THEBORDERSOFLOVE!

.
.
.
Pr
ologue
ZI
NILEMTHEMBU
Voi
ce:
"Heysi
siv
ukav
ukauf
iki
l
eyou’
reher
e”
BraZookswakesmeupf r
om my
sl
eep.Si
gh.
Wor ki
ngt wojobsdoeswonderstoa
woman’sbody.Idon’tev
enr ememberthel
ast
ti
meIhadatleastsixhoursofsleep.
Zi
nil
e:"
Yohei
sht
hanksBr
aZooksi
wil
lseey
ou
l
ater
”
Br
aZooks:
"Doubl
eshi
ftagai
nnt
wana”
Zini
l
e:"
Yest
hatdegr
eei
snotgonnapayf
or
i
tsel
f”
It
hrowmy
sel
foutoft
het
axi
andwal
khome
whichisl
iketwobl ocksfrom whereBr aZooks
dropsmeof f.
It
snotv eryfarbutformyt i
red
feeti
t’
sli
kewal ki
ngt hedist
anceoft heGreat
WallofChina.
Attimesl i
ketheseIwi shIhad
extr
amoneyt ogiveBr aZooksf orsomegat e
deli
ver
y.
Ideci
detocallmysist
er,Sophietokeepme
companyallthewayhome. Iknowshenev er
runsoutofanythi
ngtosay-especial
l
yabouther
newboss.You’dswearthatshedoesn’thavea
husbandthewaysher avesabouthim.
Arri
vi
nghomeIf indmyboy f
riendNtandowi th
hisfr
iendsonthecouchwatchingthegame
theyhavebeenantici
pat
ingforthewhol epast
week.Notexact
lythesceneIwashopi ngto
comebackhomet obutheywhoam It otal
k
causethisi
snotev enmyplacetobeginwi th.
Ij
ustgr
eett
hem andheadf
ort
heki
tchent
oget
somefood.
Zi
nil
e:"
NtandoWhydi
dn’
tyoucook?
”
Nthando:
"Sor
rybabeIf
orgotIj
ustl
ostt
rackof
t
ime”
Hej
ustbl
urt
soutwhi
l
efi
xedont
hescr
een.
Zini
l
e:"
Real
l
yNt handosoyoufor
gott
hatIwould
comebackfrom workst
arvi
ngandti
redto
cook?y
ouaresuchaselfi
shbast
ardNthando”
Hisfri
endslaughandIheadt ot hebedroom
beforebangingt hedoorbehindme. IswearI
’ve
haditwithNt ando.Someti
mesIwonderwhyI ’m
sti
l
l wit
hhim causehej ustthinksofhim and
onlyhim.
Hewalksint
heroom andclear
shi
sthroat
.Ij
ust
keepundr
essi
ngtot
all
yignori
nghi
spresence.
Nthando:
"Don’
tyouevert
alktomeli
kethati
n
f
rontofmyf r
iendsev
eragainuy
ezwa?”
Zi
nil
e:"
OrWhat
?Your
egonnabeatme?
”
Nt
hando:
"Justt
rymeZi
nil
e-I
’
m st
il
lthemanof
thi
shouse-wor
kingornotandyoubet
ter
behav
elikeawomanorel sest
artl
ooki
ngfora
newplacetostay”
Hecl
ickshist
ongueandgoesbackt
ohi
s
f
ri
ends.Si
gh.
Nthandohaschangedal oteversincehel ost
hisjob.Hewasaphar maci standwhenhi m and
someofhi scol
leagueswer ebust edforsome
i
ll
egal drugoper ati
onsatwor knophar macy
want stot ouchthem. Wehav ebeent ogetherfor
eightyear sandhewast heref ormewhenIwas
downandoutwi thnot hingonmyname. Ijust
wishhecoul dgetaj obsot hatwecangetback
toourl i
vesandt orel
ieft hefinancial
burdenon
myshoul derscausei tisnotni cepayingfor
everythi
ng.
Myphonebeepsandi t
’sat
extmessagef
rom
Sophieremindi
ngmeaboutdi
nneratmy
parent
splacetomor
row.
Zi
nil
e:"
Damn”
Si
gh.
Im notl
ooki
ngf
orwar
dtot
hat
.
Mynamei
sZi
nil
eMt
hembuandt
hisi
smyst
ory
.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SIMHLOPHE
Lungisi
:
"Canyoupleasehol
dmycall
sfort
he
nexthourI’
m aboutt
ohavelunchwi
thmy
mother”
Mywor kismylife.Il
i
v eformywor k.Ibasicall
y
havenol if
eoutsidemywor kplace.
Sigh.Iguess
thatthepriceIhav etopayf ordedi
catingmy
wholel i
feonhardwor ktoachieveonlythe
greatandmyohmywasi tworthit
.I
m aboutt o
openmysi xt
hhot eli
nt hecountrycauseoft hat
sacri
ficeImade.
Thedoorspr
ingswi
deopenwi
tht
het
wo
womanbi
cker
ingnonst
op.
Sophi
e:"
SirIt
ri
edtot
ell
herthatyoudon’
twant
anyvi
sit
orsbutshei
nsi
stedI’
m sor
ry”
Lungi
si:
"I
t’
sokaySophi
eIgott
his”
Shewalksoutnotbef
oregi
vi
ngPri
sci
l
laoneof
hernast
ylooks.
Thehatet
herei
sunmi
ssabl
e.
Lungisi
:
"Ifi
tisn’
tthebeauti
fulPr
isci
l
la
MatthewswhatcanIdof oryou?
”
Shesett
lesdownont
hechairf
oldi
ngherl
ong
beaut
if
ul l
egsf
ormetosee.
Pr
isci
l
la:"
Ihear
dthatyourhotelwi
ll
behosti
ng
mymot her’
sconf
erenceovertheweekend?
”
Lungi
si:
"Cor
rectYes.
.”
Pri
scil
l
a:"
That
’sGoodther
ear eafewideasI
wouldli
ketopassbyy
our egardi
ngthe
confer
encesi
ncemymot herputmei nchar
ge”
Lungi
si:
"Ohokaybutt
odayi
t’
snotagoodti
me
whydon’tyoumakeanappoi
ntmentwi
thmyPA
out
sideI
’
m sur
eshecansqueezey
oui
n"
Pr
isci
ll
a:"
Mmmhorwecoul
dmeetupl
aterf
or
dr
inksi
namore.
..
”
Thedooropensupandmymot herwalksin
l
ookingmor ebeaut
if
ult
hanever.
Iguesst he
hol
idaydidhersomegoodcausesheisj ustthe
def
init
ionofglow.
Shesagi
nggraceful
l
y .
MaMhlophe:
"OhIdi
dn’
tknowy
ouwer
eina
meet
ing"
Pri
scil
l
a:"WowMr sMhlophewhatapl
easureto
meety ouI’
m Pr
isci
l
laMatthewst
heMini
sters
daughter?
"
Shehugsmymot herl
iketheyarewell
acquai
ntedwitheachother.
Mypoormot heri
s
j
ustconfusedcauseshedoesn’tevenknowa
si
ngleminist
erinthi
scountryofours.
Lungi
si:
"Uhm Mi
ssMatt
hewswasjustonher
wayoutmamay oucanset
tl
edown”
Pr
isci
ll
a:"
Iguesswe’
l
lresumet
hismeet
ing
l
ater
”
Shewinksatmebef
orehandi
ngmeherphone
numbers.
Mr
sMhl
ophe:
"Whatal
ovel
yyoungwoman”
Ij
ustchuckl
ebefor
esitt
ingdown.I
fonl
yshe
knewhowspoil
tandselfcenter
edsheisshe
wouldn’
tbesay
ingthosewords.
Lungi
si:
"Yeahr
ightany
way
stel
lmehowwas
theMaldiv
es?”
I
’
m Lungi
siMhl
opheandt
hisi
smyst
ory
.
.
.
.
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THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
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.
I
n.01
ZI
NILE
It
’sthenightofthedi
nnerandtosayI’
m excit
ed
wouldbeal iecauseIknowmypar ent
swillbe
screamingthesamet hi
ngoverandoveragain
i
nmyear .
‘
He’
sacr
imi
nal
whyar
eyoust
il
lwi
thhi
m’
‘
Hedoesn’
thav
emoneyhowwi
l
lhemar
ryy
ou
Zi
nil
e?’
‘
Youshoul
dfol
l
owi
nyoursi
ster
sfoot
steps'
Arggifonl
ytherewasamut ebut
tontoshut
them upwhentheygetstar
tedonthei
r‘y
ou
deservebet
ter
’lect
ure.
Nthando:
"Uhm babewherear
ey ougoi
ngt
his
l
ate?wit
hy ourov
erni
ghtbageven?”
Schucks.
Inev
ert
oldhi
m aboutt
hedi
nner
.
Zini
l
e:"
YeahbabeI’
m goi
ngov ertomyparent
s
andI’
ll
bespendingt
henight
-probabl
ythe
wholeweekend”
Ntando:"
Ohr eall
y?Soitnev
ercr
ossedyourmind
t
ot el
lme? Iwaslookingfor
wardtospendi
ng
t
imet ogetherthi
sweekend"
Zi
nil
e:"
I’
m sor
rybabei
t’
saf
ami
l
yemer
gencyI
wi
llseeyouonMonday”
Ipeckhisl i
psandrunoutt heroom beforea
steamyar gumentensues.Igrabmyt extbooks
i
nt heloungebefor
eheadi ngoutthehouse. I
mi ghtaswellusemyof fdaysforstudying.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Ideci
dedtot
akePr
isci
l
la’
sof
ferandhav
esome
dri
nkswit
hher.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Soabir
diet
oldmet
hati
fyournew
hot
elopensyouwoul
dbeonest
epcloseto
bei
ngintheFor
besli
st?
”
Ij
ustl
aughbef
oreshr
uggi
ngherof
f.
Lungi
si:
"It
houghtwewer
eher
etodi
scussy
our
mother’
sconfer
ence?
”
Shegi
ggl
esbef
orebi
ti
ngherbot
tom l
i
p.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Wewil
ldot
hatonMondayt
oni
ghtI
j
ustwantust
ohavesomefun”
Ifeelherfootmaki ngelect
rifyi
ngtr
acesonmy
l
eg.Priscil
l
ai sav erybeaut
if
ul womanwi t
h
every
thingst ackedper f
ect
lyonherbody .
I
wouldn’tmi ndseeinghernakedont opofme.Im
abachel orandsur elyonenightwon’tdoany
harm.
Lungi
si:
"ThenIsuggestwet
aket
hist
omy
pl
ace”
Shegrabsherpur
seandwalksoutt
easi
ngl
y
swayi
ngherhipstoent
iceme.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
MaMthembu:
”I
’m gl
ady
oudi
dn’
tcomewi
tht
hat
t
hugofyour
s”
Sophi
e:"
Hai
bomama!
”
MaMt
hembu:
"Yi
nii
t’
str
uemoes”
Zi
nil
e:"
MamaIdon’tunder
standwhyy
ouwon’
t
gi
veNtandoachance..
”
MrMthembu:
"WhatchanceZini
l
e?Thatboyhas
beenpromi
singt
olobol
ay ousi
nceyouwere
fi
ft
eenandnowyou’r
ebusycohabit
ingwit
hhim
doy
ouknowhowshamef
ult
hati
s?”
Mymot heri
sastr
aighttal
kerbutmyfather
takesthecup.I
tsl
i
ket heywerecutf
rom the
samecl oth.
Theyj
ustknowhowt otwistthe
knife.
Zini
l
e:"
Ilov
ehi m whydon’
ty ouunder
stand
that
?Ican’
tjustl
eavehim causehenolonger
hasmoney ”
MaMt hembu:
"Ohr
eal
l
y?i
tsbeent
woy
ear
s-t
wo
year
s"
Bythemi nut
eIfeel
myappetit
ef adi
ng.Sophi
e
tr
iestocomet omyrescuebytheyshuther
up.Adinnerwit
hmyparentsi
salway san
i
nterv
ention.
MrMthembu:"Thatboyisnot hi
ngbutaparasi
te-
Lookhowt hi
ny ouarebecausehehasbeen
sucki
ngony ourbloodsot hatiswhymeand
yourmotherhavedecidedt hatyoushoul
d
comebackhomeandst opdegr adi
ngyour
sel
f
anyl
ongerwi
thawor
thl
essboy
”
Zini
le:
"Sonowhe’ sworthless?Ican’
tbel
ieve
you’dsayt hatabouthim afterevery
thi
nghehas
donef oryouhehel pedy ououtbabawheny our
l
ittl
ecompanywasi ndebtbutnowhe’ s
wor t
hless?Heev enhelpedSophi egetajobbut
nowy ou’resayinghe’swor thl
ess?”
Igetupmyseatandrunoutsi
detothegar
den.
I
feelSophi
e’
sarmswrappi
ngaroundmybody
andwesi tt
her
einsi
l
ence.
Sophi
e:"
Theymeanwe’
l
lbaby
”
Zi
nil
e:”
Wel
lIdon’
tneedt
hat‘
wel
l
’oft
hei
rsnow”
Theymighthavesai
dsomehur t
ful
wordsbut
whathurt
sthemostisthatsomeofthose
wordsareactual
l
ytr
ue.
.
.
.
THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.02
LUNGI
SI
Wal kingdownt hestair
sIgetgreetedbyt he
strongsmel l
ofmyi mport
edcof f
ee.I
m av er
y
modestper sonbutI ’m al
overoffi
nerthingsi n
l
ife.Shewalksar oundthekit
chenflaunti
ngwhat
hermamagav eherinmyshi r
tandhermessy
hair.Mam Zondiwei snotgonnali
ket hi
s.She
hatesamessyki tchen.
Lungi
si:
"GoshWhatdi
dyougi
vemel
astni
ght
myheadi ski
ll
i
ngme”
Shegi
ggl
esandhandsmeacupofcof
fee.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Ij
ustgav
eyouagoodt
imet
hat
’sal
l
”
Shedi
shesupf
orusandset
tl
esdownnextt
o
me.
Lungi
si:
"Soy oucancook?
Youdon’
tlookl
i
ket
he
ty
pethat’s.
.y
ouknow..”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"What
?Domest
icat
ed?
”
Ij
ustchuckl
eandnod.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Idon’
thaveanyplanstodaysohow
aboutwespendtherestofthedaytoget
her
”
Ichokeonmyf ood-
her
eIt
houghtt
hiswasa
onceofft
hingnowshewantst
obond.Si
gh.
Lungisi
:
"Uhm act
ual
l
yIhav
eaf
ewt
hingst
odo
atthehotel
so..
”
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Comeonyoucancal
lthatPAofy our
s
tobri
ngthewor
ktoyouandbesidesIhav
e
somethi
ngtogi
veyou”
Shetakesmyhandandmakesmetraceher
thi
ghsallt
hewaytohermoi
star
ea.
Sheleans
overandstart
stopassi
onat
elysuckonmy
l
ips.
Myf r
iendwasri
ght-
womenar egonnabe
thedownfall
ofmeoneday .
.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Aft
erthehorr
ibl
edinnerl
astni
ghtmysi
ster
deci
dedtospendthedaywithmebefor
egoing
backtoherhouse.
Sophie:"
Marasisi
whydon’
tyouj
ustendthi
ngs
wit
hhi m causecl
ear
lyy
ou’
renol
ongerhappyi
n
thi
srelati
onshi
p?”
Shedi
gsherspooni
nmyi
cecr
eam t
ub.
Zi
nil
e:"
Whydoesev
ery
onekeepsay
ingt
hat
?”
Sophi
e:"
You’
rest
il
lyoungZeey
oucan’
tbe
putt
ingyoursel
fthr
oughthi
sImeany ourpeers
areprobabl
ycomplaini
ngofhangoveraches
ri
ghtnowandwenay ou’
recr
yingov
era..”
Zi
nil
e:"
Awor
thl
essman?ComeonSophiewe
bot
hknowNtandowasn’
tli
ket
hiswhenwe
met”
Ntandowaslikeadream whenImethi
m. He
wassodrivenbyhispassi
onthati
ntheendit
becamehisdownfall
.
Hebecamegr eedyf orwealtht hathegoti nto
someshadydeal swi thverybadguy si nt
o
steali
ngpr escri
ptiondr ugsfort hem. Hewas
fi
redandev ersincet henhehasnev erwor ked
again.Hedoesn’ tevenwantt ot akesi mplejobs
tomakeal ivi
ngsoIhadt otakeont woj obs
j
ustt okeept hebot hofusaf loat.
Im awai tress
bydayandacal lcenterconsul tantbyni ght-pl
us
studyingtowar dsmybusi nessmanagement
degreewitht hehel pofabur saryfrom
Wel l
i
ngtonTr anspor tati
ons.Sigh.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ican’
tleavehi
m-whatki
ndofwoman
woul
dIbe? Wouldyouleav
eThamii
fhelosthi
s
j
ob?”
Sophie:
"NoIwouldn’tbutoursi
tuat
ionsar
e
tot
all
ydiff
erentcausemyj obpaysgood
enoughformet ofeedthebothofus"
Zini
le:
"Ar
ey oufor
getti
ngt
hatitwasNtando
thatgotyoutheverysamegoodpayi
ngj ob?
”
Sophi
e:"
Yesandhowmanyti
meshaveIt
ri
edt
o
hel
phim buthi
spr
ideal
way
swins"
Herphoneri
ngsandsheanswersaf
ter
shushi
ngme.Shehangsupaft
erafewminut
es
andheavesaloudsi
gh.
Sophie:
"LookIhav
etotakesomef
il
est
omy
bosseshousefrom t
hehotel
”
Zi
nil
e:"
Wowsomuchf
orspendi
ngadaywi
th
me”
Sophi
e:"
Whydon’
tyougowi
thmey
oucangi
ve
meetmydel
i
ciousboss"
Ij
ustl
augh.
Zini
le:"
Nothankyou-Iknowyourki
ndof
deli
ciousandit
’snotmykindadeli
ciousbaby
”
Sophie:
"Okaywewi
ll
passbyt
hemal
landbuy
youthatdressy
ouwant
”
WithoutawordIgetupandheadt
oourr
oom t
o
getchanged.
.
.
.
Afterpi
ckingupt hefil
eswedr ovetoher
bosseshouse. Thehousei si
noneoft hemost
expensiv
esubur bsinthecount r
y.Thehouses
herelooklikeTylerPerr
y’sst
udios-huge.
Sophi
e:"
Beaut
if
ulneh”
Zi
nil
e:"
YeahYeahgodr
opof
fthef
il
essot
hat
wecoul
dgobuymydr
ess”
Sophi
e:"
Aoy
ou’
renotcomi
ngwi
th?
”
Ir
oll
myey
esbef
oreget
ti
ngbackt
omyphone.
Zi
nil
e:"
Tomeety
oursugardaddy
?Not
hanks”
Sophi
e:"
Ohoo”
Shegrabst
hefil
esandheadt
othegat
e.Nt
ando
cal
lsandIf
inal
l
yanswer.
Nthando:
"It
ri
edt
ocal
lyoul
astni
ghtwhydi
dn’
t
youanswer?”
Iheaveasighandcol
lectal
ltheener
gyar
ound
mej ustt
ospeakwit
hhim.
.
.
.
THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.03
ZI
NILE
Sophi
e:"
Ican’
tbel
i
evet
heycal
l
edy
out
owor
k
onaSunday”
Zi
nil
e:"
YeahIneedt
hemoneySophi
e”
Workingonaweekendmeansdoublether
ating
-weallknowIcoul
dusethemoney
.Ican’
tkeep
spongingoffmysi
ster
.
Sophi
e:"
Ohandwhati
sNt
andodoi
ng?
”
Zi
nil
e:"
Thisi
snotaboutNt
andojustgetr
eady
sothatyoucandr
opmeof fatworkonyour
wayhome”
Soappar
ent
lyshe’
sdoi
nganexcel
l
entj
obat
bei
ngaPAthatherbossdeci
dedt
ogi
vehera
cart
ogetar
ound.
Mymot
herwal
ksi
nst
il
li
nherchur
chcl
othes.
MaMthembu:"
Wenawherear
eyougoi
ng?I
t
houghtyou’
l
lbespendi
ngt
hewhol
eweekend
wi
thus?”
Sophi
e:"
Shegotcal
l
edatwor
kmama”
Shel
aughsbef
orecl
appi
ngherhands.
MaMthembu:"
Hai
sukashe’
sjustmi
ssi
ngi
vat
andsi
tyakhe”
Shesay
sbeforedisappear
ingt
oherr
oom whi
l
e
si
ngi
ngherchurchsongs.
Ireal
lydon’
tknowwhentheyar
egonnaaccept
thatNtandoi
sheret
ostayandthathe’
smyride
ordie.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Af
terwrappingupwi thsomewor katthehot
elI
metupwi t
honeofmychi l
dhoodfr
iendsatt
he
Ci
nDinerestaurant
.Iorderfort
hebothofus
whi
lehefiddleswithhisphone.
Dean:
"Manwhydi
dn’
tyoutel
lmeyouspendt
he
weekendwi
tht
heePri
sci
ll
aMatt
hews?”
Lungi
si:
"What
?ther
esnosuch”
Heshowsmeaself
iePr
isci
l
lapost
edonher
I
nst
agram wi
thmei
nthebackgr
oundt
alki
ngon
myphone.
Lungi
si:
"Whatt
he.
.?
”
Idon’tev
enr
ememberhert aki
ngthesnaps
whenIwaswi t
hher.Icallherbutherphone
takesmestr
aightt
ov oicemai l
.
Lungi
si:
"Pr
isci
ll
aWhatthehellwher
eyou
thi
nki
ngpost i
ngthatpi
ctur
efort
hewhol
ewor
ld
t
osee?I
fyouknowwhat
’sgoodf
ory
ouy
ouwi
l
l
t
akei
tdown”
Ihangupaf
terl
eav
ingheramessage.
Dean:"
Whyar eyousuchafool
?Youj
ustscor
ed
your
selfabeauti
fulmostwant
edgir
landwena
you’
rebusygivi
ngherahardti
meaboutmaking
youoffi
cial
-t
hegir
lwantsyouman”
Lungi
si:
"Wel
l Idon’
twanther
-I
twasj
ustaone
ni
ghtstandIdon’tknowwhyshe’
sact
ingl
ike
wearemar r
ied”
Aftermylastheartbr
eakIdon’tt
hinkIhav ethe
energyt
obei nanewr el
ati
onshi
p.Especial
ly
withsomeonel i
kePr i
sci
ll
a.Womendi ct
atedby
thespotl
i
ghtarenol ongermykindofdi sh.I
’
v e
beenthere-
donet hatandIgotburnt
.
Dean:
"WowCel
i
ner
eal
l
ydi
danumberony
ou
neh”
Lungi
si:
"Nomanit
’snotaboutt
hat-
hermot
her
i
saboutt ohav
eahugeeventatoneofmy
hotelsIdon’
twantpeopl
ethi
nki
ngIget
businessbysleepi
ngwit
hcli
ent
sandguest
s"
Dean:
"YouseewhenIt
oldy
out
hatwomenwi
l
l
beyourdownfal
l
?”
Lungi
si:
"YeahYeah”
Ikeept
ryi
ngPr
isci
l
la’
sphonewi
thnol
uck.
Sigh.
.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Iboughtsomet akeaway sonmywayhomet o
surpr
iseNtando.Iknowhehasn’ tcookedthe
wholeweekendandj ustdependedonbread
andcereal
.
If
indthehousel
i
ghtsandthetvswi
tchedof
f
whichisv
erywei
rdcauseNtandoi
snotanearl
y
sleeper-he’
dr at
hersleepinfrontofthet v.
Itake
thefoodt othekitchenandwal ktot he
bedroom. Ihearsoundscomi ngf r
om t he
bedroom. Soundsofpeopl ehav i
ngsex. Ntando
betternothav el
endedoneofhi sfri
endsour
houset odot hei
rnast ythi
ngs.Theyleftthedoor
sli
ghtlyopenedsomycur i
ouslycausesmet o
takeani nnocentpeek.Myhearnear lystops
whenIseeNt andost arknakedwi t
hanot her
womenpi nnedont hewal lt
hrusti
ngi ntoherlike
hislif
edependsoni t
.
Iwalkinandwatchonasanotherwomandi gs
herlongnai
lsi
ntomyman’ sfl
eshmoaningin
pl
easurewithherl
egswrappedaroundhissli
m
waist.
Nt
ando:
"Ohshi
tIl
ovey
oubaby
-fuckkk”
Thewor dspiercethr
oughmyhear tandthe
tearsfal
l.
Idon’tev
enhav ethestr
engtht
olet
outasi mplecoughtoletthem f
eelmy
presence.
Zi
nil
e:"
NTANDO”
Iyel
lhi
snamef rom t
hebott
om ofmylungsand
hedropsthegir
lonthef
loor
.Agir
lwi
thav er
y
fami
li
arface.
Nt
ando:
"Zee.
.Baby
..
I”
Hest
utt
ers.
Zi
nile:
"I
nourbedr
oom Nt
ando?
Wit
hyourbest
fr
iend’
sgir
lf
ri
end?”
Hetakesaf
ewst
epst
owar
dsmebutIst
ep
back.
Igl
anceathisdi
ckandmyhear
tjustshat
ter
sto
amill
i
onpieces.
Zi
nil
e:"
Youar
enotevenwear
ingacondom
Nt
andohowcouldyou?”
Nt
ando:
"Babypl
ease.
.I
’
m sor
ryl
et’
stal
kpl
ease”
Irunoutoft
hebedroom al
lthewayt
othe
l
oungewhereIgrabmythingsandheadoutt
he
house.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
Cr
oppi
e
I
n.04
ZI
NILE
NakuuNomat
hembauy
akhat
hal
a
Ut
hiakazazi
ukut
hiuzot
hini
Nangokuakazazi
Mmmmm akazazi
Mphef
uml
owam uzophel
elakuphi
Andi
sakwazi
nokut
het
ha
Ndi
zot
het
hanobani
Ndi
zot
het
hanobani
Ndi
zot
handwangubani
Na
XaNdi
shi
yal
endoda
Ndi
zot
handwangubani
na
Xandi
shi
yal
endoda
Hesay
sit
’smyf
aul
t
May
bendi
m
Hewasnev
erl
i
ket
his
Ineedhi
m
Ineedhi
m
Ineedhi
m
Hewasnev
erl
i
ket
his
Ineedhi
m
Mytear
skeepf
lowingdowntothevoiceof
AmandaBl
ackbursti
ngthr
oughtheradi
o’s
speaker.
Ithoughtcr yi
ngal lnightwasgonna
helpbutthepainget swor sebyt hesecond. How
couldNtandodot hist ome? Withhi sbestf r
iend
gir
lfr
iendeven?Withoutpr otection? I
’venever
l
ovedanymant hewayIl ov eNt ando. Hewas
myf i
rstloveandsomehowIt houghthewas
goingtobemyl astl ove.Ithur tstoknowt hathe
doesn’tl
ovemet hewayIt houghthedi dImean
heev enputmyl i
featr isksl eepingwi thanother
womanwi t
houtprot ection.Thev erysamegi rl
whousedt ohelpmepr epar ef oodi nmy
ki
tchendur i
ngourlittl
ebr aai sessi ons.My
parentsaregonnal ovet his.Ican’ tgot othem
l
ookinglikethi
scauseIknowmyf atherwon’ t
hesit
ategoingtohishouset obeatt heheckout
ofhim.
Themomentmysist
eropensherdoorIj
ustf
all
i
nherarmsandcr
yli
ketheworldi
scomingto
anend.
Sophi
e:"
Ohbabywhat
’swr
ong?
”
Itrytospeakbutwordsf
ail
tocomeoutsoI
j
ustcont i
nuetowetherpowerbl
ousewi
thmy
tears.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Aft
erwor
kIdroveoutoft
ownandwentt
othe
far
mtohavedinnerwi
thmypar
ent
s.
Zwel
i:"
Soyourmothert
ell
smeshemety
our
gi
rl
fr
iendt
heotherdayatthehot
el?
”
Hesay
swi
thaf
ewchuckl
esi
nthemi
x.
Lungi
si:
"Whatgi
rl
fr
iendbabat
hatwasj
usta
guestatt
hehotel
”
Sont
o:"SonWhoareyoutry
ingtof
ool?
Therei
s
somethinggoi
ngonbetweenyouandthat
mini
ster’
sgir
l”
Iknowhowmypar entshavebeenl ongingto
haveadaught eri
nlawandgr andchil
drenthat
theyuseeveryopport
unit
ytoper suademet o
marryagir
ltheyseemewi t
h.
Lungi
si:
"mamat
rustmethereisnot
hinggoi
ng
onbetweenmeandthatgi
rlandbesi
desshe’
s
notmytype”
Theybot
hlaugh.
Zwel i
:"Everywomani snoty ourtypemyboy -
l
ookIknowaf t
erCeli
ney oufi
ndi tdif
fi
cultto
tr
ustawomanagai nbutatsomepoi ntyou’r
e
gonnahav etomov eonwi thyourli
feli
keshe
di
d- you’regonnahav etogety oursel
fawi feand
startaf amily
-havechildrenwhowi llt
akeov er
al
l ofthisoneday -
chi
ldrenwhowi l
lconti
nueto
buildyourempi r
eboycausei fnotourl egacy
willdiewi t
hy ou"
Si
gh.
Lungi
si:
"IknowbabaIpr
omi
sewhent
het
imei
s
r
ightIwi
ll
dojustthat-
Iwil
lmar
ryandgi
vey ou
t
wot hegr
andchi
ldrenyou’
veal
wayswanted”
Sont
o:"
Usheshephel
anawebef
orewegett
oo
wri
nkl
ed”
Sigh.
AsmuchasIhat et oadmi ti t-t
heyar e
ri
ght.Ihav etomov eonwi thmyl ife.Ican’
tlet
Celi
nehol dmebackwhi leshe’sl ivi
ngherl ife
l
ikenot hinghappened. Sigh.Celinewas
someoneIt houghtIcoul dwifeandmakeher
themot herofmychi ldrenbuti nst eadshegot
pregnantandmademebel ievet hatt hebaby
wasmi newhi lstitwasnot .
Iwasbr okenso
brokent hatIal mostlostev er
ythi ng-myhouse-
thehot elsandal lmyinv estment s.Mypar ents
hadtosel lt
heirhouset opul l
meoutf rom the
pitofdebtIwasdr owningin.Tot hankandr epay
them Iboughtt hem afar m wher et heycoul d
l
iveoutt hei
rretir
ementday sinpeace.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Sophie:"
Ithi
nkyoushouldgogett
est ed-y
ou
don’tknowhowl onghehasbeensleepingwi t
h
thatgir
lsoIsuggestwegogetyout estedjust
tobeont hesafeside”
Ij
ustnodonherchestwit
htearsfl
owi
ngdown.
I
cr
ysil
entl
ytr
yingt
odigestever
ythi
ng.
Sophi
e:"
Whydidn’tyoucomeherel
astni
ght
-i
t
wasn’
tnecessar
yt obookamotelr
oom”
Zi
nil
e:"
Ineededsometi
mealonepl
usIdi
dn’
t
wanttobothery
ouandThami”
Sophi
e:"
Iseebuty
oucanst
ayher
eforasl
ong
asyouwant”
Shesay
swhi
l
epl
ayi
ngwi
thmybr
aids.
Zini
l
e:"
NoI’
m goi
nghomelaterbutI
’
m gonna
needyout
opickupmystuffformeatNtando’
s
I’
m noti
nthemoodtoseehim-Idon’
twantt
o
seehim ev
eragai
ninmyli
fe”
Sophi
e:"
Any
thi
ngbaby
”
.
.
.
Idecidedt ogot
otherestaur
antandtryto
convinceMrButhel
eziint
oallowi
ngmet owor
k
nightshi
fttomakeupfornotcomingtowor ki
n
themor ning.
Idi
dn’
tev
enbot herswapping
shift
swi t
hsomeoneelse.
Zi
nil
e:"
I’
m sosor
rysi
rIhadaf
ami
l
yemer
gency
”
But
hel
ezi
:
"Thi
sisapl
aceofwor
knotexcuses"
Zi
nil
e:"
Butsi
rmyphonedi
edandI.
.”
Buthel
ezi:
"Zi
pitandgetthehel
loutofmy
rest
aurant
-you’
refi
red”
Thewhol
eroom goessi
l
entf
orasecond.
Zi
nil
e:"
What?
Noyoucan’
tfi
remej ustf
or
missi
ngonedayofwor
kpleaseIneedthi
sjob
MrButhel
ezi"
Buthelezi
:
"Youwer eonpr obati
onMsMt hembu
andy ounotpit
chingforwor kcausedmet oget
areplacementforyouI ’
m sorrybutyou’
ref
iredI
don’thaveti
mef orincompet entandunr
eli
able
people”
Heputsonhi
sgl
assesandconti
nuest
otapon
hi
slapt
op.
Thi
smanisheart
less.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.05
ZI
NILE
Ican’
tbel
i
ev ei
namatt
erofdaysmylif
ehas
tur
nedupsi
dedown.
Inamatterofday
sIlosta
manandaj ob.
Mymot herwal
ksi
nmyr
oom wi
thoutknocki
ng
asusual.
Dori
s:"
OhmybabyIbr
oughty
ousomet
hingt
o
cheeryouup”
Shehandsmeabowl
ofamasi
andcor
nfl
akes.
Dori
s:"
Iknowhowyousecr
etl
yst
il
ll
ikey
our
fl
akeswithsourmi
l
k”
Ij
ustgi
ggl
eandgr
abt
hebowl
.
Zi
nil
e:”
Thanky
oumama”
Dor
is:
"ForWhatmybaby
?”
Zini
l
e:"
Fornotsayi
ngItol
dyousol
astni
ght
-
somethi
ngIdidn’
twanttohear
”
Dori
s:”
I’myourmotherbabyit
’smydut
yto
comfortyouatyourworstt
imes-
Iknowhow
youlovedthatboy
”
Shebr ushesmyhandwhi l
egivingmeher
si
nceresmi le.
Ithoughtshewasgonnagi v
eme
herlongItoldyousol ect
urelastni
ghtbut
i
nsteadshej ustheldmei nherarmsunti
lIfel
l
asl
eep.
Zi
nil
e:"
Myl
i
fei
samess”
Doris:
"Noit
’snot
-thi
sisablessi
ngi
ndisgui
se
yourjobandNtandowerehol di
ngy
oubackso
nowy oucanfull
yconcent
rateonyourst
udi
es
withoutanydi
str
acti
ons”
Zini
le:
"Iguessyou’
rer
ightbutIneedmoneyt o
sustai
nmy selfmamathebur sar
yjustcover
s
thefeesonlynothi
ngmor eandIdon’twantto
botheryouwithmoneyI’mtwentyfiveIshoul
d
bet
aki
ngcar
eofy
ounott
heot
herwayar
ound”
Shel
aughs.
Dori
s:”
Ohgetoutofher
ewhot oldyout
hat
-
you’
remybabywenaandy ou’
llal
waysbemy
babynowgetupandcomehel pmebakeyour
fat
heracakeaf
teryoufr
eshenup”
Shepl
ant
sasof
tki
ssoncheekbef
orel
eav
ing
myroom.
“INEEDTOSEEYOUPLEASE.
GIVEMEA
CHANCETOEXPLAINILOVEYOU”
At extcomesthroughfrom anunknown
numberbutIjustknowit’sNtando.
Hehasbeen
call
ingmewi t
hdiff
erentnumbersinceIbl
ocked
his.
Ireal
lyhav
etochancemynumber .I
m done
withhim.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Shekeepsstroki
ngmydi ckwithherlong
fi
ngerswhil
eshesucksmel ikealoll
i
pop.Her
warm mouthputsmybodyt hroughashi v
eri
ng
suspense.
Withoutwarni
ngshegetsont opof
meandsl i
desmydi ckdeepinsi
deher .
Lungi
si:
"Ohy
eah”
Ifeelt
hepleasureshootingstr
aighttomybrain
asshemov esherwai stinci
rcular
mov ement
s.Hernail
sdi gint
omyski nasshe
sati
sfi
esherselfwhi
lesquatti
ngont opofme.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Mmhhhshi
tthat
’ssogood”
Ilockhert
highsinmyar msandpoundher
vaginal
wall
swhi leI
’m underher
.Shet
hrowsher
bodybackbur st
ingherpussyevenmoreopen
formeandIj ustgoinsane.
Lungi
si:
"Yeskeepi
tli
ket
hatbaby
-j
ustl
i
ket
hat
”
Ikeepgoi
nghar
datherunt
ilshescr
eamsout
mynameandherj
uiceswetmyt
highs.
Ipl
aywithhercl
itcausi
ngherwhol
ebodyt
ogo
i
ntouncontr
oll
abletwit
ches.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"No-
notagai
n"
Igor ampageonherwi thoutmercywhilemy
breakgoesonnobr eakonhercli
tandonce
againshesquirt
sherl i
quidonmydi ck.
Itur
nher
overandtakeherfrom behind.
Ipull
herbyher
softcurl
yhairandlockherinmyar msand
thrusti
ntoherunti
lIgetdone.
.
.
.
Ireal
lydon’ tknowwhat sgoingonbet weenme
andPr isci
ll
abutIdon’ tl
ikeit-
Idon’tl
ikeitatall
becausef rom whereI ’
m standingthegirlt
hinks
we’reinsomesor tofrelati
onshipor
somet hing.si
gh.I
mj ustgladshet ookdown
thosepi
ctur
esandpromisedt
onev
erdosucha
stupi
dthi
ngeveragai
n.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"BabecanIpl
easeasky
ou
somethi
ng?”
Babe?
Pri
scil
l
a:"
Myfr
iendi
shavi
nganengagement
part
yonSatur
dayandIwoul
dreal
l
ylovei
tif
youweremyplusone”
Lungi
si:
"Uhm YeahIhav
earadioint
erv
iewon
Satur
dayPri
scil
laandaft
ert
hatI’
m goi
ngout
wit
hmyf ri
ends”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"What
?But
..
”
Lungisi
:
"Pl
easePr
isci
l
lawearej
ustsleepi
ng
toget
herwearenotacoupl
esopleasestop
try
ingsohard”
Igetofft
hebedandheadfortheshowers.My
wordsmighthavehur
therbutIwon’tl
ieto
nurt
ureherf
eeli
ngsatmyexpense.Thesexis
goodbutI’
m notgonnaf
all
int
oat
rapwi
thmy
eyesopened.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Iwassohappyt hatmyr esul
tscameback
negati
vebutIwasadv isedtocomebackafter
thr
eemont hsjusttobesaf eandhavetot
al
peaceofmi nd.
Leav i
ngt heli
brar
yIf
ind
Ntando’
scarpar kedout si
de.Hequi
ckl
ygetsout
ofthecarandr unsafterme.
Nt
ando:
"Zee.
.Wai
t.
.”
Ij
ustkeepwal
ki
ngunt
ilIf
eel
hisst
ronggr
ipon
mywr i
st.
Zi
nil
e:"
LetgoofmeNt
andoorel
seI
’
llscr
eam”
Hel
etsgoandkneel
sinf
rontofme.
Ntando:
"Okayokayl
etmegiveyoualif
tback
home-Ij
ustwanttotal
kandaft
erthatyoucan
wal
kaway
"
Zini
le:
"Nt andoIwantyoutogeti
nyourcarand
driv
eawayasf arawayfr
om measpossi
ble
causelisteningtoyouwouldj
ustbeme
confir
mi ngt hatI
’m af
ool”
Ntando:"
IloveyouZini
leshewasj usta
mistake-
shecamebyt hehousel ookingfor
Simoherboy fr
iendcry
ingt hathe’
snowher et
o
befoundandt hatshethinkshe’scheat i
ngon
herthenIstart
edcomf orti
nghert hen..
then”
Hekeepsbl
abber
ingwi
thoutst
eal
i
ngoxy
gen.
Zinil
e:"Mmhhy oucomf ortedherwit
hy ourdick
huh? howstupiddoy outhinkIam Ntandoitis
quiteobviousthatyouhav ebeensleepingwith
thatslutall
alongforyout ogetcomfortable
i
nt onotusingprotecti
on-doyouknowhow
scaredIwast hinki
ngthaty oumighthav egi
v en
mesomet hingbecauseofy our
i
rresponsibil
it
y?”
Thetear
sburningmyeyesfi
nal
l
yfal
ldown
bef
oreIqui
cklywipet
hem of
f.
Nt
ando:
"Baby
..
”
Zini
l
e:"
Mysi
sterwil
lpi
ckt
herestofmyst
uff
tomorr
owcauseyouandIar
edone”
Isuppr
esst hepainf
ulcr
yIwanttoletoutbutI
can’
tbreakdowni nfr
ontofpeopl
eandgive
Ntandothesatisf
acti
onthathehashurtme
beyondrepair
.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Iwon’tlieLungisi’
swordsreall
yhurtme.Im not
thetypeofgi rlt
hat’
susedt orej
ect
ion.Ir
eject
-
notrejected.Ther
ear esomanymenwhowoul d
givetheirli
vesjusttobeinmybed.Sigh.When
mymot hertoldmet hatshe’
ll
beholdingoneof
herconferencesslashchar i
tyeventf
orment al
ly
disadvantagedpeopleatMhl opheHot el
sIj ust
knewt hatitwasmychancet omeetwi t
ht he
greatLungi si
Mhlophe.I’
v ebeendy i
ngt omeet
themansi nceIsawhi sar t
icl
eintheYoung
Hot pr
eneur smagazinewher etheydi
scussed
hissuccessandr iches.Ijustknewhewast he
typeofmenIneedi nmyl ifeandIwillstopat
nothingti
llheputabi gr ockonmyf i
nger .
Tesha:
"Sofr
iendhowi
sthatl
i
ttl
emi
ssi
onof
yoursgoi
ng"
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
ohmyfr
iendthatmanisst
ubbor
nhe
sayswearej
ustf
uckingthat
’sal
l
”
Shegi
ggl
esbef
oresi
ppi
ngonhert
ea.
Tesha:
"Gi
rly
oucannevermakeamanl
ovey
ou-
you’
regonnagethur
tmyfri
end”
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
We’l
lseeaboutt
hat-comeonTeshI
wanttogetmarri
edtooandhav eki
dsj
ustli
ke
youandLungi
siistheper
fectcandi
dat
eplusit
woul
dn’thur
tbei
ngt
hewi
feoft
henextFor
bes
A-
li
ster
”
Shejustshakesherheadcl
ear
lydisapprov
ing
butIdon’tbudge.
Iwil
lmakehi
mf alli
nlovewit
h
me.Nomat t
erwhat.
I
’
m Pr
isci
l
laMat
thewsandIhopey
ou’
rer
eady
f
orme.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.06
TwoWeeksLat
er!
ZI
NILE
Sigh.
I’
vebeent ry
ingmybestt of orgetabout
Ntandoandmov eonwi t
hmyl if
ebuti ti
sjust
sohard.Imi sshi m. Im af oolforfeelinglikethat
butmyhear thasami ndofi t
sown. Sigh.I
tsonly
natur
al t
hatIf eelthiswayr i
ght ?
ImeanIspend
al
mostadecadel ov ingthatman. Iev endefied
mypar entsbymov inginwi thhim wi thouttheir
permissi
on- theyonl yletitsli
decauseNt ando
camet other escuewhenmyf ather’
si nsurance
companyr ef usedt opayoutf ortheshopand
becauseofal lthosepr omiseshemadeabout
makinganhonestwomenoutofme. When
tr
agedyst r
uckIdi dn’ twantt oleav e-Iwantedt o
showhi mt hatIl ov edhi m evenwi thoutt he
moneybutIguessi twasj ustnotenough.
Zi
nil
e:"
Getagr
ipZi
nil
edon’
tbeweak”
Ikeepwhi
sper
ingt
omy
sel
fov
erandov
eragai
n
bef
oreget
ti
ngbackt
omybook.
Khaya:
"Hast
hatNt
andoboyt
ri
edt
ocont
act
you?
”
Zi
nil
e:"
NobabaIchangedmynumber
s”
Khaya:
"That’
sGoodmygirl
nowy oucanfocus
onyourstudi
esandf
orgetaboutsuppor
ti
nga
gr
ownassman”
Hedi
sappearstot
heki
tchenl
eav
ingme
wor
dless.
Sigh.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
It
’sthedayoft
heMatthewseventandit’
sa
madhouseinthehot
el.
Thehoteli
sful
lybooked
fr
om allt
heguest
sthatwil
lbeatt
endingthe
event.
Sophi
ewal
ksi
nwi
thDeanbehi
ndher
.
Sophi
e:"
Deani
sher
etoseey
ouMrLungi
si"
Sherol
lshereyesandIj
ustchuckl
eIknowhow
Dean’
slit
tl
ecrushonherannoyshert
othecor
e.
Lungi
si:
"Thanky
ouSoph”
Dean:
"DamnthedayIhav
ethatwomani
nmy
bedIwil
lst
opmywomani zi
ngdays”
Lungi
si:
"She’
smar
ri
edman”
Dean:
"Whocar
es?
Iwon’
tst
opt
il
lIgether
”
Lungi
si:
"Wel
lyouwi
l
lgetheroutt
herenotinmy
hotel
Idon’
twantmyworker
sfeel
ingharassed"
Hechuckl
es.
Dean:
"Yeahwhat
ever
”
Lungi
si:
"I
’m seri
ousDeanorelseI
’
m gonnaban
youfr
om comi ngtothi
shotel
”
Dean:
"OkayIhear
dyouman"
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
TheeventscompanyandLungi
si’
sst
affhav
e
real
l
youtdonethemsel
vesthepl
acel
ooksli
kea
God’spal
ace.
Mymot herr eall
ywentoutofherwayt omake
surethatpeopl einjectmoneyi ntoherl it
tle
hospit
al.Sigh.Ireallydon’tknowwher eshegot
thepassi onf orhelpingment al
lydisturbed
peoplecauseshecoul dhavebeenpassi onat
e
aboutbei ngt hemi nisterswifebuti nsteadshe
choseherownpat hs.Sigh.
I’
v ebeenl ooking
aroundt hehal lforLungi si
andIf inallyspothim
atthemi ni barwi thsomemen. Hehasbeen
avoidi
ngmel ately-
notr epl
yingmyt extsandmy
call
s.
If
ixmymakeupandwal
ktot
hem.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Lungi
sicanwet
alkf
orami
nut
e?”
Lungi
si:
"I
’m st
il
lbusy
-may
bel
ater
”
Heturnshi
sbackandgoesbacktochat
ti
ng
wit
hhisfri
endsdi
smi
ssingmeli
keanaughty
chi
ld.
Feel
ingali
ttl
ehurtanddi
sappoi
ntedIchatup
thenextt
hingint
rouser
snexttome.Maybethat
wil
lgethi
sattent
ion.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Ithi
nkPr i
sci
ll
aisgonnabeahugepaini
nmy
ass.Idon’
tknowwhyshecan’
tgetthemessage
thatI’
m notherman.
Lungi
si:
"Gentl
emeni
fyou’
l
lexcusemeIhav
ea
phonecallt
otakei
nmyoffice”
Iexcusemy sel
fandheaduptomyof
fi
ce.The
eventissuchasuccessthatMr
sMat
thewshas
al
readymanagedt
orai
seami
l
li
onf
ort
he
hospi
tal
.
ThedoorswingswideopenandPr i
sci
ll
awalks
i
nholdingherl
ongreddress.Shel
ocksthedoor
andstrut
ti
ngl
ywalkstowardsme.Herdressi
s
sl
it
tedsohighherupherthighmakingmedrool
ali
ttl
e.
Shesi
tsonthet
abl
eandpour
sher
sel
fagl
ass
ofwhi
skey
.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"OkayMrMhl
opheIgeti
t”
Lungi
si:
"Getwhat
?”
Pri
scill
a:"
Thatf orwhatev
erreasonsyoudon’t
dor el
ati
onshipsandIunderstandthatcause
I
’vehadmyf airshareofbadluckin
rel
ationshi
pst hat’
swhyIprefertogothe
untamedway ”
Ij
ustchuckl
e.
Lungi
si:
"Ohr
eal
l
y?”
Pri
scil
la:
"YeahlookI’
m downf orj
usthavingfun
onlynostri
ngsattachedjustsexwit
hno
emotionalatt
achment s-
Ithi
nkyoucanagr ee
wit
hmet hatwear esexuall
ycompati
bleandi t
wouldbef ool
ishofust onotexpl
orethatopti
on
becauseofausel essmisunderst
andi
ng"
Sherunsherf i
ngersonmycheekwhi
lebit
ing
herl
ip.Shestar
tskissi
ngmewhil
edir
ecti
ngmy
handinsideherdress.
Ireal
l
yhopeshe’sgonnasti
cktoherownt er
ms
causeidon’
tseemy sel
fget
ti
ngburntbythis
si
tuati
on.
Cel
inewast hel
astwomant ohurtme.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Igetwokenupbyconstantsof
ttapsonmy
bedroom wi
ndow.
Ihearsoftwhi
sperscomi
ng
t
hrought
hewi
ndow.
Aman’
svoi
ce.
Voi
ce:
"Zee-
It
sNt
ando”
Iqui
ckl
ygetupandgot
othewi
ndow.
Zinil
e:"
NtandoWhatar
eyoudoi
nghere?It
sthe
mi ddl
eoftheni
ghtdoyouwantmyfathertoki
l
l
you? ”
Ican’
tbel
i
evet
his.
Nt
ando:
"Ican’
t-
Lookpleasecomeoutsot
hat
wecant
alkjustfort
womi nut
es”
Zi
nil
e:”
Nogobackhome”
Nt
ando:
"ThenIwi
l
lst
ayher
eunt
ilmor
ning"
Hesquat
sdownandl
eanagai
nstt
hewal
l
.
Iquickl
ygrabmyr obeandheadoutsi
de.
Good
thi
ngmypar ent
saredeepsl
eeper
s.Thi
sguy
won’tgive.
Nt
ando:"
Zini
l
eIneedyouIcan’
tli
vewi
thouty
ou
pl
easecomebackhomeIpromisetobea
bet
terman”
He’
sdr
unk.
Reeksofal
cohol
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Youdon’
tneedmey
ou’
rej
ustdr
unk”
Ntando:
"Tel
lmewhattodot
ogety oubackand
Iwil
ldoitIwil
lev
ensel
lmyl
iverpl
easetakeme
back”
Ij
ustgi
ggl
e.
Zini
l
e:"
Whychangenowwhenyouf
ail
edt
obe
themenIwantedyear
sago?
”
Ntando:
"If
ail
ed? Ifai
l
edbecauseyourpar
ents
convi
ncedyout hatIam angi
thi
youli
stento
them morethany oudotome”
Zini
l
e:"What?
Sonowyou’
rebl
ami
ngmypar
ent
s
foryourmist
akes?
”
Ntando:"
Yourpar
entsneverli
kedmet heyjust
l
ov edmymoneyandnowt hatit
’snomor ethey
arepoisoni
ngyouagainstmeandbecause
you’r
esonaiveyouarefall
i
ngforit”
Isl
aphim acr
osst
hef
aceandhei
nst
ant
ly
sober
sup.
Zini
le:"Donty oudar emaket hisaboutmy
parent s?Mypar entsdi dn’ttell y
out ogetgreedy
andl osey ourj ob-t
heydi dn’tt el
lyoutogiveup
onlifeandf eel sor
r yfory our self-
theydidn’
ttel
l
yout of eell
iket hewor ldowey ousomet hi
ng-
mypar entsdi dn’ttellyout obeapr i
deful
egomani acwhosepr idewasmor eimportant
thant akinganyj obt opr ovidef orhimselfand
theycer tai
nlydi dnott el
l yout oscrewy ourbest
fri
endsgi r
lf
riend”
Hejustl
ooksatmewi
tht
ear
sgl
i
steni
ngi
nhi
s
ey
es.
Zini
l
e:"
Gof i
xyourl
if
eNtandocauseIdon’tthi
nk
anyotherwomanwouldsett
lefort
hisimageof
amanbef oreme-amanthat
’snoteventr
y i
ngto
beaman”
Iwal
kawayf
rom hi
m andheget
sinhi
scarand
dr
ivesawaywi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.
Sigh.
.
.
.
I
’
m sor
ryIdozedof
fbef
orepost
ingl
astni
ght

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.07
ZI
NILE
Ijustwrotemyl astpapertodayandSophie
tookmeoutf oral it
tl
epensdownpar tyf
or
two.It
hinki twoulddomegoodaf t
erwhatI
wentthr ough.Ineverheardfrom Ntandosince
thatnightandIdon’ tplanont el
l
ingSophiethat
hecametothehouselat
eatnightdur
ing
wit
chest
ime.Myfamil
ywill
justsi
ngrest
rai
ning
or
der.
Zi
nil
e:"
Don’tt
ell
mey
oul
eftThami
all
by
hi
mself?”
Sophie:
"Of
causeIdi
dhe’snottwoweboth
needsomet i
meawayfrom eachot
hernowand
then”
Mysist
erandThami havebeenmarri
edf
ortwo
year
snowafterdat
ingforfi
veyear
sandthey
coul
dn’
tbehappier
.
Weordersomedr
inkswhil
elist
eni
ngt
othe
musi
cplayi
ngi
nthebackground.
Zini
l
e:"
Thisi
sani
cepl
ace.
.howcomeI
’
venev
er
beenhere”
Sophie:"
Whodoesn’tknowNClubsbutyoudon’
t
knowi tcauseyouwerebusypl
ayinga
housewifeoftheyearwit
houtari
ng”
Shel
aughs.
Zini
l
e:"OhooNtandousedt
otakemeoutf
or
yourinfor
mati
on"
Ili
ethroughmyteet
h.Idon’
tevenrememberthe
l
asttimehetookmeoutf orasimplewal
kin
theparkandsomeicecream.
Sophi
e:"
Wel
lmybossandhi
sfr
iendspart
yhere
someti
messowemightbumpi
ntothem and
maybegety
ouamant omendt
hatbroken
hear
t”
Ir
ollmyeyesandpretendl
ikeIdi
dn’
thearher
st
atement
.Thelastt
hingIneedri
ghtnowisa
man.
Sophi
e:"
Any
way ssi
nceyou’
redonewi
thy
our
examsyou’
regonnaneedsomethi
ngt
okeep
busywit
hsoIgotyouajob”
Zi
nil
e:"
What
?Wher
e?How?
"
Iaskexci
tedl
ycauseIwasnotl
ooki
ngf
orwar
d
tospendingmyholi
dayssul
ki
ngovermy
heart
breakandmissi
ngNtandoathome.
Sophi
e:"
DeanSpor
ts”
Zi
nil
e:"
I’
venev
erhear
dofi
t”
Sophie:"
Yeaht
heownerismyboss’
sfri
endand
hehasahugecr ushonmesoIuseditt
omy
advantage”
Igetof
fmyhi
ghchairandr
unt
ohersi
det
o
giv
eheral
ongti
ghthug.
Zi
nil
e:"
Thanky
ousi
si"
Sophie:
"Butt
heyarestil
ldoingsomeextreme
renovat
ionstotheshopsot hey
’l
lcal
lyouwhen
theyaredone-pr
obablyaft
eraweek?”
Zini
l
e:"
WellI
’l
lwai
tfort
heircal
lIwasnotr
eall
y
l
ookingfor
wardtothepr
ocessofjobhunt
ing
agai
n"
Ior
dert
henextr
oundandt
heni
ghtgoeson
wit
huspar
tyi
ngaway.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Dean:
"ManIwishIhadagi
rll
i
kePri
sci
l
lat
ogo
hometo-
thatgi
rli
sgagaov
eryou”
Ij
ustl
aughbef
orecal
l
ingf
ort
hewai
tr
ess.
Lungi
si:
"Let’
snott
alkaboutPr
isci
l
lat
oni
ghtI
j
ustwantt ohaveadri
nkandgohome”
Ishoul
dneverhav
eagr
eedi
ntocomi
ngwi
th
thi
sidi
other
e.
Lungi
si:
"Any
way
sWheni
stheshopopeni
ng?
”
Dean:"
Tendaysf
rom nowIcan’
twai
ttol
aunch
thenewsport
swearr
ange”
Myfr
iendisi
ntospor
tsbutwon’
tpl
ayanyspor
t
t
osavehisli
fe.
Dean:
"Butl
etmenotr
uint
hesur
pri
se-
youwi
l
l
seeev
ery
thi
ngatt
hedayoft
her
e-openi
ng"
Lungi
si:
"Youandsur
pri
ses"
.
.
.
.
I’
vebeenwat chingpeopl
edownonthedance
fl
oordanci
ng- havi
ngtheti
meofthei
rli
vesbuta
cert
aingi
rlcatchesmyey e.
Shedanceslikeshe’
sdancingtoherown
tune.
Mymi ndtel
lsmetot akethestai
rsandgo
downt oherbutmynervesplaywithmeandI
j
ustchuckleatmycowar dness.
Dean:
"HeymanguesswhoIbumpedi
nto
downstai
rs-
Sophi
e”
Lungi
si:
"Real
l
y?Shecomesher
e?”
Dean:
"Appar
ent
lyIaskedhert
ocomej
oinus
buty
oual
readyknowt
heanswert
othat
”
Ij
ustl
aughathi
mforbei
ngsuchani
diot
.
Il
ookbackdownonl ytoseethegirl
dancing
wit
hsomeguyandmyhopesj ustdi
e.Myphone
ri
ngsf r
om mypocketandIputitonsil
entthe
momentIseePr i
sci
ll
a’snamef l
ashi
ngont he
screen.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Voi
ce:
"CanIj
oiny
ou?
”
Itur
naroundandf indaguyst
andingbehind
me.Averytallhandsomeguy.
Ijustnodandwe
dancet
oget her.
Heintr
oduceshimsel
fasLuyandaandasksme
t
ojoinhim andhi
sfri
endsaf
terdanci
ng.
Sophi
e:"
Whowast
haty
ouwer
edanci
ngwi
th?
”
Zini
l
e:"Luyanda-
andhewant
sust
ojoi
nthem at
thei
rtable”
Sophi
e:"
WellIdon’
tli
kehi
m andwear
eleav
ing
i
ntwomi nut
es”
Zi
nil
e:"
What
?It
houghty
ouwant
edmet
ogeta
man?”
Sophi
e:"
Yeahbutnothi
m-come”
Shegr
absmywr i
stsanddragsmeoutofthe
cl
ubwhileIl
aughhy st
eri
cal
ly.
Mysi
steri
s
somet
hingelse.
Luy
andacomesr
unni
ngbehi
nduscal
l
ingout
myname.
Zi
nil
e:"
Luy
anda?
”
Sophi
e:"
Wownowwhat
?”
Sheaskscl
ear
lyannoy
edbywhati
shappeni
ng.
Wi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
nghehol
dsmebymy
waistandki
sstheli
vi
ngdayl
ight
sinme.Mylegs
st
arttofeel
li
ghtsoIpul
lawayfrom t
heki
ss.
Heshovesapieceofpaperinmyhandand
pecksmycheekbefor
erunningbacki
nsi
dethe
cl
ub.Hegav
emehi sbusinesscar
d.
Zi
nil
e:"
Uhm WhatJusthappened?
”
Iaskst
il
lfr
azedandal
i
ttl
edi
zzyf
rom t
heki
ss.
Sophi
e:"
I.
.Idon’
tknowMi
ssIdon’
tneedaman"
Ourtaxi ar
ri
vesanddrivesusbackhome. Ikeep
r
eplayingthekissoverandov eragai ninmy
mind.Iwon’tmindgetti
ngkissedl ikethatagain-
wit
hsomuchpassi onandneed. Idon’teven
r
emembert helastt
imeIwaski ssedl i
ke
t
hat.Sigh.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.08
PRI
SCI
LLA
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Howlongdoesi
ttaket
obuzza
per
sonin?Theent
ir
eyear
?”
Ican’
tbel
ieveLungi
si’
shelpermademewai tf
or
al
mostfif
teenminutesoutsi
dethegat
ebefore
l
etti
ngmei n.
Ihaveafeel
ingshedoesn’
tli
keme.
Zondi
we:
"I
’m sor
ryIwasst
il
lbusy
”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Wher
eisy
ourboss?
”
Zondi
we:
"MrLungi
si?
Hewentt
owor
kImean
i
t’
saweekdayaft
erall
”
It
’sconfir
medshedoesn’
tli
kemeandIcoul
dn’
t
careless.
Zondi
we:
"Iwi
l
ltel
lhi
myouwer
eher
enowi
f
y
ou’
l
lexcuseme”
Sheshowsmet hedoorandIj ustsavemy
breathandgetout .
Idon’tknowwhyLungi sihas
thetendencyt oignoremycal l
s-butwhenhe
hastheur geheanswer sbeforethesecond
ri
ng.Sigh.
Somet imesIwonderwhyt hehel
lim
putti
ngmy sel
fthroughhel l
foramant hat
doesn’tevencar ewhatIhadf orbr eakf
ast.
Ifi
ndhismotherget
ti
ngof
fataxi
out
sidet
he
gateandIsei
zethemoment.
Ijustruntoherandkissherbeforegivi
nghera
softpeckont hecheek.
Iwon’tli
eshe’savery
beautiful
womanandqui teclassyandstyl
ish
forherage.Shehasnothingonmot herbutshe
represents.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Ohmamai
t’
sal
way
sni
cet
oseey
ou
howareyou?
”
MaMhlophe:
"I
’m goodMsMat
thewsgoodt
o
seey
out oo”
Myhear
tjustsmil
es.Sher
emember
edmeand
t
hati
sagoodsi gn.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Ohpleasemamacal
lmePr i
sci
l
laI
assumey ouar
eheret
oseeLungi
si?
”
MaMhlophe:
"YesIwantt
otal
ktohi
m bef
orehe
goest
othehotel”
Pri
scil
l
a:"
Youmi ssedhim hej
ustlef
tanhour
agobuttel
lyouwhathowaboutIgodr opyou
offatt
hehotelafterwehavebreakf
ast
?"
MaMhl
ophe:"
Noi t
’sokaythankyouIwi
l
ljust
t
akeat
axithereIdon’twanttobeanui
sance"
Modestl
i
keherson.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Nev
erI
’
m gl
adt
ohel
p”
Ihel
phert
othecarandwedr
iveof
f.
Thi
sis
good.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
I
’vebeenholdi
ngmyphoneandcardi
nmy
handsfi
ghti
ngwit
hthei
nnerwomanwomani n
mescreamingatmetodial
thenumberandcal
l
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Justcal
lhi
m Zee”
If
inal
l
ygat
hert
hecour
ageandcal
lhi
m.
Luy
anda:
"Luy
andaMkhi
zehel
l
o”
Myt
hroatgoesdr
yandwor
dsf
ail
me.
Luy
anda:
"Hel
l
oar
eyout
her
e?”
Ihangupwi
thoutbr
eat
hingawor
d.
It
hrowmyphoneont
hebedandl
aughat
mysel
f.
Zi
nil
e:"
Wowy
ou’
resuchacowar
d”
Hecall
smebackandmywhol ebodyjust
tr
embles.
Igetat
ingl
ingsensat
ionfr
om allt
he
butt
erf
li
esinmystomach.
Ij
ustl
eav
eitr
ingi
ngandhesendsmeat
ext
.
“Iknowi
t’
syouZiIwi
l
lcal
lyoul
aterandIr
eal
l
y
hopeyou’
l
lanswer
”
Goodnesswhatam Idoing.Ishoul
dnev erhave
cal
ledhi
m.Thebutter
fl
iesslowlygetreplaced
byahugeknotofguil
tiness.Ij
ustgotoutofa
ser
iousrel
ati
onshi
p.
Voi
ce:
"Andt
hatsmi
l
ent
ombi
?”
Mymotherbr
ingsmebackt
oear
thst
andi
ngat
t
hedoor.
Zi
nil
e:”
Yohmamahowl
onghav
eyoubeen
st
andingt
her
e?”
Dori
s:"
Longenough-Whowasthatont he
phone?Ihopey
oudidn’tgi
veadrunkardyour
phonenumbersatthatfi
lt
hypl
acey ouandyour
si
sterwenttol
astnight"
Ij
ustshy
lygi
ggl
e.
Zi
nil
e:"
YohmamaIwasnott
alki
ngt
oaboy"
Doris:
"Itbet
ternotIdon’
twantasoni nlaw
from thoseclubplacesmatt
eroffactIheard
thattheMahl anguboyisbackandhe’sgoingto
beournewpast oryohyoushoul
dseehi m my
babyhewoul dmakesuchaper f
ecthusbandf or
you”
Mymot
hergotj
okesf
orday
s.
Zini
le:
"WowmamaIdon’tseemyselfset
tl
ing
forapastor
’swi
fe-
minaumamfunduzino
never”
Il
aughl
i
keshej
ustsai
dthef
unni
estj
okeev
er.
Shecli
ckshert
ongueandleav
esmyr
oom
cur
singbet
weenherbreat
hs.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
It
ookLungi
si’
smot
hert
oCi
nDi
nef
orani
ce
expensi
vebr
eakf
astbef
oreweheadt
othe
hotel
.
MaMhlophe:
"SoPri
sci
l
labesi
desf
rom bei
ngt
he
mi
nist
ersdaught
erwhatdoyoudo?”
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
IworkatDesi
gn-
Itoneofthefamous
desi
gnerhousesi
nthecountr
y-I
’m afashi
on
desi
gner”
Shenodswi
thasmi
l
eonherf
ace.
MaMhl
ophe:
"Icanseey
oudr
essv
eryni
cel
y”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Thanky
oumama”
MaMhl ophe:
"Youshoul
dcomeoverf
ordinner
overtheweekendmeandmyhusbandwoul d
l
iketogettoknowLungisi
’
sgi
rl
fr
iendali
ttl
e
bett
er"
Iswearmywhol
eworldnear
lystoppedthe
momentsheutt
eredt
hewords.Il
ikethesound
ofthe‘
G’wor
d.
Lungi
sii
sgonnal
ovet
his.
.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Sigh.Ihadt odr
iveoutofthepr
ovinceearl
yin
themor ningtogoputoutsomef iresatt
henew
hotel.Myheartnearl
ystopswhenIseemy
mot herwithPrisci
l
laoutsi
demyof fi
cechatt
ing
andl aughingli
kethey’
vebeenfr
iendsfor
ever.
Sophiejustkeepseyebal
l
ingt
hem wi
thherki
l
ler
eyes.Shereal
lydi
sli
kesPri
sci
l
lat
hat’
sonethi
ng
forsure.
Lungi
si:
"Mom Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”
MaMhlophe:"
Oht hereyouare-
Iwentbyyour
housesoearlyinthemorningandy ouwer
en’
t
ther
esoPriscil
l
awassweetenought obri
ngme
hereaf
tert
hedel i
ciousbreakf
astshebought
me”
Il
ookatPri
sci
l
laandshej
ustshr
ugsher
shoul
der
s.
Lungi
si:
"Oht
hatwassoki
ndofher
”
MaMhlophe:
"YessoI ’
veinvi
tedtheherf
or
di
nneronSaturday
-you’r
einvit
edtoo”
Lungi
si:
"What
?Di
nner
?Youcan’
t.
.”
MaMhl
ophe:
"Uhuhnonegot
iat
ionsbeatt
he
f
armfi
vepm shar
p”
Ican’tbel
i
evePriscil
lapull
edsuchapat
het
ic
stunt
.Ipul
lheront hesidewhil
emymother
chatstoSophie.
