CHUMANI

'
SLI
FE
1
.
.
.
.
.
.
Ms.Xul
u:"
Ifyoudi
dn'
tdomyEnglishhomework
pl
easel
eavemyclassIdon'
thaveti
metoplay.
"

That
'smyEngl i
shteacher
.Youmustbewonder
ing
baexethenienefaniyesZul
uwel
lsheisazul
u.

Awkwar dright?yeahIknow,t
hat'
showthingsr
oll
hereinmyschool .I
fyoufeel
fitt
oteacht
hat
subjectyeahshoakosmoko.
Shecant
eachEngl
ishyenasham.

Kel
vin:
"l
ol.
"Thewhol
ecl
assl
aughed.

Me,Ntl
akaniphoandSekanichuckl
ed.Mthetho
wethul
owoweneverl aughweal waysser
iousli
ke
ourFat
hers.Kel
vinnayeisoneofus.

Ms.Xul
ualsochuckl
ed.Sheistr
yingherbestnotto
l
augh.Weallwal
kedout.6peopl
ewer elef
tinthe
cl
ass.

Ms.Xulu:
"event
heNewcomermi sstop10isout
.
WowEvenPl aat
ji
esandhi
sfri
endsareout.I
wonderhowyouallmakei
ttothetop10.Nxxsuch
adisgr
ace."

Yeahsheisri
ghtmnanenjazam al
wayssakhokwi
top10.Nxaki
ixagezaf
unekeubecleversozebe
dom phi
ndegezezoyenzao'
missbabephezkwako.
-probl
em iswhenyounaught
yyoumustbecl ever
youcan'tbedumpandnaughty.Thet
eacherwill
alwaysbeonyourcase.

Il
ookedatthegirlms.Xuluwastal
kingabout
.She
i
sdarkincolour.Kol
waziyellowbonenjengoNizi
wam notdark.Butshelookedfami
li
ar.

Idon'
tknowher.Idon'
tknowmostofmy
cl
assmates.Don'
tgetmewrong.

Thatgi
rl
:"
Let
hubi
sthi
nihomewor
k?"
-Let
huwhatwast
hehomewor
k?

Let
hu:"andiunder
standbaphumanj
anikwi
top10
ngayenzihomewor k"
-Idon'
tunder
standwhyyouatt
het
op10butyou
don'
tdoyourhomework
Theylaughed.Shehasbigcheeksli
kesheisnot
thi
n.Sheisbeauti
fulbutnotmytypebeaut
if
ul.

Itookoutmyphone.Lucki
lymi
ssval
il
ecangoso
khontoi
zosxabani
sa
-
shecl
osedt
hedoorsowewon'
tfi
ght
.

Me:
"ol
abanil
omt
hanamaj
it
a?"
-what
'
sthi
sgi
rl
sname?

Isentthet
exttomybro'
sinourWhatsAppgroup.
Zangenanoti
fi
cat
ionngexet
shael
iy1causi
ng
everyonet
olookatus.

Weshr
ugged.Andt
heychuckl
ed.

_
_Textconver
sat
ion
Sekani
:"
thenidar
nyamf
una ?
"
-doyouwanther?

Ntl
akani
pho:
"mxm sozit
ypezakheezi
yambona
l
omthanaakhekhofi
t . "
-shei
snotevenhi
stypet
hisgi
rli
snotf
it
.

Kel
vin:
"aamaj
it
aqel
eki
lel
omt
hanamj
ongeni "
-
nomant
hischi
ldl
ooksf
ami
l
iarl
ookather
.

Theylookedather
.Wel
lKelvi
nishal
fxhosaHal
f
Whit
e.HecanspeakisXhosa.

Me:
"l
ent
obuzake "
-t
hat
'swhyI
'
m aski
ng

Sekani
:"
Xol
obabygi
rl
.Dar
kchocol
atel
indtSwi
ss
Mast
erchocol
ati
ers.
"

Ever
yonelaughed.hewassnappi
nghi
sfi
nger
s
l
ookingatthatgi
rl
.

Thatgi
rll
if
tupherf
acelaughing.Ngaskedl
alengez
dl
elezakheumnaqatheylooksoft.
-Ij
ustwantt
opl
aywi
thhercheeksonl
y..
.

Her
:"
mhh"

Shesai
dsmi
li
ng.

Sekani
:"
baniGamal
akhosana?
"
-what
'
syourname?

Hesai
dsmi
li
ng
Her
:"
EyodwandoniLanga.
"

Weallnodded.Shechuckl
edandwentbackt
o
doi
ngherwor k.

_
_Textconver
sat
ion
Kel
vin:
"l
omt
hanamar
nlozasif
undanayepr
imar
y"
-
sheisthesamegi
rlweusedt
oschoolwi
thi
n
pr
imary

Wemethi
mingr
ade4.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"ewelozayesil
waqonoChust
ar(
Me)
at
hiMs.Bothabazodyola.
"
-
yessheusedtof
ightwit
hChumaniandMs.Bot
ha
woul
dsaytheywi
lldat
e.
Me:
"mxm.
"

Theychuckl
ed

Sekani
:"
aamarnmajit
alomt
hanazayef
undugr
d7
si
fundugrd6t
hina.Whyekugr
d10kengokuaka
melbif
undugr
d11? "
-nomanthisgi
rlwasingrade7whil
ewewer ein
grade6.Whyissheingrade10now.Isn'
tshe
supposetobeingrade11?

Yeahweareingr
ade10now.I
'm 16year
sol
d
tur
ning17i
n4months.I
t'
snowAugust.

Me,
Kel
vinandNt
lakani
pho:
"Iwonder
."

Nt
lakani
pho:
"butukwit
op10f
ail
.anj
anikengoku.
"
-
shei
sint
het
op10howdi
dshef
ail
?
Me:
"mbuzebawo"
-
askher
.

Kel
vin:
"haizot
ukwaunyesuyenzal
ont
o."
-
shewi
llswearatyoudon'
t.

Wesentl
aughi
ngemoj
is.

Sekani
:"
sekutheningokusesihl
ebahaiv'
tseki
ni
ndi
khuphenikubupussybenu"
-
whyar ewegossi
ping.Don'
tinvol
vemei
nbei
nga
pussy.

Wesendl aughingemoji
sbefor
epl
aci
ngourphones
away.JustthanMr .Nel
sonmybusi
nessst
udi
es
teacherpassedby.
Hi
m:"
thi
sisadi
sgr
ace.V'
TSEK"

Healwaysswear
satus.I'
minamodelcschool
whi
leUvuyoandNkanyezii
napr
ivat
eschool
.

Idon'tl
ikepri
vat
eschoolsi
t'
stoomuchf
ormy
l
iking.Myclassl
aughed.asal
waysmeandmy
bro'schuckl
e.

Mr.Nel
sonwal kedaway.Ithi
nkhewentt
osmoke
orsomething.Thatfuckersmokesbet
weencl
asses
hedoesn'tcare.

Eyodwandoni
:"
doyouguysalwaysChuckl
e.sent
sh
bazangendawabonanamzinyoenualwaysna
seri
ous.
"
-
imeanIneversawyourt
eet
hyoual
waysser
ious.

That
'st
rue.Weal
waysser
iousasi
funuqel
wa.
Thecl
ass:
"t
ch"weChuckl
edwi
thmybr
o's

Us:
"si
zoncunyi
swayi
nton'
?"
-
whatwi
llmakeussmi
le?

Her
:"
justnj
esi
boneamazi
nyoIdoubtnobani
nawo.
"
-
justt
oseeyourt
eet
hIdoubtt
hatyouevenhave
t
hem.

Shesai
dsmil
ing.Shei
sbeaut
if
ul.Nocap.Butnee
sheai
n'tmyt
ype.

Kevi
n:"
haisi
nawowenasuwar
aqai
t'
sourl
awnot
t
osmi l
e."
-
don'
twor
rywehavet
hem.
..

Thecl
asschuckl
ed.Shej
ustshookherhead
smil
ingbeforegoi
ngbackt
oherwork.Shealso
wearsspectacl
esmaki
nghermorebeauti
ful
.Rhaa
mhlelomthana.

Ismil
edlooki
ngathert
hanshookmyheadgoi
ng
backtomywor kwhi
chIdi
dn'tdo.

:
"Al
lthefi
rstteam soccerandnetballpl
ayerspl
ease
gotothei
rcouchescl asses.Andthefoll
owingfi
rst
ai
dclubmember spleasegot oMrsSmi t
h'scl
ass.
Let
hu,Busi,Zoey,PalesaandEyodwat hankyou."

Thatwastheinter
com int
heclass.Eyodwapacked
herbagsIsmiledlooki
ngathowmor ebeaut
if
ulshe
i
swhenshei sserious.

Meandmybro'
sstoodup.Wearei
nthefi
rstt
eam
i
nsoccer
.WewenttoMr.Hope'
scl
ass.
Hi
sourcouch.Theot
hert
eam member
swer
e
al
readyher
e.

Mr .Hope:"
goodthingyouallher
eIneedyouri
d
certi
fi
catestommor oworyounotgoingt
ogotothe
tournamentinBotswana."

Me:
"Bot
swanaai
n'tt
het
our
namentusual
lyher
e?"

Theot
her
s:"
yeahsi
r.
"

Mr.Hope:"
wellt
hisyearwearegoingtoBot swana.
Don'
tworryabouttheaccommodat i
on,
tr
anspor
tati
onandf oodtheschoolwil
lcover
ever
ythi
ng."

Sekani
:"
ziphil
ett
ersi
rol
edici
ngil
indibel
ieve.
e"
-
wherear
ethel
ett
erssi
rmymot
herwon'
tbel
ieve
me.
Nt
lakani
pho:
"mi
net
oo.
"

MeandKel
vin:
"al
some.
"

Everyonel
aughedatus.Wealwaysuptonogood
that
'swhyourparent
swon'tbel
ieveus.

Mr.Hope:
"don'twor
ryIhavegotyoucover
ed.Her
e
ar
eyourlett
ers."

Itookmi neandfol
ditsot
hatIcanplaceiti
nsi
de
mybl azerpocket
.Ial
wayswearablazer.Nobasel
i
phumel ist
hini
.

IAl
wayswearabl
azer
.Engl
ishwasmyl astperi
od
sot
hebel
lrangwhi
lewewereinmr.Hope'sclass.
Me:
"yeahshomaj
it
a."

Ibr
ohuggedthem bef
oregoi
ngtomydri
ver
.Wel
l
wehaveadri
vermeandmysi bl
ings.

Theywereal
readyi
nthecar.Theygetoutat
2:
30pm whil
eIgetoutofschoolat3pm.

Theyar
eingrade8.Wedidourhandshakeno
UvuyoandIki
ssedPri
ncessesf
orehead.

Theylookali
kewor
stparti
sthatNkanyezi
cuther
hai
rintoafadesot
heylookali
kemore.

Nkanyezi:
"bhut
t'bi
rt
hdayyet
hunextweekThur
sday
sozasithengel
anton'?"
-
Bhutt
iit
'sourbir
thdaynextweekThur
sdaywhat
wil
lwebuyus? "
Shi
tnextweekThur
sdayI
'
m goi
ngt
oBot
swana.

Me:"
yoohhaindi
zonikuphaWednesdayumna.
Thur
sdayndahambaguys."
-
yoohIwi
llt
akeyououtonWednesday.Thur
sday
I
'
m goi
ngaway.

Uvuyo:
"yaphingoku"
-
wher
ear
eyougoi
ng

Hesai
dwi
thhi
seyebr
owsup.

Me:
"Bot
swana.
"

Theychuckl
ed.
Them:"
sozenizinoSi
yabavumencamayabazi
banj
aniabayayakhumbul
akuzebesif
unuphuma
nemarimbabandsiyeKapa.
"
-
f or
geti
tNi
ziandSi
yawi
llneveragr
eedoyou
rememberwhenwewant
edt ogowitht
hemarimba
bandtoCapeTown.

Welaughed.Ihateitwhentheyspeaktoget
her
worstpar
ttheylookali
keyoucan'tt
ellt
he
di
ff
erenceeventheirbodystr
uctur
es.

Me:
"sozenibancincikl
kNi
niandzanif
undugrade
6umnaf undugrade10andndineI
Dmaj i
ta.
"
-
neveryouwer
eyoungandyouwer
eingr
ade6I
'
m
i
ngrade10andIhaveanI
D.

Theychuckl
ed.

Nkanyezi
:"
butst
il
lzasikhupa"
-
youwi
llt
akeusoutanyway.

Ir
oll
edmyeyesl
ooki
ngather
.

Them:
"semanci
nci
ingat
hingawakat
atakho.
"
-
theyar
esmal
lli
keyourf
ather
's.

Il
ookedatt
hem andwebur
stedi
ntol
augher
.

Me:
"ndi
zom xel
elat
aSi
yani
zobona.
"
-
iwi
llt
ellSi
yayouwi
llsee

Wel
aughed.Meandmysibli
ngsgetal
ongsowel
l
.
Wecont
inuedchat
ti
ngunt
ilwegothome.

Theywer ebusyt el
li
ngmeaboutt
hei
rannoyi
ng
teacher
sandt hattheywantt
ogobacktopri
mary
schoolthesekids.
Idr
oppedmyNi keschoolbagont
hef
loorandwent
tot
hekit
chen.I
'
m hungry.

Me:
"ndi
nenzel
ekut
ya"
-
mustImakeyouf
ood

Iyel
led.

Them:
"yeah"

Theyyel
ledback.Idon'
tknowwhyt
heyuset
he
st
air
swhent her
eisanelevat
or.

Ist
art
edatt
hef
ri
dget
odr
inkmi
lk.

:
"Radebebendi
thekuwesaphast
ixosal
efr
idge.
"
-
RadebeIsai
dgi
vemet
hef
ri
dgeskeys.

Sheyell
edbehindme.That'
smymotherforyou.I
j
umpedabi tbefor
epl
acingthemi
lkboxbackinthe
fr
idge.

Me:
"womanahear
tat
tacki
sser
ious.
"

Isai
dandt
heyl
aughednoSi
ya.Mxm ezi
.

Theyaresti
llHappytoget
her.Theyfightbutt
hey
st
andt oget
heralways.Il
ovehowt heyloveeach
other
.

Ial
sowantaper sonwhowi lll
ovemet hewaymy
motherlovesmyf ather
.Ialwayslookattheir
weddingPictur
esandwat cht heDVDs.Whi ch
makesmebel i
eveinTruelove.
Si
ya:
"wenzent
on'
kwedi
ningoku"
-
whatdi
dyoudoboy.

Me:
"bendisel
ibi
sit
hanNi
ziwam wandibaqa.
"
-
iwasdr
inki
ngmi
lkt
hanMyNi
zisawme.

Ni
zi:
"nawesusel
elabot
tl
e.nizi
khonagl
ass.
"
-
don'
tdr
inkf
rom t
heboxt
her
ear
egl
assesher
e.

Me:
"Xol
okl
k"
-
sor
ry

Si
ya:
"nawekwedi
nisungamamel
i.
"
-
yout
ooboydon'
tbenaught
y.

Me:
"kayeket
aima"
-
leavei
tfat
her
.
Theyl
aughedatt
hef
rowni
ngme.

Ni
zi:
"khonawhyungatshint
shangayayazinawe
f
uneketshint
shegqal
a."
-whydidn'
tyouchangeyouknowt
hatyouhavet
o
changefir
st.

Me:
"haibendi
zoyenzekut
yaf
ormnanet
wins"
-
icamet
omakef
oodf
ormeandt
het
wins.

Si
ya:
"noneedkhonanyamaaphof
ri
dge.
ni"
-
noneedt
her
eismeati
nthef
ri
dge.

Ismi
led.Il
ovemeatsomuch.

Me:
"oohbef
oreIf
orgeti
nani
"
Igavethem thel
ett
er.Ir
ushedupst
air
s.Ipassedby
Nkanyezi'
sroom.Thedoorwasopen.

Uvuyo:"
fet
hubhalimathst
estngomsowenabhal
i
Geographymasiswipe"
-
broyouwr
it
ingaGeographyt
estt
omor
rowandI
'
m
wri
ti
ngmat
hstestl
et'
sswipe.

These2arecr
azy.Youwon' tseethedif
fer
ence
bet
weenthem unlessyouknowt hem t
hatmuchI
don'
tknowwhyt heyarenotinthesameclass.

Uvuyoi
scleverint
heSSsi dewhi
leNkanyezii
s
cl
everi
nmat hemati
cs.That'
showtheyarebuti
n
ot
hersubj
ectstheyareClever
.

Nkanyezi
:"
yeah4thperi
oduyephangasezt
oil
et.
Ndizonxi
bigreypant
szam yabo.
"
-
4thper
iodgot
othet
oil
ets.Iwi
llwearmygr
ey
pant
s.

Uvuyo:
"yeahsho.
"

Theywal
kedoutoft
heirroom.Il
ookedatt
hem and
l
aughedgoi
ngtomyr oom.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
Hopeyouenjoyed.Gi
vemef
eedbackofhowt
he
f
ir
stinser
tisl
ike .

90comment
sfori
nser
t2 .
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
2
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Iwal
kedinmyr
oom andchangedi
nmysummer
shor
tsandmymuscl
evest.

Ihavewellbui
ltbodyl
ikemyf
atherbutIhave
bracket
sandhedoesn't.

Iwalkedbackdownst
air
safterpl
acingmyschool
uni
form neat
lyi
nmywal ki
ncloset.Mymother
al
wayssaysIshoul
dpl
acei
tneat
ly.

AndIadaptedf
rom t
hat
.Icl
eanaf
termysel
f.It
ook
t
heelevat
ortogodown.

Itookmyf
oodandsatwi
thmyf
ami
lyont
hedi
ning
tabl
e.

Ni
zi:
"ut
hini
nil
etr
ipyakho?
"
-
wheni
sthi
str
ipofyour
s?

Me:"
nextweek,
tour
namentBot
swana.Boni
lemoc
l
ett
er.
ni"
-
yousawt
hel
ett
er

Si
ya:
"nayokuf
unekebenemal
i?"
-
mustyouhavemoney.
Me:
"nopeschoolcover
sal
ltheexpenses.
"

Si
ya:"
goodbendingazokuphamal
iumnasoze
mntanam ayekudengemalam"
-
good.Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
ogi
veyoumoney.mychi
ld
wil
lnevergof
arwi
thmymoney.

Welaughedhecanbecrazyf
rom t
imet
oti
me.
That
'smyfatherf
oryou.

Me:"
butweal
waysgooutonDecemberhol
idays.
Si
yekomaDubai
."
-
weal
waysgot
oDubai
.

Hi
m:"
ewekl
k."

Wel
aughed.Mxm ndal
ingcwanyat
aimal
am.
Me:
"haindi
funiMal
ixandihamba.Whati
fsi
tyi
swe
i
zmangapha."
-
iwantmoneywhenIgot
her
e.Whati
fweeatnast
y
t
hings.

Him:"
haikwedi
niuziqal
il
eizmangamoc.Andnal
o
necardeli
ne1kforlenyangacel
akumamakhoba
funaenye.
"
-
youusedtonast
ythi
ngs.Andyouhaveacar
dthat
has1kfort
hemonth,
askyourmotheri
fyouwant
more.

Il
ookedatmymom.Theyl
aughed.

Uvuyo:"
ncamesozeNiziayenzel
ont
ozakhuxel
ela
ngeIndependency.
"
-f
orgeti
tNi
ziwil
lnevergi
veyoumoneyshewi
llt
ell
youaboutI
ndependency.
Nkanyezi
:"
andke.
"

Welaughed.Theyar
etell
ingt
hetr
uthmymot her
doesn'
twantustodependonthem al
ways.

Theywantust obeindependentl
iket
heyar
eand
were.Andthathel
psusal otcausewearel
ear
ning
fr
om thebest.

Me:"
IguessIwi
llhavet
ousemymoneykamej
ongi
bal
ance.
"
-
lemmecheckt
hebal
ance.

Itookmyphoneandcheckedi
tatl
eastIst
il
lhave
4k.Idon'
tspendt
hatmuchunl
essI'
m part
ying.

Me:
"4katl
east
."
Ni
zi:
"wenawonker
haa.
"
-
you?

Me:
"Ionl
yspentmymoneywhenIwasbuyi
nggi
ft
s
f
oryouguys.
"

Ir
oll
edmyeyes.

Ni
zi,
NkanyeziandUvuyo:
"semanci
ncinga.
..
."
-
theyar
esmal
ll.
..

Theyl
ookedatSi
ya.Si
yawasal
sol
ooki
ngatt
hem.
Welaughed.

MeandSi
ya:
"Mxm masambet
aima/
kwedi
ni.
"
-
let
'sgo
Westoodupustheywer
est
il
llaughi
ng.Wewal
ked
t
othepoolsi
de.

Me:
"si
zoqal
aNi
nit
hinaspani?
"
-
whenar
ewest
art
ingt
odot
hej
ob.

Si
ya:
"xanif
ull
ytrai
ned.Andi
funini
bat
yazenenza
l
ewaycauseidangerous.
"
-
whenyourful
lyt
rai
ned.Idon'
twantyoutomake
mist
akeswhenyoudoitcauseit
'sdanger
ous.

Inodded.MyphonerangitThandocal
li
ngme.My
fuckbuddy.Yer
rel
omthana.

Me:
"mxm.
"

Iswit
chedoffmyphoneandpl
acedi
tont
opoft
he
tabl
e.Si
yaLaughed.
Si
ya:
"whyngam dump.
ibekay1kwedi
ni?
"
-
whyDon'
tyoudumpher
.

Myfat
herknowseveryt
hingaboutme.Hi
smybest
f
ri
endItel
lhi
m ever
ythi
ng.

Me:"
mxm yamaziThandozobekhal
aphasgel
a
al
eqanenam."
-
doyouknowThandoshewi
llcr
yatschooland
Chaseaf
terme.

Heshr
uggedl
aughi
ng.

Me:
"i
t'
snotf
unnyanymor
e."

If
rownedcausi
nghi
mtol
aughmor
e.Ial
sol
aughed.
Si
ya:
"zi
fumanel
uNi
ziwakhozobagr
ndkwdi
ni.
"
-
fi
ndyour
sel
faNi
ziandyouwi
llbef
ine.

Me:"khonalomthanaumhlephakum cl
ass.
iniqa
exelamthanamar nsozi
zoezit
ypedyol
anazo
akhekhofitqayena.
"
-
ther
eisagi
rlt
hati
sbeaut
if
uli
nmycl
assbutshei
s
notmyshei
snotfi
t.

Hel
ookedatme.

Hi
m:"
khonbamf
ondi
nii?
"
-
so?

Me:"
yayazinawendizit
handeliYel
lowmel
lownj
ena
notl
indtmasterchocol
ati
ers.
"
-
youknowIl
ikeyel
l
owbonesnotdar
kpeopl
e.
Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
lemmeguessl
ant
wanakaCagel
ir
ingel
ont
o"
-
lemmeguessCage'
schi
ldsai
dthat
.

Inodded.Webursti
ntol
augher
.Heknowst
hat
Sekanii
scrazy.
.
.
.
.
.
.
EyodwandoniLanga
MynameisEyodwandoniLangaasyoual
lknow.
Mymother
'snameisNandiLanga.
Idon'
tknowmyfat
herbutIoncehear
dhewas
arr
est
edbefor
eIwasevenborn.

Mymot herandhim ar
emar
ri
ed.Idon'
tknowhow
yousurvi
ve17yearsofmar
ri
agewhileyourot
her
par
tnerisi
nprison.

Onlygodknowshow.Ihave3brot
her
s.Nt
sika,
NtandoandLiyema.Don'
tAskmewhyheisthe
onlyLIal
sodon'tknowwhy.

Andhei
sthef
ir
stbor
n.Wel
iveatahood(
Kasi
).

Ever
ythi
ngel
seyouwi
llknowast
imegoes.

Youknowwhathappenedwhenwewer echased
outoft
heEngl
ish.Iser
iousl
ydi
dn'
tknowwehad
homework.
Ialwaysforgetmyhomewor k.I
'
m notafanoft
hem.
Ikeptsteal
ingglancesatt
heboyinfr
ontofme.

Hisdarkskin,
smalleye'
s.Hehasagreatbody
str
uctur
e.Plushehasbracket
s.Idon'
tstanda
chancewithhim.Lemmesnapoutofit.

Imeanhisalwaysar
oundyel
lowski
ngi
rl
sandgi
rl
s
thatar
ewellbui
lt
.Whoisme?

I'
m notevent
hatfi
tnorl
ightski
nned.Idi
dn'
tsayI
don'tl
ikemybody.If
actIl
ovehowIam.

Ihavesmallbut
tock.Idon'
thaveacur
vedbodybut
Ihaveboods.Andmyski nisdark.

Ifelteyeslookingatme.ButwhenIlookedatuphe
wasal readylookingathi
sworkwhatdot eacher
s
callhim again?Plaat
ji
esyeah,
Ithi
nkthat'
shis
sur
name.

Idon'
tknowmyclassmatesI'
m st
il
lnewinthi
s
school
.Whenwewer ecal
ledontheint
ercom.If
elt
himlooki
ngatmeagain.

Ideci
dedagai
nstl
ooki
ngathi
m.WhenIwasdone
packi
ngmybagIwalkedt
oMr s.Smi
th'
scl
ass.

Idon'
thavef
ri
endsher
e.Ial
wayschi
llal
one
mindi
ngmyownbusinessbusywi
thmyphone.

I
tKeepsmecompaniedIreadi
nter
est
ingst
ori
eson
Facebooknot
hingmuch.

Igottothecl
assonlyLet
huwasmi
ssi
ng.Shewas
sti
llt
alki
ngtoherboyf
ri
end.
Relat
ionshi
pcal
ly?Eish.Ihave2guysf
rom t
he
samesquadi magine.TheoneknewIwasdati
ng
hisfr
iendbutst
il
lhesweetTalkedme.

AndIfal
lfori
t.NowI'm dat
ing2guysatonce.Not
j
ustanyrandom guysbutfri
ends.Heeyuuh .

Ilovethem noti
nl ovewi
tht
hem.Therei
sa
diff
erence.Yeahtherei
sadif
fer
encebet
weent
he
two.

Mr
sSmi
th:
"wher
eisLwet
hu?
"

Weal
llookedar
ound.Shecamei
nrunni
ng.

Her
:"
sor
ryma'
am I
'
mlat
e."

Shenodded.
MrsSmit
h:"
nextweekThur
sday.Wewi
llbegoi
ngt
o
Bot
swana."

Us:
"Bot
swana?
"

Weal
laskedshocked

Her:"
yes.Thesoccerteam andnetballt
eam will
needyourassistancesincetheywil
lbeplaying
ther
e.Ichoseyouguyssi nceIsawt hatyourfi
tfor
thi
sJob.Wewantourpl ayerstobenicel
ytaken
careofshouldtheygetinjur
edwedon' twantother
peopletodothatjob."

Zoey:
"howmuchwi
llbeneededf
ort
het
ri
pma'
am.
"

Her:
"ooht
heschoolwi
llpr
ovi
def
oryourtr
ipthe
Tr
ansport
ati
on,
accommodati
onandfood.Ifyou
wanttoyoucanbri
ngyourownf
oodbutever
ythi
ng
i
stakencareof
."

Wenoddedsmi
li
ng.

Shegaveusourl
ett
ers.Wealsogotoutsince
Engl
ishwast
helastperi
odandthebellr
ang.

Iwal
kedt
omyBr ot
her
,Nt
sika'
scar.Hef
etchsme
whenhef
eel
sli
keitot
her
wiseIhaveatr
anspor
t.

Igoti
nont
hepassenger
ssi
t.

Me:
"bhut
t'nt
si.
"

Hel
ookedatmeandChuckl
ed.

Hi
m:"
yeki
lezokut
hat
hawena.
"
-
i'
m donewi
thcomi
ngt
ofet
chyou

Me:
"Xol
oke.
"
-
i'
m sor
ry.

Iki
ssedhi
scheek.

Me:
"nj
ani
"
-
howar
eyou?

Hi
m:"
I'
mfi
neandyou?
"

Me:
"al
sogr
eat
."

Igavehi
mt hel
ett
erf
ortheouti
ng.Hereadi
twhi
le
hi
sotherhandwasonthestar
ingwheel.
Hi
m:"
howmuchwi
llyouneedf
ort
his.
"

Me:
"nobaMal
inibhut
t'
."
-
anyamountwi
llbef
ine.

Hi
m:"
ne2r
?"
-
evena2r

Il
ookedathi
m.Hehadhislef
teyebr
owup.I
l
aughedandhechuckl
ed.

Me:
"okay500rt
hanIwi
llasknanyekobhut
t'bam.
"
-
myot
herbr
other
s.

Henodded.

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llgi
vei
ttoyouonMonday.
"
Me:"
Iwil
lal
soaskmom toaccompanymet
ogoand
buythi
ngsIwi
llneed.
"

Hi
m:"
Nini?
"
-
when

Me:"
Tuesday.Alwayswabusyyi
tar
venNandi
yamazinj
ena."
-
shei
sal
waysbusyatt
het
arven.

Hi
m:"yamazinandinget
arvenyakhe?Akhaf
uni
l
oose.amali
."
-
youknowNandiwit
hhert
arven?Shedoesn'
twant
t
oloosehermoney.

Welaughedashepar
kedhiscari
ntheyard.The
t
arvenwasful
lasal
ways.I
t'
sli
keitai
n'tThur
sday.
Mymom waschasi
ngMj
ekej
ekeawayasal
ways.

Il
aughedather
.It
ookmyl et
terandschoolbag.I
walkedt
oherandhuggedherfrom behi
nd.

Her
:"
tchi
ini
isewul
apha.
"
-
youal
readyher
e.

Shet
urnedar
oundandhuggedme.

Me:
"nj
animama?
"
-
howar
eyoumom.

Her
:"
ndor
ytwena.
"
-
i'
mfi
neandyou
Me:
"I
'm al
sof
ine.
"

Ifol
lowedbehindheraf
tert
aki
ngempt
ybot
tl
esof
Loinonthetable.

Me:
"mamanextweekI
'
m goi
ngt
oBot
swana.
"

Shel
ookedatme.

Her
:"
Bot
swana?
"

Me:
"yeah.
"

Igavehert
hel
ett
er.

Her
:"
funuyaNi
nit
ownf
ort
hengizi
ntokengoku.
"
-
whendoyouwantt
ogot
otownt
obuyt
hings?
"
Me:"kuphol
aTuesdaymocapheTar
vensor
yt
Tuesday."
-
It
snotf
ullonTuesdayher
eTuesdayi
sfi
ne.

Shenodded.Thetarvenis1ofoursourcesofbr
ead
onthet
able.Mybrothersalsowor
k.Ntandoissti
ll
i
nschoolyena.LastyearinUni
versi
ty.

Her
:"
okayhambot
shi
ntshake.si
zoyaTuesday.
"
-
wewi
llgoonTuesdayt
han.Goandchange.

Inoddedbef
orewalki
ngint
othehouseusi
ngt
he
backdoori
nthekit
chen.Iwal
keddownthe
passaget
omyr oom.

Igoti
nandchangedtomynightwear
.Iwi
lldomy
Mathshomeworkaf
terwashi
ngthedi
shestoni
ght
.
JustasIpl
acedmyheadont hepil
lowsot
hatIcan
restmyphonerang.Il
ookedatt
hename.

ItwasSinel
it
haoneofmyboyf
ri
end'
s.TheoneI
'
m
cheat
ingon.Ichuckl
edt
othet
houghtofi
t.

Me:
"hey.
"

Hi
m:"
baby.Uzokwazuphuma?
"
-
wil
lyoubeabl
etocomeout
.

Me:
"banixet
shaqal
aLi
tha?
"
-
what
'
sthet
ime?

Hi
m:"
past3.
"
Me:
"okayIwi
llmeetyouatt
hepar
kinaf
ew.
"

Hi
m:"
can'
tyoucomet
omyhouse?
"

Me:
"why?SothatIcanbumpi
ntoyourmot
her
?so
t
hatshecanswearatmeagai
nnever.
"

Hi
m:"
mxm"

Hehangedup.Ilookedatthephoneandlaughed.
Justt
hanLithal
ethucal
led.Si
nel
it
ha'
sfri
endthe
oneI'
m dat
ing.

Can'
tthi
sdaygetanybet
ter.Iwannadream about
myhunkcrushandtheyarebusydist
urbingme.

Me:
"Let
hu.
"
Hi
m:"
heyst
handwasam.Uphindi
kukhumbul
a?"
-
wher
ear
eyouImi
ssyou.

Me:
"uboni
lenj
est
handwabaNt
sikakhona.
"
-
yousawt
hatNt
sikai
sher
e.

Hi
m:"
ndi
zokubonaNi
nikengoku.
"
-
whenwi
llIseeyou.

Me:"mhhngomsoaf
terschool
.Meetmeatmy
school
."

Hi
m:"
okayndakut
hanndake.
"
-
iloveyou

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"
Hehangedup.Isighed.I
'
m playi
ngwithf
ir
eher
e.
Butwhenyouhaven'tmettheone.Yougott
apl
ay
ti
llyouf
indone.

It
'snotl
ikeSi
nel
it
haisfai
thf
ultome.Healways
cheatsonmealways.AndIalwaysFor
givehi
m.

Onetimehecheat
edandLi
thal
ethuappr
oachedme.
IgaveinSi
nceIwassohur
tandhesweetTalked
me.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
3
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
I'
m st
alki
ngheronal
lsoci
almediapl
atf
orms.Don'
t
askmewhybutsomet hi
ngatt
ract
smet oher
.

I'
m sl
owl
yloosingmymind.Whyam Ievenlooki
ng
ather
.Sheisn'
tevenmytype.Icheckedt
heti
meit'
s
12am.

Il
ookedatmycock.Ihaveabonerbyj
ustl
ooki
ng
atherpi
ctur
es.

Ican'
tsl
eepwhenI
'
mthi
shar
d.Iwantt
otakea
shower
.Acol
done.

Isl
eptandwokeupear
lyt
hanusual
.Don'
taskme
bakuthi
ni.
Ndi
skendaexci
ted
-
i'
mjustexci
ted

:
"Chumani
..
..
"

ThatwasNi
zi.Iwasinthebathr
oom br
ushi
ngmy
fade.I
'
mful
lydressedandall
.

Shewal
kedi
nthebat
hroom.

Her
:"
qal
eNi
nibayear
lybi
rdwena.
"
-
sincewhenar
eyouanear
lybi
rd.
Ishrugged.Shel
aughed.I'
m al
wayslat
e.My
parentstakesmetoschoolsomet
imes,whenI
'
m
l
ate.

Me:"
youcangoandgetdr
essed.Iwi
llmake
br
eakfastsol
ong.
"

Shesmiled.Mymot herhasabeaut
if
ulsmi
le
bakhi
thi
.Shekissedmycheek.

Me:
"ni
zi"

Her
:"
Iloveyou.
"

Ichuckl
ed.Shewal
kedout
.

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"
It
ookmybags( spor
tsbagandschoolbag)and
walkeddownst
air
s.

Imadeoatsandf
ruitsal
adforthosewhowant
sit
.
Wheniwasdoneplacingbowlsonthetabl
e
ever
yonecamedown.

YesIcancook.Il
ovehelpingmymot hert
here.We
alsosometi
mestaketurnsincookingwiththetwi
ns.
Theycooktoget
her.Theybasical
lydoeverythi
ng
toget
her.

Si
ya:"
theniwamnandinamhl
anj
ekwedi
nisongumt
u
wovukaearlywena.
"
-
whyar
eyouhappyt
oday.Younotanear
lybi
rd

Me:
"i
t'
saHappydaypeopl
e."

TheyChuckl
ed.
Thet
wins:
"weal
lknowyouhat
eschoolwhat
'sup.
"

Igasped.

Me:
"Il
oveschoolmaj
it
aHai
bo.
"

Ever
yonechuckl
eddi
shi
ngup.

Si
yalookedatme.Il
ookedathi
m heshookhi
sand
smir
ked.

Nizi
:"
ther
ehastobeaspeci
algi
rl
.Mysonwoul
d
neverdothi
s."

Ever
yonelookedatme.ThankGodformyFat
her
s
ski
ncolour.Iwoul
dhavebeenredbynow.
Me:
"hai
boNi
ziwam.
"

Il
aughed.TheyChuckl
ed.Wechat
tedasaf
ami
l
y
l
aughi
ngasal ways.

Wedr ovetoschoolwit
hthet
wins.Nkanyezi
was
tr
ulyweari
nggr eypant
sli
keUvuyo.Ij
ustsaw1
personin2.

Igottoschoolandwenttoourusualpl
acewi
tht
he
bro'
stheywerealreadyher
e.

Me:
"yeahshoshomaj
it
a."

Ibr
ohuggedt
hem.

Kel
vin:
"whyhappykwak'
sasa.
"
-
whyar
eyouhappyi
nthemor
ning.
Them:
"yeahzi
kiphani
?"
-
what
'
sgoi
ngon.

Me:"
gooddaynjazam hai
bo.Whyi
sever
yone
l
ooki
ngatmelikethat
."

Theyli
ftt
hei
reyebrowsupandChuckl
ed.Wechi
ll
ed
ther
eti
llt
hebel
lrang.

Wearei
nthesamecl ass,10A.Weonl
ysepar
ate
whenwegotootherclasses.

Wemeetagai ni ntheMaths,
Engli
shandAf ri
kaans
classes.Bef
oregoingtotheMathsclass.I
remember edthatIhadtobri
ngmyi d.

Fuck.Isear
chedmybl
azerf
ormyphonef
uck.Il
eft
i
tont
opoft
hechestofdr
awer
.

Iwalkedt
otheoff
ice.NowIhavetopay5r.Iwi
ll
expl
ainmysel
ftotheMathsteacherwhenIget
ther
e.

Igott
otheoffi
ceandEyodwawasal
soher
e.I
smil
edbefor
ewalkingi
nfurt
her
.

Eyodwa:
"ma'
am canyoupl
easecal
lmybr
otheror
mothert
ocomewi t
hmyid.
"

Seemsl
ikewear
efaci
ngt
hesamepr
obl
em.

Secret
ary:
"howcanyoufor
geti
t.Youcanuseyour
phonetocallherort
hem.j
ustmakeitqui
ck.
"

Eyodwa:
"pr
obl
em i
sIf
orgotmyphoneont
opoft
he
chestofdr
awer
."

Samepr
obl
em.

Me:
"met oomevrou.Canyoupl
easecal
lmymot
her
orf
athertocomewithmyID."

Shesi
ghed.

Her:
"l
eaveyournameshere.Iwil
lcal
lovert
he
i
nter
com oncetheyhavearr
ived.Pl
aceyour5rher
e
youknowthedril
l.
"

It
ookouta200rnot
e.

Me:"
ma'am doyouper
hapshavechangehave200r
wi
th."
Her
:"
no.Goandl
ookf
orchange.
"

Eyodwa:
"don'
twor
ryIwi
llpayf
oryou.
"

Shesai
dsmi
li
ng.Sheal
sohasagenui
nehear
t.

Secr
etar
y:"
youcangot
hanIwi
llcal
lyou.
"

Wenodded.Wewal
kedouttotheMathsclass.I
wasbehi
ndher
.Bebudanezst
epsguys.Ichuckl
ed.

Wegoti
never
yonel
ookedatus.

Cl
ass:
"mhhh"

Ichuckl
edagain.Il
ookedatthebackformysitbut
Zoeytooki
t.SheisNtlakani
pho'
sfuckbuddy.
Theywer
esi
tt
ingt
oget
her
.

Mr.Wart
ss:
"t
here'
sasi
tatt
hef
rontPl
aat
ji
esst
op
wast
ingourt
ime."

Il
ookedatthesithewasref
err
ingt
o.Ther
ewasan
openspacenexttoEyodwa.

Myhear
twassohappy.Iwenttosi
tnextt
oher
.I
hat
esi
tt
ingatt
hef
rontbuti
fit
'swit
hher.Whynot
.

ItookoutmyMat
hsbookandt
extbook.BooksI
neverf
orget
.

Eyodwa:"
zangendazikwaziequat
ionsand
i
nequali
ti
es.Andi
yazindi
zozenzanj aningoku.
"
-
iNeverknewhowt
odoequat
ionsandi
nequal
it
ies.
Idon'
tknowhowIwi
lldot
hem now.

Shesai
dfrust
ratedl
ylooki
ngatherbookr
eadi
ng
howtheyaredone.

Me:"
it'
ssimpl
eyouj
ustneedt
ofol
lowt
hei
rrul
es.
Jonga."
-
look.

Igotcl
osertoherandshesmell
ssweetandlovi
ng.
Iexpl
ainedtoherhowtheyar
edoneallf
ormali
ti
es
andstuff.

Her
:"
nowIgeti
tthankyouhey.
"

Shesidehuggedmebeforedoi
ngherwor
kagai
n.I
st
art
eddoingtheact
ivi
tyontheboar
d.
Her:
"whyyoual
waysser
ious?I
syourl
if
ethat
f
rustr
ati
ng.
"

Il
ookedather
.Shewasj
ustdoi
ngherwor
k.

Her:
"Imeanyouandyourf r
iendsar
ealwaysser
ious.
Lookattheoneattheback.Heisn'
tevensmi
li
ng
butheistal
kingt
ohisgir
lfr
iend.
"

Sheshookherhead.

Me:
"l
ikewesai
dyest
erday.I
t'
sourl
awt
onotsmi
le.
"

Her:
"youguysapr
ett
ymuchawkwar
d.I
sever
ythi
ng
okayathome?"

Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"ever
ythi
ngi
sper
fect
lyf
ine.
"

Shechuckl
ed.

Her
:"
Canyouatleastsmil
ewhenyousitt
ingwi
th
me.Ihat
eitwhenpeoplearet
ooser
ious.
"

Ir
oll
edmyeyeswhi
lemyeyebr
owi
sup.

Her
:"
wowhowdoyoudot
hat
."

Shetr
ieddoingit
.Shecan'tevenrol
lhereyes.I
l
aughedather.Sheplacedherelbowont hetabl
e
andherfaceontopofherhand.

Me:
"whatdoIhavesomet
hingonmyf
ace.
"

Isai
dtouchi
ngi
t.
She:
"seeyoushouldsmilemorehaveyouseenhow
youarewhenyouhaveahappyf ace.Yourl
augher
i
sevenmor edeeperthanyourvoice.
"

Ismi
led.

Me:
"I
'm amant
hat
'swhy.
"

Her
:"
psshmanwena"
-
youaman?

Me:
"heeyoohndaqel
ekaapha.
"
-
i'
m bei
ngpi
ssedher
e.

Her
:"
stopbei
ngdr
amat
icandsmi
lemor
e."
Me:
"I
'm avoi
dingpeopl
eli
keyouf
rom notsmi
li
ng.
"

Shegaspedhol
dingherchest
.

Her
:"
ist
hatyout
ell
ingme9/
9thatI
'
mir
ri
tat
ing?
"

Me:
"yourwor
dsnotmi
ne.
"

Il
if
tupmyhandsi
nsur
renderr
oll
ingmyeyes.

Her
:"
onedayt
heywi
llnotcomeback.
"

Il
aughed,
sheal
sol
aughed.

Her
:"
theyar
eevensmal
l
."

Me:
"l
iket
aimal
am ndayazi
ibr
a."
-
li
kemyf
atherIknow.

Shejustl
aughedIendedupj
oini
ngi
n.Thecl
ass
wentdeadquiet
.

Ever
yonewaslooki
ngatusnow.Thandowas
fumingatt
heback.Ist
oppedlaughi
ngandwent
backtodoi
ngmywor k.Notbecauseofher
.

Eyodwacoul
dn'
tst
opl
aughi
ng.Thecl
asschuckl
ed.

Mybr
o's;
"bayadyol
abayekeniGuys.
"
-
theyar
edat
ingl
eavet
hem.

Theclassl
aughed.Mr.War
tsswasoutofthecl
ass.
Ishookmyhead.Thandowalkedoutf
uming.

Sekani
:"
nayibonat
oyesandof
akwi
bat
ter
yezi
ntsha
moc?
"
-
doyouseeat
oyt
hathasbr
andnewbat
ter
y's?

Cl
ass:
"yeah.
"

Sekani
:"
ngat
hiYi
yot
handosana.
"
-
thandoi
sli
keoneoft
hem.

Everyonel
aughed.EvenmeandmyBro'sl
aughed.
Eyodwawascr yi
ngnextt
omef r
om l
augher
.

Thei
nter
com wentonj
ustast
hebel
lwasaboutt
o
ri
ng.

:
"CanEyodwandoniLangaandChumaniPl
aat
ji
esi
n
10Apleasecometotheoff
icet
hankyou.
"

Webot
hst
oodupandpackedourbags.If
elteye'
s.
Iknewthewhol
ecl
asswasl
ooki
ngatus.We
walkedout
.

Kel
vinandNtl
akani
pho:
"bayadyol
aguyskudal
a
si
nixel
ela.
"
-
theyar
edat
ingguys.Wehavebeent
ell
ingyou.

Mybr o'
s:
"abanqumlinecl
assbanquml
ideskno
i
factbahlal
akunyenakwezodesk.
-
theyski
pdesks,
theydon'
tevenski
pcl
ass.No
i
nfactt
heysi
tinonedesk.

Theysai
daswewalkedout
.Thecl
assl
aughedout
l
oud.WeChuckl
ed.
.
.
.
.
.
Uvuyo
Itwasnowthi
rdper
iod.Meaningont
henextper
iod
Iwil
lhavet
ogotothetoi
lett
oexchangepl
aceswit
h
myt wi
n.

Idon'
tknowwhyweain'
tint
hesameclass.Thank
Godwehavethesamebodystr
uct
ure.

Welookt
hesamewesometimesswi
peeachother
whenwantt
oathome.Butweal
waysgetcaught
.

Theyaretheonl
ypeopl
ewhocant ellt
hedi f
ference
bet
weenus.Thebellr
ang.IsawNkanyezi walking
outofhercl
ass.Wewalkedbythetoil
ets.

Me:
"saphubakawakhobr
abef
oreanyoneseesus.
"
-
givemeyourbag.
..
.
Her
:"
kamnandibr
eakaf
tert
his.
"
-
it
sbr
eakaf
tert
his.

Me:
"uvephiwena?
"
-
wher
edi
dyouheart
hat
.

Sher
oll
edhereyes.

Her
:"
misswam.Masambe.
"
-
myt
eacher
.Let
'sgo.

Iwal
kedt
ohercl
ass.

SSteacher:
"Pl
aat
ji
esyouar
eal
waysl
atef
ormy
cl
asses."
Me:
"sor
ryma'
am Ineedt
ouset
het
oil
etur
gent
ly.
"

Her
:"
gosityouar
ewast
ingourt
ime.Wehaveat
est
t
owr i
te.
"

Iwentt
osi
tonherchai
r.Wehavedonet
hisal
ot.I
knowwher
eshesit
sinthi
scl
ass.

Theteachergaveusourpaper
s.Iwr
oteUvuyoI
wri
ppedt hepaperapar
t.

Me:
"ma'am canIhaveanot
herpaperpl
easeI
mi
stakenl
ywr ot
eUvuyo'
sname."

Shegavemeanotherpaperwi
thouthesi
tat
ion.I
wrot
eNkanyezi
'
snamet hist
ime.

Iwr
otet
het
est
.Ial
readyknewt
hepapersoIdi
dn'
t
havepr
obl
ems.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Wewalkedtotheoffi
ce.Thesecr
etar
ygaveusour
I
D's.Wethanwalkedoutandwentoursepar
ate
ways.

Wewalkedt
oget
hertot
heHi
stor
ycl
ass.I
t'
samust
t
odoinmyschool.

Aft
erschoolwewal
kedoutmeandmybr
o'swi
llgo
t
otrai
ning.

Wear
eal
soi
nthi
sgangst
ert
hings.
Kal
vin:
"t
rai
n.i
swabaninamhl
anj
e."
-
whowi
llbeassi
sti
nguswi
tht
rai
ningt
oday.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"l
akakuTai
lor
."
-
Tai
lor

Us:
"r
haa.
"

Hemakesusoverdoever
ythi
ng.Wegohomewi
th
sor
ebodi
es.

Me:"
masingayinamhl
anj
ecausenamazit
ail
or
nj
ani.
"
-
let
'snotgo.Youal
lknowhowt
ail
ori
s.

Sekani
:"wedwamntanam yayazi
inextweekzozano
taMsiyane(Si
ya)
"
-youonyoural
oneyouknownextweekhewi
ll
comewithSiya

Me:
"si
phiqal
athi
nanextweek.
"
-
wher
ear
ewef
ir
stnextweek.

Us:
"Bot
swana!
!.
"

Wesaidoutl
oudcausingeyes.TheyChuckled.We
al
sochuckl
ed.Il
ookedaroundtoseeifIcan'tfi
nd
Eyodwa.

Shewaswi
thsomeguy.Notwhi
leI
'
m her
e.Never
.

Me:
"Eyodwa!
!"

Ever
yonel
ookedatme.Idi
dn'
tcar
e.Shel
ookedat
me.
Me:
"zaphar
howr
howmyvr
ou.
"
-
comeher
equi
ckl
ymywoman.

Shespoket
otheguy.

Kel
vin:
"Pl
easedon'
ttel
lmeyourj
eal
ous.
"

Il
ookedatt
hem.Theyl
aughed.Ichuckl
ed.She
cametome.

Me:"
jongacel
andenzelifavouryabonakuzot
higqi
GTIemnyamaaphayaboi neli
neebomvuzuxelel
e
l
adriverbasi
dispi
leyabo."
-
lookcanyoupleasedomeaf avour
.Whenyousee
ablackGTIwit
hredstr
ipescanyoupleaset
ellt
he
dri
verthatwear
egone.
Her
:"
GTIemnyama.Oksho.
"
-
blackGTIokay.

Ipl
acedmyarm ar
oundhershoul
der
s.Shel
ooked
atme.Ismi
ledbef
orel
ooki
ngatmybr o'
s

Me:
"l
et'
saccompanyher
.Si
vayeni
."
-
ansgo.

TheyChuckl
ed.Wewal
kedwi
thhert
owar
dst
heguy
shewasstandi
ngwi
th.

Sekani
:"
ohumnandi
nguSekani
."
-
i'
m Sekani
.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"Nt
lakani
pho.
"
Kel
vin:
"Kel
vin.
"

Me:
"Chumani
."

Her
:"
ndayazi
i"
-
iknow

SheTri
edtorol
lhereyes.Welaughedather
.She
sul
ked.Wegottoherboyfr
iend.

Me:
"pl
easet
eachherhowt
orol
lhereyes.
"

Isai
dbeforewalkedawaywewerest
il
llaughi
ng.I
l
ookedatthefuckerandwi
nked.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
4
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwandoni
Mywholedaytodayhasbeenr evol
vingaroundhim.
Whenhesmilesit
'sl
ike.
..Andi
yazi,
mar nandiyazi
.

Af
terschoolaspr
omi
sedIwal
kedovert
oLet
hu
Me:
"heyyoucame"

Isai
dhuggi
nghi
m.Heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Him:"
whywouldn'
tI.Bendingazokwazi
icancel
.i
sha
phonefl
atandbendikukhumbulalaway.
"
-
icouldn'
tcancelmyphonewasf
latandIwas
missi
ngyou.

Me:
"bewor
seeyam ndi
yishi
yendl
ini
."
-
ilef
tmi
neatt
hehouse.

Justt
het
houghtofi
t.Chumanial
sol
efthi
sathome.

Hi
m:"
howar
eyouot
her
wise.
"

Hesai
dsmi
li
ng.
Me:
"beengr
eatwena?
"

Hi
m:"
justsawyourf
acesondi
xap.
"

Ibl
ushed.ThankGodf
ormydar
kski
ntone.

Hi
m:"
woahi
sthatasmi
let
hatI
'
m seei
ng.
"

Hesai
dbri
ngmecl
osert
ohi
m.Wehugged.He
gavemeapeck

:
"Eyodwa!
!"

Il
ookedatt
hepersoncall
ingmei
twasChumani
.
St
andingwi
thhi
sf r
iends.
Hi
m:"
zaphar
howr
howmyvr
ou.
"
-
comeher
equi
ckl
ymywoman.

Whathappenedtopl
ease.Hejustcommandedme
t
ogotohim.Haibothi
sguy.ButIlikehowheis.I
l
ikeaguythatal
wayswantstobei nchar
ge.

Me:
"t
hosearemycl
assmat
es.Lemmegohearwhat
hewi
llsay.
"

Let
hu:
"wow.Cl
assmat
esbutukubi
zivr
ouyakhe.
"
-
buthi
scal
li
ngyouhi
swoman.

Iwal
kedawayf
rom hi
m andwentt
oChumani
.

Hi
m: "
Jongacelandenzelif
avouryabonakuzot
higqi
GTIemnyamaaphayaboi neli
neebomvuzuxelel
e
l
adriverbasi
dispi
leyabo."
-
lookcanyoudomeaf avour
.Whenyouseeabl ack
GTIwit
hredstr
ipescanyoupleaset
ellt
hedr
iver
t
hatwearegone.

Seeheisdemanding.Hedi
dn'
tevenwai
tformet
o
askwhatfavourhej
ustcommandedmetodoso.

Me:
"GTIemnyama.Oksho.
"
-
blackGTIokay.

Ij
ustagr
eedcauseheal
readyagr
eedonmybehal
f.

Heplacedhisar
m ar
oundmyshoul
der
sandsmi
led.
Ial
sosmi l
ed.

Hi
m:"
let
'saccompanyher
.Si
vayeni
."
-
andgo
TheyChuckl
ed.Wewalkedcl
osertoLet
hu.Theyal
l
i
ntroducedt
hemsel
vesbefor
egoing.

Hol
donIknowthei
rnamesf
rom somewher
e.Igot
t
oLethuandhewasfumi
ngwit
hanger.

Hi
m:"
andyoucal
lthatj
ustcl
assmat
es?
"

Me:"i
fIwasdatinghi
m doyouthinkIwouldbe
st
upidenought oWalkwit
hhiminfrontofyou.
YayaziiIwoul
dnevercheatonyou.
"

Him:"
youknowthatIhat
eseeingyouwi
thot
her
guys.HenceI
'
m alwaysnotar
oundwhenyouwit
h
Sinel
it
ha.
"

Me:
"whyar
ewet
alki
ngabouthi
m?"
Him:"
Xolokebaby.Butpl
easestopbef
ri
endi
ng
ever
yone.Mbonil
elamji
taukujonganj
ani
."
-
didyouseehowt
hatguyl
ooksatyou.

Heisjealousl
ikehedoesn'tgoar
oundwi t
hgir
lsi
n
fr
ontofmeandactl i
keI'
m aghost
.YeahIknowmy
l
ifei
st oxi
cbutthat'
sli
fe.AndDon'
tthi
nkIgethur
t.
I'
m usedtopeoplecheatingonme.Thatpaini
sn'
t
aspainfulasbefor
e.

Me:
"Idon'
tknowwhatyourt
alki
ngabout
."

Hi
m:"wedon'tseewi
ththeSameeyes.Whatdi
dhe
wantfr
om youanyway.
"

Isawt
heGTIhewast
alki
ngabout
.

Me:"
thatar
eyoucomi
ngwi
thmeorshoul
dIgo
al
one."
Isai
dpointi
ngatthecar
.Ij
ustwal
kedaway.Igott
o
thecar
.Iknockedonthewi
ndow.Thedr
iver
l
owernedit
.

Me:"doesever
yonehel
iveswi
thhavet
obedead
ser
ious."

Hi
m:"
whatdoyouwantmi
ss.
"

Me:"
oohI'
m Eyodwa.Chumani,
Nt l
akanipho,Kel
vin
andSekanisai
dImusttel
lyouthattheyaregone.
"

Henodded.Bef
orecl
osi
ngt
hewi
ndow.hei
srude
r
haa.

Iwal
kedbackt
oLet
hu.
Hi
m:"
comel
et'
sgetyouhome.
"

Wewalkedtotherankt
alki
ngandlaughi
ngher
e
andt
here.Igothomeandwentstr
aightt
omyroom.

9hourswithoutyourcel
lphoneai
n'tfunny.
Especi
all
ywhenyoudon' thavefr
iends.AllIdid
wasdaydr eamingtodayandeati
ngmybr aaimeat
.

Meatisthebest
.Iwouldkil
ldomeat.Ihad6
messagesfrom Si
nel
it
ha,hababat
hong.

Iviewedthemessage.I
twasagoodmorni
ng
message, 4pi
ctur
esofmewit
hChumaniandmeat
thecarandamessageofhim mocki
ngme.

Yandiqel
a.
-
hei
spi
ssi
ngmeof
f.
_
_phoneconver
sat
ion
Me:
"i
t'
snotwhatyout
hinki
tis.
"

Hi
m:"t
hanwhatam Iseei
ng?Youar
edat
ingpeopl
e
wi
thcarsnow?"

Me:"
whosai
danythi
ngaboutdat
ingt
hoseguys.
Theyar
emyclassmates.
"

Him:"ever
yoneknowsforafactt
hattheynever
smil
ewhent heyarewithgi
rl
seventheirown
gi
rlf
ri
endswhyar etheysmi
lingwit
hyou? "

Me:"
thi
sridicul
oushai
bohowwil
lIknow.Saphi
nt
simbinetshobabenoyazi
."
-
givemebeadsandthesangoma'
sst
ickwi
thacow
t
ailt
hanIwil
lknow.
Hebl
uet
ickedme.

Me:"eveni
fIwasdatingt
hem itdoesn'
teven
concernyou.Youtheonecheati
ngbetweenyou
andInottheotherwayaround.
"

Him:"oohyout
urni
ngthi
sonmenow.Yayaziwhy
I
'm cheati
ngsosur
ingul
wat
haapha.
"

Me:"andyouexpectmetogiveitt
oyouwhenyou
arecheati
ngonmet hewholeti
me.Libal
iyane,
for
getti
ngzmntasekhayal
ibal
a."
-
for
getabouti
t.

Hi
m:"
okayI
'
m sor
rymyl
ove.
"

Me:
"akhont
o."
-
ther
eisnot
hing

Hi
m:"
butpl
easest
opchi
ll
ingwi
tht
hoseguys.
"

Me:
"okayIwi
ll
."

_
_endofconver
sat
ion.

Mxm asifIwill
.Icheckedmyair
ti
mebalanceIneed
dat
a.Isearchedmybl azerf
ormoney.

Ihave50rlef
tfrom t
hisweek.Iget100reveryweek
forpocketmoney.Ijustt
ookoffmygr asshopper
andwor emysli
ppers.

Iwalkedt
otheshop.Si
neli
tha'
shousei
sacross
theshopsothat
'swhyIhavemyearphoneson.
Iwalkeddownthestr
eet
.Isawhim andThando
(Chumani'
sgi
rl
fri
end)wal
kingi
nathishouse.Wow.
Ichuckl
ed.

These2arefucki
ngIcanbetyouthat
.Healways
sayssheishercousi
n.Ishookmyheadandwalked
totheshop.

Me:
"Lucky.
"

Hi
m:"
funanimuhl
es.
"
-
whatdoyouwantbeaut
if
ul.

Me:
"ai
rt
imeye30rnet
opperzeLemon.
"

Henoddedandcamebackwi
thmyt
hings.Ipayed.
Iwal
kedbackhome.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Wewal
kedt
otheMal
lthanwentt
oRocomamas.

Weal
lor
der
ed2bur
ger
s.

Ntl
akani
pho:
"kwenzekant
on'
phakat
hikwakono
Eyodwa.
"
-
what
'
shappeni
ngbet
weenyouandEyodwa.

Me:
"ni
xwej
ustcl
assmat
es.
"

Them:
"t
hewayyoul
ookateachot
hersaysmor
e."
Wel
aughed.

Me:"mxm ni
ybonilel
alai
tybemenayomoc.Nor h
kuzebendim st
alk.
azolobefot
e.enenyeponi
."
-
yousawt hatshewaswi t
hanotherboytoday.And
whenIwasst al
kingheryest
erdayshehadpictur
es
ofanot
herboy.

Them:
"nj
akazionet
ime.
"

Wel
aughed.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"pl
ayerl
amt
hana.
"

Me:
"ndi
zomenzaAber
ytumna.
"
-
iwi
llmakeherf
ine.
Kel
vin:
"Thando?
"

Me:
"mxm sundixel
elangal
owoumna.
"
-
don'
ttel
lmeaboutt
hatone.

Sekani
:"
izol
obusi
thisoyt
ypeyakhongoku?
"
-
yest
erdayshewasn'
tyourt
ypeandnow.

Me:"
izolobekuyizol
obawonamhl
anj
ekunamhl
anj
e.
Bendiziphambanisanj
ezol
o."
-
yest
erdaywasyest
erday.Todayi
stoday.Iwasj
ust
f
ooli
ngmyself
.

Wel
aughed.

Me:"hail
ikemaji
talamt
hananimbonileandNayazi
andongumt uoncumahleka.Butyenandenze
hl
eke."
-
didyouseet
hatchil
dandyouknowI 'm nota
per
sonwhosmilesandlaugh.Butshemademe
l
augh.

Sekani
:"
yazindi
kuj
eqi
lephacl
ass.
iniokoni
hleka
sana"
-
isawyoui
nthecl
assyouhavebeenl
aughi
ng.

Them:
"onewor
dWhi
ppedmj
it
a."

Welaughed.Wechil
ledt
her
efort
her
estoft
heday
l
aughingandchat
ti
ng.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
Sor
ryf
ort
heshor
tinser
t.
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
5
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
I
tisnowWednesday.Meaningt
hatTommor
owI
wil
lbegoi
ngt
oBot swana.

Iwon'
tbegoingt
oschool.Ist
il
lneedtof
ixaf
ew
thi
ngsbef
oregoi
ng.Ihaven'
tpackedyet
.
Iwokeupat10.Ididmymorningrout
ine.Af
ter
dressi
ngupIwalkeddownst
air
s.

Iwalkedst
rai
ghtt
othewar
mer.Aus'
Mavi
swas
her
e.Theycometwiceaweek.

Me:
"mol
oma.
"
-
mor
ing

Her
:"
mol
onyanakangeuyeschool
.wenikant
i"
-
mor
ingson.Di
dn'
tyougot
oschool
.

Me:
"aakuf
unekel
ungi
sel
elet
ri
pyam.
"
-
noIhavet
ofi
xthi
ngsf
ormyt
ri
p.

Shenodded.It
ookmyfoodandsatonthe
bar
stool
s.WhenIwasdoneeat
ingitookmyf
ather
s
TSIkeys.

Idr
ovet
otheMal
landdi
dmyl
it
tl
eshoppi
ng.
.
.
.
.
.
Nkanyezi
Meandmybr owerecal
ledtot
hepr
inci
pal
'
sof
fi
ce.
Wewalkedt
herehandinhand.

Wewal
kedi
n.

Us:
"mor
ningma'
am"

Her
:"
youmaysi
t.
"
Shei
ssor
ude.Wesatdownsmi
li
ng.

Her:"
yourSSteacherAndMat
hsteachert
ell
sme
thatUvuyopassedhismat
hsandNkanyezipassed
herSS."

Welookedateachot
herandsmi
ledwedi
dour
handshake.

Her
:"
stopi
tthi
sismyof
fi
ce.
"

Wel
ookedather
.

Her
:"howdi dyou2pass.Weal
lknowthatNkanyezi
i
snotcleverinSSandUvuyoisnotcl
everi
n
Mathematics.
"
Us:"ma'am westayint
hesamehousesoobvi ously
wehel pedeachotherwit
hourwor k.Asyouknow
she/hestruggl
esinSS/Mat hsandI'
m goodinit.We
helpedeachothertopass.Wear etwinsaf
teral
l we
areboundt ohel
peachot her.
"

Wesai
dsmi
li
ng.Wehavedonethi
ssi
ncel
astyear
gr
ade7soi
t'
snott
hefi
rstt
ime.

Her:
"mhhI'
m watchi
ngyout
wo.Youcangoand
st
opgivi
ngteacherpr
obl
ems."

WenoddedBef
orest
andingup.Wewalkedout
.I
pl
acedmyheadonhisshoul
derhepl
acedhisarm
ar
oundmywaist.

Hi
m:"
theywi
llnevercat
chus.
"

Me:
"andt
heywon'
t.
"
Hi
m:"
whati
ftheycal
lmom.
"

Me:"
mxm shewouldn'tdoanyt
hingyouknowshe
gaveuponuslastyear.
"

Hi
m:"
yeahshedi
d.Al
sodadl
et'
susbe.
"

Me:"
zobonababaphone.
let
ata.Tat
azot
humu
Bhut
t'
."
-
ift
heycal
ldad.Dadwi
llsendChumani
.

Wel
aughed.

:
"Whatar
eyou2doi
ngher
e.Ai
n'tyousupposet
obe
i
nyourcl
asses.
"

Wet
urnedar
oundonl
ytobemetbyourdeput
y
pri
nci
pal
.Wenotshakenbyanyoft
heset
eacher
s.
That'
swhywearechi
ll
ed.

Us:
"wear
egoi
ngt
oourcl
asses.
"

Her
:"
whyar
eyouhol
dingeachot
hert
han.
"

Us:"
Iwasjustaccompanyingher
/hi
mtohi
s
Engli
sh/
Afri
kaansclass.
"

Her
:"
got
oyourcl
assest
han.
"

Us:
"byebr
o."

Wewal
kedi
ntheSamedi
rect
ion.

Us:
"holdonyourint
heEngli
shcl
ass.Noyourint
he
Afr
ikaanscl
ass.Younotf
unnyyazi
i.GetLost
.Why
ar
eweevenspeaki
ngatt
hesamet
ime.
"

Thet
eacherwasi
rr
it
ated.Webot
htookoutour
ti
met
ablei
nourshi
rts.

Us:
"seeIt
oldyouIwasi
ntheEngl
ishcl
ass.
"

Her:
"st
opfi
ghti
ngandj
ustgotoyourf
ucken
cl
asses.Br
eakti
meyouwil
lcometomyof f
ice.
"

Us:
"hai
boma'
am wear
egoi
ng.
"

Wewal
kedtothedi
recti
onoftheAfr
ikaanscl
ass.
Wel
ookedateachotherandl
aughed.

Wedidourhandshake.Hewal kedtohisEngli
sh
cl
assIwal
kedtomyAf r
ikaansclass.Ichuckl
ed
bef
oreget
ti
ngin.
Ms:
"whyar
eyoul
ate.
"

Iswal
lowopeni
ngmybi
geye'
s.

Me:
"youknowhowmyTwi ni
s.Wewer
ear
gui
ngof
f
whoiscomingher
e.Andt
han.
..
"

Her:
"gosi
tdownIdon'
tcar
eaboutyourendl
ess
st
ori
es."

Theclasslaughed.TheyallknowwhenIst
art
tal
kingIt
alktil
lthebel
lri
ngs.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Ist
il
lhavetogoandfetcht
hetwi
nsandt
aket
hem
out
.It
'sthei
rbi
rt
hdaytomorr
ow.

AsIwasabouttosi
tdownandeatatSt
eer
smy
phoner
angitwasSiya.

Me:
"t
aima.
"

Him:
"j
ongakayophendul
aphakwischoolseTer
ms
andcondi
ti
ons.Busyumnangoku.
"
-l
ookgoandansweratTer
msandCondi
ti
ons
school
.I'
m busynow.

Welaughed.Hehangup.Those2areal
waysupt
o
nogood.Itookmythi
ngsandwalkedout
.
Igotther
eandwentt ot
heoff
ice.Ther
ewer
e4
teacher
sther
e.Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
"Af
ter
noon.
"

Isai
dshaki
ngt
hei
rhands.

Me:
"I
'mthei
rolderbr
other
.Ourpar
ent
sar
eatwor
k
t
hat
'swhytheyarenothere.
"

Theynodded.Isatdownandlookedatthetwi
ns
theywer
etalki
ngaboutwhatever.Okayletmetel
l
youthedi
ffer
encebetweent
hem.

Nkanyezihasbigeyeandmessyeyebr
owswhi l
e
Uvuyohasal i
tt
lebitbi
geye'
swi
thneateyebr
ows.
Pri
ncipal:"
thankyouforcomi ng.Wewant edtotalk
aboutthet winsbehavior.Theyhavebeenupt ono
goodandt heyhaven'
tchangedabi t.Theyalways
causi
ngchaos.Theydon' tevenl i
stentot hedeput
y
pri
ncipal.Wet r
iedeverythingwi ththem youalso
knowt hatwesepar atedthem t hinki
ngt heywill
behavebutt heyareget t
ingwor se.That '
swhywe
havedeci dedthatonehast ogot oanot herschool
andonehast ostay."

TheTwi
ns:"whatnowecan'
t.That
'si
mpossi
ble.
Whatwi
llIbewithouthi
m/her.
"

Thei
rbondi
sti
ght
.

Me:"Iwouldrathersendt hem toanotherschool.

This2ar earesocl osetheycan'tbeseparated.
Evenwhent heysleept heysleeptogetherthey
cuddletosleeptheydi dthatsi
ncetheywer esmal l
.
Theyhave2separ atebedroomsbutt heyalways
sl
eept oget
her.Howwi llweseparatethem.Iwould
rat
hersendt
hem t
oanot
herschoolsi
ncet
heyar
e
causi
ngchaos.
"

Isaid.Theyal
llookedatmeindisbel
ief
.Iknowthat
thetwinswerewr ongbutIwi
llal
waystakethei
r
side.

Deputypr
inci
pal
:"
youdon'
thavetotakethem bot
h
wejustwantwhat'
sbestf
orthem t
heycan'tkeep
onmisbehavi
ng.Thi
sisnott
heirschool
."

Me:"Iwon'tl
etyoudisr
espectthem li
kethat
.Make
sureyougetthetransf
erlet
ter
sr eadyfor
tommor ow.Masambeniimajit
a."
-
let
'sgo.

West oodup.Idi
dmyhandshakewi thUvuyoand
kissedNkanyezi
'
sCheek.Iplacedmyarmsaround
theirshoul
der
sbefor
ewalkingoutoftheof
fi
ce.
Il
ovemysi
bli
ngs.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
6
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Wewal kedinthecar.Theysatont
hepassenger
s
seatt
ogether.Hebana.

Il
if
tupmy1eyebr
ow.

Me:"
Iknowyou2aret
hinbutt
hatdoesn'
tmean
youhavet
ositi
nonechai
r.
"

Them:
"haiwet
hubhut
t'qhuba.
"
-
justdr
ive

Wel
aughed.Idr
oveof
f.

Me:
"nenzent
on'
?"
-
whatdi
dyoudo?

Them:
"haikl
kbesibhal
itestyabosaswipe.
athan
namhl
anjepri
nci
palwabonabasi pass.
il
e.and
asi
khocl everkwezasubj ect.Wasbizaoffi
cesathi
basincedi senekhont ingako.Saphumaof f
iceyakhe
sayacl ass.inisi
bambenekwat higqideputywathi
masi yeezcl ass.i
nizethuhaisal wathi
nabangubani i
oyakwiAf r
ikaansorEngl ishsahlekasayakwi cl
ass
zethu."
-
wewer ewri
ti
ngt estssoweswi pedthantodaythe
pri
ncipalsawthatwepassed.Shecal l
edustothe
off
iceandwet oldherthatwehel pedeachother
.
Wewal kedoutoft heoffi
cehandi nhandthedeputy
pri
ncipalcameandwear guedofwhoi sgoingto
theAfri
kaansandEngl ishcl
ass.Wel aughedbefor
e
goingtoourclasses

Il
ookedatt
hem andl
aughed.

Me:
"ni
gxot
hiwekengoku.
"
-
youar
echasedawaynow.

Them:
"si
zobuyel
aphangomsozobonasi
zophuma
xakut
handet
hina.Khangebasi
nikenel
ett
er.
"
-
wearegoi
ngbacktomorr
owyouwi l
lsee.Wewil
l
gowhenweli
keso.Theydi
dn'
tevengiveusl
ett
ers.

Ichuckl
edanddr
ovet
othemal
l.Wewentt
oSpur
.

Me:
"i
nani
."
-
her
e.

Isaidgivi
ngthem 5chocol
ateseach.Theyar
ear
e
dif
ferentki
ndsofchocol
ates.

Theysmi
led.

Them:
"Enkossibhut
t'
."
-
thankyou
Me:
"ni
ngazl
eqi
"
-
don'
teatt
hem atonce.

Theynoddedpl
aci
ngt
hem i
nthei
rschoolbags.

Me:
"ni
zot
hini
kwabazal
ibenu.
"
-
whatwi
llyousayt
oyourpar
ent
s.

Them:
"si
zobona.
"
-
wewi
llsee.

Ourfoodcamewest art
edeat
ing.Theywere
feedi
ngeachother
.Itookapi
ctureofthem and
senditt
othei
rmother.Ial
soposteditonmysocial
mediaplat
for
ms.

Shesentmeat
ext
.
Ni
zi:
"bahl
ekeabant
hwanabam.
"
-
mychi
ldr
enar
ebeaut
if
ul.

Ichuckl
edbef
orepl
aci
ngmyphoneaway.

Me:
"Don'
tyouguysgeti
rr
it
atedbyeachot
her?
"

Theyshookt
hei
rheads.

Them:
"neewedon'
t.
"

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
"soyouguysdon'
tevendat
e."

Them:"
eish.Umna/
Nkanyezil
ahl
iweUvuyo/
Umna
sadyol
a"
-
i/
Nkanyezigotdumped.Uvuyo/
I'
m st
il
ldat
ing.

Me:
"Don'
tyouswi
peyour
sel
vest
hen.
"

Them:
"hel
lno.
"

Theysaiddoi
ngadab.Wel
aughedoutl
oud.Mxm
theyar
ecrazy.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Hedidn'
tgotoschoolyest
erday.Wehavebeen
t
alki
nglat
elybutnott
hatmuch.Alsowithhi
s
f
ri
ends.

Iplacedmybaginthecar
.Liyemawast
aki
ngmet
o
school.Ihadmysmall
backpackonmyback.

Yester
dayIdidpurpl
ebraids.Wouldyoubel
ieveme
i
fIsaidididthem mysel
f.WellIdi
d.Iknowi
t's
unbeli
evabl
ebutIdid.

Wegott
oschoolIt
ookmybags.

Me:
"Iwi
llcal
lmom whenwear
eleavi
ngandwhen
wegett
here.
"

Hi
m:"
okaypr
incess.Enj
oybutDon'
tmi
ssbehave.
"
Wehugged.Hekissedmeal
lovermyface.Igi
ggl
ed.
It
ookmysui t
caseandwal
kedtower
eot her
l
earner
'sar
e.

Igotbusywit
hmycel l
phonechatt
ingwi
thbot
h
Sinel
it
haandLit
hal
ethuandotherpeopl
eon
Facebook.

Thebusar r
ived.Everyonewenti
nIwaitedf
or
everyonet
ogeti n.Theytookourbagsandpl
aced
them neat
lyinthebus.

Onceeveryonewasin.It
ookmyphoneandCal
led
mymot herwil
lget
ti
ngin.

Me:
"sahambangokumama"
-
wear
egoi
ngnowmom

Isai
dwal
kingi
nthepassagel
ooki
ngf
oraopen
space.

Her
:"
okaykegi
rlenj
oy.
"

Idi
sconnect
edt
hecal
l.Justt
hanSi
nel
it
hacal
led.

Me:
"st
handwa"

Hi
m:"
heybabyni
phingoku.
"
-
wher
ear
eyounow.

Iwasst
il
llooki
ngf
orapl
acet
osi
ton.

Sekani
:"
zohl
alaaphaEyodwa.
"
-
comesi
ther
eEyodwa.

Hesai
datt
heback.Iwal
kedt
her
e.
Me:
'
sesebus.
iniBaby.
"

Hi
m:"
okayndakut
hanndake.
"
-
okayIl
oveyout
han.

Me:
"ndakut
hanndanam Si
nel
it
ha.
"
-
iloveyout
ooSi
nel
it
ha.

Isai
dthatwhenIwasattheback.Chumaniand
Thandowerelooki
ngatme.t
heywer ebot
hfuming.
Thandowasont opofhi
mrhaa.

Iwasal
sofumi
ngthathei
swiththi
sgir
linfrontof
me.Iwentt
osi
tnextt
oSekanibythewindow.

Sekani
:"
whyi
angr
yThandokengokuyena.
"
Hewhisperedi
nmyear .Kel
vinandNtl
akani
pho
weredoi
ngwhat everonthephone.Theywereal
so
si
tt
ingattheback.

Me:
"f
unut
het
handabazabant
hu"
-
idon'
twannaTal
kaboutpeopl
e'
snews.

Him:"
sukeaphakecausebendigci
nel
ewenal
e
ndawu."
-
got
oanot
herpl
acecauseIkeptt
hisspacef
oryou.

Il
ookedathi
mfr
owni
nghel
aughed.

Me:
"mxm j
ongamamel
aapha.
"
-
lookl
ist
enher
e.

It
ookmybackpackf r
om mybackandt
ookoutmy
l
aptop.Iswi
tchedi
tonandgavehi
m my
headphones.

Hi
m:"
zokwenzant
on'
.
"
-
whatwi
llyoudo.

Me:
"IhaveagignextweekSaturday.SoIneedyou
t
oli
stentot
hismusictoseeifzobar ytna.
"

Hel
ookedatmeshocked.

Hi
m:"
tsi
kit
sikiwena?
"

Hesai
dmaki
ngasi
fhi
sDJi
ng

Me:
"yeah.
"

Hi
m:"
Izasmal
eleke.
"
-
let
'sl
ist
en.

Iplayedthemusi
c.Heclappedhi
shandscausi
ng
everyonetol
ookatus.

Hi
m:"
haiguysmnandi
ilomcul
ohai
bo.
"
-
noguyst
hismusi
cisgr
eat
.

Everyonelaughed.Hecontinueddanci
ngwi
thhi
s
handshiscr azy.Atl
eastheli
ftupmymood.When
thosehit
swer edonehegavememyheadphones.

Hi
m:"
zobaphil
egi
gyakhof
unubapha.
"
-
wher
ewi
llyourgi
gbeatIwannabet
her
e.

Il
aughed.

Me:
"Iwi
lldm yout
hedet
ail
s."
Henodded.Istart
edDoingmyotherhi
ts.Hewas
l
ooki
ngatt helapt
opconcent
rat
edwithhisheadon
myshoulder.

ItookoutapacketofchipsIopenedi
tandpl
acedi
t
onhislap.Weatewillconcent
rat
edonwhatIwas
doing.

Him:"
howdoyouknowwheni t'
sri
ghtornotcauseI
hearnodi
ff
erence.I
nwhatyoudidnowandwhat
youdid30minutesago.
"

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:"
basebingekhokl
eyangokundi
yifakhi
leIknow
i
t'
scrazybutbeli
evemether
eisadif
ference.
"
-
ther
ewasn'
taBasei
nthepr
evi
ousonenowi
thas
one.
..
.
Hechuckl
ed.

Him:"
ain'
tyouunderaget
ogot
ocl
ubs.Jonga
bhudeapha."
-
lookyoumadeami
stakeher
e.

Hesai
dpoi
nti
ngatt
hel
apt
op.If
ixedt
hemi
stake.

Me: "
thankyou.Wel lIam.Lemmet ellyouhowt hi
s
started.Myuncl etaughtmeal lofthisbuthe
passedaway.SoIt ookhistoolsandl earnedmore
things.LastyearwhenIwasi ngrade9Iwentt oa
club.Iwasgoi ngt odomyf irstgig.Ili
edandsai d
I'
mi ngr ade12I'm 18yearsol d.Theydi dn'
teven
askf ormyI d.Haykeiwentt herendenzaspanisam,
myt hings.Everyonewasenj oyi
ngt hemselves.
Everyonewascal li
ngoutmyname.Thepol i
ce
camei n.Theyarrestedmeandt heowner ..
..
"
Hi
m:"
wai
twhat
."

Hebursti
ntol
augher
.Hewasintears.Ever
yone
l
ookedatusandChuckl
ed.Ial
solaughedthi
nki
ng
aboutt
henaught
ythi
ngsIdidl
astyear.

Me:
"yeahgotar
rest
ed.
..
"

Hel
ookedatmeandl
aughedagai
n.

Me:
"yeki
leumnake.
"
-
iwon'
tgoon

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
Xol
oke.
"
-
i'
m sor
ry.
Me: "
yeahIgotar r
ested.Mymom wascal led.They
allcametothepol i
cest ati
on.Ifi
rstpl
eadwi ththe
detecti
vetoletgooft heownercauseshedi dn'
t
knowIwasunder18.Thenmymom cameshegave
meanear fulthatherbrotherdiedbecauseoft his
andIalsowannadi e.Isneakedoutwhi l
ethey
thoughtIwassl eeping.
.."

Hel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
youwer
eonf
ir
ewhydon'
tyousayso.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me: "
mxm anyway.Theyshout edatmet hewhol e
night.Theybailedme.LateronthatdayIwentto
thepolicest
ationagain.Appli
edforali
cenceso
thatIcangot ogig'
s.Luckil
ytheownerhadal ready
givenmemoneysoyeah.Ever yt
hingwentfastbutI
wasonl
yal
lowedt
ousei
tthi
syearsoyeah.
"

Hewasi
ntear
sfr
om l
aughi
ng.Ial
sol
aughed.

Hi
m:"
haiungunj
a."

Welaughed.Wecontinuedchat
ti
ng.Wesangsongs
(amagwij
o)mostofthetimeswit
hthewholebus.
Chumaniwastheleadsinger
.Hecansing.Iget
goosebumpsEver
ytimehegoest ohi
ghnotes.

WegottoBotswanalat
eatni
ghtsi
ncewehad
pi
tst
opsingarages.

Wewer etol
dtofor
m ali
nesothatwecanbe
di
videdint
o3'sf
orthebedr
ooms.Agir
lsli
neanda
boysLine.
Iwasattheback.ChumaniwasAlsoattheback.I
chuckl
ed.Hekeptsteal
inggl
ancesatme.Iwould
al
solookathi
mf rom ti
metotime.

Wegottothefrontt
hereweren'tgi
rl
sanymor
eand
t
hereweren'
tevenboys.Everyonewasinagr
oupof
t
hree.

Notmi
xedj
ustasi
mpl
egr
oupoft
hesamegender
.

Mr.Hope:
"you2aretheonlypeoplel
eft
.Andwe
don'
thaveaspar
er oom sothatyoucanhaveyour
ownrooms."

MrsSmit
h:"
pleasebehave.Youwi
llbeshar
inga
r
oom."

Wenodded.
Mrhope:
"wi
llyou2bef
ineorshoul
dwepul
lsome
st
ri
ngs.
"

Us:
"wewi
llbef
inesi
r.
"

Hi
m:"
okaybutbehave.Wedon'
twantbabi
es.
"

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
in30youwi
llmeetusatt
hehal
lfordi
nner
."

WenoddedbeforeWewenttoourroom withour
bags.Ther
ewere2bedonenexttotheotherther
e
wasachestofdrawerbet
weent
hem.

It
hrewmysel
font
opofoneoft
hebeds.

Chumani
:"
whyyoui
gnor
ingme.
"
It
ookoutmysweet
s.

Me:
"l
ekese?
"
-
sweet
s?

Isai
dli
ft
ingt
hem up.Het
ookt
hem.

Me:
"Iwasn'
tignor
ingyou.
"

Hi
m:"
qat
heni
."
-
thanwhat
'sup.

Hewasl
ayi
ngdownnextt
ome.Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:
"akhont
obuhl
elinemedi
lakhomoc.
"
-
not
hing,
youwer
esi
tt
ingwi
thyourgi
rl
fr
iend.
Hechuckl
edandl
ookedatmebef
oregi
vingmemy
sweet
sback.

Hi
m:"
sti
llyoushoul
dhavegr
eet
edme.
"

Me:
"oohbet
hweumna?
"
-
mustIbebeat
en?

Wel
aughed

Hi
m:"
sozebet
hwekhona.
"
-
noonewi
llbeatyouupwhi
leI
'
m st
il
lher
e.

Me:"mxasi
f.Youjustbl
abberingnowcomet
heday
I
'm beat
enupyou.YouWi l
ljustwatch.
"
Heheldhi
schest
.Wel
aughed.Igavehi
mthe
sweet
s.

Hi
m:"
don'
tmakemeahear
tl
essper
son.
"

Me:
"i
fIcoul
dIwoul
dber
oll
ingmyeyesr
ightnow.
"

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
okayl
et'
sst
artover
.Mol
oNdoni
."
-
eveni
ngndoni
.

Me:
"Mol
oOwet
hu.
"
-
eveni
ngOwet
hu

Hel ookedatmeshocked.Ifoundoutabouthi
s
secondnamewhi l
eIwastakingtheabsent
eesli
st
totheof f
iceyest
erday.
Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:"
Ifoundoutaboutyoursecondnameyest
erday
whenIwasdoingtheabsenteesli
st"

Hi
m:"
sul
ingxol
akl
knawe.
"
-
don'
tshoutabouti
t.

Inodded.Wel
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
7
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Youmustbewonderi
ngwhyIwasf umi
ngatthe
bus.Aamaji
tai
thur
ts.Ngengat
hangaIl
oveyou
toophamkwam.
-
sheshoul
dn'
thavesai
dIl
oveyout
ooi
nfr
ontof
me.

Lemmenotbesel
fi
shcauseThandowasalso
sit
ti
ngont
opofme.Ishoul
dn'
thavel
ethersi
ton
topofme.
MaybejustmaybeIwasgoingtoenjoymyri
dewit
h
Ndoni
.nowIfeelsobadl
ikeIcheatedonheror
somet
hing.

ButthanGodandmyancestorswerenotsl
eepi
ng
whil
eIneededthem t
hemost.Thankst
othem I
'm
shar
ingaroom wit
hher.

Afterchatt
ingwithherandmakingsurethatshei
s
alr
ightwewal kedtothehal
ltoeat
.Itwasbasical
ly
KFCSt reetWise2and3buns.Wear est
ayingina
schoolsHostel.

Aft
ereati
ngwewalkedbacktoourr
oom.Shewore
warm pj
ama'
s.Ij
ustworemybluecheckpjama
bot
tomsandavest.Ican'
tsl
eepinboxer
snow.

Her
:"
don'
tyouhavesockst
hatar
espar
e?"
Shesai
dsitt
ingonherbedl i
steni
ngtol
ovejams
wit
hherlegscrossed.Youal
lknowSamsung
ear
phonesarethebesttheyareperf
ect
lyl
oud.

Me:"
nopeIonlyhavesocksf
ormymat
ch'
s.Why
youaski
ng?"

Iwasal
sobusywi
thmyphone.

Her
:"
akhont
ingakoqakugodol
anyawu.
"
-
not
hingmuchj
ustt
hatmyf
eetar
ecol
d.

Me:
"I
zandi
zozenzat
shut
shuumna"
-
comeIwi
llmaket
hem war
m.

Her
:"
int
oendiyiqaphel
eyoawucel
iwenai
ntooyi
f
unayoyayf
unaqa. "
-
whatIsawi
sthatyoudon'
taskwhatyouwantyou
wi
llgeti
t.

Il
aughed.Shecamet
omybed.

Me:
"mt
het
howam l
owo.
"
-
that
'
smyl
aw.

Shelaughed.Shetookmyphoneandplacediton
thechestofdrawerbet
weenourbed.Iwasjust
l
ookingather.

Shethangotinbedandgaveme1earphone.It
ook
i
twithouthesi
tat
ion.Wear
ethesameheighti
n
caseyou'
rewondering.

Her
:"
li
ftupyourr
ightl
eg.
"

Idi
dso.Iwasl
ayi
ngbymysi
de.Shepl
acedher
r
ightl
egi
nbet
weenmyl
egs.

Her
:"
bekaphant
si"
-
puti
tdown.

Idi
dsheplacedherlef
tfootont op.Herfeetwer
e
i
ndeedcol
d.Ibroughtherclosertomebyhuggi ng
her
.Wecoveredoursel
veswi that hebl
anket.

Me:"rememberwhent hecomput
ert
eacherusedt
o
saywewi l
ldateonedayandwewouldl
ookateach
otherdiscussed.
"

Her:"
hol
donyouthatChumani
,sameonewho
delet
emyworkandIhadtostar
tagai
ndur
ingbr
eak
ti
me."

Welaughed.Weusedt
obecrazybackt
han.
Fant
asia'
sWhenIseeyoupl
ayedonherphone.
Me:"
yeaht hatChumani
.Don'taskinnocent
lyyou
al
sodeletedmi net
hatday.WorstpartwasthatI
hadtositnexttoyouaft
eryoudeletedmywor k.
"

Her:
"youst
art
edi
tbypull
ingt
hechai
rwhileIwas
si
tt
ingever
yonel
aughedatmeforf
all
ing.
"

Me:"
asifi
twasgoodf
oryout
opl
acepr
it
tonmy
chai
r.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:"rememberwhenwehadt odoanadverti
sement
togetherandwespentthewholeperi
odarguing
aboutwhi chcolourt
heappl
esshouldbeli
ke.And
ma'am woul dsayHusbandandWifearearguing
again."
Wel
aughedoutl
oud.

Her
:"
I'
m nott
alki
ngaboutt
hedayyouatemywhol
e
l
unchinfr
ontofme.Worstpar
titwasmeat
."

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"youal
sot
ookmymoneyt
hatdayandr
anaway
t
oGodknowswher
e."

Her:
"r
emembertheti
mewewer ebot
hindet
ent
ion
andsharedt
hepackofchi
ps.Si
ncewewere
hungry.
"

Weburstedi
ntol
augher
.Wer
eal
lydi
dnaught
y
t
hingsbackt
han.

Her
:"
Iusedt
oenj
oyt
hosedays.WhoknewIwoul
d
evergetal
ongwi
thyou.Iwoul
dhavel
aughedat
thatper
son."

Me:"
met oohey.Butyoudisappear
edinthi
nair
.
Younevercamebackf oryourDecemberexams.
"

SheChuckl
ed.

Her :
"atthatt imeIl ostt heonlyper sonwhogaveme
af at
herf igure, myuncl e.Hewasst abbedatt he
backwhenhewast ryingt osavemehewas
stabbedont hesamepl acehewasst abbedati nthe
previousweek, ri
ghti nf r
ontofme.Hewasst abbed
becauseoft hecar eerhechose.DJi ng.Mymot her
keptonwar ninghi mt ost opitbutheneverl istened.
Hedi edj ustl i
ket hat.Meandmyf ami l
yweret o
depressed.Mymot herst oppedwor kinganddr ank
alcohol.Mybr otherstriedstayingst rongbutthey
alsocoul dn't.Theyt ookourmot hert oarehab
center.Iwentbackt oschoolatt hel ocalschool
backathomesi nceweneverhadenoughmoney.
Thanlastyearmymotheropenedat ar
venathome.
Ithel
pedalotcauseyi
yoleIndikuphekwil
ocal
schoolyandi
setown.
"
-
itt
ookmeoutf
rom al
ocalschoolt
oaschooli
n
t
own.

Shewasi ntears.Iwipedthem away.Shehasbeen

throughalot.SundaybluesbyLangaMavusa
played.Ihel
dhert i
ghtl
ynotwantingtoletgo.The
songwasdoi ngthemost.

Me:
"ever
ythi
ngwi
llbeal
ri
ght
."

Shenoddedsmi
li
ng.

Her:
"ever
ythi
ngi
sper
fect
lyf
ineal
readyt
hankyou
ot
herwise.
"

Iki
ssedherf
orehead.
Her:
"l
alat
chf unekenenzewar
m up'
sbef
oreyou
pl
aykwak'sasanorh."
-sl
eepyouwil
lhavet
odowar
m upsbef
oreyoupl
ay
earl
yinthemorni
ng.

Wel
aughed.Sheal
soCar
es.

Me:
"okaygoodni
ghtke.
"

Iki
ssedherf or
ehead.Wesl eptinthatsame
posit
ion.Shehadherhandonmychest .It
ri
edmy
besttomakesur ethatIdon'tpokeherwithmyhar
d
boner.

Idon'
twanthertofeeluncomfort
able.Someone
heatt
hedoortryi
ngtowakeusup.Ndoniwasst i
ll
sl
eepi
ng.Il
ookedatt heclockonthewalli
t'
s7am.
IgotontopofNdoniandkissedheralloverher
face.It
ookherl
egandplaceditaroundmywai st.

Her
:"
mhh.AaOwet
hundi
zovukango8umna.
"
-
noOwet
huIwi
llwakeupat8

Wewer et
oldyester
daythatwewil
lbewokenupat
7.Igr
indonherwhileweari
ngcl
othes.Shemoaned
sweet
lyandsoftl
y.

Her
:"
sudeundir
apengxi
bimphahl
a"
-
your
api
ngmewi
llI
'
m wear
ingcl
othes.

Il
aughed.Shewasst
il
lsl
eepi
ng.

Me:
"It
ri
edmybesti
nwaki
ngyouup.
"

Isai
dki
ssi
ngherf
oreheadbef
oreget
ti
ngof
fher
.I
wi
llcher
isht
hesemoment
sfort
her
estofmyl
if
e.

Iwalkedtot
hesmallbat
hroom i
nt her
oom.It
ooka
shower.Idi
dever
ythi
ngandwor emyschool
tr
acksuitwi
thmysoccerki
tunderneat
h.

Iwalkedoutoft
hebat
hroom shehadmadebot
hof
thebeds.

Her
:"
Iwi
llbedowni
naf
ewokay.
"

Ikissedherfor
eheadbeforewal
kingoutt
ower ewe
eat.Forbreakf
astwewer ehavi
ngoats,f
rui
tsalad,
bread.Itwasyourchoi
ce.

Iat
ebr
eadwi
thcheese.Iwentt
omybr
o's.

Me:
"yeahshoshomaj
it
a."
Isai
dbr
ohuggi
ngt
hem.

Kel
vin:
"wenotgoi
ngtoaskyouwhathappened.
Youcansaveyourbr
eath.
"

Wechuckl
ed.

Me:
"youser
iousl
ydon'
twantt
oknow?
"

If
eltl
i
kebr
aggi
ng.

Ntl
akani
pho:"
umnaxel
eleqabakangemut
ye
l
amthana."
-t
ellmeyoudi
dn'
thavesexwi
tht
hatchi
ld.

Me:
"j
ustaf
ewst
rokes.
"
Them:
"what
!!
"

Ever
yonel
ookedatust
heywer
eloud.Il
aughed.

Me:
"j
ustj
oki
ng.
"

Theysi
ghed.

Me:"
butIdi
dgr
indhersi
nceshedi
dn'
twantt
owake
up.
"

Theyal
llookedatmeshocked.

Sekani
:"
clot
hes?
"

Me:
"yeah.Whyam Ievent
ell
ingyouguysaboutt
he
gr
eat
estmor
ningever
.Iwokeupandshewasi
nmy
ar
ms."

TheyChuckl
ed.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"bequmbi
lemoczol
o."
-
shewasangr
yyest
erday.

Sekani
:"
ndakncedamnasani
."
-
ihel
pedyouboy

Me:
"wel
lfi
keKum er
ytyaphol
akeqa.
"
-wel
lshewasfi
newhenshegott
ome.Shei
s
alwayscal
m.

Sekani
:"
ncedwendi
m."
-
ihel
pedyou.
Me:
"Enkossibawo.
"
-
thankyouman.

Wedi
dourbr
ohug.

Kel
vin:
"beniyenzant
on'
nor
h."
-
whatwer
eyoudoi
ng.

Us:
"yeahanswer
."

Sekani
:"
shewast el
li
ngmeaboutthegi
gshewi l
lbe
goi
ngtonextweek.Shejustwant
edmet ol
ist
ento
hermusic.That
'swhyIwashappy."

Us:
"t
sikit
siki
?"
Wesai
dmaki
ngasi
fwear
edj
ing

Sekani
:"
yeah.Shewast
eachi
nghowi
t'
sdone
yest
erday.
"

Me:
"Shedi
dn'
ttel
lmet
hatpar
tyest
erday.
"

If
rowned.Theyl
aughed.

Them:
"buzi
le?
"
-
didyouask

Il
ookedatt
hem.Theyl
aughed.

Sekani
:"
alli
nal
lIcan'tmi
ssherf
irstgi
g.I
'
mjust
wait
ingfort
hedetai
lsoft
hepart
y."
Hesai
ddanci
ngwi
thhi
sshoul
der
s.

Us:
"nat
hisi
pha.
"
-
wear
eal
sot
her
e.

Me:
"si
phakat
hi.
"

Them:
"i
nsi
de"

Wel
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Ahhhh.Ij
usthadthebestni
ghtever
.Wewer
e
l
ist
eningt
olovejamscuddli
ng.

Hekissedmeal lovermyf aceandgri

ndonme.I
swearIwasweti nasplitsecond.I
ncaseyou'
re
wonderingndi
seyiyoguys.
-
i'
m st
il
lit
.

Iknowaboutt
hesethingssinceIsomet
imesr
ead
aboutt
hem onthei
nternet
.

Aft
erhewal kedoutItookashowerandwor emy
schoolt
racksuitandagolft
-shi
rtf
rom school
.I
walkedt
ot hehallwer
ewear eeati
ngat.

Everyonewasalr
eadygoneonl
ymycl
ubwasst
il
l
here.Iat
eoats.

Af
tereat
ingwewal
kedoutt
otheot
her
s.They
st
art
edplayi
ngwithotherschool
s.Thandogothur
t.
Shegotpushedandfallwi
thherelbow.

Sheisi
nnetbal
l
.NowIhadt
oat
tendher
.Ican'
t
handl
ethi
s.

Iwi
pedherwoundwi
tht
hataci
dwi
peri
nst
eadof
Det
tol
.

Her:
"haiut
heni
iphambanesebenzi
saDet
tol
mfondini
."
-
areyoumad.UseDet
tol
.

Whodi
dshesayi
smad?Rhaayanyal
enj
akazi
-
shei
spi
ssi
ngmeof
f.

Ipr
essedherwoundhar
derwi
tht
hataci
dthi
ng.She
wasredwit
hangry.
Me:
"ndi
kuyekeumna.
"
-
iwi
lll
eaveyou.

Ipul
ledherarm bef
oreconti
nuingdoingmythi
ng.
At4pm theywerealldonewit
ht hei
rgames.

Weweretol
dwecanchillout
sideabi
tbef
oregoi
ng
i
n.Iwentt
ositunderat
ree.

Itookoutmyl aptopandheadphonesf
rom my
backpack.Ist
arteddoingmythingsdr
inki
ngt
he
StoneyIgotforlunch.

Si
ghes.Il
ookedupbi
ngamaj
it
a.

Them:
"don'
tyouhavewat
er.
"
Itookoutmy1Lbot
tl
eofTupper
war
eful
lofwat
er
andgaveitt
othem.

Sekani
:"
lemmeguessyoudoi
ngyourmusi
cagai
n."

Me:"
yeah.Iwi
llbebusydur
ingt
heweeksoIwon'
t
beablet
odoitthan.
"

Theyal
lnodded.Icl
osedmyl
apt
opandl
ookedat
them.

Me:
"bi
njanimat
ch?
"
-
howwast
hemat
ch.

Chumani
:"
nzi
mabr
amat
chyokqal
a0-
0yesbi
no2-
2.
"
-
har
dthef
ir
stmat
ch0-
0thesecondone2-
2.
Kel
vin:
"i
fitwasn'tf
ornumber
7besizowin.
a
l
antwanasithisi
zamawayzethunayepha.
Ayi
dinwalantwanarha.
"
-
weweregoingtowin.Wetrytodoourbestbuthe
i
sal
waysthere.Hedoesn'
tgetti
ed.

Them:
"t
ch.
"

Nt
lakani
pho:
"shi
t.
"

Hesai
dlooki
ngathi
sphone.

Them:
"what?
"

Him:"
ngesi
ngaj
ump.angatr
aini
ngmajit
ajonga
ngokuFri
dayzi
zazonkeezaponizi
zosit
rai
n.i
sa.
"
-
weshoul
dhavewentt
otrai
ningl
ooknowFr
iday
t
heyar
eallcomi
ngt
otrai
nus.
Them:
"whatdoyoumeanzonkeezaponi
."
-
alloft
hosedudes.

Hi
m:"
Sil
encer
,Cage,
Snakes,
Tai
lor
,MambernoTT.
"

Them:
"wejustdagourowngr
aves.Ther
eisno
comebackfrom her
e."

Him:"
Ishouldjustpr
aytoGodtoacceptmein
heaven.Ther
ei snowaythatwear
ecomi ngback
al
ive.
"

Theyallshookt
hei
rheads.Idar
enotaskeven
thoughIwascuri
ous.

Chumani:"
ifbodi
leumnazeni
ndingcwabenge
casketemnyama."
-
ifIdi
ebur
rymewi
thabl
ackcasket
.

Wel
aughed.

Ntl
akani
pho:
"t
hat
'snotal
lwear
edoi
ngourf
ir
stJob.
Cashhei
st.
"

It
'sconf
ir
medt heyar
egangst
er.Event
heirwell
buil
tbodi
essayso.Whyam Inotshaken.Other
gir
lswouldf
reakwhynotme.

Theyl
ookedatme.Ishr
ugged.

Them:
"ai
n'tyougoi
ngt
ofr
eakout?
"

Ishookmyhead.

Me:
"whydoamoneyhei
stwhenyoust
il
lnewwhy
don'
tyougosmal
ltakecel
lphones.
"

Theytookoutokapi
esIt
ookoutmi
nef
rom my
boobs.Welaughed.

Me:
"l
et'
sst
abeachot
heronet
ime.
"

Welaughed.Wel
ookedaroundbefor
epl
aci
ngt
hem
i
ntheplaceswewerehi
dingthem at
.

Kel
vin:
"Pl
easedon'
ttel
lmeyouragangst
ert
oo.
"

Me:
"notatal
ljusthavet
hekni
vest
opr
otectmei
n
t
imesofneed."

Them:
"kni
ves?
"

Theyaskedwi
theyeswi
deopen.It
ookoutonet
hat
wasi
nbetweenmybr
aids,
theonei
nmysneaker
s
andt
heoneonmythi
ghsinmyshortt
ight
.

Them:
"nj
akazi
."

Wel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
Ihavebeent
ell
ingyouguys.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"pr
otect
ionhai
bo.
"

Welaughed.Justt
hanZoey,
thandoandBusicame.
Si
gh

Theguysjustst
oodupexpectforSekani
.They
walkedaway.Busii
sdat
ingKel
vin.
Me:
"awudyol
inoPal
esawena?
"
-
ain'
tyoudat
ingPal
esa?

Sekani:
"wear
eqawefoughtyest
erday.Shecaught
mef l
ir
ti
ngwit
hanot
hernetbal
lpl
ayer.
"

Il
ookedathi
m andl
aughed.

Me:
"sebet
ter
.ewenat
adyol
anechomi
ieumna.
"
-
you'
rebet
terdudeI
'
m dat
ingf
ri
ends.

Isai
dlookingathi
m hewi
denedhi
seyes.Ihad
al
readyplacedmyheadonhisl
apwewer eeat
ing
popcor
ns.

Hi
m:"
chomi
ie?
"
-
fr
iends?
Me:
"yeah.
"

Isaidlaughi
ng.It
ookoutmyphoneandwentt
omy
pict
ures.

Me:
"j
ongasquadsaboesi
."
-
lookt
hist
hei
rsquad.

Hel
ooked.

Hi
m:"
sameguyyouwer
est
andi
ngwi
thonFr
iday.
"

Ishowedhi
m Mypictur
eswi
thSi
nel
it
ha.Hel
ooked
atme.Welaughed.

Hi
m:"
youcan'
tbeser
ious.
"
Me: "ngxakiyaboSi neli
tha.TheoneIj ustshowed
youourpi ctures.cheat sal otandIal waysFor gi
ve
himt hisothertime.Hecheat edagaint hanhi s
fri
endt heoneIwasst andingwi t
honFr i
daySweet
talkedmeandIf allf
orit.NowI '
m datingf ri
ends.
Don' takswhyIdon' tl
eavet hem bothsi nceI'm
playingwi thf i
re.It'
shar d,notlikeI'
mi nl oveor
anyt hing.Lithalethuwasnot hingbutar ebound.
Comi ngtot hinkabouti t.Iknowndit oxi cbutyeah
l
ife."

Hi
m:"
onewor
dNj
akazi
."

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
whati
ftheycat
chyou.
"

Me:"
Idon'tr
eal
lycar
e.I
'
m usedt
opai ntot
hepoi
nt
whereIdon'
tknowhowitf
eelsl
ike.I
t'
sanumb
t
hingt
ome.
"

Isai
dsmi
li
ng.

Him:"your eal
lyaretoxi
c.UmnaIsaydumpt hem
both.Findyour sel
fagainthanst
artdati
ngagain.
Youcan' tkeepgoingonl i
kethi
syouwi l
lendup
l
oosingyourmi ndandhavement alheal
th
problems."

Me:
"yout
hink.
"

Hi
m: "
yeahIthinkso.Justdumpthem.Youwi l
lfi
nd
t
her i
ghtpersonforyou.Stopi
nvol
vingyour
self
wit
htoxicpeopleyouronlydamagi
ngyourself
."

Me:"Iwi
lldoj
ustthat
.Afterdumpingt
hem.I
'm
taki
nga3mont hsbreakfrom dat
ingt
hanIwil
l
searchf
ortheri
ghtperson."
Iknowyou'
repr
obabl
yt hi
nki
ngaboutChumanibut
mjit
anemedil
akheguys.

Hi
m:"
that'
sgoodIshoul
dpr
obabl
ybeadoct
orand
st
opdoinglawhey.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:"whoknewt
hatt
hecrazySekaniwoul
dbeso
ser
iousandsot
hought
ful
."

Hi
m:"
I'
m amanwi
thmanyt
alent
s."

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"whyi
syournameSekani.Ihavebeenmeaning
t
oask.Noneedt
oanswerifyoudon'twantt
o."
Hi
m:"Idon'
tmi
nd.WellmyMotherisaRussi
anand
t
aimaMxhosa.Iwasbasi
cal
lyborninRussi
a."

Inodded.

Me:
"ndakbet
hamr
ussi
athi
niaphakum.
"
-
iwi
llbeatyouRussi
anwhatar
eyousayi
ngt
ome.

Webur stedi
ntolaugher
.Wet
ookmanyvideosand
pi
ctures.Wepostedsomewit
hthecapt
ion'best
fr
iendyam majit
a '

Wetookmanybeautif
ulpict
uresandvideos.I
enj
oyedmyti
mewi thhim.Atleasthi
salwaysther
e
tomakemeforgetaboutmypr obl
ems.Andabout
ChumaniwhoIthi
nkIwillneverget
.Helookshappy
wit
hThando.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
8
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Thandoandherpuppetsdon'thaveti
ming.Wewere
sti
llhavi
ngagreatt
imewithNdoniandtheycame.
West oodcauseweknewf orafactt
hattheywi
ll
causet r
oubl
ewithNdoni
.
Ifuckedhersensel
essl
yatthetoi
let
s.Ineededt
o
rel
easethat'
swhy.AndIdidn'
tevengetachanceto
cum causeNdoniwasallovermyhead.

Istoppedhalf
wayRadebeuyewastof
tmajit
a.What
i
sNdonidoi ngtome.ThankGodSekanist
ayed
behind.

Atl
eastshewasn'tl
onel
y.t
houghif
eltbadIwant
ed
t
obewi t
hher.Thandowassomadatme.

Icoul
dn'
tcar
elessabouther.Il
eftheri
nthet
oil
ets.
Andwenttomyf r
iends.Ndoniwasnowgone.

Me:
"uphindoni?
"
-
wher
eisNdoni
?
Sekani
:"
hel
pingmr
sSmi
thwi
tht
hef
ood.
"

Inoddedsi
tt
ingdown.I
twasal
readydar
k.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"whysouruphiThando?
"
-
wher
eisThando?

Kel
vin:
"t
ch.
"

Me:
"Radebeakavukimaj
it
auyewasof
tndi
phakat
hi
i
nsi
de."
-
Radebedi
dn'
twantt
owakeuphebecamesof
t
whi
leiwasi
nsi
de.

Theybur
sti
ntol
augher
.

Them:"
lemmeguessNdoniwasal
loveryourl
it
tl
e
brai
ns.
"
Il
ookedatt
hem andt
heyl
aughedmor
e.Ichuckl
ed
shaki
ngmyhead.

Kel
vin:
"Ndonihasyoubyherpal
ms.
"

Nt
lakani
pho:
"mphet
hapa"
-
shei
shol
dinghi
m her
e.

Hesai
dheat
inghand.

Sekani:
"Idon'
tknowwhyyoudon'
ttel
lheral
ready
phoffshestil
lneedst
oheal
."

Us:
"whatdoyoumeanheal
."

Sekani
:"
lamthanapastr
elat
ionshipzakhenezi
akhuzongokuzit
oxicsondathikuyemakayeke
l
entoayenzayocauseshewi llendupl oosingher
mindwat hishewilltakeabreakf rom dat
ingand
dateonceshehasf oundherselfagain.Lamthana
akanafeeli
ngsguys.Shedoesn' tevengethurt
whenshei shurted.Shesaidt hatshegetsnumb
whenshei shurtshedoesn'tf eelanypain."
-t
hatchil
dspastrelat
ionshi
psandtherel
ati
onshi
p
sheisinnowar etoxi
citoldhert
ostopdoingwhat
sheisdoing.
..
.

Nowiwi l
lhavetobepatientwit
hher.Shecan'
tbe
l
ikethi
swhenwear edat
ing.Thatswhysheis
alwayscalm.Buticanseethroughhereeyest
hat
sheishurtwhensheseesmesomeoneel se.

Us:
"t
hat
'
sdeepbr
o."

Sekani:
"r
eall
ydeepbutdon'
ttel
lherit
oldyou
anythi
ng.Idon'
twanttol
oosemybestf r
iend.
"
Hesai
dsmi
li
ng.Wechuckl
ed.

Us:
"wewon'
t.Wepr
omi
se"

Sekani
:"
yousoundl
i
kepussi
esnow.
"

Wel
aughed.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"bephiPal
esanor
h?"
-
wer
ewasBusi?

Sekani
:"
andi
mazbutwefoughtshecaughtme
fl
ir
ti
ngwithoneoft
henet
ballpl
ayer
s."

Wel
aughedathi
m.

Kel
vin:
"haiawunanqondokwedi
n."
-
youmadboy.

Us:
"t
ch.
"

Wel aughedagain.Wewerecall
edtogoandeat.We
wereeat i
ngburgersfr
om Bur
gerKing2eachwitha
cooldrinkofyourchoi
ce.Ndoniwasthegi
vingus
ourfood.

Shehadhereyesgl
asseson.Maki
nghermore
beaut
if
ul.Weatet
hanwentbacktoourr
ooms.

Ionlyhave2nightsandadaytospendwit
hher
here.I
t'
sSaturdaytommorowourl
astdayher
e.
Sundaywear egoinghome.

Ichangedandgotundercover
sbusywithmy
cell
phone.Shehasn'
tcamebackyet.Justthan
ther
edoorf l
ewopen.Shegotineat
ingwi ngsfr
om
KFC

Her
:"
mhhyoual
readyher
e."

Shegavemet hewings.Shedoesn'taskifyouwant
somethingornotshejustgivesittoyou.Sheisa
greatpersonandherpersonali
tyisgreat
.Nam iat
e
ke.

Me:
"wer
edi
dyougett
hese?
"

Iyel
ledshewasatt
hebat
hroom changi
ng.

Her
:"
KFCIwentt
her
ewi
tht
het
eacher
s."

Sheyel
ledback.

Me:
"butweat
efr
om Bur
gerKi
ng.
"
Her
:"
wef
ir
stwentt
oKFCj
ustf
ori
cecr
eam.
"

Ichuckl
ed.Shewal
kedout
.Iwasalreadydone
eati
ngther
ewere4wingsl
eftaf
terall
.

Shegotont
opherbedandt
ookherear
phones.

Me:"
canyoupl
easecuddl
emet
osl
eep.Ican'
t
sl
eep."

Iwastr
yingmyluckheredon'
tlookatmeliket
hat.
Shest
oodupf r
om herbedandcamet omine.We
pl
acedourphonesawaybutli
stenedtohermusic.

Her:
"i
t'
sli
keyoudidaskmetocuddl
ewithyou.I
t'
s
l
ikeyouorderedmetoo,
yourvoi
cei
sto
demanding.
"
Wewereint
hesameposi
ti
onl
ikel
astni
ght
.We
l
aughed.

Me:
"butst
il
ldomydemands.
"

Her
:"
myheartmakesmeli
stent
owhatyousayi
mustdoanditmakesmedoso.
"

Fi
rsti
mpr
essi
on.Okaygood.

Me:
"sor
ryf
orhurti
ngyourhear
tandsoulear
li
eron
t
odayandyest
erday.
"

Ifeltt
heneedtoapol
ogisetoher
.Iki
ssedher
foreheadbef
oreshi
ft
ingaroundandpl
acingheron
topofme.
Sheplacedherheadont opofmychestont helef
t.I
hatet
hef actthatwearethesameheightshewasa
l
it
tl
ebittallbutshesomehowcr ossedherfeetwith
mine.

Yeahj
ustt
hewayIwi
lli
t.

Her:
"I
'm al
sosorryforsayi
ngIl
oveyoutooinfr
ont
ofyouandf orst
andingwit
hhiminfr
ontofyou.
"

Me:
"i
t'
sokay.
"

Iki
ssedherf
orehead.

Me:
"t
ellmemor
eaboutyour
sel
f.
"

Her
:"
youknowmynameI '
mt ur
ning17t
hisyear
.I
dodj
ingj
ustf
orahobby.Il
ivewit
hmymom and
mybr o'
sbuttheyhavet hei
rownhousest oo.what
moreIdon'tknow.I'm si
ngleslashdating.My
r
elat
ionshi
psar eallt
oxic.Sti
llsearchi
ngf ortr
ue
l
ove.ButIwillbetaki
ngabr eaksi nceIhavebeen
j
umpingf r
om ar el
ati
onshiptoanot her.Justnjea
monthor3."

Ihopeshemeansonlyamonth.OrIwi
lldat
eher
whil
eshehasn'
tfoundher
sel
f.

Her
:"
tel
lmemor
eaboutyour
sel
f.
"

Me:"mylifeissimplenot hi
ngmuch.I'm abrot
herof
2naught ytwins.Agirlandaboy.Livewi t
hmy
parent
sbot hloving.IplaysoccerandI'
ma
gangsterasyouknow.Sohowdi dyoust ar
tbeinga
DJ?Imeanyouunder age? "

Her
:"
promi
semeyouwon'
tlaugh.
"
WeChuckl
ed.

Me:
"i
tdepends.
"

Her:"
mxm Iwi lltel
lyouanyway.SoBef oremyuncl e
diedhet aughtmehowt odj .Whenhedi edIt ook
histoolsandst art
eddoi ngmyt hi
ngsi tal
sohel ped
mef rom heali
ng.LastyearIwasgoi ngtodomy
fi
rstgigyabo.Il i
edtot heownerandsai dI'
m 18my
heightalsohelpedi nlying.theydidn'
taskf ormyi d.
HaykeIper for
med.Peopl ewer ecalli
ngmyname
andal l
.Butthingswentwr ongwhent hepol i
ce
camei n.Iwasar r
estedal ongsidew. .
."

Me:
"yourwer
ewhat
?"

Iaskedl
aughi
ng.

Her
:"
arr
est
ed.
"
Me:"
youar
ethecr
azi
estgi
rlIhaveevermet
.No
cap.
"

Webot
hlaughedIwasi
ntear
s.Shewi
pedt
hem.

Her:
"soyeahIwasar rest
ed.Mymom wascal l
ed.
Theygavemeanear ful
.Theybail
edmeout .Later
onthatdayIwenttot hepol
icestati
onagai
n.
Lucki
lyformetheownerhadal readygi
venme
money.NdenzalicencebutIwast ol
dIcanonlybe
abl
et odomythingst hi
syearsoyeah."

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"nj
akaziNyan'
wena.
"
-
you'
ret
hebaddestf
orr
eal
.
Welaughed.Fant
asi
a'
sWhenIseeyoupl
ayed
agai
n.

Me:
"Iputyourpi
ctur
eonmy
St
artt
obl
ushwhensomeonesaysyourname.
"

Ist
art
edsi
ngi
ng.

Us:
"i
nmyst
omacht
her
e'sapai
n
Seeyouwal
kinmydi
rect
ion
Igot
heot
herway
Ist
artt
ost
utt
erwhenIspeak.
"

Welaughedaswesangtoget
her.Wewer eboth
smil
ing.Shecansi
ngIf
eelj
ealous.Thatshesi
ngs
morebeauti
ful
lyt
henme.Shegivesme
goosebumps.
Me:"
planl
et'
sdoadur at
iont
oget
her.I
t'
sbeena
l
ongtimesinceIpost
edonmysocialmedia
pl
atf
orms.
"

Her
:"
okayi
za.
"

Itookmyphonewesatupst
rai
ght
.Ipl
acedt
he
phoneinari
ghtangl
e.

Shewassi tt
ingi
nfrontofmeIhadmyarms
wrappedaroundherneck.Andmyfaceont
opof
hershoul
der.

Me:
"sunxamadownl
oadbeatyal
engoma.
"
-
letmedownl
oadt
hebeat
ssong.

Her
:"
nevermi
ndIhavei
t.
"
Ichuckl
ed.Wesatintheposi
ti
onwewer
esi
tt
ingi
n.
Shestar
tedthesong.

Us:
"Iputyourpi
ctur
eonmi
rr
or
St
artt
het
obl
ushwhensomeonesaysyourname
I
nmyst
omacht
her
e'sapai
n
Seeyouwal
kinmydi
rect
ion
Igot
heot
herway
Ist
artt
ost
utt
erwhenIspeak
St
artt
ost
andbutmykneesgoweak
What
'shappeni
ngt
ome?
I
nthedar
k,canyout
ellmewhati
tmeans?
(
Wel
ookedateachot
herandsmi
led.
)

Il
aymyheadonmypi
ll
ow
St
ari
ngoutt
owi
ndow
(
Wel
ookedatt
hewi
ndowbef
orel
ooki
ngateach
ot
heragai
n)
Wi
shonast
arf
orasi
gn
You'
ret
her
easonwhy

You'
real
waysonmymi
nd
(
Irol
ledmyeyesshegi
ggl
ed)
Whenyoucomear
oundIgetshy
WhenIseeyou
WhenIseeyou

Ineverknowwhenyoumi
ghtwal
kby
SoIgot
taber
ightont
ime
WhenIseeyou
WhenIseeyou.
"

Her
:"
Iscr
ibbl
exando'
sinmynot
ebookschecki
ng
howmyhairandmynai
lsl
ook
If
eelmysel
fint
hezone
SoIsayI
'
m nothome.
"

Me:
"Iseeyourf
ace
AndIhearmyf
avor
it
esong
Shoul
dIsendandemai
lathome?
(
Isandtoherwit
hmyhandcuppingherf
ace.And
mythumbcaressi
nghersof
tcheeks.
)
You'
ret
henumberonet
opi
cont
hephone
Iwonderi
fyouknowordoyouhaveacl
ue,
yeah"

Us:
"Il
aymyheadonmypi
ll
ow
Yougotmest
art
ingoutt
hewi
ndow
Wi
shonast
arf
orasi
gn
What
'st
her
easonwhy,
yeahyeahyeah

You'
real
waysonmymi
nd
Whenyoucomear
oundIgetshy
WhenIseeyou
WhenIsee.
"

Her
:"
You'
resexyboyyousosexyboy.
"

Shegiggled.AndIsmiled.Iheldherchinandbi
te
herlowerli
p.Sheheldont ootheoneont op.We
gaveeachot herapeck.Beforemakingour
for
eheadsandnosest ouch.Wegi ggled.

Ist
oppedt
hevi
deo.

Her:
"l
et'
stakepi
ctur
essot
hatwecanedi
tthem
wit
hthevideo.
"

Wetookmanyotherpict
ureschangi
ngourcl
othes
andal
lweevendidothervideost
oomakingf
unny
t
hings.

Her
:"
let
'ssl
eep.Wewi
lledi
titt
ommor
ow.
"

Me:
"come.
"

Wegottobed.Shesl
eptont
opofme.It
ookavi
deo
ofus.

Me:"
ulel
engokuaf
teragreatani
ghtwehad.The
onl
yfloweri
nmyheart.
"

Iki
ssedherf
oreheadbef
oreswi
tchi
ngof
fthevi
deo.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
9
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
ItwasnowSat ur
dayeveni
ng.MeandChumani
sneakedoutj
usttowatchthest
arsandbondf
or
thelastni
ght
.
Me:
"r
eal
lydon'
tseeat
hingher
e."

Wewerelookingatt
hestar
slayi
ngonablanket
.
Havi
ngjunkfoodIagai
nbroughtWi
ngs.Iwentwit
h
t
heteacher
sagain.

I
t'
sfungoi
ngoutwi
ththem.Theyar
enott
he
monst
erswepai
ntout
.

Hi
m:"
Ndoniconnectt
hest
arszobona.
"
-
youwi
llsee.

Iconnectt
hem.

Me:"
Iseesomeweir
dani
mal
whi
chI
'
m st
il
ltr
yingt
o
f
igur
eoutwhati
tis.
"

Wel
aughed.
Hi
m:"
younotgoodi
nthi
sguessi
nggame.
"

Hesaidf
eedi
ngmeawi ngbutal
it
tlebi
tofsauce
wasonthecor
nerofmyli
ps.Hel
ickedi
tbefore
gi
vingmeapeck.

Me:
"andIwi
llneverbegoodi
nit
.That
'saf
act
."

Wel
aughed.

Him:
"l
ookt
her
eisashoot
ingst
ar.Cl
oseyoureyes
andmakeawi
sh."

Idi
dastol
d.Iwil
lnottel
lyouwhatI
'
m wishi
ngfor.
Wheni
thasfinal
lycometruet
hanIwil
ltel
lyou.

Hi
m:"
comecl
osert
omeI
'
m get
ti
ngal
it
tl
ebi
tcol
d
r
ightnow.
"

Iwentcl
osert
ohi
m.

Me:"
Ithoughtthi
stri
pwasgoingtobet
hewor
stbut
youmadei tenj
oyabl
e.Thankyou.
"

Isaidl
ooki
ngdeepint
ohi
seyes.Notwant
ingt
o
breakt
heeyecont
act.

Him:
"youal
somademyt
ri
penj
oyabl
esot
hankyou
somuch."

Hegavemeapeck.Ihel
dontohisl
owerli
p.He
hel
dontomyupperli
p.Icl
osedmyeyesasIwas
enj
oyi
ngourf
ir
stki
ss.

Wehavebeengi
vingeachot
herpecksonl
ythi
sis
ouract
ualf
ir
stki
ss.

Hishandstr
aveledtomysmallass.Iwasr
unni
ng
myhandsonhi schest
.Hisot
herhandwas
caressi
ngonmyt hi
gh.Hisdi
ckbecamehardI
moanedstil
linhismout
h.

Hepull
edoutandhel
ookedmor
esexi
erwi
thhi
s
smal
lerredeyes.

Me:
"youl
ookmor
esexi
erwhenyoureyesar
ethi
s
r
ed.
"

Isai
dsof
tl
y.Hegavemeapecksmili
ng.Iplaced
myheadonhischestt
oli
stent
ohi
sheartbeat.

Itwasr
eal
lybeati
ngfast
.Hishandsweresti
llonmy
assandIf
itper
fectl
ywelli
nhisarms.I
t'
sli
ket hey
weremadeforme.
Heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Morningcameandwehadt
owakeupear
lyt
han
bef
ore.

I'
m sogoi
ngt omi
ssbei
nghere.Ihadthebest
momentswi t
hChumaniOwethuPlaat
ji
es.Who
knewthatbei
ngcl
osetoyourcrushwouldbel
ike
thi
s.

Ineedtof i
xmyshi ttogether
.Ijustgotdressedup
i
nmybl ackjumpsuitthatholdsmet i
llt
heendof
myt hi
ghs.

It
'sl
ooseatthebottom buti
tai
n'tbig.I
thas
spaghet
tist
raps.Iworemysandl candmade2
bunswithmybr ai
ds.Il
ookedcute.
:
"WewewengazengabambiLot
to.
"

ThatwasChumanisi
ngi
ngbehindme.Hehadhi
s
handsontopofhi
sheadlooki
ngatme.

