
vi
ng
toget
hermaybey ousawthaty
ourmanwas
fal
li
ngformycousin,nowsheisaper
fect
escapegoattouse"Kuhl
echuckl
ed
Kuhle:
"Unat hi
Inev ert
akeny ouforabit
chandI
apologi
zei fwhatIsaidwillcauseaquarrel
betweent hetwof amil
iesbutIsawwhatIsaw
andIbelievewhatIbel i
evenowi tisuptoyou
tochoosewhaty oubeliev
e"
TheDlamini'
sknewt
hatKopanowasj
usta
psychobutfort
heNdlov
u'si
twasj
ustabi
tt
er
pi
ll
t oswal
low.
Queen:
"Unat
hiwhatwast
hat
?!"Shesai
das
soonast
heywereoutofKuhl
e'
sroom whowas
l
eftwi
tht
heDlamini
'
s.
Unathi
:"
Kopanoisf
amil
yMom,youcan'
tj
ust
beli
evethatcommoner
"asl
apl
andi
ngonher
face
Queen:
"Si
ncewhendowecal lpeopl
e
commonersUnathi?Yourmotheri
sa
commonertoodon'tfor
gett
hat"Unat
hiwas
hol
dinghercheck
Ki
ng:
"I
'mr
eal
l
ydi
sappoi
ntedi
nyouUnat
hi"
Unat
hi:
"Soy
ouar
esayingt
hatIshoul
dn'
t
def
endmycousi
n!!
?"
Luu:"
Wear esay
ingdef
endy
ourcousi
nina
respect
ful
manner"
Queen:
"Iwanty
out
oleav
ethi
shospi
tal
now"
Unat
hi:
"I
'm her
esuppor
ti
ngt
heDl
ami
ni'
s"
King:
"Youaresuppor
ti
ngt
hem?Reall
y?Youjust
defendedsomeonewhomightber
esponsi
ble
f
orNal
edi
fight
ingf
orherl
i
fe"
Mbuso:"Didyouknowthatcousi
ny ouare
def
endingf or
cedMnqotomar ryherifnotshe
wil
ltakethebabyawayfrom hi
m? "
Unat
hi:
"Id-
-"Lut
handocutherof
f
Luu:
"Justleaveandgobewi thyourcousi
n,tel
l
herthatt
heDl amini'
swil
lcutherheadoffwhil
e
ati
t"Unathi di
dn'
tknowwhatt odo,shewas
j
usttryi
ngt odefendhercousi
nbutwentt he
wrongwayabouti t
.
HerandKopanower eal
way
sclosewhen
growingupsoitwashar
dtohearKuhl
esayal
l
thosethi
ngs.
Sheleftthehospi
talanddeci
dedtogohome
notKopano'shouseandshewaspr ay
ingthat
Kopanowasi nnocentli
keshecl
aimedorshe
j
ustruinedherfri
endshi
pwithKuhl
eover
nothi
ng.
TheNdl
ovu'
sapol
ogi
zedt
oKuhl
eforUnat
hi'
s
behav
iourandtheyaskedtheDlami
ni'
sto
i
nvest
igatewhathappenedbeforet
heyjust
bl
ameherwi t
hanypr ooft
hati
twasher.

Thi
swassurelycausi
ngt
ensi
onbetweenthe
twofami
l
iesbuttheywer
etry
ingt
ofindtofi
nd
acommongr ound.
Thefol
l
owingdayKuhl
ewasdischar
gedand
Nal
ediwassti
l
lonli
fesuppor
t.
MnqotookKuhl
etotheroy
alhousebecause
t
hat'
swhereshewouldbesaf
e.
Helaterdr
ovet
otheapar
tmentsheshar
edwi
th
Kopano.
Kopano:"
Youdidn'
tcomehomelastni
ght"
Mnqolookedather,i
ttookev
ery
thi
nginhi
m
notsqueezet
helif
eoutofher
Mnqo:
"Mymot
herwasshot
"
Kopano:
"Isawt
hatont
henews,
ital
so
mentionedt
hatshewaswi
thay
oungl
ady
nobodyknows"
Mnqo:
"Andyouexpectedmet obeherewhen
mymotherwasfi
ghtingforherl
if
e"shesi
gh
Kopano:
"I
'm sor
ryi
t'
sjustt
hatIcan'
tl
iv
e
wit
houtyouMnqo"hechuckled
Mnqo:
"Thengetusedt
othatt
hen"
Kopano:
"Whatarey
ousay i
ng?
"Shesai
dwi
th
herhear
tbeat
ingsofast
Mnqo:
"I
'm goi
ngbackt
other
oyal
housemy
f
amil
yneedsme"
Kopano:
"I
'm comingwi
thy
ou,
Ican'
tst
ayher
e
al
oneI'
m pregnant"
Mnqo:"
That
'swhyIhi
redanur
set
olookaf
ter
you"
Kopano:
"Youcan'
tl
eav
e!"Shescr
eamed"
Mnqo
youcan'
tleav
eme!