Lungi
si:
"Whatdoy
out
hinky
ou’
redoi
ng
Pri
sci
ll
a?”
Pri
sci
ll
a:”What
?Icoul
dn’tdecl
i
neasweetof
fer
fr
om asweetwomanl ikeyourmot
heri
twould
havebrokenherhear
t”
Ichuckl
e.Thi
sgi
rlt
hinksI
’
m notawar
eoft
he
gameshe’
str
yingt
opl
ay.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Ohcomeoni
t’
sjustadi
nnernota
weddi
ng”
Shepecksmyl
i
psandgr
absherbag.
Prisci
ll
a:"
Iwill
seeyout
oni
ghtcauseit
’scl
ear
thatthereissomuchyouwanttogetoffy
our
system”
Shegiggl
esbeforewal
ki
ngt
omymot
hert
osay
hergoodbyes.
Sigh.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.09
PRI
SCI
LLA
I
t’
stheni
ghtoft
hedinnerandtosayI
’
m exci
ted
woul
dbeanunderst
atement.
Mr
sMatthews:
"Ihopet
hist
imey
ouwon’
tmake
amessofthi
ngs”
Ijustrol
lmyey esandkeepst yl
i
ngmyhair
.I
forgottomentionmymot heri
snott
henumber
onecheer l
eaderofmyl i
fe.Al
waysbl
amesme
formyf ai
li
ngrelat
ionshi
ps.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Not
hisonei
sforkeeps”
Shel
aughs.
MrsMat
thews:"
That
’sWhatyousaidaboutMar
k
andweallknowhowthatended”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Wowt
hanksmom"
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
What?Letsf
aceitmybabyyou’r
every
goodwithdesi
gningcl
othesandmakingpeopl
e
beaut
if
ulbutyousuckatrel
ati
onshi
ps"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Wewi
l
lseeaboutt
hat
”
Mr
sMat
thews:
"Sot
ell
mewhoi
she?
”
Ij
ustchuckl
eandgetbacktomymakeup.I
knowtel
li
ngheraboutLungi
siwi
llmeanalong
l
ectur
eabouthowIshouldn’
tbesleepi
ngwit
h
peopl
eshedoesbusinesswit
hit
.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Iwi
l
lseey
ouwhenIseey
oumom”
Igr
abmycl ut
chbagandheadout.
Sigh.It
hink
i
t’
stimeIgotmyownplacecauseli
vingwith
par
entscanbesuff
ocat
ingsometi
mes.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Sophi
e:"
Ican’
tbel
i
evey
ou’
regoi
ngoutwi
tht
hat
dweep”
Shesul
kswhi
l
etur
ninghermagazi
ne
pages.Sheev
enrefusedtohel
pmegetready
j
ustbecauseI’
m goingoutonadat
ewit
h
Luyanda.
Zini
l
e:"
HaiboIdon’
tknowwhaty ouwantf
rom
me-weren’
tyoutheverysamepersont
hat
advi
sedmet ogetlai
d?”
Sophi
e:"
Yeahbutnotwithsomeguyy
oumetat
thecl
ub-Imeantpeopl
eli
kemybosspeopl
e
withmoneyandclass”
Zi
nil
e:"
WowbecauseI
’
m agol
ddi
ggerneh?
”
Idon’
tevenknowwhatmysi steri
stal
ki
ng
aboutbecauseThamihadnothingwhenthey
metsoI’m notgonnaent
ert
ainheradvi
ses.
Sophi
e:"
Pleasedontsl
eepwi
thhi
m”
Shepl
eadsmaki
ngherpuppyey
es.
Zini
l
e:"
Ofcausenot
-I
’v
ejustmett
heguyaf
ew
daysback”
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Priscil
l
acouldn’thi
detheexci
tementwhenshe
discoveredthatmyparentsl
iv
einaf ar
m.Icoul
d
seet hedoll
arsignsshi
ningi
nhereyes.
Zwel
i:
"SoPr
isci
ll
awhenar
eyouandmyson
gi
vi
nguschil
dren?”
Shechokesonherf
oodandmymot herhands
heragl
assofwater
.Justl
i
keIt
hought-
kidsar
e
notonhermenu.
Zwel
i
:"What
?Don’
ttel
lmethet
woofy
oudon’
t
pl
anonhavi
ngchil
dren?
"
Pri
scil
l
a:”
OfcausewedoMrMhl
ophebutwhen
theti
meisright"
Zwel
i
:"Ohandwheni
sther
ightt
ime?
”
Shelooksatmewit
hherpleadi
ngey
es
probabl
yaski
ngt
oberescuedbutIj
ustkeep
quietandconti
nuetofeastonmymot her’
s
food.I
m notevenpl
anningoncoughingtohelp
heroutonthisone-
shebr oughti
tuponhersel
f.
Mr sMhlophe:
”Hai
boZweliwewi
llgetour
grandchil
drenaft
ert
heygetmar
ri
ed-isn’
tthat
ri
ghtLungisi?”
Ij
ustchuckl
eandeatmyf
ood.
.
.
.
Zwel
i
:"Youdon’
tlov
eherdoy
ouson?
”
Myfather
’svoicebri
ngsmebacktoplanet
ear
th.
Idecidedtohaveadri
nkinthebal
cony
whi
letheywerewi t
hPri
sci
l
lainthehouse.
Ij
ustshakemyhead.
Zwel
i
":"
ThenWhatar
eyoudoi
ngher
ewi
thher
?”
Lungi
si:
"Youshoul
dasky
ourwi
feshe’
stheone
t
hati
nvi
tedher
”
Zweli
:
"OkayIseeIdon’tknowhowy our
gener
ati
onoperatesbutinmyt i
meitwasabad
thi
ngtostr
ingawomanal ongwhil
eyoudi
dn’
t
havepur
eintent
ionswithher”
Lungi
si:
"Iknowbaba-I
’m wayi
ntoodeepnow
yourwi
feev enl
ovesher”
Zwel
i
:"Iknowsowhatar
eyoupl
anni
ngt
odo?
”
Ij
ustshrugmyshouldersbef or
ehepat smy
shoul
der.Myf
atherisr
ight.Idon’
tlovePri
scil
l
a
norwantarel
ati
onshipwithhersopl ayi
ng
al
ongtoThischeradewillonlygetoneofus
hurt
.WhenwegethomeI ’
m gonnaendt hings
wit
hher.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Luy
andahasbeennot
hingbutagent
leman
si
ncet hebeginningofourdateandy oucan’t
di
smi ssthefactthathe’
squiteasightforsore
eyes.He’
swel lbuil
twit
hav er
ywhitebeautif
ul
smile.
Wespentthenighttal
kingabouthim andhis
modeli
ngcareercauseIhadnothingtotel
l.I
coul
dn’
tbringmy sel
ftotel
lhi
mt hatIwasted
myyearsinvest
ingamant hatdidn’
tseemy
wort
hintheend.
Luy
anda:
"Idon’
twantt
hisni
ghtt
oend”
Zi
nil
e:"
SodoI
-I
’v
enev
erhadsomuchf
uni
none
ni
ght"
Wewentt ot
hecinemat
owat chamovieaf
ter
di
nnerthenwenttot
heSugar
CandybarwhereI
near
lyputmysel
fint
oasugarcoma.
Luyanda:
"Canwepl
easespendmoret
ime
toget
herbefor
eIl
eavef
orDurban”
Hegotamodeli
nggigi
nDur
banandhe’
s
l
eavi
ngnextweek.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ican’
tbel
i
evey
ou’
l
lbegonef
oramont
h”
Luyanda:
"Icoul
dal
way
scancel
andst
ayher
e
wit
hy ou?
”
Zini
l
e:"
Hel
lnothi
sisahugeoppor
tuni
tyand
besi
desyou’
l
lbebacksoon-
amonthwon’tki
ll
me"
Luyanda:
"I
twon’
tki
l
lyoubutIt
hinki
t’
sgonna
ki
ll
me”
Ij
ustgi
ggl
ebef
oreheholdsmeinhi
sarms.
I
cl
osemyeyesandbr
eathehi
sscenti
n.
Luyanda:
Ist
il
lcan’
tbel
i
evey
ouagr
eedt
obemy
gi
rl
-mywoman”
Zi
nil
e:"
Wel
lIcantbel
i
eveI
’
myourgi
rl
”
Hechuckl
esbeforecuppingmyf acewit hboth
hi
shands.
Heplantasof tpeckonmyl ips
befor
eweengagei naslowheadspi nningkiss.
I
pi
nmybodyagai nsthi
sashi shandsrunal l
overmybody
.If
eel mywhol ebodygoingnumb
andmyl
adypar
tsdanci
ngt
oat
uneoft
hei
r
own.
Luy
anda:
"It
hinki
t’
sti
meIt
ooky
ouhome”
Hesay
saf
terbr
eaki
ngt
heki
ss.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ithi
nksot
oo”
Isaywithmyeyesst
il
lcl
osedrecov
eringfrom
thetor
turemybodyi
sgoingthr
ough.Sigh.
.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Priscil
la:
"Ican’
tbeli
evey oujustsatt
her
eand
wat chedy ourf
athercrucif
yingmemakingme
feel l
esswoman”
Hejusttakeshisj
acketof
fwi
thoutanycar
eto
whatI’
m saying.
Lungi
si:
"Cr
usi
fy?
Itdi
dn’
tlookl
i
ket hatf
rom
whereIwassi
tti
ng-t
heol
dmanj ustaskedyoua
quest
ion”
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Wowyouev
enf
ail
edt
ochi
pinawor
d
ordef
endme?"
Lungi
si:
"Def
endy oufr
om what?Idon’
tknow
what’
sthebigfussaboutcausewearenot
eveni
nar el
ati
onshipIhopetoni
ghtwasa
l
esson”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Al
esson?
”
Lungisi:
"LookPri
scil
l
aIcantdot hi
sanymore-
youbr okeyourownr ul
eswhathappenedtono
str
ingsat t
ached?I
t’
sov erPr
isci
l
la”
Theroom j
ustgoessil
entandhislastwor
ds
echoinmyheadlikehesaidthem wit
hina
speaker
.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Whatyoucantbr
eakupwi
thme-
lookI
j
ustwantedyourpar
entst
oli
keme”
Lungisi
:
"Wel
lthedi
dn’
t-
LookI’
m cal
li
ngat
axi
foryouIwanttobeal
onetoni
ght"
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
NoI’m notgoi
nganywher
e-Youwon’
t
usemeandt ossmeasi del
i
kethat
-i
m nota
di
rtyt
issue”
Itakeof
fmydressandsi
tont
hebed.
Lungi
si
doesn’
tknowme.
Lungi
si:
"Fi
net
henI
’
lll
eav
e”
Hegr abshiscarkey
sandwal koutt he
room.ThereisnowayI’m gonnalethimleav
e
me. He’l
lj
ustblowoffsomest eam andcome
backt ome.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
I
n.10
LUNGI
SI
Mymotherbargesinmyoffi
ceandjudgi
ngby
herf
aci
alexpr
essionshe’
smad-ver
ymad.
Shethr
owsherbagont
hecouchandf
oldsher
armstoherchest
.
Lungi
si:
"MamaWhatbr
ingsy
ouher
e?I
s
ever
ythi
ngokay
?”
MaMhl
ophe:
"Whatdi
dyoudot
oPr
isci
l
la?
”
GodIshoul
dhaveknown.
Ofcauseshewoul
d
runt
omymot her
.
MrsMhlophe:
"Lungisiwhywoul
dyoubreakup
wi
thabeaut i
fulgoodmanneredgi
rll
i
ke
Pr
isci
l
la?Shelovesy oumyboy"
Shepl
eads.
Ijustheav
easi
gh.
Lungi
si:
"Mayouwoul
dn’tunderst
andthe
si
tuat
ionbetweenmeandPr i
scil
l
a-i
t’
s
compli
cated"
Mr
sMhl
ophe:
"Okayuncompl
i
cat
eitf
ormet
hen”
Lungisi
:"
Wewer ejustsleepingt
ogethermama
wewer en’
tinarelat
ionshipsoIhadt obr
eaki
t
offbefor
eIlostcontrolofthesi
tuat
ion"
Theshockonherf
acei
sunmi
ssabl
e.
MrsMhlophe:"
What?
Soy oumeant otel
lmethat
youbroughtoneofyoursexpar
tnerstomy
house?”
Shecl
apsherhandsi
ndi
sbel
i
ef.
MaMhlophe:
"Howdoy oubringyour
sel
ftosl
eep
wi
thsomeoney oudon’tl
ove?Whati
fshe’
s
pr
egnant?
Yaziyouneverthi
nkwena?Youbet
ter
makethi
ngsrightwi
ththatgir
l”
Shegrabsherbagandleavesmyof
ficecur
sing
thedayIwasborn.
Sigh.
Igott
agi
veitto
Pr
isci
l
la.
She’
ssomet
hingel
se.
.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Sophi
e:"
Soy
ou’
reget
ti
ngl
aidt
oni
ght
?”
Zi
nil
e:"
Noi
tisj
ustani
nnocentsl
eepov
er”
Luy
andaisleav
ingforDurbantomorrowsowe’ll
bespendi
nghislastni
ghtheretoget
her.
Ican’
t
wai
ttoseehisplace.
Sophi
e:"
Real
l
y?Youar
enotgonnasl
eepwi
th
hi
m? ”
Ijustshakemyheadandcont i
nuetopackmy
ov er
nightbag.IaskedSophi
etocomecov erfor
meorshoul dIsaycomel i
eaboutmespending
thenightatherhouset omyparent
s.
Sophi
e:"
Whynot?
Ithoughty
oulikedhi
m andI’
m
surey
ouwanttogetri
dofthatwebbetween
yourl
egs”
Shelaughswhi
leIj
ustcli
ckmyt ongue.
Iswear
i
fshewasn’tol
derthanmeIwoul dhave
sl
appedher.
Iguessthat
’swhatIdeserv
efor
sucki
ngatmakingfri
ends.
Zi
nil
e:"
YeahbutI
’
m notr
eadyf
ort
hatphaseof
i
nti
macy ”
Sophie:"
Wowsoy ou’
regonnagivethepoorguy
blueball
stheent
ir
enightbecauseyou’r
enot
ready?ComeonZeeWhoar ey outr
yingtofool
you’r
emakingthepoorguyyourrebound”
Zi
nil
e:"
What
?NoI
’
m not
”
Sophi
e:"
YouknowI
’mri
ght
-any
way
shur
ryup
myhusbandiswai
ti
ngf
orme”
Ifi
nishuppacki
ngandshedr
opsmeof
fat
Luyanda’
sbuil
ding.
Sophi
e:"
Don’
tfor
getwear
emeet
ingupwi
th
Deantomorr
ow"
Shedriv
esawaywhensheseesLuy
anda
runni
ngmyway.Si
gh.
Weexchangesal
ivabef
oreheleadst
hewayto
hi
sflatwhi
chisv
erybeaut
if
ulbytheway
.So
cl
ean.Soneat
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Wowy ouhav
esuchanicepl
ace-
your
cl
eanerisdoi
ngapret
tygoodj
ob"
Hel
aughs.
Luy
anda:"ThankyoubutIcl
eanthi
splace
myself
-Icl
eanaft
ermy sel
f-
that
’swhatmy
mothertaughtme"
Zi
nil
e:"
GoshIal
readyl
ovey
ourmot
her
”
Ican’
tbelieveI’
m act
uall
ywi t
haguythatknows
howt ocleanafterhi
mselfunli
keNt
andoand
hisfr
iends.Theyarej
ustpigs.
Luy
anda:
"Any
way
slet
sgomakesomef
ood-
it
’s
gonnabeal
ongni
ght
”
Hewi
nksatmeandIf
oll
owhi
mtot
heki
tchen.
Isettl
edownont hehighchairanddrool
ov er
him ashepr epar
est hefood.
Godhelpmecause
Ithi
nkI’m gonnaendupbeggi nghi
mt otakeme
beforemor ni
ngrises.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Icamet oLungi
si’
splacebef
oreZondiwecould
knockoff.
IknewifIcamewhenLungi siwas
homehewoul dn’
thav el
etmei n.
Ihearhi
scar
parki
nginthegarageandIquickl
yli
ghtthe
scentedcandl
esont hest
air
case.
Lungi
si:
"Whatt
hef
uck?
”
Hesay
slooki
ngar
oundt
hehouse.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Wel
comehomehoney
”
Idropmysi
l
kyr
opeandwal
ktohi
minmyhi
gh
heels.
Lungi
si:
"Howt
hehel
ldi
dyougeti
nher
e?”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"YourZondi
wel
etmei
n”
Iunbucklehi
sbeltandgentl
yshovemyhandi
n
hi
spant swhil
ekeepingeyecont
actwi
thhi
m.
Lungi
si:
"Pr
isci
l
last
op”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"St
opWhat
?”
Isquatdownandsli
dehisdi
ckinmymout
hst
il
l
maintai
ningey
econtactwi
thhi
m.
Hethr
owshi
sheadbackandholdsont
omi
ne
whi
l
egivi
ngmesomesoftgroans.
Igodeepthr
oatonhi
m butIknowhe’
snot
gonnacomesoIgetupandleadhi
m upst
air
s.
Hiseyesar
eful
loflustandIcanhearhi
shear
t
beat
ingwit
hanti
cipati
on.
Ibenddownexposi
ngmynakedbut
tforhimto
see.
Isof
tl
yspankmybut
tcheekandgivehi
m
mynaughti
estsmil
e.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Comet
akemef
rom behi
nd”
Hechuckl
esbef
orehepl
acesbot
hhi
shandson
mywaist.
Lungi
si:
"OhPr
isci
l
la-
Whatam Igonnadowi
th
you?”
Hesay
sinasexyhuskyv
oice.
Wi
thoutwar
ninghet
earsmypanti
esandpl
ays
wi
thmycli
tbefor
eenter
ingme.
.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Luy
anda:
"Sowhat
’sy
ourst
ory
?Dontt
ell
meI
’
m
t
heonl
yguywhoseest
hatbeaut
y?”
SoLuy andawant st oknowmor eaboutme-
especial
lymyl ovel i
febutI’
m sti
l
lnotateaset o
tal
kaboutNt ando. Thewoundi sti
ll
fresh-Imean
Itr
ysohar dtof orgetabouthim butnotaday
goesbywi thoutmet hi
nkingabouthim.May be
Sophiewasr ight.
May beIam usingLuy andaas
myr ebound.
Zini
le:"
WellIj
ustgotoutofaser
ious
rel
ationshi
p”
Luy
anda:
"Ohwhathappened?
”
Zi
nil
e:"
Uhm I
’
drat
hernott
alkabouti
t”
Luy
anda:
"Okayy
ou’
l
ltal
kwheny
ou’
rer
eady
”
Sil
ence.
Thepoorguypr
obabl
ythi
nksI
’
m not
seri
ousabouthi
m.
Zini
le:"
Letsnotruinaperf
ectni
ghtbytalking
aboutourpastsl et
’sj
ustenj
oyourlastnight
togetherokay?”
Icuphi
sfaceandpassi
onat
elyki
sshi
m whi
l
e
myhandsrunall
overhi
stor
so.
Luy
anda:
"SoWhatdowesuggestwedo?
”
Igi
ggl
ebef
oret
aki
ngmyT-
shi
rtof
f.
Hesucksonmyl ipswhileheletsmybr east
fr
eefrom mybr a.
Hecar essesthem before
sucki
ngont henipplessendingapleasing
sensati
onthroughoutmyent ir
ebody .
Ifeelmy
cl
ithavi
ngahear tbeatofit
sown.
Luy
anda:
"Uhm ar
eyousur
eaboutt
his?
”
Inodandhequi
ckl
yscoopsmeofft
aki
ngmet
o
hi
sbedroom.
Sophi
eisgonnaki
l
lme.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.11
ZI
NILE
Sigh.
Icoul
dn’
tfaceSophiewhenshecameto
pickmeupf r
om Luyanda’
splace.
Iknowshe
knowswhatIhav edone.
Sophi
e:"
Iknowt
haty
ousl
eptwi
thhi
m”
Shebl
urt
soutandIchokeonmyf
ood.
Sophi
e:"
Whathappenedt
oI’
m notr
eady
?”
ThatsWhatItoldmy sel
fbutthehoeinme
coul
dn’tr
esistLuy
andaGoshhedr ovemecrazy
wit
hhi st
ouch.Apartofmefeelsgui
lt
yfor
j
umpi ngi
ntobedwi t
hhim soearl
ybutmybody
won.
Zi
nil
e:"
Idi
dn’
tpl
ant
oitj
usthappened”
Sophie:
"Idon’
tlikehi
m butI
’m gladhemade
youfeelgoodbutonet hi
ngforsureisthatI
’
m
notcoveri
ngf oryounextt
ime-you’
llhav
etotel
l
theparents”
Zi
nil
e:"
What
?NoI’
m notint
roduci
nganot
her
mantomyparent
swithoutaringonmyfi
nger"
Shelaughsbef
orer
aisi
ngherhandf
orahi
gh
fi
ve.
Sophi
e:"
AnywaysguesswhoIbumpedi
ntoat
MedFarm phar
macy-Nt
ando”
Zini
l
e:"
Real
l
y?Whatwashedoi
ngt
her
e?Buy
ing
condoms?”
Sophie:"
Hewasmopingthefl
oor
-yohIwasso
shockedwhenhetol
dmet hathewasoneof
thecleaner
sint
hepharmacy”
Il
aught
hinki
ngt
hatshe’
spul
l
ingaf
astoneat
me.
Zi
nil
e:"
You’
rej
oki
ngr
ight
?”
Sophie:
"Iwi
shIwasbutit
’st
hetr
uth-
hetol
dme
i
tistheonlywaytogety
ouback-
toshowyou
thathehaschanged”
Nowt
hisi
snotwhatIwasexpect
ingt
ohear
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Oh?
”
Sophie:
"YeahHet ol
dmehewant stobethe
many ouf el
linl
ovewithbystart
ingfr
om the
bott
om y ohIswearifhewasn’tgenui
neabout
al
lthoset hi
ngshesaidthenhe’saprett
ygood
act
or”
Gui
lt
inesswashesallov
erme.Theguyi
sbusy
t
urni
nghisli
fearoundandher
eIam openi
ng
mylegsforanot
herman.
Zini
le:
"OhkodwaSophi
ewhydi
dyout
ell
me
thatnowI’
mf eel
i
nggui
lt
y”
Sophie:"
Guil
tyforwhat?youhelpedhimfi
nd
himselfagai
nbutf ornowt hebothofyouneed
toliv
ey ourl
i
v esseparat
elyandlear
ntoliv
e
withouteachother”
Ijustsi
ghandgul
pdownmydri
nk.
Sheset
tl
es
thebill
andwedri
vet
oDean’
sSpor
ts.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Lungi
sicanwet
alk?
”
Ohher
ewegoagai
n.
Lungi
si:
"Ohgeezwhatnow?
”
Shegr
absmyhandandl
eadsmet
othebed.
Pri
scil
la:"
IknowIsaidIwantedustohaveano
str
ingsattachedrel
ati
onshi
pbutIcan’
tdoit
anymor eLungisi
"
Herey
esst
artt
ogl
i
tterwi
tht
ear
s.
Pr
isci
l
la:"
Inowknowt hatIcan’
tmakeyoulove
meandy ouwillneverlovemeorconsi
derbeing
i
nanor malrel
ationshi
psoI ’
vefi
nal
l
ydecidedto
l
etyougof ormyownsanit
ycausethi
s
si
tuat
ionofoursisdr
ivi
ngmetothewall
andI
havetogetout”
Thetear
sfal
landshewipesthem of
fwithher
hand.
Shepecksmylipsandgrabsherpurse
befor
eheadi
ngtothedoor.
Lungi
si:
"Pr
isci
l
lawai
t”
Shepausesandturnst
ofaceme. Shel
ooksat
mewithsomuchneedi nhereyes.Somuch
needtohearwhatshewantstohear.
Lungi
si:
"Iguesstr
yingwon’
thur
t-
wecant
akei
t
onedayatat ime”
Thewordsleaveasourtasteinmymout h.
She
j
ustjumpsatmeandki ssesmyent i
refacei
n
betweenhercri
es.
Sigh.
Ireal
lyhopeI’
m not
gonnaregr
etthi
s.
.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Wemetupwit
hDeanathisshopandsofarhe
hasmademefeel
freeandcomfor
tabl
e.
Dean:
"Sophwhydi
dn’tyout
ell
mey
ouhav
e
suchabeaut
if
ulsi
ster?
”
Sophi
e:"
Why
?Sot
haty
oucanhar
asshert
oo”
Webot
hlaughwhi
l
eheact
shur
t.
Sophi
e:"
WowDeanyoureal
l
yout
doney
our
sel
f
thi
sshophasev
ery
thi
ng"
Dean:
"Onl
ythebestbabyIev
enhav
eagy
m
upst
air
s"
Sophi
e:"
WowI
’
mimpr
essed"
Dean:
"I
mpressedenought
oal
l
owmet
otake
yououtonadate?”
Mysi
sterj
ustchuckl
esbef
orewav
ingherr
ing
i
nhi
sface.
Sophi
e:"
Canwegetthi
sinter
viewoveranddone
wit
h?Iwantt
ocheckouttheshop"
Dean:"OkayZi ni
l
eallyouhavet
odoi st
omake
meadel i
ciousyethealt
hysmoothi
eusingonl
y
theseingredient
s-y
ougetthatr
ightt
henyouget
thejob”
Zi
nil
e:"
That
sit
?”
Hej
ustnodswi
thast
upi
dsmi
l
eonhi
sface.
Hedisappearswit
hSophieupstair
swhil
eI
maket hem t
hesmoot hi
es.Ihav
eaf eel
i
ngthat
Ial
readyhavethejobhejustwantstohave
someal oneti
mewi t
hSophie.
Myphonepingsandit’
sfr
om Wel
li
ngt
on
Tr
anspor
tat
iontel
li
ngmet ocometot
hei
r
of
fi
ceonMonday .
Sigh.
Whatnow?
.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Isai
dohhI
’
m bl
i
ndedbyt
heni
ght
s
NoIcan’
tsl
eepunt
ilIf
eel
yourt
ouch
Isai
doohI
’
m dr
owni
ngi
ntheni
ght
OhwhenI
’
mli
ket
hisy
ou’
ret
heoneIt
rust
Ihearmymothercal
l
ingoutmynameandI
swit
chofft
hemusic.
Janet:
"Whati
sitwi
thy
out
odayandy
ourl
oud
music?”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"I
t’
sTheWeekndmamay ouknowhow
hi
smusicinspir
esme- Icoul
dleavethi
sroom
wi
thtwofashionrangesreadyforthef
actor
y"
Shel
aughsandwal
kst
omysampl
ed
mannequi
n.
Janet
:"
Mmmhhi
t’
sni
cebutIknowt
hisi
snot
t
her
easony
ou’
rehappyWhati
sgoi
ngon?
”
Ij
ustgi
ggl
eandzi
pmymout
h.Iwi
l
ltel
lher
whenthet
imei
sri
ght
.
Pr
iscil
l
a:"
Let
sjustsayIf
inal
l
ygotwhatI
wanted”
Janet
:"
Ohr
eal
l
y?AndWhati
sthat
?”
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Youwi
l
lknowwhent
het
imei
sri
ght
-
ver
ysoon”
Janet
:"
Okayany
waysdon’tfor
gety
our
appoi
ntmentwi
thDrSandrasonWednesday
"
Ij
ustr
oll
myey
es.
Sigh.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
I’
m okaymom Idon’
tneedtoseeher-
I
don’
tevenknowwhyIstil
lhavetoseeheri
t’
s
beenfi
veyears”
Janet
:"
You’
regoi
ngPr
isci
l
lawhet
hery
oul
i
kei
t
ornot
”
Pr
isci
ll
a:"
PheewwIcantwai
ttomovet
omy
man’shousesothaty
oucanstop
mi
cromanagi
ngme”
Sheshakesherheadandleav
esmyroom.Im
notgonnaletherrui
nmydaysoIwi
l
l j
ustgoto
herst
upiddoctor.
Ican’
tbeli
eveLungi sifi
nall
yagreedt
ogiveusa
chance.
Togi vemeachanceandour
rel
ati
onshi
pachance. IguessIshoul
dthankmy
motherforthatreversepsychol
ogyarti
cleof
hersandmybr i
l
li
antact i
ngofcause.
Itakeaqui
ckshowerandt
akeafewnudesf
or
Lungisi
tof
easton.
Iknowhowheli
kesmywet
hair.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.12
ZI
NILE
Dori
s:"
Youshouldn’
tbeworr
yingy
our
sel
fli
ke
thi
sit
’spr
obablynothi
ng”
Myner veshav ebeenshooti
nguptheroofsi
nce
Iwokeup. Ican’tshakeof
fthi
snastyf
eeli
ngi
have.Whywoul dt heWell
i
ngtoncompany
contactme.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ireal
l
yhopesomamacauseIcan’
t
af
fordtogetmorebadnews"
Shef
ixesmydr
essbef
orepi
nchi
ngmycheek.
Doris:
"I
twil
lbeokaysowhatarey
ourplansfor
thedayIwashopingthatwe’
l
lgotochurchso
thatyoucanmeetthe.
.”
Icutherof
fbef
oreshecoul
dev
enf
ini
shher
stat
ement.
Zini
le:
"I
’m sorr
ymamabutmybosscall
edusto
prepar
ef ortheopeni
ngtomor
rowandI
’
llbe
theref
ort hewholeday”
Dor
is:
"Ohokaygoodl
uckt
hen”
Igrabsomefr
uit
sandheadouttocat
chat axi
.I
don’tf
eell
i
kestomachi
nganyt
hingri
ghtnow.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
ImetupwithTeshaforl
unchandal
it
tl
e
shoppi
ng.
She’
sahousewi f
esosheal
wayshas
fr
eetimeonherhands.
Pr
isci
ll
a:"
OhhLungi
sii
sgonnal
ovet
his-
Ican’
t
waitt
ostri
pint
hisf
orhim”
Tesha:"
Youknowsexandl
i
nger
iecannev
er
hel
py oukeepaman”
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Ohher ewegoagai n-
howmanyt i
mes
mustItell
youheagr eedtobeinarel
ati
onshi
p
wit
hme? PleasejustbehappyformeTeshi
havenevermetsomeonewhomakesmef eel
thi
sway ”
Shejustshakesherheadwhi l
egoingt
hrough
thedr esses.
Lungisi
andIar
egoingonourfir
st
offi
cialdatetoni
ghtandIwanttowowhim out
ofhisshoes- Iwanthimt
odroolli
keabull
dog.
Tesha:
"I
’mjustsayi
ngImeantheguywant
ed
nothi
ngtodowi t
hyouafewdaysbackandnow
al
lofasuddenhewant st
otry
?”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Canwej
ustst
opt
alki
ngaboutt
his?
”
Isnapstar
tl
ingher
.Teshacangetonaper
son’
s
nervessometi
mes.
Tesha:
"OkayI
’
m sor
ryIdi
dn’
tmeant
oupset
you”
Pr
isci
ll
a:"
OkayGoshwherethehel
listhenew
st
ock?Thesedressesar
esolastseasonno
wonderIwearmyowndesigns”
Iaskt
heshopassi
stantwhoj
ustgawksatme.
Assi
stant
:"
Uhm wehav
eafewdressesatthe
backI
’m sur
ewecanfi
ndsomet
hingforyou”
Prisci
l
la:
"SoWhatar
eyouwai
ti
ngf
or?
Goget
them”
Si
gh.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Talkaboutpoorcustomerservi
ces-I
shoul
daskmyf athertobuythiscir
cusofa
bouti
queformesot hatIcanteachthem afew
thi
ngsortwoorIcouldjustfi
rethem”
Tesha:
"MmmhhYeah”
.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
I’
mreall
ynotl
ookingf
orwardtomydatewi
th
Pri
sci
l
lacauseIknowjusthowshel
ikes
showi
ngoff.
Sophiewal
ksint
alki
ngonherphonewi
thav
ery
saddenedf
ace.
Sophie:
"Okaydon’
tcr
yjustgohomeaft
ery
ou
fi
nishupattheshopIwil
lpopbylat
er"
Shecontinuest
ocomf or
ttheper
sonont
he
otherendoftheli
ne.
Sheheav
esal
oudsi
ghaf
terhangi
ngup.
Lungi
si:
"What
swr
ong?
Isev
ery
thi
ngokay
?”
Sophi
e:"
It
’snothi
ngMrLungi
sij
ustsome
per
sonalstuf
f”
Lungi
si:
"Not
alkt
omeSophi
e”
Iper
sistcauseIknowshe’
sreal
l
ydy
ingt
otel
l
me.
Sophi
e:”
It
’smysi
ster-
herbur
sarypeopl
ejust
pul
ledoutonher
-she’
ssodevastat
ed"
Lungi
si:
"Oht
hat
’sawf
ulI
’
m sor
ry”
Sophi
e:"
Godwhatam Igonnado?
Shecan’
tdr
op
outnow”
Herey
esst
artt
ogetgl
ossy
.
Lungi
si:
"Whatabouty
ourpar
ent
s?”
Sophie:
"Myparent
sar
eli
vingoffthei
rpensi
on
moneyr i
ghtsowecan’
tburdenthem wit
hour
expenses”
Ihandherat
issuesot
hatshecoul
dwi
peher
tear
s.
Lungi
si:
"Okayst
opcr
yingIwi
l
lpayf
ory
our
si
ster
sfees”
Sophi
e:"
What
?You’
l
lWhat
?”
Ij
ustnodandherf
acej
ustl
i
ght
sup.
Lungisi
:
"Imightbey ourbossbutyou’
reli
kea
si
stertome- asist
erInev erhadsoIt
hinkit
’s
onlyr
ightthatIhel
py ouandbesidesi
t’
snotlike
Ihaveasisterouttheretohelpout
”
Sophi
e:"
ThankyouMrLungi
siIpr
omi
set
hatwe
wil
lpayyouback”
Shej
umpsupexci
tedl
yandshakesmyhand.
Lungisi
:
"Ther
e’snoneedtopaymebackyour
si
stercanpaymebackbymaki ngsur
ethatshe
worksveryhardonherst
udi
es”
Sophi
e:"
Thanky
ouIcan’
twai
ttot
ell
hert
he
goodnews”
Shegrabsherphoneandl eavemyoffi
cewi t
h
somuchexci tementi
nherwal k.
Myphoner i
ngs
andPr i
scil
l
a’snameflashesonthescr
een.Shes
probablycall
i
ngtoremindmeofourdat e.
.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Sigh. I
fbadl uckhadanambassadori twoul dbe
me- Zinile.
IswearNt ando’sbet r
ayal openedup
awor l
dofdar knessf orme. Not hingi sgoingmy
way .Ican’tbel i
eveWel li
ngtonTr anspor tati
ons
bailedoutonme. Ishouldjustdi ecauset hisis
reallytheendofme. Howam Igoi ngt opayf ora
degr eewi thaspor tsshopsal ar
y? Itr
iedsohar d
tokeepi ttogetheratt heshopsi nceIcoul dn’t
affordt oloset heonl ythingIwasl eftwith-I
coul dn’taffordtogetf ir
edbef oret heshopev en
opened. IpassedbyMedFar mt ogr absome
headachepi l
lsbef orecatchi
ngat axi
home. Sophi ehasbeensendi ngmet extt el
li
ng
met hatshe’ salreadyhome. Ibumpi ntoNt ando
onmywayoutandhebl ocksmyway .
Zi
nil
e:"
Ntandopl
easeIhadal
ongdayI
’
mreal
l
y
noti
nthet
alki
ngmood”
Ir
eal
l
yhopedhewoul
dhav
eknockedof
f.
Nt
ando:
"You’
vebeencr
yingwhat
’swr
ong?
”
Hel i
ft
supmychi nandfixeshisgazeatmy
face.
Hel ookssoconcerned.Thetearssti
ngmy
eyesandIf eelasorelumpinmyt hr
oat.
Ifeel
l
ikeaskinghimt oholdmet ight
lyonhischest
unti
lIfal
l asl
eepinmyownt ears.
Zi
nil
e:”
NoIj
usthav
eami
grai
neIwi
l
lbeokay
"
Hi
shandgrabsmywr
istasIt
ryt
owal
kaway
f
rom hi
m.
Nt
ando:
"Il
ovey
ouandI
’
m her
efory
ou”
HeletsgoandIwal kawaywithtearsf
all
i
ng
fr
om myey es.
Sigh.
Itakemyphoneandcal l
LuyandasothatIcantell
him aboutmydaybut
agirlanswer
s.
Zi
nil
e:”
Uhm canIpl
easet
alkt
oLuy
anda?
”
Voi
ce:
"Ohandwho’
srequest
ingt
otal
ktomy
man?
”
Myhear
tnear
lyst
ops.
Zi
nil
e:”
Yourman?
”
Thewor
dscomeoutasawhi
sper
.
Voi
ce:
”Exact
lysopleasest
opcal
l
inghi
m he’
s
wit
hhi
smai nchickhoe”
ShehangsupandIt
ryt
ocal
lbackonl
ytoget
voi
cemail
.
Myhear
tstartst
obeatuncontroll
abl
ywi
thso
muchpai
n.Ikeepcall
ingbutt
hephoneis
of
f.
Howcoul dLuyandadothi
st ome?
If
eelmyl
egsgoi
ngnumbandever
ythi
ng
ar
oundmegoesi
ntoasi
l
entecho.
I
’m br
oughtbackt
oli
febyahoot
ingcari
nfr
ont
ofme.
.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Sigh.I
mlateforthedat
eandPri
sci
ll
aisgonna
givemeahar dtimeabouti
t.
Shehasbeen
call
ingmef ort
hepastfewminut
esandIjust
i
gnor edher
.
Ifi
nal
lydeci
detoanswert
otel
lhert
ostop
cal
li
ngmesi nceI
’
m dri
vi
ngbutmyphonefal
l
s
fr
om myhand.
It
akeonl
yasecondt
opi
cki
tup.
Lungi
si:
"Ohshi
t”
ThemomentIsetmyeyesbackontheroadI
seeahumanfi
gureint
hemiddleoft
heroadbut
I’
mtooqui
cktostopbef
orerunni
ngherover
.
Shejuststandsinf
rontofmycarlooki
ngso
l
ost.
Iquicklygetoutofthecart
ocheckifshe’
s
okay
.GoodnessIcan’ tbel
i
eveInearl
yrana
per
sonov
er.
Lungisi
:"
Goodnessareyouokay-
whydidyou
crosstheroadwhil
etherobotwascl
osed?”
Her
:"
I.
.I
..
I’
m..
”shest
utt
erscl
ear
lyst
il
lshocked.
Lungi
si:
"Ar
eyouokay
?”
Sheholdsont oherheadbef
orest
umbl
ing
back.
Iquickl
ygrabherandshefal
l
sinmyarms
befor
epassingout.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.13
LUNGI
SI
Lungi
si:
"Soi
sshegoi
ngt
obef
ine?
”
Doc:"
YesI
’v
egi
venheramil
dsedat
ivet
ocal
m
herdownandt
ogetherr
est
ed”
Ihadt ocal l
mydoct orforahousecallt
oget
thegirlcheckedup.Idon’tknowwhybutIdi dn’
t
feell
iket aki
nghertot hehospit
al.
She’
s
probablygonnaf r
eakoutwhenshewakesup
butI’
llbeher et
oexpl ainever
ythi
ngtoherand
i
t’snotlikeIhavekidnappedherorany t
hing.
Lungisi
:
"Soi
twon’tbenecessar
yforhert
ogo
tothehospi
tal
?”
Doc:
"Noshe’
l
lbefi
nejustgi
vehert
hesepi
l
ls
whenshewakesup”
Hegiv
esmeabot
tl
eofpi
l
lsbef
oreIwal
khi
m
out
.
Ideci
detogot
hroughherbagtoatleastcal
l
someoneonherphoneorgethername.
Lungi
si:
"Goshwhowal
ksar
oundwi
thoutt
hei
r
IDcar
d?”
Herphonei sdeadsoIputitonachar gerfora
fewmi nutesbefor
ewalkingtothesideofthe
bed.Iwon’tl
iesheisbeauti
ful
-veryver
y
beauti
fulandherfacesuredoesl ookfami
liar
butIcan’tputmyfingeronwher eIact
uall
ysaw
her.
Iswit
chonmyphoneandcallPr
isci
l
lawho
answerswi
thsomuchrage.
Pr
isci
ll
a:"
Lungi
siwher
ethefuckwereyou?
I
wait
edforyouli
keafoolatt
herest
aur
ant"
Lungi
si:
"Yeahl
ooksomethi
ngcameup-
I
coul
dn’
tmakeitI’
m sor
ry"
Isayi
nawhi
sper
.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Whatcameup?
CanIcomeov
er?
”
Lungi
si:
"NoI’
mti
redIjustwantt
osl
eepIwi
l
l
cal
lyouinthemorni
ngby e”
Ihangupandthr
owmy sel
fonthecouch.
Iwi
l
l
dealwi
thPri
sci
ll
aint
hemor ni
ng.
.
.
Myr i
ngi
ngphonewakesmeupandIfeela
sharppai
nsti
ngi
ngmeneck.
Ican’
tbel
iev
eI
dozedoffont
hecouch.
Ianswerwi
thoutl
ooki
ngatt
hecal
l
erI
D.
Dean:
"Mandon’
ttel
lmey
ou’
rest
il
lasl
eep?
”
Lungi
si:
"NoIj
ustwokeup-l
ookI
’m gonnabea
l
it
tlel
atetot
heopeningIgotal
i
ttl
esituat
ion
here”
Dean:
"Si
tuat
ion?
Whatsi
tuat
ion?
”
Hedoesn’
tgiv
emeachancet oresponsesi
nce
someonedemandshisattent
ioninthe
backgr
oundsohejusthangsup.
Igl
anceatherandshe’sst
il
li
nthesame
posi
ti
on.
Ifi
ndmyhandcar essi
nghersoftcheek
andherl
ipstwit
chbeforet
heyfor
m ali
tt
le
smil
eandIfindmysel
fsmili
ngback.
Lungi
si:
"GoodnessWhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
”
Iqui
ckl
yrepr
imandmy
sel
fbef
oreheadi
ngf
ora
shower
.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Islowlyopenmyey esandthef i
rstt
hingIseeis
awoodencei l
i
ngandbr ight
lyli
t
surroundi
ngs.
Somebodybet tert
ellmet hatt
his
i
st heheavenandparadisewe’vebeen
promised.I
’
veneverseensuchav i
ewi nmylif
e.
Mywhol
ebodyfeel
sti
redandmyst
omach
r
oar
sli
keali
on.
Zi
nil
e:"
Wher
eam I
?”
Ipani
candjumpoutofbedonlytonoti
cemy
bodyi
naman’ st
shir
t.
AT-shi
rtI
’veneverseen
mywholeli
fe.
Inaroom I
’
veneverseenbefore
i
nmyl i
fe.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ohnonono”
Manythoughtsfl
oodmy
mi
nd.Kidnappi
ng.Humant
raf
fi
cki
ng.
Rape.
Igrabmyphoneonthet abl
eonl
ytonot
icethat
thescreeni
sdead.
Myf amil
ymustbeworri
ed
sickaboutme.
Myfathermustbeli
vi
d.
Scenesf
rom l
astni
ghtcomebackandI
crumbl
eonthebed.Inear
lydi
edl
astni
ght
.
Iqui
ckl
yputonmycl
othesandr
unoutoft
he
room.
Voi
ce:
"Andthenuy
aphi
wit
houteat
ing
br
eakf
ast?”
Thewoman’
svoi
cest
art
ledmet
hatIdr
opmy
bag.Shegrabsmyhandandl
eadsmet
othe
ki
tchen.Abigki
tchen.
Her:
"MrLungi siwillbebackinaf ewmi nuteshe
wentoutt obuyt hatfavori
tecoff
eeofhi swena
j
ustset t
ledownandI ’l
lmakey ousomef ood
youmustbev eryhungr yaft
erthenightyouhad
l
et’
sjustbet hankful t
oGodf orspari
ngy ourli
fe
Idon’tknowwhatcoul dhavehappenedi fthat
carhadn’tstoppedi nti
meanddon’ twor rymy
bossdidn’ttouchy ouI’mtheonewhocl othed
youlastnight”
Shesay
swi
thahugesmileonherfacewhi
l
e
di
shi
ngupf
orme.Mytonguei
sjustti
ed.
Zi
nil
e:"
Uhm wher
eam I
?Whosehousei
sthi
s?”
Her
:"
I’
m Zondi
wemnt
anam andt
hisi
stheMh.
.”
Somegirl
walksint hekit
chenandZondi
wej ust
rol
l
shereyes.Shelooksli
kesomeone
i
mportant
.Someoner ich.
Someonefi
ttostayin
ahouseli
kethis.
Zondi
we:
"Wena?
whol
ety
oui
n?”
Her:
"Thegatewaslef
twi
deopenduhtel
lme
whereisyourbossI
’v
ebeencal
l
inghi
m si
nce
l
astnight
”
Zondi
we:
"I
’m ahousekeepernotamanskeeper
gi
rl
ie”
Ani
nvol
unt
arygi
ggl
eescapesmyl
i
ps.
Prisci
l
la:
"Dontgetsmar
twithmeandwhot
he
fuckisthi
s?i
nmyman’ shouse?
”
Shesay
staki
ngaf ewstepscl
osert
ome.
Gosh
shei
ssoint
imidat
ing.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Ishoul
dhaveknownt hatsomethi
ngwasup
whenLungi
sidroppedmeatt helastmi
nut
e.He
wasbusyscr
ewinganot
herbi
tchwhi
l
eIwai
ted
f
orhi
ml i
keafool.
Pri
sci
ll
a:”
Stopeat
ingmyf
oodIaskedy
oua
quest
ion"
Iyankt
hef
orkf
rom herhandf
orci
nghert
olook
atme.
Zondi
we:
"She’
saguestj
ustl
i
key
ousi
si”
I
fonlythiswomanknewthatshe’l
lbet
hef i
rst
per
sont ogetf
ir
edwhenLungisiandIget
marri
edshewouldn’
tbespit
ti
ngsuchwor ds.
Pri
sci
l
la:
”Ohsoy
ou’
ret
hesomet
hingt
hatcame
uphuh?”
Her
:”
Uhm It
hinkIshoul
dgonow-
thanksf
ort
he
f
oodmam Zondiwe"
Sheget
sof
fthechai
randgr
absherwor
nout
bag.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"It
hinksot
oo”
Zondi
we:
"haoy
oucantl
eav
ewi
thoutMrLungi
si
seei
ngy
ou?
pleasewai
tforhi
m”
Zini
l
e:"
Ihavetogotoworkmait’
smyf
ir
stday
andmyf amil
yispr
obabl
yworr
ied"
Il
augh.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Leav
eAndnev
ercomebackher
e”
Zondiwewalkshertothedoorwhil
eIcont
inue
tori
ngupLungi si
.
Ican’
tbeli
evehestoodmeup
foragir
lli
kethat.
Agir
lthatcan’
tev
encombher
ownhair.
.
.
.
LUNGUSI
IdrovebackasfastasIcouldsothatIwi
l
lbe
thefi
rstt
hingsheseeswhenshewakesupand
forsomereasonmyner vesarepl
ayingwi
thme.
Lungi
si:
"Mam Zondi
weIgoty
ouy
ourf
avor
it
e
cr
oissant
s"
Ihandherthetakeaway
sbef
orepour
ingmy
sel
f
somecoffee.
Lungi
si:
"I
sourguestawake?
”
Zondi
we:
"awakey
ani
?shesgone?
”
Lungi
si:
"What
?whatdoyoumeanshe’
sgone?
i
tol
dyoutokeepaneyeonhermam Zondi
we"
Zondi
we:"
Itr
iedbuty
ourgi
rl
fr
iendwasher
e-
she’
stheonewhochasedheraway"
Lungi
si:
"Who?
Pri
sci
l
la?
”
Shej
ustnodswhi
l
ehummi
nghersongs.
Ihi
tthecupboar
dwi
thmyf
istt
oexpr
esst
he
angerIhav
einme.
Lungisi
:
"Okaydidshet
ell
youhernamesor
perhapslef
thernumber
s?”
Zondi
we:
"Nomt
anam wedi
dn’
tgett
othat
”
Lungi
si:
"Damnsohowam Igonnaf
indher
?”
Pr
isci
l
lai
sthedev
il
sassi
stant
.That
sforsur
e.
Irunupst ai
rst ogetchangedi nt
omy
sportswearsot hatIcangot oDean’sSpor t
s
shopr eopeni ng.
Iwassol ookingforwardto
tal
kingtot hatgirl.
Ipickupagol dbracel
etat
thedoor- shemusthav edroppeditonherway
outofher e.Sigh.Iguessthi
sistheonl yt
hingI’
m
l
eftwi t
htor ememberherby .Isqueezeitti
ghtl
y
againstmypal m andmakeawi sh.IwishIcoul
d
seeheragai n.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.14
ZI
NILE
Sophi
e:"
Yousai
dwhat
?”
Ijustlai
doutev ery
thi
ngtomysi st
erandher
j
awi sontheground.Myparentswereso
wor kedoutthattheywenttothepoli
cestat
ion
toreportmemi ssing.
Mymot herwasintears
whenwecal l
edandt ol
dthem tomakeaU- t
urn.
Zini
l
e:"
Iwassuchaf
oolSoph-
anotherguyj
ust
messedmeupIcan’
tbeli
eveLuyandadidt
hat
tome”
Sophie:
"It
oldyouIdidntl
i
kehimlookZeey ou
havetotoughenyourheartnowstopcryi
ngfor
thesemenokayt heydon’
tdeser
vey ourt
ears"
Ij
ustshr
ugmyshoul
der
sandgetupt
oundr
ess.
Sophi
e:"
SoWhathappenedt
otheguyt
hat
near
lyr
anyouover
?”
Zi
nil
e:"
Idon’
tknow-
whenIwokeuphewasn’
t
t
her
e”
Sophi
e:"Wowsoyoulef
twi
thoutsay
ing
goodbye?howr
ude”
Zi
nil
e:"
Ihadnochoi
cegi
rlhi
spsychogi
rl
fr
iend
l
it
eral
lythr
ewmeoutofthehouse”
Sophi
e:"
Gir
lf
ri
end?
”
Zi
nil
e:"
YeahSophanywaysIhav
etogetr
eady
Deanwantsusattheshopi
nanhour”
Itakeaquickbathandputonmyuni f
orm whi
ch
makesmef eelsexyashel
l
.Itf
eel
sli
keitwas
special
l
ytail
oredforme.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Icoul
dn’
tbel
iev
emyeyeswhenIst
eppedi
n
Dean’
sSport
sshop.
Myguyreal
l
youtdi
dhi
msel
f.
Hehasevery
thingsport
sintheshop-
fr
om
t
enni
sracquetstosoccerbal
lsyounamei
t.
Lungi
si:
"I
sthi
sashoporami
nimal
l
?”
Hechuckl
esbef
orewr
appi
nghi
shandar
ound
myneck.
Dean:
"Youai
n’
tseennot
hingy
et”
Hewinksatmebeforer
unni
ngupt
hest
aget
o
wel
comeev er
yone.
Iwon’tl
i
eI’
m pr
oudofhimr
ightnow.
Hehas
real
l
ydonegoodforhi
msel
f.
Iwalkovertohi
sparentswhocan’
twi
pet
he
proudsmilesof
fthei
rfaces.
Lungi
si:
"MrandMr
sLewi
showar
eyou?
”
MrsL:
"OhLungi
sihowar
ey oumyboy?how
manytimesmustwetel
lyoutocal
lusRichar
d
andGail
?”
Ri
char
dandGai
ladoptedDeanwhenhewas
j
ustadayol
daf
terhi
smot herl
efthi
m att
he
hospitalr
ightaft
ergivi
ngbirt
htohim.Theyare
suchwonder fulhumanbeingscausetheydidn’
t
mindt aki
nginaor phanedblackbaby.
Theytook
him-senthimt othebestschoolsandgavehim
thebestlifeever
.
Lungi
si:
"Yeahi
m sopr
oudofhi
m”
Rick:
"Wearesoproudofourboyhesayshe’
s
gonnabuil
dmoreshopsliket
hesethr
oughout
thewholecount
ry”
Weall
laughbefor
ethel
oudmusiccomeson
andmodelsst
artpar
adi
ngthespor
trange.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Igotatextf
rom anunknownnumbert el
l
ingme
tocomeattheback.Imakeament alnot
etofi
x
thescr
eencauseIcan’tgetaccesst
omy
phone.
Itmusthavefel
ll
astni
ghtwhenIpassed
outi
nast r
angersar
ms.
If
indLuyandast
andi
ngatt
hebackwit
harose
i
nhishandweari
ngoneofDean’
sspor
tout
fi
ts.
It
ryt
owalkawaybuthe’squickt
ogr
abmeby
mywaist
.Myhear
tjustaches.
Zini
le:
"Whendi
dyougether
e?Howdi
dyouget
here?”
Iwi
ggl
emy
sel
foutf
rom hi
shol
d.
Luyanda:"
Iswappedwit
honeoft
hemodel
sso
thatIcancometalkt
oy ou”
Hetr
iestohol
dmyhandbutIy
ankmyhand
f
rom hi
m.
Zini
l
e:"
Wel
ltoughl
uckcauseIdon’
twantt
otal
k
toyou"
Luyanda:
"Pl
easeIknowwhathappenedandI
promiseyouit
’snotwhaty
outhi
nkitis”
Ichuckl
e.Thi
sguyt
hinksI
’
m af
ool
tobepl
ayed
wi
th.
Luy
anda:"
Canwegot omyplaceaf
tert
heshow
sothatwecoul
dtal
k?Pl
ease?”
Ij
ustcli
ckmyt ongueandwalkawayfr
om hi
m.I
headtotherestr
oom tof
reshenupbef
oreIgo
backtotheguests.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Every
oneclapsthei
rhandsasDeanshows
them t
hegym abovetheSportsshop.
Spor
ts
shopslashgym.I
mi mpressed.
Idecidet
ograbasmoothieatthebarandthat’
s
whenIseeher.
Ispotherdi
sappeari
ngint
ot he
rest
roomsandIrunaft
erher.
Shelet
soutasoftscr
eam whensheseesme
bar
gingint
othel
adiesroom.
Her
:"
Uhm sor
ryy
ou’
rei
nthewr
ongr
est
room si
r
"
Shesayscl
i
ngi
ngt
ight
lyt
othet
owel
inher
hands.
Lungi
si:
"I
t’
syou?
goshi
t’
sreal
l
yyou”
Shel
ooksatmeconf
used.
Lungi
l
e:"Ohy oudon’
trememberme?Inear
lyr
an
youoverlastni
ght?i
m sor
ryf
orthat"
Shegi
ggl
es.
Her
:"I
mt heonewhoshoul
dbesor
ryIshouldn’t
hav
ecr ossedt
heroadt
hanky
oufornotrunning
meov er"
Withoutwar ni
ngshewr
apsherbodyaround
mine.Iplacemyhandsonherf
leshandholdon
t
ohert ightl
y.
Myey
escl
oseshutandt
akei
nhersweetscent
.
Voi
ce:
"Whatt
hehel
li
sgoi
ngoni
nher
e”
Webreakt
hehugandf
indPr
isci
l
last
andi
ng
behi
ndus.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"You?
AGAI
N?”
Her
:"
Uhm excuseme”
Sherunsoutt heroom andl
eav
esmewit
hthe
redfacedPrisci
ll
a.Shesl
apsmeacr
osst
heface
beforespi
tt
ingfir
e.
Prisci
l
la:
"Whatwer
eyoudoi
ngwi
thoneofy
our
fr
iendsstaf
f?”
Lungisi
:
"Cal
m downitsnotwhatyouthi
nkhow
di
dy ouevenknowthatIwashere?”
Prisci
ll
a:"
Yourfr
iendinvi
tedme-whowasthat
Lungisiareyoucheati
ngonmewi t
hhercauseI
foundhert hi
smor ni
ngatyourhouse?
”
Lungi
si:"
Noshe’ s.
.anywaysIcan’
ttal
ktoyou
wheny ou’r
elikethisandbesi
desit’
snoneof
yourbusiness”
Shegaspsf
orai
rcl
ear
lyi
ndi
sbel
i
eff
rom whatI
j
ustsaid.Ileav etheroom andhearherl et
ti
ng
outaloudscr eam af t
erwards.Sigh.Ihead
upst
airstoj ointheot herguest s.Ishouldask
Deanabouthersi nceshewaswear i
nghis
uni
for
m. Ican’ tbelieveIdidn’tgethername
agai
npl usi tdidn’thelpthatshedi dn’thavea
namet ag.Ihav efoundher .Ihav efoundmygi rl
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Tesha:
"It
oldy
oui
twast
oogoodt
obet
rue”
Iwasn’tuptofacingmymot herwit
hat eary
puffyf
acesoIwentt oTesha’
shouse.
Myhear t
brokeint
oami ll
ionpieceswhenIsawhi m
holdi
ngtight
lytoanotherwomenlikehi
sl i
fe
dependedoni t
.Theverysamegirl
Ifoundinhis
houseeatinghisfood.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Il
ovehi
m whycan’
theseet
hat
?”
Tesha:"
Lungi si
isarichgetwhathewant sman
andheknowshecanhav eanywomant hathe
wants-i
ncludingyou-
soi fhecangety ouwhat
canprev enthimfrom gett
inganotherwoman
outthere?hesthatty
pet hatdoesn’tfall
easily
andI’m afrai
dhe’sonlygonnahur tyou"
Teshai
sreal
l
ynotmaki
ngmef
eel
bet
ternow.
Prisci
l
la:
"Well
I’
m notgonnal
osehi
mt oagir
l
thatmakessmoot hi
estomakeali
vi
ng-Ov
ermy
deadbody ”
Tesha:"
Nobabet
heyar
enotwor
thi
tjustl
eav
e
them al
one”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"NoIdon’
tthi
nkso-
I’
m gonnaf
ightf
or
myman”
Ineedt
oknoweveryt
hingaboutthatgi
rlsot
hat
Icanmakesur
ethatshestaysthehell
away
fr
om myman.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.15
ZI
NILE
Luyanda:
"Thanky
ouf
orcomi
ngbabeIr
eal
l
y
appreci
atei
t”
Hehol
dsmebutI
’
m unr
esponsi
vet
ohi
shug.
Zini
le:
"Idon’
tevenknowwhyIcamehereso
tal
kIwantt ogohomeandsleepIhadaver
y
l
ongday ”
Heushersmeinsi
dehisflatwhereI
’
m gr
eet
ed
byascentofl
avendercandlesi
nadimmer
room.
Zi
nil
e:"
What
sgoi
ngonher
e?”
Luy
anda:
"Iwanttosaysor
rybabyIwanttosay
sor
ryf
orthatphonecal
lmisunder
standi
ng”
Hekneel
sinf
rontofme.
Luyanda:
"Iswearthatgir
lyoutal
kedtois
nothi
ngbutat hi
ngoft hepast
-she’
sjust
j
ealousthatIhavemov edonandIwantnothi
ng
todowi t
hher"
Ichucklebef
orey
anki
ngmyhandawayf
rom
hishold.
Luyanda:"Iknowy oudon’
tbel
ievemeIhateto
beint hesamer oom wit
hherbutweareforced
towor ktogetherIpromi
seyou’r
etheonl
ygirli
n
myl i
fe”
Heget
supandcupsmyf
acei
nhi
shands.
Luyanda:
"Iwoul
dnev
erhur
tyouZi
please
for
giveme”
Hepecksmyl i
psbefor
esucki
ngont
hem for
dearl
i
fe.If
eelmykneesgoi
ngweakandIhol
d
ontohisneck.
Zini
l
e:"
Wel
lit
’sgonnatakemor
ethancandl
es
formetof
orgiv
ey ou”
Hechuckl
esbef
orepul
l
ingcar
ryi
ngmet
ohi
s
bedr
oom.
Luyanda:
"Dontwor
ryIj
ustwantt
ohol
dyou
toni
ght”
Itextmymom andt ellhert
hatI
’m spendinga
nightatSophie’
ssi
nceIknockedof faft
er
askingSophietocoverforme.
Sigh.Ishoul
d
reall
ygetmyownpl ace.
Webot hstri
pnakedandgetinthefoamed
batht
ub.Itel
lhi
m ever
ythi
ngf
rom thebursar
yto
thecrazygir
lwhofoundmeclingi
ngontoher
manint heladi
esrest
rooms.
Luyanda:
"I
’m sosor
rybabyy
ounear
lygotki
l
led
becauseofme”
Ij
ustgi
gglebef
orepour
ingmyselfmore
wi
ne.Dr
inki
ngonaweekday.Cl
everchoi
ce.
Luyanda:
"Soyou’
resur
ethatt
heguynev
er
touchedyou?
”
Il
augh.
Zini
l
e:"
Nohedi
dn’
tI’
m sur
eIwoul
dhav
efel
t
somethi
ng"
Hejustnodswi
thsomuchuncer
tai
ntyonhi
s
f
ace.
Zi
nil
e:"
GoshIswear
”
Isl
i
denextt
ohi
m andki
sshi
m.
Luy
anda:"
IhopesocauseIdon’
tknowwhatI
wouldhav
edonetothejer
kifhedid”
.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Icouldn’
tsl
eepawi nklastni
ghtcauseofthe
gir
l.
Ican’
tstopthi
nkingaboutthehug-herscent
andhersmile.
Lungi
si:
"Ohsnapoutofi
tLungi
si”
It
ri
edcall
i
ngDeanlastni
ghtbuthewas
pr
obablyt
ooti
redtoanswerhi
sphone.
Itwasa
pr
ett
ylongdayyest
erday
.
Pr
iscil
l
awalksinandsl
amsherbagagai
nstmy
ki
tchencount
er.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Weneedt
otal
k”
Lungisi
:
"Whatcoul
dweprobabl
ytal
kaboutso
earl
yinthemorni
ngPr
isci
ll
a?”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Duhabouty
ouandt
hatgi
rly
ouwer
e
wi
thyest
erday?
”
Lungi
si:
"Li
keIsai
dit
’snoneofy
ourbusi
ness"
Sheheav
esasighbefor
ewalki
ngovert
omy
si
de.
GodwhatdidIgetmysel
fint
o?
Pri
sci
ll
a:"OkaythenIunderstandyou’l
ltel
lme
wheny ou’r
ereadyany waysim spendi
ngthe
ni
ghttonightwe’l
l or
derinandspendsome
qual
it
yt i
met ogetherasacouple”
Shesaysbusypecki
ngmyli
ps.Myphoneri
ngs
andIqui
ckl
yanswer.I
tst
hecontr
act
orsatt
he
hot
el.
Lungi
si:
"Damni
t”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Whati
sit
?”
Lungi
si:
"Thenewhot
el-
appar
entl
ysomepi
pes
burst
edandit’
samesstheydon’
tknowwhatt
o
do"
Pri
scil
l
a:"
Oht hat
’sawf
ulbutt
hat’
snobigissue
I
’m sureyoucangetsomeonetocleani
tup”
Lungi
si:
"NoIhav
etogot
her
eandseewhatcan
besal
vaged”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Youwantmet
ogowi
thy
ou”
Lungi
si:
"Noi
t’
sfi
neI
’
llbebackt
omor
row"
Sigh.
IguessIwillseemygir
lwhenIgetback.
I
meani t
’snotl
ikeshe’sgoi
nganywher
esinceI
knowwher eI’
l
l f
indher.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Lungi
sigoi
ngoutoft
ownmeansI’
l
lhavet
ime
tosor
toutthel
i
ttl
eprobl
em i
nmymist
.
Ideci
detocal
loneofmyf
ather
spr
ivat
e
i
nvesti
gat
ors.
Pr
isci
l
la:"
Donal
dItsPri
sci
ll
alookIneedyout
o
di
gupsomei nfor
mationaboutsomeoneandI
wantthati
nfobytheendoftheday”
Donal
d:"
Shoul
dIputi
tiny
ourf
ather
’sbi
l
l?”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"NoIwi
l
lsett
let
hisonemakesureyou
di
gevery
thi
ngupespeci
all
ythedi
rt
yskel
etons"
Donal
d:”
yesma’
am”
Iwil
lfi
nall
yberidofmyproblem bef
orei
tev
en
begi
ns.Iheadupstai
rst
ogivemymansome
warmthfortheroad.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
Cr
opt
oppi
e
I
n.16
ZI
NILE
Zi
nil
e:"
Wowy
oul
ookhor
ri
ble”
Icamet oSophi
e’shousewhenIcoul
dn’
tfi
nd
heratthehotel
.Thest
affatt
hehotel
tol
dme
shedidn’
tcomei n.
Sophi
e:"
Geet
hanks"
Zi
nil
e:"
What
swr
ongsi
s”
Shethr
owsapr
egnancyt
estatme.
Atestt
hat
onl
yhasaonel
ine.
Sophi
e:"
We’v
ebeentr
y i
ngtohaveababyfor
monthsZeeandnot
hingishappeni
ng-
Thami
bl
amesme”
Shestar
tstosob.
Idi
dn’
tknowt
heywer
etr
ying
forababy.
Zini
l
e:"
Butwhy
?Hecan’tdothat
?whycan’
tyou
guysgoseeaspeci
ali
storsomethi
ng?"
Sophi
e:"
Hedoesn’
twanttocausehismother
hasconvi
ncedhi
mt hatI
’
mt heprobl
em so
whenshecomesar oundshebr
ewsthesenast
y
concoct
ionsformetheyar
esonast
ybut
nothi
ngishappeni
ng"
Iwi
pehert
ear
sandhol
dherheadt
omychest
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ohsi
sI’
m sosor
ry”
Shegi
ggl
est
hroughhert
ear
s.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ist
hatwhyy
oudi
dn’
tgot
owor
k?”
Sophie:"
Nomybossi soutoftownt odayohand
speakingofmybossIt ol
dhim aboutyour
bursaryprobl
em andhehasofferedtosponsor
yourstudies-
fr
eeofcharge”
Shesay
sexci
tedl
ythr
oughhert
ear
s.
Zi
nil
e:"
saywhat
?butwhy
?"
Sophi
e:"
Itol
dyoumybossisagoodpersonand
helov
esmeIj ustwi
shhecoul
dstopducki
ng
cr
azygir
ls”
Webot
hlaugh.
Zini
l
e:"
Butfr
eeofcharge?
thereisacat
ch
somewhereIreal
l
yhav et
omeett hi
sbossof
yourssot
hatIcanthankhim hi
mself"
Sophi
e:"
Yeahpopbyt
hehot
elsomet
ime”
Il
ovet
hiswomansomuch.
Idon’tknowhow
manyt
imesshecamet
omyr escue.
Sophi
e:"
Any
way
stel
lmewhathappenedl
ast
ni
ght”
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Aftergett
ingt heemailI’
vebeenwai t
ingforI
wentstraighttoDean’sSpor t
sshop.Icouldn’
t
beli
evewhenIf oundoutthatshe’sactual
ly
Sophie’
ssi ster.
Thatgi
rlneverli
kedmeandI ’
m
prett
ysuret hatshe’susi
nghersi st
ertoseduce
Lungisisot hatshecanber i
dofme- wellshe
hasanothert hingcomi ngcauseafterI’
m done
withhersisterI’m goingaft
erher.