Me:
"makei
tfastwear
eleavi
ngi
n5mi
nut
es.
"

Isai
dlaughi
ng.Hewasst
il
ldr
ool
ingoverme.

Hi
m:"
thereisnowayyougetti
ngoutl
iket
hat
.Wear
al
ongjacketorsomet
hing.
"

Il
aughedl
ooki
ngatt
hecr
azyhi
m.

Me:
"l
et'
sgo.
"

Hechuckl
ed.Het
ookof
fhisjeanjacketandpl
aced
i
tontopofmyshoul
der
s.ILaughed.
Me:"
myassi
snotevent
hatbi
ghai
bot
hisguy
bat
hong.
"

Hi
m:"
itl
ooksbi
gtome.
"

Hesaidr
oll
inghi
seyesandbut
toni
ngt
het
op
bot
tom.

Hi
m:"
yourboodsar
eexposed.
"

Me:"
noskenxibecodr
oegr
eenneskipaseANC
Sananakunobaqhumeoutf
ityam.
"
-iwoul
dratherwearagreencodr
oandanANCt
-
shir
t.I
fpeoplecan'
tseemyoutfi
t.

Webot
hlaughed.
Hi
m:"
mxm l
et'
sgo.
"

Hetookhi
sbagandmysui
tcase.Hepl
acedhi
sar
m
ar
oundmywaist
.

Me:
"t
het
eacher
s."

Hi
m:"
lett
hem wat
ch.
"

Wel aughed.Wewalkedout.JustthanThando
walkedoutofherroom shelookedatus.Shewas
al
readyr ed.It
ri
edpull
ingoutfr
om theChumani
hol
di ngmebutIcouldn't
.

Hej
ustpul
ledmesot
hatwecanwal
k.

Thando:
"howcanyoudot
hist
omeChumani
."
Shewascr yi
ngbehi
ndus.Wewalkedt
othebus.He
pl
acedt hebagsout
sidewewal
kedtot
heback.My
backpackwasinmyhands.

Me:
"t
hatwashar
sh.
"

Heshookhi
shead.

Hi
m:"
ther
ewasnothinghar
sht
here.Sheshoul
dget
t
hemessageal
ready.Shei
scl
ever
."

Ifedhi
m amantos.Hisheadwasonmyshoul
der
s.
What'
sitwit
hguysplaci
ngthei
rheadsonmy
shoul
der.

Hi
m:"
youli
kef
eedi
ngmej
unkf
ooddoyouwantme
t
obeunfi
t.
"
Wel
aughed.

Me:"
nobutyouneedal
it
tl
ebi
tofsugari
nyourbody
pl
usyoutal
ktomuchmsunu.
"

Idon'tknowhowhishandlandedundermyassand
touchingmyVir
gini
a.Imoanedsoft
lynott
oloud
bit
ti
ngmyl owerl
ip.

Hi
m:"
whot
alksal
otandbanimsunuNdoni?
"

Hesai
drubbi
ngi
t.Thi
sguy.Whati
shedoi
ngt
ome.

Me:
"notyou.Notyou.Chumani
."

Isaidhi
snamei
naseduci
ngway.Hi
shandswer
e
aroundmywai
stnow.
Me:
"don'
teverdot
hat
."

Hechuckl
edt
hisguybat
hong.

Him:
"don'
tsayItal
kalotnawenorswearatmeor
anyt
hingt
hatissensel
ess.
"

Me:
"butyoud.
..
"

Idi
dn'
tevenfini
shmysentence.Hewaslookingat
mewiththatsayitandIwi
llr
epeatwhatIdi
d.

Me:
"Xol
oke.
"
-
i'
m sor
ry.

Isaidki
ssi
nghischeekbef
orepl
aci
ngmyheadon
hisshoul
der.
Hi
m:"
nextt
imeIwi
llbedenyi
ngyouror
gams.
"

Me:
"doyouwantmet
odi
e."

Heseri
ousl
ywant
smedead.Hel
aughed.Ihel
din
mylaugher
.

Hi
m:"
nopebutdi
dn'
tyousayyouravi
rgi
n."

Il
aughed.Ial
sot
oldhi
mthat
.

Me:"
Idi
dbutIr
eadaboutt
heset
hingsont
he
i
nter
net
."

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
Iwasser
iousot
her
wise.
"
Il
ookedathim.Wel
aughed.'
rhi
txi
ng'
.Wel
ookedup
hi
sfri
endstookapi
ctur
eofus.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"It
ookt
hebestonej
onganimaj
it
a."
-
lookguys

Heshowedt
hem t
hepi
ctur
e.Wewer
ejustl
ooki
ng
att
hem.

Kelvi
n:"
canyouguyssmi l
eagai
norl
aughIal
so
needaperfectpi
ctur
e."

Sekani
:"
met
oohey.
"

Il
ookedatChumanihehadhi soneeyebr
owup.I
tr
iedcopi
nghim.ButIcouldn'
ttheyt
ookanother
pict
ureofus.Wi
thmest i
llt
ryi
ngandthem l
aughing.
SekaniandKel
vin:
"per
fect
."

Chumani
:"
whyyout
aki
ngpi
ctur
esofusanyway.
"

Them:"
announcet
hatyou2ar
edat
ingsi
nceyou
haven'
t.
"

Theyr
oll
edt
hei
reyes.

Us:"
whosai
danyt
hingaboutdat
ing.Wenotdat
ing
guyshai
bo.
"

Theygasped.Wel
aughedatt
hem.

Them:
"youcan'
tbeser
ious.
"
Sekani
:"
best
ieyouknowyoucant
rustme.
"

Wel
aughed

Us:
"mxm ke.
"

Them:
"yooh.Iguessnextt
imet
han.
"

Wel
aughedbeforetheysatdown.Thebustookof
f.
Wewer
eallchatt
ingatthebackandlaughi
ng.

Wedeci
dedtosi
ngamagwi
jo.Chumanibeggedme
t
osi
ngwi t
hhim.

Hi
m:"
Uyaziukut
hibabyngi
yakt
handa.
"

Theot
her
s:"
zawazawazumheha.
"
Me:
"oohl
oveyngi
yazf
elangawe"

T.
O:"
zawazawazumheha.
"

Hi
m:"
heebabysukuyenzal
ent
o"

T.
O:"
zawazawazumheha.
"

Me:
"oohl
oveyngi
yazf
elangawe.
"

T.
O:"
zawazawazumheha.
"

Him:"
hee?bazot
hinabant
hubazot
hinabant
hu
yoooh.
"

Us:
"ool
oveyngi
yazf
elangawe.
"
Wekeptonsi ngingpeopl
ewer el
iveonInst
agram
taki
ngvideosofmeandChumanisi ngi
ng.They
postedeverywherepossi
ble.

CausewhenIwasi nFacebookIsawpeopl
etaki
ng
aboutthevi
deoto.Iwonderwhatwi
llt
heysaywhen
theyseetheonefr
om Botswana.

Wewer etr
endi
ng.Iendedupswi
tchi
ngof
fmy
cel
lphone.
.
.
.
.
.
.
-6daysl
ater-
Chumani
It
'sSaturdayt
odaymeani
ngt
hati
tsourcashmoney
heistday.

Yest
erdayIwenthomehal fdead.theydi
danumber
onus.Imaginehavi
ngtofight6guyswhent herei
s
onl
y4of fyou.Andtheyhavebiggermusclesthan
us.

I
ttookus2hourst
ofi
nal
lybeatt
hem.Wewer eat
t
hewarehousepl
anni
ngt
hewholethi
ng.Lat
eron
wearegoi
ngtothecl
ubf
orNdoni'
sgi
g.

Speakingabouther
.Wehavebeenreal
lycl
ose.At
breakt
imesshechil
lswi
thusmakingushappy.

Andsheisalwayshappytoo.Iwillhavetopostt
he
vi
deoofus.1:30secondvideo.Ialsoaddedthe
one'
sthatweretr
ending.
Iaddedeveryt
hingt
hereallourpi
cturesandthe
onesfr
om thedudestoo.Basical
lyeverysi
ngle
memor yofus.

I
tissobeaut
if
ul.I
'
mtel
li
ngyoual
l.

Me:"soNtl
akani
phowil
lbewalkingi
nfrontoft
he
carwhil
eSekanipl
acesabombatt hebackofthe
van.Whenitexpl
odeswetakethebags.Andrun.
"

Kel
vin:
"whati
fthepol
icecome.
"

Us:
"wej
ustai
mfort
hef
oreheadandt
heyar
edead.
"

WeChuckl
ed.Wewor
eourweapons.

Wewal
kedout
.Don'
taskmewer
etheSt
acksar
e.I
al
sodon'
tknowbutourpl
anhast
oowor
k.

Wedrovet
ot hebri
dgewerethevanwil
lbecomi
ng
f
rom.Ever
ythingwentaccor
dingt
oplan.

Thepoli
cecamewhenwewer edonewit
ht heheist
.
Wedrovebacktothewarehouse.Wi
thbagsf ul
lof
money.Wewalkedinandeveryonewasclapping
eat
ingpopcor
n.

ItwasthetopDawgs.Theywerewatchi
ngusf rom
theproj
ector.WeChuckl
ed.Ni
zit
aughtthem howto
heckStreetcamer
as.

Them:"
newsfl
ashyoucandi
videt
hemoneyamong
your
sel
ves.
"

Wesmi
ledl
ikemadpeopl
e.
Sekani
:"
let
'sgof
reshenup.Eyodwai
sper
for
mingi
n
afew.I
fwedon'tgetther
ein15minut
eswewon'
t
getachancetost
andup. .
..
"

Wedidn'tevenlethi
mf ini
shhissent
ence.Weran
upst
air
s.TheSt ackslaughedatus.Weallwal
ked
outl
ookinggreat.

Us:
"pl
easedon'
teatourmoneywewi
llbedi
vidi
ngi
t
t
ommor ow.
"

Weeacht ookastackofmoneybef
orewalki
ngout
.
Wedr ovetot
heclub.Eyodwawasout
sidebusyon
herphonechil
led.

WeChuckl
edbef
orewal
kingt
oher
.Shel
ookedup.

Her
:"
Ial
mostt
houghtyouguyswer
en'
tcomi
ng.
"
Us:
"weneverdi
sappoi
nt.
"

Welaughed.Wewalkedi
nwi
thoutt
roubl
e.These
bouncer
sknowsus.Wegott
othefront
.She
connect
edhert
hings.

Wewerejuststandi
ngwi
thherbyt
hesi
deal
lof
fus
l
iveonI
nstagram.

Eyodwa:
"l
et'
sst
artwi
thol
dschoolf
ir
st.
"

Cr
owd:
"haa"

Eyodwa:
"phol
aniHai
bo.
"
-
cal
m down.

Shesaidchuckl
ing.Sheputonherheadphones.
SheplayedSist
erBett
ina.
Cr
owd:
"hol
yshi
t.
"

Theyal
lwentmad.Wewereal
sogoingmadli
vei
n
I
nstagr
am.ever
yonewant
edtoknowhername.

Songwentl
ike
'
hol
yshi
t

Yewenasi
dlubutshabet
huyewenasi
dlubut
sha
bet
huyewenasfebanabant
hwana×2
Int
hemeant i
mehebi
rihebi
ripr
uuqum qum qum
qum yeye'

Thecrowdwasgoi ngmadwhi
lepeopl
eon
I
nstagram want
edtonowhername.Mybr
o'sl
eft
meandwentt othecrowd.
Theal
coholwaskicki
ngi
n.I'
m nott
alkingabout
whenshemixedinSbwlwit
hGigabyte.Evenpeopl
e
i
ntheViPwantedtocometothegeneralarea.

Shest
oppedpl
ayi
ng.

Cr
owd:
"haaa.
"

Song
'
seyot
ype

(
Stoppedf
oraf
ewseconds.
)

Seyomood.

(
Stopped)
Sakbawel
isakbawel
i

(
Stopped)

(
Wewawawewabyvigr
odeeppl
ayedandt
heyal
l
wentcr
azymor
e)'

SomewherenowEvent
hrowi
ngt
hei
rmoneyather
.
SheChuckl
ed.

Me:
"washaDjNdoni
"

Isai
dstandi
ngnextt
oher
.Shel
ookedatmeand
smil
ed.

Her:
"guysf
unuhl
alaneowyam ngoku.Khumbul
a
Radebewam."
-
guysIwantt
osi
twi
thmyboyf
ri
endnow.Imi
ssmy
Radebe

Il
aughed.

Cr
owd:
"haihaimayi
mel
oow.
"
-
thatboyf
ri
endshoul
dwai
t.

WebothChuckl
ed.Shepl
ayedemci
mbi
nimi
xed
wi
thyoutheone.

Ever
yoneenj
oyedt
hemsel
vesnocap.Ialso
enj
oyedmysel
faswewoulddancet
ogetherher
e
andther
e.

Thecrowdwoul
dsayncoo.Andwewoul dj
ustpeck.
Shewasalsodr
inki
ngginandtoni
cwhil
eIdri
nki
ng
J&B.Thepar
tywasli
ttoputt
hecherr
yontop.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
10
.
.
.
.
.
.
EYODWA
Ki
ssesal
lovermyf
ace.Imoaned.
Me:
"mhhh"

:
"VukaNdoniyam.
"
-
wakeupmyNdoni
.

ThatwasChumani.Yest
erdayaft
erthepar
tyweall
wenttohi
sparent
sotherapart
ment.It
'shi
sinot
her
words.

Me:
"aayuuh.
"

Heranhisfinger
sdownonmystomacht
omy
Vi
rgi
nia.Iopenedmyeyesf
ast
.

Me:
"I
'm awakenoneedf
ort
hat
."

Worseparti
sIhavetheworstheadacheever
.Ihave
neverdr
ankalcoholt
hewayIdidyester
day.Amaji
ta
okobespend.
a.
-
theywer
espendi
ngyest
erday.

Hel
aughed.

Him:"
hereIboughtyoubr
eakf
astandpi
ll
sforyour
headache.
"

Il
ookedbesi
desmet her
ewasaful
lEngli
sh
br
eakfastwi
thcof
feeandwat
erwit
hpil
ls.

Me:
"haveyoueat
en.
"

Hi
m:"
nopeIwi
lleataf
teryou.
"

Hesaidf
eedi
ngmeeggonat oastedbread.It
ooka
si
pofthecof
feejustt
hewayIloveit.Heusedto
watchmemakingmyselfcof
feeinBotswana.
Me:
"j
ustt
heIl
ovei
t.
"

Isai
dfeedi
nghi
mtoo.

Hi
m:"
Isai
dIwi
lleataf
teryou.
"

Me:
"nopeyouwi
lleatnow.
"

Hechuckl
edshakinghi
shead.Wef
edeachot
her
.I
dr
ankthepil
lsaf
terwar
ds.

Me:
"howi
syourar
m now.
"

Yest
erdaywhil
etr
yingt
ogoupt hest
air
swefal
l.He
wasgivingmeapiggybackr
ideweweredr
ankso
sodrank.
Hi
m:"
sti
llsor
ebutIdr
ankpai
nki
ll
ers.
"

Me:
"doyouhaveyourmedi
calai
dwi
thyou?
"

Hel
ookedatme.

Hi
m:"
yeahwhy?
"

Me:
"wear
egoingt
oadoct oraf
terbat
hing.Wehave
t
omakesuret
hatyourf
ine."

Hesmi
rked.

Hi
m:"
ther
eisnoneedf
ort
hat
."

Igavehi
mthatbor
edl
ook.
Hi
m:"
okayf
ine.Let
'st
akeashowert
oget
her
."

Me:
"phambeneIwi
llwashy.
..
"

TrustmewhenIsayhei sf
ast.Myunder
wearwas
downandt het-shi
rtIwasweari
ngwasup.Iwas
wearinghi
st-shir
t.

Appar
ent
lyt
heyhavecl
othesher
e.

Hesni
ff
edmyunder
wearbef
oreki
ssi
ngmycl
it
.

Me:
"br
aa.
"

Hi
m: "
sor
rynunubutyourkeeperj
ustdi
dsomet
hing
It
oldhertonotdo.
"

Hesl
ippedhi
stonguei
n.Iwasmoani
ngouthi
s
namehewasdoi ngthi
ngswithhi
stongue.If
elt
thi
ngsIhaveneverf
eltbef
ore.

Iwasenj
oyi
ngmysel
fti
llIhadt
orel
ease.

Me:
"Chumani
."

Isai
dsoft
lymoani
ng.Doyouthi
nkhel
ist
enedt
o
mycry'
shejustwentdeep.

Hewasser
iousl
ydenyi
ngmyor
gams.

Me:"
ChumanichumaniIpr
omi
seIwwi
llnever
swearatyoupl
ease.
"

Doyouthinkhestopped.Icl
osedmyeyesand
br
eathedheavil
ynow.Myhear twi
llbepoppi
ngany
minut
efrom now.
HestoppedandIrel
eased.Heli
ft
edmeupinbri
dal
st
yle.Hewalkedt
otheshower.Heletmedown.

Me:
"br
owhati
fIdi
ed?
"

Him:
"youweretast
yIwasenj
oyi
ngyouandwhydi
d
youdisobeyme?"

Me:
"howwi
llIknowwhatIwil
lIsaynextmaybei
mi
ghtaswellsaymqunduwakho."

Hel
ookedatmeandIl
aughed.Hepl
acedhi
shand
onmycli
t.

Hi
m:"
saywhatyousai
dagai
nIdi
dn'
thearyou.
"

Wewer
ebot
hnakedundert
heshowerhead.The
wat
erwashit
ti
ngus.Iheldhi
scocktoo.Don'
task
mewhereIgott
hecarr
iagetobutIdi
danyway.

Itwashar
dandsof
tatt
hesamet
ime.Hehasal
ong
bigcockr
haa.

Me:
"makunyi
wemacal
a."
-
let
'ssuf
fert
oget
her
.

Hegr
oaned.Welookedateachot
herandsmi
rked.
Webothl
aughed.

Us:
"whyarewedoi
ngsexual
l
yint
ercour
sel
ikewe
dat
inganyway.
"

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
youshoul
dshave.
"
Hesai
dlooki
ngatmycl
it
.Il
ookedathi
sdi
ck.

Me:
"youshoul
dal
soshave.
"

Welookedateachot
herandsmir
ked.Mxm wear
e
cr
azy.Hepinnedmeagainstt
hewal
landki
ssedme.

Iki
ssedhimtooandwrappedmyl egsar
oundhi
s
nakedbody.Weki
ssedforwhatseemedalongt
ime.
Hisdickt
ipwasatt
heentranceofmycli
t.

Hepul
ledout
.

Hi
m:"
west
il
lhavet
ogo.
"

Inoddedhegavemeapeck.Wet
ookashower
singi
ngBabygi
rlbyCasperNyovestwi
thme
twerki
ng.Hewashol
dingmywai stmovi
nghi
sdi
ck
onmyass.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"wehavet
ogo.
"

Igavehim apeck.Wewal
kedout.Iwor
emyt -
shi
rt
fr
om yester
dayandworehi
sjeansandboxer
s.

Wewalkedoutoft
heroom andwentdownst
air
s.
Theguyswereonthef
loor
.

Kelvi
n:"
howmanybot
tl
esofwhi
skeydi
dwehave
again.
"

Il
aughed.
Me:"
youguysboughtonet
housandwor
thof
bot
tl
es.
"

Isai
dlaughi
ng.I
t'
str
ue.

Sekani
:"
ziphipi
ll
.i
sibawo.
"
-
wer
ear
ethepi
ll
s

Chumanigavet
hem t
hepi
ll
s.Theywentt
odr
ink
them.

Me:"
let
'sgowewillf
ir
stgotot
hedoct
ort
hangot
o
st
eersoraplacet
hatsel
lsmeat.
"

Ntl
akani
pho:
"whyt
hedoct
or?Di
dyouguysdot
he
deed.
"
Theyal
lsmi
rked.Il
aughed.

Me:"
nor ememberthatwef
allyest
erday.I'
Mtaki
ng
himtothedoctort
ochecki
shi sarmifit
'sfi
ne.He
sai
dit'
ssore.
"

Them:
"wif
emat er
ial
.Iwonderowyakhoyayaziba
ungumfaziwakwaRhadebe."
-iwonderi
fyourboyf
ri
endknowst
hatyourabr
ide
attheRadebe'
s.

Il
ookedatt
hem andwel
aughed.

Me:
"mxm l
et'
sgo.
"

Itookthecarkeys.Icandr
ive.Nt
sikat
aughtme
howt odri
ve.
Wedrovetot
hehospi t
al.Theycheckedhi
sarm and
t
heysaidheshouldn'
tleftheavyobj
ect
swithi
tso
t
hati
tcanhealfast.

Hewasal
sogi
venpi
ll
s.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Thando
Noneedf
oryout
oknowmyever
ythi
ng.

ButI
'
m dati
ngChumani.Hehasbeenmycr
ush
si
nceGrade8whenIfi
rstsawhi
m.

Andnowwear
edat
ing.Butt
hatbl
ackbi
tchEyo.
..
.
What
everhernamei
s.

Luckyf
ormeI'
m pregnantnow.AndI'
m sur
eit
's
Chumani'
sIwi
llt
raphim wit
hthebaby.

Hewoul
dneverchoi
ceheroverhi
sbaby.Laughi
ng.

Iknowt hatI'
m sti
llyoungbutt
herearemany16
yearoldsthatarepr egnant
.Myauntwil
lbe
disappoint
edbutIdon' tcar
esheain'
tmymother
.

Ij
ustpost
edmypregnancyt
estonmysoci
almedi
a
pl
atf
ormsandt
aggedChumani.

Igotacal
lfr
om Si
nel
it
ha.Wejustsl
eeptoget
hert
o
getri
doft
helustwehavef
oreachother
.

Hi
m:"
whatar
ethepr
egnancyt
estabout?
"
Me:
"I
'm pr
egnantwi
thChumani
'
schi
ld.
"

Hi
m:"
whati
fit
'smi
ne?
"

Me:"nomatt
eri
fit
'syours.Iwil
lli
eandsayi t'
shis.
Lookatthi
sint
hispointofview.Youwi l
lgetthat
bl
acksheepofyoursbackandIwi llgetmyman
back."

Hi
m:"
oohInevert
houghtofi
tli
ket
hat
."

Me:"yeahanddon'
trui
nthi
ngsforme.CauseIwi
ll
ki
llyou.YouknowwhatI'
m capabl
eof.
"

Him:"justshutupandmakesur
ethatIgetmy
gi
rlfr
iendback.Butift
hebabyi
smineIwannabe
partofit.
"
Me:"
yeahwhatever
.Butthebabyi
snotyour
swe
al
waysuseprotect
ionr
emember .
"
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Wewer eatSteer
s.Iwassitt
ing ont
opofChumani
feedi
nghim.Iwasalsolooki
ngatthetr
endi
ngme
onsocialmedia.

Sekani
:"
yesterdaywasl
it
.Ifi
twasn'
tSundayI
wouldsayintoemnandii
yaphindwa.
"

Us:
"br
o."
Kelvi
n:"
thewasagir
lIsmashedyest
erdayatt
he
back.Iwasseri
ousl
ydrunk.
"

Heshookhi
shead.Wel
aughedathi
m.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"i
nthecarbr
a."

Us:
"ewwdi
dyouwi
pet
heseat?
"

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
yeah.
"

Chumani
:"
pleaseremi
ndmet obuyasani
ti
zerIwi
ll
havet
osaniti
zert
hatseat
."
Welaughed.Icameacr
ossThando'
spostwhi
ch
caughtmyeye.

Me:"uhh.3mont hspregnantwit
ht heoneandonl
y
Chumani '
schil
dcan'tbeli
evethatmeandmybaby
areexpecti
ng.Iknowt eenagepregnancyi
swrong
butIneverplannedittoo.
"

Ij
umpedt
osi
tont
opofSekani
.

Them:
"whatdoyoumean.
"

Me:
"Chumaniisgoi
ngtobeaf
atherandt
hesear
e
l
egi
tpregnancyt
est
s."

Iwashur ttobehonest
.Theyl
aughed.Il
ookedat
them confused.
Them:
"shecheat
ed.
"

Theyl
aughed.Iwasser
iousl
yLost
.

Chumani:
"comesi
tont
opofmeandl
etmet
ellyou
ali
tt
lesecret
."

Il
ookedathim.Hel
iftuphi
shandf
orme.It
ooki
t
andsatontopofhi
m.

Me:
"sowhatdoyoumeanshecheat
ed.
"

Them:
"wear
ebl
ankshoot
ersdut
yu.
"

Theyl
aughed.

Me:
"whatdoyoumeanyouar
ebl
ankshoot
ers?
"
Them:
"nj
alokanye.Bl
ankshoot
ersi
sus.
"

Theyl
aughed.

Nt
lakani
phot
ookoutagun.

Hi
m:"
njengal
egun.
iayi
nabul
letf
ananat
hike.
"
-
justl
iket
hisguni
tdoesn'
thavebul
let
sit
'sl
ikeus.

Il
ookedatt
hem st
il
lconf
usedandt
heyl
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
11
.
.
.
.
.
.
CHUMANI
Ndoni
:"
aaguysexpl
ain.
"

Wecouldseethatshewasseri
ousl
yLost
.Hur
t?No
I
'm noti
nfactIdon'
tcar
eabouther
.

Theonl
ywomani nmyhear tt
hatIwantandIwi
ll
geti
sEyodwandoniLanga.
Me:"l
astyearourf
athersf
orcedust
odoan
vasect
omyoper at
ion.
"

Kelvi
n:"t
heywer eprevent
ingusfr
om Maki
ng
womanpr egnant.Theydon'
twanttobe
grandfather
sstil
lyoung."

Sekani:
"andt
heywer
epr
otecti
ngusfrom people
l
ikethandowhowoul
dcl
aim usastheirchi
ldr
ens
fat
her'
s"

Eyodwa:
"hol
dont
hatmeanst
heywer
eact
ual
ly
fucki
ng.
"

Us:
"whoandwho?
"

Her
:"
Thandoandmyboy.
..
."
Me:
"ex.Don'
tpi
ssmeof
f.
"

Theyl
aughedatme.

Her:
"exboyfr
iendwer
esleepi
ngt
oget
her.Iwoul
d
seethem f
rom ti
metoti
meandtheywouldsayt
hey
arecousi
ns."

Us:
"newsf
leshbabyt
heyar
ehavi
ngababynow.
"

Me:
"sanut
hibabyNanikl
kmaj
it
a.Tyi
sewena.
"
-
don'
tsaybabyt
oo.Feedme.

SheChuckl
edandwel
aughed.

Her
:"
seewhenIsayhei
sdemandi
ng.
"
Wel aughedather
.Shefedmemymeat .Ihad
somei nmymout hthati
sunchewed.It
urnedher
aroundandgaveittohermouthtoomouth.

Theguy:
"haisi
es.
"

Wel
aughedIgaveherapeck.

Ntl
akanipho:
"ndavababi
zil
ekesebutnyamayou
guysarenasty."
-
iwoul
dheari
fitwassweet
sbutmeat
..
.

Weal
llaughed.

Me:"
youguysshouldtryi
tout
.Ther
eisnothi
ng
nast
yhere.youexchangespi
teswi
thsomeone
whenyoukissthem"
Welaughed.Ndonit
ookmeatf
orher
sel
f.Asshe
wasabouttobit
eitasl
apl
andedonherface.

Wealll
ookeduponl
ytobemetbyThando,
Pal
esa,
ZoeyandBusi
.

Nextt
hingThandoandZoeyar
eunderNdoni.
Pal
esaandBusihavebl
ueeyesandtheyar
e
bl
eedi
ng.

Wet ri
edtaki
ngNdoniawayfrom them butwe
earnedpunchsonthenose.Ithi
nkshebr okemy
nose.

Shecanf
ightr
haa.

Her:
"Chumanindiyeka.ThemeatI'
m supposet
obe
enj
oyingi
senjoyedbyt hefl
oornow."
Ineverl
aughedthewayIdidtoday.Mybro'
swer
e
l
aughing.Nt
lakaniphowasonthefloor
.Shei
s
beati
ngthem becauseofmeat?

Her:
"whodoyout hi
nkyouare?Thefl
oorisnow
enj
oyingthemeatIwassupposetoenjoy.Doyou
seethosestr
eetki
d?"

ShetookThando'
sheadandmadeherlookoutsi
de
att
hestreetki
dsshewastal
kingabout
.Can
someonepinchmeIcan'
tbeli
evethi
sri
ghtnow.

Her:
"t
heyarecr avi
ngfort
hemeatyoujustwast
ed.
Theyhaven'teateni
nagesandyouarehere
sl
appingmeBecauseiam sitt
ingontopofmy
boyf
riend.
"

Waitshesai
dboyf
ri
endr
ight
?Ican'
tbel
ievemy
ear
snow.
Her:
"youknowhowpr eci
ousmeatist
ome?And
youarewastingi
t.Don'
teversl
apme.Ol
aol
aexe
mameml e?"
-
areyoul
ist
eni
ng?

Theyallnodded.Nextt
hingNdonii
stakenbyt
he
pol
ice.Shebeatthem t
oo.

Her
:"l
indeniqi
buthet
haAndit
handuphazanyi
swa
ani
namal ungel
oalont
oRadebeqaonel
olungelo.
"
-
wai tf
ormet ofi
nishtalki
ng.Idon'
tli
ketobe
dist
urbedwhenI'mt al
kingyoudon'thavet
heri
ght
too.OnlyRadebehast heri
ght.

Youshouldhaveseent
hesmir
kinmyface.The
pol
icenoddedhol
dingt
hei
rnosest
o.

Ndoni
:"
pleasegoandcheckift
hebabyissti
llf
ine.I
don'
twanthim/hert
obeaffect
edandtel
lthebaby
t
hatI
'
m sor
ryi
fIhur
thi
m/her
."

Thandonodded.Mybro'
scoul
dn'
tevenbr
eat
h
becauseofl
aughi
ng.

Ndoni
:"
let
'sgo.
"

Shesai
dtot
hepol
ice.

Nt
lakani
pho:"
don'tworr
yyouwil
lbeouti
n2hour
s
wearecall
ingthebestl
awyer
sintown.
"

Hesai
dlaughi
ng.Meandmybro'
swalkedoutas
par
amedicswal
kedi
n.Peopl
eweret
akingvi
deos.

Thando:
"Chumanipl
easecomewi t
hme.Thi
sisour
babywearetal
kingabouther
e."
Weconti
nuedwalki
ng.Idon'
tknowwer
eshegot
t
hecarr
iagetot
alkt
omecauseshewasbeatenup
t
othepulp.

Wegott
othecar.Iconnectmyphonet
othe
Bl
uet
oot
h.Ical
ledCage.

Hi
m:"
kwedi
ni.
"
-
boy?

:
"Banil
owo?
"
-
whoi
sthat
?

Thatwast
heot
hert
opdawgs

Cage:
"l
ant
wanuChumani
"

Si
ya:
"heeokosi
mqi
bel
isezol
olomt
hanangu2
ngoku.
"
-
wel
astsawhi
m yest
erdayt
hischi
ldi
t'
s2pm now.

Wel
aughed.

Cage:
"nif
unant
on'
?"
-
whatdoyouwant
?

Sekani
:"
cel
ani
zor
eleaseumt
u."
-
canyoupl
easecomeandr
eleasesomeone.

Them:
"banil
owo?
"
-
whoi
sthat?

Us:
"Eyodwa"

TheyChuckl
ed.
Tai
lor
:"
whatdi
dshedo?
"

Us:
"shebeatapregnantt
eenageandherf
ri
endsf
or
meatthatf
allwhentheysl
appedher
."

Byjustsayi
ngi
twear
eal
readyl
aughi
ng.Theyal
so
l
aughed.

Snakes:
"whydi
dn'
tyouguysst
opher?
"

Us:"
heemynosei sbr
okenf
rom t
ryi
ngt
ost
opher
eventhepol
ice.
"

Kelvi
n:"
TaTTsoluzanezawayzakhomar
nIt
hink
mineisreal
lybr
okenfuck.
"

Weal
llaughedathi
m.
Mamber
:"
Ihavet
oseet
hisgi
rlI
'
m comi
ngt
oo.
"

T.
O:"
I'
m al
socomi
ng.
"

Wedi
sconnect
edt
hecal
l.

Ntl
akani
pho:"
whodoyout hi
nkyouar
e.Thefl
oori
s
nowenjoyi
ngthemeatIwassupposetoenj
oy.Do
youseethosest
reetki
ds?
"

Sekani:
"theyar
ecravingfort
hemeatyoujust
wasted.Theyhaven'teat
eninagesandyouare
hereslappingmeBecauseiam sit
ti
ngontopofmy
boyfr
iend."

Kelvi
n:"
nowChumaniisherboyf
ri
endbutt
heyare
notevendat
ing.Idi
edtwi
ceandcamebacktoli
fe.
"
Us:
"hehakephor
a."

Wel
aughed.

Ntl
akani
pho:
"f
orgetaboutt
hatheardherwhenshe
sai
dRadebenguyeyedwaonel ungel
olompoxa"
-
radebei
stheonl
yoneal
lowedt
ospeakwhenshe
i
sspeaki
ng.

Them:
"ndaqondbahai
kelovei
sintheairmxm
ndamt
handalowoguysgcwelengaye.
"
-
ithoughtl
ovei
sint
heai
r.Il
ovet
hatone.Ir
eal
ly
l
oveher.

Thiswholedri
vewewerelaughi
ngIwasintear
s
fr
om laughi
ng.Kel
vinwasevensitont
hefl
oor.
Nt
lakani
pho:
"Iser
iousl
yneedanEyodwat
o."

Hesaidtryi
ngtocal
m down.Wegott
ot hepol
ice
stat
ionandtheTopDawgswerewait
ingoutsi
defor
us.

Me:
"hai
boyouhaven'
trel
easedheryet?
"

TT:
"wewantt
oher
ethest
oryf
ir
st.
"

Me:"sowewereatSteer
soutsi
de.Eyodwawas
si
tti
ngonmyl apthanshej
umpedf r
om met o
Sekani.Si
nceshesawThandowaspr egnantwi
th
mychi l
d..
..
"

Them:"
akakwaziubamithi
.Youguysdi
d
Vasect
omyoper at
ionsl
astyear
."
-
shecan'
tbepr
egnant
..
Mybro'
s:"aninal
ungel
olothet
haxaethet
ha
ml
indeniaqibenguEyodwaqaonelungel
olal
ont
o."
-
youguysdon'thavearightt
otal
kwhil
eheis
t
alki
ngwaitf
orhimt ogetdoneonl
yEyodwahas
t
hatri
ght
.

Theysai
dcopi
ngEyodwa'
svoi
ce.Weal
llaughed.

Si
ya:
"di
dshesayt
hat
."

Wenodded.Theyl
aughedmor
e.

Snakes:
"nowIur
gent
lyneedt
oseeher
."

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"It
oldhert
ocomeandsi
tont
opofmeagai
nI
wil
ltel
lherasecrett
hanIt
oldheraboutusdoi
ng
t
heoper at
ion.SoIsai
dshemustfeedme.Yeah
marn..
."

Kel
vin:
"t
heniZayqabadaleyokbayoudi
damout
h
t
oomout hwithmeatwit
hher? "
-
whyar
eyouski
ppi
ngt
hepar
t.
..
.

SekaniandNt
lakani
pho:
"t
ch'
"

Il
ookedatt
hem t
heyl
ookedever
ywher
eel
sebut
me.

TopDawgs:
"hewhat
?"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"mxm yeahanyway.Shet
ookhermeatasshe
wasaboutt otakeabi t
easlaplandedonherf ace
causi
nghermeatt of all
.Welookeduponl yt
ome
metbyThando, Palesa,ZoeyandBusi .Nextt
hing
ThandoandZoeyar eunderNdoni.PalesaandBusi
hadblueeyesbl eeding.Wet r
iedtaki
ngNdoniaway
fr
om them butweear nedpunchsont henose...
."

Theyal
llaughed.

Me:
"shesaid.ThemeatI'
m supposet
obeenj
oyi
ng
i
senjoyedbythefl
oornow."

Them:
"shesai
dwhat
?"

Theywerei
ntear
slaughing.Mybr o'
swer
eont
he
fl
oort
ryi
ngtocat
chtheirbreat
h's.

Me:"
welaughed.Nextt
hingshesai
dwhodoyou
t
hinkyouare.Thef
loori
snowenjoyingt
hemeatI
wassupposet oenj
oy.Doyouseet hosestr
eetkid?
Shet ookThando'sheadandmadeherl ookout si
de
atthestreetki
dsshewast al
kingabout.Aft
er
maki ngherlookoutsi
deshesai dtheyarecraving
forthemeatyouj ustwasted.Theyhaven'teatenin
agesandyouar eheresl
appingmeBecauseiam
sit
ti
ngont opofmyboyf ri
end."

Them:
"soshei
syourgi
rl
fr
iend?
"

Ishookmyhead.

Mybro'
s;
"theyar
enotdat
ingbuthearwhatshesai
d
t
othepoli
ce."

Weal
llaughed.

Me:
"shesai
dagai
nyouknowhowpreciousmeati
s
t
ome?Andyouarewasti
ngit
.Don'
teverslapme.
Okayexemamemle?Theyallnodded.Nextt
hing
Ndonii
stakenbyt
hepoli
ce.Shebeatthem t
o."

Mybro'
s:
"her
eismyf
avor
it
epar
tandt
hepar
taf
ter
t
his.
"

Wel
aughed.

Meandmybr o'
s:"
shelookedatthepoli
ceandsaid
l
indeniqi
buthethaAndithanduphazanyi
swa
aninamalungel
oalont
oRadebeqaonel olungel
o."

Si
ya:
"naxokamakwedi
ni.
"
-
youboysar
elyi
ng.

Me:"
heeifIseet
hevi
deoonsoci
almedi
aIwi
ll
showitt
oyouguys.
"
Cage,MamberandTTwer eal
soont hefl
oornow.
Thesedudescan'
tbeser
ious.Theyareevencryi
ng.

Me:"Thepoli
cenoddedhol dingtheirnosesto.She
saidbeforehandi
ngher sel
foverpleasegoand
checkifthebabyissti
llfi
ne.Idon'twanthim/ herto
beaffectedandtel
lthebabyt hatI'
m sorryi
fIhur t
him/her.
"

Them:"Il
oveheralr
eady.Ihavetoseeher.Whotel
ls
someonet ochecki
ftheyarefi
neafterbeat
ing
them up.
"

Us:
"ngunj
alamt
hana.
"

Welaughedbef
orewalki
ngi nt
hepol
icest
ati
onst
il
l
l
aughingwit
hourdeepvoices.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
12
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Theyr
eall
ypissedmeofft
oday.Ihavebeenqui
et
foral
ongti
me.Ihadtoshowthem babinqe
ngant
oni
i.
-
whatI
'
m madeof
f.

Idi
dn'
treal
lycar
eaboutt
hepol
icear
rest
ingme.I
di
dbeatthem upso?

Andtheguyspi
ssedmeofftoowhentheywer
e
t
aki
ngmeawayf rom t
hem.Thepol
icetoo.

Thei
rcol
legeswer
elaughi
ngwhenwecameher
e.

Poli
ce¹
:"
soyoursayingt
omet heysl
appedyouand
yourmeatf
allandyoubeatt
hem al
lup.
"

Theyal
llaughed.Noonebel
ievest
hepol
icet
hat
camebackwi t
hmeher e.

GuysIl
ovemeat
.IfThandowasl
adyenoughshe
woul
dasknotj
ustbeatmeup.

Pol
ice²
:"Il
oveher
."

Theywer
edeadwithlaugher
.Ilaughedtoot
hinki
ng
ofhowcr
azyIwas.I'
m sureI'
mt r
ending.

I'
m alwaystr
endingnowadays.Idon'tgett
ohavea
break.Iwonderwhatpeopl
eatschoolthi
nk.

Ist
il
lhavet
ofacemymotherandbrot
her
s.They
nowIwasdoingagi
g.Theyal
lowedmeto.

Butt
heysai
dIshoul
dbecar
efult
heywantmeal
ive
andki
cki
ngwhenIcomeback.

Thedoorf
lewopenand2buf
fguyswal
kedi
n.
Man¹
:"
canwet
alkt
oourcl
ientpl
ease.
"

Thepolicenoddedseemsl
iket
heyar
escaredof
them.Hmm.t heymustbet
helawyer
sNtl
akani
pho
wastalkingabout
.

Man²:
"zaxokaezant
wanakangebet
hemt
u
l
omthana."
-
thoseboysar
elyi
ngshedi
dn'
thi
tsomeone.

Theywereal
sol
aughi
ng.Soi
twast
hem t
hatcal
led
them t
ohel
pmeout.

Man¹:
"yeahshel
ookstoi
nnocent
.ButImustsay
shedi
danumberont hei
rnoses.
"

Iheldmyf
oreheadIt
otal
lyf
orgott
hatIal
sohi
t
them.
Me:
"ar
ethei
rnosesf
ine.
"

Them:
"Imustsayyoudi
danumberont
hem j
ustf
or
meatNorh.
"

Weal
llaughed.Theywer
ecr
ying.

Man²:
"butworryl
essyouwil
lbeouti
nnotime.We
ar
ethebestlawyersi
ntown.Wearest
il
lnegot
iat
ing
wi
ththepoli
ce."

Me:
"butyouher
eandyousai
dwe.
"

Them:"Fi
nisherhast
omeether.Theywouldmakea
perf
ectmot heri
nlawanddaughteri
nlaw.
"

Theysai
dlaughi
ng.Iwonderwhoi
sFi
nisher
.1of
t
hei
rmot
her
sisal
soagangst
er.

Me:
"banif
ini
sher
?"
-
whoi
sfi
nisher?

Iwascur
ious.

Man¹:
"awumazimakaRadebel
unamal
ungel
okuwe
kant
i.
"
-
youdon'tknowRadebe'
smot
herwhohasr
ight
s
overyou.

Ican'
tbel
ieveIsai
dthat
.Weal
llaughedMan²was
onthefl
oor.

Man¹
:"
nevermetsomeonewhohasgutsl
ikeyoudo.
MakaSekanineedst
oher
eaboutt
his.
"
SoheisSekani
'
sfat
her.Neverknewhi
sfat
herisa
Lawyer
.Comingtot
hinkaboutitt
heyl
ookal
ike.

Man²:"
wor
stpartshecl
aimedChumanit
obeher
boyf
ri
endbutt
heynotevendati
ng.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"i
tjustcameoutofmymout
h."

Theyshooktheirheadssti
lll
aughi
ng.Thisdudes
areneverser
iousain'
ttheysupposetogetmeout
ofherealr
eadybuttheyarejoki
ngaround.

Thedoorfl
ewopenandaguywi
thanot
herpol
ice
mangotin.

Guy:
"sozemaj
it
anguyel
o."
-
neverguysi
sshet
heone?

Theynoddedbef
orel
aughi
ng.Haindi
yenzi
lei
nto.

Poli
ce:
"yourfr
eet
ogobutpl
easest
ayawayf
rom
thosegi
rls.
"

Me:
"butwear
eint
hesamecl
assandcl
ub.
"

Poli
ce:"
justdon'
tcauset
roubl
eagainyouwer
ealso
arr
estedlastyear
.Iwonderwhatt
hecasewil
lbe
nextyear.
"

Theguysl
ookedatme.Ilookedever
ywher
eel
se
butt
hem.Theylaughed.

Man²
:"whatdi
dshedol
astyear
."
Pol
ice:
"shewasdj
ingi
nacl
ubunder
age.
"

Theyshookt
hei
rheadsl
aughi
ng.

Man³
:"ngunj
anyanimaj
it
a."
-
sher
eal
lyi
sthebaddest
.

Welaughed.Wewal
kedoutandChumaniwast
he
f
ir
stonetohugmebefor
emyot herbr
o's.

Man²:
"whydidn'tyouguysment
ionshewas
ar
rest
edlastyeartoo.
"

Hesai
dlaughi
ng.

T.
O:"
what?
"
Theyal
sowantedtolaugh.Mybro'swer
elaughi
ng.
Chumani'
sfat
herwasalsohere.Theyl
ookali
keso
somuchliket
heyaretwins.

Chumani
'
sfat
her
:"
whatdi
dshedol
astyear
."

Man³
:"cl
ubbi
ngnoact
ual
lyDJi
ng.
"

Man⁴:"
mxm youguysarelyi
ng.Sheissoi nnocentI
don'
tevenbel
ieveshebeatapregnantteenageand
sai
dshemustapologizeonherbehalf
."

Weal
llaughed.Ever
yonewasi
ntear
s.

Chumani
'
sfather
:"
allI
'
m goingt
osaytoyouson.
Goodl
uckthi
siswhatIalsohadtodealwi
th.
"

Wel
aughed.
Man¹
:"
rememberwhenshebeatt
hatPAofyour
s."

Man⁴:
"t
hepoorgi
rlcoul
dn'
tevenbr
eat
hwhenNi
zi
wasdonewit
hher."

Wel
aughed.Thi
sNi
zimustbeagr
eatwoman.

Man5:
"wai
tisn'tshet
hesamegi
rlwhoranaway
wit
hChumani'smoneyinpr
imar
yschoolI
r
ememberhernameEyodwandoni.
"

Theyl
ookedatmeandl
aughed.Ial
sol
aughed.

Chumani
'
sfat
her
:"
wabuyemuncungal
ami
ni.
"
-
shecamebacksourt
hatday.

Man³
:"Ir
ememberwewer
eal
lpl
anni
ngourshi
tthat
day.
"

Wel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
that
'snotal
l.Sheal
sooncedelet
ed
Chumani'sworkint
hecomputercl
assesjustf
or
pul
li
ngachai r
."

Welaughed.NowIseewher
ethei
rcr
azi
nessi
s
comingfr
om.

Me:
"youguysar
etal
kingl
ikeI
'
m notevenher
e."

Isul
kedt
heyl
aughed.

Chumani'
sfather
:"
noguys.Itr
eal
lyi
sNi zi
.Chumani
youhavefoundyoursel
fyourownNizinow."
MeandChumani
:"
wear
enotdat
ingguys.
"

Isai
dlooki
ngdown.

Them:"
Andithanduphazanyi
swaani
namal
ungel
o
al
ontoRadebeqaonelolungel
o."
-
idon'
tli
kebei
ngdi st
urbedwhenI'
mtalki
ngyou
don'
thavet
herighttoo.Onl
yRadebehastheri
ght
.

Theyallsai
dinagir
l.
ishvoice.Chumanihuggedme
Iplacedmyheadonhi sshoulder
.Ihatethefact
thatwearethesameheight.Theylaughed.

Kel
vin:
"ndaqondbahai
kef
unuf
undel
abangu
Radebe."
-
ithoughtnoIwannal
ear
nandbeRadebe.

Webur
stedi
ntol
augher
.Wewer
eal
readyout
side.
Mostofthem weresi
tti
ngdownlaughi
ng.They
can'
tbegangstersIt
houghtt
heywouldbeseri
ous
andall
.Ntl
akaniphowasmakingasifhehasa
si
zure.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"manengogxozul
avuke.
"
-
igetasei
zur
eever
yti
meandwakeup.

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
'
sfat
her
:"
abengubanikengokuyenanyana
wam?'
-
whowi
llmysonbe?

Wel
aughed.

Man⁴:"
Boyyoubet
terstophavi
ngasei
zur
e
ever
yti
mecauseLethaboakadlal
i.
"
-
shedoesn'
tpl
ay

Welaughed.Theyar
eawhol
efuckenmood.
Chumanitookmehome.

Hi
m:"
seeyout
ommor
ow.
"

Weki
ssed.Ipul
ledout
.

Me:
"pl
easecomewi
thmycl
othes.
"

Hi
m:"
cingi
."
-
iwon'
t

Il
ookedathi
m.Hesmi
ledbef
oregi
vingmeapeck.

Hi
m:"
bye.
"
Ismi
ledbef
orewal
kingout
.

Hi
m:"
sant
limpundu.
"
-
yourassl
ooksgr
eat
.

Ilookedathi
m welaughed.Igotinatthehouse
usingthefr
ontdoor
.EveryonelaughedasSoonas
theysawme.

Mom:
"andaykhol
elwa.
"
-
idi
dn'
tbel
ievei
t.

Iguesst
heysawt
hevi
deot
oo.

Ntando:
"wayif
uneralpl
anRadebendaqondba
sabawel
ibayicovernam'
-
Radebei
saf
uner
alpl
anIt
houghtIwantt
obea
covert
oo.

TheyknowthatI
'
m dati
ng.Theyoncecaughtme
wit
hSinel
it
ha.Welaughed.

Li
yema:"
himaboni
lel
apunchngenekuRadebene
chomi
iezakhe.
"
-
waitdi
dyouseet hepuncht
hatRadeber
eli
eved
wit
hhisfr
iends.

Mom:"
thankst
ohi sdar
kski
not
her
wisehewas
goi
ngtoberedtoo."

Ntsi
ka:
"Isti
llcan'
tbel
ieveyoubeat
edsomeoneup
f
ormeat .
"

Theyshookt
hei
rheadsl
aughi
ng.
Ntando:
"st
il
lshehadthegutstotel
lhert
hatshe
mustdoacheckupt oseeifthebabyisf
ine.I
salut
eyousist
er.
"

Hesai
dfi
stbumpi
ngme.

Ntsi
ka:"
wewer eonourwayt
orel
easehowdi
dyou
getr
eleased?
"

Me:
"oohmyfr
iendsfather
'spul
ledsomest
ri
ngsf
or
meandIgotr
eleased.
"

Theynoddedl
aughi
ng.

Mom:"Iknewyoulikedmeatbutf
ight
ingfori
t?
Worstparti
sthatyouwereal
sospeakingabout
hungryki
ds."
Mybr
other
s:"
mot
ivat
ionspeakerf
ight
er.
"

Webur
stedi
ntol
augher
.

Me:
"mxm.Idoneher
e.I
sther
eanymeat
?"

Iwant
edt
oheart
heshi
tcomi
ngoutoft
hei
rmout
hs

Them:
"t
hat
heyonkebayayayif
unamnt
asekhaya.
"
-
takei
tal
lifyouwantt
oo

IknewitIj
ustl
aughedandwalkedt
omyr oom.I
tookoutmyphone.Ihadmanynoti
fi
cat
ions

IneverloggedoutwhenIwastakenbyt
hepol
ice.I
tookthepopcorninmydrawer
.
Il
oggedi
nandIwast
rendi
ngagai
n.

'
isalut
ethisgi
rl
.Shemot
ivat
eswhi
legi
ving
punchs.'

Thosewer
ethecomment
sont
hevi
deo.

'
butguysshehadapoint.Ther
earepeoplehungry
outther
eandwearebusywast i
ngfood.Sl
apping
eachotherf
orboyf
ri
ends.'

Thatonehad201hear
treact
ions.

'
al
lIwanti
stobeRadebenot
hingmor
enot
hing
l
ess.Weneedmor
egirl
sli
keher.
'

'
whenyoubur
nthem pl
easel
eaveherbehi
nd.
'
'
shehadthegut
stoaski
fshei
sfi
ne.Isal
uteher
ngunj
alowa'

Ir
eadt
hecomment s.Ihopepeopl
efrom school
wil
l
gi
vemeabreak.Ican'
tbethetopi
cfortheday.

Iwil
lhavet
otel
lmyki
dsthisoneday.Icr
eat
edl
ots
ofcrazymoment
stot
ellf
orali
fet
ime.

I'
mjustateenenj oyi
ngmyt eenageli
feint
hebest
waypossible.Ineverplannedtogetarrest
edtwi
ce
notevenonceandI '
m sixt
eenTur ni
ngsevent
eenin
3mont hs.

Anotif
icat
ioncamei n.100000rhasbeenaddedt
o
youraccount.That
'sforwhatIdi
dyester
day.

Iwassupposet
ospend2hour
sbutIspend4hour
s
sothemoneywasadded.
Isti
llcan'
tbel
ievei
t.Ichuckl
edt
hinki
ngaboutwhat
Isai
dt othebaby.

Imustbereal
lymad.Andthefactt
hatIclai
med
Chumani.HemusthavebeenHappy.Ididn'
tget
ti
metolookathi
m whenIclai
medhi m.

Buti
tfel
tsogoodt
oo.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
13
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Monday.Ihat
et hi
sday.Igottoschoolandas
expect
edpeopleweresalut
ingme.

Somenet bal
lsgi
rl
swer eangrythatIbeatupa
pregnantwomannot eenage.Ndingayaziba
befunanton'
kwipipiemncinci
-
idon'
tevenknowwhatshewasdoi
ngonadi
ck
whi
lesheisyoung.

Wewerenowi
ntheMat
hscl
ass.I
twi
llbesecond
br
eakt
his.
Theyal
lcamet
oschoolwi
thbr
uises.

MrWar
tss:
"whathappenedt
oThandoandf
ri
ends.
"

Ever
yonel
ookedatme.

Me:
"whati
sthet
hir
dequat
ionagai
nsi
r.
"

Theyal
llaughed.

Sir
:"
let'
sstopj
oki
ngar
oundguysandgett
o
business.
"

Someonecoughedf
lamewhi
chi
sint
hei
rthr
oat
s.

Thecl
ass:
"asi
naMal
i"
-
wedon'
thavemoney.
Wesai
dli
ft
ingupourhandsl
aughi
ng.

Si
r:
"doyouguysgetat
tent
ionf
rom home.
"

Wel
aughed.

Sir
:"
youdon'tevenbri
ngCalcul
ator
stoschool
.You
shouldr
athersendthem t
oschoolnotyou.
"

Webur
sti
ntol
augher
.

Sir
:"
let
'sdoali
tt
lebi
tofr
ateexchangejustto
remindyouaboutt
hethi
ngsyoudidlastyear.So
Meati..
..
"

Di
dtheynotl
augh.Thandoandherf
ri
endswer
e
l
ooki
ngdown.
Chul
u:"
sircanwepl easedropthet
opi
caboutt
he
moti
vati
onalspeakerfight
er.
"

That
'soneofmycl
assmat
es.Hesai
dlaughi
ng.

Sir
:"
butI'
m doi
ngrat
eswit
hanexampleofmeat
whosaidanythi
ngaboutt
hemoti
vat
ionalspeaker
fi
ghter
."

Ever
yonel
aughed.

Sekani:
"Ican'
tdothi
sanymor
e.Nomar
nguysl
et'
s
dropthetopicnow."

Hesai
dint
ear
slaughi
ng.

Si
r:
"yeahhei
sri
ghtweshoul
dst
opj
oki
ngar
ound.
Wedon'
twantt
orecei
vepunchest
o."

Hesaidl
ooki
ngatKel
vinwhohadapl
ast
eronhi
s
nose.Wel
aughed.

Thebellr
angandi
twasbreakt
imenow.Iwas
walki
ngwithmybr
o'st
othepavi
li
on.That
'swer
e
wesit.

Kelvi
n:"
neverwi
llIeverst
opyouwhenyouar
e
fi
ghti
ng."

Nt
lakani
pho:"
okool
edil
ingenar
oom l
indibuze
mpuloir
ytna.
"
-
mymotherhasbeencomi
ngt
omyr
oom aski
ngi
f
mynosei
sfine.

Welaughed.Iwasbusyonmyphonechat
ti
ngwi
th
Li
thal
ethuandSinel
it
hawhent
heybot
hdumpedme
f
orcl
aimi
ngChumaniyest
erday.

Chumanil
aughed.Hewassit
ti
ngbehindmeIwas
bet
weenhisthi
ghs.Icoul
dn'
tbel
ievei
t.

Sekani
:"
wahl
ekawedwa?
"
-
youl
aughi
ngAl
one?

Chumani:"
shej
ustgotdumpedf
orcl
aimi
ngme
yest
erday.
"

Theyal
llaughed.Ial
solaughedbef
orerepl
yingwi
th
okayt
obot hofthem wi
ththeseemoji
s .

Chumani
:"
shei
saSavage.
"

Hel
aughedbefor
etaki
ngmyphoneandgivi
ngitto
t
heother
s.Theybur
sti
ntol
augherbef
oregi
vingme
myphoneback.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"ndi
zogxozul
angoku"
-
i'
m aboutt
ohaveasei
zur
e.

Wel
aughed.

Kel
vin:
"Ihavenevermetsomeonel
ikeherbef
ore.
"

Welaughed.JustthanThandoandherf
ri
ends
came.Iwasaboutt ost
andandgowhenChumani
hel
dmyshoul ders.

Thando:
"canIt
alkt
othef
atherofmyunbor
nchi
l
d
pl
ease."

Chumil
e:"
ther
eisnof
atherofyourunbor
nchi
ld
her
e."
Thando:
"whatdoyoumean?youmademepr egnant
andyoudenyingyourchi
ld.Expectmyauntand
uncl
eatyourhousethisaft
ernoon."

Chumani:
"youwi
llonl
yembar
rassyour
sel
fther
e.
Weallknowyoucheated.
"

Sheswal
lowed.

Chumani :
"andthatbabycan'
tbemi neI'm ablank
shooterIcancomewi thmymedi calrecordsif
neededtoo.Iadviseyoutosear
chf orther eal
ly
fat
hercauseyouwi llj
ustembar
rassyour selfi
fyou
sayit
'smi ne.
"

Shecri
ed.Zoeycomfortherbef
orel
ooki
ngat
Ntl
akani
pho.Heshrugged.Theywal
kedaway.
Sekani
:"
haiandi
funimj
olo.
"

Hesangwel
aughed.

Me:
"mxm ni
babini
na.
"
-
youguysar
eugl
y.

Isaidfarawayfrom them.Theyal
lranaft
ermeon
thefiel
d.I
twasj ustSekani
,Chumaniand
Ntlakani
pho.Idon'tknowwereKelvi
nwas.

Everyonewaslookingatus.Kelvi
ncamewit
ha
bucketful
lofwater.Icoul
dn'
tranawaynowcause
theywereallhol
dingme.

Them:
"baniombi?
"
-
whoi
sugl
y?
Theyaskedl
aughi
ng.

Me:
"i
t'
snotyouguysi
t'
sme.
"

Them:
"butyouhaveal
readysai
dit
'sus.
"

Kelvi
npour edthewateronme.Lucki
lyi
tshott
oday.
Everyonelaughedatus.Theyal
solaughedbef
ore
runningaway.

Iwalkedt
owardsthetoi
let
sthat
'swer
ethe
car
etaker
sare.Ever
yonewaslaughi
ngatme.

Mxm.Igott
othecar
etaker
s.

Me:
"mol
wenibawugl
an.
"
-
mor
ing
Theygr
eet
edback.

Me:"
cel
anindibol
ekeamabacketay2ndi
zowa
buyi
sangoku.
"
-
canyoupl
easeborr
owme2bucket
sIwi
llcome
backwi
tht
hem now.

Theygavethem toome.Iwal
kedoutandwentt
o
thetapout
side.Itookof
fmyshoest
heywereheavy
from t
hewater.

Iwaswetf r
om myheadt omyt oes.If
il
ledbothof
thebucket
swi t
hwater
.Don'taskmewer eIgotthe
str
engthtoli
ftup20Lbucket
sf ul
lofwat erbutIdi
d.

Everyonewasl
ooki
ngatmelaughi
ng.Il
eftmy
shoesther
eandwalkedwi
thmysocks.

Somewer
efol
lowi
ngme.Isawwher
etheyar
e.I
wal
kedt
her
ewi
thever
yonef
oll
owi
ngme.

Igott
ot hem pl
acedonebucketdownandpoured
oneatthem.Theyweregivi
ngmet hei
rbacks.They
l
ookedbackandIt ookt
hesecondoneandpour ed
i
tonthem too.

Everyonewasl aughi
ng.Ast heywerechargi
ngto
chasemet hebell
rang.Isti
ckedoutmyt ongue
beforerunningtothehist
oryclass.

Iputonmyshoes.Ipassedbyt
hem whileIwas
runni
ng.Theygoti
nwetandfuming.Iwaslaughi
ng
sowast hecl
ass.

Ma'
am:
"whyar
eyouguyswet?
"

Chumani
:"
it
'snot
hingwecan'
ttakecar
eofma'
am.
"
Wel
aughed.Theycamet
ositnexttome.Iwasi
n
t
hemiddl
e.Therear
e5seat
sinthisdesk.

Sekani
:"
babygi
rlkasshoot
erhow.
"
-
babygi
rlt
akeapi
ctur
eofus.

Shewastal
kingt
othegir
linfr
ontofus.Theclass
l
aughedcausehewasloud.Theteacherwasout.
Thi
sisourl
astper
iod.

Thegir
lChuckledbeforetaki
ngthephone.Shetook
pi
ctur
esofus.Wepost edt hepi
cturesonal
lsocial
mediaplat
for
mst heylookedgreat.

Thel
essonbegan.Thebellr
angmeaningit'
shome
ti
me.Iwasevengett
ingcoldint
heseclot
hes.

AsIwal
kedout
.Theyhel
dmeandcar
ri
edme.
Me:
"butguysi
'
m sor
ry.
"

Everyonewaslooki
ngatus.Theywereeven
fol
lowingus.Wewalkedt
hroughthedoorthatl
eads
ustot hepool
.

Rhaa.Astheyt
hrowedmei
n.Ipul
ledt
hem wi
thme
rhaabayanya.
-
theyar
eshi
tt
ingwi
thme.

Welaughedatourcr
azyness.Wewal
kedoutoft
he
poolwetasf
uck.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Aft
erwalki
ngoutoft
hepoolweal
lwentt
oour
t
ranspor
ts.

Uvuyo:
"whymanzi
."
-
whyar
eyouwet
.

Me:
"Iwaspul
ledi
nthepoolbyanot
hergi
rl
."

Isai
dshaki
ngmyheadl aughi
ng.Theyalsolaughed.
Wegottothehousetheyranoutf
ir
st.Iwalkedin
wit
hmyheavyclothes.

:
"Andt
hanwamanzi
?"
-
whyar
eyouwet
?

ThatwasSi
yaandNi
zi.Theydi
dn'
tgot
owor
k.
Me:
"asyi
songuEyodwaundit
sal
epool
.i
ni"
-
isn'
titEyodwapul
li
ngmei
nthepool
.

Siyalaughed.Wedi
dn'tt
ellNi
ziaboutEyodwa
yesterdayshewasatAuntAyabonga'shouse.

Ni
zi:
"whoi
sthat
."

It
ookoutmyphone.

Me:"vul
aakhopasswor duyekwigall
eryqhi
bauye
kwialbum bhalweTheonlyfl
owerinmyhear t
zambonandi sayot
shint
shaumnandi zokubhali
sel
e
ngokubakwenzekent on'
."
-openmyphoneandgot omygal ler
y.Gotothe
album t
hatsaysTheonlyfl
owerinmyheartyouwil
l
seeher.Iwil
ltel
lyouwhathappenedaft
erIhave
changed.
Ij
oggedupstai
rsandchangedIpl
acedt
hewet
cl
othesi
nthewashingmachinebef
orewal
king
backtot
helounge.

Theywerelaughi
ng.I
'm sur
eSiyahasal
readyt
old
herwhathappenedyest
erday.

Ni
zi:
"Ineedt
oseeher
."

Shewasl
aughi
ng.

Si
ya:
"yeyyenzi
lei
ntol
amt
hanazol
o."
-
shedi
dthi
ngsyest
erday.

Wel
aughed.

Si
ya:
"wenzent
on'
namhl
anj
e?"
-
whatdi
dshedot
oday
Inarr
atedt
hest
ory.Theyl
aughed.Justt
hant
he
doorfl
ewopenandshewalkedin.

Me:"pl
easedon'
ttel
lmezondigal
elangamanzi
ekhaya.
"
-
you'r
eher
etopourwat
eronmei
nmypar
ent
s
house.

Mypar
ent
slaughed.

Ndoni
:"
mxm mol
omakaChumanimol
otaka
Chumani.
"
-
goodaf
ter
noon.

Ni
zi:
"mol
omt
anam nj
ani
?"
-
howar
eyou?
Ndoni
:"
ndor
ytmaqa.
..
"
-
i'
mfi
nemabut
..
..

Me:
"howdi
dyouf
indmyaddr
essf
ir
st?
"

Her:
"r
ememberwhenyouwereusi
ngSharei
t?
Kangeni
zici
meLocat
ionzenusoyeah.
"
-
youdi
dn'
tswi
tchof
fyourl
ocat
ions.

Wel
aughed.

Si
ya:
"shei
scl
everIsee.
"

Wel
aughed.

Ni
zi:
"Il
oveheral
ready.
"
Wel
aughedagai
n.

Si
ya:
"ndi
kuxel
elekepha.
"
-
itol
dyouso.

Me:"
funanton'aphapl
easedon'
ttel
lmezondi
bet
helaekhayaIknowyouarecableofdoi
ngso.
"
-
whatdoyouwanther
e..
.

Ndoni
:"
oohyakhumbul
akuzebeni
ndiqayepool
.i
ni"
-
oohr
ememberwhenyout
hrewmei
nthepool
?

Inodded.Wel
aughed.

Her:
"phoneyam kebisepocket.
wenisocell
a
ngomsout himakesure300ryam uyi
pheteandi
funi
si
xabaneRadebe.Ndiyil
enakuSekani,Ntl
akani
pho
oohIstil
lneedtogotoKelvi
n'shouse.ByeYour
housel
ooksgr
eatMr
s.Pl
aat
ji
esbyt
heway.
"
-
myphonewasinmypocketsopleasetommor ow
br
ing300rf
ori
tIdon'
twantustofi
ghtRadebe.I
wentt
oSekani
'
s,Ntl
akani
pho.
..
.

Shesai
drunni
ngoutwel
aughed.Ni
ziwasi
ntear
s.

Ni
zi:
"Il
oveher
.Fumanaphil
o?"
-
wher
edi
dyougether
.

Il
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
14
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Igothomeandchanged.Idon'twanttohavefl
u.
Tookoutmyphoneinmybl azerpocketanditwas
wetanditdi
dn'
tnotswi
tchon.

Ihavemoneybutthepeoplethatmadeitwethast
o
pay.ThereisnowwayI'
m payingful
lpr
icefora
newcellphone.
Itookmylaptopanddownl oadedt heFi
nemy
FriendAct
iveapp.ThankGodt hei
rGPS'
swer eon.I
l
ookedatwer etheyareandwr oteiti
napieceof
paper.Atl
eastIknowt heplaces.

Iwenttomymot her
'sr
oom andt
ookherCi
tiGol
f
carkeys.Iwentt
othet
arven.

Me:
"Pr
ett
yuphi?
"
-
wher
eisshe?

Pr
ett
y:"
off
ice.
"

Me:
"t
hankyou.
"

Inoddedbef
oregoi
ngt
otheof
fi
ce.

Me:
"mol
lomama"
-
aft
ernoonmom

Her
:"
hey.
"

Shesai
dlooki
ngatme.

Me:
"ndi
saphumakanci
ncindi
zobuyangoku.
Ndi
that
henemott
oke."
-iwi
llbeoutf
orawhi
leIwi
ll
bebacknow.It
ookt
he
car.

Her
:"
okaykebaby.
"

Iki
ssedhercheekbef
oregoi
ngout
.

Ifi
rstdrovetoSekani
'
shouse.Iknockedatt
hef r
ont
doorandayoungboyopenedup.It hinki
t'
shis
brothercausehehasali
tt
lebi
tofSekani'
sfigur
es.
Me:
"hel
lo.
"

Hi
m:"
mol
losi
s"
-
aft
ernoon.

:
"Banil
owo?
"
-
whoi
sthat?

Sai
damanl yvoi
ceandawomanlyvoi
ce.Itmustbe
hi
sparent
s.Theboyopenedt
hedoorwideMan¹
washerewit
hawoman.

Oohi
treal
lyi
shi
spar
ent
s.Man¹l
aughed.

Man¹:
"nankukebabyl
obendi
kubhal
isel
angaye
zol
o."
-
her
eshei
sbabyt
hegi
rlIwast
ell
ingyouabout
yest
erday.

Theybot
hlaughed.

:
"Banil
owo?
"
-
whoi
sthat?

ThatwasSekani
.Hesawmeandcamet
ohugme.

Me:
"mol
wenima.
"
-
aft
ernoon

Them:
"mol
losi
s."
-
aft
ernoon

Me:
"ni
njanima?
"
-
howar
eyou
Them:
"sor
ytwena?
"
-
wear
efi
neandyou?

Me:
"I
'm al
sof
ineIc.
..
"

Sekani:
"howdi dyouf
indmyaddr
essbef
oreyou
conti
nuet al
king.
"

Me:
"yourl
ocat
ionwason.
"

Tat
akhe:
"shei
scl
everImustsay.
"

Wel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
whatmadeyoucomeher
ethatcoul
dn'
t
waitf
ortommorow.
"
Me:"
youint
err
uptmewhi
leIwast
alki
ng.Youknow
onl
y..
..
"

Idi
dn'
tevenf
ini
shmysent
encet
heywer
eal
ready
l
aughi
ng.

Mamakhe:
"Ni
zi2.
0."

Welaughed.I'
mlookingfor
wardtomeetChumani
's
mot
her.Everyonespeakshighl
yofher
.shemustbe
agr
eatwoman.

Me:
"yakhumbul
akuzebeni
ndiqayepool
.i
ni?
"
-
rememberwhenyout
hrewmei
nthepool
.

Sekani
:"
yeah.
"
Hel
aughed.hi
spar
ent
sal
sol
aughed.

Me:
"phoneyam keayi
lytsongomsocelaphathe
Mal
iforphoneyam Andifunisi
xabaneBest
ie.
"
-
myphonedoesn'
twantt
oswi
tchonsot ommorow
pl
easebri
ngmoneyf
ormyphone.Idon'
twantusto
fi
ghtbest
ie.

Theyl
aughed.

Me:"
bekumnandi iukubonawethumakaSekani
andi
zokwaziinohlal
af ordr
inkort
eacausendi
saya
koNtl
akani
pho."
-i
twasni cemeeti
ngyouSekani'
smotherIcan'
t
evenst ayfordr
inkorteaIst
il
lneedt
or ushto
Ntlakanipho'
shouse.

Isaidr
unni
ngout
.Theywer
elaughi
ngIcoul
dhear
them.
IwenttoNtl
akanipho'
shouse.Someoneshout ed
comein.Iwalkedintoo.Hisparentswereget
ti
ng
readyf
orwork.Theyar ebothdoctors.Ni
ce.

Tat
akhe:
"nankubabylobebet
humnt
anakhowok
qal
anowokqi bel
a."
-her
eshei
sbabyt
heonet
hathi
tyourf
ir
standl
ast
chil
d.

Soheistheonl
ychi
ld.Ni
ce.Theylaughed
Ntl
akani
phowasontopofthekit
chencounter
.

Mamakhe:
"t
chi
niIhopeuzobhat
alahospi
talbi
ll
s."
-
ihopeshei
sher
etopayt
hehospi
talbi
ll
s.

Shesai
dlaughi
ng.Weal
sol
aughed.
Me:
"haimandizot
hikuNt
lakani
phomakaphat
hi
Mal
ingomso."
-
i'
m heret
otel
lNt
lakani
phot
obr
ingmoney
t
omor r
ow.

Tat
akhe:
"i
phiphone?
"
-
wher
eisyourphone?

Me:"
lenntol
aphat
akhaNt
labayf
akhemanzi
nino
Radebe."
-
that
swhyI
'
m her
etheyput
tedmyphonei
nwat
er.

Them:
"bekoRadebe.
"
-
thant
her
eisRadebe.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"yeahsophat
heMal
ingomsof
orphoneyam
andi
funisi
lweNtl
a.Ot
her
wisemedi
calbi
llndi
zoyi
sa
phakuwejob.i
nimakaNt
la.
"
-
bringmoneyt ommorowformyphone.Idon'
twant
ustofightNt
la.Ot
herwi
seIwil
lbr
ingthemedical
bi
lltoyourworkpl
ace.

TheylaughedasIwalkedout.Idr
ovetoChumani'
s
housewhichwasout si
dethecit
y.Thehousel
ooks
great
.Theyareal
lloaded.

Eventhei
rcar
ssayso.Chumani
'smotherl
ooksl
ike
agreatper
son.Ial
sol
oveheral
ready.

Idr
ovet
oKel
vin'
shouse.Hewashomeal
one.

Kel
vin:
"Mf
azwakhwaRhadebe.
"
-
abr
idef
rom t
heRhadebecl
an.
Wel
aughed.

Me:"i
tai
n'tafriendlyvi
sitatal
lKel
vin.I
'
m hereto
t
ellbaphathiMal ingomsof orl
ephoneniyif
akhe
manzinamhl anje."
-
bri
ngmoneyf
ort
hephonet
hatgoti
nthewat
er
t
oday.

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
okayshondi
zoyzi
sa.
"
-
iwi
llbr
ingi
t.

Ihuggedhi
m bef
orer
ushi
ngbackhome.The
fol
lowi
ngdayIwokeupdi
dmyt hi
ngst
hanwentt
o
school
.

Wewer
eint
her
egi
sterper
iod.
Sekanist
oodup.Idi
dn'
tseet
hem t
hismor
ningI
waslate.
Hewentt
othet
eacher
.

Mi
ss:
"Eyodwacomeandf
etchyourmoneypl
ease.
"

Ist
oodupandwentt
othet
eacher
.Itwas300r
.

Kel
vin:
"Ial
sohavemoneyf
orherma'
am.
"

Hesai
dst
andi
ngupandgi
vingme300r
.

Nt
lakani
pho:"
alsomebutmymot hersai
dImust
al
sotakethemedicalbi
llmoneyf
ormynoseshe
br
oke."

Thewhol
ecl
assl
aughed.Heal
sogavememy
money.

Mi
ss:
"whyar
etheygi
vingyoumoney.
"

Me:"
myphonedr
ownedbecauseoft
hem.
Rhadebe.
"

Everyonelaughed.Isai
dlookingforhiminthecl
ass.
Hest oodupgavememymoney.Ihave1200rnow.
Imeanbusi ness.Ishoul
dhavemadet handoand
hersquadf ormymeat .ButIkeptquiet
.

Thet
eacherwal
kedoutshewentt
otheof
fi
ce.

Chumani:"
sabaweliunicazel
anonkeumt uwam.
Nothukenonkenayeakhot hukenam ndothuke.
Sothukesonkebeyikothukacombo.
"
-iwouldli
ketot
ellyoumygi
rlf
ri
endYou'
llget
surpr
ised.Sheal
sogetssur
pri
sed.Metondibe
sur
pri
sed.Andi
twi
llbeasur
pri
secombo.

Weal
llaughed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
15
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Aft
erschool.Meandmybr
o'swentt
otownt
obuya
cel
lphoneforme.

Kel
vin:"
Pleasemakesur
ethephonewear
ebuyi
ng
i
swat erproof
."

Sekani
:"
usi
ncedet
orhoyazil
eMalindi
yikuphe
kwimal
iyam l
ebendi
zokuphangayomt uwam
nyakawonkendi
msekaMacDonal d.
"
-
Helpuspl
easeyouknowthatmoneyItookitout
f
rom t
hemoneythatIwasgoingtousef
orthe
whol
eyeart
otakemygirl
fr
iendtoMacDonald.
Wel
aughed.

Ntl
akani
pho:
"andkuphamaoMacDonaldabay7
kuphumenetshi
ntshiyeMacf
lur
ryei
sh."
-
youget7MacDonal
dmeal
sandyougetchange
f
orMacflur
ry.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"Mxm asi
fani
namal
ikomakwenu.
"
-
asi
fyoudon'
thavemoneyathome.

Chumani
:"
mfondi
nidl
uli
le15mont
hendngoku
akhomal
i.
"
-
the15haspassedi
t'
snowmont
hendwedon'
t
havemoney.

Me:
"ni
zot
hini
klkbenispend.
angomgqi
bel
o."
-
youwer
espendi
ngonSat
urday.

Kelvi
n:"
andsisezospend.anivi
lemaji
tabaya
hambaabazal it
osomeadul ttr
ipsomewhere
aroundthewor l
dsoafterexamsnextweeknxil
i
ndingazazinegamalam. "
-andwest i
llgoingt
ospenddidyouhearguysour
parentsaregoingtosometr
iparoundtheworl
dso
aftert
heexamsnextweek.I'
m getti
ngdrunktothe
pointIdon'tknowmyname.

Wel
aughedathi
sser
ioussel
f.

Chumani:"
abant
hwanandibasakuMakhulu
xakunj
alondi
yavayandohlalakwel
am sozehl
ale
kl
andlundodwaumnar haa.
"
-
i'
mtakingthekidst
othei
rgr
andmot
herifi
t'
sgoing
t
ohappen.Iwillgot
omyhouseIwil
lnotst
ayalone
i
nthathouse.
Wel
aughedathi
m.

Me:
"nkhul
unyanil
andl
u."
-
thathousei
sbi
g.

Wel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
ndi
mlowont
wana.
"
-
met
ooboy.

Me:
"cr
ibyakho?
"

Henodded.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"sonkemos.
"
-
allofus.
Ishookmyheadt
heyl
aughed.Weent
eredt
heMal
l.

Me:"phof
fningamagint
saphindeabazal
i
baphangelekwindawuezit
ops."
-
youareal
lgangst
ersandyourpar
ent
swor
kinhi
gh
pl
aces.

Them:
"nqo"
-
exact
ly

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
siyaphi?
"
-
wher
ear
ewegoi
ng?

Nt
lakani
pho:
"Appl
est
ore?
"
Me:"
nopeandi
funii
Phoneumnamasi
yeni
kwa
Samsung.
"
-
idon'
twantani
Phone.Let
'sgot
oSamsung.

Sekani
:"
zeziSamsungzakhokeezi
zigxozul
ayo
ngoku.
"
-
it
stheseSamsungofyour
sthatget
ssei
zur
es.

T.
O:"
Tch.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"mxm I
'
m buyi
ngaSamsungFol
dnow.
"

Them:
"washa"

Welaughed.Wegott
oSamsungandIboughtt
he
SamsungGalaxyFol
d.Wewentt
oMacDonald
bef
oregoi
nghome.

Mymom wasi nt
hekitchen.Iki
ssedhercheek
bef
oresi
tt
ingonthecounter.

Her
:"
vel
aphi
?"
-
wher
edoyoucomef
rom ?

Me:
"bendihambenoRadebesi
yot
hengiphone.
"
-
iwentwit
hRadebeandmybr
o'st
ogobuymy
phone.

Isai
dwavingi
t.Shet
ooki
toutoft
heboxbef
ore
admir
ingi
t.

Her
:"
int
le.BaniGamal
akhaRadebe?
"
-
it
sbeaut
if
ul.What
'sRadebe'
sname.
Me:
"ChumaniPl
aat
ji
es.
"

Her
:"
mnt anakaSi
yamt
handaPl
aat
ji
esnoNi
zibone
Pl
aatj
iesne?"
-Si
yamt
handaPl
aat
ji
esandNi
zibonePl
aat
ji
es'
s
chi
ld?

Inodded.SheChuckl
ed.

Her:
"hehasal
ovel
ymot herandFatherIusedt
o
workforhi
minhi
sFirm.Andt hi
ngschangedcause
youandChumaniNeverreal
lygotal
ongwhenyou
were4Evenwhenyouwer einpri
maryschool.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"whatdoyoumeanwenevergotal
ongwhenwe
wer
e4."
Her:
"sowewer einagamecent erIwast aki
ngyou
outtheywerealsotaki
ngthei
rkidsout.Nowwe
werestandi
nginlinenoSiyamthanda.Youand
Chumanistart
edfighti
ngandallofthatofwho
pushedwhof i
rstthanNizi
bonecamemadeyou
guystomakeupandhug.Yeyzanimuncuaphe
busweninobabini."
-
youwer
ebot
hsourt
hatday.

Welaughed.Ican'
tbel
ievewealsokneweachother
backt
han.Ourconnectionmustbethatst
rong.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Af
teragreatdaywi
thTheFl
owerOfMyHear
tand
mybro'
s.Iwenthome.

Nizi
:"
Nobuntu(Kel
vin'
smot her
)uthesodibana
phambilenabocausefunekebeqaleFreeStat
eno
Mike(Kel
vin'
sFat
her)"
-
Nobuntusaidtheywil
lmeetust
herecauset
hey
havet
ostartatFreeSt
atewit
hMike.

Kel
vin'
sparent
sar eal
socl
osewi
thourpar
ent
s.
Theygetal
onglikewedo.

Me:"
bazoyakuMakhul
uo'
Nkanyeziumnandi
ye
kwesam?"
-
aret
hetwinsgoi
ngt
oGr
andmot
herandIwi
llgot
o
myhouse.
Isai
dsitt
ingbetweenmyparent
s.WellSi
ya's
motherpassedawaywhi l
eIwasst
il
lingrade3and
Nizi
'
smot heri
sstil
lal
ive.

Si
ya:
"haikwedi
nigci
nabant
hwanabakhokhwenu.
"
-
noboyl
ookaf
teryoursi
bli
ngs.

Il
ookedathi
m.Theyl
aughed.

Nizi
:"
yeahbazoyakhona.NoLunat
hinoLumi
bazobapha.
"
-yest
heyaregoingthere.Al
soLunat
hiand
Luminat
hiaregoingthere.

Me:
"obvi
ousl
y."

Ir
oll
edmyeyes.Theyl
aughed.
Si
ya:
"whybuyel
atekhona?
"
-
whydi
dyoucomehomel
ate

Me:"oohbesi
yot
hengiphonekaEyodwandoni
Langa."
-
wewentt
obuyEyodwandoniLanga'
sphone.

Theyl
aughedt
hinki
ngaboutyest
erday.

Ni
zi:
"i
sn'
tshet
hesameEyodwawhoyounevergot
al
ongwit
hinpri
maryschool
."

Inodded.Theyl
aughed.

Si
ya:
"yakhumbul
akuzezabesebanci
ncizasi
di
banenoNandimamakhegamecenterkuzebal
we
noEyodwa."
-
rememberwhent
heywer
est
il
lsmal
lwhenwemet
herandhermot
heratt
hegamecent
erandt
hey
fought
.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"sowekneweachot
hersi
ncewewer
esmal
l?
"

Theynoddedsmi
li
ng.Outconnect
ionmustbet
hat
st
rong.

Si
ya:
"hermot
herusedt
owor
kinmyFi
rm.
"

Me:
"bef
oreherbr
otherdi
ed.
"

Theynodded.

Siya:
"shewasoneoft
hebestaccount
ant
sIdon'
t
knowwhyshenevercameback."
Me:
"herbr
other
sdeat
haf
fect
edherbadl
y."

Them:
"Iknowt
hepai
n."

Wechuckl
ed.

Me:
"l
etmegoandchangebef
orecooki
ngsupper
."

Them:"
pleasemakespaghet
tiandmi
ncewi
th
melt
edcheeseontop."

Iwi
nkedbef
oregoi
ngt
omyr
oom usi
ngt
heel
evat
or.

Todayit
'sWednesdaymeaningther
eisamat chor
wetrai
ningi
nsoccer.Buti
twil
lbethelastmatchof
thet
erm.
Iworemytr
acksuitf
rom schoolandmysoccer
shor
tswi
thmyt -
shir
tunderneath.

Iwenttoschool
.Ineverr
eali
zedthatmeand
Eyodwaareinthesameclassesexpectwhenshe
goestoEconomicsIgotoBusinessstudi
es.

WebothdoingAccounti
ng.I'
m notdoi
ngi
tbecause
myfatherhasanAccountantFi
rm.Noact
uall
y
Accounti
ngismythi
ng.

Igethi
ghmar ksi
nitandIenj
oydoi
ngit
.Ican'
twai
t
tobetheownerofhisFi
rm.Whil
eI'
m st
udyi
ngIwil
l
beworkingt
here.

It
ookEyodwa'seyeglassesandworet
hem.Iwas
si
tt
ingnextt
ohersincewegotinlat
einthecl
ass.

Wear
eint
heaccount
ingcl
ass.
Shewr
otesomet
hingonherbook.

'
sembimqundu'
-
youugl
y

'
rhaanganyaboni
leubahotkwam.Nor
hsundiqel
a
causeawuzondimel
a.'
-
youcrazydi
dyouseehowhotIam.Don'
tshi
twi
th
mecauseyouwon'
tstandme

'
ndi
zokumel
atchi
'
-
iwi
llst
andyou.

'
youalmostdi
edl
astt
imer
emember
.Int
he
bedr
oom.'

Shel
ookedatmeandweChuckl
edbef
oreshet
ook
t
hebookwear
ewr
it
ingon.

'
youar
ejoki
ngaboutsomet
hingser
ious.Yourday
i
scoming.
'

'
asi
f,youdon'
tst
andachancei
nme.
'

'
andongumtuot
het
haqi
thiumnaqandi
zokuBamba
minii
nye'
-
idon'tTal
ktomuchIwi
llj
ustavengemysel
fone
day.

'
suqalaint
oongazoymel
aNdoni.JongaMisson
dutytuckshopnamhl
anj
ezushi
yekebehi
ndsobona
bhoza.'
-
don'tstar
tsomethi
ngyouwon'tst
and.Lookthe
teacherwi
llbeondutyatt
hetuckshoptodayst
ay
behindwewi l
lseewho'
sking.
Wel
aughedateachot
herandl
aughed.

'
sozel
ibal
a.'
-
neverf
orget
.

Welaughed.Itwasfivemi
nutesbef
oret
hebellr
ing
t
heteacherwalkedoutaft
ergivi
ngmethekeysto
l
ocktheclassforherasal
ways.

Thebel
lrangandeveryonewalkedout
.Ndoniwas
aboutt
owalkedoutwhenIclosedthedoorand
pi
nnedheragainsti
t.

Ther
ear
enocamer
a'si
ncaseyou'
rewonder
ing.

Shewasbr
eat
hingheavi
ly.Il
ickedherneck.

Me:
"bust
hini
?"
-
whatwer
eyousayi
ng?

Isai
dbi
tt
ingherear
.Sher
ubbedmydi
ck.

Her
:"
nawebust
hini?
"
-
whatwer
eyoual
sosayi
ng?

Sheisal
soweari
nghertracksui
tsoIsneakedmyi
n
ti
llt
heyr
eachedhernunu.Shewasalreadywet
.

Irubbeditshemoanedsoftl
y.Bestsoundinthe
world.Il
ikehowshemoansf orme.It ookoutmy
handandl i
ckedthefi
ngert
hatwasi nbetweenher
nunu.Ididn'
twanttofi
ngerfuckher.Sheissti
lla
vi
rgin.

Her
:"
sies.
"
Ismi
rked.

Me:
"t
hishol
idayndi
m nawe.Zuxel
eleNandi
."
-
it
smeandyou.Tel
lNandi
.

Isai
dfi
xingher
.Shel
ookedatmeshocked.

Me:
"oohndi
vengeTai
mezol
o."
-
ihear
ditf
rom myFat
heryest
erday.

Her:
"oohmymotherusedt
oworkatyourfather
's
f
ir
m wadibananomamakhogamecenteryeah."
-
shemetyourmot
heratagamecent
er.

Webot
hlaughed.

Us:
"wai
tshe/
het
oldaboutusf
ight
ingt
hatday.
"
Welaughedagai
nbeforeateachot
her
.Weki
ssed.I
gr
abbedhersmallassshemoaned.

Me:
"l
et'
sgo.
"

Wet
ookourbagsbefor
egoingout.Westart
edat
t
het
uckshopbefor
egoingatourusualspot
.

Them:
"bezit
yanaezi
."
-
theywer
ehavi
ngsex

Wel
aughed

Ndoni
:"
wear
enotevendat
ingt
obehavi
ngsex.
"

Theylookedatusbefor
etakingasipfrom t
he
spar
klingwatert
heybought.Iwassit
ti
ngbetween
Ndoni
'
sthi
ghs.Wel
aughed.

Me:
"t
ch.
"

Nt
lakani
phost
oodup.

Ntl
akani
pho:"
namhlanjesiyenzaizi
ntozi
beof
fi
cial
.
ChumaniOwethuPlaatj
iesdoyout ake
EyodwandoniLangatobemedil akho?"
-
todaywear
emaki
ngt
hingsof
fi
cial
..
..

Wel
aughed.Eyodwawaspl
ayi
ngwi
thmyhai
r.

Me:
"Idon'
t.
"

Shepul
ledmyhai
r.
Me:
"oucheweewet
ch.
"
-
yesyes.

Weal
llaughed.Kel
vinst
oodnextt
oNt
lakani
pho

Kel
vin:
"DoyouEyodwandoniLangatakeChumani
OwethuPlaat
ji
estobeowyakho? "

Her
:"
no"

It
il
tedmyheadbackwar
dsshegavemeapeck.

Them:
"nyokokl
k."
-
youshi
tt
ingwi
thus.

Wel
aughed
Sekani
:"
youmaykisst
hemedi.Heransweri
snot
i
mpor t
ant.Asl
ongasyousai
dyesbawo."

Wel
aughed.It
il
tedmyheadbackagai
n.Weki
ssed.

Them:"
masambeniourj
obi
sdonehere.Wear
e
expect
ingababyi
n9monthsf
rom now."

Wel aughedpul
li
ngout
.Theyr
ant
othef
iel
dtopl
ay
soccer.

Me:
"comeandsi
tont
opofme.
"

Isaidal
readypul
li
ngher
.Shesatont
opofme.I
tookthepieshewasst
il
lhol
ding.

Me:
"whyngekat
yi?
"
-
whyhaven'
tyouat
e?
Her
:"
lambangakl
k."
-
i'
m nothungr
y.

Igaveherapeckbef
oremaki
nghereatt
hepi
e.

Her
:"
butIsai
dI'
m nothungr
y."

Me:"youhavet
oeatNdoni.Don'
tpi
ssmeof
f
becauseyouarenothungr
y."

Her
:"
naweaut
yangamoc.
"
-
youal
sodi
dn'
teat
.

Me:
"ndi
zot
yaemvakwako"
-
iwi
lleataf
teryou.
Shehadapi ecesti
lloutsidehermout
h.She
i
ndicatedt
hatItakeit.Itookusingmymouth.She
tookthepi
eIgotandf edme.

Me:
"whynxi
bit
racksui
t?"
-
whyar
eyouwear
ingat
racksui
t?

Her:
"ndim o'
ondut
ynamhl
anj
ekubao'
Zoey
bengekabiryt
."
-
i'
m ondutyt
odaysi
nceZoeyandherf
ri
endsar
e
notf
ine.

WeChuckl
ed.

Me:
"sekobeefkuni?
"
-
youguysst
il
lbeef
ing.

Her
:"
Andit
het
hinot
het
hanabomoc.
"
-
idon'
tevent
alkt
othem.

Shewipedt
hepi
ecr
ustonmyl
ipsbef
oregi
vingme
apeck.

Me:
"Iwi
llbet
aki
ngyouhomet
oday.
"

Her
:"
zengemot
to?
"
-
youcamewi
thacar
?

Me:"
yeah.Gqomocxandidl al
amat
chnaxandi
siya
kwipract
icendi
yazi
izel
a."
-
ever
yti
meIhaveamatchandwhenIgot
o
pr
act
icesIcomeonmyown.

Her
:"
ndi
vakuwengoku.
"
-
heari
tfr
om youknow.
Thebel
lrang.

Me:
"si
yaphingoku?
"
-
wher
ear
ewegoi
ngnow?

Her
:"
C.A.
T."

Me:
"masambe"
-
let
'sgo.

Wetookourbagsandwenttot hecomputercl
ass.I
t
wasnowthelastper
iod.Al
ltheteacher
sareina
meet
ingtodi
scussthingsf
ortheexams.

Wewer
eint
her
egi
stercl
ass.

Sekani
:"
okayguysl
et'
spl
ayagame.
"
Us:
"yeah.
"

Thatwasthewholecl
ass.Hewasstandi
ngatt
he
fr
ontwit
hNtlakani
phoandKel
vin.

Kel
vin:
"soyouguysar
egoingtotel
lthewhol
ecl
ass
howyoumetyourbae.Ifawudyol
i.
."
-
younotdat
ing.

Ntl
akani
pho:
"zasixel
elangeexyakhoi
fawunayo
t
hanngunyokosamet ime."
-
youwil
ltel
lusaboutyourexi
fyoudon'
thaveone
t
hanyoushitt
ingwi
thus.

Wel
aughed.

Thegamest
art
ed.I
twasf
uncausewewer
e
l
aughi
ngthr
oughoutt
hewhol
egame.Nowi
twas
mytur
n.

Sekani
:"
Thet
haChust
ar.
"
-
tal
k

Me:
"sanungxama.
"
-
wai
t?

Theyl
aughed.Itookoutmyphoneanddial
ed
Ndoni
'
snumber .Keepinmindshei
ssit
ti
ngnextt
o
me.

Herphonerang.Everyonelaughed.Shet
ooki
tout
andopeneditbefor
ef ol
dingitagai
n.

Cl
ass:
"ndakBet
ha.
"
-
iwi
llhi
tyou.
Wel
aughed.Sheanswer
edherphone.

Her
:"
hel
lo.
"

Me:"bayabuzababysadi
bananjanindi
thi
niindi
ba
xal
elekuzezasisegamecent
erorkuzezasise
pri
mar yorngokuaphehi
ghschool.
"
-t
heyar
easki nghowwemet .WhatmustIsay?
MustItel
lthem aboutwhenwemetatt hegame
cent
erorprimaryschoolorherei
nhighschool?

Cl
ass:
"woah.
"

Wel
aughed.

Ndoni
:"
nobangeyi
phi
"
-
anyoft
hose.
Me:
"okay"

Idi
sconnect
edt
hecal
l.

Me:"
otherwisesi
tshat
il
aguys.Sil
ibeleunimema
mtshatweniwethu.Qari
ngsizozithengangomso.
"
-
wearemar r
iedguys.Wefor
gottoi
nvi
teyoui
nour
weddi
ng.Butwewi l
lbuyt
heringst
ommorow.

Cl
ass:
"r
haamabat
shi
swe.
"
-
not
heymustbebur
nt.

Wel
aughed.

Mybr
o's:
"Iwi
llcomewi
tht
hel
ight
er.
"
Webur
stedi
ntol
augher
.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"l
et'
spl
ayspi
nthebot
tl
e."

Wit
houtevenagr
eeingever
yonehadal
readymoved
t
hedesks.Welockedthedoor
.

Al
izwa:
"gi
rl
sonesi
deboysi
nonesi
de.
"

That'soneoft
heboysinmyclass.Imadesuret
hat
Istandinfr
ontofEyodwa.Iwi
nkedathershe
blushed.

Chul
umanco:
"r
ules.Ift
hebottl
elandsonyouf
or
t
hefi
rstt
imei
t'
saki sssecondti
medeepkisst
hir
d
t
imel
apdance.
"

Gi
rl
s:"
lapdance?
"
Us:
"ngqo.
"
-
exact
ly

Welaughed.Thegamest
art
edandi
tlandedonme
andEyodwa.

Cl
ass:
"woah.
"

Wel
aughed.Ipul
ledhercl
oset
omeandweki
ssed.

Cl
ass:
"aaphezani
."
-
youshoul
dst
opnow.

Wepul
ledout
.Shewipedt
heli
pgl
osst
hatwason
myl
ipsbef
oregi
vingmeapeck.
Cl
ass:
"ncoo.
"

Wehugged.

Thebottl
elandedonNtlakani
phoandanothergi
rl
healwayswantedtobang.Her ubbedhi
shands
toget
her.Welaughed.

Theyki
ssed.Thegamewentonandbuyt
hetime
thegameendedmeandNdonihaddoneever
ythi
ng.

Thematchstar
ted.Whil
eIwasplayingonoft
he
pl
ayersi
ntheotherteam ki
ckedme.Causi
ngmy
ankl
etotwi
st.

Ndonir
ant
omeinaspli
tsecond.That
MOTHERFUCKERwasgi
venar edcard.
Ndonit
ookmeandwewentt
osi
tont
hepavi
li
on.

Her
:"
Idon'
tunder
standwhyyousocar
eless.
"

Shesai
dtaki
ngofmyshoeandsock.

Me:"
butIwasn'
theki
ckedmedel
iber
atel
ybaby.
Ahhh.
"

Her:
"t
hisi
snothi
ngIcanfi
xyouneedpr
ofessi
onal
hel
p.Jongababynj
ani?
"
-
lookathowyouar
e.

Il
ookedatmeankl
eandi
twasswol
len.I
twasso
pai
nful
.MrsSmi
thcamet
ous.

Ndoni
:"
ma'am hehastogot
othehospi
tall
ookat
hi
sanklei
t'
sswoll
en."
Mr
sSmi
thl
ookatmyankl
e.

Mr
sSmi
th:
"cal
lhi
spar
ent
s."

Me:"
theyareoutoftownf
orafewhours.I
'
m sur
e
t
heyar est
il
lonthei
rwayback.Icameusi
ngmy
f
atherscar
."

MrsSmi
th:
"don'
tyouhaveaf
ami
lymemberwecan
cal
l.
"

Ndoni
:"
Icantakehim ma'
am whati
fwhil
ewear
e
wai
ti
ngitget
swor seandheisi
npain.
"

Mr
sSmi
th:
"canyoudr
ive.
"

Shenodded.
MrsSmi t
h:"
Iwi
llaskt
heboysont hebenchtohelp
you.Don'
tworr
yLethuwil
ltakeoverf
rom here.
"

Shenodded.Ndonihelpedmetostandup.We
wal
kedtothecar.Isatonthepassenger
sseat
.

Ndoni
:"
saphal
omqamel
o."
-
givemet
hatpi
ll
ow.

Igaveitt
oher .Mylegswer
esti
llhangi
ngoutside.
Sheplacedthepil
lowonthefl
oorinthecar
.Iturned
togeti
nf ul
ly.

Me:
"f
uck.
"

Ihur
tmysel
f.
Ndoni:
"Radebesunxamaklkfunekeulicenge
nyawulakhoawunokwazikawul ezazazitunuka
more.Letmetakecareofyoubef or
eyouhur t
your
selfmore.Bepati
entwit
hyourf eet
."
-
Radebewaityoumustbepat
ientwi
thyourf
eetyou
wil
lhur
tyoursel
f.
..
.

Inodded.Shehelpedmepl acethel
egontopofthe
pil
low.Shecl
osedt hedoorthanopenedt
hedoorat
theback.Sheplacedourbagsatthebackbef
ore
shejoggedtothedriver
ssit.

Wegottothehospitali
n15mi nut
essheisafast
dri
ver
.Sheisdr
ivingmyGTI .I
t'sminecauseI
'
mt he
onewhousesitthemost .

Sheagainhelpedmeoutofthecar
.Thedoctorsdi
d
thei
rthi
ngs.Turnsoutmyboneshi
ftedpl
aces.So
theyhadtofi
xit.
Theypl
acedmeinmywar d.Ihadacastnow.Ndoni
goti
nwithapaperbag.

Her:
"Iboughtyout heseYouwi l
lhavet
otakea
showersot hatIcanapplythethingst
hedoctor
sai
dImustbuy.Andf oodsothatyoucandri
nk
yourpil
ls.
"

Me:"
butmyl
egi
ssor
ebabyIwon'
tbeabl
etot
akea
shower
."

Mypar
ent
scamebutt heystoodatthedoor
wat
chi
ngus.Theydi
dn'tseethatIsawthem.

Her:
"t
hat'
swhyI 'm hereIwi
ll
hel pyoutakea
shower.Radebeyouhavet ofreshenupbefore
appl
yingthesethings.Doyouwantt ohealornot
."

Isul
ked.Shehel
pedmet
ogetof
fbed.Wewal
ked
t
othebat
hroom.

Ndoni
:"
Radebebepat
ientkl
k."

Iwasnotpat
ientatal
l.I
'
m usedt
owal
kingf
ast
.We
wal
kedpati
entl
ytothebathr
oom.

Wegotther
e.Shetookofthecastboot
.It
ooka
shower
.2minuteshower.Igotout
.

Her
:"
Radebei
za.
"
-
come.

Iwenttositont
opoft
het
oil
etsi
tshepl
aceda
towelt
here.

Shelot
ionedme.CanImaybegethurtEver
yti
mei
fI
wil
lhavehert
akecareofmeli
kethi
s.
NoIwil
lgethur
tEveryt
ime.Whenshewasdone
l
oti
oni
ngmeshehel pedmegetdressed.

Shealsoboughtnewpj
ama'
sforme.I
'
M def
ini
tel
y
wif
ingher.

Me:
"babewhydi
dyouhavet
obuynewt
hings.
"

Her
:"
Ihavet
otakecar
eofyouRadebe.
"

Shegavemeapeck.Wewalkedt
ot hewar
dagai
n.
Shehelpedmel
ayonbed.Myparentswer
est
il
l
watchi
ngus.

Shef
oldedmypj
ama.

Her
:"
thi
swi
llbeal
it
tl
ebi
tsor
ebutpl
ease
nyamazel
ane.
"
-
taket
hepai
nin.

Inodded.Shegavemeapeckbef or
erubbingmy
feetwit
hthethi
ngsshewast ol
dtobuy.I
twas
painf
ulbutl
ikeshesai
d.Ishoul
dtakethepaini
n.

Sheputont
hecastt
hant
ookoutat
akeawayf
rom
nando'
s.

Her
:"
zot
yat
hant
akeyourpi
ll
ssot
hatyoucanr
est
."

Shesaidfeedingme.Iwaslovi
ngeverysecondof
thi
s.CanIpleasegethur
tEveryt
ime.Nevermeta
greatandself
lessper
sonli
keher.

Shewentoutofhercomfor
tzonej
ustt
otakecar
e
ofme.Ir
eall
yappreci
atei
t.
Me:
"won'
tyoubei
ntr
oubl
e?"

Her
:"
nopeIhaveal
readycal
ledmymot
her
."

Me:"
okaybutyouhavetogohomeaftert
his.Idon'
t
wantitt
oseem l
ikeI'
mtaki
ngadvant
ageofthe
ki
ndnessyourmothergi
ves.
"

Shenoddedsmi
li
ngwi
thherbi
gcheeks.

Her
:"
Iwi
lldon'
twor
ry.
"

Shegotdonef
eedi
ngme.Shet
ookoutt
hepi
ll
s.I
drankt
hem.

Her
:"
Iwi
llbeoutnow.
"
Shecametokissmeallovermyf
ace.Our
for
eheadsandnosest
ouched.

Me:"
thankyoufort
aki
ngcar
eofmeIr
eal
ly
appr
eciat
eit.
"

Wekissed.I
twasl
ikemypar
ent
swer
enot
wat
chingus.

Her
:"
it
'smydutytotakecareofyou.Iwi
llseeyou
t
omorrowaf
terschoolokay.
"

Inodded.Wekissedf
ort
hel
astt
ime.Asshet
urned
mypar ent
sgotin.

Them:"
thankGodyouf
ine.ThankyouEyodwaf
or
taki
ngcareofhi
m."
Theysai
dsmi
li
ng.Sheal
sosmi
led.

Her
:"
haiakhont
omandihambe.
"
-
it
snot
hingl
etmego.

Theynoddedshewal kedoutaf
tert
aki
ngherbagon
thefl
oor
.Idi
dn'tevenaskwhatshewillbeusi
ngt
o
gethome.

Shel
eftt
hekeysher
e.Ihopeshewi
llbesaf
e.

Nizi
:"
shereal
lydoescar
e.Wewer
ewat
chi
ngyou
guysthi
swhol et
ime.
"

Siya:"
keephersonnowomanwoul
dgoonsuch
extramilesj
usttot
akecar
eoft
hei
rli
fepar
tner
s."

Ni
zi:
"hei
sri
ght
.Shei
sther
ightonef
oryou.Noone
else.Shel
ovesandcar
esf
oryousawt
hewayshe
tookcareofyou.
"

Inoddedsmi
li
ng.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
16
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Iwasn'
tasexci
tedasIusual
lybewhenIgot
o
school
.Chumanii
sn'
tcomingtoday

Butthatdoesn'
tmeanIwon'
tseehi
m.Fi
rstt
hing
af
terschoolIwil
lbegoi
ngtohi
m.

I
tisnowt
her
egi
sterper
iod.

Mi
ss:
"wher
eisPl
aat
ji
est
oday?
"

Me:"
atthehospi
talma'
am hewasadmi
tt
ed
yest
erday.
"
Ever
yonelookedatmeshocked.Evenmybro'
sI
wasn'
tint
hemoodf orsoci
almediaandIdon'
tthi
nk
Chumanihadtheti
metobeonl i
ne.

Mybr
o's:
"what
?Ut
heni
i?"
-
what
'
swr
ong.

Me:
"hi
sankleboneshi
ftedzol
omar
nkuzekat
ywe
l
amthanakuzeBenidl
ala.
"
-
yest
erdaywhenyouwer
epl
ayi
ngsoccer
.

Thecl
ass:
"yuuh"

Theywer
eal
lwor
ri
ed.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"ndi
thenqabauphike.
"
-
iwaswonder
ingwher
ehewas.
SekaniandKel
vin:
"met
oo.Butr
ytyena.
"
-
ishef
ine.

Thewhol ecl
asswaslooki
ngatme.Ifeltl
ikecryi
ng.
Don'taskmewhybutIf el
tli
kecr
yingbutIheld
myselftoget
her
.Chumaniismyweaknessspot
that
'safact.

Me:"
ewendimshiyeer
ytumnaeventhoughhewas
i
npainndizophi
ndandi
yekuyenamhlanj
e
ndamjonga.
"
-yesIl
efthi
mfi
ne.
..
..
Iwi
llgot
ohi
mtodayand
checkuponhim.

Theyallnoddedbef
orel
ookingatt
hef
ront
.Thebel
l
rangandwechangedperiods.

Iwaswal
kingal
lal
onet
odayi
ffeel
sawkwar
dI'
m
usedt
ohavinghi
m pul
li
ngmetot
henextcl
ass.
Whyam It
alki
ngli
keheisi
naComaorsomethi
ng.

Itwasbr
eaktimenowIwentt
osi
tatourusualspot
.
Isati
nbetweenthem.

Kelvi
n:"
ndiyiboni
lekel
ant
wananikwar edcar
dqa
bonaMr .Hopeuyewathimasiqubekeke
ndalahl
isa.
"
-
isawt
hatboygetti
ngar edcar
dbutMr
.Hopesai
d
wemustcont
inueIlostf
ocus.

Them:
"Nam br
a."
-
met
oo.

Sekani
:"
himauyengant
oni
icausebehambanawe
orsomethi
ng.
"
-
whatdi
dheusetogetther
ecausehewaswal
king
wit
hyouorsomet
hing.
Me:
"oohndi
msengokwam.
"
-
itookhi
m mysel
f

Isai
dbi
tt
ingmybur
ger

Them:
"wi
femat
eri
al.
"

Wel
aughed

Me:
"mxm v'
tseknor
hxaengazokhat
hel
elwandi
m
whowil
l?
"
-
ifIwi
llnotcar
eabouthi
m whowi
ll?

Wel
aughed.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"nokoNi
nani
yat
handwaoko
ndi
qibel
ise3daysagoncokol
anayeumnaei
sh.
"
-
youbett
ert
hatyouar
eloved.Il
astspoket
oher3
daysagoei
sh.

Heshookhi
sheadwebur
sti
ntol
augher
.

Kel
vin:
"bet
ter
.ewenanjayam umnaokondaqaywa
ngoSeenndisit
hiIl
oveyou.
"
-
youbet
terbr
osheviewedmymessageandnever
r
epl
iedt
omyIl oveyou

Wel
aughedathi
ssul
kingsel
f.

Me:"
nokuthi
Iloveyousekobayi
ntoLulaint
olul
a
ongayi
tshonanomakubaniayisenevalue.
"

Them:"
ndineconfessi
onconfeconfebabycel
u
conf
ess.a.ndaqondbakubikwalovedepar
tment
dyol
efunuconf
essyeyosj
ava.
"
-
ithoughti
nthel
ovedepar
tmentyoucheatt
othe
pointwher
eyouwantt
oconfess.Sj
ava

Webur
stedi
ntol
augherIwasi
ntear
s.

Me:
"mxm ni
phambeneka.
..
"
-
youguysar
ecr
a..
.

Myphonerang.Itooki
twasChumani .Iopenedi
tto
bel
ikeat
abletthanfol
ditagai
n.Theylaughed.

Them:
"Ineedanupgr
ade.
"

Wel
aughed.Ianswer
edmyphone.

Me:
"Radebe.
"
Theylookedatmebef or
eshaki
ngt
hei
rheadsand
runni
ngtothefi
eld.Ichuckl
ed.

Hi
m:"
unj
ani?
"
-
howar
eyou?

Me:
"I
'mf
ineandyou?
"

Him:"
hainil
omt
undimt
sal
elayoakandikhumbul
i
nondikhumbul
a."
-
not
heper
sonI
'
m cal
li
ngdoesn'
tevenmi
ssme.

Me:"
ndi
zothi
niungakhukhumbul
i.Sendayiqel
a
nent
oosol
okondihambanaweklk."
-whywoul
dn'tImi
ssyou.I
'
m usedt
owal
king
aroundwi
thyou
Him:
"oohkungconokejongaNdoniyam sendi
phumil
esbedlel
ezuzeaphaKum endli
ni.
"
-t
hat
'
sgood.LookNdoniI
'
m al
readydi
schar
ged
cometomyhouse.

Me:
"okayndi
zokwenzanj
alo.
"
-
iwi
lldoso.

Hi
m:"
howi
sitwi
thoutyourOwet
hu.
"

Igi
ggl
edandhel
aughed.

Me:"
awkwardbutt
hebro'
sarekeepingme
compani
ed.Qababal
eki
leuyovathethanawe.
"
-
butt
heyr
anwhent
heyhear
dI'
mtal
kingt
oyou.

Wel
aughed.
Chumani:"
hai
boIwasmi
ssi
ngyourvoi
cet
hat
'swhy
Ical
led.
"

Isenset
hathei
srol
li
nghi
seyes.

Me:
"oohyouonl
ymi
ssmyvoi
cenotme.
"

Hi
m:"
ifbendinqwenel
aukubonangendi
kuf
ace
t
ime.
le.
"
-
ifIwant
edt
oseeyouIwoul
dhavef
acet
imeyou.

Igaspedhel
aughed

Hi
m:"ndadl
alaImisseveryt
hingaboutyoubeing
cl
osetoyoutouchingyouineverypartofyoubody
mhh.Thantherei
syournu...
"

Me:
"wenothavi
ngt
hist
alkar
ewe.
"
Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
butndi
kur
ingel
iwaar
."
-
i'
mtel
li
ngyout
het
rut
h.

Me:
"andi
funinoyi
va.
"
-
idon'
tevenwannahearabouti
t.

Him:"
youwi
llhavet
oli
stent
omecausendi
m
dyan.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"so?
"

Hi
m:"
secacebababygi
rlyonkei
ntoendi
yit
het
hayo
i
yahamba.
"
-
it
sobvi
oust
hatever
ythi
ngIsaygoes.

Me:
"i
nyourdr
eams.
"

Hi
m:"
hee.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:"
sudeut
hibabygi
rlkl
kRadebendi
m dal
anak
nawe."
-
don'
tsaybabygi
rl
.I'
m ol
dert
hanyou.

Isai
dlaughi
ng.I
'm ol
dert
hanhi
m.Mybir
thdayi
s
onthe30thofNovemberwhi
lehi
sisont
he15of
December.

Hi
m:"
mxm sundixel
elange15daysumna.
"
-
don'
ttel
lmeabout15days.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"I
'm ol
der
."

Hi
m:"
inyourdr
eams.
"

Wel
aughed.

-
Thef
oll
owi
ngweek-

MeandChumanihavebeenstudyi
ngt
oget
hersi
nce
wear
edoingt
hesamesubj ect
s.

Andthathel
pedal
otcausewear
ebot
haci
ngt
he
t
ests.I
'
m surewewi
llpass.
Iwasatmyst
reetpl
ayi
ngmyskat
eboar
d.Iwas
wai
ti
ngformybro'
stocomeandf
etchme.

Idi
dn'tgost
raightt
oChumani
'shousecause.Ihad
tocomeandt akemoneyf
rom mom.Sheisgoingto
CapeTown.

Mybr ot
her
swillal
sobegoi
ngt
ocapeTown.Iwon'
t
go.Idon'
tknowwhycauseweal
lusedt
ogothere.

It
'sThur
sdaytodaytommor owi t
'sFr
iday.Ourl
ast
dayfort
heexamswear ewrit
ingMat hsthat
'swhy
wearepract
ici
ngtogethernotjustmeandChumani .

Iwasskati
nghavi
ngf un.WhenaGTIputtedupnext
tome.Theyar
ealreadyhere.Iwasst
il
lenjoyi
ng
mysel
f.
Kel
vin:
"Imustsayyougood.
"

Ismi
led.Theyhaveal
readyl
owendt
hewi
ndow.

Chumani
:"
ifbendi
ngenayol
ecastbendi
zokuboni
si
bhozamntanam."
-
ifi
twasn'
tformycastIwasgoi
ngt
oshowyou
whoisboss.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"mxm l
et'
sgo.
"

Ithr
ewt heskat
eboar
dintheyar
dbef
oret
aki
ngmy
bag.Igotinatt
heback.

Ntl
akaniphowastheonedri
vingwit
hKevinonthe
passengersseat
.Iwassi
tt
ingatthebackwi
th
SekaniandChumani
.

Iki
ssedallt
hei
rcheeksandgaveChumaniapeck
onhisl
ips.

Chumani
:"
kudal
aundif
unawena.
"
-
ithasbeenl
ongsi
nceyouwant
edt
odat
eme.

Weal
llaughed.

T.
O:"
Nam ndam bonanj
ayam.
"
-
ial
soseeher
.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"mxm.
"
Wegott
othehouse.Wewer eli
steni
ngtomusic
si
ngi
ngal
lthewayhere.Iwenttotheki
tchenf
ir
st.

It
ookoutpot
atoes.

Them:
"don'
tfor
getust
her
e."

Inodded.Imadepotat
oechi
pswi t
hor osforal
lof
us.It
ookaTupperwarecont
ainer
sf i
ll
editwith
warm water
.Ial
sotookadryclot
handpl acediton
myshoulder.

Wel
lEver
yti
meweeatathome
Ihavetowasheveryone'
shands.Apparent
lymy
Gr
andfatherwasaZuluman.Sozintozakheezi
.
-
thesear
ehi
sthi
ngs.

Igott
othem andf
ir
stkneel
edi
nfr
ontofChumani
.
Theyal
llookedatmel
ikeI
'
m cr
azy.

Them:
"ar
eyouf
rom t
her
ural
s?"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"aaqaI
'
m usedt
othi
s."

Isai
dwashingChumani
'shandswhowassmi
li
ng
l
ikehei
scrazy.Ial
sosmil
ed.

IwenttowashNt
lakani
pho'
shandst
hanSekani
thanKel
vin.

Me:
"i
zanikut
yakungapha.
"
-
comet
hef
oodi
sont
hissi
de.
Isai
dpl acingbothwhi
teandbrownbr
ead.Ihave
al
readypl acedthef
oodandthedri
nkonthetabl
e.
TheyallstoodupIlaughed.

Weat
eourf
ood.

Sekani
:"
woul
deatt
hesef
ordays.
"

T.
O:"
met
oo.
"

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
Ishoul
dwi
f.
..
."

Ourst
omachswentgr
mm.Theyl
ookedatme.

Them:
"whatdi
dyouputi
nourf
ood.
"
Me:
"whatdoyou.
..
."

Weallr
ant
othetoi
let
.Myt ummywasr unni
ng.
WhenIwasdoneIwalkedout.Theyal
sowalkedout
.

Them:
"Eyodwandoniasi
dlal
ineuf
..
."
-
wear
enotpl
ayi
ngw.
..

Weallr
ant
othet
oil
etagai
nwewal
kedoutatt
he
sameti
me.

Me:
"woul
dIbest
upi
denought
o..
."

Werantothet
oil
etagain.Chumaniwil
lhavetobuy
newsuppl
yoftoi
letpapers.Wewalkedout.

Sekani
:"
shei
sri
ghtbutwhatdi
dyoudo.
"
Me:"
jonganendenzetapil
e.Spi
cenesauceNazi
gal
elel
aorosndenzagalaManzin.
..
"
-
imadet hepotatoes.Spiceandsauceyoupour
ed
i
tforyoursel
f.Iusedthiswater
..
..

Chumani
:"
yiKamf
url
eyo.
"
-
that
'
sforr
unni
ngt
ummi
es.

Us:
"whatdoyoumeanKamf
ur.
"

Chumani
:"
int
oyohambi
sisi
..
..
"
-
thi
ngt
omakeyourt
ummyr
un.
..

Weal
lranbackt
othet
oil
et.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
17
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Thi
sweekhasbeengr eat
.Ihavebeenst
udyi
ng
wit
hmyheartkeeper
.
Ithasbeengr
eatcausei
tbenef
it
edt
hebot
hofust
o
acingt
hetest
s.

Ihel
pedi
nthingsshedoesn'
tunderst
andandshe
al
sodidt
hesamef orme.Wedidn'tst
udytoget
her
whenIwaswr i
ti
ngBusi
nessstudi
esandshewas
wri
ti
ngEconomics.

Sekaniisintohi
storycausehewant stobea
Lawyerlikehisfat
her.Ntlakani
pholi
fesci
enceli
ke
hi
spar ents.Kel
vinphysicalsci
encebuthisf
atheri
s
ajudgewhi lehi
smot herisanadvocate.

Ithasbeenanhoursi
ncewehavebeenrunning
backandfort
htothet
oil
etbutwear
erightnow.

Wel
aughedl
ooki
ngateachot
her
.
Them:
"bi
funant
on'
kamf
uref
ri
dgeChust
ar.
"
-
whatwast
hekamf
urdoi
ngi
nthef
ri
dgeChumani?

Welaughed.Wewer
enowst
andi
ngcauseourbut
ts
wer
esore.

Me:"
haimar nl
astyearyabobebemkileo'
Siyaso
Makhuluwazodrop.aaphao'Nkanyezisi
ncenaye
esi
yaeMaxhoseni.zabenesusungelaxetshaand
medicalai
dyabozayingekosoMakhul uwabenzela
kl
a2Lbamabasel e.
"
-l
astyearSiysandNiziweren'
theresoGr
andma
camet odropthem her
esinceshewasalsogoing
totherural
s.Theyhadstomachachesandtheir
medicalaidwaswithSiyasoGr andmamadeitfor
them.

Wel
aughed.
Sekani
:"
wenaEyodwaawubonibayi
Kamf
url
eya?
"
-
didn'
tyouseet
hat
,thati
sKamf
urEyodwa.

Shewentt
otheki
tchenandcamebackwi
tht
he
l
it
tl
ebi
tofKamfurlef
tint
hebott
le.

Her
:"
jongal
ennt
o?"
-
lookatt
his

Wel
aughed.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"smel
lsonaawusi
va?
"
-
didn'
tyouheart
hesmel
l.

Us:
"t
ch.
"

Wel
aughed.
Her:
"mfondi
niiyayazit
apl
echi
pszi
nuki
sai
ndl
u
yonke.
"
-youknowpotat
oeschi
psmakest
hewhol
ehouse
smellthem.

Wel
aughed.

Kel
vin:
"nyani
sil
e."
-
shei
sri
ght

Us:
"t
hatsur
elydi
dcl
eanourst
omachs.
"

Weshookourheadsbef
orel
aughi
ng.Myphone
r
angitwasSi
ya.

Me:
"Tai
ma.
"
Si
ya:"j
ongazeni
phumel
aaphabal
aphaabazal
ibo
Kel
vin"
-
lookyoumustal
lcomeher
e.Al
lofyourpar
ent
sar
e
here.

Me:
"moj
a"

Hedi
sconnect
edt
hecal
l.

Me:"
kuthi
wazenihambeNam abazal
ibenubapha
kum."
-hesaidyoumustal
lgot
omyhouseyourpar
ent
s
arethere.

Mybr
o's:
"sho.
"

Ndoni
:"
let
'sst
artpr
act
ici
ng.
"
West ar
teddoi
ngourworkstil
lstandi
ng.Wetook
Ndonihomewecoul dn'
tevensitri
ghti
nthecar.
Sekaniwasdri
ving.

Wegottomyhouseandallt
hei
rcar
swer ehere
(
Thestacksandt
hei
rwivespl
usKel
vin'
sparents)
.

Wegotinandst
oodwer
etheywer
esi
tt
ingi
nthe
l
ounge.

Ayol
a:"
nasimel
ani
ngahl
ali
."
-
whyar
eyounotsi
tt
ingdown.

Nobunt
u:"
shej
ustsai
d.Whyar
etheyst
andi
ngw.
..
."

Mi
ke:
"ndasi
vai
siXhosaNobunt
u."
-
icanheari
siXhosaNobunt
u.
Welaughed.Kel
vin'
smot
heral
waysdoest
hatt
o
hi
mi t
'sf
unny.

Ayabonga:
"whyar
eyoust
andi
ng?
"

Me:
"asisonguEyodwa.
"
-
isn'
titEyodwa.

Theyal
llaughedbyj
usthear
inghername.

Cage:
"ut
hengeeyi
phi
iphonenor
h?"
-
whi
chphonedi
dshebuy.

Us:
"SamsungFol
d."

Sekani
:"
undicazekuzezayeqal
aubanayo
phone.
wanguChumaniecl ass.
in.
"
-
shemademelaughwhenChumanical
ledheri
n
t
hecl
asswhenitwasbr
andnew.

Ntl
akanipho:
"sayl
onlamthanauyewaykhupaphone
yakhewayvul awajongaphone.l
wangubani
waphindawaygobawaycol a.
"
-shei
scr azyshet
ookoutherphoneandopenedi
t,
shelookedatwhoiscal
li
ngbeforefol
dingand
answeringthecal
l.

Weal
llaughed.

Kel
vin:
"unal
aRadebeamt
handayo.
"
-
thant
her
eisRadebet
hatshel
oves.

Weal
llaughed.

Them:
"wewantt
ohearwhatshedi
dtoday.
"
Me:
"akasi
sel
isangabot
tl
eyonkeyeKamf
ur.
"
-
didn'
tshemakeusdr
inkt
hewhol
ebot
tl
eofKamf
ur.

Them:
"ut
heni
i.
"
-
shewhat
?

Theybur
sti
ntol
augher
.Theywer
eevencr
ying.

Snakes:
"mxm naxokaEyodwasozeendzel
ont
o."
-
youguysar
elyi
ngEyodwawoul
dneverdot
hat
.

Tai
lor
:"
shei
stooi
nnocent
."

Wel
aughed

Us:
"hee.
"
Me:"mamazukeuyephakum bonebazi
khonat
oil
et
paperna.
"
-
mom youshouldgot
omyhouseandseei
fyouwi
ll
f
indt
oil
etpaper
s.

Theyl
aughedmor
e.

Nobunt
u:"
Ineedt
oseet
hisEyodwagi
rl
."

Wel
aughed.

Ayabonga,
ZimiandThando:
"nam"
-
met
oo

Wel
aughed.
Nizi:
"di
dn'
tyouseeherkuzebeyot
hat
hiMal
iku
Kelvi
nNobuntu?"
-
didn'
tyouseeherwhenshewentt
ofet
chmoney
f
rom Kelvi
nNobunt
u?

Sheshookherhead.

Kel
vin:
"zabengekhongal
ami
ni.
"
-
theywer
enotathomet
hatday

Ayol
a:"undi
icazangokuephumaut
hiiakakwazi
hl
alaforit
i.
"
-shememadelaughwhenshegotoutsayi
ngshe
can'tst
ayf
ort
ea.

Wel
aughed.

Cage:
"sayl
onnyanil
eya.
"
-
sher
eal
lyi
scr
azy.

Lethabo:
"ut
hekum ephumeesi
thizozanemedi
cal
bil
lemsebenzi
niwam."
-
shesai
dtomeget t
ingoutt
hatshewi
llbr
ingt
he
medi
calbi
llt
othehospi
tal
.

Wel
aughed.

Mi
ke:
"Ineedt
oseeher
."

