OBSESSI

VE

*
**01*
**

Hekissedherneckandni bbledonherearbefore
par
ti
ngherl egs,
aggressi
vely.Heshif
tedherthong
asi
deandst uckhisf
ingerdeepinsi
deher.She
moanedal i
ttl
eandthrewherheadback;gr i
pping
har
datt heedgeofthedesk.

Heusedhisfreehandtount angl
ehisbel
t.The
of
ficephonerangloudl
y,mucht ohisf
rustr
ati
on.He
cl
ickedhi
stongueandpi ckeditup.
Tyson:"
What
?"
Cassie:"
Uh...
MrMazibuko,your1pm i
sher
e.
Boardroom oryourof
fi
ce"hispasaid.
Tyson:"I
ftheboar
dr oom isn'tbookedt
henshecan
gothroughbutifi
tis,I'
l
ltellyouwhentosendher
i
n"
Heputthephonebackdownandcontinuedwit
h
pl
easur
inghimsel
fwit
htheladyunt
ilherel
eased
hi
mself
.

Hegotthepapertowelsforthem bot
handcl
eaned
andfi
xedhimselfupbeforetaki
ngoutafewnotes
outofhi
swallet
,givi
ngthelady.Shesmil
edwidel
y,
shehadnotexpectedsomuchmoney.He' sa
busi
nessmanbyt heway, t
hiswasnothi
ngtohim.
Tyson:"
Whyareyousti
llher
e?Isn'tt
hatmor
ethan
whatyouchar
ge?"Herf
acedr opped.
Hooker
:"I
tis.Thankyou"
Tyson:"
OhmyGod"

Hepickeduphisj
ournalandmot
ionedt
othedoor
f
oll
owedbyt hegi
rl
.

Shegotont
hel
if
tashewal
keddownt
hehal
lwayt
o
t
heboar
droom.
Tyson:"MrsWi ll
iams!Myapologiesmyl ady.
Diar
rhoeahasmebad"het ookherhandandki ssed
i
t.MrsWi ll
iamsi stheownerofCar landClai
re
cosmetics,theyarethebestupcomi ngcosmetic
companyi nt own,headi
ngupt heladdertobethe
besti
nt henat i
on."MrWill
iams.It
sanhonourt o
haveyouher esi
r"
MrsWil
liams:"Weareher
ebecausethest
affi
s
compl
ainingaboutt
hedelayoft
hei
rwages"
Tyson:"
Thati
snewst
omema'
am"
MrWill
iams:"
Whati
sn'
tTyson!Peopl
e'
ssal
ari
esar
e
3dayslat
e"
Tyson:"Iabsol
utel
yhadnoideaSir
.Iwil
lgett
o
meetingwiththefi
nancet
eam andital
lshal
lbe
fi
xed"
MrsWi l
li
ams:"Good.Wecannotaf
for
dabadname.
You'veworkedsohardt
oputusontop,don'
tlett
his
rui
nyourhar dwor
k"
Tysonnoddedasthoughhewasdeepi
nhi
s
thought
s.MrWil
li
am'sphoner
ang.
MrWi
ll
iams:"
I'
vegott
otaket
his.Honey,
you'
l
lfi
nd
mei
nthecar"
Mr
sWi
ll
iams:"
Okl
ove"

Heheadedout
.Mr
sWi
ll
iamsgotupt
oleave.
Tyson:"
Car
l"
Mr
sWi
ll
iams:"
Yes"
Tyson:"
Iwi
llf
ixt
his.I
'
mreal
lysor
ry,
Ihadnoi
dea"
Carl
:"Iknowyouwil
l"shesai
dwithagenui
nesmi
le.
"We'
llkeepint
ouch"Tysonnodded.
Car
l:"
Stopf
ucki
nghooker
sinyourwor
kpl
ace"

Tysmi
rked.
Tyson:"
Yesma'
am"

Shecl
osedt
hedoorbehi
ndher
.Hel
eanedbackon
hi
schai
randsighed.Het
ext
edCassi
etosetupa
animmedi
atemeetingwi
tht
hefi
nancet
eam.

In30mi nut estheyfoll

owedeachot heri n.Allof
them movi nguncomf ortabl
y.Tysonhadt hisaura
thatcoul dn'tbedescribed.Hedidnotsmi leoften,
youwer el uckyi fyou'
veeverseenhi m smi leor
l
augh.Hehadt hisscaryappearancet hatnoneof
thewor ker scoul dst
and.Oncehest eppedi ntothe
l
obby, ever ythi
ngchanged.Whoeverwasmaki ng
coffee,woul dstopandgobackt otheirdesks.He
washi ghl yunawar eofthatorofanyt hingthathe
was.
Tyson:"I
'mfuming.Doyoual
lknowhowmuchI
hatethatf
atasswhiteman?"
4oft
hef
inancemember
sshookt
hei
rheads.
Tyson:"
Whyar
epeopl
enotpai
d?"
Ngel
o:"We'r
eworkingoni
tsi
r.Wehadabitofa
cr
isi
s,wethoughtwecoul
dhandl
eitbutno"
Tyson:"
Irunt
hispl
ace,
ther
efor
eIexpectt
obe
i
nformedaboutever
ylit
tl
edetail
.Howdoyou
concl
ude"youhaveitundercont
rol
"wheni
tcomes
tomoney?Youalldi
sappointme."
Ngel
o:"
We'redeepl
ysor
rysi
r.I
twi
llbef
ixedbyt
he
endoft
oday"
Tyson:"
Itbet
terbe.Meet
ingadj
our
ned"

Hewentbackt ohisoff
ice.HecalledCassi
et oask
i
fhehasanymor emeeting,shesaidno.Hewentt o
l
ockhisdoor,grabbedapackofpapert owels,hi
s
tabl
etandheadphones.Heposi t
ionedhimself
comfort
abl
yont hecouchandpl ayedporn..
..

*
**
Goinghomeinthenoonwashisf avouritepar
tof
theday.Heli
vedal
oneina3bedr oom apar t
downtown,wheremostbachel
orslived.Heslowed
downt osi
gninatt
hemai ngat
e.Her ol
leddownhis
windowtopasstheIDthr
ough,i
thadst art
ed
rai
ning.
Thusi
:"Ndodana,t
here'
sal
adyhereinsi
dewithme.
Icoul
dn'tl
ethersi
tther
eonthebenchesint
his
rai
n"
Tyson:"
Whatladymadala?"Thusitol
dthegi
rlt
o
showherface.Tysonsi
ghed."Thankyoubaba.She
cancome"
Thusi
:"Danki
ekhehl
a"

Hehandedbackhi sIDandthegateopened.He
drovein,t
hel adycameoutoft hesecur i
tyhouse
pull
ingabigsui tcasewhileThusihelpedhercar
ry
thebigbag.Tysonf r
ownedandopenedt hetr
unk
forthem t
oputi talli
n.TheladythankedThusiand
shegotont hebackseat .ShegreetedbutTyson
droveawayi nstead.

Hepar kedhiscarbef or
ehi sgarage.Hegotoutand
wenttounl ockfrontdoor.Theladyf ol
lowed.He
thr
ewt hekeysont opofthesquar eglasstableand
curvedintoakitchen.Het ookoutwat erandgulped
thewhol ebott
ledown.Thel adywasnowst andi
ng
bef
orehi
m.
Tyson:"
Whatbr
ingsyouher
eMmabat
ho?
"
Hethr
ewthebot
tl
eint
her
ecycl
ebi
nandheadedt
o
backt
othel
ounge.
Mmabat
hof
iddl
edwi
thherf
inger
sbehi
ndhi
m.
Mmabat
ho:"
I'
m pr
egnant
"

Heturnedi
n160.Hiseyessuddenl
ybur
nedwi
th
anger
,Mmabatho'
sdropped.
Tyson:"
Don'
tfuckwi
thmewoman"
Mmabat
ho:"
Mymot
herki
ckedmeout
"
Tyson:"
Andwher
edi
dshesayyou'
dgo?
"
Mmabatho:"Tot
hepersonresponsi
blef
or-
fort
he
pr
egnancy"shest
art
edcryi
ng.
Tyson:"
Howthef
uckdi
dyougetpr egnant!DoInot
gi
veyoumoneyfort
hepi
llaf
tereverynight?
"He
wasshouti
ng.
Mmabat
ho:"
Youdo.Ial
sodon'
tknowwhat
happened"
Tyson:"
FuckthatMmabat ho!Fuckthat
!"He
smashedthevaseagainstthewallMmabatho
j
umpedawayf rom hi
m cryingevenmore.
Mmabat
ho:"
I'
m sor
ry"

Hetookhiscarkeysf
rom t
het abl
eandwalkedout
.
HeunloadedMmabatho'
sbags.Hegotintothecar
anddroveawayleavi
ngherluggaget
her
eout si
de
onthefl
oor.

Hesatinthecarforquit
esomemi nut
escursi
ng
andhit
ti
ngthesteeringwheelasMmabatho'
s
wordskeptrepl
ayinginhishead.

Hefinal
lyst
eppedoutofthecaraf
teranhourand
headedinsi
dethebar.Heorder
edtequil
ashotsand
tol
dthebarmantokeepthem coming.Hisphone
rangatthehi
s3rdround,i
twasMmabat ho.Heput
i
tonDonotdi st
urbandcall
edforanotherround.
Asthenightgrewdarkerhegrewdrunker
.Hepaid
hisbi
llandtookouthisphonetobookaroom and
thensentatext.

"PleasemeetmeatSout
her
nSun.Room 15.I
ts
urgent"

Herequest
edari
detothehot
el.I
n5mi nutest
he
Ubercame.Hehoppedonandthedr
ivertookoff
.

Hegott othehotelandpai dfort her oom andgot

hiselectr
onickey.Ther ecepti
oni staskedoneofthe
staffmember stotakehi mtohi sr oom asshe
reali
zedhewasi ntoxicated.Theywenti ntot
he
elevator
.Theygotof fathisfloor, t
hehelpertook
himt ohisroom andt henleft
.

Helaidonhisbackonbedandlett
heal
coholt
ake
overasthebedspunaround.
Thedoorunl
ocked.Shest
oodt
her
ebyt
hel
ooki
ng
athi
m.
Carl:"
You'
redr
unk"het
ri
edt
oli
fthi
sheadupbut
fai
led.
Tyson:"
Iwannabedrunkfort
henext5year
s"Car
l
headedtowar
dsthebed.
Carl:"
Ilef
tmyhusbandathomet
ocomeher
etot
he
drunkyou? "
Tyson:"
Youhat
eitt
her
e.Youcamebecauseyou'
d
rat
herbewit
hme"
Car
l:"
Notwhenyou'
redr
unkl
iket
his!
"
Tyson:"
Pleasemakemef
orgetaboutwhatIl
efti
n
myhouse"
Car
l:"
Whatdi
dyoul
eaveatyourhouse?
"
Tyson:"Mmabat ho.Shesaysshe'spregnant.Igi
ve
thatwomanenoughmoneyt obuyplanBenought o
l
astherforthewhol eyearbutshechoset ofall
pregnant
!Achild?"Hechuckledwithtearsfall
ing
offfr
om ei
thersidesofhisface."
Whatam Igonna
dowit
hachildCar
l?Iam notevencl
oset
obei
nga
goodf
ather
"

Car
ltookof
fherheelsandcl
i
mbedont
opofhi
m.
Shewipedof
fhistears.
Car
l:"
Ther
e'snof
ormul
ababe.I
tcomesnat
ural
l
y"
Heshookhi
sheadst
il
lcr
ying.
Tyson:"
Idon'
twantachi
ld!Fuckmepl
ease"
Car
l:"
Nott
oni
ght
.You'
reamess.Let
'scuddl
e"
Tyson:"
NoIwantt
obebur
ieddeepi
nsi
deyouCar
l
pl
ease"

Sheleaneddownt oki
sshi
m.Hesenthi
shands
downt oherass.Hegui
dedhert
omovehipsi
n
ci
rcul
armot i
on...
OBSESSI
VE

*
**02*
**
Hepi nnedhiscarkeysonthekeyholdersbythe
doorandcl osedthedoor
.Anaromaofeggs
cookinginthekitchenmadehim nauseas.He
corneredtohisleft
,whi
chisthekit
chen.
Tyson:Hi

Hetookoutaglassandpouredwaterint
oit
.
Mmabathokeptonmakingherbreakfast
.Helef
tfor
hi
sroom t
ochangeandt akehi
sbrief
case.

Hef
oundMmabat
hoont
hecouchnoweat
ing.
Tyson:I
'
m out
.

Sheignor
edhi
m agai
n.Hetookhi
skeysandwal
ked
out
.Hegotinhi
scarandlef
t.
..

Hisphoner
angashet
ookaseatonhi
sluxur
ious
chai
r.
Tyson:Goodmor
ning.
Car
l:Andyouj
ustl
eftmeher
e.NowI
'
mlat
eformy
meeti
ngs.
Tyson:I
'
m sorr
y.Idi
dnotwantt
odi
stur
byou.You
seemedpret
typeacef
ul.
Car
l:Iwas,
haven'
thadsuchadecentsl
eepsi
nce
hecameback.
Tysonchuckl
ed.
Tyson:I
'
m sor
ry.Haveyoubat
hed?
Car
l:Yeah,j
ustcameoutoft hebathr
oom.Ijust
wantedtothankyouforal
waysact i
ngfast
.The
employeeshaverecei
vedtheirmoney.
Me:I'm gl
adtheyhave.Thi
scompanyist
hehuge
partofme.Icouldneveraf
for
danyt
hinggoi
ng
wrongwi t
hit
.
Car
l:Il
ovethat
.Letmedr
essupandgot
omywor
st
ni
ghtmare.
Theyl
aughed.
Tyson:Gobabe.Youshoul
dcomear
oundl
ater
.
Car
l:Imi
ght
.Bye
Tyson:Bye.

Heputhi
sphonedownandswi
tchedonhi
slapt
op.

Hecall
edCassi
ein.Shepul
ledherski
rtdownwhen
shecamein.
Tyson:Don'
tfl
att
eryour
sel
fCassi
e.Iwantcof
fee.
Cassi
e:Comi
ngr
ightup.

Shewentoutandcamebackwithacupofcof
fee.
Sheputi
tonhisdeskandheadedf
orthedoor
.
Tyson:Don'
tyouser
vesconesanymor
e?
Cassi
e:Myapol
ogi
essi
r.I
'
llbr
ingt
hem j
ustnow.

Sheclosedthedoorbehindher
.Hesi
ppedonhi
s
cof
feewhileherespondedtohi
se-mai
ls.
Hecameacr
osst
heonef
rom Masakhanehomef
or
t
hel
oved.

Hecl
ickedoni
t.

DearMrMazi
buko.

Wehavenotseenyoui nawhile.Wewouldli
keto
remindyouofyourmother
'sbirt
hdaycomingupon
the20th.I
twouldmeanalottoherifyoushowed
up,shemissesyou.Wearelookingf
orwardtosee
yousoon.Keepwell.

Hearchi
veditandtookasipofhiscof
fee.He
cl
oseddowngmai landwentonFacebook.He
br
owsedthroughuntilhegotbor
ed.

Cassi
ecamei
nagai
n.
Tyson:Idon'
twantt
hem anymor
eI'
vef
ini
shedmy
coff
ee.
Cassi
e:I
'
m sor
rySi
rtheywer
est
il
lbaki
ng.
Tyson:Yeahgetl
ostCassi
eI'
m busy.

Hesaidwithoutmovi
nghiseyesof
fthecomput
er.
Cassi
esighedandwalkedout.

Hewentbackt
ogmai landrespondedt
othe
r
emaini
ngimport
antemails.

Heattendedmostofhismeet i
ngsf orthedaythat
hereall
ydidn'
twanttoattendinthefir
stplace.
12pm hedrovetohisfavouri
terest
auranttohave
l
unchwhi l
eher eadSoccerLadumaspor t
snews
paper.

Hedr
ovebackt
ot heoff
iceaf
teranhour.Hemet
wi
thCar
latt
helobby,t
heytookthel
if
ttoget
her
.
Tyson:Don'
tsendanyonet
hroughunt
ilIsayso.
Hesai dtoCassieandt heypr oceededtohisoffi
ce.
Hel ockedthedoorandt urnedMr sWil
li
amsar ound
andpi ckedherup,goingfor wardtohisdesk.He
clearedthedeskwi t
honehand, fi
leswentflyi
ngto
thefloor.Heplacedhercar eful
lyonthedeskand
partedherlegsevenwi der.
Car
l:GodImi
ssedyou.
Shesai dasshethrewherheadbackwhenhe
feastedonherneck.Hisonehandonherright
breastsqueezi
ngitli
ghtl
yenoughforpl
easure,
the
otherhandsatsti
llonherback.
Tyson:Imi
ssedyout
oo.

Hesli
dherpantyasi deandwentdownonhi sknees
andpushedherabi tbackandFrenchki
ssedher
wetandreadyvagina.Shemoanedi npl
easure.He
putherl
egoverhisshoulderandusedhisthumbt o
rubonhercli
tor
alarea,shemoanedevenlouder.
Car
l:AaahTyson.
Hekeptonfeast
ingonherunt
ilshewasani
nch
f
rom r
eleasi
ngherjui
ces.
Car
l:Ty.
..
Itcameoutasawhi sper.Heputonhisrubberand
pull
edherclosertotheedgeandenter
edherslowly.
Shecl awedhisbackassherest
edherheadonhi s
chest.Hispaceincr
eased.Hepoundedfastand
hard,Carl
'smoansfueledhi
m.

Hepumpedf orrelease,hegrabbedherponyt
ailand
aggr
essivelypulleditback.Hegroanedanddied
down.Her estedhi ssweatyfaceonCarl'
sshoulder
,
cat
chinghisbr eath.

Thetel
ephoner
ang.Hesear
chedf
ort
hei
ncomi
ng
cal
lbut
ton.
Tyson:Yes.
Cassi
e:Si
r.Mi
ssMmabat
hoi
sher
e.
Tyson:I
'
m notseei
nganyoneunt
ilt
omor
row.
Cassi
e:Idi
dtel
lherbutshe'
sinsi
sti
ng.
Tyson:WelldoyourdamnjobCassandr
aandcal
l
thesecur
it
yt oescor
therout
!

Heendedthecallandki
ssedCar l
'
scheek.Hewent
togett
hei
rtowelandtheycleanedthemsel
vesup
andwentt
ocuddl eonthecouch.
Car
l:Di
dn'
tthebabymamagi
veyoupr
obl
emsi
nthe
morni
ng?
Tyson:Igreet
edher,
shedi
dn'
trespondandI
coul
dn'tcarel
ess.
Car
l:Howar
eyougoi
ngt
osur
vivewi
thherar
ound?
Tyson:I
'
llgetherapl
ace.I
'm notevensur
eift
he
chi
ldshe'
scarryi
ngismine.
Carl
:You'
vefuckedr
aworel
seshewoul
dn'
tbe
sayi
ngit'
syours.
Shesnapped.Tysonmadeherf
acehi
m.
Tyson:I'
veal
waysgivenhert
hepi
ll
.Ifi
tsmi
ne,
she
del
iberat
elyf
ellpr
egnant
.
Car
l:She'
sreal
lyst
upi
difshedi
dthat
.
Tyson:Youknowt
heseuni
ver
sit
yfol
ksandmen
wit
hmoney.
Car
l:Thengi
vehert
hemoneyandshe'
l
lleaveyou
al
one.
Tyson:EiIst
il
lhavet
otal
ktoherwhenI
'vedi
gested
al
lthi
sbecauseIhaven'
tputmyheadar
oundit.
Car
l:Wel
lyouhaver
eal
lyl
it
tl
eti
met
odi
gesti
t.

Tysonsighedandkissedt
hetopofherheadand
squeezedhercl
ose.Theydri
ft
edtosl
eep..
.

*
**
Shesniffedandtookthesipofwhatr emainedin
herglass.Shegotupandwentt or i
nseandputt he
glassbacktothecabinet
.Shewr oteanot eand
pasteditontheontheovenandt urnedoffthe
kit
chenlight
s.Shewenttot heloungeanddi mmed
them.Shesawcarl i
ghtsreflectf
r om thekit
chen
windowasshecl imbedupt hestai r
case,she
t
urnedbackandl
eanedagai
nstt
hewal
l.

Thekitchendoorleadingtothegar
ageopened.The
l
ightscameon.Tysont ookoutabott
leofwater
from t
hef r
idgeanddrankup.Hesawt henote,he
readitandopenedt heoven.Hetookouttheplat
e
offoodandaspoon.

Hestoppedandi
ncreasedthel
ightwhenhesawa
f
igur
estandi
ngnexttothestai
rs.
Tyson:It
houghtyouwer
easl
eep.
Mmabat
ho:I
'
m not
.
Tyson:Thanksf
ort
hef
ood.
Mmabatho:Iassumet
heydon'
thavef
oodwher
e
youwer
e.
Tysoncl
ear
edhisthr
oatandpul
ledachai
rtosi
t
downandstar
tedeat
ing.Mmabathocametost
and
ontheot
hersi
deofthetabl
e.
Mmabat
ho:Di
dyour
eal
lyhavet
ohavemedr
agged
outbyt
hesecur
it
y?
Tyson:Youdon'
tjustshowupatmywor
kpl
aceand
demandt oseeme.
Mmabat
ho:Youcoul
d'vej
ustsai
dyoucan'
tseeme!
Tyson:Don'
tshoutatme.Whatmypasaysi
swhat
Itol
dherto.
Mmabatho:Youdi
dn'
tsleepher
elastnight,
you
comebackat11pm t
oday.Areyoukiddingme?
Tyson:Whatareyou?Mymother?I
fli
vingher
ewill
causeyouproblemsthenwe'
l
lfi
ndyouaplaceto
stay.
Mmabatho:Ican'
tst
ayonmyown.I
'
m pr
egnant
,I
am cl
uel
ess.
Tyson:Howisstayi
ngwi t
hmegonnahel p?We'
l
l
hir
eyouandnur sebecauseIam notaboutt
o
changemyl i
fej
ustbecauseyou'repr
egnant
,
somethingyoudiddel
iberat
ely.
Mmabat
ho:What
?Yout
hinkIwant
edt
his?
Tyson:Ofcour
se.Whywoul
dyoubepr
egnanti
fyou
di
dn't
?
Mmabat hochuckl
edindisbel
ief
.Tearsfor
medi n
hereyes.Shetr
iedtospeakbutfai
led.Shetur
ned
awayandwentupst ai
rs.
..

Tysont
ookhi
sphoneandcarkeysandl
eft
..
.
OBSESSI
VE

*
**03*
**

Carlar
ri
vedinahot elwhereTysonhadcalledhert
o
come.Sheroll
edhereyessi ghi
ngasshet ookoff
herheel
s.Sheplacedherhandbagont helitt
let
abl
e
bythedoorandwal kedtohim onthecouch.She
tookanemptybottleofbeerinhishandandputit
onthecoff
eetable.Shesatbesidehim.
Car
l:I
sthi
showourl
ivesar
egonnabenow?
Tyson:Youmakeever
ythi
ngbet
ter
.
Car
l:Iknowt
hatbutphonecal
lswi
llhavet
odo
becausemyhusband'
spar
ent
sar
ecomi
ng.

Henoddedandl
eanedbackont
hecouch.
Tyson:Thi
sist
hebegi
nni
ngofcompl
icat
ionsi
nmy
l
if
e.
Car
l:Whatdi
dshedo?
Tyson:She.
..
shewantsmet oactli
keI'm amarri
ed
man.Shecompl ai
nedaboutmenotsl eepi
ngthere
l
astnight
;li
kethat
'st
her easonI'
llnevergetmarri
ed
orhaveastablegi
rl
fr
iend.
Car
l:Justbet
her
eforher
.
Tyson:Iam t
her
eforher
.She'
ssl
eepingatt
he
comfortofmybedandinmyhouse.Thati
senough.
Carl:She'
s20.Shejustf
oundoutt
hatshe'
s
pregnant,
theyki
ckedherout
.
Tyson:That
'snotmybusi
nessCar
l.Ij
ustwantt
o
spendmynightpeacef
ull
y.

Het
ri
edt
oki
ssherbutshebackedaway.
Car
l:I
'
m notst
ayi
ngover
.
Tyson:Whynot
?
Car
l:Whynot?SincewhendoIl
eavemyhusbandat
homealone2nightsi
narow?
Shegl
ancedatherwr
istwat
ch.
Carl
:Dealwi
tht
hisgir
l.Tellheryourboundari
esor
el
seyou'l
lbemi
serabl
ef orthenext9mont hs.

Shegotupandputonherheels.Shecamebackto
givehi
m akissandthenl
eft
.Hesatther
eonthe
couchfeel
ingsorr
yforhi
mself
.

°
°°
Whenhearri
vedathi
splacet
hef
ollowi
ngday.
Mmabathowasnotupyetsohemadebr eakf
ast
andwentupst
air
stobat
handgetreadyforwork.

Whenhecamedown.Hef
oundMmabat
hoeat
ing
ont
helounge.
Tyson:Mor
ning.
Shei
gnor
edhi
m.
Tyson:I
'
m gonnacomebackear
lyt
odaysowecan
tal
k.Beher
e.

Het
ookhi
svwkeysandl
eft
.

Mmabat hoputdownt heplateandrushedtot

heloo
tothrowup.Shecriedaspukef el
tli
keitwasgonna
shutdownallheri
nternalor
gans.

Shegotupandr i
nsedhermout hwhenshewas
done.Shel ookedatherr eflecti
on, puf
fyeyesand
breakingskin.Shesi ghedandwentbackt othe
l
ounge.Shet ookthepl at
eandwentt othekit
chen
tothrowi tawayint hebin.Shef i
lledagl asswith
j
uiceandmi nt.Shekeptt akingsipsonherway
backt othelounge.Shesatdownandputherf eet
onthecof f
eetable.Shetookherphoneandcal l
ed
hersister.Shewast heonlyoneatherhomet hat
actual
lycaredabouthernowt hatshedisappoint
ed
them andfellpregnantoutofwedlock.Herfather
beingapast or,
theycouldn'thandl
et he
embar r
assment .Heroldersist
erstuckbyher
anyways.
Kea:Hey.
Mmabat
ho:Canyout
alk?
Kea:Yeahbutnotf
orsol
ong.How'
sever
ythi
ng?
Mmabat
ho:Hor
ri
ble.Ineedapl
acet
ocr
ushi
n.
Kea:Got
ores.
Mmabat
ho:IdoubtI
'
dfi
ndar
oom
Kea:Ihavesomeonewhocangetyouone.
Mmabat
ho:Pl
easedo.Thi
smandoesn'
twantme
her
e.
Kea:I
'
m sosor
ryngwaneso.Letmecal
lAgape.
Mmabat
ho:Thankyou.

Shehear
dherpar
ent
'svoi
cesont
hebackgr
ound.
Shehungupi
nst
ant
lybef
oresheget
shersi
steri
n
tr
oubl
e.

.
..
Cassi
egotupassoonasshesawTysongetofft
he
l
if
t.Shehel
dheriPadont
hel
efthandandf
oll
owed
hi
mt ohi
soffi
ce.
Cassi
e:Mor
ningMrMazi
buko.
Tyson:Gett
othepoi
nt.
Cassi
e:At9-
Tyson:Whoa.Whyt
her
e'snocof
feeonmydesk?
Cassi
e:I
-
Tyson:Geti
t!

Sher
anoutandt
ookt
hel
if
ttot
hel
obby.

Tysonloggedonhi
spcandsear chedf
or
apart
ments.Hedi
dn'tf
indany,
thatheli
ked.He
t
ookhi
stel
ephoneandcal
ledhi
sagent
.
Mal
i:Dzaddzy
Tyson:Notsoearl
yMaliI'
m havi
ngat
err
ibl
e
Morning.Ineedanapar
tment.
Mal
i:Wher
eandhowmuch.
Tyson:Mustbe45andbel
owmi
nut
esawayf
rom
mywor kpl
ace.
Mal
i:Whathappenedt
oyourpl
ace?
Tyson:Someone'
sgonnast
ayt
her
e.
Mal
i:Ok.Howbi
g?
Tyson:Onebedr
oom,
andanopenpl
anki
tchenand
l
ounge.
Mal
i:Ar
eyougoi
ngt
hroughacr
isi
s?
Tyson:Mal
i.
Mali
:Okokoksorr
y.I
'
llgett
oit
.I'
l
lletyouknow
soonasIf
indone.
Tyson:That
'smor
eli
kei
t.
Hehungup.Cassi
ecameinwithcoff
eeand
chi
ckenmayosandwi
ch.Sheplacedi
tontopofhi
s
deskandwentt
ogetheri
pad.Hewaseatingwhen
shecameback.
Cassie:Youhaveameetingwit
hBlenderbeautyat
9.Pooldatewi t
hMrSkhakhaneathi
shomeat11.
Youdi dn'
trespondt
oMasakhane.SoIdon'tknowif
Ishouldbookyouornot.
Tyson:Ihaveonl
y2meet
ingst
oday?
Cassi
e:Notreal
ly.Youhave2mor
eaf
teryour
meeti
ngwithMrSkhakhane.
Tyson:Sendmet
hecopy.
Cassi
e:Isenti
tlastni
ght
.
Tyson:Ok.

Cassi
emadeherwayout
.

Hebatt
ledifheshouldrespondt
oMasakhaneor
not
.Seeinghismotherhasneverbeenf
unforhi
m.
Herfacer emindedhim ofal
lthethi
ngshewas
tr
yingtogetr i
dof,sheangeredhim butapar
tof
him car
edf orher,hej
ustwasn'tgoodatexpr
essi
ng
hisfeel
ings.

Hisdoorswungopen.Hegl
uedhi
seyesonherunt
il
shewasinfrontofhi
m.
Koket
so:I
'
vebeenwai
ti
ngf
oryout
ocal
l.
Tyson:Andsaywhat
?
Koket
so:Thankmef
ort
hatni
ght
.Oratl
eastcome
t
ocheckuponme.
Tyson:Idi
dn'
tknowIhadt
odot
hat
.
Koket
so:I
'
m yourgi
rl
fr
iend!
Tyson:What
?
Hel
aughed.
Tyson:I
twasf
unokaybutIdonothaveagi
rl
fr
iend.
Koket
so:Wh-
what
?
Tyson:Youhear
dme.
Koket
so:Soyoul
iedt
omet
ogett
omypant
s?
Tyson:Idi
dn'
tl
ieaboutanyt
hing.
Koket
so:Yousai
dyoucar
e!
Tyson:Idi
d.
Koket
so:Youdi
d?Areyouhear
ingyour
sel
fri
ght
now?Igaveyouthemostpr
eci
ousthi
ngofmysel
f
Ty!
Tyson:Idi
dn'
taskyouto.Youdeci
dedthatyou
wantmet obeyourfi
rst
.Igaveyouwhatyou
wanted.

Shescoffedi ndisbeli
ef.Thisi
snott hetreatment
sheexpectedt ogetf r
om someoneshegaveher
i
nnocencet o.Allthosedatesandt exti
ng
thr
oughoutt heday, t
hegi f
tspoppinginr andomly
wereallj
usthi ml ur
ingherinintohistrap.
Koket
so:You'
reapi
eceofshi
t.It
houghtyouwer
ea
goodguy!
Shewasnowcr
ying.
Tyson:Wel
lI'
m notKoki
.

Shest
ormedoutandsl
ammedt
hedoor
.

Hetookhi
sphoneandcal
ledCar
l.Shedi
dn'
tpi
ck
up.

"Your9o'
cl
ocki
shere"Cassi
e'
svoi
cesai
dont
he
answeri
ngmachi
ne.

Hetookhi
ssandwi
chandajournalandwal
kedout
.
HesawCassi
enotfol
lowi
nghim.
Tyson:Ar
en'
tyoucomi
ng?
Cassi
e:No.I
'
m at
tendi
ngPAsmeet
ing.
Tyson:What
?
Cassi
e:YesMrMazi
buko.
Tyson:Yourj
obist
oattendmeeti
ngswi
thme,to
takeminut
es.Nowtohellwi
tht
hatpasmeet
ing.
Let
'sgo.
Cassi
e:MrMazi
bukoi
tsr
eal
lyi
mpor
tant
.
Tyson:Mor
ethanyourj
ob?
Hereyesdr
opped.
Cassi
e:NoSi
r.I
'
m sor
ry.

Shetookherjournalandi
Padwi
thtear
sbur
ningher
eyes.Theyheadeddownthehal
lway.

°
°°
Heknockedof
fat5t
okeephi
spr
omi
seofcomi
ng
backear
ly.

HefoundMmabathosnacki
ngonf r
ies.Heputhi
s
keysandbr
ief
caseontopofthecouchandsat
down.
Tyson:Doyouknowwhyam Inotmar
ri
ed?
Mmabat
ho:Yes.You'
reahoe.
Tyson:Hoesgetmar r
ied.Ihat
ebei ngcont
roll
ed.I
don'
twannar epor
tmymovesorhaveacur few.
HenceIwillbemovingoutandl eaveyouhere.
Mmabatho:Noneed.I
'
m movi
ngt
orest
omor
row
mor
ning.
Tyson:Uhevenbet
ter
.OnFri
daysIgooutanddr
ink.
I
'l
lseeyoutomorr
owifIcomebackbef
oreyou
l
eave.

Hegotupandwentupst
air
stobat
handdr
essup
f
orthecl
ub.
..
OBSESSI
VE
*
**4*
**
Thenoi sewasbl ast
ingloud.Peopleweredanci
ng
andlaughing.ClubCoachhast obeoneofthe
happiestpl
acesonear th.Peoplewentther
etohave
fun.I
tsalwaysbeenapl aceforTysonandhisbest
fri
endtounwi ndeveryFr i
day.
Luckynudgedhi
m.
Tyson:What
?
Lucky:You'
vebeenholdi
ngthatbeerfort
hepast10
minutesandIdoubtyouheardanythi
ngIsai
d.
Tyson:Myheadi
sever
ywher
e.
Lucky:You'
remaki
ngt
hispl
acef
eell
ikeaf
uner
al.
Tyson:Shoul
dwel
eave?
Lucky:Yeah.We'l
lgetti
metotal
kaboutyouand
yourheadthat'
severywher
e.

Theyt
ookt
hei
rcar
rypacksandl
eft
.

Theydrovet
oLucky'
sapar
tment
.Theyf
oundPabi,
hi
sfiancést
il
lwat
chi
ngtv.
Pabi
:Whydidn'
tyoui
nfor
m meyouwer
ecomi
ng?I
woul
d'vewarmedupt
hefood.
Lucky:It
houghtyouwer
easl
eep.
Shel
ookedoveratTy'
shands.
Pabi
:Ohyoubroughtt
hepar
tyhome.Letmedi
sh
upforyouandmakemysel
fscar
ce.
Tyson:Youcanj
oinus.Wer
eal
lydon'
tmi
nd.
Pabi:Iwoul
dn'
twanttoimpose.Youguysseeeach
otheronceaweekI'
m sureyouhavealotof
catchi
nguptodo.
Lucky:Wedo.

Theyki
ssedt
henshel
eftf
ort
heki
tchen.
Lucky:You'
ret
ryi
ngt
ododget
hisconver
sat
ion?
Tyson:What
?
Lucky:Youj
ustt
ri
edi
nvi
ti
ngPabi
.
Tyson:Iwasbei
ngagent
leman.
Luckyl
ookedathi
m andrai
sedabr
ow.Tyson
chuckl
edandsatdown.
Tyson:Wher
e'syouropener
?
Lucky:Iusemyt
eet
h.
Tyson:Whydoyoual
waysl
oset
hem?
Lucky:Youshoul
dcar
ryonei
nyourpocket
.
Het
ooki
toutofhi
spocket
.
Tyson:Youst
ole?
Lucky:NoIt
ooki
t.
Heopenedt
ookabottl
eandopenedf
orTyson.Pabi
camebackwit
hfood.
Tyson:Al
mostf
orgotwhyIl
ovet
hispl
ace.
Pabi
:Youshoul
dconsi
derget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
Tyson:I
'
dr at
hercomeher
etoeatever
yoncei
na
whil
ethanks.
Shel
aughed.
Pabi
:Aiasazi
.Goodni
ght
.
Them:Goodni
ght
.

Shekissedhermananddi
sappear
edt
othe
passage.

Theyt
ookt
hei
rpl
atesandst
art
edeat
ing.
Lucky:So-
Tyson:Canweeatf
ir
st?
Lucky:No.Iwannaknowwhyissomeone'
s
pregnancymessingyouupsohar
d.
Tyson:YouknowhowIf
eelaboutki
ds.
Lucky:That
'swhent
her
ewasn'
tonei
ntheway.
Tyson:I
'
m notevensur
eifi
tsmi
ne.
Lucky:Thenyoudon'
thavet
ost
ress.
Tyson:I
'
m st
ressi
ngbecausei
tcoul
dbemi
ne.
Lucky:Justf
indcommongroundwi t
ht hatgir
l.Fi
nd
awayt omaket hi
swhol
eordealbearable.There'
s
real
lynoneedtomakethi
shard.
Tyson:I
tshar
d.Shet
hinksshecancont
rolme.
Lucky:Setboundar
ies.She'
saki
d,i
twon'
tbea
probl
em toobey.
Tyson:She'
snott
hetype.Shedecl
inedmyoff
erof
gett
ingherapl
acetostay.She'
smovingt
ores
tomorrow.
Lucky:She'
stest
inghowmuchyoucar
e!
Tyson:Wel
lIdonotpl
ayt
hosegames.
Lucky:Tomorr
owmorningoff
ertodri
vehertores
andthentakehert
oaplaceyougother.Haveyou
evenli
stenedt
owhathappenedbackhomewi t
hher
parent
s?
Tyson:Ihaven'
tgott
imet
o.
Lucky:Thenwhenyougett
her
easkher
.
Tyson:I
'
m notdoingt
hat
.Ifshewant
edmetoknow
shewould'
vetol
dmewi t
houtmehavingt
oask.
Lucky:Yourment
ali
tyi
str
ash.
Tyson:Let
'sputanendt
othi
sconver
sat
ionand
enj
oythislambcurr
y.
Lucky:Whataboutyourmot
her
?
Tysonl
ookedathi
m wi
theyesf
ullofr
age.
Tyson:Whatabouther
?
Lucky:Ar
eyouat
tendi
ngherbi
rt
hdayt
hisyear
?

Heshookhi
sheadandf
ocusedonhi
sfood.
Lucky:Shewashappyt
oseeyoul
astyear
.
Tyson:Iwi
shIgaveadamn.

Heputt
hepl
atedownandgotup.
Tyson:Thanksf
ort
hesupper
.

Hewal
kedt
othedoor
.

°
°°
[
Tyson]

Mymot heri
saverysensi
ti
vetopic.Iwishnobody
evermenti
onedhertome.Thement ionofher
sti
ngsmyskin,shr
inksmyhairandsetf i
reonmy
heart
.

Thatwomanputmet
hrought
hewor
stphaseofmy
l
ife.20yearslat er
,allshedidtomei sstillasfr
esh
asitwasdoneyest erday.10year soft orturebya
womanwhowassupposedt opr otectmeatal l
costs.Iam foreverindebtedtoMr sMazi bukowho
sawmewor t
hyofl oveandpr otection.MrMazi buko
didn'
tapproveofmebutshekeptpushi ngunt i
lhe
fi
nallyacceptedme.Theyputmet hroughschool
andgavemeawar m home.Godt ookt hem away
beforeIcouldr epaythem forthegoodt hey'vedone
forme.

Thefir
stnightatt
heirhome;Icansti
llf
eelthat
comfortandloveIfeltwhenshetur
nedof fthe
l
ight
st osaygoodnight.I
tfel
tgoodtoeatandnot
payforthatfoodwithawhoopingorbeingdr owned
i
noldur i
ne,tobebathedandwearwar m clothes.

MrsMazibukolaterf
oundmymot heragain.She
wasthi
snobodywhol i
vedinthestreet
sandwas
nowment al
lyi
ll
,coul
dn'twalkort
alk.Ineeded,st
il
l
needalotofanswersfrom her
.
Thethoughtofhavi
ngmyownchil
dscar esme
becauseIdonotknowifmyheadwil
lletmetreati
t
l
ikehowMr sMazibukodi
dorhowmymot her
tr
eatedme.

Shel aughedandtookahugechuckofpapand
tosseditinhermouth.Whatonear
thi
ssheeven
eati
ng?
Mmabat
ho:Wer
en'
thoest
her
etoni
ght
?
Thi
siswhywecannotst
ayt
oget
her
.
Me:Ther
ewer
e.
Mmabat
ho:Theyj
ustwer
en'
ti
nter
est
edi
nyou
Me:I
tst
heot
herwayar
ound.Whati
sthat
?
Mmabat
ho:Masonj
a.
Me:OhJesusdi
dyoucookt
hem wi
thmypot
s?
Mmabat
ho:NoIusedt
ins.
Sher
oll
edhereyes.
Iwenttot
hekitchen.Shewashedthem.Imade
eggsanddishedupt hepapandthenwentt
ojoi
n
her.

Me:Youdon'
thavet
omovet
ores.
Mmabat
ho:Iwantt
o.
Me:Wecanf
indcommongr
ound
Mmabatho:That
'l
lneverhappen.We'
retwopeopl
e
f
rom 2dif
fer
entworlds.I
fwestaytoget
hert
hat
won'
ttur
noutgood.
Me:Whatwil
lhappenwhenyoust
artshowi
ng?How
f
arareyouanyway?
Mmabatho:Idon'
tknow.Al
lIknowi
sthatI
'
m
pr
egnantandyou'
readaddy.

Shel
aughed.
Me:Canyoubeser
ious?
Mmabat
ho:Yes.I
tjustf
unny.
Me:Di
dyourpar
ent
sreal
lyki
ckyouout
?
Mmabat ho:Doyouthi
nkI
'
dleavemyf
rozen
decor
atedr oom,myownt
v,myownbathr
oom,
my
walki
ncl osett
ocomeher
e?
Me:Youwomendoanyt
hingt
otr
apmen.
Mmabatho:I
fIhadanywher
etogoIwoul
dn'
thave
comehere.
Me:Thenwhyweren'
tyouhumbl
e?Aski
ngme
aboutwher
eI'
vebeen?
Mmabatho:BecauseIexpect
edyoutoatl
eastsay
somet
hingaboutgett
ingyourel
der
stotakeme
home.
Tear
sfi
ll
edhereyes.
Me:Youwantmet
opayl
obol
aforyou?
Mmabatho:NoTyson.Tocl
eansemydad'
syard.
Paydamages.You'
resosel
fcent
redyour
epul
se
me.
Me:Idon'
thaveel
der
s.
Mmabat
ho:Ther
e'snosucht
hing!
Me:Ir
eal
lydon'
t.Iwi
llt
akeyout
her
emysel
f.
Mmabat
ho:Fr
iends?
Me:Onl
yone.I
'
llspeakt
ohi
m.
Mmabat
ho:Thankyou.

Shepaused.
Mmabat
ho:Ther
e'sadeli
veryguyIsawwhenI
dr
ovet
osecti
onA.Ithoughtheisyourbr
other
.
Me:Whywoul
dyout
hinkt
hat
?
Mmabat
ho:Ther
esembl
ancewasj
ustt
oomucht
o
mi
ss.
Me:Itmust
'vebeenukuf
unakwabant
u.I
'
mtheonl
y
chi
ld.

Igotupandt
ookourdi
shest
otheki
tchen.Ical
led
Cici
.
Ci
ci:Boo
Me:Ar
eyouatyourhouse?
Ci
ci:Yeahj
ustar
ri
ved.Whyar
eyourl
ight
son?
Me:I
'
m her
e.CanIcomeover
?
Cici
:Yes.Iboughtf
oodenought
ofeedthewhole
complex.I'
dreal
lyl
ovesomecompany.I
vytur
ned
medown.
Me:I
'
m comi
ng.

Ihungup.It
urnedt
ofi
ndMmabat
hol
eani
ngbyt
he
wall
.
Mmabat
ho:Thi
siswhyI
'
mleavi
ng.
Me:I
'
m notbr
ingi
ngherher
e.
Mmabat
ho:St
il
l.I
tsgonnahur
tme.
Me:Why?Wear
en'
ttoget
her
.
Mmabatho:ButI
'
m car
ryi
ngyourchi
ldandIdeser
ve
r
espect
!
Me:Whatismor
erespect
fult
hannotbr
ingi
nga
chi
ckher
e?
Mmabatho:I
tisleavi
ngmet
osl
eepal
onei
napl
ace
I
'm notf
amil
iarwit
h.
Me:I
'
llbebackbef
ore12am.

Shef
il
ledhermugwi
thi
ceandpour
edj
uice.
Mmabat
ho:I
'
dli
ket
ogohomet
omor
row.
Me:I
'
llt
alkt
oLucky.
Mmabat
ho:Goodni
ght
.
Me:Goodni
ght
.

Iwi
pedmyhandsandwalkedoutt
hroughthe
gar
aget
oCici
.We'
refr
iends.Wi
thbenefi
ts….
OBSESSI
VE

*
**05*
**

Shewokemeupwi
thacupofcof
fee.Isatupr
ight
andt
ookit
.
Me:Mor
ning.
Ci
ci:Hi
.
Me:Yousmel
lfr
esh.
Ci
ci:Af
teral
lthel
astni
ght
'sst
eam,
Ineededawash.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:Whydi
dn'
tyouwakemet
ojoi
nyou?
Ci
ci:Idi
dn'
twantt
odi
stur
byou.
Me:Youshoul
dopenacof
feeshop.Whyi
syour
cof
feesoni
ce?
Shemakesmeancoffee.Somemorni
ngIpassher
e
onmywaytoworkjusttohaveacup.
Cici
:Imight
.Myj obiswr
ecki
ng.Isawyour
upcomingfoundati
on.
Me:Yes.BasedonAf
ri
cashades,
ful
lcover
ageand
hydr
ated.
Ci
ci:Ohwow.Wedef
ini
tel
ycan'
twai
tascust
omer
s.
Yourcari
sout
.
Shi
t!Ir
oll
edoutofbedandt
ookmypant
s.
Me:I'
m supposedt
obesomewher
e.Wher
e'smy
phone.
Ci
ci:Ont
hechar
gerdownst
air
s.
Me:I
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
.
Ci
ci:Youdon'
thavet
oli
e.
Me:I
'
m notl
ying.Thanksf
ort
hecof
fee.

Iki
ssedhercheekandr anout .Iunconnect
edmy
phoneandwentout .Mmabathowaspacki ngher
bagsont heboot.Iswit
chedmyphoneonasI
approached.Thereweremissedcal l
sfrom Lucky.
Mmabat
ho:Somuchf
orcomi
ngbackbef
ore12pm.
Me:Iover
slept
.
Mmabat
ho:Yourf
ri
endi
sinsi
de.

Shesl
ammedt
het
runksdoor
.
Me:Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?
Mmabat
ho:What
?
Me:Youcan'
tsl
am mycarl
iket
hat
.
Mmabat
ho:I
-

Igoti
ntot
hehouse.She'
sful
lofshi
t.
Lucky:It
houghtyousai
d6.
Me:YeahIover
slept
.Thanksf
orcomi
ng.Shal
lwe
go?
Lucky:At
leastwashyourf
ace.Damnyousmel
lli
ke
pussy.
Me:Whyar
eyousni
ff
ingmebr
oe?

Iwentupst
airstofr
eshenup.Iheardnoi
secomi
ng
fr
om downstair
s.Ir
usheddown, t
herewasanol
d
manshouti
ngatMmabat ho.
Mmabat
ho:Daddypl
ease!
Hel
ookedmydi
rect
ion.
Hi
m:I
sthi
shi
m?
Mmabat
honodded.
Me:Dumel
ant
ate.
Him:Iwantyoubothtoli
stentomeandli
stenver
y
caref
ull
y.Idonotwantyouinmyhouseunless
you'r
ecomingtotel
lmet hatt
hisboyi
smarryi
ng
you.Stopcont
acti
ngKea.

Heheadedtowardst
hedoor.Mmabathobr
oke
down.Luckycomfor
tedher
.Whatki
ndofafat
heri
s
thi
s?

Iwentbackt
ofi
nishbat
hing.

Iburi
edmysel
finwor
kafter
war
ds.Luckycamet
o
l
ecturemebef
orehel
eft
.

.
..
Imighthavef
all
enasl
eep.Iwokeupt
onoi
seof
somethi
ngbreaki
ng.
Me:What
'sup?
Mmabat
ho:I
tsmyphone.Sor
ryt
owakeyou.
Me:I
tsokay.
Mmabat
ho:Nowt
hatyou'
reup.Wecant
alk.
Me:Aboutwhat
?
Mmabat
ho:Mydad.
Me:Yourdadi
sst
il
lmad.He'
l
lcomear
ound.
Mmabat
ho:Hewon'
t.I
tswhatt
heydoatchur
ch.
Me:Sohe'swi
ll
ingt
olosehi
sdaught
erover
pr
egnancy?
Mmabat
ho:Ar
en'
tyougoi
ngt
omar
ryme?
Me:What
?
Mmabatho:Yes.Iwannagohome.Ican'
tst
ayher
e
oratr
es.
Me:I
fImar
ryyouyouwi
llst
ayher
e.
Mmabatho:Idonotwanttost
ayher
ewhi
leI
'
m on
badt
ermswi t
hmyparents!
Me:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
omar
ryyouMmabat
ho.
Shest
aredatmeforawhi
le,
herchestgoi
ngupand
downthenst
ormedout
.

Ihungovert
heot
hersi
deoft
hebed.Thi
sisf
ucked
up.

It
ookmyphoneandcal
ledCar
l.Shedi
dn'
tpi
ckup.
Me:Whodoyouwantmet otur
ntowhenyou'r
e
unavai
labl
e.Pl
easecal
lmewhenyougett
his.

Ihungupandposi
ti
onedmysel
fri
ghtf
ort
aki
nga
nap.
..

°
°°4daysl
ater
°°°

Koket
socli
ckedherheel
spastCassi
e'
smi
niof
fi
ce
l
ikeshewasn'
tther
e.
Cassi
e:Ma'
am!
Sheputt
hephonedownandchasedaf
terher
.
Cassi
e:Ma'
am youca-

Soundsofamoani
ngwomanf l
oodedt heent
ire
pl
acesoonasKoket
soopenedhisoff
icedoor.She
fl
ewintograbt
hewoman'
shairoff
.
Tyson:Whatt
hef
uckKoket
so!

Hepul
ledoutoft
hewomanandwentf
orKoket
so.
Koket
so:Letgoofme!Iwannat
eacht
hisbi
tcha
l
esson.

Hepickedheruptothedoor.Cassiegaspedwhen
shesawherbossishisbir
thsuit.Sheturnedaway
wit
houtlooki
ngbackwhil
eKoket soscreamed
Tyson'
sname.
Koketso:Iwil
lbr
eakt
hisdoordownIsweartoGod
Tyson.Getthatf
ucki
nghoeoutofther
e!Tyson!
TYSON

Mychoiceofwomenl at
elyi
sr eal
lyquestionabl
e.
Theyar
estupidandtheycatchfeeli
ngs.I'venever
hadasagaofbeingfoundshagging,letalonea
womancomi ngtomywor kplaceunannouncedand
causet
hedramat hatKoket
sowascausi ngoutside
myoffi
cedoor.

Iputt
hephonedownaft
ercall
ingsecur
it
ytocome
anddragherout
.Mal
iwasdressingup.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry.
Mal
i:It
houghtt
hiswasadr
amaf
reezone.
Me:Itis.She'
shavi
nghar
dti
meget
ti
ngoverour
l
it
tl
et hing.
Mal
i:Icoul
dn'
tcar
elessr
eal
ly.

Shet
ookherbag.
Mali:CauseI'
m done.Icannotdealwi
thsuch
chi
ldishbehavi
or.Yougonnacallmeifyouneed
anythinghouserel
ated.

Sheheadedtothedoor.Koketso'
snoisedi
eddown.
Maliwal
kedout.Iwashedmyhandsanddr essed
up.Ical
ledCassi
einaftercl
eaningt
hewhol eplace.
Me:I
'
m sor
ryaboutear
li
er.
Cassi
e:I
tsf
ine.I
twasn'
tthef
ir
stt
imeIsawapeni
s.
Me:Yousawmydi
ck?
Cassi
e:I
-notr
eal
ly.Justpubi
chai
r.
Me:Yousawpubi
chai
r?
Shenodded.
Me:DoIhaveameet
ing?
Cassi
e:No.Shoul
dIt
aket
hist
imet
obookyoui
nto
aspaforwaxing?
If
rowned.
Me:What
?
Cassie:Asyouepersonalassi
stantI
'
m worr
ied
aboutyourpubichair
.Ithi
nkyoushouldshaveit
.
Soont hel
adieswil
lberunningawaycauseitl
ooks
l
iketheafri
cantypeofpubesandwewomenhat e
that
.
Me:Cassiemypubi
chai
ris4daysol
d.Ishavedon
Sunday.
Cassi
e:OhmyGod.Doyoueatdogmor
e?Ishoul
d
addnohaironyourcosmet
ics.
Me:Getout
.
Cassi
e:I
'
mjustconcer
ned.
Me:Out
!
Cassi
e:Yourbi
ooi
lisf
ini
shed.
Me:Wt
fCassi
e!

Sher
ushedout
.

.
..
Cassi
e

Ij
ustcoul
dn'tst
opt
alki
ng.Whatwasont
hatmuf
fi
n.
Ical
ledCol
len.
Col
len:Di
dheaskyouwhatyousaw?
Me:Whatwasonyourmuf
fi
n?If
eelf
unny.
Col
len:Weed.Nowt
hatyou'
rehi
gh,
howbi
gishi
s
di
ck?
Me:Col
lenIcoul
dn'
tseei
tcl
ear
ly.ButIdi
dseehi
s
nast
ypubichai
rugh

Igagged.

"
Woul
dyoul
etmypubi
chai
rgo"

Ist
art
ledandt
ossedt
hephonedown.
Tyson:Geezgomakemesomecof
fe.
Cansomebodypl
easecal
lbi
ooiloranygelbr
ands
tohi
m br
inghi
m asmanyastheycould!
[
01/
15,
12:
31] :OBSESSI
VE

*
**06*
**

Iwokeupt oacallfrom t
hegate.Whoeveri
sthere
shouldjustgoaway.Iroll
edoutofbedandwentt o
bathandcamebackt odressup,f
indi
ng5mi ssed
cal
ls.Icall
edthem backonmywaydownst airsto
havebreakfast
.
Babkheswa:Ndodana
Me:Ni
njanibaba?
BabKheswa:Si
khona.Ther
e'sMmabat
hoher
e.
Me:Tel
lhert
owai
tformet
her
e.I
'
m comi
ng.
BabKheswa:Shet
alkedaboutget
ti
nghercl
othes.
Me:I
'
llbr
ingt
hem.
BabKheswa:Ok.
Ihungup.Ihaven'tseenhersi
ncethatdayher
fat
hercame.Icalledhermorethanoncebutshe
wasn'tt
akingmycal l
s.Imadeasandwichand
packedit
.Igrabbedmykeysandwal kedoff.

Ist
oppedatt
hegateandtol
dhertogetin.Shegot
i
nandIdroveof
f.Il
ookedathert
hroughtherevi
ew
mir
ror
.
Mmabat
ho:Wher
ear
eyout
aki
ngme?
Me:Hi
.
Mmabat
ho:Icamet
ofet
chmyst
aff
.
Me:Wher
eto?
Mmabat
ho:Home.
Me:Yourpar
ent
'shouse?
Mmabat
ho:Yes.
Me:Ar
eyoumar
ri
ed?
Mmabat
ho:Canyoupl
easet
akemeback?Ihavea
cl
assat1pm.Iwantt
ohavet
ookmycl
otheshome
bythen.

It
urnedar
oundanddr
oveback.

Ihel
pedherpackanddr
ovehert
oTembi
sa.Il
eft
herathergat
e.
Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngt
omor
row?
Mmabat
ho:At
tendi
ngcl
asses.
Me:Whenar
eyouf
ree?
Mmabat
ho:Idon'
tknow.

Shepul
ledherl
uggage.
Me:We'
rest
il
ltal
king.
Mmabat
ho:Wel
lI'
m done.

Sheopenedhergat
eandwenti
n.Bat
hong.
Idr
oveawayt
owor
k.

.
..
If
oundCarl
'
shusbandwai t
ingformei
nmyoffi
ce.
Cassi
ehasalotofexpl
aini
ngtodo.Whydi
dn'
tshe
warnme?
Me:MrWi
ll
iams.
MrWi
ll
iams:Boy.Youar
ri
vet
hisl
ateatwor
k?
Me:Ihadsomet
hingst
otakecar
eof
.
MrWi
ll
iams:What
?
Me:Per
sonal
.Whatbr
ingsyouher
e?
MrWi l
li
ams:We'
repar
tner
ingwi
thNyamazane
del
iver
ies.
Me:Del
iver
ies?
MrWi l
li
ams:YesTyson.Theydel
iversmal
l
packagesar
oundJo'burg.
Me:Mmmhok.
MrWill
iams:You'r
emeetingwit
hthem t
odayat12
j
usttosignthecontr
act
.Ourlawyer
shavegone
t
hroughit.
Me:I'
l
lemai
lyout
hef
eedback.Thanksf
orst
oppi
ng
by.

Hekepthiseyesgluedonmef orawhileandthen
walkedaway.Hecoul d'
vej
ustsentanemail
.Ididn'
t
needtoseehisfatfacesoearl
yinthemorni
ng.

Cassi
ecamei
n.
Me:Youwannaexpl
aint
omewhywasn'
tIi
nfor
med
abouthi
m bei
ngi
nmyof f
ice?
Cassie:He'
smyboss'sbosssowhatheasksmet
o
do.Idoit.Goodmorni
ng.Youhaveameeti
ngwi
th
Nyamazanedel i
ver
iesat
-
Me:Iknow!Getout
.
Cassi
e:Idi
dn'
tsayIwasdone.
Me:Excuseme?
Cassie:YesMrMazibukoI'm notdone.You'
re
meetingNyamazanedeliver
iesat12pm.Youar e
taggi
ngmeal ong,
aftert
hatyouof fert
otakethem
outforlunch,
smil
eandlaugh.
Me:I
sthatal
l?
Cassi
e:Yes.
Me:Wher
e'smycof
fee?
Cassi
e:Bef
oreyou.

Il
ookeddownonmydesk.Ipi
ckedi
tup.
Me:Thi
siscol
d.
Cassi
e:You'
rel
ate.
Me:Getmeanot
herone.
Cassi
e:Yougonnaneedt
ochanget
hewayyout
alk
tomeSir.
Me:Cassie,
Idon'
thavet
imef
oryourbul
lshi
t.Get
mecoffee!
Sher
ushedout
.

Myof
fi
cephoner
ang.Ipi
ckedi
tup.
Me:Mazi
buko.
Cal
ler
:MrMazibuko.I
tsNonhl
anhl
a,ar
eyougonna
cometoday?
Nonhlanhl
aisoneofthenursesatMasakhane.I
checkedmycalender
.Itwasthe20th.
Me:I
'
llcomebyl
ater
.
Nonhl
anhl
a:She'
dbesohappy.Thankyou.

Shehungup.Ical
ledCassi
ein.
Me:Ordermesomeflowersandchocol
ates.Anda
pi
ll
ow.Iwantt
hem befor
e4pm.
Cassi
e:I
'
m st
il
lwr
it
ingourpr
esent
ati
on.
Me:Cassi
ethepresent
ati
oni
snextweek.Geton
whatlj
ustaskedyou.
Cassi
e:Whatki
ndoff
lower
s?
Me:Asl
ongasi
tisf
lower
s.

Shenoddedandwal
kedaway.

-
Mmabathof
ini
shedpackinghercl
othesandwentt
o
makefoodi
ntheki
tchen.Shetookherpl
ateand
wentt
othel
oungetoeatwhilewatchi
ngtv.

Hermothercamei
n.Shekepthereyesl
ockedon
t
hetv.
Hermot
her
:Your
eal
lypr
oudofyour
sel
fnow?
Mmabat
ho:No.
Hermot
her
:Howcoul
dyoudot
hatt
oyourf
ather
?
Mmabat
ho:Idi
dn'
tdoanyt
hingt
odad.
Hermot
her
:He'
sint
hehospi
talMmabat
ho!
Mmabat
ho:He'
sgonnabef
inema.
Hermot
her
:Di
dyour
eal
lyhavet
obr
ingt
hatup?
Mmabat ho:Ihadto!Renei l
wedi edbecauseofhi m
alwayswant i
ngtobet hebestparenti
npeople's
eyes.Hegaveawayhi sdaughtertoamant hatl
at er
ki
lledbecausehebl amedherf orthedebtshewas
i
n.Hewasr eadytogi vemeawayt oamanIt old
him wasn'tmyboyfriend!Thatmanwoul d'vekil
led
mewhenhef indsthewomanhewant stomar ry
will
ingl
y.
Hermot her:You'
vegott
ounder
standt
hathe'
sa
pastor.Heneedstobeagoodexampletot
hr
congregati
on!
Mmabat ho:Wellhehasdaught ersanddauf hter
s
aren'tperf
ect.Hepr eachesaboutaccept ancebut
hecan' taccepthispregnantchi l
dren, healways
runst owedt hem off.It
ssickeningt hatyouj ust
if
y
hisact i
onsafteryoul ostadaught erbecauseoft his
forcedmar ri
agething.

Shegotupandwenttohim.Nothi
ngcould'
ve
prepar
edhertheenor
moussnakeshefoundcur
led
upinherbed.Shescr
eamedandranout.
..
-
TYSON

Ihatethesmi l
ingandl aughatl ousyj
okesbusi
ness.
Iwasj ustgl
adi tsover.Phakamawaswhom
seemedf unar oundalltheboringmen.They
thankedmyt reat,Iwaspr ayi
ngt heywoul
d.
Phakamaof feredt owalkmeout .

Me:Iwasn'
texpect
ingt
hispl
acet
obet
hishuge.
Phakama:Yout
houghti
twassomewher
eindodgy
cor
ner?
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:Tobequi
tehonest
,yes.
Phakama:I
tsamul
timi
ll
ion.I
tsdoi
ngpr
ett
ygr
eat
.

Ial
waysseewomenbuti
tsal
wayswhat
everbutt
he
l
adyinapinksuit
,Ifoundmysel fdeafandobl i
vious
toever
yonebuther.Hersmile.Hertallsel
flooked
veryat
tr
acti
vei
nt hatsui
tthathuggedheri nallthe
ri
ghtpl
aces.

Ist
art
ledwhenPhakamat
ouchedme.Hewas
l
aughi
ng.
Me:Whoi
sshe?
Phakama:Si
sekel
oDube,
coowneroft
hispl
ace.
Me:Damn.
Phakama:uhh.
..
Ithoughtyouguyswer
erel
ated.
Me:What
?Why?
Phakama:Nevermi
nd.
Me:She'
s.
..
Phakama:Fl
awl
essl
ybeauti
ful
.Tr
ustmeshehas
thever
ysameeff
ectonever
yman.Ilostt
hebat
tl
e.
Me:Condolencesman.She'
sgonnabel
yingi
nmy
chestsoon.
Helaughed.Cassi
ecamet
ous.Shegr
eet
ed
Phakama.
Cassi
e:Thet
hingsyour
equest
edhavear
ri
ved.
Me:Phakamamyman.Thanksf
orhavi
ngme.I
'
ll
seeyouaround.
Phakama:Sur
ethi
ngmyguy.Lady

Heki
ssedherhand.Shebl
ushed.Ir
oll
edmyeyes
andl
eft
.

.
..
Iarr
ivedatMasakhane.Theyhuggedmei
ntur
ns.
Theyarealwayshappytoseeme.
Me:I
ssheasl
eep?
Nonhl
anhl
a:No.She'
sinherr
oom.I
sthatcake?
Me:Yes.Ihopei
tsokay.
Nonhl
anhl
a:I
tsokay.Let
'sgoandgi
vehert
he
bi
ggestgi
ft
.

Shel
edthewaytoherr
oom.Ial
wayshavet
o
emot
ional
lypr
epar
emysel
ftoseeher
.

Herwheel
chai
rwasposi
ti
onedneart
hewi
ndowl
ike
ever
yti
me.
Nonhl
anhl
a:Mi
ssMazi
bukol
ookwhoIhaveher
e.
Mar egi
ster
edherundert heMazi
bukoname
becausenoneofusr eall
yknowhernameorher
surname.Theonl
ythi ngweknowi sherbi
rt
hday
becauseshehadittattooedonherwri
st.
Nonhl
anhl
a:Hebr
oughtyoucakeandf
lower
s.What
agent
leman.

Shet
ookt
hest
andandputt
hecakeont
op.
Nonhl
anhl
a:Thegoodnewsis;youcaneatt
hecake.
Thebadnewsis;onl
yasl
ice.I
'l
lgogett
heplat
es.
Shewalkedout
.Thi
sist
hemomentIneverknow
whatt
odoorsay.
Me:Happybi
rt
hday.

It
ookaseat
.
Me:Imadesomeonepr egnant
.Thebabyisgonna
beMazibukotoo.Iwi
shyoucanat l
eastbeabl
eto
wri
teyourrealsur
name.Idon'
tknowwhoam I.The
Drsaidyourvocal
swereokay,can'
tyoutr
ytoutt
er
at
leastoneword?

Shewasj
ustl
ooki
ngatme.Thi
sispoi
ntl
ess.
Me:Iboughtyouchocol
ates.Sameast heonesI
boughtl
astyear
.Ihopeyoust i
lll
iket
hem.

Herstaremademeuncomf or
tabl
e.Shewaslooking
atmet hesamewayshedi dwheneverIcamefrom
out
sidetoplay,she'
dlookatmeexactl
yli
kethat
bef
oreshe'l
ldrownmei nabucketful
lofol
durine.
Myhandst r
embledinvoluntaril
y.Iranshor tof
breath.Igotupandheadedt owar dsthedoor .
Nonhl anhl
acamei n.Ipassedherl i
keshewasn' t
there,shecall
edmynamebutIj ustkeptonwal ki
ng
unti
lIwasoutsi de.Ifi
nall
ybr eathe,Ifel
ttearsbuild
upinmyeyes.Iwentt omycar .Igotin,Iputbot h
myhandsont hesteeri
ngwheelandsobbed
sil
ently.
..
[
01/
15,
12:
31] :OBSESSI
VE

*
**07*
**

Icouldbarel
yst
and.Ikeptonbuzzi
ngtheint
ercom
unti
lthatf
atassofahusbandanswered.
Wi
ll
iams:Whoi
sit
?
Me:I
t'
smeTyson.
Wi
ll
iams:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
esol
ate?
Me:Ineedt
otal
ktoCar
l.I
tsur
gent
.
Wi
ll
iams:She'
sasl
eep.
Me:Wakeherup!Damnman.
Wi
ll
iams:You'
redr
unk.Gohome.

Hedisconnected.It
ookoutmyphoneandcal
led
her
.Shedidn'tpickup.Ist
umbl
edbacktomycar.

Iopenedt
hepassengerdoorandhoppedin.I
adj
ustedmychairandpul
ledmyfleecef
rom the
backandclosedmyeyes.

Aft
er5mi nutesIheardabang.Iopenedmyeyes,
t
her ewassunpenetrati
ngthr
oughmywi ndshiel
d.I
l
ookedatCar lhi
tt
ingmywindowwi thherkeys.I
rol
leditdown.
Car
l:Whatt
hehel
lTyson!
Me:What
?
Carl
:You'
rei
nmyf ucki
nggate!Youcameherein
themiddl
eoftheni
ght.Haveyoulostyourmi
nd?
I
twast
henextday!
Me:Defi
nit
elynot
.Iwasdr
unk.Iwentt
oseemy
mother
.
Carl
:I'
m sorr
ybutwhatyoudidiscompl
etel
y
unacceptabl
e.Nevereverdoi
tagai
n.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry.I
'
llcal
lyourhusbandt
oapol
ogi
ze.
Car
l:Don'
t.Leave.
Me:Iam.

Ij
umpedt odr
iver
'sseatandwar
medupmyengi ne.
Shemovedoffthewindowandfoldedherar
ms.I
droveof
f.
.
..
Itr
angforthelongesttimeunanswered.Ihungup
andatemyl unch.Sincefrom t
hemor ni
ngIhad
beencall
ingMmabat hobutshewasn'tt
akingmy
cal
ls.Iwantedtoknowhowf arshewasandaskif
wecandodnat est
.
Ical
ledCassi
ein.Shecamei
naf
tersomet
ime.
Me:Wher
ewer
eyou?
Cassi
e:I
nther
est
rooms.
Me:Sendf
lower
sandexpensi
vechocol
atest
omi
ss
Si
sekel
oDube.
Cassi
e:Addr
ess?
Me:AtNyamazanedel
iver
ies.
Cassi
e:Masakhanecal
l-
Me:Aiaiai
.I'
m sickCassi
e.Anyonewhowant
sme
t
ellt
hem I'
m unavail
abl
e.
Cassi
e:Itwould'
vebeenni
cei
fyoutol
dyouaresi
ck
causeI'
vejustconf
ir
med3ofyourmeeti
ngs.
Me:Cal
landcancel
.Can'
tyouseet
hatI
'
m si
ck?
Cassi
e:NoMrMazi
buko.
Me:Cancelt
hem andgetoutofmyf
ace.

Shet
urnedar
oundandwal
kedt
othedoor
.
Me:Br
ingmesomecof
fee.
Shecl
osedt
hedoor
.What
'swi
thherandt
his
at
ti
tt
ude.

Il
ookedformyfl
eeceinthecupboar
d.If
oundi
tand
wenttosl
eeponthecouch.
.
..
Wakingupf rom mynapi twasalreadyinthenoon.I
wenttopeeandcamebackt opackmyst uffand
l
eft.Idrovestr
aightt
oMmabat ho'shome.Ifound
heroutsidewit
hherf r
iends.Iaskedhertocome
wit
hmesoshedi d.

Me:Youmustl
oveyourr
ingt
one.
Mmabat ho:Ido.Ir
eall
ydo.Especi
all
ywhen
i
rr
elevantpeoplecal
l.
Me:Youdon'
thavet
omaket
hishar
dyouknow.
Mmabat ho:Nott
aki
ngyourcal
lsi
sn'
tmaking
anyt
hinghard.Bei
ngbewit
chedbyyourwhor
esi
s!
Me:What
?
Mmabatho:YesTyson.If
oundahugef
ucki
ng
snakei
nmydamnbed.Whatexplainst
hat
?
Me:YourWi
ndowswer
eopenandasnakesl
idi
n.
Shescof
fed.
Mmabat
ho:Mywi
ndowshavebeencl
osedsi
nceI
l
eft
.
Me:Mywhorescan'tbewi
tchyoubecauset
heydo
notknowyouexi
st.
Mmabatho:Thatonewhol
ivesopposi
teyourhouse
knowsme.
Me:Ci
ci?
Mmabat
ho:Idon'
tcar
ewhathernamei
sbutyes!
Me:Mywhoresar
eal
lChr
ist
ian.Checkyour
nei
ghbor
s.

Shei
ncr
easedt
hevol
ume.Muchbet
ter
.
Wear r
ivedattheDr.Therewasnoqueue.Igr
eet
ed
thesecret
aryandtoldheraboutmyappoi
ntment
.
Shetoldustotakeaseat.

Mmabat
ho:Ar
eyougonnakeepupwi
tht
his?
Me:What
?
Mmabat
ho:Taki
ngmet
oDr
s?
Me:Notever
yti
me.

Myphoner ang.I
twasanunknownnumber
.I
i
gnoredit
.Koketsocal
lsmewit
hnewnumbers
ever
ytime.
Mmabatho:Answeri
t.Youdon'
thavet
oignor
eit
.I
don'
tcar
e.
Me:I
'
m noti
gnor
ingi
tbecauseofyou.
Itr
angagai
n.Il
etitr
ing.Shesnat
chedi
toutofmy
handandranof
f.Ichasedaft
erher.
Mmabat
ho:Hi
..
.Si
mamkel
eDube?Ohhe'
s.
Isnat
chedi
tof
fher
.
Me:Hey.Sor
ryt
hatwasmypa.
Si
sekel
o:Howar
eyouMrMazi
buko?
Me:I
'
m okay.Howar
eyou?
Sisekel
o:I'
m okayandthankyouf
ort
hecati
ts
reall
ycutebutI'
m al
ler
gic.
Me:Acat
?
Si
sekel
o:Yes.I
tar
ri
vedt
odayf
rom yourof
fi
ce.

DamnyouCassi
e.
Me:Myapol
ogiesl
ady.Ihadnoi
dea.HowcanI
makei
tuptoyou?
Sisekelo:Idonottel
lmenwhattodo.Hel
lo?
...
I'
m
comi ngdear.Gott
ago.Thanksagai
n.
Me:Letme-

Thel
inedi
ed.
Mmabat
ho:Whowast
hat
?
Me:Noneofyourbusi
ness.
Secr
etar
y:Youcangoi
n.

Wewalkedi
n.DrZungudi
rect
edhert
oli
eont
he
bed.
Me:Ij
ustwannaknowhowf
arshei
s.
DrZungu:Youcan'
twai
ttomeett
hel
it
tl
eone?
Me:Uhno.Iwantt
oknowi
fit
smi
ne.
Mmabat
ho:What
?
Me:Yes.Ihavear
ightt
oknow!I
sitpossi
blet
odo
dnatest
.
DrZungu:Nsi
zwayaki
thit
hati
sri
sky.Shecoul
d
l
osethebaby.
Me:Whatchancesar
ewet
alki
ng.
Mmabat
ho:Godmustbeki
ddi
ngme.

Shegotof
fthebedandwor
ehershoes.
Me:Mmabat
ho.

Sher
anoutcr
ying.
Me:We'
l
lbebackdoc.
Iranaf
terher
.If
oundhercr
yinghover
ingovermy
car.
Me:Whyar
eyoucompl
icat
ingt
hings?
Shet
urnedar
ound.
Mmabat ho:really?Compl i
cati
ngt hi
ngs?Am Inot
thegir
lpr egnantf orthebestpl ayerintown?How
complicat edisthatTyson?You' reaselfcentred
bastard.OkayImi ghtl oveyouandwantt ohavea
happyf ami l
ywi thyoubutTysonI '
veacceptedt hatI
cannotgett hat.I-
Iam t ryi
ngtoadj ustt
obei ngso
young, pregnant, i
ntroubl ewit
hmypar entsand
havingashi t
tybabydaddy.It houghtyoubr ought
meher ebecauseyou' veacceptedt hatI'
m pregnant
butno.Yout hinkyou'real lt
hatIcoul dgiveyoua
chil
dthati sn'tyours.Ifitwasn'tsoagai nstmy
beli
efsIwoul dhaveabor tedit
.Idonotwanti tas
muchyoudon'
t!Takemehome.
Me:I
-
Mmabat
ho:Isai
dtakemehome!