It
st i
meI
taughtt
hosegi rl
sal esson.
Hereyeswanderal l
overtheroom whensheseesme. Shecl ear
ly
feel
sinti
mi datedbymypr esence.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"I
sDeani
n?”
Her:
"Noma’
am he’
soutf
ort
hedaycanIhel
p
you”
Ichuckl
e.
Pri
scil
l
a:"
Bydoingwhat?maki
ngmey our
horr
ibl
esmoothie?
im her
etotal
kbusinesswi
th
yourboss"
Shel
ooksatmecl
earl
yconfused.
Shel
ooksso
i
nnocenty
etamansnatcher
.
Prisci
l
la:"
Thereissomethi
ngyoucandof
orme
though-stayt
hehellawayfr
om mymanorel
se
theywillbeconsequences"
Zi
nil
e:"
Whatman?
ihav
emyownman"
Prisci
l
la:
"I
fIeverseeyoudi
ggingy ourdir
ty
cheapnailsinmymanIwi l
lroasteveryonein
thatli
tt
legreyboxyoucal
lahousedoy ouhear
me? "
Zini
le:
"Lookt
hatmansav edmyl
i
feIwasj
ust
thanki
nghimtheotherday"
Pri
scil
l
a:"Zi
pitIdon’
tcare-gonearhim agai
n
andIwillmakesurethatyoursist
erSophie
l
osesthatlit
tl
efancyjobatthehotelshehas
nottoment i
onyoulosingthi
spathetict
hing
youcallajob-
Iwil
lmakesur ethatthebothof
youneverwor ki
nthi
st ownagain"
If
akeagi
ggl
ebef
oref
ixi
nghercol
l
ars.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"I
’m gl
adweunder
standeachot
hert
ell
DeanIpoppedby”
Ireal
lyhopeshegotthemessagecauseIwon’
t
hesit
ateshowingherthatImeanbusi
ness.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.18
PRI
SCI
LLA
Lungi
si’
smotherwasgagaov
ert
hebl
ouset
hat
Iboughther
.
Pr
isci
l
la:"
Ohmamaweshoul ddot
hismuch
of
ten-
ireall
yenj
oyspendi
ngt
imewit
hyou"
Sonto:
"Wel
lIsecondthat
-i
t’
sal
waysni
ceto
spendti
mewi t
hmyf utur
edaught
eri
nlaw”
Myheartdancest
othepleasi
ngtuneofher
wor
ds.Lungi
si’
smotherhasfal
leni
ntot
he
pond.Si
gh.Ican’
tsayt
hesameaboutt hef
ather
causethelastti
meIsawhi m hegavemesome
nastyvi
bes.MyphoneringsandIanswer
i
mmedi ately
.
Tesha:
"Youwon’
tbel
iev
ewhoIjustsawatthe
fl
ori
stshopafewminut
esagobuyingf
lowers?
”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Who?
”
Tesha:
”Duhy
ouroneandonl
yman-
Lungi
si”
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Nowaybabehe’
llonl
ybeback
tomor
rowareyousur
ethatyousawhim?”
Tesha:
"I
’m notbl
i
ndPri
sci
l
lai
twashi
m may
be
hewantstosurpri
sey
ou”
Pri
sci
l
la:
”YeahmaybeIgott
agoI
’
m spendi
ng
ti
mewithmymot heri
nlaw”
WhywouldLungi
sil
i
eaboutst
ayi
ngi
nBl
oem an
ext
raday
?
Sont
o:”
Arey
ouokaybaby
?”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"YesJustsomeonej
ustt
oldmeshe
sawy
oursonatt
hemal
laf
ewmi
nut
esago"
Sont
o:"
Ohso”
Pr
isci
ll
a:"
Canyoupleasecal
lhi
m andaskhi
m
whereheisI
’mjustworri
edabouthi
mthat’
sal
l
"
Shet
akesoutherphoneanddi
alshi
m.
Theyt
alkf
oraf
ewsecondsbef
orehehangsup.
Sont
o:"
Hesay
she’
sback”
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Ohokaymay
behei
spl
anni
ngt
o
sur
pri
seme”
Thosefl
ower
sbet
tergett
omeorel
set
her
ewi
l
l
behell
topay
.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Lungi
si’
svoi
cekeptri
ngi
nginmyheadthe
wholeday.
Icoul
dn’
tgethi
sfaceoutofmy
mi
nd.
Icanst
il
lfeel
thet
ouchofhi
shandon
mi
ne.
Zi
nil
e:"
GoshZi
nil
eyou’
resuchasl
ut"
Ifi
xmyhairandmakeupbeforel
eav
ingthe
shop.
IwanttocheckuponSophi
ebefor
egoing
home.
Ifi
ndherl
ockingherdoorwi
tht
ear
sst
reami
ng
downherface.
Zi
nil
e:"
Sophi
e?What
swr
ong?
”
Shetriestoexplai
nbutshe’
ssooverwhelmed
thatshejustcrashesonmychestandstart
s
cryi
ng.
Sophi
e:"
ThamiandIhadabigf
ightandhel
eft
nowhe’snott
akingmycal
l
s”
Wegeti
nsi
deandIpourheragl
assofwat
er.
Sophie:
"HewentcrazywhenIsuggest
edthat
weshoul dgoseesomeoneaboutoursit
uati
on-
hefl
ippedandsaidhorr
ibl
ethi
ngstomegoshI
don’
tthi
nkIcandot
hisany
mor
eIj
ustcan’
t”
Shecont
inuestocr
yhy
ster
ical
l
y-breaki
ngmy
hear
t.
Thami i
snotmyf
avori
tepersonri
ghtnow.
Zini
l
e:"
OkayLetmegopackyouanov
erni
ght
bagyou’r
ecominghomewit
hme”
Ithi
nkourmot herist
her i
ghtper
sontoadvi
se
herinsit
uati
onslikethesecauseI’
m not
marriedandIknowIwi l
lonlyadvi
sehert
o
l
eaveThami .
Luyanda’snameflashesonmyscreenbutI
decli
nethecall
.Mysisterneedsmeri
ghtnowI
wil
lcallhi
ml at
er.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Lungisi
:
"ManIcantst
opthi
nki
ngabouther
-I
feel
li
keI’m dr
awntoheri
nthemost
unexpl
ainabl
eway
-thi
sisf
atemanIt
hinkshe’
s
theone”
Hel
aughsatmesohar
dthathest
art
stoi
rr
it
ate
me.
Dean:"
Comeonmany oucan’
tdothat
..
ther
eis
nowayt haty
ouandIcanmar r
yint
othesame
famil
yewwt hat
’sgr
oss”
Ichuckl
e.Thi
smani
scl
ear
lydel
usi
onal
.
Lungi
si:
"WowdudeSophi
eismar
ri
ed-Happi
l
y
marri
edsostopwi
thyourf
ant
asi
es”
Dean:"
Thatgi
rli
sgonnabemi
ne-
youwat
cht
his
space”
Hestar
esintospacecl
ear
lydaydreami
ngabout
r
uini
nganotherman’smar
riage.
Dean:
"ButwhataboutPr
isci
l
laman?
”
Iheav
easi
gh.
Lungi
si:
"Iwi
l
ldeal
wit
hthatonef
orr
eal
thi
s
ti
me”
Dean:
"Yeahrightunt
ilshecomesweari
ngsome
ni
ceseet hr
oughpantiesandsucksonyour
di
ck”
It
hrowacushi
onathi
m bef
oregi
vi
nghi
mthe
middl
efi
nger
.
Lungisi:"
Notthistimemant hi
stimeI’m gonna
focusonget t
ingZi nil
eandIhavenodoubtt hat
shef eelsthesamewayy oushouldhaveseen
thelookonherf acewhenIwast alki
ngtoher-
that’
st hekindoff aceIwon’tmindwakingupt o
forther estofmyl ife”
Helooksatmeli
keI
’m ani
diot
.Idon’
tknowwhy
butIl
ikehowt
hisgi
rli
salr
eadymakingmefeel
.
Dean:"
Uhm doyout
hinky
ouar
ereadyfort
hat
ki
ndofcommi t
mentagai
nImeanaft
erthe
whole..
”
Lungi
si:
"IknowIknowbutt
hat
’sal
li
nthepast
-
i
t’
stimet omoveonnow"
I
’
m notgonnal
etonebadexper
ienceatl
ove
r
uinmychancesofl
ovi
ngev
eragai
n.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Thul
i
:"Gody
ou’
rel
ateDeani
sgonnaki
l
lyou”
Shegrabsmywr i
standl
eadsmet
ooneoft
he
gym count
ers.
Thul
i
:"LookWhatcamefory
ouaf
ewmi
nut
es
agoandIdidn’
treadt
hecar
d”
Iknowsher
eadi
t.
Zi
nil
e:"
WowLuy
andai
ssosweet
”
Ismel
lther
osesandi
nst
ant
lyt
heybr
eat
hel
i
fe
i
nme.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ican’
twai
tfort
oni
ght
-Lungi
si"
Myfacetur
nsred.
Idon’
tevenknowwhycause
t
hisi
sjustsowrong.
Ican’
tbeaccept
ing
f
lower
sfr
om ot
hermenwhi
l
eIhav
eaman.
Ideci
det ocallLuyandatoeaseupmygui l
ty
consci
ence.Luyandai ssuchagoodguyandI
seethathe’shonestlytr
yingt
omaket hi
s
rel
ati
onshipwor ksoIshouldmeethim hal
fway
bycall
ingoffthesemenonmyt rai
l
.
Itossthecar
dintherubbi
shbi
nandhead
upstai
rstomylocker
.Si
gh.
.
.
.
Ihearhi
svoi
cebehi
ndmewhi
l
eIl
ockt
he
door.
Hereal
l
ycame.
It
urnandfi
ndhi
ml eani
ngagai
nsthi
scar
l
ooki
ngli
kesomethingt
hatj
umpedfrom a
magazi
necover
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Wear
ecl
osed"
Hechuckl
es.
Lungi
si:
"Icameher
efory
ou”
Zi
nil
e:"
Me?
”
Lungi
si:
"I
’m cooki
ngy
oudi
nnerr
emember
?”
Zini
l
e:"
I’
m sor
rybutmymot
her
’sf
oodi
swai
ti
ng
forme”
Lungi
si:
"ButIt
oldy
out
hatI
’
mfeedi
ngy
ou
toni
ght
?”
Ichuckl
e.
Zini
l
e:"
YeahandIwast oldtostayawayf rom
you-
lookIdon’twantanyt r
oubleespecial
lyov er
apersonIhardlyknowt hankyouf orsavi
ngmy
l
ifebutI
’m gonnaneedy outost ayawayf rom
me”
Thesmi l
eonhi sfaceisslowl
yrepl
acedby
sadness.
Het akessf ewstepstowar
dsmeunt
il
hi
sf acei
sjustabr eathawayfr
om mine.
Lungi
si:
"I
t’
slat
eletmet
akey
ouhome"
Hewhi
sper
sbl
owi
nghi
smi
ntedbr
eat
hinmy
nol
str
il
s.Hi
scolognehy
pnot
izesme.
Myt
hroat
j
ustgoesdry.
Zi
nil
e:"
NoI
’
mfi
ne.
.Iwi
l
l.
.cat
chat
axi
”
Lungisi
:
"Iknowy oudon’
twantmyfoodbut
pleasej
ustletmet akey
ouhome-IpromiseI
willl
eaveyoualoneandyouwil
lneverseethi
s
faceagain-ever
”
Hewal
ksov
ert
ohi
scarandopenst
hedoorf
or
me.
Si
gh.
Ifl
ett
inghi
mtakemehomemeansget
ti
ng
ri
dofhi
mt hent
hat
’swhatIwi
l
ldo.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.17
PRI
SCI
LLA
Ihatewaiti
ng.
Idon’tknowwhydoct orSanders
al
way smakesmewai t.Ij
ustdon’tgetwhyI
havetowaitinmymot her’
shospital.
IfIhavet
o
pagethroughanotherpageoft heirboring
magazinesIwil
lscratchtheirwallswithmy
nai
ls.
P.A:"Doct
orSander
ssay
syoucancome
through”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Shuuf
inal
l
y”
Weshar
eashor
thugbef
oreweset
tl
edown.
Sanders:
"Doyouhaveanythi
ngt oshar
e
today
? i
tsbeenmonthssi
ncey oucameher
eI’
m
suretherei
ssomethingt
oshar e?”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Doct
orSander
swhydoIhav
etokeep
comi
ngher
e?”
Sander
s:"
Ithi
nkwebot
hknowt
heanswert
o
that
”
Pri
sci
ll
a:"Wel
lI’
m notpl
anni
ngonki
l
li
ngmy
sel
f
agai
n-geez”
Isnapthensi l
encebefallsus.
Sigh.
Itriedt o
commi tsuici
deaf ewy earsbackafterIgot
dumpedbysomeonewhom It houghtl oved
me.Itookitsobadt hatIsli
tmywr istsand
nearl
ybledt odeadinmybed. Thatst her eason
whymypar entswon’tl
etmegetapl aceofmy
own.Theyar eafr
aidImi ghtdosomet hi ngcrazy
.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Ihav
esomuchtol
iv
ef ornow-
Imet
someoneandwelov
eeachother”
Sherai
sesherey
ebr
owsbeforedot
ti
ng
somethi
ngdownonherpad.
Sander
s:"
Oht
ell
meabouthi
m”
It
ell
herev
ery
thi
ngaboutLungi
siandhow
deepl
yinlov
ewear
ewhi
l
eshej
ustf
lashesme
hersmil
e.
Sander
s:"
I’
m sohappyfory
ouPr
isci
l
lasohav
e
youtol
dyourmother?
”
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Wel
lI’
m pl
anni
ngont
ell
i
ngherv
ery
soon”
Shej
ustnodsandkeepsf
it
ti
ng.
Prisci
l
la:
"AnywaysdocIhav ebeent akingso
muchst r
ainatwork-
thepressur eofthenew
rangemybosswant sthati haven’tbeengett
ing
anysleepsoIwaswonder ingi fyoucould
may besubscri
besomethingf orme”
Shefixeshergazeatmeforafewseconds
befor
et aki
ngoutherpr
escr
ipt
ionbook.
Iknow
shestil
ldoesn’
ttr
ustmebutasmydoct orshe’
s
for
cedt ohelp.
Ishovet
helet
teri
nmybagbef orewecont
inue
witht
hesessi
on.AsessionIcan’
twaitt
oget
donewit
hcauseI’m hav
inglunchwit
hLungisi
’
s
motherinafewhours.
Imakeamental
not
eto
gethersomethi
ngtosoft
enherup.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Luy andahasbeentryi
ngsohardtoear
nmy
trustbackthathecal
lsaf
terev
eryminute.
He’s
noty etoutofthedogboxsoI’
m notmaking
thingseasyforhim.
Luy
anda:
"BabeImi
ssy
ousomuch”
Zi
nil
e:"
Imi
ssy
out
oobaby
”
Luy
anda:
"Letmebookaf l
i
ghtf
ory
oubabeI
wantt
oseey out
hisweekend"
Zini
l
e:"
Thatssoundst
empti
ngbabybutI
’v
ejust
star
tedwit
hmynewj obi
t’
stoosoontobe
taki
ngleav
es”
Hesul
ksov
ert
hephone.
Zi
nil
e:"
Don’tworr
ybabyamont
hisnot
hingwe
wi
llseeeachothersoon”
Luy
anda:
"BoyIcantwai
ttoseey
ourf
aceand
makeyoucome”
Igi
gglewhi l
emybodyget shot
fl
ushes.Someonecl ear
stheirthr
oatbehindme
.Ifi
ndNt andostandingbehindmewi tha
cl
enchedj aw.Iqui
cklyhangupandputmy
phoneinmybagbef orefaci
nghim wi t
ha
str
aightface.
Hehasonhi supsetface.
Ntando:
"I
thasnotev
enbeenamonthbuty
ou’
re
al
readyfucki
ngot
herguy
s?mmhuh?
”
Il
etoutasar
cast
icchuckl
e.
Zinil
e:"
Lookwho’stal
ki
ng?theguywhomakes
hi
sbuddi esgi
rlf
ri
endcomeat l
eastI’
m not
cheatingonsomeoneelseandf ory
our
i
nf or
mat i
onit
’snotguysi
t’
saguy ”
Hebur
ieshi
sfacei
nhi
shands.
Zi
nile:
"Youhavenosayov ermylif
enow
Ntando:"
OkayI’m sorr
yZini
leIst
il
ll
ovey
ouand
I
’m gonnafightforyouIneedyoubacki
nmy
l
if
e”
Si
l
ence.
Ntando:"IknowIwasaj erkbutI’
mt ry
ingtobea
bettermannowt hemany oufell
inlovewith-I
wasamessZi nil
eandIt ookmyf rust
rat
ionsof
resorti
ngtonothingonyouI’m sosorryforthat
butIpromi seyouIwil
lcomebackt oyoua
bettermanany wayscongratul
ati
onsony our
newj ob”
Heki
ssesmyf
oreheadandwal
ksaway
.Si
gh.
.
.
LI
NGI
SI
Af
tert
alki
ngt
omyi
nsur
anceguy
sIgoti
nmy
caranddrovehome. Il
iedt
oPr i
sci
l
laabout
spendinganotherdayawaysothatIcanhave
mypeacewhenIgethome. Ical
lDeanandput
him onspeaker.
Dean:
"Pl
easet
ell
mey
ou’
rebackf
rom Bl
oem"
Lungi
si:
"YeahI
’
minmywaybackboss”
Dean:
"OkaysoI’
m guessi
ngy
ousor
ted
ever
ythi
ngout?
”
Lungi
si:
"Of
causemynameshoul
dhav
ebeen
Lungi
sababa”
Hel
aughs.
Lungisi
:
"Anywayst
herei
sthi
sgi
rlt
hat
’sworki
ng
atyourshopI’
vebeenmeani
ngt
oasky ou
about"
Dean:
"Ihav
emanygi
rl
swor
kingf
ormeman"
Lungi
si:
"Wel
lShe’
snew-
theonewi
thl
ong
natur
alhai
r?”
Hel
aughs-
har
d.
Dean:
"Youmustbet
alki
ngaboutZi
nil
e-She’
s
Sophi
e’ssi
ster"
Lungi
si:
"What
?”
Dean:
"YeahmanSophi
enev
ert
oldy
ouabout
her
?whatabossyouar
e”
Lungi
si:
"Iknowshehasasi
sterbut
..
”
Dean:
"LookmanIwil
lpopbyy
ourhousel
ater
mymeet i
ngi
shere”
Hehangsupl eavingmeast ounded. Howcoul dI
havemi ssedthisImeany oucan’tmi ssthe
resembl ancecausei tscreamssol oudIguess
i
tisasmal l
wor l
di ndeed.Iknewt hatshel ooked
fami l
i
ar-herandSophi elooksomuch
ali
ke.Sigh.Idon’tknowi fthisrevelati
onwi l
l
changet hi
ngsfort hebestorwor sef or
me. Zini
le.Zi
nil
eMt hembu.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Thul
i
:"Andthenwenawhydoy oul
ookl
i
ke
someonejustki
l
ledyourcat
?”
I’
vebeendownsi ncemyl i
ttl
econv ersationwit
h
Ntando.Ifeelli
keI ’
m starti
ngt olosegr iponmy
l
ive.
Imeant hereisNt andot heext hatdoesn’t
wanttol etmego. Aboy fri
endthatisgi vingme
somer edf l
ags.Adepr essedsi sterwhom Idon’ t
knowhowt ohel p.Thecr azygirl
thatt hi
nksI’m
aft
erherman. Si
gh. Theonl ythi
nggoodabout
myliferightnowi smyj obandSophi e’sboss.
Zi
nil
e:"
Somet
hingl
i
ket
hat
”
Thul
i
:"Whati
sit
?Isi
tPr
isci
l
la?
”
Zi
nil
e:"
Who?
”
Thuli
:
"Duhthatgir
lwhowashereyest
erday?I
noti
cedthatt
het woofyouwer
einapretty
i
ntenseconversat
ion"
GoodnessIf
orgotaboutt
hatcr
azymoment
.
Zini
le:
"YeahShewasbusytell
i
ngmesome
crazyshitabouthermanbl
ahblahbl
ahIwasn’
t
reall
yli
steni
ng”
Shetakesoutherphoneandshowsmet
he
‘
Pri
scil
la’
personint
agram.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ist
hather
?”
Thul
i
:"YesyohIwoul
dgi
vemyl
i
vert
obeher
j
ustforaday”
Shelooksli
kesomeonewhowi
pesherbut
t
wit
hr andnot
es.
Thul
i
:"Letmegoat
tendt
hecust
omer
s”
Isettledownont hetreadmillandgot hr
oughal
l
herpi ct
ures.Thegirlsurelyi
slivi
ngthebest
l
ife.
Mansi ons.Yachts.Priv
atejets.
Expensi
ve
cl
ot hes.Thri
vingcareer.Shehasev er
ythi
ngandI
j
ustwonderwhyagi rll
i
keherwoul dthreat
ena
girl
likeme.
Voi
ce:
"Zi
nil
e?”
Iturnandf i
ndhim st
andi
ngbehi
ndme.The
Lungisicharact
er.
ThemanIwaswarnedof.
He
fl
asheshi sperf
ectsmil
eatmeandIret
urnthe
favor.
Zi
nil
e:"
Uhm hel
l
o”
Idon’
tknowwhybutmyf
acej
ustheat
sup.
Lungi
si:
"Whatdoesaguyhavetodotogeta
womanl i
keyouinhi
skit
chenandcookhera
del
ici
ousmeal?”
Zi
nil
e:"
Hecanl
ethercookherowndel
i
cious
meal”
Hechuckl
es.
Lungi
si:
"Iwil
lpi
cky
ouupt
omor
rowwheny
ou
knockoff”
Hekissesmyhandandwalksoutoft
heshop
l
eavi
ngmet of
ightwi
thmyownthought
s.It
hink
Ij
ustsignedmydeathwar
rant
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.19
ZI
NILE
Cl
ear
lyi
t’
scl
eart
osee
It
hinki
t’
sti
meweconf
ront
edt
he
Si
tuat
ioni
nfr
ontofus
AndIt
hinki
t’
sti
mewe
Tal
kitoutandf
orgetal
l
Thef
uss
Andi
fit
’snotmeI
’
llhav
e
Tounder
standandI
’
llbe
Outofy
ourway
Nodr
amai
nvol
ved
Buti
fyouf
eel
it’
sme,
i
fyouf
eel
I’
mtheone
You’
regonnahav
etomakeawayf
ormet
osee
i
t
Butasf
ormey
ou’
ret
heone
Andi
nmyhear
tourt
imewi
l
lcome
Ti
l
ltheendI
mmaal
way
sber
ightbyy
oursi
de
Iknowy
ou’
ret
heone
Iknowourt
imewi
l
lcome
If
eel
youi
nmyhear
t
Iseey
oui
nmydr
eams
Ikeepy
oui
nmypr
ayer
s
It
hinki
t’
sti
mey
ouadmi
t
ThatI
’
mtheonef
or
Youy
eah
Hesi
ngsal
ongtoEl
aine’
ssongwhi
lef
lashi
ng
hi
sdi
mplesatme.
He’sagoodsi
ngerI
’
llgiv
e
hi
mthat
.
Lungi
si:
"Ij
ustdiscoveredthi
ssongyest
erday
andthefir
stthi
ngt hatcametomindwasy ou”
Ichuckl
e.Si
gh.
Zi
nil
e:"
Wowy
ou’
resosmoot
h”
Lungisi
:
"I’
m bei
ngforr
eal
-Ihaven’tbeenabl
eto
getyouoffmymi ndsi
ncethatnight”
Il
aughbef
orel
ooki
ngoutt
hewi
ndow.
Lungi
si:
"Di
dyoul
i
ket
hef
lower
s?”
Zi
nil
e:"
Yeaht
heywer
ebeaut
if
ult
hanky
ou”
Lungi
si:
”Beaut
if
ulj
ustl
i
key
ou”
Il
ookawayt
ohi
demysi
l
lybl
ushi
ngf
ace.
Lungi
si:
"CanIt
akey
ououtt
hisweekend?
Iwant
t
ogett
oknowy
oubet
ter
”
Hepul
lsoveratt
hesi
deoft
her
oad.
Mymot
her
i
sgonnahaveafit
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Uhm no-
aver
ybi
gfatNO”
Hechucklesandturnst
ofaceme. Idon’tknow
what’swit
hthisguyandhi
sst ar
ing.AtTimesI
fi
ndithardtokeepeyecontactwith
hi
m. Somethi
ngabouthiminti
midates.His
presencej
ustcommandsr espect.
Lungi
si:
"Mi
ndI
fIaskwhy
?”
Zinil
e:"Idon’tknowwhaty ou’
retr
yingtodoher e
butI’m notf al
li
ngforanyofit
-yeswemetby
coincidenceandonl yGodknowhowgr atef
ul I
am fornotget t
ingsmushedbyy ourcarbutt hat
wasj usti t
-acoinci
denceandcoincidences
happen- itdoesn’tmeanweshouldf all
inloveor
al
l t
hatbul lshi
tokay”
Isaywi
thoutst
eal
i
ngoxy
gen.
Zini
l
e:"
Andbesi
desIdon’
twantt
roubl
ewi
th
yourgi
rl
fr
iend"
Lungi
si:
"What
?Mygi
rl
fr
iend?
”
Heasksl
ookingsoconf
used.
Menar
esuch
gr
eatact
ors.
Zini
le:
"Yest hecoloredgirl
?Idon’tknowwhat
kindofpr oblemst hetwoofy ouarehav ingor
whatsor tofar r
angementt hetwoofy ouhave
forhertoendupt hreateni
ngmebutI ’m gonna
needy out oleavemeoutofi t
-ineedy outostay
awayf rom meandbesi desIhav eaboy fri
end
thatIl
ov ewhol eheart
edlyIsuggesty out r
y
doingthesamet oy ourwoman”
Hejustchuckl
eswhi
l
eshakinghi
shead.Idon’
t
wantanydramainmyli
feespeci
all
ycr
azy
gi
rl
fri
enddramasobett
ernowthanlat
er.
Zini
l
e:"
Nowify
oudon’
tmindIwoul
dliketoget
homebefor
emymotherget
saheartatt
ack”
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
AsmuchasIwasangr ylastnightIdi dn’
thav
e
thestrengthtocallPr i
scill
aandconf ront
her.Thatgir
lhassomef ewl oosescr ewsthat
needt obet i
ghtl
yscr ewed. Thingsdidn’tgo
accordingtoplanlastni ghtbuti tf
eltgood
beingwi t
hher.Idon’tknowhowI ’m gonnago
aboutt hi
sbutZinil
ewi llbemywoman.
IhearPr
isci
l
la’
sshout
ingmynamef
rom t
he
bott
om ofherl
ungsdownst
air
s.
Lungi
si:
"Pr
isci
l
la?
Whatareareyoudoingher
e
soearl
yinthemorni
ng?”
Ishoul
dr eal
l
ychange
mysecurit
ycodecauseIdon’
tevenknowhow
shegotin.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Wher
eisshe?
Wher
eist
hatl
i
ttl
esl
ut?
”
Shepushesmeasi
deandwal
ksupt
omyr
oom
wher
eshestar
tswal
ki
ngi
ntomycl
oset
sand
mybathr
oom.
Lungisi
:
"Pr
isci
l
laWhatar
eyoudoi
ng?
What
s
goingon?”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Wher
eisshe?
Iknowy
ouwer
ewi
thher
l
astni
ght-
wherei
sshe?”
Sheshout
s.I
ml ostf
orwor
ds.
Thi
sisanot
her
l
evelofcr
azy.
Lungi
si:
"Woul
dyoucal
m down?
ther
eisnoone
here”
Pri
scil
l
a:"
Real
ly?
Thenwhydi dy oul
i
eabout
comingback?
Iknowy oucamebacky ester
day
whywouldyoulie?Huh?wherearet
heflower
s
youboughtdi
dy ougivethem t
oher?”
Shestar
tstogocr
azyonmehi
tt
ingmewi
thher
ti
nyfi
stsonmychest
.
Igrabhershoul
dersandshakeherbacktoher
senses.
Thisgir
lhasgonetoofar
.Ican’
tbel
i
eve
shehasbeenspy
ingonme.
Lungi
si:
"Pr
isci
l
lai
t’
sov
er-
it
’sov
erOkay
?”
Ibl
urtoutandt
her
oom goescompl
etel
ysi
l
ent
.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"What
?What
sov
er?
”
Lungi
si:
"Us?Wear
enotwor
kingoutandcl
ear
ly
wehavef ai
l
edbef
oreev
entr
y i
ng"
Shecover
shermout hwi
thbothherhandsand
wail
sli
keawoundedanimal.
Sigh.
Shecrumbles
onthebedandlooksatmewithtear
sfloodi
ng
downherface.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
It’
sbecauseofherisn’
tit
?Whatdi
d
shedo?Wasshet hatgoodinbedthatyou’
d
wanttoleaveme?”
Lungi
si:
"Notev
ery
thi
ngi
saboutsexPr
isci
l
la”
Prisci
ll
a:"
ThenWhat?WhatdoesshehavethatI
don’thave?Shemakessmoothi
esandsells
tennisball
sforal
iv
ingLungi
sii
fit
’snotabout
thesexThenWhati si
t?”
Lungi
si:"
Enoughwi t
htheinsul
tsi
t’
scl
earthat
you’
renotthet y
peofwomanf orme-i
m not
wil
li
ngtoshar eabedwi t
hawomant hat
thr
eatensinnocentpeopl
etogetherway”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Pl
easeIl
ovey
ou"
Lungi
si:
"I
m sor
rybutI
’m gonnaneedy
out
o
l
eavemyhouser i
ghtnow”
Shegr absherbagont hefloorandkissesmy
cheekbef oregoingout.Iknowhowhur tshe
feel
sr i
ghtnowbutIhadt odoit.
Ican’tbewith
someonei don’
tloveandhergoi ngt oZini
le
showedmewhatt ypeofawomanshei s.
An
i
nsecur ewomant hatbeli
ttl
esotherstomake
hersel
ff eelbet
terandt hr
eatensthem together
way .
Sigh.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Ican’
tbel
iev
eLungi
siwoul
dshat
termel
i
ket
hat
foragi
rll
i
keZini
l
e.
Tesha:
"Ohmyf
ri
endI
’
m sor
rybabeI
’
m so
sorr
y”
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Hewaswi thherl
astnightTesht
he
fl
owerswereforherIcan’
tbel
ieveit
-howcoul
d
hehurtmeli
kethis?”
Tesha:
"He’
sjustaf
ool
ishmant
hatdoesn’
t
knowwhathewants"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Il
ovehi
m whycan’theseet
hat
? Ican’
t
l
iv
ewithouthi
m TeshIneedhiminmyli
fe”
Ispentt
hewhol edaycr
yingi
nmyroom thatmy
mothercal
ledTeshtocometalkt
ome.Im used
toLungi
sibreaki
ngupwi t
hmebutthi
sti
mehe
meantit
.Hemeantev er
yword.
Tesha:
"Comeonyoudon’
tmeanthat-
youj
ust
mettheguyafewweeksbackandyouwere
doingfinebef
orehim andaguythatmakesyou
feell
ikethewayyou’r
ef eel
i
ngr
ightnowdoesn’
t
deserveyouatall
”
I’
m notgonnaloseLungi
si.
IfIl
osehi
mthenwe
alll
osehim.I
m notgonnaloseamantoa
smoothiegi
rl.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Sophi
e:"
Whosecarwast
hatl
astni
ght
?”
Zi
nil
e:"
Whatcar
?”
IactdumbcauseI
’
m noti
nthemoodf
ort
he
sl
utlect
ure.
Sophie:"
Thecarthatdroppedyouofflast
night?
Andpleasedon’tsayit’
sLuyanda’scause
thereisnowaythathecanaf for
damachi ne
l
ikethatwit
hhismodel ingpeanut
s”
Il
augh.
Mysi
sterr
eal
l
yknowshowt
ohur
ta
per
son.
Zini
l
e:"
WowSomeonei
sfeel
i
ngbet
tert
oday
neh”
Sophi
e:"
Yeahmom mademeseet
hel
i
ght
”
I
t’
sgoodt
oseeherbei
ngher
sel
fagai
n.
Zi
nil
e:"
Wel
lsur
pri
secausei
twasLuy
anda"
Shemocksmewi
thhernast
ychuckl
e.
Sophie:
"Ohpleasethere’
snowayyourboy
fri
end
canaffordt
hatcarcausemybossdr i
vest
he
exactsamecarandi t’
sinst
all
ment
scanbuil
d
someoneoutt her
eahouse”
Zini
l
e:"
OkayOkayi
twast
hatguyIt
oldy
ou
about”
Sophi
e:"
Real
l
y? y
ouguyssaweachother
agai
n?Mmhhf atei
snotsl
eepi
ngthat
’sf
orsur
e"
Shesaysexci
tedl
y.Idon’
tevenwannaknow
whysheischeerl
eadingforaguyshedoesn’
t
evenknow.
Zini
l
e:"
Whatf
ate?Itol
dhi mtogetlostIal
ready
havesomuchonmypl ateIdon’
thaveroom for
hi
m andhi
sgirl
fr
ienddr amainmyl i
fe”
Sophi
e:"
Youdi
dwhat ?Wowy
ou’
resuchani
diot
youknowthat
?-I
-D-
I-
O-T”
Shethr
owshernailf
il
eratme.
Theannoy
ance
onherfacej
ustscr
eams.
Zi
nil
e:"
What
?Leav
ememeal
onet
uu”
Sophi
e:"
Zipi
tIdon’
ttal
ktoi
diot
s”
Il
aughbeforeshej oinsme.Ireal
l
ydon’tknow
whatmysi sterexpectsmetodo. Shecan’
t
expectmet odumpmyboy f
ri
endf oraguywit
h
aniceexpensivecar.Thatwouldbeloweri
ngmy
standar
dsbutIr eal
lyhopehegott hemessage.
.
.
.
THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.20
It
hinkabouty
ou
Al
lthet
ime
Gotmer
ighther
ewai
ti
ng
Thoughy
ouknow
Youar
emybaby
Ev
ent
houghy
ou
Dr
ivemecr
azy
Thoughy
ouknow
Youar
emybabyy
eah
Ev
ent
houghy
oudr
ive
Mecr
azy
TyDoll
ablowsupmyspeaker sasIgetready
forwor
k.Si
gh.
Im sohappy
.Im exci
ted.
Imjusta
mess.
Doris:
"Andt
hewenadoy ouwantt
oblowmy
roofawaywithy
ouruloudmusicwhatgoty
ou
thi
shappysoearlyi
nthemorni
ng"
Iconti
nuetosingal
ongtothesongwhiledoi
ng
ali
ttl
edance.I
m agooddancermightIsaybutI
suckatsingi
ng.
Zini
l
e:"
HaoI’
mj usthappynj
eImeanwhat
’snot
tobehappyaboutma? ”
Dor
is:
"Oh?
”
Zini
le:
"YeahImeanI ’mfinall
yoverNtandoI
haveaj obt hatIenj
oydoingplusitpayswel
l-I
passedal l
mymodul esplusIal
readysecur
eda
bursar
yf ornextyear”
Shechuckl
esbef
orecomi
ngov
ert
ogi
vemea
hug.
Dori
s:"
I’
m happyforyoubabyI’
m gl
ady ou
fi
nal
lygotoverthatusel
essboyandreali
zed
youhaveabetterli
feaheadofyou”
Zi
nil
e:"
Wowma”
Shelaughsandleav
esther oom whenmy
phonerings.
It
sLuyanda.Ican’
twaitt
oseehim
toni
ght.
Yeshe’scominghomeandIcan’ twai
t
fort
hedayt oendsothatIcanspendtimewit
h
him.
Zini
l
e:"
Babepl
easetel
lmeyou’
real
ready
packedandr
eadytogo?”
Heheav
esal
oudsi
ghov
ert
hephone.
Luyanda:
"Yeahaboutthatbabe-eishi
m sorr
y
butthebosswantsust ostayforanot
hertwo
weeks-hewasn’ti
mpr essedwiththel
astshoot
andhewant sustoredot hewholethi
ng”
Zi
nil
e:"
What
?Buty
ousai
dyouguy
swer
edone?
”
Luy
anda:
"Yeswewer
ebutt
hecl
i
entwasn’
t
i
mpr
essed”
Isweart
hisi
sdi
sappoi
ntmentati
tsbest
.
Luyanda:
"I
’m sorr
ybabyi wassolooki
ng
for
war dt
oseeingy oubutit
’sonl
yatwoweeks
j
obt opsandafterthatI
’
m cominghomeokay?”
Hi
swordsj
ustf
all
ondeafear
s.I
m sohur
tthat
nowor
dscancomfor
tme.
Zi
nil
e:"
YeahIguesst
womor
eweekswon’
thur
t”
Luyanda:
"Ory
oucoul
dfl
yher
efort
he
weekend?”
Zi
nil
e:"
Iwil
lcheckmyshi
ft
slookIhavetogoor
el
seI’
llbel
ateforwor
kwe’l
ltal
klat
er”
Igr
abmyt hi
ngsandl eavef orwork.
Thisisnot
whatIsi
gnedupf or.
Idon’tthinkI
’m gonna
sur
vivet
hist
raveli
ngandbei ngawayfrom my
boyf
ri
endinthelongrun.Sigh.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Ithasbeent hreeweekssi nceIbr okethings
withPrisci
l
laandImustsayI ’m quitesur pr
ised
thatshedidn’ttr
yany t
hingstupi dtotryand
changemymi nd.Shedidcal l
li
keat housand
timesandsentmeami lli
ontext saboutwant ing
toseemebutsheev entuall
yst oppedwhenshe
sawt hathereffort
swer efrui
tless.
Mymotherwalksi
nhol
dingsomeTupper
war
e
i
nherhands.
Sont
o:"Ipassedbythehot
elandt
heyt
oldme
youarewor ki
ngfr
om hometoday
?”
Lungi
si:
"YeahIki
ndaov
ersl
ept
”
Dor
is:
"Ihopey
ouweren’
tbusyent
ert
aini
ng
l
oosegirl
siny
ourbed"
Ij
ustchuckl
eandhel
pherpackt
hecont
ainer
s
i
nthefri
dge.
Lungi
si:
"Of
causenotmamaIwasmakingfi
nal
arr
angementsfort
heopeni
ngnextmont
h”
Sonto:
"Ohthat
’sgoodmysonanyway
swhy
di
dn’tyout
ellmethaty
oubrokeupwit
h
Pri
scil
l
a?”
Ishoul
dhav
eknownthatshewoul
dgor unni
ng
tomymotherwi
thhercr
ocodi
let
ears.
Lungi
si:
"Sosher
ancr
yingt
oyou?
”
Sont
o:"
HaomaraLungi
siThatgi
rll
ovesy
ouand
youl
eftherf
orawai
tr
ess?”
Ichuckl
e.Shedi
dpl
aydi
rt
yaf
teral
l
.
Lungi
si:
"Il
eftherfornoonewowmaIcan’
t
bel
iev
ethaty oufell
forPr
isci
l
la’
sli
es”
Sheheav
esasi
gh.
Sonto:"
Sowho’sthisgi
rly
oucheatedher
wit
h? Thegi
rlt
hatisapparent
lyaf
tery
our
money ?”
Lungi
si:
"Mamai
twoul
dhel
pyout
ost
op
l
ist
eningtoPri
sci
ll
aIcan’
tbel
iev
ethaty
ou
wouldtakehersi
deoverme-y
ourownson”
Sonto:"
I’
m nott
akinghersidemyboy-
iti
sjust
thatasawomanIunder standhowsheis
feel
ingandIfeelsor
ryforhert
hat
’sal
l”
Lungi
si:
"Igett
hatokaybutt
hisi
sfort
hebest
-
I’
m donewithPri
sci
ll
a”
.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Janet
:"
Howar
eyouf
eel
i
ngt
odaymygi
rl
?”
Shedi
shesupf
ormeandIdi
gin.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"I
’m goodandnotbl
eedi
ngt
odeat
hin
mybed”
Mymot
herhasbeenf
ussi
ngov
ermesi
ncet
he
breakup.
Shecouldn’
tbel
iev
ethatIwasi
nvol
ved
withLungisi
butsheplay
edhermotherr
oleby
comf or
ti
ngme.
Janet
:"
StopThat
”
Pr
iscil
l
a:"Thenst
oppsy
choanal
yzi
ngmeor
whateveriti
s”
Shegi
ggl
esandpour
smesomej
uice.
Janet
:"
You’
remydaught
erandnomat
terwhatI
wil
lal
waysbeher
eforyou”
Pri
sci
l
la:
"OkaymaIlov
eyoutooI’
m goodand
asyoucanseeI’
m goi
ngbackt
owor k”
Shesmi
l
esandgi
vesmeherappr
oval
nod.
Myphonepi
ngsandi
t’
sat
extmessagef
rom
Lungi
si.
“
Leav
emymot
heral
onePr
isci
l
la”
I’
m notgonnaletLungi
siusemeandt ossme
asidel
ikeafi
lt
hyt i
ssueandIcer
tai
nlynot
gonnaletZi
nil
etakemyspotcausef orthepast
fewday sIhav ereali
zedthatIwasactuall
y
goingaboutt hi
st hewrongway -
ireal
i
zedt hatI
waspl ayi
ngmycar dswr ongsoIgaveLungisi
thelastpushbutt histi
meI ’
m gonnaplaymy
cardsrightandI’
m not imeLungisiwil
lbelying
nexttome.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Icoul
dn’
twai
tfort
hedayt
oendsothatIcoul
d
gohomeandlayonmybedint
hedark.
Voi
ce:
"Hel
l
oZi
nil
e”
Il
ookupt
ofi
ndt
hepsy
chogi
rl
fr
iendi
nfr
ontof
me.
Zini
le:
"YouagaingoshwhatdidItake
today?yourcat
?EishI
’m noti
nthemoodf
or
yourtantrumstoday”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Ij
ustwantt
otal
k"
Zi
nil
e:"
Tal
kaboutwhat
?”
Sheheav
esasi
gh.
Prisci
ll
a:"
OkaylookI ’
m sor
ryabouttheother
day -
andallt
heot herti
mesIshouldneverhave
j
umpedt oconclusionsbef
oregett
ingthewhole
storyI’
m sor
ry”
Thi
sIcan’
tbel
i
eve.
Pri
scil
l
a:"
Inowknowf oraf actt
hatnothi
ng
happenedbetweenyouandLungi siandthathe
wouldnevercheatonme-especial
lywit
h
someonelikeyounooffence”
Ij
ustchuckl
e.Ishoul
dhav
eknowni
twast
oo
goodtobetrue.
Pri
scil
l
a:"Okaythatcameoutwr
ongI’m not
usedtoapol ogi
zi
ngsowhenIapol
ogizeItr
uly
meani t
-I
’m sorr
yZinil
ecanwel
etbygonesbe
bygones?”
Zi
nil
e:"
Okay
”
Ij
ustgiv
eherthatcauset
her
eisnowayt
hat
I’
mtrust
ingher
.
Pri
scil
l
a:"
Okayandt oshowy ouhowsorryIam
I’
m gonnasignupwithyourDeanGymf orgol
d
memeber shi
pthatwaywecangett oknow
eachotherandhopeful
lybecomefri
endsone
day”
Shegi
gglesandinst
ructsmet ogiveherour
membershipfor
ms.Ireal
lydon’tknowwhat’s
goi
ngonher ebutwhateveri
tisIdon’twantt
o
beent
angledinit
.
.
.
.
THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
DEDI
CATEDTOMAHLAKOMARUTHWANE
I
n.21
LUNGI
SI
Sigh.Aft
ersomuchtimeIfi
nallydeci
dedto
makeanot hermoveonZini
l
e.IthinkIhave
gi
v enherenoughti
metocool downaf t
erthe
Prisci
ll
asagaandIreal
l
yhopet hatshehas
beent hi
nki
ngaboutme.
Shet
urnsandl
ooksawayt
hemomentourey
es
meet
.
Lungi
si:
"Hel
l
oMr
sM”
Sherol
lshereyesandget
sbackt
ofi
ddl
i
ngwi
th
thecomputer
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Mynamei
sZi
nil
e”
Shesayspointi
ngatt
henametagnearher
chest
.Ij
ustchuckl
eandheadupst
air
sformy
workoutsessi
on.
.
.
Lungi
si:
"Uhm Zeecanwet
alkf
oramoment
?”
Zi
nil
e:"
ShuuIhadav
erylongdaypl
easeIj
ust
wanttogohomeandsleep”
Lungi
si:
"OkayLetmet
akey
ouhomet
hen”
Sheheav
esasighbef
oregi
vi
ngi
n.Herf
ri
end
l
ockshopwhi
l
eweheadf ort
hecar
.
Lungi
si:
"Sowher
e’sy
ourboy
fri
end?
”
Zi
nil
e:"
Around”
Lungi
si:
"I
shegonnamar
ryy
ou?
”
Shechuckl
escl
ear
lybombar
dedbymy
quest
ion.
Lungisi
:
"Ifyouwer emywomanIwoul
dhav
eput
aringont hatf
ingeral
ongt
imeago"
Zini
l
e:"I
fthat
’syourwayofhit
tingonmet hen
youneedt oadv
ancey ourst
ylescauser
ight
nowy ouarenotdoingsogood”
Lungi
si:
"Hi
tt
ingony
ou?
Ihav
en’
tev
enst
art
ed”
Shel
aughs.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ohy
ou’
resof
ull
ofy
our
sel
fneh”
Lungisi
:
"NoI’
mj ustt
ell
i
ngy ouli
keitisany
ways
Ineedyoutobemydat eatt hi
sbigeventi
n
Bloemfont
einnextweekendi wantyoutogo
withme”
Zi
nil
e:"
Isthatarequestorcommand? anyways
whydon’tyouasky ourgi
rl
fri
endPr
iscil
la?”
Lungisi
:
"Ican’tbecauseshe’
snotmygi
rl
fr
iend
andwhat everwashappeningbet
weenusis
over”
Zi
nil
e:"
Ohist
hatwhyshecamet
oapol
ogi
zet
o
metoday?
”
Pr
isci
l
laapol
ogi
ze?
Lungi
si:
"Shedi
dwhat
?”
Zini
l
e:"
Yeahsheapol
ogizedev
ensi
gnedupf
or
thegol
denmembership”
Ifi
ndeveryfi
beri
nmer efusi
ngtobeli
evet hat
Pri
sci
ll
a’
sapologycamef rom t
heheartandwas
genui
ne.Si
gh.Mybodyjustfr
eezesupwhenI
thi
nkofthepossi
bil
i
tiesofherharmi
ngZi nil
e.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Lungi
si:
"Soaboutt
hedat
e?woul
dyoubemy
date?
”
Zi
nil
e:"
I’
ll
thi
nkabouti
t”
Het
akesmyhandandst
art
stoki
ssi
t.
Lungi
si:
"Ican’
tst
opthinki
ngabouty
ouZi
nil
eI
wantyout obemine”
Ij
ustl
aughathi
sri
dicul
ousnessbuthehasa
st
rai
ghtf
aceon.
Zi
nil
e:"
I’
m sor
rybutIhav
eaboy
fri
end"
Lungi
si:
"Yeahyouhaveaboyfri
endbutIwantt
o
beyourmant her
e’sadi
ff
erence"
Zi
nil
e:"
Soy
ouwantmet
oleav
ehi
m?”
Idon’
tevenknowwhyI’
m ent
ert
aini
nghi
m butI
can’
tresi
stt
heamusement.
Lungisi
:
"Yesbutthat’syourdeci si
ontomake
causetomewhet heryoul eavehim ornotatt
he
endyou’regonnabemi ne-you’r
egonnabemy
wifeandy ou’
regonnamakemyhouseahome
bybearingmebeaut if
ul chil
dren”
Hesaysal
lofthatfi
ddl
i
ngwithmyf
inger
s
l
ooki
ngmest r
aighti
ntheey
e.
Ijustl
aughandstepoutoft
hecar.
Hegetsout
tooandrunsovertomysidebef
orelocki
ngmy
bodyagainstt
hecarwit
hbothhi
sarms.
Iswal
lowthel
umpofsal
iv
ainmyt houghtand
bli
nkacoupl
eoft
imesbef
oreopeningmy
mouth.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ineedt
ogethomenow”
Hegentl
yholdscupsthesideofmyfacewit
h
hi
shand-hi
shugehandandmyey esj
ustgo
weak.
Ifeel
hisbreat
hhitt
ingmyskinandIhol
d
ontohi
sarm.
Lungi
si:
"CanI
?"
Inodagainsthisf
oreheadandhesmasheshi s
l
ipsagainstmine.
Weexpl oreeachother’
s
mouthswhi l
eourbodiessticktoget
herli
ke
att
ract
edmagnet s.
Mywhol ebodyjustgoes
numbandIf indmyselfholdingontohistor
so
forbal
ance.
Hebreakstheki
ssandgi
vesmyunsat
isf
iedl
i
ps
afewpecks.
Lungi
si:
"I
smyMr
sokay
?”
Ij
ustgi
ggl
ebef
oregi
vi
nghi
m anod.
Lungi
si:
"Iwi
l
lcal
lyout
omor
row"
Zi
nil
e:"
Buty
oudon’
thav
emynumber
s"
Hechuckl
esbef
orel
ocki
ngmybodyi
nhi
sar
ms.
Lungisi
:"I’
vealway
shadyournumbersIj
ust
wantedy ourpermi
ssi
onf
irstbef
orecal
li
ng”
Il
etoutal
ightgi
ggl
ebeforewehol
deachot
her
i
nsil
ence.
Sigh.
Whatam Idoi
ng?
.
.
.
If
inal
l
ymanagedt ogetri
dofLungi
siwhodidn’
t
wanttol
eave.
Sigh.
Ican’
tbel
i
evewekissed.
I
ki
ssedanot
herman.Suddenl
yguil
twashesover
me.Whendi
dIbecomeawomant hatcheat
s?
Voi
ce:
"Zi
nil
e”
Igetst
art
ledanddr opmybagont heground.I
sayasil
entprayerdeepinsidecauseIdefini
tel
y
don’
twanttogetmuggedi nfr
ontofmyhouse. I
fi
ndNtandostandingbehindmel ooki
nglikea
ragi
nganimal
.
Zini
l
e:"
Ntando?
Whatarey
oudoi
ngher
e?Idi
dn’
t
seeyoutherey
ouscar
edme”
Hechuckl
es-
wei
rdl
y.
Ntando:
"Howcouldyouhav
eseenmecause
youwerebusysucki
ngonANOTHERMAN’ S
FACE?”
Hey el
l
sthelastpartoutbef
orebangi
ngmy
fat
hersgat
e-star
tl
ingme. Al
ighti
nvol
unt
ary
scr
eam escapesmyl ips.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ntandoy
ou’
rescar
ingme”
Hef
umespaci
ngupnddowni
nfr
ontofme.
Ican’
tevenpickupmybagf r
om thegr
ound
causeI’
m scaredofwhathemightdot
ome.
Nt ando:"YouknowIknockedof fearl
yatwor k
today -
Idr ov
ehere-par
kedat wohousesaway
from your sli
keyoualwaysprefer
redjustsoI
coul dcatchy ouwheny ougotbackbutlit
tl
edid
Iknowt hatI’
m gonnagetthebiggestsurpr
ise
ofmyl
i
fe"
Hebur
ieshi
sheadi
nhi
shands.
Ntando:"
I’
m notgonnasi
tar
oundandlet
anothermantakeyouawayfrom me-
Iwoul
d
di
ebef or
ethathappens”
Zi
nil
e:"
Ntandocal
m downpl
ease”
Nt
ando:
"Comel
etsgo-
wear
egoi
nghome"
Hegrabsmywristandst
art
sdr
aggi
ngmeaway
f
rom thegat
e.
Ihearmyfat
hervoi
cebehi
ndmeasIbeg
Ntandot
oletgoofme.
Khaya:
"Heywhat
’sgoi
ngonher
e?wher
ear
eyou
taki
ngmydaughter?”
Ntando:
"Uhm I
’m sor
ryMrMt
hembuIj
ust
wantedtotal
ktoher”
Helet
sgoofmeandIr
uni
nsi
det
hey
ardt
omy
f
ather
.
Khaya:"
Getoutofherebefor
et hecommuni t
y
dealswithyouandexpectavisitf
rom pol
i
ce
off
icial
stomorr
owboy "
Mymot hercomesrunni
ngoutsi
deandtakes
meinsi
dewhi lemyfat
herpi
cksupmy
t
hings.
Heget sinhi
scaranddri
vesaway.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.23
ZI
NILE
Khay
a:"
Sosi
ncewhendoSpor
tsshop
empl
oyeesgoonawor
ktr
ip?
”
Zi
nil
e:"
Nobabai
t’
snotat
ri
pwe’
l
lbeat
tendi
ng
workshops"
Khay
a:"
Doi
ngWhatexact
ly?
howt
osel
lbal
l
s?”
Welaughbef
oremom comest
omyr escue.
My
f
atheri
snotbuyi
ngmystor
yaboutt
hewhole
t
ri
p.
Dori
s:"
Haibobabaleav
ethechil
daloneaf
ter
whatshe’sbeent
hroughIthi
nkshedeser
ves
somet i
meaway -
tohavesomefunanda
changeofscener
y"
Hejustshakeshi
sheadbeforef
inal
l
yagreei
ng.
I
swearevenifhehadnotagr
eedIwouldhave
snuckout.
Ir
unt
omyr
oom andst
artpacki
ng.
Lungi
si:
"Pl
easet
ell
mey
ou’
rer
eady
?”
Zinil
e:"
YesIwantt
otakeabat
hyoucancome
through"
Ifeeleveryinchofmuscl einmedanci nginjoy
andf il
l
edwi thexcit
ement .
Lungi
siisgonnal ose
hisjarscrewswhenheseesmel ater.
Iwental l
out.Ispentthewhol edayatthesalonspa
pamper ingmy sel
fcour t
esyofLungisi
.Sophie
taggedal ongcauset hevoucherLungisisent
mewasf ortwo.
Luyanda’snamef l
ashesont he
screenandev er
ythi
nginmej ustdies.
Sigh.
Zi
nil
e:"
Luy
anda?
”
Luyanda:
"Zi
nil
epl
easedon’
ttel
lmey
ou’
rest
il
l
angryatme?”
Zi
nil
e:"
Uhm Whatmakesy
ousayt
hat
?"
Luyanda:"
Becauseyouhavebeenignoringmy
call
sforthepasttwodays?Isai
dI’
m sor r
yandI
promisetomakei tupt
oy ouokaypleasejust
don’tshutmeout”
Myhear
tjustbr
eaksi
ntoami
l
li
onpi
eces.
Zi
nil
e:"
It
’snotyouLuyandaI
m sor
ryDeanisa
sl
avedri
veratworkandIcomehomef eel
i
ng
l
i
keazombi
eev
ery
day"
Heheavesasighbeforet
ell
ingmethathelov
es
me.Iswal
lowthebiglumpofsal
iv
astuckinmy
t
hroatsi
nceI’
ml ostf
orwords.
Zi
nil
e:"
YeahUhm mymot
heri
scal
l
ingmewe
wi
llt
alklat
er”
Ihangupandthr
owmy sel
font
hebed.
Sigh.
It
s
confi
rmedI
’m abadper
son.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Hekeepssl
ammi nghar
dint
omef
rom behi
nd
whi
leI’
m pi
nnedonthewall
.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"OhMar
kiey
ou’
regonnamakeme
come"
Hepl
ayswi
thmycl
i
tandmyl
egsj
ustt
rembl
e
i
npleasure.
Ifeelli
kepunchi ngthr
oughthe
wall
swithmybar ef i
sts.Hepull
smebymyhai r
andgoeshar donmyal readynumbcookie.
Ifeel
myselfr
eleasingmyj ui
cesonhi shardcock.
I
cal
louthisnameandhet hrust
sinunti
lhe
rel
easeshissacredmi lkinsi
dethecondom.
Welieonthebedf
ight
ingf
orbr
eat
hnextt
o
eachother
.
Mar
k:"
Somebodymi
ssedme”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Don’
tfl
att
ery
our
sel
fIj
ustmi
ssedy
our
di
ckgame”
Hechuckl
esbef
oreget
ti
ngont
opofme.
Mar
kie:
"Ohr
eal
l
y?Wel
ll
etmenotdi
sappoi
nt"
Heburi
eshisheaddeepi nsi
demyt hi
ghsand
dri
nksmeoutli
keat hir
tybull
.If
eel
myt oes
curl
i
ngasthepleasurehit
smybr ai
n.
Hereachesf
orthecondom i
nthedr
awerbutI
gr
abhishand.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Nocondom t
hist
imeIwantt
ofeel
you
baby”
Hefr
ownsbef
oreasmi
l
eappear
sonhi
s
f
ace.
Jer
k.
Mar
k:"
Arey
ousur
ebaby
?”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Of
causeI
’
m sur
enowt
akeme”
Mar
k:"
Wit
hpl
easur
e”
Hestr
okeshi
shar
dcor
kbef
orepar
ti
ngmy
wal
ls.
.
.
.
LUNGI
LE
Lungisi
:
"Pl
easemakesur
ethatev
ery
thi
ngi
s
readywhenIgett
her
eSam”
Ireal
l
yhopet hatZi
nil
ewill
loveever
ythi
ngI
haveplannedoutforher
.Bytheendofthi
s
weekendshe’
l
lbebeggi
ngmet
omakeherMr
s
Mhlophe.
Shecan’tholdherselff
rom bl
ushi
ngwhenshe
seesmewai t
ingforheroutsi
demycar .
She
l
ookst otal
lydif
fer
entwiththehorseshai
rand
color
edey es.
Ther edstr
appeddressmakesthe
animalinmehaul inexcit
ement.
Lungisi
:"Wowyoulook-
youlookver
yvery
beautif
ulandnott
hatyou’
renotbeaut
if
ulon
otherdays”
Shegi
ggl
es.
Ismashmylipsagai
nstherr
edl
i
psandf
eel
her
warmthagai
nstmine.
Zi
nil
e:"
Wel
lyou’
renotl
ooki
ngbady
our
sel
f”
Shegetsi
nthecarwhi
l
eIputhersui
tcasei
n
theboot
.
Lungi
si:
"It
hinky
oushoul
dhav
etakent
heback
seat
”
Zi
nil
e:"
Haowhy
?”
Lungi
si:
"Bacauseyou’
renotbei
ngfai
rhowam I
gonnaconcentrat
eontheroadwit
hav i
sionl
i
ke
thi
sbesideme? ”
Shegiggl
es.
Ijustgoweakev
eryt
imeshedoes
that
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Wowj
ustdr
ivet
uu”
Lungi
si:
"Wel
lBl
oem her
ewecome”
.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Thedriv
etoBloem waslongcauseLungisiwas
taki
nghisti
medri
ving.
Iwon’ tl
i
eitwasanice
driv
e.Wetal
kedImeanIt al
kedandwesanga
l
ot .
Hewouldmakeagreatr oadtr
ippar
tnerone
day
.
‘
Didhel
i
kei
t?Wher
ear
eyou?
Tal
ktomepl
ease
Zee’
Ichuckl
e.Icani
magi
nehowdesper
ateshe
l
ooksr i
ghtnow.
‘
Hewentcr
azyIwi
l
lcal
lyoui
nthemor
ning’
Itextbackbeforeswi
tchi
ngmyphoneoffcause
Iknowshe’sgonnakeepf l
oodi
ngmyphone
withhernoisytext
s.
Lungi
si:
"Wear
efi
nal
l
yher
e”
Zini
l
e:"
Sowe’l
lbest
ayi
ngher
efort
her
estof
theweekend?
”
Hej
ustnodsbef
orepecki
ngmyl
i
ps.
Themanagercomest ouswear ingthe
fri
endl
iestsmil
eev er
.Myeyeswanderar ound
theroom andbutterf
li
esj
usttickleme.The
bri
ghtl
ylitl
ight
sthechandeli
erssohi ghupand
theshinyexpensi
vefurni
tur
e.Theplacelooks
l
i
keheav
en.
Hi
m:"WelcometoMhl
opheHot
ely
oursui
tei
s
r
eadyforyousi
r”
Lungi
si:
"Soev
ery
thi
ngi
sreadySam?
”
Sam:
"Yessi
rthewaywayy
ouasked”
.
.
.
Lungi
si:
"Sodoy
oul
i
kei
t?”
Hesaysaft
erusher
ingmeinsi
dethesui
te.
I’
ve
nev
erseensuchbeautymyent
irel
if
e.
Zi
nil
e:"
GoodnessIl
ovei
tLungi
sit
hisi
ssome
TopBil
li
ngshit
”
Lungi
si:
"WellI’
m gladt
haty
ouli
kei
tyout
hink
guest
swi l
lfeelthesameway?
”
Zini
l
e:"
Ofcausewhowoul
dn’
tthepl
acel
ooks
fant
asti
cdamn"
Thev
iewoftheenti
recit
yjustmakesmef
all
in
l
ovewit
htheplaceevenmore.
Zi
nil
e:"
Thi
sisMhl
opheHot
elr
ight
?”
Lungi
si:
"Yeah?
”
Zini
le:"
Reall
y?Mysist
erworksatoneofthe
hotelsbackhomebutt hepl
aceisnotli
kethi
s
one-it
’sbeauti
ful
butthi
soneistenstar
s”
Lungi
si:
"Yesaboutt
hat
-It
hinkweshoul
dtal
k”
Hegrabsmyhandandl
eadsmet ot
hecouch
wher
ehepoursmeaglassofchampagne.
Zi
nil
e:"
What
swr
ong?
”
Lungisi
:"
YeahI’
venev
ert
oldy
out
hisbutI
’
m
yoursist
ersboss”
Si
l
ence.
Il
augh.
Zi
nil
e:"
Whatdoy
oumeanbyt
hat
?”
Lungi
si:
"Exact
lyThat
-I
’m Sophi
e’
sboss-
iown
Mhl
ophehot
elsi
ncl
udi
ngt
hisone”
Ist
areathim wait
ingforhi
mtotel
lmethathe’
s
j
okingbuthejustgulpsdownhi
sdri
nk.
Zi
nil
e:"
Uhm It
hinkIneedsomeai
r”
Irunouttot hebalconyt ocalmt he
overwhelmingfeelingsi nme.Itnowmakes
sense.ThehouseIf oundmy selfi nwasinthe
samenei ghborhoodSophi eandIwentt othat
day.He’sDean’sfri
end- andDeanknowsmy
si
sterfrom work-att hehotel
-t
hehot el
thathe
owns.He’sthev erysamemant hatwil
lbe
payingformyeducat i
onnexty earandnowI ’l
l
bespendi ngtheent ireweekendwi t
hhiminhis
hotelsuit
e.
Zini
l
e:"
Wowni cel
yplay
edwhataf
ooly
ouare
Zini
l
eIshouldhaveknownt
hati
twastoogood
tobetrue”
Lungi
si:
"Zeewhat
’swr
ongIdon’
tunder
stand
what’
sgoingonwhyarey
ouupset?”
Zi
nil
e:"
Whydi
dn’
tyout
ell
me?
”
Lungi
si:
"BecauseI
..
”
Zini
l
e:"SoI’
m stucki
nahot elsui
tewiththever
y
samemant hatwil
lbepayi
ngmyf eesnext
year
?Themanmysi sterworksfor?How
convenient
”
Lungi
si:
"What
?Woul
dyouj
ustl
etmeexpl
ain?
”
Il
eavehi
minthebal
conyandl
ockmy
sel
fint
he
bedr
oom.Si
gh.
Typi
calMen.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.22
LUNGI
SI
Sigh.Theki sskeptplayi
ngi
nmyheadov erand
ov eragainlikeavideoonrepeat
.Isuddenl
yfeel
l
ikeev erythingdul
l ar
oundmehascol orever
sincet hatkiss.
Itr
iedtocal
lherl
astnightbut
shedi dn’ttakeanyofmycal l
s.
Lungi
si:
"Sophi
eI’
m goi
ngtot
hatlunchmeet
ing
thenI
’
m goinghomeafter
wards”
Ican’
tbeli
evethatoneoft
hegooddaysshe’
s
gonnabemysi steri
nlawbutI
’
m keepi
ngthat
tomyselffornow.
Shejustsi
ghsbef
oremumbl
i
nganOkayi
nher
breat
h.
Lungi
si:
"What
swr
ong?
”
Sophi
e:"
It
’snot
hing"
Ij
ustkeepl
ooki
ngatherunt
ilshef
inal
lygi
ves
i
n.Ihav
etoknowcauseitmi
ghtinv
olveher
si
ster
.
Sophie:
"Bl
oodyMeni swhat
’swr
ongcany ou
bel
ievemysi st
er’
sexboyf
ri
endatt
ackedher
l
astnightbecausehesawhermakingoutwi
th
anotherman? ”
Lungi
si:
"What
?Issheal
ri
ght
?”
Iaskwi
thoutgi
vi
ngmy
sel
faway
.
Sophi
e:"
Shei
sjustali
tt
lerat
tl
edbutshe’
l
lbe
okaysi
nceherbossgaveheradayoff
”
Lungi
si:
"Okayyoushoul
dpr
obabl
ygocheckon
heraf
terwork”
Sophi
e:"
YesIwi
l
l”
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Ican’
tbel
i
eveNt
andot
urnedonmel
i
ket
hat
l
astnight.
Ihav eseenhi m angr
ybutt hatwas
anotherl
ev el
ofanger ness.Hewassomadt hat
hecouldn’
thol dhimself.
Idon’tknowwhat
wouldhavehappenedi fmypar entshadn’t
shownupwhent heydid.Ipr
obablycouldhav e
screamedmyl ungsoutf orhel
pandser vedhim
wit
hmobj usti
ceorIcoul dhavedr i
venaway
wit
hhi mtohi splacewher eGodknowswhat
couldhavehappened.
Myphonepi
ngsandi
t’
sat
extf
rom anunknown
number
.
‘
Pleasecomeout
sideLungi
si’
Iquickl
yrunt
omyroom t
ogetchangedi
nmy
j
eansandwhi t
eT-
shi
rt
.Howdi
dheev enknow
thatIwashome.
Icheckoutf
ormyparent
swhoar esl
avi
ng
awayinthei
rgar
denandsneakout.
Ashorri
bleasIfeelbutthesightofhi
m
rel
easesagiganti
cbutterf
li
esinmyst omach
Zi
nil
e:"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”
Hegrabsmebybyar msandplacesmeonhi
s
chest
.Icanf
eeleyespi
erci
ngt
hroughmy
back.
Mymot heri
sgonnaknowaboutt
his
befor
ethedayends.
Lungisi
:
"Iwenttot
hesport
sshopandt
heytol
d
mey oudidn’
tcomeinandthaty
ouwer
efeeli
ng
si
cksoher eIam”
Zi
nil
e:"
Ohokayt
hanky
ou-
Iguess"
Hepinchedmycheekmaki
ngmeabl
ushi
ng
mess.
Lungi
si:
"Let
sgogr
absomet
hingt
oeaty
oul
ook
hungr
y”
Igi
ggl
e.