Si
ya:
"whydi
dshepr
ankyout
oday?
"

Me:"sosi
yesayom t
hathakubabephumel
e
kokwabonamhlanj
e..
."
-
wewenttof
etchhert
odaysi
ncewentst
rai
ght
homet
oday.
..
Thando:
"ni
fundanonke.
"
-
youal
llear
ntoget
her
?

Us:
"aanoChumani
/Mna.
"
-
nowi
thme/
Chumani

Shenodded.

Ni
zi:
"awunal
ungel
olomphazami
saxaet
het
ha.
..
."
-
youdon'
thavet
her
ightt
otal
kwhi
lehei
sspeaki
ng
..
..
.

Us:
"Ndoniqaonel
olungel
o."
-
ndonihast
her
ight
.

Weal
llaughed.
Nobuntu,Zi
mi,
AyabonganoThando:
"nowI
ser
iousl
yhavetoseeher.
"

Wel
aughed

Ni
zi:
"Iwi
lli
nvi
teherf
ordi
nnersomedayaf
terour
t
ri
p."

Me:"
pleasewhatevershewilldocel
aningathiNani
naf
unaayenzekuniandni ngabinoMonaNani
maji
taAndifunikwamt ukwindl
uyam kleholi
de."
-pleasedon'
tsayyouwantitt
oanddon'tbej
eal
ous
alsoyougents.Idon'
twantanybodyi
nmyhouse.

Mybr
o'sl
aughed.

Them:
"whatwi
llshedo.
"
Mybr
o's:
"ya.
..
"

Me:
"aasanubaxel
elaf
unababenomona.
"
-
nodon'
ttel
lthem Iwantt
hem t
obej
eal
ous.

Wel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
it
'snotl
ikezohl
alanaye.
"
-
youwi
lll
eavewi
thher
.

Il
ookedathi
m.Ever
yonel
aughed.

Me:"
bayahambabonkekokwabozohl
alayedwa
l
atewena."
-
herf
ami
lyi
sgoi
ngshewi
llbeal
lal
one.

Ismi
rkedever
yonel
aughed.
Nt
lakani
pho:
"ani
dyol
i.
"
-
youguysar
enotevendat
ing.

Them:
"ani
dyol
i?"
-
youai
n'tdat
ing

Inodded.Weal
llaughed.

SnakesandTT:
"youwer
est
il
ltel
li
nguswhat
happened.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:"
haimarnsafikhamocphakum.Wahamba
wayoyenzakutyasayotyakenathixasisi
thi
samncomagr uuizusubalekasayaeztoil
etxasi
m
buzafakent
on'saphindasonkesayatoi l
et.
Xasi
mbuzabaf akent
on'wakhupabot
tleyeKamf
ur
kut
shiyekepi
ecebeci
fanbangamanzi
."
-wegottomyhouseandshewenttomakef ood.
Wewentt oeataswewerecomplementi
ngherour
stomachswentgru.Wewentt
othetoil
etandal l
whenweaskedherwhatsheputinourfoodshe
tookoutabott
leofKamf
urshethoughtthatit
's
water.

Byt
het
imeI
'
m doneever
yonei
slaughi
ng.

Them:
"ur
ytani
clean.
ezusuezi
."
-
shei
sri
ghtshei
sjustcl
eani
ngyourst
omachs.

Wel
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
18
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Weat
edi
nnerandwewentout
sideonl
ytheguys
t
hel
adi
esar
ecat
chi
ngupoverwi
ne.

Siya:
"oohbythewayyouguyshavet
ohi
jackcar
s.6
ofthem byt
heendofnextweek.
"

Kelvi
n'spar
ent
sknowwear egangsters.Appar
entl
y
Mikewasalsoagangster.Hewasal sotrai
nedby
Scott
.Buthestoppedr
ightaft
erKelvinwasbor n.

Heal
sodoeshei
stswi
ththeSt
acksher
eandt
her
e
j
ustt
oenj
oythegoodl
if
e.

Me:
"wher
eexact
ly?
"

Mike:
"t
herewi l
lbeapar
tyhostedbyoneofthe
gangst
ers.It
'sadanger
ousjobbutwetrustyou
guystopullt
hrough.
"
Sekani:
"butt
her
eisonl
y4ofusandweneed6
cars.
"

Them:
"youguyswillf
igur
eitout
.Youknowwedon'
t
wantabiggerci
rcl
esoyouhavetofi
gurei
tout
."

Ntl
akani
pho:
"wewi
llneedthedet
ail
softhepar
ty.
Howmanyguardswillbet
hereandall
."

Tail
or:
"wewil
lsendt
hem t
oyoubef
orewego
tommor owmorni
ng.
"

Wenodded.Thi
swi
l
lbeahar
dtask.

Kel
vin:
"wear
etal
kingaboutgangst
ersher
esurel
y
t
hei
rcarshavetr
acker
splacedsomewherenotat
t
heusualspotwheret
heyare."
TT:
"that
'sf
oryouguyst
of i
gur
eoutwet
aughtyou
wel
l.Iknowyouwil
lpul
lthr
ough.
"

Mamber:"pl
usyouwi
llbeget
ti
ng20mi
ll
ionf
rom t
he
buyer
s."

Wesmi
led.

Us:
"i
twi
llbeour
sri
ght?
"

Theysmi
rked.

Me:"
I'
mt aki
ngNdonit oStTropezDon'
tget
conf
usedI '
mtalkingaboutt
heoneinFrancef
or
mcelabelimedilam."
-
askhert
obemygi
rl
fr
iend.

Weal
llaughed.
Them:
"youar
ewhi
pped.
"

Wel
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Iwokeupandmybr other
sarealr
eadygone.I
'
m
act
uallypl
anni
ngt
olivewithChumanit
his2week
hol
iday.
Septemberhol
idaysareusuall
y1weekbutwe
won'tbegoi
ngt oschoolnextweekso2week
hol
iday.

AndIwantt
ocreat
ememori
esthisholi
daywit
h
Chumani
.Iwanti
ttobet
hebesthol
idayever
.

Iwantustodocrazythi
ngstoget
her.Wej
ust
fi
nishedourl
astpaperwhi
chisMathemat
ics.

Itwasagreatpapercauseienj
oyedever
ythi
ng.The
paperwasflawi
ng.Ilovedi
t.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"I
'm host
ingapensdownpar
tyt
odayI
wi
llsendyoual
lthedetai
lsi
nourWhat
sAppgroup.
"

Hesai
dtot
hecl
ass.
Cl
ass:
"ndi
pha.
"
-
iwi
llbet
her
e.

Weal ll
aughed.Theteacherhadal
readyr
antothe
off
iceapparent
lyherdaughterwasinanacci
dent
.
Sham.

Kel
vin:
"l
et'
sgobuymeatandboozel
otsofbooze.
"

Sekani
:"
alsol
otsofmeat
."

Hesai
deyei
ngme.Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
let
'sgowewi
llf
oll
owbehi
ndnoNdoni
."

Weal lwalkedtohiscar
.Mybagforthehol
idayi
s
alr
eadyinhi scar
.Iknowsi
fastbuti
t'
sli
feyouhave
toli
veittotheful
lest
.
Chumani
:"
yazil
emphahl
aizohl
alaphakum ke.
"
-
youknowt
hosecl
otheswi
llst
ayatmyhouse.

Iwast
heonedr
ivi
ng.Wel
aughed.

Me:
"yagul
a."
-
youar
emad.

Hi
m:"
it
'snotl
ikeawuzot
hengaezi
nye.
"
-
youwi
llbuynewones.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"Idon'
thavemoneyt
opl
aywi
th.
"

Hi
m:"
ngubani
iowyakho?
"
-
whoi
syourboyf
ri
end?

Il
ookedathim smi
rki
ng.Heal
sosmi
rked.He
pl
acedhishandontopofmyhandasitwasont
op
oft
hegear.

Wegottothemal
latthesametimeasmybr
o's.
Theywer
ealsodr
ivi
ngtheirowncar
s.

Me:"
let
'sf
ir
stchance.Whowi
llal
lowschoolki
dsi
n
al
iquorst
ore.
"

Weallt
ookoutcl
othesf
rom t
hecarswecame
usi
ng.WewenttoKFCtochange.

Igotoutl
ast
.

Chumani
:"
yout
ookyourt
imehey.
"
Me:
"I
'm agi
rlduuh.
"

WeChuckled.Wewentbacktothecarstoplacet
he
uni
formtherebef
oregoi
ngtobuylotsandlotsof
meat.Wealsobought2tr
oll
eysful
lofal
cohol.

I
twasdiffer
entkindsofal
cohol.MeandChumani
wenttohi
scr i
bwhi l
etheot
herswentto
Ntl
akani
pho's.Ij
ustwanttodropmyclothesand
t
akemyDJi ngequipment.

Chumani:
"canyoupl
easemakemesomet
hingl
ight
toeatbef
orewego."

Thet
imewas1pm.Thepar
tywi
llst
artat6pm.

Me:
"t
akeoutsomet
hingf
ormet
owearsol
ong.
"
Hepeckedmyl ipsbef
oregoingupst
airswi
thmy
suit
case.Imadeburgersforus.11i
fitwasa
dif
ferentdayt
hanitwouldhavebeen22.

Hecamebackdownstairsonl
ywearinghi
ssummer
shor
t.Hewasshir
tl
ess.Iwasdrool
ingovert
hesexy
dudeinf
rontofme.

Hi
m:"
takeapi
ctur
etheyl
astl
onger
."

Wel aughed.Hesatdown.Iwentt
ot akewar
m
waterinacontainer
.Ikneel
edi
nfrontofhi
m and
washedhi shands.

Hewasallsmil
ey.Il
ookedathi
m andsmi l
ed.When
IwasdoneIdi
sposedthewateri
nthesink,washed
myhandsthanwalkedbackwit
hourfood.
Hi
m:"
thankyou.
"

Inodded.

Him:
"mymom andherfr
iendsbasi
cal
lyo'
makazi
bam baf
unaukubona.
"
-
myaunt
'swant
stoseeyou.

Il
ookedathi
m shocked.

Him:"
theyarehar
mless.Ubaboni
lekuzeuyoceli
Malizakhomoc.Qakhukhoabanyenaboabafazi
bezagrooti
ezasi
yekuwenazo."
-
yousawt hem whenyouwenttoaskforyour
money.Butther
eisother
s.Theyarewif
e'soft
he
gent
lemenwecamet oseeyouwi t
h.

Me:
"bazot
hini
undibonakwam?
"
-
whatwi
llt
heysaywhent
heyseeme?

Hel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
baf
unukwazikl
kal
wayssat
het
hangawe.
"
-
theywantt
oseeyouweal
wayst
alkaboutyou.

Inodded.Het
ookmyhandandki
ssedi
t.

Hi
m:"
zozamoc?
"
-
youwi
llcome?

Me:
"yeahndi
zoya.
"
-
yesIwi
llgo.

Isai
dsmi l
ing.Hekneel
eddowni
nfr
ontofmeand
wekissed.
Hecar r
iedmetothebedroom wi
thoutbreaki
ngthe
kiss.Webothstr
ipednakedst
il
lki
ssing.Wewalked
totheshower.

Heplacedmedown.Hi
scockwasr
ubbi
ngmynunu
al
lthi
stime.

Hi
m:"
let
'st
akeashowersot
hatwecango.
"

Wekissedbef
oret
aki
ngashowersi
ngi
ngl
ikewe
al
waysdo.

Wegotoutandwenttoloti
on.Wewereweari
ng
matchi
ngoutf
it
s.Whitet
-shi
rt
sanddeni
mj eans
wi
thwhiteai
rf
orces.

Hi
m:"
makeup?
"
Me:
"I
'm notaf
an.
"

Hi
m:"
good.Andi
wat handil
amadakanoskebengu
Nt
ombikunobaubenguBeyonce.
"
-
idon'
tli
kethatmudyoucanr
atherbent
ombit
han
bei
ngBeyonce.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"mxm phambene.
"
-
youcr
azy.

Hehel
dmywai
stf
rom behi
ndandki
ssedandbi
te
myneck.

Hi
m:"aboutyou.I
fyouwer en'
tdarkIwasgoi
ngt
o
l
eavelovebit
esalloveryourbody.
"
Wel
aughed.

Me:
"t
hankGodI
'
m bl
ack.
"

Welaughed.Iwal
kedawaytot
akemyequi
pment
hespankedmysmallass.

Me:
"ouch.
"

Isai
dgiggl
ing.Hechuckl
ed.Wewalkedoutwentto
Ntl
akani
pho'scri
b.I
twas2pm now.Wewal kedi
n
handinhand.

Theywhi
stl
edweki
ssed.

Them:
"haini
yabat
yazangoku.
"
-
youar
eoutofl
inenow.
Wel
aughedbr
eaki
ngt
heki
ss.

Chumani
:"
what
'sl
eftt
odonow?
"

Them:
"not
hing.Sesi
zibasi
lenenkuni
."
-
wehaveal
readyl
ight
enupt
hewoods.

Me:
"noneedf
orsal
ads.Theywi
llbej
ustawast
e."

Them:
"duhsayazi
."
-
weknow.

Theyrol
ledthei
reyes.Welaughed.Isetupmy
equi
pment.Thearespeakersinsi
deandoutsi
deof
thehouse.
Wehiredaguardtost
andbythestai
rs.Theydon'
t
wantpeoplegoi
ngupst
air
s.Ther
eisat oi
let
downstai
rs.

I
twas8pm nowandt
heplacewasalr
eadypacked.
Themusi
cwasalsof
lawi
ngIwasplayi
ngmyt hi
ngs.

Andeveryonewaslovi
ngitl
ikeexpect
ed.By11pm I
wasti
redIjustpl
ayedconti
nuesmusic.Iwantt
osit
wit
hmybr o's.

Me:
"Ineedt
odr
inknow.
"

It
ookabot
tl
eofseal
edt
anquer
ay.

Chumani
:"
mni
kei
ntoyodashaKel
vin.
"
-
givehersomet
hingt
odashwi
thKel
vin.
Me:
"aandi
grnd.
"
-
noI
'
m good.

Theyl
ookedatmeIj
ustsmi
l
ed.

Ist
arteddri
nki
ngfr
om thebot
tl
e.Wewerechat
ti
ng
andlaughi
ng.Theal
coholst
art
edki
cki
ngin.We
werealldr
anknow.

Chumani
:"
andi
yaziguyswhyNdoniengadeandi
pl
it
e."
-
idon'
tknowwhyNdonidoesn'
tappr
oachedme.

Kel
vin:
"nawesl
ownj
ayam bazom t
hat
hake.
"
-
youar
eal
sosl
owt
heywi
llt
akeher
.

T.
O.:
"t
ch.
"
Me:
"uphiRadebeguysndi
mphendul
e."
-
wher
eisRadebesot
hatIcananswerhi
m.

Sekani
:"
nankul
aphacamkwako.
"
-
hei
sri
ghtnextt
oyou.

Me:
"youknowI'm getti
ngtoknowyouf r
om t
he
i
nsi
deout.ButIwillapproachyousoondon'
t
wor
ry."

Isai
dsi
ppi
ngmyt
anquer
ay.

Hi
m:"i
thasbeenalongti
meofmewai
ti
ngpat
ient
ly
f
oryou.Il
oveyouokay.
"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"

Ist
oodup.
Hi
m:"
wher
ear
eyougoi
ngst
handwasam.
"

Me:
"Ineedt
ouset
het
oil
et.
"

Henodded.Ist
oodupbalancingwi
tht
hewall
s.
Sekanicameandaccompaniedmetot
hetoi
let
upstai
rs.

If
elfl
ikevomi
ti
ng.

Me:"
canyoupl
easehol
dmyhai
rbackIneedt
o
vomit
."

Hedi
dastol
d.Vomitedi
nthesinkandt
hanr
insed
mymout
h.Bendigabakabuhl
ungu.

Me:
"I
'm neverdr
inki
ngal
coholagai
n."
Isai
dcr
ying.Hewi
pedmyt
ear
sbef
orehuggi
ngme.

Me:
"I
'm neverdr
inki
ngagai
n."

Iatt
emptedtoWal
kbutst
opandwentt
olookat
myselfont
hemir
ror
.

Icr
ied.

Sekani
:"
what
'swr
ong?
"

Me:
"f
unuRadebewam umna.
"
-
iwantmyRadebe.

Icr
iedmor
elooki
ngatmysel
font
hemi
rr
or.
Sekani
:"
Iwi
llgoandf
etchhi
m sunxama.
"
-
wai
t

Hewasalsodrunk.Inodded.Ashewal
kedout
Chumanigoti
n.Ihuggedhim.

Me:
"whyundi
shi
yil
emhh?
"
-
whydi
dyoul
eaveme?

Chumani
:"
I'
m her
enow.
"

Me:
"hambakecauseandi
sakuf
unii
nfacti
t'
sover
."
-
gocauseIdon'
twantyouanymor
e..
..

Hewal
kedt
owardst
hedoor
.Icr
iedmor
ehecame
t
ohugmeagai
n.
Me:"
yourl
eavi
ngmeagai
nhowcanyoubeso
I
rr
esponsi
ble.
"

Chumani
:"
butyousai
dit
'sover
."

Il
aughedpl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
snose.

Me:"Iwasjustjoki
ngokay.Iwouldneverdothat
.I
mustsayyournosel ookscute.Ourf
irstbor
n
shouldhaveit.
"

Ipl
ayedwi
thi
tgi
ggl
ing.Heal
sol
aughed.

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llgof
ixt
hebedf
oryou.
"

Icr
ied.

Hi
m:"
what
'swr
ong.
"
Me:
"Iwantt
osl
eepi
nyourar
ms.
"

Wewalkedoutandibl
ackedoutonourwaytothe
r
oom.IwokeupandIwasi nChumani'
spjama'
s.

Myheadachewasonanot herl
evel
.Thi
sist
he
worstheadacheever.Il
ookedbesi
desmeand
Chumaniwasst i
llsl
eepi
ng.

Iwakeddownst
air
sweari
ngagownontopand
sl
eeper
s.Igott
othef
ri
dgeandther
ewasnothi
ng.

Everyoneat
eeverythi
ngyest
er dayfuck.I'
M so
fuckenhungr
yandIneedpi l
ls.ItookChumani '
scar
keysanddrovetothemallst
illinpjama's.

Iwal
kedoutandever
yonewasstar
ti
ngatmeI
di
dn'
tcar
e.Iwasalsowear
ingapantyhoseonmy
head.

Iwal
kedtomuggandbean.Ever
yonel
ookedatme
asIst
eppedi
nsi
de.

Me:"nevermindmeIknowt hatI'
m cr
azy.Justt
hat
mybr other
sf i
nishedf
oodyester
daysoIwokeup
hungrywabesi thmuggandbeanI zaKum Nam
ndakbawela."
-
muggandbeanwascomet
omeI
'
m al
socr
avi
ng
f
oryou.

Ever
yonebur
stedi
ntol
augher
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
19
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
EYODWA
Aft
ergetti
ngmyor der.Iwal
kedtoshopri
tesi
ncei
wanntedgrandpa.peoplewereal
solooki
ngatme
t
here.ibought10ofthem.

Iwentbackt
oNtlakani
pho'
scr
ibt
heywereall
si
tt
ingatt
hefr
ontwithanempt
ybott
leofcol
d
wat
er.

chumani
:"
ial
mostsentt
henavyt
osear
chf
oryou.
"

me:"
iwentt
ogett
hese.si
ncet
her
ewasn'
tanyf
ood
l
eft
."

igavethem t
hegr
andpa'
s.ihadal
readyt
akenmi
ne
inthecar.

t
heyal
llookedatmel
ikei
'
m cr
azy.

me:
"what
?"

t
hem:
"di
dyougot
othemal
llooki
ngl
iket
hat
?"

t
heysai
dbi
ti
ngt
hei
rmuf
fi
ns.
me:
"yeah.Akhont
iwr
ongomoc?
"
-
ther
eisnot
hingwr
ong

chumani
:"
nayonepant
yhose"
-
wit
hthepant
yhoseaswel
l?

me:
"yeah"

wel
aughed.

kel
vin:
"sher
eal
lyi
scr
azy.
"

me:
"t
herei
snothingwrongher
ethesear
ecl
othes
aswel
lweallwearpj
ama'ssowhat?"

chumani
:"
thankgodt
heyar
ebi
gyounotshowi
ng
anyt
hingt
hatbel
ongst
ome.
"

sekani:
"yuuhzolobekumnandimaj i
tani
phiesi
thi
i
'm neverdri
nkingalcoholagai
n."
-yest
erdayi
twascoolwher
ewer
eyouwhenshe
said..
..
..
.

webur
stedi
ntol
aught
er.

me:
"mxm naxokanotumna.
"
-
youl
yingnotme.

chumani
:"
uthekum mynosei
scut
e"

wel
aughedmor
e.

chumani:
"gqibakwakewandil
ahl
awat
hishei
sjust
j
okingekhalakephoff
."
-shet
handumpedmet hanshesai
dshei
sjoki
ng
shewasevencr
ying.

wel
aughed.

me:
"mxm youal
lar
elyi
ngnowiwoul
dneversay
t
hoset
hings.
"

ntl
a:"
cazekuzebezi
sit
hizat
handanandaqondba
kumnandikwalovedepart
ment.
"
-
theymademel aughwhentheysaidt
heyloveeach
otheriknewri
ghtther
ethati
tiscooli
nthelove
department
.

l
ateronaf
tercl
eani
ngandbuyi
ngf
oodf
ornt
lawe
al
lwentoursepr
ateways.

wewon'
tbegoi
ngoutt
odaybutwewil
ltommor
ow.
wegott
othecr
ib,
meandchumani.
chumani
:"
cuddl
eandwat
chamovi
e?"

inoddedsmi
li
ngl
ikeachi
ldt
hathasbeengi
ven
candy.

wewat
chedmost
lyr
omant
icmovi
es.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
chumani
aft
erwatchi
ngmovieswefallasl
eep.ndonihas
beentur
ningfort
hepasthour.
iwokeandlookedather
.shehadherhandsonher
st
omache.iopenedthewholebl
anket
.

ther
ewasbloodever
ywher
ethatexpl
ainsi
tshei
s
onherper
iods.

reasonwhyi'
m notpani
ckingisbecausei'
m usedto
thi
s.whennkanyezist
art
edherfirstper
iodNiziwas
notathome.soihadtotellwhatiknow.

iworemygownt ookmycarkeysanddrovetothe
near
estgar
age.iboughtt
hepadsthandroveback
home.

theti
meis3am incaseyouar
ewonderi
ng.imade
bubblebat
hforher.wheniwasdoneiwantt
owake
herup.
me:
"Ndonivuka"
-
ndoniwakeup.

her
:"
mhhh"

shewasi
npai
n.

me:
"vukauzovasakebenol
alamyl
ove.
'
-
wakeupsot
hatyoucant
akeabat
h.

her
:"
mm sususam si
buhl
ungumar
n."
-
myst
omachei
ssor
e

me:
"per
iodpai
ns.vuka.
"

shedidn'
t.it
ookherandshewasst
il
lhol
dingher
stomache.
her
:"
whyut
himandivuke.
"
-
whydi
dyousayimustwakeup?

me:
"youar
eonyourper
iods.
"

shelookeddownembarrassed.ipl
acedheront
he
toi
letseatandst
ri
ppedhernaked.

me:"
idontseewhyyouar
eembar
rassedaboutyour
per
iods.
"

shewasavoi
dingeyecont
act
.

me:
"heyl
ookatme.
"

shewasal
readyi
nthewat
er.imadeherl
ookatme.
me:
"idontknowwhyyouembar ressed.i
'm hereto
t
akecareofyou.youal
waystakecar eofmej ustl
et
metakecareofyouthi
sonce.okay?"

isaidki
ssingher
.shenodded.iwashedhereven
thoughshewasal i
tt
lebi
tshyshewasl ooki
ng
downallthist
ime.

aft
erwashingher
,il
oti
onedher.itookoutoneof
herunder
wearssothaticanputinthepadforher
.

her
:"
yekeiwi
lldoi
tmysel
f.
"

ididntl
etherbeididitf
orher.aft
ert
hatimadeher
wearawar m pj
ama's.itookherandplacedheron
thecouchitookthesheetsandthepjamabottoms
ofthedir
typjama's.
shest
oodat
tempt
ingt
otaket
hedi
rt
yst
uff
.

me:"yekajustsi
tther
eandchi
lliwi
llbet
aki
ngcar
e
ofyout odayokay?"

shenodded.itookt hethi
ngsdownst ai
rs.ipl
aced
them i
nthewashi ngmachi ne.af
terwashingthem i
hangedthem outside.iwalkedbackinandwent
upstai
rstoourroom.

shewassleepingonthecouchwit
hablanketon
topofher
.itookoutnewsheetsandmadethebed.
wheniwasdoneit ookherfr
om t
hecouchandwe
cuddl
edtosleepagain.

mor ni
ngcameandshewasst illsl
eeping.itooka
showerdidever
ythi
ngineededt odo.iwalked
downstai
rstomakebreakf
astforher.
iwal
kedbackupast ai
rswithafar
mhousebreakf
ast
andhotchocol
ate.iwalkedbackupast
air
s.

shewasst i
llsl
eepi
ng.iki
ssedheral
loverhercut
e
face.shemoaned.

me:"
youhavet
otakeashowerbabyr
ememberyou
ar
eonyourper
iods.
"

sheopenedhereyes.shel
ookedbet
tert
hani
nthe
ear
lyhours.

her
:"
hey.
"

me:
"howyouf
eel
ingt
oday.
"

her:
"muchbet
ter
.ionl
ygetper
iodpai
nsoncei
n
those3days.
"
me:
"not
ed.
"

wel
aughed.gr
eatt
hingshei
slaughi
ng.

me:"
got akeashowersot
hatyoucanhave
br
eakfast."

shestoodupandwal kedt
othebathroom.imade
thebedsolong.shecameouttoloti
onwhenshe
wasdonewear i
ngherclot
hesshecamet ositnext
tomeont hecouch.

if
edher
,herf
oodandshedr
ankt
hehotchocol
ate.

me:"
wewil
lbemeeti
ngt
heguysatKFCbef
ore
goi
ngtot
hechi
sanyamaforchi
ll
az.
"
her
:"
let
sgowedontwantt
hem compl
aini
ngdowe.
"

wel
aughed.wewal
kedoutt
othecar
.wedr
oveof
f.

me:"
tommorowi'
mt aki
ngyououtngaci
fanba
ndi
kusakocri
spy(
potat
oechipspl
ace)njengal
ama
owyakho.
"
-
dontthi
nki
'mt
aki
ngyout
ocr
ispyl
ikeyour
boyf
ri
ends.

webur
stedi
ntol
aught
er.

her
:"
mxm.
"

wegott
oKFC.wespot
tedt
heguysneart
he
wi
ndow.

us:
"maj
it
a"
iwasbrohuggi
ngt
hem whi
leshewashuggi
ng
them.

sekani
:"
bucket
?"

wenodded.hewal
kedt
ogoandor
der
.

nt
lakani
pho:
"si
sayachi
sanyamamoc?
'
-
arewest
il
lgoi
ngt
othechi
sanyama.

us:
"nakanj
ani
."

wel
aughed.sekanicamebackwi
tht
hemeat
.

ndoni
:"
ongawaf
uni
yoamaf
eleawasaphakum.
"
-
ifyoudon'
twantt
heski
ngi
vei
ttome
webur
stedi
ntol
augher
.

westartedeati
nghavi
ngachatl
aughi
ngasal
ways.
ndonicall
edthewait
er.

her
:"
howcanihel
pyou?
"

ndoni
:"
ani
wat
hengi
siamaf
ele?
"
-
dontyousel
lski
n?

iguessshewasl
oudenoughcauseever
yone
laughed.

wai
ter
:"
aasi
s"
-
no
shesai
dlaughi
ng.

ndoni
:"
hai
keongawaf
uni
yozazenawoaphakum.
"
-
ifyoudontwantt
hem gi
vet
hem t
ome.

weal
lburst
edintolaught
er.somewer
eeveni
n
t
ear
sfrom cr
ying.

meandmybr
o's:
"dontembar
rassus.
"

wel
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
notedi
ted.
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
20
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Wewereatt
hechisanyamanow.I
t'
ssor
elaxi
ng
her
e.I
t'
saSundayafter
noon.

Nt
la:
"t
ommorowweshoul
dmeetatt
hewar
ehouse.
Weneedast
rat
egyf
orthemi
ssi
on."
Ndoni
:"
yeahwecan'
taf
for
dget
ti
ngcaught
."

Welookedather
.Shewastal
kingrandomlycause
shei
scluel
essinwhatwearetal
kingabout.

Wel
aughedather
.

Kel
vin:
"youf
ullofj
oke'
sbutwecoul
ddi
eher
e."

Ndoni
:"
moneyhei
stagai
n?"

Weshookourheads.

Sekani
:"
spi
n.amot
toezi
y6.
"
-
hij
acki
ng6car
s.
Shecount
edususi
ngherf
inger
s.

Her
:"
butt
hei
sonl
y5ofus.
"

Wel
ookedather
.

Her
:"
4Imean.
"

Wel
aughedshecanbecr
azywhenshewant
sto.

Me:"
weneedast
rongpl
anbutwewil
ldi
scuss
ever
ythi
ngt
ommorowhowthi
sshi
twil
lworkout
."

Theyal
lnodded.

Me:
"v'
tsekndoni
."
Welaughed.Wecont
inueddr
inki
ngnotsomet
hing
st
rong.

Weevendancedabi
t.Atmi
dni
ghtweal
lwentour
separ
ateways.

Wecuddl
edt
osleepwit
hMyFlower.Wewokeupat
10.Wear
est
il
lgoingt
othedi
nnert
oday.

Her
:"
goodmor
ning.
"

Me:
"mor
ninghowdi
dyousl
eepmyl
ove.
"

Weweresti
llsi
tt
ingi
nbed.Shehadherheadont
op
ofmychest
.

Her
:"
li
keababyasal
ways.
"
Weki
ssed.

Me:
"l
et'
stakeabathsothatwecangoshoppi
ng,
war
ehouseandthantoourdinner
."

Her
:"
butIdon'
thavecl
othes.
"

Me:
"t
hat
'
swhyIsai
dshoppi
ng.
"

WeChuckl
ed.Wewal
kedt
othebat
hroom andt
ook
abat
htoget
her.

Her
:"
kuphal
omnwewakhoumdekum.
"
-
taket
hisl
ongf
ingerofyour
soutofme.

Shemoaned.Iwasf i
ngerf
ucki
ngher
.Isl
ippedi
n
thesecondf
ingerbef
oreuppi
ngmypace.
Her
:"
Chumani
."

Shewasl oosingherbreat
hslowl
y.Sheal
ways
does.Iwonderhowshewi l
lbewhenwedoingt
he
realt
hing.Ican'
twait
.

It
ookt
hem outbef
orel
icki
ngthem.Ial
waysdot
hat
.
Wegotdonewewalkeddownstai
rs.

Me:
"shoul
dwest
artbyt
hesal
onorshoppi
ngf
ir
st.
"

Her
:"
sal
on.
"

Inodded.Westar
tedatt
hesalon.Shet
ookofher
brai
dsandstyl
edherAft
ro.Shewassobeauti
fulI
mustsay.

It
ri
mmedmyf
adeabi
t.
Me:"yazibobamhlekwakof
unekeyekel
ennt
o
yakhoyof akel
amarn.
"
-
seehowbeauti
fulyouar
e.Youmuststopdoing
t
hesethi
ngsandstaywit
hyournat
uralhai
r.

Isai
dpatt
ingheraf
rocar
eful
ly.Shegi
ggl
ed.Igave
herapeckbef
orewedroveofftothemal
l.

West
art
edatWi
mpyf
orbr
eakf
ast
.

Her
:"
sowher
ear
eyout
aki
ngmeoutt
o?"

Sheaskedsmil
ing.Iknowthatsmile.I
tmakesyou
conf
essever
ythingbutnottoday.

Me:"
thatsmil
eofyour
swon'
twor
ktodayyouwi
ll
seetoni
ght.
"
Isai
dkissi
ngherhandbef
oref
eedi
nghert
he
sausageonherpl
ate.

Her
:"
that
'snotf
air
."

Shesul
ked.

Me:
"i
tismyl
ove.Butyouwi
lll
ovet
hepl
acet
rust
me.
"

Ikissedherhandagai
nbef
oregivi
ngitasqueeze.
Afterweweredonewewalkedtothebouti
ques
around.

Shepi
ckedawhi t
epowersuitbutnott
rouser
sshe
pi
ckedshort
s.Ij
ustboughtbl
ackchinopantswi
th
bl
ackpoloneckandablackblazer
.
Wewenttothewarehouseandt
heguyswer
e
al
readypl
ayi
ngFIFA20.

Ndoni
:"
xakungenat
hinaf
unekeni
mekl
ktchi
ni.
"
-
whenwegeti
nyoumustst
and.

Weal
llaughed.

Sekani
:"
youshoul
dal
waysl
ookt
hatway.
"

Shedi
dal
it
tl
etwi
rl
.Wel
aughedwhi
stl
ing.

Kelvi
n:"
ifandif
umanimtubynextweekthanndi
ya
yekasamet ime.Hi
tandrunqakengoku."
-
ifIdon'tf
indagir
lf
riendbynextweekI
'
m done.I
Wil
ljustdohitandrun.
Us:
"nam.
"
-
met
oo.

Weallsai
dasaunion.Theyl
ookedatmeand
Ndoni
.Wealll
aughed.

Sekani
:"
niphambeneni
na.
"
-
youguysar
ecr
azy

Me:
"ngant
oni
i?"
-
aboutwhat?

Ntlakani
pho:
"whyain'
tyoudat
ing.Evenabl
ind
personcanseethatyoutwoweremeanttobe
together
."

Kel
vin:
"t
ch.
"
Il
ookedatNdonisheal solookedatme.Wewer
e
notsmili
ngjustl
ooki
ngateachot her
seyeswi
th
breaki
ngtheeyecontact.

Isawl oveandaf
fect
ioninhereyes.Ir
eal
lydol
ove
her.Justhappyt
hattoni
ghtishappeni
ng.

Webothsmil
edatt hesamet
imebef
orehuggi
ng.I
ki
ssedherf
orehead.

Kel
vin:
"I
'm def
ini
tel
ypost
ingt
his.
"

Hesai
dlooki
ngathi
sphone.Theywer
eal
llooki
ng
att
hei
rphones.

Nt
lakani
phoandSekani
:"
met
oo.
"

Sekani
:"
lookatmyr
ecentpost
."
Itookoutmyphoneandl ookedathi
srecentposti
t
wasar ecentpictureofmeandNdonil ookingat
eachandanot heronewher ewear ehuggingwit
h
meki ssingherf orehead.

Thecapt
ionwas"theymightbot
hdenyi tbutthe
spar
kbetweenthem can'
tbemissed.ThisiswhatI
cal
ltr
uelove.
"

Thepictur
ehad1kl i
kes200comment
sand199
sharesalr
eady.Somewheresayi
ngt
heywanta
rel
ati
onshipl
ikethi
s.

Wear
ethei
rfavor
it
ecoupl
e.

Sekani
:"
somanyshar
elikesandcomment
s.Iwi
ll
bepromoti
ngmyaccountswit
hyouguys.
"
Weal
llaughed.

Ndoni
:"
whataboutt
hepeopl
esendi
ngmet
ext
swi
ll
youanswert
hem?"

Wel
aughedoutl
oud.

Ntl
akanipho:"
weallknowthatChumaniisnota
smili
ngpersonbutnowt hatshei
sinhisli
fehe
does.Notonlyhim buthi
sfri
endstoo.Thespark
can'
tbemi ssednyani.I
twassharedklagroup
yeschoolkafenge.
"
-
int
heschool
spubl
icgr
oupi
nFacebook.

Kelvin:
"somearewi
shingforyourki
ndof
rel
ationshi
pIthi
nkyouguysshouldpostavi
deo.Or
golive."

Me:
"butIdi
dpostt
hatvi
deof
rom Bot
swana.
"
Idi
danditalsowentvi
ralgi
rl
swishi
ngt
heyhad
boyf
ri
endsthatcoul
dsingfort
hem.

Ntl
akani
pho:"
enyekl
kjustnj
eboner
eact
ion
zabant
hu."
-
anot
heronej
ustt
oseepeopl
esr
eact
ions.

Wesul
ked.Theymadeussi
tdown.

Ndoni
:"
let'
sjustt
akepi
ctur
esIpr
omi
sewewi
llpost
avi
deot oni
ght.
"

Me:"
yeahpl
uswearegoingoutonadi
nnersowe
wi
llt
akeavideot
her
e."

Them:
"mxm.
"
Wel
aughed.West
art
edpl
anni
ngt
hehi
jacki
ng.

Sekani
:"
basicall
ykuzobakhoguar
dsaroundt
he
cl
ub.Parki
ngl otther
ewil
lbe20guar
ds."
-
ther
ewi
llbe

Ntl
akani
pho:
"andt
hecarst
hatwehavet
otakear
e
t
heonesmost l
yguar
ded.
"

Me:
"si
ncet
heyar
edoi
nghumant
raf
fi
cki
ng.
"

Kel
vin:
"wewi
llbebasi
cal
lysavi
ngt
hegi
rl
stoo.
"

Ndoni
:"
thecar
sar
eal
lbul
letpr
oofmoc?
"

Wenoddedcur
iousi
nwhatshewi
llbesayi
ng.
Ndoni :
"si
mplewehackt hecarssot hatwecanget
i
n.Wewi llbeactingl
ikedrunkardscomi ngoutf rom
theclub.Shoott heguardsspeedof ftopoi ntA
wher ewewi llbetaki
ngoutt hetracker
st hanpointB
herewer ewewi llbemeet i
ngthebuyer .Sincewe
willbeneeding6car s.2ofyouwi l
lhookt heother
caratbackandspeedof f
.Idon'tknowhowbut
that'
stheonl ywaywecangett he6t hcar."

Shewasseri
ousweari
nghereyeglassesdr
awing
upontheboard.Weal
lsmi
rkedlooki
ngather.

Her
:"
what
?"

Shel
ookedatus.Wewer
est
il
lsmi
rki
ng.

Us:
"gr
eatpl
anwow.
"

Weal
lhuggedher
.Shegi
ggl
ed.
Sekani
:"
Thur
sdaywear
edoi
ngt
his.
"

Kel
vin:
"Iwi
lll
ookf
orpoi
ntAsol
ong.
"

Me:
"j
ustknowt
hatt
hisi
syourl
asthei
stNdoni
."

Shel
ookedatme.

Her
:"
I'
m notpr
omi
singat
hing.
"

Me:
"Eyodwandoni
"

Isai
dfi
rml
y.

Her:
"seehedemandedmetodosomething.He
di
dn'tevenaskandmyst
upi
dheartobeyshim.
"
Shesaidl
aughi
ngandwel
aughed.Igavehera
peck.

Kel
vin:
"mxm ezi
."

Wel
aughed.Wechi
ll
edplayi
ngPSsingingandal
l.
MeandEyodwawenttot
hehousetofreshenup.

Wewor et
heclotheswebought
.Shewaswear
ing
sandl
candIcarvela.

Me:"
youknowyougotbi gboobsbutyouwantt
o
wearthat
.Iphil
avestyakhomnyama."
-
wher
eist
hatbl
ackvestofyour
s.

Shedi
dn'
twearanyt
hingunder
neathbutt
hose
pl
ast
icbr
a's(
seet
hrough)andherboobswer
eout
t
opl
ayandt
heyar
ebi
g.Nazazimocezasui
tzenu.

Her
:"
why.
"

Me:
"myasset
sar
eoutt
opl
ay.
"

Isul
ked.Sheki
ssedme.

Her
:"
phol
alet
'sgo.
"

Shepul
ledmyhandshewasgor geous.Hersmall
aswasalsoout.Tsi
imadoda.Al
lIseeisagoddess
whenIseeher.

Idrovetotherest
aurant.It
'sAuntThando'
s
rest
aurant.I
tisagreatplace.Tai
lordi
dwellher
e.
Hesur pr
isedheronherbi r
thday.
Me:"
thi
sismyaunt
'splaceyouwil
lseeherwhen
yougotomyhousefordinner
."

Isai
dwal
kinghandi
nhandwi
thher
.

Her
:"
herplaceisgreatcan'
tbel
ieveabl
ackwoman
ownsthi
splace."

Me:
"youbet
terbel
ievei
t.
"

Isai
dki
ssi
nghercheek.

Wai
ter
:"
Plaat
ji
esJr
."

TheyallknowmeheresinceIalwayshangout
aroundherewhenIhaveti
met oo.

Me:
"Musa"
Webr
ohugged.

Hi
m:"
Iseeyougotyoursel
fadar
kbeaut
y."

Eyodwasmi
led.

Me:
"yandazikl
kta.
"
-
youknowmeman.

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
letmet
akeyout
oyourt
abl
e."

Hetookustoourt
able.I
twasful
lher
ewi t
hmostl
y
bl
ackpeopl
easalways.Ili
kei
twhenotherbl
ack
peopl
esuppor
teachother.
Ndoni:
"Il
ovet
hisplacealr
eadybl
ackpeopl
e
suppor
teachotherhere.
"

Me:
"Iguesswear
ethi
nki
ngaboutt
hesamet
hing.
"

Welaughed.Ipul
ledachai
rforher
.Musacame
wi
ththemenus.

Me:"
mindt
aki
ngpi
ctur
esofmeandmygi
rlndaku
cel
ata.
"
-
pleaseman.

Hetookthephoneandt ookbeauti
fulpi
ctur
esofme
andmywi fe.Ipost
edthepict
ures.Wesatdown
aft
erpl
acingourorder
s.

Me:
"Ij
ustsawt
hemostbeaut
if
ulgi
rl
."
Shewashur
tbywhatIsai
dcauseIwaswonder
ing
ar
ound.

Her
:"
uphi
i?
"
-
wher
e

Shesai
dal
sol
ooki
ngar
ound.

Me:
"j
ongenxel
e.Ungaj
ump.
isi
."
-
lookatyourl
eft
.Don'
tlookf
ast
.

Shelookedslowlytothel ef
tonl
ytobemetbya
mir
ror.Shelookedforal ongti
meatthemi r
ror
bef
oresheact ual
lyreal
izedthatwastal
kingabout
her
.

Shesmi
ledandhereyesspar
kled.Thedi
amond
ear
ri
ngsshehadonmadet
hem spar
kmor
e.

Shet
urnedt
olookatmeandwesmi
ledateach
ot
her
.

Me:
"your
eal
lyar
ebeaut
if
ulneverf
orgett
hat
."

Shehadat
eari
nhereyeandshewi
pedi
t.

Her:
"t
hankyousomuch.Youal
sodol
ook
handsome.
"

Ismir
kedandwelaughed.Ourst
art
erscame.We
wil
lbeeat
inga3coursemeal.

Me:
"youwil
lneverwearl
iket
hatagai
n.Ishoul
dlook
f
oraclot
h."
Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
phambene.
"
-
youcr
azy.

Me:
"ut
hini
?"
-
whatdi
dyousay?

Shel
aughed.

Her
:"
Xol
okl
kyuuh.Idon'
twantt
odi
e."
-
i'
m sor
ry.

Il
aughed.

Me:"atl
eastawuzobebul
ewengomnyeumt
u
zobulawandim.
"
-
youwi
llnotgetki
ll
edbyanyoneel
sebutme.

Wel
aughedormai
ncour
secame.

Her
:"
ubeungubaniwena.
"
-
andwhoar
eyou?

Goodt
hingsheaskedIdidn'
tknowhowIwasgoi
ng
t
oapproachherpr
operl
y.Ial
waysgetner
vous
whenI
'm ar
oundher.

Me: "t
hat'sther easonwhywear eher etoni
ght.
JongaEyodwandoniLangandakt handaandkudal a
ndikut handa.Kamnandinaweyabonabandi nj
ani
xandihl elinawe.Ndayaziwawuthef uninyanga
kuzekwazidyol anomnyeumt ubutdi ki
weumna
ngokuzami l
eukuLi ndagqaandisakwazi iNgapha
kokondi f
unabel imedilam f
unaut hiumnawena.
Wonkeumt uyabonabasathandagqaf unaibe
Offici
alngoku.Di ki
wekubuzwabasadyol anandit
hi
hai.Funaukubonisaut
handangayoyonkeindl
a
endikwaziingayonotl
antosi
yenzayo.Ndakucel
a
sthandwasam ubengowam.Ndakut handaNdoni
yam.CelavumeRadebewakho? "
-l
ookEyodwandoniLangaIl oveyouandi t'
sbeena
l
ongt i
mesi nceIhavel ovedyou.Youal soseehowI
am ar oundyou.Iknowyouoncesai dyouwantt o
takeabr eakforamont hbef oredat i
nganyoneel se
butican' tanymor eIwantyout obemygi r
lf
ri
endI
wantt obeknownasyour s.Ever yoneseest hatwe
l
oveeachot herbutIwantust obeof f
ici
alnow.Sick
andt ir
edofbei ngaskedi fwear edat i
ngandIhave
tosayno.Iwantt oshowyoul ovei neverywayI
cannotwhatwear edoingnow.Pl easemyl ovebe
mi ne.IloveyouMyNdoni .Canyoupl easeplease
sayyest oyourRadebe.

Sundaybl
uesbyLangaMavusapl
ayed.

Me:
"St
ormySundayBl
ues
Rol
li
ngar
oundt
her
oom
Youseem t
ohi
deyoursmi
les
Wi
thdi
amondcol
our
edHughes
Andbaby,
Iwantmyl
ovewi
thyou
Youshoul
dbeher
enowher
eelsebuther
e( Isang
pl
aci
ngmyhandonmychestonthelef
tside)
Ther
ainkeepsf
all
ing
Youshoul
dbeher
enowher
eel
sebuther
e
Ther
ainkeepsf
all
ing
Mor
ningr
osewi
thgl
oom and
Eyesar
edar
kandcol
our
edbl
ue
Ar
avesunshi
neand
Pr
omi
set
hatiwi
llneverl
eaveyou
I
'
LLsaveyouf
rom t
heheavycl
ouds
Causememor
iesf
ade,
face
AndiIwantt
oshar
emyl
if
ewi
thyou
Youshoul
dbeher
enowher
eel
sebuther
e
Ther
ainkeepsf
all
ing
Youshoul
dbeher
enowher
eel
sebuther
e
Ther
ainkeepsf
all
ing
Lovedon'
tleaveme
Lovedonel
eaveme
Love,
lovewon'
tst
ay.
Won'
tyoust
ay,
won'
tyoust
aywi
thme
St
aywi
thme,
staywi
thmebaby
St
aywi
thme,
staywi
thme.
"

EveryoneclappedIl
ookedaroundandeveryone
wasl i
steni
ngme.Somet aki
ngavideo.Eyodwawas
evencrying.

Iwalkedtoherwereshewassi
tti
ng.Ikneel
ed
bef
or eher
.Iwipedhert
ear
sbeforewekissed.

Cr
owd:
"nco.
"
Wepull
edout
.Ever
yonemi
ndt
hei
rownbusi
ness
now.

Ndoni
:"
Iwoul
dli
ket
obeyourgi
rl
fr
iend.
"

Weki
ssed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
21
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Chumani
:"
Iloveyouokay?
"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"

Heki
ssedmyhands.

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llmar
ryyou1day.
"

Me:
"can'
twai
ttobeMr
s.Pl
aat
ji
es1day.Masambe
mar
napha."
-
let
'sgonow.
Hi
m:"
awuyif
unideser
t?"
-
don'
tyouwantdeser
t?

Ishookmyhead.Hecal
ledthewait
erandpayedt
he
bil
l.WegothomeandIpinnedhi
m agai
nstt
hedoor
andkissedhi
m.

Hi
m:"
aababyIdon'
tthi
nkyourr
eadyf
orme.
"

Hesai
dthr
ought
heki
ss.

Me:
"Iam.
"

Hi
m:"
areyousur
e."

Inodded.
Hi
m:"
Ineedwor
dsNdoniyam.
"

Me:
"Iam sur
eowam.
"

Hesmiledbeforepi
nni
ngmeagainstt
hewall
.We
ki
ssed.Heli
ft
edmeupandIwr appedmylegs
ar
oundhiswai st
.Andmyarmsaroundhi
sneck.

Hegr
abbedmyasswi t
h1handwhi
let
hepl
ayswi
th
myti
ts.Hewal
kedupstai
rs.

Hekickedthedooropenandsteppedi
nside.he
pl
acedmecar eful
lyontopoft
hebedwithout
br
eakingtheki
ss.

Clot
heswerefl
yingar
oundther
oom now.wewere
bothnaked.Helef
tmyli
pswentformyneck.He
suckedit
.Heli
ftmyneckandwenttomyti
ts.
Hesuckedthel
eftbr
eastwhi
let
heotherwas
pl
ayi
ngwithmyrightbr
east
.Helef
tlovebi
teson
mybreast
.

Heki
ssedmycl
it
.

Hi
m:"
todayyouwi
llbemeet
ingyourpr
ince.
"

Hesaidki
ssingitbefor
etakingmetocloudnine.He
muff
edthelivi
ngshitoutofme.Iwasmoani ngon
t
opofmyl ungswhi l
epushinghisheadin.

Ireachedmycli
maxIfel
tmyorgamsbuil
dingup.I
rel
easedinhismout
h.Heli
ckedmedrybefor
e
comingtokissme.Hi
sli
psweresour
.

Radebemetmyentr
ance.Hetr
iedget
ti
ngi
nbut
coul
dn'
t.Hegr
oanedinf
rust
rat
ed.
Heendedupent
eri
ng.Ij
umpedAbi
tandhepul
led
meagain.

Hi
m:"
vul
aamehl
oNdoniyam.
"
-
openyoureyesmyNdoni
.

Iopenedmyeyesashewasthr
usti
ngi
nsl
owl
y.I
moanedasmywal l
swer
ebreaki
ng.

Hi
m:"f
uckyourti
ghtandwar
m.Il
oveyouandIwi
ll
al
waysloveyouokay?"

Inodded.

Hi
m:"
wor
dsNdoni
."

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"
Hi
m:"
thi
swi
llhur
tbutpl
easebepat
ientwi
thme.
"

Me:
"Iwi
llbe.
"

Hi
m: "
Don'
tcl
oseyoureyes.Iwantyout
olookatme
t
hroughout
.Iloveyou.
"

Hegavemeapeckbef or
ethrust
ingi
nandout
agai
n.Wewer ekeepi
ngeyecont
actt
hroughout
.I
wasstr
atchi
nghisback.

Itwaspai nf
ulatfi
rstbutpleasur
ewasstart
ingt
o
kickin.Iwasenjoyingthi
s.Ourgroansandmoans
fil
ledtheroom.

Heuppedhispace.Wewerest
il
llookingateach
other
.Theconnecti
onwast
omuchf ormyeyes.I
sawloveandaffect
ioni
nhi
seyes.
If
eltconnect
edt
ohi
m.Mind,
bodyandsoul
.Il
ove
hi
m somuch.Hecamet
okissme.

Webot hcum att

hesametime.Wewerebr
eathi
ng
heavi
lyandhewasont opofmeasheavyashe
was.

Him:"
thankyouf
orgi
vingmeyourpur
it
yIl
oveyou
okay.
"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.SukaKum kl
k."
-
getofme.

Hechuckledbeforegett
ingofmeandwentt ot
he
bat
hroom hecamebackwi thatowel
.Hewipedme
andtookmet othebathroom.Heplacedmeinthe
bat
ht ub.Wanditswi
kil
al amanzi
.Ij
umped.
Me:
"hl
laah.
"

Hechuckl
ed.

Hi
m:"
hlal
ababyazobar
yt.
"
-
sitt
heywi
llbef
ine.

Isatdown.

Him:"
Iwil
lbebacknow.Iwantt
ochanget
he
sheet
s."

Inodded.Ir
elaxedi
nthebat
h.

I
nthemor
ningwehadanot
herst
eamyr
ound.

Hi
m:"
Ilovehowt
ightyouar
e."
Hesai
dbr
eat
hingheavi
lynextt
ome.Ismi
led.

Him:"whatmadeyougivemeyourVi
rgi
nit
ysoearl
y.
Ithoughtyouwer
egoingtowai
tfor8mouthsor
somet hi
ng.
"

Hesaidbrushi
ngmyhai
r.Iwasl
ayi
ngont
opofhi
s
chest
.Ichuckl
ed.

Me:"Iwasreadyforyou.ImeanIl oveyousomuch.
Andmyhear twantedyoumor e.Itdoesn'
tmat t
ert
o
mef orhowlongIshouldwait.It
rustyouwi t
hmy
al
l.That'
swhatmademegi veitt
oyouont he5thof
September.Att
hest ar
tofourrel
at i
onshi
p."

Isai
dlooki
ngathi
m.Hesmi
ledbef
oreki
ssi
ngme.

Hi
m:"
let
'sgot
akeashower
.Todaywear
echi
ll
ingi
n
door
."

Wewenttotakeashowerandworesweat
pant
sand
avestonl
y.Wewalkeddownst
air
s.

Me:
"whatar
eyouhavi
ngf
orbr
eakf
ast
."

Iwasal
readyi
ntheki
tchen.

Hi
m:"
frui
tsal
ad.I
'
m nott
hathungr
y."

Me:
"whatdi
dyoueat
."

Isai
dmovi
ngar
oundt
heki
tchenhewaswat
chi
ng
me.

Hi
m:"
you.
"
Il
ookedathi
m andhesmi
rked.Il
aughed.

Me:
"mxm.
"

Hi
m:"
awubawel
ienyer
oundbenohl
uta?
"
-
don'
tyouwantanot
herr
oundsot
hatIcanbef
ull
.

Me:
"t
sayi
wemypussyi
ssor
easwes.
..
"

Hi
m:"
uthi
nii?
"
-
whatdi
dyousay?

Hewasal
readypi
nni
ngmeagai
nstt
hef
ri
dge.

Me:
"yayazi
imocnawendi
thet
hasa.
"
-
youal
soknowIdon'
tthi
nkbef
oreIspeak.
Imoanedcausehewasf
ingerf
ucki
ngme.

Hi
m:"
stopdr
ivi
ngmecr
azy.
"

Hegr
oanedbef
orel
ooki
ngathi
ser
ect
ion.

Hi
m:"
youwi
llhavet
ofi
xthi
s."

Hebi
tehi
slowerl
ip.Ismi
rked.

Me:
"af
terweat
eIpr
omi
se.
"

Heclosedhi
seyesbef
oret
aki
ngouthi
sfi
nger
.He
l
ickedit
.

Me:
"yat
handamuncananobont
simar
nvasaezo
zandl
a."
-
youl
ikel
icki
ngyourhandswasht
hosehands.

Hesmirkedandwentt
osi
tont
hehi
ghchai
rsagai
n.
Il
aughed.

Me:
"mxm.
"

Ist
art
eddoi
ngt
hef
rui
tsal
ad.

Hi
m:"
youdon'
tunder
standumnandinxaki
iyakho.
"

Hesai
dpl
aci
nghi
sheadonhi
shand.

Me:"
Iwoul
dber
oll
ingmyeyesr
ightnowbut
andi
kwazi
."
-
ican'
t.
Hi
m:"
zangei
khuf
undi
sel
aowyakho.
"
-
didn'
tthatboyf
ri
endofyourt
eachyou.

Il
ookedathi
m andwel
aughed.

Me:
"sundiqal
a."
-
don'
tst
artme.

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
nazenzai
ntozodyol
ayer
re.
"
-
youdot
hingsofdat
ing.

Me:
"ngat
het
hi.
"
-
don'
ttal
k.
Hi
m:"
imbil
aponi
."
-
thatdudewasugl
y.

Me:
"umhl
etch.
"
-
hei
sbeaut
if
ul.

Him:
"sundixel
elangeyel
lowboneumnahaihaihai
zi
mbiezawayf unekeubeyidar
kchocol
atenj
e
ngam."
-don'
ttel
lmeaboutayel
lowbone.Theyar
eugl
y
youmustbedarkchocol
atel
ikeme.

Me:
"ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
osayNt
lakani
phoumbi
?"
-
hisugl
y?

Him:
"andi
wancomi amaj
it
ababybutur
ytyena
yamf
anelaubuyel
lowbone."
-
idon'
tcompl
ementmanbabybuthi
sal
ri
ght
.bei
ng
ayel
l
owbonesui
tshi
m.

Il
ookedathi
m andwel
aughed.

Me:
"mahl
eamaj
it
aamhl
ope.
"
-
yel
lowboneguysar
ebeaut
if
ul.

Hi
m:"
kuwe.
"
-
tooyou.

Wel
aughed.

Him:
"nor
htheni?Sundiqel
asekut
heningokusewu
ncomaamanyeamaj i
ta.
"
-andt
hanwhat?Don'tf
uckwit
hmewhyar
e
complement
ingot
herguys.
Wel
aughed.

Me:
"youst
art
edi
t.
"

Hi
m:"
haykeowyakhogay.
"
-
yourboyf
ri
endi
sgay.

Il
ookedathi
m.

Me:"
Iwi
llt
akeyout
ochur
chphel
eyonkel
ont
omy
l
ove.
"

Hi
m:"
andt
hatwon'
tchangemedar
li
ng.
"

Hesoundedgay.

Me:
"phi
nda.
"
-
sayt
hatagai
n.

Isaidholdi
ngaJugf
ullofwat
er.Hest
oodup
walkingback.

Hi
m:"
andt
hatwon'
tchangemedar
li
ng.
"

Ichasedhi
m aroundthehousewi
tht
hej
ugofwat
er.
Wewer ebot
hlaughing.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
22
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Wewer
enoweat
ing.

Me:
"youwi
llwasht
hosecl
othes.
"

Mycl
otheswer
ewet
.

Her
:"
ayi
zokwazi
."
-
itcan'
tbe.
Me:
"youmadet
hem wet
."

Her
:"
yousoundedgay.
"

Me:
"t
hisar
gumenti
sn'
tgoi
nganywher
e."

Her
:"
kakade.
"

Shet
ri
edr
oll
inghereyes.Wel
aughed.

Me:"soIwi l
lbr
ing2twowheelselfbal
anci
ng
scooter.Theonethatfal
lsf
ir
stwhil
ehavetowash
thedishesandclothes.
"

Her
:"
yagul
a."
-
youmad.
Me:
"not
hingupf
ordi
scussi
on.
"

Iwentt
othespar
eroom.Ther
ear
e4scoot er
shere.
Mineandmybro'
s.It
ook2andwalkeddownstai
rs.

Me:
"l
ett
hegamebegi
n."

Her
:"
howwi
llIwasht
hedi
shes.
"

Shewasbal
anci
ngher
sel
fhol
dingme.

Me:
"sundibambaswi
ne.
"
-
don'
thol
dme.

Isai
dri
dingawayf
rom her
.Wel
aughed.
Me:"
balancethesamewayyoudoonyour
skat
eboard.
"

Ir
idet
otheki
tchen.Sheal
mostf
allandwel
aughed.

Her:
"aathi
sisunf
air
.Radebel
et'
sdoanot
her
chal
lenge.
"

Wel
aughed.Shehol
dthechai
r.

Me:
"nothappeni
ng.
"

Her
:"
okayokayi
fIf
alldon'
tlaugh.
"

Ilaughed.Sheendedupbal
anci
ngprobabl
y.She
tooktheplatesandr
idet
owereIwasstandi
ngin
thekit
chen.
Wewashedt
hedi
shesst
il
lont
hescoot
ers.

Her
:"
ifIf
allyourhel
pingmewasht
hecl
othes.
"

Me:
"asi
fyouwi
ll
."

Her
:"
Iwi
ll
."

Shet
urnedar
oundandweki
ssed.Igr
abbedherass.

Me:
"senci
ncimnt
akabawo.
"
-
theyar
esmal
l.

Her
:"
oksal
ayoyazi
thanda.
"
-
youl
ovet
hem.

Wel
aughed.
Me:
"Kakade.Zezam qa.
"
-
theyar
emi
ne.

Her
:"
notwedwa.
"
-
notal
one.

Il
ookedather
.Andshel
aughed.

Her
:"
yousocut
ewhenyouj
eal
ous.
"

Shesai
dpl
ayi
ngwi
thmynose.Weki
ssed.

Me:
"yayit
handal
empuml
o."
-
youl
ovemynose.

Wel
aughed.
Her
:"
it
'scut
ehai
bo.
"

Igaveherapeck.

Me:
"l
et'
sgowat
chamovi
eorsomet
hing.
"

Her
:"
let
'sgo.
"

Weridetothel
ounge.Iswi
tchedontheTVand
Thi
nkingoutLoudbyEdSheeranplayed.

Us:
"asdant
se.
"
-
let
'sdance.

Welaughed.WedancedStil
lont
hescoot
ersi
twas
act
uall
yfun.Iwasenjoyi
ngmyself
.
Thenextdaywewentt
oKel
vin'
shouse.

Sekani
:"
naqi
bel
isaNi
niubaonl
ine?
"
-
whenl
astwer
eyouonl
ine.

MeandNdoni
:"
Monday.
"

Kel
vin:
"ndi
thenqal
avi
deoyenuyaser
est
aur
ant
sat
rendanangoku.
"
-iknewitthatvi
deoofyour
sfr
om t
her
est
aur
anti
s
stil
ltr
endi
ng.

Ndoni
:"
seemsl
ikewet
rendi
ngt
hesedays.Tsi
i.
"

Us:
"Madoda.
"
Wel
aughed.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"kazenenyamaphabawel
ibr
aai
."
-
comewi
thmeatIwantt
obr
aaii
t.

Us:
"t
het
hanabanisar
ni?
"
-
whoar
eyout
alki
ngt
o?

Hi
m:"
Nani
."
-
toyou.

Me:
"r
haal
omt
uuna14.
"
-
thi
s14yearol
d.

Ndoni
:"
14!
!"

Weal
llaughed.
Nt
lakani
pho:
"mxm nabonake.
"
-
yousee.

Kel
vin:
"ndayazimnci
nci
butzangendi
yiqondeba
umncicncil
away."
-iknowyoursmal
lbutIneverknewyouwer
ethi
s
smal l
.

Wel
aughed.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"ndi
na15guyshai
bo.
"
-
i'
m 15year
sol
d.

Wel
aughed.

Sekani:
"Kelvi
nthet
hingat
himdal
akodwauna15
nayetsi
i."
-
Kel
vint
alksl
ikehi
sol
dbuthei
sal
so15.

Wel
aughed.

Kel
vin:
"mxm.
"

Ndoni
:"
rhaahl
eli
nabant
hwanaapha.
"
-
i'
m si
tt
ingwi
thki
dsher
e.

Wel
aughed.

Us:
"banimnt
ana?
"
-
whoi
sachi
ld?

Ndoni
:"
nini
."
-
you.
Us:
"nganyasi
zigr
oot
iet
hina.
"
-
youshi
tt
ingnowwear
emen.

Wel
aughed.

Ndoni
:"
oksal
ayoni
banci
nci
."
-
yousmal
l.

Us:
"mxm.
"

Ndoni
:"
lel
okncama.
"
-
youar
egi
vingupnow.

Wel
aughed.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"haimar
nkani
zeninal
enyamasi
tyeni
."
-
nomar
ncomewi
tht
hismeatsot
hatwecaneat
.
Us:
"hamboyt
hat
ha.
"
-
got
akei
t.

Webraait
hemeatwewer enowsit
ti
ngoncamp
chai
rseat
ingourmeatneart
hepool
.

Ndoni
:"
Kanibophenil
enj
a."
-
ti
ethi
sdogup.

Kel
vin'
sdogwasr
unni
ngar
ound.Wel
aughedather
.

Me:
"yekai
njawet
hu.
"
-
leavet
hedog.

Wel
aughed.
Sekani
:"
thankGodatt
hepar
tywehavet
owear
masks.
"

Us:
"whatar
ewei
nsomeDi
sneyBl
ockbust
er
movie.
"

Webur
stedi
ntol
augher
.

Sekani
:"
nit
shayi
wekanj
ani
i.
"
-
youcr
azy.

Welaughedabi
gpiecef
rom Ndoni
'
spl
atef
all
.The
dogcametoeati
t.

Ndoni
:"
yii
ii
hlomqunduwenjabendi zayi
tyamnale
nyamarhaayuuhengakaakathethinangepeiceke.
Yuuuhyi
ntonil
enj
abambej ackpotengaka."
-
iwasaboutt
oeatt
hismeatyout
hisbi
gpi
ecenot
event
hesmal
lone.Yuuht
hisdoggotaj
ackpot
.

Weburst
edint
olaugher
.Shehadherhandsonher
headf
rowni
ng.

Me:
"yaf
anawet
hubabybi
mdaka.
"
-
it
sthesamebabyi
twasdi
rt
y.

Her
:"
Iwasgoi
ngt
owashi
t.
"

Wel
aughedoutl
oud.Wewer
eint
ear
snow.

Me:
"msel
isidr
inkngokumyl
ove.
"
-
givehi
mthedr
inknow.

Her
:"
hainobuphambene.
"
-
maybeyoucr
azy.
Wel
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
Sor
ryf
ort
heshor
tinser
t.
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
23
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
It
'sThur
sdaytodaymeani
ngi
t'
sthedayoft
he
hij
acki
ng.Ican'
twai
t.

Wewer
eatthewarehousenow.Ndoniwasupst
air
s
t
aki
ngaphonecal
lwit
hherfamil
y.

Sekani
:"
yonant
ohappyt
hesedaysngat
hi
yat
yiswa.
"
-
youar
ehappyt
hesedayl
ikeyourhavi
ngsex.

Il
ookedathi
m pl
ayi
ngwi
thmysmal
lBear
d.They
whist
led.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"hail
ekaka.
"
Weal
llaughed.

Kel
vin:
"yaxokakangeat
ye.
"
-
hei
slyi
nghedi
dhavesex.

Me:
"baniChust
ar?
"
-
whoi
sChust
ar?

TheyChuckl
ed.

Sekani
:"
det
ail
s."

Me:
"mnandi
."
-
shei
sni
ce.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"not1wor
danswer
skl
kta.
"
Wel
aughed.

Me: "
amandoesn'tki
ssandt el
l.Qaumnandikame
ndiyekuyengokubyjustthi
nkingaboutherpussy
sendifunubaphakat
hiinsi
de."
-
letmegot
ohernow

Wel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
aakl
kdet
ail
sta.Wasi
twar
m col
d?"

Me:"haini
tshayi
wemakwedi niandi
zot
het
haNani
ngezontosekutheningoku.
"
-
youcr
azyboysIwi
llnott
alkaboutt
hatt
oyou.

Kel
vin:
"haikl
kbawof
unuyazibat
ightorwhat
."
-
wewantt
oknowi
fshei
s..
.
Il
ookedathi
m andweal
llaughed.

Me:
"mxm myl
ipsar
eseal
ed.
"

Them:
"babi
nguThandongesixel
elwa.
"
-
ifi
twasThandoyouwer
egoi
ngt
otel
lus.

Il
ookedatt
hem.Theyl
aughed.Ichuckl
edt
wice.

Me:
"Mr
s.Pl
aat
ji
eskel
onotmt
unj
e."
-
notanobody.

Wel
aughed.

Sekani:
"nqabi
lenezotshomizoThandoyer
re
ndaqibel
isaNinici
tha.
"
-
thando'
sfr
iendsar
escar
cewhenl
astdi
dIcum.

Heshookhi
shead.

Nt
lakani
phoandKel
vin:
"br
a."

Sekani
:"
Iwi
llhavet
osmashsomeonet
ommor
ow.
"

Nt
lakani
phoandKel
vin:
"si
sonke.
"

Me:
"hainobani
zobet
hif
our
some.
"
-
maybeyouwi
lldoaf
our
some.

Theylookedatmewhi
leIwasshaki
ngmyheadand
welaughed.

Them:
"soyenzayona3i
n1.
"
-
wewi
lldoi
t.

Me:
"ni
zol
imazingane.
"
-
youwi
llhur
tachi
ld.

Them:
"hehakeKwaZul
uNat
al.
"

Welaughedagai
nmxm thesedudesar
ecr
azy.
Ndonicamedownst
air
s.Shesatnextt
ome.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"aazohl
alaphacam kwam chomi
ie.
"
-
comesi
tnextt
omemyf
ri
end.

Ipl
acedmyheadonherbr east
sandki ssedthem.
GuysI'
m addi
ctedt
oherbreast
s.Ilovetouchingher
whereever
.Andshedoesn'tmind.

Them:
"haini
funut
yanaaphangoku?
"
-
youwantt
ohavesexher
enow.

Wel
aughed.

Me:"
noI'mjustpl
aci
ngmyheadont
opofmy
gi
rl
fr
iend'
sbreast
s."

Them:
"sudeukumt
shekl
kta.
"
-
whyar
eyout
alki
ngEngl
ishnow.

Wel
aughed.

Me:"
mayicaceklkbaMal ikaSi
yaakudlal
wangayo
andi
nobatalaMalieni
tsindi
ngakwazukumtsha.
Imagi
nekwiinter
viewMynameChumaniPl aatj
ies.
Andim dal
afornqasha."
-
itmustbeobvi
ousthatSi
ya'
smoneydoesn'tgot
o
wast
e.Ican'
tbepayi
ngalotofmoneybutIcan'
t
speakEngli
sh..
..I
'
mtool
dfornotbei
ngabl
eto
speakproper
ly.

Wel
aughed

Ndoni
:"
it'
snotl
ikeyouwillbei
nter
viewedcauseyou
wil
lbetaki
ngupfrom yourfat
her.
"

Me:
"cl
ientke.
"

Her
:"
mhhh.
"

Wel
aughed.

Kel
vin:
"si
ngabexhosakodwangoku.
"
-
wear
eXhosa'
snow.
Us:
"hal
fxhosawena.
"

Hel
ookedatusandwel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
mxm"

Us:
"l
okncama.
"
-
you'
regi
vingup.

Hi
m:"
mxm qaf
ullst
op.
"

Wel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
bawel
ubukel
iil
ivewr
est
li
ngkanj
ani
i.
"
-
iwoul
dli
ket
owat
chl
ivewr
est
li
ng.

Ndoni
:"
Iwi
llbr
ingt
hepopcor
ns.
"
Me:
"baniozol
wa?
"
-
whowi
llf
ight
?

Them:
"Ni
ni.
"
-
you.

MeandNdoni
:"
Us?
"

Theynodded.Wel
ookedateachot
her
.

Me:
"Ican'
tbeatagi
rlzabet
heni
ni.
"
-
letmehi
tyou.

Kel
vin:
"phambeneyazaziyasohl
ulamoc.
"
-
youcr
azyyouknowyoucanbeatusup.
That
'st
rue.Wel
aughed.

Ndoni
:"
nohl
ulwanguye.
"
-
youdef
eat
edbyhi
m?

Theynoddedbef
oreshaki
ngt
hei
rheads.She
l
aughed.

Ndoni:
"I
zamasibone.I
fhebeat
smet
hanhaingu
master
."
-
let
'ssee.

Me:
"ndi
zokul
imaza.
"
-
iwi
llhur
tyou.

Them:
"mzul
ukanene.
"
Wel
aughed.

Ndoni
:"
sizobonamasambe.Ndaqi
bel
isak'
dal
a
bet
ha.
"
-
wewi l
lseel
et'
sgo.I
t'
sbeenal
ongt
imesi
nceI
beatupaper
son.

Me:
"nof
acet
ouchi
ngke.
"

Shenodded.Webothchangedintoshort
sand
vest
s.Wewalkedtotheboxi
ngringinthegym
room.Theguyssatonthechai
rshavingpopcor
ns.

MeandNdoni
:"
Iloveyou.
"

Them:
"r
haahaiezimxm.Mxm ndacwal
angazo.
"

Wepeckedbef
orewest
art
edf
ight
ing.Can'
tbel
ieve
wewer
edefeati
ngeachothert
hroughout
.Theguys
wer
ehyperenj
oyingever
ymoment .

IwasnowontopofNdoniabouttofi
nishherof
f.
Sheki
ssedmeandstupi
dmef eltf
orthetri
ckcause
shewasontopnow.

Shef
ini
shedmeof
f.

Theguys:
"r
haa.
"

Me:
"manabuse.Cal
lthepol
ice.
"

Wel
aughed.

Ndoni
:"youl
oosef
ocuseasi
ly.Yabondi
kuqat
he
ngent
oey1."
-
itr
ickedyouwi
th1t
hing.
Shewi
nked.Wel
aughed.

Me:
"youmakemeweaknj
ena.
"

Her:
"naweyoumakemeweaknj enaqayoumust
neverl
ooseyourf
ocusRadebe.
"

Me:
"Iwon'
t.
"

Weki
ssed.

Them:
"ni
tshayi
wengoku.
"
-
youcr
azynow.

Wepul
ledoutl
aughi
ng.
Nt
lakani
pho:
"l
et'
sfr
eshenupsot
hatwecangoi
t'
s
7pm now."

Weallwalkedtot
heroomsupstai
rsmeandNdoni
wereshoweringt
oget
her.Iwaspl
ayi
ngandsucki
ng
herl
eftbr
east.

Her
:"
youal
wayssucki
ngmyl
eftbr
east
."

Me:"
yourhearti
sonthelef
tsi
denotontherightI
f
eelconnect
edtoitwhenIsuckt
helef
tbreast.
"

Webothbl
ushed.Wehadar oundbef
oreget
ti
ng
dr
essedupandgoingdownstai
rs.

Sekani
:"t
hetool
swewi l
lneedtotakeoutthe
tr
ackersareal
readyinpointA.Thebuyerswillbe
hereat11pm sharp.Sowegettingoutoftheclubat
10pm."
Wenodded.

Ntl
akani
pho:
"t
hisiswhatwewi
lluset
ohookt
he6t
h
car
.Hereist
helaptopt
oo."

Ndoni
:"
lemmeputt
hem i
nmybag.
"

Shedi
d.Thel
apt
opwast
hesmal
lones.

Me:
"wher
ear
etheguns?
"

Kelvi
ngaveuseach2guns.Wetookt
hemasks
Sekanigotusandwewenttot
hepart
y.

At10pm wegotout
.Ndonigavemet
hecomput
er.I
hackedi
ntoal
lsi
xofthecars.
Me:
"it
'snowt
imer
ememberi
fyougetchased
l
ahl
isa."

Them:
"sho.
"

Ndoni
:"
howar
ewegoi
ngt
ohookt
hecar
."

Me:
"backofourcar
sandatt
hef
rontofi
t.
"

Shenodded.Shetookoutt
her
opes.Wewer e
out
sideandtheguardswer
eoutsi
deasexpected.

Thereweremanyofthem.Wewal
kedtowor ths
them wewerewalki
ngli
kewewer
edrunk.Iseton
topofthebonnet
.

Guar
ds:
"heygetoft
he.
"
Me:
"f
uckyouman.
"

Me:
"l
et'
staket
hist
omyhouse.
"

Isai
dpul
li
ngNdoni
.

Kel
vin:
"haikodwabawoIsawherf
ir
st.
"

Hesai
dpul
li
ngher
.Ichar
gedt
owar
dshi
m.

Guar
d:"
Heyst
opf
ight
ing.
"

Thatwasoneoftheguards.Sekanishothi
m.We
st
artedshoot
ingever
yone.

MeandNdonihookedt
hecarsstil
lshooti
ng.
Ntl
akani
phodr
oveofff
ir
stSekanifol
lowedthen
Kel
vin.
Il
ookedatNdoniwebot
hsmirked.Westar
tedour
engi
ne'
s.Wedroveofdr
aggi
ngthecar.

Peopleinfr
ontofusgoti
ntoaccident
s.Shewent
fast
erthanme.Ialsowentf
asterthanher
.Ther
e
wasaf ourwayroad.

Wewer
eget
ti
ngchasednow.

Shewentl
eftwhil
eIwentr
ight
.Car
sst
opped.Igot
acal
lfr
om her.

Her
:"
masambengapha.
"
-
let
'sgot
hissi
de.
"

Me:
"okay.
"
Madeasi fIwasdrivi
ngtoherdir
ecti
onbutIjust
draggedboththecars.Il
ookedattherearmi
rror
.
Shewaspi ssedoff
.

Ical
ledher
.

Me:
"Il
oveyou.
"

Her
:"
v't
sek.
"

Endedthecal
l.Il
aughed.Shedrovefastshewas
nowdraggi
ngme.Igotoutt hewindow.Ishott
he
car
sbehindus.

Me:
"woah!
!"

Ial
sodr ovef
ast
.Themi
ddl
ecarwasbasi
cal
ly
fl
ying.
Wegott
opointAandthebro'
swer
eal
readyt
her
e.
MeandNdonigotoutl
aughi
ng.

Ndoni
:"
broyoual
somostki
ll
edmet
her
e."

Me:
"yout
heonewhodr
aggedme.
"

Them:
"youwer
edr
aggi
ngeachot
her
."

Wenoddedandweal
llaughed.

Ndoni
:"
hepi
ssedmeof
f.
"

Welaughed.Kelvi
ntookoutt
het
racker
s.Wedr
ove
t
othewar ehouse.
Kel
vin:
"l
et'
staket
hesegi
rl
soutbef
oret
heycome.
"

Wet ookoutthegirl
s.Theywer
esl
eepi
ng.The
buyerscameandgaveusourmoneyandext r
a5
mil
li
onf ordel
iver
inginti
me.

Weal
ltookourcut
.

Ndoni
:"
ningayt
hat
haeyam ni
ntsi5mi
ll
ionr
haa.
"
-
youcant
akemi
ne5mi
ll
ioni
sal
ot.

Us:
"t
hat
hal
emaliyoudeservei
t.i
fitwasn'tf
oryou
wewoul
dn'
thavebeenabletopul
lthrough."

Ndoni
:"
haikodwaguys.
"

Me:
"t
hat
hababy.
"
-
takei
t.
Iki
ssedher.Shetookthemoney.Wewerenow
si
tti
ngonthecouchwat chi
ngthese3gi
rl
ssl
eepi
ng.
Eyodwawassi t
ti
ngonmyl apmyhandwasplayi
ng
wit
hmyf avori
tebreast
.

Sekani
:"
ndi
that
hamanzindi
bavuse.
"
-
iwi
llgof
etchwat
ersot
hatIcanwaket
hem up

Wel
aughed.

Kel
vin:
"mbikodwal
osespakat
hini
."
-
theonei
nthemi
ddl
eisugl
y.

Webur
sti
ntol
augher
.

Us:
"i
ski
thi
kant
ifut
urewi
feyakho.
"
-
maybeshei
syourf
utur
ewi
fe.
Ndoni
:"
ngat
hihagu.
"
-
shei
sli
keapi
g.

Wel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
aaf
utur
emf
azwam l
o."

Hewasseri
ous.Wel
aughedandheendedup
l
aughi
ngtoo.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"umhl
elousel
eft
."
-
theoneont
hel
efti
sbeaut
if
ul.

Kel
vin:
"ndi
zobambaLuser
ightumnaboy.
"
-
iwi
llt
aket
heoneont
her
ight
Wel
aughed

Sekani
:"
ugl
yumnabutzobamhl
exeNam ndi
zomt
hi
ngevit
aminDgl
ow.
"
-
theugl
yonebutshewi l
lbebeaut
if
ulwhenweare
dat
ingIwi
llgi
vehervi
taminDandshewi l
lgl
ow.

Wel
aughed.

Ndoni
:"
looksdon'
tmat
ter
."

Me:
"haiNyan'
.
"

Wel
aughed.Weal
waysl
aughi
ngweneverser
ious.

Theywokeupandt helef
tgir
lshai
rwasuplikeshe
j
ustgotshockedbyelect
ri
cit
y.Webursti
nto
l
augher.
Ndonigaveheranaf
rocomp.Wewer
eeveni
ntear
s.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"aayongol
inel
omaj
it
a."
-
thi
siswr
ong.

Wel
aughedmor
ebef
orewecal
meddown.

Ndoni:
"xol
wenij
ustt
hatwedi
dn'
texpectherhai
rto
beli
kethat.
"

Lef
tgi
rl
:"
Kul
ungi
le"
-
it
sfi
ne.

Us:
"oohIl
oveaZul
ugi
rloohIsayoohIl
ovegi
rl
."

Weal
llaughedi
ncl
udi
ngt
hegi
rl
s.
Kel
vin:
"whywer
eyouki
dnapped?
"

Middl
egir
l:
"wewerewal
kingf
rom schoolt
otheMal
l
andourauntsol
dus.
"

Sekani
:"
yoohNi
nangaphi
."
-
howol
dar
eyou.

Them:
"14/
15.
"

Wenodded.

Me:
"I
'm Chumani
."

Ndoni
:"
Eyodwa.
"
Kel
vin:
"Kel
vin.
"

Sekani
:"
Sekani
."

Nt
lakani
pho:
"Nt
laI
'
m al
so14.
"

Welaughed.That
'st
hef
ir
stt
imeheadmi
tt
edhi
s
age.

Kel
vin:
"yaconf
essngokukwedi
ni.
"

Weal
llaughed.

Ri
ghtGi
rl
:"
Umi
nat
hi.
"

Wenodded.
Mi
ddl
egi
rl
:"
Aphi
we.
"

Wenodded.

Lef
tgi
rl
:"
Dor
is.
"

Us:
"Dor
is?
"

Webur
sti
ntol
augher
.Wewer
eint
ear
sal
so.

Thatgi
rl
:"
justj
oki
ngOsi
kel
eleki
leyo.
"

Us:
"What?Osi
kil
eyo?Huh?
"

Her
:"
Osi
kel
eleki
leyo.
"

Us:
"yooh.
"
Nt
lakani
pho:
"ndal
aziumna.Osi
kel
eleyo.
"
-
iknowi
tit
'sOsi
kel
eleyo.

Webur
stedi
ntol
augher
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
24
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Ilovet
ouchyboyf
ri
endsandRadebewam happens
tobetouchy.

Il
ovehowhet
ouchesmeal
lovermybody.Ij
ust
pr
ayhewon'
tgett
ir
edofme.

Il
ovethatGuysomuch.Ihaveneverl
oveda
humanbeingli
keIl
ovehim.Ihopewewillal
ways
betoget
her.

Wewer
est
il
llaughi
ng.

Me:
"okayl
et'
sbeser
iouswhy.
.ouch.
"
Il
ookedatChumanihej
ustsqueezedmyt
it
e.He
gavemeapeck.

Hi
m:"
xol
o."
-
sor
ry.

Ever
yonel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
you2can'tgetyourhandsofeachot
herI
wondernizobanj
anikwidinner
."
-
howwi
llyoubei
nthedi
nner
.

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
ndizom Bambat chii
niimf
azwam l
o.
Andi
bakhathel
elanganxakiiabazal
i.
"
-
iwi
llt
ouchhershei
smywi
fe.Idon'
tcar
eabout
t
hepar
ent
s.

Wel
aughed.Heki
ssedt
hecor
nerofmyl
ips.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"t
her
ear
eki
dsher
e."

Us:
"haiwet
hubayadyol
aabant
hwana.Andi
tsho?
"
-
nomar
ntheseki
dsar
edat
ing.

Theyl
ookedever
ywher
eel
sebutus.

Us:
"exact
ly.
"

Aphi
we:
"cansomeonet
akemet
othet
oil
et.
"

Sekani
:"
let
'sgo.
"
Theystoodup.Sekaniplacedhisar
m ar
oundher
neck.Shewasalitt
lebitshortt
hanhim.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"Anil
ambanga?
"
-
ain'
tyouhungr
y.

Osi
:"
lambi
leumna.
"

Nt
lakani
pho:
"masambe"
-
let
'sgo.

Kel
vinwenttosi
tnextt
oUmi nat
hi.It
urnedaround
andcrossedmylegsar
oundmyman' swai st
.I
pl
acedmyheadonhi schest
.

Hepl
acedhi
shandsonmyass.Imoaned.

Hi
m:"
masambesi
yeupst
air
s."
-
let
'sgoupst
air
s

Hewhi
sper
edbi
tt
ingmyear
.

Me:
"kukoabant
huaphababy.Wewil
lgoear
lyso
t
hatyoucanhavemeallni
ghtl
ong.
"
-
ther
ear
epeopl
eher
ebaby.

Isai
drubbi
nghi
scock.Hegr
oanedandbi
temy
neck.

Hi
m:"
butIcan'
twai
tanyl
ongerl
ookatmyer
ect
ion.
"

Il
ookedati
tandhewashar
d.

Me:
"youl
ooksexywi
thyoursmal
lredeyes.
"
Hi
m:"Idon'
tthi
nkIwi
llbeabl
etodr
iveyouwi
llbe
dr
ivi
ng."

Inodded.

Me:
"let
'sstayf
oranot
her30mi
nut
esbef
orewecan
gookay."

Henodded.

Me:
"Il
oveyou.
"

Isai
dtouchi
nghi
sli
pswi
thmyt
humb.

Hi
m:"
Iloveyout
oo.
"

Weki
ssed.Weweredist
urbedbypeopl
elaughi
ng
wel
ookedupitwasSekaniandAphi
we.
Nt
lakani
phoandOsial
socamebackl
aughi
ng.

Me:"
Ihavebeenmeani
ngt
oaskwhywer
eyousol
d
byyouraunt
?"

Aphiwe:"
Wel eaveinaf ostercare.Wedon'tknow
ourparentssoatt hefostercarewel akemoney.A
mancamet herethreatenedauntt hathewi
llki
llher
i
fshedoesn' tsel
lust oher.Becausewewher e
l
akingmoneyshesol dus. "

Sosad.Wenodded.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"sowher
ewi
llyougonow?
"

Theyshr
ugged.
Sekani
:"
Don'
tyouguysknowyourpar
ent
sor
somethi
ng?"

Aphi
we:"
nowegr
owupi
nthef
ost
ercar
e.Iwasst
il
l
2year
sold.
"

Kel
vin:
"ar
eyougoi
ngbackt
her
e?"

Aphi
we:
"Iguesscausewehavenowher
eel
set
o
go.
"

Chumani :"
thereisnoneedf orthat
.Mymot herowns
afostercareIwi l
lenrollyouguysther
e.Everyt
hing
wil
lbet akencareof .Youwi l
lal
sobegoingtothe
bestschool sever.
"

Them:
"t
hankyousomuch.Forsavi
ngusal
so.
"
Me:
"yourmot
heral
soownsaf
ost
ercar
e."

Henodded.

Chumani
:"
alsoapar
adi
seol
dagehome.
"

Wel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
youwil
lli
veherefornow.Wewi
llcomeand
checkuponyouafterschool
."

Chumani
:"
nondwamaj
it
aumnanomedisi
yekapa.
"
-
speakforyour
sel
vesmanmeandMygi
rl
fr
iendar
e
goi
ngtocapeTown.

Me:
"CapeTown?
"
Hi
m:"
yeahcel
ebr
ati
ngmpasowet
hu.
"
-
whenwepass.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"yapopamal
ikanene.
"
-
wehavemoney.

Wel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
doyouguyshavepasspor
ts?
"

Theyshookt
heyheads.

Aphi
we:"
ourbir
thcer
ti
fi
cat
esar
ewi
tht
hepeopl
e
t
hatboughtus.
"
Ntl
akani
pho:
"andmaki
ngabi
rt
hcer
ti
fi
cat
ewi
llt
ake
t
ime."

Kel
vin:
"Iguessyouwi
llj
oinusnextt
ime.
"

Chumani
:"
whatdoyoumeanus?
"

Them:
"wearetaggingal
ong.Weal
sowantt
o
cel
ebr
ateuspassing.
"

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
wegoi
ngt
oDur
ban.
"

Them:
"nat
hi.
"
-
alsous.
Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
Igi
veup.Iguesswear
eal
lgoi
ng.
"

Ndoni
:"
whati
fwef
ail?
"

Them:
"cel
ebr
ati
ngourf
ail
uret
han.
"

Theyshr
ugged.Wel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
Phi
we.
..
"

Us:
"huuuh!
!"

Weal
llaughed.

Sekani
:"
Kanimeni
.Phi
wendi
zobar
ytmocapha?
"
-
wai
t.Phi
wewi
llyoubef
ineher
e?

Aphi
we:
"yeah.
"

Sekani:
"beforeweleaveIwi
ll
br i
ngyouaphonet hat
youcancal luswit
handwewi lltakeyouguysout
forshopping."

Shenodded.

Me:
"i
sshet
heol
dest
?"

Theynodded.

Chumani
:"
bloodsi
ster
sorbondsi
ster
s?"

Them:
"bl
ood.
"
MeandChumani
:"
how?
"

Kel
vin:
"Aphiweisalsodoi
nggr
ade10l
ikeusOsi
andUmigr ade9."

MeandRadebe:
"how?
"

Ntl
akanipho:
"OsiandUmi
werebor
nont
hesame
yearFebruar
yandDecember
."

Us:
"yooh.
"

Them:
"yeah.
"

Us:
"howdi
dyounow.
"
Them:
"youwer
ebusyhavi
ngsexkl
k."

Welookedatt
hem andweal
ll
aughed.Igotof
Chumani.

Chumani
:"
jongasanusqel
aavasekt
heningoku.
"
-
don'
tshi
twi
thus.

Me:
"l
et'
smaket
hem wat
chl
ivepor
n."

Chumani
:"
iza.
"
-
come.

Them:
"ni
nganya.
"

Kel
vin:
"t
shi
zani
nyengamanziamashushuumna.
"
-
iwi
llpourhotwat
eronyou.
"
Us:
"mxm.
"

Weal
llaughed.

Me:
"ai
n'tyouguysscar
edt
hatyouwi
thst
ranger
s."

Osi
:"
youdon'
tlookhar
mful
l.
"

Wet
ookoutourguns.Theyopenedt
hei
reyeswi
der.
Wel
aughedbef
oreplaci
ngthegunswer
etheywere.

Ntl
akani
pho:
"nevertr
uststrangers.Butweare
har
mlessweonl yharm peoplethatharm us.
"

Umi
:"
ain'
tyout
ooyoungt
ohaveguns.
"
Us:
"noti
nourl
if
e.Wemi ghtbe14/
15/
16/
17year
s
ol
dbutweli
veli
kethi
s."

Theynodded.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"don'
twor
rywewi
llpr
otectyou.
"

Theynodded.

Chumani
:"
whatar
eyourl
astnames?
"

Them:
"Tom.
"

Chumani
:"
wher
ear
eyourpar
ent
s."

Osi
:"
fat
herwedon'
tknowbutwear
eusi
nghi
slast
nameandmotherdi
ed."
Wenodded.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handa
Ithasbeenalongti
me.Meandmywi f
ear est
il
lthe
bestcoupl
eever.Wehaveourupsanddownsl ike
anyothercoupl
ebutwealwayspul
lthrough.

Wealsohaveheal
thchi
ldr
ennow.Wemakingmore
moneyasyearscome.I
'
m basi
cal
lyahappyman.

Weweresti
llatt
hevacat
ionwewentt
oasf
ri
ends.
Wehavet
hesealmosteveryyear
.
Mi
ke:
"l
et'
swat
chhowt
hemi
ssi
onwentdown.
"

Mamber
:"
yeaht
heyhaven'
tgi
venusf
eedback.
"

Thel
adi
es:
"whatmi
ssi
on?
"

TT:
"t
heboysmi
ssi
on.
"

Snakeshackedi
ntothest
reet
scamerasinSouth
Afri
caweareinJapan.Heconnect
edthelapt
opto
theTV.

Ni
zi:
"i
sthatEyodwa?
"

Us:
"yeah.
"
Wewer
eal
lfocusedont
heTV.

Thando:
"nowaywhot
aughtherhowt
oshoot
."

Us:
"f
uck.
"

Wesawhowt
heydr
oveout
.

Tai
lor
:"
lookathowChumanii
sdr
aggi
ngher
."

Us:
"yaxoka.
"
-
shei
slyi
ng.

Shewast
heonedr
aggi
nghi
m now.

Nobunt
u:"
rhaal
omt
hana.
"
-
thi
schi
ld.
Us:
"t
hesecar
sar
efl
ying.
"

Wewereal
lamazedbyEyodwaandherdr
ivi
ng
ski
ll
s.

Snakes:
"shei
sevenf
ast
ert
hanme.
"

WeChuckl
ed.

Ni
zi:
"yaxokashecan'
tdr
ivef
ast
ert
hanme.
"

Wel
aughed.

Us:
"Mot
heri
nlawanddaught
eri
nlawchal
lenge.
"

Ayabonga:
"yeahbuyakwet
huSA.
"
-
yeahwhenwear
ebacki
nSA

Wel aughed.Wear
estil
lchi
ldi
shIdon'
tthi
nkwewi
ll
evergrowoldtobeourage.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
25
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Wedr
ovehomewi
thmybaby.

Her:
"whenwer
eyougoi
ngt
otel
lmewear
egoi
ngt
o
capeTown?"

Me:
"It
oldyounj
ena.
"

Iki
ssedheronherneck.Shewasmaki
ngme
somethi
ngtoeat
.

Her
:"
sweetchi
ll
iort
omat
osauce?
"
Me:
"sweetchi
ll
i.
"

Shewasmaki
ngmi
ncewi
thspaghet
ti
.

Her
:"
butst
il
lyoushoul
dhavet
old.
"

Shemovedt
othef
ri
dgeIwasf
oll
owi
ngbehi
ndher
ever
ymove.

Me:
"Xolokl
kbaby.isomet
imesf
orgetwear
e
mar
ried.
"
-
i'
m sor
ry.

Shel
aughed.

Her
:"
mxm.St
opf
oll
owi
ngmear
ound.
"
Wel
aughed.If
oll
owedheragai
n.

Her
:"
ChumaniOwam Pl
aat
ji
eshl
alaphant
si.
"
-
sitdown.

Me:
"i
ntl
elont
oxaundibi
zaawakho.
"
-
it
sagoodt
hingt
hatyoucal
lmeyour
s.

Shet
il
tedherheadback.

Her
:"
Owet
hu.
"

Shet
ri
edr
oll
inghereyes.Wel
aughed.

Me:
"Owam kuwenotOwet
hu.
"
-
Owam t
oyounotOwet
hu.
Her
:"
Iti
swhati
tis.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"mxm v'
tsek.
"

Her
:"
lungi
sit
afi
lendi
qibi
le.
"
-
setupt
het
abl
eI'
m done.

Sheturnedaroundandgavemeapeck.Itookthe
underplat
e,napki
nsandcutl
ery.Ipl
acedt
hem
neat
lyonthet abl
e.

Isatdown.Asexpect
edshecamewi
thawar
m
waterformetowashmyhands.

Me:
"t
hankyou.
"
Isai
dkissi
ngherf
oreheadsmil
ing.Igetexci
ted
Ever
yti
meshedoesthis.I
t'
sli
kethefir
stti
me.

Shecamewi
thf
ood.

Me:
"Ihaven'
tevenupdat
edmyf
ather
."

Her
:"
zam updat
eNi
nikengoku.
"
-
whenwi
llyouupdat
ehi
m?

Me:
"vukakwam i
nobakusekuseningokupha.
"
-
wheniwakeupIt
hinki
t'
sint
heear
lyhour
sther
e.

Shenodded.

Her
:"
mnandibaneMal
iSanangaskebengabo.
"
-
it
sgoodt
ohavemoney

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"onedayi
twi
llbemeandyousuwar
a."

Wel
aughed.

Her:
"j
ustpr
aythatnothi
ngwi
llhappent
ouswewi
ll
al
waysbetogether
."

That
'swhatIal
sopr
ayf
orever
yday.

Me:
"asl
ongaswehaveeachotherwewil
lal
ways
bet
oget
herokaydon'
twor
ryIgotyou.
"

Wekissed.Wewentt
osl
eepafterwashi
ngt
he
di
shesandhavi
ngmanyroundsaswecan.
Wewokeupearl
yint
hemor
ningsi
ncewehavet
o
t
akeourr
epor
ts.

Me:
"ai
n'tyouanxi
ous?
"

Isai
dput
ti
ngont
hebel
tforher
.

Her
:"
nopeI
'
m good.What
everr
esul
tsIgetIdeser
ve
t
hem."

Inodded.

Me:"
youget
ti
ngFatj
ongakej
eanbi
nkhul
ungoku
nci
nci.
"
-
lookatt
hisj
eani
twasbi
gnowi
t'
ssmal
l.

Isai
dhi
tt
inghergr
owi
nghi
ps.Wel
aughedandshe
smackedmyhead.

Her
:"
ndimi
thikl
k."
-
i'
m pr
egnant

Me:
"haykeMar
ia.
"

Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
mxm keot
her
wisemnandul
if
emayi
cace.
"
-
li
fei
sgood.

Me:
"ndakbet
ha.
"

Wel aughed.Wewal kedoutt

othecar
.Shewasthe
onedr i
ving.Iconnect
edmyphonetothecar
.I
cal
ledmyf ather
.
Hi
m:"
yuuhhaikwedi
niawunat
imi
ngndi
saf
unda
ut
yangezt
okweapha."
-
boyyoudon'thavet
imi
ngI
'
mlear
ninghowt
oeat
wit
hsti
cks.

MeandEyodwal
aughedal
soatt
hebackgr
ound.

Me:
"kayekeSi
ya.
"
-
wai
tSi
ya.

Hi
m:"
funant
on'
?"
-
whatdoyouwant?

Me:
"f
unaukuxel
elabami
ssi
onhambegr
and.
"
-
justwant
edt
otel
lyout
hatt
hemi
ssi
onwentgr
eat
.
Him:"
yeahboni
lemamakhoyaphi
kisaaphaba
Eyodwadri
vefastnaknaye.
"
-
yeahIsawYou'll
.Yourmotherisdi
smissi
ngt
he
f
actthatEyodwadri
vesfast
erthanher
.

Weal
llaughed.

:
"Lennt
obendisi
thimakubekhoMot
heri
nlawand
Daught
eri
nlawchallenge.
"
-
that
'swhyIsai
dther
emustbeaMot
heri
nlawand
Daught
eri
nlawchall
enge.

Thatwasmymot her
'st
win.Myaunt.Wealll
aughed.
Il
ookedatEyodwasheshookherheadshewas
al
solaughi
ng.

Me:
"heesenif
uni
ichal
lenge.
"
-
youwantchal
lengesnow.
:
"Chumanikabaxel
elebakuzowi
naNi
ziwakho.
"
-
Chumanit
ellt
hem t
hatyourNi
ziwi
llwi
n.

Thatwasmymot
her
.

Me:"
hai
bomamandenzanj aniket
hephakat
hi
kwakonecher
ryyam.Ni
dri
vefastnobabi
nike.
"
-nomom howcanyoumakemechoosebetween
youandmygir
lfr
iend.Youbot
hdr
ivef
ast
.

Wel
aughed.

Si
ya:
"uphiEyodwa?
"
-
wher
eisEyodwa?

Me:
"nanku.
"
-
her
e

Them:
"Eyodwa!
"

Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
mol
weni
."

TT:
"wenanaweyayvumal
echal
lengenomot
heri
n
l
awwakho? "
-
doyoual
soagreet
ohaveachal
lengewi
thyour
mot
heri
nlaw?

Eyodwa:
"yeah.
"

Them:
"mf
aziwakwaRhadebekl
k."
-
wif
efr
om t
heRhadebecl
an.
Wel
aughed.

Nizi
:"
masigodukeniguys.Iwanttodot
his
chal
lengewi
thMyDaught eri
nlaw."
-
let
'sgohome.
..
.

Shei
sexcit
ed.If
eel
itt
hatshei
ssmi
li
ng.We
l
aughed.

Them:
"v'
tsekyazit
handanezi
nto.
"
-
youl
iket
hings.

Nobuntu:
"Chumanipl
easemakesur
ethatEyodwa
wins.Tr
ainher
."

Wel
aughed.
Mike:
"wenawhenar
eyoumeet
ingyourdaught
eri
n
l
aw."

Wel
aughed.

Snakes:
"can'
twai
tfort
hischal
lenger
haa.
"

Thando:"
itmusthappenont
hedayoft
hedi
nner
yabo?"

Us:
"yeah.
"

Cage:
"masi
gokukenyanini
zi.
"
-
let
'sgohomeNi
zi.

Wel
aughed.
Me:"yeahIalmostforgot.Mamawef ound3gir
ls
zol
odur i
ngthehijacking.Theywer
esoldbythei
r
auntatthefost
ercar esoIwaswonder i
ngi
funga
bafakakleyakho? "
-
youcanputt
hem i
nyour
s.

Them:
"wher
ear
etheynow?
"

Me:"
Ithi
nkatthewar
ehousei
fnoti
ntownno
Nt
lakani
pho.
"

Ni
zi:
"bi
rt
hcer
ti
fi
cat
ezabo?
"

Me:"
lost
.Theybasicall
ydon'thaveathi
ngbutasI
sai
do'Sekaniar
etakingcareofeveryt
hing.
"

Her:
"okayIwil
ldoever
ythi
ngwhenIgett
her
emaba
hl
alewarehouseokwangokuni
bagade."
-
fornowandguar
dthem.

Me:
"Idon'
twewillbeabl
etomom si
yaKapaaf
ter
t
aki
ngourrepor
ts."

Cage:
"wecan'
ttr
ustt
hosegi
rl
swhati
ftheyar
esent
bysomeone."

MeandEyodwa:
"1i
sal
readyyourdaught
eri
nlaw
kesana.
"

CageandAyol
a:"
what?
?"

Weal
llaughed.

Let
haboandNobunt
:"
pleaset
ellmemysoni
snot
i
nvolved.
"
Eyodwa:
"mxm cat
ch.
il
eezowadewat
hiNt
lakani
pho
una14naye.
"
-
those2caughtf
eel
ingheevensai
dhi
sal
so14.

Weal
lbur
stedoutl
aughi
ng.

TT:
"sozebenguNyanawam l
owo.
"
-
thatcan'
tbemyson.

Me:"youbetterbel
ievei
t.t
heylookhar
mlessthey
are14andt heolderonewhichisAuntAyol
a'
s
daughteri
nlawi s15."

Theyal
llaughed.

Them:
"mxm nadi
kakanj
ani
i.
"
-
youi
rr
it
ati
ng.
Me:"
pleasebook5t
icket
stocapeTown.Si
fububa
phaby3pm. "
-
iwantust
obet
heby3pm.

Mamber
:"
alr
eadydonet
hatj
ongiemai
lzakhosar
ni.
"
-
lookatyouremai
ls.

Me:
"okayEnkossi
ta.
"
-
thankyou.

Them:
"enj
oy.
"

Theydi
sconnect
edt
hecal
l.Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
"zaqel
aeziI
'
mtheonewhocal
led.
"
-
theyar
eshi
tt
ingwi
thme
Wel aughed.Wegotoutoft
hecar.Wewer
eal
ready
atschool.For15minut
esal
ready.

Wegott
oourcl
asst
eacher
.

Her
:"
LangaandPl
aat
ji
es.Congr
atul
ati
ons.
"

Shehuggedusbef oregivingusourrepor
ts.As
expectedIpassedwithhighmarks.Ican'
taffor
dto
fai
l.Ialsowanttobesuccessfuloneday.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
26
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Hisfamil
yseemsl
ikeni
cepeopl
e.Thewaythey
spoketomeovert
hephonemademef eel
welcomed.

Atl
eastIwon'
tbehavinganydramawi
thmyi
n
l
awslikeyouguysar
e.Laughi
ng.

IsawthatChumaniwasexcit
ednextt
omewhi
ch
meanshepassed.I'
m sohappyf
orhim.
Mybabyisahar dwor
ker.Don'
ttellhi
mt hatIt
old
youthi
sbuteversi
ncethi
syearstartedIhavebeen
tr
yingmybesttobenumberonei nthetop10.

Butheal
waysbeatsmetoit.I
fheget
s91.
8per
cent
Ial
waysget91.
1ifnot80percent
.

AndIgetf r
ustr
ated.I'
m kindaj
eal
ousofmyown
boyf
riend.FunnyrightbutIam.Andthat
sourl
it
tl
e
secr
et.

Hi
m:"
babypass.
il
e."
-
ipassed.

Ihuggedhim bef
orekissi
nghim al
loverhi
sface.
I'
m soproudofhim.Hewasl aughi
nghisassout.I
l
oveitwhenhei sthi
shappy.

Hi
m:"
babyI
'
m notachi
ldhai
bo.
"
Il
aughedasIkissedhi
m al
loverhi
sfaceagai
n.We
bot
hlaughed.

Me:
"I
'mj
usthappyf
oryouRadebe.
"

Wehuggedt
ight
ly.Igavehi
m apeck.

:
"Ncoo.
"

Ilookedaroundandeveryonewasl
it
eral
lyl
ooki
ng
atus.Isuddenlybecameshy.Hecametomy
rescueandhuggedme.

Hi
m:"
nimenzashyumt
uwam guyshai
bo.
"
-
youmaki
ngmywomanshy.

Ever
yonel
aughed.wewal
kedt
othecar
.Theguys
wer
eal
readyt
her
ewai
ti
ngf
orus.

Igotacal
lfr
om mymom.Yuuuh.

Me:
"mama.
"

Isai
dexci
tedl
y.

Her
:"
tchi
niokosi
li
ndel
erepor
tgi
rlf
otesi
bone.
"
-
wehavebeenwai
ti
ngforyourr
epor
ttakeapi
ctur
e
ofi
tsot
hatwecansee.

Me:
"okayIwi
llsendi
ttoyounow.
"

Her
:"
okayIl
oveyouva?
"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oomom.
"
Shedisconnect
edthecall
.Il
ookedatmyphoneand
smil
ed.Iwalkedtotheguys.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"si
hambaNi
ni?
"
-
whenar
ewegoi
ng?

Chumanit
ookouthi
sphoneandgotbusywi
thi
t.

Hi
m:"
1pm.
"

Sekani
:"
let
'sgotothewar
ehousewest
il
lhavet
o
checkupont hem.
"

Kelvi
n:"wealsohavetolockt
heroomst hatare
secret
ive.Wecan'taff
ordhavi
ngall
ies.Thosegirl
s
havenot hi
ngtoloose.AndIdon'
ttr
ustthem yet.
"
Them:
"yeahyour
ight
."

Chumani:"
Iwi
llst
aybehi
ndwhil
eyoutaki
ngthem
forshoppi
ngandall
.Tol
ockever
ysecret
iver
oom."

Theynodded.Wealldr
ovet
ot hewarehouse.They
wereweari
ngyest
erday'
scl
othessham.

Iftheyweremysi zeIwasgoingtobringthem
clothesbutt
heyai n'
t.AndIdon'
tthi
nktheywould
becomf ort
ablei
nbi gclot
hesplustheclot
hesthey
hadonwer edissent.

Sekani
:"
let
'sgo.
"

Theyst
oodupandwentwi
tht
hem.

Chumani
:"
letmecheckt
heCamer
a'sf
ir
stmaybe
t
heywer
esnoopi
ngar
oundl
astni
ght
."

Wel aughed.Hecamebackwi t
hal apt
op.Iwasjust
rel
axingont hecouchbusylookingatmywal l
.I
havealreadysentmymot hermyr eportandIal
so
passedwi t
hhi ghmarks.

MylikeshaveupgradedsinceIhavebeendati
ng
Chumani.Nice.Iwenttotheschool
spubli
cgroup
andChumaniandi '
spictureswhenwereatschool
werether
e.Ichuckled.

Chumani
:"
whatwi
llyougowi
tht
her
e?"

Me:
"not
hing.Iwi
llbuycl
othest
her
e."

Chumani
:"
Iwillal
sobuymi
net
her
e.Wear
ehi
tt
inga
cl
ubtoni
ght.
"
Me:
"Ace?
"

Hi
m:"
yeah.
"

Me:
"okay.Haveyoubookedaguesthouse?
"

Him:"
yeahever
ythi
ngissetevenacarwewi
llbe
usi
ngisalr
eadyrent
ed."

Me:"
seemsli
keever
ythi
ngi
sset
.Doyouhavea
camera?"

Hi
m:"
youhaveaphonet
hatt
akesGREATpi
ctur
es
moc?"

Me:"
yeahIknowbutI '
mt urni
ngmyphoneofff
or
theweekend.Iwanttoenjoymysel
fsoIwantt
o
useacamer ainst
ead.
"
Hi
m:"
sisonkekwel
ocal
athan.
"
-
i'
m al
soswi
tchi
ngofmi
net
han.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"copycat
."

Hi
m:"
what
'swr
ongaboutcopyi
ngi
medil
am?
"

Me:
"t
her
eisnot
hingwr
ong.
"

Hi
m:"
nqo.
"

Her
oll
edhi
ssmal
leye'
s.

Me:
"Chi
na.
"
Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
sundiqel
aEyodwaIwi
l
lfuckyousensel
essl
y."
-
don'
tst
artwi
thme.
..

Me:
"Iwi
llal
sof
uckyousensel
essl
y."

Heplacedt
hel
apt
opdownandchar
gedt
ome.I
l
aughed.

Me:
"Xol
okendadl
alayooh.
"
-
sor
ryIwasj
ustj
oki
ng.

Welaughedhewenttosi
tdownandcont
inuedwi
th
whathewasdoing.
Hi
m:"
10year
sfr
om her
ewher
edoyouseeyour
sel
f
?"

Me:"
marr
ied,havi
ng2kidsbei
ngi
ndependentand
nott
ofor
getowni ngmyownAccount
antFir
m wit
h
myownhar dearnedmoney.
"

Hi
m:"
bigdr
eamsndakbona.
"
-
iseeyou.

Igi
ggl
edandhel
aughed.

Me:
"andyou?
"

Hi
m:"
mar
ri
ed,
havi
ng10ki
ds.
..
"

Me:
"haiphambene.
"
-
youcr
azy.
Him:
"I
'm ser
ious.Iwantt
oresi
gnatt
heageof50
andeatmychi l
drensmoney.
"

Wel
aughed.Hi
scr
azy.

Him:"asIwassaying10ki dsalsomakingsurethatI
growmyf atherandmot her'
sbusinessestobethe
bestthi
ngever.Ialsowanttohaveanot herFi
rm.
ThanbuyFr enchi
se.Alsohavingbranchesaround
Afri
ca."

Thisguyhashisli
fefi
guredout.Otherguysout
ther
edon'tevenknowwhatt odoafterschooland
heknows.That'swhatreal
lyat
tract
edmet ohim
more.

Ismi
ledl
ooki
ngatthesmar
typant
sbef
oreme.I
l
ovehowhethinks.
Hi
m:"
what?
"

Hesmi
rked.

Me:"j
ustsurpri
sedthatthereguysoutt
herethat
thi
nkli
keyou.Al lt
heythinkabouti
sbuil
dingthei
r
soccercareernotwanti
ngadegr eeandhereyou
arewantingtobuil
dyourownl egacy.
"

Ikissedhi
m al
loverhi
sface.Ir
eal
lyam pr
oudof
him.Hewasgiggli
ng.

Hi
m:"
that
senoughnowbaby.I
'
m notababy.
"

Hewasst
il
lgi
ggl
ing.

Me:
"youar
emybaby.Ihopet
hatyouwi
llachi
eve
everyt
hingthatyoujustment
ionednow.Don'tl
eta
personruinyourdreams.Iwanttoseeyousucceed
i
never yt
hing.
"

Henoddedsmi
li
ng.Iki
ssedhi
m al
loverhi
sface
agai
nandhewaslaughi
ng.

Hi
m:"
stop.
"

Iki
ssedhi
mfort
hel
astt
ime.

Him:
"ohhandbef
oreif
orgetIal
sowantt
ohavemy
ownsoccercl
ub.
"

Il
ookedathi
m.

Hi
m:"
aaEyodwanotagai
n.Myf
acei
sti
red.
"
Wel
aughed.Wecont
inuedchat
ti
ngaboutt
hef
utur
e.
.
.
.
.
.
Thando
Longti
mehey.Wellaf
terChumaniembar
rassedme
i
nf r
ontofmyfr
iendsandinfr
ontoft
hatbl
ack
sheep.

Iwasneverfi
neagain.ImeanIlovehi
m somuch.
Myfri
endsalsodeci
dedtonotdat ehi
sfr
iends
si
ncetheyneverst
oodupf orus.

Ihat
ehowt hatblacksheepandChumaniar
ecl
ose.
Iwasneverclosewithhiminthatway.
Theyseem happy.Ever
yoneist
alki
ngaboutt
hem.
Wantingtobethem.Ihatet
hatanditi
sn'
tsi
tt
ing
wellwit
hme.

Ihavetogetri
dofhermaybejustmaybeIwil
lbe
happy.CauseChumaniwon'
thaveanyonebesides
hi
m andIwi l
lhavehi
m.

Wecant al
kaboutt
hebabyissuelater
.Wel
lyesI
st
il
lhavemybaby.AndIhaven'tbeenwel
lIfai
led
myexams.

Chumaniandthebabyar est
ressi
ngme.Sineli
tha?I
havebeeni
gnoringhim butt
odayIwi
llbeseeing
hi
m.I'
m horny.Hisbabyismakingmeliket
his.

Iwantedtokil
lherwhenIsawthem ki
ssingl
ike
nobodyexist
s.IgottoSi
neli
tha'
sbackroom
fumingwit
hangr y.
Hewaswi thhi
sfr
iendssmoki
ngweed.Icoughed
uncont
rol
labl
y.

Theyal
lthr
ewt
hei
rbl
unt
sawayandgavemewat
er.

Si
nel
it
ha:
"u'
xap?
"

Inodded.Isatdownnextt
ohi
m.

Him:"
whatbringsyouher
e.Ain'
tyousupposet
obe
enj
oyingyourtimewit
hyourbabydaddy.
"

Theyal
lchuckl
ed.

Me:
"hl
eli
inayemocngoku.
"
-
i'
m si
tt
ingwi
thhi
m now.
Theyal
llookedatmeshocked.Ir
oll
edmyeyes.

Me:"
whydoyout hi
nkChumanii
sbusywi
tht
hat
bl
acksheepofyours.
"

Hebur
iedhi
sheadi
nhi
shands.

Hi
m:"
whydi
dn'
tyout
ellme?
"

Hi
sfr
iends:
"shont
wana.
"

Theyl
eft
.

Me:
"Iwasst
il
ldi
gest
ingever
ythi
ng.
"

Hi
m:"
youdi
dn'
tter
minat
eitdi
dn'
tyou?
"
Ishookmyhead.Iwashur
tthathecal
ledt
hebaby
i
t.

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llsuppor
tyou.
"

Inoddedatl
east
.

Me:
"wai
tbutyougoi
ngt
ovar
sit
ynextyear
."

Hi
m:"
andIhaveal
readybeenaccept
edi
ntheUS.
"

Welookedateachot
her
.Tear
sst
reameddownmy
f
ace.Hehuggedme.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
27
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Thando
Si
nel
it
ha:
"pr
omi
seyouwi
llt
akecar
eofmychi
ld.
"

Me:
"Iwi
llt
akecar
eofourchi
ld.
"
Si
neli
tha:
"Iwi
llt
rymybestt
ocomewhenyougi
ving
bi
rt
h."

Me:"
butbyMayi
fnotApr
ilyouwi
llbewr
it
ingyour
exams.
"

Hecl
osedhi
seyes.

Hi
m:"
thi
sishar
d."

Me:"don'
tworr
ywewi llpul
lthr
oughal
loft
his.Go
buil
dyourfut
ureoverseasandIwil
lst
ayhereand
takecareofmychil
d."

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llsuppor
tyoudon'
twor
ry.Il
oveyouokay.
"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"
Ionl
yreal
izenowt
hatIl
ovehi
m mor
ethan
anyt
hing.

Hi
m:"
promi
set
hatyouwi
llwai
tforme.
"

Me:
"Ipr
omi
se.
"

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llal
socomebackt
oyou.
"

Inodded.

Me:"
incaseyouwi
llnotbeherewhenIgi
vebi
rt
h
whatwil
lwenamehim/ her?
"

Hi
m:"
it
'sasheIcanf
eel
."

Ismi
led.
Him:"
butwewi
llnameherSi
phephel
o.Shei
sour
safet
y."

Ismi
ledwhatagr
eatname.

Me:"
that
'
sagr eatname.Iwi
lldef
ini
tel
ynameher
Si
phephelo.
"

Hesmi
ledr
eveal
inghi
sbeaut
if
uldi
mpl
es.

Hi
m:"
Iloveyouguysokay?
"

Whyam Ievenchasi
ngChumaniwhenIhavemy
owndiamondhere.I
'
m sooverhi
m.Iwi
llf
ocuson
myli
tt
lefamil
y.

Imi
ghtbeat
eenagerbutIwi
llt
rymybestt
opr
otect
myf
ami
ly.Iwi
lldoever
ythi
ngf
ormychi
ld.

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"

Wecuddl
ed.Lat
eronheaccompaniedmehome.
Wehadagreatt
imediscussi
ngourchi
ld'
sfut
ure.

IgothomeandMybr otherandhi
swi f
ewereher
e.
WellIhaveanolderbrotherSi
mphiwe.Meandhim
neverreal
lygotal
ong.

Wej
ustr
elat
edbybl
oodnot
hingmor
enot
hingl
ess.

Me:
"mol
weni
."
-
greet
ings.

Theygr
eet
edback.Gugul
ethumyBrothersWi
fe
l
ookedatmyst
omach.Ipulledmyt
-shir
t.
Gugul
ethu:
"ar
eyoupr
egnant?
"

Auntanduncl
e:"
what?
!!"

Ikeptquiet.GugulethuandSimphiweseemedtobe
happy.Letmet elltheybothcan'
thaveki
ds.Fai
th
broughtthem together.Theyar
ebothcan'
t
conceive.

Gugul
ethu'
swombwasaff
ect
edbyai
nfect
ionand
Si
mphiwewasbornt
hatway.

Simphi
we:"
wewil
ltakecareofyouandt
hebaby
youdon'
tneedt
owor r
y."

Theremustbesomethi
nggoi
ngonher
e.Theyhave
neverbeent
hissweett
ome.
Auntanduncl
elookedatthem.They
communicat
edwiththei
reyes.Theysmi
rked.

Iser
iousl
ydon'
tlovemyfamil
y.Don'
tgetmewrong
butIhaveal
waysbeentr
eatedli
keanoutsi
der
.

Noonereal
lycar
esaboutme.Maybei
fmypar
ent
s
wer
eali
veIwouldbealr
ight
.

Auntanduncl
e:"
wewillt
akecareofyouanyt
hing
youneedwewillt
akecareofi
t.
"

Uncl
e:"
Evenyourcr
avi
ngs.
"

Gugul
ethu:
"wehavetogoforpamperingyouknow
somet
hingthatwi
llmakeyoufeelgood."
Simphi
we:
"pl
easealsot
akeherf
oracheckup.You
knowshei
sstil
lyoungandt
hebabycanbeathigh
ri
sk.
"

Ilookedatt
hem t
ryi
ngt
othi
nkwhatt
heyar
e
thinki
ngabout
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Eyodwa:
"i
sthi
sthel
astdoor?
"

Wewer
elocki
ngever
ysecr
eti
ver
oom i
nthe
war
ehouse.

Me:
"yeah.
"

Isai
dput
ti
ngont
hel
ocker
sandsecur
it
yaccess.

Her:"r
haather
eisalotofthi
ngsyoudotolock
thesedoors.Whoeverdidthesecur
it
yaccesswas
sof uckenbor
ed.
"

Wel
aughed.Wewal
kedt
othel
ounge.

Me:
"i
thasbeenal
ongt
imesi
ncet
heywer
egone.
"

I
twas12pm now.Wecuddledont
hecouch
wat
chi
ngsoccerhi
ghl
ight
s.

Her
:"
zangendayqondakel
ennt
o."
-
ineverunder
stoodt
his.

Me:
"so.
..
"

Her
:"
aasol
uyeka.
"
-
rat
herl
eavei
t.

Welaughed.Weconti
nuedwat
chi
ngsi
tt
ingi
n
comfor
tabl
esil
ence.

Her:
"can'
twai
ttoenjoycapeTown.Ihaveal
ways
wentther
eforf
amily."

Me:"
youwil
lenj
oyyouknowwhatlet
'sgo.I
t'
sa
t
hir
tyminut
edri
vetotheai
rpor
t.
"

Her
:"
Kel
vin?
"
Me:
"mxm azi
buyimoc.
"
-
theyar
enotcomi
ngback.

Her
:"
ino.
..
"

Ijustpi
ckedherupi
nbr
idalst
yleandt
ookhert
o
thecar.

Me:
"yout
alkt
omuch.
"

Isai
dfasi
ngtheseatbel
t.Welaughed.Icl
osedt
he
doorbef
orej
oggi
ngt omyside.Idroveoff
.

Sheswit
chedonourf avor
it
esongSundaybl
ues.As
Iwasdri
ving.Nt
lakani
pho'
scarappr
oachedus.We
bot
hstopped.

Sekani
:"
njanini
vayesi
ngekazwakal
i
."
-
howcanyoul
eavewi
thoutus.

Me:
"ni
li
jeqi
lei
xet
sha?
"
-
didyoul
ookatt
het
ime?

Kel
vin:
"wewi
lldr
opt
hem of
fsi
buyef
astf
ast
."

Nt
lakani
phospeedoft
othewar
ehouse.

Her
:"
sayl
on.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"whati
fyoubumpi
ntoyourbr
other
sther
e?"

Shel
ookedatmewel
aughed.
Her
:"
bayakwazi
imocyaf
ana.
"
-
theyknowyou.

Il
ookedather
.

Her
:"
theysawt
hevi
deo.
"

Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
andt
heyar
emyFacebookf
ri
ends.
"

Me:
"whatsot
heyseeourpi
ctur
es?
"

Her
:"
obvi
ousl
y."

Il
ookedather
.
Her
:"
phol
atheyar
ecoolpeopl
e."

Inodded.

Me:
"Ial
sohave2naught
ysi
bli
ngsIwonderhow
t
heyare.
"

Her
:"
younger
."

Me:
"yeaht
heyar
etwi
ns.
"

Her
:"
whydon'
tyouf
acet
imet
hem ?
"

Me:"
nobazi
ndiqumbeleezayangobaandi
kat
het
hi
nabookokwalastweek.
"
-
theymustbeangrybecauseIhaven'
ttal
kedt
o
t
hem eversi
ncel
astweek?
Her
:"
youwi
llhavet
ocal
lthem whenwegett
her
e."

Me:
"Iwi
ll
."

Her
:"
andIwi
llmakesur
eyoudo.
"

Shesai
dsmi
li
ng.Ial
sosmi
led.

Me:
"i
zaf
unaundincami
se.
"
-
comeIwantyout
oki
ssme.

Shegiggl
edbefor
ej umpi
ngovertome.Wekissed.
AsIwasabouttofingerf
uckher.Acarhoot
ednext
tous.Welookedoutsi
de.

I
twasmybr
o's.
Them:
"si
esni
nezmangamar
n."
-
you2ar
enast
y.

Welaughed.Wedr
oveofftotheai
rpor
t.Ourf
li
ght
wascall
edandwetookofftoCapeTown.

Sekani:
"masi
qal
eni
cinema.Ihear
dthatTer
minat
or:
Darkfatei
sout.
"
-
let
'sst
artatt
heci
nema.

Us:
"l
et'
sgo.
"

Wewalkedout.Andthecarwewer
egoi
ngt
ouse
wasal
readyhere.Wedroveof
f.

Eyodwa:
"di
dyouguysbr
ingwhatIaskedyout
o
bri
ng?"
Theyst
ret
chedt
hei
rheads.

Them:
"ei
sh.
"

Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:
"mxm wewi
llbuyi
tatt
heMal
l.
"

Wel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
aamar nnxaki
iyepr
obl
em si
yishi
yepha
warehousest
ru."
-
nomant
hepr
obl
em i
swel
efti
tatt
hewar
ehouse.

Eyodwa:
"bendi
kut
hembi
lebest
i.
"
-
itr
ust
edyouBest
ie.
Welaughed.Wegottothemallandwentt
othe
ci
nema.Wewer ebuyi
ngticket
s.

Eyodwa:
"t
hengel
eni
elakaUgl
yDol
lsumna.
"
-
buymeat
icketf
orUgl
yDol
l
s.

Weal
llookedather
.

Us:
"ar
eyouwat
chi
nganAni
mat
ion?
"

Shenoddedsmi
li
ngi
nnocent
lyl
ikeachi
ld.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"youcan'
tbeser
ious.
"

Her
:"
Iam ser
ious.Iwi
llnotwat
chTer
minat
or.
Ndi
zobukel
uUgl
yDol
ls.
"

Wel
ookedatherandshookourheads.Wel
aughed.