Mnqo:
"Orwhat
?Youwi
l
lshootme?
"
Kopano:
"What
?!"Shesai
dswal
l
owi
ng
Mnqo:"
Imeanthat
'st
heonl
ywayy
ouwi
l
lst
op
mefrom l
eav
ing"
Kopano:
"Iwi
l
lki
l
lmy
sel
fandt
hisbabyi
fyou
l
eave"
Mnqo:"Idon'tcarewhaty oudoany
more
Kopano,ifyoukillthatbabyRI
PtoherIguess"
hesaidpacki nghisstaff
Kopano:
"Il
ovey
ouMnqophi
so"
Mnqo:"AndIloveKuhle,Ionl ystayedwi thyou
toprot
ectmychi l
dbutIj ustr eal
isedt hatIhav
e
nocontrolovert
hissit
uat i
on.YesIl ovemy
babytodeathbuty ouaremaki ngt hings
dif
fi
cultforme.Iam aDl ami niKopanodon' t
for
getthat"hewalkedoutl eav i
ngKopano
wail
ingbegginghim nottol eave.

Thr
eeweeksl
ater
Nal
ediwassti
ll
showingnosi
gnsofwaki
ngup,
t
hedoctor
swerelosi
nghopebutherf
amil
y
wer
enotgoingtogi
veuponher.
Herhusbandwoul
dgotothehospi
tal
andtalk
t
oherhehadhopedthatshewasheari
nghim.
Entl
ewasonl yfewweeksfrom gi
vingbir
thshe
neededhermot heri
twashadforherbut
Lorenzo'
smot herwast
hereforheritwasn'
tthe
samebuti thel
pedalot
.
Zizi
phowasal sohav
inghardti
mewi t
hher
mother'
sconditi
onbutlucki
l
yforhershehad
thebesthusbandandin-l
aws.
Kopanowasbar
elycopyi
ngwit
houtMnqophi
so
shecoul
dn'
tbel
i
evethather
eall
yherf
orKuhl
e.
Shewaswi
ll
i
ngtof
ini
sht
hej
obshehi
redt
he
j
anit
ort
odoher
sel
f.
Kuhl
etookt
hel
i
feshepl
annedf
orher
sel
f.
Mnqophi
soandKuhleweregoi
ngstr
ong,they
hav
egrowncloserwi
theachdayt
hatpasses.
EventhoughNalediwassti
ll
inhospi
tal
,the
famil
ywast r
yingtoadj
ustandgoabouttoliv
e
anormal l
i
fe.
Mnqophi
soandKuhledecidedt
ogoout,t
hey
hadguar
dswiththem ast
heysti
ll
bel
i
evedthat
Kopanowil
lst
ri
keagain.
Theywer
esit
ti
ngonthesandneart
hebeach
whensomeoneyel
l
ed
"Kuhle!!
"Theybothtur
nedandtheguar
ds
quicklywalkedcl
osedtotheguy.
Kuhle:
"Mnqophi
soit'
sthejani
tor
"theytr
ied
l
ookingfort
hejani
torbuthehasdisappearedi
n
thi
nair
Mnqo:"What
?!"Theybot
hst
oodupastheywere
standi
ngupMnqophisosawKopanopoi
nti
ng
thegunatKuhle.
Theguardscoul
dn'
tseeherbecauset
heywer
e
st
il
lfocusi
ngonthej
anit
or
Mnqo:
"Kuhl
e!!
!!
"Hesaidpushingheroutoft
he
wayandthebull
etshi
thi
mi nstead.
Kopano:
"Mnqophi
so!
"Shesai
dcr
yingand
tur
ningt
heguntohersel
f
Kuhl
e:"
Babe!Noyoucan'
tdothi
stome!"
Kopanopul
ledt
hetri
ggeronherhead
Kuhl
e:"
Mnqophisowakeup!!
!"Shesai
dhold
ont
ohim" Youneedtowakeplease"t
her
ewas
not
hingshecoulddoatt
hispoint

•
•••
Don'
tfor
gett
ocommentpl
ease
I
nser
t64-
SeasonFi
nal
e
Zi
zi
pho
Wehadt ogothehospit
alt
oday ,
that'
swhatwe
doonSaturdayswespendtimewi t
hMom as
webeli
evethathav
ingusaroundisgoi ngto
heal
herandwegi veherareasontofightand
wakeup.
Myr el
ationshipwi t
hUnat hihaschanged
completelychangedasshei sonKopano'ssi
de
andI'm onKuhl e'
ssi debecauseIhaveseen
howherbehav iourhasbeent owar
dsKuhleand
shepartial
lyther easonmymot heri
sfight
ing
forherli
fe.
Someandmysi st
erin-
lawweonlytol
erat
e
eachotherbecausewest ayundert
hesame
roofandIsti
lldon'
tunderst
andwhyshecomes
heretovi
sitmymom wheny oucouldcl
earl
y
seethatshedoesn'twanttobehere
Wewerest
ill
wait
ingforthem t
oletusi
nanda
nur
seemer
gedqui ckl
yfr
om mymot her
'sr
oom
andcal
l
edthedoctor.