Iunl
ockedt
hecar.Shegoti
nandf ast
enedherbel
t.
Iwenti
ntooanddroveawayinsi
lence.
.
..
Thefol
lowingday.Icall
edMasakhanetof i
ndout
whatwassoi mportantl
astni
ght.Theytol
dmemy
motherisinhospi
tal.Mydaywasof f
ici
all
yruined.
Noonet ookmycalls.NotCar
l.NotMmabat ho.Not
Cassi
e.

Iar
ri
vedatwor
k.Cassi
ewasbusyonherl
apt
op.
Me:Heydevi
l.
Cassi
e:YeboMrMazi
buko.Yourcof
feei
sgonnabe
col
d.
Me:Doyouwannaexpl
ainwhyyousentMi
ssDube
acat
?
Cassi
e:Toteachyoual
essonthatifyouwouldli
ke
someonetodosomethi
ngforyou,yousayplease.
Me:Cassi
e,si
nceyousawmydi ckyou'
vebeen
r
eall
yontopofyourownleague.
Cassi
e:Dick?Nosi
ritmust
'vebeenbur
iedi
na
for
estofpubes.
Me:I
'
m gonnaf
ir
eyou.
Cassi
e:Sor
ry?
Me:I
'
m gonnaf
ir
eyou!

Shegotupandtookherbag.Shepackedhert
hings
whil
eIwatched.
Cassi
e:Youwi
llnotf
ir
eme.Iqui
t!

Shewal
kedpastme.
Me:Cassi
e!

Thel
if
tcl
osed.Ican'
tbel
ievet
his.
Iwentt
omyof
fi
ceandputmybr
ief
case.

Idr
ovetoNyamazanedel
iver
ies.Iboughtf
lower
s
andchocol
atesont
heway.
.
..
Me:Mor
ningbeaut
if
ull
ady.
Her
:Hel
losi
r
Shehadasor
toff
rown.
Me:I
smi
ssDubei
n?
Her
:Yesshei
s.Letmecal
lher
.
Me:Oht
ellherTysonMazi
bukoi
sher
eforher
.
Her
:ok.

Iwenttosi
tint
hewai
ti
ngcouchunt
ilshet
oldmet
o
goin.
GwababakickedinasIapproachedt
heoff
icedoor
.
Iknockedonceandwentin.Hereyeswi
dened.
Me:Hi
.

Shecl
eanedupnot
hing.Shedi
dn'
tlookf
ine.
Me:Ar
eyouokay?
Sheshookherhead,
tookherphoneandr
anout
.

Di
dIgr
owhor
ns?
.
..
Si
sekel
orushedtothebat
hroom.Shegort
her
eand
dr
ankfrom t
hetap.
Si
sekel
o:Nonono.Iam j
ustseei
ngt
hings.Iam
j
ustseei
ngthi
ngs.

HerpaMel
icamei
n.
Mel
i:What
'sup?
Si
sekel
o:I
sitmeorhel
ooksexact
lyl
ikeHawuand
ever
yDubeman?
Mel
i:I
sn'
theyourbr
other
?
Sisekel
o:Nodammit!OhmyGodI
'
m sosi
ck.He
couldbeoneofus.
Mel
i:Whatdoyoumean?
Si
sekel
o:Ineedt
ocal
lbaba.

Mel
iwast
alki
ngbutshewasn'
thear
ingat
hing.

Herf
ather
,Qui
ntonDubeanswer
edhi
scel
l.
Qui
nton:Bequi
ck.
Si
sekel
o:Weneedt
otal
k.
Qui
nton:Aboutwhatmyl
ove?
Sisekelo:Amant
hatj
ustwal
kedi
ntomyof
fi
cewi
th
fl
ower s.
Qui
nton:Di
dhehur
tyou?
Si
sekel
o:TodaybabaatHawu'
shouse.
Qui
nton:Ar
eyoupr
egnant
?
Si
sekel
o:Yes.
Qui
nton:OhmyGod.Who'
sthatshi
thead?

Shehungup.Sheknewthatwil
lgetthem al
lto
come.Shecal
ledherot
herfat
hersandwentbackt
o
herof
fi
ce.
[
01/
15,
12:
32] :OBSESSI
VE

*
**08*
***

*
Att
heWi
ll
iam'
shome*

Carlwalkedoutofthebathr
oom.Shet i
ght
enedher
towelandsatinfr
ontofhervanit
y.Shenot
icedher
husband'sunhappyref
lecti
on.Shetur
ned.
Car
l:What
'sup?
Hehadherphonei
nhi
shand.I
tst
art
edshaki
ng.
Car
l:Ar
eyouokayl
ove?
Moses:Howl
onghasi
tbeengoi
ngon?
Car
l:What
?
Sheshr
ugged.
Moses:Car
l.

Hewascal m butshecoul dseeangerburninghis

eyes.Hi
sf acehadt urnedred.Shegotupasf ear
pil
edupinherr eal
izinghehasherphonei nhis
handandi tsunl
ocked.Shegul pedshescratched
herneckthatwasn'titchyatall
.
Car
l:Whyar
eyoul
ooki
ngatmel
iket
hat
?
Moses:15year
sofmarri
age.20ofbei
ngf
ait
hfult
o
you.I
sthi
showyouthankme?
Car
l:Idon'
tknowwhatdoyoumean.
Moses:Imeanhi
m dammi
t!

Hesmashedt
hephoneagai
nstt
hewal
l.He
chargedatCar
landgr
abbedherneckwi
thbot
h
hands.
Moses:I
sKaot
iadopt
ed?
Car
l:Ica.
..
Ican.
..
'
t-
Moses:Fucki
nganswerme!I
sshe?

Shetri
edtonod.Shewasgetti
ngweak.Hereali
zed
thevei
nspoppingoutofherf
oreheadandsweat.
Heletgoofher.Shefel
ldownonthegroundand
gaspedforai
rcryi
ng.

Mosesgr
abbedhi
scarkeysandmadehi
swayout
.
.
..
*
AtHawuDube'
sapar
tment
*

Aknockhewastr
yingt
oignor
epersi
sted.Oneof
t
hegirl
shehadwonatthecl
ubtheprevi
ousnight
wokeup.
Her
:Canyoupl
easegett
hedoor
?I'
mtr
yingt
osl
eep.
Hawuf
rowned.
Hawu:Si
siweh?Youmightaswell
wakeupandgo
t
rytosl
eepatyourpl
ace.Whi
leati
t,wakeyour
f
ri
endup.
Her
:She'
snotmyf
ri
end!

Sher
oll
edof
fthebed.
Her
:Mymoney?
Hawu:Searchonmypockets.Imusthaveaf
ew
hundr
edsthere.Heyf
atass,wakeup.

Hespankedt
heothergi
rlt
hatwasstil
lasleep.She
mumbledsomet
hingandswitchedposit
ions.
Hawu:Hheiwena!Don'
tdr
ivemenut
s.
Her
:Dudepl
ease.
Hawu:Dudepl
easenot
hing.Wakeupandgett
he
f
uckoutofmyhouse.
Hekeptthr
owinghereachpi
eceofcl
othi
ngthat
bel
ongedtoherunti
lshewasful
lydr
essed.
Her
:St
oppushi
ngme!
Hawu:Yinisi
siuf
unaukumoveri
n?Hamba!Ai
bo
wena,usasel
a?Pleasel
eavebat
hobamodimo!
Them:Fuckof
fHawu!
Hawu:YeahYeah.

Heopenedthedoorandf
rozewhenhesawhi
s
ol
derbr
otherBonga.
Hawu:Bhut
i.
Bongal
ookedatt
hewomenbehi
ndhi
m.
Bonga:Ar
etheyl
eavi
ng?
Hawu:Yes.
Bonga:Di
dtheypar
ti
cipat
eint
hemessbehi
ndyou?
Hawu:Uhm.
..
uh.
..
no.
Bonga:Pi
ty.Cl
eanup.Yourf
ather
sar
ecomi
ngher
e.
Hawu:Her
e?Why?Am Ii
ntr
oubl
e?
Bonga:Lett
hel
adi
esgo.

Theywalkedout.Bongawal
kedinandt
ookouthi
s
handker
chieft
oholdthedoorhandl
ecl
osi
ng.
Hawu:Youneedt
ostopdoi
ngt
hat
.Isani
ti
ze
ever
ythi
ngar
oundhere.
Bonga:Youweretouchi
ngthesegir
lsal
lni
ght
.You
needtocleanup.I
'
llgogetdr
inks.
Hawu:Ihavedr
inks.
Bonga:I'
m st
il
lleavi
ng.Icannotst
andt
hesmel
lof
al
lthesesubstances.
Hawu:Whyar
etheycomi
ngher
e?
Bonga:Idon'
tknow.Si
sekel
oorder
edustomeet
here.Babasai
dsomethi
ngaboutherbei
ng
pregnant.
Hawu:I
'
dknow.
Bonga:I
tsf
emi
nineaf
fai
rs.
Hawu:Shewould'vetol
dme.I
tmustbesomet
hing
el
senotpregnancy.
Bonga:Cl
eanupandspr
ayt
hiswhol
epl
ace.

Het
urnedaroundandlef
t.Hawuthrewhi
msel
fon
t
opofthecouchandli
thisci
gar
ette..
.
..
.
TYSON

Mymeetupwi t
hSikeleladidn'
tgoaccordingt
oplan
yest
erday.Shefel
lsickandIhadt oleave.Iwentt
o
Mmabat ho'
stoapologize.Shedidn'
tcomeout .

ThismorningIstar
tedoffatLucky'sworkplace.I
foundhim swampedbutwegott hatli
tt
let
imet o
tal
k.It
oldhim aboutSi
kelel
a.Hebl amedmef or
Mmabat ho'
sreacti
onandIunder stood.

Myaccesscar
ddecl
inedatt
hepar
kingent
rance.A
secur
it
yguycameoutofnowher
e.
Me:Ndoda,
what
'sgoi
ngonwi
thyourmachi
nes?
Hehandedmet
hephone.
Me:Who'
sther
e?
Hi
m:Bossl
ady.
It
ooki
tandputi
tinmyear
.
Car
l:Tyson.
Me:Hey.
Car
l:Youneedt
oleavet
own.
Me:Leave?
Carl
:Hefoundout
.Hef
ir
edyouwi
thi
mmedi
ate
ef
fect.
Me:Hecan'
tdot
hat
.
Car
l:Hecanandhedi
d.
Me:I
'
m gonnasuehi
mfor
-
Carl
:Youcan'
t!I
fheleakst
hist
apeTysonourl
ives
wil
lbeover
.Everyt
hingwe'
veworkedhar
dforwil
l
berui
ned.
Me:Wher
edoyouwantmet
ogoCar
l?Thi
sismy
home.
Car
l:Youknowwhathi
sbrot
herswil
ldotoyou.Go
away,Iwi
llt
akecar
eofyouf
inanci
all
yunt
ilhe'
s
cal
meddown.
Me:Car
l.
..
Car
l:Tysonpl
ease.Doi
tforme.Pl
ease.
Me:Ihaveababyont
heway.
Car
l:Iknowhoney,Iknow.Morereasonsforyout
o
l
eavebecauseifhefi
ndsoutaboutthathe'
sgonna
hur
tthem t
ospiteyou.

Isi
ghedandbr
ushedmyf
ace.
Me:I
'
llseeyouar
ound.

Igavethephonebackt
othesecur
it
yguyand
rever
sed.
Ispedof
fsoonasIwasoutoft
hepr
emi
ses.
..
.
..
.
*
AtHawu'
sapar
tment
*

Sisekel
oarri
ved,
lat
easever
yti
me.Shegr
eet
ed
everyone.
Ngi
phil
e:Pleasebequi
ckIdon'
twannabel
atef
or
myfl
ight.
Si
sekel
o:Wher
e'syourr
emot
e?
Hawu:Behi
ndyou.

Shetur
nedandconnect
edherl
apt
opt
othet
vand
swi
tchedt
hetvon.
Tyl
er:
Areyougonnashowusyourul
tr
asound?
Ngi
phi
le:She'
spr
egnant
?
Chr
is:Tel
luswhoi
sthef
atherf
ir
st.

Shef
inal
lygott
oTyson'
spi
ctur
e.Shet
urnedt
olook
att
hem wi
thherar
msf
olded.
Sisekel
o:Nobaba.Thequest
ioni
s:Whoi
shi
s
father
?
Khul
e:Whoi
sthat
?
Si
sekel
o:Yout
ellmenyamazane.
Tyl
er:
He'
snotmi
ne.
Qui
nton:Def
ini
tel
ynotmi
net
oo.
Khul
e:Ican'
tpossi
blyhaveachi
ldt
hatol
d.Whoi
s
he?
Si
sekel
o:TysonMazi
buko.
Chr
is:I
'
veneverdat
edaMazi
buko.
Qui
nton:Menei
ther
.Itcoul
dbeacoi
nci
dence.
Sikel
ela:I
tsnot
!If
eltconnect
ionwi
thhi
m.Hei
s
oneofus.
Hawu:CanIgosl
eep?
Ever
yone:NotnowHawu!
Hawu:Sor
ry.
Si
sekel
o:He'
stheceoont
hecompanywej
ust
si
gnedwi
th.
Bonga:I
nvi
tehimfordinner
.Gethi
sfor
korgl
ass
andthenwe'
lldodnatest.
Ngi
phi
le:Seconded.I
'
vegott
ogo.
Khul
e:Yourmot
her
sshal
lnotf
indoutaboutt
his.
Hawu:Why?
Chr
is:Becauset
hisi
sourmat
ter
.
Hawu:I
'
llgof
acet
imeSi
kel
elaandNgi
thandi
le.
Si
sekel
o:Pl
easest
opHawunotnow.
Tyler:
Istil
lfeell
ikeyoucoul
d'vejustt
extedushis
pictur
e.Hawu' scouchisver
yuncomf ort
ableformy
technologyleg.Andthi
smat chboxisdepressi
ng.
Si
sekel
o:I
'
m sor
rymyl
ove.Letmedr
iveyouhome.

Shehelpedhim getup.Al
lhersi
bli
ngsfol
lowed
them.Khule,
Chrisand Quint
onremainedbehi
nd.
Chr
is:Behonest
.IWi
llnotj
udgeyou.
Qui
nton:Hel
ooksmor
eli
keHawut
hant
her
estof
us.
Khul
e:So,
behonest
.Wewon'
tjudgeyou.
Chri
s:Inevercheat
edonmywi
fe.Ican'
tsayt
he
sameaboutyou2.
Qui
nton:Wow.Idon'thavet
imef
ort
his.Mybl
ood
pr
essurecan'
ttakeyourbul
l.
Khule:Webettergett
ohimf i
rst
.Hecoul
dbea
di
stantrel
ati
ve.Khanyi
sanicoul
dbehisfat
her
.
Chri
s:Youcan'tsaythat.Youdonatedspermsf
ora
l
ivi
ng.Poorboy, he'
sgonnadiscoverhe'
saDube
anddieforhi
sf ather
'ssi
nsli
keMt hobi
si.
Qui
nton:Canyounotbr
ingt
hatup!
Chr
is:Whynot?Yourt
wist
edwayski
ll
edan
i
nnocentchi
ld.
Khul
egotupandheadedt
othedoor
.
Khul
e:Ar
eyoucomi
ng?

HeaskedKhul
e.Theyhadcamei
nonecar
.He
nodded.
Qui
nton:Youdonotl
ikepeaceChr
ist
ian.You'
rea
ver
yevilpast
or.
Chr
is:Idi
dn'
tknowt
rut
hisevi
lbutt
hankyou.

Khulecl
ickedhi
stongueandwal
kedout.Theyal
l
l
eftChri
sbyhimselfhummingasong.
..
[
01/
15,
12:
32] :OBSESSI
VE

9.

Ther oadledmet oairportandIflewtoEast ern

Cape, PE.Myf ri
endfrom coll
egehadacompany
there,i
ftherewasanyonet hatIwascer tainthey'
d
hireme.Itwashi m.Ibookedi nt
oahot el,Iwokeup
around8am t ogojogging.Idon'tknowwhatwasI
thi
nkingbutIt ookthatri
sk.Mybodyneededt o
l
oosenup, Ineededtogetmymi ndoffthings.

Icoul
dn'
tfunct
ionwel
l.Il
ivedt
hef
ir
stdaysl
eepi
ng.
.
..
Thef
oll
owi
ngdayIwaswokenupbyCar
l'
scal
l.
Whywasshest
il
lcal
li
ngme?
Me:Hey.
Carl
:OhthankGod.Whywasyourphoneof
f
yest
erday?
Me:Mybat
ter
ydi
ed.
Carl
:Wher
ear
eyou?Ineedt
ofi
ndyouan
apar
tment
.
Me:Icanaffor
dmyownapartment
.I'
m atahot
el
f
ornow.I'
llcal
lmyagentt
o-
Carl:AreyoustupidTy?Youragentisthef
ir
st
persont heywouldgoiftheywanttoknowwhere
youar e.Findi
tyoursel
f,st
ayoffsoci
almediaf
or
atl
east4mont hs.
Me:Ihaveaj
obt
olookf
or.St
opbot
her
ingme.
Carl:TysonTysonTyson.Staylow.Nojobs.Iwi
ll
coveryoursalar
yeverymont h,fi
ndanapart
ment
thatisnotgoi
ngtobebor i
ngf oryoucauseyouwil
l
best ayi
ngathome.
Me:Yourphonecoul
dbebugged.
Carl
:It
snot.Callmewhenyoufindapl
aceyoul
i
ke
andI'
llsendpaymentr
ightaway.
Me:Ir
eal
lycanaf
for
dmysel
fCar
l.
Carl
:Haveagoodday.I
'
m sor
ryaboutt
his.I
t'
llbe
oversoonokay?
Me:Sur
e.

Ihungupandreachedformylaptop.Iwentt
o
proper
ty24t
osearchforavai
lableapar
tments.I
foundafewt
hatIli
kedandcont act
edtheagents.
.
..
HAWU(
Kat
legoandChr
is'
sfi
rstbor
n)

Goinghomei snotsomet hi
ngIreal
lyli
kebutonce
ortwiceamont h,Ihavegoandpleadforsome
centstol
ive.I
tsfunnyhowt eenyearsdeci
sions
canruinyourwhol el
ife.
Iwasonl y18whenIchosewr ongf r
iends.Iwas
dat i
ngt hi
sboar dingschoolhot t
iethatever yguy
want ed.Onedaywhenshef inallyagr eedtocome
tomydome, myt henbestf ri
endl eftahidden
camer aandever ythi ngwet al kedaboutandsai d
wasbei ngwat chedi nthemai nr oom andt hewhole
school .Shecoul dn' thandlet ost aresshegotever y
ti
meaf terthatdayshet ookaf astexi t
.Igotintoa
fi
ghtwi t
ht hatf ri
endofmi ne,Ipushedhi m andhe
felloffthebal conyandhadsever einjuri
es.Iwas
arrestedf orattempt edmur derandchi l
d
por nography.Myl awyer st r
iedget t
ingmeoutof
thatmessbutt her ecordsr emai nedbol dsinceIam
asonofabusi nesseswomanandadoct orwho's
alsoapast or.

Iwentthr
oughwithtert
iar
ybutnocompanywant s
me.Iwouldn'
ttr
ytobei nbusi
nesswit
hmysiblings
becausenoonewoul dwanttoworkwit
hthem so
theyal
lhavearesponsibi
li
tyt
hati
sme.
Kat
lego:I
'
m sobr
okeIcan'
tevenseewhoj
ust
wal
kedin.
Me:It
syourf
ir
stbor
nandI
'
m her
etoseepast
or
Chr
is.
Katl
ego:Ohpr
aiset
hel
ord.Woul
dyoul
ikesome
food?
Me:Not
hanks.

Myr elati
onshipwi t
hmymot herisnotreal
lyhealt
hy
sinceIimpr egnatedherfri
endsdaughterwhenwe
wer e16.Apper antl
yImadeherl oseagoodf r
iend
becauset heymovedawayaf t
erthenewsbr oke.I
gettoseemysonever ymont h.Aphiwebringshim
tomewi t
houthermot herknowingOfcourse.We
stil
lloveeachot herverymuch.
Me:I
sheher
e?
Katl
ego:Nobuthewi
llbeher
esoon.Gocl
eanyour
room.
Me:Whosl
epti
nit
?
Kat
lego:You.Youneedt
ost
opt
reat
ingmyhouse
asabnb.Aunt
ywil
lnotbecl
eani
ngaf
teryourmess
ever
yti
meyou'r
ehere.
Me:I
'
llswi
ngbyl
ater
.
Katl
ego:Whenwast
hel
astt
imeyouwentt
ocheck
forSTI
s?
Her
ewego.
Me:Wit
hthat4year
ssupplyofcondomsyou
br
oughtme?There'
snochanceofgett
ingany.
Kat
lego:Ar
eyouevergonnagetmar
ri
ed?
Me:Towho?
Katl
ego:Youdon'
tloveanyone?You'
re26,
timei
s
runni
ngout
Me:DaddyQgotmar r
iedat34soIhave8year
sto
f
indmyMr s.Byebyemmemor uti
.

Iblewheraki
ssandwalkedout
.What'
supwith
them andmar
ri
age?Thegir
lIwoul
dmar r
yIcan'
t
mar r
ysoI'
mjustgonnabemeunti
lIcanmarryher
.
.
..
NGI
PHILE(Khet
hel
oandKhul
e'
sson,
Ngi
thandi
le'
s
t
winbr
other)

Si
kel
ela:Babybr
other
.
Me:Whysoear
lyi
nthemor
ning?
Sikel
ela:It
s9pm her
eatt
hest
ates.Tel
lmeabout
theprodigalson.
Me:I
'mlat
eformymeet i
ngbecauseofthatson.I
l
andedher
elastni
ghtsolatebecauseubaba
want
edustogolookforhim.
Si
kel
ela:Whosesoni
she?
Me:Anyoft
hem.
Si
kel
ela:It
hinki
tsQui
nton
Me:Thesonis24youngerthanus.Hewoul
dn'
t
havecheat
edonmam Yoli,
wouldhe?
Si
kel
ela:Doyouremembert
hest
oryofagi
rlt
hat
di
ed,
kill
edbyherdad?
Me:TheMbonambigi
rl
?
Sikelel
a:Yes.Shewashi
snyat
si.I
fa58yearol
d
hi
m cancheatonmom t hena34yearol
dhim
definit
elydi
d.
Me:You'r
eright
.Iam pr
ayingthi
swhol
ethi
ng
doesn'
tbri
ngdramatothisfamil
y.
Si
kel
ela:Howar
ethel
adi
est
aki
ngi
t?
Me:Theyhavenoi
dea.

"
Hhei
leswaf
igetof
fthephone.We'
rel
ate!
"
Si
kel
ela:What
?Whot
hef
ucki
sthat
?
Me:Somel
ady,
Igott
hegr
eenl
ight
.Idi
dn'
tnot
ice.
Si
kel
ela:Tel
lhert
ofuckof
f.
Me:Wi
thmymout
h?Ohhel
lno.
Si
kel
ela:Howar
ethi
ngsbet
weenyouandAmo?
Me:Webr
okeup.Shedr
inkst
oomuch.
Si
kel
ela:Youneedt
ost
opbei
ngsor
ight
eous.
Me:Itsmynatur
ebroe.Ican'
tdoanyt
hingabouti
t.
I
'm here,
goodni
ght
.
Si
kel
ela:Goodni
ght
.Imi
ghtseeyousoon.
Me:St
artof
fher
eandwe'
l
lfl
ytoJo'
bur
gtoget
her
.
Si
kel
ela:I
'
lll
andi
nJo'
bur
g.
Me:Andt
henf
lydownt
oPi
eter
mar
it
zbur
g.
Si
kel
ela:Keepsomewi
nef
orme.
Me:Or
osi
tbabe.Bye.
Si
kel
ela:Sendmyl
ovet
oAmo,
oopsi
e.

Ilaughedandhungup.Whenl if
elookedgoodf or
them theymovedt oworkatthestates,herand
Ngithandil
e.Ngit
handi
leisnatural
lydistant
.Iti
s
consideredaluckydayifshepicksupyourcal lor
callyouatall
.
Me:Mor
ning.
Mbal
i:Your9o'
clockt
hati
snow9:
45i
swai
ti
ngf
or
youi
nyouroffi
ce.
Me:Whati
sheher
efor
?
Mbal
i:Tr
anspor
tat
ionofherpr
oduct
s.She'
snewi
n
busi
ness,
our50%of
ffornewpeopl
einbusi
ness?
Me:Ohokay.Thankyou.
Mbal
i:Cof
feeort
ea?
Me:Rooi
boswi
thl
emon.Ihaveapi
mpl
e.
Shechuckl
ed.
Mbal
i:Pi
mpl
esar
enor
mal
.
Me:Idonotwantany.Pleasemakemean
appoi
ntmentwi
thmyDr .Ineednewspecs.
Mbal
i:Of
cour
se.Theonesyouboughtl
astweek
f
rom Kor
eaar
enowol d.
Me:Yougetme.

Ismil
edandproceededintooffi
ce.Anot
herbranch
ofDubel
ogist
icswasopenedi nPiet
ermari
tzbur
g
andIworkedmyassof fappl
yingfort
hejob.

I
fiti
snotmi
ssr
udef
rom t
her
obot
.
Me:Sowemeetagai
n.
Her
:Wher
e'sMrDube?
Me:He'
scomi
ng.

Isatdownonmychai
randswit
chedonmylaptop.
Mbalicamei
nwit
hmyr ooi
bosandl
eft
.Iwent
thr
oughmyemail
s.
Her
:Isyourbossst
il
lcomi
ng?
Me:Ohyes.Hejustl
eftlagos.he'
l
lbeherebef
ore
youknowit
..
.ohno.Hesayshe' snotdoi
ngany
meeti
ngsanymore.I
'm sorry.
Her
:That
'sabsur
d.

Shetookoutherphoneanddial
edsomenumbers.
Myphoner ang,
shelookedatme.It
ooki
toutofmy
pocketandanswered.
Me:Ngi
phi
leDubegoodmor
ning.

Shegul
pedandhungup.
Her
:MrDubeI
-
Me:Ihavenobusi
nessf
oryouma'
am.Youhaveno
r
espectfort
hehumanspeci
esma'
am.
Her
:Itwasami
stakesi
r.Iwasl
ateandf
rust
rat
ed.
Me:Mbal
i,
when'
smynextmeet
ing?
Her
:Si
rpl
ease.
Me:Pl
easesendsecur
it
ytoescor
tthi
sladyout
.

Igotupandwenttothebat
hroom.Ther
e'snothingI
hatemor et
hanaper
sonwhohavenor espectfor
otherpeopl
e.
.
..
BONGA

Icoul
dn'
tsleepl
astnight.Ihadnosleepatall
.I
keptt
ossi
ngandt ur
ning.Ionlysl
eptaft
erthesun
cameup.WhenIwokeup, Iwasallal
one.There
werenoki
dsorNkazi mulo.
Irol
ledof
fthebedandtookmyphone.Ical
ledher
.
Thedoorswingopen.
Nkazi
:I'
m her
e.
Me:Iwasaboutt
ocr
y.
Shel
aughedandki
ssedme.
Nkazi
:Ial
sot
ookadayof
f.
Me:Youshoul
dgoonyourmat
erni
tyl
eaveanyway.
Nkazi
:I'
dlovet
obutthatpl
acewoul
dfal
lapar
t
wit
houtme.Westi
llhave4monthst
ogo.
Me:Whati
fyouf
allandhi
tyourhead?
Nkazi
:I'
l
lberushedt
otheDrbef
oreIdi
e.Come,
I
madebreakf
ast.
Me:Letmest
artof
fEndumbeni
.
Nkazi
:Okdon'
tbel
ong.

Ibutonsl
ipper
sandwal
kedout
sidet
omyhut
.
Igotther
eandputonmyr edandwhitecapeand
burntimpephoandcal
leduponal
ltheDubesand
gogointosheappear
ed.
Me:Ther
e'saboywhocoul
dourbr
other
.
Gogo:So?
Me:Iwantyout
oconf
ir
mifheornot
.
Gogo:Why?
Me:Gogo.
Gogo:Sbonga.
Shewasn'
tpayi
ngat
tent
ion.
Me:Youknewabouthi
m,di
dn'
tyou?
Shel
ookedaway.
Me:OhJesusChr
ist
.Whosesoni
she?
Gogo:Ihadt
opr
otectt
hei
rmar
ri
age.
Me:Andr
uinal
it
tl
echil
d'sl
if
e?There'
snowayhe
gr
ewupnicewi
thouthi
sfat
hergogo!
Gogo:Ohpl
ease.Igavet
hatboyafami
ly,
luck,
ever
ywher
ehegoespeoplelovehi
m.Hemi ghthave
hadi
thar
daf
ewyear
sofhi
sli
febutIr
eachedout
.
Me:Whoi
shi
sfat
her
?
Gogo:Yourdad.
Me:You'
reunbel
ievabl
e.
Gogo:Idi
dwhatIhadt odo.Fi
ndhim andbri
nghim
home,thesoonerManzuzaburnyourfat
herdown,
thebet
ter.
Me:Wedon'
tknowwher
ehei
s.
Gogo:Yourbonescanfi
ndmi ssinggoats.Fi
ndi
nga
Dubehumanwoul dn'
tbesohar d.Getaglassof
Hawu, Si
kel
elaandSi
sekel
o'sblood.You'l
lfi
ndhi
m.
I
'm done.

Shevanished.Whoishi
smot her
?Itbet
terbenot
Nkule.Mamawi l
ldef
ini
tel
ysetbabaali
te.Gogo
i
s..
.evil
?
[
01/
15,
12:
32] :OBSESSI
VE

10.
BONGA

Inthemor ni
ngIhadbr eakfastanddr ovethekidst
o
thei
rmot her.Shewassl owl yrecoveri
ng.The
passingofoursonr uinedher ,
Itr
iedtoletherseei
t
wasn'therfaultbutshedi dn'tbel
ievethat
.

Whenourki dswer e6.Wedeci dedt ogetmar ri

ed
andt henaf ewyear slat erGodbl esseduswi t
h
anothersetoft wins,wehadaf ullhouse.Theyare
14,andt henwehadourl astbor n6year sago.Our
marriagewasget t
ingr ocky, ifadaypassedbyand
wedi dn'tfi
ght,t
hatmeantwewer en'
tincontact.
Shest arteddri
nkingsohar d,at34shewentbackt o
acti
ngsi ngleand24.Shewasneverhome.Ihadt o
hir
esomeonet opermanent l
ylookaf terourchi
ldren.
Oneni ghtIfinal
lycalledaf amilymeet i
ngto
addresst heissueofherpar t
yinganddr i
nking
everyday.Shedi srespect edusi never ypossibl
e
way, tookoursonasdr unkasshewasand
wander edof f.Ifol
lowedherbuti twast oolateshe
haddr i
venoff .Shehadacarcr ash, Muhl ewasn'
t
fastened,hef lewacr ossthecarandhi tthe
windshi el
d.Hewasi nacomaf oraf ewdaysand
thenlostt hefight,hewasonl y8mont hsol d.Happy
remai nedt obet hi
smi serableandhel plesspersonI
couldn'treali
ze.Iwasangr yather .Shewentf or
helpbutt herewasnopr ogress.Shewasamess, as
muchasIwasangr yatherIt ri
edtobet heref
orher
asmuchasIcoul dunt i
lshet ol
dmet ost opand
divorcedme.

Istayedwi ththeki
dsunt ilshef i
nal l
yr ecovered.In
thi
s6year sNkaziwasagoodf riend, helpi
ngme
withtheki dsunti
lwell
,wef oundour selvesinthis
rel
ationship.It
sbeen4year stoget her, t
hekidsar e
veryfondofher .Thequadsal ltri
edt oescapet hei
r
reali
tyandwentt ostudyi nCuba.I tisnevereasyt o
seeyourki dsgrowandhavi ngt heirownl i
ves,
especi al
lyifwhentheyleftthingswer ehor r
ible.
Theynevercomeunl essbabacal l
st hem and
threatentof l
yovertofetcht hem.
Ani
ta:Whenar
eyouf
etchi
ngus?
Me:Babeyourmot
heri
sgonnabr
ingyou.
Oni
ka:Youknowshewon'
t.
Me:Whenyouwannacomebackj
ustcal
lme.
Ani
ta:Sundayeveni
ng.
Me:Sof
ast
?
Oni
ka:Yes.
Me:Okbr
ingmyki
sses.

Theyki
ssedmeonthecheeksandIdroveaway.
Thehouseget
squi
etwit
houtthem.Idrovet
o
Baba'
shouse.
.
..
TYSON.

Ifoundanapartmentt
hatIl
ovedanddidasCarl
said.TodayIwasmovingi
n,ful
lyf
urni
shedand
readyforme.Iwentt
ocheckoutanddr
ovet
othe
shoppingcent
ertogetsomef
oodandsome
clot
hes.

Iwassupposedt
otakebackt
hecaryest
erdaybutI
di
dn'
t.

"
Ineedacar
"It
ext
edCar
l.Shecal
ledi
nst
ant
ly.
Me:Yes.
Car
l:St
opcont
act
ingme!
Me:Ineedacar
.
Car
l:Whatel
sedoyouneed?
Me:Acar
.
Car
l:Thi
sisourl
astconver
sat
ion.
Me:Asl
ongasIgetmycar
.

Ihungupandsangal
ongt
othesongpl
ayi
ngont
he
radi
o.
Igott
ot hegrocer
ystor
e,Ij
ammed.I'
veneverdone
thi
sbefore.It
ookoutmyphoneandcallCassi
e.
Cassi
e:Whatdoyouwant
?
Me:WhatdoIbuyi
nagr
ocer
yst
ore?
Cassi
e:Food.
Me:Whatki
ndoff
ood?
Cassi
e:Idon'
tknow.
Me:Thi
sisyourj
obCassi
e!
Cassi
e:Excuseme,
mywhat
?
Me:Yourdamnj
ob.

Shehungup.Fuck.Ical
ledheragai
n.
Cassi
e:TysonMazi
bukoI
'
m wi
thmyboyf
ri
endher
e.
You'
reint
err
up-
Me:Boyf
ri
endyamasi
mba.Youneedt
ofl
ytoPE.
Cassi
e:WhodoIknowt
her
e?
Me:Me.Ineedgr
ocer
iesandIneedcl
othes.
Cassi
e:How'
sthatanyofmybusi
nessTyson?You
fi
redme.
Me:I
'
mre-
hir
ingyout
hen.
Cassi
e:Wel
lIdon'
twannawor
kforyou.
Me:Donott
estmeCassi
e.
Cassi
e:I
'l
lsendyoualistofwhatyoushoul
dbuy
andfr
om thereonnevercal
lme.Youthinkt
he
worl
drevolvesar
oundyou.

Shehungup.Whatdi
dshemeanshe'swi
thher
boyf
ri
end?Si
ncewhendoesshehaveaboyf
ri
end?
Shemustnotdr
ivemecrazy.
.
..
SI
SEKELO

"Badandbouje!"I
fitai
n'tmyforeveryoungbrot
her
i
nl aw.Idon'
tknowhowbhutYezwesur vi
veswi
th
him.He'stoomuchf orhisper
sonalit
y.
Me:I
sthatj
unkf
ood?
Poppi
:Yes!Youknowwi
thSmacar
ryi
ngourchi
ldI
al
sofeelpr
egnant
.
Me:Pl
easesi
tdown.Icoul
dusesomeoft
hisr
eal
ly.

Itwaschi
ps,
russi
ans,
wings,
chi
ckenl
icken,
steak
androl
ls.
Me:Ij
ustgotgoosebumps.
Poppi
:Compl
eteor
gasm.

It
ookonepi
eceanddevour
ed.
Me:hmm-
hmm.God,
whyi
smeatsoni
ce?
Poppi
:Becausei
tmadeoff
at.
Me:I
'
drat
herbef
atbabes.
Poppi
:Tel
lmeaboutt
hemi
ghtbeyourbr
other
.
Me:Yezwecan'
tkeepasecr
et,
canhe?
Poppi
:Idugi
toutofhi
m.Anyl
uckf
indi
nghi
m?
Me:Hequi
thi
sjobandhi
sphonei
sof
f.
Poppi
:Yourf
ather
shaven'
tsentoutsol
dier
stohunt
hi
m down?
Me:Theywon'
t.Noneofthem want
stof
indhim
becauset
heyareal
lscar
edhecouldbethei
rs.
Poppi
:Icanhel
p.
Me:How?
Poppi
:Idonotsuckandt
ell
.

Il
aughed.He'
ssuchachar
act
er.
.
..
.
HAWU

Past
orChri
sgavemesomemoney.Al
thoughi
twas
l
atebuthesenti
t.

Idr
ovetot
hemallt
ost
ockupsomemeat.Iwason
cal
lwi
thdaddyT.Hel
ikescal
li
ngmeandt
alk
aboutabsol
utel
ynot
hingt
hatmakessense,
he'
smy
bestfr
iend.

IhungupwhenIgott
ocheckout
.Ipai
dandwal
ked
away.Myphoner
angasIgoti
nmycar .
Me:Si
s
Si
sekel
o:Wannagetusef
ul?
Me:No.
Si
sekel
o:Youneedt
ohuntdownTyson.
Me:Her
ewego.No.
Si
sekel
o:I
tst
heonl
ythi
ngyoudobest
.Doi
t!
Me:Wi
thoutyou?
Si
sekel
o:Yes.I
t'
snotrocketsci
ence.Putyour
i
nsti
nct
sintogooduseandgot here.
Me:No.I
'
dpr
obabl
yeathi
m.
Si
sekel
o:Eww.
Me:Ireal
lydon'
twannabei
nvol
vedi
nthi
sbr
ing
Tysonhomet hi
ng.
Sisekel
o:Pl
ease.Wehaveto.Heneedst
oknowhi
s
family,
imagi
neift
hiswasyou.
Me:I
twoul
dn'
thavebeen.St
opgui
ltt
ri
ppi
ngme.

Ihungup.Iam t
heworstper
sont obegivensuch
j
ob.Sheknowsherfat
herswouldneverforgi
veme
i
fthisdest
royst
hei
rmarri
agessincetheyareso
preci
ous.
.
..
TYSON

Shoppi
ngi
scancel
l
edi
nmyl
if
e.Iam neverdoi
ngi
t
agai
n.

ItookanapwhenIcameback.Thisplacef
eltl
ike
homeal r
eady.Ical
ledMmabat
howhenIwokeup,
shesti
llwasn'
ttaki
ngmycall
s.Iwr
oteheratextto
tel
lherI'
m noti
nJo'bur
gandri
ghtt
hereandthen
shecall
edback.
Me:Fi
nal
ly.
Mmabat
ho:Youl
eftmeher
etobeal
one?
Me:It
houghtyouwant
ednot
hingt
odowi
thme.
Mmabatho:Idon't
.Butthatdoesn'
tgi
veyouar
ight
t
oleavemet ofacethi
salo-ouch.
Me:what
'
swr
ong?
Mmabat
ho:Ma!OhmyGodno.
Me:Mmabat
hot
alkt
ome.Mmabat
ho

Shekeptcr
yingnotpayi
ngat
tent
iont
ome.
Mmabat
ho:Maa!
!!
"
Kemadi
!Keacal
lanambul
ance!
"

Ihungupandcal
ledheragai
n.Shedidn'
tpickup.I
pani
ckedandt
ext
edCassieheraddressthencall
ed
her.
Cassi
e:Real
lyTyson?
Me:Ineedyourhel
pjoepl
ease.Mybabymama,
I
t
hinkshe'
sint
roubl
e.
Shesi
ghed.
Cassi
e:Sendmehernumber
s.
Me:ThankyousomuchCassi
e.

Ihungupandfor
wardedhert
henumber
s.Mycel
l
rang,
unknownnumbers.
Me:Mazi
buko.
Si
lence.
Me:Hel
lo?
Cal
ler
:Nqubeko.

Itechoedi nmyhead.If eltmygr oundspinning

around.If elthot.Myvisioni mpair
ed.Iranoutof
breath.Onl yhercalledmet hat
.Shewoul dcallme
thatstrokeaf terst
rokeatt hebackwi t
hasj ambok.
She'dsayt hat'
sthenamet heyplannedtoname
theirfi
rstchi l
dtogether
.
Cal
ler
:Don'
thangupt
hisphone.
Inoddedasthoughshewasbef
oremepuf
fi
ngona
ci
garett
ewit
hherunrul
yhai
r.
Cal
ler
:Ineedt
oseeyou.Tomor
rowmor
ning.
Inodded.
Cal
ler
:Am It
alki
ngt
omysel
f?
Me:N-
noma.I
-Iwi
llcome.
Ma:Goodboy

Shehungup.Iwentdownonmykneesshaki
ngand
cr
iedoutl
oud.
..
[
01/
15,
12:
33] :OBSESSI
VE.

11.
TYSON

Ikeptchecki
ngmyphonef
ornewmessagesand
missedcall
sbutt
her
ewasnothi
ng.I
twashours
l
ater
,Icoul
dn'
tst
ayst
il
l.

Iwentovert
ot hekit
chenar
eatotakeoutagl
ass
anddrankwater.Myphonerangaft
erItr
iedt
o
downmyanxi ety.I
twasCassi
e.
Me:Hey,
haveyouf
oundher
?
Cassi
e:YesTy.I
'
m sor
ry.
Me:Aboutwhat
?
Cassi
e:Thebaby.
Me:No.
Cassi
e:I
tdi
dn'
tmake-
Me:NoCassi
e!
Cassi
e:I'
m sor
ryTyson.I
'
m sover
ysor
ry.Pl
ease
cal
lher.

Iputmyphonedownand st
aredi
ntospace.God
hatesme.
.
..
.
[
AtQui
ntonDube'
shouse]

Hi
ssons;Lamu,namedafterhisl
atebr
other
,thei
r
f
ir
stbornwit
hhiswifeYol
andaandBongamade
t
heirwayi
ntoQuint
on'sof
fice.
Qui
nton:Iwasaboutt
ocal
lyouboysi
n.
Lamu:Whodowehavet
omani
pul
atet
ohaveour
waythi
sti
me.
Bonga:Lamu.
Lamu:Theonl
yti
meheeverwannatal
kst
ousi
s
whenheneedssomet
hingt
ogetdone.
Qui
nton:Whendi
dyouar
ri
ve?
Bonga:Thi
smor
ning.Iaskedhi
mtocome.Weneed
tof
ixthi
s.
Lamu:Bafo.Il
eftmyl
if
einMpumalanga,
don'
ttel
l
meIlef
titther
etocomefi
xwhatcannotbefi
xed.
Qui
nton:Youneedt
ost
opbei
ngsohotheadedand
comebackhome.
Lamu:I
'
llpasst
hanks.
Bonga:Ical
ledyout
ocomeher ebecausewehave
abrot
herthatwehavetogethome.Yourski
ll
s
comeinhandybecausewedonotknowwher eheis.
Lamu:Okbroe.I
'
m notdoi
nganythingokay.I
'
m
sor
ryBongabutwhomeverthatsonis,
he'snoneof
mybusiness.
Qui
nton:Si
tdown!

Hewalkedoutl
eavi
ngBongaandQui
ntonl
ooki
ng
ateachot
her.
Quint
on:Thi
sboyneedssomer
ealbeat
ing.Whydi
d
youevencal
lhi
m here?
Bonga:WeneedhimtotrackTysonMazibukobaba.
Mam Yolii
sal
readysuspect
ingsomet
hing.
Quint
on:Whatmakesyout
hinkt
hatl
it
tl
esqui
rr
el
haven'
ttol
dher
?
Bonga:Hehaven'
tandhewon'
t.
Qui
nton:Can'
tyourgogoshowyouwher
ehei
s?
Bonga:No.Youknowhowshei
sandt
hesavi
ors
can'tr
eal
lydoanyt
hingwi
thoneoft
hem notbei
ng
here.
Qui
nton:Itr
iedget
ti
nginf
oaboutNkulebutt
her
e's
not
hing.Thi
sboycouldsti
llbenotmi
ne.
Bonga:Gogodoesn'tl
ie.Ineedtogetgoi
ng
nyamazane.Stayi
nghereandt al
kingwil
lnott
ellme
whereTysonis.
Qui
nton:Cl
oset
hedooronyourwayout
.

Henoddedandwalked.Hef
oundKhet
hel
o,
Khet
hiweandYol
idrinki
ngt
eaonthel
ounge.
Bonga:Goodmor
ningmyf
avour
it
ewomen.
Yol
i:Whati
supwi
tht
hesesecr
etmeet
ings?
Bonga:Somet
hingneedst
obef
ixed.
Khet
hel
o:Whati
sit
?
Bonga:I
'
drat
hernotsay.HasLamul
eft
?
Yol
i:Hewasher
e?
Bonga:Yes.Maybehe'
sst
il
lupst
air
s.
Khet
hiwe:Youdon'
tseem r
eadyf
orwor
k.
Bonga:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
oday.
Khet
hiwe:Gr
eat
.Dr
ivemet
otheai
rpor
t.
Shegotupandpi
ckedhert
inyhandbagup.
Bonga:MaI
-
Yol
i:Doyouhaveanot
hersecr
etmeet
ingt
ogett
o?
Bonga:Of
cour
senot
.Let
'sgo.
Khet
helo:Wewi
llbewai
ti
ngonat
extt
hatweown
t
hatfucki
ngshi
t.
Khet
hel
o:Youknowver
ywel
l.
Yol
i:Tr
avelsaf
elove.
Khet
hiwe:Thankyoumybabe.Youmayst
art
pr
ayi
ngunt i
lIcal
l.
Khet
hel
o:Wear
e.
Khet
hiwe:PEi
sn'
treadyf
ort
hisdr
ip!

Thel
adi
eshypedherupassheandBongal
eft
.
Yol
i:Somet
hinghugei
shappeni
ngi
nthi
shouse.
Khethel
o:Maybeweneedt odoourowndi ggi
ng.
Khuleisact
ingli
keateenagerwhojustst
art
ed
dat
ing,answeri
ngcal
lsandwal ki
ngout.
Yol
i:Therebet
terbenopregnantbi
tchsomewhere.
IsweartoGodshewi l
lseewhatthatMbonambigir
l
saw.
Khet
hel
olaughed.
Khet
hel
o:TheymustaskLuci
a.
Theyl
aughed.
Yol
i:Weshoul
dpayheravi
sit
.
Khethel
o:Ohnohoney.Iam notset
ti
ngmyf
ooti
n
j
ailt
oseet hatbi
lt
ong.

Yol
ilaughedasshecl
ear
edt
hecof
feet
abl
e..
.
.
..
TYSON
Icall
edMmabat hosoonasIopenedmyeyes.She
didn'tpickup.Iwroteheramessage.Ihonestly
didn'tknowwhatt osayot hert
hanI'
m sorr
y.Ilai
d
thereont hebedwi t
hmyheadhangi ngt otheother
side.Iwant edtocrybuttearswoul
dn'tcomeout .

Myphoner
ang.I
twasCar
l.
Me:Whatdoyouwant
?
Car
l:Ij
ustgotyourmessage.Whatt
hehel
lTyson!
Me:Thatwasl
astni
ght
.
Isentherat extthatI
'm comingbackaf
termy
mot hercall
edandt hatwasascaredkidinme.Why
woul dIwanttogoandseet hatwoman?Ineeded
onlyonet hi
ngf r
om, myt r
ueident
it
y.
Carl
:Pleaseunder
standt
hatI
'
m doi
ngt
hisf
oryou
okay.
Me:Iunder
stand.
Car
l:Pl
easegetr
idoft
hatsi
m car
d.
Me:Car
l.
Carl
:Tysonpl
ease.Ineedt
obesur
eyou'resaf
e
ther
e.You'
renotwit
hyoursi
mcar
dsti
llacti
ve.
Isi
ghed.
Me:Iwi
ll
.
Wewentqui
et.
Me:Mmabat
hol
ostt
hebaby.
Car
l:Ohhoneyno.
Me:I
'
m hur
ti
ngCar
l.
Car
l:I
'
m sosor
rybaby.Howi
sshe?
Me:Idon'
tknow.Iam notf
ine.
Icr
iedsi
lent
ly.
Car
l:AwwTy.
Me:Iwi
shyouwer
eher
ewi
thme.
Car
l:Let
'svi
deocal
l
.

Ihungupandsobbeduncontrol
labl
y.Imighthave
notbeenreadyt
obeafatherbutIdidn'
twantfor
thi
stohappen.
IsentMmabat
hoanot hertextapol
ogi
zing.Maybe
thiswasal
lmyfaul
t.Ibroughtherstr
esswithhowI
treat
edher
.
.
..
KHETHI
WE

Aft
ermymeet i
ngwi t
hStanl
eyhot
elIt
ookaridet
o
Yol
i'
sf at
her'
sbeachhouse.Ihadnobusi
ness
st
ayingatahot elwhil
eIcoul
denj
oymyselfi
na
l
uxuriousbeachhouse.

Itsmeltf
reshanditwassqueakycl
ean.It
hrew
myselfonthecouchandswitchedonthet
vt hen
call
edtheladi
es.
Khet
hel
o:Youl
ookexhaust
ed.
Me:Iam.
Yol
i:Youshoul
drest
.Howdi
dthemeet
inggo?
Me:Doyouhavemi
rr
orsnextt
oyou?
Khet
hel
o:Nogamespl
easeKhet
hiwe.
Me:Okayokayokay.Wegoti
t!
Them:No!
Me:Yes.Al
thoughIhadt
ouset
hosepi
ctur
est
oget
Mvubu'
svotebutwegotit
.
Yol
i:Hel
ikesact
ingt
ough.Whew!Fi
nal
ly.
Khet
hel
o:Wel
ldonemami
.Youcont
inuet
oli
ftus
up.
Me:Justdoi
ngmyj
ob.Letmegoshowerandsl
eep.
Them:Byeboo.

Ihungupandwentupst ai
rst othebedroom.The
coolwindthatwascomi ngthr oughcooledmeup.
Thesunwast aki
ngl i
ves,Ireallyhat
ehotweat her.
Thebigroundtubwasposi tionednexttothehuge
glasswindow,gi
vingmeacl earandbeaut i
fulvi
ew
oftheocean.

Iputi
nal
lthebat
hingnecessi
ti
esandf
il
ledt
het
ub
whi
leIst
ri
ppedmyclothesoffi
nfr
ontofahugeful
l
l
engthmir
ror
.Iwasal
readytakenbythi
sbedroom.

Itookaf
ewsnapsofmyhal
fnakedbodysenti
tto
Tyler
.

"
He'snother
e.St
opthisnonsense.St
ayi
nyour
f
uckingl
anewhenhe'swit
hme"
Iswal
lowedt
hehugelumpthatst
ucki
nmyt
hroat
andwentinr
ever
setothebed.

Beingstuckbetweenl et
ti
nggoandt ryingharder
sucks.Ihadbeent ryi
ngsohardt orepairmy
mar r
iagebuti
twasal linvai
n.Ihadevenaccept ed
anotherwomanhebr oughti
ntoourl i
vesthi
nkingit
wil
lmakehi mf or
givemebutcl earl
yIwasj ust
wastingmyt i
me.

Iwasbroughtbacktol
if
ebythetubover
fl
owi
ng.I
rushedt
oturnofft
hetapanddrai
nedsomewater
outandgoti
nanddr
ownedmysel
fal
ongwi
thmy
sorr
ows.
.
..
At6pm theroadledmet ot
heheartoft
hetownt o
havesomef un.Iorder
edacoupl
eofshots,i
twas
chi
ll
edandqui et
,li
ghthear
tedmusicwasplayi
ng
onthebackgroundandmyheadwasget ti
ngt o
whereIneededittobe.

Theblueli
ghti
ngiswhatmademechooset hi
svery
cl
ub.IknewIwouldn'tendupi
nfr
ontofsomecover
pagetomorrow.I
tpackedupastheni
ghtgrewolder
.
"
Somuchl
onel
inessi
nsuchahugebar
"
Itur
nedtowher
ethevoi
cecamef
rom.Hesatdown
anddrummedthecount
er.
Me:IguessI
'
m gi
vingawayt
hatI
'
m newher
e.
Hi
m:Youar
e?Met
oo.Whatar
eyouhavi
ng?
Me:Thisi
sreadytodie.Mi
xtur
eofever
yvodkat
hat
i
sbehindthatcount
er.
Hi
m:ohGod.Ar
eyougoi
ngt
hroughdi
vor
ce?
Me:Am It
hatt
ranspar
ent
?
Hwchuckl
ed.
Hi
m:Wasj
ustt
easi
ng.Ar
eyou?
Me:Coul
dbe.I
'mjustt
ryi
ngt
ofor
getmymi
ser
y
wi
ththi
smixt
ure.
Him:Welli
sitacoi
nci
dencethatIam t
ryi
ngt
o
for
getminetoo?Mybroe.CanIhavewhatshe'
s
havi
ng?
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:Donotdi
e.I
'
vebeendr
inki
ngt
hissi
nceIwas
30.I
'
m usedt
oit
.
Hi
m:I
'
m adi
ehar
d.

Wedrankourbrai
nsout
.Iwentt
othebat
hroom and
f
oundhim gonewhenIcameback.
Me:That
'smycue!
It
ippedt
hebar
man.It
urnedt
onewf
ri
end.
Hi
m:Leavi
ngal
ready?
Me:Yes.Icanbar
elywal
k.
Hi
m:Letmet
akeyout
oyourr
idet
hen.
Me:Suchagent
leman.

Heheldmyhandaswewal kedout
.Myuberwas
al
readywai
ti
ng.Ihoppedi
n.
Hi
m:Tr
avelsaf
e.
Me:Hopi
n.
Hi
m:Uhm.
..
Me:Ipr
omi
seIdonotbi
te.
Hechuckl
edandgoti
n.
Me:Doesyourcarhavepar
ti
ti
on?
Dr
iver
:No.
Me:Pl
ugi
nsomeear
phonest
hen.

Het
ookof
fwhi
lemeandmynewf
ri
endki
ssedand
t
ouched.Hebr
oket
heki
ss.
Hi
m:Mynamei
sTyson.
Me:Idon'
tcarewhoyournamei s.Justmakeme
f
orgetaboutmyendi
ngmar r
iage.
Tyson:Atyourser
vice.

Hepickedmet
ositont
opofhi
m andwecont
inued
ki
ssi
ngandgri
ndi
ngoneachot
her.
..
[
01/
15,
12:
33] :OBSESSI
VE

12.

KHETHI
WE

Thebur ningurgetopeecouldn'
tletmesleep
anymor e.Irol
ledoutofbedandwentt othe
bathroom toreleasemysel
f.Iheardasoftknockas
IthoughtaboutwhatIdidlastnight.Onceagai
nI
ranint
oanotherman'
sar
msf
orcomf
ort
.Whathave
Ibecomereall
y?

Ishoul
dn'
tfeelgui
lt
ybecausehe'
supinanother
woman'sarmsaswespeakbutIf el
tsobad.I
fl
ushedandgotup.Ifr
ozewhenIopenedthedoor.
Me:Wh-
whot
hehel
lar
eyou?
Hi
m:Tyson.
Me:TysonWho?

Ipushedhi
m outofmyway.
Tyson:Mazi
buko.
Me:Ar
eyousomehowr
elat
edt
otheDubes?
Tyson:No.
Me:Andhowol
dar
eyou?
Tyson:I
'
m 24.What
'supwi
thal
lthesequest
ions?
If
ini
shedpicki
nguphi
scl
othes.Ishovedt
hem on
hi
schest.
Me:Leave!
Tyson:It
hought
-
Me:Yout
houghtout
?Gett
hef
uckout
!

Ipushedhi
mt othedoor.Icl
osedi tandwenttosi
t
onthebed.Thi
scan'tbemyeyesdecei vi
ngme.I
star
tl
edwhenmyphoner ang.ItwasBanzi.I
cl
earedmythroatandanswer ed.
Me:Heybaby.
Banzi
:Ij
ustgothomeandyouar
en'
ther
e.
Me:I
'
minPEbaby.Whydi
dn'
tyousayanyt
hing?
Banzi
:Iwant
edt
osur
pri
seyounowI
'
m sad.
Me:Letmebookaf
li
ght
.Iwi
llbet
her
ebef
oret
he
endoftoday.
Banzi
:Ok.I
llchi
llwi
tht
heol
dmanher
e.He'
slonel
y.
Me:YeahIknow.Il
oveyou.
Banzi
:Il
oveyoumor
e.
Ihungup.Howdi
sgust
ingi
sitt
hatIsl
eptwi
th
someonemyson'
sage?

IBookedaf
li
ghtandcl
eanedt
hepl
aceup.
.
..
TYSON

Igoti
ntomyapar t
mentandbat
hedandate.Itooka
bri
efnap,wokeupmiddayandateagai
n.Ical
led
Mmabat ho.Shedi
dn'
tpi
ckup.

Ical
ledCassi
e.
Cassi
e:TysonMazi
buko
Me:Haveyoubookedyourf
li
ght
?
Cassi
e:Myf
li
ghtt
owher
e?
Me:Her
e.
Cassi
e:TysonIam l
ooki
ngf
oraj
ob.Idonothave
ti
meforchitchat
s.
Me:Youdon'
thavet
olookf
oraj
ob.You'
rest
il
l
worki
ngf
orme.
Cassi
e:Iqui
t.
Me:Wellyoucan'
tqui
t.Wher
eam Igonnaf
ind
anot
herpa?
Cassi
e:SouthAfr
icahasaver
yhi
ghunempl
oyment
rat
eifyouhaven'
tnoti
ced.
Me:Iwannahi
reyou.
Cassi
e:ByeTy.
Me:wai
t!HowdoImakeadumpl
ing?
Cassi
e:I
'
llsendyouar
eci
pe.

Shehungup.Iscr
oll
edthroughcal
llogt
ofi
ndthe
numberst
hatthemotherusedtocal
lme.Idr
ank
somewatert
ocalm myner ves.
Mot
her
:Nqubeko
Me:Who'
smyf
ather
?
Shechuckl
ed.
Mot
her
:Hedoesn'
twantyouchi
ld.
Me:Idonotwanthi
mt oo.Ij
ustwannaknowwho
youareandwhoheis;Iwannaknowwhoam I.
Mot her
:Youar eTysonMazibuko.Youhavebeen
fortherestofyourli
fe.Donotcallcompl
icat
ion
uponyour sel
f.Ical
ledyouyester
daytocomef etch
me.Iam okaynow.Idonotneedt ost
ayinthis
placeanymor e.
Me:Andt
akeyouwher
e?
Mot
her
:It
houghtyourpar
ent
slef
tyouf
ort
unes.
Me:Theydi
dn'
t.
Mot
her
:Nqub-
Me:St
opcal
li
ngmet
hat
!
Mot
her
:Don'
tshoutatme.
Me:What
'syourname?
Mother
:Iam yourmot
her
.Whenar
eyougonba
f
etchme?
Me:Iam sor
ryIcan'
t.Ican'
tst
aywi
thyou.
Mot
her
:Sonpl
ease.
Me:Ican'
t.

Ihungup.Ihear
daknockonthedoor.Igotupand
wenttoopen.I
twasmyyoungerbrot
her.Myfather
gothi
m outofmarr
iage.
Me:Khet
ha
Khet
ha:br
oe.Weneedt
otal
k.
Me:Howdi
dyouf
indme?Whathappenedt
oyour
f
ace?

Il
ethi
minandcl
osedt
hedoor
.
Khet
ha:Ist
olef
rom ver
ydanger
ouspeopl
e.They
wantmedead.
Me:Theydi
dthi
stoyou?
Khet
ha:Yes.
Me:Si
tdown.Whatdi
dyoust
eal
?
Khet
ha:Mat
eri
al,
wor
thami
ll
ion.
Me:Khet
ha.
Khet
ha:Ineedyourhel
p.Theysai
dIhave5dayst
o
gi
vethem 5mil
li
on,4mill
ioni
safine.Ineed4
mil
li
on.
Me:4mi
ll
ion?Idon'
thavet
hatki
ndofmoney.
Khet
ha:Youdo.
Me:Donotst
art
.
Khet
ha:Myl
if
eisatst
akeher
e.
Me:Youknowwecannott
ouchanyoft
hatmoney
unl
essIam mar
ri
ed.
Khet
ha:Thenpl
easedoi
tforme.
Me:We'l
ltakeal
oanmfanasekhaya.Whoarethose
peopl
eanyway.Hi
ri
nganassassinmightcostus
onlyamil
li
on.
Khet
ha:Theyar
etheDubes.Ther
e'smanyoft
hem.
Me:Howmany?
Khet
ha:Ver
ymany.Ij ustknowmybossNgi phil
e
Dube,I
'
veneverseentherestbutIknowandI've
hear
dtheyarerut
hless.Seewhatthei
rgoonsdidto
me,
nextt
imet
heywi
llki
llme.
Me:Whywoul
dyoustealf
rom t
hem i
fyouknow
t
heyar
edanger
ous?
Khet
ha:It
houghtIwoul
dn'
tgetcaught
.
Me:You'
rest
upi
d.Got
akeashower
.I'
l
lgot
othe
bank.

Igrabbedmykeysandwal kedoff
.Coul
dtheybe
Sisekel
o'sDubes?ShechangednumbersIguess
becauseherphoneneverwentthr
oughsincefr
om
thatdayIwenttoherjob.

Igoti
nmyr
ent
edcar
.If
eltacol
dmet
alonmyneck.
"
Sonofabi
tchSAi
sver
ysmal
l.Dr
ive"
Me:Ki
llme.
Hi
m:Notnow.Mybossisgonnadothat
.Howold
ar
eyou?5?Fucki
ngol
dwomen?Dr i
vemsoon!
Me:Yougonnahavet
oki
llmenowbecauseIam
notdoi
ngthat
.
Hi
m:Boss?He'
sresi
sti
ng.
..
ok.

If
eltali
tt
lest
ingont
heneckandmyvi
sion
i
mpaired.
..
[
01/
15,
12:
33] :OBSESSI
VE

13.

KHETHI
WE

Iarrivedhomeaf terthesunset .TylerandBanzi

wer emakingsupper .Igreetedthem andwentto
takeabat h.Flyingr eallymessesupwi t
hmyr outi
ne.
Iwassl eepyashel l
.Ever yinchofmybodyhur t
.I
putinmybat hingsal t
shopingI '
llf
eelabitf
resh
afterwardsbutIj ustcoul dn'twaitt
ogetinbedand
closemyeyesanddoseof f
.

Idr
anksomecol
dwat
erandwentdownst
air
s.
Banzi
:Youl
ookt
ir
ed.
Me:Iam baby.YouknowhowIf
eelaboutf
li
ght
s.
Tyl
er:Yetyoui
nsi
stedt
ogoaf
terKhet
hel
otol
dyou
she'
dgo.
Ibr
ushedof
ftheconf
li
cti
nhi
sst
atement
.
Me:Shewentlastt
imebabe.Idi
dn'
twanti
ttoseem
l
ikewe'
repushingherar
ound.
Banzi
:Iam pr
oudofyou.Si
nceIcanseethatwe
can'
thavet
hissuppert
ogether
.Howaboutyougo
upst
air
sandI'l
lbr
ingyourf
ood.
Me:Il
oveyou.
Hegavemeaper
kont
hecheekandIl
eft
.

Ihaveaverygoodr el
ati
onshipwithmykids.We
haveanotherbaby,agir
lNobuhle.Ihadtogeta
surr
ogatebeforeIdamagedmysel fwit
hconti
nuous
miscar
ri
agest r
yingtoseeifGodhasmybackas
muchasIt houghthedid.
She'
sdoinghergrade12,Isenthert
oboardi
ng
schoolduet
oneverendingfight
swithherf
ather
concerni
ngboysandfri
ends.

Igotinbedanditf
eltsogoodt
obeinmybedunti
lI
smeltaperf
umeIdidn'tknowf
rom t
hebl
anket
s.I
gotup.Tyl
ercamein.
Me:Ser
iousl
y?I
nourbed?
Tyl
er:
Youwer
ewi
thhi
m,wer
en'
tyou?
Me:Yousl
eptwi
thBusanii
nourbed?OurbedTyl
er!
Tyl
er:
TherewasnoBusaniher
e.Don'
ttr
ytoescape
yourf
il
thyways.
Me:Idon'
thavef
il
thyways.
Tyl
er:Whydi dyoui nsi
stongoingtoPEandthen
suddenlyhisInstagram i
sfi
ll
edwithpi
ctur
esofhi
m
i
nPE, takeninfr
ontofNzuza'sbeachhouse!
Me:Coi
ncidenceshappenTylerDube.Ihaven'
tseen
Nkat
hainmont hs.Iam donenursi
ngyour
i
nsecur
it
ies.And...
Isl
idi
nmysl
ipper
s.
Me:Eveni
fIwaswithhim,i
twoul
dn'
tmatt
ercause
youhadanot
herbi
tchlai
dupinmybed!
Tyl
er:
Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?We'
rest
il
ltal
king!
Me:I
'
m goi
ngt
osl
eepi
ntheguest
room.

Isl
ammedt
hedoorbehi
ndme.
.
..
BONGA

"
Thokouj
olanobani
.Ngobami
nangi
jol
anoZodwa"

Saidavoi cecomingfrom somewhereint hi

shouse.
Iturnedawayf r
om themi r
rorandlookedatNkazi.
Sheshr uggedandwentoutt ocheckast hesingi
ng
persist
ed.Damni tsher.I
sshedrinki
ngagai n?
Ir
ushedoutandbumpedt
oNkazi
.
Nkazi
:Youbet
tergot
akecar
eoft
hat
.
Me:What
'sgoi
ngon?
Shewaswor
kedup.Shesl
ippedi
nandl
eftme
ther
ebyt
hedoor
.

Iproceededtot
helounge.Thesi
ngi
ngwasnowi
n
thekit
chen.Iwentt
here.

Hol
ymot
herofbi
rds!
Me:Wt
fHappy?Ar
eyoudr
inki
ngagai
n?
Shet
urnedandgavemeaver
yseduct
ivesmi
le.
Happy:Yes.I'
m dr
inki
ngmorewaterf
orcl
earski
n.
Youlookscrumpti
ousint
hatshi
rt
.DidIbuythat
?
Me:Putsomet
hingon!
Happy:Orwhat
?
Me:Nkazii
supst
air
s.
Happy:WhatmustIdo?Fet
chher
?Idi
dn'
tthi
nkof
herast
he3sum ki
ndbut
..
.
Me:Dr
essup.
Happy:I
sthatabonerIsee?Comeher
eDzaddzy
andgetsomesugar.

Shel
ickedheri
ndexfi
ngerandturnedar
ound.
l
eavi
ngherplum assi
nful
lviewformetosee.
Me:Honeyl
et'
s-
Nkazi
:She'
sst
il
lher
e?
Happy:YesI
'
m st
il
lher
e.Thi
sismyhouse.Di
dn'
the
t
ellyou?
Nkazi
:BabeI
'
llseeyoul
ater
.Dealwi
thyourmess.
Happy:Hi swhat
?Fuckyou4eyes.Getoutofher e
nesishwapha.Gha!I'
m notevennakedtogetyour
stupidman'satt
enti
on.Iam nakedbecauseIown
thisfucki
nghouse.Iboughtit
,Idi
dnotjumponi t
afterhishotwi
felef
t.

Nkazi
huf
fedandwal
kedaway.Iwentt
ogetmybag
andl
eft
.Soear
lyi
naMondaymor
ning.
.
..
.
TYSON

WhenIopenedmyeyes,theywer
eheavyIcoul
d
har
dlykeept
hem open.

Thisroom lookednothingli
kear oom tohol
d
someonehost age.Iwast i
edi nachairasanyother
kidnappedhuman.Iwassot hi
rst
y.Itr
iedmoving
withthechairwithoutsuccess.Igaveup.Thedoor
opened, 2whiteguyscamei n.Theylookedhungry
forblood.

Theysai
dnot
hingbutpunchedmet
odeat
h
.
..
KHETHELO
Ihateunfi
nishedbusi
ness.Thepastfewdayssince
wehadt hismassivef
ightwit
hKatlego,
I'
vebeen
underYoli
'ssuper
visi
on.MakingsureIdonotgoto
Kat'
shouse.Todayshewasgoi ngtoDurban.Iwas
suregoingtoChri
s'sl
ater
.

Ourl i
fehasbeena3year -
old'sdrawing,messy.We
havet ri
edtomakei toutal
ivebutsomesol di
ers
wer elefti
nthewar .TheconsequencesofCal vi
n's
horribl
eactionstookt heli
vesoft hepeopl eheloved
sodear ly,
onlyYezwemadei toutali
veonl y
becausehewasn' thome.Wehadt obur y5peopl e.
Wecr i
edandweheal ed.Upt othi
sday, henever
forgavehimself.Hegaveupever ything.Hei s
everyone'sresponsibil
it
ynow.Hel i
vesal oneinhis
apartmentanddoesn' twantanyuni nvit
edvi si
tor
s.
It
'strulysad.
Khul
e:Sawmyt
ie?
Me:Whi
chone?
Khul
e:Nevermi
nd.Igoti
t.
Ri
ghtt
hen,
Ibr
oughtmyeyesupf
rom myphone.
Me:Sorr
y.Iwasr
ereadi
ngt
hemessagef
rom
Ngi
thandi
le.
Il
ied.I
twasKhet
hiwe.
Khul
e:Iwi
llbebackl
atet
oday.
Me:Cant
his2year
sbeoveral
ready.
Hechuckl
ed.
Khul
e:Il
ovef
armi
ng.Iam notgonnagoonpensi
on.
Yesheboughtaf
reaki
ngf
arm!Ihat
eol
dage.
Apper
ant
lyli
vest
ockmatt
erst
ohim.
Me:Ihearyou.

HecametokissmeandIcar
ri
edhisl
unchbagf
or
hi
m accompanyi
nghi
mtothecar
.
Me:Tom donotspeed
Tom:Hawmhl
oni
shwa,
yout
oldher
?
Khul
e:Of
cour
seIdi
d.
Tom l
aughed.
Tom:Ihear
dyoubossl
ady.
Me:Good.Byel
ove.

Iwat chedthem dr
iveoff
.Itookoutmyphoneand
textedtheladi
esthatmyhousei savail
abl
efor
discussingwhateverKhethi
wewant edtot
ellus.

*
**
2hourslater
.Theyar
ri
ved.Khet
hiwedr
ankacoupl
e
ofshot
si narow.
Me:Jesus,
woul
dyoupl
easesl
owdown?
Khet
hiwe:Ther
e'sason.
Us:Whatson?
Khethi
we:Imetamani naclubtheotherni
ght.I
tookhimtothehouse.I
nthemor ni
ngIfoundout
he'saspit
ti
ngimageofHawuandhe' s24.Iti
sno
coinci
dence.Hei
soneoftheirsons.
Me:Tel
lmeyoudi
dn'
tfuckachi
ld.
Khet
hiwe:I'
m ver
ysureIdi
dn'tspendthewhole
ni
ghtwit
hhi mjustt
alki
ngaboutMashaandt he
bear
!Wef ucked,
wit
houtconscious.
Yol
i:Ineedashot
Me:Thisneedsat l
east2sobermindsYol
anda.
Therecouldbeasonoutt her
e,t
hatmeansoneof
usisyettodiscovert
heywerecheatedon.
Yol
i:Wai
t.
..
isi
tpossi
blet
heyknowhi
m?
Khet
hiwe:No.I
tcan'
tbe.
Me:Di
dyout
akehi
snumber
s?
Khethi
we:Ewwno.Ikickedhim out
.Whywoul dyou
wanthisnumbers?Heseemedver ywelloff
.Ido
notwanthimtobefound,hecouldreal
lybeaDube,
worstofal
lbeTyler
'sson.He'
sthebiggestwhore
ofthem al
l.
Yol
i:Wondersshal
lneverendi
nthi
shome.They
ar
eallser
ialcheat
erssi
s.Hecanbeanybody'
s.

Shepour
edagl
assofwi
ne.
Whati fGladeneverdied?Whatifshewaspregnant
andKhul estagedthewhol et
hingandsenther
away?Butshesai dhel ooksli
keHawu.Hecouldbe
Chri
s's.He'sdefi
nit
elyhis.Myhusbandwouldn'
tdo
melikethat ,
wouldhe?

Hedonat
edsper
msdearLor
d!

ItookYol
i'
sgl
assanddrankup.Iwoul
dn'
tbeabl
e
tohandl
esuchafacti
nmyl i
fe.
.
..
TYSON

Everyonewhocamei nsat
isfi
edthemsel
veswitha
punchoraki ckunti
lIhear
dgunsgoi ngof
foutside.
Iwasani nchawayf r
om dying.Myeyeswere
swollen,
Icouldn'
tseeanymor e.
"
Hawuhur
ryup!Unt
iehi
m,unti
ehim"itwasa
f
emal
evoi
ce.I
twasfadi
ng.Ican'
tdi
enow.Ineed
t
oMarr
yCassi
e..
.

*
***
Inboxf
orbusinesspr
omoti
on,
pageadver
ti
sement
andwhateveryou'
dli
ket
oadvert
ise.
[
01/
15,
12:
34] :TheDubeFami
lyi
nor
der
..
.

1.
Khul
ekaniandQui
ntonDube:Twi
ns

-
Khul
ekanii
smar
ri
edt
oKhet
hel
o
•Ngiphi
leandNgi
thandi
le:Thei
rtwi
ns.Boyanda
gir
l.

-
Qui
ntoni
smar
ri
edt
oYol
anda.
•
Bonga:adopt
iveson.
•
Sisekel
oandSi
kel
ela:Hi
stwi
nsgi
rl
sfr
om
pr
evi
ousf
iancet
hatpassedon.
•
Lamu:Thei
rfi
rstsont
oget
her
.
•
Lungel
o:Thei
rdaught
er.

2.Past
orChr
ist
ianDube
-
Hei
smar
ri
edt
oKat
lego.
•
Hawui
sthei
rfi
rstson.
•
Reabet
swet
hei
rdaught
er.

3.Tyl
erDube.
-
Hei
smar
ri
edt
oKhet
hiwe.
•
Banzi
:Thei
rson
•
Buhl
ethei
rdaught
er.

4.BongaDube.
-
Wasmar
ri
edt
oHappy,
have7ki
ds.
-dat
ingNkazi
mul
o
5.Cal
vinDube.

Thei
rfather'
sfi
rstsonfrom adi
ff
erentmot
her
.He'
s
ol
derthanallofthem.HehasasonYezwewhoi s
gay,
mar ri
edtopoppi..
..
[
01/
15,
12:
34] :OBSESSI
VE

14

[
4weeksl
ater
]

HAWU

Wewenti nf
oll
owingeachother
.Thenursemadeit
cl
earthatwecan'
tallgoi
nbuttheDubemen
i
nsist
ed.Wehadt okeepthi
sourli
tt
lesecr
etunt
il
Tysonwasrecoveri
ng.Hewasseverel
yinj
uredhe
wasi
ncomaf or3weeksand5days.Hewasback
t
oli
febutnotf
ull
y.