Us:
"shei
sindeedcr
azy.
"

Weal
llaughed.

.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
28
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Iendedupwatchingmymovieandt
heywat
ched
thei
rs.Iwal
kedoutoft
heci
nemaitwasagr
eat
movie.

Ipr
eferani
mationmoviest
hananyot
hermovi
e.I
j
ustpref
erthem andt
heyaret
hebest
.

Isatonthecouchout
side.Thei
rmovi
etakesl
onger
thanmine.
Aft
er15minut
esofwai
ti
ngt
heycameoutt
alki
ng
aboutt
hemovie.

Chumani
:"
yuuhphosi
webr
a."
-
youmi
ssedout
.

Me:
"bemnandiUgl
yDol
lshai
bo.
"
-
Ugl
ydol
lswascool
.

Theyl
ookedmeandweal
llaughed.

Sekani
:"
ani
mat
ionzabor
e."

Me:
"Ipr
efert
hem kunezi
nye.
"
-
thanot
her
s.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"t
hat
hinot
esbawo.
"
-
takenot
es.

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
not
ed.
"

Wewalkedoutt
oSpursi
ncewewer
ehungr
y.We
pl
acedouror
ders.

Chumani
:"
funekesi
qal
eguest
house.
"
-
wemustst
artatt
heguest
house.

Me:
"ewet
ata.
"
-
yesdad.

Weal
llaughed.
Chumani
:"
youl
ikepr
ovoki
ngme.
"

Wel
aughed.

Kel
vin:
"Ci
fanbakusebedi
nil
ondambo.
"
-
shet
hinksshei
sinbed,
Icanseeher
.

Wel
aughed.Ourf
oodcame.

Chumani
:"
Ihat
eeat
ingaskmewhy?
"

Wel
ookedathi
m conf
used.

Us:
"why?
"

Hi
m:"
myhandsdon'
tgett
obewashed.
"
Wecr
ackedi
ntol
augher
.

Them:
"t
ch.
"

Me:
"hai
boaniyqel
angal
ent
onoyqel
ait
'sbeenl
ike
f
or2weeks.
"
-
younotevenusedt
othi
s..
.

Them:
"wear
eusedt
oit
."

Me:
"j
ustmakesur
eyoudon'
taskf
ori
tkl
adi
nner
."

Theyal
lkeptqui
etandf
ocusedont
hei
rfood.

Me:"
aaguys.Youal
lknowabazal
ibenuar
enot
okayl
ikeyou.
"
Them:
"so?
"

Me:
"yooh.
"

Theyl
aughed.

Chumani
:"
kwenzekant
on'
kuninabant
hwana.
"
-
what
'
shappeni
ngbet
weenyouandt
hoseki
ds?

Sekani:
"Aphi
wehaslowself-
esteem.Likesheisso
usetopeoplemakingfunofthatshethinksIwant
todateherbecauseIwantt
ot easeher.
"

Heshookhi
shead.

Kelvin:
"IknowI'
m oneoft
hosepeoplebutIjust
real
izedthatsheisact
ual
lybeaut
if
ulinherown
way."
Weal
lnodded.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"makeherbel
ievei
nyout
han.Don'
t
gi
veuponher."

ChumaniandKel
vin:
"yeahf
ightf
orheri
fyoul
ove
her
."

Inoddedl
ooki
ngathi
m.

Sekani
:"
Iwi
llwhenwebacki
nJozi
."

Wenodded.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"kuhl
ekwel
am qavekamnandiOsi
."
-
ever
ythi
ngi
sgr
eatonmysi
dewi
thf
orwar
dOsi
.
Wel
aughed.

Kel
vin:
"Nakum.
"
-
met
oo.

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
nakum.
"
-
met
oo.

Wel
ookedathi
m andl
aughed.

Me:
"l
et'
sgof
orshoppi
ng.I
t'
sst
il
l4pm.
"

Theysul
ked.
Me:
"v'
tsekmasambeni
."
-
let
'sgo.

Wepai
dandstar
teddoingali
tt
lebi
tofshoppi
ng.
Wewentt
otheGuesthouse.

Sekani
:"
let
'sgetgoi
ng.
"

Hesaidcomingdownst
air
s.Wealldr
essedupi
n
bl
ack.Don'
taskwhybutwedid.

Theywereweari
ngpol oneckswi t
hblackj
eans
whil
eIwaswearingal eathershor
tskir
twi
thalace
topandaleat
herjacket.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"amacamer
aangshot
e."

Wel
aughed.
Chumani
:"
lecamer
ayakhomayi
set
yenzi
wekl
k
baby.
"
-
yourcamer
amustbeusedbaby.

Welaughed.Itooki
tofaroundmyneckandpl
aced
i
tinarightangl
e.Weallstoodt
heIwasint
he
middl
eandt heywer
ebesidesme.

Wet
ookmanypi
ctur
es.

Chumani
:"yaziandi
kubonindi
ngat
hat
hel
wangezi
bhar
izal
apha"
-
youknowIdi
dn'tseeIhopeyouwon'
tbet
akenby
t
hesedudesf
rom here.

Hesaidtaki
ngapictureofmeandKelvi
n.We
l
aughed.Aft
erourli
ttl
ephotoshootwewantt
othe
cl
ub.
Sekani
:"
VIPorgener
al.
'

Us:
"r
haasi
nganxi
bakanj
esohl
alakwi
gener
al.
"
-
whywouldwewearl
iket
hisi
fwewi
llbesi
tt
ingi
n
t
hegener
al.

Welaughed.Hewenttot
alkt
othebouncerwhi
lewe
wer
etakingpict
ures.

Hecameback.

Sekani
:"
let
'sgo.
"

Wewalkedint
otheVi
Psect
ion.Weboughtl
otsof
ki
ndofbooze.

Us:
"t
ous.
"
Wesai
ddoi
ngcheer
swi
thshot
s.

Us:
"wuw.
"

Mi
dni
ghtSt
ari
ngpl
ayed.Ist
oodupanddanced.

Me:
"aaGuyspakhamani
."
-
standup.

Isai
dpull
ingt
hem.Weal lst
art
eddancingandt
hey
werequi
tegooddancer
s.Whent heypl
ayedahi
p
hopsongwesatdown.

Isawmybr
other
scomi
ngt
omydi
rect
ion.

Me:"
guysdon'tf
reakoutmybr
other
sar
ecomi
ngt
o
ourdi
rect
ion.
"
Them:
"phi
."

Me:
"phol
ani
."
-
cal
m down.

Il
aughed.Theyr
eachedus.

Li
yema:
"andt
han?
"

Me:
"yi
ntoni
i?
"
-
what
?

Kel
vin:
"i
nanimaj
it
acopanisi
sel
eni
."
-
her
emansi
tdownsot
hatwecandr
ink.

Weal
llaughed.Kel
vingavet
hem.Abot
tl
eofRed
Labl
e.Mybrothersl
oveal
coholt
heysatdown
wit
houthesi
tat
ion.

Weal
llaughed.Mycousi
nAvewasher
eto.

Nt
ondo:
"nawesbal
iul
apha.
"
-
brot
heri
nlawyoual
soher
e.

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
ewesbal
i.
"

Wel
aughed.

Nt
sika:
"ni
banci
ncini
ngenenj
aninor
hapha.
"
-
yousmal
lhowdi
dyougeti
n.
Chumani
:"
moneyt
alkswenasbal
i.
"

Wel
aughed.

Ave:
"Mel
bauseJozikodwawena.
"
-
yousupposet
obei
nJohannesbur
g.

Me:
"zocel
ebr
atempasobhut
t'
."

Isai
dsmi
li
ngt
heyal
llaughedatme.

Liyema:
"i
maginewhentheypassthei
rfi
nalexams
qingoEyodwasesi
thiuyeIt
alynoRhadebekuba
funauyit
hengaphaicar
vel
aabafunii
mpor t
."
-
sheisgoi
ngtoI
tal
ywithRhadebetheywantt
obuy
acar
velat
her
etheydon'
twantimport.

Weal
lbur
sti
ntol
augher
.
Nt
ando:
"kubimaj
it
a."

Welaughed.Wespentthewholenightwit
hthem
havi
ngfun.Inevert
houghtdr
inki
ngwi t
hmy
brot
her
swoul dbethi
sfun.

Goodt
hingtheygotal
ongwi
thmybr o'
s.Thol
ukut
hi
byKi
ll
erpl
ayedandweallwentcr
azy.

Wewer edr
unk.Wedancedandpeopl
ewer
elooki
ng
atuscheer
ing.Iguesswewer
edanci
ngGr
eat.

Wedancedthewhol
enightandi
twasti
metogo
peopl
edi
dn'
twantustogosincet
heywere
enj
oyi
ngourcompany.

Chumani:"
hai
boasi
ngobal
aphakl
kguyssi
suke
Jozit
hina.
"
-wearenotfr
om her
ewecomebackf
rom
Johannesbur
g.

Weal
llaughedbutst
ayedf
oral
it
tl
ebi
toft
ime.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Li
yema
Wegothomeintheear
lyhoursaf
terhavi
ngf
un
wi
thmysist
erandherfr
iends.

Theywer
espendingthousandsli
keit
'sthei
rlast
dayonEart
h.Ri
chkids.Buttheyarecool.

Weal
lwokeupat3pm.
Oledi:
"whynivukangokuzangenavukangal
ama
xetshaxaniphumile.
"
-
whyareyouwaki
ngupnowyouneverwokeupat
t
hist
imewhenyouout
.

Thewhol
efamil
ywassi
tt
ingatt
hef
ront
.Aunt
s,
uncl
e'
skwant
o.

Ave:
"mfondi
nii
besi
sel
ibot
tl
ezomat
housandr
and
zol
o."
-
wedr
ankbot
tl
eswor
tht
housandr
and.

Aunt
:"
beni
ne6kumkakwenunj
ena.
"
-
youhad6kwhenyoul
efther
e.

Us:
"yeahsadi
bananoRhadebenoEyodwapha.
"
-
wemetRhadebeandEyodwat
her
e.
Them:
"Eyodwa!
!"

Theywer
eal
lshocked.

Us:"
yeahr
haazaspendaezayasit
hesisakuphi
EyodwasaqaywangeRedLable.Sibesi
yqel
elephi
."
-
yes.Theyspendalotofmoneywewereaboutt
o
takeEyodwaoutbutt
heygaveusRedLabl
e.We
don'tevenknowi
t.

Weal
llaughed.

Mom:
"EyodwaseJozimoc.
"

Us:
"l
ate.
"

Nt
sika:
"t
heyar
eher
etocel
ebr
atet
hem passi
ng.
"
Weal
llaughed.

Ntando:
"f
unekendibeclosenezayai
zol
onxi
le
ndangazazinobabelekwengubani.
"
-
imustbeclosewit
hthem yest
erdayIgotdrunkt
o
t
hepointwhereIdi
dn'
tknowwhogavebi rt
ht ome.

Mom:
"v'
tsek"

Wel
aughed.

Mom:
"heeo'
Eyodwabahambicl
ub.
"

Uncl
e:"
funekesi
bizimeet
ingsi
s."

Ave:
"asi
fuzomamel
aTr
ickyBaby.
"
Wecr
ackedi
ntol
augher
.

Me:
"andke.
"

Mom:"xaninot
hibeniselingangegr
ocer
yforbot
tl
e
enyephoffkuri
chkaPl aatj
ies.
"
-
whenyousayyouspentgrocer
ymoneyonone
bot
tl
e.ThePl
aat
ji
esareri
ch.

Weal
llaughed.

Uncl
e²:
"i
phiMal
iyayizol
o."
-
wher
eisyest
erday'
smoney.

It
ooki
tout
.Wel
aughed.
Ntando:"
bat
hebakweyi
phiGuest
houseo'
Tri
cky
Baby."
-
whi
chguest
housei
sTr
ickyBabyusi
ng.

Us:
"Tr
ickyBaby.
"

Weal
llaughed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
29
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Wewer einthecargoi
ngtot
heGuest
house.
Nt
lakaniphowasdrivi
ng.

Ndoni
:"
yoohaaguysaa.
"

Wewer
edr
unk.

Sekani
:"
nton'
?"
-
what?

Her
:"
yooohaa.
"
Sheshookherheadwelaughedather
.It
ookher
cameraandtookavi
deoofher.

Sekani
:"
yaziamacher
ryAyat
handuci
fanba
zi
ngabolaway."
-
gir
lsl
iket
othi
nki
t'
sal
waysaboutt
hem.

Hecr
iedhai
bo.Ndonial
socr
ied.

Me:
"whyyou2cr
ying?
"

Sekani
:"
Phi
webr
a."

Ndoni
:"
khal
elibest
ieyam.
"
-
i'
m cr
yingf
ormybest
ie
Wealllaughed.Theywerehuggi
ngeachot
her
t
ight
ly.Wegott otheGuest
house.

-
weekl
ater
-
School
sareopenednow.Ndoni
'
sfami
lyi
snotback
yetandthedi
nneri
stommorow.

Seemsl
ikeeveryoneIexci
ted.Ooho'Aphi
weare
nowint
hefostercare.Mymot hert
ookthem i
n.

Andt
heyar
egoi
ngt
oaschoolnearour
.

Ni
zi:
"doesshehaveanyal
ler
gies?
"

Shewasmakingali
stofwhattobuytoday.Iwas
maki
ngbreakf
astf
orthewholefami
ly.

Me:
"aawhyar
eyouexci
ted?
"
Ni
zi:"
sozeuyiget
.endam t
handal
amt
hanashei
s
f
ullofli
fe.
"

Ismi
ledandnodded.

Me:
"gr
eatt
hingt
hatyoul
oveher
."

Her
:"
babendi
ngam t
handi
?"
-
ifIdi
sli
kedher?

Me:
"buzomnt
andangenkanikl
kgi
rl
."
-
youwer
egoi
ngt
oloveherf
orcef
ull
y.

Shestar
tedbeat
ingmeupwi
tht
hecl
oth.We
l
aughed.
Me:
"yoohkodwamama.
"

Isai
dfi
xingmysel
f.

Her
:"
v't
sekumbinobambi
."
-
youevenugl
y.

:
"Hai
bot
hatmeansNam ndi
mbikl
k."
-
not
hatmeansI
'
m al
sougl
y.

Wel
ookedupi
twasSi
ya.Wel
aughed.

Me:
"uyakuqel
atai
ma.
"
-
shei
sshi
tt
ingwi
thyoudad.

Hecamet
ost
andnextt
ome.
Him:
"yabosaf
anaxauthiumbit
hatmeansnam
ndi
mbiakandit
handimamakhoChumani.
"
-
youseewel
ookthesamewhenyoysayhi sugl
y..
.
I
'
m al
sougl
yyourmotherdoesn'
tlovemeChumani.

Mymom wasdeadwi
thl
augher
.Weal
sol
aughed.

Ni
zi:
"kl
kyenaumbinotwenat
atakhe.
"
-
hei
sugl
ynotyou.

Ihel
dmychest
.Theyl
aughed.

Me:"
suthi
ndi
mbindondwaqukanomnyeniwakho
mfazi
."
-
don'
tsayI
'
m ugl
yal
onei
nvol
veyourhusbandt
o.

Wel
aughed.
Si
ya:
"haihaikwedi
ni.
"

Me:
"mxm kamephonemt
uwam.
"
-
letmecal
lmygi
rl
fr
iend.

Itookoutmyphone.Act
ual
lyi
t'
sher
'sweswi
ped
cell
phones.

Ni
zi:
"Hai
bosoyphoneyakhol
eyo.
"
-
that
'
snotyourcel
lphone.

Inodded.

Me:
"yeahyakhaEyodwaeyam i
khuye.
"
-
it
sEyodwa'
smi
nei
sbyher
.

Theyl
ookedatmeshocked.Il
aughed.
Si
ya:
"t
rustandi
nsecur
it
ies?
"

Ishookmyhead.

Me:"
nje.Wetrusteachotherkl
kthinaandIhave
not
hingtohide.Sheknowseverythingaboutme
andIalsoknoweverythi
ngabouther .
"

Theynoddedst
il
lshocked.Il
aughed.

Siya:
"l
et'
sswit
chphonesbabyasi
nokoqi
thwa
ngabanthwana.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"SanubanoMonaguys.
"
-
don'
tbej
eal
ous.
Welaughed.Theybot
hcamet oki
ssmycheeks.
Zat
handaundenzamnt anaezi
.

Me:
"I
'm notachi
ldhai
bo.
"

Isai
dlaughi
ng.

Them:
"youwi
llal
waysbeourchi
ld.
"

Ismi
ledf
ini
shi
ngofbr
eakf
ast
.Il
ovemypar
ent
s.

Me:
"ndani
thandake.
"
-
iloveyou.

Youmusttel
lyourpar
entsthatyoulovet
hem.You
neverknowwhatthef
utur
ehol ds.
Them:
"wel
oveyout
oo.
"

Ihuggedthem bef
oresetti
ngupt het
abl
e.Thet
wins
camedown.Weat ebr eakf
astandthanwewentto
schoolourpar
entstookust oschool
.

Itwasfunridebondi
ngwit
hmyf amil
y.Igott
oour
usualspotandtheywer
ealreadyther
e.

Ibr
ohuggedmybr
o'sandki
ssedTheFl
owerOfMy
Heart
.

Me:
"homewor
k?"

Idi
dn'
tdomyhomewor
k.Todayi
t'
sWednesday.

Ndoni
:"
Afr
ikaansor
al.Engl
ishAssay.
..
"
Us:
"Assay.
"

Shenoddedbusywi
thherl
apt
op.

Kel
vin:
"Assayyant
oni?
"

Her
:"
Tomaket
hewor
ldabet
terpl
ace.
"

Shel
aughed.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"mi
zuzut
az.
"

West
ret
chedourheads.

Her
:"
justj
oki
ngngenangomso.
"
-
theduedat
eist
omor
row.
Wel
ookedather
.Shel
aughed.

Her
:"
zanobonayekubasour
."
-
comeandseeandst
opbei
ngsour

Wewenttolookatthel
apt
opshewasl
ooki
ngatt
he
pi
ctur
esofourhol
iday.

Likemajit
abekumnandiikl
ehol
ide.Ineverhadso
muchf un.Wedidl
otsofthi
ngstogether
.Wentto
therest
aurantont
opofthetabl
emount ai
n.

Wedi
dever
yact
ivi
tythere.Shewasshowi
ngusal
l
t
hememori
eswecreatedinCapeTown.

Thesl
ipewasgr
eat
.
Kel
vin:
"can'
tbel
ieveyouact
ual
lycr
iedt
hatday.
"

Welaughed.Shewasshowi
ngust
hevi
deoaf
terwe
gotbackfr
om thecl
ub.

Sekani
:"
manpl
ayi
ngl
it
tl
ecar
s."

Wewerewat
chi
ngusdoi
ngdumpercar
s.We
l
aughed.

Sheshowedusal
lthepi
ctur
esandvi
deos.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"zust
humel
eke.
"
-
sendt
hem t
ous.

Her
:"
donecheckonyourWhat
sApp.
"
Theyallcheckedt
hei
rWhatsApp.Itookmyphone
fr
om herandchecked.Shesental
lofthem.

Kel
vin:
"yoohst
orage.
"

Wecrackedint
olaugher
.Thebellrangwewentto
ourcl
asses.WewereintheAfr
ikaansclassnow
meaningwehavetodoOr al
.

Ididn'
tprepareforit.Andwehavetotal
kaboutour
holi
dayeasyt opic.Butyoumusthavea
present
ation.

Ididn'
tevenknow.Iwilldominetommor
ow.Itwas
Eyodwa'sturnaft
erherit'
sSekani
.Wear
eitgoi
ng
Alphabet
icalor
der.

Sekani
:"
ma'am whati
fwewentt
othesamehol
iday
wit
htheotherst
udent
s?"
Juf
.DuPr
eez:
"whatdoyoumean.
"

Sekani:
"Mev.Ek,
Plaat
ji
es,Kel
vinenMsLanga
Saam Kaaptoegegaan,hetonsdiehel
eweeksaam
deurgebri
ng.
"
-Ma'
am me,
Plaatj
ies,
Kel
vinandMs.Langawentto
capeTowntoget
her.Wespentt
hewholeweekther
e.

Cl
ass:
"mmmh.
"

Wel
aughed.

Ma'
am:
"j
ymoetj
ouvakansi
eondermekaarver
deel
"
-
youcandi
videyourhol
idayamongyour
sel
ves.

Kel
vin:
"can'twedot
hepresentat
ionallt
ogetheri
t
wil
lbeboringifwewi
llbetal
kingaboutthesame
t
hingbutonebyone.
"

Ma'
am:
"No.Langacame.
"

Us:
"mxm awumbi
."
-
youugl
y.

Theclassl
aughed.Eyodwawentther
ewithher
l
aptopsheconnecteditatt
hepr
oject
or.

Iwasmaki
ngf
unnyf
acesl
ooki
ngather
.

Her
:"
Myvakansi
e.Ihetgewent
..
."

Thecl
ass:
"huh?Ut
hiniel
abor
ate.
"

Weal
lcr
ackedi
ntol
augher
.Shewasi
ntear
s.
Ma'
am:
"st
opl
aughi
ng.
"

Ndoni
:"
ma'
am Ican'
tdot
hisanymor
e."

Us:
"heebenidyol
akant
i?"
-
youwer
edat
ing.

Me:
"masi
m Bet
heyandidyol
ela.
"
-
let
'sbeathershei
scheat
ingonme.

Weal
llaughed.Thet
eacherwaspi
ssed.

Ndoni:
"Mevrou,ekkanni evoort
gaanni
e,diekl
as
l
aatmyl ag.VeralChumanimaakhysnaakse
gesi
gte,om ni
et evergeetdatekmyaanbiedi
ng
saam methulleoefennie."
-
ma'
am Ican'
tcont
inuet
hecl
assi
smaki
ngme
l
augh.Especi
all
yChumanihei
smaki ngfunnyf
aces,
nottof
orgett
hatIpr
act
icemypresentat
ionwit
h
them.

Shesai
dlaughi
ng.Thebel
lrang.

Ma'am:"
tommorowIwantmypr esent
ati
onyoucan
doitt
ogether
.Andatbreakt
imeyoumustallcome
andfet
chyourdemeri
ts."

Us:
"Andi
zi.
"
-
i'
m notcomi
ng.

Sai
dthewhol
ecl
assmaki
ngi
t'
swayoutl
aughi
ng.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Nkanyezi
It
'sbeenqui
etal
ongtime.Wel
lmeandUvuyoar
e
sti
llatt
hesameschool
.

Wedeci
dedtostar
tbehavi
ngnow.Butt
hatdoesn'
t
meanwestoppedswipi
ng.

Itwasbr eakti
menowandIwassi t
ti
ngwi
thmy
boyfri
end.Hisingrade10.West
art
eddat
ingon
Valenti
ne'sdaythi
syear.

Cr
aig(
hiswhi
te)
:"
sorryf
ordumpingyoul
astt
ime.
Pr
essurewasgett
ingoverme.
"

Inodded.
Me:
"i
t'
sfi
neI
'
m overt
hat
."

Hesmi
led.Hehasabeaut
if
ulsmi
le.Ibl
ushed.

Hi
m:"pr
omisemewewillneverbr
eakupagai
n.I
wantustogr
owol
dtogether.
"

Me:
"Ipr
omi
se.
"

Hehuggedandgavemeapeck.

Hi
m:"
Iloveyouokay.
"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"

Hi
m:"
howdoyousayi
tinyourl
anguage.
"
Welaughed.Ever
yti
mewear etoget
herheal
ways
wantstol
earnisi
Xhosa.Butt
hat'
snotal
lwetal
k
about
.

Me:
"Ndi
..
"

Hi
m:"
Ndi
..
"

Me:
"yaku.
."

Hi
m:"
yaku.
."

Me:
"Thanda.
"

Hi
m:"
Thanda.
"

Wel
aughedbef
oreki
ssi
ng.
Hi
m:"
Ndi
yakut
handa.
"

Hewasst
raggl
ingbutIf
oundi
tcut
e.Ismi
ledat
hi
m.

Me:
"ndakut
handanam.
"

Hesmil
ed.Weki
ssedagai
n.Weheardnoi
se.We
l
ookedwerei
twascomingfr
om t
her
ewasacircl
e.

Cr
aig:
"iwonderwhat
'shappeni
ngnow.Ihat
ebei
ng
RCL."

Westoodupandwenttheremybrotherwas
f
ight
ingwi
thagrade12learner
.Ubani?

Iwentt
obeatt
hel
eavi
ngshi
toutofhi
m.Webeat
hi
m upwithtwin.Peopl
ewer
etr
yingt
obr
eakus
apar
tbutcouldn'
t.

Wejustf
ought.MeandUvuyoal
waysf
ighteach
ot
her'
sbatt
lesthat
showweare.

Cr
aig:
"babyt
hesci
ssor
s."

Iguesshewastol
atecausethatboyhadalr
eady
stabbedmeonmyarm.Iscreamedinpain.Crai
g
camet ol
ookatmyarm.

Uvuyowasal
sobleedi
ngonhi
sthi
ghandhi
s
gi
rl
fri
endwasal
readywit
hhi
m.

Icri
edcauseIwasi
npain.Crai
gpickedmeupi
n
bri
dalst
yleandwewenttotheoff
ice.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
30
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Uvuyo
Iwasfi
ght
ingwi
thPhuml
anibecausewebett
ed.
Ourt
eam wonandhedi
dn'
twanttogiveusour
money.

Iknowviolencei
snott
heanswerbutnguyeondi
nxanyi
leyo.

ThankGodNkanyezigottomeont i
me.Ifi
twasn'
t
forherPhuml
aniwasgoingtobeattheshi
toutof
me.

Buthest
abbedme.Iwassti
lll
ooki
ngatmyt hi
gh
whenhestabbedmysi
ster
.Icoul
dn'tevenwar
nher
.

ThankGodherex,It
hink,
Craigtookher.Fef
e,t
hat
's
mygirl
fr
iend'
sni
ckname,helpedmeSt andup.

Me:
"bet
terpr
aymyf
atherget
sher
einagoodmood
orhel
lwil
lbreakloose.I
twasgoingtobegreatf
or
youwhenitwasmebutyoual sostabbedmydad's
pri
ncessgoodluck.Youwil
lregrett
hedayyour
motheropenedherlegs.
"

Everyonegasped.Hewasscaredl
ooki
ngatthe
sci
ssors.OfcourseIwaslyi
ngwhenIsai
ditwas
goingtobebetteri
fitwasme.

Myf at
her
swasgoingtodowor
seifitwasmealone
ei
therway.Fef
ehel
pedmeWalktotheoffi
ce.

Thet
eacher
swer
eal
lpaci
ngupanddown.

Pri
ncipal
:"
hewasal
sostabbedyoupl
easesi
tdown
sothatMr.Geor
gecanalsohel
pyou.
"

Isatdown.
Deput
y:"
yourpar
ent
sar
eont
hei
rway.
"

MyTeacher
:"
wer
eist
hatboyt
hatst
abbedyou?
"

Cr
aig:
"st
il
lout
sidema'
am.
"

Princi
pal:
"comewi
thhi
m.Thepol
icear
eal
soon
theirway.
"

Cr
aignoddedbef
orewal
kingout
.

Pr
inci
pal
:"
Izi
mfef
eyoucanbeexcused.
"

Shewal
kedout
.Cr
aigcamebackwi
tht
hewor
ri
ed
Phuml
aninow.

Deputy:
"Mr
.Tom I
'
m af
rai
dbutwehadt
ocal
lthe
pol
ice."
Heburi
edhi
sheadinhishands.Thepol
icewal
ked
i
n.Thanhi
spar
entsthanours.

Si
ya:
"i
phil
onj
a?"
-
wher
eist
hatdog?

Hechar
gedt
owar
dshi
m butt
hepol
icest
oppedhi
m.

Pol
ice:
"Mr
.Pl
aat
ji
eswewi
llhandl
ethi
s."

Si
yagavehi
m adeadst
are.

Pri
ncipal
:"
Crai
gcanyoupl
easet
elluswhat
happened."

Crai
g:"
Iwassi
tt
ingwi
thSt
aront
hebenchesnear
thef
iel
d..
..
"
Us:
"whoi
sSt
ar?
"

Hejustr
eal
izednowthathecall
edNkanyezi
bystar
.
Whenyoutransl
ateNkanyezii
nEngl
ishi
t'
sStar
.

Myf
atherl
ookedathi
m andNkanyezi
.Ichuckl
ed.

Crai
g:"oohsorryit
sMs.Plaatjies.Wehear danoi se
andsinceIwasondut yIhadt ogoandcheck
what'sgoingon.Star.
..
ImeanMs.Pl aatj
ies
accompani edme.Wegott hereandMr .Plaatj
ies
wasf i
ghti
ngwi thMr.Tom.St arhelpedMr .Plaat
jies
wet r
iedgetti
ngthem apartbutcouldn't
.Mr .Tom
tookouthisscissorsandstabbedt hem."

Si
yaandNizi
:"
boywebet
termeetupaf
tert
his
meet
ing.
"
Weal
lChuckl
ed.

Pol
ice:
"butwhywoul
dyouf
ight
."

Me:"
webettedandourt
eam won.Hedi
dn'
twantt
o
gi
veusourmoneyandhestrangl
edme.Wefought
kengoku.
"

Si
ya:"
hehastobear
rest
edbef
oreItakethel
awinto
myhandsandoohboyyouwil
lregr
etthedayyou
werebor
n."

MrTom:
"whoar
eyout
othr
eat
enmyson.
"

Si
yaandNi
zi:
"Fi
rstbor
nkaSat
ana.
"

Theygasped.WhatIhaver
eal
izedi
sthatwhenever
theyt
hreat
ensomeone.TheSandFal waysst
and
out
.

Pol
ice:
"Mr
.Pl
aat
ji
esst
opmaki
ngt
hreat
's.
"

Ni
zi:
"Mr
.Tom don'
tyouhave3daught
ers?
"

Mr
.Tom:
"3daught
ers?
"

Theywer
eal
llost
.

Nizi
:"
yeaht
her
ear
e3youngl
adi
est
hatl
ooksl
ike
you.
"

Wewer eal
llostkengoku.Ni
zigavehi
m her
busi
nesscard.

Ni
zi:
"cal
lme.
"
Si
ya:
"haimni
keEl
ilam.
"
-
givehi
m mi
ne.

Wel
aughed.

Ni
zi:
"Idi
d."

Theyarr
estedPhumlani
.WegothomeandChumani
wasrest
ingonthecouchpl
ayi
ngFIFA.

Ni
zi:
"Chumaniawukat
shi
ntshinot
shi
ntsha.
"
-
Chumaniyouhaven'
tevenchanged.

Chumani
:"
yekamnaandt
hanNi
nat
henibr
ukhwe
nehempe.
"
-
leavemewhathappenedt
oyourt
rouser
sandshi
rt
.
Ni
zi:
"hl
atyi
we.
"
-
theywer
est
abbed.

Hi
seyeswi
dened.

Hi
m:"
banil
okaka.
"
-
whowasi
t?

Si
ya:
"don'
twor
ryIhavegott
hingsundercont
rol
."

Hewi
nkedathi
m.Henodded.

Si
ya:"
masiqi
thekl
eyokaygcophi
sel
ekaSt
ar
pr
incess.
"
-
let
'spasst
hatone,
tel
lusaboutSt
arpr
incess.
Weal
llaughed.

Chumani
:"
baniSt
ar?
"
-
whoi
sSt
ar?

Ni
zi:
"nguye.Laowyakhembi
zangoSt
ar.
"
-
it
sher
.Thatboyf
ri
endofher
scal
lsherSt
ar.

Si
ya:
"l
ibul
unor
h."
-
hisawhi
te.

Chumani
:"
tsimadoda.
"

Wealll
ookedatNkanyezishewasbusyonher
phonesmil
ing.Wel
aughedather.

Nkanyezi
:"
bestf
ri
endyam t
ata.
"
Wel
ookedatherandl
aughed.

Me:
"f
undugr
dbanil
achap?
"
-
whi
chgr
adei
shei
n?

Iknowwhi
chgr
adehei
sinbutIj
ustwantt
ocause
adrif
t.

T.
O:"
ee.
"

Nkanyezi
:"
andi
mazi
i.
"
-
idon'
tknow.

Wel
aughedl
ooki
ngather
.

Chumani
:"
grd11?
"
Ishookmyhead.

Ni
zi:
"makal
ahl
wer
haamdal
anaknobhut
t'wakho.
"
-
hemustbedumpedhi
sol
dert
hanyourbr
other
.

Chumani
:"
ewe.
"

Si
ya:
"butut
heyi
BestFr
iend.
"

Nkanyezi
:"
tel
lthem daddy.
"

Me:
"haykeSt
arkaCr
aigt
heRCLmember
."

Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
yat
shokuFef
e."
-
youwi
llsayt
hatt
oFef
e.

Theyal
llookedatme.

Me:
"masidl
alebhut
t'
."
-
let
'spl
aybr
other
.

Theyl
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Wealldi
dourpresentat
iont
hefoll
owi
ngday.Iwas
basi
cal
lytheonedoingever
ythi
ng.
Itol
dt hem whattosayandall.Ever
yonelovedour
presentat
ion.Someoneclappedwel ookedatthe
door.

Thepr
inci
palwasst
andi
ngt
her
ewi
tht
hedeput
y.

Pri
ncipal
:"
whatagr
eatpr
esent
ati
on.I
'
m sur
eyou
hadfun."

Us:
"wedi
dsi
r.
"

Theynodded.

Deput
y:"
Ijusthopet
hatt
heygotf
ullmar
ks.
"

Mev.DuPr
eez:
"t
heydi
d."
Wesmi l
edl ooki
ngatthem.Everyoneseemedto
haveenjoyeditcausetheywereallhappyl
ooki
ngat
ourpi
ctures.

I
twasnowbr
eakt
imewer
esi
tt
ingi
nourusualspot
.

Chumani
:"
sti
llcomi
ngt oni
ght?Mymot
herdi
dn'
t
evengot
owor kbecauseofthi
s."

Me:
"Iam.Iwi
llcomeat4i
fnot5pm.
"

Theynodded.

Sekani
:"
seemsl
ikeever
yonecan'
twai
ttoseeyou.
"

Nt
lakani
pho:
"I
'mj
ustwai
ti
ngf
ort
hechal
lenge.
"

Wel
aughed.
Me:"
Idon'
tthi
nkIwil
lwi
nhey.I
'm st
il
lnewi
nthi
s
dr
ivi
ngthi
ng.Andit
'saf
ri
endl
ygame. "

Chumani
:"
Kel
vindoyoust
il
lhaveyourDr
one?
"

Kel
vin:
"st
il
lthi
nki
ngofwer
eIpl
acedi
t.
"

Ntl
akani
pho:
"si
zot
hengenyebaayi
khoakho
smoko."
-
wewi
llbuyanewonet
hant
her
eisnopr
obl
em.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"whyar
eyoual
lexci
ted?
"

Chumani:
"youragreatdr
ivermymot
heri
sal
soa
gr
eatdr
iverwejustwanttoseewhoist
he
gr
eat
est
."

Ishookmyheadandweal
llaughed.

Itwasnowtimetogothere.Iwasweari
ngacheck
yell
owshi
rtwit
hayell
owvest ,myBlackj
eanj
acket
withmyblackankl
eadidastakki
e.

Ist
yledmyAfroinaFrontPuf
fst
yle.Iswi
tchedon
al
ltheli
ght
sinthehouse.

Lockedal
lthedoor
sandswit
chedontheal
arm
befor
egoi
ngt omymother
'sCi
tiGol
f.

Il
ovethiscar
.Anditl
ooksgr
eat.Theyhaven'
tcame
back.Theywil
lcomebackonSaturday.

Idr
ovet
her
ejammi
ngonSj
ava'
ssongs.Il
ovehi
s
musi
c.Igott
her
eandt
her
ewer
emanycar
sout
side.

Wow.Neverseenbil
li
onsofdoll
arsinonepl
acet
he
housel
ooksgreatt
hecarsscream Money.

Ican'
twai
ttoownmyownexpensi
vecar
.

Igotoutofthecarhol
dingmyphone.I
'
M nota
purseperson.Ther
ewereki
dsplayi
ngout
side.Gi
rl
s
andboys.

Ther
ewasal
soadog.Ihat
edogssi
nceKel
vin'
sat
e
mymeat.

Me:
"cel
ani
that
hel
enj
ayenu.
"
-
canyoupl
easet
akeyourdog.

Mf
ondi
niIwasal
sowear
ingaski
rtwhati
fitbi
tsme.
Ican'
tri
ski
t.Theyl
aughedl
ooki
ngatme.

Boyl
ooki
ngl
ikeChumani
:"
gqi
thaayil
umi
."
-
passi
tdoesn'
tnotbi
te.

Anot
hergi
rl
:"
haisubi
ziGamal
am.
"
-
nodon'
tcal
lmyname.

Wel
aughedt
heseki
ds.

Me:"
aamarnguystaket
hisdogawayIpr
omiseI
wi
llt
akeyououtt
ommor owndini
seDi
sneyl
and.
"

Weal
lbur
sti
ntol
augher
.

Anot
herboyi
fnotgi
rll
ooki
ngl
ikeChumani
:"
youf
ull
ofj
oke'
s.
"
Wel
aughed.

Me:
"yi
str
uifIgetbi
tt
enndi
zonikabanonke.
"
-
iwi
llki
ckyoual
l.

Boyf
rom Sekani
'
shouse:
"asibani
ntsi
."
-
wear
eal
ot.

Me:
"mxm kani
yekeniPowerRanger
sni
that
hel
enj
a."
-
stopi
tPowerRanger
sandt
aket
hisdog.

Weal
llaughed.

Anothergi
rl
:"
Iwi
llhol
dthedogf
oryou,
youmay
pass."
Me:"yabonawenaIwi
llfi
ndyout
heBestboyf
ri
end
everyist
rundakt
hembisa."
-
ipr
omi
seyou.

Theylaughed.Ir
antothehousecal
li
ngRhadebe.I
foundhimlaughi
nginthehouse.Ij
umpedontopof
him.Breat
hingheavi
ly.

Ever
yonewasl
aughi
ngi
nsi
det
hehouse.

:
"Hai
bout
heni
i.
"
-
what
'
swr
ong?

Me:"
isn'
tityourkids.It
ri
edever
ythi
ngbutt
hey
di
dn'twanttoholdt hedogbutt
hanali
tt
lecut
e
pr
incessheldit.
"

Theyl
aughed.Ist
ooduppr
oper
ly.
Me:"oohwher
ear
emymanner
sI'
m Eyodwandoni
Langa."

Isai
dsmi
li
nggenui
nel
y.Theyal
sosmi
led.

Chumani'
sfat
her
:"
I'
M Si
yamt
handaChumani
'
s
fat
her
."

Inodded.Theyal
lint
roducedt
hemsel
ves.Ikept
noddi
ngsmi l
ing.

Me:
"ni
cet
omeetyou'
l
l.
"

Them:
"ni
cet
ofi
nal
lymeetyout
oo.
"

Lethabo:
"oohIhaven'
tfor
got
tenaboutmymedi
cal
bil
l.
"
Weal
llaughed.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"t
chi
ini
iol
edisel
apho.
"
-
youst
il
lther
e?

Cage:
"ungunopat
azanakwedi
niv'
tsek.
"

Weal
llaughed.

TT:"
kaniyekenyanam.Iwantt
owat
cht
he
chal
lenge."
-
let
'swai
twi
thmyson.

Ni
zi:
"Lemmegof
etcht
heGTI
'
scarkeys.
"

Chumani
:"
babywhi
chcarwi
l
lyouuse.
"
Me:
"myCi
tiGol
fwi
llbef
ine.
"

Them:"ar
eyousur
edon'
tyouwantaspor
tscar
outsi
de."

Igi
ggl
edshaki
ngmyhead.TheyChuckl
ed.we
wal
kedout
.Kelvi
nswi
tchedonhi
sdrone.

Theyconnectedi
tonthelapt
opsot
hatt
heycan
watch.Westoodinposi
ti
on.

Wet ookof
f.Wewer er
aci
ngar
oundSandt
onnot
car
ingaboutanyt
hing.

Fuckshei
saf astdr
iver
.Icoul
dn'
tgetpassedher
weweredri
vingonthesamepace.
Imanagedt ogetfast
erthanheraswewer egett
ing
closebacktothehouse.Butmyf ootsl
ippedfrom
theacceler
ator
.Shemanagedt ogetpassedme
biping.

Fuck.Igott
othehouse1secondbehindher
.She
wasjumpingupanddown.Igotout.

Siya:
"Eyodwabeni
kut
hembi
lenj
anindi
bej
il
e
beworsebusewuwin.
a."
-
EyodwaItr
ust
edyou.howcome?Ibetandyou
wer
egoingtowi
n.

Me:
"myfootsli
ppedf
rom t
heaccel
erat
orpl
usshe
i
sagreatdr
iver.
"

Ni
zisi
dehuggedme.Theyl
aughed.West
ayedi
n
t
hatposi
ti
on.
Sekani:
"t
hemot heri
nlawanddaught
eri
nlaw
chal
lengeisbuzzingi
nsoci
almedia.
"

Iguesst
heywer
eli
veonsoci
almedi
a.

Kel
vin:
"don'
tmovest
ayi
nthatposi
ti
on.
"

Theyt
ookapi
ctur
eofus.

Mi
ke:
"Yonant
onat
handuf
otemakwedi
ni.
"
-
youl
iket
aki
ngpi
ctur
es.

Welaughed.Iwassur
pri
sedt
hatKel
vin'
sfat
her
coul
dspeakisi
Xhosa.

Us:
"t
ch.
"
Ni
ziki
ssedmycheek.

Her
:"
let
'sgof
ini
shofDi
nner
."

Chumani:
"hai
bomamaundit
hat
hel
icher
ryyam
ngoku.
"
-
yout
aki
ngmygi
rl
fr
iendnow.

Weal
llaughed.

Ni
zi:
"mxm.
"

Shepull
edmewewentt ot
heki
tchenIst
art
ed
hel
pingherwi
thdi
nner
.

Me:"yaziIt
houghtyouwereoneofthose
housewife'
sthatcan'
tevencookordoathi
ngsi
nce
yourhusbandhasmi l
li
ons."
Shegi
ggl
ed.

Her:
"Healwaysnagsaboutmebei
ngahousewife
butneeIbel
ievei
nbeingmyownindependent
woman."

Inoddedsmi
li
ngl
ooki
ngather
.

Her:
"Ial
sowantt
oseeyougr
aduat
ingoneday
Eyodwa."

Me:"Iwil
lgraduat
eandbeabusi nesswomanto
don'tworr
y.Idon'tbel
ievei
nbeingahousewi
feI
bel
ieveinhavingmyownweal th."

Her
:"
Greattoheart
hat
.Causeyouneverknowwhat
t
oexpect.
"
Inodded.

Her:
"Isti
llcan'
tbel
ievet
hatyouandChumaniare
t
hisclosewhenyouusedt obeineachother
's
t
hroats.
"

Webot
hlaughed.

Me:
"nt
ozokhul
a."
-
wegr
owup.

Her
:"
andyousoi
nlovewi
theachot
her
.Iti
svi
sibl
e
i
nyoureyest
oosee.
"

Ismil
ed.Shehuggedmeandthanki
ssedmy
for
ehead.Il
ovethi
swomanguyshai
bo.
Wefinishedcooki
ngwhi
lewer
echat
tingand
l
aughing.Ienj
oyedmyti
mewithher
.nocap.

Wesetupthet
abl
eout
sidesi
ncei
t'
sbi
ggert
hant
he
onei
nside.

Whenweredonewecal
ledever
yone.Theki
dswer
e
eat
ingi
nthei
nplayr
oom.Everyonecameandsat
down.

Ayol
a:"
Sekanipr
ay.
"

Sekani
:"
hai
nool
edi
."

Wel
aughed.Heendeduppr
ayi
ngsul
kingashewas.
Weal
lst
artedeat
ing.

Si
ya:
"whyni
ngat
yini
ni.
"
-
whyai
n'tyoueat
ing.

Hewastal
kingaboutmybr
o's.Theyweresi
tt
ing
besi
desme.Iwasinthemi
ddleasalways.

Theyl
ookedatme.

Me:
"namhl
azaumt
ukanj
ani
i.
"
-
youl
ikehumi
li
ati
ngaper
son.

Theylaughed.Istoodup.Everyonewasl ost
.They
werejustsmil
ing.Iwanttothekitchenandtookone
ofNizi
'sTupperware'
s.

Pour
edinwarm wat erandwalkedoutwit
hacloth
onmyshoulders.Iwaslooki
ngdownal lt
ime.I
wentt
okneelinfrontofChumanifi
rst.
Theol
dDawgs:
"hail
eKaka.
"

Weal
llaughed.

Iwashedhishands.Icouldfeeleyespi erci
ng
throughmyski n.Theywerealllooki
ngatmeI
guess.Andt hi
sdudei ssmil
i
ngl i
kehiscrazy.When
IwasdoneIwashedSekani '
st hanNtlakanipho'
s
thanKelvi
n's.

Si
ya:
"Nam ndaf
una.
"
-
ial
sowantmi
net
obewashed.

Hesai
dasIwasst andi
ngup.Iwashedhi
s.Hewas
smi
li
ng.Il
ookedathim andl
aughed.Hewas
smi
li
ng.Mxm.

T.
O:"
Nat
hi.
"
Chumani
:"
aaGuyst
hat
'smywi
fe.
"

Them:
"gawume.
"
-
wai
t.

Weal ll
aughed.Ibasi
call
ywashedeveryone's
hands.Iwenttoplacethecont
aineri
nside.And
walkedbackout.

TopDawgs:
"Ihopei
nit
hat
het
ipsl
adi
es.
"

Weal
llaughed.

Them:
"hair
haa.I
twasaonceofexper
ience.
"

Weal
llaughed.
Chumani:
"l
if
eti
meexper
iencef
orChumaniOwet
hu
Pl
aatj
ies.
"

Wel
aughedathi
m.Hewaseat
inghi
smeat
.

Si
ya:
"Eyodwa.
"

Me:
"TakaChumani
."

Hi
m:"
Eyodwa.
"

Me:
"TakaChumani
."

Weal
llaughed.

Hi
m:"
Eyodwa.
"
Me:
"RhadebeSeni
or.
"

Weal
llaughed.

Hi
m:"yeahbendif
unalont
oother
wiseij
ustgota
messagefr
om theboxi
ngclubbat
hiuyaqual
if
ya.
"
-
that
'
swhatIwant
ed.
..

Wecrackedintolaugher
.NowIseewher
eChumani
get
shiscrazyness.Iwaseveni
ntear
s.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
31
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Guysmyfamil
yisawholel
otofvi
be.Theymade
Eyodwaf
eelwelcomed.

Ni
zi:
"i
fitwasFr
idayIwasgoi
ngt
okeepyouf
ort
he
whol
eweekend."

Me:
"uzol
alai
t'
stol
atef
orher
."
Them:
"hai
bo.
"

Wewer
esi
tt
ingatt
hel
oungenow.

Me:"Ihaveatr
acksuitpluswear ethesamehei ght
andIhaveapai rofshoesthatIneverwore.It
'snot
evensafeforhertoleavealone.Herfami
lyisin
CapeTown.Books, shewi l
lusemyexam pad. "

Theyal
llaughed.

Thando:
"Iseeyougoti
tal
lfi
gur
edout
."

Ismirkedtheyl
aughedmor e.Weallsatt
her
e
chatt
ingandlaughingbefor
etheywenthome
exceptforNdoniofcourse.
Ni
zi:
"I
'm sotir
ed.EyodwaChumaniwi
llshowyou
t
heGuestr oom."

Il
ookedather
.

Me:
"guestr
oom?
"

Weal
llaughed.

Si
ya:"
asoyisoundpr
oofkel
aroom r
oom yakho
kwedi
ni.
"
-
thatr
oom ofyour
sai
n'tsoundpr
oofboy.

Weal
llaughed.Theywal
kedt
otheel
evat
or.

Ndoni
:"
let
'sgot
osl
eepwehaveanear
lymor
ning
t
omorrow."
Ipul
ledhercl
oset
ome.Wewal
kedupt
hest
air
s.

Me:
"di
dyouenj
oyyour
sel
f.
"

Her:
"enj
oyi
sanunderst
atement.Yourf
ami
lyi
f
cr
azyandavibeatt
hesamet i
me. "

Me:"seeIt
oldyout
hereisnot
hingyoushoul
dwor
ry
about.I
t'
sagreatt
hingyouenj
oyed."

Her
:"
I'
m al
sot
hankf
ult
oyourwel
comi
ngf
ami
ly.
"

Me:
"atl
eastwemeteachot
her
'sf
ami
li
es.
"

Her
:"
yeahandI
'
m sur
etheywi
llal
sogetal
ong.
"

Wegoti
nsi
det
her
oom.
Me:"t
heysurelywi
ll
.Didanyonet
ellyouhow
beauti
fulyouaret
oday."

Her
:"
ever
yonewascompl
iment
ingmear
oundt
he
t
abl
e."

Me:"
mxm.Butyousexyyoushoul
dwearshor
t
ski
rt
sever
yday.
"

Her
:"
evenwhenIgoar
oundt
own.
"

Igaveheradeadst
are.Wewer
eal
readyunder
cover
s.

Me:
"asi
zovana.
"
-
wewon'
tgetal
ong.
Shel
aughed.

Her
:masi
lal
e."
-
let
'ssl
eep.

Itookofherthongsheal
wayswearst
hem when
sheisaroundme.Iboughtt
hem f
orher.Awkward
yeahIknow.Shewaswear i
ngmyoversizetee.

Her
:"
whatt
hef
uck.
"

Me:
"Rhadebemi
lebawo.
"

Shel
aughed.

Me:
"ungangxol
ine.
"
-
don'
tmakeanoi
se.
Ikissedherandenterwithoutwar
ning.Igotnot
ime
forforepl
ay.Shewasal r
eadywetanyway.Shewas
abouttoscream butIshutherwit
haki ss.

Her
:"
brayoumad.
"

Shesai
dmoani
ng.

Me:
"Ihavegotnot
imef
orf
orepl
ayt
odaysor
ry.
"

Shenodded.Wehad3st
eamyr
ounds.

Her
:"
fuck.Thatwasgr
eat
."

Il
aughed.
Me:
"youcan'
tevenr
esi
stRadebenowIsee.
"

Her
:"
mxm l
et'
ssl
eep.
"

Igoti
nsi
deofheragai
n.

Her
:"
mmhChumani
whatt
hef
uck.
"

Me:
"1l
astr
oundpl
easei
thasbeenaweek.
"

Shemoanedlaughi
ng.Wehadanot
herr
ound
bef
oresl
eepi
ngnaked.

Theal
arm whenof
f.

Her
:"
babyvukasot
hatIcanf
ixt
hebed.
"
Shesai
dki
ssi
ngmyl
ips.

Me:
"I
'm up.
"

Weki
ssed.Ist
oodup.

Her
:"
youhaveasexyassbyt
heway.
"

Ishowedhermymi ddl
efi
ngerwel aughed.Iwal
ked
tomyclosetandt
ook2ofmyt racksuit
s.Iwil
lal
so
wearmine.

Itookmypairoft
oughees.Iweart
hem wheni
t'
s
raini
ng.Sot
hatIdon'
tsl
ip.

Igotouthol
dingeveryt
hing.Ipl
acedi
tont
opoft
he
bed.Shewasj ustpl
aci
ngt hepi
ll
ows.
Me:
"l
et'
sgot
akeashower
."

Wewal
kedt
otheshower
.

Her
:"
Iwi
llseeyouonMondaynow.
"

Me:
"Ihat
eweekends.
"

Isulked.Shegiggl
edbef
oreki
ssi
ngmeal
lovermy
face.Iwasgiggli
ngmyassout.

Me:
"I
'mt
heonewhoi
ssupposet
odot
hat
."

Her
:"
butIl
ovedoi
ngi
t.
"

Shegavemeablowjob.Idi
dn'tgetenoughsoI
tur
nedherar
oundandhiti
tfr
om theback.
Wegotdoneandwenttot
heRoom.Wewor
eour
uni
for
m.Iwasabitt
all
ert
hanher
.

Me:
"yeahweshoul
dal
waysbel
iket
his.
"

Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
Ial
sohat
ethef
actwear
ethesamehei
ght
."

Me:
"Iwi
llbet
all
ert
hanyoudon'
twor
ry.
"

Wel
aughed.Igavehermyspar
eRedbatbag.

Her
:"
izampahl
azam.
"
-
givememycl
othes.
Me:
"aazi
yeke.
"
-
leavei
t.

Shenodded.Sheknowsshewon'
twint
heargument
wit
hme.Wewer edoneandwentdownst
air
s.

Webot hwor eaprons.Wemadef

armhouse
breakfast.Theyal
lcamedownasweweresli
cing
thelasttomato.

Nkanyezi
:"
canshest
aywit
huspl
ease.Iwant
anot
hersist
er.I
'
mtir
edofbei
ngt
heonlygi
rl
."

Weal
llaughed.

Us:
"butyouactl
ikeaboy.
"

Eyodwa:
"howdoyousepar
atet
hem ?
"
Us:
"wegotusedt
othem.
"

Eyodwa:
"yooh.
"

Me:
"t
heyevenswi
pet
hemsel
veswhent
heywr
it
e
t
est
s."

Weal
llaughed.Wewer
enoweat
ing.

Ni
zi:
"Ievengott
ir
edofbei
ngcal
ledt
oschoolt
hatI
bl
ockedthei
rnumbers.
"

Webur
sti
ntol
augher
.

Si
ya:
"Ial
wayscal
lChumani
."
Eyodwa:
"whyni
swi
pe?
"

Them:
"I
'm cl
everi
nSS/
Mat
hsandshe/
hei
scl
ever
i
nSS/Maths."

TheySai
datt
hesamet
imef
eedi
ngeachot
her
.We
l
aughed.

Eyodwa:
"zosokol
amf
azinomnyeniwabo.
"
-
hiswi
feandherhusbandwi
llgetahar
dti
me.

Us:
"Cr
aigkaSt
ar.
"

Weal
lbur
sti
ntol
augher

Si
ya:
"bestf
ri
endyakheguys.
"
Nkanyezi
:"
tch.
"

Uvuyo:
"i
yaphuzwanal
e..
.kami
sa.
..Bestf
ri
end.
"
-
thi
s..
.Openup.
..Get
ski
ssen.

Wel
aughed.

Si
ya:
"pr
incess.
"

Her
:"
hei
slyi
ngdaddymommyt
alkt
ohi
m."

Ni
zi:
"Inogoent
er.
"

Shesai
dinanNi
ger
ianaccent
.Wecr
ackedi
nto
l
augher
.

Eyodwa:
"LoL.
"
Wel
aughedmor
e.

Siya:
"j
okesasi
deguysshedi
dn'
twashourhands
today.
"

Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:
"haindi
li
bel
eRadebeSeni
or.
"
-
ifor
got
.

Ni
zi:
"nj
ani
."
-
how?

Me:
"haini
m abuse.
lezol
o."
-
youabusedheryest
erday.
Wel aughed.TheytookNkanyeziandUvuyot
o
schoolafterbi
ddi
nggoodbyet ous.MeandEyodwa
wenttoschoolusingherCit
iGolf.

Me:
"l
et'
sst
artbyt
hegar
agef
orl
unch.
"

Her
:"
ain'
twegoi
ngt
obel
ate.
"

Me:"
mxm wewi
llj
ustsi
ght
hedemer
it
sandgot
o
cl
ass."

Sheshookherheadbef
oregoi
ngt
othegar
age.I
l
aughed.

Me:
"Il
oveyou.
"

Isai
dhol
dinghert
high.
Her
:"
Iloveyout
oo.
"

Wegoti
nandwentt
oSt
eer
s.

Me:
"10r
ibbur
ger
smoc?
"

Her
:"
yeahwewi
llal
lget2each.
"

Wewai
tedf
orouror
derf
or15mi
nut
es.

Her
:"
Iwasaboutt
oor
derr
ibst
oobutt
hebel
ljust
r
ang."

Il
aughedbefor
egivingherapeck.Wedrovet
o
school
.Weplacedthefoodinherbagsi
nceit
's
empty.I
thad1bookr emember.

Asexpect
edwehadt
osi
ghi
n.Wewal
kedt
othe
cl
ass.Laughi
ng.

Teacher
:"
whyar
eyou2l
ate?
"

Us:
"wewokeupl
ate.
"

Thet
eacherl
if
tuphereyebr
ow.

Cl
ass:
"mmh.
"

Us:
"wear
ecousi
ns.
"

Teacher
:"
Isee.
"

Cl
ass:
"t
heydyol
ingskl
k."

Wel
aughed.Thet
eacherwal
kedout
.
Sekani
:"
eeEyodwabel
elemzi
niwakhe.
"
-
yesEyodwawassl
eepi
ngatheri
nlawshouse.

Cl
ass:
"huh.
"

Theyopenedt
hei
reyes.Weal
llaughed.

Ndoni:
"si
yazal
aiyosi
yazal
aiyosi
yazal
aiyo
si
yazal
aiyo."

Shesangsi
tti
ngdown.Wel
aughed.Iwentt
osi
t
nextt
oher.

Khanya:
"whydoesshehaveadi
ff
erentbagand
shoes?"

Wel
aughed
Me:
"yuhaat
het
haniguysni
funant
on'
.
"
-
not
alkguyswhatdoyouwant
?

Cl
ass:
"i
Nyani
."

Us:
"oohbesi
yot
hengil
unchegar
age.
"
-
wewentt
obuyl
unchbyt
hegar
age.

Theysi
deeyedus.

Me:
"yeahandshewassl
eepi
ngwi
thherbestf
ri
end
mysist
er.
"

Weal
llaughed.

Kel
vin:
"weal
lknowNkanyezicuddl
eswi
thher
humant
eddybear
,Uvuyo.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"t
hebot
hoft
hem.
"

Cl
ass:
"t
heydyol
ings.
"

Il
ookedatt
hel
aughi
ngNdoniandgaveherapeck.

Cl
ass:
"Thembaci
misbane.
"
-
Thembaswi
tchoft
hel
ight
s.

Themba:
"mxm v'
tsek.
"

Wel
aughed.
Me:
"hai
bobawoci
masi
benot
yananobaby.
"
-
nomanswitcht
hem ofsot
hatwecanhavesex
wit
hmybaby.

Theyburstint
olaugher
.Ihavegreatcl
assmates
andIonl
yr eal
izenow.Ineverr
eall
ypayedat
tent
ion
tothem.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
32
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
I
twasnowbr
eakit
ookoutt
hef
ood.

Them:
"haiChr
ist
mas.
"

MeandChumanilaughed.Igaveeachoneoft
hem
2bur
ger
s.Ial
sotookmy2bur ger
s.

Me:
"whenl
astdi
dyouseeo'
Aphi
we?
"

Them:
"l
astweek.
"
Kel
vin:
"butwewi
llgot
othem af
terschool
."

Inodded.

Chumani
:"
dyol
a?"

Nt
lakani
pho:
"yah.
"

Kel
vin:
"yah.
"

Sekani
:"
sti
llwai
ti
ng.
"

Chumani
:"
tr
iedchar
mingher?
"

Sekani
:"
olandi
thengener
edr
osesr
haa.Evenne
barone.
"
Us:
"barone?
"

Wecr
ackedi
ntol
augher
.

Sekani
:"
it
sherf avor
it
eworsepartshedoesn'
tlove
materi
alt
hings.Soitwil
lbehar
dt oimpressher.
"

Wel
ookedathi
m shocked.

Him:"
butI
'
m wel
li
ngt
odoanyt
hingf
orher
.Il
ove
hersomuch.
"

Us:
"t
hat
'
sthespi
ri
t.
"

Weal
lbr
ohuggedhi
m.Wel
aughed.

Me:
"t
rustmeuzovumanamhl
anj
e."
Hi
m:"
yahimanagedt
omakehercat
chf
eel
ings.
."

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
ifakavumikl
egamenguNyokonj
ayam
st
rai
ght
."
-
ifshedoesn'
tagr
eet
hani
t'
shermot
herst
rai
ght
.

Webur
stedi
ntol
augher
.

Us:
"hainyani
."

Ntl
akani
pho:
"Osiaskedmetohel
pherf
indher
Fat
herandisai
diwi l
lhel
pher
."

Chumani
:"
soyoual
soneedmyhel
p?"
Henodded.

Kel
vin:
"youwi
llcomewi
thusaf
terschool
."

Chumaninodded.

Chumani:
"butIwon'
tbeabletostayt
her
eforl
ong.I
wil
lbegoi
ngt otheFi
rmtoday."

Theynodded.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"eyodwa?
"

Me:"
iwillhavet
ogot
otown.Ineedt
obuymy
t
oil
etr
ies."
Theynoddedsadl
y.

Me:
:"
iwi
llnextt
imeguys.Iwi
llbet
henegot
iat
e."

Wel
aughed.

I
twasnowaf t
erschool
.Iwentt
otheMal
l.Ibought
mythi
ngs.Iwascravi
ngforf
ri
esandMcFlurry,
soi
wentt
oMcDonald's.

Igott
her
eandt
hel
i
newasl
ongasever
yFr
iday.

:
"Tchi
ninawel
apha.
"
-
youal
soher
e?

Il
ookedbehi
ndandNi
ziwi
tht
het
winswer
eget
ti
ng
i
n.
Me:"
ohmoloMakaChumani
.Bendi
zot
hengif
ri
es
si
nceiwascr
avi
ngfort
hem."

Nizi
:"
yeyidon'
twantt
obeagr
andmaI
'
m st
il
l
young."

Wel
aughed.

Thet
wins:
"yoohmamangobaxa.
"
-
mom wi
thexagger
ati
ng.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"t
ukema.
"

Her:
"goodkewecamet
ofet
chouror
dersi
hambe
ke.
"
-
sot
hatwecango.
Ihuggedal
lofthem.Theytookt
hei
ror
der
sand
walkedout
.Igottot
hefront.

Wai
ter
:"
wel
comet
oMacDonal
dhowcanihel
pyou.
"

Hewassmili
ngdif
fer
entl
ythat
'snotthesmilehe
gi
vesot
hercust
omers.Oram iseei
ngthings.

Me:
"medi
um si
zef
ri
esandOr
eoMacFl
urr
y."

Henoddedsti
llsmi
li
ng,creepy.It
ookmyslipand
wentt
ositdown.Icoul
dfeeleyespier
cingt
hrough
myskin.

Il
ookedar
oundandt
hatdudewasl
ooki
ngatme.
Cr
eepy.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Unknown
Ihavebeenstal
kinghert
hii
swhol
efuckenyear
.
Andtodayisawher .

Iwoul
dhaveapproachedherbutt
herei
sthatst
upi
d
boyshei
sdati
ng.Butihaveaplan.

Iwi
llmar
ryheri
nfr
ontofhi
m.

:
"Mf
anamidi
dyoudr
inkyourpi
ll
s."
Thatwasmot her
.Thedoctor
ssaythatihave
bi
polarbutidon'
tbel
ievet
hem abi
t.

Iknowt hatI
'mfi
ne.Itookmyknif
eandthrowi t
againstthewal
landitlandedont
hatboysface.

Il
aughed
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
33
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Aswewer
ewal
kingwi
tht
hegent
sigotacal
lfr
om
mymom.

Me:
"ol
edi
."

Her
:"
Owet
hu.o'
Osizangebament
iongamal
ikha
mamabo?"
-
haveOsieverment
ionedhermot
her
'sname.
Me:"
wait
..
.Bakhebabament
iongamal
abazal
i
babo?"
-
havet
heyeverment
ionedt
hei
rpar
ent
snames?

Isai
dlooki
ngatmybr
o's.

Ntl
akani
pho:
"yeahDumaTom andFel
ici
a
Vumazonke.
"

Inodded.

Me:
"DumaTom andFel
ici
aVumazonke.
"

Her
:"
okayt
hankyou.
"

Me:
"Whybuza?
"
-
aski
ng?

Her:
"It
hinkif
oundt
heirf
ather.Butiwi
llupdat
eyou
whenigethome.o'
Nkanyeziarenaggi
ngnow. "

Wel
aughedbef
oreshedr
oppedt
hecal
l.

Me:"
iguessther
eisnoneedforustosearch
anymore.Ni
zihasal
readyf
oundthei
rparents.
"

Them:
"good.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:"
mxm ndi
yahambaumnandi
zonibonane.Soze
kabeamat
yeumna."
-
i'
m goi
ng,
iwi
llseeyou.Iwi
llneverki
ckr
ocks.
Wel aughed.Icr
ossedther
oadandt heythr
ew
stonesatme.Ilaughedbef
orewalki
ngt omy
father
sfir
m.Igotinandwentstr
aighttohisof
fi
ce.

Andinaxet
shalobuli
sa.I
'mi
nti
midat
ingl
ikemy
fat
herremember.Igoti
nandhewasbusy.

Ij
ustsatdowntookt
hepenci
lonthedeskwitht
he
not
epad.Istar
teddr
awi
nghim.Funnyfactican
act
uall
ydraw.

Istoppeddrawingl
astyearwheniwasdonewith
grade9creati
veart
s.Iusetoenj
oythatsubj
ect
.I
l
ovedr awi
ng.

Ist
art
eddrawi
ngmovi
ngi
nmychai
rsot
hatican
seehi
m pr
operl
y.

Hi
m:"
boyyouBet
terst
opmovi
ngont
hatchai
r
bef
oreigl
ueyout
oit
."

Welaughed.Hecont
inueddoingwhathewasdoi
ng
andial
soconti
nueddrawing.Hegotdoneand
l
ookedatme.

Me:
"f
uckwhydi
dyoumove.
"

Him:"
golookatyour
sel
fatt
hemi
rr
orandf
ini
sh
yourdrawi
ng.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"ihat
ethatil
ookl
ikeyou.
"

Hi
m:"
phi
nda.
"
-
sayt
hatagai
n.
Iknowwer
ethi
sisgoi
ng.Hewi
llwantt
ofi
ghtme
andhedef
eat
sme.

Me:"
ilovethefactt
hatil
ookl
ikeyoubutj
ongga
t
aimabi nt
lel
eway."
-
lookdadi
twasbeaut
if
ul.

Isai
dshowi
nghi
m myst
art
ingdr
awi
ng.

Hi
m:"
atl
eastt
her
eissomet
hing.
"

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
let
'sgetdownt
obusi
ness.Sot
her
eist
his
l
and.
"

Me:
"l
and?
"
Hi
m:"
yeahbutnotj
ustanyl
and.Ont
hatl
andt
her
e
ar
edi
amonds."

Iwi
denedmyeyesl
ooki
ngathi
m.

Me:
"di
amonds?
!"

Him:"yahdiamonds.Rememberwhenyougotan
i
nj ur
edwewentt oanotherEventandwewereall
givenlandscapes.Butonelandscapeshowedthat
therearediamondsont heland.Igothal
foft
hethe
l
andscapeandnowican' tf
indtheot
hermeaningi
don'tknowwher ethelandis."

Il
ookedathi
m st
il
lshocked.

Me:
"sohowar
eyoudoi
nggoi
ngt
ofi
ndi
t??
"
Hi
m:"
goodquest
ion.
"

Hesai
dwalkingarounddr
inki
nghi
sRemyMar
ti
n.
Yayt
handalekakaRemy.

Him: "
theotherlandscapei
sinasaf einPret
oria
highlyguarded.Noteasytogetthr oughthesafetoo,
highsecur i
ty.Soineedyoutohel puspl anouton
thisheistasmanypeopl eareafterthi
s.Meandmy
brothersneedt hi
sland.Wewillhavebi l
li
onsifwe
getit.
"

Inodded.

Me:"
sendmeapi
ctureoft
hebui
ldi
ngiwi
llseewhat
icancomeupwi
th.
"

Him:"
iwouldr
athergivei
tyou.Whatifsomeone
hacksint
oyourlapt
opphoffit
'shar
dtobugit.
"
Wel
aughed.

Me:
"sowebasi
cal
lyhaveami
nenow.
"

Hepour
edanot
hergl
assoft
heRemyandgavei
tto
me.

Hi
m:"
toweal
thandpower
."

Me:
"t
oweal
thandpower
."

Wedidatoast
edandl aughed.Myphonebeepedi
l
ookedati
tand.Laughed.Themessagewentlike.

'
ihopeyoureadyt
oletgoofyourgi
rl
fri
endcause
tommorowI'
m get
ti
ngmar r
iedt
oher.Iwil
lmake
sureyout
heretowat
ch.'
Andarecentpi
ctur
eofEyodwawassentshewas
atMacDonald.

Si
ya:
"wahl
ekawedwa?
"
-
whyar
eyoul
aughi
ngal
one?

Igavehi
m myphone.Webot
hlaughed.

Hi
m:"surel
yhedoesn'
tknowt
hatwear
e100×
cr
azy."

Me:
"wuuhhI
'
m scar
ed.
"

WeBur
sti
ntol
augher

Hi
m: "
wewon'tr
eactwewi l
ljustwai
tforhi
mto
at
tackthanwewil
lreact
."
Inodded.

Me:
"iwonderwhot
hatf
uckeri
s."

Hi
m:"
nothi
ngt
owor
ryabout
.Wewi
llf
indout
t
omorr
ow."

Me:
"Lmao.
"

Wecr
ackedi
ntol
augher
.Mydadi
samood.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
Sorr
yf ort
heshor
tinseti
t'
sjustmesayi
ng
goodnightt
oyouallandful
fi
ll
ingmy
promise
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
34
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Si
ya:
"l
et'
sgonow.
"

Ist
oodupandt
ookmybag.
Me:
"i
na.
"
-
her
e.

Isai
dgi
vinghi
m myschoolbag.

Hi
m:"
tshayi
wekwedi
ni.
"
-
youmad.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"mayi
bengat
hindi
mnci
nci
."
-
leti
tbel
ikeI
'
m smal
l.

Hel
ookedatmebef or
etakingmybag.Wel
aughed.
Wewalkedoutoft
heof f
ice.
Hi
m:"
yuuhhaiumbi
zayenzaNi
nint
loko?
"
-
youugl
ywhenwi
llyoudoyourHai
r?

Il
ookedathi
m.Wecr ackedi
ntol
augher.Everyone
i
ntheoff
icewasshockedtoseeaslaughing.

Me:
"nextweekmar
nandi
namal
ingoku.
"
-
idon'
thavemoneynow.

Hi
m:"
butyouhave5mi
ll
ion.
"

Me:"
savedthatupf
ort
hef
utur
e.Wi
llusei
tformy
f
uturepl
ans."

Hi
m:"
hopet
hatdoesn'
tinvol
veyour
unni
ngaway.
"

Ichuckl
ed.
Me:
"sozeIwoul
dneverr
unaway.
"

Wefistbumpbef
orecl
imbi
ngi
nthecar
.Iwast
he
onedrivi
ng.

Hi
m:"
ungaqubiKakakeapho.
"
-
don'
tdr
iveshi
tther
e.

Il
ookedathi
m andwel
aughed.

Me:
"i
fIdot
hatmeansnaweqhubiKakacause
f
undi
swenguwe.
"
-
youalsodri
veshi
tbecauseyout
het
hatt
aughtme
howtodri
ve.

Wel
aughed.
Him:"
funekef
umanil
ear
ner'sper
mitngokuyou
can'
tkeeponusi
ngmylicenceyandimosha
kwedini
."
-
youmustgeta.
..
..
youar
erui
ningmeboy.

Me:
"zandif
akakl
kkwidr
ivi
ngschoolt
a."
-
youwi
llenr
ollmei
nadr
ivi
ngschool
.

Henodded.

Hi
m: "
youwillj
ustdot
het
estsozeMosheMal
iyam
f
orlessonsumna."

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"yeah.Funekef
unsi
senet
winsngoku.
"
-
yesyoushoul
dal
sot
eacht
het
wins.
Hi
m:"
nextyear
."

Inodded.

Hi
m:"
don'
tyouwantt
ofi
ndoutwhot
hef
uckeri
s?"

Me:"
let'
sjustwai
tandsee.I
fwegomi
ssi
ngyouwi
ll
j
usttrackusdown."

Hi
m:"
sheal
sohasat
racker
?"

Ismi
rkedlooki
ngathi
m.Wel
aughedbef
oref
ist
bumping.

Me:
"shedoesn'
tevenknowi
fshehasone.
"

Heshookhisheadandwelaughed.Wegothome
andmyfather
sbrot
herswerehere.Wegoti
n.
Theywerewatchi
ngsoccerhavi
ngHei
neken.We
j
oinedt
hem atthefr
ont
.TTpausedthegame.

Them:
"di
dyouknowt
hatEyodwai
sDi
amondschi
ld
?"

MeandSi
ya:
"Yeah/
Diamond?
"

Snakes:
"whatdoyoumeanyouknow?
"

Me:
"banil
owo?
"
-
whoi
sthat
?

Si
ya:
"Di
amondi
smyol
denemyf
rom capeTown.
"

Me:"
holdonasecsoyouusi
ngEyodwat
ogett
o
hi
m? "
Theyl
aughed.Iwaslostkengoku.Manythoughts
werer
unningthr
oughmymi nd.Weretheygenuine
whentheymetEyodwaorwhat?

Siya:
"notatall
.Wel oveEyodwagenui nel
y.
Mamakhewant edt odi
vorcethatfuckbuthedi dn'
t
wanttosot heydecidedtohaveaopenmar r
iage.
Eyodwa'smom woul dvi
sitatpri
sonjusttobeghi m
tosignthedivorcepapers.Butdiamonddoesn' t
wantto.Eyodwadoesn' tcareaboutherfatherso
doesherbr ot
hers.Thereisafuckerinthei
rmot hers
l
ifethattheyconsiderhi
m astheirfat
her."

Us:
"howdoyouknow?
"

Him:"
Ikeept
absofmyempl
oyeesIcan'
tst
and
t
rait
ors.
"

Hesmi
rked.WeChuckl
ed.
Hi
m:"
sophol
as.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"butwhyar
eyouenemi
es?
"

Him:"
thatfuckerusedtowor
kwithmyexgir
lf
ri
end.
Theyplanteddrugsinmysuit
caseandIwas
arr
estedfor10years."

Il
ookedathi
m shocked.

Me:
"youwer
eoncear
rest
ed?
"

Him:"
yeah.I
finevergotar
rest
ednawengewu
ngekhokwedini
."
-
youwer
enotgoi
ngt
oexi
st.
T.
O:"
yayt
handakel
eli
nei
next
."
-
hel
ikest
hel
inehei
saboutt
osay.

Wel
aughed

Si
ya:"
NyankemocIwasn'
tgoi
ngt
omeether
mother.
"

Me:
"youmeti
npr
ison?
"

Ineverr
eal
lyaskhowmypar
ent
smet
.

Them:
"t
shayi
wekwedi
ni.
"

Wel
aughed.
Him:"aa.Igotoutofpri
sonandIwaswal ki
ngdown
thestreet
sofAl exwhenIsawhergett
inginher
Shack.Shedi deveryt
hingf
orme.Boughtme
clot
heswi ththenutssheearned.
"

Hesmi
led.

Me:
"t
hat
sepi
c."

Him:"
andI
'm notashamedofsayi
ngsocauseI
endedupbei
ngabi l
li
onai
rewit
hyourmother
pushi
ngmetoo."

Wechuckl
ed.Theyhaveagreatl
ovest
ory.We
chi
ll
edunt
ill
atehavi
ngagreatti
me.Mymot her
camebackwiththet
wins.

Theywerehol
dingbal
loonsf
rom spur
.This2wil
l
nevergr
owup.Shekissedmeonmyf orehead
bef
oregi
vingsi
yaapeck.

Siya:
"hopeyoubr
oughtdi
nnercauseI
'
m def
ini
tel
y
notcooking.
"

I
t'
shi
stur
ntoday.

Ni
zi:
"Idi
d.Butwehaveal
readyat
e."

Wenodded.Shegaveus2doggybagsf
rom spur
.

Ni
zi:
"oohSi
yadoyour
ememberMr
.Tom?
"

Henodded.

Ni
zi:
"t
urnsoutthegir
lst
hatt
hey(
Us)foundar
ehis
l
onglostdaughter
s.Tommorowwearemeeti
ng
t
hem.Andhewant saDNAtestj
ustt
obesure.
"
Me:
"sohewi
llbet
aki
ngt
hem i
nift
heyar
ehi
s?"

Nizi
:"
yeahandthepr
obl
em i
sthest
epmot
hershe
doesn'
twantthem.
"

Si
ya:
"bazophi
lakabuhl
ungumocabanye.
"
-
theywi
llhaveahar
dti
me.

Ni
zi:
"mr.Tom want
shi
ski
ds.Lamf
anawayi
zol
o
i
sn'
this.
"

Us:
"yooh.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"whyar
eweevengossi
ping.
"
Wel
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Baf
ana
I
thasbeenaweeknowsi nceIhavesentt
he
message.ButIwi
llputmyactt
oacti
on.

Mybrotheri
sagangst
ersohewillhel
pmein
ever
ythi
ng.Wewil
lki
dnapthem t
ogether
.

Iwanthi
mt owatchhi
sgi
rl
fr
iendsi
gnt
heweddi
ng
paper
s.Il
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Iti
sSaturdayt
odayandIhaveacheckupbyt
he
doctor
.Idocheckupsever
y2mont hs.

IworemyGi ngham checkj

acketfr
om Zar
awi t
hmy
Gingham checkBer
mudashor t
sFrom zara,
white
ai
rForceandmybl ackspaghett
istr
ipbr
a.

Ial
soneedt
ogotothesal
on.Iwi
llst
artt
her
e.Ist
il
l
haveti
mebef
oremyappoi
ntment
.Icompedmy
hai
r.

Myphoner
angi
twasChumani
.
Me:
"pumpki
n"

Hi
m:"
baby.Whatyoudoi
ng?
"

Me:
"I
'm goi
ngt
othesal
ont
hant
othehospi
tal
."

Hi
m:"
okayI
'
m onmyway.
"

Hedisconnectedt
hecal l
.Il
aughed.Itookmy
phoneandmymedi calai
d.Iwalkedtotheki
tchen
tookoutmyf oodf
rom yester
day.

Iwar
medi
tup.Ther
ewasaknockatt
hedoor
.

Me:
"Comei
n."
Lungel
owalkedi
n.That
'smymother
'sboyf
ri
end.
Theyhavebeendat
ingf
or5year
snow.

Hetreat
smeli
keherowndaught
er.That
'swhatI
l
oveabouthi
m.Idon'
tseet
heneedofmybi ol
ogi
cal
f
atherwhenhi
shere.

Alsomybrother
slovehim.Theygetalongj
ustf
ine.
EverySat
urdayl
iketodayt
heywillbeoutpl
ayi
ng
golf
.

I
'm sur
ehecamet
of et
chthem.Thanhewil
lbe
t
akingoutmymot
herintheAft
ernoont
hanitwi
llbe
meandhimtommorow.

Fatheranddaught
erday.Idon'
tknowwhyhim and
Mom ar enotmarr
ied.Oohshei
sstil
lmar
ri
ed
kanene.
Me:
"mysupperdaddy.
"

Hecamet
ohugmeandki
ssedmyf
orehead

Hi
m:"
pri
ncess.
"

Me:
"l
astsawyout
hreeweeksback.
"

Him:"
yazibendi
zaqongegcawaaphabut
bungekho.
"
-
iusedt
ocomeher
eever
ySundaybutyouwer
en'
t
her
e.

Me:"
haikl
ktat
abendi
klochomamam f
oryonkel
a2
weeks.
"
-
nodadIwaswi
thmyf
ri
endf
ort
het
woweek
hol
iday.
Hesideeyedmeheknowst
hatIdon'
tdof
ri
endst
il
l
Igotmybro'
s.

Hi
m:"
isi
t.
"

Il
aughed.

Me:
"yeah.
"

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"pl
anningonpr
oposi
ngt
oyourmot
hert
his
af
ter
noon."

Il
ookedathi
m andsmi
led.Iswal
lowedmyf
ood.

Me:
"whatt
ookyousol
ong?
"
Hi
m:"
younowt
hest
ory.
"

Inodded.

Me:
"shei
sst
il
lmar
ri
edmoc.
"

Hi
m:"
that
'ssor
ted.Imanagedt
omakehi
m si
gn.
"

Wel
aughed.

:
"Oohsewul
aphat
aLungs.
"
-
youher
e..
..

Thoseweremybrothers.Comingf
rom t
heback
door.Myphonebeeped.ItwasChumani.
Me:
"I
'm out
.Ndi
zovangawekeDaddy.
"
-
iwi
llhearf
rom you.

Heki
ssedmycheekIr
anout
.

Them:
"bekhoRhadebe.
"

Wel
aughed.Iwal
kedoutt
ohi
scar
.

Mom:
"undiphat
elipai
nki
ll
ers.
"
-
bri
ngmepai
nki
ll
ers.

Me:
"zazif
umanakudaddy.
"
-
youwi
llgett
hem f
rom daddy.

Welaughed.Igoti
nthecar
.Il
eanedi
nforaki
ss
bef
orewet ookoff
.
Hi
m:"
sesexy.
"

Ibl
ushed.

Me:
"Enkosinawehot
."
-
thankyou,
youal
sohot
.

Hesmi
led.

Hi
m:"
banidaddyngoku?
"
-
whoi
sdaddy?

Me:"
that
'smymot her
'sboyf
riend.Heisthefat
her
fi
gur
einmyf amil
ynow.Af t
erhisbestfr
iend,my
uncl
ediedhetookovernotreplaci
nghimthough.
"
Hesmi
ledandnodded.

Him:
"don'
tyouevert
hinkofyourr
ealf
ather
someti
mes? "

Ishookmyhead.

Me:
"nopeIdon'
tevenneedhi
m."

Welaughed.Wegott
othesal
on.It
reat
edmyAf
ro
whi
lehedyedandcurl
edhi
sAfro.

Fuckhewassohot
.

Me:
"youneverchangi
ngt
hisHai
rst
yle.
"

Wesmi
led.Iki
ssedhi
m al
loverhi
sface.
Hi
m:"
youal
sobeaut
if
ul.
"

Wekissed.Wet
ookof
ftot
hehospi
tal
.Iwascal
led
i
n.Chumaniwal
kedmein.

Dr
:"
Ms.Langa.
"

Weshookourhands.

Dr
.:
"Iseeyougotaspeci
alsomeonet
oday.
"

Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
her
etodoyourmont
hlycheckup.
"

Inodded.Webasi
cal
lyt
estf
orEver
ythi
ng.Ican'
t
ri
skhavi
ngsomet
hingandf
indi
ngoutmont
hsl
ater
anddie.

Ihavetomakesuret hatI'
m heal
thy.Westarted
doingthetest
.Iwi
llgettheotherthatt
akelong
duringtheweekvi
aemai l.

Dr:
"youevengainedwei
ght
.Butpleasemakesure
youdon'teatt
hatmuchwedon'twantyoufatand
unheal
thy."

Wel
aughed.

Dr:"
everyt
hingi
sfinefornow.Youst
il
ltheHealt
h
Eyodwa.Yourgainingwhichi
salsogood.Yeahyou
great.
"

Wesai
dourgoodbyesbef
oreget
ti
ngout
.
Hi
m:"
yougai
ningmeansI
'
mtr
eat
ingyougr
eat
."

Wel aughed.Hegavemeapeck.Wegotint
hecar
butsomeonepl acedacl
othonmynoseandIdozed
off
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
35
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
CHUMANI
Someonecl
osedmynosewit
haclot
h.Il
ooked
besi
desmeandthesamet
hingwashappeni
ngto
Eyodwa.

Ibl
ackedout.Wokeupinadarkroom andEyodwa
wasrighti
nfrontofme.Wewerebothti
edupina
chai
r.

Me:
"pumpki
n."

It
hinkshehear
dmecauseshemovedabi
t.
Me:
"TheOnl
yFl
owerOfMyHear
t.
"

Sheopenedhereyesslowl
y.Shepani
ckedbut
whenhereyeslandedonmeshecalmeddown.

Her
:"
whatar
ewedoi
ngher
e?"

Me:
"weki
dnapped.
"

Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
why?
"

Me:
"It
hinki
t'
sanotherwal
kingghostt
hatwant
sto
mar
ryyouinfrontofme.
"
Shel
ookedatmef
orawhi
lebef
orewecr
ackedi
nto
l
augher
.

Her
:"
whydi
dn'
tyout
ellmeIhaveast
alker
."

Me:
"haiwet
hui
t'
snot
hingser
ious.
"

Her
:"
butwear
eki
dnappednow.
"

Me:
"byaghost
s."

Her
:"
whatdoyoumeanbyghost
s."

Me:
"mxm kasondel
efunaundincami
se.
"
-
comecl
oserIwantt
oki
ssyou.

Her
:"
njani
?"
-
how?

Me:"
wewi
llhopi
nourchai
rst
il
lwer
eacheach
ot
her.
"

Wehoped.Wegott
oeachot
her
.

Her
:"
looktheyal
mostr
uinedyourhai
rcut
.Theyar
e
soj
ealous.
"

Welaughedbefor
eki
ssi
ng.Thedoorfl
ewopenas
wewerekissi
ng.Wedi
dn'tst
opt
il
ltheper
sonfi
red
agun.

Welookedup.Therestoodaski
nnyguywi
tha
muscl
eguy.Wel aughed.

Them:
"what
'sf
unny.
"
Eyodwa:
"don'
tyouwor
katMacDonal
d?"

Ski
nnyguy:
"yeah.
"

Eyodwa:
"whatar
ewedoi
ngher
e?"

Muscle:"
yougetti
ngmarr
iedtohim.Don'
twor
ry
aboutthelobol
aIhaveal
readysentt
hemoneyto
yourmother."

Me:
"hai
bobawosekt
heningokusenit
hengumf
az
wam."
-
whyar
eyoubuyi
ngmywi
fenow.

Theyl
aughedbef
oret
hrowi
ngpunchesatme.

Ski
nny:
"Idon'
tseear
ingonherf
ingerand
ever
ythi
ngisal
readyprepar
edonmysi
de.Wej
ust
wait
ingfort
hepastor
."

Eyodwa:"butIdon'
twantt
ogetmar
ri
edt
oyou.And
sozetshatemna."

Theyl
aughed.

Them:
"t
hanhi
sdyi
ng.
"

Me:
"wuuhI
'
m scar
ed.
"

Irol
ledmyeyesl
aughi
ng.Theyt
hrewpunches
agai
n.Igr
oaned.

Me:
"youwi
llpayf
ort
his.
"

Theyl
aughedagai
n.
Them:
"youwon'
tevenmakei
toutofher
e."

Eyodwa:
"yooh.
"

Ski
nny:
"notyoumyl
ove.
"

Eyodwa:
"whydi
dn'
tyouappr
oachmei
nar
espect
ful
manner.
"

Skinny:
"youwer
en'
tgoi
ngtogivemet
hetimeofday
EvenatMacDonaldyouneverpai
dat
tent
iont
ome.
Il
oveyou. "

Eyodwa:
"i
fyoul
ovemet
hewayyousayyoudol
et
mego."

Hi
m:"
Icanneverdot
hat
.Ever
ythi
ngi
sready,
our
fl
ightisal
soready.Youwil
lal
soconti
nuewit
h
schoolther
e.Il
oveyoupleasedon'
tmakethi
ngs
diff
icul
tmylove."

Hesai
dki
ssi
ngherf
orehead.Iwasf
umi
ngnow.

Muscl
e:"
wai
tyoul
ookl
ikesomeone.
"

Hel
ookedatmef
orawhi
le.

Me:
"that
'sbecausei
'
mthef
ir
stf
rui
tofi
Fir
stbor
nka
Sat
an."

Them:
"what
!!
"

Theywal
kedout
.

Eyodwa:
"whatwast
hatal
labout
."
Me:"Si
yanoNiziar
ethemostf
ear
edpeopl
eint
he
undergr
ound.
"

Shewi
denedhereyes.

Her
:"
Fini
shernoSi
lencer
?"

Inoddedl
aughi
ng.

Me:
"whatdoyouknowaboutgangst
ers.
"

Her:"
Lungswasonebutst opped7yearsbackhe
usedtotal
kaboutthem.Thatnoonecandef end
them.Hencehestoppedsincemymot herdoesn'
t
wantagangster
.Ialsodidar esear
chbutIwon'
tbe
abletopoi
ntt
hem out."
Il
ookedatherandshookmyhead.

Me:"
zit
hikantil
il
obul
alangokwam umnababy
andi
funinoxoka.
"
-
iwi
llki
llyouonmyownIdon'
twantt
oevenl
ie.

Wel
aughed.

Her:
"l
et'
sgetoutofher
e.Iwi
llnotmar
ryacr
azy
per
son."

Me:
"butI
'
mtent
imescr
azy.
"

Wel
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Baf
ana
Wewal
kedoutandst
art
edpaci
ngar
oundt
heof
fi
ce.

Mdu:"whydidn'
tyout
ellmet
hathi
sfat
herwas
Si
lencer
?!!
"

Me:
"Don'
tshoutatme.
"

Isai
dhol
dingmyear
s.

Him:
"sorr
yjustt
hatyoumakemecr
azy
someti
mes."

Me:
"whatwi
llwedonow.
?"
Hi
m:"IhavebeencravingforSi
lencer
sbl
oodf
ora
whi
leknowhekill
edf ather
."

Me:
"soweKi
ll
ingt
heboy?
"

Hi
m:"
yeahandyouwil
lrunawaywi
thyourgi
rlnow.
Wedon'
thavet
ime.
"

Inodded.Wewal
kedoutoft
her
oom.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Chumani:
"l
et'
shopagai
ntil
lwef
indeachother
s
backssothatwecanl
oosenupthi
sropesandbeat
thi
sguysup."

Wehoped.Wegaveeachotherourbacks.I
managedtol
ooseshi
srope.Healsosetmef r
ee.

Me:
"whatnow.
"

Him:"
standbehi
ndthedoorti
llt
heycome.Wewi
l
l
beatpeopl
etothepul
ptoday.
"

Inodded.

Hi
m:"
ndakut
handayeva?
"
-
iloveyouokay?

Seehi
sst
il
lcommandi
ng.
Me:
"ndakut
hanndanam.
"
-
iloveyout
oo.

Hegavemeapeck.Thedoorf
lewopenandt
hey
st
oodther
e.

Them:
"f
uckwher
ear
ethey.Theycan'
tescape.
"

Wekickedthem bothatt
hesamet ime.West
art
ed
beat
ingthem upti
llt
heyblackedout.

Chumani
:"
kil
lorl
eave.
"

Me:
"ki
ll
.Whati
ftheycomeback.
"

Hetooktheguntheyhadandkil
ledt
hem.Weran
outhandinhandAft
erwipi
ngthegun.Wegot
out
sideandhi
scarwasher
e.

Hi
m:"
theyar
esost
upi
d."

I
twasget
ti
ngdar
k.

WeChuckled.Aswewereabouttogetinwehearda
carappr
oaching.Wel
ookedatt
hestreet.Chumani
hadagunalready.

Hi
m:"
hopeyour
eady.
"

Inodded.Healsogavemeagun.Thecarsst
opped
andhisfat
hergotoutwear
ingshades.Wesi
ghed
befor
echuckl
ing.

Si
ya:
"oohseniphumazi
phiezanj
a."
-
youal
readyout
.Wher
ear
ethosedogs.
Chumani
:"
bodi
l
e.Wer
eyougoi
ngt
ofi
ghtal
one?
."
-
dead.

Ial
sol
ooki
ngathi
m.

Si
ya:
"khonaomnyeumt
uapha.
"
-
ist
her
esomeoneel
seher
e.

Wel
aughed.

Him:"
let
'sgosomeonewi
llcomeandf
etchyour
car.
"

Wetookourcel
lphonesandIt
ookmymedi
calai
d
t
oo.Wewalkedtohiscar.
Me:
"banixet
shaRhadebeSeni
or?
"
-
what
'
sthet
ime.
..

Theylaughed.Wegotint
hecar.Myphonewasf
lat
.
I'
m suremyf ami
lywasbl
owingupmyphonewit
h
call
s.

Si
ya:
"6pm.
"

Me:
"phone.
"

Hegavei
ttome.Iwassi
tt
ingatt
heback.

Them:
"yousodemandi
ng.
"

Wel
aughed.
Si
ya:
"zangendaNikanomt
ungaphandl
ekomf
azi
wam.Awucelinocel
a."
-
inevergaveanyonemyphoneexceptmywi
fe.You
di
dn'tevenask.

Iki
ssedhi
scheek.Wel
aughed.

Chumani:"
don'tgetconf
usedIknowwel
ookal
ike.
Ndim ndodako."
-
i'
m yourboyf
ri
end.

Wel
aughed.

Si
ya:
"t
ellNandit
hatI
'
mtaki
ngyouout
."

Me:
"nobaukutaLungslowo.Bazot
shat
akanene
mhhsiessi
hambasikidnap.
wa."
-
maybeshei
swi
thLungs.Theywi
llgetmar
ri
ed
agai
nsi
est
hingsofget
ti
ngki
dnapped.

Wel
aughed.

Them:"youmissedyourmot
her
'sweddi
ng.You
di
dn'teveni
nviteus.
"

Me:
"nomar
n.Hewi
llpr
oposet
ohert
oday.
"

Wel
aughed.

Them:
"ooh.
"

Wel
aughed.Idi
aledmymot
her
'snumber
.

Her
:"
Nandi
phaSpeaki
nghel
lo.
"
Me:
"ma.Hel
londi
m Eyodwa.
"

Her:
"hey.Wherear
eyou?Areyoufi
ne?Ij
ustgota
messagesayingIhavemoneyit
'sf
ordowry.
Eyodwakwenzekanton'
?"
-
what
'
shappeni
ng?

Me:"
calm downmom I'
mfi
ne.Thatwasacrazy
dudethatki
dnappedmesononeedtoworr
yI '
M
fi
ne.
"

Her
:"
wher
ear
eyounow?
"

Me:"
Siyai
stakingusoutsoandi
qondinobandi
zo
f
ikhaukhona.
"
-
idon'
tthi
nkwewi
llmeetwhenIgett
her
e.

Her
:"
okaysho.Il
oveyou"
Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"

IgaveSi
yahi
sphone.

Me:
"EnkosiTat
azal
a."
-
thankyouf
atheri
nlaw.

Theyl
aughed.

Si
ya:
"yandiqel
awena.
"
-
youshi
tt
ingwi
thme.

Chumani
:"
ndij
ongel
ont
o."
-
i'
mlooki
ngatt
hat
.

Wel
aughed.Wegott
ohi
saunt
'sr
est
aur
ant
.Wegot
i
nandwewer
etakent
oourt
abl
e.

Siya:
"ungabaxel
elio'
Nkanyezibazot
het
hangal
ama
bhuluwabo."
-
don'tt
ellNkanyezit
heywi
llt
ellmeaboutt
hei
r
whi
tes.

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
what
'swr
ongwi
thwhi
tes?
"

Si
ya:
"zoyazel
aphidowr
ylamt
u."
-
howwi
llheknowdowr
y.

Us:
"zamf
undi
sa.
"
-
youwi
llt
eachhi
m.
Hel
ookedatus.

Hi
m:"
Ninanotmna.
"
-
younotme.

Wel
aughed.

Him:"i
maginesi
hlel
isaxoxa.Wecameher esi
nce
wesawaf l
oweri
nyourgar denStar.Akakwazinot
Nkanyezingel
oxetsha.Si
thisi
funivulamlomo
funekesi
kumtsheKakasithiopenmout hngathi
zangesif
unde.Yooh."

Heshookhi
sheadwor
ri
ed.Wecr
ackedi
ntol
augher
noChumani
.

me:
"t
hankGodsoul
mat
eyam ngumxhosa.
"
Wel
aughed.Chumaniwassmi
li
ng.

Siya:
"haihaikwedi
nidyanazibl
ush.
isekt
heni
ngoku."

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
asi
fawubl
ushwena.
"

Si
ya:
"noti
npubli
c.Vel
eut
hiexcusemeIneedt
he
l
ooblushpha.
"

Wecr
ackedi
ntol
augher
.Theset
woar
ecr
azy.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
36
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Si
ya:
"sokengokut
hinii
nto.
"

Us:
"yant
oni
?"
-
aboutwhat
?

Him:"
havingal
it
tl
eyounyana.Funut
heket
hisa
guyshaibo.
"

Wel
aughed.Icoughedsi
nceIhadapi
eceofmeat
i
nmymout h.

Them:
"nankuesi
fa.
"
-
shei
sdyi
ng.

Idr
ankmywat
er.

Chumani
:"
haimar
nut
hiniwena?
"
-
whatar
eyousayi
ng?

Si
ya:
"l
et'
srever
seyourvasect
omy.
"

Wel
aughed.

Us:
"phambenesi
yawest
il
lhavegoal
stoachi
eve.
"

Si
ya:
"ni
theket
hisa.
"

Wel
aughed.

Us:
"yenzaniomnyemnt
ananoNi
zi.
"
-
haveanot
herchi
ldwi
thNi
zi.

Si
ya:
"yoohaaguyssanut
het
hangal
ont
o."
-
don'
ttal
kaboutt
hat
.
Heshookhi
sheadworri
ed.Welaughed.Hel
ooks
f
unnywhenhelooksworr
ied.

Chumani
:"
notkut
hike.
"
-
notf
rom us.

Me:
"af
tergr
aduat
ing.
"

Them:
"t
shayi
we.
"
-
youmad.

Welaughed.Mi
ndyouwear
eLoudsoever
yone
l
ookedatus.

Me:
"when?
"
Them:
"af
terMat
ri
c."

Me:
"youmadsecondyear
."

Them:
"mxm"

Welaughed.Wechi
ll
edt
her
ethewhol
eni
ght
.They
t
ookmehomeat11pm.

Not
hingmuchhappenedonSunday.Tur
nsout
mom agr
eedtobedad'swi
fe.Iwassohappy.

Theyact
uall
yspentt
imetoget
hermeani
ngIdi
dn'
t
getadaddyanddaught
erday.

Wewer
eint
her
egi
stercl
assnow.

Mi
ss:
"sonextweekt
her
ewi
llbeapr
izegi
vingbut
thisyearnotal
lofyouar
egoi
ngI
'
m so
disappoint
edinyouguy'
s.
"

Us:
"yoohsi
zot
hinikengoku.
"
-
whatwi
llwedo.

Webur
sti
ntol
augher
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Nkanyezi
Ir
eal
lyhat
eMondays.Butt
odayIhaveagood
f
eel
ingaboutt
hisday.

Ineverl
ovedMondaysbutmygutf
eel
ingt
ell
sme
thati
twil
lbegr
eat
.

Hl
ombe:
"wenaubehappynamhl
anj
eNever
."

Thatsmybestf
ri
endHlombekazi
.Wehavebeen
fr
iendssi
ncegr
ade4.

Me:
"ndi
negoodf
eel
ingngal
emi
nichomi
ie.
"
-
ihaveagoodf
eel
ingaboutt
hisday.

Her
:"
thankGodCr
aigakhekho,
mor
e."
-
hei
sn'
ther
e.

Me:"mxm v'
tsekmbonyanaweyaf
anauzoduka
ngokunal
aXhaml awakhoumbi.
"
-
youwi
llal
sodi
sappearwi
thyourugl
yXhaml
a.

Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
mxm yat
shoku.
..
"
-
youwi
llsayt
hatt
o..
..

Me:
"what
?"

Her
:"
jongachomi
ie.
"
-
lookf
ri
end

Shewassoexcitedoutofnowher e.SoIl
ookedi
n
herdir
ect
ionandCraigwascomi ngtoourdir
ect
ion
hol
dingahumansi zeteddybearandaboxof
Ferr
eroRocher.

Ever
yonewasgoi
ngcr
azymaki
ngavi
deo.Hegot
tousandthewhol
eschoolwasal
readyMaki
nga
cir
clewi
thusi
nthemiddl
e.

Him:"
babystopcryi
ngandcometakeyourt
hings
befor
eIgivethem t
osomeoneel
se."

Igi
ggl
edbef
orewi
pingmyt
ear
s.

School
:"
nco.
"

Uvuyo:
"si
zot
yanamhl
anj
e."
-
wewi
lleatt
oday.

Wealll
aughed.Ist
oodupandwentt
ogivehi
ma
hug.Heki
ssedmyf or
eheadandmyeyesbef
ore
gi
vingmeakissonmymout h.

Ever
yonewasscr
eami
ng.Webr
oket
heki
ss.
Hi
m:"
ndam t
handaguys.
"
-
iloveher
.

Hestruggl
edsayi
ngsobuthedid.Ever
yonewent
morecrazysi
ncehisawhi
tespeakingi
siXhosa.We
shar
edanotherki
ss.

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
37
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
CHUMANI
I
twasbr
eakt
imenow.

Sekani
:"
sonqeniuyakwipr
izegi
ving.
"
-
i'
m sol
azyt
ogot
othepr
izegi
ving.

Welaughed.Weallar
egoi
ngt
othepri
zegi
ving.Me
andmyf r
iendsar
esmartr
emember
.Weallarein
t
het
op10.That
'susf
oryou.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"br
a."

Kel
vin:
"i
magi
nemf
ondi
niisi
besi
ncumapha.
"
-
ussmi
li
ngt
her
e.

Us:
"sedi
kwe.
"
-
wet
ir
ed.

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Eyodwa:
"hai
bo!
!!
"

Shesai
dlooki
ngatherphone.Shewasal
lsmi
ley.

Eyodwa:
"ndi
hambanawebabynamhl
anj
esot
yi
Fer
rorr
ochayl
ont
oiyi
yowet
hu.
"
-
i'
m goi
ngwi
thyoubabyt
odaywewi
lleatFer
ror
r
ochaywhat
everi
tis.

Welaughedbutcur
iousonshemeantwhenshe
sai
dwewi l
lgoandeatFerr
eroRocher
.

Us:
"soyi
tyakubani
?"
-
fr
om whoar
eweeat
ingi
t.

Her
:"
yuuhuphiSi
yaabonuopenmout
h."
-
wher
eisSi
yasot
hathecanseeopenmout
h.

Fr
om ther
eIknewwhoshewasr
efer
ri
ngt
o.But
whatf
or.

Us:
"kat
het
he.
"
-
tal
k.
Her
:"Nkanyezigotahumansi
zet
eddybearand
Fer
rorrochay."

Us:
"what
?!!
"

Her:
"she'
str
ending.Herboyfr
iendboughtt
hem f
or
hert
hismorning.Jongani
."
-
look.

Shegaveusherphone.Wewat
chedt
hevi
deo.

Kel
vin:
"hai
boTazsoqi
thwayi
lent
wana.
"
-
wear
edef
eat
edbyt
hisboy?

Wel
aughed.
Sekani
:"
mlungul
obawo.
"
-
thi
sisawhi
te.

Ntl
akani
pho:"
yekanil
eyo.Nkanyezibei
ngal
l
emoti
onalhaiyi
fi
lminfactpot
soyi.
"
-
leavet
hatone.

Us:
"t
ch.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"Ineedt
ogohome.i
FunuSi
yal
e."
-
thi
swant
sSi
ya.

Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:
"Mat
hsAssi
gnmentyangenangomso.
"
-
isduet
omor
row.

Sekani
:"
so?
"

Shel
if
tedupherhandssmi
li
ng.

Us:
"oohokayokay.Akhoghost
."
-
nopr
obl
em.

Itwasaft
erschoolt
heschoolgotoutat1pm si
nce
mostoftheteacher
saregoi
ngtoawor kshopin
Johannesbur
gSouth.

Eyodwa:
"whatar
eweusi
ng?
"

Me:
"mydr
ivei
sonhi
sway.
"
Theynodded.Thedri
vergothereandweallwal
ked
tothecarmakingonehel
lofanoise.Wegothome
andtheremanycarsmeaningthestacksar
ehere
andthei
rwivescarsar
ehere.

Eyodwa:
"heezeningandibel
ieveguysndi
thikuni
ndayozi
melengcenisil
eqwangebanthikubasibe
sweki
lenoNtando."
-
youguysdon'tbeli
evemeIsaidIwenttohidei
n
thegrassf
orsteal
ingsugarwewerechasedwit
ha
beltwit
hNtando.

Ever
yonel
aughedwewer
eal
readyi
nthehouse.

Sekani
:"
mxm engceni?
"
-
int
hegr
ass?

Wel
aughed.
Her:
"zayi
ndei
ncat
hatt
imesondazqumangayo
mfondini
."
-
thegr
asswasl
ongsoIcover
edmysel
fwi
thi
t.

Weal
llaughedi
nthehouse.

Let
habo:
"ndamazi
iEyodwangoxoka.
"
-
iknowEyodwawi
thl
ying

Ndoni
:"
heeser
iousmakaNt
la.
"

Wel
aughed.

Si
ya:
"ndamazikengezst
ory.
"
-
iknowherwi
thst
ori
es.

Her
:"
ser
iousheekhonangenyemi
nimf
ondi
ni
si
dlal
umbumbuthel
anakondikwelaphezkwe
car
dboar
dxandisi
thifunuhli
kamfondi
niindaboni
bedkabi
ni,
mfondi
nii
,forxhuma.
..
"
-
ther
eisthi
sdaywewer eplayi
nghideandseekin
t
hedarkandIcli
mbedont opofthecar
dboardIsaw
t
hebedtwiceIcoul
dn'
tjump...

Us:
"v'
t
sekyaxoka.
"
-
youl
ying.

Wesai
ddeadwi
thl
augher
.

Cage:
"I
'm acor
pse.
"

Wel
aughedmor
e.wewer
eevencr
ying.

Ni
zi:
"aamar
nwat
hinikengoku.
"
-
whatdi
dyoudot
han.
Eyodwa:"
mfondini
indoxumaphezkwe47i
nch
screenweplasma."
-
ijumpedont
opofa47i
nchscr
eenpl
asma.

Wel
aughedmor
e.

Her
:"
ngal
omi
nindal
alahokweniyenj
a."
-
thatdayisl
epti
nthedogshouse.

Wewerei
ntear
s.Nt
lakani
phowashavi
ngasei
zur
e
l
aughi
ng.

Mi
ke:
"mxm ut
hinil
omt
hana.
"
-
whati
sshesayi
ng.

Welaughedmor
e.Nobunt
uandMi
kewer
eal
so
her
e.
Us:
"mbuze.
"
-
askher
.

Eyodwa:
"Bayaphi
kisani
zandiNi
kamot
toey1f
ora
week.
"
-
Ifyouthi
nkI
'
mlyi
ngyouwi
llgi
vemeacarf
ora
week.

Weallgavehercarkeyswhi
lel
aughi
ngoursmal
l
assesout.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
38
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Eyodwa:
"hai
niguysndiseri
ous.Soyouwon'
t
bel
ievemeevenifIsai
dIsoldmybr ot
her
sMatr
ic
sui
tandmymot herscar.
"
Us:
"t
hat
hanezit
ixozendl
u."
-
taket
hehousekeysal
so.

Wesai
dgi
vingt
hem t
oher
.Wel
aughedmor
e.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"kwes100ndi
sif
a."
-
it
sthe100t
hti
meofmedyi
ng.

Tai
lor
:"
haint
ombi
."

Wel
aughedmor
e.

Eyodwa: "yoohndiseriousguys.Khonangenyemi ni
si
ngcwabiphel ayisibizisi
cul
aamagugu.Zange
ndibalekelawaympi lweniyam ndi
thikunibendi
ngu
Cast erSemenya.Kwat hiqist
ratosonkenemvubu
ndithikunibendidl
alanosubwaysuf fer
ssame
ti
me.Bat hibethit
she, Eyodwaphezkwer oof
mnt
anam.Kusacul
wai
yawir
oofyi
bambe.
"
-t
her ewast hisdaywewer ehavi ngaf uneralf
ora
cockr oachwewer esingingforit.Ineverr anli
keI
didthatday.I '
m Sayi
ngIwasCast erSemenya.The
whol est reetcameholdingst i
cks.I'm sayingIwas
alsopl ayingsubwaysuf ferssamet i
me.They
turned, Eyodwawasont her oof.Att hatti
mewe
wer est i
llsingi
ngiyawiroofyibambe.

Wewer
eint
ear
s.

Thestacks:
"comewi
tht
hepaper
sI'
mtr
ansf
err
ing
ever
ythi
ngtoher.
"

Ni
zi:
"i
na youdeser
vei
t.
"

Shesai
dgivi
nghera t rophyontopofthedi
spl
ay.
I
t'
smyt r
ophyforsoccer
.Igotiti
ngrade7.We
l
aughedmore.
Me:
"ican'
tdot
hisanymor
e."

Ishookmyheadt
heyl
aughed.

Eyodwa:
"zeningandibel
ieve.
"

Wel
aughed.

Ayol
a:"
yoohaaguysyoohaa.
"

Shesai
dwi
pinghert
ear
s.

Tai
lor
:"
pleasest
ayawayf
rom ourki
ds.
"

Hesai
dlaughi
ng.Wel
aughed.
Cage:
"shei
saf
uckenmoodguys.
"

Wel
aughed.

Si
ya:
"sher
eal
lyi
s."

Weal
lagr
eed.Shest
oodup.

Her
:"
Ifeelsohonour
edguys.
"

Shesai
dbowingbeingdr
amat
icwi
pingf
aket
ear
s.
Welaughedmore.

Us:
"St
opi
tIl
ikei
t.
"

Her
:"
haykeKFC.
"
Wel
aughed.

TT:
"l
et'
sbeser
iouswhydi
dyoual
lcomeher
e."

UsexpectNt
lakani
pho:
"Assi
gnment
."

Nt
lakanipho:"
bayaxokat
aimat
heywant
edt
osee
Si
ya'sreacti
on."

Si
ya:
"ngant
oni
igku?
"
-
aboutwhat
.

MeandEyodwa:
"somet
hingaboutopenmout
h."

Wel
aughed.

T.
O:"
banil
owo.
"
-
whoi
sthat
.

Us:
"Nkanyezi
'
sboyf
ri
end.
"

Wel
aughed

Them:
"hi
sawhi
te?
"

Wenodded.Wel
aughed.

Ni
zi:
"ut
heni
."
-
whatdi
dhedo.

Us:
"zobonasunxama.
"
-
youwi
llseewai
t.

Them:
"mxm.
"
Weal
llaughed.

:
"HaikodwaStarkaCr
aignobazi
y2yayqonda
f
errorr
ochay.
"
-
nostar
'sCr
aigeveni
fit
's2doyouknowFer
ror
r
ochay.

ThatwasUvuyo.

Nkanyezi
:"
it
'sFerr
eroRocherbr
other
.Andaku
phi
swangombej o."

Si
ya:
"yey.
"

Wealllaughed.Sincesi
yastoodupli
kethespeed
ofl
ight.Theyenteredt
heloungeandindeed
Nkanyezihadahumansi zeteddybearandFerr
ero
Rocher
.

Ever
yonewasshocked.Especi
all
ySi
ya.Wewer
e
l
aughingathi
m.

Ni
zi:
"andt
han.
"

Nkanyezi
:"
remembermybestf
ri
endCr
aigt
heRCL.
"

Me,
Uvuyoandmybr
o's:
"boyf
ri
endyoumean.
"

Thehousel
aughed.

Eyodwa:"
sheisevent rendi
ngonFacebook.People
arecomplement i
nghowcut esheis.Ndit
hishewas
evencryi
ng.Craigkissedherf
orehead,eyesthan
hermouth.Ndithiheevensaidndakthanda."
-
iloveyou.
Whydidgodblessmewi t
hahumanbei
ngl
ikeher
agai
n.Ever
yonelaughed.

Nkanyezi
:"
suxokaEyodwa.
"
-
don'
tli
eEyodwa.

Shesai
dbl
ushi
ng.

Ther
ent
s:"
samazikengoxoka.
"
-
weknowherofl
ying.

Eyodwa:"
Ievenscr
eenshotvi
deoedt
hevi
deo
especi
all
yforni
na.
"

Shetookoutherphone.Andpl
ayedt
hevi
deo.They
al
llookedatNkanyezi
.
Sher
anupst
air
slaughi
ng.

Us:
"hai
bochocol
atezona.
"

Ni
ziandSi
ya:
"u'
mlungu"
-
thewhi
te

Weal
llaughed.

Let
haboandAyabonga:
"haiyi
fi
lm.
"

Si
ya:
"kazel
ephonendi
bone.
"
-
givemet
hisphonesot
hatIcansee.

Eyodwagavei
ttohi
m st
il
llaughi
ngherassout
.

Si
ya:
"andi
ykhol
elwakel
e."
-
idon'
tbel
ievet
his.

Ni
zi:
"ni
thingubani
ilonabani
i?
"
-
whoi
sthi
sandt
his.

Wel
aughed.

Al
lofus:
"mnt
anakhoneowyakhe.
"
-
yourchi
ldandherboyf
ri
end.

Weal
llaughed.

Uvuyo:
"NkanyeziPl
aat
ji
esMar
adebei
ngr
ade8no
Crai
gPetersoningr
ade10.
"

Us:
"10?
?!"
Wewer
eal
lshocked.

Hi
m:"
nadl
alaNi
nakani
menizaphel
aezaFer
rar
i.
"
-
youpl
ayi
ngwai
ttheFer
rar
iar
eget
ti
ngf
ini
shed.

Hesai
drunni
ngupst
air
s.Webur
stedi
ntol
augher
.

Siya:
"Andi
ykhol
elwakel
eEyodwakasaphal
e
phone."
-
idon'
tbel
ievet
his.Eyodwagi
vemet
hisphone.

Wel
aughedmor
eathi
swor
ri
edf
ace.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
39
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Aft
erathegreatdayIhadwithChumani'
sfamil
yI
wenthome.It'
snicej
okingar
oundthethi
ngsIsaid
werehalft
rue.Ij
ustwantedmakethem l
augh.
That'
sthethi
ngaboutme.Ili
kemakingpeople
happy.I
tal
somakesmehappy.Mom wast
aki
ng
outthecar
dboar
ds.

Me:
"andt
han?
"

Her
:"
hel
pmepackwear
emovi
ngt
oSandt
on.
"

Il
ookedather
.

Her
:"
hel
loar
eyoul
ist
eni
ng.
"

Me:
"yeah.Towhoi
nSandt
on.
"

Sheshowedmeherr
ing.Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
"wear
eal
lmovi
ngt
her
e."
Shenodded.Iscr
eamed.

Me:
"l
emmegoandpack.
"

Shel
aughed.Iwalkedi
nandmybrot
her
swer
e
pl
aci
ngthei
rsuit
casesatt
hefr
ont
.

Theydon'twanttogett
hei
rownhouses.Theysay
theywi
llgethousesoncet
hey'
remarr
ied.

Wegott
othehouseLungsbought
,itwasbeaut
if
ul.
I
tal
sohadaswimmingpoolandeveryt
hing.

Everyone'
sroom hadanensui
teandal
l.Myr
oom i
s
purpleandpink.Il
ovei
ther
e.

Int
hemorningIwokeupdi
dthethi
ngst
hatneedt
o
bedoneandwentdownst
air
s.Thewhol
efamil
y
wast
her
e.

Me:
"mor
ning!
!"

Them:
"yangxol
a."
-
youmaki
nganoi
se.

Welaughed.Isatdown.Weat
ebr
eakf
asti
nal
ight
conver
sati
on.

Daddyt
ookmet
oschool
.

Me:
"youdi
tchedmeonSunday.
"

Hi
m:"
itwaspaybackf
ordi
tchi
ngmef
or3weeks.
"

Wel
aughed.
Me:
"Iwaswi
thmyf
ri
ends?
"

Hi
m:"
o'Radebe?
"

Me:
"yeah.
"

Isai
dsmi
li
ng.Hel
ookedatme.Il
aughed.

Hi
m:"
hopehi
str
eat
ingyougr
eat
."

Me:
"hei
sdad.
"

Him:
"i
fhedarest
omessupwi
thyout
hanhewi
l
lbe
goi
ngsixf
eetunder
."

Hecanbesosodr
amat
icsomet
imes.Wel
aughed.
Hi
m:"
justgl
adt
hatyourhappy.
"

Wegott
oschool
.

Me:
"byedad.
"

Heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Hi
m:"
Iloveyou.
"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"

Igotoutofthecaraft
erki
ssi
nghi
scheek.Ir
anout
ofthecar.Thebel
lrangandwewentt
otheclass.

Iwassi
tt
ingnextt
oChumaniasal
ways.hewas
br
ushi
ngmyt
high.

Me:
"canyout
akeyourhandsofme.
"

Heshookhisheadsmi
li
ngli
ket
hei
diotheis.We
l
aughed.Ipl
acedmyheadonhi
sshoulder
.

Theteacheri
sn'
thereyet
.Infactal
lthet
eachersar
e
notcauseIcanhearthenoisecomingfr
om other
cl
asses.

Aphi
we:
"Don'
tyouguysgett
ir
edofeachot
her
?"

Thewhol
eclassl
ookedatus.Wewer
esi
tt
ingr
ight
att
heback.

Us:
"nopenotatal
l.
"
Them:"
yuuhhaindi
ngabor
e.kamnayi
ow/
cher
ry
yam."
-
iwoul
dgetbor
edwi
thmyboyf
ri
end/
gir
lf
ri
end.

Weal
llaughed.

Chulu:
"cher
rymf
ondi
nikwenzaphef
uml
enge
nxeba.
"
-
agi
rl
fr
iendmakesyoubr
eat
hthr
ought
hewound.

Wel
aughed.

Al
izwa:
"t
ch.Betterxanidi
banaonceaweekyooh
i
magineuthingaphinankoyohaanist
rongo.
"
-bett
erwhenyoumeetonceaweeki
maginewhen
yougot hi
swayher
esheisyohnoyouguysar
e
strong.
Chul
u:"
awukwazi
inof
ebaboy.
"
-
youcan'
tevencheat

Weal
llaughed.

Chumani:
"bawomnaBett
erndim boneeverydayna
onceaweek.Nokoyougettoseetheloveofyour
l
if
e.It
'
spr epar
ingmef
orthefut
urexasenditshate
nomedi.
"
-
whenIgetmar
ri
edt
oher
.

Hesai
dki
ssi
ngmyf
orehead.

Them:
"ncoo.
"

Nt
lakani
pho:
"banj
ekebona.
"
-
theyar
eli
ket
his.
Weal
llaughed.

Them:
"soul
mat
econnect
ion.
"

Wekissed.Theythr
ewpapersatus.Welaughed
pul
li
ngout.Theteachergoti
nlooki
ngsad.We
st
oodup

Her
:"
mor
ingcl
ass.
"

Us:
"mor
ningma'
am.
"

Wesatdown.Thei
nter
com wenton.

:
"Morningl
earner
's.Iwoul
dli
ket
oinfor
m yout
hat
welostanimport
antmemberofourschool
.
LuyandaNdabaourDeputyHeadboy."
Us:
"haa.
"

Wewer
eal
lshocked.

:
"Iknowit'
ssadtol
ooseagr eatmemberofour
famil
y.That'
swhyIwouldli
ketoaski
fwecould
haveamomentofsilencepl
ease."

Weal
lbowedourheadsf
or30second.

:
"Thankyou.OnFr idayishismemoralservi
cehere
atschool.Thefuneralwil
lbeonSatur
day.Ifyou
wanttoat t
endthefuneralyoumustwearyour
schoolunifor
m.Wewi l
lbehavi
ngashor tdayon
Fri
day.Thankyou."

Cl
ass:
"yoohsham.
"
Kel
vin:
"whatHappenedma'
am?
"

Her:
"hewasstabbedcomingbackfrom acl
ub
savi
nghisgi
rl
fri
endfrom bei
ngraped.
"

Us:
"yuuh.
"

Her
:"
yeahhedi
edYest
erdayEveni
ngbutst
abbed
onSunday.
"

Wenoddedsadly.Imightnotknowhim butnoone
deser
vestodi
elikethat
,soyoung.I
magi nesavi
ng
ali
feonl
ytodie.That'
ssofuckensad.

Chumaniwipedmyt ear
.Idi
dn'tevenreali
zethatI
wasevencryi
ng.Igetemoti
onalinsadt hi
ngs
somet
imes.Myunclewasal sostabbedsavingme.
Chumani
:"
thi
nki
ngaboutyouruncl
e."

Inodded.

Chumani
:"
don'
twor
rybabyever
ythi
ngwi
llbef
ine.
"

Inodded.Hehuggedmet
ight
lybef
oreki
ssi
ngmy
for
ehead.

Theper
iodswentonanditwasnowMaths.FuckI
di
dn'
tfi
nishmyassignment
.Idi
dn'
tevenst
art.

Mr
.War
ts:
"Ms.Langawhat
'syourst
ory.
"

Idon'
tbr
ingmyassi
gnmentsonti
meeveryti
me.
That'
swhyhi
saski
ng.Theclassl
aughed.

Me:
"sosi
rwewentt
oMr
.Pl
aat
ji
eshousehol
ds.
..
"
Cl
ass:
"mhhh.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me: "
wewer egoingtohelpeachot herdot he
assignment .Butwhenwegott here.I twasaf ul l
house.Theybasi cal
lyoverheardmet elli
ngthese
fourmychi l
dhoodst or
iesandt heysai dI'
ml yingso
Ikeptont el
li
ngthem sinceIli
kebei ngt hecent erof
attention.Aswewer egoi ngtodoi t.We
remember edthatwewantt oseeChumani 'sfather'
s
reactionwhenheseesChumani '
ssi sterwi t
hthe
thi
ngsshegot .Wegott oseehi m.Wewer echi l
led
therejokingaround.Iwanthomeandwewer e
movi ng.Youcanevencal lmymom si r.Shewi lltel
l
you.Icanevent akeyouf oraswi mt omynew
home. "

Thecl
assbur
stedi
ntol
augherevenMr
.War
ts.
Dayspassedandi
twasnowFr i
day.Meani
ngi
t'
s
t
hedayoft hememor
alser
vice.

Wegoti nlatewithmybro'
s.Astal
laswewerewe
hadt ostandattheback.I
twasonlyt
hefi
veofus
standing.Ther
ewasn'tanyspace.

Sekani
:"
zeziwaybendi
ngaf
uniuzaaphesgel
ake.
"
-t
hesear
ethethi
ngst
hatmakesmenotwantt
o
cometoschool
.

Welaughedquiet
ly.Theat
mospher
eint
hewhol
e
hal
lwasjustdull
.

Hisclassmates.Wer
etal
king.Myphonerang
i
ndicati
ngamessagegotin.Somelookedatme
andatt hef
rontagai
n.
Il
ookedatmyphone.Itwasamessagefrom t
he
bank.Yourl
eftwi
th97.
0randi
nyouraccount.

If
eltmyoxygenl
eavingmybody.Thephone
sl
ippedoutofmyhand.ButChumanihel
dit
.

Itwasli
keIwashavi
ngahear
tatt
ack.Ihel
dmy
chestandt
hehandheldt
hechai
rinfr
ontofme.

Chumani:
"yuuhbabyyir
adi
ost
ati
onbal
ance
yakho.
"

Theyl
aughed.Tear
sstr
eameddownmyf ace.I
cr
iedoutl
oud.Ever
yonelookedatme.My5mil
li
on
j
ustgotst
olen.

Ihadt
oactnow.Iwal
kedtot
hefr
ontst
il
lcr
yingmy
l
ungsout
.My5mi l
li
on.Godwayme.
Igottothefr
ontnextt
othecasket
.Itouchedhi
s
pict
ure.Li
keIknowhim.Bi
tchIdon'tevenknow
you.Icri
edmore.

Theycamet ofet
chmefrom t
hefr
ont.Myfucken
bro'
swerelaughi
ngatt
heback.Theyendedup
gett
ingout
.Theymademedr i
nkwater.

Ical
meddownwhenIthoughtaboutmymoney
agai
nIst
art
edoverwi
thmycr yi
ng.

Whoissocruel
.Dotheyknow5mi
ll
iondot
hey
knowhowitsmell
sli
ke.

Me:
"yoohaaguysyoohaa.Kubikubi
rdkut
ri
ckyku
wawu.Whyisthi
shappeni
ng."

Icr
iedagai
ntot
hepoi
ntIwast
akenout
sidet
ocal
m
down.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
40
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Af
teraf
ewminut
es.Imanagedt
ocal
m down.I
wal
kedt
othepar
kingl
ot.