Wequi ckl
yst
andtr
yingt
ofi
gur
eoutwhat
's
happeningwi
thher
.
Dad:"
What'sgoingon?"Hesaidinpani
cmode
asweheart hemechinesbeeping
uncontr
oll
able.
Thedoct
orwenti
nsi
deaswestandonthe
gl
asswatchi
ngmymom shakeuncont
rol
l
abl
e.
Mpumi:
"What
'sgoi
ngon?
!"Weal
lhadnoi
dea
whatwasgoi
ngon.
Thenur
sequi
cklycl
osedthebli
ndsassoonas
shesawuswatchi
ngthedoctor
sworki
ngon
mom.
Weal l
stoodt
herewithoutsay
ingawor
dIj
ust
cl
utchedonLuthando'
sarms.
Thenur
secameoutaf
terf
ewmi
nut
esandt
old
ustosi
tdown.
Dad:
"What
'sgoi
ngonwi
thmywi
fe?
"
Nur
se:
"Mr
sDl
ami
nihadasei
zur
e"weal
l
gasped
Me:
"Whatdoest
hatmean?
"
Nur
se:
"I
nhersi
tuat
ioni
t'
sgoodnews"
Dad:
"Goodnewshow?
"
Nurse:
"Yourwi f
ewashalfdeadsi randher
hav
ingasei zur
eit'
sasignofli
fe,sosheisout
ofl
ifesupportandshecanbreatheonherown"
weallgaspedinexcit
ement
Entl
e:"
Final
l
y,thanky
ousomuch"t
henur
se
nodsandwal kedaway.
Mpumi:"
Dadshei
scomingbacktoy ousoon"
shesai
dhuggi
nghimt
heirr
elat
ionshiphave
i
mprovedalot
.
Weher
ecommot i
onandparamedicspushi
ng
t
wostr
etcheswi
thdoct
orsalongt
heirsi
des.
Me:
"What
'sgoi
ngon?"Luthandoshr
uggedand
t
heygeti
nsi
dethet
heatrewards.
Myey
esl
andedonKuhl
ewhowascov
eredi
n
bloodl
ikeshej
ustcameoutofahor
rormov
ie
scene.
Dad:"
Kuhl
e!!
"Shejustbr
okedownmyheart
poundsofastbecauseIcan'
ttakeany
mor
ebad
news.
Me:"What'
sgoingonKuhle?Whereismy
brot
her?"Shewipedhert
earsandlookedat
Unathit
henwalkedtowar
dsherli
keshewas
possessed.
Unat
hi:
"Whatarey-
-"shedidn'
tev
enf
ini
sht
wo
sl
apslandedonherface.
Me:
"Kuhlestopi
t!
"Lut
handopull
edheraway
f
rom Unathi
asshewasstil
lchar
gingf
orher
Kuhle:"Letmego!!"Shescreamed"Yourst upid
i
nnocentcousi ntri
edkill
ingmeandMnqophi so
gotont heway,t
hebul l
etshithiminsteadofme.
Andt histimeshediditinpublicandshot
herselftoo.Am Isti
ll
accusingherbitch!"She
sai
dcr y i
ng
Us:"
What
?!"Unat
hil
ookedl
i
keshej
ustsawa
ghost
Dad:
"Ar
ethosetwopeoplewhower
ejust
wheel
edinthem?"Shenods
Kuhle:
"Yes,whathappenedUnathi
?Catcaught
yourtongue?"Shewaschanneli
ngherangerto
Unathi
Unat
hi:
"Kuhl
eI-
-"Kuhl
ecutherof
f
Kuhle:"
NoUnat hisavei
t!
!Mnqophisoisfi
ghti
ng
forhisli
fe,hismot heri
salsoher
ebecauseof
thatpsychoy ouwer edefendi
ng!
!Iprayshe
makesi t,deathisaneasywayoutf orher
"she
saidsit
tingdown.
Mymi ndwassti
l
lwrappi
ngar
oundt
hatmy
br
otherwasshot.
Ent
le:
"Ouch"shescr
eamedandweal
ll
ookedat
her
Queen:
"Babyar
eyouokay
?"Shesai
drushi
ngt
o
her
Entl
e:"
Mywat
erj
ustbr
oke!
"Shesai
dtr
yingt
o
breat
he
Dad:
"What
?!"
Luthando:
"Iwi
l
lgetadoct
or"hesai
dal
ready
runni
ngsomewhere.
Me:
"Justbr
eat
hbabyokay
?"Shenodsandt
ry
t
obreath
Entl
e:"Iwantmymom"shesaidwit
htears
gli
steningi
nhereyesmyhear
tbr
eaksint
oa
thousandpieces
Dad:"Li
stentomesweetheart,
yougott
abe
strongformommyandGodknowsshewant ed
toexperiencet
hismomentwi t
hyoubabybut
shecan'tandsheisherewithyoubyhear
t,I
'
m
alsohereokay"hesai
dwipinghertear
s
Ent
le:
"Cany
oucal
lLer
onzoandhi
sMom f
orme
Mpumi"
Mpumi:"
ofcoursebaby"shesai
dtaki
ngEntl
e'
s
phoneandpagethroughitwhi
lemyhusband
comeswiththedoctorandwheel
chai
r
Doc:
"Howi
stheMom t
obe?