Wefoundhimfastasl
eep.Thebruiseswer
efadi
ng
andIcannowseetheresemblance.
Si
sekel
o:Thi
sist
heTyson.
Qui
nton:Whathappenedt
ohi
m exact
ly?
Me:Assaul
ted.
Tyl
er:
Anddi
ed?He'
snotaDube.
Khul
e:Def
ini
tel
ynot
.Wedonot
-
Sisekelo:Notnowokay.TheDNAr
esul
tsar
e
comi ngbacktoday.
Chr
is:Today?Wheredi
dyouget-wai
t,yout
ookour
bel
ongingswit
houtper
missi
on?
Me:Wedi
dwhatwehadt
odo.
Sisekel
o:Becauseyouwoul
dn'
thaveagr
eedi
fwe
askedforpermissi
on.
Tyl
er:
Whatdi
dyout
ake?Myhai
r?
Me:Babomncanewet
ookt
oot
hbr
ushes.
Khul
e:Thosear
en'
taccur
ate.
Chr
is:Theyar
e!
Me:Hebel
ongstooneofyouthat
'sf
orsur
e.So
pr
epar
eyoursel
vesf
orthebi
gnews.
Tyl
er:
Ididn'
tcheatonayearhewasbor
nso,
he'
s
notmine.

TheDrwal
kedin.Isawt
heol
dmenshi
ft
uncomf
ort
abl
y.
.
..
TYSON

Sleepinginaqui etr
oom andwakinguptoachaoti
c
onef ullofhumansyou'veneverseenbefor
e.
Sisekelowasamongstt hesehuman.Theywer e
shout i
ngatt hi
soldguytheydidn'
tevennoti
ceI
wasawake.
"
He'
snotmi
ne!
"
"
Thenwhydoeshemat
chyourdna?
"
"
Idon'
tknow.I
'
venevercheatedonYol
anda.Donot
t
ryandrui
nmyl i
fe.Tor
ethi
sfucki
ngshi
tapart
"
Me:Uhm hel
lo?
Theyt
urned.
Me:Canyout
akewhat
evert
hati
sout
side?
Sisekel
o:You'r
eawakeandpret
tymuchawar
eof
yoursurroundi
ngs.Doyour
ememberwhyyou'
re
here?
Me:Yes.Iwasassaul
tedl
astni
ght
.Ar
eyouanur
se?
Si
sekel
o:No,
no.I
'
m..
.t
hesear
emyf
ather
s.
Me:Okay.So?Whatar
etheydoi
ngher
e?
Si
sekel
o:Thi
sisHawu.Mybr
other
.
Idi
dn'
tevenseehi
m.Hel
ookedf
ami
li
ar.
Me:Whatoneart
hisgoingonhere.Whyareyour
f
ather
sstar
ingatmeli
kethis?I
tsuncomfor
tabl
e.
Wherear
etheDrs?
Theyjusteyebal
ledme.Ipr
essedt
heat
tent
ion
butt
on.
Me:Pl
easegett
hesepeopl
eoutofher
e.
Si
sekel
o:Tysonwe'
re-
Me:Outwoman!
Dr
:Pl
easel
eave.

Theyf
oll
owedeachot
herout
.If
inal
lybr
eat
he.
Me:Ineedt
ogohome.
Dr
:Whoa!Youar
enotst
abl
eenought
oleave.
Me:Iam supposedt
obehel
pingmybr
othert
oday.
Dr
:Ar
eyouawar
eofhowl
ongyou'
vebeenher
e?
Me:Yes.Af
ewhour
s.
Hesi
ghed.
Dr
:You'
vebeenher
efor4weeksnowMrMazi
buko.
Me:What
?
Dr
:I'
m sor
ry.Youwer
eter
ri
blyi
njur
edyouendedup
i
nacoma.Youj ustgotoutyest
erday.Youwere
l
uckytheybr
oughtyouhereinti
me, orelsewe'
dbe
t
alki
ngsomethi
ngelse.
Me:Who.
..
Whobr
oughtmeher
e?
Dr
:Si
sekel
oandherbr
other
.
Inodded.Di
dtheysavemef
rom t
hoseguys?
Me:Ineedt
obeal
one.

Hewalkedoutandr
emainedal
onewithmy
t
houghtsandmanyquesti
onst
hatIhadnoanswer
s
t
o.
.
..
.
SI
SEKELO

Idonotlikeitwhentheyarethisf
ri
endl
y.Theyare
usual
lyupt osomething.Theoldmenwentupstai
rs
aft
ergreeti
ngtheirwivesfort
he3rdti
metoday.
Yol
i:Her
e'ssomet
hingt
ocoolof
fthatheat
.
Me:Thankyoumammy.
Khet
helo:Areyouandyourf
ather
spl
anni
ng
Somethinhhugeforus?
Me:Hmm?
Khet
hiwe:Thesecr
etcal
lsandmeet
ings.Whatar
e
youguysplanni
ng?
Me:Ohh
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:I
tsapr
ett
ybi
gsur
pri
se.
Khet
hel
o:Sni
petnyana?
Me:Myl
ipsar
eseal
edboo.
Khet
hiwe:Thi
siswhyIwi
shSi
kel
elawasher
e.
Il
aughed.Thatgi
rlcan'
tkeepasecr
et.

Myphonebeeped.
"Checkoutdayl
ightshowwi
thZoe.Youraunti
s
bashingy'
all
"
Me:Shi
t.
Mommi
es:What
?
Me:Aunt
yEmzi
sli
veont
v.

Irushedt
othel
oungeandt
unedi
ntot
hechannel
shewason.
Zoe:Tel
lme, wi
llyouandyourbr
other
severmend
yourrel
ati
onshi
pagain?
Shechuckl
ed.
Emi:I'dbeoutofmymi ndifIeverconsi
dert
hose
mur dersasmyf amily.Ourrel
ati
onshipdi
edwhen
theykill
edmyhusbandj ustbecausehewouldn'
t
workwi ththem anymore.Theydidnotconsi
derme
beforeturningmeintoawi dowwi t
h4kids.
Zoe:Wai
t,mur
der
ers?
Emi:Yes.Theymighthavebeenabletoescapethe
l
awt henbuttheLordIservewi
llr
evealever
ythi
ng
i
ntolightver
ysoonandt heywi
llr
otinjai
lwhere
theybelong.
Thecr
owdcheer
ed.Mam Khet
hiwet
urnedof
fthet
v.
Yol
i:I
'
mf uming.Howdar
eshesayst
hisabouther
ownbrot
hers!
Khethel
o:She'
soutofhermi
nd.Ineedt
opayhera
vi
sit
.

Shegrabbedherbagandleft
.Iwasdumbfounded.I
knowmyf ather
saren'
tgoodpeopl
ebutIdoubtthey
didt
hat.
.
..
TYSON

Iwasli
ghtasl
eepandIcoul dfeelsomeone'
seyes
onme.Itri
edtoignoreitbutmyinsti
nctswoul
dn'
t
l
etmeanymor e.Iopenedmyeyesandsawoneof
thementhatwerehereearli
er.If
rowned.
Hi
m:Who'
syourmot
her
?
Me:Whot
hehel
lar
eyou?
Hi
m:Iam t
heoneaski
ngquest
ions.Whoi
syour
mot
her
?
Me:Lookoldman.Iam si
ckanddonothavet
imet
o
answerquest
ions.

Heshr
uggedandt
ookoutanA4envel
ope.
Him:I
nsidehere,ther
e'smoney,
cheque,
avi
sa,new
IDandpassport.Iwanttot
ogoaway.Veryf
araway
andneverret
urn.
Me:Whot hefuckar
eyou?Manf uckoff
.Imadea
mist
akewi t
hyourdaught
er.Ineverli
kedher,
Idi
dit
t
ospitesomeonethatIact
uall
ylike.Getout
.
Hi
m:What
?
Me:Youheardme.Fuckoff
!Whatthehel
liswr
ong
wit
hyoupeople?Youst
alkever
yonewhoaskyour
daught
ersout
?

Hehi
tmewi
tht
heenvel
opeandwal
kedout
.What
t
hehel
l!
!
.
..
.
Emiroll
edhereyeswhenshesawKhet
hel
ocl
icki
ng
herheel
sinsi
de.
Emi
:Ishoul
dchangemyaccessmachi
nes.
Khet
hel
o:Howcoul
dyouEmi
hle?
Emi:Myki
dsar
eupst
air
s.Youmi
ghtl
iket
otonei
t
down.
Khethel
o:Aft
erever
ythi
ngyourbr
other
shavedone
foryou?Yougoonnat i
onalt
vandshamethem l
ike
t
hat?
Emi:Theworl
dneedstoknowwhatyourpr
eci
ous
husbandsdi
dtomine!
Khet
hel
o:Theydi
dn'
tdoi
t!
Emi:Theyaremybr ot
hers,Iknowthem.Itsei
ther
thei
rwayorhighway.Jasondi dn'
twanttohelp
them hacki
ntothenati
onalbanksot heyki
ll
edhim.
Khet
hel
o:I
twasanacci
dent
!
Emi:Theymadei
tlookl
ikeanacci
dent
.Iknowi
t
wasn't
.
Khet
hel
o:Iknowsomet
imesgr
iefneedsyout
o
havesomethi
ngorsomeonet
oblamebutthey
di
dn't
.For
givehi
spassi
ngandlett
hisgo.
Emi:Yourkidsgrewandt heyar estillgrowingina
homewi thamot herandaf ather.Mi near en'
t,
becausemybr otherstookmyhusbandawayf rom
me.Theyneverl i
kedhim anywayst hat'
swhyi twas
easytokil
lhim.Untilt
heyar einOrangeuni f
orm,
chainedandsleepsinsingl
ebunkbeds, Iam not
l
etti
ngthisgo.Leavemyhousebef or eIcallthe
poli
ce.

Shewipedhert
ear
sandpushedKhet
hel
oal
lthe
waytothedoor
.
Emi
:Neversetyourf
il
thyf
eether
e!

Shesl
ammedt
hedoorcl
osedandcr
iedsi
lent
ly.
..

*
**
Forbusinesspr
omoti
on,pagesuppor
tand
whateveryou'
dli
ket
opromoteoradvert
ise.Send
usani
nboxt
osponsorani
nser
tforonl
yR50.
[
01/
15,
12:
34] :OBSESSI
VE

15

*
Afewdaysl
ater
*
Tel
li
ngCassi
ethatIwashospit
ali
zedgotherupto
herf
eetandfl
ewhere.Iwashappyandsurpri
sedto
seeher
.Idi
dnotexpecthert
ocome.

Thecarrentalcompanyf oundthei
rcarandtookit.I
madealltheneccesarypayment sandwenttof et
ch
mine.Iwasn'treal
lyf
itenoughtodoallthatbutI
hadto.Ihadmi ssedoutonamont hofmylife.I
wantednothingtodowi t
hCar l
,shecall
edmeaday
agoapologi
zingbutIdidn'tneedthat
.
Cassi
e:Hi
.
Ipausedt
hegame.
Me:Hey.Imadebr
eakf
ast
.
Cassi
e:Doyousl
eep?
Me:Ido.
Cassi
e:Maybeyoushoul
dseeashr
ink.Pt
sd.
Me:Idon'
thavet
hat
.
Cassi
e:Youscr
eam atni
ght
.
Me:Justmyusualni
ght
mares.I
'
vehadt
hem f
oras
l
ongasIhaveli
vedtr
ustme.
Cassi
e:Andyou'
reokaywi
tht
hem?
Me:Nobutt
heygoawayandcomebackf
orawhi
le
andt
henvani
shagai
n.

Shenoddedandpausedt
olookatmeandsmi
led.
Me:What
?
Cassi
e:Di
dthoseguysknockyout
obei
ngni
ce?
Me:Whatdoyoumean?
Cassi
e:I
tsneverpeacef
uli
nyourpr
esence.You'
re
al
waysshouti
ngatmeandbei ngmean.
Me:That
'snott
rue.I
'
veneverseenyouwi
thoutyour
f
akehai
r.
Cassi
e:Weave.
Me:I
tsf
ake.
Cassi
e:Ri
ghtaf
terIwasget
ti
ngusedt
otheni
ce
you.
Il
aughed.
Me:I'
m sor
ry.Il
iveal
oneIgr
ewupal
one,
I'
m not
usedtohumans.
Cassie:Whataboutt
hehumanst
hatwal
kint
oyour
off
iceeveryday?
Me:Togivemepl
easur
e.AndIdon'
tdot
hat
anymor
e.
Cassi
e:Mmmh.
Me:Ireal
lydon'
t.I
'm worki
ngont
hatpr
obl
em you
know.Ihaven'
tbeenwithawomanin4weeks.
Cassi
e:That
'sbecauseyouwer
eincoma!
Me:Ri
ght.ButIam.Ihaven'
thadsexwi
thanyone
si
nceIgothere.
Cassi
e:Oh?
Me:Yes!Nowpl
easegoeat
.
Cassie:That
'saver
ypol
it
e"gett
hef
uckoutofmy
face"
Me:What
everCassi
e.

Ir
esumedmygame.Shegotupandwentt
oeat
.
.
..
KHULE

I'
vebeentr
yingtoreachouttoEmihlebutshedidn'
t
wantmeanywher enearhersheserveduswi t
ha
prot
ecti
onorder
.Noneoft heDubefamilymember s
wereall
owedtocomenearher .It
oldeveryonethat
wegivehersomet i
me.

Ical
ledNgi
phi
lewhenIcameoutoft
heshower
.
Ngi
phi
le:Onmywayt
oameet
ing.
Me:Youhaveani
nter
viewwi
thZoet
odayat4pm.
Ngi
phi
le:Excuseme?
Me:You'r
ethef
aceofthi
sfami
ly.I
tsyouwho'
s
gonnatal
kusoutoft
hisEmimess.
Ngiphil
e:Iam notpart
ici
pat
ingMbuyaziIhavea
ver
yi mportantmeeti
ngat4pm t
oday.Canwe
Atl
eastreschedul
e?
Me:Wecan'
t.I
fnobodyi
sgoi
ngoutther
etoshut
downt
heseall
egat
ionst
henwe'
l
lseem gui
lt
y.
Ngi phi
le:Baba,yourlit
tlesist
eristheoneai r
ing
yoursupposedl ydirtylaundry.Ofcoursepeople
trustherbecauset heybel i
evesheknowswhat
goesdownbehi ndt hosehi ghwalls.Goi
ngon
nationaltvtosaythati sallli
esisthesameasnot
goingbecausei tssomeonei nthef amil
y,someone
whoknowsyoumor et hananyonewho' sputtingal
l
theseal l
egati
onsagai nstyou.
Me:I
'
llgetoneofyourmot
her
stodoi
t.
Ngi
phi
le:Goodl
uck.I
'
vegott
ogo.
Hehungup.Thisboyalwayspol
itel
ysayno.He'
s
t
henicestyett
herudestoft
hem all
.

Ical
ledKhet
hiwe.Sheknowshowt
oputoutanyf
ir
e.
.
..
YOLI

Hegotinandwentstrai
ghtupst
air
s.Passi
ngme
l
ikeIwasnott
here.Iconti
nuedworki
nganddrank
mycoffee.

Amahl
ecamei
n.
Amahl
e:Hey.
Me:You'
rebackear
ly.
Amahl
e:Yes.Idon'
thaveanycl
asses.Iwentt
her
e
t
ogetmykit.
She'sst
udyingcosmet
ology.She'
s19andmy
secondborn.
Me:Okaymakesomet
hingt
oeat
.
Amahle:WepassedbyKFCandgotsomethi
ngi n
themorni
ng.I
'
m sti
llf
ull
.Isawdad'
scarout
side.I
s
heher
e?
Me:Yes.Upst
air
s.
Amahl
e:Letmegoseehi
m.Ineedsomet
hing.
Me:Whati
sit
?
Amahl
e:I
'
llt
ellyoul
ater
.

Shewentup.If ail
edatthi
smot herhoodt hi
ng.Ihad
everyt
hingIeverwantedrightbef oremyeyesbutI
putmywor kfirstbef
oreanyt hingel semyki dsgr ew
upwi t
hmebutIwasnevert her e.Noneoft hem ar e
abletocommuni catewit
hme, theyt r
usttheirdad
mor ethanme.Mysont r
ustsnei therofus,ifhe
couldchangepar ent
s.Hewoul dchangeus.Af ew
yearsagohecaughtusi nact ionofel i
minatingone
ofthepeoplethatwerethreateni ngourchi l
dr en's
l
egacyandhe' sneverseenust hesameandIdon' t
blamehi m.
Qcameandj
oinedme.
Q:Weneedt
otal
k.
Me:I
'
mli
steni
ng.
Q:Lookatme.
Idi
d.
Q:Iwasf
ixi
ngsomet
hings.
Me:Andt
hatr
esul
tst
onotsl
eepi
ngathomef
or4
days?
Q:Iwasn'
toutcheat
ing.
Me:Idi
dn'
tsayyouwer
e.
Q:Iwasl
ooki
ngf
orNkul
e.

Icl
osedmyl
apt
opandgotof
fthechai
r.
Q:Yol
andawe'
ret
alki
ng.
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkIwannaheari
t.
Q:Ther
e'sachi
ld.
Me:I
'
m sor
rywhat
?
Myhear
tbeatoutofmychest
.Mypal
mssweat
.
Q:Ial
sohadnoi
deaabouti
t.Si
sekel
ofoundhi
m,
t
estswer
edoneandhe'
smine.
It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Me:AndNkul
e?
Q:Idon'
tknow!
Me:Don'
tshoutatme!Howol
disi
t?
Q:He'
s24.
Me:OhMyGod.Youwer
eneverbeenl
oyal
.Wer
e
you?
Q:Notnowpl
ease.

Itookmycarkeysandl
eft
.Ican'
tst
andt
hese
betrayal
s.Ican'
t.
.
..
TYSON
Cassi ei
nvi
tednailgir
lstodoournail
s,ot
hers
paintedourfaceswi t
hfacemasks,wewat ched
movi esanddidallthenicet
hingspeopl
edoout
there.

Shecookedussupper.Weateonthebalcony
l
ooki
ngatthebeauti
full
ight
soft
hecity.
Me:Themedsar
eki
cki
ngi
n.Iam sl
eepynow.
Cassi
e:Let
'st
akeyout
obed.

Wegotup.
Cassi
e:I
'
llcl
eanup.
Shetookmyhandandwalkedmet
omybedr
oom.
Shehelpedmeset
tl
einbed.
Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?
Shewasunwr
appi
ngherdress,
reveali
ngher
matchi
ngmar
oonsetofundi
es.Igulped.
Me:Cassi
e.
Cassi
e:Ij
ustwantyout
oshowmegoodt
ime.As
goodbye?
Me:No.

Shepeeledof
ftheduvetandgrabbedmydi ck.Il
ost
theabi
li
tytor
esisther
.Ipul
ledhertomeandki ssed
herasi
fmyl i
fedependedonit.Ihaven'
thadsexin
amonth...

.
..
HAWU

Bei
nginPEwaswhatIneededaf
ter
all
.Itf
eltgood
st
alki
ngmynewbr
otherandmakingsurehe'ssaf
e.

IsentSi
sekel
omydai
lyr
epor
tasIdoever
yni
ght
andwenttobed.
.
..
TYSON

Weweredonegett
ingnast
y.Ididnotexpectso
muchf
unfrom her
.Shedoesn'tseem l
iket
hetype
t
obeexci
ti
nginthi
sdepartment.
Me:I
'
m evenmor
esl
eepynow.
Cassi
e:Youbet
tersl
eepbecausemyf
li
ghti
sat9
sowehavetowakeupearly.
Me:Doyour
eal
lyhavet
oleave?
Cassi
e:Yes.
Me:Sowhathappensnow?
Cassi
e:About
?
Me:Us.
Shemovedof
fmychest
.
Cassi
e:Ther
e'snous.I
'
m get
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
Me:What
?
Cassi
es:Yes.I
n3weeks,
Iam get
ti
ngmar
ri
ed.
Me:Whatwast
his?
Cassi
e:Fun?
Me:Fun?Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?
Cassi
e:No.Ij
ustwant
edtodosomet
hingwi
th
someonewhounderst
andsfun.
Me:Iunder
standf
un?
Cassi
e:Yeah.Youf
uckdi
ff
erentwomenever
yti
me.
Me:Getoutofmysi
ghtCassi
e.
Cassi
e:Tyson.
Me:Now!bef
oreIt
hrowyouout
.Int
hemor
ningdo
notbot
herme.
Cassi
e:Iam-
Me:You'
rest
il
lher
e?

Sheputhercl
othesonandwal
kedout
.Fun?
[
01/
15,
12:
34] :OBSESSI
VE

16.
Iwaswokenupbyal oudknock.Irol
ledof
fthebed
andstor
medt ot
hedoor.Iunl
ockedandopened,I
wasgreetedbyasl
apacrossthefaceandshe
pushedmeoutofthewayandwenti n.
Me:Whatonear
th?
Car
l:Whyar
eyouback!
Me:CauseI
'
vepai
dformysi
nssoher
eIam.
Carl
:SoIpermanent
lyboughtt
hatapar
tmenti
nPE
fornot
hing?
Me:No.You'
rei
nvest
ing.Getoutnow.
Car
l:Howl
onghaveyoubeenher
e?
Me:Aweek.Jesus!Whywoul
dyousl
apme.
Car
l:Toknocksomesensei
ntot
hatempt
yhead.
Idi
dn'
treal
isehowmuchImi
ssedher
.
Me:Imi
ssedyou.
Carl
:Youhaveanint
ervi
ewt
omor
rowmor
ning.
Prepar
eyoursel
f.
Me:I
'
m noti
ngoodshapet
owor
k.
Car
l:Wel
lyoubet
terbe.

Shesai
dattempti
ngt
oleavebutIpul
ledhert
ome
andhuggedher.
Me:Idon'
twannabesof
arawayf
rom you.
Car
l:You'
l
lneverbesof
arawayf
rom me.Myhear
t
i
salwayswit
hyou.
Me:Thankyou.

Weletgo.Wehadaneyel ockmomentthatl
edto
ki
ssi
ng.ShedroppedherbagonthegroundandI
pi
ckedherupandwalkedwi t
hhert
othebed.

.
..
Iwentt
ovisi
tluckyduri
ngthedayathisoff
ice.He
washappytoseeme.Wedi dsomecatchupandhe
askedmetobehi sbestman.Idonotli
kehaving
eyesonmebutIagr eedbecausehe'
smyfriend.
Aft
erwardsIdrovet
oMmabat ho'shomewhereI
l
earnedthatshemovedtores.Hermothergaveme
hernewnumber sandIdr
ovet ohercampusand
cal
ledher.

Shewasnotgi vingmet antr

ums.Itol
dherwher e
she'l
lfindme.Iadj ust
edmyseatdownandt exted
withCar l
.Herhusbandwasoutoft hecountryand
thatmeantf reedom.Ipouredmyhear touttoher
abouthowIf eelaboutCassieandwhatshedi dto
mel astweek.Sheencour agedmet ogof orwhatI
l
ovebutI 'm notsosure.Ifshe'
swithsomeone
whom shel ovesenought omar ryt
henitsokay,no
i
tsnot .Thatdudeneedst odie.

Ist
art
ledwhenIhear
daknockonthewi
ndow.I
unl
ockedthedoor
s.Shehoppedi
n.
Me:Youl
ookbeaut
if
ul.
Mmabat
ho:Thankyou.
Me:Canwegot
alksomewher
epr
ivat
e?
Mmabat
ho:Myr
oommat
eishome.Wecangot
o
mypl
ace.
Me:Doesyourr
esacceptvi
sit
ors?
Mmabat
ho:We'
rer
ent
inganapar
tment
.
Me:Wher
edoyougetmoney?
Mmabat
ho:I
'
m wor
king.Onl
i
ne,
itsgoodmoney.
Inoddedandgavehermyphonet osetherl
ocat
ion
anddroveinsi
lenceunt
ilwer
eachedour
dest
inat
ion.

Shel
edt
hewayt
otheapar
tment
.
Mmabat
ho:CanImakeyousomet
hingt
oeat
?
Me:Yeah.I
'
m hungr
y.
Mmabat
ho:Youmayseather
eorovert
her
e.
Me:I
'
llseather
e.
Icli
mbedonabarst
oolandwat
chedhermove
around.
Me:Thi
spl
acei
sbeaut
if
ul.
Mmabat
ho:Andqui
tepr
icey.
Me:Abouthowmuch?
Mmabat
ho:R8000.
Me:No.
Mmabat
ho:Yes.
Me:I
'
m movi
ngthi
sside.That
'squi
ter
easonabl
e
f
ora2bedr
oom andsuchahugeopenplan.
Shel
aughed.
Mmabat
ho:You'
rer
ich.We'
renot
.
Me:CanIhandl
eitf
oryout
henext6mont
hs?
Mmabat
ho:You'
ddot
hat
?
Me:Of
cour
se.
Mmabat
ho:Youdon'
thavet
o.
Me:I
t'
sat
okenofappr
eci
ati
onf
orcar
ryi
ngmychi
ld.
Mmabat
ho:Foronl
yaf
ewmont
hs.Youdon'
towe
meanyt
hing.
Me:Iknowyouwoul
d'vecar
ri
edi
tunt
ilduedat
e.
Shenoddedandwenttothesi
nktopourwat
er.She
st
oodoveritf
orqui
tesometime.
Me:Mmabat
ho.
Mmabat
ho:I
tjust
..
.i
tbr
eaksmeapar
ttot
alkabout
i
t.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry.

Iwentovert
oherandhuggedherf
rom behi
nd.
Me:Iam sosorryIwasn'tther
eforyou.Iwanttobe
herefornowthatI'
m her
e.Itri
edtoreachouttoyou
butyounevertookmycal l
s.
Mmabat
ho:Youdi
dn'
tcar
eTyson.
Me:Idi
dbaby,Idi
d.Iwasj
ustcaughtupi
nmy
messyshi
t.Tr
ustmeIdid.
It
urnedherar
oundandwi
pedhert
ear
s.
Mmabat
ho:Ineededyou.
Me:Iknow.I
'
m sor
ryIwasn'
tther
e.
Mmabat
ho:Youl
eftmeher
etobebymysel
f.
Me:Pl
easest
opcr
ying.I
'
m suf
focat
ingofgui
ltasi
t
i
s.
Mmabat
ho:Justhol
dmet
ight
.

Idi
dasperrequest
.Shecr
iedi
nmyar
ms,
Iended
upcryi
ngt
oo.
.
..
HAWU

Isawashi sanyamaonmyheresoIwentt obuy

myselfsomemeatandwentbackt owor k.Who
knewI'dendupwor ki
ngasaspy.Sisekelowas
payi
ngmegoodmoneyt ospyonTysonandIl oved
i
t.Thi
sdudehasanamazi ngli
fe.Hechanges
womenl i
kesocks.He'sat
rueDube.

Myphoner
ang.I
twasmyboss.
Me:Heyboss.
Si
sekel
o:Ai
suka.Howi
sitgoi
ng?
Me:Ineedmor emoneyf orpet
rol
,thi
sasshol
eis
dr
ivi
ngalloverJohannesburg.
Si
sekel
o:YouhavemoneyHawu.
Me:NoIdon'
t.
Si
sekel
o:Keepaneyeonhi
m mor
ecar
eful
lyt
oday.
We'
regoingtovi
sithi
m.
Me:Havet
heyagr
eed?
Si
sekel
o:Yes.Ij
ustgotamessagef
rom ubaba.
Me:Okay.Letmeeat
.Mymeati
tget
ti
ngcol
d,
shoul
dIkeepsomeforyout
oo?
Si
sekel
o:Pl
ease.
Me:Okaybye.

Ihungupandincr
easedthevol
ume.Ir
eachedf
or
mybottl
eofcokeanddrankup.
.
..
TYSON
Thehugledtoababymaki ngprocessbutused
prot
ecti
on.Ineverwantt
ofindmyselfi
nthat
posi
tionofbecomingafat
hereveragai
n.

Wewer elayi
nginbed,herheadonmychestand
notsayi
nganything.
Me:Ar
eyouseei
nganyone?
Mmabat
ho:NoI
'
m not
.
Me:Iwantt osettl
edown, youknow.I'
mtir
edof
fuckingar
ound, l
osingourchil
dmademer eviewmy
l
ife.IknowIhurtyoubutt hatwasakidinme.Iwas
dumbandI 'm sorr
y.AllI
'm aski
ngfori
sanother
chance.
Mmabatho:Donotsayt hatj
ustt
otakeadvant
age
ofhowIfeelaboutyou.
Me:I
'
m not
,I'
m not
.Imeani
t.Iwannabewi
thyou.
Mmabat
ho:Whataboutt
heot
her100women.
Il
aughed.
Me:Theyar
enot100.Iwi
llbenotseei
nganyof
t
hem anymore.
Mmabat
ho:We'
l
lsee.
Me:I
sthatayes?

Shelookedatmeandnodded.Ismi
ledandki
ssed
her
.
.
..
Ispentther
estofmydayatMmabat ho'
s.Forthe
fi
rstt
imesincewemetIwasi nter
estedi
nanyt hi
ng
shewassaying.Wepl ayedandcooked.Shewas
sadwhenIhadt oleavebutIpr
omisedtofetchher
tomorrowtospendtheweekendatmypl ace.

Idrovet
omyplace.Ilef
tthel
ight
sonbecauseI
havesuddenf
earofthedark.

It
ookashowerandor
deredpi
zza.WhenIcameout
oft
heshowerIf
oundhumanschatt
ing.They
st
oppedsoonast
heynot
icedme.
Me:Whot
hehel
lar
eyou?
Oneofthem:I'
m BongaDube,
thi
sisHawu.We
needt
ot al
k.
Me:Whatdoyoupeopl
ehonest
lywantf
rom me.
Hawu:Dr
essup.
Me:Howdi
dyouevengeti
n?
Bonga:Thedoorwasunl
ocked.You'
l
lfi
ndus
downstai
rs.
Theyfol
lowedeachot herout
.Idr
essedupand
fol
lowedthem.Therewasmanyoft hem t
her
e
eat
ingmyf reaki
ngpizza!
Me:I
'
m gonnacal
lthepol
ice.
Bonga:Thi si
sQuint
on,Khul
ekani
,Chri
s,Tyl
eryour
fathers.Andthi
sMe,Hawu,BanziandNgiphi
leyour
brothers.
Il
aughed.
Me:Okay.Ni
cet
omeetyounowpl
easeleave.I
don'
thaveti
mef
ort
his.Di
dmymotherputyouup
t
othi
s?
Bonga:Whoi
syourmot
her
?
Me:Ifshesentyouher et
opret
endtobeanything
rel
atedtomepl easegoandtel
lherIdonotneedto
seethemant hatbrokeher
,Ij
ustwantedasurname!
Ineedonlyasur name.
Qui
nton:Todowhatwi
thi
t?
Me:Toknowwhoam I
.
Qui
nton:You'
reaDubeTyson.Lookar
oundyou.
Bonga:Yourgi
rl
fr
iendlostbabybecauseofthat
confl
icti
nsi
deyou.TheMazi buko'ssayyou'
re
thei
rsandtheDube'
sar en'
tbackingdown.
Me:Getout
.
Hawu:Wesavedyouf
rom yourenemi
es.
Me:Nowyouwantamedal
?Getout
!
Bonga:Tyson.Youneedt
ogetr
idoft
hatat
ti
tt
ude.
Tyl
er:
Notunt
ilQui
ntonl
oseshi
s.Thi
sboyi
str
uly
hi
s.
Iwentt
oatt
endtheknockonthedoor
.Igul
ped
whenIsawher
.Isn'
tther
esecur
it
yatthemaingat
e
toni
ght
?
Mama:Letmei
nTyson.
Me:Yeah.Youar
eri
ghtont
ime.

Il
etheri
n.
Me:Whot
hehel
lar
ethey?
Shegaspedandf
ell
downont
hef
loor
.
Me:Okay.You'l
lfi
ndmeupstai
rswhenyouwakeup.
Dubepeople,
seeyoursel
vesout
.

Iwentt omybedr oom.Ilockedthedoorand

reachedf ormybot t
leofvodkaandt ookiti
nas
bitt
erandbur ni
ngasi twas.Itr
iedtopushbackt he
tearsbutIcouldn't
.Thismanwast ell
ingmeto
l
eavet hecountrynotsolongago, thiswasthe
reason.Itwasn'tbecauseofSisekelo.Hehatesme.
Hel
lIhatemysel
fforbei
ngmadebyhi
m andmy
mother
..
.
[
01/
15,
12:
35] :OBSESSI
VE

17.

QUI
NTON

Wewer eallst
aringather.Wai
ti
ngforhert
ofi
nal
ly
getbacktoearth.Thekidswentt
oTysoninhi
s
room.Itwasjustusandt hi
sschemingwoman.
Khul
e:Don'
tyouthi
nkyoushoul
dtal
ktoheral
one?
We'l
lwai
toutsi
de.
Me:I'
m gonnaki
llheri
fwe'
real
one.I
'
m gonnaki
ll
her
.
Chr
is:Heycal
m down.Thi
sneedst
obedi
scussed
cal
mly.
Me:Cal
mly?I
ts11pm.Thi
sisnott
het
imet
obe
cal
m.

Shesatupst
rai
ghtandr
ubbedherf
ace.
Nkul
e:Getoutofher
e.
Me:Don'
tevenbegi
nandpi
ssmeof
f.
Nkul
e:Whatar
eyougonnadoQui
nton?Sendme
away?
Me:Howt
hef
uckdowehaveaki
d!
Nkul
e:HowdoIknow?
Me:You'
l
lneverchange,
wil
lyou?
Nkul
e:Idon'
thavet
imef
ort
his.

If
oundmysel
fsl
appi
ngheracr
osst
hef
ace.Khul
e
gr
abbedmeandpushedmedown.
Khul
e:Whatar
eyoudoi
ng?Nkul
e,st
op.

Theyl
eftmet
her
eandr
anaf
terher
.
Iwal
kedout
.

.
..
.
[
YOLI
]

Iswit
chedoffthetvandwentupst
air
s.Hewas
changingposit
ionsl
ikehedi
dnotj
ustputusi
na
fucki
ngspotli
ght.
Me:Youbettergoupandcallal
lyourl
awyer
s,pr
ay
anot
herscandalshowsuptoburyyours.
Qui
nton:Whati
sitnow?
Me:NotsolongagoEmiwasonever ynewspaper
andtvshowlayi
ngouttothewholeofSout
hAfrica
howbady'al
lareandnowyourtrampjust
conf
ir
medi t
.Whatwereyouthi
nking!
Qui
nton:Whatt
imei
sit
?
Me:I
tshal
fpastwakeup!JesusChr
ist
.
Igavehi
m hi
siPadwi
thhi
spi
ctur
enextt
oa
PHYSICALABUSERti
tl
e.
Qui
nton:pl
easepassmemyphone.
Me:Youneverf
ailt
obr
ingust
roubl
e.

Igavehi
m hi
sphoneandwentout
.

If
oundt
heki
dshavi
ngbr
eakf
ast
.
Me:Mor
ningguys.
Ani
ta:Heygogo.Wewer
rdumpedher
e.
Me:Yeah.Youcan'
tgot
oschool
.
Onika:Maybeboar
dingschooli
sn'
tsuchabadi
dea
af
terall
.
Me:I
'
m gl
adyouseet
hat
.How'
syourmot
her
?
Anit
a:Sti
llt
aki
ngovert
hehouse.Nkazii
st al
kingof
movingbacktoherpl
acebecausedaddoesn'tsay
anyt
hingaboutmom'sunwelcomedvisi
sts.
Me:We'
l
ltr
ytal
kingt
oher
.
Onika:Happydoesn'
tli
stent
onobody.I
fthequads
can'tdoi
tthennobodycan.
Me:Sheli
stenst
ome.Got
oyourr
oomswhen
you'
redone.
Ani
ta:I
'
m done.

Shetookherphoneandranup.Shelovesher
cel
lphonemorethanshelovesanyt
hing.
Me:Iwonderwhat
'si
nther
e.
Oni
ka:Onl
yGodknows.
Me:Letmeseewhatar
ewegonnahavef
orl
unch.

Iwentt
otheki
tchen.Myphoner
ang.
Me:Yol
anda.
Cal
ler
:Isi
ttr
uet
hatMrDubehasasonwi
th-

Ihungup.DamnyouQui
nton!
.
..
TYSON

Hawust ayedoverandIwasnothi
ngbutgladthat
hedid.Mymot herandQui
ntonwereal
loverthe
news.Mynamehadn' tcomeupsoIwasst i
llof
fthe
hook.

If
ini
sheddr
essi
ngupandwentdownt
oeat
.
Hawu:Boyyou'
rel
ate.Theseeggshavebeen
wai
ti
ngforyou.
Me:I
'
llr
eheatt
hem.Thanks.
Hawu:Theheadl
inesar
egoi
ngcr
azy.
Me:Trustmymothert
oalloweverypapert
o
i
nter
viewher
.I'
m cr
ossingfi
nger
sshedoesn't
menti
onme.
Hawu:You'
rel
ate.
Me:Whati
swr
ongwi
thher
.
Hel
aughed.
Hawu:Shedi dwell
.Myf at
her
sloveact i
ng
righteouswhi let
heyarenothi
ngcl oset othat
.The
l
astt imet heywereonsomuchspot l
ightwas
becauseofme.Todayi t
soneofthem.Thi swill
teacht hem thatnobodyisper
fect.GBVi savery
sensi t
iveissueinSAsot hi
sisgonnabehuge.
MaybeI '
llbeatleastt
hepinksheepoft hefamily.I
t
wi l
lhaveahugebadi mpactonthei rbusinesses.
Me:That
'snotgood.
Hawu:I
tisgood.Everyt
hingthatshowstheDube
br
other
sthattheydonotrulethi
searthisgood.Let
megetgoing.Isi
tokayifwereturntocheckonyou
l
ater
?
Me:I
tsokay.Icoul
ddowi
thsomecompany.
Hawu:Ok.I
'
llseeyoul
atert
hen.
Me:Thankyou.
Hawu:I
twast
hel
eastIcoul
ddo.
Me:I
twasmor
ethant
hatt
ome.

Het
ookherbel
ongi
ngsandwal
kedout
.Whati
smy
mot
hert
hinki
ng?

Isatdownandate.Ical
ledherwhi
leati
t.Shedidn'
t
pickupbutsentmeamessagesayingthatIshould
tuneint
oZoe'sshowint hemeant
ime.

Igotupandwentt
othel
oungear
eaandswi
tched
thetvon.
Zoe:"
Todayonthecouchwear ejoi
nedbythe
beaut
if
ulNonkul
ulekoNdlel
awhocl ai
mstohave
beenphysi
cal
lyabusedbythewellknown
busi
nessman.Nonkulul
eko,wel
come"
Shesmi
led.Sot
hat
'swhosheis.Iincr
easedthe
vol
umeandputmyfoodasi
de.Ilostappeti
te.
Nkul
e:Thankyou.
Zoe:Sout
hAfri
caisfumingbyyoural
legat
ions.
Sayi
ngyou'r
ejustseeki
ngatt
ent
ion.Whatisreal
ly
goi
ngon?
Nkule:Aloti
sgoingonr
ightnow.I'
mr eal
lyhur
tby
people'
snegli
gencet
owardsthi
sissue.Gender
BasedViol
ancei saveryhugeissuerecently,
Idon'
t
haveanyreasonst oli
e.Qui
ntonDuber eal
lydid
assaul
tmel astnight
.Ihaveproof
,thebruisesare
fadi
ngawaybutt hosewhoar eobservantcansee
thatmyfaceisbruised.
Zoe:I'
mr eal
lysor
ryaboutwhathappenedt
oyou.
Pleasetakeustowhereital
lbegan.
Nkul
e:Qui
ntonandIcomef
rom wayback.About28
year
sorso.
Zoe:No!
Nkule:Yes.Wehadsor tofanent anglement.Itwas
neversomet hingstabl
e.Igotmar riedtomyex
husbandt hatIcannotment ion,Iwasf ri
endswi th
KhetheloDube, whoismar r
iedtoQui nton'stwin
Khulekani.QuintonandIwer etr
yingbyal lmeanst o
stayawayf rom eachot herbutther ewassomet hi
ng
thatkeptdrawinguscl ose.Hef oundawomant hat
heclaimedt olovebuthest il
lcoul dn'
tstopseeing
me.If el
lpregnantwithourson, hepai dmet oleave
anddoabor t
ion.
Zoe:OhmyGod.
Shehandedhert
issues.
Nkule:Thankyou.Hehadhi speopl
emovemef ar
away.Ili
vedinNor t
hWestuntilIwascompl
etel
y
overhim andmovedbackt oJo'bur
g.Idi
dn'
tcar
e
abouthim anymore.Itwasj
ustmeandmyson.
Zoe:Wai
t.Youhaveasonwi
thQui
ntonDube?
Nkul
e:Yes.TysonMazi
buko.
Zoe:Iam buf
fl
edrightnow.Letusgocat
chsome
breat
h.We'l
lseeyouaftert
hebreak.

Thiswomanisoutofhermi
nd.It
ookmyphoneand
headedt
othedoor.

Icall
edZoebutshewasn' tpi
ckingup.Myphone
rang.I
twasMmabat ho.Ideclinedthecall
,Carl
'
s
fol
lowed,
Cassie'
sandmanymor e.Iswi
tcheditof
f
anddrovetoZoe'
sstudio.Itunedinonmyt ab.
.
..
If
oundt
hem st
il
lonset
.Thesecur
it
ytr
iedt
ost
op
mebutIwasanani
mal
,Zoet
oldt
hem t
oletme.

Igr
abbedt
hef
reaki
nNonkul
uleko.
Me:Youcameher
etol
iet
othewor
ld?
Nkul
e:Tyson.
Me:Whyar
eyoul
yingt
opeopl
e?
Zoe:Tyt
hisi
sli
ve.
Me:Idon'
tgi
veaf
uck!
Theypul
ledmeawayfr
om Nonkul
ulekot
hatwas
nowgaspingf
orai
r.
Zoe:Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Me:Thiswomanwasneveramot hert
ome.She's
neverl
ovedme.Donotlett
hesefaket
earsf
oolyou,
thi
swomaniseveryt
hingshesaysQui
ntonDubeis.
Nkul
e:TysonIr
aisedyou!
Me:Youneverr ai
sedme.MrsMazibukodid.
Quintonaskedyouforonet
hing,
justonebutyou
fai
led.Thatmandidn'
towemeanyt hi
ng.Hemadeit
clearthathedoesn'
twantmebutyoukeptme, f
or
what ?Todrownmei nyoururi
neandwatchyoueat
everytimewithagrowl
ingstomach?Idon'
twant
younorQui nt
on.Stopwasti
ngpeople'
sti
mewi t
h
thisnonsenseandgoseekhelpbecauseyou'
resick.

Igotof
fthest
ageleavi
nghersobbi
ng.Ibumped
i
ntoQuint
onontheentrance.
Qui
nton:TysonI
'
m sor
ry.
Me:Savei
tDube.
Qui
nton:Ishoul
d'veknownshekeptyou.You
woul
dn'thavegrownupl i
ket
hat
!
Me:WellIdi
d!Idi
dQui
nton.Idon'
teverwannasee
youbot
h!

Myt eewaswetf r
om al
lthetear
sIcoul
dn'
tstop
fr
om f al
li
ng.If
oundCarlnextt
omycar.Shesai
d
nothingbuthuggedme.
Shemovedmeof
f.
Car
l:Yourbabymamai
sher
e.I
'
llcal
lyoul
aterokay.
It
urned.Shewi
pedhert
ear
sandhuggedme.
Mmabatho:I
sthatwhyyouwer
esoscar
edt
ohave
ababy?
Inodded.
Mmabat
ho:Il
oveyouandIvowt
oloveyour
ight
.
Al
ways.

Shesqueezedmei
ntoherl
it
tl
ebody.
..
..
[
01/
15,
12:
35] :OBSESSI
VE

18

Itwasincomi
ngcallaf
terincomi
ngcall.Journal
ist
s
werecampingout
sidethecomplex.I
'
venever
wishedforwi
ngsthismuch.Thesocialmediawas
offQui
nton,t
heywereattacki
ngmymot her
,some
attackingmef orbeingar udechi l
d.SayingI
could'veaddr essedt heissueinpr i
vatenotl ivetv.
Somesympat hi
zedwi thme, manycoul dr el
at e.It
wascr azy.Amongsti tal
ljournal
istswerecal l
ing
hopingt of i
shoutmor etot hestory.Iunderst and
theyar edoingt heirj
obbuti t
sabi ti
nsensi t
ivet o
wantt oquest i
onsomeoneaboutt hingsthatbr oke
them andst i
llbrokenbecauseoft hem.

Mmabat
hocameinwithaglassofjui
ce.Shespent
t
heni
ght.She'
sasweetl
it
tl
eangel.
Mmabat
ho:Your
..
.HawuandBanziar
eher
e.
Me:Who'
sBanzi
?
Mmabat
ho:Anotheroneoft
hem Iguess.Shoul
dI
makebr
eakf
ast?
Me:I
fyoudon'
tmi
nd.

Shenoddedandwal
kedout
.Iputonmypant
s.She
camebackin.
Mmabat
ho:Doyoul
ikeme?
Me:Yes.What
'sup?
Mmabat
ho:I
sn'
tbecauseyourpat
urnedyoudown?
Me:Wher
edi
dyougett
hat
?
Mmabatho:Shewrot
emeane- mai
l.Tel
li
ngmeto
notgett
ooatt
achedbecauset
hisi
sjustagame.
Me:She'
sbi
tt
er.
Mmabat
ho:That
'sal
lyougonnasay?
Me:Shet
urnedmedownandIl
eti
tgo.

Iki
ssedherf
orehead.
Me:Letmenotj
ustsayit
.Iwi
llpr
ovet
hatIl
ikeyou.
Let
'sgomeett
hebrother
s.
Mmabat
ho:Hawumustbet
heoneIsawt
heot
her
day.
Me:Must
'
vebeenhi
m.

Hawu:I
tssocrazyoutt
here.Theyal
mostsnat
ched
meoutofthecarthi
nki
ngIwasyou.
Banzi
:Whydoyoubot
hlooksoal
ike.Sur
e,I
'
m
Banzi
.
Me:Hel
lo.Tyson.
Banzi
:Tyl
er'
sson.
Me:Oh.Ni
cet
oknowyou.Thi
sisMmabat
ho.My
babymama.
Mmabat
hoscof
fed.
Mmabat
ho:I
'
m sohur
t.
Wel
aughed.
Me:She'
smygi
rl
fr
iend.Anyt
hingt
oeat
?
Hawu:Nof
orme.Ther
e'snomeati
nyourf
ri
dge.
Me:Whywer
eyouopeni
ngi
t?
Hawu:Iam hungr
ybutdon'
tyouwor
ry.I
'
veor
der
ed.
Mmabat
ho:I
nthatcase,
letmegochangeandl
eave.
Me:Now?
Mmabatho:Yeah.Myfatheri
svisi
ti
ngsome
past
orsdownthestr
eet.Iwouldn'
twanthi
mtonot
fi
ndmet her
e.
Banzi
:Howol
dar
eyou?
Mmabat
ho:Howol
ddoIl
ook?
Banzi
:18.
Mmabat
ho:I
'
m ol
der
.

Sher
anupst
air
s.Wewentt
osi
tdown.
Banzi
:She'
spr
egnant
?
Me:Shewas.Wel
ostt
hebaby.
Them:I
'
m sor
ry.
Me:Thankyou.
Hawu:BabQi
sar
rest
ed.Hewasar
rest
edt
his
morni
ng.
Me:He'
l
lbeouti
nnot
ime.Ri
chpeopl
eneverst
ayi
n
j
ail
.
Hawu:Hemi
ght
Hel
ookedatBanzi
.
Banzi
:Howwouldyouf
eeli
fweaskedyoutocome
athometoni
ght
?Tomeetther
estoft
hefamil
y.
Me:Iwoul
dfeelver
yawkwar
d.
Hawu:Ok.Ever
yonei
sgonnabear
ri
vingt
oday.
Me:Iwantnot
hingt
odowi
thQui
ntonhonest
ly.
Banzi:It
'l
ljustbeusandthemother
s.Nobodyr
eal
ly
l
ikethosedudes.They'veoff
endedusal
linmany
dif
ferentways.
Me:Idon'
tknow.I
'
m gonnahavet
othi
nkabouti
t.
Hawu:Letmeknowwhatconcl
usi
ondi
dyoucome
downtobefor
e1pm.
Me:Iwi
ll
.

Thedoorbel
ldi
nged.
Me:Thatmustbeyourf
ood.
Hawu:OhyessweetJesus.
Hegotupandmot
ionedt
othedoor
.Mmabat
ho
came.
Mmabat
ho:Letmegetgoi
ng.
Me:Letmewal
kyout
othegar
age.
Mmabat
ho:Whatam Idoi
ngt
her
e?
Me:Tot
aket
hecar
.
Mmabatho:Iwouldf
reakoutifIhadt
odr i
veby
mysel
f.Ical
ledanuber.I
tsoutsi
dewait
ing.
Me:You'
resuchacut
ecowar
d.Let
'sgo.
Shebidt
heguysgoodbyeandwewal
kedout.The
carwasi
ndeedther
e.Shegoti
nandt
heydroveoff
.

Iwentbacki
n
.
..
YOLI

If
oundSi
sekel
oandSi
kel
eladeepi
ndi
scussi
on.
Me:Wher
ear
etheki
ds?
Si
sekel
o:Somewher
eout
side.
Me:Whati
sthi
s?
I
twasal
ist
.
Me:Ar
ewehavi
ngapar
ty?
Si
kel
ela:Yeah.We'
rewel
comi
ngTyson.
Me:Wher
e?
Them:Her
e.
Me:Andwhogr
ant
edyouper
missi
on?
Si
sekelo:Idi
dn'tknowweneededanybutdadcame
upwiththeidea.
Me:It
'snotgonnahappenher
e.Idonotwantt
hat
chi
ldi
nmyhouse.Doi tonthedri
veway.
Si
kel
ela:We'
l
ldoondad'
spar
toft
hehouse.
Si
sekel
o:I
t'
sokay.We'
l
ldoi
tatanyoft
hehomes.

Theybothtookt
hei
rthi
ngsandlef
t.I
nmyhouse?
Hostawelcomepart
yofNkule'
schil
d?Qui
nton
doesn'
tseeme.
.
..
.
SI
SEKELO
Me:Youpr
omi
sedmeyouwi
llnotbemean.
Si
kel
ela:Ai
suka.Shet
hinksshe'
sthemosthi
gh.
Me:Itol
dyout
onotbackchather
.Justl
ett
hings
sl
ide.
Si
kelela:YouknowIwon' t
.Dadsaiditwasokayt
o
dothispartyt
here.Justbecauseofsomesil
ly
j
eal
ousy, wecan't?Comeon.
Me:Shef
eel
sbet
rayed.
Sikel
ela:Eveni
fTyi
sapr
oductofi
nfi
del
it
y,i
twas
yearsago.
Me:Idon'
texpectyout
ounder
stand.
Sikel
ela:Mxm.Isentmylawyeranemai
l.Weneed
permissiont
odigupChloe'
sgrave.
Me:Her
ewegoagai
n.
Si
kel
ela:You'
resoi
gnor
anti
tannoysme.
Me:Shedi
ed!
Sikel
ela:Explai
ntomewhyar en'tweableto
communi catewithher
!Wecancommuni catewi
th
Everyonet hatsi
debutnother.Notevenasingl
e
dr
eam ofher
?Howst
upi
dar
eyou?
Me:I'
m notgonnabepar
tofyourcr
azy
i
nvesti
gati
on.
Si
sekel
a:I
'
lldoi
tbymysel
f.Ir
eal
lydonotneedyou.
Me:Gr
eat
.

Ii
ncr
easedt
hevol
umeandspedup.
.
..
TYSON

IaskedMmabathot
ocomewithme.Idi
dn'thave
enoughst
rengt
htofacet
heDubesal
one.

Thereweresomanycar
sparkedoutsi
de.It
hought
theysai
ditwasonl
ygonnabefamil
y.
Mmabat
ho:Ar
eyour
eady?
Me:No.
Mmabat
ho:Wecanst
il
lleave.Nobodyhasseen
you.
Il
aughed.
Me:Whyam Ir
egr
ett
ingcomi
ngwi
thyou?Webot
h
ar
eshy.
Mmabat
ho:St
agef
ri
ght
.
Ipul
ledabagofchipsandopenedi
t.Wesnacked
unti
lHawucall
ed.Itol
dhi
m we'r
eoutsi
det
henhe
cametogetus.
Me:We'
vebeenher
eforqui
teawhi
leyaz.
Hawu:Whydi
dn'
tyoucal
l?
Me:I
-

"WELCOMEHOME! !
!"Thescreamingfoll
owed,
hugs
andkisses.Il
ostmymi ndi
nt heprocess.

Thi
ngsf i
nal
lytoneddown.Ever
yonewaswearinga
per
sonali
zedtee.Thei
rnameswer ewri
tt
eninbol
d
l
ett
ers.Iwassitt
ingwit
hthegents,Mmabat
howas
wit
htheladi
es.
Bonga:Yourf
ather
sar
eher
e.
Me:Hawusai
d-
Bonga:Theywerenotcomi
ngbutt
heyj
ustbul
li
ed
thesecur
it
yin.

Khul
e:Ohwow.Whati
sapar
tywi
thoutus?
Ngi
phil
e:Whatareyouweari
ngmamaka
Ngi
thandi
le?Andwhyareyouevenher
e
Khethelo:Ihear
dt hiswasat heme.Khet
hiweand
Katarecomi ng,you'l
lseehowgoodwel ook.We
t
ri
edl ookingyouthful,
didn'
twe?
Khul
e:Youdi
dbabe,
youdi
d.
Hekissedhercheek.Heext
endedhi
shandf
ora
shake.
Khule:Wel
comehomeson.Hopef
ull
ywe'
l
ltr
your
besttomakeitupt
oyou.
Me:Ther
e'snoneed.
Khet
hel
o:Youareyourfami
ly'
sson.Dar
kasthey
comebutbeaut
if
ul.Nkul
eandIwerebestf
ri
ends.
Me:Ni
cetofi
nal
lymeetyou.Shedoesn'
tli
keyou
t
hatmuchnow.
Khet
hel
o:Iunder
stand.OhTyl
er.
Tyl
er:
Anotheraddi
ti
onalbl
ackDube.Whydoyou
ki
dsalwaystakeaf
tert
hesedar
kmen.Don'tyou
wannabeli
keme?
Banzi
:Welovet
oobutt
heMphangi
senigenesar
e
st
ronger
.

Theywer etal
king,Iwashear i
ngt hem butmymi nd
wasnowi nPEspendi ngthenightwiththewoman
that
'sonTyler'
sar m.Isthiswhysheki ckedmeout ?
Reali
zingthatIlookedli
ket herestofthesepeople?
Si
sekel
o:Tyson!
If
inal
lycamebackt
oli
fe.
Them:Ar
eyouokay?
Me:Yes.I
'
mf ine,
itsj
ust
,Ir
ecogni
zeherf
rom
somewhere.
Si
kel
ela:She'
sthef
aceofDubeEver
ythi
ng.She'
s
t
heprlady,
youmust'
vemetheri
noneoft
hemany
f
unct
ionsshe'
sat
tended.
Me:YeahImust
've.I
'
llgocheckonMmabat
ho.

Iwenttotheot
hersi
de.Thi
shousei
shugeand
annoyi
ng.Ihat
ewalki
nginsol
onginonehouse.

Ist
art
ledher
.
Mmabat
ho:Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
ogi
vemeahear
tat
tack?
Iki
ssed.
Me:No.I
'
mtrynat
akeyouhome.Idon'
twannabe
her
eanymor
e.
Mmabat
ho:Tyt
heyar
ehappyyou'
reher
e.
Me:Theysaidther
e'l
lbenodads.Theyar
eher
eand
nowIfeelawkward.
Shesi
ghed.
Mmabat
ho:Ok.Ar
ewesayi
nggoodbyeorsneaki
ng
out
?
Me:We'
resneaki
ngout
.

It
ookherbagandwetr
iedavoi
dingeyecont
act
wi
thever
yoneunti
lwewereout
.

"Youneedtost
opusingthatt
ogetmet oagr eet
o
yourbull
shi
tQui
nton.Ihat
ethatf
uckingTyson.I
don'tcar
ewhatyouoranyonesays,
Iwi l
lnever
acceptmeasmychi l
d."

I
twasQui
ntonandwhom Iassumedt
obehi
swi
fe.
Qui
nton:Justknowthatwhenitcomest
omy
chi
ldren,
Idi
tchever
yone.TysonandIhaveal
otof
makinguptodo.
Wi
fe:ThenIhavej
oreasont
obeher
e.

Shecl
ickedherheel
saway.
Me:Wai
t!
Shest
opped.
Me:Youdon' thavetoforceyourwi fetoacceptme.
Iwil
lnotbeinyourl i
feDube, mysiblingsli
fe?Yes
maybebutdef ini
tel
ynotyour s.Idon'twantyounor
Nkule.Ma'am,Iam sorryyouar ebeingputi nt
his
posi
tion.Thi
sismel eaving.Fixyourt hi
ng.
Qui
nton:IpunchmenTyson.I
'
m gonnasquashyou
mawungijwayel
aamasi
mba.Getbackinsi
de.
Me:Idon'
tknowwhoyouar
e.Bye.

Hegrabbedmeatmyatt
emptt
oleave.I
sn'
the
supposedt
obeinj
ail
?
Quint
on:I
'
m 58,Ihavehear
tpr
obl
ems.Imayday
anydayfr
om now.
Me:Andwhatmakesyout
hinkIcar
e?

Hest ar
tedcoughi
ngandgaspi ng.Mmabat ho
screamedandcamet oundohi stieandfannedhi
s
face.Ical
ledanambul ance.Hewasr ol
li
ngonthe
fl
oor.Hiswifewasjuststandingthere.
Me:Don'
tjustst
andt
her
e!Dosomet
hing.
Shewal
kedaway.Wt
f!
[
01/
15,
12:
35] :OBSESSI
VE

19

Wesleptatt
hehospit
al.Mybodywassti
ff.I
neededahotshowerandabed.Thepart
yt ur
ned
i
ntothi
s.Qui
nton'
swifeemergedf
rom wherever
wit
hahugebag.
Her
:Ibr
oughtbr
eakf
ast
.
Hawu:Real
lyma?
Her
:I'
m noti
nthemoodHawu.
Si
kel
ela:Whatdi
dyoubr
ing?I
'
dki
llf
orcof
fee.
Her
:Thi
sisi
t.

Shegaveeachoneoft
hem cupsexceptMmabat
ho
&I.
Banzi
:Tyson?
Her
:Idi
dn'
tknowt
heywer
eher
e.
Sisekel
o:Hedr
ovedadher
ehowcoul
dyounot
know?
Me:I
tsokay.Weshoyl
dpr
obabl
ygetgoi
nganyway.
Banzi
:Wai
t.
Me:I
tsf
ine.I
'
vegott
otakeMmabat
hohome.

Wel
eft
.

Idr
oveMmabathotoherplaceandwentt
omi
ne.
WhereIt
ookabathandslept.
.
..
Iwokeupinthenoon.Iwashungr
y.Ical
ledHawu
onmywayt otheki
tchen.Themai
ndooropened.I
hungupandwaitedtoseewhoiti
s.

I
twashi
m.West
aredateachot
herf
orawhi
le.
Me:Di
dyouj
ust
-
Hawu:Yes.Sor
ry,
Ithoughtyouwer
esl
eepi
ng.
Me:Expl
ain.
Hawu:I
tsmyspeci
ali
ty.Babaneedst
oseeyou.
Me:No.
Hawu:Justhearhi
m out
.
Me:Ther
e'snot
hingt
ohear
.
Hawu:He'
sdyi
ng.
Me:Hawu.Myheadisnoti
nari
ghtspaceri
ghtnow.
Iwouldn'
tcar
eeveni
fhewast
akinghi
slastbr
eath
ri
ghtnow.

Iwenttotheki
tchenandlookedforsomethingIcan
warm up.If
oundfri
es,Iputthem i
ntheovenand
wai
ted.Hewasgone.Imadecof feeandate.
.
..
HAWU
Iarr
ivedatthehospital
.Allt
hefat
herswer
ether
e
l
aughingbutst oppedwhenigotin.BabaQst
art
ed
coughingbadly.Am Itheprobl
em her
e?
Me:Hehat
esyou.
Khul
e:Whatdi
dhesay?
Me:Thathedoesn'
tcar
eifbabadi
es.
Hegaspedforai
r.Hi
sbr
other
shel
pedhi
m putt
he
oxygenmask.
Chr
is:Hawu,
tryhar
der
.
Me:I
sitmyt
asknow?
Tyl
er:
Youdon'
twor
kHawu.Consi
dert
hisapi
ece
j
ob.
Me:Wow.
Chr
is:Whyar
eyoust
il
lher
e?

Isighedandwal
kedout
.Ibumpedi
ntoBongaon
thedoor.
Bonga:Howi
she?
Me:Thi
slooksst
aged.Si
ncewhendoeshehave
hear
tpr
oblems?
Bonga:Hedoes.
Me:Hel
pmegetTysont
ocomeher
ethen.
Bonga:We'
l
ltal
klat
er.

Gr
eat
.Iwal
kedof
f.
.
.
..
KHETHELO

Thehousewasawfull
yqui
et.Iwentt
ocheckthe
l
ounge.Ther
ewasnoone.Thiswoman.Iwent
upstar
tst
oherbedr
oom.Shewasn'tt
her
e.Icall
ed
her.
Khet
hiwe:Hi
.
Me:Wher
ear
eyou?
Khet
hiwe:I
nthebackyar
d.
Ihungupandwentt
oher.Shewascover
edi
na
fl
eece,
dri
nki
ngwhat
everwasonhercup.
Me:What
'sup?
Khethi
we:Howam Igonnal
ivewit
hmyself?How
wil
lIbeabl
etobei
nt hesameroom asTysonand
Tyl
er?
Me:ThesamewaythatTyl
eri
sabl
etowi
thYol
iand
youi
nthesameroom.
Khet
hiwe:I
'
m nothi
m!
Me:Behi
m.Ifyouwanttoli
vehappil
y,behi
m.What
i
sdoneisdonehun.Youcan'
tchangeit.
Khet
hiwe:If
eell
ikeshi
t.
Me:Getup.Wehaveani
nter
viewwi
thJayMag.
Khet
hiwe:OhmyGod.

Ipul
ledt
hef
leeceandheadedi
nsi
de.
.
..
TYSON
Ispenttherestofmyafter
noonwat chingsoccer
andignori
ngcallsofanyDubehuman.Thegat e
cal
led,McKenziewasthere.It
oldthem tolethi
mi n.
Heisourf amil
ylawyer,
mypar ent
'slawyer.

It
idi
edupandpour
edussomewhisky.Hecamei
n.
Heshoul
dret
ir
enow.Weshookhands.
Me:Ihaven'
tseenyoui
nages.
McKenzi
e:You'
vebeeni
nhi
ding.
Me:I
'
vebeenher
e.Howhaveyoubeen?
McKenzi
e:I
'
vebeengood.I
'
veseent
henews.
Me:Yeah.Pr
ett
yhect
ic.
McKenzi
e:So,
areyouchangi
ngyoursur
name?
Me:No.
McKenzi
e:Good.Icameher
econcer
ningt
hewi
ll
.
Me:wi
ll
?
McKenzi
e:Yourpar
ent
s.
Me:Oh.
McKenzi
e:You'
ret
urni
ng25i
n6mont
hs.
Me:Yeah.
McKenzi
e:Thewi
lli
sexpi
ri
ng.
Me:El
abor
ate.
McKenzi
e:Yourpar
ent
ssi
gnedt
his
Hegavemeadocument
.
McKenzie:You'
ret
heleaderofyourcl
anandby25
youshouldbemarri
edorallyourbenef
it
sgotot
he
stat
e.
Me:What
?Mypar
ent
ssai
dthat
?
McKenzi
e:Yes.
Me:Li
keever
ythi
ngwi
llbegone?
McKenzi
e:Ever
ythi
ng.

Ireadthroughthedocument .I
tconfi
rmedit
.My
mom' ssignat
urewasf i
rst.Thi
swasheridea.She'
s
neverli
kedmychoi ceinloveli
fe.Thi
sisher
puni
shment
.
McKenzie:Youhave5mont
hsand20dayst
opi
ck
yourbr
ide.
Me:Mygi
rl
fr
iendi
s20.
McKenzi
e:Per
fect
.
Me:Whatdoesachi
ldt
hatyoungknowabout
marr
iage?
McKenzi
e:She'
l
llear
n.

Hepackedbackhi
spapersandgotup.Hehaveme
al
it
tl
esmi l
eandwalkedout
.

Ical
ledMmabat
ho.
.
..
.
Icookedwi
ththehelpofYouTubeandgoogle.Ihad
todosomethi
ngspecialt
otellhert
hesebi
gnews.I
wascrossi
ngfinger
ssheagrees.
Butwhi
chwomanwoul
dtur
nthatdown?

Iheardaknock.Suddenl
yIwasnervous.Iwiped
Myhandsandwentt oopen.ItwasCassie,
seri
ousl
y?Rightnow?Shelookedsad.
Me:Geti
n.

Shecamei
nandsatont
hel
ivi
ngr
oom chai
r.
Me:What
'sup?
Shest
art
edcr
ying.Iwentt
ogetheragl
assofwat
er.
Cassi
e:Thanks.
Me:Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Cassi
e:I
'
m pr
egnant
.
Me:Congr
atul
ati
ons.
Cassi
e:I
tsyour
s.
Il
aughed.
Me:Ni
ceone.
Cassie:I
'veneversl
eptwit
hmyhusband.At
least
notforthepast4mont hssi
ncewedeci
dedtoget
married.
Me:Whoawhoawhoa.
Cassi
e:Hewant
sdi
vor
ce.Heki
ckedmeout
.

OhGodi
tfeel
sli
kedej
avu.
Me:Ihavea-
Ihear
dkeysclat
ter
ing.It
urnedt
othedoor
.Itwas
Mmabatho.Sheranout.
Me:Mmabat
ho!
Ir
anaf
terher
.
Cassi
e:Tyson!

JesusChr
ist
.
[
01/
15,
12:
35] :OBSESSI
VE

20
Imanagedt
ogetherbeforeshegotaway.Shet
ri
ed
tof
ightmeoffbutshedi
dn'tst
andachance.
Me:St
op!
Mmabat
ho:Why!Whyhaveyoubeent
oyi
ngwi
th
myhear
t!
Me:I
'
m not.Justbecal
m pl
ease.Ican'
tdealwi
th
youl
iket
his.
Mmabatho:Thenletmego.Gopl
ayhappyf
ami
l
y
wi
thyourbloodyassi
stant
.
It
ight
enedmygr
ipar
oundherwr
ist
.

"
Isever
ythi
ngokayt
her
e?"
I
twasoneoft
hesecur
it
yguys.
Me:Yea-
Mmabatho:Nosi
r.Thi
smani
sfor
cingmet
ogot
o
hi
shouse.
Hi
m:Bl
ock22,
over
.Wehaveamal
ehar
assi
nga
l
adyher
e.Backup.
Me:What
?
Mmabat
ho:Letmego!
Me:Babypl
easehearmeout
.
Secur
it
y:Lethergo!

Idi
d.Sher
ant
othesecur
it
yguy.Heescor
tedher
.
Ist
oodt
her
edumbst
ruck.
.
..
.
Thef ol
lowingmorningIwokeupfeel
inggoodunti
l
Igottot hekit
chenandIsawCassieandIwas
remindedt hatImight
'vel
ostMmabathof
orever
.I
grabbedmykeysandheadedt ot
hedoor.Cassi
e
blockedmyway.
Cassi
e:Atsomepoi
ntwegonnahavet
oaddr
ess
thi
ssoIcangotomyhouse.
Me:Ri
ghtnowisnott
hatpoi
ntandi
t'
sbestyougo
t
oyourhouse.
Cassie:Whatisthi
s?Justafewweeksagoyou
wantedust obesomethingandnowyou'
regi
ving
methi sbul
lshi
t?
Me:Weeksarelongenoughtochanget
hings
Cassi
e.Lockupwhenyouleave.

Iwal
kedout
.

.
..
Kat
lego

Iwokeuptoaver
ybeaut
if
uldel
iver
y.It
ooki
tin
af
tersi
gni
ng.
Chr
is:Whati
sthi
s?
Weki
ssed.
Me:Idon'
tknow.I
tjustar
ri
ved.
Chr
is:Looksl
ikeababyshoweri
nvi
tat
ion.
Me:OhJesusno.
Iopenedi
t.I
ndeedi
twas.
Me:It
'sf
rom Bonga.Somuchi
shappeni
ngIeven
f
orgotNkazii
spregnant
.
Chr
is:AndHappyi
sgi
vingherhel
l.
Me:Whati
sshedoi
ng?
Chr
is:She'
s.
..
Hecl
ear
edhi
sthr
oat
.
Chr
is:Shemovedbacki
ntot
hehouse.
Me:Hel
l!Youl
ether
?
Chr
is:Herhusbandl
ether
.
Me:Exhusband!
Chr
is:Wher
eyougoi
ng?
Me:Tof
ixwhatneedst
obef
ixed.

Ihavetri
edmybestt oavoi
dal
ltheDubedramaand
fakenessbutnobodymesseswit
hNkazimulo,
at
l
eastnotthatbit
ch.
.
..
Bonga

Iwaswokenupbyt hesuneati
ngupmyski n.I
t
tookmeacoupleofsecondst oreal
izeIwasatmy
house.I
nmybed, naked,Happy'
sper f
ume
crowdi
ngthesheets.

Myhear
tjumpedoutofmychest
.
"
Goodmor
ninghandsome"

Sheplacedat
rayofbr
eakf
astonmybedsi
de
drawer.
Me:Ar
etheki
dsher
e?
Happy:No.Theyhavegonet
oschool.Theydi
dn'
t
seeyou.Eatup,
yourboohasbeenri
ngingyouup
nonstop.
Me:I
'
mleavi
ng.
Iwasnowonmyf
eetdr
essi
ngup.
Happy:I
ts9am.Lat
eforwor
kandl
atef
orNkazi
.
Me:Lastni
ghtwas.
..
Happy:Amazi
ng?Iknow.Wesur
emadeababyi
f
notbabi
es.
Me:St
op.
Happy:Iwi
llnott
ell
her
,ifyoudon'
twantmet
o.

Sheki
ssedme.
Happy:Eatyourf
ood.I
ttast
esasgoodasmy
vagi
na.

Shegi
ggl
edandwal
kedout
.

WhathaveIdone?
.
..
Tyson
Icampedout
sideMmabatho'sbui
ldi
ngunt
ilher
fr
iendcameout.Ihor
nedather
;shecame.
Her
:Hi
Me:Hey
Her
:She'
sathome.Pr
ett
ymadaboutsomet
hing.
Me:Thankyou.
Her
:Di
dyouguys.
..

Ir
oll
edmywi
ndowupanddr
oveaway.

Ical
ledMmabat
hoonmywayt
oherpar
ent
'shouse.
Mmabatho:Iwantyoutolist
entomeandl i
sten
ver
ycaref
ull
y.Iam done.Idon'
teverwannasee
youagai
n.Whateveriti
sthatyou'
repl
ayingat ,
I'
m
nol
ongerpart
ici
pat
ing.Nevercal
lmeagai n.

Shehungup.Idel
etedhernumber
sandchanged
r
out
es.

Iarri
vedatmyplace.Therewasagol dboxontop
ofthelounget
able.Iopeneditup.I
twasan
i
nvitati
ontoababyshower ,
from Bongaandhi
s
gir
lf
riend.

Iwenttosi tdownandcal ledKhet hi

we.Shedi dn'
t
pickup.Iswi t
chedont het v.Myphonebeeped.I t
washer .Shewasavoi dingmeatal lcosts.Icoul
d
nothelpbutpi ct
ureust hatnighteveryt
imeIsaw
her.Igothernumber slastni ghtfr
om herson.I
call
edher ,
shehungupaf t
erIt ol
dheritsme.

"
Stopcont
act
ingme"

Wel
l.
..

Ior
der
edf
lower
sandgavet
headdr
esst
obet
aken
t
o.

Imadef oodandate.Iwenttobathanddrovet
ot he
hospi
talwhereIf
oundoutt hathehadbeen
di
scharged.Musictomyear s.Idrovet
oCassi
e's.

Sher
oll
edhereyeswhenshesawmeatherdoor
.
Me:Icomebear
inggi
ft
s.
Cassi
e:Icoul
dn'
tcar
eless.Whatdoyouwant
?
Me:Tot
alk.
Sheopenedt
hedoorwi
derf
ormet
ogeti
n.
Me:Thankyou.
Cassi
e:Makei
tsnappy.I
'
m goi
ngsomewher
e.
Me:I
'm sor
ryaboutt
hismor
ning.Iwas-conf
used.I
hadalotgoi
ngoninmyhead.I'
m sorr
y.
Cassi
e:Whatam Isupposedt
odonow?Jumpup
anddown?
Me:I
fyouwantt
o.
Shescof
fedandwal
kedt
osi
tdown.
Me:Aski
es.
Cassie:Theworl
ddoesn'
trevol
vearoundyouTyson.
Whateveriti
sthatyout
hinkyouare.Youaren'
t.Get
out.

Whati
sit
?Isi
trej
ectTysonday?

Iputdownt
hegoodi
ebagandl
eft
.HaveIl
ostmy
charm?
.
..
.
Kat
lego

Icall
edNkazionmywaytoherapart
ment.She
didn'
tpi
ckupsoIdrovet
oBonga'shouse.

Ifel
tmyinsi
desknotwhenIsawhiscarpar
ked
befor
ethegaragedoor
.Iwashopi
ngheborrowedi
t
toHappybecausehewoul
dn'
tleavet
hatgi
rlhome
alonetobewit
hthi
str
amp.That'
snotwhowe
raisedhi
mtobe.

Ifai
ledtoholdmysel
fwhenIpushedthedooropen
andf oundherpl
ast
eredonhim.Isnat
chedheroff
andpushedhertotheground.
Bonga:Ma
Me:Expl
ain!
Bonga:I
-
Me:What
!Bonga,
Bonga,
Bonga.Whatar
eyou
doi
ng?
Bonga:I
tsnotwhati
tlooksl
ike.
Me:Afterever
ythingshe'
sdonet
oyou,t
hekidsand
ourfamil
y?You'relet
ti
ngthi
sdamnsnakebackint
o
yourli
fe?
Happy:I
'
m notasnake!
Me:I
sthatyouhi
ssi
ng?That
'sver
yloud.
Igr
abbedBongabyt
hear
m anddr
aggedhi
m out
.
Me:She'
spr
egnant
.
Bonga:Iknow.Iknow.Iwasdr
inki
ngl
astni
ght
and.
..
Me:Idon'
twannaheari
t.Geti
nthecarandgot
o
her
.

Happywasst
andingbythedoor.Shewavedusa
l
it
tl
esti
nki
ngbye.Thenerveshehas.

Apolicevandr
ovei
naswewer
eaboutt
ogeti
nto
ourcars.