Zi
nil
e:"
Wowyousureknowhowt ocompl
i
ment
awomanthanksbutI
’m nothungry"
Lungi
si:
"Okaythengeti
nthecarandwe’
l
lfi
nda
qui
etniceplacetoeaty
ourgoodi
es”
Heopensupt
hedoorf
ormeandwedr
iveof
f.
.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Iwatchherasshechewsonherchocol at
es
wit
hnocar eintheworld.
Itookhert
othelocal
par
ksi nceshedidn’
twanttogotoofarbutwe
werejustinti
mef ort
hesunset.
Lungi
si:
"Sowhat
swrongwi
thyou?
Ikissyouthe
l
astni
ghtandyouwakeupsi
ckthefoll
owing
morni
ng"
Shegi
ggl
es.
Zi
nil
e:"
Trustmeitwasnoty ourki
ssthatmade
mesick-matt
eroffactIl
ovedthatki
ss”
Shesay
sbi
ti
ngherl
owerl
i
pent
ici
ngt
hemani
n
me.
Zini
l
e: "
Itwasmyst
upi
dexboyfr
iendhesawus
ki
ssingandhewait
edfory
outol eav
ebefor
e
confronti
ngmeint
hemostscari
estmanner
ever
”
Lungi
si:
"Di
dhehur
tyou?
”
Zi
nil
e:"
Nobuthewantedt
oforcef
ull
ydr
ive
awaywithmecanyouimagi
ne”
Lungi
si:
"Doy
ouwantmet
otakecar
eofhi
m?"
Zi
nil
e:"
What
?Idon’
twanty
out
oki
l
lhi
m”
Hesay
sshockedandIl
augh.
Lungi
si:
"Whosai
danyt
hingaboutki
l
li
ng
hi
m? Hai
bodoIlookl
i
keakill
er?"
Zi
nil
e:"
Wel l
youshoul
dn’
thav
esai
ditwi
tha
ki
l
lervoice"
Lungi
si:
"OwsoIhaveaki
ll
ervoi
ce?
ButImust
sayI’
mf l
att
eredt
oknowIpassonassomeone
whocanki l
l
”
Shel
aughsandmyhear
tjustconti
nuest
omel
t
maki
ngmef al
lmor
eharderforher
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Wellbei
ngaki
l
leri
snotsomet
hingt
obe
pr
oudof "
Lungi
si:
"YeahIknowi
t’
sgoodt
oseey
ousmi
l
e”
Si
l
ence.
Zini
le:
"Idon’
tevenknowwhyhe’sdoi
ngthi
s
causehebr oughtal
loft
hisonhi
mself"
Shetel
l
smeherst or
ywit
htheNt ando
char
acterandbyt
heendofitshe’si
ntear
s.
Zini
l
e:"
Andnowhehasthecheekt
ocallmeout
whenheseesmewithanot
herfor
get
ti
ngitwas
thever
ysamethi
nghedidt
ome”
Ipul
lhercl
osert
omeandhol dhert
ight
ly
wit
houtsayi
nganyt
hing.
Sigh.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Si
gh.Lungi
simighthav
ebrokenmyhear tbut
I
’m notpl
anni
ngongoi ngthesamepathI
walkedaft
erJacquesWell
ingt
on.Aft
erthe
fi
tt
ingswit
hthemodelsIdecidedtopassby
Dean’sGymtoputmypl aninact
ion.
Il
ookaroundt
heshopandZi
nil
eisnowher
eto
befound.
Pri
scil
la:"
Uhm hicanyoupleasecal
lZini
l
efor
met herearet
hingsthatIdon’
tquit
e
understandonregardi
ngmymember shi
p”
Thul
i:
"Zini
l
eisnoti
ntodaybutIcanal
sobeof
assi
stance"
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Uhm nowor
ri
esIwi
l
lcomeback
tomor
row"
Igr
abmygy m backandleav
etheshop.Ical
lthe
hot
elandt
hetellmethatLungi
sihasbeenout
befor
elunchsoIcal
lhi
shouse.
Zondi
we
answers.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
HiZondi
wecanIpl
easet
alkt
o
Lungi
si?
”
Zondi
we:
"It
houghtMrLungi
sit
oldy
out
ost
op
cal
li
nghi
shouse?”
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
YesIknowbuti
can’tseem t
ofi
ndmy
bl
ackcoatanywher
esoIwaswonder i
ngifhe
coul
dcheckitf
ormeinhisbedroom?”
Zondiwe:
"Iwil
lcheckitforyouMrLungi
siwent
outtoseehisnewgi r
lfr
iend"
Shelaughsandsayssomet
hingi
nherl
anguage
bef
orehangingup.
Ifeeltearsburni
ngmyey esbef
oret
heyfal
l.
He
couldn’twaitt
olongenoughtogeti
nher
pants.Ithasnotevenbeenamonthsincewe
brokeup.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"You’
regonnapayf
ort
hisLungi
si”
Ical
m my
sel
fdownandcal
lMar
k.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
HeyMarkIknowIsai
dI’
m nev
er
cal
li
ngyouagai
nbutcanwemeet?”
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
If
eel
theki
ssawakeni
ngev
erypar
tinmybody
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Lungi
siIcantkeepdoi
ngt
his”
Isayaf
terbr
eaki
ngt
heki
ss.
Lungi
si:
"Keepdoi
ngwhat
?”
Zi
nil
e:"
This-t
histhingbet
weenusi meanI ’
m
al
readyinvol
vedwi thsomeoneelseandwhat
I
’m doi
ngher eisjustpl
aincr
uelsoself
ishof
me”
Lungi
si:
"Wher
eishe?
Im her
ear
en’
tI?
”
Zi
nil
e:"
That
snotf
air
-Idon’
twantt
ohur
t
LuyandaImeanhowhypocr
it
ical
ofmetohur
t
anotherper
sont
hesamewayIwashurt"
Heheav
esasi
ghbef
oret
hrowi
nghi
sheadback.
Lungi
si:
"Il
ovey
ouZini
l
eandIcan’
thel
pmy
sel
f-
IwantyouOkay?"
Hepecksmyli
psandgoesdownt
omyneckt
o
pl
acegent
lewetki
sses.
Luyanda:"
Iknowit’
sunf
airofmetoexpectyou
toleaveLuyandasoIwi
lllety
oumakey ourown
choice”
Si
l
ence.
Lungi
si:
"Li
keIsai
dy est
erdaycomewi thmeto
Bloem f
ortheweekendthatwayyou’ll
getto
knowmebef oremakinghastydeci
sions"
Hepl
eadski
ssi
ngmyhands.
Him andki
sses.
Zi
nil
e:"
Iwantt
obutIhav
ewor
k”
Lungi
si:
"Yourbossi
smybestf
ri
endIwi
l
ltal
kto
hi
m”
Zi
nil
e:"
Deani
syourf
ri
end?
”
Idi
dn’
tknowt
hat
.
Lungi
si:
"Youseeyouknownot hingaboutme-
Letsgoawaythenwe’ l
lknowev er
ythi
ngabout
eachotherwi
thoutdist
urbancesfrom wor
k
yourfamil
yandcrazyex’s"
Hemakest
hemot
herofal
lpuppyf
acesandI
gi
vei
n.
Zi
nil
e:"
Okaybutnof
unnybusi
ness"
Hechuckl
es.
Lungi
si:
"Of
causemyl
ady"
I
’vebeent
hrougharoughcoupl
eofmonthssoI
guessaweekendawaywil
ldomegood.Sigh.
.
.
.
THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.24
ZI
NILE
Ican’
tbeli
eveIgotplay
edbyaman- again.
To
thi
nkIli
edt omyparentsaboutal l
ofthisonlyt
o
real
izeI
’m bei
ngtakenforaf ool.Idon’teven
wanttoment i
onhowdecei t
ful Iam towar ds
Luyanda.
Sigh.Af
tert
aki
ngal onghotshowerI
grabmysui t
caseandheadf ort hedoor .
Lungi
si:
"Goody
ou’
reawake”
Heappearsfr
om theotherr oom wrappedin
nothi
ngbutawhit
et owel.Looki
ngathi sbare
ri
ppedtor
socausesmet oswallowt hesali
vain
mymout hver
yhard.Heknockedonmydoor
quit
eafewtimeslastnightbutev entual
l
ygave
upaf
teraf
ewhour
s.
Zi
nil
e:"
YesIam andI
’
mleav
ing”
Itr
ytodragmysuit
casebehi
ndmebuthe
gentl
yyanksi
tfr
om myhand.
Zi
nil
e:"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
”
Lungisi
:"
Nobodyi sgoi
nganywher e-
Iknow
you’r
eupsetrightnowbutl
eav i
ngi snota
solut
ionlet
’sordersomebreakfastthent
alk”
Hepul
l
smebyt hewai
standpl
antssof
tki
sses
onmyli
psbef
oregoi
ngformyneck.
Lungi
si:
"Pl
ease"
Afterheget sdressedhel eadsmet ooneofthe
pergolasout si
dewherewef indabeauti
ful
l
y
l
aidbr eakfastonthetable.Mystomachjust
rumblescauseIsl eptwithanempt ystomach
l
astnight .
Hepul l
sbackthechai rf
ormeandwe
settl
edown. Thef r
eshairhitsmyskinandIjust
closemyey estoenjoyit
.
Lungi
si:
"Soy
outhinkIbroughty
ouher
esot
hat
youcanpayyourdues?”
Zi
nil
e:"
Uhm Yeswhatel
se?
”
Hechuckl
eswhi
l
ehedi
shesupf
orme.
Lungil
e:"
BecauseIl ov ey ouandIwanttobe
withyou?l
ookIdi dn’tev enknowSophiewas
yoursist
erwhenIof feredt opayfory
our
studi
esandshedoesn’ tknowaboutusthatI
swearonmygr andpar ent sgrav
es”
Zi
nil
e:"
Soy oujustgi
veoutmoneyt
oyour
employees?”
Lungi si
:"
Onlythosewhoneedmyhel p-
your
sistermi ghtworkandt
akeorder
sfrom mebut
she’sl i
keasistert
ome-I’
m sur
pri
sedshenever
toldyouaboutme”
Zinil
e:"Wel
lShedi
d-manyTimesIwasjustnot
l
isteningIt
houghtyouwerejustanol
dbig
bell
iedman”
Hel
aughs.
Lungi
si:
"Wel
l I
’m notPleaseZeecanwej ust
enj
oyourweekendt oget
her?
ivebeenlooki
ng
for
wardtothissincethatdayyouagreedto
comewi t
hmesopl easedon’tdothi
stome
okay-
especi
all
ynott odaycauseI’
m gonnaneed
youbymysi detonight”
Zi
nil
e:"
What
shappeni
ngt
oni
ght
?”
Lungi
si:
"I
t’
stheopeni
ngt
oni
ght
’st
heni
ght
”
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Aft
erhav i
ngourbreakf astIt
ookZini
leoutfor
somedr essshopping.Shewasf r
eakingout
aboutnothavingany t
hingtowearsoIof f
ered
tobuyheranythingthatshewant ed.
Imean
she’
smywomanaf terallandIwanthertolook
herbestt
oni
ght
-r
ightbymysi
de.
Zi
nil
e:"
Icanbuymyowndr
essy
ouknow?
”
Lungisi
:
"Iknowandy
ou’
l
ldot
hatnextt
ime-
todayit
’sonme"
Zi
nil
e:"
Whuubutthi
spl
aceisexpensi
vet
hey
ev
enchargef
orthedri
nks”
Shewhi
sper
sandIchuckl
e.
Lungisi
:"
Stopf
ussi
ngandgot
ryonsome
dresses”
Theshopassist
antdragshertotheotherside
oftheroom t
otryonsomedr esseswhil
eIcall
Dean.Si
gh.
Every
thi
nggoingaccordingtoplan.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Ihadt
obl
ockMar
k’scal
l
sforawhi
l
ejustsohe
couldstopcall
ingmeaf t
ereveryfiv
e
minutes.Theguyhasrealat
tachmenti ssues
thati
t’
snotev enfunny
.Sounattracti
ve.
Tesha:
"SoI
tsLungi
si’
sni
ghtt
oni
ght
?”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"YeahIwi
shIwaswi
thhi
m-r
ightbyhi
s
si
de”
Isul
k.Ican’
twaitf
ort
hedayIhav
emyman
backinmyar ms.
Tesha:"
Alli
ngoodt i
mebabe- f
ornowlet
’senjoy
ournightcauseLungi
siiscert
ainl
ynotmoping
aroundforyouwhereverheis”
Sheor
der
sanot
herroundofdri
nkswhileIscr
oll
downMhl
ophehot
elInst
agram page.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"OhmyGod"
Tesha:
"What
?whati
sit
?”
I
’mtooshockedt
osayany
thi
ngsoIj
usthand
hert
hephone.
Tesha:
"OhPr
isci
l
la-
may
bei
t’
sjustaguest
”
Tear
sbur
nmyey
es.
Priscil
l
a:"
Noit’
sherTesh-
heswit
hher-
hetook
hert osharet
hemostimport
antmomentofhi
s
l
ife”
Myheartacheswi
thev
erywor
dIr
eadont
he
capt
ion.
Prisci
lla:
"Hedoesn’
tevenhaveayearknowi
ng
thi
sbi tchbuthe’
salr
eadytaki
ngherto..
why
?I
hatet hem TeshIhat
eLungisi
formakingme
feelthisway”
Tesha:
"Ohbabei
t’
sgonnabeokay
”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Noi
t’
snot
-unl
essIdosomet
hing"
Igr
abmycl
utchbaganggetup.
Tesha:
"Dontl
eav
e"
Herrequestf al
lsondeafearsandIwal
kaway
f
rom t hetable.
Igeti
nmycaranddr i
vehome
wit
ht earsblurr
ingmyv i
sion.
.
.
.
Goodni
ght

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
Cr
oppi
e
I
n.25
LUNGI
SI
Iwakeuptothebeaut
if
ulvi
ewoft
hem al
l
.She
mumbl esi
nhersl
eepbefor
esl
owl
yopeni
ngher
eyes.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ahandsomemanl
i
key
oudoesn’
tpass
asacreep"
Shegi
ggl
esbef
orebur
yingherf
acei
nthepi
l
low.
Lungi
si:
"What?
Iwasj
ustwat
chi
ngov
ermy
fut
urewife”
Zi
nil
e:"
Ohoowhat
evercr
eep”
Lungi
si:
"Soy
out
hinkI
’
m handsome?
”
Shel
aughs.
Zi
nil
e:"
WowIshoul
dhav
enev
erl
ety
ousl
eepi
n
mybed”
Lungisi:
"Ohreal
ly?
IfIr
emembercorr
ectl
yyou
pract
icall
ybeggedmet ogeti
nbedwi t
hyou
l
astnight -
youbeggedmetoholdyouunti
lyou
fel
lasleep”
Shesmashesherlipsonminebef oreplaci
ng
herl
egonmyt high.If
eel
my selfgett
ingharder
asshebrushesherbodyagainstminemaki ng
mefeelt
heneedt obedeepi nsideher.
Lungi
si:
"Nof
unnybusi
nessr
emember
?”
Shegi
ggl
esbef
orehi
tt
ingmewi
thherpi
l
low.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ohpl
easedon’
tfl
att
ery
our
sel
fIwasj
ust
ki
ssi
ngy
oudon’
tbl
amemef
ory
ourweakness”
Lungi
si:
"Ohr
eal
l
y?wowi
tison-
it
’swargi
rl
”
Ihi
therwithmypi l
lowandapill
owfi
ght
ensues.
Sigh.
Thisiscont
entmentati
tsbest
.I
couldn’
thaveaskedforabett
ermoment.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Somebodyt
oldme
I
twaspoi
ntl
essf
orme
Tocomebacki
nyourar
ms
Sai
dyouf
uckedanot
herman
Fi
nal
l
yIknewt
hisday
Woul
dcome
Asl
ongasy
ouknow
ThatwhenIl
andy
ou’
remi
ne
Andy
ouwoul
dnev
erf
eel
so
Pr
ett
y
Youwoul
dnev
erf
eel
Thi
sbeaut
if
ul
WhenImakei
tther
e
Ispentthewhol enightcryi
ngmyey esout.My
tabl
etwasgl uedtomyhandsasIkeptzoomi ng
i
nonLungi siandthatmansnat cher
’spict
ures.
I
swearitwasl i
kethepersonresponsi
blefor
thei
rsocial mediaplatf
orm haditi
nforme.The
postkeptf l
oodinginbreaki
ngmyhear tinto
unrecognizablepieces.
Mymotherwal
ksi
nthemyr
oom andswi
tchof
f
t
hemusic.
Janet
:"
Arey
ousur
ethaty
ou’
regonnabeokay
?”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Ofcausemom per
iodpai
nsnev
er
ki
l
ledanyone”
Ihadt
oli
eaboutmysl
eepi
ncauseIcoul
dn’
t
bri
ngmysel
ftotel
lherwhat’sr
eall
ygoi
ng
on.
She’
sgonnathi
nkt hatI
’
m stupi
dforl
ovi
nga
manthatwant
snothingtodowi t
hme.
Janet
:"
OkaybabyIwi
ll
bri
ngy
ousomet
hing
sweettocheery
ouup"
Sheclosest
hedoorandIdivedeeperint
omy
depressi
on.
Ireachf
ormypillbot
tl
esinthe
drawerandheadtothebat
hroom.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
May
bey
ouwi
l
llov
emeaf
tert
his
Lungi
si”
Ipopthepill
sonebyonei nmymout hunt
ilthey
runout.
Ijustwantt
hepaint oend.
Ijustwantto
sleepandsleepfor
ever
.Igulpdownmywat er
andgobackt omybedt oliedown.
.
Tobecont
inued

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
I
n.25cont
inuous
ZI
NILE
Si
gh.OnlyGodknowshowIdon’ twishforthi
s
weekendtocomet oend. Lungi sigavemeanew
meaningtothewor dfun.Afterbr eakf
astwehad
ali
tt
letouraroundtheci t
y.Wewentt othe
museum andt hebotanicalgardensbef ore
doi
ngal i
tt
leshopping-again.Ievenbought
Sophi
eandmypar entsaf ewt hings.
Zi
nil
e:"
Thi
sisbeaut
if
ul"
Lungi
si:
"Noy
ou’
rebeaut
if
ul"
Zi
nil
e:"
Ohst
opi
t”
Igi
vehi
m atwir
lbef
orehel
eadsmet
oourt
abl
e
i
nthedi
ninghal
l.
Hehadthewholepl
aceri
ggedwit
hli
ghtsand
f
lowerar
rangement
stocoverasmal
lcountr
y.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ist
hatEl
ainepl
ayi
ng?
"
Lungi
si:
"Yesoninst
rumental
ofcause-
iti
s
off
ici
all
yoursongmyl ov
e”
Ij
ustgi
ggl
eandbl
owhi
m aki
ss.
Zi
nil
e:"
You’
resmoot
hI’
l
lgi
vey
out
hat
-Il
ovei
t”
.
Lungi
si:
"Youareaveryst
rangemanMr
MhlopheImeanamanl i
key oucanhaveany
womant hathewantsbutinsteadyouchoose
me”
Hechuckl
es.
Lungi
l
e:"
What
’st
hatsupposedt
omean?
Ist
her
e
somethi
ngwr
ongwithyou?”
Iheavealoudsi
ghbef
oregi
vi
nghi
m my
str
aightf
ace.
Zini
le:
"Imeandidyouseehowt hosewomen
werelookingatyoulastni
ght?Beauti
fuland
successfulwomen-woment hathaveitalland
t
obehonestIf
eltki
ndaoutofpl
ace”
Helaughs-har
d.Asmuchasl astnightwasf un
andamazingIf el
tli
keal l
theguestknewi twas
myfir
sttimeattendinganev entl
ikethat
.Ifelt
l
ikePri
scil
lawasbet tersuit
edtobet her
e-not
me.
Zi
nil
e:"
I’
m ser
iousLungi
si-
dontl
augh”
Lungisi
:"I
’
m sor r
ybutwhatarey outryingto
say?Areyout ry
ingtosaythatyou’renot
beautif
ul?Thatyou’r
enotsuccessful?Idon’
t
careaboutt hem Ionl
yhaveeyesf oryou"
Hekissesmyhandacoupleofti
mesbef
ore
pour
ingmeanothergl
assofwine.
Lungi
si:"
Iknowwhaty ou’r
etal
kingaboutand
bel
ievemeIwasengagedt ooneoft hose
beauti
fulandsuccessfulwomeny ou’
retal
ki
ng
aboutbutIgotburnt-
verybad-
shehadanaf fai
r
wit
hmyhot el
managerandf el
lpregnant”
Hesay
sthr
oughhi
schuckl
eli
kehej
ustsai
d
somet
hingf
unny
.
Lungisi
:"
Shef el
lpregnantandmademebel
iev
e
thatthebabywasmi neonlyt
obemadeafool
i
nt hemat er
nityward”
Zi
nil
e:"
Ohhow?
”
Lungisi
:"
Hewaswhi te-
that’
swhenIr ealized
thatwomenar esnakesIfeltli
keaf ool-allt
hose
mont hsIfel
tababyt hatwasn’ tmine-Itooki tt
o
doctorsappointments-If
edi t
-Iputar oofov er
thei
rheadsandgav ethebot hofthem
uncondit
ionallovekanteIwasbei ngpl ay edfor
afool"
Zi
nil
e:"
OhmyGodI
’
m sosor
ry”
Lungisi
:"
There’
snothingtobesor r
yabout-she
taughtmeav aluabl
elessoninlif
e-Bei
ngwi t
h
hermademel osefocusonev eryaspectofmy
l
ife-
Iabandonedmybusi nessandent rust
ed
them wit
hcrookedpeopl esointurnInearl
ylost
myhot elandallmyinvestmentscausemy
account
antr
anof
fwi
thal
lmymoney
”
Hesi
ghsandgul
psdownhi
sdr
ink.
Lungisi
:
"Mypar
entshadt
oputt
heirdr
eam
houseonthemarkett
osavemefr
om my
debts”
Ifeelmyey esr
eleasi
ngdropl
etsofwar
m water
tomyf ace.Hechuckl
esbefor
ewipingt
hem off
withhisthumbs.
Lungi
si:"
Sotoanswery ourquesti
on-I
’
m done
withthosewomen- It
riedbutfail
edmul t
ipl
e
ti
messonowI ’m goi
ngf orsomethingdiff
erent
-
I
’m goingforsomeonewhowi llcr
ywhenIt ell
them aboutmypai n”
Igi
ggl
e.
Lungi
si:
"Someoneli
keyouandIhopet haty
ou
canhavemet oo-
I’
m notper
fectbutIknowhow
tolov
eawoman”
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
If
eelhernail
sdiggi
ngdeepi
nmyfl
eshwi
th
ev
erythrustIsendt
oherbody.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ohpl
easedon’
tst
op-
don’
tst
op"
Shecli
ngsontometi
ghtl
yandwr apsherlegs
aroundme.
Shemoansloudlywithpleasur
easI
enjoyt
hewarmthoft
heforbiddenfrui
t.
Lungi
si:
"Damny
ouf
eel
sogoodf
uck”
IcurseasIfeelherwall
ssqueezingmyhard
cock.Il
ethercatchherbreat
hgoingdownon
her.
Shecriesoutwhenshef eel
smyt ongue
sl
idi
ngi nher.
Itortureherwetchamberwithmyt onguei
nall
di
r ecti
ons.Hermoansareli
keasongIcoul d
nev ergetti
redofl
ist
eni
ngto.Itar
getherfr
agil
e
cl
itandherbodygoesi ntoatrembling
mode.Shecr iesoutmynameandIf eelher
warmj ui
ceswet t
ingmyl i
ps.Isl
am myhar d
cockdeepi nsideherandpoundhert hr
oughher
orgasm.Iturnherov ert
ot akeherfrom behi
nd
andmymi ndj ustfr
eezes.
Shebur sthercookie
opengivingmef ull
accesst oal
lhersensiti
ve
spots.
Zi
nil
e:"
Takeme-
I’
myour
s”
Lungi
si:
"Shi
tyou’
regonnamakemecome”
Myent
ir
ebodyget
sexci
tedandIexpl
odedeep
i
nsi
deher.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Thesoundoft
hebeepingmachinesl
owl
ybr
ing
mebacktomyconsciousness.
Myv
isi
oni
sbl
urr
ybutIcanseemymot
herand
Teshahoveri
ngovermewithtear
sint
hei
r
eyes.
Sigh.
Whyisdyingsohar
d.
Janet
:"Ohmybabyy
ou’
reawake-
thankYou
Lord”
Itakeofftheoxygenmaskandgiv
et hem a
faintsmil
e.If
eel
likeI
’
vebeenrunoverbyabus.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"I
’m att
hehospi
tal
aren’
tI?
”
Janet
:"
Yeswhywouldyougul
pdownabot
tl
eof
pi
ll
soveranunwor
thymanPrisci
l
la?
”
Tear
sfal
lfr
om herf
ace.
Shehol
dsmeandIcr
y
i
nherarms.
Prisci
l
la:"I’
m sorrymom Ifel
tunwort
hyand
unwant edLungi sihurtmeandseei
nghim wi
th
thatgir
l wast helaststr
awIcoul
dn’
thandlei
t-
I
j
ustwant edtosleep”
Janet:
"You’
renotunwantedwhotoldy
ou
that
?Stopityou’
rest
rongandyou’
rea
Matthews-wedon’tt
aketheeasyandcowar
dly
wayoutwefaceourpr
obl
emsandt
aket
hem
outnotki
l
lour
sel
ves”
.
.
.
Ireal
lycouldhavediedifTeshahadn’tfound
meatt hetimeshedi d.
Icouldhavedied
becauseofLungisi.
Apar tofmehateshi mfor
putti
ngmet hr
oughthisbutahugepar tofme
l
ov eshim andsti
ll
wantt obewithhim.Iwantto
bewi t
hhim.
Pri
scil
la:
"SoWhatdidt
hedoct
orsay
?Whenam I
get
tingdischar
ged?
”
Mymot herhadsomemeetingssoI’mlef
twit
h
Tesh.
Shehasn’tl
eftmysi
deev ersi
nceIwoke
up.
Sigh.
Tesha:"
Theypumpedt
hedrugsoutbabebut
theysai
dsomethi
ngaboutput
ti
ngyouunder
sui
cidewat
ch?
”
Ij
ustheaveasi
ghbef
orebr
ushi
ngmyf
acei
n
fr
ust
rati
on.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Goshwhyt
hough?
Im okayar
en’
tI?
”
Tesha:"
Noy ou’
renot
-Pr
isci
ll
ay outr
iedt
oki
l
l
yoursel
fyouneedhelpokayplease”
Shest
art
ssobbi
ng.
Sigh.
Im af
ool
.
Pri
scil
la:
"Inearl
yki
ll
edmysel
fforamanwho
won’tprobablycar
eaboutmysuici
descar
e-I
’
m
suchani di
ot”
Tesha:
"Abi
gidi
ot”
Iwi
llhavet oprovet
ot hem t
hatI’m ont heroad
tor
ecov erybefor
elaunchi
ngmyat t
ack. Iwon’t
l
etZini
lehav eLungi
siscotfreeli
ket hat.I
fhe
dar
esr ejectmeagainIwill
weart heor ange
j
umpsui tforhi
m.Thatsapromi se.
.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.26
ZI
NILE
Iunpackmybagswi t
hLungi si
’sthoughts
poll
utingmyhead. Im sadthattheweekendi s
overbutsoonerorl at
erwehadt ogetbackt o
thereal worl
d.Thewor l
dwher eyouhav eto
worksot hatyoucanbuybr ead.Deanwas
sweett ogivemeanot herdayof ftorest
.Lungi
si
couldn’tgetenoughofmel astnight
-weonly
sleptattheearlyhoursoft
hemorni
ng.
Iwon’
t
l
ieIfeltmor econnectedwit
hhi
m nowmore
thanev erandwhenhehel dmeIfel
tat
home. Weirdbuttrue.
Voi
ce:
"Yousl
ysl
ut”
Igetstar
tledbySophie’
svoicebehi
ndmeand
dropthemor ni
ngaf t
erpi
ll
sonthefloor.
She
quickl
ypicksthem upandgaspforairbefor
e
l
aughing.
Zi
nil
e:"
Sophi
egi
vemet
hoset
uu”
Sophie:
"I
’m notgi v
inganyt
hingt
oyouunti
lyou
tell
meev er
y thing-
WowZi ni
leHowcoul
dyou
hidesuchat hingfrom me?”
Shetakesoutherphonef
rom herpur
seand
fl
ashesapict
ureofLungi
siandIdanci
ng.
Zi
nil
e:"
Wher
edi
dyougett
hat
?”
Sophi
e:"
Onthehot
elssoci
alpagesoal
lal
ongit
washim?ItwasMrLungi
siandyoudi
dn’
teven
bot
hertot
ellmey
ou’
rescr
ewi
ngmyboss-
fl
esh
onfl
esheven”
Shemocksme.
Zini
le:
"Soany
onecoul
dhav
eseent
hat
?Ev
en
Luyanda?”
Sophi
e:"
YeskantewenaWhatdi
dyout
hinkt
he
cameraswer
ef or
?wall
paper
s?”
Zi
nil
e:"
GoshI
’
m adeadwoman”
Sophi
e:"
You’
regonnabeinthenextminut
eif
youdon’
ttel
lmewhatthefuckisgoi
ngon”
Iheav
easi
ght
ocal
m downmyner
ves.
Zinil
e:"
Ididn’
tknowhewasyourboss-Ionl
y
discoveredwhenwegottot
hehot el
buthe
knewwewer esist
ers”
Sophi
e:"
WowI
tnowmakessense”
Iswit
chmyphoneonandt hemessagescome
fl
oodingi
n.Iwassocaughtupi nhavingf
un
wit
hLungisithatIf
orgotaboutLuyanda.
Sigh.
I
t
rytocal
lhi
m buthi
sphonegoesst
rai
ghtt
o
v
oicemai
l.
Sophi
e:"
Sohowwasi
tnai
l
ingmyboss”
Zini
l
e:"
Wellyourbosst
reat
edmel
i
keaqueen
that
’sal
lyouhavetoknow"
Igrabthepill
sanddi sappeartot hekit
chen
whilesheusest hebigsi st
erblackmailcar
dto
getmet al
king.Idon’tevenknowhowIagr eed
i
ntohav i
ngunpr otectedsexwi t
ht he
man. Si
gh.
Somepeopl edon’tv
aluetheirl
iv
esin
thi
swor l
d.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Ifhappi
nesswasaper sonitwouldbeme-
Lungisi
Mhlophe.
IneverthoughtIcoul
dbe
happyli
kethi
severagaininmyl i
fe.
Deanwal
ks
i
nmystudygi
vi
ngmet
hemosti
diot
icsmi
l
e
ever
.
Lungisi
:
"What
?whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
i
ke
that
?”
Dean:
"Someonehadagr
eatweekend-
you’
re
gl
owing"
Lungi
si:
"WhatcanIsay
-i
t’
slov
e”
Dean:
"Sosheagr
eed?
”
Lungi
si:
"YesShei
sof
fi
cial
l
yMr
sLungi
si
Mhlophetobe”
Hechuckl
esbef
oregi
vi
ngmeaf
istbump.
Lungi
si:
"ManIl
ovethatwomansoi
fIwereyou
Iwoul
dst ar
tpr
epar
ingmybestman’
sspeech”
Hel
aughsandpour
sussomewhi
skey
.
Dean:
"I
’m happyf
ory
ouman-
youdeser
vet
his”
Myphoneri
ngsandIansweraf
terseei
ngt
hat
i
t’
smotherdear
est
.
Sont
o:"
Yhufi
nal
l
yIcoul
dn’
tgetholdofyout
he
ent
ir
eweekendmyboyhowwast heopeni
ng?”
Lungi
si:
"I
twasgr
eatmamaev
ery
thi
ngwentas
pl
anned"
Sont
o:"That
sgoodmyboyy
ourf
atherandIar
e
soproudofyou”
SheheavesasighandIknowshehas
somethi
ngtotell
me-somethi
ngbad.
Lungi
si:
"Aomamawhat
’swr
ong?
”
Sonto:
"Idon’
tknowifyou’
veheardbutPri
sci
ll
a
tr
iedtokil
lher
selfboyIwasatthehospi
tal
yester
dayshe’
samessboy ”
Myhear
tski
psaf
ewbeat
s.
Lungi
si:
"Shedi
dwhat
?”
Sonto:"
Shesaidshecouldn’
thandlel
osi
ngyou
aii
t’samessany waysIhavetogomypot sar
e
burningI’
l
lcomeseey outomorrow”
Shehangsup.
Dean:
"What
swr
ongman?
Lungi
si:
"St
upidPri
sci
l
lat
ri
edki
l
li
ngher
sel
fcan
youbel
ievethat
?"
Ican’tbel
i
evePri
sci
ll
awouldt
rysuchast
upi
d
stunttogetmyatt
enti
on.
Dean:
"Yoht
hat
’sr
oughsoy
ouwannagosee
her
”
Ichuckl
e.
Lungisi:
"What? Ican’tdothatdoingt hatwil
lonl
y
misleadherorgi vehersomesor tofHopeman
Ij
ustcamef rom awonder f
ul getawaywi t
hmy
gir
lf
riendhowwi llshefeelifshef oundoutthat
I’
m busyr unningaf t
ermycr azyex”
Idon’twantt
odoanythi
ngthatwil
lhur
t
Zini
l
e.Notaft
erwor
kingsohardtogether
.
Dean:"
Okaybutatleastsendheragetwel
ltex
t
orsomethingcausey ouandIknowwhyshe
tr
iedki
ll
inghersel
f”
Iheav
easi
ghandcr
umbl
eonmychai
r.
Lungi
si:
"I
’l
lthinkabouti
tanywaysIneedy out
o
giv
ethecont actdet
ail
softhatmodeli
ngagency
youusedfort hosemodelsthatdayofyour
shopopening”
Hef
rownsl
ooki
ngsuspi
cious.
Dean:
"Why
?”
Lungi
si:
"Don'
twor
ryIj
ustwantt
otakecar
eof
somethi
ng"
Dean:
"YoumeanZi
nil
e’
sboy
fri
end?
”
Ij
ustchuckl
eandZipmymouth.
Heshakeshi
s
headbefor
efor
wardingt
hecont
act
stome.
.
.
.
30comment
s=Bonus
THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.27
LUNGI
SI
Lungi
si:
"Justmakesur
eyoumakehi
m anof
fer
hewon’tresi
st”
Asof tknockcomesthr
oughthedoorbeforei
t
swingswi deopenandt
hequeenappears.I
hangupt hecall
.
Lungi
si:
"MmmhhWhatawayt ostar
tmy
morni
ng-Someonecan’
tkeepawayf
rom me”
Shegi
ggl
esbef
orecomi
ngov
erf
orahug.
Zini
l
e:"Wel
lSophi
espentt
henightatt
hehouse
soIjustt
aggedal
ongwithhertoworksothatI
cancomesaygoodmor ni
ngtoy oui
nperson”
Lungi
si:
"That
’ssosweetcomeher
e”
Wel ockl
i
psandt
hel
i
ttl
emei
nmypant
sst
art
s
act
ingup.
Zi
nil
e:"
Anyway
sLuy
andai
scomi
ngbackt
his
weekend”
Lungi
si:
"Oh?SoWhatar
eyougonnado?
You
havet
obr eakupwi
thhim”
Zi
nil
e:"
Iknow-
but
..
”
Lungi
si:
"Butwhat
?”
Mymot hert
hrowshersel
finmyof
fi
cebef
ore
shecanevenrespond.
Lungi
si:
"Uhm Mawhatbr
ingsy
ouher
e?”
Zini
l
equickl
yunt
angl
eshersel
ffr
om myhol
d
andstepsawayl
ooki
ngl
ikeachil
dthatj
ust
stol
esomecandy.
Sonto:
"Icamet
ocheckony
ouboyorhav
eyou
for
gott
en? ”
Shegi
vesZini
let
hemotherofal
lnast
iestl
ooks
bef
orefl
ashi
nghersmi
l
eatme. Si
gh.
Lungi
si:
"Yeahi
tcompl
etelysli
ppedmymi nd
Uhm mamameetZi ni
l
ey ourfutur
edaughteri
n
l
awandZeemeetmymot herSontoMhlophe"
Zini
l
ehol dsoutherhandt
omymot herbutshe
hesi
tatesbefor
eshakingi
tli
kei
t’
sinf
il
tr
atedby
nastygerms.
Zini
le:
"I
t’
sapleasuretomeety
oumamat
hat
’sa
verybeauti
ful
blouse”
Shecompl
i
ment
sher
.
Sont
o:"
Thanky
ouI
twasapr
esentf
rom Pr
isci
l
la
"
Shestatescl
earl
ytr
yingtosenda
hear
tbreaki
ngmessagetoZinil
e.Themoodi
n
ther
oom justgoessour.
Zini
l
e:"
Ohokayit
’sbeaut
if
ulmamaUhm babeI
havetogoIdon’
twanttobelat
eforwor
k”
Shesay
swi
thsomuchsadnessi
nherv
oice.
Lungi
si:
"Nodon’
tleav
elet
’sgodownstai
rst
o
thedi
ninghal
landhavesomebreakf
ast"
Isqueezeherhandandgi
vehermyassur
ing
l
ook.
Zini
l
e:"
Nobabenextti
mef
ornowgospend
ti
mewi t
hyourmother
”
Ipeckhercheekbef
oreshel
eav
es.
Sigh.
Sont
o:"
Yhuugoodr
iddance"
Lungi
si:
"MamaWhatt
hehel
lwast
hatabout
?”
Sonto:
"What
?excusemef
ornotappr
ovi
ngev
ery
ski
rtyoui
ntr
oducetome"
Lungi
si:
"MamapleaseIwouldappr
eci
atei
tif
youst
opt hi
shosti
l
ityagai
nstt
hepoorgi
rl
”
Shechuckl
es.
Sonto:
"Well
thatpoorgi
rli
sthev
erysame
reasonanot
herwomancr i
esher
sel
ftosl
eep
andtri
edt
okil
lher
selfdi
dyouev
enbot
her
checki
nguponher?
”
Lungisi
:
"Iwil
ldonosucht hi
ngy ouknowmama
thesooneryouacceptthatPri
scil
l
aisoutoft
he
pict
urethebett
er-
ihaveanewwomani nmylif
e
now”
Isayfi
rml
ymaki
ngsur
ethatsher
egi
ster
smy
words.
Sont
o:"
Butmyboy
..
”
Lungi
si:
"Butnot
hingmamaIl oveZi
nil
eandI
wouldappreci
ateiti
fyouboardedt
hesame
tr
ainwit
hme”
Sheheav esasighbeforeshr
uggi
ngher
shoulder
s.Pr
isci
ll
aisthedevi
l.
Howonearthdi
d
shemanaget ogetinsidemymother
’shead
though.
.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
‘
Il
ovey
oumyZeeQueen'
At extf r
om Lungisilif
tsmymoodal itt
lecause
I’
vebeenf eeli
nglikecrapev ersi nceIgotback
from thehot el.
Evenabl indmancoul dsense
thehat eLungi si
’
smot herhasf orme.Myphone
ri
ngsf r
om mypocketbutIdecl inei
tafter
seeingLuy anda’
snamef lashingont he
screen. Si
gh.Ihavebeeni gnor i
nghi scallsever
sinceIgotbackf rom Bloem causemygui lt
y
consci encewaski ll
ingme. Idon' tknowwhatI
woul dsayi fheasksmeaboutLungi si’
s
picture.Ihadtoknowbyt helongpar agraphed
texthesentmet hathe’scomi nghome.
Aftersi
gni
ngoffthenewstockatthebackI
decidetoheadbackinsi
dethest
ore.
Ifi
nd
Ntandostandi
ngatthedoorandheslamsit
shut
.Mybodyi
nst
ant
lyheat
sup.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ntando?
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?”
Ntando:"
Sothi
siswhaty
ouwanted?Youlef
tme
becauseyouwantedt
oopenyourlegsf
orri
ch
men? ”
Myref
lexescausesmet
olandahotsl
ap
acr
osshisface.
Zi
nil
e:"
Howdar
eyou?
Taket
hatback”
Hechuckl
esbef
orer
oughl
ygr
abbi
ngmychi
n.
Ntando:"
Why ?
Youcouldn’
tevenwaitamont
h
Zini
le?Howcouldyoudothistome?tous
huh?Doy ouknowhowhurtIwaswhenmy
fr
iendsshowedmet hatpi
ctureofy
ouin
anotherman’sarms?”
Al
onet
earescapeshi
sey
e.
Ntando:"
Isi
tbecausehehasmoneyandI ’
mjust
auselesspieceofspace?
whyam Inot
surpr
isedcauseyouandy ourf
ami
lytur
nedon
met
hemomentIl
ostmyj
ob”
Asof
tchuckl
eescapedmyl
i
ps.
Zini
l
e:"Idon’
thav
etimef
ort
hisandIdon’
thav
e
ti
mef oryou-
notanymor
e"
It
ryt
opasshi
m buther
oughl
ygr
absmywr
ist
.
Zi
nil
e:"
LetgoofmeNt andoorel
set hi
stimeI
wi
llscr
eam soloudt
hattheywil
ltakeyoutoa
maximum pri
sonwit
houtgoingt
ot ri
al”
Hel
ooksatmewi
thsomuchr
agei
nhi
sey
es.
Voi
ce:
"I
sev
ery
thi
ngokayher
e?”
Reli
efwashesov
ermewhenIseet
hesecur
it
y
guardbehi
ndus.
Iroughl
yyankmyhandf
rom Nt
ando’
shand
beforegoi
nginsi
de.
Zi
nil
e:"
Leav
emeal
oneNt
andoorel
se.
.”
Ntandoi
sstar
ti
ngt
obecomeapr obl
em i
nmy
l
if
e.Whenandhowdidhebecomesobit
ter
.Si
gh.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Soy
ouwi
tnessedev
ery
thi
ngt
hatwas
goi
ngon?”
Il
etoutachucklewhi
l
elooki
ngatt
hepi
ctur
es
Donal
djustgaveme.
Donal
d:"
Yepandasy oucanseet
heguygot
qui
teaggressi
vewi
thher"
IhadDonaldfoll
owZi ni
l
etogetsomethingI
mightuseagainstherandLungisi
’
srel
ationshi
p
andsofarIhavet heupperhand.
Donald:
"Theguysnamei sNtandoBi
yel
ahe
worksatthatMedFarm phar
macyjustt
wo
st
reetsawayfrom t
hesportsshop”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"SoWhat
shi
sdeal
?”
Donal
d:"
Apparent
lyMissMthembubrokeup
wit
hhim afewweeksagobutbythelooksof
thi
ngshehasn’ty
etaccept
edthebr
eakup”
Pri
scil
la:
"Wel
lwel
lwe’
l
litlooksl
ikeourli
tt
le
missushassomeunfi
nishedbusinesswit
hher
exlover”
Thi
sisj
ustwhatIneed.Ascornedextodot
he
j
obformewithoutevenli
ft
ingafinger
.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"ThankYouDonaldjustkeepfoll
owi
ng
hermay beyoumi ghtf
indsomethingeven
j
uici
erthanthis”
Hegrabshi sbagandl eav
esmyr oom.Finall
y
t
here’
sal ightatt
heendoft unnelnowwhat ’s
l
eftofformet oconvincethesedoctor
st hatI’
m
f
inesot hatIcanleav
et hi
sdamnhospi t
al .
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.28
FourDay
sLat
er!
PRI
SCI
LLA
OnlyGodknowshowexcitedIwaswhenmy
doctorsi
gnedmydischar
gef or
ms.Isweari
f
shehadn’tIwoul
dhavedischar
gedmy sel
f.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Thankyoubabeforpi
cki
ngmeupI
knowyouprobablyhadnoodl
estocook”
Shel
aughs.
Tesha:
"Ohsomi
sssui
cidehasj
okesnow?
"
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Yeahexpectmor
eoft
hem f
rom now
on”
Tesha:
"Goodpl
easedon’
tev
erpul
lthatst
unt
agai
nit’
snotwort
hit
”
Priscil
la:"
YeahIknowIwasaf ool-
Ican’
t
believeInearl
ykil
ledmysel
fforsomeonewho
didn’tevenbothercomi
ngtoseemeor
checkingonme”
Shej
ustgi
vesmeherpi
tysmi
l
ebef
orehol
ding
me.
Shedisappearstot
hebathr
oom topackupt
he
restofmythingswhil
eIcal
ltheNtando
charact
er.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Nt
andoBiyel
a?You’
ret
alki
ngt
o
Pr
isci
l
laMatthewsher
e”
Nt
ando:
"WhatcanIdof
ory
ou?
”
Her
espondsr
eckl
essl
yandjudgi
ngf
rom hi
s
t
onehehashadafewdri
nks.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Canwemeetupt omor
rowther
eis
somethi
ngthatIwoul
dli
ketodi
scusswit
hyou"
Hechuckl
es.
Nt
ando:
"Noti
nter
est
ed”
Hehangsuponmeandi gnor
esmycal l
swhenI
tr
ytocal
lhi
m back.
Sigh.
Thej
erkisnotgonna
beaneasyper
sontowor kwi
th.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Lungi
l
e:"
May
beIshoul
dgowi
thy
ou?
”
Zi
nil
e:"
Noit’
sokayyoubei
ngi
nther
ewoul
djust
bechaoti
c-t
rustme”
Heheavesasighbef
oreshruggi
ngher
shoul
ders.
Iknowhedoesn’
tli
kethef
actt
hatI
’
ll
belef
tal
onewi t
hLuyanda.
Hepecksmyl i
psbef oreIgoupt oLuy anda’
s
fl
at .
Besidesfrom Ntandot hisisthehardest
thingIev erhadtodo. SpeakingofNt andoIhad
ar estr
ainingorderputoutf orhim causehewas
starti
ngt obeapr ickinmyf oot.
Hepull
smet ohi
mforahugbefor
el et
ti
ngme
i
n.Si
gh.
HowIhaveforgot
tent
hesmel l
ofhi
s
col
ogneandthewar
mt hofhi
sski
n.Theyal
lfeel
sofor
eignt
ome.
Hegr
absmyhandandl
eadsmet
othecouch.
Luyanda:"
GoshI’
m sohappytoseeyouI
couldn’
twaitt
ocomebackandt al
kt oyou
causeyouhavebeenignori
ngmef orthepast
fewdays”
Ihavenocomebacktot
hatsoIj
ustgul
pdown
thewinehepour
sforme.
Zi
nil
e:"
Uhm Luy
andawehav
etot
alk”
Luyanda:
"Yeswehav
etobutnotbef
oreIt
ell
youthegoodnews"
Theexcit
ementonhisfaceisunmi
ssabl
e.He
bet
ternotdoanyt
hingstupi
dli
kepr
opose.
Luyanda:
"Af
ewmont hsbackIappl
i
edt ojoi
n
theModelUSmodeli
ngagencyinNewYor kand
twodaysagotheyj
ustapprov
edmyr equest
”
If
rowni
nconf
usi
on.
Zi
nil
e:"
Whatdoest
hatmean"
Hescratcheshi
sheadbef
orehol
dingbot
hmy
hands.
Luyanda:
"I
’m goi
ngt oNewYor
kbabeIcan’
tlet
thi
sopportuni
typassmeby-i
thasal
waysbeen
mydr eam t
owor kther
e"
Zi
nil
e:"
Oh?
”
Thi
sisnott
urni
ngoutt
hewayIexpect
ed.
Luy
anda:"
Iknowwhatyou’r
ethi
nki
ngbutit
’s
onl
yforayearbabesur
elywecansur
viv
ethat?
”
Igr
abmybagandgetupt
oleav
e.
Zini
l
e:"
It’
str
ue-
youcan’
tpr
eventfat
e-I
t’
sfunny
howIcameher et
obreakupwithyouonlyto
getthi
s”
Luy
anda:
"What
?”
Zini
le:"
Luyandawel ov
edi f
ferentli
vesin
diff
erentwor l
dsandIdon’ tthinkitcoul
dev er
wor kbetweenus- imeany ourlif
eisinapl ane
whilemi neisont hecouchinani celywarm
housenotbei nglonelyinacol dbedwai t
ingfor
youwhi l
ey ouliv
ey ourli
fe”
Hej
ustl
ooksme-
ast
ounded.
Luy
anda:
"NoZi
nil
edon’
tdot
his-
please”
Zi
nil
e:"
You’
reagoodguybuti
t’
sov
er-
goodl
uck
wi
thNewYor k”
Ikisshischeekbef orel
eavi
nghim st
andi
ngin
themi ddleoftheroom.AsmuchasI ’
m sadI
feel ki
ndali
ght.Theburdeni
soffmyshoulder
s.I
alway sknewatt hebackofmymi ndthat
Luy andawill
nev erputmebefor
ehisjobandit
woul
dbesounf
airofmet
oexpecthi
mto.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Shewr apsherar msar oundmynakedbody
beforeplanti
ngsof tkissesacr ossmyback. I
knewLuy andawoul dn’tresistt
heNewYor k
off
erwhenIpul l
edt hest ringsforhim.Iknowi t
wassl yofmebutIhadt odoi t
.IknowZi nil
e
wasbl i
ndedbygui ltthati twouldhav ebeen
hardforhertoendt hingssoImadet hings
easierforher.
Ijusthopet hatIwillgatherthe
str
engtht ocomecl eant oherwhent hetime
comes.
Lungisi
:"
Ihopet
hef
oodi
sreadycauseI
’
m
star
ving"
Shegi
ggl
esbef
orepushi
ngmeont
hebedand
get
ti
ngont
opofme.
Zini
l
e:"
Whichfoodareyoutal
kingabout
?the
fooddownstai
rsort
hisfood”
Shedirectsmyhandtoherbreastandtheot
her
tohernicelyshav
edcookie.
Thewetness
evokesmanl yemoti
onsinme.
Lungi
si:
"Uhm t
hef
ooddownst
air
s?”
It
easeasshel
aughsbef
orecl
i
cki
nghert
ongue.
Lungisi
:
"I’
mj ustki
ddi
ngy
ouknowIwould
choosethismeal asmyl
astmeal
overanymeal
i
nt hi
swor l
d”
Sheblushesandstar
tssucki
ngonmyneck.She
moanssof t
lyasshesli
desmyhardcockdeep
i
nsideher.
Lungi
si:
"Pl
easedon’
ttaket
hepi
l
lthi
sti
me-
Let
’s
haveababy”
Shegi
ggl
es.
Zi
nil
e:"
You’
resi
l
lyy
ougot
taputar
ingoni
tfi
rst
”
Shestartstogri
ndonmesendi ngpleasuri
ng
shockst omyentir
ebody .
Isuckonherhar d
nippl
eswhilesherepeatedlytort
urestheboth
ofuswi thi
mmensepl easure.Iatt
ackher
sensi
tiv
eclitandshegivesmeaccesst opound
hardinherwhileI
’m underher.Shegoesreverse
cowgirlonmedr i
vingmei nsane.
Zi
nil
e:"
FuckI
’
m gonnacome”
Lungi
si:
"Comef
ormebaby
”
Igi
vehersomehar
dthrustbef
oreIf
eel
her
gushi
ngall
overmycock.
.
.
.
SORRYFORCROPPI
E
PHONEI
SDYI
NG
THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.29
PRI
SCI
LLA
Ihav
enoti
metowast
e.Ihav
etoact
.I
fNtando
won’
tcometomeIwi
llgl
adl
ygotohim.
Janet
:"
don’
tfor
getyourappoi
ntmentwi
thDr
Sander
sthi
safter
noon”
Ir
oll
myey
esbef
oredowni
ngmypi
l
ls.
Janet:
"I
’m ser
iousPr
iscil
laandt
hist
imey
ou
bett
ertakethi
ngsserious”
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
I’
m notsi
ckmom Iwasj
ust
hear
tbr
oken"
Janet
:"
Justli
kethelastt
imehuh?soever
yti
me
yougetyourheartbr
okenyou’
regonnasl
ity
our
wr
ist
sorf
il
lyourst
omachwi
thpi
l
ls?
”
Theannoy
ancei
nherv
oicei
sunmi
ssabl
e.
Janet
:"
Ify
oudar
etryast
untl
ikeagainyouwil
l
l
eavemewi t
hnochoi
cebutt
oinsti
tuti
onal
i
ze
you”
Iqui
ckl
ygetupmyf
eet
.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"What
?Youcan’
tdot
hat
..
I’
m notcr
azy
”
Janet
:"
TrymePr
isci
l
lat
ryme”
Shegrabsthetrayandleavesmyroom.Sigh.
I
wouldneversurvi
veinthatmental
hospit
alof
hers.
Iwoulddiebefor
esheki l
l
smybrainwi t
h
thoselet
halpi
ll
sofhers.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
If
indmyl
adi
eschat
ti
ngandl
aughi
ngawayi
n
t
heki
tchen.
Mam Zondi
weisset
tl
edonthehighchair
si
ppi
ngtohercof
feewhi
leZi
nil
eisbehindthe
st
ove.
Lungi
si:
"Andt
henwhat
’sgoi
ngoni
nher
e?”
Zi
nil
e:"
I’
m maki
ngbr
eakf
astf
orus”
Shehandsmemycupofcof
feebef
orepecki
ng
myli
ps.
Zondi
we:
"Hay
iLungi
siIal
readyl
i
kehershame”
Ichuckl
e.
Lungi
si:
"MamZondiweyoul
i
kedherf
rom day
onebeforesheev
enbecamethewomanofthe
house”
Thebot
hlaugh.
Zini
l
edishesupforusandwe
eatwhi
l
eZondiweprai
seshercooki
ng.
Zondi
we:
"Ihopet
hisi
snotoneofy
ourt
ri
ckst
o
getmefi
red”
Weal
ll
aughandenj
oyt
hef
ood.
.
.
Lungi
si:
"What’
swrong?you’
vebeensi
l
entev
er
si
ncewel ef
tthehouse”
Shegi
vesmeaf
aintsmi
l
ebef
oreheav
inga
si
gh.
Zi
nil
e:"
Doy
out
hinkt
hatI
’
m agol
ddi
gger
?”
Ichuckl
e.
Lungi
si:
"Uhm nowhyar
eyouaski
ngmet
hat
?”
Zi
nil
e:"
That
sWhatpeoplet
hinkofmef
orbei
ng
wi
thyou-Nt
ando,
Pri
sci
l
laandyourmot
her
?”
Si
l
ence.
Zini
l
e:"Ntandothi
nksIdon’
twanttogi
vehi
m
anotherchancebecauseofyou-
ari
chman”
Lungi
si:
"Soj
ustbecauseIhavemoneyi
tmeans
Idon’
tdeser
vetobeloved?”
Zi
nil
e:"
Notbysomeonel
i
keme”
Lungi
si:
"Thatsjustcr
azytal
k-st
opwor r
ying
aboutotherpeopleandli
veforthi
s-f
orusbaby
moneyasi de”
Shej
ustnodswi
thsomuchuncer
tai
nty
.
Lungi
si:
"Any
way sIwanty
out
oof
fi
cial
l
ymeet
myparentsthi
sweekend”
Zi
nil
e:"
What?YohLungisidon’
tyouthi
nkt
hatwe
ar
eperhapsgoingtoofastImeanwehaven’t
ev
enbeent oget
herforamont hpl
usyour
motheral
readydi
sli
kesme"
Shesul
ksl
ooki
ngsocut
e.
Lungisi
:"
Don’
tworr
yIwi
llsor
toutmymother
butinthemeant
imeIwantyoutohav
ethi
s”
Zi
nil
e:"
Acr
edi
tcar
d?”
Lungi
si:
"Yesiwon’
thavemyfuturewif
ebei
n
needofanythi
ngwhil
eI’
m st
il
lkicki
ng”
Zi
nil
e:"
UhuhnoLungi
siIcantacceptt
his”
Lungi
si:
"Youwi
l
ltakei
tandt
hat
’sf
inal
"
.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Ifi
ndtheguymopi
ngt
hef
loorl
i
keasor
eloser
thathei
s.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Nt
andoBi
yel
a?”
Hetur
nsaroundtofaceme.Tot
hinkIthought
t
heworldwasagainstme.
Helooksli
kea
mess.
Aheartbr
okenmess.
Nt
ando:
"Who’
saski
ng?
”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Pr
isci
l
laMat
thewsIcal
l
edy
out
he
ot
herday?”
Ntando:"
Andli
keIsai
dI’
m noti
nter
est
edi
n
anythi
ngthaty
ou’
resell
i
ng”
Ij
ustchuckl
eandf
ixhi
scol
l
ars.
Pri
scil
l
a:"
EvenIfI’
m sel
li
ngt
heoppor
tuni
tyt
o
getyourgi
rlback?
foll
owmetothecari
fyou
wanttoknowmor e”
.
.
.
Ii
nstructoneofmyf ather’
sdri
ver
stodri
ve
aroundt hebl
ockwhi leIconver
sewit
h
Ntando.Sigh.
Im notallowedtodri
vemysel
f
anymor e.
Prisci
l
la:
"Icanhelpyougety
ourgi
rlbackbut
there’
ssomet hi
ngyouhavetodof
ormef ir
st"
Hechuckl
es.
Ntando:
"Therei
snowayt hatshewi
ll
come
backtome-Sheissleepi
ngwithmenwhowipe
thei
rasswithnotesnow”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Wowy
ousoundsopat
het
ic-
doy
ou
wantherbackornot
?”
Ntando:
"Of
causeIdo-
Ilov
eherIj
ustwantt
o
r
ectif
ymymi st
akes"
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Goodbutfi
rst
lyweneedtocl
eanyou
upyouhavetostopdri
nki
ngli
keyou’
reafi
sh
andstar
tusi
ngyourmind”
Nt
ando:
"Howam Igoi
ngt
odot
hat
?”
Pri
scil
l
a:"
I’mthedaught
eroftheheal
thminister
andmymot herownsahospit
alsoIwil
lpull
somest r
ingsandgetaproperj
obforyouandi n
ret
urnyouwi l
lhel
pmekeepy ourl
it
tl
egirl
fr
iend
awayfrom myman”
Nt
ando:
"Don’
ttal
kaboutherl
i
ket
hat
”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Yeahwhat
eversodowehav
eadeal
?”
Henodsbef
oreheshaki
ngmyhand.
Nt
ando:
"Deal
”
.
.
.
.
THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.30
ZI
NILE
It
’sthenightofthedinnerandmyner vesare
playi
ngtricksonme.TosayI ’
m excit
edwoul d
benothingbutapur eli
e.Lungi
siassuredme
thathewasgonnat akecar eofhismot herbutI
doubtthat’sgonnachangeany t
hing.
Idon’t
knowhowt heyaregoingtorecei
v emet here.
Dor
is:
"Anot
herweekendget
away
?”
Shesay
spoi
nti
ngatmyov
erni
ghtbag.
Zi
nil
e:"
NoI’
m spendi
ngt
heweekendwi
th
Sophi
eshecall
edmeover”
Shechuckl
es.
Dori
s:"
Don’
tli
etome-
Iknowev
ery
thi
ng-
When
ar
ewemeet inghi
m?”
Zi
nil
e:"
MeetWho?
”
Iactconf
used.
IknewSophi
ewasnott
obe
tr
usted.
Zi
nil
e:"
Wel
lI’
m meet
inghi
spar
ent
stoni
ght
”
Dori
s:"
Mmmhhr eal
l
y?He’
sser
iousnehwel
li
wanttomeethi
m”
Shest
atesexci
tedl
y.
Zi
nil
e:"
All
ingoodt
imemama”
Shegoesonandonabouthowshehasbeen
wait
ingformet
ogetamant hatdeservesme
andtreat
smeli
ket
heprincessthatIam.Sophi
e
i
sdead.
.
.
.
Sophie:
"What
? Ihadtotel
lherangit
hiyouli
ed
aboutcomingt omyplacetheotherdayso
whenshecalledinthemiddleofthenight
demandingtot al
ktoyouIhadnochoi cebutt
o
tel
lher”
Zini
l
e:"WowWhatasisteryouareandIknow
ther
e’snosucht
hingyoutoldheronpurpose”
Shel
aughsbef
orezi
ppi
nghermout
h.
Wewalkaroundt
hebouti
quelooki
ngf
or
somet
hingsimpl
etoweartoni
ght.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Ideci
dedt
odoal i
ttl
eret
ailt
herapytofeell
ike
myoldsel
fagai
n.Youheardri
ght.Thi
sgirl
is
fet
chi
ngherl
if
e.
IspotZini
l
eandLungi si’
sP.Aint heboutique
tr
yingonsomedr essessoIdeci det ogetali
ttl
e
cl
osertothem wit
houtget ti
ngdet ect
ed.What
aretheydoingher
e-togetherev
en.
Sophie:
"Uhuhtrythewhi
teonet
hatonemakes
youlookpregnant"
Themansnatcherl
aughsbefor
edisappear
ingt
o
thef
it
ti
ngroom whil
etheotheronethr
owsher
headbacksi
ppingonthechampagne.
Sophi
e:"
Soyouthinkmamat
oldubabaabout
youandLungi
si?
”
Sotheyar
esi st
ers?NowIgetwhyshedisl
iked
mesomuch. Shewaspav i
ngawayf orhergol
d
di
ggingsi
stertotakemyman.
Zini
l
e:"
NoIbeggedhernotto-
Iwil
ltel
lhi
m when
Igetbackf
rom meet
ingLungi
si’
sparent
s”
Myheartj
ustsi
nks.
She’
smeet
ingt
hepar
ent
s
al
ready
?
Sophie:
"YhuuIneedaLungi
siinmyl
i
fe-
Icoul
d
nevergetti
redofthi
ski
ndali
fe”
Zini
l
e:"
HahaIknowyouandmoneyarei
nthe
sameWhatsAppgroupbutt
hat
’snotmegi
rl
”
Sophi
e:"
Thengivemet
hecr
edi
tcar
d-i
twi
l
lbe
ourl
it
tl
esecret
”
Theygi ggl
esill
ybef or
eZi nil
ecal l
sher
bluff
.Lungisii
sr eal
l
ysmi ttenwi ththisgirl
to
evengi veheranal l
owance? Idon’ teven
rememberget tingast upi
df lowerwhenwe
weret ogether
.Itakeoutmyphonef r
om my
purseandcal lLungisi
’smot her .
Iwantt hat
stupiddinnertobeamaj ordi saster.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Sheholdsontomyhandt i
ghtl
ywhenweget
i
nsidet
hehouse.Icanf
eelherheartpoundi
ng
uncont
rol
labl
yfr
om whereI’
m standi
ng.
Sont
o:"
ThankGody
ouar
efi
nal
l
yher
e-wel
come”
Shegi
vest
hebot
hofusbri
efshugsbef
ore
l
eadi
ngustot
hesit
ti
ngr
oom.
Ii
ntr
oduceZi
nil
etomyfat
herwhogi
veshert
he
warmestwel
comeever
.
Sont
o:"
Dinnerwi
l
lber
eadyi
naf
ewmi
nut
es”
Ipourmyf at
herandIhiswhiskeywhi
leZi
nil
e
sett
lesforj
uice.
Itr
iedof
fer
inghersomewineto
cal
m hernervesbutshegavemeherdeadli
est
l
ook.Sigh.
.
.
.
Sont
o:"
SoZi
nil
ehowol
dar
eyou?
”
Zi
nil
e:"
I’
m 25mama"
Thi
stopi
cbet
ternott
akeanugl
ytur
n.
Sont
o:"
Ohy
ou’
rest
il
lyoungIsee”
Zwel
i
:"Meani
ngmor
egr
andchi
l
drenf
orus”
Weal
ll
aughexceptf
ormymot
her
.
Sonto:
"Asyoungasy ouaredon’
tyouthi
nkthat
you’
regonnagett i
redofmysonherephela
uLungi
siisoldenoughtogetmarri
ednowand
haveafamilyofhisownsoareyousurethat
you’
rereadyforsuchcommitment?”
Lungi
si:
"Mamapl
easeIdon’
tcar
eabouther
age.
.”
Zi
nil
esqueezesmyhandasagest
uret
oshut
meup.
Zini
l
e:"ImightbeyoungbutIlov
eLungisi
-
MatteroffactIthi
nkhe’
severyt
hingt
hatI’
ve
beenwai t
ingformyenti
reli
fe”
Sont
o:"
Soyou’
renotwi
thhim causeofwhathe
candofory
ou?Fi
nanci
all
y?”
Lungi
si:
"Mamat
hat
’senoughnow-
that
’s
enough”
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Sigh.Ir
eall
ydon’tknowhowI ’
m gonnaget
throughthi
sweekendwi t
hLungi si
’smotheron
myback. Shehascl earl
ypr oventhatshe
doesn’tapproveofmyr el
at i
onshipwith
Lungisi
.ImjustgladthatLungi sistoodupfor
meagai nsthismot herinthere.
Aftert
akingashowerIdecidetogoback
downstairst
osaygoodnighttoever
yoneand
thankthem f
orthedi
nner.
IhearLungi
siandhi
sfat
her
’sv
oicescomi
ng
f
rom t
heout
sidepor
ch.
Iwal
lovertot
hem onl
ytoeav
esdr
opona
conv
ersat
ionnotmeantf
ormyear
s.
Lungi
si:
"Ihadt
odoi
tbaba"
Zweli
:"
Youpl
ayeddi
rt
ysonhowdoy outhi
nk
she’
sgonnafeel
whenshefi
ndsoutyou’
re
behi
ndtheNewYorkthi
ng?
”
Lungi
si:
"Iwi
ll
crossthatbri
dgewhenIgett
her
e
butIpr
omisethatIwil
ltel
lher
”
SoLungisiwasbehi
ndtheLuyanda’
sNewYor
k
thi
ng?Ican’
tbel
i
evethi
s.Whatam Ideal
i
ngwi
th
here?
.
.
Tobecont
inued

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.32
PRI
SCI
LLA
Ipaceupanddowntheroom bi
ti
ngonmy
nai
ls.
Myevery
thi
ngcountsonthi
s.
Tesha:
"Woul
dyousi
tdowny
ouwi
l
ldi
ghol
esi
n
thefl
oor
"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"I
’m sor
ry-
soWhatdoesi
tsay
?tel
lme?
”
Sheli
ftsupt
hest
ickandasmi
l
eappear
sonher
face.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"What
?Tel
lme”
Tesha:
"Wear
egoi
ngbabyshoppi
ng”
Shescr
eamsoutinexci
tementbef
orehandi
ng
methesti
ck.
Ithast
woli
nes.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"I
’m pr
egnant
-I
’m pr
egnant"
Isayindisbel
i
ef.
Icr
umbledownonmybedwi
th
tear
sfall
i
ngdownmyf ace.
Tesha:
"YesandI
’
m goi
ngt
obeanaunt
ie”
Shegoesonblabbi
ngonhowshe’sgonnaspoi
l
thebabywhi
l
eIhav eani
nter
nal
vict
orydance.
Teshaisboughtbackt
other
eal
wor
ldwi
thmy
sni
ffs.
Tesha:"
Ohbabewhatareyougonnado?Wil
lyou
tel
lLungisi
abouti
t?Hei
sthef
atherr
ight
?”
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Yeah-
Ofcausehei
sTesh-
Whatam I
gonnado?Hehasmov edonwi
thanother
womanIcan’tj
ustpit
chuponhisdoorst
epand
bl
urti
tout”
Shepul
l
smei
nforahugf
orcomf
ort
.