"
Ent
le:
"I
npai
n"shesai
dgr
oani
ng
Doc:
"Okayl
et'
sdel
i
very
ourbaby
"shenodst
he
doct
orwheel
edher.
Mpumi
:"
Lorenzoi
sonhi
sway
"shesai
dtoEnt
le
whoj
ustnods
Dad:"Somuchi shappening,I
'm hurti
ngbecause
mysonj ustgotshotandwedon' tevenknow
howhei sdoi ngaswespeaki ng.Ij
ustgotgood
newsaboutmywi feandnowmydaught eris
havingherf i
rstchi
ld,hermothercan' tevenbe
heretoshar ethismomentwi thher.Idon't
knowhowt oevenfeelit
'sli
kemyhear ti
sgoing
toexplodeandmyancest or
shasdef i
nit
ely
tur
nedt heirbackonus"
Ki
ng:
"Noy
oucan'
tsayt
hatKhay
a,r
emember
af
teraheavystor
mther
eisal
way
sar
ainbow"
hesighandnods.
Isatnextt
oKuhl
ewhoseemedt
oonherown
world.
Me:
"Hei
sgoi
ngt
obeokay
"shel
ookedatme
Kuhle:
"ForaminuteIthoughthewasdeadunti
l
theparamedi
cstoldmeot herwise"shel
ean
agai
nstmyshoul der
Me:
"Mom i
sshowi
ngsi
gnsofwaki
ngup"
Kuhl
e:"
That
'sgoodnewsIj
ustwi
shhedi
dn'
tget
i
ntheway"
Me:"
Don'tbest
upi
dKuhl
e,mybrotherdid
somethi
nganymenshoul
ddo,protecthi
s
woman"
Kuhle:
"If
eell
i
kecomingtohisl
i
fehasbr
ought
yourfamil
ynothi
ngbutpai
n"
Me:
"Nothat
'sKopanodoi
ngs,youweremeant
t
obeinourli
ves"wesawLorenzoandhi
s
f
ami
l
ythatcoul
dfi
tabuscomi
ngi
n.
Lor
enzo:
"Goodaf
ter
noon,
wher
eisEnt
le?
"He
sai
dpani
cking
Dad:
"Mpumi
showhi
m"shenodsandl
eadshi
m
Lut
hando:
"Wher
ewi
l
ltheysi
t?"Hesai
d
whi
speri
ngtome
Me:
"Beat
sme"hechuckl
ed
Mbuso:
"22peopl
ewheredi
dtheyt
hinkt
hey
wer
egoing?Somepart
y"
Leo:
"Youguysknowthatwecouldhearyou
ri
ght"Ionl
yrememberafewofthesepeopl
e
ther
e'smanyofthem
Me:
"Ther
earesomanyofyou"t
heyl
augh
maki
ngever
yonel
ookedatus.
Leo:
"Fami
l
ytr
adi
ti
on,
andhowi
syourMom?
"
Me:
"Get
ti
ngbet
ter
"
Mi
racl
e:"
That
'sgoodnews"
Emili
ana:"
Isthepersonwhodi
dthattohersti
ll
al
ive"herfamil
yrepri
mandhersheshrugged
hershoulder
s.
Af
terf
ourhour
sLor
enzocameoutsmi
l
ing.
Lor
enzo:
"I
t'
saboy
"weal
lgotexci
ted.
Dad:
"Howi
sEnt
le?
"
Lor
enzo:"
Sheal
mostkil
l
edmei nt
hatl
abour
wardbutshei
sokay
,resti
ngf
ornow"t
ypical
of
Ent
le.

Lor
enzo'
sfamil
ylef
taft
erseei
ngt
hei
rchi
l
donl
y
Lor
enzostay
edbehind.
Adoctorcameoutoft
heat
reandweal
ll
ooked
athi
m
Doc:
"Wedeli
ver
edabounci
ngbabygirl
,the
motherdi
dn'
tmakei
t"weal
llookedateach
ot
her
Dad:
"Howi
smyson?
"
Doc:"
Hei sdoi
nggoodandhissur
ger
ywasa
success"weallsi
ghi
nrel
iev
e
Dad:
"Canweseehi
m?
Doc:
"Notnowbutl
ateron"weal
lnod
Kuhl
e:"
Andt
hebaby
..
are.
.weal
l
owedt
osee
her
?"
Doc:
"Yesshei
spr
ett
yst
rongf
orapr
emat
ure"
Kuhl
e:"
Iwoul
dli
ket
oseeher
"
Me:
"Met
oopl
ease"
Dad:"
I'
m gonnaletherfamil
yknowwhat
happenedtotheirdaught
er"hewal
kedaway
.