Ihavet
hefakestoff
akestfri
endsandboyfr
iend.
Theywerel
aughingthei
rlungsouti
magine.

Iwal
kedtothem wit
hat ai
lbetweenmylegs.Igot
tot
hem andtookmyphonef rom Chumani
.Ilooked
atmybalancefort
helastti
me.

Me:
"yooh.
"

Them:
"Ican'
tdot
hisanymor
e."

Theylaughedmor
e.Tear
sstreameddownmyface.
Iwenttocli
mbinmycar.Af
terafewminut
esof
them l
aughi
ng.Theygoti
n.TheSchoolwasal
so
alr
eadyout.

Chumani:
"suwaramtuwam sizom fumanal
omt u
uk'
that
hel
iMaliyakho.ZoyekabayiRadi
ostat
ion."
-don'
twor
rybabywewil
lgett
hispersonwhotook
yourmoney.I
twil
lst
opbei
ngar adi
ostat
ion.

Il
ookedathi
m.Ichuckl
edtwice.Wealll
aughed.
WegottoChumani'
shouse.Andther
ewer emany
car
s.

Dothi
speopl
eevergotowork?Iguessbei
ngyour
ownbossisgr
eat.Wegoti
nwithmewal ki
ngl
ikea
snai
lwit
hatai
l.

Myfakebro'
steasedmeenoughnowt heywi
lldoi
t
more.Iwal
kedstrai
ghtt
otheki
tchen.IDi
dEven
gr
eetthem.
Itookoutthechocol
ateicecream tuboutoft
he
fr
eezer.Ther
ewasl i
tt
lebitl
eft.Enoughforme.

Ipassedbytheminibar.It
ooktheRemyMartinand
poured2shotsontheicecream.Ist
art
edeat
ing
wit
hmyspoon.

Iwal
kedtot
hel
oungeandsatnextt
oNi
zi.Theyal
l
l
aughed.

SeewhatIwast
alki
ngabout
?

Si
ya:
"aaguysAndit
handingoEyodwa.
"
-
idon'
tli
kei
taboutEyodwa.

Ifr
ownedeati
ngmyicecream.Nizit
ri
edtotakemy
spoonIhi
therhandl
ight
ly.Theyl
aughed.
Ni
zi:
"Nam ndi
ji
kel
wengoku.Mamakhowesbi
ni.
"
-
youTuringyourbackonmenow.Yoursecond
mother
.

Il
ookedatherbef
oretaki
ngoffmyshoesand
cr
ossingmylegsontopofthecouch.Theywer
eal
l
l
aughingt
heirl
ungsout.

Ir
egr
etcomi
ngher
erhaa.

Snakes:
"bi
yiMal
iyant
onil
eya.
"
-
whatwer
eyougoi
ngt
ouset
hatmoneyf
or?

Me:
"savi
ngsf
orf
utur
euse.
"

Thando:
"f
umanaphi
."
-
wher
edi
dyougeti
t.
Me:
"hei
stwi
thmyf
akebr
o's.
"

Theyl
aughed.

TT:"
Kanisaphenil
elapt
opndi
benof
umanabani
lu
that
helemali
."
-
givemethi
slapt
opsot
hatIcanf
inewhot
ookt
his
money.

Theygavehi
m al
apt
op.Hest
art
eddoi
nghi
sthi
ngs.

Me:
"soguysasIwassayi
ng.
"

Theyal
llaughed.

Ayabonga:
"hai
boawukayf
umaninoyf
umana
nj
ena."
-
youhaven'
tevengoti
tyet
.

Me:
"haikl
kAuntAyandi
mthembi
leMal
umuTT.
"
-
noauntIt
rustuncl
e.

Theyl
aughed.

Them:
"rhaaqal
eNi
niusibi
zangoAuntnoMal
ume
wena.
"
-
whendi
dyoust
artcal
li
ngusauntanduncl
e?

Me:
"peopl
echangeandf
eel
ingsf
ade.
"

Them:
"haykeGnash.
"

Webur
sti
ntol
augher
.
TT:
"anddone.Bi
that
hweyenyibhar
isebenzaka
Chr
ispy.
"
-
itwast
akenbyanot
herwor
kerf
rom chr
ispy.

Mybr o'
s:"
bunamat
shambao'
swi
pekl
kzol
ojonga
ngoku."
-
youweref
orwar
dyest
erdayyouwant
edt
oswi
pe,
l
ooknow.

Me:
"sundiqel
a."
-
don'
tfuckwi
thme.

Isai
dpoi
nti
ngatt
hem wi
tht
hespoon.Ever
yone
l
aughed.

Cage:
"ngabuphi
ndeswi
pekwezoshop.Ial
most
wokeHitl
erandt
heNazipar
tyup.
"
-
don'
teverswi
pei
nthoseshops.
..
Wecr
ackedi
ntol
augher
.

Mamber
:"
bawobendi
sabook.
ifl
ighteyeGer
many.
"
-
iwasbooki
ngaf
li
ghtgoi
ngt
oGer
many.

Wel
aughedmor
e.Theyar
ecr
azy.

Chumani
:"
let
'sgetdownt
obusi
ness.
"

Wel
ookedathi
m bef
orel
aughi
ng.

Heconnect
edhi
slapt
opt
otheTVscr
een.

Me:
"sbukel
ifi
lm?
"
-
arewewat
chi
ngamovi
e?
Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
mxm.Ndi
zokuBambakanj
ani
i.
"
-
iwi
llgetyou.

Theguys:
"haihaikwedi
ni.
"

Wel
aughed.

Heshowedusapi
ctur
eofabui
ldi
ng.

Si
ya:
"al
readyhaveapl
an?
"

Chumani
:"
yeah.
"

T.
O:"
plant
ati
onoft
hedi
amonds?
"
Chumani
:"
yeah.
"

Thewoman:
"whyar
eweher
e?"

Chumani
:"
Sanunxama.
"
-
wai
t

Iwasl ostbutIwi
llf
ocus.Ti
ll
Iknowwhatt
heyar
e
tal
kingabout.

Chumani :
"si
mple.Naybonamocl ebui l
ding7f l
oors.
Themapi si nasecretroom intheunder gr ound.
Partywillbeont hebot t
om floorMakingi thar dfor
ust ogetin.Thereare50guar dsinthebasement .
70ar oundt hebuil
dingandi nsideofit.So
nina(pointi
ngatthewoman)wi l
lbethewai tersof
thepar t
y.Wear ealsoai mi
ngonki l
li
ngPyt honthat
day.Sooneofyouwi llspi
kehi sdri
nk.Wi lldoing
thatwewi l
lhavetofindawayt ogetinandout
withoutKilli
nganyinnocentsoulcausewedon' t
wantpol
iceonourcase.SoIwast
hinki
ng.
..
."

Me:"Iknowi t'
sdangerousbut.Seet heaircon
passagewewi lluseaGBLshor tforgamma-
butyrolactondrugtomakeeveryonei nthebui l
ding
fai
ntwi thoutharm.Wewi l
lal
sousei ti
nbasement
tomaket heguardsblackout
.Fr eezert
hef ootage
andt akeeverythingi
nthesafeandgetoutcl ean
j
ob."

Isai
dlickingtheicecr
eam t
ub.Icoul
dfeelthei
r
eyespiercingthr
oughmyskin.Iknowtheyareall
l
ookingatme.

Me:"
butthewait
erswi l
lalsohavetofai
nt.Theywil
l
besuspect
sandt heywillchaseus.Theywillsayi
t
wasaninsidej
obwhi chitisbutyeah.
"

Ibur
ped.
Me:
"sor
ry.
"

Il
ookedupandt
heywer
eal
lsmi
rki
ng.

Me:
"what
?"

Il
aughed.Theyal
lcamet
ohugme.Okay.

Them:
"ukeubhadl
ekant
i.
"
-
youcanmakesensesomet
hing

Wel
aughed.

Ayol
a:"
wai
twhatdoyouknowaboutdr
ugs.
"

Theyal
llookedatme.
Me:"
oohlastyeari
nLOihadtodoaresear
chon
ki
ndsofdrugsformyassi
gnment
."

Them:
"ooh.
"

Wel
aughed.

Kel
vin:
"whatar
eweget
ti
ng?
"

Mi
ke:
"yayt
handiMal
isar
ni.
"
-
youl
ovemoney.

Nobunt
u:"
tchi
."

Wel
aughed

Si
ya:
"t
her
eis100m i
nthatsaf
eanddi
amonds.
"
Us:
"zakazakazakaMal
iMal
iMal
i.
"

Weal
llaughed.

Zi
mi:
"ar
ewesupposet
oinhal
ethedr
ugt
oo.
"

Us:
"yes"

T.
W:"
yoohaa.
"

Wel
aughed

Si
ya:
"ni
zoj
ump.
isakl
k."

Them:
"mxm.
"
Welaughedatt
hem.Wecont i
nuedTalki
ng
somethi
ngcaughtmyeye.Il
ookedatNizif
or
awhil
e.Shedi
sappear
edtothekit
chenandcame
backwithf
ood.

Shegaveusallt
hef
ood.Shesatnextt
omeagai
n.I
pokedherst
omachanditwashard.

Ni
zi:
"ouchswi
ne.
"

Weal
llaughed

Me:
"hail
eponimi
thi
."
-
shei
spr
egnant
.

Theyal
lstoppedlaughi
ng.Ipokedheragai
nandi
t
washard.Il
iftuphert-
shi
rtandthel
ineonher
st
omachwasdar k.
Them:
"what
??That
'si
mpossi
ble.
"

Si
ya:
"Ever
ythi
ngi
spossi
ble.
"

Hesai
dsmi
li
ng.Weal
llaughedathi
m.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
41
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Ni
zi:
"whyai
n'tt
her
eanysi
gns?
"

Them:
"nakuChumanimoc.
"

Chumani
:"
hai
bo.
"

Wel
aughed.

Ni
zi:
"Andi
t'
simpossi
ble.Ican'
tconcei
ve.
"
Chumani
:"
whowasImadekengoku?
"

Wel
aughed.

Siya:
"shecouldbutt
hanshehadacaracci
denton
herwayt othehospi
tal
.Thegl
asspi
ecesdamaged
her."

Meandmybr
o's:
"ooh.
"

TT:
"Medicalresul
tsar
enotalways100%right
.Soit
i
spossibleforyoutogetpr
egnantbutyouwon't
car
ryhi
m/ herf..
."

Si
ya:
"her
."

Wel
aughed.
TT:
"f
orf
ullt
erm.
"

Her
oll
edhi
seyes.

Ni
zi:
"f
orhowl
ongam I
?"

Let
habo:
"Kanizeninet
shobasi
vumi
seni
guys.
"
-
comewitht
hesangomast
icksot
hatwecan
pr
edi
ct.

Them:
"t
chit
henil
oci
fanbasi
zonuki
sa.
"
-
shet
hinkswewi
llsmel
l.

Wecr
ackedi
ntol
augher
.

TT:
"buti
tlooksl
ikeyouar
est
il
lint
hef
ir
stt
ri
mest
er
aboutt
ogot
othesecond.
"

Shenodded.Theyal
llookedatmenow.

Me:
"what
?"

Isai
dtaki
ngaf
orkf
ullof
fGr
eeksal
ad.

Them:
"howdi
dyouknow.
"

It
ookofmyeyegl
asses.

Me:"oohwhenshewasst
andi
ngupIsawher
tummywasgr owi
ngsoIdeci
dedt
opokei
tand
check."

Wel
aughed.
Them:
"sher
eal
lyi
scr
azy.
"

Si
ya:
"t
ommor
owwear
egoi
ngt
othedoct
or.
"

MeandChumani
:"
Takabundl
eofj
oy.
"

Hesmi
ledl
ikeacr
azyper
son.Weal
llaughedathi
m.

Si
ya:
"zobanguI
zibel
e."
-
shewi
llbeI
zibel
e.

Thepowercoupl
esmi
led.

Ayabonga:
"t
aki
ngt
henamef
rom hermar
ri
age
name?"
Henodded.

Nobunt
u:"
bingubani
?"

Si
ya:
"Ni
ziboneI
zibel
e."

Gr
eatname.

Chumani
:"
bakwekwe?
"
-
whati
fit
'saboy.

Al
lofus:
"v'
tsek!
"

Nt
lakani
pho:
"hambol
ala.
"
-
gosl
eep.

Webur
sti
ntol
augher
.
Lethabo:"youhavet
oeatheal
thy.Yourbabyi
sat
highrisk.Nomor ej
unkf
oodforyou."

Ni
zi:
"hai
bobest
ie.
"

Let
habo:
"nothappeni
ng.
"

Wel
aughed.

Si
ya:
"Kanizeninol
indapha.
".
-
comewi
thabl
ackpl
ast
ic.

Chumani
:"
haihaint
on'
gkut
ata.
"

Wel
aughed.
Wechi
ll
edther
eti
llmyphoner
angi
twasmy
mot
heraski
ngwhereIam.

Me:
"ndahambeningokubyes.
"
-
i'
m goi
ngnowbyes.

Isai
dki
ssi
ngal
lthei
rcheeks.

Them:
"shosi
zokbona.
"
-
wewi
llseeyou.

Ni
zi:
"whatwi
llyoubeusi
ng.
"

Me:
"i
mil
enzeyam.Il
ive2km awayf
rom her
e."
-
myl
egs.

Them:
"youl
iveher
enow.
"
Il
aughed.

Me:
"yeah.Ishoul
dinvi
teyoual
lforaswi
m."

Weal
lcr
ackedi
ntol
augher
.

Mybr
o's:
"wewi
llaccompanyyou.
"

Isai
dmygoodbyesagai
n.Wewalkedout.Chumani
hadhisar
m ar
oundmywaistandhishandonmy
ass.

Chumani
:"
asi
senci
ncimar
n."
-
theyar
esosmal
l.

Wel
aughed.
Me:
"mxm.
"

Sekani
:"
yakqel
a."
-
hisshi
tt
ingwi
thyou.

Me:
"t
ch.
"

Wel
aughed.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"ndayqi
bel
isaNi
nicher
ryyam.
"
-
whenl
astdi
dIseemygi
rl
fr
iend.

T.
O:"
bra.
"

Wel
aughed.
Sekani
:"
funekendi
yekuPhiwengomso.Atl
east
sat
hethabutyandikhumbul
a."
-
ihavetogotoPhiwet
ommor
ow.Atl
eastwet
alk
butshemissesme.

Chumani
:"
bahl
alanet
aimal
abo.
"
-
dot
heyl
ivewi
tht
hei
rfat
her
.

Them:
"yeah.
"

Kel
vin:
"butol
edil
aboal
ibat
handi
."
-
butt
hei
rmot
herdoesn'
tlovet
hem.

Us:
"st
ep?
?"

Them:
"yeah.
"
Sekani:
"sheisn'
tphysi
calbutsheal
waysHur
ts
them emotional
ly.
"

Wenodded.

Kel
vin:
"Umievenwant
edt
ogobackt
othef
ost
er
car
ebuttheycan'
t.
"

Chumani
:"
lant
wanayaphayana?
"
-
andt
hatboy?

Ntl
akani
pho:
"hei
sfondoft
hem.Theygetal
ong
well
."

Wenodded.

Chumani
:"
li
ndel
eniaphamaj
it
a."
-
wai
tformeher
e.
Theynodded.Wewal
kedawayf
rom t
hem.

Chumani:
"wewi
llmeetatt
hepar
ktommor
owat
midday.
"

Me:
"ngo2ke.
"

Henodded.

Hi
m:"
ndakut
handava?
"
-
iloveyouokay?

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"

Hi
m:"aababyyit
shongesxhosa.Andithandixa
ut
shongesngesii
ngat
hiawuyimean.i"
-
sayitini
sXhosa.Idon'
tli
kei
twhenyousayi
tin
Engl
ishit
'sl
ikeyoudon'
tmeanit
.

Igi
ggl
edbeforehi
tti
nghi
sshoul
derpl
ayf
ull
y.We
bot
hlaughed.Hegavemeapeck.Hewasjust2
i
nchesawayf r
om me.

Ourforeheadsweretouchingandournoses.We
werelookingateachotherstr
aighti
ntheeye.

Hi
m:"
sayi
t.
"

Me:
"ndakut
handanam.
"

Weki
ssedf
oraboutami
nut
eort
wo.

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llseeyout
omor
rowokay.
"
Inodded.Hesmi
ledbefor
ekissi
ngmeagai
n.We
huggedbefor
eIwalkedaway.

Hi
m:"
sent
lempundu.
"
-
youhaveabeaut
if
ulass.

Me:
"f
uckyou.
"

Hi
m:"
Idon'
tmi
ndf
ucki
ngyounow.
"

Wel aughed.Iwalkedtomyhousesi
ncewewere3
housesaway.Igoti nandt
hefamil
ywaspl
ayi
ng
cardsatthelounge.

Me:
"nadl
alandi
ngekho?
"
-
youpl
ayi
ngwi
thoutme?

Theyl
aughed.
Them:
"busynoRhadebekl
k."
-
youbusywi
thRhadebe.

Me:
"mxm.
"

Welaughed.Ij
oggedupst
air
s.Igoti
nmyroom t
ook
of
fmyshoesbef or
ejumpi
ngont opoft
hebed.

Itookmyphoneoutandgoti
nFacebook.Iwas
tr
ending.Noti
nagoodwaybutabadway.

OfwhatIdidtoday.Ilaughed.Mxm peopl
ewi
ll
neverstoptal
king.Theypissedmeoffwhent
hey
sai
dI '
m cheat
ingonRadebe.

Theywereinsul
ti
ngme.Ubani.It
ookofmy
headbandandworemyeyeglasses.Iwentl
ive.
Me: "
jonganikei fyoudon' thaveanyt hingt osay
mi ndyourownbusi ness.Fir
stofal lyoushoul dget
yourf actsrightbeforeyappingaboutshi t.Secondly
Iwascr yingthatloudcausewhen12Cment ioned
hedi edsavi nghisgi r
lf
ri
endIl ostit.Myuncl ealso
diedsavi ngme.Ievenf ail
edagr adebecauseof
that.Mel bandikugr ade11Umna.DOyouknowyou
knowt hepai nofloosingsomeone?No.Ij ustgot
emot ionalbackt han.IknowIwasal i
tt
lebi t
dramat icIshouldhavewentt ot hef r
ontbutIdi d
anyway.AndIhavenor egrets.Youcanal lshove
yourasseswher ethesunshi nest hebr i
ght est.And
l
ast l
yI '
m notcheat i
ngonRadebeandIwi llnever
cheatonhi m.I'M notthatcrazy.Iwi l
lneverchase
stoneswhi l
eIhaveadi amondi nmyhands.And
pleasemi ndyourbusi nessandgetyourf act sr i
ght
nextt i
me. "

Iswit
chedoffthevi
deo.Peoplewher
eapologizi
ng.
Theyevendeletedt
hei
rposts.Rhaabanganyakum.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Todayisthepr
izegivi
ngday.Wehavebeen
pract
ici
ngonhowt oWalkonstaget
hewholeweek.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"ngomsosenzaezawayzamaI
ndi
a
nt
on'laf
esti
valkaneneyaHol
ly.
"
-
tommor
owwear
ehavi
ngaHol
lyf
est
ival
.

I
t'
sThur
sdayt
oday.
Me:
"yeahzangesayat
hinamoc.
"
-
weneverwentt
othem.

Them:
"yeahnakl
oasi
yi.
"
-
wenotevengoi
ngt
hisyear
.

Eyodwa:
"nagul
a.Ni
zoyakl
onyaka.Af
terschool
si
yothengamphahl
aezim hl
ope.
"
-
youmad.Youaregoi
ngthisyear
.Af
terschoolwe
wil
lgoandbuywhi
tecl
othes.

Wel
ookedatherandsul
ked.

Her
:"
ndiser
iouskanj
ani
i.
"
-
i'
m ser
ious.
Wel
aughed.

Us:
"mxm.
"

Her
:"
lokncama.
"
-
yougi
vingup.

Welaughed.Thedaypr oceeded.Af
terschoolwe
wentt
obuywhi teclot
hesandwentt othesalonto
doourHairfort
onight
.

Wewer edoneweallwentoursepar
ateways.I
twas
theeventnow.Thet
winswerebyMakhulu.Iwil
lbe
goingther
ewithbot
hmypar ent
s.

Ooh.TurnsoutNiziis3mont hspregnant.I
'm so
happythatwewi l
lbehavingal i
tt
lethem.Hope
he/shedoesn'
ttakealltheatt
enti
on.ButIknowmy
parent
scandivi
det heirat
tent
iontoallofus.They
nevernegl
ectusanyway.

Wegott hereandtheceremonystart
ed.The
pr
inci
palmadeal ongassspeech.Thegrade8'
s
wentfi
rst.Ilower
edmyselfonthechair.

Il
ookedup.Myheadwasleani
ngagainstthechai
r.
Iwassit
ti
ngbet
weenEyodwaandagr ade11
l
earner
.Iwasbasi
cal
lyt
helastonei
nt hegrade
10'
s.

Eyodwa:
"phakamawenanankuMr
.Hope.
"
-
getupher
ecomesMr
.Hope.

Il
ookedatt
heboynextt
ome.

Me:
"nyani
sil
esar
ni?
"
-
isshet
ell
ingt
het
rut
h.
Hi
m:"
heeyaqel
alant
wanaut
hisar
nikum.
"
-
hei
sshi
tt
ingwi
thmehesai
dboyt
ome.

Hechuckl
ed.

Me:
"uyicher
ryke?
"
-
areyougi
rl
?

Hi
m:"
zaqel
aezint
wana.
"
-
thi
sboyar
edi
srespect
ful
.

Me:
"andi
lwisar
niqandabuza.
"
-
i'
m notf
ight
ingbutIwasaski
ng.

Hi
m:"
sat
hisar
nist
il
l.
"
-
youst
il
lsayi
ngboy.
Okayguysndat
handuqal
ucukunj
ebabone.
-
ili
kecausi
ngconf
li
ct.

Me:
"yoohhaykesar
ni.
"

Hel
ookedatmeandshookhi
shead.Ichuckl
ed.

Eyodwa:
"awuvawenakaphakame.
"
-
youdon'
tli
sten.Si
tupst
rai
ght
.

Isatupbeforesti
cki
ngoutmyt ongue.Wel
aughed
sli
ghtl
y.Theprogram wenton.I
twasnowti
mef or
thegrade10.Sekaniwentupfir
st.

GradeHeadTeacher:
"SekaniLayigr
eat
achievementi
nHist
orywith90%
Mat
hemat
ics77%
Comput
erAppl
icat
ionTechnol
ogy80%
Engl
ish88%andabr
onzemedal
."

Hecli
mbedontopofthestage.Everyonecl
apped.
Ther
ewasevenwhist
ling.Ichuckl
ed.Thatmustbe
myfamil
y.

G.H.
T:"
Ntl
akanipho(
str
aggl
ed)Vi
cegr
eat
Achi
evementin.
Li
feSci
encewi
th90%
Physi
calSci
ence88%
Mat
hemat
ics80%
Af
ri
kaans77%andabr
onzemedalt
oo.
"

Hecl
imbedonst
ageandwecl
appedandwhi
stl
ed.

H.
G.T:
"Kel
vinWi
ll
iamsgr
eatachi
evementi
n.
Physi
calsci
encewi
th92%
Tour
ism 86%
Af
ri
kaans80%
Mathemati
cs77%andaourlastbr
onzemedal.I
t'
s
l
iketheyt
oldeachot
hert
hatt
heywillai
mfor
bronzemedal
s."

Weal
llaughedwhi
lecl
appi
ngandwhi
stl
ing.

H.
G.T:
"EyodwandoniLangagr
eatachi
evementi
n
Account
ing93%
Mat
hemat
ics90%
Economi
cs88%
Comput
erAppl
icat
ionTechnol
ogy80%
Hi
stor
y77%andasi
lvermedal
."

Thescr
eamswentloudandtheclaps.Shemadeas
i
fsheismodeli
ngshowingofherhandli
keshei
s
showi
ngthem herr
ing.Weal
llaughed.
:
"Mol
okazanawam guys.
"
-
shei
smydaught
eri
nlaw.

ThatwasSi
ya.Weal
llaughed.

G.
H.T:
"l
et'
sset
tl
edownpl
ease.
"

Shewasal
sol
aughi
ng.

Her:
"ChumaniPl
aatj
iesgr
eatachi
evementi
nal
lthe
subj
ectsbasi
cal
ly.
"

Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
Mat
hemat
ics94%
Account
ing90%
Busi
nessst
udi
es90%
Engl
ish88%
Comput
erAppl
icat
ionTechnol
ogy88%
Af
ri
kaans80%
Andl astl
ybutnotleastHistor
y79%wi thaGol d
medal .Iwannaclassi
fythistoday.Heishast he
greatestachi
evementsinhi st
oryofthelastpast5
years.Ismella100%r atefrom t
hesegrade10
l
earner si
n2yearst i
me.Keepi tupMr .Plaat
ji
es."

Ever
yoneclappedlouderandwhistl
edlouder.I
smil
edcli
mbingup.Ibowedl ooki
ngateveryone
andtheyal
lwhistl
edmor eandclappedmor e.

Thefuncti
onwentonandi
twasovernow.We
walkedoutIwantt
omyparent
sandt heywer
eal
l
st
andingther
eandEyodwa'
sparent
st oo.

Theycl
appedf
ormeandIsmi
led.Theyal
lhugged
me.

Nizi:
"Eyodwanextyearndi
funigol
d.Ni
naSi
lveror
gold."

Theywer
eal
soher
e.Theyal
lagr
eedl
aughi
ng.

Eyodwa:
"ei
shEngl
ishneAf
ri
kaans.
"

Wel
aughedather
.

Wetookpi
ctur
es.Itookpict
ureswi
thmybaby.I
post
edal
lthepict
uresandplacedt
heonewi t
hmy
babyasmyprofil
epict
ure.Wit
hthecapt
ion.

'
goalsarenotwhenwewear.Bl
ackjeans,Whitet-
shir
ts,
orangehoodi
esandnavysneakers.Goal
s
arewhenwebot hachi
evegr
eatachi
evement sin
l
if
e.'

Thepi
ctur
ehad900likesal
readywit
h100shar
es
and200comments.Theothersal
sohadmanyli
kes.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
42
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Siya:
"masambeniIbookedt
hewhol
erest
aur
antf
or
us."
-
let
'sgo.
..

Wewer
est
il
latschool
.

Lungel
o:"
butIhaveanear
lymor
ningt
omor
row.
"

Si
ya:
"masambewet
huzol
alemsebenzi
."
-
let
'sgoyouwi
llsl
eepatwor
k
Wel
aughed.

Cage:
"phambenewena.
"
-
youmad.

Lungel
o:"
let
'sgo.
"

Weallwal
kedout
.Wegott
other
est
aur
antandIsat
nextt
omybabyofcour
se.

Ni
zi:
"cel
aumt
uahl
alephakat
hikwabo.
"
-
cansomeonepl
easesi
tbet
weent
hem.

Nandi
:"
Isecondt
hat
."

Wel
aughed.
Me:
"yoohaaguysmasi
tyeni
."
-
noguysl
et'
seat
.

Ayol
a:"
Sekanihl
alapha.
"
-
sekanisi
tther
e

Wel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
jumpcasebakabamat
yemocyoohmaku
yekwe.
"
-
thatI
'
m ki
cki
ngr
ocksnor
atherl
eavei
t.

TT:
"Nt
lakani
pho.
"

Nt
lakani
phoshookhi
shead.
Him:"
ndigrndyabaziababangacommuni
cat
e
ngokuhlal
enabobanezi nt
o."
-i
'
m gooddoyouknowthem?Theywi
lleven
communicat
ewhenI'
m wit
hthem.

MeandEyodwa:
"wenott
hatbad.
"

Kel
vin:
"cl
ass.
ini
."

Weal
llaughed.

Eyodwa:
"Chumanial
wayswandil
andel
a."
-
hei
sal
waysf
oll
owi
ngme

Il
ookedather
.Wel ookedateachot
herwi
thout
bl
inki
ngorsmil
ing.

Them:
"unot
shesozekl
k."
-
never
.

Lungel
o:"
yeyngat
hindi
li
bal
eki
leaphakwedi
ni.
"
-
it
sli
keI
'
mfor
got
tenher
e.

Webr
oket
heeyecont
actandsmi
led.

Me:"
SanubanoMona.Iwassear
chi
ngf
or
somethi
ngi
nhereyes.
"
-
don'
tbej
eal
ous.

Them:
"notphamkwet
hukl
k."
-
noti
nfr
ontofus.

Mybr
o's:
"canyousmel
lthat
?"

Theysni
ff
ed.Wel
ookedatt
hem conf
used.
Us:
"what
?"

Them:
"youwhi
ppeddawg.
"

Wecrackedi
ntolaugher
.Thefoodcameandwe
st
art
edeati
ng.Wechat t
ingupastor
m andl
aughi
ng.
Shehascoolpar
ents.

Igetal
ongwi
thherf
athert
hewaysheget
sal
ong
wit
hmyparent
s.

Eyodwa:
"zi
phit
oil
et?
"
-
wher
ear
ethet
oil
ets?

Si
ya:
"Zi
..
"

Me:
"Iwi
llaccompanyher
."
Mi
ke:
"haihaikwedi
ni.
"

Wel
aughed

Me:"
Iwil
ljustshowthem t
oher
.Sheismywi f
eI
havetot
akecar eofher
.OrTaLungsakazondini
ka
Fl
oweryam. "
-
won'
tgi
vememyf
lower
.

Weal
lcr
ackedi
ntol
augher
.

Them:
"wi
fer
haa.
..
."

IDi
dn'
tevenl
ett
hem f
ini
shIj
ustpul
ledNdoni
.

:
"Yeyndi
niguar
d.i
le.
"
ThatwasKel
vin.Weal
llaughed.Ineededt
orel
ease.
I
t'
sbeen2weeknow.

Me:
"canwepl
easehaveaqui
cki
e."

Isai
dlocki
ngt
hedoor
.Shepeed.

Her
:"
bef
ast
."

Shesaidl
aughi
nglooki
ngatmyerecti
on.Shegot
doneandbentoverhol
dingt
hesi
nk.Ikissedher
Vir
gini
a.

Her
:"
bef
astbef
oresomeonecomes.
"

Shewasalreadywet
.Ient
eredwithoutwar
ning.
Shegasped.Wehadaquickieandcum att
hesame
t
ime.

Itookoutt
hewi pesi
nmybl azerandwipedmycock
andhercli
t.It
urnedherar
oundaf t
erf
ixingherand
wekissed.

Me:
"ndakut
handava?
"
-
iloveyouokay.

Iwhi
sper
edi
nherearbi
ti
ngi
t.

Her
:"
mmhbr
ayoumaki
ngmehor
ny.
"

Iki
ssedherneckdownt
oherboobs.

Me:"asi
kagqi
biIwi
llsneakout
,youwil
lalsosneak
outyabo.Wehaveunfini
shedbusi
nessoverhere.
"
Isaidleavi
ngalovebit
einherlef
tbreast.My
favori
te.Shewasbreat
hingheavi
lysinceIwasal
so
rubbinghercl
it
.

Her
:"
Iwi
llbewai
ti
ng.
"

Il
ickedmyhandsi nceitwaswetbecauseofher
.I
fi
xedhershir
t.Il
ookedathershewasf i
ne.It
ook
outherspr
aysheal wayshasitwi
thher.

Ispr
ayedher
.Ial
sot
ookoutmi
neandspr
ayed
myself
.

Me:
"ndakut
hanndayeva.
"
-
iloveyout
oo.

Her
:"
ndakut
handanam.
"
Weki
ssedf
or10seconds.

Me:
"bymi
dni
ghtwewi
llbet
oget
herokay.
"

Shenodded.Ican'
tresisther.Shet
ast
essogood.
Nevert
astedanyonelikeher.Wewalkedout
.

Si
ya:
"t
heNavywasal
mosther
e."

Wel
aughed.

Them:
"Benisenzani
."
-
whatwer
eyoudoi
ng.

Me:
"shewasst
ruggl
ingwi
tht
hehandwasher
."

Theyl
ookatme.
Me:"
Inogol i
e.Shei
susedtotheoneswhereyou
j
ustpress.Iwasbusyl
aughingathert
il
lshegoti
t
r
ight
."

TheyChuckledtwicebefor
el aughi
ng.Wechi l
ledf
or
15mi nut
esbeforegoinghome.Af t
eranhourof
set
tl
ingin.Isneakedoutwithoutbeingnot
iced.

Theguardsletmeout
.Iusedt
heAudiRS8t
oget
ther
e.Ical
ledher
.

Her
:"
Radebe.
"

Me:
"phumababyndi
phandl
e."
-
getoutI
'
m out
side.

Her
:"
giveme5mi
nut
est
ops.
"
Shehungup.3mi
nut
esshewasal
readyher
e.

Me:
"Il
oveyourni
ghtdr
ess.
"

Shewaswear
ingasi
lkyone.Shel
aughed.

Her
:"
let
'sgobutby4am Imustbeher
e."

Me:"
suwarababyndizokubuyi
sa.Ngokui
za.I
wannatr
ysomethingnew."
-
don'
twor
ryIgetyouback.Nowcome.
..

Iwasst
il
ldr
ivi
ng.

Her
:"
butyoudr
ivi
ng.
"
Shesai
dgi
ggl
ing.

Me:"yeah.Wewon'
tgeti
ntoanacci
dent
.I'
m an
expertinthi
s."

Shejumpedont opofme.Shet ookoutmycock

andinsert
edither
sel
f.Shewasn'twearingany
underwearIt
ookitatthebat
hroom today.

Don'
tlookatmeli
ket
hatamanhast
odowhata
manhast odo.

Her:
"Iwon'tmove.Wear
eper
fect
lyf
inel
iket
his.
Youwilll
oosefocus.
"

Inodded.

Me:
"yousof
uckenwar
m byt
heway.
"
Shegiggl
ed.Shepl
acedherheadonmyshoul
der
s.
Kissi
ngmyneck.Iwasbecominghar
dwit
heach
passi
ngmi nut
e.

Iwalkeddownstai
rsandIwassofuckenti
red.I
thi
nkIshouldn'
tgotoschool
.ButIcan'
tdi
sappoint
mybaby.

Me:"
isn'tt
her
eanyener
gydr
inkher
e.I
'
mti
redi
t'
s
l
ikeIdidn'
tsl
eep.
"

Wellwedidn't
.Wedidwander
syest
erday.Wewere
havingsexl
ikeit
'st
hel
astthi
ngonEart
h.Weslept
foranhourmax.

Icoul
dn'tr
esi
sther.shewasjustt
oper
fectf
orme.I
tookoutabot
tleofenergadef
rom t
hef
ri
dge.
Ni
zi:
"younevergot
oschoolwhenyouhavet
hese
t
hings.
"

Si
ya:
"Eyodwawonkel
o."

Il
ookedatt
hem.

Them:
"qondi
le.
"
-
iknewi
t

Welaughed.Weatebreakfast
.It
ookabot t
leof
Russi
anBearwhichwasi ntheminibarandpoured
i
tina2LTupperwarebottl
e.

Iwal
kedoutt
oourdr
iver
.Hedr
oveof
f.

Me:
"Ms.Cr
aig.
"
Wel
aughed.

Nkanyezi
:"
mxm.
"

Me:
"whydyol
anent
angazam.
"
-
whyyoudat
ingpeopl
emyage.

Nkanyezi
:"
eish.
"

Me:
"ei
sh?
"

Igaveheraquest
ioni
ngl
ook.Wel
aughed.

Me:"
tel
lthatboyofyourst
otreatyougood.You
knowwhatmeandSi yawi
lldoifhehurt
syou."

Shenoddedbef
orehuggi
ngme.Iki
ssedheral
lover
herf
aceandwasgi
ggl
ing.

Me:
"I
zanawekwedi
ni.
"
-
comeboy

Uvuyo:
"haihaint
on'
ngokubhut
t'
."

Wecrackedi
ntolaugher.Weconti
nuedchat
ti
ng.I
gott
oschoolandEveryonewaswear i
ngwhit
e.I
spot
tedmyfri
endsandwentt othem.

Sekanisnat
chedt
hebot
tl
eandst
art
eddr
inki
ng.

Sekani
:"
aahr
h.Leponi
."

Theyal
ltookt
hebot
tl
eanddr
ank.Wel
aughed.
Eyodwa:
"Ineededt
his.
"

Wedr
ankt
hewhol
ebot
tl
eimagi
ne.

Me:
"hal
ls?
"

Nt
lakani
pho:
"nazi
."
-
her
etheyar
e.

Weal
ltook3each.

Kel
vin:
"l
ekesezet
hu.
"
-
oursweet
s.

Webursti
ntol
augher
.Thedayst
arted,
from bei
ng
whi
tetocol
our
ful
.Ienj
oyedmysel
f.Wehadt ogo
t
oclassnow.
Sekani:
"Inevert
houghtIwoul
denj
oymysel
fli
keI
di
dt oday."

Us:
"br
o."

Eyodwa:
"myhai
r.
"

Shehasbeensayingt
hesamel ineeversi
nceWe
col
ouredherhai
r.Welaughed.

Wegotint
hecl
assandAphi
wewasar
gui
ngwi
th
Zoey.

Eyodwa:
"woahhowcant
hef
ightst
artwi
thoutme.
"

Weal
llaughed.Andt
he2wer
efumi
ng.
Aphi
we:
"ndi
thebet
ha.
"
-
isai
dhi
tme.

Zoey:
"qal
a."
-
star
t.

Cl
ass:
"yohyoh.
"

Me:
"aaguyst
her
eisnof
ighthappeni
ngher
e."

Eyodwa:
"wonkeumt
ufunabal
weandi
tsho?
"
-
ever
yonewant
sthem t
ofi
ghtr
ight
?

Cl
ass:
"yes.
"

Theywereallexci
ted.Thet
hingi
stheyhavebeen
beef
ingeachotherforawhil
enow.
Eyodwa:
"t
hant
heywi
llf
ight
."

Me:
"t
her
eisnof
ighthappeni
ngher
e."

Eyodwa:
"whowi
llst
opt
hem?
"

Me:
"me.
"

Eyodwa:
"noyouwon'
tRhadebe"

IswearIbecomehar
dever
yti
meshecal
lsme
Rhadebe.

Shegotcl
oset
ome.Shewas2i
nchesawayf
rom
me.
Me:
"Iwi
ll
."

Her
:"
ndi
kuphuzekemna.
"
-
iwi
llki
ssyou.

Me:
"Iwon'
trespond.
"

Theclassl
aughed.Shegotcl
osetome.Asshewas
abouttoki
ssmeshet ur
nedaround.

Her
:"
Idon'
tki
ssangr
ypeopl
e."

Weal
llaughed.Ij
ustpul
ledherki
ssedher
.

Cl
ass:
"v'
tsek.
"

Eyodwa:
"ot
her
wisef
ightaf
terschool
."
Me:
"t
her
ewi
llbenof
ight
ing.
"

Theyal
llaughedatus.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
43
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Iti
snowthe30t hofNovembermeani
ngit
'smy
baby'
sbi
rthday.Can'twaitt
oseehowshewil
lbe
aft
ert
hesurpriseIhaveforher
.

Wellt
hepastfewweekshavebeengr
eat
.Wewrot
e
ourexamsandall
.Ist
udiedwi
thmybabyandI
'
m
confi
dentt
hatwepassed.

OohonNt lakanipho'
sbi
rt
hdaywemadeanepi c
party.Myhomi ewassohappy.Ever
ythi
ngwent
great.
Idr
ovet
otheparkwi
thoneoftheguar
dssot
hathe
canwat
chovermypi
cnicset
.

Ipl
acedthebl
anket
, decoratedi
twitht
hesnacks
andall
.Iwassat
isf
iedt hatever
ythi
ngisgr
eat.

Me:
"ndi
zobuyangokut
asayol
andumedi
."
-
iwi
llcomebacknow,
Iwantt
ofet
chmygi
rl
.

Henodded.Iwal
kedtoherhouse.I
twasnearby.I
goti
nthegateandknockedatt
hefrontdoor
.

Nt
sika:
"yeahshoboy.
"

Webr
ohugged.

Me:
"khonibi
rt
hdaygi
rl
?"
Hi
m:"
yeahsavasint
lokoyakhe.
"
-
shei
sst
il
lwashi
ngherhai
r.

Me:
"bi
rytmoc.
"

Hel
aughed.

Him:"
simbaki
lenamhlanj
engom gubonangama
qandayonkelant
o."
-
webakedhert
odaywi
thf
lourandeggs.

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
masikabesi
hlal
aapha.
"
-
let
'ssi
ther
e.

Wesatatt
hel
ounge.Hewasaski
ngmeendl
ess
questi
ons.Iwasbasi
call
yinthei
ntor
igati
onr oom.
Hewasaski ngmeaboutEyodwahowI 'mt r
eating
herandall
.ButIgetwhereheiscomingfrom.Any
brot
herwoulddoso.

Aft
erafewminutesofwai
ti
ngandgetti
ngtoknow
herbr
other
.Shecamedownl ooki
ngashotasshe
i
s.

Eyodwa:
"youal
readyher
e."

Me:
"Happybi
rt
hday.
"

Isai
dhuggingher
.Ihavealr
eadywi
shedhera
happybi
rt
hdayatmidnight
.

Nt
sika:
"kamendi
nishi
ye.
"
-
letmel
eaveyou.
Hebrohuggedmebef
oreki
ssi
ngEyodwaal
lover
herf
ace.Helef
t.

Me:
"comeIhaveasur
pri
sef
oryou.
"

Isai
dpull
ingher
.Wewalkedtothepar
kchasi
ng
eachot
herandthrowi
ngstones.

Me:
"l
etmebl
indf
oldyou.
"

Her
:"
Ihat
ethose.
"

Me:
"i
t'
snotupf
ordi
scussi
on.
"

Isaidalr
eadybli
ndfol
dingher.Wewalkedt
othe
picni
c.Iindi
cat
edthattheguardcango.Hegave
met hecarkeys.
Me:
"ar
eyour
eady.
"

Her
:"
yeah.
"

It
ookitof
f.Shescr
eamed.Sheissofuckencrazy.
Shehuggedme.Iki
ssedheral
loverherface.

Me:
"doyoul
ikei
t.
"

Her
:"
no.
."

Me:
"whatdoyoumean.
"

Sheki
ssedme.

Her
:"
Iwasn'
tdonet
alki
ngRhadebeIl
ovei
t.
"
Isi
ghed.Weki
ssed.

Me:
"l
et'
senj
oyourpi
cni
cmyl
ove.
"

Wesatont
opoft
hesmal
lpi
ll
ows.

Her
:"
didn'
tanyonehel
pyou.
"

Il
ookedather
.Shef
edmeast
rawber
rydi
ppedi
n
chocol
ate.

Me:
"noIdi
dthi
sal
lbymysel
f.
"

Shegavemeapeck.

Her
:"
nevert
houghtyouhadi
tinyou.
"
Wel
aughed.Aki
dpassedbyus.

Eyodwa:
"sor
ry.
"

Shet
urned.

Eyodwa:
"canyoupl
easet
akeapi
ctur
eofus.
"

Ichuckled.Thechi
ldnodded.Shet
ookmany
pictur
esofus.Crazyonesto.Wegavet
hechi
ld
chips.

Me:
"comeyouhaven'
teat
en.
"

Her
:"
butI
'
m eat
ingbaby.
"
Me:
"Khangendi
kuboneumna.
"
-
idi
dn'
tseeyou.

Shesul
ked.

Me:
"ndakut
handakl
kbaby.
"
-
iloveyou.

Welaughed.Fedher.It
ookthecream ofthebar
onecakeandspreadital
loverherface.Shegasped.

Iranlaughi
ng.Sheranaf
terme.Sheeventual
ly
caughtme.Shepinnedmedownandl ockedme
underher.

Her
:"
susal
ecr
eam.
"

Wel
aughed.
Me:
"sukakl
k."
-
getofme.

Her
:"
aayenzangokul
apha.
"
-
no.Doi
twhi
leyoudown.

Me:
"nj
ani
."
-
how.

Her
:"
makeapl
an.
"

Shewashol
dingmyhands.

Me:
"l
etgoofmyhands.
"

Her
:"
aa.
"
-
no

Me:
"br
ingyourf
acecl
oset
omi
ne.
"

Shedid.Idon'
thaveachoicebutt
ol i
ckher.Il
icked
herface.Ther
ewasl i
tt
lecr
eam l
eftnearherli
ps.I
suckedherupperli
p.

Me:
"done.
"

Shegavemeapeckbef
orest
andi
ngup.

Me:
"babyhel
pyourguyup.
"

Wel
aughed.Shehel
pedmeSt
and.Wewal
kedback
t
oourpi
cnic.

Me:
"babyIgotyouagi
ft
."
Iplacedmyheadonherl
ap.Shegavemepeck
excit
ed.

Her
:"
iphibaby.
"
-
wher
eisi
t.

Iopenedt
hezipinmymoonbagandt
ookoutar
ing
andneckl
acebox.

Her
:"
noway.
"

Il
aughed.

Her
:"
areyoupr
oposi
ng.
"

Me:
"sunxamababy.
"
-
wai
tbaby.

Isai
dki
ssi
ngher
.

Me:"sobabypr omi ser i

ngleyabo.Ndayazimelbe
l
indenyakat i
llndikuni keqaqondbamandi kuNi ke
ngokui saqalal entoyet huyabo?Funaundi
thembiseNam ndi kut hembisabanuzohlalauna
Nam ngokunj alongal olonkeixet
shakwayeasoze
undiishiyenobai njanimeko.Uzohlal
aunam si be
kunyemi hl
ayonke.Ndakucel ast
handwasam cel a
that
hel epromi ser ing.Ubeundithembisabauzoba
nam. "

Iwi
pedawayhert
ear
s.

Her
:"
Ipr
omi
seyoubabyIwi
llal
waysbewi
thyou.
"

Me:
"ndakut
handayevast
handwasent
li
ziyoyam.
"
-
iloveyou,
loveofmyhear
t.

Her
:"
ndakut
handanam Rhadebe.
"
-
iloveyout
oo.

Isl
ippedi
nther
ingandhel
pedherweart
he
neckl
ace.

Me:"babyl
eneckl
acezaysebendi
zaf
orf
akhir
ing
yakhokuyoyabo?
"
-
youwi
lluset
hisneckl
acet
oputyourRi
ngar
ound
i
t.

I
tisj
ustasi
mpl
echai
n,Not
hingf
ancy.

Her
:"
okaybaby.
"

Weki
ssed.Wet
ookpi
ctur
eswi
tht
her
ing.Shewas
basi
cal
lybr
agging.Theki
ndofgi
rl
swedat
emar
a.
ButIl
oveher.

Shemi ghtnotbeat
tr
acti
veli
keallofyouallbutshe
i
sr ar
etof i
nd.Shei
sthebestthi
ngIcouldhave
everaskedforandt
hebestthi
ngt hatIhave.Il
ove
her.

Me:
"kul
ulebabyyayaziMal
ini
lennt
o?"
-
takei
tofbabydoyouknowhowmuchi
tis.

Her
:"
aa.
"
-
no.

Shel
aughed.IAl
sol
aughed.

Me:
"20Kbawo.
"
Shewi
denedhereyes.

Her
:"
what
?"

Me:"
youknowIwantt
hebestt
hingsf
oryoumy
l
ove.
"

Wekissed.Wecont
inuedchat
ti
ng,
laughi
ngand
eat
ing.

Me:
"babyi
t'
sti
met
ogonow.
"

Shedidn'
trespond.Igotupsi
ncewewerel
yingon
ourback.Il
ookedbesidesme.Shewassl
eeping.
That'
ssooddofher .

Ishookher
.
Me:
"baby.
"

Herwhol
ebodywasmovi
ng.Fuck.

Me:
"no.No.Eyodwayoucan'
tdot
hist
ome.
"

Il
if
tedherupplacedhergent
lyonthebacksit
.
Tookthethi
ngsoutsi
deandplacedthem i
ntheboot
.
Idrovef
asttoHospit
al.

Idon'
tcareaboutt
icket
s.MyLi
feLi
nei
sdyi
ngher
e.
Igott
hereandtookherin.

Me:
"nur
sehel
p."

Theycamewithastr
etcher.Theytookheri
n.Iwent
tofi
lli
nthef
il
eatt
her ecepti
oni
st.Asshaki
ngasI
was.
Icouldn'
tevenseeastear
swerestr
eamingdown
myf ace.Igotdoneandwentt
othewait
ingar
ea.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
44
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
SoIdeci
dedt
ocal
lhermot
her
.

Her
:"
Chumani
."

Me:"
Eyodwajust.
..gotadm.
..
.i
tt
edatt
heho.
..
spi
tal
.
Sheju.
..
stf
ain.
.t
ed."

Iwasbr
eaki
ngdown

Her
:"
okay.Si
yeza.
"
-
wecomi
ng.

Shewaspani
cki
ng.Idr
oppedt
hecal
l.IsawTTand
Let
habocomi
ngby.
Them:
"wher
eisshe?
"

Ij
ustpointedatthewar dshewasin.Theywenti
n.I
sai
dal i
tt
leprayer.IknowIdon'
tusuall
ypraybutI
neededgodt oprotecther
.

Minutesl
atermypar
ent
swal kedi
nal
ongwit
h
Eyodwa'
sfamil
ynott
oforgetmyHomies.

Them:
"wher
eisshe?
"

Ij
ustlookedatthem wi thtearsinmyeyes.I
couldn'tevent
alk.Andt hefactthatt
hedoct
ors
haven'tcameouti sfuckingwithme.

Nandi
:"
canyoupl
easet
elluswhathappened.
"

Ical
meddown.
Me:"wewer
ehavi
ngapi cni
c.Nextt
hingndit
hi
masambekuyexandij
ongakuyeufaint
elendim
shukumi
sewabuyawonke."

Her
:"
yooh.
"

Theyal
lst
art
edcryi
ng.Irubbedmyf
aceroughlyon
myhands.TTandLethabocameout
.Theylooked
sad.

Me:
"pl
easet
ellwhat
'sgoi
ngon.
"

Isai
dwit
htear
sstreami
ngdownmyface.They
l
ookedsadandIknewri
ghtt
hatt
heyhavebad
news.

TT:
"shehasaki
dneyf
ail
ure.
"
IswearIranoutofbreathi
nasecond.AsIwas
abouttofal
lSi
yaquicklycaughtme.Isatdown
holdingmychest
.Myhear twasshatter
edint
o
pieces.

Ni
zi:
"bot
hki
dneysorj
ustone.
"

Lethabo:
"unf
ort
unat
elyshehadonekidneyl
eft
.She
needsadonororshewon'tsur
vive.
"

Me:
"Iwi
lldonat
eitf
orher
."

TT:"
wehavetot
estyoui
fyouhavet
hesamebl
ood
typefi
rst
."

Inodded.
Let
habo:
"anymor
edonor
s?"

Them:
"Iwi
llt
est
."

Wefol
lowedt
hem t
otheof
fi
ce.Theyt
ookourbl
ood
sampl
es.

Me:
"canwegoandseeher
?"

Theynodded.Wewalkedoutt
oherward.Aswe
wereabouttoappr
oachitmyauntanduncl
e'
s
came.

Zi
mi:
"i
sshef
ine?
"

Ij
ustleftt
hem ther
eandwalkedi
n.Shewaslooki
ng
attheceil
ingIwenttohugher
.Wecri
edineach
other
'shands.
Me:"don'
tworrybabyever ythi
ngwi l
lbef i
ne.Iwil
l
donateakidneyforyou.Youcan' tleavemeher e.
Youknowt hatIwon'tsurvive.Norhbundi
thembisi
lebasozeundishi ye.Nant sinal
eringbesi
thembisenengayo(Isaidkissingitfrom herneck
shewasst i
llweari
ngit.
)Canyoupl easecomeout
ali
vefrom t
heoperati
on."

Isai
dbr ushingherfacelookingst
rai
ghti
nhereyes.
Icoul
df eeleyespier
cingthroughmyskin.Iknew
forafacttheywerewat chi
ngus.

Her
:"Iwi
llcomeoutal
ive.Ndi
zokushi
yanabani
iba
ndi
nohamba. "
-
whowi
llIl
eaveyouwi
thi
fIl
eave.

Ihuggedt
ight
lysnif
fingonhershoul
der
s.She
mademel ookather.Shewipedmytear
s.
Her
:"pl
easebest
rongforme.Webothcan'
tbeweak
att
hismoment.Ndakcelar
hadebe.
"

Inoddedr
epeat
edl
y.

Me:"i
t'
sjustt
hatI
'm afrai
dtolooseyou.Yourmyl
if
e
baby.ButIwil
lbestrongforusokay."

Shenodded.Iki
ssedbot
hhereyes.

Me:
"ndakut
handayeva?
"
-
iloveyouokay?

Her
:"
Iloveyout
oo.
"

Me:
"zandit
henikuweBaby?
"
-
whatdi
dIsayt
oyou?
Shegi
ggl
ed.Bestsoundi
nthewor
ld.

Her
:"
ndakut
handanam.
"
-
iloveyout
oo.

Igaveherapeckbeforehuggi
ngheragai
n.Istood
besi
desherbedsinceIwassitt
ingont
opofit.I
ki
ssedherhandholdingi
t.

Thef
ami
lyevent
ual
l
ycamei
n.Theyal
lhuggedher
.

Lungel
o:"
yout
rul
ydol
oveher
."

Me:
"shei
smyl
if
e.Ican'
tli
vewi
thouther
."

Isaidl
ooki
ngathersmi
li
ng.Sheal
sosmi
led.I
wipedawaymytear.
Nandi
:"
thi
smustbeyourwor
stbi
rt
hdayEver
."

Weal
llaughed.

CageandMamber
:"
kubiguys.
"
-
it
'sbad

Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:
"act
ual
lyi
twast
hebestexceptf
orme
bei
nghereofcour
se.
"

Shesai
dsmi
li
ngl
ooki
ngatme.

Ni
ziandNandi
:
"pi
cni
cbi
njani
."
-
howwast
hepi
cni
c.
Kel
vin:
"bekumnandi
isana.Jongani
."
-
itwasgr
eat
.Look.

HewasholdingEyodwa'
sphone.Wel
lthepassword
i
sRhadebe0509.Welaughedathi
m.Theywer eal
l
gushi
ngoverthephone.

Them:
"You'
real
readypr
oposi
ng?
"

Theywer
eal
lsur
pri
sed.

Lungel
o:"
kangeuzenakum kwedi
ni.
"
-
youdi
dn'
tevencomet
ome.

Wel
aughed.
Me:
"nomar
nthat
'sapr
omi
ser
ing.
"

Them:
"ooh.
"

Si
ya:
"kazebone.
"
-
letmesee

Hesai
dlooki
ngatt
heringthanme,theri
ngagai
n
t
hanme.Heshookhishead.Welaughed.

Eyodwa:
"uyadi
kakeRhadebeSeni
or.
"
-
RhadebeSeni
ori
sir
ri
tat
ing.

Wel
aughed.

Si
ya:
"Eyodwa.
"
Eyodwa:
"RhadebeSeni
or.
"

Si
ya:
"Eyodwa.
"

Eyodwa:
"RhadebeSeni
or.
"

Si
ya:
"Umbi
."
-
yourugl
y.

Wecr
ackedi
ntol
augher
.Myf
atheri
sinsane.

Eyodwa:
"nawe.
"
-
yout
oo.

MeandSiya:
"neowyakhoi
mbij
umpcase/
ayi
kwazi
kl
ksi
fana"
-
yourboyf
ri
endi
sal
sougl
y/i
tcan'
tbewhenwel
ook
t
hesame.

Weal
llaughed

Eyodwa:
"umhl
ewenaRhadebe"
-
youbeaut
if
ul

Wel
aughed.

Ni
zi:
"akhakhombimnyeniwam yourboyf
ri
endi
s
t
heuglyone."
-
myhusbandi
snotugl
y..
.

Me:
"hai
bomama.
"

Welaughed.Weconti
nuedchat
ti
ngmaki ngj
okes
andall
.Iwassohappytoseehersmil
eandlaugh
agai
n.Adoctorcamein.Hest
oodbesidesme.
Dr:
"wellwefoundadonorf orMs.Langahere.He
hasalr
eadydonat edtheki
dney.Theyhavethe
samebl oodtypeto.Wejusthavetodothe
operat
ionnow. "

Us:
"who?
"

Dr
:"hedidn'
tleavehi
snamebuthesai
dIshoul
d
gi
vethistoyou."

Hegavemeal
ett
er.Hewal
kedout
.

Them:
"i
thi
ni?
"
-
whatdoesi
tsay

Iopenedi
t.
Me: "
gladIcouldhel
pmyoneandonl ydaughter
.
Hopesher ecoverssoonsothatIcanpl
otmy
revengeagainstyouallwi
thherhel
p.Don'
tthi
nkI
havef or
gott
enaboutyouwi f
ey.Yourst
rul
ythan
thereisadiamond."

Them:
"what
?!!
"

Theywer
eallshockedNandievenf
aint
ed.But
Li
yemacaughtheronti
me.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
45
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Theypl
acedNandiont
hecouch.Let
habochecked
herup.

Let
habo:
"shei
sjustshockednot
hingmaj
or.
"

Wenodded.Sheevent
ual
lywokeup.

Me:
"di
amondasi
nli
keherf
ather
?"
Theyal
lnodded.

Eyodwa:
"I
'm nott
aki
nghi
ski
dney.Fi
ndmeanot
her
one.
"

Shewasshaki
ng.

Me:
"Iwi
llpr
otectyouf
rom hi
m babyokay.
"

Ihuggedher
.

Ntsi
ka:
"wewillalsopr
otectyousi
s.Wewi
llmake
surehedoesn'tcomenearyou."

Lungel
o:"
I'
m youronl
yfat
herokay.
"
Shenodded.Theyhuggedt
ight
ly.

Ni
zi:
"Don'tcrybaby.Youstil
lhavetosur
vivethi
s.
Westil
lneedyou.LeJoywi llgoandcheckifweare
matches.Pleasedon'tt
hinkabouthim.Wewi l
lfi
nd
hi
m beforehedoesn'tanythi
ngtoyouall.
"

Eyodwanodded.Theyhugged.

Si
ya:"
youknowyoucant r
ustme.Don'tworr
yabout
hi
m.Iwillt
akecareofhi
m.PleasehealandDon'
t
worr
yabouthim."

Hewipedhertear
sbeforeki
ssi
ngherf
oreheadand
gi
vingherati
ghthug.Let
haboAndTTwalkedin
wi
ththetest
s.

Them:"Chumanii
stheonl
yonethathasherbl
ood
typesowewillbeper
for
mingt
heoper at
ion
t
omor
row.
"

IwassohappythatI
'mt
heonewhowi llbe
donat
ingaki
dneyformyflower
.I'
mt heonewhois
goi
ngtosaveheract
ual
ly.Ismi
rked.Everyone
l
aughed.

Si
ya:
"si
eskwedi
ni.
"

Welaughedmore.Wechil
ledther
eforawhi
le.Iwas
al
soadmitt
ed.SoIshar
edar oom wi
thmybaby.

Me:"
Iswearwhenwehavebot hrecover
edwewi l
l
havethebestsexEverndl
elal
ehornyngayobaby.
"

Shel
aughed.Iwaspl
ait
ingherbi
gafro.Ni
zit
aught
mehow.AndIalwaysplai
tNkanyezi
'
s.
Her
:"
itwi
llt
akeaweekf
ormet
oheal
."

Me:
"aababypr
ocessmayi
bef
ast
."
-
thepr
ocessmustbef
ast
.

Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
Iwi
llmi
ssmymot
her
str
adi
ti
onalweddi
ng.
"

Me:
"Ni
ni?
"
-
when?

Her
:"
emvenikwezint
sukuzi
mbi
ni.
"
-
aft
ert
hese2days.

Me:
"haiwet
hubabybayaphi
?"
-
wher
ear
etheygoi
ng?
Her
:"
FreeSt
ate.
"

Me:
"oohokay.Myl
ove.
"

Her
:"
Rhadebe.
"

Iki
ssedt
hebackofherneck.

Me:
"whydi
dn'
tyout
ellmeyouhadaki
dney
r
emoved.
"

Her:
"Idi
dn'
tthi
nkt
hiswoul
dhappenbabyt
hat
's
why."

Me:"youshouldhavebabymaybeIwouldhave
beenmor ealer
ted.Undot
husi
lenyanibaby.
Especial
lyngokububuyawonke.
"
-
youscar
edmebaby.Especi
all
ywhenyourwhol
e
bodywasmovi
ng.

Her:
"Iwil
lbabybutayi
khoenyei
ntongokuand
uxolongokothusabi
ngasoynt
obendinqwenel
a
uyenza.
"
-
ther
eisnot
hingel
seandI'm sor
ryforscar
ingyou.
I
twasn'
tsomethi
ngthatIwanted.

Me:"akhont
obabyaslongasuzobangconowena
buyelekuRhadebewakho.
"
-
it
'snot
hingbabyaslongasyouwil
lbef
ineandyou
wil
lcomebacktoyourRhadebe.

Her
:"ndi
vuyel
alont
oNam,bakhendayazi
iawukwazi
phi
langaphandl
ekwam.
"
-
i'
m Happybecauseiknowyoucan'
tli
vewi
thoutme.

Me:
"nyanil
eyo.Cel
aundit
hembi
sebauzobuyel
a
esbedl
elexakut
hiwauzobel
ekabant
hwanabam.
"
-
that'
sTr
ue.Pl
easepr
omisemeyouwil
lonl
ycome
backher
ewhenyouaregi
vingbi
rt
htomyki
ds.

Webot
hgi
ggl
ed.

Her
:"
ndakut
hemnbi
sast
handwasam.
"
-
ipr
omi
seyoumyl
ove.

Igotdonepl
ait
ingherhai
r.

Me:
"ndakut
handakeMol
okazanawakwaRhadebe"
-
iloveyou,
daught
eri
nlawf
rom t
heRhadebecl
an.

Her
:"
ndakut
handaNam Rhadebe.
"
-
iloveyout
ooRhadebe.
Me:
"I
zancami
sebabysi
benol
ala.
"
-
comeandki
ssmebabysot
hatwecansl
eep.

Shetur
nedaround.Wekissed.Weslept
.At5am we
hadtowakeup.Wet ookaquickshowertoget
her
.
At6am t
heoperati
onstar
ted.

By8am t
heyweredoneandIwasstabl
e.Myangle
wasst
il
lunconsci
ous.Thewhol
efamil
ywal
kedin.

Them:
"howyouf
eel
i
ng.
"

Me:"ndiseznt
lungwinibutndizobangcononoko
bendiyenzel
aumt uendimt handayolennt
o."
-i
npai
nbutIwil
lbef
inepl
usIwasdoi
ngi
tfor
someoneIl
ove.

Isai
dlooki
ngatEyodwasl
eepi
ngnextt
ome.They
al
lsmi
led.

NandiandLungel
o:"
Enkossimnt
anam ngosenzel
a
l
ento.
"
-
thankyoumychi
ldf
ordoi
ngt
hisf
orus.

If
aint
lysmi
led.

Me:
"akhont
omaasoyintol
e.Kunezi
ntoendi
sezo
menzel
azonaEyodwa."
-
thi
sisnot
hingmom.thisisnot
hingcompar
edt
o
t
hethi
ngsIwilldof
orher.

Si
ya:
"wat
het
haokwendoda.Ndi
fundi
sil
e."
-
spokel
ikeat
rueman.It
aughtwel
l.

Welaughed.Wespokether
etil
lsheevent
ual
lywoke
up.Theywerechasedawayat7pm.Iwenttomy
baby'
sbed.Ipl
acedherheadonmychest
.

Me:
"uzi
vanj
aningokut
hambol
am.
"
-
howar
eyouf
eel
ingbaby.

Her:
"ndizi
vangconoRhadebe.Enkossingayoyonke
i
ntoondenzeleYonaandiyazibandi
ngakubulel
e
nj
ani."
-i
'
mf eel
ingbetterRhadebe.Thankyoufor
ever
ythi
ngyouhavedonef ormeI '
m don'
tknow
howIwillthankyou.

Me:"
ungandibul
elengophi
lawenaqast
handwa
sam."
-
youcant
hankmebyj
ustr
ecover
ingmyl
ove.

Her
:"
ndi
zophi
lababy.Ndabul
elest
handwasam.
"
-
iwi
llr
ecover
.Thankyoumyl
ove.
Me:
"akhont
obaby.Ndi
yakut
handauyeva.
"
-
it
'snot
hingbaby.Il
oveyouokay?

Her
:"
ndakut
hanndanam.
"
-
iloveyout
oo.

Weki
ssed.

Us:
"t
oget
hert
il
linf
ini
ty .
"

Weki
ssedagai
n.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted .
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
46
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Eyodwa
Iwasnowoutofhospi
tall
ivi
ngwi
thChumani
.
Reasonwhy?Myf
ami
lywentt
oFr
eeSt
atef
ort
he
wedding.

Al
ongwi t
hhisf
amilyt
heywereal
linvi
tedandwe
missedoutont
hefun.Butwor
ryl
esscausethe
whit
eweddingwil
lbehere.

Chumani
:"
babyNkanyezizobal
aphai
naf
ew.
"
-
wil
lbeher
einaf
ew.

Me:
"t
hengi
lef
ibr
e?"
-
didyoubuyf
ibr
e.

Hi
m:"
yeah.
"

Igavehi
m ababyki
ss.

Me:
"setupt
het
abl
e.I
'
m done.
"
Ijustmadebreakf
astforus.Ipour
edwar
m water
forhimtowashhishands.Iwenttohi
m andhewas
alreadysi
tt
ingdown.

Me:
"handspl
ease.
"

Ikneel
eddown.Hewassmi
li
ng.

Hi
m:"
Imi
ssedt
his.
"

Ismiledwashi
nghishands.Igotdoneandwentt
o
takeourbr
eakfast
.Ipl
acedthedishesonthet
abl
e.

Me:
"l
et'
spr
ay.
"

Wesai
dgr
acebef
oreeat
ing.
Me:
"zandincedi
sakebaby.
"
-
youwi
llhel
pmebaby

Chumani:
"ihavet
osomet
hingf
orSi
yaf
ir
stbut
ndoqenaumnababy."
-
i'
mlazy

Me:
"sot
hatsi
benokawul
ezawehaveadat
etoni
ght
myl
ove.
"
-
wecanbef
ast
..

Chumani
:"
okayIwi
llhel
p.Butzandibhat
ala.
"
-
youwi
llpayme.

Me:
"hai
bo.
"

Wel
aughed.
Hi
m:"
eweke.
"

Me:
"mxm.
"

Hi
m:"
ndakut
hanndanam.
"
-
iloveyout
oo.

Hesai
dfeedi
ngmeaBacon.

Me:
"Ihat
eyou.
"

Hi
m:"
utshokum?
"
-
yousayi
ngt
hatt
ome?

Me:
"aal
amt
uumbonayoxaj
ongeespi
li
ni.
"
-
not
her
eper
sonyouseewhenyoul
ooki
ngatt
he
mi
rr
or.

Hemadehi
seyessmal
l
.

Me:
"awasemanci
nci
."
-
theyar
esosmal
l.

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
mxm v'
tsek.
"

Hesai
dtaki
ngtheempt yplat
es.Hestoodupand
wentt
otheki
tchen.Iranbehi
ndhim andjumpedon
hi
sback.Wealmostfell
.

Hi
m:"
swi
ne.
"
Welaughed.Hepl
acedtheplat
esi
nthesi
nkbef
ore
r
unningouttot
hepoolside.

Me:
"CHUMANI
!!
!"

Isai
dashej
umpedi
nthewat
er.

Me:
"mqundu.
"

Helaughed.Ichasedhiminthewat
er.HegotUnder
t
hewat erandIalsofol
lowedhi
m.Icaughthi
m but
t
hisdickheadkissedme.

Wekissedandhewal
kedoutoft
hewat
er.Wewer
e
st
il
lki
ssing.

:
"Yewet
huni
phina.Oohni
lapha.
"
-
wher
ear
eyou?Oohyouher
eyouar
e.
Ibr
oket
heki
ssandl
ookedup.I
twasNkanyezi
.

Chumani
:"
siesunebadt
imi
ng.
"
-
youhavebadt
imi
ng.

Welaughed.Wegotoutoft
hewater
.It
ookofmy
cl
othes.Chumanial
sot
ookofhi
s.

Wewal
kedi
nthehouse.

Me:
"si
steri
nlawcel
asul
efoot
pri
ntszet
hu!
!"
-
canyoupl
easewi
peourf
oot
pri
nts.

Iyel
led.

Her
:"
okay!
!"
Sheyel
ledback.Wegott
other
oom.

Chumani
:"
bendi
zot
yake.
"
-
iwasgoi
ngt
ogetsome.

Hesai
dki
ssmycl
it
.Hewast
hewi
pingmewi
tha
t
owel.

Me:
"yazit
handai
zmangadi
ckhead.
"
-
youl
ovesex.

Tur
nedmear
oundandmadehi
scockt
ouchmyass.

Me:
"mhh.
"

Hi
m:"
zanit
heningondit
uka?
"
-
whatdi
dIsayaboutyouswear
ingme?

Me:
"Chumani
.Xol
omhhke.
"

Hewasf i
ngerfuckingme.Hetookouthi
sfi
nger
andofcoursehelickedhi
sfi
nger.

Me:
"Ihat
ethat
."

Hegavemeapeckbef
oregi
vingmehi
sboxer
sand
at-
shi
rt
.Iwor
ethem.

Hi
m:"
it
'sdel
ici
oust
ome.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"youwi
llf
indmedownst
air
s."
Ibabyki
ssedhi
m bef
orewal
kingout
.Hespanked
myass.

Hi
m:"
greatass.
"

Welaughed.Iwal
keddownandNkanyeziwas
al
readysi
tt
ingonapill
owwithherf
ibr
enextt
oher
.
Iwil
lbedoingbr
aidsonherhai
r.

Isatont
hecouchwi
thherbet
weenmyl
egs.

Me:
"sowhendi
dint
oyakonoCr
aigst
art
."

Isai
dtaki
ngoutt
hef
ibr
efr
om t
hepl
ast
ic.

Her:
"Val
ent
ine'
sday.Butwebr
okeupngoAugust
saphi
ndasabuyel
ana."
-
thanwegotbackt
oget
her
.

Me:
"mmhVal
ent
ine'
sday.Washa.
"

Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
wenanoChumani
?"

Me:"5kaSept
ember
.Het
ookmeoutwandicel
a
kengoku.
"
-
het
hanaskedme.

Her
:"butonFacebookyouwer
eact
ingl
ikeyour
dat
ing."

Me:
"yeah.
"
Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
sunxamaphone.
leCr
aigsothatIcant
ellhi
mI
won'
tbemeeti
ngupwithhi
m anymore."

Shetookherphoneandf
aceti
medhi
m.He
answeredandhewassti
lli
nbed.

Conver
sat
ion

Cr
aig:
"St
ar.
"

Hesai
dsmi
li
ng.

Nkanyezi
:"
Baby.Whyar
eyoust
il
linbed.
"

Theyl
aughed.
Him:
"i
t'
ssti
ll10am babyandyouknowt
hatI
'
m not
anear
lyper
son...
."

Her
:"
youradeepsl
eeperIknow.
"

Theyl
aughed.Theyar
esoi
nlovet
heseki
ds.

Him:
"buti
t'
sagr eatt
hingt
hatyourt
hef
ir
stper
sonI
sawthi
smor ni
ng.Starofmyli
fe.
"

Shegi
ggl
ed.

Her
:"
youknowIhat
ebl
ushi
ngr
ight
?"

Him:
"i
t'
snotacr
imetoBl
ush.Pl
usyoul
ookgr
eat
andi
tmeansI'
m maki
ngyouhappy.
"
Her
:"
yeahr
ight
."

Sher
oll
edhereyes.

Him:
"Isweari
fyour
ollt
hem agai
nIwi
llt
aket
hem
outmysel
f.
"

Shehel
dherhear
t.

Her
:"
that
'ssof
uckencr
uel
."

Hi
m:"
stopr
oll
ingyoureyest
han.
"

Her
:"
Iai
n'tpr
omi
singanyt
hing.
"

Theyl
aughed.
Hi
m:"
howar
eyout
odayanywaybabe?
"

Her
:"
I'
m gr
eatandyou?
"

Hi
m:"
Great
.Sowhatyouupt
o.?
"

Her
:"
doi
ngmyhair.That
'swhyIcall
ed.BabyI
woul
dn'
tbeabl
etocomet oyoutoday.
"

Hi
m:"
Iunder
stand.Aslongasyoupromi
set
ocome
t
ommorow.Imisssleepi
nginyourar
ms.
"

Yey.Ut
hinil
o?
-
whati
shesayi
ng.

Her:
"dudeyoul i
ve2Housesawayfrom mygrams
soIwilldef
ini
tel
ycome.PlusIwi
llbesl
eepi
ngover
tommor ow.
"
Hesmirked.Devi
l.Yewet
hubat
hiniabant
hwana
zangendaxakwa.
-
whatar
etheseki
dssayi
ng.

Her
:"
don'tevent
hinkabouti
t.Wej
ustcuddl
eand
wat
chingmovies.
"

Hi
m:"
whatwasIt
hinki
ngaboutt
han?
"

Her:
"youknowwhatI
'
mtal
kingaboutyousodi
rt
y
minded.
"

Sher
oll
edhereyes.Theyl
aughed.

Him:"
Iwasn'
tthi
nki
ngaboutanyt
hing.Iwasj
ust
thi
nki
ngaboutuscuddl
ing.I
t'
snotli
kewedoingt
he
deedanyway.
"
Ooht
hankGod.It
houghtbayal
alana.

Her
:"
I'
m notr
eady.
"

Hesmi
led.

Him:"
that
'swhyIwi
l
lwai
tforyou.Eveni
fit
's5
year
s."

Her:
"yourexagger
ati
ngnowmaybewhenwe
cel
ebrati
ngour2yearanni
ver
sar
y."

Theyl
aughed.

Hi
m:"
IloveyouandIdon'
twantust
orusht
hings
west
il
lhaveali
fet
imetoget
her
."
Her
:"
sogl
adyouseeaf
utur
ewi
thme.
"

Theysmi
ledateachot
her
.Washa.

Him:"
yourmysoul
mate.AndIwi
llpaydowr
ytel
l
yourfat
hert
onotwor
ry."

Theyl
aughed.

Her
:"
Iwi
llt
ellhi
m."

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llbepayi
ngami
ll
ion.
"

Theyl
aughed.

Her
:"
that
sal
ot.
"
Hi
m:"
anythi
ngforyoumylove.Youknowthatyour
myever
ythi
ngso.Amill
ionwil
lbenothi
ng.
"

Shebl
ushed.

Her
:"
Ihat
ebl
ushi
ng.Fuck.
"

Theyl
aughed.

:
"Cr
aigj
ouVaderbelj
ou.
"
-
yourf
atheri
scal
li
ngyou.

Thatwassomeonecal
li
nghi
mfr
om t
he
backgr
ound.

Cr
aig:
"ekkom.
"
-
i'
m comi
ng.
Crai
g:"
lookbabywewi l
lTal
k.Af
teryourdonewit
h
yourhair
.Whatdoyousayinyourlanguageagai
n?
yeah.Ndakuthanda.
"
-
iloveyou.

Shegi
ggl
ed.Hej
ustsmi
ledgenui
nel
y.

Her
:"
Iloveyoumor
emyl
ove.
"

Theybot
hbl
ewaki
ssbef
oredi
sconnect
ing.

Me:
"heehaiabant
hwanabayakhul
ula.
"
-
theseki
dsar
egr
ownup.

Isai
dshaki
ngmyhead.Wel
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
47
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
net
hambaLanga
I'
m sureyouallwonderi
ngwhyI '
m herenow.The
kidneyIsentatthehospi
talwasjustmewar ning
them thatI
'
m back.Ihavebeenwat chi
ngtheirever
y
movef or2years.

Ihavebeeninj
ailfor15year
s.Igotoutonl
ytof
ind
mywi f
ewithanothermanandmyki dshati
ngme.

Notl
ikeIcar
ebutIhat
etrai
tor
s.Youcan'
tbemy
f
amil
yandsidewithanenemyIhatetr
ait
ors.

Youshoul
dsti
ckt
ofami
lynothi
ngelse.AndIwi
ll
usemydaught
ert
ogetbackatthem.

Ialr
eadyhaveapl anonhowtogetmyrevenge
back.ButIwil
llaydownforabi
tnowIknowt hey
areexpect
ingmet ostr
ikenowbutIwon'
t.

Iwi
llwai
tforayeart
hanst
ri
kewhent
heydon'
t
expectmetoo.Smart.IknowIhavebeeni
nthi
s
gamef ormorethan30years.

Greatt
hingthatmydaught
eri
sdatingt
hatPl
aatj
ies
boy.Makingiteasi
erf
ormetoavengemysel
fto
Sil
encer
.

Ijustwanthi
sweal t
hnothi
ngmor enot
hingl
ess.I
wannaseehim sufferf
orputti
ngmebehindbars.I
knowIdiditfi
rstbuthedoesn'
tgett
ohavethelast
l
augh.

Hedidami stakebyj
ustputt
ingmebehi
ndbarsand
notKil
li
ngme.NowI '
m goingtot
eachhi
m alesson
to.Heshouldlear
ntoneverl
eaveanyst
one
untur
ned.

:
"Babamamayakbi
za.
"
-
dadmom i
scal
li
ngyou.
Il
ookedup.Isawmydaught
er.

Me:
"f
unt
oniYamkel
a?"
-
whatdoesYamkel
awant
?

Sheshr
ugged.Wel
aughed.

Me:
"l
et'
sgobef
oreshecomesupher
eshout
ing.
"

Wel
aughedwal
kingout
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Nkanyezi
Me:
"whyi
sther
epi
ecesofhai
rlef
tinbet
ween.
"

Chumani
:"
lennt
obendi
zoybuza.
"
-
that
'
swhatIwasaboutt
oask.

Hewasal
sohel
ping.

Eyodwa:
"Iwil
lpl
aitt
hathai
rdon'
twor
ryyouwi
ll
l
ookgreat.
"

Inoddedtheygotdone.Shepl
aitt
het
inyst
ri
pesof
f
hai
rleft
.

Eyodwa:
"anddoneyoucangocheckyour
sel
fout
onthemirr
or.
"
Ij
umpedoffthepil
lowandstr
etchedout.Ihadan
asstr
ump.Iwalkedtothet
oil
etdownstair
sand
l
ookedatmyselfonthemir
ror.

FuckIlookedgreat
.Shereal
lyknowsherthi
ngs.I
sal
uteyousisteri
nlaw.Igi
ggled.Iwal
kedout
smil
ing.Iwenttohugher.

Me:
"t
hankyousomuch.Il
ookgr
eat
."

Shegi
ggl
edhuggi
ngmeback.

Chumani
:"
awul
ambanga.
"
-
ain'
tyouhungr
y?

Ishookmyhead.

Them:
"hai
bongu3ngoku.
"
Me:
"Iwi
lleatf
ikhakwam kuMakhul
u."
-
whenIgett
ogr
anny.

Theynodded.

Chumani
:"
yourdr
iveri
sher
ethan.
"

Ihuggedthem andgavethem bot

hakissonthei
r
cheeks.Iwal
kedinthecarandtookpi
ctur
es.

Ipostedt hem onmysoci almediaplat

forms.Wi t
h
thecapt i
on'mysisteri
nl awsurel
yknowsher
businessmor ethanapr ofessi
onalhair
styl
ist.Il
ook
greatallthankstoEyodwa. 'Iment i
oned
her.

IsentCr
aigsomeoft
hepi
ctur
es.I
t'
smydai
lyj
ob.I
f
Idon'
tthanhewillbecr
ossatme.I
magi
ne.That
dudeiscrazyi
nlovewit
hme.

Surel
ypeoplet
hinkIgavehim somevudu.Idon'
t
evengivehi
mt hecake.Laughi
ng.ButIappr
eci
ate
him.Welli
nhisphonehehas300pi ctur
esofme
i
ncludi
ngoneswi t
hhim.

Worsepar
tisthathesendmehiswhenhewantsto.
Hi
snotthetypeofpersonwholovest
aki
ngpi
ctur
es.
Hi
scell
phoneisfullofmypi
ctur
es.

Whenwebr okeupheneverdel
etedmypi ctur
es.He
reall
yiscrazyi
fyouaskme.Iwasi nter
rupt
edbya
callcomingthr
oughwhenIwasst i
lldaydreaming
abouthim.

Andhei
stheonecal
li
ng.Igi
ggl
edpi
cki
ngupt
he
cal
l.
Me:
"Mr
.Pet
erson.
"

Hi
m:"
Mrs.Pet
ersont
obe.
"

Wel
aughed.

Him:"
youlooksobeaut
if
ulmyl
ove.Imustsal
ute
yoursi
steri
nlaw.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"weshoul
dsal
uteheri
ndeed.
"

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"l
ookmyfamil
ywillbeoutti
lll
atesoIwas
wonder
ingi
fyoucoul
dspendt herestofyourday
wi
thme."
Iknowforaf actt
hathei
sbi
tt
inghi
slowerli
ps.He
doesthateveryti
mewhenheasksforsomethi
ng.

Me:
"st
opbi
tt
ingyourl
owerl
ip.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"Iwil
lcome.Act
ual
lyI
'
m 2mi
nut
esaway.Open
t
hegatesolong.
"

Hi
m:"
consi
dert
hatdone.
"

Igi
ggl
edbef
oredi
sconnect
ingt
hecal
l.

Me:
"canyoupl
easedr
opmeof
fher
e."
Isaidpoi
nti
ngatCr
aigshouse.Thedri
vernodded.I
cal
ledLumi.Mycousi
n.AuntAyabonga'
schild.

Her
:"
baby.
"

Me:
"ni
phi
?"
-
wher
ear
eyou?

Her
:"
mal
l.UvuyoandLunat
hisi
bashi
yil
e."
-
wel
eftt
hem behi
nd.

Me:
"al
ertmewhenyou'
reback.
"

Her
:"
kwanguCr
aigbutIwi
ll
."

Welaughed.Igotofft
hecar.Cr
aigwasstandingat
thedoorfr
ameatt hef
rontdoor
.Legscrossedand
armsacrosshischest
.Hewasshi r
tlessmakingmy
cl
itr
eleasesomel
iqui
d.

Igottohi
m andheat
tackedmewi
thahug.He
rest
edhischi
nonmyhead.

Me:
"ouchbaby.Ij
ustdi
dmyhai
rremember
."

Hegavemeapeck.

Hi
m:"sor
rymyloveI'
mjustusedt
othat
.Doyou
f
orgi
veyourbaby?
"

Igi
gglednodding.Helif
tedmeup.Iwr
appedmy
l
egsar oundhi
swai standmyhandsar
oundhi
s
neck.

Hi
m:"
yourgi
ggl
est
urnmeonever
yti
me.
"
Ibur
iedmyheadi
nneckbef
oregi
ggl
ing.

Me:
"sor
rybaby.
"

Isaidleavi
ngaki ssonhisneck.Iat
tackedhim wi
th
akiss.Hegr abbedmyasswal ki
ngupst ai
rs.He
star
tedtakingofmycl ot
hes.

Ididn'
tst
ophim causeIwasreadyforhim.Iwas
l
eftwithmypantiesonl
y.Idon'
twearbra'sIhat
e
them i
nfact
.

Hi
m:"
Imustsayyouhaveaver
ybeaut
if
ulbody.
"

Hesaidlooki
ngatme.If el
tshyandcover
edmy
facewit
hmyt inyhands.Heremovedthem and
smiledgenui
nely.Hecamebacktokissme.
Hel ef
tmyl i
psandwentformyneck.Helef
twet
kissesallt
hewaytomybr east
.Hesuckedt
hem.He
thanleftwetki
ssesal
lthewaytomycake.

Het
ookof
fmypant
iesandki
ssedmycake.

Hi
m:"
yoursobeaut
if
ul.
"

Hesmi rkedki
ssi
ngmyinnert
highs.Hewenti
nand
starteddoingthi
ngst
omypussy.Iwassoenjoyi
ng
this.Ikeptpushi
nghi
sheaddeeper.

Idon'tknowwhathappenedtowai
ti
ngbutIwas
readyforhi
m.Iwasmoani nghi
sname.

Me:
"baby.
."

Hi
m:"
cum f
ormebaby.
"
Me:
"Cr
aigIneedt
opee.
"

Isai
dmoani
ng.

Hi
m:"
leti
tgobaby.
"

Iwasbreathi
ngheavil
y.Ithanletgoandreleaseda
l
oudmoan.Hel ickedmedr ybeforecomingup
l
ickingf
lui
dfrom hisl
ips.Heli
ckeditwit
hhis
tongue.

Me:
"di
sgust
ing.
"

Hi
m:"
itai
n't
."

Hesai
dkissingme.Itwassosal
ty.Hebr
okethe
ki
ssanddisappear
edtothebat
hroom.Hecame
andpi
ckedmeup.Iki
ssedhi
m.Hebr
oket
heki
ss.

Hi
m:"
comewewi
llt
akeabat
hnowt
hanwat
ch
movi
es.
"

Me:
"butIwantmor
ebaby.
"

Hi
m:"
younotr
eady.
"

Me:
"Iam.
"

Him:
"yourheadi
sjustmessi
ngupwit
hyoumylove.
Younot.AndIwantyourf
ir
stti
met
obespeci
al.
"

Me:
"whatdi
dwej
ustdonow?
"

Hi
m:"
socur
iousbuti
twasor
alsex.
"
Inodded.Wel
aughed.Hegavemepeck.

Hesaidpl
acingmeinthebubbl
ebathhemade.He
t
ookofhisjeansandboxer
s.Hi
sdickspr
angedout
f
reel
y.

Iopenedmyeyes.Hehasabi
gdi
ck.

Me:
"WowJohni
ssof
uckenbi
..
"

Hi
m:"
who?
"

Hebur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Me:
"John.
"
Hel
aughedmor
e.

Hi
m:"
youcr
azy.
"

Hegavemeapeckl
aughed.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Aphi
weTom
Youal lmustknowmyname.Wel lIgr
owupina
fostercar
easyouallknow.Chumani'
smot
her
helpedusfindourf
ather.

Thoughthel
ooksweretheret
oprovet
hatweare
hi
skids.Hi
sevilwi
fewantedDNAtest
sdone.She
cl
aimedt
hatwewantt
oeatherhusbandsmoney.

Bi
tchyout heoneeat
inghi
smoneynotus.Sowe
ar
eleavingwitht
hem nowalongwi
thmybro
Phumlani.

Meandhim getal
ongprett
ywel
lal
ongwithOsi
and
Umi
.SotodayI'm meet
ingupwi
thSekani
.

I'
m sogladthatIendedupdat inghi
m.Ihaveabad
hist
oryi
ndat i
ng.Mustbewonder i
ngwhat
happenedletmej ustt
ellyou.Sother
ewasthi
sguy
Iwasdat i
ng.

Atschoolnoonel
ikedme.Becauseofmyski
n.My
ski
nchangeswhenseasonschangeto.

Wheni
t'
swint
erIhavemyfullbrowncol
orand
wheni
tssummermyskinstart
speali
ngmaking
peopl
erej
ectme.

Becauseofmyski n.Backtot
hestor
yaboutmyex.
Avideoofhi
m drunkwaspost edonsocialmedi
a.
Hesaidandthatreall
ybrokemyheart.

'
mxm lamthanaAphiweandimthandi.Iwasj
ust
usi
ngher.IbrokeherVi
rgi
nit
y.AndumnandiImust
Iadmitbut
.Canyoualli
magine.i
Njegamenjengam
nextt
osomeoneasUgl yassheis.'

Thatbrokemyhear
tint
opei
ces.Ever
yonewas
l
aughingatmeatschool
.It
ri
edcommi t
ti
ngsui
cide
butIwassaved.

Thet
easi
ngcont
inuedt
il
lIl
ostal
lthesel
fest
eem
andl
oveIhadi
nme.Ihatedmysel
fsomuch.

Butt
hanSekanimademel
ovemysel
f.Hebui
ltme
tobeconfi
dentagai
n.Yourwon'
tbel
ievei
tthatt
he
peopl
ethatusedtoteasemearet
heones
compli
mentingmenow.

Iwouldpostapict
ureofusandtheywouldall
compli
mentme.Funnyhowt hingschange.Igott
o
theparkaf
terbei
nginsul
tedbymyst epmother.

Andshedoesn'
tbothermeabi
t.Iknowt
hatI
'
m
beaut
if
uli
nmyownway.Sekanitoldmetoal
ways
bl
ocknegati
vepeople.

Igotther
eandhewassi
tt
ingont
hebonnetofhi
s
car.Hesawmeandsmil
ed.Mykneesbacame
weakinaninst
ant
.

Heappr
oachedmeandpi
ckedmeup.

Hi
m:"
Ili
keyourski
nwheni
t'
speal
ing.I
tmakesyour
eyesspar
kl.
"

Hesai
dtouchi
ngmyf acesmoot
hlyaf
terpl
aci
ng
meontopofthebonnet.

Me:
"f
ir
stper
sont
ocompl
ementmeaboutt
hat
."

Hi
m:"
ungumtuwam somustndi
kuncome.I
fnotme
t
hanubanimyl
ove.
"
-
youmyper
sonsoImustcompl
ementyou.

Me:
"enkosi
."
-
thankyou.

Isaidatt
empt i
ngtokisshim buthedodgedmykiss.
Wel aughed.Healwaysdoest hi
s.Ij
ustpul
ledhi
s
faceandgavehi m akiss.
Hi
m:"
alwayswandif
ost
abamani
kuphuze.
"
-
youal
waysf
orci
ngmet
oki
ssyou.

Me:
"whyar
eyoudodgi
ngmyki
ss.
"

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
mxm.
"

Heki
ssedme.

Him:"
Iwasgoingt
obri
ngyouchocol
atesandst
uff
butyoudon'
tli
kemat
eri
alt
hings.
"

Hesai
dgi
vingmeapeckaf
tereachwor
d.

Me:
"you(
peck)know(
peck)I(
peck)don'
t(peck)l
ike
(
Peck)mat eri
al(peck)t hi
ngs.(
peck)I '
m( peck)not
(
peck)someone( peck)you( peck)can( peck)buy
(
peck)easily(peck).I(peck)prefer(peck)someone
(
peck)showi ng(peck)me( peck)love(peck)and
(
peck)aff
ect i
on( peck)than(peck)gi vi
ng(peck)me
(
peck)gif
ts.Giftscanneverbuyt hoset hi
ngs."

Wet
hanki
ssed.

Hi
m:"
yabor
e.a"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"Iknow.
"

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llcomeandf
etchyout
oni
ght
."

Me:
"nosexwhatsoevert
han.
"
Hi
m:"
yagul
a."
-
youmad.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"dudeyoupar
alyzedmel
astt
imer
emember
."

Him:"
yousofuckengoodatyourgame.Don'
tact
l
ikeyoudon'
tkeeponsaying.'
mmmhYonwaba.
Goodhardbabyandfast
er.'
"

Hesai
dlaughingcopi
ngmyvoi
ce.Ichasehi
m
ar
oundholdi
ngstones.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Chumani
Af
terNkanyezil
eftwewentt
otakeabat
hsi
ncewe
weresweaty.Weweregoi
ngout.

JustaMacDonal
d'sdat
enot
hingf
ancy.Herwor
ds
notmine.

Me:
"l
et'
sgetgoi
ng.
"

Isai
dpul
li
ngher
.

Her
:"
yourr
uini
ngmyhai
rst
yle.
"

Me:
"akhongxakinobaumbi
."
-
ther
eisnopr
obl
em eveni
fyouar
eugl
y.
Her
:"
rhaa.Wenabemhl
e."
-
youmustbebeaut
if
ul.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"I
'm hotsoImustal
waysbehot
.Peopl
ecan'
t
r
esi
stmyhot t
ness.
"

Isai
dpulli
ngmycol
larupwi
ggl
ingmyeyebr
ows.
Shelaughed.

Her:
"don'
tfl
att
eryour
sel
f.Notal
lofuscan'
tresi
st
yourhott
ness.
"

Me:
"I
'm sohur
tri
ghtnow.
"

Ihel
dmychestandshepunchedmebef
ore
l
aughi
ng.Ij
oinedi
n.

Afterourgr
eatti
meatMacDonal
dIdrovetoaquiet
placewhereyougett
oseet
hewholeJohannesburg.
It
'sabeauti
fulvi
ew.

Especi
all
yatnight.Andi
tisni
ghtt
imenow
meaningthel
ightsareonthevi
ewisper
fect
ly
beauti
ful
.

Eyodwa:
"neverknewt
hatt
hisci
tyi
sthi
sbeaut
if
ul.
"

Me:
"per
fectvi
ewi
ndeed.
"

Weweresi
tt
ingont hebonnetofthecar
.Wesatin
comf
ort
abl
esilence.Iwasthi
nkingaboutmyl
if
e.
Howiti
sandall.
Her
:"
Iloveyou.
"

Il
ookedathernextt
omeandsmi
led.

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"

Her
:"
Provei
t,scr
eam t
othewor
ld.
"

Shesaidwi
thsomuchent
husi
asm.Openi
ngupher
hands.

IopenedmymouthasIwasaboutt
oscr
eam butI
wenttoherear
.

Me:
"Il
oveyou.
"

Shebl
ushed.
Her
:"
whyar
eyouwhi
sper
ingi
tinmyear
."

Me:
"yourmywor
ld.
"

Shegi
ggl
ed.Iat
tackedherwi
thaki
ss.

Kel
vin:
"Umidoeswonder
s."

Wewer esi
tti
ngwi
tht
hem.Iwasintheki
tchenwi
th
Eyodwa.Theywer
esi
tti
ngonthebarst
ools.

Me:
"haibr
amci
ncil
amt
hana.
"

Wel
aughed.

Kel
vin:
"notebed.
ini
.it
'sl
ikeshewasn'
tavi
rgi
n."
Nt
lakani
pho:
"washa.
"

Wel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
Aphi
webra.Zol
o.Shewasf
ucki
ngmel
i
ke
nobodi
esbusi
ness.
"

Us:
"shewasf
ucki
ngyou?
"

Eyodwa:
"doesshehaveacocknow?
"

Webur
sti
ntol
augher
.

Sekani
:"
nobutshewasinchar
ge.Akaybambi
nephoneI'
m sur
eshei
ssti
llsl
eepi
ng.
-
shedoesn'
tanswerherphone.
..
Wel
aughed

Nt
lakanipho:
"umnaI
'
m st
il
lwai
ti
ngayeart
opr
ove
myself
."

Hesul
kedwel
aughedathi
m.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"si
lel
ant
ont
omf
utshane.
"
-
thatshor
tthi
ngi
snaught
y.

Welaughedmore.It
ookt
hepanandhi
tEyodwa
wi
thitonherhead.

Her
:"
msunu.
"

Me:
"i
bamf
utshanenawe.
"
-
beshor
tto.

Isai
drunni
ngaway.Shewaschasi
ngmearound
wit
hapotinherhand.Mybr
o'swer
elaughi
ngthei
r
l
ungsout.

Eyodwa:
"si
esayi
valent
oindengat
higi
raf
fe.Zonya
Chumanikanj
ani
i.St
ruzamazimamam bi
nqe
ngant
oni
i."

Wel
aughedmor
e.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
48
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
NkanyeziPl
aat
ji
es
Hegoti
nthebat
hbehi
ndme.

Me:
"can'
tbel
ievet
hisi
susnow.
"

Hehel
dmet
ight
lyf
rom behi
ndpl
ayi
ngwi
thmy
smal
lboobs.

Craig:"
youbet
terbel
ievei
tmyl
ove.Andwewi
lldi
e
together.
"

Heki
ssedt
hebackofmyneck.

Hi
m:"
babymypar
ent
swantt
omeetyou.
"

Me:
"what
?"

Him:
"theywereevenexci
tedwhenIt
oldt
hem t
hat
you'
reblack.
"

It
ri
edt
otur
nar
oundbuthehel
dmet
ight
ly.

Me:
"butbabyI'
m scar
ed.Whati
ftheydon'
tli
keme?
Whati
fthey.
."
Hetur
nedmearoundsothatIcanfacehi
m.My
l
egswerear
oundhiswai
sthiscockwasonthet
ip
ofmynunu.

Hi
m: "
stopi
twit
hthewhatif
sbaby.Iwil
lbewi
thyou
al
ltheway.SoonTuesdaytheywantt
ospendthei
r
l
unchtimewit
hyou."

Meani
ngi
nthr
eedayst
ime.I
t'
sst
il
lSat
urday.

Me:
"Iwi
llhavet
othi
nkabouti
tbabyokay?
"

Hi
m:"
okaymyl
ove.Iwon'
tputpr
essur
eonyou.
"

Me:
"Il
oveyou.
"

Isai
dpl
ayi
ngwi
thhi
sli
pswi
thmyt
humb.
Hi
m:"
ndakut
hanndanam.
"
-
iloveyout
oo.

Igi
ggl
edbur
ri
ngmyf
aceonhi
schest
.

Me:
"youmaki
ngmegocr
azyever
yti
meyousay
t
hat
."

Hi
m:"
that'
smyai
m baby.Iwantyout
obecr
azyi
n
l
ovewit
hme."

Me:
"wel
lIal
readyam cr
azyi
nlovewi
thyou.
"

Hi
m:"
li
keIam wi
thyou.
"

Weki
ssed.
Hi
m:"
whenl
astdi
dyout
ellmegossi
pfr
om school
."

Il
aughedcar
efr
ee.

Me:
"nowyouwantust
ogossi
p?"

Him:
"youtheonewhodraggedmeintogossi
ping.
AndIloveitwhenyout
ell
ingmeaboutpeopl
e.It
's
al
waysinterest
ing.
"

Wel
aughed.

Makhul
u:"
areyouguysgoi
ngt
ochur
ch?
"

Weallwokeupearl
ysi
ncewewant
edt
owat
ch
Zombiesat303.
Us:
"nope.
"

Her
:"
youwi
llmakel
unchke.
"

Us:
"yesgr
anny.
"

Her
:"
oohni
ngal
ibal
ideser
t.Por
kndi
ykuphi
le.
"
-
itookoutpor
k.

Me,
KhanyiandLumi
:"
wewi
llmakei
t.
"

Her
:"
goodbye.
nike.
"

Shesaidkissi
ngourcheeks.Iwantt
opeekatt
he
windowifshegone.

Me:
"guysabazal
ibakhaCr
aigwant
stomeetme.
"
-
crai
g'
spar
ent
s..
.

Theyl
aughed.

Lunat
hi:
"niser
iouskant
i?"
-
youguysar
eser
ious?

Khanyisi
we(auntThando'
schi
ld)
:"
bazokuhl
ebange
Afr
ikaans.
"
-
theywi
llgossi
paboutyoui
nAf
ri
kaans.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"mxm notl
ikeIcar
eanyway.
"

Uvuyo:
"heeqal
eni
nikumt
shawena?
"
-
whendi
dyoust
artspeaki
ngEngl
ish.
Ir
oll
edmyeyesandt
heyl
aughed.

Lumi
:"
yakwenzel
aCr
aigsana.
"
-
crai
g'
sdoi
ngi
tforyou

Wel
aughedmor
e

Me:"
guysI'
m seri
ous.Ihavet
ogetbackt
ohi
m asi
n
l
ikenow.ThelunchisonTuesday.
"

Uvuyo:
"ndakbet
haml
unguSt
ar.
"
-
iwi
llhi
tyouwhi
te,
Star
.

Wecr
ackedoutl
aughi
ng.

Lunat
hi:
"hail
oCr
aig.
"
-
not
hisCr
aig.

Khanyi
:"
iyamntasekhayayekaaba.Makhul
uuya
hambaTuesday."
-
gocos.andl
eavet
hem.Gr
annywon'
tbeher
eon
Tuesday.

Us:
"yaphi
?"
-
wher
eisshegoi
ng?

Lumi
:"
teapar
ty.
"

Us:
"Good.
"

Me:
"l
emmegot
ellmybaby.
"

Isai
drunni
ngupst
air
s.
UvuyoandLunat
hi:
"si
yangeni
samoc.
"
-
wewi
lll
ett
hem i
n.

Khanyi
:"
pleaset
hem t
okeepi
tdownt
hist
ime.
"

Wecr
ackedoutl
aughi
ng.
.
.
.
.
.
.
SekaniLayi
I'
m sur
eyouallknowmynamebynow.Wel lIli
ve
withmymom anddad, Ayol
aandCageasyoual l
know.Andnottofor
getmyli
ttl
ebr
otherLi
hle.
AsyouallknowI'
m dat
ingAphi we.Il
ovethatgi
rlso
much.Sheismylif
e.Nomat terifshedoubtedmy
l
oveforheratf
ir
stbutIsti
lll
oveher .

Chumani
:"
Ngyakudi
ngal
ovi
ewami
Nguwewedw'
empi
l
weniyami
Ngekengsukeduzekwakho
I
nhl
izi
yoi
cwelut
hando
Ngal
amagamangi
thi
Il
oveyou.
."

Hewassi ngi
ngIloveyoubyThami .Hewassingi
ng
i
tforEyodwa.Theyweresti
llchasi
ngeachother
wit
hpots.

These2ar
ecrazy.Il
ovehowtheyloveeachot
her
.
Theyar
ebothhappywitheachot
her.Meandmy
br
o'swer
est
il
llaughi
ngatt
hem.

Webasi
cal l
ylovehowt heyarewi
theachother.I
t'
s
agoodthingthatwhenwear esit
ti
ngallt
ogether
t
heydon'tmakei tcl
earthatt
heydati
ng.

Wealwayssittoget
herl
ikef
ri
ends.Sohewas
basi
cal
lysi
ngingtosoft
enherup.

Chumani
:"
Xol
okl
ksnqandamat
heSami
."
-
i'
m sor
rymyl
ove.

Hesai
dhuggingherandgivi
ngmet
hepotEyodwa
washol
ding.Wewerelaughi
ng.

Eyodwa:
"yandiqel
akodwaRadebe.
"
-
youshi
tt
ingwi
thmeRadebe.
Il
ovemybest
iesomuch.Shei
sthebest
.

Chumani:
"xol
okl
kIdidn'tmeant
ohur
tli
ket
hat
.
Xol
eluRadebewakho."

Hesaidkissi
ngher
.This2ar
ecr
azyi
nlove.They
canneverbesepar
ated.

Her
:"
mxm"

Us:
"aakl
k."

Wel
aughed.Theycamebackt
otheki
tchen.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"r
epor
tThur
sday.
"

I
t'
sSundayt
oday.
Kel
vin:
"gr
ade11nextyearmur
r.
"

Wel
aughed

Chumani
:"
zint
oezi
ncaneezo.
"
-
thosear
esmal
lthi
ngs.

Wel
ookedathi
m bef
orel
aughi
ng.

Us:
"mnandi
iubacl
ever
."

Hi
m:"
ngat
hini
dom ni
ni.
"
-
it
'snotl
ikeyouguysar
edumb.

Us:
"butst
il
l.
"
Wel
aughed.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"l
et'
shostapar
tyatoneoft
hecl
ubs.
"

Chumani
:"
Iwast
hinki
ngaboutt
hatj
ustnow.
"

Eyodwa:
"ndi
zoyenzint
ozam t
hewhol
eni
ght
."
-
iwi
lldomyt
hingst
hewhol
eni
ght
.

Me:
"yeahpluspeopl
ehavebeenwant
ingyoui
n
t
hei
rparti
es."

Kel
vin:
"masipost
.enikl
k."
-
let
'spost
.

Weal
ltookoutourphones.
Me:
"Mal
iningena.
"
-
howmuchi
sitt
ogeti
n.

Chumani
:"
50r
."

Wenodded.

Iwaswokenupbyacal
l.

Me:
"makhul
uwam yat
hakat
ha.
"
-
mygr
andmaper
for
mancewi
tchcr
aft
.

Isai
dwi
thoutl
ooki
ngatt
hecal
ler
.

Per
son:
"baby.
"

Il
ookedatt
hecal
lfucki
t'
sAphi
weshewas
br
eat
hingdown.

Me:
"myl
ovewhat
'swr
ong?
"

Il
ookedatt
het
imei
t'
s8am.

Her
:"
ba.
.by.
"

Me:
"babycal
m downandt
ellmewhat
'swr
ong.
"

Shedi
dbr
eat
hingexer
cises.

Her
:"
it
'sUmiandOsibabyt
hey.
..
"

Shebr
okedown.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handaPl
aat
ji
es
Westi
lli
nfreeStateandwear
eenj
oyi
ngourt
ime
her
ewithoutourchil
dren.

Thabo:
"Gener
al.
"

Iwasi
naphonecal
lwi
thhi
m.

Me:"yeahshontwana.Jongamarnkukhol
ebhar
i
SinethambaLanga.Ndavakut
hiwaunencosi
nomf azisocel
aundenzel
eesispani
..
"

It
oldhi
m whatt
odo.
Me:
"undiphone.
lexaqi
bil
e."
-
cal
lmewhenyoudone.

Thabo:
"okGener
al.
"

Me:"
Iwil
ldeposi
t100000ri
nyouraccountwhen
you'
redone.
"

Hi
m:"
okayGener
al.
"

Hesai
dexci
tedl
y.Idi
sconnect
edt
hecal
l.

:
"Yuuhncol
il
e."
-
youevi
l.

Il
ookedbackever
yonewasst
andi
ngt
her
e.The
cr
ewIcamewi
thher
e.

Me:
"akhont
iwr
ongkl
ewayndi
yenzayo.
"
-
ther
eisnot
hingwr
ongi
nwhatI
'
m doi
ng.

Li
yema:
"sowi
shIcanseehi
sface.
"

Wel
ookedathi
m.

Liyema,Nt
ando,
Ntsi
ka:
"whathet
reat
edourqueen
l
iketrash.
"

Theysai
dhuggi
ngNandi
.Wel
aughed.

Nandi
:"
don'
tyout
hinkt
hat
sal
it
tl
ebi
thar
sh.
"

Wel
ookedather
.
Nandi
:"
okayIguessi
t'
snot
."

Lungel
o:"
phol
awena.
"
-
cal
m down.

Wel
aughed.

SnakesandCage:
"kubi
"

Wel
aughed.

Ni
zi:
"pl
easer
emi
ndmet
oNeverdoubl
ecr
ossyou.
"

T.
O:"
met
oo.
"

Wel
aughed.
Ayabonga:
"i
t'
snotl
ikehewi
llsomet
hingl
iket
hist
o
you.
"

Wel
aughed.Shei
stel
li
ngt
het
rut
h.

T.
O:"
hainyani
.Hel
ovesyoual
ot.Youguyswi
llhave
makeupsexniber
yt.
"

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
net
hambaLanga
Ndoni
:"
daddywear
egoi
ngt
otheMal
l.
"

Me:"
okaypl
easedon'
ttakeyourt
imet
her
eyou
knowIhaveenemi
es.
"

Yamkel
a:"
wewon'
tmyl
ove.
"

Theybothki
ssedmebefor
egoingout.Igotbusy
wit
hpaperworkfr
om mybusi
ness.Iowna
const
ruct
ioncompany.

Lateronaknockcamethr
ough.Iwentdownst
air
s.I
openedthedoor.Amanfr
om mortuar
ystoodi
n
fr
ontofmewi t
h2vases.

Me:
"howcanIhel
p."
Him:"
asyourequest
edsirIboughtyourwi
fe'
sand
daughter
sashestoyourhouse.
"

Me:"whatdoyoumeanmywif
eanddaught
ers
ashes.I
'm sur
eyouatt
hewr
ongaddr
ess.
"

Ical
ledmywi
febutI
twentst
rai
ghtt
ovoi
cemai
l
.

Him:"
I'
m notsir
.YouareSinet
hambaLangaand
yourwifei
sYamkelaLangaandyourdaughteri
s
NdoniyodwaLanga.Youjustrequest
edt
hatI
shoul
dbr i
ngtheasheshere.
"

Ibrokedown.Whocoulddot hi
s.Thi
siswr
it
ten
Sil
enceral
lover
.Iwi
llki
llhi
m.

Me:
"Si
lencer
!!
!"
Isai
dfr
ust
rat
edl
yscr
atchi
ngmyhead.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
49
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Aphi
weTom
Mondaymor ni
ngmeaningever yonei
sout.
PhumlanihasCri
cketpract
ice.Babal
wa(
step
mother)mustbewithherfr
iends.

Anddaddyshouldbeatwork.SoIwokeupand
wenttothebathr
oom towashmyfaceandt
eeth.I
fi
rstpeedbef
orebrushi
ngmyteet
handwashing
myf ace.

Iwalkedbackt
otheroom andmademybedbefor
e
openingt
hecurt
ainsandawi ndow.It
ookmy
phoneandwalkeddownstai
rs.

Igott
hereandUmiandOsiwereonthefl
oorand
theMil
ocerealwasal
lovert
hef
loorwi
thmilk.
Irushedt
othem notcari
ngaboutt
hebowlpi
eces
bareinmindI
'm notweari
nganyshoes.

Ishookthem butt
heyjustcamebackt
hei
reyes
werewideopen.Ibrokedown.

Me:
"Osi
.Umi
.Mnt
asevuka.
"
-
wakeup.

Isai
dstil
lshaki
ngthem.Theirwhol
eBodieswer
e
moving.Isatonthefl
oor
.Irockedmysel
fupand
downhuggi ngmylegsti
ght
ly.

Itookmyphoneandcall
edSekani
.Hei
sthef
ir
st
persont
hatcameinmind.

Hi
m:"
makhul
uwam yat
hakat
ha.
"
-
mygr
andmaper
for
mancewi
tchcr
aft
.
I
fitwasadi
ff
erentoccasi
onIwasgoi
ngt
olaugh.

Me:
"baby.
"

Isai
dbr
eaki
ngdown.

Hi
m:"
myl
ovewhat
'swr
ong?
"

Me:
"baby.
"

Iwasf
ail
ingt
out
terwor
ds.

Hi
m:"
babycal
m downandt
ellmewhat
'swr
ong.
"

Idi
dbr
eat
hingexer
cises.
Me:
"i
t'
sUmiandOsit
hey.
."

Ijustbrokedown.Icoul
dn'
tevenf
ini
shmy
sentence.

Hi
m:"
whatdi
dtheydo?What
'
swr
ongwi
tht
hem?
"

Me:
"t
heyar
edeadbabyt
heyar
enotwaki
ngup.
"

Imanagedt
osay.

Hi
m:"
I'
m onmyway.
"

Hedi sconnectedthecall
.Iwalkeduptothem as
theywer elayi
ngthere.Icl
osedthei
reyescryingmy
l
ungsout .Ican'tbel
ieveIjustl
ostmypil
larsof
strength.
Howdidwecomeher e.Thi
scan'
tbehappening.
Whowi l
lIbelef
twit
hnow.Ihavenowone.I '
ml ef
t
al
oneinthisworl
d.Butwhatcoul
dhavepossibly
happentothem.

Theywer
ehealt
hyjustyest
erday.Theydi
dn'
tshow
anyki
ndofsi
ckness.Theywerehappyandnowt hi
s.

Iscr
eamedi
nfr
ust
rat
ionpul
li
ngmyhai
r.
.
.
.
.
.
.
SekaniLayi
Iquickl
ygotoutofbedandwal
kedt
otheensui
te.I
tookmymout hwash,washedmymouthwi
thit
.
Igotdoneandworemysweatpant
sandmyhoodi
e.
Irusheddownst
air
swear
ingmysneaker
s.

:
"Whyar
eyoui
nar
ushbest
ie.
"

Il
ookedbehi
ndme.I
twasEyodwa.Shewas
makingbr
eakf
ast
.Weal
lsl
epther
eyester
day.

Me:
"Guysl
et'
sgot
her
eisanemer
gency!
!"

Ishout
ed.

Her
:"
what
'swr
ong.
"

Me:"
youwi
llf
indoutinthecar
.CHUMANI
,
NTLAKANI
PHO, KELVIN."
Iyel
led.Iwasgett
ingf
rust
rat
edbitbybi
t.Theyal
l
camedownst ai
rswear
ingboxer
s.

Them:
"what
'swr
ong?
"

Me:"gogetdressedwehavet ogoandmakeit
snappyIwillexpl
ainever
ythi
nginthecar
."

Isai
dtaki
ngthecarkeys.Af
ter3mi
nut
est
heyal
l
cameout.Idr
oveoff
.

Them:
"kwenzekent
on'
udeusivuse.
"
-
what
'
shappenedyouevenwokeusupear
ly.

Me:
"UminoOSIdi
edokay.
"

Theyl
aughed.Butt
henst
oppedassoonast
hey
sawI'
m ser
ious.
Them:
"whatdoyoumeant
heydi
ed.
"

Ihi
tthest
ari
ngwheelf
rust
rat
ed.

Me:
"Aphiwecal
ledmet
hismor
ningcr
yingsayi
ng
t
hattheyar
edead."

Kel
vin:
"noyoulyi
ngUmi
nat
hii
snotdead.Lemme
j
ustcallher
."

Het
ookouthi
sphone.

Kel
vin:
"f
uckshei
snotanswer
ing.
"

Ntl
akanipho:
"Idon'
tgetbro.Osiwasf
inej
ust
yest
erday.Shewasf r
esh.Shewashappy.She.
."
Hebr
okedown.Kelvi
nwaslooki
ngout
sidet
he
wi
ndowwit
htearsstr
eami
ngdownhisface.

Chumani:
"br
oyouneedt oholdyoursel
ftoget
her
.
Ever
ythi
ngwillbef
ine.Justcal
m down."

Hesaidcomf or
ti
nghim.IgottoRandburgaft
era
f
ewmi nutes.That
'swheretheyl
ive.Wegotoutand
Ntl
akani
phoandKel vi
nrushedin.

Wewal kedinandt
her
etheywerelayi
ngdownon
thefl
oor.Aphi
wewasrocki
ngherself
.Ir
ushedt
o
herandshehuggedmetight
ly.

Eyodwawasalsocryi
ng.Igeti
twomanar
e
emoti
onalr
oll
ercoast
er'
s.

Chumani
:"
Iwi
llcal
lthepar
amedi
cs.
"
Het
ookouthi
sphoneandmadet
hecal
l.

Eyodwa:"
Phiwe.Gi
vemeyourphonesot
hatIcan
cal
lyourfat
her.
"

It
ookAphiwe'
sphoneandgavei
ttoher
.Shehas
al
readycal
meddownnow.

Eyodwa:
"Mor
ningMr
.Tom.
"

:
".
..
"

Her:
"Si
rcanyoupleasecomebackhome
somethi
nghappenedatyourhouse.
"

:
".
."

Her
:"
I'
m af
rai
dsi
rIcan'
ttel
lyouovert
hephonebut
t
hisver
yur
gent
."

:
".
..
"

Her:
"si
rlookIdon'
thavetimef orj
okessorryf
or
bei
ngrudebutcanyouj ustfuckencomet oyour
housebeforeIcameanddr agyouf r
om yourwork
pl
ace.Andt r
ustmeIhavet hegutsto."

Wel ookedatherandchuckl
ed.I
fitwasadiff
erent
occasionwewoul dbel
aughingourassesoutbut
wear einpai
nnow.

:
".
."

Her
:"
thankyousi
r.
"

Shedr
oppedt
hecal
l.Justt
hant
hepar
amedi
cs
camewit
hthepol
ice.Theparamedi
cstookthe
bodi
esandpl
acedthem i
nsidebodybags.

Thepol
icest
areddoi
ngt
hei
rjobs.

Det
ecti
ve:"
Ms.Tom Iwoul
dneedyout
otel
lme
whathappened.
"

Me:"
justgi
veherabreakmancan'
tyouseeshei
s
hear
tbrokenandbusywenabuzit
etsi
."
-
busyaski
ngpussy.

Chumani:
"cal
m downman.Letmehandl
e
ever
ythi
ng."

Hesai
dlooki
ngatme.Ij
ustnodded.

Chumani
:"
asyoucanseesi
rsheal
sof
oundt
hem
l
ayi
ngont
hef
loorwi
tht
hecer
ealnextt
othem.
"

:
"Wher
eist
hecer
eal
looksl
iket
her
eissomet
hingi
n
i
t.
"

Detect
ive:
"whowoul
daddsomet hi
ngtot
hecer
eal
thati
seatenbyever
yone.Doyousomehowhave
someonewhoyoudon'tgetalongwi t
hher
eMs.
Tom?Andwhoel seeatsthecereal
."

Aphi
we:"Iknewcomi ngherewasabadidea.Mr
s.
Tom i
stheonet hathatesus.Wear
etheoneswho
eat
sthatcereal
."

Shesaidwi
thast
rai
ghtf
acenotshowi
ngany
emoti
ons.

:
"Whatdoyoumeanmywi
fehat
esyou?What
's
happeni
ngher
e."
Aphi
west
oodup.

Her:
"yousofuckenbl
indyoucan'tevenseewhat '
s
happeni
nginyourhouse.Youknewf orafactthat
yourwif
ehatesusandyoust il
lhadthegutsto
bri
ngushere.Youaresoblindedbyapussy.."

Hi
m:"
younggi
rlyouwon'
ttal
ktomel
iket
hat
."

Her:
"oohyesIwi lldaddydearest.Yousoblindedby
apussyt hatendedupKi l
lingyourfuckenchil
dren.
UminathiandOsi kel
eleki
leyoaredeadnowbecause
ofyou.Becauseyou.Youcoul dn'
tevenprotectus
fr
om her.Ihateyou!!"

Shesaidpointi
ngathim.Ihaveseenital
lbutwhat
I'
m seei
ngrightnow.Shewasstil
llooki
ngathi
m
befor
escreamingandpulli
ngherhair.
Iquickl
ypul
ledherandgaveherati
ghthug.She
brokedownbeati
ngmewi thhersmal
lfi
st'
sonmy
chest.

Me:"
ifyouwannahat
esomeonehat
eme.Hei
syour
f
ather.
"

Herfat
herwasjuststandi
ngt
her
enotbel
ievi
ng
whatishappeni
ng.Tearswer
est
reami
ngdownhis
f
ace.

:
"Yeahtherewasr
atpoi
soni
ngi
ncer
eal
.Itki
ll
syou
st
raight
."

Aphi
webr
okedownmor
e.

Aphi
we:
"Ihat
ehi
m."
Shesai
dhi
tt
ingmel
ight
ly.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
net
hambaLanga(
Diamond)
Themanjustlef
tmewit
hthevases.It
ookthem
andpl
acedthem ont
opofthecof
feetabl
e.

Iwal
kedtotheki
tchenandt ookabot t
leofwhiskey
Iwal
kedbacktothelounge.Ijustcr
iedallover
agai
ndri
nki
ngfrom thebott
le.

IguessIsl
eptt
her
ecauseIwokeupont
hef
loor
wi
th3bot
tl
esofwhi
skey.

Me:"Ipr
omi seyouIwi l
lavengeyourdeath.Silencer
won'tgetawaywi ththi
s.Iwil
lkil
lal
lhiskidsand
makehi m suff
ersl owdeathwithhiswifewat ching.
I'
M sorr
yIcoul dn'tprot
ectyoubutthatdoesn't
meanIwon' tavengeyou.Iwon' tfai
linKill
inghi m
notnownotever .I'
m sorr
yforfai
li
ngyouguys. .
."

Ibr
okedownagai
n.Ican'
tbel
ievet
his.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Si
yamt
handaPl
aat
ji
es
Wewer
eal
ljustsi
tt
ingatt
hel
ounge.

Ni
zi:
"l
et'
svi
deocal
ltheki
ds.
"

Weallagreed.Wevideocal
ledo'
Chumaniand
connect
edt hel
apt
opt ot
heTVscr een.

Them:
"Hey.
"

Theyweredownandt
heywer eal
lwear
ingblack.
Ntl
akani
pho'
sandKel
vin'
seyeswerepuffr
ed.

Nobunt
u:"
Kel
vinut
heni
i.
"
-
what
'
swr
ong.
Hej
ustshookhi
sheadandcr
ied.

Let
habo:
"Chumanibat
heni
?"
-
what
'
swr
ongwi
tht
hem?

Chumani
:"
thei
rgi
rl
fr
iendsdi
ed.
"

Weal
lgasped.

Ni
zi:
"o'
Aphi
we?
"

Eyodwa:
"yeahbutnotAphi
we.
"

Mi
ke:
"cause?
"

Chumani
:"
poi
soni
ng.
"
Us:
"yooh.
"

TT:
"sohowar
etheycopyi
ng.
"

Eyodwa:
"notgoodatal
lbutt
heywi
llbef
inet
heyar
e
str
ongboys."

WeChuckl
ed.Weal
lknowt
heyhat
ebei
ngcal
led
boys.

Kel
vinandNtlakani
pho:
"whoi
saboy?Akadur
u
mgidiEyodwa."

Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:
"seeIt
oldyou.
"
Nt
sika:
"youf
ullofj
oke'
s.
"

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
heeni
phiet
hukut
atabant
hu.
"
-wher
ewereyouwhenshewasswear
ing
someone'
sfat
her
.

Theyl
aughed

Lungel
o:"
kwawat
hinil
omt
hana.
"
-
whatdi
dthi
schi
ldsay.

Weal
llaughed.

Chumani
:"
shewasl i
kesirlookIdon'
thavetimefor
j
okessor
ryforbei
ngr udebutcanyoujustfucken
cometoyourhousebeforeIcameanddr agyou
f
rom yourwor
kpl
ace.Andt
rustmeIhavet
hegut
s
t
o."

Weal
lbur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Me:
"mxm.
"

Mamber
:"
shereal
lyi
snuts.Whodragssomeone
whoj
ustl
ostt
heirki
dsf
rom work.
"

Wel
aughed.

Snakes:
"i
magineSoso(hi
schil
d)dr
aggi
ngmef
rom
workbecauseSihl
e(hi
schil
d)i
sdead.
"

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Nt
ando:
"youwi
llgetyour
sel
fki
ll
edyoushoul
d
wat
chyourmout
h."

Eyodwa:
"hepi
ssedmeoffbrohewassayi ngt
hat
I
'mjoki
ngandyouknowIdon'thaveti
met owast
e.
WhenIsayIwil
ldosomethi
ngIwi l
ldoit
."

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Chumani:
"justgotamessagef
rom someonesayi
ng
heiscomingf orme.Si
yadoyouhavenew
enemies.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"ooht
hatmustbedi
amond.
"

Hi
m:"
yeaht
her
eisadi
amondemoj
iher
e."
Li
yema:
"l
et'
sjustsayyourf
atheri
scr
uel
."

Wel
aughed.Theywer
eal
llost
.

Them:
"whatdi
dhedo?
"

Nizi
:"
soli
kehecall
edoneofhiscontactsandsaid
theymustcapt
urediamondschi
ldandwi feand
senddogashestodiamondandsayt heyareare
dead."

Them:
"hedi
dwhat
."

Usexceptme:
"I
'mt
ell
ingyou.
"

Weal
lbur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"asi
nli
kedogashes?
"
Tai
lor
:"
nqo.
"

Wel
aughedmor
e.

Eyodwa:
"yousocr
uelRadebeSeni
or.
"

Iwi
nkedather
.Weal
llaughedmor
e.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
I
NSERT50
-
-
AWEEKPASSED.