IlookedatBonga.Heclosedhi
sdoorandcame
towardsme.Thet wopoli
cemengotof
fandcame
tous.
Them:Dumel
ang.
Me:Hel
lo.
P1:BongaDube.
Bonga:Yes.
P1:Pl
easecomewi
thust
othest
ati
on.
Me:Why?
P2:Concerni
ngt
hemur
derofhi
sfi
anceNkazi
mul
o
Khanyi
le.

Il
ookedathi
m.Hegul
ped.Il
ookedbackatHappy.
Shegri
nnedandsl
ammedthedoorcl
osed.
.
[
01/
15,
12:
36] :OBSESSI
VE

21
TYSON

Iwaschi l
li
ngwi thHawuandLuckybyt hepool
fi
nishi
ngof flastni
ght'
sdrinks.Ihadaveryrough
yester
day, Iwasjustt
esti
ngwat erswhenIcalled
them over.Wedr ankunti
l3am inthemorning.We
wokeupandcameher
etogetr
idofhangover
.
Hawu:Ishoul
dlookf
orahouset
hissi
de.
Me:Thi
scompl
exdoesn'
tneed2ofus.
Lucky:I
sther
eal
adyar
oundher
eyouhaven'
t
fucked?
Me:Idoubt
.
Hawu:Whatki
ndofanani
malar
eyou?
Me:I
fithasavagi
na,
iti
smyt
ype.
Theyl
aughed.
Lucky:Hedoesn'
twantt
oadmi
tthathe'
sasex
addict
.
Me:I
'
m not
.
Hawu:Youreal
lynot
.There'
snosexaddi
cthome.
Wejustl
oveputti
ngourpeni
sesi
ntowork.
Il
aughed.
Me:Thankyou!
Lucky:Howl
ongcanyougowi
thoutawoman?
Hawu:Aday.
Me:Met
oo.
Lucky:Ohshutup.Youhavesex5t
imesaday.
Me:That
'swhenIknowitsavail
abl
e.I
fIknow
t
here'
snowhereI
'l
lgeti
t,Ihel
pmyself
.
Hawu:Exact
ly.
Lucky:You'
rebot
hfucki
ngaddi
cts.
Hawu:Howl
ongcanyougowi
thouti
t?
Lucky:Ayear
.
Hawu:Noway!Youshoul
dcheckyourheal
th.
Me:Ial
wayst
ellhi
m.
Lucky:I
tscal
ledbei
ngnor
mal
.
Me:I
'
ddi
e.

Hawu'
sphoner
ang.Hemovedawayf
rom us.
Lucky:How'
sMmabat
ho?
Me:Idon'
tknow.
Lucky:Cal
lher
.
Me:No.Iwasj
ustdr
unkl
astni
ght
.
Lucky:Peopl
ear
ehonestwhent
heyar
edr
unk.
Me:Wel
lnotme.Apersondoesn'
thavet
otel
lyou
t
wicet
hattheydon'
twantyou.
6Lucky:Youneedt
oseeadoct
or.
Me:Youwantanot
herbot
tl
e?
Lucky:NoI
'
m goodnow.

Hedrankwhatremai
nedi
nhi
sbot
tl
eandt
ossedi
t
ont
her ecycl
ebi
n.
Hawu:Gent
s.I
'
vegott
ogo.
Me:What
'sup?
Hawu:Bonga'
sfi
ancéwasfounddeadi
nthei
r
apar
tmentandBongai
sarr
ested.
Me:That
'swi
ld.Cal
lmewhenyougett
her
e.
Hawu:Iwi
ll
.

Hej
oggedaway.
Lucky:Shoul
dn'
tyoubegoi
ngwi
thhi
m?
Me:Idon'
tknowt
hem l
iket
hat
.They'
reasgoodas
st
ranger
s.

Henodded….
.

….
BONGA

Sit
ti
nginthismatchboxdi
dnothel
pwit
hmy
anxiet
y.Ineededtogooutt
her
eandhelpmyf
iance.
Shecan'tbedead.

Ikeptgetti
ngup,walkar
ound,
sitdownandr epeat.I
wishedapol i
cemancouldcomeinandsay
somethingtome.Theopened,t
hehyenacamei n
withit
'steet
houtli
keamutherf
uckini
diott
hathei s.
Qaphu:Ihadt
ocomebackf rom t
heai
rpor
t,Iwas
goi
ngtoEastLondon.Ihadt
oseeyouinhere.
Unbel
ievabl
e.

Hetookal
oll
ioutofhi
spocketandputi
tinhi
s
mouth.
Qaphu:So,
youar
en'
tsoi
nfer
iort
hant
hel
awaf
ter
al
l.
Ij
ustl
ookedathi
m.
Qaphu:ComeonDube.Saysomet
hing.
Me:Iwantmyl
awyer
.
Qaphu:Whatdi dthepoorwomandot oyouDube?
Wasshel eavi
ngyou?Ohwai t,shefoundoutyou
werefuckingyourex-wife,youf ought.I
tgottoo
much,youpushedher , sheslippedandf ellof
fthe
bal
cony,youreali
zeditwast ool at
e,shewas
al
readygone.Yougoti nyourcaranddr ovetoyour
wif
e,shetoldyout ostay,she'llbeyouralibi
.Am I
corr
ect?

Ij
ustl
ookedathi
m di
sgust
ed.Icl
enchedmyf
ist
s.
Theopenedagai
n.I
twasMavi
n.
Mavi
n:Whatar
eyousayi
ngt
omycl
ient
?
Qaphu:Justal
it
tl
equest
ioni
ng.

Hegotupsmi
rki
ngatme.
Qaphu:I
'
llseeyoul
ater
.

Iwat
chedhi
m unt
ilhegotout
.
Mavi
n:Ineednot
hingbutt
het
rut
h.
Me:YouknowIdi
dn'
t.
Mavi
n:Idonotknowt
hat
.
Me:Whatt
hehel
lman
Mavi
n:Theemai
lyousentl
astni
ght
.Ij
ustsawi
ton
mywayhere.
Me:Whatemail
?Ididn'
tyouane-
mai
l.Iwast
oo
dr
unktosoanythi
nglastni
ght
.
Mavi
n:Youbet
terhaveast
rongassal
ibi
.
Me:Iwasatmyhouse.
Mavi
n:Notwi
thHappyr
ight
?
Ishookmyhead.Hesi
ghed.
Mavi
n:That
'snotj
ustanal
ibi
,i
tisal
soamot
ive.
Me:I
'
mfucked,
aren'
tI?
Mavi
n:Mpi
si.We'
rebot
hfucked.
Me:Iwannagoseeher
.
Mavi
n:Youcan'
t.
Me:Mavi
n.
Hedugi nhisbr
iefcaseandpull
edoutapaper.He
shovedittome.Ifeltahuger
ocksquashmyhear t
.
Isquashedthedamnpaperandt ossedi
tacrosst
he
room.Igotupandwal kedtofacet
hewall
.Iheldon
toitandlett
hetearsfal
l….

….
KHETHELO
Itwasoneoft hosecur seddays.Oneoft hosedays
whereourheadsl ock, weneverknowhowt odeal
withlosingoneofourown.Wewer esitt
inginside
waiti
ngf orforensicstocomeandgi veusabr ief
assumpt ionreport.Iregrett
edgoingovertheret o
l
ook.I '
l
lnevergett hatpi ct
ureofherlyi
ngonher
ownbl ood,helpless,driedtear
sinherfaceoutof
myhead.

Katl
egocamein.She'
stheonet
hatcal
ledand
i
nformedal
lofus.
Katl
ego:Lookatyoual
lcr
yingl
ikeyougaveadamn
abouther.
Chr
is:Babenotnow.
Katl
ego:When?Whyar etheysit
ti
ngherelikeanyof
them evenli
kedher!Whyar eyoucryi
ng,Iknowthat
youtwistedwitchesconvi
ncedHappyt ocomeback
toBonga'sli
fe.Youshouldbeouttherecelebr
ati
ng
nothere!
Yol
i:Shewascar
ryi
ngourgr
andson.Howcoul
d
yousaythat
!
Kat
lego:Exactl
y!Youdidn'
tcareabouther,youonly
car
edaboutt hatbaby.Thebabyyouwer eplanni
ng
tot
akeawayf r
om her.Youbotharer
ottentothe
cor
e,happytoldmeever yt
hing.
Khul
eandQui
ntonwal
kedi
n.
Qui
nton:Whatdi
dhappyt
ellyou?
OhJesusChr
ist
Katl
ego:Thatyourwiveswerebeggi
nghertocome
backtoBonga'sli
fe,
takeNkazi
'schi
ldawayfr
om
her.
Khul
elookedatme.Il
ookeddown.
Khul
e:Ineedyoubot
htot
ellmet
hisi
sn'
ttr
ue.
Yol
i:Shedi
dn'
tunder
standus.
Qui
nton:Soyouki
ll
edher
?
Us:What
?
Khul
e:Yes!
Me:Idi
dn'
tli
keherbutIdi
dn'
twantherdeadei
ther
.
Qui
nton:Ican'
tbel
ievet
his.

Thef
orensi
cguyscamei
n.
Guy1:Uhm…MissSibi
siseemst ohavef
all
en,
seemedli
keshewasst abbedbefor
eshedwas
pushedbutwearesti
llgoi
ngtorunsometest
s.
Qui
nton:Thankyou.

Theywal
kedout
.
Khule:Ihopeyouar
ereadyf
ort
hewart
hatMpi
sii
s
gonnast ar
t.

Myphoner
ang.I
twasSi
sekel
o.
Me:Hey.
Si
sekel
o:Mama,
I'
vebeenshot
.
Shewascr
ying.
Me:Wher
ear
eyou?
Si
sekel
o:I
'
m at
….

Herl
inedi
ed.
Me:I
tsSi
sekel
o.Shesaysshe'
sbeenshot
.
Kat
lego:Andt
hat
'sal
lonyou!
Me:Fuckof
fKat
lego.Justf
uckof
f.
Kat
lego:Orwhat
?Whatar
eyougonnado?

Thehusbandswer
eal
readygone.I
twasj
ustus.
Me:It
hinki
tsbestwest
ayoutofeachot
her
'sl
ives.

It
ookmybagandwal
kedof
f….
[
01/
15,
12:
36] :OBSESSI
VE

22
BONGA
Youpr obabl ywonder ingwhathappenedt ous.We
usedt obesot ight ,
soi nseparabl e,eachot her'
s
backbones, shoul dert ocryon.Adayhar dl
yended
withoutcal l
ingorseei ngeachot her .Istil
ldonot
knowwhathappenedbutt hegluet hathel dus
togetherkeptl ooseni ngupbi tbybi t.Somenot i
ced
andt ri
edt opul lust ogetherbuti tsliket hemor ewe
tri
edtost ayt ogetheri sthemor ewedr i
ftedapar t.
WhenIgotmar ri
edIt houghtt hingswer ebackt o
normal .I
nst eadt heygotwor seaf tert hatweekof
theweddi ng.Ever yonel eft
.Khulewentt ol i
vei n
capet own, Tylermovedt oRichar d'sbay, Calvi
n
wentbackt oMozambi que,Quintonwasst i
llin
Durban, Emi ,mysel fandChr i
sremai nedher e.I
grewcl osert othem t hananyoneel se.5year s
downt heli
net her ewasnocommuni cationatal l
.
Oneni ghtIgotanunpl easantvisitfr om gogo.She
wasangr y.

“IneedyoutotellKhul
ekanitostopsell
ingdr
ugs
anddealingwit
hdanger ouspeople.Whenwil
lhe
everlear
n?I'
vegiventhem ever
ything.The
compani
esar edoi
ngwel
l,
whatmoredoeshewant
!
Tel
lhi
mI'l
lletgoofhi
mifhedoesn'
tst
op.”

Iwokeupandcalledhimr ightaway.It
oldhim
exactl
ywhatshesaid.Hej ustsai
dokay.Shekept
comingback.Angri
er.Itol
dhi mthedangersof
doingwhatshehated,thelif
ethatmadehiml ose
hiswife.Hewasbackati t
.Goinginandoutofj ai
l.

Thel astti
meshecame, shesaidnothi
ngbutcr i
ed
andwor eabl
ackdoekandl eft
.Thefoll
owing
mor ningever
yheadlinewasaboutthehor r
id
shoot i
ngofMthobisiDube.Therewerevideosof
himl yingonapoolofhisownbl oodnexttohiscar
outsidehispl
aceincampsbay.

Therewasnotimet owaste.Wef lewther

e.I
ttur
ned
i
ntoamassivefight.TheDubebr other
scauseda
hugescenesowehadt oleaveandgohome.Weal l
coul
dn'twai
ttogobackt otheirownhomest obe
wit
hourownl i
tt
lefamili
es,for
getabouttheDube
dr
ama.

Af
tert
hef
uner
alIt
ookmyl
it
tl
efami
lyandwel
eft
.

4yearslat
erIreki
ndledwit
hmysi bl
ings.Theywer
e
oldenoughtocallmeandtalkaboutnothi
ngthat
makessensebutt hatwasgoodandsomehow
exact
lywhatIneeded.

Timewentby.Calvi
ngoti
nvol
vedwi
ththewrong
crowdandhisvi
lewayscosthi
mtheli
vesofthe
peopl
ehelovedsodearl
y.

Aft
ert
hatunfor
tunatet
imeeverybodyr eturned.We
hadhopet
hatthingswil
lworkoutbutt hehugef ight
bet
weenKhethel
oandKat l
egomadet hingswor se.
Wehaven'
tseenpeaceeversince.Everyf amily
gat
heri
ngendsbecauseofthem fight
ing.
We' veal lhadourf airshareofpr obl
emsand
mi stakes.Mi nei ncludel yi
ngher einthiscold
cementwat chingt hisdr i
edbr ownbr eadwithblack
teat hat'ssupposedt obemybr eakfast.Lyi
ngher e
becauseofmyownst upidmistake.Themi stakeof
i
gnor inghercal landanswer ingHappy' sthatledme
toherhouse, havingsexwi thherwhi lethewoman
thatl ovedandpi ckedmeupandl ovedatal lt
imes
diedatourapar tment .

Shewaspr obablywai
tingformetocomeback
home.Shecal l
edmei nthemorning,
20mi ssed
cal
ls.Idi
dn'tanswer
,Ishould'
vebeenther
ewi t
hher
.

“
Mbuyazi
”

Igotup.ItwasSimon.TheDubelawyer
.Hegets
them outofj
ail
,fi
ndscapegoat
sift
hey'
regui
lt
y.
Me:Si
mon
Si
mon:Let
'sgohome.
Me:Idon'
tbr
eakt
hel
awSi
mon.
Si
mon:Noonei
sbr
eaki
ngt
hel
aw.

Thepol
iceof
fi
cercameandunbl
ocked.

Beinginheremademef eel
punishedf
ornotbei
ng
therefort
hemotherofmychil
d.Whatam Igonna
dowi t
hmyselfoutther
e….

….
TYSON

Igotofft
hephonewithHawuandcal
ledCassi
e.
Shedidn'
tpi
ckup.Isatdownandat
e.Thegate
cal
led.
Me:Hel
lo.
BabThusi
:Ther
e'sKhet
hiweDubeher
e.
Me:Pl
easel
etheri
n.
Iwal
kedouttowaitforher.Ablackj
aguarpull
edup
andthenshehoppedoutandheadedst r
aightt
ome.
Sheslappedhar
d,Iheldherhandbefor
eshehi tme
agai
n.
Khet
hiwe:Letgoofme!
Me:Whatt
hehel
l?
Khethi
we:Itoldyoutostopcall
ingmeandt ext
ing
me.Andnowyousendmef l
ower sTyson?Real ly?
ForgetabouthappenedinPE.Her eIam your
mother!Doyouknowwhati sgoingt ohappenift hi
s
comesout ?Wewi l
lbothdie!St
opt ryingto
communi cat
ewi t
hme.St ayinyourl ane.
Me:Youcoul
d'vecal
ledort
ext
ed.

Iwentbacki
nsi
deandcl
osedthedoor.It
ookmy
pl
ateandwentt
oeatint
helounge….

….
YOLI

Wewer estandingout
side.Wat
chi
nghert
hrough
thewindow.Wewer enotall
owedi
n.Wewerequiet
allt
hewayher e.
Qui
nton:Thi
sisal
lyou.
Me:Notnowpl
ease
Qui
nton:Whatgoti
ntoyou?
Me:….
Qui
nton:I
fmychi
lddi
es,
thi
sisdone.
Me:What
?
Qui
nton:Youhear
dme.
Me:Idi
dn'
ttel
lHappyt
oki
llNkazi
,that
'seveni
fshe
di
d!
Quint
on:Shedid.Youknowshedid.Wher
edidyou
evengetthenervet
owantthathor
ribl
ewoman
backint
omyson' sli
fe.
Me:Wespokeaboutt
hisl
astni
ght
.
Si
kel
elaar
ri
ved.Shewasl
eti
n.
Qui
nton:Youbet
terpr
ayshemakesi
t.
Me:Leavemeal
one.

Hewal
kedaway.Iam exhaust
edoft
hismar
ri
age….

….
TYSON

Iwentandchi
ll
edbyMmabatho’
sst
reet
.Ihear
d
shewascomingbackhome.Imi
sshersomuch.

AVW bl asti
nghi
phoppassedmeby.Itstoppedat
hergate.Shehoppedoutwi
thabigbag.Ohhel lno.
Istart
edthecaranddrovet
owar
dsthem.Ibr aked
behindit.
Ihoppedout
.Hewasoutoft
hecarl
aughi
ngwi t
h
mybabymamal i
keheownsher
.Iaskednot
hing
butpunchedhi
mtot
heground.Mmabat
hotr
iedt
o
st
opmebutshewastoti
nytopullmeof
f.
Mmabat
ho:He'
snotmyboyf
ri
end!
Oh.Ist
oppedandgotof
fhi
m.
Me:He'
snot
?
Mmabatho’
smot
her
:Whathaveyoudone
moshi
mane?
Me:Uhm…
Mmabatho:You'r
esocr
azyandIdon'
twannasee
youher
erightnow.
Me:Weneedt
otal
k.
Ihel
pedt
hedudeup.
Me:hade.It
houghtyouwer
eherboyf
ri
end.
Mmabat
ho’smother
:Comemyboy.Mmabat
hot
alk
t
othi
sdruggi
eofyours.

Shepul
ledt
heboyaway.
Me:Whati
she?
Mmabat
ho:Mycousi
n.Yer
rTyson.Leave.
Me:No.Imi
ssyou.
Mmabat
ho:Youj
ustpunchedmybr
otherdude.
Me:So?
Mmabat ho:Comebackher
ewhenyouknowhowt
o
decent
lytalkt
ohumans.

Sheheadedi
nsi
de.
Me:Mmabat
ho.
Mmabat
ho:GoawayTyson.
Me:Il
oveyou.

Shest
opped.Andwal
kedback.Shi
t!
Mmabat
ho:Yousai
dsomet
hing?
Me:I
-Idi
dn'
t.
Mmabat
ho:Okay.It
houghtyousai
dsomet
hing.
Shewalkedawayagai
n.Mypal
mswer
esweat
y.
Fuck!
!!

….
HAPPY

Oni
kacamei
nwi
thaphonei
nherhandasusual
.
Oni
ka:Hey.
Me:Hi
.Howwasyourdat
e?
Oni
ka:I
tsucked.Ther
ewasnoj
umpi
ngcast
le.

Al
lthi
ssai
d.Shewasn'
tlooki
ngatme.
Oni
ka:Wheni
sdadcomi
ngback?
Me:Soon.

Speaki
ngoft hedevi
l.Hewal
kedi
n.Oni
kar
ant
o
hughim buthestoppedher
.
Bonga:Goupstai
rsandpackyourst
uff
.Don'
tcome
downunti
lItel
lyouto.

Thelookonhisfacesaidhedidn'
tneedaresponse.
Onikadidasi
nstruct
ed.Hecamet owardsme.I
st
eppedbackunt i
lIwasblockedbyacounter.He
puthishandovermyneckgent l
y.
Hepr
essedhi
sfor
eheadagai
nstmi
neandr
ubbedi
t.
Bonga:Iwasst
art
ingt
otr
ustyou.
Heknows.
Bonga:It
houghtyouwer
edonet
aki
ngt
hingst
hatI
l
oveawayf r
om me.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry.
Tearsgusheddownmyf
aceashet
ight
enedhi
s
gri
ponmyneck.
Bonga:Why?
Me:Idi
dn'
twantherdead.I
-
Hepr
essedhard.Igaspedandhel
dhisar
mtr
ying
t
oremoveit
.Buthewast oostr
ong.
Me:Bo-
Bong-
a

Heletgo.Icoughedupandtr
iedt
orunbuthe
caughtmeandpushedmesohar dIhi
tmybackon
theroundtabl
eandfel
l.Hebr
oughtmeuppressed
meagai nstt
hewall
.
Bonga:Why!Whydoyouhat
emesomuch!Huh?
WhatdidIeverdot
oyou?
Hewascr
yingandshaki
ngme.
Bonga:WhatdidIdot oyouthatmakesyoualways
wannatakefrom me.Myki dsdon'twannacome
backhomebecauseofyou!Il ostmysonbecause
yousicksel
fishtwistedwit
ch!Andnowyouki l
led
thewomant hatIloved!Andmychi l
dagain.
Me:I
'
m sorry.Ijustwant
edtoscareherbuthesai
d
t
heyfought
, shesli
ppedandfel
l.I
twasami st
ake.
Bonga:You'
redeadtome.Ihateyouwi
thever
y
fi
beri
nmybody.Ir eal
lyhopeyoudi
edi
nthat
acci
dent
,notmyson.

Thosewor
dssquashedmyl
it
tl
ehear
tandr i
ght
ther
eandt
henIknewIhadl
osthi
m.Forever.
Me:I
'
m sor
ryBonga.
Bonga:Shewast hereformeandourki dswhenyou
werenot.Shemot heredthem,shelovedthem, she
taughtt
hem love.Somethingthatyoucouldn'
t.I
hateyou.Ir
eallyreal
lyhateyou
Hel
etgoofmeandwi
pedhi
stear
sof
f.
Bonga:Gi
rl
swe'
rel
eavi
ng!

Hewal
kedt
owar
dst
hedoor
.
Me:Don'
tleavemepl
ease.

Hedi
dn'
ttur
nback….
.
[
01/
15,
12:
36] :OBSESSI
VE
23

TYSON

Iwassi t
ti
ngbyt hepoolalonedr i
nki
ngjui
ce.Iti
s
mynew f avouri
teplacetobe.Nobodyevergoes
ther
e.Ther esi
dentsarearen'tsofondofit
.Thesun
hadset.Ihadanawf ulday,
Mmabat hor
efusi
ngto
tal
ktome, bumpi ngintoQuintonDubeandCassie
chasingmeaway.

Idonott hi
nkIwanttobepar tofQuint
on’sl
if
e.We
j
ustgreetedeachother.Hetri
edtomakea
conversati
onbutItoldhi
mI '
mr ushi
ngsomewhere.
Itwasawkwar d.IhopeInevercrosspathswit
hhi
m
again.

Itookmyphoneandcal
ledCi
ciasIt
ookmyt
owel
andheadi
ngtomyhouse….
….
.
Sheshookme.
Me:What
?
Ci
ci:Ther
e'ssomeoneatt
hegat
eforyou.
Iopenedmyeyes.
Me:Youanswer
edmyphone?
Ci
ci:I
twast
hegat
e.Ihadt
o.
Me:No.Youshoul
d'vewokeme.Whodi
dtheysayi
t
i
s?
Ci
ci:Yourmot
her
.

Myhear
tski
ppedabeat
.
Me:Dr
essup
Cici
:I'
m gonnagogr
abbr
eakf
ast
.Doyouwant
some?
Me:Yeah.

Wegotupandgotdr
essed.Icheckedt
het
ime.I
t
was10am.
Me:Wer
en'
tyousupposedt
ogot
owor
k?
Ci
ci:Ij
ustwokeup.
Me:AbsentonaFr
iday?Yourbossmustbef
ri
endl
y.
Ci
ci:Imakemenf
ri
endl
y.

Shewinkedandcl
osedt
hedoor
.It
ookmyphone
andcall
edthegat
e.
Mncube:H5r
esi
denthel
lo.
Me:BabMncubei
tsTyson.
Mncube:OhTy.Yourmot
herher
eisl
oosi
ng
pat
ience.
Me:Letheri
n.

Ihungupandt ext
edHawut ocomeover.Idon't
knowifIcancomf or
tabl
einhercompanyal one.I
wentdowntomakemysel fcoff
ee.Wedr ankal
most
midni
ghtwithCici
.Iwasabi thungover
.
Sheopenedt hedoor.Ihaven'tseennort al
kedto
hersincet
hatdayatZoe' sshow.Ipi ckedmycup,
myhandt rembled.Iputitdown.Shel ookedaround.
Sheputherbagont hedini
ngt ableandsatdown.
Shelookedbetter
,physicall
yandf ashionabl
y.I
've
neverseenhersowel lputtogether.
Nkul
e:Hel
loson.
Me:Hi
Myvoi
cedi
dn'
tcomeout
.Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
Me:Hi
.
Nkul
e:Don'
tjustst
andt
her
e.Makemet
ea.

It
ookthecoff
eeIhadmadeandgaveher
.She
st
art
edsippi
ng.
Nkul
e:Iseeyou'
vemadet
hoseDubesnakesyour
f
ri
ends.
Me:
….
Nkul
e:Except
,theyar
en'tyourf
ri
ends.Theyar
ejust
usi
ngyoutogett ome.Youneedtostophangi
ng
ar
oundt
hem.
Me:….
Nkul
e:DoyouhearmeTyson!
Me:Ye-
Yesmot
her
.
Nkul
e:Good.Now, youneedt
ofor
getaboutt
hat
var
sit
ygirlandbewithawomanyourage,t
he
motherofyourchi
ld.

Cassi
edi
dn'
ttel
lthi
swomant
hatshe'
spr
egnant
.
Nkule:Cassi
eisagoodwomansheisthewoman
I
'vealwayswishedyou'
dhavewhenyougr
owup.
She'
sbeent aki
ngcareofme.
Me:I
'
m sor
rybutt
hat
'snotyour
stodeci
de.
Nkul
e:Excuseme?
Shegotupandcamet
omef
uri
ousl
y,Ist
epped
back.
Nkul
e:Ar
eyoubackchat
ti
ngme?
Me:Noma.
Nkul
e:Sowhatdi
dyousayt
omeboy?
Me:Not
hing.Iwi
llmar
ry…Iwi
llmar
ryCassi
e.
Shest
rangl
edme.
Nkul
e:Idi
dn'
thearyoul
oudenough!
Me:I
-
Ist
ruggl
edt
ospeak.Sheshookme.
Me:Ma…pl
e….
plea….
Please.

Iusedthel
astst
rengthIhadmovedherhandsof
f
butshewastoostrong.
Nkule:I
'm gonnaki l
lyou!Doyouwantyourchil
dto
growupl i
keyoudi d?Becausethat'
sexact
lyhowits
gonnagrowupi fyouabandonhertobewiththat
gi
rl.You'
rebetterthanyourfat
her,
doright
.

Sheletgoofme.Icol
lapsedont
hef
loorand
coughed.Shesl
appedme.
Nkul
e:Getup!Ir
aisednoweakl
ing.Getup!
Idr
aggedmysel
fup.
Nkul
e:Ar
eyoucr
ying?
Ishookmyheadandwi
pedt
het
ear
s.
Nkul
e:Goodboy.

“
Tyson!Tyson!
”
I
twasBonga.
Bonga:Nkul
e,st
ept
hehel
lawayf
rom hi
m.
Nkul
e:Doyouwantmet
ost
epawayf
rom youboy-
boy?
Ishookmyhead.
Bonga:Tyson.
Me:No.
Nkulechuckl
ed.Shewentt
otakeherbagand
walkedout.
Bongatookasteptowar
dsme.Iwentt
ohol
dover
thecount
erandcri
ed.
Bonga:Tyson
Me:Leavemeal
one.
Bonga:Youneedt
oseesomeone.
Me:No.Ineedt
obeal
one.
Bonga:I
fyout hi
nkI
'
m gonnal
eaveyouhereyou'
re
tot
all
ycrazy.Thi
swomanhaspoweroveryou,i
ts
notri
ght
.
Il
aughed.
Me:Whydoyoucar
e?
Bonga:Becauseyou'
remybrotherTy.Il
oveyou
okay.I
tpainsmetoseeal
lthatpainandfeari
nsi
de
you.
Me:Youdon'
tknowwhat
'si
nsi
deme.
Bonga:Ido.I'
m sorr
yaboutital
l.I
fIknew,I
would'
vemadeyoumyownr esponsi
bil
it
yifbaba
would'
verefusedtotakecar
eofyou.
Hawuwal
kedi
n.
Hawu:Ij
ustsawyourmessageman.
Me:Seeyour
sel
vesout
.

Iwal
kedt
omybedr
oom…
….
BONGA

Hawu:Andt
hen?
Me:Nkule.Shewasher e.Thisboyisrui
ned.He
needshelp.Youshould'veseenhi
m, hetur
nedinto
aroboti
nherpr esence.It
ssad,nobodyshouldfear
thei
rownmot herli
kethat.
Hawu:Whatcanwedot
ohel
p?
Me:Mi
ll
icent
,isshegood?
Hawu:She'
sawhor eandTysoni
sawomanizer.I
t
won'
tgowell.Heneedagrownandst
ri
ctshr
ink.
Me:Youst
ayher
eandl
ookaf
terhi
m.I
'
llcal
lthe
gi
rl
stocomeover
.
Hawu:Okay.

Iwal
kedt
owar
dst
hedoor
.
Hawu:Bhut
i.
It
urned.
Hawu:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
llbef
ine.
Igavehim al i
tt
lesmileofassuranceandwalked
out.Onet hingaboutme;Ishoul dalwaysputmy
familyfi
rst.Itdoesn'
tmat t
erifmyf i
anceisi
na
mut uar
ybutgogosawt hatNkuleishereandIhad
tocomeoverandr escueTyson.

….
HAWU

Ical
ledMmabat
hosoonasBongacl
osedt
hedoor
.
Shepi
ckedupont
hesecondat
tempt
.
Mmabat
ho:Hey.
Me:Hi
.It
sHawu.CanyoucomeoveratTyson’
s?
Mmabat
ho:Webr
okeup.
Me:Iknowbuther
eal
lyneedsyour
ightnow.
Mmabat
ho:I
'
llsee.

IhungupwhenIheardaknockatt hedoor
.Itwas
Cassi
e,Iwoul
d'vecal
ledherbutwhenhewasdr unk
hetol
dmeonlyMmabat hocangetthr
oughtohim.
Cassi
e:Ar
eyougonnal
etmei
n?
Myeyeswer
eonahugesui
tcaseandabagbehi
nd
her
.
Imovedasi
de.Shepul
ledherl
uggagei
n.
Cassi
e:wher
eishe?
Me:Hi
sbedr
oom.

Sheheadedupt
hest
air
s.She'
sdef
ini
tel
ymovi
ngi
n.
Ical
ledMmabathot
otel
lherthatshemustnot
comeanymorebuti
twentstr
aighttovoi
cemai
l
.I
wrot
eheratext
.

Cassi
ecamedownaf
terawhi
le.
Cassi
e:I
sheokay?Hewon'
tletmei
n.
Me:No.
Iwentup.Iknockedandcal
ledhi
m outunt
ilmy
voi
cedisappeared.
Me:Maybeweshoul
dlethi
m be.
Cassi
e:No.

Il
efthert
her
eknocki
ngandlookedf
orbeeront
he
pantr
yandputi
tonthef
ri
dge….

….
BONGA
Iarr
ivedatQ'shouse.Hewasn'tt
aki
ngmycalls.I
wast i
red.Iwantedtosayt
hisandgotomyhouse
andsleep.Forgetaboutmymiser
abl
elif
efor2
hoursorso.

Ifoundt
hem i
nthelounge.Hewasreadi
nga
newspaper
,Yol
ibusyonherlapt
op.
Me:Sani
bonani
.
Them:Yebo.
Quint
on:Iwasaboutt
ogetupanddr
ivet
oyour
house.
Me:Ibeatyout
oitt
hen.Howar
eyou?
Qui
nton:I
'
m good.Youwentt
oyoursi
ster
?
Me:Yes.She'
sgonnabef
ine.
Qui
nton:Ar
eyour
eadyt
ofaceNkazi
'
sfami
ly?
Me:No.
Yol
i:We'
reher
eforyou.
Me:Ri
ght
.
Theyarethereasonshedi
ed.Hadtheynot
convi
ncedHappi nesst
otr
yandgetmeback.Nkazi
wouldsti
llbeali
ve.

Me:Idi
dn'
tcomeheret
otal
kaboutal
lthat
.Icame
her
eaboutTyson.
Yol
iat
tempt
edt
ogetup.
Me:Sitdownplease.Baba,Tysonneedsi mbeleko.
Heneedsapr opersurnamechangingcer emony.
Wehavet ogoovertot heMazibukos.Dowhat
needstobedoneandbr i
nghim heretoslaughter
anothergoatt
oaccepthim butbeforeallthat
,you
needtopaydamagesandpayl obolaforhim.
Yol
ichuckl
ed.
Me:Yeahandat
herapi
st.He'
sfuckedup.Nkul
e
r
uinedhi
m.Heneedsproperpsychol
ogi
calhel
p.
Yol
i:CanIspeaknow?
Me:No.I'mleaving.Thequadsar
ecominghome,I
promisedI'
l
lfetchthem f
rom t
heair
pot
.Ineedan
hourortwotonap.
Qui
nton:Got
oyourr
oom upst
air
s.
Me:I
'
llpassNyamazane.I
'
llseeyoul
ater
.
Qui
nton:Letmewal
kout
….

….
QUI
NTON

Me:Howar
eyouhol
dingupson?
Bonga:It'
sthewor stti
meofmyl ife.ThepeopleI
shouldbef i
ndingcomf orti
naretheonesthatlet
medown.Idon' tknowwhatt odowi t
hmysel f
.I
haven'tsl
eptin2days, Iwenttot
heapar t
ment .AllI
couldhearisherar gumentwitht
hatman, her
screamingwhenhest rangl
edher,shebeggedhi m
baba.Shebeggedhi m nott
ohurther,hedidn'
tstop.
Ipathi
sback.
Me:Wewi
llf
indhi
m andhe'
l
lpayf
ori
t.
Bonga:Iwantthem bot
htopayf
ort
his,
weshoul
d
l
etthelawplayit
srolethi
sti
me.
Me:Okay.I
twasn'
tMpi
siwhohadSi
kel
elashot
.
Bonga:Whowasi
t?
Me:Jason'
sbr
other
.
Bonga:Aunt
ywoul
dn'
tgot
hatf
ar.
Me:Kevinwouldandwasn' tevenaboutwhatwe
had.It
saboutthem both,theysortofdatedandshe
brokeupwi t
hhim.Mot t
oMot tohasthemost
l
unaticseeds.Hi
schildrenar eunst
able.
Bonga:Ar
ewegonnadealwi
thhi
m?
Me:He'
sal
readybeendeal
twi
th.He'
sful
lofshi
t.
Youneedt
ocomehome.
Bonga:I
'
llbefi
ne.Thequadsar
ecomi
ngsoI
'
llbe
deal
ingwit
hthisbet
ter
.
Me:Justknowt
hatyoucancomeher
eanyt
ime.
Bonga:Iknow.Letmego.I
'
llcal
lyou.
Me:CanIgot
oTyson'
s?
Bonga:I
'
dsuggestyoudon'
t.
Me:Buthowar
ewegoi
ngt
owor
kthi
souti
fhe
doesn'
twantt
oseeme?
Bonga:I
twi
llal
lhappeni
nduet
ime.Gi
vehi
m space.
Inodded.Hestar
tedhiscarandr
ever
sed.Iwat
ched
hi
m untilhewasout.Iwentt
omygarden….

….
.
MMABATHO

Aft
erbatt
li
ngifIshoul
dgoornotIfi
nall
ydecidedto
gobecausehowmuchIcar eabouthi
m.Bab
Mncubedidn'
tevenaskmeanyquestions.Hejust
l
etmesignandl etmethr
ough.

Iwalkedinthedamnhotsununti
lIgott
ohispl
ace.
Iknocked.Hawuopened,
helookedweir
d.

Iwentin.Ther
ewasasui
tcaseandabagbyt
he
tabl
e.
Me:Wher
eishe?
Hawu:I
nhi
sbedr
oom.
Me:What
'shappeni
ng?
Hawu:Hewon'
tletusi
n.
Me:Youknowhowhei
shepr
obabl
y-ohI
'
vegot
keys.

Iwentup.Shewasatt
hedoorknocki
ng.
Me:Hi
.
Cassi
e:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Me:Hawucal
ledme.Excuseme.
Shebl
ockedmyway.
Cassi
e:Goaway.
Me:Iwantt
oopent
hedoor
.

Shemoved.Iunl
ockedandwenti
n.Icoul
dn'
tsee
hi
m anywher
e.
Me:Tyson?
Iheardsobbing.Iwenttot
hebat
hroom.Hewas
si
tti
ngont hecornerhuggi
nghi
skneescryi
ng.
Me:Hey.
Hedidn'
trespondbutcont
inuedt
ocr
y.Iwentt
o
hi
m andkneltbefor
ehim.
Me:Ty.
Hel
ookedatme.
Tyson:Youneedt
oleave.
Me:What
'swr
ong?
Tyson:IneedtomarryCassi
e.She'
sthemotherof
mychild.Idon'
twantmychildtogr
owuplikeIdid.I
needtoleaveyou.Idon'
twantmychil
dtogrowup
l
ikeIdid.Idon'
twantmychil
dtogrowupli
keIdid….

Hekeptr
epeat
ingt
hat.Igotup.Cassi
ewasl
eani
ng
onadoorfr
amesmili
ng.
Cassi
e:Ihopeyou'
veseenwhohel
ovesmor
e.
Me:Heneedshel
p.
Cassie:Iam t
hemot
herofhi
schi
ld.Iknowwhathe
needs.

Inoddedandwalkedaway.IfoundHawuwit
hone
ofhissi
ster
s.Ij
ustbi
dthem goodbyeandr
ushed
out.

Ihel
dmyt ear
sunti
lIcouldn'
tanymore.Helooked
l
ikeali
tt
leabusedchi
ld.Hiswordsr
angi nmyhead,
myheartached….
[
01/
15,
12:
36] :OBSESSI
VE

24

KHETHELO

I
t'
sti
mesl
iket
hesewher
eIj
ustwantt
obei
nmy
room t
hewhol etime.WhereIdon'twannainter
act
withanyone.It
sbeen4daysal readyandeventual
ly
Ihavetofacehim.Igotoutoft hebedandwentt o
change.Itookmyphoneandwal kedout.It
urnedit
onasIwal keddownt hestai
rs.IfoundZusi
pheand
herfat
herlaughing.She'
shere.Theystoppedwhen
theysawme.
Zusi
phe:Hey.
Shegotupandhuggedme.
Me:Hey.Whendi
dyouar
ri
ve?
Zusi
phe:Thismorni
ng,west
ayedatthehoteland
bhutBongafet
chedusanhourago.Dadsaidyou've
beeninther
efordayssoIdi
dn'
twanttodistur
byou.
Me:Thequadsar
eher
etoo?
Zusi
phe:Yeah.
Me:Youguysshoul
dconsi
dermovi
ngbackher
e.
Zusi
phe:Nothappeni
ngbabe.

Herphoner
ang.Shepul
ledi
tout
.
Me:Howmuchar
eiPhonest
her
e?
Zusi
phe:Pr
iceybutkesi
yaaf
for
da.Excuseme.
Wel aughed, shewal kedaway.She' st hebestthing
thathaseverhappenedt oKhul ekani.Hel ovesher
toomuchandspoi l
sherr otten.She' sstudying
medi cinebutyou'dswearshehasaj ob.Inever
thoughtofhavi nganot herafterher .I
twasa
torturouspr egnancy, Igavebirthont he15t hmont h.
Likehi dingthatIwaspr egnantwasn' thellenough.
Mangcoboj ustthoughthergr anddaught erwon' tbe
bor ni natoxicenvironment .Shewasbor naday
afterIf ull
yforgaveKhul ekanifort heGl adedrama.I
startedusi ngeverypossi blecont r
acept ivesafter
that.
Khul
e:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ngt
o?
Me:ToseeBonga.
Khul
e:Doyouwantmet
ocomewi
th?
Me:I
'
llbef
ine.
Khul
e:I
'
llst
ayont
hecar
.
Hegotup.
Me:Youdon'
thavet
o.Thi
sismymess,
Iwannaf
ix
i
tmyself
.
Khul
e:Okay.

Hetookthekeys.Isighedandwewal ked.Ihadno
ener
gytoar gue.Hesaidalotofthings3daysago
andIdon'twannaheart hem agai
n….

….
THEFOLLOWI
NGDAY….
TYSON

It
slikeaqui ckheavystorm.Itcomes, destroyhard
andpasson, cl
earskyandsunl i
kei tnever
happened.Onl ythi
smor ningIjustreal i
zedt hatI
don'tneedCassiehere.Shesl eptinmybed.And
nowsi t
ti
ngher eattheedgeofi t,hear i
ngher
breatheIreali
zesheshoul dn'
tbeher e.Mmabat ho
shouldbeandIpushedheraway, IsaidthingsI
shouldn'
thave.
Igotupandwentt othebathroom.Ipeedand
washedmyf ace.Ichangedintocl
eanclot
hes
aft
erwardsandwentdown.If oundHawut al
kingon
thephone.Isatdownanddi shedup.
Hawu:Si
kel
elai
sgonnaki
llyou.
Me:Sheboughtt
his?
Hawu:Yes.Mabhebezal
etmecal
lyoul
ater
.
Heputt
hephonedown.
Hawu:Shewentt
ogetuscoke.
Me:I
'
m hungr
y.Di
dIeatl
astni
ght
?
Hawu:No.Ar
eyouf
eel
ingwel
l?
Me:Yes.
Hawu:Youscar
edme.
Me:That
's-
Si
kel
ela:Youar
en'
teat
ingr
ight
?
Ishookmyhead.Shel
aughedandputt
heplast
ic
ontopoft
hetabl
eandcamet ohugme.Si
kelel
a:I
l
oveyouokay.
Me:Don'
tbewei
rd.
Si
kel
ela:Imeani
t.YougotusOkay?
Me:Yousl
epther
e?
Si
kel
ela:Yes.
Me:Wow.
Hawu:Canweeatnow?
Si
kel
ela:Of
cour
se.

Shesatdownt
oo.
Hawu:Weweretal
king.Howaboutyoumovei
n
wit
hanyofus?
Si
kel
ela:Oroneofusmovei
nwi
thyou?
Me:Uhh…Idon'
tthi
nkt
hatwi
llbenecessar
y.
Hawu:Tyson.Youwereazombi
elastni
ght
.We
can'
tlett
hathappenagai
n.
Me:Mymot herwi
llnevercomenearme.Thanksf
or
bei
ngconcernedt
hough.
Si
sekel
o:I
'
llgowakeCassi
eup.

Shegotupandl
eft
.
Hawu:Whatdi
dyousayt
oMmabat
ho?
Me:ThingsIshoul
dn'
thave.Iwannagot
oheraf
ter
eat
ing.
Hawu:Youbet
ter
.

Iwonderi
fshe'
l
levengi
vemeachancet
oexpl
ain….
….
Nar
rat
ed….

Qui
ntonpull
edupattheMazi
bukor
esi
dent
'sgat
e
andbuzzedthei
nter
com.
Nkul
e:Whoi
sit
?
Qui
nton:Qui
nton
Nkul
e:WhatdoyouwantQ?
Qui
nton:Weneedt
otal
k.
Shewentquietandopenedthegateforhim.She
movedinaft
ertheMazibukolawyercompletedthe
paper
work.I
tisthehousetheylef
tforTyson,ashi
s
mothershehadright
stostayinit
.

Shewasoutsidewear
ingarobewait
ingonQuint
on.
Hepull
edupbef or
eherandhoppedout.Hel
eaned
agai
nstthecarandgr
eeted.
Nkul
e:Yes.
Qui
nton:IwantTyson.
Shel
aughed.
Nkul
e:St
il
lMr“
Idon'taskf
orshit
"ifyouwantmy
sont
henyouneedtodobettert
hanthat.
Qui
nton:GrowupNonkulul
eko.Iwanttopay
demagesforhim.Payl
obol
aandi nt
roducehi
mto
hi
sreali
ncestor
s.
Nkul
e:Yout
oldmet
oabor
thi
mremember
?
Qui
nton:Youdi
dn'
t.
Nkul
e:He'
sdeadtoyou.St
opbot
heri
ngabouthim.
Li
kethehel
lIwoul
dlett
akemychil
dtot
hatwitch
ofawif
e.
Qui
nton:Nkul
epl
ease.Idi
dn'
tcomeher
etof
ight
.
Nkul
e:Ther
e'snoamountofmoneyt
hatyoucan
payt
ogetmychi l
d.
Quint
on:Youdon'
tevenl
ovehi
m!Youabusehi
m,
evennow.
Nkule:Ihaveever yri
ghtt odowhatIwantt ohim.I
carri
edhi m!Ifedhi m!Ir ai
sedhi m!Hard!Whi l
eyou
sl
epti nyourt r
iplestoryhousenextt oyourwi feina
ki
ngbed, dri
vingbi gcars,flyinginjets,
stayingin5
starhot el
s.Iwasr aisi
nghi mi naoner oomed
housewi t
hnof oodtoeat ,selli
ngmysoult othe
deviljustsoIcanbuyf oodf orusandcl othes.I
sacrifi
cedever ythi
ngQui ntonbecauseIwasscar ed
yougonnaf indmeandki l
lmel i
keyousai dyou
woul difIevershowedmyf aceagai n.
Qui
nton:Youwer enott
hef i
rstnorthel
astawoman
t
odot hatbutnoneofthem turnouttobemonst
ers
t
hatyouwer etomychild.Onlyyoubitt
erevi
l
womenpunishkidsf
orthei
rfat
her
'ssi
ns.Youhada
choi
cebutyouchosetonotbri
nghimtome.You
choset
ohurtyourownchil
dbecauseofwhat?
Nkul
e:Bri
nghimt oyou?Youcouldn'
tevenl
oveme!
Youkeptchoosi
ngeveryoneoverme!
Quinton:Idon'
thaveti
mefort
hismadness.I
fyou
don'tagreetothi
sI'
l
lfi
ndanot
herNdl
elawho'l
lhel
p
mepayt hesedamages.
Nkul
e:Overmydeadbody.

Hehoppedonandt
urnedont
heengi
neand
r
ever
sedout…

….
BONGA

Me:Nkazi
.Baby.Nkazist
op!
Shewaswal ki
ngawayfrom me.Shewasangr
y,I
coul
dfeelherangerwei
ghi
ngheavyonmy
shoul
der
s.
Me:Nkazi
mul
opl
easest
op!
Shekeptonwalki
ng.Icouldhearhersobal t
hough
shewasabi tf
araway.Shewasn' twalki
ngfastbut
forsomereasonIcoul
dn'tkeepupwi thher
.I
star
tedr
unningunti
lIgottoher.Istoppedher
panti
ng.
Me:Babe.
Shewasnotpr
egnantanymore.Shewasl
ight
eri
n
compl
exi
onandsobeautif
ul.
Me:Comehome.
Nkazi
:Whathome?
Me:Ourhome.
Nkazi
:Thehomeyoul
eftmet
odi
eal
onei
n?
Icoul
dn'
tanswert
hat
.
Nkazi
:Youf
ail
edus.Youf
ail
edus.
Me:Pl
easest
op.
Nkazi
:Youf
ail
edus….
youf
ail
edus…
Me:St
ooppp!
!

“
baba!Babawakeup”

Iwokeupandsatupr
ight
.ItwasNt
andoyenkosi
,he
l
ookedworr
ied.
Nt
ando:I
t'
sokay.I
twasj
ustadr
eam.
Me:Yeah.Wher
ear
eyoursi
bli
ngs?
Ntando:Theywentt
ogetusl
unch.GogMamnguni
i
sher e.
Me:I
'
llbewi
thyoushor
tl
y.Gomakehersomet
hing
t
odri
nk.
Ntando:AuntNcebai
sst
il
lher
e,shehasmadeher
some.
Me:Okayl
etmegowashmyf
ace.

Henoddedandgotupandwentt
odosoandwent
t
ojoi
nthem i
nthelounge.
Me:Sani
bona.
I
twasbot
hoft
hem.Thepeopl
eIneededt
oseet
he
l
east
.
Them:Yebo.
Khet
hel
o:Icameyest
erdaybutyouwer
en'
thome.
Me:Wewentf
oradr
ivewi
tht
hequads,
tocat
chup.
Yol
i:Ni
ce.Howar
eyou?
Me:Iam goodt
hanks.
Khet
hel
o:Howar
eyou,
howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
mfi
nema.
Yoli
:Wecametoapologi
zeSbongakonke.Iknow
thehel
lyoumustbefeel
ing,
thehatredtowardsus
forbei
ngpar
tl
yresponsi
bleforwhathappenedto
Nkazi.
Khet
helo:Wenevert
houghtHappywoul
dtakei
t
t
hatfar
.
Me:Whywouldyouevenwantherbackt
omyl
if
e
af
terwhatshedi
dtome?
Yoli
:Shet
oldusyouguyswer
eal
readywor
king
thi
ngsout
Me:Wewerenot!She'
smanipul
ati
ve.Ther
ewasno
waywewould'
vegonebacktoget
her.Il
ovedNkazi
.
Wit
hal
lofmyhear t
,Il
oveherandthi
sguil
tisgoi
ng
t
oeatmeupslowlyunti
lIdi
e.
Khet
hel
o:Weal
lwi
ll
.We'
resosor
ry.
Igotupandwalkedtothewall.Ididn'
twanttocry
i
nf r
ontoft
hem.Ireal
lyfai
ledher.Ishoul
d'vebeen
theref
orher…
….
.
TYSON

IgotatMmabatho’splace.Sheletmeinbutsaid
nothi
ng.Wesatacrosseachot heronthecouches.
Wesatquiet
ly,
justlet
tingthet
vdot hetal
king.
Shegotupandcamewi t
hj ui
ceandbiscuit
s.Iate.
Ther
ewassomet hingaboutthesil
ence.Itwas
cal
ming,peacef
ulandfullofgoodemot i
ons.Ihada
l
ottosaytoherbeginni
ngwi thanapologybutthis
si
lencewasbeaut
if
ul,
Iwascomf
ort
abl
e.

Shebroughttheremotet
omeandwentt ocook.I
watchedsoccerwhil
eshecookedunt
ilIf
ellasl
eep….
[
01/
15,
12:
36] :OBSESSI
VE

25

TYSON

Aftershefi
nishedcooking,shewokemeupandwe
ate.Itwaslat
ebyt hen,Ist
ayedali
tt
lel
ongerunti
l
thesunset.Iaskedhertoaccompanymet othecar.
Shenoddedandwal ked..
Me:Geti
n.We'
l
lgof
ori
cecr
eam att
henear
estshop.
Shehoppedon.Ididtooanddroveof
f.Ihel
dher
handasIdrove.Idi
dn'tknowwheret
ostart
.Ihada
l
ottosaybutIhadnobal lst
o.
WestoppedatKFCandgoticecr
eam.I
tst
art
ed
r
aini
ngaswewer eaboutt
ogoout.
Mmabat
ho:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
owal
kint
her
ain.
Ismi
led.Fi
nal
l
yshespeaks.
Me:I
'
llcar
ryyou.Hol
dmyi
cecr
eam.
Mmabat
ho:Aowa
Me:Remembert
hatdaywemet
?
Mmabat
ho:Iwasdr
unk.
Me:Icar
ri
edyout
hatdaynowcome.Havesome
f
ait
hinme.
Shetookmyi
cecr
eam.Ipi
ckedherupandwal
ked
out
.

Iputherdownwhenwegott
other
ain.Sher
ant
o
thecar,
Ilockedi
t.
Mmabat
ho:Tyson.
Me:Hi
.
Mmabat
ho:Thi
sisn'
tfunnywe'
l
lcat
chcol
d.
Me:Let
'
sletGodwashof
foursi
nsabi
t.
Mmabat
ho:Myi
cecr
eam i
sdamagednow.
Me:I
'
llbuyyouani
cecr
eam shop,
youcanhaveas
muchasyouwant.
Iunl
ockedt
hecarandshehoppedoncur
sing.
Shegr
abbedmyj
acketandt
ri
edt
odr
yher
sel
f.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry.
Mmabat
ho:Don'
ttal
ktome.
Me:Whatt
imei
syourf
ir
stcl
asst
omor
row?
Mmabat
ho:9am.
Me:Gr
eat
.Let
'sgobookanensui
te.
Mmabat
ho:What
?
Shel
aughed.
Me:Yeah.Weneedtotal
kandtalki
ngwhi l
ewelay
i
nbedonourcomf ywarmrobeswat chi
ngamovie
ofyourchoi
ce,
sippi
ngonhotchocolatewoul
ddo.
Mmabat
ho:I
sn'
ttool
atet
ogetar
oom?
Me:We'
l
ltr
yourl
uck.
Mmabat
ho:Okay.Tur
nont
heheat
erpl
ease.

Iwar
medtheengi
neupandt
urnedont
heheat
eras
wedri
veaway….

….
KHULE

Ami ssedcallfr
om Quintoni sconcerningbut
missedcallsmeansdr ivestrai
ghttohi shouse.I
spenthalfofthedayatt hefarmjustt aki
ngcar eof
myani malsandwat eri
ngcr ops.Ihavewor kersbut
5timesaweekIneedt ocomeoverandhel pout .
Khethelobeinginabadheadspacewast her easonI
wantedt ogothereandcl earmine.Ileftherat
Bonga'sanddr ovehereandnowIwasdr ivi
ngt omy
brot
her'shousef orwhatevertheemer gencywas.I t
wasget t
ingdark.
Iarr
ivedatQ'
s.Ir
ecei
vedacallf
rom Phi
la.Ist
il
l
can'
tbeli
eveshegotmarr
iedsoyoung.
Me:Mybaby.
Phi
la:Heydaddy.Howar
eyoumyf
ir
stl
ove?
Me:Notgoodnowt
hatyou'
vecal
ledmet
hat
.
Shel
aughed.
Phi
la:HubbyandIar
einvi
ti
ngyouf
ordi
nnernext
weekend.
Me:Mmmh.We'
l
lbet
her
e.
Phi
la:Amazi
ng.Letmecal
lyourbr
other
s.
Me:Okbaby.Bye.

Ihungupandl
ookedf
orQui
nton.
Me:Qui
nton!
Herespondedf
rom upst
air
s.Icl
imbedup.Wemet
att
hepeak.
Me:Iwashopi
ngI
'
llf
indt
hishouseonf
ir
eor
somethi
ng.
Qui
nton:Myhear
tisonf
ir
e.
Me:What
'sgoi
ngon?
Qui
nton:Nkul
e.
Me:Whathasshedone?
Quinton:Bongahadavi sion.Ihavetopaydamages
forhim andpayl obol
aforhim, r
emovehi mf rom t
he
Mazi bukostoDube.IlookedforNkul eandf ound
her.Itri
edt otal
ktoherbutshe'sstil
lstupi
dand
selfcentred.Sheabusedhim growingup, shesaid
i
tsbecauseshecar ri
edhim andraisedhim.Can
youbel i
evet hat
?
Me:Youneedmet
otal
ktoher
?
Qui
nton:No.IneedyoutogetKhet
hel
otot
ellyou
wher
eNkule’sfamil
yis.
Me:Sheonl
yhadheraunt
.
Qui
nton:Ineedher
.
Me:We'
l
llookf
ort
hem.
Qui
nton:I
twi
llt
akel
ong.Ineedt
hisdoneasap.
Me:Idon'
tthi
nkKhet
hel
owi
llgi
vei
nsoeasi
ly.
Qui
nton:Tr
ybaf
o.Ican'
tfai
lmysont
hist
ime.

Inodded.Wewentt
othel
ounge…

….
MMABATHO

Lucki
lywef oundar oom buti
twasn'
ta5st arbutit
wasstil
lbeauti
fulandithadalmosteverythingthat
Tysonwanted.Firstthi
ngwedi dwastakingabat h
andchangingintothoserobes.Andthenwegoti n
bedandplayedgames.
Tyson:I
tst
imef
ort
hatmovi
e.
Me:Soear
ly?We'
l
lfal
lasl
eep.
Tyson:Iam asl
eepasi
tis.
Hecol l
ect
edthegamesandoutt hem asi
de.He
peeledtheduvetandgoti
n.Idi
dt oo.Wekeptspace
betweenus.
Tyson:Idon'
tevenknowwher
etost
art
.
Me:St
artwher
ever
.
Tyson:Cassi
eispr
egnant
.
Me:Iknow.
Tyson:AndIwannat
akecar
eofher
.
Me:Ok.
Tyson:ButIwanttobewi t
hyou.Iknowi tsounds
crazybutIdon'
twanttoloseyouMmabat ho.You
make…youbr i
ngmesomet hi
ngIcannotexpl ain,
I
don'tknowwhatisitbuti
tsbeautif
ul,
IloveitandI
wantyout obeal
waysher e.Iwanttobeaper fect
partnert
oyouandagoodf athert
omychi ld.
Me:Yousai
dthi
ngst
omeyest
erday.
Tyson:Iknow.Thatwas-t
hatwasn'
tme.
Me:Whati
fyour
eal
lyf
eel
li
ket
hatoneday?
Tyson:Iwon'
t.
Me:Ireall
ywannabewithyouTysonbutyouswi t
ch
up.Ineverknowwhattoexpectofyou.Oneminut
e
i
tsfuckitleavei
fyouwantandthenextyouwant
mebutwhatguar ant
eesthat?HowdoIknowi
fhow
youfeelri
ghtwi
lll
astlongenoughf
ormetonot
regr
etit
?
Tyson:Pl
easegi
vemet
hischancet
opr
ovemysel
f.
Me:Idon'
tknowTy.Iwil
lthinkaboutthi
s.Idon'
t
wanttomakeadecisi
onrightnowbecauseoft hi
s
beaut
if
ulmoment.Iwannaseei fIst
il
lfeelt
he
samewaynextweek.
Tyson:Takeal
lthet
imeyouneed.Butnott
oomuch
tooti
me.
Me:Thankyou.CanIhavecuddl
es?
Tyson:Yes.

Iswit
chedoffmysi
delampandmovedcl
oserto
him.HespoonedmeandIsl
owlydr
if
tedt
osleep….
….
Thef
oll
owi
ngday….
Iwokeupearl
yandbat
hed.Iwokehi
m up
af
ter
wards.
Tyson:Whatt
imei
sit
?
Me:af
ewmi
nut
est
o8.
Tyson:Theni
ghtwentbysof
ast
.
Me:Gobat
h.
Tyson:Di
dyouor
derbr
eakf
ast
?
Me:WasIsupposedt
o?
Tyson:Whatar
ewegonnaeat
?
Me:Idon'
teati
nthemor
ning.
Tyson:YohI
'
m hungr
ymi
na.
Me:We'
l
lgetsomet
hingont
heway.Getuppl
ease.
Tyson:Canwet
akeanuber
?
Me:I
'
lldr
ive.
Tyson:Ar
eourcl
othesdr
y?
Me:Yes.GetupI
'
m gonnabel
ate.

Hef
inal
lywokeup.It
ookt
hekeys.Wewal
kedout
…
….
.
TYSON
Aft
erdroppi
ngMmabat hooffatherpl
aceIdroveto
myplace.Ipassedbyarest
auranttogetbr
eakfast
andateontheway.
Istayedinthegarage.Therewasl aughtercoming
fr
om insi
de.Igotoutandheadedi n.Therewere
women, dressedupholdingglassesofchampagne.
Amongstt hosewoment herewasmymot her.
Nkul
e:Ohsonyou'
reher
e.
Shecamet
oki
ssmycheekandhuggedme.
Nkul
e:Yourf
ri
endsar
ewai
ti
ngf
oryoui
nyour
bedr
oom.
Me:Myf
ri
ends?What
'shappeni
ng?
Nkul
e:I
tsyourweddi
ng.
Me:Mywhat
?

AdudeI
'
veneverseenbef
orecameoutofnowher
e.
Hi
m:Ty.Come.
Me:No.
Nkul
e:Canwet
alkont
hegar
age?

Shepul
ledme.SheshovedmebackIalmostf
ell
whenwegottothegar
age.Ibal
ancedwit
hmycar .
Nkul
e:Wher
ethehel
lwer
eyou?
Me:Iwasoutwi
th…wi
thf
ri
ends.
Nkul
e:Youwer
ewi
tht
hatskank,
wer
en'
tyou?
Me:No.
Nkul
e:Ar
eyoul
yingt
omeTyson?
Ishookmyhead.
Nkule:Lookmei
ntheeyeandt
ellmeyouwer
enot
wit
hher .
Il
ookeddown.If
eltmycheekbur
n.
Nkule:You'r
ejustli
kethatusel
essthi
ngcalled
QuintonDube.Busypickingstonesoveradiamond.
Gogetdr essed.Thevenuewasbookedf or11.
Me:Idon'
twannagetmar
ri
ed.
Nkul
e:Excuseme?
Me:I
-

Shebroughtmecloseandcl
awedmyt hroat.Igot
thefl
ashbacksofwhenIwas7.Coul
dn'tfi
ght,Ij
ust
cri
ed.
Nkul
e:Youwi
llmar
ryCassi
e.Okay?
Inoddedr
api
dly.
Nkul
e:Goodboy.Nowgodr
essupandmar
ryt
he
l
oveofyourl
if
e.

Sheletgoofme.Andt
ookmyhand,
wal
kingback
i
nside….

.
..
.
Ret
yped
[
01/
15,
12:
37] :OBSESSI
VE
26
HAWU

“Youneedt
osavehi
m.He'
sdr
owni
ng.Youneedt
o
savehi
m.Hawu"
Iwasi nthebushes.Idon'
tknowhowIgother e.I
couldn'
trecogni
zethevoicethatwastal
king.Ikept
tur
ningintodir
ecti
onsitwascomi ngf
rom.
Me:Whoi
sdr
owni
ng?Andwher
e?
“
Youneedt
ohel
phi
m”
“Hawu!Wakeup.”Iopenedmyeyes.Zusi
phewas
standi
ngoverme.
Zusi
phe:Youshoul
dst
opdr
inki
ng.Youl
eftt
hedoor
unl
ocked.
Me:Wher
e'smyphone?Passmemyphone.
Shepassedi
ton.
Icheckedthet
imeandcal
ledTyson.Thi
sdr
eam
could'
vebeenabouthi
m.Hepickedup.
Tyson:Hel
lo.
Me:Hey.Ar
eyouokay?
Tyson:Yeah.
Me:Wher
ear
eyou?
Tyson:Ri
voni
a.
Me:Okay.I
'
llcomebyl
ater
.
Tyson:Okay.

Ihungup.
Zusi
phe:Wast
hatyourbae?
Me:No.I
twasTyson.
Zusi
phe:Thenewbr
other
?
Me:Yeah.
Zusi
phe:Y'
al
lar
efr
iends?
Me:We'
resi
bli
ngs.
Zusi
phe:Themothersdon'
tseem t
olikehi
mthat
much.Mom justsentmetothebusheswhenI
askedherabouthi
m.
Me:That'
stheirbusi
ness.I
thasnothingtodowi t
h
usanditdefi
nitel
yshoul
dn'taf
fectourrel
ati
onshi
p
wit
hTy.
Zusi
phe:I
'
dli
ket
ocomewi
thwhenyougovi
sithi
m.
Me:Nopr
obl
em.Di
dyoucomeal
one?
Zusiphe:No,
wit
hSi
kel
ela.She'
sdi
shi
ngup
breakfast
.
Me:Awesome.How'
sschool
?
Zusi
phe:Ipassedthi
ssemest erwi
th3di
sti
nct
ions,
I
'm amotherf
uckinggraduat
e.

Shedancedaswewal kedoutt
otheki
tchen.Iwas
st
il
luneasyaboutt
hatdream.Whowasitaboutif
notTyson?
...
.

TYSON
Past
orNgxongo:Wit
hthepowerinvest
edinme.
You'
renowpronouncedhusbandandwife.

Shebr
oughtmecl
oserandki
ssedme.
The10peopl ewatchingclappedandcheer ed.Ij
ust
wantedthistooverwithanddone.Wesi gnedand
headedtoplacesetforlunch.Mymot herand
CassiearetheonlypeopleIcouldrecognize
amongstallthesefaces.Eventhesegroomsmen
thatweresaidtobemyf r
iends,
I'
veneverseen
them.Wesatnextt oeachot her
,theyprayedand
foodwasser ved.

Ever
yonewashappy.Theywer
elaughi
ng.Mom got
upandcametome.
Nkul
e:Ifyoudon'
tsmi
le,
wewi
llhaveahuge
pr
oblem l
ater
.
Shewhi
sper
edt
omewhi
leshepi
nchedmehar
don
myarm.
Nkul
e:Hol
dCassi
e'
shand.
Shemovedaway.ItookCassi
e’shand.Tearsstung
myeyes,Iwasafr
aidtobli
nkcausethey'
dfall
.
Nkul
ecli
ckedherglass.
Nkule:Welcome, onceagaintoourveryinti
mate
union.Iam sohappyt hatCassi
e'sparentsagr
eed
tohavesuchani nt
imatewedding.Lookatmy
beautif
ulchil
dren.Thatisourbri
de,t
hatwepai dful
l
l
obolaf or
.
Cassi
e'
smom ul
ulat
ed.Whatl
obol
a?
Nkule:Mychi l
dren,al
waysr emembertoputGodas
thecenterofyourmar ri
age.Iwasnevermarr
ied
andmydr eam hasalwaysbeenformysont omarr
y
themot herofhisfi
rstchil
dandohmydearson
madet hatdream comet ruewhenhetoldmehe
wantstomar ryCassie.Iwishyounothi
ngbut
happinessmyki ds.

ShegaveCassi
e'
smot
herachanget
otal
k…
*
**1mont
hlat
er*
**

MMABATHO

Timeheal s.Wegrowandwemoveon.Dur i
ngmy
darkdays, f
indi
ngoutthatIhadpassedmy
academi cyearwasmyescape.Af terever
ythi
ng
thathappenedthisyear,Ihadver
ylit
tl
ehopet hatI'
l
l
makei t
.Nextyearwasboundt ocomewi t
hnot hi
ng
butblessingsandhappiness.

Wewer epacking.Goingt oNorthenCape.Iwas

happyt ogohomeandcl earmyheadi nadiff
erent
environment .Idideverythingtopr otectmypeace.I
blockedCassi eandTysonaf t
erCassi eposted
picturesoft heirwedding.Thener vet hatmanhas,
spendi ngtheni ghtwithme, beggingofshi tknowing
verywel lthathe'sgetti
ngmar riedt hefoll
owingday.
Ican'tsayIwassur prised,Imeani tsTysonafter
all
andhesai dhewasgoi ngt omar r
yher .Ij
ust
thoughthewasbl uff
ing.Hewoul dn' tstopcal
li
ng
meandcomi ngtomypl ace.Iwentandgota
restr
ict
ionorderandchangedmynumber sbecause
thatpathet
icCassiewouldn'
tstopbraggi
ngtome
aboutherpreciousmarri
age.
Keacamei
n.
Kea:Ar
eyoust
ayi
ngt
her
efor
ever
?
Me:HhaIdon'
twannahaver
egr
etswhenIgett
her
e
andt
heweatheri
scrazy.
Kea:Youmaki
ngmewannagopacksomemor
e
cl
othes.
Me:Youbet
ter
.
Kea:Tyson-
Me:Idon'
twannaheari
t.
Kea:Thi
sisf
rom hi
m.
Me:Youcankeepi
t.
Kea:Thankyou.I
tsgoodi
es.

Shedancedandwal
kedout
.Ij
ustwanthi
mtol
eave
meal
one…
….
BONGA

Icl
osedthedoorandwalkedt
owar
dst
hei
rgr
aves.I
putf
lowersontopofeach.
Me:We'r
ecelebr
ati
ngyourbi rt
hdaytodaymypr i
nce.
Youweregonnabedel i
veredtoday.Idon'
tknow
whyyourmotherpickedthispart
icul
ardaybutI
guessi
twasspecialtohersoi ti
s.Happybir
thday
myboy.
Ist
art
ledwhenIfel
tsomeonet
ouchmyshoul
der
.It
wasNkazi'
sfat
her.
Mpi
si:IknewI
'
dfi
ndyouher
e.

Het ookt hi
ssit
uat
ionbet
tert
hanIthought.Iwas
readyf orthewart
hatwasgonnaform again
betweenusbutheshowedmesuppor tmor ethan
anything.
Me:Shepi
ckedt
hisdayt
odel
iver
.
Mpi
si:Shet
oldme.I
'
m sor
ryson.
Me:Ican'tacceptthis.IhatethatIhavetocome
hereever
yt i
met oconvi ncemyselfthatshe'
s
nomore,becausei fIdon't,Ial
waysfeell
ikeshe'
s
gonnasit
tingont opoft hecounterwaiti
ngforme
eat
ingwhat everhighcaloriefoodandcompl ai
n
abouthowf atshe'sgetting.
Mpi
si:Youneedt
ofor
giveyour
sel
fBonga.
Me:Ican't
.Iam accountabl
eandt
here'snoamount
ofcounsel
li
ngthat'
llevermakemefeelless
account
able.
Mpi
si:Let
'shavedi
nnert
oni
ght
.I'
veal
readyspoken
t
oyourfather
.
Me:We'
l
ldef
ini
tel
ycome.
Mpi
si:Hesai
dhe'
l
lbet
hehost
.
Me:Evenbet
ter
.
Mpi
si:Let
'sgogr
ababeerort
wof
ir
st.
Me:madal
ayoushoul
dst
ickt
oor
angej
uice.
Mpi
si:I
'
ddi
eyoung.

Wel
aughedandwal
kedof
f…
….
QUI
NTON

Yolandacamei nwithfood.She'sbeeni ngood

spiri
tssinceTysongotoutoft hepict
ure.We've
beenl ooki
ngforhimtonol uck.Iwastryingtokeep
calm aspossibl
ebutIwaswor ri
edabouthi m
disappearingwit
hNkule.Maybet hatcrazybitch
ki
lledhim.
Me:Thanks.
Yol
i:Youwel
comehun.Iwast
hinki
ngwego
somewheret
hisweekend.
Me:Wher
e?
Yol
i:Ther
ear
enewest
abl
ishment
s.We'
l
lchoose.
Me:Gr
eat
.Havet
hechef
sar
ri
ved?
Yol
i:Yes.Theyhavest
art
edcooki
ng.Ar
ehi
ssons
coming?
Me:Hedi
dn'
tment
ionbuthemi
ght
.
Yoli
:Theyar
esogood.Let
'sspendt
hist
ime
cuddli
ng.
Me:soundsgood.

Shemovedt het
rayof
fandkissedme.Ilethersi
t
ontopofmeandIpulledherdressupandgotmy
handsonherski
n.Iundidherbra.Myphonerang.
ShestoppedmewhenIt ri
edtotakei
t.

Imadeherlayonherbackonthecarpetandgoti
n
betweenhert
highs.Shehel
pedmet akeof
fmy
pants.Myansweri
ngmachinebeeped.
“si
r.I
tsThemba.WeknowwhereTysoni
s.Pl
ease
getbacktomesoonasyougetthi
s"

Igotof
fYol
iandst
oodup.
Yol
i:Whyar
eyoudr
essi
ngup?
Me:Thi
sisi
mpor
tantbabe.
Yol
i:Mor
ethanyourwi
fe?
Me:Manzuzapl
ease.I
'
llj
ustcal
lhi
m,hearhi
m out
and-
Yol
i:Iwon'
tbei
nthemood.
Shedressedup,
gotupandwal
kedout
.Damn.I
cal
ledThemba.
Themba:Nyamazane.
Me:Wher
eishe?
Themba:Four
ways.
Me:Youmeant
otel
lmeitt
ookyouawholef
ucki
ng
montht
ofi
ndsomeonewho'
sjusther
e?
Themba:Hewaskepti
nthehouse.Itwasn'
tgonna
beeasytof
indhi
m.Heneverl
eftthehouseunti
l
today.
Me:Sendmehi
saddr
ess.
Iputonmyshoesandwal
kedout
….

….
TYSON

Iturnedofftheengi ne.Mom cameout .Sheforced

met obuyanewhouset hatturnedouttobemy
prison.Ihadnophone, nolaptop,nonothing.Ihad
noaccesst oel ectronics.Iwasn'tevenall
owedt o
goout .Mybodywasgi vi
ngi ntotheemot i
onal,
verbal,mentalandphysi calabuseIkeptreceivi
ng
from mymot her.Ihadnopowert osavemysel f.I
wasdamaged, i
tdoesn' tmat t
erifIl
ived15ofmy
l
ifewi t
hcareandl ove.Att heendoft hedaythisis
thelif
eIknew.

Int
hemor ni
ngCassi
ewasbi t
tenbyasnake.Ididn'
t
seei
t,Ij
usthear
dherscream.Herlegstart
ed
swel
li
ngupandIhadt orushhertotheDr.Mom
hadtogotooneofhernewf r
iend'
sfuncti
ons.Igot
thechancet
ogooutaf
tersol
ong.Thesunf
eltso
good.
Cassi
e:Hel
pmegetout
.
Me:Doyoul
iket
his?
Cassi
e:What
?
Me:Thi
sar r
angement
.Doyoul
ikei
t?I
sthi
swhat
youwanted?
Cassi
e:Idon'
tunder
standTyson.
Me:Di
dyouwantt
ogetmar
ri
ed?
Cassi
e:Of
cour
se.Di
dn'
tyou?
Me:Ar
eyouawar
eofwhatmymot
herdoest
ome?
Cassie:Tysonyouneedtoforgi
veyourmother.
She'snotthatwomananymor e.Youneedtoget
thatcharact
erofheroutofyourmind.Comehelp
megetout .
Ishookmyheadandgotoff.Iwenttohel
pherget
out.Ihel
dheral
lthewayt
ot hehouse….
….
SI
SEKELO

Di
nnersar
emyf avour
it
e.Wearri
vedearl
ytohel
p
mom outf
ort
unatel
ytherewer
echefs.
Myphonebeepedaswewal
ked.
“Myf atherj
usttol
dmewe' r
ecomi ngtoyourhouse
fordinner.Don'
tbealarmed,shear r
ivedthi
s
after
noon.I'l
lbewithher"yohthissidechi
ckli
febe
theshitsomet i
mes.Ijustsentokayandgr eet
ed
everyone.
Me:Wher
e'sdad?
Yol
i:Somewher
elooki
ngf
orhi
spr
odi
galson.
Hawu:Ar
ether
eanyl
eads?
Yol
i:Idon'
tknow.
Me:Guyscanwehaveawor
d?