Tesha:
"Dontwor r
ywewillf
indawaydon’
tyou
worryandbesidesyoudon’
tneedhi
m wewill
rai
sethisbabyonourown”
Thatwoul
dbet
heday
.Lungi
siandt
hatl
i
ttl
esl
ut
ofhi
swon’
tknowwhathi
tthem.
Timet
omov
e
ontost
aget
hreeofmypl
an.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Si
gh.Ihadawonder fult
imeatTheMhlophe
householdt
hatIfeltsadwhenitwasti
meto
l
eave.Lungi
si’
smot herevent
ual
lywar
medupt o
meatt heend.Sheevenletmehelpherwi
thher
fl
owersinherbiggarden.
Thul
i
:"Hav
eyouseent
heguy
sar
ound?
”
Zi
nil
e:"
Yeaht
heywentoutt
obuyl
unch”
Shecl
i
ckshert
ongue.
Thul
i:
"All
ofthem?i
vehadenoughofthem I
’
m
gonnarepor
tthem t
oDeanIswear”
Ij
ustchuckl
ewhi
l
epacki
ngt
hegol
fcl
ubs.
Zi
nil
e:"
comeontheshopi
snotbusytodayt
rust
meI’
m enjoy
ingmysel
fwi
thoutt
hei
rsil
ly
pr
anks”
Shej
oinsi
nonmyl
aughi
ng.
Voi
ce:
"Hel
l
oladi
es"
Wefi
ndt
hecr
azyPri
sci
l
last
andi
ngbehi
ndus
wi
thawi
desmil
e.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Ist
hegym open-
Iwantt
odosome
squat
sandusethetreadmi
ll
"
Zi
nil
e:"
Yeahi
tis-
fol
l
owme”
.
.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Thanky
ou-
Ihear
dthaty
oursmoot
hies
ar
ethebest”
Shesipsonitbefor
epr
aisi
ngitwithamumbl e.
I
hopeshe’snotgonnat
ryanypoisoningst
unts
causeIkeepgett
ingafeel
ingt
hatshe’ssti
ll
out
togetme.Trustt
heguystodit
chy ouwheny ou
needt
hem causenowI
’
m st
uckwi
thheri
nthe
gym.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Comeongir
lnoneedtoactawkward
yeswefuckedt
hesamemanbutt hebest
womanwonandt r
ustmeIhaveacceptedt
hat”
Shesayswhil
eplayi
ngwithmyhai
r.
Hert
ouch
j
ustunset
tl
eseveryorgani
nme.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ohokay
”
Prisci
l
la:
"AndIr
eal
lyhopet
hatwecanbe
fr
iendsoneofthegoodday
s”
Shequickl
yst
andsuponherf
eetbutst
umbl
es
ali
tt
le.
Zi
nil
e:"
Heywhat
’swr
ong"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Not
hingi
mjustal
i
ttl
ebi
tli
ght
headed”
Sheblinksaf
ewtimesbeforehol
dingont
ot he
smoot hi
ebar
.Wi
thoutwar
ningshef al
l
sonthe
ground.
Ir
unov
ert
oherandt
ryt
owakeherup.
Thul
i
:"Whathappened?
”
Zi
nil
e:"
Idon’
tknowshej
ustpassedout
”
Ikeepcalli
ngouthernamebutsher
emai
ns
unresponsi
ve.
Thisisbad.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Iwakeupt
oawhi
tecei
l
ingandmyhear
tjust
gl
eams.
Zini
l
e:"Yohy
ouwokeup-
youhav
eussucha
scare”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"What
..
whathappened"
Zini
l
e:"
Youpassedoutattheshop-It
ri
edcal
l
ing
someonebutIcoul
dn’
tfindyourphone”
Thedoct
orwal
ksi
nhol
dingmymedi
cal
fil
e.
Doc:
"Mi
ssMat
thewsgoodt
oseey
ouawake”
Prisci
l
la:
"What
swrongwi thmedoctor
?my
fr
iendtel
lsmethatIpassedout?
”Ihol
dZi
nil
e’
s
handandsqueezeitfordearl
i
fe.
Doc:"
Yest her
eisabsol
utelynot
hingwr
ongwit
h
youMi ssMatthewsyoujusthadabadcaseof
exhausti
on”
Hecl
ear
shi
sthr
oat
.
Doc:
"Awomaninyourcondi
ti
onshoul
dn’
tbe
put
ti
ngher
sel
fthr
oughsuchstrai
ns"
Zi
nil
e:"
Whatcondi
ti
on?
”
Doc:
"Mi
ssMat
thewsi
spr
egnant
-al
mostf
our
weeks"
HowIwishIhadacameraforthi
smomentj
ust
soIcoul
drepl
ayi
toverandoveragai
n.
Zi
nil
e:"
She’
sWhat
?”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"I
’m pr
egnant
?Ar
eyousur
edoct
or?
”
Doc:
"Hundredper
centcongrat
ulat
ionsI
’
m sur
e
thef
atherwil
lbesoecstat
ic"
Hesignsmydi schar
geform andl
eavemy
room.Thesi
lencethatbefal
l
snexti
seven
awkwardforthedevilhi
mself.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.31
LUNGI
SI
Iwat
chherasshegentl
ysmearsl
oti
ononher
ar
ms.It
ryt
okissherbutshel
ooks
away
.Si
gh.
Mymot herj
usttol
dmethatshesaw
herrunni
ngupthest
air
slooki
ngsoupset .
I
guesssheheardmeandmyf athert
alki
ng
aboutLuyanda.
Lungi
si:
"OkayWhatdi
dIdonow?
”
Zi
nil
e:"
DoWhat
?it
saboutwhaty
oudi
dn’
tdo”
Iset
tl
edownont
hebedandpl
aceheronmy
l
ap.
Zini
l
e:"
Whydidn’
tyoutel
lmet
haty
ouar
e
behi
ndLuyandal
eaving”
Itr
ytohol
dmy
sel
fbutachuckl
eescapesmy
l
ips.
Zi
nil
e:"
Arey
ouser
iousl
ylaughi
ngr
ightnow?
”
Lungi
si:
"Iwasnotbehindhimleav
ing-
helef
ton
hi
sownaccor dIdidn’
tholdaguntohishead
andfor
cehimt otakethatj
ob”
Shechuckl
esshaki
ngherhead.
Zi
nil
e:"
Soy oucouldn’
ttr
ustmet
oendthi
ngson
myown? Youjusthadtomakesuret
haty
ou
per
manent
lygotr
idofhi
m?”
Lungisi
:"Pl
easedontmakeabi gdealoutofthis
-y
ou’relashingoutonthewrongpersonifthat
guylovedy ouandwant edt
obewithy ouhe
wouldhav echosenyoubutinst
eadhechose
hiscareer-
thatshoul
dsaysomethingright
?”
Sheheav
esasi
ghandget
sof
fmyl
ap.
Zi
nil
e:"
Youshoul
dn’
thav
emeddl
ed-
Idon’
tli
ke
meddli
ngpeopl
e”
Iwal
kov
ert
oherandhol
dherf
rom behi
nd.
Lungi
si:
"OkayI’m sor
ryforgoingbehi
ndy our
backbutI’
m notsor r
yfordoingit-
andbesidesI
j
usthelpedtheguyt oli
veouthisdream i
t’snot
l
ikeIhadhim beatenupandt ortur
edsothathe
coul
dleavey ou”
Shesi
ghsbef
oreshr
uggi
nghershoul
der
s.
Zi
nil
e:"
Iguessso”
It
urnherar
oundandpassi
onat
elyki
ssher
.Her
sof
tmoansar
eani
nvi
tat
ionf
ormet
ogi
veher
more.
Lungi
si:
"Soam If
orgi
ven?
”
Shenodsandpl
ant
ski
ssesonmyneck.
Zi
nil
e:"
Thanky
ouf
orhav
ingmybacki
nther
e”
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Icouldn’
tclear
lyobser
v emysur roundi
ngsl
ast
nightcauseitwassodar k.Lungi
sireal
l
ybought
hisparentsabeauti
fulplace.
Imadesuretosett
healar
m sothatIcoul
d
wakeupearlyt
oprepar
ebreakf
astfor
ever
yone.
Sigh.
Sont
o:"
Youknowt
her
ewasnoneedf
ory
out
o
doal
lofthi
s”
Shefol
dsherarmswhi l
eeyeingthefoodlikeit
hasbeenpoi
soned.Lungi
si’
smot herseemsl i
ke
awonderf
ulwomanandherpl ayi
ngmot herin
l
awfrom hel
ldoesn’
treal
lysuither.
Zi
nil
e:"
Iwant
edt
omamai
t’
sthel
eastIcando”
Lungi
siandhi
sfat
herwal
kinwear
ingsome
over
all
s.
Sont
o:"
Ihopethebootsar
eof
f-
Idon’
twantmud
onmyItal
iancar
pet”
Themenj
ustl
aughdi
smi
ssi
ngherwar
ning.
Sont
o:"
Sohowar
emybabi
esdoi
ngt
oday
?”
Lungi
si:
"Bybabi
esshemeanst
hehor
sesbaby
"
Ican’
tbel
i
evet
heyev
enhav
ehor
ses.
Zi
nil
e:"
Real
l
y?hor
ses?
”
Lungisi:
"Yeahwecant
aket
hem f
orar
ideaf
ter
breakfast”
Zi
nil
e:"
Real
l
y?I
’
venev
erbeenonahor
sebef
ore”
Lungi
si:
"Dontwor
ryIgoty
oubaby
”
Sonto:
"NoIgother
-It
hinkweshoul
dgohor
se
ri
dingt
ogether
-aswomen”
Lungi
si’
sfat
hercl
ear
shi
sthr
oatandmybody
j
ustshiv
ersup.
Sonto:"
What?woul
dyoual
ljustr
elaxit
’snotl
i
ke
I
’m planni
ngonpushi
ngheroffahorsecome
on"
Lungi
si:
"Wowmamat
hat
’snotf
unny
”
Shel
aughsbef
oredi
ggi
ngi
n.Si
gh.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Iscr
eam outbef
oret
hrowi
ngmyphoneont
he
bed.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Lungi
siy
ou’
regonnapayf
ort
his”
Ilookatthepi ctur
eonemor etimebef oret ears
burnmyey es.Lungi
sihaspostedapi ctur
eof
hismot herandZi ni
leri
dingthehorsesatt heir
farm.Ican’
tbel i
eveevenhismot herhasf allen
i
nt ot
heweb. Thegirli
susingstr
ongmut ithat’s
forsure.
Ipi
ckupmyphoneandcal
lNt
ando.
Prisci
l
la:
"Youar
estar
ti
ngworktomorr
owbe
readybysevensomeonewi
ll
pickyouup”
Nt
ando:
"Real
l
y?t
hatwasf
ast
”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"It
oldy
ouImeanbusi
ness-wewi
l
ltal
k
moreonceyouhav
eset
tl
edinnicel
y”
Nt
ando:
"Thanky
ouMi
ssMat
thews"
Ispunmymot herastoryaboutafri
endofmine
whohashadi troughanddesperat
elyneeded
employmentsoshepul l
edsomest r
ingsand
managedtosecur eNtandoajobasassist
ant
pharmaci
statthehospital
.
Shewassohappy
whenItol
dheraboutmynewhobbyof
empoweringpeopl
eandhel
pingthem t
oget
j
obsthatshedidn’
tev
enquesti
onme.
If
eel
ali
ttl
ebi
tli
ght
headedsoIcr
umbl
edown
onmybed.
Sli
mysal i
vastar
tsbuil
dingupinmymout hsoI
quickl
yr untothebathroom t
ospewi tout.
The
extremenauseacausesmet okeepthrowi
ngup
wit
houtwar ni
ng.
Ithr
owupunt i
lmyst omach
hurts.
Ireall
yhopethatitishappeni
ng.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.33
ZI
NILE
Pri
sci
l
la’
svoi
ceechoesinmyheadbri
ngi
ngme
backt
omysenses.Ever
ythi
ngj
ustf
eel
ssurr
eal
.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Wowunbel
i
evabl
eri
ght
?”
Igul
pdownt hegl
assofwat
ersetf
orhernext
toherbed.
Pri
sci
lla:
"LookZini
leI
’m sorr
yyouhadt obe
herewhenIr ecei
vedsuchnewsIknowy ou
mustbef eeli
nguncomfortabl
e-butt
hankyou
forbr
ingi
ngmeher e”
Zi
nil
e:"
Yeahi
t’
snotabi
gdeal
-Idi
dwhatany
ot
hernormalper
sonwoul
dhavedone”
Pri
scil
l
a:"Canyoudomeaf avor
?pleasedon’t
tel
lanyoneaboutthi
s-notevenLungisi
-pl
ease"
Zini
l
e:"
Uhm why?
Ifhe’
sthef
atherhehast
he
ri
ghttoknow”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Yeshedoesbutj
ustnotnow-
Idon’
t
wanttoputyourr
elat
ionshi
pin.
.any
way
spl
ease
don’
ttel
lhi
m”
Ij
ustheav
easi
ghbef
orenoddi
ng.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Thanky
ou”
.
.
.
IkeepdecliningLungi si
’
scall
sast heyflashon
myscr een.
Si gh.
Isweart hi
sistheendf or
us.Ourrel
ationshiphasendedbef oreiteven
start
ed.Ir
eallydon’tknowwhat ’
sgonnahappen
i
ft hebabyisLungi si
’s.
Dor
is:"
Haomybabywhyar
eyoucr
ying?
yini
manje?”
Isitdownandfaceherwit
hmypuf f
yswoll
en
face.I
’
vebeencryi
ngeversi
nceIgotbackf
rom
thehospi
tal
.
Dor
is:
"Don’
ttel
lmet
heboybr
okeupwi
thy
ou?
”
Zi
nil
e:"
NomamaIjustfoundoutsomet
hingt
hat
j
ustmightl
eadust
here”
Dor
is:
"What
?Whathappened?
”
Zi
nil
e:"
MamaIj ustf
oundoutthathi
sex
gi
rl
fri
endispr
egnantandthechil
dishi
swhati
s
gonnahappentousmama? ”
Icr
youtasshebr
ushesmybackshushi
ngme.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Zini
lehasbeenignori
ngmycal l
stheent
ireday
thatIwasstar
ti
ngt ogetworr
ied.
Ievenasked
hersist
erbutshetoldmethatshehasn’
t
spokentohertheentir
eweekend.
Isentherat
extt
ell
i
nghert
hatifshedoesn’
t
comeoutofherhouseI
’
m gonnaknockonher
fat
her’
sdoor
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Hi”
Shel
ooksl
i
kesomeonewhohasbeencr
ying.
Lungi
si:
"Zi
nil
ewhat
’swr
ong?
Whyhav
eyou
beencryi
ng?”
Sheshakesherheadbef
oref
aki
ngasmi
l
e.
Zinil
e:"
Ihaven’
tbeencr
y i
ngit
’sjustabad
reacti
onfrom t
henewf acecream thatI
’
m
using”
Shel
i
es.
Lungisi
:
"It
hinkyoushoul
djustt
ellmethetr
uth
orelsewewi l
lspendt
henighti
nthiscar
”
Shest
art
ssobbi
ngwi
tht
ear
sfl
oodi
ngherf
ace.
Zi
nil
e:"
She’
spr
egnantLungi
si-
Pri
sci
l
lai
s
pr
egnant”
Ichuckl
eindi
sbel
i
ef.
Lungi
si:
"You’
rej
oki
ngr
ight
?”
Zi
nil
e:"
Iwi
shIwas-
Iwi
shIwasbuti
t’
str
ue”
Lungi
si:
"ButHow?
Howdi
dyouknow?
”
Zinil
e:"
Shecametotheshopt odayandshe
faint
edokayandwhenwet ookhertothe
hospitalt
heyt
oldusthatshewaspr egnant"
Shewail
sbreakingmyhear
t.
Theresnowaythat
Pri
sci
l
laispregnant
.Thi
smustbeonesi
ckjoke.
Lungi
si:
"I
t’
snotmi
ne-I
’
vealway
sused
prot
ect
ionwit
hherIswear
”
Zini
l
e:"
Reall
y?shesaysi
t’
sy our
sshebeggedme
nottotel
lyouwhatifi
t’
sreall
yyour
s?”
Ipul
lherbodytowardsmineandtight
lyholdon
toher
.Pri
sci
ll
abetterbel
yingcauseIreal
l
y
don’
tknowwhat ’
sgonnahappen.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Mymot herwassohappywhenIt ol
dherabout
t
hepregnancythatsheevenconsi
dered
f
orgi
vi
ngmef ort
hesuici
deattempt.
Prisci
lla:
"MarkIt
oldyoutostopcal
l
ingme
please-whathappenedbetweenuswasa
terri
blemistakegetoveri
t”
Ihangupandswitchmyphoneof
f.
Imakea
mentalnot
etochangemynumberstof
inal
l
ybe
ri
doftheannoy
ingMark.
Theev entsthatoccurredatthehospitalkeep
playi
nginmymi ndlikeav i
deoonr epeat.The
poorgirlmustbecr yinghereyesoutthinking
thatherrelat
ionshi
pi sdonefor.
Sigh.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Youar
emyt
ickett
othej
ackpotbaby
”
Ibr
ushmyt ummywhil
eadmir
ingmysel
finthe
mir
ror
.Il
oveitwhenapl
ancomestoget
her.
Thedoorbell
r i
ngsandIfi
ndLungisist
andi
ng
onmydoor step.Hel
ookssodeli
cious.
Ihol
dit
toget
herj
ustsoIdon’tjumponhim.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Uhm Lungi
si?
whatar
eyoudoi
ng
her
e?”
Thelit
tl
eslutfel
lri
ghti
ntomytr
ap.Iknewshe
wouldn’tr
esistt
ell
i
ngherboy
fri
endaboutmy
pregnancy.
Lungi
si:
"Ar
eyourpar
ent
sher
e-weneedt
otal
k”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Uhm nowhatdoy
ouwant
?”
Hepushesmet
othesi
deandget
sinsi
det
he
house.
Lungi
si:
"I
sitmi
ne?
”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"What
?what
syour
s?”
Iactconf
used.
Lungisi
:"
Don’tactdumbI’
mtalki
ngaboutthe
pregnancy-
isitmine?
anddon’
tyoudarel
ieto
me”
Ij
ustnodbef
oreshylyl
ooki
ngaway.
He
chuckl
eswhi
letaki
ngsomestepst
owar
dsme.
Lungisi
:"
You’r
elyi
ng-wealwaysusedcondoms
howi nhell
didIgetyoupregnant
?ordi
dy ou
perhapstemperwiththecondomstotryand
tr
apme? ”
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Wowreal
l
y ?
Icantbel
i
evet
hisy
ou
knowwhatIt
hinkyoushoul
dgo”
Lungi
si:
"IwantaDNAt
estt
obedone”
Il
augh-
har
d.
Pri
scill
a:"Whyt hehell
woul dIdothat
?Youhave
norightov erthisbabyjustgobacktoyour
gir
lf
riend-gobackt oherandf or
getaboutus-
for
gett hatyouhav eababycomi ngontheway
causeIwi llnotstandhereandwi t
hst
andmor e
i
nsultsf r
om y ou”
Lungi
si:
"Pr
isci
l
laI
..
”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Leav
e-JUSTGETOUT”
Hetakesst
epstowar
dst
hedoorandexi
tsaf
ter
somuchhesit
ati
on.
WhenI’
m donewi
tht
hose
twotheywon’
tev
enbeabl
etospel
lthewor
d
LOVE.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Iputthephoneonmyearwi t
houtl
ooki
ngatthe
call
erID.
Mymot her
’sv
oicecomesonatthe
otherend.
Sont
o:"
Yohyohdontt
ell
met
haty
ou’
rest
il
l
asl
eep-
daddy
”
Sheendsherst atementwit
hanulul
ati
on
makingmyheadachewor se.
Ihadafewdri
nks
l
astnightaftercomingfr
om Pri
sci
ll
a’
s
house.Thatgir
lisgonnabetheendofme.
Lungi
si:
"Ohmamahowar
eyou?
”
Sont
o:"
I’
m good-
inf
actI
’
m doingmoret
han
goodphel
ainafewmont hsI
’
m gonnabea
gr
andmot
her"
Si
gh.Of
causeshecouldn’
twai
ttot
ell
my
mother
.DamnPri
scil
l
a.
Lungi
si:
"I
t’
snotmi
nemama”
Shechuckl
es.
Sonto:
"What
?Thati
scr
azytal
kwhatar
eyou
tr
yingt
osay?of
causei
t’
syour
s”
Lungi
si:
"NomamaI’
m notgonnabet
rappedby
Pri
sci
ll
aandherf
akepregnancy"
Sonto:
"Hehwhatar ey out al
ki
ngabout
wena?lookboyIknowy ouhaveanewgi rl
fri
end
nowbutababywi llbebor nsoon-
y ourbabyand
whenhecomeshe’ sgonnaneedast ablelovi
ng
homesopl easestoppl ayinggamesandst art
acti
nglikeaman- doWhat sri
ghtbyt hatgi
rland
yourbaby-Zini
lewillhav etounderstandthat
you’
regoingt obeaf ather”
Af
tershehangsupIgot
hroughmypi
ctur
es
wi
thZinil
e.Ir
eall
yhopethatwearegoi
ngtoget
t
hroughwhat ev
erthi
siscauseIdon’
tpl
anon
l
osingherbecauseofPrisci
l
la.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
I
n.34
PRI
SCI
LLA
Ipackupt
helastofmythi
ngsbef
oreheadi
ng
downtohavebreakf
astwi
thmyparent
s.
Janet:
"Wereal
lyneedtokeepaneyeonher
nowmor ethaneverespeci
all
ynowthatshe’
s
pregnant"
Il
eanagai
nstthewal
ltoeav
esdr
opont
hei
r
conv
ersat
ion.
Wil
lard:
"It
hinkt
hispr
egnancyi
sgonnachange
herandshe’sgonnabeanewpersonwhenthe
babygetshere-
Ican’
twai
ttobeagrandf
ather
”
Janet
:"
Iknowbutwehav etobemorevigi
lant
thi
sti
me- f
orallweknowPr i
sci
ll
amighthandl
e
motherhoodverybadl
yIsti
llst
andbymywor d
togetherinst
it
uti
onal
ized”
Tr
ustmymot
hert
ohav
esomef
ait
hinme.
Wil
l
:"WowJanetdoy oual
wayshavetothi
nkthe
worst
?Whatdoy outhi
nkshe’
sgonnado?Sl
it
t
hebaby’
swr i
sts?”
Janet
:"
Thati
snotf
unnyWi
l
l”
Wil
lar
d:"
Relax-
Whatwi
l
lpeopl
esaywhenthey
f
indoutthatwethr
ewourowndaught
eri
nthe
l
oonybin”
Janet
:"
Idon’
tcar
eaboutpeopl
e-onemor
est
unt
I
’l
lbefor
cedtosignherinIswearandt
her
e’s
not
hingyouwil
ldotostopme”
Myf
atherheav
esasi
ghbef
oresur
rendi
ng.
Sigh.
Wi
l
lar
d:"
Andt
hef
ather
?”
Janet:
"Theybr
okeupbutIknowyourdaught
er
i
sgonnauset hebabysi
tuat
iont
oher
advant
age"
Myf
atherchuckl
es.
Wi l
l
ard:
"Wil
lyoublameher?Iwanthi
mt otake
responsi
bil
i
tytooIwon’
tsitbyandlethi
m
makeamocker yofmydaughter-
he’
sgonna
havetomar r
yher”
Janet
:"
NoIdon’tthinkthatwouldbeagreat
i
dea-t
heyhadav erytoxicrel
ati
onshi
porifi
t
waseverarel
ati
onshi p"
Gett
ingmarr
iedwoul
dn’
tbeabadi
deaaft
erall
.I
canalr
eadyi
magineabi
grockonmyfi
nger.
.
.
ZI
NILE
ImetupwithSophieatBurgerPal
acet
ohave
somelunch.Herphoneri
ngsandshedecl
i
nes
aft
ercl
icki
nghertongue.
Zini
l
e:"
Whogoty
oui
njur
ingy
ourt
onguel
i
ke
that
?”
Sophi
e:"
Sal
espeopl
e"
Shel
i
es.
Zi
nil
e:"
OhsincewhenisDean‘sal
espeopl
e’
?
What’
sgoingonbetweenyoucausehewasn’t
hi
susualselft
odayandyou’
rebusyrej
ect
ing
hi
scall
s?”
Sheshi
ft
suncomf
ortabl
yonherchai
rbef
ore
si
ppi
ngonhermil
kshake.
Sophi
e:"
It
’snot
hingZi
nil
e-i
t’
sjustDeanbeing
Deananywaysweareheretotalkaboutyou
andyourdil
emma"
Mysisterishi
dingsomethi
ngbutIknowsooner
orlat
erthatsomethi
ngisgonnabeoutint
he
open.
Zini
l
e:"
Idon’
tknowwhat
’swhat
-doy
out
hink
shecouldbel
ying?
”
Shechuckl
es.
Sophie:
"Of
causeSheis-
thatgi
rli
sinsaneIdon’
t
knowwhyshewasn’thermot her’
sfi
rstpat
ient
atthehospi
talt
hewayshe’scrazyshecould
havepaidsomeonetogetherpregnant"
Zi
nil
e:"
SoWhatshoul
dIdo?
Whati
fthebabyi
s
hi
s?”
Sophie:
"Youst
andbyy ourmanherbei ng
pregnantmeansnothi
ng-don’
tletPri
scil
l
arob
youofthehappinessy
oudeser ve”
Si
gh.
Zi
nil
e:"
Iguessy
ou’r
eri
ght
-Lungi
sil
ovesmeand
Il
ovehim sowecangett
hroughanyt
hingt
hat
Pr
isci
l
lat
hrowsatus”
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Aftermysessi
onIwenttotheotherwingofthe
hospit
alt
ocheckonNt ando.
Ifi
ndhim behi
nd
thecount
ersort
ingoutsomepill
sinawhi t
e
coat.
Pr
isci
ll
a:"
Iseesomeonehassett
ledi
nver
y
ni
cely
-youlooki
nggoodMrBiy
ela”
Hesur
elooksgoodunl
i
ket
hev
ersi
onf
rom a
f
ewweeksback.
Ntando:"
YeahIf
eel
goodtoo-
Ifeel
li
keIhav
e
purposeagai
ninmyli
fe”
Hesay
swi
thasmi
l
eonhi
sface.
Idon’
tev
enknowwhatt
hepl
easur
eisabout
.I
couldneverf
indj
oyi
nwor
kingwi
thdr
ool
i
ng
derangedpeopl
e.
Nt
ando:
"Soy
out
hinkZi
nil
ewi
l
lbepr
oud?
”
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
OfcauseSheWill-oneofthesedaysI’
l
l
becal
li
ngy outotel
lyouthatsheneedsabr oad
shoul
dertocryon-y
ourshouldersober eady
”
Nt
ando:
"Pl
easedon’
thur
ther
”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Iwon’
tbutherboy
fri
endwi
l
l”
Il
aughwhi
leheshakeshi
shead.
Ibi
dhim
goodby
eandtakeoutmyphonetocal
lLungi
si.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Icrumbl
edownonmychai
randcl
osemyey
es
forsomeli
tt
ler
est
.
Sophi
e:"
MrMat
thewsi
sher
etoseey
ousi
r”
It
urnaroundandf
indherstandingbesi
de
Wil
lar
dMat t
hews-
Pri
sci
ll
a’sfather.
Thi
soughtt
o
begood.
Lungi
si:
"Uhm MrMat
thewswhatcanIdof
or
yousi
r?”
Thi
smanshowsthatheusedtoki
llpeopl
efora
l
ivi
ng.
Wegr
eeteachotherandset
tl
edown.
Wil
l:
"I
’m sur
eyou’
reawar
ethatmyl
i
ttl
ePr
ici
eis
pr
egnant?”
Lungi
si:
"YesI
’
m awar
esi
r”
Thi
sist
otal
ambush
Wil
l:
"SoWhatar
eyouri
ntent
ions-
What
syour
pl
an?”
Lungi
si:
"I
ntent
ions?
Idon’
tunder
stand"
Wi
l
l:
"Ar
eyougonnamar
rymydaught
erornot
?"
Ichuckl
e.
Lungi
si:
"Wi
thal
lduer
espectsi
rPr
isci
l
laandI
havewentoursepar
ateway
sandwewer
en’
t
real
l
yinarel
ati
onshi
p..
”
Hechuckl
esbef
orel
eani
ngov
ert
omeont
he
t
abl
e.
Wi
l
l:
"Letmeguess-
itwasaonceof
fthi
ng?
”
Hegivesmethedeadl
i
estl
ookbutIr
emai
n
uni
nti
midat
ed.
Will
:
"I’
m notgonnal
ety
ourui
nmydaughters
l
ifeanddigni
tybymaki
ngherababypopper
you’
regoingtomarr
yher”
Lungi
si:
"NoIdon’
tlov
ey ourdaught
er-
youwon’
t
for
cemet omarryher”
Wil
l:
"Evenifi
tmeansnotseei
ngy our
chi
l
d? causet
hat
’swhatwil
lhappenifyoudon’
t
marryher”
Hegetsupandfi
xeshi
sjacketbefor
eheading
out.
Whatt
hehel
liswrongwiththisf
amil
y?Now
Iseewher
ePri
scil
l
atakesherinsani
tyf
rom.I
won’
tbebull
iedbyt
heMatt
hewsf
ami
l
ytodo
somet
hingIdon’
twantt
o.
.
.
.
Shesingsalongt
othesongt
hat
’spl
ayi
ngi
nher
headphones.
Iplacethebouquetoff
lower
sonthecount
er
beforeholdi
ngherfr
om behi
nd.
Shemoansin
pleasur
easIsuckonherneck.
Lungi
si:
"Icoul
dgetusedt
othi
s”
Shegi
ggl
esandt
urnsar
oundt
oki
ssme.
Lungi
si:
"Pl
easet
ell
mey
ou’
respendi
ngt
he
ni
ght?”
Zini
l
e:"
YesIam butonl
yunderonecondi
ti
on-
my
motherhasi
nvi
tedyoufordi
nneratmyplace
tomorr
ownight
”
Shesay
sner
vousl
ycl
i
ngi
ngont
othedi
shcl
oth.
Lungi
si:
"Real
l
y?Fi
nal
l
y”
Zi
nil
e:"
I’
m notsosur
e-Notwi
thev
ery
thi
ngt
hat
’s
goi
ngonnow? ”
Si
gh.
Lungisi
:"
Iknowbutnot hi
nghaschangedyou’
re
theoneIwantt obewithOkayandtomorrow
nightim gonnadecl
aremyundyinglov
eforyou
toyourpar ent
sli
keRomeo”
Shel
aughsbef
orecr
ashi
ngonmychest
.Igr
ab
akni
feandhel
pheroutwi
tht
hepot
s.
Lungi
si:
"Anyway
sIspoketoPri
sci
ll
atoday-
She
hasagreedtodothepat
erni
tyt
estbutaf
terthe
babyi
sbor n”
Zi
nil
e:"
Ohsowhatwi
l
lhappeni
nthe
meanti
me?”
Lungi
si:
"Li
keWhat
?”
Zi
nil
e:"
Youwi
l
lhav
etobei
nvol
vedwi
tht
he
pr
egnancyshecan’
tgothr
oughi
tal
one-
it
woul
dn’tbefai
ronher
”
Lungi
si:
"We’
llsee-
Idontknowbuti
fIdoI
’m
gonnaneedyout obebymysideIwon’
tdo
anyt
hingwit
houty ou”
Shesmil
esandnodsbef
oreget
ti
ngbackt
oher
pot
s.Si
gh.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
Somet
hingt
owakeupt
o!
.
I
n.35
ZI
NILE
I’
veaskedDeant ol etmel eav
et wohours
earl
iersothatIcangohomet ohel
pmymot her
withthedinnerpreparati
on.Si
gh.Ir
eal
lyhope
thattheyaregonnal ovehimlikeIdo.
IhearPri
sci
ll
acall
ingoutf
ormeasshewal
ks
i
nsidetheshop.
Sigh.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Hel
l
oZee”
Zi
nil
e:"
HiI’
m sorr
ybutI’
m actual
l
yonmyway
outIcangetThuli
tohel
py ou”
Iwon’
tli
ethesightofherjustbreaksmy
hear
t.
Thethoughtofmyman’ sseedbuil
ding
somethi
ngbeautif
uli
nsideherjusthurt
sme.
Pri
scil
l
a:"
NoI’
m notstay
ingIjustcametogive
youthi
s-j
ustt
osaythanksfortheotherday
”
Shegi
vesmeapur
plespar
klygi
ftbagwhi
ch
hasl
i
keaboxi
nsi
dei
t.
Zi
nil
e:"
Youdi
dn’
thav
eto-
real
l
y”
Pr
isci
l
la:
"NoIinsi
standbesi
deswear
est
uck
wi
theachothernow”
Shebr usheshertummywi t
habr oadsmil
eon
herface.SomehowIf eel
li
keshejustcameher
e
torubt hepregnancyi
nmyf ace.
Priscil
la:"Iknowi t
’snotav er
ypleasantsi
tuat
ion
butt het hreeofusar egonnamakei twor
kandI
don’tdoubtf orasecondt hatyouwoul dmakea
greatst epmot hertoMhlopheJunior”
Ichuckl
e.
Zini
l
e:"Real
ly
?that
sver
yhar
dtobel
i
evecausea
fewweeksbackIwasenemynumberoneyou
eventhreat
enedme”
Pri
scil
l
a:"
YeahIknow-Iwasj
ustdrunkinlov
e
butthi
ngshavechangednow-I
’m gonnabea
mothernowandmyf ocuswil
lbemai nl
yonthat
-
youf
ocusonmaki
ngy
ourmanhappy
”
Shegi gglesbef
oresayi
nghergoodbyesand
headingout .
Idon’
tknowwhat’
sgoingthrough
thatgirl
’smindbutIwon’tl
etmyguarddown.
.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Icouldn’
twaitfort
hedaytoendsothatIcould
gomeetZi ni
le’
sparent
s.Ij
ustwantt
oshowher
howser i
ousIam aboutherandIhopethather
parentswil
lapprov
eofme.
Thefat
heropensupthedoorandey
esmef rom
headtotoe.
Mynervespl
aywithmebutIkeep
cool
.
Igreett
hem andgiv
eZini
le’
smot hert
he
bouquetoff
lowersandchocol
atesIboughtf
or
her
.
Sophiewi
nksatmebef
oregi
vi
ngmeat
humbs
up.
Sigh.
.
.
.
Thedinnerwentonsmoot hlywi
thSophi
e
tal
kingthroughouttheent
ir
ethi
ng.
Icoul
dsense
thatZini
lewasner v
ousbutsheevent
ual
ly
easedup.
Khaya:
"SoLungi
siMhl
opheWhatar
eyour
i
ntenti
onswit
hmydaughter
?”
Hegi
vesmehisst
rai
ghtf
aceaf
tersi
ppi
ngon
hi
swhiskey
.
Lungi
si:
"Il
oveyourdaught
erMrMt hembuandI
knowwehav en’
tbeentogethert
hatlongbutI
seemywi f
einher”
Khay
a:"
Isee-
Iwoul
dhat
etoseemydaught
er
gett
inghurtyetagainbyamanthathasno
backboneandi fyouaskmeZini
l
er ushedin
thi
srelat
ionshi
pIdon’tknowwhatwillhappen
toherifyoubrokeherheart
”
Lungi
si:
"Wel
lIcanassureyouthatwil
lnever
happen-
Idon’
tevendream ofmakinghercry
"
Hechuckl
esbef
orepat
ti
ngmyback.
Khaya:
"Sohowdoy oupl
anondoi ngt
hatwhi
l
st
yougotanotherwomanpregnant
?”
Ichokeonmydr
inkandcoughupt
oeasemy
breat
hing.
Lungisi
:"
Uhm Thatisstil
ltobeconfi
rmed-
Ihave
mydoubt sregardi
ngthebaby’spat
erni
tybut
whatevertheoutcomeIpr omi
setonever
abandony ourdaught
ercauseIlovehermore
thanthewomancl aimingtobepregnantwi
th
mychi l
d”
Hetakesastept
owar
dsmeandl
ooksme
st
rai
ghtint
heeye.
Khaya:”
Ihopey ou’r
eamanofy ourwordcause
i
fIseeasi nglet earonmydaught er
sface
becauseofy ouIwi l
lburnyoualiveboy-
Iwil
l
giv
ey oualit
tlet easeofhellboythatyouwould
thi
nktwicebef orehur t
inganotherwoman”
Ij
ustnodandgulpdownmydrink.
Sigh.
The
l
adiescal
lusbacki
nthehousefordesser
t.
Dori
s:"
Whatwereyoudoi
ngoutther
e?ihope
youweren’
tthr
eat
eni
ngthepoorboy”
Webot
hlaugh.
Khaya:
"Nowewer
ejusttr
yingt
hiswhi
skeyt
hat
heboughtf
ormeoversomement al
k”
Hepat
smybackbef
oreweset
tl
edown.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
IwalkLungi
sibackt
othecarfeel
i
ngsoeager
toknowwhathappenedbetweenhim andmy
fat
her.
Zini
l
e:"
SoWhatwer
eyouandmyf
athert
alki
ng
about?
”
Hechuckl
esbef
orezi
ppi
nghi
sli
ps.
Lungi
si:
"Li
key
ourf
athersai
d-i
twasmen’
stal
k”
Isul
kpul
l
ingoutal
lst
ops.
Lungisi
:
"Hewasj ustbeingafatherandI
appreci
atedhishonestyregar
dingour
rel
ati
onshipthat
’sall
I’
m gonnasay ”
Ireal
l
yhopemyf atherdi
dn’
tsayordoanyt
hing
toputhim of
f.
Iknowhowhar shl
ymyfat
hercan
getwitht
hetrut
h.
Zini
l
e:"
Any
waysPri
sci
l
lawasatt
heshopt
oday
-
shegavemeagi
fttot
hankme”
Lungi
si:
"Goshf
orwhat
?Pr
isci
l
lai
sanui
sance
yazi
”
Zini
l
e:"Yeahtomysurpr
iseshewasni
cet
ome-
tooniceifyouaskme”
Lungisi
:"
LookbabyIneedy outostayaway
from Pri
sci
ll
a-Ineedyoutostayawayfr
om her
until
Ifi
gureawayf orwardandthatway
forwarddoesn’ti
ncludet
hetwoofy oubei
ng
bestoffri
ends”
Zi
nil
e:"
PsshhWhatcoul
dshepossi
blydo?
”
Hej
ustsi
ghsandshakeshi
shead.
Zini
l
e:"
OkayIwi
l
lkeepmydi
stance-
evenatt
he
shop”
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Nt
ando:
"Wheni
sZi
nil
ecomi
ngbackt
ome?
”
Ij
ustr
oll
myey
esandf
ixhi
m adr
ink.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Comeoni
t’
sgonnat
akemor
ethana
weekt
ogetherbackj
ustr
elaxokay
?”
Hepacesupanddownt heroom whil
e
scr
atchinghi
shead.Theguyhasobsessi on
i
ssuesandIlikei
t.
HisobsessionoverZinil
ewill
bethelastbl
owtotheirpat
heticr
elat
ionship.
Nt
ando:
"Youar
etaki
ngt
ool
ong-
Iwanthernow”
Pr
iscil
l
a:"
Patienceisv
irt
uemydearlookdoyou
st
il
lhavecont act
softhosemobpeopleyou
workedfor?
”
Nt
ando:
"Howdi
dyouknowaboutt
hat
?”
Prisci
ll
a:"
Iknowaboutev er
ythi
ngdearIev en
knowwhaty ouhadfordinnerlastnight
-Iknow
thatyoustoleprescr
ipt
iondrugsf orsomemob
bossi nexchangeformoneysodoy ousti
llhav
e
theircont
acts?”
Henods.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"GoodI
’m gonnaneedyoutoorgani
ze
somestr
ongpil
l
sf orme-pi
ll
sthatcoul
dsenda
per
sont
othegat
esofheav
en”
Hepausesandf
ixeshi
slookatme.
Prisci
l
la:
"Don’
tworr
yI’m notgonnausethem on
yourpreci
ousZini
l
e-Ineedthem forsomeone
else”
Henodsaf t
ersomuchhesi
tat
ion.
Theythi
nk
theywil
lcat
chmebuttheyhaveanot
herthi
ng
coming.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.36
ZI
NILE
Zi
nil
e:"
Idon'
twantt
ogobackhome"
Hechuckl
esandki
ssesmyneck.
Lungi
si:
"IknowIdon'
twantt
ogohomeei
ther
"
Hehol dsmefrom behi
ndwhil
eweadmi rethe
beauti
fulci
tyofAbuDhabi.
YesLungi
sihas
takenmet oAbuDhabiforaweekandwe' l
lbe
l
eav i
ngintwodays.
Lungi
si:
"Icoul
dstayhereforeverandmakel
ove
toyoualldayandall
nightlong"
Igi
ggl
e.Lungi
sii
sasexaddi
ctandhehas
tur
nedmei nt
oone.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ofcauset
hat
'sal
lyouev
ert
hinkabout
"
Helaughsbef
orespanki
ngmybut t
.Si
gh.
Iwas
sohesit
antwhenLungi
sisuggestedthetr
ipbut
nowIdontwanttogobackhome. Ican'
tget
enough.
Theplacei
sbeauti
ful
.Ican'
tgetenough
ofthemassagepar l
ours.Thet r
adecenter.The
AbuDhabi mal l
.Thei
rcuisineswhi chocannot
pronounceandnott of or
gett hebeautif
ul
Crystalhot
elthatwear ecur r
entlyli
vi
ngin.The
pl
acer emindsmeoft hatSexandt heCit
y
mov i
ewhent hegi r
lscameher eforaholiday.
Lungi
si:
"Don'
twor
ryIwi
l
lbr
ingy
ouagai
naf
tera
fewmont hs"
Zi
nil
e:"
What?Noyoucan'
tkeepwast
ingmoney
onunnecessar
ytr
ips"
Hechuckl
es.
Lungisi
:"
Ohhoneywheni
tcomest
oyounot
hing
i
sev erunnecessar
y"
Zi
nil
e:"
You'
resosweet
"
It
urnar
oundt
ogi
vehi
m apassi
onat
eki
ss.
Lungi
si:
"Getr
eadyIhav
easur
pri
sef
ory
ou"
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Sigh.
LookingatLungi siandZi nile'
sAbuDhabi
pict
uresmademef eelneuseat ed.Theylookso
happytoget herthatinfuriatesme. Hedidn'teven
bothertel
l
ingmet hathewasgoi ngaway .
Ihad
tohearitfrom hismot her.Lungisihaslostall
thecareformeandmebei ngpregnantdoesn't
changeat hing.Sigh.Aftermygy m sessionI
wenttoNt ando'shouset ogethi m movingon
thenextstage.
Ntando:
"Pr
isci
l
lawhatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nmy
house?"
Ipushhi
m asi
deandgeti
n.
Pr
isci
l
la:"
Youcallt
hisdumpahouse?Ohplease-
mymot hershoul
dstartpay
ingy
oubett
er"
Nt
ando:"
Wel
lsomeofuswer en'
tbor
n
pr
ivel
l
egedl
i
keotherpeopl
e"
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Any
way syou'
regonnahav
etoget
your
sel
fapretensegi
rl
fri
end"
Ntando:
"Forwhat?It
houghtthemissi
onwast
o
getmemygi rlbacknottopushheraway?
"
Prisci
lla:
"Don'
twor r
yyoudon'thavetodo
any t
hingwi t
ht hegi
rl
-j
ustpayhertohavesome
pictur
est akenandpostedonal ly
oursocial
medi awal l
sthatwaytheywillbeconvi
ncedthat
youhav emov edon"
Hef
rownscl
ear
lyst
il
lconf
used.
Prisci
l
la:
"Thi
sisforthefi
nalst
ageoft
hepl
an-
theywon'tevensuspectyou"
Icont
inuetot el
lhimtherestoft hedet ai
lson
howev er
ythingisgonnagodown. IwantZi ni
le
tobeinani ghtmarethatshewon' tbeabl eto
wakeupf r
om. Iwanthertor esentthedayshe
metLungisi.Iwanthertoregretthedayshe
deci
dedtonott akemywar ningseriously
.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Pl
easemakesur
ethatt
hepi
l
lsar
e
del
i
ver
edt
omebyt
heendofnextweek"
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Ireall
yhopet hatZi nil
eisgonnal ikethelitt
le
surpriseIhadpl annedoutf orherandhopef ully
makemet hehappi estmanbyt heendoft he
night.
Ittookmeweekst ogetherf at
hertobl ess
ourrel at
ionshipsoIdon' twantt owastemor e
ti
me. Sigh.Mymot her '
snamef l
ashesont he
screenandIj ustletitr i
ng.Iknowshe'sgonna
tell
mehowwr ongIwast ogoonahol iday
whileanot herchi l
di sbusywi thmychi l
d's
mor ningsickness. Idon'tknowi fI'
mi ndeni al or
j
ustmycowar dnesabutIhav edoubt saboutt he
babybei ngmi ne.Si
gh. ButIhav echosent ot ake
Zinil
e'sadv i
cet ost i
cki toutuntilt
hebabyi s
bornandi fi
t'
smi neIwi llt
akef ul
lresponsibi l
ity
anddowhat 'sr
ight
.Apar
tofmet hi
nksthechi
ld
mightbemi nebutaft
ert
heCeli
nesagaIdon't
wanttotakeanychances-
Idon'
twanttobe
emotional
l
yat t
achedonl
ytobeforcef
ull
y
deatt
achedinthemostpainf
ulwayever.
Shewal
ksoutthebedr
oom l
ookingl
ikeshe'
s
goi
ngtoaHoll
ywoodmoviepremier
e.
Lungi
si:
"Youlookbeauti
ful
myl ov
e-mor
e
beaut
if
ul t
hanthemor ni
ngstar
"
Shegi
ggl
esandhercheeksj
ustt
urnr
ed.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Zi
nil
e:"
GoshLungi
siwher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?
"
Heputsmedownandr
emov
est
hebl
i
ndf
oldon
myeyes.
TheelevatoropensupandI'
m metbyt
he
beauti
fulcit
yli
ghtsandachopper
.Wear
eon
theroof.
Zi
nil
e:"
Lungi
siwhati
sthi
s?"
Lungisi
:"
Wellyouweresadaboutleav
ing
wit
houtseeingtheenti
replacesoIor
ganized
usalitt
lesomethi
ngsot hatwecanseethe
enti
recit
yinonenight
"
Ijumponhi m andatt
ackhisfacewithmy
kisses.
Youknowatt i
mesIt endtothinkt
hatI'
m
l
ivingadream andthatmymot herisgonna
wakemeupanysecondandt ell
mei wasjust
dreamingbutthemor eIdream i
sthemor eI
reali
zethati
t'
strue.
Menl i
keLungisidon'
tgofor
womenl ikemebuther eIam.Si
gh.
Heleadsmetothechopperwhi
l
eitf
launt
sit
'
s
har
dairatus.
.
.
.
Zi
nil
e:"
WowLungisit
hisi
sbeaut
if
ul-
sobeauti
ful
noonehaseverdonesomet
hingl
ikethi
sfor
mebefore"
Hechuckl
esandhol
dsmyhand.
Lungisi:
"Il
oveyouZini
l
eandIwantt ospendt
he
restofmyl i
fewit
hyouI '
m notgoodwit
hwords
soI'm gonnalett
hatdothetalki
ngforme"
Hepointsoutofthewi
ndowandwhatIsee
nextnear
lystopsmyhear
t.
Zi
nil
e:"
Wil
lyoupl
easemar
rymeZi
nil
e
Mthembu?"
Ir
eadt
hebigl
ett
eredwordsembeddedont
op
oft
heAbuDhabimount
ain.
It
urnt
olookathi
m andhehasabi
gshi
ny
di
amondri
nginhi
shands.
Lungi
si:
"So?
Wil
lyoumar
ryme?Pl
ease"
Zi
nil
e:"
Yesy
esIwi
l
lmar
ryy
ou-
iwoul
dlov
eto
bey
ourwi
fe"
Hegent
lysl
idestheri
ngonmyfi
ngerbefore
seal
i
ngtheagreementwi
thal
ongpassionate
ki
ss.
Lungi
si:
"Thanky
ouMr
sMhl
ophe"
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.

I
n.37
ZI
NILE
Sophi
ecomesr
ushi
ngi
nthehousel
i
keshe'
s
beenchasedbyt
hugs.
Sophi
e:"
Letmeseei
t-
let
sseei
t"
Shegr
absmyhandandl
etsoutal
oudexci
ted
scr
eam.
Sophi
e:"
Goshit
'ssobeaut
if
ul-
bosssbar
ereal
l
y
hasgr
eattast
e"
Dor
is:
"Mor
eli
keex
pensi
vet
ast
e"
Mymot
herchi
psi
n.
Khaya:
"Youknowt hatboyhasn'
tpaidl
obol
a
yet
?youshouldn'
tbewear i
ngthatr
ingi
nmy
house"
Myfatheract
sli
keheisn'
thappybutIknow
deepdownhe'shappyforme.Ican'
twai
tfor
hi
mt owalkmedownt heisl
e.
Dor
is:
"OhstopitKhayaourdaughterisget
ti
ng
marri
edandIknowt hatLungi
sii
snotamanof
emptypr
omi sesunl
ikethatexofhers"
Sophi
edr
agsmet
omybedr
oom andhov
ers
ov
ermewhi
l
eI'
m seat
edont
hebed.
Sophie:
"Yohspeaki
ngofex'
shav
eyouseen
Ntando'
snewgi r
lfr
iend?
"
ShelogsinherFacebookandshowsmea
pi
ctureofNtando'
sandsomegi r
linacosy
posi
tion.
Zi
nil
e:"
Yohf
inal
l
yIcanber
idofhi
m"
OnlyGodknowshowrel
i
evedIam causehe'
l
l
focusonhi
snewgir
landfor
getaboutme.
Sophie:"
Goshmyl i
tt
lesisteri
sgett
ingmar
ri
edI
reall
yhopeLungisii
sgonnagety ouawedding
plannerthatwe'
l
lorderaround"
Wel
aughbef
orewetakeahi
ghf
ive.
Sophi
eis
t
hespar
kofmyli
fe.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Sonto:
"Soy
ou'reseri
ousaboutt
his?
you'
re
gonnamarryher?"
Lungisi
:"
YesImeant
hat'
swhatyouwanted
ri
ght?Formetomoveonwit
hmyl i
febygett
ing
my sel
fthewomanIl
oveandstar
tafamil
y
ri
ght"
Sont
o:"
Yesbut
..
"
Lungisi
:
"ButnothingIknowwhatyou'
regonna
sayandI'm nothavingnoneofi
tIl
oveherand
I'
m gonnamar ryher"
Myf atherchuckl
esbef
oreshaki
ngmyhandand
congratulat
esme.
Zweli
:"
I'
m happyf
ory
oumyboy
-nowIcandi
ea
happyman"
Sonto:
"Hai
sukanobodyisdyi
ngheredon'
tget
mewr ongmyboyI'm happyt
hatyouhave
takenabigst
eptowardscommitmentwit
ha
nicegir
lsuchasZi ni
lebutdon'
tyouthi
nky ou
tookthatstepatawr ongti
ming?It
hinkitwil
l
comeonasi nsensit
ivet
owardsPri
scil
la"
Lungi
si:
"Ohgoshwhatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
mama? "
Sonto:
"She'
scarr
yingyourchil
d-ourgrand
daught
erandy oucan'
taffordtoupsetherwhat
i
fshemi scar
ri
es?Imeanfirsti
twast he
romanti
cgetawaynowt hi
s? "
Khaya:
"Mylovejustcal
m downnobodyisgonna
miscar
ryanyt
hinglet'
sjustbehappyf
orour
son"
Hekissesmymother
'scheekbef
orehol
ding
hercl
oselyt
ohi
m.
Lungi
si:
"Thanky
oubabaany wayspl
easecal
l
theuncl
esIwantthem t
ostartwi
ththel
obol
a
negoti
ati
onsassoonaspossibl
e"
Ij
ustwantt
osett
leev
eryt
hingandgetmy
womanthenZi
nil
ewil
lgetherdream weddi
ng
af
ter
war
ds.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Si
gh.Af
termymor ningsicknesssessi
onIwent
downst
airstohavebreakfastwithmypar
ents.
I
don'
tevenfeell
ikegoingtowor k.
Janet
:"
Ohy
ou'
renotgoi
ngt
owor
ktoday
?"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"YeahIfeel
li
kecrapmom t
his
pr
egnancyisgonnabethedeat
hofme"
Shechuckl
esanddi
shesupf
orme.
Myphonepi
ngsandi
t'
samessagef
rom Tesha.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"OhmyGod.
."
Janet
:"
What?
whati
sit
?"
Igi
vemymothermyphonebef
orerunning
upst
air
swi
thtear
sbl
urr
ingmyvisi
on.Il
ockthe
doorbehi
ndmeandst
artt
obawl
myey
esout
.
Janet
:"
OhbabyIknowy
ou'
rehur
ti
ngpl
easel
et
mein"
Iwantt
ot el
lhert
hatI'
mf ineandIj
ustwantt
o
sl
eepbutthebigpainf
ullumpinmyt hr
oatwon'
t
l
etme.Ican'
tbeli
evethatheaskedhertomarr
y
her
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Shewalksinmyof
fi
cehummi
ngsomesi
l
ly
song.
Sigh.
Lungi
si:
"WhatcanIdof
ory
ou?
"
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Ohyouhavefor
gotten?It
'smydoctor
's
appoi
ntmentt
oday-
itol
dy oulastweekendbutI
guessyouhadmuchbetterprior
it
iest
hanyour
ownbaby "
Ij
ustchuckl
e.Thi
swomani
sunbel
i
evabl
e.How
wi
llIsur
viv
ewi
thherhol
dingt
hebabymama
t
it
le.
Lungi
si:"
Fir
stl
yIdon'
trememberyoutell
i
ngme
aboutacheckupandl ast
lydon'
ttr
ythat
emotionalbl
ackmail
shitonme"
Shesi
ghs.
Prisci
ll
a:"
IknowI '
m notyourfav
ourit
epersonat
themomentandIdon' tknowwhyi sthatbutI'
m
carryi
ngy ourchi
lddammi tsostopbeingin
denialandstartacti
ngli
keaf at
herorwhat?you
arescaredofhur t
ingpreci
ousZini
le'
s
feeli
ngs?huh?"
Shegr
absherbagandheadsf
ort
hedoor
.Si
gh.
Lungisi
:"
Okaywait
-IsupposeIcant
agal
ongbut
Zini
l
ei scomingwi
th"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Youcan'
tbeser
ious?
"
Lungi
si:
"Deadser
ious"
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.38
PRI
SCI
LLA
Tesha:
"I
m sur eyoucan'
twaittoseeli
tt
leyou
onthatscreen-I
twasniceofyoutoinvi
te
Lungi
siitshowsmat uri
tybabe"
Iroll
myey esandsiponmydr ink.
Sigh.
The
thoughtofthem t
ogetherj
ustmakesmewanna
throwupinmymout h.
Ican'
tbeli
evehehadthe
audacit
ytoinvi
tethatsl
ut.
Pr
isci
ll
a:"
Idon'
tknowwhatt
hef
ussi
sabouti
t
i
sjustacheckup"
Tesha:"
Wowwhyar en'
tyouexcit
edImean
you'l
lbeseeingyourl
it
tl
ebabyonal ivescreen
plusyou'
llbeprovi
ngtoLungisit
hatthebabyis
hiscauseitwil
lshowhowf aryouare-gosh
pleasebri
ngascanf orme?"
Pr
iscil
l
a:"Uhm of
causeyou'
ret
hegodmother
af
teral
l-
lookbabeIhavetogoIdon'
twanttobe
l
ate"
Ibidhergoodby eandr ushouttherestaurant
l
ikeaf oolthatIam. Howcoul dIhavemi ssed
thi
s.Thesonari sgonnagivemeawayandI
can'tletthathappen. Lungisimi
ghtbeaman
buthe' snotaf oolhe'sgonnaputtwoandt wo
togetherandgetal oophole.
Isl
eptwithMar k
threeweeksaf terbr
eakingupwi t
h
Lungisi .
Sigh.Iquickl
ysenthim atexttell
ingthat
Icancel l
edt heappoi ntmentduetowor k
emer gency .Sigh.
'
Yourpackagei
sready
'
Atextfr
om Nt ando.
Iguessthelov
ebir
dsshoul
d
saythei
rlastgoodbyesbecausebytheendof
thi
sweeki twil
lbetheendofthem.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Iwassor eli
evedwhenPr i
sci
ll
acancel
ledon
LungisicauseIwasnotl ooki
ngforwar
dt o
beingst uckinanawkwar dposi
ti
onbetween
them.IdontknowhowIwoul dhavehandled
my selfcauselet'
sfaceit
-nowomancanf ind
comf ortabi
li
tyinwatchi
ngherman'sseed
swimmi nginanotherwoman'swomb.Sigh.
Khaya:
"mmmhit'
salet
terf
rom t
heMhl ophe'
s
theywantt
ost
artwi
ththenegot
iat
ionsnext
week"
Myhear
tjustbeams.
Dori
s:"
Wowal
ready
?Lungi
sidoesn'
twast
eti
me
neh"
Khaya:
"Yeshesurecan'
twai
ttot
akemy
daught
erfrom me"
Wel
aughbef
oreIhughi
m.
Zini
l
e:"
Ohbabay
ouknowy
ou'
l
lal
way
sbemy
numberone"
.
.
.
LUNGUSI
Lungi
si:
"Isai
dnocomment
"
IswearIm gonnakil
lthewhoeverwentt
othe
pressandsplashedmyl aundr
y.
Lungi
si:
"Havey
ouseenthi
sman?t
heysay
ing
I'
mrej
ectingmybabybef
orei
t'
sev
enbornand
t
het
hingst
heysai
daboutZee?
"
Dean:
"Whocoul
dhavedonesuchathi
ng?
phel
a
theymadey
ououttobeamonster"
Lungi
si:
"Ihav
eaprett
ygoodideawhocoul
d
havedoneit-
Pri
sci
l
la-
ithast
obeher"
Dean:
"Ori
tcoul
dbeanyofherf
ri
ends.
.Idon'
t
thi
nkshe.
."
Pri
sci
l
lacomesrunni
ngi
nthehousel
i
keamad
per
sonholdi
ngt
henewspaper
.
Prisci
ll
a:"
Lungi
si-
didy
ouseet henewspaper
today?Ican'
tbel
ievet
hatpeoplecoul
dbeso
cruel"
Ichuckl
e.Thi
sgi
rli
ssomet
hingel
se.
Lungi
si:
"Dropt
heactPr
isci
l
laIknowy
ou'
re
behi
ndthis"
Shebl
i
nksaf
ewt
imesbef
orechuckl
i
ng.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
What?whatki
ndofamonsterdoyou
thi
nkIam Lungi
si?
I'
m pr
egnantf
orGodsakeI
can'
taff
ordanystresswhatwoul
dIbenef
it
fr
om tr
ashi
ngy ournameli
kethi
s?any
waysI
cametogiveyouthis"
Shetakesoutapi
ctur
efrom herbagand
shov
esi tinmychest.
I
t'
sababyscanpi
ctur
e.
Lungi
si:
"Buty
ousai
d..
"
Pri
scil
la:
"YeahIknowbutIconv
incedmydoct
or
toreschedulemyappoi
ntmentaft
erwor
k"
Lungi
si:
"Real
l
y?Sowhydi
dn'
tyout
ell
me?
"
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
I'
m notint
hemoodforyourquesti
ons
Icangi
vey oumydoctor
'snumber
ssot hatyou
canaskheryoursel
f"
Shetur
nsandwal
kstothedoorl
eav
ingme
feel
i
ngli
kecr
ap.
Sigh.
Dean:
"Manshedidn'
tdeser
vet hat
-Iknowyou
don'
tfeel
heranymorebutshe'scarr
yingy
our
chi
ldmant r
ytobesensi
ti
vet owardsher"
Ij
ustheav
easi
ghandl
ookatt
hepi
ctur
e.
.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
IhadtoswitchoffmyphonecauseIwasr eally
star
ti
ngtogett i
redofsay ingnocomment .I
can'
tbel
ievesomeonesai dsuchhor ri
blet hings
aboutmeandLungi si.
Theysai dI'
mt her eason
whyLungisiisdenyi
ngPr iscil
l
a'spregnancy
causehedidntwantt olooseme. Theycal led
measel f
ishgolddiggingmansnat cher.Sigh. I
can'
tshakethisfeel
ingthatPr i
sci
ll
ai sbehi nd
thewholething
Lungi
si:
"I
t'
sokaybabebytheendofthi
sweek
thest
orywill
beathingofthepast
"
Zi
nil
e:"
Ithi
nkweshoul
dsaysomet
hing-
wehav
e
t
otel
lthem t
hatt
hosethi
ngsar
en'
ttr
ue-
Tel
l
t
hem oursi
deofthest
ory"
Hecupsmyf
aceandpecksmyl
i
ps.
Lungisi
:"
Nowewilldonosuchthing-
theper
fect
remedyherei
ssil
encetrustme-YouandIknow
thosethi
ngsar
enottrueandthat'
sallt
hat
mat t
ers"
Zinil
e:"
Butnothi
ng-t
heyarenotwort
hour
strengthyouandIshouldfocusonourweddi
ng
notsill
yunfoundedgossip"
Hi
sphoneri
ngsandheanswer saf
terseei
ng
t
hati
tishi
smother.
IseethescanthatLungi
si
t
oldmeaboutonthetabl
e.
Zi
nil
e:"
Thi
scan'
tber
ight
?"
Lungi
si:
"Whatcan'
tber
ight
?"
Het
hrowshi
sphoneont
hecouchandwal
kst
o
me.
Zi
nil
e:"
Uhm.
..
It
'snot
hingwhatdi
dyourmot
her
want
?"
Lungi
si:
"Shewast
ell
ingmeabouttheart
icl
e
andthefamil
ydi
nnershe'
sinv
iti
ngusto"
Zi
nil
e:"
Ohokaywhen?
"
Lungisi
:"
ThisFri
dayandPri
sci
l
laisgonnabe
ther
e-apparent
lythi
sdi
nnerwi
llbeourr
esponse
tothearti
cle-
toshowaunit
edfrontast
he
Mhlophe's"
Zi
nil
e:"
She'
sright
-it
hinki
t'
sagreati
deaIwil
l
j
usthavetogrini
touttogett
hroughtheni
ght
wi
thPrisci
l
la'
spresence"
Hechuckl
esbefor
ehescoopsmeupandheads
upst
air
stoourbedroom.
.
.
.
THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.39
ZI
NILE
Lungisisentoneoft hehot el dri
verstotakeme
tohispar ent
sfarm sot hatIcoul dhelphi s
motherf orthedi
nnerpr epar ati
onst oni
ghtlike
thegoodmakot iIam Si gh.Tot ell
thetruthI'
m
notlookingforwardtoi tandI 'm ki
ndagl adthat
mypar ent s"
coul
dn'tmakei t"causeIknowhow
muchofast rai
ghttalkermyf atheris.
Sonto:"
Don'
tworrybabyther
e'snotal
otofwor
k
j
usthelpmet akeoutthecut
leryt
hecat
eri
ng
peoplearegonnabeusing"
Cater
ing?
Idon'
tevenwantt
oaskhowmany
peopl
eareinvi
ted.
Zi
nil
e:"
Okaymama"
Aft
ersor
ti
ngoutt
hedishesshei
nvi
tesmef
or
someteaint
heporch.
Sont
o:"
Doy
oul
ovemyson?
"
Zi
nil
e:"
Wit
hmywhol
ehear
tmama"
Shegi
vesmeasi
desmi
l
eandsi
psonhert
ea.
Sonto:"Wellhelovesyoutoo-I
v eseenhowhe
l
ooksaty ouandbehav esaroundy oumygi r
l-
he
actslikeamanmadl yinlov
e-lookIknowt he
sit
uationisnotidealwithPri
scill
a'
spregnancy
andal lbuthelovesandchosey oudon'
tever
forgetthat"
Zi
nil
e:"
Iwontmama-t
hanky
ou"
Shesqueezesmyhandbef
oregi
vi
ngi
tasof
t
brush.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Itakeafewdeepbreat
hsbeforegett
ingi
nsi
de
thehouse.
Ireal
l
yhopethatt
hisdinnerwon'
tbe
adisast
er.
Lungisi
:
"Wowmamaisthi
swhaty
oumeantby
apriv
atefami
l
ydi
nner
?"
Ihaveaf eel
i
ngt hatmymotherjustwantedan
excusetohav eagoodtime.Al
lherfr
iendsare
present
-notforget
ti
ngthei
rcol
leaguesatthe
school.
Sont
o:"
Justshutupandenj
oyt
hedi
nner
"
Lungi
si:
"Okaywher
e'smywi
fe?
"
Shechuckl
es.
Sonto:
"Youmeanf i
ance?She'
supstair
sgett
ing
readyshelostt
rackofti
mewhilehelpi
ngthe
cater
s"
Lungisi
:"
wowmamaIdi
dn'
tsendherher
etobe
yourslavehai
bo"
Igr
eetev
ery
oneandheadupst
air
s.
Ifi
ndherstr
uggli
ngtozi
pherdr
essupsoIhel
p
herout
.Shegiggl
esbef
oret
urni
ngtoki
ssme.
Zi
nil
e:"
OhImi
ssedy
ou"
Lungi
si:
"Imi
ssedy
out
oohowwasy
ourday
?"
Zini
le:
"I
twasexhaust
ingbutI
'
mj ustgrat
efulf
or
thetimeIspentwi
thyourmotherIt
hinkwe'l
lbe
fri
endsinnotime"
Shesay
swithahopef
ull
ysmi
l
epl
ast
ered
acr
ossherf
ace.
Lungi
si:
"Wel
lI'
m gl
adnowl
et'
sgodownIwant
toshowever
yonemybeaut
if
ulbr
idet
obe"
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Imustadmi
tLungi
si'
smot
herr
eal
l
yout
did
herselfwit
hthewarm sceneshehassetupi
n
herdiningroom.
Eventhecater
ershavemyfi
ve
starrati
ng.
Lungi
si:
"Pr
isci
l
la-
thanky
ouf
orj
oini
ngus"
Hi
sscenti
ntoxi
catesme.
Remindmeagai
nwhy
il
ett
hismanleavemethough?
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Thanky
ou-
any
thi
ngf
ormybaby
daddy
"
Lungi
si:
"Youl
oom beaut
if
ulbyt
heway
"
Heturnsandwalktohisli
tt
legir
lf
ri
end.Si
gh.
I
shoul
dhav eboughtTeshacauseIfeel
alit
tl
e
outofplace.
.
.
Icoul
dn'tt
akeanymoreofLungi
sishowi
ngoff
herbeauti
ful
bri
deanymoresoIwenttothe
ki
tchentogetawayfr
om it
.
Ichatupwi
thTeshaunt
ilIhearZi
nil
e'
svoi
ce
behi
ndme.
Zi
nil
e:"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nher
eal
lal
one?