CHUMANI.
Iwor
emysneaker
sandj
oggeddownst
air
s.
SI
YA:
"Ready?
"
ME:
:"
Yeah"
SI
YA:
"Masi
vayekeh{
Let
'sgo}
"
ME:
"Sur
e"
Wewereaboutt
ogooutandNkanyezishout
edmy
name.
ME:
"Yeah?
"
NKANYEZI
:"
Iloveyou"
ME:
"Il
oveyout
oo"
Shebl
ewaki
sst
omeandicat
chedi
t.Thatcause
mydadt
olaugh.
SI
YA:
"Ugqhi
bil
efondi
ni?
{Ar
eyoudone}
"
Wel
aughed.
ME:
"Byebyepr
incess"
NKANYEZI
:"
Yhuhaydaddyunomonawena{
You'
re
j
eal
ous}
"
Wel
aughed.
SI
YA:
"Ndi
nomf aziozondiphuzamnabr
uh{
Ihavea
wi
fet
hatwil
lki
ssme} "
NKANYEZI
:"
Sabandineziki
sszenu{
Yourki
ssesar
e
col
d}"
"
Uthi
niSi
yanda{
Whatar
eyousayi
ngSi
yanda}
"
NKANYEZI:"
YazkesanawenaNi zibekukhe
kwathi
waivoiceyam neyakaChustaiyaf
ana{
They
oncesaidChust
aandi '
svoicessoundthesame}"
ME:
"Yho!
"
IquicklywentoutandSi
yafoll
owedbehindme
l
aughi ng.WegotinthecarandSiyadrovet
ot he
warehouse.Wegott her
eandt heguyswerether
e
t
oo.
CAGE:
"Andt
hePl
aat
ji
esf
ami
lyhasf
inal
lyar
ri
ve"
SNAKES:"
Nizisl
ayqueensbaf
ethuyhu{
Youguys
ar
eslayqueens}
"
Wel
aughed.
SIYA:"
Let
'sgett
obusi
nessni
yeket
hina{
Andl
eave
us}"
Weal
lsatdownsot
hatwecanl
ist
ent
oSi
ya.
SIYA:
"OkaysoDiamond'shouseisbi
gyabo.There
i
sapar ki
nglotsowewillgother
e.Wewillgett
her
e
andthenhij
ackallt
hosecars"
MI
KE:
"Whati
fheseesus?
"
SIYA:"
Itdoesn'
tmat
ter
..
.Al
thought
!Wewi
llwear
these"
Themai dsgotinwit
hboxes.Theyputt
hem down
beforeleavi
ng.Uncl
eTTlookedatt
hem andtook
thethingsther
eout.
TAI
LOR:
"Uni
for
ms?Si
lenceruser
ious?
"
Si
yal
aughed.
SI
YA:
"Yeah"
MAMBA:
"Whatar
ewegoi
ngt
odowi
thuni
for
ms?
"
SI
YA:
"So-
"
Af
terhet
oldus.
..Weal
lbur
sti
ntol
aught
er.
ME:"
Iknowyou'
rewayol
dert
hanmebutar
eyou
cr
azy?"
SEKANI
:"
That
'swhatiwasgoi
ngt
osaybr
a"
Si
yal
aughed.
SIYA:
"Sot
her
eisanot
herper
sont
hati
sgoi
ngt
o
helpuswi
tht
his"
Myfat
heri
n-l
awgoti
nandil
aughed.I
smyf
ather
cr
azyorwhat
?
TAI
LOR:
"It
hinkweshoul
dtr
usthi
m"
KELVIN:
"Sowhatarewegoingt
ogai
nbyhaveacar
hei
statDiamond'
shouse?
"
"
Money"
Theyal
lgoti
nwear
inguni
for
ms.
ME:
"Whatt
hef
uckbazal
wane?
"
Sekanibur
sti
ntol
aught
er.
SEKANI:
"Okayj
onganhelookatmymom .She
l
ooksli
keacheerl
eader
"
AYOLA:
"Sekanindi
kubet
hekehmna{
Iwi
llbeatyou
up}
"
SEKANI
:"
Kodwamamayho.Wozashaku-shaku"
Ayol
asul
kedandweal
llaughed.Eyodwacamet
o
si
tonmylap.
TT:"
Likeiam ser
ious.
..Whydowehavetogot
o
Diamond'shouse?Thereisamal
lmorc"
SIYA:"No.IwantDi
amondt
oknowt
hatimean
business"
MAMBA:
"Ar
eweki
ll
inghi
mtoday?
"
SI
YA:
"No.Idon'
tki
llpeopl
e"
Tai
lorl
aughed.
TAI
LOR:
"Si
ncewhen?
"
SIYA:"
Sincenow..
.Ihavebecomea"sof
ty"now.I
j
usttaketheperson'
smoneyandleavehimto
suff
er"
SNAKES:"Iam l
iki
ngt
henewSi
lencer.Ineverl
iked
ki
ll
inganyways"
TAI
LOR:
"Andsi
ncewheni
sthat
?"
ZI
MI:
"HayhayTai
lorsuf
akainyokakumnyeni
wam{
Don'tbeabadinfl
uenceonmyhusband}"
NI
ZI:
"Eyinyokakakade{
Buthei
sasnake}
"
Wel
aughed.
LUNGELO:
"Anywayswhenar
ewegoi
ngt
othi
sgi
g?"
SI
YA:
"Lat
er"
ME:
"Sowhatar
ewedoi
ngher
e?"
MAMBA:
"Wewi
llj
ustchi
llswi
ne"
ME:
"Yhouncl
e"
Hel aughedbeforepat
ti
ngmyshoul der.Il
ookedat
Eyodwaandi ndicat
edherthatweshouldgo
outside.Shetookmyhandandwewentout
wit
houtt hem not
ici
ngbecausetheywerebusy
tal
king.
-
-
SI
NETHEMBA.
-
-
NDONI
YODWA:
"Daddy"
ME:
"YesPr
incess?
"
NDONI
YODWA:
"Canihavesomecashpl
ease?
"
ME:
"Why?
"
NDONI
YODWA:
"Mom andiar
egoi
ngf
orshoppi
ng"
ME:
"Butyou'
regoi
ngoutwi
thyourmom nj
er"
NDONI
YODWA: "
Youknowhowmom is.Shewon'
t
l
etmehaveever
ythi
ngthatiwant
"
Il
aughed.
ME:
"Okaykehpr
incess"
It
ookoutmywal
letandgaveherR1000.
ME:
"Ther
eyougo"
NDONI
YODWA:
"Thankyousomuchdaddy"
ME:
"Okaymybaby"
Shekissedmycheekbeforel
eavi
ngmyroom .
Yamnkel acameoutfr
om t
heensui
twr
appinga
towelaroundherbody.
ME:
"Youdi
dn'
ttel
lmet
hatyouwer
egoi
ngout
"
YAMNKELA:
"Who.
..
.Ndoni
yodwayhu"
Il
aughed.
YAMNKELA:"Anywaysidon'
twantt
osither
eat
yourpar
tysoisai
dtoNdonithatweshoul
dgofora
massage"
ME:
"Okaykeh.Whenar
eyoucomi
ngback?
"
YAMNKELA:
"Maybet
omor
row.
..I
fnotl
ater
"
ME:
"Okay.I
'
m goi
ngdownst
air
s"
YAMNKELA:
"Okay"
Iki
ssedherbef
orel
eavi
ng.
-
-
EYODWA
-
-
SoRhadebeandiwer
esi
tt
ingatt
hecar.
CHUMANI
:"
Iloveyou"
Igi
ggl
ed.
ME:
"Okay.Nj
eroutoft
hebl
ue?
"
Hel
aughed.
CHUMANI:"
Isi
tasinformet
otel
lmybeaut
if
ul
gi
rl
fr
iendt
hatil
oveher?"
Igi
ggl
ed.
ME:
"Okaykeh.Il
oveyout
oomybaby"
CHUMANI
:"
Kissme"
Il
eanedonandki
ssedhim .Weki
ssedf
or
someti
meunti
loSekanicame.
SEKANI:
"Jason,
Senzo,
nenzan{
Whatar
eyou
doi
ng?}
"
ME:
"Hayhaybi
nguJason{
ItwasJason}
"
Weal
llaughed.
KELVI
N:"
Yangat
hiunguye{
It
sli
keyou'
rehi
m}"
ME:
"Hai
kehai
ke"
Theyl
aughed.Nt
lakani
phocamewi
thf
ood.
NTLAKANIPHO:"
Ongazanganakoakat
yi{
Ifyou
di
dn'
tbri
ngfoodyou'
renoteat
ing}
"
ME:
"Nam l
o?{
Met
oo?
}"
NTLAKANIPHO:"
Abusebenziubui
nnocentbakho
namhlanj
eNdoni
{Youri
nnocencewon'twork
today}
"
Weal ll
aughedbeforehegaveusfood.Weateand
wefinished.Sekanihi
thi
sstomach.Iopenedt
he
door.
ME:
"Yhoyhoyhoyhoyho"
TheyallcameoutbecausetheyknowSekaniwi
ll
far
t.Sekanicameoutofthecarlaughi
ng.
SEKANI
:"
Nadi
kat
azyeses{
Y'al
lar
eannoyi
ng}
"
Wel
aughed.
ME:
"Bruhcan'
tyouatl
eastski
padaywi
thout
f
art
ing?"
SEKANI
:"
Hayfondi
ni.I
fyoudon'
tfar
tyouwi
llhave
st
omachcramps"
Wel
aughedoutl
oud.
CHUMANI
:"
Har
hawhymf
ethu?
"
Hewasst il
llaughi
ngandheevensatont heground
andlaughed.Wewer en'
tlaughi
ngatSekaninow
wewer elaughingatChumani '
slaught
er.Iti
sso
annoyi
ng.
ME:
"Chumanihayf
ondi
ni"
KELVI
N:"
Ha.
ahbr
uh.
..Yho"
Hel
aughedevenmor
ehecoul
dn'
tevent
alk.
SEKANI
:"
Iyho!Thi
xowasegeor
get
orgo"
Welaughed.Wewerecall
edinsidebecausewe
weregoi
ngnow.Theyallwenttoweart hei
r
uni
for
msandiswear.
..Theylookedyounger!
NIZI:
"Yihunkkehowam umnyenisana
ndimthembil
e{Myhusnandi
sahunkit rusthi
m}"
Wel
aughed.
TT:
"Ndi
cel
aibhant
ilam l
akaGuccibr
uh{
Canihave
myGuccibel
t}
"
LETHABO:
"Yhuuyaphaphakeh{
You'
resof
orwar
d}"
Wel aughed.Si
yat oldustheplanonemor etime
andwet ookourgunsbef oregoing.Wedr oveto
Diamond'shouseandwewai tedforSiyatogi
veus
thesignal.Hefi
nallygaveusandt hegirl
sandi
wentout.Wepr etendedli
kewewer eschoolgir
ls.
NI
ZI:
"Gi
vemeaB!
"
US:
"B!
"
NI
ZI:
"Gi
mmeaI
"
US:
"I
"
NI
ZI:
"Gi
mmeaT"
US:
"T!
"
NI
ZI:
"Gi
mmeaC!
"
US:
"C"
NI
ZI:
"Gi
mmeaH"
US:
"H!
"
NI
ZI:
"Andt
hatspel
ls?
"
US:
"Bi
tch!
!"
Wel
aughed.
LETHABO:
"Whatar
eweevendoi
ng?
"
Wel aughed.Thesecurit
ieslookatuslikewewer e
mad.Theguyscameoutandweal ltookoutour
guns.Theypoi nteduswiththei
rgunst oo.Isee
thattheyweret ol
dtoshootanyonewhocauses
troublebecausetheyst
artedshooti
ng.Weal l
duckedandChumanicamet ome.Het ookmeto
thesideandst oodbehi
ndme.
CHUMANI
:"
Aim babynhe?
"
ME:
"Okaybaby"
Iai
medandshotoneoft
hesecur
it
ies.
ME:
"Di
didoi
t?"
CHUMANI
:"
I'
mimpr
essed.Il
oveyou"
Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo"
Iturnedandpeckedhi
sli
ps.Thestacksshott
he
othersandwewentin.Wetookthecarsandwent
out.Ourcarsfol
lowedsi
nceSi
yahiredsomeguys.
Wedi dagoodjob.Inoti
cedthatiwasbei
ng
fol
lowedsi
nceiwast hel
astone.Itookoutmy
phoneandcall
edChumani.
CHUMANI
:"
Baby?
"
ME:
"I
'm bei
ngf
oll
owed"
CHUMANI :
"I
tistheguythatSi
yahired.Heworks
foruDiamondsoDi amondaskedhi mtofol
lowyou.
Don'tworryhewon'tki
llyou.Just
..
.Speedt
hecar
sothatitwon'tl
ooksuspici
ous"
ME:
"Okay"
CHUMANI
:"
Ndi
yakt
handa{
Iloveyou}
"
ME:
"Ndi
yakt
handanam{
Iloveyout
oo}
"
Idr
oppedt
hecal
landdi
dasiwast
old.
-
-
SI
NETHEMBA
-
-
Iwentt
otheroom t
hatoneofmysecur
it
ieswasi
n.
Hewastheonlywhosurvi
ve.
ME:
"Iwantyout
otel
lmenow!Whodi
dthi
s?"
HI
M:"
Idon'
tknowsi
r"
ME:"
Whatdoyoumeanyoudon'
tknow?Youdo
knowsot
ellmedamni
t!
"
HI
M:"
Itwasschoolki
ds"
ME:
"What
?"
HI
M:"
Yessi
r"
Il
ookedathi
m.
-
Unedi
ted.
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
51
-
-
-
NTLAKANI
PHO
Nandazimocbandi
ngubani.Il
ivewi
thmymot
her
andfat
her.I
'
mtheonlychi
ld.

Imusttel
lyoual
lthatkumnandi
.NokoIget
ever
ythi
ngIwant.

AsyouallknowIl
ostmygi
rl
fr
iendl
eavi
ngmeheart
br
oken.Osiusedt
omakemehappyapartf
rom my
br
o'sandmyf ami
ly.

Shewasmyeverythi
ng.Idon'tt
hinkIwil
lbeabl
eto
l
ovesomeoneli
keIlovedher.It
hinkI'
m goi
ngback
tobei
ngafuckandpassboy.

Nostr
ingsatt
achedtypeofguy.Shel
eftmebroke.I
l
ovedhersomuch.Iwasdr owningmysel
fint
o
al
coholti
llmymom spokesomesenseintome.
I'
m heal
ingbitbybitbutshewillal
waysbeinmy
heart
.I'
m evenafrai
dtolovesomeoneagain.What
i
fIlosethatpersonintheprocess.

I
'
m goodwi
thdat
ing.

Si
ya:
"t
hebuyeri
sonhi
sway.
"

Us:
"mor
emoneynost
ress.
"

Ni
zi:
"Sanuxokoi
thimor
emoneymor
est
ress.
"
-
don'
tli
e.

Wel
aughed

Chumani:
"kanimeningal
eyoguesswhatdayi
tis
tomor
row."
-
whatwi
tht
hat
..
.
Us:
"15kaDecemberpayday.
"

Chumani
:"
mxm babykabaxel
ele.
"
-
tel
lthem

Lungel
o:"
haikl
kkwedi
nindi
sel
apha.
"
-
i'
m st
il
lher
e.

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
Eyodwawhatdayi
sitt
omor
row.
"

Eyodwa:
"mhh.
"

Shewasbusydr
awi
ngsomet
hingonNi
zi'
stummy.
Welaughed.
Ni
zi:
"shewon'
tansweryouanyt
imesoon.
"

Wel
aughed.

Si
ya:
"bendi
thekunindi
funumzukhul
wana.
"
-
isai
dIwantagr
andchi
ld.

Weal
llookedathi
m bef
orel
aughi
ng.

Lungel
o:"
dowr
yfi
rst
."

Eyodwa:
"hai
bodaddyyoursel
li
ngmenow.
"

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
bendi
kubuzi
leke.
"
-
iaskedyouaquest
ion.

Eyodwasmi
led.

Zi
mi:
"Sayl
onl
omt
hana.
"
-
thi
schi
ldi
smad.

Wel
aughed.
-
-
-
SI
NETHAMBA
~Fl
ashbacks~
Someoneknockedatt
hedoorasIwashavinga
l
it
tl
eceremonyformywif
eandchil
dwit
ht he
guar
ds.
Oneoft
heguar
dswentt
oopenup.

:
"Bosst
hei
ssomeonel
ooki
ngf
oryou.
"

Iwipedmytear
sandwenttot
hedoort
her
ewasa
hugeboxandalet
teroni
t.

Me: "t
hiswasmesayi nghi.Nexttimetheywi lldie
forreal.Stayawayfrom meandmyf amil
yand
your swillgounharmed.Leavet hisgameDi amond
yourt i
mei sup.LettheKingsoft hegamer ule.You
willdiestil
lwanti
ngrevenge.Ihopei twasni ce
cryingoverdogsashesl ikeyou.Your sTr
ulyFi rst
kaSat ana."

Icursed.Iwil
lnevergi
veup.Iwilldi
ekil
li
ngyou
Sil
encer.Howdar eyouplaymel i
kethi
s.Ithought
tomyself.Iopenedthebox.Yamkelaand
Ndoniyodwawasst andingther
e.
Theymouthswerecover
edwi t
hsell
otapesand
thei
rhandswer
etiedupalongwit
htheirfeet
.

Me:
"baby.
"

It
aki
ngofthesel
lot
apes.Iunt
iedt
hem.Theygave
meti
ghthugs.

Ndoni
:"
wehavet
opr
oceedwi
thourpl
ans.
"

MeandYamkel
a:"
notnowl
et'
swai
tabi
t.
"

Her
:"
ti
llwhen?
"

Me:"
nextyearDecemberbaby.Theywon'
tseeus
coming.Ihopeyourr
eady.
"

Her
:"
I'
m mor
ethanr
eady.Eveni
fwedoi
ngi
t
t
ommor
ow.
"

~Endoff
lashbacks~

:
"Babewhathappenedt
oourcar
s?"

Me:
"t
heguar
dssai
dschoolki
dst
ookt
hem.
"

Il
ookedupandmyf
ami
lywasst
andi
ngt
her
e.

Ndoni
:"
whatdoyoumeanschoolki
dst
ookour
car
s?"

Me:
"t
hat
'
swhatI
'
mtr
ynaf
indout
."

Yamkel
a:"
checkt
heCCTVf
oot
age.
"
Me:
"Ial
mostf
orgotaboutt
hat
."

Itookoutmyl
aptop.Theybot
hcamet
ost
andnext
tome.Wecheckedthecameras.

Me:
"dammi
tSi
lencer
."

Ndoni
:"
whydoesshel
ookl
ikeme.
"

Me:
"t
hat'
syoursi
stert
hat
'swhywear
eusi
ngyou
f
ort
hejob."

Her
:"
Impost
er?
"

Wenoddedandshesmi
led.

Her
:"
let
'sdoi
t.
"
Yamkela:
"nextyear.Let
'swaitabi
t.West il
lhavet
o
seehowthatsisterofyoursactsl
ike.Howshei s.
Andallwecan'taffordt
omakeanymi stakes.
"

Shenodded.

Me:"
wewil
lpl
anever
ythi
ngel
sewhenwet
het
ime
comes.
"

Her:
"thi
swil
lbet
hebest.meanI
mpost
er.Theywi
ll
neverseemecoming.
"
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted
Sor
ryf
ort
heshor
tinser
tndibusy.
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
52
-
-
-
-
Aphi
we
AweekhadpastandI '
mfarfrom bei
ngf
ine.Ican'
t
cope.Sekaniistr
yinghisbesttomakemef i
ne
agai
nbutIj ustcan't
.

ILostmypill
arsofst
rengt
h.It
'slikeitwas
yester
daywhenILostthem.Ican' tcope.Myfat
her
tr
iestotal
ktomebutIjustcan'tstandhisface.

Wouldyoubel
ievei
tifIt
oldyouthathi
swif
esti
ll
l
ivesher
eli
kenothi
nghappened.That'
swhat
upset
smethemost .
Ij
ustwishshecouldgetshotatt
hemallandher
headcouldbehangattheboardsofGaut
engor
bett
eryettheboar
dsofSouthAfri
ca.

Ihopeshewillsuf
ferslowdeathasformysocal
led
fat
herIhopehecansuf feri
nthehandsoft
hat
womanandr egretthedayhechosetobedeaft
o
mycry's.

Iwoul
dli
keOsiandUmi t
ohauntthem butIcan'
t
havet
hei
rli
tt
lesoul
snotresti
npeace.

Iwasdist
urbedf
rom myt
hought
sbyt
hem get
ti
ng
i
nmyr oom.

Me:
"yi
nton'
ngoku.
"
-
whatnow?
Isai
dwi
pingmyf
ace.

Mr
s.Tom:
"sear
chher
.I'
m sur
emymoneyi
sbyher
."

Me:
"oohpl
easendi
zoyt
hiniMal
iyakhoumna.
"
-
whatwi
llIdowi
thyourmoney.

Her
:"
Andi
thi
youhat
emeyouwoul
devenst
ealf
rom
me.
"

Me:
"Idon'
thavet
imef
ort
his.
"

Phuml
ani
:"
thi
sisr
idi
cul
ous.
"

Her:
"Iwantmymoney.Wesear
chever
ypar
toft
he
housebutnotherr
oom.
"
Mr.Tom:"
Pri
ncesscanwepleasesear
ch.Idon't
evenknowwhyyouleftmoneylayi
ngaround.
"

Me:
"youent
eredwi
thoutper
missi
onsogoahead.
"

Theyst
art
edsear
chi
ng.

Mr
s.Tom:
"seeIt
oldyou.Thi
ssl
utst
olemymoney.
"

Me:
"whywoul
dIt
akeyourmoney?
"

Her
:"
Iwantt
hisbi
tchoutofmyhouse.
"

MrTom:
"t
hatwon'
tbenecessar
y.Wecant
alkabout
t
his.
"

Her
:"
eversi
ncetheycameheret
hingschanged.
Whati
fshetakesmorenextt
imeIwantherout.
"
Mr
.Tom l
ookedatmewi
thsomuchpi
ty.

Me:"Iwil
lmakeyourlif
e'seasier.AndDon'tcome
backforme.IcursethedayIevermetyou.Youwi l
l
seelif
ewillt
urnouttothewor stforyoualland
thosewhoneverstoodupf ormeknowi ngthatI
'm
i
nnocent.AndIwillbesitt
inguphi ghgivi
ngyouall
deafears.
"

Phuml
ani
:"
Taket
hatbackAphi
we.
"

Ij
usttookmylargesuitcaseIt
hrowallmyclot
hes
i
ntheretookmyt oi
let
ri
esandmyphonebef ore
walki
ngoutwit
ht hem pull
ingmysui
tcase.

Ij
usttooki
tandwentoutofthehouse.Ichecked
myphoneandi twasfl
atfuckhowam Igoingtocal
l
Sekani
.IguessIwil
lhavetowalk.
Ikeptonwal
kingwheretheroadleadsme.Idon't
knowwhereIwillsl
eepbutIwil
lseewheretheroad
takesme.

Igottot
ownandsatontopofmysuit
caseinf
ront
ofKFC.Itr
iedswit
chi
ngonmyphonewithnol
uck.
Itwasget
tingl
ate.

Wher ewil
lIgo?Worseparti
sthatI
'm scar
edand
thugsareouttopl
aynow.JustthenaBMW
stoppedinfr
ontofme.I'
m notgoodwithcarssoI
don'tknowwhichoneiti
s.

4guysgotoutandst
rat
ched.

Guy1:
"whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
eatt
hisTi
meoft
he
ni
ght.
"
Ij
ustshr
ugged.

Guy2:
"Kanimenimaji
talambi
leumnayaqondba
si
sukeKapasisayanasePret
ori
a."
-
whatmanI '
m hungr
ydoyouknowthatwecome
f
rom capeTownwear est
il
lgoi
ngt
oPretor
ia.

Guy1:"
haimji
taci
ngel
alomthanabr
awhatifbi
ngu
si
sterwakholobuzoncanyawenaashi
weso?"
-nomanthi
nkaboutt
hischi
ldwhati
sshewasyour
sist
erwoul
dyouhaveli
kedi
sshewaslef
tli
ket
his.

Guy3:
"mbuze.
"
-
askhi
m.

Theyal
llookedathi
m.

Guy2:
"mxm.
"
Hewal
kedi
nKFC.

Guy4:
"whyar
eyouher
e."

Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.

Me:
"mybr
other
smot
herki
ll
edmysi
ster
s..
"

Idi
dbr
eat
hingexer
cisessi
nceIwascr
ying.

Me: "
sinceshewantedtogetri
dofusbuttodayshe
plantedmoneyi nmyroom andsai
dIstol
eit.My
fatherdidn'
tevendef
endme.Theychasedmeout .I
guessapussyal wayswinsoveraman'sheart
."

TheyChuckl
ed.Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s.Guy2gavemea
ti
ssue.
Me:
"t
hankyou.
"

Hewashol
dingapaperbagf
rom KFC.

Guy2:
"It
houghtyouhaveal
readyt
ookheri
nthe
car
."

Me: "
whatdoyoumeanar eyousteal
ingme.When
willl
if
eevergi
vemeabr eaknowIwi llbea
prosti
tut
einRussi
a.Iwasluckyatfi
rstbutIguess
notnow."

Iwassof
uckenscar
edt
heyj
ustl
aughed.

Guy4:
"Il
oveheral
ready.
"

Guy1:
"dawgwear
eyourbr
other
sfr
om nowonwe
don'
tdohumant
raf
fi
cki
ng.
"

Guy2:"
lookmei ntheeyeandt
ellmei
fIdohuman
t
raff
ickingornot.
"

Me:
"l
ooksar
edecei
ving.
"

Theychuckl
ed.Guy3t
ookmysui
tcaseandIf
ell
on
mybutt.

Me:
"ouch.
"

Them:
"youl
eftuswi
thnochoi
ce.
"

Guy1hel
pedmeup.Hepul
ledmet
othecar
.Isatat
t
hebackwit
hguy2and1.

Me:
"whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nJohannesbur
gifyou'
re
goi
ngt
oPr
etor
ia.
"

Guy3:
"yousofuckencur
ious.Your
emi
ndusabout
ourl
it
tl
esist
er.
"

Me:
"yourbr
other
s?"

Them:
"can'
tusseet
hatwel
ookal
ike.
"

Il
ookedatt
hem andi
ndeedt
heyl
ookal
ike.

Me:
"yeahyoudo.
"

Guy1:
"t
oansweryourquest
ionwecameher
eto
dr
opimport
antfi
les.
"

Inodded.
Guy2:
"name?
"

Me:
"Aphi
we.
"

Guy1:
"Vusumzi
."

Guy2:
"Samkel
o"

Guy3:
"Akhol
iwe"

Guy4:
"Oyama"

Inodded.Wecontinueddri
vingandeat i
ng.Iwas
enj
oyingmyt i
mewi thmynewbr others.Ij
usthope
Iwil
lbesafewiththem.IhavetotellSekanibef
ore
heturnstheci
tyupsidedown.
-
-
-
-
EMI
HLEJANUARY
Heyyoual
lmynameisEmihleJanuary.Il
ivewi
th
mymother
,Grandma,
aunt
,twinbrot
herandmy
l
it
tl
ecousi
n.

Mymot her
'snamei s,
GcobisaJanuar
y.Grandma,
Notozamil
e.Aunt,
Mandisa.Twinbrot
her,
Esihl
e.
Li
tt
lecousin,
Lathi
tha.

Wel
ivei
nUi
tenhagei
nthet
ownshi
ps.

:
"Emi
hlekayenzei
tipha.
"
-
Emi
hlemakemet
ea.

That
'sdef
ini
tel
ymygr
andma.Wor
separ
tist
hat
Esi
hleisneartheki
tchen.Ipr
etendedl
ikeIdi
dn'
t
hearher.Ial
sohadmyear phonesonsoyeah.

Her
:"
Emi
hle!
!"

Ij
umpedl
ooki
ngather
.

Mom:"
bekholephonendi
zoythat
hanj
ebaunga
mamelinj
ekuphaezizi
ntozi
kwenzaungavi
."
-
thanther
earethesecell
phonest
hatIwil
ltake
becauseyoudon'
tli
stentheymakeyounotlist
en.

Me:
"nankuEsi
hlemos.
"
-
her
eisEsi
hle.

Mom andgr
andma:
"yey.
"

Esi
hlegavemeadeadl
yst
are.
Mom: "
sundixelel
angoEsihl
eukhonawena.Int
o
oyazi
yokuhlalaaphakl
etvcofelephoneka
phakamebeforendikukabeEmihle.
"
-don'
ttel
lmeaboutEsihlewhenyouhere.Whatyou
knowissitt
inghereandbeingbusywi
ththis
cell
phoneinfor
ntofthi
sTv.Standupbefor
eIkick
you.

Esi
hlewaslaughi
ngsil
entl
y.Bl
ackparents,can'
tI
havepeacewit
houtbei
ngsentaround.Istoodup
andmadet het
ea.It
ookittooGrandma.

Igotbusywithmyphoneagain.Isawapi ct
ureof
thi
sguyonaddf r
iendsIstal
kedhim.Greatpict
ures
buthejustl
osthi
sgirl
fr
iendIdon'
tstandachance.

Ikeptchecki
nghispi
ctur
eti
llamessagef
rom
Esihl
ecamet hr
ough.
Him:"
yekuncumawenayamazimamazof
unu
bona.
"
-
stopsmi
li
ngyouknowmom wi
llwantt
osee.

Il
ookedathi
m andheshookhi shead.Ibi
tmy
l
owerli
pandcontinuedstal
kinghi
m.Iwenttohi
s
aboutf
uckheleavesinJohannesbur
g.

Andat
yaf
a.

Them:
"Emi
hle!
!"

Igotf
ri
ght
ened.

Me:
"hee.
"

Mom:"kasaphalephonenalebendi
zonit
hengela
zonaandisazt
henganaanivaklkni
nanibusyzezi
phone.Saphal
ephoneEmi
hlesundiphambani
sa.
"
-gi
vemet hi
sphone.Younolongerget
ti
ngt he
phonesIwasgoingtobuyyou.Youcan'tevenhear
youbusywitht
hem.Gi vemethi
sphonedon' tmake
megocr azy

Il
ookedatherwi
thpuppyeyes.

Her
:"
yeyandi
nyindi
thesaphal
ephone.
"
-
i'
m notshi
tt
inggi
vemet
hisphone.

Lat
hi:
"yoohGcobi
sayat
handut
het
ha.
"
-
youl
iket
alki
ng.

Wealll
aughedworsehewasser
ioust
hosear
e5
yearol
dsforyou.
.
.
.
.
.
Notedi
ted
Goodni
ghti
nser
t
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
53
-
-
-
-
-
-
EYODWA
I
naf ewhoursbir
thdaykaRhadebe.Ihopehewi
ll
l
ikewhatIpl
annedforus.
Wewer eathishousenowsi
ncet
hebuyercame
thr
oughandgaveusourmoney.Ever
yonewasher
e
enj
oyingthei
rti
me.

I
twasonl
yfami
lysoal
somyf
ami
lywasher
e.

Si
ya:
"si
yabal
akwedi
ni.
"
-
wear
ecount
ingboy.

Hesai
dloudlyovert
hemusic.Welaughed.
Chumanil
if
tedushisgl
ass.Iwassit
ti
ngonhisl
ap.

Sekanikeptoncall
ingsomeonebutcouldn'tget
thr
ought hatper
sonsincehewasfrust
rated.

Me:
"Iwi
llbebackj
ustnow.Okay.
"

Iwhi
sper
edt
oChumani
.Heshr
ugged.
Me:"j
ustwannacheckwhat
'supwi
thSekani
.He
doesn'
tlookf
ine.
"

Henodded.Igavehi m aqui
ckpeckbeforepull
ing
Sekaniandwalkingawayfrom ever
yone.Wewer e
havi
ngabr aaiandthevibewasonanot herl
evel.

Iwalkedwi
thSekanit
otheki
tchen.It
ookaspoon
ful
lofpot
atoesal
ad.

Me:"what
'supwit
hyoubro?Yourbodyi
sher
ebut
yourmindismil
esaway.
"

Him:"Aphiweisn'
tpi
cki
ngupnoransweri
ngmy
text
sknowi ngforaf
actthatshei
sn'
tsaf
ewher
e
shelives.
"

Me:
"doessheal
waysansweryourt
ext
s."
Him:"
yeahsheal
waysanswermycal lsandal
lit
s
unl
ikehert
onottextbacknoranswermycall
s
whichmakesmewor ri
edabouther.
"

Me:"cal
m downman.Justenj oyyour
selft
odaywe
wil
lcheckheruptomorrow.Iknowyouar eworried
butIpromiseyounot
hingwillhappentoher.Okay?"

Henodded.

Me:
"ncumakl
kbest
iesudeubembi
."
-
smi
lebest
iedon'
tbeugl
y.

Wel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
justmademef
eel
bet
ter
."
Me:
"t
hat
'
swhatbestf
ri
endsar
efor
."

Wedi dourhandshakebef
oregett
ingouthandin
hand.Atl
eastnowhisatfi
ne.Idon'tl
ikeseei
ngmy
fr
iendsunhappy.

Chumani:
"Ial
mostcal
ledkhumbul
e'
khayanant
sine
numberkaAndil
e."

Weal
llaughed.Isatonhi
slap.

Me:"
himawoahwhyarewecel
ebr
ati
nghi
sbi
rt
hday
l
ikei
t'
sNewyear
'sEve.
"

Mybr
other
s:"
lennt
obendi
zoybuza.
"
-
that
'
swhatIwasaboutt
oask.

Wel
aughed.
TT:
"nomarnbi
yigett
oget
herlewhi
chhappenedt
o
bebefor
ehi
sbir
thdaysoal
linone.
"

Us:
"buy1get1f
ree.
"

Wel
aughed.

Chumani:
"uyaxokaTTI
'
m speci
alkl
kthat
'swhywe
ar
ecelebr
ating.
"

Wel
aughed.

Us:
"nganya.
"

Si
ya:
"ci
mal
amcul
ophasol
ala.
"
-
swi
tchoft
hatmusi
csot
hatwecansl
eep.
Wel
aughed.

Me:
"ni
shi
eyeyonkenyamakum.
"
-
leaveal
lthemeatf
orme.

Webur
stedoutl
aughi
ng.

Cage:
"t
hemeatI
'
m supposet
obeenj
oyi
ngi
s
enj
oyedbyt
hefl
oornow."

Wel
aughedmor
e.

Nandi
:"
kwakut
henimnt
anam zawul
amba?
"
-
whathappenedmychi
ldwer
eyouhungr
y.

Snakes:
"f
uner
alme.
"
Wel
aughedmor
e.

Kelvi
n:"
doyouseet
hosestreetki
ds?Ngel
oxet
sha
nt
lokoyomnyeyayi
dli
kidl
a."
-
thatt
imeshei
spl
ayi
ngwi
thsomeone'
shead.

Mamba:"yekaleyout
hiningal
eacl
aim Rhadebe
bengadyoli
."
-
leavethatonewhataboutwhenshecl
aimed
Rhadebebuttheywerenotdat
ing.

Wel
aughed.

Ntl
akani
pho:"
I'
m nottal
kingaboutt
hepunchswe
gotal
ongsidewiththepoli
ce.
"

Hesai
dhol
dinghi
snose.Wel
aughed.
Let
habo:
"yekeMedi
calbi
ll
."

Il
ookedatherbef
orel
aughi
ngmor
e.

Tai
lor
:"
waphel
elaphil
ozayemi
thi
?"
-
whathappenedt
otheonet
hatwaspr
egnant
.

Chumani
:"
akasayiesgel
a."
-
shedoesn'
tgot
oschool
.

Si
ya:
"yat
hikant
ibanit
aimal
engcosi
?"
-
whowast
hef
atheroft
hechi
ld.

Mybr
o's:
"exkaEyodwa.
"

Them:
"hee?
"
Theywer
eal
lshocked.Wel
aughedatt
hem.

ThandoandMi
ke:
"sol
ovesquar
ele.
"

Weal
llaughed.

Siya:"
soyourdat
ingumtuweexyakhonaweyour
datingumtuweexyakho."
-
yourdat
ingyourper
son'
sexyout
o.

Us:
"huh?
"

Hi
m:"
nandi
vamar
n."
-
youcanhearme.

Weal
llaughed.
Me:
"i
ntoezi
njal
o."
-
somet
hingl
iket
hat
.

Nandi
:"
heeLungel
oungandiBambi
."
-
don'
thol
dme.

Wel
aughedather
.

Lungel
o:"
andi
zokubamba.
"
-
iwon'
thol
dyou.

Me:
"hai
boDaddy.
"

Them:
"bekhol
ohai
bodaddy.
"

Wel
aughed.
-
-
-
-
-
UVUYO
Meandmycousi
nwerechil
li
ngatt
hejacuzzitub.
Whi
let
headul
tsi
ncl
udingo'
Bhut
tiwer
eout si
de.We
wer
ehavi
ngourownfun.

Sihl
e( snakeschil
d)cameinholdi
ngabot
tl
eof
RussianBear .Wescreamed.MeandNkanyeziar
e
theoldest.Theyarealli
ngrade7and6butyouwill
thi
nkwear einthesamegrade.

Soi
t'
smeandNkanyeziNi
ziandSi
ya'
schi
ldr
en.
Lumi
nat
hiandLunathiAuntAyabongaand
Mamba'
schil
dren.
Si
hleandSososnakesandZi
mi'
schi
ldr
en.
Li
hleAyol
aandCage'
schi
ld
AndKhanyi
siweThandoandTai
lor
'schi
ld.

AuntLet
haboandTTdon'
thaveachi
ldi
nourage
gr
oupsodoesauntNobunt
uandMike.

Me:
"f
umenephint
wana.
"
-
wher
edi
dyougeti
t?

Sihl
e:"
mfondi
niindi
theqinosi
sEyodwaphayana
andshegaveittome."
-
ibumpedi
ntosi
sEyodwat
her
eand.
..

Nkanyezi
:"
ndamt
handasi
steri
nlawwam.
"
-
ilovemysi
steri
nlaw
Wel
aughed.

Me:
"aaabanci
nciabazosel
ani
zoj
ump.
isani
na.
"
-
nothesmalloneswon'
tdr
inki
twi
llbeobvi
oust
hat
wedrunk.

Nkanyezi
:"
aasimplel
ennt
ooj
ump.
isi
leyousel
e
yedwaasiyazil
ont
othi
na.
"
-
nothi
sissi
mpletheonet
hatwil
lmakeitobvi
ous
t
hatshe/
hedrankwedon'
tknowanyt
hing.

Weal
lagr
eed.

Si
hle:
"yoohaaguysSonwabi
se(
Soso)zoj
ump.
isa.
"
-
Sosowi
llmakei
tobvi
ous.

Soso:
"yat
handaundiqal
ake.
"
-
youl
ikest
art
ingme.
These2l
ikef
ight
ing.Weal
ll
ookedatSosocause
weknowshealwaysmakesitobvi
ous.

Lumi
:"
ndi
zom gadaguys.
"
-
iwi
llguar
dherguys.

Us:
"okayke.
"

Westar
teddr
inki
ngdashi
ngi
twi
thappl
ejui
ce.We
wer
ehavingagoodti
me.

Khanyi
:"
aaguysutheSl
eept i
ghtndat
hiandi
nabo
wabuzaint
onindat
hiot
ightbolal
angokuundibl
ue
t
ick.
il
endit
hini
."
-
noguyshesaidsleeptightIsaidIdon'
thavet
hem
heaskedwhatisai
dtightstosleepwithnowhe
bl
uetickedmewhatshoul dIdo.
Shewascryi
ngweal
llaughedather
.Al
coholdoes
wonder
s.
-
-
-
-
-
-
EMI
HLE
Igotatextf
rom myboyfr
iendtel
li
ngmet
ocome
out.I
twasstil
l3pm sonostr
ess.

Me:
"mamasayot
hengiai
rt
ime.
"
-
mom Iwantt
ogobuyai
rt
ime.

Shenodded.
Mandi
sa:
"sol
enot
hengist
erikaBr
oadway.
"
-
alsobuyt
hemi
lkcaseatBr
oadway.

WelookedathernoEsihl
ewor
stpar
teveryone
knowsushere.Youknowhowembarrassi
ngthati
s.

Mandi
sa:
"i
zani
."
-
come.

Wedr aggedourfoot
.Webothwantedt
ocr
y.She
gaveust hemoneyandwetookthemil
kcaseand
walkedout.

Esi
hle:
"nguwemar
nlo.
"
-
thi
sisal
lyou.

Me:
"what
hindi
mfondi
nii
ngumakazi
wakho.
"
-
whyar
eyousayi
ngi
t'
smewheni
t'
syouraunt
.

Hi
m:"
jongangokusahl
ekwa.
"
-
lookever
yoneI
slaughi
ngnow.

Il
ookedattheshopandhi
sfr
iendswher
ether
e
l
aughing.

Me:
"mbanonya.
"

Mzamo( myboyf
ri
end)
:"
bendi
zokuncedi
saqa
usi
tuki
le.
"
-
wewer
egoi
ngt
ohel
pyoubutyouswear
edatus.

Hi
sal
sooneofEsi
hle'
sfr
iends.

Me:
"nyoko.
"
Theyal
llaughedi
ncl
udi
ngEsi
hle.

Mzamo:
"l
okncama.
"
-
yougi
vingup.

Wel
aughed.

Mzamo:
"youar
egr
eeni
ngmekodwamyl
ove.
"
-
yandihl
aza

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.Esi
hlewal
kedf
astpul
li
ng
me.

Me:
"haimf
ondi
ni.
"

Hi
m:"
ndi
thi
nindi
kuyeke.
"
-
whatmustIdomustIl
eavei
t.

Me:
"haimf
ondi
nisukawul
eza.
"
-
nomandon'
tWal
kfast
.

Hi
m:"
mxm.
"

Hel
etgooft
hecase.I
thi
tmyt
oe.

Me:
"j
oumasepose.
"

Hi
m:"
oksal
ayonayenyokowakho.
"
-
shei
sAl
soyourmot
her

Il
ookedathi
mfumi
ng.

Hi
m:"
Yipokopokoyi
pokoni
namat
simat
simoo.
"
Webot
hlaughed.
-
-
-
-
-
-
APHI
WE
Wegott oPret
ori
astreami
ngonXXXTENTACION
songs.Isl
eptmostofthet
ime.Iwassl
eepi
ngon
topofSam'sshoulder.

Hi
sactuall
ytheki
ndestoft
hem al
l.Wegotto
Pr
etor
iaandtheyshowedmemyr oom.Ijustdr
if
t
of
ftolal
aland.

Iwaswokenupbysomeonespl
ashi
ngwat
eronmy
f
ace.Il
ookedupandi
twast
hesemot
her
fucker
s.

Me:
"whatt
hef
uck.
"

Vusi
:"
kudal
asi
kvusa.
"
-i
t'
sbeenal
ongt
imesi
ncewehavebeenwaki
ng
youup.

Akho:
"wet
houghtyouwer
edead.
"

Me:
"ni
ngavipul
senj
e."
-
whydon'
tyouf
eel
mypul
se.

Oyama:"
wet r
iedbutbesi
ngayi
vaal
thoughnt
li
ziyo
bi
bethayona.
"

Il
ookedatthem wanti
ngtocr
yingt
heycan'
tbe
ser
ious.Weburstoutl
aughi
ng.
Sam:
"hait
chuf
anl
angal
idel
iphumengendl
ebe.
"
-
youwantt
hesunt
ocomeoutbyt
heear
.

Welaughed.Onet
hingaboutt
hem i
sthatt
heyar
e
cr
azy.

Me:
"phumanisot
hatIcanbat
h."

Them:
"butwemi
ssyou.
"

Me:
"Iwi
llbedowni
naf
ew.
"

Ir
oll
edmyeyes.

Them:
"mxm.
"
Theysaidget
ti
ngoutil
aughedatt
hem.Theyar
e
busysulki
ngbutt
heyareover20t
hebr
other
sI
have.Imademybed.

Aft
ermyhygienepr
ocessIwalkeddownst
air
sand
t
heywerehavingl
unchsincet
hetimeis1pm.

Oyama:
"Ial
wayswi
shedt
ohaveherski
nmj
ongeni
."
-
lookather
.

Theyal
llookedatme.

Sam:
"nazocr
eam?
"

Me:
"yeahbutI
'
Mrunni
ngoutoft
hem.
"

Akho:
"wewi
llgoshoppi
ngt
omor
rowwear
eti
red
now."
Inodded.Weategett
ingtoknoweachmor e.So
Vusii
sadoctor.Sam isadent
ist
.AkhoisaHR
Manager.AndOyamai saTechEngineer
.

Me:
"soyourbi
rt
hdayi
sonWoman'
smont
h?"

Sam:
"Yeah.
"

Me:
"sonaweuyiMbokot
o?"
-
soyoual
soar
ock?

Wecr
ackedoutl
aughi
ng.

Sam:
"mxm v'
tsek.
"
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
54
-
-
-
-
-
-
Emi
hle
Todayi
sthe15thmeaningt
ommorowit'
sthe16t
h.I
can'
twai
t.Nam ndi
yeSummerSt
rand.

Ij
usthopemom wi
llagr
eecauseshel
etsEsi
hlego.
Iwaswokenupbymymot hert
alki
ngtothephone.
Shealwaysput
sherphoneonloudspeakersoIcan
heart
hewholeconver
sati
on.

Mom:
"Mpi
(t
hat
'smyf
ather
).
"

Tat
a:"
Gconi
njani
?"
-
howar
eyou?

Mom:
"sor
ytl
inj
anil
angaaphoDur
ban?
"
-
wear
efi
nehowi
sthesunt
her
einDur
ban?

Tata:
"l
it
shut
shuyuuhIwast
hinki
ngofgoi
ngt
othe
beachnoX(myuncl
e)"
-
it
shot
..
.

Mom:
"oohnobasi
zoyangomsot
hina.
"
-
maybewewi
llgot
ommor
ow.
Yes.

Tat
a:"
baphibona?
"
-
wher
ear
ethey?

Mom:"Mi
hleLel
eEsi
hleyamazingest
rat
osayo
dl
ala.
"
-
emi hl
eissleepi
ngandEsi
hleyouknowhi
m he
l
ikesthestr
eethewentoutt
oplay.

Tata:
"oohokayke.IgotaFrenchi
sein
Johannesburgsosinceyouwereli
vingwiththe
ki
dsforallt
heirl
if
e'sIwaswonderingifIcoul
dget
achancetolivewit
ht hem.
"

Mom:"t
hatwouldbegreatcausesayazibaonce
bamkeforUni
versi
tyabazolazikhaya.
"
-weknowoncet
heyl
eavef
orUni
ver
sit
ytheywon'
t
knowhome.

Him:"
yeahsoisitf
inei
fIt
aket
hem wi
thmet
o
Johannesbur
g."

Mom:
"Iwi
llaskt
hem.
"

Hi
m:"
okaykesho.
"

Mom:
"xap.
"

WhatthewearegoingtoJohannesbur
g.Owyam
yona?Myfri
ends?Ican'
tstar
tanewl i
fe.Iki
cked
thebl
anket
sandmademybed.

Iopenedt
hewindowandcur
tai
ns.Itookmy20ri
n
myschoolbag.I
'
m cr
avi
ngforToppers.
Iwalkedoutoftheroom andgreet
edEveryone.I
walkedouttotheshopThinki
ngaboutthe
Johannesburgoffer
.Maybeit
'sagreati
dea.Ineed
tostartanewslatinanewcit
y.

JustasIwaswal ki
ngIsawMzamokissingmyBest
fr
iend.UbaniIt
ookastoneandt
hrewitatthem.

Ikil
led2bir
dswithonestonecauseithi
tthebothof
them.Hisfr
iendswerel
aughing.Esi
hlewaspissed
offthat
'swhyheneverwantedmet odatehis
fri
ends.

Igott
otheshopf
umingandEl
am (
mybestf
ri
end)
wascryi
ngthi
sbi
tch.

Mzamo:
"babeIcanexpl
ain.
"
Me:"
masambewenasopaki
tshasahambasi
ye
Jozi
."
-l
et'
sgoyou.Wehavet
opackwear
egoi
ngt
o
Johannesbur
g.

Theyal
llookedatmeandl
aughed.

Esi
hle:
"mxm suxokabal
ekal
engoku.
"
-
don'
tli
eyouar
erunni
ngawayf
rom t
hisnow.

Me:"zenihl
ekenaxasihamba.Bhut
t'wearegoi
ngt
o
Johannesburgtatasandof
onangokufumene
Frenchisephayana.Si
zohl
aleSandt
on."
-
laughwhenwear egoi
ng.
..
dadj
ustcal
ledhegota
f
renchi
sethatsi
de.Wewil
lli
vei
nSandton.

Mzamo:
"babypl
easedon'
tleave.
"
Me:
"kamewena.Nant
sicher
ryyakhomoc.
"
-
wai
tyouher
eisyourgi
rl
fr
iend.

Hi
m:"
funawenaumna.
"
-
iwantyou.

Me:
"andi
bonil
ont
oumna.
"
-
idon'
tseet
hat
.

Esi
hle:
"masambewenasi
zobuzumama.
"
-
let
'sgowewi
llaskmom.

Me:
"okay.
"

Esi
hle:
"shoshomaj
it
a.Mal
indi
zoyzi
sal
ate.
"
-
iwi
llbr
ingt
hemoneyl
ateron.
Hesalut
edhisfri
ends.Thanithi
tmet
hatmycr
ush
l
ivest
here.Ahh.Ij
ustwishIcoul
dbumpint
ohi
m.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
SEKANI
Itwas12pm meaningi
t'
sChumani
'
sbi
rt
hday.We
alll
ookedathi
m andsmil
ed.

Us:"
Happybi
rt
hdaytoyouhappybir
thdaytoyou
happybi
rt
hdaydearChust
arhappybir
thdayt
oyou.
"

Wesandont
opofl
ungs.Hewasj
ustsmi
li
ng.
Eyodwa:
"Youdon'
tknowwhatIhav'
beent
old.
"

Us:
"youdon'
tknowwhatIhav'
beent
old.
"

Eyodwa:
"someoneher
eisget
ti
ngol
d."

Us:
"someoneher
eisget
ti
ngol
d."

Eyodwa:
"don'
tyouwor
rydon'
tyouf
ear
."

Us:
"don'
tyouwor
rydon'
tyouf
ear
."

Eyodwa:
"i
tal
onehappensonceayear
."

Us:
"i
tonl
yhappensonceayear
."

Her
:"
sayhey.
"
Us:
"hey.
"

Her
:"
yowh.
"

Us:
"yowh.
"

Her
:"
Happybi
rt
hday!
!!
"

Wecl
appedscr
eami
ng.

Eyodwa:
"Ni
zicake.
"

Welaughed.Ni zist
oodupandcamebackwithit
.
It
'swasaATM bombi ngcausether
ewasmoney
comingandt herewasacr ownontopwi
thchai
ns
andrings.Yonkelantoyebli
ngbli
ng.
Ther
ewasal
soacandl
ethati
snumber17.

Us:
"vut
hel
akl
k."
-
blowt
hecandl
e

Heblewi
t.Wecl
apped.Ni
zicutt
hecakef
oral
lof
us.

Nobunt
u:"
abant
hwana.
"
-
theki
ds.

Eyodwa:
"I
'm sur
eyoudon'
twannagoupt
her
e."

Us:
"why?
"

Shel
aughed.
Her
:"
li
stent
omyadvi
cedon'
tgoupt
her
e."

Nt
ando:
"mxm ndobabi
za.
"
-
iwi
llcal
lthem.

Us:
"haiNyan'
.
"

Eyodwa:
"goodl
uck.
"

NtandowentupwithNt
sika.Weconti
nueddr
inki
ng
andeati
ng.Theycamebacklaughi
ng.

Nt
ando:
"zi
ti
pil
eezaway.
"
-
theyar
esl
eepi
ng.

TT:
"whatdoyoumeanzi
ti
pil
e."
Ntando:"
ngxil
il
eabanyebayakhal
abottl
eey1ye
RussianBearneyeSkyVodkaziphant
si.5bot
tl
esof
fr
uitj
uices.
"
-
theyaredr
unkother
sarecr
yingt
heyhadabot
tl
e
ofRussi
anBearandSkyVodkaand.
..

Theywer
eal
lshocked.

Mi
ke:
"whogavet
hem al
cohol
."

Nt
lakani
pho:
"kamnandisonkebesil
apha.
"
-
wewer
eal
lher
e.

WeChuckl
edi
ndi
sbel
ief
.

Si
ya:
"yekaniabant
hwana.
"
-
leavet
heki
ds.
Welookedathi
m andlaughed.Wecont
inued
dr
inki
ng.Lat
eroneveryonewenthomeexceptf
or
us(meandmybr o'
s).

Weallsl
eptinourr
oomsandofcourseEyodwa
sl
eptwit
hChumani.Agai
ninthemorningIt
ri
ed
cal
li
ngAphiwebutcoul
dn'
tgett
hrough.

Iwal
kedtot
heelevat
oraf
termakingmybedand
washi
ngmyfaceandmout h.Igotdownandonl
y
mybro'
sweret
here.

Iheavil
ysighedandsatonthesi
ngl
ecouch.
Eyodwapausedt hegame.Theywer
eplayi
ngPS4
sti
lli
npjama'sli
keme.

Chumani
:"
what
'sup?
"

Me:
"Aphi
we.
"
Them:
"t
heni
?"
-
what
'
swr
ong?

Me:"
sheisn'
tpi
cki
ngupmycallsandshenever
goesanhourwit
houtt
alki
ngt
ome. "

Kel
vin:
"haveyout
ri
edt
racki
ngher
?"

Ishookmyhead.Hewentt otakeChumani'
slapt
op.
Wet r
ackedherdown.Ionceplacedat
rackeronher
hairwi
thoutherknowl
edge.

Us:
"Pr
etor
ia!
!"

Theyal
llookedatmeshocked.

Me:
"whati
sshedoi
ngt
her
e?"
Chumani
:"
let
'sf
oll
owherst
eps.
"

Wedi
d.

Me:
"shewasatKFCbef
oregoi
ngt
oPr
etor
ia.
"

Eyodwa:
"hackt
hecamer
a'sout
sideKFC.
"

Kevi
nnodded.Hedid.I
tshowedusAphiwesit
ti
ng
downontopofhersuit
caseshet
riedcal
li
ng
someonebutherphonewasswit
chedoff.

Acarpul
ledoverand4guysgotout
.Itshowedus
t
hewholeeventofyest
erday.

Me:
"f
uckl
etmecal
lheragai
n."
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
APHI
WE
Akho:
"Ihopeyouhaveyourper
sonali
nfor
mat
ion
her
e."

Me:
"yesIdo.
"

Vusi:
"wewil
lappl
yyoui
nanewschoolwhen
schoolsr
eopen.
"

Inoddedsmi
li
ng.
Oyama:
"orwouldyoupreferhomeschool
ingwecan
al
soarr
angethatforyou.
"

Me:"
theonet
hatyouthi
nkissaferformewil
lbe
f
ineyourmybrot
hersoyouwillknowwhatsgood
f
orme."

Theysmi
led.

Them:
"yougott
hatr
ight
."

Welaughed.Thani
thi
tmet
hatIhaven'
tcal
led
Sekanii
nalongti
me.

Me:
"Iwi
llbebackj
ustnow.
"

Sam:
"wher
eyougoi
ng?
"
Me:"
Ihavetocal
lmyfri
endadaydoesn'
tgobywi
th
usnotchat
ti
ngandmenotbeingsafewher
eIwas
mustbemakinghim.
.sheanxi
ous.
"

Theynodded.Ir
anupst
air
s.

Them:
"Pr
incessnor
unni
ngi
nthehouse.
"

Iwal
ked.

Me:
"sor
ry.
"

Igott
omyr oom Andswi t
chedonmyphonesi
nceit
wasoffi
nthecharger.Ihad100'
sofmi
ssedcal
ls
fr
om myfat
her,brot
herandSekani.

Fuck.Justt
hanacal
lfr
om Sekanicamet
hrough.I
answered.
Me:
"Yonwaba.
"

Hi
m:"
fuckwhatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nPr
etor
ia.
"

Me:
"Il
iveher
enow.
"

Him:"
whatdoyoumeanyouleavether
edi
dthe4
guysthatt
ooksai
dyoumustsayso.Babyyou
knowwhatIwil
lbether
einafew."

Me:
"babycal
m downt
hosear
emybr
other
s."

Him:
"whatdoyoumeanbr
other
s?Aphi
wewhat
's
goi
ngon?"

It
oldhi
m ever
ythi
ngf
rom yest
erday'
seventt
il
lnow.
Hi
m:"
whydi
dn'
tyoucal
lme.
"

Me:
"Ij
ustt
oldyout
hatmyphonewasf
lat
."

Hi
m:"butst
il
lyoushoul
dhavewentt oourhouse.
Whatift
hosedudesareser
ialki
ll
ers.
"

Me:
"t
heyar
enot
."

Him:
"neversaynever
.Howcanyouevent
rustso
easi
lybaby.
"

Ikeptqui
et.

Hi
m:"
areyouevensur
eyouwantt
oli
vet
her
e."

Me:
"yesIam.
"
Hi
m:"
areyousur
ethatyoursaf
e?"

Me:
"yesIam.
"

Him:"gi
vemethei
rnamesIwannadoabackground
checkonthem.Idon'
ttr
ustt
hesebr
other
sof
yours."

Me:
"Samkel
o,Vusumzi
,OyamaandAkhol
iwe
Maj
ola.
"

Hi
m:"
ifyouneedanyt
hingcal
lmeokay?
"

Me:
"Iwi
ll
."

Hi
m:"
Iwil
lmakeapl
ant
ocomeandseeyou
t
omorr
ow."
Me:
"Iwi
llbel
ooki
ngf
orwar
dinseei
ngyou.
"

Hi
m:"
Iloveyouokay?
"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"

Hi
m:"
besaf
e."

Hedi
sconnect
edt
hecal
l.That
'sar
eli
ef.
-
-
-
-
-
-
CHUMANI
Me:"
soshewaschasedoutandmethernew
br
other
sontheway.
"

Sekaninodded.

Eyodwa:"
looksli
ket
hefuckersar
ecleant
heyar
e
simpleman.Theywerelocat
edatCapeTownbut
theyarel
eavingher
enow."

Sekani
:"
noshadybusi
ness?
"

Shenodded.

Kel
vin:"
weevencheckedint
hedarkcl
oudandther
e
i
snot hi
ngshadyaboutt
hem.Theyaresi
mpleas
t
heycome."

Wenodded.
Eyodwa:
"j
usthopeshewi
llbehappyt
her
e.She
deser
vesabreak.
"

Sekani
:"
shesoundedHappyovert
hephone.That
's
arel
ief
"

Aft
erspendingt
imewit
ht hem meandEyodwawent
toourcr
ib.Shesai
dshehasasur pr
isef
orme
befor
ewegot oaclubl
ateron.

Wegott herewhenIopenedthedoorIwas
welcomedbyt heperf
ectar
omaofmyf avor
it
emeal
.
Itwasli
keIwasi narest
aurant
.Theli
ghtswere
dimeandt hecandl
eswereon.

Il
ookedbackatherandshewassmi
li
ng.Iwentt
o
hugher.shegi
ggl
ed.
Me:
"youdi
dhavet
o."

Her:
"Iwant
edt
o.youmybabyaf
teral
l.Doyoul
ike
i
t?'

Me:
"Il
ovei
tst
handwasam.
"

Wekissed.Sheki
ssedmeal
lovermyf
aceandI
wasgiggl
ing.

Me:
"st
op.
"

Shel
aughedandst
opped.

Her
:"
comet
her
eisal
soar
ound2.
"

Shesmi
rkedandIl
ookedatherbi
tt
ingmyl
owerl
ip.
Me:
"ndakut
hannda.
"
-
iloveyou.

Her
:"
ndakut
hanndanam.
"
-
iloveyout
oo.

Weki
ssed.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
55
-
-
-
-
-
-
CHUMANI
Wewenttosi
tdownandsaidgr
ace.Weat
e
chat
ti
ngupastor
mlaughi
ng.

Her
:"
goupst
air
sIgotyouaf
ewgi
ft
s."

Il
ookedatherwi
thmyeyebr
owup.Shel
aughed.

Her
:"
go!
"
Ist
oodupandwentt oourroom.Noshedi dn'
t.She
boughtmePS5, Engl
ishBl
azerCol
ogne,Rolex
watch,setofundi
es,
bott
leofHennessyinabox
wit
h2gl assesandaport
rai
tofourpict
ures.

Ifel
twar
m handswi
pingt
hetear
sinmyeyes.I
l
ookedbesi
desmeandhuggedtheli
vingshi
toutof
her.

Her
:"
broyouki
ll
ingme.
"

Iki
ssedheral
loverherf
ace.Shegi
ggl
ed.

Her:"
TheboxersIdon'tknowwhyIboughtt hem but
youcancallthem yourluckyundiesplusIal ways
takeyourssothisisanadditi
ontot heonesyou
haveleft
.TheHennessyIj ustboughtitf orfun
Nothingmucht her
eisnoi nspi
rati
onf oryona.
Cologneyoucanal sotakeitasagoodl uckcol ogne.
PS5,seenhowmuchyouwanti tbutidi dn'tknow
whi chgamest obuysoyouwi l
lbuythem your
sel
f
plusandinamal i.Theportrai
tIwantyout ohang
thisinyourroom andwhenyoul ayyoureyesonitI
wantyout ot hinkaboutal lourgooddaysandhow
happywewer e.Andl astl
ythewat chIknowyou
havel ot
sofRol exwat chsbutIwantyout othi
nk
aboutallthet i
mest hatweshar edtoget
herwhen
youl ookatthisone. "

Shesai
dwithtear
sinhereyes.Iwi
pedt
hem away
andki
ssedhereyes.

Me:"
thismeansal ott
omet hankyou.Ihavenever
r
eceivedsuchmeanf ullgi
ft
severinmyl if
e.
NdakuthandaEyodwandoniLanga."
-
iloveyouEyodwandoniLanga.

Her
:"
Ndakut
hanndanam.
"
-
iloveyout
oo.
Ihel
dherr
ingandki
ssedi
t.

Me:
"t
oget
hert
il
li
nfi
nit
y"

Her
:"
toget
herf
orever
."

Wel
ookeddeepi
neachot
her
seyesbef
oreki
ssi
ng.
.
.
Wefixedour
selvesbefor
egoi
ngt
othecl
ub.Vi
gro
Deepwasperforming.

Eyodwa:
"yoooh.Iwonderwhoi
sper
for
ming
tommorow."

Shesai
dloudl
ydanci
ng.
Us:
"16kanene.
"

Weallwalkedintot
heViPsect
ion.Weenj
oyedour
t
ime.Bestbir
thdayever
.
.
.
Iwenthomewithmygift
safterdroppi
ngoff
Eyodwaatherpl
ace.Wewil
lbegoi ngoutat3t
han
hi
taclubcel
ebri
ti
esareper
formingtonight
.

:
"Andt
han?
"

Thatwasnizi
.Il
ookedatherandsmi l
ed.Iwal
ked
tothel
oungeweretheywer esit
ti
ng.Nkanyezi
and
Uvuyoarebygranny.Ishouldvi
sither
.

Ishowedt
hem ever
ythi
ngEyodwagotme.
Si
ya:
"youhavel
otsofRol
exwat
chs.
"

Theywer
eadmi
ri
ngEver
ythi
ng.

Me:"Iknowyouhavel ot
sofRolexwatchsbutIwant
youtot hi
nkaboutallt
heti
mest hatweshar
ed
togetherwhenyoulookatthi
sone.Herwordsnot
mine.Andi t
'smyfavori
tef
rom nowon."

Isai
dsmi
li
ngf
rom eart
oear
.

Si
ya:
"sher
eal
lydoesl
oveyou.
"

Ni
zi:
"hur
therandyouwi
llhavemet
odealwi
th.
"

Me:
"Iwon'
thur
theri
ntent
ional
ly.
"

Them:
"good.
"
-
-
-
-
-
EMI
HLE
Wegottot
hehouse.Mom wast
aki
ngoutsui
tcases.
Thebi
gones.

Us:
"andt
han.
"

Her
:"oohni
yaeJozi
.Tatenuut
hei
yaningomso
ani
sayanganextmont
h."
-yougoi
ngtoJohannesbur
g.Yourf
athersai
dyou
shouldgot
ommor ownotnextmonth.

Us:
"Jozi
?"
Her:
"kl
kguystatenuni
yakuyengeholi
daysqaso
cel
ebanihambenayeni yeJozi
fumenemsebenzi
phayanaandniyakhul
angoku.Nizomanenibuya
ngeholi
days.
"
-
guysyougot oyourfatheronholi
dayssoheasked
i
fhecangowi thyout oJohannesburgsi
ncehegot
ajobt
here.Youwillcomeher eonlyonhol
idays.

Wewentt
ohugher
.Wepackedourbagsandal
l.
.
.
Thefoll
owingdaymom bor
rowedacarf
rom
Grandpaandtookustot
heair
port
.Wewillbe
l
eavingalonewewil
lbemeeti
ngdadatt
heother
si
de.

Aft
ersayinggoodbyest
omom wetookofft
o
Johannesbur
g.Esihl
eki
ssedmyf
orehead.
Hi
m:"
tonewst
art
s."

Me:
"t
onewst
art
s."

Hegavemeapeckbef
oret
aki
ngsomet
hingaway
f
rom myeye.

Hi
m:"
Iloveyoubr
o."

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oobr
o."

Ismi
ledbef
oreplaci
ngmyheadonhi
sshoul
der
.
WegottoJohannesbur
g.

Esihl
e:"
therei
sadri
verwaiti
ngforusoutsi
de.Uthe
tat
ahehassomeer aset
orunhewi l
lcomeback
homel ate.WecanAlsobuytakeawaysforl
ater
on."
Inodded.Wewal kedoutdr
aggi
ngoursui
tcases.
Thedriverappr
oachedus.Wegott
othemal land
wenttoMacDonal d.

Esi
hle:
"j
usthopel
if
ewi
llbegr
eather
e."

Me:
"meandyouar
ehopi
ngf
orsamedude.
"

Hi
m:"
let
'snotl
ett
hischangeusokay.
"

Me:
"t
ruce.
"

Hi
m:"
tr
uce.
"

Wedi
dapi
nkypr
omi
se.
Hi
m:"
andt
hisyearnomor
edat
ingmyf
ri
ends.
"

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
ndiser
iousbawo.
"
-
i'
m ser
ious.

Inodded.

Me:
"f
ine.
"

Ir
oll
edmyeyes.

Hi
m:"
sur
oll
.aamehl
okl
kbawo.
"
-
don'
trol
lyoureyes.

Il
ookedathi
mthanwel
aughed.Thewai
tercame
wit
hourf
oodasIwasbi
tt
ingmybur
germyeyes
l
andedonmycrush.

Hewascomingthroughthedoorwi
thhisfr
iends.
Theywer
elaughi
ngoutloud.Myburgerfal
l.

Esi
hle:
"ut
heni
iphambene?
"
-
whatar
eyoumad?

Iignoredhi
m.Iwasjustdaydreami
ngaboutmy
crush.Iwaswatchi
nghiseverymove.Esi
hle
foll
owedmyeyesandl aughedoutl
oudcausing
everyonetol
ookatus.

Me:"hecanbecr
azysomet
imest
hebr
other
swe
have."

Everyonechuckl
ed.Mycrushandhi
sfri
endswere
notevenpayingatt
ent
iontome.Mydream j
ust
camethr
ough.I
twasi
ndeedagoodi
deat
ocome
her
e.

Esi
hle:
"youcr
ushi
ngononeoft
hoseguys.
"

Me:
"yeaht
heonewi
tht
hedur
ag"

Esi
hle:
"r
edorbl
ack?
"

Me:
"r
ed.
"

Heshookhi
shead.

Me:
"r
emembert
hedayIwasal
lsmi
leysmi
ley?
"

Hi
m:"
yeah.
"
Me:
"Iwasst
alki
nghi
m."

Hel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
it
'snotl
ikeyouwi
llgethi
m."

Me:
"yeahpl
ushi
sgi
rl
fr
iendj
ustr
ecent
lydi
ed.
"

Hi
m:"
myhersoulr
esti
npeace.
"

Me:
"butt
hatwon'
tst
opmef
rom shoot
ingmyshot
."

Hi
m:"
washangazpoxi
sikeqa.
"

Me:
"haiwet
hukazepen.
"
-
givemeapen.
Hi
m:"
nayo.
"
-
idon'
thaveone.

Me:"
okayIwi
llaskt
hewai
terwhenwear
eaboutt
o
go.
"

Hi
m:"
youcr
azy.
"

Me:
"Iknow.
"

Wel
aughed.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
NTLAKANI
PHO
Wedeci
dedt
ogoMacDonal
d.

Eyodwa:
"guysI
'
mtel
li
ngyou.
"

Kel
vin:
"whywoul
dwebel
ieveyou?
"

Wel
aughed.Thewai
tercamewi
thourf
ood.

Sekani
:"
whywoul
dyouwal
kar
oundnaked.
"

Eyodwa:"
theywerechasi
ngmear
oundwi
thabel
t
theywantedtohi
tmewi t
hit
."

Us:
"mxm.
"
Chumani
:"
alwayswaxokawenababy.
"

Welaughed.Justt
hanawai
tr
essgavemeat
issue.
Iopenedi
t.

Me:
"l
ookl
eft
.(
Ilookedl
eft
)backwar
ds(
Idi
d)al
it
tl
e
mor
e.(
Idi
d)"

Il
ookedup.Anot hergi
rll
ookedatmeandwi nked
beforestandi
ngupwi t
hherbrot
her.Theywalked
outlaughingwit
hherbrother
.

Me:
"whatj
usthappened?
"

Ichuckl
edandt
heyl
aughed.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
56
-
-
-
-
-
-
CHUMANI
Me:
"ut
hininal
amt
hanaj
ongenxel
e?"
-
whatdi
dshesayl
ookatt
hel
eft
.

Weal
llaughed.
Nt
lakani
pho:
"di
dshej
ustwi
nkatme.
"

Eyodwa:
"I
'm unabl
etocanmt
akabawo.
"

Sekani
:"
nazenzazi
ntonni
ngamant
ombazana.
"
-
youdot
hingsasgi
rl
s.

Welaughedj
ustt
hananot
if
icat
ioncamet
hrough
Nt
lakani
pho'
sphone.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"whoi
sEmi
hle?
"

Kel
vin:
"j
umpcasengual
it
tl
emor
e."

Wel
aughed.Hel
ookedathi
scel
lphone.
Nt
lakani
pho:
"i
treal
lyi
sher
.Guyst
hisgi
rli
snut
s."

Us:
"ngawemj
it
a."
-
aboutyou.

Chumani
:"
Imagi
nepl
it
wal
imedi
."

Eyodwa:
"Ican'
twai
tforwhat
scomi
ngnext
."

Ntlakani
pho:"kuzokwenzekant
on'sothatIcanbe
prepared.Idon'tunder
standment
ali
tyyamantombi
yazi.
"
-
whatwi
llhappen.
..

UsexceptEyodwa:
"haiNyan.
"

Eyodwa:
"ndi
thul
eumna.
"
-
i'
m qui
et.

Wel
aughed.
.
.
Af
teragr
eatni
ghtwehadatacl
ubmeandEyodwa
wentt
oourcri
b.

Me:
"babywhatwil
lhappen.Idon'
tknowhowyour
mi
ndsworkli
ke."

Her
:"
phol
ababyzobonabutint
oezoyenzi
wangu
Emi
hlei
nkul
uandI'
m befr
iendi
ngher
."
-
cal
m downbabyyouwi
llseebutwhatEmi
hlewi
ll
doi
sbig.
..

Il
ookedatherandchuckl
ed.
Me:"
yougir
lsar
edanger
ous.Sonaweyouwoul
ddo
whatshedi
d."

Her
:"
haiandi
nasbi
ndisal
ont
oumna.
"
-
noIdon'
thavet
hegut
sto.

Me:
"i
fitwasme?
"

Her:
"Imademyi nt
ent
ionscl
eartoyoubandakf una.
From pr
etendi
ngli
keIdon'
thavesocksbutIhave
them."

Me:
"sl
yfox.
"

Her:
"Ijustwant
edtobeinyourarmsthatni
ght.And
mepr etendi
ngl
ikeidon'
tunder
standequat
ionsbut
Ido.
"
Me:
"l
omt
hana.
"
-
thi
schi
ld.

Shewi
nked.

Me:
"haykeal
it
tl
emor
e."

Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
Iloveherbr
aveness.
"

Me:
"sayssomeonewhopunchedapol
icemanno
menImean."

Her
:"
mxm v'
tsek.
"

Wel
aughedmor
e.
Me:
"whatwi
llshedomar
n."

Shegavemeapeck.

Her:
"cur
iosi
tykil
ledacat
.Ihaveafeel
ingt
hatt
his
wil
lbeinthehist
orybooksofumjol
o."

Il
ookedatherandshookmyhead.

Me:
"It
houghtwewer
eint
hist
oget
her
."

Her:
"don'teventryt
oguil
tyt
ri
pme.It
'snotworki
ng
thi
stimeIj ustwantyout
ofi
ndoutt
hatdayifthe
daywillevercome.Idon'
twantt
ospoilt
hefun."

Me:
"mxm.
"
Her
:"
youknowt
hatIl
oveyour
ight
."

Me:
"notknow.
"

Her
:"
whoi
sthebabybet
weenyouandI
?"

Me:
"me.Yousawt
hesunbef
oreme.
"

Wel
aughed.

Her:
"woahIneedt
orecor
dthi
s.Youadmi
tt
ingt
hat
I
'm ol
dert
hanyou?"

Me:
"t
shayi
wev'
tsek.
"

Her
:"
ndakcel
amyl
ove.
"
-
please.
.
Me:
"Tal
kfi
rst
."

Her
:"
yoohaababyngomso.
"
-
not
ommor
owbaby.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"mxm.
"
.
.
Af
teral
ovelydaywi
thEyodwaIwenthome.I
twas
di
nnert
ime.Thetwi
nsarenotbackyet
.

Me:"
niphiomnyewink.
elaNt
lakani
phonamhl
anj
e
akamncincil
omthana.
"
-
wherewereyouwhenanot
hergi
rlwi
nkedat
Ntl
akani
pho.
Si
ya:
"bani
lowo?
"
-
whoi
sthat
?

Me:
"Emi
hle.Shei
sst
il
lnewi
ntownbayabonaka.
"
-
youcanseet
hem.

Ni
zi:
"kamengal
eyowenzant
on'
?"
-
wai
twi
tht
hatwhatdi
dshedo?

Me:"sol
ikesi
ngenakaMacDonal
dyabo.Eyodwa
esixoki
sel
aasalways.
"
-wegotinatMacDonal
d.Wi
thEyodwal
yingt
ous
asalways.

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.
Me: "
siorderkufikemocukutyanextt
hingkufi
kha
waitressnikeNtlakani
photi
ssue.Phakubhal
iwe
l
ookl eft
,backwar dsali
tt
lemore.Nat
hisij
onge
yabethili
solantombazanaqibakwayoyaphumi
hlekanobr otherwakhe."
-weorder
edandourfoodcamenextt hinga
wait
resscomesandgaveNt lakaniphoatissueit
waswr i
tt
enlookl
eft
,backwar ds,
al i
tt
lemor ethan
shewinkedandgotoutlaughingwi t
hherbr ot
her.

Them:
"mxm yaxoka.
"
-
youl
ying.

Wel
aughed.

Me:"heebet
heEyodwai
nkhului
ntoazayenza
l
amt hanasosi
zobonangokozeni
thikange
ndi
tsho."
-
eyodwasai
dshewi
lldosomet
hingbi
gwewi
llsee
t
han.
Wel
aughed.
-
-
-
-
-
-
EYODWA
Me:
"babyyaqal
a."
-
it
'sst
art
ing.

Isenthim at
ext
.Wewer ebothwatchi
ngReal
HousewivesofJohannesbur
g.Iact
ual
lyf
orcedhi
m
i
ntothis.

Hi
m:"
yeahI
'
m wat
chi
ng.
"
Him:"
himakengokumyl
ovekwenzekant
on'
kle
show? "
-
wai
twhatHappensi
nthi
sshow?

Me:"andi
yazibabycauseGamaleshowal
ihambe
Laninaboforexampleyambonamakantl
aapho."
-
ialsodon'
tknowthenameoft
heshowdoesn'
t
bl
endwiththem f
orexampl
edoyouseeNt
la'
smom.

Hi
m:"
yeaht
hisLeJoywoman.
"

Me:
"akasoyiHousewi
fekodwal
apha.
"
-
shei
snotahousewi
febutshei
sher
e

Hi
m:"
lompumiayi
singul
oukuGogowodumo .
"
-
ThisMpumii
sn'
tshet
heonet
hatact
satGogo
wodumo?
Me:
"yeahnguye. "
-
yesshei
s

Him:"sodefini
ti
onofbei
ngahousewi f
eherei s
havi
ngt hemostmoneyt hatyouandyourpar t
ner
workedf orcauset
heyaredefi
nit
elynotspending
thei
rhusbandsMoneynei t
heraretheymarried.
"

Me:
"mzekel
oKat
ri
naandi
mazi
funant
on'
apha.
"
-
forexampl
eIdon'
tknowwhatKat
ri
nai
sdoi
ngher
e.

Hi
m:"
tchi
i.
"

It
'sreall
yfunchatt
ingwit
hyourbabyaboutt
hese
stuf
f.Itmeansalot.Theli
tt
let
hingsmatt
erguys.I
appreciat
eeveryt
hinghedoesforme.
-
-
-
-
-
-
SEKANI
Idr
oveal
lthewaytoPret
ori
a.Shesentmeher
l
ocati
onandIusedtheGPStogett
here.

Me:
"BabyI
'
m her
e.I
'
M 3housesaway.
"

Her
:"
Iwi
llbet
her
einaf
ew.
"

Shedisconnect
edthecall
.Fewminut
eslatershe
cameout .Imetherhal
fwayandshehuggedthe
shi
toutofme.

Me:
"babeyourKi
ll
ingme.
"
Her
:"
sor
ryj
ustt
hatImi
ssedyousomuch.
"

Wegoti
natt
hebackseat
soft
hecar
.

Me:
"Imi
ssedyout
oo.Di
dyouhavet
omove
t
hough.
"

Her:
"Idon'
thaveaf
ami
lyt
hatsi
deandImadeone
t
hisside.
"

Me:
"butI
'
m yourf
ami
lybaby.
"

Shewavedherr
ingf
ingerandwel
aughed.

Me:
"wewi
llsoonsuwar
a."
Her
:"
Ihopesot
oo.
"

Weki
ssed.

Me:
"sohowar
ewegoi
ngt
omeet
."

Her:
"wewil
lmeetonceaweek.Sof
orexampleyou
cametomet hi
sweekmeaningIwi
llhavet
ogoto
younextweekandsl
eepover.
"

Me:
"youhavet
hisal
lfi
gur
edout
."

Her:
"Idon'
twantusdyingbecauseofdi
stance.I
wantustogrowoldtogether
."

Ismi
ledl
ooki
ngather
.

Me:
"wewi
llbaby.Justbepat
ient
.Yournextmove
wi
llbewhenweget
ti
ngmar
ri
edr
ightaf
terMat
ri
c."

Her
:"
woah.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:"
I'
m ser
iousmylove.Youseeaf
uturewi
thme.I
al
soseeaf ut
urewi
thyousowhynot."

Her
:"
obvi
ousl
ywedo.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"Ineverr
eal
izedhowmuchImi
ssyout
il
lnow.
"

Her
:"
Imi
ssedyout
oo.
"
Me:
"wear
edef
ini
tel
yhavi
ng10ki
dsyabo.
"

Her
:"
phambene"
-
youmad.

Me:
"I
'm ser
ious.
"

Her
:"
imagi
nepoppi
ngbi
gheads10t
imest
si.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"byt
he4t
honeyouwon'
tfeelanypai
n."

Her
:"
sayssomeonewhowi
ll
bet
ell
ingmet
obr
eat
h
t
hewholeti
me."

Wel
aughed.
Me:
"I
'mt
ryi
ngt
oconvi
nceyouher
e."

Her
:"
yeahr
ight
."

Sher
oll
edhereyes.Igavehert
hatl
ook.

Her
:"
xokokeIwi
llneverr
ollmyeyes.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"Il
oveyou.
"

Her
:"
Iloveyout
oo.
"

Shesai
dwi
thsomuchent
husi
asm i
nhervoi
ce.
-
-
-
-
-
-
{
2MONTHSLATER-FEBRUARY}
EMI
HLE
Esi
hle:
"whatwi
llyoubedoi
ngwi
thaspeaker
."

Me:
"I
'm shoot
ingmyshott
omor
rowatschool
."

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
butyoudon'
tevengr
eett
heni
ggaatschool
."

Yesweareschool
ingwi
thhi
m.Hei
singr
ade11
andI
'mingrade10.
Me:"t
hatstheplan.IfIappr oachedhim onanearli
er
stageiwasgoingt ober ejectedsincehewasst i
ll
heali
ngfrom hi
sGi rlf
ri
end.Nowal lhehasever
wantedwasf ormet ochaseaf terhim andIdi
dthe
opposit
e.Hesur elycatchedf eeli
ngs.CauseI'
m
al
waysar oundhi m butatthesamet imeignor
ing
hi
m. "

Esi
hle:
"yougott
hisal
lfi
gur
edout
?"

Me:
"yeah.
"

Hi
m:"
sowhat
'st
hepl
anwi
tht
hespeaker
."

It
oldhi
m whatIwi
lldo.

Him:"
justdon'
tgetr
eject
edmnt
asekhaya.Ihat
e
seei
ngyouhur t
."
Me:"Iwon'
tifitdoesn'
twork.I'
M goi
ngupt ohi
m
andgivehim akiss.Iwil
lneverbeaclownatthat
school.Si
leezanto.Especi
all
yclassyakhe.
"

Wecr
ackedoutl
aughi
ng.
-
-
-
-
-
-
NTLAKANI
PHO
Eyodwa:
"l
et'
sbehonestcat
ch.
lekl
amnt
ana.
"

Me:
"yeah.
"
Chumani
:"
brauweak.
"

Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:"
lomthanayayazi
ilent
oayenzayo.Wher
e
eversheiscomingfr
om sheusedtodot his.
"

Kel
vin:
"wenzant
on'
?"
-
whati
sshedoi
ng?

Eyodwa:
"di
dshecont
actyouaf
tersendi
ngyoua
Fri
endRequest
?"

Me:
"aa.
"
-
no.

Eyodwa:
"nant
soke.Allshewantedwasyoutoknow
hernamesothatitcanbeallt
hatyouthi
nkabout.
Sheknowst hatyoul
ostyourgir
lf
ri
endwhichi
swhy
shedi
dn'tapproachyoufr
om thegetgo.
"

Us:
"hee.
"

Her
:"
mindsetyenuphambene.Whatnextdi
dyou
r
eal
izet
hatsheisdoi
ng."

Us:
"al
waysar
oundme/
him.
"

Her:
"exact
ly.Andyoufal
lfori
twhatdoyoual
ways
t
hinkofwhenyousl eep?
"

Me:
"her
."

Her:
"herpl
anexactl
y.Nowwai tpat
ient
lyf
ort
hebi
g
st
ep.Imustsalut
ethisgi
rlshereal
lyissmar
t.
"
Sekani
:"
Howdoyouknowal
loft
his?
"

Her
:"
Iknowhowgi
rl
sthi
nk.Ndazaziezi
way.
"
-
iknowt
heset
hings.

Me:
"whatwi
llshedonextsot
hatIcanbepr
epar
ed.
"

Her
:"
Idon'
twantt
ospoi
lthef
un.
"

Chumani
:"
tel
lyourmanzzatl
east
."

Us:
"ungumanzzphiuseyikwekss.
"

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Chumani
:"
mxm.
"
Kel
vin:
"buthaveyouheal
edf
rom Osi
."

Me:"Ihaveheal
edbutonet
hingthatwi
llnever
happenisherleavi
ngmyheart
."

Eyodwa:
"quest
ionst
il
lst
andsar
eyour
eadyt
o
moveon?"

Me:"t
hat
'
swhatIhavebeentryi
ngt oaskmysel
f.I
don'
twannagetinarel
ati
onshi
pandkeepon
compari
ngthatper
sontoOsiyabo.Thatshi
thurt
s.
Idon'
twannauseanyoneasar ebound.
"

Chumani :
"youguysshoul dstopbeat
ingyourselves
up.Goddi dthisforareason.Hehasbiggerplans
foryou.JustrememberOsiandUmiaspeopl ewho
wer eonceinyourlif
ethatyoulovedearl
y.Moveon
from thepastandstartonanewsl at
e.I'
m saying
forgetaboutthem."
Weal
lnoddedbef
oregr
ouphuggi
ng.

Eyodwa:
"t
othel
eftt
othel
eft
."

Us:
"mmh.
"

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Eyodwa:
"nowwatchandl
ear
nthedayIhavebeen
wait
ingf
or.Chust
art
akeavi
deo.
"

Us:
"why?
"

Eyodwa:
"l
ookatt
hef
iel
d."

Wealll
ookedatt
heFi
eld.Emihl
eandherbr
other
wher
estandi
ngri
ghti
nfrontofuswi
thaspeaker
andamic.
Theyal
llookedatmeandl
aughed.

Me:
"mxm.
"

Chumanit
ookouthi
sphoneandst
art
ingshoot
ing.

Emi
hle:
"1212.
"

Shesaidont
hemic.Ever
yoneLaughed.Iwas
suddenl
yner
vousorsomethi
ng.

Herbr
other
:"
Mysi
steri
saboutt
oshoothershot
."

TheschoolLaughed.Ever
yonewasal
readyt
her
e
cr
owdingthem.
Her
:"
ifIdieIdi
eNtl
akani
phoVicendakuthanda
f
ondinikudal
andi
kuncwasi
lei
deundivume."

School
:"
woah.
"

Ever
yonescreamedtheyal
ll
ookedatus.Openi
ng
uptheci
rcl
ethattheymadeformetoseeEmihl
e.
Myfri
endswer el
aughi
ng.

Ilookedatthem t
hanEmihl
eagain.IgaveEyodwa
myspar kl
ingwaterandmyburger.If
ixedmyblazer
beforewalki
ngdownt hest
air
snalawal k
yetshamba.

Andasexpect
edthegi
rl
swer escreaming.
Ever
yonewasmakingavideo.IgottoEmihl
eand
hel
dherchi
n.Shewasredfrom blushi
ngand
l
aughed.
Ihuggedherandkissedherf
orehead.Theyal
l
screamedl
ouder.
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
57
-
-
-
-
-
NTLAKANI
PHO
Me:
"masambeapha.
"
-
let
'sgoher
e.

Iwhisperedbit
ti
ngherear.Shegavethemictoher
brot
herandwewal kedupt hepavi
li
onwillt
he
schoolscreamingt
heirl
ungsoutsincewewere
walki
nghandi nhand.Herbrot
herplayedmusic.

Wegot
othet
op.

Me:
"zohl
alaphezkwam ayagodul
aamat
hanga
ama."
-
comesi
tont
opofmemyt
highsar
eget
ti
ngcol
d.

Her
:"
hai
bo.
"

Il
ookedather
.FuckIneverr
eal
izedhowbeaut
if
ul
shei
s.
Me:
"I
zamar
n."
-
come

Shesatontopofme.Imadehercr
osslegsaround
mywaist.Shepl
acedherheadonmyshoulder.

Me:
"di
dyour
eal
lyhavet
odot
hati
npubl
ic?
"

Her
:"
Iwasj
ustmar
kingmyt
err
it
ory.
"

Il
ookedather.Shewasbl
ushi
ng.Ineverseensuch
beaut
yinaperson.Shei
ssobeauti
fulwit
hher1
si
dedimple.

Me:
"semhl
e."
-
youBeaut
if
ul.

Her
:"
Enkosi
."
-
thankyou.

Hervoi
cei
ssoangel
ic.

Me:
"whati
fIr
eject
edyou?
"

Her:
"youweren'
tgoi
ngtorej
ectme.IknewwhatI
wasdoing.Youcaughtf
eeli
ngsAl
ongt heway
di
dn'tyou.
"

Me:
"ei
shyeah.
"

Her
:"
whywoul
dyour
ejectmekengoku?
"

Me:
"j
ustnj
ecausezangendapl
it
wayi
cher
ry.
"
-
neverbeenappr
oachedbyagi
rl
.
Her
:"
wel
lIdi
d."

Me:
"unesbi
ndiyazi
i
."
-
youhavet
hegut
s.

Her:
"mfondi
niwhenyouwantsomethi
ngyou
shoul
dwor khar
dtogeti
tevenifi
tmeansbei
ng
rej
ect
ed."

Me:
"nevercameacr
osssomeonel
ikeyou.
"

Her
:"
wel
lyoudi
dsowhat
?"

Me:
"kandipuzeke.
"
-
kissmet
han.

Her
:"
wear
einpubl
ic.
'
"
Me:
"youappr
oachedmei
npubl
ic.
"

Her
:"
it
'snott
hesame.
"

Me:
"ndi
zokul
ahl
akemnake.
"
-
iwi
lldumpyou

Her
:"
youal
readyt
hreat
eni
ngme.
"

Il
aughedandshegi
ggl
ed.Istoppedlaughi
ngand
l
ookedather
.Canshej
ustgiggleal
ltheti
me.

Her
:"
what
?"

Me:
"canyouj
ustgi
ggl
ethewhol
eti
me.
"
Fuckwhatisshedoi
ngt
ome.neverbeensoweak
i
nfrontofagir
l.

Her
:"
youmaki
ngmeshy.
"

Shecover
edhereyeswi
thhersmal
lhands.I
removedt
hem.

Me:
"phuziowyakhobawo.
"
-
kissyourboyf
ri
end.

Shecamecloserwi
thherpi
nkpout
edl
ips.Notj
ust
beaut
if
ulbutagoodki
ssert
oo.

Me:
"f
uck.
"

Isai
dt hr
oughtheki
ssbi
tt
ingherlowerli
psoft
ly.
Thekisswentonforawhi
leti
llshebrokeit
.
Us:
"youragoodki
sser
."

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"Nt
lakani
phoVi
ceandyouar
e."

Her
:"
Emi
hleJanuar
y."

Wedi
dahandshakesmi
li
ng.

Me:
"Kandij
ongekl
ksuj
ongakude.
"
-
lookatmedon'
tlookf
ar.

Shehasbeenavoi
dingeyecont
act.Shel
ookedat
mewithherbi
geye'
s.Shethanlookedawayagai
n.
Me:"
Iknowit
'shar
dtol
ookatsomeoneyoul
ovebut
cel
aundij
ongeumna."
-
pleasel
ookatme.

Shel
ookedatme.Haimaj
it
adyanicat
ch.
il
e.

Her
:"
what
?"

Me:
"j
ustadmi
ri
ngyourbeaut
y."

Isai
dcuppi
ngherf
aceandgaveherapeck.

Her
:"
yourhandsomeyour
sel
f.
"

Me:
"IknowIknow.
"

Wel
aughed.Justt
hanmybr
o'scame.They
whi
stl
ed.Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:
"ani
banci
nci
."
-
youguysar
esmal
l.

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
kamengaleyosnqandamat
heSami
.
Emzausicol
aphisbi
ndigi
rl
."
-
waitwi
tht
hatmyl
ove.Emzawher
edi
dyougett
he
gut
s?

Kel
vin:
"bewor
seumt
shaapha.
"
-
youst
il
lnewher
e.

Sekani
:"
shewi
llbeknownf
ort
heshootyourshot
gi
rl.
"
Wel
aughed.

Emi
hle:
"Iwasj
ustmar
kingmyt
err
it
ory.
"

Them:
"washa.
"

Theywhi
stl
edl
aughi
ng.

Eyodwa:
"I
'm bef
ri
endi
ngher
."

Welaughedcauseshehasbeensayi
ngt
hatsi
nce
day1.

Chumani
:"
whati
fhedi
dn'
tcomedown?
"

Emi
hle:
"Iwasgoi
ngt
ogoupandki
sshi
m."
Us:
"woaah!
!"

Wel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
hail
omt
hana.
"
-
thi
schi
ld.

Wel
aughed.

Kelvi
n:"
whydi
dyoudoal
lofthat
.Thet
hangezi
nye
miniumnanotnamhl
anj
e."
-
i'
mtal
kingaboutt
heot
herdaysnott
oday.

Emihl
e:"
himawer
eyouwait
ingf
ormetomakea
moveonyoufort
hepastf
ewweeksandt
alkt
oyou
ri
ght?
"

Me:
"yeah.
"
Her:
"Idi
dn'
twanttogetr
eject
edplusyouwer
est
il
l
heal
ingfr
om yourl
ategi
rl
fri
end?
"

Me:
"yeah.
"

Her
:"t
hat
'swhyIwaitedandndamanendizul
akuni
ndi
ngathet
hinaye.Bendif
unaadeandi
funenaye.
"
-
andIkeptonwalki
ngaroundyouallandnott
alkt
o
hi
m.Ijustwant
edhimtowantmet oo.

Eyodwa:
"bendi
tshi
lokuni
."
-
tol
dyouso.

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
u'weakkwedi
ni.
"
-
youweakboy.
Kel
vin:
"butImustsaynesbi
ndiwena.
"
-
..
youbr
ave.

Wel
aughed.

Sekani
:"
ndi
mthandel
alont
o."
-
ilovet
hatabouther
.

Wel
aughed.

UsexpectEmi
hle:
"Nam"
-
met
oo.

Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:
"soyou2ar
edat
ingnow.
"
Il
ookedupandsmi
l
ed.Theyl
aughed

Sekani
:"
youal
readywhi
ppeddawg.U'
weak.
"

Me:"
mxm ndizobi
zuAphi
wencumei
ntoenga
phel
iyongoku.
"
-
iwi
llcal
lAphi
weandyouwi
llsmi
let
hewhol
eti
me.

Sekani
:"
mxm.
"

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
other
wiseaf
terschoolweneededatt
he
mansi
on.
"

Eyodwa:
"can'
twai
ttogossi
pwi
tht
her
ent
s."
Us:
"oohqal
il
eke.
"
-
youhavest
art
ed.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"uzoxokakendakwazi
i.
"
-
youwi
lll
ieIknowyou.

Wel
aughed.

Emi
hle:
"yourcousi
ns.
"

UsexpectEyodwa:
"nopebutwear
ebr
other
sby
l
oyal
ty.Al
soourParents.
"

Shenodded.
Emi
hle:
"Eyodwa?
"

Eyodwa:
"i
nlawszam bhabha.
"

Shesai
dshowi
ngusherr
ing.Wel
aughedather
.

Emi
hle:
"hol
donyourmar
ri
age.
"

Eyodwa:
"eweSananankumnyeni
wam.
"
-
yesher
eismyhusband.

Shesai
dgi
vingChumaniapeckwhowasbl
ushi
ng.

Emihl
e:"
butyousai
dowyam weakkodwanawe
weakkuEyodwa."
-
myboyf
ri
endi
sweakbutyoual
soweakwheni
t
comest
oEyodwa.

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
sit
shat
il
ekl
kthi
naNi
nani
sadyol
a."
-
wear
emar
ri
edandyouguysar
est
il
ldat
ing.

Wel
aughed.

Kel
vin:
"Ineedt
ofi
ndagi
rl
fr
iend.Ican'
tbel
eftout
."

Wel
aughedathi
m.Thebel
lrang.

Me:
"ndi
zonibambecl
ass.
iniguyssakaphuEmza.
"
-iwi
llseeyoui
nthecl
assguysIwantt
o
accompanyEmza.
Them:
"zobangunyakawonkekanene.
"

Wel
aughed.West
oodupnoEmi
hleandwal
ked.

Her
:"
yourf
ri
endsar
eamood.
"

Me:
"wai
tunti
lyoumeetmyf
ami
ly.Youwi
lll
augh
t
hewholeday.
"

Shesmi
led.

Her
:"
can'
tbel
ievet
hatI
'
m dat
ingmycr
ush.
"

ImadeherSt andinf
rontofme.Shehasabigass.
Can'
tforumfeba.Icr
ossedmyar msaroundher
neckandkissedthebackofherneck.

Me:
"youbet
terbel
ievei
tmyl
ove.
"
Her
:"
Iloveyou.
"

Me:
"noIl
oveyou.
"

Her
:"
Iloveyout
oo.
"

Me:
"kweyi
phikl
ass.
"
-
whi
chcl
assar
eyoui
n.

Her
:"
Mr.Hope.
"

Me:
"sesi
lapha.I
zandi
zokungeni
sa.
"
-
wear
eher
e.ComeIwi
llwal
kyoui
n.

Wegoti
nandt
hecl
assscr
eamedwel
aughed.
Me:
"mor
ningsi
r.
"

Hechuckl
ed.

Mr
.Hope:
"whatdoyouwantVi
ce.
"

Me:"Iwasjustaccompanyinghersi
r.Youknowi
t'
s
notsafeouthere.Especi
all
yforgi
rl
s."

Thecl
ass:
"mhhhh.
"

Theyal
llaughedi
ncl
udi
ngMr
.Hope.

Me:
"shokeEmza.
"

Isai
dkissi
ngherfor
ehead.Theclassscr
eamed
more.Igaveheraqui
ckpeckbeforegett
ingout
.
Iwal
kedi
nmycl
ass.

:
"IfIdi
eIdieNtl
akani
phoVi
cendakuthandaf
ondi
ni
kudalandi
kuncwasi
lei
deundi
vume."

Thatwasmywholeclass.Wealll
aughed.Iwal
ked
tomydesksmi
li
nglikecrazy.
-
-
-
-
-
-
EYODWA
Todaywewi
llbediscussi
ngthemissi
onf
ort
he
map.WegottothePlaatj
iesMansi
on.
Ntl
akani
phohasbeencomplet
elyi
gnor
ingusand
smil
ingont
hephone.HaiEmzasana.

Wegoti nandthewholesquadwasalreadyhere.I
start
edattheki
tchenandtookabott
leofwater
beforewal
kingbackandsatnextt
oLet habo.

Ever
yonewasexchangi
ngl
ooksl
ooki
ngat
Ntl
akani
pho.

Me:
"ndi
nibhal
isel
eumnai
vaniumna.
"
-
letmet
ellyou,
li
stent
ome.

Idr
ankmywat
er.

TT:
"ut
heniwancumayedwa.
"
-
whyi
shesmi
ledAl
one.
Me:"songoDecemberbambenedatenge16
khukholomthanawanikawai
tr
essi
ti
ssueebhal
we
tothelef
ttothel
eftmhhhh.
"
-
soont he16ofDecemberIst
il
lremembert
hedate.
Thischil
dgaveawaitr
essati
ssuet
hati
swri
ttent
o
thelef
ttothel
eftmhhhh.

Theyal
llaughed.

Ni
zi:
"mxm yaxoka.
"
-
youl
ying.

Me:
"heeser
iousguys.
"

Weal
llaughed.

Me:"
nathikemocsij
ongeqibayat
hibackwar
ds
nat
hisajongayaphi
ndayat
hiali
tt
lemorexesi
thi
yabet
hilisol
antombazanaqi
bakwayoyacat
wal
ker
nobrotherwakhe.
"
-weal
solookedthanshesaidbackwardsal
it
tl
e
morewhenwel ookedupshewi nkedt
han
cat
walkedoutwithherbr
other

Mybr
o's:
"suxoka.
"
-
don'
tli
e.

Wel
aughed

Ntl
akanipho:"
suxokangecher
ryyam shej
ust
walkedoutlaughi
ng."

Us:
"mhh.
"

Wel
aughed.
Nobunt
u:"
kwat
hiwanikengoku.
"
-
whathappenedt
han.

Me:"
mont hl
atersamegir
lisinourschoolalways
ar
oundusnott al
kingt
oNtlakani
phonorgr eet
ing
wacatch.
amfano."

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Them:
"yaxokawi
thoutevent
alki
ngt
oher
."

Me:"heer ytke.Evennakwii nboxtheyarenot

tal
kingbutt heyaref r
iends.Sotodayshecamewi t
h
aspeakerandami cnoBr ot
herwakhewathiemza
sanaI fIdieIdieNtlakaniphoVicendakuthanda
fondinikudalandikuncwasi l
eideundivume."

Them:
"mxm yaxoka.
"
-
youl
ying.

Wecr
ackedoutl
aughi
ng.

Si
ya:
"ndamazi
ikemnaxokangat
hit
hunyi
we.
"
-
iknowhershel
iesl
ikeshei
ssent
.

Wecr
ackedoutl
aughi
ng.
-
-
-
-
-
-
NOTEDI
TED
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
58
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
EYODWA
Me:
"nant
sinevi
deoguysheee.
"
-
her
eist
hevi
deot
oo.

It
ookoutmyphonef
rom mybl
azer
.

Me:
"i
na.
"
-
her
e.

Isai
dgi
vingLet
habot
hebot
tl
eofwat
er.They
l
aughed.Iwenttot
heschool
spubl
icgr
oup.Iknow
f
orafactthati
twaspost
edther
e.

Andmyguesswasr i
ght.Theyweretrendi
ngcause
thevideohad2kshares.Ishowedthem al
lthe
video.Theyl
aughedsurpri
sed.

TT:
"haikwedi
niweak.
"

Wel
aughed.

Siya:
"v'
tsekhet
akesaft
eryou.Rememberwhen
Lethabowaschasingaf
teryou.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"l
ikef
atherl
ikeson.
"
Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

TT:
"haimar
nsuxokaSiya.Sadyol
ahighschoolno
makaNtlat
hanbrokeupsaphindasabuyel
ana."
-don'tl
ieSiyaweweredat
inginhi
ghschoolwit
h
Ntlakanipho'
smothert
hanbrokeupthandated
again.

Wel
aughed.

Si
ya:
"becauseshewaschasi
ngyou.
"

Wel
aughed.

Let
habo:
"mxm v'
tsek.Let
'sgetdownt
obusi
ness.
"

Siya:
"andoohNiziwon'
tbedoi
ngt
hemissi
onsi
nce
sheispregnant
.Andisaboutt
ogi
vebi
rt
h."
Sheis8mont
hspr
egnantnow.Hert
ummyi
s
showing.

Us:
"good.
"

Wel
aughedatt
hesul
kingni
zi.

Siya:"
shewi
llbel
eadi
ngust
hroughoutt
hewhol
e
thing.
"

Wenodded.West
art
eddiscussi
ngever
ythi
ng.Wel
l
t
hemissi
onwil
lbenextweek.

Ican'
twai
t.Lat
eronChumaniaccompani
edme
home.

Hi
m:"
it
'sVal
ent
ine'
sdaynextweekFr
idaywhatar
e
youget
ti
ngme.
"

Il
aughedheal
soj
oinedi
n.

Me:"i
t'
shardt
obuyamanagi ftandplusIhad
al
readyboughtyoumostoft
hethingsyoucanthi
nk
oftobuyforaman."

Hi
m:"
buti
t'
seasyt
obuyf
orawoman.
"

Me:
"si
ncet
her
ear
eal
otofopi
nions"

WeChuckl
ed.

Hi
m:"
ther
emustbeal
otofopi
nionsf
oramant
o."

Me:"
ifwewerenott
hisyoungIwoul
dbuyyouacar.
Butyouknowthesoci
etywoul
djudgeandi
twoul
d
beayourf
avor
it
eAudiRs7.
"

Hesmil
edl
ooki
ngf
orme.Iknowhowhewi
shesf
or
t
hatcar
.

Hi
m:"
youknowmet
hatwi
lldon'
tyou?
"

Me:
"whowoul
dknowyoui
fIdon'
t.
"

Hi
m:"
Isee.
"

Me:
"pluswear
ehavi
ngourownl
it
tl
epi
cni
cthatday.
Mytreat
."

Wel
aughed.

Him:
"nowIhavetot
hinkofapr
esenttogetf
oryou.
Phof
fIalr
eadyKnowwhatIwil
lgetyou.
"
Me:
"whatwi
llyougetme?
"

Hi
m:"
it
'sasur
pri
se.
"

If
rownedandhel
aughedki
ssi
ngme.

Hi
m:"
suqumbakl
kndakt
handa.
"
-
don'
tbeangr
yIl
oveyou.

Me:
"Ihat
eyou.
"

Hi
m:"
wecanshar
emyl
oveIdon'
tcar
e."

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"youcr
azy.
"
Hi
m:"
inl
ovewi
thyou.Iknow.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"ndakut
hanndake.
"
-
iloveyou.

Hi
m:"
Idon'
t.
"

Ihel
dmyhear
t.

Me:
"ouch.Thathur
ts.
"

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
youknowI
'
m ki
ddi
ngr
ight
.Il
oveyoumor
e
t
hanwor
dsi
tsel
ves.
"

Il
ookedathi
m andbl
ushed.

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"

Wegott
omyhouse.Wehugged.

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llseeyout
omor
row.Yout
aki
ngmeout
."

Me:
"hai
boumna?
"
-
me?

Hi
m:"
yeah.
"

Wel
aughed.
Hi
m:"
iff
unukut
shwandi
m ndi
that
hakl
eyeval
ival
i
."
-
ifyouwantmetotakeyououtI'
mtaki
ngmoney
f
rom themoneyf
orValent
ine'
sday.

Me:
"yousocr
uelRadebe.
"

Hi
m:"
IknowIknow.
"

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.MyLovei
samoodr
haa.

Hi
m:"
ndakut
handake.
"
-
iloveyou.

Me:
"ndakut
handanam.
"
-
iloveyout
oo.

Weki
ssed.Iwal
kedawayf
rom hi
m af
tergi
vinghi
m
at
ighthug.

Hi
m:"
nicesmal
lass.
"

Heyel
ledf
rom behi
nd.

Me:
"f
uckyou.
"

Iyel
ledback.

Hi
m:"
Idon'
tmi
nddoi
ngi
tri
ghther
eri
ghtnow.
"

Heyel
led.

Me:
"mxm v'
tsek.
"

Iyel
ledback.Wel
aughed.
-
-
-
-
-
-
APHI
WE
Iwal
keddownst
air
s.I
'
m meet
ingSekanit
oday.I
t'
s
hi
stur
ntocometome.

Wel
lli
fehasbeengreatwi
thmybr ot
her
s.Idecided
t
ogotoschoolinst
eadofschoolbei
ngbroughtto
me.

Sam:"
weser
iousl
yhavet
omeett
hisf
ri
endof
your
s."

Me:
"youwi
llnextweek.Ipr
omi
se.
"
Oyama:"
youhavebeenpr
omi
singussi
ncel
ast
month.
"

That
'st
rueandIhavebeendodgi
ngt
het
opi
c.

Vusi
:"
princessareyoudat
ingcausei
fyouar
ewe
wil
lbeatthatboyup."

Akho:
"yeahyousti
llsmal
lfordat
ing.Youcandat
e
whenyou'r
e30."

Hai
bo.Wel
aughed.

Me:"
I'
m notIpromise.Ineverpr
omisedyoubef
ore
butI
'm promi
singyounow.Iwi l
lar
rangeameeti
ng
wit
hher .
"
Them:
"youbet
ter
."

WeChuckled.Iwalkedout
.Iunderst
andwher
ethey
arecomi
ngf r
om theyarejustl
ooki
ngoutf
orme
andIcompletel
yunderst
and.

Igoti
nthecarandheat
tackedmewi
thaki
ss.

Me:
"woah.Howar
eyoudoi
ng?
"

Hesmi
led.Suchbeaut
y.

Hi
m:"
I'
m goodandyour
sel
f?"

Me:
"great.Babymybr
other
swantt
omeetyouwel
l
t
heythinkyouashe.
"

Wel
aughed.
Hi
m:"
whywoul
dyoul
ie.
"

Me:"
mybrot
her
sdon'twantmetodat
ethat
'swhy.
Youknowhowolderbr
other
sar
e."

Hi
m:"
wewi
llhavet
omakeapl
anbaby.
"

Me:
"andIdon'
thaveanyf
ri
ends.
"

Him:"Ihaveapl
an.Meandmyf amilyar
ecoming
herenextweekendsoiwi
llaskEyodwatobeyour
fr
iend."

Me:
"wel
lsheagr
ee?
"

Him:
"t
hat
'smybestfr
iendshewoulddoanyt
hingt
o
seemehappy.Shei
salwaysther
etohel
pout."
Inoddedsmi
li
ng.Eyodwai
sar
eal
lyni
ceper
son.

Me:
"IsawNt
lakani
pho'
svi
deoyest
erday.
"

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
ain'
tyouf
eel
ingl
ikehei
smovi
ngont
ofast
."

Me:
"notatal
lbaby.It
hinki
t'
sagreatthi
ngt hathe
movedonholdi
ngonwoul dhaveonlyhurthim."

Isai
dfr
om t
hebot
tom ofmyhear
t.

Him:
"yeahpl
usyoursi
sterwi
llal
waysbei
nhi
s
hear
t.
"
Inoddedsmi
li
ng.

Hi
m:"
haveyout
alkedt
oyourdad?
"

Me:"
Iassur
edhi
mthatI
'
m saf
ethanbl
ockedhi
s
number.
"

Hechuckl
ed.

Hi
m:"
youhavenochi
llbaby.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"youknowmegood.
"
-
-
-
-
-
-
EMI
HLE
Afteragr
eatdayIwentbackhomewi
thEsi
hle
sayingI
'm ast
arandal
l.

SotodayIwil
lbegoi
ngtoNtl
akani
pho'
shouse.
Justt
ochil
lnothi
ngmuch.

Me:
"dadI
'
m goi
ngt
omyf
ri
end'
shouse.
"

Isaidhol
dingt
hedoorknob.Esi
hlewaswi
thhi
s
fr
iends.

Him:"
bebackbefor
e5Pr
incess.Youknowi
t'
snot
safeoutt
her
e."
Irantokisshischeekbef
orerunni
ngbacktot
he
door.IwalkedoutandtheUberwasalr
eadyher
e.

Igoti
nandlist
enedtoNi
geri
anmusi
caft
ert
ell
ing
hi
m whereI'
m goi
ng.Myfavor
it
eOnthel
owby
BurnaBoypl
ayed.

Iwentcr
azyatthebackseatdanci
ngwithmyhands
andhead.Il
oveNigeri
anmusicguysit
'sthebest
.
Thedri
verwaslooki
ngatmel aughi
ng.

Wegottomydesti
nati
onandIpai
d.Igoti
n
Ntl
akani
phohasal
readyt
oldmethatt
hisi
shi
s
house.

Mustbenice.Igotinandhewassi
tt
ingatthefront
shir
tl
essweari
ngshor t
sonl
y.Hei
ssof uckenhot.I
bit
emyl owerl
iplooki
ngathi
m.
Hi
m:"
noneedf
oryout
odr
oolI
'
m al
lyour
s."

Ichuckl
ed.Bef
oret
hrowingmysel
fnextt
ohi
m.I
placedmyheadonhislap.

Hi
m:"
hey.
"

Me:"
hi.Idon'
tunder
standsoccersowear
e
def
ini
telychangi
ngthi
s."

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
yousuchabul
ly.
"

Wel aughed.Iwenttomusicandofcour
seIstar
ted
atTraceAfrica.Seemst
obemyl uckydaycause
Bil
li
onairebyTeniwasplayed.
Me:
"yoohngomayam.
"
-
mysong.

Igotupandstart
eddanci
ng.Ntl
akani
phowas
l
aughingatme.Istar
tedmovi
ngmywai stl
iket
hey
doinNiger
ia.Hecameandstoodbehindme.

Hewasholdi
ngmywaist.Wedancedtoget
hert
il
l
t
hesongended.Wesatdownlaughi
ng.

Hi
m:"
Niger
iansongsar
egr
eatmoc.
"

Me:
"Ievenhavet
hesongumna.
"

Hi
m:"
sendi
ttome.
"

Wel
aughed.
Me:
"Iwi
ll
."

Ichangedt
hechannelandWor
kbyRi
hannapl
ayed.

Hi
m:"
cel
ilapdance.
"
-
canIgetal
apdance.

Me:
"Ican'
tmovemywai
stnort
wer
k."

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"youcan'
thaveabi
gassandnotbeabl
eto
t
werk."

Hei
sri
ghtIdohaveabi
gass.

Me:
"Ican'
t.
"
Hi
m:"
tyi
sit
eam baby.
"

Welaughed.Il
ookedatt
het
vandwatchedhow
t
heyaredoingit
.Iqui
ckl
ygr
aspf
rom i
tandgave
Ntl
akani
phoalapdance.

Thoughitf
eltuncomfor
tabl
eatfi
rstsi
ncehisdick
haswokenup.ButIstil
lmanagedtopullt
hrough.
I'
m st
il
lavi
rginklk.

Hi
m:"
whatwashar
d?"

Ij
ustshr
uggedl
aughi
ng.

Hi
m:"Iwasst
il
lchoosi
ngamovi ewhenyoucame.
Soyoudothehonoursbychoosing.
"
Theonlyi
nter
est
edmovi
eher
ewasFi
ft
yShadesof
Grey.

Him:"
oohgod.Imadeami
stakebyl
ett
ingyou
choose.
"

Wel
aughed.

Wewatchedthemovi
ecuddl
ing.Hisdi
ckwas
poki
ngme.HewashornyandIcan'tdoanyt
hing
abouti
t.Hal
fwayt
hemovi
ehecl osedt
helapt
op
si
ncewewer ewat
chi
ngfr
om it
.

Hefli
ppedmear oundandIwasbeneat
hhim.He
ki
ssedmeandIki ssedhi
m back.Hegr
abbedmy
assandIgasped.

Hegr
innedonme.Andaweirdsoundescapedmy
mout
h.Iwoul
dbelyi
ngifIsai
dIwasfeeli
ng
comf
ort
abl
e.

Ibr
oketheki
ss.Heopenedhi
seyestheywere
bl
oodshootr
ed.Hereal
lyi
shorny.Hestoodupand
wentt
othekit
chen.

Hecamebackwi
thi
cecol
dwat
er.

Him:
"sorr
yformaki
ngyoufeeluncomf
ort
abl
e.You
canchooseanot
hermovi
e."

Hesaidmaki ngmel ayonhi

schest.ThanIt
hought
nomar n.I
'mr eadyt
obeinti
matewiththi
sman.I
tr
usthim wit
hmyal lsowhynotgivehim my
Vir
gini
ty.

It
urnedar
oundandkissedhi
m.Wekissed.Imoved
hi
shandsfrom mybacktomyass.
Me:
"pl
easebegent
lewi
thmeI
'
m st
il
lavi
rgi
n."

Hebr
oket
heki
ss.

Hi
m:"
youst
il
lavi
rgi
n?"

Inoddedshyl
y.Thi
sfoolsmi
rked.Ij
ustboost
edhi
s
ego.

Him:"
noneedt obeshyaboutt hat
.Ipromi seIwil
l
begentl
e.Butpleasepromisemef rom nowont hat
pussywil
lonl
ybemi neandnooneel se's.Phoff
onl
ydeathwillsepar
ateus.Iloveyouokay. "

Inoddedsmi
li
ng.

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"
Wecontinuedkissing.Hecarr
iedmeupstai
rs
wit
houtbreaki
ngt hekiss.Heplacedmeontopof
t
hebedgent l
y.

Hetookofmyclot
hesIwasleftwi
thmyundi es
si
ncehehadalr
eadytakenofmybra.Heleftmy
mouthformyneckandwentformybreast.

Iwasmoani nghi
snamesoft
ly.Hesuckedmyright
breastwi
llhewaspl
ayi
ngwit
ht hel
eftone.Hewent
downandt ookofmyundi
eswithhi
steeth.

Webothl
aughed.Hekissedmynunubefor
edoing
thi
ngswi
thhist
ongue.Mybreathi
ngwaschanging
nowasIkeptoncal
li
ngouthisname.

If
oundmysel
fpushi
ngi
nhi
sheadt
il
lIhadt
opee.

Me:
"babe.
"
Hecur
sed.

Hi
m:"
rel
easei
tbaby.
"

Idi
dasi nstructedandIwasrel
ieved.Hecameup
andtookof fhisshort
s.Hewasn'tweari
nganythi
ng
underneath.Hisdickspr
angout.Iswall
owed.He
chuckled.

Hehasabi
gdi
ck.

Me:
"t
hatwon'
tfi
tin.
"

Hi
m:"
itwi
ll
.Youwi
llsee.
"

Heposit
ionedhi
mselfont
opofme.Hebal
anced
hi
mselfwithhi
sarms.
Hi
m:"Il
oveyouandwil
lal
waysloveyou.Thankyou
f
ortr
usti
ngmewi t
hyourpur
it
y."

Ithanfel
tasharppainashewasal readythrust
ing
i
nsideofme.Whendi dhegetin?Tearsescapedmy
eyes.Ican'
ttakephysicalpai
n.

Iscr
eamedmoani
ng.

Hi
m:"
shoul
dIst
op?
"

Ishookmyhead.

Hi
m:"
pleasel
ookatme.
"

Il
ookedathi
m.
Hi
m:"
Don'
tbr
eakt
heeyecont
actbaby.
"

Inodded.Hewentgentl
y.AndIst
art
edt
ofeel
pl
easure.Iwasmoaninghisname.

Hi
m'"
Iloveyou.
"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
59
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
NKANYEZI
Ni
zi:
"masambe.
"
-
let
'sgo.

Si
ya:
"Ni
yaphi
?"
-
wher
eyougoi
ng?

Her:
"t
otheMal
l.Onl
ygi
rl
sar
eal
lowedt
ogo.Mot
her
andDaught
ert
ime."

Them:
"ooh.
"
Wel
aughed.

Si
ya:
"besaf
ebaby.Yourpr
egnant
."

Ni
zi:
"Iwi
llbe.
"

Shegavehim apeck.Ikissedal
lthei
rcheeks
bef
orerunni
ngout.Nizicameandwehi ttheroad.

Her
:"
sowhat
'sgoi
ngonbet
weenyouandCr
aig?
"

Igi
ggl
ed.

Me:"west
il
lgoodpluswewillbecel
ebr
ati
ngour1
yearanni
ver
sarynextweek.
"
Her
:"
star
teddat
ingonVal
ent
ine'
sday?
"

Me:
"yeah.
"

Her
:"
andyoudi
dn'
ttel
lmeNkanyezi
."

Shesai
dhi
tt
ingmepl
ayf
ull
y.Wel
aughed.

Me:"Iwasgoi
ngtotel
lyoumom.Youknowt
hatI
t
ellyouever
ythi
ng.
"

Her
:"
butwehadt
owai
tti
llyougoti
naf
ight
."

Me:"
yoohhaimama.Iwasgoi
ngtotel
lyou.Iwas
j
ustchecki
ngi
fhewastheri
ghtone.
"

Her:
"butyoutol
dmeyourf
ir
stcr
ushi
ngr
ade7and
yourfi
rstboyf
ri
end.
"
That
'st
rue.Thiswomani
smybiggestbestfr
iend.
Wegotoutsincewewereatt
heMallal
ready.

Me: "
yesIdid.Crai
gwasdifferent.Iwasn'tsur
e
aboutourrelati
onshi
patfi
rst.Ithoughtitwasgoi
ng
toendr i
ghtafteri
tst
art
ed.SinceCr ai
gwasa
player.
"

Her
:"
hepl
ayedyout
oo?
"

Me:"
nopehedidn'
tbutonAugustwebr
okeupt
han
gotbackt
oget
heragain.
"

Her
:"
butyouwer
eneverHear
tbr
oken?
"

Me:
"yeah.Ial
waysl
eaver
oom f
ordi
sappoi
ntment
."
Her
:"
that
'sgood.Yabonawenaungumnt
ana.
"
-
youar
emychi
ld

Welaughed.Wegott ot
heSpa.Aft
erafullbody
massagewithmommywewentt oSpur.Iwas
enj
oyi
ngmyt imewi t
hmyMom.I t
'sal
waysgr eatt
o
havet
heseMot heranddaught
erdays.

Her:
"youwi
llwai
ther
eout
sidebaby.Iwantt
obuy
somethi
ng.
"

Shewasgoi
ngt
oShopRi
teLi
quorst
ore.

Me:
"okay.
"

Shegavemeapeckbef or
egoingin.Il
ovemymom
guys.Istoodout
sidel
ookingatt
hepeoplei
n
ShopRiteshoppi
ng.
:
"Nj
aningabi
nacher
rykwedi
ni?
"
-
howcomeyoudon'
thaveagi
rl
fr
iend?

:
"Hai
mfondi
nindi
li
ndel
eumt
uor
yt.
"
-
noI
'
m wai
ti
ngf
ort
her
ytper
son.

Sai
dmalevoi
cesbehi
ndme.Justt
hanonebumped
i
ntomeandIhitmyheadhar
donthewall
.

Me:
"Mot
her
fucker
!"

Icursedhol
dingmyforeheadt
hatwasbl
eedi
ng.He
tur
nedaroundsincehewaswalki
ngbackwar
ds.

Hi
m:"
oohsor
ryIdi
dn'
tsee.
"
Hi
sfat
her
:"
bendi
kunqandi
lekwedi
ni.
"
-
iwar
nedyouboy.

Hi
m:"
kamet
aima.Ryt
?"
-
wai
tdad.Ar
eyouf
ine?

Hesaidhel
pingmest
and.Hel
ookedatme
f
orehead.

Hi
m:"
I'
m sosor
ry.Tai
maawunayopl
ast
er?
"
-
don'
tyouhaveapl
ast
er.

Hi
sfat
her
:"
aa.
"
-
no.

Hetookoutati
ssuefr
om hispocketandst
arted
wipi
ngthewound.Iwasjustdr
ooli
ngoverhim.He
l
ookssocutewhenhisseri
ous.
Hegotdonecleani
ngt
hewoundandki
ssedmy
f
orehead.Socute.

Hi
m:"
I'
m sor
ry.
"

JustasIwasaboutt
orepl
ymymot
hergotout
.

Her
:"
Mr.Magwaza.
"

Hi
sfat
her
:"
Mrs.Pl
aat
ji
es.
"

Theyhuggedl
aughi
ng.

Mom:
"l
ongt
imehey.
"

Hi
m:"
ithasbeenal
ongt
imei
ndeed.
"
Mom: "
youwer
eleavi
ngi
nDur
banl
astt
imeI
checked.
"

Hi
m:"
yeah.ButnowIhaver
elocat
edwi
thmyki
ds.
"

Mom:
"youhaveki
ds?
"

Hi
m:"
yeaht
wins.
"

Mom:
"i
thasbeenal
ongt
imei
ndeed.
"

Hi
m:"Ial
soseet
hatyouhaveachi
ldand1ont
he
way.
"

Shel
ookedatme.
Her
:"
yeahIdo.Babyt
heni
."

Theboy:
"Ibumpedintoherbymi
stakeandshe
acci
dent
all
yhitherhead.
"

Mom:
"l
et'
sgobuyapl
ast
er.
"

Hisfat
her:
"t
hekidswil
lgoandbuythepl
ast
er.I
needyouradvi
ce,Busi
nesswise.
"

Mom:
"okay.I
nakebaby.
"

Shegaveme20r
.Hebana?Ichuckl
ed.Wewal
ked
wit
hthi
sboy.

Hi
m:"
Esi
hleJanuar
y.AndyoumustbeNkanyezi
."

Il
ookedathi
m andchuckl
ed.
Me:
"howdi
dyouknowmyname.
"

Hi
m:"
ndakf
oll
ow.
ishakaI
.g"
-
ifol
lowyouonI
nst
agr
am.

Hesai
dwal
kingi
nfr
ontofme.

Me:"
Esihl
ezophi
ndaugi
leomnyeumt
uke.Hamba
aphecamkwam."
-
esi
hleyouwi
llbumpi
ntosomeoneel
se.Wal
knext
t
ome.

Him:
"Iwannaseeyourbeaut
if
ulf
acenotababant
u
babi
."

Wel
aughed.
Me:
"mxm.
"

Him:"
yazi
iwenaNkwenkweziyonacherr
yndake
ndaybonaentl
e.AndIr
uinedyourcut
elit
tl
eface.
"

WoahImeltedthever
ysamemomenthecal
ledme
Nkwenkwezi.It
ri
edmybestnott
oBl
ush.

Me:
"yesyoudi
d.Your
uinedmyf
ace.
"

Hi
m:"
andf
ort
hatI
'
m sor
ryNkwenkweziyam.
"

Yandichar
mal
o.Okay.

Me:
"mmhokay.
"

Hi
m:"
soam If
orgi
ven?
"
Me:
"yeah.
"

Hi
m:"
givemeahugkl
k."

Iroll
edmyeyesbeforehuggi
nghim.Iknowall
ki
ndsofhugsbutleitwasdif
fer
ent.Iki
ndafel
t
mor esaf
eri
nhisarmsthanCrai
g's.Ii
nhal
edhis
cologne.

Notj
ustagoodhuggerbutsmel
lsgoodt
oo.Mhh.
Heki
ssedmyforeheadforal
ongti
me.