Wewentt
othepor
ch.
Me:Youwentt
her
e,di
dn'
tyou?
Si
kel
ela:Wehadt
o.
Hawu:Shebi
ther
.
Wel
ookedateachot
herandl
aughed.
Me:Youwhat
?
Si
kel
ela:Sher
epul
seme.Icoul
dn'
thel
pmysel
f.
Me:I
sthechi
ldhi
s?
Hawu:Unf
ort
unat
elyyes.
Me:Weshoul
ddealwi
thhi
smot
her
.
Hawu:Wecan'
t.
Us:Why?
Hawu:Wecan'
thurther
.Gogobui
ltapr
otect
ion
bar
ri
erar
oundher.
Me:Forwhat?She'
sabusi
nghergr
andsonf
or
Chr
ist
'ssake!
Sikel
ela:Not
hingevermakessensewi
tht
hatst
upi
d
gogo.
Me:Hhai
bo.
Si
kel
ela:Whydoesshecomet
hroughf
orpeopl
e
whenitsui
tsher
!
Me:Cal
m down.
Sikel
ela:Don'
ttel
lmetocal
m down.Shesuff
ocated
him withapil
lowthi
smorning,
he'
sinhel
landit
suckst hatwecan'
thel
phim.
Shewasnowcr
ying.Wecomf
ort
edher
….

….
QUI
NTON

ItookKhulewithme.Whateveri ti
sthatwewere
gonnaf i
ndthereneededoner easonabl
ehuman.
Wepr essedthebutt
onuntiloutpooroldfi
nger
s
hurt.Wewaitedfor10minutesandt ri
edagai
n.
Agi
rlcameoutoft
hesmal
lgat
e.
Her
:Sani
bonabant
uabadal
a.HowcanIhel
pyou?
Me:We'
rel
ooki
ngf
orTyson.
Her
:Hedoesn'
tli
veher
e.
Me:Wher
edoeshest
ay?
Her
:Idon'
tknow.Hemovedout
.
Me:Okayt
hankyou.

Istar
tedthecarandreversed.Ical
ledThembaand
tol
dhimt heyneedtolookharderformysonorhis
l
unaticofanother….
[
01/
15,
12:
38] :OBSESSI
VE

27
CASSI
E

Itookadeepbreat
haf t
ercl
osi
ngthegate.WhenI
sentmyeyesahead, t
heymetwit
hTyson's.Hewas
l
eaningonthehugevasenexttotheent
rance.I
walkedahead.Hegrabbedmyarm whenIpassed
him.
Tyson:Whowast
hat
?
Me:Somel
ostpeopl
e.
Tyson:Youcanwal
know?
Me:Yeah.
Heletgoofmeandnodded.Iwenti
nsi
deandwent
t
othebasementt
ocallhi
smom.
Nkul
e:Di
dtheyl
eave?
Me:Yeah.Theydi
dn'
tseem convi
ncedt
hough.
Nkul
e:KeepTysoni
shi
sroom.
Me:Ican'
tma.
Nkule:Cassi
e,doyoustil
llovehim?Becauseif
thoseDubemengethol dofhi m he'
l
lsl
ipoffour
handsandwe' l
lnevergethim.
It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Me:Iwi
ll
.
Nkul
e:Good.I
'
m onmywayback.
Me:Okay.
Ihungup.Ihidt hephoneawayint
hesafeand
walkedup.Ifoundhim eati
ngi
ntheki
tchen.Myl
eg
wasbet t
er,
Ifeltnopainanymor
e.I
twasjust
swollen.
Me:Pl
easecomehel
pmecl
imbt
hest
air
s.
Tyson:Youcli
mbedthemostst
eepstai
rscoming
fr
om thebasementnowyouneedhel
pwi t
hthese
ones?
Me:Tyson.Iam car
ryi
ngyourchi
ld,
Iam i
njur
ed.
What'
ssohar dabouthel
pingmecli
mbupthestai
rs!
Tyson:MaybeIam t i
redofbei ngblackmai l
edby
youandt hatfuckingpr egnancy.You'renotthefir
st
womant ocarryachild!Imar ri
edyouf orfucksake,
againstmywi ll
.Iam kepther elikeadanger ous
animal.Mymot heri
st ortur
ingmeandyou' rehere
tur
ningabl i
ndeyet oal lofthat.Iam doneCassie,
cli
mbt hestai
rsonyourown.Idon' tcareifyoufall
andbr eakyourspine.

Hewentup.Hi
smot
herwal
kedi
n.Iwi
pedmyt
ear
s.
Me:Hehat
esmema.Hehat
esme.
Nkul
e:Whathashappenednow?
Me:Hehat
esme.
Shehuggedme.
Nkul
e:Shhh.It
sprobabl
ythepr
egnancy.I
tdoes
br
ingconfl
ict
.It
snormal.

Sher
ubbedmyback.
….
TYSON

Igotinmyr oom andl

aidonmybackont hebed.I
wasf eel
ingbet
ternow.IhadmyvoiceandIwas
prayi
ngthatIcanbeasbol di
nfr
ontoft
hewomanI
callmymot her
.

AllIneedi
sMmabathobutIknowwherevershei
s
shedoesn'
twannaseeme.I'
vecausedherthe
great
estpai
nandIcan'thelpbutmissher.It
hinkof
herinmydarkestmoment sandithel
ps.The
si
tuati
ongetsali
tt
lebett
er.

Iwi
shIwas-

If
rozewheni
cecol
dwat
erhi
tmywhol
ebody.I
j
umpedup.
Me:Whatt
he-
Anot hersplashf ollowed.Ifeltsomet hi
ngheavyhi t
meont heknees, Ifelldown.Sjambokt ookturnsof
strokesonmyback.Ever yt
hingwashappeni ngtoo
fast,thenextt hingIknew, Icouldn'tmoveanymor e.
Mywhol ebodyached, shedraggedmet othe
shower .Icouldn'tseeanything.Ifeltsomeonehol d
myf eetandt heyputmei nat ub.Shef il
leditwit
h
wat er.Iwant edtocr yandbegbutIhadnovoi ce
nort hest r
engt htodoso.Shest rangledmeand
keptmeundert hewat er
….
….
SI
SEKELO

Ifthereissomet hi
ngIwasnotl ookingforwardt
oit
i
st hisdamndi nner.Hisf atherwalkedhandi nhand
withhiswi f
e.Weshar edpl easantr
ies.Mywor st
nightmareappear edfirst
.Shehuggedmom and
everyoneel se.Iwentt ogetmysel fagl assofwine.
Lwandl ecamei n.Heki ssedherandgr eeted
everyoneelse.Myf atheri sveryfondofhi m.He's
oneoft hebestinbusi ness.

Ineverwantedour“ thi
ng"tobemor ethanjusta
thi
ngbutIjustwokeuponedayandIwasmadl y
i
nlovewithhim.It r
iedtostayawayf rom him buthe
wouldn'
tletme.It r
iedstayingi
nlovewi t
hmyboy
fri
endKevin,Jason'sbrotherbutIwasoverwhatwe
had.Myhear tbelongedtoLwandl e.Hef oundoutit
wasifIcan'thaveyou, nobodycan.That '
swhyhe
sentpeopletoshootme.
What'spainfulaboutmysi
tuat
ioni
sthatt
hisman
doesn'tevenloveme.
Lwandl
e:Mi
ssDube.Ni
cedress.Babe,
doyou
RememberSi
sekel
o?TheDubetwin?
Pr
eci
ous:Of
cour
se.Hi
.
Shehuggedme.
Yoli
:Babypl
easet
akeLwandl
eandPr
eci
ousona
tour
.
Me:Youguyshaveneverbeenher
e?
Lwandl
e:No.We'
vebeent
otheol
done.
Me:Oh.Si
kel
elai
sfr
eeshecan-
Yol
i:She'
sst
il
ldr
essi
ngup.
Uhgr
eat
.Igettot
akemymar
ri
edsomedaywi
thhi
s
wi
feonatour
.
Me:Fi
ne.Thi
sway.
If
il
ledmyglasswit
hmor ewine.Iact
ual
lyneeda
wholebot
tl
efort
his.It
ookitundermyarm.
Pr
eci
ous:Soear
ly?
Me:Thi
si smylat
ehun.Thi
sistheloungear
ea,
wherewechil
lasafamil
y.Overher
eisthegi
n
st
ashslashbar.
Itookaglassofcockt
ail
.Lwandl
etooki
tbef
oreI
coulddr
inkandheldit
.
Lwandl
e:Canyoudot
hissobermi
nded?
Me:No.Ineedat
ipsymi
nd.Thi
sisagoodeveni
ng.
Pr
eci
ous:Wher
ecanIf
indt
her
est
rooms?
Me:Ar
eyoupr
egnant
?
Shel
aughed.
Pr
eci
ous:Iwoul
ddi
e.
Me:Godownt
hatcor
ri
dor
.Thel
astdoor
.
Pr
eci
ous:Thanks.I
'
llj
oinyouguysj
ustnow.
Shewal
kedaway.
Lwandlet
ookmybot
tl
eandputi
tont
opoft
hebar
count
er.
Lwandl
e:Whatonear
thi
swr
ongwi
thyou?
Me:Ser
iousl
y?You'
reher
ewi
thyourf
ucki
ngwi
fe.
Don'
tst
ressmepl
ease.
Lwandl
e:Sonowyouwi
lldr
inkt
heni
ghtaway?
Me:Yes.Doyoustil
lwantthi
st our
?CauseI
'
m so
overwat
chingyourwif
e'sugl
yassmakeupt hat
l
ooksli
keitwasdonebyani nfant.

Si
kel
elacamet
omyr
eacue.
Me:Pl
easeshowLwandl
eandHi
swi
fet
hehouse.

Whotfwant
sahouset
our
.Ar
etheywi
tht
opbi
ll
ing
orwhat
!
….
BONGA

Thequadsdecidedtoleaveonadiff
erentcar.Ihat
e
howmeanki dsgetastheygrowup.Notsol ong
agoIhadt odri
vet
hem everywher
eandnowt hey
won'tevenri
dewit
hmecausemycari stoool dfor
them.Thetwinswereatthei
rmother'
s.
Ifeltali
ghtheadache.It
urneddownt hevolume
anddr oveon.Theheadachepersi
sted,gett
ing
heavier.Istoppedt
hecaranduncappedt hebottl
e
ofwat er.Istar
tl
edt
henIputthebottl
edownaf ter
drinki
ng.
Me:Wher
ehaveyoubeen?
Gogo:Ar
ound.Tysoni
saboutt
otakehi
sli
fe.
Me:Wedon' tknowwher
eTysoni
s.Ser
iousl
ya
headache?
Gogo:Youhadtostop.YouknowhowIf eelabout
car
s.He'si
nFourways.Youwillknowwhereheis
whenyougetther
e.
Me:Ther
e'sdi
nnerathome.
Gogo:Youneedt
ohel
phi
m.
Me:Whycan'
tyoudoi
t?
Gogo:BecauseIcan'
t.Iwasboughtt
opr
otect
someone.
Me:Who?
Shedi
sappear
ed.Ihitt
hesteeri
ngf r
ustrat
ed.I
'
m
al
waystheonetocleanupaftereveryone'
smess,
al
ways!

….
HAWU

Iwasabouttodr
iveinwhenIsmelledbl
ood.I
st
opped.Ihat
ethis.Isawhi
m underwat
er.
Tyson:Hawuhel
pme.
Isnappedoutofitandgotoutofthecarandr
anin.
Ilookedf
orSikel
elaandSisekel
o.Ifoundt
hem by
thepond.
Me:Tysonneedus.
Si
sekel
o:Wecan'
thel
phi
m unl
essheasksf
orhel
p.
Me:Hedi
d.Weneedt
ogo.Ri
ghtnow!

Wel
eft
….
….
CASSI
E

Tysonwasn'topeni
nghisdoor
.Igaveupandwent
tocook.Hi
smot hercameandmadet eaandwent
tothel
ounge.

Iwentt
oher
.
Me:I
sTysonokay?
Nkul
e:Yes.Whydoyouask?
Me:He'
susual
lydownher
ewat
chi
ngt
vthi
sti
me.
Nkul
e:He'
spr
obabl
ynoti
nthemoodt
oday.
Me:Oh.

Iwentbacktomypotsandwenttocheckuponhi
m
again.Hewassor
todchoki
ng.Icoul
dn'thear
properl
y.
Me:Tyson!
Ibangedthedoorandtri
edtopushbuti
twasn'
t
openi
ng.Iheardaloudscream comi
ngf
rom
downstai
rs.Ir
ushedther
e.

Nothi
ngcoul d'
veprepar
edmef orwhatIsaw.There
wasbl oodeverywher
eandt woenormoussnakes
wrappedaroundher ,
squeezingli
feoutofher.
Therewasbl oodcomingoutofhermout hasshe
tr
iedtospeak.Iwasshockedandst uckatthelast
stepwi t
hmymout hhangingopenandt ears
gushingdown.

2menI'
veneverseenbef
orecamei
nrunni
ng
f
oll
owedbyalotmore….
[
01/
15,
12:
38] :OBSESSI
VE

28
3mont
hsl
ater
.
TYSON

Whent hedoct orst oldmeI 'll

bef i
ne.Idi dn'tbelieve
them.Icoul dn'tspeak?Wal kormove.Iat e, and
peedt hrought hepi pes.Ever ydaywasabl essing.I
grewf ondoft heDubef olks.Theyt ookt urnsi n
visi
ti
ng.Ineverwentbor ed.They'dsi ng,readnews
forme, br i
ngboar dgamesandsomet i
messl eep
over.Theypl ayedahugepar tinget t
ingmebet ter.I
wantedt ogetbet tersot hatIcant hankt hem f oral l
they'
vedonet ome.Qui ntonavai l
edhi msel fon
everyphysi oappoi ntment.Hebecamemyhype
man, i
tf eltamazi ngt ohavet hatkindoff i
gur einmy
l
ifeagai n.Seei nghi m everyday,seei ngthepai nin
hisfaceandhear ingitinhi svoice,cryi
ngever ytime
whenhecomesher ealone.

If
eltt
helove.I
tfi
ll
edmeupi
npl
acesIneverknew
wereempty.
Thispl
acehadstar
tedtofeell
ikehome.Ihadmade
afewfri
ends.I
twasboringandannoyingatfi
rst
butIbl
endedinandstar
tedenjoyi
ng.

Ifinishedtyi
ngmyl acesandt ookadeepbreathasI
l
ookedar oundthi
sroom t hatbroughtmebackt o
mysenses.Iwasl eavingittobesomeoneel se'
s
sanct uar
y.Iwashappyt hatI '
vemadei tt
hatfar
.
Rel i
vingtheworstmemor iesofyourl i
fei
sn'
tajoke.
Comi ngheadtoheadwi thyourf earsi
sn'
tchi
ld'
s
playbuti nthi
sroom, Iovercameal lmyfear
sand
healedf r
om mypast .

Ihear
dSist
erNobel
e'
ssignat
ureknock.Asmi l
e
for
medinmymout handtol
dhertocomei n.She
smil
edassoonasherbri
ghtbeaut
if
ulfaceshowed.
Sist
erNobel
e:Boo.Yourf
atheri
sher
e.Youl
ook
beauti
ful
.
Me:Thankyou.
Si
sterNobel
e:I
'
m sosadyou'
rel
eavi
ng.
Me:Itdoesn'thavetoendhere.Youcangi
veme
yournumber s,I
'l
lcal
lyouandwecangoonadate
orsomething.
Si
sterNobel
e:Idon'
tthi
nkso.

Shesmi
rkedandwal
kedout
.Qui
ntonwal
ked.
Qui
nton:Whatl
iesdi
dyousayt
othatpoorgi
rl
?
Me:Not
hing.I
sitt
ime?
Qui
nton:Iti
sti
me.Ihear
dyoudonat
edal
lyour
cl
othes.
Me:Idi
d.
Qui
nton:That
'si
ncr
edi
ble.
Me:Iguess.Di
dTyl
eragr
ee?
Qui
nton:Yeah.
Me:Gr
eatt
hen.Let
'sgetgoi
ng.

Hepickedmytoi
let
rybagandIt
ookmywal
king
st
ickandli
mpedbehindhi
m…
….
KHETHI
WE

I
twasafullhouse.Noisecomingfr
om ever
ypar
tof
t
hehouse.Hadt hi
sbeenforsomeoneelse,I
woul
dn'
tbef eel
ingthi
swaybutitsTyson!

The24yearol
dchil
dIhadsexwithandt
urnedout
tobeQui
nton’
sson.Myconsci
encewon'
tletme
rest
.

Ist
art
ledwhent
hedoorcr
eakedopen.Hecl
osedi
t.
Tyl
er:
Areyougonnaj
oinus?
Me:Havet
heyar
ri
ved?
Tyler
:Nobutt
her
estoft
hef
ami
lyi
sher
eandi
ts
rudeofyout
obeher
e.
Me:I ’
mjustthi
nki
ngbabe.Won'
tthi
scause
problemsformewi t
hYol
i?Imeaneveryone
refusedbutweagreedt
otakehi
mi n.
Tyl
er:He'
sfamilyandheneedsus.Youcan' t
compareust oChri
sandKhule,t
heirwivesareevil
andyou'r
ethesweetestoneandyouval uef
ami l
y.If
Yol
ihasapr obl
em wit
hthatthenscrewher.

Ismi
ledf
aint
ly.Iwi
shIcanj
ustdi
sappear
…
….
KHULE

BeforegoingtoTyler'
sIwentt oseeNkul eatthe
hospit
al.SometimesIt hi
nki twasalmosttoolateto
saveherbutQui nt
oni nsi
stedwet akehert ot
he
hospit
al.Shewasj ustaninchawayf r
om dying
whenwewal kedinont hesaviorssqueezingtheli
fe
outofher.I'
veseent hem punishpeoplebutit'
s
neversomethingli
kewhatt heydidtoNkule.

Iwastol
dtowaitbef
oreIwentthrough.The
woundswereheal
ingbutshewasst i
lli
nthesame
condi
ti
on.DrZul
ucamei nandstoodbesideme.
Me:I
sther
eanyhopef
orhermuscl
est
oever
f
unct
ionagai
n?
DrZul
u:I'
dbel
ying.It
hinkit
'spoi
ntl
esst
okeepher
her
e.She'
spar
alyzedforl
if
e.Iwishyouhadt
aken
nyadvi
ce.
Me:She'sf
ami
ly.Wecoul
dn'
thavegi
venuponher
soeasi
ly.
DrZulu:Youbetterst
artl
ooki
ngforf
ullti
me
pr
ofessionalnur
sesbecauseshe'
sgonnaneed
i
ntensivecarewhenshegetsoutofhere.
Me:I
'
llsor
tthatout
.Gosavel
ives.
Hechuckl
edandputhi
spaper
sunderhi
sar
m and
wal
kedout.
Me:Youhear dtheDrr i
ght?You'r
enothingbuta
robotnow, honestl
yIwoul dn'
taskforabet t
er
punishment .Weshoul dputyouonamuseum
wher eTysoncangoonhi sbaddays,seeingyou
unabletocur sehim ordrownhim ordoanyt hi
ng
you'dnormal l
ydot ohim.You'reyett
opayf or
buyingmymom' ssoulandIdon'tknowi fyou'
re
readyforthatwoman' swr at
h.
Tear
sfel
lof
fthesi
desofherf
ace.
Me:Ohno.Savet hosef orlat
er.Youknowit'
sreal
ly
crazythat25yearslat
eryouwer esti
llt
his
connivi
ngwitchthatyou'vealwaysbeen.You
disgustme.

Iwalkedout.IhadtobeforeIremovedthatoxygen
mask.Wemayhavebeenabsentf ather
sbutshe
hadnor i
ghtabusinghiml i
ket
hat.Hewasj usta
chil
d.Nochilddeservestobecrucif
iedforwhatever
reason.Chi
ldrenneedlove….
….
MMABATHO

Goingi ntothenewyearwi t
hacl earheadanda
clearhear twasonmyt odol i
standIdidjustthat
.I
focusedonl ookingf
orajobandatt hebegi
nningof
thismont hofl oveIf
oundit,
asani nter
nbutitwas
somet hing.Imadeaf ewfri
ends.Lifewasperfect
andIcoul
dn'
tbemor
egr
atef
ul.

Mom cameinri
ghtaf
terIthr
ewmyselfonbed.
Walki
nginheel
sthewholedayever
ydaywasnew
andtor
tur
etome.
Me:Pl
easet
ellmet
hat
'sj
uice.
Mom:I
tsi
cedt
ea.
Me:Ooht
hanks.
It
ookitanddownedi
tinonego.Thelongingof
l
yingdownmademef orgetIwast
histhi
rsty.
Mom:Rest
.I'
l
lbr
ingyouf
oodanymi
nut
efr
om now.
Keacamei
n.
Kea:Ther
e'swomanher
eforyou.
Me:Tel
lhert
ogoaway.
Kea:I
t'
sawhi
tewoman.
Mom:Go.I
tcoul
dbeyourboss.

Igotupandf
oll
owedKeaout
.
Kea:She'
satt
hegat
e.
Me:Ser
iousl
y!
Kea:Justgo.

Thebeauti
fulexpensivecarmademener
vous,
thi
nkingi
tcouldreal
lybemybossbutwhenIsaw
herfacemymooddr opped.
Me:Hi
.
Car
l:Ohhey.CanIcomei
n?
Me:No.
Carl
:Okay.Don'
tbesurpr
isedt
oseemeher
ebutI
real
lyneedyourhel
p.
Me:Yeah?
Car
l:Yes.Ineedyout
ohel
pmekeepmydaught
er
her
e.
Me:Excuseme?
Car
l:Iknow.AndifIhadanyotherchoi
ceIwouldn'
t
beherebutyou'
retheonl
ypersonIcantrustt
hatI
coul
dthi
nkof
.
Me:LookCar
l.Iwor
k.
Carl
:Icant
ri
pletheamounttheypayyou.Ij
ust
needyoutotakeherawayfor3monthsor4.Her
l
ifei
sindangerandIcan'
texplai
nitt
oyouright
nowbut-
Me:NoCar
l.Iwon'
thel
pyou.
Car
l:Doyoucar
eaboutTyson?
Me:Idon'
t.
Car
l:Shi
t!

Shet
ookadeept
rembl
ingbr
eat
h.
Car
l:I
'
m sor
ryIbot
her
edyou.

Shegoti
nthecar.Thel
it
tl
egir
lsi
tti
ngatt
heback
wavedatmewithasmil
e.Theydroveof
f….
….
KHETHI
WE
Thewarm welcomedi
nnerwentver
yqui
ckly.Bef
ore
Iknewi
t,ever
yonewasleavi
ngandIwasleftt
o
facemydemons.

Aft
erchangi
ngintopyjamasIwentt
othebedroom
hewasin.Iknocked,
heletmein.Hewasplayi
nga
vi
deogame.
Me:Pausei
t.
Hedi
d.
Tyson:I
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Me:Iwantt
omakesur
ewe'
reont
hesamepage
Tyson.
Tyson:About
?
Me:Us,
ourr
elat
ionshi
p.
Hef
rowned.
Me:Idon'twantanyfunnybusi
nessokay?My
marr
iageisatthebestposi
ti
onrightnowandt he
l
eastIneedisyougetti
nguptofunnybusiness.
We'
remotherandson.Thi
ssecr
etshal
lremai
n
bur
iedbet
weenus.
Tyson:Iburi
editalongtimeagobutyoukeep
di
ggingitup.Ifther
e'sonepersonthatwi
llgetthi
s
outisyou.Wef ucked,wedidn'
tknowandi t
'l
lnever
happenagain.Youneedt ogetoverit
.
Me:Gr
eat
.
Iwal
kedout
…
….
TYSON
Iresumedthegame.Mylif
eisnowgonnabebased
i
npr ovi
ngtoMmabathothatIam achangedman.I
couldn'
twaitt
ofi
lef
ordi
vorceandf i
nal
lybefree
fr
om cassi
eandhertoxi
cbehaviorandaura.
Cassi
ecameoutoft
hebat
hroom.If
rozebutdi
dn'
t
showit.
Cassi
e:Thati
sfuckedup.Youf
uckedyour
Babomncane’
swi-
Me:Shutt
hehel
lupCassi
e.
Cassi
e:Si
lencehasapr
ice.
Me:Getout
.Whyar
eyouevenher
e?
Cassi
e:Youwantmetogooutt
her
eandt
ellTyl
er
youfuckedhi
swif
e?
Me:Dammi
tCassi
e,whatt
hehel
l.
Cassi
e:Iguesst
her
e'l
lbenodi
vor
ce.Iknowal
ot
now.
Me:You'
recr
azy.
Cassi
e:IguessyourBabomncanewil
lknowabout
thi
sandGodknowswhat 'sgonnahappen.
Shel
aughed.
Me:Idon'
twantyouCassi
e,Imeantt
hat
!
Cassi
e:Seemsl
ikeyou'
rest
uckwi
thme.

Shehummedasongandwal
kedout
.

WillIeverbefr
eefrom t
hiswoman?Ipressedt
he
control
lerhar
dtryi
ngtoeasemyfrust
rati
on.Myli
fe
i
sat
otalmesst
hatcanneverbecl
eanedup….
.
[
01/
15,
12:
39] :OBSESSI
VE
29

TYSON

Shecameinandsmirkedashecamecl
osersl
owl
y.
Sheswungthebel
tintheai
randhi
tme.
Me:Pl
ease…pl
easest
op…pl
ease…I
'
m sor
ry.

Shedi
dn'
tst
op.Shewasn'
tsayi
ngawor
d.Icr
ied.

“Tyson.Tyson!”IgaspedwhenIwokeup.Iwas
hyperventi
lati
ng,Icoul
dn'thelpit.Shevanishedand
camebackwi thaglassofwat er.Shehelpedme
dri
nk.Ilaiddownagai nandt ookal ongcalming
deepbr eath.Shewasst andingtherewatchingme
withaconcer nedface.Ipinchedmynose.
Me:I
tsnor
mal
.
Khethi
we:Youwer
ecr
yingl
ikeal
it
tl
ebaby.That
i
sn'tnor
mal.
Me:I
tismynor
mal
.
Khet
hiwe:Imadebreakf
ast
.Youcancomedown
whenyou'r
eready.
Me:Wher
e'sCassi
e?
Khet
hiwe:Downst
air
seat
ing.
Me:Shehear
dusl
astni
ght
.
Khet
hiwe:Hear
dwhat
?
Me:Ever
ythi
ngandnowIcan'
tdi
vor
ceherbecause
she'
sgonnatel
lonus.
Khet
hiwe:Thendot
her
ightt
hing.
Sheheadedt
othedoor
.
Me:Maybeweshoul
dtel
lhi
m.Wedi
dn'
tknow,
he'
l
l
under
stand.
Shet
urnedandchuckl
ed.
Khet
hiwe:You'
rer
eal
lyachi
ld.Thatwasj
ustahook
uptoyoubuti twasadult
erytome, asin.Ihave
cheatedonmyhusbandbef oreittookhim 3years
toforgi
veme, hej
ustdidactual
ly.Doyout hi
nkmy
fr
agilemarr
iagewouldsurvi
veanot heroneofthose?
Don'tbest
upid.

Shewalkedoutandsl
ammedthedoor
.It
ooka
deepsi
gh.Ineedabreak….
.

….
KHETHI
WE

IleanedagainstmydoorafterIcl
oseditandtooka
deepbr eat
h.Truthhasawayofr esurf
aci
ng.Allt
he
ti
me.I fthi
scomesout ,
Iwilll
osemyhusband
foreverandthere'
snopointinmylif
ewher eI
'
dever
ber eadytolosehim.

Thedoorhandlemoved.Imovedofft
hedoorandi
t
opened.Hefr
ownedandcamei n.
Tyl
er:
what
'sgoi
ngon?
Me:I
tsTyson.Myhear
tbr
eaksf
orhi
m.
Tyl
er:
Whati
sit
?.
Me:WhatNkuledi
dtohi
misugl
y.It
hinkweshoul
d
gethi
m ashr
ink.
Tyl
er:
I'
llgot
alktohi
m.Gof
ini
sheat
ing,
yougonna
bel
ateforwork.

Hetookmyhandandwal kedwi t
hme.Heki ssedi
t
whenwegotoutandletgo, goi
ngtoTyson.Iwent
down.If
oundCassi
edrinkingfrom t
hebott
leof
mil
k.
Me:Whatonear
thar
eyoudoi
ng?
Cassi
e:I
'
m sor
ry.I
t’
sabadhabi
tIcan'
tgetr
idof
.
Me:Don'
teverdot
hatagai
n.
Isatdownandat
e.
Me:Howar
ethi
ngswi
thTy?
Cassi
e:Fi
ne.
Me:Don'tst
aywi
thamanj
ustf
orat
it
le,
you'
rest
il
l
young.I
f-
Cassie:Idon'
tneedanyadvi
ses.TyandIar
ehappy
andinlove.
Me:Greatt
hen.Onthatnexttothephonet
ablei
s
t
henumber sofever
yone,ourdri
veri
sMoh.Ifyou
wantt
ogoanywher egivehim acal
l.
Shenodded.Tyl
ercamedown.It
ookmybag.
Me:I
'
mleavi
ng.Ar
ewest
il
lonf
orl
unch?
Tyl
er:
Yeswear
e.
Weki
ssed.
Me:Okay.Il
oveyou.
Tyl
er:
Iloveyout
oo.

Hetookhispaper
sandwewal kedout.Wegoti n
separat
ecarsandpar
tedwaysatthegat e.It
sour
anniver
sar
ymonthandbeforemywor stmi stake
happenedweusedtohaveluncheverydayonour
anniver
sar
ymonthandexchangegift
sunt ilt
he
actualday.Iam happyt
hatt
hist
imewegett
othat
again….

….
TYSON

Iwashedmyf aceaf t
erTyler'
sli
tt
let
alk.Andt henI
wenttoeatbr eakfast
.IfoundCassiestuff
ing
hersel
f.Isatdownanddi shedup.Icl
eanedmy
plat
eoutinabl inkofaneyeandwentout sideto
takeaproperlookoft hehouse.Thesepeopl emust
befil
thyrich.

Igottot
hepoolarea.Isatdownandputmyf eeti
n
i
t.I
twaswar m.Irel
axedinit.I
twascloudy,t
heair
wasalmostnotgenerouswithpeopl
ewear i
ngvests
butIenj
oyedthatbi
tofcold.

It
ri
edcall
ingMmabathobutitt
ookmet ovoi
cemai
l
.
Iwonderi
fshe'
l
leverfor
giveme.I
trangasIwas
aboutt
oputi
tinmypocket
.Myheartski
ppedabi
t,
i
twasQuint
on.Iwasdi
sappoi
nted.
Me:Hel
lo.
Qui
nton:Howdi
dyousl
eep?
Me:Isl
eptwel
lthanks.
Qui
nton:Ispoket
oKhet
hiwe.
Of
cour
sehedi
d!
Me:I
twasnot
hing.I
'
m good.
Qui
nton:She'
sbei
ngdi
schar
ged.
Me:When?
Qui
nton:Anyt
imef
rom now.
Me:Wher
eisshegoi
ngt
ost
ay?
Qui
nton:Atahome.
Me:Okay.
Qui
nton:Doyouwantt
ogetsomef
reshai
rlat
er?
Me:NoI
'
m good.
Qui
nton:Okay.Youshoul
dvi
sit
.
Me:nah.Idon'
twantt
oputyourwi
fei
nat
ight
space.
Qui
nton:I
'
llcomebyl
ater
.
Me:Okay.
Qui
nton:Doyouwantgames?
Me:St
opt
ryi
ngsohar
d.We'
regood.
Qui
nton:Iwasj
ustchecki
ng.
Me:I'
m mor
eofacel
lphonef
an.Youdon'
thavet
o
worr
y.

WesaidgoodbyesandIsi
ghed.Myl
if
efeel
s
bor
rowedri
ghtnow….
….
BONGA

Musa:Asyoucansee,t
hepastmonthwemade3
mil
li
onwhichi
saquarterofwhatweusual
lymake,
t
hiscompanyhasnevermadesolit
tl
efort
hrpast
16year
s.Thatshoul
drai
seourconcer
ns.
Li
sa:Lunganiwasrudet
omostofourcl
ient
s,we
l
ostabout5becauseofhim.
Musa:Wef
ixedt
heLunganii
ssue.
Li
sa:Thenwe'
relooki
ngatabet
teri
ncomethis
month.MrDubedidyousaywecantakebui
ldi
ngs
underaR100000?
Me:Yesbutonl
y2amonthot
herwiset
hey'
l
lcome
f
loodi
ng.Youknowhowt
heyare.
Musa:I
'
lli
ssuet
hatl
ater
.Iguesswe'
redone.
Me:Yeahwear
e.I
'
m gonnagogr
abadonut
.
Musa:Becar
eful
.Thatsi
xpackwi
llvani
sh.

Wel
aughed.
Me:Ladi
esl
ovet
hem wi
thpotbel
lynow.
Theycol
lect
edt
hei
rthi
ngsandl
eft
…

Il
eanedmyheadbackandcl
osedmyeyes.If
elt
coldai
rhitmyface.Iopenedmyeyes,
shewas
star
ingatme.
Me:Youneedt
ofi
ndahobbi
e
Gogo:Ihave.I
tsf
ixi
ngmyf
ami
ly.
Me:I
'
dreal
lyl
ovet
hat
.
Gogo:St
art
ingof
fwi
thyougoi
ngsomewher
e.
Me:Wher
e?
Gogo:I
'
llgi
veyoudi
rect
ions.I
tsi
mpor
tant
.Getup.

Ihat
ethi
snonpayi
ngjob.IwishHawucanstop
bei
ngawhoreandstar
taccepti
nghi
sgif
t….
….
SI
SEKELO

Igotoffthebedanddr essedup.Hewasf
astasl
eep.
Ireappl
iedmylipst
ick.Hewokeup.
Me:I
'
mleavi
ng.
Lwandl
e:Wai
t.
Me:Ihaveameet
ingi
nanhour
.
Lwandl
e:Weneedt
otal
kaboutt
his.
Me:Nowedon'
t.
Lwandl
e:Si
sekel
o.
Me:What
!
Hest
art
ledandt
ookast
epback.
Me:Ifyouwantedtotal
kyouwould'
vedonethat
yest
erdaywhenItoldyouIwasnotokay.TodayI
neednottot
alk.Ij
ustwantedsexandthat
'sit
.
Chooseanot
herdayt otal
k.
Lwandl
e:Doyoust i
llwanttodothi
s?Imeansi
nce
she'
spregnantIdon'tt
hinkwe'
l
lseeeachot
hert
hat
much.
Me:Icoul
dn'
tcar
elessr
eal
ly.Doyou.

Iwalkedout .Icouldf
eelmyeyesburn.Iwas
desperatelybeggingmyselfnott
ocryunt
ilIwasin
mycar .Iletital
loutassoonasIclosedmydoor.I
cal
ledmam Kat l
ego.
Kat
:Baby.
Me:MamaIneedyou.
Kat
:Wher
ear
eyou?
Me:I
'
m atHi
lt
onhot
eli
nSandt
on.Par
kingl
ot.
Kat
:I'
m comi
ng.

Ihungupandt
riedtocal
m mysel
fdownwi
thwat
er
buti
tdi
dn'
twork.Iam i
ndeepshi
t…
…
QUI
NTON
Ideci
dedt odri
vetothefarm andhelpout.If
ound
Khulealr
eadyworking.Ij
oinedhim anditist
he
worstdecisi
onI'
vemadet hisweek.

Isatdownont
hegr
assanddr
ankamahewu.
Khul
e:Comehel
pmeher
e.
Me:HheiI
'
mti
red.AndI
'
m hungr
y.
Khul
e:You'
veonl
ybeenher
efor30mi
nut
es!
Me:AndI
'
mti
red.
Khul
e:You'
rej
ustl
azy.Whenl
astdi
dyouexer
cise?
Me:Ami
nut
eago.
Khul
e:I
'
mtal
kingaboutr
ealexer
cise.
Me:Thi
smor
ning.Yol
isur
pri
sedmewi
thsex.
Khul
e:Real
ly?
Me:Yep.Whoknewamancoul
dgetasur
pri
sesex
f
rom hi
sownwife.
Khul
e:Youbot
hneedcounsel
li
ng.
Me:Andt
ellast
rangert
hatmywi
fedepr
ivesmeof
sex?
Khul
e:Yes.
Me:Andwhatwi
llhappen?Shewi
llgi
vei
ttome
ever
yday?
Khul
e:I
twi
llwor
kouti
ntheend.
Me:Thatwi
lljustcausemor eprobl
emsf orus.Iwi
ll
getmysexfrom osisiabazamayo(hookers)
Wel
aughed.
Khul
e:Si
esmar
n.Loveyour
sel
f.
Spha:Bahl
oni
shwa.
Khul
e:Spha.
Spha:Ibr
oughtmi
ssDube.
Me:Oht
hankyou.Wel
eftsomemeatf
oryoui
nsi
de.
Spha:Ngyabonga.

Hewal
kedt
othehouse.
Si
kel
ela:Weneedt
otal
k.
KhuleandIlookedateachother.WhenSisekelo
saysweneedt otal
kitsnotal
ar mi
ngbutSikelel
a
saysweneedt otal
k,i
tmeansl eavewhatever
you'r
edoingandpreparetoli
stentoher
.Sheused
tolovemebutnotanymor e.
Khul
ecameoutoft
hegar
denandsatbesi
deme.
Shesatdownt
oo.
Si
kel
ela:I
tsaboutmom.
Me:Whataboutmom?
Si
kel
ela:Iwantt
odi
guphergr
ave.
Khul
e:What
?Why?
Si
kel
ela:Iwantt
omakesur
eshe'
sint
her
e.
Me:Yourmot
herpassedaway25year
sagobaby.
Si
kel
ela:Iwantt
oseet
hebonesi
fther
ear
e.
Khul
e:Why?
Si
kel
ela:BecauseIcan'
tcommuni
cat
ewi
thher
.
Me:Comeon.
Sikel
ela:I'
m ser
ious.Ineedyoursi
gnat
uret
odi
gup
thatgrave.
Khul
e:Nothappeni
ng
Si
kel
ela:Baba.
Me:Letyourmot
herr
esti
npeace.
Sikel
ela:Doyouknowwhatdoesi
tmeant
onotbe
abletocommunicatewi
thher
?
Me:Yesandther
ecoul
dbeanot
herr
easonnott
hat
you'
ret
hinki
ng.
Si
kel
ela:Whi
chi
s?
Khul
e:Thatshe'
snotdead.
Me:Shedi
edi
nfr
ontofKhet
hel
oandI
.
Si
kel
ela:Di
dyouseehergetbur
ied?
Me:Yes
Khul
e:No
Wel
ookedateachot
her
.
Si
kel
ela:Whi
chi
swhi
ch?
Me:Wel
eftbef
oreshewasbur
ied.
Si
kel
ela:Soyouhavei
deai
fshewasbur
iedornot
.
Me:Shebur
ied.Andl
ett
hisgo.
Khul
e:Ther
ear
epr
obabl
y5peopl
ebur
iedont
opof
her
.
Sikelel
a:I
'
mfl
yingt
oDur
bant
hiseveni
ng.Ni
sal
e
kahle.

Shewalkedaway.It
ookoutmyphonet
ocal
l
Bonga…
….
CARLr
e

Whateverisdoneinthedarki sguaranteedtocome
toli
ghtoneday.IthoughtI'
l
l alwayshavet hi
sunder
contr
olbutsomehowIl ostthatabi l
it
yandhereIam
runni
ngfrom husbandwhowi llki
llmeandmychi l
d
i
fhef i
ndsus.

Kaotiwasconceivedearl
ydaysofmycheat i
ngwith
Tyson.IwentawaywhenIwas5mont hsand
retur
nedwhenshewas3mont hsandt ol
dMosesI
adoptedher.Hebeli
evedmebutt hatli
ehascaught
upwi thme,hewentbehindmybackanddi dDNA
test,
itmatchedmet heni
twasallclearthatshe'
s
Tyson's.

Shecameandst
oodbef
oreme.
Kaot
i:Whenar
ewegoi
nghome?
Me:Soonbaby.
Kaot
i:Iwantt
ogot
oschool
.
Me:Youwi
ll
.Ar
en'
tyouhavi
ngf
un?
Kaot
i:No.Iwannagohome.
Me:We'
l
l-
Ihear
daknockatt
hedoor
.
Me:Goandlockyour
sel
finthebat
hroom.No
matt
erwhat
,donotopenthedoor.
Kaot
i:No.
Me:Kaot
i,i
fyoudon'
tgohi
de,
sant
awi
llneverbr
ing
yougi
ft
s.
Sherant
othebat
hroom.It
ookoutmyl
it
tl
egunand
wenttot
hedoor
.
Me:Whoi
sit
?
“
it
'sBongaDube"
Me:Whatdoyouwant
?
“
Weneedt
otal
k.I
tsaboutt
hechi
ld”
Me:Goaway
“
I'
m Tyson'
sbi
gbr
other
"
Howdoesheknowaboutt
hechi
ld.
“
Imeannohar
m”
Iopenedt
hedoorandpoi
ntedt
hegunathi
m.
Bonga:Movei
tof
fmyf
ace.
Hecl
osedt
hedoor
.
Bonga:Wher
eisshe?
Me:Noneofyourbusi
ness.Howdi
dyouknow?
Bonga:Ineedt
otakeyoubot
hhome.
Me:Whathome?
Bonga:Myhouse.
Me:No.Idon'
tevenknowyou.
Bonga:Thi
sisn'
taboutyou.I
tsaboutt
hatl
it
tl
egir
l.
Yourhusbandisgonnafi
ndyouandhe'sgonnaki
ll
you.
Me:Tysondoesn'
tevenknowaboutt
his!
Bonga:Hewon'
tknow.Gett
hechi
ldIhavemeet
ing.
Idon'
tknowwhatcameovermebutIhi
thi
m ont
he
headwithagun.Hegr
abbedmyarm.
Bonga:Car
lwe'
renoti
nthemovi
es.Gogett
hechi
ld!
Me:I
'
m sor
ry.

Ir
ant
othegether
…

….
LATERI
NTHEDAY….
TYSON

Allt
heDubef atherspaidmear ri
vedwhenIwas
aboutt
ot akeashower .Ifi
nishedshower i
ngand
wenttothem.Theywer ebr aaingmeat .Thei
rwives
werehere,al
lofthem andmysi bl
ings.Manypeople
gi
vemeanxi ety.IsatnexttoSisekelo.Sheseemed
downthanusual .
Me:Ar
eyougood?
Si
sekel
o:NobutIwi
llbe.Ar
eyou?
Me:Iam.
Khethiwe:Sincewe'reallherenowandmostofyou
l
eavingsoon.Let '
sshar ewhatwe' r
emostgr atef
ul
for
.I'
llgofir
st,Iam gratefulf
orallofyou,f
orthe
l
oveIr ecei
vef r
om myhusband, t
henewaddi t
ional
member stoourf amily.Iam grat
efulfort
he
companyt hatkeepmaki nggoodmoneysoIcan
buymor edesignerbagsandshoes.
Wel
aughed.Ever
yonet
ookt
hei
rtur
nsunt
ili
twas
myt
urn.
Me:Iam gratefulforl
if
e,forhowyouallhavebeen
ther
eformei nmyt i
meofneed.Iam evenmor e
grat
efultoTylerandKhethiweforgi
vingmeshelter
,
Iwil
lneverforgetthatbutI'
l
lbemovingout
tomorrow.
Khul
e:Hhai
bo.Why?
Me:Mymot
heri
sget
ti
ngdi
schar
ged.
Hawu:No.
Me:Yeah.I
'
llbetaki
ngheri
n,l
ookaf
terherwi
tht
he
hel
pofmywi fe.
Hawu:Ar
eyoui
nsane?
Si
sekel
ogotupandr
ushedi
nsi
det
hehouse.
Me:Howi
slooki
ngaf
termyownmot
heri
nsani
ty?
Si
kel
ela:Shef
ucki
nghat
esyou!
Me:Il
oveherandIwon'tl
ethergobacktothathel
l
hol
eagai
nwhileI'
m st
il
lhereandcanlookaft
erher.
Khet
hel
o:Youneedhel
pchi
ld.
Igotupandwentt
ocheckuponSi
sekel
o.If
ound
heri
nthebat
hroom puki
ng.
Me:Ar
eyouokay?
Si
sekel
o:Pl
easegetmewat
er.
Iwentt
ogeti
tforher
…..
[
01/
15,
12:
39] :OBSESSI
VE

30

SI
SEKELO
Tyson:Ar
eyoucomi
ngdownwi
thf
lu?
Isnor
ted.
Me:It
hinkso.Pl
easegetmel
emons.
Tyson:Okay.
Hewal
kedout
.Fuck!
Tearsdr
oppedonmychest
.Iputmyhandsonmy
faceandsobbed.
“
Babe"
Iwi
pedt
het
ear
sof
f.
Me:Ma?
Kat
:Openup.
Me:I
tsnotl
ocked.
Thedooropened.Shewaswi
thmam Khet
hel
oand
Yol
i.
Kat
:It
alkedt
oyourmot
her
s.
Yol
i:Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odo?
Me:Idon'
tknow.
Yol
i:I
'
m gonnahavet
otel
lyourf
ather
.
Me:Forwhat
?
Thisi
swhyIdi
dn'tt
ellherbecauseshenever
knowshowtohandl
eanyt hi
ngwegot hrough.
Yol
i:Hewi
llknowwhatt
odo.
Khet
hel
o:Ser
iousl
y?
Yol
i:Yesser
iousl
y.
Kat:Thi
sisourmat
tertohandle,f
oronceYolanda
l
earntotakecar
eofyourchil
dren'
sbusinesses
wit
houtrunni
ngtoQuint
on.
Yol
i:Whydon'
tyout
akecar
eofi
tsi
nceyou'
resuch
agoodmother
.
Me:Stop!Juststop!Thi
sisn'
taboutyouokay?If
youaregonnapickoneachot herl
ikethi
sthengo
andI'
l
lfigur
ethisoutonmyown.
Kat
:I'
m sor
rybabe.I
'
m sor
ry.
Khet
hel
o:Doyouwantt
hischi
ld?
Me:No.
Yol
i:Thengof
ort
ermi
nat
ion.
Kat
:Shet
ri
ed.
Khet
hel
o:Andt
hen?
Me:Gogoisagainsti
t.Al
l5at
temptshavebeen
sabot
aged.Idon'
tknowwhatI'
m gonnado.
Khet
hel
o:Justt
ellLwandl
e.
Me:Pr
eci
ousi
spr
egnantt
oo.
Khethel
o:That
'snoneofyourbusi
ness.You'
real
so
car
ryinghi
schild.
Me:Thiswillr
efl
ectbadonourr eputati
onasa
fami
lyandourbusinessesbecausei twil
ldef
ini
tel
y
makeittothemedia.Ican'
t-Ican'tdealwi
thsuch
publ
ici
ty.
Kat
:Whatar
eyougoi
ngt
odot
hen?
Me:I
'
m gonnagoawayf
orawhi
le.
Khet
hel
o:Andbeonyourown?No.
Me:I
t’
stheonl
ychoi
ceIhave.
Tyson:Her
e'syourl
emonwat
er,
wit
hice.

Igotupandt
ooki
t.Idr
ankandwal
kedaway…

….
.THEFOLLOWI
NGDAY….
.

Af t
ercryi
ngmysel ft
odeathl
astni
ghtIneededa
relaxeddaytoday.Ibookedmysel
finforaspa
t
r eatment.Si
kelel
awasgonetoEC.Ihadnot i
me
forherobsessionovermom.Ihadal otgoi
ngon.

WhenIgotdownst
air
sIf
oundHawuandTyson
pl
ayi
ngvideogames.
Me:Youguysneedt
ofi
ndwor
k.
Theydi
dn'
tevenhearme.It
ookt
her
emot
eand
tur
nedt
hetvoff.
Them:Ahhh!
Me:Whenar
eyougonnal
ookf
orwor
k?
Hawu:Notnowobvi
ousl
y.Br
ingt
her
emot
e.
Me:No.Dr
ivemet
oaspa.
Tyson:Ican'
tdr
ive,
myankl
eisnotf
itenough.
Me:Hawuwi
lldr
ive.Let
'sgo.
Hawu:Letusf
ini
shourgamef
ir
st.
Me:No.Ishoul
dbet
her
ein30mi
nut
es.
Hawu:You'
resuchabul
ly.

Theygotupandweheadedout.Myphonerang,
it
wasLwandle.Idecl
i
nedi
tandhoppedonthecar….
….
BONGA

Igotofft
hephonewi t
hYezwe.Obabamadethei
r
wayin.Iwishsomeonecanwakethem upand
makethem real
izet
hey'r
eol
d.Weexchanged
pl
easantr
ies.
Tyl
er:
Whowast
hatont
hephone?
Me:Yezwe.
Khul
e:Hhai
bo.Wheni
shecomi
nghome?
Me:Soonenough.Thei
rdaught
eri
sduei
n8weeks.
Chr
is:DearLor
d.Icanal
readyseeherwi
th
manicur
ein3weeks.
Wel
aughed.
Me:Theywi
llmakegoodf
ather
s.
Khul
e:Poppii
stoomuch,
I'
m sur
pri
sedt
her
eisno
babyshower.
Me:Per
hapshe'
schanged.
Qui
nton:Whatar
eweher
efor
?
Hewasn'
tinagoodmood.
Me:Car
l!
Theyf
rowned.Car
lcamei
nwi
thKaot
i.
Me:Thi
sisCarl
andKoat
i,Tyson'
sdaught
er.Car
l,
t
hesearemyfather
s.
Tyl
er:
MrsWi
ll
iams.
Car
l:At
tor
neyDubehi
.
Khul
e:Youhaveachi
ldwi
thTyson?
Me:Yesshedoesandoneofyouhast
otakeKoat
i
i
n.
Qui
nton:Why?
Me:Herhusbandi
shunt
ingt
hem down,
hewant
sto
ki
llKaot
i.
Khul
e:Whoi
sherhusband?
Carl
:MosesWill
iamsandhim andhisbr
othersar
ea
ver
ydangerousbunch.I
fheeverfi
ndsKaotihewil
l
nothesi
tat
etodotheunimagi
nable.
Qui
nton:Excuseus.

Car
landKoat
ilef
t.
Me:Don'
tevent
hinkabouti
t.Thatmanhasever
y
r
ightt
obemad.
Qui
nton:Doesi
tlookl
ikeIgi
veaf
uck?
Khul
e:We'
l
lpayhi
m aver
yfr
iendl
yvi
sit
.
Bonga:Gogot
oldmet
ohandl
ethi
saspeacef
ulas
possibl
e.Tysondoesn'
tknowaboutKaot i,hence
oneofyouhast otakeherin.Carlsai
dshe'lltake
careofherhusband.Ican'
tstaywi t
ha5yearol d,at
l
eastnotnowcauseI '
mi nami ssionofri
ght i
ng
everywrong.So,nooneisgonnavi si
tanyone.Thi s
i
showwewi l
lfi
xourprobl
emsnow.
Chr
is:I
'
llt
akeheri
n.
Me:ThankyouNyamazane.
Qui
nton:Thankyoubaf
o.I
'
vegotabusiness
meet
inginDurbansoI'
l
lbeleavi
ngt
oday.
Me:Whatbusi
nessmeet
ing?
Qui
nton:Rest
aur
ant
.
Me:Okayl
etmegetKaot
i.

Iwentt
othebedr
oom t
heywer
eon…
….
.
TYSON
Onourwaybackfrom dr
oppi
ngSisekel
oof fIasked
Hawutotakemet omyhousetocheckifeveryt
hing
wasgood.Itwas,
wejusthadtomovein.

Whenwegott oTyler
's,
Cassiewascooki
ng.Hawu
proceededt
othestai
rs.Isatdownonthebarchai
r
andtossedacarr
otinmymout h.
Me:Haveyoupacked?
Cassi
e:Yes.Whenar
ewemovi
ng?
Me:Toni
ght
.Mom i
sget
ti
ngdi
schar
gedt
omor
row
morni
ng.
Cassi
e:Haveyouf
oundanur
se?
Me:For
?
Cassi
e:Tol
ookaf
terher
.
Me:you'
reher
emos.
Cassi
e:Todowhat
?
Me:Tol
ookaf
terher
.
Cassi
e:Hel
lo?
Shepoi
ntedatherbump.
Me:You'
llstopwhenyou'
re9mont
hs.I'
m not
gonnawastemoneyhiri
ngnur
seswhil
eyou'r
eher
e
wit
hnothingtodo.
Cassi
e:Haveyoul
ostyourmi
nd?
Me:No.You'r
emywi
feandwi
vesl
ookaf
tert
hei
r
motheri
n-l
aws.
Cassi
e:I
'
m-

Igotupandl
eft
.Ir
equest
edanuberasIwal
ked
towardst
hegat
e…
….
SI
SEKELO

Themassagewasr eall
yneeded.Ifeltf
reshand
rel
ieved.Iwasaglassofjuiceli
steni
ngtothewat er
fal
l,i
twascalming.Ispoket oSikel
ekaearl
iershe
sai
dshear ri
vedsafely.Ij
ustwishshecanj ustlet
thi
sgo.
Ijumpedwhenapl ast
icl
andedonmyt
highs.He
tookoffhi
sshades.
Me:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngher
e?
Lwandl
e:Howl
ongwer
eyougoi
ngt
ohi
det
his
awayfr
om me?
Isi
ghed.
Me:Whatar
eyout
alki
ngaboutnow.
Lwandl
e:Aboutyourappoi
ntment
stogynecol
ogi
sts.
Me:Ihadawombi
nfect
ion.
Lwandl
e:Whataboutt
hesepi
ll
s?
Hethrewthet
ermi
nati
onpil
lsthatIgotf
rom some
dodgymanandtheygotl
ost.Oneofgogo
sabot
ages.
Me:Thosear
enotmi
ne.
Lwandl
e:don'
tfuckwi
thmeSi
sekel
o.
Iwaskeepi
ngmycool
.Becausei
fIf
ir
ebackt
his
woul
dendbadl
y.
Me:Justincaseyouhaven'tnoticed,
we'rei
na
publi
cspaceandyou'ret
alkingaboutprivat
ethi
ngs.
Unlessyouwanttoenduponf rontpagesasa
cheateryoucancont
inuebar ki
ng.
Lwandl
e:comewi
thme.
Me:No.it
'sover.I
'
m done.Gohomet
oyourwi
fe.
Andneverbotherme.

Igrabbedagr apeandt ookal it

tl
ebite.Hestood
thereforawhi l
eandl eft
.Iopenedt heplast
ic.Ther
e
werepr egnancytests.Iputthem inatrashcannext
tomeandcont inuedenjoyingmyavoj ui
ce…

….
TYSON

IwenttoMmabat ho’
swor kandwaitedoutside.I
t
wasaf ewminutestolunchsoIplayedagamet o
passtimeunt
ilIhear
dherpi er
cingl
aughter.I
broughtmyheadup.Shewasheadi ngupt hest r
eet
.
Iranaf
terher
.Shest
art
ledwhenIcaughtupwi
th
her.
Mmabat
ho:OhmyGod.
Sheuppedherpace.
Me:Pl
easehearmeout
.
Mmabat
ho:I'
m gonnacal
lthepol
icei
fyoudon'
tlet
goofmeri
ghtnow.
Me:Justhearmeout
!Geez!
Mmabatho:Idon'twantto!Iam doneli
steni
ngt
o
you.Iam done.Letgoofmepl ease.
Me:Idi
dn'
tmar
ryherwi
ll
ingl
y.
Shechuckl
ed.
Mmabat
ho:Ohr
eal
ly.I
'
m sosor
ry.Nowf
uckof
f!
Me:Iam serious.There'
snodayt hatpassesbyand
you'renoti
nmymi nd.Ican'
tevensleepatni ght,
I
don'twanttoloseyouMmabat ho.Iam goi ngto
divorceher
,justpl
easegivemet i
me, justsix
mont hsandIpromiseIwi l
lbethestraightmanI '
ve
neverbeen.Iwantust oworkbutt hi
ngsj ustkept
happeningandIhadnocontr
ol.Pl
easef
orgi
veme
foral
lthepainI
'
vecausedyou.
Mmabat ho:Youlongl ostmeTyson.Ilovedyou
fr
om thef ir
stdaywehookedup, for2year sIl
oved
amant hatdidn'
tloveme, youkepttoyi
ngwi thmy
hear
t,overandoveragai nandIletyoubecauseI
l
ovedyou, butmarriage?Youwentt oofar.Il
ost
ever
yf eeli
ngIhadf oryou.
Me:Mmabat hoIneedyou.AndI'
m sorr
ythatI
'
ve
beentoobli
ndtoreal
izewhatwasinfr
ontofmeal
l
thi
slong.
Mmabat
ho:You'
ret
ool
atet
oreal
ize.
Shepul
ledherhandssl
owl
y.
Mmabat
ho:I
'
m sor
ry.

Shewal
kedaway.Ist
oodther
enotknowi
ng
whet
hert
ocryther
eorcryasIal
sogoaway….

….
QUI
NTON

Kwenamar
ant
othecarasIdr
ovei
n.Ist
opped.
Me:Madubewhatar
eyoudoi
ng!
Shegotscar
edandst
oppedr
unni
ng.
Ihoppedout
.
Me:Don'
teverr
unt
oacarl
iket
hat
.
Ipi
ckedherup.
Kwenama:I
'
m sor
ry.
Iki
ssedher
.
Me:I
tsokay.Wher
e'syourbr
other
?
Kwenama:I
nsi
dewi
thhi
steacher
.
Me:Mommy?
Kwenama:Att
hrgym.
Iputherdownwhenwegoti
nsi
de.
Me:Got
elkaunt
ieThut
hut
ofi
xmef
ood.
Itookof
fmyjacketandt
ossedi
tonthecouchand
headedtot
hegym.Shewaseati
ngicecream l
ying
onheryogamatt.

Il
aidbesi
deher
.Shegotont
opofmeandki
ssed
me.
Me:Kwenamami
ghtwal
kinanyt
ime.
Chl
oe:Oops!
Shegotof
f.
Chl
oe:She'
sbeenaski
ngal
otofquest
ionsl
atel
y.
Il
aughed.
Me:What
?
Chloe:Wher
edobabi
escomecome,
whydoIwear
pad,whydoIhavei
nmyvagi
naandallt
hatcr
ap.
Il
aughed.
Me:We'r
eintr
oubl
e.WhenIdr
ovei
nshej
ustr
an
st
rai
ghttot
hecar.
Chl
oe:No!OhJesusshej
ustmi
ssesyoual
ot.
Me:YeahIknow.3mont
hsi
saver
ylongt
ime.
Chl
oe:I
tis.What
'sgoi
ngont
hatsi
de?
Me:Ever
ything.Asurpr
iseaf
teranot
herand
Si
kel
elai
si nEaster
nCape.
Chl
oe:Doi
ngwhat
?
Me:Todi
gupyourgr
ave.
Shesatupr
ight
.Idi
dtoo.
Chl
oe:Andyoul
ether
?
Me:Ican'
tcont
rolher
.
Chl
oe:JesusQui
nton,
dosomet
hingabouti
t!
Me:Dowhat
?Ican'
t.
Chl
oe:Di
dyousi
gnt
heper
mit
?
Me:Nobuti
fshegetyourmom'
sshewi
lldi
git
.
Me:Cal
lmymotherandtel
lhertodeny.Andget
guar
dstowat
chthegraveout.Dammit!
Me:Don'
tyouthi
nkit
saboutt
imewest
opped
hi
dingi
nthebushes?
Chl
oe:I
'
m notr
eady.
Me:You'
vebeensayi
ngt
hatf
ort
hepast20year
s,
wehavekidst
heyneedt
oknowt
hei
rfamil
ymylove.
Chloe:I'
mr eal
lynotr
eady.OhmyGodIf
eelhot
.
Justfixthi
s.

Shepi
ckedheri
cecr
eam andwal
kedout
….

*
**
I
fyouwoul
dlovetosponsort
henexti
nser
tfeel
f
reet
ohi
tmeupi nthedms
[
01/
15,
12:
39] :OBSESSI
VE

*
Sponsor
ed*

31

YOLI
Il
itmycandlesandpour edbat
hsal tsontothetub
andtookmyr obeoff.Ther
eisnothingbett
erthan
havi
ngt hewholehousetomyself.Igettothi
nkand
meditat
e,getr
idofun-neededenergyandjustbe
myself.

Thingsar elooki
ngupbet weenQui ntonandI .Hi s
i
nfideli
tiesdidanumberonus.Thi ngskeptfalling
offeverytimeandwej ustcouldn'
tr eal
izeeachot her
anymor e.Hehadexcusesaboutwhyhecheat ed, I
haveal waysbeenbusy, hemar ri
edmeknowi ng
verywel lthatt
herewasnothingIwant edinmyl i
fe
mor ethanwor king,
doingwhatIl ovedwhol e
heartedly.Heknewhowmucht i
memyoccupat ion
needed.

Atfi
rstwhenhecheatedIbecamedepressed.I
coul
dn'tl
ivewi
tht
hef actt
hatmyhusband,theman
wholovesmesomuchwoul dgooutsi
deour
marri
ageseeki
ngpleasurefr
om anot
herwoman.
Mysonwasonl y3yearsoldthenandIdet
ached
myselffr
om everyt
hingandever
yone.Istopped
worki
ng.Ittookmeayeart ogai
nmysani tyback.
Heprovedt ohavechanged.Hereal
lybecamethe
manIf el
linl
ovewithagai
n.

Sidechickskeptpoppi ngupeverynowandt hen.My

l
ifewasbasedoncr yi
ngandhi snonendi ng
apologiesthatlostvalueeachtimeheapol ogized.I
dependedonmyj ob,Igaveitmyf ul
latt
ention.I
travel
ledaroundt hecontinent
.Isawmyki ds3or4
ti
mesayear .Iwasn'tawar eofwhatIwasdoi ngt o
them,Iwasn' tawareoft hedamageIwascr eati
ng.I
j
ustputmysel ffi
rstandf or
gotaboutthem andnow
noneoft hem trustsme.Tot hem I'
mjustmom by
name.Ir eall
ywi shIhaddonet hingsdif
ferentl
y.

MaybeIwouldbetheonet heyr
unt owhenevert hey
haveprobl
ems,t
hefir
stonet ot
ellanythi
ng,not
hear
ingaboutwhathappensintheirf
rom Khethelo
orKatl
ego.
Iam ti
redofbeingast r
angertomyownkids.I
f
ther
e'sarelat
ionshi
pthatIdesper
atel
yneedtofi
xit
i
smyr el
ati
onshipwithmykidsbecauseIl
ovethem
somuch.

Myphonerangf
rom t
hel
it
tl
ephonestand.Iopened
myeyesanddri
edmyhandandgrabbedit
.I
answer
ed.
Me:Hey
Qui
nton:Heybabe.Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
mfi
ne.Justmi
ssi
ngyou.Howdi
dyougo?
Qui
nton:Iwentwel
l
.I'
mjustbor
edt
obeher
eonmy
own.
Me:Icanf
lyt
her
eifyouwant
.
Quinton:It
'sokay.Rememberwearehost
ingthe
Easterluncheonsoifyougetdi
str
act
edanyhow,it
won'tbeper cect
.
Ichuckl
ed.
Me:Youbet
terbenotupt
onogood.Your
gener
osi
tyi
sar
edf
lag.
Hel
aughed.
Quint
on:Okaycomekest
handwasamiImi
ssyou
anyways.
Me:ImissyoumorebutI'
llpass.I
'
llf
ocuson
st
art
ingtopl
anthi
sluncheon.Ihadforgot
tenabout
i
t.
Quinton:Wecanchatanddeci
deont
het
hemeand
everythi
ng.
Me:Ohok.

Ican'trememberthelastt
imewedi
scussed
anythingorspokeonthephonemor
ethanaminut
e.
Thisfeltver
ygood..

….
QUI
NTON
Aft
ergett
ingof
fthephonewi
thYoli
.Iki
ll
edmy
ci
garr
eteontheashtr
ayandgotup.Shecameout
asIgotup.Shegavemeaglassofwhiskeyandsat
ontopofme.
Chl
oe:Howi
sshe?
Me:She'
sfi
ne.Thi
ngsar
eact
ual
lybet
ter
.
Chl
oe:Youhavesexnow?
Me:Yeah.
Chl
oe:I
'
m gl
ad.Di
dyout
alkt
omom?
Me:Idi
dandIhavepeopl
ewat
chi
ngt
hegr
ave.
Chl
oe:Youshoul
dcal
lher
.
Me:pushYouknowhowshei
s.She'
sjustgonnago
of
fandIdon'
twannabei
nbadter
mswi thher.
Chl
oe:Whyar
eyousoscar
edofher
?
Me:BecauseIdon'
twantt
oheraway.Shest aysin
theUK,shehasbeensi
nceshefi
nishedschool.I
l
astspentqual
it
yti
mewithherwhenshewas10
andthatwasit
.
Chl
oe:You'
rel
ett
ingt
hem wal
kal
loveryouandi
tis
comi
ngbackt
obi
teyou,
bitbybi
t.
Me:MaybeIneedal
it
tl
ehel
pfr
om you.
Chl
oe:They'
ret
echni
cal
lyYol
i'
ski
ds.
Me:Yesbutshe'
snotgoodwit
hkids.Iam t
ir
edof
f
eeli
ngli
ketheonl
yparentwhi
leyou'
rebothher
e.
Chl
oe:ButI
'
mtaki
ngcar
eofLunzul
uandKwenama,
youonl
ycomehomeaft
er3or4months.
Me:Icoul
dcomehomeever
yweekifyoubecame
r
eadytogohome4year
slat
erasyoupromised.
Chl
oe:Nott
hatagai
n.
Me:Whynot
?Thi
sisaboutt
ocomeout
.
Chloe:Doyouthi
nkmeemer gi
ngf r
om t
heground
willmaket
hingsnor
malinyourli
fe?Yourki
dsare
gonnahateyou,Yol
imightl
eaveyou.Ever
yone
aroundyouwouldfl
ip.
Me:Aslongastheyknowthetr
uthIreal
lydonot
car
e.Sisekel
ohasbeenthegi
rl
yoneandr i
ghtnow
sheneedsamot hermor
ethananyt
hing.
Shescof
fed.
Chl
oe:Asi
fshe'
dhugandki
ssmeandt
ellmehow
muchshel
ovesme.
Me:Shewoul
d.Shehasabi
ghear
t.
Chl
oe:Idon'
tknowQui
nton.
Me:Justt
hinkabouti
t.
Chl
oe:Iwi
ll
.
Sheki
ssedme.
Chl
oe:Imi
ssedyou.
Me:Imi
ssedyout
oo.

Sheleanedoverandki
ssedme.Sheswi tched
posi
tionsandsatonmewithherlegsspreadapar t
oneithersi
desofmeIundidherrobeandwr apped
myar msaroundherbar
eskin.Herswererubbing
thebackofheadwhil
eslowl
ygr i
ndingagainstme…

Oneday20year
sagoIwasdrivingtoEst
court,
buf
fl
ed,l
if
ehadmebythenipples.Mymarri
age
washangi
ngovert
heedge,
myheadwasal lover
thepl
ace.Idon'
tknowhowbutIf oundmyselfin
someone'syar
d.InaplaceI'
veneverbeenbef or
e.It
was3am inthemorning,t
heirl
ightswerest
il
lon.I
wasmor ecuri
ousthanscaredtobei nt
hatplace.

Iwentandknocked.Whenthedooropened,she
gaspedandIwasdumbstruck.Iwasgluedonthe
ground,
Icoul
dn'tmoveaninch.Shesl
ammedt he
doorinmyfaceandtheli
ghtswentoff
.

Idon'tthinkIhavenevercr i
edthatmuchinmyl i
fe.
NotevenwhenIt houghtshewasdead.Ihadso
manyquest i
ons, t
herewasnowayt hi
swaspossibl
e.
Isawt hehear tmonitorgostrai
ght.Shedi
ed.Iwas
ther
e, Iheldher,shewasn'tbreat
hing.Howonear t
h
wassheher e?Wher eishereanyways?Iwondered
andbangedt hedoor .

MaybeIam dead?Yeah,maybeIhadanaccident
.I
keptdr
ivi
ngofft
heroadmaybeIcr ashedt
hecar
thi
siswhyI'
m hereseei
ngChloe.
Imovedawayf
rom t
hedoorandwenttomycar
wher
eIgotatt
hebackandtr
iedt
osleepwonder
ing
i
fdeathf
eel
sli
ket
his.

Iheardaknock.Imumbl ed“comei n"beforemy

brai
ntookmebef or
eIsl ept
.Iwasi nast r
anger'
s
housewhereIwast hemot herofmyki ds.Iopened
myeyes,thesunwasoutandIwasl yingatmy
backseat
.Chloewasst andingoutsidethedoor.My
ni
ghtmarewascar r
yingon.

Shesai
dsomethi
ngbutIcoul
dn'
thersoIr
oll
ed
downthewi
ndow.
Chl
oe:Comei
nsi
de.
Me:Am Idead?
Chl
oe:You'
renot
.Come.
Shewal
kedtowardst
hehouse.Ihoppedout.I
twas
themi
ddleofNowher
e.Thi
swast heonly
homest
ead.Whatint
heact
ualhelli
sreal
ly
happeni
ng!

Thesunwashot tert
hananysunI'
veeverf
elt
.I
rushedinsi
dethehouse.Shesmi
ledandgavemea
glassofwater
.
Chl
oe:CanIdi
shupf
oryou?
Islammedtheglassont
opoft
het
inycupboar
dby
thedoorshest
artl
ed.
Me:Tel
lmewhatthefucki
shappeni
ng!Wher
eam I
andwhyam Iseei
ngyou!
Shewal
kedt
otheot
hersi
deoft
her
oom.
Chloe:Idon'
tknowwher
ewear
eandyouseeme
becauseI'm her
e.
Me:Her
ewher
e?Whyar
eyouher
e?
Chl
oe:Idon'
tknow.
Me:Don'
tfuckwi
thmeChl
oeNovember
.Donot
!
Chl
oe:I
'
m not
.
Shewasnowcr
ying.
Me:Expl
ain.
Myhandsweretr
embling,ever
ypar
tofmybody
f
ail
edtobest
rong.Icoll
apsedonachai
r.
Chloe:Iwi
shIknewmorethanIknow.AllI
rememberisgoi
ngtotownwithTyl
erandbull
ets
rai
ningonusand…andwakinguphere.
Me:Don'
tli
etome.
Chl
oe:I
'
m supposedt
obedead,
aren'
tI?
Me:Ineedf
reshai
r.

Iwal
kedoutandwalkedincir
cles.Ifel
tmymi
nd
goi
ngcrazy.Thi
scan'
thappen.Itcan't
!
….
From t
hereon.It
ookhert
oamor ebett
erplaceand
keptchecki
nguponherunti
lmyheartremembered
howIloveherandwehadoursonayearl at
er.
We'vebeenourownli
tt
lesecr
etsi
ncethen….

….
.
[
01/
15,
12:
39] :OBSESSI
VE

32
*
Sponsor
ed*
TYSON

Myalarm di
stur
bedmef r
om beaut
ifulsl
eepbut
mademehappyt hatIhadtofet
chmymot herfrom
t
hehospital
.Igotinashowerbrief
lyandgotr eady
t
oleave.

Wemovedbackinlastni
ght.I
'
vebeent ryi
ngtoget
hol
dofQui
ntonbutheisoutofreach.He'sbeen
i
gnori
ngmesinceIannouncedI'
llbetaki
ngNkulei
n.

Icall
edCassieoutbutshedi
dnotrespond.Iwent
totheki
tchenwhereIfoundhereat
ing.
Me:Di
dn'
tyouhearmecal
lyou?
Sheswungt
hechai
rar
oundt
ofaceme.
Cassi
e:No.
Me:Youneedt
ogetri
dofthatat
ti
tudei
fyouwant
t
hishouset
obeatpeace.
Cassi
e:Youl
ockedmeoutoft
hebedr
oom.
Me:I
'm gonnabesl
eepi
ngalone.Youcanchoose
f
rom t
he100r oomsi
nthishouse.
Cassi
e:Idi
dn'
tknowmar
ri
edpeopl
est
ayi
n
di
ffer
entbedr
ooms.
Me:Wehaveaspeci alki
ndofmarriage.Thati
sn'
t
goingtohappenoutmarri
age.Fi
xthegr ound
bedroom andcook.I
'
m goingtof
etchmom.
Cassi
e:Mmmh.

It
ookanappl eandwalkedtot
hedoor
.Myankl
e
wassti
llpai
nfulbutIhadtodr
ivet
oHawu'
scause
heref
usedtocomet omyhouse.
Icall
edtheaukcl
andparkf
lor
istt
ogetf
lower
s
deli
veredatMmabatho’
spl
ace.
…
CASSI
E.

Isl
ammedt hetabl
eaf
tert
hecarf
adedaway.I
cal
ledZandi
le.
Zandi
:Chomi
e.
Me:Ineedanur
se.
Zandi
:Thatcanbear
ranged.Ar
eyouokay?
Me:No!
Zandi
:Justt
akemyadvi
ceal
ready.
Me:No.Iknowhi
m.Hewi
llf
alli
nlovewi
thme.
Zandi:When?I
tsei
theryouleymetakeyoutot
hat
sangomaoryouleavethatsorr
yexcuseofa
marri
age.

Ihungupandwentt
otakehi
slapt
opupst
air
s…

….
TYSON

IparkedatHawu'sgat
eandcall
edhim.Hecame
outafteracoupl
eofminut
es.Hetookt
hewheel
andwedr oveaway.
Hawu:Wher
e'sbabymama?
Me:Athome.
Hawu:Ist
il
ldon’
tunder
standwhyyou'
redoi
ngt
his.
Me:Ihavet
o.She'
smymot
her
.
Hawu:Sheal
mostki
ll
edyouman.
Me:ButI
'
m notdead.She'
shar
mlessnow.
Hawu:Yousti
llhaveni
ghtmar
es.Havi
ngherar
ounf
wil
ljustdr
agyourheal
ing.
Me:HawuI'm notacoconut
.Idon'
tneedther
apyt
o
f
eelbet
ter
,andIbeli
eveinfaci
ngmyf ear
s.
Hawu:Ist
il
ldon’
tappr
ovebuti
fit
swhatyour
eal
ly
wantt
henyouhaveallmysuppor
t.
Me:Thankyou.Let
'
spassbychi
ckenl
ickenIam
hungr
y.
Hawu:Amensi
r!

Idon'
tunder
standwhyhel
ovesmeatsomuch.

Myphoner
ang.I
twasBonga.
Me:Bhut
iomdal
a
Bonga:Baf
o.Ineedt
oseeyou.
Me:When?
Bonga:Assoonaspossi
ble.
Me:Uh…I'
m sti
llgoi
ngt
ofet
chmom fr
om the
hospi
tal
.Iwi
llcomeassoonasIt
akeherbacj
home.
Bonga:Okay.I
'
m gonnasendyoumyaddr
ess.
Me:Thankyou.

Ihungup.
Me:Pl
easedr
ivemet
oBonga'
slat
er.
Hawu:Yougoti
t.