"
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
WhatcanIsay-
Lungi
si'
schi
l
disnota
fanofcr
owds"
Shechuckl
esandf
oldsherar
mst
oherchest
.
Zini
l
e:"
Ohspeaki
ngofthatt
herei
ssomet
hingI
needyout
oclearupf
orme? "
Ij
ustr
oll
myey
esbef
oret
aki
ngasmi
l
e.
Zi
nil
e:"
Howf
arl
ongar
eyouagai
n?"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Whywoul
dyouaskmet
hat
?"
Zini
l
e:"
Iti
sjustIwasalit
tl
econf
usedbyt
he
scanthatyougaveLungi
si?"
Ican'
tbel
i
evet
hisgi
rl
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Whatar
eyouonabout
?"
Zini
le:
"Pr
isci
l
ladi
dy outemperwit
hthescan
causetherei
snowayt hatyoucoul
dbethir
teen
weekspregnantwit
hthatli
tt
lebl
iponthescan"
Ichuckl
e.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Whatt
hehel
lar
eyout
alki
ngabout
"
Ist
artt
obreatheheav
il
yandsl
owl
yset
tl
edown
onthechai
r.
Zi
nil
e:"
Pri
sci
l
la?
Arey
ouokay
?"
Shepani
csand.
runsov
ert
omysi
de.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
I'
m..
I'
m okayIt
hinkmysugarlev
el
needsaboostpourmeagl assofj
uicepl
ease"
Sher
unst
othef
ri
dgeandpour
smeagl
ass.
Shegivesmet hej
uiceandIgulpitdown
i
nstant
ly.
Shejustf
ellint
oabigtrapandshe
doesn'
tevenknowit.Thegi
rlj
ustmadethings
easi
erforme.
Lungi
siwal
ksi
nandqui
ckl
ywal
kst
ous.
Lungi
si:
"Ladi
esi
sev
ery
thi
ngal
ri
ghther
e?"
Il
ookatZi
nil
ewhoispleadi
ngwit
hherey
esf
or
menottor
atheroutt
oherlit
tl
eboyf
ri
end
Prisci
l
la:
"Ev
ery
thi
ngisal
ri
ghtI
'
mj ustal
i
ttl
e
ti
redIthi
nkIneedtol
iedownali
ttl
e"
Lungi
si:
"Okayletmet
akey
out
ooneoft
he
roomsupstair
s"
Hegent
lyhol
dsont
omeandwal
ksmeupst
air
s.
Lungisi
:
"Youcanspendt
heni
ghther
eandl
eav
e
i
nt hemorni
ngokay?"
Inodandheheadsout
.Themomenthegetsout
Iheadtot
hebathr
oom todomyevi
ldeed.
Sigh.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Thel
oudbangi
ngont
hedoorwakesusupf
rom
ourt
ir
edsl
eep.
Lungi
si:
"Whati
sit
?"
Zi
nil
e:"
It
'sy
ourmot
herbabe"
Wequi
cklyrunouttheroom andf
indmy
mot
heroutsidet
rembli
ngli
keshe'
sinafr
eezer
.
Lungi
si:
"Mamawhati
sit
?what
swr
ong?
"
IhearPr
iscil
l
al et
ti
ngoutal
oudscr
eam al
lthe
wayfrom herroom.
Ir
untothedoorandki
cki
tdownsi
ncei
t'
s
l
ocked.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Lungi
si.
.LUNGISITHEBABY..
somethi
ngiswronghelpmeplease"
Ipul
lthesheet
soffheronl
ytobemetbyapool
ofbl
oodont hebed.
Mymot
herscr
eams.
Lungi
si:
"Whatt
hef
uck"
Pr
isci
ll
a:"
NONONOnotmybabyplease-
Im
l
osingmybaby
-Ican'
tl
osemybaby"
Shecri
esoutpier
cingmyheart
.Iqui
ckl
yscoop
heri
nmyar msandr unoutoft
hehousetomy
carl
i
kelight
ning.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.40
ZI
NILE
Wehav ebeenwait
ingfort
hedoctor
sf eedback
forthepastfi
vehours.
Isti
l
lcan'
tgetthepictur
e
ofPr i
scil
l
aoutofmyhead.Shewassomuchi n
painthatIfel
tsor
ryforher
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Calm downbabepl
easet
heyar
egoi
ngt
o
beal
right
"
Lungi
si:
"Wi
l
lthey
?Di
dyouseehowmuchbl
ood
shehasl
ost
?"
Ij
ustpul
lhi
m byt
heneckandhol
dhi
mti
ght
ly
agai
nstmybody.
Zinil
e:"
I'
m sor
rybabeGodwi
l
lhel
pthem pul
l
through"
Af
teraf
ewmi
nut
est
hedoct
orappr
oachesus.
Doc:
"Goodmor
ningyoumustbePr
isci
l
la
Matt
hewsfami
ly?"
Lungisi
:"
Yesdoct
orhowi
sshe?
How'
sthebaby
?
aretheyokay
?"
Heheav
esal
oudt
ir
edsi
gh.
Doc:"
MissMatt
hewsisresti
ngatthemoment
herbodywentt
hroughextr
emetraumabutwe
expecthert
owakeupafteracoupleofhour
s
fr
om now"
Lungi
si:
"Andt
hebaby
?"
Doc:
"I
'm sor
rybutunf
ortunat
elyt
hebabydi
dn'
t
makeit-
itwasalr
eadytoolat
ewhenyoubought
herher
e-i
m sor
ryy
oucangot
hroughwhenshe
wakesup"
Thedoct
orpat
sLungi
si'
sshoul
derandwal
ks
away.
Lungi
siwalksbacktothecouchandcrumbl
es
down.
Her oughl
ybrusheshisfacebef
orel
ett
ing
outafr
ustrat
edgroan.
Sigh.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Sheslowl yopensupherey esl
ooksar oundthe
room.Iwon' tl
ieIgotsuchascarelastnight.
I'
ve
neverseensomuchbl oodcomingoutofa
person.Iwon'tli
eapieceofmef eelsatloss
causet hebabywassai dtomine.Si
gh.Ifeell
ike
badluckj ustsurr
oundsmeev er
y t
imebabi es
areinvolved.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Wher
eam I
?"
Lungi
si:
"Youareinthehospi
tal
youhadal
i
ttl
e
acci
dentlastni
ght"
Shequickl
ysi
tsupandf
rankal
yst
art
stouchi
ng
herst
omach.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Wher
e'smybaby
?Pl
easet
ell
met
hat
mybabyisal
ri
ght?
"
Ij
ustr
emaini
ngqui
etast
ear
sst
artt
ofl
ow
downherf
ace.
Thedoct
orwal
ksi
nbef
oreIcanev
enr
epl
y.
Doc:
"I
'm sosorr
yforyourl
ossMi
ssMat t
hewsI
can'
ti
magi newhatyou'
regoi
ngt
hrough"
Pri
scil
l
a:"
ButIdon'
tunderst
and-iwaseati
ng
heal
thyIwaslooki
ngaftermysel
fIdidn'
tdri
nk
notsmokehowcoul dIhavemiscarr
ied"
Shesobshy
ster
ical
l
ythatIj
ustputheronmy
chestt
ocomfor
ther.
Doc:
"Iunder
standbuty
ourt
estr
esul
tsshows
thatyouhavesomesortofsubstanceiny
our
system t
hattr
igger
edt
hemi scar
riage"
Lungi
si:
"What
?whatdoy
oumeansubst
ance?
"
Doc:"
it
'saforeigndrugsodanger
ousthati
t'
s
aff
ecti
venessisninetyei
ghtper
centj
usthal
fan
houraftert
akingit
"
Pr
isci
l
lacr
iesoutandcl
i
ngsont
ight
lyt
ome.
Lungi
si:
"I
'm sosor
ry-
im sor
ry"
Shewi
ggl
eshersel
foutofmyhol
dandpushes
meawayfr
om her.
Pri
scil
l
a:"
Whatareyousorr
yfor
?Sorr
yforwhat
causeyouneverwant
edmybaby ?
Youandyour
gir
lf
ri
endkil
l
edmybaby "
Shefumesshout
ingf
ort
hewhol
ehospi
tal
to
hear
.
Lungisi
:"
Pri
sci
ll
apleasecal
m downwhatar
e
youtalki
ngabout?
"
Thenur
secomesr
ushi
ngi
nandgi
veshera
shott
ocal
m herdown.
Iknowshe'
shurt
ingbutt
hatdoesn'
tgiv
eher
theri
ghtt
oaccuseusoftheunt
hinkabl
e.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Sigh.
Ihavebecomear egul
aratthi
shospi
tal
thati
tisstar
ti
ngtoannoyme.Ili
ftmyheadup
onlyt
oseeLungisi'
sheadboweddownonmy
bed.Poorthi
ng.
Icoughj
ustsoIcoul
dbr
inghi
m backf
rom hi
s
sl
umber.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Whatar
eyoust
il
ldoi
ngher
e?Wher
e
ar
emypar ent
s?'
Hel
ookssot
ir
edandwor
nout
.
Lungi
si:
"Uhm t
heyj
ustl
andedanhouragot
hey
ar
epr
obabl
yont
hei
rwayher
e"
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Okaythenyoubettergetoutofher e
causeIdon'
twanttoseewhatmyf atherwill
do
toyouwhenItellhi
m aboutyourli
tt
legirl
fr
iend"
Lungi
si:
"Pr
iscil
l
ast
opi
t-
iknowy ou'
rehurt
ing
butyoucan'tbl
amemeorZini
l
ef ort
his"
Ichuckl
e.Mycr
ocodi
l
etear
sst
artt
obur
nmy
eyes.
Prisci
ll
a:"
Yourpreciousgirl
fri
endkil
ledmybaby -
ourbabyandy ou'r
estandingheredefendingher
-ishoul
dnev erhav edrankthatdr
inklooknowI
paidwithmychi ld'
slif
e-wasntshesatisf
ied
whenshet ookyouf r
om met hatshehadt o
takemybabyt oo?"
Lungi
si:
"NoZi
nil
ewoul
dnev
erdot
hat
"
Prisci
lla:
"Whoelse?
Ifel
tsi
ckrightaf
terdr
inki
ng
thatjuiceshegavemeanddoy ouwanttoknow
whatshesai dtomebef or
egivingmethat
dri
nk? shetol
dmet hatI
'mlyi
ngaboutthebaby
beingyour
sbuty ouwal
kedinbefor
eIcoul
d
even..
.y
ourgir
lkil
ledmybabyandIwil
lnev
er
for
giveyouforthi
s"
Isaywithoutsteali
ngoxygen.
Mypar ent
swalk
i
nandmymot herrushestomybedt ogiveme
atighthug.
Ijustletmytearsf
all
-Icr
y.
Janet
:"
I'
m sosor
rybaby
-i
m sosor
ry"
Wi
l
lar
d:"
Whatdi
dyoudot
omydaught
er?
"
Myf
atherasksr
eadyt
osl
i
taper
son'
sthr
oat
.
Lungi
si:
"I
..
She.
."
Janet
:"
Lungi
sipl
easel
eav
e-LEAVE!
"
Hewal
kstothedoorandheadsoutaf
terso
muchhesi
tat
ion.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
IhadtotakeLungisi'
smotherbackhome
befor
ecomi ngt ot
hehouseforahotshower
andgett
ingsomechangi ngclot
hesfor
Lungi
si.
Sigh.Idon'
tevenknowhowt ocomfor
t
hi
m causet herear
enor i
ghtwords.
If
indhi
m si
tt
ingont
hebedl
ooki
ngi
ntospace.
Zini
l
e:"
BabeIdidn'
thearyoucomi
nginIt
hought
you'
dstil
lbeatthehospi
tal
?I
sPri
sci
l
laokay
?"
Isett
ledownnexttohi
m andhegivesmea
nod.Heturnst
ofacemewithtear
sglit
ter
ingi
n
hiseyes.
Lungi
si:
"Babei
sther
esomet
hingy
ouwantt
o
tel
lme?"
Hesayswhil
efi
ddl
i
ngwi
tht
hebot
tl
eofpi
l
lsi
n
hi
shands.
Zi
nil
e:"
Uhm noLungi
siwhati
sgoi
ngon?
"
Lungi
si:
"Pr
isci
l
lai
saccusi
ngyouofkil
l
ingher
baby-
shesaidyouspi
kedthedr
inkt
hatyou
gav
etoherl
astni
ght
"
Ther
oom j
ustgosi
l
ent
.
Zini
le:
"What
?That
'sabsurdhowcoul
dshe
accusemeofsuchat hi
ng?"
Igetuponmyfeetandpaceupanddownt
he
room i
nmytowel.
Zi
nil
e:"
Iknowshe'
shur
ti
ngbut.
..
"
Lungi
si:
"Thenwhatwer
ethesedoi
ngi
nyour
bag?"
Iy
ankt
hepi
l
lsf
rom hi
shandandr
eadt
hel
abel
.
'
DANGEROUSDRUG:
NOTTOBETAKENBY
PREGNANTWOMEN"
Zi
nil
e:"
NoI
'
venev
erseent
hesebef
ore-
Iswear
"
Lungi
sicr
umblesdownont
hebedandbur
ies
hi
sfaceinhi
shands.
Zini
l
e:"
Pleasetel
lmet haty
oubel
iev
eme?
You
knowIwoul dneverdosuchathi
ng"
Hejustgi
vesmeabl
ankst
arebef
orewal
ki
ng
outonme.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.41
LUNGI
SI
Il
eanbythedoorandwatchherpacki
ngher
bag.Si
gh.
Icantbel
i
evePri
sci
ll
awouldaccuse
Zini
l
eofdoinganevil
deedli
kethat
.Mysweet
Zini
l
e.
Lungi
si:
"Andt
henwher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"
Shesni
ff
sandcont
inuest
opackup.
Zi
nil
e:"
I'
m goinghome-iwon'
tst
ayinaplace
whereI'
m accusedofbeingamurder
er"
Lungi
si:
"I
sthishowi t
'sgonnabeeveryt
imewe
havechall
engesormi sunder
standi
ngs?you'r
e
gonnaruntoy ourfat
her'
shousewear egoing
togetmarri
edf orGodsake"
Zi
nil
e:"
Ohj
ustl
i
key
ouwal
kedoutonme?
"
Iheav
easi
ghandsi
tont
hebed.
Lungi
si:
"Ineededt
oclearmyheadokayIdon'
t
knowwhat '
shappeni
ngbutIfeel
over
whelmedI
don'
tknowwhatt obel
ieve"
Zini
l
e:"
Youcanstartbybeli
evi
ngme-howcoul
d
youbeli
evePr
isci
ll
athetroubl
emakerover
me?"
Herv
oicest
art
stobr
eaki
nbet
weenherwor
ds.
Zini
le:
"Idon'
tknowwhichoneisworse-
bei
ng
accusedofkil
li
nginnocentbl
oodoryou
secr
etl
ygoi
ngt
hroughmyt
hingst
ocat
chme
out"
Lungi
si:
"Di
dyouconfrontPri
sci
l
laaboutt
he
chi
ld'
spater
nit
ylastni
ght?"
Zi
nil
e:"
Idi
dbutthat
'sbecauseherscandi
dn'
t
makesense-
ithi
nkshefakedthescan"
Ichuckl
e.
Lungi
si:
"Ar
eyouhear
ingyour
sel
fri
ghtnow?
And
thepi
ll
s?howdi
dtheygetiny
ourbag?"
Shesobshyst
eri
cal
l
ywipi
ngthet
ear
sfl
owi
ng
uncont
abl
lydownherf
ace.
Zini
l
e:"
Idon'
tknow-
shepr
obabl
yputt
hem i
nmy
bagtoframeme"
Lungi
si:
"Soy ou'
ret
ell
i
ngmethatPr
isci
l
laki
l
led
theonl
yt hi
ngshewasusingt
ohaveaholdover
me?"
Zini
l
e:"
Idon'
tknoworitcoul
dhavebeen
someoneelseyouhav
et obel
iev
emeLungi
si
y
ouhav
eto"
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Iwipeof
fthetearsflowingdownmyface
befor
efl
ashingafaintsmileatt
hemirr
or.
I'
ve
beencry
ingeversincelastni
ghtandt
hepainis
j
ustnotgett
ingbetter.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Ir
eal
l
yhopet
hati
twaswor
thi
t
Pr
isci
l
la"
Ihadtosacr
if
iceaninnocentsoul j
ustsoI
coul
dthri
veoveranenemy .IknowInev er
i
ntendedonkeepi
ngitandt hatitwasallpar
tof
thepl
anbutattheendoft hedayitwasababy -
ababythatwasgrowinginsideofme.Sigh.
Wal
ki
ngoutoft
hebat
hroom If
indMar
ksi
tt
ing
onmybed.
Myhear
tski
psafewbeats.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Mar
k?Whatt
hehel
lar
eyoudoi
ng
her
e?"
Ican'
taff
ordf
orany
onet
oseehi
m her
e-wi
th
meev en.
Mark:"
Icamet oseeyou-
ibumpedint
oTesha
l
astnightandshetol
dmeabouty our
miscarr
iage"
GoshTeshacan'
tkeephermout
hshut
.
Mar
k:"
Wasi
tmi
ne?
"
Ichuckl
e.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
What?
Ofcausenotwhywoul
dyou
thi
nksuchathi
ng?"
Mark:"
ComeonPr i
scil
laI'
m notafool-
wedidn'
t
useprotect
ionthelastti
mewewer etoget
her
thenyoustart
edignoringmeaf t
erthatandnow
you'
rehereduet oami scar
ri
age?"
Hesay
staki
ngaf
ewst
epst
owar
dsme.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Wel
lyou'
rewr
ong-
iwasi
gnor
ingy
ou
causeIjustfoundoutt
hatIwaspregnantwit
h
myex' schi
ldandwegotbacktogetherso
pleasestoplet
tingy
ourimagi
nat
ionrunwild
withyou"
Beforehemakeshi scomebackt
hedooropens
wideandZinil
ewal ksi
n.Ir
eal
l
yhopet
hatshe
di
dn'thearanyt
hing.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Beforegoi
nghomeIpassedbyt hehospit
alt
o
checkonPrisci
ll
a.Ij
ustwanthertolookmein
theeyeandtell
meev er
ythi
ngthatshes
accusingmeof.
Ifi
ndsomewhi t
eguyi
nherr
oom andbythe
l
ookofthi
ngstheywer
ehavi
ngaprett
yint
ense
conver
sat
ion.
Theguywal
kspastmeaf
tergi
vi
ngmeamean
l
ook.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Iwaswonder
ingwheny
ou'
l
lpi
tchup"
Zi
nil
e:"
Prisci
l
lahowcoul
dyouaccusemeof
ki
l
li
ngy ourbaby?"
Shej
ustl
ooksatmewi
thasmi
rkonherf
ace.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Welldi
dn'
tyou?
Youjusthadt
ogetrid
ofmybabyjustsoyoucoul
dhaveLungisi
all
to
your
sel
f?"
Zi
nil
e:"
Whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"
Shegi
ggl
es.
Itur
nmybackonherandheadf
orthedoor
.I
don'
twantt
osaysomethi
ngImightr
egr
etl
ater
.
Pri
scil
la:
"Nextt
imewhenyouthinkoft
aki
ng
anotherwoman'smanyou'
ll
thinktwi
ce"
Ipauseonmyst
epandgl
anceback.
Zi
nil
e:"
Whatdi
dyousay
?"
Pri
scill
a:"
Thisisonlythebeginninggirl
br ace
yoursel
fformor e-
judgingfrom whatjust
happenedy ouknowwhatawomanl ikeme- a
womanwi thsomuchi nfl
uencelikemei s
capableof-wit
hasnapofaf i
ngerIcant urn
yourli
feintoanightmar e"
Shegi
ggl
es.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Whokmowsmay
bet
omor
rowi
tmi
ght
beyoursist
er'
sjob"
Zini
le:
"You'
resi
ck-wowsoy
ouki
ll
edyourown
babyjusttofr
amemeandcauseconf
li
ct
betweenLungisi
andI?"
Shel
aughs.
Pri
scil
l
a:"
Ohhoneyyouai n'
tseennothi
ngyet-by
theendofthi
sweeky ou'
llbesleepi
nginajai
l
cell
forwhatyoudi
d-stayawayf r
om Lungi
si"
Shesayswit
hsomuchhat einhereyes.
My
ent
ir
ebodyjustt
rembleswit
hfear.
Howf arcan
apersongotocauseunhappi
nessforot
her
people.
Ileav
eherroom wi
thever
ythi
ngechoi
ng
i
nal oudslowsoundatthebackofmyhead.
Myphoneringsandaf t
erseei
ngLungisi
'sname
onthescr
eenIquicklyswit
chitoffandtakeout
theSI
M car
dt othr
owi taway.
Icrumbledown
ononeoftheoutsidebenchesandcryli
kemy
motherj
ustdied.
.
.
.
.
THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.42
OneWeekLat
er!
ZI
NILE
Sophie:
"You'r
eanidiotZi
nil
e-I
diotwi
thcapit
al
l
etter
showcoul dy
ougoi nthereandnotrecor
d
theconversati
on"
Sophi
ekeepspaci
ngupanddownmyr
oom i
n
fr
ustr
ati
on.
Zinil
e:"
Iknowi twasastupi
dmov ebutIdidn'
t
exactlyexpecthert
oblurti
toutl
i
ket hat
-Idi
dn'
t
thinkthatshewasgonnaconfessplusmymi nd
wasn'twor ki
ngproper
ly"
Sophi
e:"
Yesbecauseyou'r
eanidiot
-doyou
knowyouwouldn'tbely
ingint
hatbedstuf
fing
your
sel
fwithsugarandthrowi
ngapi t
ypar
tyfor
your
sel
fhadyour ecor
dedthebit
ch?"
Zini
l
e:"
I'
m sor
ryokayyesyou'
rer
ight
-I
m ani
diot
andPri
scil
laj
ustprov
edit
"
Sheheav
esasi
ghandset
tl
esdownont
hebed
tohol
dme.
Zi
nil
e:"
OhSophi
ewhatam Igonnado?
"
Sophi
e:"
Youcantl
ett
hatwi
tchwi
nsi
syouj
ust
can'
t"
Zinil
e:"
Thatwomani sdangerousSophi
fshe
cankillherunbornbabywhatdoyouthi
nkshe'
l
l
dot ome? Ican'
tri
skitImeansheeven
threat
enedy ourl
ife"
Shequi
ckl
yget
supt
hebed.
Sophie:
"Shedi
dwhat
?Thatgi
rlwi
l
lgetwhat
's
comingherway"
Shegr
absherbagandheadsf
orthedoor
.I
qui
ckl
ygetoutoft
hebedandstopher
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
"
Sophie:
"Iwantt
ogiveherabl
ackgi
rl
swhi
ppi
ng
thatgir
lhasgonet
oofar"
Il
ockt
hedoorandl
eadherbackt
othebed.
Zini
l
e:"
Okaycal
m downyoujustcan'
twalt
z
ther
eandassaul
therl
et'
sjustbr
eatheandthi
nk
ofapl
anwhi
chdoesn'
ti
ncl
udev
iol
ence"
IknowSophiedoesn' twasteti
meandasmuch
asIwouldlovef orhertogi
v ePri
scil
l
aanass
whippi
ngIwon' tletherdothat.
Imean
Pri
scil
la'
sparentsarewellconnectedandand
haveresour
cest hatcanmakeourl ivesal
iv
ing
hell
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Any
way
show'
sLungi
si?
"
Sophie:"
Yohthepoorguyisbrokenshamewhat
you'
redoingtohimisheartl
essheasksabout
youev er
yti
meIgot othehouse"
Si
gh.
Zi
nil
e:"
Iknowsowhatdi
dyout
ell
him?
'
Sophie:"
Itol
dhimy oujustneededsomespace
tothinkabouteverythi
ngt hathashappenedbut
he'snowget t
ingper si
stentoncomi ngher
eso
thatyoucant al
k-comeonZeey ouhavetotel
l
him every
thi
ngsur elyhe'l
lbeli
eveyou"
Ichuckl
e.
Zi
nil
e:"
Will
he?Youshoul
dhav
eseenhisface
whenheconf r
ont
edmeaboutthepi
l
ls-
Ijust
wantedtodie"
Sophie:
"ComeonZeewhatdidyou
expect?
thosepil
lspr
ovedPr
isci
l
la'
scaseandi
t
wasadi ff
icul
tti
meforhi
m"
Ican'tbeli
eveinamat terofday
smyl i
fet
ooka
tur
nf orthewor st
.Igl
anceatmyr i
ngandmy
heartjustbreaks
.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
IaskedSophietobr
ingmesomefil
esf r
om the
hotelsi
nceI
'vebeenworki
ngf
rom homef orthe
pastfewdays.Si
gh.
Zini
l
ewant
snot hi
ngtodo
withmecur r
entlycauseshet hi
nksIbeli
ev et
he
storyaboutherbeingthecauseofPr i
sci
lla'
s
miscarri
age.
Itri
edcal l
i
ngherandev enwentt o
Deansshopbutshehasn' tbeentoworkf ort
he
enti
reweek.Sigh.It
hinkIhavegivenherthe
spacethatsheneededsoi fshedoesn'
tcallme
bytheendoft odayIwi l
lbeforcedtogot oher
house.
Lungi
si:
"Thanky
ouy
ou'
real
i
fesav
er"
Sophi
e:"
Mypl
easur
e"
Lungi
si:
"Sohow'
syoursi
ster
?Shest
il
ldoesn'
t
wannatalkt
ome? "
Sheheav
esasi
ghandset
tl
esdownont
he
chai
r.
Sophie:
"Ithi
nkyoushouldgotalkt
oher-
look
Lungi
siIknowmysi sterandshecoul
dnev erdo
thedespicabl
ethi
ngshe'saccusedof
"
Lungi
si:
"IknowbutwhatwasIt
odo?
IknowI
handl
edt hesi
tuat
ionbadl
y"
Shenodsandl
eav
esmet
ofi
ghtwi
thmy
thought
s.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Tesha:
"Youdon'
tl
ookl
i
kesomeonewhoj
ust
l
ostababy"
Ichuckl
e.
Pr
isci
ll
a:"
Ohwhatam Isupposedtodo?Lay
miser
ablyinmybedandcrymy sel
ftosl
eep
ev
erynight?Orbet
tery
etsl
i
tmywr ist
s?"
Tesha:"
Comeony ouknowthat
'snotwhatI
mean-idon'tknowwhati ti
sbutther
eis
somethingwei r
dlystr
angeaboutyou-imean
youjustlostthebabyofthemany ouloved"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Yeahbutdwel
li
ngi
ntoi
twon'
tbr
ing
mybabybackplusIdon'
twantt
ogi
vemy
mothermorereasontopestermeaboutDr
Sander
s-i
m hurtyesbutIj
ustwantt
omov eon
wit
hmyl i
fe"
Shenodsgi vi
ngmeherst r
angestlook.
Ifthe
cir
cumstanceswer ediff
erentIwouldbe
thi
nkingofjoi
ningGodi nheavennowbuti twas
allaplot
.Ihadtogetridofitbefor
eIdev eloped
amessybondwi ththebabycauseweal lknow
i
twoul dhaveblownupi nmyf aceintheend. I
meanhowwoul dIhav eexplai
nedawhi tebaby
withcurl
yhairwhilstt
hefatherispureblack.
.
.
Walki
ngoutoftherestaurantIspotSophi
e
walki
ngoutofBurgerPalace.Iwal
kupt oher
andsherol
lshereyeswhensheseesme.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Mmhhi
fiti
sn'
tthebabyki
l
ler
ssi
ster
"
Sophi
e:"
YouknowwhatPr
isci
l
laIdon'
thav
e
ti
meforyourbul
l
shi
t"
Igi
ggl
e.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Why?Youdon'twantmet ot
ellyou
howyoursist
erki
ll
edinnocentbl
ood?butwhy
bot
hercauseIknowyoupr obabl
yhel
pedher "
Sophie:"Whatdidyousay?Webot hknowy ou
kil
ledy ourownbabyandsoonLungi sii
sgonna
fi
ndout -
Ican'
tbeli
eveyou'
dbesodesper ate
thatyou'dgoasf araskil
li
ngyourunborn
child?doy ouknowhowmanywomanoutt here
woul dlovetogetpregnantbutt
heycan't
?"
Ichuckl
ebef
orecl
appi
ngmyhands.
Pri
scil
l
a:"Bywomeny oumeany ouri
ght
?rumour
hasitthathubbydear
estshootbl
anks"
Wi t
houtwarningshelandsali
ghtningslap
acrossmyf ace.
Shepushesmedownont he
fl
oorandIbumpmyheadsopai nfull
ythatI
blankoutforafewseconds.Ihearpeople
screamingaroundusandwhenmysenses
retur
nIfindherontopofmesl appi
ngand
punchingonme. It
rytofightbackbutshesjust
toostrongf orme.Peoplehavet hei
rphonesup
taki
ngpi ct
ur esandprobablyvideos.
Iseetwo
meni nnav yblueunif
orm pull
ingherawayand
Teshar unningtomebef oremyl i
ght
sgoout.
.
.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Ismi
let
hroughmyt earswhenIt hi
nkofthe
memori
esImadewi thLungisi.
Myheartaches
asIl
ongforhi
stouch.Ilongtohearhi
svoice.
Igat
heral
lmyst
rengt
handsendhi
m at
ext
.
"
comepi
ckmeupt
oni
ght
"
Hei
mmedi
atel
ycal
l
sbutIj
ustpl
acet
hephone
onmyearwi
thoutsay
ingany
thi
ng.
Lungi
si:
"Imi
ssy
ouMaMt
hembu"
Si
l
ence.
Zi
nil
e:"
Imi
ssy
out
oo"
Isayi
nawhi
sperear
ningachuckl
efr
om hi
m.
Lungi
si:
"Iwi
l
lseey
out
oni
ght
"
Ihangupandl aymyheadont he
pil
l
ow.Sigh.
Prisci
ll
acandoherworst
.I
m not
l
eavingLungisi.
Mymot hercomesrunni
nginmyr
oom pant
ing
l
ikeshejustseenaghost
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Mamawhat
'swr
ong?
"
Shebr
eat
hesl
oudl
ytr
yingt
ocat
chherbr
eat
h.
Dori
s:"I
t'
syoursi
sterZi
nil
e-shehasbeen
ar
rested"
Zi
nil
e:"
What
?when?how?
"
Dor
is:
"Shebeatupsomegi
rlatt
hemal
l
-st
op
askingmequest
ionsandgetr
eadywear
e
goingtot
hepoli
cestat
ion"
Thiscan'
tbehappeni
ng.
Ireal
l
ywonderwhat
happened.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.43
ZI
NILE
Arri
vingatthepoli
cest
ati
onwef i
ndSophi
e
seatedatthewaiti
ngareawit
hDeanatthe
recepti
onfil
li
nginsomeforms.
Dor
is:
"Ohmybabyar
eyouokay
?"
Werusht
ohert
ochecki
fshe'
sfi
ne.
Shel
ooks
l
ikeamess.
Sophi
e:"
I'
mfi
nemama-
youshoul
dn'
thav
ecome
her
e"
Khaya:
"Whatwer eyouthinki
ngmar
aactingli
ke
astarr
ing?Lastti
meIcheckedwedidn'
trai
sea
Charl
otteFlai
rinourhouse"
Sophi
e:"
IknowbabaI
'
m sor
ryIj
ustl
osti
t"
Zi
nil
e:"
Wel
lI'
mjustgl
ady
ou'
reokay
"
Deanwalkstousandgr eetourpar
ent
s.Iso
wanttoburymysel
frightnowcauseI'
vebeen
l
yingaboutbei
ngsicktheentir
eweek.
Iwonder
whySophiewouldcallhi
mi nst
eadofher
husband.
Dor
is:
"Thanky
oumyboywewi
l
lpayy
out
he
moneyback"
Dean:
"Nomamai
t'
sokayt
her
ewon'
tbeany
needf
ort
hat
-Ij
usthel
pedoutaf
ri
end"
Khay
a:"
Sowhodi
dyougeti
ntoaf
ightwi
th?
"
Sheheav
esasi
ghbef
oreey
eei
ngme.
Sophi
e:"
Somegi
rlnamedPr
isci
l
la-
"
Myheartj
uststops.Shecont
inuest
oexplai
nto
usbutmymi ndjustzonesout.
Ever
ythi
ngshe
sai
dtomet hatdaycomesbackt ome.Thejai
l
par
t.
Sophi
esj obatthehotel
.Si
gh.
Sophi
e:"Canwepleasenotment
iont
hist
o
Thami?notnowanyways"
Dor
is:
"What
?Thamii
syourhusbandy
oushoul
d
hav
ecall
edhimfi
rst
"
Awkwar
dsi
l
encepassus.
Sophi
e:"
IknowbutI
'
llt
ell
himl
aterf
ornowIj
ust
needabathsomewineandal
ongnap"
Shegrabshershoesandbagbefor
ewef ol
l
ow
heroutsi
de.
Myphoner i
ngsandIanswer
.
Voi
ce:
"Hel
loZi
nil
eorshoul
dIsay
mansnat
cher
?"
Theannoy
inggi
ggl
ejustgi
vesheraway
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Whatdoy
ouwantPr
isci
l
la?
"
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Meetmei nthenextt
hir
tyminut
esat
thel
ocati
onI'
m abouttosendyouknow"
Ichuckl
e.
Zini
l
e:"
Andwhatmakesy out
hinkI
'
m gonna
comeaf t
ery
ourf
latass.
."
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Youwi
l
lify
ouwantt
hechar
ges
dr
opped"
Shehangsupaft
erwhatImi
ghtpr
esumet
obe
herev
ill
augh.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
I
fIwasn'tsadIwoul
dbel aughi
ngatPri
scil
l
a
ri
ghtnowcausemysi st
erreal
lydi
dshowher
wherechil
drenpl
ay.
Themakeupi snoteven
hel
ping
Zini
le:
"Wasi
treal
l
ynecessar
yfory
ourgoonst
o
takemybag?"
Prisci
ll
a:"
YeahI'
m nottaki
nganychances-
i
knowy oumi ghtt
rytoplaycl
everandt
ryto
recordme"
Aft
ert
helastti
meIdoubtshewoul
dmaket
he
samemistaketwi
ce.
Zi
nil
e:"
Whatdoy
ouwantPr
isci
l
la?
"
Il
augh.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Strai
ghtt
obusi
nessIsee-l
ookit
's
qui
tesimpleIneedyout
ostayawayfrom
Lungi
si"
Shegi
ggl
es
Pr
isci
l
la:
"St
ayi
ngawayf
rom Lungi
siwi
l
lbet
he
keyt
oyoursi
ster
'sf
reedom"
Zi
nil
e:"
You'
recr
azyIwon'
tdot
hat
"
Shet
urnmyheel
andwal
ktowar
dst
hedoor
.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Ohsoy ou'r
ewill
i
ngtoseey oursi
ster
gotojai
lformyaasult?
causethatcanhappen
dar
li
ngsopl easedon'
tbeafool"
Shesl
owl
ytur
nar
oundt
ofaceher
.
Zinil
e:"
Whyareyousodesperat
etogetLungisi
back?YouknowIfeelsor
ryforyoucauseheno
l
ongerwant syouwhyareyouevendoingthi
s
causeLungisi
wouldsti
ll
chosemeov eryouany
givenday?
"
Il
aughandpourmy
sel
fagl
assofwi
ne.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Whosai danythingaboutgett
ing
Lungi
siback-l
ookyou'r
egonnaper manent l
y
endthi
ngswi t
hLungisitonightmeani
ngy oucut
al
lti
eswithhimincludi
ngy ourli
tt
lepathet
icjob
athi
sfri
end'ssport
sShop"
Zi
nil
e:"
What
?Iwon'
tdot
hat
..
"
Ichuckl
e.
Prisci
lla:
"Thenyouleav
emewi thnochoi cebut
tocall myfather
-myfatherwhowill
callhis
fr
iend'stomakel if
ealivi
nghel
lforyoursister
i
nj ail
-andwhoknowsmay bekil
lherint
her e"
Icanseet
het
ear
sgl
i
tter
ingi
nherey
es.
Zi
nil
e:"
Okaythe-i
fthat
'swhatyouwantt
henI
'
ll
doitIwil
lcutal
lti
eswithLungi
si"
Pri
scil
l
a:"Goodgi
rlt
hatwasn'
thar
dnowwasi t
andohi fyoudar
ement i
onmyinv
olvementi
n
yourbreakupIwi
llf
ini
shyouandyourfami
ly
off
"
Shenodsbefor
eleavi
ngtheroom.Ihearher
sni
ff
ingal
lthewaytothedoorandmyhear t
j
ustgetsf
il
ledwit
hjoy.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"It
hinkshe'
sreadyforyou-
Youcan
makeyourmov eanyt
imefrom now"
Nt
ando:
"I
'l
lber
eady
"
Si
gh.
Timef
ort
hef
inal
str
aw.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.44
LUNGI
SI
Sigh.If
eltsomuchrel
i
efaft
ertal
ki
ngtoZini
le.
I
guessI'vebeengi
venasecondchancet
of i
x
thingswithher
.
Iglanceatt hescanPr i
scil
lagavetome. If
eel
l
ikesuchabadper son-ImeanIknowIf eel
feathersforPrisci
ll
abutIhav en'
tevenchecked
uponhersi nceshegotbackf r
om the
hospital.
Shepr obablythinksI'
m overjoy
edby
herlosingourbaby .Imakeament al not
etocal
l
herbef or
egoi ngtoZi ni
le'spl
ace.
Zondi
webargesi
nthest
udywi
thherdaught
er
behi
ndher
.
Zondi
we:
"Lookwhodeci
dedt
ovi
situst
oday
?"
Xol
i
le:
"Uncl
eLungi
si"
Sher
unsov
ert
omysi
det
ogi
vemeat
ighthug.
Lungi
si:
"Pr
incess"
Zondi
we:
"Letmegomakey
ousomedr
inks"
Si
gh.
Ilov
emam'
Zondi
we'
schi
l
drenl
i
ket
heyar
e
myown.
Lungi
si:
"Wouldyoul
ookatyou-
any
thi
nggrown
upandaller
gict
othegrownupsgi
rly
ounever
v
isi
tus"
Shel
aughsandset
tl
esdown.
Xoli
l
e:"
Iknow-
Medschool
ist hewor
stIcan'
t
evenfi
ndti
metoshav
emyl egs"
That'
sXoli
fory
ou.Thegi
rlhasanexagger
ated
senseofhumour.
Xol
i
le:"
Somymot hert
ellsmethaty
ou'r
egetti
ng
marr
ied-Idi
dn'
tbeli
eveitwhenIsawitonsoci
al
mediagoshIcan'twai
ttomeether"
Shescr
eamsoutwi
thexci
tement
.
Shespotsthescanont het
abl
eandal
lthej
oy
onherfacedisappear
s.
Xol
i
le:
"Pl
usIhear
daboutt
hebaby
-i
m sor
ry"
Lungi
si:
"YeahwhatcanIsayIguessi
twasn'
t
meanttobe"
Xoli
le:
"Wast
her
esomet
hingwrongwit
hthe
sonarmachi
ne-
Imeant
hiscan'
tber
ight?
"
Lungi
si:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
"
Xoli
l
e:"
Wellt
hescansaysi
t'
sthi
rt
eenweeksbut
theembry
olooksli
kei
t'
sonitssi
xthweek"
Lungi
si:
"Idon'
tunder
stand"
Sheheav
esasighandwal
ksov
ert
omysi
de
wit
hthescan.
Xoli
le:
"Att
hirt
eenweeksthebabyshoul
dl ook
l
ikeababy-youshouldseet
heheadthetiny
bodyli
kealmostallt
hefeat
uresbuther
ei t
showsac- shapedembryowhichi
ssti
ll
ati t
s
sixt
hweek"
Herphoner
ingsandsher
unsoutaf
termaki
ng
hersi
ll
ygi
ggles.
Lungi
si:
"OhPr
isci
l
la-
Pri
sci
l
la"
Shemusthav
efakedt
hescanl
i
keZi
nil
esai
d.I
t
wasn'
tmybaby.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Ifoughtwithmythoughtseversi
nceIgotback
fr
om Pr i
sci
ll
a'
shouse.Thegirl
isdetermi
nedto
seemeandLungi sifarawayfrom each
other.
Sigh
Hepul
lsmeinf
orati
ghthugthemomentIst
ep
i
nthecar
.HowImi
ssedthewarmthofhi
sski
n.
Lungi
si:
"OhmybabyImi
ssedy
ousomuch
don'
teverdot
hattome"
Hepecksmylipsbef
orepul
l
ingmei
nfor
anot
herhug.
Zi
nil
e:"
Imi
ssedy
out
oo"
Si
l
ence.
Zi
nil
e:"
Sophiegotar
rest
edtoday
-Shebumped
i
ntoPrisci
l
laatthemall
andshebeatherup"
Lungi
si:
"What?nowondershewasn'
tanswer
ing
herphone-
isshealr
ight
?"
Ij
ustnodbef
oreheav
ingal
oudsi
gh.
Zi
nil
e:"
Lungi
siwecan'
tcont
inuet
oseeeach
ot
heranymore?"
Hefrowns.
Idon'
twantt
odot
hisbutf
orcesof
ev
ilaref
orci
ngmeto.
Lungi
si:
"Whatdoy
oumeanbyt
hat
?"
Zini
l
e:"Imeanit
'sover
-Ican'
tdothi
sany
more
Lungisi
-i
mjustti
redofhavingt
hesebor
der
s
preventi
ngusfr
om beinghappy"
Hechuckl
es.
Lungisi
:"
Bybor
dersy oumeanPr isci
l
la?-l
ook
l
ov eIknowshewasl yingaboutthepregnancy
thebabywasn'
tmi neandshepr obablyframed
youwi t
hhermiscarr
iagetohoworwhyIdon' t
knowbutIwantust ogett othebott
om ofit-
toget
her"
Hecupsmyfaceandki
ssesmyl
i
psmaki
ngmy
ent
ir
ebodyweak.
Zini
le:
"Ican'
tLungisi-
Shet hr
eat
enedtosend
Sophietojai
lifIcontinuetoseeyou-
shewant s
met ocutallt
ieswi t
hy ouincl
udi
ngwor ki
ngfor
yourfr
iendifnotI'm afr
aidshe'
sgonnado
somethingtohur tmeormyf amil
yLungisi
-t
hat
girl
isobsessedwi thyou"
Heheav
esasi
ghandst
art
sthei
gni
ti
on.
Zi
nil
e:"
Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
"
Heignoresmeanddr
ivesawaywi
thoutsay
ing
any
thing.
.
.
.
Aft
erhalfanhourwear
epar
kedatPr
isci
l
la'
s
house.
Zi
nil
e:"
UhuhLungi
siwhatar
ewedoi
ngher
e?"
Lungi
si:
"Getoutoft
hecar
-Now"
Wegetbuzzedi
nandhedragsmebymyhand
unt
ilwegett
othef
rontdoor
.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Iquicklywentupstairstochangeintomysi ll
y
gownandl etmycurlyhai
rdown.Ineverthought
Lungisi couldcomebackt omesosoonl ike
thi
s.Thecowar dmusthav etol
dhimt hebad
news. Iheadbackdownst airst
oreclai
m what '
s
mine.IfindLungisistandi
ngatthedoorwi thhis
gir
lf
riend.Mymoodj ustdrops.
Shebetterhad
notscr ewedmeov er.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?"
Her
oughlypushesmet ot
hesi
deandget
sin
t
hehousewithhissl
ut.
Lungi
si:
"Pr
isci
l
laIwantt
olookatt
hiswoman
properl
y-
takealonghardlookathercauset hi
s
i
st heimagethat'
sgonnabebymysi def orthe
restofmylif
eandnothingyouoranyoneel se
canseparatemef r
om thi
simage"
Hesaysfumi
ngandyell
ingf
orthewhol
e
nei
ghbor
hoodtohear
.Il
ookatZini
l
ewhojust
l
ooksaway.
Lungi
si:
"Pri
sci
l
laIknowt hebabywasn'
tmine
andsomehowy outriedtofr
ameZinil
efori
t
welly
ouf ai
l
edandy oujustmadematter
seven
worseforyour
sel
f?"
Ichuckl
e.
Pri
scil
l
a:"Ohr eall
y?Cl
earl
yy ouhavenoideawho
youaredeal ingwi thLungisiandnei
theri
syour
l
itt
legi
rlf
riend- sheknowswhatwi l
lhappeni
f
shedoesn' thonourhersi deofthedeal"
Hel
aughsandhol
dsoutZini
l
e'sl
efthandat
me.
Flaunt
ingt
her
ingonherfi
nger
.
Lungi
si:
"Youseet
hat
?I'
m gonnamar
ryher
-Il
ove
her-i
wanthernoty ousoIneedy outostop
embarrassi
ngyoursel
fwiththesepett
y
schemesy ouhaveinyourli
tt
leheadcause
nothi
ngy oudowil
lkeepusawayf r
om each
other
"
Thewordshi
tmyhear
tli
keashar
pswor
dsand
tear
sburnmyey
es.
Lungi
si:
"andifyoudon'
tst
opI'
m gonnalett
he
wholeworldknowwhatkindofaphychopat
h
youare"
HetakesZini
le'
shandandheadsforthe
door
.Ever
ystephetakestothedoorIfeel
my
hear
tbreaki
ngintopi
eces.
Lungi
si:"
Thosechargesbet
terbedroppedby
tomorrowI'
mt i
redenter
tai
ningyourpat
het
ic
stunt
s"
Theyopent
hedoorandmypar
ent
swal
kin.
Wil
l:
"Whatt
hehel
li
sgoingonher
e?"
Whatar
e
youtwodoi
nginmyhouse?"
Lungisi
:"I
'
m sor
ryMrMatt
hewsbutwewer
e
actuall
yonourwayout
"
ThestepoutandIfeel
myworl
dcrashingdown
onme.Ever
ythi
ngaroundmegoesblurr
yandi
hearmyparentsv
oiceget
ti
ngmoredistant
.
Janet
:"
Pri
sci
l
la?
arey
ouokay
?"
Mymom comerushi
ngtomeasIcr
umbl
eon
t
hef
loorbef
oremyli
ght
sgoout.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.45
PRI
SCI
LLA
Myt earsfal
ldownasItr
ytoregistert
he
doctor'swor
ds.Hecal
l
edmeaf ewday sback
andaskedmet ocomebyhisofficeatthe
hospital.
Pri
scil
la:
"Whatar
eyoutel
li
ngmedoct
or?
Iwi
l
l
neverbeabletohav
echil
dren?
"
Doc:"I
'
m sorr
ybutchancesofcarryi
ngababy
ful
lterm wi
thasev er
elyscar
redwombli
kethi
s
areoneinat housand"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Youmustbemi
staken-
that
s
i
mpossibl
e"
Igetupmyfeetandpaceupanddownt
he
room.Thi
scan'
tbehappeni
ng.
Doc:
"I
'm sosor
ryMissMat
thewsbutthepi
l
ls
di
dmor edamagethanweanti
cipat
ed"
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Idon'
tneedyoursor
ri
es-
tell
methat
you'
ll
fixmemypar ent
sareri
chsurel
yyoucan
f
lyi
nspeci
ali
standt
hebestsur
geonst
ost
it
ch
meup?"
Ipl
eadi
ndesper
ati
on.
Howcoul dNt
andogi
ve
medanger
ousdrugwhenIaskedhi
mt ogi
ve
mesimpl
eabort
ionpi
l
ls.
.
.
Tesha:
"Pr
isci
l
lapl
easet
alkt
ome"
Ij
ustkeepcr
yingandwet
ti
nghert
highswi
th
mytears.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Iwi
l
lnev
erhav
echi
l
drenagai
n"
Tesha:
"OhbabeI
'
m sosor
rywhathappened?
"
Shekeepscomfor
ti
ngmei
nmymi
ser
y.Regr
ets
j
ustwashoverme.
Pri
scil
l
a:"
Ididn'tthi
nkthatthepil
l
swouldcause
suchdamage- Ijustwantedthem t
ogetr
idof
thebabythat'
sal l
"
Tesha:
"What
?Whatdi
dyousay
?"
Shel
if
tsmyheadof fherandl
ooksmest
rai
ght
i
ntheeye.
Sigh.
Igetlostf
orwor
ds.
Tesha:
"Ar
eyout
ell
i
ngmet
haty
ouki
l
ledy
our
ownbaby?"
Prisci
ll
a:"
Ihadt
oTesh-I
twast heonl
ywayI
couldgethisat
tent
ionandkeephim awayf
rom
Zinil
e"
Sheget
supt
hebedandst
andonherf
eet.
Tesha:
"Soyouki
ll
edyourownbaby-
innocent
bl
ood-j
ustt
oseparat
etwopeoplewhoar e
madlyi
nlove?wowthi
smeansthebabywasn't
hi
s?"
Shest
art
stochuckl
e.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Teshapl
easemyf
ri
end.
."
Tesha:
"I
'm notyourfri
end-
wowPriscil
l
ay ou
needhel
pt hi
sinfatuat
ionyouhav
ewi thLungi
si
i
sgonnakillyou-Youaresi
ckandy ouneed
hel
p"
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Teshapl
easedon'
tsayany
thi
ngt
omy
par
ents"
Ipl
eadwithher.Mymotherwill
sendmestr
aight
tohermentalhospi
tal
withoutbli
nki
ng.
Tesha:
"Youar
ecr
azy
"
Pri
scil
la:
"Don'
tcal
l mecr
azyTeshIsweari
fyou
tel
lthem youwil
lregr
eti
t"
Shejustshakesherheadwi
thal
onet
ear
escapi
ngherey e.
Tesha:
"Ihopey
ougett
hehel
pyouneed"
Shegrabsherthingsandwal ksouton
me.Si
gh.It
hrowmy sel
fonthebedandcr yli
ke
someonejustdiedwhileholdingt
hebabyscans
onmychest .
IlostLungi
si.
Ilostmybaby.
Ijust
l
ostafri
endandachanceofbecomi nga
mothereveragaininmylif
e.
If
indmy
sel
fdi
ali
ngMar
ksnumber
sbutanot
her
gi
rlanswer
s.Ij
usthangupandcont
inuecr
ying.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Xol
i
le:
"ShuuSi
siy
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul"
Ijustt
urnredwhil
eSophiefixesmymakeup.
It
s
thedayofthelobol
anegotiati
onsandmy
nervesareki
ll
i
ngme. I
m event r
embli
ng.
Shest
art
staki
ngpi
ctur
es.
Sophi
e:"
Soy
ouhav
ecomet
ospyf
ory
our
uncl
e?"
Xoli
l
e:"
Yeahforasubstant
ial
feeof
cause-
plusI
hadnochoicehewantedtoseehowhisbr
ide
tobelookedl
ike"
Wealll
augh.
Xol
i
lei
sanexpl
osi
vecharacter
.I
bar
elyhav
eamonthknowi
ngherbutIal
ready
regardherasasister
.Si
gh.Ican'tbel
iev
ei t
.I
can'tbel
i
evethattomorrowIwi l
l bewakingup
asMr sZini
leLungisi
Mhl ophe.
Ithasbeena
l
ongt imecoming.
Mymotherwal
ksi
nther
oom andherey
esj
ust
gett
ear
y.
Dori
s:"
Ohmybaby-
lookatyouican'
tbel
i
eve
youareget
ti
ngmarri
edtoday
"
Zini
l
e:"
Haomamat heyar
ejustl
obol
a
negoti
ati
onsnotaweddi
ng"
Dori
s:"
Sti
l
lmychi
ldInevert
houghtthatyou
wouldseeadayl
iket
hiscauseyouwer ebusy
wasti
ngyourt
imewit
hthatthug-
Im soproudof
youbaby"
Shehugsmeandt
heot
her
sfol
l
owf
oragr
oup
hug.
Sophi
e:"
Don'tl
etherf
ool
herZeeshe'
sjust
happyt
hatsheanddadwill
final
l
yhav
et he
housetothemsel
ves"
Wealllaughandgetbackt odr essi
ngup. Ir
eall
y
hopethateverythi
ngwi l
lgosmoot hlycauseI
knowhowmyuncl e'
scanget .
Iknowhowt hey
al
mostr ui
nedSophi e'
smar r
iagebefor ei
teven
beganwi t
htheirimpossibledemands. Ireal
ly
hopedadwi ll
putt hem str
aightthistimearound
causeIdon'twantany t
hingt oruinthisday.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Dean:"
Comeonmanev er
ythi
ngisgonnago
perf
ect-
Iwasjustt
alki
ngwi thSophiebef
oreI
gothereandshesaidshehear dtheuncl
es
l
aughinginthedi
ningroom sothat'
sagood
si
gn"
Lungisi
:
"Theycoul
dbelaughingatmanyt
hings-
theybett
ernotrui
nthi
ngsforme"
Hepour
smeadr i
nkandl
eadsmeout
sidet
o
wat
chthehor
ses.
Lungi
si:
"Sowhat
'st
hedeal
betweenyouand
Sophi
e?Youguysar
eonthecal
li
ngeachother
phasenow?"
Heheav
esasi
ghandsi
psonhi
sdr
ink.
Dean:
"Wel
li
t'
s.
."
Mymothershout
soutmynameall
theway
f
rom t
hehousewitht
hephonei
nherhands.
Sont
o:"
It
'sy
ourf
ather
"
Lungi
si:
"Wewi
l
lcont
inuewi
tht
hisconv
ersat
ion
l
ater"
Ir
unt
oherandt
akemyf
ather
'sca.
Lungi
si:
"Babapleasejustgi
vethem any
thi
ng
thatt
heywant-evenifitamountai
n"
Hechuckl
es.
Zwel
i
:"Rel
axboyev
ery
thi
ngwentwel
l
-umakot
i
ungowet
hu"
(t
hebr
idei
sour
s)
Icl
osemyey
esasIf
eelev
erymuscl
einmy
bodygi
vi
ngi
ntot
herel
i
ef.
Lungi
si:
"i
t'
sdonemama"
Mymot herst
art
schanti
ng-ul
ulat
ingand
singi
ningweddingsongsont hepotchl
ett
ing
thewhol efar
m knowthathersonisoff
ici
all
ya
man.Sigh.
.
.
.
ZANELE
Thelobol
aproceedingswentsmoothl
yev en
thoughIt
hinktheycameont oopr
iceyforthe
Mhlophefamil
y.Si
gh.
Sophi
e:"
Yourparent
sar esomethi
ngelseIcant
bel
iev
ethattheyinv
itedthenei
ghbor
sov er
"
Zi
nil
e:"
Youknowhowt
heyar
e-t
heyj
ustwantt
o
br
ag"
Myphoner
ingsandmyf
acej
ustt
urnsr
ed.
Zi
nil
e:"
It
'smyhusband"
Sophiel
aughssoloudlybef
orest
eppi
ngoutt
o
j
ointhecel
ebrat
ingcrowd.
Zi
nil
e:"
Myhusband"
Hechuckl
es.
Lungi
si:
"Icangetusedtothat
-wi
fe-
come
outsi
deIwanttoseey ou"
Il
ookoutt hewi
ndowandspothi
scar
out
side.
Sigh.
Hesmasheshi
sli
psonmi
net
hemomentIget
t
othecar
.
Lungi
si:
"ourf
ir
stki
ssashusbandandwi
fe"
Heli
ft
smeupandspi
nsmear
oundwhi
l
eI
gi
ggl
eaway
.
Lungi
si:
"Myuncl
ecan'
tstopr
avingabouty
our
beaut
y-hesai
dhealmostbet
ray
edmeand
negot
iatedf
orhi
mself
"
Il
augh.
Lungi
si:
"Sowhenar
eyoumov
ingi
n-of
fi
cial
l
y?"
Zi
nil
e:"
Any
time-
wear
epr
act
ical
l
ymar
ri
ednow"
Lungi
si:
"Wel
lhowaboutt
oni
ght
?Iwantt
omake
l
ovetoyouasmywi f
e"
Myl
adypar
tsj
ustgett
ickl
esandi
nst
antmoi
st.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ili
ket
hesoundoft
hat
"
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Shecl
ingsonti
ght
lytomeasIkeept hr
ust
ing
i
ntoherwhil
epi
nnedagai nstt
hewall
.Shebit
es
onmyneckasImer ci
lesslypoundonherl
ike
shehaswr
ongedme.
Zi
nil
e:"
Pleasedon'
tst
op-
dontst
op"
Lungi
si:
"Iwon'
tst
opcauseIdon'
twannast
op"
Shebit
esonali
pmoani
ngl
oudl
ytoawakent
he
l
yingbeasti
nme.
Icarr
yhertothebedandat tackherwetcooki
e
withmymout h.
Myt onguemov esinall
dir
ecti
onsgiv
ingherat oescurl
ingsensati
on.
I
suckonhersensit
ivecli
tandshej ustgoes
i
nsane.
Zini
l
e:"Ohshi
tjustt
akemepl
ease-
iwanty
ou
deepinsi
deme"
Ifeelmydickgett
ingmuchhar derthanbef or
e-I
getforher.
Ihol
dont ightl
ytohert highsand
l
aunchmyf i
nalat
tackonhersensi t
ivespots
causinghertot
remblei npleasure.Without
warningIsl
am my sel
fdeepi nsideherand
poundonherslipperywalls.
Shemoanssof
tl
yinmyearwhi
l
edi
ggi
ngher
l
ongnai
lsi
nmyf l
esh.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ilov
eyouMrMhl
ophe"
Shewhisper
sinmyearbef
oresucki
ngonmy
ear
lobe.
Lungi
si:
"Il
ovey
out
ooMhl
ophe"
Ir
eachforherhandandwei
ntwineourf
inger
s
whil
eImakesweetlovet
oher.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
ZI
NILEMHLOPHE
.
.
I
n.46
ZI
NILE
Hehover
sovermewi
that
rayi
nhi
shands.
Ijust
smi
leandsi
tup.
Lungi
si:
"Goodmor
ningMr
sMhl
ophe"
Thesoundoft
hatnamej
ustser
enadesme.
Zi
nil
e:"
Goodmor
ningt
oyout
oMrMhl
ophe"
Hechuckl
esbef
oreput
ti
ngt
het
rayonmyl
ap.
Lungisi:
"Yourf
ir
stbreakf
astasMr
sMhl
ophe
preparedbyMrMhl ophe"
Ij
ustlaughathi
ssweetgest
ure.
Lungi
sicanget
cheesywhenhewants.
Zini
le:
"Well
thankyoumyhusband-wowIcan't
getusedtothat-
pleaset
ell
methatt
hisi
snota
dream andI'
m notgonnawakeupanysecond
fr
om now? "
Hel
aughsandl
eansov
erf
oraki
ss.
Lungi
si:
"I
sthatr
eal
enough?
"
Zi
nil
e:"
Wit
houtdoubt
"
Hejoi
nsmeunderthecov
ersandweenj
oy
br
eakfastt
oget
her
.
Lungisi:
"Yoursist
erhasorgani
sedsomemi ni
celebrat
orythingatthecl
ublatert
ocelebr
ate
theengagementwi t
hourfri
endssincewenever
reall
ygott hechance"
Ij
ustrollmyey
escauseSophiecanl
it
eral
l
ytur
n
anyt
hingasanexcuset
opartyandspend
money .
Zi
nil
e:"
Not
hingaboutSophi
eisev
ermi
nit
hat
's
onethi
ngf
orsure"
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Pri
scil
la:
"Wher
ehaveyoubeenI
'
vebeenwai
ti
ng
foryoufort
hepasthour
?"
Heholdsontohi
sheadwhi
let
ryi
ngtounlock
thedoor
.Hesmel
lsl
ikeabr
ewer
ytruckf
ellon
him.
Nt
ando:
"Ispentt
heni
ghtataf
ri
end'
sokay
?"
Westepinsi
det
hehouseandheswi
tcheson
t
hel
ights.
Pri
scil
l
a:"
Soyouskippedworktonur
sea
hangover
?youwentdrinki
ngl
astni
ght?
"
Ntando:"
Yesthat
'swhatanormalper
sonwoul
d
doaf t
erfi
ndi
ngouthehaslostt
heloveoft
hei
r
l
if
ef orev
er"
Hesnaps.
Ntando:
"Whydidn'
tyoutell
mehewaspay ing
downryforher
?youpromisedthatshewas
gonnabemi neagai
n-youpromised"
Heshout
sst
art
li
ngme.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Igett
haty
ou'
reangr
y..
"
Ntando:
"OfcauseI'
m angr
y-i
m angr
ywhat
happenedtotheplan?Theplanofmesweeping
i
nt ocomfortheratherworst?
whathappened
tothat
?"
Hepunchest
hewal
lbef
orel
ett
ingoutal
oud
gr
oan.
Pri
scil
la:"
Plansfai
lNtandobutAren'
tweal l
angry?
I'mt heonewhohast heri
ghttogetangry
causey ougavemedeadl yabort
ionpill
sand
becauseofy ouIwill
neverbearchil
drenagain"
Ntando:"
What?Myfaul
t-
Itol
dy outotakefour
butyouchoseadramaticexi
tbytaking
overdosesodon'
tblamemef oryourstupi
dit
y"
Si
l
ence.
Hepacesupanddownt
her
oom l
i
kea
mani
acthathei
s.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Wel
lthi
sbi
cker
ingser
vesusno
purposecausetheyar
ebot
hgone-
Lungi
sii
s
goneandZinil
etoo"
Hesobsaft
erl
ett
ingouty
etanot
hergr
oani
n
f
rust
rat
ion.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Ther
eisanot
heropt
iont
hough"
Nt
ando:
"What
?"
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Ify
oucan'
thavehert
hennoone
shoul
d-wehavet
okil
lher"
Hequi
ckl
yget
supthecouchandst
andsonhi
s
f
eetwi
thahar
dfr
ownonhi sf
ace.
Ntando:
"Nonothat'
snotanopt
ionIwi
l
lfi
nda
waytogetherback"
Ichuckl
eathi
sst
upi
dit
y.
Pri
scil
la:"
Youareanidiotifyouthinkthatgi
rli
s
gonnat akeyouback-whywoul dshecauseshe
hasfoundamant hattreatsherl
ikea
queen?Shehashadat asteofthegoodl i
feand
shejustsecuredherfuturebymar ry
inga
For
besaLi
sterwhatar
eyou?
"
Her
ubshi
sheadi
nfr
ust
rat
ion.
Pri
scill
a:"
Theywill
beatNcl ubstoni
ght
celebrat
ingthei
rengagementwewi l
lst
ri
ket
hen
-al
lyouhav etodoisspikeherdri
nkwit
h
cyanidethenwewi l
lbegoodt ogo"
Hej
ustkeepsshaki
nghi
shead.
Pri
sci
l
la:"Don'twor
ryyouhaveasteadyjobnow
pl
usyourhandsomei twon'tbehardtogeta
newgir
l andifyoudon'tdoi
tIwil
ldoitand
fr
amey ouf orit
"
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Dean:
"Wouldyoust
opst
ari
ngather
?yousl
eep
wit
hhereveryni
ght
"
Lungi
si:
"Ohl
eavemealone-
ihav
eal
lther
ighti
n
theworl
dtostar
eather"
Shewi
nksatmebef
orel
i
fti
nguphergl
ass.
Zi
nil
ewasr i
ght-
Sophi
edoesn'tdosmal l.
She
bookedtheent
ireVI
Psectionforus.Iseethe
ownerofthecl
ubapproachingourtable.
Heis
oneofthosepeopl
einhighplacesthatoweme
bi
gf av
ours.
Ngaka:
"Lungi
simyman"
Lungi
si:
"Longt
imewhendi
dyougetback?
"
Heset
tl
esdownnextt
oDeanaf
terIi
ntr
oduce
t
hem.
Ngaka:
"Twoday
sback-
It
sfeel
sgoodt
obe
home"
Hisfami
lyr
elocat
edtoLondontwoyear
sback
whenthewif
egotacareeropport
uni
tyt
her
eso
Iguesst
heyarebacknow.
Ngaka:
"Theywant
edt
oext
endt
hecont
ractbut
mywifewashomesi
cksonowwear
eback-
for
good"
Thewai
tr
essbr
ingsmor
edr
inksatourt
abl
e.
Lungi
si:
"Yest
her
e'snopl
acel
i
kehome"
Ngaka:"Exactl
ysoIguesswewi l
lgetaninvi
te
totheweddi ng?mywi f
ehasbeenpester
ingme
aboutaskingy out
oi nvi
teusev
ersinceshe
sawy ourfianceonInstagr
am"
Lungi
si:
"Of
causeany
thi
ngf
orMr
sNgaka"
Icall
theZinil
etoourtablesothatIcan
i
ntroducehertoNgaka.Sigh.
Thenightgoeson
withusdri
nkingli
kethere'
snot omorrow.
Thank
Godf ordr
iver
s.
.
.
.
.
THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.47
PRI
SCI
LLA
Janet:
"Idon'
tthi
nkit
'sagoodi
deaforyout
obe
outtheregal
avanti
ngaft
erwhaty
oujustwent
thr
ough"
Si
gh.
Pr
iscil
l
a:"
Ohpleasemom I'
mt i
redofcry
ingover
matter
sIhav
enocont r
olover-
sotoni
ghtIjust
wanttounwi
ndandf or
getall
mysor r
ows"
Sheheav
esasi
ghbef
oreki
ssi
ngmyf
orehead.
Janet
:"
Ilov
eyouokay
-somuch"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Il
ovey
out
oo"
.
.
Get
tingtot hecl ubIfi
ndtheplacepackedwith
acontagiousv ibe.Iwi
shTeshawas
her
e.Sigh.I
'
v ebeent ry
ingtocontactherbutshe
bl
ockedmeev erywhere.
Idecidetogetmy sel
fatableupi ntheVI P
secti
onjustsoIcoul dwatcht hecrowddanci ng
downont hedancef l
oor.
Ispotthecoupl ejusta
fewtablesf r
om mi nebei
ngi neachot her'
s
facesli
ket eenagers.
Thealcohol i
nmemakes
mef eell
ikewal ki
ngupt othem andt ell
theboth
ofthem wher etogetoffbutI'drathersitand
watchthemov ieIcameher efor.
ItextNtandot
omakehi
sent
ranceandcar
ry
outwiththepl
an.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
I'
vehadsomucht odr i
nkthatIendedup
sett
li
ngforwatercausehadIcontinuedt
odr
ink
Iwouldhavebeencarri
edoutofher e.
Zi
nil
e:"
Let
'sgohomebabeI'
mt i
rednott
o
menti
onhowdrunkIam r
ightnow"
Hechuckl
esandni
bbl
esonmyear
.
Lungisi:
"Okaywecanl
eav
eaft
erIf
indDean-
speakingofDeanwherei
she?
"
Zini
l
e:"That
'sst
rangeIcan'
tseem t
ospot
Sophietooanywaysletmegot ot
heladi
esI
seri
ouslyneedtopee"
Lungi
si:
"Wantmet
ogowi
th?
"
Hewhi
sper
sinmyeari
nanaught
ymanner
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Tempt
ingbutnoj
ustf
indSophi
eand
Dean"
Hechuckl
esbef
orepassi
onat
elyki
ssi
ngmyl
i
ps.
Lungi
si:
"Hur
ryupIwantt
otakey
ouhome"
Iswearal
lLungi
sit
hinksabouti
ssexsexsex
andmoresex.
.
.