Him:"
ndi
zom t
hat
hel
alaml
unguwakhozumxel
ele
va.
"
-
iwi
llt
akeyouawayf
rom yourwhi
tet
ellhi
mthat
.

Igi
ggl
ed.Whatt
hef
ucki
shappeni
ngt
ome.Fuck.
Hewaswhi sper
ingi
nmyearallt
histi
me.Weletgo
ofeachot
her.Heplacedhi
sar
m aroundmyneck.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
EMI
HLE
aft
erourround.Hewenttot hebat
hroom andcame
backtopickmeup.Wewal kedtot
hebathroom and
heplacedmei nthebat
htub.

Ij
umpedabi
t.

Him:
"r
elaxbaby.Youwi
lladj
ustf
rom t
hewat
erj
ust
now.
"
Inoddedsmi
li
ng.

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llbebackj
ustnow.
"

HewalkedoutandIrel
axedi
nthewaterandcl
osed
myeyes.Minut
eslat
erhewalkedbacki
nandsat
behi
ndme.

Me:"
babywedi
dn'tusepr
otect
ion.Oohno.Idon'
t
wannabepr
egnant.
"

Hi
m:"
rel
axbaby.
"

Me:"
whyshoul
di.I
fIbecomepr
egnantIswearyou
wi
llbet
aki
ngcareoft
hebabywhil
eIstudy.
"

Hel
aughed.
Him:"don'
tworrybaby.Idi
davasectomyoper
ation
soyouwon' tbepregnantanyt
imesoonunl
essifI
rever
seit.
"

Me:
"nobaandi
yazibayi
ntonibutyeahgood.
"

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
Iloveyoubaby.
"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"

Hetur
nedmearoundandweki ssed.Af
terourbat
h
wewenttosi
tatthel
ounge.Hewascar r
yingme
ar
oundthi
swholeti
me.

Me:
"I
'm sof
uckenhungr
y."
Hi
m:"
It
yamna.
"

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llmakeyouf
ood.
"

Me:
"Don'
twor
ryIwi
lldoi
tmysel
f.Ndi
kwenzel
e?"
-
shoul
dImakef
oodf
oryou?

Henodded.Hegavemeapeckbef
oreIst
oodup.I
coul
dn'
twalkpr
operl
y.

Me:
"Nt
lakani
pho!
!!
"

Hel
aughed.
Hi
m:"
Izandi
kuphol
ise.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"phambene.
"

Iwentt
otheki
tchenmadefoodf
orus.Af
tereat
ing
andhavi
ngfuntoget
herhet
ookmehome.

Hi
m:"
seeyouonMonday.
"

Me:
"bye.
"

Hi
m:"
goodbyeki
sskl
kmyl
oveunj
anina?
"

Igi
ggl
edbef
orej
umpi
ngovert
ohi
m.
Hi
m:"
semhl
e."

Ibur
iedmyf
aceonhi
sneck.

Hi
m:"
suqoshakl
k."
-
don'
tbeshy.

Hesai
dlaughi
ng.Weki
ssed.

Hi
m:"
Iloveyou.
"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"

Hegavemeapeckbefor
eiwalkedout.Igotinthe
houseandther
ewasnoone.Theyar
epr obablyout
orsomethi
ng.
Ican'
tbel
ievethatmycr ushl
ovesmeasmuchasI
do.Hekeptont ell
ingmehelovesmewi
thsomuch
l
oveandent husiasm i
nhisvoi
ce.

Wewerebot hhappytobetogether
.Ij
usthopewe
wil
lbel
ikethisf
orever.AsIwasdeepi nmy
t
hought
st heywalkedi
nmaki nganoise.

Tat
a:"
njanikwedi
niungacel
inumber
."
-
howcanyounotaskf
orhernumber
s.

Esi
hle:
"ndi
zom t
ashakwidm.
"

Wel
aughed.

Tat
a:"
whati
fakhubl
ock.
e"

Esi
hle:
"ci
ngindi
thikuweokobemamat
heki
le
l
amt
hana.
"
-
shewon'
tshehasbeensmi
li
ngt
hewhol
eti
me.

Wel
aughed.

Tat
a:"
whati
faccountyakhekhonanakwiphone
yal
amlunguwakhe?"
-
herwhi
tehasheraccount
.

Esi
hle:
"sozendohl
ulwemlunguumnayist
ru
Nkwenkwezizobangowam byfi
rebyf
orce.
"
-
iwon'tbedef
eatedbyawhit
eyouwillsee
Nkwenkweziwil
lbeminebyf
irebyf
orce.

Me:
"byf
ir
ebyf
orcemshana.
"

Hi
m:"
byf
ir
ebyf
orce.
"
Tat
a:"
askeakuqamphi
se.
"
-
whati
fsher
eject
syou.

Him:"soze.Ndi
zoqalandi
m pholel
et i
llcat
ch.
e
feel
ings.Thanndi
myekeazizelengokwakeapha
kum.Ni zobonaNinaMayzofikhasidyolano
Nkwenkwezi .
"
-never.Iwi
llbecalm wheni
tcomest oherti
llshe
catchesfeeli
ngs.ThanIwil
lletgoofheryouwi l
l
seeshecomet ome.ByMaywewi llbedati
ngwi t
h
Nkwenkwezi .

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"byf
ir
ebyf
orce.
"

Hi
m:"
byf
ir
ebyf
orcet
winzi
ey!
!"
Welaughedathi
m.Ihaveneverseenhi
mtal
kabout
agi
rlli
kethi
s.Thi
sist
hefir
st.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
60
-
-
-
-
-
-
CHUMANI
Eyodwa:
"v'
tsekt
shongobubi
."

Wewer
eatSt
eer
s.

Me:
"asi
fumhl
ewenat
shongezdl
eleezi
nkhul
u."
-
asi
fyoubeaut
if
ulwi
thyourbi
gcheeks.

Her
:"
nganyakl
k."

Wel
aughed.

Me:"kunganyawenaj
ongandi
zochar
m.aumt
u
ngoku."
-
youwil
lshi
tlookI
'
m goi
ngt
ochar
mthatper
son
now.
Welaughed.Il
ookedf
orsomeoneyoung.Iwaved.
Shewavedback.

Me:
"nj
animyl
ove?
"
-
howar
eyou?

Her
:"
I'
m goodandyour
sel
f.
"

Shesai
dfi
xinghert
-shi
rtshowi
ngmehercl
eavage.

Me:
"I
'm gr
..
."

Eyodwaki
ckedmeundert
het
abl
e.Il
ookedather
.

Me:
"ouch.
"
Shepout
edherl
ips.Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
jongaNam ndi
zochar
m.aumt
u."
-
lookIwi
llal
sochar
m someone.

Shelookedar
oundforsomeone.Shewavedi
na
seduci
veway.Thatmanwavedback.

Her
:"
somebir
dtol
dmet
hatyouneedsomeonet
o
r
ewindt
oni
ght.
"

Hel
aughed.Thi
sMOTHERFUCKER.

Hi
m:"
Iguesst
hebi
rdwasr
ight
."

Hesmi
rked.
Eyodwa:
"howaboutnow?
"

Hi
m:"
iDon'
tmi
nd.Icanevencancelmymeet
ing.
"

Eyodwa:
"sur
eletmej
ustset
tl
ethebi
llwi
tht
his
gentl
emano..
"

Ipull
edherl egunder
neath.Shel ookedatmeandI
winked.Asshewasaboutt otalk.Idraggedherout
ofSteers.Yandiqel
alo.Wel aughedget ti
ngout.

Me:"i
fweweren'
tinpubl
icIwasgoi
ngtofuckyou
sensel
essl
yri
ghtnow.Yandiqel
awena.
"
-
youshi
tt
ingwi
thme.

Her
:"
youst
art
edi
t.
"

Wel
aughed.
Me:
"ngadef
unuNi
kakokosiyam omnyeumt
u."
-howdar
eyouwantt
ogi
vemypussyt
osomeone
else.

Webur
stl
aughed.

Her
:"
ngadeut
hikokosiI
'
m sohur
tri
ghtnow.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"mxm v'
tsek.Yi
yomocokhanyendaxoka.
"
-
iti
sitoram Il
ying.

Her
:"
younotevenapol
oget
icabouti
t.Thi
sguy.
"

Me:
"youshoul
dknowt
hisbynowt
hatI
'
m
unapol
oget
ic.
"

Ir
oll
edmyeyes.Wel
aughed.

Her:
"youshoul
dbeaphakum.Masi
ngeneaphaI
'
m
cr
avingforsomeCar
atcake.
"

Wegoti
nmuggandbean.

Me:"what'
sthedi
ff
erencebet
weenyouandot
her
people?
"

Sheplacedinheror
der.Iwasf
ine.Si
nceweatel
ots
ofr
ibsatSteers.Wel
ovemeatneyam cher
ryr
haa.

Her
:"
I'
m yourper
son.
"

Me:
"Sham.
"
Her
:"
Chumani
!"

Shegothercake.

Me:
"what
?"

Her
:"
youhur
ti
ngmyf
eel
ingsnow.
"

Me:"
youal
sohur
tminewhenyouwantedtosex
anot
herMOTHERFUCKERinf
rontofme.
"

Her
:"
youknowIwasn'
tgoi
ngt
osexhi
mri
ght
?"

Me:
"mxm!
."

If
rownedandshebur
stoutl
aughi
ng.Ever
yone
l
ookedather
.

Her
:"
sor
ryguysjustt
hatmyhusbandisali
tt
let
oo
j
eal
oussinceanot
hermanwasfli
rt
ingwit
hme."

Theyal
llaughed.Somewher
efi
ndi
nguscut
e.

Her
:"
sakbawel
ikengoku.
"
-
i'
m cr
avi
ngf
oryounow.

Shesai
dinaseduci
ngvoi
ce.Wel
aughed.

Me:
"yandicapki
sakanj
ani
i.
"

Her
:"
Xol
okl
kRhadebenawesundiqal
a."
-
i'
m sor
ryRhadebebutyoual
soshoul
dn'
tst
artme.
Me:
"ndi
kuyeki
le.
"
-
iwi
lll
eaveyou.

Her
:"
nomor
efl
ir
ti
ngwi
thot
herpeopl
e."

Shesai
dshowi
ngupherpi
nkyf
inger
.Wemadea
pi
nkypromi
se.

Me:
"nomor
efl
ir
ti
ng.
"

If
edhert
hecake.

Me:
"ndakt
handane.
"
-
iloveyou.

Her
:"
ndakut
hanndanam.
"
-
iloveyout
oo.
Igotupandgaveherapeck.If
edhert
hecakeby
myself
.
-
-
-
-
-
NTLAKANI
PHO
HappyDyan.Emihl
eisthebestguys.Inever
t
houghtIwouldeverf
alli
nloveagain.

Ijustlovet
hewaysheis.Il
oveher
.Il
ovel
oveher
.
Shei smyhappi
ness.Ij
usthopewewil
lal
waysbe
thisHappy.

Butther
ewil
lal
waysbefight
sinarelat
ionshi
pbutI
wil
lmakesuret
hati
tlast
sthroughever
yst or
m we
wi
llf
ace.

I'
minthi
sforthel
ongwalk.Ij
usthopeshewon'
t
dieonme.ButIhaveast
rongfeel
ingthatwewi
l
l
l
ast.

Hergivi
ngmeherpur itymeansalot.Iwil
lal
ways
cheri
shher.That
'sapr omi
sethatI
'm wil
li
ngto
ful
fi
ll
.Lookatmet al
kingaboutEmihlenonestop.

Her
:"
bekhol
edur
ag.
"
-
thant
her
eist
hisdur
ag.

Wewer
eti
mef
aci
ng.Lat
eni
ghtvi
deocal
ls.

Me:
"ndi
mhl
enj
ena.
"
-
i'
m beaut
if
ul.
Her
:"
qat
hwebani
?"
-
whot
ri
ckedyou?

Me:"
sayst
hegir
lthatbecomesweakbyt
heknees
ever
yti
mesheseesmewear i
ngit
."

Wel
aughed.Shewasbl
ushi
ng.

Me:
"andIj
ustmadeherBl
ush.
"

Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
fuckyou.
"

Me:
"i
ttakes2t
oof
uckbaby.
"

Wel
aughed.
Her
:"
mxm.Uyinxi
bingat
hiuyayi
zondanor
h."
-
youweari
tli
keyouhat
eit
.

WeBur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Me:
"haiyaqel
awena.
"

Her
:"
Zamant
on'
nor
h?"

Me:
"waves.Ndi
zokuboni
sangomso.
"
-
iwi
llshowt
hem t
oyout
omor
row.

Shesmi
led.

Her:
"Ipr
eferyouuneFadebutl
et'
snotj
udgewewi
ll
seetommor ow.
"
Me:
"youwi
llbewetI
'
mtel
li
ngyou.
"

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Me:
"soI.
..
."

:
"NTLAKANI
PHOI
ZAPHA!
!"
-
comeher
e.

t
hatwasmymom.

Me:
"wewil
lcont
inuewi
ththi
sconversat
ionl
ateron
myl
ove.Byeanddon'
tfor
getthatIl
oveyou.
"

Her
:"
Iloveyout
oo.
"
SheblewakissImadeasi fI
'
m catchi
ngitand
pl
acedmyhandonmychestont heleftwheremy
hear
tis.Sheblushed.Idi
sconnect
edthecall
smil
ingli
kecrazy.

I
'
m cr
azyi
nloveyoual
l.
-
-
-
-
-
EYODWA
Me:
"Iwi
llcomebackt
omor
rowmom.
"

Her:
"beworsekenathiasi
khosendl
inisi
yekwi
br
otherzakhaLungs."
-
wenotevent
her
ewewentt
olungel
o'sbr
other
s.
Me:
"okaykebye.Il
oveyou.
"

Her
:"
Iloveyout
oobaby.
"

Idr
oppedt
hecal
l.

Chumani
:"
soyouspendi
ngt
heni
ght
."

Inoddedsmi
li
ng.

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llpr
epar
e.Popcor
nsj
ustnow.
"

Icr
ied.Hel
ookedatmeshocked.

Hi
m:"
heywhat
'swr
ongbaby?
"

Me:
"Iwantl
ays.
"
Hi
m:"
ngokuwhyar
eyoucr
ying.
"

Il
ookedathi
m andcr
iedmor
e.

Hi
m:"
Xol
okl
kbaby.
"

Hesai
dhuggi
ngmest
il
lshocked.

Me:
"I
zanel
ayszam kl
k."
-
comewi
thmyl
ays.

Isai
dsniff
ing.Hewalkedt
otheki
tchenandcame
backwitht
hechips.Ismil
edl
ikea6yearol
dseei
ng
candy.

Hi
m:"
comel
et'
swat
chamovi
e."
Wewerewatchi
ngTit
anic.Ist
artedsni
ff
ing.The
movi
ewassoemotionalbathong.Chumanilooked
atmeshocked.

Him:
"ar
eyouokay.Whendi
dyoustartbei
ng
emot
ionalwhenwearewat
chi
ngthesekindof
movi
es."

Me:
"Idon'
tknow.BabyIwantdonut
s."

Hi
m:"
babyt
her
eisnost
oret
hatsel
lsdonut
satt
his
t
ime.
"

Icr
iedmor
e.

Hi
m:"Idon'
tknowwhat
'shappeni
ngnowbuti
thas
t
ostop."
Il
ookedathi
m andcr
ied.

Me:
"yousof
uckencr
uelRadebe.
"

Him:"
okayI
'
m sor
rybaby.Iwi
llbr
ingyouyour
donuts.
"

Hewalkedoutcur
sing.Igi
ggl
ed.Waitwhat'
s
happeni
ngtome?Icriedmore.Hegotinandcame
tome.

Me:"
baby(bi
tt
ingmydonut)Idon'
tknow(
bit
ti
ng)
what'
shappeningtome.I
'
m notanemoti
onal
per
sonbutIam today.
"

Him:"
eatyourdonut
sbaby.Ever
ythi
ngwi
llbef
ine.
Justhor
mones."
Inodded.Af
tereat
ingmydonutswewentupstai
rs.
Wehadendlesssexlastni
ghtbecauseIwashor
ny.

Hewal
kedoutoft
hebat
hroom pi
ssed.

Me:"
butbabyI
'
m sor
ry.Idi
dn'
tmeant
obehor
nyal
l
ni
ght?"

Hi
m:"
mxm.Ar
eyoupr
egnant
?"

Me:
"Iwhat
?"

Tear
sst
reameddownmyf
ace.

Hi
m:"
areyoupr
egnant
?"
Me:
"noI
'
m not
."

Hi
m: "
thanexplai
nallofthis.Fi
rsti
twasCaratcake
t
hanyoucr yingoveruselessthi
ngs.Hornyt
he
wholenightandyouwer evomi t
ingthi
swhole
morning.
"

Me:"
whatdoyoumean.Youdidavasect
omy
oper
ati
onIcan'
tbepr
egnant
."

Hi
m:"
meani
ngyoucheat
ed.Di
dyoucheatonme?
"

Iwentdeepinmyt hought
sthi
nki
ngi
fIcheat
edor
not
.Idon'tknow.

Him:
"IswearifyoupregnantyouKill
ingt
hatbabyof
your
sandyouwi l
lAl
sokillyourbabydaddyby
your
self
.Let
'sgo."
Icri
edandhedr aggedmeout.Wegottot
he
hospit
al.Iwi
pedmyt ear
sandwewalkedi
n.

Hi
m:"youbet
terprayyounotpregnant.IswearIwi
ll
makeyousufferandloveyouaft
erthat."

Hewasf umingandIwasscar
edofhim.Wewalked
st
raightt
othedoct
orsof
fi
cewithhi
m cur
singme
al
ltheway.

Hi
m:"mor
ningdoc.Wecameher
etodoapr
egnancy
t
est
."

Thedoct
ornodded.Hegavemeasmallcup.Ipeed
i
nitandwentbackwit
hittot
hedoct
oraft
er
washi
ngmyhands.

Doct
or:
"Iwi
llbeback.
"
Wenodded.Hewal
kedout
.

Chumani:
"yi
str
uzonyazi
thikant
imi
thindi
yibl
ank
shoot
erumna."

Il
ookedathi
mtear
swer
espar
kli
ngi
nmyeyes.

Chumani
:"
sul
inyembezi
."
-
wipeyourt
ear
s.

Befor
eIcoul
devenr
eachmyeyeshewi
pedt
het
ear
formeandki
ssedmyeyes.

Hi
m:"
yaqel
awena.
"

Thi
sguy.Thedoct
orcameback.
Us:
"so?
"

Hi
m:"
wel
laccor
dingt
othet
est
syou.
..
-
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted

I
sEyodwandoniPr
egnantornot
?Shar
eyour
t
hought
s.
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
61
-
-
-
-
-
-
SI
NETHAMBA
Yamkela:
"l
et'
suseanot
herexi
t.Wedon'
twant
Them seei
ngus."

Shesai
dpoint
ingatEyodwaandChumani
.Weused
anot
herexi
tatthehospi
tal
.

Ndoni
:"
whatar
etheydoi
ngher
e?"

Me:"
thatdoesn'
tmat
terPr
incessasl
ongast
hey
di
dn'
tseeus."

Yamkela:
"yeaht
hat
'sgreat
.Iwonderwhyshehas
redeyeandhewasf umingcur
singheraboutbei
ng
pr
egnant
."

Ndoni
:"
shecan'
tbepr
egnant
.Howi
sourpl
angoi
ng
t
oworkout?"

Yamkel
a:"
thi
swi
llr
uint
hepl
ansf
uck.
"

Me: "
calm downguys.Wewi llf
ir
sthavet ofi
ndouti
f
shei spregnantornotthanputourplansint
oacti
on.
Ifsheist hanwewillt
hinkofanotherplan.I
fnotwe
willcont
inuewi t
hourplans.
"

Theynodded.

Ndoni
:"
justhopeshei
sn'
t.
"
-
-
-
-
-
-
NKANYEZI
Iwaswit
hEsihl
e.Heact
uall
yaskedi
fwecoul
d
meetandIwascoolwi
ththat
.

Hi
m:"
youact
ual
lycame.
"

Wewer
ehavi
ngl
unchatBur
gerKi
ng.

Me:
"i
tcostmeanar
m andal
egt
ocomeher
e."

Wel
aughed.Itdi
dn'
tactual
lycauseIcamecl
eant
o
mypar
entsthatI
'm meeti
nghim.

Hi
m:"
suxoka.
"
-
youl
ying.

Me:
"ser
ious.
"

Hi
m:"
Iknowwhenyoul
yingandnot
."

Me:"
dawgyouonlyknowmef orl
ikeafewhours.
Andyoucanal
readytel
lwhenI'
ml yi
ngornot
."

Hi
m:"
yal
ibal
abauyiNkwenkweziyam.
"

Ir
oll
edmyeyesbl
ushi
ng.

Him:
"andsheisbl
ushi
ng.Mxel
eleml
unguwakhoba
ndi
zom t
hathel
a?"
-
didyoutel
lyourwhi
tet
hatIwi
llt
akeyouaway
f
rom hi
m.
Me:"
dude.Youdon'
tevenknowmet hatwel
land
youalr
eadyknowthatiwi
llbewi
thyou.Whatar
e
youGodnow? "

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Hi
m:"
yesact
ual
ly.
"

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
yeahbyf
ir
ebyf
orcemyl
oveyouwi
llbemi
ne.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"youcan'
tbeser
ious.
"

Him:
"ndi
jongeaphemehl
wenizobonaubuser
ious
bam.
"
-
lookmei
ntheeyeandt
ellmet
hatI
'
m notser
ious.

Thi
swholeti
meIwasavoidingeyecontact
.Ican'
t
l
ookhimintheeyeIdon'
tknowwhy.Iwaspl ayi
ng
wit
hmydr i
nkthi
swholeti
me.Ilookedupathim.
Fuck.Umhl
elo.
-
hisbeaut
if
ul.

Me:
"bust
hini
."
-
whatwer
eyousayi
ng.

Hi
m:"
ndakt
handa.
"
-
iloveyou.

Il
ookedatmycooldrinkt
hanuptohi
m againwi
tha
smil
eonlytof
indhim doi
ngt
hesamething.I
gi
ggledandhebithi
slowerl
ip.
Him:
"ndiser
iouskemnakeIdon'
tknowwhyyou
don'
twannabewi t
hme."
-
i'
m ser
ious.
.

Me:"
Ijustmet
.Ican'
tjustdateyoupl
usIhavea
boyf
ri
endthatl
ovesmeal lot
."

Hi
m:"
doyoul
ovehi
m?"

Me:"Ican'
tanswert hat
.Eversinceyoucamei nt
o
myl i
feIdon'tnowwher emyf eeli
ngsstandtobe
honest.Idon'tknowifit
'sl
ustorlovethatIf
eelfor
you.Andmyf eeli
ngsforCrai
ghaschanged
becauseofyou.If oundmyselfignori
ngandbeing
i
rri
tatedbyhim becauseofyou. "

Him:
"t
hat'
sdefi
nitel
yloveNkwenkwezi
.Idon'tknow
whyyouarenotlett
ingmei nsot
hatIcanshowyou
howaqueenistreated.Lett
hewhit
edatethewhite
andbl
acksdatetheblacks."
Me:
"youguysar
epl
ayer
s"

Hi
m:"
whi
tesar
enot
?"

Me:"
Idi
dn'tsayso.Yousofuckenraci
steversi
nce
yousawthatyourcrushi
sdatingawhite.
"

Heshr
ugged.Thi
sguy.

Him:"i
tiswhatitismylove.Norhyoudeservea
man.Seykwekwel amt
u.Imaginexeyolobola
kokwenuf unekekumanekut ol
ikwangoku.But
asikholapho.Letmeaskyou1t hi
ngwhodoyou
feelsaferwit
h?Whomakesyouwantt olastfora
l
ongt imewith."
-hei
ssti
llaboy.I
maginewhenhepaysdowr
yfor
youandyouruncle'
smustt
ransl
atet
hewhol
eti
me.
Butwenotthere.
.
Ijustl
ookedupathim andsmil
ed.Ital
kal
lotbut
todayIdidn'
thavewor
ds.Thisguyismaki
ngme
speechless.

:
"Wonderhowwi l
litbedat inghim.Hesoundsl ike
agreatguy.EvenCr aigdoesn' tmakemef eelthis
waybutI'm notcompar ing.Cr ai
gmakesmef eel
l
ovedbutEsi hl
emakesmef eelsafeandl oved.I
can'
tchoosebet weent hetwoi t
'ssofuckenhar d.
WhatifImakeabadmi stakebychoosi ngEsihle
andhehur t
smei nthepr ocess.Thanr egretmy
deci
sion.
"

Hi
m:"
Iwoul
dneverhur
tyouonpur
posebaby.
"

Il
ookedupathi
m conf
used.

Hi
m:"
youwer
eact
ual
lyt
hinki
ngaboutl
oud.
"
Me:
"f
uck.
"

Wel
aughed.Wewal
kedouthandi
nhand.

Hi
m:"
canyoupl
easegi
vemeahug.
"

Iwentt
ohughi
m.Il
ookedupathi
m.

Him:
"Il
oveyouokay?AndIwi llneverst
opl
ovi
ng
youNkwenkweziyam ekhanyayo."
-
myshi
ningst
ar.

Iburi
edmyf acegiggl
ingonhischest
.Heli
ftmy
faceupwit
hhi si
ndexf i
nger
.Hesmatchedhisl
ips
ontomine.Wef i
rstki
ssedslowl
y.

Ibi
tehi
slowerl
owerl
ipsucki
ngi
tbef
oremovi
ngt
o
theupperli
p.Healsor et
urnedthefavourbit
ting
mine.Heshovedhi stongueinmymout hIdidn'
t
knowwhatt odoatf i
rstbutIquickl
yadjustf
rom
him andourtongueswer edancingtoget
her.

Imoanedi
nhismout h.Andhecursed.Ipul
ledout
fr
om t
hekissandgavehim apeckbeforesucki
ng
hi
slowerl
ipagai
n.

Iknowal lkindsofki
ssesbutwhatI'm exper
ienci
ng
nowi soutoft hi
sworld.Ihadbut
terf
li
esinmy
stomach, andnottoforgetmyheartbeati
ngina
diff
erentwayf orhi
m.

Aaguysf
unuEsi
hlemna.
-
iwantEsi
hle.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
62
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
NKANYEZI
hi
m:"
Iwi
llseeyoune.
"
Inodded.Hegavemeapeck.Iwentt omydr i
ver.
HetookmehomeandIst art
edattheki
tchenbefore
goi
ngbackt otheloungewheret
heyweresitt
ing,
wit
hani cecream t
up.

Uvuyoisprobabl
youtt
ooIsatbet
weenmypar
ent
s
andsighed.

Me:
"youguysneverwar
nedmet
hatdat
ingwas
Thi
shard.
"

Theychuckl
ed.

Si
ya:
"nxaki
?"
-
yourpr
obl
em

Me:"
haveyouguysbeenst
uckbet
weenar
ockand
ahardpl
ace?"
Them:
"ei
shmmhnotr
eal
ly.
"

Me: "
thatmeansyouusel essbutIwi llTellyoumy
problemssinceyoumypar ents.SoneCr aig,Ihave
beendat i
nghimf oralongt imeandmeandhi m
havebeenal ll
oveydoveyandshi t,
make
relat
ionshi
pgoalsbutmostofal ll
oveeachot her
mor ethananythi
ng.Yest erdayImetEsi hleandhe
makesmef eelatypeofwayt hatIhaveneverf el
t
foranykindofboy.Hei salwaysoutt heret omake
mef eelfor
eignfeeli
ngsandyazi .Ijustf eelsome
typeofwayAndi yaziAndiyazi.Ijustcan' tdescri
be
thesefeeli
ngs.Idon'tknow. "

Them:
"j
ustf
oll
owyourhear
t.
"

Me:"
myhearti
ssofuckenconfusedIdon'
teven
knowwhatt
odo.Adviceguys.
"
Them:
"yeah?
"

Me:
"Sanudyol
a."
-
don'
tdat
e.

Siya:
"t
hat
'swhatyoushoul
ddoPr i
ncess.Yeke
uzstr
essngobubanxamncincikl
kwena."
-
youshoul
dst
opst
ressi
ngyour
sel
fcauseyousmal
l.

Welaughed.Trustmyfathertot
alkt
hingst
hatdon'
t
evenent
erintheconversati
on.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
EYODWA
Doct
or:
"t
hetest
scamebacksayi
ngyounot
pr
egnant.
"

Chumani:
"howdoct
orshehasbeenhavi
ng
pr
egnantwomensymptoms."

Thedoct
orchuckl
ed.

Dr.:
"i
thappens.Youknowthebrai
nlovespl
aying
tri
cks.Soitmusthavesentamessagetoyourbody
thatyoupregnantwhichi
swhyyouhavebeen
acti
nglikeapregnantwoman.
"

Me:
"soI
'
m notpr
egnant
?"
Thedoct
ornodded.

Doct
or:
"yesIevendi
dthet
estt
wice.
"

Il
ookedatthi
sonenextt
omewhohasbeen
sweari
ngatmethi
swholefuckenday.

Hi
m:"
baby.
"

Hesaidsmi
li
ng.Il
ookedathi
m bef
orest
andi
ngup,
Ist
ormedout
.

Hi
m:"
Eyodwa!
"

Hewaschasi
ngme.Isawataxiout
sideIgoti
nand
cl
osedt
hedoor.Hewascal
li
ngoutmyname.

Thedr
ivert
ookof
f.Igothome.
Me:"yaziChumaniyi st
rundizom boni
sa.Yazituka
mna.MnaEyodwandoniLanga.Ngat hiyal
ibalaba
ndingubanil owo.Ndizom boni
samamam bi nqe
ngantoniikanjani
i.Ij
ustwishIcouldpunchhi s
handsomel i
ttl
eface.Yandiqel
alowo.Uthindimithi
hee."

Iwaspaci
ngupanddowni
nthel
ounge.

:
"Thenizam boni
sabandi
binqengant
oni
inj
e?"

Ilookedbehi
ndmet
hewhol
efami
lywasher
e
l
isteni
ngtome.

Me:
"ndabuya.
"
-
iwi
llbeback.
TheyChuckl
ed.

Igott
omyr oom andcr
ied.Ical
meddownaf
tera
fewminut
es.It
ookoutmyphonef r
om mysl
ingbag.
-
-
-
-
-
-
CHUMANI
Imessedup.Ishoul
dn'
thavereact
edt
hewayIdid.
Butt
hosesymptomsalsocaughtmeoffguar
d.

Ij
ustcan'
tbar
ethet
houghtofbei
ngcheat
edon.I
hat
echeati
ngwit
hever
yfiberopt
icner
vei
nme.

Andknowi
ngt
hatIcan'
tmakeanyonepr
egnantand
shehadt
hesympt
oms,
it'
sjustf
rust
rat
ing.

Shemustbehur twheresheis.If
eelsor
ryf
or
doubti
ngherandnott r
ust
ingher.It
ri
edcal
li
ngher
butsheisn'
trepl
ying.

Igothomesad.Isatbet
weenNi
ziandSiya.Uvuyo
andNkanyeziwer
ecuddli
ngont
heothercouch.I
si
ghedplaci
ngmyheadonmymot her'
sshoulder.

Si
ya:
"ut
heni
iwena?
"
-
what
'
swr
ongwi
thyou?

Me:
"meandEyodwaf
ought
.AndI
'
m atf
aul
tshe
i
sn'
tevenpi
cki
ngupmycal
ls.
"

Nizi
:"
Siyamt
handayint
on'ewrongongabanthwana
bakhonamhlanj
efi
rstl
yNkanyezixakekenelove
tr
iangl
eyakheshedoesn'
tknowwhot ochoose
betweenlongt i
meboyf r
iendandr ecentone
secondlyUvuyof oundoutt hathedoesn' tactual
ly
l
ovehi sgir
lf
rienditwaslustandhi sgir
lf
riend
movedonandheget supsetever yti
meheseesher
withanotherboyt othepointwher ehewi llbe
getti
nghisgirlf
ri
endbackt omor r
ow.Thi rdly
Chumanif oughtwi t
hEyodwaandhi satfault
."

Siya:
"ani
yaziwhybedyol
aabant
hwana.Whyni
gowa
ngexetshaeli
nyenonkenor
h?"
-
idon'
tknowwhytheyaredat
ing.Whyareyoual
l
goi
ngthr
oughahardti
meatthesamet i
me?

Wel
aughed.

Si
ya:
"what
'syourst
orywi
thEyodwa.
"

Me:"
Iki
ndai
nsult
edherIthoughtshewaspregnant
si
nceshewashavingsymptomsofpregnant
women.AndyouknowIcan'tmakeanyone
pregnantIt
houghtshecheat
edandIinsult
edher
forthat
.Butsheai
n'tt
hedoctorsai
dso."

Theybot
hpi
nchedme.

Me:
"ouch.
"

Ni
zi:
"youknowt
hatshewoul
dnevercheaton.
"

Me:
"Iwasj
ustconf
usedatt
hatt
ime.
"

Siya:
"Ihavealwayst oldyout
oalwaysstaycal
m.
Youcan' tj
ustinsultsomeoneespeci
all
yEyodwa
goodl uckinwinningherback.Shewil
lnowthink
youdon' tt
rusther."

Me:
"Imessedup.
"
.
.
Eyodwandonihasn'
tbeenansweri
ngmytext
sand
shejustpostedavi
deoofhersi
ngingDoi
ngit
wrongbyDr ake.

Ihatei
twhenshei gnoresmebutIgetwhysheis.
NowIwi l
lhavetoapologiseatschool
.Eyodwai
sa
hardnutt
ocr ackbethunayooh.
.
.
Sekani
:"
haiusi
sbanxanawebr
a."
-
youaf
ool
.

Theywer
eal
lpi
ssedof
f,ofwhatIdi
d.

Me:"
haikodwaputyoursel
vesi
nmyshoeswhat
woul
dyouhavedone? "
Ntlakani
pho:"
Ihat
eitwhenyouri
ghtbutt
hestacks
alwaystell
sustocalm downbef
orer
eact
ingand
youdi dt
heopposit
e."

Theysai
dpunchi
ngme.

Me:
"sanundi
phakanyel
aizani1by1.
"
-
comet
omeonebyonenotatt
hesamet
ime.

Welaughed.Thebel
lrangandwewentt
oourcl
ass.
Shewasignori
ngmet hewholeday.

Teddy(
classmat
e):
"baxabenenyaniguys.
"
-
theyr
eal
lyf
oughtguys.

Theyal
llaughedmeandEyodwachuckl
ed.We
werei
ntheEnglishcl
ass.
Br
enda:"
andbyt
hel
ooksoft
hingsChumani
moshi
le.
"

Wel
aughed.

Anga:
"ot
her
wiseakhont
oingaphel
iyoguys.
"
-
ever
ythi
ngends.

Il
ookedatEyodwashewasal
sol
ooki
ngatme.The
cl
asslaughed.

Sekani
:"
sozepheleguys.Bazodyol
aBet
handa
bengathandikum"
-
itwon'
tend.Theywi
lldat
ewhet
hert
heyl
ikei
tor
not
.

Me:"
wedidn'
tbr
eakupguyscal
m down.Wej
ust
hadali
tt
lear
gument
."
Eyodwa:
"l
it
tl
e?"

Thecl
assl
aughed.

Me:"
ndakcel
atorhobabynotapha.Let
'spr
etend
l
ikewehappy.Ourenemiesar
ehappynow."
-
pleaseBabynother
e..

Theclasslaughed.Wor stpar
tIwassitt
ingnextto
her.Ipout
edmyl ipslookingatherandshelooked
theotherway.Weal ll
aughed.Mxm nedr amalo.

Thebellr
angandweal lwal
kedout.Eyodwawentto
MrsSmi t
h'scl
ass.SoIcoul
dn'tgotoher.Wegot
out
sideandEmi hl
ewasdancingwithherTwin.

I
t'
sli
ket
heyar
enotnewher
e.Buti
t'
sagoodt
hing
t
hatt
heyarecomfor
tabl
einanewschool
.Some
f
indi
thar
dtoadjust
.Peri
od.

Us:
"r
haayakwazidl
alangesi
nqaEsi
hle.
"
-
Esi
hlecanpl
aywi
thhi
swai
st.

Weal lwenttot heci

rcl
ethatever
yonemade
cheeringforthem.Theyboughtaspeakeragai
n
todayt heonewi t
hwheels.Theywerepl
ayi
ng
FutsekbyMaxHavoc.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"aaguysj
onganicher
ryyam.
"
-
noguysl
ookatmygi
rl
fr
iend.

Hesaidloudl
yeveryonel
ookedathi
m andcheered
more.Guystheydancebett
ert
hanme, Even.The
songendedandtheyplayedBassDownTat hi
one
byCardiB.
Thenoi
sewentlouder
.Emihl
estart
edtwer
kingand
Esi
hlewashol
dingherbackmovinghi
swaistup
anddownonherass.Yougetthepict
uremocyeah.

Nt
lakani
phost
oppedt
hemusi
c.Ever
yonewenthaa.

Him:
"aaguysIknowtheyaretwinsnebutst
il
lno
onehastheri
ghttomovetheythingbymybaby'
s
ass.
"

Weal
llaughed.

Me:
"l
apdancef
orwenake.
"

Ever
yoneagreed.Thet wi
nswhereredf
rom
l
aughing,yel
lowbone.Esihl
eswit
chedonthemusi
c
andEmi hl
egaveNtlakani
phoalapdance.
Everyonewascheer
ingf
orthem.Ntl
akani
pho
crossedhi
sarmsandheldherwaist
.Yoohhaiguys
ndit
hibekuphambenewonkeumtungaba.
-
ever
yonewentcr
azybecauseoft
hem.

Aswewer esti
llcheer
ingsomeonecamewi t
hthei
r
ownspeakerMaki ngalotofnoise.Wel
ookedback
anditwasEyodwawear ingblacksungl
asses
wheeli
ngabiggerspeakerplayingEmci
mbini.

Everyonewasbyhernow.Shestart
eddanci
ngand
shewasseriousabebusweniesour
.Aaguysno
undenzaumona.OkayguysEyodwadance'sbet
ter
thanthetwi
ns.

Everyonewascheeri
ngandshewasmovingar
ound
fr
eelyli
kebezi
vaguys.Justt
hanshet
ookouta
whistl
eandThebelebepl
ayed.

Thi
sti
meshewasdanci
ngwi
tht
het
winsi
t'
sli
ke
t
heypr act
icedcausetheywereal
ldoi
ngt
hesame
t
hing.Eyodwast oppedthemusi
c.

Her
:"
other
wisesezobet
hibel
lguys.
"

Theyallwenthaa.ThansheplayedGenesi sbyDj
Ligwa.Ial
sowenttodancewitht hem andyou
knowhowgi rl
saretheywereallscreaming.

Wewereal
lenj
oyi
ngour
sel
ves.Kumnandiesgel
a
guysr
haa.
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
63
-
-
-
-
-
-
EYODWA
Aft
ertheChaoswecausedt hebel
lrang.Weal
l
wenttoourcl
asses.ButIf
ir
stwenttogivet
he
speaker
sownhisspeakerback.

Idon'
tevenknowhim butyeah.Ihavebeen
i
gnori
ngChumanitodaycauseIwassof uckenhur
t.

I
'mjustteachinghim al
essontonevereverinsul
t
meagain.Andi t'
sseemslikehedoesn'
ttrustme.
Andthatpissesmeof fmore.
Wehavebeentogetherf
or5monthsandyoust
il
l
don'
ttr
ustmenigga?Thanther
eissomeshi
twrong
wit
hyou.

ThebellrangandIwalkedoutofftheEconomics
cl
ass.Theot herst
udent
swereleftbehi
nd.They
wereplacingorder
sforVal
enti
ne'sday.

OhIwillhavetogototownonThur sdayt obuymy

babysomet hi
ngspeci
al.Iwalkedt
ot hetackshop
si
nceIwashungr yIdi
dn'teatatfi
rstbreak.

Someonetappedmyshoul der
.Ilookedbackitwas
Sekani
.Hewaswalkingalone.Igavehim ahug
aft
erdoi
ngourhandshake.

Hi
m:"
jongaesabanxasakhosacul
apha.
"
-
lookt
hatf
oolofyour
sissi
ngi
ng.
Hesai
dpoint
ingatt
het
uckshop.Mostoftheboys
wer
ether
esingi
ngamagwi
jo.Welaughed.

Me:
"mxm.
"

Hi
m:"
cel
ifavour
."

Me:
"shot
."

Hi
m:"
boom.
"

Wel
aughed.

Him:"
soyouknowhowt hi
ngsareworkingbet
ween
meandAphi weso.Herbr
other
swanttomeett hi
s
fr
iendofher
s.Theydon'
tknowthatsheisdat
ing
andtheythi
nkI'
m..
."
Me:
"wantmet
opr
etendl
ikeI
'
m herf
ri
end?
"

Hi
m: "
yeah.Pl
uswewi
llbegoi
ngt
oPr
etor
iaon
Fr
iday.
"

Me:"
fi
neIwillpr
etendl
ikeI
'
m herf
ri
endbuti
t'
sa
onceoft
hing."

Hehuggedt
heshi
toutofme.

Me:
"ouch.
"

Heletgoandwelaughed.Wegott
othetuckshop.
Chumanisangcomingtomeandtheysangaft
er
hi
m.Icouldn'
thel
pbutBlush.

Hegavemeapi
eandaf
ant
a500mlbot
tl
e.
Hi
m:"
shomaj
it
a."

Hesai
dlooki
ngatthem.Theywhist
led.Hepull
ed
meandwewal kedt
othequietsi
deattheschool.I
at
emypie.

Him: "babyI '

m sorry.IknowIwaswr ongf or
i
nsul tingyou.Thosesympt omsj ustcaughtmeof f
guar d.Idi dn'tmeant oi nsul tyou.I'm alsosorryfor
thinkingt hatyoucheat ed.Iknowi tsoundedl ikeI
don'tt rustyoubutIact ual l
ydomyl ove.Celuxol el
u
Radebewakhobaby.Uyayazi inawebaAndi yonto
ngaphandl ekwako.Yayazi inaweusukuxal uphel i
le
singat hethisanindiskendi phambene.Cel aundi
xolelebabyndakut hembi saukubasobiphi nde
yenzekel ent obiyenzekile.Ndakut hembi sababo
l
wam ukubaasobendi i
phi ndendi kut ukendingaku
thembi ."
-canyoupleasefor
giveyourRadebe.Youal
so
knowI'm nothi
ngwithoutyou.Youknowwhena
daygoesbywi t
husnott al
kingIjustgocrazy.
Pleaseforgi
vemebaby, Ipromiseyouwhat
happenedwi l
lneverhappenagain.Ipromiseyou
babyIwi l
lneverinsul
tandnottrustyou.

Okayguys.Let'
sgett
hisstr
aightever
yti
mehe
speaksisi
XhosaIj
ustbecomewet .Iwipedt
het
ear
thatwasrunni
ngdownhischeek.

Hi
m cryi
ngformemeansalott
ome.Heal
sowi
ped
t
hetearsi
nmyeyes.Wehugged.

Hi
m:"
nomor
efi
ght
ingne?
"

Inodded.

Hi
m:"
ndakut
handast
handwasam.
"
-
iloveyou,
myl
ove.
Me:
"ndakut
handaNam Radebe.
"
-
iloveyout
oo.

Hegavemepeck.

Hi
m:"
yousof
uckenbeaut
if
ul.
"

Hesaidwit
hhisl
ipsstil
lonmi
ne.IBl
ushedwi
thmy
eyescl
osed.Wekissed.
-
-
-
-
-
-
UVUYO
Nkanyezi
:"
Ihatet
hefactthatI
'
m gai
ning.Wewon'
t
beabletoswipeanymorenow."

Me:
"youar
erui
ningusbr
a.Youshoul
dloose
wei
ght.
"

Her
:"
myboyf
ri
endsl
ovemel
i
ket
his.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"youpl
ayi
ngwi
thf
ir
e."

Her
:"onl
yCrai
gismyboyf
ri
end.Mythi
ngwi
th
Esi
hlewil
lbeaWhat
chamacall
it
."

Me:
"suybi
zadur
uiyicheat
ing.
"
-
don'
tcal
litexpensi
vewheni
t'
scheat
ing.
Wel aughed.Wewer eactual
l
ysitt
ingtogether
.It
's
breaktime.Herbestfr
iendHlombekaziisn'
tat
schoolandshedoesn'thaveotherfr
iendssome
beingherotherhal
fichosetochil
lwithher.

Her:
"i
tai
n'tcheat
ingbr
oit
'saWhat
chamacal
li
t.So
don'
tmixupt he2."

Me:"makesur
eyoudon'
tgetcaughtwi
thyour
entangl
ement
.Youdon'
twantCrai
grednowDon'
t
you."

Wecr
ackedl
aughi
ng.

Her
:"
aane.Mxm yadi
kawena.
"
-
nomar
n.Yousoi
rr
it
ati
ng.

Me:
"uphiLuminor
hndi
hambe?
"
-
wher
eisLumisot
hatIcango?

Wel
ltheyal
l(mycousi
ns)deci
dedt
oschoolher
e.

Her:
"nobaukwichomi
iezakhe.Yayazi
iAndihl
ali
nabo."
-
maybesheisbyherf
ri
ends.YouknowIdon'
tsi
t
wit
hthem.

Ishookmyhead.Justt
hanCr
aigcame.Meandhi
m
didahandshake.

Hi
m:"
canIbor
rowherf
oraf
ew.
"

Me:
"youcanIwasact
ual
lygoi
ngnow.
"

Igavemysisterapeckbef
oregoi
ng.That'
susfor
you.Ever
yonefindsi
tcut
e.Il
ovemysistersomuch
guys.AsIwaswal
kingt
othef
iel
dIsawFef
ewi
th
herboyf
ri
end.

Iwentt
othem.

Me:
"yeahshot
a.Cel
icher
ryl
eyam.
"
-
canIhavemygi
rl
fr
iend.

Hi
m:"
didn'
tyousayyouguysbr
oke?
"

Ipul
ledFef
eawayf
rom hi
m.

Fef
e:"
Uvuyoaama.
..
"

Idi
dn'
tevenletherfi
nishhersent
enceIj
ustki
ssed
her
.Sheresponded.Everyoneonewentl
ikewuh.
Youknowhowpeopl eare.
-
-
-
-
-
NKANYEZI
Cr
aig:
"youguysar
esoawkwar
d."

Igi
ggl
edhi
tt
inghi
schestpl
ayf
ull
y.

Me:
"t
hat
'
susf
oryou.
"

Hi
m:"
wewi l
lbecel
ebr
ati
ngour1yearanni
ver
sar
y
onFr
idaysowhatdoyouhavef
orme? "

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"I
'mt
heonewhoi
ssupposet
oaskyout
hat
."
Hi
m:"
wel
lyouwi
llseewhatIgotyouonFr
iday.
"

Me:
"nowIcan'
twai
t.Pl
usi
t'
sVal
ent
ine'
sday.
"

Hi
m:"
Rememberwhenwest
art
eddat
ing.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:"
yeah.I
twassoawkward.Ablackdatinga
whi
te.Butt
heyendedupf
indinguscute.Look
wherewearenow."

Hesmi
ledandgavemeapeck.Ibl
ushed.

Hi
m:"
andwewer
enotevenser
iousatt
hatt
ime.
"
Me:
"youwer
est
il
lapl
ayboyr
emember
."

Hi
m:"
butIchangedbaby.Onl
yforyou.
"

Thathurt
sthatI'
m sl
ylycheat
ingonhim.Itpai
ns
meintheheart.I
'm meanhislegi
t.Heact
uall
y
changedjustt
obewi t
hmeandnooneel se.

Me:
"anIappr
eci
atet
hatmyl
ove.
"

Isai
dwit
hsomuchgui
lt
.Ismi
ledl
ooki
ngathi
m.He
ki
ssedme.

Hi
m:"
Iloveyouokay?
"

Hesai
dthr
ought
heki
ss.

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"
.
.
Iwasinourr
oom (mi
neandUvuyo'
s)watchi
ng
Esi
hlevi
deodanci
ngathi
sschool
.Fuckhecan
movehiswai
st.

Justt
hanhecal
led.

Me:
"hey.
"

Isai
dhappi
ly.

Hi
m:"
Nkwenkwezi
.Whatyouupt
oo?
"

Me:
"wat
chi
ngyourt
rendi
ngvi
deosoft
oday.
"

Wel
aughed.
Hi
m:"
oohmxm lonto.That
'snot
hingcompar
edt
o
myot
hervi
deos."

1t
hingabouthi
m,unamat
shamba.

Me:
"youhaveot
herones?
"

Hi
m:"
yeahyoushoul
dcheckmeuponTi
ktok.
"

It
ookmyMacBookpr
oandwentt
oti
ktok.

Me:
"f
uckt
hisguy.Theoneyoudi
dthegr
indon.
"

Hi
m:"
awubawel
indi
yenzekuwe.
"
-
don'
tyouwantmet
odoi
ttoyou.
Igi
ggl
ed,
hel
aughed.

Me:
"phambene.
"
-
youmad.

Hi
m:"awuzot
sbokexasendi
yfakayonkendi
ngena
l
away."
-
youwon'
tsaysowhenIgr
indl
iket
hatent
eri
ng
wit
hthef
ulll
engt
h

Me:
"asi
fzandif
umana.
"
-
youwi
llgetme.

Hi
m:"
Ihaveyoual
ready.
"

Wel
aughed.
Me:
"mxm.
"

Him:"sakbawelingel
oxet
sha.Iswearyouwil
lcome
runningtomekamnandinaweboni l
ebandidl
ala
njaningesinqa.
"
-
youal
sosawhowipl
aywi
thmywai
st.

Me:
"l
eyakhonosi
sterwakho?
"
-
theonewi
thyoursi
ster
?

Hi
m:"
yeah.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"br
othat
'
syourt
win.
"

Hi
m:"
soani
tshonaweyouki
ssyourt
win.
"
Wel
aughed.It
ellhi
m ever
ythi
ngheal
sodoes.

Me:
"yeahbutst
il
l.I
t'
sli
keyouguyssl
eept
oget
her
."

Hi
m:"
tukekant
hiangandikabaNt
lakani
phopha.
"
-
ntl
akani
phowoul
dki
ckmet
her
e.

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Me:
"Cr
aigwi
llal
soki
ckyou.
"

Hi
m:"i
nhiswil
destdreams.Hedoesn'
tevenknow
t
hatIexi
sti
nyourli
fe."

Wel
aughed.
Me:
"youdon'
tevensoundbot
her
ed.
"

Hi
m:"whyshouldI
?Atleastwebot
hhaveyou.But
I
'mtappi
ngthatpussyf
irst
."

Me:
"t
hisguy.
"

Hi
m:"
that
'smemar
kingmyt
err
it
ory.
"

Me:
"yoohaawena.
"

Hi
m: "
what
?Pl
usFr
iday.Youwi
llbemydat
e.Wear
e
hi
tt
ingacl
ub.
"

Me:
"neverbeent
oacl
ubbef
ore.
"

Him:"
thereisafi
rstt
imef
orever
ythi
ng.UmnaI'
m
heret
ot akeyouonaadvent
ureyouhavenever
beent
obef
ore.Andt
rustmeyouwi
llenj
oyi
t.
"

Me:
"youhavebeensayi
ngt
hat
."

Hi
m:"
Iknow.
"

Me:"
plusIwi
llbebymygr andmot
her
shousesoi
t
wi
llbeeasi
ertogetout
."

Him:"good.Hopeyoucandancecausewewi l
lbe
dancingthewhol eni
ght.Thecl
ubwillbef
ullof
teenagers.Yourbrot
herishost
ingt
hepart
y."

Me:
"Chumani
?"

Hi
m:"
yeah.Yaj
aivasosur
elyyoucant
oo.
"

Me:
"Ihat
eeyesunl
ikeyou.
"
Hi
m:"
youwon'
tonFr
iday.
"

Me:
"Ihat
eyou.
"

Hi
m:"
andIl
oveyousomuch.
"

Wel
aughed.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
CHUMANI
Todayi
t'
sFr
idaymeani
ngi
t'
sVal
ent
ine'
sday.And
I
'
m host
ingapar
tyt
oni
ght
.At3am meandmybr
o's
i
ncl
udi
ngmybabyweshouldbeatPr
etor
ia.

Iwonderwhowil
ldri
vecauseI'
m sur
ewewi
llal
lbe
wasted.Wej
ustUbertoPret
ori
awethu.

o'
Siyabayazit
handaZi
nto.Idon'
tknowwhythey
ai
n'tgoingt
heret
omorr
owwheni t'
sthedayofthe
mission.

Mom:
"whatdi
dyougether
?"

Ishowedt
hem ever
ythi
ngIgotf
orEyodwa.

Si
ya:
"yooh.
"

Ni
zi:
"Eyodwai
ssof
uckenl
ucky.R5000?
"
Ismi
led.

Si
ya:
"wenaUvuyo?
"

Uvuyo:
"Iboughtahamperphasgel
a."

Hesmi
rkedandwel
aughed.If
istbumpedhi
m.

Ni
zi:
"Nkanyezi
?"

Her
:"
haihaisozeyooh.
"

Wel
aughed.Ihi
ghf
ivedher
.

Si
ya:
"ni
ngandibuzi
."
-
don'
taskme.
Ni
zi:
"nam.
"
-
met
oo.

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.Thepar
ent
swehave.
.
.
Igottoschool2minutesbef
orethebellr
ings.I
parkedmycarandt ookoutt
hethingsIgotafter
fi
xingmysneaker.

Wear eweari
ngclot
hestoday.Iwal
kedoutand
ever
yonewasalreadyfol
lowingmemakingavideo.
Andmebei ngmendahambangal awalkyet
shamba.

IgottothequadwhereEyodwawas.Sekanit
oldme
wheretheywere.Thegi
rl
sstar
tedscreami
ng.
Kelvi
ntappedEyodwaonthatshoul
derandpoint
ed
atme.
Shelookedbackandstar
tedteari
ngupassoonas
shesawme.Shewassobeaut i
fultoday.Igotto
herandgaveherthebouquetofrosesIgotforher
.

Everyonewassur r
oundi
ngusnow.Igaveherahug
andwi pedhertear
s.Ial
sogavehert
heenormous
teddybear.Iwasleftwi
tht
hegif
tbagnow.

:
"Si
funubonangapakat
hi.
"
-
wewantt
oseewhat
'si
nsi
de.

Sai
daloudvoi
ceamongthescreamsandwhi
stl
es.
If
ir
stt
ookoutmyRelayt
-shi
rt
.

Me:"guysshelovessteal
ingmyclothes(
weal l
l
aughed)soIt houghtIshoul
dbri
nghermyt -
shi
rt
sothateveryt
imeshemi ssesmeshecanj ust
snuggleitt
osleepplusIwastedyonkecologneyam
kuso."
Ever
yone:
"ncoo.
"

IgaveSekanit
het-
shi
rt
.Itookoutthechocolat
e
andgavethem t
oSekani
.Itookoutthevouchers.

Me:"
thi
sisaspavoucher
.Shecangoandgetaf
ull
bodymassagewi
thit.
"

Ever
yone:
"yoooh.
"

Somewer
eget
ti
ngemot
ionalnow.Sowasiandmy
baby.

Me:"
andtheot
hervoucheri
sforhert
ospoi
lher
sel
f
atDi
orR5000laphakl
evoucher.
"

Ever
yone:
"yi
yont
wanayi
yo.
"
Theywher
escr
eami
ng.

Me:"Iwasplanni
ngongivi
ngherthepr
omisering
todaybutshealr
eadyhasitsoIal
soboughthera
bracel
et.
"

Isai
dput
ti
ngont
hebr
acel
etar
oundherwr
ist
.

Me:
"Il
oveyouEyodwandoniLanga.
"

Isai
dcuppi
ngherf aceki
ssingher.Idon'tknow
wheret
heygettheenergytoscream inthemor ni
ng
butt
heywerescreaming.
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted .
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
64
-
-
-
-
-
-
NKANYEZI
Igott
oschoolandCrai
gwaswai
ti
ngf
ormet
her
e.I
smil
edappr
oachinghim.

Hi
m:"
happy1yearanni
ver
sar
yandVal
ent
ine'
sday.
"

Hewasr
edf
rom bl
ushi
ng.Ial
soBl
ushedki
ssi
ng
hi
m.hegavemear
ose.

Hi
m:"
lookIgotust
hese.
"

Hesaidtaki
ngout2Whitet-
shir
tsfrom Hemi
spher
e,
under
neaththehemi
spheresightherewasaC.P
andaN.P.Itear
eduplooki
ngathi m.

Me:
"babe.
"

Hehuggedme.

Hi
m:"
youwi
llt
aket
heonewi t
hmyi
nit
ial
sandIwi
ll
t
aket
heonewit
hyouri
nit
ial
s."

Me:
"Il
oveyou.
"

Hi
m:"
Iloveyout
oo.
"
Weki
ssed.

Hi
m:"
Ial
sogotyout
his.
"

Hegavemeaboxf ul
lofdi
ff
erentki
ndsof
chocol
ates.AaguysIl
oveCraigsomuch.

Me:
"baby.
"

Isai
dsof
tl
y.

Hi
m:"
Iloveyou.
"

Me:
"Il
oveyoumor
e"

Weki
ssedf
orawhi
let
il
lthebel
lrang.
.
.
Af
terschoolhet
ookmet
oaseaf
oodr
est
aur
ant
.

Me:
"i
fthi
sisdi
sgust
ingyoueat
ingi
t.
"

Welaughed.Iwasplayi
ngwi thsomet
hingl
ooking
l
iker
ice.Idon'
tknowseaf ood.Wemightberi
chat
homebutwedon' tl
ikeseafood.

Cr
aig:
"t
ryi
tyouwi
lldef
ini
tel
yli
kei
t.
"

Me:
"r
uu.
"

Isai
dscaringhi
m wi
tht
hepr
awns.Webur
stout
l
aughing.

Hi
m:"
niemanmoeni
emetkosspel
."
-
nomar
ndon'
tpl
aywi
thf
ood.

Me:
"hi
erdi
edi
ngi
ssnaakskykdi
t.
"
-
theset
hingsar
esnaaksl
ookatt
his.

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
youmad.
"

West
art
edeat
ingandhewasfeedi
ngmeandIwas
al
sof
eedi
nghi
m.Iwasenjoyi
ngmyt i
mewi
thhi
m.
-
-
-
-
-
EMI
HLE
Aft
ertheemoti
onalmomentChumaniandEyodwa
gaveus.Thet
eacherswereal
sowat
chingand
somewer emaki
ngvideos.

Weal lwenttot
heclass.Theteacherwasdoi
ngt
he
absenteesli
staknockcamethrough.

Ms:
"comei
n."

Ntl
akani
phowalkedi
nfol
lowedbyallhi
sf r
iends.
Hehadgift
swit
hhim.Everyoneint
heclasslooked
atmeandIcoveredmyfacewithmyhands.They
l
aughed.

Ntl
akani
pho:
"morni
ngma'
am sor
ryt
odistur
byou.I
cameheretoGi
veEmihl
eherVal
ent
ine'
sgif
ts.
"

Thewhol
ecl
assscr
eamed.Thet
eacherl
aughed.
Ms.:
"Emihlecomecol
lectyourVal
ent
ine'
sgi
ftf
rom
Mr.Vice.
"

Istoodupandt
heyscr
eamedmor
e.Igott
othe
fr
ontandhehuggedme.

Sekani
:"
kuphamf
ondi
ninat
hisi
funubona.
"
-
taket
hem outweal
sowantt
osee.

WeallLaughed.Hegavemeasinglerose.Het
ook
outacolognefr
om RedDoor
,smallTeddybearand
aneckl
ace.

Hi
m:"don'
tlooseitbabyandmakesurenoone
t
ouchesit(
weal ll
aughed)i
t'
sexpensi
ve.
"

Wandinxibi
sa.Theyscr
eamedmor e.Hethant
ook
outabracel
etwrit
tenSl
indokuhl
e,hissecondName.
Hewi
pedt
het
ear
sinmyeyes.

Him:"
andIal
soboughtherbr
acel
etwri
tt
enmy
secondnamesi
nceshelovesusi
ngit
."

Kelvi
n:"
Nazineexpensi
vechocolat
esthathe
boughtforher
.Theycostathousandguys."

Hesaidgivingmeabasketf
ullofexpensi
ve
chocol
ates.Theywhi
stl
ed.

Esi
hle:
"kuzobamnandinamhl
anj
e."
-
it
'sgoi
ngt
obeagr
eatdayt
oday.

Welaughed.Ij
ustat
tachedNtl
akani
phowi t
hahug.
Heli
ft
edmeupandspi nnedmearound.Iwas
gi
ggli
ng.
Ever
yone:
"ncoo.
"

Hegavemeapeck.

Hi
m:"
Iloveyouokay?
"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"

Hegavemeanot
herpeckandki
ssedmyeyesand
f
orehead.

Them:
"ncoMan.
"

Nt
lakani
pho:
"Iwi
llseeyouaf
terschool
."

Inodded.
Nt
lakani
phoandhi
sbr
o's:
"Thankyouma'
am.Bye.
"

Ms.
:"
Bye.
"

Ntl
akani
phowi
nkedbef
oreget
ti
ngout
.It
ookmy
t
hings.

Ms.
:"
Iwi
llhel
pyouonl
yifyougi
veme1chocol
ate.
"

Wel aughed.Igottomydeskandlookedatmy
bracelet
.Il
ovehi m.Hi
sthegr
eatestt
hingthathas
everhappenedt ome.
-
-
-
-
-
NKANYEZI
Me:
"babyIhavet
ogoi
t'
sget
ti
ngl
ate.
"

Wewer
ecuddl
ingi
nhi
sroom wat
chi
ngmovi
es.

Hi
m:"
letmeaccompanyyou.
"

Weki
ssed.Hehel
pedmewearmyshoes.

Hi
m:"
come.
"

Itookmyphoneandwewalkedout.Myschoolbag
i
sal r
eadyatmygr
andmot
her'shouse.Igr
eet
edhis
famil
y.

Theyaresofondofme.Exceptf
orhi
sfat
her.Ther
e
i
ssomet hi
ngoffabouthi
m.Wewalkedout
sideand
westopped1houseAWAY.
Hi
m:"
Ienj
oyedmydaywi
thyou.
"

Hi
sri
ght
.Itwasagr
eatdayt
oday.Ienj
oyedmysel
f.

Me:
"met
ohey.Il
oveyou.
"

Hi
m:"
Iloveyout
oo.
"

Weki
ssed.AsIwaswal
kingt
othegat
eUvuyowas
al
sowal
kingi
n.

Uvuyo:
"Iwil
lneedyoutocoverupformetoni
ght
.I
wil
lbegoingtothecl
ubwithFefe.Host
edby
uBhutt
'.
"

Me:
"I
'm al
sogoi
ngt
her
ewi
thEsi
hle.
"
Uvuyo:
"f
uck.Okaywewil
lfi
ndawayt
osneakout
wit
houtbei
ngcaught
."

Inodded.
.
.
Itookmyonesi
esandgownandwal ked
downstai
rst
otheki
tchen.Wewi
llbeusi
ngt
heback
door.

Me:
"zi
phipj
ama?
"

Heshowedme.Wepl acedthem behindthebin.We

usedthebackdoorandr antothefr
ont.Idon'tknow
whereIgottheenergyandt hecouragetojump
overt
hebrickfancebuttodayIdid.

Wescreamedbefor
elooki
ngatoursel
vesand
l
aughed.Hepl
acedhisarm ar
oundmyshoulder
.
Hi
m:"
her
ecomesourr
ide.
"

Igavehi
m apeck.Wesmi
ledbef
oreget
ti
ngi
n.We
pai
dandgotout.

Him:
"t
hisi
sourfi
rstt
imecl
ubbi
ngsol
et'
smaket
his
daymemorabl
e."

Wesmi l
edanddi
dourhandshake.Igavehi
ma
peck.

:
"UvuyoIhavebeenwai
ti
ngf
oryou.
"

ThatwasFef
e.

Uvuyo:
"shoul
dwewai
twi
thyouher
eorwecango?
"
Me:
"noi
t'
sfi
ne.Esi
hlei
sonhi
sway.
"

Theynoddedwal
kingaway.Theywerelaughingout
l
oudwalkingt
othelongli
neful
lofcouplesonly.
Someonehuggedmef r
om behind.

Hi
scolognesol
dhi
m.ItwasEsi
hle.Helef
twet
ki
ssesonmyneckandalovebi
tecausehebit
eme.
Imoaned.

Me:
"Esi
hle.
"

Hi
m:"
gladyouknowmyt
ouch.
"

Heturnedmearoundandat t
ackedmewi t
hakiss.
Asalwayshiski
ssesaret
hebest .Ibr
oketheki
ss
buthesuckedmybottom l
ip.
Hepulledmyt ongueandourtonguesdanced
toget
her.Aaguyst hi
siswhatIcallaki
ss.I
t'
sli
ke
hewentt oschoolfort
his.Hepul
ledoutandgave
meapeck.

Ihel
dmyl
ipssmi
li
ng.

Me:
"di
dyouwentt
oschoolf
ort
his?
"

Hel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
nope"

Wel
aughed.

Him:
"youar
eaf
astl
ear
nerIsee.Igotyou
somethi
ng.
"
Het
ookoutaol
dneckl
ace.Whatt
hef
uck?

Him:"Iknowi tlooksoldbutIgotthi
sf r
om my
grandmot her.Shet ol
dmeIshoul dgivetothelove
ofmyl if
e.Theper sonthatI
'
m sureIwillspendthe
restofmyl if
ewi th.Butshediedbeforeshecan
evenseeyou. "

Nowthathehasmenti
onedit
.Ifeelsospeci
al.I
meanthi
sishergr
andmother
'snecklace.

Me:
"Ican'
tacceptt
his.
"

Isai
dsof
tl
y.Hewi
pedmyt
ear
s.

Him:"
pleaseaccepti
t.Il
oveyouokay?Lookinsi
de
theheartIwr
oteastarandEsihl
e.ButIdon'
tthi
nk
youwillseei
tsincei
t'
sdarknow."
Inodded.Undi
nxi
biseyona.Heki
ssedmyf
orehead.

Me:
"Il
oveyousosomuch.
"

Henodded.It
ookoft
hesungl
asseshewas
wear
ingandwipedhi
stear
s.

Hi
m:"
Iloveyoumor
e."

Wekissedbeforewalki
ngin.Itwasful
lrhaa.Icoul
d
al
readyfeelt
hevidendingena.Andguesswhat .
Eyodwawast heonedjing,Chumaniwasbesides
her.
-
-
-
-
-
EYODWA
Aft
ert
hegreatdayIhadatschool
.Iwentwi
thhi
m
t
ohishouse.Wehadourpicnict
here.

Me:
"l
ookwhatIgotus.
"

Isai
dtakingoutbr
acelet
s.Toget
hert
heyforma
hear
t.Ihaveonehalfandhehastheother
.He
l
ookedatmeandsmi l
ed.

Hi
m:"
youdi
dn'
thavet
o."

Me:"
Iwantedto.Lookclosel
yatyours.I
thasa05
andmine09.The5t hofSeptember
."

Sadi
bani
saabahear
t.Hel
ookedatmeandat
tacked
mewithahug.
Hi
m:"
ndakt
handa.
"

Me:
"ndakut
hanndanam.
"

Aft
eroursessionwemadel ovethewhol
eday
bef
oredressi
ngupf ort
henight.Wewerebot
h
weari
ngshorts,uzzivestandblackl
eat
herj
acket
andblacksunglasses.

Hi
m:"
let
'sgo.
"

Hepoutedigavehi
m apeck.Wewalkedoutand
gott
otheclub.Wehadfr
eeaccessnotli
keother
s.
Myequipmentwasalr
eadyhere.

SoIjustwentonstagewithChumanianditwas
al
readyfull
.Ist
art
edplayi
ngmusicandtheywent
cr
azy.IplayedSandton.
Me:
"l
et'
sgodance.
"

That
'sourfavori
tedanci
ngsong.Wetookour
pl
asti
ccups.Iwasdr i
nkinggi
nandtoni
cwaterand
hewasdrinkingHennessy.Westoodonst
ageand
st
art
eddancing.

Everyonecheer
edlookingatus.Wepl acedour
cupsdownanddancedpr oper
ly.Thesongended
andIplayedAskiesbyMoonchi l
d.Thetwins
(January)cametojoi
nus.

Andtheyscr
eamedmore.MeandChumanij
ust
wat
chedthem dr
inki
ng.
.
Iplacedanendlessl
istandwentt
ojoi
neveryone.
Chumaniwasatt heViPsecti
onwit
hthebro'
s.I
spotNkanyeziandUvuyo.Il
aughedbef
oregoingto
them.
Nkanyeziwaswi
thEsi
hle.Heeabant
hwana.Iwant
t
othem fir
st.

Me:
"whatdoyouwanther
e?"

Theybot
hj umpedandl ookedatme.Theywer
e
busysmil
ingandallwhenIgott ot
hem.They
l
ookedateachotherthanme.

Ishr
uggedt
aki
ngof
fmysungl
assesanddr
inki
ng.

Me:
"hai
boguysI
'
m aski
ng?St
artyappi
ng"

Esi
hle:
"yapyapyap.
"

Wel
aughed.

Nkanyezi
:"
pleasedon'
ttel
lmybr
othert
hatI
'
m her
e."
Me:"
I'
m notasnit
chj
ustmakesur
esheissafe
Esi
hle.I
fsomethi
nghappenst
oheryouatf
ault
si
ncesheisyourdat
e."

Theysmi
led.

Me:
"byes.
"

Iworemysunglassesandkissedbot
hthei
rcheeks.
TheylaughedandIchuckl
ed.Iwentt
oUvuyo
dri
nki
ng.

Me:
"whatdoyouwanther
e?"

Theyal
soj
umped.Hewaswi
thhi
sgi
rl
fr
iend.

Hi
m:"
pleasedon'
ttel
lmybr
other
."
Me:"
I'
m notasni
tch.Justmakesur
eshei
ssaf
e.
Bye.
"

Isai
dkissingthei
rcheekswalki
ngawayf
rom t
hem.
Theylaughed.BanthwanabakhaSi
yanoNizi
.
.
.
.
Iknockedatt hedoor.IwasatAphi
we'shouse
doorstep.WearingmyOl i
viagr
eencargopant
swi t
h
aorangehoodi e.Fi
nishedthel
ookwithsungl
asses,
nosepi er
cingandmyshi ni
nglipgl
oss.Noonewas
openingupsoIwenti n.

Me:
"Hey!
!"

Iyel
led.I
t'
slikeIdi
dn'
thavehavehangoverjustt
his
morning.Therewasnooneinthelounge.Some
camedownstai
rsothersf
rom t
heki
tchen.Aphi
we
camefr
om downstair
s.

Shewassur
prisedt
oseeme.Thatf
oolSekani
di
dn'
tevent
ellhert
hatI
'
m comi
ng.

Me:"Idon'tknowwhyyoudi dn'
topenup.Buti t
'sa
fr
eewor ldthat'
swhyIgoti n.(t
aki
ngofmy
sunglassesandpushi ngmyAf roback.Ididn'
ttiei
t
up).Yazichomiiephosiwe.Izol
obenditshilokuwe
masiyeklapar t
yokol i
ndelewenaphabeyidat e
yam luckyIgotin.Yousuchabadf r
iend.Butwe
notthere.Celenindenzel
enyamaguyshl isi
babalazayooh."

Theywer
ejustdr
ool
ingoverme.Ismi
ledtaki
ngt
he
hai
rawayfr
om myface.Ishoul
ddoDreads.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
65
-
-
-
-
-
-
NKANYEZI
Esi
hle:
"Idi
dn'
tthi
nkshewoul
dcomeovert
ous.
"

Me:"
bro.Justhopet
hatmybrot
herwon'tseeme.
Butworryl
essEyodwaisnotasni
tch.
"
Hi
m:"
cor
rupt
?"

Me:"yeah.Irememberwhent
herewasabraaiatmy
house.Shegaveusaf ul
lbot
tl
eofRussi
anBearne
SkyVodka. "

Wel
aughed.

Esi
hle:
"f
anel
uphambana.
"
-
shemustbecr
azy.

Me:"br
a.Wonkeumtuyayienj
oy.acompanyyakhe
evenmydadlovesher
.Everyoneissof
ondofher.
Nam lo.
"

Hi
m:"
Nam t
ch.
"
-
met
oo.
Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
Ihopeyouenj
oyi
ngyourni
ght
."

Hesai
dtaki
ngsomet
hingawayf
rom myl
ips.

Me:
"yesIam.Ir
eal
l
ydoenj
oyyourcompany.
"

Hesmi
led.Hegavemeapeck.

Me:
"Ihat
ewhateveryoudr
inki
ng.
"

Him:"
rhaaCi
rocl
e.Wenasel
int
oezi
ncaneBr
eezer
baby?.
"

Me:
"mnandii
va.
"
-
tast
e.

Isaidmakinghi
m dri
nk.Healsomademedr i
nk
Cir
oc.Icoughedandhelaughed.Thatshi
ttast
es
bit
terakadashi
.

Me:
"si
esmar
nEsi
hle.Yousuchabadboyf
ri
end.
"

Hi
m:"
woah.
"

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
yaxokaI
'
m agoodone.
"

Me:
"Iwon'
tbeher
eifyouwer
e."

Hel
ookedatmeandwebur
stoutl
aughi
ng.
Him:"
ther
ei salotoft
hingsthatwest
il
laregoi
ngto
do.Youwillenj
oyyourselfwit
hme.That'
safact.
"

Me:
"f
inger
scr
ossed.
"

Hi
m:"
fi
nger
scr
ossed.
"

Weki
ssed.
.
.
Uvuyo:
"noonehadevert
oldmet
hatcl
ubbi
ngwas
t
hisfun.
"

Wewerewalki
ngt
otheback.I
t'
stheear
lyhour
sof
t
heday,2am.

Me:
"br
o."
Iwasti
psyandhewasdr unk.Over
all
?Itwasfun.I
hadthebestVal
ent
ine'
sdayeverinmyl i
fe.

Hi
m:"
weshoul
ddot
hisagai
n."

Me:
"dur
ingMar
chhol
idays.
"

Henoddedandst
art
edsi
ngi
ngagai
n.Icl
osedhi
s
mout
h.

Me:
"shh.
"

Henodded.Hesangquiet
ly.Igi
veup.Wegott ot
he
backandopenedthedoor.Wequicklyworeour
pjama'sandgownsovert
heclothes.Weleftour
sneakersoutsi
de.
Justt
hangrannycamedownst
air
s.It
ookoutt
he
mil
kfrom t
hefri
dge.

Uvuyo:
"makei
tqui
cksi
s.I
'
M sl
eepy.
"

Inodded.

Gr
anny:
"whatar
eyou2doi
ngher
e?"

Uvuyobur
ped.

Hi
m:"
sor
ry.
"

ThankGodwehadMintsal
lthewayf
rom thecl
ub
ti
llher
eorhewoul
dhavesol
dusoutthatwedrunk
thewholeni
ght
.

Me:
"Iwasn'
tsl
eepysoIaskedhi
mtoaccompany
met
odr
inkmi
lkgr
anny.Goodni
ght
."

Isai
dpulli
ngUvuyo.Wer anupstai
rs.Wegoti
nthe
room andIsi
ghedlooki
ngforhim.Wegotinbed
andcuddledt
osleep.
-
-
-
-
-
-
APHI
WE
Sam:
"wher
eist
hatf
ri
endofyour
s?"

Sekanihasn'tevengot
tenbackt
omei
fEyodwawi
ll
comeornot .Dammi t
.

Me:
"shei
scomi
ng.Letmegocheckuponher
."
Sam andVusiwenttotheki
tchenwi
llme,Akhoand
Oyamawentupst ai
rs.Myl
if
eissofuckenbli
ssf
ul.
Ever
ythi
ngisgreatnow.

Ij
usthopethi
ngswillbeli
kethi
sforever
.Iwanna
bethi
sHappyforever.Igott
omyr oom andtr
ied
cal
li
ngSekani
.

:
"Thesubscr
iberyouhavedi
aledi
s..
"

Me:
"f
uckyouml
ungu.
"

Iswit
chedof
fmyphoneandpacedaroundthe
room.AsIwasr
eadytocomecleansomeone
shout
eddownst
air
s.

:
"Hey!
!"
ThatwasEyodwa.Irandownstai
rssodidmy
brot
hers.GuysmhleEyodwa.Nomatterwhatshe
wears.Shedoesn'
tevenhaveawellbuil
tbodybut
herclot
hesalwaysl
ooksgreatonher
.Yakwazi
mxibelemzimbawakhe.

Youknowwhatshesai dnext.Wewer eallst

uck.Me
too.Idi
dn'tknowhowtoreact.Mybrothersj
aws
wereont hefloort
heywer
edr ool
ingoverher.

I'
m notsurpr
isedthatshesai
dshewantsmeat
.She
oncefoughtforitkl
k.Andqavi
let
hat
'swhyshe
wasn'tshytospeakhermindout.

Mybr
other
s:"
Iwi
llgetyout
hemeat
."

Theyal
lrant
otheki
tchenbumpi
ngeachot
her
.
Eyodwa:
"nj
aniumenj
enawe?
"
-
howcanyoust
andst
il
l?

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"Sekanidi
dn'
ttel
lmeyouwer
ecomi
ng.
"

Her
:"
mxm sbanxaesoandt
heyar
est
il
lsl
eepi
ng.
"

Me:
"Iguessbekhumnandizol
o."
-
itwasf
unyest
erday.

Her
:"
bro.
"

Shel
ookedatmesmi
li
ng.Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
phosi
wesham.Idon'
tknowwhyyoudi
dn'
t
comeI'
m sureyouwoul
dhavealsoenj
oyed
your
sel
f.Si
sbanxa.Howcanyoumissoutonso
muchfun."

Me:
"hl
alanobhut
t'bam kl
k."
-
ileavewi
thmybr
other
.

Her:
"ngekudalandaphumangef
est
ir
eumna.
Phoffzandiphumangayo.
"
-
iwouldhavegot
tenoutusi
ngawi
ndow.Iusedt
o
getoutusi
ngi
t.

Weburstoutl
aughi
ng.Mxm nowIseewhypeopl
e
l
oveheralot.

Me:
"ndi
ngawandi
saqal
abekinyawu.
"
-
iwoul
dfal
lonmyf
ir
stat
tempt
.
Her
:"aafunekehl
aleNam sot
hatndi
kucor
rupt
.e
more."
-
youmustchi
llwi
thmesot
hatIcancor
ruptyou.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"i
fIwasst
il
linJohannesbur
g."

Her
:"
dist
anceei
sh.
"

Me:
"kubi
."

Her
:"
ndi
thikubi
rdmnt
ase.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"t
hankyouf
orcomi
nganyway.Yousavedme
f
rom conf
essi
ng.
"

Her
:"
it
'snot
hing.Justhel
pingaf
ri
endout
."

Shesaidsmi
li
ng.Ial
sosmi
ledandat
tackedher
wit
hahug.Shehuggedmebackandwegi ggl
ed.
Justt
hanmybr ot
her
scamebackwit
hthemeat .

Eyodwa:
"youguysar
eli
fesaver
s."

Shesai
dsmi
li
ngt
aki
ngt
heTr
ey.

Akho:
"soyouar
ethef
ri
end?
"

Her
:"
yeah.Sor
ryforbeingrudebyst
eali
ngher.Just
t
hatI'
m al
waysinar ushorbusywhenyouwantt o
meetme.Schoolt
hings.Grade11ai
n'tajoke.
"
Theynodded.Wowshei
sincr
edi
blet
o.

Sam:
"soyoul
ocat
edi
nJohannesbur
g?"

Her
:"
yeah(
dri
nki
ng)woul
dli
ket
ogot
omyhouse
f
oraswim?"

Weal
lbur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Vusi
:"
mxm.
"

Her
:"
Idon'tknowwhyeveryonelaughswhenIask
t
hem thatquesti
on.EvenmyMat hsteacher
l
aughed.I'
mt r
yingtobeki
nd."

Wel
aughed.

Sam:
"whoaskssomeonei
ftheywantaswi
m?"
Her:
"Ido.Youshouldt r
yi t
.It
'sf
un.Ial somadeyou
guyslaugh.Li
keguyskumnandiyenzabant huba
hl
eke.Itmakesmef eelsospecial.1thingaboutme
i
sthatIlovetal
king.Sol etmetellyoumyst ori
es.I
l
ovemaki ngpeoplelaugh.Iknowi '
minsanebutyou
won't
..
."

Shewast
alki
ngsof
ast
.Wel
aughedather
.

Oyama:
"woahsl
owdown.
"

Her:
"okayokay.Woul
dyouguysbel
ievei
tifIt
old
youIgotarrest
edtwi
ce?
"

Us:
"mxm yaxoka.
"
-
youl
ying.
Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
seri
ous.Fi
rst
lyIwasar restedf
orcl
ubbingand
I
'mtal
lsotheownerdidn'tseetheneedtochase
meoutIwasdejayi
ngf orher."

Us:
"mxm yaxoka.
"

Her
:"
ser
iousguysHee.
"

Wel
aughed.

Akho:
"canyouevendj
?"

Her
:"
sunxama.
"
-
wai
t.
Shel
ickedherf
inger
sandpl
acedt
heTr
eydown.

Her
:"
ndi
niboni
se.Ndi
ngubaniumna.
"
-
letmeshowyou.Howam I
?

Sheopenedherphonesothati
tcanbeat ablet
.She
showedusavideoofheronInst
agram DJingwith
Chumaninextt
oher.Shehadsomanyvi ews.

Theylookedatt
hevi
deothanheragai
n.Shesmi
led.
Videoagaint
hanher
.Shelaughed.

Sam:
"whi
chgr
ade?
"

Her
:"
11.
"

Shesmi
led.
Vusi
:"
yaxokal
omt
hana.
"
-
thi
schi
ldi
slyi
ng.

Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:"mynextgigwi
llbeonMarchsoIwi
llsend
youguyst hedet
ail
ssothatyoucanseef
or
yoursel
f.
"

Us:
"si
pha"
-
wewi
llbet
her
e.

Wel aughed.Shecont i
nuedtel
li
ngusherfunny
stori
es.IneverlaughedthewayIdid.Shewasalso
enjoyinghersel
fitwaslikeshewasn'
twith
strangers.

Her
:"
sor
ryt
ocutt
hest
oryshor
tguys.ButIhavet
o
gonow.
"

Them:
"youwi
lldef
ini
tel
yhavet
ocomeback.
"

Her
:"
Iwi
lldon'
twor
ry.Ienj
oyedmyt
imewi
thyou.
"

Sheki
ssedal
loft
hei
rcheeksthanbi
dgood-
byes.
Shepul
ledmewit
hheroutsi
de.

Me:
"nowIseewhypeopl
eloveyou.
"

Shesi
dehuggedme.

Her
:"
chi
llwi
thmeandyouwi
l
llovememor
e."

Me:
"not
ed.
"
Wegiggledwal
kingoutofthegat
e.IsawSekani
andhisbro'
sst
andingoutsi
deacar.Theywerea
fewhousesaway.

Her
:"
Iloveyourski
n."

Shesaidrunni
ngherfi
ngeronthepealingpar
ts.I
gi
ggled.Wegottotheguys.Sekaniat
tackedme
wit
hahug.

Me:
"heys.
"

Theygr
eet
edbackwi
thasmi
le.Wewal
kedaway
fr
om t
hem.

Hi
m:"
howdi
ditgo?
"

Me:
"nowIseewhyever
yonei
sfondofher
.Shewas
makinguslaughoutassesoutbackt
han.My
brot
hersl
oveher.Youknowwhatshedidwhenshe
came?"

Wel
aughed.

Him:"shemusthavedonesomethi
ngcr
azy.Iknow
her.Irememberthedayshemetourmot
hers.She
camei nthehousemakinganoi
se.
"

Me:"Iguesssheisi
susedtothat
.Causeshedi
dn'
t
evenknock.Shejustcamei
nthehouseand
shoutedhey!!
."

Wel
aughedoutl
oud.

Me:"
asift
hatwasenough.Wedi
dn'
trespondt
oher
.
Shedemandedthatshewant
smeat
."
Hi
m:"
mxm yaxoka.
"
-
youl
ying.

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Me:"
heer
ytkesho.Andmybrot
her
smadeitf
orher.
Askmewhatshedidwhenshewasaski
ngf
orit
."

Hi
m:"
what
?"

Me:"shetookoffhersunglassesandpushedherbi
g
afr
obackwar dsandfleshedasmi l
e.Mybrother
s
wheredrooli
ngoverherandshej ustsmil
edfixi
ng
herhair
."

Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
mxm shei
sthebest
."
Me:"
shereal
lyi
s.Just1dayspendi
ngt
imewi
thher
andIenj
oyedmyself.
"

Hi
m:"
youshoul
dstaywit
hhert
hewhol
eti
me.Tr
ust
meyouwon'
twanttogohome.
"

Me:"Iwi
shyouguysdi
dn'
tcome.Shewasst
il
l
t
ell
ingushercr
azymoments.
"

Hi
m:"di
dshement
iont
heonewher
eshehi
dint
he
gr
ass.
"

Me:
"yeah.
"

Wel
aughedt
hinki
ngaboutwhatshet
oldus.
-
-
-
-
-
-
EYODWA
Chumani
:"
howdi
ditgo?
"

Me:
"i
twasf
un.Ienj
oyedmysel
f.
"

SekaniandAphi
wel
aughed.

Me:
"shei
ssur
elyt
ell
inghi
m aboutwhatIdi
d."

Kel
vin:
"dal
eni
?"
-
whatdi
dyoudo?

It
oldt
hem whatIdi
d.Theyl
aughed.
Ntl
akani
pho:"
that
'ssof
uckenr
udebr
o.howcanyou
askformeatufi
kha.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:"t
heywer edr
ooli
ngovermesoIusedt
hattomy
advantage.AndIwascravi
ngf
ormeatatt
hatti
me
plusIwashungry.Il
eftt
heGuest
housewi
thout
eati
ng."

Chumani
:"
whydi
dn'
tyoueat
?"

Hehat
esitwhenIdon't.Hesaysit
'snotgoodf
or
myheal
th.ButIgeti
t.Hecares.

Me:
"Iwasinar
ush.AndthankGodIgother
eatt
hat
t
ime.Shewasaboutt
osellher
sel
fout
."
Wel
aughed.
.
.
.
TT:
"her
eIgott
heGBL.
"

Wewer
egoi
ngt
ogot
othemi
ssi
onnow.

Si
ya:
"howdi
dyougeti
t?"

TT:
"Igoti
tfr
om af r
iendofmi
net
hatst
udi
ed
Bi
omedicalTechnol
ogy."

Cage:
"canhebet
rust
ed?
"

TT:
"i
facor
psecanbet
rust
edt
hanyeah.
"
Wegaspedl
aughi
ng.Thewayhesai
ditmadei
t
f
unny.

Si
ya:
"l
enj
a."

Wel
aughed.

TT:
"neverl
eaveanyst
oneunt
urned.
"

Hesai
dsi
ppi
nghi
swhi
skey.Thi
sguy.

Ni
zi:
"her
ear
eyourbr
eat
hingmasks.
"

Ayol
a:"
whatwi
llIbeki
ll
ingt
heenemywi
th?
"

Zi
mi:
"her
e."
Shegaveherabot
tl
e.

Mamba:
"her
ear
etheearpi
eces.
"

Weal
ltookt
heear
pieces.

Tail
or :
"Zi
miyournamewi l
lbeCassandraforthe
night.Ayola,Rose.Nobuntu,
Pam.Thando, Busi
.
Lethabo,Linomtha.Ayabonga,Dani
el.Gotit
?"

Theynodded.

Kel
vin:
"Pam.
."

Wel
aughed.
Nobunt
u:"
mxm v'
tsek.
"

Theywor
ethewai
ter
sat
ti
res.

Mike:"r
ememberdon'
tinhal
ethepoi
sonbutwhen
everyonei
sfai
nti
ngyouwi l
lal
sofai
nt.
"

Theynodded.Car
shoot
edout
side.

Thando:
"t
hat
sourr
ide.Wewi
llhearf
rom youguys.
"

Theywalkedout.Wellt
heyhavet
ogowherethe
otherwai
ter
swillbesothatt
hevancant
ranspor
t
them t
othevenue.

Weal
sowal
kedoutt
othequant
um.

Snakes:
"iwi
llbegi
vingoutor
der
swi
thni
zi.
"
Us:
"sho.
"

Istart
edsingi
nggwij
oandtheyfoll
owed.Wewere
havingfunsham.Iwasl
eadsingingwit
hSiya.

Nizi
:"
Ishoul
dhaver
oadt
ri
pswi
thyouguys
ever
ytime.
"

Wel
aughed.

Chumani
:"
Ishoul
dbeat
axidr
iverumna.
"

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.Hewast
heonedr
ivi
ng.

Chumani
:"
easyl
if
eguys.
"
Wel
aughed.
-
-
-
-
-
-
NI
ZIBONE
Aft
eragreatti
mewehadatt het
axit
heywal
kedout
andIwasleftwit
hSnakes.

Me:
"canyouguyshearme.
"

Theyal
lnodded.Thewai
ter
s.Wher
edoi
ngagr
eat
j
obatthei
rposts.

Snakes:
"l
ooksli
ketheair
-condi
ti
oningpipesar
e
darkEyodwa.Ihopeyouhaveaf l
ashli
ghtwit
hyou.
"
Me:
"Igavei
ttoher
."

Theyal
lnodded.

Me:
"whyar
eyoual
lnoddi
ng.
"

TheyChuckl
ed.

Snakes:
"Cassandr
aandcr
ewyoucan'
tbechuckl
ing
peopl
ewi l
lthi
nkyoumad.
"

Wealll
aughedexpectt
hewai
ter
stheywer
etr
ying
t
hei
rbestnottol
augh.

Me:
"l
etbeser
ious.Eyodwaar
eyour
eady.
"
Her
:"
yeah.
"

Me:
"okayyouar
ein.Gost
rai
ght
."

Snakes:
"t
akear
ight
."

Shewasdoi
ngasIi
nst
ruct
ed.

Me:"
Yol
lz.Youwillbeser
vingt
het
arget
.Pourt
he
poi
sonquickl
y."

Shedi
d.

Eyodwa:
"l
eftorr
ight
?."

Meandsnakes:
"Ri
ghtagai
nandyouwi
llj
ustpouri
t
ont
hesyst
em yousee."
Shedi
d.

Me:
"hopeyouboysar
eready.
"

Them:
"wewer
ebor
nready.
"

Snakes:"
onemoreai
rcon.Theoneinthebasement
.
Gofurthert
oyourl
eftandyouseei
t.
"

Shenoddedbef
oregoi
ngt
oherl
eft
.

Me:
"l
ett
hegamesbegi
n."

Snakes:
"wai
tr
esscloseyournoses.I
t'
sst
art
ingt
o
ef
fectmostofthepeopl
e."
Theynodded.Ever
yonef
aint
edt
heyal
sodi
d.

Me:"
theguar
dsi
nthebasementar
edown.I
t'
syour
t
urnnow."

Theboyswal
kedi
nandwentst
rai
ghtt
othe
basement
.

Me:"
youguyswil
lhavet
owai
tforawhi
le.Ist
il
l
needtocr
ackt
hesystem"

Isai
dcr
acki
ngi
t.

Si
ya:
"babyar
eyousur
eyoucandoi
t?"

Me:
"yeahI
'
m al
m..
ost
.anddone.
"

Theyopenedt
hesaf
eandi
twasf
ullof
fmoney,
di
amonds,gol
dandnott
oforgetunobangel
awal
e
missi
ont
he100bil
li
ondoll
armap.

Theywerehappy.Someoneopenedt
hedoor
.Itwas
Eyodwashegotin.

Her
:"
it
'sdar
kint
her
erha.
"

Wel aughedather.Wewat chedthem ast

heyfi
ll
ed
thei
rbagswi thwit
ht het
hings.Eachoneoft
hem
hadbl ackbagsthatarebi
g.

Andguesswhat ?Everyt
hingi
ntherefi
ll
edthe
wholebags.Theywalkedoutexci
ted.Theygott
o
us.

Iwipedthefoot
age.Andmadesur enothingi
sleft
thatwil
lli
nkbacktous.Beforet
hemi ssionImade
sureeveryonet
akesoffthei
rpersonali
temsrings,
neckl
aceect
.

Us:
"woah.
"

Wescreamedinexci
tement.Afterafewminutesof
f
di
scussofwhatwewi l
ldoafterthi
s.Thepeople
st
art
edwakingup.

Snakes:
"wakeup.
"

Theydid.ThePol i
cedepart
mentwashereandthe
paramedics.Theycheckedifever
yonewasfi
ne.
Thepolicesearchedthepl
ace.

Adeadbodywast akenout
.Theywentt
othesaf
e
andtheyal
lcur
sed.Thewaiter
scameback.Weal
l
scr
eamed.
Wedrovetot
heGuesthousesi
nginghappi
ly.I
twas
ahappydayi
ndeed.WewalkedintheGuesthouse
Happy.

Us:
"t
othegoodl
if
e!"

Wesai
dthr
owi
ngt
hemoneyup.

Eyodwa:
"champopo.
"

Shesai
dopeni
ngitandwecrackedoutl
aughi
ng.
Sobeaphi
ndeabadl
emntanakeNandiguys.

Si
ya:
"guys.Wef
il
thyr
ich"

Welaughed.Theywereal
lhol
dingchampagne
bot
tl
esandIwashol di
nganonalcohol
icone.
Me:"
tomor esuccessf
ulmi
ssi
onandmor
eoft
he
goodli
fe.
"

Them:
"cheer
s."

Wet oast
edanddrankst
rai
ghtf
rom t
hebot
tl
e.I
suddenlyfel
tashar
ppai
ninmyabdomen.

Me:
"aah.
"

Isai
dhol
dingmybi
gtummy.Theyqui
ckl
yrant
o
me.

Let
habo:"
shei
sabouttogi
vebir
thshecan'
tcarr
y
ful
lter
m.Weneedtorushhert
othehospit
al.
"

Si
yacar
ri
edmeinbri
dalst
yle.Hegavemeapeck.I
wasi
npainandIwassweati
ng.
Hi
m:"
youwi
llbef
inebabyokay?
"

Inodded.Wewal
kedout
.

Chumani
:"
successfulmissi
onandnowI
'
m aboutt
o
meetmyli
ttl
esist
er.Cheerstot
hat
."

Wealll
aughed.Al
thoughIwasl
aughi
ngi
npai
n.
ThesonIhave.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
66
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
CHUMANI
I
'
m sohappyt
hatIwi
llf
inal
lymeetmybabysi
ster
.

Eyodwa:
"howdoyouf
eel
?"

Shesai
dsqueezi
ngmyhand.Shewassi
tt
ingnext
tomeinwai
ti
ngroom.
Me:
"happy.Ican'
twai
ttomeether
."

Shenoddedsmi
li
ng.

Me:
"whenar
ewehavi
ngourown?
"

Shel
ookedatmeandwel
aughed.

Her
:"
aft
erMat
ri
c.Wecant
ryf
orone.
"

Inoddedpushi
ngherhai
rback.I
twasal
loverher
face.

Me:
"Ican'
twai
t.Iwantagi
rlf
ir
st.
"

Her
:"
Daddy'
sPr
incess.
"
Shet
ri
edr
oll
inghereyes.Wel
aughed.

Me:
"shewi
llbeadaddy'
sgi
rlofCour
se.
"

Her
:"
what
ever
.Iwast
hinki
ngofdoi
ngdr
eads.
"

Me:
"BobMar
ley.
"

Weburstoutl
aughi
ng.Ever
yonel
ooki
ngatusand
Chuckl
ed.

Her
:"
v't
sek.
"

Me:"
justsayi
ng.Sot
hiqingawesewucul
uone
l
ove.
"

Wel
aughed.
Her
:"
aamar
nRadebeI
'
m ser
ious.Wi
llt
heysui
t
me?"

Ishr
ugged.

Her
:"
yesorno?
"

Me:
"maybe.
"

Her
:"
ndi
zowenzaandi
fndi
mbiyouratf
aul
t.
"
-
iwi
lldot
hem andi
fI'
m ugl
yyouratf
aul
t.

Me:
"whyme?
"

Isai
dsul
king.
Her
:"
youmybet
terhal
f.
"

Ismi
led.

Me:
"yeahr
yt.
"

:
"Hey"

Welookedupandaol
dnur
sewasst
andi
ngi
nfr
ont
ofussmil
ing.

Us:
"mol
oma.
"
-
eveni
ng

Her:
"itmi
ghtnotbenowbutthereisahugest or
m
comingyourway.Butyouwil
lfi
ndeachot heragai
n.
Itmightt
akelongbutDon'
tworr
yever yt
hingwil
lbe
okay.Neverl
osehopeineachother.Youwere
madef
oreachot
her
.Anddon'
tfor
gett
opr
ay.
"

Welookedateachot
hernoEyodwawhenwe
l
ookedupagainshewaslonggone.

Eyodwa:
"whatwasshet
alki
ngabout
?"

Ishr
ugged.

Me:"
nowI'
m wor
ri
edi
nwhatwi l
lhappentous.
Pl
easepr
omisemeyouwi
llneverleaveme.
"

Her
:"
Ipr
omi
sebaby.
"

Shesai
dwit
hawor ri
edvoi
ce,
Iwasal
sowor
ri
ed.
Wehuggedt
ight
ly.

:
"Ni
zibonePl
aat
ji
es?
"
Weal
lst
oodup.

Dr
.:
"woah.Suchahugef
ami
ly.
"

WeChuckl
ed.

Him:"
youcancomeandseeher.Shegavebir
tht
oa
babygir
l.Al
thought
hebabyi
ssti
llbr
eat
hingwit
h
pi
pes."

Sham.Sheisafewmi nut
esol
dbutshei
sgoi
ng
thr
oughthemostal
ready.

Me:
"canweseet
hem?
"

Henodded.Weallwalkedt
othewardandguess
what
?Laglassal
alakuyoandi
yaziwet
hubayint
oni
butyeahi
twasher
einNi
zi'
swar
dthi
shasSi
ya
wri
ttenal
lover
.

Theywer
ebot
hadmi
ri
ngt
hebaby.

Me:
"canIhol
dher
."

Al
loft
hem:
"ungam wi
si.
"
-
makesur
eshedoesn'
tfal
l.

Weal
llaughed.

Me:
"Iwon'
t.
"

Ni
zi:
"Chumanil
omt
hanakaphkaphubecar
eful
."
-
thi
schi
ldi
sli
ghtbecar
eful
.
Inoddedsmil
ing.Iwentovert
ot hem andt
ookt
he
baby.Shewasindeedli
ght.If
allinl
ovewit
hher
.

Me:
"I
zibel
ene?
"

Isti
llrememberSi
yasayi
ngt
heywi
llnameher
Izi
bele.

Siya:
"ewekwedi
ni.Kawul
ezanor
hnabanyebaf
unu
bona."
-
yesboy.Makei
tfastot
her
swantt
ohol
dhert
oo.

Welaughed.Shewassul
kingherf
inger
s.Ihel
dher
handwit
hmyf inger
s.

Me:
"babyzobona.
"
-
comesee.
Isaidwal
kingt
oEyodwasl
owly.Shemetme
half
way.Webothadmir
edher
.Theywereal
lfi
ndi
ng
i
tcute.

Aft
eragreatdaywehadatthehospit
alwewent
backtoJohannesbur
g.Si
yaandNiziwil
lbecomi
ng
backaft
eraweek.BecauseofI
zi.

Iwi
llbegoi
ngt
omygr
andmot
her
'spl
ace.
-
-
-
-
-
-
APHI
WE
Af
tert
alki
ngwi
thSekaniIwal
kedbackt
othehouse.
Vusi
:"
whydi
dn'
tyout
ellust
hatshewast
hathot
?"

Theywer
eal
llooki
ngatme.Il
aughed.

Me:
"Idi
dn'
tthi
nki
twast
hati
mpor
tant
."

Sam:
"i
twas.Shei
shot
tert
hanmygi
rl
fr
iend.
"

Me:
"shei
sachi
ld.Howol
dar
eyou24,
26?
"

Them:
"agei
sjustanumber
.'

Wel
aughed.

Me:"
sheevenmadeyouguysmakemeatf
orher
.
Sheist
hebestImustsay.
"
Akho:"
shereal
lyis.Isti
llseeherwhenshewas
taki
ngoffhersunglassesandpushingherhai
r
backwards.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:"
aaguysyoudefi
nit
elynothavi
ngherandthi
s
washerfi
rstandl
astt
imeofhercominghere.We
wi
llj
ustdowhatweusuallydoforl
opiece"

Them:
"wewi
llbeathergi
gqa.
"

Me:
"shehasaboyf
ri
end.
"

Them:
"umt
uthat
hwemt
wini
."

Wel
aughed.
Me:"nother.Youshouldseeherwhenshei swith
herboyfri
endtheyforgetthatyouevenexi
st.Even
i
nf r
ontoftheirpar
ents."

Iwasj
ustguessi
ng.Don'
tlookatmel
iket
hat
.

Them:"i
twon'
twor
kyouj
ustt
ryi
ngt
omakeus
j
ealous.
"

Me:
"okaykesho.
"

Wel
aughed.

Oyama:
"Ij
ustwantt
obei
nherar
ms.
"

Me:
"shei
sdat
ing.Younotget
ti
ngherqa.
"

Them:
"mxm.
"
.
.
.
.
MsThomas:
"youcango.
"

Iwasindetenti
onfornotdoi
ngmyhomewor k.We
allwal
kedout.Iwassofuckent
ir
ed.Ihavet
ocatch
the5pm busnow.

Iwentt
owai tthere.Af
ter30minutesofwait
ingthe
busarr
ived.Ipaidandwenttositdown.Ili
stenedto
musicl
ookingout si
dePhora'
smusi ctobespecif
ic.

Igothome.It
hrewmysel
font
hecouch.AsIcl
osed
myeyes.

:
"Youmustbet
heAphi
wet
heyar
etal
kingabout
."
Il
ookedupandt
hatwasaol
dwomani
nfr
ontofme.

Me:
"mol
oma.
"

Shewasonherownpl
anett
hinki
ng.

Her
:"
youl
ookl
ikesomeoneIknow.
"

Iwasal
soconf
usedkengoku.

:
"MamuNomondo!Oohyouher
e."

Il
ookedupi
twasmybr
other
s.

Oyama:"
Phiwethi
sisMamuNomondo.Shewil
lbe
hel
pingaroundt
hehouse.AndMamuNomondo
youal
readyknowher
."

Shesmi
ledandnodded.

Akho:
"Pr
incesswhyar
eyoul
ate?
"

Me:
"det
ent
ionbr
o.MsThomas.
"

Theyshookt
hei
rheads.
-
-
-
-
-
-
SI
NETHAMBA
Yamkel
a:"
and?
"
Me:
"Shei
snotpr
egnant
."

Ndoni:
"whatar
eli
efatl
eastEver
ythi
ngwi
llgowel
l
now."

Me:
"l
et'
shopeso.
"

Her:
"don'
tworr
ydaddy.Igott
his.Theymadeyou2
getarr
est
edforsomethi
ngyoudi dn'
tdoandmade
melivewit
houtyouf
or15years.Iwillgett
hem f
or
that
."

Yamkel
a:"
cal
m downbaby.Wegott
his.
"

Shenodded.
-
-
-
-
-
-
NKANYEZI
Uvuyo:
"youguysmi
ssedout
."

Wewer
eatt
hepar
k.Meandmycousi
ns.

Lunat
hi:
"whydi
dn'
tyouwakemeup?
"

Uvuyo:
"bunayodat
e?"
-
didyouhaveadat
e

Hi
m:"
eish.
"

Wel
aughed.
Lumi
:"
whyf
akupol
o?"
-
whyar
eyouwear
ingpol
oneck?

Il
owenditandshowedt hem t
helovebi
tesEsi
hle
made.Iswearhewantsmet obedumped.They
bur
stoutlaughi
ng.Ial
solaughed.

Khanyi
:"
Crai
g?"

Ist
ret
chedmyhai
rchewi
ngmybubbl
egum.

Uvuyo:
"l
atewenakhukhoomnye.Butakhacheat
ut
hinton'el
aGamalakho?"
-youl
ateshehasanot
herone.Butshei
snot
cheat
ingwhatdoyoucal
lthatnameofyour
s.

Wel
aughedathi
m.
Me:
"What
chamacal
li
t.
"

Wel
aughed.

Lunat
hi:
"suybi
zadur
uiyicheat
ing.
"
-don'
tcal
litwi
thexpensi
vewor
dswheni
t'
s
cheati
ng.

Them:
"t
ch.
"

Me:
"aamar
nguys.Sanundenzaumt
uombi
."
-
nomanGuys.Don'
tmakemeaugl
yper
son.

Khanyi
:"
yaf
ebaqa.
"
-
youcheat
ing.
Wel
aughed.

Me:"
mxm ndabuya.IwannacheckuponCr
aighe
hasbeenof
fl
inethewholeday.
"

Them:
"emi
nimai
nebusukusi
de.Washa.
"
-
int
heaf
ter
nooni
t'
sthemai
natni
ghti
t'
sthesi
de.

Webur stoutl
aughi
ng.Iwalkedawayfrom t
hem
andwentt oCrai
gshouse.Iknockedandhi
ssist
er
opened.

Wehugged.Shel
ovesme.

Her
:"
kom i
n."
-
comei
n.

Thesadnessi
nhervoi
cecoul
dn'
tbemi
ssed.
Me:"wherei
sCraig?Hehasbeenof
fl
inet
hewhol
e
day.It
riedcal
li
..
."

:
"Youwon'
tfi
ndhi
m her
e.Hewentt
oa.
."

Raven(
hissi
ster
):
"pa.
"
-
dad

Shet
ri
edt
ost
ophi
mfr
om sayi
ngsomet
hing.

Hi
m:"watsymoetdi
ewaarvi
t.Cr
aigwentt
oa
mi
li
taryschool
."

Me:
"what
?"

Thatcameoutasawhi
sper
.
Raven:
"I
'm sor
ry.
"

Tear
sstart
edgushi
ngdownmyf ace.Hedi
dn'
teven
saygoodbyet
ome.That'
swhathurtmethemost.

Hi
m:"
nowt
hathi
sgonest
opcomi
ngt
o..
"

Raven:
"pa"

Ijustwalkedoutwithatai
lbetweenmylegs.I
wal kedtomyhouseandwentst rai
ghtt
otheroom.I
criedmyl ungsouthol
dingthet-
shi
rtheboughtme
yest er
day.

IknowIhavebeencheati
ngonhim butthewayhe
l
eftme.Whenwillhecomeback?Hedi dn'
tinf
orm
me.Didheeverl
oveme?
I
thur
tsal ott
hathej
ustl
eftwi
thoutevengivi
ngme
anot
ice.Ineedmymotherormybrothernow.
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted .
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
67
-
-
-
-
-
-
NKANYEZI
Aft
ercr
yingf
or3hour
sIt
ookmyphoneandf
ace
t
imedmymom.Sheanswered.

Her
:"
heybaby.What
'swr
ong?Whyar
eyoureyes
r
ed?"

Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s.Shewasi
nahospi
tal
.

Me:"
mom Crai
glef
ttoami l
it
aryschoolandhe
di
dn'
tevensaygoodbye.
"

Her
:"
whatdoyoumeanbaby?
"

Iheavi
lysi
ghedandswal
lowedt
hel
umpi
nmy
thr
oat.

Me:
"Iwentt
ohi
shouset
odaysi
ncehehasn'
tbeen
answer i
ngmycal l
sandtexts.WhenIgott hereI
askedhissist
erwherehei s?BeforeIcouldeven
finishmysentencehi
sfathercamet hroughand
toldmehewentt oami l
it
ar yschool
.Hedi dn'
teven
tellmemom. "

Her:
"don'
tcrybaby.Youknowwhatgoandwash
yourfaceanddri
nkswaterthencomeback.
"

Ipl
acedmyphonedownandwalkedt
otheen-sui
t.I
washedmyfaceanddr
ankwat
er.Iwal
kedback
andtookmyphone.

Her:
"Iknowi thur
tsbaby.Butyoust
il
lyoungtocry
forabustardofaboy.Whatwasyouradvi ceagai
n.
Yeahmasi ngadyoli
."
-
weshoul
dn'
tdat
e.

Wel
aughed.JustwhatIneeded.
Her:
"seethat
'swhatIwanttosee.YouraStar
.St
ars
shi
nebr i
ghtt
heyareneverdul
l.Stopcryi
ng.
"

Inodded.

Her:
"andIneverwantt
oseeyoucryi
ngoveraboy
baby.Iwantyoutoal
waysputyourheaduphi
gh
andshineli
kethest
arIknow.
"

Me:
"Iwi
llnevercr
yforaboyeveragai
n."

Her
:"
promi
se?
"

Me:
"pr
omi
se.
"

Her:
"st
opworr
yingabouthi
m.Ifhelovedyouli
kehe
cl
aimshedoes,hewouldhavedoneeveryt
hingi
n
hispowertocomeandseeyou.Hedoesn'
tdeserve
yourtear
s.Justst
andupanddustyour
sel
fthat
's
whataPlaatj
iesdoes.
"

Inoddedsmi
li
ng.

Her :
"l
ooknowyouhaveEsi hle.Rememberyout ol
d
met hismor ni
nghegaveyouaneckl acethathe
wasgi ventohim byhisgrandmot her.Nowt hat
's
whatIcal lt
ruelove.St
opcr yoveroldt hi
ngsand
focusonnewst uff
.Esihl
elovesyou.Bewi thhi
m.
Craigisthepast.Esihl
eisthepr esentandthe
future.Ane?"

Inoddedsmi
li
ngl
ooki
ngatt
heneckl
acehegave
me.

Her
:"seeyouaresmili
ng.Sodon'
tcrymyl ove.
Esi
hlekhona.Justdon'
tmakehim arebound."
Me:
"Iwon'
t.
"

Shesmiledandnodded.Ababycr
iedi
ntheback
ground.

Her
:"
yoursi
sterneedsmyat
tent
ionnow.
"

Me:"mom youdi
dn'
tevent
ellusyouwer
ehavi
nga
baby."

Her:
"Igavebi
rtht
oherafewhour
sago.Hasn'
t
Chumaniarri
vedther
eyet
?"

Me:
"Idon'
tknow.Iwassl
eepi
ng.
"

Her
:"
wel
lyouhaveababysi
sternow.
"

Me:
"Ican'
twai
ttoseeher
.What
'shername?
"
Her
:"
Izi
bel
e."

Inoddedsmi
li
ng.

Me:
"pl
easesendmeapi
ctur
eofher
."

Her
:"Iwil
lbabydon'
twor
ry.Letmecheckuponher
qui
ckly.
"

Me:
"okayMom bye.Il
oveyouguys.
"

Her
:"
wel
oveyoumor
ebaby.
"

Sheblewmeaki
ssbefor
edisconnect
ingt
hecal
l.
Mymoodhasli
ft
edfr
om 0.000to100.Mymotheri
s
thebest
.
Il
ovehersomuch.Ican'
twai
ttoseemyyounger
si
ster
-
-
-
-
-
CHUMANI
Iti
snowMar chhol
idays.Everyt
hinghasbeengr
eat
fort
hepastfewweeks.Izi
beleisbecomingbi
g
everypassi
ngday.

Ican'twaitt
ohavemyownbabywi thEyodwa.
Speakingofher
.WeAr eSti
llTheStrongCoupl
eyou
guysknow.Shef i
nal
lydi
dherdr eadl
ocksandthey
suither.

Sheismor
ebeauti
fulnow.Nott
hatshewasn'
tbut
youknowwhatImean.
Si
ya:
"wear
egoi
ngt
oPE.
"

Wewer ewat
chi
ngamovi easaf amil
y.Iziwas
sleepi
ngonmychestsul
kingherfi
ngers.Guysit
's
l
ikesheismychi
ldcausesheisalwayswi t
hme
andEyodwa.

Wetreatherli
keourown.Whenwewer ewri
ting
exams.Inst
eadofstudyi
ngwewereparenti
ng.And
weenjoyedeverysi
nglemomentofi
t.Andwe
wouldstudyinthemorni
ngbef
orewewr i
te.

Si
yaandNizigetjeal
oussomet
imest
hatt
hey
woul
dtakeIziandlockt
hemsel
vesi
nthei
rroom.
Dr
ama.Chuckles.

Us:
"why?
"
Si
ya:
"f
unekenenzel
wembelekhononkeespeci
all
y
wena(me)si
ncengenakl
onyaka.
"
-
acer
emonymostbedoneforyoual
lespeci
all
yyou
(
me)si
nceyougoi
ngtothebushest
hisyear
.

Isi
deeyedhi
m.Theyal
llaughed.

Me:"ndohambangent
sul
akwamahl
atiaseTi
nar
ha
ngoku."
-
iwil
lbewalki
ngar
oundnakedi
nthebushesi
n
Ui
tenhagenow.

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ngwal
kingI
ziup.

Me:
"Xol
okl
k."
-
i'
m sor
ry.

Isai
dki
ssi
ngherpout
edl
ipsandmadehersuckher
bot
tl
e.

Thet
wins:
"whenar
ewegoi
ng?
"

Hi
m:"
Fri
day.
"

I
twasWednesdayt
oday.Wenodded.

Hi
m:"
andwewi
llhavet
obuygoat
s."

Wenodded.

:
"Yuuhaaguysr
emi ndmetoneverwalki
nthesun
agai
n.Lookmyfacehasasunburn."

ThatwasTheOnl
yFl
owerOfMyHear
t,Eyodwa.We
al
llaughed.
Uvuyo:
"guysEyodwahasneverknocked.
"

Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:
"mxm.Knocki
ngt
akest
ime.
"

Shesai
dtaki
ngI
zi.

Si
ya:
"ar
ecomi
ngwi
thust
oPE.
"

Her
:"
def
ini
tel
y."

Nkanyezi
:"
whydi
dyouevenaskheri
twasobvi
ous
t
hatshewasgoingt
osayyes."

Wel
aughed.
Ni
zi:
"yamaziyayt
handindl
ela.
"
-
youknowhershel
ovest
her
oad.

Wel
aughed.
-
-
-
-
-
-
EYODWA
Me:
"guysI
'
m goi
ngt
oPEi
n2days.
"

Theyl
ookedatmewi
thquest
ioni
ngeye'
s.

Me:
"Iwi
llbeguar
dingmybabyt
her
esi
nceNi
ziwi
ll
beint
hekit
chenandSi
yaobviouslyout
sidewi
th
Chumani
.UvuyoandNkanyeziar
esmall.
"

Nandi:
"hopeyouwi
l
lcomebackearl
y.Wealsowant
tospendtimeasaf
amil
y.Youhavebeennegl
ect
ing
us.
"

Nowthatshehasment
ionedi
t.If
eelsobad.I
si
ghed.

Me: "
Iwil
lmom.Iwillbether
ef or3days.OnSunday
I'
m comingback.Thanwewi llhaveti
measaf amil
y
Ipromise.I
'
m sorr
yf ornegl
ectingyouguys.Ir
eal
ly
feelbadnow."

Theynoddedandcamet
ohugme.Mom wi
pedt
he
tear
sinmyeyes.
.
.
.
Wenowi nPE.Ithasbeenafewhour
ssi ncewe
havearri
ved.Thewholesquadcame.Includi
ng
Kelvi
n'spar
ents.

I
ziwassl
eepi
ngcomf
ort
abl
yonmybr
east
.

Chumani
:"
butt
hosear
emi
ne.
"

Welaughed.Weweresi
tt
ingi
nabi
gfl
atout
sidet
he
bi
ghouse.Peopl
eherear
esowel
comi
ngsham.

Si
ya:
"awumdal
akwedi
ni.
"
-
youol
dboy.

Wel
aughed.

Nt
lakani
phoAndKel
vin:
"notwhenhei
swi
thher
."
Theyshookt
hei
rheads.Wel
aughedatt
hei
rwor
ri
ed
face.

Chumani
:"
hai
bomaj
it
a."

Sekani
:"
suphi
ka.
"
-
don'
tdenyi
t.

Wel
aughed.

Let
habo:
"ni
menzant
on'
Radebe.
"
-
whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
oRadebe.

Wesatt
her
echat
ti
nghavingf
un.I
thasneverbeen
adul
lmomentwi
ththem.
Me:
"Ni
ziwher
ei.
..
"

:
"Rhaabasil
ebanthubakwaRadebe.Yazimi hl
ali
undenzaongandaziyophakit
chen.Yaziusi
lefana
nj
eNal abr
otherwakheSiya.
"
-peopl
ef r
om theRadebe'sarenaught
y.Mihlal
iis
acti
nglikehedoesn'tknowmei nthekit
chen.Heis
naughtylikehi
sbrot
herSi ya.

Sai
dagaywal
kingi
n.

Thewoman:
"Ri
ri
."

Theyallscr
eamedhuggi
nghi
m.Mustbet
hei
r
fr
iend.

Ri
ri
:"
yuuhaayouguysI'
m dyi
ng.Youar
ewr
inkl
ing
mymi l
li
ondol
lar
ssui
t.
"
Hesai
dfi
xinghimsel
f.Wealllaughed.Hehugged
al
loft
hem thanst
oppedi
nf r
ontofme.Hel ookedat
meforal
ongt i
meandturnedhisfacesideways.

If
rownedandshrugged.Everyonel
aughed.He
l
ookedatChumaninexttomeandmout hwhoam i
?
Chumanishr
ugged.Weal ll
aughed.

Hi
m:"heal
sodoesn'
tknowyousoIwi
llhugyou
t
oo."

Heal
sohuggedme.

Hi
m:"
yaziguysMi
ke.Notwena.
"

Hesai
dpoi
nti
ngatKel
vin'
sfat
her
.Wel
aughed.
Hi
m:"
tr
ansl
ateNobunt
ukl
k."

Mi
ke:
"ukwawaqal
il
eRi
ri
.Kandi
yeket
orho.
"
-
youhavest
art
edRi
ril
eavemepl
ease.

Welaughed.Wechi
lledt
her
eandhadmor
efun.Aa
guysIneedagayfr
iendnow.
-
-
-
-
-
NKANYEZI
Me:
"l
et'
sgowewi
llbebacknow.
"

Uvuyo:
"kabamat
yer
ha.
"
-
andki
ckr
ocks.
Wewer
esitt
ingout
side.Iwant
edt
ogot
oEsi
hle.
Hi
sast
reetaway.

Me:
"mxm"

Isaidpull
inghi
m.Wegott otheshopwi t
hUvuyo
whining.Hewasstandi
ngtherewit
hhi sfr
iends.He
wassmoki ng.HeknowsforafactthatIhateit
whenhesmokes.

Il
ookedathim andhequi
ckl
ygavehi
sfr
iendst
he
j
oint
.Theylaughedsodi
dUvuyo.

Esi
hle:
"Xol
obaby.
"
-
i'
m sor
ry.

Oneofhi
sfr
iends:
"am Ihi
ghort
her
ear
e2of
fyour
gi
rl
fr
iends.Youshowedus1.
"

Uvuyo:
"haihaibawot
heniundincwasi
lengoku?
"
-
nonomanwhat
'swr
ongwi
thyoudoyouwantme
now?

Hesaidwit
hhisboldvoi
ce.Theywer
eal
lsur
pri
sed.
Me,Esi
hleandUvuyolaughed.

Hi
sfr
iend:
"wear
edef
ini
tel
yhi
ghman.
"

Wel
aughed.

Esi
hle:
"mar
nzi
twinsezibutt
heyar
eidenti
calnot
nj
engam noEmihlewearenoti
denti
cal
."

Hi
sfri
end:"
fi
rstt
imeseei
ngagi
rlandboyTwi
ns
i
dent
ical
."
T.
O:"
bro.Howdoyouknowyourgi
rl
."

Uvuyo:
"aaphone.
licher
ryyam bandincwasi
leaba.
"

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Me:"don'
tworry.Thi
smeanswear
e
beauti
ful
/handsome."

Isai
dgi
vinghi
m apeck.

Them:
"woah.Yamyeka?
"

Me:
"ngat
het
hiyayaziwenzant
on'
.
"
-
don'
tevent
alkyouknowwhatyoudo.
Esi
hle:
"i
twasj
ustagr
indbaby.
"

Theyl
aughedatus.MeandEsihl
ewental
it
tl
ebit
awayfr
om them andUvuyowasl
aughi
nghi
slungs
outwi
thEsi
hle'
sf r
iends.

Esi
hle:
"Imi
ssedyou.
"

Hesai
dkissi
ngmewithhissoftl
ips.Hi
sbr
eat
h
smel
tli
kemintwhi
chhejusthad.

Me:
"Imi
ssedyout
oo.Whenar
eyougoi
ngback?
"

Him:
"Idon'tknowbaby.ButIwi
llbeback.Iknow
youcan'
tleavewit
houtme."

Me:
"Don'
tfl
att
eryour
sel
f.
"
Ir
oll
edmyeyesandwel
aughed.

Him:
"Ihat
eitwhenyour
ollyoureyesyouknowt
hat
r
ight
?"

Me:"Ihat
eitwhenyousmoke.Whati
fyougetLung
cancer.
"

Hesmi
led.

Him:"
Ili
keitwhenyoucare.ButIwon'
tgetLung
cancerbaby.Ipr
omise.
"

Me:
"youcan'
tpr
omi
semet
hat
.Iyazif
ikel
aqayona.
"

Him:"
Iknowbaby.AndIdon'tsmokealot.Ismoke
onceinawhi
lewhenI'm cr
avingforweed."
Me:"
justmakesurethat
,thatcr
avi
ngdoesn'
ttur
n
i
ntowantingmore.
"

Heshookhi
sheadsmi
li
ng

Him:
"i
fitgetstoothatlevelthanIwi
llst
op.Iwon'
t
beanaddictbaby.Ipromi se."

Inoddedsmi
li
ng.

Hi
m:"
Iloveyou.
"

WeBl
ushed.

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"

Weki
ssed.
.
.
We(meandmybr ot
hers)wer
esi
tti
ngonagrassmat
ebuhl
anti
.Iziwaswit
hEyodwastandi
ngnearthe
fr
ontdoorlooki
ngatus.

EyodwaandChumaniwouldmakegoodpar
ent
s.
Thewaytheyhandl
ethi
ngswit
hIzii
t'
sli
ket
hei
r
ownchil
d.

Ol
dman:
"I
zaRadebebamba.
"
-
hol
d.

Theywereaboutt
oslaught
erthegoat
.Siyahel
dit
.
Guesswhat?Thegoatranawayfr
om hisgri
dand
youknowwhathesaid?

Si
ya:
"oopsi
."
Di
dwenotl
augh.
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
68
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
EYODWA
AsIwasstandi
ngneart
hefr
ontwatchingwhatt
hey
ar
edoing.Thegoatr
anawayfr
om Siya.

Hi
m:"
oopsi
e."

Wealll
aughedathim.GuysSi yaphambene
nqumako.Ididn'
texpectthatf
rom hi
m.Lucki
lya
manhelditandtheyslaughter
edthegoat
.
-
-
-
-
-
-
EMI
HLE
Igotatextfr
om Nt
lakani
phosayi
ngIshoul
dgoto
theshop.It
'
sbeenaweeksincewelastsaweach
ot
her
.

WecamebacktoPEf
ort
hehol
idays.ThankGod
t
hatheal
socame.

Makhul
u:"
kawenzei
tipha.
"
-
maket
eat
her
e.

Ngaskendat
yaf
a.

Me:
"Makhul
ukut
shut
shu.
"
-
it
shot
.

I
treal
l
ywashotout
side.

Makhul
u:"
ubut
shut
shubukut
shwangobunye.
"
-
hot
tnessi
stakenoutwi
thhot
tness.
Idraggedmyf eett
otheki
tchen.Imadehert
eaand
gaveittoher
.

Me:"
I'
m out
.Myf
ri
endsf
rom Johannesbur
gar
e
her
e."

Mom:
"f
unant
oniapha?
"
-
whatar
etheydoi
ngher
e?

Me:
"bazemsebenzi
."
-
theycamet
oacer
emony.