Wef
oll
owedt
hedoct
orshewasi
nani
ncubat
or.
Doc:
"Therei
sshe,
Iwi
l
lgi
vey
ousomespace"
hewalkedout.
Webot
hst
andt
her
elooki
ngatbabyi
nsi
l
ence.
Kuhl
e:"
Shei
sbeaut
if
ul,
justl
i
kehermot
her
"I
si
gh
Me:"
Yeahthatsheisandhair
ytoo.Iwi
sht
hings
di
dn'
tcomet othi
s"shewalkedcl
oseto
i
ncubat
orandchuckled
Kuhl
e:"
Shewil
lgetbul
l
iedf
ort
hatugl
ynoseher
dadgavetoher
"
Me:"Iknow"Isi
gh"Don'
tdothatKuhl
e!Whati
f
hergrandpar
entswanther
"
Kuhl
e:"
Thi
sisstr
ange"shesai
dst
eppi
ngaway
fr
om t
heincubat
or
Me:
"YeahIknowbutpl
easekeepthose
mot
herlyf
eeli
ngsawayfornow"
Kuhl
e:"
I'
m notdoi
ngt
hisbecauseIf
eel
gui
l
ty
ri
ght
?"
"Noyounot
"Wef
indMbusost
andi
ngbyt
he
door
Mbuso:"
Ancest
ralbondit'
swhaty
ouhavewi
th
her
,Ican'
texpl
ainthather
eandbythewayy
our
motheri
sawakeZi zi
pho"
Me:
"What
?"Isai
dal
readywal
ki
ngout
.
If
indmydadandMpumi
all
overher
.
Me:"
Mom! "Isai
dquickl
ywal
ki
ngnextt
oher
andhuggedhertight
.
Mom:"Heysweet
y,don'
tcr
ypl
ease"shesai
d
weakl
y
Me:
"I'
m sor
ryMom,
it'
sjustt
hatIwassoscar
ed
t
oloseyou"
Mom:
"NoI
'
m her
e,Kuhl
eisokay
?"Inod
Me:
"Shei
sfi
ne"
Mom:
"Wher
eisEnt
leandy
ourbr
other
?"
Dad:
"Ent
lej
ustgav
ebi
rt
hbut
ter
fl
y"shegasped
Mom:
"What
?Howl
onghav
eIbeenher
e?"
Dad:
"Al
mostt
hreeweeks"shesi
gh
Mom:
"I
ssheokay
?"Weal
lnod
Mpumi:
"Shej
usthadababyboyMom"she
smi
led
Mom: "Wowmyfir
stgr andsonandMpumijust
call
edMom fort
hef i
rstti
me, Ineedt
odi
eagain
then"shesai
dsmil
ing
Dad:
"Don'
tyoudar
e!"Hewar
nedandwe
l
aughed
Me:
"Mnqophi
so'
schi
l
dwasal
sobor
ntoday
"
Mom:
"I
sn'
ttooear
lyt
hou?
"shesai
dwor
ri
ed
Dad:
"Yeaht
here'
salott
hathappened"hesai
d
fi
l
li
ngherofev
erythi
ng
Mom:
"Whywouldshegotosuchl
engt
hsf
ora
mant
hatdoesn'
tl
oveher
?"
Mpumi
:
"Shewasobsessedwi
thhi
m"
Mom:"I
'
m speechl
esshonest
ly"aknockcame
t
hrough
Lut
hando:"
I'
m sorryt
odist
urby
oubutmyuncl
e
andauntarehere"mydadnod
Dad:
"Thanky
ouMbasa,
pleasecal
lthem her
e"
henodsandlef
t.
Afewmoment
stheycamei nandset
tl
eddown,
t
heygr
eet
edandgreet
ingswer
eexchanged
Dad:"
First
lywewoul
dliketopassour
condolences,
wearesorr
yforyourl
ost"t
hey
nod
Mr
sM:
"Thanky
ou"shesai
dwi
pinghert
ear
s
MrM: "Andwewoul dal
soli
ketoapol ogisefor
everyt
hingshedidtoyourf
ami l
y,Kopanowas
bipol
arandshehasbeendeal i
ngwi t
hi tfor
yours.Wer ecent
lyf
oundoutshewasn' ttaki
ng
hermedi cati
onandshebarel
yseesherdoct or"
Dad:"Wedidn'
tknowt hatsowewouldli
ket
o
discussthewayforwardconcer
ningt
hechi
ld,
I
knowi t
'snott
herightti
menow"
MrsM: "
It
'sokay,actual
lywewantwhat '
sbest
forthechi l
dandwi thyourf
amil
yshewi l
l havea
betterfutureandstabil
it
y,y
oudeserv
eheras
youdi dri
ghtbyher .Butcanwealsovisi
tation
withher ?