Voi
ce:
"Hel
l
oZi
nil
e"
Il
ookupandfindNtandostandi
ngatthe
door.
WhydidIhavetobetheonlyoneinher
e.I
qui
cklyt
hrowmylipst
icki
nmycl ut
chbagand
walktot
hedoor.
Ntando:
"Uhuhwhat'
sther
ush?
youcan'
tev
en
sayhitoyourexl
over
?"
Heblocksme.
Mywhol
ebodyj
ustf
reezesbutI
keepmycool.
Zini
le:
"Ntandowhatar
ey oudoi
nghere?Doy
ou
real
izethatyou'
rev
iol
ati
ngtheprot
ecti
on
order?"
Hechuckles.It
akemyphoneoutofmybagto
cal
lLungisibutheyanksi
tfr
om myhandbef
ore
showingmehi spist
ol.
Howdidheev
engetin
herewit
hi t
.
Nt
ando:
"Iwoul
dn'
tdot
hati
fIwer
eyou"
Iswal
lowhar
d.Het
hrowsmycel
l
phonei
nthe
tr
ashcan.
Ntando:
" YouandIaregonnagetoutofhere
thr
ought hebackdoor-t
heresacarwai
tingfor
usoutsidetryanyt
hingandIwil
ltakey
out o
yourancestors-
doyouhearme? "
Ij
ustnodr epeat
edlybeforehepoi nt
sthegunto
myst omach.Heleadsmeoutoft herest
room
makingsurenottoattractunnecessary
at
tention.
Hepushesthr
owsmei
nthecarbef
oreget
ti
ng
i
nhimself
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ntandopl
easey
oudon'
thav
etodot
his.
."
Nt
ando:
"Shutup-
shutupZi
nil
e"
Hest
art
sthecaranddr
ivesaway
.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Themissi
ngpairfi
nall
yfi
ndt
hei
rwaybackto
ourt
able.
Sophi
e'seyesar
eal
lovert
hepl
ace.
Lungi
si:
"I
'v
ebeenlooki
ngf
ort
het
woofy
ou
wherewereyou?
"
Dean:
"Uhm.
.we.
.weweredanci
ngwi
tht
he
cr
owddownstai
rspeopl
eupherear
eupti
ght
"
Sophi
e:"
Yeahwher
eisZee?
"
Lungi
si:
"Uhm shewentt
other
est
rooms"
Shedisappear
sdownthehal
lwi
thDeanlooki
ng
atherli
kesshe'
sapi
eceofmeatreadyt
obe
rav
ished.
Dean:"
Whyar eyoul
ooki
ngatmel i
ke
that
?There'
snolawthat
'sagai
nstl
ooki
ngat
God'screat
ion"
Lungi
si:
"Thereisact
ual
l
y-especi
all
yift
hatGod'
s
worki
smar r
ied"
Hel
aughs.
Lungi
si:
"Soi
sthathowanot
hermanisgonna
l
ookatmywi fei
nthenameofadmir
ingGod'
s
work?
"
Sophiecomesrunni
ngtousl
ooki
ngl
i
keshe
hasjustseenaghost
.
Sophie:
"Ican'
tfi
ndher
-shewasn'
ti
nthe
rest
rooms"
Lungi
si:
"Whatdoy
oumean?
hav
eyout
ri
ed
cal
li
ngher?"
Sophi
e:"
YesIdi
dandIf
oundt
hesei
nthet
rash
cansneart
hedoor
"
ShehasZi
nil
e'
sphoneandt
hepur
seshehad
whenshewentt
othel
oo.
Dean:
"Ar
eyousur
ethatt
heyar
eher
s?"
Sophi
e:"
Ofcausetheyar
eher
simt
heonewho
boughti
tforher
"
Shest
art
stopani
candst
ruggl
est
obr
eat
he.
Lungi
si:
"Okayokayl
et'
snotpanic-
youtwogoto
thefr
ontandI'
llgol
ookforherattheback"
Wepar twaysandIr
unoutt
heback.
Ifi
ndone
ofhershoesinoneoft
hest
aff
sparki
nglot
.
Lungi
si:
"Zee?
Zini
l
e?"
Ical
loutforherwhi
l
erunni
ngi
nthel
otl
i
kea
maniac.
Lungi
si:
"Nononono"
Ther
eisnowayshecouldhavelef
thereonher
ownwithoutus-
someonemusthavetookher
.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.48
LUNGI
SI
Sophi
e:"
OhmyGodwhatam Igonnat
ell
my
par
ents?"
Shekeepssobbi
ngasDeankeepscomf
ort
ing
her
.
Sophi
e:"
Thisi
sal
lmyfaul
t-
ishouldnev
erhave
l
efthersi
ghtmay
beIwouldhavewentinther
e
wit
hherandshewoul
dbeher enow"
Dean:
"Nost
opbl
ami
ngy
our
sel
f-
Itwasn'
tyour
f
aul
t"
Kget
howal
ksi
nandheadsst
rai
ghtt
ohi
sdesk.
Kgetho:
"OkayIgotf
oot
ageoft
hecl
ubf
rom
thr
eehoursago"
Aft
eraf
ewminuteswespotZi
nil
ewi
thsome
guywal
ki
ngoutt
heback.
Lungisi
:
"Whothehel
li
sthat
?Sophi
edoy
ou
recogni
zehi
m? "
Sophie:
"NoIdon'
t.
.Idon'
tknowIt
hinkI
'
veseen
thatwal
ksomewher e"
Theguycl
earl
ydisgui
sedhimsel
fpl
ust
he
dar
knessai
n'
treall
yhelpi
ng.
Theygetint
hecarandhedr
ivesawaywi
th
her.
Sigh.
Kget
ho:
"Don'
tworrywewi
l
lfi
ndher
-ican
pr
omiseyouthat
"
Sophie:
"Wehavetocal
lthepol
i
ce-
wecan'
tj
ust
si
taroundhereanddonothi
ngwhi
lemysi
ster
i
soutt
her
e"
Kgetho:
"Let
'swaitonthatforali
tt
lewhi
le-
iwant
ustokeeplooki
ngatt hefootagemaybewe
mightgetsomething"
Irecogni
zeaf amil
iarf
aceamongstt hecr
owd
thathasmef eel
ingsuspi
cious.
SoPrisci
ll
awas
withusintheclubthewholenight
-Iwonderwhy
shekeptherdistance.
Lungi
si:
"Dammi
tthatgir
l-
shesmyexgi
rl
fr
iend
shemustknowsomet hi
ng"
IswearifPri
sci
ll
ahadanythi
ngt odowith
Zini
l
e'sabducti
onI'
m gonnabreakherneckwi
th
mybar ehands.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Nt
andowher
ethef
uckar
eyou?
I'
ve
beencall
ingyout
heent
ir
eni
ghtwhatt
hehel
l
happened?"
Ishoul
dnev erhav
etrust
edaboyt odoaman' s
j
ob.Iwai
tedt hewhol
enightbuthenever
pit
chedattheclubandthatsl
utgotaway.Si
gh.
Hesendsmeatex
ttel
l
ingmeaboutanew
meetuppl
ace.
.
.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Nt
andowhathappeneddi
dyouget
col
dfeet
?"
Hechuckl
es.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Andwhydi
dwemeeti
nthi
sdodgy
pl
ace?"
Nt
ando:
"LookPr
isci
l
lat
hepl
anhaschanged"
Pri
scil
l
a:"
Whatdoy oumeantheplanhas
changed?Whatdi
dy oudoy
ouidiot?
"
Wit
houtwar
ninghegrabsmebyt het
hroatand
pi
nsmeagainstthewal
l.
Itr
ytogethi
shandoff
myneckbuthisgri
pist
oostrong.
Ntando:"Youthi
nkIwasstupid?Youthi
nkIdon'
t
knowt hatyouwant edmetogetridofZi
nil
eso
thatyoucanremai nbehi
ndwithyour
bastard?wel
lthat
'snotgonnahappendoy ou
hearme? "
HeletsgoandIcoughsohar
dtoeaseupt
he
t
ensioninmythr
oat.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Whatt
hehel
ldi
dyoudo?
"
Heshowsmeapi
ctur
eofZi
nil
eti
edupi
nabed-
passedout
.
Pri
sci
lla:
"Nononothi
swasnotpartoft
heplan-
youstupidmandoyouknowwearegonnabe
thefi
rstsuspect
swhent
heyr
eali
zethatshe'
s
missi
ng? "
Ntando:
"Sowhat
?She'
l
lbedeadwhentheyfi
nd
her-
shewon'
tbeabl
etoconf
ir
m anyt
hing"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Whatar
eyouplanni
ng?Isweari
fthi
s
l
eadsbacktomeIwil
lthrowyouunderthebus"
Hel
aughs.
Nt
ando:
"Don'tworr
yitwon'
t-
Ijustwantt
osay
myfi
nalgoodbyes"
Hechuckl
eswi
tht
hisnast
ysmir
konhisf
ace
t
hatunset
tl
esme.
Thisguyi
sgonnal
andusi
n
j
ail
.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Wher
ear
eyouhol
dingher
?"
Nt
ando:
"Li
keI
'
m gonnat
ell
yout
hat
"
MyphoneringsandLungisi
'snamef
lasheson
t
hescreen.
Panicjusti
nvadesmyent
irebody.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Youseewhaty
ouhav
edone?
ohGod"
Iaskhi
mtokill
thegir
lbuti
nst
eadhedeci
des
toki
dnapher
.Thisi
snotgonnaendwel
l.
.
.
.
TOBECONTI
NUED

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.49
ZI
NILE
Il
etoutasoftmoanfrom mypoundi
nghead-
pr
obablufr
om theni
ghtmareIhadwher
e
Ntandohadabduct
edme.
Zi
nil
e:"
Lungi
si?
"
Heturnsar oundandmyheartjustsi
nks.
It
wasn'tanightmare.
Itr
ytogetupbutthe
rest
raint
shol dmeback.Theguyhasme
handcuffedtothebed.
Nt
ando:
"Fi
nal
l
yshe'
sawake"
Zini
l
e:"
Ntando?Pleasegetmeoutoft
hese
handcuf
fs-
please"
Hechuckl
esandt
raceshi
sfi
nger
sonmycheek.
Zi
nil
e:"
Pleasej
ustl
etmego"
Ipl
eadwi
tht
ear
sal
readybur
ningmyey
es.
Zini
l
e:"Iswear
-ipromi
set
hatIwon'tsay
anyt
hingifyouletmego-
please"
Hej
ustl
aughsandl
eav
est
her
oom.
.
.
.
Hewalksbacki
ntotheroom hol
dingabat
hing
bowl
andabucketfullofwat
er.
Zi
nil
e:"
NtandoIneedt
ouset
hebat
hroom"
Heuncuff
smeandshowsmeabucketatt
he
cor
ner.
Nt
ando:
"Ther
e'sy
ourbat
hroom"
Zi
nil
e:"
Youmustbeki
ddi
ngme"
Ntando:
"Doy ouwannapeeory
ouwantt
oact
l
ikeapri
v el
l
egedsnob?"
Hepour
st hewat
eri
ntot
hebowl
andi
nst
ruct
s
metobath.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ntandowhyar
eyoudoi
ngt
his?
"
Ntando:"Sav
ethetal
ki
ngforl
aternowjusthav
e
yourlastbathandsmel
lni
ceforyourman"
Hechuckl
esandwi
nksatmebef
orel
ocki
ngt
he
doorbehi
ndhi
m.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Idr
iveasf
astasIcant
ryi
ngtolosethecarthat
hasbeenf
oll
owingmeforthepastf
ewmi nutes.
It
rytoopenthegatebutt
hecontroll
erf
all
st o
myfeet.
Lif
ti
ngmyheadIf i
ndLungisist
anding
i
nfrontofmycar-
fumingandbreathi
ngfir
e.
Lungi
si:
"Getoutoft
hecar
"
Her
oughl
ygr
absmebyt
hear
m anddr
agsme
t
ohi
scar.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Whatt
hehell
doyout
hinky
ou'
re
doi
ng!
You'r
ehurt
ingme"
Lungi
si:
"Let
'sgof
oradr
ive"
Het
hrowsmei
nthecaranddr
ivesof
f.
Lungi
si:
"Wher
eismywi
fe?
"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Yourwi
fe?
whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?"
Hepull
sov erbytheroadsi
deandl ooksme
st
rai
ghtintheeye.It
rytokeepey econtactbut
hi
sstareisint
imidat
elyscar
yt hatIfeelmy
bl
addergetti
ngreadytobetrayme. Helooksli
ke
abul
lseeingred.
Lungi
si:
"Iknowi
t'
snotacoi
nci
dencet
haty
ou
wereatt
hesamecl
ubwewereatlastni
ght
-t
he
ver
ysameclubmywif
ewasabductedat
"
Hehi
tst
hest
eer
ingwheel
star
tl
ingme.
Pri
scil
la:"
IswearIknownothi
ngaboutyour
wif
e'sabductionyesIwasatthecl
ubbutI
wasn'ttherebecauseofy
ouandInevereven
sawy outhereIswear"
Iseal
mypl
eadswi
thaf
loodoft
ear
s.
Heroughlypul
l
smebymyhairandbr
ingshi
s
f
aceabr eat
hawayf
rom mi
ne.
Lungi
si:
"Youbetternotknowany thi
ngPri
sci
ll
a
causeIswear-i
sweari fyou'
reinv
olvedI
'
m
gonnapersonal
lysli
tyourwristandseetoyour
demise"
Hel
etsgoofmyheadandopensupt
hedoor
.
Lungi
si:
"Getoutofmycar
"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Buty
ouj
ustcan'
tl
eav
emeher
e-t
ake
mebackhome"
Lungi
si:
"Isai
dgett
hehel
loutofmycar
"
Ist
epoutandhedri
vesawayleavi
ngmemiles
awayf
rom home.Si
gh.
Ntandobet
terf
ini
shup
wit
hhi
splancauseatthi
srat
etheyar
egonna
cat
chusout.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Iwasgoingcr azybyt heminut
ewithZinile
missing.
Ipleadedwi t
hSophienottotel
l her
parentsj
usty etcauseI'
m notuptoseeingt hei
r
di
sappointedshat t
eredfaces.
Kgetho:
"I'
vecal
ledal
lmyguy sar
oundt
heci
ty-
theyhaven'
theardanyt
hing"
Lungi
si:
"OhmanIhav
etofi
ndher
-it
hinki
t'
s
ti
mewecal l
edi
nthepol
i
ce"
If
eel
li
ket
hepol
i
cemi
ghthav
eal
otofpr
ogr
ess
t
hanus.
Kgetho:
"Okaydoyouknowsomeonewhomi
ght
haveagrudgeagainsty
ourwi
fe?
"
Lungisi
:"
Uhm justthegi
rlItol
dy ouaboutand
therewasthi
sex. .
Uhm Ntando..
heusedt o
harassherunti
lshegotar estr
aini
ngorder
againsthi
m-damny out
hinkitcouldbehim?"
Kgetho:
"Ithastobehi m-bythesoundoft
hings
hestil
lhasunfinishedbusinesswit
hZi
nil
eand
ther
eisnot hi
ngdanger ouslikeamanwit
ha
scoretosettl
e-askmeIknow"
Ifeelsohel
pless.
Mywomani soutther
ewitha
derangedex-
ascor nedexandt
here'
snothi
ngI
candoabouti t
.
Kgetho:
"I'
vebeeninyourposi
ti
onbefor
e-t
wice
soIknowhowy ou'
refeel
i
ngri
ghtnowbutwe
wil
lfi
ndherIwillgetmyguystocheckt
he
Ntandocharact
erout"
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Hewalksbackint
otheroom andIimmediat
ely
covermynakedbodywitht
het owel
.If
eel
his
sharpgazepi
erci
ngthr
oughmybackashe
walkstowar
dsme.
Ntando:"
Yousmellsoni
ce-
imi
ssedt
hesmel
lof
you-damnImissedyou"
Hesmel l
sonmyneckbef orebreathi
ngout
l
oud.Heunwrapsmyt owelanditfall
sdownt o
myf eet
.Myheartal
moststopsashi shands
havehiswaywi t
hmybody .Heslamsmynaked
bodytohisandstart
scaressi
ngmybr east.
He
groansandIfeelhi
shardmanhoodpoki ngmy
butt.
Zini
l
e:"Nt
andopl
easedon'
t-
dontdot
hisI
'
m
beggingyou"
Hechuckl
esandt
urnsmear
oundt
ofacehi
m.
Hegent
lypecksmyli
psbef
orepi
cki
ngupt
he
t
owelonthefloor
.
Ntando:"
Youwereoncemi ne-
iusedtomake
youcalloutmynamei nbedbutnowy ouare
tel
li
ngmet onottast
emyf oodjustcauseyou
soldthem t
oarichmanf orablackcar
d?"
Hel
aughswhi
l
emyt
ear
sfal
ldownmycheeks.
Nt
ando:
"Getdr
essedi
t'
sgonnabeal
ongni
ght
"
Hethr
owsl
acepant
iesont
hebedandabl
ack
si
l
kygown.
Nt
ando:
"St
ayputwhi
l
eIgogetourdi
nner
"
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.

.
I
n.50
ZI
NILE
Nt
ando:
"Mmmhy
oul
ookbeaut
if
ul"
Hepul
l
soutt
hechai
rformeandwesi
tdown.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ntandowher
ear
ewe?
"
Il
ookar
oundt
heroom andbythelookoft
hings
wearei
nanabandonedbui
l
ding.
Ntando:"
Itisjustatempor ar
yplacebaby-
ifyou
agreetobemi neagainthenI'
llf
indsomething
mor ef
anci erforuscauseIknowy ou'r
ealready
usedtost ayinginmil
li
ondol l
armansion"
Zini
l
e:"
Ntandowhyar
ey oudoingt
his?whyar
e
youholdi
ngmehereagainstmywil
l?"
Hechuckl
esanddishesupforme.Hegi
vesme
pl
ast
icspoonsandinst
ruct
smet oeat
.
Ntando:"
Ididalloft
hisbecauseIl
ovey ou
okay?Iwantedtostopy oufr
om makingthe
bi
ggestmi stakeofyourli
febymarr
yingthat
ri
chfool"
Ij
ustlaugh.
Thehy
pocr
isyt
heguypossesi
s
beneathme.
Zi
nil
e:"
Youl
oveme?Justl
i
key
oul
ovedme
whenyoucheat
edonme?"
Ntando:
"Noitwasamomentofweaknessbaby
-Idi
dn'
tmeant oIl
oveyouandIwoul
ddie
befor
eanothermantakesyouawayf
rom me"
Zini
le:"
Iwasneveryour
st okeepNtandoyou
shouldhaveaccept
edt hatweweredoneand
mov edonwithyourli
feImeandon'tyouhavea
girl
fr
iendnow?"
Thi
sguyi
sunbel
i
evabl
e.
Ntando:
"I
tdi
dn'tworkout-
shewasjusta
r
eboundjustl
ikethatr
ichfool
is"
Zini
l
e:"Wel
lIl
ovethatrichf
ool
-heishundr
ed
ti
mest hemanyou'll
everbeNtandoandI
promiseyout
hatrichfooli
sgonnafindme"
Hel
aughscl
appi
nghi
shandssohar
d.
Ntando:"
Eveni
fhedoes-nobodywi
l
lgetoutof
hereali
vebabyespeci
all
yyou"
Ithoughtt
hatNtandohadi
ssuesbutt
hisi
sjust
anotherl
evelofcr
azi
ness.
Ntando:"Ihaveagoodpayi
ngjobnowbabyI
cant akecareoft
hebothofus-all
youhaveto
doi sagreetomarrymeandleavethatLungi
si
charactercausewebothknowy ouwerejust
usinghimt ogett
ome"
Zi
nil
e:"
Iwi
l
ldi
efi
rstbef
oredoi
ngt
hat
"
Nt
ando:
"Youj
usthav
etopl
ayt
hehar
dwayneh"
Hebangst
het
abl
eandt
hef
lowerar
rangement
f
all
sdownont
hecr
ackedf
loor
.
Hequickl
yget
supi nhi
schai
randwal
ksoverto
mysideli
kearagedbul
l.
Heroughl
ypi
cksme
upfr
om mychairandandatt
acksmyneckwit
h
hi
shands.
Ntando:
"Youseewhatyou'
remaki
ngmedo?
I
don'
twanttokil
lyouZeebutIwi
ll
"
Hepushesmetot
heotherroom andt
hrowsme
onthebedwhi
l
eIcoughli
kether
e'sno
tomorr
ow.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
IgaveSophiethegoaheadt otellherparent
s
aboutZini
leandaswespeakhermot herhas
beenadmi t
tedinhospit
alaft
ershe
fai
nted.
Sigh.
Isti
ll
can'tbel
iev
et hatNtando
woul
dgot
oext
remel
engt
hsast
oki
dnapZi
nil
e.
Af
teranhouroneofNgakaboy
scal
l
.
Kget
ho:
"Tal
ktome"
Guy:"
Yeahbosswejustgotbackf
rom t
he
supposedgi
rl
fr
iend"
Lungi
si:
"Di
dyouf
indhi
m?"
Guy:"Well
thegir
lisnotev
enhisgirl
fr
iend-
she
saidtheguypaidherofft
opretendtobehis
gir
lfr
iendandtakeafewpict
ureswithhim"
Kget
ho:
"What
?Youbel
i
eveher
?"
Guy :
"YesbossImeanweheldagunt
oher
sleepingbabi
esheadsoshehadnor
easont
o
l
ie"
Kget
ho:
"Okaydi
dyougot
ohi
spl
ace?
"
Guy:
"Yeahandt heplaceist
olet
-het
old
nei
ghborsthathe'sgoingawayf
orworkinCape
Town"
Mywholebodyj
ustheat
supwi
thal
lthemi
xed
emot
ions.
Lungisi
:
"I'
m gonnaki
ll
him-
isweari
fhet
ouches
herI'
m gonnakil
lhi
m mysel
f"
Theguycal
l
sbackandgi
vesusonel
astpi
ece
ofi
nfor
mati
on.
Guy:
"apparent
lytheguyworksatthatMatt
hews
mentalhospit
alasapharmacistsoIthi
nk
maybesomeonet her
emightknowwher ehei
s"
Lungi
si:
"Pri
scil
l
a-ohI'
m gonnakil
lthatbi
tch-
it
washer-herandNtando-t
heyplannedalloft
his"
Igr
abmykeysandwal
ktot
hedoorbef
ore
Kget
hobl
ocksme.
Kgetho:
"Iknowy ou'reangryri
ghtnowbutgoing
toherli
kethiswon' tbr
ingZini
leback-
wehav e
topl
ayourcar dsright-
hereswhatwe'regonna
do"
.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Zini
l
e:"
Ntandopl
easejustl
etmego-idon'
twant
tobehere-
idon'
twantyoupleasej
ustl
etme
go"
Myt
ear
sjustf
all
downasIpl
eadwi
thhi
m.
Nt
ando:
"Youdon'
tmeant
hat
-youl
oveme"
Zi
nil
e:"
Idon'
t-
idi
dbutnowInol
ongerdo"
Hestart
stopaceupanddownt
her
oom
r
oughlyrubbi
nghi
shead.
Nt
ando:
"Theny
oul
eav
emewi
thnochoi
ce"
Hequicklyr
unsoutofther
oom andcomes
backwithablackbag.
Zini
l
e:"
Whatdoy
oumeannochoi
ce?
Whatar
e
youdoing?
"
Hepull
soutasyr
ingefr
om thebagwi
thasmal
l
bot
tl
ethathasapurecont
entini
t.
Ntando:
"Ishoul
dhavestucktoPri
sci
ll
a'
splan-
i
wassost upi
dtothi
nkIcouldchangeyour
mind"
Zinil
e:"
What ?
Pri
sci
l
laputyouuptothi
s?Ohno
Ntandot hatwomanisevi
lpl
easedon'
tlether
turnyouintoamurderer
"
Ishoul
dhaveknown.
Thegirl
wentt
oextr
emeto
evengetmyexboyfr
iendt
odoherdir
tyj
ob.
Nt
ando:
"I
'm sor
ry"
Het ri
estoi njectmewi ththeneedlebutI
quickl
yat tackhisfragil
emanhoodwi thmy
knee.Hef all
sdownandIr unoutofther oom
call
ingoutf orhelp.Thefrontdoorislocked. Ir
un
backt other oom togett hekeysbuthegr abs
mebymyl egandIf al
lfacedown.Itastet he
bloodfrom mycr ackedlipasheget sont opof
me.
Nt
ando:
"Ni
cet
ry-
nowi
t'
smyt
urn"
Hepull
smeupandslapsmeacr
osst
hef
ace
wi
ththebackofhi
shand.
Hesl
apsmeagai
nandIf
all
tot
hebed.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ntando.
.St
op"
Hegetsontopofmeandunbuckl eshisbelt
withanast
ysmi rkonhi
sface.
Iletoutaloud
crywhenIreali
zewhathe'
sabouttodobuthe
shovesmyv estinmymouthandcuf fsbothmy
hands.
Ntando:
"Justshutupcausenobodycanhear
you"
Hetear
sof
fthepant
iesandthegownIhaveon
l
eav
ingmybodyexposedforhi
mt opr
eyon.
Nt
ando:
"I
'l
lhav
ethat
"
Hetakesof
fmyengagementringandt
hrowsi
t
acr
osstheroom.
Ikeepshaki
ngmyheadand
ki
cki
ngawaybutmyef f
ort
sprovetobe
ef
for
tl
ess.
Youcan'
tdoany
thi
ngt
omet
alcuf
fs.
Mytearblur
redey
esseehimtaki
ngof
fhi
s
cl
othesexposi
nghishar
dcock.
Nt
ando:
"Let
snotl
eav
eanyev
idence"
Hegrabsacondom f
rom hi
swall
etandput
sit
onbefor
epart
ingmylegsandpushi
nghimsel
f
i
nme.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.51
LUNGI
SI
Sont
o:"
I'
m sosor
rymyboy
-whowoul
ddosuch
athi
ng?"
Sigh.
Myparent
scamet
omyhouset
oof
fer
thei
rsuppor
t.
Zwel
i:
"Shei
ssuchabeaut
if
ulsoul
-whowoul
d
wantt
oharm her
"
Lungi
si:
"Idon'
tknowbutwhoev
eri
tisI
'
m gonna
ki
llt
hem baba-iswear
"
Sil
ence.Myf at
herpat
smyshoul derwhilstmy
mot hergiv
esmehert ea.
Iknowt heyprobably
wantt ocallmeoutonmyst atementbutt hey
chooset oremainqui
et.
Pri
scil
laandherl i
ttl
e
minionaregonnagetwhat '
scomi ngto
them.EverymomentIspendawayf rom Zini
le
tort
uresmysoul .
Idon'
tevenknowwhatt hat
pri
cki sdoingtomywife.
Sigh.Ir
eall
yhopet hat
I'
m gonnabeabl etogothroughwi t
hNgaka' s
pl
an.
Lungi
si:
"Cani
hav
esomet
hingst
rongermama?
"
Sont
o:"
Yesbutlat
er-
youlookli
keyouhaven'
t
sl
epti
ndaysjustdri
nkthaty
ou'l
lfeel
bet
ter"
Zweli
:"
Thisi
sjustst
range-
whyhav
en'
tthey
askedforar
ansom yet?"
Lungi
si:
"Theyj
ustwantt
otor
tur
eme"
Ican'
ttel
lthem thetrut
hcauseIdon'
tknow
howtheywi l
lreact
-especi
all
ymymotherwhoi
s
Pri
sci
ll
a'snumberonef an.
Isipthedr i
nkunti
lIst
arttofeelsl
eepy
.Idont
evenbot heraski
ngherwhyshepopped
sleepingpil
lsi
nmyt ea.
Ijustheadupstai
rsand
falli
ntoaslumber.
.
.
.
Iwakeupafewhour
slat
erandf
indmypar
ent
s
watchi
ngTV.
Lungi
si:
"Whydi
dn'
tyouwakemeup?
thedayi
s
al
mostov er
"
Sonto:
"Youneededt
hesleep-doyouwantto
haveabreakdownbefor
efindingyourwi
fe?
"
Sigh.
I'
venev
erf
eltt
hiski
ndofpai
ninmyl
i
fe
befor
e.
Lungi
si:
"OkayI
'
m goi
ngout
"
Sonto:
"Wai
tsomet
hinggotdel
i
ver
edf
ory
ou
whil
eyouwereasl
eep"
Hepoi
ntsatabr
ownenv
elopeaddr
essedt
ome
ont
hetabl
e.
Lungi
si:
"OhmyGod"
If
indZi
nil
e'
sri
ngi
nsi
dei
t.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Iwakeupf rom myshall
owpainfuldr
eams. My
heartj
ustbreaksall
overagai
nwhenIt hinkof
whatNt andodidtome.Hewalksintheroom
whistl
i
nghi shappysong.
Nt
ando:
"Ohyou'
reawake?howwasy
our
ni
ght
?minewassplendi
d"
Hewi nksatmebef orepeckingmylips.Ican
sti
l
lsmel l
hisscentonmyf l
esh.
Icanst il
lfeel
hi
sheav yloudbr eathi
nginmyearashe
del
iveredthrustaftert
hrusttomyv ulnerable
body.
Ntando:
"Ohcomeondon'
ttel
lmeIwast
hat
bad?"
Zini
le:
"Youf
orcedy
our
sel
fonmeNt
ando-
you
rapedme"
Nt
ando:
"I
'm sor
ryi
fyouf
eel
thatwaybutIj
ust
want
edtoremindyouI'
m st
il
lthemanyouf
ell
i
nlov
ewith-t
hemany oulov
edbefor
eyour
f
amil
ypoisonedyouagai
nstme"
Zinil
e:"
Leav
emyf ami
lyalone-
ishouldhave
l
istenedwhent heywarnedmeagai nstyou-
you
areamonst erandIcursethedayIlaideyeson
you"
Heheavesasi
ghbef
oref
etchi
ngabucketof
wat
er.
Nt
ando:
"Let
'sgety
oucl
eanedup"
Hepl
acest
hecol
dcl
othonmyst
omachandI
f
li
nchaway
.
Nt
ando:
"I'
m sor
ry-
wear
eoutofhotwat
er"
Hisphoneri
ngsandhel eavesther
oom t
otake
i
t.I
tmustbePrisci
ll
a.Ican'tbel
i
evethewoman
wouldcauseanotherfel
lowwomansomuch
pain.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Iwassur pr
isedt
oreceiv
eacal l
from Lungisi
aski
ngf orameetup.Imadesuret ol
ooklikea
mill
ionbucksandtosmel l
nicecauseyoucan
neverknowwhatmi ghthappen.
Hecrasheshi
sbodyagai
nstmi
net
hemoment
hegetstome.
Hehol
dsontometight
lyl
i
kehisli
fedepends
oni
t.
Iret
urnt
hef
avorandtakei
nhisscent.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"OhLungi
siwhat
'swr
ong?
"
Hesit
sdownont
hebenchandr
ubshi
s
f
ace.
Hegiv
esmeanote.
Lungisi
:"
Sher
anawaywi t
hherex-all
thi
sti
meI
thoughtheki
dnappedherbutshelef
twit
hhim
will
i
ngly"
Ir
eadt
henot
eoutl
oudandmyhear
tjust
beams.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"OhI
'
m sosor
ryLungi
si"
Ipul
lhim cl
osert
omeandhecr
iesl
i
keababy
l
ongingfori
tsmother
.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.52
PRI
SCI
LLA
Hegr
oansi
nhi
ssl
eepbef
oreopeni
nghi
sey
es.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Goodmor
ningsl
eepyhead"
Hejustsmi
lesandbrushesmycheek.Hi
stouch
j
ustawakensallt
hosefeel
ingsIhad
suppr
essedforalongti
me.
Lungi
si:
"Whydi
dn'
tyouwakemeup?
Ihav
ea
meeti
nginanhour
"
Hequi
ckl
yget
sof
fthebedandput
shi
sshoes
on.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"I
'm sor
ryy
ouj
ustseemedsor
est
ed"
Lungisi
:
"Okayany
way
sthanksf
orl
astni
ght
-i
neededthat"
IswearIcoul
dkissNtandor
ightnow.It
hought
theguywasstupidbuthi
spl
anwor kedaft
eral
l.
Iwonderhowheconv i
ncedZi
nil
etowr i
tet
hat
l
ettercausetheZini
l
eIknowwoul dhave
hangedherselff
ir
stbeforewr
it
ingthatl
ett
er.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Itol
dyouIwillal
waysbeher
efory
ou
Lungi
si-
always-
andIknowy oumi
ghtnot
bel
ievemebuti
tpai
nsmet
oseey
oushat
ter
ed
l
ikethi
s"
Lungisi
:
"Thankyou-
youknowIshouldhave
l
ist
enedt oyouwhenyouwarnedmeabouther-
howcoul dshedothi
stome? Il
ovedherandI
wantedtospendtherestofmylif
ewithher
"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"OhLungi
si"
Iwal
kov
ert
ohi
m andwr
apmyar
msar
ound
hi
m.
.
.
.
LUNGUSI
IdrovebacktoNcl
ubsli
kewepl anned.
Sigh.
I
sti
l
l can'
tbel
i
evet
hatshefel
lforit
.
Kget
ho:
"So?
Didy
oudoi
t?"
Iheav
eal
oudsi
ghandcr
umbl
eont
hecouch.
Lungi
si:
"I
t'
sdone-
iinst
all
edt
heappwhi
l
eshe
wasasleep"
Kgetho:"
Youdi
dgreat-
wewi
llnowsee
ever
y t
hingt
hatgoesdowni
nherphone"
Lungisi
:
"Manthatwasoneoft hehardestthi
ngs
Ieverhadt
odomyent i
rel
i
fe-
youdon'tknow
howmanyt i
mesIst oppedmyselff
rom
str
angli
ngherinhersleep"
Kgetho:"
Iknowbuty
ouknowwhywear
edoi
ng
thi
sright?
wearedoi
ngi
tforZi
nil
e"
Zini
l
ewastheonl
ythi
ngkeepi
ngmesanet
he
enti
reni
ght
.
Kget
ho:
"Shej
ustgotat
extf
rom anunknown
number
-wegothi
m"
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Prisci
l
la:
"Youarenotmyf av
ori
tepersonbut
todayyou'r
eatthetopofmyl i
st-
Lungisii
sback
hewascr yingabouthowhisfi
ancelefthi
mfor
hisexandIwast heretocomforthi
m baby"
TosayI'm contentwoul
dbeanunder st
atement
ri
ghtnow.Icall
edhim aboutgrabbi
ngsome
dri
nkslat
ertodayandheagr eed.
Ntando:
"Goodfory
ou-Whi
chi
ssomet hi
ngI
wouldn'
tsayformysi
desowhathappenedf
or
t
her i
chfoolt
ochangehi
smind?"
Priscil
l
a:"
Areyouser
iousl
ygonnaaskme
that?anywaysl
ookyouhavetostopcal
l
ingme"
Ntando:
"That
swhatIwant
edt
otel
lyou-
im
l
eavingt
omor r
ow"
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Ohwher
earey
ougoi
ng?
Whatar
eyou
goi
ngtodowit
hZini
l
e?"
Heheav
esasi
gh.
Nt
ando:
"Iwi
l
lhav
etogetr
idofhersher
efuses
t
otakemebacksoshel
eav
esmenochoi
ce"
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Mmmhhandpl
easet
hist
imest
ickt
o
thepl
an"
Nt
ando:
"Yeahgoodby
ePr
isci
l
la"
Heturnshi sbackandwal kstohi
scar.
Final
l
y
Pri
scill
aMat thewsisgonnagetherhappy
ending.Idri
vebackhomet ogetr
eadyformy
datewit hLungisi
.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
I
n.53
ZI
NILE
Igroaninpai nfrom myspli
tt
ingheadache. The
stuffNtandousesonmer eall
yistakingitstoll
onme. Mybodyhasbecomesoweakt hatIjust
prefersleepi
ngev enwhenI'
m notdr ugged.He
bargesint heroom andstar
tspacingupand
downwhi lel
ookingoutthewindow.
Zi
nil
e:"
Whati
sit
?"
Hest
art
sgather
ingal
lhi
sthi
ngsacr
osst
he
r
oom i
nhisbag.
Nt
ando:
"It
hinksomeonehasf
oll
owedmeher
e-
weneedtoleav
e"
Heuncuf
fsmeandpullsmeuponmyf eet
.My
l
egsfeel
wobblyandnumbnottofor
getmy
heav
yhead.
Ireal
l
yhopeLungi
sihascamefor
me.
Zi
nil
e:"
NoIcan'
tNt
ando-
im notgonnamakei
t"
Hegr
absmebymyar
m anddr
agsmeoutof
t
heroom.Heopensasecretdoort
hattakesus
t
othestair
caset
hatl
eadsdownt otheexitof
t
hebuil
ding.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ntandost
opIdon'
tfeel
sogood"
Wit
houtwarni
ngIt
hrowuponour
f
eet.
Ever
ythi
ngar
oundmegoesint
oasl
ow
moti
onmode.
Nt
ando:
"Shi
t-
itmustbethesi
deef
fect
soft
he
dr
ug-
comeonl et
'sgo"
Zi
nil
e:"
Isai
dNOdamni
t-
kil
lmet
hen"
Ipushhi
m of
fofmeandhehi
tst
hewal
lwi
th
hi
sback.
Ntando:
"Whydoyouhav
etobest
ubbor
n?why
don'
tyoueverl
i
stent
ome?"
Hegr absmeandst ar
tsshakingmesoroughl
y
thatmyweakbodyst umblesbackonthe
stai
rs.Imi
ssastepandgr av
itypul
l
smedown. I
hearhimloudl
yscreamingoutmynameasIr oll
downt hestai
rs.Myl
ifef
lashesbef
oremyey
es
befor
eev er
y t
hingar
oundmebecomesdarkand
si
lent
.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Kgetho:
"It
hinkyoushoul
dremai
nint
hecar
Lungisi
-wedon'
tknowwhatawait
susint
her
e"
Ichuckl
e.
Lungi
si:
"Gi
vemeagun"
Kget
ho"
Arey
oucr
azy
?doy
ouwantt
odi
e?"
Lungi
si:
"I
fIdi
eIwi
l
lmakesur
etot
akehi
m wi
th
me"
ThereisnowaythatI
'
ml et
ti
nghi
m andhi
smen
gointherewi
thoutme.
Kget
ho:
"Okaybuty
ou'
l
lfol
l
owmyl
ead"
Myhear tpoundsuncontr
oll
ablyasweappr oach
thebui
ldingwesawNt andowal ki
ngint
o.The
manhasbeenhol dingmywi fecapti
vei
nanol d
abandonedf l
ourf
actory
.
Theguysmakesomewei
rdcodedl
anguage
bef
orebar
gingi
nsi
de.
Kget
ho:"
Dammithe'
sgone-
hemusthav
e
spot
tedusbuthecan'
tbet
oof
ar"
Lungi
si:
"Thebast
ardhasbeenhol
dingmy
womani nadumpl i
kethi
s?"
Myheart'
sgetsshat
ter
edwhenIseet
hebl
oody
handcuf
fshangi
ngfrom t
hebed.
Voi
ce:
"Bosswehav
efoundt
hegi
rl
"
Oneoft
heguy
ssay
sov
ert
hewal
ki
etal
ki
e.
Lungi
si:
"Wher
e?"
Voi
ce:
"Downt
hest
air
stot
heot
herexi
t"
Ir
unoutoft
her
oom andheadt
odownt
othei
r
l
ocat
ion.
AsIrundownthestai
rsIseehi
m hol
dingZi
nil
e
i
nhisarms-unconsci
ous.
Myheartal
most
st
ops.
Lungi
si:
"Nonodon'
ttel
lmeshe'
s..
"
Kgetho:
"Wehavetogethert
othehospi
tal
-y
ou
takeherandwe'
ll
keeplooki
ngforBi
yel
a"
Icarr
yherhel
plessbodyt
omycaranddr
ivel
i
ke
aninsaneman.
Lungi
si:
"I
'm her
emyl
ove-
justhol
don"
Iwipeof
fthetear
sthatbl
i
ndmyv
isi
on.
Im
gonnaki
llNt
ando.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Imadesur
etowearthel
it
tl
eblackdr
essthat
l
eavesmybackbar
ecauseIknowitusedtobe
Lungi
si'
sfav
our
it
e.
Bar
man:
"CanIgety
ouanot
herdr
inkma'
am?
"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"NoI
'
m st
il
lfi
net
hanky
ou"
Ithasbeenalmosthalfandhourwaiti
ngfor
Lungisi
buthe'sanoshow. It
hinkI
'm even
gonnabreakmyneckf rom al
lthegl
ancesI
maket othedoor.
I'
vebeencall
inghim buthi
s
phonetakesmest r
aighttovoi
cemail.
Anunknownnumbercall
smeandIanswer
bef
oreitget
stoi
tssecondr
ing.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Lungi
siI
'
vebeenwai
ti
ngf
ory
ou"
Ntando:
"Pr
isci
l
la-
Pri
sci
ll
ayouhav
etohel
pme-
t
herearepeopleaf
terme"
Ntandocomesonattheot
herend.
Hesounds
l
ikesomeonewho'
srunni
ng.
Pri
scil
la:
"It
houghtwehav eagreedonnev
er
contacti
ngeachotheragain?
"
Nt
ando:
"It
hinkt
heyf
oundme"
Myhear
tski
psaf
ewbeat
s.
Pri
sci
l
la:"
What?how?Youbet
tergetoutoft
her
e
bef
oretheyki
l
ly ou"
Ntando:
"Ineedyourhel
p-i
needsomemoney
-I
needtoskipthecountr
y"
Ichuckl
e
Pr
isci
ll
a:"
what
?Dontmakey
ourpr
obl
emsmi
ne
br
other
"
Ntando:
"okayI
'l
lmakesur
etosi
ngy
ourname
whentheinter
rogat
eme"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Wher
eisZi
nil
e?"
Heheav
esasi
ghbef
oresobbi
ng.
Nt
ando:
"She'
sdead-shef
ell
downt
hest
air
s"
Si
gh.
Prisci
l
la:
"Okayokaylet
'smeeti
nhal
fanhourso
thatIcangiveyouthemoney"
Iqui
ckl
ygetoutoft
hebarbef
oreLungi
sican
fi
ndme.
Ineedt
ogetr
idofNt
andoonceandf
or
al
l.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.54
PRI
SCI
LLA
Ineveronceinmyl
if
et houghtt
hatIwoul
dfind
my sel
fatthi
ssi
deofthetown-i
nadarkall
ey.
Nt
ando:
"Whatt
ooky
ousol
ong?
"
Hesay
sinaagi
tat
edwhi
sper
.
Pri
scil
l
a:"
OhIguessit'
smyfaul
tmyGPS
doesn'
trecogni
zet
hisshadypl
aceofy
our
s"
Nt
ando:
"Wher
e'smymoney
?"
Pr
isci
ll
a:"
AreyousurethatZini
leisdead?Idon'
t
wantanylooseendsthatcouldleadbackto
me"
Ntando:
"Of
causeshei
s-canIhav
ethemoney
now?"
Ichuckl
e.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Whodoy
out
hinkwasf
oll
owi
ngy
ou?
"
Ntando:
"Idon'
tknow-i
t-
idi
dn'tst
ickl
ong
enoughtoseewhoi twasthat'
swhyI'
m not
taki
nganychances"
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Idon'
tunder
stand-
howdi
dtheyf
ind
you?"
Ntando:
"St
opwast
ingmyt
ime-
outj
ustwantt
o
getoutofher
e"
Heyankst
hebagf
rom myhandbef
oreopeni
ng
t
hebag.
Prisci
l
la:
"I
t'
salli
nther
e-t
hreehundredandfi
fty
thousands-
takei
tanddisappear
-donteverl
ook
back"
Hesmirkswhi
leshaki
nghi
shead.Ihadtodi
p
myhanddeepinmyt r
ustf
undjarfort
hemoney
andIhopeIwon'
tregr
eti
t.
Ntando:"
Wit
hpleasur
e-i
tsbeenapl
easur
edoi
ng
businesswi
thy
ou"
Hegi
vesmeawinkandwalkawaywhi
l
eIr
unt
o
mycar
.Si
gh.
Somet
hingsmell
sfi
shy
.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Sophi
eandherparent
scomerunningmywayin
thewai
ti
ngr
oom. Ical
l
edthem af
terZi
nil
egot
admi
tt
ed.
Dor
is:
"Wher
eisshe?
Wher
eismydaught
er!
"
Shesay
sal
readyi
ntear
s.
Lungi
si:
"Uhm t
hedoct
orsar
est
il
lbusywi
thher
mama"
Khaya:
"Whathappened?
Wher
edi
dyouf
ind
her
?"
Thepai
nont hei
rfacesjustshatt
ermeeven
more.
Theylookli
ketheyhav en'
tbeenget
ti
ng
anysl
eepforthepastfewday s.
Sigh.
Sophie:
"Uhm uLungi
siwi
l
ltel
luswhenhe'
s
readybabalet'
swaitf
ort
hedoctors.
Dori
s:"
OhIhopemydaughterwi
ll
beal
ri
ght
causeIwoul
ddiei
fshedoesn'
tmakei
t"
Sophi
e:"
NomamaZi
nil
eisaf
ight
ershewi
l
lpul
l
thr
ough"
.
.
Dean:
"Soanynewsf
rom Ngaka?
"
Lungi
si:
"Not
hingy
et-
im scar
edthatthebast
ard
wil
lgetawayandcomebackt ofi
nishthej
ob"
Her
ubsmyshoul
dert
ocomf
ortme.
Dean:
"Don'
tworryman-
Ngakawi
l
lcome
thr
oughforyou"
Thedoct orf
inal
l
ygr acesuswithhi
s
presence.Myheartbeatsoutofmychest
.
Lungi
si:
"Doct
orhowsmywi
fe?
"
Heheav
esal
oudsi
gh.
Doc:
"I
'm sor
rybut
..
"
Dor
is:
"Nonono.
..
NotmyZi
nil
eohGodno"
Sophie:"
Mamacal
m downt
hedoct
ori
sst
il
l
speaking"
Doc:
"Yourwif
eisinacomaMrMhlophe-
judgi
ng
byheri
njur
iesshehadamassi
vef
allt
hatbroke
herl
egandt
osust
ainaheadi
njur
y"
Si
gh.
Sophi
eandhermot
herj
ustwai
l
.
Doc:"
Wehadt oputheri
nacomat oreducet
he
swell
ingi
nherbrai
n-wearesti
llgonnadomor e
testt
odeter
minetheseveri
tyofherinj
uri
es"
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Ispentthewhol enightt
ryi
ngtocal
lLungi
si
withnoluck.Iswi tchontheTVforanynewson
thedeathofoneofourcount ri
eshotel
moguls
butnothingandt herewasnothi
ngonmyphone
too.Theyarepr obablyst
il
lkeepi
ngthewhole
thi
ngunderwr aps.
Oneofthesecuri
tyguy
swal
kint
hehouse
hol
dingapackage.
Man:
"Uhm Mi
ssMat
thewst
hiscamef
ory
ou"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Ohi
tmustbet
henewmat
eri
alf
ormy
r
ange"
Igetapairofscissorst
ocutt
hetapeoff
.My
heartnear
lystopswhenIseethecont
entsi
n
thebox.I
tstheverysamebagofmoneyIgave
toNtandolastnight.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Whatt
hehel
l
?"
Themoneyi
ssti
ll
intactwi
thanotewr
it
ten'
i
woul
dn'
tski
ptownifIwereyou'
Ii
mmedi at
elyr
untomyphonetocall
Ntando.
Hisphonet
akesmestr
aightt
o
voi
cemail.
Pr
iscil
l
a:"
Ntando?
Whatthehel
lisgoi
ngon?
Why
di
dy oubri
ngbackthemoney?
"
Whatgamei
shepl
ayi
ng.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Aft
erherfamil
ywentoutIwasgi v
ent hechance
tobewithheral
one.Theroom i
ssilentwi
ththe
machinemakingconti
nuousbeepingsounds.
Thesightofherj
ustbri
ngstear
sinmyey es.She
j
ustlaysther
ewiththi
sbraceonherneck.Iwalk
overtohersi
deandbrushherbrui
sedface.
Lungi
si:
"I
'm sosor
rybaby
-i
m sosor
ry"
Ireall
ydon'tknowhowI 'm gonnaf aceherwhen
shewakesup. Howwi ll
Ilookheri ntheey eaf
ter
Ifai
ledher?Iletthatmonst erdot heunthi
nkable
toher.Ican'
thelpbutbl amemy selfforal
l
thi
s.Shehasendur edallt
hesuf feri
ngbecause
ofme.
Myphoner
ingsf
lashi
ngNgaka'
snameont
he
scr
een.
Kget
ho:
"Wegothi
m"
Lungi
si:
"Wher
eishe?
"
Kget
ho:
"Comet
othecl
ubandIwi
l
ltakey
out
o
hi
m"
Si
gh.
Ifeel
myr
agebui
l
dingupal
lov
eragai
n.
Lungi
si:
"I
'l
lbebackbaby
"
Ipeckherl
i
psandheadout
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.55
LUNGI
SI
OnmywayoutIbumpi
ntoZi
nil
e'
sdoct
or.
Doc:"
OhMrMhl
opheIwasact
ual
l
yonmyway
toyou"
Lungi
si:
"Ohi
sther
esomet
hingwr
ongdoct
or?
"
Hecl
ear
shi
sthr
oatbef
oreheav
ingal
oudsi
gh.
Doc:"
Uhm therei
ssomet hi
ngthatIlef
tout
regar
dingMrsMhlophe'scondit
ionearl
ieron-
i
wantedtodiscl
oseitwi
thoutthefamil
ycause
theywerealr
eadyshatt
eredasitis"
Weset
tl
edownont
hewai
ti
ngchai
rs.
Doc:"
Whenweexami nedy ourwif
ewepi cked
upthatshehassexual
lyassault
ed-pr
obablyby
thepersont
hatwasholdinghercapti
ve"
Myheartst
opsforafewsecondsbef
oret
he
r
oom goestot
all
ysi
lent
.
Lungi
si:
"Assaul
ted?
asi
nraped?
"
Henodsandpat
smyback.
Doc:
"I
'm sor
ry-
ifshewakesupshe'
sgonna
needsomeseri
ouspshychogi
calhel
p"
Lungi
si:
"Whatdoyoumeani
f?ar
eyousay
ing
shemightnotwakeup?
"
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Janet
:"
Prisci
l
lawhat
swrongwit
hyou?
youhav
e
beenj
itt
eryandal
lovert
hepl
acesi
nce
morni
ng?"
Pr
isci
ll
a:"
Uhm not
hing'
swr
ongmom-
it
sjust
workstuf
f"
Irunupst
air
stomyroom totr
yandfigure
thi
ngsout.
WhywouldNtandosendthemoney
backtomewi t
haweir
dnot e.
Ikeept
ryinghi
s
phonebutnoanswer
.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Iknowtheysayamanai
n'tsupposedtocrybut
todayIf
oundmytear
suncontrol
labl
yrol
l
ing
downmyf ace.
Lungisi
:
"Manthatbast
ardr
apedher
-andi
t'
sal
l
becauseofPr
isci
ll
a"
Kget
ho:
"Iknowbutshe'
sgonnapay
-hert
urni
s
comi
ng"
Wegetoutoft hecarandwalktothe
warehousewheretheyhav
ekeptNt ando
i
n.Neverinmylif
ehaveIeverthoughtthatI
wouldfindmyselfi
nthi
sworld-Ngaka'
sworld-
t
hedar kworl
d.
If
indhi
mt i
eduponachai
rwi
thmessy
bl
oodi
edface.
Kget
ho:
"Heyv
ukandoda-
tsogawakeup"
Kget
hokeepssl
appi
nghi
m ont
hef
aceunt
ilhe
opensuphi
sey
es.
Kget
ho:
"Youcanl
eav
eus"
Hi
smenheadoutl
eav
ingt
het
hreeofusi
nthe
r
oom.
Nt
ando:
"Pl
ease-
letmego-
please"
Hepl
eadswhi
l
ecr
yingl
i
keababy
.
Lungisi
:"
Isthathowmywi fepleadedwithy
ou
wheny ouwer ehol
dingheragainsther
wil
l?huh?"
Ijumphi m andlaunchpunchaft
erpunchonhi
s
face.Themor eIpunchhimisthemore
i
nf ur
iatedandenragedIbecome.
Nt
ando:
"Why
?Forwhat
?huh?
answerme?
"
Kgethosplashesabucketful
lofcol
dwaterall
overhim sothathewouldn'
tsuccumbt
ot he
painandpassout .
Lungi
si:
"Didyouthi
nkyouwer
egonnagetaway
wit
hit
?Firstl
yyoutr
eat
edherl
ikeshi
twhenyou
weretogether-
youhar r
assedherwhenshe
f
inal
lygotthecour agetoleav
ey outhenasthe
l
aststrawy oukidnappedher-
druggedherand
r
apedher "
If
eel
ahugepai
nful
lumpi
nst
ucki
nmyt
hroat
.
Ntando:"
I'
m sorr
yman- i
lov
edherandIsti
l
l
wantedher-i
m sorryi
twasanacci
dent-
idi
dn'
t
meanf orhertodie"
Lungi
si:
Zini
l
e'snotdeadbuty
ouwi
l
lbei
naf
ew
minut
es"
Iconti
nuetopunchhi
m unt
ilmybot
hmyhands
arecover
edinhisbl
ood.
It
akeoutthegunKgethogav
emet
heot
her
ni
ghtandpointi
ttohi
shead.
Kget
ho:
"Okayokayy
oudon'
thav
etodot
hat
"
Lungisi:
"Don'
thav
et odowhat
?thi
smanisthe
reasonwhymywi f
eisly
ingi
nherdeat
hbedin
hospital
"
Kgetho:"
Iknowbutdon'tl
etthi
stur
nyouinto
somethingyou'
renot
-yourenotaki
ll
ersoleave
thekil
li
ngtous"
Wi
thoutwar
ningIf
ir
etwoshot
stohi
shead.
Kget
ho:
"Whatt
hef
uck?
"
Heyanksthegunf
rom myhandandt
hrowsi
t
acr
osstheroom.
Lungi
si:
"Got
ohel
lbast
ard"
Kget
ho:
"Shi
t-
justgobewi
thy
ourwi
fe-
i'
l
ltake
car
eofthi
s"
Hecall
shisguy sinsi
deasIheadout si
deback
tomycar.Idr
ivebackhomet otakealong
showerandburnt hebloodiedcl
othesbef
ore
headi
ngbackt othehospital.
.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Iwait
edoutsi
detheLungi
si'
shousesi nce
nobodywantedt
obuzzmei n.Iqui
cklyrunto
hi
scarthemomenthiscardrivesoutthegate.
Pri
sci
l
la:"
OhLungisiI'
m gladyou'
reokay
-Iv
e
beentr
yingtocontactyou-y
oumissedourdat
e
theot
hernight
"
Lungi
si:
"Whywoul
dn'
tIbeokay?
doy
ouper
haps
knowsomethi
ngthatIdon'
t?
"
Hesay
ssocol
dly
.
Lungisi
:
"What
?didyout
hinkthathoonofy
our
s
Ntandohasabduct
edmet oo?"
Pr
iscil
l
a:"
Uhm..What
?whatar
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
who'sNtando?
"
Istr
uggl
eforai
r.
Hechuckl
esbef
oreput
ti
ngon
hisdar
kshadesoverhi
sdar
keyes.
Lungi
si:
"Iknowev
ery
thi
ngPr
isci
l
labutnowI
havetogotot
hehospi
tal
toseemywi f
ewhom
youfai
ledt
oki
ll
-iwi
l
ldealwi
thyoul
ater
"
Hestar
tsthei
gni
ti
onandspeedsawayi
nhi
s
spor
tscar
.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"She'
snotdead?
OhmyGodt
hisi
sthe
endofme"
.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Ifi
ndSophieandherparent
sbesi
deZini
l
e's
bed.Hermotherbusyhummingacal
mingsong
toher.
Sophi
e:"
Shemov
edherf
inger
sear
li
er"
Shesay
swi
thsomuchhopeonherf
ace.
Dor
is:
"Yest
hedoct
orssayshewi
l
lwakeupv
ery
soon"
Lungi
si:
"Shewi
l
lwakeup"
Theyfinal
l
ygi
vemesomeal
onet
imewi
th
her.
Sigh.
Lungi
si:
"I
t'
sov
erbaby
-youcancomebackt
ome
now"
Si
l
ence.
Lungi
si:
"I
'm sor
ry-
Im sosor
ryt
hatIf
ail
edy
ou"
Herf
inger
stwitchandmyhear tj
ust
gl
eams.Ref
lexestheysaybuthopeforme.
Lungi
si:
"Igotsomet
hingf
ory
ou"
Itakeouttheengagementr
ingf
rom mypocket
andputitbackonherfi
nger.
Wherei
t'
s
supposedtobe.
Lungi
si:
"Wakeupsot
haty
oucanhav
ethat
weddi
ngy ouwant
"
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.56
PRI
SCI
LLA
Janet
:"
Pri
sci
l
lawhat
'swr
ong?What
'sgoi
ng
on?"
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Uhm mom I'
m sor
rybutIhav
etoget
outofhere-
theyar
ecomingforme"
Irunar
oundmyroom l
i
keaheadl
esschi
cken-
packi
ngmybags.
Janet
:"
What
?who'
scomi
ngf
ory
ou?
Whatdi
d
youdo?"
Mytearskeepfal
l
ingdownuncont
rol
l
abl
yasI
t
hinkofwhatI'
vegott
enmysel
fint
o.
Janet:
"Mybabypl
easetal
ktome-l
etssitdown
I
'm sur
ewecanwor ksomethi
ngout?"
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Nomom noonecanhel
pmeatthi
s
poi
ntcauseI'
minsomuchtr
oubl
e-Ihav
eto
getoutofher
e"
Igr
abmybagsandpusht
hem downst
air
s.
Janet
:"
Pri
sci
l
ladon'
tl
eav
e"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Iwi
l
lcal
lyoul
ater
"
Ipeckhercheekandr
unt
othegar
agebef
ore
dri
vi
ngout.
Ineedt
olaylowforaf
ewday
sjustunt
ilIf
igur
e
outmynextstep.
Mymom keepscall
i
ngandsendi
ngmetext
messagesbeggi
ngmetocomebackhome.
Ifi
nal
lydeci
det
ocal
lTeshawhot
akeshert
ime
toanswer.
Tesha:
"Whatdoy
ouwant
?"
Sheanswer
scol
dly
.
Prisci
l
la:
"TeshababeIneedyourhel
p-pl
ease
therearepeopl
eaftermegoshI'
m scaredyou
gottahelpme"
Shechuckl
es.
Tesha:
"Li
keseri
ousl
y?t
hedaught
eroft
he
mini
steraski
ngformyhel
p?"
Pri
scil
l
a:"
IfIt
ellthem what'
sgoingonitwill
be
theendofme- pleaseIneedahideoutpl
acef or
afewday scan'tIhideatoneofyourhusband's
townhouses?"
Tesha:
"Hel
lno-
im notgonnalety
oudr
agme
andmyf ami
lyi
ntoy ourmess"
Shehangsup.
Ihitthesteer
ingwheelwi
thmy
pal
msinfrust
rat
ion.If
eelli
keI'
mloosi
ngmy
mi nd.
Idoafewbreat
hingexer
cisesbef
ore
calli
ngMark.
Heanswers-i
canhearagirl
giggli
ngint
hebackgr
ound.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Mar
kIneedy
ourhel
p-pl
ease"
Isobhyst
eri
cal
ly
.Iknowtheonlywaytoget
whatIwantfr
om Markistoexploi
thi
ssoftspot
forme.
Mar
k:"
Cal
m downwher
ear
eyou?
"
BeforeIcananswerIseet hiscarspeeding
towardsmeandhi ttheleftsideofmycar .
In
slowmot ionandthroughmybl urredvi
sionIsee
someguy srunni
ngt owardsmycarandpul l
ing
meoutofmyseat .Itryt
of ightthem of
fbut
theyarejusttoostrong.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
ThemomentIliftmyheadfr
om mysl
umberI
fi
ndherey
eswi deopenwit
htear
sstr
eami
ng
downherface.
Lungisi
:"
OhmyGody
ou'
reawake-
letmecal
lthe
doctor"
Shegr
absmyhandandshakesherhead.
Zini
l
e's:
"Nopl
easedon'
tl
eav
eme-
Ijustwant
youtoholdme"
Thelookonherf
acej
ustpor
tray
snot
hingbuta
brokenwoman.
Lungi
si:
"Ij
ustwantyoutost
ayher
ewi
thmef
or
afewmi nut
es-i
nsil
ence"
Shemanagest
opul
loutaf
aintsmi
l
ethr
ough
hert
ear
s.
.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Theloudsir
ensandspeaker
swakemefrom my
shal
l
owdr eams.
Asharppainhi
tsmyneck.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Whatt
hehel
lhappened?
"
Voi
ce:
"Ma'am pl
easestepoutoft
hecarsl
owl
y
wit
hyourhandsony ourhead"
Iseeredandwhi t
elight
soutsi
demywindow
fl
icker
ingli
kecrazy
.Thelastt
hingIr
emember
wasget t
inghi
tbyacar .
Pr
isci
l
la:
"What
..
whati
sgoi
ngon?
"
Twomenwalktowardsmydirect
ionwhi
l
e
poi
nti
ngmewit
ht hei
rguns.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Woul
dsomeonepl
easet
ell
mewhat
s
goi
ngonhere?
"
Man1:"
MissMatthewswoul
dyoupl
easeopen
upthecarboot
?"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"What
?butwhy
?"
Man2:
"Justopeni
t"
Theot
herguysnapsst
art
li
ngme.
Myhear
tnear
lyst
opst
hemomentIopenupmy
boot
.
Prisci
l
la:
"NononoIdon'
tknowhowt
hatgoti
n
there"
I
t'
sabody
-adeadbody
.
Man1:
"Boy
sar
resther
"
Oneoftheoff
icer
spi
nmeagai
nstt
hecarand
r
oughlycuf
fmyhandswhi
l
ereadi
ngmemy
r
ight
s.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Pl
ease-
idon'
tknowwhot
hati
s-y
ou
got
tabel
iev
eme"
Mypl
eadsfal
londeafear
sastheyshov
emei
n
t
hepol
icev
anlikeacri
minal
.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
I
n.57
PRI
SCI
LLA
Pr
iscil
la:
"Isai
dI'm notsay
ingany
thi
ngunt
ilmy
l
awy ergetshere"
Detect i
ve:
"Ohwel l
suityourselfbutonewayor
theot heryouarespendingt herestofyourl
if
e
i
nj ail
andy ourhighlyconnectedfathercando
any t
hingaboutit"
Hewi
nksatmebef
orepi
cki
ngupt
hef
il
eson
t
het
abl
eandheadi
ngout
.
Mymot herandt
hefamil
ylawyerwalkinandI
crashmytir
edbodyonmymot her'
schest.
She
holdsontometight
lywhi
leIcr
yli
ket heworl
d
i
scomi ngtoanend.
Janet
:"
Ohmybaby
"
.
.
Pri
sci
l
la:
"Mom Ipromi
se-
idi
dnotki
l
lany
one-
someoneisf
ramingme"
Isaythr
oughmynev erendi
ngsobs.
Ican't
beli
eveI
'm get
ti
ngcrucif
iedforamurderof
someoneIdon'tev
enknow.
Janet
:"
Iknowmybaby-
iknowy ou'
renotakil
ler
-
uhm Tundehowar
ethi
ngslookingforher
?"
Tunde:"Notgoodatall
-t
heyhaveall
the
evidencetoputherawayforl
if
e-imeanthey
foundadeadbodyi nyourbootandanil
legal
fi
rearm wi
thyourf
ingerpr
int
sal
lov
eri
t-
soi
t'
s
notlooki
nggoodatall"
Pri
sci
l
la:
"NonoIdi
dn'
tki
l
lthatman-
idon'
tev
en
knowwhothemanismom"
Tunde:
"Hi
snamewasNt andoBiyel
a-hewas
oneofyourempl
oyeesatthehospi
tal"
Myhear
tjustst
opsandt
her
oom j
ustgoes
ar
ound.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Who?
Ntando?
"
If
eel
mychestcl
osi
ngi
nandust
ruggl
eto
br
eat
he.
Thel
astt
hingIseeismymot herr
unni
ngov
er
tomysi
debeforeIpassout
.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Iwakeupsweat
ingandphanti
ngli
keIwas
runni
ngamarat
hon-
breat
hingheavi
l
y.
Lungi
si:
"I
t'
sokay
-i
tsokayi
twasj
usta
ni
ghtmare"
Icli
ngont ohimtight
lynotwanti
ngt oletgo.I
feell
ikeI'
mi nanightmareIcouldneverwake
upfrom.Iwasgl adwhent hedoctorsaidther
e
wasn'tanypermanentdamaget omybr ai
n-even
thoughIwi l
lgetsomemi l
dmi grai
nesnowand
thenforthenextfewweeks.
Zi
nil
e:"
ItwasNtando-hewasst
rangl
i
ngmei
n
mysleep-Icoul
dn'
tgethi
m of
fofme"
Lungi
si:
"Ssshhi
t'
sokay
"
Hebr
ushesmybackwhi
l
epl
ant
ingki
sseson
myhead.
Zinil
e:"
Heshouldhavejustki
l
ledme-
Idon'
t
thinkIcandothis-
ever
yti
meIclosemyeyesI
seehim"
Lungisi
:"
Youwilldoitcauseyouarestrong-
i
don'tknowwhaty ouwentt hr
oughintherewit
h
thatmonsterbutIknowy ou'r
ebiggerthani
t-
it
willt
aketimebuteventuall
yyouwi l
lfi
ndpeace
peaceandheal-t
ogetherbaby"
Myt ear
sjuststeam downmyf
ace
uncontr
oll
ably.
Zini
le:
"It
houghthewasgonnaki l
lme-andwhen
Ifl
ewdownt hosest
air
sIthoughtIwasdone
for-
theonlythi
ngIcouldt
hinkofwasy ouand
myf amil
y-it
hought.
."
Icr
ysol
oudl
ythatmyt
hroatev
enhur
ts.
Lungisi
:
"You'
resaf
enow-i
promiseyouthatI
woulddiebef
oresomeoneeventhi
nksof
hurt
ingyou"
Si
gh.
Lungisi
:"
Youaregoingtobealr
ightbaby-
you
aregoingtogetoutofher
e-wewi l
lgetpr
oper
helpunti
lyoufeel
li
ketheoldZini
le-
nomat t
er
howl
ongi
ttakes"
Zi
nil
e:"
Her
apedmeLungi
si-
Ntandor
apedme"
Hehearsal
oudsi
ghbef
orehi
sgr
ipar
ound
t
ight
ens.
Lungi
si:
"IknowandIst
il
ll
ovey
ou-
somuch"
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Ifi
ndmymot herhover
ingovermet hemoment
Iopenupmyey es.
Hereyesareallt
earyand
bl
oodshotredf r
om thecry
ingthatshe'
sbeen
doing-
becauseofme.
It
rytogetupbuttherest
rai
ntsonmyar
m hol
d
medown.ican'
tbeli
eveI'
m bei
nghel
ddownli
ke
acri
minal
.Si
gh.