Isai
dwal
kingout.Ij
usthopeIwon'
tbumpint
o
Mzamo.I
'
m notreadytofacehi
m.Iwalkedt
othe
shop.

AndNt
lakani
phocamewi
tho'
Sekani
.AndThet
wins.
Iwal
kedtothem andMyexfr
iendsal
ongwi
th
Esi
hle'
sfr
iendsweret
her
e.

Eyodwagaveherbaby,Bat
hingowabokl
k
noChust
ar,t
oChumani.Andranscreami
ngt
ome.I
al
soscreamedmeetingherhal
fway.

Wehuggedeachother
.GuysmeandEyodwaare
f
ri
endsnow.Alongwit
hAphiwe.Wegott
oever
yone.

Me:
"Mol
weni
."

Theygr
eet
edback.Nt
lakani
phowassmi
li
ng.

Chumani:
"whyungat
shongobaEsi
hlei
sdat
ingmy
l
it
tl
esist
er.
"

Weal
llaughed.
Him:"
thankGodmntanam el
aphaot
her
wiseIwoul
d
havefuckedhi
m up.
"

Nkanyezi
:"
yoohhaibhut
t'
."

Esi
hle:
"kodwazangembet
heCr
aig.
"
-
butyouneverbeat
enCr
aigup.

Wel
aughed.

Nkanyezi
:"
whynit
het
hangam.
"
-
whyar
eyout
alki
ngaboutme.

Wel
aughed.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"bi
zwendi
m keaphaandi
yazit
het
ha
nabobonke.
"
-
ical
ledyouher
eIdon'
tknowwhyyout
alki
ngt
o
t
hem.

Them:
"hee.
"

IBlushed.Elam andMzamowher ef
uming.The
otherslaughed.Iwenttothesi
dewithNtl
akanipho.
Eyodwawast alki
ngwithChumaniwhil
eEsihl
ewas
withNkanyezi.Sekani,
UvuyoandKelvi
nwer e
pl
ayingsoccerwi thEsi
hle'
sfri
ends.

Myexfr
iendswer
egi
vingmenast
ylooks.Asi
fI
mi
nd.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"yuuhchomi
iezakhozi
mbi
."
-
yourf
ri
endsar
eugl
y.
Weburstoutl
aughi
ng.Ever
yonel
ookedatusand
Chuckl
ed.

Me:
"mxm.
"

Nt
lakani
pho:
"ser
ious.
"

Me:
"sozichomi
iezam.
"
-
theyar
enotmyf
ri
ends.

Hi
m:"yazil
ounenwel
ezel
angawasf
li
rt
ingwi
th
me.
"
-
theonewi
tht
hesunhai
rwas.
.

Il
ikehi
shonest
y.Hewast
alki
ngaboutEl
am.

Me:"
sheusedt
obemybestf r
iendt
il
lshet
ookmy
boyf
ri
endawayfr
om me.Lowa."
Isai
dpoi
nti
ngatMzamo.Heburstoutl
aughi
ng.I
l
ookedathi
m andl
aughedt
oo.

Hi
m:"
yuhaababyncedewazakum.
"
-
thankgodyoucamet
ome.

Wel aughed.Justt
hant
heirmot
hersapproachedus.
Welltheyshowedthem t
ome.Iknowalloftheir
names.

Ni
zi:
"Mdl
ezaneni
ngahl
alinomt
anal
angeni
."
-
don'
tst
aywi
tht
hechi
ldi
nthesun.

Eyodwashowedhert
hebl
anketshehad.

Nizi
:"
Esi
hlemntanam menzantoni
.Ifyouhur
therI
swearyouwil
lhavemet odealwit
h."
-
esi
hlewhatar
eyoudoi
ngt
omychi
ld.

Wel
aughed.

Esi
hle:
"haimandam khusel
aandIwon'
thur
ther
.
Sheismyl i
fe.
"
-
nomom I
'
m pr
otect
ingher
.

Weal
llaughed.Esi
hlei
smad.

Let
habo:
"nguyel
oboy.
"
-
isi
therboy?

Nt
lakani
pho:
"yoohmamayandihl
aza.
"
-
yoohmom youhumi
li
ati
ngme

Wel
aughed.Hi
smot
hercameandhuggedme.I
remember
edt
hef
avour
.It
houghtshewasgoi
ngt
o
hate.

Ntl
akani
pho:
"sewumt
andel
alennt
onawewapl
it
u
t
ata.
"

Weallbur
stoutl
aughi
ng.Sowehaveonet
hingi
n
common.Mhh.

Let
habo:
"mxm.
"

Shesaidpul
li
ng.Wewentt
ochatf
arawaywi
th
them.

Let
habo:
"sakut
handi
."

IBlushedshyl
y.Sheli
ftupmyfacewi
thheri
ndex
fi
nger.Shesmil
edlookingatme.
Her:
"j
ongakebaby.Ndaythandalenntoyakhono
Ntl
akani
pho.It
hinkyoutheri
ghtonef ormyson.So
cel
apleaseut
himakesurethatyourrelat
ionshi
p
l
astsane?"

Inoddedgi
ggl
i
ng.

Me:
"ndi
zoyenzal
ont
oma.
"
-
iwi
lldot
hat
.

Her:
"okayke.Iwi
llbeexpect
ingyoutobemy
daughteri
nlawke.Ican'
twaittohave2chi
ldr
en.
Aah."

Shescreamedandwel aughed.Il
oveherguys.She
ki
ssedmyf orehead.Wewalkedbackto
Ntl
akaniphowheretheot
herswerealsost
anding
chat
ti
ng.
Ni
zi:
"ni
ngahlal
iaphake.Youweren'
tevensuppose
t
obeout .Youwil
lhavebadluck.
"

Gayguy:
"mabahambeBayendl
ininet
wins.
"
-
theyshoul
dgot
othehousewi
tht
het
wins.

Chumani
:"
Niyaphini
na?
"
-
wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?

Ayol
a:"
Tops.Si
zobuyangoJi
kel
eza.
"

Weal
lnoddedt
heywal
kedaway.

Eyodwa:
"l
et'
sgoguys.You2(
meandEsi
hle)ar
e
comingwit
hright
?"
Theylookedatus.MeandEsi
hlel
ookedateach
otherandnodded.

Us:
"yeahwhynot
?"

Wewal
kedawaybutEl
am cal
ledme.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"youguyscangoIwi
llwai
twi
thher
."

Theynoddedandsal
utedEsi
hle'
sfr
iendsbef
ore
goi
ng.

Me:
"wai
tformeher
e."

Igavehim apeckbuthet urnedi

tint
oadeepkiss.I
couldfeeleyespierci
ngthr
oughmyskin.Ipul
led
outlaughing.IwalkedtoEl
am.
Hi
m:"
bigassbyt
heway.
"

HesaidbrushinghisWaves.Theysui
thi
m guys
r
haa.Umhl eNtlakani
pho.Ishowedhi
mthemiddle
f
ingerl
aughing.

Him:"
Idon'
tmindi
fwecouldfuckri
ghtnow.I
thas
beenalongti
mesinceIwasburi
edinsi
deofyou.
"

Me:
"shutup.
"

Wel
aughed.Igott
othem.

Me:
"yeahbeni
ndibi
zil
e."
-
youcal
ledme.

El
am:"yousl
eepar
oundnowwi
llyouhavea
boyf
ri
endhere?
"
Me:
"l
astt
imeIcheckedyouwi
thhi
m."

Ir
oll
edmyeyesl
aughi
ng.

Si
ve:
"yousuchaf
akef r
iendyoudidn'
tevengr
eetus
whenyoucamehere.Youdidn'
teventel
lusyou
l
eavi
ng."

Me:
"oohpleasengokuImustt
ellyoumyever
y
move.Si
veIlivei
nabighouseinSandt
on.
"

Isai
ddr
amat
ical
lyandl
aughed.

Me:"
nonodearyouguysar efakefr
iends.Youhave
al
waysbeenjealousaboutme.Didyouguysstop
herwhenshetookMzamo? "
El
am: "
Iwasonlygivi
nghim whatyouwerenot
gi
vinghim.Bubandagir
l.That
'swhyallyour
boyfr
iendsr
antous."

Me:
"Samewayyougotpr
egnantandHI
V."

IguessIwastool
oudcauseeveryonegasped.
Looki
ngatus.Shewasr eadyt
oslapmebut
Ntl
akani
phoheldherhand.

Her
:"
Ihat
eyou.
"

Me:
"t
hef
eel
ingi
smut
ual
."

Shest
art
edcr
ying.

Ntl
akani
pho:"
masambebaby.Tel
lyourgir
ltonever
r
aiseherhandonmygeecausehellwil
lbreak
l
oose.
"

Hesaidi
naboldvoi
ce.Theywer
eallscar
ednow.
Nt
lakani
phopul
ledmeandwewalkedaway.

Hi
m:"
howcanyousayt
hatbaby.
"

Me:
"shewasmaki
ngmeangr
yandIdi
dn'
tknow
t
hatIwasl
oud.
"

Henoddedandgavemeapeck.Il
ookedathi
seyes.
Andsmil
ed.Hehasbr
owneyesguys.

Hi
m:"
what
?"

Me:
"songdedi
cat
edt
oyou?
"

Henoddedsmi
li
ng.Weki
ssed.
Me:
"br
owneyesbyDest
iny'
sChi
ld.
"

Hesmiledandspinnedmearoundaf
terpi
cki
ngme
up.Igi
ggledthr
owingmyheadbacklet
ti
ngthewi
nd
hi
tme.Hel aughedplaci
ngme.

Hi
m: "
sowhatwassof
unnyt
hatmymot
herwas
t
ell
ingyou?
"

Me:
"I
'm nott
ell
ing.
"

Wegottot
hef l
attheywer
esi
tt
ingi
n.Theywer
eal
l
dr
inki
ngwelaughed.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"pl
easet
ellme.
"

Ishookmyhead.Wel
aughed.
Hi
m:"
mxm ngendi
m yeki
leakubet
hel
amt
hana.
"
-
ishoul
dhavel
ett
hatki
dbeatyou.

Theyal
llaughedandIsul
ked.

Kel
vin:
"f
ornt
on'
gku?
"

Hi
m:"
uthemnt
anabant
huMi
thiuneAi
ds.
"
-
shesai
dthatchi
ldi
spr
egnantandhasAi
ds.

Theygaspedandl
aughed.

Esi
hle:
"El
am?
"

Inodded.Theyl
aughed.
Me:
"uneHI
VnotAi
ds.
"

Theyl
aughed.

ChumaniandSekani
:"
whyngxol
angayo.
"
-
whyar
eyoushout
ingabouti
t.

Me:"I
tjustcameoutofmymout
h.Shei
sjeal
ous
aboutme. "

Theyl
aughed.

Them:
"gi
rl
s."

Weconti
nueddr
inki
ngatni
ghtmeandEsi
hlewent
backhome.
Esi
hle:
"Iknowthedif
ferencebet
weendr
inki
ngnj
e
anddri
nkingtogetdrunk."

Me:
"Ihaveneverbeent
hisdr
unkeveri
nmyl
if
e."

Hi
m:"
youknowwhat
?Iwi
llchi
llwi
tht
hem al
lthe
t
ime.
"

Me:
"met
oo.Isweart
heyboughtt
hewhol
etops.
"

Wegott
othehousesingi
ng.Webangedt
hedoor
.
Mymom openedup.

Us:
"I
'vebeendr
inki
ngI
'
vebeendr
inki
ng.
"

WesangBeyonce'
sDr
unki
nlove.

Her
:"
niphambene?Ni
fi
kani
zongxol
aapha.
Ni
buyel
eJozingomso.Yazini
sil
eni
na.
..
"
-
areyoumade?Youcomehereandyoumakinga
noi
se.Yougoi
ngbackt
oJohannesbur
gtomorr
ow.
Younaught
y..
.

Us:
"kameGcobi sa.Yaziwenabawel
aukukaba
emginyweniyekushwabula."

Wel ookedateachot
herandl
aughedbefor
e
pushingherandgoi
ngtoourr
oom si
nging.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted .
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
69
-
-
-
-
-
-
EYODWANDONI
Iwaschi
ll
ingwi
thmyf
ami
lynow.Wewer
epl
ayi
ng
car
ds.

Lungel
o:"
aaLi
yemayaqat
ha.
"
-
noLi
yemai
str
icki
ngus.

Wel
ookedatLi
yema.

Li
yema:
"yaxokaTaLungs.
"
-
taLungsi
slyi
ng.

Weal
llaughed.

Me:
"cr
azy8f
or2.
"

Them:
"haa.
"

Il
aughedatt
hei
rshockedf
aces.Theyal
lpi
ckedup
2cards.

Me:
"spade.
"

Weconti
nuedplayi
ng.Int
heaf
ter
noonmeand
Mom wenttot
hekitchent
omakelunch.

Her
:"
bekunj
aniPE?
"
-
howwasi
tinPE?

Il
aughedt
hinki
ngaboutSi
ya.

Me:"
itwasgr
eatyouwon'
tbel
ievewhatyourboss
di
d."

Wellyeah.Mymom i
swor ki
ngatt
hef
ir
m now.Si
ya
f
orcedhertoworkt
here.

Her
:"
younotexpect
ingmet
oasknowdon'
tyou?
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:"sohewastol
dtohol
dthegoat
.Yapuncuka
guesswhathesai
d?"

Isai
dlaughi
ng.
Her
:"
thet
ha.
"
-
tal
k.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"hesai
doopsi
e."

Wel
aughedoutl
oud.

Her
:"
I'
m notsur
pri
sedsayl
onl
eya.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"yuuhaa.
"

Isai
dwi
pingmyt
ear
s.
Her
:"
nawef
unekeyenzel
wembel
ekho.
"
-
acer
emonymustbedonef
oryout
oo.

Inodded.

Her:
"Iwillt
aketoo'
Dabawobakho.Isti
llgetal
ong
wit
ht hem sotheywi
llsur
elymakethi
ngshappen
f
oryou. "

Inoddedsmili
ngandsidehuggedher.Aswewere
chi
ll
ingout
sideatthepool
.Wewer enotswi
mming.
Igotamessagefrom andUnsavednumber.

Ivi
ewitanditwasapict
ureofChumanisleepi
ng
wit
hanothergi
rl
.Thenamessagecamet hrough.

'
tel
lyourmant
hatIwantmyf
ullR5000Idon'
tdo
pr
ost
it
uti
onf
orf
ree.
'

Hesleepswi
thprosti
tut
esnow?Igotangr
yina
bl
inkofaneye.Ist
oodupandrantothefr
ont.

Them:
"yaphi
?'
-
wher
eyougoi
ng?

Ii
gnor
edt
hem andt
ookt
hecarkeys.
-
-
-
-
-
-
CHUMANI
Ni
zi:
"Chumaniaper
sonf
rom t
hedomest
icwor
ker
s
wil
lbesentt
oyourhouse.Togoandcleani
t.
Basi
cal
lyspri
ngcl
eani
ng.Taki
ngofthesheet
s,
cur
tai
ns,et
c."

Me:
"youwantmet
ogogui
deher
?"

Shenodded.

Me:
"okay.
"

Isai
dgivi
ngherI zi
.Iki
ssedhercheekandI
zi'
s
for
ehead.Itookthecarkeysandwenttomyhouse.
Shewasst andi
ngatthegate.

Ithoughtt
heyhaveol
dworkers.Thi
sonelooks
young.Shoul
dn'
tshebeatschoolorsomethi
ng?
ButIguesshust
li
ngdoesn'
thaveaage.
Youjustt
akethejobnomatterwhatiti
sjustt
oput
foodonthet
able.Iopenedt
hegate.Shewalkedi
n.
AndIdrovei
n.

Iopenedt
hehousef
orher
.

Me:
"Iwi
llbei
nthemast
erbedr
oom i
fyouneedme.
"

Shenoddedsmi
li
ng.Esasmi
lesobuhul
ekazi
.
-
thatbi
tchysmi
le.

Yandif
unal
o.

Ij
ustwal
kedupst
air
s.

Me:"
oohifyouneedanyt
hingshoutout
.Butyouwi
ll
f
indever
ythi
ngyouneed."
Shenoddedsmili
ng.Ishookmyheadandwal
ked
upst
air
s.Igott
otheroom andt
ookmyMacBook.

If
acet
imedEyodwa.Sheanswer
edst
il
lsl
eepi
ng.

Her
:"
thet
haChumani
."
-
tal
kChumani
.

Shesaidwithhereyesclosed.Il
aughed.I
t'
sstil
l
9am Igetwhysheisstil
lsleepi
ng.Wesleptat4am
todaychat
ti
ngandal l
.

Me:
"vuka.
"
-
wakeup.

Her
:"
dini
we.
"
-
i'
mti
red.
Me:
"butI
'
m not
."

Sheopenedoneeyeandlookedatme.Wel
aughed.
Phambenelomthanaguys.
-
thi
schi
ldi
smad.

Her:
"wesleptat4am bro.What
'st
heti
menow9am
soyousleptfor4hours.Aaunamandl
a,umnamust
l
ale8hoursyayaziil
onto."

Me:
"l
ala4nawenamhl
anj
e."

Her
:"
aaRadebenotnamhl
anj
e."
-
nott
oday.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"whenwi
llyoucomeandseeme?
"
Her
:"
tommor
ow.Whenwear
egoi
ngt
othegi
g."

Me:
"whynott
oday?
"

Her
:"
fami
lydayRadebe.
"

Inodded.

Her
:"
don'
tbesad.Iwil
lcomet
oyout
omor
rowand
wewil
lspendt
henight.
"

Ismi
led.

Her
:"
idi
ot.Yousmi
li
ngnow.
"

Keepi
nmi
ndhereyesar
ecl
osed.
Me:
"howdi
dyouknow?
"

Her:
"Iknowyoufrom t
heinsi
deoutr
emember
.I
knowhowyour eactt
ot hi
ngsandal
l.
"

Me:
"samewayIknowyou.
"

Shesmi
ledandopenedhereyes.

Her
:"
yeah.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"Il
oveyouke.
"

Her
:"
Iloveyout
oo.
"
Me:
"seeyout
omor
rowkene.
"

Shenoddedsmi l
ing.Idi
sconnect
edthecall
.I
wal
keddownst ai
rstomakemysel fabanana
smoothi
e.Fakipl
ainyogurtnebananaphakwi
bl
ender.

Ast
hebl
enderwasdoingit'
sjobsomeonetapped
meont
heshoulder
.Istoppedit
.Itwast
hatgir
l.

Her
:"
canyoupl
easecomewi
tht
henewcur
tai
ns.
"

Inoddedshesmil
ed.Iwalkedupst
air
stotheroom.
Itookthenewcur
tainsoutandwentwit
hthem to
her.Shetookt
hem smil
ingli
kecr
azy.

Thi
sgi
rli
snuts.Iconti
nueddoingmysmoothie.
WhenIwasdoneIdr anki
t.Isuddenl
yfel
tsl
eepy.I
geti
tIsleptl
atel
astnightsoIwal
kedt
other
oom
anddri
ftofft
osleep.

Afterwhatseemedli
keIli
feti
meIf inal
lywokeup.I
wentt otheen-
sui
tandwashedmyf ace.Ichecked
thetimeitwas3pm.Itookoutpainkill
ersinthe
drawersinceIhadaheadache.Idrankthem with
outwat er.

Iwassof uckenhungryIwenttotheki
tchenandthe
maidwassi ngi
ngoutsidehangi
ngthesheetsand
st
uff.ShewalkedinthehouseasIwaseat i
ng.

Her:
"Ij
usthangedt
heLaundr
y.Ij
ustneedt
ogoand
buyair
ti
me.Ineedtocal
lmymother.Shei
ssi
ck.
"

Inoddedandshewalkedout
.Af
teraf
ewmi
nut
es
someoneyell
edbehi
ndme.
:
"Ungat
hindi
kuzumi
lene.
"
-
don'
tsayIdi
dn'
twar
nyou.

Thatper
sonst
rangledmefr
om behi
nd.It
ri
ed
get
ti
nghim/heroffmebuthe/
shewasstrong.

:
"Howdar eyoucheatonme.Iwi l
lkil
lyouRadebe,
youandt hatprost
it
uteofyours.Iswear.ThanIwi
ll
cryatyourfuneral
.Howdar eyoucheatonme! !
"

ThatwasEyodwa.It
urnedherar
oundandIal
so
st
rangl
edhercoughi
nguncontr
oll
abl
y.

Me:
"whendi
dIcheatonyou.
"

Westar
tedf
ight
ing.shepunchedmeIal
sopunched
her
.
Her:
"wi
ththatugl
yprost
it
uteofyour
s.Youknow
whatshesaidshewantsR5000.Yourhoesare
sendi
ngmet ext
snow."

Sheki
ckedme.

Me:"whatpr
osti
tut
ear
eyout
alki
ngabout
?Inever
cheatedonyou.
"

Isai
dkicki
nghert
oo.Guysul
wanj
engendodal
o
that
'swhyndi
buyi
sa.

Her:
"oohyoudenyingit
.Whenyouwer
einourbed
wit
hhertoday.You'r
efucki
ngwit
hmenow."

Shewasont opofmenowbeat ingme.Doyouthi

nk
shehadMer cy?It
urnedherar
oundandIwason
topnow.Igaveher2punchesthentr
iedt
okissher
.
Shejustt
urnedmear oundandshewasont opnow.
Guyswhendi dIcheat?Shei
ssofuckenangryandI
don'
tknowwhatIdi d.

Her:
"Iwi
llki
llyouChumani.Iwillki
llyou.Howdar e
youcheatonme.Doyouent erslut
snow?Iwi llki
ll
you.Iwi
llfi
rstcutof
fyourdick.Iwillki
llyou.
"

Iheldherhandsandturnedheraroundandki
ssed
theshitoutofher
.Ipunchedheronherstomach
beforemassagingherpussy.Iknowshewil
lcal
m
downt hi
sway.

Me:"
willyouj
ustcal
m downbefor
eIf uckyouback
t
oyoursense.Causeyoufi
ghti
nglikeahornycat
r
ightnow."

Isai
dthatl
ooki
ngatherst
rai
ghti
ntheeye.Shej
ust
cri
ed.
Her:
"youcheatedonmeChumani.Wit
hapr osti
tut
e
Chumani.Youcheatedonme.Shewassl
eepi ng
comfort
ablyonmychest.I
nourroom.Ai
n'tI
enoughforyou."

Shesaidpoint
ingatmewit
hherfi
nger
.Iwasso
fuckenconf
usedguysonwhatsheist
alki
ngabout
.
Andwhatshesawr eal
lybr
okeher
.

Me:"j
usttel
lmewhatyouonaboutcauseInever
cheatedonyou.Youknowf
orafactthatIhat
e
cheati
ng."

Shet
ookherphoneandshowedmeapi ctur
eofme
andt
hatmaidi
nbed.Iwashalfnaked.WTF?

Me:"babyIsweart
hisdidn'thappen.Shei
sj usta
maidthatcametocleanthehouse.Babyl ookat
thi
spictur
eandcompar eittotheonesthatyou
usuall
ytake.
"
Isai
dgi
vinghert
hephone.

Me:"Iwokeupwit
haheadacheeven.It
hinkshe
draggedmecauseIwasmakingasmoot hi
ethan
wentupstai
rstof
etchnewcurt
ainsf
orher.WhenI
gotbackIdrankt
hesmoothi
ethanIsuddenl
ywas
sl
eepy.Iwokeupwi t
habangi
ngheadache.Idon'
t
knowwhathappened."

Shesnif
fedandtookt
hephone.Shest
artedstar
ing
ati
t.Sheshefr
ownedlooki
ngatthepi
cture.

Her
:"
I'
m sor
ry.
"

Ij
ustnodded.Iopenedmyar
msf
orher
.Wehugged
ti
ght
ly.

Her
:"
wher
eisshe.
"
Me:
"shewentt
otheshop.
"

Sheranoutli
mping.Ial
soranaf
terherholdi
ngmy
stomachli
mping.Shegott
oherandstartedbeat
ing
theshi
toutofherwit
hasti
ck.

Eyodwa:
"howdareyouli
eaboutmyman?Yout hi
nk
youwil
lgetawaywit
hitthateasi
ly?Iwi
llki
llyou.
"

Shegotdone.

Eyodwa:"i
fyoueverli
eagai
ninyourl
if
eIswearI
wil
lkil
lyou.Yourl
iesnear
lycostmemy
rel
ati
onship.
"

Thatgi
rlnodded.
Eyodwa:"
Iwil
lnotwast
eyourener
gysi
nceyouwi
ll
beatthehospi
tal
."

Shet
ookoutherphone.

Her
:"
hel
loi
sthi
stheSAPS?
"

Whatt
hefuck.It
ri
edt
aki
ngt
hephonef
rom herbut
shest
oppedme.

Her
:"
Iwoul
dli
ket
orepor
tmysel
fforassaul
t.
"

WTF?Guysunayonqondol
omt
hana?Shet
oldt
hem
wher
esheis.

Me:
"uphambene?
"

Af
ter4mi
nut
est
hepol
icet
ookheri
n.
Me:"
WTF?Whor
epor
tst
hemsel
ves?Iwi
llgetyou
outi
nafew.
"

Guysnomar n.Iwil
lbetaki
nghert
oamental
i
nstit
uti
on.Li
kewhot hehel
ldoest
hat
?Shejust
cal
ledthepol
iceforher
self
.
-
-
-
-
-
-
NotEdi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
70
-
-
-
-
-
SI
NETHAMBA
Ndoni
:"
yourdaught
erj
ustgotar
rest
edf
orassaul
t.
"

Wel
ookedathershocked.

Yamkela:
"t
hischi
ldschar
act
eri
ssof
uckenhar
dto
copy.
"

Ndoni
:"
sheseemst obri
ngsmi
lesonever
yone'
s
f
aces.HowwillIdothat
."

Me:
"get
ti
ngcol
dfeet
?"

Theynodded.Isi
ghed.
Me:
"wewi
llmakeanot
herpl
ant
han.
"

Theynodded.

Ndoni
:"
bet
tert
hanbeinganimposter
.Iwon'
tbe
abl
etodoherstuf
f.I
t'
ssofuckenhard.
"

Wenodded.
-
-
-
-
-
EYODWANDONI
Aft
erbeati
ngherup.Thepoli
cet
ookmet ot
he
st
ati
on.Thisshoul
dbemyt hi
rdhome.Iwasint
he
i
ntori
gat
ionroom.
Thepol
icewal
kedi
nandl
aughed.

Det
ect
ive:
"ndam t
handal
omt
hanaguys.
"
-
ilovet
hischi
ldguys.

Wealll
aughed.Theytookofft
hehandcuf
fsandsat
i
nfr
ontofme.Ir eadt
heirnames.

Mthet
hwa:"l
astofl
astyearyouwer earr
est
edf or
bei
ngunderageinaclub.Lastyearyoubeata
per
sonupf ormeat
.Thisyearyoubeataper sonup
andcal
lthepoli
ceyoursel
f.
"

Comingt
othinkabouti
t.I
'
mthemaddestper
son
ever
.Welaughed.

Me:
"Iwasj
ustsavi
ngherener
gy.
"
St
okwe:
"whathappenedtoyournosecauset
hatgi
rl
l
ooksweaktobeatyou.
"

Me:"
Iwasfighti
ngwi
thmyboyf
ri
end.Ist
art
edt
he
f
ightanddefeat
edhi
m."

Weal
llaughed.

Detecti
ve:
"manabuse.Weshouldal
llaychar
ges
Againstyou.Youf
ir
stpunchedus.
"

Weal
llaughed.

Me:
"Ican'
tcont
rolmysel
fwhenI
'
m angr
y."

St
okwe:
"whot
aughtyouhowt
ofi
ght
?"
Me:"
Iwentt
odef
enseclassesf
orabout4year
sand
st
oppedbef
orel
astyear
."

Mthethwa:"Iwasr
eadyt
otakeyout
oashr
inkf
or
angerissues."

Wel
aughed.

Detecti
ve:"
gir
lsyouragear
ecryi
ngovert
hei
r
boyfri
endsclubbingandsmoki
ngandyouare
fi
ghti
ng? "

Me:
"Ipr
eferf
ight
ingt
hancr
yingf
oraboyf
ri
end.
"

Wel
aughed.Theyshookt
hei
rheads.

St
okwe:
"Neversawanyonel
i
keyou.
"
Mt
het
hwa:
"youcansayt
hatagai
n."

Me:"
letmetellyoumyot herst
ori
eswhilewear
e
wait
ingfortheotherdet
ecti
vetotakeher
st
atement."

Theynodded.Ist
art
edt
ell
ingt
hem mycr
azyst
ori
es.
-
-
-
-
-
CHUMANI
Il
ookedatherandshookmyhead.Iwal
kedaway
oncetheambulancewasher
e.Iwal
kedbackt
othe
houseli
mping.

It
ookmycarkeysandwal
kedt
othecaraf
ter
l
ocki
ng.Thehousewasamess.Idr
ovet
othemy
homesincet
heywereal
lther
e.

Kelvi
ntol
dmeso.Iwal kedinl
impinghol
dingmy
stomach.Theyal
llookedatmesinceImaking
sounds.

Them:
"andt
han.
"

Eyodwa'sf
amilywasalsoher
e.Wearehavi
nga
braai
.TheJanuar
ytwinsareal
soher
e.AndAphi
we.

Me:
"ayi
songuEyodwa.
"
-
isn'
titEyodwa.

Isai
ddrinki
ngSiya'
swhiskey.Theybur
stout
l
aughing.Theywereevenintear
s.
Li
yema:
"shedi
danumberonyoubr
o."

Iendedupl
aughi
ngt
oo.

Ni
zi:
"whydi
dshebeatyouup.
"

Me:"t
hemai
dthatt
heDomest
icWor
ker
ssend.Sent
Eyodwaapi
ctur
eofmeandheri
nbed.
..
"

Them:
"what
?"

Theywher
ereadyt
obeatmeup.Al
loft
hem.

Me:"
sheact ual
lydr
uggedmeguyscalm down.I
wouldnevercheatonher.YouknowhowmuchI
hat
echeating.Comeon."

Them:
"cont
inue.
"
Me:"
shecametothehouseandst
rangl
edmefr
om
behi
nd.Isawgodwelcomi
ngmeinheaven.
"

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Me:"thanwef oughtwit
hhersayi
ngIcheatedonher
.
ButImanagedt ocal
m herdown.Andspokesome
sensei nt
oher.Shelookedatt
hepictur
eandsaw
thatIdon'tact
uall
ysleepli
ket
hat.
."

Sekani
:"
sheknowsmef
rom t
hei
nsi
deout
."

Hesangwel
aughed.

Me:"t
hanshesai
dsorryandaskedmewhereshei s?
Itol
dherandsheranoutli
mping.Ir
anaf
terherand
shewasbeatent
hepoorladyup.Guesswhatshe
did?
"
Them:
"i
nsul
ted.
"

Me:"
youguessedwrongsoIwil
lobvi
ouslyt
ellyou.
Shetookoutt
heherphoneandcall
edthepol
ice
andtol
dthem shebeataper
sonup."

Them:
"what
??!
!!
"

EmihleandEsihl
est
art
edl
aughi
ngweal
soj
oinedi
n
andlaughed.

Lungel
o:"
noman.Nandizangemwi
sel
amt
hanange
ntl
okokuzezayemnci
nci?"
-
Nandidi
dyoumakeherf
allonherheadwhenshe
wassmall
?

Weal
lbur
stoutl
aughi
ng.
Nandi:
"mxm.Youal
lknowhowEyodwai s.t
hisi
s
thethi
rdt
imeshegotarr
est
ed.Ievenst
opped
str
essi
ng."

Esi
hle,
Aphi
we,
Emi
hleandRi
ri
:"
Thi
rd!
!?"

Us:
"yeah.
"

Wealll
aughedt
hinki
ngaboutwhatshedi
dint
he
past
.

Emi
hleandAphi
we:
"whatdi
dshedo?
"

Wet
oldt
hem whatshedi
dandl
aughed.

Si
ya:
"neversawagi
rll
ikeher
."
Us:
"br
a."

Wel
aughed.

Cage:
"l
et'
sgot
akeherout
."

Ntsi
ka:
"t
hisi
sthelastt
imewetaki
ngherout
.Next
t
imewear el
ett
ingherspendadayort
wothere.
"

Weallnoddedlaughi
ng.Meandthemaleswentt
o
thepol
icest
ati
on.Theyladi
essai
dtheywil
lst
ay
behi
nd.

Wegotinandt
her
ewasonl
yoneper
sonatt
he
f
rontdesk.

Us:
"wear
etheot
herpol
icewor
ker
s?"
Her:"
ther
eisagi r
lthatwasarr
estedthi
saft
ernoon
theyareli
steni
ngtoherstor
ies.Basi
call
yal
lthe
poli
ceinthestati
on."

Us:
"Eyodwa.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"canyougetust
hrought
othem.
"

Nt
ando:
"guysyayt
handat
rongol
amt
hana.
"
-
thatchi
ldl
ovesj
ail
.

Webur stoutl
aughi
ng.Sodi
dtheladyatthefront
desk.Shewalkedusthr
oughtot
hei nt
ori
gati
on
room.

Eyodwa:
"I
'm outguys.I
twasni
cebei
ngwi
thyou.
Myf
ami
lyi
sher
etot
akemehome.
"

Shesai
dlooki
ngatus.

Pol
ice:
"j
ustwishIcoul
dlockyouupsothatIcan
l
ist
entoyourstor
ies.I
twasnicehavi
ngyouaround.
Seeyounextyearnow."

Weal
lbur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Her
:"
andi
buyiaphamt
het
hwayooh.
"
-
i'
m notcomi
ngbackher
emt
het
hwa.

Theywer
esad.

Her:
"notasi
nli
kenotcomeandvi
sityouguys.
Don'
tbesadhawu."
Theysmiled.Shehuggedalloffthem bef
orewe
walkedout.Il
ookedatherandshookmyhead.We
gottothehouse.Shewalkedtot heki
tchenand
camebackwi thanicecr
eam t up.Shesatnextt
o
AphiweandEmi hl
eandsmi led.

Nobunt
u:"
noman.NgoweMent
ali
nst
ruct
ionl
o."

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Cage:
"youwon'
tbel
i
evei
t.
"

Thel
adi
es:
"whatdi
dshedo?
"

Ntsi
ka:"
that'
swhyIsaidweshouldleavehert
her
e
foradayortwo.Shewashavi ngagreatt
imewit
h
thepoli
ce.Thewhol
edepar t
ment.Therewasonl
y
oneladylef
tatt
hefrontdesk.Hee.
"
Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Eyodwa:
"noman.Iwast
ryi
ngmyl
uckt
her
e.I
t'
s
nothi
ngbad.
"

Aphi
we:"
Idon'
twantt
obecor
rupt
edbyyou
anymor
e."

SekaniandAyol
a:"
goodwenadaught
eri
nlaw
yam/goodbaby.
"

Wel
aughedatt
hem.

Esi
hle:
"It
houghtt
hiswasthef
ir
stt
imeof
fyou
get
ti
ngarrest
edntwana.
"

Eyodwa:
"ei
shnt
wana.
"
Shesai
dscr
atchi
ngherdr
eadl
ocks.Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:"
thatwast hel
astti
meofmebeingarr
est
ed
guys.Ipr
omi se.I
fIgetar
restedagai
n,t
hanDon'
t
bai
lmeout .
"

Us:
"goodt
hingyousai
dityour
sel
f.
"

Wesai
dwi
tht
ir
edf
aces.

Her:
"hai
bonawemalanqi
,hai
nil
hal
haakazot
hi
nobanoIwil
lbai
lyouout
."
-
youtoomal
anqi,
nol
hal
hayouwon'
tevensayyou
wil
lbai
lmeout
.

Shesai
dlooki
ngatme.Wekeptqui
etf
oraf
ew.

Esi
hle:
"Ineedt
hel
oo.
"
Weburstoutl
aughi
ng.Iwaseveni
ntear
s.Who
doest
hat?
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
S
71
-
-
-
-
-
ESI
HLE
Ni
zi:
"uset
heelevat
ort
oNkanyezi'
sroom.Andalso
wakeheruponyourwayback.Shewon'tbeabl
eto
sl
eepatnight
."

Si
ya:
"whymusthebet
heonet
owakeherup?
"

Weal
llaughed.

Ni
zi:
"i
fwewakeherupshewi l
lbeangr
yandi
fhe
wakesherupshewi
llbehappy.
"

Si
ya:
"whyhappy?
"

Wel
aughed.

Ni
zi:
"mxm mbonyaSi
ya.HambaEsi
hle.
"
-
goEsi
hle.
Ist
oodupandusedt heel
evatorup.Phil
akamnandi
abanyebant
hu.Igotupst
air
sandgotl ost
.Icame
acrossagameroom.Iwalkedinandthekidswer
e
here.

Me:
"Uvuyo.
"

Theyl
ookedatme.Ichuckl
ed.

Uvuyo:
"yeahsbal
i.
"

WeChuckl
ed.

Me:
"boni
ser
oom kaNkwenkwezi
."
-
canyoushowmeNkwenkwezi
'
sroom.

Them:
"Nkwenkwezi
?"
Me:
"Nkanyezimar
ntchiabant
hwana.
"
-
thesechi
ldr
en.

Them:
"ooh.OhhEsi
hlene?
"

Wel aughedandInodded.Uvuyoshowedme
Nkanyezi'
s.Wef i
stbumpbeforehewal
kedaway.I
walkedintheroom andl
ockedthedoor
.

Mybabywassocut e.If
irstdi
dmybusi
nessthan
washedmyhands.Iwalkedoutandcl
imbedinbed
wi
thher.Igaveherapeck.Shemovedabit
.

Ipart
edherli
pswithmyt ongue.Isuckedherlower
l
ipandshemoaned.Igaveherpeckst i
llshe
openedhereyessmil
ing.Sheclosedthem again.I
gotontopofherandgrindkissi
ngher.Shewas
moaning.
Her
:"
Esi
hle.
"

Me:
"wakeup.
"

Sheopenedhereyes.

Her
:"
getof
fme.
"

Igotof
fher
.

Me:
"whyar
eyousl
eepi
ng?
"

Her
:"
Ihadaheadache.
"

Me:
"f
eel
ingbet
ternow?
"

Her
:"
yeaht
hanksf
oraski
ng.
"
Shesai
dsmi
li
ng.

Me:
"i
fIdon'
tthanwhowi
ll
?"

Her
:"
what
ever
."

Wel
aughed.

Her:
"l
etmegowashmyf
acesot
hatwecanchi
ll
her
etoget
her
."

Me:
"yourf
atheri
sdownst
air
sbabe.
"

Her
:"
dri
nki
ng?
"

Inodded.
Her
:"
not
hingt
owor
ryaboutt
han.
"

Ichuckled.Shegavemeapeckbef oredisappear
ing
tothebathroom.Ilovet
hatgi
rlguys.Sheismy
everyt
hing.

Her:"
Iwil
lgoandf et
chussnaaksdownst
airs.You
cantakemyl apt
opsolongandgotoNetfl
ixand
rentmovies.
"

Me:
"passwor
d?"

Her:
"Nkanyezi
Pcapit
alNandt
hePdon'
tleavea
spacebetweenthem.
"

Inodded.Sheunl
ockedt
hedoorbef
orewal
king
walki
ngout.
-
-
-
-
-
-
NKANYEZI
IwishIcoul
dbewokenupthatwayever
ymor
ning.
Iusedtotheel
evat
ort
ofi
ndmywaydown.

Si
ya:
"uphiEsi
hle?
"

Me:
"i
nmyr
oom.
"

Theylaughed.IAlsolaughedsmil
ing.Onlythe
adult
swereher e.Icoul
dherEyodwascr eaming
outsi
de.
Ri
ri
:"
whyncuma?
"
-
areyousmi
li
ng?

Me:
"j
ustHappyt
oseeyouguys.
"

Them:
"i
sit
?."

Si
ya:
"I
'm sogoi
ngt
oki
ckt
hatboy.
"

Wealllaughed.Iwal
kedtothekitchen.Tookapack
ofSimbachi ps,
Dori
tos,
popcorn,peanuts,Bi
lt
ong,
thebraaimeatinsor
sati
sti
cks,applejui
ceforme
andpour edJamesonforhi
mi naTupper warebott
le.

Ipl
acedeveryonabi gtr
eybefor
ewalki
ngtothe
el
evat
or.Igott
omyr oom andhehasal
ready
cl
osenthecurt
ains.Soitwasdark.
Per
fect
.

Me:"
Iboughtf
oodt
hatwi
lll
astusf
ort
hewhol
e
ni
ght.
"

Hi
m:"
youwantmet
ospendt
heni
ghther
e?"

Me:
"pl
ease.
"

Him:
"l
et'
scal
lmyfat
her
.I'
m sureEmihl
ewi
llal
so
l
iket
ospendhert
imewit
hNt l
akani
pho.
"

Igavehim apeckplacingt
hetreyontopofthebed.
Iwenttolockthedoor.Icl
imbedontopofthebed
cuddl
ingwithhim.

Hi
m:"
wewon'
tbecomi
ngback.
"
Hi
sfat
her
:"
haikwedi
ni.
"

Wel
aughed.

Hi
sfat
her
:"
oohl
ennt
ohl
elinoNkwenkweziwakho.
"
-
it
'sbecauseyousi
tt
ingwi
thyourNkwenkwezi
.

Esi
hleBl
ushed.

Hi
m:"
yeah.Shoke.
"

Hedi
sconnect
edt
hecal
l.Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
Imi
ssedyousomuch.
"

Me:
"wer
en'
tyoucomi
ngbacknextweek?
"
Him:"
yeah.Wewer echasedawayther
e.Remember
whenwedr ankatyourhouse.Wegothomeand
swearedatourmom maki nganoi
se.Thenextday
shedroveustotheair
port."

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Me:"
thatmeansIshoul
dtaket
hisJamesonback
downstai
rs.
"

Hi
m:"
awut
sho.
"

Hesai
dtaki
ngt
heTupper
war
ebot
tl
e.Wel
aughed.

Me:
"youl
oveal
coholt
oo.
"

Hi
m:"
notmor
ethanyou.
"
Wel
aughedki
ssi
ng.
-
-
-
-
-
-
CHUMANI
Eyodwa:
"dawgIhavet
ori
det
hismot
tobi
ke.
"

Wedeci
dedt
osi
tout
side.

Emi
hle:
"I
'mr
idi
ngwi
thyou.
"

Ntl
akanipho:
"resti
npeacemyl
ove.Knowt
hatI
havealwayslovedyou.
"
Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Kel
vin:
"whyut
sho?
"
-
sayi
ng?

Ntl
akani
pho:
"EyodwandoniLangamott
obi
ke?
Rememberwhenshedr agged2cars.
"

Wel
aughed.

Us:
"YeahResti
npeace.
"

Sekani
:"
babydoyouhaveadeadwi
sh?
"

Aphi
we:"
Itol
dyouguysi
nsi
deIdon'
twantt
obe
cor
rupt
edbyher.
"
Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:
"yourl
osebabe.
"

Shesai
dhi
tt
inghert
high.Wel
aughedmor
e.

Emi
hle:
"butI
'
mri
dingwi
thher
.IfIdi
eIdi
e."

UsexceptNt
lakani
pho:
"Nt
lakani
phoVi
cendaku
t
handa."
-
iloveyou

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Emihl
e:"
v't
seki
ni.AsIsayi
ngi
fIdi
e.Il
oveyouguys.
Tel
lmyf amil
ytoo."
Eyodwa:
"l
et'
sgot
aket
hekeysandhel
met
s."

Shedr
aggedmei
nsi
det
hehouse.

Me:
"ouch.
"

Theyl
aughedatus.

Eyodwa:
"Ni
ziendi
mthandayo.
"
-
thatIl
ove.

Ni
zi:
"t
het
haf
unant
on'
?"
-
tal
kwhatdoyouwant
?

Weal
llaughed.

Her
:"
canIpl
easehavet
hemot
tobi
kekeysand
hel
mets.Ipr
omi
sewewi
llbebacki
nli
ke5
minut
es."

Ni
zi:
"5mi
nut
es?Wena?
"

Wel
aughed.

Eyodwamadepuppyeyes.

Her
:"
please.Wewi
llbebacksoon.
"

Li
yema:
"youl
oveput
ti
ngyourl
if
eatr
isk.
"

Her
:"youknowmebynow.Imustdieahappykid.
Ful
lofli
fe.Imustbeknownf
ort
aki
ngri
sk.ShouldI
goon."

Them:
"aaher
ear
ethemot
tobi
kekeys.
"
Shescr
eamedt
aki
ngt
hem wi
tht
hehel
met
s.

Her:
"i
fIdi
eIloveyouguys.Don'
tcryi
nmyfuner
al
j
ustbehappythinki
ngaboutmycrazymoment
s.
Okay?Ok.Il
oveyou."

Shesai
drunni
ngout.Weshookourheadsl
aughi
ng.
It
ookmycarkeys.

Lungel
o:"
dri
vingnextt
oher
?"

Inoddedwalki
ngout.Ifyouknowament
al
i
nsti
tuti
onnearbypleasetel
lmesot
hatIcant
ake
EyodwandoniLangatoone.

Igotout
sideandt
heywer
ewear
inghel
met
sand
l
eatherj
acket
s.
Me:"
Iwil
lbedri
vingnextt
oyou.Idon'
ttr
ustyouat
al
lwit
hthis.
"

Eyodwa:"
takeavi
deoofme.Iwannaseemysel
f
ri
ding"

ShegaveSekaniherphone.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"canIhavemyl
astki
ss.
"

Hesai
dsul
king.

Me:
"met
oo.
"

Emi hl
ekissedNtl
akani
phoandIki
ssedEyodwa.
Afterawhilewedroveoff
.Whenwewereaboutto
takeoff.Shespi
nedaroundscr
eamingl
eavi
ngti
re
mar
ksont
hest
reet
.

Sherodeof
f.Iwasri
dingnextt
oher.Shemadeas
i
ftheyaref
all
ingandEmihl
eheldherti
ght
ly.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"l
omt
hana.
"
-
thi
schi
ld.

Wari
de.akakuhl
ekengoku.Wedrovenearaclub
whi
chwasbl ast
ingmusi
cloudl
y.Sheletgoofthe
mott
obikeanddancedwit
hherhands.Emihl
ewas
hol
dingherti
ght
ly.

Us:
"damn.
"

Me:
"guysl
omt
hana.
"
-
thi
schi
ld.
Iwaslefthangi
ng.Sekaniwast aki
ngavideothis
whol
et i
me.Shel ookedatUsandmadeapeace
si
ghwi t
hbot hherhands.Shethanheldt
he
mott
obikeagainanddr ovefast
erthanusheading
home.

Aphi
we:
"Il
oveher
."

Shescr
eamedandwelaughed.WeAl
sodr
ove
homeandwegotint
hegate.

Eyodwa:
"bestexper
ienceever
."

Therent
swher
eal
soout
sidenow.Shewasj
umpi
ng
upanddown.

Emihl
e:"
Bestexper
ienceeverevent
houghIsaw
Chr
ist
."
Wel
aughed.

Ntl
akani
pho:
"Iwoul
dbevomi
ti
ngi
fIwer
eyou
baby.
"

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Nandi
:"
whatdoyoumean.
"

Me:
"yourdaught
ert
akesthehugestri
sks.I
fbendi
Ni
niIwouldmakesurepoli
cyzam azi
kacoll
apse.
i"

Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:
"canIseemysel
fnowpl
ease.
"

Sekanigavehert
hephone.
Thando:
"weal
sowantt
osee.
"

Itookthephoneandwalkedinthehouse.They
foll
owedme.Iconnect
edt hephoneontheTV.

Weal
lwat
ched.

Them:
"f
uck!
"

Eyodwa:
"t
hat
'smeyoual
l.Yoooh.
"

Shewascryi
nghol
dingherhear
tsmi
li
ng.We
l
ookedatherandl
aughed.

Nandi
:"
Ntandophone.
laAVBOBpha.
"
Snakes:
"Iwoul
dhavevomi
tedl
ookatherdanci
ng
l
ikesheisnotr
idi
ngwit
hsomeone.
"

Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:"
lookatusguys.FuckI'
mthebaddest
.In
myf uner
alpl
aythi
svideo.Nit
heIwil
ldi
emoc."

Wel
aughedather
.
-
-
-
-
-
THANDO
Li
fehasbeenhecti
c.What
'skeepi
ngmepushingis
mybabyonly.ThankGodIwil
lbemeet
inghersoon.
Myfamilyhasbeenactingweirdf
orthepastfew
months.Idon'
ttr
ustthem abit
.Theymighttake
car
eofmebutIdon' ttr
ustthem.

Si
neli
thawentt
oOxfordUni
ver
sit
yinUK.Hewon'
t
beabletocomeback.

Istoppedgoi
ngtoschool
.Iwillgobacknextyear.I
havebeeninLabourpai
nssincelastni
ght.I
t'
sjust
aft
er4am andtheyhavest
artedagain.

Iscr
eamedandanur
secamei
n.

Her
:"
it
'st
ime.
"

Theyt ookmetoanot
herward.Wor
stpaineverwas
pushingherout
.Ihel
dherandIfal
linl
ovewithher
thesamemoment .
ButIbl
ackedouthol
dingher
.Iwaswokenupby
voi
ces.ButIcoul
dn'
topenmyeyes.

Uncl
e:"
taket
hebabyandr
unaway.
"

Mybr
other
:"
that
'swhatwewi
lldo.
"

What
?It
ri
edopeni
ngmyeyesbutIcoul
dn'
t.

Aunt:
"weweren'
tfeedi
nghercr
azi
ngsfornot
hing.
Andshealsohasapr i
cet
opay.Wheredoesshe
thi
nkthemoneywehavecomesf r
om.Weschool ed
andfedher.
"

Itr
iedwakingupbutthemachi
nesst
aredbeepi
ng
andIblackedoutagai
n.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
72
-
-
-
-
-
THANDO
Ifi
nal
lywokeupandmyauntanduncl
ewer
enext
tome.

Me:
"wher
eismySi
phephel
o?"
Aunt
:"
li
stenbaby.Wehadt
otakeher
."

Me:
"what
?Why?Iwi
llcal
lthepol
ice.
"

Uncle:
"i
fyouhaveadeadwi sh.Wetr
iedtobekind
wit
hyou.Yourbr ot
herwil
ltakecareofher.They
wil
lgroom yourdaught
erinbeingagoodwi feofthe
Fakufamily.Wheredoyouthinkthemoneywehave
comesf r
om? "

Icr
ied.

Me:
"yout
hreat
eni
ngme?
"

Aunt:"
whatdoyouevenknowaboutt aki
ngcareof
babies?You'
reababyyour sel
f.Don'teventhi
nkof
tr
yinganythi
ngst upi
dbecausehellwi l
lbr
eakloose.
Whenyourdi schargedher
eyouwi llbegoing
st
rai
ghtt
oNigeri
atoaboardi
ngschoolt
her
e.Now
beagoodgi
rlandbehave.
"

Withthatsai
dtheywalkedout
.Icri
edmor e.How
cantheyseparat
emef rom mydaught
er.Theyare
eventakingmetoNigeri
afort
hatmatt
er.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
EYODWA
Rightaf
terourNovemberexamsont he4thof
NovemberChumaniwentt oPE.Todayit
'sthe3rd
ofDecembermeani nghei
scomingbackf rom t
he
bushes.
Thismont hhasbeenhellforme.I'm usedtohavi
ng
hi
m aroundmet hatIcouldn'tevenfuncti
on
proper
ly.Ican'
twaitt
oseehi m.

Onmybi rthdayhesentmeatextusi
nghi
sfat
her
's
cel
lphone.EngasembiRadebeguys.

Nt
lakanipho:
"makeitfastwehavet
obeatt
he
ai
rporti
nlike5minutes."

Heshouteddownstair
s.Iwi
llbegoingt
oPEwith
them.Myf amil
ywil
lgother
et omorr
ow.It
ookmy
smallsui
tcaseandrandownstair
s.

Iki
ssedmyf
ami
ly'
scheeks.

Me:
"byeseeyout
omor
row.
"
Them:
"bye.
"

Wer
ushedout
.

Sekani
:"
gir
lsar
eal
waysl
ate.
"

Wel
aughed.

Aphi
we:
"notmnakodwababy.
"

Wel
aughed.

Kel
vin:
"wewai
tedf
orl
ike30mi
nut
esf
oryou.
"

Wel
aughed.
Aphi
we:
"Idi
dn'
tsaycomeear
ly.
"

Kel
vin:
"butwet
oldyout
ober
eadyat3pm.
"

Me:
"t
hanwhyareyouguyssayi
ngI
'
mtheonet
hat
madeyoul
ate.
"

Wel
aughed.

Them:
"mxm v'
t
sek.
"

Wegottot
heai
rpor
tandpl
anet
ookof
f.Wegott
o
PEat5pm.

Sekani
:"
ataxii
swai
ti
ngf
orusout
side.
"

Me:"
what'
swi t
hyouguysandt
axi
sIswearyou
wanttobetaxidr
iver
s."
Them:
"l
aowyakho.
"
-
thatboyf
ri
endofyour
s.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"easyl
if
e.Hi
swor
dsnotmi
ne.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"nor
hsoyiowngoku.Ngubhut
t'
.Respectguys.
"

Them:
"mxm.
"

Wel aughed.Thet axitookwegott oUit

enhage.I
t
wasf unri
dingwi ththem.Theywer emakingjokes
hereandt here.Wegott ot hehouseandwenttoput
ourbagsatt heflatoutside.
Me:
"Iwi
llbebackj
ustnow.Sayot
hat
hamt
anam.
"
-
iwantt
otakemychi
ld.

Aphi
we:"
youwi
llf
indusatt
heshop.Wear
egoi
ng
t
oEmi hl
e."

Ichuckl
ed.

Me:
"nay'
thandindl
ela.
"

Wel
aughed.Iwal
kedoutt
otheki
tchen.

Ni
zi:
"yeke.I
namt
hat
heundipheki
sakakubi
."
-
good.Her
eshei
s,t
akeher
,Ican'
tevencook
pr
operl
y.
Weal
llaughedi
ntheki
tchen.

Me:
"mol
weni
."

Theygr
eet
edmeback.It
ookI
zi.

Let
habo:
"nobasewungxamel
engomso.
"
-
youmustbewai
ti
ngf
ort
ommor
ow.

Me:"
amont hai
n'taj
oke.Al
lIdi
dwaswakeup,
eat
andsleep.
"

Isai
dwi t
hawor
ri
edf
aceandt
heybur
stout
l
aughing.

Ri
ri
:"
sayl
onl
omt
hanaguys.Nt
on'
li
nyenziwor
ry.
"
-
thi
schi
ldi
scr
azy.Whatmakesyouwor
ri
ed.
Me:"
haiyenziwor
ryl
e.Ngxaki
iI'
m usedt
ohavi
ng
hi
m aroundme."

Zi
mi:
"atl
eastbeni
kenaphuml
afr
om di
kana.
"

Wel
aughed.

Nizi
:"
mxm Chumanil
obecelaqhophonekuSi
yaf
or
thet
haNaye.Besi
nyayidepr
essi
onphakwel
a
bhomolakheli
mnyama."

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.Mxm Ni
zi.

Me:
"hesentmeat
extonmybi
rt
hdaymoc.
"

Them:
"besi
nyaqa.
"
Welaughed.Istayedwit
hthem f
orabout15
minutesbef
oregoingtotheshopwit
hIzi
.Ihugged
Esi
hleandEmi hl
e.

Me:
"I
'm sur
eNkanyezibezakuweever
yday.
"

Theywer
eal
soher
e.Theyl
aughed.

Esi
hle:
"yayazi
ikl
k."
-
youknow

Welaughed.Hesai
dthatki
ssi
ngNkanyezi
'
s
f
orehead.

Me:
"nobabuf
unubuyel
awena.
"
-
maybeyouwant
edt
ogoback.

Emi
hle:
"ei
sh.Sesi
bul
elanj
ebael
apha.
"
-
wegr
atef
ult
hathi
sher
e.

Nt
lakani
phol
ookedher
.Wel
aughed.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"ngat
hikant
hibubusyngal
am owakho
mabi.
"
-
ihopeyouwer
en'
tbusywi
thyourugl
yboyf
ri
ends.

Wel
aughed.

Uvuyo:
"bebusyngawondi
kuxel
elewena
Ntl
akanipho.
"
-
shewasbusywi
tht
hem.

NkanyeziandEsi
hle:
"ser
ious.
"

Wel
aughed.
Emi
hle:
"zot
hembabanibaby?
"
-
whowi
llyout
rustbaby.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"bona.
"
-
them.

Emi
hle:
"shoke.
"

Welaughedatt
hem.Someonewal
kedt
otheshop
pl
ayi
ngthoseSkot
hanesongs.

Me:
"heendi
li
bel
enobani
ngokubokubokl
endawu.
"

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Me:
"noEsi
hlebendi
kendam bonaef
aki
plast
erkwi
car
vel
aenxi
beomathiabangaf
aniyoi
yipai
nted
ebl
uenel
astnumber.Ni
hambenidyol
aNkanyezi.
"

Iwaslyi
ngIdon'tevenknowi
fthathappenedornot
.
Theyburstoutl
aughing.

Esi
hle:
"aamarnaamar
nsundixokaEyodwa.Baby
bukewaybonawenal
onto?
"

Nkanyezi
:"
youj
ustgr
eenedmebr
o."
-
yandihl
azabr
o.

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Esi
hle:
"aamarnEmihl
ekhat
het
hiNyan'
.Andi
nayo
nePaintedebl
ue.
"

Me:
"l
ocol
ouri
yiyowet
hu.Bendicol
ourbl
inded
ngal
ami
ni.
'

Wel
aughed.

Esi
hle:
"aamar
nguyszangendasi
so.
"

Sekani
:"
Nyanisi
lekodwant
wanabendi
kendaku
bonaphoto.
lekwindawuengat
hit
ownhall
."
-
shetalki
ngt
hetrut
h.Isawyoui
napl
acet
hatl
ooks
l
ikeatownhall
.

Me:
"yeahbekupha.Ephenebl
each.
"

Them:
"bl
each?
"

Me:
"ndi
kuxel
elukxel
ela.
"
Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Uvuyo:
"mxm yaybaxangoku.
"

Me:"
heeseriousguys.Ndayazil
enntondi
ythet
hayo.
ngomgqibelobayapark.
eniyol
ahliwat
chyakwa
Markham ye350"

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Emi
hle:
"ndi
thenqazi
dukazonke.
"

Esi
hle:
"mxm ndoxel
elumamam.
"
-
iwi
llgoandt
ellmymom.

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.
Nkanyezi
:"
aaguymar
n."

Kel
vin:
"sam t
het
hel
eli
."

Wel
aughed.

Me:"
other
wisendadl
alaguys.Sanut
hat
hayonke
i
ntoseri
ous.
"
-
i'
mjustj
oki
ng.Don'
ttakeanyt
hingIsayser
ious.

Wel
aughed.
.
.
Wesangthewholeni
ght
.AndIwashavi
ngagreat
t
imetot
hepointwher
emyvoicedi
sappear
ed.

Theywer
enowsi
ngi
ngout si
dethegate,wait
ingf
or
themant
ocomeback.Uvuyobelinqal
athil
aka
Chumani
.Iwasj
ustst
andi
ngatt
hegat
ewi
thI
zi
cl
appi
ngmyhands.

Iwassofuckenti
redguysmyvoi
ceisevengone.
ButIwon'
tsleepIwantt
oseemybaby.Butwhen
Izii
ssl
eepi
ngIwi l
lgosl
eepwi
thher
.

Theycameandt hest
reetwasful
lnow.Hewas
cover
edinthosewhit
eblanket
sholdi
ngast
ickso
didUvuyo.

Yonkeint
obekufunekeyenzi
weyenzi
wa.Iwas
si
tt
ingnextt
ohim onagrassmatnowsincehe
wantedmenexttohim.

Hi
m:"
thankGodital
lcamet
oanend.Iwasl
osi
ng
mymindupther
e."

Wel
aughed.
Me:"
thatwastort
urebra.Amont
hwi
thoutyouwas
l
ikehel
l.Undiqel
isei
ntoembhi
."

Hi
m:"
nguwel
o."

Wel
aughed.

Him:"
phel
enevoicemyl
ove.Masigxot
heababant
u
ndaqi
beli
sak'
dal
a."
-
yourvoi
ceisgonemylove.Let
'schaseal
lthese
peopl
eout,
whenlastdi
dIgetsome.

Hesai
dlooki
ngathi
sdi
ck.Wel
aughed.

Me:
"can'
twai
ttot
ast
eyou.
"

Hi
m:"
let
'schaset
hem out
."
Me:
"aaRadebe.
"

Isai
dbr
ushi
ngi
sbol
dhead.Wel
aughed.

Hi
m:"
mxm kodwandi
mbiumna.
"

Me:"andawuxokimyl
ovenj
ebingat
hibuyeubi
tye
bi
tya."
-
andyounotl
yingmyl
ove,
youcamebackt
hin.

Isai
dhi
tt
inghi
sbar
echest
.

Hi
m:"
Eyodwasundiqel
a."
-
don'
tfuckwi
thme.

Me:
"aababyl
ookatyourmuscl
es.Theywer
ebi
g
l
ooknowt
heyar
esmal
l
."

Isai
dtouchi
ngt
hem.

Hi
m:"Ishoul
dhavestayedt
her
eforanot
hermont
h.
Ndi
buyeleuzogezel
wanguweapha."
-
icamebackt
obemockedbyyou.

Me:
"Xol
okebhut
t'hunny.
"

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Hi
m:"
bhut
t'Bae.
"

Me:
"ndaxxel
ela.
"
-
i'
mtel
li
ngyou.
Wel
aughed.

Me:
"l
etmesavet
hel
it
tl
evoi
ceIhavef
or
t
ommorow.
"

Hi
m:"
phuzekqal
a.Justaqui
ckpeck.
"

Ismil
edkissi
nghim.Wepull
edoutaf
termi
nut
es.
Heturnediti
ntoadeepki
ss.

Hi
m:"
Ial
mostt
houghtmyl
ipswer
eavi
rgi
nagai
n."

Wel
aughed.Mxm si
lel
obhut
ti
.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
73
-
-
-
-
-
-
CHUMANI
WewerenowbackatJohannesburg.Iwor
ethatf
ull
at
ti
reyam l
erhwal
aandiyandif
anelamaji
ta.

QhaEyodwaal
waysmocksmeandI '
m usedtoher
t
easi
ngme.Ifi
nditcut
e.Ipockedhernose.
Her
:"
leavemeal
one.
"

SheisangryatmebecauseIdon'twanttomake
breakf
astforher.Shesl
eptherl
astni
ghtaf
terher
gi
g.Biyi16klk.

Me:
"butyou'
rel
ayi
ngonmychestnow.
"

Isai
dopeni
ngandcl
osi
nghermout
h.

Her
:"
Bhut
t'hunnyndakcel
a."
-
please.

Me:
"yavaphabhut
t'
."
-
youher
ethatBhut
t'
.
Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
I'
m st
il
lol
dert
hanyouSi
r.
"

Me:
"whocar
es?
"

Her:
"Bhutt
'hunny,
bhut
t'bae,
bhutt
'sweet
hear
tcan
youpleasemakemebreakfast.
"

Welaughed.Ever
yti
meshewant
ssomet
hingshe
pr
aisesme.

Me:
"1mor
eroundt
hanIwi
llmakeyoubr
eakf
ast
."

Shesmi
rkedcl
imbingontopofme.Shecan'
tresi
st
menow.Aft
erasteamyroundIworemyoverall
.

Her
:"
bekhol
eover
all
."
-
thant
her
eist
hisover
all
.

Me:
"ndi
ngubhut
t'kl
k."

Her:
"mxm.Yi
str
uwhenyourti
mei
soveryouwi
llbe
ayel
lowboneyi
lombhol
a."

Me:
"yeahf
unaubengunomnyamanawedwa.
"
-
yesIwantyout
obeabl
ackboneal
one.

Shet
ooktheshoesonthefloorwandiqayangazo.I
wal
kedoutl
aughingducki
ngt heshoes.
.
.
Aft
ert
aki
ngashowert
oget
herIwor
emysui
tand
hat
.Shewor
eaDressfr
om Di
or.

Her
:"
yourhai
rgr
owsf
ast
."
Shesai
dtaki
ngofmyhatsi
nceshewasappl
ying
i
mbolaonmyf ace.

Me:
"I
'm aboy.Duh.
"

Wel
aughed.

Her:
"ni
namat
shambakanj
ani
i.Whyhatyakwa
Lacost
e?"

Me:
"nxi
beezant
oze50rumna?
"
-
mustIweart
het
hingsf
or50r

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Her:
"l
et'
sgoI'
m doneher
e.Yakncedal
embhol
a
causethesmal
lpimpl
esthatwer
eonyourf
orehead
ar
egonenow.
"

Me:"
goodcausebuzenzadoct
orpi
mpl
epopper
kum."
-
youwer
ebei
ngdoct
orpi
mpl
epopperonme.

Wel
aughed.

Her
:"
sayssomeonewhowaspoppi
ngmyf
orehead
j
ustafewminut
esago.
"

Me:"
nomar
nbaby.Thatpi
mpl
ewasbi
gandi
twas
i
rr
it
ati
ngme.
"

Her
:"
mypi
mpl
enotyour
s."

Ir
oll
edmyeyes.
Her
:"
awumbibhut
t'sweet
hear
t.
"
-
youugl
y.

SeeItol
dyou.CanIhaveanot hergi
rl
fr
iendplease.
Butdon'
ttellherIt
oldyou.Si
lel
oangam bulala
l
omtu.Wel aughed.

Me:
"mxm.
"

Sheki
ssedme.

Her
:"
let
'sgo.
"

Shesai
dpul
li
ngme.
-
-
-
-
-
-
EYODWA
Me:"
Ihaveabadfeeli
ngaboutt
hisdayguys.Li
ke
somethi
ngwil
lhappen."

Isai
ddri
nki
ngmyst
rongbow.Iwaswi
thmybr
o's
andAphi
we.Wewer
edrinki
ng.

Them:"yeahwehavereal
izedt
hatyounoteven
tal
kingthatmucht
oday."

Ihel
dmyhear
tandt
heyl
aughed.

Me:
"Idon'
ttal
kthatmuchguys.
"

Them:
"ar
eyousur
e?"
Wel
aughed.

Aphi
we:
"canyoupl
easetakemehome.Mybr
other
s
wantmether
easinli
keyester
day.
"

Me:
"l
et'
sgof orcarr
aci
ngdownt
own.Wewi
llsel
l
t
hecarthatIwin.
"

Them:
"phambene.
"

Me:
"pl
easeguys.
"

Theyl
aughed.

Chumani
:"
ifyoul
ose?
"
Me:
"Iwi
llgi
vet
hem t
hecart
henhi
jacki
tback.
"

Theybur
stoutl
aughi
ng.Ial
sol
aughed.

Kel
vin:
"nomar
naverygoodfr
iendofminedmed
mewi t
hthement
ali
nst
it
uti
onnumber."

Wel
aughedmor
e.

Chumani
:"
youdidagr
eatj
obman.Ihavebeen
want
ingt
hoseformont
hsnow.
"

Me:"
bhutt
'sweethear
tyoucan'tsayt
hatmeandyou
havebeentoget
herforayearand3monthsnow.
"

Onour1yearanniversar
y.Hebookedthewhol
e
rest
aurantf
orus.Anditwasagreatni
ght.Myman
i
ssor omanti
cbathong.
Chumani
:"
butyoumadl
ikecr
azy.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"mxm.
"

Heki
ssedmycheek.Theyl
aughedatme.

Me:
"l
et'
sgo.
"

Isai
dtaki
ngmyCi tiGol
fcarkey.Aphi
wecame
downwithherbag.ShecamewentbacktoPret
ori
a
aft
ermgidikaChumaniandcamebackhere1day
ago.
.
.
Wewer
edownt
ownnow.Icomeher
eever
yti
meI
'
m
str
essedout.Andt
odayI
'
mfeel
ingr
est
lessmaybe
thi
swillhel
p.

Sekani
:"
wewi
llwat
chyouout
sidewi
thot
her
peopl
e."

Inodded.Iki
ssedChumanibef
orehewal
kedout
.I
sal
utedZakes.

Hi
m:"
youwi
llber
aci
ngwi
thGar
niet
oday.
"

Me:
"youcan'
tbeser
iousTaZakes.Thatmandr
ives
f
ast
."

Hel
aughed.

Hi
m: "
Ihavef
ait
hinyou.Youalsodr
ivef
astandI
t
hinkyouwil
lwinhi
scar.Buthesai
difyouwinhe
wi
llgi
veyoumoney.
"

Inoddedandfistbumpedhi
m.Mycarwasstandi
ng
nextt
oGarnie'
s.Istar
tedmyengi
neandl
ookedat
hi
m.

Healsolookedatmeandst ar
tedhi
sto.Iwinked
befor
edrivi
ngoff.Hepassedmebutyaxoka.I
drovepassedhi
mt ooandgottothefi
nishi
ngline.

Igotoutandscr
eamed.Ever
yonewasshout
ingout
forme.Garni
estoppedhi
saft
eraf
ewseconds.

Hecamet
omeandwehugged.

Zakes:
"shi
ywamnt
anabr
a."

Wel
aughed.Zakesgavemeabagf
ullofmoney.
Me:"shomaji
ta.SayePr
etor
ia.Bendi
zohl
alai
f
bendingal
eqi
."
-
i'
mr ushi
ngtoPret
ori
a,Iwasgoi
ngt
ost
ayi
fI
wasn'ti
narush.

Isai
dbrohuggi
ngthem.Ipl
acedthebagi
nbootof
thecar
.Mybro'
sgotinandItookof
f.

Chumani
:"
soyoucomeher
eever
yti
me.Causet
hese
peopl
eknowyou.
"

Me:
"yeahwhenI
'
m st
ressedout
."

TheyChuckl
ed.

Aphi
we:
"i
sther
esomet
hingyoudon'
tdo?
"
Wel
aughed.

Me:
"yeahbal
let
."

Wel
aughed.
.
.
WegottoPretor
iaandItookAphiweinthehouse.I
j
ustwantedtogreatherbr
other
s.Ithasbeenalong
t
ime.Whentheycomet omyIdon'tgettimetotal
k
t
othem.

Me:
"babi
esI
'
m home.
"

Theyl
aughedcomingdownst
air
s.Ihuggedand
ki
ssedal
lthei
rcheeks.

Me:
"Ij
ustcamet
osayhi
.Ihavet
odr
ivebackt
o
Johannesbur
g.Il
oveyoual
l.
"

Isaidget
tingout
.NowI
'
m atease.Thatcarr
aci
ng
helpedalot.

Me:
"l
etmet
akeushome.
"

Them:
"wedwa.
"
-
onl
yyou.

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"whi
chcl
ubt
oday.
"

Kel
vin:
"Iwannagot
oashi
sanyamatodaysol
et'
s
gotothehoodwher
eyouusedtol
ivei
n."
Inoddedsmi l
ing.Idr
oveoff
.Wewer ehavinga
greatti
mechat t
ingupastor
ml aughing.Somethi
ng
burstedthewheelsandIl
ostcontrolofthecar
.And
i
thitthetree.

Weal
lbl
ackedouti
nthecar
.
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
75
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Nar
rat
ed
Lungel
owaswat
chi
ngt
henewsasal
ways.

Li
yema:
"kodwabuzbukel
engo5.
"
-
butyouwat
chedt
hem at5pm.

Theyl
aughed.

Lungel
o:"
eenebutZii
mportantwhati
fsomet
hing
happensandwenotwatchi
ng."

Ntsi
ka:"
butthi
sist
hesamet
hingt
hatwast
oldt
he
f
ir
sttime."
Nandi
:"
hambanol
ala.
'
-
gosl
eep.

Theyal
llaughed

Nt
sika:
"hai
bonobasi
zint
anganoEyodwa.
"
-
maybewear
ethesameageasEyodwa.

Lungel
o:"
uphi
khonal
owo?Causebet
hekum
uzobuyango6ngu7ngoku.
"
-
whereissheanyway?Becauseshesai
dshewi
llbe
backatsi
xandtheti
meis7now.

Nandi
:"
kamendi
m phone.
le.
"
-
letmecal
lher
.
-
-
-
-
-
Whil
eNi ziandSi
yawer
eint
hei
rownwor
ldt
hinki
ng
aboutchumani.

Uvuyo:
"younotevenwatchi
ngguys.Weal
lhave
beenwaiti
ngfortheseawar
ds.
"

NiziandSi
ya:
"sor
ry.Justt
hatI
'
m wor
ri
edabout
chumani.
"

Theyl
ookedateachot
herandChuckl
ed.

Nkanyezi
:"
youguyscoul
dn'
tevenheart
hatI
ziwas
cr
ying.
"

Ni
zi:
"wear
ereal
lysor
ryguys.Wepr
omi
sewewi
ll
bemor
efocusednow.
"

Siya:
"canyouratherr
ecordt
heawards.Orwecan
catchuplateron.Iwannawatcht
henews."

Nkanyezi
:"
yuuhndaba.
"
-
thenews.

Theylaughedatherf
aci
alexpressi
onevent
hough
thei
rheart
swerenotatease.

Si
ya:
"ndakcel
apr
incess.
"
-
pleasepr
incess.

Nkanyezi
:"
fi
ne.
"

Uvuyo:
"umna?
"
-
andme?

Theyl
aughed.

Si
ya:
"mxm v'
tsekkwedi
ni.
"

Hesai
dchangi
ngt
onews.
-
-
-
-
-
LethaboandTTont
heot
herhandcoul
dn'
teven
focusatwork.

Nurse:
"sorr
yDr.ViceyougaveMr .Mhlongothe
wrongpill
s.Yousupposetogivehim Highbl
ood
pr
essurepill
sbutyougavehim Lowbl oodpr
essur
e
pi
ll
s."

Lethabo:"
sorr
yjustthatmymi ndisal
lovert
he
place.Ican'
tevenfocusproperl
y."

Shesaidgi
vingthenursel
owbl
oodpr
essur
epill
s.
ThenursewalkedoutandTTwal
kedi
nandsighed
l
ayingdownont hebed.

Lethabo:
"Idon'tknowwhyIkeeponmaki
ng
mistakestoday."

TT:"
Igavethepat
ient
sthewr
ongpi
ll
sfort
he6t
h
ti
menow. "

Lethabo:
"Ial
mostl ostapat
ientshehadaseizur
e
becauseofthet r
eatmentIgaveher.ThankGodDr.
Thomaswast here.
"
TT:"
youknowwhatlet
'sgohomebef
oreweact
ual
ly
causemoretr
oubl
e."

Theylaughed.Theypackedt
hei
rthi
ngsandwal
ked
outoftheoffi
ce.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Ayol
aandCagewer
ewi
tht
hei
rlastbor
nLi
hle.

Ayol
a:"
Lihl
ewher
eist
her
emot
econt
rol
?"

Theyhavebeenoutthewhol
eday.Theyj
ustgot
backfr
om Sowetother
ewasaceremonyther
efrom
Cage'
ssideoft
hefamily.
Li
hle:
"Sekaniwast
hel
astper
sonwhohadi
tbef
ore
weleft
."

Cage:
"sosi
zobukel
u1ngoku.
"
-
sowewi
llwat
chSABC1now.

Theyl
aughed.

Ayol
a:"
ndabast
il
l.
'
-
thenewsst
il
l.

Li
hle:
"Iwi
llf
etcht
heonei
nyourr
oom t
han.
"

Ayol
a:"
letmej
ustcal
lSekanif
ir
st.Justt
osaveyour
ener
gy."
Shecal
ledhi
m 5t
ime'
sbuti
trangunanswer
ed.

Ayol
a:"
that
'sodd.Sekanial
waysanswer
shi
scal
ls.
"

Cage:
"t
ryAphi
we'
s.Oro'
Ntl
akani
pho.
"

Ayol
a:"
letmet
ryAphi
wef
ir
st.
"

Shecal
ledher
.

Aphi
we:
"MakaYonwaba.
"

Ayol
a:"
heybaby.I
sSekaninearyousomehow?
"

1thi
ngaboutTheStackswivest
heygetal
ongwi
th
t
heirchi
ldr
ensgi
rl
fr
iends.Theyl
ovet
hem somuch.
Aphiwe:
"no.I
'minPretor
ia.Theylef
talongti
me
ago.Buthisnotansweri
ngmyt extsorcal
lsandi
f
hasbeen2hour snow."

Ayol
a:"
okayEnkossisweet
ie.
"

Shedi
sconnect
edt
hecal
l.

Ayol
a:"
nowI'
m gett
ingwor
ried.Theywer
ein
Pret
ori
a2hoursagoandit
'sunlikehi
mtonot
answerhi
scal
ls.
"

Cagel
ookedatherwor
ri
edt
oo.
-
-
-
-
-
Nobunt
u:"
babyt
imef
ort
henews.
"

NobuntuandMi keal
wayswatchesthenewssince
i
t'
simportantforthem t
oknowt hei
rsur
roundi
ngs
becauseoftheirworkchoi
ces.

It
'si
mportantfort
hem t
obeupdatedabout
ever
ythi
ng.RememberMi kei
sajudgeandnobunt
u
i
sanadvocat e.

Mi
ke:
"I
'm comi
ng.
"

Mi
kewentt
ocuddl
ewi
thhi
swi
feont
hecouch.

Nobunt
u:"youknowKel
vinshouldbebackbynow.
Hepromisedtocomebackearlytoday.
"

Mi
ke:
"maybet
heygothel
dupsomewher
e.You
knowhowboysar
e."

Nobunt
u:"
let
'shopeso.
"

Mi
ke:
"nowl
et'
sconcent
rat
e."

Hesai
dgi
vingNobunt
uapeck.
-
-
-
-
-
Ast
heywer
eal
lwat
chi
ngt
henews.

Newsr eport
er:
"namhlanj
eeSandtonusukaePit
oli
kukhoingozikuM1.kulemotobekukhoabant
u
abayi
-5intombazanaenyeeqhubakunyene-4guys.
kuthi
wa1yamakhwenkweukubangumnt wana
kaSi
yamt handaPlaatj
ies.I
ndodayamashi
shi
ni.
Kodwai i
ngxeloazi
qini
sekanga.Kwaye
abaqi
nisekangangentoeyenzekil
eyo.
..
"

Them:
"what
!!
"

Theyallscr
eamedatt hesametime.Theladi
es
cr
ied.Theyrushedtothehospit
al.AsLet
haboand
TTwer eabouttowalkout.St
ret
cherswerebought
i
n.

Wit
ht heboysandEyodwa.Theywerestuckonone
1placelooki
ngatt
heirl
if
elessbodi
es.

Coul
dthi
sbet
heendoft
hei
rli
fe'
s?
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted .
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
76
-
-
-
-
-
-
Nar
rat
ed
LethaboandTTwerest
il
lst
uckin1place.Tears
streameddownLet
habo'
sface.Ast
heywer esti
ll
standingt
her
etheot
herpar
entswal
kedint oo.

Ni
zi:
"baphi
?"
-
wher
ear
ethey?

Shesai
dbreakingdown.Let
haboandTTsnapped
outoft
hei
rdream worl
d.

Let
habo:
"wast
hatmyson?
"

Shesaidshaki
ngandcryi
ng.TTrantotheER
(emergencyr
oom)butwaskickedoutashecan'
t
takecareoft
hatMat
tercause.Hewil
lbeto
emotional
.

Theyallwenttothewait
ingr
oom.Thedoct
or
walkedout.Theyall
jumpedtohi
m.

Doct
or:
"canyoual
lpl
easesi
gnt
hesepaper
s.Forus
t
ooperate.
"
Theyal
lgrabbedthepaper
sandst
art
edsi
gni
ng
wit
houtevenlooki
ngatwhati
swri
tt
en.

Let
habo:
"don'
tsi
gnt
hel
astpapert
hat
'saDNR(
do
notr
esusci
tat
e)"

Shesaidbreaki
ngdown.Theyjustnoddedandgave
thepaper
sbackt ot
hedoctor
.

Siya:
"howcanthi
shappen.Eyodwai snota
carel
essdri
ver
.Iknowf orafactt
hatsheisnot1.
Sheisagreatdri
veri
nfact.
"

Theyal
llookedathi
m.Heshookhi sheadtr
yingt
o
thi
nkwhatcouldhavepossi
blyHappened.

TT:
"wasshet
heonedr
ivi
ng?
"
Theyal
lnodded.

Let
haboandNandi
:"
doyouhaveanewenemy
per
haps?
"

Theyshookt
hei
rheads.

Siya:"
itwasnotevenadri
nkanddri
vesi
tuat
ion.I
'
m
defini
tel
ysurethatt
hiswasst
agged.
"

Ni
zi:
"l
et'
snotwor
ryaboutthatnowandjustf
ocus
onmakingsur
ethatourchil
drenar
efi
ne."

Theynodded.Theysati
nSilenceandtheirsobs
weremakinganoise.Af
ter3hoursofwai t
ingand
them l
oosi
ngthei
rpati
entst
hedoct orf
inall
ywalked
out.
Them:
"howar
ethey?
"

Doctor:"
wemanagedt osavet hem.Ms.Langahasa
brokenlegand3r ibbones.Shewasl uckyt hatthe
bonewas1cm awayorwewoul dhavel osther.Mr.
Plaatj
iesbrokeanar m nothi
ngmaj oralsoMr .
Wi l
li
ams.Mr .Vi
cehi thisheadhar dcausi nghi mto
bleedintheinsi
debutwest oppedt hebl eedingand
heissuf f
eri
ngfrom closedbraini nj
uryt hatwilll
ast
for4week.Iwon' tgoi nt
odetailsincesMr .AndMr s.
ViceknowwhatI 'mt alki
ngabout .Andl astlyMr .
Layi.Helostalotbloodbutwewer eablet o..
."

:
"Dr.Thomasweneedyoui
ntheER.Wel
oosi
ngMr
.
Layi!
!"

Sai
dtheint
ercom i
nthecorr
idor
s.Ayol
aandCage
wentcr
azywhileDr.Thomasranbackt
otheER.

Ayol
a:"
Ican'
tlosemyson!
"
Shesai
dbr
eaki
ngdown.Cagehuggedher
.

Cage:
"wewon'
tlosehi
m."

Nandi
:"
canwepl
easepr
ayf
orhi
m."

Theyallhel
dhandsandpr
ayed.Af
teranhour
.
DoctorThomascameout.

Ayol
a:"
howi
smysondoct
or?
"

Doctor
:"
helostalotofbl
oodandheneedablood
donorwit
hhisbloodtypeorhewi
lldi
e.Heneeds
thi
sbloodASAP."

Them:
"wewi
lldot
hedonat
ion.
"
Theyfol
lowedthedoctortothelap.Theytook
ever
yone'sbl
oodsampl es.Theyallwai
tedindoct
or
Thomas'soff
icepaci
ngar ound.

Hegoti
n.

Dr:
"I
'vegotbadnews.Youal
lar
enotmat chshi
saO
negati
veandyouguysareOposit
ives.
"

Theyal
llookedathimindi
sbel
iefandAyolaf
ainted.
Thenewst hedoct
ortol
dthem br
okethei
rheart
s
i
ntopei
ces.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted .

#RI
P?? CauseIsmel
laf
uner
alsoon.
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
77
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Nar
rat
ed
Ayol
awast
akeni
n.

Cage:
"doc.i
sn'
tther
eanybl
ooddonat
edbyanyone
her
einthishospi
tal
?"
Theywereal
linAyol
a'
swar
dandshej
ustwokeup
cr
ying.

Doct
or:
"t
heyar
est
il
llooki
ngf
orhi
sbl
oodt
ype.
"

:
"Wher
eismyson!
!?"

Sai
dabreakingdownvoi
cebehindthem.Theyall
l
ookedbackonlytofi
ndStar
fi
re.Rememberher?
YeahsheisSekani
'smot
her.

Cage:
"whatt
hef
uckdoyouwanther
e?"

St
arf
ir
e:"
Iwantmyson.
!!
"

Shesai
dbr
eaki
ngdown.
Ayol
a:"
youdon'
thaveasonher
e."

Star
fi
re:
"don'
tst
artwit
hmewebot hknowt
hat
Sekanii
smyson.I '
m hermot
her
."

Ayol
a:"
oohpl
easetheoneyoul
eftwi
thme.Youcal
l
t
hatbeingamother
."

Lungelo:
"canyoual
ljustkeepquietandf
ocuson
fi
ndingSekani'
sbl
oodt ype.Whatifhedi
esor
something?"

Hesai
dbol
dly.Andi
twentqui
et.

St
arf
ir
e:"
youcant
estme.Ican'
tlosemyson.
"

Doct
or:
"f
oll
owme.
"
Shef
oll
owedthedoctor
.Aft
er5minutesthedoct
or
camebackal
onesinceStar
fi
rewastakenin.

Doc:
"Ihavegotgoodnews.Shei
sthesameblood
t
ypeashi m.Sowewillbedoi
ngtheoper
ati
onnow."

Withthatsai
dhewalkedout
.Theywereal
lthankf
ull
butAyolawasalit
tl
ebitj
eal
ous.Af
ter2hoursof
waiti
ngthedoct
orcameback.

Doctor
:"
wemanagedtosavehi
m.Hei
sst
il
l
unconsci
oust
hough.
"

Theyallt
hankedGod.Ever
yonewentt
othei
rchi
ld'
s
ward.
-
-
-
-
-
{
Weekl
ater
}
-
NKANYEZI
Me:
"mhh.
"

Isai
danswer
ingmyphone.

:
"Phuma.I
'
m out
side.
"

Il
ookedatt
hecal
leri
twasEsi
hle.

Me:
"baby.
"

Hegi
ggl
ed.
Him:"
Icameback40mi
nut
esagopl
easecome
outsi
de.Imi
ssyou.
"

Me:
"gi
veme5mi
nut
es.

Hi
m:"
Iwi
llwai
tforyou.
"

Idr
oppedt hecal
landjumpedofbed.Iwenttothe
bat
hroom tocheckifmyfacei
ssti
llf
ine.Ibr
ushed
myteeth.Andrandownstai
rssi
nceIwasal r
eady
weari
ngmysandl c.

WellEyodwaissti
llunconsci
oustheother
swoke
upandt heyar
edischarged.Theyal
lspentthei
r
Chri
stmasdaysthere.ItwassuchadullChrist
mas.
CauseLastyearwespentChr i
stmasdaytogether
.

:
"Wher
eyougoi
ng?
"
Il
ookedbackandmyPar
ent
swer
epl
ayi
ngwi
thI
zi
att
helounge.

Me:
"Esi
hle.
"

Si
ya:
"shot
aIziat
hinayeuyaphumangoku.
"
-
onl
yIzii
slef
ttosayshe'
sout
.

Welaughed.Iwal
kedout
.Andsawhi
sfat
her
'scar
.I
goti
n.

Me:
"Myl
ove.
"

Hi
m:"
Nkwenkweziyam.
"

Ismi
ledandwekissed.Hedrovetothepar kwi
thus
j
ammi ngonGi
veon'ssongs.Hi
sourf avori
tear
ti
st.
Ourf
avori
tepl
ayedheartbr
eakanniversar
y.
Wesangt
hesongt
oget
her
.

Him:
"hol
donwhyar
ewel
ist
eni
ngt
ohi
mli
kewe
depr
essed?
"

Wel
aughed.Wegott
othepar
kandwentt
osi
ton
t
hegr
ass.

Me:
"yout
heonet
hatmademel
ist
ent
oGi
veon.
"

Hi
m:"
whyar
eyoubl
ami
ngmef
ort
hat
?"

Me:
"youratf
aul
t.YouknowCr
aigusedt
o."

Il
ookedathim.Andhelookedatmewi tht
hat
'
cont
inuetal
kingshi
tandyouwillsee'
Hi
m:"
mxm.
"

Hetookouthi
sphoneandplayedwi
thi
t.It
ri
ed
ki
ssi
nghim buthej
ustl
ookedatme.Il
aughed.

Me:
"babyI
'
m sor
ryf
orment
ioni
nghi
m."

Hedidn'tevenrespondt
omehej ustcont
inued
answeri
nghi smessages.Itr
iedkissi
nghim agai
n
buthejustduckedthekiss.

Me:
"okay.I
'
m si
ngl
e"

Isai
dget
ti
ngup.Buthepul
ledmeandIf
allont
op
ofhi
m.

Hi
m:"
v't
sekyounotsi
ngl
edon'
tpi
ssmeof
f.
"
Wit
hthatsai
dhekissedme.Webothl
aughed
ki
ssi
ng.Hebiteme.Kabuhl
ungu.

Me:
"mmhouch.
"

Hi
m:"
yaqel
anawe.
"

Heki
ssedme.Mxm sayl
onl
omt
hana.
-
-
-
-
-
CHUMANI
IknowhaveaslingonmyRi
ghtar
m.Andi t
's
dif
fi
cul
tformetousemylef
tar
m sinceI
'
m ar i
ght
handedperson.
Weal lgotbadlyinj
uredt
here.Iwonderwhatwent
wrongcauseIknowf orafactthatEyodwai
sn'
ta
carel
essdr i
ver.Youcanevenseet hewayshe
dri
vesamot t
obike.

Somethinghappenedtothet
ir
es.Igottothe
hospi
talsi
nceIwantedtoseeEyodwa.Ithasbeen
2daysnowsi nceIhavebeendischar
ged.Ivi
sither
ever
yday.

Igottoherwar
dandshewasl ookingup.Iquickly
rantoherandgaveherabonecrackinghug.
Thoughthehugfel
tdif
fer
entIbr
ushedt hatf
eeling
off
.

Her
:"
ouch.
"

Il
etgoofher
.
Me:
"sor
ryj
ustt
hatImi
ssedyou.
"

Her
:"
Imi
ssedyout
oo.
"

Shesai
dfor
cingasmi
le.

Me:
"whenar
eyouget
ti
ngdi
schar
ged?
"

Her
:"
Idon'
tknowokay?
!"

Shejustsnapped.Il
ookedatherandstoodup.
What'
swr ongwithher?Sheneversnapsatmefor
noreason.

Her
:"
Radebe.
"

Il
ookedather
.
Her:
"I
'm sor
ry.Idi
dn'
tmeant osnapatyou.Idon'
t
knowwhatgoti nt
ome.Pleaseforgi
veme."

Inoddedsmil
ingandwentt
ositnextt
oher.We
ki
ssed.Ther
ewasn'tt
hatel
ect
ri
csparkanymor
e.

Me:
"Il
oveyou.
"

Her
:"
Iloveyout
oo.
"

Wesmi
ledl
ooki
ngdeepi
neachot
her
'seyes.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted .
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
78
-
-
-
-
-
-
CHUMANI
Thewhol
efami
lywal
kedi
n.

Eyodwa:
"mybaby.
"

Shesaidl
ooki
ngatIzi
.Iziputherhandsupf
orher
AndsiyagaveherI
zi.
Me:
"butI
'
m yourbaby.
"

Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:
"doyoucr
yatni
ght
?"

Theyl
aughedatme.

Me:
"ndi
zokuboni
sayi
str
u."

Shel
ookedatmeandweal
llaughed.

Mybr
o's:
"heys.
"

Theysaidhi
tt
ingherhangi
ngl
eg.Theonet
hatwas
broken.
Eyodwa:
"mi
nqundu.
"

Wel
aughed.

Si
ya:
"howi
syou?
"

Wel
aughedcauseheal
sohi
therl
eg.

Nandi
:"
nomanmnt
anam l
oni
mbet
hayo.
"
-
thi
sismychi
ldt
hatyouhi
tt
ing.

Shesai
dhi
tt
ingal
loft
hem.Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:"IwonderwhyIwoke.Iwasst
il
lmaking
propershoesforMosesnotezambadadazesand
zakhe."
-
thosesandsandl
c.

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Snakes:
"youwi
llneverchange.Igi
veyou.
"

TT:
"meandyoubr
omeandyou.
"

Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:
"ser
ious.Noahbengaf
unisi
xel
enegusha
pha."
-
noahdi
dn'
twantust
osl
aught
erasheept
her
e.

Wel
aughedmor
e.

Lungel
o:"
Let
habokazeezawayzi
kwenza
unconsci
ousmar
n."

Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:
"dad.
"

Wel
aughedatherf
aci
alexpr
essi
on.

Sekani
:"kodwanyanisi
leguys.Judasbesendi
thengi
sil
enithikut
henindi
buyil
e."
-shei
stal
kingt
hetr
uth.Whydoyout
hinkI
'
m back
Judasbet
rayedme.

Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:
"cel
iMal
iyam yakwaRAFi
zekum.
"
-
canmoneyf
rom RAFcomet
ome.
Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.
-
-
-
-
-
KELVI
N
Me:"
doyouguysper
hapsneedf
oodf
rom t
he
caf
eter
ia?
"

Theyal
lshookt
hei
rheads.

Eyodwa:
"meat
."

Webur
stoutl
aughi
ng.
Me:
"mxm.
"

Iwalkedout.Wehavebeenhereforawhil
enow.I
walkedtothecafeandboughtSpri
tef
ormysel
f.As
Iwast ur
ningIbumpedintosomeoneandmydrink
fal
lcausingamessont hefl
oor.

Me:
"whatt
hef
uck.
"

Thatgir
ljustst
oodtherewit
houtsayi
ngawor d.I
l
ookedatherwai t
ingforasorr
y.butIgotl
ostinher
eyes.

Me:
"whatcan'
tyout
alk?
"

Imanagedt osnapoutofmyt
hought
s.Shei
sso
fuckenbeauti
fulnocap.
Shenoddedsadl
y.

Me:
"whatdoyoumeanyoucan'
ttal
k?"

Shej
ustshr
ugged.Shei
sser
ious.

Me:
"what
'syourname?
"

Isaidwit
hmyhands.GuysIcant
alksi
gnl
anguage.
Itakel
essonsonl
ine.

:
"Si
ndy!Ohyouher
e.Whatt
hef
uckdi
dyoudonow.
"

Si
ndygi
rl
:"
itwasami
stake.Ibumpedi
ntohi
m."

Shet
alkedwi
thherhands.
Thatgi
rl
:"
I'
m sosor
rybhut
t'
."

Shesai
dgi
vingmea20rnot
e.

Me:
"noi
t'
sfi
ne.Iwi
llbuymysel
fanot
herone.
"

Theysmi
led.Mhl
eSi
ndyguys.

Me:
"t
akecar
e."

It
alkedwithmyhands.Si
ndywasbl
ushi
ng.I
walkedbacktot
heward.Igoti
nsmi
li
ng.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"wancuma?
"

Onl
ymybr
o'swer
elef
tnow.
Me:
"Ij
ustmetmysoul
mat
e."

Theybur
stoutl
aughi
ng.

Sekani
:"
nomor
etapandpass?
"

Yeahaf
terUmi
'
sdeat
hIwentbackt
omyol
dhabi
ts.

Me:
"yeah.Theonl
ypr
obl
em i
sthatshecan'
ttal
k."

Them:
"can'
ttal
k?"

Me:
"yeahshei
smut
e."

Theyl
aughed.

Me:
"Icant
alksi
gnl
anguageguyshai
bo.
"
Them:
"huh?
"

Wel
aughed.

Eyodwa:"
Wonder
sshal
lneverendonear
th.Kwaze
l
aphi?"

Me:
"onl
inecl
assesguys.
"

Theyl
ookedatmeshocked.

Nt
lakani
pho:
"i
zmangazashi
yana.
"

Wel
aughed.
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted

Sor
ryf
ort
heshor
tinser
t.
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
79
Semi
-f
inal
-
-
-
-
-
-
SEKANI
Thef
oll
owi
ngday.IwasatMuggandBeanenj
oyi
ng
mybr
eakf
asther
e.

Iwi
llbegoi
ngtoPr
etor
iaaf
tert
his.Imi
ssmybaby
somuchalt
houghIsawher2daysago.

Someonesati
nf r
ontofme.Ilookedonl
ytobemet
byawhit
elady.Shehasgreeneyesli
kemine.She
hasmynosetoo.

Me:
"howcanIhel
pyou?
"

Her:
"Ican'
tbel
ievet
hatt
heykeptmeawayf
rom my
son.
"

Me:
"whatdoyoumeant
hatI
'
m yourson?
"

Shewi
pedhert
ear
s.
Her
:"I
'm yourmot
her
.Yourf
ather
'swi
fei
sn'
tyour
mother.
"

Me:"Iknow.Butyoubei
ngmybi ologi
calmot
her
doesn'tmeanyoumymot her
.Wher ewereyoual
l
theseyearswhenAyolawastakinggoodcareof
me? "

Her:
"IknowIwasn'
tther
e.Yourfat
herchasedme
awayandt hr
eat
enedtokil
lme."

Inodded.

Her:
"Iwasthi
nki
ngper hapswecoul
dhavea
rel
ati
onshi
p.Iwouldreall
yappr
eci
atei
t.I
thasbeen
15yearssi
nceIlastsawyou."

Me:
"Iguesswecant
ry.
"
Shesmi
ledgenui
nel
y.

Her:
"t
hankyousomuch.Al
waysknowt
hatIl
ove
youokay?
"

Ij
ustnodded.Imeanl
ikeIj
ustmetherIcan'
tlove
heral
ready.

Her
:"
goodthi
ngIcameinti
meatthehospi
talorwe
woul
dhavethi
soppor
tuni
tynow.
"

Me:
"whatdoyoumean?
"

Her:
"youlostalotofbl
oodandever
yonewasn'
t
yourbloodtypeandIwassoyeah."

Ismi
led.
Me:
"ThankyouIguess.
"

Shenoddedsmi
li
ng.

Her
:"
Ihavet
ogo.
"

Me:
"canIhaveyournumberper
haps.
"

Her
:"
yeahwhynot
."

Shewr ot
eitdown.Istoodupandgaveherahug.
GuysI'm agoodheart
edperson.Andsheneeded
theassurancet
hatI'
m wil
li
ngtomeetherhalf
way.

Thehugl
ast
edl
ongert
hanexpect
ed.

Her
:"
IloveyouSekani
."
Shesai
dwal
kingout
.Ismi
ledsi
tt
ingdown.
-
-
-
-
-
-
KELVI
N
Iwenttothehospi
talsi
nceIhavetotakeofmy
sl
ingnow.Idideveryt
hingandwentout.Ibumped
i
ntoSindy.

Iwavedsmi
li
ngstoppi
ngherf
rom wal
kingaway.
Shewavedback.

Me:
"howar
eyou?
"
Keepinmindwear
eusi
ngourhandst
otal
k,Si
gn
Language.

Her
:"
I'
m gr
eatandyou?
"

Me:
"awesomesi
nceIj
ustsawyou.
"

Shebl
ushed.

Her
:"
what
'ssoawesomeaboutseei
ngme?
"

Me:"
ever
ythi
ngaboutyou.Yoursobeaut
if
ulbyt
he
way.
"

Her:
"you'
ret
hef i
rstguytoactual
lysaythatact
ual
ly
you'
rethefi
rstguythathaseverspokentome."

Ipunchedt
heai
r.Shehel
dhermout
hindi
cat
ing
t
hatshei
slaughi
ng.Hervoi
cemustbeangel
ic.

Me:
"canIt
akeyouout
?'

Her
:"
whatwi
llyoudowi
thamut
egi
rll
ikeme?
"

Me:
"Iwi
lldoever
ythi
ngIdowi
thagi
rlt
hati
sn'
t
mut
e."

Shel
ookeddownsmi
li
ng.

Me:
"pl
ease.
"

Her
:"
fi
ne.
"

Me:
"canIhaveyournumber
."
Her
:"
givemeyourphone.
"

Igavei
ttoher
.Shepunchedi
nhernumber
.

Me:
"Iwi
llf
acet
imeyou.
"

:
"Si
yol
ice"

Someoneyel
ledf
rom behi
ndshel
ookedback.

Me:
"what
'syournameexact
ly?
"

Her
:"
bot
hoft
hem ar
emyname'
s.
"

Me:
"okaybye.
"

Isai
dhuggi
ngher
.Shehuggedmebackandhel
d
metight
ly.Ial
sohuggedhert
ight
lyki
ssi
ngher
f
orehead.Sheisshor
tert
hanme.

Me:
"Takecar
e"

Isai
dlet
tinghergo.Shesmi l
edgoing.Il
ovethat
MuteGir
l.Isai
dwat chingherwalki
ngaway.She
l
ookedatmeandsmi ledagain.
-
-
-
-
-
APHI
WE
Sam:
"whenl
astdi
dyouspeakt
oEyodwa.
"

Me:
"2daysago.Shei
sst
il
lint
hehospi
tal
."
Vusi
:"
shei
saf
ight
er.
"

Justt
hantherewasaknockonthedoor.Justt
han
MamuNomondogoti nwithal
adylooki
ngl i
keme.
GuysIlookl
ikebot
hofmyparentsbutmostlyt
his
woman.

Weal
lst
oodup.

Thatl
ady:
"sher
eal
lyi
smyt
winschi
ld.Ooh
mntanam.
"

Shesai
dhuggi
ngme.Iwasj ustst
acki
nonepl
ace.
Shel
etgo.Weallsatdown.

Me:
"what
'shappeni
ngher
e?"

Nomonde:
"r
ememberwhenIsai
dyoul
ookl
ike
someone?
"

Inodded.Shehasbeensayi
ngt
hatever
ysi
nceshe
star
tedworki
nghere.

Nomonde:
"Iwasact
ual
lyr
efer
ri
ngt
oher
.Shei
s
yourmot
her'
stwi
n."

Tear
sst
reameddownmyf
ace.

Me:
"Ineedsomef
reshai
r.
"

Isaidgett
ingout.whyi sshecomingonlynow?I
don'tunderst
andwhyl if
eisli
kethi
ssomet i
mes.
Alsomyf athernevercametolookforus.

Iwal
kedoutt
hegat eandsawSekani
'
scarpull
ing
over
.Ir
antohim andcri
edmyeyesout.Hegave
meat
ighthug.

Hi
m:"
what
'swr
ong?
"

It
oldhi
m ever
ythi
ng.

Me:"Imeanwhydi dtheysearchforusallt
hese
years.Mysi stersevendied.Maybejustmaybeif
theylookedf orus.OsiandUmiwoul dhavebeen
ali
vebynow.I 'M sorr
ybutdon'tneedmybi ol
ogi
cal
family.Ihavebeenf i
newithoutthem f
or17years.
Allt
heydoi sdest r
oyme."

Hi
m:"
ever
ythi
ngwi
llbef
inebabydon'
twor
ryokay.
"

Inodded.

Hi
m:"
Iunder
standyourangerr
ightnowbutwhen
youi
ntherightst
ateofmi
ndyouwillj
usthearher
si
deofthestoryt
hendeci
dewhatyouwant."

Ismi
ledandnodded.Hewi
pedmyt
ear
s.

Hi
m:"
Iloveyou.
"

Me:
"Il
oveyout
oo.
"

Weki
ssed

Him:"
seemsl
ikebot
hourMot
her
shavecameback.
Ial
sosawminetoday.
"

Wel
aughed.

Me:
"whatHappened?
"
Het
oldmewhathappened.

Me:
"gi
vingherachance?
"

Henodded.

Hi
m:"
youknowI
'
m agoodhear
tedper
son.
"

Ismi
lednoddi
ng.

Me:
"wi
shIhadyourhear
t.
'

Hi
m:"
youdoact
ual
ly.
'

Wel
aughedki
ssi
ng.
-
-
-
-
-
-
CRAI
G
Somyf at
herwasagai
nstmyr
elat
ionshi
pwit
hStar
.
HesaysthePlaat
ji
esf
amil
yar
ecriminal
s.Hi
sa
commissi
oner.

Weusedtofightever
yti
meaboutmyrel
ati
onshi
pto
t
hepointwherehesentmetoamili
tar
yschool.

Ihat
ehimforthi
s.Hedidn'
tevenl
etmesay
goodbyet
oStar.Ihat
ehim somuch.

Howcanhesepar
atemef rom t
hel
oveofmyl i
fe.I
sawafut
urei
nStar.Idon'
tbl
ameherifsheact
uall
y
moveson.

ThewayIlef
twasn'
tther
ightwayatall
.I'
mfi
ll
ed
wit
hsomuchhatredandthat'
sbecauseofmy
sper
m donor
.
-
-
-
-
-
-
NKANYEZI
Esihl
e:"
babyrel
axhowam Igoi
ngt
ocutyournai
lsi
f
you'r
etense.
"

Me:
"whati
fyoucutmebymi
stake?
"

Hel
ookedatmeandwel
aughed.
Him:
"Iwon't
.Youalsoknowt
hatIwoul
dneverhur
t
youi
ntent
ional
ly.
"

Me:
"okayI
'
mrel
axednow.
"

Hecutt
hem agai
n.

Him:"
givemet
hebl
acknai
lpol
ish.I
tgoeswel
lwi
th
yourskin.
"

Idi
d.Hepai
ntedmyt
oenail
s.Whenhewasdonehe
cametodomyhandnai
ls.

Him:"
goodthi
ngthatyouhavel
ongnai
lsi
twi
llbe
l
ikeyouputonnail
s."

Hesai
dmaki
ngmynai
lsst
rai
ghtwi
thanai
lbuf
fer
.
GuysEsi
hleisgoodinwhathei sdoi
ng.Whenhe
wasdoneheappliednailpol
ish.Hegott
omylef
t
handandsli
ppedinaring.

Iopenedmyeyesli
kespeedofli
ghtni
ng.Il
ookedat
myf i
ngerandt
her
ewasar ingwit
handinfi
nit
y
symbol.I
twasaplai
nri
ng.

Il
ookedathi
m witht
ear
sinmyeyes.Hesmi
led
wi
pingmytears.

Hi
m:"
Iloveyouokay.
"

Me:
"Il
oveyoumor
e."

Isaidkissinghi
m.Thi
ngsgotheatedt
her
estwas
hist
ory.Ijustl
ostmyVir
gini
ty.Wewer
eathi
s
house.
Hi
m:"
thankyouf
ort
rust
ingmewi
thyourVi
rgi
nit
y."

Me:
"i
twaswor
thi
tlosi
ngi
ttot
hel
oveofmyl
if
e."

Hi
m:"
yourf
utur
ehusbandyoumean.
"

Wewereactual
lyt
aki
ngabat
hnow.It
urnedar
ound
andki
ssedhim.
-
-
-
-
-
-
CHUMANI
Eyodwa:"
befor
etaki
ngmehomelet
'sst
artatyour
house.Imissyouphysi
cal
ly.
"
Il
ookedatherandwel
aughed.

Me:
"l
et'
sgo.
"

Wewal kedout.Shehadacastandshewasusing
cr
utches.butwithonehandsi
ncetheot
herhada
sl
ing.

Wewal
kedoutandIwaswal
kingi
nfr
ontofher
.

Me:"
Iwi
llcomeandhelpmeWal
know.Justwanna
putt
hebagsint
he..
..
"

Shescreamedfr
om behind.Il
ookedbackandacar
hither
.Idr
oppedever
ythingIwasholdi
ngandran
toher.
Tearswerealr
eadystr
eamingdownmyf ace.I
shookherandmzi mbabebuyawonke.Thedri
ver
gotoutandfai
nted.

Thepar
amedi
cscameandcheckedherpul
se.

Them:
"t
imeofdeat
h15:
49.
"

Icr
iedmor
e.

Me:
"babyyou'
renotdead.Baby.Eyodwa!
!"

Ibr
okedownshaki
ngmyhead.Shecan'
tbedead.
No,no,
no.
-
-
-
-
-
Notedi
ted
CHUMANI
'
SLI
FE
80
Fi
nal
-
-
-
-
-
NARRATED
Paramedi
cs:
"pl
easecomeandf
etchthebody
tomorr
owandtakeitt
othemor
tuar
y."

Saidt
heparamedi cshel
pingChumanit ostandup.
TheotherwheeledEyodwat othemortuaryinthe
hospi
talwhi
letheotherhelpedtheel
derlyladythat
hi
tEyodwa.
Thepolicecameandtookhertot
hepoli
cestat
ion.
Theywer esosadwhentheysawitwasEyodwa
thatgothitbyacart
othepoi
ntwheret
heyalso
cri
ed.

ChumanidrovetoEyodwa'
shousei
ntear
swi
tha
shi
rtf
ullofbl
ood.Therewasgoi
ngt
obeahouse
par
tyforher.

Everyonewasthere.Chumanigotoutandt
heywent
quieti
nthehouse.Hegotin.

Ever
yone:
"sur
pri
se!
!"

Butt
heywer
eshockassoonastheysaw
Chumani
'
sshir
tinbl
oodandhi
ssad.

Nandi
:"
uphi
?"
-
wher
eisshe?

Eyodwawast hefir
stpersonshethoughtabout
.
Sheknewt hebl
oodhadsomet hi
ngtodowi t
hher
butshewaswai t
ingforChumanitosayitand
hopeful
lyhewon'tsayithassomethingtodowith
Eyodwa.

Chumani
:"
she.
..
"

Hecr i
edal loveragai
nandranoutleavingever
yone
st
uttered.Nandiwasal r
eadyl
osingit.Justt
hanthe
pol
icewal kedinwi t
hChumani.Theywer eal
lcryi
ng.

Thepeopl
einthehouseal
readyknewsomethi
ng
badHappened.Thewoman'seyesst
art
edsparkl
ing
wit
htear
s.

Mt
het
hwa:
"wesor
ryt
osayt
hisbutEyodwawashi
t
byacaratt
hehospi
talcr
ossi
ngt
her
oadandshe
di
ed.
"

Everyonebrokedownandstart
edcryi
ng.Nandi
's
cri
eswer ethemostcauseshewasscreaming.
Chumanir anoutt
ohiscaranddroveal
lthewayto
aclub.

Hedranktoot
hepoi ntwher
ehecoul
dn'tWalk.
Lucki
lyt
hebartenderknewhisSi
yamthanda.

Siyamthandacamewit
hredpuff
yeyes.Becauseof
thecryi
ng.Eyodwa'
sdeat
hstangever
yoneont he
heart
.

Thenewsofherdeathhadal
readyt
ravel
edli
kewi
ld
fi
re.I
tdi
dn'
tsi
twellwit
hanyone.Al
mostever
yone
cri
ed.
Hi
sclassmat escr
iedtheschooltonottof
orgett
he
t
eachers.Mrs.Smithherfavor
it
eteacherwasdoing
t
hemost .Eyodwawasl i
keadaught ert
oher.

Si
yamt
handa:
"l
et'
sgo.
"

Chumani
:"
shei
sdead.
"

Hecr
iedagai
nandSi
yamt
handat
ookhi
m.

Chumani
:"
shediedr
ighti
nfr
ontofmyeyes.I
twas
j
ustl
ikemovi
e."

Hecr
iedmor
e.Theygott
othecar
.

Chumani
:"
yourluckil
ythatyousti
llhaveyour
soul
matewithyou.Minediedonme.Ri ghtinfront
ofmyeyes.Ishouldn'
thavelef
therbehind.Ishoul
d
havewalkedwithheratthebackinsteadofr
ushi
ng
tothecartoputthebag.I'
m sofuckenstupi
d
tai
ma."

Heshookhi
sheadcr
ying.

Si
yamthanda:
"don'
tbl
ameyour
sel
fokay.Wear
eal
l
wounded.
"

Chumani:
"whowil
lIspendmyl i
fewi
thnow.Il
ived
forher
.It
hinki
t'
sbestifIdi
e."

Siyamthanda:
"yournotki
ll
ingyoursel
fyouwi
llf
ace
thisl
ikeaman. "

Chumani
:"
what'
slef
tformeher
e?Not
hing.So
what
'st
hepointofl
i
ving?
"
Siyamthanda:"
youhaveusyourf ami
ly.Ist
illwanna
seeyougr aduate.Thi
nkaboutyourmother.She
won'tsurvi
ve.Yoursibl
ingst
oo."

Chumaninoddedwi
pinghi
stear
s.

Chumani:"j
ustknowt hatI
'
m neverl
ovi
ngagai
n.My
hearti
sonl ockdown.Youwon'tevenget
grandchi
ldrenfrom me.Yourgr
andchi
ldr
enl
eftwi
th
hersoul.
"

Si
yamt
handachuckl
edwi
pinghi
stear
s.

Si
yamt
handa:"
justdon'
tthi
nkaboutt
hist
omuch.
Thi
swi
llpass.
"

Chumani:
"j
ustwishshecouldcomebackandhug
metight
lyandsay'umbiRadebexaukhal
a'
."
Theybot
hChuckl
edwi
pingt
hei
rtear
s.

Siyamt
handa:
"shewouldal
sobet
easingmer
ight
now.Andeatmeatifnoti
cecr
eam."

Chumani:"
andNiziwillal
waysshoutaboutEyodwa
fi
nishi
nghericecream butwhensheseeshershe
wouldlaughatherjokesandfor
getabouttheice
cream."

Theyl
aughed.

Chumani :"
sheoncesaidt
hatweshouldn'
tcr
yather
funeralweshouldrat
herbehappyandremember
allt
hecr azymomentsshehad.Buti
t'
ssohardto
notcry."

Si
yamthanda:
"i
tishar
dindeed.Shemadeahuge
i
mpactinourl
ivesandsheisgone."
Chumani :
"it
'sbeenayearandahalfsi
nceIknown
herbutitfeelsl
ikeali
fet
ime.Il
ovehersomuchand
shejusthadt odie.WhatHappenedt
otoget
herti
ll
i
nfini
ty.
"

Hecr i
edandSiyapull
edoverfrom t
helongdr
ive
theywerehavi
ng.HehaveChumaniabone
cracki
nghug.I
tlookedli
keitwaswhatheneeded
causehebrokedowni nhisfat
her'
sarmsandcri
ed
mor e.

Siyswasal
socryi
ng.Seeinghissoninthatst
ate
brokehi
mintopei
ces.Hewi shedEyodwawould
comebacksothattheycanbef i
neagain.

Butt
hei
rcr
iesf
elti
ntodeafear
s.
.
.
Dayspassedanditwasthefuner
aldaynow.Thi
s
wastheworstweekforever
yonewhoknewher .

Chumanitr
iedcommi t
ti
ngsui
cidebutwassavedby
Siyamt
handa.Nandiandherf
ami l
ywasbreaki
ng
downintopieces.

Theywerenotfunct
ioni
ng.Thepeoplesheusedto
racewit
hGarnie,
Zakes,et
c.theyal
socriedwhen
thenewsgottothem.

Aphi
we'sbrot
hersandthewholepol
icest
ation.The
el
derswenttofet
chhersoulatt
hehospit
al.Than
wenttot
hehouse.

Thebodycouldn'tgotothehouseyester
day.Iti
s
saidthatwhensomeonehadanacci dentthebody
cangot othehousecausethatmeansbadl uckfor
thefamily.
Everyoneonewenttoseethebodyitwasan
emot i
onalmoment.Causeever
yonecri
ed.Nandi
evenpulledt
hebodybutLungelowastheref
orher.

Theygottothehall
.Achurchwassmallforthe
numberofpeoplether
e.Theywerecl
oset o300if
notmore.Eyodwawasawel lknownperson.Forher
music,
carracing,
madness,etc.

Hermothert
alked,Mr
sSmi t
hherfavori
teteacher
,
cl
assmate,f
ami l
yandherfr
iendSekani.Theyall
wentt
ostage.ItwasSekani
,Ntl
akani
pho, Kel
vin,
Emihl
e,Aphi
weandEsi hl
e.

Chumanihadhi
sownspeech.

Chumani:"
Firststar
tedoffbyheraskingus,meand
mybr o'
s,whyar ewealwaysserious?Onething
aboutheristhatshealwaysspokehermi ndout.
Shedoesn'tevencar ei
fyourhurti
ntheprocessas
l
ongasshegotherpoi ntacross.Thanwe
rememberbanomar nl
omt hanangulozasi funda
nayePr i
mar y.Weusedt obul l
yeachot her.I
remembert hisonedayshedel et
edmywor kandI
deletedhersint hecomputerlab.Wesatt oget her
duringbreaktime.Wenttodet ent
ionandt hef unny
partwast hatweat efoodtogetheratthebackbut
wenevergotal ong.
."

Hewi
pedhi
stear
slaughi
ng.Ever
yonel
aughed.

Chumani :
"t
hefoll
owingdaywebot hdi dn'
tbri
ngour
i
d'stoschoolsowehadt opay5rt omakeacal land
shepai dforme.Wewal kedt ot heclassandsat
together.Theclasssaidwear edat ingandwej ust
stareateachot herandl augh.Shepr etendedli
ke
shedoesn' tknowherwor k.West art
edt here
chatti
ng.Shewasact uallythef i
rstgirltomakeus
l
aughespeci al
lymesi nceIwasahar dnutt ocrack.
Thenwewentt oaspor t
sout i
ng.Weact uall
y
sharedar oom.That '
swer eitallstart
ed.Wewoul d
wat chmoviestogether
,cuddleandoneofher
talent
swassi ngi
ng.Wewoul dsingt
ogethert
ake
picturesl
ikewear eacouple.Dayswentby.Shegot
arrestedf
orbeatingmyexgi rl
fri
endformeat.
"

Ever
yonel
aughed.

Chumani :
"yeahshedi d.Sheevenbecamef r
iends
withthepolicedepartment.Asyoucanal lseethey
arehere.5thofSept emberthat'swhenwest art
ed
dati
ng.Webecameever yone'scoupl
e.Iremember
whenshemetmywhol efami l
y.Shecamei nthe
housemaki nganoi se.Shef i
rstcamewant i
ng
moneyf orherphonesi ncesamoshaeyakhe.She
evensaidt oAuntAyol athatshecan'tst
ayfortea.
"

Theyal
llaughed.

Chumani
:"
crazyIknow.Thesecondtimewaswhen
shewasi
nvitedfordi
nnershewalkedinmaki
nga
noi
senotjustatmyhouseonlybutal
soatAphi
we'
s
house.Andyouknowwhatshedemanded?meat
herfavor
it
e.Herbr
other
sareevenheret
oday.
"

Theyl
aughed.

Chumani :
"myf amil
ygrowf ondofher .Iremember
herhavi ngacarr acewithmymom.Wecal l
editt
he
Daught erinlawandmot heri nlawchal l
enge.
Unf ortunatelyshelostint hatchal l
engecauseNi zi
wasmor eexperi
encedthanher .Shealsol ovedcars.
Fastcar s.Sheusedt ogodownt ownwhenshei s
stressedandr ace.Thepeopl esheusedt oracewith
areher e.Butthecarshel ovedt hemostwasherCi ti
Gol f
.Sheal solovedmot tobikes.Iremembert hi
s
dayshewasr i
dingwithEmi hle.Sheletgoand
starteddanci ngt omusic.Sheal soaskedi fIcould
pl
ayt hisatherf uner
al.
"

Thepr
oject
orchangedfrom herpi
ctur
estothe
vi
deowhereshewasr i
dingwithEmihl
e.They
l
aughedatwhenshel
iftherhandsup.Andt
hey
evencr
iedseei
ngt
hatshediedahappykid.

CHUMANI:"
Iremembert hisdayshesai
dweshould
behappyatherfuner
alandr ememberal
ltheher
cr
azymoment sandshel ovesus.Shei
seven
Maki
nguslaughasshei sdead."

Ever
yonecr
iedagai
n.

Chumani:
"Shewasal
soaDJ.Shewasal
soar
rest
ed
fort
hat
.Wayesil
elamthanaguys.
"

Hesaidshaki
nghi
sheadwi
pinghi
stear
s.Ever
yone
l
aughed.

Chumani:
"Shewasbasical
lyamul t
ital
entedper
son.
Shebroughtsmi
les,
tearsandlaughertoever
yone'
s
l
if
e.Shemadesur et
hateverywhereshegoesshe
makesever yonelaughandsmi le.Attheclassshe
wast hecl
ownofever ythi
ng.Irememberwhenshe
fi
rstmovedt oSandton.Shehadt obri
ngher
assignments.Mr.Wartsalr
eadyknewt hatshehad
astorytotellwhyshecouldn'tbringher
assignments.Andshewasl ikesirwouldyoul i
keto
gotakeaswi minmynewhouse? "

Theyal
llaughed.

Chumani :
"t
hat
'sher
.Iseehersmi leeveryt
imeI
closemyeyes.Beli
evemewhenisayshewas
Crazy.Shewassof earl
ess.Shewasal soafighter
.I
rememberwhenshewasar r
estedfort
hethirdti
me
shecamet oourhouseandst rangl
edmef rom the
back.Isawheavent hatdaybecauseofher."

Theyl
aughed.Chumanilookedupt
ryi
nghi
sbestt
o
makehist
earsnotfal
l.
Chumani:"
wef ought
.BelievemewhenIsayshe
fi
ghtsli
keaman.Af terbeatingmeupshewentt o
beatthemaidup.Thancal ledthepol
iceher
sel
f.
Justtosavethemaidsener gy.Herwordsnot
mine."

Theyl
aughed.

Chumani :
"whenwewentt oreleaseher .Shehadt he
whol epolicestati
oni ntheintorigat
ionr oom
l
aughi ngathercr azyst ori
es.Wewentwi t
hher
homeandshesai dthatshewi llneverbear r
ested
again.Shepr omi sedonl ytofi
ndoutt hatshewi ll
actuallydie.Ineverknewwhenshepr omi sedus
thatshemeantl eavingusal lherewi t
hheavi l
y
hearts.Losingheri t
'sli
ker unningoutofwat er.We
can'tleavewi t
houtwat erthesamewaywecan' t
l
eavewi t
houther .Whowi l
lbringsmi l
est oourf aces
withoutevent ryi
ng.Whowi l
lmakeusl aughaf ter
havingat iri
ngdaywhenwear ei nbadmoods.Who
willIdancewi th?Shewasal sogoodi nt hat
depar t
ment .Ir ememberwhenshewasst i
llangr yat
me.Wewer ebusywat chingt het winsdanceat
schoolandshecamewi t
hherownspeakerwear ing
sunglasses.Whowi l
lIsi ngwi thnow?Whowi l
lI
jokearoundwi thnow?Whowi llteasemeoutof
nowher eandsayyuuhkodwaRadebeumbi .Who
willcallmeRadebenow?Whowi l
lmakemesmi l
e?
Whowi llmakemel augh?Butmost lywhowi l
lI
sharet hisjour neycal ledl ifewi th?Whenshet ook
herlastbr eat hshel ef twi thmyhear t.Idon' tthinkI
willbeabl et of unctionwi thouther .I t
'shar dt olose
someoneespeci all
ysomeonel ikeher .Shedi eda
happyt eenf ullofli
fe.Iwi llmi sshersomuch.She
wasmyever ything.Shewasnot hingbutagood
daught er,sister,fri
end, classmat e, school mat eand
agi r
lfr
iend.Myhear tissor efrom al lthepai n.I
neverpi cturedyoudyi ngyoung.Ipi cturedusdyi ng
oldtoget her.Ij ustwi shIdi edi nsteadofyou.Orwe
diedtoget her .MaybeIwoul dhavebeenbet ter.Your
deathboughtsomuchpai ni npeopl e'slives.Just
knowt hatIwi l
lneverf orgetyou.Iwi l
lalwayshol d
ont othememor iesweshar ed.Iwi llcher i
shever y
momentweshar edbutmost l
yIwi llneverl etgoof
you.Idon'tevent
hinkIwouldbeabl
etol
oveagain.
Whatwi l
lIlovewi
thwhenmyhear tdi
edwit
hyou.I
l
oveyou.Mayyoursoulr esti
npeacemylove.
..
"

Hebrokedownagainandwenttositwit
hdown.
Ever
yoneint
hehallwassad.Theyfel
tbadfor
Chumaniashi
ssobswer esopainf
ul.

Theywenttothecemeter
y.TheRiderswereri
ding
i
nfrontofthehear
seinmotorbi
kes.Theygotther
e
andeveryt
hingwasdone.

Whent hecasketwasget t
ingdown.TheStacks,
Fini
sher,Chumani,Nt
lakanipho,
Kelvi
nandSekani
tookouttheirgunsanshotup3t imes.

Them:
"Phuml
angoxol
oEyodwandoniLanga.
"

Ther
ider
smadenoi
sewi
tht
hemot
tobi
kesbef
ore
r
idi
ngAWAY.

THEEND