Wepul
ledupatchi
ckenl
icken.
….
SI
SEKELO

Lwandlewouldn'
tstopcal
li
ngme.Itol
dthesecur
ity
tonotlethi
min.Ineededmypeace.It
ookthepil
ls
l
astnightandthi
smor ni
ngIst
art
edbleedi
ng.The
pai
nwasexcr uci
ati
ng.Iwasdyi
ng.

Idraggedmysel fupandwentt ogetmyselfaglass

ofwateranddr ankmor epai
nkill
ers.Theywerenot
doinganythi
ngbuti tconsol
edme.Iwentt osit
downont hecouchandcur l
edmysel f.Myphone
rang.I
twasSi kelel
a.Ianswered.
Si
kel
ela:Youwon'
tbel
ievewhatyourdaddi
d.
Me:I
'
m uni
nter
est
ed.
It
ight
enedmyj
aws.God!
Si
kel
ela:I
'
mt el
li
ngyouanyways.Heputguar
dson
mom'sall
egedgrave.
Me:Justletitgo!Okay?She' sdead!There
must…theremustbesomer easonswecan' treach
hernotthatshe'sali
ve.I
fshewasal i
ve,don'tyou
thi
nkshewoul d'vecamef orusalready?
Si
kel
ela:Idon'
tknow!Ihavet
hisur
get
ofol
lowi
tup.
Igr
unt
ed.
Si
kel
ela:Ar
eyouokay?
Me:No.Youshoul
dbeherewithmenotthere
f
oll
owingupthi
ngsyou'
l
lnevergetanswer
sto.
Si
kel
ela:Thi
sisi
mpor
tant
.
Me:Ok.

Ihungupandcr
iedast
hepai
nat
emeout
.

If
elthot
.It
ookof
fmyj
acketandf
eltcol
d,Ipul
led
t
hef
leece.Ibecamedi
zzy.She'
sher
e.
Me:Hel
pme.
Gogo:Whatdi
dIsayaboutt
hatboy?
Me:I
twasami
stakegogo.
Iwasnowwetf
rom mysweat
.
Gogo:Whatmi
stake!Hei
smar
ri
ed!
Me:I
'
vest
oppedseei
nghi
m.
Thepai
ngotwor
sebyeachsecondpassi
ng.
Gogo:Toolat
e.Youwil
lli
vewitht
hesham ofever
carr
yingamarri
edman'schi
ld.It
oldyoumorethan
oncetostayawayfr
om him!
Me:Pl
ease…pl
easemakei
tst
op.
Gogo:You'
readi
sgr
ace!
Me:I
'
m sor
ry!Iwi
llst
ayawayf
rom hi
m.
Gogo:You'r
easavi or.Youmustt r
eadcarefull
y.
Loveandrelat
ionshipsshouldbethelastthingon
yourmind.Yourdutyi slookaf
tertheDubefami l
y
notchasi
ngaftermar riedmen!
Me:I
'
ll
…I'
l
lst
opIpr
omi
se.
Mymout
hwasget
ti
ngdr
y.Iwasdyi
ng.

Isuff
ocated.If
ellofft
hecouchandhi
tthecof
fee
tabl
e.Ineverpi
ctureddyi
ngli
kethi
s.
“Sisekelo.OhmydearGod.Khet
hiwecomehel
pme!
Sisekelo!”

I
twasmam Yol
icr
yinghyst
eri
cal
lywhi
leshaki
ng
me….

….
TYSON

Wedr oveinf
rom t
hehospit
alandparkedatthe
frontdoorandhoppedout.Ifi
xedthewheelchair
forherandwepul l
edherout.Shewasar ubber
band.Shecoul donl
ymovehereyes.Ipushedher
i
nsi de.Aladyinwhit
enur
sesuniform metmehalf
way.
Her
:Si
rletmehe-
Me:Whoar
eyou?
Her:Sorr
y.I'
m Thuba.Thenurse?Ihave6years
experi
enceinnursi
ngpeopleinthi
sconditi
on.The
personIlookedaft
erdiedayearago,henceIam
unemployed.
Me:Wher
e'st
hewomanoft
hehouse?
Cassi
e:Heyyou'
reback.Hel
loma.
Me:Pl
easegi
veust
imeThuba.
Shenoddedandwal
kedaway.
Me:Whatt
hehel
l?
Cassi
e:What
?
Me:It
oldyouwedon'
tneedanur
se!
Cassi
e:Wedo!Ican'
tlookaf
terheronmyown.
Me:Wewilll
ookaft
erher.Gotel
lyourl
it
tl
enur
se
t
hatshecango.You'l
lhi
reheragai
nin3months.
Cassi
e:Youj
oki
ngr
ight
.
Me:Makei
tsnappy.
Ipushedt
hewheel
chai
rtoherbedr
oom.
Me:See?Youhaveagar
denvi
ew.Cassi
e,l
it
tl
ehel
p
her
e.
Shecamei
n.Wecar
ri
edhert
othebed.
Me:Makehersomet
hingtoeatandf
eedher
.I'
m
goi
ngtoBonga'
shouse.
Cassi
e:What
everTy.

Iwal
kedout
…

….
QUI
NTON

Daysi
nBoksburgareamazi
ng.Ilovespendi
ngti
me
wit
hmykids.Lunzul
uwasavoidi
ngbeinginthe
samespaceasmeandIwasl ett
inghi
m be.
Wewerehavi
ngapi
cni
cinourgar
den.Myphone
r
ang.
Me:Hey.
Yol
i:Youneedt
ocomehome.
Me:What
'shappeni
ng?
Yol
i:Si
sekel
o.She…she'
ssi
ckQui
ntonIdon'
tknow
whattodo.
Shewascr
ying.
Me:I
'
m comi
ng.
Shehungup.
Me:I
'
mleavi
ng.
Chl
oe:Whati
shappeni
ng?
Me:Si
sekel
oisnotwel
l.
Chl
oe:Ok.

Shegotupandcar
ri
edKwenamawhi
let
hey
accompani
edmetothecar
.
Me:Thi
nkaboutcomi
nghome.
Chl
oe:Go.Il
oveyou.
Me:Il
oveyoubot
hmor
e.
Iki
ssedher
.
Kwenama:Iwannagowi
thdaddy.
Chl
oe:He'
l
lfet
chyout
omor
rowmyl
ove.
Me:Okay?
Ikissedherf or
eheadandhoppedont hecarand
droveaway.I tbreaksmyhear tt
ohearhercr y
everyti
meIl eave.Mymot her'
scont
roll
ingsideis
thewor st
.HowIneverf eeltheneedtotellanyone
aboutthisisallherdoi
ngs.

Ij
usthopeshehasnot
hingt
odowi
thSi
sekel
o'
s
si
ckness…
….
CHLOE

Luhwasl
eani
ngbyt
hedoorwhenIt
urned.Iwal
ked
upthe2st
epsont
hef
rontdoorandputKwenama
down.
Me:Goaskaunt
ytogi
veyoui
cecr
eam.
Luh:He'
sneverhome.
Hesai
dsoonasKwenamawenti
nsi
de.
Me:Hewor
ks.
Luh:Orhasawi
fewher
everhewor
ks.
Me:Don'
ttal
knonsense.
Luh:I
'
mt urni
ng18t
hisyear.Ishoul
dbeat
uni
versi
ty.Whyi
shekeepingusawayfrom t
he
worl
d?
Me:Luhweagreedyouwi
llgot
ouni
ver
sit
yifyou
gotoCapwTown.
Luh:Idon'
twantcapet
own.UwantJo'
bur
gor
Durbanma.
Me:Thennouni
ver
sit
yforyou.

Iwenti
nsi
deandheadedt
othel
ounget
owat
cht
v.
I'
vealwaysknownthatsuchdaysarecoming.Not
solongagohewant edful
laccesst
ointer
netandI
can'
tlethi
m becauseonceeveryashor
twhile,
the
Dubesareallovert
henews.

IwishMangcobocanj
ustfi
nall
ysetmef r
eesot hat
Ineverhavet
odoanyt
hingtoocar
eful
ly.Ial
sohat e
everymomentoft
heli
esItel
lmykidseveryday….
…
TYSON

Aswewer eom ourwayt oBonga's.Hecall

edand
sai
dhe'l
lcomeoverinstead.Wej ustdr
oveto
Auckl
andparktoseeMmabat ho.Wewai t
edout
side
herpl
aceunti
lwefellasleep.

Wewer
ewokenupbyt
hesecur
it
y.I
twasl
atenoon.
Ir
oll
eddownt
hewi
ndow.
Secur
it
y:You'
vebeenher
eforhour
s.I
sther
e
anyt
hingIcanhel
pyouwi
th?
Me:No.Wewer
ewai
ti
ngf
orsomeone.
Secur
it
y:Wel
lthi
sisn'
tal
lowed.Youcan'
tpar
kher
e
formoret
han4hours.
Me:We'
re-
“They'reheref
orme”itwasher
.Icoul
dtellbyt
he
voiceandscent.Thesecur
it
ymovedoffthewindow
andt hereshestoodwit
hfl
ower
s.
Secur
it
y:Tel
lthem t
hatt
hisi
snotal
lowed.
Mmabat
ho:Iwi
ll
.
Hewal
kedaway.Igotoutoft
hecar
.
Mmabat
ho:Hi
Hawu.
Hawu:Hey.
Me:Hi
.
Mmabat
ho:Ar
eyouevergonnal
eavemeal
one?
Me:No.
Mmabatho:Nextti
mei fIseeyouher
eI'm gonna
cal
lthepol
ice.Iam r
eall
ydone.Don'
tevershow
yourugl
ydar
kdr
yfaceher
e.
Shewal
kedaway.
Me:Myf
lower
s.
Mmabat
ho:Fut
sek.

Shewenti
n.Ichuckl
edandgotbacki
nsi
det
hecar
.
Hawu:What
'samusi
ng?
Me:She'
skeepingtheflower
sandt
hat
'sast
artof
somethi
nggreat.Let
'sgohome.
Hawu:Ishoul
dfi
ndaj
ob.
Me:Yourj
obistol
ookaf
termebr
other
.Weshoul
d
gotoastr
ipcl
ub
Hawu:You'
remar
ri
ed.
Me:SonowIcan'
thavef
un?
Hawu:Youcan,
Iguess.Iwannavi
sitmysonnext
week.
Me:Youhaveason?
Hawu:Yes.
Me:Wow.We'
l
lgot
oget
her
….
Westart
edoffatapubtogetafewdri
nksthat
tur
nedoutt
obemany.Ar ound9pm weheaded
backhomeinanuber.
Wedr oppedHawuf
ir
standthenmyself.Thel
ight
s
wereon.Cassi
ewassit
ti
ngattheki
tcheneati
ng
i
cecream.
Me:You'
rest
il
lup.
Cassi
e:Wher
ewer
eyou?
Me:Out
.
Cassi
e:Tyson.
Me:Yes.
Cassi
e:Wher
edoyougetsexf
rom?
Me:Whosai
dI'
m get
ti
ngsex?
Cassi
e:IknowyouandIknowyoucan'tgoaday
wit
houthavingsexso,
areyoucheat
ingonme?
Me:Youknownot
hingaboutme.Di
dmamaeat
?
Cassi
e:Shedi
d.

Shewalkedupst
airs.IwenttoNkul
e'sbedroom.I
tur
nedontheli
ghtsandwentt othebathroom t
ofil
l
abucketwit
hwater.Andcamebackwi thi t
.Iput
nextt
othebedandsatdownonachai r.Itookout
myportabl
ehubblyandpulled.

Me:You'
reawake.Li
fei
sfunny,
isn'
t?
Ipuf
fed.
Me:Notsolongagoyouweresuper
iorandIwasso
hel
plessandtodayi
t’
stheot
herwayaround.How
i
roni
c!

Il
aughedandpul
ledagai
n.
Me:YouknowI 'vebeent hinkinghowcanImake
yourstayherepleasant.Ididn'tt
hinkofanything
exceptpouri
ngwat eratyou, smotheringyou,
drowningyouinat uborol dur i
ne.Imeant hat'
sthe
onlywayIknowofbei nginyourpr esence.It
wouldn'tseem goodt
onotdot
hatt
oyousi
ncei
ts
yourstyle.

Igotupandsplashedthewhol
e10l
it
resofwat
eron
herface.Sheshi
vered.
Me:I'
dstayandshowyoul
ovebutIhadaf ew
dr
inkssoI'
llseeyout
omor
rowNonkul
ulel
oNdlel
a

Il
ockedthedoorandputt
hekeyinmypocket
.
WhenIlaidmyeyesonthecouch.Ij
umpedonit
andfel
lasleep….
[
01/
15,
12:
40] :OBSESSI
VE

*
Sponsor
ed*

33

TYSON
Fir
stthi
ngIdidwhenIopenedmyeyes.Ir eached
forther
emot eandtur
neddowntheniose.Nkule'
s
bedroom doorwaswideopen.Myheadedpounded
l
ikeamut herf
ucker
..HowdidIgethome?

Isatupr
ightandmassagedthesi
desofmyhead.I
star
tl
edwhenIf el
tatouchonmyshoulder
.She
massagedmegent ly,
muchtomyf at
iguer
eli
ef.
Cassi
e:Youshoul
dtakei
teastonal
cohol
.
Shest
oppedandwal
kedovert
osi
tnextt
ome.
Me:Idon'
tneedl
ect
ure.
Cassi
e:Iwasj
ustsayi
ng.
Me:Mmmh.Whyi
sMa'
sdooropen?
Cassi
e:Forf
reshai
r.Shewether
sel
f.
Me:Wher
eisshe?
Cassi
e:I
nthegar
den.
Me:I
sther
efood?
Cassi
e:Weal
readyat
e.Eggs?
Me:No.Justbr
ead,
but
terandt
ea.
Cassi
e:Okay.

Igotupandwentt othegar den.Ifel

tforher.Seei
ng
herl
ikethisbrokemyhear t
.Despi t
ethefactthat
shetreat
edmehor ri
bly,she'ssti
llmymot herand
shedoesn'tdeservethiskindofpuni shmentinli
fe.

Me:Mor ning.Doyouwantt ogoaroundtheyar

d?I
doubtyoueverdi d.Thi
shousehasthemost
amazingyar dever.Maboughti
tjustfori
t'
syar
d
morethananyt hi
ng.Shelovedthebacksidemore
thananything.
Ipushedher
.Shemut
ter
edsomet
hing.
Me:What
?
Shesor
tofl
ikescr
eamedbutt
hevoi
cewasn'
t
comi
ngout.
Me:What
'swr
ong?Youdon'
twannagoar
oundt
he
yar
d?
Shej
ustbl
inked.
Me:Okay.I
'
llkeepyouher
ebutIdon'
tthi
nkt
hissun
i
sgoodforyou.

Iwheeledherbackt owher eshewasandst ood

ther
ejustlookingatt hefl
ower s.IwonderhowI
would'
vet urnedouti fQui
ntonknewaboutmef rom
thebeginning,oriftheybothendedupt ogether.
Wouldshehavel ovedme?Of courseshewoul d'
ve.
She'dbeenhappyaboutbei ngwi ththemanshe' s
evertr
ulyloved.Iwoul dknowhowt ol
ove.Iwoul d
knowhowt oseewomenf oranythingel
seot her
thansexmachi nes.Iwouldbeabet t
erpersonthan
Iam.Ifonly….

Bongaappear
edf
rom i
nsi
de.Imethi
m hal
fway.
Bonga:Ndoda
Me:Dube.
Bonga:Whatar
ephonesf
or?
Me:Forcal
ls.
Bonga:I
'
vebeencal
li
ngyou.Weneedt
otal
k.
Me:Soundsser
ious.
Bonga:I
tis.Howi
sshe?
Me:Idon'
tknow.
Bonga:Areyousureaboutt
his?Wecangether
,her
ownplacetostayandhir
ethebestnur
sesand
doct
orsintown.
Me:I
tsokay.
Bonga:Justi
ncaseyouhaveachangeofhear
t.
Don'
thesit
atetol
etmeknow.

Heheadedbacki nsi
de.Ifol
lowed.Hercurled
blondehai
randherElizabet
hAr den5thAvenue
welcomedme.Iwaspuzzl ed.Carlwouldnever
comet omewi t
houtcall
ingfir
st.Shewaswi t
hKaot
i.
Shedoesn'twantmear oundherkids.Iwasnow
mor econf
usedaboutwhatisr eall
ygoingon.
Me:Hel
lo.
Car
l:Hi
.
Me:I
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Bonga:Cassi
e,canyoupl
easeshowKaot
iar
ound?
Cassi
e:Of
cour
se.Comedear
..

Theywalkedof
f.Car
lhadherheadf
aci
ngdown.I
wasgett
ingworri
ed.
Bonga:She'
syour
s.
Me:Who?
Bonga:Kaot
i.
Il
aughed.
Me:Ar
eyougi
vingherupf
oradopt
ion?
Car
lshookherhead.
Bonga:Shei
syourchi
ld
Idi
dn'
tknowwhatt
osaysoIj
ustl
aughed.
Car
l:I
t'
snotaj
oke!
Ist
opped.
Me:Ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?
Car
l:Yes.
Sher
oughedherhai
rupandcr
ied.
Me:Youf
ucki
ngwi
thmer
ight
?
Sheshookherhead.
Me:Ican'
tbel
ievet
his.Ir
efuset
obel
ievet
his
bul
lshi
t.
Car
l:I
tst
rue.
Me:Andyout
oldhi
m notme?Di
dn'
tyousayshe
wasadopt
ed?
Car
l:Ihadt
ocomeupwi
thal
ieokay!
Me:Forwhat
?
Carl
:Toprot
ectusal
l.Hewoul
d'veki
ll
edus.You
knowthat
.
Me:NoIdon'
t.Youl
iedt
omef
or5year
s?5?
Carl
:Ihadtokeept
hisawayfrom youTyson.You
wereonly20Whatdidyouknowaboutbeinga
fat
her?At24,youf
reakedout
,howmuchmor ethen?
Me:Youl
iedt
omewoman!
Carl:Foragoodfucki
ngreasonandIneedyout
o
takeherinunti
lMoseshascalmeddown.
Me:YouknowI
'
mter
ri
blewi
thki
ds.
Carl:Exact
lymypoi
nt.It
oldyouBonga.Hi
swor
st
fearischil
dren.
Bonga:Wewi
llseeyousoonbr
other
.Tr
eatherwel
l
.

Heheadedtothedoor.Car
lfol
lowedhi
m aftera
bri
efst
ari
ngcontest
.Whatonear t
hishappening.A
fi
veyearol
dchil
d?

Itookmyphoneandcal
ledtheDrtomakean
appoint
ment
.Shecan'
tbetell
ingt
hetr
uth…
….
BONGA

Wegoti
nthecar
.Shewassobbi
ng.Ihandedher
t
issues.
Me:Whengogogi vesoutanorder,
wealways
f
oll
owitcausesheknowsbet t
er.Sheknowsexact
ly
whyKoatishoul
dbewi t
hTyson.
Car
l:He'
sgoi
ngt
ofi
ndt
hem.
Me:Hewon'
tlayaf
ingeront
hem.Tr
ustmeont
hat
.

Myphonerangaswedr
oveaway.I
twasunknown
number
s.
Me:BongaDubespeaki
ng.
Cal
ler
:Don'
thangup.
Me:Whatdoyouwant
?
Happy:Weneedt
otal
k.
Me:Tal
k.
Happy:Facet
oface.
Me:Iwoul
drat
herdi
ethanseeyourf
ace.Justl
eave
mealone.
Ihungup.Iwant
edtohi
tthesteer
ingsobad.She
fr
ustr
atesmeandshe'
smyl eastf
avori
teper
son
ri
ghtnow….

….
CHRI
S

Thishastobemostbor ingmagazi neI'

veeverr
ead.
Whoi sint
erest
edinthisstuffanyways?They
shouldputfoodmagazines, foot
ball
,weddi
ngs,or
anythi
ngelseexceptthi
spl antsnonsense.
Lady:MrDube.MrWi
ll
iamsi
sreadyt
oseeyou.
Me:Uhfi
nall
y.Youshoul
dgetr
idofthi
s.Women
whoareint
erest
edi
nmakeupar en'
tsoi
nter
est
ed
i
nnatur
e.
Lady:I
-

Igotupandheadedt
oWil
li
am'sof
fi
ce.Hewas
dri
nki
ngcoff
eewhenIwenti
n.
Me:Moses.
Moses:Yes.
Me:Lovel
yof
fi
ce.
Moses:Thanks.
Me:Chr
ist
ianDube.
Heext
endedhi
shandf
orashake.
Me:Thatwon'
tbenecessar
y.
Moses:Youmaybeseat
ed.
Me:Onet hi
ngaboutme.Iam t
hemostreasonabl
e
oneamongstmy3br ot
hersbutifyoust
eponmy
feet
,that
'
stroubl
e.
Moses:Whoar
eyourbr
other
sagai
n?
Me:That'snotimport
ant.Justtakeyourclawsoff
mygr anddaughter
.YourwifeandKaot iar
eatmy
son'
shouse.Ifyouwantwar ,takeitonwithus,men
youragenotahel pl
esswomanandaa5yeaeol d.
Moses:Idon'
tknowwhatyoyt
hinkyouknowbut
you'
vegotyourfact
swr
ong.
Me:Tysoni smysont heref
ore,Kaotiismy
grandchil
dwhi chmakesCar lthemot herofmy
grandchil
dandt hatmakesherf amily.IfIseeyour
dogssni f
fingaroundwher etheyareyouwi lll
oseal
l
ofthi
s.Maybeyourl i
fetoo.Youreallydon'twanna
putupaf ightwiththeDubes.Ithasneverended
wellforanyone.

It
ookachi
pfr
om hi
ssnackpl
ateandwal
ked
away…
….
BONGA

Icoul
dn'
tmovemyf
eetwhenwegothome.Car
lgot
off
.
Car
l:Ar
eyoucomi
ng?
Me:Yes.Shor
tl
y.Ij
ustneedt
omakeaphonecal
l.
Car
l:I
'
llbepacki
ng.
Inodded.Shewal
kedaway.Ut
ri
edt
omovemyf
eet
butt
heywer
en'
thavi
ngi
t.
Me:Fuck!
WhenIopenedmyeyesshewassi
tt
ingont
he
passengersi
de.
Me:Ser
iousl
y!
Gogo:Ineedyout
orusht
othehospi
tal
.
Me:How?
Isai
dpoi
nti
ngatmyf
eet
.
Gogo:You'
ref
ine.St
artt
hecar
.
Me:I
sSi
sekel
ookay?
Gogo:Nobutsomethi
nghugeisabouttohappen
andifyou'
renott
her
e,i
twi
llgetoutofhand.

Ist
art
edt
hecarandmyf
eetmoved.Thi
swoman!
Idr
oveout
.
Me:Whati
sthat
?
Gogo:Chl
oe.
Me:Whatabouther
?
Gogo:She'
scomi
ngover
.She'
sonherway.I
coul
dn'tst
o-
Me:Whyar
eyouspeaki
ngofherl
ikeshe'
s-
Gogo:Al
ive?Shei
s.

Ibr
akedandt
het
yresscr
eeched.
Me:What
?
Gogo:She'
stheSavi
orsmother.Shedoesn'
tdi
eat
l
eastnotunt
ilt
heDubeancestorsneedher.
Me:Maket hi
smakesense.Webur
iedChloe.I
remainedbehi
ndwi
ththeguyst
ofi
llthegrave.She
died!
Gogo:Thesavoi
rsdugherup!
Me:Theywer
eki
ds!
Gogo:Nott
hosesavoi
rsbutMbal
iandHl
elo.
Me:OhmyGod.
Thoseli
tt
legi
rl
swholookedaf
terChloewhenshe
waspregnantwer
eonlyi
nourmi nds?
Me:Andyoukeptt
hisawayf
rom me?
Gogo:Ofcour
se.YouknowhowI '
vebeent
ryi
ngt
o
savethei
rmarri
age.Justdr
ive.
Me:no.Notunt
ilyouexpl
ainever
ythi
ngt
ome.
Gogo:Quint
onlovesthem bot
h.YouknowManzuza
wouldhavelef
tifsheknewChloewasbacki
nthe
pi
cture.
Me:Howl
onghasi
tbeen?
Gogo:20year
s.
Me:Gogo
Gogo:What
?
Me:Babaknewaboutt
his?
Gogo:Of course.Il
ethim know4year slat
er.
Sikelel
aisalreadygetti
ngvisionsaboutChloebeing
ali
vesot here'
snopoi ntinhidinganymore.Plus
theirki
dsneedt oknowal lofyou.
Me:Theyhaveki
ds?
Gogo:Of
cour
se.
Me:Idon'
twannabepar
toft
his.
Gogo:I
tdoesn'
tseem l
ikeyouhaveachoi
cemy
dar
li
ng.Dri
ve.
Me:Gogot hi
sisgoi
ngt obreakYoli
.Thi
sfixi
ngyou
saidyouwereonami ssionfori
sjustgoi
ngtorui
n
everyt
hing.
Gogo:I'
mt r
yingt
ogetri
dofal
lthesesecr
etsand
j
ustfocusonmakingthi
shomeaspeacefulas
possi
ble.
Me:Ther
ewi
llbenopeace.
Gogo:Thati
sthel
eastofyourpr
obl
ems.Happyi
s
pr
egnant.

Ibr
akedagai
n.
Me:Whatt
hehel
liswr
ongwi
thyou!
Gogo:You'
ret
heonet
hathadsex.
Ihoppedof
fandwalked.Asi
fIdon'
thaveenough
probl
emsalr
eady!
[
01/
15,
12:
40] :OBSESSI
VE

34
*
Sponsor
ed*

TYSON

Wewer ej
ustsi
tt
ingtherewatchi
ngeachother
.I
di
dn'
tknowwhatt osaytoit
.Itwasl
ookingatme
wei
rd.Cassi
ewasout si
dewithmom.
Me:Howol
dar
eyou?
Kaot
i:I
'
mtur
ning5i
nJune.Howol
dar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m 25.
Kaot
i:20year
sol
dert
hanme.Nott
oool
d.

What
?Thest
ari
ngcompet
it
ionr
esumed.
Kaot
i:Whyam Iher
e?
Me:I
'
m babysi
tt
ingyou.
Kaot
i:Wher
e'smymom?
Me:She'
sgonet
owor
k.
Kaot
i:Iwannagot
omydad.Takemet
omydad.
Me:He'
sover
seas.
Kaot
i:Wher
e'sover
seas?
Me:Amer
ica.
Kaot
i:Wher
e'sAmer
ica?
Me:Doyouwanti
cecr
eam?
Kaot
i:Yesbutanswermef
ir
st.
.
Me:Amer
icai
sover
seas.
Kaot
i:Howdi
dhegett
her
e?.
Me:Aer
opl
ane.
Kaot
i:Whatmakesi
tfl
y?Whodr
ivesi
t?
Me:Pi
lot
s.
Kaot
i:How?
Yoh.Igotupandwalkedtothekit
chen.Idi
shed
i
cecream andt
ookmyear phones.Igaveherthe
i
podandputearphonesinherearsandwat chedtv
i
npeace….
….
KHETHELO
Tr
yingtoreasonwit
hthesemeni
sjustpoi
ntl
ess
whentheyaretoget
her
.
Me:Ser
iousl
yyouneedt
ocal
m down.
Quint
on:Heimpregnatedmychi
ldandhehasn'
t
shownhisfacehere?
Me:Ar
eyougonnal
ethi
mint
oseeher
?
Khul
e:Forwhat
?
Me:See?Heknowsyouandt
hat
’swhyhehasn'
t
showedup.
Qui
nton:It
reat
edhi
mli
keason!
Yol
i:Lovecal
m down.Youdon'
twantyourbpt
oo
hi
gh.
Qui
nton:Whati
fshedi
es?
Me:Okay.St
opi
t.
Ther
ewasnoi
seout
side.
“Iam hermot
her!I
fyoudon'
tletmepass.Thi
sis
gonnaendbadlyforyou"
Yol
i:Ohno.
Us:What
?
Yol
i:I
tsont
henews.
KhuleandQuintonheadedtot
hedoor.It
ookthe
phonefrom Yol
i'
shands.I
twasapictur
eof
LwandleandhiswifeandofLwandl
eandSisekel
o
onsomef uncti
onwehostedayearago.THE
GREATBETRAYAL.

Thesel
owl
ives!
Me:Cant
heygetal
if
e!I
'
m gonnasuet
hesenur
ses.
Yol
i:St
op.
Me:YouknowIwil
l.Whathappenedt
opat
ient
's
conf
ident
ial
it
y?
Yol
i:Thi
swi
llbl
owover
.Wehavet
ogohomeand
bat
h.
Me:Yeah.
Wet ookourbagsandheadedoutwher eIfr
ozeon
myf eet
.QuintonandKhul ewereshout
ingateach
otherbutIcouldn'thearat
hing.Shewasstandi
ng
therewatchi
ngt hem withababyonherhip.
Yol
i:Khet
hel
o.
Me:Hmm?
Yol
i:What
'swr
ong?
Me:Not
hing.Let
'sgo.
Yol
i:Whatabout
-
It
ookherarm andpul
ledheraway.Itcan'
tbe.She
di
edbefor
eI.Isawherinthecof
fin.Weburiedher
!

Whenwegotintheparki
nglotIcouldn'
tbreat
he.I
hel
dontothecarandcaughtmybr eath.Yol
i:
What'
sgoi
ngon?
Me:Dr
ivemehome.
Igotinthecarandshehoppedon.I tbreaksmy
hearttoseet hi
sfamil
ybr eaki
ngaparteveryday
aft
ertryingsomucht okeepi tt
ogether.I
fthatchil
d
i
sQui nton’sofwhichIknowi shiscauseshel ooks
l
ikethet winswhentheywer echil
dren.It
sover
betweenhi m andYoli
.Thingswer estar
ti
ngtol ook
upbutt his?Thisi
sunforgivabl
e….

….
BONGA

IgottoHappy'shouse.Shewasn'thome.Imade
myselfsomethingtodrinkwhil
ewaiti
ng.Iheard
giggl
esasIsatdownwi thaglassofjui
ce.Itwas
thetwins.
Ani
ta:Heyl
ovewami
.
Theyhuggedme.
Me:Don'
tactl
ikeyoul
ovemr.Youhaven'
t
answer
edmycal l
sorcal
ledmeback.
Oni
ka:Ourphoneswer
econf
iscat
ed.
Me:Andhowar
eyousur
vivi
ngbabe?
Onika:I
'
m breat
hingt
hrought
hewound.Whendi
d
youarri
ve?
Me:Af
ewmi
nut
esago.Howwasschool
?
Ani
ta:Amazi
ng.Ihavenewf
ri
ends.
Me:Whathappenedt
otheol
done'
s?
Anit
a:Theywereusi
ngmet
ober
elevant
.AndI
real
lyhat
ethat
.
Me:I
'
m sor
ryhun.Ihopet
hesenewonesar
ereal
.
Oni
ka:t
hey'
renot
.
Ani
ta:That
'sj
eal
ousyspeaki
ng.
Happymadeherwayi
n.
Me:Gochange.Wear
egoi
ngoutf
orl
unch.
Theygotupexci
tedl
yandrant ot
hei
rrooms.Igot
upandwenttoherintheki
tchen.
Me:Hi
.
Happy:Hi
.
Me:Youwant
edt
otal
k,so,
her
eIam.
Happy:I
'
mreal
lysor
ryaboutwhathappened.
Me:Justgett
othepoi
nt.
Happy:OhGodwhyar
eyousomean!
Me:Youdon'
twannast
artwi
thme.Youdon'
t.
Happy:Wecant
alksomeot
hert
ime.Whenyou'
rei
n
t
hemood.

Shetookherphoneandl
eftmesi
tt
ingt
her
e.Gogo
appear
ed.
Me:I'
m ser
iousl
ygoi
ngt
ogot
oaheal
erandgetr
id
ofyou.
Gogo:Youwon'
tsucceed.
Me:Iknowyouwer
ebehi
ndt
his.
Gogo:What
?Thepr
egnancy?
Me:Yes!
Gogo:That
'ssci
ence.Iam noti
ncont
roloft
hat
.
Me:Yougotr
idofNkazi
.Iknow.You'
reawi
tchyou
knowthat
Gogo:YouknowIwasn'
t.
Me:Thepeaceyouwant edbetweenourfamili
es
wasachievedandyouthoughtitwasokaytojust
getr
idofher.Youuseeveryone,youusedYolanda
sowecangetPhi l
aback,youusedeverysingleone
ofusforyourownself
ishreasons.
Gogo:Ever yt
hingI'
vedone, I
'vedonei tforyouall.
Don'tsitt
hereandt el
lmebul lshi
t!Al lIhavebeen
doingisfixallt
hewr ongsMphangi seniandhi skids
done.Thebadbl oodt heykeptoncr eatingwit
h
people.Unnecessarybadbl ood.Iam doi ngallof
thi
sformydescendant stobebet tert hanyour
fat
hers.Forthem toliveadramaf r
eel i
fenotthis
shi
thol eyouallcal
lal i
fe.
Me:Butanot
herchi
ldwi
thHappy?
Gogo:Remembert hatyou'r
eal
sol
ivi
ngunderGod'
s
super
visi
on.Noteverythi
ngisme.

Shedisappear
ed.Iputmyhandsovermyfaceand
tookadeepbreat
h.Igotupandheadedtothedoor
.
Icall
edbabatocheckifhewasst
il
lali
ve…
…
QUI
NTON

Iwassi t
ti
ngonacor nercar
ryi
ngKwenama,
Khulekaniwassitt
ingont heotheronewhil
eChl
oe
satonachai rnexttothebedjustlooki
ngat
Sisekel
o.
Chl
oe:Iwantherdi
schar
ged.
Me:Sheneedsmedi
calcar
e.
Chl
oe:Thi
sisyourmot
her
'sdoi
ng.
Khule:Thener
veyouhave.Youar
enott
aki
ngher
anywhere.
Chl
oe:Ineedt
ohealher
.
Khul
e:We'
l
lfi
ndsomeonet
odot
hati
fneedbe.
Chl
oe:Don'
tbesohotheadedKhul
ekani
Khul
e:Don'ttel
lmet hatbul
lshi
t.Youst
ayedaway
fr
om yourkidsforyears!
Me:Khul
est
op.
Khule:Youwoul
dn'
tunder
standhowt
hisf
eel
s
causeyouwerepar
tofthi
smadness.
Me:Idoact
ual
ly.
Khul
e:Youbot
hmakemesi
ck.

Hewalkedout .Hespoketosomeoneatt
hedoor.I
t
wasSikel
ela.Igotupbutmykneeswentweak.Isat
down.Shetookonegl anceatmeandwentt
ostand
opposi
teChloe.
Chl
oe:Howar
eyouSi
kel
ela?
Si
kel
ela:Angr
y.Howar
eyou?
Chl
oe:Happyt
obeher
ethanks.
Sikel
ela:Youdeci
dedt
oshowupf
orever
yonet
o
seeyou.
Chl
oe:YeahFi
nal
ly.
Si
kel
ela:I
'
m gl
adyou'
vef
inal
lymadet
hatdeci
sion.
Thi
sisnot
hingl
ikeIhadi
magi
ned.
Si
kel
ela:Dad.
Me:Heybaby.
Si
kel
ela:Whoyougott
her
e?
Me:Kwenama.

Shecameandpi
ckedherup.
Si
kel
ela:She'
scut
e.
Sheputherdown.Thevei
nsi
nherf
oreheadwere
poppedoutandIknewshewasr
eal
lyangry.Ist
ood
upandputKwenamadown.
Me:I'
m sor
ry.I
'
mtr
ulysor
ry.Thi
swasbeyondmy
cont
rol
Tear
sfel
lof
fhereyes.
Sikelel
a:I'
vealwaysseenher.Shenevermissed
anythingthathappenedinourli
ves.Ever
y
celebrat
ion,shewasthereandIthoughtIwas
seeingthings.BabaI'
m angr
y.
Ihuggedhersot
ight
.
Me:Iknowst
handwasam Iknow.
Si
kel
ela:Sheshoul
d'vebeent
her
etor
aiseus.We
di
dn'
thavetobeanyone'sbur
den.
Me:Takeal
lthet
imeyouneed.Youdon'
thavet
o
t
alkt
oherri
ghtnow.
Si
kel
ela:CanIgo?
Me:Yes.
Kwenama:Iwannagowi
thdaddy.
Chl
oe:Youcan'
tbaby.Come.
Si
kel
elawal
kedof
f.
Me:I
'
vegott
ogohome.
Shenodded.Shewascr
ying.
Me:I
'
lll
eavewi
thher
.
Chl
oe:No.
Me:Iknowyouwi
llst
ayher
e.Shewon'
tbe
comfort
abl
e.

It
ookherandwef
oll
owedSi
kel
ela….
….
YOLI

Iwasdonewi ththe2bedr oomsandmyhopewas

onthisone.Ihadturnedeveryt
hingupsi
dedown.
Therewasnot hi
ng.Iwentt ot
akemycarkeysand
drovetoherapartment.Iwasprayi
ngiti
snoti t
.
Becauseifi
tisthenIdon'tknowwhatI'm gonnado.

…
Igottoherplaceandwentt oherbedr oom.She
shouldkee0itther
e.Isearchedeverywhereand
foundalitt
leboxinhershelf.Isatdownand
openedit.I
twaspi ct
ures.Isloweddownnow, Iwas
abouttomeetmywor stnightmare.
Myheartwasnowbeat
ingf
ast
.Iwasshaki
ngasI
gotoneachpi
ctur
e.

Andthenitcame.Apictur
eofhim,herandthem
whentheywer el
it
tl
e.I
twasher.Thechil
dthatwas
onherhiplookedl
iket
hem whentheywerelit
tl
e.
Everypar
tofmybodyst
ungandi
tched.Thi
scan'
t
happen.

Icol
lapsedonthefl
oorandheldt
hepict
ureonmy
hand.Tearsj
ustfel
l.Thepai
ninmyheartspr
eadal
l
overmybody.
“
Yol
anda!
”
I
twashi
m.Igotup.Thedoorf
lewopen.Hest
ood
t
her
ewit
hasorryface.
Me:Why?
Qui
nton:Icanexpl
ain.
Me:Wasi
tdi
ff
erentwomenorhasi
tal
waysbeen
her
?
Qui
nton:Mshazi
.
Me:Shutup!
Qui
nton:I
'
m sor
ry.
Me:I
'
vehadenoughoft
hat
.
It
earedthepict
ureapar
tandwentt
othebal
cony.
Herantowardsme.
Me:I
fyoucomenearmeI
'
llj
ump!
Hewentdownonhi
sknees.
Qui
nton:Shewouldn'
tletmet
ellyou.I
'
m sosor
ry
pl
easedon'tdot
hat.
Me:Iam t
ired.Iam t
ir
edogbeingcontrol
ledbyt
hat
f
uckingghostmotherofyour
s.Iam done.
Qui
nton:IknowbabyIknow.
Me:Youhaveachi
l
dwi
thher
.
Hi
sf acef
ell
.Iscr
eamed.Isatdownont
hef
loorand
cr
iedasloudasIcoul
d.

Iwillneverwakeupandf or
givet
his.Hemustbe
proudofhi mself.Hewast
edsomanyyear sofmy
l
ife.Maybei fIchoseSi
zwehewoul d'
vetreatedme
better.Iwould'
veknownwhatIwasget t
ingmyself
i
nt o.
Qui
ntonDuber
uinedme.Successf
ull
yso….
[
01/
15,
12:
41] :OBSESSI
VE
*
Sponsor
ed*
35
TYSON

“
TYSON!TYSON!
”
Ij
umpedt
omyf
eet
.Fuck!
Me:Whatt
hehel
l!
Cassi
e:Yourmom…she….
she'
snotbr
eat
hing.
Me:What
?
Irant
oherbedr
oom.Shewasl
yingont
hef
loor
.I
shookher
Me:Mama!Whathappened?
Cassi
e:Idon'
tknow.Ial
sof
oundherl
iket
his.
If
eltherpul
se.I
twast
her
e.
Me:Cal
lanambul
ance.
Sherushedout.Ipi
ckedherupandputheri
nthe
bedandcoveredher.
Me:Hel
piscomi
ngokay?
Therewasabucketofwat
ernextt
othebed.Icoul
d
seetherewassomeonthefl
oorbuti
thaddri
edout.
Cassiecamein.
Cassi
e:i
tsoni
t'
sway.
Me:Cassi
e.
Cassi
e:Yes.
Me:Di
dyoul
eavewat
eri
nthi
sbucket
?
Cassi
e:Il
efti
tint
hebat
hroom l
astni
ght
.
Me:Ar
eyousur
e?
Cassi
e:Yes!

Theint
ercom buzzed.Shewenttoopenupf
ort
hem.
Theycameinandt ookher.Il
eftwi
thher
….
…
CASSI
E

Icall
edQui
ntonDubeaftert
heambul
ancel
eft
.I
tappedmyfootasi
trang.
Qui
nton:Qui
ntonDube
Me:MrDube.I
t'
sCassi
e.
Qui
nton:Cassi
e?
Me:Tyson'
swi
fe.
Qui
nton:Ohhey.I
sever
ythi
ngokay?
Me:No.It
hinkTysonhur
tshi
smot
her
.
Qui
nton:Whathappened?
Me:Ifoundheront hefloort
hismorni
ngnexttoan
emptybucket.Yester
dayherwholebedwaswet ,
shewaswet .Ithoughtshewethersel
fbutIdon'
t
thi
nkthatwasthecase.
Qui
nton:Wher
eisher
ightnow?
Me:Ont
hewayt
othehospi
tal
.
Qui
nton:Ok.

Hehungup.It
ookmybagandcarkeys….
….
QUI
NTON

Ical
ledBonga.
Bonga:Baba?
Me:Ar
eyoubusy?
Bonga:Nott
oobusy.Whatdoyouneed?
Me:Nkul
eisatt
hehospi
tal
.Tyson'
swi
fet
hinkshe'
s
hur
ti
ngher.
Bonga:Iwoul
dn'
tbesur
pri
sed.
Me:Whatdoyoumean?
Bonga:Shet
aughthi
m nothingbutabuse.Atsome
poi
nthewasboundtoreturnthefavor
.
Me:Goandf
indouti
fit
'st
rue.
Bonga:I
fiti
s?
Me:We'
l
lgowi
thf
ir
stpl
an,
hospi
ce.
Bonga:Ok.I
'
llkeepi
ntouch.
Me:Thanks.
Bonga:How'
smam Yol
i?
Me:Idon'
tknow.She'
slockedher
sel
fint
he
bat
hroom.
Bonga:Chl
oe?
Me:Ihaven'
ttal
kedt
oher
.
Bonga:Ok.

Ihungup.Yol
iemer
gedf
rom t
hepassage.Igotup
andwenttoher.
Yol
i:What
everi
tisj
ustsavei
tQ.
Herwhol
efacewasr
edandswol
len.
Me:Let
'
sgohome.
Yol
i:Whi
chhome?
Me:Ourhome.
Yol
i:Shouldn'
tyoubewit
hyourwifecel
ebrat
ing.
You'vegotwhatyouwanted.Younol
ongerhaveto
hi
de.
Me:Idi
dn'
twantt
ohi
dei
t.
Yol
i:Thenwhydi
dyou!
Me:Mom wouldn'
tletme.It
ri
ed,manyt i
mesbutby
thet
imeI'
dgettoyouI'df
orgetaboutChloe.Ihad
nocont
roloveri
t.
Yoli
:Uust
…justsavet
hatbul
lshi
tforsomeoneel
se
becauseI
'm done.
Me:Myl
ovepl
ease.
Yol
i:Letgoofme!
Me:Okay,
okay.Iunder
stand.Iwoul
ddot
hesame
t
hing.
Shewal
kedout
.Ist
oodt
her
einoneposi
ti
on…
….
KHULE
Iwokeupal
one.It
ookmyasst
otheki
tchenwher
e
If
oundhereat
ingcer
eal
.
Me:mor
ning.
Shenodded.Idon'
tevenknowwhywear
en'
ton
speaki
ngter
ms.
Me:Wher
e'sLi
ndi
?
Khet
hel
o:Igaveheradayof
f.
Me:Andwher
edi
dyout
hinkI
'
m gonnagetf
ood?
Khet
hel
o:Don'
tyouhaveawi
fest
ashed
somewher
e?Goeatther
e.
Me:That
'sabsur
dandyouknowi
t.
Khet
hel
o:Ok.
Me:Let'
sgoeatpr
operbr
eakf
astandgocheckup
onYolanda.
Khet
hel
o:Shedoesn'
twannaseeQui
nton'
sface
Me:St
opwi
tht
heat
ti
tude.
Khet
hel
o:Ij
ustdon'
tunderst
andt
his.How?
Me:You'
vebeeni
nthishomeforover30year
s,you
knowbet
tert
hantoaskthat
.
Khet
hel
o:Qui
ntont
ell
syouever
ythi
ng.Whynott
his?
Me:Becauseourmot
heri
sacont
rol
li
ngf
reak.
Khethel
o:I'
mjustsoscar
ed.Ever
ythi
ngi
s
resur
faci
ng.
Me:I
fyouhaveskel
etonsi
nyourcl
osetyoubet
ter
t
akethem out
.
Khethel
o:I'
m scaredthati
noneofthese
resur
faci
ngi ssues,
somethingmi
ghtdivi
det
he
famil
yforever.
Me:Whatcoul
dbet
hat
?
Khet
hel
o:Idon'
tknow.Di
dyoucheckupont
heki
ds?
Me:No.Andt
heyarenotki
ds,
theyshoul
dcheckup
onusfi
rachange.
Khet
hel
o:Maybet
hey'
redead.
Me:Bywhat
?
Khet
helo:Tsunami.Youknowcapet
ownand
nat
uraldi
sasters.
Me:I
t'
sagoodt
hingnobodyt
oldt
hem t
ogot
her
e.
Khet
hel
o:What
?
Me:Yes.
Khet
hel
o:Wowbabe.
Shewentt
othel
ounge.Ineedt
oseeChl
oe…
….
TYSON
Thedoct
orcameoutoft
heconsul
tat
ionr
oom.
Cassi
estoodup.
Dr
:It
hinkI
'
m gonnakeepher
.
Me:I
sshegonnabeokay?
Dr:Yes.Sheabsor
bedmuchcol
dhenceI
'
m keepi
ng
her.
Me:Thankyou.
Bongagotof
fthel
if
t.Hewal
kedt
owar
dsus.
Bonga:Sani
bonani
Us:Unj
ani
.
Bonga:I
'
m good.How'
sshe?
Me:She'
sgonnabef
ine.
Bonga:Whathappened?
Me:Idon'
tknow.Maybeshef
ell
,Cassi
efoundher
onthefl
oor
.
Cassi
e:Yeah.
Bonga:Hmm.Wher
e'sKaot
i?

Iwidenedmyeyes.Il
ookedatCassi
ewhohadal
l
hereyesoutt
oo.
Me:Ohshi
t!

Ir
ant
othel
if
t.Car
lisgonnaf
ucki
ngmur
derme….
[
01/
15,
12:
41] :OBSESSI
VE

36
TYSON
Myphoner angaswecl
imbedont
hecar
.Itwas
Car
l.Idecl
inedi
t.
Me:Dr
ivef
ast
erCassi
e.
She'sgonnaki
llme.OhdearLor
d.Cassi
e'
sphone
rang.Sheanswered.
Car
l:Wher
ethehel
lisTyson?
Cassi
e:He'
sher
e.
Car
l:Puthi
m ont
hephone.
Cassi
e:Hecanhearyou.
Icl
ear
edmyt
hroat
.
Me:H-
hey.
Cark:Whyismychi
ldl
iveonyourI
nst
agr
am
cookingeggs!
Me:What
?That
'snott
rue.
Car
k:Ar
eyoucal
li
ngmecr
azy?
Me:No.I
'
mjust
-
Ipr
essedt
hecancel
but
ton.
Me:Whatki
ndofamot
herar
eyou?
Cassi
e:Mychi
ldi
sonmyst omach.That'
syour
chi
ld,
she'
syourr
esponsi
bil
it
y.Notmine.
Me:I
sit
?
Cassi
e:Yes.

ItookherphoneandloggedonI nst
agram andmy
accountwasreal
lyl
ive.Icl
ickedonit.
Kaoti
:NowI'm goi
ngtoaddt hesel
eaves.Theyare
notmine,
Ifoundthem undermynannyspi l
low.I
don'
tknowwhyhekeepscooki ngher
bsunderhis
pi
ll
ow.
Me:ohno.HowdoIst
opt
hisl
ive?
Cassi
e:Logonyourf
acebook.
Me:Ohyes.
Idi
danddel
etedmyaccount
.Whatsheeatsi
t?
Whatwassheevendoi
nginmyroom?Kids!
Me:I
fyoudon'tdr
ivef
ast
er,
wewi
llf
indt
hatchi
ld
hi
ghasfuck.
Whyar
en'
twet
her
eyet
!
….
LAMU(
Qui
ntonandYol
i'
sson)

Ift
here'
sonethingIal wayskeepmysel fasfar
awayf r
om aspossible,i
tistheDubedr ama.My
famil
yhasgotdr amaf ordays.There'
snopeace.If
i
twasn'tformysi bl
ings,Iwouldn'
tsetafootinthi
s
houseunlessi
t'
si mpor t
ant.

Imanagedt ocr eatemyownl if

einMpumal anga.I
l
ivewi thmygi rlfr
iend.Iworkasanaccount ant,
she'sal awyer.Wear edoi
ngprettywellfor
ourselves.Wear efarawayfrom bothourfami l
ies
andi ti
st hebestdeci si
onwe'veevermade.She' s
nevermetmyf ami l
y.They'
renotthekindofpeopl e
Itrusttonotpul lastuntonadinnertable.I'
m
alwaysscar edoft hat.She'
sverysensiti
ve.I
woul
dn'
twanthert
owi
tnesst
hat
.

Igotacal
lfr
om mom summoni
ngmet
ocome
home“it
surgent
"

WhenIarr
ivedandsawherswol l
enr edfaceIknew
MrQui
ntonisbeingunf
ait
hfulagain.Lungelo
wal
kedinhandinhandwithdad.
Qui
nton:Youf
oundyourwayhome.
Me:Meet
ingsshoul
dneverbemi
ssed.
Qui
nton:Meet
ings?
Lungel
o:Yeah.
Si
kel
elacamei
nwi
tht
akeaways.
Si
kel
ela:Ohwow.Mydayj
ustgotbet
ter
.
Me:Don'
tst
art
.
Shesatnextt
ome.
Quint
on:Am It
heonlyper
sonwhohasnoi
dea
aboutthi
smeeti
ng?
Lungel
o:Seemsl
ikei
t.

Mom camef
rom out
side.Shel
ookedhor
ri
ble.She
gr
eet
edusandsatont hearmr
est.
Yol
i:Thankyouf
orcomi
ng.
Si
kel
ela:What
'sup?
Yol
i:I
'
mleavi
ng.
Lungel
o:Towher
e?
Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Yol
i:I
'
m di
vor
cingyourf
ather
.
Fi
nal
ly.Thi
swasj
ustf
orshowanyways.
Qui
nton:Ser
iousl
y?
Lungel
o:Butwhy?
Yoli
::
We'vereachedt
hepeak.Ther
e'snowherel
eft
tocl
imb.Sikelel
a'
smotheri
sback,shehasbeenfor
years.Theyhave2ki
ds,18and5.I'
mt i
red.
Me:Ohgreat
.Maybewe'
l
lhavesomeonewho'
s
i
nter
est
edinbei
ngamother
.
Si
kel
ela:Lamu!
Me:What
?It
’st
het
rut
h.
Si
kel
ela:Shewasnother
etoo.
Me:Atleastwedidn'tknow!Unl
ikethisone,here
butneverwithus.I
'mjustsothr
oughwi t
hthis
house'
sdr ama.Ij
ustfeelsor
ryforLungelobut
wheteveryouguysdo, Ir
eall
ydon'tcare.
Yol
i:What
everLamu.I'
l
lbemovi
ngoutsoon.I
'
llyou
al
lmynewaddr ess.

Igotupandr ushedout.Igottomycarandf ai
ledt
o
contai
nthetears.Iwishonedaysher eali
zeshow
muchshewasnever amot herandIam fail
ingto
healfr
om it
.She'salwayslovedherjobandhet
husbandmor r.I
'veal
wayswi shedtheydivorceor
peoplest
ophi ri
ngher,It
houghtmaybet henshe'd
havetimeforus….
….
TYSON
Wef
oundherwat
chi
ngt
v.
Me:Tel
lmeyoudi
dn'
teatt
hoseeggs.
Kaot
i:Iam al
ler
gict
oeggs.
Me:Ohgr
eat
.
Car
lmustcomet
akei
t.

Iwentt
othekitchenandt
hrewt
hem ont
hebi
n.Car
l
cameinfl
ying.
Car
l:Wher
e'smy-
Kaot
i:Mom!
Sher
ant
owar
dsherandt
heyhugged.
Kaot
i:Ar
eyouher
etof
etchme?
Car
l:Nohoney.
Me:Whatdoyoumeanno?
Car
l:Imeanno.
Me:She'
sgonnabur
ndownmyki
tchen!
Car
l:I
fyouwer
eadecentr
esponsi
bleper
son
woul
dn'
t.
Me:Nomar
nCar
l.Takeherwi
thyou.
Kaot
i:Idon'
twantt
ost
ayher
eanymor
e.
Car
l:Mommyisst
il
lfi
xingt
hehousebaby.Wecan'
t
gohomeasyet
.
Me:Movei
nthen.
Car
l:Goupst
air
shoney.
Sher
anupt
hest
air
s.
Car
l:Ar
eyouf
ucki
ngki
ddi
ngme?
Me:No.Ican'
tlookaf
terachi
ld.
Car
l:Getusedtoi
tcauseyourbl
oodydeadgogo
wantshertost
aywithyouandyouonl
y.
Me:Andyoubel
ievet
hat
?
Carl:Whatdoyouwantmet odo?Thisi
smychil
d's
safetywe'
retalki
ngabout.Iwoul
ddivei
ntoapond
ful
lofsharksjusttosaveher.
Me:IgetitbutI
'veneverbeenwit
hachil
dbef
ore
anditscarest
hatshemi ghtbemine.
Carl
:Shecoul
d?Areyouser
iousr
ightnow?Coul
d
shebeMoses'schi
l
d?
Me:Woul
dn'
tshe?
Carl
:WhenareyouevergonnagrowTyson?She'
s
notwhit
e!She'
swhatwecallmixedr
ace…whyam I
evenexpl
aini
ngmysel
ftoyou.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry.I
'
mjustscar
ed.
Car
l:NowyouknowwhyIkeptheraway.
Me:Ido.
Car
l:Tel
lherIl
eft
.
If
oll
owedherout
.
Me:Imi
ssyou.
Car
l:Yourwi
fei
sinsi
de.
Me:Ican'
tevent
ouchher
.
Car
l:Tr
ainyour
sel
f.Cal
lmewheni
tconcer
nsKaot
i.
Me:Iwi
ll
.

Shegoti
nthecaranddr
oveaway.Ir
eal
lymi
ssher
butImi
ssMmabat homore.Itookoutmyphone
andcal
ledher
.Itwentt
hrough.Isuddenl
ygotweak
onmyknees.Iwasexpecti
ngavoi cemai
l.

Sheanswer
ed.Myvoi
cewentmi
ssi
ng.
Mmabat
ho:I
fyoudon'
tspeakr
ightnow,
I'
m goi
ng
t
ohangup.
Me:Hi
.
Mmabat
ho:Hi
.
Me:I
t'
sjustt
hatI
…Iwasn'
texpect
ingyout
oanswer
.
Mmabat
ho:Wel
lIdi
d.
“
babewher
e'st
het
owel
?”
Me:Who'
sthat
?
Mmabat
ho:Canyoucal
lmel
ater
?
Me:Fuckno.Whot
hef
ucki
sthat
!Mmabat
ho?

Shehunguponme.
Me:Kaot
i!
Shecamer
unni
ng.
Me:Let
'
sgo.
Cassi
e:Wher
ear
eyougoi
ng?
Me:We'
l
lbeback.

Ipi
ckedKaot
iupandwal
kedaway….
….
MMABATHO

Wewer
erol
li
ngont
hef
loor
.
Thabang:OhmyGod.
Me:He'
spr
obabl
yonhi
swayher
e.
Thabang:Letmegobef
oreIf
indmysel
fwi
thabl
ue
eye.MymanandIaregoingt
oSuncit
y.
Me:Yohsbwl
!
Thabang:Getbackwi
thf
uck-
boy.
Me:Andgai
nthehomewr
eckert
it
le?Not
hanks.Ty
andIwi
llbenot
hingunt
ilhe'
sdi
vor
ced.
Thabang:Andyouwi
llnotbehavi
ngsexal
lthat
wait
ingperi
od?
Me:Whyar
eyoual
wayst
hinki
ngofsex?
Thabang:Becausesexi
simpor
tant
.
Myhear
tski
ppedabi
twhenIhear
daknock.
Thabang:Ohshi
t.
If
ixedmyr
obeandwentt
oopen.

Ifr
oze.Ididn'tknowwhet
hertocl
oset hedooror
j
uststandt herewit
hmyexposedcleavageaaa
motherfuckerthatwasmeantt
omakehi ssondrool
.
Iam evenashamedoff i
xingi
tnow.
MrDube:Mi
ssNonyana?
Inodr
api
dly.
MrDube:Canwet
alk?
Me:Uh…yeahof
cour
se.Pl
easecomei
n.
Ihi
dmycl eavageawaywhenIwalkedback.
Thabangwasgluedonthecouch.
MrDube:Pr
ivat
ely.
Thabang:I
'
llseeyoul
ater
.
Me:Ok.
Hewal
kedout
.
Me:Tea?
MrDube:Ineedaf
avor
.
Idon'
tli
ket
hisal
ready.
MrDube:Al
it
tl
ebi
rdyt
ell
smeTysont
rust
syou.
Me:Al
it
tl
ebi
rdyl
iedt
oyouMrDube.
MrDube:He'
sbeggi
ngyoubackr
ight
?
Me:Ki
nda.
MrDube:That'
sit
.Iwantyout
ohaveacondi
ti
onof
t
aki
nghim back.
Me:Whi
chi
s?
MrDube:Goingtot
herapy.Tysoni
sment
all
y
exhaust
ed.Hehasalotgoingon.
Me:Hedoesn'tcar
eaboutmet
othatext
entMr
DubeI
'm sor
ry.
MrDube:Justt
ry.Pl
ease.
Me:Idon'
tknowsi
rbutI
'
llt
rymyl
uck.
MrDube:Thankyou.
Inodded.Het
urnedar
oundandwal
kedt
othedoor
.

If
inal
lybr
eat
heaf
terheshutt
hedoorcl
ose….
….
[
ATTHEHOTELYOLII
SSTAYI
NGAT]
Shewasl ookingatLamu' s18thbir
thdaypi
ctures.
Theyseemedhappy.I twasadaybef orehe
witnessedherkil
li
ngawomanwhowasal l
egedly
pregnantwithQuinton'schi
ld.Thi
ngsneverwent
backt onormal.Hewentt ovarsi
tyandnevercame
homeunt ilt
he2ndyear .

Sheli
vedeachdayeat
enbygui
ltunt
ilshef
orgave
her
selfandl
ethi
m be.
Aknockont
hedoorbr
oughthert
othewor
ldoft
he
l
ivi
ng.
Yol
i:I
'
mfi
net
hankyou.
“
It
sChl
oe”
Shegotupandwentt
oopen.
Yol
i:
:Whatdoyouwant
?
Chl
oe:Tot
alkt
oyou.
Yol
i:Wear
en'
tfr
iends.Youdon'
tevenknowme.
Chl
oe:Idoact
ual
ly.
Shewenti
nandYol
ilef
tthedooropen.
Yol
i:Bequi
ck.
Chloe:Thewor l
ddoesn'trevol
vear
oundyou.Your
ki
dsal r
eadyhateyou,foreveri
sn'
tpromi
sed.Fi
x
yourrelat
ionshi
pandgobackhome.
Yol
i:Youcanl
eavenow.
Chl
oe:Yol
anda.IknowQui
ntoni
sbadbutyou'
reas
badasheis.
Yol
i:Shutt
hehel
lup.Youdon'
tknowmel
iket
hat
.
Chloe:Idoactual
ly.Iknowt hatyou'
veki
ll
edwomen
forA.AndIalsoknowt hatyousleptwi
thTyl
erand
conceivedLungel
o.
Yol
i:Getout
.
Chloe:Gobackhomeandst opbeingadrama
queen.Justbecauseyoursecret
sar enot
resurf
acingdoesnotmeanyou' r
einnocent.Quinton
havealwayswant edtotel
lyoubutMangcobo
wouldn'tl
ethim.Helovesyou,whenyou'redone
beingangry,gobackhomeandbeagoodmot herto
yourkids.

Shewalkedout.Yol
isl
ammedthedoorandheaded
st
rai
ghttothevodkaanddr
ankitf
rom t
hebott
le…
[
01/
15,
12:
41] :OBSESSI
VE

37
TYSON

WhenIgottot
hegate.Ir
eal
izedthati
t'
snotwor
thi
t.
IhadKaot
iatt
hebackandknowingmyself,I
'
dfi
ght
wit
hwhomeverIwould'
vefi
ndthere.

Ij
ustdr
ovetoMcDonald'
s.Kidsl
ovei
t.Iorder
edf
or
usanddrovehome.Ipar
kedonthegateandgave
her
;her
sandIopenedmi ne.
Kaot
i:Doyoul
ikeCassi
e?
Me:Whyar
eyouaski
ngt
hat
?
Kaot
i:Mymommyl i
kesmydaddyandtheysl
eepin
oneroom.Theycuddle,
theyki
ssandhecar
ryher
.
Youdon'tdot
hatwithCassi
e.
It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Me:We'
rej
ustbusy.
Kaot
i:CanIhavewat
er?
Me:Sur
e.
Ist
art
ledwhenIt
urnedt
oherswol
lenf
ace.
Me:Whati
shappeni
ng?Why-
whyar
eyouswel
li
ng
up?
Kaot
i:BecauseIdon'
teatbur
ger
.
Me:Shi
t!
Kaot
i:That
'sabadwor
d.
Me:Whydi
dn'
tyouj
ustsayso!
Kaot
i:Ij
ustwant
edt
otast
eit
.

Ir
eser
vedanddrovet
hemal
ll
ikecr
azy.Thi
schi
ld
want
sCarlt
okil
lme!
….
YOLI

Thebottl
eofvodkali
edemptynextt
ome.Iwas
soberastheycomeort hi
swasj
ustnotgett
ingof
f
mymi nd.Herwordsranginmymindanditwas
tor
tur
ous.
Ithoughtthi
swasmysecr et.TheonethingIam
taki
ngt othegraveorwas.Ifitcomesoutit
wouldn'tonl
ydest r
oymebuti twouldruinthei
r
mar r
iage,br
otherhoodandmychi ld'
sli
fe.

It
ook3sleepi
ngpi
ll
sandcl
osedmyeyes.I
twas
j
ustaf
ter7pm….
….
Iwokeupthenextmorning.IwashopingI'
l
ldi
ebut
no.Iwasst
il
lhere.Ior
deredbreakf
astandwentt
o
bath.
….
BONGA
Irecei
vedacallf
rom Anit
aintheweehour softhe
mor ni
ng.IwashopingI'
m gonnalivethi
sdayto
rel
ax.Farawayfrom anyt
hingthatcouldsmash
downmymood.
Assl
eepyandtir
edasIwas.Idr
aggedmyselfand
dr
ovetothem.Theybot
hopenedthedoorf
orme.
Oni
ka:Mom i
sdyi
ng.
Me:Wher
e'sshe?
Ani
ta:I
nherbedr
oom.
Iwentuptoherbedroom.Iknockedandwenti
n.
Shewaslyi
nhont hefloor
.
Me:Hey.
Shesatupr
ight
.
Happy:Hi
.
Me:Thegi
rl
scal
led.Theysai
dyouar
enotf
ine.
Happy:I
'
m comi
ngdownwi
thf
lu.
Me:Doyoust
il
lwantt
otal
k?
Happy:No.Someot
her
-
Shegagged.
Me:Ar
eyouokay?
Shegotupandr ushedt
othebathroom.She
vomi
ted.IsatonthebedandtextedTysonabd
Hawutomeetwi t
hmel at
erf
orl
unch.They'
re
al
waysunavai
lable.Theycanbesodist
ant.

Happycameout
,looki
ngl
ikeamess.Shel
eanedon
adoorfr
ame.
Me:Youshoul
dgot
oDrZul
u.
Happy:I
'
mfi
ne.
Me:Doyouwannabei
nandoutoft
hehospi
tall
ike
l
astt
ime?
Happy:Lastt
imewhat
?
Me:Wi
thSphephel
o.
Happy:Youknow?
Shesi
ghed.
Happy:Of
cour
seyoudo.
Me:Ar
eyougonnagot
otheDr
?
Happy:No.I
'
mreal
lyuni
nter
est
edi
nthi
spr
egnancy.
Iwant….
Shel
ookedaway.
Happy:Iwantanabor
ti
on.
Ichuckl
ed
Me:Ok.
Happy:Youal
sodon'twanti
tBonga.Idon'
twantt
o
r
aiseachil
dalone.
Me:Dowhat
everyouwantHappi
ness.I
tsyourbody
Af
teral
l.
Happy:Icankeepi
tifyouwanti
t.
Me:Dowhat '
sbestforyou.Thef actt
hatyou
consideri
ngitmeansyoudon' twantit.Whoam It o
tel
lyout okeepababyyoudon' twantjustbecauseI
wantit?Goahead.Takei tawayf rom me,you've
beent aki
ngeveryt
hingawayf rom meanyways.
Thisisnothingnew.
Happy:Thatisnotf
air
.NeedIr
emi
ndyout
hatyou
di
dn'twantthequads?
Me:Wow.
Happy:Yeswow.St
opbr
ingi
ngt
hatSphephel
oshi
t
up.Ipai
dfori
t!
Me:Wellnotenoughifyouwannakeept
aki
ngmy
chi
ldr
enawayf rom me!
Hapoy:Youdon'twanti
tei
ther
!Idon'
twannahave
achil
dthatIwi
llrai
sebymyself.
Me:I
tsyouIdon'
twant
.Notmychi
ld.
Happy:Ahf
utsek.

Shewenti
nsi
dethebathr
oom andsl
ammedthe
door
.It
ookmyselfout
.Iwentt
othegir
ls…
….
CHLOE

If
oundhim si
tti
ngontopoft
hebedplayi
ngwi
th
Kwenama.Ithoughthedi
dn'
twsntt
oseemeunti
l
al
lofthi
sisoveranddeal
twi
th.
Me:Hi
.
Ihi
dmyselfwhenhet
urned.Igr
abbedt
hedoneand
outi
ton.
MeThi
sisi
nappr
opr
iat
e.
Khul
e:Sor
ry.Howar
eyou?
Me:l
etmegetdr
essed.
Khul
e:CanIt
akeherwi
thme?
Me:No.

Hegotupandwentout
.It
ookt herobeand
unwr
appedthet
owelanddressedup.
Kwenama:Iwantdaddy.
Me:That
'snotdaddy.
Kwenama:i
tshi
m.
Me:i
tsnot
.
Kwenama:I
tismama.Iwantt
ogowi
thhi
mtot
he
shops.
Me:He'
snotdaddy!
Shekeptquiet
.Isi
ghed.Iwentt
olethi
min.I
openedtvforKwenamaandwesatdownont he
ki
tchenarea.
Me:Makei
tbr
ief
.
Khul
e:Di
dyoumakehi
m hi
det
his?
Me:No.
Khul
e:Hehi
desnot
hingf
rom me.
Me:It
syourcrazymot her.Yourmotheriscr
azy
Khul
ekani.DoyouthinkIwant edt
ostayawayfrom
mychildr
en?Yoyrmot herdoeseverythi
ngto
pr
otectYoli
’smarr
iage.Shedideverythi
ng!
Khul
e:That
'snott
rue.
Me:Utis.Mykidsgrewupli
keanimas, l
ockedi
na
cage,
peopledi
ed,manymahyinnocentgi rl
swere
ki
ll
edbecauseYoli
'shear
thadtobepr otect
ed.
Amongstthosegir
ls,i
twasmysisterKhule.My
si
ster
.
Khul
e:Idi
dn'
tknowal
lthat
.
Me:Ijustneedabr
eak.Idon'
tneedanyonet
o
questi
onmeaboutanythi
ngbecauseIhadno
contr
ol.
Khule:Doyoust
il
lrememberwhathappened
exactl
y?
Me:Idon't.Ij
ustr
emembergett
inginthecarwi t
h
TylerandwakingupinahouseIdonotknow.Mbal i
andHl el
olookedaft
ermeandthei
rmot herf
etched
them.OnedayQui nt
oncameandher ewearet oday.
Khule:Hmm.Thi
sishard.Youshoul
dgot
oyour
house.It
scl
eanandreadyforyout
omovein.
Me:Idon'
thaveahouse.
Khul
e:Qui
nton'
sol
dhouse.Heneversol
dit
.
Me:I
'
llt
hinkabouti
t.
Khule:No.Youcan'tstayatahotel.Someonei s
goingtorecogni
seyouandseeuscomi nginand
outofhere,i
twil
ljustatt
ractunnecessar yat
tenti
on
andrightnowwedon' tneedthat.Sisekelobeingall
overthegossippagesisenough.
Me:Fi
ne.
Khul
e:I
'
llsendadr
iver
.
Me:Ok.
Hegotup.
Khul
e:CanIt
akeherwi
thme?
Me:I
'
m notsur
eifyou'
l
lmanage
Khul
e:I
'
llbr
ingherl
atert
othehouse.
Me:Ok.

Ipackedherbackpackandgavei
ttohi
m.
Me:Beagoodgi
rlokay.
Kwenama:Yes.Bye.

Shewasalreadyout
side.Iwavedandcl
osedt
he
door.It
ookadeepsigh.Itookmybagandand
walkedout
…
…
QUI
NTON
Lamuarr i
vedlastnight.Iwassurpr
ised.Henever
sl
eepsher e.Iaskednot hi
ngbutcookedforusand
weate.Itwasbeaut if
ul.Theywerehappy.Idi
dn't
under
standwhywer et heynotdepr
essedbytheir
mother'
sdepar tur
e.
Thismorni
ngtheywokemeupt ocomeeat
breakf
ast
.Weateanddecidedt
hatwe'
llgosee
Si
sekeloaft
erwefi
nish.Webat
hedandgotready.
Me:CanInotdr
ive?
Si
kel
ela:We'
regoi
ngwi
thTi
bi
Me:Ohamen.
Lungel
o:I
'
m mor
ethanhappyt
odr
ive.
Lamu:I
'
drat
herwal
ktot
hehospi
tal
.
Wel
aughed.
Me:Don'
tsayt
hataboutdaddy'
spr
incess.
Lungel
o:CanIdr
ive?
Me:Nott
odaybaby.
Lamu:Exact
ly!We'
drat
her
-
Hest
oppedwhenYol
i'
scarpar
kedbesi
demi
ne.
Lamu:I'
lldr
ive.Hehoppedonmycar ,
hissist
ers
fol
lowedhim.Theydroveaway.Shegotoffand
headedtowardsmebutpassedwi t
houtawor d.Il
et
herbeandgoti
ntohercaranddr
oveof
f.
….
TYSON

Iopenedmyeyesandi
twasst
ari
ngatmr
.Ij
umped
up.Fuck!
Me:Whyar
eyousowei
rd!
Kaot
i:Cassi
ewon'
tmakemebr
eakf
ast
.
Me:Nowthebestt
hingyoucoul
ddowasst
areat
mewhil
eI'
m asl
eep?
Kaot
i:Iwantyourher
bs.Iam maki
nguseggs.
Me:Whather
bsKaot
i?
Kaot
i:Underyourpi
ll
ow.
Me:Theyar
enother
bs.I
tsweed.
Kaot
i:Whati
sweed?
Me:somet
hingt
hatwe,
adul
tssmoke.
Kaoti
:Yousai
dyoudon'
tsmoket
othedoct
or
yest
erday.
Me:Idon'
t.
Kaot
i:But
-
Myphoner
ang.I
twasCar
l.
Me:Hey.
Car
l:Pl
easel
etmei
n.
Me;Ok.
Ihungup.
Me:Thatwasyourmom.Don'
ttel
lheeabout
yest
erday.Okay?
Kaot
i:Ok.
Wewentdown.Iopenedt
hegat
eforherandwent
t
oswi
tchofft
hestove.
Me:Touchi
ngast
ovei
sfor
biddeni
nthi
shouse.
Kaot
o:Ok.
Geez!

Car
lcamei
n.Theyhuggedandki
ssed.
.
Kaot
i:Tysonboughtmeabur
ger
.
Whatt
hef
uck!
Kaoti
:Hetookmet othedoctor.Theyinj
ect
edme.It
waspainf
ul.Thedoctoraskedhimi fhesmokes,
he
sai
dnobuthej ustt
oldmet hathesmokesweed
her
b.Andhehasnakedwomeni nhi sbi
gphone.

Thi
sisn'
tachi
ld.I
t’
saf
reaki
ngr
adi
o..
.
[
01/
15,
12:
42] :OBSESSI
VE
38

TYSON

“
HiTyson.It
sme.I
'dl
iket
oseeyouwhenyou'
re
f
ree.Pl
easecal
lmebackwhenyou'
ref
ree"
Thi
swasmusi
ctomyear
s.Ical
ledher
.Shedi
dn'
t
pi
ckup.
Me:Hey.Pl
easemeetmeatmyapar
tmentl
ater
today.I
'
llsendyouanuberi
fyouar
e-I
'
llsendyou
anuber.

Ihungupandr
oll
edoverandf
ellonLamu.
Lamu:Whatt
hehel
lman.
Me:Whyar
eyouonf
loor
?
Lamu:Because…
Hest
srt
edl
aughi
ng.
Lamu:Youwer
edr
eami
ngofMmabat
hoand
ki
ssi
ngme.
Me:Thati
sn'
ttr
ue.
Lamu:Howwoul
dIknowhername?
Me:ziI
don'
tknow.
Iwal
kedouttowhereKaot
iwassleepi
ng.She
wasn'
tther
e.Iwal
kedoutcal
li
nghername.
Cassi
e:Whysomuchnoi
se?
Me:HaveyouseenKaot
i?
Cassi
e:Yes.
Me:Wher
eisshe?
Cassi
e:She'
swher
eshe'
ssupposedt
obe.
Me:Andwher
eist
hat
?
Cassie:Wi
thhermot
her
.Het
ookher
.Thehospi
tal
cal
led.
Me:Whatdi
dtheysay?
Cassi
e:Theyf
oundyourmot
herdr
owni
ngi
nat
ub.
Me:That
'sabsur
d.
Cassi
e:Wher
edi
dyougol
astni
ght
?
Me:Wewentt
othegr
oove.
Casi
e:Andt
hen?
Me:Whydoesi
tmat
terCassi
e?Ineedt
ogot
othe
hospi
tal
.
Cassi
e:I
'
m comi
ngwi
th.