Janet
:"
Thankgoodnessy
ou'
reokay
"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Mom wher
e'sdad?
he'
stheonl
yone
whocanhelpme"
Janet:
"Yourfatheri
sinhi
swaybackfr
om
SenegalbabybutTundemanagedtogetbai
lfor
yousowear ejustwai
ti
ngfort
hedoct
ort
o
comedi schargeyou"
Ij
ustcr
y.
Janet
:"OhPriscil
l
a-whathappened?yesterday
youwer er
unningt henafewhourslateryouget
arr
ested?j
usttellmethetrut
hbabyI'my our
motherIwill
pr ot
ectyou"
Pri
sci
l
la:
"IknewNtando-butIswearIdidn'tkil
l
hi
m Ij
ustgothim ajobatyourhospitalsothat
hecanhelpmegetLungi sibackbutthi
ngst ook
anugl
yturnwhenhechangedpl ansandnow
he'
sdead..
Ithi
nktheyki
lledhim-imeanIgav e
hi
m moneyt orunawaybuthe. .
"
Ist
utt
er.
Janet
:"
What
?I'
m conf
used?
"
Il
aydownev eryt
hingforherandbyt heendofi
t
shehast earsfl
oodingdownherf ace.Thel
ook
onherf acejustpi
ercesmyhear t
.The
disappoint
mentonherf acejustcutsdeep.
Janet:
"Soyoukil
ledyourownbabyj ustsoyou
couldgetsympathyfr
om amant hatwanted
nothi
ngtodowi t
hy ouforwhat?Doy oureal
i
ze
youcouldneverhavechil
drenbecauseofwhat
you'v
edone?"
Shef
umes.
Janet:
"Whoareyou?
Causeyou'
renott
hegir
lI
rai
sed?wher
edidIgowrongwit
hy oumybaby?
"
Sil
ence.
Shegr
absherbagont
hesof
aand
headsfort
hedoor
.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Mom pl
easedon'
tl
eav
eme"
Shej
uststepsoutandIl
etoutanexcr
uci
ati
ng
cr
ytoeverli
ve.
It
hrowmyheadont
hepi
l
lowandcr
youtt
he
pai
ninmyhear
t.
Someonecl
ear
sthei
rthr
oati
nther
oom andI
l
ookuptofi
ndLungi
sist
andi
ngatt
hedoor.
Sigh.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.58
LUNGI
SI
Shewal
ksi
ntheki
tchendr
aggi
nghersl
i
pper
s.
Zi
nil
e:"
Whydi
dn'
tyouwakemeup?
"
Lungisi
:
"Youneededt
herest-
inyourbedand
j
udgingbythatgl
owitdi
dy ousomegood"
Ihadt
ogivehert
hesleepingtablet
sherdoctor
gavet
omesoshesl eptthroughouttheenti
re
daysi
ncewegotbackfrom thehospitalt
his
morni
ng.
Shebl
ushesandset
tl
esdownont
hehi
ghchai
r.
Lungisi
:"
Anywaysiwasthi
nkingthatwecoul
d
orderinandcuddl
einf
rontofthetv-
int
hedark
j
ustthewayy ouli
ke?"
Zini
le:
"Iwoul
dlovethat
-j
ustsometi
met
oget
her
beforemymot hercomestomorr
ow"
Hermot heri
nsistedoncomi ngf orafewday s
totakecareofher .
Itwaseitherthatorshehad
tomov ebackhomeandi couldn'
tall
owt hat
causei knowthatsheneedsmeandi wantto
bewi t
hherev er
ystepoft heway .Si
gh.Imean
aft
erallimthereasonf orallt
hemesst hathas
happened.Pri
scil
l
acookedupanev ilpl
ant o
hur
tZi
nil
ebecauseofmeandireal
l
ydontknow
i
fiwoul
deverbeablet
ofor
giv
emy sel
f.
Lungisi
:
"Yesiwi
ll
getZondiweprepar
eoneof
theguestroomsforher
-SoWhatdowantto
watch?"
Zi
nil
e:"
Anythi
ngthatdoesn'
thav
ethewor
d
ki
dnappingini
t"
Shegi
ggl
esbef
orei
joi
nher
.
Lungi
si:
"Of
causei
tscomedyni
ght
"
Iwal
kovertohersi
deandwr
apmyar
ms
ar
oundher.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Zi
nil
e:"
Doyout
hinkt
hatwear
egoi
ngt
obe
al
ri
ght?"
Heheav
esasi
ghandpausest
hemov
iebef
ore
f
aci
ngme.
Lungi
si:
"Of
causewewi
lbebaby
-i
nti
me"
Zini
l
e: "Imeanwilly
oueverl
ookatmet hesame
wayt haty oudi
dbefore?
Wil
l y
ouever
ki
ss,car essandmakelovetomeli
kebefore
knowi ngv er
ywellt
hatanot
hermandippedhis
handi ny ourj
ar"
Lungisi
:
"Youdi
dn'tasktober apedZi ni
le-
inf
act
nowomanoutt herewhohasexper iencedthe
samet r
aumaasy ounev eraskedfori t
-i
fonly
youknewhowgr atefuliam t
ohav ey oubackin
myl i
feyouwoul
dn'tbeaskingmet hat-weare
goingtobeokaybaby "
Hewi
pesof
fthet
ear
sfl
owi
ngdownmyf
ace.
Zini
le:
"Sowhathappenedwit
hNtando?
ihope
he'sgonnar
otinjai
lwitht
hatwi
tchPri
sci
l
la?
"
Hecl
ear
shi
sthr
oatandl
ooksaway
.
Zi
nil
e:"
What
?pl
easedon'
ttel
lme.
."
Lungi
si:
"Nohewon'
tbot
hery
ouagai
ncausei
madesur eofi
t"
Hegivesmeal ookI'
veneverseenonhi
m
bef
oreandrighttheniknowhehadhim
ki
ll
ed.
Sigh.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Icriedmyey esoutunt i
lmytearswhereno
mor e.Ist
il
lcantbeli
evethatLungi
sihadme
framedf orNtando'sdeath.
Whydidn'
thejustdo
thingsaccordingtotheplanlooknowwhata
messi am i
n.
Mymot hercomesinholdi
ngaf oodtr
ayand
placesi
tnextt
oont hebed.
Sigh.Shehasn'
t
saidawordeversi
nceshewal kedoutonmeat
t
hehospi
tal
.
Shet
urnsandwal
kst
othedoor
.
Prisci
l
la:
"I
m sor
rymom-iknowi di
sappoi
nted
youbutpleaseineedy
ou-ineedmymot her-
pleasefor
giveme"
Shechuckl
es.
Janet
:"
Forgi
veyouforwhatexact
ly?
forrui
ning
yourl
i
febyinsanel
ypursui
ngamant hatdidn'
t
wantyou?
"
Herwor
dscutmedeepl
i
keashar
pkni
fe.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Il
ovedhi
m mom andi
want
edt
ohav
e
hi
m backinmyli
fe"
Sheset
tl
esdownnexttomeont
hebedand
l
ooksmestrai
ghti
ntheeye.
Pri
scil
la:
"Doyouwannaknowwhyni
net
y
percentofmyemployeesar
ewomenatthe
hospital
?"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Nowhy
?"
Janet:
"Becausemymot t
oistoempower
womenandexposet hem toopportunit
iesthey
havebeendeni edofforcent
uries-
tohelpthem
bett
ertheirl
iv
esandbei ndependentsot hat
theywon'tfi
ndt hemsel
vesinthemer cyofmen
j
usttogetby "
Sheheav
esal
oudpai
nful
sigh.
Janet:
"Andthenmydaught ergoesandr ui
ns
anotherwoman'sli
fe?idi
dn'tr
aisea
manipulat
iveschemingwomani mlooki
ngat
ri
ghtnowohPr i
sci
ll
ayouhav edisappoi
nted
me"
Herwordsshat
terme.
Theymakemef
eel
li
ke
shehasgiv
enuponme.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"I
m sor
rymom"
Janet:"
Stopsay
ingthat
-doy ouknowwhat'
s
gonnahappennow? Thosetwoar egonna
attendther
apytofi
xtheissuesyoucreat
ed-
theyaregoingt
omendt heirheart
sthenaft
er
thatt
heygonnagetmarri
edandliv
ehappi
l
y
everaft
erwi
ththei
rchi
l
dreninthei
rmansi
onon
thehil
l
swhil
eyourotawayinjai
l"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Mom pl
easedon'
tsayt
hat
-ican'
tgot
o
j
ail
"
Janet:"
Wehav eshi
eldi
edy ouforwayt ool
ong
Pri
scill
aandthathasmadey outhinkthatyou
cangetawaywi thanyt
hing-eventoyingwith
peoplesli
vesbutnomor eitisti
mey oudance
tothetuneofthemusicy oucreatedf or
yoursel
f"
Sheget
supf
rom t
hebedandheadsf
ort
he
door
.
Janet:
"Andt
hist
imeki
l
li
ngy
our
sel
fisnotan
opti
on"
Shewal
ksoutl
eavi
ngmetoletanexcr
uci
ati
ng
cr
yli
kemymotherj
ustdi
ed.
Myl i
fei
sover
!
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.58
LUNGI
SI
Shewal
ksi
ntheki
tchendr
aggi
nghersl
i
pper
s.
Zi
nil
e:"
Whydi
dn'
tyouwakemeup?
"
Lungisi
:
"Youneededt
herest-
inyourbedand
j
udgingbythatgl
owitdi
dy ousomegood"
Ihadt
ogivehert
hesleepingtablet
sherdoctor
gavet
omesoshesl eptthroughouttheenti
re
daysi
ncewegotbackfrom thehospitalt
his
morni
ng.
Shebl
ushesandset
tl
esdownont
hehi
ghchai
r.
Lungisi
:"
Anywaysiwasthi
nkingthatwecoul
d
orderinandcuddl
einf
rontofthetv-
int
hedark
j
ustthewayy ouli
ke?"
Zini
le:
"Iwoul
dlovethat
-j
ustsometi
met
oget
her
beforemymot hercomestomorr
ow"
Hermot herinsistedoncomi ngforaf ewday s
totakecareofher .
Itwaseitherthatorshehad
tomov ebackhomeandi couldn'tall
owt hat
causei knowt hatsheneedsmeandi wantt o
bewi t
hherev er
ystepoft heway .
Sigh.Imean
aft
erallimther easonf orallthemesst hathas
happened.Priscil
l
acookedupanev i
lplant o
hurtZini
lebecauseofmeandi reall
ydontknow
i
fiwoul deverbeabl et
of orgivemy self.
Lungisi
:
"Yesiwi
ll
getZondiweprepar
eoneof
theguestroomsforher
-SoWhatdowantto
watch?"
Zi
nil
e:"
Any
thi
ngt
hatdoesn'
thav
ethewor
d
ki
dnappi
ngi
nit
"
Shegi
ggl
esbef
orei
joi
nher
.
Lungi
si:
"Of
causei
tscomedyni
ght
"
Iwal
kovertohersi
deandwr
apmyar
ms
ar
oundher.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Zi
nil
e:"
Doyout
hinkt
hatwear
egoi
ngt
obe
al
ri
ght?"
Heheav
esasi
ghandpausest
hemov
iebef
ore
f
aci
ngme.
Lungi
si:
"Of
causewewi
lbebaby
-i
nti
me"
Zi
nil
e:"
Imeanwill
youeverl
ookatmet hesame
waythatyoudi
dbefor
e?Wil
lyouever
ki
ss,
caressandmakelovet
omel i
kebefore
knowi
ngver
ywellt
hatanot
hermandi
ppedhi
s
handi
nyourj
ar"
Lungisi
:
"Youdi
dn'tasktober apedZi ni
le-
inf
act
nowomanoutt herewhohasexper iencedthe
samet r
aumaasy ounev eraskedfori t
-i
fonly
youknewhowgr atefuliam t
ohav ey oubackin
myl i
feyouwoul
dn'tbeaskingmet hat-weare
goingtobeokaybaby "
Hewi
pesof
fthet
ear
sfl
owi
ngdownmyf
ace.
Zini
le:
"Sowhathappenedwit
hNtando?
ihope
he'sgonnar
otinjai
lwitht
hatwi
tchPri
sci
l
la?
"
Hecl
ear
shi
sthr
oatandl
ooksaway
.
Zi
nil
e:"
What
?pl
easedon'
ttel
lme.
."
Lungi
si:
"Nohewon'
tbot
hery
ouagai
ncausei
madesur eofi
t"
Hegivesmeal ookI'
veneverseenonhi
m
bef
oreandrighttheniknowhehadhim
ki
ll
ed.
Sigh.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Icriedmyey esoutunt i
lmytearswhereno
mor e.Ist
il
lcantbeli
evethatLungi
sihadme
framedf orNtando'sdeath.
Whydidn'
thejustdo
thingsaccordingtotheplanlooknowwhata
messi am i
n.
Mymot hercomesinholdi
ngaf oodtr
ayand
placesi
tnextt
oont hebed.
Sigh.Shehasn'
t
saidawordeversi
nceshewal kedoutonmeat
thehospi
tal
.
Shet
urnsandwal
kst
othedoor
.
Prisci
l
la:
"I
m sor
rymom-iknowi di
sappoi
nted
youbutpleaseineedy
ou-ineedmymot her-
pleasefor
giveme"
Shechuckl
es.
Janet
:"
Forgi
veyouforwhatexact
ly?
forrui
ning
yourl
i
febyinsanel
ypursui
ngamant hatdidn'
t
wantyou?
"
Herwor
dscutmedeepl
i
keashar
pkni
fe.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Il
ovedhi
m mom andi
want
edt
ohav
e
hi
m backinmyli
fe"
Sheset
tl
esdownnexttomeont
hebedand
l
ooksmestrai
ghti
ntheeye.
Pri
scil
la:
"Doyouwannaknowwhyni
net
y
percentofmyemployeesar
ewomenatthe
hospital
?"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Nowhy
?"
Janet:
"Becausemymot t
oistoempower
womenandexposet hem toopportunit
iesthey
havebeendeni edofforcent
uries-
tohelpthem
bett
ertheirl
iv
esandbei ndependentsot hat
theywon'tfi
ndt hemsel
vesinthemer cyofmen
j
usttogetby "
Sheheav
esal
oudpai
nful
sigh.
Janet:
"Andthenmydaught ergoesandr ui
ns
anotherwoman'sli
fe?idi
dn'tr
aisea
manipulat
iveschemingwomani mlooki
ngat
ri
ghtnowohPr i
sci
ll
ayouhav edisappoi
nted
me"
Herwordsshat
terme.
Theymakemef
eel
li
ke
shehasgiv
enuponme.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"I
m sor
rymom"
Janet:"
Stopsayingthat
-doy ouknowwhat '
s
gonnahappennow? Thoset woar egonna
attendther
apytof i
xthei ssuesy oucreat
ed-
theyaregoingtomendt heirheartsthenaft
er
thattheygonnagetmar riedandl ivehappi
ly
everafterwit
htheirchi
ldreni ntheirmansi
onon
thehill
swhileyourotawayi njai
l"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Mom pl
easedon'
tsayt
hat
-ican'
tgot
o
j
ail
"
Janet
:"
Wehav
eshi
eldi
edy
ouf
orwayt
ool
ong
Pri
scill
aandthathasmadey outhinkthatyou
cangetawaywi thany
thi
ng-eventoyingwit
h
peoplesli
vesbutnomoreitisti
mey oudance
tothetuneofthemusicyoucreatedf or
yoursel
f"
Sheget
supf
rom t
hebedandheadsf
ort
he
door
.
Janet:
"Andt
hist
imeki
l
li
ngy
our
sel
fisnotan
opti
on"
Shewal
ksoutl
eavi
ngmetoletanexcr
uci
ati
ng
cr
yli
kemymotherj
ustdi
ed.
Myl i
fei
sover
!
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.59
TWOMONTHSLATER
PRI
SCI
LLA
Themomentwedr iv
eoutoft hehouseweare
ambushedbyjour
nali
stsatthe
gat
e.Si
gh.
Bloodyvul
tur
es.Thesecur i
ty
per
sonnelmakesuretokeept hem awayf
rom
usunti
lwegetint
hecar .
Myf atherheavesaloudsighbef orelookingout
thewi ndow.Mymot herti
ghtl
yhol dsont ohis
handandgi vehim herassuri
ngl ook.
Myt rial
is
star
tingtodayandt osayim scaredwoul dbean
understatement.
Ifeell
ikeicouldjustdie.
Janet
:"
Arey
our
eady
?"
Ij
ustnodwit
htear
sal
readybur
ningmyey
es.
Im
notr
eadyatal
l.
Pri
scil
l
a:"
Befor
ewegoinijustwantedtot
ell
youhowsorryiam-
Ifi
coul
di wouldtur
nback
thehandsofti
meanddothingsdi
ffer
entl
y"
Duetoanobsessioni t
urnedmyf amil
y'sli
ves
upsi
dedownandourenemi esarerel
ishingthe
moment.
Myf atherhasev enbeensuspended
fr
om wor
kunt i
lthetri
alisover
.Si
gh.
Wil
l:
"Ir
eall
yhopethaty
ouhavelear
nedyour
l
esson-dontwor
rymychil
dTundewill
getyou
outofthi
smess"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Thanksdadbutei
therwayi
m goi
ngt
o
j
ail
"
Wil
l:
"Wel
li
fhedeclar
esyoutonothavebeen
st
ablet
henther
e'sachanceyoumight
..
."
Pr
isci
l
la:
"What?Youwanthi
mtosayt
hati
m
cr
azyinf
rontofthewhol
eworl
d?"
Wil
l:
"Hell
yes-weev
engotDrSander
stotest
if
y
onyourstat
eofmind-
thi
sist
heonlywaytoget
outofthi
smess"
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Shet
hrowsherbodyont
hebedbef
oregr
unt
ing.
Lungi
si:
"Babeareyousurethaty
ou'r
eokay?
you'
vebeenlikethi
sforday
snow- i
thinkwe
shoul
dgoseeadoct or
?"
Idon'
tl
ikethi
sthi
ngofher
sal
way
srunni
ngt
o
thebat
hroom t
othrowup.
Zi
nil
e:"
Uhm it
snothingbabe-i
tisjustt
hechi
l
li
wehadt heot
hernightdi
dn'tagreewit
hmy
st
omach"
Sheget
supf
rom t
hebedandf
ixesmyt
ie.
Lungi
si:
"Okaybuti
fyourbathroom sessi
ondont
endbytheendofthisweekt henI
'l
ldragyouto
thedoct
or'sof
fi
cemy sel
f"
Shegi
ggl
esandpecksmyl
i
ps.
Lungi
si:
"Any
way
sy ou'
resur
ethaty
oudont
wanttocomewit
h?"
Zi
nil
e:"
Noidontt
hinki
mreadyt
ofacePr
iscil
la
l
oveandbesi
desim meet
ingwi
tht
hedesigner
i
naf ewhour
s"
Si
gh.
Lungi
si:
"Any
way
sim pr
oudofy
oubaby
"
Zi
nil
e:"Iknowandthanky
ouforbei
ngtherefor
mei couldn'
thav
easkedforabet
terhusband"
Sigh.
Onl yGodknowshowov erj
oyedi am that
Zini
lehasembr acedherwayt oheali
ng. She
hasn'tmissedev enasinglesessi onev ersi
nce
shest art
edandherdoct orisimpressedwi th
herprogr ess.
Itwasdiff
icultcauseittookher
weekst of i
nall
ygetinti
mat ewi t
hmebutshe
fi
nall
ydi dit.
She'sevenlookingforwardt othe
weddi ng.
Zini
l
e:"
Yhubabewehavetogetyouanew
si
gnatur
eperf
umecausetheoneyou'
rewear
ing
ri
ghtnowwantsmetofl
yfarawayfr
om you"
Shefrownslooki
ngli
kesomeonej
ustt
ooka
shi
tinfr
ontofher.
Lungi
si:
"What
?buty
ou'
ret
heonewhoboughti
t
forme?"
Zi
nil
e:"
Mmmhwehav
etogetr
idofi
t"
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Sigh.
Ididn'
twantt otellLungi
si aboutmy
suspici
ousonbei ngpr egnant
.Af t
erthe
pregnancyscandalshehadIdi dn'twantt
orai
se
hi
shopesupf ornothing.
Zi
nil
e:"
Doy
ouhav
eit
?wher
ewer
eyou?
"
IaskedSophi
etograbapregnancytestki
ton
herwayheresothatwecantakethetest
toget
her.
Sophie:
"Yesihav
eitl
etsgo-
Ihopey
ouhel
don
tothatmorni
ngpee?"
Zini
l
e:"
Shuuy
oudon'
tknowi
wast
hiscl
oset
o
peei
ngonmysel
f"
Wer
unupst
air
sli
keheadl
esschi
ckens.
Iwal
kbackint
othebedr
oom andjoinheronthe
bed.
Myhandsareevent
rembli
ng.I
m nervous.
I
wontli
eawholeofmewishesfort
het estt
obe
posi
ti
ve.
Sophi
e:"
Itbet
terbeposi
ti
ve"
Zi
nil
e:"
Doy
outhinki
twi
l
l?Doy
out
hinkLungi
si
i
sgonnabehappy?"
Sophie:
"Of
causehewil
l-
youarehi
swif
e-i
ts
everyman'
swishtohearthosewor
dsfr
om hi
s
wife"
Si
gh.
Ipul
lhercl
oset
omeandbr
ushherback.
Zini
l
e:"
It
'sgonnabeokaysi
s-y
ouandThami
wil
l
haveki
ds"
Sophi
e:"
Yeahbutnowiti
syourmoment-
thetwo
ofyoudeserv
ethi
saft
erever
ythi
ngt
hatyou
havewentthr
ough"
Zi
nil
e:"
Iguess-
thanksSoph"
Ipi
ckupthesti
ckonthebedwi
thmyhear
t
poundi
nguncont
rol
l
ably.
Zi
nil
e:"
Im pr
egnant
-Godi
m pr
egnant
"
Shey anksthesti
ckfrom myhandstoseefor
herself.
Shelet
'soutanexci
tedscr
eam bef
ore
thr
owi nghersel
fatmeont hebed.
Im pr
egnant
.
.
.
.
THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.61
PRI
SCI
LLA
Ikeeppoki
ngherwi
ththegunonhershoul
der
pushi
ngheroutoft
hekit
chen.
Zi
nil
e:"
Pri
sci
l
layoudon'thav
etodot
hisr
eal
l
y-
Youarenotabadperson"
Igi
ggl
e.
Pri
scil
l
a:"Justshutupandsitdown-
im nother
e
foramateurtherapysessi
ons"
Iti
eherhandsupandgagherl
oudmout
hwi
th
theti
eifoundont
hecouch.
Lungi
siwal
ksdownthest
air
sfi
ddl
i
ngwit
hhi
s
phone.
Hefr
eezest
hemomentheseesme
hol
dingherpr
eci
ouswi
featgunpoi
nti
nhi
s
l
ivi
ngroom.
Lungi
si:
"Whatt
hehel
li
sgoi
ngonher
e?"
Pr
isci
ll
a:"
OhLungi
sihowniceofyoutof
inal
l
y
j
oinus-
comejoint
heloveofyourl
if
e"
Lungi
sisl
owlywal
kst
ousandset
tl
esdown
nextt
oher.
Lungi
si:
"Pr
isci
l
lahowdi
dyougeti
nher
e?"
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Thegateobvi
ousl
y?Isl
i
dinaf
tery
our
carwheny oudr
ovein"
Lungi
si:
"Okaysowhat
'supwi
tht
hegun?
"
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Im her
etoendi
t-
toendmysuf
fer
ing
andpain"
IpointthegunatZini
l
ewhoj ustl
ooksatme
withnoemot i
ononherface.Shej
ustblankl
y
staresatmelikeshe'
snotabouttoloseherl
if
e.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Lungi
si:
"andwhatdoyouthi
nkthatisgonna
achi
eve?thataf
tery
ouki
ll
herim gonnalove
you?"
Shelaughs-hard.
Iswearthi
sgir
lhasser
ious
mentalproblems.I
tbeatsmehowhermot her
who'
ssuchanexper tonmentalheal
thf
ail
edto
hel
pherowndaught er.
Pri
scil
la:
"Youdon' tgetitdoyou?thatshi phas
l
ongsai l
edLungi si-
inolongerwanty ou
becausei hateyou-ihateyouformaki ngme
thi
nkthaty oulovemewhi l
styoudi dn'tsonowi
wanty outopayt heprice-i
m gonnaki l
l her
i
nfrontofy outhenkillyoubefor
et akingmy
ownl i
fe"
Ifeel
Zini
l
e'sgri
ponmyhandt ight
ening.
Ican
hearherheartpoundi
ngoutofherchestfr
om
wher
eim si
tt
ing.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Thetwoofy ouhavecausedme
not
hingbutmiseryyouknowwewer ef
ineunt
il
shecamealong-whydidyoulethercome
bet
weenushuht ell
me? "
Shecr
ies.
Pri
scil
la:"
Andnowy ougotherpregnant?You'r
e
gonnamar r
yher?Youwanttogiveher
everyt
hingthatieverwantedfr
om y ou-ihat
e
youLungi siMhl
opheandi hopey ou'
llburni
n
hell
forwhaty oudidtome"
Ichuckl
e.
Lungisi:
"Whati didtoyou? y
oudidev er
ythingt
o
yourself
-Pri
scill
ay ouareamonst erandy ou
don'tdeservet obreat
het hesameai rwit
ha
personlikeZinile-
evenintheaft
erlifeiwil
l
chooseherov erandov eragai
nov ersomeone
l
ikey ou"
Wi
thoutwar
ningshef
ir
esashotatZi
nil
e'
s
di
rect
ionbutshemi
sses.
Iquicklylaunchmy sel
fatherandy ankthegun
fr
om herhands. Sheatt
acksmymanhoodwi t
h
herkneeandi goaf ewsecondswi thout
oxygen.Shehi t
smeov ertheheadwi t
hav ase
andi fall
down. IhearZini
l
e'sscreamsechoing
atthebackofmyheadasi fi
ghtformy
consciousness.
Shehol
dsoutmyheadandf
orcesmet
olookat
Zi
nil
eonthecouch.
Pri
sci
ll
a:"
Saygoodby
etoy
oursocal
l
edpat
het
ic
famil
y"
.
.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Ihadtost
andupformyf
ami
l
y-f
orLungi
siand
ourunbor
nbaby
.
Imanagetountangl
emy sel
ffr
om theropeand
l
aunchmyselfather
.Theroom get
sfil
l
edwith
ourscr
eamsaswest ruggl
eforthegun.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Letgoy
ousl
ut"
Wekeepfi
ghti
ngforitunt
ilbang-anot
hershot
get
sfi
redandtheroom goessil
ent.
.
.
.
TOBECONTI
NUEDMYPHONEI
SDYI
NG!

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.60
ZI
NILE
Imoanundermybreat
hashemakessweet
l
ovetome.If
indmysel
ffal
l
ingtremendousl
yin
l
ovewit
hhim wit
hever
ythrusthesendstomy
body
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Lungi
si?
"
Ibr
eat
hlessl
ycal
lhi
sname.
Lungi
si:
"Lov
e?"
Zini
l
e:"
Ther
eissomet
hingt
hati
wantt
otel
l
you?"
Lungi
si:
"What
?youwantmet
ogof
ast
er?
"
Igi
ggl
e.
Zi
nil
e:"
Nokeepi
tthatway
-i
m sav
our
ingt
he
moment "
Ireachf
ort
hest
ickundermypi
l
lowandhandi
t
tohim.
Zi
nil
e:"
Im pr
egnant
"
Thefrownonhi
sfaceget
srepl
acedbyan
i
diot
icsmil
e.
Lungi
si:
"Doest
hismeani
m goi
ngt
obea
fat
her
?"
Hechuckl
eswi
thsomuchexci
tement
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Yesdummyy
ou'
regonnabeadad"
Lungi
si:
"Andy
out
hemot
herofmybaby
"
Hepl
antsaki
ssonmyl
i
psbef
oresucki
ngon
myneck.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Icoul
dn'
tkeepl
ooki
ngatthesti
cksi
nceZi ni
l
e
gavei
ttomeinthemorni
ng.Si
gh.Mymot her
wassohappywhenitol
dheraboutit
.Icant
holdtheexcit
ement.
Ieventookapi
cforsome
braggingr
ightsonDean.Si
gh.
Zi
nil
e:"
Youdoknowi
peedont
hatr
ight
?"
Shet
eases.
Lungi
si:
"Ohooi
mt heverysameguythatdri
nks
thej
uicesfr
om y
ourforbiddencupev
eryni
ght?
"
Shelaughsandthrowsherpill
owatme. I
fonl
y
sheknewhowexci tediam shewouldn'
tbe
sayi
ngallt
hat.
Thistimeiknowt hebabyismi
ne.
Shet
akesoutoneofhersui
tsi
nthecl
oset
.
Lungi
si:
"haoy
ou'remeet
ingt
heweddi
ng
pl
annerinasuit
?"
Zi
nil
e:"
Noi
m goi
ngwi
thy
out
ocour
ttoday
"
Shesay
swi
thasmi
l
e.Si
gh.
Lungi
si:
"Real
l
y?"
Zini
l
e:"
Yeahi
tsti
mei confront
edmydemons
andfacedPr
isci
l
la-
im abouttoent
eranew
chapterofmyl
i
fesoim notl
ett
ingPr
isci
l
laand
Ntandoholdmeback"
Lungi
si:
"That
smygi
rl
-i
m sopr
oudofy
ou"
Ireall
yhopet hatshe'
llbest r
ongenought oface
Prisci
ll
aaftereveryt
hingt hatshehasputher
through.
Sigh.Iknowthehumanepi eceinmei s
supposedt ofeelsorr
yf orPr i
scil
labutshe
deservesev er
ythi
ngshe' sgettingri
ghtnow.Evil
peopleli
keherdeser vetobel ockedupforever
.
.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Mytearskeepfal
l
ingdownasi scroll
downon
t
henastycomment saboutmytri
al onsoci
al
media.
Theyevenmadeupani cknamef orme-
Menkil
ler
!
Voi
ce:
"I
'v
eal
way
stol
dyout
oputy
ourphone
down"
Itur
ntofi
ndTeshast
andi
ngatthedoor.
Irunto
herandshehol
dsontomefordearl
if
ewhi l
eI
crymyeyesout
.
Afterourcr
ysessi
onshehelpsmet oget
ready.
Shecombsmyst ubbornhai
randholdsi
t
i
ntoaneatbun.
Idon'
tli
ket heper
soni
nthemirr
or.
Ihavelostso
muchwei ghtovert
hepastt
woweeks.Sigh.
I
evenfeell
ikemyskinhasagedali
tt
le.
Tesha:"
It
sgonnabeokaybabe-youar
ea
surv
ivoryouwi
llconquert
his"
Priscil
la:
"Youdobel
ievemewheni sayt
hati
di
dn' tkil
lhi
mr i
ght
?ItwasLungi
siandhi
s
fr
iends- i
swearidi
dn'tki
l
lhi
m"
Tesha:
"Iknowbuti
tsnotaboutwhaty
ouknow
babeit
saboutwhatyoucanprove"
Shepul
l
smei
nforcomf
ort
inghug.
Myphonepings.Myhear
tshatt
ersint
oami
l
li
on
pi
ecesaf
terreadi
ngthenot
if
icati
on.
Teshayanksthephonef
rom myhandandr
ead
thest
atusoutloud.
Tesha:
"Feel
i
ngbl
essedhasht
agf
athert
obe"
Si
gh.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Lungi
si:
"Ar
eyouokayl
ove?
"
Hehol
dsmefrom behi
ndandpl
ant
ssoftki
sses
onmyneckwhil
ebrushi
ngmytummy.
Zi
nil
e:"
Yeahi
am-
ijustf
eel
sor
ryf
orPr
isci
l
la"
Iknowshewashorri
blet
omeandnearl
yhad
mekill
edbuti
m st
il
lhuman.
Shel
ookednot
hing
l
ikethePr i
scill
aiknow.Itwasli
keli
fehasbeen
suckedrightoutofher.Sigh.
Theymighthave
thegreatestlawyer
sbutt heyweretornint
o
pieces.
Thej udgedidn'
tbuytheiri
nsanit
y
mot i
on.
Zini
l
e:"
Gosham i
afool
forf
eel
i
ngsor
ryf
or
her?
"
Lungi
si:
"Absol
utelynotbabeyouknowunl i
ke
Pri
sci
ll
ay ouhaveawor kinghear
tthatis
compassionat
et ootherpeopl
eandt hat
swhyi
l
oveyou"
Hesingst
hel
astpar
tinmyeart
urni
ngmei
nto
atomato.
Lungi
si:
"LookiknowwhatNgakaandi di
dfor
fr
amingherforthemurderwashorri
blebutim
notgonnaapologi
zefori
tcauseididitto
prot
ectyouandifiwasgiventhechancetodo
i
tagainiwoulddoiti
nahear t
beat"
Si
gh.
Itur
nar
oundt
ofacehi
m andl
ockhi
sli
ps
wi
thmi
ne.
Zini
l
e:"I
m hungr
y-putonashi
rtandf
indmei
n
thekit
chen.
.
.
Voi
ce:
"Hel
l
oZi
nil
e"
It
urnandf
indPr
isci
l
last
andi
ngatt
hedoor
.
Zini
le:
"Pr
isci
l
la?What.
.howdi
dyougeti
n
here?"
Shegiggl
eswhi
l
escratchi
ngherscal
pli
ket
hey
arei
nfest
edbyf
leas.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Woul
dn'
tyoul
i
ket
oknow?
"
Shepull
soutagunandpoi ntsitatme.Myhear
t
stopsf
oraf ewsecondsbeforeitbeat
s
uncont
rol
lablyoutofmychest.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Mov
e-ISAI
DMOVE"
Shey
ell
sst
art
li
ngme.
THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.62
LUNGI
SI
Isayashor ti
nternalpray
erpray
ingthatt
he
bull
etdi
dn'tgot hroughZini
l
e'sf
leshandmy
unbornbaby .
Lungi
si:
"Zee?Zi
nil
e"
Shequi
ckl
yget
soffPri
sci
l
laandstumbl
esback
bef
oredr
oppi
ngthegunonthefl
oor.
Zi
nil
e:"
OhmyGodi
kil
l
edher
"
It
aket
hegunandwi
peherpr
int
sof
fit
.
Pr
isci
l
lahasbl
oodal
lov
erhert
orso.
Zi
nil
e:"
Wehavetogethert
othehospi
tal
-ohmy
Godim goi
ngt
ojai
l"
Igrabherbyhershoulder
sandr
oughl
yshake
herbacktohersenses.
Lungisi
:"
Nooneisgoi
ngtoj
aili
twassel
f
defence-
whenthepol
i
ceaskswe'l
lsayi
str
uggledfort
hegunwit
hher-
goti
t?"
Shenodsr epeat
edlywithtearscomingflowing
downherf ace.
Iquickl
ycallNgakatocomehel p
uscausei nafewmi nutestheplacewil
lbe
overcrowdedwithcops.Im pr
ett
ycertai
nt he
neighbourshear
dtheshot s.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Sigh.
Af t
ertheycheckedmeupwewai tedfor
feedbackfrom thedoctor
sinthewait
ing
area.
Theev entskeepplayi
nginmymi ndlike
theyjusthappenedaf ewsecondsago.That
wasalotofbloodforapersontohandl
e
seei
ng.
Imv er
ydoubtfulaboutPri
sci
l
lamaki
ng
i
toutofthatt
heatr
er oom al
ive.
Zi
nil
e:"
Whati
fiwast
heonet
hatgotshot
?"
Ihol
dont
omyt
ummy
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Thatbi
tchcoul
dhav
eki
l
ledmybaby
"
Lungi
si:
"She'
soutofourl
i
vesnow-
ifshewakes
upshe'
llbeputawayforl
i
fe"
Af
terawhi
l
eherpar
ent
scomer
ushi
ngt
ous.
Will
:
"Whatdidy oudot omydaughteryou
bastar
d?itwasn'tenought
hatyoudestroyedmy
daughterbutyouwant edt
okil
lhertoo?"
HegrabsLungi
sibyt
heneckandli
fthi
shand
upr
eadytopunchhim buthi
swi
festopshi
m.
Janet
:"
Wil
lj
ustst
op-
thi
sisn'
tthet
imenor
pl
ace"
Lungi
si:
"I
m sor
ryMrsMat
thewsbutyour
daught
eratt
ackedusi
nourownhouseandt
ied
upmypr
egnantwi
fel
i
keanani
mal
atgunpoi
nt"
Pri
scil
l
a'smotherhol
dsont oherchestin
shock.
Shesettl
esdownandcr ies.
Shelooksli
ke
awonder f
ulwomani don'
tknowwhatshedi d
todeserveademonicdaughterli
kePri
scil
la.
Janet
:"
Im sosor
ry-
Idon'
tknowwher
eiwent
wrongwit
hher"
Shecont
inuest
osobhy
ster
ical
l
ybr
eaki
ngmy
hear
t.
Wi
l
l:
"Wher
ethehel
lar
ethedamndoct
ors?
"
Herf
atherr
ages.
IpullPr
isci
l
la'
smot
hert
omychestandhol
dher
forcomfort
.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
IaskedSophiet
ocomepickZini
leupandtake
herhomeaftert
hecopstookourstat
ements
causeshewasupallni
ghtandneededto
rest
.Si
gh.
Janet:
"Lungi
sii
m sorr
yforever
ythi
ngmy
daughterhasputyouandyourfamil
ythr
ough"
Herhusbandchuckles.Hegavemetheev i
leye
fort
heentir
enightthatiti
sreal
l
yst
artingtoget
bori
ng.Imeanim nottheonewhoforcedher
daughtert
oinvademyhouseandendup
gett
ingshot.
Lungisi
:
"MrsMatthewsyourdaughterhasa
seri
ousmentalprobl
em andireal
l
yhopet hat
you'
regonnatakecareofiti
fshewakesup"
Wil
l:
"Whyareyousayi
ng'
if
'?sheisgoi
ngt
o
wakeup-whatdoyouwanthertodie?
"
Si
gh.
Someti
mesi don'tbel
iev
eamanl
i
kehi
mis
i
nourgov
ernent
ialpanel.
Thedoct
orf
inal
l
ymakeshi
swayt
ous.
He
i
ntoduceshi
msel
fasNat
hanWel
l
ingt
on.
Wi
l
l:
"Howsmydaught
erdoct
or?
"
Nat
han:
"Yourdaught
erhasl
ostalotofbl
ood
MrMatthewsbutwehavemanagedtoremove
t
hebull
et"
Janet
:"
Sowhenwi
l
lshewakeup?
"
Nathan:
"She'
sst
il
lheavi
lysedat
edri
ghtnowbut
imustwar ny
outhatshewontbethesame
whenshedoes"
Lungi
si:
"Whatdoy
oumeandoct
or?
"
Nathan:"
well
sincet
hebullethi
therataver
y
cl
oser angei
twentstr
aightthr
oughherand
severel
ydamagedherspinalcordner
ves"
Hermothergaspsf
orai
rli
keshe'
ssuf
fer
ing
f
rom anasthmaatt
ack.
Wil
l:
"Whatdoest
hatmean?sur
elyy
oucanf
ix
herup?
"
Nat
ha:
"unf
ort
unat
elywecantmeani
ngy
our
daught
erwi
llnol
ongerhav
econt
rol
ofher
l
owerbody"
Janet
:"
Meani
ngshe'
sgonnabepar
aly
sed?
"
Nat
hannodst
oconf
ir
m bef
orewal
ki
ngaway
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE
.
.
.
I
n.63
LUNGI
SI
Shesl
owlyopensuphereyesandf
indsme
gawki
ngatherinhersl
eep.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ithoughti
toldy
outostopstar
ingatme
i
nmysl eep-whoknowswhatkindofababooni
l
ookli
ke"
Ilaughatherbef
orepl
ant
ingaki
ssonhersof
t
l
ips.
Lungi
si:
"Wel
lyouar
emybaboongi
rl
"
Shegi
ggl
es.
Lungi
si:
"Yourmot
herletmethr
oughi
m sor
ryi
m
onl
ycomi ngnowtocheckuponyou"
Icoul
dn'tl
eavet hehospi
tal
wit
houtknowing
Pri
scil
la'
sfateplusidi
dn'
twanttobemaki ng
unnecessarytr
ipstothehospbecauseofher.
Zini
le:
"I
tsokayineededtherest
-whi
chis
somethingthatyouneedri
ghtnow-comesl
eep
nexttome"
Itakeoffmyshoesandsnuggl
ewi
thherunder
theblanket
.
Zi
nil
e:"
Howi
sPr
isci
l
la?Hasshewokenupy
et?
"
Si
gh.
Lungisi
:
"Noshehasn'tbutthi
ngsarenot
l
ookinggoodforherlovethedoctor
ssayshe
wil
lneverwal
kagain-thebull
etdamagedsome
ofhernerv
esblahblahblah"
Zini
le:
"OhGodherpar
ent
smusthav
ebeen
devasted"
Lungisi
:"
Yeahhermot
herisawreckbutshe
broughtthi
stoher
sel
fsheshoul
dhavestayed
away "
Zi
nil
e:"
Butbabe.
..
"
Lungi
si:
"Butnot
hingloveimj
ustwait
ingforher
towakeupsot hattheycanl
ockherupforever
i
namadhousewher eshebel
ongs"
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Ifi
ndmypar
ent
shover
ingov
ermet
hemoment
iopenupmyey
es.
Janet
:"
Ohbabyy
ou'
reawake"
Hereyesar
ebl
oodshotr
ed-
shel
ooks
exhaust
ed.
Pri
scil
l
a:"
Mom?Dad?
Wher
eam i
?what
happened?"
It
ryt
ositupbutashar
ppai
nshoot
sstr
aighti
n
mystomach.
Thepainj
ogsmymemory
.Sigh.
Janet
:"
wel
lyougoti
nani
nci
dentt
heot
her
ni
ght"
Myf
atherchuckl
esbef
orepaci
ngupanddown
t
her
oom.
Will
:
"Inci
dent?Playingintr
uderinyourex'
s
housewi t
hani ll
egalandgettingshoti
t'
snot
real
lyconsideredanincidentsopleasedon'
t
sugarcoatitJanet"
Myf
athersay
swi
thsomuchdi
sgusti
nhi
s
voi
ce.
Thelookonhi
sfacej
ustpi
ercest
hrough
myheart
.
Janet
:"
OhpleaseWil
liknowy
ou'
reangr
ybut
thi
sisnott
hetime"
Pr
isci
l
la:
"I
m sor
rydadi
dontknowwhatcame
ov
erme.."
Hechuckl
eswi
thnocar
eint
hewor
ld.
Wi l
l
:"Iknowwhatcameov eryoumygirl-
you
want edsomet hingthatwasnotev enyoursto
beginwi thandnowy ouwillbespendi
ngt he
restofy ourl
if
ei njai
lbecauseofthat-
ifnota
ment alinst
it
ution"
Hesay
scol
dly
.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Dad?
"
Will
:
"Weshoul dhavedecl
aredyouunstabl
e
aft
ery ourfi
rstsui
cideatt
emptlooknowwhere
wear e?Your ui
nedus-ihopeyou'
rehappy
causei m done"
Het
hrowshi
shandsintheai
rbefor
ewalki
ngt
o
t
hedoor.
Myhear
tshatt
ersandtear
sfl
ow.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Mom-
diddadj
ust.
.di
sownme?
"
Shepul
l
smyheadandl
aysmeonherchestasi
cr
yli
keani
nfant
.
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
EI
GHTEENMONTHSLATER!
LUNGI
SI
I
m br
oughtbackt
omysensesbyDeansbad
si
nging.
Theguysur
eknowshowt
omakean
ent
rance.
Dean:"
Ican'
tbel
i
evey ou'
reworki
ngt
odayman
you'
regett
ingmarr
iedtomorr
ow"
Het
hrowshi
msel
fonmycouch.
Lungisi
:
"andwhatdoy
out
hinki
shoul
dbe
doing?"
Dean:
"Uhm goi
ngtot
hebachel
orpar
tyi
pl
annedforyou?"
IswearDeanhasnoshr
edofl
i
steni
ngski
l
lin
him.
Lungi
si:
"Wowi
thoughti
sai
dnopar
tyDean?
"
Hechuckl
es.
Dean:"
Comeony ouweren'
tseri
ouswer
eyou?
I
meanitsyourl
astdayasafreemanweshoul
d
enditwit
habang"
Lungisi
:
"Noim notgoi
ngtoanypartyaf
ter
si
gningofft
hepaperworkinf
rontofmeim
dr
ivi
ngt
othei
n-l
awst
oseemypeopl
e-i
miss
myson"
Thesoundofthewordtast
esli
kehoneyonmy
tongue.
Myson.Myl
ight
.Myeveryt
hing.
My
Nkanyezi
.Si
gh.
Dean:
"What
?Youwer
ejustwi
tht
hem t
woday
s
ago?"
Hechuckl
es.
Lungi
si:
"Yesandtheyhav
ebeenhel
l
-thehouse
i
sempt ywithoutt
hem"
Zinil
eandNkany eziaremynewmeani ngof
breathing.Iwoul dwalki nlavaforthem.Theyar
e
myev eryt
hingandi can'twaitforustobea
properf ami l
y.Imeani thasbeenl ongov er
due
withev erythi
ngwehav ebeent hr
oughint he
l
asty ear.Wewer enear l
yki l
l
edbyt hederanged
Prisci
llaaftersheandZi nil
e'sexputher
throughhel l.
Myangerj ustreachesanother
peakwheni thinkaboutt hatbutwehav e
managedt ocomeoutst rongerthaneverand
thet wogotwhatt heydeserve.
Sigh.Weshould
hav elonggottenmarri
edbutZi nil
edidn'
twant
togetmar riedwit
hababybumporaf tergi
ving
birth.
Somet hi
ngaboutbabyf atandallthat
circusofnotwantingtoruinherweddi ng
pictures.
Lungisi
:
"Okayiwill
comet
othest
upi
dbachel
or
part
ybutafterseei
ngmysonsowe'
l
lmeetat
thecl
ub"
Hel
aughs.
Dean:
"Whodoy outhinkiam-af
ool?
Iwilldr
ive
youtoZi
nil
e'spar
entsinmycar-wai
tforyouto
kisst
hem goodby
et henwe'l
ldr
ivet
ogetherto
thecl
ub"
Si
gh.
Ijustsur
rendercausei
knowt
her
e'sno
wi
nni
ngwi thhi
m.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Sigh.Sayi
ngi m happywouldbean
under st
atement .
Therearenowordsthati
can
usetodescr i
behowi feel
.I
m happy
.Im
nervous.Im scared.
Zi
nil
e:"
Wher
eisLoni
a?"
Sophi
e:"
Ohshegotamessageaboutthecake
whil
eyouwereput
ti
ngNkanyezi
tosleep"
Sigh.Loniaismyweddingplannerandsof ari
m
i
mpr essedwithherwork.
Shehaspr omisedme
amagi calweddi
ngandwi t
hherpricetagshe
betternotdisappoi
nt.
Sophie:
"mmmhhi can'
twai
ttoseeit
-Ican'
t
beli
evewe'l
lbeeat
ingacakespeci
all
ymadeby
theeecakebossBuddyVal
astr
o"
Zi
nil
e:"
YoucanthankCindyf
ort
hatshewor
ked
wi
ththeguyinAmerica"
Sophie:
"Iwi
l
lthankhert
omor
rowgoshbabe
yourdayisf
inal
lyher
e-y
ouar
eget
ti
ngmar r
ied"
Shesobs.
Zi
nil
e:"
Iknowandim scared-
Iknowwear
e
pr
acti
call
ymarr
iedbut..
."
Withoutsay
inganythi
ngshepull
smet owards
herforahugwhileshegiggl
esinmyneck.I
rememberhowner vousshewasonher
weddingdaythatmymot herwasscar
edthat
she'l
lbearunawaybr i
de.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Janet
:"
Anychanges?
"
Lusi
ndaj ustshr
ugshershoul
dersandpickup
thedishesbefor
eleavi
ngtheroom.Mymother
heavesal oudsi
ghbeforeset
tl
ingdownonthe
sof
anextt
omychai
r.
Janet
:"
Babyyouknowy ouhavet
oeatsot
hat
youcantakeyourmedsri
ght?
"
Ijustkeepsi
lentandcont
inuetostareoutt
he
window.Ihaven'
tsaidawordfrom thedaythe
doctor'
stol
dmei won'
twalkagaineverinmy
l
ifeandwhent hejudgeorder
df ormetobe
throwninthi
sloonybiniwantedtodieonthe
spot.
Janet
:"
Andy
ou'
rest
il
lnott
alki
ng?
"
Herv oicesoundspainedandi thurt
smet hat
there'
snothingicandot oeaset hepainsince
i
mi npai ntoo.
Whatcani docausei mj usta
vegetableinawheelchair
.Icantwalk.Icanttake
my selftothetoi
l
etandi cantevengetmy selfi
n
bed.Ifeell
ikeanoldwomani nay oungladies
body .
Janet:"
Babyiknowi
tshardbutyoucansti
l
ldo
i
t..
justfi
ghtt
ogetbet
tersothatyoucanbe
r
ehabi
l
itat
edandcomebackhome"
Idon'
tknowwhi chhomecausemyfat
herhas
cutmeoffasherdaughter
.Si
gh.
Hehasnot
evensetfootheret
oseeme.
Shet akesoutoneofherbooksandst ar
tsto
readf orme-asusualandasusual mymi ndj
ust
drif
tsof ft
omyownhappyl and.Thepil
lsdothat
tomesomet imes-ev
ent houghattimesthey
depressmeandsuppr essmymi nd.
Shereadsaf
ewchapt
ersbef
oreherphone
ri
ngs.
Janet
:"
Ihav
etogobabyiwil
lseeyoutomorr
ow
andrememberyouareaMat
thews-af
ight
er
andyoucanfi
ghtthi
s"
Shepl
ant
sasoftki
ssonmycheekaft
erher
l
ongembraceonmybody.
Asusual
thetear
s
fi
ndwaydownmyface.
Iqui
cklywipet
hem offwheniheart
hedoor
makingthesqeakyopeni
ngsound.
Lusi
nda:
"Youhav
eav
isi
tor
"
I
tmustbeTeshaandhergossi
pmagazi
nes.
.
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Afterpi
cki
ngupourdressesfr
om Gert'
sshop
andbuyingsomehoneymoonlingeri
ewewent
backhome.Ourr
elat
ivesareal
readyfl
oodi
ng
thehouse.
Sophi
e:"
Yohmamawher edi
dthesepeople
comefrom?Ar
etheyev
enont heguestl
i
st?"
Dor
is:
"Hai
bot
heyar
ewhatdoy
out
akemef
or?
"
Sheignoresusandrunsinthehousel
ikea
headl
esschi ckenwi
thNkanyezi
onher
back.
Sigh.Shehadn'
tsatdowneversi
ncethe
weekst
art
ed.
Sophi
e:"
Ismel
ldisast
er-
it
sgonnabea
st
ampedeatthatvenuetomorr
ow"
Si
gh.Trustmyparent
stobri
ngt hei
rrel
ati
ves
fr
om Mar s.
Ichangei
ntomytracksui
tsandkiss
Nkanyezibefor
eheadi
ngout.
Sophi
e:"
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngthisl
ate?Wehav
e
tomeetupwi
tht
hegi
rl
sforsomedrinks"
Si
gh.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ther
eissomet
hingt
hati
needt
odo"
If
inal
l
yescapef
rom hercl
awsandheadout
.
.
.
.
Itakeafewbr eat
hsbeforesteppi
ngintothe
room.Theplaceisnotasbadasi thought.
Iti
s
l
ikeami ni
heav enforatwist
edpersonlike
her.
Sigh.
Lungi
sii
spr
obabl
ygonnaki
l
lmef
or
thi
sbutineedtodoi
t.
Zi
nil
e:"
Hel
l
oPr
isci
l
la"
.
.
.
.

THEBORDERSOFLOVE!
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Sigh.Iwal
kslowlyt
owardsherandset t
ledown
ont hecouch.
Shejustkeepsst
ari
ngoutt he
window.Thenursestol
dmeaboutt hesilent
tr
eat mentshehasbeenservi
ngeveryoneever
si
nceshegother
e.
Zi
nil
e:"
Hel
l
oPr
isci
l
la"
Shemov esherheadt omysi degi vi
ngmeher
deadlylookwi thherr edswol leney esandhair
str
andsonherf ace.Shelooksnot hi
nglikethe
Pri
scill
ai knoworshoul di rat
hersayknew
causet heonei nfrontofmei sjustashel loft
he
overconf identbeaut i
fulPriscil
laiusedt o
know.Thegi rlev erygirlenv i
edandev eryman
wanted. Themi ni st
ersdaught er.Thegi r
lthat
wouldmakey ouchecky ourselftwicewhenshe
walkedi nt her oom.
Zi
nil
e:"
Howar
eyou?
"
Si
l
ence.
Shel
ooksbackatt
hewi
ndow.
Sigh.
Zini
l
e:"
Iknowimthelastper
sonyouwantt
o
seebutij
usthadtocomeseey ou"
Myphoner i
ngsandmyhear
tbeat
soutofmy
chest
.Iputononsi
lent
.
Zinil
e:"Idon'tknowhowy ou'r
ef eel
ingrightnow
buti knowt hi
sisnothowy oupannedt hi
ngsto
beint heendandsomehowi contr
ibuted
towar dst hat-
theytol
dmet hatyou'
r esickand
you'veal way sbeenjusty
ounev ergotpr oper
help"
Mymout
hgoesdr
y.
Zini
le:
"Looki j
ustwantedtocomeandt el
lyou
thatif
or giv
ey ou-
forever
ythi
ngandi hopethat
onedayy oucanforgiv
eLungisiandifor
everyt
hingy ouwentthroughbecauseofus"
Shetur
nstofacemewi
tht
ear
sst
reami
ngdown
herf
ace.Si
l
entl
y.
Igetupf
rom myseatandwal
koutwi
thout
sayi
nganyt
hingf
urt
her.
.
.
.
LUNGI
SI
Lungi
si:
"Yousai
dyoudi
dwhat
?nowwhywoul
d
youdothat?"
SoDeandrovemet
oZinil
e'
spl
aceasagr
eed
andaf
terseei
ngmyhei
rhismot
herdr
oppeda
bombshel
lonme.
Zi
nil
e:"
Im sor
rybuti
justhadt
odoi
t"
Ichuckl
e.Zi
nil
eisunbel
i
evabl
e.
Zi
nil
e:"
Becausei
tisthel
astst
epofmyheal
i
ng
pr
ocess-t
oforgi
veandfor
get"
Si
gh.
Lungi
si:
"Sodi
dyout
ell
hert
haty
ouf
orgi
veher
?"
Zini
l
e:"
Yeahididyoushouldhaveseenherbaby
sheissobroken-shedoesn'
ttal
ktoanyone"
Shesay
swi
thsomuchconcer
ninherv
oice.
Lungisi
:
"OhGodwhatdi
didot
odeser
vea
personli
key
ouinmylif
e?"
Shegi
ggl
es
Zi
nil
e:"
Bynear
lyr
unni
ngherov
erwi
thy
ourcar
?"
Lungi si
:"
Hahav eryfunnyanyway si
m proudof
youl ovei knowitmustnothav ebeeneasyt o
got herebuty oudid-andhopeful
lyyou'
l
lforever
closet hatawfulchapterforgood"
Zi
nil
e:"
Wel
laf
tert
odayi
m done-
for
ever
"
Lungi
si:
"Goodcauseinol
ongerwantt
ohear
thenamePr i
scil
l
amenti
onedbefor
eme-i
m
donewiththatgi
rl"
Wet al
kforaf
ewminut
esbef
oreDeanst
art
s
knocki
ngonthewi
ndow.
Lungi
si:
"Sowi
l
liseey
out
omor
row?
"
Shel
aughs.
Zi
nil
e:"
May
bemay
benot
"
Sheopenst
hedoorandst
epsout
.
Lungi
si:
"Hauandt
henmyki
ss?
"
Shelaughsandr
unstoherhouseaf
terbi
ddi
ng
Deanhergoodby
es.
Dean:
"Nowl
etsgogety
ouf
uckedup"
Lungi
si:
"Noi
mjustgonnahaveonedri
nki
dont
wanttomessupmyv owstomorrow"
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Sophi
e:"
Pleasedon'
tcr
yyou'
l
lrui
nyour
makeup"
It
akeatwi
rli
nfr
ontoft
hemi
rr
oradmi
ri
ngmy
whit
edr
ess.
Zi
nil
e:"
Goshit
ssobeauti
fulsisifeel
li
ke
sl
eepi
nginitandwear
ingitforev
er"
Shel
aughs.
Sophi
e:"
Yeahj
ustkeepwi
shi
ngcauseLungi
si
coul
dnev
eral
l
owt
hat
"
Webothlaughbefor
estari
ngateachotherwi
th
t
ear
sglit
teri
nginoureyes.
I'
veal
wayslovedhow
we'
l
lconversesi
lent
lyandknowwhattheother
i
ssayi
ng.
Sophi
e:"
Soyou'
rer
eal
l
yget
ti
ngmar
ri
edt
omy
bosst
oday?
"
Shet
easeswhilef
ixi
ngmyv
eil
.Sophi
sanot
her
l
evel
ofcrazi
ness.
Mypar entswalki
nt her oom withTl
otli
so
behindthem.Tl
otl
iisSophi esfri
end.Theyhave
beenfriendssi
ncehi ghschool andsheflew
fr
om CapeTownf ort heweddingplusasan
excuset opar
ty.
Tlot
li
so:"
Ohnanaomont
lebj
ang-
your
eso
beauti
ful
"
Shecompl
i
mentswhi
lemyparent
sstandi
n
awe.
Thesmil
esont
heirf
acesj
usttur
nmeint
o
atomat
o.
Theyaskt
het
wotoleavether
oom sot
hatt
hey
canhavet
he'
fi
nal
't
alkwit
hme.
Khaya:"
Ican'
tbeli
evet hatli
tt
lenaughtygi
rlt
hat
gavemegr eyhair
shasf i
nall
ygrowntof i
ta
weddinggown-youar eanamazi ngwomanmy
chi
ld-
awar ri
or-
aMt hembuwar r
iorandicoul
dn'
t
bemor eproudthani am today"
Tear
sst
artt
obur
nmyey
es.
Idi
dn'
texpectt
his.
Doris:
"Weloveyoubabyandwewi shyouand
yourhusbandabundanthappi ness-j
ustknow
wewi l
lal
waysbeher efory oumybaby -
tr
eat
yourhusbandwithl
ovecar eandr espectsothat
hecandot hesameandr emembermar ri
ageis
notawalkintheparkbutt hroughthatwalk
alwaysaskGodt ol
eadt heway "
Theygi
vemeabr acel
ett
hatmymom woreon
herweddi
ngdayandmyheartj
ustmel
ts.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ilov
eyouguy
s"
Icl
i
ngont
othem andchoket
hem i
ntoahug.
.
.
Icli
ngont i
ghtlyt
omyf ather
'sarm ashewalks
medownt heaisl
e.Themomenti sso
emot i
onalthatif
eelalonetearescapi
ngmy
eye.Icat
chagl i
mpseofLungi si
atthealt
ar
wipingthetearsonhisface.
Khay
a:"
Thi
sisi
tmygi
rl
-il
ovey
ou"
Hepecksbothmycheeksbef
oreof
fi
cial
l
y
gi
vi
ngmeawayt oLungisi
whocan'
tkeephi
s
ey
esawayfrom me.
Iwon'tli
eitst
il
lfeelsli
keonebigdr eam thatim
gonnawakeupf r
om anysecond.Mont hsagoi
wasco- habi
ti
ngwi thaguythatdidn'tseemy
worth.Worki
ngmyf i
ngersof
finthenameof
l
oveonl ytogetslappedbackinthef acewi t
h
heartbr
eakbutnowi havemetmysoul mate.
.
.
.

THEBORDER'
SOFLOVE!
.
.
.
FI
NALE
LUNGI
SI
Al
lyougot
tasayi
s
Youl
oveme
Sayt
haty
oul
oveme
Andwewi
l
lwal
kdown
Thei
slewat
chi
ngour
Peopl
esmi
l
eFl
ower
s
Ar
eev
ery
wher
enot
hing
El
secancompar
e
Gi
rly
ougott
heki
ndal
ove
Thatmakesamanwanna
Set
tl
edownapi
cketf
ence
Andahousey
eh
For
everbabyy
ouandmebaby
Iwi
l
lbey
ourman
Andy
ouwi
l
lbemyl
ady
We'
l
lwal
khandi
nhand
Si
debysi
de
Iwi
l
lbet
heper
fectgr
oom
Yout
heper
fectwi
fe
Woul
dyouj
ustt
hinkabouti
tbaby
Imaynothav
ehadasayinplanni
ngthe
weddi
ngbutii
nsi
stedonchoosi
ngthesongmy
wif
ewasgonnawalkdowntheisl
ewith-
For
ever
byRkell
ycauseIfeel
li
keli
kethel
yri
cswer
e
takenst
rai
ghtf
rom myheart
.
Shelooksl i
kesomethingthathasfall
enf r
om
theskiesabove-f
rom heaven-anangel
.Thelight
from t
hesunhi t
ti
ngagainstherskinbr i
ngsout
theradianceofheebeautynott oment i
onhow
thedressishuggingherli
keaf it
tedglove.
Shebat
sherlashesbef
oregi
vi
ngmethatshy
smil
eofher
s.Sheknowshowam asuckerf
or
that
.
Shewipest
het
ear
sofj
oyonmyf
acewi
thher
fi
nger
s.
Thepriestdoest
hef or
mali
ti
esbeforeweread
ourvows.Weseal ourmat
ri
monywi tha
passi
onatekisswhilet
hecrowdgiveoutt
heir
chantswhistl
esandhappyulul
ati
ons.
Zi
nil
e:"
Ilov
eyouMrMhl
ophe"
Lungi
si:
"Andi
lov
eyoumor
eMr
sMhl
ophe"
Sigh.
Atsomepoi ntatt
hecourseofour
rel
ationshipt
hismomentseemedi mpossibl
eto
fi
nall
yr eachcauseofthebordersthatal
ways
presentedthemselfinf
rontofus.
Zi
nil
e:"
Thankyouforal
lofthi
s-y
ouhav
emade
mefeelli
keaqueentoday"
Shegi
ggl
es.
Lungisi
:"
Thequeenofmyhear t
-t
heloveofmy
l
ife-
themotherofmychil
d-il
oveyouZinil
eandi
don'tpr
omisetobetheperf
ecthusbandbuti
will
loveyouti
l
lthedayit
akemyl astbreat
h"
Thisisoneoft hemoment sofmyl i
fethati
wi l
l
for
ev ercheri
sh.I
fcont
ent
menthadaf aceit
wouldbemyf acecausenowor dscandescribe
howi f
eel.
Loveandhappinesshasgivenme
anotherchance.Anewchapt erhasopenedfor
us-
ahappychapt er
.
.
.
ZI
NILE
Wehav eourli
tt
ledancewit
hLungisihol
ding
Nkanyezii
nhisarms.Thel
it
tl
emani soutofit
buthi
sf at
herdoesn'
twanttoputhim
down.
Sigh.
Lungi
si:
"I
m sohappyyouknowthat
?Thefir
st
ti
mey oumademehappywaswheny ouagreed
tobeminethenthesecondti
mewaswheny ou
gavebir
thtothi
sli
tt
lesnor
erher
e"
Igi
ggl
e.
Lungisi:
"Andtodaywhenyouputthisr
ingonmy
fi
nger-youhavegivenmesomet hi
nginever
thoughti coul
dhave-
tobecal
ledsomeone's
fatherandsomeoneshusband-all
becauseof
you"
Zini
l
e:"
OhLungi
siy
ou'
regonnamakemecr
y
now"
Lungisi
:
"Imeani
t-
wehav
ebeenthr
oughhel
l
Zini
l
eandi pr
omisey
outhaty
ouwil
lnev
erf
eel
t
hatki
ndofpai
nev
eragai
niny
ourl
i
fe"
Zinil
e:"
Iknow-Thankyouformaki
ngmebelieve
i
nl oveagain-
formakingmefeelwor
thycauseif
i
twasn' tfory
oui don'
tknowwhereiwi
llbe
today"
Hepullsmetowar
dshim andl
aysmeonhi
s
chestcl
oset
oNkanyezi
"
I
ml ooki
ngf or
wardtothenewchapt
erofour
l
if
e.Si
gh.Iguessi
final
l
ygotmyhappyending
wit
hmyki ngandmyl i
ttl
epri
nce.
.
.
.
PRI
SCI
LLA
Lusi
nda:
"You'
rest
il
lwat
chi
ng?
"
Shebrushesmyhai randholdsatight
bunny
.Sigh.Lusi
ndai snotl
ikeothercarer
s.She
hasbeenlikeafriendmor ethansomeonet hat
car
esf
ormeev
ent
houghi
dontspeakt
oher
.
Lusi
nda:
"Comegi
veme.
thephone"
Shey anksi tfrom myhandsandputi tinher
bra.TheMhl opheweddingwasst reami ngon
thei
rwebsi t
eandmycur i
ositybetray edme. I
thoughtwat chingwouldgivemecl osurebuti t
onlyopenedupol dwounds. I
thur t.
Iwi llnev
er
getachancet owalkdownt heisle.Whowoul d
wantt omar ryadamagedv egetabl elikeme? I
havenot hingt ooffer
.Si
gh.Onl ythel i
kesof
Zini
legett hatcauseshehaspr ovedt obea
womanev erymanwant s.
Sigh.A
compassi onat ehumanbei ngt hatf orgav eme
regardl essofwhati havedonet oher .Imeani
gotherki dnappedandnear l
yki l
ledf oraman
thatdi dn'twantmeandev enaf terthatLungi si
sti
lllov edher .
Lusi
nda:
"You'
regoi
ngt
obeal
ri
ght
"
Ij
ustnodandwheel
mysel
ftot
hebed.
Not
hing
willeverbealri
ght.
Ishouldhavegot t
enhel pa
l
ongt imeagobutmyf amil
ywasi ndenial.
They
didntwantt oadmittohav i
nganut case
daught erbecauseoftheirst
atusesandi nt
urni
turnedoutt obeamonst erthatmani pul
ated
situat
ionsintoherfavour.
Shehel
psmei
nandt
ucksmei
ncomf
ort
abl
y.
Pr
isci
l
la:
"Thanky
ouLuci
nda-
forev
ery
thi
ng"
Thesmi
l
ethatappear
sonherf
acei
spr
icel
ess.
Lusi
nda:
"Youspoke?
"
Ij
ustgi
ggl
eandsheheadsoutt
ogetmywat
er.
Whent heli
ghtfi
nall
ygoouti r
eachf ort
he
stashofpil
l
sivebeent hr
owinginthechairs
secretcompart
mentf ort
hepastfewmont hs
andonebyonei swall
owthem whilewri
tinga
l
ettertomyparents.
Il
aymylightheadonthepi
ll
owandwaitto
succumbtosleep.
Aft
ersometi
meifeelmy
soul
leav
ingmybodyandi
knowi
tst
heendf
or
me.
.
.
.
THEEND!