"
Mom:
"Youdon'
thavet
oask,any
timey
ouwant
t
oseeherj
ustl
etusknow"
Mr
.M:
"Thanky
ousomuch"
Dad:"
Not hankyouweappr eci
atey
our
understandi
ng"t
heynodandt heyl
eftaf
tera
fewthingswerediscussed
Me:
"If
eel
sobadf
ort
hem y
azi
"
Mom:
"Met
oo,
Kopanowassel
fi
sh"
Dad:"Iwil
lgoseemygr andchi
ld"hesai
d
excit
edlystandingupIguesshewasholdi
ng
backatf i
rstbecausehewasn'tsur
eifwewer
e
goingtobeal l
owedt okeepher.
Mom:"IguessIwi
l
lhavetofeel
bet
terbef
ore
goi
ngtoseemygrandchi
l
dren"
Ent
le:
"Notmine!
"Shesai
dbei
ngwheeledinby
Lor
enzoholdi
ngmynephewinherar
ms, whois
socol
oured.
Mom:
"Heybaby
,heyLor
e"Mom sai
dsmi
l
ing
Ent
le:
"HeyMom"
Lorenzo:
"HeyMa,Iwi
llgi
vey
ouguy
ssome
space"hewalkedout
Mom:
"CanIseehi
m?"
Ent
le:
"Heisal
readyt
aki
ngmyspace"weall
l
aughed,Mpumi t
ookhi
m andhandi
nghi
mt o
Mom
Mom:
"Hebet
ray
edy
ou"
Ent
le:
"Tel
lmeabouti
t,hei
shi
sfat
her
'sson"we
al
ll
aughed
Mom:
"Whatdi
dyounamehi
m?"Shesmi
l
ed
Ent
le:
"Thi
ngoGust
avo"
Me:
"Gust
avosoundsogangst
er"t
heyl
aughed
Ent
le:
"Bl
amehi
sfami
l
yfort
hatname"
Mom:"
Thi
ngomeansRai
nbowr
ight
?"She
smi
l
ed
Ent
le:
"Yes,
Ther
ainbowweneededaf
tert
he
heav
yst
orm wej
ustwentt
hrough"beaut
if
ul
name
Mom:
"I
t'
sbeaut
if
ul"

•
•••
••
Don'
tfor
gett
ocommentpl
ease
I
nser
t65-
Final
e
Kuhl
e

I
'm notanancest
ralper
sonandI
'
m notadeep
Chri
sti
angir
leit
her.
Ithi
nkmyf r
iendscall
edachur chgirlbecauseI
gotochurchalmostev er
ysundayandIwant ed
towaitf
ormar ri
agejusttohavesexnot
becauseI'
m aChr i
sti
anbutit
'sjustsomet hi
ngI
alwayswanted.
Sonowhav
inganAncest
ral
bondwi
thKopano'
s
babydi
dn'
tscar
emei
fany
thi
ngi
tconf
usedme.
WhywouldtheDlaminiancestorschoosemet o
behermotherwhil
eherbiologicalmotherhat
ed
mewi t
hherwholebeingitdoesn'tmakeany
sense?
I
'm sur
eKopanowi
l
lst
arthaunt
ingmebecause
oft
heirchoi
ce.
Nothingcoul
dchangethebondev enwhenI
thi
nkaboutthepainhermothercausemebut
byjustalookonherli
tt
lehai
ryfaceal
lthat
goesawayIf eel
warmth.
AspersonI'
m boundt ohavedoubt
sy esatf
ir
st
fearofbei
ngat er
ri
blemothertohercri
ppl
ed
mebutIwant edtobet hebestmotherf
orher
becauseitf
eltr
ight.
Fi
nlayMnqohaswokenupaf
tert
woweeksof
hi
schil
dbeingbor
n.
Iwasdri
vi
ngtot
hehospi
tal
andIwasr
eal
l
y
exci
tedt
oseehi
m.
Ibel
ievethatt
hishardphaseinourr
elat
ionshi
p
hasfinal
l
ypassedandt hingswi
ll
bebetter,
thi
s
wil
lbeanewj ourneyforus.
Assoonashi
slandedonmehesmi
l
edandI
wal
kedcl
ose
Me:"
Hey "t
hedoct
ort
hatwaschecki
ngupon
hi
ml ookedatme
Dr
:"
Hel
l
o,Ihav
egoodnewsf
ort
hebot
hofy
ou?
"
Mnqo:"
TellmeI'
m goi
nghomepl
ease"t
he
doct
orlaughed
Dr
:"
Youar
eal
readyt
ir
edofme"hechuckl
ed
Mnqo:
"Ij
ustmi
ssmywoman"Ican'
thel
pbut
smi
le
Dr:
"I
tmustbenicebei
ngloved,
sothegood
newsisyouareget
ti
ngoutofhereDrDlami
ni
butpl
easetakei
teasyfort
henextt
hreetof
our
weeks"
Me:
"Tr
ustmehewi
l
l"her
oll
edhi
sey
es
Dr:
"Andt
heothernewsarethebabyi
sreadyt
o
gohomeandwebel iev
esheisstr
ongenough
togohome,
sheal soneedsaname"Mnqo
l
ookedatme
Mnqo:"
Whatbaby?"HejustwokeupIhav
en'
t
t
oldherwhathappened
Me:
"Yourdaught
erMnqo"
Mnqo:"What
?"Thatcameoutasawhisper"
She
madeit?Sheisal
ive?