Iwenttomybedr
oom.Ipi
ckedmyphoneupand
cal
ledCar
l.
Me:I
'
m goi
ngt
othehospi
tal
.
Lamu:I'
llst
ayhere.Iam st
ayi
ngf
oranot
herdayor
two.Ihopethat
'sokay.
Me:I
tsokay.Or
derbr
eakf
ast
.
Lamu:Iam apar
tti
mechef
.
Me:Greatt
hen.Goshowof
fyourt
alenti
nthat
ki
tchen.

Ihungupwhenshedidn'
tanswer
.Iputonpant
s
andahoodi
eandsli
ppers.
…
Wearri
vedatthehospit
al.Iwenttocheckoj
Si
sekel
ofir
stcausetheywer est
il
lbusywit
hmom.
Me:Youdon'
thavet
ocomei
n.
Cassi
e:Iam f
ami
ly,
aren'
tI?
Me:Ineedabr
eat
her
.
Cassi
e:Your
emar
ri
ed.Youdon'
tgett
hat
.
Isi
ghedandpushedthedooropen.Ther
ewasa
womanfastasl
eepnextt
oher.
Me:2peopl
eperr
oom.Wai
tout
sidepl
ease.
Iwhi
spered.Sherol
ledhereyesandwal
kedout
.I
wentnearthebedandheldherhand.
Me:Getbet
teral
readyMbuyazi
.Wemi
ssyouso
much.
Woman:Whoar
eyou?
Me:Hi
.I'
m Tyson.
Woman:Andwhatar
eyoudoi
ngwi
thmychi
ld'
s
hand?
Me:I
'
m herbr
other
.
Sheobser
vedme.
Woman:Whosechi
ldar
eyou?
Me:Qui
nton'
s.
Woman:Whoi
syourmot
her
?
Me:Nonkul
ulel
o
Woman:Ndl
ela?
Me:Yes.
Shenodded.Qui
ntoncamei
n.Hesor
tfr
ozebef
ore
cont
inui
ngon.
Woman:Ij
ustgotnews.
Qui
nton:Mbuyazi
.
MeYebo
Qui
nton:Howar
eyou?
Me:I
'
m good.
Qui
nton:Youmadei
ttot
heDubef
uckboyl
ist
.
Me:Whati
sthat
?
Qui
nton:Bei
ngseenhooki
ngupwit
hdiff
erent
womeni nt
hecl
ub.Whatwereyouboysthi
nki
ng!
I
sthi
sar
epr
imandorwhat
?
Me:Idon'
tknowwhatyou'
ret
alki
ngabout
.
Quint
on:Youremaki
ngmel ookbadcauser
ight
now,notonl
yyouarebei
ngbashedbuyIam too
becauseApper
ant
lyyougotthi
sshi
tt
ubehaviour
fr
om me.
Woman:Theappl
esdon'
tfal
lfarf
rom t
het
reenow
dot
hey?
Qui
nton:Notnowbabepl
ease.
Babe?
Cassi
e:They'
redonewi
thyourmom.
Me:ok.I
'
llgocheckoutonmom.We'
l
ltal
klat
er.
Woman:Yourmot
heri
sher
e?
Qui
nton:Yes.She'
ssi
ck.
Woman:Iwast
alki
ngt
oTyson.
Me:Yesshei
sma'
am.

Iexcusedmysel
f….
…
QUI
NTON

Thelookinhereyes.Ij
ustsatnextt
omybabyand
brushedherhai
rback.
Chl
oe:Ser
iousl
y?
Me:What
?
Chloe:You'
retheveryf
ineonetoj
udgeLamuand
Tyson.They'r
etrul
yyoursons.Awhol
echi
ldwi
th
thatpeacock?
Il
aughed
Me:hai
bomakaSi
kel
ela.
Chl
oe:Thi
sisn'
tfunny.Yout
oldmeyoucutherof
f.
Me:AndIwasn'
tlyi
ng.
Chl
oe:Thenexpl
ainTyson.
Me:WhenIpai
dhert
ogoawaysheaskedmet
o
havesexwi
thher
.
Chl
oe:andyoudi
d?Wi
thoutacondom?
Me:Ipul
ledout
.
Chl
oe:Ar
eyouki
ddi
ngme?
Me:No.
Chl
oe:Youl
ovedherdi
dn'
tyou?
Me:Idi
dn'
t.
Chl
oe:Youdi
d.Youcaughtfeel
ingswheny'
al
lwer
e
pl
ayi
ngyourl
it
tl
ewhoringgame.
Me:Whyar
eyoubr
ingi
ngt
hatup?
Chl
oe:Causei
t'
str
ue.Youcoul
dn'
ttur
nherdown.
Me:Icoul
d.
Chl
oe:Youdi
sgustme.
Me:Whyar
eyoumad?Youwer
en'
tevenher
e.
Chl
oe:Yol
iwas!
Me:I
'
m donet
alki
ngaboutt
his.
Igotup.
Me:I
'
llgocheckon-
Chl
oe:Nkul
e?Go.
Me:OnKhul
eandKwenama.They'
reataspa.
Shechuckl
ed.
Chl
oe:Doi
ngwhat
?
Me:Massage.Ij
ustsawpi
ctur
es.
Chl
oe:Shet
hinksi
tsyou.
Me:Itol
dherit
snotme.Shedi
dn'
tseem t
ocar
e.I
'
ll
seeyoulat
er.
Iki
ssedher
.Andl
eft
…
….
CASSI
E

Isatout
sideandcal
ledGogoMzi
zi.
GogoMzi
zi:Thokoza
Me:Thokozagogo.I
tsCassi
eMazi
buko.
GogoMzi
zi:i
sever
ythi
ngokaydear
?
Me:YesbutIwaswonder
inghowl
ongi
sitgonna
t
akefort
histost
artt
owork.
GogoMzi
zi:Bepat
ient
.Putsomeofi
tunderyour
t
onguewhenyouspeaktohim.
Me:Idi
dbuthe'
sjustnothavi
ngmyt
ime.
GogoMzizi:I
tsnotgonnahappenoverni
ght
.Have
pat
ience.
Me:Okt
hankyou.

Ihungupandst
art
ledwhenIt
urnedt
oTyj
ust
st
andi
ngt
her
e.
Me:Ar
eyoudone?
Tyson:Yes.Wecango.Iwannat
akeabat
h.
Me:Ok.
…
Tyson:Thi
sisconf
usi
ng.
Hesaysaswedr
iveout
Me:What
?
Tyson:Mom.
Me:Whatdi
dtheyf
indont
hecct
vfoot
age?
Tyson:Not
hing.Howabsur
dist
hat
?
Me:Maybeyoushoul
dpaysomeonet
obeom
wat
ch.
Tyson:That
'swhatIt
hought
.
Me:Wewi
llgett
othebot
tom oft
his.

Iputmyhandoverhi
s.Hedi
dn'
tfl
inch.Thi
sisa
goodstar
t.Wit
hthatKaot
ioutoft
hepi
ctur
e.Hewi
ll
fi
nal
lyhaveti
meforme…
…
CHLOE

Alovel
ynur sedi
rectedmetoNkule'
sward.Shewas
f
astasleep.Shelookednot
hingl
ikeIrememberher
.
Me:Thegr
eatsol
dierf
ellof
f.Howcoul
dn'
tyoucuf
f
hi
m down?
“
she-
"Ist
art
led.
Me:Jesus!
Gogo:Sheki
ll
edachi
ldj
ustt
obewi
thhi
m.
Me:Whosechi
ld?
Gogo:zher
s,wi
thherhusband.
Me:Whyyouneverl
ett
hem bet
oget
her
?
Gogo:Ineverl
ikedher
.Shewoul
d'vesol
dthi
s
fami
lyoutlongago.
Me:How?
Gogo:Thesamewayyourmot
heryouwoul
d've
madeyousellmyki
dsout.
Me:Iwasn'
tgoi
ngt
o.Il
ovedQui
nton.
Gogo:Butyouf
ear
edyourmot
her
.
Ikeptqui
et.
Me:Whathappenedt
oher
?
Gogo:Thet
ri
plet
shappened.
Me:They-
Shevani
shed.Thedooropened,
Sikel
elacamei
n.
Me:Whatdi
dyoudot
oher
?
Si
kel
ela:Idon'
tknow.Weneverknow.Canwet
alk?
Me:Yeahsur
e.
It
ookadeepbr
eat
handf
oll
owedherout
…
….
KHETHI
WE

Ist
oppedatt
hegar
ageandr
equest
edanuber
.I
coul
dn'tdrive,myhandsweretr
embl
ing,myeyes
werefulloftears.Mybr
eat
hingwasabnormal
.

“Lungel
oishi
s”i
tkeptplayi
nginmymi
nd.Ikept
droppi
nghercal
l.Ical
ledTyson.
Me:Wher
ear
eyou?
Tyson:Myapar
tment
.

Ihungupandaskedt hedrivertoturnupt hevol

ume
andscr eamedmyf uckinglungsout .Iam dead.
Li
vingwi ththefactthattheyslepttogetherwas
painfulbutItri
edmybestt ogetoveri t
.Achild?
Somet hingIcouldn'
tgivehim?Shehasi t
?She
carri
edmydr eam andshe'sr ai
singit.Iam
fi
nished…
…
TYSON
Itwasstuff
y.Iopenedthewindowsandsprayedthe
airf
reshener
.Itookoutallt
heoldfoodi
nthefri
dge
andputitinthebinandtookitout
.Whywould
Khet
hiwewantt
oknowwher
eam I
?

Ihear
dthedooropen.Ipeeped.I
twasMmabat
ho.
Sheputherbagsontopofthetable.
Mmabat
ho:Tyson?
Me:Hmmm?
Shecurvedtothekit
chen.Shesmiledwhenour
eyesmet.Icouldn'
thel
pmyself,
Ijusthuggedher
.
Shehuggedmeback.
Me:Imi
ssyou.
Mmabat
ho:Imi
ssyout
oo.
Il
etgoofher
.Shet
ipt
oedandki
ssedme.
Mymi
ndwentaway.Iwast
otal
lybl
ownof
f.
Sheunbut
tonedherbl
ouse.
Mmabat
ho:Makel
ovet
ome.
Me:Uhhhh…why?
Mmabat
ho:Whatdoyoumeanwhy?
Me:Yes.Whatchanged?
Mmabat ho:I'
mt i
redofwait
ing.Iwantyouinsi
de
me,Iwasyout osweatandgr oanontopofmeor
behindme, i
tdoesn'tmat
ter
, aslongasyou'
re
i
nside.
Me:Ar
eyouokay?
Shebur
ped.Al
lIcoul
dsmel
lwasSavanna.
Me:You'
redr
unk.
Mmabat
ho:No.
Me:I
'
m notgonnahavesexwi
thyou.
Mmabat
ho:Oh,
IguessCassi
efeedsyouwel
l
.
Me:Wedon'
thavesex.
Mmabat
ho:Thent
earmyvagi
nalwal
lsapar
t.

Heplast
eredher
sel
fagai
nstmeandbrushedmy
stomachallt
hewaydown.Igr
abbedherbef
oreshe
couldt
ouchme.

Mmabat
ho:Yousai
dyoumi
ssme.
Me:IdobutI
'
m notgonnahavesexwi
thyou.
.
”Tyson!
”

Wet
urned.Whati
nthef
ucki
nghel
l!
Shequickl
ycl
osedhercoatbutwehadal
ready
seenherseet
hroughl
inger
ie.
Mmabat
ho:Oh.NowIhavemyanswer
.
Shewal
kedaway.
Me:Mmabat
ho!Whati
nthef
ucki
nghel
l?
Khet
hiwe:Sor
ry,
Idi
dn'
tknow.

Ichasedaft
erMmabat
hobutshedr
oveof
finmy
car.Shi
t!
[
01/
15,
12:
42] :OBSESSI
VE
39

TYSON
Iwentbacki
nsi
de.Shewasst
il
lther
e.
Me:Whatonear
thhaveyoudone!
Khet
hiwe:I
'
m sor
ry.Idi
dn'
tknowyouhadcompany.
Me:You'
ver
uinedt
hingsf
orme.
Khet
hiwe:I
'
m sor
ry.
Me:Icoul
d'vebeenwi
thHawu,
LamuorQui
nton
even!
Khet
hiwe:I
'
m sor
ryTyson.
Me:Leavepl
ease.
Shenoddedandwal kedoutt
hrought
hegarage
door.Isatdownandscrat
chedmyhead.Iwil
lnever
haveher.
Ir
equest
edanubert
oherpl
ace.
…
BONGA
Ikeptpressi
ngt hei
ntercom butt
her
ewasno
response.Ical
ledCarl.
Car
l:Hi
.
Me:Hi
.I'
m het
etoseeKaot
i.Haveyouspokent
oTy?
Carl
:Idi
dn'
tbutKoat
iisher
e.Hi
swi
fet
oldmet
o
fet
chher.
Me:Wher
ear
eyou?
Car
l:I
nmyhouse.Wet
alked.
Me:Whatdoyoumeanyout
alked?
Car
l:Imean;we'
ref
inenow.
Me:Gogohadar
easonwhysheshoul
dbewi
th
Tyson
Carl
:Mychi
ldi
snotgoi
ngt
ost
aywher
eshe'
snot
needed.
Me:Canwet
alkl
ater
?
Car
l:Yeah.
Me:Pl
easehangup.

Shedi
d.Ianswer
edHappy'
scal
l.
Me:Yes.
Happy:Canyoupl
easegetmei
cecr
eam.
Me:Or
deri
t.
Happy:Iwantonef
rom Wool
wor
ths.
Me:Sendt
hegi
rl
s.
Happy:Iwantyout
obr
ingi
t.
Me:Iam busyHappi
ness
Happy:I
'
m hor
ny.
Me:You'
vegotvi
brat
orsal
loveryourdr
awer
s.
Happy:Theydon'
thi
tther
ightspot
.Iwantr
eal
peni
s
Me:Iam noti
nthemoodf
orsex.
Happy:Whenar
eyougonnabei
nthemood?
Me:Never
.Fi
ndyour
sel
faboyf
ri
end.
Happy:Real
ly?
Me:Yes.
Happy:Okaybye.
Shehungup.Isi
ghedandr
esumedwor
king…
QUI
NTON
Thehousewasqui et.I
twasjustt
he2ofus.The
aromacomingfrom theki
tchenwastodiefor.My
stomachr
umbled, sherai
sedhereyesf
rom the
phone.Wehaven'tsaidawordtoeachothersince
shecameback.
Yol
i:Mel
isa?
Mel
isa:Yesma'
am?
Yol
i:Pl
easepr
epar
eussnacks.
Mel
isa:Ij
ustf
ini
shedmaki
ngt
hem.
Shebr
oughtapl
att
er.
Me:Mmmh.Thi
ssmel
lsdi
vine.
Mel
isa:I
ttast
esso.
Me:Idon'
tknowwhatI
'
ddowi
thoutyourf
ood.
Mel
isa:We'
l
lfi
ndoutcauseI
'
mret
ir
ingnextyear
.
Me:I
'
m goi
ngt
oli
vei
nyourhouset
hen.
Wel
aughed.
Me:Pl
easepr
epar
emeoneofyourf
amousdr
inks.
Mel
isa:comi
ngup.Ma'
am?
Yol
i:I
'
llhavej
uice.
Mel
isa:Ar
eyousur
e?
Yol
i:YesMel
isa!
Me:Yol
anda.
Yol
i:What
!
Me:What
'swr
ongwi
thyou?
Mel
issaexcusedher
sel
f.
Yol
i:I
fyouwannafuckeachother
,gof
uck
somewhereel
senotherei
nfrontofmyeyes.
Me:Nowt
hat
'
scr
azy.
Yol
i:don'
ttal
ktome.
Me:NowIcan'
tint
eractwi
thwomen?
Yol
i:Theonl
yint
eract
ionyouknowwi
thwomeni
s
bal
lsdeep.
Shegotandwentupst
air
s.I
mhl
ola.
Myphoner
ang.
Me:Mat
t.
Mat
t:If
oundherbr
other
.
Me:Shehasabr
other
?
Mat
t:Tur
nsoutshedoes.
Me:Wher
eishe?
Mat
t:Denverhost
el.
Me:Justher
e?
Mat
t:Yes.
Me:Sendmehi
saddr
ess.
Mat
t:Icanbr
inghi
m.
Me:No.Iwannabeoutoft
hishouse.
Igotupandputmyshoeson.
Mel
isabr
oughtmydr
ink.
Me:Pl
easekeept
hissaf
e.I
'
m goi
ngt
odr
ive.
Mel
isa:Thaboi
sher
e.
Me:I
she?Thenbr
ingt
hather
e.ThankyouandI
'
m
sor
ryaboutYol
i.We'
regoi
ngt
hrought
hatphase.
Mel
isa:I
tsokay.Weal
lreacht
hatpoi
nti
nmar
ri
age.
Me:I
'
llseeyout
omor
row.
Mel
isa:Okay.

Thaboopenedthedoorforme.Iwenti
nandof
fwe
wentaf
terhegotintoo….
….
KHETHI
WE

IgothomehopingI'
l
lnotf
indhi
mther
ebuthewas
ther
eandIjustl
osti
twhenIsawhi
m.Shefol
lowed
meupstai
rs.
Tyl
er:
What
'swr
ong?
Hegr
abbedmebef
oreIcoul
dgeti
ntot
hebat
hroom.
Tyl
er:
Myl
ove.What
'swr
ong?
Me:Idon'
tknowi
fIcandot
his.
Tyl
er:
Dowhat
?
Me:Shet
oldme.
Tyl
er:
Who?
Me:Shetol
dmeandIdon' tevenknowwhatam I
goi
ngtodowithmyselfbutonethi
ngforsur
e,
Qui
nton'
sgonnafucki
ngkillyouwhenhefi
ndsout
.
Tyl
er:
Ithoughtwewer
eovert
heYol
iissue.
Me:Wewereunt
ilshecal
ledmeear
li
ert
odayand
t
oldmeshe…
Ihel
dont
ohi
m andcr
ied.
Me:Lungel
o.
Hemovedmeof
fandwal
kedawayandcameback.
Tyl
er:
No.
Me:I
'
m goi
ngawayf
orabi
t.
Tyl
er:
Babepl
easeno.
Me:I'm gonnagocrazyifIst
ayhere.Whendoesi
t
end?Youkeephur t
ingme.Youkeepbet r
ayi
ngmy
tr
ust.MaybeIshould'vel
eftt
hen.
Tyl
er:
Iswearonmymot
her
'sgr
ave.Idi
dnotknow.
Me:Yousleptwit
hyourbr
other
'swi
fe!Wi
thouta
condom,
youl i
edtomeandsaidyouusedit
.
Tyl
er:
Idi
dn'
twantt
omaket
hingswor
se.
Me:Wel
lnowt
heyar
ewor
se,
,ar
en'
tthey?
Tyl
er:
Lungel
ocan'
tbemychi
ld.
Hesnat
chedt
hebot
tl
eofgi
noutofmygand.
Tyler
:Don'tdothist
oyoursel
f.Wearenotevensur
e
thatshe'
smi ne.Yol
icoul
dhavethi
sallwrong.
Me:No.Mangcoboconfi
rmedi
t.Thi
sist
hekindof
shitshe'
sal
wayskeptmefr
om goi
ngfor
.Ihatemy
l
ife.
Iwentdownsl
owl
yonmybut
t.
Me:Bringmybott
leback.Ineedtofor
getaboutthis
sham ofamarr
iageandpraythatthi
sisn'
treveal
ed
becauseTyl
erDubewegonnawal kont opofyou.

Hesatdownnexttomeandopenedt hebot
tl
e.He
drankandpassedi
ton.Idrankupt
oo.I'
mtir
edof
secret
sbutIdon'
twanbalosemyhusband….
….
MMABATHO

Idecli
nedthecallf
rom Tysonandswitchedonthe
tv.Ihear
daknock.Itri
edf akesl
eepi
ngbutthedoor
openedbeforeIcouldpositi
onmysel
fright
.Itwas
dad.
Me:If
orgetyoupaymyr
ent
.
Dad:Meani
ng?
Me:Yougeti
nbef
oreIcansayso.
Hel
aughed.
Dad:Ibr
oughtyoumedi
cat
ion.
Me:Aht
hankyou.Tea?
Dad:No.I
'
m notl
ong.Wer
eyoudr
inki
ng?
Me:DoIst
ink?
Dad:I'
m seei
ngt
hebot
tl
e.Kat
legot
ell
smeyou
cal
ledhim.
Me:YesIdi
d.
Dad:Youdon'
thavet
ofor
ceyour
sel
f.
Me:I'
m not.Ij
ustwannagettoknowhi
m.For
get
aboutTyson,wehavenofutur
e.
Dad:Dowhatf
eel
sri
ghtf
oryou
Me:Andt
hati
sget
ti
ngt
oknowKG.
Dad:Cal
lmeanyt
ime.

Hepatmyshoul
derandwal
kedof
f…
….
TYSON
Shewasi nthekit
chen.Cooking,i
nasimpl
edress
butshewast hemostbeautif
ulthingI
'
veeverseen.
I'
venevertookti
met oadmireher.
Cassi
e:Di
dIgr
owhor
ns?
Me:Whywoul
dyouask?
Cassi
e:Thewayyou'
rel
ooki
ngatme.
Me:I
'
mjustadmi
ri
ngyouwi
fe.
Shechuckl
ed.
Cassi
e:Wi
fe?
Me:Yes.Youl
ookgoodi
nthatdr
ess,
thatbump.
Cassi
e:I
'
mjustsooveri
t.
Me:No,
baket
hat
.
Shel
aughedandcamet
osi
tnextt
ome.
Me:Mybedr
oom i
stoobi
gforme.Youcanmovei
n.
Igotupandwentout
sidet
ocal
lHawu….
….
BONGA

Therewasmoani
ngcomingfr
om herbedr
oom t
hat
usedtobeour
sbefor
eImovedout
.

Thegi rl
swer eatasl eepover
.Ifeltbadfornot
bringingthaticecream soIpackedi tanddrove
hereandnowI '
m getti
ngclosertothebedroom and
that'
ssexmoani ng.Ipushedt hedoorwideopen
andt herewasamanmassagi ngher.
Me:Whot
hehel
list
his?
Happy:Myboyf
ri
end.
Me:Getout
.
Shegotup.
Happy:St
aybabe.WhatdoyouwantSbonga?
Me:Ibroughti
cecr
eam andthi
sismyhouse.You
don'
tgettobri
ngmenhereandintomybedr
oom.
Happy:Thi
sismyhouse.Youboughti
tforme.
Me:Whichmakesi tmyhouse!Ipai
dforit
,Ist
il
lpay
al
lthebi
ll
s.Ever
ythingi
nhereisboughtbyme.
Happy:Youmeanthi
suglyheadboar
d?Orthi
schai
r
asuglyasahyena?I
'
llsett
hem al
lonfi
re
Me:Idar
eyou.
Happy:Whyar
eyouher
e?
Me:Ibr
oughti
cecream butnowI
'
mtaki
ngi
rhome
wi
thme.Yourboy-

Hewasn'
tther
eanymor
e.
Happy:See?Youscar
edmyyoungener
get
icman
away.
Me:Youhavesexwi
thst
rangemenwhi
lecar
ryi
ng
mychil
d?
Happy:Youappr
oved
Me:Idi
dn'
t.
Happy:Yousai
dIcanf
indaboyf
ri
endsoIdi
dit
.
Me:Idi
dn'
tmeanl
it
eral
ly.
Happy:Ar
eyougonnagi
vemesex?
Me:No!
Happy:ThenIwi
llhavesexwi
thst
rangemen.

Shetookt
heicecream andpushedmeoutoft
he
doorandl
ocked.Great
.

“
Anymant hatget
stoocl
oset
oHappy,
putabul
let
i
nthei
rhead"
Isentt
oMandl
a…
[
01/
15,
12:
42] :OBSESSI
VE

40
*
6MONTHSLATER*

CASSI
E

Ifastenedmyr obeandwentout .Tysonshouldn'

t
behomeunt i
latleast2pm.Imadesur eheleftwi
th
everythi
ngthatheneeded.Tomysur pri
se,i
twas
Khethelo.Iwassur pr
ised.She'
st helastper
sonI
expectedtoshowupatmydoor .Yesshe'scome
herebutonlyonspeci aloccasions,mybaby
shower ,t
heintr
oductionofthishomeasaDube
home, thewelcomeofbabySenzeki l
eandj ust
l
unchl astweek.

Me:Ma.
Khet
hel
o:CanIcomei
n?
Me:Yeahsur
e.
Imovedasi de,
makingspacef orhertogetin.Her
bodyguar dsfoll
owed.Thewor stpartofmyl i
fei
s
havingbodyguar ds,It
houghtbelongingtooneof
therichestfamili
esinSAwasgoi ngt oberosesand
viol
etsbutno, wedodgebul l
ets.Therearecameras
alloverthishouse,t
hatareconstantlycheckedi
f
therewasanyt hingshadythattookplace.

Shel
eanedonthehugedinni
ngt
abl
ethathadt
obe
madebecauset
hisf
amil
yhas100peopl
e.
Khet
hel
o:Cassi
e.
Me:Yeboma.
Khet
hel
o:IhearTysoni
sn'
thome.
Me:He'
snot
.
Khet
hel
o:Wher
eishe?
Me:Hewentt
oseehi
smot
her
.
Khethel
o:Idi
dtel
lyouwhatwer
ethequal
if
icat
ions
ofdeali
ngwit
haDubemen?
Me:Yesyoudi
d.
Khet
hel
o:Whatdi
dIsay?
Me:Yousai
dtheyar
eser
ial
cheat
ers.
Khethel
o:yetyousti
lll
ethi
m“goseehi
smot
her
”
fort
hewhol eday?
Me:Hewoul
dn'
tcheatonme.
Khethel
o:Isit
?Wel ldon'tanswerthat.Iam nothere
toopenyoureyesaboutt hemant hatyouwor ked
forandsawhi m changingwomenl i
ket amponsand
yetyousti
lll
ethim goseehi smot heralonewhile
Mmabat hoisintown.Iam her etoseemygr andson.
Me:Mmabat
hoi
sint
own?
Khet
hel
o:Youdidn'
tknow?Ofcour
seyoudi
dn'
t,
he
woul
dn'
tcheatonyou,woul
dhe?
Me:Ar
eyoul
eavi
ngwi
thSenzi
?
Khet
hel
o:YesIam.

Iwentupstai
rst
opackf
orSenziandwi
pedhi
sface
andpickedhi
m up.
Shet
ookhi
m andt
hebodyguar
dst
ookt
hebag.
Khet
hel
o:We'
l
lseeyoul
ater
.
Me:Nopr
obl
em.

Iranupassoonast hedoorclosedandchanged
i
ntodecentclot
hesanddi dmymakeup.Ican'tf
ace
thatbi
tchwit
hadryf ace.Forever
yone'
ssakeIj
ust
hopeIdon'tf
indhi
mt here….
….
.
BONGA

It
sheruglyfatfacethatIcan'tst
and.Andshenever
fai
lstokeepshowingittomyof f
ice.It
akeadeep
breat
handcl osedthedoor.Shewassi tti
ngonthe
couchbra-l
ess,herhugebellyexposed.
Happy:Youdon'
tlookhappyt
oseeme.
Me:Iam.Iam j
ustsur
pri
sedt
oseeyouher
e.
Happy:Wer
eyouexpect
ingyourgi
rl
fr
iend?
Me:Whoi
sthi
sgi
rl
fr
iendyoukeept
alki
ngabout
?
Happy:Theonet
hatmakesyoubenothappyt
osee
me.
Me:I'
m notgoi
ngt
ogi
veyout
hatf
ight
.Whatdoyou
wanttoeat?
Happy:Not
hing.
Me:Ok.Ihave3mor
emeet
ingst
ogot
o.
Happy:Hmmm.

Shet
ookoutherphoneandst
art
edl
aughi
ngati
t…
….
MMABATHO
Mydoorwentf
lyi
ngandbef or
eIcoul
dcur
se
whomeveri
twasIjustsi
ghed.
Me:Ser
iousl
y?
Cassi
e:You'
rer
eal
lyher
e.
Me:YesIam.
Cassi
e:Mmabat
ho.
Shet
ossedashi
nyt
hingonmydesk.
Cassi
e:Ipai
dyougoodmoneyt
ofucki
nggoaway,
whyareyouback?
Unbel
ievabl
e.Ichuckl
ed.
Me:Yout hi
nkIl
eftbecauseofthat
?Igavet hat
moneytoacharit
y.Ican'tbebought.Iwentaway
becausemyhusbandwast r
ansfer
redtowor ki
n
Kimberl
ey.
Cassi
e:Hu-
husband?
Me:Yes.
Iwavedmyl
efthand.
Me:Iam marr
iedandasIhavetol
dyoubef
ore,
Iam
notathr
eatt
oyourmarri
age.Tysoni
s.
Cassi
e:Youknownot
hingaboutmymar
ri
age.I
tis
per
fect
.
Me:That'
swhyyou'
reher
e?Tot
ellmei
tsper
fect
?
Getout
.
Cassi
e:St
ayawayf
rom Tyson.
Me:Takeyourcheapbr
acel
etwi
thyou.
Shepickedi
tupandcl
ickedherheel
saway.Idr
ank
water
.Thiswomanknowshowt oshakemypeace.

Kat
legocamei
nshor
tl
yaf
ter
.Igotupandwentt
o
hughim.
Kat
lego:Ar
eyouOkay?
Me:Iam now.Whatdi
dyougetf
orus?
Kat
lego:Avobur
gerandf
ri
es.
Me:OhIl
oveyousomuch.
Weki
ssedandthenhekissedmyst
omach.Wej
ust
f
oundoutt
hatI
'
m pregnant….
….
TYSON
Ifsomeoneayearagot ol
dmeI '
dbewhereIam i n
l
iferi
ghtnow, Iwould'
velaughedinthei
rfaceand
tol
dthem they'r
ecrazy.Iam ataplaceinli
fethat
I'
veneverthoughtof.I'
veneverpict
uredmyself
beingahusbandandaf ather
,letal
oneabiological
f
athert
hatl
ovesmewi
thever
ythi
nghe'
sgot
.

Andt hepastmonthshe'sbeengroomingme,
teachingmehowt obeagoodhusbandandagood
fatheral
ongwithLamu.He'sagoodguynat ur
all
y
soi twasn'
tsohardtoteachhim howtobegood.
UnlikeHawu,hewasn'tint
erest
edinthosel
essons.
Me:AingekebabaIam t
ir
ednow.
Lamu:Yohf
inal
ly,
someonewi
thbal
lssai
dit
.
Qui
nton:We'
vebeenwal
kingf
or2hour
s.
Khul
e:Andwehave5mor
etowal
k.
Ngi
phi
le:Andt
hat
'snor
mal
?Comeon.
Qui
nton:He'
sjoki
ng.Wehavear
ri
ved.
Hawu:Whatar
ewedoi
ngher
e?
Khule:Nothi
ng.We'r
ejusther
etol
ookatt
hese
beauti
fulmountai
ns.
Me:Thati
sal
soaj
oke,
right
?
Qui
nton:Ohno.Si
tdown,
takeoutyourbever
ages
andenj
oyt
hismoment
.
Lamu:Your
eal
izet
hatwear
en'
tint
onat
urer
ight
?
Khul
e:Lookatt
hisl
andscape.
Welookedateachot
her.Theysatdownandt
ook
outpower
adesandsandwiches.
Khul
e:Si
tdown.
Me:Youbr
oughtf
ood?
Hawu:Af
tert
ell
ingust
onotbr
ingf
ood?
Khul
e:We'
re59.
Qui
nton:Wehavet
oeat
.

Wesatdownandt
ookoutourdr
inks.
Khul
e:Onedaywherewearesit
ti
ngther
e'sgonna
beanoff
iceorsomebody'
shouse.
Lamu:Outofnowher
e?
Quint
on:Ever
ypl
acethathasi
nfr
ast
ruct
urewas
onceaoutofnowher
e.
Ngi
phi
le:Youwannabuyi
t?
Khule:Wantt o?Thi
sbelongst oMphangi seni.He
boughtalongt i
meagobutt helawdi dnotal l
owany
blackpersont oownsuchbackt hensohegavei tto
hisgoodf r
iendMatthewBar net.Hereturnedita10
yearsago.Hesai dourf
atherboughti tforhis
grandsons,tobuil
dsomet hi
ngoni tt
hatwi l
lcarr
y
onhislegacy.
Qui
nton:Sot
his,
thi
sbel
ongst
oyou.
Ngi
phi
le:Thi
sis,
abi
text
reme?
Lamu:Of
cour
se.Iam noti
ntot
hiski
ndofst
uff
.
Khul
e:You'reallj
ustt hi
nkinginacage.Eachoneof
youhasqual i
ti
est hatareneededt omakea
busi
nesssuccessf ul.It
supt oyou,whetheryou
bui
ldaf i
rm here,anestate,amall,apri
vateschool
,
apri
vatehospitalanything.SouthAfri
caisneedof
whateveryou'r
egoi ngtobuildhere.

Theyst
oodup.
Quint
on:We'dl
iket
ostayandchatbutouract
ivi
ti
es
endhere.I
t'
sbeenagood4weeks.Everyt
hingwe
taughtyouwastoshar
penyouf
orwhat
everyou
decidetodowit
hthi
sland.
Khul
e:Yes.Wehavedat
eswi
thyourmot
her
s.See
youl
aterboys.

Theywal
kedaway.Weal
ljustst
oodt
her
e.
Hawu:Ican'
trememberat
hingtheyt
aughtus.Let
's
sel
lthi
slandandspl
itt
hemoney.
Ngi
phi
le:Her
ewego.
Lamu:It
hinkal
odgewi
lldo.
Me:Oranest
ate.Whit
epeoplewoul
dki
llt
oresi
de
sofarawayf
rom ever
yone.
Hawu:Thi
sisn'
tyoucomi
ngupwi
thi
deas.
Us:Shutup.
Hawu:Fi
ne.Let
'st
akeat
our
.
Me:Nowyou'
ret
alki
ng.
..

Wewal
kedSout
h.Ever
ydaywe'
vehadl
essonsand
thenl
it
tlet
ri
psonweekends.Cassi emustbe
thi
nki
ngIcheat.Sheoncef oundmypa'sbraceleti
n
mycarandi tt
urnedint
owor ldwar.Iam gr
atef
ulof
howfarwe'vecome.Her, Kaotiandmyboyar ethe
bestt
hingsthathaseverhappenedtome….
[
01/
15,
14:
25] :OBSESSI
VE

*
SPONSORED*
41

TYSON

Thetourtur
nedintoaparty.Ist
il
ldon'tgetwhy
ther
eisalwaysalcoholi
nhiscar.Ngiphil
eisnota
bigdri
nkersohedidn'tj
ustsohecandr iveus.

Thesunsetar
ound4,
Ihat
ewi
nterf
ort
hisver
y
reason.
Me:Ishoul
dn'
tbedr
unk.
Lamu:Wel
lnowyouar
e.
Wegi ggl
ed.Hawusmokedweekaf t
ertaki
ngouta
secondbottl
ethatweturneddownanddeci dedto
l
eave.Hewasj ustqui
et,
pr obabl
ynotevenhere
withus.
Ngi
phi
le:Fast
enyourseat
bel
ts.
Lamu:Ngi
phi
le,
ther
esponsi
bleone.
Me:Ohyes.Ever
yfami
lyhasgott
hatone.
Ngi
phil
e:I
fyoudon'
tfast
enyourbel
ts,
I'
llt
hrowyou
al
louther
eoutofnowhere
Me:Mi
nei
son.
If
ixedHawu'
sandissuewasresolvedandNgiphi
le
st
eppedonit
,Lamustuckhisheadoutofthe
wi
ndowandtookhistongueoutli
keadog.

Ihowledtosupporthiminhisdoggiemoment.
Banziwouldbeherebuthechoset obeasoldier
andgowat chhisgir
lf
ri
endgi vebi
rt
h,shal
lanythi
ng
happentohim hemustr emembermywor ds,upto
thi
sdayIstil
lseeCassie'svagi
naexpandi
ngand
Senzi4.
5kgcomi
ngout
.

Ij
ustcan'tbr
ingmysel
ftohavesexwit
hher
,she
muststi
llbeinpai
nbutwon'tadmi
t.
..
..

.
..
.
CASSI
E

Iwasmovi ngupanddownt hekitchen.Mydrinkon

thei
slandwasf i
nishing.Senawasgener ous,
just
pouri
ngmemor ewhenIneedi t.Idon'tknowwhy
sheisn'
tbother
edt hatNgiphil
ei snottalki
nganyof
hercall
sorevenrespondi ngtohert exts.
Senzi
:Youshoul
d'vef
etchedSenzianhourago.
Me:No.Notunti
lTysoncomesbackhomeand
expl
ainwherehe'
sbeenandwherehe'
sbeengoi
ng
toal
lthi
sti
me.

Shechuckl
es.Ical
ledhi
smot
her
'shouseandhe
hasn'
tbeent
herei
n2months.I
fhehasn'
tbeenwi
th
Mmabathothenwi
thWho?Carl
.

Car
l!Hecoul
dn'
tli
vewi
thouther
.Thi
sspel
lcan'
tbe
weari
ngoff
.

Theloudlaughtercomingfr
om t
hepassagemade
mesnapoutofi t
.He'
samongstthosepeople.He's
drunk.Hecan'tbedrunk.Mypal
mssweat .Igulped
nothi
ngandwal kedtothem.
Me:Gent
lemen.
Ngi
phi
le:Hi
.Ibr
oughtyourpar
celhome.
Me:Wher
ewer
eyouguys?
Ngi
phi
le:Somewher
e.Babe.
Theyki
ssed.LamuandHawuwal
kedof
f,t
heywer
e
sl
oshedtoo.

IwishTysongenuinel
ylovedmel i
keNgiphil
e
genuinel
ylovedandcaredforSena.Hebroughther
her
e,aspeci
all
unchmadej
ustt
oint
roduceher
.
Sena:Gi
rl
.Ihopeyou'
rehappythatyourmani
sher
e.
It
oldyoutheyaref
inewhatevert
heyare.
Ismi
ledf
aint
ly
Me:Nextt
imeI
'
llknowt
ojustcal
m myt
it
s.
Ngi
phi
le:Excuseus.Wehaveanear
lyf
li
ght
t
omorr
ow.
Me:Saf
etr
avel
.

Iwal
kedt
hem out
.

Myhandswer euncontroll
abl
yshakingwhenI
walkedbackinsi
de.Iwashopi nghe'
spassedout
buthewasn't
.Hewasst andi
ngoverthei
slandwi
th
abottl
eofwinebeforehim.
Tyson:Youdr
inknow?
Me:N-
no.It
ooki
toutf
orSena.
Tyson:Shewasdr
inki
ngf
rom 2gl
asses?
Me:Ididn'
ttouchi
t.Iwasworr
iedyouwereout
,
probabl
yindangercauseyouweren'
ttaki
ngmy
call
s.
Tyson:Youdon'
tgi
veashi
taboutme.
Me:That
'snott
rue.
Tyson:Youdi
dsomet
hingt
ome.
Ist
eppedback.Hest
eppedf
orwar
d.
Me:Tyson.
Tyson:Ihat
eyouCassie.Youknowt hat
.Youcaged
me.You'rej
ustl
ikeNonkulul
eko.Ishoul
dn'
tbewith
you.Whatdidyoudotomeyouhoe?

Itr
ippedoverhi
sshoesandf el
l
.Hegrabbedmeby
myankl eandswungmear oundIgothi
tbythe
cornerofthei
sland.Hegrabbedmeupbymyneck
andpinnedmeont hest
ove.
Tyson:I
'
m gonnakil
lyou.Iwi
llburnyourbodyand
fl
ushyourashesdownthetoi
let.
Me:Senzi
.Senzii
sn'
ther
e.
Imanagedt
osayandhel
etofme.
Tyson:Myson.Wher
e'smyson?
Me:AtKhet
hel
o's

Hestor
medout.Thi
sishowiti
sever
yti
meheget s
dr
unk.Thi
siswhyIneverl
ethi
m goawayorhave
al
coholi
nthi
shouse.

Hebeat smeup,tel
lmehowmuchhehat esmeand
wishIwasdead.Ievenwentt opremat ur
el abor
aft
erhebeatmeup.He' sawareofwhatIdi dtohim
butthenextdayhewakesupwi thnomemor yof
whathappenedthepreviousni
ght.AndIcomeup
withalieofwhathappenedtomyf ace.Iendur eal
l
ofitbecauseIl
ovehim andmymot herbirt
hedno
fai
lure.
..
.

.
..
.Thef
oll
owi
ngday.
..
.
BONGA

Babacal l
edmeat5.Tel l
ingmet oleavethecomf
ort
ofmybedanddr i
vehimt othefarm,hiscowgave
bir
th.Ihadnochoicebutgof et
chmyol dman.He'
s
beent hr
oughalotlat
ely.Gogodidbestwi t
h
keepingthepeacebutitsnotenough.

Ift
hesecretthat
'sgoingtodest
roythisfamil
yis
sti
lloutt
hereunresol
vedthenIam hangingoverthe
edge.BecauseIdon'tknowwhenYol iisgonna
decidetocomebackandr uinal
lofthis.

Thedr
ivetothefar
m wasbri
ef.Igotof
f.Hedi
dn'
t
moveaninch.Iwentbackt
othecar.
Me:Baba?
Qui
nton:Ar
eyout
ryi
ngt
oki
llme?Hasmyl
if
ecover
mat
ure?
Il
aughed
Me:Ai
boNyamazane.WasIdr
ivi
ngt
oof
ast
?
Qui
nton:Dr
ivi
ng?Youwer
efl
ying.
Me:I
'
m sor
ry.Come,
Iwannagosl
eep
Quint
on:Noonei
ssl
eepi
ng.We'
regoi
ngt
omi
lk
cows.
Me:It
houghtwehadpeopl
efort
hat
.
Qui
nton:Wellnott
oday.We'
l
lmi
lkt
hesecows
our
selves.

Hehoppedoutandwalkedt
owardsthekraal
.The
her
dboyshadeveryt
hingpl
annedout.Wewentin
andwashedourhandsandstar
tedmilki
ng.
Me:Dubeeli
mthende.Doyoureall
ylovedoi
ngt
his
oryou'
rej
ustusi
ngitasdi
str
action?
Qui
nton:Di
str
act
ionf
orwhat
?
Me:Togetyourmi
ndof
fMam Yol
iandLungel
o.
Quinton:Ist
oppedcar
ingaboutYolial
ongtimeago,
she'soldandsheknewwhatshewasdoi ng.It'
sjust
mybabyIam wor ri
edabout.Ist
il
ldon'
tunderstand
howshetookher,shedoesn'
tevenknowwhatshe
l
ikesanddoesn'
t.

Hemust
'vepul
ledt
oohardbecausethecowstar
ted
goi
ngcr
azy.Wegotupandtri
edtotameit.
..
.
.
..
.
TYSON

IopenedmyeyesandIwasn'
tinmyhouse.Cassi
e
i
sgonnaki l
lme.It
ri
edt
omovebutmymuscl es
hurt
.Istar
tl
edwhenChl
oefi
xedmyhead.
Chl
oe:Whyonear
thdoyouboysdr
inkl
ikei
tst
he
endoft
heworl
d?
Me:Di
dIsl
eepher
e?
Chl
oe:Yes.Her
e,t
hisshoul
ddot
het
ri
ck.
I
twasgreent
ea.UghIhatethi
sthi
ng.I
ttast
esl
ike
i
t'
sdeadbutwit
hherst
andingherewai
ti
ngforme
t
odrinki
tupli
keit
sni
ce,Ican'
tpouri
tdownthe
t
oil
et.
Iputmybi
gboyboot
sanddr
anki
tup.
Chl
oe:Goodboy.Now,
breakf
ast
.
Me:Noma.Ineedt
orestabi
t.
Chl
oe:Noyoucan'
t.Eatup.
Me:Ican'
tchew.
Chl
oe:Try.WhenIcomeback,
Iwantthispl
ate
cl
ean.Yourdaddyi
sn'
ther
etorescueyoutoday.
Me:Howdi
dIgether
e?
Chl
oe:Yousai
dyouwal
ked.Eat
.

Shewal kedout.Whatt hehel

lhappened?It
ryt
o
fi
ndmyphonesot hatIcancallCassi
e.Thi
s
revol
ti
ngt eahelps,Icoul
dgetupnow. .
..
[
01/
15,
14:
26] :OBSESSI
VE
42
TYSON
Joy:Doyouf eelt
hedi
ff
erence?Howhasbeen
everyt
hing?
Me:Ido.Thi
shasbeent
he4mont
hsofmyl
if
e.
Joy:Whathaveyouover
come?
Me:Mymommyi ssues.Ihaven'tf
oundanyold
womanattr
acti
ve.Ihaven'tmissedCar
linsolong,
i
nfactIdonotseeherlikethatanymore.She'
sjust
amotherofmychild.
Joy:Whataboutyourmot
her
?
Me:I'
ve…It
hinkI
'
m sl
owl
yfor
givi
ngher
.It
snoteasy
butIt
hinkIam.
Joy:Yourdad?
Me:Wet ot
all
yadoreeachother
.Iam pr
oudofhow
f
arwe'vecome.Itisever
ythi
nga5yearoldal
ways
want
ed,adadt hatl
ovesme.
Joy:Mmabat
ho?
Me:Whatabouther
?
Joy:Howdoyouf
eel
abouther
?
Me:Not
hing.I
tsl
ikesheneverexi
sted.
Joy:I'
m pr
oudofyouTyson.Youcamei nhere
brokenandhopel
essbuttodayyou'
releavi
ngasa
newmant hati
sreadytotaketheworl
don.
Me:OhyesIam.
Joy:I
'
m gonnami
ssyousomuch.
Me:Iwi
llpopbyonmyf
reet
ime.
West oodupandshookhands.Shewal kedmet o
thedoor.Igotont heliftanditdroppedmeof fon
thegroundf l
oor.I'
vebeencomi ngherrf orthepast
4mont hs,thecompanyr eferr
edmeaf t
erIf ought
withoneofmycol leagues.Ihadt ohaveacl ear
repor
tbeforebeingper manentlyregi
stered.Joyis
whathernamei s.Ifeltwelcomedandl oved.Sheis
verypassionateaboutherj ob.

Qui
ntonhadopenedacomedyshow.Youngl
adi
es
wer
ealloverhi
mlaughi
ng.
Me:Ladi
es.
Quint
on:Ohson.You'
reback.Thisishi
m.Ihadto
dr
ivetoDurbanat2am t
ogor escuehimfr
om a
housef
ullofgoat
sI magi
ne,
awhol
e25yearol
d
manscaredofgoats.
Theyl
aughed.Whati
shet
alki
ngabout
?
Me:Letmet
akehi
m away.
Hebi
dthem goodbye.Wewal
kedt
otheexi
t.
Me:Whatonear
thwer
eyout
alki
ngabout
?
Qui
nton:Iwasbei
ngcr
eat
ive.
Me:I
twasn'
tfunny.
Qui
nton:Theywer
elaughi
ng.
Me:Becauseyou'
rer
ich.
Qui
nton:Myf
eel
ingsar
ehur
t.
Wegoti nt
hecar.Het
urnedonUkhoziand
i
ncreasedthevol
ume.Whyisi
tmyt ur
ntolookaf
ter
hi
m?
Qui
nton:So,
you'
vegr
aduat
ed.
Me:YesIhave.Iwast
hinki
ngofvi
sit
ingmom.
Quint
on:Vi
sitheront
heweekend.Iwannacome
wit
h.
Me:Okay.Haveyougaveupont
ryi
ngt
ofi
ndYol
i
andLungel
o?
Qui
nton:NoIhaven'
t.
Me:It
hinki
tst
imewehi
redanot
herPI
.
Qui
nton:Thatwoul
dhel
p.
Me:Yeah.Wedon'
twantt
oloseyou.
Hewaski ckedbyacowont hechestlastweekand
endedupi nthehospi
tal
.Hecameout2daysago.
Hetri
estoohar dtonotcar
ebutitisreall
ykil
li
ng
him.

Heismyresponsibi
li
tyt
odaysoIorderhi
s4sal
ads,
gr
il
ledchi
cken,
fruit
sandlotofbot
tl
eswater
.
Qui
nton:Youwon'
tevennot
iceIam her
e.
Hesatdownonthecouchandpluggedt
he
ear
phonesonhi
sipad.Iswit
chedonmypcand
wentt
hroughmyemails….
….
BONGA
Ipar kednexttoher.Shewasont hephoneshouting.
Pr obablyatherbrot
her.Icarr
iedt
hecoolerboxout
oft heboot.Ihaven'
trecei
vedanycallofcomplaint
from Tyson.Iguessbabai sonhisgoodbehaviour
today.Idon'tknowi fi
tsoldagebuthe'
sturnedinto
al it
tl
ekid.
Isatdownandmademi mosas.Ikeptt
ossi
ngi
n
grapesunt
ilshehungup.
Mi
ni:Hej
ustwon'
tst
opget
ti
ngi
ntr
oubl
e.
Me:He'
saboy.Youdon'
thavet
owor
ryabouthi
m.
Mini
:Ican'
t.Becausei
fanyofshenani
gansgett
o
dadi
tbecomesahugepr obl
em.
Me:Andrightnow,let
'sf
orgetabouthi
m andenj
oy
ourbeaut
ifulpi
cni
c.
Shesi
ghedandsmi
led.
Mi
ni:I
'
m sor
ry.
Me:Justgi
vememyki
ss.
Weki
ssed.
Mi
ni:It
hinksomeonehasf
oundourspot
.
Me:That
'sapr
obl
em.I
'
m gonnaki
llsomebody.
Shel
aughed.
Mi
ni:Thi
sisGod'
sear
th.
Me:Thi
sisourspotonGod'
sear
th.Howdi
dthe
pr
esent
ati
ongo?
Mi
ni:Idon'
tthi
nkt
heyl
ikedme.
Me:Thei
rloss.
Mini:Ihat
ehowt hemendomi natedcompanies
nevertakewomenser i
ousl
y.Thatplaceonlyhas2
women.Ahugef i
rm wi
thonly2women?Maybei t
s
becauseIstoodther
ebeforealloft
hem proudl
y.
Youmenhat ewomenwhoar en'ti
nti
midat
edby
thei
rpresence.
Me:Thatist
rue.Butt
heywerenotwor
thyourbi
g
br
ains.Nyamazaneai
rwayscoul
ddowithsuch
i
ntel
li
gence.
Mini
:Nothappening.ThisiswhyIneverapply
wheremydadwor ksbecauseIdon'twanti
tto
seem Igott
hejobj ustbecauseIhavearel
ati
onshi
p
wit
hsomeoneinsi
de,
wor
seyou,
ani
nti
mat
e
r
elat
ionshi
p.
Me:Fi
ne.Havei
tyourwaypr
incess.
Weclinkedgl
assesanddrankup.Myphonerang.
Sheknowswhoi ti
sbecauseherfacei
mmedi at
ely
changed.Icl
ear
edmyt hr
oatandanswered.
Me:Hi
.
Happy:DoyouknowwhatIhat
eaboutyou?
Me:No.
Happy:Youal
waysmakemel
ookcr
azy.
Me:Thati
snott
rue.
Happy:Iam i
nyourof
fi
ceandyouar
enother
e.
Me:Iam doi
ngsomeper
sonalst
uff
.
Happy:Yousai
dyouar
en'
tdat
ing.
Me:I
'
m not
.
Happy:Whatar
eyoudoi
ngi
nbusheswit
hachi
ld
t
hat’
syoungenought
obeyourchi
ld?
Il
ookedar
ound.
Me:Your
est
alki
ngmenow?
Happy:You'
reusi
ngmycar
.Ithasacamer
a.
Me:I
'
llseeyoul
ater
.
Ihungup.Acamer
a?
Mi
ni:I
tsmoment
sli
ket
hist
hatmakemedoubtus.
Me:I
tsi
nnocent
.
Mi
ni:Shecal
lsyouever
y5mi
nut
es.
Me:She'spregnant
.She'
sneedy.Onceshedel
iver
s
thebaby,ever
ythi
ngwil
lbefi
neandwewi l
lnotbe
dist
urbed.

Il
etherr
estherheadonmyl
apandf
edher
bi
scui
ts…
….
TYSON

Nomusacamei
n.It
ookof
fmygl
asses.
Nomusa:Si
r.Ther
e'ssomoneher
etoseeyou.
Me:Whoi
sit
?
Nomusa:Mmabat
hoRaphael
.
Me:Youcanl
etheri
n.
ShewentoutandMmabat
howal
kedi
n.Igotup.
Me:Hi
.
Mmabatho:Domeaf avorTyson.Reassur
eyour
wif
eeverymorningthatyouloveherandyouhave
not
hinggoingonwi t
hme.She' sr
uini
ngmy
marri
age!Tel
lhertostopplease.
Me:You'
remar
ri
ed?
Mmabat
ho:Yesandyournutcasei
srui
ningmy
mar
ri
agewit
hallt
heseaccusati
onsofseei
ngyou.
Sheputaboxont opofmydesk.Myhear thur
t
whenshement ioned“mymar r
iage”she'
ssupposed
tobemywi fe.Hereyessparkl
ed.Herbodywas
ful
lert
hanitdidwhenIlastsawher,shewaslight
er
andmor ebeauti
ful.
Mmabat
ho:Tyson!
Isnappedouti
t.
Me:Yes,
I'
m sor
ry.Youwer
esayi
ng?
Mmabatho:SheassumedIsentthistoyouandsent
i
ttomyhousewi t
hafuckingrevol
ti
ngnote.Idi
dn'
t
comebackforyourdr
ama.Ishouldn'tber
obbedoff
mypeaceallt
hetimebecauseofyou.
Me:I
'
llt
alkt
oher
.
Mmabat
ho:Thankyou.Congr
atul
ati
onsaboutyour
son.
Me:Thankyou.Samet
oyouaboutyourmar
ri
age.
Mmabat
ho:Thanks.Keepwel
l.
Shewal
kedtowar
dsthedoor
.Ist
art
ledwhenmy
phoner
ang.I
twasCassi
e.
Me:Wi
fe.
Cassi
e:Husband.Haveyouknockedof
f?
Me:No.I
'
m aboutt
othough.
Cassi
e:Pl
easebri
ngt
akeaways.Idon'
tfeell
ike
cooki
ngtoday.
Me:Iwi
ll
.
Cassi
e:Don'
tst
opanywher
etogetadr
ink.
Me:Iwon'
t.Bye.
Shehungup.I
'
vedeci
dedtoquital
coholbecause
sheal
waysgetmuggedwhenIgetdrunkandi nsi
st
onwalki
ngawayt
omybr ot
hers.Shetr
iestofoll
ow
meandital
waysendwit
hhergetti
ngmugged…. .
[
01/
15,
14:
26] :OBSESSI
VE
43

QUI
NTON

Sheappear
edf
rom behi
ndme,
star
tl
ingmeeven.
Me:Andt
hen?
Cassi
e:Hehitagainl
astweek,hedi
dnotr
emember
athi
ngthefoll
owingmorni
ngwhenIwenttof
etch
hi
m.Clear
lythatther
apydi
dn'thel
p.
Me:Youneedt
oleavehi
m.
Cassi
e:No.
Ipul
ledandpuf
fed.
Me:I
'
m gonnaaskyouagai
n.Whatdi
dyoudot
o
hi
m?
Cassi
e:Not
hing.
Me:Hecan'
tbesoangr
yatyouwheneverhe'
s
dr
unk.
Cassi
e:You'
dbesur
pri
sedt
hathebeat
smef
or
nothi
ng.
Me:Hmmm.

Tysoncameouthol
dingSenzi
,fol
lowedbyChl
oe,
KwenamaandKaoti
.
Chl
oe:I
'
veneverhear
dofadaught
eri
nlawst
andi
ng
wit
hherfat
heri
nlaw.
Me:Newgener
ati
on.Myf
avor
it
egi
rl
s.
Chl
oe:Icamet
odr
opt
hem of
f.
Cassi
e:No.
Chl
oe:Ohyes.I
'
vebeenanswer
ingquest
ionsf
or
t
hewhol
eweek.Iam goodnow.Tysoncanhandl
e
t
hem.
Cassi
e:Unt
ilhedeci
dest
oleavet
hem al
onewi
th
me.
Me:Don'
tdothatTy.Look,we'
rel
eavi
ngnow.Be
goodandst
ayawayf rom al
cohol
.
Tyson:Iwi
llnevert
ouchi
t.
Me:ar
eyoust
ayi
ngbehi
nd?
Kwenama:yes.Ipackedmyover
nightbag.
Overni
ghtbag?
Me:I
'
llcal
lyoual
ri
ght
?
Kwenama:Okt
hankyou.
Kaot
i:Ar
ewedonehere?Wehavesomeser
ious
busi
nesstot
akecar
eof.
Chl
oe:Thengot
akecar
eofi
t.Il
oveyoubot
hso
much.
Them:Thankyou.
Wel
aughedandal
sowentourway…

WESTOPPEDatar estaur
antt
oeatdinner.Lucki
lyi
t
wasful
lsowegotat abl
e.Weorder
edandwai ted
overabott
leofwine.Womenandwi ne,Idon'
tgetit
.
ButIdr
inkitanywaybecausei
tcostsR800.
Chl
oe:Ar
ethet
estr
esul
tsback?
Me:Yes.Ther
e'snot
hingwr
ongwi
thhi
m.Ij
ust
don'
tgeti
t.
Chl
oe:Youdogeti
t.You'
rej
usti
ndeni
al.
Me:Itcan'
tbepossi
ble.Hecreat
edCocot o
overcomehisf
earofblood.I
tsnot,
itsnotafami
ly
thi
ng.
Chloe:Of
courseitsnot.Tysonhadatough
chil
dhood.Peoplewhoendur edabusealways
creat
ethatcharactert
hat'
sgonnatakethem away
fr
om thei
rrealselves.
Me:Hedi
dn'
tdr
inkwhenhewasl
it
tl
e.Howcoul
dhe
have?
Chl
oe:Idon'
thaveal
ltheanswer
sri
ghtnowbutI
t
hinkhehast
hesamecondi
ti
onasChr
is'
s.
Me:Maybeheget
stoodr
unkandnotr
emembera
t
hing.
Chl
oe:Ihi
ghl
ydoubtt
hatbuti
tcoul
dbepossi
ble.

Ihadt otakeNkuleaway,wherehewon' tfi

ndher
becauset henursewouldfi
ndherdrowni ngonthe
tuborpoolorjustlyi
ngdownhel pl
essly.The
camer asnevercaughtathi
ng.AndonedayIwent
tohishouseear l
yinthemorningcall
edbyCassi e
andshewasswol lenandholdi
ngintothingsfor
balance.

Shet oldmehebeather .Iwasf uming,

Iwentto
wakehi m up.Thelookonhi sfacewhenheopened
hiseyesandsawCassi edefeatedme.Cassiejust
quicklysaidshewasmuggedbef oreIcoul
dsay
anything.Itri
edtogetwaysofput ti
nghimin
therapybuthewoul dn'tli
sten,Mmabathodidn't
wantt obei nvol
ved.It
ol dSbanitostar
tafightwit
h
him.Ther apywashi spunishment .He'
sver
y
dedi
cat
edt
ohi
spr
ofessi
onsoheagr
eed.

Butnow,mul t
iplepersonali
ti
es?Ican'tacceptthat
andIwon'tlethim knowt hathesuffer
ssucha
disor
der
.Iwi l
ljustmakeial coholbecauseitseems
tobetheproblem.

Ourf
oodar
ri
ved.
Chl
oe:t
hankyou.Mmmht
hissmel
lsni
ce.
Me:Theyhavet
hebestst
eaki
ntown.
Chl
oe:Yousayt
hataboutever
yrest
aur
ant
.
Il
aughed.
Me:Il
oveourunpl
anneddat
es.
Chl
oe:Ij
usthopewedon'
tgetdr
unk.
Me:I
'
llbet
her
esponsi
bleone.Youcandr
ink.
Chl
oe:AndIt
hinkweshoul
dvi
sitaseer
.
Me:For
?
Chl
oe:Theki
ds.Justt
ocheckhow'
sever
ythi
ng
goi
ng.
Me:We'
l
lgot
oBonga.
Chl
oe:No.He'
ski
ds.
Me:If
orget
.
Welaughedandt al
kedaboutourstuff
.She's
al
waysgotme.Yol andalovedthemanIwasf orher
notme.Chloelovesallofme.Butnotasingl
edayI
donotthinkofherandwonderifsheissafe
whereversheiswit
hmychi ld….

….
BONGA

WhenIgothomelastni
ght,Ij
ustsl
eptonguest
bedr
oom f
orthesakeofpeace.Butpeacedoesn’
t
l
astl
onginthi
shouse.

ShewokemeupbyopeningtheWi
ndows.6am i
n
themor
ning,
wint
ermor
ning.Ahumandeci
desto
opent
heWi
ndows.
Me:Iwil
lmoveouti
fyoukeepmaki
ngmyst
ayso
unpl
easant
.
Isai
dsi
tt
ingont
hebarchai
r.
Happy:Thenl
eave.
Me:I
sthi
saboutyest
erday?
Happy:Yes!Asmuchast hi
smaymeannot hi
ngto
youbutatl
eastconsi
derourchi
ld'
shealt
h.Howdo
yougooutthereandhavesexwi t
hthatl
it
tl
egirl
andcomet ome?
Me:I
tssaf
e.
Happy:Evi
lspi
ri
tsar
en'
tscar
edofcondoms!
Me:Let
'
sst
ophavi
ngsext
hen.Si
mpl
e.

Itookmycupofcof f
eeandwentupt obath.The
twinsarecominghomefrom boardi
ngschool.Ihad
toputthem awayaft
erOnikadateda22yearold
enemy'schil
d…
….
TYLER

Iwaschangi
ngforgym whenmyphoner
ang.I
t
wasunknown.

Ianswer
ed.
Me:Dube.
Cal
ler
:Tyl
eri
tsme.
Me:Yol
i?
Yol
i:Yes.
Iwentt
othebal
cony.
Me:Whyar
eyoucont
act
ingme?
Yol
i:I
'
m comi
ngbackhome.
Me:Youcan'
t.
Yol
i:Ij
ustl
anded.
Me:Yol
anda,
li
stent
ome.
Yol
i:I
'
mti
redoft
hesel
ies.I
'
mti
redofl
ivi
ngeach
daylooki
ngovermyshoul
der
.Qui
ntondeser
vest
he
tr
uth.
Me:Youcan'
t.Yol
ipl
ease,
ifnotf
ormej
ustdoi
tfor
Lungel
o.
Yol
i:I
'
llcal
lthef
ami
lymeet
ing.
Me:Yol
andal
ist
ent
ome…hel
lo?

Dammi
t!
Ist
art
ledwhenKhet
hiwet
ouchedme.
Khet
hiwe:Whati
sshesayi
ng?
Me:she'
scomi
nghome.
Khet
hiwe:Youneedt
oki
llher
.
Me:No.Jesusno.
Khet
hiwe:Ifyoudon'
t,
you'r
etheonethat
'sgonna
di
e.Ift
hiscomesout,I
'm gonnabeonamat t
ress.
Dotherightt
hing.

Sheki
ssedmycheekandwal
kedof
f.She'
sri
ght
.I
cal
ledt
hehi
tman
[
01/
15,
14:
26] :OBSESSI
VE
*
SPONSORED*

44

QUI
NTON

FIRSTTHI NGwedi dint

hemor ni
ngwasdri
vehere.
I'
veneverbeenhere,i
tsver
ydodgyandIalr
eady
didn'
tbel
ievewhatevert
hatmanwasgoingtotel
l
us.Hecoul dbeachancerforal
lweknow.
Me:I
'
vegotcr
amps.
Chl
oe:Getupandst
ret
ch.
Me:Wi
thal
lthesepeopl
ewat
chi
ng?
Chl
oe:St
opwhi
ningt
hen.
Me:We'
re8peopl
eaway.I
'
m hungr
y.
Shesear
chedt
hroughherbagandt
ookoutal
unch
boxandbot
tl
e.Ichuckl
ed.
Chl
oe:Il
ikedyoubet
terwhenyouboughtmean
i
Phone.
Me:Youpr
obabl
ythoughtIwasal
owl
if
e.
Chl
oe:Ofcour
se.Ihadjustl
ostmyst
oryt
oCar
diac
Magazi
ne.Iwaslivi
d.
Me:Andt
henyoust
art
edl
iki
ngme.Youwer
eagol
d
di
gger
.
Shegaspedandl
aughed.
Chl
oe:Iwas.
Shel
aughed.
Chl
oe:Butmost l
y,Iwasinterestedinyourli
ves.I
wasgonnawal kawaywi thaver ybeauti
fulst
ory
hadInotcaughtfeel
ings.I'
dhavewr i
tt
enabook.
AndKhethel
ocoul dseerightthroughme.
Umnqwaziwakhewawungaqi ningam.
Me:I
'
dhaveki
ll
edyou.
Chl
oe:Hhababe
Me:Yes.YouknowIdi
dever
ythi
ngt
osavemy
f
ami
ly.
Chloe:Iknow.Iguesst hat
'swhatmademef al
l
i
nlovewi thyou.There'
ssomethingaboutaman
thatloveshisfamil
y.Iknewthatnomat t
erwhat
,
you'ddoanyt hi
ngtoprotectme.
Me:Butyouwant
edt
oabor
tthespeci
albabi
es.
Chl
oe:Mymot her
.Iwasscaredofthatwoman.And
Iwasjustnotr
eadyforachi
ld.Andyouhadt he
ner
vetodenymar r
yingme,i
twasal otoft
hings.
Me:Buther
ewear
e.Imar
ri
edyouonmyownt
erms.
Il
oveyou.
Chl
oe:Il
oveyoumor
ethananyt
hingi
nthi
swor
ld.
Iclosedthelunchboxanddr ankjuice.Iwouldn'task
forabetterwife.Sherestedherheadonmy
shoulder.Thi
si stheonlywomanwho' severlai
da
handonme.I '
veal waysadmiredherstrength.She
doesn'tt
akenof orananswer,hencewe' r
eher e
almostfor4hour snow.Waiti
ngtoseet hisman,
goodt hi
ngwear enumber2now….
….
TYSON

Sheplacedacol
dobj
ectonmycheek.Iopenedmy
eyes.
Cassi
e:Yougonnabel
atef
orwor
k.
Me:I
'
m notgoi
ngt
owor
ktoday.
Cassi
e:Why?
Me:Becausethegi
rl
sar
eher
e.Youdeser
vea
peacef
ulday.
Cassi
e:Idon'
tmi
nd.They'
l
lcomebackar
ound2.
Me:Iheardyoucompl
ainl
astni
ghtIf
igur
edI
shoul
dstay.
Cassi
e:Thenbat
handgot
owor
k.
Me:No.I
'
veal
readyt
oldt
hem I
'
m notcomi
ng.
Il
eanedont
heheadboar
d.
Me:Youshoul
dleaveMmabat hoal
one.She'
s
marr
iedandIdi
dn'tevenknowshewasintown.
Cassi
e.Iwasj
ustscar
edyou'
dseeherandbe
r
emi
ndedofwhatyouf
eel
forher
.
Me:Thatwi
llneverhappen.If
eelnot
hingf
orher
.
Bel
ievet
hat
.
Ipul
ledheri
ntomyar
msandki
ssedher
.

WhenIsawherIfel
tsomethi
ng.Somethi
ngIhave
notf
eltf
oranywomanexceptCassi
e.
….
CASSI
E

Imovedoffhi
m.Hedidreal
lysoundsincer
ebutI
needtomakesur
ethatneverchange.
Me:I'
m gonnagotot
hemallr
ealqui
ck.Mazohi
s
gonnabehereanyminut
enow.
Tyson:Nopr
obl
em.Br
ingmeener
gydr
inks.
Me:Iwi
ll
.

It
ookmypur
seandwal
kedout
.Hef
oll
owedme
goingtoSenzi
'
snur
ser
y.Itookmykeysont
opof
thecount
erandwal
kedoff
.

Ical
ledgogoMzi
ziasIdr
oveof
f.
GogoMzi
zi:Nt
ombazaneI
'
vebeent
ryi
ngt
ocal
lyou!
Me:I
'm sor
ry.Tysondidn'
tgotowor
k.Youcan'
t
come,Iwil
lcomet oyouinst
ead.
GogoMzizi:Whatdoyout hi
nkthi
sis?Ajoke?That
manissli
ppingthr
oughyourf i
nger
s.Thespell
washesoffeachday.Ineedtoputiti
nyourhome.
Me:Canwedoi
ttomor
rowat
least
?
GogoMzizi
:Ihaveothercust
omer
s.Cal
lmewhen
you'
redonepl
ayinggames.

Shehungup.Istoppedt
hecaranddidbr eat
hing
exer
cises.Thi
scan'
tgowrong.Ican'
tlosehi
m now.
….
CHLOE
Ourturnfinal
lycame.Iwasglad.Ihadhadi
twit
h
thi
soldman' swhini
ngabouthiscramps.Wetook
offourshoesandwenti n.Wesatdownonthemat
andgreeted.
Sangoma:Sur
name.
Me:Wear
etheDubes.
Sangoma:Your
s.
Me:November
.Wecameconcer
ningourki
ds.
Itookoutthei
rt-
shi
rt
s.Het ooka2l i
tr
eandfil
ledit
withwaterwhil
ehewhist
led.Qui nt
onwaslooking
atmeandIknewhewasn' tpleased.

Heshookthebott
leforagood20mi nut
esandputit
down.Thewhist
li
ngwasst i
llgoi
ngon.I
twas
get
ti
ngannoyingformetoo.HelookedatQui
nton,
heshi
fteduncomfort
abl
e.
Sangoma:Yourwi
fei
sindanger
.
Qui
ntonl
ookedatme
Sangoma:Nott hi
sone,
thi
sisn'
tyourwi
fe.I
'
m
tal
kingaboutyourwi
fe.
Qui
nton:Idon'
tknowwher
eshei
s.
Sangoma:Butyouar
egoi
ngt
oki
llheranyways.
Hebur
ped.
Sangoma:mama.
Hesai
dtome.
Me:Thokoza.
Sangoma:Whenar
eyouget
ti
ngmar
ri
ed?
Me:Iam mar
ri
ed.
Sangoma:Ugcagcel
ekuphi
?
Me:Isi
gnedi
ncour
t.
Sangoma:Thati
swest
ernmar
ri
age.Baba,
whenar
e
youmarr
yingthi
swoman?
Qui
nton:Soon.
Sangoma:Yourf
ather
.
Het
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Sangoma:Yourf
atherwantshert
ogohome.But
yourmot
herissuperi
or.Hecan'
treachoutt
oyou.
Me:Whodoeshewanthome?Me?
Sangoma:Yes.Youbel onghome, noti
nJo'burg.
Yourmot herinl
awdoesn'twantyoutherebecause
therearesomet hi
ngsyou'r
egoingtodiscoverbut
nothingisevergoi
ngtogowel lf
oryoubot hifdon'
t
gobackhome.
Qui
nton:Whi
char
e?
Sangoma:Youknow.Mama,
makesur
ehi
swi
fe
doesn'
tdi
ewithhi
shand.
Qui
nton:Whywoul
dIki
llher
?
Sangoma:i
nfact
,gohomeaf
tert
his.
That
'swher
ewegoi
ng.
Sangoma:Homehome.Hewoul
drat
herki
llher
thanhi
sownbrot
her
.
Qui
nton:Canyoustopspeaki
ngi
nri
ddl
es!Wj
y
woul
dIkillmywif
e!
Sangoma:Yourwi
fei
sgoi
ngt
otel
lyouonyourway
home.Movingontotheki
ds.Theboyofthist-
shi
rt,
he'sundert
hespel
lofhi
swifeandthebeastthat
l
ivesinsi
dehimisgoi
ngtogetoutofcont
rolandkil
l
her.
Qui
nton:Whatmonst
er?
Sangoma:Thevi olentandrut
hlesspersonainside
hi
mt hatcomesoutwheneverhe' sdr
unk.Your
grandfat
herfai
ledtogetridofit
,yourfathert
oo,
sl
owl ybyslowl
y,itgetsworsewitheachgener ati
on
i
tispassedon.
Qui
nton:Howdowegetr
idofi
t?
Sangoma:Youcan'
t.Youcanonl
ytamei
t.
Qui
nton:How?
Hel
ookedathi
mforawhi
le.
Sangoma:Sacr
if
icef
ori
t.
Me:How?
Sangoma:Leti
tki
llsomeoneforsati
sfact
ionand
theni
twil
lnotcomeunlesscal
led.Youmayl eave.
WhyareMphangiseni
'
sdescendant
ssotr
oubled?
NobodyintheDubehousegothr
oughal
lthi
s
bul
lshi
tbutthem!

Qui
nton:Whyam Igoi
ngt
oki
llYol
i?
Hesai
daswedr
oveaway.
Me:Idonotknow.
Qui
nton:YoudoandI
'
dbedamnedi
fyoudonott
ell
meri
ghtnow.
Me:I
tsbestyoucal
landaskher
.
Qui
nton:Cal
lherwher
e?
Thephoner
ang.TheBl
uet
oot
hconnect
ed.
Me:baby.
Ther
ewassobbi
ngandwai
li
ngf
oll
owed.
Me:Si
sekel
o?
Qui
nton:Myl
ovewhati
sgoi
ngon?
Sisekel
o:Mahasbeenshotbaba.She…shewas
shotatthegat
e.
Me:Rushhert
othehospi
tal
!We'
recomi
ng
.
Si
sekel
o:She'
sgone.
Me:nononono.Cal
ltheambul
ance!

Thel
inedi
ed.No!
Mywhol
ebodystar
tedtr
embli
ng.Ipull
edover
.
Tear
sst
reameddown.Il
ookedatQuint
on.Hehas
noemot
ions.
Me:Di
dyouhearSi
sekel
o?
Qui
nton:Letmedr
ive.

Hehoppedout.Iwasglued.Theshock,
thi
nki
ngof
howthingsar
eabouttogreatl
ychangeint
his
fami
ly.Herki
ds!MyGod.

Heli
tacigar
ett
eandsmoked,ther
eandthenIknew
hewasjustact
ingst
rongbef
oremyeyes.He
st
artedwal
kingaway.Ir
emai
nedi
nthecarand
cr
ied…
[
01/
15,
14:
27] :OBSESSI
VE

45

TYSON

Ever yonewasher e, excepthi m.Ever yonesai dal

l
thegoodt hi ngsabouther .Theusualf uneralfake
shit.Iwoul dn'tbeher ei fi
twasn' tformysi bli
ngs
butIl ovet hem mor et hanIdi dn'tcareabouttheir
mot her .Onet hi
ngever yonehasbeenexpect i
ng
sinceshedi edwast oseehi m breakdownand
beingunabl etobr eathebuthewasj ustplain.He
prepar edt hef uneralandal thoughitisan
unfor t
unat egat her i
ngbuti twasabeaut i
fulsendoff.
Shewasknownbymanybecausei twaspacked, I
woul dn'tsayaboutbei ngl ovedbecausesome
peopl ear ej usttheret oseei fyour eall
ydied.
Itwasmysecondtimecomi nghereanditst
il
l
confusemewhywoul dt heynothavethei
rown
homesbecausenowi tlookscrazy.Walki
ng10
minutesfr
om mkhul
u'smai nhousetomkhul u
Gede'shousei
sreal
lyinsane.