"Hesaidwit
htear
s
al
readycl
oudinghi
sey esIsmi
l
ed
Me:
"Yesshei
sgood"
Mnqo:
"Andhermot
her
?"Isi
gh
Me:"
Shedi
dn'
tmake,
Kopanodi
ed"hesi
ghand
l
ookedatme
Mnqo:"That
'sashame,
Iwantt
oseemy
pr
incess"
Dr
:"
Wewi
l
lbr
ingheri
n"shewal
kedout
Mnqo:
"Howi
sev
ery
one?
"
Me:"
Wellever
yoneisgoodandyourmot heri
s
set
tl
ingokayathome,Ent
legav
ebirththesame
dayasKopano.Soyourbabi
esaretwins.She
namehim Thi
ngo,sowhatareyougoingto
nameher?"
Mnqo:"Uhh-
-"helookedatmehor
ri
fi
edI
l
aughed,thenursecameinwit
htheli
tt
le
pr
incess.
Nurse:
"Her
esheis!
"Mnqoopenedhi
sar
msf
or
her
.Shewasplacedinhi
sar
ms.
Shehadhereyesclosed,Il
ookedat
Mnqophiso'
sfacewhichwasf ul
lofamazement
,
ful
lofl
oveIdecidedtocaptur
ethismomentfor
them.
Mnqo:
"Shei
ssoper
fect
"hesai
dbr
ushi
ngher
l
it
tl
eknuckl
es.
Me:
"Sohav
eyoudeci
dedont
henamey
et?
"
Mnqo:"
Idon'
tknowwhatdoy
out
hink?
"Il
ooked
athi
m andhesmil
ed
Me:
"HowaboutLuhl
elunj
e?"
Mnqo:
"Luhl
elunj
eHar
monyDl
ami
ni"
Me:
"Aper
fectnamef
itf
orabeaut
if
ulpr
incess"
Mnqo:
"Promiseyouwil
ll
oveherKuhl
e?"I
l
ookedathim andhedoesn'
tknowaboutt
he
bondwehavey et
Nurse:"
Trustmesheisingoodhands,shehas
beenspendingever
ydaywithherher
e,bought
herclot
hes"Mnqosmi l
ed
Mnqo:
"Thanky
ousomuchst
handwasam"
Me:"
IpromiseIwi
ll
lov
eher"hehol
dsmyhand
andasatnexttohi
m whi
l
eheholdsli
tt
leLuhl
e
onhisarms.
Wesi
gnedal
lthenecessar
ydocument
s.
Mnqo:"
Readytotakeherhome?
"If
rownasI
seeUnathi
standi
ngbythedoor
Unat
hi:
"I
'm nother
etocauseanyt
roubl
e"Mnqo
l
ookedatus
Me:
"Whatdoy
ouwantUnat
hi?
"
Unathi
:
"I'
m her
etoapologi
zet othebothofyou,
I
'm sor
ryforwhatIsai
dtoy outhatday,Iwas
j
ustdefendi
ngmycousi nbutIdidthati
na
wrongway .
"
Me:"
RightIforgavey
oualongtimeagobut
don'
texpectthingst
obethesame.Ithoughtwe
werefr
iendsbutIwaswrong.Meandy ouare
j
ustpeoplewhoknoweachot her.Wewil
lbe
ci
vil
towardseachother
"shenods
Unathi:
"I
'm sor
ryagai
n,andIal
sobr
oughtacar
seatforthebaby"
Me:
"Thanky
ou"shenodsandwal
kedout
Mnqo:
"Canwegohomenow? "Wewalkedwit
h
meholdi
ngLuhl
eonmyar msandherbag.
Whi
lehol
dsthecarseatandhi
sbag.

Zi
zi
pho
Thr
eeMont
hsl
ater

Amont hagoIgavebirthtoabounci ngbaby

boy,
wenamedhi m AyavuyaandLut hando
coul
dn'tbehappi
er,healway swantedababy
boyeventhouhekeptsay i
nghewasokaywi th
anygenderbutIknowhi m bett
erthananyone
el
se,hewantedaboyf rom thedayIsawhow
hewaswi thJuni
orIknewhewant edaboy .
Andnowt
hathehasonehei
ssohappy
.
Looki
ngbacki
nmylif
eInev
ert
houghti
twoul
d
bequit
eajour
neyf
orme.
Ist
art
edasal
ostsoul
,Idi
dn'
thav
eanyi
dent
it
y.
Ifel
lav i
cti
mt oanabusehusbandandwho
thoughtloved,It
houghti
twasnormalf
orhim
tobev i
oletwithmesinceInev
erexper
ienced
anytypeofl ov
e.