Ihadbeenwal kingf or20mi nut esst rai

ghtl
ooking
forLamu.If oundhi m undert het reei nonthefar
endoft heyard.Thebeer sIbr oughtwer enowhot.I
satbesidehim ont hemat .Igavehi m abeer.He
openedi tanddr ankhal fofit
.Andt henthe
remaini
nghal f.Iopenedanot herbot tl
eandgave
him.Hedr anki twithin5mi nut es,Igavehi m
anotherone.Hedr anki tononegoandsobbed
whenheputi tdown.Ipathi m ont heshoulder.
Me:I
tsgonnabeokay.
Lamu:Shedi edowingmel ove.At
tenti
on.
Ever
ything.Ihadherbutshewasn'ttheref
orme.
Theleastshecould'
vedonewassay“ Iam pr
oudof
youLamu.Il oveyouLamu"shehasnever ,ever
!
Me:She'
sgonenow.For
giveher
.
Lamu:No!Ihat
eherf
ordyi
ngbef
oreshecoul
dsay
thosewor
ds.
Me:Lamu.Forgiveher,
doyouhearme?He' sgoi
ng
tomeetGodandshewi l
lexpl
ainal
lhersi
nstoGod.
For
giveher
,foryoursel
f.
Lamu:I
'
m angr
y.
Me:Cr
yal
lyouneed.Leti
tal
lout
.
Igavehi
m abeer
.Andl
ethi
m cr
y….
….
QUI
NTON

Ihavebeencheckingmyemai l
severynowandt hen
hopingtofindsomethingfr
om Thelabbutthere
wasnot hi
ng.Ispentmostofmyweekendont he
bar.Ineededsomethingstrongtosti
ngmyt ast
e
budsbecausewhatwassai dtobethetrut
hI
couldn'
ttake.I
tnumbedt hebit
tert
ruth.
It
ookthehousephoneandcal
ledChl
oe.Shedi
dn'
t
pi
ckup.Idi
aledKhet
hel
o.Sheanswer
ed.
Khet
hel
o:You'
real
ive.
Me:Iam.
Khet
hel
o:Wewentaheadwi
thoutyou.
Me:AsIsai
d.
Khet
hel
o:Don'
tyout
hinkt
heymadeyoul
ookbad?
Me:Idon'
tcar
e.Di
ditgowel
l?
Khet
hel
o:I
tdid.Hermothercame.I
twasjustt
oo
muchtohandl
e.Ican'
tbeli
eveshe'
sgone.
Me:Shei
s.
Khethel
o:Qui
ntonwhat
'sgoi
ngonwi
thyou?Thi
s
i
sn'tyou.
Me:I
tis.Justaf
uckedupver
sionofme.
Khet
hel
o:Comehome.We'
l
ltal
kanddealwi
th
what
everi
tis.
Me:Shet
oldyouever
ythi
ng,
didyouknow?
Khet
hel
o:Knowwhat
?
Me:AboutTyl
er.
Shewentqui
et.
Me:It
houghtyouhadmyback.
Khet
hel
o:IalsohadhersandTyler'
s.I
twasat i
ght
spot
.Ij
ustdecidedtonotgeti
ntoit
.I'
m sorr
y.You
knowI'
ddoanyt hi
ngtoprot
ectthi
sfamily.
Me:Eveni
fitmeansbet
rayi
ngme?
Khethel
o:Idi
dn'
t.Idi
dwhatYol
itol
dmet
odo,
to
keepitasecr
et.
Me:I
sKhul
enearyou?
Khet
hel
o:No.
Me:Good.Don'
ttel
lhi
m aboutt
his.
Khet
hel
o:Iwon'
t.
Me:Ordoesheknowt
oo?
Khet
hel
o:No.
Me:Ok._
Mye-
mai
lnot
if
ied.
Me:I
'
llt
alkt
oyoul
ater
.
Khet
hel
o:Cal
lwhenyouneedt
otal
k.
Me:Iwi
ll
.
Ihungupandputt hephonedownoni t'
sstandand
openedt heemai l
.Ijustranmyeyest hroughandit
wasnegat ive.Izoomedi nand,itwasbold.Iwentt
o
washmyf ace.It houghtIwasseei ngwhatwasn't
there,mymi ndplayingt r
icksonmebutIcameback
tofinditst
illli
kethat .Shewasn'tmine.Iwasmade
tofeelbadabouthavi ngkidswit
hChloewhi l
eshe
sleptwithmybr otherandhadachi ld.Whatkindof
betrayali
st his?

Itookmyphoneandcal
ledMosest
odr
iveme
home.
….
TYLER

Itookmysleepi
ngpill
s.Ihaven'
tbeenabl
etpsleep
si
nceThursdaylastweek.Theguil
twaskeepi
ngme
up.Seei
ngLungelosomi ser
ableandnott
alki
ngto
anyonebrokememorethanIt
houghti
twould.She
waswi t
hherint
hecar
.Shehadthemosttr
aumat i
c
experi
ence.

Khethi
wecaneoutofthebat
hroom applyi
ngl
oti
on
toherhands.Shedi
dn'
tseem t
obebot her
edby
anyt
hing.
Khethi
we:Whyar
eyouact
ingl
ikeyou'
venever
ki
ll
edbefor
e?
Me:I
twasn'
tfami
ly.
Khethi
we:Ar
eyousur
ethat
'sal
lyou'
remi
ser
abl
e
about?
Me:Shewasf
ami
ly.Shehadki
ds.
Khet
hiwe:Babe,i
twasei
therheroryou.Youshoul
d
begl
aditwasn'tyou.
Me:Wewer
ebot
hatf
aul
t.Shedi
dn'
thavet
opay
al
one.
Khet
hiwe:Wecanst
il
lhi
reahi
tmant
otakeyouout
.
Me:You'
renotf
unny.
Shechuckl
edandj
oinedmei
nbedandt
urnedof
f
hersi
delamp.

Idi
dtoo,
hopi
ngt
ofal
lasl
eep.
….
KHETHELO

Icouldn'thel
pbutthi
nkthatKhethiwesomehow
knowswhathappenedt oYoli
.She'susuall
yamess
i
nf uneralsbutnott
hisone.Shewasj usther.Iwas
alr
eadyi nbedwhenPhi l
a.Camei n,heavi
ly
pregnant.
Phi
la:CanIsl
eepher
e?
Me:What
'swr
ongwi
thyourr
oom?
Phi
la:Somet
hingdoesn'
tsmel
lgood.
Me:Phi
la.
Phi
la:Ma?
Me:Whataboutyourhusband?
Phi
la:i
tshi
m.
Me:Hi
m what
?
Phi
la:somet
hingt
hatdoesn'
tsmel
lgood.
Il
aughed.
Me:No.Yourdadneedscuddl
es.
Phi
la:Hecangohugmyhusband.
Shecl
imbedupandl
aidherheadonmychest
.
Khul
ecamein.
Khule:Ai
bo.Shoul
dn'
tyoubedoi
ngt
hatt
oyour
husband?
Phi
la:Youcangodoi
tonhi
m.
Me:l
ooksl
ikeyou'
regonnasl
eepi
nthel
oungel
ove.
Khul
e:We'
l
lgof
il
lthet
anksf
ort
omor
row.
Me:Whati
shappeni
ngt
omor
row?
Khul
e:We'
regoi
ngt
oKwaNzuza.
Phi
la:Todowhat
?
Khul
e:Yourgr
andf
athercal
ledameet
ing.
Shot
!
Me:Andyou'
regoi
ng?
Khul
e:Wehavet
o.
Me:Canwet
alk.Moveof
fal
it
tl
ebabe.
Shemovedoff
.Igrabbedmyr
obeandputi
ton.I
pul
ledhi
m out
side.
Me:Haveyoul
ostyourmi
nd?
Khul
e:We'
rebei
ngr
espect
ful
Me:Real l
y?Af t
erhi
sseconddaught erdiedat
gunshot,underanotherDubetwin?Thisishistor
y
repeati
ngitsel
fandhe'sgonnaf ucki
ngmur deryou.
That'
swhyhedi dn'
tcomet othefuneral
.Hemaybe
oldbuthe'sgotyoungbloodthatmakest hi
ngs
happenf orhim.Thi
sisat r
ap.Andf rom nowon,we
willl
iveeachdaylookingoverourshoulders.
Khul
e:Idi
dnott
hinkoft
hat
.
Chr
iscameoutoft
hedar
k.
Chr
is:Let
'sgo.
Me:Whereexact
lyNyamazane?Tot
hemanwhose
chi
ldr
enyou'
vekil
led?
Chr
is:What
?
Me:Yes!Lesedidi
ed,
wit
haguninyourhome,Yol
i
too.Doyouthi
nkhehasanyt
hingt
osaytoyouthan
kil
lyou?

Theywer
elooki
ngbeyondme.Ar
etheyeven
l
ist
eni
ngtome?

It
urnedtol
ookatthehor
nst
hathavegr
ownbehi
nd
me.ItwasPhi
la.
Phi
la:Shedi
edl
iket
his?
Me:Babe
Phi
la:Don'
tcomeclose!Answermemama.Was
mom shot?Atdad'
shouse?
Khul
e:Thest
ressi
snotgoodf
ort
hebaby.
Phi
la:Tohel
lwi
tht
hat
.Ineedt
het
rut
h.Ri
ghtnow!
Chr
is:Mbuyazi
.Canwet
alk?Bot
hofus.
Phi
la:Ij
ustneedayesornobaba,
real
ly.
Me:Wedi
ditt
opr
otectyou.
Phil
a:For25year
s?Atwhatpoi
ntdi
dInotdeser
ve
thetr
uth?
Khul
e:Iwasscar
edyou'
dhat
eme.
Shejustcr
iedandcl
osedt
hedoor
.Itr
iedtoopen
buti
twaslocked.Wher
earewegoi
ngt osl
eep?
Me:It
oldyout
otel
lher
.
Khul
e:Doyout
hinkshe'
sgonnal
ookatmet
he
same?
Me:She'
l
lgetoveri
t.

Wesatdown.
..

.
..
..
TYLER
Iwokeupcoughing.Therewassomeonesmoking.
Istart
ledwhenIsawashadowont hewindow.I
searchedformyglassesont
hepedest
alandturned
theli
ghton.

Heknows.Mypalmssweat
.If
eltanot
hersweatr
oll
of
fmyforehead.
Me:Baf
o.
Mymout
hwentdr
y.
Qui
nton:Di
dIwakeyou?
Me:N.
..
no.
Qui
nton:Hhmm.

Heconti
nuedsmoki
ng.Isatupright
.Andkeptmy
handsundert
hebl
anketbecausetheywer
e
tr
embli
ng.

Hethrewtheremai
ningci
gar
ett
eont
hef
loorandl
et
i
tburn.Hefucki
ngknows.
Quint
on:Idon'
twhati
sworse.Youf
ucki
ngmywi
fe?
Knocki
ngheruporkil
li
ngher.
Igul
ped.
Quint
on:Iexpectedt
obetrayme.She'sawoman, a
womanImeti nmyadultl
ifebutyou?Thatleaves
anunbearablepaini
nmyhear t.Myownf ucking
bl
ood?Ther e'
snothi
ngIwouldn'tdoforyou
mtakababa.Andyoudidthattome?

Myphoneflashed.I
twaswas02:
30am.AndI
r
eal
izedKhethiwewasn'
tbesi
deme.
Qui
nton:Doyouknowt hatIwould'
veki
ll
edher
i
nsteadofyou?BecauseIloveyou.Youtookher
awayfrom myki
ds.
Me:Inevermeantf
ori
ttohappen.
Qui
nton:Yousl
eptwi
thmywi
feTyl
er.
Me:Iknow,Iknow.AndIregr
ett
edever
yday.It
ri
ed
t
otellyoubuttheyst
oppedme.
Qui
nton:Who?
Me:Yoli
,Khethi
weandBonga.Hesai
dmother
wantedi
ttostayburi
edbecausei
twasgoi
ngt
o
dest
roythefamil
y.
Quint
on:Keepi
tatt
hat.You'
reonl
yher
babomncane.She'
l
lknowyouast hatgetwholel
if
e.
Iam nowthe5t
hpersoninthi
ssecret
.Ifor
giveyou.

Hewal
kedout
.It
ookadeepbr
eat
h.

Ihear
dsi
rens.Ij
umpedoutofbed.

"
PUTYOURHANDSWHERE,
WECANSEETHEM!
"

Thebrightl
ightsbl
indedme.Bef
oreIcoul
dmake
outanythi
ngofwhatwashappeningIheard
Khethi
wescr eam.
Khet
hiwe:Idi
dn'
tki
llher
!
"
Ma'
am i
fyour
esi
stImi
ghthavet
opi
nyoudown"
Ther
ewasahugebootonmyneckandmyhands
behi
ndmeandcuf
fsfol
lowed.
..
..
[
01/
15,
14:
27] :OBSESSI
VE
46

KHETHELO

Byt
het
imewegottoTyl
er'
shouse.Thepol
icecar
s
wer
edr
ivi
ngaway.
Me:Whati
shappeni
ng?
Mamkhul
u:Tyl
erandMadl
adl
ahavebeenar
rest
ed.
Me:Whatf
ornow?
Itookmyphoneoutandcal
ledI
saac.Heneedst
o
comehereasap.

Ifel
tar oughgr
abandhepul
ledmeawayt
othe
darkness.
Me:What
's-l
etgoofme.
Khul
e:Youknew?Youf
ucki
ngknewandsai
d
not
hing?
Me:Iknewwhat
?
Khul
e:Thathesl
eptwi
thYol
i!
Me:I
twasn'
tmypl
acet
otel
l.
Khul
e:Thati
sn'
tanexcuse.
Me:I
tis.
Khul
e:Ican'
tbel
ieveyour
ightnow.
Me:I
twasYol
i'
spl
ace.I
twasherbusi
ness.
Khul
e:Justkeepqui
et.
Me:Andyourmot hergaveoutt
heorder.Shesai
d
thi
swasgoi ngtorui
nherfamil
y.Nowtellmewhy
aretheyar
rested?
Khul
e:Fi
gur
ethatout
.

Hewal
kedof
f.
“
Khet
hel
o?
Iputt
hephonei
nmyear
.
Me:Issac.Canyoucomeher
enextt
hingi
nthe
morning?
I
saac:WhoseassdoIhavet
osave?
Me:Tyl
erandKhet
hiwe.
I
saac:Iwi
llcome.
Me:Okt
hankyou.

Ihungupandsatdown.Coul
dthi
sbet
heendofus?
Ihopei
tisn'
t…

….
CHLOE

Ij
ustgotupt ocheckwhatwast hecommot i
on
aboutandwentbackt obed.TherewasnoDube
dramawor thmysleep.Ihadenoughforthepast
week.IreachedformyphonetocallQuintonbutt
he
l
ightswenton.Het
ookof
fhi
sjacketandt
ossedi
t
overtheot
toman.

Hel
ookeddr
ained.Igotupandhel
dhi
m.
Me:I
tsgoi
ngt
obeokay.
Hel
ookedi
ntomyeyes.
Qui
nton:I
twon'
t.He'
smybr
other
.
Me:Iknowlove.AndIknowi
tseemsimpossi
ble
t
hatit
'sgoi
ngtobeokaybuti
twillbe.
Qui
nton:I
'
llbel
ooki
ngathereveryday,r
emindi
ng
meofwhatmyper f
ectbr
otherandwifedidt
ome.
Me:Nothi
nghaschanged.She'
syourdaught
erand
t
hat'
sthat
.
Hesatont
hebedandbowedhi
shead.
Helookeddr
ained.Hi
seyeswer
eshal
low.Isat
besi
dehim.
Me:Iam sosor
ryyouhavet
ogot
hroughal
lthi
s.
Buti
twil
lpass.
Hel
ookedatme.
Quint
on:Ther
e'snothi
ngIwouldn'
thavedonefor
him.Il
ovehim somuchthatIwouldgivemyli
feup
forhi
m buthedidthi
stome?
Me:Cal
m downsthandwasam.Al
loft
hisi
sn'
tgood
f
oryourheal
th.
Quint
on:Let
'sgohome.Ihadpeaceofmindin
Boksbur
g.Iwanttobeawayfr
om myf amil
y.
Me:Whataboutt
het
radi
ti
onalweddi
ng?
.
Qui
nton:Wecandoi
tinDecember
.
Me:Ok.
Qui
nton:Takeyourbag.I
'
llgowaket
heki
ds.
Me:It
s3inthemorningl
ove.Andnoneofusi
sina
goodstat
etodr
ive.
Qui
nton:MosesandPi
pear
eher
e.They'
l
ldr
iveus.
Hegotupandheadedout.Ij
ustsatont
hebed.I
wi
shInevercameback.TheDubesaredrama
magnet
s….
….
QUI
NTON

IknockedatthehouseTysonwassleepingi
n.
Cassieopened.Justt
hepersonIwantedtosee.
Me:Weneedt
otal
k.
Cassi
e:At3i
nthemor
ning?
Me:Yes.Comeout
.
Cassi
e:I
tscol
dout
side.
Me:Wher
eisTyson?
Cassi
e:He'
sasl
eep.
Me:Good.Iwantyout
ogoaway.
Cassi
e:Goawaywher
e?
Me:Idon'tcar
ebutf
arawayf
rom wher
eTyson
coul
dfindyou.
Shechuckl
ed.
Cassi
e:Leavemychi
ldbehi
nd?
Me:Yes.
Cassi
e:Youki
ddi
ngr
ight
?
Me:Ifyoudon'
tleave.Youwi l
lneverseeyourson
becausehe'
sgoingtokillyouwhenIgi vehi
mt hi
s.
Cassi
e:Whati
sthat
?
Me:Somet
hingasangomagavemetof
eedTyson
t
ogetri
dofint
andothatyouf
edhi
m.
Shegul
ped.
Me:Now,
gopack.We'
l
lleaveyouont
hef
reeway.
Cassi
e:I
'
m notgoi
nganywher
ewi
thoutmychi
ld.
Me:Youdon'
tseem t
ohaveachoi
ce,
doyou?
Cassi
e:Iam notNkul
e.Youdon'
tgett
ojustgetr
id
ofme.
Me:Havei
tyourway.

Tysonappear
edbehi
ndher
.Her
ubbedhi
seyes.
Tyson:Baba,
isever
ythi
ngokay?
Cassi
ewentbacki
nsi
de.
Me:Yes.Icamet
otel
lyouI
'
mleavi
ng.
Tyson:Whendi
dyouar
ri
ve?
Me:Anhourago.Icamet
ogetyourmot
herand
si
bli
ngs.We'
regoi
ngtoBoksbur
g.
Tyson:Whenar
eyoucomi
ngback?
Me:Youcancomeanyt
ime.Ij
ustneedt
obeaway
f
orawhil
e.
Tyson:Ok.Ok.Ar
eyoul
eavi
ngNow?
Me:Yes.
Tyson:Icandr
iveyou.
Me:Mosesi
sher
e.
Tyson:Ok.I
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
.
Me:Iboughtyouyourf
avour
it
esweetont
heway
het
e.
Helaughedandtookit
.Whatkindofamaneat
s
chocol
ates.Heopeneditandt
ossedi
tinhi
smout
h.
Me:Comewi
thmet
owaket
heseki
dsup.
Hecl
osedt
hedoorandwewal
kedt
owher
eLungel
o
wassl
eepi
ng…

….
2weeksl
ater
….

TYSON

Iwastappingmyf oot.Myanxiet
ywasget ti
ngt he
bestofme.Imadeanappoi nt
mentonMondayand
Fri
dayseemedf arbutnowt hati
tshere.Idi
dn't
knowhowt oact.Ididn'
tknowwhet hertobri
ng
fl
owersorchocolatessoIbroughtboth.Ihaven't
seenhersincethatdayshecamet otellmeCassi e
washarrasingher

Pa:MrDube.Youcangoi
n.
Ipickedthebouquetandaboxofchocol
atesfrom
thetinytablebefor
emeandheadedtoherdoor.Her
facechangedwhenIopenedthedoor.Ibatt
led
whet herIshouldcl
oset
hedoororl
eaveitopen.
Mmabat
ho:Leavei
topen.
Idi
dandwentt
osi
tdown.
Me:Hi
.
Mmabat
ho:Hel
loTyson.
Igavehert
hef
lower
sandt
hebox.
Mmabat
ho:Thanks.
Me:Icamet
osaysor
ry.
Mmabat
ho:For
?
Me:ForhowItreat
edyou.Forgett
ingmar
ri
edand
ever
ykindofpainI
'veputyout
hrough.
Mmabatho:I
'm overthat
.I'
m gl
adyou'
reowni
ngup
t
oyouracti
ons.You'vegrown.
Me:AndIwoul
dlovet
omakei
tupt
oyou.Iwant
youback.
Shel
aughed.
Mmabat ho:Whatdoyouthi
nkt hi
sis?Agame?Thi
s
i
sn'tagameTyson.It
sreall
ife.Youdon'
tgett
o
t
hrowthingsawayformonthsandhopenobody
picksitup.Li f
ewai t
sfornoman.Iam someone' s
wifenow, soontobesomeone' smot her.I
'vemoved
on.Iwai tedforyoulongerthanIshoul d'
ve.I'
m gone.
Youl ostme.Gobackhomet oyourwife.Oryou'r
e
goingt hr
oughaphaseandt hefir
stpersonthat
camet oyourmi ndtorel
ieveyourstressonwasme?
Wel lI
'm donebei ngthat
.

Thingshavebeendi f
ferentathomesi ncewecame
back.Wef i
ghteveryday.Thereisnopeace.Ihad
thisstrongfeel
ingtocomeseeMmabat ho.Imissed
her.Purf i
ghtshavedecr easedallt
heloveIf el
tfor
CassieandIdon' tseethewomanI 'vebeenseeing
i
nherf ort
hepast8mont hs.I
'
m evenconsi der
ing
divorce.
Me:Iam get
ti
ngdi
vor
ced.
Mmabat
ho:That
'sunf
ort
unat
e.Babe!
Itur
nedandadudewascomi ngin.Mmabathogot
upandwentt ohi
m.Hekissedherandbrushedher
stomach.She'
sreal
l
ypregnant
,she'
sreal
lymarri
ed,
she'
sreall
ymovedon.
Icl
enchedmyf
ist
s.Iam goi
ngt
oki
llhi
m.
Hi
m:Sur
e.
Igotupandheadedout
.

Ihear
danal arm goi
ngoffasIgotout
side.I
twas
mycar,Cassiewasbeingdraggedawaybysecuri
ty.
Cassi
e:Cheat
er!You'
reaFucki
ngl
iarTyson!
MyWindowswer ebroken,tyr
essl
ashed.Ijust
st
oodtheredef
eated.Irequest
edanuber.Ineeda
dr
inkortwo….
[
01/
15,
14:
28] :OBSESSI
VE
47

TYSON

LamucameoverwhenIcal
ledhimt ocomejoi
nme
att
hebar
.Iwasonmy6t hbott
le.Iwasjust
dri
nki
ng,notget
ti
ngdr
unk.I
twasal
ready8i
nthe
eveni
ng.
Lamu:Youhavebadbi
tcht
endenci
esf
orat
ough
guy.
Me:She'
sreal
lymar
ri
ed,
she'
spr
egnantandhe
ki
ssedher
.
Lamu:She'
shi
swi
fe.Lett
hepoorgi
rlr
est
.
Me:Ishoul
d'vecal
ledHawu.You'
reevi
l
.
Lamu:Thatgi
rlst
uckar
oundwhensheshouldn'
t
have,
whatdidyoudo?Youthankedherngepl
ate
l
amasimba.
Me:Iwasst
upi
dokay?NowIam cer
tai
nIwantt
o
bewit
hher.
Lamu:You'
remar
ri
ed.
Me:Iwantadi
vor
ce.
Lamu:Unt
ilyou'
redi
vor
ced,
don'
tbot
herher
.
Hisphoner
ang.Heanswer
ed.Ior
der
edanot
her
beer
.Iwasnowtipsy.
Lamu:I
'
m gonnat
akeyourcar
,ther
ehasbeena
breakinatwork.Uberhome….
inf
act
,I'
l
lrequestf
or
you.It
slate.
Me:Idon'
twannaseeherf
ace.
Lamu:Got
oyourdad'
shouset
hen.
Me:No.She'
l
lbeinbedbyt
het
imeIgethome.I
'
ll
sl
eeponthecouch.
Henoddedandwalkedoff
.Idr
anktheremai
ning
beerunt
ilt
heuberar
ri
vedanddrovemehome.I
campedoutsi
dethegat
eforanhourandwentin.

Theli
ghtsweresti
llon.Iunlockedandwentin.She
wasmakingbottl
esf orSenzi.Igr
eetedherand
wenttositont
hebarchai r
.
Me:CanIhavef
ood?
Cassi
e:Dot
heynoteatwher
eyou'
ref
rom?
Me:No.Theyonl
ysel
lal
cohol
.
Cassie:Youdr
ank?Agai
n?Doyoueverl
ist
ent
ome
Tyson?
Me:I
'
m st
ressed.I
magi
necomi
nghomet
othi
s
ti
cki
ngti
mebombwhi
leyou'
resober
.Ar
eyou
gonnadi
shupf
ormeornot?
Cassi
e:Idi
dn'
tcook.
Shepackedt
hebot
tl
esandheadedt
othest
air
s.
Me:Iwantadi
vor
ce.
Shet
urned.
Cassi
e:You'
redr
unk.Got
obed.
Shewal
kedup.If
oll
owedher
.
Me:I'
m notdr
unk.Imeani
t.We'
renothappy
anymore
Cassie:Oh?Wehaven'tbeenhappybecauseofyou.
YouchangedafterMmabat hocameback, i
fther
eis
someonewhowant sadivorce,
itshoul
dbemebutI
don'twanti
tbecauseIvowedt obewi t
hyou
thr
oughgoodandt hebad, i
nsicknessandinhealt
h.
Me:Thatwasn'
tevenwhatIwant
ed.
Cassi
e:I
fwedi
vor
ce,
you'
l
lneverseeyourson
agai
n.
Me:Youwoul
dn'
tdar
e.Ther
e'snopar
toft
hewor
ldI
woul
dn'
tfi
ndyouat
.Andst
opt
hreat
eni
ngmewi
th
hi
m.It
slow.

Iwal
kedoutofSenzi
'
sroom andwentt
oour
bedr
oom.Igoti
nbedandslept….

Thenextmor ning,shewasl ayi

ngherheadonmy
chest,peacef
ully.Whydon'tIfeelt
hesameabout
her?She'sthemot herofmychi l
dandshetur
ned
thi
shousei nt
oahome.Ever ydayIcomebacktoa
warm house,war mf oodandmysonf edamd6
healt
hy.

Whywon'
tIcar
eforherasmuchasIdof
or
Mmabat
hoandCarl?
Iki
ssedherf
orehead,
shewokeupandt
il
tedher
headtol
ookatme.
Me:Mor
ning.
Cassi
e:Mor
ning.
Ireachedherli
ps.Sheki
ssedmeback,
Ilether
cl
imb.Icaressedherneckdownt
oherwaist.I
pull
edhernighti
eupandmassagedherfi
rm ass,
pressi
ngheragainstme.

Sheki ssedonmyneckandwentdownpl ant

ing
kissestil
lmyabdomen.Shepul ledt
heboxersdown
andgr abbedmydi ckandplayedhertonguearound
thetip.Icrackedmytoesandlookedather.
Cassi
e:Youdi
dn'
tfuckMmabat
hol
astni
ght
,di
d
you?
Sheknowshowt
orui
nagoodmoment
.
Me:Move.
Shedid.Ifl
ippedherar oundandpushedherwaist
downandent eredherf rom behi
nd.Icl
osedmy
eyesandimagi nedbeinginsideMmabat ho.I
humpedf astandhard.I n5mi nut
esIwasdone.
ThisishowI '
vebeenabl etocum, t
urni
ngher
aroundbecausehearinghermoani nmyearhas
growntoannoyme.
Igotof
fthebedandwentt
othebat
hroom…
….
CASSI
E

Itookmyphoneandr ushedouttoSenzi
'
sroom.I
satonther
ockingchairandtear
sgusheddown.I
call
edmysist
erMpume.
Mpume:Mt
ase.
Me:Ican'
t.Ican'
tdot
hisanymor
e.Iwannagoaway.
Mpume:Whati
shappeni
ng?
Me:Canyougetmeapasspor
t?
Mpume:Whati
sgoi
ngon?
Me:Hesaidhewantsadi
vorcel
astni
ghtandwe
j
usthadsex.Hesai
dhername.
Mpume:Itol
dyout
oleavet
hathel
lhol
e.Come
backhome.
Me:Idon'
twantt
obeal
aughi
ngst
ockt
opeopl
e.
Mpume:t
hat
'si
mpor
tantt
hanyourownsani
ty?
Me:Pl
easegetmeapasspor
t.
Mpume:You' r
enotgoi
ngtoski
pt hecountr
y.You'
re
notthefir
stwomantohaveafai
ledmar r
iage.Go
awayf orabi
tandcomebackwhenyou' r
ebackat
yourfeet.
.
Me:I
fIam her
e,t
heyar
egoi
ngt
ofi
ndmeandt
ake
mychil
d.
Mpume:Youcanshar
ecust
ody
Me:andl
etmychi
ldl
ivewi
tht
hatwi
tch?Not
hank
you
Hecamei
n.
Me:I
'
llcal
lyoul
ater
.

Ihungup.Hewentovert
ohi
ssonandpl
ayedwi
th
hi
.
Me:Di
dyoumeani
t?
Hel
ookedatmebr
ief
ly.
Tyson:Idi
d.
Me:Wecangof
ormar
ri
agecounsel
ing.
Tyson:I
twon'twor
k.Idon'tfeel
….Idon'
tfeelthe
sameaboutyouanymor e.There'
snof i
xingthat.
Thebestthi
ngIcandorightnowi sletyougo, f
ind
someonethat'
sgoi
ngtot rul
yloveyou.
Me:I
sitbecauseofher
?
Tyson:No.Shehasnothingtodowitht
his.YesI'
d
l
iketobewithherbutshe'smarr
iedandIrespect
that
.
Ir
aisedabr
ow.
Me:YoufuckedCar
l.I
mpregnat
edher
,mar
ri
agei
s
somethi
ngyoudonotobeyTyson.
Tyson:Maybeher
sIobey.
Me:I
fIl
eavet
henI
'
mleavi
ngwi
thhi
m.
Tyson:Asl
ongasyouwi
lll
etmeseehi
m.
Igotup.
Me:I
'l
lgo…I'
l
lgof
arawayandyou'l
lneverseehim.
MaybeIhaveapi
nchofNonkul
ulel
oNdl el
ainsi
de
meandwhoknows,
hist
orymi
ghtr
epeati
tsel
f.

Isl
ammedthefucki
ngdoorandsobbedasIwal
ked
awayheadi
ngdownstai
rs….

….
TYSON

“
MaybeIhaveapi
nchofNonkulul
eloNdlel
ainsi
de
meandwhoknows,hi
stor
ymightrepeati
tsel
f.
”
“
Tyson!
”
Ist
art
led.
Ngi
phi
le:Doyouevenr
ememberwhatwe'
vesai
d?
Me:No
Hawu:Wher
ear
eyou?
Lamu:Mmabat
ho
Me:Iwantt
odi
vor
ceCassi
e.
Bonga:Isenseabut
.
Me:Shesaysshe'sgoingt
otakeSenziwi
thher
.
AndIwil
lneverseehim.
Ngi
phil
e:She'
sbl
uff
ing.Shewoul
dn'
teveni
fshe
want
edto.
Me:Ihopeso.Backt
obusi
ness.
Bonga:I
t'
s2pm.Satur
day,
wecandot
hist
omor
row
morni
ng.Fornow…

Hecli
nkedhisglass.Halfnakedwomenfol
lowed
eachotherhol
dingtraysofmeatandbever
ages.
Ngi
phi
le:OhmyGod.
Hawu:Voti
ngforthi
smeet i
ngtobehel
dher
eist
he
bestt
hingI
'veeverdone.CanIt
ouch?
Bonga:They'
real
lyour
sboys.

Heli
thi
scigarandleanedbackonthechai
r.Hawu
t
ryi
ngtotouchallt
heboobsatonce.
Thi
swouldbefuni
fCassi
ehadn'tsai
dwhatshe
sai
d.Coul
dshehur
tmychildl
ikethat
?I'
dki
llher
…
[
01/
15,
14:
28] :OBSESSI
VE

48

MMABATHO

Keahuggedmeonemor
eti
me.She'
ssodr
amat
ic.
Kea:It
hinkI
'
mleavi
ngwi
thyou.
Me:Thatwoul
dbef
un.Kat
lii
spr
obabl
ybur
iedi
n
hi
scomputer.
Kea:Letmepack.
Mom:Youwi
lldr
ivef
orher
,it
saf
ter9.
Me:Mom I
'
mjustpr
egnant
.Notsi
ck.
Mom:Pr
egnancyi
ssi
ckness.
Dad:Keahur
ryup,
itsaboutt
orai
n.
Kea:I
'
m done.
Dad:Ar
eyoumovi
ngi
n?
Kea:No,
butal
otcanhappeni
naweek.
Mom:Okaygonow.

Theywalkedusout
.Keagotbehi
ndt
hewheeland
wedroveoff.
Me:Tysoncamet
owor
kyest
erday.
Kea:No.
Me:Yes.Hedoesn'
tthi
nk
Kea:What
'
swr
ongwi
thhi
m?
Me:Hetol
dmehe'
sget
ti
ngdi
vor
cedandhewant
s
meback.
Shel
aughed.
Kea:Doesn'
theknowyou'
remar
ri
ed?
Me:Doyouthinkmarri
agemeansanyt
hingt
ohi
m?
Hesleptwi
thhisboss.
Kea:He'
sdi
sgust
ing.
Me:AndKatl
iwalkedin.I
tscrazyhowhedoesn't
paymuchatt
entiontoTyson.Haditbeensomeone
el
se,hewoul
d'vecausedascene.
Kea:He'
smatur
e.Hecan'
tbegoi
ngaroundgett
ing
workedupbyboTysonwhodon'
thaveli
ves.
Me:Iadmi
ret
hatabouthi
m.
Kea:Doyoust
il
llovehi
mthough?
Me:Ido.ForsomereasonsIt
hinkIwi
llal
waysdo
butIl
oveKatl
egotoo.
Kea:What
'
sgoi
ngonovert
her
e.

Ther
ewerepol
icecars,
ambulances,
fir
efi
ght
ers
andpeopl
eal
loverthegat
e.
Me:St
op.
Ihoppedoutandr
ant
othecr
owd.Apol
iceman
stoppedme.
Hi
m:Ma'
am youcan'
tgoi
n.I
tsdanger
ous.
Il
ookedaheadandther
ewassmokecomi
ngout
ourapar
tmentandt
heonenextt
oit
.
Me:Myhusband…myhusbandcoul
dbet
her
e.
Hi
m:Ma'
am pl
ease.
Me:Di
dyouf
indhi
mint
her
e!
Tear
swer
enowf
lowi
ngdown.
Hi
m:I '
m sor
rybutwecoul
dn'
tsaveanyone.I
twas
al
readytool
atewhenwegothere.
Me:Nononono.Pl
ease,
no.Kea!
Hi
m:Pl
easecomewi
thme.
Me:No.Iwannagoi
nther
e!
Kea:Babe
Me:No!Hecoul
dbei
nther
e.
Hi
m:Wet
ookever
yoneout
.
Ihear
dloudwail
ing.It
urned,i
twasKatl
ego’
s
motherbefor
eablackbag.Themanclosedi
t.No.
Godpleaseno.
Il
ookedatKea.Shehadhermout
hcover
ed,
tear
s
runni
ngdown.Ishookmyheadno, shehuggedme.
Imovedheroffmeandslowlywenttosee.His
mom justhuggedme.Imovedheroff.
Me:Open
Themandid.Hesl
eptt
her
elikehe'
sgoingtoopen
hi
seyesandsmil
eatmebeforeheasksforakiss.
Iputmypal
m onhischeek,
hewascol
d.Hehadno
burnmar
ks.Il
ookedattheman.
Man:Smoke.

Heclosedt
hebagandIf
eltmywor
ldcamet
oan
end….
….
.
CASSI
E

Ifoll
owedhim shor
tlyafterIhear
dthedoorclose.
Hecoul dbarel
ywalk.Ifoundhim al
readyi
nbed
withhisshoeson.Thet r
ouserwasont hefl
oor.He
reekedoffarawayperfume.Andt hat'
sMmabat ho’
s
per
fume.Isear
chedhispocket
s,If
oundaboxof
matchesandalabel
lo.He'
sbecomingar
ealDube
now.Smoking?

Iputitont
hepedestalandthr
ewthepantsont
he
basketandwentouttosleepi
ntheguestr
oom….

Thenextmorni
ngIwaswokenupbyar gui
ngthat
wasoutsi
demydoor.IgotoutofbedandPutona
robeandwentt
othedoor.I
twashim and
Mmabatho.Thener
veofthi
sbitch.
Me:What
'sgoi
ngonher
e?
Mmabat
ho:Wena.

Shechargedatmeandslappedandpunchedand
scrat
chedmyface.Tysongotherof
fandmywhole
facehurt
.
Me:Getout
!Getoutofmyhouse!
Mmabat
ho:Thepol
i
cear
ecomi
ngf
oryou!You'
re
goi
ngt
oroti
njai
lyouwi
tch!
Tyson:Cal
m down.
Mmabat
ho:Sheki
ll
edhi
m.
Tyson:Youdonotknowt
hat
.
Mmabatho:Ido.Ido.Theyf
oundakeyholdert
hat
hasherbi
rthdateandnameengravedi
nit
.Iknow
shedi
dit.
Me:Whatonear
thi
sshet
alki
ngabout
?Gett
his
cr
azywomanoutofmysi
ght.

Ishutthedoorcl
oseandwenttolookmysel
fint
he
mirr
or.She'
sgonnapayfort
his.
….
TYSON

Wefi
nal
lygotout
side.Shesnat
chedherar
m of
fof
me.
Mmabat
ho:Iwantyoupeopl
etol
eavemet
hehel
l
al
one!Hedi
dn'
thavet
odiel
ikethat
.Il
ovedhi
m.He
mademehappy.Shedi
dn'
thavetokil
lhi
m.
Me:I'
mr eal
lysorryaboutyourhusbandMmabat
ho
butIdon'tt
hinkshedidit
.
Mmabatho:You'
reprot
ect
ingher
?Ort hi
swasbot
h
youri
dea?Tokil
lhi
m hopi
ngIwillcomeback
runni
ngtoyou?
Me:Iwassloshedyesterday.EvenifIwant
edtokil
l
hi
m.Iwouldn'thavedoneityester
day.Gohome.
Youshoul
dbeonamat t
ressnotattacki
ngpeopl
e.
Cassi
ecouldbecalli
ngthepol i
ceri
ghtnow.

Shehoppedint
ohercaranddroveaway.Iwent
backi
n.Ifoundtaki
ngouteggs.
Me:Tel
lmeyoudi
dn'
t.
Cassi
e:Dowhat
?
Me:Ki
llherhusband.
Cassi
e:What
?Iwoul
dn'
t.Godwhatf
or?She'
scr
azy.
Thedoorf
lewopen.
Pol
ice:Mr
sCassandr
aDube?
Cassi
e:Yes.
Pol
iceman:I
sthi
syour
s?
Hedangl
edt
hekeyhol
der
.
Cassi
e:Ye…yes.
Pol
iceman:You'
reunderar
restf
orthemur derof
Kat
legoAnd3mor epeopl
ethatgotcaughtinthe
cr
ossfir
e.
Me:Whoa
Cassi
e:Tyson.
Me:Don'
tresi
st.I
'
m comi
ng.
Theycuffedherandpushedhert
owar
dsthedoor
cr
ying.Iwentupstai
rst
ochangeandt
ookSenzi.

IdrovetoBonga'
shouset
oleavehi
mther
eand
drovetothest
ati
on.
….
CASSI
E

Iwaskepti
nthequestioni
ngroom.TheysaidI
star
tedt
hefi
re.Iwaschargedformurderand
destr
oyi
ngproper
ty.Thedetect
ivecameinagai
n.
Hi
m:Youcanmakeacal
l.
Igotupandtookaphonef r
om hishands.Itri
ed
rememberi
ngQuinton'
snumbersandIhi tthem.
Crossi
ngfi
ngerst
hatitgoesthr
ough.Itdid.
Qui
nton:Dube.
Me:I
tsCassi
e.
Qui
nton:What
'
sgoi
ngon?
Me:I'
m arr
ested.Accusedofki
ll
ingMmabat ho’
s
husband,t
heirapar
tmentwasbur neddown.He
camehomedr unkl
astnight
.Therewasamat ch
boxinhispocketswhenhecamehome.It hi
nkhe
mighthaveleftwi
thmykeyholder.Hedroppedi
t
ther
eandthat'swhyIam asuspect.Pl
easehelpme.
Qui
nton:Ican'
thel
pyouCassi
e.
Me:Doest
heof
ferst
il
lst
and?
Qui
nton:No.
Me:MrDubepl easeIwil
lleaveSenzibehi
nd.Iwi
ll
notsur
vivej
ailshal
lIl
oset hecase.
Qui
nton:Pr
ayyoudon'
t.

Theli
nedi
ed.Tearsf
il
ledmyeyes.Iputt
hephone
down.Whatam Igoi
ngtodo?
[
01/
15,
14:
28] :OBSESSI
VE

*
Sponsor
ed*

49

TYSON

Ist
artl
edwhenIopenedt
hedoorandf
oundhi
m
abouttoopen.
Me:baba?
Qui
nton:Wher
ear
eyouheadedsoear
lyi
nthe
morni
ng?
Me:Tot
hepol
icest
ati
on.
Qui
nton:Wel
lweneedt
otal
k.
Me:Canwet
alkl
ater
?
Qui
nton:No.Weneedt
otal
kri
ghtnow.El
li
,come.
Hepushedmeasi
deandt
hisEl
liappear
edcar
ryi
ng
ahugebag.
Me:Whati
shappeni
ng?
Quint
on:Cl
oset hedoorandcomesitdown.Thi
sis
Ell
iSmit
h,she'saDr.Ineedyourbl
ood.Wehaveto
runsometests.
Me:Whatt
est
s?
Qui
nton:Wehavehi
storyofcancerinourfamil
yso
weneedtomakesureifyou'
reallonthesafeornot
.
Me:Pl
easemakei
tqui
ck.
Isatdown.Shef
astenedabel
tar
oundmyar
m and
wit
hdrawnthebl
ood.
Ell
i:Pl
easedon'
ttakeal
coholfornext2days.Iwi
ll
comebackt ogetmoreblood.
Me:Fi
ne.CanIgonow?
Qui
nton:Sur
e.
Me:Lockupwhenyoul
eave.

Iwal
kedout
….

….
QUI
NTON

Me:Howdoesi
tlook?
Ell
i:Ican'
tsayr
eall
y.We'l
ljusthavet
orunt
het
est
s
abdseei ft
hey'
resi
milari
nanyway.
Me:Okay.Thankyou.Ar
eyougoi
ngbackt
o
Al
bert
on?
Ell
i:No.I
'l
lgoseemom anddadandsendt
heset
o
thelab.
Me:Passmyl
ovet
oZac.
El
li
:Iwi
ll
.
Icar
riedherbagforhert
othecarandbi
dher
goodbyeagain..

Iwentbacki nsideandt othebasementwher e

monitorsare.Isatdownandwentt hroughthe
Satur
dayeveni ngfootage.At23: 40hewal kedin
andstoodatt hedoorf orawhi leandwal kedonto
thefr
idge.Het ookoutabot tl
eofwat eranddrank.
Tysonpr ef
erstapwat er.Heturnedt othesinkand
washedhi shands.Het ookoffhisshi rtandCassie
appearedbehindhi m andputt hegl assont he
counterandwal kedbackt othel ounge.Tyson
cli
mbsupt hestair
sandgoest ohi sbedr oom.

Ical
ledt
hesecur
it
ycompany.
I
an:I
anWeaver
.
Me:I
an.I
tsme.Qui
nton.
I
an:Br
other
.Isever
ythi
ngokay?
Me:Ever
ythi
ng'sgood.Ij
ustneedyoutocrasht
he
f
ootageofTyson'
shouse,fr
om Thursday.
I
an:I
shei
ntr
oubl
e?
Me:Hecoul
dbe.
I
an:Al
ri
ght
.I'
l
lgeti
tdone.
Me:Thankyou.

Ihungupandgotup.Myphonerang.I
twasChloe.I
di
dn'tt
ellherI
'
m comi
ngher
e.Iswit
chedi
toffand
cl
imbedup….
….
MMABATHO

From l
astnightIkeptf
eeli
ngt heseuncomfor
tabl
e
fl
ashpains.Andr i
ghtnow,theyweregetti
ngworse.
Itooknyphoneandcal l
edmyDr .Imovedthe
bl
anketof
fme.Iwasf
eel
inghot
.
DrSi
mo:DrSi
mo
Me:Hi
.It
sMmabat
ho.
DrSi
mo:Hey.Ihear
d,I
'
m sosor
ry.
Me:Thankyou.Idon'
tfeel
sowel
l
.Di
scomf
orti
n
mylowerabdomen.
DrSi
mo:Sever
e?
Me:Ki
nda.Canyoucomeover
?
DrSimo:Of
cour
se.Letmef
ini
shher
eandI
'
lldr
ive
t
here.
Me:I
'
llsendyout
headdr
ess.
DrSi
mo:Ok.Justdon'
tdr
inkanypai
nki
ll
ersokay?
Me:Iwon'
t.

Ihungupandr estedmyheadont heconti

nent
al
pil
lowandf oughtbackt hetear
sasthepai
ngot
str
onger.Iwasal lalone.Keawasgonetofi
xsome
thi
ngsforthefuner al.Andhismot
herwasoutto
takeabath.At21, t
hisiswhatI'
vebecome?A
widow?Godmustr eall
yhateme.Somuchf ornever
mi ssi
ngchurchsincewewentout .Thel
easthe
could'
vedonef orhi
m wasgi vehi
m onemore
chanceatli
fe.

Myphoner
ang.Ianswer
edandwi
pedmyt
ear
s.
Me:hel
lo
Cal
ler
:Pl
easedon'
thangup.I
tsme,
Cassi
e.
Isi
ghed.
Me:Whatdoyouwant
?
Cassi
e:Ididn'
tkil
lhi
m.Youhavet
obel
ieveme,
Idi
d
notki
llyourhusband.
Me:Yourkeyhol
derwasf
oundont
hescene.
Cassie:Thatdoesn'tmeani twasme.Tyson
could'
vehadi t.WesharethingsandMmabat ho
bel
ieveme, he'snothimselfwhenhe'sdrunk.He
hadmot ive,whywouldIkillyourhusband?Whatdo
Ihavetogai n?Becauseifhe'snotherethechances
ofyougoi ngbacktoTysonar ehi
gh.Whohadt o
gai
nthemostf
rom hi
sdeat
h?Pl
easet
hinkabouti
t.
Ihungup.Whydi dn'
tIthi
nkofthi
s?Tysonkil
ledmy
husband.Hekil
ledhim.Itr
iedt
ocallhi
m butitwent
tovoi
cemail,
thepainhitmeagainandsharperthi
s
ti
me.Igrabbedthepil
low.Andgrunt
ed…..

….
1WEEKLATER….

TYSON

Iwatchedt
hem gooutandhuggingastheypar
t
goi
ngt odi
ff
erentcar
s.Fi
nal
ly.Sheget
stobealone.
Ij
umpedandspi ll
edmycoff
ee.Shit
!

Icleanedmyselfupandcheckedt hecall
erID.I
t
wasQui nt
on.Iwishtheycoul dallj
ustleavemet he
hellal
one.Il
etitri
ngandf oll
owedMmabat ho’s
uber.Imystnotloseher.Ireachedforabot t
leof
myener gypi
ll
s.Ican'tr
iskfall
ingasleepagain
today.Sheneedsmyeye24/ 7….
….
QUI
NTON

It
ri
edhi
m agai
n.I
trangunanswer
ed.
Me:Sboniso.Fi
ndhim.Itmi ght
'vebeenfunnynot
knowingwhereheisbutt hi
sisalarming.Tyson
doesn'tst
aythi
slongwi
t houthisson.
Bonga:Ij
ustsenthi
m at
extthatSenzii
slost
.If
he'
ssomewher eoutt
her
e,he'
llcal
lbackandcome
backhome.
Me:I
nthemeant
ime,
findhi
m.
Sbo:Oni
tSi
r.
Theyf
oll
owedeachot
herout
.
Me:Al lIwanti
stol i
vemypensi ondayspeaceful
ly
anshappy.Notat tendi
ngcourtsforstupi
dTyler
s,
CassiesandKhet hiwe.Nottomentioncomingin
Sandtoneverysingledayforthepastweekjust
becauseagr ownassmancan' tbeamant oface
whereverhe'sgoingthroughinhisownhouse!
Bonga:Cal
m downbaba.Gohome.I
'
llhandl
ethi
s.
Me:YouknowIcan'
t.
Myphoner
ang.I
twasEl
li
.Fi
nal
ly!
Me:Opent
hegat
eforEl
li
.
Bonga:I
sshemar
ri
ed?
Me:She'
sachi
ld.
Bonga:Saysyou?
Me:YessaysmeandIwi l
ltel
lZacandAmogelang
t
okickyourassi
fyoudarelookatt
heirdaught
er
t
hatway.Sti
cktoyourl
oosescrewHappy..
Bonga:Don'
tremi
ndmeoft
hatwal
kingni
ght
mar
e.
Il
aughed.
Me:Themot
herofyourki
ds.
Bonga:If
eell
ikeasexslave.Whensheseesme
sheseesadick.Shecan'
tdoanythi
ngwitht
hat
hugebell
ybutsti
llwant
ssex.
Me:I'
dkil
ltohavesexwi
thawomanpr
egnant
.They
al
lhatedme.
Bonga:You'
relucky.Ihatei
t,bythetimeIgetto
Minenhl
eIam alreadytir
edandonl ygoesforone
roundandthatchil
disstil
lacti
ve.Ican'
tkeepup.
Me:Leavel
it
tl
eki
ds,
they'
l
lbr
eakyourdi
-

El
liwal
kedi
ncar
ryi
ngonl
yanenvel
ope.
Me:Mi
ssSmi
th.
El
li
:MrDube.
Weshookhands.
El
li
:AndyouMrDubej
nr.
Bonga:I
'
m aseni
or-
juni
ornow.Ni
cehai
r.
Me:Pl
easebehavel
ikeamar
ri
edmanwi
th8ki
ds
t
hatyouare.
Hescof
fedandwal
kedaway.
Me:Whatdoyouhavef
ormedar
li
ng?
Ell
i:Badnewsonly.He'
sanutcase.I
nfact
.He
shouldberemovedfrom t
hecommunitybecause
he'
sdangerous.
Me:Whatdoyoumean?
Ell
i:ImeanTysondoesn' tl
ove, heobsessover
anythinht
hatmat t
erstohim,hedest roysanythi
ng
thatgetsi
nhi sway.He'sment all
yunstable.I
tdi
d
mat chChri
s'sbuthe'snormal.Tysoni sdangerMr
Dube.Wher everheis,he'
sgoingt ocreatetr
oubl
e.
Youneedt ofindhim.

Ididn'
tknowwhattosay.Herf
acet
oldmet
hisi
s
farworsethanhowshesaysit
.
Me:I
'
llf
indhi
m.Ipr
omi
se.
….
MMABATHO

Ikeptl
ooki
ngback.Thefeel
ingofbei
ngfol
lowed
hadnotgoneaway.Butmaybeitwasalli
nmyhead.
Keahadaninter
viewinLi
mpopososhecoul dn'
tgo
withmebackhome.
Me:Canwest
opt
ogetf
ood?
Dr
iver
:Yesma'
am.
Keacal
led.Ianswer
ed.
Me:Hey.
Kea:Ar
eyoust
il
lgood?
Me:Iam Iguess.
Kea:Good.I
'
llcheckuponyoul
ater
.
Ihungupandsi ghedwhenwegott othedrive
thr
ough.Idon'tknowi fKatl
ego’ssoulishaunti
ng
mebutt her
e'salwaysheavypr esencearoundme.
WhereverIgoIf eeplikesomeonei swatchi
ngme.
Evenatnight.Ican'tbegoingcrazy….
.
….
TYSON

Ij
umpedoutoft hecaracrossMcDonal
d'sand
str
etchedabit
.Ishoul
dbuyheralotofburger
s.
Everydayshegoesthere.
Twomeni nsuitsappr
oached.Theywer
ecoming
forne.Iquickl
ytri
edtoopenedmydoorbutthey
grabbedmeandputacl ot
hovermymout hand
nose.Ifel
tweakt owalkorjustmoveaf
inger
….
….
.
BONGA

Igotacallf
rom Happycr yi
ngt hatshe'
sinlabor.
Sheisduetomor r
owf orheaven'ssakecouldn'tt
his
chil
dwait?Idrovehome.Ir aninassoonasIgot
ther
e.Iheardherlaughoutl oud.Str
ange.

Ist
oppedwhenIenter
edt
heloungewher
eshewas
l
aughi
ngwit
hMi nenhl
ewhowasservi
ngherf
ood.

Mi
nisawme.
Mi
ni:You'
reher
e.
Me:Of
cour
se.
Happy:Hibabydaddy.
Me:HiHappi
ness.Mi
ni,
canwet
alk?
Happy:Forwhat
?She'
smyvi
sit
ornotyour
s.
Me:Whosegi
rl
fr
iendi
sshe?
Happy:Your
s.Sitdown.Hmmm thi
stastes
heavenel
ywheredidyoulear
ntocook?
Mini:Mymom.Sheknewherwayaroundt
he
ki
tchen.Al
waysopenedt
otr
yingoutnewt
hings.
Happy:Youshoul
dbehappyt
omar
ryacook.
Whati
sshet
alki
ngabout
?
Happy:SoonasIgivebi
rt
h,I'
l
lmoveoutandbeout
ofyourhai
r.Thi
sisthewomanIwanttorai
semy
ki
ds.Andgookspaghett
ifort
hem.
Shechuckl
ed.
Happy:Youhavemybl
essi
ngs.
Shegotup.
Happy:Youcant al
k.I
'l
lbepacki
ngmybabybag
causeIfeell
ikepushi
ngnow.
Me:Ar
eyouf
orr
eal
?Weneedt
ogett
othehospi
tal
.
Happy:Mymi
dwi
vesar
eupst
air
s.
Me:Youneedt
ogot
otheat
re.
Happy:I
….
Shet
ookadeepbr
eat
h.
Happy:Iwantnat
uralbi
rt
h
Me:Hel
lno.
Happy:I
tsonebaby.I
'
m sur
eI'
l
lmanage.
Shewalkedupthestai
rs.It
ookoutmyphoneand
cal
ledDrZungu.She'
sgonecrazy.
Mi
ni:Ibet
tergetgoi
ng.
Me:No.Stay.I
'
llgot
akeher
,we'
regoi
ngt
othe
hospi
tal
.
Mi
ni:I
'
llwai
ther
e.

Iranupthest
air
sandIhear
dloudgrunti
ngasIwas
aboutt
oopenthedoor
.Ipushedi
topen.Shewasin
apoolfi
ll
edwit
hwater
.Notthi
scrazyshi
t!
Me:I
sthi
sevensaf
e?
Mi
dwi
fe:Wat
erbi
rt
hisver
ysaf
e.
Happy:Goaway!
Me:I
'
m notgoi
nganywher
e.Youcoul
ddi
e!
Midwif
e:Ri
ghtnowIneedonest
rongpushand
we'r
edone.
Isquatbesi
deherandheldherhand.Shesqueezed
meandpushed.Ar edti
nythi
ngflewoutand
coughed.It
ssupposedt
ocry.
Mi
dwi
fe:Ver
ygood.
Happyr
est
edherhead.
Me:Wel
ldonemama.
Iwipedof
fhersweat.Themi
dwif
eplacedthebaby
onherchest.Shebr
ushedi
tandherhanddropped
i
ntowater.
Me:Happy?
Shewasn'
trespondi
ng.
Me:Unhappi
ness?
Mi
dwi
fe:Pl
waset
aket
hebabyandgot
othe
nur
ser
y.
Me:No!Whati
sgoi
ngonwi
thher
.
Mi
dwi
fe:Sheneedsadr
ip.Pl
easegoout
.
Me:Shebet
ternotdi
eoryou'
l
lbot
hgett
oknowme.
Shel
aughed.
Me:Ar
eyouf
ucki
ngser
ious?
Happy:br
ingmychi
ld.

Igaveherandwal
kedt
othebat
hroom t
oanswer
myphone….
Me:Baba.
Qui
nton:Theyf
oundhi
m.
Me:That
'sgood.Happygavebi
rt
h.
Qui
nton:Atl
ast
!Whatbabyi
sit
?
Idi
dn'
tcheck.
Iwentout
.
Me:Whatbabyi
sit
?
Mi
dwi
fe:Aboy.Haveyout
houghtaboutaname?
Happy:I
tsNkazi
mul
o,Nkazi
mul
oDube.
Whathappenedt
othemot
herofmychi
ldr
en?
….
.
PHELELANI

Iputmygl
assdown.
Me:Hasanyonebeenabl
etor
eachMi
nenhl
e?
Mavi
s:Nosi
r.
Me:Tel
lDumiandAngat
ocomei
nher
e.
Mavi
s:YesSi
r.
Shewalkedout.It
ri
edMiniont
hephoneagai
n.I
t
wej
ttovoicemail
.DumiandAngacamein.
Me:OnSat ur
daytheDubet winsarehavinga
bir
thdaypart
y.Iwantthem t
obeonever y
newspaperabouttheunfor
tunatebir
thdaypart
y
endingupasacr i
mescene.
Dumi
:YesSi
r.
Me:Nowgetl
ost
.

Theywal
kedout
.TheDubesar
egonnaf
eelmy
wrat
h….
[
01/
15,
14:
29] :OBSESSI
VE
50

TYSON
Iopenmyeyes.Theyfeelheavy.Ican'
tpossibly
havefel
lasl
eepagai
nlastnight.Ican'
t!It
ryto
movemyheadf eel
sli
keitisstoredwithconcrete.
Fuck!

Irolloverbutthisdamnbeddoesn' tend.Only
QuintonDube' shousehast hesefucki
nghugebeds
wher eyoucant urn50timesbef or
eyour eachthe
endofi t.Itr
ytorecal
lhowdi dIgethereandIonl y
rememberhoppi ngoutofthecartogetsomef resh
airand…. hefoundme.Thosegent lementookme.
Hesentt
hem.Whatki
ndofanut
casei
sthi
sman?

Ihearfoot
steps.Ihat
epeoplewi
thloudfoot
steps.
Why, can'
tyoubegent l
ewit
hthefl
oor?
“
Thi
sshoul
dbr
inghi
m backt
oli
fe"
“Canyounotgi
vei
ttohi
m?He'
sgoi
ngt
ogi
veme
hardt
ime"
“Thatdrugshoul
dn'
tst aymorethan12hoursi
n
someone'sbody.Don'tworr
yabouthim causi
ng
troubl
es,hewil
lbeti
redashellasitwashesoff
"
“
Great
.Letmegocal
lBonga.Doyourt
hing”
I'
m gonnamur derhim.Ifeelast
inginmyshoul
der,
anotheroneont heneckandanotheroneonthe
shoulderagai
n.Af ewmoment slat
erIheart
hedoor
cl
oseandIam f ail
ingtokeepmymi ndawake….
.
….
BONGA

Iwakeupt
oasof
tki
ssonmyl
ips.Shesmi
lesand
st
ansst
rai
ght
.
Mi
ni:Br
eakf
asti
sser
ved.
Me:I
'
vegott
ocheckonHappyandt
hebaby.
Mi
ni:Al
readyat
eandbat
hed.
Me:Uhh….
.wehaveahel
per
.
Mi
ni:Igavehert
hedayof
f.
Me:Who'
sgoi
ngt
olookaf
terHappywhenyou'
re
gone?
Mi
ni:Gonewher
e?I
'
lll
eaveonFr
iday.
Me:Thi
sisHappy'
shouse.Wecan'
tst
ayher
e.
Mi
ni:Shesai
dwecoul
d.
Me:I
'
mtel
li
ngyouwecan'
t.
Mi
ni:SoIdon'
tgett
imewi
thyou?
Me:Ihave3apar
tments,
4housesar oundJo'bur
g.
Justgothr
ought
hem onmyl aptopandfi
ndtheone
youwantustost
ayatforal
lthesedays.Okay?
Iki
ssherf
oreheadandpi
ckupagr
ape.
Mi
ni:Awesome.
Shegr absmyl aptopfrom thepedest alandsit
son
thebed.Iwal koutt othemai nbedr oom.Ifind
Happybr eastfeeding.Istandbyt hedoorandwat ch
her,shedoesn' tevenseemet here.Shescaughtup
i
nt hemoment .Afteroursondi ed,Ilongedtohave
alit
tlepersonbutnotwi thher.Ivowedt onever
evertouchheragai nbuther esheisbr east
feedi
ng
ourson, j
ustaf ewhour sold.
Me:He'
spr
ett
yisn'
the?
Shelooksmywayandsmi
lesathi
m,br
ushi
nghi
s
l
it
tl
ecur l
yhai
r.
Happy:He'
shim.Ever
ythi
ng.Igavebir
thtohi
m.
Godbroughthi
m backtous.I
'vebeengivena
chancetobeabett
ermom.
Shel
ooksmywayagai
n.At
earf
all
sof
f.
Happy:Therehasneverbeenadayi nmyl i
fet
hatI
neverregr
ett
edit.Al
lofit.I
'm sor
ry,
don'tsayi
ts
okaycauseIknowi t
snot .Doyouknowt hatsi
nce
fr
om thatdayyoucamet oseemeatt hehospit
al
you'
veneverlookedatmet hesame?Butsi ncehe
came,youreyessoftened,youspoketomewi thout
afr
ownonyourf
ace,yourvoi
cewasgent
le.Iwi
ll
t
akegoodcar
eofhi
m.
Me:Wewi
llt
akegoodcar
eofhi
m.
Happy:Gooutt
her
e.Li
veyourl
if
e.Youdeser
vei
t.
Me:Ar
eyousur
e?
Happy:Shemakesyouhappy.You'
vebeenj
oll
y
overt
hefewweeksIguessit
sbecauseofher
.
Me:I
'l
lgocallyourki
dsandl
etthem knowwehave
anaddi
ti
onalmemberi nt
hefamil
y.
Happy:Sendmyl
ove.
Me:Iwi
ll
.

Icl
oset
hedoorandgot
omyst
udy….
….
QUI
NTON

“Babapl
ease.Ipr
omi
seyou,
ifyoul
etmeoutIwi
ll
notgoanywhere”
Kaot
i:Whatdi
dhedo?
Me:Hewentoutwi
thoutmyper
missi
on.
Iunl
ockandpushthedoor
.He'
sonhisfeet
,looki
ng
deadl
ybuthi
sfacesoft
enswhenheseedKaotiand
Senziont
hecarseat
.
Me:You'
vegotvi
sit
ors.
Tyson:Hey.
Kaot
i:Hidaddy.Wher
ehaveyoubeen?
Tyson:I
'
vebeenbusymyl
ove.Ar
en'
tyousupposed
tobeatschool
?
Kaot
i:Iam butmyt
eacheri
ssi
ck.
Tyson:Tel
lMkhul
uthatIneedf
reshai
r.
Me:Opent
hewi
ndow.
Tyson:Ineedr
ealai
r.
Me:Okay.I '
m goingtoSandton.Yourmomsare
planningthishugepart
ysoournevertakeni
nto
considerati
onideasareneeded.
Tyson:Whataboutt
heki
ds?
Me:You'
l
ltakecar
eoft
hem.
.Tyson:Babano.I
'
llprobablypassoutwhil
e
feedi
nghimthebottl
e,he'
llchokeanddie.
Me:Ift
hathappenst
henyouandIwi
llhaveahuge
pr
obl
em.
Iheadtothedoor.Igetdownst
air
sandf
indSi
ndi
makingsandwiches.
Me:Muziandtheguysaregonnabearound.I
fhe
givesyouanysor
tofpr
oblemsjustwhi
stl
eand
they’
llbei
n.
Si
ndi
:yessi
r.Enj
oyyourday.
Me:Thankyou.

Iwal
koutandi
ntomycar
….
……
PHELELANI

Iputoutmyci
garwhent
heboyswal
kinwi
thmy
happiness,Iletoutanexci
tementlaugh.Thisisby
thebestthingthathashappenedtomet hi
sweek.
Theyplacet hem onthefl
oor.Ist
andupandr ubmy
palmst ogether.Or
gasm.
Me:Amusemeboys.
Theyunzi
ponebagandwooow.
Me:Avt
omatKal
ashni
kova.
Il
etoutashakyl
augh.
Me:I
’
vegotf
ucki
ngGoosebumps!
Anga:wher
ear
ewekeepi
ngt
hem?
Me:nextt
omybed.Idon’twantthem outofmy
si
ght.Nowal
lofyougetoutIneedsomeal onet
ime
wi
thmybabies.

Theynodandheadout .Itakeaseatamongstt he
bagsandt heyallsmellofbloodofMphangi seni
Dube’sdescendants,r
evenge, happi
ness,peace
wit
hinme.Al lt
hatbelongst ouswi l
lcomeback,
andtheDubel egacywillbebur i
ed.TheNdaba
l
egacywi l
lri
se.Theyareever ythi
ngthatt
heyar eoff
myf ather’
ssweat.West arvedforyearsbeforewe
wer eabletogooutt hereandmakeal i
feforour
home.Li kethatwasn’tenoughwhatt heirgr
eedy
fatherdid,
theykil
ledmybr other.Iwasleftt
of i
ght
alone.Iwasn’tlet
tingitgo.Theyar eli
vingourli
fe.
Allthosecompani es,allt
hosecar s,al
lthatfor
tune
i
sour s!

If
akealaughwhenIseeher
.Shemustt
hinkIam
cr
azyt
alki
ngtomyself
.
Me:I
’
mjustt
hinki
ngoutl
oud.
Mi
ni:I
tsconcer
ning.
Me:comeoni
n.
Mi
ni:ar
eyougoi
ngsomewher
e?
Me:goi
ngsomewher
e?Whywoul
dyouask?
Shepoi
ntsatt
hebags.
Me:ohhoneyno.Thesear
eol
dcl
othesIam gi
ving
away.
Mi
ni:Ohl
etmet
aket
hem t
oahomef
oryou.
Me:Noneed.Just
…wher
ehaveyoubeen?
Mini
:Out
.Ineededsomef
reshai
rawayf
rom t
his
depr
essi
nghouse.
Me:don’
tsayt
hataboutdadshouse.
Mini
:lookatt
hesedecayi
ngwal
ls.Thi
scoul
dfal
l
anyday.Iam movi
ngout.
Shedidnot
.Shedi
dnotj ustuset
hewor
dmoveand
outi
nthesamesentence.
Mini:Yesbhut i
.Iam ti
redofli
vingl
ikearatwhlea
canaf f
ordaf uckingmansion.Lookatyou,you’
ve
gonecompl etetlynut
s.Youtalktoyour
self
,youlive
i
napi gsty!Drinksexpensi
vebrandyandsmoke
expensivecigars.Ist
hisnormaltoyou?
Me:youarebreaki
ngmyhear
tMi
nenhl
e.Dadbui
lt
t
hishouseforus.
Mini:Andheleftusmoneyenought
omoveoutof
here!Iam t
ir
ed.Real
lyt
ir
ed.
Sheweepsgoi
ngaway.Icannotbel
ieveherr
ight
now.Howcoul
dshe?ItakemyphoneandcallDumi.
Me:Fi
ndt
hatf
ucki
ngf
ri
end.She’
sbadi
nfl
uence.I
hangupandl ockt
hedoor.It
akeoutmyci
garand
l
ighti
t.Theendisnearj
ust3daystogo….
.
….
TYSON
Thishast obet hemostbor ingdayI ’
veeverhad.I
am justgl adi tsoverandt hisl
iquoriskickingin.
Sinditookt hekidsupstairstobat hethem.Ineeded
thi
sbot tleofbeerbecauseI ’
veneverbeen
terr
ori
sedbyl it
tlepeopleli
kethis.Iopenanot her
bottl
eofbeeranddowni tinonego.Ist andupand
got ochecki fMuziandhi sgoonsar ethere.There
i
snoone.Iopent hefi
rstcarIgett oandt hekeys
areher e.Ist artitanddri
veof ftothegat e.Thegate
automat ical l
yopens.ItsQui nt
onscar ,thegateonly
doesthi sf orhim.NowIam goi ngtowher eIshould
be,witht hel oveofmyl i
fe……

….

MMABATHO
Ikeepr epl
ayingthevi deo,butIcannotbr i
ngmysel f
tobeli
evewhati sr i
ghtbef oreme.Ihoped, Iwent
againstmygut .Iinsistedonpointingather .Ididn’
t
wantt oli
stentoher .Ipushedever ythi
ngshesai d
tothebackofmyheadbecauseIdi dn’twantto
comei ntotermswi tht hefactt
hathecoul d’vedone
i
t.Butnowsi tti
ngher ei nmycouch, l
aptoponmy
l
ap.Itisa1- minutevideobuti t
’salltheevidence
thatIneed.Alltheevi dencetobringmecl osur eand
takeCassieoutofj ail.
“Mmabat hohe’scrazy.Idon’tknowi fthesethi
ngs
exist,butIthi
nkhehasanot herpersonalit
ythat
getsunl eashedwheneverhei sdrunk,anditis
danger ous.hebeatmeever ytime,hest r
angled,
punched, bit,
andever ythi
ngyoucoul deverimagine.
Katlegowasst andi
ngi nhisway,hehadt ogetri
dof
him.’’

Idri
nkt
heglassofwateronthetableasherwor
ds
ri
nginmyears.Iam t
rembl
ing.Ireachformy
phoneanddi
alt
hepol
ice.
Operat
or:Pol
iceser
vicesMahl
espeaki
ng,
whati
s
youremergency?
Me:I
…
Thedoorswi ngsopen.Hecan’tst and.Heis
carryingamedi um bag.Theoper atorhasn’
t
stoppedt al
king.Ihangup.Ican’tmove.Hecl oses
thedoorusi ngsomet hi
ngfrom hisbag.Iam fucked,
aren’tI?
Heleansonitandlooksdi
rect
lyatme.Hi
seyesar
e
l
azy.Icansmellt
healcohol
.
Me:Tyson.
Hemoansandti
lt
shi
sheadback.Thenewscome
i
n,i
ts7:
30pm.
Tyson:Nobodycallsmynamebet t
erthanyoudo.
Everyday,Ii
magineyousayit
.Lowhuskyvoice,
thatisfi
ll
edwit
hnot hi
ngbutl
ove.Yousti
lll
oveme,
don’tyou?
Iam fr
ozen.Ican’
topenmymouth.IfIsayanyt
hing
thathedoesn’
twanttohear
,hemighthurtmesoI
nodandIam notlyi
ng.Isti
lll
ovedhim 3minutes
agowhenIwatchedavi deoofhim str
angl
ingmy
husband,
tur
nont hegasstove,putti
ngaheater
nextt
oitanddroppi
ngthekeyhol deronpurpose.
Hetakesast epfor
ward.Ist
andupandactbrave
buthiseyeslandbesi
demewher ether
eisalapt
op
that
’spl
ayingthefoot
age.Helooksatme,att
he
l
aptopandt henatme.
Me:Iwasn’
tgonnasel
lyouout
.
Tyson:Whowasont
hephone?
Me:My…mysi
ster
.
Tyson:br
ingi
ttome.
Me:Tyson.
Tyson:Isai
d,gi
vei
ttome.
Me:Iwasangr
yokay.
Thet
ear
sar
eher
e,andIcan’
tcont
rolt
hem.
Tyson:So,
youwer
egoi
ngt
ogi
vemeup?Idi
dthat
forus.
Hei
scr
azy.Real
lycr
azy.
Tyson:doyouknowt
hat
!
Me:yes,
yes,
Ido.
Tyson:Nowwhywer
eyoucal
li
ngt
hepol
ice?
Me:Iwasgoi
ngt
odr
opchar
gesagai
nstCassi
e.
Tyson:Cassi
eandKat l
egowereholdi
ngusback
fr
om eachother
,letherst
aywheresheis.Weare
notmarri
edtodaybecauseofher.I
twasallher
.
Andhim.Theyarebot hwher
etheyaresupposedt
o
be.Si
tdown.

Itakeadeepbreathandsi
tdown.Heputt
hebag
downandt akeoutaboxofpi
ll
s.
Tyson:This,
wewilluset
hist
ogetr
idoft
hatt
hing
i
nyourst omachsothatwecanmakeour
s.As
beauti
fulasSenzi
.
Myhear
tisbeat
ingf
astandIf
eelheat
.Heget
sup.
Tyson:Ki
tcheni
sthi
swayr
ight
?
Hewal
kst
othekit
chen.Thef
ir
stthi
ngthatcomes
i
ntomymi
ndisrunni
ngtothedoorandthekey
won’ tmove.If
eelhi
m grabmeandpushmeaside.I
fallonthefl
oor.Her
emovesthekeyandcometo
standoverme.Hepul l
smeup.Hestaresdeepi
nto
myeyes.
Tyson:Youdon’
tlovemeanymor
e.Yousai
dyou
di
djustsoyoucangetaway.Whydi
dyouli
etome?
Hegr
absmychi
nandmakesmel
ookathi
m.
Me:Hel
p!!
!!
!!
!!
!
Heslapsmeandcl osemymouthwhi l
epushi
ngme
tothecouch.Het
akesoutasealtapewit
hone
handandusehisteetht
oopenitandhetapesmy
mouth…..

Het apesmyhandsandmyf eetandleavesme

tr
yingtofr
eemyselfonthecouch.IheartheDubes
onthenewsandpayat t
enti
on.

“i
tisbysadnessthat5oft
hem di
edi
nthescene.
Condolencest
otheDubefamil
y…”
Tyson:Nowwewi
lldr
inkt
his.Andby4am
t
omorrowyoubeallmi
neandt
her
ewi
llbeno
f
orei
gneri
nsi
deyou.

Heplacesakneeonmyst omachandpeel soffthe

tapeandpoursittomymout h,hekeepsmef acing
upuntilmostofthemi
xtureIhaveswallowedand
thenhetapesmeagain.Idon’tcar
eanymor e.Iam
donefight
ing….
.