ButdeepdownIknewi
twasn'
tokaymay
beI
wasj
ustdesper
atet
ohav
esomeonewhol
oves.
TheNdlovu'
sandMyancest
orsf
inal
lycame
thr
oughformeandt
ookmeoutoft hedarkl
i
feI
wasli
vi
ng.
Imeti
ncredi
blepeopl
eal
ongt
hewayandImet
mychosenone.
IknewIl ovedhimthefi
rstti
meIlai
dmyey es
onhim, hisgenui
necareformeandmyson
wasjustev er
ythi
ng,Meli
ssamighthavebeen
hisfi
rstlovebutIwastheloveofhi
slove.
Ilookedatmy
selfint
hemi r
rorandsmiledI
l
ookedsoperfect,
Iwasr eadytowalkthanthe
Isl
eandmakehi m mylegalhusband.
Mom: "Ohmybabyy oulooksobeaut
if
ul.Those
ar
et earsofj
oy"Idi
dn'tevenr
eal
iset
hatIwas
cr
yingbutshewasr ightt
heseweret
het ear
sof
j
oy.
Me:
"GodI
'
m soner
vousMom"shesmi
l
ed
Mom: "
Thatf
eeli
ngisnor
malbaby,y
ouar
e
al
readyhi
swifeyougotnot
hingt
oworr
yabout
"
Kuhle:
"Lookatyou,l
ooki
ngsoperf
ectit
'sli
keI
mety ouyest
erdayandnowwearef i
nal
lyhere"I
chuckled,
shehasbeenthebestf
ri
endev er
.
Sheal
waysmadesur
ethatI
'
m happyandst
ick
bymyside.
Shehasbeenagreatmot
hertoLuhlewhois
suchahappybabyandmybrothercoul
dn'
tbe
morebl
essed.
Me:"
Iknowr
ight
,ti
mef
li
es!
"Aknockcame
t
hrough
Mpumi
:
"comei
n"dadwal
kedi
n
Dad:
"Youl
ookbeauti
ful
mypr
incess"hesai
d
ki
ssi
ngmyf or
ehead
Me:
"Thanky
ouDad"
Dad:
"Theyar
ereadyf
ory
ou"
Me:
"Okay
"Isi
ghandst
andup.
Helaunchedmyar mi
ntohi
s,ever
ythi
ngseems
soperfect
,thi
swasafai
ryt
aleandIwas
marryi
ngapr i
nce.
Andcomi
ngtothi
nkaboutit
,itwasr
eal
l
ycl
ose
tobei
ngaci
ndi
rel
l
astory.
Myfat
herhandedmeovert
oLuthandoand
whi
speredsomethi
ngt
ohim henods.
Aspertr
adi
tiont
hepast
orcar
ri
edoutt
he
weddi
ngceremony.
I
twassmal
lbuti
nti
mat
e,j
ustf
ami
l
iesandf
ew
f
ri
ends.
Itwastimetosayourv
owsIl
ookedat
Luthando.
Me:"Ithoughtaboutwr i
ti
ngmyv owsdownbut
thatdidn'
tfeel
righttomebecauseIwant edto
speaksomet hi
ngf r
om t
heheart.LuthandoI
remembert hefirstti
meImety ou,everyt
hing
fel
trightsomethingaboutyourpresencegav e
mepeaceandsaf ety
.Youstoodupf orme
whenIcoul dn'tdot hatf ormy self
.Youhav e
seenmeatmywor seandcr iedwi t
hmedur ing
mymostpai nfulday s.Youpr otectedmel ikeno
mandi d.Fr om y ouIhav elear nttolov e
uncondi tionall
ywi thouthol dingback.When
ev erymensawmeasdi rt
yy ousawmeas
treasure.Ont hisdayIv owt obewi thyouon
yourwor seday sandpai nfulday slikey ou.Iv ow
tobet hepi llarofy ourst rengt handt ol ovey ou
aty ourwor standbest .Imi ghtnotbey ourfirst
butIpr omi set obey ourf orev erandbet hewi fe
youal way swant ed.Iwi llbet hemot herof
those11ki dsy ouwant ed.Youar est uckwi th
meandy oumyl if
eli
ne"Ihearev eryoneal ulating
andhi sv owsf oll
owswhi chwer ebeaut if
ul.
Ismi
l
edasIl
ookatt
hepeopl
efat
ebr
oughtt
o
me.
Butmyey esbecamet ear
yassoonast
heyland
toJuniorwhowasl eani
ngagai
nstt
hewal
l
wavingatmesmi l
ing.
Me:"
Junior"Iwhi
sper
edhebl
ewmeaki
sst
hen
di
sappeared
Luu:
"Ar
eyouokay
?"Inodandhuggedhi
mti
ght
Me:
"Il
ovey
ousomuch"
Luu:
"Il
ovey
oumor
e"hesai
dki
ssi
ngmy
for
ehead
Thi
smyst or
yandIt
houghti
twast
heendbuti
t
j
ustbegan.

THEEND